South Africa: Family of soldier killed in Mozambique to receive his mortal remains

The mortal remains of Corporal Tebogo Edwin Radebe, who died after an attack by insurgents in Mozambique, will be handed over to his family on Thursday at the Air Base Force in Waterkloof, Pretoria.

The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) was deployed in Cabo Delgado province as part of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Mission in Mozambique (SAMIM), also known as Operation Vikela.

Radebe was part of Operation Vikela when the soldiers came under attack from the insurgents during an ambush east of Chai Village on Monday. Radebe succumbed to his injuries.

The Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Thandi Modise, will form part of the Department of Defence Office officials who will formally hand over the remains to the family at the military procession ceremony.

According to a statement, Radebe, from Paul Roux in the Free State, was born on 6 June 1990 and served as a member of SANDF in Limpopo.

He is survived by his aunt, three siblings and two daughters. He was unmarried.

The Extraordinary SADC Summit of Heads of State and Government approved the deployment of SAMIM on 15 July 2021 as a regional response to support Mozambique to combat terrorism and acts of violent extremism.

The country has been plagued by continued acts of terrorism perpetrated on innocent civilians, women and children in some districts of Cabo Delgado.

SAMIM comprises troops deployed from eight personnel contributing countries from SADC, namely Angola, Botswana, Democratic Republic of Congo, Lesotho, Malawi, South Africa, Tanzania and Zambia, working in collaboration with the Forcas Armadas de Defesa de Mocambique (FADM) and other troops deployed to Cabo Delgado to combat acts of terrorism and violent extremism.

Modise and her office have once again extended their condolences to the family, colleagues and friends of the deceased.

Funeral arrangements will be announced in due course, the SANDF said.  SAnews.gov.za

This story has been published on: 2021-12-23. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article.
South Africa: CGE urges NPA to act on statutory rape of learners

The Commission for Gender Equality (CGE) has called on the National Prosecuting Authority to take swift action against any perpetrators of statutory rape.

This as the Basic Education Department introduced a policy that will compel schools to report the impregnation of learners, younger than 16 years, by older men to the police.

The policy will come into effect in January 2022.

The Commission has repeatedly called for the law to be applied to curb the growing scourge of statutory rape in South Africa, which has seen thousands of underage girls, some as young as 10 years, drop out of school due to early pregnancy.

The Commission has confidence that the police and the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) will play their part to ensure that every case of statutory rape is thoroughly investigated and successfully prosecuted, it said in a statement.

The CGE called on community members to report any inappropriate relationships between children and adults.

The Commission is also aware that the issue of teenage pregnancy is multi-sectoral and calls all role players and citizenry to be vigilant and report any relationship between an adult and a minor as part of the child protection initiative.

The commission said with the holiday season upon the country, more vigilance is needed to curb any form of abuse.

As citizens celebrate the festive holiday season, more women and young girls may fall victim to sexual and gender-based violence. The Commission calls for families and communities to report any incidents of abuse to the nearest police station."  SAnews.gov.za

This story has been published on: 2021-12-23. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article.
South Africa: SAMRC records drop in COVID-19 fragments in wastewater

Scientists from the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) wastewater surveillance team are reporting a decline in concentrations of COVID-19 fragments in the majority of wastewater treatment plants.

We are seeing this pattern of levelling or declining concentrations of SARS-CoV-2 RNA fragments in 89% of the wastewater treatment plants we are monitoring in urban areas including Buffalo City, Cape Town and Nelson Mandela Bay, said Professor Angela Mathee, who is a member of the team.

In addition, she said 97% of wastewater treatment plants in rural areas in Limpopo, the Eastern Cape and the Western Cape are also showing a similar pattern.

The SAMRCs wastewater surveillance team undertakes weekly sampling and analysis of wastewater from 72 wastewater treatment plants located in urban and rural areas across four provinces to support the management of COVID-19 in South Africa. These are situated in Gauteng, Limpopo, Eastern Cape and Western Cape.

The declining concentrations of SARS-CoV-2 RNA fragments in wastewater corroborate what were seeing with COVID-19 cases around the country, said Dr Renee Street, who plays a lead role in the team.

She cautioned, however, that while the levels of COVID-19 fragments are declining, they remain high and a cause for public health concern.

SAMRC President Glenda Gray has described this decrease as "very encouraging".

But this should not be viewed as an indication that we may drop our guard, she warned.

Gray said human behaviour such as wearing masks, avoiding crowds and gatherings, holding essential gatherings outdoors or in well-ventilated spaces and hand hygiene are pivotal in controlling COVID-19 waves.

She also urged all to persist with these recommended and effective practices, especially during the current holiday season.

The Professor called on the nation to vaccinate, and for those who are eligible to take booster shots.

The National Institute of Communicable Diseases (NICD) said on Thursday that there has been a decrease in daily case numbers and percentage of people testing positive in Gauteng.

In addition, the NICD said infections are dropping in Limpopo, North West and Mpumalanga.  SAnews.gov.za

This story has been published on: 2021-12-23. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article.
South Africa: SAHPRA approves J&J booster shot

The South African Health Products Authority (SAHPRA) has approved the Johnson & Johnson (J&J) booster shot to be taken at least two months after the original dose for adults over the age of 18.

In addition, the local drug watchdog has also authorised the heterologous booster, also known as mix-and-match jabs, for those who had the Pfizer jab at least after six months after the second dose.

The dosing interval for the heterologous booster dose is the same as that authorised for a booster dose of the vaccine used for primary vaccination, said SAHPRA.

SAHPRA initially registered the J&J vaccine with conditions on 30 March 2021, in terms of section 15 of the Medicines and Related Substance Act (Act 101 of 1965).

On 10 December 2021, SAHPRA received an application to amend the dosing schedule for the J&J vaccine, allowing for a second dose at least two months after primary vaccination, and the use of heterologous booster immunisation following completion of primary vaccination with an approved mRNA COVID-19 vaccine.

SAHPRA reviewed the safety and efficacy data provided, and has subsequently approved the COVID-19 vaccines Janssen second dose/booster dose, SAHPRA said.

This comes after SAHPRA approved the administering of the third dose of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for adults and children with a weak immune system.

This means all adults in South Africa are now eligible for an additional shot six months after the second dose, and it may be given at any point after that time.

The Health Departments Deputy Director-General, Dr Nicholas Crisp, told media earlier this month that the first qualifiers for the booster shot will be eligible on 28 December.

That is a couple of days before New Year's, so we do not envisage introducing a major new programme on New Year's Day or thereabout.

So, from January, once the Ministerial Advisory Committee on Vaccines (VMAC) has aligned with this approval, we will get the recommendation and plan the appropriate rollout of boosters at that time, he said.

According to the departments data, since the start of the Sisonke programme, 230 488 second doses of the J&J vaccines have been distributed to healthcare workers who took part in the original study.  SAnews.gov.za

This story has been published on: 2021-12-23. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article.
Quang Ninh to reopen to intl tourists in first week of next year

The northern province of Quang Ninh plans to reopen to international tourists from the first week of next year.













Ha Long Bay in Quang Ninh (Photo: VNA)

As scheduled, the first delegation from the Republic of Korea will arrive at Van Don international airport on January 7, 2022.



The province has chosen pilot tourism models to serve foreigners, including cruise tour on Ha Long Bay, Tuan Chau international tourism resort in Ha Long, Yen Tu relic site in Uong Bi city, and Mong Cai  Tra Co tourist site in Mong Cai city.



It also named qualified hospitality providers in the first stage, including FLC Grand Ha Long hotel, Tinh Nghia tourism, trade and transportation JSC, and Viet Way company.



Quang Ninh is one of the five localities nationwide to be suggested by the Vietnam Administration of Tourism (VNAT) to welcome foreigners on a trial basis, based on its high vaccination rate, pandemic response capacity and attractive tourism experiences.



Recently, the provincial Peoples Council has issued the policy of reducing entrance tickets to well-known destinations by a half, including Ha Long Bay, Quang Ninh Museum and Yen Tu relic site, starting from January 1 to June 30, 2022.
Deputy PM urges implementation of pilot international commercial flight resumption plan

Standing Deputy Prime Minister Pham Binh Minh has requested the ministries of Public Security, Transport, Health, Foreign Affairs, and Information and Communications to urgently perform their assigned tasks to carry out a pilot plan that will resume international commercial flights on January 1, 2022.







Earlier, in a notice, the Deputy PM concluded that in line with the strategy of safe, flexible, and effective adaptation to COVID-19, the reopening is necessary to help ease difficulties facing aviation firms, accelerate economic recovery, and facilitate overseas Vietnamese to return home on the upcoming Lunar New Year holiday. However, the flight resumption must ensure effective control of the pandemic.



Minh agreed with the plan, which restores regular international passenger flights to areas with a high safety rate, which are Beijing/Guangzhou (China), Tokyo (Japan), Seoul (the Republic of Korea) , Taipei (Taiwan - China), Bangkok (Thailand), Singapore, Vientiane (Laos), Phnom Penh (Cambodia), and San Francisco/ Los Angeles (USA). The plan will be done following the Ministry of Healths pandemic prevention guidance for people on entry and begin on January 1 next year.



In preparation for the pilot plan, the Ministry of Health has been tasked with issuing medical guidelines for people entering the country on these international commercial flights, and consulting with experts, businesses and the general public regarding the matter.



The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in collaboration with the health ministry continues negotiating with other nations and territories on mutual recognition of the vaccine passports.



The ministries of Health, Public Security, Information and Communications, meanwhile, have been assigned to issue medical declaration software that is generally applicable to air travel to facilitate the declaration of passengers, the operation of aviation enterprises, and the medical monitoring, control and tracing of people on entry.
Vietnam, Germany boost co-operation in science and technology

The Vietnam-Germany Innovation Network (VGI) and Bach Khoa Hanoi Technology Investment and Development One Member Company Limited (BK-HOLDINGS) signed an agreement on December 22 to strengthen co-operation in the fields of science, technology, and innovation.













Representatives of Vietnamese Embassy in Germany and the Vietnam-Germany Innovation Network in Berlin at the event (Photo: VNA)



The agreement was inked online at the headquarters of the Vietnamese Embassy in Berlin in the presence of representatives of the Ministry of Science and Technology, the National Startup Support Center (NSSC), and a support network of Vietnamese science and technology offices abroad.



Under the agreement, both sides have agreed to provide information and consultancy on activities related to science, technology, and innovation, including the organisation of co-operation programmes and the implementation of joint projects.



Addressing the event, Tran Hai Thanh, first secretary in charge of science and technology at the Vietnamese Embassy in Germany, highlighted support of the intellectual network and Vietnamese community in Germany for the development of science and technology at home.



The diplomat added that over recent times the VGI has attracted the participation of numerous experts, intellectuals, and scientists, many of whom have contributed to connecting Vietnamese technology experts in Germany with German individuals, groups, and companies to support sci-tech development in Vietnam.



The newly-signed agreement is expected to connect Vietnamese intellectuals abroad, optimise human resources, promote innovation and start-ups at home, while simultaneously ramping up co-operation in science, technology, and innovation among partners of the two countries, he noted.
State President extends X-mas greetings to Catholics in Hanoi

State President Nguyen Xuan Phuc on December 23 visited and presented gifts to the Catholic Church of the Hanoi Archdiocese on Christmas and New Year 2022.









President Nguyen Xuan Phuc presents a bouquet of flowers to Joseph Vu Van Thien, Archbishop of the Hanoi Archdiocese, on Christmas and new Year 2022.



President Phuc extended Christmas greetings to Joseph Vu Van Thien, Archbishop of the Hanoi Archdiocese and Deputy Secretary General of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Vietnam, as well as priests and religious followers of parishes in Hanoi.



He noted despite the negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, Vietnam has still recorded important achievements in socio-economic development, national defense, security, foreign affairs and international integration. The results were partly contributed by the Catholic community across the country, including the Archdiocese of Hanoi, he said.



The President said he is happy to see Catholics nationwide have always accompanied their compatriots in national construction and defense, and at the same time live the Gospel. He praised Catholics for joining hands with forces in COVID-19 prevention and control, and affirmed that the Party and State always guarantee the peoples right to freedom of region and belief according to the Constitution and law.



He expressed his belief that Archbishop Joseph Vu Van Thien will continue to lead and encourage Catholics to build the diocese and make more practical contributions to socio-economic development in Hanoi and the country as a whole.



Archbishop Joseph Vu Van Thien said the Catholic community and the Archdiocese of Hanoi in particular are making efforts to implement the letter of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Vietnam in the spirit of Living the gospel in the heart of the nation for the happiness of the compatriots and instructions of the Pope that Good Catholics are also good citizens.



The Catholic community will continue to actively engage in socio-economic development activities, and contribute to the cause of national construction and development, he said.



The same day, President Phuc visited and extended Xmas greetings to leaders of the Committee for Solidarity of Vietnamese Catholics.


China steps up efforts to accelerate reform, opening-up

Xinhua) 08:13, December 23, 2021

Photo taken on Jan. 14, 2021 shows a night view of Lujiazui in Pudong of east China's Shanghai Municipality. (Xinhua/Fang Zhe)

BEIJING, Dec. 22 (Xinhua) -- China is on full throttle to becoming a new highland in reform and opening-up.

The country's efforts in this regard are evident -- the southern city of Shenzhen is building a pilot demonstration area for socialism with Chinese characteristics, Hainan Province is building a free trade port (FTP), and Shanghai's Pudong is becoming a pioneer area for socialist modernization.

REFORM AND INNOVATION

Last month, four companies in Shanghai received the first batch of comprehensive trade licenses according to a new promise-for-entry system in the market.

Xu Wei, general manager of a Shanghai-based cultural communication company, ZiLiHangJian, said when they had earlier planned to open a bookstore with coffee and meal service in Shanghai free trade zone, they had to spend a long time applying for separate business licenses of catering and publication under the old regulation.

"Now that the different licenses have been merged into one, we can start our business more quickly," said Xu.

This is one of the latest moves of Shanghai's Pudong to further optimize the business environment in its efforts to lead China's socialist modernization.

According to a guideline issued in July, Pudong will explore to pilot a business registration system and a promise-for-entry system in market, and draw up special measures to ease market access.

Shenzhen, which began the construction of a pilot demonstration area for socialism with Chinese characteristics in August 2019, has adopted a slew of reform and innovative measures.

In the first personal bankruptcy case in the Chinese mainland, a local resident surnamed Liang received the civil ruling paper of application for personal bankruptcy.

"It's really a relief for me, and my family doesn't have to worry about falling into debt due to the failure of my business," said Liang.

Over the past two years, Shenzhen has rolled out 17 new laws and regulations involving the special economic zone and most of these regulations are the first in China.

BROADENED OPENING UP

HSBC opened a branch in Haikou, capital of south China's Hainan Province, on Dec. 6, becoming the first international bank to settle in Hainan since the construction of the FTP.

As an important opening gateway for China, Hainan FTP is one of the models of China's continued market opening and in-depth integration into the world economy, and it is endeavoring to become an important joint of dual circulation based on the advantages in geographical location and policies, said Mark Wang, president and CEO of HSBC Bank (China) Company Limited.

Wang added that the Haikou branch of HSBC will link its global resources and serve Hainan FTP, providing financial support for China's higher level of opening up.

Since China announced the plan to build Hainan into a free trade port last June, Hainan has become a hot destination for global companies to invest in China.

Official data showed that a total of 1,649 foreign-funded companies have set up their businesses in Hainan in the first 10 months of this year, up about 153.7 percent year on year, with the actual use of foreign capital reaching approximately 3 billion U.S. dollars, surging 414.1 percent year on year.

Duty-free shopping is one of the core policies of Hainan FTP, and many international brands entered the duty-free shopping market in Hainan this year.

According to a report jointly released by KPMG China and Moodie Davitt Report this May, enhanced shopping policy in July 2020 gave tremendous impetus to the global tourism as well as the retail market.

The report, unveiled during the first China International Consumer Products Expo held in Haikou, predicted that the Hainan free trade port will likely become the world's biggest duty-free market in the near term if it continues on its current growth curve.

Since July 1, 2020, Hainan has raised its annual tax-free shopping quota from 30,000 yuan (about 4,709 U.S. dollars) to 100,000 yuan per person. The previous tax-free limit of 8,000 yuan for a single product has also been lifted.

(Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun)
Mix of challenges, hope in 2021 COVID-19 fight

Xinhua) 08:44, December 23, 2021

-- The global anti-pandemic fight in 2021 was full of twists and turns, but there is still hope ahead as long as the world strengthen solidarity and cooperation.

-- The emergence of Omicron, an early lifting of lockdowns and low vaccination rates have made Europe the epicenter of this new wave of COVID-19, and the situation in Africa is also worrying.

-- The pandemic has also exposed the flawed global public health system, in which wealthy nations have failed to keep their vaccine promises.

-- Apart from a record-breaking sprint to develop COVID-19 vaccines, the WHO and regulators worldwide have also been approving the vaccines at top speed.

BEIJING, Dec. 22 (Xinhua) -- The global anti-pandemic fight in 2021 was full of twists and turns: a string of new and cunning variants, a yawning immunization gap between high- and low-income nations, and a distractive politicization of origin-tracing have crippled the speedy development of COVID-19 vaccines and the global promotion of inoculation.

But there is still hope ahead as long as countries around the world strengthen solidarity and cooperation, adopt science-based COVID-19 policies, and abandon a zero-sum mentality and political bias.

People enjoy their leisure time in Lille, northern France, May 19, 2021. (Photo by Sebastien Courdji/Xinhua)

PANDEMIC STALEMATE

Global COVID-19 cases and deaths have surpassed 270 million and 5.3 million by Tuesday, up by about 190 million and 3.5 million respectively from the beginning of the year.

The World Health Organization (WHO)'s COVID-19 dashboard suggested that the number of weekly new cases around the globe bounced back to 5.7 million in early May from 2.4 million in late February, and fell to 2.5 million in mid-June. It then rebounded to 4.5 million in late August, dropped in mid-October to 2.7 million, and is now moving higher again.

The United States, ranking first over a long period in both caseload and death toll in the global COVID-19 chart, has already reported more than 50 million infections and 800,000 deaths. The country, with the most advanced medical equipment and technologies, has failed the pandemic's "stress test" and is now suffering another tough winter.

The emergence of Omicron, an early lifting of lockdowns and low vaccination rates have made Europe the epicenter of this new wave of COVID-19. The situation in Africa is also worrying: Data from the WHO showed that the continent had registered over 256,000 cases for the week ending Dec. 19, up 53 percent from the previous week.

Travelers wait to receive COVID-19 tests at Cape Town International Airport in Cape Town, South Africa, Nov. 29, 2021. (Str/Xinhua)

INTROSPECTION

"COVID-19 has exposed a broken world that is inequitable, unaccountable, and divided," the Global Preparedness Monitoring Board, a joint arm of the WHO and the World Bank, said in an October report, citing growing nationalism, geopolitical tensions and deep inequalities as root causes.

Perhaps the first lesson drawn from this capricious situation is that it is still too early to turn the pandemic into an endemic disease, and that consistent anti-epidemic measures are urgently needed to avoid a dangerous "pandemic fatigue" of the prolonged public health crisis.

Some Western countries, like the United States, have already embraced a potential coexistence with COVID-19. Also in the United States, the anti-pandemic fight has been politicized, causing delays or abandonment of anti-pandemic measures. The results were more infections, and the following popping up of highly transmissible variants like Delta and Omicron.

The pandemic has also exposed the flawed global public health system, in which wealthy nations have not only failed to keep their vaccine promises, but also been starving the developing world of vaccines through vaccine nationalism. Among others, the United States delivered only 25 percent of the vaccines that it had promised by Nov. 25.

A staff member arranges labelled COVID-19 vaccines before packing them on the vaccine production line of a VACSERA factory in Giza, Egypt, Sept. 6, 2021. (Xinhua/Ahmed Gomaa)

"Vaccine equity is the greatest immediate moral test of our times. It is also a practical necessity," United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres tweeted in July.

According to University of Oxford-based Our World in Data, as of Tuesday, 56.9 percent of the world population has received at least one does of a COVID-19 vaccine and 8.78 billion doses have been administered globally. However, only 8.1 percent of people in low-income countries have received at least one dose.

Besides, it should also be recognized by all that COVID-19 origin-tracing is a serious and complex scientific issue requiring the joint efforts of global experts. For quite some time, the United States has attempted to politicize the issue and scapegoat China for its own pandemic fiasco. Its intelligence community's so-called origin-tracing report, for instance, has stoked divisions and undermined global anti-pandemic cooperation.

An airport worker transports packages of Sinovac COVID-19 vaccines at Phnom Penh International Airport in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Oct. 14, 2021. (Photo by Phearum/Xinhua)

RIGHT PATH

Fortunately, the year 2021 was not all doom and gloom. Apart from a record-breaking sprint to develop COVID-19 vaccines, the WHO and regulators worldwide have also been approving the vaccines at top speed. So far, the WHO has issued emergency use listing for several COVID-19 vaccines, including those from China's Sinopharm and Sinovac.

Multilateral programs such as COVAX are also playing their due role in promoting global vaccine equity. Official data showed that COVAX has so far shipped over 792 million COVID-19 vaccines to 144 participants. China, as a responsible major country, has supplied over 70 million doses of vaccines and donated 100 million U.S. dollars to this global initiative.

Adding to the achievements is the good news of new drugs against COVID-19. The first oral antiviral pill molnupiravir to treat COVID-19 was approved by British medicines regulators in early November. The European Medicines Agency issued advice on the emergency use of Pfizer's COVID-19 pill Paxlovid in mid-December. A key Chinese medicine against COVID-19 has been approved for sale.

In an interconnected world, no one can win any global crisis alone. The COVID-19 pandemic has once again demonstrated the importance of pushing forward stronger cooperation and unity.

Medical staff members work in a COVID-19 ward at a hospital in Bologna, Italy, Dec. 3, 2021. (Photo by Gianni Schicchi/Xinhua)

As a pioneer along this path, China has not hesitated to lend a helping hand to others. It has delivered on its promise to make vaccines a global public good, having provided nearly 2 billion doses of COVID-19 vaccines to more than 120 countries and international organizations. In fact, it has offered more doses than any other country in the world.

China has also launched the Initiative for Belt and Road Partnership on COVID-19 Vaccines Cooperation together with over 30 countries, and conducted joint vaccine production with 19 developing countries.

Indeed, just as the WHO tweeted Saturday, "to end the COVID-19 pandemic, the world must act together as a team to ensure equitable access to vaccines, treatment & diagnostics."

(Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun)
Intels Xinjiang statement full of calculations and speculations

By Global Times editorial (Global Times) 09:03, December 23, 2021

In a recent open letter from US tech company Intel to its suppliers, the company claimed that it is "required to ensure our supply chain does not use any labor or source goods or services from the Xinjiang region." Although this is not at the top of more than a dozen of requirements from Intel, it still offends the eyes of the Chinese people as it is so absurd.

Entering the Chinese market in 1985, Intel was one of the first American companies in the country following China's reform and opening-up. It has reaped huge benefits from China in the past decades. In 2020, 26 percent of Intel's revenue came from the Chinese mainland and Hong Kong and nearly 10 percent of the company's properties, factories and equipment are located in China. Therefore, it is justified for Chinese netizens to feel discontent and accuse Intel of "biting the hand that feeds it."

The Global Times has learned that products from Xinjiang constitute only a tiny fraction even if they are involved in Intel's supply chain. The exclusion of Xinjiang products from the supply chain is not a case of "cutting off one's poisoned arm to survive." It is more like plucking a mushroom from a dense tropical rainforest, which is not detrimental at all to the company's actual interests. Some analysts believe that Intel's Xinjiang statement is not simply a move made by a corporation. It is more about proving the company's own innocence under the pressure of the extreme political environment in the US, as well as pleasing the US society with some "fine words."

Today, to suppress China, the US is not only asking its allies to have a greater binding force but also attempting to coerce major US companies into taking sides. Washington is using technology "decoupling" as a grip in its comprehensive strategy to contain and suppress Beijing. This includes semiconductors, which are seen as the most important and sensitive commodity and has become the main focus.

It is reported by US media that the White House rejected Intel's plan to expand chip production capacity in China. However, on one hand, Washington is unwilling to see US companies expand production in China. On the other, it is unable to introduce policies that will benefit those high-tech companies. The so-called Creating Helpful Incentives for Producing Semiconductors for America and Foundries Act that aims to support US chip research and development has been in debate for months in the House of Representatives.

As for the multinational companies, they should be able to endure, properly handle and balance pressures from all parties. This is the basic skill they are supposed to have. But Intel's moves are speculative. It is likely that the company is making a gesture by ignoring facts and taking a high profile on the so-called human rights issues to bargain with the US government in other areas. Perhaps it is also hoping to use "political pressure" as an excuse to gain China's understanding. But this is only a mission impossible.

China does not have to take too seriously the calculation of interests between Intel and politicians in Washington. This is their business. Just let them get entangled. The most important point that the incident reminds us of is that we must speed up the process of producing home-made chips in China. An important reason why Intel dares to offend China over the Xinjiang-related affairs is that it holds the monopoly of the global chip market.

What we need to do is to make it increasingly expensive for companies to offend China so their losses outweigh their gains. In fact, Washington in recent years has launched a technology crackdown against China which has forced China to accelerate its space of independent research and development. As far as chips are concerned, although there is still a gap between China and the US in high-end chips, the gap is narrowing. Those calculations and speculations that ignore facts will not be worth a penny eventually, and only become a historical joke.

(Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun)
Xiamen pushes forward higher-level opening-up

09:07, December 23, 2021 By Jiang Shengyang, Qi Zhiming ( People's Daily

Xiamen, a coastal city in southeast Chinas Fujian province and also one of Chinas earliest special economic zones and pioneers of reform and opening up, is injecting new driving forces into its high-quality economic and social development by promoting higher-level opening-up.

A China-Europe freight train loaded with anti-epidemic supplies is ready to depart from Haicang railway station in Xiamen city, southeast Chinas Fujian province, April 21, 2021. (Peoples Daily Online/Zhuang Jianhua)

With favorable policies, welcoming market and great opportunities, the outstanding business environment of Xiamen motivates us to continue intensifying investment here. We are full of confidence in the long-term development of our business on this land of vibrancy, said James Zhao, lead business manager for ABB Electrification in China.

By realizing automatic adjustment and allocation of temperature and lighting in different scenarios through digital solutions, the smart energy management platform developed by the Swiss tech giants industrial center in Xiamen has demonstrated how smart green energy can be used in the future.

Over the past three decades, ABBs businesses in Xiamen have enjoyed continuous expansion, burgeoning from a small factory with about 100 staff members into ABBs largest and most advanced manufacturing base in the world.

Many years ago, Xiamen already started to strive for a world-class business environment. Aligning itself with high-level international and domestic standards, Xiamen has taken a series of measures, including integrating regulations, promoting single-window document processing for international trade, and setting up special courts to handle intellectual property and bankruptcy cases, eventually becoming one of the top Chinese cities in terms of business environment.

Photo taken on June 11, 2021 shows the first China (Xiamen) Cross-border E-commerce Industry Expo held in Xiamen city, southeast Chinas Fujian province. (Peoples Daily Online/Feng Xiaofei)

Data show that the city witnessed an average annual growth of 16.9 percent in its actual use of foreign direct investment between 1983 and 2020.

Forty years ago, the GDP of Xiamen was only 640 million yuan (about $100.42 million). Today, with 1.4 percent of the land area of Fujian province, the city generates 14.5 percent of the provinces regional GDP and accounts for 26.2 percent of Fujians fiscal revenue and nearly 50 percent of its foreign trade volume.

In 2020, Xiamens GDP exceeded 638.4 billion yuan, and its per capita GDP reached 124,000 yuan.

By further elevating the level of opening-up and advancing industrial transformation and upgrading, Xiamen is speeding up the construction of a modern economic system.

So far, the city has cultivated multiple clusters in predominant industries including electronic information, shipping and logistics, tourism and convention and exhibition, and built nine high-value industrial chains in such industries as flat-panel display and computer and communications technology equipment.

Besides, clusters of strategic emerging industries in the city, such as biomedicine and health as well as new-type functional materials, are also expanding continuously.

A cargo vessel sails near Gulangyu Island in Xiamen city, southeast Chinas Fujian province. (Peoples Daily Online/ Zhou Daoxian)

The city has made great efforts to attract investment and talents, constantly improving its capacity for making sci-tech innovations while promoting opening-up.

With 2,282 national-level high-tech enterprises, Xiamen sees the research and development (R&D) intensity reach 3.08 percent. The proportion of the value added of the citys high-tech industries in that of its industries above designated size is as high as 43.4 percent.

Meanwhile, the construction of the Fuzhou-Xiamen-Quanzhou national independent innovation demonstration zone involving the three cities of Fuzhou, Xiamen, and Quanzhou in Fujian province, is picking up speed.

From a small flat with a floor area of about 100 square meters to a self-built R&D building covering an area of more than 10,000 square meters, from a single terminal product line to complete sets of communications solutions, and from an Original Equipment Manufacturer to a high-tech company with high-end self-owned brands, link Network Technology Co., Ltd. headquartered in Huli district of Xiamen has traveled an extraordinary development path.

Nighty percent of our turnover is from foreign countries. We have long maintained the largest market share in the BRICS countries, said Zhang Huirong, deputy general manager of the company, whose products are selling well in more than 140 countries and regions around the world.

During the past 40 years, Xiamens total imports and exports have expanded 18.1 percent annually on average. Ranking sixth among Chinas top 100 cities in terms of foreign trade comprehensive competitiveness, Xiamen has sold Made in China products to more than 220 countries and regions over the past four decades.

In 1983, the city only used $8 million of foreign investment. Today, 63 Fortune Global 500 enterprises have invested in 114 projects in Xiamen.

By building channels, establishing platforms and smoothening circulation, Xiamen has fully utilized both domestic and international markets and resources and speeded up the development of important zones for opening-up, including its Taiwan business investment zone, export processing zone, pilot reform zone for deepening Cross-Strait exchanges and cooperation, free trade zone, and independent innovation demonstration zone.

As the city constantly improves its efficiency and level of the utilization of domestic and foreign investment, its circle of friends for two-way trade and investment becomes increasingly large.

(Web editor: Hongyu, Liang Jun)
Common development should become major consensus of China, U.S.: Chinese ambassador

Xinhua) 09:25, December 23, 2021

Chinese Ambassador to the United States Qin Gang (Middle, Top Row) attends the annual gala of the U.S.-China Policy Foundation held virtually on Dec. 21, 2021. (Courtesy of Chinese Embassy in the United States)

"We hope that the United States will respect the Chinese people's right to pursue a better life and accept China's development," says Qin Gang.

WASHINGTON, Dec. 22 (Xinhua) -- Common development should become a major consensus of China and the United States, Chinese Ambassador to the United States Qin Gang said during an annual gala on Tuesday.

At the gala of the U.S.-China Policy Foundation, Qin said that China's sustained and stable development is not a threat to the United States, but "a major opportunity and benefit."

"China's development is aimed at meeting the people's aspiration for a better life, not to enter into a win-lose competition with any country," said Qin.

Over the past few years, the China-U.S. relationship has gone through serious difficulties, Qin pointed out, noting that this is not in the fundamental interests of the two peoples.

"We hope that the United States will respect the Chinese people's right to pursue a better life and accept China's development," he added.

As President Xi Jinping stressed, China and the United States should respect each other, coexist peacefully and carry out win-win cooperation.

The ambassador expressed his hope that all of the experts to pool wisdom, jointly explore how the two countries can get along with each other, and how to take the China-U.S. relations back to the right track of healthy and stable development.

The U.S. participants reviewed the history and looked forward to the future of the U.S.-China relations. They mainly emphasized the importance of strengthening exchanges and communication, as well as enhancing mutual understanding and trust between the two sides.

Attendees to the event included Rick Larsen, House representative of Washington State and co-chair of the U.S.-China Working Group in the House, Rick Waters, Deputy Assistant Secretary of the U.S. Department of State, and former United States Ambassador to China Stapleton Roy.

(Web editor: Shi Xi, Liang Jun)
Hong Kong reports 7 more cases of Omicron COVID-19 variant



Xinhua) 09:26, December 23, 2021

HONG KONG, Dec. 22 (Xinhua) -- Hong Kong's Center for Health Protection (CHP) reported seven additional cases of the Omicron variant of COVID-19 on Wednesday, bringing the total number of Omicron infections to 34.

After investigations on seven imported cases announced on Dec. 20 and Dec. 21, the CHP confirmed that the infected people, six males and one female aged between 29 and 61, all carried the highly contagious Omicron strain.

The CHP also reported seven more imported cases of COVID-19 on Wednesday, taking the total tally to 12,548.

The newly reported cases involve mutant strains and are three males and four females, aged 22 to 61.

A total of 70 cases have been reported in the past 14 days and all were imported, according to the CHP.

Since the launch of the government inoculation program in late February, over 4.84 million people, or 71.9 percent of the eligible population, have taken at least one shot of the COVID-19 vaccine, with over 4.61 million, or 68.6 percent of the eligible population, having taken two doses.

Meanwhile, a total of 320,648 people have taken the booster shot in Hong Kong as of 7:00 p.m. local time Tuesday.

(Web editor: Shi Xi, Liang Jun)
Stronger China-Germany partnership for a better world

Xinhua) 09:28, December 23, 2021

Staff members pose for photos with the first "Shanghai Express" in Hamburg, Germany, on Oct. 26, 2021.(Xinhua/Wang Qing)

As a "bellwether" of the China-European Union (EU) cooperation, sustained China-Germany cooperation will continuously inject momentum into steady development of China-EU relations.

BEIJING, Dec. 22 (Xinhua) -- As the world is wrestling with a host of daunting global challenges, China and Germany, two major countries in the world and champions for multilateralism, not only need to boost their practical cooperation, but also have on their shoulders great responsibilities to sustain world peace and development.

In a phone conversation on Tuesday, Chinese President Xi Jinping and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz discussed bilateral ties, and vowed to further strengthen all-round strategic partnership between the two sides, demonstrating a continuity of their mutually beneficial cooperation over the past half century, which features ample vitality, endurance, resilience and potential.

The two important economies in the world are witnessing a sound development of their trade and investment ties. China has been Germany's largest trading partner for five consecutive years, and bilateral economic and trade cooperation has kept growing despite the COVID-19 pandemic, with two-way trade amounting to around 248.4 billion U.S. dollars in 2020, according to official statistics.

A man works at Tiexi Plant of BMW Brilliance Automotive in Shenyang, capital of northeast China's Liaoning Province, Feb. 17, 2020. (Xinhua/Pan Yulong)

German carmakers are heavily invested in joint ventures with Chinese companies, such as Daimler with Beijing Automotive Group Co., Ltd, BMW with Brilliance Auto Group and Volkswagen with Shanghai-based SAIC Motor, only to name a few, becoming a prime example of their prospering investment ties.

In the future, the two sides should give full play to the role of bilateral dialogue and cooperation mechanisms, and particularly make good use of their intergovernmental consultation mechanism, so as to promote cooperation in various fields.

Meanwhile, the two countries should also actively explore new areas of cooperation such as new energy and green and digital economy, and unleash the growth potential of trade in services.

As a "bellwether" of the China-European Union (EU) cooperation, sustained China-Germany cooperation will continuously inject momentum into steady development of China-EU relations.

Given their status as two major independent forces with broad strategic consensus and common interests, China and the EU have their major roles to play in a world undergoing major transformations rarely seen in a century.

Workers work at a production line of Jungheinrich AG, a leading intralogistics solutions provider based in Germany, in Qingpu district of east China's Shanghai, Oct. 20, 2021. (Xinhua/Ding Ting)

Germany, as one major driving force in Europe, is also an important node of the China-Europe Railway Express. Enhanced cooperation between China and Germany within the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative will benefit countries along the route and promote connectivity of the Eurasian continent.

In talks with Xi, Scholz expressed the hope that the EU-China investment agreement will enter into force at an early date, and said Germany is ready to work with China to uphold multilateralism in international affairs.

Sustained China-Germany cooperation will make new contributions to world peace and development. In the past, the two countries have maintained close cooperation in confronting such global challenges as climate change and the COVID-19 pandemic, and close communication on such regional affairs as Afghanistan and the Iranian nuclear issue, shouldering their due responsibilities in global governance.

Looking forward, the two countries should continue to uphold the principle of democracy in international relations and firmly oppose all forms of hegemonic behavior and Cold War mentality.

Only by increased coordination and cooperation on international affairs can the two countries find practical solutions to problems concerning the shared future of mankind, such as fighting the COVID-19 pandemic, spurring post-pandemic economic recovery across the globe, tackling climate change, alleviating poverty, and achieving sustainable development.

With the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries coming next year, China and Germany are expected to strengthen communication and cooperation in the spirit of mutual respect and mutual trust. A steady China-Germany relationship will surely become a robust force to underpin global stability and growth.

(Web editor: Shi Xi, Liang Jun)
China's sci-tech breakthroughs boost low-carbon chemical industry

Xinhua) 09:33, December 23, 2021

BEIJING, Dec. 22 (Xinhua) -- Having set the goal of peaking its carbon dioxide emissions before 2030 and achieving carbon neutrality before 2060, China is now promoting energy conservation and emission reductions in various industrial sectors, including the traditional chemical industry.

The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) released a plan on Dec. 3 for the green development of its industrial sectors during the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-2025), a step forward in the country's pursuit of low-carbon growth.

The plan urges traditional sectors, such as petrochemistry, iron and steel, and non-ferrous metals, to carry out low-carbon upgrades and transform into greener industries.

Meanwhile, the annual Central Economic Work Conference this December pledged to strengthen the clean and efficient use of coal.

So far as the chemical industry as concerned, greener practices are getting a boost from the latest breakthroughs in chemical synthesis technology. This means that sub-industries such as fuel chemicals, inorganic chemicals and organic chemicals are becoming more environmentally friendly, with knock-on benefits across a wide range of sectors.

SCI-TECH BREAKTHROUGH

In 2021, Chinese researchers achieved several breakthroughs in chemical synthesis. These include a method of synthesizing starch from carbon dioxide, the first process of its kind globally, and a protein production method using industrial exhaust gas that contains carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide and ammonia water.

The progress in 2021 also includes converting carbon dioxide and water into pure formic acid, turning biopolyols into carbon monoxide at room temperature and atmospheric pressure, and producing ethylene by hydrogenation of acetylene under mild conditions.

At a ceremony in Beijing in November to honor China's distinguished scientists, engineers and research achievements, over 10 projects related to the petrochemical and coal chemical industries received awards. They included catalytic-cracking processing technology, the efficient exploitation of coalbed methane and rock oil, and crude-oil recovery.

Among them, the project of nano-confined catalysis won first prize in the State Natural Science Awards. This project realized the direct and efficient synthesis of light olefins and high-value chemicals such as ethylene, propylene and butene from coal-synthesized gas, with less water and energy consumption and lower carbon emissions.

Those achievements, ranging from laboratory experiment to industrial production, mean that basic materials for the chemical industry, such as ethylene, carbon monoxide, starch and protein, can be produced in a much greener way than traditional methods and with lower energy consumption and emissions.

HIGHER EFFICIENCY

The MIIT plan encourages the petrochemistry industry, a branch of the fuel chemical industry, to focus on direct production from crude oil and the use of coal-synthesized gas.

China Petroleum & Chemical Corporation (Sinopec), China's largest oil refiner, announced in November its success in the industrial application of crude oil steam-cracking technology, which can directly turn crude oil into ethylene and propylene by skipping the traditional refining procedure.

The traditional refining process can turn about 30 percent of crude oil into chemical products.

Using the new technology, 1 million tonnes of crude oil can produce about 500,000 tonnes of various chemicals, including about 400,000 tonnes of high-value products such as ethylene, propylene, light aromatics and hydrogen.

The crude oil catalytic-cracking technology, another technical route that Sinopec realized earlier this year, can also turn about 50 percent of crude oil into various chemicals. The combination of the two cracking technologies is expected to raise the turning rate to 70 percent.

China produced about 21.6 million tonnes of ethylene in 2020, with a growth rate of 5.25 percent year-on-year, according to the National Bureau of Statistics. Considering the scale of production, Sinopec's new method has the potential to save a huge amount of crude oil.

LOWER EMISSIONS

Supported by advanced technology, chemical plants in China have started to cut their carbon emissions. In Shanghai in east China, there is already a refinery that produces carbon-neutral products.

This September, the Shanghai Environment and Energy Exchange issued the country's first carbon-neutral petroleum certificate to a batch of refinery products made by Gaoqiao Petrochemical, a Sinopec subsidiary in Shanghai.

Those refinery products, made from 30,000 tonnes of crude oil, include gasoline, diesel, kerosene and liquefied petroleum gas that are all carbon-neutral.

Between 2018 and 2020, Gaoqiao Petrochemical completed 53 pollution control projects, significantly reducing the total emissions of major pollutants during production. The average emission concentration dropped to about 23 percent of the sector's standard limit.

This year, the company started projects such as colored smoke treatment, volatile organic compounds treatment, and ultra-low emission modification of heating furnaces to further cut emissions.

Besides emission-control measures, Gaoqiao Petrochemical is turning byproducts into clean energy.

In 2020, the company built a demonstration project to produce high purity hydrogen for fuel-cell vehicles from the byproducts of the refining plant. It plans to expand the hydrogen production line to provide 10 tonnes of hydrogen per day, enough to power 1,000 domestic fuel-cell cars to run 1,000 km.

(Web editor: Shi Xi, Liang Jun)
China opposes Japanese decision to release nuclear-contaminated water into ocean

Xinhua) 09:36, December 23, 2021

BEIJING, Dec. 22 (Xinhua) -- China is seriously concerned about and firmly opposes Japan's unilateral decision to discharge the nuclear-contaminated water into the sea and its proceeding with the preparatory work, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson said Wednesday.

Zhao Lijian made the remarks when asked to comment on a media report that Tokyo Electric Power Company has submitted an application to Japan's Nuclear Regulation Authority with a detailed plan of discharging nuclear-contaminated water from the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant into the sea.

Since April this year, the international community has raised concerns to the Japanese side over the legitimacy of the discharge into the sea, the rationality of the discharge plan, the credibility of the data about the nuclear contaminated water and the reliability of the equipment to purify the nuclear-contaminated water, Zhao said.

The work of the IAEA technical working group on the handling of the nuclear-contaminated water from Fukushima is still undergoing, he added.

"In total disregard of the legitimate and reasonable concerns of the international community, the Japanese side only continues to proceed with the preparations for the discharge both policy-wise and technology-wise," Zhao said.

"Obviously, it wants to impose its wrong decision on the entire international community, and it is all the littoral countries of the Pacific Ocean that will have to take the risk for such move. The Japanese side is extremely irresponsible in doing so."

He said that over the past eight months, Japan has constantly tried to defend the decision to discharge the nuclear-contaminated water into the sea, claiming the discharge is safe.

"However, many countries and international environment groups have questioned that if the water is truly harmless, why doesn't the Japanese side discharge it into lakes or use it for civil purposes instead of releasing it into the ocean? To say the least, why doesn't it try to build more storage tanks for the water at home? How can the international community trust Japan's own words regarding whether the water to be discharged is safe or not? The Japanese side should give responsible answers to all these fundamental questions," Zhao said.

He stressed that the handling of the nuclear-contaminated water from Fukushima is never Japan's private matter. Instead, it bears on the marine environment and public health of the whole world.

Japan should heed and respond to the appeals of neighboring countries and the international community, and rescind the wrong decision of dumping the water into the sea.

"It mustn't wantonly start the ocean discharge before reaching consensus with stakeholders and relevant international institutions through full consultations," Zhao said.

(Web editor: Shi Xi, Liang Jun)
US biggest 'safe haven' for fugitives: China

(People's Daily App) 09:42, December 23, 2021

China slammed the US for wanton long-arm jurisdiction under the banner of anti-corruption on Wednesday, calling the US the biggest "safe haven" for oversea fugitives.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Zhao Lijian made the remarks at a routine press briefing in Beijing in response to the US establishing a coordinator on global anti-corruption and unveiling a kleptocracy fund.

"The US is the biggest safe haven," Zhao said. "It has the largest number of overseas fugitives suspected of corruption and economic crimes and is an important destination for corrupt assets. It is easier to set up a shell company in the US than elsewhere."

About 2 million anonymous shell companies are created in the US annually, far outnumbering any other country and region, according to US media reports.

"The US has become an 'automatic money-laundering machine' for illicit funds," the spokesperson said.

He stressed that the US was surrounded by corruption scandals and its presidential election was already legitimately corrupted by money.

"As a party to the United Nations Convention against Corruption," Zhao said, "the US turns a blind eye to fugitives' corruption facts, negatively handles the requests for cooperation of developing countries and even provides political asylum to fugitives and prevents them from surrendering."

The US has always "forgiven himself but not others," and "wantonly used long arm jurisdiction under the banner of anti-corruption," Zhao said. "This kind of double-standard move is bound to be spurned and resisted."

(Compiled by Xie Runjia)

(Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun)
A harsh winter for Afghans as U.S. freezes assets

Xinhua) 14:11, December 23, 2021

The humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan left behind by America's 20-year war, has been compounded by Washington's freezing of assets of the cash-strapped nation.

(Web editor: Shi Xi, Liang Jun)
China slams Western countries lecturing on Hong Kong's democracy

Xinhua) 15:49, December 23, 2021

BEIJING, Dec. 23 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese central government spokesperson on Thursday lashed out at the United States and a few Western countries for lecturing on Hong Kong's democracy.

It is ridiculous for these countries, with their own democracy in a state of mess, to comment on the democratic progress in Hong Kong, said a spokesperson for the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council.

Opinion polls have shown that the United States is facing serious crises of trust among its people, and many countries no longer see U.S. democracy as a "model" to emulate, the spokesperson said.

The spokesperson noted that for some time in the past, certain people in Hong Kong have blindly followed the U.S. model of democracy, and hostile forces inside and outside Hong Kong have taken advantage of the situation and the loopholes in the previous electoral system.

This had resulted in endless political wrangling and turmoil, and lingering problems concerning the economy and people's livelihood in Hong Kong, which, ultimately, made local residents suffer, the spokesperson said.

Noting that to bring Hong Kong's democratic development back on the right track, the central government has improved Hong Kong's electoral system in accordance with the law, the spokesperson said, adding that the advantages of Hong Kong's new electoral system have been fully demonstrated in its seventh Legislative Council (LegCo) election.

According to recent poll results, 70.8 percent of respondents said they believe the new LegCo would better safeguard Hong Kong's overall interests; and 72.8 percent expressed confidence in the new LegCo members executing their duties in accordance with the law and advancing good governance.

"We firmly believe that under the principle of 'one country, two systems,' Hong Kong will surely make new success in its democratic development, which will serve as a new model for democracy," the spokesperson said.

(Web editor: Shi Xi, Liang Jun)
Super mirror on the Gobi desert in Dunhuang

15:55, December 23, 2021 By Liu Ning, Zhao Chen, Lv Qiang, Peng Yukai ( People's Daily Online

Dunhuang, a city with a long history in northwest Chinas Gansu Province, was a vital gateway on the ancient Silk Road, and home to numerous world cultural heritage sites such as the Mogao Grottoes. Not only has it borne witness to the glories of the ancient Silk Road, but the historical city has also given rise to a kind of cyberpunk-style technological miracle in contemporary times. Built and operated by Shouhang Hi-Tech Energy Technology Co., Ltd. on the vast Gobi Desert, it is Chinas largest constructed concentrated solar-thermal power plant using molten salt, having an overall generating capacity of 100 MW of power continuously over a 24-hour period.

According to Huang Wenbo, Chairman of Shouhang Hi-Tech Energy Technology Co., Ltd., the power generation capacity of the power plant is designed to reach 390 million kilowatt-hours annually, which can reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 350,000 metric tons per year. With China having proposed its goals to reach peak carbon dioxide emissions by 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2060 during the 75th Session of the United Nations General Assembly, known as its Double Carbon Strategy, the construction of the power plant is also an epitome of the countrys efforts to realize these commitments by taking its own concrete actions.

(Web editor: Peng Yukai, Liang Jun)
A recovery in the global investment flow will open up a bright future for Vietnams investment attraction, according to experts.

Nguyen Anh Duong, director of the general research department under the Central Institute for Economic Management (CIEM), said that the fact that Vietnam is among countries with positive economic recovery in 2022 and in the recovery momentum of the Asian production network will make an important contribution to accelerating foreign investment attraction.

Thargbodee Serng Adichaiwit, deputy chair of the Thai Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said that Vietnams economic growth can double in 2022 compared to that of this year, thus making Thai investors pour more capital in Vietnam in the time to come.

Many Thai businesses want to invest in Vietnam when the pandemic is under better control. They have faith in Vietnam due to its large consumer market and commitments to improve its business climate, he stated.





FDI registered in Vietnam reached 26.46 billion USD as of November 20 (Photo: VNA)

Foreign direct investment (FDI) registered in Vietnam reached 26.46 billion USD as of November 20, up 0.1 percent year on year, according to the Ministry of Planning and Investment.

Notably, the total additional registered capital stood at over 8 billion USD, an annual rise of 26.7 percent.

During the period, 14.1 billion USD was poured into 1,577 newly-licensed projects, up 3.76 percent in value but down 31.8 percent in volume over the same period last year.

The remaining investment capital was used for capital contribution and share purchases in a total 3,466 transactions.

Foreign investors landed investments in 18 sectors, with processing and manufacturing absorbing the largest amount of capital (over 14 billion USD or 53 percent), followed by power generation and distribution (over 5.7 billion USD), real estate (2.41 billion USD), and wholesale and retail sale (1.27 billion USD).

It is estimated that in the last month of the year, several billion USD in FDI will be added to Vietnams total investment attraction this year.

The move in recent days has shown a more positive trend in FDI attraction. For example, LEGO Group recently signed an agreement to invest in an one-billion USD project in Binh Duong province. In addition, within the framework of the visits to India and the Republic of Korea by National Assembly Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue, multi-billion-USD cooperation agreements were also signed, in which, Dai An Group in Hai Duong province signed a memorandum of understanding on the construction of a 500 million USD Pharmacy Park with Indias Sri Avantika Contractors Ltd.; and Saigon Telecommunications Technology Joint Stock Company (SAIGONTEL) and Ecologic Engineering Private Limited of India signed a cooperation agreement in the fields of infrastructure development, industry and innovation with an investment value of up to 4 billion USD./.

VNA
President Xi Jinping on Wednesday met with Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Carrie Lam, who is on a duty visit to Beijing.

During the meeting, Xi heard a report from Lam on Hong Kong's current situation and the HKSAR government's work.

Over the past year, Hong Kong has consolidated the achievements in restoring order and the situation has constantly improved, Xi said, adding that the region has achieved notable results in COVID-19 response, steadily recovered its economy and maintained social stability.

Lam has led the HKSAR government in making systematic changes and improvements to Hong Kong's electoral system in accordance with relevant decision of the National People's Congress (NPC) and relevant legislation of the NPC Standing Committee, Xi said.

Lam has also led the HKSAR government in successfully holding elections of the Election Committee and the Legislative Council (LegCo), resolutely implementing the Hong Kong national security law, and taking active measures to promote the HKSAR's integration into the overall development of the country and comprehensively deepen its exchanges and cooperation with the mainland, Xi said.

The central authorities fully acknowledge the work of Lam and the HKSAR government, Xi said.

Xi said the elections of the Election Committee and the seventh LegCo held under the new electoral system were both successful, with democratic rights of Hong Kong residents reflected, the principle of "patriots administering Hong Kong" implemented, and a political landscape established with wide and balanced participation from all social groups and constituencies.

Practice has proven that the new electoral system adheres to the "one country, two systems" principle and fits Hong Kong's realities, Xi said, calling it a good system that will provide strong institutional support for the steady and sustained development of "one country, two systems" and Hong Kong's enduring prosperity and stability.

Noting that "one country, two systems" is conducive to safeguarding the fundamental interests of the country, the HKSAR and Hong Kong compatriots, Xi said the central authorities will continue to unswervingly implement the "one country, two systems" principle.

Senior officials including Han Zheng, Ding Xuexiang, Guo Shengkun, You Quan, Wang Yi and Xia Baolong attended the meeting.




The 5th Session of the 13th Anhui Provincial People's Congress is set to open on January 17, 2022 in Hefei, capital of east Chinas Anhui province.

The decision was made at the 31st Session of the Standing committee of the 13th Anhui Provincial Peoples Congress on Wednesday.

The agenda of the 5th Session of the 13th Anhui Provincial People's Congress will include deliberating on the provincial government work report, examining a report on the implementation of the annual plan on economic and social development in 2021 and a draft plan on economic and social development in 2022, and examining a report on the implementation of the local budgets in 2021 and the draft budgets in 2022.

Deputies will also hear and review work reports of the Standing Committee of 13th Anhui Provincial Peoples Congress, the Anhui Provincial High Peoples Court and the Anhui Provincial Peoples Procuratorate.

Elections will be held during the session.




In order to cultivate childrens love of family and country, remember history, and learn to be grateful, on December 16, Hefei Qilitang Community Spark Party Activity Center launched a charity class with the theme of "viewing old things and recalling the past". They invited Du Shiwen, a resident of Qilitang community, using his own collection of thousands of old objects with historical value, including food stamps, oil coupons, old train tickets, old tickets, old newspapers and other vivid historical materials to introduce Hefei's urban development to children in the district. "Children, look, this is the old scenery of Xiaoyaojin Park, and our big bell tower..." Mr. Du explained the story of Hefeis urban development to the children, holding a set of Hefei food stamps in his hand. At that time, we used food stamps to buy food, cloth tickets to buy cloth, meat tickets to buy meat, coal tickets to buy coal, salt tickets to buy salt, tobacco tickets to buy cigarettes, etc. The root cause is material deprivation." The children listened with gusto and became interested in these colorful tickets. While listening, they asked the teacher about the stories behind the old things. Mr. Du answered patiently one by one, not only showing the children the landmarks of Hefei at the old times, but also vividly introducing a lot of historical background stories.... Surrounded by so many old objects, the children were amazed, as if they were traveling through time and space. It opened up the memory of Hefei, and make them feel that today's happy life is hard to come by. This activity aims to give children a vivid history lesson, strengthen their understanding of their hometown, cultivate their love of family, the party and the country, and encourage them to study hard in the future and contribute to the prosperity and development of their hometown and the motherland.


HEFEI, Dec. 22 (Xinhua) -- As China sent medical staff abroad to assist the world in combating COVID-19, Zhao Hong, a radiologist in east China's Anhui Province, provided medical and mental advice online to overseas Chinese infected with the virus. In May, Zhao received a phone call from his son, studying in Japan, where thousands of new COVID-19 cases were reported every day back then. "In an online WeChat group with Chinese living in Japan, my son noticed that a couple infected with COVID-19 showed mild symptoms like fever and coughing. He asked me if I was willing to help," said the doctor from the Second Hospital of Anhui Medical University. Zhao has accumulated sufficient experience in combating COVID-19 after helping about 20 families in Wuhan defeat the virus in 2020 through telemedicine. She agreed, without any hesitation, to help the couple in Japan. Like a family doctor, she answered the patients' questions, kept a detailed record of their body conditions, and boosted their morale when they were afraid. More patients joined the WeChat group after the couple recovered from the disease under Zhao's guidance. She even prepared and delivered group presentations to inform patients about the virus and its pathogenetic process. "I'm so blessed to meet a doctor like you, and I will pass down the useful information and positive energy to others," Tian Yuan, a member of the group, said to Zhao. "I did my best to explain the disease and offer psychological counseling to the infected," Zhao said. Whenever there was a question she didn't know, she would consult her colleagues in the hospital's pneumology and infectious disease departments. More than 500 families in Japan have recovered with Zhao's online guidance. "Most of them were patients with mild symptoms. I believe they would've recovered anyway, even without my help. My biggest contribution was to comfort them and give them confidence during tough times," said the doctor. A surprise gift from Japan was delivered to Zhao's office on Dec. 6. Wang Xiyuan, a member of that WeChat group, asked her parents who live in Chaohu City of Anhui to bring a "thank you" letter and banner to the hospital on behalf of those families in Japan. Apart from Japan, Zhao has also provided medical and mental assistance to overseas Chinese in a dozen countries such as Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, and the United States. "I have added nearly 2,000 friends on my WeChat during the pandemic. For many of them, I don't even know their real names, but I'm glad I was able to help when they needed it," said Zhao, whose WeChat friend list continues to grow. Enditem


By Lan Ying

The Russian Foreign Ministry released a statement on December 18 announcing the countrys official exit from the Treaty on Open Skies, a step it said it was forced to take, adding that the US should bear all responsibilities for the situation today as it unilaterally jeopardized the treaty earlier with the aim of stirring up an arms race.

Signed in 1992 and taking effect in 2002, the Treaty on Open Skies was signed by 34 countries successively. According to the treaty, contracting countries can conduct non-armed air reconnaissance on each others territory to check their performance of international arms control treaties, and the airplane carrying out such reconnaissance can be fitted with cameras and radars but not weapons. The treaty was an important trust-building measure between Russia and most NATO countries after the end of the Cold War.

However, the US began to see it as a shackle on its military forces as the country shifted its strategic focus. In May 2020, the then US President Donald Trump accused Russia of violating the treaty, and the US Department of State notified the other contracting parties of its decision to withdraw immediately, which became official on November 22 that year. This gave Russia no other option but to pull back from the treaty as well.

In fact, forebodings of the treatys termination have appeared in recent years. In particular, Americas self-contradiction and groundless accusations have led to plenty of divergences on the equipment, route and timing of reconnaissance, making the implementation of the treaty extremely difficult.

On the one hand, the US has set numerous obstacles for Russias flights in recent years. In 2016, it refused to provide enough intermediate airports for Russian surveillance aircraft. In 2017, it canceled the night rest stations for crews at Robins air force base and Ellsworth air force base. In 2018, the US military persistently denied access to Russias Tu-214 reconnaissance aircraft because the new electro-optical cameras onboard allegedly didnt conform to rules.

Moreover, the US Department of State listed treaty violations by the Russia side in its statement. It claimed that Russia restricted observation flights over Kaliningrad, Moscow, and the 10km radius around the border regions between Russia and Georgias South Ossetia and between Russia and Abkhazia; Russia designated the airport in Crimea for refueling as a sign of its sovereignty over Crimea; and Russia in 2019 refused America and Canadas request to conduct an observation flight over Russian militarys Tsentr 2019 strategic exercise.

On the other hand, the US and Russia are not on an equal footing in observation flights. Statistics show that the US had conducted three times more observation flights over Russia than the other way round  America 196 times in Russian airspace and Russia 71 times in American airspace from 2002 to 2016.

The exit by the US and Russia from the Treaty on Open Skies exerts the greatest impacts on European countries as the treaty is not only a measure to build trust and reduce the risk of conflicts, but also a symbol of building a new Europe through intensified cooperation. Therefore, what Americas act of tearing up treaties and pulling out of organizations hurts first and most is the confidence in the security of NATOs European members.

The termination of the treaty that started with Americas uncalled-for breach and backing out mirrors Americas mounting unilateral tendency. For a long time, the US has been stubbornly clinging to the Cold War mentality, upholding the America first policy, and retreating from one international organization after another. Its recklessness and arbitrariness have taken a serious toll on the international arms control and disarmament process.

Editor's note: This article is originally published on zqb.cyol.com, and is translated from Chinese into English and edited by the China Military Online. The information, ideas or opinions appearing in this article do not necessarily reflect the views of eng.chinamil.com.cn.
By Stephen Ndegwa

A U.S. air strike targeting an al-Qaeda leader in northern Syria wounded six members of the Qassim family, December 4, 2021. /CFP

Editor's note: Stephen Ndegwa is a Nairobi-based communication expert, lecturer-scholar at the United States International University-Africa, author and international affairs columnist. The article reflects the author's opinions and not necessarily the views of CGTN.

The callousness of the American war machine was revealed over the weekend by an expose published in the New York Times (NYT) showing Pentagon admitted that the Defense Department had "drastically undercounted" civilian deaths over the years, and that the U.S. air war in the Middle East was marked by "deeply flawed intelligence."

In confidential documents covering more than 1,300 reports of civilian casualties, the report shows a shocking lack of transparency and accountability in a war that the U.S. government said was fought with precision bombs. The NYT expose shows a massive cover-up of the debacles of U.S. wars with hundreds of civilian undocumented deaths.

Shockingly, the Pentagon report shows no remorse for the hundreds of innocent lives lost, most of them children and women, due to these gross miscalculations, negligence and outright cold-heartedness of the U.S. army. There was no talk of compensation either for the collateral damage inflicted on the lives of civilians. "Not a single record provided includes a finding of wrongdoing or disciplinary action," reported the NYT in the first of a two-part series.

But it is not just in the Middle East that the U.S. has taken innocent lives in its blood-thirsty quests. In September, a U.S. Central Command investigation admitted that a drone strike in Kabul, Afghanistan's capital city, on August 29 in the runup to its final military pullout killed 10 innocent people, seven of them children.

According to a report published by Amnesty International on September 30, a March 18, 2019, air strike that killed alleged Al-Shabaab terrorists ended up killing civilian farmers with no evidence of links to the armed group. The global Human Rights Watch group said that the U.S. "secretive war" in Somalia had cost two dozen civilian lives with the U.S. showing no regard for the grieving families.

Now, the NYT report portrays a chilling carelessness in the goings-on in the Pentagon war room where decisions are made on the targets for drone strikes. The attitude portrayed is that of, oops! "looks like (there are) children as well." It shows a panicky U.S. that can't wait to finish its mission no matter what, in order to minimize casualty on its side. The bungled strikes show that the country's military follows a certain template that profiles people and modus operandi. In the Afghanistan case, the alleged bombs packed in the boot of the bombed out car were actually water jerry cans.

Some pundits also see the occasional indiscriminate U.S. strikes on civilian populations as a scare-mongering strategy. It makes civilian populations cower at the mere thought of supporting their countrymen even in an unjustifiable war, giving leeway for U.S. troops to run roughshod over countries that it needs to subdue.

A view of the damage at the family house where a family of 10 including 7 children died after a drone strike a day before the final U.S. evacuation flights from Kabul in Kabul, Afghanistan, September 18, 2021. /CFP

There can be no excuse for killing innocent people even as collateral damage, particularly for the sanctimonious U.S. that condemns other countries for violating human rights. Honestly, the killing of non-combatants in war is the highest form of inhumanity. One instance of miscalculation can be attributed to human error. But not the trend that the Pentagon report revealed.

The U.S. should be ashamed of its allegations about China's human rights abuse against Muslim Uygurs in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. It is a stark case of double standards. Analysts also say the U.S. could be using Xinjiang as a red herring in order to hoodwink the world from the injustices it has wrought on Muslim lands globally. In its fight against terrorism, America has profiled Muslims and ruthlessly hunted those it declares guilty.

Apart from the direct attacks of Muslim countries in the guise of fighting terrorism, the U.S. has used proxies to destroy Islamic nations. The most notable in this case is the so-called Arab Spring revolution, a series of popular uprisings and armed rebellions that rocked many Arab nations in the early 2010s. Although the U.S. hand could not be directly connected to the violence, its subsequent pronouncements of its officials show both moral and covert support for the regime change chaos.

Furthermore, the U.S. had funded pro-democracy groups and activists in the region for many years prior to the Arab Spring. Its activities in the Arab world were political engineering aimed at leading to the chaos at a predetermined period without the U.S. role being visible.

As the NYT article reveals, the U.S. has zero regard for human life. According to the expose, the U.S. drone operators kill as if they are playing video games in the knowledge that the country's bureaucratized system protects soldiers culpable for killing civilians. This cavalier attitude was confirmed by a former U.S. military official quoted as saying, "We did the process; sometimes bad things happen."

But since no single country can call out America's shortcomings the way it usually does to all and sundry, it is high time the international community, through the United Nations Security Council, asked the superpower to be more accountable for its gross violations of international humanitarian law.
1. International military cooperation activities around the 100th anniversary of the founding of the CPC

This year marks the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China (CPC). Leaders of defense departments and the armed forces of many countries expressed their warm congratulations to China through letters, telephone calls, and articles. The Office for International Military Cooperation under Chinas Central Military Commission (CMC) organized military attaches in China from nearly 70 countries to visit the Museum of the CPC, and held interviews with military attaches and international military students from 14 countries.

2. High-level China-Russia military exchanges and cooperation

Leaders of Chinas CMC have met with Russian Defense Minister and Chief of the General Staff on the spot, made video calls and exchanged letters. The Russian military came to China for the first time to participate in the exercise Zapad/Interaction-2021, and the two defense ministers observed the exercise onsite. Besides, the two navies have held the Joint Sea-2021 military exercise and the first joint maritime patrol. The two air forces organized the implementation of the third joint aerial strategic patrol in the Asia-Pacific region. Public opinion reflects that the relationship between the Chinese and Russian armed forces is getting better and better.

3. Donation of COVID-19 vaccines to countries in need

Since the beginning of this year, the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) has provided COVID-19 vaccine assistance to armed forces of over 30 countries, including Pakistan, Cambodia, Philippines, Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Tunisia, Sierra Leone, Sudan, Laos, Lebanon, Hungary, Gabon, Ethiopia, Northern Macedonia, Zimbabwe, Serbia, Mauritania, Guinea, Mozambique, Bolivia, Myanmar, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Egypt and Nepal.

4. Consolidation of multilateralism with strengthened China voice

Chinese State Councilor and Defense Minister General Wei Fenghe has attended the 12th China-ASEAN Defense Ministers' Informal Meeting, the 8th ASEAN Defense Ministers' Meeting-Plus, the meeting of the Council of Ministers of Defense of Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Member States, and the 4th UN Peacekeeping Ministerial Conference, and proposed the initiative to maintain and practice true multilateralism. The Chinese military held the Shared Destiny-2021 international peacekeeping exercise for the first time, participated in the Peace Mission-2021 joint counterterrorism military exercise, held the video seminar of the Beijing Xiangshan Forum, contributing wisdom to respond to global security challenges and maintain world peace and stability.

5. Exchanges and cooperation for regional security and stability

Chinese State Councilor and Defense Minister General Wei Fenghe has visited Vietnam, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Tajikistan and other neighboring countries, and held video calls with the defense ministers of Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia. In addition, China and Vietnam held the sixth border defense friendship exchange and organized the Peace Rescue 2021 joint medical exercise. Chinese naval fleet assisted in the salvaging of the Indonesian submarine KRI Nanggala, as the first international rescue practice of China's submarine rescue force.

6. Participation in International Army Games 2021

The International Army Games 2021 was held from August 23 to September 4. The PLA hosted three competitions in Xinjiang and participated in 17 competitions in four countries. The Chinese team won three group first places, eight group second places, seven group third places, 21 individual first places, 15 individual second places, and 12 individual third places. This time, the PLA has hosted a competition at home and participated abroad on a large-scale under the conditions of the pandemic. It has deepened friendship and mutual trust with friendly countries and has generated positive responses at home and abroad.

7. Video Conference of China-Africa Peace and Security Forum on Military Medicine

The China-Africa Peace and Security Forum Video Conference on Military Medicine kicked off in Beijing on November 4. Themed on strengthening medical cooperation to fight the pandemic together, representatives from the PLA and the militaries of 19 African countries carried out full exchanges on topics such as the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the regional security situation, China-Africa military anti-pandemic fight and military medical cooperation, vaccine research and development, and virus traceability, achieving important results.
The Iranian flag waves in front of the International Atomic Energy Agency headquarters in Vienna, Austria, May 23, 2021. /Reuters

Talks to salvage the 2015 Iran nuclear deal in Vienna will resume on Monday, two parties to the talks said.

"Usually it isn't popular to engage in serious business b/w the Catholic Christmas and the New Year," Mikhail Ulyanov, Russia's top envoy to the talks, tweeted on Thursday.

"In this particular case this is an indication that all negotiators don't want to waist time and aim at speediest restoration of #JCPOA," he added, using the acronym for the deal, the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action.

The European Union's foreign service said the meeting would be attended by representatives of China, France, Germany, Russia, Britain and Iran.

"Participants will continue the discussions on the prospect of a possible return of the United States to the JCPOA and how to ensure the full and effective implementation of the agreement by all sides," the External Action Service's statement said.

Negotiations restarted in November after a five-month hiatus to try to restore the deal, which was to offer Iran sanctions relief in exchange for curbs on its nuclear program.

Diplomats from the five countries to the deal are in talks in Vienna with Iran and the U.S., with the two sides refusing direct contact.

U.S. negotiator Rob Malley on Tuesday warned of a "period of escalating crisis" if diplomacy failed to restore the agreement.

(With input from Reuters, AFP)
Ukraine soldiers have kept a close watch on Russian troop movements on the border in the Donetsk region. /Anatolii Stepanov/AFP

Russia and Ukraine have agreed to a ceasefire, restoring the terms put in place in 2020. The agreement was brokered by the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), but the defense ministry in Moscow said it was still carrying out military exercises in the area on Thursday and Friday.

Senior Ukraine politicians praised the deal and described it as a significant step towards de-escalation in eastern Ukraine.

"There is a sense of a real possibility for the first time in a long while to ensure a ceasefire on the contact line," said Andriy Kostin, a Ukraine diplomat involved in the talks.

Mikko Kinnunen, the OSCE chair, released a statement that read: "I was delighted that participants expressed their strong determination to fully adhere to the measures to strengthen the ceasefire agreement of July 22, 2020."

Ukraine has previously accused Russia of sending 100,000 troops to the border in what it warned could be the beginning of "a winter invasion." Russian officials have vehemently denied this despite continuing with exercises in the area.

The U.S. and major European countries have warned the Kremlin of the repercussions of launching an attack, with U.S. President Joe Biden telling Russian President Vladimir Putin in a video conference earlier this month that "there will be severe consequences, economic consequences like none he [Putin] has ever seen." Germany will welcome the news of a ceasefire after expressing alarm at Russia's troop movements and demanding essential dialogue "to try to defuse a major crisis."

Vladimir Putin has accused Nato of five waves of expansion in eastern Europe. /Alexander Zemlianichenko/AP

Putin has raised strong concerns of his own, demanding guarantees that NATO will abandon military activity in Eastern Europe. During his annual news conference on Thursday, he accused NATO of the continued expansion of its military threat.

Several ceasefire agreements have been announced in the past but eventually collapsed. The deal in July 2020 brought some respite, but clashes have continued as the total death toll for the conflict passed 13,000.

Nato Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg signaled plans for talks with Russia early next year but wouldn't yield over demands from Moscow not to bring Ukraine into the alliance: "Any dialogue with Russia has, of course, to respect the core principles which European security has been based on."

Putin was positive about potential talks with Washington, confirming in his end-of-year address: "The ball is in their court. They need to provide us with some answers."

Source(s): AFP
Lotte has shifted the focus of its overseas business operations from China to Southeast Asia after a boycott in the world's most populous country dealt it a devastating blow.

The Korean-Japanese conglomerate's sales totaled W84 trillion last year, and 10.6 percent was generated by overseas businesses, up 7.6 percent from the year before when the boycott struck (US$1=W1,190).

Now Malaysia ranked at the top and accounted for 30.3 percent of overseas revenues, followed by Indonesia (13.5 percent), the U.S. (nine percent) and China (7.9 percent).

In 2016, China was still the top market, accounting for 25 percent of Lotte's overseas revenues, but they fell from W2 trillion to W700 billion last year.

Instead Malaysia, which is home to Lotte Chemical Titan, accounted for W2.7 trillion worth of revenues, up around W500 billion. Together, Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam and the Philippines accounted for 58.4 percent of total overseas revenues.

But Lotte is also expanding its share of advanced markets. Lotte chairman Shin Dong-bin said in a New Year's address to staff this year vowed to "expand markets in advanced countries" while reconsidering the longstanding strategy of focusing on emerging markets.


A law intended to stop endemic bullying in Korean offices has proved largely ineffectual one year on. Critics say the criteria remain ambiguous and enforcement is toothless.

The Ministry of Employment and Labor and the Korea Society of Labor Law held a panel discussion on Wednesday to mark the law's first anniversary. Prof. Lee Sang-hee at Korea Polytechnic University said that in a survey of 1,000 office workers, 72 percent said there has been no visible change in office bullying over the past year, while only 20 percent said incidents declined and eight percent said they increased.

The ministry received 4,066 complaints of office bullying over the past year, but only 40 or one percent were referred to prosecutors. Forty-two percent were retracted and 30 percent were dismissed because they occurred in firms employing fewer than five workers, which are not subject to the law, or before the law took effect.
Samsung will shut down a factory in Suzhou, China that is its only production facility for laptops and PCs.

Samsung's Chinese subsidiary told employees on July 29 that it will halt the assembly lines in late August and lay them off. The reason is a dwindling market share in China and intensifying competition. Samsung is considering relocating the factory to Vietnam and will leave only research and development staff in Suzhou.

The Suzhou factory opened in September 2002 and Samsung moved its entire PC production facilities there from Korea in 2005. By 2012 it employed 6,500 workers, but output has declined steadily and staff numbers dropped to 1,701 last year.

In 2013, its shipments were worth W4.51 trillion, putting the Chinese subsidiary in 22nd place in terms of computer parts exports there (US$1=W1,191). But exports dropped to W1.3 trillion by 2018 and the ranking fell to 155th.
The number of new coronavirus cases in South Africa's most populous province of Gauteng is on the decline. Health officials say, while some areas of the country are still seeing increases, most provinces are levelling off.

South African medical experts say a drop in coronavirus cases indicates the country has passed the peak of a fourth wave of infections driven by the omicron variant. Health officials say the omicron variant spreads faster than previous variants but has hospitalized far fewer patients.

Dr. Michelle Groome is with the National Institute for Communicable Diseases. "All indications are that we've seen the end of the -- that we've surpassed the peak of infections in Gauteng. This is encouraging and quite optimistic in terms of the decreasing trends in case numbers. But I think we really do need to be cognizant that... people are now traveling, and there may be changes in terms of the number of people that may be testing and so some of the lower numbers may be due to the holiday season," she said.

Groome says omicron is the dominant variant driving the wave, accounting for 95 percent of cases this month. While it has spread more rapidly than previous variants, it isn't causing the same level of severe illness.

Dr. Waasila Jassat is a public health specialist at the National Institute for Communicable Diseases. "In terms of severity, there's a lower percentage of hospital admissions, a low percentage of cases have been admitted, and a lower percentage of admissions who have died. And there are signals towards lower severity amongst those admitted and shorter lengths of stay," she said. It's unclear if the lower level of hospitalizations is because omicron is less severe than other variants or that the public is more resilient to the virus.

Groome says as many as 70 percent of South Africans have some level of immunity to the coronavirus, either through vaccination or previous infection. Less than half of South African adults have been vaccinated despite ongoing government efforts urging people to get the shot.

Experts say South Africa's experience with omicron isn't necessarily a blueprint for other countries that have seen comparatively higher vaccination rates and lower levels natural exposure.
Germany's justice minister says he will present legislation next month to remove from the country's criminal code a ban on doctors "advertising" abortions, one of several more liberal social policies that the new government plans.

The three parties that form Chancellor Olaf Scholz's government have long opposed the current rules, but they were defended by the center-right Union bloc of ex-Chancellor Angela Merkel, which is now in opposition.

Justice Minister Marco Buschmann said in comments to the Funke newspaper group published Wednesday that there is a "huge reform backlog" on social policy. He said the first step will be to scrap a paragraph in Germany's criminal code that bans "advertising" abortions, and which carries a fine or a prison sentence of up to two years.


Boy band Bangtan Boys, also known as BTS, have became the first foreign group to top Japan's Oricon annual chart of best-selling albums.

Their Japanese compilation album "The Best" has sold more than 993,000 copies in Japan since its release in June.


Ssangyong has signed a memorandum of understanding with Chinese electric carmaker BYD to cooperate in EV battery development, it said Wednesday.

The troubled Korean SUV maker hopes to use BYD's batteries for its electric U100 that will hit showrooms in 2023 if all goes well. BYD is the world's fourth largest EV battery maker.

The deal also includes cooperation in developing EV platforms. Ssangyong already sent a team of researchers to China in June to start the project.

The deal gives a much-needed boost to Ssangyong's belated transition to electric cars, but it was set up independently of electric bus maker Edison Motors, which is gearing up to take over the ailing Korean firm.
Year-end report (II): Cultural creations from niche to mass market

By:Wu Qiong | From:english.eastday.com | 2021-12-23 14:19

What kind of cultural creative products are the best sellers this year? No matter whether it is a creative ice cream featuring city landmarks or a blind box featuring cultural relics, they are winning popularity by winning the hearts of more and more gastronomists.

As this year marks the centenary anniversary of the founding of the CPC, the Site of the First National Congress of the Communist Party of China has launched a series of cultural creations. Among them are a mini red ice cream co-presented by time-honored Shanghai brand Bright Food, a gift box of White Rabbit creamy candy, and a gift box of butterfly pastry co-presented by the Park Hotel.







As temperatures surged to above 30 Celsius degrees in the summer, ice creams resembling famous landmarks across the city became a craze. A sea salt cheese ice cream whose design is based on the architectural elements of the Wukang Building went viral this summer. Each is priced at 25 yuan, and people happily paid up to devour the Wukang Building.







As the Mid-Autumn Festival approached, the medical circle in Shanghai went viral because of the hospitals mooncakes. Citizens were joking that the hospitals are not only serious about seeing patients but also about producing mooncakes, with the Shanghai Mental Health Center in particular causing a sensation due to its mooncakes. With plenty of flavors and low prices, the pastries, which were only available for its staff, were a hit online.

Likewise, the Shanghai Museum not only launched ice cream and cookies with different flavors (matcha and chocolate) featuring its most precious treasurethe Da Ke Ding, an almost 3,000-year-old bronze tripodbut also developed mooncakes.

Overall, cultural creations seem to have become a hard currency among the young generation when they are socializing, showing that the industry has moved from niche to mass market.


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Press Release

December 23, 2021 De Lima lauds Pinay doctor for leading vaccination efforts abroad Opposition Senator Leila M. de Lima commended Filipino Doctor Danielle Colayco of Komoto Pharmacies for leading the vaccination efforts in one of the most under-vaccinated communities in Kern County, California. De Lima, a social justice and human rights champion, said the efforts of Colayco and the California Farmworker Foundation (CFF) in ensuring that unvaccinated people can have easy access to the vaccine is truly admirable, especially now that new COVID-19 variants continue to surface. "The effort of Dr. Danielle Colayco to lead the inoculation of farm workers in the most under-vaccinated communities in Kern County is truly admirable as it is inspiring," she said. "Ipinakita ni Dr. Colayco ang mabubuting katangian ng lahing Pilipino--ang malasakit hindi lamang sa kapwa Pilipino kundi sa iba pang nasyonalidad; sa tapang at dedikasyon na gampanan ang trabaho sa kabila ng kaakibat na peligro," she added. De Lima made the statement following reports that Colayco, along with her team, made multiple trips from Los Angeles to Kern County to bring COVID-19 vaccines to farm workers in Delano. Reportedly, 500 shots, mostly first doses, were given out during a recent event at the Delano School District headquarters in Kern County, which is home to a large farming community including a big Filipino population. According to Colayco, "It's really for the good of the community to get everyone vaccinated. We are seeing surges in area codes and zip codes where people are forgotten. Whenever we have these under-resourced communities, it's as important as ever to be able to provide services." The lady Senator from Bicol said Colayco's efforts remind everyone that there is no place for complacency in our fight against COVID-19 pandemic. "If we want to ensure people's safety and save as many lives as possible, we should go the extra mile to ensure that we can vaccinate even the people in far-flung areas," she added. "Sa halip na takutin o daanin sa dahas, kailangan nating hikayatin at bigyan ng insentibo ang marami pang magpabakuna, hindi lamang para sa kaligtasan nila at ng kanilang pamilya, kundi maging ng kalakhang lipunan at buong mundo," she added. Colayco and CFF reportedly plan another vaccination event to start the New Year with an even higher vaccine turnout in areas that's been lagging on vaccines.
Press Release

December 23, 2021 Drilon says agencies should be put to task for P1.44-T stalled, idle funds

Drilon says the worst waste of taxpayers money is criminal neglect Senate Minority Leader Franklin M. Drilon assailed the government and accused it of criminal neglect over what the Commission on Audit (COA) had earlier flagged as delayed, abandoned and idle infrastructure projects amounting to P1.44 trillion, describing it the worst waste of taxpayers' money in history. "This is sheer delinquency and criminal neglect. What a total waste of public funds," Drilon said on Thursday. "We have P1.44 trillion funds for various infrastructures sitting somewhere while thousands of families have no homes and food this Christmas. We have these mammoth funds for projects that are stalled for years while the government is saying it is scrimping on funds to provide immediate aid to typhoon-affected cities, municipalities and provinces," Drilon lamented. Drilon said the funds should be recalled and re-channelled to assist the victims of typhoon "Odette" and provide for the immediate recovery and rehabilitation of various parts of the country damaged by the typhoon. "We borrow funds to cover the deficits in the budget. We borrow funds for vaccines. We have no funds for the typhoon victims. But the COA finds P1.44 trillion in idle funds? These funds should be immediately re-aligned to provide funds to typhoon victims," he stressed. Drilon recalled that during the plenary debates on the 2022 national budget, it was put on record that the national government's outstanding debt could total P11.7 trillion by the end of 2021. The Senate chief fiscalizer also said that the huge funds can also fund the procurement of COVID-19 vaccines for 2022, noting that bulk of the budget for the much-needed booster shots remains in the unprogrammed fund of the to-be-signed 2022 General Appropriations Act. Drilon, a former executive and justice secretary, said the agencies responsible for stalled projects may face administrative and criminal complaints. "They should be held responsible. The officials responsible should be charged for causing injury to the public because of their reckless imprudence," Drilon said Thursday. He cited nonfeasance or omission to perform a duty required of the public officer as a possible crime. In the 2020 Annual Financial Report (AFR), the COA identified "Infrastructure projects implemented by 17 agencies and 12 SUCs (state universities and colleges) amounting to P1.44 trillion and P1.1 billion, respectively, were either not executed in accordance with the plan with noted deficiencies, not completed on time, not completed at all which may result in waste of government funds or delayed enjoyment of project benefits." The bulk of which is for the Build, Build, Build projects supposed to be implemented by the Department of Transportation (DOTr) with 15 projects totaling P1.313 trillion and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) with 3,283 projects worth P108.32 billion, among others, he noted. Drilon lamented the social and economic costs caused by the stalled projects. "Instead of using our limited funds to augment the budget for social and health service sectors, the government has devoted so much of its resources to the infrastructure and defense sectors. Our social and health services took a backseat precisely to fund these infrastructure projects that the COA found delayed and idle," Drilon lamented. "In light of this, the government must examine its prioritization, once and for all, because much of the spending stimulating are meant to boost the supply side, particularly the infrastructure project, and the social amelioration portion is not given the stimulus necessary in order that there can be spending on the part of the poor sector of our society brought by the pandemic," Drilon said.
Press Release

December 23, 2021 Joint LTO-PNP ops center to help deter 'riding-in-tandem' crime - Gordon Senator Richard J. Gordon recently lashed out at the Land Transportation Office (LTO) for its delay in creating Joint Operations Center with the Philippine National Police (PNP) as mandated under the Motorcycle Crime Prevention Law. Gordon, the author of Republic Act (RA) 11235, or the Motorcycle Crime Prevention Act, said the creation of the Joint LTO-PNP Operations and Control Center could have prevented the escalation of crimes involving motorcycle-bound suspects, colloquially known as "riding in tandem." "Two years after the enactment of RA 11235, there is still no Operations and Control Center," he said in a privilege speech. "Despite [LTO Chief Edgar] Galvante's promise that the Command Center is going to be up and running, during the July 8, 2021 hearing, there were six phones calling the number LTO gave out, the repetitive reply was 'The number you dialed cannot be completed. Please check the number and dial again,'" he added. Gordon explained that RA 11235 mandates the LTO to set up a 24/7 operational command center which will serve as an action center for the reporting of stolen vehicles, and report facility for motorcycle-related crimes. The command center will be obliged to send out text blasts warning people on the occurrence of killings and other heinous crimes. It should also be equipped with a reliable database utilizing the latest technology to sufficiently address emergencies. When a motorcycle is lost, stolen, or used in commission of a crime, the owner must report it to trigger a text blast. Gordon, a lawyer by profession, said that crime could be reported in flagrante delicto or caught in the act with the immediate reporting to the Command Center. "With the proper implementation of RA 11235, riding-in-tandem perpetrators will be easily apprehended since the number plates will be easily read and monitored," he pointed out. "Law enforcers will be able to trace the owner of the motorcycle used in the crime because the number plates are color-coded and a complete database kept in the operations center that will be jointly operated by the PNP and the LTO. When a motorcycle is lost, stolen or used in a crime, the owner must report it," he added. Due to multiple violations by Galvante and LTO Executive Director Romeo Vera Cruz, the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee chaired by Gordon moved to slap anti-graft and corruption charges against the two for nonfeasance of the law. Gordon also insisted that the approach should be forward-looking, digital technology-integrated, and citizen-centric approach, such as the use of a mobile application or an "app", so that witnesses to motorcycle crimes can immediately report to the LTO Operations Center with the simple touch of a button. Gordon said that it was one obvious, modern approach to help people help themselves. Charges were also slapped for installing a proprietary and closed system that unduly favored one company in the agency's bidding process.
Morocco, the USA, and Israel celebrated on Wednesday the first anniversary of the joint trilateral declaration that was signed in Rabat on Dec.2020 before King Mohammed VI as a diplomatic achievement that has deepened ties, partnerships, and avenues to pursue shared goals, and widen the circle of peace.

IN a video conference organized on this occasion, the Foreign Ministers of the three countries, Nasser Bourita, Antony Blinken, and Yair Lapid have all hailed in their addresses the celebration of this first anniversary, as a celebration of a year of renewed peace between old friends, and as a celebration of shared past, present and future.

The agreement signed one year ago between Morocco, the United States and Israel is a diplomatic achievement, which has opened a new era of peace, stability, opportunities and understanding, said U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken.

Blinken recalled that following the signing of the joint declaration, Morocco and Israel opened their airspaces, for the first time in decades, with nearly ten direct flights a week between the two countries.

The two countries have also signed several agreements on joint military exercises and strengthened economic relations, he said, noting that a new Morocco-Israel Business Council helped setting up more than 30 partnerships in the sectors of technology, agriculture, water, textile, health, and renewables.

Discussions are underway to collaborate in desalination projects and set-up student-exchange programs, he added, noting that the establishment of diplomatic ties also created greater opportunities for cultural connections among the one million Israelis of Moroccan heritage.

These steps arent positive only for Israel and Morocco, theyre also positive for the region as a whole, Blinken pointed out.

Through the resumption of their relations, Morocco and Israel show the way for other countries to discuss openly and constructively their common goals and points of disagreement, seize mutually beneficial opportunities and bring people together, he underlined.

The United States is committed to supporting and expanding the Abraham Accords, he stressed in this regard.

Were grateful for your continued efforts to deepen and strengthen the bond between two great partners and friends of the United States, and were committed to continuing our work together to build a more peaceful and prosperous region, Blinken said.

Under the joint declaration, the US also recognized Moroccos sovereignty over its southern provinces, the Sahara, and renewed backing to the Morocco-proposed autonomy initiative for these provinces.

Nasser Bourita underlined in this connection that by asserting the recognition of Moroccos sovereignty over its Sahara, as well as by reactivating the relationship with Israel, the Joint Trilateral Declaration carries a very high message of peace.

Bourita said Morocco highly values the wise decision of the United States to recognize Autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty as a realistic viable political solution under the auspices of the UN, of the long-standing regional dispute.

The Joint Trilateral Declaration is a valuable tool that can help move forward the cause of peace in the region, improve security and unlock new opportunities for all, Bourita stressed in his address during the videoconference.

Bourita also insisted on the Kingdoms key role in fostering peace in the region, saying Morocco, as a historic bridge-builder and credible actor of peace and stability, is firmly committed to help achieving a lasting peace in the region, and reiterating Moroccos position in support of the two-state solution.

Under the Guidance of H.M. King Mohammed VI, the Kingdom will continue its endeavor in supporting a just, lasting and equitable peace based on the two-state solution: the State of Israel, and an independent Palestinian state within the borders of June 4, 1967, both living side by side in peace and security, the Moroccan official underlined.

Moreover, as Chairman of the Al Quds Committee, King Mohammed VI is calling for the preservation of the unique and sacred character of Al-Quds Acharif, and its spiritual significance and special vocation as a city of peace, he recalled.

Bourita who welcomed the momentum generated by the deal with the US and Israel insisted that an ocean of opportunities awaits this trilateral cooperation in support of regional peace and stability.

It is indeed our strong belief that the sea, be it the Mediterranean or the Atlantic Ocean, no longer separates our countries. It now connects them and turned into an ocean of opportunities, said Bourita.

He also underlined that the commemoration of this first anniversary is not a celebration of a mere diplomatic event, it is a rather a celebration of a shared past, present and future.

Bourita highlighted the potential for partnership in the fields of health, education, security, economy, trade and investment, tourism, culture, agriculture, climate change, and sustainable development.

Highlighting the Jewish component of the centuries-old Moroccan identity, the minister stressed that in order for this Declaration to be meaningful, People should remain at the very beginning and at the receiving end of this partnership.

We could consider that we have succeeded, when the one million Israelis of Moroccan origin can renew with their heritage and visit the land where their ancestors have lived in peace and harmony, under the protection of the Moroccan Monarchs, he said.

We can concretize the Qualifying Industrial Zones. We can implement trilateral projects open to other countries and regions; and above all, we can and must expand the circle of those involved in our partnership, he said.

The Israeli Foreign Minister Yair Lapid on his part hailed the trilateral declarations first anniversary as a celebration of a year of renewed peace between old friends and stressed the need for Morocco and Israel to continue to build up and strengthen their bilateral ties.

We are celebrating a year of renewed peace between old friends. The ties between our peoples are deep and the relations between our countries are stronger than ever, he said, stressing that today we are building closer relations between peoples and between economic actors with a view to securing a more in-depth strategic cooperation.

Commenting his visit to Morocco last August, Lapid said it was one of the highlights of his tenure as Minister.

The videoconference was also attended by the Charge dAffaires of the U.S. embassy in Morocco, David Greene.
Raytheon Missiles & Defense, a Raytheon Technologies business, was awarded a $578 million contract to produce 54 SM-2 Block IIIAZ all up round upgrades for the United States and 215 Standard Missile-2 all up rounds for seven partner nations. The contract includes the production of SM-2 Block IIIA, IIIAZ, and IIIB variants for the United States, Chile, Denmark, Japan, Korea, Netherlands, Spain, and Taiwan.

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A Standard Missile-2 is fired from the USS Donald Cook (Photo: U.S. Navy)

SM-2 continues to be a premier ship air-defense weapon for many partner navies worldwide, said Kim Ernzen, vice president of Naval Power at Raytheon Missiles & Defense. Here at home, the SM-2 will protect U.S. Navy ships and crews through 2035 and beyond.

SM-2 defends navies against anti-ship missiles and aircraft out to 90 nautical miles and an altitude of 65,000 feet. SM-2 has an extensive flight test history with more than 2,700 successful live firings.

The SM-2 Block IIIA and IIIB variants include radar seeker technologies in continuous wave and interrupted continuous wave guidance modes, tail controls and solid rocket motor propulsion to engage high-speed maneuvering threats and updated radar targeting and directional warheads. Block IIIB also includes autonomous infrared acquisition.
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While the International Space Station was traveling more than 260 miles over the South Pacific Ocean, a SpaceX Dragon cargo spacecraft autonomously docked to the space-facing side of the orbiting laboratory's Harmony module at 3:41 a.m. EST, Wednesday, Dec. 22.

NASA astronauts Raja Chari and Thomas Marshburn were monitoring docking operations for Dragon.

The Dragon launched on SpaceX's 24th contracted commercial resupply mission at 5:07 a.m. EST, Tuesday, Dec. 21 from Launch Complex 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. After Dragon spends about one month attached to the space station, the spacecraft will return to Earth with cargo and research.

Among the science experiments Dragon is delivering to the space station are:

Bioprinting bandages

Bioprinting uses viable cells and biological molecules to print tissue structures. The German Aerospace Center study Bioprint FirstAid demonstrates a portable, handheld bioprinter that uses a patient's own skin cells to create a tissue-forming patch to cover a wound and accelerate the healing process. On future missions to the Moon and Mars, bioprinting such customized patches could help address changes in wound healing that can occur in space and complicate treatment. Personalized healing patches also have potential benefits on Earth, providing safer and more flexible treatment anywhere needed.

Improving delivery of cancer drugs



Monoclonal antibodies, used to treat a wide range of human diseases, do not dissolve easily in liquid and so typically must be given intravenously in a clinical setting. The Center for the Advancement of Science in Space Protein Crystal Growth 20 (CASIS PCG 20) experiment continues work on crystallizing a monoclonal antibody, pembrolizumab, that Merck Research Labs developed. It is the active ingredient in Keytruda, a drug that targets multiple cancers. Scientists analyze these crystals to learn more about the structure and behavior of the component to create drug formulations that can be administered at a doctor's office or even at home.

Assessing infection risk



Scientists have observed that spaceflight sometimes increases the virulence of potentially harmful microbes and reduces human immune function, increasing the risk for infectious disease. Host-Pathogen assesses space-induced changes in immune status by culturing cells collected from crew members before, during, and after spaceflight with both "normal" bacteria and bacteria grown under simulated spaceflight conditions. Results could help assess the potential risk infectious microbes may pose and may support development of countermeasures. This could improve care for those with compromised immune systems on Earth.

Roots, shoots, and leaves

Multi Variable Platform (MVP) Plant-01 profiles and monitors the development of the shoots and roots of plants in microgravity. Plants could serve as a vital part of human life support systems for long-duration spaceflight and habitation of the Moon and Mars. However, space-grown plants experience stress from various factors and recent studies indicate changes in plant gene expression in response to those stressors. Improved understanding of these changes could enable the design of plants that are better suited for growth in spaceflight environments.

Toward lunar laundromats



Astronauts on the space station wear items of clothing several times, then replace them with new clothes delivered on resupply missions. Limited cargo capacity makes this a challenge, and resupply is not an option for longer missions, such as those to the Moon and Mars. In a collaboration with NASA, Procter & Gamble has developed Tide Infinity, a fully degradable detergent specifically designed for use in space, and the P&G Telescience Investigation of Detergent Experiments (PGTIDE) study the performance of its stain removal ingredients and the formulation's stability in microgravity. Once proven in space, Tide plans to use the new cleaning methods and detergent to advance sustainable, low-resource-use laundry solutions on Earth.

Parts made in space

Turbine Superalloy Casting Module (SCM) tests a commercial manufacturing device that processes heat-resistant alloy parts in microgravity. Alloys are materials made up of at least two different chemical elements, one of which is a metal. Researchers expect more uniform microstructures and improved mechanical properties in superalloy parts processed in microgravity compared to those processed on Earth. These superior materials could improve the performance of turbine engines in industries such as aerospace and power generation on Earth.

Students and citizens as space scientists

Students enrolled in institutions of higher learning can design and build microgravity experiments as part of NASA's Student Payload Opportunity with Citizen Science (SPOCS). As part of their experiments, selected teams include students in kindergarten through 12th grade as citizen scientists. Citizen science allows individuals who are not professional scientists to contribute to real-world research. The NASA STEM on Station project is funding experiments flying on this SpaceX resupply mission, including a study on antibiotic resistance in microgravity from Columbia University in New York and one on how microgravity affects bacteria-resistant polymers from the University of Idaho in Moscow, Idaho.

These are just a few of the hundreds of investigations currently being conducted aboard the orbiting laboratory in the areas of biology and biotechnology, physical sciences, and Earth and space science. Advances in these areas will help keep astronauts healthy during NASA's Artemis missions to the Moon and long-duration space travel and demonstrate technologies for future human and robotic exploration beyond low-Earth orbit to the Moon and Mars.

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Isolation affects people in different ways. Studies on how humans cope with stress in a secluded environment and with little social interaction are useful to learn about ourselves in challenging times - and to test whether our species is fit for long journeys to other planets.

An international crew began a 240-day journey of voluntary seclusion in November at the Institute of Biomedical Problems (IBMP) in Moscow, Russia. The SIRIUS-21 mission simulates a lunar expedition, including a Moon landing and a spacewalk, without ever leaving four locked chambers on Earth.

For eight months, volunteers are deprived of natural daylight and fresh air, and can only communicate with ground control and family via audio contact or email from a mockup spacecraft.

"Almost everybody can relate to prolonged periods of isolation nowadays. This is a great opportunity for European researchers to better understand human behaviour, health and performance," says Angelique Van Ombergen, ESA coordinator for the research.

The crew of five is taking part in dozens of research studies on neuroscience, psychology, and immunology. Four European experiments are collecting scientific data on decision-making, performance and changes in the brain.

Stress, performance and teamwork

Long confinement has an impact on team dynamics, performance and health. The ATHLETE experiment is looking at the physical and psychosocial changes taking place during and after the mission.

The science team is collecting saliva samples, video logs and questionnaires to track how variations in oxytocin and self-perception fluctuate during the different phases of the simulated mission, among other things.

Results will help refine mission training, so that astronauts can cope with the demanding space environment and have a smooth adaptation back to their lives in society.

Altered brain

Our brain experiences changes under prolonged isolation and confinement. Alterations in how humans perceive the space around them, relate to others, and react to critical situations are at the heart of the BRAIVE experiment.

The study investigates a whole range of parameters on the structure and function of the brain using resonance imaging (MRI scans), cognitive tests and blood and saliva samples. Results will help identify the detrimental effects and the underlying mechanisms in an effort to mitigate risks during exploration missions.

Isolation resolutions

Spending eight months cut off from the world can also have an impact on decision-making. The PArADiGM study follows the crew's decisions through computer tests, questionnaires and biomarkers on circadian rhythms regulation, sleep and stress.

Results of the experiment will help ease the decision-making processes and come up with coping strategies to overcome difficulties.

Piloting performance

Astronauts on space missions need to pilot their spacecraft and conduct complex operations months or even years after their training on Earth. A virtual reality setup of a spacecraft cockpit combined with eye and hand-tracking technologies is putting the crew's piloting performance to the test.

SIRIUS participants will dock a Russian spacecraft to a module orbiting the Moon in different flight scenarios using a high-fidelity spacecraft simulator.

The SIMSKILL-VRexperiment analyses the piloting skills of each participant throughout the mission. Scientists expect a decrease in performance due to the degradation of both cognitive and motor skills based on previous studies ran in Antarctica.

The results will contribute to find solutions for flight safety, such as refresher courses for critical tasks and extra pilot training.

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Sea Shadows, handled by Wally Hennessey, took top honours in Pompano Park's $14,200 Open Pace for fillies and mares on Wednesday (Dec. 22), stopping the timer in a season's best 1:51.2.

The six-year-old daughter of Shadow Play, a length off the gate at the start and away last in this classy sextet, powered her way forward from there and took the lead after a :27.1 opener by favoured Sweet Heaven (John MacDonald). She then went on to saw through panels of :55.1 and 1:22.3 before her :28.3 finale held off the favourite by a length. Image Of A Dream (Rick Plano) was another neck back in third, nosing out Tuapeka Jessie N. Brilliant Beauty, actually closing fastest of all in the lane, picked up the nickel.

"Well, the first time I drove her here, she showed she had some gate speed but then she was a bit under the weather so, since then, I have just wanted to be a little more cautious with her in not using her too hard off the wings," said Hennessey after the race. "She can grind forward pretty good, you know, so I just let her do her own thing once we get started. I went looking for a spot once the gate opened but nothing opened up so I had to keep going forward. I wasn't sure how much she had left in the tank after being out the first three-eighths and then a half in :55.1. But she sure was up to the task tonight, that's for sure."

Trained by Hennessey for Paul and Patricia O'Neil, Sea Shadows won for the eighth time this year in 29 starts, good for $52,520. She now has 31 lifetime wins and $232,947 in career bounty.

Off as the second choice at 2-1, Sea Shadows paid $6.40 to win.

The $12,600 Open II Pace for fillies and mares went to Crisp Mane, handled by David Miller, by a nose, in 1:53.

The five-year-old daughter of Sportswriter just got up in the final stride to nail Abuelita Hanover (Rick Plano) with Talk Show Chica (Corey Braden) another head back in third. The favourite, In Lou Of Money, finished fourth, a length away, after setting fractions of :27.2, :56.3 and 1:24.2. Protect Blue Chip got the final award in the septet.

Crisp Mare, trained by Devan Miller for Burke Racing and Weaver Bruscemi, earned her sixth win of the year, sending her 2021 bankroll to $98,595. She has earned $330,669 lifetime.

Crisp Man was third choice in the betting and paid $7.20 to win.

The $11,000 Open III Pace for the fillies and mares went to the 3-5 favourite, Bye Bye Felicia, driven by John MacDonald for trainer John Hallett and owners Rick and Geoff Howles.

This seven-year-old daughter of Woodstock led every stride posting fractions of :26.4, :56.2 and 1:24.1 before a :28 finale sealed the deal by 1-1/2 lengths over Roll With Angel (Miller), with Late Night Date (Dave Ingraham) third. La Always AMartini and Bellacache, closing quickest of all, picked up the minor awards in the sextet.

In the betting department, what may have been a handicapping first in pari-mutuel history, the Berry Pickin's handicapping analysis picked the fourth race pentafecta cold with a 10-1 shot winning the event and listed program 10-6-3-7-4 combination returning $355.90 for the 20-cent ticket. The trifecta paid $473,60 with the exacta returning $121.60.

Racing continues of Thursday with a $15,000 guaranteed Pick-4 Pool featuring a 12 per cent (industry low) takeout along with a Pick-6 carryover and a Super Hi-5 jackpot now over $45,000. Post time is set for 7:20 p.m.

(With files from Pompano Park)
By Trend

Azerbaijan and Russias Astrakhan region will discuss the development of the North-South International Transport Corridor, Trend reports on Dec. 22.

An Azerbaijani delegation led by head of the Executive Power of the Narimanov district of Baku Abdin Farzaliyev paid a working visit to the Astrakhan region on Dec. 22.

The delegation consists of the representatives of the ministry of economy, ministry of education, ministry of digital development and transport, the Azerbaijani State Tourism Agency, Azerbaijan Caspian Shipping Company.

Moreover, the issues on attracting Azerbaijani companies as potential residents to the Caspian cluster, further development of air transportation between Astrakhan and Baku, fulfillment of Azerbaijans shipbuilding orders at Astrakhans enterprises, development of cruise tourism in the Caspian Sea, export of educational services, cooperation between the Azerbaijani business center in Astrakhan city and the Astrakhan business center in Baku, etc. are expected to be discussed.

The implementation of the program of measures to develop cooperation between the government of the Astrakhan region and the government of Azerbaijan for 2022 are planned to be discussed during the meetings in the government of the Astrakhan region.

The Azerbaijani delegation will also take part in a solemn ceremony dedicated to the 10th anniversary of the reconstruction of the Heydar Aliyev secondary school #11 in Astrakhan.
By Azernews

By Ayya Lmahamad

Azerbaijan increased natural gas transportation through main gas pipelines by 20.2 percent, that is to 31.5 billion cubic meters in January-November 2021, Azertag has reported.

The South Caucasus Pipeline (or the Baku-Tbilisi-Erzurum pipeline) accounted for 50.4 percent of the natural gas transportation. Some 15.9 billion cubic meters of natural gas were transported via this pipeline in the first 11 months of the year.

Moreover, 32.5 million tons of oil were transported through Azerbaijans main oil pipelines during the reported period.

The Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan (BTC) oil pipeline accounted for 75.2 percent or 24.1 million tons of the transported oil. In addition, 3.2 million tons of transit oil were transported via BTC this year.

It should be noted that BTC, which takes Azerbaijani oil to Europe, exported more than 27.8 million tons of crude oil loaded on 278 tankers at the Ceyhan terminal in 2020. The daily average throughout the South Caucasus Pipeline was 33.8 million cubic meters of gas per day during 2020.

The South Caucasus Pipeline was built to export the Shah Deniz gas from Azerbaijan to Georgia and Turkey. The pipeline starts from the Sangachal terminal near Baku. It follows the route of the BTC crude oil pipeline through Azerbaijan and Georgia to Turkey, where it is linked to the Turkish gas distribution system. The pipeline has been operational since late 2006 transporting gas to Azerbaijan and Georgia and starting from July 2007 to Turkey from Shah Deniz Stage 1.

The BTC pipeline is a transport line for Azerbaijani oil from the Caspian Sea to the port of Ceyhan in Turkey, and then to European markets via the Mediterranean Sea. On July 13, 2006, the official opening ceremony of the BTC oil pipeline took place in Turkey. The total length of the pipeline is 1,768 km, of which 443 km pass through the territory of Azerbaijan; 249 km to Georgia; 1076 km to Turkey. The projected capacity is 50 million tonnes of oil per year or 1 million barrels per day. Light oil produced at the Azeri-Chirag-Gunashli field is transported via BTC.
By Ayya Lmahamad

Azerbaijans Energy Minister Parviz Shahbazov has said that more than 85 billion cubic meters of natural gas from the Shah Deniz field have been supplied to the Turkish gas market since 2007.

He made the remarks during the 1st Azerbaijani-Turkish energy forum held in Baku on December 22.

Shahbazov noted that Azerbaijan plans to increase gas exports to 13 billion cubic meters in 2023.

The minister mentioned that 13.6 billion cubic meters of natural gas were transported to Turkey via TANAP from July 2018 to December 2021.

TANAP transported 5.1 billion cubic meters of natural gas to Turkey in the first 11 months of this year out of 7.7 billion cubic meters. Azerbaijan's investments in Turkey exceeded $19 billion," he said.

He noted that the forum is another indicator of the highest level of relations between Azerbaijan and Turkey.

Our countries are developing their relations in a number of areas, including in the field of energy. Against the background of the problems observed in Europe, Azerbaijan is a safety cushion in terms of energy supplies in the required volumes," he said.

Electricity export

The minister also noted that the prospects of electricity export from Azerbaijans Nakhchivan to Turkey are being assessed.

Shahbazov stated that the assessment of the perspectives of developing a trilateral format in the field of electricity, projects, as well as proposals from Turkish companies for the construction of a gas turbine thermal power plant with an installed capacity of 550 MW is also underway.

He also said that Turkey shares its rich experience in the development of renewable energy sources and the liberalization of the electricity market, which backs up the joint steps of the two countries in the process of energy transformation.

"Today there are all the necessary conditions for achieving success in the field of green energy," he said.

Gas pipeline

Shahbazov emphasized that a gas pipeline from Turkey will strengthen Nakhchivans energy security.

He stated that one of the issues on the bilateral agenda is to ensure natural gas supplies from Turkey to Nakhchivan.

Recalling the document signed in December last year, Shahbazov stated that it provides for the construction of a gas pipeline from Igdir to Nakhchivan with an annual capacity of 500 million cubic meters of gas and 1.5 million cubic meters per day.

"This will strengthen the energy security of Nakhchivan. In general, the project of building a gas pipeline through Nakhchivan jointly implemented with Turkey will serve to deepen bilateral ties," he said.
By Trend

Azerbaijani Prime Minister Ali Asadov met with Turkish Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Fatih Donmez on Dec. 22, Trend reports citing the Azerbaijani Cabinet of Ministers.

The sides expressed gratification at the meeting with the development of the Azerbaijan-Turkey relations in all spheres, stressed the importance of the agreements reached at the ninth meeting of the joint intergovernmental commission on economic cooperation in Ankara in February 2021 in terms of expanding trade and economic ties between the two countries, the Azerbaijani Cabinet of Ministers said.

According to the message, the sides touched upon the importance of cooperation in the energy sector between Azerbaijan and Turkey, emphasized the role of jointly implemented transnational projects in the field of ensuring energy security of Europe.

The confidence was expressed that the discussions and documents to be signed at the first Azerbaijan-Turkey Energy Forum in Baku will contribute to the development of energy cooperation between the two countries, the Cabinet of Ministers said.
By Azernews

By Ayya Lmahamad

The volume of cargo transportation through the Azerbaijani section of the Europe-Caucasus-Asia (TRACECA) transport corridor amounted to 33.4 million tons in January-October 2021, Azertag has reported.

During the reported period, 18.6 million tons or 55.8 percent of the cargo transportation was carried out by automobiles, 11.9 million tons or 32.9 percent by rail and 3.7 million tons or 11.3 percent by sea.

The share of transit cargoes in the total volume of the freight traffic along the TRACECA corridor amounted to 7.3 million tons or 21.9 percent in the first 11 months of 2021.

Azerbaijan and TRACECA agreed on cooperation in the areas of expansion of the corridor geography and digitalization of the corridor, during the meeting held between Azerbaijani Digital Development and Transport Minister Rashad Nabiyev with TRACECA Secretary-General Asset Asavbayev. The parties agreed to cooperate in the development of multimodal transport, increasing the competitiveness of container traffic, development of new projects that may help to attract additional cargo flows to the corridor and stepping up efforts to promote the TRACECA corridor at the bilateral and international levels.

It should be noted that in 2020, TRACECA transported 35.5 million tons of cargo through Azerbaijan, including 7.5 million tons or 21.2 percent of transit cargo.

Established in 1993, TRACECA is an international transport program involving the European Union and 12 member states of the Eastern European, Caucasian, and Central Asian region (Azerbaijan, Armenia, Georgia, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan).
By Trend

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyevs impeccable and well-considered policy predetermined the liberation of Karabakh region from the Armenian occupation, famous Kazakh poet, writer, literary critic, public and political figure, People's Writer of Kazakhstan Olzhas Suleimenov told Trend .

"President Ilham Aliyev is a wise politician and strategist," Suleimenov stressed. "These skills were demonstrated during 44 day-second Karabakh war, which put an end to the protracted conflict."

"The 30-year negotiation process on the settlement of the Karabakh conflict was futile," famous Kazakh poet said. "As a result, Azerbaijan solved the problem itself. This is an edification and lesson for all mankind. One should not believe kind but empty words."

Suleimenov said that this demonstrates the result achieved through the collective efforts.

"This is an important lesson for international politics, for humanity, which will be described in all textbooks on politics," famous Kazakh poet said.

"Not only political, but also economic efforts were required to resolve the conflict," Suleimenov said. "The Azerbaijani people united around the President because the integrity of the Motherland is very significant. Azerbaijan understood the common human factor and its own destiny."

Suleimenov said that the faultless policy of President of Azerbaijan, Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Azerbaijani Armed Forces Ilham Aliyev played the key role.

"Of course, the international authority of President Ilham Aliyev after the victory in the second Karabakh war has grown significantly," famous Kazakh poet said. "I am sure that it will grow further, proceeding from the situation in the region."

Suleimenov stressed that victory in the second Karabakh war is a common victory, a victory of the entire Azerbaijani people.

"While assessing the results of collective actions, I must say that the army and the civilian specialists who worked for the victory served with dignity," famous Kazakh poet said.

Suleimenov added that this is a common victory, these are the efforts of everyone who participated in the process.

"While observing the situation during the 44-day Karabakh war, I rejoiced at the liberation of every village, city, district from the occupation," Suleimenov said.

The famous Kazakh poet said that the liberation of Shusha city from occupation is a historic event.

"Shusha is the capital of Azerbaijani culture and music," Suleimenov said. "I hope that it will flourish in the future by bringing all the Turkic peoples closer together."

The famous Kazakh poet said that the liberation of Shusha city from the occupation is a joy not only of Azerbaijan, but also of all those having friendly relations with Azerbaijan and the Azerbaijani people.

Suleimenov emphasized the role of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, headed by First Vice-President of Azerbaijan, UNESCO and ISESCO Goodwill Ambassador Mehriban Aliyeva, in the restoration of cultural heritage in Karabakh region.

"The Heydar Aliyev Foundation is now restoring the cultural heritage, which Karabakh was proud of and which was destroyed by the invaders," the famous Kazakh poet said.

"While reading the book entitled "Karabakh before and after the occupation", I see the palaces of culture in cities and districts which were there 30 years ago and I can imagine them in the upcoming years after the restoration," Suleimenov said.

"I would like this time to come," Suleimenov said. "I would like all wishes of not only Azerbaijan, but also the representatives of the fraternal countries who also worried about this hard 30-year-period of Azerbaijan, to come true."
By Azernews

By Ayya Lmahamad

President Ilham Aliyev has thanked Bosnia and Herzegovina for supporting Azerbaijans territorial integrity and the country itself during the 44-day war with Armenia in 2020.

He made the remarks during the meeting with Bosnia and Herzegovina Deputy Chairperson of the Council of Ministers and Foreign Minister Bisera Turkovic on December 23.

Describing this support as an important indicator of friendship and partnership, Aliyev also expressed Azerbaijans support for Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Noting that cities, villages, historical and religious monuments were destroyed during the occupation of liberated territories by Armenia for nearly 30 years, the head of state highlighted the extensive reconstruction and restoration work carried out by Azerbaijan on those territories.

In turn, Bisera Turkovic congratulated the president on the great strides Azerbaijan has made, noting that she was deeply impressed by the development process in the country.

At the same time, she extended Chairman of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina Sefik Dzaferovic's greetings to the head of state.

Aliyev thanked for Sefik Dzaferovic's greetings and asked Turkovic to extend his greetings to the Chairman of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Earlier on November 3, Ilham Aliyev held a meeting with Sefik Dzaferovic. During the meeting, the parties hailed bilateral cooperation between the two countries.

The trade turnover between Azerbaijan and Bosnia and Herzegovina amounted to $1.2 million in the first 11 months of 2021. In addition, trade volume between the two countries amounted to $741,760 in 2020.

It should be noted that on July 19, Azerbaijan Airlines delivered 40,000 doses of COVID-19 vaccines to Bosnia and Herzegovina, as part of the humanitarian aid in the fight against coronavirus
By Ayya Lmahamad

Baku has sent a letter to Google over the distorted names of Azerbaijani territories liberated from the Armenian occupation displayed on Google Maps.

Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Leyla Abdullayeva made the remarks in an interview with local media.

She stressed that the issue was raised before Google through diplomatic channels that the geographical maps in the Google Maps app contain distorted names in Armenian along with the official names in Azerbaijani of the territories of Azerbaijans Karabakh region.

"A letter was sent to the management of the company about the distortion of the toponyms of Azerbaijani territories. The list of official geographic names of the corresponding territories of Azerbaijan was sent to the opposite side," she said.

Abdullayeva recalled that in May 2021, at the annual session of the UN Group of Experts on Geographical Names, the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry presented a national report, prepared jointly with the Ecology and Natural Resources Ministry.

"The report contained a list of officially approved and standardized names of 4,589 settlements in Azerbaijani, English and Russian languages, as well as the names of 125 geographical objects located in the territories affected by the Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict, she said.

The spokesperson underlined that according to the resolutions adopted within the framework of the UN Conference on the Standardization of Geographical Names, it is inadmissible to make changes in standardized geographical names by the authorized state structure of any country, and these changes cannot be recognized by the UN.

As for the Google Maps platform, I would like to point out that it operates on the principle of individual appeals from users. From this point of view, written feedback from citizens and non-governmental organizations to the company is extremely important, she said.

This issue is currently the focus of attention, and measures continue to be taken to correct misrepresentations, she added.
President of the People's Republic of China Xi Jinping sent a congratulatory letter to President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev on the occasion of his birthday.

His Excellency Mr. Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan

Dear Mr. President,

I have the honor to express my sincere congratulations and best wishes on your birthday.

Over the past years, Chinese-Azerbaijani relations have been developing rapidly and steadily. Mutual political trust is growing stronger every day and cooperation in various fields is successfully and fruitfully advancing. In June this year, during a telephone conversation, we reached important agreements on the development of bilateral relations and the deepening of cooperation in key areas. I attach great importance to the development of Chinese-Azerbaijani relations and am ready to work with you on bringing the bilateral relations of friendship and cooperation to a new level for the benefit of our countries and their peoples.

I wish you the best of health and prosperity.

Xi Jinping

Chairman of the People`s Republic of China
By Azernews

By Orkhan Amashov



Perhaps at no point over the past 30 years, since the recognition of the newly-independent Republic of Armenia by Turkey in 1991, have the circumstances been so auspicious as to begin a lasting and sustainable normalisation of the relations between the two nations.

The present situation is a qualitatively new one, for it has been largely engendered by Azerbaijans military victory in last years war, by virtue of which, the Karabakh obstacle to the rapprochement seems to have been considerably curtailed, if not completely removed.

Many would argue that the early 90s and the period from 2007 to 2009 were the two historic junctures at which the hopes for a diplomatic thaw were high. However, there have been, and still are, numerous thorny issues exclusively on the Turkish-Armenian front that exert ponderous complexity upon the normalisation attempts. At the end of the day, it was the Karabakh subject, or to be more precise, the then-ongoing Armenian occupation of Azerbaijani territories by Armenia, that rendered the very onset of the rapprochement impossible in the past.

As a sign of goodwill, Ankara recurrently opened its land border with the Soviet Union from 1988, enabling EU shipments of grain to reach the earthquake-shaken Armenia. Turkey was the second country after the U.S. to recognise the newly-independent Armenia. There were some informal contacts between the governments of the two countries, and the sides were close to agreeing on some framework agreement. Despite this, Armenias illegal occupation of Azerbaijani territories rendered normalisation impossible and Turkey closed its eastern borders in a move of support for Baku in 1993.

The process that took place from 2007-09, facilitated by Switzerland, resulted in the signing of Protocol on the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations and Protocol on the Development of Bilateral Relations. In Armenia, these protocols were submitted to the Constitutional Court so as to ascertain their constitutionality. The court issued its interpretation in such a way that made the Turkish side declare that the published grounds of the decision had preconditions and restrictive provisions impairing the letter and spirit of the Protocols. In addition, Ankara maintained that the normalisation was to be tied with a breakthrough in the Armenian-Azerbaijani Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. Neither side ratified the protocols, with Armenia officially annulling them in 2018.



At present, however, the facts on the ground are different. The sides have already appointed special representatives (envoys). This means that there may be no need for third parties in negotiations. Turkey has appointed Serdar Kilic, top-notch and high-calibre diplomat, who previously served as a Turkish ambassador in the U.S. as its special representative, whereas deputy speaker of the National Assembly of Armenia, Ruben Rubinyan, will be the special representative of Yerevan.

Although the post-war resolution between Baku and Yerevan is still underway and has not reached its logical conclusion, there is no longer a necessity of linking the normalisation with a breakthrough in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict which, as Azerbaijan has consistently and emphatically declared, is over. Furthermore, some of the basic defects of the Zurich process are not applicable to todays situation. The impression given is that during 2007-09, Baku was not duly consulted from the very beginning, which caused some considerable consternation both in Azerbaijan and Turkey.



Now Ankara has officially declared that it will be consulting its strategic ally at each single stage, and all future steps will be mutually agreed upon with Baku. This creates a tripartite construct within which Turkey and Armenia are direct players, whereas Azerbaijan is a semi-direct actor. This, coupled with the prospects offered by the 3+3 (or 3+2, given Georgias reluctance) platform, could lay the foundations for a stable peace and connectivity in the wider region, which would ensure that, on this occasion, the normalisation efforts could transform into a future reconciliation.



The Zangazur corridor plan, the realisation of which is key to both Ankara and Baku's vision of the region, is a new dimension of the process. The corridor is a term that still sends shivers down the spines of most Armenians, some of whom view a sinister motive behind the project. For instance, Alexander Iskandaryan, director of the Yerevan-based Caucasian Institute, believes the whole corridor concept is an ingenious scheme to take the Syunik province away from Armenia. In the same vein, Ruben Safrastyan, a former Armenian diplomat and scholar of Turkish studies, thinks that behind the joint Azerbaijani-Turkish proposal is a long-term objective of "Turkifying Syunik". Given the extent of the Armenian paranoia, it is vital that both Ankara and Baku exercise their powers of persuasion to the utmost, so as to convince the other side of the economic benefits of the Zangazur corridor.

The political will of the sides will be of immense importance. This is particularly important in the case of Armenia, which has long been hostage to the interests of its expatriate diaspora, and the toxic ambitions of the Kocharyan-Sargsyan tandem. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has survived the massive domestic political test and won the June elections, defeating the revenge-driven opposition. This new situation has provided him with tangible resources to change Yerevans official discourse and seek rapprochement on new grounds.

Pashinyan will need to revisit the normalisation policy pursued by the previous Armenian administrations, based on the requirement that the process should start without preconditions. Such an approach was calculated on the possibility of reopening joint borders and breaking free of the shackles imposed by this economically devastating isolation, and then pushing for certain conditions at a later stage.

Firstly, there is the issue of the mutual acceptance of internationally recognised borders and the territorial integrity of each side. Article 11 of the Armenian Declaration of Independence, adopted in 1990, refers to the Turkish province of Eastern Anatolia as "Western Armenia" and, as such, holds that the area is part of Armenia. Yerevan wants to open its borders and re-establish diplomatic ties without renouncing its claims on Turkish territory.



Secondly, Armenia does not want to relinquish its state policy of achieving worldwide recognition of the events of 1915 by everybody, including Turkey. Ankara has repeatedly proposed the creation of a joint commission comprising historians from Turkey and Armenia and international experts. Yerevan believes the so-called "Armenian genocide" is a historic fact, the validity of which is not subject to verification.

The existing Armenian view is that the Zurich protocols were not satisfactory, in light of the aforementioned subjects, and it is unclear to what extent Yerevan is ready to compromise on those two grounds in the context of the new effort.

The success of the new rapprochement between Turkey and Armenia will depend on a myriad of considerations. The present geopolitical conjecture is favourable to this normalisation, and therefore it is vital that momentum is efficiently utilised via drastic and quick measures. It is important that all those stakeholders, which extend beyond the negotiating sides and include a range of external actors, expedite the acceleration by supporting what is undoubtedly going to be a fragile and arduous process. The results achieved on the Baku-Yerevan front will have their own impact too.



The path to Turkish-Armenian rapprochement is not going to be a bed of roses. A challenging road lies ahead, replete with potholes and landslides. Pashinyan will need to resist the unhealthy influence and pressure of the Armenian diaspora and the Karabakh clan, which preach the apocalyptic consequences" of the normalisation. A lot will also depend on Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Azerbaijani counterpart Ilham Aliyev, who will be required to exert pressure on Yerevan, which should be considerable and effective, yet ultimately constructive in nature.
By Trend





Azerbaijani army serviceman has died, Trend reports citing Defense Ministry.

Serviceman Dashgin Safarov died of acute heart and lung failure in a civilian hospital in Shamkir district , being out of military service.

The investigation is underway. The Defense Ministry expresses condolences to the family and relatives of the serviceman.
By Trend





The fact that Armenia for a long time refused to provide Azerbaijan with maps of minefields, and the accuracy of the maps transferred later is 25 percent, and sometimes less, greatly delays the restoration process in Karabakh and Eastern Zangazur regions, Trend reports referring to Azerbaijani Prime Minister Ali Asadovs article in Azerbaijan newspaper.

Nevertheless, the big infrastructure projects are still being implemented in these economic regions on the initiative and under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev, the article said. First of all, highways are being built, energy, water supply systems are being created, the consequences of environmental terror are being eliminated and preparation is underway for the great return of people to the Azerbaijani lands liberated from the Armenian occupation.

According to the article, 2.2 billion manat ($1.3 billion) were allocated from the state budget for 2021 to restore cities and villages, create modern infrastructure in these territories.

The state budget for next year envisages the same amount of funds for these purposes, the article said.

All work is being carried out in accordance with the Strategic Action Plan and a single concept, the article said. Fraternal Turkey and other friendly countries render great support to Azerbaijan in restoration and construction processes.
President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko has sent a congratulatory letter to President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev on occasion of his birthday.

His Excellency Mr. Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan

Dear Ilham Heydar oglu,

I sincerely congratulate you on the occasion of your 60th birthday anniversary.

Once you have rightly pointed out: If we dont think about the future, we are unlikely to be able to address todays challenges. Based on that principle, Azerbaijan has made significant strides in the field of socio-economic development and has become a powerful and influential country that resolutely defends its interests at the international level.

I note with pleasure that the strategic partnership relations between Minsk and Baku are successfully continuing.

I am confident that the implementation of large-scale infrastructure projects that we plan will provide a solid foundation for deepening of multifaceted cooperation.

I highly appreciate your friendship, confidence, support, as well as your personal attention to the interests of Belarus. I warmly recall our meetings, and look forward to seeing you often in the hospitable land of Belarus.

Dear Ilham Heydar oglu, on this remarkable day, I wish you the best of health, long life and, as well as success in creative works you are implementing in your high state position.

Sincerely,

Alexander Lukashenko

President of the Republic of Belarus
By Trend

The world lacks leaders while Azerbaijan is an exception thanks to President Ilham Aliyev, ex-President of Latvia Valdis Zatlers said in an interview with Trend.

People often say that the world lacks leaders, the ex-president said. Azerbaijan is an exception. If a leader is experienced, clever and courageous in making proper decisions at the right time, then everything will work out. This is the key to success.

Zatlers also stressed the role of President Ilham Aliyev in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic in the world and the uneven distribution of vaccines among different countries.

I welcome the role that President Ilham Aliyev has played in ensuring equal access to vaccines for all countries, the ex-president said. The COVID-19 pandemic has divided countries into those that are in self-isolation and those that cooperate, show solidarity, and render assistance. Azerbaijan is one of these countries.

Zatlers said that this is rising the international authority of the country.

Other countries and international organizations show more respect to the country that understands their grief, the ex-president added. Azerbaijans prestige is growing. It was a very correct and timely decision of President Ilham Aliyev. I am delighted with this action.
By Azernews

By Vugar Khalilov

Former government officials have criticized the Turkish Industry and Business Association (TUSIAD) attack on the new economic model initiated by the government, Yeni Shafak has reported.

The ex-politicians characterized TUSIADs targeting the new economy model (which is based on production, employment and exports with low interest) as an obstacle to the development moves initiated by the government from time to time.

They stated that NGOs led by TUSIAD and the media had targeted Necmeddin Erbakan's government, which wanted to start a production move in 1997.

Former Culture Minister Ismail Kahraman said that Turkeys development is immediately blocked and hindered whenever it starts to grow.

He added that Turkeys history is full of these kinds of examples and similar quests exist today as well. On February 28, 1997, TUSIAD along with other financial organizations supported former Prime Minister Erbakans removal from power, who tried to develop the national economy and they are still in the same quest today, Kahraman said.

Former State Minister Teoman Riza Guneri underlined that TUSIAD has taken a stand against the governments and in favor of the tutelage centers in every similar situation. The Erbakan government that day invented the pool system, and the need for domestic borrowing decreased. Thereupon, TUSIAD became involved in an uprising against the government, as their own interests disappeared, he added.

Erol Yarar, the ex-president of MUSAIDs (Association of Independent Industrialists and Entrepreneurs), stressed that there is no difference between TUSIADs attitude on February 28 and that of TUSIAD today.

At that time, they targeted Erbakan with discourses such as religiousness, Islamism and secularism. Today, instead of defending stability, they directly attack politics with political slogans. Look at the balance sheets of TUSIAD members in the past 20 years; they have all grown 10 times. They owe this growth to the political power, Erol said.

Former MP Necmettin Aydin claimed that TUSIAD and the companies owned by its members are the extensions of international capital in Turkey. Turkey was a country that TUSIAD ruled behind the scenes for a certain period of time, he emphasized.

Yesterday, together with TUSIAD, the NGOs and media of the period said that Erbakan should fall no matter what, and they succeeded. This is what is wanted to be done to Tayyip Bey [Recep Tayyip Erdogan] today. Because Erdogan continues with an economic model based on production and exports, not interest. We should not give an opportunity to centers that do not want the welfare and happiness of our people, businessman Mustafa Koca stressed.
By Azernews

By Vugar Khalilov

Turkeys domestic electric car - TOGG will be Europes first electric SUV following the mass production in the last quarter of 2022, Yeni Shafak has reported.

Turkeys Automobile Enterprise Group (TOGG) aims to present five different models to consumers by 2030. Electric, connected and the new generation TOGG will be produced in a factory built on 1.2 million square meters in Gemlik, Turkey.

On the other hand, according to a statement from the Industry and Technology Ministry, Turkey has taken an important step in the field of battery production, which is the most critical part of electric cars.

It was added that the Siro company, in cooperation with TOGG and Chinese energy giant Farasis, is building a battery cell and module generation facility in Gemlik. The $2.9 billion (30bn TL) worth project with the 15-gigawatt-hour battery cell and 19.8-gigawatt-hour battery module capacities will contribute to the technological transformation of Turkey's electric vehicles and mobility ecosystem.

Following the Gemlik factory, Siro plans to produce energy storage solutions that will be developed for automotive and non-automotive applications.

As a producer of TOGG's battery modules and packages, Siro aims to reduce energy dependence and accelerate the development of a clean and efficient power system in Turkey.

The company plans to employ some 2,200 people, including 400 qualified personnel with the framework of the project.

Earlier, on its official Twitter account, TOGG reported that the SIRO Silk Road Clean Energy Solutions Company will contribute to the technological transformation of the mobility ecosystem in Turkey.

"We have achieved another strategic development that will contribute to the technological transformation of the mobility ecosystem in our country and we have established SIRO Silk Road Clean Energy Solutions Industry and Trade Inc," the report added.

Under the agreement signed between TOGG and U.S-based Farasis in 2020, Siro and Farasis will collaborate on the production of vehicle batteries.

Turkey's Automobile Joint Venture Group Inc. (TOGG) is an automotive company founded as a joint venture in 2018. Anadolu Group, BMC Turkey, Kok Group, Turkcell, and Zorlu Holding are major stakeholders under the umbrella institution TOBB. In the joint venture, TOBB has a 5-percent share and other companies own 19-percent shares for each.
SAL Saudi Logistics Services, a member of Saudi Arabian Airlines Corporation, has launched the extension of its new Jeddah Station covering a 61,000-sq-m area.

The new extension also features effective cold chain facilities and new spacious storage facilities with an impeccable infrastructure for the special and highly sensitive cargo.

The extension was opened under the patronage of Engineer Saleh Al Jasser, Minister of Transport & Logistics, said a statement from SAL.

The Jeddah station extension is expected to increase SALs annual cargo capacity to over 800,000 tonnes in 2030 while providing retailers and companies new premium cargo services at KAIA in Jeddah, it stated.

SAL Board Chairman Fawaz AlFawaz said the new extension comes in parallel with the National Industrial Development Program (NIDLP)  one of Vision 2030s most prominent programs  aimed at transforming the kingdom into a global logistics hub, thus contributing to a robust and diversified economy, sustaining the growth of the sector, and creating highly competitive investment opportunities.

He also pointed out that this launch realizes the true ground handling potential of SAL where the company utilizes its logistics expertise to provide more developed services and solutions in and out of airports and expertly serve the international markets to strengthen the connectivity of KSA ports with those of the entire globe.

CEO Hesham Alhussayen said thanks to the new extension, it can now add more high-quality services to its existing wide range of ground handling services and including different state-of-the-art cargo facilities as per the industrys highest international standards.

The new extension perfectly provides comprehensive import and export services, medical and food cold chain services, dangerous cargo services, and valuable cargo services under world-class security measures and ultramodern automated ground handling systems, he added.-TradeArabia News Service
KiCE Construction, one of the largest equipment dealers and manufacturers in Saudi Arabia, has secured a key order from Al Falah Ready-mix for supply of 100 generators for its ongoing mega projects in the kingdom such as Neom, Amaala, and Redsea.

A major player in the kingdom, KiCE provides some of the best products available in the market such as Snowkey, Zenith, McNeilus, Volucon and Junjin Truck mounted pumps.

KiCE sealed the agreement with Al Falah Ready-mix during a visit by its high level sales delegation to the Al Falah Readymix factory.

A certified market leader in the ready mix concrete industry, Al Falah Ready Mix operates over 20+ batching plants in the kingdom.

The firm is equipped with state-of-the-art technologies and automated machinery with an installed production capacity of 6 million cu m of concrete per annum.

On the big order, KiCE Sales Director Engineer Hany Mongy said: "We are very excited to supply the 100 units of diesel generators helping to support Al Falah growing electricity needs for their projects."

KiCE had earlier supplied four batching plants to their sites in the King Salman Park project. The new plant produces over 500 cu m per hour in a continuous pour, which is a milestone achievement compared to other batching plant capabilities.

"All KiCE concrete batching plants are built with the demands and expectations of our customers in mind. Every concrete plant is being manufactured to the highest standards using only the best quality materials components," added Mongy.-TradeArabia News Service
Metso Outotec, a frontrunner in sustainable technologies, has been awarded a EUR150 million ($170 million) contract for the delivery of key technology to the Boliden Odda zinc smelter expansion in western Norway.

Approximately 90% of the contract has been booked in Metals Q4/2021 orders received and the rest in Minerals Q4/2021 orders received.

With the expansion, Boliden Odda is planning to increase its annual production capacity of zinc metal from 200,000 to 350,000 tonnes. Several by-products will also be produced.

The project is called Green Zinc Odda, and its energy consumption is based on fossil-free energy. Metso Outotec scope of delivery includes roasting and off-gas cleaning solutions and a sulphuric acid plant.

Metso Outotec will also supply hydrometallurgical equipment and technology for calcine leaching, solid liquid separation, solution purification, as well as process and plant engineering and site services. Metso Outotec deliveries will take place in 2022-2024.

We are very happy for being trusted with this order. The Green Zinc Odda project paves way for more sustainable zinc production and is yet another important milestone in the many years of collaboration between Boliden and Metso Outotec, says Jari Algars, President, Metals business area at Metso Outotec.

Metso Outotecs industry-leading zinc processing technologies consist of several proprietary Planet Positive solutions. These sustainable and cost-efficient technologies and services enable efficient zinc and by-product recovery from a wide range of primary zinc raw material. In the roasting process, even electrical power is produced as a by-product.-- TradeArabia News Service
Zain Kuwait's 5G traffic currently accounts for more than 40% of its total wireless traffic, ranking the operator as number one in GCC countries in terms of 5G offload ratio.

Zain Kuwait is one of the leading telecom operators in Mena and has been at the forefront of innovation for years as the first operator to launch commercial 5G services in the Middle East.

From the 5G service development and business achievements of Zain Kuwait, it is clear that the focus on 5G development brings business success to operators. Zain Kuwait started deployment of 5G networks in 2018. After two years of continuous development, 5G services have entered a period of high growth. Users are continuing to develop rapidly, and the proportion of 5G traffic has also been increasing continuously. This has resulted in positive revenue and profit growth for the operator, a Zain release said.

Zain Kuwait has achieved the 5G subscriber penetration ratio of 23%, and the average DOU of its 5G subscribers is five times higher than that of its 4G subscribers. Zain Kuwait's mobile network also recorded revenue and profit growth of 4% and 13% year-over-year in Q2 2021.

This is an outstanding achievement especially when there is no population dividend and the expatriate population in country has been continuously decreasing. Zain's 5G development leads the Kuwait telecom market, and its business success has been a result of its overall strategic objective to provide first-class 5G services for users in Kuwait.

Zain Kuwait has firmly invested in 5G for the fastest network construction with the widest coverage, building a foundation for user experience

Network coverage is the basis for user experience. Zain started 5G C-band construction in 2018. In Q3 2019, it completed coverage of major urban areas. By early 2020, it achieved 1:1 construction ratio with its LTE network.

Focusing on fast and value-based network construction, Zain Kuwait was able to quickly exploit the benefits of enhanced 5G network coverage. Leading the network construction lays the foundation for creating 5G business advantages.

For instance, Zain was the first operator to commercialise 5G networks in Kuwait. In the commercial release phase, Zain provided the most extensive 5G coverage and best services owing to its focus on network construction. Within six months of the commercial launch, Zain reached 100% coverage, forming the first-mover advantage of 5G networks for itself.

With the goal of providing a first-class 5G network experience, Zain insists on higher standards of 5G network construction to ensure high-speed and reliable services for all the users.

As a result, the investment in network planning and network construction was increased, which enabled Zain Kuwait to win Ookla's Fastest Fixed Wireless Network Provider Award in 2020 and to lead the Open signal Global Experience Test reports as well. A great network experience enhanced Zains brand and helped it achieve greater commercial competitiveness.-- TradeArabia News Service
American watch brand Tockr has announced a new, limited series of The Wheel of Time inspired wristwatches.

With their luminous, serpentine watch dials, the new unisex Tockr The Wheel of Time models channel the mystery and magic of the new fantasy series from Prime Video and Sony Pictures Television.

Tockr Founder Austin Ivey said: We are so proud to be the timepiece licensee for The Wheel of Time, and it is our hope that this is just the first of many exciting collaborations to come with Sony Pictures Consumer Products and Prime Video.

For centuries, the circular ouroboros serpent motif has signified the powerful, eternal nature of time, alchemy, and rebirth. In the universe of The Wheel of Time, this Great Serpent is also the favored icon of the revered and reviled Aes Sedai, those seemingly immortal wielders of The One Power.

Tockr chose a great serpent as the key focal point of the brands first The Wheel of Time watch collaboration. In daytime, a glowing serpentine creature emerges from the depths of each dark black dial, illuminated in a blaze of bright white, Grade X1 Swiss Super-LumiNova.

By night, the largest serpent appears in a mystical, glowing blue reminiscent of Moiraines chosen ajah.

A 42 mm stainless steel case frames this otherworldly vision, with the largest serpent ringing the stainless-steel bezel, repeating in an ever-smaller concentric pattern that reinforces the concept of eternity and the cyclical nature of time. Ultimately, the eye is drawn to the dial centre where the silver-tone hours, minutes, and seconds hands are anchored alongside the Tockr logo. The watch is powered within by a high-grade Swiss quartz movement.

The solid case back bears a richly detailed engraving of The Wheel of Time logo and a unique serial number engraving. A textured black silicone strap subtly mimics the serpents scales and adds a dramatic finishing touch, complete with a stainless-steel pin buckle engraved with the Tockr logo. Each wristwatch will come delivered in a custom The Wheel of Time branded leather pouch.

The Tockr team found parallels to The Wheel of Time, in their own epic journey, stepping away from the familiar to explore the unknown. Since its founding, the Austin, Texas-based brand has had strong ties to aviation, travel, and the armed forces. The new collaboration allowed the brand to abstract these themes and explore the concept of journeys, legends, memories, heroes, and the power of symbols.

Tockr Co-Founder Sophy Rindler explained: This project has challenged Tockr to broaden our horizons as a brand. Aviation will always be part of our DNA, but now we are excited to take collectors on journeys of imagination and discovery, as we have here, inviting them into the world of The Wheel of Time.

For fantasy lovers and fans of the The Wheel of Time universe, this new numbered, limited series of Tockr The Wheel of Time watches ($449) are sure to become coveted collectors items. The watches are available for pre-order exclusively at Tockr.com, shipping worldwide, with delivery in early 2022.

-- TradeArabia News Service
Reinventing business through automation requires enlisting the entire organisation, but many companies struggle to overcome the hurdles.

While involving a wide range of employees in automation isnt new, increasingly powerful types of automation are rapidly emerging, write Purna Doddapaneni, Head of Automation COE, Bain & Company Dallas and Houssem Jemili, Partner, Bain & Company Middle East in collaboration with UiPath.

These include robotic process automation (RPA) and cognitive automation tools deploying machine learning, natural language processing, and other forms of artificial intelligence. Unlike earlier tools, these new technologies hold tremendous promise for automating an even greater amount of manual work and simultaneously giving organisations resources to support effective collaboration and governance.

To harness the potential of these new technologies, companies need to grow automation in both waysthrough project teams and CoEs and through employees interacting with the tools and automating their own work. Until now, the former approach has been more prevalent.

This presents a challenge: How can companies empower employees to more enthusiastically embrace automation, with flexible and easy-to-use tools that have strong governance, without creating more complexity for IT teams to manage?

DEMOCRATISING AUTOMATION

Sustained success in automation requires enlisting the organisation more broadly to set the right goals and generate new opportunities. Most business users may not have specialised technical backgrounds, yet theyre capable of using automation software and tools.

They can automate work through self-service tools or even participate in more sophisticated initiatives, including developing automations and submitting them for approval. This wont happen in a vacuum, and it goes beyond giving employees access to tools. The organisation must make people aware of automation possibilities, evangelise adoption, create clear guidelines, build training programmes, and offer incentives.

Todays movement to democratise automation stems from a few recent trends:

Slowing growth in labour productivity;

Scarcity of technical talent;

Digitally savvy employees; and

User-friendly technology.

While plenty of organisations have automation CoEs, they have struggled to expand beyond a few processes. Democratised automation can attain greater scale by targeting use cases that a CoE otherwise wouldnt have capacity to build or would miss due to limited familiarity with business processes. It also fosters a more productive and skilled workforce.

WHATS IMPEDING DEMOCRATISATION

Despite the clear need, few organisations have made meaningful progress toward democratising automation at scaleprimarily due to four perceptions:

Fear of job loss  Many managers perceive that employees are reluctant to automate their work because they fear losing their jobs.

Increased data and IT security risks  Some companies dont want to place automation in the hands of business users, perceiving an increased risk to data and IT security. This is particularly the case in highly regulated industries, such as financial services and healthcare.

Lack of confidence in employees  Not all managers believe that employees can learn to develop and use automations effectively, because they perceive the tools as complex and requiring deep technical knowledge.

Disruption and higher costs  Current processes would need to change, and managers think employees might not have the time to learn to use new tools. Organisations worry that new tools may also add expense and require additional IT resources to manage and maintain.

Many of these perceptions havent been formed through actual experience, however. Few companies have mature, democratised automation programmes operating at a large scale. As a result, many senior leaders may not fully understand how employees feel about automation.

HURDLES TO EMPLOYEE ADOPTION

Three categories of impediments contribute to slow adoption among employees, despite high interest:

Cognitive  As the data shows, trust in automation is not an issue for employees. However, they struggle to identify use cases for automation in their daily work, and many are not certain about how automation adds value to their workdays.

Organisational  Employees shy away from using automation if their company has not formally sanctioned it or does not offer a formal training programme.

Product and training  Employees frequently perceive products as difficult to use, and companies lack effective, consistent training to familiarise employees.

Four guidelines to achieve scale:

Stepping back, its clear that different perspectives come into play as companies develop automation initiatives.

Business users want to free up time to do more valuable work and improve their skills. But they often feel hamstrung by IT and CoEs. Those who are eager to use and even develop automations may struggle to get the necessary support.

For their part, IT and CoE teams dont want to cede control over identifying, building, and managing automations to business users. They have concerns about quality, security, governance, training, tool proliferation, scalability of automated solutions, and cost.

Senior executives, meanwhile, care most about enabling growth, increasing productivity, improving service quality, and enhancing customer satisfaction. They are only interested in automation if it will deliver significant business value.

With those perspectives in mind, the experiences of leading companies that have overcome the automation paradox suggest four themes for success.

Break through the noise. Most companies have numerous, often competing, business priorities. Why pay attention to automation over other priorities? CEOs need to convince their executives that automation is central to reinventing the business. And reinvention requires not only that business and functional leaders, supported by an automation CoE, identify and execute on automation ideas, but also that every employee contributes to achieving the automation goals. Business leaders will need to adjust the traditional view of automation as an initiative imposed on employees to an initiative alongside, or in collaboration with, employees.

Inspire employees. As mentioned, awareness is low. Just as a CEO must rally the senior management team to the cause, automation leaders need to inspire employees to take an interest in automation for their everyday work.

As automation takes hold, quarterly performance goals may include digital adoption scores tied to automation tool certifications. Organisations could establish digital personnel records that allow them to update and track milestones throughout a persons career. Just as companies get consumers excited about buying a product, they can use similar marketing techniques in service of selling automation internally.-- TradeArabia News Service
Help India!

Hundreds of Asha workers (healthcare workers) have been rendering yeomans service in rural India during the Covid-19 pandemic by working tirelessly to fight the virus. However, their services have not been paid to the proportion of the work they put in and they are struggling to make ends meet. A TCN Ground Report finds out.

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Bilal Khan | TwoCircles.net

UTTAR PRADESH  Sarita Devi (32), an Asha worker from the village Mehalakpur Nizampur of Moradabad district of Uttar Pradesh tried to commit suicide because neither she nor her husband had money to refill their gas cylinder to cook food. The incident took place on October 12 this year.

I was frustrated. I have not received my honorarium since August this year. On the other hand, my husband who is a labourer does not find work regularly. We have been frequently running out of money. When we realised that we had no money to even refill the gas cylinder I lost my mind. I consumed poison to kill myself, narrated Sarita.

Sarita has been working as an Asha worker (Accredited Social Health Activist) for nearly 16 years in the village. Initially, she was not paid anything, but at present, the total honorarium she receives is around Rs. 3000 a month. It depends upon the work. There are various works for which we are paid differently. We dont have a fixed salary. No matter how hard we work we manage to earn around Rs. 3000-3500 per month, Sarita said.

It is tough to run the house with this little money. Can you imagine how are we surviving with no payment for two months? asked Sarita.

When approached, Dr Rajiv Singh, in charge of Tajpur Primary Health Care Center of the district, confirmed that the Asha workers have not been paid since August.

Since the online portal (the portal where Asha workers honorarium is entered for the payment) has not been working since August 27, the honorarium has not been released for the Asha workers since then, said Dr Rajiv.

This is not an isolated case. Asha workers across Uttar Pradesh have been struggling to survive and have protested for fair and regular pay for months. According to reports, there are a total of 1.54 lakh Asha workers across Uttar Pradesh. Almost all of them are either paid much less than the agreed amount or are paid late. As a result, they struggle with meeting their daily needs.

Their struggles got compounded amid the Covid-19 pandemic and frequent lockdowns that were imposed to contain the virus.

As soon as the coronavirus pandemic broke out in March 2020, the Indian prime minister announced an indefinite country-wide lockdown. The whole country was kept indoors. While the working class began working from home, the front line workers, which include health workers began working round the clock to treat coronavirus patients. In rural India, the Asha workers were the first health workers who got in contact with the coronavirus. While the frontline workers working in urban areas were frequently praised by the public and government, the Asha workers working in rural India were ignored. These Asha workers were paid less money even though their work had increased during the pandemic.

More work, less pay

Asha workers in Uttar Pradesh carry out multiple duties  they help pregnant women during safe delivery, help in childrens vaccinations, and maintain a diary of birth and death data of their respective villages. However, during the pandemic, the Asha workers were given additional responsibilities such as creating awareness about the pandemic in the villages and making sure Covid-19 positive patients are sent to designated isolation centres. Aside from this, the Asha workers were required to maintain data of the corona patients, including deaths caused by the virus and track people with coronavirus symptoms.

However, we were paid only a little extra for this additional work although it was quite hectic. We would work round the clock from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. by visiting people door to door and then we would come home and do some online paperwork for data maintenance, said an Asha worker Saroj Singh from Jarai Kalan village of Sultanpur district, Uttar Pradesh.

Saroj Singh started working as an Asha worker to support her husband in paying for household expenses. She has seven members in her family, which include four children, a husband, and a father-in-law. My husband works at our farm. He does not earn anything. We eat what we grow on the farm. However, earning Rs. 2000-2200 a month has been getting delayed amid present times and it makes it tough for us to run the household. I have heard that increment is done in our honorarium but I hardly receive it. We dont have any option other than just to go through it, said Saroj.

Asha workers said even though they were exposed to contact with the coronavirus infected patients, but they were not provided with PPE kits, masks and sanitisers.

We were not provided with enough masks or sanitiser, let alone PPE kits. We were given a few masks when the virus was at its peak. We either bought our masks and sanitiser or used a dupatta to cover our face. If we would refuse to do our duty who would come forward to help the villagers fight against the coronavirus? asked Farzana Begam, an Asha worker from one of the villages in Azamgarh. She has been working as an Asha worker since 2005.

In over a year, the state government led by BJPs Adityanath has promised a 25% increment in the Asha workers honorarium and the government also announced Rs. 1000 as Covid incentive for Asha workers from April to September but these have partially been achieved.

I have not received more than Rs. 3500 a month. My monthly earning would have been increased to more than Rs. 5000 if the incentives and honorarium increment would have been applied, Saroj said.

An activist Aarifa Anjum, who works for the welfare of Asha workers, told TwoCircles.net, The payment increment was announced, but some are receiving it and some dont. We are sure because we have been protesting for this issue for months. Anjum hails from the Meerut district of Uttar Pradesh.

A non-profit organisation from Meerut called Asha & Sanginee Karmachari Sangh has been protesting for the fair pay of the Asha workers.

Nirmesh Tyagi of the organisation told TwoCircles.net that Asha workers are paid incentives only for three months so far. Since August the government website is shut and then the incentive will lapse after October. This is how the government is treating the frontline workers who were on the field entire day while entire India was at home, to save the villagers from the virus, Tyagi said.

As Asha workers have been visiting door to door convincing villagers to get vaccinated, they faced harassment at many places. Reportedly, some Asha workers were verbally humiliated for insisting villagers to get vaccinated. They work hard to convince villagers for vaccination, but they are not paid anything for the services they render. They are facing humiliation for convincing people to get vaccinated, Tyagi added.

Demands of fixed salary, health insurance

Auxiliary nurse midwife (ANM) also believes that the Asha workers should be given financial security. They are the pillars of the healthcare system in rural areas, said Geeta Singh, ANM from Dubeypur block of Sultanpur district. They work hard for the villagers to get better healthcare. How can they work better when they struggle with their finances? They should be given financial security so that they can work better, said Geeta.

Thousands of Asha works from different districts of Uttar Pradesh have been protesting for fair pay. They are demanding a fixed salary of at least Rs 10,000 per month, extra money for extra work, health insurance and better facilities at the village level healthcare system.

There are many protests in the capital Lucknow for the (above) demands. We are also planning the biggest protest in Lucknow at the end of this month or starting of next month if demands are not fulfilled, Tyagi concluded.

Bilal Khan is a Mumbai-based independent journalist. He covers grassroots issues from Uttar Pradesh, the LGBTQ community and loves to write positive and inspiring stories. He tweets at @bilalkhanjourno.
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In his letter to the Home Minister of India, Uttarakhand Chief Minister, NHRC and National Commission for Minorities, the Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind (JUH) president Maulana Mahmood Madani urged the government to take cognizance of the matter and prosecute the perpetrators under stringent laws.

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NEW DELHI  President of Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind (JUH) Maulana Mahmood A. Madani on Thursday condemned the governments inaction over the open calls for violence against the Muslim community in India made at an event in Haridwar, Uttarakhand.

Maulana Madani was referring to a three-day hate speech conclave organized by the controversial Hindutva leader Yati Narsinghanand from 17 to 19 December in Haridwar, where multiple calls to kill minorities and attack their religious spaces were made.

In his letter to the Home Minister of India, Uttarakhand Chief Minister, NHRC and National Commission for Minorities, the JUH president Maulana Mahmood Madani urged the government to take cognizance of the matter and prosecute the perpetrators under stringent laws. They have posed threat to the peace and communal harmony of the country. I demand strong action to be taken against organizers and speakers, Maulana Madani said.

I am writing to you with regard to an event organized in Haridwar, Uttarakhand, from 17 to 19 December 2021. The event was called Dharam Sansad and the theme of the event was The Future of Sanatan in Islamic India: Problems and Solutions. The chief patron of the event was Yati Narsginhanand, who is accused of several hate speeches in the past. Many of the speakers in the event gave outrageous hate speeches including Yati Narsighanand himself. Open calls to the genocide of Muslims were made by many speakers. The arming of the Hindu community was stressed (during the event), the letter written by Maulana Madani reads.

In his letter, Maulana Madani also cited some of the outrageous statements or calls given by many of the speakers during the event.

What was said at the event

The controversial Uttar Pradesh Hindu priest Yati Nasinghnand Saraswati, who has been previously been accused of hate speech said, If anybody is ready to become Prabhakaran, chief of the deadly terrorist organization LTTE, of Hindu I will firstly donate one crore rupee and can raise to hundred crores for the cause. Every Hindu temple needs a Prabhakaran, a Bhindarwale.

Yati Narasinghanand promises to give 1 crore to any Hindu Sanyasi is ready to become Prabhakaran. Says they need people like Prabhakaran, Bhindranwale & Shabeg Singh. 'Jab tak ek Prabhakaran ek Bhindranwale aur ek Shabeg Singh tab tak Hindu Bach nahi sakta' #HaridwarHateAssembly pic.twitter.com/vHLFcGG4cC  Mohammed Zubair (@zoo_bear) December 22, 2021

Another Hindutva leader Swami Anandaswaroop said, Christmas and Eid will not be celebrated here in Haridwar.

No hotel owner should dare to do so, he warned.

Annapurna Maa, the Mahamandleshwar of the Niranjini Akhada and general secretary of Hindu Mahasabha, said that, if 100 Hindus build an army and kill two million Muslims then it could be declared victory of Hindu. We must be ready to kill and get killed. This is an alarming situation.

Another Hindutva leader Swami Amritanand called for Hindus in India to have weapons. Each Hindu must spend a good amount to raise better weapons. Sharp edge sword must be in each Hindu house, he said.

One Hindutva seer Swami Dharam Das Maharaj went to the extent of saying he would have shot the former Prime Minister of India. If I were parliamentarian and had a gun, I would have shot all six bullets in Manmohan Singhs chest, then Prime Minister of India, he said.

Swami Prabodhanand, President of the Hindu Raksha Sena, a right-wing organisation based out of Uttarakhand said Hindus in India should follow in the footsteps of Myanmar, where the state and its forces are accused of genocide of Rohingya Muslims by the United Nations.

Like in Myanmar, here too (India), Army, Police, Leader and each Indian citizen must join this cleaning campaign to root out them (referring to Muslims). Get prepared and discuss preparations to do the same, he said.


President Xi Jinping meets with Chief Executive of the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) Ho Iat Seng, who is on a duty visit to Beijing, capital of China, Dec. 22, 2021. (Xinhua/Li Xueren)

BEIJING, Dec. 22 (Xinhua) -- President Xi Jinping on Wednesday met with Chief Executive of the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) Ho Iat Seng, who is on a duty visit to Beijing.

During the meeting, Xi heard a report from Ho on Macao's current situation and the Macao SAR government's work.

Noting that Macao celebrated the 22nd anniversary of its return to the motherland on Dec. 20, Xi extended festive greetings to all compatriots in Macao.

Xi highlighted the work of Macao over the past year in maintaining the sound momentum of stability and development, effectively taming COVID-19, achieving gradual economic recovery, and successfully completing the election of the seventh Legislative Assembly of the Macao SAR.

The central authorities fully acknowledge the work that Ho and the Macao SAR government have done, Xi said.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Macao society has gained a clearer understanding of existing problems in the region's economic structure and deeper reflections on its future development, Xi said.

The motherland will always act as a strong support for Macao in maintaining prosperity and stability. The central authorities will firmly implement the principle of "one country, two systems" and support Macao in appropriately diversifying its economy, Xi said.

Senior officials including Han Zheng, Ding Xuexiang, Guo Shengkun, You Quan, Wang Yi and Xia Baolong attended the meeting.



President Xi Jinping meets with Chief Executive of the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) Ho Iat Seng, who is on a duty visit to Beijing, capital of China, Dec. 22, 2021. (Xinhua/Shen Hong)


President Xi Jinping meets with Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Carrie Lam, who is on a duty visit to Beijing, capital of China, Dec. 22, 2021. (Xinhua/Li Xueren)

BEIJING, Dec. 22 (Xinhua) -- President Xi Jinping on Wednesday met with Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Carrie Lam, who is on a duty visit to Beijing.

During the meeting, Xi heard a report from Lam on Hong Kong's current situation and the HKSAR government's work.

Over the past year, Hong Kong has consolidated the achievements in restoring order and the situation has constantly improved, Xi said, adding that the region has achieved notable results in COVID-19 response, steadily recovered its economy and maintained social stability.

Lam has led the HKSAR government in making systematic changes and improvements to Hong Kong's electoral system in accordance with relevant decision of the National People's Congress (NPC) and relevant legislation of the NPC Standing Committee, Xi said.

Lam has also led the HKSAR government in successfully holding elections of the Election Committee and the Legislative Council (LegCo), resolutely implementing the Hong Kong national security law, and taking active measures to promote the HKSAR's integration into the overall development of the country and comprehensively deepen its exchanges and cooperation with the mainland, Xi said.

The central authorities fully acknowledge the work of Lam and the HKSAR government, Xi said.

Xi said the elections of the Election Committee and the seventh LegCo held under the new electoral system were both successful, with democratic rights of Hong Kong residents reflected, the principle of "patriots administering Hong Kong" implemented, and a political landscape established with wide and balanced participation from all social groups and constituencies.

Practice has proven that the new electoral system adheres to the "one country, two systems" principle and fits Hong Kong's realities, Xi said, calling it a good system that will provide strong institutional support for the steady and sustained development of "one country, two systems" and Hong Kong's enduring prosperity and stability.

Noting that "one country, two systems" is conducive to safeguarding the fundamental interests of the country, the HKSAR and Hong Kong compatriots, Xi said the central authorities will continue to unswervingly implement the "one country, two systems" principle.

Senior officials including Han Zheng, Ding Xuexiang, Guo Shengkun, You Quan, Wang Yi and Xia Baolong attended the meeting.



President Xi Jinping meets with Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Carrie Lam, who is on a duty visit to Beijing, capital of China, Dec. 22, 2021. (Xinhua/Li Xueren)
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USA/Africa: Pandora Papers Keep Giving

AfricaFocus Bulletin

December 23, 2021 (2021-12-23)

(Reposted from sources cited below)

Editor's Note 2021 was a banner year for attention to national and international tax reforms to reduce tax evasion and avoidance, with legislation in the United States spearheaded by the FACT Coalition and a global reform deal proposed by the Organization of Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). But the Pandora Papers also demonstrated the pervasive scale of illicit financial flows that siphon off wealth into an offshore world of secrecy. Despite the advances, it was also clear that the measures taken were at best a first step towards addressing the accumulation of untaxed private wealth at the expense of public resources to meet unprecedented global crises. In the case of the OECD-led deal, leading experts warned that it would increase rather than decrease global inequality. The two pillar solution overwhelmingly favors rich countries over poor countries. And according to the Independent Commission for the Reform of International Corporate Taxation (ICRICT), the OECD minimum global corporate tax of 15% is so low that a reform that was intended to make sure multinationals pay their fair share will end up doing just the opposite. The scope of the Pandora Papers is worldwide, but is still only the tip of a larger iceberg of hidden wealth. But they clearly show a pattern of a leading role for the United States as a home for hidden wealth and of the vulnerability of developing countries, including those in Africa. Among the revelations: An oligarch, a dictators aide and a beverage tycoon turned to Americas least populated state to shelter assets, the Pandora Papers show.

https://www.icij.org/investigations/pandora-papers/the-cowboy-cocktail-how-wyoming-became-one-of-the-worlds-top-tax-havens/

December 20, 2021 "Pandora Papers show a Wall Street plan to cash in on the foreclosure crisis by pouring money into rental homes, part of an unprecedented flow of global finance into US suburbs that has left stressed tenants in its wake.

https://www.icij.org/investigations/pandora-papers/how-a-billion-dollar-housing-bet-upended-a-tennessee-neighborhood/

December 15, 2021 Pandora Papers: The Kenyatta files

https://www.financeuncovered.org/investigations/pandora-papers-kenyatta-files-source-documents/

October 8, 2021 Pandora Papers: The secret London properties of Nigerias elite

https://www.financeuncovered.org/investigations/pandora-papers-nigeria-offshore-london-properties/

October 6, 2021 This AfricaFocus Bulletin contains (1) a brief excerpt and link to the State of Tax Justice 2021, released in November, (2) a short commentary on the Pandora Papers by your editor, entitled The United States of Tax Havens, (3) a open letter by the ICRICT on the OECD deal, and (4) a commentary in Responsible Statecraft, co-authored by your editor with Anita Plummer and Daniel Volman, on how pressure from the Pentagon and White House for a new Cold War with China, has weakened U.S. anti-corruption pressures against the regime of Teodoro Obiang Nguema, who has ruled Equatorial Guinea since 1979. For previous AfricaFocus Bulletins on illicit financial flows and tax justice, visit http://www.africafocus.org/intro-iff.php ++++++++++++++++++++++end editor's note+++++++++++++++++

State of Tax Justice 2021

November 16, 2021

https://taxjustice.net/reports/the-state-of-tax-justice-2021/

Countries are losing a total of $483 billion in tax a year to global tax abuse committed by multinational corporations and wealthy individuals  enough to fully vaccinate the global population against Covid-19 more than three times over. The 2021 edition of the State of Tax Justice documents how a small club of rich countries with de facto control over global tax rules is responsible for the majority of tax losses suffered by the rest of the world, with lower income countries hit the hardest by global tax abuse. The findings are further galvanising calls to move rule-making on international tax from the OECD to the UN.

Key findings

* Countries are losing $483 billion in tax a year to global tax abuse  thats enough to fully vaccinate the global population against Covid-19 more than three times over.

* Of the $483 billion lost a year, $312 billion of this tax loss is due to cross-border corporate tax abuse by multinational corporations and $171 billion is due to offshore tax abuse by wealthy individuals.

* Global tax abuse continues to hit lower income countries more severely than higher income countries. While higher income countries lose more tax in absolute number, their tax losses represent a smaller share of their revenues (9.7 per cent). Lower income countries in comparison collectively lose the equivalent of nearly half (48 per cent) of their public health budgets. The taxes that lower income countries lose would be enough to vaccinate 60 per cent of their populations, bridging the gap in vaccination rates between lower income and higher income countries

For full report see https://taxjustice.net/reports/the-state-of-tax-justice-2021/

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The United States of Tax Havens

The Pandora Papers reveal how billionaires, oligarchs, and despots the world over exploit America's patchwork of tax havens.

By William Minter | November 3, 2021

Originally published in Africa Is a Country.

There are many ways in which the United States is not one country.

Im not referring to the electoral reality of red states versus blue states, or to the split between a radicalized Republican Party and those of us who hope that an inclusive democratic vision of the nation might eventually prevail. Nor am I speaking here of racial or ethnic divisions, however defined.

Rather, what I mean is that the United States, where countless corrupt billionaires and dictators have stashed their loot, is not a single tax haven, but many separate tax havens.

Each state and territory has its own laws and regulations about financial transactions used for tax evasion or money laundering. Enforcement often also depends on municipal and other local officials, leaving ample opportunities for cronyism or simply failures to investigate.

The Pandora Papers, released on October 3, show that the United States is second only to the Cayman Islands in facilitating the secrecy of illicit financial flows. But its not a simple picture. To analyze the role of the United States in global money flows, one must dig into a labyrinth of financial jurisdictions and players. Wall Street and the federal government in Washington are important actors, but they are not the central players who manipulate the entangled threads.

Based on an investigation by a network of 600 journalists around the world, the Pandora Papers revealed some 12 million financial documentsstill only a tip of the iceberg. Among the national leaders exposed was Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta, who met with President Joe Biden at the White House on October 14.

Ironically, President Bidens home state of Delaware has long been renowned for its use as a tax haven, beginning in the late 19th century. Reliably Democratic in national politics, Delaware still ranks at the top among U.S. states providing secrecy for corporations and ultra-high-wealth individuals, both domestic and foreign.

Both red states and blue states are destinations for those who seek to hide their money from tax collectors and public scrutiny. The U.S. federal system is a patchwork of states and territories, municipal and local jurisdictions, each with its own laws and regulations. This complex map provides ample opportunities for shell games of hide the money.

While the same is true to some extent of other nations with federal systems, and of the intricate financial network of the United Kingdom and its overseas territories, the United States offers unparalleled opportunities for concealment, lax enforcement, and legal obfuscation.

The Pandora Papers cite the example of South Dakota, an attractive destination for billionaires and others seeking to avoid estate taxes. The International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ), which led the Pandora Papers investigation, obtained access to the records of the Sioux Falls office of Trident Trust. Among its clients were the family of Carlos Morales Troncoso, former president of Central Romana, the largest sugar plantation in the Dominican Republic. Owned principally by two Cuban exile billionaires in Florida, the plantation is notorious for its exploitation of Haitian workers.

South Dakota led the way in providing such trusts, as reported in detail even before the current revelations. But other states, including Alaska, Florida, Delaware, Texas, and Nevada, have followed suit.

The Pandora Papers also document the luxury real estate holdings of Jordans King Abdullah. Like many other politicians and oligarchs around the world, King Abdullah owns real estate in many places outside his country. The ICIJ found records of his purchases in London and Washington, D.C., among other cities, as well as three side-by-side mansions in a luxury enclave in Malibu, near Los Angeles.

Money-laundering cases often feature luxury real estate, found in almost every region of the world. And the U.S. Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) has orders requiring stricter reporting of all-cash sales in 12 metropolitan areas. But fully tracking such transactions for shady deals or tax evasion is far beyond the capacity of FinCEN or the underfunded Internal Revenue Service, much less local or state governments with few incentives to investigate influential people.

Bottom line: those seeking to track down the hidden wealth that dictators, criminals, or jet-setting billionaires have lodged in the United States must not limit their efforts to supporting changes in national legislation in Washington, D.C. They must also turn the spotlight on state and local communities around the country, in both red and blue states.

In February 2017, for example, the Washington Post called attention to the fact that U.S. relations with Gambia and Equatorial Guinea were not just foreign policy but also a local story in Potomac, Maryland. The ousted Gambian dictator Yahya Jammeh lived at 9908 Bentcross Drive in the D.C. suburb. The U.S. Department of Justice filed a forfeiture complaint in June 2020 to recover $3.5 million of corrupt proceeds. His counterpart Teodoro Obiang Nguema, who has ruled Equatorial Guinea since his successful coup in 1979, still owns the house at nearby 9909 Bentcross Drive.

The message to look beyond the national political arena in Washington applies not only to tax justice advocates within the United States, who are now making significant progress in reform of national legislation. It also applies to global tax justice networks seeking to expand the transnational impact of their combined efforts. And it applies to African governments and international agencies tracking down the spoils of corruption, such as the still untraced portion of billions hidden overseas by Nigerian dictator Sani Abacha and his associates.

The same hidden mechanisms that siphon money upward to the rich are ubiquitous both in the United States and on the African continent. The effects are felt at all levels, from failure to address global crises such as climate change and the COVID-19 pandemic to gross inequality in housing and other essential needs.

Exposing those mechanisms and building the political will to curb illicit financial flows requires action not only in national capitals and global institutions, but also in all the jurisdictions where wealth is hidden. Nowhere is this more true than for the United States.

In the United States, new African immigrants have taken the lead in battles to defend social justice on many fronts. Prominent figures include Congresswoman Ilhan Omar of Minnesota, Nse Ufot of the New Georgia Project, and Ayo (Opal) Tometi, one of the three co-founders of #BlackLivesMatter.

In Washington, this message from the Panama Papers is beginning to be heard if not yet followed.

On October 17, the headline of a Washington Post editorial read States must stop letting the ultrawealthy dodge taxes  and the law. Despite the limited progress on national legislation, African and other global advocates for tax justice should recognize U.S. political realities and make good use of the many links they already have to states and local communities in the United States.

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ICRICT open letter to G20 leaders: "A global tax deal for the rich"

The Independent Commission for the Reform of International Corporate Taxation (ICRICT) is a group of leaders from around the world who believe that, at this moment in history, there is both an urgent need and an unprecedented opportunity to bring about significant reform of the international corporate taxation system. The Commission aims to promote the reform debate through a wider and more inclusive discussion of international tax rules than is possible through any other existing forum; to consider reforms from a perspective of global public interest rather than national advantage; and to seek fair, effective and sustainable tax solutions for development.

The Commission is chaired by Jose Antonio Ocampo and includes Eva Joly, Rev. Suzanne Matale, Edmund Fitzgerald, Leonce Ndikumana, Irene Ovonji-Odida, Jayati Ghosh, Kim Jacinto Henares, Ricardo Martner, Gabriel Zucman, Magdalena Sepulveda, Thomas Piketty, Wayne Swan and Joseph Stiglitz.

October 12, 2021

https://www.icrict.com/press-release/2021/10/12/icrict-open-letter-to-g20-leaders-a-global-tax-deal-for-the-rich

Excellencies,

Eight years ago, you mandated the OECD to address corporate tax avoidance by multinationals, which cost countries at least $240 billion a year in lost fiscal revenues. After years of negotiations including 140 countries, the agreement announced last Friday shows that it is finally possible to change a system that was built one hundred years ago. The agreement recognises the basic principle of the need for a global minimum tax to put an end to the tax havens business model. With a global minimum tax, it doesnt matter in which countries multinationals record their profits, as these will be taxed at least at the minimum rate.

The agreement also finally recognises the principle that multinationals are unitary businesses, operating across jurisdictions and that their worldwide profits should be taxed in line with their real activities in each country on a formulaic basis, according to the key factors that generate profit (e.g., employment, sales, and assets) and so that multinationals can no longer pick and choose where to record their profits.

However, this reform process has been watered down in such a way that it will overwhelmingly benefit rich countries.

Proposals for a global effective minimum tax of 21% (or even better 25%, as we advocate) have been rejected in the pursuit of the lowest common denominator of 15%, a success for Ireland, a loss for the rest of the world.

A reform that could have delivered more than $200bn in increased fiscal revenues worldwide with a 21% tax rate, will deliver only $100bn with a 15% tax rate. By giving priority to apply the minimum tax to the countries where the headquarters of multinationals are located, the lions share of the additional revenue is expected to be received by a small number of rich countries. This leaves aside the application of the principle of fairness you agreed, that corporations should be taxed in the jurisdictions where their profits are generated.

There are legitimate concerns that such a low global minimum will turn out to be the global standard, and a reform that was intended to make sure multinationals pay their fair share will end up doing just the opposite. Developing countries, which rely relatively more on corporate tax income as a source of government revenues, and suffer the highest losses from corporate tax abuse as a share of their current tax revenues, would be big losers. So too would small and medium-sized enterprises in developed countries, which will still pay the full local rate.

Particularly problematic is the proposal intended to address taxing rights, but which will apply to only the 100 largest and most profitable global multinationals and reallocate only a small fraction of their profits. The demand for a commitment from countries to withdraw or refrain from introducing measures to ensure that digital multinationals not covered by the current agreement pay taxes is simply unfair.

Concrete proposals put forward by developing and emerging countries, including some G20 members, to ensure all companies pay taxes in the countries where economic activities take place, and to allow source countries to apply the minimum tax on payment of services and capital gains (the so called Subject to Tax Rule), which are used by multinationals to shift profits out of their countries and into tax havens, have been ignored. Repeated concerns with respect to new rules for mandatory dispute resolution have also been given short shrift.

The negotiations are happening in the aftermath of COVID 19, at a time when developed countries are recovering faster than developing countries, who lack adequate fiscal space. Exacerbating this divergence by failing to provide sufficient revenues to sustain economic growth in developing countries is economically foolish. To do so during a global pandemic, when the need for revenue to support public health and economic recovery is greater than ever, is also socially inequitable. Coming on the heels of vaccine nationalism and hoarding by the advanced countries, this agreement is hardly one that enhances global solidarity. Moreover, it goes against global commitments grounded in the United Nations Charter, including those related to human rights and the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 10 on reducing inequalities within and among countries.

Overall, the current agreement is not grounded on a proper understanding of the economics of corporate profit taxation and reinforces global inequities. From the point of view of developing countries, it can only be seen as an interim solution which they have been forced to live with. In the absence of sustainable solutions, countries should not be restricted from continuing to pursue alternative measures, such as digital services taxes, which are already generating revenue today, or the solution for taxing digital services that has been developed by the United Nations Tax Committee.

The current negotiations must continue during the presidency of Indonesia in 2022 and India in 2023 but in a different format that recognises the failure of the 2019-2021 process to give effective voice to developing countries. This ultimately must provide the platform for a new, more inclusive, round of negotiations to deliver a new global tax deal for the world.

Addressing the complex global challenges that the world is confronted with today, from the adequate provision of public services to the existential climate crisis, requires visionary decisions that put national self-interest aside in the search for the common good. It means siding not with multinationals and tax havens but with citizens both in the Global North and in the Global South. History will judge you harshly if you miss the chance to get this right.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

For an in-depth analysis of the OECD process and its limitations, see Tax Reforms and Global Redistribution: Situating the Global South by Sakshi Rai, published in the Economic and Political Weekly in Mumbai, India on August 14, 2021,

The current international financial system needs an urgent overhaul as it continues to undermine workers rights. The recent agreement on the Two- Pillar Approach that aims to tackle global corporate tax avoidance and taxing the digital economy falls short of addressing the priorities of the global South, and threatens their sovereignty.

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U.S. Cold War with China: First Stop, Equatorial Guinea

Officials are hyping the threat of a potential Chinese naval base facing the Atlantic to get yet more funding for military operations.

By William Minter, Anita Plummer, Daniel Volman | December 15, 2021

Originally published in Responsible Statecraft.

In the first Cold War, the Truman Doctrine laid out the premises for prioritizing an anti-communist crusade that lasted an entire generation and served as the pretext for U.S. support for apartheid South Africa and countless other anti-democratic regimes around the world.

Last weeks Democracy Summit, noted CUNY Presidential Professor Branko Milanovic, is most likely a prelude to the creation of an unwieldy association of states that will be used by the United States to spearhead its ideological crusade in the escalating geopolitical conflict with China and Russia.

Milanovic, who earned his Ph.D. in 1987 at the University of Belgrade and later became chief economist in the World Banks research department, recalled that in the first Cold War, there was at least the option of a non-aligned movement, in which his native country joined with India to offer an alternative to the Manichean geopolitical choice between the Soviet Union and the United States. The clash between China and the United States is a clash driven by geopolitical considerations It has nothing to do with democracy, Milanovic concluded.

That logic was reflected on the eve of the Summit when unnamed intelligence officials and senior administration officials took the initiative to talk to the Wall Street Journal about the threat of a possible Chinese base in Equatorial Guinea. According to these officials, [intelligence] reports raise the prospect that Chinese warships would be able to rearm and refit opposite the East Coast of the U.S.  a threat that is setting off alarm bells at the White House and Pentagon.

The article further explained that the United States does not oppose current close relations between Equatorial Guinea and China, which trains and arms the Guinean police and helped upgrade the commercial port at Bata on the mainland part of the country. Rather, the U.S. concern is that the Chinese would develop a naval base in Equatorial Guinea, which would then give them naval presence on the Atlantic, charged Maj. Gen. Andrew Rohling, commander of the U.S. Army Southern European Task Force-Africa, in a June interview.

Foreign military bases are located across Africa, especially in Djibouti where the United States and China each have a military base, as do six other countries including Japan, Saudi Arabia, and three European countries. Adding a Chinese base in West Africa as well would not be inconsistent with Chinas broad foreign policy goals of demonstrating a global presence. Private Chinese security firms have received contracts to work in some commercial ports. But there are no signs of new construction at the Bata port. And Chinese global naval strategy is still overwhelmingly focused on the area off the east coast of China.

Chinese military presence in Africa focuses on support for UN peacekeeping and military assistance to African countries, in line with policy established in 2006. An open question is how Xi Jinping and Chinas military will fight terrorism in Africa, one of the goals laid out at the annual China-Africa ministerial forum in Dakar in late November. Chinas military assistance to Africa, which includes training of both military personnel and police forces and the export of arms, is an important part of its overall Africa policy which tends to emphasize trade, investment and infrastructural development over security issues.

Hyping the threat of a potential Chinese naval base facing the Atlantic is designed, in part, to obtain increased funding from the U.S. Congress for American military operations in Africa. General Stephen Townsend, Commander of the United States Africa Command, in his presentation to the Senate Armed Services Committee in April this year, cited the potential threat of a Chinese naval port in the Atlantic as my number one global power competition concern.

However, it also intended to make it clear that Washington will oppose Beijing pursuing military bases overseas as the United States has done.

Having Chinese military vessels in the Atlantic represents a new phase of strategic competition, Ioannis Koskinas, a senior fellow at the New America think tank, told the Turkish magazine TRT World. It may be that China simply says, if the U.S. gets to send its carrier battle groups to the Western Pacific, China can send its ships to the Atlantic, he added.

The threat is really to the assumption that only the United States has the right to a worldwide military presence featuring overwhelming preeminence and a giant military budget to support it.

The Atlantic base scare is part of a broader Pentagon and bipartisan effort to exaggerate the military threat from China, also illustrated by the claim that China now has the worlds largest navy, as measured by the number of ships instead of the more meaningful metric of tonnage. By tonnage, the United States still has by far the worlds largest navy, comparable to the combined tonnage of the next thirteen navies and almost five times that of China.

Given that Equatorial Guinea is over 6,000 miles southeast of Miami, and that China has only 2 aircraft carriers in its entire navy compared to 20 for the United States, it is ludicrous to see the potential of a base there as a serious threat to U.S. security. China, for its part, is ringed by at least seven U.S. bases within 3,000 miles of its coast.

Yet, since 2019, according to the WSJ article and other sources, the U.S. policy towards Equatorial Guinea has been driven by this new Cold War agenda. This to the detriment of long-standing policy which has to some extent challenged the anti-democratic regime of Teodoro Obiang Nguema, who has ruled the country since 1979.

In September this year the Justice Department announced that $26.6 million confiscated from President Obiangs sons assets in the United States, including a Malibu mansion, would be used to support UN efforts against COVID-19 in Equatorial Guinea.

What if the U.S. had cited this to support Treasury Secretary Janet Yellins new anti-corruption program announced at the Summit? The Justice Department could also have announced that it was filing for forfeiture of the mansion owned by President Obiang and his wife in Potomac, Maryland, as it did in 2020 for the mansion next-door, previously owned by ousted Gambian dictator Yahya Jammeh.

If the Biden administration were ready to build back better in its Africa policy, it could well experiment with a pilot project in Equatorial Guinea, based not primarily on the interests of the U.S. military and U.S. oil companies, but also on objectives such as democracy, curbing corruption, sustained development in the Central African region, and the transition away from fossil fuel. Both China and the United States would be well-placed to contribute to such a common agenda.

To begin with, it could propose, to the United Nations, the African Union, and other governmental and civil society stakeholders in the future of Equatorial Guinea, a consultative gathering at a neutral location, perhaps hosted by the UNDP. The United States would have standing to do this given the interest not only of the Defense Department but also the Department of Justice, the Treasury Department, and other agencies.

Tutu Alicante, executive director of Equatorial Guinea Justice, who was one of the recipients of the Global Magnitsky Awards in November, is also based in the United States and would be in a good position to advise on participation by global civil society in such an event. And civil society activists might raise questions about the potential threat from surveillance technologies supplied to African governments by China or Israel, its leading competitor in this field.

Such a gathering, instead of providing an opportunity for governments to make dubious claims and promises about their commitment to democracy, might instead contribute to building collaboration in support of common agreed agendas as well as space for honest debate about conflicts in values and goals.

AfricaFocus Bulletin is an independent electronic publication providing reposted commentary and analysis on African issues, with a particular focus on U.S. and international policies. AfricaFocus Bulletin is edited by William Minter. For an archive of previous Bulletins, see http://www.africafocus.org,

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Assyrian Town Once Invaded By ISIS Celebrates Christmas

Several residents of Al-Hamdaniya (Baghdede in Assyrian), an Iraqi Christian town, dressed up as Santa Claus to stage an uplifting Christmas parade for local children on Sunday, roughly seven years after the community was invaded by the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS), Agence France-Presse (AFP) reported Monday.

About one dozen local men donned Santa Claus costumes, including his iconic white beard, and gathered in the center of Al-Hamdaniya to distribute colorfully wrapped sweet pastries to children on the evening of December 20. The Santas were assisted by a man dressed in Biblical-era garb who led a donkey as it pulled a wooden cart carrying the treats. Another resident dressed as Disney's Mickey Mouse and accompanied the Christmas parade.

"Praise be to God, we saw Santa this year and children rejoiced," Al-Hamdaniya resident Christian Boutros told AFP on December 20.

"We could not see Santa before because of the difficult coronavirus situation, and in the previous years there was Daesh [ISIS]," he recalled.

"We are distributing gifts, or let's say sweets to children," Rani Bassem, one of the Al-Hamdaniya residents who dressed up as Santa Claus, told AFP on Sunday.

"I'm doing this to make the children and their families happy, to put smiles on children's faces," he said.

"Because Iraqi people have suffered a lot," he added, referring to the country's invasion by ISIS starting in about June 2014.

Al-Hamdaniya is located just eight miles south of Qaraqosh, which is known as Iraq's Christian capital. ISIS terrorists overran Qaraqosh, also known as Bakhdida, in June 2014.

"Eyewitnesses in Qaraqosh said IS militants were taking down crosses in churches and burning religious manuscripts," the BBC reported in August 2014.

Qaraqosh is located 19 miles southeast of Mosul, which was captured by ISIS in June 2014.

"Last month [July 2014], hundreds of Christian families fled Mosul after the Islamist rebels gave them an ultimatum to convert to Islam, pay a special tax or be executed," the BBC reported.

Iraq is home to an ancient Christian population that largely resides in the country's Nineveh Plains region, which is where both Al-Hamdaniya and Qaraqosh are situated. Christians constitute a minority in Iraq, which is officially an Islamic country. About 97 percent of Iraq's population identifies as Muslim.

"Christian leaders estimate there are fewer than 250,000 Christians remaining in the country [Iraq], with the largest population -- at least 200,000 -- living in the Ninewa Plain and the IKR [Iraqi Kurdistan Region] in the north of the country," the U.S. State Department wrote in 2019 as part of an International Religious Freedom report for Iraq.

Iraq's Christian population has significantly declined from a pre-2002 population estimate of 800,000 to 1.4 million.

About 67 percent of Iraqi Christians identify as Chaldean Catholics, which is "an eastern rite of the Roman Catholic Church," according to the U.S. State Department report.

"[N]early 20 percent are members of the Assyrian Church of the East. The remainder are Syriac Orthodox, Syriac Catholic, Armenian Catholic, Armenian Apostolic, and Anglican and other Protestants," the U.S. government agency observed.

"There are approximately 2,000 registered members of evangelical Christian churches in the IKR, while an unknown number, mostly converts from Islam, practice the religion secretly," the report revealed.
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Photos: Filip Cederholm

NEW YORK, USA - A revealing account authored by former US Diplomat and World Bank Group (IFC) official Oliver Griffith provides a compelling perspective on a scalable solution for climate change. Investigating the impact of UN backed projects that work to Reduce Emissions from Deforestation and Degradation (REDD+), Griffith makes his case for listening to the people on the front line of the climate crisis.



The account researched by Griffith saw him visit nine of the most remote villages within the Mai Ndombe REDD+ Project in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Speaking directly with community members, community leaders, civil society, and regional and national government officials Griffith witnesses first-hand a science-based climate change solution that is working today.

Author, Oliver Griffith said Theres little debate that tropical forests must be protected. Deforestation and forest degradation are some of the leading causes of global warming, responsible for about 15% of greenhouse gas emissions. At COP 26, over 140 world leaders promised to end deforestation by 2030, pledging over $19 billion to do so. However, it is not clear how the funds will be used or how countries will achieve the goal. Fortunately, REDD+ is a proven model that can make this happen.

The REDD+ model described in the account works as a replicable and scalable product that can raise substantial funding from corporations which buy Verified Emission Reductions (VERs) also known as carbon credits. It depends on detailed, science-based carbon accounting under the internationally recognized Verified Carbon Standard, and the buy-in via Free Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) of local communities.

Remarking on the importance of this account was Dr. Jean-Robert Bwangoy Bankanza Bolambee, Wildlife Works DRC Country Director who said: The DRC is the largest country in sub-Saharan Africa and has exceptional natural resources. Nonetheless, it regularly finishes near the bottom in the UNs global human development index, and two thirds of Congolese live in poverty. There is a tremendous pressure to exploit natural resources, by the poor depending on them to survive, by the government looking for tax revenues, and by international firms feeding their supply chains.

Griffiths thesis relies on the notion that the resources depended on by those in the Forest are found in the forests, and therefore the solutions must also be found there. They must be practical, scalable, and easy to implement, and they will only be successful if they can protect the forests while meeting the economic needs of those who might cut them down.

Mike Korchinsky, founder of the project in the Congo visited by Griffith said, This important account highlights that it isnt practical to wait for the world to become enlightened enough to leave the forests alone. REDD+ puts a practical value on standing forests to give communities an economic alternative to deforestation.

The article can be read in full via the REDDImpact website - in English, French, German and Spanish.

Webinar about the Mai Ndombe REDD+ Webinar  REDD+ Impact



Amazing Congo Video



Everland Website: Save the Earth, one forest at a time | Everland



Wildlife Works is the world's leading REDD+ program development and management company with an effective approach to applying innovative market-based solutions to the conservation of biodiversity. Over its 24-year history, Wildlife Works established a successful model that uses the emerging marketplace for REDD+ Carbon Offsets to protect threatened forests, wildlife, and communities. 



Everland represents the world's largest portfolio of high-impact, forest conservation (REDD+) projects that protect wildlife and enhance the well-being of forest communities. The company brings together forest communities and corporations in a common cause to protect some of the world's most important and vulnerable forests.
I believe that we can cross a new threshold. I believe that, in the next decade, we can situate UB in the Top 25 public research universities in the nation. 

Satish K. Tripathi, President

University at Buffalo
Foxconn, best known for making Apple iPhones, failed to qualify for state funds during the first two years of its previous contract. Ultimately, Wisconsin and the Taiwan-based company reached a new agreement for the project after state officials told Foxconn it would not be eligible for any state credits under the previous contract. Foxconn was eligible for just over $29 million in performance-based tax credits for 2020 under the new contract.
A shortage of labor, parts and supplies during the pandemic has resulted in weekslong waits for contractors and home repair professionals, and some homeowners are taking matters into their own hands. Rather than wait, and spend the money for a professional job, theyre turning to do-it-yourself videos and taking on the work themselves. But DIY projects often sour, especially when homeowners run into the same supply chain congestion thats slowing down professionally managed projects. And real estate agents and architects say DIY misfires can undermine the value of a house and even inflict after-the-fact fees and fines when homeowners neglect to get necessary permits.
The national weekly claims numbers, a proxy for layoffs, have fallen steadily most of the year and Illinois has followed that trend. Employers are reluctant to let workers go at a time when its so tough to find replacements. The United States had a near-record 11 million job openings in October, and 4.2 million Americans quit their jobs  just off Septembers record 4.4 million  because there are so many opportunities.
We feel anxious about dealing with them if they decide to show up and harass our team, the bakery said in a social media post Tuesday. No, this doesnt mean that they win and no it doesnt mean were going to back away from our policy. But we have a lot of baking to do before Christmas and would rather spend our time focused on making sure your desserts are great as well as planning for the New Year.
They run the news up the flagpole. Along with Dr. Clayton Teddy Oglethorpe (Rob Morgan), a scientist who helps them get the word out, they score a meeting at the White House with President Janie Orlean (Meryl Streep), a dolt who proudly displays pictures of herself with Steven Seagal in the Oval Office, whose pampered son Jason (Jonah Hill) is her chief of staff. When Kate and Randall finally get some face time with Madame President, they tell her of the impending doom they're facing. Her spin, after hearing the impact will have the effect of 1 billion Hiroshimas, is to call the damage potentially significant.
In the AMC release AMC chairman and CEO Adam Aron characterized the multiplex formerly known as the ArcLight 14, located in the NewCity retail/residential development in Lincoln Park, as a high-traffic, successful location. He added that recent AMC acquisitions prove that even in the imperiled theatrical exhibition business, AMC is staying on offense.
Coen plays riddles with the viewer, just as witches play guessing games with Macbeth. As depicted here, that dagger, floating in midair, vexing Macbeths sanity? Is it a vision? A door handle? Are the witches three? Or one? Whatever the number, theyre a kingdom apart, invisible and unknown to all except their next human vessel for something wicked. Coens Macbeth doesnt constitute a radical rethink of a popular but rarely successfully revived work. On stage its difficulty, at least in America, is weird, considering its all-star lineup of Famous Scenes and Speeches, from sleepwalking Lady Macbeth to the shocking assault on the Macduff lair to tomorrow and tomorrow and tomorrow. This film may just change a few modern perceptions about the plays brute effectiveness, and the value of not opening up in the expected way.
The pandemic created multiple issues for researchers, said William Lowe, vice dean for academic affairs at Northwestern Medicine Feinberg School of Medicine who will help direct a similar $550,000 grant, part of the Fund to Retain Clinical Scientists. First, many were unable to visit labs, and lost work for reasons ranging from inability to monitor experiments to a harder time interviewing people who did not want to come to facilities. Some of the work could be done remotely; some couldnt. Lots of projects were disrupted or limited.
I led the effort to #DraftDelia and went on to raise over $100,000 for the campaign from small dollar giving, Kelleher is quoted as saying on the UWF website. We won with over 48% of the vote in a four-way race. It was a collective victory that was the result of the work that our members and allies had been doing for years.
And then after we kind of got the guns off of us, they had separated me and my husband, she told reporters. After we got the guns off of us, my husband told me to run. And I ran reluctantly because I dont want to leave him there. And it was a scary run because now shots are being fired. I thought for sure they were going to shoot me.
Acosta is in charge of finding bell ringers for stations in Homer Glen, Alsip, Orland Park and Tinley Park, starting the first week in November. Their budget is enough to hire 11 people, and they depend on volunteers to fill out the roster, but that can be a struggle, he said.
A landscape painting exhibition displaying masterpieces of prominent Chinese artist Li Keran (1907-1989) and his son, contemporary artist Li Xiaoke (1944-2021), opened in Beijing on Monday, focusing on the inheritance of the artistic style of Li Keran.

A landscape painting exhibition displaying masterpieces of prominent Chinese artist Li Keran and his son, contemporary artist Li Xiaoke, opened in Beijing on Dec. 20, 2021. [Photo/China.org.cn]

A total of 70 landscape ink paintings created by Li Keran, Li Xiaoke, and the latter's students were showcased at Rongbaozhai, a time-honored calligraphy and Chinese painting shop established in 1672.

Considered one of the most important Chinese artists of the 20th century, Li Keran is known for his traditional landscape paintings with influences from renowned Chinese painting masters Qi Baishi and Huang Binhong.

In 1954, Li Keran started his tour in the south of the Yangtze River and created a series of landscape paintings on-site, many of which are considered significant among the contemporary Chinese painting canon. Some of these works were displayed at Monday's exhibition, including "First Rays of the Morning Sun at Beihai Park," "Tiger Hill in Suzhou," "Unique Rain Scenery," and "On the Riverside of the Lijiang River."

Since the 1950s, Li Keran was also an influential professor at China's Central Academy of Fine Arts, where he taught a generation of Chinese artists, including his son Li Xiaoke.

To paint landscapes on-site is the core value of the Li family's painting style, and Li Xiaoke did so for decades, including during his more than 30 tours to Tibet since 1988 as well as some locations abroad.

This exhibition includes Li Xiaoke's works created during his overseas tours, including "In Italy - Old Bridge in Florence," "In Japan - Overlooking Mount Fuji," "In the United States - Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco," and "In the United States - Tree," which shows his exploration for new possibilities to inherit and develop Li Keran's artistic style.

The exhibition also showcased the works of more than 30 painters, all of who were students of Li Xiaoke. Their paintings presented the inheritance of Li Keran's artistic style despite embodying diversified artistic perspectives.

The exhibition was hosted under the academic guidance of the China Artists Association and jointly sponsored by Beijing Fine Art Academy, Rongbaozhai, and the Li Keran Art Foundation, and will run until Dec. 27. After its conclusion, a series of exhibitions with the same theme will be held successively across the country.
Cao Guang, a surgeon from Beijing Anzhen Hospital, along with a Chinese medical team was in Guinea between 2012 and 2014. Seven years later, Cao remembers details of the West African country's fight against Ebola.

Cao became emotional at a screening of Ebola Fighters, a 24-episode TV series, before it started to run on multiple platforms, including Tencent Video, on Dec 8. The fictional series draws inspiration from real stories of Chinese and Guinean medical workers who together fought Ebola, one of the deadliest viruses that claimed over 11,000 lives.

The series centers on Zheng Shupeng, the show's protagonist who's about to end his tenure as a doctor on a Chinese team that is helping a fictional country to battle an epidemic. He decides to stay and fight alongside fellow medical workers.

Cao is an archetype that inspired the role. Another role in the TV series is inspired by his former Guinean colleague, Bangoura Gassimou, who died of Ebola after treating an infected patient in 2014.

A diligent medical student who had studied in China for around 10 years, Gassimou could speak Mandarin fluently, working hard and previously dreaming of pursuing his career in Europe or the United States after returning to work at a hospital in Conakry, the capital of Guinea, in 2010.

In the series, Zheng is depicted as having a close friend, a local doctor who is also named Gassimou. The character speaks Chinese fluently and loves Chinese culture-one of his favorite music works is the Chinese violin concerto Butterfly Lovers-and he occasionally "shows off" his cooking skills of Chinese cuisine in the likes of stir-fried eggs and tomato, one of the easiest and most popular dishes on Chinese people's dining tables.

There are two numbers in the series that have also stirred Cao's memory of his time in Guinea. The protagonist's badge on his white hospital uniform is "3281", close to Cao's own "3481" on his uniform, both in Beijing and Conakry. The first infected patient in the TV series is treated in the No 18 hospital cot, same as the bed number of the first diagnosed Ebola case at the China-Guinea Friendship Hospital, where Cao worked in 2014.

"The TV series has done a delicate job in re-creating a lot of details, making me, a person who has experienced the epidemic, feel that it is realistic and relatable," says Cao.

Aside from nerve-racking scenes that show doctors racing against time to save lives, the drama provides an exotic look at the daily lives of the locals, ranging from bustling street markets to distinctive ceremonies.

Chief producer Mao Yi says she had the idea to make the series after watching the four-episode documentary Border for Doctors in 2018. The documentary chronicles how China sent more than 21,000 medical workers to Africa over the past 55 years.

To do a comprehensive preparation for the new series, its major creators traveled to Tanzania and Sierra Leone in early 2019, and interviewed nearly 100 experts and medical workers, making notes of around "10 million words" over three years, according to Mao.

After joining the project in June last year, director Yang Wenjun and his team paid visits to hospitals and research institutions in Beijing, and Shenzhen and Guangzhou in Guangdong province, obtaining more firsthand information from top experts, including Li Jin and Qian Jun, two leaders of a Chinese medical team dispatched to Sierra Leone in September 2014.

Yang says he also dived into the"58-year history of China's aid to Africa" and heard touching stories that gave him further inspiration for the series. A Chinese surgeon was too exhausted to feel the pain when sewing the needle into one of his fingers after performing several operations without a break; and a pediatrician once volunteered to play a motherlike role, holding a terrified child tightly in her arms, singing a song to ease the little patient's tension after he saw an adult patient pass away in the ward.

Aside from the major plotline unfolding, with actor Luo Jin starring as Zheng, in which the Chinese doctor endeavors to investigate the first infection in a local village, the series also develops a parallel plot about an overseas Chinese journalist, played by actress Mao Xiaotong, venturing into the village, disguised as an international doctor, to investigate a diamond-smuggling racket.

Such a design was made to add dramatic elements and draw a wider viewership, Yang says, adding that the two protagonists share a similarity. "They both wish to help the locals and seek truth despite facing hardships and hazards."

With major scenes set in Africa, the crew recruited more than 100 African people, living in Guangdong and Hainan provinces at the time of shooting, to appear in the series.

The original storyline was also changed to fit a cameo by the teenage daughter of an extra actor from Africa.

The girl was visiting her father during the shooting when Yang noticed her dynamic personality and Mandarin-speaking ability, and got her to act.

"I suddenly had a thought that if we could have a role like her, the series might be better. After I discussed with the producer and scriptwriter, we adjusted the script and invited her to act as the daughter of Gassimou (the character), as such a role would fit the emotional gap left by the death of Gassimou," says Yang.

To consolidate the realistic effect, the crew also constructed two replicas of P3 and P4 laboratories, the second-highest and the highest biosafety levels to protect researchers from dangerous viruses, and a mobile medical vehicle in a sound-stage covering an area of 2,400 square meters.

But audiences who have learned a lot about contagious diseases since COVID-19 might be surprised to see that many medical workers are not wearing face masks or wrapped in protective suits throughout the series.

Yang says it is because most African countries face a shortage of medical equipment and facilities, as well as the fact that Ebola is transmitted through direct contact with blood or body fluids, so such details in the series are convincing.

Moreover, the series is not about COVID-19.

For Luo, a veteran actor with nearly 21 million fans on Chinese micro-blogging platform Sina Weibo, acting as the fearless and devoted doctor Zheng was a meaningful experience as both his parents previously worked at a hospital.

"I spent a lot of time to learn about Ebola and how Chinese doctors lived and worked during their mission to help Ebola-hit African countries," says Luo.

"I believe it's not just about how Chinese helped Africans-we have also received a lot of assistance from our African brothers."
The China-Pakistan Traditional Arts Exhibition was held at the Pakistani Embassy in Beijing on Dec. 21 to celebrate the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries.



Co-organized by the Pakistani Embassy in Beijing and Feng Jing Man Yuan Painting and Calligraphy Gallery, the exhibition displayed more than 30 paintings created by celebrated Chinese painters.

The event opened with attendees' singing the national anthems of China and Pakistan. Then the Pakistani Ambassador to China Moin ul Haque noted that the various elements in the paintings, such as China's natural landscape, symbolize closeness and purity of the bilateral friendship, and represent the harmony between the two peoples.



He hoped that the two countries could build a cultural corridor to advance people-to-people exchanges based on the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, a flagship project of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

Among the paintings, two larger-sized pieces, "New Chapter of the Ancient Rhyme" and "The Pine and Crane Portrait," were highlighted and unveiled by Ambassador Haque and Gallery head Wang Guangyu.

Calligrapher and painter Zhang Dimao, a co-creator of the "New Chapter of the Ancient Rhyme," explained that the snow mountains in his creation signify the true and pure bilateral relations, and the thriving deodars stand for the long-lasting friendship. In addition, the camel caravans at the foot of the mountains are tokens of trade interactions that date back to the ancient Silk Road and further progress under the BRI.

The piece "The Pine and Crane Portrait," produced by Tan Shule, an art professor with Beijing University of Civil Engineering and Architecture, features pines, cranes, bamboos, and plum blossoms. According to Tan, the plants on his painting can live through low temperatures and other harsh natural conditions, reminding people of the everlasting friendship between China and Pakistan that withstands the test of time.

The rest of the paintings displayed some elements unique to Chinese culture, including peony, lotus, and wisteria, and China's natural scenery and pandas to express best wishes for the bilateral ties. For example, the plump and translucent grape bunches indicate the fruitful achievements secured in China-Pakistan cooperation.

At the end of the event, the Ambassador presented certificates of appreciation to the painters present for their contributions to the exhibition.
New romantic film "B for Busy" by an emerging female director has been showered with rave reviews following advance screenings, with some critics naming it their film of the year.

Cast and crew of "B for Busy" pose for a photo at a special screening event in Beijing, Dec. 21, 2021. [Photo courtesy of Maxtimes Culture]

The film is written and directed by 30-year-old Shao Yihui, and stars veteran director-actor Xu Zheng, Wu Yue, Ma Yili and Ni Hongjie. With fresh and interesting plotlines, the story explores love, relationships and friendships among middle-aged women and men from the perspective of women. What makes the film even more special is that almost all the dialogue is in the Shanghai dialect, which adds to the film's realism and showcases the charms of the metropolis.

Shao explained her original vision for the film, and how she separated her work from other romantic films. "I don't think a film for women has to have a powerful woman protagonist, and I also don't want women to be singled out to be gazed at," she said. "I don't want to objectify either men or women, because they're the ones who should control their own lives. I don't want to get too lofty or deify women. That's why I included the male perspective of Lao Bai (played by Xu Zheng), and hope the film can be enjoyed by men too. Only when women are freer, will men be more at ease and relaxed."

Xu Zheng, who is also the film's executive producer, said he regarded the director as someone who creates narratives of independent women, adding that she is also pure and witty. "The Chinese market shouldn't only focus on blockbusters or films in certain genres. We need contemporary films with urban flavor, style and texture. 'B for Busy' is just such a work. That's very important for the current film market," he said at the screening event.

The last time Xu served as both executive producer and actor for a film project by a new director was on Wen Muye's "Dying to Survive" in 2018. That film went on to become one of China's top grossing films, raking in 3.1 billion yuan and triggering widespread social debate about medicine and medical care.

A poster for the movie "B for Busy." [Image courtesy of Maxtimes Culture]

"B for Busy" will likely generate heated discussion in society about romantic relationships and how women can complete themselves after it hits movie theaters nationwide on Dec. 24. The movie's three lead actresses  Ma Yili, Wu Yue and Ni Hongjie  all shared their views during Tuesday's screening event, including their opinions that women should not give up their jobs and their thoughts on how they should protect themselves.

"This is my No. 1 Chinese film this year!" praised director Xin Yunkun, who attended an advance screening in Beijing. "There are lots of warm moments in the film like in classic movies  that moved me a lot. Plus, the film has a lot in it to make audiences think."
China on Tuesday held a gathering to mark the 40th anniversary of the establishment of the Xiamen Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in east China's Fujian Province.



The Xiamen SEZ is among China's first batch of four special economic zones, serving as a pilot area for the country's reform and opening-up and promoting cross-Strait cooperation and exchanges.

With a spate of new opening-up policies rolled out in recent years, Xiamen, a city facing Taiwan across the Taiwan Strait, is opening a new chapter of opening-up and high-quality development.

Xiamen has been seeking growth momentum from reform and opening-up over the past decades.

In October 1980, the State Council, or the cabinet, approved the establishment of the Xiamen SEZ. Its construction officially started the following year. Later, the SEZ expanded twice. Now, it covers the entire city of Xiamen.

After implementing a series of policies, Xiamen has formed a comprehensive and multi-level opening-up pattern, attracting scores of Fortune Global 500 companies amid efforts to integrate into the global economic system.

By the end of 2020, 63 Fortune Global 500 companies had invested 114 projects in Xiamen, with foreign investment in actual use totaling 3.63 billion U.S. dollars, said the Xiamen municipal bureau of statistics.

Official data shows that Xiamen's foreign trade increased from 141 million U.S. dollars in 1980 to 691.6 billion yuan (about 108.6 billion U.S. dollars) in 2020, with an average annual growth of 18 percent. Its utilized foreign investment increased from 8 million U.S. dollars in 1983 to 16.6 billion yuan in 2020, with an average yearly growth of 16.9 percent.

From January to November, the total foreign trade of Xiamen reached 814.2 billion yuan, up 29.3 percent year on year, with ASEAN, the United States, and the European Union the city's top three trading partners, statistics with Xiamen customs authorities show.

"There are policies and opportunities in Xiamen, and its good business environment encourages us to continue to increase investment here," said James Zhao, president of ABB Electrification China.

Over the past 40 years, Xiamen achieved average annual economic growth of 15 percent. Its gross domestic product reached 638.4 billion yuan in 2020, with per capita GDP exceeding 20,000 U.S. dollars.

Currently, foreign-funded companies contribute about 70 percent of the city's industrial output, 60 percent of its economic growth, and 40 percent of its foreign trade.

The city's opening-up has been gaining momentum since the Xiamen Area of China (Fujian) Pilot Free Trade Zone and the city's China-Europe freight train service were launched in 2015.

Nearly 500 innovative measures have been rolled out in the Xiamen Area of the Fujian FTZ, according to Dai Bin, an official with the Xiamen Area administration committee.

So far, more than ten aviation maintenance companies have established businesses in Xiamen, with their output in this field accounting for about one-fourth of the country's total.

As the host of the ninth BRICS summit in 2017, Xiamen has also boosted its cooperation with BRICS countries, with the BRICS Partnership on New Industrial Revolution Innovation Center launched in Xiamen in December last year.

Xiamen launched Silk Road shipping services in 2018. Silk Road Shipping is an alliance jointly initiated in late 2018 by dozens of ports, carriers, and logistics service providers in countries along the Belt and Road.

After three years of development, Silk Road Shipping, with more than 200 members, now has 86 routes reaching 102 ports in 29 countries, said Li Nan, deputy general manager of Fujian Silk Road Maritime Management Company.

As one of the mainland cities closest to Taiwan, Xiamen is a major hub for cross-Strait exchanges and regional cooperation.

Xiamen will build itself into a demonstration zone for cross-Strait integration development and become a top mainland destination for Taiwan compatriots and businesses, said Liu Jinzhu, head of Xiamen's Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Macao affairs office.

"Deepening its construction as a strategic hub for the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road, and docking with the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) have given direction for Xiamen's higher-level opening-up," said Huang Maoxing, a professor with the School of Economics, Fujian Normal University.
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Wuhan, capital of central China's Hubei Province, launched its 1,000th China-Europe freight train on Wednesday morning, said the local transport authorities.



The train carrying electronic components, daily necessities, and epidemic prevention materials produced by the enterprises in the province departed from the city's Wujiashan Station and headed for the German city of Duisburg.

Since the city launched its first China-Europe freight train on Oct. 24, 2012, Wuhan has developed 29 cross-border routes, covering more than 70 cities in over 30 countries across the Eurasian continent.

All the staff at the station overcame difficulties, especially in time pressure and heavy workloads, to ensure the operation of the trains, said Hu Yiqiang, head of the Wujiashan Station.

On May 9, 2020, Wuhan launched its first special train to carry epidemic prevention materials, departing for Belgrade, Serbia.
You are here: China

President Xi Jinping on Wednesday met with Chief Executive of the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) Ho Iat Seng, who is on a duty visit to Beijing.



During the meeting, Xi heard a report from Ho on Macao's current situation and the Macao SAR government's work.

Noting that Macao celebrated the 22nd anniversary of its return to the motherland on Dec. 20, Xi extended festive greetings to all compatriots in Macao.

Xi highlighted the work of Macao over the past year in maintaining the sound momentum of stability and development, effectively taming COVID-19, achieving gradual economic recovery, and successfully completing the election of the seventh Legislative Assembly of the Macao SAR.

The central authorities fully acknowledge the work that Ho and the Macao SAR government have done, Xi said.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Macao society has gained a clearer understanding of existing problems in the region's economic structure and deeper reflections on its future development, Xi said.

The motherland will always act as a strong support for Macao in maintaining prosperity and stability. The central authorities will firmly implement the principle of "one country, two systems" and support Macao in appropriately diversifying its economy, Xi said.

Senior officials including Han Zheng, Ding Xuexiang, Guo Shengkun, You Quan, Wang Yi and Xia Baolong attended the meeting.
Premier Li Keqiang on Wednesday met with Chief Executive of the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) Ho Iat Seng, who is on a duty visit to Beijing.



Li heard a report on Macao's current situation and the SAR government's work from Ho.

Vice Premier Han Zheng attended the event.

During the meeting, Li expressed the central government's acknowledgment of Ho and the SAR government's work regarding economic development, people's wellbeing, and COVID-19 control.

The central government will continue to fully and faithfully implement the policies of "one country, two systems," "the people of Macao administering Macao," and a high degree of autonomy for the region, Li said.

Li vowed to improve the region's systems and mechanisms for enforcing the Constitution and the Basic Law. The central government fully supports the chief executive in leading the SAR government to exercise law-based administration.

Li voiced hope that the Macao SAR will take the initiative in coordinating with national development strategies as well as participating in and advancing the Guangdong-Macao in-depth cooperation zone in Hengqin.

Li also said he hopes that Macao continues its efforts in curbing the epidemic and improving people's livelihood. Such efforts will lay a solid foundation for lasting prosperity and stability for the region, Li said.

Ho expressed appreciation for the central government's concern and support, adding that Macao will maintain effective control over the epidemic, boost the economic recovery at a stable pace, and seize the opportunities of the country's development.
The Office of the Commissioner of the Chinese Foreign Ministry in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) held a briefing Wednesday on the bright prospects for Hong Kong's democratic progress.



Citing the white paper titled "Hong Kong: Democratic Progress Under the Framework of One Country, Two Systems" released by China's State Council Information Office on Monday, Liu Guangyuan, commissioner of the Chinese foreign ministry in the HKSAR, told the briefing that under the British colonial rule, there was no democracy in Hong Kong and the return of Hong Kong to China ushered in a new era for its democracy.

The first Legislative Council (LegCo) election since the improvement to the HKSAR's electoral system was held smoothly on Sunday, Liu said, noting that people from all sectors took their part and voters exercised their civil rights.

It demonstrates the broad representation, political inclusiveness, balanced participation and fair competition of the election, and is a successful model of quality and substantive democracy, showing that democracy in Hong Kong is advancing with the times, he added.

Since Hong Kong's return to the motherland 24 years ago, the central government has fully supported the orderly and law-based development of democracy in Hong Kong under "one country, two systems" and the Basic Law of the HKSAR, and has taken significant steps, showing the central government's unwavering commitment, unchanged sincerity and continuous efforts in supporting Hong Kong's democratic progress, Liu said.

"Facts have repeatedly shown that progress towards democracy has stalled in Hong Kong because of the local agitators and the external groups behind them," he noted.

Liu said the central government responded swiftly to the situation in Hong Kong and took a series of decisive measures such as adopting the national security law in Hong Kong, improving Hong Kong's electoral system, implementing the principle of "patriots administering Hong Kong," and supporting the HKSAR in improving oath-taking rules for public office-holders.

"The measures helped Hong Kong to achieve the major transformation from chaos to stability and brought Hong Kong's democracy back on track," he added.

Noting that "one country, two systems" provides a foundation for the development of democracy in Hong Kong, Liu said it is not only the best solution to solve the issues left over by history, but also the best system for Hong Kong to maintain long-term prosperity and stability after its return to the motherland.

He said the democratic practice of China and the HKSAR has proved that there is no fixed one-size-fits-all model for democracy that is universally applicable.

"We believe that with the full support of the central government, the institutional advantages of 'one country, two systems,' the huge opportunities of national strategies such as the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and the 'Belt and Road Initiative,' and with the improving democracy with Hong Kong features, the development of Hong Kong will have a brighter prospect," he said.
You are here: Travel

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China's Ministry of Culture and Tourism has demanded tightened epidemic prevention and control measures during the forthcoming holidays of New Year's Day and the Spring Festival, China's lunar new year.

According to a circular released by the ministry, culture and tourism authorities were asked to guide venues such as A-level tourist destinations and public libraries and theaters to follow requirements on visitor number limitations, reservations, and staggered visiting hours.

Tourist-dedicated trains will be suspended, and group tour routes passing land port cities will be restricted, said the circular.

It also demanded supervision over the culture and tourism sectors during the upcoming holidays.

The circular added culture and tourism authorities should encourage holidaymakers to abide by epidemic prevention requirements and stay alert to safety hazards.
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Lithuania should face the crux of the difficulties in the relations with China, reflect upon itself, and admit seriously and correct mistakes, instead of soliciting U.S. support, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson said Wednesday.

Spokesperson Zhao Lijian made the remarks at a daily press briefing in response to recent comments by the U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken accusing China of so-called economic coercion on Lithuania and pledging to work with like-minded countries to push back against China's so-called coercive diplomatic and economic behavior.

"The Lithuanian side bears the sole responsibility for the severe difficulties in China-Lithuania relations," Zhao said, adding that the claim that China's authorities "are not clearing Lithuanian shipments" and that "they are rejecting import applications from Lithuania" is not true.

He said the U.S. takes the opportunity to make groundless accusations against China, only to expose its real motive to drive a wedge. "The U.S. leads the world in terms of economic and military coercion, which has drawn wide criticism from the world."

Urging Lithuania to admit seriously and correct mistakes rather than soliciting U.S. support, Zhao said the U.S. side should be objective and unbiased, and stop distorting facts and fanning flames.
You are here: World

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Myanmar's Ministry of Industry and China National Biotec Group, affiliated with China National Pharmaceutical Group (Sinopharm), signed a supply agreement on Wednesday for semi-finished vaccine products.

The agreement marks the achievement of China-Myanmar cooperation in vaccine filling and packaging, Chinese Ambassador to Myanmar Chen Hai said at the signing ceremony, hoping that locally produced Sinopharm vaccines can be available soon and more people in Myanmar can have access to them.

Union Minister for Ministry of Industry Charlie Than said this is an important milestone in the cooperation between the Ministry of Industry and China National Biotec Group.

He hoped the two sides would continue joining hands in producing important vaccines and other medicines for Myanmar's medical service sector.

On the same day, a new batch of 1 million doses of Sinovac COVID-19 vaccines donated by China arrived in Myanmar's Yangon.
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U.S. chipmaker Intel on Thursday apologized to Chinese customers, partners and the public for telling its suppliers not to source products or labor from China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, the company said on its official WeChat account.

As a multinational company exposed to a complex global environment, Intel should respond and deal with issues cautiously, the company said.

Intel said that its mention of avoiding supply chains from Xinjiang was only for expressing compliance and legality rather than a statement of its position on the issue.

The company recently published an annual letter to suppliers in several languages dated December. "Intel is required to ensure our supply chain does not use any labor or source goods or services from the Xinjiang region," it said in the "prohibiting involuntary labor" part of the letter.

"We hope the enterprise involved could respect facts and tell right from wrong," Zhao Lijian, a spokesperson for China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said on Thursday, responding to a question about Intel's statement.

China has reiterated that the accusation of forced labor in Xinjiang is a lie fabricated by anti-China forces in the U.S. to tarnish China's reputation, destabilize Xinjiang and oppress China's development, he said.

If some enterprises choose not to use products made in Xinjiang, it is their loss, he said.

Since 2015, the Chinese mainland and Hong Kong have been Intel's largest single market in terms of revenue. Last year, more than 26 percent of the company's revenue came from the Chinese mainland and Hong Kong, according to its filings.
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China's Foreign Ministry said Thursday countries will not feel deterred by China's defense forces as long as they don't intend to threaten China's sovereignty, security and territorial integrity.

Spokesperson Zhao Lijian made the remarks after German Chief of Navy Vice Adm. Kay-Achim Schonbach said in an interview with CNBC Wednesday that China's growing naval power is "explosive" and a cause for concern.

China's necessary expenditures for development aim to safeguard its national security interests, which are completely legitimate and reasonable, said Zhao.

The spokesperson reiterated that China pursues a defense policy that is defensive in nature and stressed that China will continue to play its part in building world peace, promoting global development, defending international order and providing public goods to the world.

Zhao pointed out that at present, with the joint efforts of China and ASEAN countries, the situation in the South China Sea remains generally stable, and countries from outside the region should respect the efforts of regional countries for peace and stability in the South China Sea.

"What we should be keenly aware and oppose is that several countries outside the region have been flexing their own military muscles by sending naval vessels and aircraft carriers to the South China Sea and openly sowing discord among countries in the region," he noted.

Zhao also said there is no need to call out China if Germany wants to increase its military might, break through its own policy taboos and demonstrate its military presence in the outside region.

China's annual defense budget maintained single-digit growth for a sixth consecutive year by increasing 6.8 percent in 2021.

The planned annual defense spending is about 1.35 trillion yuan (about $209 billion) for this year. It is about one quarter of the U.S. figure, which is $740.5 billion for the 2021 fiscal year.

As the world' second largest economy and the most populous country, China's planned defense spending per capita in 2021 is less than 1,000 yuan ($157).

Besides, a defense white paper issued in 2019 said the Chinese military has cut 300,000 personnel to keep the total active force at 2 million. China has voluntarily cut its armed forces by over 4 million troops since 1978.
"I've talked to a lot of Afghan and Iraq veterans, and there's a tremendous disturbance here going on. The suicide rate is so much higher than ordinary, normal (wars)," said Oliver Stone, three-time Academy Award winner, also a Vietnam War veteran.

by Xinhua writer Xu Chi

GENEVA, Dec. 23 (Xinhua) -- U.S. Academy Award-winning film director and producer Oliver Stone and his son Sean Stone, a filmmaker and political commentator, have denounced America's addiction to endless wars and notorious record of interference in other countries' internal affairs.

"I've talked to a lot of Afghan and Iraq veterans, and there's a tremendous disturbance here going on. The suicide rate is so much higher than ordinary, normal (wars)," Oliver Stone, three-time Academy Award winner, also a Vietnam War veteran, told Xinhua in a recent interview.

He noted that U.S. veterans returning from the Middle East have expressed strong discontent over their country's obsession with endless wars, adding they "know subconsciously or consciously" that they were fed with lies and were sent to Iraq and Afghanistan for "selfish interests," out of mere political considerations.

Photo taken on Sept. 18, 2021 shows a site of U.S. drone strike in Kabul, capital of Afghanistan. (Photo by Saifurahman Safi/Xinhua)

The senior director also blasted the United States for recently stoking military tensions with Russia over Ukraine, accusing Washington of violating its promise not to expand eastward the North Atlantic Treaty Organization.

In particular, he lashed out at the U.S. military buildup targeting China, which he observed has accelerated since the U.S. "pivot to Asia" strategy in 2012, and at its arms sales to Taiwan, China.

Oliver Stone is world-renowned for directing movies such as Platoon, Wall Street, JFK, Born on the Fourth of July. He is also an author and historian.

In his latest documentary, JFK Revisited: Through the Looking Glass, he delved into the unanswered mysterious behind the assassination of John F. Kennedy, the 35th president of the United States.

"I'm not sure I'm in charge of this entire government because they're doing things off the shelf ... nobody bucks them (the intelligence agencies and the military), nobody challenges them, nobody," the filmmaker said, quoting Kennedy's words.

In his eyes, the country's economy is heavily reliant on its military-industrial complex, and its politics lies in the hands of intelligence agencies and the military.

File photo shows peace activists protesting against U.S. military actions in Iraq and Syria outside the White House in Washington D.C., capital of the United States, Sept. 25, 2014. (Xinhua/Bao Dandan)

This, he said, is due to "the military Keynesian policies coming up right after World War II," which kept U.S. administrations "militarizing the economy, pumping money into weapons" to sustain the economy, he explained.

"America has always prepared for war," he said, adding that the United States avoids war only when "there's more money in preparing for war than going to war."

For his son Sean Stone, the United States has positioned itself in its endless wars on terror as a unipolar superpower. Born in 1984, the younger Stone recalled that he "grew up really at the end of the Cold War."

"It was like my consciousness was basically coming out of the end of the Cold War right into a whole series of wars in the 1990s," he said.

The young filmmaker noted that he believes that in the wake of the Cold War, there is so-called "American supremacy," which has basically prevailed so far. "We could do what we wanted to, and obviously what happened in the wake of 9/11 was, as we know, the war on terror, (an) endless war."

"There were no boundaries: any country could now be targeted as a host of terrorists, and you could have drone strikes, and we just saw this continuous perpetuation," he said.

He mentioned the U.S. involvement in Syria and Afghanistan.

"And of course, what happened? You end up with populations that are being displaced. They go into Europe. It creates more chaos for the economies of the European countries. Then you get more xenophobia, more anti-islamophobia," he said.

"What's happening is exactly what my dad pointed out, when you start to destabilize countries, and you don't allow them to have peace, to have viable working economies for their people, then you know people are displaced, and it creates chaos in the countries that are absorbing them," the young filmmaker added. 
CHONGQING, Dec. 23 (Xinhua) -- Romain Auger, a French student studying in southwest China's Chongqing Municipality, has recently received the highest award in the global short video contest "China in My Eyes -- Beautiful Countryside" for his unique recording of rural villages.

The contest was held jointly by the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries and Kuaishou, an online video platform.

Foreign participants from more than 40 countries submitted over 360 short videos to the competition, drawing nearly 80 million views online. Auger was among the 40 winners selected after fierce competition.

The Frenchman's camera was focused on Fengjie County, which has an ancient history of poetry and is the home of navel oranges in Chongqing. While shooting his film, Auger was amazed to find the changes the fruit industry had brought to the villages.

"I've been to some villages in China before, but none are as developed as those in Fengjie. Flat roads, huge swathes of navel oranges and gorgeous local scenery, way beyond my expectations," the young man said.

"Fengjie is rich in traditional culture. Famous poets like Li Bai and Du Fu, whose works I often see in my textbooks, wrote poems there," he said.

Auger's fluent Chinese and his confidence also helped his video stand out.

He often posts videos in Chinese on Douyin, another video-sharing platform in China, as he has mastered the language after three years of study at the Sichuan International Studies University.

He did not originally plan to stay in China for more than a year, but he changed his mind after learning more about the country.

"I learned about the 'Chinese Dream' here. The more I study in the country, the more I understand the phrase. China really has lots of opportunities in store for me and I could achieve my 'Chinese Dream' here," he said.

In order to gain his parents' support, he took them on a two-week tour of Chongqing and Beijing in 2019. They were surprised to explore a China that was very different from what they had imagined.

"In metro stations in France, we don't have any security checks, which could make crimes more likely. But in China, it is quite the opposite. The country is so safe that you can even be out after midnight," said Auger, explaining that the fact had impressed his parents.

With experience in design, video-making and other related work, the French student is eyeing a future career for himself as a content creator in China.

"I plan to open a company in China in the future, focusing on making videos about the country. Maybe I will expand my focus to other cities and show people the real China through my own eyes." Enditem


Photo taken on Dec. 9, 2021 shows a meeting of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) Joint Commission in Vienna, Austria. (EU Delegation in Vienna/Handout via Xinhua)

by Xinhua writer Gao Wencheng

TEHRAN, Dec. 23 (Xinhua) -- Following seven rounds of talks held since April this year, Iran and Western parties to the 2015 nuclear deal have yet to find a way to break the impasse on salvaging the pact, which Washington unilaterally quit in 2018.

Although uncertainty is the only certainty right now in the Austrian capital of Vienna, the host city of the talks, the parties' willingness to continue dialogue still bodes well for future negotiations, analysts said.

UPS AND DOWNS

Since April, Iran and the major parties to the 2015 nuclear pact, namely Britain, France, Germany, China and Russia, have held seven rounds of talks in Vienna on reviving the 2015 nuclear deal. The United States has been taking part in the talks indirectly.

No significant progress has been made so far. When the seventh round of talks ended on Friday, Iran and the Western parties accused each other of foot-dragging in the negotiations.

Six rounds of negotiations on reviving the 2015 deal, formally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), were already held in Vienna between April and June, before they were interrupted by Iran's presidential election.

Ahead of the Iranian election, an atmosphere of optimism prevailed in the Vienna talks.

Then Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said in early June that the main issues between Tehran and Washington in the ongoing nuclear talks in Vienna had been settled.

Similarly, according to European diplomats, in the first six rounds of talks, "we have 70 percent to 80 percent of the work done, but some of the most difficult issues are what remain."

But new uncertainty appeared when the Vienna talks resumed on Nov. 29 with the participation of a new Iranian negotiating team following a five-month hiatus.

Britain, France and Germany, known as the E3, wanted Iran to agree to continue talks from where they left off in June, but Iran's new negotiators insisted that what had been agreed upon in the previous talks were not legally binding.

During the seventh round of talks, the new Iranian delegation put forward two draft proposals, which were dismissed as "unrealistic" by the E3 and the United States, accusing Iran of backtracking on "the diplomatic progress made" through demanding major changes.

Iran demanded the United States lift all sanctions and guarantee that it will not quit the nuclear pact again despite future leadership changes in Washington.

"We made no demand beyond the JCPOA, and at the same time will not accept any obligations beyond the JCPOA," said Iran's Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian, referring to Tehran's refusal to negotiate a new deal that will cover its missile and other weapons development programs.

BLAME GAME

After the Vienna talks adjourned on Friday, the E3 diplomats called it "a disappointing pause," warning that there are only weeks instead of months before the JCPOA's core non-proliferation benefits will be lost.

"We are rapidly reaching the end of the road for this negotiation," they said in a statement.

In a more frustrating tone, Washington warned Iran against attempting to "drag out this process while continuing to move forward inexorably in building up its nuclear program."

However, the pace of reaching an agreement depends on the will of the opposite side, Iran's chief nuclear negotiator Ali Bagheri Kani, also deputy foreign minister, was quoted by Iran's Press TV as saying.

"If the other side accepts the rational views and positions of the Islamic Republic of Iran, the new round of talks can be the last one, and we can achieve a deal in the shortest possible time," said Bagheri Kani.

He criticized the E3 countries for failing to present a more constructive proposal during the talks, saying that "they previously announced that they have proposals and initiatives on some topics, including the issue of guarantees, but we received no proposal or initiative from them during this round of talks."

Neither has the United States made any tangible proposals for the talks, Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Saeed Khatibzadeh said, adding that this partially explained why Iran questions Washington's real intentions.

CAUTIOUSLY OPTIMISTIC

Despite the war of words, progress, though limited, has been made in the nuclear talks.

The E3 diplomats revealed after the seventh round of talks that "there has been some technical progress in the last 24 hours, but this only takes us back nearer to where the talks stood in June."

Enrique Mora, deputy secretary general of the European External Action Service, said the parties held in-depth discussions during the latest round of talks on a variety of sensitive issues like "the political positions, the new political sensitivities of the new administration in Tehran."

"We have incorporated some of the most relevant elements of the new Iranian positions ... to the documents that we will still work on," Mora added.

Analysts are cautiously optimistic about the future of the Iranian nuclear deal talks.

Hassan Hanizadeh, an Iranian international affairs analyst, told Iranian media that in spite of all the difficulties, "so far the negotiation process seems to have been positive," and an acceptable outcome to the Vienna talks is possible.

Liu Lanyu, an Iran expert at the Institute for International and Area Studies of China's Tsinghua University, said that despite their differences, both Iran and the United States have the willingness to reach a final deal on reviving the 2015 nuclear pact.

Iran hopes to lift the U.S. sanctions through negotiations to ease domestic pressure, while the United States wants to accelerate its withdrawal from the Middle East by resolving the Iranian nuclear issue, Liu told Xinhua.

Fan Hongda, a professor at the Middle East Studies Institute of Shanghai International Studies University in China, said the United States needs to "face future negotiations with a more positive attitude."

Only compromises, instead of sanctions and pressure, can lead to an agreement, Fan told Xinhua.

Ironically, the Joe Biden administration imposed fresh sanctions on two Iranian government agencies and several officials for so-called human rights abuses on Dec. 7 as the nuclear talks were underway in Vienna.

The U.S. move triggered angry reaction from Iran, which warned that such sanctions would not create leverage in the talks to bring about a breakthrough. Enditem
BEIJING, Dec. 23 (Xinhua) -- A Foreign Ministry spokesperson Thursday refuted an accusation against China by U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and European Union (EU) High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell.

U.S. State Department spokesperson Ned Price said Wednesday Blinken and Borrell had a discussion over the telephone regarding this issue. They expressed concern about so-called "escalating political pressure and economic coercion by China against Lithuania."

Spokesperson Zhao Lijian told a press briefing that Lithuania made grave mistakes on Taiwan-related issues. Instead of admitting and correcting these mistakes, it has repeatedly lied, shirked its responsibility, and confused the public.

Zhao noted the United States and the EU are aware of this. He said they should urge Lithuania to admit and correct their wrongdoings as soon as possible, instead of ignoring the facts and deliberately justifying that country's fault.

"The United States and the EU accuse China with no good reason. This position reverses right and wrong, violates morality, and damages their image," the spokesperson added.

Facts have repeatedly proved that the United States is the epitome of various forms of unilateral bullying and coercive diplomacy, said Zhao. Examples abound in how the United States for no reason initiates unilateral sanctions and long-arm jurisdiction based on its domestic laws. It abuses state power to unreasonably suppress other countries' institutions, enterprises, and individuals.

"The international community generally opposes this U.S. move," Zhao said.

Zhao added if the EU wants to uphold a fair and rational international order, it should distinguish right from wrong. It should have an objective and fair position and take concrete actions to maintain the sound and steady development of China-EU relations, rather than follow the United States and stand on the wrong side of morality. Enditem
Chinese Ambassador to Myanmar Chen Hai (L) shakes hands with Myanmar's Health Minister Thet Khaing Win during a handover ceremony of China-donated COVID-19 vaccines at Yangon International Airport in Yangon, Myanmar, Dec. 22, 2021. A new batch of 1 million doses of Sinovac COVID-19 vaccines donated by China arrived in Myanmar's Yangon on Wednesday. (Xinhua/U Aung)

YANGON, Dec. 23 (Xinhua) -- Myanmar's Ministry of Industry and China National Biotec Group, affiliated with China National Pharmaceutical Group (Sinopharm), signed a supply agreement on Wednesday for semi-finished vaccine products.

The agreement marks the achievement of China-Myanmar cooperation in vaccine filling and packaging, Chinese Ambassador to Myanmar Chen Hai said at the signing ceremony, hoping that locally produced Sinopharm vaccines can be available soon and more people in Myanmar can have access to them.

Union Minister for Ministry of Industry Charlie Than said this is an important milestone in the cooperation between the Ministry of Industry and China National Biotec Group.

He hoped the two sides would continue joining hands in producing important vaccines and other medicines for Myanmar's medical service sector.

On the same day, a new batch of 1 million doses of Sinovac COVID-19 vaccines donated by China arrived in Myanmar's Yangon. Enditem

Chinese Ambassador to Myanmar Chen Hai (R) and Myanmar's Minister for Ministry of Industry Charlie Than attend the signing ceremony of a supply agreement for semi-finished vaccine products in Yangon, Myanmar, Dec. 22, 2021. Myanmar's Ministry of Industry and China National Biotec Group, affiliated with China National Pharmaceutical Group (Sinopharm), signed a supply agreement on Wednesday for semi-finished vaccine products. (Xinhua/U Aung)

Staff members transfer China-donated COVID-19 vaccines at Yangon International Airport in Yangon, Myanmar, Dec. 22, 2021. A new batch of Sinovac COVID-19 vaccines donated by China arrived in Myanmar's Yangon on Wednesday. (Xinhua/U Aung)

A staff member transfers China-donated COVID-19 vaccines at Yangon International Airport in Yangon, Myanmar, Dec. 22, 2021. A new batch of Sinovac COVID-19 vaccines donated by China arrived in Myanmar's Yangon on Wednesday. (Xinhua/U Aung)

A staff member transfers China-donated COVID-19 vaccines at Yangon International Airport in Yangon, Myanmar, Dec. 22, 2021. A new batch of Sinovac COVID-19 vaccines donated by China arrived in Myanmar's Yangon on Wednesday. (Xinhua/U Aung)

Staff members transfer China-donated COVID-19 vaccines at Yangon International Airport in Yangon, Myanmar, Dec. 22, 2021. A new batch of Sinovac COVID-19 vaccines donated by China arrived in Myanmar's Yangon on Wednesday. (Xinhua/U Aung)
BEIJING, Dec. 23 (Xinhua) -- China is well-prepared for implementing the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) agreement to take effect on Jan. 1, 2022, the Ministry of Commerce (MOC) said Thursday.

The core of the agreement lies in its implementation, MOC spokesperson Gao Feng told a press briefing.

The MOC, along with other departments, will help local governments and enterprises better understand RCEP rules and promote deeper integration of industrial and supply chains among members, and promote higher-quality and deeper regional economic integration in East Asia, he said.

After the RCEP agreement takes effect, more than 90 percent of merchandise trade between approved members will be eventually subject to zero tariffs.

The RCEP includes 10 ASEAN members, China, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Australia and New Zealand. The 15 states' total population, gross domestic product and trade all account for about 30 percent of the world total. Enditem
YINCHUAN, Dec. 23 (Xinhua) -- When night fell, and the arch of the Milky Way came into sight above the Chinese version of "Route 66," astronomy photographer Dong Shuchang caught the most beautiful moment of the road in the northwestern Chinese city of Zhongwei.

Stargazing tourism is shining bright in Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, which administers Zhongwei, as the inland region has been trying to cultivate itself into the "hometown of stars" since last year.

"Ningxia has many places where you can film starry skies, and the transportation is convenient," said Dong, 23, a native of Ningxia who has been named Astronomy Photographer of the Year by the Royal Observatory in Greenwich.

Dry with scant rainfall, Ningxia enjoys around 300 sunny and fine days per year and low levels of light pollution. Convenient transportation and abundant landscapes featuring mountains and deserts add to its growing reputation as a star observation site.

Last year, Ningxia came up with the idea of cultivating itself into the "hometown of stars" by developing the stargazing industry. A pentagram-shaped hotel was built in Shapotou Scenic Area in Zhongwei, a desert tourist destination.

The star-themed hotel, together with its cuisine, performances and lectures related to astronomy, has become a rage among tourists from southern areas of China. "In peak season, no room is available in the hotel," said Wu Zhanjun, a marketing manager.

"Starry skies can 'add bright colors' to the traditional tourism resources in northwestern areas. Currently, Ningxia is exploring tourism products and service standards involving deserts and astronomy, and the construction of several star observation camps is on the top of our agenda," said Liu Jun, head of the regional department of culture and tourism.

With the development of China's astronomy education and the space industry, there has been a growing interest in stargazing among Chinese people. Statistics show that more than 30,000 astronomy lovers and photographers rush to Ningxia every year.

However, compared with New Zealand and Japan, China's stargazing tourism is still in the incipient stages. There is a dearth of tourism destinations with complete supporting facilities and mature marketing channels.

This is why art designer Xu Bo gave up his job in Shanghai and returned to his hometown Ningxia where he set up a company dedicated to stargazing tourism projects. Xu and his colleagues set up stargazing camps, conducted livestreaming sessions, and designed travelling routes.

"Stargazing tourism is not a simple trip," Xu said. "We livestreamed major astronomical phenomena and published popular science articles to let more people know Ningxia through its starry skies."

China has a strong foundation for astronomy and the most advanced communication technologies. Xu hopes to make Ningxia an ideal place for stargazers and astronomy lovers at home and abroad.

To enable stargazers to get more professional guidance in Ningxia, the first batch of 40 astronomy tour guides had graduated and started to work in September.

Liu Pushun, 40, is one of them. Under innumerable stars, he talked about knowledge of the constellation, and gave every tourist a chance to share their stories with starry skies. Some people cried, some got excited, and some fell into silence.

Many stargazers decided to make a change in life after the trip, Liu said. "What has prompted the change is not the trip itself, but the opportunity to empty themselves and come to know their invisible selves." Enditem
BEIJING, Dec. 23 (Xinhua) -- As the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics draws near, Emma Navez, 14, sent her best wishes for the event from Brussels through a video message, in which she shares her Chinese calligraphy and her love for Chinese culture.

Sponsored by the China Soong Ching Ling Foundation (CSCLF), this year's "Junior Cultural Ambassadors" program has attracted more than 200 teenagers like Navez from 32 countries.

Since its inauguration in 1982, the CSCLF has become an increasingly pivotal platform for conducting people-to-people diplomacy, enhancing cross-Strait exchanges and promoting the well-rounded development of young people.

During the China-Africa Youth Festival held in Beijing in October, one of many activities organized by the CSCLF, 45 young people from 44 African countries were invited to the Museum of the Communist Party of China, Winter Olympics training venues and the outskirts of Beijing to better understand China.

Omer Mustafa Mohammmed Osman, 26, who hails from Sudan and is now pursuing a doctoral degree at Hebei University, expressed his admiration for China.

"I really hope to tell stories about China to my African friends," the young scholar said.

Over the past five years, the foundation has sent 73 Chinese delegations to 28 countries and welcomed more than 2,600 young people from 95 countries to China.

To strengthen cross-Strait ties, the CSCLF has held diverse youth exchange activities over the past five years, inviting more than 800 college students from Taiwan to visit the Chinese mainland, and welcoming nearly 1,000 people to virtual events.

In 2018, a volunteering training base for teenagers was unveiled in the China Soong Ching Ling Science and Culture Center for Young People. It provides youngsters with opportunities for volunteer service training and hands-on activities.

The volunteers registered at the CSCLF have rendered more than 300,000 hours of service.

Named after Soong Ching Ling, the wife of Dr. Sun Yat-sen, the foundation is focused on advancing international and cross-Strait exchanges, as well as the welfare of children and teenagers. Enditem
BOGOTA, Dec. 23 (Xinhua) -- The direction of flights to and from Colombian capital Bogota will be modified due to smoke from the Nevado del Ruiz volcano and it may cause delays, the state-run Civil Aviation Authority reported Thursday.

"Because of the smoke from the Nevado del Ruiz volcano reaching 27,000 feet high, the Civil Aviation Authority informs that air traffic to and from Bogota, and from southern and western parts of the country, will be redirected," the agency said on its Twitter account.

The agency also said that itineraries may be affected, so it asked travelers to contact their respective airlines for more information.

"The Civil Aviation Authority, along with operators, are working in coordination to minimize the impact that this natural phenomenon may have for the safety of air operations and service to users," it said.

The Nevado del Ruiz, 5,321 meters above sea level, is located between the departments of Tolima and Caldas in center-west Colombia, with its last major eruption occurring in November 1985. Enditem
BEIRUT, Dec. 23 (Xinhua) -- Beirut and Moscow signed on Thursday an economic and trade cooperation agreement, the National News Agency reported.

The agreement was signed by head of Beirut's Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture Mohamad Choucair and the President of the Moscow Chamber of Commerce and Industry Vladimir Platonov during a virtual meeting with the presense of Lebanese and Russian diplomats.

The agreement aims at strengthening cooperation in information exchange as well as boosting trade between the two countries.

It also aims at facilitating the affairs of businessmen in both countries, and encouraging them to create business partnerships.

Choucair said that he is ready to organize visits to Russia, which constitutes a great market for the export of Lebanese industrial and agricultural products.

For his part, Platonov emphasized the importance of this agreement as "a turning point to boost bilateral economic ties between the private sectors in the two countries." Enditem
RAMALLAH, Dec. 23 (Xinhua) -- Palestine on Thursday called on the United Nations Security Council to protect the Palestinian people against the Israeli settlers' assaults in the West Bank.

The Palestinian presidency said in a press statement that it urges the international community, especially the UN Security Council, "to urgently intervene to provide international protection for the Palestinian people."

Referring to the recent escalation of tensions in the West Bank, the statement said that "the Israeli measures would thwart the U.S. and the international efforts to revive the stalled peace process."

On Thursday, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas sent a message to the international community before Christmas Eve, the Palestinian official news agency WAFA reported.

Abbas said in his Christmas message that "Christmas reminds us of the importance of justice, resilience and the Palestinian people's quest for human dignity and freedom."

Meanwhile, Palestinian presidential spokesman Nabil Abu Rudeineh told Voice of Palestine earlier on Thursday that the meeting between President Abbas and U.S. National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan in Ramallah on Wednesday "was candid and frank."

"During the meeting, President Abbas stated that he was waiting for U.S. President Joe Biden to fulfill his promises on the two-state solution, reopening the U.S. consulate in Jerusalem and ensuring that Israel halts its settlement construction," he said. Enditem
DAR ES SALAAM, Dec. 22 (Xinhua) -- Tanzanian wildlife authorities said on Wednesday they have started capturing 20 roan antelopes to be trans-located to Kenya.

"The capturing of the animals will take about five days before it is completed," Allan Kijazi, the permanent secretary in the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism, told Xinhua in a telephone interview.

Kijazi said all the 20 roan antelopes will be captured from Rungwa game reserve, a protected area in central Tanzania that covers an area of 9,000 square kilometers.

The translocation of the 20 roan antelopes follows an agreement on Dec. 10 between Tanzania and Kenya to exchange roan antelopes and female black rhinos in a move aimed at boosting the reproduction of the two species.

Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan offered Kenya the 20 roan antelopes at a request by Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta.

Tanzania has currently about 4,000 roan antelopes while Kenya has only 12 of the species, according to President Hassan.

President Hassan said President Kenyatta had accepted Tanzania's request for black female rhinos that will be sent to northern Tanzania's Serengeti National Park and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area where there are two black male rhinos, to boost reproduction. Enditem
TOKYO, Dec. 23 (Xinhua) -- Tokyo stocks on Thursday finished higher for the third consecutive trading days, as hopes for global economic recovery raised after an oral COVID-19 drug was approved in the United States.

The 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average finished 236.16 points, or 0.83 percent, higher from Wednesday at 28,798.37.

The broader Topix index of all First Section issues on the Tokyo Stock Exchange closed 17.92 points, or 0.91 percent, higher at 1,989.43.

Trading volume on the main section decreased to 813.50 million shares from Wednesday's 874.92 million shares.

Tokyo stocks opened high from the outset but moved in a narrow range in the morning. Despite the low trading volume, stocks extended gains in the afternoon as market sentiment was lifted after U.S. regulators approved the emergency use of the first oral COVID-19 drug, developed by Pfizer Inc., brokers said.

Masahiro Ichikawa, the chief market strategist at Sumitomo Mitsui DS Asset Management Co., said, "The authorization of the new drug lifted expectations that its widespread use may prevent future lockdowns and limit potential restrictions in movement despite the recent surge in COVID-19 cases."

However, he added that gains were capped due to the community transmission of the Omicron variant in Osaka, as investors shifted attention to how the government will try to prevent the spread.

Japan's Osaka Prefecture on Wednesday reported three cases infected with the new variant through unknown routes. With no history of overseas travel, the three family members were admitted to a hospital after developing mild symptoms such as fever between Saturday and Monday, according to the local government.

By the close of play, mining, air transportation, and marine transportation companies headed the uptrend of the day. Advancing issues outnumbered declining ones 1,421 to 646 on the First Section, while 117 finished unchanged.

Tokyu Fudosan Holdings rose 4.4 percent after the real estate firm on Wednesday said that its subsidiary and variety store operator Tokyu Hands Inc. is to be bought by DIY store giant Cainz Corp.

Bucking the uptrend, pharmaceutical company Eisai dropped 9.1 percent after Japan's health ministry refused to approve its new Alzheimer's disease drug jointly developed with U.S. pharmaceutical giant Biogen Inc. due to lack of data. Enditem
UNITED NATIONS, Dec. 22 (Xinhua) -- Humanitarian assistance in Afghanistan should stick to the right track and direction, said a Chinese envoy on Wednesday in an explanation of vote after the Security Council adopted a resolution that allows a humanitarian exception in Afghanistan sanctions regime.

To that end, China had been constructively engaged in the consultations over the draft resolution and put forward specific amendments, said Zhang Jun, China's permanent representative to the United Nations. "We are glad to see that the final draft (put to vote) has reflected the views of China and clarified the key issues."

The resolution notes in explicit terms that humanitarian assistance and other activities that support basic human needs in Afghanistan are not a violation of UN sanctions, and that all related financial activities and the provision of goods and services are permitted. It is trusted that, with the adoption of this resolution, the confusion over and the obstacles to continuing the humanitarian assistance in Afghanistan can be cleared away once and for all, said Zhang.

Due to the existing international sanctions, some international humanitarian agencies are not sure whether they can continue to provide humanitarian assistance in Afghanistan after the Taliban takeover in August. Such doubts are unnecessary because humanitarian aid should not be conditional, nor should it be politicized under any circumstances. The sanctions by the Security Council only target certain individuals and entities, not the Afghan people at large. Nevertheless, as long as the appropriate actions of the Security Council help to clarify doubts and facilitate the timely, smooth and unhindered delivery of humanitarian assistance in Afghanistan, China will certainly look at them favorably, he said.

The first draft deviated from the right track. Not only did it not facilitate humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan, it even added to the obstacles. The original draft set a time limit for the humanitarian exception, and also set up an onerous reporting mechanism for humanitarian aid agencies and incorporated many other irrelevant propositions that may restrict economic cooperation with Afghanistan, he said.

"We believe that any action of the Security Council should genuinely promote and facilitate humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan, instead of setting artificial restrictions and conditions. In particular, the provision that humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan will not violate the Security Council resolutions only if it falls within the time limits is legally, politically and logically problematic," said Zhang.

The Chinese ambassador called for more humanitarian assistance for Afghanistan since the resolution has been adopted.

"To borrow an analogy, this resolution can only fix the faucet. To keep the water running, responsibility on the part of the international community is still needed," he said.

The 2022 UN humanitarian response appeal for Afghanistan amounts to 4.5 billion U.S. dollars and there is a great funding gap. China calls on the international community, especially major donors, to step up. The countries that caused the current crisis in Afghanistan are more obliged than others to take the lead and assume the primary responsibilities, he said.

What's more, compared with the humanitarian crisis, the economic crisis facing Afghanistan is a fundamental problem. At present, Afghanistan's economy is seriously short of liquidity and on the verge of collapse. In this context, unilateral sanctions, especially the freezing of overseas assets, have become a bottleneck problem that cannot be ignored, said Zhang.

The countries concerned cannot continue to freeze substantial Afghan overseas assets while claiming to be caring about humanitarian aid to Afghanistan. China once again calls for the unfreezing of Afghanistan's overseas assets as soon as possible. These assets should be returned to their real owners, and cannot be used as a bargaining chip for threats or coercion, he said.

Humanitarian aid only tackles the urgent need while helping Afghanistan to revitalize the economy and boost development provides the fundamental solution. The international community should maintain contact and actively guide the Taliban, help the interim government maintain the normal operation of agencies, maintain security and stability, and promote economic and social recovery and reconstruction, said Zhang.

In the face of fundamental changes in Afghanistan's domestic situation, the Security Council should seriously review the existing sanctions regime so as to prevent any negative impact on Afghanistan's economic and social development, he added.

As a friendly neighbor and sincere friend of Afghanistan, China has been providing support within its capacity for Afghanistan's peaceful reconstruction and economic development. Going forward, China will continue to promote the export of Afghanistan's agricultural products to China and play a greater role in helping Afghanistan's economic reconstruction with concrete actions, he said.

"When it comes to advancing peace and development in Afghanistan and providing assistance to the Afghan people, what we need is leadership in action, rather than words," said Zhang. Enditem
Supreme Court Will Hear Arguments on Biden Shot Mandates

NEWS PROVIDED BY

Liberty Counsel

Dec. 23, 2021



WASHINGTON, Dec. 23, 2021 /Christian Newswire/ -- After receiving emergency requests in two COVID-19 shot mandate cases last week, the U.S. Supreme Court announced it will hear the oral arguments in a special session Jan. 7, 2022. The cases cover two federal policies: a shot-or-test mandate for workers at businesses with over 100 employees and a shot mandate for health care workers at facilities that receive Medicare or Medicaid funding. The larger question in these cases is whether the federal government has the authority to force employers to require injections.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration issued its shot mandate, which allowed for COVID weekly testing and mask wearing, for large employers on Nov. 5. OSHA's mandate was challenged in courts across the country. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 5th Circuit issued an emergency motion to stay enforcement of the mandate in November, but the challenges were consolidated in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 6th Circuit, which lifted the stay last week.

Reaction was swift, and the Justices received many requests asking the Court to block the 6th Circuit's decision. Two of those requestsone filed by trade associations and the other by multiple states, led by Ohioare now slated for oral argument. The 6th Circuit's ruling is currently in force.

On the health care front, a federal appeals court panel lifted a nationwide ban December 15 against Biden's mandate for health care workers. The court blocked the ban in only certain states, creating the potential for patchwork enforcement across the country. Last week, the Biden administration asked the Court to allow temporary enforcement of the mandate for health care workers unless they are eligible for a medical or religious exemption.

Liberty Counsel Founder and Chairman Mat Staver said, "We have been battling on behalf of tens of thousands of people across the country who have been under duress due to the Biden administration's unconstitutional COVID shot mandates. Multiple federal judges have ruled against the administration, and now the Supreme Court has taken up two critical cases. We pray for permanent relief for the millions of people under these abusive and inhumane mandates."

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



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Zomba Mission Testimony

One of the new converts, a health worker from Zomba Central Hospital explained how impactful the program was to her, she marked the event as a turning point for her life. After graduating from college, she got a good job that compensated her well. She expressed that she was getting a salary that she was not able to handle. On top of the well-paying job, she had a fiance and they had plans on settling down in the near future. She lived an economically and socially satisfying life, but had no major concern about the things of God. It was not until a few months ago that her lifes trajectory took a bad turn; she suddenly lost her well-paying job and broke up with her fiance without an apparent tangible reason. She invested huge amounts of money with her friends, but they took all her money and left her with nothing more than a disturbed life. Her mental state worsened to the extent of needing medical help and counseling.

She was convinced that her attendance at the Zomba Leadership Mission dinner was not a coincidence, explaining that recent events in her life pointed her towards Christ: she met an old-time friend some three weeks ago whom she knew as a wayward person, but to her surprise, this friend seemed to have changed and she found out that he had received Christ and that is what prompted the change in his life. From that time, she had seriously been contemplating about the changing power of Christ. I lost a lot of money, I lost friends, I lost everything. I hoped to not commit suicide because the thought often comes when one is in a bad mental state. I have longed to be for Christ and I have wanted my life to really change. I was really touched by the guest of honors testimony, I looked at her and I saw that it is never too late. If God indeed forgives, that same God has forgiven me. She added.

With Christ, she believes that her joy and peace will remain full. In spite of the challenges that she currently has, she is glad that she has made the decision to follow Christ and she will rest the hope of her future in Him.
Its December and during this festive season many people tend to buy gifts for loved ones and wait in anticipation for the gifts they themselves will receive. Houses transform and twinkle with flashing and multicoloured lights, and pine trees and hallways are decorated with coloured ornaments, wreaths and garlands.

During this time, families and friends come together to eat, drink and celebrate with much joy as laughter flows from room to room, and through windows and doors. For many people, December is the most wonderful time of the year, and after the year we have had, there is much to be thankful for. This December, dont focus on the gifts that you may receive but instead rejoice for the ones you already have.

The gift of a new day

This is the day which the Lord has made; Let us rejoice and be glad in it. (Psalm chapter 118 verse 24)

I recently watched a video where a podcast host asked his guests how they would feel if they received one million dollars. They both said they would feel ecstatic and would be extremely grateful for such a gift. The host then asked whether or not they would feel the same way if they were to receive one million dollars, or even ten million dollars, but would not be able to wake up the next day. Both agreed that they would not be excited and would not accept the money with that condition.

When we reflect on this scenario, we realize that regardless of lifes storms and many challenges, waking up is worth more than ten million dollars. We may not list this among the top five things for which we are most grateful, but we should, because without a new day we would not be able to partake of those other blessings. So let us rejoice every day for the new day the Lord blesses us with, and give thanks for His mercies that accompany them.

It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness. (Lamentations chapter 3 verses 22-23)

The gift of friendship

A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity. (Proverbs chapter 17 verse 17

We were not created to be alone, but instead for fellowship with God and men.

For me, one of my greatest blessings is friendship. I am grateful for my small, yet invaluable community of friends who have loved, encouraged, supported, prayed for and even corrected me when I needed it the most.

While their correction and rebuke at times was not easy to accept nor appreciated in the moment, in the long run it was always valued because I would eventually see the wisdom in their counsel.

Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses. (Proverbs 27:6)

A big part of developing friendships is learning to be vulnerable with each other, especially during hardships. Its hard to be vulnerable, especially when we feel like its the only way we can protect ourselves, but when we have taken the time to nurture and develop our relationships, it creates an atmosphere of trust, confidence and accountability.

In such an environment, we know we can confide in our friends because not only are they trustworthy, but they will also have our best interest at heart and will help to lift and carry our load, when we cant do it on our own. Being vulnerable strengthens trust and the relationship.

As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another. (Psalm chapter 27 verse 17)

The gift of laughter

A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones. (Proverbs chapter 17 verse 22)

The past two years have been difficult for many people across the world due to challenges associated with Covid-19. Consequently, many people struggle to find a reason to smile and laugh during this time, but sometimes, all we need is a good laugh. W.E.B Du Bois, sociologist and historian once said, I am especially glad of the divine gift of laughter: it has made the world human and lovable, despite all its pain and wrong. A good laugh has the ability to change the mood of an individual and can help to ease their troubled minds.

Some time ago, the Coca-Cola Company released a video where a man went on a train and pretended to be watching something on his phone. As the train travelled along he would laugh. At first, a few people smiled, but as he continued to laugh harder and louder, more people began to smile and chuckle, until the entire bus was filled with laughter from every direction.

Laughs are infectious and have the ability to draw people together, while triggering healthy physical and emotional changes in the body by reducing stress and increasing energy. (Jeanne Segal, Ph.d, July 2021) Therefore it is wise to surround yourself with people who laugh often as well as evoke laughter within you. It also helps sometimes to laugh at yourself; theres nothing like finding the humour in a bad situation.

The greatest thing about the gift of this good medicine called laughter is that it is free. When last did you have a good laugh?

Gifts are not always found in tangible form. In fact, some of the best gifts are often unseen and are felt in the heart rather than with hands, such as a new day, friendship and laughter. What gifts are you grateful for?
nisin market generated $317.9 million in 2020, and is estimated to generate $638.1 million by 2030, registering a CAGR of 7.3% from 2021 to 2030. The report provides an extensive analysis of changing market dynamics, key segments, value chain, top investment pockets, regional scenario, and competitive landscape.

Peoples changing lifestyle, varied consumer trends towards ready-to-use food products, and growth in bakery, confectionery, meat, and poultry applications drive the growth of the global nisin market. However, stringent regulations pertaining to the use of chemical preservatives in certain regions and surge in awareness regarding the utilization of additives hamper the market growth. On the other hand, continuous research activities by the players and strong support from multinational ingredient manufacturing companies for the development of such products are expected to create new opportunities in the coming years.

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Covid-19 Scenario:

The outbreak of covid-19 pandemic led to disrupted manufacturing and supply management of nisin. This in turn resulted in the shortage nis0in.

In addition, the prices were also increased during the initial phase of covid-19, owing to the shortage of material and its higher demand. However, as the situations are revitalizing, and the market is expected to recoup soon.

The report provides detailed segmentation of the global nisin market based on type, application, and region.

Based on type, the powder segment accounted for the highest market share, holding 94% of the total share in 2020 and is expected to continue its leadership status during the forecast period. However, the liquid segment is estimated to witness the highest CAGR of 11.7% from 2021 to 2030.

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Based on applications, the food and beverages segment contributed to the largest share in 2020, accounting for around three-fourths of the global nisin market, and is projected to continue its lead position during the forecast period. However, the cosmetics and personal care segment is expected to grow at the highest CAGR of 8.3% from 2021 to 2030.

Based on region, North America held the largest market share in 2020, contributing to more than half of the total share, and is expected to maintain its dominance in terms of revenue by 2030. However, Asia-Pacific is projected to manifest the fastest CAGR of 7.9% during the forecast period. The report also studies the region including LAMEA and Europe.

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Leading players of the global nisin market analyzed in the research include DuPont de Nemours, Inc., Galactic, Mayasan Biotech, Merck Group, Royal DSM, Santa Cruz Biotechnology, Inc., Cayman Chemical Company, Chihon Biotechnology Co., Ltd., Duke Thomson's India Pvt. Ltd., and Siveele B.V.
Anti Stretch Mark Products Market Growth & Trends

The global anti stretch mark products market size is expected to reach USD 1.78 billion by 2028, according to a new report by Grand View Research, Inc. It is expected to expand at a CAGR of 5.1% from 2021 to 2028. Anti stretch mark products contain active ingredients formulations that help in reducing the appearance of stretch marks. Increasing product acceptance and application by consumers are driving the demand.

Furthermore, brands have been incorporating social media awareness campaigns concerning stretch marks. For instance, in August 2019, Bio-Oil marketed by Union Swiss launched the #LoveYourMarks campaign on Instagram to promote its line of skincare oil to treat scars, stretch marks, and uneven skin tone and celebrate their imperfections while caring for their skin.

Moreover, companies have been launching new products and targeting every demographic with different products. For instance, the COLLISTAR-skincare brand offers Pure Actives Anti stretch Marks cream formulated with elastin, hyaluronic acid, and collagen, which helps to reduce, soften, and improve the appearance of the unsightly color of existing stretch marks.

The market witnessed a decline in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic as there has been a sharp decline in beauty and skincare products globally. Factors such as shelter-at-home, social distancing, and lockdowns have drastically impacted the urge to buy skincare items including anti stretch mark products as consumers have become more conscious about the spending habits to buy essential and daily routine products.

The creams product segment held the largest revenue share in 2020 and is expected to maintain its lead over the forecast period. Consumer preferences are shifting toward eco-friendly and green products that do not contain synthetic fragrances or harsh chemicals.

Growing brands and mergers in the industry with plant-based, vegan, and organic ingredients are expected to favor the segment growth. For instance, in 2017, Derme&Co group acquired Laboratoires Druide, an organic certified brand in order to design the best products.

The online distribution channel is projected to witness significant growth from 2021 to 2028. Consumers are switching from offline to online channels owing to the change in their purchasing patterns and a considerable shift in lifestyles. E-commerce platforms offer high levels of convenience, increased product visibility, and at-home delivery features, which are boosting the segment growth.

Asia Pacific held the largest revenue share in 2020 and is anticipated to maintain its lead over the forecast period owing to increasing disposable income and changing lifestyles of consumers. Additionally, emerging online shopping portals is one major trend witnessed in the market.

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Anti Stretch Mark Products Market Report Highlights

New product launches and innovations in relation to stretch mark concerns are some of the strategies adopted by the key players in the market to gain traction among consumers

The creams product segment led the market and held a revenue share of over 35.0% in 2020. Creams are among the prominent products opted for stretch scars, blemishes, and spots with high product launch rates

Asia Pacific is expected to witness the fastest growth from 2021 to 2028. Growing awareness regarding the importance of anti stretch mark products in countries, including China, India, and Japan, is one of the major factors supporting the market growth owing to the heightened demand for such products

Access Press Release@ https://www.grandviewresearch.com/press-release/global-anti-stretch-mark-products-market

Anti Stretch Mark Products Market Segmentation

Grand View Research has segmented the global anti stretch mark products market on the basis of product, distribution channel, and region:

Anti Stretch Mark Products Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2016 - 2028)

Creams

Body Butter

Lotions

Serum

Massage Oil

Anti Stretch Mark Products Distribution Channel Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2016 - 2028)

Hypermarket & Supermarket

Pharmacy & Drug Stores

Specialty Store

Online

Others

Anti Stretch Mark Products Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2016 - 2028)

North America US.

Europe Germany UK. France

Asia Pacific China Japan India

Central & South America Brazil

Middle East & Africa South Africa



List of Key Players of Anti Stretch Mark Products Market

LOreal S.A.

Beiersdorf AG

Mustela

The Clorox Company (Burts Bees)

Bio Oil

Clarins

Earth Mama Organics

The Estee Lauder Companies Inc.

Himalaya Global Holdings Ltd.

Crown Laboratories, Inc. (StriVectin)

About Grand View Research

Grand View Research, Inc. is a U.S. based market research and consulting company, registered in the State of California and headquartered in San Francisco. The company provides syndicated research reports, customized research reports, and consulting services. To help clients make informed business decisions, we offer market intelligence studies ensuring relevant and fact-based research across a range of industries, from technology to chemicals, materials and healthcare.
Sun Care Products Market Growth & Trends

The global sun care products market is expected to reach USD 14.7 billion by 2028, according to a new report by Grand View Research, Inc. The market is expected to expand at a CAGR of 4.0% from 2021 to 2028. Sun care products are gaining popularity among consumers owing to the rising awareness of the effects of UV rays on the human skin. Moreover, consumers concerns about the signs of skin aging due to increased sun exposure are expected to drive the market.

The adult sun cream held the largest revenue share in 2020 and is expected to maintain its dominance over the forecast period. Sun cream for adults is used to prevent the skin from sunburn and early signs of aging such as wrinkles and leathery skin. The ability to protect against a high risk of skin cancer, skin discoloration, and inflammation is expected to improve sales in the coming years.

The hypermarket and supermarket segment held the largest revenue share in 2020 and is expected to maintain dominance over the forecast period. A large number of consumers prefer buying sunscreen products from hypermarkets and supermarkets due to the shopping experience offered by these stores. The ability to physically verify these products, along with expert assistance, is another major factor contributing to this distribution channels growth.

Europe made the largest contribution to the global market in 2020. Rising awareness among consumers regarding the harmful effects of prolonged sun exposure on the skin has helped boost product demand across the region. Furthermore, an increasing number of products that offer various additional benefits such as dark spot reduction, anti-aging have further fueled product demand.

The market is fragmented in nature, with the presence of a large number of global and regional players. Beiersdorf AG, Groupe Clarins, Johnson & Johnson, Coty Inc., Shiseido Co. Ltd., L'oreal, The Estee Lauder Companies Inc., Burt's Bees, Bioderma Laboratories, Unilever are among the prominent players in the global market.

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Sun Care Products Market Report Highlights

The adult sun cream segment dominated the market and accounted for a 69.4% share of the overall revenue in 2020. Increasing trend of tan lines without actually going out in the sunlight is expected to drive the market

In terms of distribution channel, the hypermarket and supermarket segment accounted for a 48.5% share of the overall revenue in 2020

Europe held the largest revenue share of 35.1% in 2020, due to growing awareness among consumers in the region regarding the benefits of using sunscreen products

Product innovation and new launches emerged as the key strategy deployed by majority of market players to stay abreast of the competition

Access Press Release@ https://www.grandviewresearch.com/press-release/global-sun-care-products-market

Sun Care Products Market Segmentation

Grand View Research has segmented the global sun care products market on the basis of product, distribution channel, and region:

Sun Care Products Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2016 - 2028)

Adult Sun Cream

Baby Sun Cream

After Sun

Fake Tan/Self Tan

Tanning

Sun Care Products Distribution Channel Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2016 - 2028)

Hypermarket & supermarket

Pharmacy & drug store

Specialty store

Online

Others

Sun Care Products Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2016 - 2028)

North America US.

Europe Germany UK. France

Asia Pacific China Japan

Central & South America Brazil

Middle East & Africa South Africa



List of Key Players of Sun Care Products Market

Beiersdorf AG

Groupe Clarins

Johnson & Johnson

Coty Inc.

Shiseido Co. Ltd.

L'oreal

The Estee Lauder Companies Inc.

Burt's Bees

Bioderma Laboratories

Unilever

About Grand View Research

Grand View Research, Inc. is a U.S. based market research and consulting company, registered in the State of California and headquartered in San Francisco. The company provides syndicated research reports, customized research reports, and consulting services. To help clients make informed business decisions, we offer market intelligence studies ensuring relevant and fact-based research across a range of industries, from technology to chemicals, materials and healthcare.
The global Millimeter Wave Technology Market Size is anticipated to reach $5.13 billion by 2029 according to a new research published by Polaris Market Research. In 2018, the mobile and telecom segment accounted for the highest market share in terms of revenue. North America is expected to be the leading contributor to the global Millimeter Wave Technology market revenue in 2020.

The increase in demand for high speed data connectivity and growth in mobile traffic worldwide majorly drives the Millimeter Wave Technology market growth. Millimeter Wave Technology is increasingly being used owing to significant increase in the demand for the bandwidth intensive applications. The increasing applications in radar and security sectors, and increasing adoption of advanced networking technologies boost the market growth. The evolution of 5G technology, and growing demand for mobility accelerate the growth of the Millimeter Wave Technology market. New emerging markets, and increasing applications in defense, aerospace, and satellite communication would provide growth opportunities in the market in the coming years.

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5G networks will be based on higher frequencies based millimeter wave spectrum. These frequencies are capable of carrying massive amounts of data at very high speeds and with very little latency. Millimeter wave spectrum is capable of accommodating increase in data demands from mobile-first users, connected homes, AR/VR devices, cloud gaming systems, self-driving vehicles, IoT sensors and other cloud-connected devices.

North America generated the highest Millimeter Wave Technology market share in terms of revenue in 2018. The growing demand from the telecommunication sector, and development of 5G technology has accelerated the market growth in the region. The increasing trend of IOT, and growing demand for mobility supports the growth of the market in the region. The technological advancements, and growing demand from defense and aerospace sectors improves the Millimeter Wave Technology market growth rate. Asia-Pacific is expected to grow at the highest rate during the forecast period. This is owing to significant growth in the automotive industry in the region.

Complete Summary with TOC Available @ https://www.polarismarketresearch.com/industry-analysis/millimeter-wave-technology-market

The well-known companies profiled in the Millimeter Wave Technology market report include NEC Corporation, Siklu Communication Ltd, Bridgewave Communications, Inc., E-Band Communications, LLC, Aviat Networks, Inc., Millitech, Inc., Millimeter Wave Products Inc., Farran Technology, Ltd, Keysight Technologies, Inc., and Ducommun Incorporated among others. These companies launch new products and collaborate with other market leaders to innovate and launch new products to meet the increasing needs and requirements of consumers.

Millimeter Wave Technology Market Size and Forecast, 2018-2026 by Product Scanner Systems Radar and Satellite Communications Systems Telecommunication Equipment

Millimeter Wave Technology Market Size and Forecast, 2018-2026 by Frequency Band 24 GHz and 57 GHz 57 GHz and 86 GHz 86 GHz and 300 GHz

Millimeter Wave Technology Market Size and Forecast, 2018-2026 by End-User Mobile & Telecom Healthcare Commercial Industrial Consumer Automotive Defense Others

Millimeter Wave Technology Market Size and Forecast, 2018-2026 by Region North America U.S. Canada Mexico Europe Germany UK France Italy Rest of Europe Asia-Pacific China India Japan Rest of Asia-Pacific Latin America Brazil Middle East & Africa



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About Polaris Market Research

Polaris Market Research is a global market research and consulting company. We provide unmatched quality of offerings to our clients present globally. The company specializes in providing exceptional market intelligence and in-depth business research services for our clientele spread across different enterprises. We at Polaris are obliged to serve our diverse customer base present across the industries of healthcare, technology, semi-conductors and chemicals among various other industries present around the world. We strive to provide our customers with updated information on innovative technologies, high growth markets, emerging business environments and latest business-centric applications, thereby helping them always to make informed decisions and leverage new opportunities.

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The global spirometer market size is expected to reach USD 1.78 billion by 2028 according to a new study by Polaris Market Research. The report Spirometer Market Share, Size, Trends, Industry Analysis Report, By Type (Handheld, Tabletop, Desktop), By Technology (Volume Measurement, Flow Measurement, Peak Flow Measurement), By Application (Asthma, COPD, Cystic Fibrosis, Pulmonary Fibrosis, Others), By End-Use (Hospitals and Clinics, Home Healthcare); By Regions; Segment Forecast, 2021  2028 gives a detailed insight into current market dynamics and provides analysis on future market growth.

The prominent factors responsible for the market growth for spirometer include an increase in the prevalence of respiratory diseases, increasing risk of occupational hazards, technology innovation, and favorable government initiatives. Moreover, the aging population also favoring the adoption of spirometers across the globe. For instance, according to estimates of the World Ageing (WA), in 2019, reported around 700 million individuals aged 65 years and above, across the globe. Thus, this large section of the population is contributing to the market growth for spirometers.

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Over the past few years, it is observed that there is a strong inclination towards home healthcare. The innovations in telemedicine and other government-sponsored digital initiatives have propelled the adoption of home-based care. The idea of providing a treatment option for the amputees and old age population at their location has boosted the adoption of the spirometer. This has led to the development of tele-spirometers, to cater population which cannot afford costly medical treatments.

With the ongoing pandemic of COVID-19, to contain the outbreak there was nationwide lockdown across the globe and all the out-patient facilities and non-emergency medical settings were shut down. Now, most of the countries have eased the restrictions and re-opening of healthcare facilities. This has enabled the rapid uptake of telemedicine services in the market, particularly in emerging and remote locations.

Market participants in the spirometer industry include Schiller, Fukuda Sangyo Co. Ltd., Vyaire Medical, Inc., Nihon Kohden Corporation, Smiths Medical, nSpire Health Inc., SDI Diagnostics, Geratherm Respiratory AG, Sibelmed, Labtech Ltd., Vitalograph, Koninklijke Philips N.V., and Welch Allyn some of the key players operating in the concerned market.

The market players in the spirometer industry are depending on partnerships and agreements to retain their market dominance. For instance, in January 2020, Swedish firm, NuvoAir signed a partnership agreement with Roches subsidiary in Italy. According to the terms of the agreement, Roche will distribute the latters respiratory technology for cystic fibrosis in the market across the country. Such agreement is expected to intensify competition among market players in the spirometer industry.

Complete Summary with TOC Available @ https://www.polarismarketresearch.com/industry-analysis/spirometer-market/toc

Polaris Market research has segmented the spirometer market report on the basis of type, technology, application, end-use, and region:

Spirometer, Type Outlook (Revenue  USD Million, 2016  2028)

Handheld

Tabletop

Desktop

Spirometer, Technology Outlook (Revenue  USD Million, 2016  2028)

Volume Measurement

Flow Measurement

Peak Flow Measurement

Spirometer, Application Outlook (Revenue  USD Million, 2016  2028)

Asthma

COPD

Cystic Fibrosis

Pulmonary Fibrosis

Others

Spirometer, End-Use Outlook (Revenue  USD Million, 2016  2028)

Hospitals and Clinics

Home Healthcare

Spirometer, Regional Outlook (Revenue  USD Million, 2016  2028)

North America U.S. Canada

Europe France Germany UK Italy Spain Netherlands Austria

Asia Pacific China India Japan Malaysia South Korea Indonesia

Central & South America Mexico Brazil Argentina

Middle East & Africa UAE Saudi Arabia Israel South Africa



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About Polaris Market Research

Polaris Market Research is a global market research and consulting company. We provide unmatched quality of offerings to our clients present globally. The company specializes in providing exceptional market intelligence and in-depth business research services for our clientele spread across different enterprises. We at Polaris are obliged to serve our diverse customer base present across the industries of healthcare, technology, semi-conductors and chemicals among various other industries present around the world.

Contact us-

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Read More: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/spirometer-market-size-is-projected-to-reach-1-78-billion-by-2028--cagr-10-1-polaris-market-research-301254824.html
San Francisco, 23 Dec 2021: The Report Aluminum Extrusion Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Product (Pipes & Tubes, Shapes), By Application (Electrical & Energy, Building & Construction), By Region (MEA, APAC), And Segment Forecasts, 2021 - 2028

The global aluminum extrusion market size is expected to reach USD 104.15 billion by 2028, expanding at a CAGR of 7.8% over the forecast period, according to a new report by Grand View Research, Inc. Increasing investments in infrastructure and residential construction is projected to drive the market growth over the forecast period. Emerging economies of Asia Pacific, Central & South America, and Middle East & Africa are witnessing increasing investments in the residential and infrastructure sector owing to the rapid urbanization, rising per capita income levels, and growing population.

For instance, in the economic budget of FY 2020-21, the Indian government announced around USD 1.41 trillion funding for infrastructure projects in the country. The Indian government is set to develop 6,500 projects under its National Infrastructure Pipeline (NIP) over the next five years. Besides the construction industry, growth in the automotive & transportation sector is also expected to play a crucial role in driving the market growth. Aluminum, being a lightweight material, helps in curbing emissions from automobiles. Also, due to various stringent government regulations regarding carbon emissions, automobile companies are preferring this material over steel for automotive manufacturing.

The Covid-19 pandemic has created disruptions in the value chain of the industry across various countries, such as China. However, the country is all set for a strong rebound in its economic activities, following the relaxation of economic and social controls since April 2020. Where the other major economies of the world reported a negative GDP for the second quarter (April-June) of 2020, China registered a GDP growth of 3.2%. The economic growth of the country has helped soften the impact of the pandemic for the remainder of 2020.

Access Research Report of Aluminum Extrusion Market @ https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/aluminum-extrusion-market

Aluminum Extrusion Market Report Highlights

The shapes product segment generated the largest revenue share of 80% in 2020 and is estimated to retain the leading position over the forecast period

The growth of this segment is attributed to the increasing demand for channels, tubing, and angles in various applications, such as construction, architectural and automotive components, computers, and domestic appliances

In terms of revenue, the automotive & transportation application segment is expected to grow at a steady CAGR of 6.9% from 2021 to 2028

Properties, such as flexibility, durability, and corrosion-resistance, enable usage of aluminum extrusion in automotive & transportation applications, thereby driving the segment growth

Asia Pacific was the dominant regional market in 2020, in terms of revenue, and is expected to maintain its position growing at the fastest CAGR over the forecast period

Stable Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in the manufacturing sectors of China, India, South Korea, Indonesia, and Singapore is one of the key factors driving the APAC regional market

The market is highly competitive in which most of the players are focusing on creating their differentiation factors. The establishment of an efficient sales channel is of key significance for the manufacturers in the market

List of Key Players of Aluminum Extrusion Market

Hindalco Industries Ltd.

Arconic Corp.

Norsk Hydro ASA

Constellium N.V.

QALEX

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San Francisco, 23 Dec 2021: The Report Gas Turbine Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Capacity (200 MW, >200 MW), By Technology (Open, Combined Cycle), By End-use (Power & Utility, Industrial), By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2021 - 2028

The global gas turbine market size is projected to reach USD 35.02 billion by 2028, registering a CAGR of 6.8% over the forecast period, according to a new report by Grand View Research, Inc. Supportive policies majorly determine the increasing demand for gas turbines in developing markets, such as Combined Heat and Power (CHP) support scheme executed by Germany. The growing urbanization is triggering the development in the building & construction as well as cement sectors.

The projected growth in end-user industries is estimated to trigger the growth of the overall market. Key Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), including Siemens Energy and General Electric, are expanding their distribution, operations, and after-sales facilities worldwide to boost the >200 MW capacity segment over the projected period. The power & utility segment is projected to experience growth in demand owing to the rising need for electricity across the globe.

Furthermore, most of the major countries worldwide are expected to switch to gas-based power generation from coal-based power generation due to a rise in environmental concerns. High energy loss resulting in lower efficiencies is expected to be a major factor affecting the growth of the open cycle technology segment. Even though these systems require less space, unfavorable environmental conditions significantly affect their component efficiency, thus lowering the overall system efficiency compared to combined-cycle units.

However, open cycle technologies are being preferred by some industrial end-users, so a rise in industrial activities in the forecast period will boost the growth of open cycle technology in the forecast period. The rising population is a major factor significantly impacting the power generation market in the Europe region. Growth in population and GDP are projected to attract various end-use industry players looking to expand their consumer base.

The major end users for gas turbines in Europe include power generation, oil & gas, mobility, petrochemicals, food processing, and pulp & paper. The market in Europe is likely to observe slow growth owing to factors, such as stalled industrial output affected by the Covid-19 pandemic, the debt crisis, and growing unemployment. However, a positive outlook across Eastern Europe, in terms of consumerism and manufacturing, is expected to drive the market in the future.

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Gas Turbine Market Report Highlights

In 2020, the power & utility emerged as the largest application segment and accounted for over 85% share of the global revenue

Increasing investments and new installations are resulting in the rising share of distributed power in the global energy mix hence propelling the market growth

The >200 MW capacity segment is poised to register the fastest CAGR of over 7% from 2021 to 2028, owing to the growing electricity generation activities across the world

In 2020, the open cycle application segment accounted for the highest revenue share of the overall market

Saudi Arabia is among the major end users in the MEA region due to the strong presence of gas turbine providers in the country, which are working on enhancing their market share

List of Key Players of Gas Turbine Market

General Electric

Siemens Energy

Mitsubishi Power, Ltd.

Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd.

Ansaldo Energia

Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd.

MAN Energy Solutions

Access Press Release of Gas Turbine Market @ https://www.grandviewresearch.com/press-release/global-gas-turbine-market
A new report titled Voltage Probes Market Size, Growth Analysis & Forecast to 2027 by "Value Market Research" covers key players along side their market share and strategic development adopted by them which provides market scenarios and future situations along side an analysis of market trends, current and future, drivers, challenges, recent trends, opportunities, advancements, and competitive landscape.

This section of the voltage probes market report provides detailed data on the segments by analyzing them geographically, thereby assisting the strategist in identifying the target demographics for the respective product or service.

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By Type

 High Voltage Probes

 Low Voltage Probes

By Application

 Electronic

 Industrial

 Research

 Others

Browse Full Global Voltage Probes Market Research Report With TOC At: https://www.valuemarketresearch.com/report/voltage-probes-market

The research report also covers the comprehensive profiles of the key players in the market and an in-depth view of the competitive landscape worldwide. The major players in the voltage probes market include Cal Test Electronics, 2M Technologies & Equipment Supplies, FormFactor, Pico Technology, IWATSU ELECTRIC, Keysight Technologies, HIOKI, Stefan Klaric, Rohde & Schwarz Powertek, Stefan Klaric, Tektronix and Yokogawa. This section includes a holistic view of the competitive landscape that includes various strategic developments such as key mergers & acquisitions, future capacities, partnerships, financial overviews, collaborations, new product developments, new product launches, and other developments.

This section covers regional segmentation which accentuates on current and future demand for Voltage Probes market across North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa. Further, the report focuses on demand for individual application segment across all the prominent regions.

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Value Market Research was established with the vision to ease decision making and empower the strategists by providing them with holistic market information.

We facilitate clients with syndicate research reports and customized research reports on 25+ industries with global as well as regional coverage.

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A new report titled Yoga Mat Market Size, Growth Analysis & Forecast to 2027 by "Value Market Research" covers key players along side their market share and strategic development adopted by them which provides market scenarios and future situations along side an analysis of market trends, current and future, drivers, challenges, recent trends, opportunities, advancements, and competitive landscape.

This section of the yoga mat market report provides detailed data on the segments by analyzing them geographically, thereby assisting the strategist in identifying the target demographics for the respective product or service.

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By Material

 PVC

 TPE

 Rubber

 PE

 Cotton/Jute

By Distribution Channel

 Specialty Store

 Departmental Store & Hypermarket

 Online Channel

By Region

 North America

 Europe

 the Asia Pacific

 Latin America

 The Middle East and Africa

Browse Full Global Yoga Mat Market Research Report With TOC At: https://www.valuemarketresearch.com/report/yoga-mat-market

The research report also covers the comprehensive profiles of the key players in the market and an in-depth view of the competitive landscape worldwide. The dominating key players included in the report are Lululemon, Manduka, Jade Yoga, prAna, Hugger Mugger, Khataland, Liforme Ltd., Dragonfly, Tomuno, and Alo Yoga, Inc. always been the initial targets of yoga mat companies and many others. This section includes a holistic view of the competitive landscape that includes various strategic developments such as key mergers & acquisitions, future capacities, partnerships, financial overviews, collaborations, new product developments, new product launches, and other developments.

This section covers regional segmentation which accentuates on current and future demand for yoga mat market across North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa. Further, the report focuses on demand for individual application segment across all the prominent regions.

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We facilitate clients with syndicate research reports and customized research reports on 25+ industries with global as well as regional coverage.

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Future Market Insights (FMI), the global meat packaging market is estimated to grow by 1.6x during the forecast period, reaching a volume of 3.5 million tons in 2021. Growing consumption of fresh and processed meat products and developments in material and design will support long term growth.

Get Sample of the report : https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-710

Some of the key players operating in the global meat packaging market are Amcor Plc, Berry Global Inc., Winpak Ltd., Sealed Air Corp., Mondi Group, Amerplast Ltd., Faerch Plast A/S, Bollore Group, Constantia Flexibles Group GmbH, Sonoco Products Company, Thantawan Industry Plc and Cascades Inc.

The selection of clear packaging forms is gaining traction among meat packaging producers. Clear packaging has become increasingly popular owing to its functionality, especially with regards to promoting transparency in business, which is key to achieving faith and confidence among consumers.Key Takeaways of Meat Packaging Market Study Polyethylene (PE) plastics are gaining traction owing to their superior barrier attributes. The segment is forecast to expand by 1.7x of its current valuation, generating incremental opportunity of approximately US$ 2.5 Bn. , Modified atmosphere packaging technology will account for more than 40% of the market share by the end of 2031. The demand for the technology will increase due to its aesthetic appeal and improved shelf-life., China will hold 42.3% of the East Asia market in 2021, driven by a vast non-vegetarian consumer base. Meat Packaging Market by Category

By Material Type:Polyethylene (PE),Polypropylene (PP),Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC),Ethylene Vinyl Alcohol (EVOH),Polyamide (PA),Others

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By Product Type:Fresh Meat, Processed Meat, Frozen Meat

By Meat Type:Beef, Pork, Poultry, Seafood, Others

Transparency of a package is extremely crucial in terms of product quality. The growing requirement for clear and genuine packaging is rising on a large scale, particularly in the food and beverages industry.Impact of COVID-19 on Meat Packaging Market

Meat packaging is gaining traction owing to benefits such as extended shelf-life and cost-effectiveness. COVID-19 has caused disruptions in several end-use industries because of which the meat packaging market was hurt in 2019.

The pandemic also caused disruption in supply chain and global sales. Most raw materials are sourced through imports. Raw supplies are dispatched to meat packaging producers and then to the merchants of various countries for business and shipping across the globe.

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However, because of the extensive restrictions prompted by the pandemic across manufacturing plants, the meat packaging market has witnessed a slowdown in production and adoption.

See-through packaging is accomplished by using films for superior gloss and excellent transparency. This additionally reduces prices for printing and labelling, as compared to opaque alternatives. Consequently, the appropriation of such packaging solutions is anticipated to expand the sales of meat packaging in the near future.

Download the complimentary copy of Global Packaging Ebook from our MarketNgage platform

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Future Market Insights (FMI), is an ESOMAR-certified market research and consulting market research company. FMI is a leading provider of market intelligence and consulting services, serving clients in over 150 countries; its market research reports and industry analysis help businesses navigate challenges and make critical decisions with confidence and clarity amidst breakneck competition. Now avail flexible Research Subscriptions, and access Research multi-format through downloadable databooks, infographics, charts, interactive playbook for data visualization and full reports through MarketNgage, the unified market intelligence engine powered by Future Market Insights. Sign Up for a 7 day free trial!
- Swimming pools have become a major investment and epicenter of attraction for residential and commercial spaces. While it enhances the popularity and value of outdoor space in homes, it also serves as the differentiator for leading resorts, hotels, and water parks. - The APAC region is estimated to be the fastest-growing region for the commercial segment in terms of unit-wise adoption, which is expected to reach 56.14 thousand units by 2027. CHICAGO, Dec. 22, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The pool heat pump market is expected to grow at a CAGR of over 5% during the period 2021a2027. Key Highlights Offered in the Report: A The global pool heat pump market would realize an absolute growth of 33.43% in terms of revenue in the period between 2021-2027.

Air source segment accounted for majority share of the pool heat pump market in 2021 and is expected to grow with a 5.44% CAGR during the forecast period in terms of revenue.

By capacity, >20kW segment dominated the market with a share of 47.48% in 2021 in terms of revenue and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.77% during 2021-2027.

In terms of end-users, residential segment dominates the global pool heat pump market in 2021 and is expected to add over USD 1.28 billion revenue during the forecast period.

revenue during the forecast period. North America dominates the overall pool heat pump market with a share of 47.58% in 2021 in terms of revenue.

dominates the overall pool heat pump market with a share of 47.58% in 2021 in terms of revenue. The APAC region is estimated to be the fastest-growing region for the commercial segment in terms of unit-wis! e adoptio n, which is expected to reach 56.14 thousand units by 2027 Key Offerings: Market Size & Forecast by Revenue | 2021a2027

Market Dynamics a Leading trends, growth drivers, restraints, and investment opportunities

Market Segmentation a A detailed analysis by type, capacity, end-user, and geography

Competitive Landscape a 5 key vendors and 20 other prominent vendors Get your sample today! https://www.arizton.com/market-reports/pool-heat-pump-market-size-analysis Pool Heat Pump Market a Segmentation The research and feasibility of geothermal energy and favorable government policies are encouraging the growth of ground source heat pumps for pools.

The lower complexity in installation and comparatively lower cost with other alternatives are driving the demand for these heat pumps. They are also economical for outdoor pool owners, especially in countries such as the UK, where the air temperature is generally higher than the ground temperature. This further compels end-users to rely on a backup source for heating indoor pools.

The <10 kW heat pumps segment, which is extensively used among indoor residential pools, is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.78%. They are also ideal for above-ground pools that are less than 12 ft in diameter. This is prominent in Europe and North America owing to the high concentration of indoor pools in these regions. Pool Heat P! ump Marke t by Type Air Source

Water/Geothermal Source Pool Heat Pump Market by Capacity Less than 10kW

10kW-20kW

Greater than 20kW Pool Heat Pump Market by End-User Residential

Commercial

Hotels and Resorts



Spas



Educational Institutions



Water Parks



Sports Club



Others Pool Heat Pump Market a Dynamics With energy efficiency being a priority for heat pump vendors, the rise in digitalization is expected to fuel the integration of devices with IoT. Heat pumps are also expected to be designed as per the smart demand response. IoT-enabled heat pumps allow further decarbonization of heat supply as they are effective in transferring renewable energy for household purposes and other commercial activities and gaining high traction in the global market. For instance, the smart control system from Hayward, powered through OmniHub, facilitates seamless connectivity, integration, and real-time control even through devices such as Alexa to adjust the temperature of the pool. Moreover, Industry leaders such as AquaCal have been leveraging Wi-fi management systems with the PoolSync mobile application. It enables end-users to adjust the temperature settings alongside pool statistics in the dashboard of the application. Key Drivers and Trends fueling Market Growth: The emergence of Next -Generation ostomy care

High Demand for Home Healthcare Agencies Among Ostomates

High Growth Potential for Ostomy Care in Emerging Markets

Increasing Adoption of Telehealth for Ostomy Care

Prevalence of Health Conditions That Resulting in Ostomy Surgery

Reimbursement policies in Developed Countries

Technological Advancements in Ostomy Care Products Pool Heat Pump Market a Geography With fossil fuels dominating the market in most residential buildings in the US, the opportunity for pool heat pump growth remains evident in the country. The eminent players in the region are expected to participate in market expansion activities that influence higher adoption in niche markets of Canada between 2020 and 2025. Arizona, Florida, Nevada, Connecticut, and New Hampshire are some of the ideal targets for heat pump vendors. Above-ground pools are more common in residential homes as the average cost of construction ranges between USD 6,000a6,500, whereas for an in-ground pool, it is above USD 20,000. Green buildings are the latest trends in the US, where cities like Austin a! re the fa stest-growing markets for greenhouse buildings. In major cities like New York, there is scope for the adoption of over 1,00,000 residential heat pump installations by the end of 2025, thereby contributing towards New York's energy efficiency target of realizing over 185 TBtu of site energy savings by during the forecast period. Get your sample today! https://www.arizton.com/market-reports/pool-heat-pump-market-size-analysis Pool Heat Pump Market by Geography North America

US



Canada Europe

France



Spain



Germany



Italy



UK APAC

China



Japan



South Korea



Australia Latin America

Brazil



Mexico Middl! e East and Africa

South Africa



Saudi Arabia



UAE Prominent Vendors Rheem manufacturing company

AquaCal

Pentair

Hayward Industries

Fluidra Other Prominent Vendors Condeana Commercial Enterprises

Carrier

Daishiba

Nirvana Chauffe-Piscine Inc

Viessmann Group

Guangdong Phnix Eco-Energy Solution

Ascler

Venus Home Appliances

Dantherm Group

Evo Industries Australia

Guangzhou Sprsun New Energy Technology Development

Madimack

AquaPro Systems

Gulfstream Manufacturing

Thermeau Industries

Avi Solar Tech

Guangdong Fineco New Energy

EcoTech

Foshan MACON Cooling & Heating Energy-Saving Equipment

Cooling & Heating Energy-Saving Equipment Sunrain Explore our industrial machinery profile to know more about the industry. Read some of the top-selling reports: Heat Pump Market - Global Outlook and Forecast 2020-2025

India Pump Market - Industry Outlook and Forecast 2021-2026

- Industry Outlook and Forecast 2021-2026 Pool Equipment and Maintenance Market - Global Outlook and Forecast 2017-2022

Pump Market - Global Outlook and Forecast 2020-2025 About Arizton: AriztonA Advisory and Intelligence is an innovation and quality-driven firm, which offers cutting-edge research solutions to clients across the world. We excel in providing comprehensive market intelligence reports and advisory and consulting services. We offer comprehensive market research reports on industries such as consumer goods & retail technology, automotive and mobility, smart tech, healthcare, and life sciences, industrial machinery, chemicals and materials, IT and media, logistics and packaging. These reports contain detailed industry analysis, market size, share, growth drivers, and trend forecasts. Arizton comprises a team of exuberant and well-experienced analysts who have mastered in generating incisive reports. Our specialist analysts possess exemplary skills in market research. We train our team in advanced research practices, techniques, and ethics to outperform in fabricating impregnable research reports. Mail: enquiry@arizton.com

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Government boys primary school at Tadbund. Till August this year, the school had 40 students from the nearby slums. During the second Covid-19 wave, all the students along with their families left the city for their villages. (DC Image)

Hyderabad: There is not a single student in the 40-year-old government boys primary school at Tadbund now. Yet, a young teacher, K. Harinadh, dutifully comes to the school at 8.45 am, as usual, sits alone and waits for his students.

It takes 45 minutes for Harinadh to travel the 15 km from Jagatgirigutta, where he lives along with his family. He comes to teach his students, hoping that one day they will be back.

He teaches all subjects and gives physical training to his students if they turn up. Hes very much attached and keeps calling their parents, requesting them to educate their children and make them self-dependent.

Till August this year, the school had 40 students from the nearby slums. During the second Covid-19 wave, all the students along with their families left the city for their villages.

Two months ago, Harinadhs co-teachers were transferred on probation to Risala Bazaar and Bowenpally respectively. Since then Harinadh is the only teacher at the school.

Harinadh says he comes to school daily to check the records and facilitate fresh admissions. Sometimes, I clean the school premises, arrange the files and assist labourers to cut the grass around the school playground.

A native of Srikakulam district, Harinadh had done MSc followed by BEd from BR Ambedkar University some eight years ago. With his appointment as a teacher immediately thereafter, he along with his family shifted to city.
Hyderabad: The Telangana High Court on Wednesday reserved orders on two writ appeals filed by Karvy Stock Broking Ltd, challenging the order of a single judge, who upheld the decision of the Union corporate affairs ministry to order an investigation into the affairs of the company by the Serious Fraud Investigation Office (SFIO) under Section 212 of the Companies Act.

Karvy Stock Broking also challenged the notices issued by the SFIO as part of Investigation.

A division bench of Telangana High Court had on September 14, 2020, stayed proceedings by the SFIO. On Wednesday, a division bench comprising Chief Justice Satish Chandra Sharma and Justice N. Tukaramji heard the contentions of both sides and reserved orders.

S. Niranjan Reddy, senior counsel, appearing for Karvy Stock Broking said the Centre had violated the procedure set up by the Supreme Court in relation to ordering an investigation into company affairs.

He said an SFIO investigation can be ordered when the Centre is of the opinion that it is necessary to investigate into the affairs of a company, on the receipt of a report of the Registrar of Companies (RoC) under Section 208 of the Companies Act. In this case, the RoC had forwarded a report under Section 206(4) of the Act, without giving the opportunity to the company to submit its contentions.

Niranjan Reddy submitted that notices were issued to the company under Section 206(1), which is meant for production of documents. It could not be said that reasonable opportunity was given to the company. Niranjan Reddy said the Karvy did not object to the investigation but it should be on legal lines.

T. Surya Karan Reddy, additional solicitor general, representing the Centre submitted that Section 208 does not bar the RoC from sending reports after inquiry under Section 206. It also said that the "Registrar shall after inspection of the books of accounts of the company 'or' inquiry under Section 206 and other books and papers of the company under Section 207, can send a report to the Central Government, recommending further Investigation.
The concept of Oxygen Stewards was launched across the country by the Centre amid rising Omicron scare. (PTI)

VISAKHAPATNAM: With the Omicron scare looming large across the world, the Andhra Pradesh state government is readying Oxygen Stewards to effectively handle medical oxygen therapy at yet-to-be designated Covid-19 hospitals during the anticipated third wave, which is likely to hit the country from January.

This apart, an Oxycare, like the Covid-19 dashboard, is also being readied in full swing for making oxygen administration just a click away.

The state government may preliminarily have at least 30 Oxygen Stewards covering each district to monitor the oxygen supply management at the 700-odd Covid-19 to be re-designated hospitals if situation demands.

The concept of Oxygen Stewards was launched across the country by the Centre amid rising Omicron scare. The members of oxygen committee of Visakha Institute of Medical Sciences (VIMS) here are also attending the training programme, being held online across the nation.

Confirming this to Deccan Chronicle, VIMS director Dr K. Rambabu said, Our oxygen committee members are being trained on the Oxygen Stewardship through Zoom meetings by the Centre. It will be essential for effective utilisation of oxygen and mitigation of oxygen wastage.

The oxygen committee members will be empowered with essential knowledge and skills to ensure rational utilisation and avoid any waste of medical oxygen. These trained professionals will be responsible for handling the oxygen therapy and also support the audit of the oxygen delivery and preparedness during the surge of the possible pandemic waves and rising number of Omicron cases.

Yes, the state government is taking up all possible measures for effectively handling any kind of situation in future. On Wednesday, we confirmed the second Omicron case, AP state health director Dr Hymavathi told this newspaper.

Andhra Medical College principal Dr P.V. Sudhakar said they did not face any demand for medical oxygen in the first wave, but the same became an essential for almost every case during the second wave, particularly in the peak period from April to June.

We do not know what the third wave is. But, people will have to sincerely follow all main Covid protocols like physical distance, vaccination and wearing masks, Dr Sudhakar said.
Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala leads other states on several indices of human development, including aspects of sustainable development and successive governments in the state have kept a sustained focus on the agenda of growth and development, President Ram Nath Kovind said on Thursday.

Addressing a gathering after unveiling the statue of P N Panicker, considered as the father of library movement in Kerala, at Poojappura in the state capital, he said it's a unique feature of Kerala that in every village there is a library and people feel an emotional connect with the library in their village or town.

The President praised Governor of Kerala, Arif Mohammed Khan and Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, saying they were among the "most experienced and sagacious personalities" in the area of public service.

"I am glad that the people of Kerala are benefitting from the guidance of the Governor and the leadership of the Chief Minister to scale even greater heights of excellence and inclusion," Kovind said.

Lauding the service sector professionals from Kerala, especially the nurses and doctors, he said they are highly respected and relied upon by people everywhere.

"Recently, when the Covid affected the entire world, nurses and doctors from Kerala were among the most visible Covid-warriors in India, the middle-east and so many other regions on the globe. The people of Kerala enhance the pride of India," the President noted.

Earlier in the day, Kovind unveiled the statue of Panicker in the presence of Khan, Vijayan, Union Minster of State V Muraleedharan and others.

"A visionary can see what others don't see. I believe that Shri Panicker would have seen his pioneering steps leading to the great strides Kerala took in the areas of literacy and education. An area of illiteracy can remain an area of darkness. The light of literacy can brighten the path to individual and collective progress," Kovind said.

The President further said Panicker made libraries and literacy a movement of the people and in fact, he made it a popular cultural movement.

"It is a unique feature of Kerala that in every village, even in the remotest villages, there is a library. People feel an emotional connect with the library in their village or town just as they feel a special connect with the temple or church or mosque or school. Libraries created by the movement of Shri Panicker later became nerve centres of all social and cultural activities of which the literacy movement of Kerala is an impressive example," Kovind said.

He pointed out that the "Granthashala Sangam" started by Panicker with about 50 small libraries in 1945 grew into a large network of thousands of libraries and through this, the common people of Kerala could get to know the ideals of Sree Narayana Guru, Ayyankali, V T Bhattathiripad and other great masters.

"The cosmopolitan outlook of an average person from Kerala can be traced to the library and literacy movement of Shri Panicker... Kerala leads other states on several indices of human development, including aspects of sustainable development. Successive governments in Kerala have kept sustained focus on the agenda of growth and development. Therefore, the State has maintained its leadership position on several markers of excellence," Kovind said.

Speaking on the occasion, Governor Khan said the statue of Panicker reminds of not just his efforts towards spreading literacy, but also how libraries enabled Kerala's rise and transformation into the most literate state in India.

"The library movement, initiated by Panicker enabled the increase from less than 50 libraries to a network of over 6,000 libraries. As a token of gratitude the government of Kerala has been observing June 19, the day of his demise as Reading Day," Khan said.

Vijayan, in his speech, said the library movement has greatly contributed towards he development of the state.

"Certain forces are trying to bring back superstitions and irrational beliefs into the society and we can keep such forces at bay with knowledge through reading. Libraries played a major role in developing our society with the ideas of equality and brotherhood. This view helped our national movement and the renaissance movement," the CM said.

The farsightedness and relentless efforts of Panicker led to setting up of numerous libraries across the state making Kerala a literary society.

The President will be staying at the Raj Bhavan and will visit Padmanabha Swamy Temple here in the evening. He will return to New Delhi tomorrow.
Kochi: The Kerala High Court has come to the aid of a lawyer couple, one of them in the UK, by permitting the online solemnisation of their marriage as the groom was unable to come here due to the Omicron related travel restrictions.

When 25-year old lawyer Rintu Thomas and her fiance -- Anantha Krishnan Harikumaran Nair -- decided to get married more than a month ago, they never thought the latest COVID-19 variant Omicron could put a spanner in the works.

Nair, who is in the UK for higher studies, had booked tickets to come to India on December 22 for the wedding scheduled on December 23, but due to the worldwide Omicron outbreak he was not in a position to travel.

In these circumstances, Thomas moved the high court seeking a direction to the state of Kerala and the Marriage Officer, in the Sub-Registrar's office at Malayinkeezhu in Thiruvananthapuram, to permit them to conduct their marriage via virtual or online mode.

According to her plea, they had given notice of the intended union on November 11 as per the requirements of the Special Marriage Act which mandates a 30-day notice period before the wedding.

Providing relief to the couple, Justice N Nagaresh said that during the pandemic when parties to a marriage could not appear in person before the Marriage Officer, the high court had permitted online solemnisation of their weddings.

"I find no reason to deny the benefit extended to other parties to the petitioner and her fiance," the judge said.

The court directed the Marriage Officer to solemnise the couple's marriage or register the marriage, as the case may be, through online mode subject to the conditions that the witnesses will be physically present before the official and shall identify the parties who are online.

It said that the Marriage Officer shall fix the date and time of the marriage as well as the online platform to be used and shall convey the same to the parties in advance.

The court also directed the Marriage Officer to comply with its directions as expeditiously as possible on completion of the statutory formalities.
Hyderabad: Telangana on Wednesday reported a mini-explosion of sorts with respect to Omicron Covid-19 cases, with the health department saying 14 cases were confirmed during the day. This takes to 38 the known cases of Omicron variant infected people in the state so far.

Also, in what appears to be not a good sign as far as containing the spread of the Omicron variant is concerned, one case was confirmed from Rajanna-Siricilla district: A man who returned recently from Dubai and was living with his family in Gudem village of Mustabad mandal of the district.

The man has since been shifted to the Telangana Institute of Medical Sciences (TIMS) at Gachibowli, the government designated facility for treating Omicron cases. Health officials said that the mans wife, and mother, had tested positive for Covid-19 and that their samples were being sent for genome sequencing.

Further evidence over a possible threat of an uncontrolled spread of the Omicron variant came from Hayathangar on the city fringes with health officials saying that a man in his 20s, who came from Sudan and stayed in Hayatnagar's Satyanarayana Colony, was found to be Omicron positive.

In this instance too, officials began collecting samples from the man's primary contacts and from the neighbourhood for testing for Covid, and then if positive cases are found, subsequently to identify if any of such emerging cases carry the Omicron variant.

The Rajanna-Sircilla case is the second Omicron case found outside of the GHMC area. The first was that of a woman who returned from the United Kingdom and lived in Hanamkonda.

The health department said of the 14 cases reported on Wednesday, 12 were found from among passengers arriving at the Rajiv Gandhi International airport (RGIA) in the city from countries listed by the Government of India as not at-risk nations. Two other cases were from at-risk countries, it said.

The department said four Covid-19 positive cases were found on Wednesday at the RGIA from among arrivals from at-risk countries and their samples were sent for genome sequencing. It said it was waiting for genome sequencing results on four samples.

So far, Omicron cases found in Telangana are dominated by those arriving  whether Indian or foreign nationals, the latter mostly from African nations, and some from countries in the Gulf. As many as 31 of the total 38 cases are from the so-called not at-risk countries, while six are from at-risk countries. One case is that of a local transmission, a cancer specialist doctor at a corporate hospital who caught the Omicron variant from a patient who arrived from Africa, he was treating.

Meanwhile, sources told Deccan Chronicle that 13 Omicron patients were admitted to the special ward at TIMS. At least 11 patients, earlier found infected with Omicron, have been discharged from the hospital, the sources said. They also said genome sequencing results were awaited on another 14 suspects, who tested positive for Covid-19. This group includes Covid positive contacts of those who had earlier tested positive for Omicron.
Kochi: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Thursday claimed in the Delhi High Court that the Crime Branch has not responded to its requests for information and certain documents in relation to the probe against self-styled antiques dealer Monson Mavunkal, an allegation which the latter denied.

The Director General of Prosecution (DGP), appearing for the state and the police, told Justice Devan Ramachandran that ED's claim was not correct and the Crime Branch has and will respond to every request made by it as per the law.

The court also noted that it has not found any reason to suspect the ongoing probe against Mavunkal by the Crime Branch

The DGP also told the court that charge sheet has been filed in 3 out of the 12 cases against Mavunkal and the special team was "vigorously" investigating various issues including involvement of police officers and persons from outside India.

He said that a report on these aspects will be filed soon.

The court, thereafter, said that along with the report, the Crime Branch can also make clear how it has responded to the ED requests for information and documents.

It said that it was seeking all the information to see whether the investigations by the ED and Crime Branch was going on properly without any cover up and to ensure that probes by both agencies have "coalesced".

"I am only seeking information. I have no complaint against the Crime Branch." the judge said.

The court was hearing a plea by Mavunkal's former driver-cum-mechanic -- Ajith E V -- alleging harassment by his former employer and some police officers close to him.

Ajith, represented by advocates Philip T Varghese and Thomas T Varghese, had alleged that the harassment started after he made certain disclosures to police in connection with a cheating case against the self-styled antiques dealer.

Cherthala native Mavunkal, who claims to be in possession of rare and historic antiques, was arrested by the district Crime Branch which has been investigating a cheating case of Rs 10 crore from different people.

Mavunkal had apparently borrowed the amount from various people saying he was in need of funds to "clear procedures to obtain Rs 2,65,000 crore, a massive amount from his account in a foreign bank."

Many photos of the accused with KPCC chief Sudhakaran, senior IPS officials, senior bureaucrats and many others were telecast in the mainstream media.
The incident took place in Dakke, south police station limits. (Photo: ANI)

Mangaluru: The Mangaluru South Police have arrested six fishermen from Andhra Pradesh for brutally assaulting their colleague for allegedly stealing a mobile phone. The fishermen hang him upside down and thrashed him on a fishing boat Mangaluru Fishing harbour. The horrific video of the brutal assault went viral.

Giving details to the media, City Police Commissioner N Shashi Kumar said that the incident took place on December 15.

The victim is identified as Vaila Sheenu, a resident of Prakasham district of Andhra Pradesh. He works as a fishing labourer.

On December 14 night, Vaila Sheenu had been to another boat by the name John Shailesh 2 anchored at Mangaluru harbour and later returned to his boat.

On the next day morning the fishing labourers of the boat John Shailesh 2 came to Vaila Sheenu and accused him of stealing mobile from their boat.

They took him to their boat and hung him upside down. The fishermen hit him with hand, wooden planks, and iron chain. They also allegedly discussed about murdering Sheenu by tying his legs and throwing him into the sea.

By then, the public in the harbour rescued Vaila Sheenu.

A case was filed at Mangaluru South Police Station on December 21.

The Police have arrested the accused and seized the wooden plank, iron chain, rope, and mobile handset.

The arrested accused are identified as Karapingara Ravi (27), Konduru Polayya (23), Avula Rajakumar (26), Pralayakaveri Govindayya (47) (all from Nellore district), Katangari Manohar (21), Votukuri Jalayya (30) (both from Prakasham district.
Sikh worshippers killed a man who was assumed to desecrate the Golden Temple inside its inner sanctum that is considered sacred by its believers.

The temple, located in Amritsar, India, is where the killing occurred, as evening prayers were underway. Worshippers beat him to death as religion in India is a big deal, which could at times be fanatical.

Man beaten to death in the Golden Temple

The man's intentions for breaking into a sacred temple were unclear, and no one knew why he wanted to do such a violative act that led to getting beaten to death while the prayer was rolled on TV, reported the Daily Star.

The police verified the man's killing during a prayer service last Saturday at the Temple. For the worshippers of this temple in Amritsar, death was the perfect penalty for the heathen. Reports by local sources reveal that the unknown man went into the inner sanctum that housed a holy relic, a book called Guru Granth, which is very sacred to the Sikhs, cited the BBC.

While inside the inner sanctum in the holy Sikh temple, he attempted to get the ceremonial sword placed close to the sacred book but was stopped by the guards and worshipper before anything untoward happened further.

The incident at the sacred temple happened at 11:45 am UK time last Saturday. The whole incident was aired live with the usual televising of the evening prayers. What happened next lacked details on how it progresses and ended with incomplete accounts that worshippers killed a man inside the Golden Temple. Though the authorities say they responded to the summons, they arrived to see the man deceased when they got to the scene.

Read Also: Lazarus-like Indian Man Rises from the Dead, Expires Five Days Later Due to Fatal Blood Clot

Details on what happened next are scarce, but police confirmed the man's death on the scene. There will be an inquiry about how he died inside the temple to know what went down. Another death was reported by sources that happened after.

Another one beaten to death

Another incident was reported about 24 hours later, with a man being beaten to death by Sikhs again. In a temple found in Kapurthala, the man attempted to remove a flag called Nishan Sahib, noted the Indian Express.

The two fatalities in Amritsar and Kapurthala prompted the state police of Punjab to do something about the deaths. A police spokesperson posted on social media that no one will be allowed to upend law and order in Punjab after the violent deaths, those to localities were unnecessary.

Punjab authorities to investigate the killings

These incidents prompted a statement by Punjab Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi that further investigation into the two dead, with the real motives why these men were killed.

Channi added that the police should seek out who was responsible for killing the two in their cruel ways. The religious murders were not without a reaction from Punjab parliamentarians, like MP Balwinder Bhunder.

Bhunder is a member of parliament for opposition party Akali Dal, who told local papers it was a shot weakening Punjab that is India's sword. He adds they have been playing politics for the last five years.

Followers and worshippers were outraged and killed a man for violating the Golden Temple of the Sikh, who did not tolerate such actions against their religion.

Related Article: Indian Husband Attempts To Kill His 25-year-old Wife Using Poisonous Snake But Was Caught Red-handed After Autopsy Results Says Otherwise

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With fears growing about the Ukraine war, Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Wednesday that he expects conversations with the US on Moscow's security needs to begin in January.

His remarks come after Karen Donfried, the US Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs, told reporters Tuesday that she understands talks with Russia will start in January, but that some Russian proposals are "unacceptable." Last week, Moscow presented the West with sweeping security demands in two draft documents, one addressed to NATO and the other to the US.

Russia expects security talks with US, NATO

"We also intend to do this in January," Lavrov said, adding that such talks will be followed by conversations between Russia and NATO. "Today, Europe's security is under attack," the European Union said in a statement on Wednesday, appealing to the US and NATO to protect its interests, as per NDTV.

Lavrov had warned the US not to drag out any discussions and reaffirmed that, while Russia did not want to be involved in a confrontation, it was prepared to protect itself.

The West has accused Russia of preparing for an invasion of Ukraine. It disputes the allegations and has requested legal assurances from the US and NATO about its security, as well as a halt to NATO's eastward expansion.

Even while Russia has massed as many as 175,000 troops and heavy equipment on its border with Ukraine, raising concerns of an invasion, Putin has blamed the West for the heightened tensions in Eastern Europe.

The Russian strongman has denied that he intends to strike, but he has drawn a "red line" against the West's deployment of missile systems in the former Soviet republic. If Russia strikes Ukraine, President Biden, who met with Putin virtually earlier this month, has warned of "grave repercussions" in the form of punishing economic penalties, NY Post reported.

Russia will "deploy missiles" if the West fails to deliver security guarantees, according to Dmitry Kiselev, a Putin confidant and the head of state-controlled media outlet Rossiya Segodnya. In addition to guarantees against NATO expansion, Russia has demanded that the alliance roll back its military presence in Central and Eastern Europe.

Read Also: US Wins Latest Appeal To Extradite WikiLeaks Founder Julian Assange as UK High Court Overturns Previous Decision

US, allies warn Russia about Ukraine crisis

The US and its allies have cautioned Russia about the dangers of more conflicts as it continues to build up its military along the Ukraine border, which US intelligence believes is a precursor to a full-scale invasion in early 2022.

While NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg stated on Tuesday that the alliance is willing to engage in "serious engagement" with Russia, he also stated that the coalition will continue to help Ukraine "politically and practically."

In the meanwhile, Karen Donfried, the US Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs, and the Biden administration's top European diplomat warned the US and Europe were ready to respond quickly if Russia expanded its aggression against Ukraine in the coming days.

Donfried would not go into detail about the possibilities being explored, but he did say that no penalty option is off the table. According to a draft plan published Friday by Russia's foreign ministry, Russian President Vladimir Putin has asked for security guarantees from the US and NATO, including a binding commitment that NATO would not expand farther east and will not allow Ukraine to join the military alliance.

He has blamed contemporary European tensions on NATO's expansion after the demise of the Soviet Union, claiming that Russia has been driven to retaliate. Donfried has also indicated that the next round of discussions will take place in January, as per CNN.

Related Article: Joe Biden-Vladimir Putin Meeting: US Warns Strong Nuclear, Economic Sanctions If Russia Invades Ukraine

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The New York City Department of Correction faces more criticisms following a surge in COVID-19 cases at Rikers Island.

According to reports, the facility is known for having inhumane conditions, frequent violence, and a lack of oversight. This year alone, the facility recorded multiple deaths due to various reasons.

Commissioner Vincent Schiraldi said that the inmates in custody are facing a crisis level due to the sudden spike in COVID-19 cases. Even though the facility sits on 400-acres of land, there is not much space for the thousands of inmates to practice social distancing.

Vaccination rates at Rikers Island remain low

The vaccination rates at Rikers Island have not also helped prevent the spread of the deadly virus. Only 38 percent of the inmates are fully vaccinated as press writing. Approximately 45 percent have only received their first dose. There's also approximately a 17 percent positivity rate, which is a huge increase compared to the previous months' recorded 1 percent positivity rate.

According to CNN, the biggest jump in the number of active cases happened between Dec. 19 and 20 after 76 inmates tested positive for COVID-19.

Schiraldi is seeking the help of officials to reduce the number of people in the jail through supervised release and by modifying the sentence lengths of those that are eligible.

The commissioner also pleads for officials to halt new admissions to all New York City jails, especially those dealing with the COVID-19 crisis.

"The virus is spreading like wildfire throughout Rikers Island and other DOC facilities, exacerbating an ongoing humanitarian crisis that has already taken the lives of sixteen people this year and forced countless others to endure life-threatening conditions while in custody," the statement read via CBS News.

Read Also: Fauci Says Omicron Surge Over the Holidays Possible; New York Mayor Bill de Blasio Rejects Calls for Lockdown

Mayor Bill de Blasio doesn't seem concerned

New York Mayor Bill de Blasio released a statement saying that the active cases in jail facilities are not as bad as last year's incidences.

Dr. Mitchell Katz, CEO of NYC Health and Hospitals, echoed de Blasio's statement by saying that no one has been hospitalized despite the ongoing uptick in COVID-19 cases at the correction facilities.

Rikers Island faces staffing issues

Last month, NBC New York revealed an ongoing staffing crisis on Rikers Island.

In 2018, one of the detainees was attacked by other inmates, and the CCTV camera inside the facility captured the incident. One correction officer rushed to try and break up the altercation but failed. The officer didn't also receive backup for two minutes, which caused more damage to the attacked detainee.

Viktoriya Nasyrova said that she became partially blind following the attack. And she filed a lawsuit against the Department of Correction because she and her lawyer believe that the fight wouldn't have escalated if more staff had come to her rescue.

The Department of Correction settled the lawsuit for $325,000, but they didn't admit any wrongdoing. However, everyone knows that there's an ongoing staffing problem at Rikers Island, making the conditions there unsafe and borderline inhumane.

Related Article: New York Gov. Kathy Hochul Announces Suspension of Elective Surgeries in Westchester County Due to Rising COVID-19 Cases, Declares State of Emergency

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The ongoing Taliban takeover has been posing threats not only to the livelihood of workers but also to the lives of children.

According to reports, an ongoing food shortage in Afghanistan started about three months before the takeover. But since the Taliban took over, more and more locals have been unable to find food sources.

Since Afghanistan relies heavily on agriculture, the ongoing drought and the winter months have made it impossible for workers to harvest root crops. As a result, most families rely on water and bread alone to survive.

Afghan youth are becoming malnourished

Unfortunately, these are not enough to provide locals with the proper nutrition that they need to survive. Children who need more sustenance are becoming malnourished.

The lack of solution in ensuring that children will be able to eat healthy meals could eventually lead to a humanitarian catastrophe.

One of the children in Afghanistan named Kamila has been malnourished for eight months. She is just three years old but only weighs 11 pounds.

Her grandmother, Bilqis, said that Kamila's mom is sick, so she couldn't take care of her. And since they are poor, they cannot tend to the young girl's needs.

A 1-year-old baby named Nasrin is also dealing with malnutrition. Her dad, Abdul Rauf, said they are always at the hospital every 10 to 20 days to have his daughter checked.

Read Also: 9-Year-Old Afghan Girl Sold to 55-Year-Old Man So Her Family Can Eat; Families Residing in Afghan Displacement Camps Struggling After Taliban Took Power

Taliban denies claims of starvation, food shortage

A spokesperson for the Taliban released a statement denying claims that there's a food shortage in Afghanistan. They also called it fake news.

"No one will starve cause there is no famine and the cities are full of food," they said via CNN.

For now, Afghans have no other choice but to wait until help arrives. But Martin Griffiths, the UN Emergency Relief Coordinator, said that it's unlikely for Afghans to survive the winter months on emergency aid alone.

Some families have resorted to selling their own children in exchange for food and money. Child brides are common in Afghanistan because it also helps families pay their debts.

Authorities pleading for help

Last week, Nada Al-Nashif of the UN Human Rights Council explained how the humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan has been threatening basic human rights.

Al-Nashif said that there is a need for international communities and de facto authorities to address the crisis in the country because this is what will determine the future of Afghans.

"They will mark the difference between potential lives of dignity and well-being - or accelerating deprivation, injustice and tragic loss of life," she said via News.UN.org.

Deborah Lyons, the UN envoy for Afghanistan, is pleading for help from the international communities to provide financial support to locals. She also urged everyone not to abandon Afghans in crisis and said that it would be a grave mistake to do so because it would have tragic consequences.

Lyons believes that the humanitarian catastrophe can be prevented because it is caused mainly by the Taliban takeover, which started in August, according to Al Jazeera.

Related Article: 9-Year-Old Child Bride From Afghanistan Rescued After Her Dad Sold Her In Exchange For Cash

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Kamala Harris reportedly came into close contact with one of her staff that tested positive for COVID-19 on Wednesday.

Shortly after, Harris underwent a PCR test, and the results were negative. On Friday, the vice president will undergo a second test to ensure that the initial results are accurate.

According to reports, Harris will continue with her daily work schedule. Afterward, she will head to her home in California, where she will celebrate Christmas and New Year with her family.

"As CDC guidance does not require fully vaccinated people to quarantine after an exposure, the Vice President will continue with her daily schedule," the White House said in a statement via People.

Kamala Harris' staff tests negative for COVID-19

Symone Sanders, the chief spokesperson for Harris, confirmed that the veep's staff is fully vaccinated and boosted. On Wednesday, the staff already received a negative PCR test and has been tested daily since Tuesday.

Other staff members who were in close proximity with the individual also underwent PCR tests, according to USA Today.

Joe Biden came into close contact with covid-positive staff

Harris' presidential counterpart, Joe Biden, also came into close contact with his staff that tested positive for COVID-19.

The staff, whose name has not been disclosed, has traveled with Biden via Air Force One. After their close encounter, the POTUS underwent a PCR test and received a negative result.

Biden and Harris are fully vaccinated, and they have also received their booster shots. However, there are still concerns over their safety because of the surge in omicron cases in the United States, according to NPR.

As of press writing, only three states have not recorded omicron cases. But Biden said earlier this week that unvaccinated Americans are most susceptible to the newest variant.

Read Also: Kamala Harris Fires Back at Charlamagne tha God After He Compares Joe Biden With Joe Manchin

Joe Biden urges Americans to get vaccinated

The POTUS also stressed that individuals who are fully vaccinated and those who have already received their booster shots are highly protected from omicron.

Biden also slammed cable news and social media outlets for spreading false claims about COVID-19 and vaccination. He said that these lies are what's causing some people to discount the effectiveness of the jabs.

Even though individuals have the right to make their choices, Biden hopes that right-wing outlets will report on facts.

A study confirmed that counties that support Donald Trump have more COVID-19 cases compared to counties that supported Biden in the 2020 election.

But even Trump recently said that he already got the booster shot. He also urged Republicans to reconsider getting inoculated by saying that it's good for them.

Omicron is the dominant strain in the US

According to reports, omicron is now the dominant strain in the United States, representing 73 percent of cases reported across the different states.

For the week ending Dec. 18, only 26.6 percent of the estimated cases were confirmed to be delta. A week before that, delta made up 87 percent of the cases in the country.

More omicron cases will most likely be detected in the coming weeks when the variant reaches its peak amid the holiday gatherings, according to CNBC.

Related Article: Kamala Harris Praised Following Her Comments on Joe Manchin's Refusal To Support Build Back Better Bill

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This year paved the way for the creation of the digital realm, Metaverse.

However, Elon Musk states that when it comes to Neuralink vs. Metaverse, Neuralink is better.

The Neuralink founder, Elon Musk does not see a future full of VR headsets in Metaverse after questioning its long-term implications on eyesight.

Metaverse seems to be like fiction becoming reality in a matter of months, in which everybody gets to see it unfold right from their very eyes.

What is Elon Musk's Nueralink?

As stated in Business Insider, Elon Musk launched Neuralink, a neurotechnology business whose main goal is to embed brain implants in humans in order to restore and enhance physical abilities using technology.

Furthermore, Musk co-founded Neuralink in 2016, which is working on a chip that would be implanted in people's brains to monitor and trigger brain activity concurrently. It's designed to be used in medical settings, such as to rehabilitate serious spinal cord injuries and neurological problems.

Neuralink isn't the only business working on brain-computer interfaces. The Food and Drug Administration gave Synchron, a 20-person biotech business, permission to begin human testing in July.

Choosing Neuralink in Neuralink vs. Metaverse

The Neuralink company has a team of about 100 individuals in its headquarters in San Francisco. The Neuralink team is working on creating a workable computer-brain interface. Musk compares it to a Fitbit that is implanted in the human skull and connected to the brain by microscopic cables.

According to Elon Musk, the goal of Neuralink is to enhance the rate at which data can travel from the human brain to a machine.

On the other hand, the Metaverse, according to some of the world's smartest people, is the next big thing, and it's here now. Metaverse seems to be like fiction becoming reality being witnessed in the past couple of months, in which everybody gets to see it unfold right from their very eyes.

However, among the clamor, there are a few startups along with Big Tech companies like Facebook and Microsoft that have an actual action plan in improving daily lives through modern technology and Metaverse.

Read Also: Shiba Inu Price Update: Cryptocurrency Value Declining; Does Elon Musk Have the Meme Coin?

As stated in CNBC TV, a great advantage Metaverse can bring is peace to the environment. Future innovation of Metaverse, moving everything virtually might eliminate the need for human travel. Unnecessary commutes will be eliminated resulting in less pollution and global warming.

Questioning The Benefit of Metaverse

In the topic of Neuralink vs Metaverse, Elon Musk expressed his disapproval of the metaverse and Web 3.0 ecosystems, dismissing them as marketing gimmicks instead of understanding them as they are promised.

According to Cointelegraph, Elon Musk stated in a recent interview with Babylon Bee that Web3 and metaverse trends are getting increasingly popular, however, he does not believe in them yet.

When questioned about his thoughts on the metaverse ecology, Musk replied in an interview with The Babylon Bee that he does not see the future of having someone strap a screen closest to their face all day. Musk also added that he is not sure if he believes in this metaverse stuff, even if a lot of people tell him they do.

Musk stated that he does not anticipate a future in which people will have to abandon the physical world to live in a virtual one while discussing the metaverse and virtual reality (VR). He said, based on his experience, that VR headsets tend to cause motion sickness while playing video games.

Musk also stated that people will not prefer to move around with VR headsets and will not want to leave them. He also recalls being admonished as a child not to sit too close to the television.

Related Article: Elon Musk Net Worth 2021: Why Is the Tesla CEO Paying $11 Billion in Taxes?
The COVID-19 Omicron variant is rapidly spreading throughout the U.S., and it is negatively affecting the plans of CES 2022. Top exhibitors like Amazon, T-Mobile, Meta and Twitter said they will abstain from attending the highly anticipated technology conference,

The Consumer Electronics Show is one of the largest technology conferences in the world. The 2022 edition will be held in Las Vegas from January 5 to 8. Officials had high hopes for this incoming event because they planned to make up for the lack of events in January this year. Unfortunately, the latest COVID-19 variant is breaking up their plans again.



CES 2022 Omicron Problems

Up to date, the pandemic has taken more than 800,000 lives in the US. Unfortunately, the problem is far from being over because of the Omicron variant, which is said to multiply roughly 70 times faster than the Delta variant. Be warned that preliminary research also revealed that Omicron might be vaccine resistant.

Due to this development, a number of notable companies pulled out from the incoming event. All absentees expressed their fears and concerns about the Omicron strain.

Read Also: Microchip Implant as COVID-19 Vaccine Tracker? It's Coming

List of CES 2022 Exhibitors Pullouts

T-Mobile chief executive Mike Sievert was supposed to be a keynote speaker for the event. However, T-Mobile said in a statement that "while we are confident that CES organizers are taking exhaustive measures to protect in-person attendees and we had many preventative practices in place as well, we are prioritizing the safety of our team and other attendees with this decision."

Companies like Amazon, Meta and Twitter also nixed their plans to attend. Tech-focused media outlets like Engadget, TechRadar, The Verge and Wirecutter announced their pullouts through their social media page, per Light Reading.

Some others, like Nvidia, said they will have a virtual-only keynote speakers at the event.

CES 2022 Schedule and Program

Despite the pullouts, organizers said CES 2022 will continue. According to Investors, the event officials are preparing numerous safety precautions for the show, which include mask-wearing, vaccination checks and COVID-19 tests.

It is also worth noting that a lot of big companies might still attend the show.

Alphabet, the parent company of Google, and its self-driving unit Waymo said they will be present on CES 2022. AMD also confirmed their attendance, but only with limited personnel.

General Motors and its chief executive Mary Barra shared their plans to introduce the company's latest Silverado pickup during the event.

Other companies like Qualcomm, Sony Electronics and Samsung Electronics have yet to cancel their attendance.

It should also be emphasized that more than 100 health companies might exhibit new technologies to treat diseases and telehealth services during the event. Companies like 3M, Abbott, AT&T Business, Colgate-Palmolive and Philips will be a part of this particular program.

The situation is still developing and more companies might give out their statements the closer it gets to the date of the event. For now, fans are recommended to wait and watch out for more updates about CES 2022.

Related Article: Neuralink vs. Metaverse: Elon Musk Not Convinced About the Future of Metaverse, Thinks Neuralink Is Better
A scene from the series "Snowdrop" / Courtesy of JTBC



JTBC, the South Korean broadcaster of the controversial romance "Snowdrop," said Thursday that it will release key episodes of the show this week, earlier than its original schedule, in an attempt to straighten out misunderstanding about historical issues depicted in the show.



"The debate over 'Snowdrop' seems to be caused by the story that unfolded in the early episodes," the cable channel said in a statement. "To ease the concerns of viewers, we will advance the scheduled broadcast of the fifth episode, which features a twist in the narrative."



Under the new program time table, the third to fifth episodes of JTBC's weekend primetime drama will be broadcast at 10:30 p.m. from Friday to Sunday, the TV station said.



The move came as the show, about a romantic relationship between a female South Korean university student and a North Korean spy, has been under growing criticism that it distorted the history of South Korea's pro-democracy movement of the late 1980s right after the first two parts were aired last weekend.



People pointed the finger at scenes depicting the female lead giving shelter to a North Korean spy, who jumps into her dormitory covered in blood, as she mistakenly believes that he is a pro-democracy protester being chased by heavy-handed state secret service agents under the military dictatorship.



Critics say the story could reinforce the narrative of the past authoritarian governments that pro-democracy student activists were linked to North Korea when many such activists and dissidents were tortured and prosecuted on trumped-up charges of being North Korean spies.



More than 300,000 people have signed a petition, posted on an online bulletin of the presidential office Cheong Wa Dae calling for the termination of the TV production.



JTBC said the coming episodes will tell the lead character's story of having come to the South and reveal the political maneuvering by the authorities in the two Koreas, ironing out the controversial issues. (Yonhap)


By Lee Hae-rin





Kim Eun-sook, who runs a red bean porridge restaurant in central Seoul, holds a bowl of red bean porridge in this provided photo. She was named a "Face of Seoul" by the Seoul Metropolitan Government for donating 1.2 billion won to mental health hospitals and social welfare facilities over the past 46 years. Courtesy of Seoul Metropolitan Government

A red bean porridge restaurant owner in Seoul has been selected for Seoul City's Hall of Fame, as a "Face of Seoul," for her lifelong contribution to the city.



According to the city government, Monday, Kim Eun-sook, 82, who runs a red bean porridge restaurant in Samcheong-dong in central Seoul, has made 120 donations from her earnings during the past 46 years, totaling over 1.2 billion won ($1 million).



Kim started donating to psychiatric hospitals and social welfare facilities, when her daughter started suffering from a mental health problem at the age of 18. She said that she wanted to help others who are in more dire need of support than herself.



"I just went steady with a monthly donation," Kim told The Korea Times, Tuesday, when asked how and why she could donate such a large sum of money. A bowl of red bean porridge now costs 7,000 won, though it used to cost around 1,000 won at the time Kim started the donation 46 years ago.



Kim runs her restaurant, cooking and selling the porridge with "ssanghwatang" (a traditional Korean herbal tonic tea). Her childhood memory of eating red bean porridge with her mother when the family was taking shelter in Busan as Korean War refugees motivated her to run the restaurant, she said.



"I cannot forget the taste of the red bean porridge that I had back then, when we were so poor. I thought, 'How could there be such a sweet dish?' So I was sure young people these days (who enjoy visiting Samcheong-dong) would appreciate the taste, too," Kim said.





A bowl of red porridge and "ssanghwatang" (a traditional Korean tea made of medical herbs) made by Kim Eun-sook, at her restaurant in central Seoul, Tuesday / Korea Times photo by Lee Hae-rin
Medical workers wearing personal protective equipment work inside the intensive care unit of the Bagae Hospital in Pyeongtaek, Dec. 1. EPA-Yonhap



South Korea's new coronavirus cases fell below 7,000 on Thursday, but critical cases and deaths surged to record highs as the country has reimposed antivirus restrictions amid the resurgence of infections and spread of the Omicron variant.



The country added 6,919 more COVID-19 cases, including 6,856 local infections, bringing the cumulative total to 589,978, the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) said.



Thursday's tally is down from 7,456 on Wednesday but higher than 5,202 reported Tuesday. The number of new daily cases usually shrinks at the beginning of the week due to less testing over the weekend.



The number of critically ill patients came to a fresh high of 1,083, the KDCA said, breaking its previous record high of 1,063 tallied Wednesday.






Paxlovid, Pfizer's COVID-19 treatment pill, is seen being packaged in Ascoli, Italy, in this undated handout photo, Nov. 16. Reuters-Yonhap



Korea reports 109 COVID-19 deaths, first triple-digit toll



By Lee Hyo-jin



The Korean government seeks to secure an additional supply of Pfizer's oral COVID-19 treatment, after the pill became the first oral antiviral drug to have been cleared by the U.S. drug regulator during the pandemic.



"We are closely discussing with Pfizer supply deals additional to the pills for 70,000 people that we have already purchased," Kim Ok-soo, a senior official at the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA), said during a briefing, Thursday.



"Details on shipment schedules, the supply amount and whom they will be used on will be announced later, in accordance with the emergency authorization approval from the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety."



If introduced, the pills will be used in treating COVID-19 patients undergoing home treatment, patients of high-risk groups as well as those showing mild and moderate symptoms, Kim said.



The announcement came after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted emergency authorization for Pfizer's oral drug Paxlovid, Wednesday (local time).



The FDA has given the pill the green light for COVID-19 patients aged 12 and older with mild to moderate symptoms. It should be prescribed as soon as possible after a COVID-19 diagnosis and within five days of symptom onset, the FDA said.



Paxlovid is given as three co-packaged tablets: two nirmatrelvir tablets and one ritonavir tablet.



The oral drug has been widely anticipated by many experts as a possible "game changer" in the battle against the pandemic, considering its efficacy, relatively low price and ease of administration. All of the previously approved COVID-19 treatments required either an injection or intravenous (IV) infusion.



The results from Pfizer's study, involving more than 2,200 people at high risk for developing serious COVID-19 illness, found that the pill reduced the risk of hospitalization or death by 89 percent, when taken within three days of the first symptoms of illness. When taken within five days, the drug reduced the risk of hospitalization and death by 88 percent.





Healthcare workers dressed up in Santa Claus costumes prepare to administer coronavirus tests at a testing center in Gwangju, Thursday. Yonhap
President Moon Jae-in presents outgoing U.S. Ambassador to South Korea Harry Harris with a farewell gift of Andong soju at Cheong Wa Dae, Jan. 19. Courtesy of Cheong Wa Dae



Ambassador appointment after South Korean presidential election would be mistake



By Kang Seung-woo



Amid a lengthy absence of a U.S. ambassador to South Korea, diplomatic observers are expressing disappointment that U.S. President Joe Biden, who is moving fast to reinvigorate its alliances and partnerships after the tumult of Donald Trump's presidency, has yet to nominate an ambassador to South Korea, adding that the vacancy could deliver a negative message in terms of South Korea-U.S. relations.



In addition, they also concurred that it would not be desirable for the U.S. to push back the appointment until after the South Korean presidential election in March after which the stance of a new administration will be more clearly defined.



According to the American Foreign Service Association, Biden has appointed officials to 80 out of 190 U.S. ambassadorial posts since his inauguration, Jan. 20.



Since the last U.S. ambassador to South Korea, Harry Harris, resigned and left the country on Jan. 20, the post has remained unfilled, with U.S. Charge d'Affaires to Korea Christopher Del Corso currently serving as acting ambassador.



However, the extended vacancy is raising speculation that the U.S. having no nominee for South Korea reflects Washington's frustration with Seoul's policy position and gives cause for concerns about their alliance or the Asian ally's "downgraded" importance to the U.S. Additionally, last week's Senate confirmations of its ambassadors to China and Japan are adding fuel to such concerns here.



"I think it is very disappointing that the Biden administration has yet to appoint an ambassador to South Korea. There have been unnecessary holdups in the Senate to confirm nominees but that is no excuse for not nominating someone," U.S. Naval War College Professor Terence Roehrig said.



"I doubt it's any sort of payback for U.S. disappointment with any South Korean policy position, but it is very disconcerting given the administration's efforts to revitalize U.S. relations with allies and partners."



Daniel Sneider, a lecturer on international policy at Stanford University, also said, "I am deeply disappointed that this nomination has not been made yet, given Korea's importance to the United States as a key ally, and its strategic role, not only in Asia but globally."



He added: "This should be a priority for an administration that claims to want to make the Asia Pacific region the central focus of American foreign policy."



Harry Kazianis, senior director of Korean Studies at the Center for the National Interest, said the Biden administration had proven that the Korean Peninsula was not a major focus in their overall foreign policy thinking.



"This has been proven in the clumsy way in which the administration's new Korea policy was rolled out to now having no ambassador in Seoul," Kazianis said.



"Simply put: the Biden administration has settled for a status-quo on the peninsula whereby North Korea can have nuclear weapons as long as it does not test ICBMs or atomic arms. And that is a grave mistake that could come back to haunt Washington in the months and years to come."



Soo Kim, a former CIA analyst now with the Rand Corporation, said it was not a good sign for the alliance between South Korea and the U.S.



"It certainly does not reflect the best when it comes to perceptions about U.S.-ROK relations. In fact, the extended vacancy may even perpetuate suspicions or doubts about the bilateral relations," she said. The ROK stands for the Republic of Korea, South Korea's official name.



"It may signal to the South Koreans that Seoul's importance to Washington has been 'downgraded' somewhat  particularly when compared to U.S. relations with Japan, for instance. That Washington has named an ambassador to one key Asian ally while leaving the other vacant raises eyebrows among some, without a doubt."



She also said the extended vacancy may be a U.S. effort to signal to South Korea its position on some of the more strategically decisive issues the Moon Jae-in administration has taken.



In fact, President Moon said earlier this month that South Korea was not considering joining the U.S.-led diplomatic boycott of the Beijing Winter Olympics, while preserving a balancing act between the U.S. and China due to the latter's status as Seoul's largest trading partner.



"Seoul's decisions  and even reticence  on some of the touchier issues gave cause for concerns about the state of the alliance. On matters where alignment between Washington and Seoul actually counted  North Korea's nukes, Seoul being able to stand up to China more firmly, the Moon administration's position on human rights in North Korea, for instance  the Moon administration had decided to sit back or pursue steps that were counterproductive to alliance interests," she said.



"This may not have been well-received by the Biden administration."



Kim also said that South Korea had to pick up on these signals and take the right steps to rectify relations with Washington.



"Thus far, the Moon administration has taken steps that give cause for concern about the state of the alliance  rather than allaying these worries," she added.



Sneider also said the delayed nomination may be due to the U.S. government's practice of sending career diplomats to South Korea given that the post is also required to deal with the sensitive issue of North Korea's nuclear programs.



"I am aware that they would like to give this post to a career diplomat, as has been the case until recently, and are looking for someone who is senior enough to fill this important position," he said.



"Despite the pledges from Secretary Blinken and others to make more appointments at the senior level from the ranks of the Foreign Service, we still see way too many political appointees. Korea has traditionally been a post where deep career experience is seen as essential and I hope that continues to be the case."



Election issue



Amid the extended delay, there is speculation that the U.S. government may nominate its ambassador to South Korea after its presidential election, scheduled for March 9, 2022.



But the experts said that would be a mistake.



"It is also a mistake to wait until after the March presidential election to nominate an ambassador; the election has nothing to do with the importance of having a high-level U.S. representative on the ground in Seoul," Roehrig said.



"Moreover, having nominees for Japan and China but not South Korea sends a very bad message; close U.S.-South Korea relations are crucial and should be treated as such."



Kazianis expressed a similar view.



"I think waiting until a new president comes to Blue House is a mistake," he said, referring to the nickname of the South Korean presidential office of Cheong Wa Dae. "Any new ambassador needs time to form relationships with his colleagues in the government he is working with. Waiting over a year after Biden took the oath of office as president makes Korea look like a part of the world he does not care about. And, sadly, that seems to be the case these days."



However, Kim said a post-election appointment may be conducive to the alliance although it depends on who takes command of Cheong Wa Dae.



"If the Biden administration appoints a new ROK ambassador after Seoul's presidential election, perhaps it could help in resuscitating the alliance  a much-needed breath of fresh air between the two countries," she said.



But she added that this will also hinge upon what kind of government is elected in March and the new government's position on the alliance.



"If the new government is merely a perpetuation of the Moon government's ethos, then alliance relations will remain tenuous  or be even rockier," Kim said.



The U.S. Embassy here did not comment on the ambassadorial vacancy issue when contacted by The Korea Times.


Korea's Minister of National Defense Suh Wook, second from left, inspects honor guards during a welcoming ceremony at Singapore's Ministry of Defence, Thursday. Suh visited Singapore to discuss bilateral exchanges in defense matters with his counterpart, Ng Eng Hen. Courtesy of the Ministry of National Defense




President Moon Jae-in visited a front-line military unit on a western border island on Thursday and hailed Marines there for their hard work, Cheong Wa Dae said.







Moon flew by helicopter to Baengnyeong Island near the western sea border with North Korea and began his visit by paying his respects at a memorial dedicated to the 46 sailors killed in the North's sinking of the Cheonan corvette in 2010, his spokeswoman Park Kyung-mee said in a written briefing.







Moon then visited the headquarters of a Marine brigade to be briefed on the unit's work and mounted a forward observation post to encourage the troops there.







He extended his special thanks to the troops for serving in one of the most important military areas where they must constantly remain on high alert without being able to leave the island easily.







During a meal with the brigade's commanders, the president stressed the importance of looking after the troops' human rights and welfare.







"I ask that you make sure these service members, who are working in difficult conditions, return to their families healthy and more mature," Moon said, according to Park.







The president was accompanied on the trip by first lady Kim Jung-sook. (Yonhap)






South Korean Defense Minister Suh Wook on Thursday emphasized the need for close defense cooperation with China and Japan to maintain peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula and the region, the defense ministry said.







"While the alliance between South Korea and the United States remains strong, I think (Seoul should) closely cooperate and get along with neighboring China," Suh said during a lecture in Singapore.







China can play a key role in the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula and is a crucial economic partner for South Korea, he added.







He gave the lecture at S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies of Nanyang Technological University after his talks with Singaporean Defense Minister Ng Eng Hen.







The minister said while the strategic competition between Washington and Beijing has an adverse impact on the security situation on the peninsula, the two powers can also cooperate in the process of peacefully resolving Korea issues.







Suh also said South Korea needs to promote exchanges with Japan.







"Despite differences on pending issues, we believe close cooperation (between the two countries) is needed for peace and stability in the region," he said.







Seoul will continue to push for dialogue and defense cooperation with Japan, he added.







Earlier in the day, Suh and Ng Eng Hen discussed regional security cooperation, including joint efforts to fight terrorism.







Suh used the talks to reiterate South Korea's desire to deepen defense cooperation with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), the ministry said. (Yonhap)


Yoon Suk-yeol, the presidential nominee of the main opposition People Power Party / Yonhap



The mother-in-law of Yoon Suk-yeol, the presidential nominee of the main opposition People Power Party (PPP), was sentenced to one year in prison on Thursday for forging a financial document used in a past deal for land purchase.



The district court in Uijeongbu, 23 kilometers north of Seoul, convicted the 74-year-old, surnamed Choi, of producing a fake bank account balance certificate and using it to purchase a swath of land in Seongnam, south of Seoul, from April 2013 to October of that year.



The forged document suggested she had deposited 34.7 billion won (US$29.2 million) into the account.



Prosecutors pressed charges against Choi for alleged document forgery, use of forged papers and violation of real-name property ownership laws.






Lee Jae-myung, right, the presidential candidate of the ruling liberal Democratic Party of Korea (DPK), and former DPK leader Lee Nak-yon, grasp hands after their luncheon held in central Seoul, Thursday. The two ruling party heavyweights, who had competed fiercely in the party's presidential primary, have vowed to cooperate further for the DPK's victory in the presidential election slated for March 9. Joint Press Corps



By Jung Da-min



Lee Jae-myung, the presidential candidate of the ruling liberal Democratic Party of Korea (DPK), has formally joined hands with former DPK leader Lee Nak-yon, seeking to find a breakthrough in the competition for the next presidential election slated for March 9.



Adding Lee Nak-yon, who had remained reclusive since his primary defeat, to the election campaign has been a major task for Lee Jae-myung, as he seeks to display the unity of the party and attract support from loyalists of President Moon Jae-in, as the former DPK chairman is one of Moon's closest aides, having served as prime minister from 2017 to 2020.



Their pledge for cooperation, intended to highlight party unity, also stands in contrast to the main opposition conservative People Power Party (PPP), which is mired in internal feuds.



Holding a luncheon meeting in central Seoul, Thursday, the two Lees discussed strategies for winning the next presidential election and agreed to launch a new "committee of national vision and unity," which they will lead together as co-chairmen under the party's election committee.



"Candidate Lee Jae-myung and I have agreed to work together for the victory of the DPK. We also decided to create a committee of national vision and unity and lead it as co-chairmen," Lee Nak-yon said after the luncheon. "From now on, I might sometimes issue messages that are different from stances of the candidate or the party, but candidate Lee said he will also accept them."



Lee Jae-myung said: "Respected former party leader Lee has played many roles for the DPK's victory so far. Now, he will participate in the organization needed at this moment to create the fourth liberal government."



The two heavyweights had competed fiercely in the party's presidential primary. When the party's election camp for Lee Jae-myung was launched on Nov. 2, Lee Nak-yon assumed a role as a standing adviser. But 51 days later, the former DPK leader has come forward to actively engage in the party's campaign for the presidential race.



Lee Nak-yon's eventual participation comes as support rates continue to fall for the rival candidates of the country's two major parties  Lee of the DPK and Yoon Suk-yeol of the PPP. Both Lee and Yoon have been under fire for alleged illegal activities involving themselves and their family members.



If the DPK succeeds in uniting its members through cooperation between Lee Nak-yon and Lee Jae-myung, it could become a turning point for the ruling party, as the PPP now struggles with internal feuds.



Yoon has had conflicts with some PPP figures, including party leader Lee Jun-seok and former interim chief Kim Chong-in, even before launching his election committee. Yoon then managed to resolve the conflicts and launched the campaign committee, Dec. 6, with Kim becoming the committee chief and Lee Jun-seok becoming standing committee co-chairman. But new conflicts have since emerged between the party leader and Yoon's other aides, which led Lee Jun-seok to quit all positions of the campaign committee.



While committee chief Kim is trying to resolve the internal feuds by taking stronger control over operations of the committee, conflicts are still continuing among party members, with some criticizing the party leader's moves while others support him.



Meantime, the support rates for the rival candidates have been decreasing in recent polls. For the first weeks after Yoon became the PPP's presidential candidate on Nov. 5, he enjoyed high popularity, but his lead on Lee has narrowed amid growing scandals surrounding family members of the candidates, to the point where Lee has taken the lead in some opinion polls recently.


A former left-wing lawmaker convicted of instigating a rebellion to overthrow the South Korean government in case of a war with North Korea will be released on parole later this week, according to sources Thursday.







Lee Seok-ki, the convicted former member of the now-disbanded minor opposition Unified Progressive Party, is scheduled to be released from a detention center in Daejeon, 160 kilometers south of Seoul, Friday.







His release was reportedly decided by a justice ministry parole review committee Monday. He has served most of his nine-year prison sentence set until September 2022.







Lee was indicted in 2013 on charges of conspiring with members of a clandestine organization to topple the government if a war with North Korea broke out. He was sentenced to 12 years in jail in 2014, but a high court commuted the term to 9 years, which was later confirmed by the Supreme Court in January 2015. (Yonhap)


By Sandip Kumar Mishra





The Moon Jae-in administration has been trying to reach out Southeast Asian countries through its New Southern Policy since 2017. The goal of the policy is to improve connects with these countries by emphasizing people, peace and prosperity and to diversify South Korea's attention beyond the great powers and North Korea.



In the last four and half years, several policy measures, working groups and academic and other research initiatives have been put in place. It cannot be disputed that all these measures are definitely going to be fruitful in the long term. However, there are opinions that the success of the policy has so far been limited.



It is said that the New Southern Policy has not led to any substantial growth in bilateral relations between South Korea and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Bilateral trade between South Korea and Southeast Asian countries was $147 billion in 2017, $153 billion in 2019, and $142 billion in 2020.



There has also not been any exponential growth in the number of tourists between South Korea and ASEAN countries. Around 10 million people from Southeast Asian countries visited South Korea and vice-versa in 2017 and the figure was just 12 million even in 2019.



Furthermore, it seems that Japan is much more connected to the region than South Korea. In 2017, Japan's bilateral trade with ASEAN countries was $54 billion more than South Korea's trade with those nations. In 2019, the gap widened up to $70 billion.



It has also been argued that the New Southern Policy is a unilaterally decided policy of South Korea toward ASEAN countries and is basically an expression of the economic intents of South Korea which are allegedly transactional.



Another important limitation of the New Southern Policy is pointed to its disconnection from strategic issues. There are opinions that many ASEAN countries might look for strategic contents in their relationship with South Korea. But unlike Tokyo, Seoul remains silent on these concerns of the ASEAN countries.



However, to understand the policy in context, it would be important to understand that even though the numerical growth in the economic exchanges between South Korea and ASEAN have not been exponential, significantly more institutional and procedural mechanisms have been created and they would definitely bring positive results in the future.



Furthermore, through an emphasis on people-to-people connect with the ASEAN countries, South Korea has ventured into a long-term engagement. The numbers might not look so great, but awareness and bonding between the two have substantially deepened.



Furthermore, it would be premature to compare South Korea's relations with Japan in terms of economic exchanges. Japan has been carefully inculcating its role and presence in the region as a developmental partner for several decades and it would not be expected that South Korea would take over Japan in just a few years.



Moreover, the New Southern Policy should not be essentially seen as South Korea's attempt to replace or surpass Japanese economic and other developmental engagements with ASEAN countries, but should be seen as an attempt to compliment them.



The idea that the New Southern Policy is a unilateral policy of South Korea is also not tenable, since a country usually has the right to have such a policy to engage more with other counties. However, it must be communicated with the other countries and their concerns, needs and priorities must be included in charting out details of the policy's operationalization.



South Korea in the last four and half years has made all possible attempts to accommodate the demands of ASEAN countries. It is also incorrect that the policy has been transactional as the core of economic engagement with these countries has been their developmental needs.



The New Southern Policy Plus announced by South Korea in 2020 specifically mentioned priority cooperation in health and medicine, education, sustainable investments in trade and so on. In May 2019, South Korea announced to double its official development assistance (ODA) to Southeast Asian countries by 2023, which already received almost 25 percent of the total ODA of South Korea.



Finally it would also be incorrect to say that since the security-strategic contents are limited in the New Southern Policy, it does not get enough traction in the Southeast Asian countries. The stated diplomatic and strategic imperative of the policy have been to seek more maneuvering space for a middle power like South Korea and it seeks to change the agenda of interstate relations in the region.



The New Southern Policy, thus, is a futuristic, long-term policy of South Korea, which is meant not only to serve its own national interests but to serve the interests of all of the regional players by emphasizing those areas in which countries of the region could have win-win partnerships and minimize possibilities of conflicts and insecurities. Its achievement has been quite satisfactory so far and would be very substantial in the coming years.





The author (sandipmishra10@gmail.com) is associate professor at the Jawaharlal Nehru University, India.


E-commerce giants should stop squeezing small biz owners



Large e-commerce platforms exert enormous influence on online markets. Vendors, especially small ones, often find it hard to sell their products properly without depending on these giant online malls. These e-commerce giants, which hold sway even over large manufacturers, seem to regard small producers as pawns. Vendors can hardly reject the platforms' transaction terms, including entirely unreasonable ones. There are numerous cases of the online malls' heavy-handed business practices capitalizing on this power gap.



For example, Market Kurly, an online grocery delivery platform, has recently demanded its suppliers pay 1 percent to 3 percent of their total delivery amount as a "marketing incentive" if their quarterly sales next year increase by more than a certain percentage from this year. The company then said it would exempt the incentive payment for suppliers who sell their products only on its online mall. The stores are in a dilemma: The incentives are burdensome. However, suppose they promise to sell their products only on Market Kurly. In that case, they may lose their marketing channel if their contracts with the online mall are cut off later.



Complaints are also pouring out about Coupang's "lowest-price policy." The e-commerce giant has urged its suppliers to raise sales prices of products traded at rival online malls if one-off sales promotion events drove down such prices. The company also pressed contractors to buy ads, passing on sales promotion costs to the suppliers. In August, the Korea Fair Trade Commission fined Coupang 3.3 billion won ($2.8 million) for violating the antitrust act and ordered it to take corrective measures.



Although the Monopoly Regulation and Fair Trade Act regulates such abuses of superior status, there are few cases of disciplining unfair transactions in online markets. Coupang also has lodged a suit against the antitrust agency's measure. To restore order in the market, legislators should establish a legal basis by hurrying to pass an online platform fairness bill through the National Assembly. They should not delay the bill's passage to next year. Moreover, it is never a task to be passed on to the next government.


Time to shed light on development scandal



President Moon Jae-in is facing growing calls to appoint a special counsel to uncover the whole truth behind a massive corruption scandal surrounding an apartment development project in Seongnam, south of Seoul. The calls are getting louder after two officials  one incumbent and the other former  of the city-run Seongnam Development Corp. (SDC) died in apparent suicides.



Kim Moon-ki, head of the SDC's development division, was found dead at his office Tuesday. He was presumed to have committed suicide after undergoing questioning by the police and the prosecution as well as the corporation's internal inspection over his alleged involvement in the project. His death came after Yoo Han-gi, former head of the SDC's construction development team, killed himself Dec. 10.



Kim and Yoo were working-level officials who carried out the project in 2015 under Yoo Dong-gyu, a former chief of the corporation's planning headquarters and close aide to then Seongnam Mayor Lee Jae-myung, who is now the presidential candidate of the ruling Democratic Party of Korea (DPK). So the deaths of the two key figures have dealt a setback to investigators who are under mounting pressure to confirm the allegations that Lee might have been deeply involved in the corruption scandal.



Kim had faced allegations that he played a role in removing from the project contract a clause calling for recouping excessive development profits from private investors. Its removal allowed Hwacheon Daeyu, the main private developer, and its seven affiliates to reap 850 billion won ($714 million) in excess profit, almost 1,000 times their initial investments. He also allegedly helped the developer to win the contract for the project.



The prosecution has already indicted Yoo Dong-gyu on charges of receiving bribes from the private developer and causing losses to the SDC and the municipal government. Several private investors, including Hwacheon Daeyu owner Kim Man-bae, have also been indicted for offering bribes to city officials, lawmakers and judges in return for business favors.



However, the prosecution has been under severe public criticism for dragging its feet in investigating the scandal thoroughly, in a dubious move seen as protecting the ruling party candidate. The top law enforcement agency seems to be currying favor with the powers that be by not digging deeper into the case. As things stand now, it is difficult to expect the prosecution to question Lee over his alleged implication in the corruption scandal.



Kim's bereaved family strongly accused law enforcement authorities of targeting only Kim and other working-level officials who had just been following orders from higher-ups. It is impossible to get to the bottom of the case without investigating Lee who was the top decision-maker overseeing the development project.



The only solution is for President Moon to appoint an independent counsel. Lee has repeatedly said that he is ready to come in for questioning by a special prosecutor. But what he is really up to is still doubtful. Both the ruling and opposition parties should pass an independent counsel bill immediately to shed light on the case before the March 9 presidential poll. Otherwise, they cannot restore public trust, and will only deepen voters' political antipathy.


By Casey Lartigue Jr.





During 2018, a 70-year-old grandmother who was spending 14 hours a day sending thousands of tweets and retweets in support of a U.S. presidential candidate was repeatedly flagged as a bot by Twitter.



That grandma-bot got her account frozen, but I am delighted my organization has its own grandma bot. Her name is Eben Appleton, and she lives in Gallatin, Tennessee. She stumbled upon our organization five years ago and hasn't stopped hugging us ever since.



Eben is 80 years old, and moves at 80 miles per hour when she finds a way she can help. Rarely does a day go by that I don't receive a flurry of messages in my email and social media from Eben with her endlessly cheerful messages. Those messages also have many questions about how to work this or that. I recently appointed her as our first Fundraising Fellow even though she is incompetent about many things.



Online documents? Excel spreadsheets? Eben learned about them earlier this year when I informed her that snapshots of handwritten documents were not acceptable. Maneuvering across social media? She is constantly worried she will hit the wrong button and delete the internet.



I note those failings with love to point out: Despite her limited internet skills and complete lack of strategy when it comes to fundraising, she has raised and donated more than $15,000 for our organization over the past few years. I have worked with various non-profits over the past two decades. She is the only person I have ever told not to donate more  and I must remind her often not to donate.



She has a limited network of about 300 Facebook friends, and all of them have heard about our organization, and more than once. She is relentless. Her doctor, pharmacist, grocer, members of her high school graduation class from six decades ago, the mailman, neighbors, other Lions' Club members, etc., have had their arms gently twisted by her. The only one I feel sorry for: Her husband, Charlie Appleton, who probably has both dreams and nightmares about us.



I am tempted at times to block FSI's grandma-bot, because she is clogging up my newsfeed with her endless compliments and praise for me and anyone else who friends her on Facebook. She praises me so often that I wonder if I am reading about this Casey Lartigue Jr.



Eben wants my autograph on everything. Photos. Articles. Books. She replies to everything I post, watches every video, reminds me (something incorrectly) of the many witty and profound things she thinks I have said or written.



Even before she knew anything about the book I am writing with North Korean refugee Songmi Han, Eben was asking other people to pre-order the book. We have more than 600 pre-orders of the book  Eben has personally been responsible for 101 people ordering the book in advance. She sees it as a personal failure that everyone around hasn't already bought the book.



She even joined our online sessions when it was midnight and 3 a.m. in Tennessee. At our three conferences this year that lasted more than 15 hours total, she was watching from start to finish. She kicks herself when she gets confused about the time difference.



She is our number one fan, and quite proud of it. After an event organizer made a pair of six-foot posters featuring me, I guessed there was only one person in the world who would want one of them: Eben Appleton. She proudly poses next to it as part of her FSI Wall.



After many failures, she finally learned how to set up fundraisers online. She has set up 19 fundraisers at Facebook, seven at our crowdfunding site and just learned how to set them up at Instagram. She sets them up, then struggles with editing or ending them.



She gets things done despite her limited skills, running circles around internet-savvy youngsters with better skills than Eben who have more excuses than effort. Having knowledge and ability can be great, but determination and effort can be even better.



Nine years ago, when I first got involved in North Korean refugee issues, I encountered some researchers, analysts and talkers who seemed to be experts about North Korea. Nine years later, they are still talking with little to show other than sniping Facebook comments.



I am reminded of the quote: "The man who does not read has no advantage over the man who cannot read." When it comes to making a difference in the lives of others, does having knowledge or skills mean much if you don't use them?



People with great internet skills and deep knowledge have nothing over a grandma-bot in Tennessee who is relentlessly supporting her favorite organization in the world.





Casey Lartigue Jr. is co-author along with Songmi Han of the forthcoming book, "Greenlight to Freedom," and co-founder along with Eunkoo Lee of Freedom Speakers International (FSI).


By Kim Sang-woo





During the 2020 U.S. presidential campaign, Democratic candidate Joe Biden pledged that he would, if elected, host a summit of democracies. He argued that confidence in democratic systems has declined over the last 15 years with the rise of authoritarianism.



Biden presented the summit as a way to "strengthen our democratic institutions, honestly confront nations that are backsliding, and forge a common agenda." It is part of the Biden administration's broader effort to prove that democratic systems can still deliver for their citizens, a reflection of Biden's assessment that "Democracy doesn't happen by accident. We have to defend it, fight for it, strengthen it, renew it."



To those who watched President Biden's first year in office, marred by the aftermath of the Jan. 6 insurrection, the struggle to reestablish American global leadership and the human rights crisis following the hasty U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan, a virtual summit with leaders of countries with varying degrees of democracy might seem like a small thing. However, it is not meant to be the end of the fight for democracy, but rather just one important step.



In a rare joint op-ed, the Chinese and Russian ambassadors to the United States criticized the summit, calling it evidence of Washington's "Cold War mentality," adding that democracy in China and Russia is simply manifested differently. These arguments appeared in a white paper released by the Chinese Communist Party days before the summit, entitled "China: Democracy that works."



The essay boasts the virtues of China's system, the "unity of democracy and dictatorship to ensure the people status as masters of the country," it was released at the International Forum on Democracy held in Beijing. However, these attempts to denounce the summit only exposed the inherent contradictions in their self-proclaimed system of "people's democracy," which flagrantly ignores the rule of law and human rights.



The Biden administration achieved at least two of its goals at the summit: first, it sounded the alarm on the state of global democracy, and second, it showed that there is a global audience interested in discussing strategies to tackle this decline. The summit hashtags had over 1 billion impressions on social media, and equally as important, the summit demonstrated that countries are still willing to engage when the United States issues an invitation.



Despite concerns about the guest list, more than 100 of the 110 summit invitees showed up. The unexpectedly strong reaction by Russia and China to the summit only reinforced the significance of the gathering.



The global defense of freedom and democracy requires a major multilateral effort, and if done properly, the summit will help mobilize the will and resources to curb the spread of authoritarianism and strengthen democratic institutions. It is an immense and urgent undertaking, and ultimate success is not guaranteed.



But, just as major threats to freedom were defeated in the past, democracies must now show the same resolve to counter authoritarianism in the 21st century. Complacency in the face of this urgent global challenge could be disastrous.



Asian democracies do not usually integrate democracy into their foreign policy. Such non-intervention in other countries' domestic politics, which is the norm, often results in indifference to other countries' undemocratic practices. Now, however, Asian democracies such as Japan and South Korea should assist developing countries to build both governmental and nongovernmental democratic institutions, as efforts to contribute to the success of the Summit for Democracy.



For U.S. allies and democracies in Asia, the renewed U.S. effort to promote democracy and reinforce collective efforts to balance Chinese influence in the region should be welcomed.



Coordinating responses to the COVID-19 pandemic, setting digital standards, and ensuring supply chain consistency can be areas for Asian democracies to establish rules-based principles through openness, freedom and transparency.



China has been seeking to change the existing global governance system for some time now. Attracting countries in the region to the democracy camp and keeping them there through the summit helps ensure that China's efforts fail.



The year of action must launch a long-term and sustained process to mobilize global citizens in the fight to preserve and strengthen democracy, to bolster democratic activists in backsliding nations, and to help human rights defenders, labor activists and those working to advance justice and the rule of law around the world.



Democracy is never perfect, requiring constant vigilance and regular maintenance. Each country attending the summit has work to do at home in this regard. There is no moral equivalence between a democratic government that is working to strengthen its institutions and rights, and an authoritarian regime that suppresses its citizens' voices for its own gains and self-preservation.



For the summit process to be a success, the United States should encourage other participating governments to take leadership roles in follow-up activities across summit sub-themes and within regions, as well as to make concrete domestic and foreign policy commitments.



The real test for the summit will be whether the countries participating want to come back. Because, ultimately, for a summit to be successful, attending it should feel like a reward, and those that weren't invited should feel left out.



The Biden administration should ensure tangible results that make countries want to be included and invited to future summits. It acknowledged that this year's virtual summit is just the start, and will be used to kick off a "year of action," leading to an in-person summit next year, depending on the pandemic situation.





Kim Sang-woo (swkim54@hotmail.com) is a former lawmaker and is currently chairman of the East Asia Cultural Project. He is also a member of the board of directors at the Kim Dae-jung Peace Foundation.


By Kim Jae-heun





McDonald's Korea Chief Marketing Officer Kim Ki-won

McDonald's Korea Chief Marketing Officer Kim Ki-won and Publicis Groupe Korea Executive Creative Director Nahm Hye-ah have known each other for a long time since the beginning of their careers. Starting out as a copywriter and a brand marketer, they have been working together for the last 25 years advertising products of global firms like P&G, Coca-Cola and Powerade.



This year, they met again to hold a contest for an internship experience at both McDonald's Korea and Publicis Groupe Korea, a local branch of the global ad agency. The two female executives received applications for a month starting from Nov. 1 and they have selected three winners already.



"There have been marketing contests held by individual firms and agencies before, but this is the first time a global brand and global agency collaborated on one contest," Nahm said.



"This unique collaboration between two global firms will increase the value of McDonald's social contribution program and win our customers' sympathy. The three winners will be given opportunities to work as interns for three months at McDonald's Korea and Publicis Groupe Korea each. This is a good chance not only for prospective marketers and advertisers, but also for jobseekers who are curious to find out what it's like to work at global companies," Kim said.





Publicis Groupe Korea Executive Creative Director Nahm Hye-ah
Seen above is an LED art display set up on the facade of the SMTown COEX building in southern Seoul, celebrating the 2022 Year of the Black Tiger. The giant tiger 3D illusion was exhibited outdoors for people to see while passing by on the street, amid the tightened social distancing measures here. The convention center expects the lifelike tiger image to deliver a message of hope to the public ahead of the New Year. Courtesy of COEX
Samsung's newest solid-state drive for enterprise servers, the PM1743 / Courtesy of Samsung Electronics



By Kim Bo-eun



Samsung Electronics said Thursday it has developed a new solid-state drive (SSD) for enterprise servers that offers data transfer speeds of up to two times faster than current devices and 30 percent enhanced power efficiency than the previous generation.



The chip giant said that the PM1743 SSD integrates a peripheral component interconnect express (PCIe) 5.0 interface with Samsung's sixth-generation V-NAND.



PCIe 5.0 interfaces offer a bandwidth of 32 gigatransfers per second, doubling that of PCIe 4.0 interfaces. Samsung said that the PM1743 delivers outstanding read and write speeds to accommodate the rapidly-increasing performance requirements of data centers. Improved data transfer rates will allow enterprise server manufacturers deploying the PM1743 to enjoy a much higher level of performance, the company said.



In addition, the new SSD can provide improved power efficiency of up to 608 megabytes per watt, which represents about a 30-percent boost compared to the previous generation. This boost is expected to lower server and data center operating costs significantly, while also helping to reduce their carbon footprint.



Available in a wide variety of capacities from 1.92 terabytes to 15.36 terabytes, the PM1743 will be offered in the conventional 2.5-inch form factor, as well as in a 3-inch enterprise and data center standard form factor (EDSFF)  an increasingly popular SSD form designed specifically for next-generation servers and data centers. Customers deploying 7.5mm EDSFF SSDs will be able to double the storage density in their systems, compared to when the 15mm 2.5-inch form factor is used.



Furthermore, the PM1743 is expected to be the industry's first PCIe 5.0 SSD with dual-port support, guaranteeing server operational stability and high availability when a connection to one port fails.



To address security concerns in the enterprise server market, Samsung's PM1743 has embedded a security processor and root of trust (RoT), the foundational security component of a connected device, to protect against security threats and data forgery to provide data confidentiality.



Samsung is now delivering samples of the PM1743 to global chipset and server manufacturers for joint system development. The company plans to begin mass-producing the PM1743 in the first quarter of 2022. The PM1743 has been designated a CES 2022 Innovation Awards Honoree in the category of Computer Hardware and Components.



"The introduction of our PCIe 5.0 SSD, along with PCIe 6.0-based product developments that are underway, will further solidify our technological leadership in the enterprise server market," Samsung Electronics Executive Vice President and Head of the Memory Controller Development Team Song Yong-ho was cited as saying in a press release.



"Intel has been working with Samsung to test Samsung's newest PCIe non-volatile memory express (NVMe) SSD, the PM1743. Together, we have jointly resolved complicated technical issues encountered with PCIe 5.0 during this initial evaluation period," Intel Technology Initiatives Director Jim Pappas said.



"The performance potential of Gen5 is truly impressive. In the near future, we strongly believe that PCIe Gen5 systems with high-speed NVMe SSDs will have the ability to transform applications such as artificial intelligence, machine learning and high-performance databases. Looking ahead, we are confident that Intel and Samsung's continued commitment to industry leadership will provide these and other benefits to our mutual customers."


Hyundai Motor's teaser image for its participation in the CES 2022 / Courtesy of Hyundai Motor Group



By Kim Hyun-bin



Hyundai Motor is set to showcase its latest robotics vision under the theme of "Expanding Human Reach" at the world's largest electronics exhibition, the Consumer Electronics Show 2022 (CES 2022) opening in Las Vegas early next year.



"Hyundai has chosen robotics as the theme for the CES to promote its brand vision of Progress for Humanity," an official from Hyundai Motor said. "With the development of AI technology, the boundaries between mobility and robotics will disappear in the future, and robotics will soon be connected to mobility."



The company unveiled a teaser image for its participation in the CES 2022, Thursday, reflecting its drive to become an advanced mobility service provider.



Hyundai Motor will present its latest robotics technologies that are capable of bringing change to mobility and transportation.



The robotics vision presented by the country's leading carmaker will include the purpose and direction of the robotics business aimed at dramatically satisfying fundamental desires for mobility, beyond merely providing means of transportation, the company said.



During the CES that runs from Jan. 5 to 8, Hyundai Motor will run a booth introducing its expanded robot lineup, including Boston Dynamics' Spot and Atlas.



It will unveil its Plug & Drive (PnD) module under the "Mobility of Things," a new concept in mobility that provides everything from inanimate objects to community spaces.



In addition, the company will also display the Mobile Eccentric Droid (MobED), its new mobility platform for indoor service robots unveiled earlier this month.



The company plans to introduce various ways that robotics can serve as a medium for connecting experiences in the metaverse and the real world, with specific examples shown at the event.



Details of Hyundai Motor's new mobility vision and major exhibits using robotics and metaverse will be unveiled at Hyundai Motor's CES Media Day event held at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas on Jan. 4 (local time).



However, as the Omicron variant spreads, the scale of the CES 2022 is expected to be reduced drastically.



According to industry officials and sources, 2,100 companies from 160 countries will participate and unveil new technologies in various fields such as digital health, food tech, non-fungible tokens (NFTs), smart homes, and automobiles.



This also marks the first in-person event held in two years, but the number of participating companies has been halved due to the resurgence of COVID-19 infections. As companies reduce the number of business trips and size of their exhibitions, the total scale of the event is expected to decrease by a quarter. Many global IT powerhouses such as Amazon, Twitter, T-Mobile and Meta announced they will not take part in the event due to the pandemic. In the past, the average number of exhibitors was more than 4,000 and the number of visitors was more than 150,000.


By Kim Bo-eun





Korea's tire giant Hankook & Company said Wednesday that Cho Hyun-bum, the younger son of Honorary Chairman Cho Yang-rai, has been appointed as the new leader of the group.







Cho, former CEO of affiliate Hankook Tire & Technology, rose to the top position following a power struggle with his older brother, Cho Hyun-sik. The new chairman will begin his term on Jan. 1, 2022. His older brother will serve as an adviser to the group.







Hankook & Company had been mired in a power struggle between the sons of the honorary chairman. The senior Cho in June 2020 made the younger son the largest shareholder of Hankook & Company by handing down 23.59 percent of his shares to him. But a family feud developed as the senior Cho's daughter, Hee-kyung, chairwoman of the Hankook Tire Foundation, and older son Hyun-sik contested the move. Cho, however, has now secured sole leadership of the firm.







The new chairman joined Hankook Tire & Technology, in 1998, and served in positions including head of marketing, management planning and CEO. Cho is also the son-in-law of former President Lee Myung-bak.







Cho has been acknowledged for contributing to the company's growth into a global firm. Hankook Tire achieved 6.45 trillion won in revenue last year, which made it the world's sixth-largest tire company, up from seventh.







Cho led investments into overseas plants in China, Hungary and the U.S. Hankook Tire now has eight overseas plants. He also led the supply of the company's tires to new models of global carmakers such as Audi, Benz, BMW, Porsche and Tesla.







Hankook Tire has focused on developing new businesses. Last month, the company acquired a majority stake in the Canadian self-driving sensor maker, Preciseley Microtechnology.




This image provided by Pfizer shows the company's COVID-19 Paxlovid pills. U.S. health regulators on Wednesday authorized the first pill against COVID-19. AP-Yonhap



U.S. health regulators on Wednesday authorized the first pill against COVID-19, a Pfizer drug that Americans will be able to take at home to head off the worst effects of the virus.



The long-awaited milestone comes as U.S. cases, hospitalizations and deaths are all rising and health officials warn of a tsunami of new infections from the Omicron variant that could overwhelm hospitals.



The drug, Paxlovid, is a faster way to treat early COVID-19 infections, though initial supplies will be extremely limited. All of the previously authorized drugs against the disease require an IV or an injection.



An antiviral pill from Merck also is expected to soon win authorization. But Pfizer's drug is all but certain to be the preferred option because of its mild side effects and superior effectiveness, including a nearly 90 percent reduction in hospitalizations and deaths among patients most likely to get severe disease.



''The efficacy is high, the side effects are low and it's oral. It checks all the boxes,'' said Dr. Gregory Poland of the Mayo Clinic. ''You're looking at a 90 percent decreased risk of hospitalization and death in a high-risk group  that's stunning.''



The Food and Drug Administration authorized Pfizer's drug for adults and children ages 12 and older with a positive COVID-19 test and early symptoms who face the highest risks of hospitalization. That includes older people and those with conditions like obesity and heart disease, though the drug is not recommended for patients with severe kidney or liver problems. Children eligible for the drug must weigh at least 88 pounds (40 kilograms).



The pills from both Pfizer and Merck are expected to be effective against Omicron because they don't target the spike protein where most of the variant's worrisome mutations reside.



Pfizer currently has 180,000 treatment courses available worldwide, with roughly 60,000 to 70,000 allocated to the U.S. The company said it expects to have 250,000 available in the U.S. by the end of January.





A Pfizer employee checks the boxes containing Paxlovid, COVID-19 treatment pills, at a distribution facility in Memphis, Tenn., in this undated handout picture. Reuters-Yonhap



Federal health officials are expected to ration early shipments to the hardest hit parts of the country. Pfizer said the small supply is due to the manufacturing time  currently about nine months. The company says it can halve production time next year.









The U.S. government has agreed to purchase enough Paxlovid to treat 10 million people, and it will be provided free to patients. Pfizer says it's on track to produce 80 million courses globally next year, under contracts with the U.K., Australia and other nations.



President Joe Biden said the pill marks a ''significant step forward in our path out of the pandemic'' and said his administration will work with states to ensure equitable distribution.



Health experts agree that vaccination remains the best way to protect against COVID-19. But with roughly 40 million American adults still unvaccinated, effective drugs will be critical to blunting the current and future waves of infection.



The U.S. is now reporting more than 140,000 new infections daily and federal officials warn that the Omicron variant could send case counts soaring. Omicron has already whipped across the country to become the dominant strain, federal officials confirmed earlier this week.



Against that backdrop, experts warn that Paxlovid's initial impact could be limited.



For more than a year, biotech-engineered antibody drugs have been the go-to treatments for COVID-19. But they are expensive, hard to produce and require an injection or infusion, typically given at a hospital or clinic. Also, laboratory testing suggests the two leading antibody drugs used in the U.S. aren't effective against Omicron.





Paxlovid, a Pfizer's COVID-19 pill, is seen manufactured in Ascoli, Italy, in this undated handout picture. Reuters-Yonhap
A child receives a dose of Pfizer/BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine at the Clemenceau rehabilitation center in Strasbourg, France. The country has opened vaccinations to children aged between five and eleven in its latest step to combat a fresh wave of cases, Dec. 22. AFP-Yonhap



Is the COVID-19 vaccine safe for children?



Yes, U.S. regulators authorized Pfizer's vaccine for younger children after millions of 12- to 17-year-olds already safely got the shot, the only one available for children in the country.



More than 5 million children ages 5 to 11 have gotten a first dose since early November, and government safety monitoring has not uncovered any surprise problems.



This age group gets kid-size doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, a third of the amount used to vaccinate everyone 12 or older. The Food and Drug Administration cleared the shots based on a study showing the kid-size doses were 91 percent effective at preventing symptomatic COVID-19. The 5- to 11-year-olds developed virus-fighting antibodies as strong as those of teens and young adults who got regular doses, with similar or fewer annoying reactions such as sore arms, fever or achiness.



The FDA assessed the safety of the kid-size doses in 3,100 vaccinated youngsters. Regulators deemed that enough data, considering the trove of safety information from hundreds of millions of larger doses given to adults and teens worldwide.



Very rarely, teens and young adults given the Pfizer vaccine or a similar one made by Moderna experience a serious side effect, heart inflammation, or what doctors call myocarditis. It's mostly in young men or teen boys, and usually after the second dose. They tend to recover quickly, and after intense scrutiny U.S. health authorities concluded the vaccine's benefits outweigh that small risk.



The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is looking into a handful of reports of heart inflammation, mostly mild and brief, among 5- to 11-year-olds since vaccinations of that age group began.



To put the risk in context, COVID-19 also causes heart inflammation, often a more severe kind, said Dr. Matthew Oster, a pediatric cardiologist at Emory University. It also sometimes occurs in children who get a multisystem inflammatory syndrome after a coronavirus infection.



Before the pandemic, doctors regularly diagnosed heart inflammation caused by bacterial or viral infections or medications, again mostly in teen boys and young men. Oster said one theory is that testosterone and puberty play a role, which is partly why many experts expect any vaccine-related risk would be lower for younger kids getting a smaller dose. (AP)


In this May 2 file photo, security guards look on as activists prepare to clean a monument known as the "Pillar of Shame" at the University of Hong Kong in Hong Kong. The school confirmed on Dec. 23 that a statue commemorating those killed by Chinese troops in Beijing's Tiananmen Square had been dismantled and removed after standing for 24 years. AFP-Yonhap



Hong Kong's oldest university launched an overnight operation Thursday to dismantle a statue commemorating those killed in Beijing's Tiananmen Square in the latest blow to academic freedoms as China cracks down.



The eight-meter (26-feet) high "Pillar of Shame" by Jens Galschiot has sat on the University of Hong Kong's (HKU) campus since 1997, the year the former British colony was handed back to China.



The sculpture features 50 anguished faces and tortured bodies piled on one another and commemorates democracy protesters killed by Chinese troops around Tiananmen Square in 1989.



Its presence was a vivid illustration of Hong Kong's freedoms compared to the Chinese mainland where the events at Tiananmen are heavily censored.



But Beijing is currently remolding Hong Kong in its own authoritarian image after democracy protests two years ago and commemorating Tiananmen has become effectively illegal.



In October, HKU officials ordered the removal of the sculpture citing new but unspecified legal risks.



They made good on that promise in the early hours of Thursday morning.





Workers remove a part of "Pillar of Shame" by Danish sculptor Jens Galschiot, which was set up to pay tribute to the victims of the Tiananmen Square crackdown in Beijing in 1989, at the University of Hong Kong in Hong Kong, Dec. 23. Reuters-Yonhap



Clanging through the night



University staff used floor-to-ceiling sheets and plastic barriers to shield the statue from view as sounds of drilling and metal clanging could be heard throughout the night, according to an AFP reporter at the scene.



Security guards blocked journalists from getting close and tried to stop media outlets filming.



Workers in hard hats could then be seen using a crane to manoeuvre a large chunk of the sculpture, wrapped in plastic, toward a nearby container.



HKU confirmed the statue had been removed and placed in storage after the operation was completed.



"The decision on the aged statue was based on external legal advice and risk assessment for the best interest of the University," the university said.



Its statement said no party had ever obtained approval to display the statue and also cited the colonial-era Crimes Ordinance in justifying its removal.



That law includes the crime of sedition and has been increasingly deployed by authorities  alongside a new national security law imposed by Beijing  to criminalize dissent.





The "Pillar of Shame" statue, a memorial for those killed in the 1989 Tiananmen crackdown, is displayed at the University of Hong Kong, Oct. 13. AP-Yonhap


The Sacramento Bee is seeking an innovative, dynamic editor to lead our newsrooms Equity Lab and shape our coverage of diverse communities. This editor will work with an ambitious team of community-funded journalists to provide essential news and information about equity issues in local neighborhoods, schools and communities. The Bees Equity Lab is committed to building trust and relationships in communities of color and giving voice to Sacramento residents who too often have been overlooked and unrecognized. The labs editor will help reporters find new ways to elevate diverse stories and to highlight the achievements, cultures and concerns of underserved communities. The Equity Lab is focused on delivering both accountability journalism that holds people and institutions responsible for fair practices and representative journalism that reflects the everyday lives and challenges in communities that have not been adequately represented in traditional media. The ideal candidate for this leadership position will be skilled at editing enterprise stories and crafting strategies for connecting with readers through newsletters, listening sessions, social media and events. The editor will not only develop and communicate the vision for the Equity Lab, but will also be hands-on, working closely with reporters to shape their journalism. The editor should have strong editing skills and be grounded in journalism ethics. This role requires an understanding of varied storytelling techniques and an eagerness to learn in a changing news environment. You will work collaboratively with other editors at The Sacramento Bee. Interpersonal skills and the ability to partner with editors, reporters, visual journalists and community members are essential. This editor must also be responsive to audience wants and needs. The Equity Lab editor should understand how to interpret audience data to help drive decisions and how to write headlines that draw in new readers and build loyalty with our subscribers. This editor also will be involved in communicating directly with the audience on all of The Bees platforms and in public events. If this is you, please apply. Requirements: At least two years of supervisory experience

The proven ability to lead, inspire, and convey knowledge to others and to work effectively with a wide range of colleagues.

Strong editing skills, both for long-form stories and quick-turn stories written on deadline

The ability to connect with and understand diverse audiences

Excellent news judgment and a demonstrated ability to see the story that is going to matter to readers and to anticipate reader interests before they exist.

A focus on ensuring that our content and our staff represent the fullness of our community and state and the diversity of the people who live here.

An understanding of news analytics and metrics on reader habits

Impeccable journalistic ethics

Comfort with a job that will be demanding, fast-paced, constantly evolving and outcome-oriented.

A focus not just on the written word, but also on how stories are told through photos, videos and audio

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Cuando se trata de salir adelante y tienes la voluntad de ganar, vamos a llamarlo gran potencial de carrera! Imagine being able to get answers to your health plan questions from someone who speaks the same language as you do. Or, the opposite, not being able to get the answers. At UnitedHealth Group, we want our customers to get those answers by speaking to one of our Bilingual Representatives. If you're fluent in English and Spanish, we can show you how to put all of your skills, your passions and your energy to work in a fast - growing environment. Healthcare isnt just changing. Its growing more complex every day. ICD - 10 Coding replaces ICD - 9. Affordable Care adds new challenges and financial constraints. Where does it all lead? Hospitals and Healthcare organizations continue to adapt, and we are vital part of their evolution. And thats what fueled these exciting new opportunities. Who are we? Optum360. Were a dynamic new partnership formed by Dignity Health and Optum to combine our unique expertise. As part of the growing family of UnitedHealth Group, well leverage our compassion, our talent, our resources and experience to bring financial clarity and a full suite of Revenue Management services to Healthcare Providers, nationwide. If youre looking for a better place to use your passion, your ideas and your desire to drive change, this is the place to be. Its an opportunity to do your life's best work.SM This position is part-time (22.5 hours/week) Monday - Friday. Employees are required to work between 11am-7:30pm on Tuesdays and Wednesdays and 8am-1pm on Saturdays. It may be necessary, given the business need, to work occasional overtime, weekends, and holidays as needed. Primary Responsibilities: Manages patient placement and bed board functions

Contacts insurance carrier(s) to obtain all information necessary for the successful billing of 3rd party payers (coordination of benefits, benefit coverage / limits, co - pay / deductible amounts, authorization, pre - certification and referral requirements etc.

Re - verifies insurance of recurring patients

Performs financial assessments and determines patients responsibility

Advises patient of all financial obligations

Communicates balance amounts, deposits and point of service payments

Prepares charts, registration forms, patient address or graph plates, etc.

Forwards required items to nursing unit / clinic / ancillary department

Answers telephone, maintains files, sorts mail and keeps inventory of supplies

Informs manager of all activities, needs and problems

Assists with data collection

Deals with physicians and other customers

Coordinates expiation documentation and manages patient valuables

Performs related duties as required Youll be rewarded and recognized for your performance in an environment that will challenge you and give you clear direction on what it takes to succeed in your role as well as provide development for other roles you may be interested in Required Qualifications: High School Diploma / GED (or higher)

1+ years of customer service experience

Proficiency with Microsoft Outlook (email and calendar)

Bilingual fluency in Spanish and English

Ability to work 22.5 hours per week Tuesday and Wednesday 11am-7:30pm both days and Saturdays 8a-1pm, Overtime and holidays as needed.

Experience performing customer service in a medical office/healthcare setting.

Experience working with Electronic Medical Records (EMR) and/or Practice Management Software systems

Full COVID-19 vaccination is an essential requirement of this role. UnitedHealth Group will adhere to all federal, state and local regulations as well as all client requirements and will obtain necessary proof of vaccination prior to employment to ensure compliance. Preferred Qualifications: Experience with ICD - 10 codes UnitedHealth Group requires all new hires and employees to report their COVID-19 vaccination status. Military & Veterans find your next mission: We know your background and experience is different and we like that. UnitedHealth Group values the skills, experience and dedication that serving in the military demands. In fact, many of the values defined in the service mirror what the UnitedHealth Group culture holds true: Integrity, Compassion, Relationships, Innovation and Performance. Whether you are looking to transition from active duty to a civilian career, or are an experienced veteran or spouse, we want to help guide your career journey. Learn more at https://uhg.hr/transitioning-military Learn how Teresa, a Senior Quality Analyst, works with military veterans and ensures they receive the best benefits and experience possible. https://uhg.hr/vet Careers with Northwell part of the Optum and UnitedHealth Group family of businesses. Combine two of the fastest growing fields on the planet  technology and health care - with a culture of performance, collaboration and opportunity and this is what you get. Leading edge technology in an industry that's improving the lives of millions. Here, innovation isn't about another gadget, it's about making health care data available wherever and whenever people need it, safely and reliably. There's no room for error. Join us and start doing your lifes best work.SM Diversity creates a healthier atmosphere: UnitedHealth Group is an Equal Employment Opportunity / Affirmative Action employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law. UnitedHealth Group is a drug - free workplace. Candidates are required to pass a drug test before beginning employment. Keywords: Northwell, UnitedHealth Group, UnitedHealthcare, Optum, health care, office, phone support, customer service, billing, training class, now hiring, jobs, career, hiring immediately, #rpo


This position will be involved in the instruction of first and second year college level Early Childhood Education and Introduction to Education courses to a diverse student body during daytime, evening, and Saturday classes at our main campus, extension sites and local business and industry sites. The primary assignment for this faculty position will be the development and delivery of Spanish language instruction for the Early Childhood Education program, specifically several Gateways credentials. The faculty member will develop, prepare, and revise instructional materials as well as participate in program evaluation and curriculum planning and development. The primary campus location for this position will be the CLC Lakeshore campus, though instruction and other job duties may take place at other campus and off-campus locations. The instructor will participate in department, division, and general faculty meetings, serve on division and college committees, and participate in other forms of college service. Instructors are required to maintain an active program of professional development related to institutional objectives. The instructor will utilize appropriate technology to deliver instructional materials, maintain grades, provide timely communications with students, etc. The instructor shall maintain appropriate office hours for student access. Maintains current knowledge of subject matter via professional organization membership, attendance of seminars, conferences and classes, and professional publications.



College of Lake County ( CLC ) is committed to a diverse workforce that represents our student body. Our search process is designed to promote increasing the diversity of our full-time faculty. Search committee members must be committed to diversity and this serves as the basis of a successful search at CLC .



Mission: The College of Lake County is a comprehensive community college committed to equitable, high-quality education, cultural enrichment and partnerships to advance the diverse communities it serves.



Vision: The College of Lake County is a leader in providing innovative education and workforce solutions.



Values: Excellence, Purpose, Integrity, Compassion, Unity and Inclusion

Master's degree in Early Childhood Education

OR

Master's degree in a related field plus 18 credit hours of Early Childhood Education course work

AND

Reading, writing, and speaking fluency in Spanish



A commitment to the community college mission and to working with diverse student populations. Demonstrated success and academic experiences with diverse populations and diverse teaching methods. Reflecting departmental and institutional values, candidates are expected to have the ability to advance the Department's commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion.



Ability to work effectively and constructively with persons of diverse cultures, language groups, and abilities; demonstrate sensitivity to and ability to work with the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural and ethnic backgrounds of community college students, faculty, and staff, including those with disabilities; establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.



Competency in technologies commonly used in post-secondary instruction.

Experience in an early childhood setting







Applicants selected for an interview will be required to submit a minimum of two (2) letters of recommendation.



Applicants selected for interview will have their language abilities evaluated.



This is a full-time, tenure track faculty position. Salary placement is commensurate with education and experience. The minimum 2022-2023 academic year (Fall & Spring Semester) base salary range has not been determined. Optional contract for the summer session offers potential for significantly greater earnings.



The minimum 2021 - 2022 academic year (Fall & Spring Semester) base salary range was $60,913 with a master's degree to $77,349 with a doctorate in the subject field.



Faculty may be assigned to any of the three CLC campuses; Grayslake, Lakeshore or Southlake. New faculty hires are required to attend orientation the week prior to the start date of August 15, 2022.



Foreign Transcripts: Transcripts issued outside the United States require a course-by-course analysis with an equivalency statement from a certified transcript evaluation service verifying the degree equivalency to that of an accredited institution within the USA .



*The position will be funded by an earmarked donation for three (3) years.

Varies according to course schedule. Ability to teach days, evening and weekends as determined by the needs of the program in any given semester. Ability to teach at all campus locations as needed (Grayslake, Lakeshore or Southlake).

The College of Lake County is an equal opportunity employer and has a strong commitment to diversity. In that spirit, it seeks a broad spectrum of candidates including minorities, women and people with disabilities. EOE /AA/M/F/D/V

1) Provide leadership, instruction and support for the Spanish language Early Childhood education cohort initially located at CLC's Lakeshore campus.

2) Selects, prepares and maintains current curriculum, course outlines and printed and non-printed instructional materials. Revises and updates course content as needed.

3) Provides the students and the Division a syllabus that clearly states course objectives and learning outcomes, attendance policies in line with those of the college, texts and readings, timelines and evaluation criteria, and any other information required by College, Division, or department.

4) Meets all classes at assigned times. If unable to meet an assigned class, reports absence to supervisor and division staff in an appropriate manner.

5) Teaches assigned courses in subject field each academic semester. Deliver course content using a variety of teaching styles.

6) Provides instructional support to the students. Refers students, when appropriate, to sources of specialized services within the College.

7) Is available for student consultation through phone, email, or appropriately established office hours.

8) Evaluates student performance in meeting course objectives and learning outcomes through assignments, projects, discussions or examinations. Provides feedback to students in a timely manner on student performance.

9) Maintains accurate grade records as required by the College. Submits all attendance and grade records electronically prior to the required deadlines. Is able to produce appropriate grade records for supervisor upon request.

10) Assists in the advisement of students.

11) Uses the appropriate College policies and procedures to resolve and document student complaints, concerns and problems.

12) Assists in developing and administering discipline-appropriate measures of student academic achievement, use departmental testing instruments as provided. Administers other instruments designed to measure student learning outcomes as requested and required by the department or division. Provides all results as requested.

13) Encourages students to submit course evaluations, reviews course evaluations when available and uses feedback to improve course delivery.

14) Participates, when appropriate, in the formation and meetings of career program advisory committees, governance groups, College, division, and department committees.

15) Attends faculty meetings, department meetings, and all other meetings called by authorized personnel.

16) Attends Development Week activities and Commencement

17) Is ethical in all conduct.

18) Maintains a high level of professionalism.

19) Maintains current in compliance training, including compliance under Title IX "Responsible Employee" and, if applicable, Clery Act Campus Security Authority.

20) Properly and effectively utilizes appropriate technology to deliver instructional materials, maintain grades, and provide timely communications with students, etc.

21) Maintains current knowledge of subject matter via professional development such as professional organization membership, attendance of seminars, conferences and classes, and professional publications.

22) Provides instruction and conduct classes in accordance with the philosophy of the College and within the scope of a defined course of study.

23) Follows all institution and regulatory policies, procedures and standards. Utilize self-appraisal to determine progress in meeting performance objectives and career goals.

24) Performs other duties as assigned by the Dean or Associate Dean.

Activity

a. Sitting Continuously (67% to 100%)

b. Walking Frequently (34% to 66%)

c. Standing Frequently (34% to 66%)

d. Bending Occasionally (1-33%)

e. Squatting Occasionally (1-33%)

b. Walking Occasionally (1-33%)

c. Standing Occasionally (1-33%)

d. Bending Occasionally (1-33%)

e. Squatting Occasionally (1-33%)

f. Climbing Occasionally (1-33%)

g. Kneeling Occasionally (1-33%)

h. Twisting Occasionally (1-33%)

i. Lifting (0-50 lbs) Occasionally (1-33%)

j. Lifting (50+ lbs) Occasionally (1-33%)

k. Carrying (0-50 lbs) Occasionally (1-33%)

l. Carrying (50+ lbs) Occasionally (1-33%)

m. Pushing (0-300 lbs) Occasionally (1-33%)

n. Public Interaction (Internal/External) Continuously (67% to 100%)



VISUAL AND HEARING REQUIREMENTS

- Must be able to see with corrective eye wear

- Must be able to hear clearly with assistance

- May be in contact with students under a variety of circumstances.

- Able to handle emergency or crisis situations.

- May be required to wear protective equipment as necessary.

- May require working evening and weekend hours as needed.

Posting Number F00741 Position Title Instructor, Early Childhood Education* (Bilingual) Internal Position Title Instructor, Early Childhood Education* (Bilingual) Department Business & Social Sciences Div Position Type Full-Time Faculty Job Family Faculty Job SummaryRequired QualificationDesired QualificationsPosting Date 12/20/2021 Closing Date 02/18/2022 Expected Start Date 08/08/2022 Special Instructions SummaryPay Rate Per faculty contract. Full-Time/Part-Time Full-Time Location Lakeshore Total Hours per week 40.00 Work ScheduleEEO StatementSoftware Testing Required None Interview Process Requirements Presentation, Writing Samples, Bilingual Testing Summary of Essential Functions


Repair Center Operations Program Manager Louisville , Kentucky , United States Operations and Supply Chain Summary

Posted: Dec 22, 2021 Role Number: 200327223 At Apple, we don't just craft products - we build the kind of wonder that's revolutionized entire industries. It's the diversity of our people and their ideas that inspires the innovation that runs through everything we do, from amazing technology to industry-leading environmental efforts. Join Apple and help us leave the world better than we found it! Apple is seeking a world-class Operations Program Manager (OPM) to support its Global Repair Center/AppleCare Repair Services business. This position is an individual contributor role that provides Operations and Manufacturing expertise. This role will guide daily operational activities as they pertain to Repair Center (RC) manufacturing supporting AppleCare, ensuring the best service manufacturing practices possible. The ideal candidate is a professional with experience in operations and very strong knowledge of how factories work. This position will require travel to Sacramento, CA through the Fall of 2022. Key Qualifications 5 - 7 years of industry work experience managing Repair Operations, New Products, Supply Chain Management (Service/Operations), Customer Support, Development or Service/Operations Engineering

Proven record of solving complex problems by developing creative manufacturing solutions and sourcing suppliers to supply and/or design machine solutions

Ability to manage competing priorities in a data-driven and results oriented manner

10 to 25% domestic travel Description In this role, you will lead day-to-day operations for specific repairs in collaboration with contract manufacturer. You will drive contract manufacturer to implement changes to manufacturing processes and act as an operations consultant in situations where contract manufacturer needs advice or assistance. - Integrate best manufacturing processes into the repair centers working directly with site Operations Program Managers - Use data to prioritize and drive actions within Repair Center - Challenge and drive contract manufacturers' operational and technical teams to ensure continuous improvement - Act as subject matter expert and liaison in manufacturing changes that require Apple input expertise or content - Proven experience in factory layouts, footprint optimization and New\Product Implementation (NPI) as well as Time Motion Studies - Present change proposals to multiple stakeholders within Apple Education & Experience BS or MS degree in engineering (industrial or mechanical) is required






Job description The Jade and Wealth proposition is a strategic priority for HSBC and the role of Sr. Premier Relationship Officer is a key supporting role in the achievement of the proposition objectives. The Securities Licensed Sr. Premier Relationship Officer (Sr. PRO) provides sales support to registered securities representatives as well as an ability to enter trade orders on accounts. The licensed Sr. PRO has a strong understanding of the brokerage industry, trading operations and HSI's (HSBC Securites Inc. USA) brokerage products. Work is often performed under the direction of registered securities representatives. This role is a part of the Jade and Wealth relationship team and a key relationship support role created to provide an outstanding customer experience to the valuable Wealth clients and increase Financial Consultant's client facing time. The Sr. PRO provides dedicated support to assigned Financial Consultants in the delivery of service and support activities, as well as in the day to day contact of clients, in turn allowing the Financial Consultants to focus on their broader overall goals of covering acquisition, cross sales, retention, and growth of their portfolios. The role is not expected to provide securities recommendations to clients. The Sr. PRO is identified as a point of contact for clients, in the absence of the Financial Consultant, in assisting them to reach the necessary channels to meet their needs. In addition, the Sr. PRO may perform support tasks on behalf of the bank, including deposit account opening as necessary. Building an ongoing relationship based on value and service is critical to being successful in this role. In order to deliver high quality service to our customers the role holder will need to demonstrate a working knowledge of Premier and retail banking. #LI-VN1 Impact on the Business Provide high quality sales support to a team of Financial Consultants.

Reduce the time spent on process and administrative tasks by Financial Consultants to increase Jade and Wealth licensed sales staff's capacity to meet clients, address client's needs, and conduct higher value activities which will contribute to the overall cost efficiency ratio.

Support Jade and Wealth licensed sales staff to manage client contact and service, including, in the absence of Financial Consultants, answering client calls, resolving client enquiries on transactional needs and facilitating a smooth hand-off to the correct channels where appropriate, and managing key event reminders to maintain active client contact.

Provide sales support to licensed sales staff including preparing and completing sales documents, managing data input and report generation, and liaising with support functions to follow through client purchase process requirement.

Enhance clients trust in HBUS and Wealth's capability of meeting their needs & support Financial Consultants to achieve their plan and the Jade and Wealth business they are responsible for. Customers / Stakeholders Handle client's enquiries relating to the Financial Consultant's portfolio in a positive, timely, and appropriate manner. Aim to resolve the customer's queries at the first point of contact. Help Financial Consultants follow-up on the resolution of complaints.

Provide clients with an outstanding service proposition based on professional relationship management and outstanding service, adhering to global service standards.

Meet client expectations in terms of efficiency, accuracy, timeliness, professionalism, and enthusiasm.

Actively contact and engage Jade and Wealth clients in meaningful conversations for the portfolio's of Financial Consultants supported.

Proactively responds to client in face-to-face and/or telephone settings, updating client profile screens with details of client contact.

Maintains a working understanding and technical knowledge of relevant products and services.

Strong knowledge of the Financial Consultant's portfolio of clients with the support of CRMS and analytical tools.

Support the Financial Consultant in the day to day activity of meeting client needs and achieving their KPI's.

Generate and analyze specialized reports on sales activities as well as analytical and administrative support for the Financial Consultant.

Assist in maintenance of qualified clients. Work independently and in conjunction with the Financial Consultant in identifying and onboarding new clients as well as maintaining existing accounts.

Deliver fair outcomes for our customers and ensure own conduct maintains the orderly and transparent operation of financial markets.

Support one or more registered representatives, or those with large books of business.

Have regular contact with clients regarding their accounts, under the direction of a registered securities representative.

Enter orders for clients and opens new customer accounts at the direction of the registered representative. Leadership & Teamwork Communicates effectively and works well with other teams within the Branch, Call Center, HTS (HSBC Technology Services), and other relevant partners that impact the client's experience of HSBC; in order to ensure a consistent approach and application of Wealth standards.

Proactively identifies opportunities /issues and provides feedback to management to improve service and processes.

Achieve the operational standards for the business and work within agreed procedures and guidelines - displaying high levels of integrity at all times.

Delivering the firm - Put the client at the heart of our business and deliver joined up services and solutions. Operational Effectiveness & Control Ensure all processes and procedures are accurate and in accordance with HSBC Bank and HSI policy standards and regulatory requirements.

Comply with local regulations in all aspects of strategy, sales processes, client correspondence, financial promotions, administration, and complaint handling.

Adhere to all relevant processes and procedures of the Group Compliance Policy and internal controls.

Contribute to HSBC by creating and retaining market leading standards and controls.

Assist in maintaining NDIP (Non Deposit Investment Products) policy standards and avoiding customer confusion between Bank and Wealth products.

To implement the Group compliance policy locally by containing compliance risk in liaison with the Head of Group Compliance, Global Business Compliance Officer, Area Compliance Officer or Local Compliance Officer, ensuring adequate compliance resources and training, fostering a compliance culture and optimizing relations with regulators.

Complete other responsibilities, as assigned. Major Challenges Build extensive knowledge of HSBC systems and procedures in order to deliver on client needs.

Proactively help HSBC identify opportunity to improve process efficiencies.

With sensitivity, redirect clients to the most effective and efficient channel.

Support the client in navigating the channel of their choice (to interact with HSBC) effectively and efficiently.

Ensure the client consistently receives a professional premium service which exceeds their expectations at all times.

Provide high quality support to multiple Jade and Wealth licensed sales staff.

Maintain high standards of control and operational practices in line with HSBC's expectations. Role Context Jade and Wealth are key propositions in RBWM's strategy. Over recent years, our business and organisation has made considerable progress both in our performance versus peer group and in our strategic transformation. Over the medium term we have been improving both our profitability and our ability to meet the needs of our target clients.

We have four overriding principles that will apply to the delivery of all propositions, products and services through all channels to all customers at all times:

We will treat all customers fairly.

We will apply the HSBC Group values and business principles in all of our dealings with customers.

We will meet, or exceed, all local and international laws, regulations, and codes of practice.

We will deliver services to customers in a manner that provides speed, ease, certainty and empathy. Management of Risk Assist in maintaining NDIP (Non Deposit Investment Products) policy standards and avoiding customer confusion between Bank and Wealth products.

Ensure compliance, operational risk controls in accordance with HSBC or regulatory standards and policies; and optimize relations with regulators by addressing any issues.

Physical Demands/Work Environment: Very good working conditions. Little or no physical demands. Minimal handling of light (see application details) physical demands/work environment described above are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential duties of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential duties.

The jobholder will ensure that fair treatment of our clients is at the heart of everything we do, both personally and as an organization. This will be achieved by consistently displaying the behaviors consistent with the HSBC Values.

The jobholder will also continually reassess and manage the operational risks associated with the role and inherent to the business, taking account of changing economic or market conditions, legal and regulatory requirements, operating procedures and practices, management restructuring, the impact of new technology, and compliance with the relevant Financial Instruction Manual (FIM), Business Instruction Manual (BIM) , HSI Compliance policies. This will be achieved by ensuring all actions take account of the likelihood of operational risk occurring and by addressing any areas of concern in conjunction with line management and/or the appropriate department. Issues which are not addressed should be escalated to senior management. Observation of Internal Controls Maintains HSBC internal control standards, including timely implementation of internal and external audit points together with any issues raised by external regulators.

The jobholder will adhere to and be able to demonstrate adherence to internal controls. This will be achieved by adherence to all relevant procedures, keeping appropriate records and, where appropriate, by the timely implementation of internal and external audit points, including issues raised by external regulators. HSBC expects to be a global leader in this area and therefore every employee will seek to set market-leading standards.

The jobholder will implement the Group compliance policy by containing compliance risk in liaison with Global Head of Compliance, Global Compliance Officer, Area Compliance Officer or Local Compliance Officer. The term 'compliance' embraces all relevant financial services laws, rules and codes with which the business has to comply. This will be achieved by adhering to all relevant processes/procedures and by liaising with the Compliance department about new business initiatives at the earliest opportunity.

Maintains HSBC internal control standards including timely implementation of internal and external audit points together with any issues raised by external regulators.

Ensure employees apply compliance and operational risk controls in accordance with HSBC or regulatory standards and policies; optimize relations with regulators by addressing any issues.

In the occasional absence of the Financial Consultant, ensures that all unsolicited orders are executed in a timely and accurate manner, and that all documentation is maintained to standards. Requirements Series 7, 63 and life and health insurance licenses required. Must be registered or obtain approval for registration with the necessary States where registered representative will be conducting business.

Strong interpersonal and responsiveness skills with good decision making and ability to deliver.

Minimum of three years working in financial services industry.

Knowledge of brokerage products and services, operations supporting them and pertinent regulations affecting their delivery.

Previous experience in Retail/Premier Bank sales preferred.

Understanding of core products, Premier proposition, and familiar with retail and wealth product processes.

Understanding of relationship management systems (CRM and RM Platform, etc.).

Solid understanding of appropriate branch operational procedures.

Knowledge of Anti Money Laundering Knowledge of relevant regulatory governance in US.

If internal, nowledge of HSBC and personal banking.

Team player, collaborative skills combined with understanding client needs.

Knowledge of local and Group compliance regulations.

Ensure delivery of high quality client experience and needs-based solutions through effective communication, Leadership Capabilities Have an understanding of the immediate regional Global Wealth Strategy and the ability to plan own activities accordingly.

Ambitious about providing the highest standards of delivery to colleagues and clients.

Demonstrates ability to set stretch goals for self and the ability to deliver these with courage and tenacity.

Authentic and shows ability to engage with colleagues and clients to deliver at pace.

Makes considered decisions that protect HSBC and our clients. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.






Job description As an AVP Premier Relationship Manager, you will be our customer's point of contact for all of their financial needs. You will uncover new needs by engaging in conversation and asking open-ended questions to understand what is important to them to develop a plan. On a daily basis, you will be engaging with clients and prospects in person, on the phone or by email to develop and deepen relationships as well as performing business development in the local community. To thrive in this job, you will need experience in a similar role at a bank or financial institution where you successfully assisted clients with their financial needs and goals through products and services offered and built client trust. You must also have the following licenses: State insurance license, SIE, Series 6 securities license, and Series 63 securities license. About Us HSBC is one of the largest banking and financial services organisations in the world, with operations in 64 countries and territories. Our focus is to be where the growth is, enabling businesses to thrive and economies to prosper, and, ultimately, helping people to fulfill their hopes and realise their ambitions. Requirements Employment eligibility to work with HSBC in the U.S. is required as the company will not pursue visa sponsorship for these positions. Required Skills Here's what you can expect on a typical day: You will be calling on customers and new prospects by phone or email to schedule appointments and build trusted relationships.

Engaging in consultative conversations to develop financial plans, uncover client needs and offer financial solutions.

Collaborate. Speak with employees and partners around the globe to match your customers with the services they need.

Pride in your ability to provide excellent client service and assist our customers in their financial journey.

Incredible benefits. HSBC provides you with competitive and flexible benefit choices so you can select the benefits that best meet your personal situation and needs. HSBC offers a wide range of benefits designed to help you improve your health and well-being, finances, and lifestyle. #wayup

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.


UNITED NATIONS, Dec. 22 (Xinhua) -- UN Undersecretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator Martin Griffiths on Wednesday welcomed the adoption of a Security Council resolution that allows a humanitarian exception in the UN sanctions regime applicable in Afghanistan.

The Security Council resolution exempts humanitarian assistance and other activities that support basic human needs in Afghanistan from the asset freeze against designated leaders of the Taliban and associated entities.

"This milestone decision will enable urgently needed humanitarian action to save lives and livelihoods in Afghanistan. It is evidence of how seriously member states take the shocking levels of need and suffering in the country," said Griffiths in a statement.

Some 160 national and international humanitarian organizations are providing critical food and health assistance in Afghanistan, as well as education, water and sanitation, and support to agriculture. There is an urgent need to ramp up this work. Humanitarian operations in Afghanistan are set to be the largest anywhere in the world in 2022, reaching some 22 million people, he said.

"This humanitarian exception will allow organizations to implement the work we have planned, and it will give legal assurances to the financial institutions and commercial actors we rely on to engage with humanitarian operators," he said.

"The road ahead in Afghanistan is neither easy nor straightforward. The impact of our assistance also depends on the cooperation of the de facto authorities in the country and on the flexibility of the funding we receive. We must all do everything we can to preserve the life, dignity and future of all Afghans," he said. Enditem
TEHRAN, Dec. 22 (Xinhua) -- The Iranian Foreign Ministry said on Wednesday that Western countries have always stoked tensions in the region, in reaction to an anti-Iran joint statement recently issued by foreign ministers of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) members and Britain.

British Foreign Secretary Liz Truss met with visiting foreign ministers of the GCC on Monday and they issued a joint statement after the meeting, voicing "grave concern" about Iran's regional activities and what they called "nuclear escalation."

Iran's Foreign Ministry Spokesman Saeed Khatibzadeh called the claims made through the statement "baseless" and "repetitive," according to a statement published on the ministry's website.

He said the joint statement was issued as part of the attempts by certain circles, which are concerned about the creation of an atmosphere of interaction and cooperation among the regional countries, to sow discord in the region.

Iran has always played a responsible role in ensuring peace and stability in the region and has invited regional states to interact and hold dialogue with each other, Khatibzadeh noted.

The spokesman regretted that some Western countries, through measures such as exporting modern weaponry to some regional states, are important factors in the region's tensions and human catastrophes.

On the claim about "nuclear escalation," Khatibzadeh said Iran has always remained committed to the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and the comprehensive safeguards agreement and will be able to benefit from the peaceful use of nuclear energy within the NPT framework. Enditem
People from Kirat community celebrate Udhauli Festival in Lalitpur, Nepal on Dec. 19, 2021. (Photo by Sulav Shrestha/Xinhua)

Nepal and China have been working together in infrastructure construction, as well as trade and investment amid the pandemic.

KATHMANDU, Dec. 23 (Xinhua) -- Nepal and China have been continuing cooperation in 2021 as the COVID-19 pandemic lingers unabated, and making progress in particular in areas including vaccines, infrastructure building, investment and trade.

Nepal's pandemic-hit tourism sector is eager to see Chinese tourists return as early as possible.

A woman receives a dose of COVID-19 vaccine in Kathmandu, Nepal, June 8, 2021. (Xinhua/Sulav Shrestha)

SWIFT DELIVERY OF VACCINE DOSES

Since the first 800,000 jabs of Sinopharm COVID-19 vaccine donated by China arrived in Nepal on March 29, the South Asian country has so far received 13.8 million doses of Chinese vaccines in total, either granted or procured from the northern neighbor, according to the Nepali Ministry of Health and Population.

Yet to arrive are an extra 3 million shots donated by China, while some of the 5.9 million Chinese doses procured by Nepal from the COVAX facility with a loan from the Asian Development Bank have been delivered.

The Chinese-made vaccine tops the list of the 35.4 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines already sent to Nepal, according to Sagar Dahal, chief of Nepal's National Immunization Program.

"Particularly, the contribution of the Chinese vaccine in taking the country out of the second wave of COVID-19 has remained crucial, because we received Chinese vaccine shots early and in the largest quantity," said Dahal.

A batch of Chinese vaccine arrives in Kathmandu, Nepal on June 1, 2021. (Xinhua/Sulav Shrestha)

Nepali experts echoed, saying the country received Chinese vaccine jabs in large quantities at a time when the country was fighting a desperate battle against a resurgent virus.

Besides vaccine jabs, Nepal had also received a large quantity of oxygen cylinders, concentrators and other medical equipment from China at the peak of the second wave of the epidemic.

"Without Chinese support to the vaccination drive and the supply of medical equipment, it would be very difficult for us to come out of the second wave of the pandemic," said Govinda Nepal, a senior economist. "The Chinese support has also remained crucial to saving the economy from heading toward disasters."

Aerial photo taken on June 4, 2019 shows the newly constructed runway of Pokhara Regional International Airport in Pokhara, Nepal. (Xinhua/Sunil Sharma)

AIRPORT CONSTRUCTION CONTINUES

As the coronavirus surges, Nepal-China cooperation on infrastructure cannot be spared from the ravages either.

The construction of Pokhara International Airport with Chinese assistance in the western city of Pokhara was supposed to be completed in July this year, but the Nepali government had to extend the deadline, since the lockdowns imposed to curb the virus had affected the procurement of materials and supplies and the mobilization of workers for the project.

"Despite the delay in completion of the project, the works related to physical infrastructure have almost been completed and the installation of equipment including radar is going on currently," said Deo Chandra Lal Karn, spokesperson for the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal. "It will be completed next year and it will emerge as a milestone in bilateral economic cooperation between Nepal and China."

Likewise, the proposed detailed feasibility study of a cross-border railway project has been delayed due to COVID-19, according to Aman Chitrakar, spokesperson for Nepal's Department of Railways.

In his video message to the International Conference on Nepal's Reconstruction 2021 held on Dec. 7, Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi said, "China will make solid progress in the feasibility study of a cross-border railway project, improve the Trans-Himalayan Multi-dimensional Connectivity Network, and help Nepal realize its dream of changing from a 'land-locked country' to a 'land-linked country.'"

People are seen at a gold shop reopened after the local government relaxed its prohibitory orders in Kathmandu, Nepal, on June 22, 2021. (Xinhua/Sulav Shrestha)

COMMITTED CHINESE INVESTMENTS GROWING

Despite continued uncertainty sparked by the pandemic, Chinese investors are showing greater interest in the Nepali market.

In the 2020-21 fiscal year that ended in mid-July, China topped the chart by committing the highest amount of foreign direct investment (FDI) to Nepal for six years in a row.

Chinese investors pledged 22.5 billion Nepali rupees (184.8 million U.S. dollars) in FDI in 2020-21, nearly 70 percent of the total 32.17 billion rupees (264.24 million dollars) committed by foreign investors, according to the Nepali Department of Industry.

In the first five months of the current 2021-22 fiscal year, Chinese investors had already committed as much as 23.15 billion rupees (190.16 million dollars) in investments in Nepal, more than the entire 2020-21 fiscal year.

The investments pledged by the Chinese investors go to hotels and restaurants, international cargo handling, mask manufacturing, construction service, software development, packaged drinking water, the assembling of electric vehicles and furniture, among others.

"We have been receiving good investments in the hydropower and cement industries from China in recent years," said Shiva Ratna Sharda, director at Hongshi Shivam Cement, a Nepal-China joint venture. "But the pandemic forced many Chinese restaurants to close down."

Nepali exhibitors arrange their handicraft works at the Nepal-China Expo 2018 in Lalitpur district, Nepal, on Oct. 5, 2018. (Xinhua/Sunil Sharma)

TRADE REMAINS STRONG

The Nepal-China trade remained strong in 2020-21 and the first four months of 2021-22 amid COVID-19, as shown by Nepal Rastra Bank figures.

In 2020-21, Nepal imported goods worth 233.92 billion rupees (1.92 billion dollars) from China, while during the first four months of 2021-22, the volume stood at 94.3 billion rupees (774.48 million dollars).

During the periods, Nepal's exports to its northern neighbor were worth 1 billion rupees (8.34 million dollars) and 311 million rupees (2.57 million U.S. dollars) respectively.

"Despite a healthy trade growth amid the challenges, it is necessary to address this trade imbalance," said Nepal, the economist.

Nepali traders have complained about difficulty in importing goods from China through the land routes.

"Due to the coronavirus risk, limited quantities of goods are being cleared from the border points," said Ashok Kumar Shrestha, president of Nepal Trans Himalaya Border Commerce Association. "Poor infrastructure on the Nepal side of the border is also hindering any efforts to increase shipments."

Photo taken on May 16, 2020 shows the scenery of Mount Qomolangma at sunset. (Xinhua/Purbu Zhaxi)

Braving the coronavirus and all the restrictions, 5,556 Chinese tourists visited Nepal by October this year, according to the Nepal Tourism Board.

In contrast, Nepal welcomed 169,543 Chinese tourists in 2019, when China once again became the second largest source of visitors to the country.

"The emergence of the new Omicron variant of the coronavirus has dashed our hope of welcoming Chinese tourists at least in early 2022," said Kishor Raj Pandey, chairperson of Sathi Travels.

"Based on my conversations with Chinese friends, it may take until the end of 2022, when the situation will improve, to bring Chinese tourists to Nepal." 
Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi (Rear) attends a traditional year-end press conference in Rome, Italy, on Dec. 22, 2021. Italy has achieved the targets required to receive the funds provided by the European Union (EU) post-COVID recovery program, and the government is still ready to support the national economy in case of a new slowdown, Prime Minister Mario Draghi said on Wednesday. (Str/Xinhua)

ROME, Dec. 22 (Xinhua) -- Italy has achieved the targets required to receive the funds provided by the European Union (EU) post-COVID recovery program, and the government is still ready to support the national economy in case of a new slowdown, Prime Minister Mario Draghi said on Wednesday.

Speaking at a traditional year-end press conference, he specified that "all of the 51 targets" needed for the country to qualify for the next installment of European funds have been met.

Italy is meant to receive 191.5 billion euros (216.7 billion U.S. dollars) in low-interest loans and grants over the next six years. This is its portion of an 806-billion-euro European Recovery Fund provided through the Next Generation EU scheme, which was approved in 2020 to help member states recover from the pandemic.

In return, Brussels requires all countries to implement a package of reforms to address specific economic or systemic weaknesses and to push digitalization.

Italy has received a first tranche of such funds -- about 24.9 billion euros -- in August, and would now be able to proceed towards a second tranche.

"Currently, the (European) Commission is discussing the signing of what is called 'the operative agreement', which is the step that follows the achievements of the 51 targets required," Draghi explained.

"The major challenge for us is to increase our long-term growth rate and solve the structural weaknesses of our economy, beginning with geographical, gender, and generational inequalities," he specified.

The prime minister recalled the good performance the Italian economy has overall shown this year, which would end with an expected 6 percent annual growth after a 9 percent decline in 2020.

"This recovery has allowed us to improve public accounts as well ... and the government remains ready to support the economy in case of slowdown," Draghi stressed.

On the pandemic situation, he reiterated the need to trust in the ongoing vaccination campaign. Participation so far has been high. As of Wednesday, some 85.4 percent of people aged over 12 in Italy have been fully vaccinated, according to official data.

Vaccination for children aged 5 to 11 started in Mid-December, and over 108,000 kids have received a first dose so far.

On Thursday, Draghi would preside over a special COVID-19 cabinet meeting, which is expected to decide whether to add new restrictions across the country over the period between Christmas and the New Year. (1 euro = 1.13 U.S. dollars)

Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi speaks during a traditional year-end press conference in Rome, Italy, on Dec. 22, 2021. Italy has achieved the targets required to receive the funds provided by the European Union (EU) post-COVID recovery program, and the government is still ready to support the national economy in case of a new slowdown, Prime Minister Mario Draghi said on Wednesday. (Str/Xinhua)

Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi (L, rear) attends a traditional year-end press conference in Rome, Italy, on Dec. 22, 2021. Italy has achieved the targets required to receive the funds provided by the European Union (EU) post-COVID recovery program, and the government is still ready to support the national economy in case of a new slowdown, Prime Minister Mario Draghi said on Wednesday. (Str/Xinhua)

Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi speaks during a traditional year-end press conference in Rome, Italy, on Dec. 22, 2021. Italy has achieved the targets required to receive the funds provided by the European Union (EU) post-COVID recovery program, and the government is still ready to support the national economy in case of a new slowdown, Prime Minister Mario Draghi said on Wednesday. (Str/Xinhua)
PRESIDENT Emmerson Mnangagwa has threatened a shoot-to-kill policy to deal with the growing threat of armed robberies, amid reports that security officers were also involved in such crimes.

Recently, armed robbers have been targeting houses, companies and motorists on the highways with most of them being reportedly serving and former army and police officers.

Reports indicate that the criminals were taking advantage of porous borders to bring ammunition to Zimbabwe from neighbouring South Africa.

Other robbers are said to be using their service firearms to engage in violent crimes.

Lately, we have witnessed an upsurge in gun-related crimes, Mnangagwa said in his Unity Day message.

There is a clear upsurge in the abuse of firearms, including violent armed robberies. The government now treats this as a grave threat to personal and national security.

Decisive measures have now become necessary to put an end to this growing menace that threatens our otherwise peaceful, law-abiding nation and citizenry. Those who dabble in arms will soon fall by the sword. Let them be warned.

Top police and military brass have confirmed that some of their members and former officers were engaging in criminal activities.

Recently, a former police detective Joseph Nemaisa gunned down a soldier and former cop at his Chadcombe home in Harare after they attempted to rob his family.

Several cases of armed robberies in the recent past have implicated security services personnel. Newsday
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After the Congress Campaign committee chief in Uttarakhand Harish Rawat targetted leaders for not giving him a free hand in the party affairs, the Congress is now trying to resolve issues amicably. Sources said that the state leaders have been called to Delhi on Thursday and possibly a meeting would be held at Rahul Gandhi's residence in a day or two in which Rawat will also be present.

State President Ganesh Gondiyal will meet Devendra Yadav, the state in-charge to apprise him about the affairs of the party. Sources said that Harish Rawat is upset over the ticket distribution and that he wants more say in the party affairs. The Congress, which is going for the collective leadership into the polls, has not declared Rawat as the Chief Ministerial candidate, which is the prime demand of his supporters.

In a series of tweets in Hindi on Wednesday, Rawat said: "It's time to rest, it has been enough.

"Is this not strange? When we have to swim in the sea of election, the party organisation should extend a supporting hand, but has rather turned its face the other way and is playing a negative role. I have to swim in the sea where the ruling party has released many crocodiles and my hands and legs are tied. Sometimes it feels that I have worked too much and now it's time to rest. I am in a dilemma, the new year may show me a way, and Lord Kedarnath will show a path to me."

The new barb from the former Chief Minister will create trouble for the party in the state as it doesn't have a face apart from Rawat who has a pan state presence, after the demise of Narayan Datt Tiwari and Indira Hridayesh.

Rawat loyalists claim that he is upset with the party as the state in-charge is not listening to his suggestions. Rawat was Punjab in-charge when Amarinder Singh was removed from the state as the Chief Minister and now Rawat is facing the same problem in the state to adjust with the new team.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday once again appealed to farmers to adopt natural farming and also called for strengthening the dairy sector.

The Prime Minister, who was in Varanasi to inaugurate the Banas Dairy Kashi Sankul at Karkhiyaon, said that natural farming required less inputs, gave better output and was more beneficial because it earned higher returns.

"This method will make farming 'atmanirbhar'. Those working in startups should also explore possibilities for this," he stated.

Talking about the dairy sector, he said that the cow is our mother and held in high esteem. Those who ridicule this concept should know that India produces milk worth Rs 8.5 lakh crore every year which is more than the production of wheat or rice.

He said that in villages, cows were a sign of prosperity.

"We need to strengthen the dairy sector. The Banas Kashi Sankul will benefit dairy farmers from several adjoining districts. The dairy plant will also have a bio-gas plant that will take care of its power needs. The dairy farmers will now be able to sell cow dung for the bio-gas plant at a good price," he said.

The Prime Minister said that milk committees and collection centres would be set up and certification of purity would also be done.

"Now the sweets of Banaras will taste sweeter - whether it is lassi or chhena sweets or 'malaiyo' in winter. The dairy plant will enhance the taste of Banaras," he added.

He will also inaugurate and lay the foundation of 22 other projects.

The Prime Minister was in Varanasi earlier on December 13 to unveil the Kashi Vishwanath Dham Corridor project.

According to the official spokesperson, Modi will also digitally transfer a bonus of about Rs 35 crore to the bank accounts of more than 1.7 lakh milk producers associated with the Banas Dairy.

The Prime Minister said that the double engine governments had ensured double development, and this was obviously unacceptable to 'some people' whose politics was based on 'mafiawad', parivarwad' and 'jaatiwad'.

Earlier, the Prime Minister launched a portal and a logo dedicated to the Conformity Assessment Scheme of milk products, developed by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) with the help of the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB).

The unified logo, featuring both the BIS logo and the NDDB quality mark, will simplify the certification process for the dairy sector and reassure the public about dairy product quality.

In another effort to reduce the number of land ownership issues at the grassroots level, the Prime Minister also virtually distributed the rural residential rights record, "Gharauni", under the Swamitva scheme of the Union Ministry of Panchayati Raj to over 20 lakh residents of Uttar Pradesh.
Edison, NJ -- (SBWIRE) -- 12/23/2021 -- A new intelligence report released by HTF MI with title "Global Accident & Health Insurance Market Survey & Outlook" is designed covering micro level of analysis by Insurers and key business segments, offerings and sales channels. The Global Accident & Health Insurance offers energetic visions to conclude market size, opportunities, growth pattern, and competitive surroundings. The research is derived through primary and secondary sourced data and includes both qualitative and quantitative detailing. Some of the key players profiled in the study are Molina Healthcare, Inc, Humana, Aetna, Anthem, UnitedHealthcare Group, HCSC, Cigna Health, WellCare & Kaiser Foundation.



What's keeping Molina Healthcare, Inc, Humana, Aetna, Anthem, UnitedHealthcare Group, HCSC, Cigna Health, WellCare & Kaiser Foundation Ahead in the Market? Benchmark yourself with the strategic moves and findings recently released by HTF MI



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Market Overview of Accident & Health Insurance

If you are involved in the Accident & Health Insurance industry or aim to be, then this study is vital to keep your market knowledge up-to-date. The Market is segmented by Applications [Direct Marketing, Bancassurance, Agencies, E-commerce & Brokers], Types / Coverage [, Group Personal Accident, Individual Personal Accident & Non-Medicare Supplemental Health Insurance] and major players. To get deep dive in market, geographically 22+ jurisdictions or countries were summarized in the study from Asia Pacific, MEA, South America, Europe and North America.



Geographically, the global version of report has following country inclusion:

- North America [United States, Canada and Mexico]

- Europe [Germany, the UK, France, Italy, Netherlands, Belgium, Denmark, Spain, Sweden, and Rest of Europe]

- Asia-Pacific [China, Japan, South Korea, India, Australia, Indonesia and Others]

- South America [Brazil, Argentina, Colombia and Rest of South America]

- Middle East and Africa (South Africa, Turkey, Israel, GCC Countries and Rest of Africa)



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This study mainly helps understand which market segments or Country; Insurance carriers, Aggregators should focus in years to come to channelize their efforts and investments in Accident & Health Insurance to maximize growth and profitability. The growth in 2020 is noticeably slower and mature markets in North America and Western Europe requires "heavy lifting" to address such trends due to the dynamic macroeconomic and regulatory environment.



The distribution channels in the insurance industry, is always of great importance, reflecting the "push" nature of Accident & Health Insurance offering in the industry. The distribution model has continued to evolve as insurers try to better connect with their customers. Over the years, the Accident & Health Insurance industry has seen a clear dominance of face-to face selling (agents and brokers). However, with the increasing penetration of the Internet and customers preferring convenience, the digital mode of sales is becoming increasingly popular in Accident & Health Insurance.



Furthermore, the years considered for the study are as follows:

Historical year  2016-2020

Base year  2020

Forecast period  2021 to 2026



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Major Highlights of TOC:



Chapter One: Global Accident & Health Insurance Market Industry Overview

1.1 Accident & Health Insurance Industry

1.1.1 Overview

1.1.2 Products of Major Companies

1.2 Accident & Health Insurance Market Segment

1.2.1 Industry Chain

1.2.2 Consumer Behaviour & Distribution Channels



Chapter Two: Global Accident & Health Insurance Market Demand

2.1 Segment Overview

Direct Marketing, Bancassurance, Agencies, E-commerce & Brokers



2.2 Global Accident & Health Insurance Market Size by Application/End USers (2016-2020)

2.3 Global Accident & Health Insurance Market Forecast by Application/End USers (2021-2026)



Chapter Three: Global Accident & Health Insurance Market by Type

3.1 By Type

, Group Personal Accident, Individual Personal Accident & Non-Medicare Supplemental Health Insurance

3.2 Accident & Health Insurance Market Size by Type (2016-2020)

3.3 Accident & Health Insurance Market Forecast by Type (2021-2026)



Chapter Four: Accident & Health Insurance Market: by Region/Country

4.1 Accident & Health Insurance Market by Regions

4.2 Accident & Health Insurance Market Revenue & share by Region

4.3 North America

4.4 Europe

4.5 Asia Pacific

4.6 South America

4.7 Middle East & Africa



Chapter Five: Player Analysis

5.1 Market Share Analysis by Players (2019-2021E)

5.2 Market Concentration Rate by Regions

5.3 Company Profiles



..........continued



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Thanks for reading Accident & Health Insurance Industry research publication; you can also get individual chapter wise section or region wise report version like USA, China, Southeast Asia, LATAM, APAC etc.



About HTF Market Intelligence

HTF Market Intelligence consulting is uniquely positioned empower and inspire with research and consulting services to empower businesses with growth strategies, by offering services with extraordinary depth and breadth of thought leadership, research, tools, events and experience that assist in decision making.



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Edison, NJ -- (SBWIRE) -- 12/23/2021 -- The Latest research study released by HTF MI "Worldwide Male Grooming Products Market" with 100+ pages of analysis on business Strategy taken up by key and emerging industry players and delivers know how of the current market development, landscape, technologies, drivers, opportunities, market viewpoint and status. Understanding the segments helps in identifying the importance of different factors that aid the market growth. Some of the Major Companies covered in this Research are Avon Products, Beiersdorf, Colgate-Palmolive, Coty, Energizer Holdings, Estee Lauder, Johnson & Johnson, Koninklijke Philips & L'Oreal etc.



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Browse market information, tables and figures extent in-depth TOC on "Worldwide Male Grooming Products Market by Application (Hypermarkets, Supermarkets, Salon/Grooming Clubs, Online & Others), by Product Type (Toiletries & Shaving Products), Business scope, Manufacturing and Outlook  Estimate to 2025".



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At last, all parts of the Worldwide Male Grooming Products Market are quantitatively also subjectively valued to think about the Global just as regional market equally. This market study presents basic data and true figures about the market giving a deep analysis of this market based on market trends, market drivers, constraints and its future prospects. The report supplies the worldwide monetary challenge with the help of Porter's Five Forces Analysis and SWOT Analysis.



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On the basis of report- titled segments and sub-segment of the market are highlighted below:

Worldwide Male Grooming Products Market By Application/End-User (Value and Volume from 2021 to 2026) : Hypermarkets, Supermarkets, Salon/Grooming Clubs, Online & Others



Market By Type (Value and Volume from 2021 to 2026) : Toiletries & Shaving Products



Worldwide Male Grooming Products Market by Key Players: Avon Products, Beiersdorf, Colgate-Palmolive, Coty, Energizer Holdings, Estee Lauder, Johnson & Johnson, Koninklijke Philips & L'Oreal



Geographically, this report is segmented into some key Regions, with manufacture, depletion, revenue (million USD), and market share and growth rate of Worldwide Male Grooming Products in these regions, from 2015 to 2026 (forecast), covering China, USA, Europe, Japan, Korea, India, Southeast Asia & South America and its Share (%) and CAGR for the forecasted period 2021 to 2026.



Informational Takeaways from the Market Study: The report Worldwide Male Grooming Products matches the completely examined and evaluated data of the noticeable companies and their situation in the market considering impact of Coronavirus. The measured tools including SWOT analysis, Porter's five powers analysis, and assumption return debt were utilized while separating the improvement of the key players performing in the market.



Key Development's in the Market: This segment of the Worldwide Male Grooming Products report fuses the major developments of the market that contains confirmations, composed endeavors, R&D, new thing dispatch, joint endeavours, and relationship of driving members working in the market.



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Some of the important question for stakeholders and business professional for expanding their position in the Worldwide Male Grooming Products Market:

Q 1. Which Region offers the most rewarding open doors for the market Ahead of 2021?

Q 2. What are the business threats and Impact of latest scenario Over the market Growth and Estimation?

Q 3. What are probably the most encouraging, high-development scenarios for Worldwide Male Grooming Products movement showcase by applications, types and regions?

Q 4.What segments grab most noteworthy attention in Worldwide Male Grooming Products Market in 2020 and beyond?

Q 5. Who are the significant players confronting and developing in Worldwide Male Grooming Products Market?



For More Information Read Table of Content @: https://www.htfmarketreport.com/reports/3580342-worldwide-male-grooming-products-market



Key poles of the TOC:

Chapter 1 Worldwide Male Grooming Products Market Business Overview

Chapter 2 Major Breakdown by Type [, Male Grooming Products markets by type, Toiletries & Shaving Products]

Chapter 3 Major Application Wise Breakdown (Revenue & Volume)

Chapter 4 Manufacture Market Breakdown

Chapter 5 Sales & Estimates Market Study

Chapter 6 Key Manufacturers Production and Sales Market Comparison Breakdown

..

Chapter 8 Manufacturers, Deals and Closings Market Evaluation & Aggressiveness

Chapter 9 Key Companies Breakdown by Overall Market Size & Revenue by Type

..

Chapter 11 Business / Industry Chain (Value & Supply Chain Analysis)

Chapter 12 Conclusions & Appendix



Thanks for reading this article; you can also get individual chapter wise section or region wise report version like North America, LATAM, Europe or Southeast Asia.



Contact US :

Craig Francis (PR & Marketing Manager)

HTF Market Intelligence Consulting Private Limited

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New Jersey USA  08837

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sales@htfmarketreport.com
Phoenix, AZ -- (SBWIRE) -- 12/23/2021 -- Bringing his years of business and political experience to the forefront, Darren Yancy takes a concise look in key sectors of the economy, first responders, as well as rights under the Constitution. He presents these topics in a manner that shows the importance of each of these areas regarding consumer's liberty and pocketbooks, examines existing and pending legislation on these areas, and then has both industry and political guests on for discussion on these topics.



Darren brings close to 40 years of business experience to the observational forefront in sectors that impact everyday America. Darren has held political positions at both the county and state levels in Texas. A former candidate for US Congress and the Texas Senate, Darren brings direct experience to policy observations on legislative affairs and how they impact your liberty and your pocketbook.



The Information Edge with Darren Yancy is broadcast live every Wednesday at 3 PM Central Time on the VoiceAmerica Variety Channel. Archives of The Information Edge with Darren Yancy can be found at https://www.voiceamerica.com/show/4005/the-information-edge .



Darren Yancy is the founder and Managing Member for the Yancy International Consulting Group, LP (YICGLP) which serves as a holding company for the various operating entities Darren is involved in. Darren experiences include carrier program formation and reinsurance, personnel and operations management, finance and accounting for operations, solicitation and sales, risk assessment & management programs, business brokerage including capital funding, placement of commercial insurance products, and commercial real estate. For more information, visit https://yicglp.com.



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Lieutenant Colonel (Ret) Allen B. West is a Christian constitutional conservative, combat veteran, and former member of the US Congress. His life has been defined as one of service, sacrifice, and commitment to this Republic, the United States of America. He believes it will be conservative, free market policies, not politics that secures a sound economic future for Americans  with growth, opportunity and returning the promise of the American dream for this generation and those to come. Allen West was born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia in the same neighborhood where Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. once preached. He is the third of four generations of military servicemen, all combat veterans, in his family. West holds a Bachelor's degree from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and two Masters, one from Kansas State University and another from the US Army Command and General Staff Officers College.



He is a NewsmaxTV contributor, Senior Fellow of the Media Research Center, and contributing columnist for Townhall and CNS News. LTC West is the author of Guardian of the Republic: An American Ronin's Journey to Family, Faith, and Freedom, Hold Texas, Hold the Nation: Victory or Death, and We Can Overcome: An American Black Conservative Manifesto. He is the former Executive Director of the National Center for Policy Analysis in Dallas Texas, and former Director of the Booker T. Washington Initiative at the Texas Public Policy Foundation.



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According to a new study, New Caledonian crows (Corvus moneduloides) strongly prefer hooked stick tools made from stems of the ground tamarind (Desmanthus virgatus) over non-hooked stick tools; importantly, this preference is also reflected in subsequent tool-handling behavior, with the birds keeping hooked stick tools safe more often than non-hooked stick tools sourced from leaf litter.

New Caledonian crows live on the tropical archipelago of New Caledonia in the South Pacific.

These birds are renowned for using different types of tools for extracting prey from tree holes and other hiding places.

While they firmly hold their tools in the bill during foraging, they need to put them down to eat.

This is when crows are at risk of losing their tools by accidentally dropping them or having them stolen by other crows.

The temporary storage and re-use of tools can significantly enhance foraging efficiency, said Dr. Barbara Klump, a researcher at the Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior, and colleagues.

New Caledonian crows in one of our study populations use two types of stick tools  hooked and non-hooked  which differ in raw material, manufacture costs, and foraging performance.

Using a large sample of wild-caught, temporarily captive New Caledonian crows, Dr. Klump and colleagues investigated experimentally whether individuals prefer one tool type over the other when given a choice and whether they take better care of their preferred tools between successive episodes of use, safely storing them underfoot or in nearby holes.

They found that the birds are more likely to keep valuable hooked tools safe between uses than the more basic non-hooked tools.

It was exciting to see that crows are just that bit more careful with tools that are more efficient and more costly to replace, said Dr. James St Clair, a researcher with the Centre for Biological Diversity at the University of St Andrews.

This suggests that they have some conception of the relative value of different tool types.

This is the first study to investigate how animals handle and store tools of different kinds, providing an innovative way to measure how much they value these objects, the authors said.

The method has huge potential for investigating the behavior of other tool-using animals, including our closest relatives, the chimpanzees.

A paper on the findings was published in the journal eLife.

_____

Barbara C. Klump et al. 2021. New Caledonian crows keep valuable hooked tools safer than basic non-hooked tools. eLife 10: e64829; doi: 10.7554/eLife.64829
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/usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/autohandler_template.html:149



Can't call method "get_id" on an undefined value at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html line 25. Trace begun at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Exceptions.pm line 129 HTML::Mason::Exceptions::rethrow_exception('Can\'t call method "get_id" on an undefined value at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html line 25.^J') called at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html line 25 HTML::Mason::Commands::__ANON__ at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Component.pm line 160 HTML::Mason::Component::run_dynamic_sub('HTML::Mason::Component::FileBased=HASH(0x7f047ffcf360)', 'main') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 951 HTML::Mason::Request::call_dynamic('HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x7f04809f2428)', 'main') called at /var/cache/mason/obj/1784076917/main/smetimes/dhandler.html.obj line 17 HTML::Mason::Commands::__ANON__ at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Component.pm line 138 HTML::Mason::Component::run('HTML::Mason::Component::FileBased=HASH(0x7f047ffcf360)') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 1305 eval {...} at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 1295 HTML::Mason::Request::comp(undef, undef, undef) called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 958 HTML::Mason::Request::call_next('HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x7f04809f2428)') called at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/autohandler_template.html line 149 HTML::Mason::Commands::__ANON__ at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Component.pm line 138 HTML::Mason::Component::run('HTML::Mason::Component::FileBased=HASH(0x7f0480020970)') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 1303 eval {...} at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 1295 HTML::Mason::Request::comp(undef, undef, undef) called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 484 eval {...} at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 484 eval {...} at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 436 HTML::Mason::Request::exec('HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x7f04809f2428)') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/ApacheHandler.pm line 165 HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler::exec('HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x7f04809f2428)') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/ApacheHandler.pm line 831 HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler::handle_request('HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x7f047f81faa0)', 'Apache2::RequestRec=SCALAR(0x7f047ffec088)') called at (eval 487) line 8 HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler::handler('HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler', 'Apache2::RequestRec=SCALAR(0x7f047ffec088)') called at -e line 0 eval {...} at -e line 0
System error

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context: ... 21: </%method> 22: 23: % foreach my $c (@categories) { 24: <%perl> 25: my $category_id = $c->get_id(); 26: my @stories = Bric::Biz::Asset::Business::Story->list ( { element_type_id=>1148, category_id=>$category_id , Order=> 'cover_date', publish_status => 't' , OrderDirection=> 'DESC' , Limit=>10 } ); 27: </%perl> 28: <table width="90%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"> 29: <tr> ... code stack: /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html:25

/usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm:951

/var/cache/mason/obj/1784076917/main/smetimes/dhandler.html.obj:17

/usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/autohandler_template.html:149



Can't call method "get_id" on an undefined value at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html line 25. Trace begun at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Exceptions.pm line 129 HTML::Mason::Exceptions::rethrow_exception('Can\'t call method "get_id" on an undefined value at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html line 25.^J') called at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html line 25 HTML::Mason::Commands::__ANON__ at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Component.pm line 160 HTML::Mason::Component::run_dynamic_sub('HTML::Mason::Component::FileBased=HASH(0x7f047fbf3fa0)', 'main') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 951 HTML::Mason::Request::call_dynamic('HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x7f047fb11e90)', 'main') called at /var/cache/mason/obj/1784076917/main/smetimes/dhandler.html.obj line 17 HTML::Mason::Commands::__ANON__ at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Component.pm line 138 HTML::Mason::Component::run('HTML::Mason::Component::FileBased=HASH(0x7f047fbf3fa0)') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 1305 eval {...} at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 1295 HTML::Mason::Request::comp(undef, undef, undef) called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 958 HTML::Mason::Request::call_next('HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x7f047fb11e90)') called at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/autohandler_template.html line 149 HTML::Mason::Commands::__ANON__ at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Component.pm line 138 HTML::Mason::Component::run('HTML::Mason::Component::FileBased=HASH(0x7f047fc03570)') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 1303 eval {...} at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 1295 HTML::Mason::Request::comp(undef, undef, undef) called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 484 eval {...} at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 484 eval {...} at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 436 HTML::Mason::Request::exec('HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x7f047fb11e90)') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/ApacheHandler.pm line 165 HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler::exec('HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x7f047fb11e90)') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/ApacheHandler.pm line 831 HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler::handle_request('HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x7f047f821d58)', 'Apache2::RequestRec=SCALAR(0x7f047f820548)') called at (eval 487) line 8 HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler::handler('HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler', 'Apache2::RequestRec=SCALAR(0x7f047f820548)') called at -e line 0 eval {...} at -e line 0
My twenty fourth of December became the 26th with no twenty fifth in between. Yes, my Gregorian calendar for the year 1994 did not have a twenty fifth, which meant - no Christmas day.

by Capt. Elmo Jayawardena

Christmas is special, rather very special. Everybody looks forward to Christmas. Silent nights and silver bells, mistletoe and pine smells, all wrapped up in wishes and kisses and the hugs and gifts that are so very special at Christmas time.

Looking forward to Christmas is a world wide phenomenon; the mighty and the humble, the rich and the poor, the holy, the unholy and the super unholy, they all await the yuletide. The "haves" revel and the "have-nots" scramble. Yet a celebration is made, no matter how small the purse is or how light the coins jingle in ones pocket.

I always look forward to Christmas. It's such a beautiful time. There is always something wonderful about that season. To a point it is imaginary. To be enjoyed more in prospect than in reality. Yet, it is something to look forward to, something to pastel shade the every day prosaic of life.

One can have a wonderful Christmas, a terrible Christmas or maybe a "could have been better Christmas". I've had my share of the entire lot. But 1994 was different.

Someone stole my Christmas

My twenty fourth of December became the 26th with no twenty fifth in between. Yes, my Gregorian calendar for the year 1994 did not have a twenty fifth, which meant - no Christmas day.

That, in all its simplicity is my story.

It needs a unique combination of ill-luck to achieve this oddball situation. One must be really feasting on a bad news buffet to be the recipient. Well, I have often been a champion at pulling the short straw. This really was one of the shortest I ever drew.

My nomadic aeroplane driving world had sardonically made sure my Christmas was cancelled. No silent nights, no Santa Clause, no church bells that ring silver. No wishes and kisses and hugs that bind, just one simple leap from the twenty fourth to the twenty sixth of December.

Possibly, I was no favorite of Santa Clause. Never mind a gift; I would have been glad if he had given me at least the day.

Yes, some don't get into the Santa list. That is the sad side of Christmas. The left-out ones are usually poor little kids who believe and write those meaningless little notes and wake with hope and find Santa never arrived. Almost similar to aeroplane drivers who leapfrog the Christmas day. Ive seen both sides of that coin; once upon a time I too have been a note writer to wake and find Santa skipped my house. Such things you do not forget easily.They leave scars, especially when you are a child,they seldom get erased.

I guess one more time of a Christmas disappointment wouldn't make all that much of a difference. Once in a while it's good to remember that you can't win them all. You got to lose some too. It's good to know the feeling of losing. That's what life is all about. You win some, you lose some, and you grin and grit your teeth and go on.

Let me now get back to my story of how I lost my Christmas.

At eleven in the night on the twenty fourth of December 1994, I taxied out of the parking gate and taxied out a brand-new Singapore Airlines 747-400. The aeroplane was loaded with 400 passengers, and we crawled slowly to the longest runway in the airport designated as 25Right.We lined-up to takeoff and I power-ran the 4 big jet engines of the big jumbo jet and rolled down the runway to lift-off from the City of Angeles and flew into a noel night sky. The wheels and the flaps went into hiding and the wing lights switched off and we settled on a initial magnetic heading of 250 tracking our way to Taiwan.

It's a long flight from Los Angeles to Taipei, almost fifteen hours. Flying west bound, I crossed the international dateline and landed in Shiang Kai Shak Airport on the 26th of December. Some where across that lonely Pacific stretch, someone erased my Christmas.

I remember everything about that night; it was so very special, something that needed to be saved in the hard-disk of life. I recall how I kept staring at the vast clear open spaces that I love so much, the Pacific Sky splashed with heavenly lights and traces of whispery clouds. I remember a gibbous moon too, pale, yet luminous, giving a silvery touch to the mid-night blue. It's difficult to describe, the serenity. It's the zenith of what beauty could be. The tranquility of a night flight-deck in silent glide under the munificence of a million stars.

At thirty seven thousand feet, I felt I was in a very special church. I was in God's own cathedral. I remember solemnly singing my own mass, at least the parts I could remember and reverently giving myself some sort of a sermon. Then I caroled it with a hum of Silent Night and Silver Bells and thanked all the Gods in creation for all they have given me in life and especially when they hadnt asked for anything in return. That was my prayer; no request, no complaint, just heartfelt words of gratitude expressed in solitude seated on the left seat of a 747, whispering words that came from the very depth of me where very sacred thoughts are gathered.

Thus under the canopy of a celestial heaven, I celebrated my own Christmas. That was a beautiful and wonderfully memorable communion.

I landed in Taipei with grateful thanks for a very special Christmas that would last in memory a lifetime.

Yes, Christmas is not only the glamour of a glittering pine tree laden with tinsel and coloured lights. Not a fancy Hallmark card or a gift from a loved one. Neither is it a visit from Santa Clause nor a feast of champagne, caviar and chateaubriand. It is much more, perhaps something closer to a remembrance of who we are and, in some ways, a sanctified communication with who or what someone calls God.

1994 taught me that.
While appreciating the efforts being taken by the Government to mobilise short term funding from a number of sources by way of swaps and credit lines, we urge the Government to finalise the negotiations on some of these arrangements and announce them with certainty as soon as possible with a clear indication when such facilities will become available.

We wish to draw the attention of the Government to the difficulties faced by our member companies and the broader private sector in obtaining foreign currency to finance much-needed imports due to the prevailing situation with regard to the lack of availability of foreign currency. This will affect maintaining the credibility of doing business with our suppliers and business associates with whom we transact in foreign currency. At present, we face difficulties in obtaining foreign currency to finance much-needed imports due to the prevailing situation with regard to the lack of availability of foreign currency. These range from not being able to obtain letters of credit to the inability to clear goods that have already arrived in the port due to delays experienced in honouring letters of credit. Further, this impact is also felt by indirect exporters and firms providing support services for exports.

We are concerned that while the importers themselves will face immense financial costs in the form of demurrage and other logistics-related costs, it will also affect longstanding relationships built with suppliers resulting in a serious and irreversible loss of confidence. Importers are also unable to secure orders due to the inability to agree on a firm payment schedule as required by suppliers. This will seriously impede the availability of essential products especially during the upcoming festive period during which consumer demand is typically high for most products. This can cause great hardship to the public at large and may result in a significant increase in the cost of living.

Further, the banking system will also face difficulties as a result of not being able to meet the needs of their longstanding customers and could eventually experience a serious loss of reputation if they are compelled to dishonour committed payments. The Government will also experience a loss of revenue due to a drop in import duties at a time when increasing government revenue is of paramount importance.

While appreciating the efforts being taken by the Government to mobilise short term funding from a number of sources by way of swaps and credit lines, we urge the Government to finalise the negotiations on some of these arrangements and announce them with certainty as soon as possible with a clear indication when such facilities will become available. If these actions as envisaged by the recently announced Roadmap by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka are not materializing within the anticipated time-frames, we earnestly request the Government to reconsider other alternative courses of action available to the country such as engaging with IMF to explore the funding options they can offer.





Logos of the chambers issued this joint statment

If these conditions that are critical for ease of doing business do not improve, we are concerned that it will result in many local companies looking to relocate their business operations overseas. It will also seriously constrain our ability to attract Foreign Direct Investment(FDI) into the country. Therefore, we wish to urge the relevant authorities in the Government to take quick remedial action to avoid the negative consequences as outlined above and put Sri Lanka back on track to stage a strong post-pandemic recovery to reach vistas of prosperity and splendour as envisioned.
MBABANE In the past month, South Africa remained the countrys main trading partner, with 71.9 per cent of exports destined for that market.

At least 77.5 per cent of imports come from the South African market in the month under review. This is as per the Recent Economic Developments (RED) from the Central Bank of Eswatini. In the past month, exports to South Africa are said to have increased by 20.5 per cent and imports by 19.3 per cent, month-on-month. Merchandise exports during the month, increased by 14.8 per cent, month-on-month and 16.2 per cent, year-on-year, amounting to E3.160 billion. Imports during the month increased by 15.7 per cent month-on-month and 12.7 per cent year-on-year, totaling E2.770 billion.

Year-to-date figures indicate that the trade balance as at November this year was a surplus of E1.402 billion, lower than the surplus of E3.950 billion posted in the same period last year. Cumulative export numbers as at November were valued at E27.558 billion, 6.2 per cent higher when compared to figures in November 2020. Cumulative import figures as at November 2021 amounted to E26.156 billion, 18.9 per cent greater, when compared to figures reported in November 2020.

Analysis

An analysis of exports for the month of November 2021, shows that exports of soft drink concentrates amounted to E1.477 billion, a month-on-month increase of 10.2 per cent and 11.8 per cent, year-on-year. Sugar and its products export receipts recorded a total value of E723.0 million in the month, an increase of 29.0 per cent month-on-month and a 40.4 per cent year-on-year growth. Exports of textile and apparel were valued at E319.3 million, up month-on-month by 3.3 per cent and year-on-year by 22.1 per cent. Exports of wood and wood articles also grew in the month, increasing by 8.0 per cent when compared to the preceding month, and by 24.7 per cent year-on-year, amounting to E201.6 million.

Analysis of import numbers reported in the month, indicates that invoices from energy products imports increased to total E416.0 million in November 2021, higher by 4.6 per cent when compared to October 2021, and higher by 37.2 per cent when compared to that market, and 77.5 per cent of imports coming from the market in November 2021. In the review month, exports to South Africa increased by 20.5 per cent and imports by 19.3 per cent, month-on-month. November 2020. Imports of machinery and electrical equipment were E336.0 million in the review month, reflecting a 34.9 per cent month-on-month increase and 33.5 per cent year-on-year, increase. Animal and vegetable products purchases in November this year amounted to E281.0 million, reflecting growth of 13.7 per cent month-on-month and a 2.6 per cent year-on-year decline.

Textile

Textile and textile apparel imports amounted to E241.1 million in the month, up by 5.8 per cent, month-on-month and by 6.5 per cent, year-on-year. Imports of vehicles were higher by 15.1 per cent, month-on-month, and 4.7 per cent, year-on-year, totaling E129.5 million in the review. Meanwhile, in the pastmonth, the country posted a merchandise trade surplus of E390.7 million, from a surplus of E352.2 million the previous month.
MBABANE  An opportunity to own both movable and immovable properties belonging to liquidated Swazi Spa Holdings is now being provided.

In July this year, the High Court of Eswatini issued a final order for the liquidation of five companies under Sun International Management Limited. Liquidation means that the business is not able to pay its debts. It further implies that the business will cease to operate (generally as a result of financial problems). The court had previously issued an interim order placing the companies under provisional liquidation. Judge Cyril Maphanga issued a final order for the liquidation of the companies. Months after the liquidation, the Eswatini Stock Exchange (ESE) delisted the company.

Following the above-mentioned developments, the company through liquidator and lawyer Marisa Boxshall-Smith is now inviting requests for proposal (RFP) from organisations/institutions for the acquisition of the moveable and immovable property belonging to Swazi spa and its subsidiaries. The subsidiaries are Swazispa Development Company Limited, Manzana Estates Limited, Ezulwini Properties (Pty) Ltd and Spa Financing Company Limited. Even though the costs of the properties could not be immediately ascertained, they are believed to be more than E100 million.

Proposals

A detailed request for proposals document is available from Boxshall-Smith. The latter can be contacted via email at marisa@boxshallsmith.com or telephonically on 7802 1038. Interested organisations/institutions are expected to pay an amount of E5 000 non-refundable fee to have access to the RFP documents. The non-refundable fee shall be paid to the bank account of Swazi spa and its subsidiaries in liquidation. Banking details can be obtained from the liquidator, shared the liquidator.

All requests for proposal must be submitted as specified in the RFP document no later thanJanuary 14, 2022 at 6pm. It is the responsibility of all organisations/institutions to ensure their RFP reaches the liquidator on or before January 14, 2022, stressed the liquidator. Meanwhile, at the time of the liquidation. Swazi Spa Holdings market capitalisation was calculated at over E41.9 million. Market capitalisation refers to how much a company is worth as determined by the stock market. It is defined as the total market value of all outstanding shares. Shares outstanding refer to a companys stock currently held by all its shareholders, including share blocks held by institutional investors and restricted shares owned by the companys officers and insiders.

According to Investopedia, any authorised shares that are held by or sold to a corporations shareholders, exclusive of treasury stock which is held by the company itself, are known as outstanding shares. Meanwhile, the court appointed the lawyer as the provisional liquidator of the five companies inclusive, with all powers, direct and ancillary to the joint winding up of the companies. Usually, when a publicly-listed company ceases operations and goes into liquidation, the companys shareholders may be entitled to a portion of the assets, depending on the type of shares they hold. However, the stock itself is usually worthless.

If a company has shut its doors for good, its assets will be sold and the entire proceeds will be distributed to its creditors in a strict order of precedence. The common shareholders may, at best, get a portion of their value back when the assets are distributed. The amount of the payment a common shareholder will receive is based on the proportion of ownership they have in the bankrupt firm. Swazi Spa, on the other hand, is one of only eight companies listed on the countrys stock exchange.
Sir,



We need a strong private sector to develop and grow the economy. If government keeps expanding at a faster pace than the private sector, the more deadweight government will absorb and carry at the expense of taxpayers. That deadweight will keep demanding more cost of living adjustments while the economy continues to shrink. A lopsided public sector is all the reason why government keeps increasing and sneaking in new types of taxes. Government jobs simply mean meeting about meetings, processing forms, approving or declining business and general public requests, being important, among many other useless routines that can be automated.

Brave

The question is; who will be brave enough to trim all the deadweight, automate government processes and services, and leave a lean public sector that will perhaps cost government less to run? We need to cut useless spending and ensure that government officers and top officials are able to account for every second, minute, and hour they spend on governments payroll. We are simply tired of people getting paid to do nothing so that at the end of the year they can demand more pay and benefits.

Cracked

The whip must be cracked on performance targets within all ministries including within the inner circle of Cabinet itself. In the private sector when a person does not do the job, they get fired and this should be the case in the public sector. Enough with the transfers that keep rotating useless officers from one department to another. The country needs to cut the bloated ministries, parastatals and commissions. There is a lot of duplication of work within government yet it still takes ages to get anything done. Another factor that must be considered is for government to cut tax and put money in peoples hands.

We are exhausted by all the tax we have to pay. It costs money even to get out of the house now. The economy cannot get anywhere if people do not have money in their pockets, if the little bit of money they make government finds ways to take it so it can pay for its out of control expenditures.

Suffered

EmaSwati have suffered and the taxman needs to cut us some slack. The country is in ruins because of poor leadership and the people the system kept over years without allowing new and fresh minds to shake the way government does its business. We need to try new ways of growing the economy and take all the economic and social policies that have collected dust in the different ministries with a grain of salt.
MBABANE - About 50 locals, who were coming into the country from South Africa, have been detained.

They are now desperate to get out of the Republic of South Africa in time for the Christmas weekend. The now-distressed emaSwati were able to pass into the neighbouring country over the weekend in the morning, but later got more than what they had bargained for when South African authorities eventually embarked on a crackdown on border jumpers in the afternoon. Most of the detainees are from Sitilo, in Lavumisa and they are now stuck in SA. They are likely to spend Christmas behind bars if they do not pay the stipulated fine, which can go up to E5 000 per individual.

Arrested

The emaSwati were arrested after police officers from the neighboring country demanded to see their immigration documents, which they were not able to produce while in that country. Affected family members spoke about the pain of spending the past weekend raising funds to pay fines for their arrested relatives.

What is even more upsetting, according to the family members, was the fact that all their efforts were in vain, and their loved ones ended up being detained.

Today is already Wednesday (yesterday) and they are still there. We now do not know what to do. Children are crying back home without their mothers, lamented a relative to one of the people who have been detained in SA.

Most of the locals who were affected were from doing shopping at the nearby SA town of Pongola ahead of the Christmas weekend, but they may end up not being part of the celebrations with their families after they were rounded up and transported to the Magudu Police Station, where they have been detained since Monday. The sudden turn of events took the dozens of emaSwati by surprise as they were used to a soft approach by the SA security personnel, which they encountered on their regular travels across the borderline for various services.

Several interviewed residents said they were used to crossing over into the neighboring country through the informal crossing at Sitilo, where authorities had never given them problems before. However, they said they were taken aback on Monday when they saw some community members being quizzed as officers searched their bags. It later transpired that the law enforcers had been searching whether they had the relevant immigration papers or not. According to a witness, the crackdown targeted emaSwati who were returning home after doing their shopping in the neighbouring country.

It came as a surprise as we had all along enjoyed a good relationship with the security personnel stationed there. It appears like new officers were dispatched to the crossing area over the festive season, which has caused problems with the locals who were already used to crossing without being subjected to any checks. This was very unfair to the arrested people, argued a resident. This publication, in November, reported about over 25 emaSwati who had been detained in South Africa after being nabbed by police officers in the republic without valid travel documents.

The police, acting on an instruction from the Ministry of Home Affairs in South Africa, were arresting and fining foreigners, including emaSwati, without travel documentation. The fine for the illegal immigrants was said to be from E4 000 to E5 000. Among the documentation needed by the police included a valid South African identification card. ENews24 on its online platform shared that emaSwati were being nabbed because they were found without their travel documents and some were nabbed with fake COVID-19 certificates.

Issues

Ministry of Home Affairs Communications Officer Mlandvo Dlamini said even though such issues were dealt with by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, they had not yet received any information about the detained emaSwati. Dlamini said the issue of informal crossings was a big one and that projects to prevent it were being developed and were underway. Meanwhile, South African Police Services (SAPS) Spokesperson Mavela Masondo confirmed the matter and said there were 50 locals detained in that country. He further said the exercises were ongoing because it was part of their duties.

Yes, we have a number of emaSwati who were detained because they could not produce proper documentation of being in that country, he said when confirming the reports.

An official from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation did not acknowledge receiving a report about the incident. The official said the matter had not been addressed to them and they had not heard anything yet from their SA counterparts.
PIGGS PEAK  Some of his relatives described the soldier who recently downed as a person who could run into a burning house to save anothers life, which is exactly what soldiers are trained for.

It is for this reason that even when he drowned, Themba Gumedze, who held a senior position at Mdzimba Army Barracks, drowned while trying to ensure the safety of an elderly person. Gumedzes body was found on Tuesday, several kilometres from where he was said to have drowned. The body was found at a place known as Mpofu No. 7.

Divers

This was after soldiers and police scuba divers intensified the search and even used a helicopter to follow the flow of the river. The deceased soldier is originally from Mayiwane area, at a place known as Entokozweni. According to a relative, Gumedze is said to have been in Russia for nearly six years, sent by the Umbutfo Eswatini Defence Force (UEDF). He would sometimes visit home while he was based in Russia for undisclosed operational training. The relative also revealed that the soldier had just returned from Russia, about six months ago.

At the time of his demise, he is said to have been travelling with a relative when they reached a bridge. The relative is said to have wondered whether they would be able to cross the river. It was then that Gumedze suggested that he should check if indeed the vehicle could use the bridge. However, the relative insisted that he would not be able to drive through. Gumedze is then said to have decided to bath instead, but he was swept away by the river. It was initially believed that he may have been attacked by a crocodile but his relative said the body was intact when they retrieved it from the water.

Located

Chief Police Information and Communications Officer Superintendent Phindile Vilakati confirmed that the body of a 41-year-old man who was reported to have drowned had been located. Several soldiers had gathered at his parental home at Entokozweni near Buhleni yesterday to pass their condolensces. Noteworthy, Gumedzes relatives were still mourning the death of one of his uncles, who is yet to be buried. When his family received a call about his drowning, his mother was at another homestead mourning the death of her in-law, who is an uncle to Gumedze.
MBABANE  Three weather patterns in less than an hour!

This best describes the events leading to the Main Incwala Ceremony, which was held at Ludzidzini Royal Residence yesterday afternoon. Attendees at the event can attest to how they experienced three weather patterns in a space of less than an hour ahead of the ceremony. When the first trumpet was blown at around 1pm, the weather was clear with sunshine and a warm breeze. However, in less than 30 minutes, there was thunder and lightning just after warriors had blew the second trumpet. The weather then changed completely and a heavy downpour was experienced for only a few minutes.

Some of the marquees pitched at the venue were blown away by the strong winds that had accompanied the heavy downpour. However, His Majesty King Mswati III and the warriors were not deterred by the changing weather patterns. Some warriors said the sudden change of weather proved that this years Incwala Ceremony was real. Nayo ke Incwala sibili, ngiyo majaha, said a warrior loosely translated to mean: This is the real Incwala Ceremony. Also, the guard of honour endured it all as they remained in the arena until the rain was over. At this point, some of the attendees had sought refuge under some shelter that had not been disturbed by the heavy rains.

After a few minutes, the weather was then calm and there was sunshine again just before the King proceeded to inspect the guard of honour. The Monarch then inspected the regiment before greeting the diplomats present at the event. Worth noting was that all regiments present were filled with admiration as the King passed by. They sang the Kings praise on top of their voices. Meanwhile, some of the countrys visitors from the Republic of South Africa said the event was not only physical but was also mental.

We came to Eswatini in respect of the Prince Shiselos invite. We met him at one of the cultural events in Limpompo. Incwala Ceremony is a beautiful event which needs to be uplifted, said Wihan Coetser, who came along with Eric Ribeiro. The duo, who was clad in traditional regalia, stated that the prince organised the regalia so that they looked beautiful at the event. We had to test for COVID-19 because we had already vaccinated. However, we missed the long walk due to the delayed COVID-19 results. We will be back for any other possible event in Eswatini, the duo said. Worth noting is that the duo also endured it all as they remained with the warriors until the end of the event.
MBABANE  Withdraw!

This is a request that has been made to Advocate Gareth Leppan, the South African man who is representing the State in the case of the two incarcerated Members of Parliament (MPs), Mduduzi Bacede Mabuza and Mthandeni Dube. The warning has been issued through an SMS which was sent to the advocate by an unknown person. The SMS has been shared among judicial officers involved in the matter. The unknown sender first greets the advocate and states that he hopes he is doing well. He goes on to apologise for interrupting the advocates peace.

May I kindly request that you withdraw from the case of the two MPs in Swaziland (Eswatini) counsel. I understand theres a financial gain, but counsel these are our MPs. Do not be used to persecute our elected MPs. You are a South African, you enjoy a variety of rights while the limited rights that we are allowed to enjoy are taken away at whim, reads part of the SMS. The sender goes on to detail how in 1996, trade union leaders of the then Swaziland Federation of Trade Unions (SFTU) were arrested.

The government hired a Durban- based counsel to prosecute them. When counsel arrived, he found that the law criminalising the alleged crime had been passed a day after commission of the crime and the law had been given retrospective effect. He refused to prosecute. Thats how the SFTU leaders were freed. They also had done nothing besides calling for democratic reforms just like the MPs, the SMS further reads. Furthermore, the sender warned the advocate against being used by the State and alleged that his participation in the case was only to give an impression to the international community that the process was legitimate, transparent and fair because a foreign counsel was involved.

Dont be used for this selfish end because history indeed has no blank spaces. One day we shall remember you for having persecuted the men we love, the men we look up to, the men who have decided to lose everything for us. But above it all, your conscience hasnt left you and I fully appreciate that you will reflect on this and arrive at the correct determination. Regardless of your decision, we shall never stop demanding democracy, it was stated in the SMS. In the end, the sender wrote an initial believed to be of his name and ended with a local surname. It was ended with a sign off: S Maseko.

According to some of the judicial officers, who spoke on condition of anonymity, the SMS was sent using a local cellphone number. It was gathered that the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) had already been informed of the issue. However, when the DPP was called by this reporter on Tuesday, he said he was yet to check if the matter had been reported. Later on, he stated that he could not comment as the issue had not been reported to his office. This publication wanted to ascertain how the DPPs Office understood the SMS as some sort of intimidation and what it would do about it, meaning would they report such to the police for further investigations.

The South African advocate is not new in the country as he is the one who was tasked with the responsibility of ensuring the conviction of Qing Ming He, who was accused of killing and kidnapping Matsapha businessman Almor Oliveira.

Corruption

He also represented the State during the corruption case of former Minister of Justice Sibusiso Shongwe. It should be noted that on Monday, the two incarcerated MPs were in court to hear their application to compel the Chief Justice (CJ), Bheki Maphalala, to enrol their urgent bail appeal. The matter was before Judge Doris Tshabalala yesterday, who after hearing arguments from both parties, reserved judgment until December 29, 2021. On the day, a sizeable number of the MPs supporters converged at the High Court and police officers had to fire tear gas to disperse them. This was not the first time that police had to fire tear gas to disperse supporters of the two MPs.

On December 9, 2021, which was the sixth day of the trial, scenes of chaos erupted at the entrance of the High Court after the supporters of the two MPs and members of different political parties blocked the road leading to the High Court, emptied skips before attempting to forcefully gain entry into the High Court premises. Police officers from the Operational Support Services Unit (OSSU) and those from His Majestys Correctional Services (HMCS), who had been deployed at the entrance of the High Court, had to use tear gas canisters to disperse the rowdy crowd. The MPs have been in custody since their arrest on July 25, 2021.

They have been accused of inciting the public to revolt against a constitutionally established government, bringing hatred to the person of His Majesty the King and murder.
MBABANE- The minister looked for an easy scapegoat in SWALIMO.

The above statement was made by the executive of the newly-formed political organisation, the Swaziland Liberation Movement (SWALIMO) in reaction to sentiments made by Minister of Tinkhundla Administration and Development David Cruiser Ngcamphalala. After his four-bedroom house at Sigwe was petrol-bombed, the minister blamed the pronouncement of the June 29 repeat for the incident. The minister said they had seen in media reports that someone had called for the repeat of what transpired on June 29 and the burning of his house was clearly that, according to him. Even though he did not name any individual or organisation, it is a fact that the torching of his house happened two days after SWALIMO President Mduduzi Gawuzela Simelane told his movements followers and other political party members that there should be a repeat of the June 29 incidents.

Prayer

This was during a prayer service which the organisation held at the SNAT Centre in Manzini last Saturday. Our sister publication, the Times SUNDAY, reported that while virtually addressing the attendants, Simelane implored them to return home and be active on the ground. It was reported that some of his followers understood him to mean that there should be another chaos in the country. However, he then offered clarity to the publication by saying he meant they should demonstrate across the country in a rather peaceful way. The former Siphofaneni Member of Parliament (MP) said he told his SWALIMO members and those who attended the prayer service that they should do things differently.

Simelane said he meant they should not give the police and soldiers an excuse for shooting them if they were to loot or burn property. The former MP emphasised that he was totally against the burning of property. Also, he mentioned that to him, June 29 was not only about shops that were looted and burnt but that the people of Eswatini stoop up in unison to demand for their liberation. Following sentiments made by the minister after his house was petrol-bombed, this publication sought a comment from the SWALIMO executive through a questionnaire which was sent to Secretary General Dr Siphetfo Dlamini. Dlamini said it was unfortunate that the minister chose to associate SWALIMO with the bad luck that befell him. He said violence in the country had been ongoing before the prayer service and there was no way an innocent statement could be construed to have instigated violence.

Explained

The secretary general explained that Simelane had already echoed that he and the movement were mourning with the minister following what befell him. In siSwati we say kute umuntfu lotifelako, hence the minister looked for an easy scapegoat in SWALIMO. It must be emphasised that the movement subscribes to the non-violence ideology, Dlamini stated. He emphasised that the thousands of SWALIMO members were aware that it was a non-violent, peaceful political organisation and was, therefore, not responsible for any violence in the country. It is our members who are victims of violence. SWALIMO condemns these acts of violence. The president is on record condemning any kind of violence except to engage in peaceful protests, he stated.

On another note, the secretary general was asked if the organisation will withdraw the June 29 repeat statement seeing that it was now being linked to arson attacks. Again, he mentioned that the president had already clarified on what he meant. He did not mean there should be a return to June 29. On the other hand, it was not about the burning of shops and looting that was done at that time. However, to SWALIMO, the spirit of June 26-29 was about Swazis (emaSwati) being resolute on what they want and engaging in peaceful protests.

In short, there is nothing to withdraw except to emphasise to Swazis (emaSwati) that because of the blood of our brothers and sisters, let us rekindle the June spirit by being involved in peaceful protests, he stated. It was brought to the attention of the secretary general that there were fears among those in the political sphere that the movement could end up being declared a proscribed entity if there were concerns that it was linked to the arson attacks. Currently, the Peoples United Democratic Movement (PUDEMO) is classified as a proscribed entity in terms of the Suppression of Terrorism Act of 2008.

In response, Dlamini said; That will not be a surprise to us because the current regime has shown that it is against the principles of freedom of association and speech. The executive is not worried at all as being proscribed will not mean the movement will cease to exist. It will be something on paper while we defiantly exist. No one can wish SWALIMO away. SWALIMO is here and is here until there is freedom and democracy in Swaziland (Eswatini). Efforts to get a comment from the minister regarding the sentiments by SWALIMO to the effect that he was making the organisation a scapegoat were not successful yesterday as his cellphone number rang unanswered. An SMS was also sent to the ministers number but he had not responded at the time of compiling this report.
Esports Middle East LLC (ESME), a world-leading esports and gaming solutions provider based in the Middle East, has posted a 300% increase in 2021 revenue, driven by more than 16 brand campaigns.

The company has signed service agreements with 16 plus leading brands and publishers including Riot Games, Tencent, Moonton, miHoYo, Lenovo and SteelSeries.

The company had highly successful 2021 season, after numerous highly profitable campaigns run for brands such as Riot Games, Tencent, Moonton, miHoYo, Nvidia and Oppo. In addition, ESME has been named and awarded a certificate as Excellent Service Provider by digital media and telecom giant, Tencent, known for publishing or owning majority stakes in some of the biggest hits in the gaming industry including PUBG Mobile, Honor of King, Fortnite and League of Legends.

ESME, founded in 2014, is an award-winning organisation specialising in league operations, talent management, and broadcast. In the same year, the firm launched the region's first Arabic esports news portal, esports-me.com, followed by its AI-powered esports competition platform, ArabEsports.com, in 2020.

ESME also owns a majority shareholder of Arabia E-Advertising, an Influencer Marketing Agency, supporting their campaign profits with ROI-focused methodology. The company recently received the 2021 Excellent Service Provider award from Tencent for their work done on their IPs.

This newest industry award highlights the industry's admiration for ESME's work in gaming, technology, and media in developing a worldwide services platform for the industry and beyond. As more companies sought to reach a wide gaming audience, ESME had over 16 contracted strategic agreements in 2021, ranging from full league operations to awareness campaigns for games and technology products in the sector. This year alone, over 1,400 videos and branded content were made by their roster of more than 170 content creators, garnering a total of 280 million views and 42 million social media interactions.

Saeed Sharaf, Founder & Chief Executive Officer, ESME said: The Middle East games sector has evolved fast in recent years, becoming more than 16% of gamings global population. We owe this to several international firms investing in the region, and ESME is delighted to work with them, bringing their product to Arab players and nurturing local talents as a catalyst for further growth."

ESME is expected to close its fiscal year with a projected growth rate of over 67% of YOY content views with their ever-expanding list of contracted content creators. The entire team is confident in the long-term direction of the business due to a focused growth in its own IPs, and continuous selection by large brands to do business in 2022.-- TradeArabia News Service
After committing to financially include one billion people into the digital economy by 2025, Mastercard is bringing awareness to some of the worlds most critical issues through an innovative podcast series Journey to One Billion.

Hosted by award-winning journalist and news anchor Fifi Peters, Journey to One Billion features Mastercard experts, business leaders, community champions and entrepreneurs from across the Middle East and Africa (MEA) and around the world, who are working together to build a more inclusive and sustainable digital economy where people and the planet can thrive.

The Journey to One Billion podcast charts Mastercards ten-year journey to bring 500 million excluded individuals into the digital economy - a goal that was achieved in 2020 - and then raised during the height of the pandemic with a new pledge to include 500 million more  making a total of one billion people by 2025. Alongside this commitment the company will focus on empowering 50 million small businesses and 25 women entrepreneurs to growth their businesses.

The nine-part series spotlights the innovative partnerships, inspiring stories and technological advancements behind the ambitious goal, and offers solutions and insights around the key building blocks needed to create an inclusive digital economy.

Financial inclusion is at the heart of Mastercards ambition to build a better a more inclusive world for everyone everywhere. In addition to being an impactful medium for storytelling, podcasts help to spark connection and conversation in new and meaningful ways. Through the insightful stories shared in this podcast, we are looking to build a deeper understanding of the innovations and inspiring partnerships that are driving financial inclusion forward, supporting small businesses and helping to build a more connected and equal world, said Beatrice Cornacchia, Senior Vice President Marketing and Communications MEA, Mastercard.

In episode one Building a more inclusive and sustainable digital economy we hear from Ajay Banga, Mastercards Executive Chairman, who took up the role after an 11-year tenure as Mastercards CEO. Hear his perspective on the power of the digital economy as a force for good in the world.

In episode two Unleashing the power of the digital economy in the Middle East and Africa we hear from Raghu Malhotra, Co-President of International Markets, Mastercard, who is responsible for the growth strategies of more than 200 countries and territories. Raghu is passionate about financial inclusion and sees it as the pathway to levelling the playing field and creating opportunities for all.

In episode three Unlocking the female economy and empowering women entrepreneurs we hear from Ann Cairns, Executive Vice Chair, Mastercard and Sarah Beydoun, Founder and Creative Director of Lebanese fashion house and social enterprise Sarahs Bag.

In further episodes, the podcast will also look at the impact of environmental sustainability, how Mastercards Priceless Planet Coalition is fighting climate change by planting 100 million trees in Kenya, Australia and Brazil. The acceleration of digital transformation, product innovation and marketing all play a part in helping to advance inclusion within the digital economy to ensure an equitable future for all, as subsequent episodes will show.

Journey to One Billion is available from today on all platforms, including Apple podcasts and Spotify and on the MEA Newsroom.-- TradeArabia News Service
Bahrain Airport Services' (BAS) Cargo operations in Bahrain Airport has successfully passed the RA3 (Regulated agent for 3rd world countries) recertification audit.

The RA3 is a mandatory requirement mandated by European Union for all ground handlers outside the EU. This is the 3rd recertification audit which BAS has successfully achieved.

The certification  granted by EU-approved and trained validators  confirms the procedures BAS implements are compliant with EU-requirements. RA3 certification ensures the smooth transport of cargo to European Union destinations, improving efficiency and the flow of goods from Kingdom of Bahrain to the rest of the World.

Last year BAS supported the transport of more than 125,000 tonnes of freight per year. With the RA3 certification, our customers can be confident their goods will arrive smoothly and securely at destinations throughout Europe, said Mohamed Khalil, BASs CEO.

We work closely with our partners to ensure our services meet and exceed international standards.

With the RA3 certification, EU-member states recognise BASs operations as a regulated agent, and security controls applied on its Cargo services are of a standard acceptable to EU authorities. For customers it means goods travelling to EU states are considered secure.

The RA3 certification complements the global air cargo industrys drive to meet the European Unions ACC3 requirements.

ACC3 is short for Air Cargo or Mail Carrier operating into the Union from a Third Country Airport a designation required in order for carrier to fly into the EU with cargo.-- TradeArabia News Service
The International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC) has signed a framework agreement for $150 million with the Government of Turkmenistan.

The framework agreement covers bilateral cooperation in the areas of trade financing for the import of essential commodities, supporting the agriculture and textile sectors, providing access to finance for the private sector, especially SMEs, and support for trade promotion, trade capacity building, and trade cooperation in Turkmenistan in line with the countrys national economic priorities and development plan.

The event took place virtually with Eng Hani Salem Sonbol, Chief Executive Officer of ITFC and Rahimberdi Jepbarov, Chairman of the Board, State Bank for Foreign Economic Affairs of Turkmenistan, and IsDB Governor for Turkmenistan signing for ITFC and the Government of Turkmenistan respectively.

This follows the approval of Turkmenistans membership application to join ITFC at the last ITFC General Assembly in September 2021 held during the IsDB Group annual meeting.

Sonbol said: ITFC remains firmly committed in supporting the socio-economic development of our member countries and this Framework Agreement is a step in that direction. Our support will span over several priority sectors of the Turkmenistan economy with particular focus on post Covid-19 pandemic recovery, trade capacity building and Lines of Financing for SMEs."

Jepbarov added: "Development of trade and economic relations on the regional and global levels, as well as supporting private sector are among high priorities of the Government of Turkmenistan and we see a membership in ITFC as a good platform to enhance inter and intra regional trade activity and to enable our private sector to grow at a faster pace. We are glad to be a member of ITFS as it offers us new opportunities in trade."-- TradeArabia News Service
Hitachi Energy, a global technology leader, has secured a major order for the first-of-its-kind sub-sea power transmission network in the Mena region advancing a sustainable energy future for Abu Dhabi.

The contract for Hitachi Energy was awarded by Samsung C&T Corporation, one of the worlds largest engineering and construction companies, to connect Adnocs offshore operations to the UAE-owned onshore power grid operated by Abu Dhabi National Energy Company (Taqa).

According to Hitachi Energy, the group's HVDC Light technology and Mach digital control platform will enable the transfer of cleaner and more efficient power from the mainland to power Adnocs offshore production operations, enabling a carbon footprint reduction of its offshore operations by more than 30 per cent.

This innovative solution reinforces Hitachi Energys commitment to helping customers and countries to transition towards a carbon-neutral future and help enable the 2050 Net-Zero Initiative of the UAE, it added.

With a capacity of 3,200 megawatts (MW), the two HVDC links will be by far the most powerful power-from-shore solution in the Middle East and North America (Mena) region to date. It is also the first HVDC power-from-shore solution outside Norwegian waters.

HVDC Light is a voltage source converter technology that was pioneered by Hitachi Energy. It is the preferred technology for many grid applications, including interconnecting national power grids, integrating offshore wind parks with mainland transmission systems, feeding more power into congested city centers, interconnecting asynchronous networks that operate at different frequencies, and power from shore.

This innovative solution reflects how Hitachi Energy continues to pioneer technology to address the growing interest from national and independent oil and gas companies to power their offshore production facilities with carbon-free energy from onshore power grids.

"We are proud to be enabling Abu Dhabi and Adnoc to make significant progress on their pathway toward achieving the United Arab Emirates ambition to be carbon-neutral by 2050," remarked Claudio Facchin, the CEO of Hitachi Energy.

"At Hitachi Energy we are championing the urgency of the clean energy transition, and this major order is further evidence that we are a go to partner for developing and deploying technologies and solutions that are advancing the worlds energy system to be more sustainable, flexible and secure," he added.

SH Kim, Procurement Manager at Samsung C&T Corporation, said: "In Hitachi Energy, we have selected a trusted partner who brings deep global competence and a strong mindset of collaboration and innovation."

"Together, we will serve ADNOC with pioneering technologies that are proven to deliver for such a large HVDC project," he added.

The entire power-from-shore project will comprise two HVDC power links, which will connect two clusters of offshore oil and gas production facilities to the mainland power grid, a distance of up to 140 kilometers for each cluster.

Hitachi Energy said it is supplying four converter stations, which convert AC power to DC for transmission in the subsea cables, then reconvert it to AC from DC for use in the offshore power systems.

The HVDC technology will be supplied from Hitachi Energys global competence centers. Also included in the order are system studies, design and engineering, supply, installation supervision and commissioning.

Hitachi Energy will support the customers with a long-term life-cycle service agreement leveraging digital technologies to ensure system availability and reliability over the HVDC links long operating life, it stated.

Hitachi Energy pioneered commercial HVDC technology almost 70 years ago and has delivered more than half of the worlds HVDC Classic projects and more than 70 percent of the worlds voltage source conversion HVDC projects.-TradeArabia News Service
Raimondi Middle East, a leading manufacturer of topless and luffing cranes, has deployed seven cranes - five MRT294s and two ER240s - for the construction of Nest, an integrated student complex within the Aljada megaproject in Sharjah.

Developed by Sharjah-based group Arada, Aljada is one of the largest and most complex jobsites in the region, with a number of different residential, retail, hospitality, entertainment, commercial, education and healthcare components.

Located within the Aljada masterplan, Nest consists of 12 five-storey apartment blocks over a 388,000 sq ft area.

Nests list of facilities includes an art studio, a music hall, a library, a running track that surrounds the complex, an amphitheater and a central dining hall, as well as swimming pools, gyms, and study areas.

Just a short walk from the University City of Sharjah, one of the largest education hubs in the region, it is scheduled for completion by the end of 2022.

On the key deployment, Wael Hasan, Commercial Director, Raimondi Middle East, said: "Our relationship with Arada continues to grow with this latest machine rental. We are pleased to supply Arada with five MRT294 flattop tower cranes and two ER240 hammerheads; all with good lifting capabilities, that more than meet the needs of the build onsite at Aljada."

Erected earlier in the year, the MRT294s 16tn are all freestanding at heights ranging from 37m to 53.1m with jib lengths ranging between 46m and 50m.

"The MRT294 flattop remains one of the bestselling models in the region due to its maximum lifting capacity of 16tn and its durability in challenging climate conditions of extreme heat," stated Hasan.

The two ER240 hammerhead cranes, chosen for the models 14tn maximum lifting capacity, are both at work with 50m jib and height under the hook (HUH) of 35.4m and 37m respectively, he added.

One Raimondi MRT294 flattop tower crane and one Raimondi ER240 hammerhead at work for the construction of Nest in Sharjah.

"Due to the number of cranes involved in the project, Raimondi Middle East carefully studied the positioning and the erection procedures of each machine. In addition, to ensure excellent after sales service, our technical department continues to support Arada jobsites with regular maintenance and periodic checkups," he stated.

"We are delighted to play a key role in the construction of Sharjahs new mega-city. Currently, we have 24 Raimondi tower cranes actively at work on Aradas jobsites," added Hasan.-TradeArabia News Service
The State Circus of Turkmenistan presented a new program to the residents and guests of Ashgabat on the eve of the New Year holidays.

Young viewers are especially happy about the new program. They love circus performances with animals. Kids really liked monkeys and dancing horse performances.

Clowns also made the audience laugh to tears. The artists adapted to the circus genre the popular Turkmen fairy tale about greedy and evil Bovendzhik (bubble). Judging by the reaction of the audience, the circus interpretation of the cautionary tale turned out to be very funny.

The circus act with Akhal-Teke horses became the jewel of the new show. The horse performances by the group of national equestrian games "Galkynysh" (Revival) are always a success. The fancy riders, including a girl, fearlessly perform dangerous stunts. The audience's favorite rider, Medina Bayramdurdyeva, has been riding a horse since the age of five. She performs a complex stunt program on a par with men.

Russian spectators may soon be able to see the new show of the Turkmen circus. Representatives of Turkmenistan and Russia currently negotiate the organization of the tour.

 TURKMENISTAN.RU, 2022
New Delhi, Dec 23 (UNI) Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal and his Australian counterpart Dan Tehan have discussed the way forward for an early conclusion of an interim agreement on a Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA).



The two Ministers directed officials to speed up the negotiations for a comprehensive agreement. India-Australia trade exceeded $ 24 billion last year and the proposed trade deal would cover trade in goods, services and investment among others.



Speaking through a video conference on December 21, the Ministers appreciated the progress made in various rounds of talks between the chief negotiators of both sides.



They agreed to expedite negotiations for a bilateral CECA. The Ministers noted that bilateral trade talks have been very progressive and decided to deepen the engagement to reach a balanced trade agreement that benefits both economies.







Such an accord should also reflect a shared commitment to a rules-based international trading system.



Goyal and Australia's Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment Tehan officially launched in September 2021 negotiations aimed at concluding an early harvest agreement by the end of 2021 and a CECA by 2022.



The agreement will be consistent with Article 24 of WTO and the two countries will begin discussing government procurement energy and resources, logistics and transport, standards, rules of origin, Tehan said at a press conference held jointly with Goyal.



The Indian Minister said the two countries will move with aggressive timelines for concluding the trade pact".



An early harvest agreement is aimed at liberalising tariffs on certain goods between the two countries or trading blocs before a comprehensive agreement.



In the case of India and Australia, an early harvest is likely to deal with granting increased market access to Australian wines as well as help enhance mobility between them.



One of Indias key demands has been easing of travel for Indian professionals. The Australian Prime Minister's Special Trade Envoy Tony Abbott this month expressed Canberras confidence over reaching an early harvest trade agreement between India and Australia.



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Belagavi, Dec 23 (UNI) The anti-conversion bill was passed via voice vote in Karnataka assembly on Thursday amidst protests by Congress.

Pandemonium erupted after BJP claimed that the anti-conversion bill was an improvement on the draft prepared during Opposition Siddaramaiah's tenure as the chief minister in 2016. Both members of the ruling and opposition members cast aspersions on each other.

Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai questioned the Congress why the bill was processed by the law commission during Siddaramaiah's tenure as the chief minister and why it was not stopped then. He said the then law minister had approved the draft bill and was presented before the cabinet, which even Siddaramaiah agreed to it.

Bommai also said the Congress prepared the then bill inspired by Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh, who brought anti-conversion law in 2006.

The Chief Minister also hinted at the BJP government led by Jai Ram Thakur in Himachal Pradesh amending the earlier 2016 law with the quantum of punishment raised from three to seven years.

It has also broadened the scope of the law to deal with Love Jihad. The bill was passed unanimously with the Congress backing it in the House. Among the eight new provisions added in the Himachal Pradesh Freedom of Religion Bill 2019 also covered marriage done with the sole purpose of conversion.

The then Chief Minister Thakur also had said that the earlier law was just cosmetic and lacked both, political will as well as the resolve to question those indulging in the crime of religious conversions.

"The Congress is saying that the present bill is prepared by RSS. It is an open secret that RSS is against forcible religious conversion. But, why the Congress wanted to pursue the RSS agenda of bringing anti-conversion bill," he asked.

"The reason why the Congress had brought the then bill in 2016 in Karnataka was, it was inspired by Virbhadhra Singh's stringent anti-conversion and Love Jihad bill," he added.

Bommai said the present bill is constitutional and is with the purpose of stopping the forcible religious conversion and protecting Dalits and women. The bill's objective is to maintain public order as conversions create tension between communities, he said.

The Chief Minister also alleged that the Congress was opposing the bill for vote bank politics and have double-tongued approach towards the issue. "When they are in power they are for anti-conversion bill and when in opposition, they oppose it. This is dual policy of the Congress," he said.

"Therefore, I urge the chair (Speaker) to pass the bill," Bommai concluded.

When Speaker Vishweshwar Hegde Kageri put the bill for voice vote, the Congress members trooped into the well of the House in protest against it.

Earlier Siddaramaiah, in defence, agreed that the law commission report was submitted, but it was not discussed and approved by the then cabinet, and hence the then Congress government did not have any intention to implement the bill.

If the then government had the intention of implementing the bill, it could have been done as it was in power for next two years, Siddaramaiah said.

Joining the issue, Congress members argued that the details of the then bill was different from the one presented by the BJP government.

Countering it, Madhuswamy agreed it is dissimilar because two to three changes have been made to the 2016 draft.

Kageri adjourned the House for 10 minutes in the pre-lunch proceedings, and summoned Madhuswamy and Siddaramaiah to his chamber to go through the documents.

On resumption of the proceedings, Siddaramaiah said the anti-conversion bill is identical with Uttar Pradesh and Gujarat, and therefore it will be struck down in the court of law as it was done in these states.

He argued that there was no necessity to introduce the bill as section 295 (a) of Indian Penal Code already protects from conversion with malafide intentions. IPC 295(a) states "Deliberate and malicious acts, intended to outrage religious feelings of any class by insulting its religion or religious beliefs."

Countering Siddaramaiah's Dr Amedkar's stand on conversion, Kageri said Babasaheb did not accept Islam and Christian religions, but Buddhism, which is an Indian religion and rooted in the Indian culture.

Madhuswamy said Dr Ambedkar was not a converted Buddhist because Buddhism is a part and parcel of Hinduism, which was argued by Babasaheb's himself.

Health Minister and BJP member Dr K Sudkhakar said the very first wish of Mahatma Gandhi was to stop conversions if he was a part of the government.

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South Africa crossed its Omicron peak: Reseachers

Cape Town, Dec 23 (UNI) South Africa has surpassed the peak of its Omicron outbreak, senior researcher of the country said.

The country has "surpassed the peak of the Omicron wave now, driven by the significant decline in the populous province and epicenter: Gauteng," CNN quoted Ridhwaan Suliman, senior researcher, as saying at the South African Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) on Wednesday.

Other provinces have also surpassed their peaks, Suliman added.
UW Names Fisher Innovation Launchpad Winners

Three student-led teams from the University of Wyoming that recently pitched their business concepts to a panel of independent judges have received funding from UWs Fisher Innovation Launchpad.

These entrepreneurs received advising from IMPACT 307 business counselors to start and grow their business concepts and then pitch their business models for a chance to receive seed funding. This business startup competition is hosted by UWs network of innovation-driven incubators, IMPACT 307, and is made possible by a generous gift from Donne and Sue Fisher.

The legacy of Donne and Sue Fisher and their contributions to the university have created many opportunities for UW students, says Fred Schmechel, interim director of IMPACT 307. Previous participants have gone on to continue their companies, take jobs as university professors and, at NASAs request, one company even had the opportunity to test the space launch system to take America back to the moon. Companies across the United States recognize the ingenuity and work ethic of UW students and continue to hire them.

The three finalist teams that presented to the judges panel all offer unique solutions to real-world problems, and each has worked diligently to expand business endeavors over the last few months.

This years finalists receiving funding are:

-- Bedrock Outdoors, a company providing educational programming to encourage individuals to become more involved outdoors in a safe and sustainable way. Targeting international tourists, Bedrock Outdoors is working to ensure that those adventuring in Wyoming are getting the most out of their experience and doing so responsibly. Emma Dixon, an environmental systems science, and outdoor recreation and tourism management double-major from Lawrence, Kan., founded the company.

-- InsurXcel, a business that has developed software to provide insurance companies with current industry trends to better market themselves. Focusing on property and casualty insurance, InsurXcel provides a technology service emphasizing efficiency and cybersecurity. Finley McIlwaine and Kegan McIlwaine, both computer science graduate students from Cheyenne, founded the company, along with UW graduate Eric Edelfelt and Berney Bradley, an experienced insurance entrepreneur.

-- GigaChar, a business that has developed a strategy to lower atmospheric carbon dioxide through the use of engineered biochar. With more and more corporations committing to net-zero emissions, GigaChar has devised a large-scale solution that provides these corporations with another carbon dioxide removal option for their portfolios. GigaChar was founded by Alexandra Howell, a Ph.D. candidate in mechanical engineering from Morrill, Neb., and Erica Belmont, an associate professor and head of the UW Department of Mechanical Engineering.

We are deeply grateful to the Fisher Innovation Launchpad for the opportunity they have given us with the awards from this competition, Howell says. We would like to thank the IMPACT 307 team. They were invaluable in guiding and mentoring us during the competition process. We also would like to thank the judges for their consideration of our business.
The pandemic put school dress codes into perspective: 'We want control of our lives.'


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BEIJING, Dec. 23 (Xinhua) -- The international community should strengthen solidarity and join hands in fighting terrorism, a senior Chinese diplomat said.

The lessons of the boomerang effect are still fresh in memory, and must be learned by heart, Assistant Foreign Minister Wu Jianghao said on Wednesday at the opening ceremony of the Second International Seminar on Counterterrorism in Beijing.

Noting the year 2021 has witnessed the resurgence of international terrorist activities, Wu said a few countries have turned counterterrorism into a political tool, making groundless accusations against the legitimate counterterrorism and deradicalization measures taken by the international community. "They have even exploited terrorist forces to advance their own geopolitical interests, which will only fuel the resurgence of terrorism."

Wu noted that this year, the situation in Afghanistan has drastically changed. Terrorist groups including ISIS, Al-Qaeda and the East Turkestan Islamic Movement (ETIM) have been using the chaos in the region to expand their presence and stir up troubles.

"Out of their own political interests, certain countries have attempted to clean the name of ETIM, a terrorist organization listed by the 1267 Committee of the UN Security Council," Wu said. "It is hoped that all countries will fully recognize the violent and terrorist nature of ETIM, and work with China to resolutely crack down on the group.

China calls on the international community to foster the awareness of a community with a shared future, to underscore the central role played by the UN, to strengthen capacity building in developing countries, to follow the principle of addressing both symptoms and root causes, and to tackle new terrorist threats and ideologies, Wu said.

In the seminar, the participants agreed that terrorism is the common enemy of all mankind and a major threat to world peace and security. China has made positive achievements in counterterrorism and deradicalization. The international community should deepen international counterterrorism cooperation and join hands to win a final victory in the global counterterrorism cause.

The global counterterrorism situation has become increasingly complex, said Nabeel Munir, additional secretary of the Pakistani foreign ministry, noting that certain countries are wantonly interfering in the internal affairs of other countries, and even attempting to overthrow governments, under the pretext of counterterrorism, and the fight against terrorism has become a cover for certain countries to seek their own political gains.

Ali Nuaimi, chairman of the Hedayah Centre (the International Center for Excellence for Countering Violent Extremism), said that terrorism is not a challenge faced by a country or a region, but a common threat faced by all people. It is only when all parties reach a consensus, strengthen unity and coordinate actions that they can prevail over terrorism.

"Terrorists are against all humanity, so we should avoid divisions and politicization in the anti-terrorism camps," Ali Nuaimi said, adding that it is necessary to support governments' efforts in promoting their own economic and social development, and prevent the power vacuum caused by foreign intervention, which opens opportunities for terrorists.

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Syromolotov Oleg Vladimirovich said that terrorism is a major threat to peace and security. "We highly appreciate the close partnership between Russia and China, and are ready to jointly carry out anti-terrorism activities under the UN framework and step up anti-terrorism efforts under multilateral mechanisms such as BRICS and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization."

This seminar is hosted by the China Institutes of Contemporary International Relations and co-organized by the China Institutes of International Studies.

Officials, heads of anti-terrorism agencies, experts and scholars from 17 countries including Russia, the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Pakistan and Afghanistan attended the conference via video. Enditem
TEHRAN, Dec. 23 (Xinhua) -- Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian on Thursday called for a balanced deal in the Vienna negotiations between Iran and other parties to the 2015 nuclear deal.

"The other sides should not doubt that if they want to give one point and ask for 10 points, the Islamic Republic of Iran will never accept this method," Amir Abdollahian said at the joint press conference with his visiting Iraqi counterpart Fuad Hussein.

The Iranian diplomat said Iran "loudly declare that if you want to address your concerns about Iran's peaceful nuclear program, all sanctions should be lifted."

Iran will continue the negotiations until a good agreement is reached, he said, adding that "when other parties show their seriousness, it is the day when we can talk about the return of all parties to their commitments" under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).

Iran will pursue negotiations in Vienna with good faith and seriousness with a view to reaching a "good" agreement, and it is expected that other parties will continue the talks with the same approach, he noted.

Following seven rounds of talks held since April this year, Iran and Western parties to the 2015 nuclear deal have yet found ways to break the impasse on salvaging the pact, which Washington unilaterally quitted in 2018. Enditem
LHASA, Dec. 23 (Xinhua) -- The first batch of wind turbine generators of an ultra-high altitude wind farm in southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region started to generate electricity and was connected to the power grid on Wednesday.

Standing at an altitude of more than 4,850 meters in Trigu Township, Comai County, the wind farm was financed by China Three Gorges Corporation and designed and built by POWERCHINA Chengdu Engineering Corporation Limited.

The installation of the facilities started in May and was completed in October. The wind farm has a total installed capacity of 22 megawatts.

The wind farm is an ultra-high altitude wind power research demonstration project, which is expected to drive local economic and social development, improve the local energy structure, as well as promote the local tourism industry. Enditem
A China-Europe freight train bound for Duisburg of Germany pulls out of the Wuhan terminal of China Railway Intermodal in Wuhan, central China's Hubei Province, March 28, 2020. (Xinhua/Xiao Yijiu)

WUHAN, Dec. 23 (Xinhua) -- Wuhan, capital of central China's Hubei Province, launched its 1,000th China-Europe freight train on Wednesday morning, said the local transport authorities.

The train carrying electronic components, daily necessities, and epidemic prevention materials produced by the enterprises in the province departed from the city's Wujiashan Station and headed for the German city of Duisburg.

Since the city launched its first China-Europe freight train on Oct. 24, 2012, Wuhan has developed 29 cross-border routes, covering more than 70 cities in over 30 countries across the Eurasian continent.

All the staff at the station overcame difficulties, especially in time pressure and heavy workloads, to ensure the operation of the trains, said Hu Yiqiang, head of the Wujiashan Station.

On May 9, 2020, Wuhan launched its first special train to carry epidemic prevention materials, departing for Belgrade, Serbia. 
Russian President Vladimir Putin speaks at his annual press conference in Moscow, Russia, Dec. 23, 2021. (Xinhua/Evgeny Sinitsyn)

MOSCOW, Dec. 23 (Xinhua) -- Russia and China trust each other and their cooperation is a stabilizing factor in the international arena, Russian President Vladimir Putin said Thursday during his annual press conference.

Russia and China have formed "an absolutely comprehensive partnership of a strategic nature, which has no precedent in history," Putin said when answering a question raised by Xinhua.

He noted that the two countries are cooperating in the fields of economy and trade, energy, high technologies and defense.

"This intense daily work benefits both the Chinese and Russian people, and is a serious stabilizing factor in the international arena," Putin said. Enditem
Medical workers work at a hospital in Barcelona, Spain, Dec. 22, 2021. Spain's Ministry of Health reported some 60,000 new cases on Wednesday. (Photo by Francisco Avia/Xinhua)

MADRID, Dec. 22 (Xinhua) -- Spain is to impose the mandatory wearing of face masks outdoors and step up booster COVID-19 vaccination, the country's Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez announced on Wednesday.

The measures were announced following a virtual meeting with Spain's regional leaders.

"One measure with very broad consensus among all the regional presidents ... is the mandatory use of face masks outdoors," Sanchez told the press after the meeting.

He also announced that his executive will use members of the armed forces to aid regional contact tracing and vaccination teams, and military hospitals will be made available if required.

All of Spain's regions, except Asturias, Extremadura, Castilla-La Mancha, Castilla y Leon and Madrid, have called for the COVID-19 passport to be required to enter restaurants, bars, nightlife venues, and for visits to hospitals and care homes.

The country's Ministry of Health reported some 60,000 new cases on Wednesday. Enditem

A medical worker works at a hospital in Barcelona, Spain, Dec. 22, 2021. Spain's Ministry of Health reported some 60,000 new cases on Wednesday. (Photo by Francisco Avia/Xinhua)

Medical workers work at a hospital in Barcelona, Spain, Dec. 22, 2021. Spain's Ministry of Health reported some 60,000 new cases on Wednesday. (Photo by Francisco Avia/Xinhua)

Medical workers write notes to communicate with each other at a hospital in Barcelona, Spain, Dec. 22, 2021. Spain's Ministry of Health reported some 60,000 new cases on Wednesday. (Photo by Francisco Avia/Xinhua)
BAGHDAD, Dec. 23 (Xinhua) -- Italian Foreign Minister Luigi Di Maio paid an official visit to Iraq on Thursday, during which he discussed with Iraqi leaders bilateral relations and security issues, including how to combat terrorism in the war-torn country after the withdrawal of the coalition forces led by the United States.

When meeting with Iraqi President Barham Salih, the two sides discussed bilateral relations and emphasized Italy's role, within the international coalition and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) mission in Iraq, in supporting the Iraqi forces in combating terrorism, according to a statement from the media office of the presidency.

Salih stressed the importance of "supporting efforts to defuse crises in the (Middle East) region, and supporting dialogue tracks to resolve existing differences, ease tensions, and prevent escalation."

During Di Maio's meeting with Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi, the two sides discussed ways to enhance bilateral relations in the security field, according to a separate statement by al-Kadhimi's media office.

The two sides also discussed "the training of the Iraqi forces within the framework of NATO mission in Iraq, especially with the transition of the relationship with the international coalition to a non-combat role," the statement said.

The Italian foreign minister affirmed his country's support for the Iraqi government, praising its efforts to improve regional stability.

The Italian minister arrived here earlier in the day, and his visit came as the combat forces of the U.S.-led coalition are withdrawing from Iraq, and the task of the remaining foreign soldiers' mission shifting to giving advise, help, and empowerment to Iraqi security forces. Enditem
BEIJING, Dec. 23 (Xinhua) -- Chinese scientists have found a chemical that can help kill multidrug-resistant bacteria to protect humans from lethal superbugs.

The study, published Thursday in the journal Science Translational Medicine, talks about a crystalline amino acid called glutamine, which can increase the influx and efficacy of a variety of antibiotics against pathogenic Gram-negative bacteria.

Scientists from Sun Yat-sen University found that glutamine was repressed in uropathogenic E. coli which can resist multiple antibiotics.

However, a mouse model test showed that glutamine disarmed bacteria by making their membrane more permeable, thus stimulating the influx of antibiotics into the germ cells. Researchers found glutamine strengthened the killing ability of four types of commonly used antibiotics.

They also found that glutamine can facilitate the production of nucleosides which in turn reduce antibiotic resistance.

The World Health Organization declared antimicrobial resistance one of the top 10 global public health threats facing humanity.

The findings lend a clue to the development of effective approaches for preventing chronic, multidrug-resistant bacterial infections. Enditem
SANAA, Dec. 23 (Xinhua) -- Overnight airstrikes by the Saudi-led coalition hit a military camp and destroyed a bridge in Yemen's Houthi-held capital Sanaa, Houthi-run al-Masirah TV reported on Thursday.

The warplanes on Wednesday midnight launched three airstrikes on the Central Security Camp and another airstrike on a nearby bridge linking public roads, the television said.

The camp and nearby bridge are located in the al-Sabeen neighborhood in the southern part of Sanaa.

Explosions were heard in the camp and residents in the neighborhood said windows of their houses smashed. The residents also told Xinhua that the traffic movement stopped on four main roads after the destruction of the al-Sabeen bridge.

Meanwhile, the coalition said in a statement reported by the Saudi-owned Al-Arabiya TV that it targeted weapons depots in the camp.

"The airstrikes came in immediate response after the coalition forces intercepted and destroyed a bomb-laden drone launched by the Houthi militia towards the Saudi city of Jazan," said the coalition.

The reported coalition statement made no comment about the airstrike on the bridge alleged by the Houthi group.

The Iran-backed Houthi militia has recently intensified cross-border drone and missile attacks against Saudi cities. In February, the Yemeni rebel group began a major offensive against the coalition-backed Yemeni government army to capture the oil-rich province of Marib in central Yemen. Enditem
WASHINGTON, Dec. 23 (Xinhua) -- Former U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday appealed to the Supreme Court, asking it to stop the National Archives from transferring his White House records to the House select committee investigating the Jan. 6 Capitol riot.

Trump's lawyers filed an emergency petition with the Supreme Court, requesting that the justices conduct a full review of his case fighting the release of some 700 pages worth of records sought by the select committee.

While the Supreme Court justices are considering the legal and constitutional issues surrounding the case, the Trump team argued, the decision earlier this month by the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals to permit the transfer of the records should be put on hold.

"The D.C. Circuit's opinion endorsed the power of a congressional committee to broadly seek the records of a prior Presidential administration and, as long as the incumbent President agrees to waive executive privilege, gain unfettered access to confidential communications of that administration," read the petition. "This troubling ruling lacks any meaningful or objective limiting principle. In an increasingly partisan political climate, such records requests will become the norm regardless of what party is in power. Consequently, this Court's review is critical."

The D.C. Circuit's decision was made on Dec. 9, in which the three-judge panel unanimously rejected the arguments by the former president's lawyers that their client could assert executive privilege to prevent the current administration from sharing the Trump White House's documents with the House Select Committee to Investigate the January 6th Attack on the United States Capitol.

The court at the time of its ruling halted the transfer of the records for 14 days to allow Trump to ask the Supreme Court to intervene, and Thursday is the deadline for filing a petition.

"The disagreement between an incumbent President and his predecessor from a rival political party is both novel and highlights the importance of executive privilege and the ability of Presidents and their advisers to reliably make and receive full and frank advice, without concern that communications will be publicly released to meet a political objective," Trump's filing read.

Since suing the National Archives, which keeps the records at issue, and the select committee in October, the Trump team has been arguing that President Joe Biden's decision to waive Trump's executive privilege in the context of the case is unconstitutional.

They argued so again in the petition with the high court, saying "to the extent that the Presidential Records Act is construed to give the incumbent President 'unfettered discretion to waive former Presidents' executive privilege,' it is unconstitutional ... There is nothing 'unfettered' about President Biden's calibrated judgement in this case."

A temporary stay of the D.C. Circuit's ruling could be granted unilaterally by the justice who receives the emergency application, which in this case is Chief Justice John Roberts, The Hill explained in its report. But in order for the Supreme Court to take up the case, it will require the approval of at least four of the justices, according to the outlet. Enditem
Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta (3rd L) inspects the 27.1-kilometer Nairobi Expressway which is being constructed by the China Road and Bridge Corporation in Nairobi, Kenya, Dec. 23, 2021. (Photo by Charles

Onyango/Xinhua)

Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta on Thursday hailed the Chinese-built Nairobi Expressway as a key infrastructure project. He affirmed the country's commitment to continue working with the Chinese government as it continues to be a key development partner.



NAIROBI, Dec. 23 (Xinhua) -- Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta on Thursday hailed the Chinese-built Nairobi Expressway as a key infrastructure project.

Kenyatta said that the highway is bound to reduce the traffic gridlock that people have experienced and that has added to the cost of doing business in the country.

"That is why infrastructure is key if ultimately we want to become an industrialized nation," Kenyatta said during an inspection tour of the 27.1-kilometer Nairobi Expressway which is being constructed by the China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC) under a public-private partnership.

Kenyatta added that the Nairobi Expressway will play a significant role in improving competitiveness and easing the cost of living in the East African nation.

He commended the Chinese contractor for a job well done and expressed confidence that the road will be ready for use by March next year.

"I want to thank the contractor because we started this project exactly almost to date one year ago when we laid the first box girder and today, almost to the date, three days earlier to one year, we are now laying the last," he added.

Photo taken on Dec. 7, 2021 shows a section of the 27.1-kilometer Nairobi Expressway which is being constructed by the China Road and Bridge Corporation in Nairobi, Kenya. (Xinhua)

Kenyatta noted that the expressway had created over 6,000 direct jobs, benefitted 200 sub-contractors and hundreds of other local suppliers of building materials such as steel, sand, cement and ballast.

"I want to take this opportunity to thank the Chinese government," Kenyatta said.

The Kenyan leader refuted claims that Kenya's relationship with China is not beneficial.

"A lot of people have told us that our relationship with China is not beneficial. For those who say that, I request them to come, let them see a project like this," Kenyatta said.

Kenyatta affirmed the country's commitment to continue working with the Chinese government as it continues to be a key development partner.

He observed that China has undertaken many projects and programs that have improved the lives of Kenyans.

"Our partnership with China is one that is mutually beneficial, that is based on win-win, and we are very grateful to the Chinese government and people for the support that they continue to render not only our country but to the rest of Africa," Kenyatta said. 
DAR ES SALAAM, Dec. 22 (Xinhua) -- Tanzanian health authorities on Wednesday warned over a surge in COVID-19 cases as the east African nation inched toward the festive season that attracts gatherings.

"People should continue observing precaution measures against COVID-19 as statistics show a surge in the pandemic," said Dorothy Gwajima, the Minister for Health, Community Development, Gender, Elderly and Children.

Gwajima was speaking at the launch of the second phase fast track and participatory COVID-19 vaccination campaign in the northern tourist city of Arusha that targets to inoculate between 80,000 and 100,000 people daily countrywide.

Gwajima said currently about 47 samples of suspected cases of COVID-19 were being tested daily in the country's national central health laboratories compared to 14 samples that were tested daily in the recent past.

"This shows that infections are on the increase," said the minister, adding that the infections of the pandemic were likely to rise during the festive season.

She said people were still complacent when it came to taking precaution measures against the virus, including washing hands with soap and running water, using sanitizers, wearing face masks and social distancing.

Abel Makubi, the permanent secretary in the Ministry of Health, said by Dec. 18, Tanzania received 4,421,540 various doses of COVID-19 vaccines and a total of 1.27 million people have been fully vaccinated, an equivalent of 2.21 percent of all Tanzanians.

Makubi said by Dec. 18, a total of 28,214 people tested positive for COVID-19 and 737 people died from the virus.

Tanzania intends to vaccinate at least 60 percent of its 60 million people. Enditem
NEW DELHI, Dec. 23 (Xinhua) -- At least two persons were killed and four others injured in a blast in India's northern state of Punjab on Thursday, said a state government official.

The blast took place inside a court complex in the state's Ludhiana district.

The explosive material was reportedly kept inside a bathroom. Following the blast, walls of the bathroom were damaged and window glasses shattered.

According to media reports, there was a lawyers' strike at the court, and hence only a few people were present in the premises when the blast took place.

Soon after the blast, a high alert was sounded across Punjab, and police were directed to tighten security at public places. Enditem
WASHINGTON, Dec. 23 (Xinhua) -- With COVID-19 cases surging in the United States, finding a test is a struggle right now in the country as Omicron and the Christmas holiday collide, the Cable News Network (CNN) reported Thursday.

The Omicron variant has become the dominant strain in the United States, leading to a slew of new measures to combat the spread, according to CNN.

In the meantime, "with millions traveling or planning to join large family gatherings," many Americans are in a rush to get tested, it said.

Long queues were seen in New York City, Boston and Miami, and in Delaware, a hospital has been running over its full capacity, "often reaching 110 percent to 115 percent," CNN quoted the ChristianaCare Hospital's president Sharon Kurfuerst as saying. Enditem
Zambia President Hakainde Hichilema addressing the U.S.- Zambia Business and Investment Forum hosted by the Corporate Council on Africa (CCA) in partnership with Prosper Africa.

press release

Washington, DC  On Tuesday, December 7, Corporate Council on Africa (CCA) hosted the U.S.- Zambia Business and Investment Forum in partnership with Prosper Africa. The forum served as a platform to explore and engage directly with the governments of Zambia and the United States, as well as the private sector on opportunities for partnership in key sectors. The event featured H.E. Hakainde Hichilema, President of Zambia as well as Minister of Finance, Situmbeko Musokotwane and Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry, Chipoka Mulenga.

Florie Liser, President and CEO of the Corporate Council on Africa, delivered welcome remarks, emphasizing the far-reaching agenda of democratic and economic reforms initiated by the new Zambian Government. She said, "the change in Zambia's political leadership promises to usher in a new phase in the U.S.-Zambia relationship that will facilitate increased trade, investment and commercial partnerships between the two nations and their private sectors".

In his opening remarks, President Hakainde Hichilema reaffirmed that Zambia is open for business. He addressed his administration's commitment to stabilizing the economy and building a long-standing relationship with the United States.

Albert Halwampa, Acting Director-General, Zambia Development Agency and Muchindu Kasangola, Chief of Investment at the Industrial Development Corporation presented live investment opportunities to over 200 attendees at the virtual forum. These opportunities cut across several of Zambia's priority sectors: agriculture, mining, renewable energy, ICT, and tourism.

On behalf of the U.S. Government representatives from across the whole-of-government Prosper Africa initiatives highlighted new activities to increase trade and investment, including to change the narrative about investing in Africa, de-risk markets, support the advancement of Zambia's business climate, and pursue maximum interagency collaboration to achieve our shared goals.

Participants from the United States Government included: Akunna Cook, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, U.S. Department of State; Camille Richardson, Deputy Assistant Secretary for the Office of Middle East and Africa Global Markets, U.S. Department of Commerce; Diana Njuguna, U.S. International Development Finance Corporation; Ervin Massinga, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for the Bureau of African Affairs, U.S. Department of State; Leslie Marbury, Acting Chief Operating Officer, Prosper Africa; Sheryl Stumbras, USAID Zambia; and Members of the U.S. Embassy Deal Team in Zambia.

To round out the forum, a panel led by key private sector business leaders, focused on highlighting investment and business growth opportunities in Zambia. The panel featured Dr. Mohamed El Sahili of Medland Health, Khululiwe Mabaso of Abbott and Bolanle Baruwa of Flutterwave. By hearing about others experiences and business goals, U.S. businesses and investors were able to learn firsthand about doing business in Zambia. Business leaders were also able to directly engage with both governments and address areas of support needed to grow their businesses in the country. The forum ended with closing remarks by Zambian Ambassador to the U.S., Lazarous Kapambwe.

The U.S.-Zambia Business and Investment Forum demonstrates how the Corporate Council on Africa is working hand in hand with the private sector, the U.S. government, African governments, and multilateral organizations to advance trade and investment through the Prosper Africa Build Together Campaign.
analysis

Kuala Lumpur  Support for the goal to keep global warming to 1.5C has won fresh political backing in 2021 - but it remains out of reach

Year marked by extreme weather disasters, from floods to fires

Leaders showed stronger backing for lowest global warming goal

Emissions-cutting pledges still not enough to meet 1.5C limit

Around the world, 2021 was a year shaped by weather extremes. Germany and China saw devastating floods, while parts of Europe and the United States were ravaged by wildfires. Drought in East Africa led to crop losses and hunger, from Kenya to Madagascar.

Worsening disasters - in many cases made more likely and severe by climate change - have at last pushed governments to grasp the importance of meeting an international goal to rein in global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius (2.7F), experts say.

In 2015, when the landmark Paris Agreement was struck, about 195 nations formally committed to limit warming to "well below" 2C (3.6F) above preindustrial times, while "pursuing efforts" for a more ambitious ceiling of 1.5C.

The potentially devastating effects of letting the Earth's climate heat up beyond that lower limit became more evident this year, according to government officials and climate scientists.

"(We) did witness a clear shift from other countries to support keeping 1.5C alive," said U.N. ambassador Aubrey Webson of Antigua and Barbuda, who chairs the Alliance of Small Island States, uniting 39 nations from the Pacific to the Caribbean.

Those island states have long led the push for the 1.5C goal to prevent further catastrophic losses, with many of them at risk of being swallowed up by rising seas as the planet warms.

The problem now is that while support for the 1.5C limit won fresh political backing in 2021, it remains out of reach.

Countries are still wrangling over how to get on track to meet the goal, with pledges to cut climate-heating emissions not yet on the scale or time-frame needed.

The planet has already heated up by 1.1C since the industrial revolution unleashed widespread use of fossil fuels.

Webson said the new high-level momentum behind 1.5C - as seen among leaders this year, from the G7 and G20 summits to the COP26 U.N. climate talks - must be matched by rapid action.

"Rhetoric and pledges without implementation are fool's gold for small islands," he told the Thomson Reuters Foundation.

EMISSIONS GAP

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has said man-made carbon dioxide emissions need to fall by about 45% by 2030 from 2010 levels, and reach "net zero" by mid-century to give the world a good chance of limiting warming to 1.5C and avoiding the worst impacts of climate change.

The good news is that 90% of the global economy is now covered by national net-zero emissions targets, up from 68% in 2020, according to the Net Zero Tracker compiled by a coalition of four research groups.

Frank Rijsberman, director-general of the Seoul-based Global Green Growth Institute, which works with governments to achieve a green transition, said the surge in net-zero pledges showed growing commitment to the 1.5C goal.

"We now have almost universal acceptance of the 1.5C target - that's a big step forward," he said.

A flurry of net-zero pledges were made before and at November's COP26 climate conference in Glasgow, Scotland, with host Britain claiming success for keeping the 1.5C goal alive, even while admitting "its pulse is weak".

The two-week meeting ended with a pact that included a pledge to double funding to help vulnerable nations adapt to climate impacts, as well as commitments to "phase down" coal power and end "inefficient" fossil fuel subsidies.

U.N. environment chief Inger Andersen said COP26 "did not get as far as we had hoped" - but had kept 1.5C within reach. She called for climate ambition and action to be ramped up "urgently and meaningfully" to put the world on a safe path.

Efforts need to be redoubled because emissions-cutting pledges for 2030 made so far would still leave the world facing an average temperature rise of 2.4C, estimates Climate Action Tracker, a non-profit research group.

Jennifer Morgan, executive director of Greenpeace International, noted COP26 was meant to close the gap in emissions reductions needed to limit warming to 1.5C.

"While that didn't happen, it is now clear that 1.5C is the only temperature goal that is reasonable for society to aim for," she said.

At the same time, it is harder to achieve, as leaders did not step up "fully" at COP26, she added.

Climate policy expert Niklas Hohne of the Germany-based NewClimate Institute said that while more leaders had spoken out in favour of a 1.5C limit than 2C, the "discrepancy between the firmness and the reality of the 1.5C goal has widened in 2021".

Recognising this, the Glasgow summit agreed countries should come back with more ambitious plans to curb emissions next year.

'WAY OFF TRACK'

Differences over which countries should shoulder more responsibility to cut emissions faster and further - and how to pay for measures to do that, such as adopting clean energy - have complicated efforts to keep the 1.5C goal within reach.

The United States and China top the emissions chart - both historically and in terms of today's greenhouse gases - although on a per-person basis, China drops down the ranking.

Malaysian environmentalist Meena Raman, who has attended U.N. climate talks since 2007, said the main question had never been over opting for the 1.5C goal but rather how to ensure it is achieved in a fair way - something COP26 failed on again.

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"Net zero by 2050 is what we call 'The Great Escape'. We need to get to real zero (emissions) within this decade," said Raman, president of Friends of the Earth Malaysia.

The World Meteorological Organization warned in October that greenhouse gas concentrations hit a record last year and the world is "way off track" to cap rising temperatures.

In August, an IPCC report said average global temperatures would likely cross the 1.5C threshold within the next 20 years - bringing stronger droughts, heatwaves, floods and storms.

Former IPCC chair Robert Watson told the Thomson Reuters Foundation that goal is "now harder to reach than ever before".

"The rhetoric is consistent with 1.5C, but the pledges are not," said the British chemist, warning that the less ambitious global target of staying below 2C is also in doubt.

For example, since COP26, China and India have told their mining firms to boost coal production to plug energy shortages, while President Joe Biden asked U.S. oil and gas companies to raise production to ease high prices, Watson pointed out.

In addition, Britain's trail-blazing pledge to slash its emissions 78% by 2035 from 1990 levels is not supported by - or consistent with - current national policies, he noted.

"2021 can be summed up as the year of rhetoric not action," said Watson.
opinion

Madrid  A bit of fiction. Or maybe not. If things keep going the way they are, the result will be that such a massive flux would create instability and tensions, impact the global markets, cause record prices of fossil fuels, food and everything else, and the bankruptcy of big private financial corporations...

Already seven years ago, a former director general of the International Organization for Migration (IOM), William Lacy Swing, estimated that the number of climate migrants and refugees could reach one billion humans by the year 2050.

Such a scenario could well happen given the rapid growth of the ongoing climate emergency.

"Hazards resulting from the increasing intensity and frequency of extreme weather events, such as abnormally heavy rainfall, prolonged droughts, desertification, environmental degradation, or sea-level rise and cyclones are already causing an average of more than 20 million people to leave their homes and move to other areas in their countries each year."

What would Europe, the US and other rich countries do then? Shall their politicians -and the growing far-right- fuel once more the fear of the "invasion" of migrants and refugees, saying that they include criminals and terrorists, will occupy the homes of honoured citizens, take all their jobs away, rape their daughters and, consequently militarise their borders?

Shall they send them to third countries in exchange for some money, like what already happens with Turkey? Or shall they just force them back to their countries of origin, which they had to flee due to floods, storms, tsunamis and famine, provoked by a climate disaster they did not generate?

Climate change and disaster displacement

The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) says that climate change is the defining crisis of our time and disaster displacement is one of its most devastating consequences.

"Entire populations are already suffering the impacts, but vulnerable people living in some of the most fragile and conflict-affected countries are often disproportionately affected."

Refugees, internally displaced people and the stateless are on the frontlines of the climate emergency, it reports, adding that many are living in climate "hotspots", where they typically lack the resources to adapt to an increasingly hostile environment.

UNHCR urges all countries to combat the growing and disproportionate impacts of the climate emergency on the most vulnerable countries and communities -- in particular those displaced and their hosts.

1 Person Is Forcibly Displaced Every 2 Seconds due to conflict, persecution

These displacements are the result of conflict or persecution. At mid-2021, their number already reached 84 million. And there are 10 million stateless people, half of them under the age of 18.

Coincidentally, most of their countries of origin are also among the most hit by poverty and climate emergency.

Climate crisis is a human crisis

"The climate crisis is a human crisis. It is driving displacement and makes life harder for those already forced to flee."

The impacts of climate change are numerous and may both trigger displacement and worsen living conditions or hamper return for those who have already been displaced.

Limited natural resources, such as drinking water, are becoming even scarcer in many parts of the world that host refugees. Crops and livestock struggle to survive where conditions become too hot and dry, or too cold and wet, threatening livelihoods, UNHCR adds.

Climate change, a threat multiplier

In such conditions, climate change can act as a threat multiplier, exacerbating existing tensions and adding to the potential for conflicts.

"Hazards resulting from the increasing intensity and frequency of extreme weather events, such as abnormally heavy rainfall, prolonged droughts, desertification, environmental degradation, or sea-level rise and cyclones are already causing an average of more than 20 million people to leave their homes and move to other areas in their countries each year."

On this, the Global Compact on Refugees, affirmed by an overwhelming majority in the UN General Assembly in December 2018, directly addresses this growing concern. It recognises that "climate, environmental degradation and disasters increasingly interact with the drivers of refugee movements".

"We need to invest now in preparedness to mitigate future protection needs and prevent further climate caused displacement. Waiting for disaster to strike is not an option," says Filippo Grandi, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees.

Every second 1 person is displaced by disaster

More than five years ago, in july 2016, IPS reported that, in fact, "every second, one person is displaced by disaster," the Oslo-based Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) reported, adding that in 2015 only, more than 19.2 million people fled disasters in 113 countries.

"Disasters displace three to ten times more people than conflict and war worldwide." See: Climate Victims - Every Second, One Person Is Displaced by Disaster

"On average, 26 million people are displaced by disasters such as floods and storms every year. That's one person forced to flee every second."

Further on, IPS wrote: Imagine a world with as many as one billion people facing harsh climate change impacts resulting in devastating droughts and floods, extreme weather, destruction of natural resources, in particular lands, soils and water, and the consequence of severe livelihoods conditions, famine and starvation.

Although not yet based on definite scientific projections, the proven speed with which the process of climate change has been taking place, might lead to such a scenario by 2050. If so, 1 in 9 human beings would be on the move by then, it added.

"Currently, forecasts vary from 25 million to 1 billion environmental migrants by 2050, moving either within their countries or across borders, on a permanent or temporary basis, with 200 million being the most widely cited estimate, according to a 2015 study carried out by the Institute for Environment and Human Security of the United Nations University."

This figure equals the current estimate of international migrants worldwide."

For its part, the UN International Organization for Migration (IOM) forecasts 200 million environmental migrants by 2050, moving either within their countries or across borders, on a permanent or temporary basis. Many of them would be coastal populations.

In an interview to IPS, the former IOM Director General, William Lacy Swing, explained that political crises and natural disasters are the other major drivers of migration today.

"We have never had so many complex and protracted humanitarian emergencies now happening simultaneously from West Africa all the way to Asia, with very few spots in between which do not have some issue." See: Q&A: Crisis and Climate Change Driving Unprecedented Migration

Droughts, Desertification

Another warning comes from the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), which estimates that some 135 million people may be displaced by 2045 as a result of desertification.

Up to 12 million hectares of productive land become barren every year due to desertification and drought alone, which is a lost opportunity to produce 20 million tons of grain, adds the Bonn-based Convention secretariat.

Meanwhile, the increase in droughts and flash floods that are stronger, more frequent and widespread is destroying the land - the Earth's main freshwater store, according to UNCCD.

The killing drought

"Droughts kill more people than any other single weather-related catastrophe and conflicts among communities over water scarcity are gathering pace. Over 1 billion people today have no access to water, and demand will increase by 30 percent by 2030."

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Africa is particularly susceptible since more than 90 percent of its economy depends on a climate-sensitive natural resource base like rain-fed, subsistence agriculture.

"Unless we change the way we manage our land, in the next 30 years we may leave a billion or more vulnerable poor people with little choice but to fight or flee."

For its part, the Environmental Justice Foundation (EJF), reports that extreme weather events - from floods and storms, to heatwaves and drought - are already displacing an estimated 41 people each minute, and as temperatures continue to increase, climate extremes will worsen, sea levels will rise, and the world's most vulnerable will bear the brunt.

Hunger and the climate

The UN Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) reports that the world produces enough food to feed everyone, yet, about 800 million people suffer from hunger. That is one in nine people. 60 percent of them are women.

And that about 80 percent of the world's extreme poor live in rural areas. Most of them depend on agriculture.

"Hunger kills more people every year than malaria, tuberculosis and AIDS combined."

Most importantly: "No other sector is more sensitive to climate change than agriculture."

The above-cited causes of massive displacements just add to the fast-growing climate crisis, which will evidently greatly increase the number of migrants and refugees.

No matter if they will be one billion or 500 million or even 100 million. They are humans and victims of circumstances they have not created. What will rich countries do?

Follow @https://twitter.com/Baher_Kamal
opinion

One surprise from COP26 - the latest UN climate change conference in Glasgow - was an agreement between world leaders on a new set of rules for regulating carbon markets. This would allow countries to trade the right to emit greenhouse gases.

Carbon trading is part of how countries intend to meet their obligations for reducing emissions under the Paris Agreement. Unfortunately, the manner in which countries agreed these rules may hobble the Agreement in its goal of averting catastrophic warming.

Carbon markets were central to the design of the Paris Agreement's predecessor, the 1997 Kyoto Protocol, which created three different mechanisms for trading carbon. Developing countries had become accustomed to attracting investment via one called the "Clean Development Mechanism" (CDM) which allowed industrialised countries to invest in projects to reduce emissions in developing countries and count them against their own targets under the Kyoto Protocol. Many industrialised countries wanted to retain this sort of flexibility in how they met their own treaty obligations.

As a result, most governments were keen to keep carbon markets as part of the Paris Agreement. In Paris in 2015, the bare bones of mechanisms similar to those in the Kyoto Protocol were agreed, but without the details needed to put them into practice.

Why then did it take six years to agree the rules which would govern these markets? This was more than the four years it took countries to do the same in the Kyoto Protocol and, in effect, they were recreating the same mechanisms. The problems in reaching an agreement this time were three-fold, and they weren't satisfactorily resolved in Glasgow.

Going backwards from Kyoto

Various states, and many environmental campaign groups, suspect that carbon markets weaken the overall effort to reduce emissions. As climate change has accelerated over the past decade these concerns have become more acute. Why trade emissions if everyone is trying to get them to zero? There is considerable evidence that carbon offset projects - such as wind farms, which emissions trading can fund - have failed to deliver a reduction in overall emissions. A 2017 study led by the EU Commission found that 85% of projects funded by the CDM hadn't reduced emissions.

There are also fundamental design issues in the Paris Agreement that make setting up carbon markets under it much more difficult. The Kyoto Protocol expressed the obligations of industrialised states to reduce their emissions as targets. These could be translated into a fixed number of emissions allowances that provided carbon markets with a clear set of accounting rules and indicators of market demand.

No such set of rules exists in the Paris Agreement. Instead, all states submit their nationally determined contributions (NDCs) - national plans for reducing emissions. They may or may not have an emissions target and they vary in how they account for emissions or which sources of emissions they include in their plans.

How can a market function if there is no clear way of measuring what is being traded? And how should a country trading with another adjust its own NDC to avoid double-counting, when the design of each country's NDC varies so much?

And what should countries do with all the credits created in the Kyoto Protocol's system? Should they just be rolled over to be used in the new markets? Should they be simply abandoned? Or is there some way of allowing them in but controlling their use? A lot of CDM credits in particular remain, and they could flood the new markets and undermine the integrity of the NDCs.

A cop out

In the first week of COP26, it looked like these issues would continue to dog the negotiations. India supported unrestricted use of CDM credits in the new mechanism while the Solomon Islands (representing the Least Developed Countries group) opposed using them at all. In week two, these issues were either fudged or hastily agreed. The carbon traders were happy, as were the managers of the COP26 process - the UN secretariat and the UK government. We can now see the cost of failing to grapple with these thorny issues.

The Glasgow decisions on both Article 6.2 and 6.4 of the Paris Agreement are extraordinarily unclear compared with the equivalent ones for the Kyoto Protocol. Specialists in this field are still decoding precisely what they mean in practical terms. It's likely that states will be able to use this opacity to double-count and claim credit for the same emissions-reducing activities.

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Countries are supposed to set new NDCs regularly. At the same time, countries will be negotiating individual emission trades. The possibility for a country to game its NDC - making it appear more ambitious than it really is by counting already agreed trades within them - is impossible to avoid. It's hard to see how this doesn't fundamentally weaken the ambition of countries when updating their NDCs.

Monitoring how these mechanisms work in practice and whether they have the desired effect will be important over the coming years. While heralded at the time as a breakthrough in implementing significant tracts of the Paris Agreement, the Glasgow pact on carbon markets might instead be remembered as its undoing.

Matthew Paterson, Professor of International Politics, University of Manchester

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
A pallet of Johnson & Johnson Covid-19 vaccine donated by the United States via Covax, a worldwide initiative aimed at equitable access to Covid-19 vaccines directed by the GAVI vaccine alliance, the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations, and the World Health Organization. (file photo).

opinion

New York  We are about to start a third year of living with COVID-19. The world's humanity and solidarity are now at its further test - and yet the implications of the absence of solidarity keep us all in the boat of mutations, lockdowns, quarantines and delayed SDGs - denied prosperity for all. 2021 has unearthed a new expression of global inequity: "vaccine nationalism" - which itself competes high with socioeconomic downturns, jobless growth, the climate crisis, and rising poverty.

As the pandemic ravages on, with Omicron on the scene, the futility of hoarding takes centre stage as even the heavy supply of boosters in advanced economies has not shielded them from the vicious cycle of pandemic-living.

While about 60 per cent of the population in the US and 76 per cent in Canada are fully vaccinated, in Africa - a continent that is home to 1.3 billion people - the number barely reaches 8 per cent.

Many have argued that vaccines' short shelf life, hesitancy and logistic challenges weigh in. Granted. But the main issue remains the absence of global solidarity - where the rich hoard, and the weaker economies deal with vaccine famine - awaiting their turn...

Vaccine Inequality is also manifest in vaccine affordability. For high income countries to vaccinate 70 per cent of their population it will take raising their health care spending by 0.8 per cent. Lower income countries must increase health care spending by over 50 per cent, on average - to do the same.

Vaccines delayed is development denied. Estimates show that vaccine delays cost Africa up to $14 billion in lost productivity each month and making recovery more challenging - and dragging out the first-in-a-generation recession the continent is facing.

African governments have responded quickly to contain the spread of the virus - but success is overshadowed by the pandemic's socioeconomic consequences. In 2019, Africa was witnessing record growth numbers in various sectors - like tourism, where Africa had the second-fastest growing tourism sector in the world, contributing 8.5 per cent of the continent's GDP.

However, with the pandemic, tourism has come to a standstill, and the continent recorded a 2.1 per cent decline in economic growth in 2020. Other accompanying challenges have included general exchange rates depreciations, food insecurity and increased job losses.

Vaccine delays will cost Sub-Saharan Africa 3 per cent of the region's forecast GDP in 2022-25. UNDP research reveals that recovery rates are strongly correlated to capacity to vaccinate - with a $7.93 billion increase in global GDP for every million people vaccinated.

Low-income countries that are severely impacted by the pandemic do not have the fiscal and financial leeway available to wealthy countries. They risk enduring the pandemic longer if they do not gain early access to COVID-19 vaccines.

This places an inordinate burden on national budgets at a time when the pandemic has decimated fiscal revenues and when higher spending is needed from governments to protect their people and cushion the socioeconomic shock caused by the pandemic.

There is a risk of seeing African countries' budget deficit widen and it is urgent for us to support countries in developing alternative financing sources. Vaccine famine is putting millions at risk of infection, constraining economic productivity and jeopardizing socioeconomic progress.

The key question today is: Can the world afford such blatant inequality in the face of a pandemic that is sparing no region?

The path to recovery will remain long and uncertain unless we take urgent measures to overhaul the current system of vaccine production, distribution, and financing. Below are some ideas on how to get there fast - building on a consensus emerged from the recently concluded African Economic Conference in Sal, Cabo Verde.

Development financing in Africa requires an out - of - the - box architecture. Africa will need an additional $425 billion in external funding between now and 2025 to fully recover from the pandemic. It is daunting, but not impossible. It is equivalent to the amount African countries lose to illicit financial flows over a five-year period. Economic governance and creativity can be applied: by, for instance, re-directing investments by pension funds, sovereign wealth funds, and similar institutions.

Africa will need an additional $425 billion in external funding between now and 2025 to fully recover from the pandemic. It is daunting, but not impossible. It is equivalent to the amount African countries lose to illicit financial flows over a five-year period. Economic governance and creativity can be applied: by, for instance, re-directing investments by pension funds, sovereign wealth funds, and similar institutions. Leveraging the continent's natural resources is urgent. Africa's financial presence in the international system does not reflect its real wealth. Better management and use of extractive industries is critical. Resources like energy, oil, natural gas, coal, and uranium are worth between US$13-14.5 trillion and US$1.7 trillion of potential wealth. Further resources can be harnessed from production in six key sectors: agriculture, water, fisheries, forestry, tourism and human capital. Mobilization of these resources requires governments seriously addressing deficiencies in banking and governance systems to stem illicit financial flows out of the continent. Central banks have a key role to play in unlocking idle resources and channeling them into productive investments. Over $1 trillion of excess reserves could be used to finance Africa's development.

Africa's financial presence in the international system does not reflect its real wealth. Better management and use of extractive industries is critical. Resources like energy, oil, natural gas, coal, and uranium are worth between US$13-14.5 trillion and US$1.7 trillion of potential wealth. Further resources can be harnessed from production in six key sectors: agriculture, water, fisheries, forestry, tourism and human capital. Mobilization of these resources requires governments seriously addressing deficiencies in banking and governance systems to stem illicit financial flows out of the continent. Central banks have a key role to play in unlocking idle resources and channeling them into productive investments. Over $1 trillion of excess reserves could be used to finance Africa's development. International finance systems could be reviewed to become more equitable. Concessional financing should consider countries' multidimensional vulnerabilities beyond what is reflected in their income levels. The allocation of a record amount of $650 billion SDR issued by the IMF to its country members in August 2021 is a step in the right direction. But more can be done to better support countries that need financing the most. Africa only received $21 billion of SDRs from the total envelope. Such international mechanisms could be reviewed to redress current inequalities.

Concessional financing should consider countries' multidimensional vulnerabilities beyond what is reflected in their income levels. The allocation of a record amount of $650 billion SDR issued by the IMF to its country members in August 2021 is a step in the right direction. But more can be done to better support countries that need financing the most. Africa only received $21 billion of SDRs from the total envelope. Such international mechanisms could be reviewed to redress current inequalities. Reforming Africa's financial system. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the critical role that financial systems have to play in supporting Africa's development. Improvements in the quality, quantity and efficiency of financial systems are crucial for Africa's sustainable development. More effective financial systems across the continent can promote resource mobilization and better allocation of savings to productive investments by shifting incentives for the banking system toward the core functions and advancing financial inclusion for individuals and microenterprises.

The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the critical role that financial systems have to play in supporting Africa's development. Improvements in the quality, quantity and efficiency of financial systems are crucial for Africa's sustainable development. More effective financial systems across the continent can promote resource mobilization and better allocation of savings to productive investments by shifting incentives for the banking system toward the core functions and advancing financial inclusion for individuals and microenterprises. Digital innovations are a game changer for Africa's development financing. Financial systems that harness digital technologies and free and fair competition will be fundamental in revitalizing African economies. The pandemic has proven that digital technologies present enormous opportunities for Africa. They stimulate innovation, economic growth, and job creation in critical economic sectors by allowing better interconnection of African markets with the rest of the world. They can also increase market access and financing for the marginalized population usually excluded by the formal financial systems. However, digitization also has the potential to exacerbate inequalities and we must ensure that the means are sufficiently inclusive for no one to be left behind.

Financial systems that harness digital technologies and free and fair competition will be fundamental in revitalizing African economies. The pandemic has proven that digital technologies present enormous opportunities for Africa. They stimulate innovation, economic growth, and job creation in critical economic sectors by allowing better interconnection of African markets with the rest of the world. They can also increase market access and financing for the marginalized population usually excluded by the formal financial systems. However, digitization also has the potential to exacerbate inequalities and we must ensure that the means are sufficiently inclusive for no one to be left behind. Sustainable financing will be key. African financial institutions have a role to play in enabling Africa to transform its natural resources advantages, by leveraging blue-carbon markets, and green financing mechanisms. Climate risk-sensitive investment, de-risking, impact investment, environmentally sustainable projects, sustainable energy investment are among critical issues for sustainable financing development. Thus, the financial sector has a key role to play in re-orienting investments towards more sustainable technologies and businesses and fostering low-carbon, climate-resilient, and circular economies.

African financial institutions have a role to play in enabling Africa to transform its natural resources advantages, by leveraging blue-carbon markets, and green financing mechanisms. Climate risk-sensitive investment, de-risking, impact investment, environmentally sustainable projects, sustainable energy investment are among critical issues for sustainable financing development. Thus, the financial sector has a key role to play in re-orienting investments towards more sustainable technologies and businesses and fostering low-carbon, climate-resilient, and circular economies. Boosting intra-African trade is a gateway to recovery. The transformative power of the AfCFTA must be brought to bear in servicing the needs of 1.3 billion people. If effectively implemented, the AfCFTA will accelerate the continent's path towards structural economic transformation through value - addition - based industrialization of both goods and services. Investment in trade facilitation reforms and using Regulations as a Stimulus will bring even greater dividends, saving governments money in efficiencies while placing billions directly in the hands of intra-African women and youth - led exporting enterprises.

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2022 must be a year where collective global action prioritize vaccine equity and ensure a shot for all. Omicron has reminded us that there is just no other way to build forward better.

Ahunna Eziakonwa is UN Assistant-Secretary General, UNDP Assistant Administrator and Director, Regional Bureau for Africa.
Graffiti on a wall in Benghazi, Libya, calls for elections and democracy (file photo).

A parliamentary committee has said holding the vote would be "impossible." The country's election board has now suggested January 24 as an alternative.

Libya's presidential election, scheduled to take place on December 24, has now been called off.

Lawmakers on the committee overseeing the vote concluded on Wednesday that holding it on time would be "impossible."

"After consulting the technical, judicial, and security reports, we inform you of the impossibility of holding the elections," lawmaker Al Hadi al-Sagheer wrote to Parliament Speaker Aguila Saleh.

The High National Electoral Commission (HNEC) has suggested postponing the first round of voting to January 24, according to a statement on its Facebook page.

Why was the Libya vote postponed?

The Commission disbanded electoral committees late on Tuesday and handed responsibility for the vote over to the parliament.

It never released a final list of candidates, with many of them highly contested.

In total, close to 100 people had been running for office in the deeply divided and war-torn country.

Other obstacles include disputes over the laws governing the election, infighting among armed groups, a long-running rift between the country's east and west and the presence of thousands of foreign fighters.

What this means for the UN peace process

Friday's election was to mark a fresh start for Libya a year after a landmark cease-fire.

The cancellation of the presidential poll is a major setback to the peace process aimed at ending a decade of chaos in the wake of a 2011 revolt that removed late dictator Moammar Gadhafi.

Many Libyans had registered for the vote, and some lawmakers have called for protests after it was called off.

The status of the interim government that was installed in March as part of the UN peace process is also at risk.

The US ambassador to Libya, Richard Norland, said the delay was a disappointment.

He urged the parties to "expeditiously address all legal and political obstacles to hold elections, including finalizing the list of presidential candidates." Norland said arrangements for the elections should be a priority.

(AFP, AP, Reuters)
Nairobi, Kenya  Kenya's Ministry of Health has announced it will enforce a rule requiring people to be vaccinated against COIVD-19 to access public services, places, and events. The ministry is going ahead with the mandate despite a court order that postponed it pending a hearing next month.

A new report from Kenya's health ministry shows that nearly 30% of Kenyans checked for the coronavirus have tested positive.

The World Health Organization says a country must have a positivity rate below 5% to be considered safe.

The Kenyan government has announced stricter measures to contain further spread of the virus.

At a press briefing Wednesday, health chief administration secretary Mercy Mwangangi announced that one will have to show proof of vaccination to enter public spaces such as buses, grocery stores, restaurants and game reserves.

"These measures are here to protect you and me. Right now, the Ministry of Health, in putting down these directives through NERC, is invoking the Public Health Act," Mwangangi said.

NERC is Kenya's National Emergency Response Committee.

Last week, the Kenyan high court suspended a state order that said the vaccine mandate would begin December 21. A hearing on the case is scheduled for January 14.

Martin Oloo, a Kenyan lawyer and legal expert, says with Wednesday's announcement, the government is defying the court order.

"This is going to be yet another standoff between the government and courts in terms of obedience or disobedience of court orders and this not something that the government of Kenya is strange to. It has been accused before of violating court orders. There is [a] cat and mouse chase between government and the courts whether government agrees with courts or not [or] whether the courts agree with government or not. We have seen courts striking down at government programs every so often," Oloo said.

The state further directs that exemption for vaccination can be issued only by licensed medical providers.

Health authorities had given Kenyans up to December 21 to get vaccinated and obtain a COVID-19 certificate so they can enter government facilities.
Nairobi  The Communications Authority (CA) has commenced regulatory actions against some broadcasters and applicants of broadcasting service licences for failure to comply with the requirements.

Capital FM, NRG Radio, One FM, Mbaitu FM are among 80 radio frequencies that have been given notice of cancellation of licenses by the Communications Authority of Kenya.

In a notice dated December 22, CA Director-General Ezra Chiloba noted that the decision was arrived at after the broadcasters failed to comply with respective license offers within the offer period as prescribed by the Authority and in accordance with the Kenya Information and Communications Act, 1998.

The Act provides that a transition period for broadcasting permits granted by the Government to the licensing regime administered by the Authority.

The Authority further said that failure to comply with licensing requirements as notified in writing to each broadcaster and applicants listed in the notice within 30 days will imply that the affected party is no longer interested in providing the said broadcasting services.

"... and as such, the Authority shall proceed to revoke the assigned FM frequency(s) and shut down the associated broadcasting services without further reference to the broadcaster or the applicant," the notice read.

CA is the regulatory authority for the ICT industry with responsibilities in telecommunications, cybersecurity, e-commerce, broadcasting and postal/courier services.

The Authority is also responsible for managing the country's numbering and frequency spectrum resources.
Nairobi  Two herders from Isiolo are nursing serious injuries after they were shot by suspected bandits while asleep.

The two were resting in a makeshift cattle shed when bandits stormed early on Wednesday.

National Police Service Deputy Director of Corporate Communications Lemmy Njiru told Capital FM that a patrol team had since been dispatched to establish exactly what transpired.

"Today at around 0100hrs at Mado Salesa area in Urura sub-location within Yamicha location suspected armed Degodia militia attacked people who were sleeping in a makeshift cattle boma and fatally shot two people namely Ali Raro Bakasa and Abdi Hassan Talo all Borana male adults. The two herders were looking after their livestock. The area is approximately 60 kilometers north of the station and its between Urura and Matasaden area," Njiru said.

He however pointed out that the Salesa area where the incident happened is far and with the heavy rains being witnessed across the country, accessibility may be difficult.

This comes few days after at least 12 people were killed and three others injured following two separate bandit attacks in Marsabit County on Saturday.

The casualties included an unspecified number of civilians who were in pursuit of their cattle, goats and sheep.

While confirming the incident, Marsabit County Police Commander Robinson Mboloi said that in the first attack, armed attackers raided a manyatta (homestead) in Jaldesa area at around 5:00 am and made away with 1,000 heads of cattle and 300 goats and sheep.

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Mboloi stated that police immediately responded and pursued the attackers who escaped and left the stolen animals following a gun battle with the security agencies.

"We received reports that eight people succumbed to gunshot wounds and three injured during the fire exchange. All the livestock that had been stolen were recovered," he said.

In the second incident, Mboloi said that another group of bandits attacked another manyatta in Kubi Qallo and stole 800 heads of cattle and 1,500 goats and sheep.

"In the shootout, four other people lost their lives, when police got the information they went to the area and with the help of Wananchi (citizens) recovered the stolen animals," he added.

The Marsabit county security boss said that they had launched a manhunt for all those involved in the attacks.
TANZANIA Communications Regulatory Authority (TCRA) has fined Wasafi Media Group 2m/- for airing misleading and offensive content against Christian Religion contrary to the Electronic and Postal Communi- cations (Online Contents) Regulations, 2020.

The Regulator also issued a stern warning against Wasafi Media outlets apologise apologise for three consecutive days to anyone who was affected by content; "Hata Yesu Aliwafuata Wenye Pesa, Msituite Matapeli," which can be literally translated in English as "Even Jesus followed the rich, don't call us conmen.

"Reading the verdict in Dar es Salaam yesterday, Authority's Content Committee chairperson Hans Gunze said Wasafi's host Jordan Mwasha alias 'Mchaga OG' conducted an exclusive interview with 'Prophet' Daniel Shillah, who claimed that Jesus was the 'first conman' who "de- structed people's business and was after money."

By airing the content, the chairman said, the channel infringed Sections 19 (a), 12(a) and 16(1) hence the Regulator fined the media and required it to apologize every four hours for three consecutive days.

Section 9(a) of the Regulations require licensees to comply with all the terms and conditions of the licence by ensuring that "that online content is safe, secure and does not contravene the provi- sions of any written law."

Mr Gunze also said the channel infringed Section 12(a) which requires online news and current affairs licensees to adhere to journalism ethics, professionalism and local content requirements.

Reading the verdict in the presence of Wasafi Media Group representatives including the company's director of the content Spencer Lameck and committee members, the chairman said the channel published prohibited content contrary to Section 16(1) which states: "A person shall not publish any prohibited content."

However the Chairman ad- mitted that Wasafi apologized in both oral and written forms on the grounds that the content wasn't published intentionally and it was removed immediately after realizing that it was contrary to the regulations, though the regulator wasn't pleased by the apology.

On his part, Wasafi's con-tent director Mr Spencer Lameck promised "to work on the TCRA's directives."
Nairobi  Chaos and confusion rocked the commencement of the debate on the second reading of the Political Parties Amendment Bill 2021 as members engaged in a shouting match for the better part of the opening session on Wednesday.

The high voltage debate pitting Deputy President William Ruto's allies and those in President Uhuru Kenyatta and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga's camp started on the wrong footing with those opposed to the Bill protested the move to rush the amendments.

Tharaka MP George Murugara sparked fury after he alleged that the House Justice and Legal Affairs Committee (JLAC) which conducted public participation on the Bill failed to conclusively and satisfactorily conduct the exercise.

Murugara is also a member of the committee and a close ally of Deputy President.

"We did not schedule this meeting to discuss this Bill," he said as he also raised concerns on the unconstitutionality of some of the clauses contained in the Bill.

Dagoretti South MP John Kiarie aggravated the matter when he alleged that the Committee never adopted its report and led his colleagues in chanting demanding that minutes of the meeting be produced before the House.

"This is a House of records and there is no consideration of memos that came in and we cannot say that we have done conclusive public participation on the Bill," he said.

JLAC Committee Muturi Kigano however dismissed the allegations and revealed to the House that all procedural legal requirements were followed.

"We followed the procedure and the report was adopted by the committee members and in fact member Murugara sent his message of apologies but never registered any issues concerning the report," he said.

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House Deputy Speaker Moses Cheboi who despite the shouting and the confusion stood his ground later ruled that the Committee had compiled and allowed the debate on the Bill to proceed.

House Majority Leader Amos Kimunya who is the sponsor of the Bill, while moving it, urged his colleagues to be sober and not politicize it for their own selfish political gains.

"Let us think that when we are legislating we are doing that for posterity and not for anyone but basically for the bigger good of the people of Kenya," he said.

House Minority Leader John Mbadi who also supported the Bill noted that it would streamline the division of the political parties fund noting that the Bill offers clarity on how the matter should be handled.

"This members who are shouting lack intellectual capacity and if they have the numbers that they claim to have they should make their arguments soberly," he said.

Kandara MP Alice Wahome who is opposed to the Bill noted that it was ill timed and accused the state machinery of using high-handed tactics to have it passed.

"It is a shame that when people are dying in the country we have been summoned today to discuss about the formation of coalitions in the country," she said.








During a press conference from Juan Pablo II Maternal and Child Center in Lima's Villa El Salvador district, the deputy minister reminded citizens of the importance of getting vaccinated against COVID-19 especially after confirming the presence of 47 Omicron variant cases in Peru.





"For the Ministry of Health, it is very important to reiterate the need to receive a third dose (...) because it will better protect us against this disease in all its variants, including Omicron, hence the importance that we are all vaccinated," he pointed out.





Remarkable advance





The government official reiterated that by protecting ourselves through vaccination, we also protect our relatives and the nation.





"In this sense, I thank the Prime Minister for attending this event because her presence here grants greater relevance to the vaccination process , which is important to everyone. I thank health sector staff, who have proven their huge efforts by obtaining very good results," he said.





According to Tarazona, it is a fact that the country is advancing in this important process, highlighting the speed at which the protection gaps against COVID-19 have been closed especially when a few months ago not even 20% of the population had been immunized.





"() We have gone from an 18% coverage rate in August to 76% in the elapsed time. We must continue protecting ourselves as a guarantee of productive and comprehensive development in the country," he noted.





(END) KGR/LIT/MVB

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Immunization against coronavirus is moving forward significantly nationwide, highlighting the high influx of citizens in search of the third dose, which at this time exceeds the 4 million applied, Deputy Benefits-Health Insurance Minister Augusto Tarazona reported on Thursday.Publicado: 23/12/2021
#LaSaludEsTuDerecho ? | El #Minsa adelanto la aplicacion de la dosis de refuerzo para todas las personas que tengan mas de tres meses desde que recibieron la segunda dosis. pic.twitter.com/cOkGtvZ6nm
YEREVAN, DECEMBER 23, ARMENPRESS. The government of Armenia will allocate more than 128 million drams for the restoration, reinforcement works and excavations of historical-cultural structures in the provinces of Lori and Tavush.

The works will be carried out in the Lori Berd, the Russian Church (Amrakits), the Tavush fortress and elsewhere.

Prime Minister Pashinyan said at a Cabinet meeting that the government must pay special attention to the issues of preservation of historical-cultural legacy, highlighting the preservation of monuments of identity and history.
YEREVAN, DECEMBER 23, ARMENPRESS. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan announced at the Cabinet meeting that he has received the booster shot against COVID-19 and advised everyone to do the same.

He warned that the next wave is will inevitably hit someday, and that the vaccination rates must continue at high levels.

We dont have to wait until its too late to start acting. It is very important that during this calm phase we consistently continue the vaccinations, Pashinyan said.

In turn, health minister Anahit Avanesyan said that only around 500 people have received a booster shot in the country.

Speaking about the first and second dose statistics, she said: 1 million 591 thousand vaccinations were administered in total  920,650 of which are first dose recipients and 670,710 are second dose recipients.

She added that they havent detected the Omicron variant so far.

Avanesyan further noted that the coronavirus situation in Armenia is now stable, and if epidemiological safety guidelines will be maintained during the holidays the stability will be maintained.
YEREVAN, DECEMBER 23, ARMENPRESS. The government of Armenia provided 1,2 billion drams for the purchase of Pfizer vaccine against COVID-19.

During todays Cabinet meeting Minister of Healthcare Anahit Avanesyan said that there has been quite a long and checking process for acquiring the Pfizer vaccine.

All these processes have been completed. Today the government provided funds for the purchase of 200,000 doses of Pfizer vaccine. We also have promises for donation and expect that in addition to these 200,000 doses, we will get new batches as a donation, the minister said.
YEREVAN, DECEMBER 23, ARMENPRESS. Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan will hold a live online press conference on Facebook on December 24.

Dear compatriots, tomorrow, on December 24, at 20:00, I will answer questions from the media and NGOs live on Facebook, he said on Facebook, adding that the media outlets and NGOs can send their questions to [email protected] by 20:00 tonight.
YEREVAN, DECEMBER 23, ARMENPRESS. Secretary General of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) Stanislav Zas visited today the Armenian Genocide Memorial in Yerevan, accompanied by deputy foreign minister Armen Ghevondyan and Armenias Permanent Representative to the CSTO Viktor Biyagiov, the Armenian Genocide Museum-Institute reports.

Director of the Museum-Institute Harutyun Marutyan introduced the history of the creation of the Memorial to the guests.

The CSTO Secretary General laid a wreath at the Memorial and flowers at the Eternal Flame, by honoring the victims with a moment of silence.

CSTO Secretary General Stanislav Zas arrived in Armenia on a working visit.
YEREVAN, 23 DECEMBER, ARMENPRESS. The Central Bank of Armenia informs Armenpress that today, 23 December, USD exchange rate down by 0.92 drams to 478.22 drams. EUR exchange rate up by 0.74 drams to 541.35 drams. Russian Ruble exchange rate up by 0.03 drams to 6.52 drams. GBP exchange rate up by 4.37 drams to 640.86 drams.

The Central Bank has set the following prices for precious metals.

Gold price down by 67.66 drams to 27564.53 drams. Silver price down by 1.98 drams to 348.4 drams. Platinum price up by 125.98 drams to 14591 drams.
YEREVAN, DECEMBER 23, ARMENPRESS. No appointments of Diaspora Commissioners have been made in foreign countries so far, but there are already candidates, ARMENPRESS reports High Commissioner for Diaspora Affairs of Armenia Zareh Sianayan said in his annual press conference, referring to the recently adopted draft law on the establishment of the institution of Diaspora Affairs.

"We do not have commissioners appointed yet; we have candidates. At the moment we are in the planning stage of how to geographically divide the countries or territories in order to achieve our goal," Sinanyan said.

Referring to the goal, he noted that the commissioner's office is a small body, it is much smaller than a ministry, even if they ever reach the number of employees of the ministry - 90 or more, it will not be enough to cooperate with more than 7 million Diaspora fully, efficiently, on time, deeply.

That number cannot ensure the opportunities we can ensure if we have representatives on the ground. Therefore, by having a commissioner in the community, we can provide presence on the ground, a person who will be involved in the Armenia-Diaspora partnership, who will be an influential person, acceptable to the majority of the community. There will be people who are ready to work, support us, strengthen the Armenia-Diaspora ties, Sinanyan said.
The World Health Organization chief has warned that the rush in wealthy countries to roll out additional COVID-19 vaccine doses was deepening the inequity in access to jabs that is prolonging the pandemic.

December 23, 2021, 11:01 Blanket COVID boosters risk prolonging pandemic, WHO chief warns

STEPANAKERT, DECEMBER 23, ARTSAKHPRESS: WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus insisted on Wednesday that the priority must remain to get vaccines to vulnerable people everywhere rather than giving additional doses to the already vaccinated.

No country can boost its way out of the pandemic, he told reporters AlJazeera reports.

The UN health agency has long decried the glaring inequity in access to COVID-19 vaccines.

Allowing COVID-19 to spread unabated in some places dramatically increases the chance of new, more dangerous variants emerging, it argues.

Blanket booster programmes are likely to prolong the pandemic, rather than ending it, by diverting supply to countries that already have high levels of vaccination coverage, giving the virus more opportunity to spread and mutate, Tedros told reporters.
Novavax said it is working on developing an Omicron-specific vaccine and expects to begin manufacturing its doses in January

This file illustration picture shows vials with Covid-19 Vaccine stickers attached and syringes with the logo of US biotech company Novavax. (Photo: AFP)

New Delhi: Novavax Inc's COVID-19 vaccine is effective in generating an immune response against the Omicron variant, according to early data published on Wednesday, suggesting that the U.S. drugmaker's existing COVID-19 vaccine can help combat the new Omicron variant.

Novavax's two-dose, protein-based vaccine was authorized for use this week by European Union regulators and the World Health Organization. It has previously been approved by countries including Indonesia and the Philippines but not the United States.

Novavax said that receiving an additional booster dose of Novavax's vaccine further increased people's immune response to Omicron. The data was taken from Novavax's ongoing studies of its vaccine's effectiveness in adolescents and as a booster.

"We are encouraged that boosted responses against all variants were comparable to those associated with high vaccine efficacy in our Phase 3 clinical trials, said Gregory M. Glenn, Novavax's president of research and development.

Other COVID-19 vaccine manufacturers, including Pfizer Inc. and Moderna Inc., also increase immune responses to Omicron, early data from those companies has shown. Resistance in all cases is stronger in people who have received an additional booster dose.

Novavax is working on developing an Omicron-specific vaccine and said Wednesday it expects to begin manufacturing doses of the variant-specific shot in January.

The drugmaker will start shipping vaccines to the EU's 27 member states in January as part of its deal to supply up to 200 million doses.

The company will also begin shipments in early 2022 to COVAX, a vaccine distribution mechanism overseen by WHO that allocates COVID-19 shots to poorer countries. Novavax and its partner, Serum Institute of India, have agreed to send COVAX more than 1.1 billion doses of Novavax's vaccine.
By Matthias Inverardi

DUESSELDORF (Reuters) - Luxury British store chain Selfridges is being sold to a Thai retailer and an Austrian property company in a deal that a source close to the matter said was worth around 4 billion pounds ($5.37 billion).

Thailand's Central Group and Austrian real estate company Signa Group, which already jointly own major department stores across Europe, said on Thursday they had struck a deal for the chain best known for its Oxford Street store in London.

The Canadian wing of the billionaire Weston family bought Selfridges for nearly 600 million pounds in 2003.

Central Group, owned by the billionaire Chirathivat family, and Austrian investor Rene Benko's Signa together own department stores in Germany, Italy, Denmark and Switzerland.

Founded in 1908, the Selfridges Group employs 10,000 people and owns 25 stores worldwide, including in major cities in England, Ireland, the Netherlands and Canada.

Signa and Central will take over 18 of the 25 stores and hope to build a luxury hotel alongside the Oxford Street flagship, the source said, adding that seven department stores in Canada were not part of the package.

With Selfridges, they hope to build a luxury department store empire, complemented by an online business.

The source said they plan to increase sales to 8 billion euros ($9.1 billion) by 2024 - including more than 1 billion online - from around 5 billion now.

The conglomerate will be managed from a holding company in London, with the potential for an eventual stock exchange listing, although local management of the stores in other countries will remain, the source said.

Central opened its first department store in 1956, growing to become Thailand's largest mall owner with about 2,400 retail stores. It has an e-commerce joint venture with China's JD.com and stakes in Southeast Asia ride-hailer Grab Holdings.

Central has been present in Europe since 2011 when it bought the upmarket Italian department store chain La Rinascente SpA for 205 million euros. In 2013, it also acquired Illum, Denmarks oldest department store.

Story continues

In 2015, Central bought a majority stake in three luxury department stores in Germany from Signa. Central and Signa last year together bought Swiss luxury store Globus and other assets for more than 1 billion Swiss francs ($1.1 billion).

Central and Signa have also teamed up with Japanese retail giant Aeon Co to develop an e-commerce platform for one of the fastest growing online sports retail markets in the world.

Benko made a name for himself as a property investor. He bought the iconic Chrysler Building in New York City in partnership with property firm RFR Holding LLC for about $150 million in 2019.

(Reporting by Matthias Inverardi; Writing by Emma Thomasson; Editing by Hans Seidenstucker and Mark Potter)
Jacinda Ardern says her government won't deny health care or charge unvaccinated New Zealanders more for hospital stays, even as they dominate hospitalisations.

Debate is swirling in Australia around a NSW government proposal to bill unvaccinated Australians should they require hospital-level care if they catch COVID-19.

The practice has been tabled in city-state Singapore, but the New Zealand prime minister insists it's not on the government's agenda.

"We don't treat people who make health or lifestyle choices that mean they're more likely to end up in hospital, we don't treat them differently," Ms Ardern told AAP.

"We still want people to give the same level of treatment and care regardless of their personal beliefs."

By worldwide standards, the impact of COVID-19 remains low, and Omicron is yet to enter the community.

On Thursday, health authorities reported 56 community cases, less than one per cent of Australia's caseload.

Unvaccinated Kiwis are over-represented among the new cases, and a majority of those in NZ hospitals - currently numbering 48 - have not opted into the government's free Pfizer vaccination program.

The rollout has seen 95 per cent of New Zealanders aged 12 and over vaccinated with at least one dose, and 90 per cent with two.

Ms Ardern believes unvaccinated Kiwis aren't motivated by bad intentions.

"Some people are making decisions having either been targeted or in receipt of information that's just wrong," she said.

"For those who are really working hard on vaccines and encouraging vaccines, it's because we want people to be safe and the best thing we can do is get them vaccinated.

"For those who are strongly opposed to vaccines. It's because they think that's keeping people safe. So actually, what's motivating people was not often isn't ill-will.

"I hope with time we'll come through that. I hope with time people will see the benefit of vaccines, and they'll change their minds."

New Zealand has issued extensive vaccine mandates among a swathe of industries, including health, prisons, education and police workforces.
Like so many adventures in show business, it all began with a phone call.

It was early August 2009. My dear friend Joanne O'Connor is speaking a mile a minute: "You've got to call Patricia ... see if she is up to doing a few shows of 'A Christmas Memory' in November ... a cute little theater in my hometown of Auburn, New York ... think it could be great ... see if Patricia is game and call me ... gotta run ... love ya!"

Patricia is my very good friend Patricia Neal, the Academy Award-winning actress. "A Christmas Memory" is the classic short story by Truman Capote about his childhood spent in Alabama learning to bake fruitcakes and fly kites with an elderly distant cousin named Sook Faulk. I adapted the story as a readers' theater piece years ago for the Theatre Guild to star Patricia and myself when we were both part of Theatre At Sea, a program that presented theatrical evenings on board luxury cruise ships sailing to exotic ports around the world. I decided to wait until I had a bit more information before calling Patricia.

Phone tag. Messages left. Finally, I catch Joanne at home. She fills me in. While up in Skaneateles to attend a Judy Collins concert, Joanne was seated next to Angela Daddabbo who, with her husband, Carey Eidel, bought a building that used to be a department store in the heart of downtown Auburn and converted it into a sweet little theater. Joanne and Angela got to talking and suddenly, Joanne had a perfect idea for a holiday show. Angela is a huge fan of Patricia Neal and loves the Capote short story, and before Judy Collins sings "Send in the Clowns" they have a done deal. Now it is just up to me to convince Patricia. I ask what date we are talking about, and Joanne tells me the weekend right after Thanksgiving, Nov. 28 and 29.

I call Patricia out where she has spent her summers for the last 25 years, a grand 19th century house in Edgartown on Martha's Vineyard built by a whaling captain. I call and speak to her live-in housekeeper, Ruthie. "No ... Miss Neal is out ... her daughter and grandchildren are here for the next two weeks ... call her in the morning after 8 a.m. but not too much after ... by 10 a.m. all hell breaks loose."

When I call the next morning shortly after 8, Patricia is having her morning coffee. "Oh baby, I don't think I am available. ... You know I am a very busy woman ... my schedule book out here is all a mess. ... Call my secretary in New York and have her check my schedule. ... See what she says." I call the secretary in New York, and she checks the master calendar and she tells me that the weekend after Thanksgiving is free and clear, and she will put the Auburn performances into the schedule. I call Patricia in the vineyard to let her know and telephone Angela in Auburn to give her the green light.

All is smooth sailing into the fall. Patricia leaves the vineyard in early October and comes home to her East End Avenue apartment in New York City. I have arranged to have the painted backdrop created by Broadway scenic artists Herbert Senn and Helen Pond shipped directly to the theater. I have rented our costumes and put them on hold. When we get together to rehearse at her apartment, Patricia is in great spirits. We talk about our last performance in 2008 in the historic courthouse in Monroeville, Alabama, where the story takes place. Truman Capote's childhood friend, Harper Lee, attended that performance, making that a night that neither the audience nor Patricia and I will ever forget.

Three days later, disaster strikes. A frantic phone call from Patricia early in the morning. "Baby ... my foolish secretary forgot to put it into my schedule but I have to be at an event with my daughter that weekend and I cannot get out of it. ... Please call the theater and tell them I cannot be there. I am so sorry." I call Angela expecting her to be furious, but instead she tells me how lucky it is that they have not done their big announcement yet and she asks if Patricia and I might be available for the following weekend of Dec. 4 and 5. I call and, with Patricia and her secretary both on the line, we lock into that first weekend in December. I call Angela in Auburn and let her know that we are on.

Joanne has arranged for a car to drive from Auburn to pick us up and drive us on Thursday, Dec. 2. I have called Patricia to let her know when we will arrive and remind her to pack her warm winter clothes. She had informed me that her ex-husband, Roald Dahl, has a nephew who lives in upstate New York not too far from Auburn. After attending our final show with his wife, the nephew will drive the two of us to his house for a two-day visit. I am happy to hear this, as I know this will give Patricia incentive to be her absolute best for that final show.

The driver of the car is a man named Chris Molloy. He is not only driving us door to door, but he is also a talented harpist who will provide the musical underscoring for our play. Chris stays in the car double parked in front of Patricia's building while Joanne and I head up to help get Patricia and her luggage down to the car.

We ring the bell three times before Patricia opens the door. She had a mournful expression as she lets us in. "I've decided I'm not going." Joanne gives me a wide-eyed expression of panic. I have been down this road before, and I give Joanne a little nod to let her know I will take care of this.

"What are you worried about, Pat?" I ask.

"I don't know my lines."

Joanne jumps in. "It's a reading, Patricia. You will have your lines right in front of you."

"But we haven't rehearsed enough."

I laugh. "We have six hours in the car. We can rehearse all the way there."

Joanne jumps in again. "It is my hometown, Patricia, and everyone is so excited that you are coming."

Patricia stares out the window at the gray, dreary New York City December day.

"Besides," I say, "it will be so wonderful to be upstate in all that beautiful snow. Won't that put you in a Christmas spirit?"

"Snow?" Patricia says. "I do love fresh white snow."

"Then you are headed in the right direction," Joanne chimes in, "'cause Auburn does have loads of snow."

We are gathering up Patricia's bags and helping her on with her coat and even grabbing a sweet little primitive three-legged stool we use in our show. We are soon all snug in the car. Patricia is in the front seat with Chris driving, and Joanne and I are in the backseat.

Our drive up is pleasant. As we leave the city and head north, the sun comes out. Joanne begins telling Patricia that when she was in Catholic school in the 1960s, the nuns would have the students pray for Patricia Neal. At age 39, Patricia had a series of strokes that nearly ended her life. To make matters worse, Patricia was three months pregnant at the time of her strokes, and the whole world held its breath for six months until that baby was born, healthy and normal. Joanne said, "And now all these years later, I am in a car bringing Patricia Neal to Auburn. I guess those prayers really worked." Patricia laughed. "Maybe call those nuns and tell them I could use a few prayers for this weekend."

As we passed a turn off for Chittenango, Joanne announced that this was the birthplace of L. Frank Baum, who wrote "The Wizard Of Oz." As though on cue, across the sky a huge arc of a rainbow appeared. "That is a very good omen," Patricia announced. "We are going to have a wonderful time in Auburn."

We ate the delicious chicken salad sandwiches made by Joanne, and I suggested we perhaps should read through our scripts but by now, Patricia is having too much fun to rehearse. We sang Christmas carols and talked and laughed until we pulled into the driveway of the Inn At The Finger Lakes. We unloaded the car and headed to our rooms.

Joanne and I suggested to Patricia that she should just rest while we go to the theater, but now she was excited and insisted that she wanted to come along. We not only toured the theater and backstage, but Joanne also gave an elaborate description of where each department was in the old department store. "I bought my sister a turtle in this corner of the store where they sold pets." "I bought my first training bra right here at the ladies foundations counter." "Oh, I loved the candy counter right here where they would weigh out your order and then put your candy into a little white bag."

Our scenic drop was hung the next day. The old table and chair borrowed from an antique shop were perfect. Joanne surprised us by finding a wonderful scraggly Christmas tree and decorating it just as described in the Capote story. She sat for days with crayons and stacks of colored paper, making cats and fish and watermelons and silver angels made from saved-up sheets of Hershey bar tinfoil. Cotton was sprinkled on the branches and one rope of candy-colored light bulbs festooned the branches. On the top, just high enough so a boy could not steal it, was the silver star.

Chris Molloy's harp underscoring was magical and almost dreamlike. Patricia and I were accustomed to a celebrity introducing our show. Eli Wallach, Tammy Grimes and Cliff Robertson had all done this in the past. But no one could have done a better job than local celebrity Joanne O'Connor, who had been the one to make this magic happen.

Our shows were packed. Not a single ticket to be had, and waiting lists to be called if anyone canceled. Every audience stood and cheered at the end and many fans waited in the lobby for an autograph, to snap a picture or just to chat and share a story of their memories of Patricia on stage and in films and television programs.

The only disappointment was the snow. The clean and crisp weather was lovely, but I had promised Patricia snow. As we went to the theater for our final Sunday matinee, the sun was shining and there was not a cloud in the sky. It did not look like there was a chance of snow.

We did our show and met with the audience and went to gather our things from the dressing room. As I headed toward the front door to exit, I could not believe my eyes. Like glitter in a snow globe, the air was filled with shining snow crystals. As we left the theater, the tiny crystals were transforming into soft, feathery flakes. Patricia squeezed my hand and whispered, "Thank you for making all this happen." We turned and looked back at the theater as they were slowly turning out the lights. We climbed into the nephew's car and drove down snowy Genesee Street.

This would be our final performance of "A Christmas Memory." By the spring of 2010, Patricia would be diagnosed with lung cancer, and she passed away peacefully at her Martha's Vineyard home in August of 2010. I will always remember as she got into the car on that snowy night while looking back at the Auburn Public Theater, she recited her favorite line from the show: "As for me, I could leave the world with today in my eyes." That, for me, will always be my favorite Auburn Christmas memory.

Joel Vig is a writer, director and actor. Like almost all creative and performing artists in the last two years, he has been unable to work. If you know of a job, please contact him at joelvig52@yahoo.com.

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Environmental advocates are seeking help in efforts to slow the spread of an invasive pest that attacks hemlock trees.

The eastern hemlock tree is an important tree species in New York forests because they shade and cool streams and hold soil in place on slopes. The trees are threatened by the hemlock woolly adelgid, which causes a very high hemlock tree mortality rate and is well established in the region, including the Owasco Lake watershed.

The Owasco Watershed Lake Association said that insecticide treatments can help stop the spread of the insect and are hoping to hear from property owners willing to get involved.

OWLA said in a news release that a one-time opportunity is available to save at least the hemlocks critical to the water quality in streams and in Owasco Lake and are asking property owners who have ravines populated with hemlocks to call (315) 704-5510.

At the same time, volunteers are being sought to survey for HWA in the region either on their own in trails and parks, or by attending a training workshop to learn how to find a good scouting location.

The public is asked to survey for HWA on your time, by hiking on local trails, visiting local parks, or even walking their dog while looking for and reporting HWA presence or absence.

And those who want to learn from experts directly will have the opportunity to visit a natural area with experts who will teach how to identify HWA and find it.

Signing up for the survey can be done online and questions should be directed by email to gallo@hws.edu.

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For Bill Gabak, his pursuit of a medal he earned during his U.S. Navy service began with a news article.

Gabak, of Auburn, was reading a story about the USS Willard Keith, the Navy destroyer he served on as a helmsman. At the bottom of the article, it mentioned the crew received the Armed Services Expeditionary Medal for its efforts preventing the Soviet Union from delivering weapons to Cuba during what is now known as the Cuban Missile Crisis.

The problem? Gabak wasn't aware of the commendation.

"I said, 'Gee, I didn't get a medal!'" he recalled in a phone interview with The Citizen on Wednesday.

With the help of U.S. Rep. John Katko's office, the oversight was corrected. Katko presented Gabak the Armed Services Expeditionary Medal at a small ceremony held at the congressman's Syracuse office.

"It was my distinct honor to assist William Gabak in acquiring the medal he was rightfully due, and to present it to him in a ceremony this week," Katko said in a statement. "I have incredible admiration for the men and women who serve our country, and I will continue to do everything in my power to ensure they are recognized for their sacrifices."

Gabak joined the Navy in 1959 as a reservist and was later called up to active duty. On June 2, 1962, he was stationed in Norfolk, Virginia, when he was told his crew would be sent to Florida and to "load up with a lot of ammunition and food because we were going to be there for a while." They were ordered to intercept grain barges from the Soviet Union that were supplying Cuba with missiles and other supplies.

There was one incident Gabak remembers. The USS Willard Keith intercepted two Soviet barges and the captain directed the vessels to turn around or the destroyer would open fire. One of the barges changed its course, but another stopped. An ensign who spoke Russian, Gabak said, was sent to the barge. The captain also went to the barge and, according to Gabak, could see the "fins from the missiles sticking up through the compacted grain."

"He told them they weren't going to go any further," Gabak said. "They would have to turn around or they would be sunk."

He added, "That's the closest thing that we ever got to a frightening episode. Thankfully, they did turn around."

Other than that event, Gabak said he didn't hear any more about what would become known as the Cuban Missile Crisis. At the time, there was limited information shared about what was happening. For example, he didn't know that his ship was part of a large-scale effort to stop the Soviets from delivering missiles and other supplies to Cuba.

Over time, Gabak learned more about what happened. He found more details on the internet, which is how he discovered that the USS Willard Keith received a medal for its role in the Cuban Missile Crisis.

To get the medal, he gathered information and forwarded it to Katko's office last year. After a long wait, he was informed that his service aboard the destroyer was substantiated and that he would receive the medal.

Katko's office has assisted other veterans to obtain the medals they earned. Anyone interested in requesting copies of their medals should contact Katko's Syracuse district office at (315) 423-5657.

Online producer Robert Harding can be reached at (315) 282-2220 or robert.harding@lee.net. Follow him on Twitter @robertharding.

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A dog alerted their sleeping owner to a fire in the residence they were staying at in Aurelius early Wednesday morning.

The Aurelius Volunteer Fire Department said on its Facebook page that it and the Cayuga Fire Department were alerted to a house fire at 5863 Route 90 around 2 a.m. Fire Chief David Perkins told The Citizen that a male renting the property was woken up about the blaze by his dog. The tenant and the dog were not injured, and they secured a place to go.

The majority of the fire was extinguished in about 10 minutes, Perkins said, but a lot of time at the scene was spent trying to find spots where fire still could have been, such as the ceiling over the garage. The scene was cleared by around 5:37 a.m., he continued. The bulk of the damage at the home was in the "garage and the living room end of the house," Perkins said, though he noted there was smoke damage throughout the structure.

Perkins said he personally believed the home was not a complete loss, though he stressed that was his opinion.

"I can tell you based on my 30 years of experience that there's probably a very good chance that house can be repaired," he added.

The Aurelius department believes it was "very evident," Perkins said, that the blaze was caused by a wood-burning appliance that had been used earlier that evening and some kind of malfunction caused the fire.

Crews arrived at the scene to find a single-story home with heavy smoke coming from the roof, the Facebook post said. The department said a tanker box was activated because there were no fire hydrants in the area.

Cayuga County 911 dispatchers said there were no reports of people receiving medical transportation from the scene. Dispatchers said that along with departments from Aurelius and Cayuga, fire departments from Union Springs, Fleming, Montezuma, Throop, Owasco, Waterloo, Seneca Falls and AMR Ambulance helped with the response.

The Aurelius Fire Department thanked all of the mutual aid responders.

Route 90 was closed from Davis Point Road to Waynes Point until about 5 a.m., according to a state Department of Transportation alert.

Staff writer Kelly Rocheleau can be reached at (315) 282-2243 or kelly.rocheleau@lee.net. Follow him on Twitter @KellyRocheleau.

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NEW YORK  Former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo won't face criminal charges after a female state trooper said she felt completely violated by his unwanted touching at an event at Belmont Park in September 2019, a Long Island prosecutor said Thursday.

Acting Nassau County District Attorney Joyce Smith said in a statement that an investigation found the allegations against Cuomo credible, deeply troubling, but not criminal under New York law.

Smith opened the investigation after details of the encounter appeared in Attorney General Letitia James' August report on sexual harassment allegations against Cuomo. The report chronicled accusations from 11 women and led to Cuomo's resignation from office, though he has attacked the findings as biased and inaccurate.

Cuomo's spokesperson Rich Azzopardi didn't directly address Smith's decision in a statement released Thursday afternoon.

With each passing day, it becomes more and more clear that the attorney generals report was the intersection of gross prosecutorial misconduct and an abuse of government power for political purposes," Azzopardi said.

According to James' report, the trooper said Cuomo ran the palm of his left hand across her abdomen, to her belly button and then to her right hip, where she kept her gun, while she held a door open for him as he left an event at Belmont Park on Sept. 23, 2019.

Cuomo was at the state-owned racetrack, home to the last leg of horse racings Triple Crown, to break ground on a new arena for the NHL's New York Islanders. The arena, adjacent to the track's main grandstand and paddock, opened last month.

The trooper, a member of Cuomo's security detail, told James' investigators that Cuomo's conduct at the event made her feel completely violated because to me, like thats between my chest and my privates.

James' report said that although the trooper was upset by Cuomo's unwanted touching, she did not feel she could do anything about it.

Im a trooper, newly assigned to the travel team. Do I want to make waves? No, she said, according to the report. Ive heard horror stories about people getting kicked off the detail or transferred over like little things. ... I had no plans to report it.

The trooper told James investigators that what happened at Belmont Park was just one of many instances of Cuomos flirtatious and creepy behavior toward her.

One time, in an elevator, he traced his finger from her neck to her back, she said. Another time, he asked to kiss her in the driveway outside his Mount Kisco home, she said.

I remember just freezing, being  in the back of my head, Im like, oh, how do I say no politely? she told investigators.

The Nassau County investigation was limited to the encounter at Belmont Park, which is on the county's border with New York City. Authorities in other parts of the state have been looking into other allegations in James' report.

In October, the Albany County sheriff's office filed a misdemeanor groping complaint against Cuomo, but a week later the district attorney asked a judge for more time to evaluate the evidence.

The D.A. said that the sheriff's one-page criminal complaint, based on allegations from a woman who said Cuomo slid his hand up her blouse and grabbed her breast at the governor's mansion in late 2020, was potentially defective."

At the prosecutor's request, a court delayed Cuomo's scheduled arraignment until Jan. 7.

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A New York man pleaded guilty Wednesday to storming the U.S. Capitol with fellow members of the far-right Proud Boys, a milestone in the Justice Department's prosecution of extremists who joined the Jan. 6 insurrection.

Matthew Greene is the first Proud Boys member to publicly plead guilty to conspiring with other members to stop Congress from certifying the Electoral College vote. He will also cooperate with authorities under the terms of his plea agreement.

Greene was arrested in April after a grand jury indicted him in the same case as two other alleged Proud Boys, Dominic Pezzola and William Pepe. They have pleaded not guilty.

Greene traveled from Syracuse, NY, to Washington, D.C., with Pezzola and other Proud Boys on Jan. 5. Prosecutors allege Greene advanced past toppled police barricades and was at the front of a mob when police began using pepper spray and other crowd-control measures.. But prosecutors have said they don't have any evidence that Greene entered the Capitol building that day.

After the riot, (Greene) engaged in conversations (on) encrypted messaging platforms admitting to his role in the riot, encouraging others not to give up in a fight to take back their country, and comparing the situation as it existed in the weeks following January 6 to a fourth-generation war, prosecutors wrote in a June court filing.

More than three dozen people charged in the Capitol siege have been identified by federal authorities as Proud Boys leaders, members or associates, including at least 16 defendants charged with conspiracy. In a key case, four group leaders were charged in March with conspiring to impede Congress certification of President Joe Biden's electoral victory.

Greene is expected to face a maximum of just over four years in prison at a sentencing set for March, and pay a fine of $15,000 to $150,000, along with about $2,000 in restitution. He pleaded guilty to federal charges of conspiracy and obstruction of an official proceeding.

Other extremist group members have been charged with conspiring to carry out a coordinated attack on the Capitol, including more than 20 people linked to the anti-government Oath Keepers.

Graydon Young, 55, of Englewood, Florida, was the first defendant to plead guilty in the Justice Department's major conspiracy case against Oath Keepers members. At least four others linked to the Oath Keepers also have pleaded guilty to riot-related charges.

Proud Boys members describe themselves as a politically incorrect mens club for Western chauvinists. Its members frequently have engaged in street fights with antifascist activists at rallies and protests. Vice Media co-founder Gavin McInnes, who founded the Proud Boys in 2016, sued the Southern Poverty Law Center for labeling it as a hate group.

Police arrested the Proud Boys top leader, Enrique Tarrio, in Washington two days before the Capitol riot and charged him with vandalizing a Black Lives Matter banner at a historic Black church during a protest in December 2020. Tarrio, who is serving his jail sentence for that case in the District of Columbia, hasnt been charged in connection with the Capitol siege.

On the morning of Jan. 6, Proud Boys members met at the Washington Monument and marched to the Capitol before President Donald Trump finished addressing thousands of supporters near the White House.

Around two hours later, just before Congress convened a joint session to certify the election results, a group of Proud Boys followed a crowd of people who breached barriers at a pedestrian entrance to the Capitol grounds, according to one of the indictments. Several Proud Boys also entered the Capitol itself after the mob smashed windows and forced open doors, the indictment says.

Greene was wearing an earpiece connected to a handheld radio, according to prosecutors. They said the Proud Boys arranged for members to communicate using specific frequencies on Baofeng radios. The Chinese-made devices can be programmed for use on hundreds of frequencies, making them difficult for outsiders to eavesdrop.

In August, U.S. District Judge Timothy Kelly ordered Greene held in pretrial detention.

Prosecutors said in June that Greene, who served in the Army National Guard, was willing to put lessons learned in that military service to use against the U.S. They noted that Greene had a pistol and an unregistered AR-15 rifle in his home and that he had ordered over 2,000 rounds of ammunition and a gas mask after Jan. 6.

He encouraged an associate to read up on guerrilla warfare and to use the tactics used by the Taliban and to be prepared to do uncomfortable things, prosecutors wrote.

Defense attorney Michael Kasmarek said in June that Greene, then 34, was a partner in a multimillion-dollar digital graphic design company. Greene had a very limited association with the Proud Boys before Jan. 6 and didnt have a leadership role in the group, Kasmarek said.

Greene has concluded that his personal beliefs and ethics do not align with those of the Proud Boys, and he is anxious to publicly disavow his brief membership in this group, his lawyer wrote.

More than 700 people have been charged with federal crimes related to the riot. Over 150 of them have pleaded guilty, including at least two other defendants with Proud Boys ties.

Andrew Bennett, a Maryland man whom prosecutors described as a Proud Boys admirer but not a group member, pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor offense and was sentenced in October to three months of home detention.

Micajah Jackson, an Arizona man who also pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor, was photographed walking toward the Capitol on Jan. 6 with a group of Proud Boys. However, Jackson told the FBI that he isnt affiliated with the group and doesnt support its ideology.

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It isn't all about space, comfort, range and style when it comes to electric vehicles. At times, it is about sheer practicality in a world fast embracing clean mobility options. And in the move towards zero emission mobility, Toyota C+pod is looking at finding more takers within the confines of city limit.

Similar Cars

First introduced in December of 2020 for corporate and municipal customers in Japan, the Toyota C+pod will now also be available for individual buyers in the country. Toyota has informed that the C+pod will be offered via lease contract across Japan.

What is Toyota C+pod?

A two-seater mobility option that is even smaller than a mini vehicle, the C+pod is entirely powered by battery. Available in multiple dual and three-tone colour options, the C+pod gets power from a 9.06 kWh lithium ion battery and has a cruising range of around 150 kms under ideal conditions. The max speed is at 60 kmph.

What makes the C+pod especially practical in cities is its ultra compact dimensions. It is 2,490 mm in length, has a width of 1,290 mm and is 1,550 mm tall. For comparison purposes alone, the Tata Nano was 3,164 mm long, had a width of 1,750 mm and was 1,652 mm tall.

The C+pod also has a turning radius of just 3.9 meteres which means easing the EV in and out of tricky situations should be a breeze.

In terms of styling, the Toyota C+pod comes with LED head lights and LED tail lights. The charging inlet is located between the head lights and the exterior panels are made of plastic in order to reduce overall weight of the EV.

Cabin of Toyota C+pod

The C+pod has an internal cabin width of 1,100 mm and Toyota claims that there is enough space for a driver and one passenger to sit comfortably next to each other.

A look at the cabin of Toyota C+pod.

The dashboard has a contrasting white and black colour theme with the main driver display located in the middle. A vertical stack just under it hoises the control switches for air conditioning.

Safety highlights of Toyota C+pod

Toyota says that the C+pod uses a structure that efficiently disperses and absorbs impact energy across multiple components, and ensures safety in the event of frontal, side or rear impacts. A pre-collision Safety System is included as standard to detect other vehicles.

Toyota C+pod charging time

Toyota claims that the C+pod can be charged to full in around five hours when using a 200V/16A outlet while this goes up to around 16 hours if using 200V/6A outlet.
Shanghai (Gasgoo)- Chines battery manufacturer CALB (China Lithium Battery Technology Co., Ltd.) and German construction engineering company Drees & Sommer signed a strategic cooperation agreement earlier this week for a battery manufacturing project, according to a post on CALBs WeChat account.

CALB, Drees & Sommer signing agreement; photo credit: CALB



Under the agreement, CALB will build in Europe a power battery manufacturing base with an annual capacity of over 20GWh.

Drees & Sommer is a Germany-headquartered global consulting company engaging in the building and real estate. It key services contain development and process consulting, infrastructure consulting, project management and engineering as well as real estate consulting.

Since beginning overseas offensive in 2012, CALB has developed many partnerships with firms and authorities in countries like Germany, UK, Japan, and India.

CALB said its products have been certified by a number of organizations like IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission) and JET (Japan Electrical Safety & Environment Technology Laboratories), and are compliant with the RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances) directive. Its mass-produced batteries have been supplied to European leading bus manufacturers and the U.K.'s Boris Bus program. Besides, CALB has made inroads into European field of energy storage for EV charging after winning the bid for implementing two projects launched by France and German's governments.

At the new strategy launching ceremony held in Nov., CALB formed strategic partnerships with Clarios, BMZ, FORSEE POWER, and Marubeni to jointly explore passenger vehicle, commercial vehicle, energy storage markets.

In Asian-Pacific region, CALB serves as a power battery supplier to companies in India and some public service projects in Japan.
Ahram Online, by Mohamed Soliman

President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi directed the government on Wednesday to stop issuing new subsidy ration cards and limit the number of beneficiaries to two family members per card in order to use savings towards long overdue development projects.



Under the current subsidy ration card system, around 70 million citizens receive a number of key food staples at lower-than-market prices, including rice, pasta, cooking oil and bread - at a maximum of four members of a family per card.

The Ministry of Supply has revised the list of citizens eligible to benefit from the subsidy ration card system in the past few years in an effort to streamline operations and ensure that subsidies reach those most in need.

Total food subsidies cost the government EGP 87 billion in the FY2021/2022 budget, according to recent statements by the supply minister.

During the inauguration of a major industrial complex in Assiut, El-Sisi said that the state is no longer able to disburse more subsidies, noting that "this spending is the reason behind the country's delay in implementing development projects for ten years."

"This programme does not exist in any country in the world," El-Sisi said as he stressed the negative impact of unplanned population growth on the country's development plans.

Under the current ration card programme, newly married couples qualify for a new ration card after they are removed from parent's cards.

"How can the state spend money on newlyweds when these sums are needed to carry out development projects! The subsidies should go to services and projects for the greater good," the president added.

"You marry and wait on the state to grant you a ration card when you are not able to provide for your family? This is the wrong approach. This is the culture has been carved in the minds of Egyptians for a long time!" he lamented.

"This decision aims to help the citizens feel the economic progress that is taking place," the president said.

The president has repeatedly warned of the negative implications of overpopulation on the country's overall development and stressed the need to control the rate of population growth.

This year, Egypt's population increased by 750,000 in just 160 days, reaching 102,750,000 on 13 December.
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NEW YORK  Kathryn Malara, a Brooklyn teacher, lingered on a street Tuesday, filled with dread about going to her job.

"I'm sitting in my car terrified to walk into school," she wrote on Twitter just before taking a deep breath and heading to her classroom. "Cases exploding. People I really care about are sick & frightened."

The quick spread of the omicron variant of the coronavirus has stirred another angst-ridden reckoning about whether in-person schooling is worth the risk. Malara and other teachers worry about endangering their health by entering crowded schools. Frustrated parents wonder how to keep their children safe and whether campuses could become superspreader sites.

"It's creeping back up again, and I don't like this. I'm worried. Lives are at stake here  not just my son's life," said Starita Ansari, a public school parent in Manhattan who is keeping her 10th grader home after being rattled by the latest COVID-19 infections at his school.

Scientists say omicron spreads more easily than other coronavirus strains, including delta, though many details about it remain unknown, including whether it causes more or less severe illness. But even if it is milder, the new variant could still upend schooling and overwhelm health systems because of the sheer number of infections.

The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said schools can remain safe when proper protocols are followed, including observing safe distancing, wearing masks and getting vaccinated.

"Detection of cases in schools does not necessarily mean that transmission occurred in schools," the CDC said.

On Monday, a fifth of New York City's public school students skipped in-person classes, an indication of the anxiety spawned by the resurgence of COVID-19 cases in New York state, which in recent days has broken infection records.

"Parents are voting with their feet, and many of them don't feel that the current protocols are actually keeping their families safe. And a lot them don't think they're being given enough information about what's happening to allow them to make choices for their families," said Jennifer Jennings, a Princeton University researcher focused partly focused on the intersection of education and health care policy.

Most schools across the country are keeping classrooms open, despite the new threat from omicron, but some school districts have moved to limit in-person instruction as a precaution.

On Friday, one of the largest school districts on the East Coast, the Prince George's County district in Maryland, just outside Washington, said it would cancel in-person instruction in favor of virtual classes because of rising COVID-19 cases at its campuses.

Schools in Mount Vernon, New York, and elsewhere also reverted back to virtual instruction.

"There is great concern because we had been doing so well," said Daniel A. Domenech, executive director of the American Association of School Administrators.

"Just about a month ago, we had about 98 percent of the students in this country attending school in person, and omicron has brought about just a huge reversal in that process. And all of a sudden we're seeing infection rates skyrocket," he said, "It's affecting children much more than previous variants, so children are getting sick. Staff is getting sick, and it's just a spread that's alarming."

Boston school officials have not announced whether children will have to return to virtual classes  an unwelcome prospect for Alejandra Hung and his Boston family.

"We're going through this feeling of deja vu, but in reality things are better this time out," said Hung, who has two children in elementary school. "Remote learning took such a toll."

The availability of vaccines for children raised hopes that disruptions at school would be minimized. Public health officials now hope that concern about omicron will convince more parents to vaccinate their children.

That's been the case for Yahaira Lopez, who lives in a Boston suburb. She resisted vaccinating her twin 12-year-old sons, both of whom suffer from severe asthma. Even if she herself has been fully vaccinated and received a booster shot, she had doubts about the vaccines' safety for her children.

"But the numbers are increasing, and this virus is impacting a lot of students now, so I just want to be preventative and make sure nothing happens to them," Lopez said.

Her sons have appointments to get their first shots this week.

As of Dec. 16, nearly 7.4 million children in the United States have been infected since the start of the pandemic, representing 17.3% of all cases, according to data gathered by the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Children's Hospital Association.

Of those cases, almost 170,000 cases were reported over the last seven days of the tally.

The CDC has said that the extent to which children suffer long-term consequences of COVID-19 is still unknown. But it noted in a report last week that a disproportionate number of Black and Hispanic children suffer much more severe symptoms, including hospitalization that leads to admission to intensive care.

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WASHINGTON  The Biden administration has issued dozens of denials to Afghans seeking safety in the United States through a fast-track for legal entry called humanitarian parole.

The numbers are still relatively small, but advocates fear they represent a larger trend.

Under humanitarian parole, which is not a pathway to citizenship, the federal government can cut through the red tape of the typical visa process to temporarily allow people to enter the U.S. for emergency or public interest reasons. Advocates say the government belatedly set unnecessarily steep barriers that many Afghans can't surmount.

Parole is issued on a case-by-case basis and typically reserved for dire circumstances, such as giving someone a few days to visit a dying loved one, but it has also been used to quickly bring in thousands of people in the aftermath of wars or environmental disasters.

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, which typically processes 2,000 parole applications annually, has been flooded with more than 20,000 from Afghans alone since August. With a filing fee of $575 per person, that translates to an infusion of more than $11 million for the agency.

So far, Citizenship and Immigration Services has approved 135 cases.

Spokeswoman Victoria Palmer said the agency has increased the number of staffers working on parole cases fivefold to 44 officers. She added that parole is not intended to replace established processing channels under the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program for people who have fled their country of origin and are seeking protection.

In some limited circumstances, protection needs are so urgent that obtaining protection via that process is not realistic, she wrote in a statement, adding: "This, along with other, multiple factors are taken into consideration when USCIS assesses whether urgent humanitarian or significant public benefit parole warrants a favorable exercise of discretion."

With no way to quickly leave Afghanistan, even those with family ties to the U.S. could wait more than a decade because of massive visa backlogs.

In denial letters, the agency has requested third-party evidence of "risk of severe targeted or individualized harm." A 2017 Citizenship and Immigration Services training manual says officers can grant humanitarian parole to people facing "generalized violence." But the website states that parole is generally not intended to protect people "at generalized risk of harm."

Applicants must also complete in-person vetting and biometrics screenings before they can be approved for parole. Because the embassy in Kabul is closed, applicants must travel to a third country to do so, Palmer said.

That's assuming they can sneak past the Taliban to leave.

Massachusetts Democratic Sen. Edward Markey and Rep. Seth Moulton, along with 53 other lawmakers, sent a letter to the federal agency expressing alarm about the "restrictive and inconsistent" humanitarian parole processing. They asked agency officials to justify what they consider changes to the requirements for Afghans to prove they need parole despite the agency's discretional authority.

The lawmakers also urged the agency to create a special parole program for Afghans that would go beyond the program established for those evacuated by U.S. forces.

"Tragically, tens of thousands of Afghans and their families now face persecution and death threats from the Taliban, as well as threatened deportation back to Afghanistan for those who made it to third countries," the lawmakers wrote. "We urge you to ensure that all vulnerable Afghans, including those in third countries and those still stranded in Afghanistan, are paroled into the United States and not left to languish in legal limbo."

Some 75,000 Afghans evacuated during the chaotic U.S. withdrawal and were brought in under humanitarian parole, which lasts two years and qualifies beneficiaries for work permits and temporary refugee assistance. More than half are ineligible for the special immigrant visas given to those who worked directly with the federal government and will have to seek asylum or other protections before their parole expires or possibly face eventual deportation.

That means many Afghans currently in the U.S. fall under the same category as the journalists, human rights activists, women and others now facing danger and denials of their parole requests from outside the country.

Kyra Lilien, a lawyer at Jewish Family & Community Services East Bay, has received 13 denials for members of two Afghan families. She filed the applications in late August when advocates thought they could get families on evacuation flights if they had a notice that U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services had received their parole request and it was pending.

Jewish Family & Community Services is also a refugee resettlement agency and has helped arriving Afghans move to the Bay Area for years. The resettlement staff is largely Afghan, Lilien said, and has been submitting humanitarian parole applications for their own families.

Among the denials are an elderly mother, disabled daughter and another daughter who serves as their caretaker. They are relatives of two special immigrant visa holders who live in the U.S. The women can't physically sneak over the border to escape. Once people with special immigrant visas receive their green cards, they can petition for immediate relatives to immigrate.

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There's plenty to check out this weekend in and around Billings. Here's a roundup of the events and happening.

Harry Potter Mysteries at the Moss Mansion, 914 Division St., leaves you hunting for clues after the Marauders Map is confiscated by Filch. Event is Dec. 30 from 4-6 p.m. Tickets are available at MossMansion.com.

Christmas Light evenings at the Moss Mansion, 914 Division St., is a tour of the museum by the light of dozens of Christmas trees. The event is Dec. 30 from 6-8 p.m. Tickets are available at MossMansion.com.

Gilda House with Desperate Electric and Hard Hugs bring their synth-pop to The Pub Station Ballroom, 2502 First Ave. N., on Thursday Dec. 30. Doors open at 7 p.m. and the show starts at 8 p.m. Tickets are $22 and available at ThePubStation.com.
Key to their case was more than 12 minutes of surveillance video capturing the parking lot and apartment complex where the confrontation occurred. McGivern and Garfield argued the video showed an erratic Bearground arriving at Davis apartment, trying to force his way in, and then after failing to get in, returning to the parking lot to retrieve clothes belonging to one of the two women inside the apartment. The clothes were part of a "trojan horse" scheme to gain access to the apartment, McGivern said. But Bearground never made it back up the stairs.

Instead, Davis had followed Bearground because he feared the man would vandalize his truck, which he characterized as his most valuable possession. The grainy video shows the ghost-like images of Davis and Wallace following Bearground into the parking lot. When Bearground comes back into the frame carrying two bags, he notices Davis and drops the bags and charges him. Davis is obscured by a van in the foreground, but a muzzle flash is seen seconds later.

Bearground continues to move around and Wallace runs up behind him before disappearing behind the same van in the video's foreground. Wallace and Davis return to the apartment and Bearground collapses in the parking lot after his mothers boyfriend tries to help him to the car.
Galschioet said he has been promised a spot for the sculpture in a park across from the Chinese Embassy in Washington, D.C., and was also offered places in Norway, Canada and Taiwan.

He compared the removal of the sculpture to driving a tank through Arlington Cemetery, a burial ground for American war veterans.

Grave desecration is also very frowned upon in China, but thats really what it is. It is almost a sacred monument, he told The Associated Press. It is a a sculpture for those who died.

Danish Foreign Minister Jeppe Kofod said its removal was another worrying development in Hong Kong.

The Danish government cannot decide which art other countries universities choose to exhibit. But for me and the government, the right to speak peacefully -- through speech, art or other means -- is a completely fundamental right for all people. This is also true in Hong Kong, he said.

Billy Kwok, a University of Hong Kong student, said the Pillar of Shame has been treated as part of the university by many who studied there.

Its the symbol of whether (there is still) ... freedom of speech in Hong Kong, he said.
The annual Excellence Through Stewardship Award recognizes a select few BLM employees for their exemplary stewardship performance, resulting in a local or national contribution to the BLMs mission. Hurley was honored at a virtual award ceremony earlier this month.

Gretchen's persistence to complete the top priority for reclamation in the State of Wyoming Abandoned Mine Lands (AML) program resulted in alleviating public safety concerns and improving the health of the land for future generations, said acting Cody Field Manager Chad Krause.

The special recognition is for Hurleys work between 2006 and 2020 to reclaim three hazardous uranium mine areas abandoned 50 years ago on Little Mountain. From before the early 1950s through 1970, the Little Mountain area experienced an active period of uranium exploration and underground mining. The surface and underground disturbance caused by the mining was never reclaimed, resulting in numerous physical and radiological hazards left behind. The abandoned mines were successfully reclaimed in fall 2020, in partnership with the State of Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality  AML Division.
Stokke noted that a 2018 fish kill, discovered in May of that year, was tentatively linked to low oxygen levels in Georgetown Lake. Hundreds of fish, mostly rainbow trout, died. Liermann said Wednesday that he and others believe that low levels of dissolved oxygen likely caused the fish kill observed in 2018.

If deoxygenation does not kill fish outright, the related stress can affect their immune systems and increase susceptibility to disease or parasitic infestation.

Luebeck said hed like to see greater restraint exercised by Granite County Commissioners in the amount of water released from the lake. He said a lot of water was released last year in anticipation of a spring runoff that never happened due to low snowpack and a continuing drought.

Liermann said the DNRC model showed that outflows from the lake in spring 2021 were set at the proper level to fill Georgetown Lake during runoff.

Unfortunately, May through mid-July was very dry at Georgetown, with very little precipitation, he said.

County commissioners did not respond to requests for comment.
In court, Kathleen Smithgall, assistant solicitor general, argued that people do not have a constitutional right to update their birth certificates. Smithgall also called the new law a process to make the update and said there are other processes for people who want to update things like paternity information. Smithgall argued the process was voluntary and that a judge could issue an order to keep a person's medical information private.

"SB 280 simply does not prohibit (people) from making any any medical decision. It simply outlines the process for an individual to amend his or her birth certificate," Smithgall said. " ... There is no (constitutional) right to change one's birth certificate, and the Legislature establishing the process for amending a birth certificate is not unreasonable or arbitrary."

Akilah Lane, staff attorney for ACLU of Montana, said the state doesn't make clear what surgeries would meet the law's requirement and that surgery is not medically necessary or possible for many people because of factors such as cost, time away from work, medical recommendations and more. Lane also said the requirements of transgender Montanans was more of a burden than for others seeking to update their birth certificates.
Marchion was skeptical of Horines story about mistaking the two animals.

Theyre not similar at all, he said.

The Facebook page for the Montana Wild Sheep Foundation noted Wednesday that illegally killing a trophy bighorn ram could require restitution of up to $30,000. State law requires the court to determine that the killing of a trophy animal was committed knowingly or purposely before imposing such restitution.

Both Marchion and the Skyline Sportsmens Association felt the two-year suspension of Horines hunting, fishing and trapping privileges wasnt sufficient punishment.

A case in 2020 involving a 27-year-old Belgrade man who poached a bighorn in the Missouri River Breaks resulted in the suspension of his hunting, fishing and trapping privileges for 10 years. He was fined $4,000.

Dave Loewen, chief of law enforcement for FWP, said game wardens occasionally make recommendations to judges about sentencing. That typically happens when circumstances might mitigate imposition of a larger fine, such as an offender turning themselves in.

However, the tendency is to allow the judicial system to function independently, Loewen said.
The Corps permitted the pipelines river crossing, which is just upstream from the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation and where tribal members fear a leak could occur and harm their water supply. The pipeline is controlled by Texas-based Energy Transfer, which has long maintained that the line is safe.

Past court decisions have found shortcomings in the Corps' original environmental analysis of the pipeline. The agency began a lengthier review last year and has pushed back the anticipated completion date several times. Attorneys for the Corps said in a court document filed Friday that the study should wrap up in November 2022, two months later than its previous estimate.

The tribes in their brief said that once the review is complete, "The Corps will make a new permitting decision on a new record. In short, the (pipeline companys) petition presents no question that merits review by this Court.

The Corps on Friday joined Standing Rock in opposing Dakota Access's appeal. The agency said a question at the heart of the dispute -- whether federal law obligates the agency to prepare a more thorough environmental review -- "will lack any substantial importance after the Corps in fact prepares one."
Wyoming's 33 airports will receive $15.1 million in the first round of funding through the infrastructure package signed into law last month.

Airports can use the money to pay for runway, taxiway and terminal projects, among other things, according to the Federal Aviation Administration.

The state's airports will be able to submit projects to the FAA in the coming weeks. The agency is encouraging projects that focus on safety, equity and sustainability.

The Casper/Natrona County International Airport will receive the second-largest share of the funding in Wyoming -- $1.34 million. The airport anticipates receiving roughly that amount each year for the next five, said Airport Director Glenn Januska.

Specifically, the initial round of funding will help to pay for airfield electrical work, Januska said. That includes upgrading to LED lighting on a taxiway and putting in a new lighting control panel at the air traffic control tower.

The infrastructure money will also help fund design work associated with an upcoming runaway resurfacing project.
Most striking in the 2021 data is the 2.5:1 dominance of browns over rainbows and the very different size distributions of the two species, Haacke wrote in the report. The likely explanation is the differential negative impact of the 20172019 high water spring flows on the rainbow spawn as opposed to the brown trout spawn.

Rainbow trout are spring spawners, and high spring runoff can kill or flush young fish downstream. Lower flows this past year could bode well for rainbow trout in the Bighorn, as long as the water doesnt drop too low and reduce spawning gravel or hiding spots for young fish.

The top month for Haackes guides to catch fish was March, which may have been skewed by one active guide who was boating twice as many fish as his colleagues  sometimes 20 to 25 a day, he said. The section of river that produced the most trout was from Three Mile fishing access downstream to Bighorn Rapids, which saw 1,620 fish netted.

Research

Using grant funds, the Alliance has outlined an ambitious plan to better understand the dam-controlled Bighorn River, the fishing app being just one part of a multi-pronged approach.

Some other highlights from this years research include:
State Rep. George Keiser, R-Bismarck, died Wednesday following a battle with ALS. He was 75.

He was first elected to the North Dakota House of Representatives in 1992, and chaired the House Industry, Business and Labor Committee from 2003-19. He also chaired the House Transportation Committee for a time.

He had announced just last week that he wouldn't seek another term next year.

"Words alone cannot express what a privilege it has been to serve our state and the wonderful people of District 47 from 1993 to the present," Keiser said in a statement last week.

House Republican Caucus Chair Glenn Bosch, R-Bismarck, confirmed Keiser's death to the Tribune. He called Keiser "a trusted, respected colleague and a truly fine legislator."

Keiser was a U.S. Army veteran who owned Quality Printing Service. He was a Salt Lake City native who came to Bismarck in 1980, and served on the Bismarck City Commission from 1988-92.

In 2019, he disclosed his diagnosis of Lou Gehrig's disease, the common name for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS, a nervous system disease that weakens muscles.

House Speaker Kim Koppelman, R-West Fargo, said Keiser was already a well respected representative when Koppelman entered the House two years after him. Keiser's business expertise made him "a very able chairman" of the House Industry, Business and Labor Committee, Koppelman said.

Keiser also was a leader on insurance policy through the National Council of Insurance Legislators, where he gained respect from state lawmakers around the country, Koppelman said.

"His notoriety and expertise and respect span far beyond our state," he said.

Keiser also reminded his committee to treat people who came to testify with respect, Koppelman said.

Keiser's father-in-law was former Rep. Steve Gorman, R-Fargo, who served from 1987-96 and died in October at age 96.

Rep. Larry Klemin, R-Bismarck, said Keiser was "a very good friend of mine as well as a running mate." The District 47 pair served together for more than 20 years and sat next to each other in the House.

Keiser's work as a legislator and his background in psychology and teaching mathematics and statistics made him "quite a Renaissance man, I think," Klemin said.

In a statement, Gov. Doug Burgum said Keiser "served the citizens of North Dakota and District 47 with passion and dedication for nearly three decades, applying his experience and wisdom as a successful business owner and employer to his role as chairman of the House Industry, Business and Labor Committee."

He was a longtime supporter of the business community through his efforts on workforce safety and insurance policy and was a strong advocate for health care reform, fairness in health insurance and transparency in prescription drug costs, always looking out for the well-being of North Dakotas workers and families. Our deepest sympathies and prayers go out to his family, friends and colleagues in the Legislature," Burgum said.

U.S. Sen. Kevin Cramer, R-N.D., said Keiser introduced him to his wife, Kris, in 1986 while working on a campaign, for which "I literally owe George for 35 years of happiness."

"George lived a life of service in business, government, and family. His business knowledge and experience served him and North Dakota well as he applied his knowhow to help make our state a welcoming place for free enterprise to thrive. He improved life for many North Dakotans through his thoughtful approach to legislating," Cramer said in a statement.

U.S. Sen. John Hoeven, R-N.D., said Keiser "worked to build up his community and secure a more prosperous future for North Dakotans. He will be remembered well by both his constituents and his colleagues."

North Dakota Republican Party Chairman Perrie Schafer said Keiser "was a wonderful leader in the state of North Dakota for many years, and his public service has not gone unnoticed; he will be greatly missed in the halls of the Capitol."

District 47 Republican Chairman Karl Lembke said he would comment next week on how the party will proceed with the vacancy in Keiser's seat.

Keiser had about one year left in his term and was serving on three interim committees.

Keiser also attended the Legislature's weeklong special session last month, which primarily dealt with reapportioning legislative districts and deciding how to spend North Dakota's $1 billion of federal Rescue Plan coronavirus aid.

Earlier this month, the Bismarck Renaissance Zone Authority adopted a resolution commending Keiser "for his dedication and his support for revitalization of downtown Bismarck." Keiser had recently left the board after 20 years; he helped establish Bismarck's Renaissance Zone program and helped approve nearly 150 projects.

Visitation will be from 6-6:30 p.m. Sunday at Parkway Funeral Service in Bismarck, with a vigil starting at 6:30 p.m. Mass of Christian burial will be at 1:30 p.m. Monday at Cathedral of the Holy Spirit in Bismarck.

The last North Dakota lawmaker to die in office was Rep. Curt Hofstad, R-Devils Lake, in 2016.

Reach Jack Dura at 701-250-8225 or jack.dura@bismarcktribune.com.

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Public health officials in North Dakota are urging people to be tested for COVID-19 before and after holiday gatherings in an effort to prevent an increase in cases in coming weeks.

Bismarck-Burleigh Public Health Director Renae Moch said people should get tested as close as possible to holiday gathering dates, stay home if they are sick, get vaccinated and plan gatherings with others who have been vaccinated.

We can all do our part to prevent another COVID-19 surge in the upcoming weeks, Moch said.

Moch's statement was made in light of the discovery of the state's first omicron variant cases. The variant was first identified in the U.S. on Dec. 1. By Monday, the same day the state's first cases were reported, it was responsible for 73% of the nation's cases, Moch said.

The state Health Department on Thursday reported another North Dakotan has died with COVID-19, bringing the state's death toll to 1,994.

The number of deaths reported in Burleigh County in the last day went up by one to 279, according to the departments website. Morton Countys death toll stayed at 129.

The state no longer publicly reports the county, sex and age range of newly confirmed deaths.

The department reported 420 new cases Thursday from 9,042 tests processed the previous day.

Virus-related hospitalizations rose from 119 on Wednesday to 121 on Thursday. Of those, 18 are in intensive care. Nearly two weeks ago, 180 people were hospitalized due to the virus.

North Dakota has 2,259 active virus cases including 305 in Burleigh, a one-day drop of three, and 86 in Morton county, which is unchanged in the last day. The states recovery total rose to 166,531, an increase of 423.

The state's daily positivity rate dropped slightly to 5.03% on Thursday, down from 5.06% on Wednesday.

The 14-day rolling average rose from 5.73% to 5.81%, moving away from the state's target of less than 5%. That goal has not been met since mid-August.

About 22% of North Dakota's population has tested positive for the virus since the start of the pandemic.

Cases, hospitalizations and deaths have spiked since summer due to the onset of the highly contagious delta variant of the coronavirus, the dominant strain first identified in North Dakota in late June. The Health Department announced earlier this week that it detected the first cases of the new omicron variant in the state. The variant was first found in southern Africa and was reported on Nov. 24.

Vaccinations

North Dakota continues to have one of the lowest COVID-19 vaccination rates in the U.S., according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Agency data on Thursday showed 63.5% of North Dakota adults are fully vaccinated.

Federal data differ from that on the state's vaccine dashboard, which is based on reports to the North Dakota Immunization Information System.

Providers who don't get the COVID-19 vaccine through the state Health Department -- such as Indian Health Services, Veterans Affairs and Defense Department facilities -- don't necessarily report the doses they administer to the state system.

The state dashboard on Thursday showed 58.7% of eligible North Dakota adults, 36.2% of adolescents in the 12-18 age group and 8.7% of children ages 5-11 are considered fully vaccinated.

People can go to ndvax.org or call 866-207-2880 to see where COVID-19 vaccine is available near them.

The CDC recommends COVID-19 booster shots for all adults. More than 18% of North Dakotans have received a third dose of vaccine, but the state dashboard does not distinguish between how many received a third dose because they are immunocompromised and how many received a general booster dose.

The coronavirus transmission risk is considered substantial or high in all of North Dakota's 53 counties except Burke, Kidder, Slope and Steele, according to the CDC's COVID-19 data tracker website.

The CDC recommends people in those risk categories wear masks in public indoor settings.

A list of free COVID-19 testing offered by local public health units is at health.nd.gov/covidtesting.

For more detailed information on coronavirus in North Dakota, go to health.nd.gov/coronavirus. For more information on coronavirus variants, go to cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/transmission/variant.html.

Reach Travis Svihovec at 701-250-8260 or Travis.Svihovec@bismarcktribune.com

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An explosion at an oil field business near Ross last weekend left one person dead and another injured.

The incident occurred last Saturday evening at JM Oilfield Services when a water tanker blew out, according to a statement from the Mountrail County Sheriff's Office.

An employee, Jesse Holmquist, died after the blast sent him through the facility's garage door into the parking lot, according to the sheriff's office. Another employee, Oscar Valdez, was injured and summoned his co-workers to help. The two had been working on changing the tanker's tires when the explosion occurred.

First responders started treating Valdez, a 52-year-old Ross resident, at the scene and transported him to a hospital, according to the statement.

The Stanley Fire Department contacted the State Fire Marshal's office to request assistance, and the case remains under investigation.

Attempts by the Tribune to reach JM Oilfield Services by phone on Thursday morning were unsuccessful. The company's registered agent did not immediately reply to a Facebook message Thursday.

Holmquist, 33, was a resident of Sidney, Montana, according to the statement. He was also from Long Prairie, Minnesota, according to his obituary. Holmquist was a father and had served in the U.S. Marine Corps, his obituary said. He worked in the oil fields of North Dakota and Montana and also drove a commercial truck throughout much of the nation.

Reach Amy R. Sisk at 701-250-8252 or amy.sisk@bismarcktribune.com.

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Democrats in North Dakota's Legislature face a daunting election next year, when the party will have to defend all but one of its seats.

Democratic-NPL lawmakers hold 21 of 141 seats in the Legislature. Only Rep. Corey Mock, D-Grand Forks, won't have to run.

"It's certainly a unique situation," Mock said. He won reelection last year by 16 votes over a Republican challenger.

High stakes

Some Democrats aren't running, such as Senate Minority Leader Joan Heckaman of New Rockford, whose seat was eliminated by redistricting, and Sen. Erin Oban of Bismarck, who is not seeking reelection.

In all, 19 seats held by Democrats will be on the ballot next year, according to a Tribune analysis.

It's a high-stakes election for the party, which has struggled to gain traction in North Dakota.

Former U.S. Sen. Heidi Heitkamp was the last Democrat to win a statewide election, in 2012. Democrats have dwindled in the Legislature in the last decade.

Party members attribute nationalized politics as a factor.

"We need to keep things local. We need to keep things in-state, and say, 'Look, this is all about how things are going here in North Dakota,'" Democratic-NPL Party Executive Director Tyler Hogan said.

Mock was first elected in 2008, when nearly three times as many Democrats served in the Legislature as do now. Many of them were rural, conservative Democrats, he said.

He attributes the decline to national politics seeping onto the local level, making it harder for voters in "distinguishing between what a North Dakota Democrat is and what a Democrat in Washington, D.C., is."

Democrats running in even-numbered districts, which go up for election in presidential election years, "don't do well," said Sen. Ray Holmberg, R-Grand Forks, the longest-serving senator.

"That's when they really get wiped out," he said.

'Tiny numbers'

House Minority Leader Josh Boschee, D-Fargo, said he hopes voters consider the candidates independently rather than just by their political party.

"The challenge always is getting voters to consider voting for the best candidate. I think we have seen within the Republican caucus that sometimes just voting for the majority party doesn't mean you're getting the best candidate just because they're a Republican," said Boschee, who is running to keep his seat.

Infighting has roiled the supermajority Republican Party, which political observers have tied to the ultraconservative Bastiat Caucus and the House expulsion of former Rep. Luke Simons.

Nine Republican lawmakers were censured by their district parties last spring. Eight party leaders walked out of a state GOP meeting last weekend.

Hogan attributed the coronavirus pandemic to hampering campaign operations last year, when Democrats lost four seats.

He acknowledged that having more seats on the ballot than usual "presents its fair share of challenges, but I think that there are a lot of opportunities there." Democrats in even- and odd-numbered districts can work together in a "regionalized structure," he said.

The party "has always punched above its weight," he added.

"We know that the stakes are always high no matter how many candidates are up for reelection, and we've always taken that challenge and ran with it. We've never shied away from a fight," Hogan said. "I think that we are going to have to be more aggressive in 2022, and be out on the ground earlier and more often because of the amount of seats."

Redistricting of the Legislature added the north Fargo District 44 to the ballot, requiring Boschee and fellow Democrats Rep. Karla Rose Hanson and Sen. Merrill Piepkorn to run. The reapportionment is done every 10 years using census data.

Without redistricting, seats of 17 Democrats would still be up for election.

Party spokeswoman Laura Dronen said, "Were not going to hold anything back in 2022."

"People are angry. People are frustrated. People are dissatisfied with how the state is being run, and how their priorities have been placed on the back burner," she said. "We need to vocalize those frustrations, and not be afraid to punch back when we see something wrong happening in our state."

The party gaining seats is "quite possible," according to Mark Jendrysik, professor of political science and public administration at the University of North Dakota.

But "the Democrats are utterly and completely irrelevant in the state. Lets put it bluntly," he said. The party has challenges in recruiting candidates and winning elections, he said.

"They have tiny numbers of people in the Legislature. They can make some noise, but the Republicans set the agenda, the Republicans run the state," Jendrysik said.

But Republican infighting could flare in the next election, notably the primary, he said.

'Tough to break through'

Next year also presents elections for attorney general, secretary of state and tax commissioner.

The Republican incumbents aren't running. And Democrats likely won't be able to rely on the party's lawmakers to step up, as in years past.

Democrats stand a "pretty low" chance of winning a state office unless they can nominate someone with wide name recognition or a wealthy candidate who could self-finance a campaign, Jendrysik said.

And it depends on whom Republicans nominate. An "obvious extremist" or a "fire-breather" Republican who scares voters could help the Democrats, he said.

Hogan, party leaders and the Democratic-NPL "Build the Bench" committee are looking "at a wide swath" of potential statewide candidates, with a message of "If you're dissatisfied with the way things are going in your state, look at who controls the state on the statewide level," Hogan said.

Republicans control the Legislature and hold every statewide and congressional seat.

"The last two elections, again, it's tough to break through to voters' minds that sometimes the best candidate isn't someone of the majority party, so we'll do what we can to recruit candidates, but the voters haven't shown that they're interested in diversifying the makeup of our state elected officeholders," Boschee said.

Mock hopes next year "is a good, fruitful and constructive campaign season."

"It'll be an interesting one," he said.

Reach Jack Dura at 701-250-8225 or jack.dura@bismarcktribune.com.

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"We'll continue to work across state government and with our tribal partners and private sector partners to create a stable tax and regulatory environment that will support economic growth and prosperity for all.

-- Public Service Commissioner Brian Kroshus on his appointment to be state tax commissioner starting Jan. 4.

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"There is concern that a large number of new cases will result in increased hospitalizations, putting additional strain on an already difficult situation. Data also indicate that some of the monoclonal antibody therapies may not be effective in treating omicron, which may increase the risk for more people having severe outcomes with an omicron infection.

-- North Dakota Disease Control and Forensic Pathology Section Chief Kirby Kruger on the first cases of the omicron variant being confirmed in the state.

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"I have had over the years many, many difficult decisions, but none really as difficult as this one."

-- Republican Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem, announcing plans to retire next year after two decades in the job and more than 40 years in elected office.

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I couldnt be more proud of the professionalism I saw within our soldiers during the visit down here. I also gained a greater appreciation for the enormous challenge that Customs and Border Protection is facing down here, and really gained an appreciation for the work they do, the professionalism of that organization. Im proud and humbled that the North Dakota National Guard can be part of the solution.

-- Maj. Gen. Al Dohrmann, adjutant general of the North Dakota National Guard, after visiting soldiers with the Bismarck-based 957th Engineer Company who are helping secure the U.S.-Mexico border.

q q q

"A very positive story."

-- Office of Management and Budget Director Joe Morrissette, telling legislators that state general fund revenues through November are 10% ahead of the 2021 Legislature's forecast.

q q q

"We weren't all that surprised that the number went down. I think we were surprised how much the number went down."

-- State Mineral Resources Director Lynn Helms, on a new report from the U.S. Geological Survey suggesting the Bakken and Three Forks rock formations contain another 4.3 billion barrels of untapped recoverable oil, a 40% drop from the agency's last estimate in 2013.

q q q

"In our view the ethics commission should adopt rules that prohibit any appointed or elected official from voting on a matter that will either directly or indirectly financially benefit them or their employer."

-- Dakota Resource Council Executive Director Skott Skokos on conflicts of interest disclosed by members of the Clean Sustainable Energy Authority.

q q q

This is a freedom issue, a fundamental issue. It's not politics. And what's sad is they position everything like it's politics -- win at all costs. Boy, we've got to get back to the basics in this state."

 Minot-area District 40 GOP Chairman Jay Lundeen after he and several other North Dakota GOP leaders walked out of the partys State Committee meeting.

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"The eight that left should have stayed to have civil discussion about the direction of the party, which they were elected to do by the districts."

 NDGOP Chairman Perrie Schafer on the protesters who left the State Committee meeting.

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From MFA to Zero Trust: A Five-Phase Journey to Securing the Workforce Zero trust thinking is seeing rapid adoption the security market, but this adoption has brought on a new challenge: How do you get there? Access this guide to discover a practical 5-phase approach for implementing zero trust for your workforce, which comprises of an organizations users, their devices and how they access applications.

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2021 Cyber Security Threat Trends- Phishing, Crypto Top The List In the latest Cisco report, 2021 Cybersecurity Threat Trends: Phishing, Crypto Top the List, Cisco Umbrella was used to capture billions of queries, identifying the top cyber threats in 2020, and how to stop them in the future. Read on to learn more.

Magic Quadrant for Endpoint Protection Platforms This Gartner Magic Quadrant report provides a deep scope into the EPP and EDR market and identified 19 key vendor strengths & weaknesses  read on to unlock the full report.

Checklist: Tips 5 Tips for Enterprises Choosing Endpoint Protection Is your endpoint security ready for modern cyberthreats? Download this checklist to learn 5 tips for choosing the right endpoint protection, so your security teams can increase visibility for more effective network defense, get answers more quickly and automate repetitive manual tasks. Read now to get started.

DNS - Quick Answer: How Can Organizations Use DNS to Improve Their Security Posture? DNS presents security and risk management leaders with excellent opportunities to anticipate, prevent, detect and respond to prevailing threats. Read this Gartner Quick Answer to learn why organizations should implement DNS security to protect users, devices and other critical infrastructure.

Cisco Secure Endpoint Buyer's Guide The endpoint is your frontline, and your adversaries keep finding new ways to penetrate it. If threats keep growing, why wouldnt your security? Dive into this Cisco Secure guide to learn how to ensure your endpoint security strategy meets your needs for today with an eye for whats coming tomorrow.

SIG - 7 must-have features for SASE Hybrid work is driving IT teams to adopt Secure Access Service Edge (SASE), which enables companies to provide secure, high-performance access to any application  wherever end users are. But with multiple approaches to SASE on the market, which capabilities matter most? Read on to discover 7 must-have essentials of SASE.

Future of Secure Remote Work Report This study, titled Future of Secure Remote Work, aims to better understand the challenges that organizations faced in transitioning to remote work. It uncovers the state of their cybersecurity readiness, as well as the shifts in their priorities, policies and investments, as they prepare for a hybrid work environment that is likely here to stay.

SIG - Protecting your enterprise network in every way: Top 5 use cases for Cisco Umbrella The workplace has evolved, introducing new and complex IT security, compliance and data protection challenges. To keep your business protected, you need simplify your stack, while evolving it to meet these challenges head-on. Read this e-book to learn how Cisco Umbrella aims to provide effective threat protection across a variety of use cases.

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Joan Didion, pioneer of the New Journalism that emerged in the latter half of the 20th century, has died at age 87. Didon's highly influential essay collections "Slouching Towards Bethlehem" (1968) and "The White Album" (1979), whose documentation of 1960s California helped make sense of the 1960s California counterculture while pushing the boundaries of subjective, personal reporting. Later, Didion moved to political reporting and cultural criticism. From the New York Times:

Her attraction to trouble spots, disintegrating personalities and incipient chaos came naturally. In the title essay from "The White Album," she included her own psychiatric evaluation after arriving at the outpatient clinic of St. John's Hospital in Santa Monica complaining of vertigo and nausea.

It read, in part: "In her view she lives in a world of people moved by strange, conflicted, poorly comprehended, and, above all, devious motivations which commit them inevitably to conflict and failure." This description, which Ms. Didion did not contest, could describe the archetypal heroine of her novels.

"Her talent was for writing about the mood of the culture," the writer Katie Roiphe said in an interview. "She managed to channel the spirit of the 1960s and '70s through her own highly idiosyncratic and personal  that is, seemingly personal  writing. She was perfectly matched to the times, with her slightly paranoid, slightly hysterical, high-strung sensibility. It was a perfect conjunction of the writer with the moment."
A couple of weeks ago, Ernie Smith, author of the excellent Tedium newsletter, received an alarming email from someone in Russia named Maya Mishina.

"The email was worded as if a lawsuit was hitting my door in a few months," wrote Smith.

It read:

To Whom It May Concern: My name Maya Mishina, and I am a resident of Novosibirsk, Russia. I have a few questions about your process for responding to California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) data access requests: 1. Would you process a CCPA data access request from me even though I am not a resident of California? 2. Do you process CCPA data access requests via email, a website, or telephone? If via a website, what is the URL I should go to? 3. What personal information do I have to submit for you to verify and process a CCPA data access request? 4. What information do you provide in response to a CCPA data access request? To be clear, I am not submitting a data access request at this time. My questions are about your process for when I do submit a request. Thank you in advance for your answers to these questions. If there is a better contact for processing CCPA requests regarding tedium.co, I kindly ask that you forward my request to them. I look forward to your reply without undue delay and at most within 45 days of this email, as required by Section 1798.130 of the California Civil Code. Sincerely,

Maya Mishina

Smith says he poked around the internet to learn more about Maya Mishina and her request for a "reply without undue delay as required by Section 1798.130 of the California Civil Code." The only search results were from others "wondering why they got this email." Smith wrote off the email as an "exotic kind of spam, or a phishing attempt of sorts."

It turns out that the email is even more bizarre than either of those. It was sent by researchers at Princeton University to scare/threat website and newsletter publishers into finding how they were complying with the CCPA. Smaller websites (ones that don't make tens of millions of dollars) are exempt from CCPA but many don't know this and may have incurred significant legal expenses to provide answers to the fictional Maya Mishina's requests. Larger companies might have viewed this email as a security threat, triggering costly countermeasures.

When Jeff Kosseff, a cybersecurity law professor at the U.S. Naval Academy found out about the study he posted a highly critical Twitter thread. He wrote, in part:

The email asks questions that demonstrate why CCPA is so confusing, but then places the burden on unsuspecting website operators  many of whom are operating on a shoestring budget during a pandemic  to spend money and time to figure it out, while failing to identify that this is a study. I've practiced privacy law for more than a decade, and the responses would require me to do some research and put some time into it. I understand the value in "secret shopper" type research, but this is different because many businesses will need to turn to outside counsel and their costly billable hours to come up with a response. They have no idea they're taking part in a study, and they just want to avoid getting a letter from the California AG.

The principal investigator of the study, Jonathan Mayer, has since issued an apology about the way the privacy rights study was conducted:

A note on the Princeton-Radboud Study on Privacy Law Implementation. I am the Principal Investigator, and I sincerely apologize for the burdens caused by this academic research project. https://t.co/260YW63S42 pic.twitter.com/WAR5p3KP0K  Jonathan Mayer (@jonathanmayer) December 19, 2021

Many comments to Mayer's tweet seem to indicate that his apology for the misleading and threatening email is not enough:
At The Atlantic, Amanda Mull looked into the apparent shoplifting crisis, wherein unpunishable thieves run riot thanks to legally-neutered security guards and "defunded" police. Reportage is mostly confused and inaccurate, it turns out, written up in such slippery and evasive terms that it's impossible to figure out what's even being claimed, let alone what's true.

"I spent the last two weeks down a retail-theft rabbit hole, trying to figure out if the shoplifting surge is real and why news coverage of it is so bizarre (and, honestly, so bad)," Mull writes.

When I asked retailers how they squared falling property-crime rates with their own assertions that theft has skyrocketed, they weren't exactly forthcoming. A spokesperson for Walgreens, which announced over the summer that it was closing some San Francisco locations because of high theft ratesa claim that has prompted skepticism in local mediadeclined to discuss the topic with me in any specifics. A spokesperson for CVS Health, which has been vociferous about organized theft and the need for new laws, told me that shoplifting has increased 300 percent in its stores since the beginning of the pandemic, and that the increase isn't reflected in police data, because police were less responsive to reports of property crime when criminal courts were closed. The company would not say what that change represents in absolute numbers, elaborate on its theft-tracking methodology, or explain whether the rate has fluctuated significantly in the nearly two-year period since the pandemic began.

An excellent article, and Mull does not omit those numbers and sources which are of genuine alarm to retailers. She merely accurately parses different types of crime and points out that it's weird that retailers won't answer questions about their self-reported numbers.

But it can also be put in simpler terms. Why do media confuse "Rite Aid letting homeless shoplifters go" with "Nordstroms being sacked by organized crime gangs"? Becuase they are desperate for content and will run anything that cops and flacks give them which hits the right notes.
Federal officials said Monday omicron is now the most common form of the virus in the U.S., accounting for 73% of all cases. In California, state officials estimate omicron accounts for about half of cases, but Newsom said the true number is likely much higher and will be released on Thursday.

California reported more than 10,900 new cases on Tuesday. On Wednesday, Los Angeles County  the nation's most populous with nearly 10 million residents  reported more than 6,500 new cases, more than double the amount from Tuesday. Local health officials said the county could have more than 20,000 cases per day by the end of the year.

Barbara Ferrer, the county's public health director, said officials are not considering any booster requirements beyond the state's new rules for health care workers. More than 2 million residents in Los Angeles County who are over the age of 5 remain unvaccinated. And 62% of residents who are eligible to receive a booster shot have not done so.

Statewide, more than 8.8 million Californians have gotten a booster shot so far.

We need to increase that number if we're going to hold the line and decrease the growth for hospitals, Newsom said.
The pastor of a Buffalo church has pleaded guilty to one count of filing a false tax return, according to a plea agreement filed Wednesday by the U.S. Attorney's Office in Buffalo.

According to the agreement, the Rev. Richard A. Stenhouse, 76, pastor of Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church, faces a likely federal prison sentence.

As part of his guilty plea, Stenhouse acknowledged that for the tax years of 2014 through 2018, he earned about $397,942 in salary from Bethel AME Church that he did not report as income on his federal income tax returns for those years.

The Internal Revenue Service has estimated that the taxes he owes for those years is $95,896.

In his 2016 income tax return, Stenhouse claimed to have earned a total of $145,637 when, in fact, he had a taxable income of $203,625 for that year. As a result, he avoided paying income taxes amounting to about $27,999 to the IRS.

For the years 2014, 2015, 2017 and 2018, Stenhouse failed to report as income salary he received from the church that amounted to about $67,897.
"It is also part of a contemptible pattern of dilatory tactics that will no longer be countenanced," Schroeder said in his ruling.

It took Schroeder over nine months to respond to the government agencies' request, which Makowski said demonstrated that his legal arguments on behalf of MacKinnon "were meritorious and warranted a detailed judicial response."

The breadth and depth of the government agencies' discovery demands have "proved to be cumbersome," Makowski said in court papers.

Also, many of the documents needed to respond to the government agencies are not in MacKinnon's possession but instead were contained in the computers previously seized by government officials and remain in their possession or control, Makowski said.

Makowski told Geraci that he has cleared his professional schedule for the remainder of the month to complete and provide the responses to the government.

In a ruling on a separate legal case, Geraci in October denied MacKinnon's motion to dismiss a lawsuit the governmental agencies filed to seize the six-bedroom, seven-bathroom home in Clarence where they say he lives.
Her story gained national attention amid the uproar over the 2020 murder of George Floyd, who died when a Minneapolis police officer knelt on his neck.

The legislation signed by the governor, sponsored by Sen. Tim Kennedy and Assembly Majority Leader Crystal D. Peoples-Stokes, gives Horne credit from the date of her termination, July 6, 2008, until Aug. 5, 2010. It goes into effect immediately and Horne has one year to file for the benefits.

Thank you to Cariol Horne for her unwavering service to our community and her refusal to stand by and watch injustice occur, no matter the cost. After years of being penalized for doing the right thing, I was proud to sponsor this legislation to provide her with the retirement pension she earned and deserves," Kennedy said in a statement.

Her act of bravery cost Officer Horne her career. Fortunately, justice has prevailed," Peoples-Stokes said.

Under New York State law, local police officers can retire after 20 years and receive a pension equal to 50% of their pay and health benefits.

Horne thanked her supporters, including politicians and her attorneys.
Under Buffalos new schedule of early release days, on any given day, two schools will release students early. The schedule will rotate, with each elementary school having two half-days, a few weeks apart, between Jan. 3 and March 13. Also affected will be the four high schools in Buffalo that serve students in grades 5 to 12.

Students will be dismissed at their usual time for half-days  11:30 a.m. or 12:30 p.m., depending on what time in the morning the school day begins at their school.

Buffalo will count the early release days as full days of school for instructional purposes, according to chief academic officer Anne Botticelli.

Well still be sending work home with the students so theyll continue their learning once they leave the school site, she said.

Buffalo has already combined bus routes for its elementary students this year, down to 470 from its usual 670 routes, in response to the bus driver shortage, according to general counsel Nate Kuzma.

Driver shortage nixes after-school program
But it's not known when  or if  the four will be able to obtain visas to leave Afghanistan and enter the U.S. Niagara is working on the problem with the State Department and the Institute of International Education.

Reilly said he doesn't want the women to head to any visa office until the result is a certainty, because the U.S. no longer has representatives in Afghanistan. For the women, appearing at any foreign embassy in Afghanistan would mean disclosing their whereabouts to the Taliban.

One of the complications is that some of the women would have to leave vulnerable family members behind.

"It's a heartbreaking situation," Reilly said. "Our hope is to support them to the maximum extent we can, which may mean bringing their families, but at this point we can't commit to doing that because of the resource limitations we have."

The visiting scholars would live in the universitys Roosevelt House and assist with courses associated with the Justice House program.
Erie County officials and public health experts credit a county-wide mask mandate for reducing the number of local Covid-19 hospitalizations.

Between Dec. 6 and Monday, the number of hospitalized patients fell from 375 to 339, according to the state Health Department  even as hospitalizations climbed across the state. Erie County introduced its mask mandate on Nov. 23, more than two weeks before New York Gov. Kathy Hochul imposed a statewide rule that affected other Western New York counties.

As Erie County numbers fall, NY enters post-Thanksgiving Covid-19 surge Erie County's Covid-19 numbers fell by more than 1,000 new cases week over week, down from a high of 5,537 cases the week after Thanksgiving.

While the mandate prompted some backlash, including demonstrations at Niagara Square, public health officials said it was needed to curb 10 weeks of rising hospitalizations. In Erie County, the mandate has  at least temporarily  averted the need for further lockdowns, County Executive Mark Poloncarz said in his weekly Covid-19 press conference.

We are the only region really in upstate New York  (that) is going down in hospitalizations, and we believe it's because of the mask mandate, Poloncarz said. It's been a full month. It's had an impact. I mean, I was at a lot of places this past weekend, doing my Christmas shopping and so forth, and a lot of people were wearing masks.
Women have played a major role in protests against October's coup in Sudan

Hundreds of women have rallied in Sudan against sexual violence following allegations that 13 women and girls were raped at a protest on Sunday.

The UN said it had received "disturbing reports" that security force members sexually abused women at the demonstration against the military.

The US and other Western powers criticised the use of sexual violence "to drive women away" from protests.

The security forces have not yet commented on the allegations.

Women have been at the forefront of the wave of pro-democracy protests that have taken place in Sudan since the military staged a coup in October.

"Rape will not stop us" and "the women of Sudan are stronger" were among the defiant messages at Thursday's protests in the capital, Khartoum. and its twin city, Omdurman, AFP news agency reports.

In a joint statement, the US and European Union said they condemned the use of sexual violence "as a weapon" to silence the voices of women.

The statement - also signed by the UK, Norway, Switzerland and Canada - called for an independent investigation into the allegations of violence.

Two people were also reportedly killed during Sunday's protest, when hundreds of thousands marched in Khartoum to condemn the coup.

Pro-democracy activists accuse the military of stealing the revolution that led to long-serving ruler Omar al-Bashir being ousted in 2019.

Coup leader Gen Abdel Fattah al-Burhan has defended October's military take over, alleging that the army acted to prevent a civil war because political groups had been inciting civilians against the security forces.

He says he is still committed to the transition to civilian rule, with elections planned for July 2023.

Under last month's agreement reached with the reinstated civilian prime minister Abdalla Hamdok, he will lead a cabinet of technocrats until elections are held.

But it is unclear how much power the new civilian government will have, as it will be subject to military oversight.

There has been intense speculation in recent days about the future of Mr Hamdok, with some reports suggesting that he plans to resign while others say that he has been persuaded by Gen Burhan to remain in office.
Virtual Counseling Services

Michigan Universities Partner with Uwill to Expand Mental Health Support for Students

The Michigan Association of State Universities has announced a partnership with Uwill, a teletherapy solution specifically designed for students, to provide on-demand counseling services to its 15 public universities across Michigan.

Designed to expand capabilities of on-campus counseling centers, Uwills solution connects students with a proprietary team of licensed available counselors based on their unique needs and preferences.

Uwill  which provides teletherapy services to colleges around the globe including Massachusetts state school system, New Mexico State, University of North Carolina  Chapel Hill, University of Maryland and others  uses proprietary technology to match students with licensed counselors on its platform, immediately connecting them based on student preferences using all modalities of teletherapy (video, phone, chat, and message), with 24/7 emergency access, group sessions, live events, and more.

Throughout the past two years, its become clear that supporting student mental health is a top priority for institutional leaders across the state of Michigan, said the associations CEO, Daniel J. Hurley. As we work to serve a broad range of nontraditional and traditional learners, many of whom are the first in their family to attend college, Uwills approach and technology will enable Michigans public institutions to provide on-demand counseling that meets the unique needs of our students.

Nationally, researchers and health experts continue to raise alarms about student mental health. A study published by the National Institutes of Health in late 2020 reported that the COVID-19 pandemic was bringing into renewed focus a rise in anxiety and depression among college students, with 71% of students surveyed describing increased levels of stress, anxiety, and depressive thoughts.

As the pandemic dragged on into 2021, those numbers grew more dire: according to an April 2021 survey by BestColleges.com, 95% of college students have experienced negative mental health symptoms as a result of COVID-19-related circumstances, and almost half of students surveyed believe the mental health effects have negatively affected their education.

Suicide was already considered the No. 2 leading cause of death among people ages 1034 before the pandemic, reported the National Institute of Mental Health; the pandemic has made student mental health an even more urgent need.

MASU is launching the new access to teletherapy after exploring new ways to support mental health needs across its member campuses, which serve a diverse population of more than 270,000 students.

At a time of ongoing uncertainty, state and institutional leaders alike are recognizing the critical importance of mental health support in helping more students persist and succeed in their education, Uwill CEO Michael London said in a news release. Together with MASU, were creating new opportunities for students across the state of Michigan to receive the support they need to navigate their educational journey.
Lights flashed and sirens screamed from inside my work colleagues car as he jammed on the brakes and decelerated from 150km to 100km, to pass the traffic cop unnoticed.

As we rounded the next bendhe quickly sped up,making the most of the power and warning systems inside his car, until another obstacle appeared in his path to slow him down.

This was a trip that would normally take 40 minutes, and up to 90 minutes in peak traffic, but in my work colleagues souped up Nissan Sentra it was possible to arrive at work within 25 minutes.

And he was well prepared, having installed not one but two early warning radar systems, to create a fail-safe way to speed to work without penalty.

Occasionally I would use this adrenalin inducing method to travelby car to workearly and save myself 15 minutes.

This was my worldly way of saving time.It was not until I found God, I discovered it was possible to find other ways to savetime.

God and time travel

Once on a mission trip to Turkey, I witnessed a miracle in time travel which I still find difficult to fathom to this day.

Our group were travelling by bus from Cappadocia to Tarsus when we hit a snow storm which blocked the highwayfor over two hours.

The bus did not have an on-board toilet and after being on the bus for well over four hours I was desperate.

After holding on for what seemed like hours we passed a road sign that readTarsus 20 kms. I cried out to the Lord that I could not hold on for another 20kms. Two minutes later we arrived at the Tarsus railway stationand in relief,I made a dashfor it to the toilet cubicles.

To this day I cannot explain this. Perhaps, I misread the sign and it said Tarsus 2kms, but why would a sign say 2kms to Tarsus?

There is an example in the Bible when Philip appears to be miraculously transported to another place by the Spirit of God, after baptising an Ethiopian eunuch.

Acts chapter 8, verses 38-40

And he gave orders to stop the chariot. Then both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water and Philip baptized him. When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord suddenly took Philip away, and the eunuch did not see him again, but went on his way rejoicing.

Philip, however, appeared at Azotus and travelled about, preaching the gospel in all the towns until he reached Caesarea.

At church gatherings I have heard others talk about God enabling them to travel to places in a much shorter time than what is humanly possible.

God the time organiser

Another time I witnessed a time miracle was at work.

It was a busy period and our management reports were dueby the end of the day.

However, I had made contact with a person from Bethel Church who was in Wellington for a couple of days. The only time he was free to meet with me was 5pm that day.

Although inconvenient, I felt it was important to meet up so I arranged the appointment.

The meeting with my Bethel friend was very encouraging and insightful.We talked about how God was moving in the USA and New Zealand and after three hours I returned to my office invigorated, but resigned to the fact that I would be working into the late hours of the night.

To my surprise I discovered a note on my desk. My Finance Manager had completed the work for me.

This had never happened before and has never happened since. God knew this meeting was important and had orchestrated for my reporting work to be done in my absence.

Another friend of mine has a similar story about how after he prayed, he was able to complete two to three hours work in an hour.

Always time

One of the things I have found interesting in my journey with God is that God will often bring somebody or something across our path at the most inconvenient time.

For example, somebody may need help on the street when we are rushing to an appointment, or we could be invited to an event when we already have a full schedule.

It would be easy to say no, but these may be opportunities that could impact our destiny.

This is a timely reminder that God is outside time and holds all things together.

Colossians chapter 1, verse 17

He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.
The changing face of Christianity

All across the world, the landscape of Christianity is changing.

When compared to the Christian world of our parents' and grandparents' generations, the future of the Christianity appears to be vastly different.

While in the 20th century (and many centuries before) Christianity was synonymous with Western civilisation and the people of Europe, the 21st century is already beginning to break the stereotype.

While in Western EuropeChristianity's perceived traditional heartland Christian affiliation remains relatively strong, figures on church attendance paint a different picture.

In a survey conducted last year by The Economist, the region with the highest church attendance was not Western Europe, or even North America.

Rather, it was in Africa.

While the good news is that across the world the Church is growing and thriving, the bad news is that Western countries are increasingly entering a post-Christian phase.

Christianity in New Zealand

In New Zealand, we can see the same trends affecting Europe repeating on a smaller scale. Over the course of the last 100 years, New Zealand's religious affiliation has changed dramaticallyfrom over 90% Christian in 1916 to around 48% today. According to most estimates, while nearly half of all New Zealanders identify as Christian, only about 15% of New Zealanders regularly attend church every week.

Partially contributing to this change, there has been a growth of other religions in New Zealand, such as Buddhism, Hinduism, and Islam. However, these changes are relatively insignificant when compared to the growth of New Zealanders who identify with no religion. As of the last census in 2013, about 41% of New Zealanders had no religious affiliation (up from 29% in 2001).

Theological wilderness

While there are many implications for Christians to consider from these trends, one of the most important is the trend towards theological illiteracy.

In New Zealand in generations past, Christianity had been part of the social and cultural fabric of our society. Most people, even if they didn't regularly go to church, identified themselves as Christians. And from a fairly young age, most New Zealanders had at least a basic understanding of Christian faith and of the Bible itself.

In the 21st century, this model is becoming increasingly less representative of our country. Indeed, a large proportion of the next generation of New Zealanders will grow up barely knowing the Christian faith, any more than they would be familiar with Buddhism or Islam.

Theology matters

In such an environment, having a basic understanding of theology is essential for every Christian. While of course having such knowledge should be essential for a Christian in any era, it is perhaps even more urgent in a culture which has forgotten its Christian roots.

Unlike in previous generations, Christians cannot simply assume their morality and values are considered the norm in society. Indeed, over the last 1520 years, Christians have been fighting (and losing) many legislative battles in parliament over what are considered traditional Christian values.

In this context, it is not enough for Christians to be able to state what they believe, but more importantly they must be able to articulate why they believe it.

Similarly, good theology is necessary to separate Christianity from other religions. For the majority of people who fall into the atheist/agnostic category, Christianity is simply 'religion'. While they may wear different clothes, say different prayers, and worship in different ways, the sceptic will argue that all religions are essentially the same just wrapped up in different packaging.

In an era where the news is dominated more and more by stories of religious extremism and terrorism, it is becoming increasingly important to articulate what is unique about Christianity, in order to differentiate it from other religions which have completely different philosophies, morals, and concepts about God.

As time goes on, Christians in New Zealand will find themselves swimming against an increasingly rapid current of popular opinion. We need to be ready to give an answer to those who ask us the reason for the hope we have (1 Peter 3 chapter 3, verse 15).
BURLINGTON, Vt. (AP)  A television producer has pleaded not guilty Wednesday to charges in connection with paying a Nevada woman to bring her 9-year-old daughter to Vermont to engage in illegal sexual activity at a Ludlow ski house.

John Griffin, 44, of Stamford, Connecticut, appeared in federal court in Burlington to plead not guilty to three counts of enticement. Court records say Griffin did not oppose a request by prosecutors that he be detained.

The detention request said Griffin is, charged with a crime involving the sexual assault of a nine-year old child that carries a 10-year mandatory minimum sentence upon conviction.

In court documents, prosecutors described Griffin as a wealthy man who has tried to deceive, delete, and spend his way out of being held accountable. The documents also say Griffin also has a history of mental illness and substance abuse.

On Dec. 9, a Vermont grand jury handed down a three-count indictment against Griffin. He was arrested in Connecticut on Dec. 10.

Griffins Vermont attorney David Kirby declined to comment on Wednesday.

A motion for detention filed by prosecutors ahead of Wednesday's arraignment says that in a Sept. 2, 2020 interview with FBI agents, Griffin said he met the 9-year-olds mother on a sex-themed website.

He said he paid for the woman and her daughter to fly to Boston in July 2020. He picked them up at the airport and drove them to his Ludlow ski house. He admitted to witnessing the child perform sex acts with her mother.

Griffin said the activity was the mother's idea, but that was contradicted by the contents of Griffins chat communications with the girls mother and other parents of minor girls that were discovered later, the court documents say.

The girl told investigators that Griffin sexually assaulted her while she was in Vermont and addressed her using derogatory terms, the court documents say.

Griffin also apparently attempted to pay off a potential witness, another relative of the 9-year-old girl, by making an electronic transfer to that relative of $4,000, the motion for detention says.

Griffin worked for CNN but has been fired since being arrested, the network said Wednesday.

On Dec. 11, the day after Griffin's arrest, CNN reported that he had worked at the network for about eight years.

The charges against Mr. Griffin are deeply disturbing, said an unnamed CNN spokesperson quoted in the story.

Copyright 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.

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A power provider transfer in a recently-annexed portion of Humphrey will likely take until October 2022.

A 285-acre annexation north and east of Humphrey's previous city limits went through at a Dec. 14, 2020, Humphrey City Council meeting.

Lonnie Weidner, who was the mayor of Humphrey at the time, told the Telegram the city performed the annexation for future development. He said the city discussed the idea for four years leading up to the annexation.

"We had a parcel of land there that is business and industrial and...there's no water or sewer out there. The goal is to get water and sewer out there to further develop that area with new businesses," Weidner said.

The power customers in the annexed area were, and are, served by Cornhusker Public Power District -- for now, at least.

Nebraska law -- specifically Nebraska Revised Statute chapter 70, section 1008 -- gives public power districts the right to take over areas of land that become part of their existing service area.

Loup Power District's existing service area includes the rest of Humphrey, while Cornhusker serves rural areas beyond the city limits. With the city limits having changed, Loup is well within its rights under Nebraska law to take over service in the newly-annexed area.

However, Nebraska law requires the power districts to file the transfer application within a year of the annexation -- in other words, by Dec. 14, 2021. Then, the Nebraska Power Review Board (PRB) approves or denies the application.

"The problem with this Humphrey annexation, which we've talked about all along, is that no one -- meaning Loup nor Cornhusker -- knew for six months that this annexation had taken place," Cornhusker Attorney Tom Maul said during a Monday morning Cornhusker Board of Directors meeting.

Maul said they got the application in with just a couple of weeks to spare, but the actual transfer will have to wait until October 2022.

To do the transfer, Loup has to "buy" Cornhusker's existing facilities in the annexed area and pay Cornhusker for lost future revenue due to the transfer. At Mondays meeting, Cornhusker CEO/General Manager Clay Gibbs said theres a formula to calculate how much all of that should be, which includes the value of the infrastructure. The formula also uses billing information from the most recent 12-month period, which causes a hiccup.

Gibbs indicated that, with the way the power districts budget years and billing periods work out, the transition will be the most seamless if it takes place in the fall.

But, because Loup and Cornhusker didnt know about the annexation until months later, they didnt have time to prepare for a 2021 transfer, meaning it will have to wait until the fall of 2022.

"We provided in the application...that we're not going to have this change of territory take place until I think Oct. 31 or Oct. 1," Maul said.

However, Loup and Cornhusker are trying to get all of their ducks in a row much sooner than that.

"(The transfer) application is set to be heard by the Power Review Board on, I believe, Jan. 21, Maul said at Mondays Cornhusker board meeting.

Maul said the PRB wants Loup and Cornhusker to head into the hearing already in agreement about the cost.

Prior to that meeting we are going to attempt to get together to make a decision on the cost of the transfer, Maul said.

Molly Hunter is a reporter for The Columbus Telegram. Reach her via email at molly.hunter@lee.net.

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NEW YORK (AP)  In Joel and Ethan Coens Inside Llewyn Davis, Oscar Isaacs folk musician is trying to make it on his own, without his longtime partner. He travels to Chicago to audition for Bud Grossman, who gives the damning judgment: People need time to get to know you, he says, "buy you as a solo act.

The Tragedy of Macbeth, Joel Coens first time directing without his brother, is going much better for him than it did for Llewyn.

An intoxicatingly expressionist Shakespeare adaptation dense in fog and shadow, Coen's Macbeth is a solo debut from a filmmaker whose visual virtuosity has never been so starkly drawn in sound and fury. The movie has been hailed as one of the finest film Macbeths  a legacy including Orson Welles powerhouse interpretation and Akira Kurosawas feverishly atmospheric Throne of Blood -- and an unexpected detour from a filmmaking life previously always defined by brotherhood.

I spent 40 years looking over at Ethan after each shot or looking at him if there was a problem. And, so, I missed him because that wasnt there, Coen said in a recent interview. On the other hand, Fran was there as a producer bringing a different skill set that was in some ways absent from things wed done earlier -- especially in the context of this particular movie because of her experience in the theater.

The Tragedy of Macbeth (in theaters Saturday, streaming Jan. 14 on Apple TV+) stars Denzel Washington as Macbeth and Francis McDormand as Lady Macbeth. The project was driven partly by McDormand, who had longed to do the play with her husband directing, possibly on the stage. Coen eventually relented, but he could only imagine it as a film -- stripped down and stylized, abstracted in black and white and composed in a nearly square academy-ratio frame.

The ambition was to do it very much as a movie in terms of embracing what the medium gives you stylistically and psychologically and formally, but trying not to lose the essence of the play-ness of the piece of literature, Coen says. From the very beginning, we werent interested in doing a realistic version of the play. We werent interested in a rent-a-castle version.

As much as the film is a departure for Coen, The Tragedy of Macbeth isn't really a solo act. Along with working with actors like McDormand, Washington and Kathryn Hunter (a stunning witch), the film was built through collaborations with cinematographer Bruno Delbonnel and production designer Stefan Dechant.

Some of the intense conversation that Coen might normally have exchanged with his brother, he had with Delbonnel, poring over sketches and taking contemplative cigarette breaks. Their connection, Delbonnel says, is in questioning everything.

Joel and Ethan were always questioning whether it was the right way to do something. There is no right way, but the right way for the movie, says Delbonnel. We both think Kurosawa was a genius.

As much as the hurly burly of the Coen brothers movies might seem distant from Shakespearean tragedy, their films are crowded with schemers seized by misguided ambitions -- just usually more farcical ones. Its not a terribly far leap from Fargo," where foul was also fair, to Macbeth, or even from McDormands opportunistic personal trainer, Linda Litzke, in Burn After Reading," to Lady Macbeth.

There are echoes of things weve done in the past in this play, Coen says. One of the reasons Ive always loved the play is how Shakespeare anticipated or prefigured these tropes of 20th century crime fiction, this idea of a couple plotting a murder. While theyre not comically hapless or characters weve explored in that context in other movies, they nevertheless lose control of the situation.

Coens Macbeth comes from a more mature perspective than is typical to the Scottish play. McDormand and Washington are both in their 60s; their Macbeths are making a last stab at the throne. There are parallels for the filmmakers, too.

Weve been around for a while and we have ideas," Delbonnel. "There are things we like, things we dont like. And thats it.

Coen grants his own ambition has lessened; hes grown more prudent in what hes willing to make. His nearly annual output with Ethan -- they made No Country for Old Men, Burn After Reading, A Serious Man and True Grit in a four-year span -- now seems a little insane to him. The process of shooting Macbeth, which was shut down two-thirds of the way through due to the pandemic, is also not something he cares to repeat.

As you get older, you get a lot more particular, says Coen, laughing. Its a different relationship to work. Its more relaxed, in a good way.

For Coen, less is increasingly more, particularly in the minimalistic The Tragedy of Macbeth. He and Delbonnel storyboarded heavily to find the right level of abstraction. Coen didnt want a castle but the idea of a castle, says Dechant.

Realism has never been the Coens style  Joel quotes Hitchcock: My movies arent a slice of life. Theyre a slice of cake"  but in Macbeth, he pushed further into a more heightened, theatrical movie realm. One setting was invented: a startling, dreamlike crossroads  fatalism in Coen-land distilled down to a fork-in-the-road thats every bit as serious as Anton Chigurhs coin flip in No Country.

On sparse soundstages, Dechant built sets shaped to the light, crafting spaces out of the characters psychology.

By being woven into the text, the sets were their own thing, says Dechant. "The room where the apparitions appear the second time, the rafters, that exists totally for the psychological caldron thats holding Macbeth. I dont know what that room is. I dont know what it exists for. But it exists for that scene.

Coen doesn't shut the door on he and Ethan working together again.

Who knows what will happen in the future?" he says. "With Ethan and I, when we started off working, we never said for how long or is this a permanent thing. We dont interrogate each others decisions in that respect.

But it's also clear that their riffing process  the constant refining, considering and questioning  is one that still excites and consumes Coen, even if it's with other collaborators.

Our process was never really prescribed," says Coen. "It was never Youre doing this and Im doing that. It was always: Were both doing everything and whoevers closest to the person asking the question answers the question. Thats essentially what directing a movie is: Answering a lot of questions."

Follow AP Film Writer Jake Coyle on Twitter at: http://twitter.com/jakecoyleAP

Copyright 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.

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Joined by two members of Nebraska's congressional delegation, Gov. Pete Ricketts saluted the Nebraska National Guard on Wednesday during a celebration in the Capitol Rotunda marking its 167th birthday.

"We would not have been able to get through this pandemic without the Nebraska National Guard," the governor said, pointing to its service in delivering supplies and assisting in early vaccination of Nebraskans.

And during the year before that, Ricketts noted, the Guard mounted recovery missions that saved the lives of Nebraskans, often by helicopters, including delivering hay bales to stranded livestock during the record flooding disaster that swept across large portions of the state.

Harrowing rescue missions were conducted in "wind, snow, rain and cold," he said.

"Words cannot adequately express the gratitude and pride I have for the Nebraska National Guard," the governor said at the ceremony in a rotunda decorated at this holiday time with a huge Christmas tree that hovered over dozens of members of the Guard who attended the event in uniform.

As governor, Ricketts acts as commander-in-chief of the Nebraska Guard.

"These young people make us so proud," Ricketts said. "They volunteer to serve."

"You just stand up and say 'I will,'" Sen. Deb Fischer said in adding her birthday greetings.

Fischer, who is a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, said members of the Guard "helped Nebraskans recover in the aftermath of record flooding" and have provided vital services during the pandemic while also fulfilling missions all around the world.

Rep. Don Bacon, who is a retired U.S. Air Force brigadier general and former wing commander at Offutt Air Force Base, said the Nebraska National Guard has proven that it is "up to the task," whatever the mission.

"Thank you for serving Nebraska and our country," he said.

Bacon is a member of the House Armed Services Committee and represents metropolitan Omaha's 2nd District in the House.

Maj. Gen. Daryl Bohac, adjutant general of the Nebraska National Guard, said he is "very proud" of the members of the Guard and promised they will "always be ready."

The Nebraska National Guard is composed of 4,600 soldiers, airmen and civilians and has 25 readiness centers in 23 communities across the state.

Recent missions have taken members of the Guard to Cuba, Africa, the Middle East and the western Pacific along with disaster relief missions in the United States and border support activities.

Reach the writer at 402-473-7248 or dwalton@journalstar.com. On Twitter @LJSdon
After deliberating for nearly three hours, a Lancaster County jury on Wednesday found Roy Wyrick guilty of second-degree murder and use of a deadly weapon for the stabbing death of Jeremy Lane, rejecting the theory he had acted in self-defense.

Deputy Lancaster County Attorney Ashley Bohnet acknowledged Lane wasn't the "perfect victim." During an argument with Wyrick that turned physical, he'd been wrong to go back to his apartment to get a knife and confront Wyrick with it, she said.

"Just because Mr. Lane was wrong on July 13, 2020, does not mean that Mr. Roy Wyrick was right," she said in closing arguments.

Jeff Heerspink, the pastor at F Street Neighborhood Church, had been out on his porch near 13th and D streets that night at about 8:30 when he spotted Wyrick, whom he knows as Rolly, walking through a parking lot across the street.

He thought of calling out to him, but it had been a long day so instead he sat down for a glass of wine with his wife.

The next time he looked over, Heerspink said he saw Wyrick and Lane, whom he also knew from the neighborhood, fighting, and he called 911.

He said at least twice he saw Wyrick try to walk away, at one point Lane kicking him in the rear. It was almost comical in the moment, Heerspink said. When Lane went back to his apartment building, Heerspink called 911 back to say he thought the fight was over. Never mind.

"Then I saw Jeremy return. I remember having a kind of oh-no moment in my head," he told the jury Monday.

From his viewpoint, blocked by trees, he caught two glimpses of what happened next. One of Wyrick in a defensive-fighting posture, then kind of jumping and running off.

He couldn't see Lane on the ground dying of a stab wound to his chest.

"This is a no-win situation for me because I knew both of these gentlemen and I cared about them both," Heerspink said.

Soon after, Lincoln Police Sgt. Dan Noonan arrived to find Lane in the grass, his eyes wide open but totally unresponsive. He grabbed his AED from his trunk, and he and another officer sealed the wound and did CPR trying to save him until EMTs arrived.

Despite their efforts, Lane died at the hospital.

The wound had pierced his heart.

A low-resolution video from an apartment building helped the jury see what Heerspink couldn't, despite the images being so fuzzy the knife wasn't visible and making it unclear exactly when Wyrick got off Lane and stabbed him.

In closing arguments, defense attorney Brad Sipp called Lane's death a tragedy, but not a crime.

He said Wyrick had flashed a BB gun at Lane and punched him when Lane approached him. But it was Lane who went to get a knife and came after Wyrick, who had tried to walk away.

"I think we all agree, Mr. Lane brought the knife to this final altercation," Sipp said.

He said Wyrick threw rocks at him, then they struggled over the knife in what Wyrick later described to police as a "fight for my life." Sipp said Wyrick didn't want Lane to die. But he didn't want to die either.

"This is not murder. This is not manslaughter. This is self-defense," the defense attorney said.

Bohnet, the prosecutor, said Wyrick could have yelled for help or just left after taking the knife off of Lane. He didn't need to drive it into Lane's chest.

"This was not an accident. This was not incidental. This was not made frantically or in an attempt to protect himself. This wasn't a slash, a small cut, a puncture wound. This was a deliberate and intentional stab wound to a vital part of Mr. Lane's body," she said. "It was meant to be fatal, and it was just that."

The jury of 10 men and two women began deliberations at 10:15 a.m. and returned three hours later, finding Wyrick guilty.

At sentencing in February, he will face 20 years to life in prison on the second-degree murder charge and up to 50 years more on the weapon charge.

Reach the writer at 402-473-7237 or lpilger@journalstar.com. On Twitter @LJSpilger

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This holiday season, Fremont residents who committed minor traffic violations were greeted with a festive surprise.

Alanna Huenniger posted on Facebook her encounter with Fremont Police.

I got pulled over today and I was so confused on what I did wrong, and the officer was so nice when he gave me the card, Huenniger said in the post.

Instead of citing Huenniger with a warning or a fine, the officer gave her a Christmas card with $100 inside.

I was having a difficult time figuring out how I was going to have enough money for gifts. I wanted to cry so much. I am so thankful for whoever is watching over me this Christmas, Huenniger wrote.

Officer Jim Butt had to ask a woman if she was OK after handing her a holiday card with $100 inside.

Bob Cherek admitted he didn't use his blinker when he came out of a parking lot. When he got the $100 bill instead of a ticket, handshakes, hugs and tears followed.

Lieutenant Shane Wimer of the Fremont Police Department provided an explanation.

Its our Secret Santa giveaway, he said.

A private citizen donates the funds each year for the event.

Two officers are given cards to go give out, Wimer said. We have $5,000 to give out, so 50 cards each filled with $100.

The two officers find people making minor traffic violations.

The officer goes and pulls them over and instead of giving them a ticket or a warning, they just give them a Christmas card and wish them a Merry Christmas, Wimer said.

Wimer said the reaction from the public has been overwhelming.

It ranges, but its always positive. Everyone is excited about the money. Some people will get out of the car and give the officer a hug or they will say thank you I needed this. People sometimes will cry, Wimer said.

Members of the public arent the only ones who enjoy the police departments event.

The officers really love to do it, Wimer said. Instead of going out and being kind of the Grinch, they like to go out to the public and give some Christmas cheer. Not everybody has money for Christmas. Instead of our officers going out and giving that warning or that ticket, you know being the bad guy, they are happy to be the good guy for once.

He noted something else.

Were always excited to do this for the public, Wimer said, adding, Merry Christmas to everyone and the Fremont Police Department is here to help.

This article contains material from The Associated Press.

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A trademark tiff between Americas oldest beer maker and Americas best-selling beer brand appears to be over before it really began.

Last week, D.G. Yuengling & Son, the nearly 200-year-old Pennsylvania-based brewer, demanded that its much larger rival, Anheuser-Busch, stop using a tagline for its forthcoming Bud Light Next zero-carb beer, saying it closely resembled one already trademarked by Yuengling.

Get ready for the next generation of beer, read the Dec. 14 post from Bud Lights Twitter account, according to a screenshot provided by Yuengling. The same graphic appeared on Bud Lights Instagram and Facebook accounts that day, Yuengling said.

Yuengling quickly objected, pointing out its own low-carb brew  Flight, introduced in February 2020  is marketed as the next generation of light beer. Yuengling registered that phrase with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office more than a year ago.

The brewer had a little fun with Bud Light, tweeting an image of a cartoon burglar  masked and lowered by ropes  pilfering Flights catchphrase. We know imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, but this is going a bit too far, Yuengling tweeted at Bud Light.

And then Yuengling got serious, sending the St. Louis-based beer giant a cease-and-desist letter.

Flight by Yuengling is one of our lead brands; its one of our fastest-growing brands, Yuengling spokesperson Paul Capelli said Wednesday. Weve created this great product, and if some other light beer takes our tagline and puts it on their brand, obviously that is extremely confusing for the consumer.

Anheuser-Busch did not issue a formal response to Yuengling, but this week, Yuengling officials saw that Bud Light had scrubbed its social media accounts of the disputed posts and replaced them with ones that teased, Get ready for whats next.

We had hoped they would do the right thing, and in the spirit of the holiday season, they gave us back what belonged to us. We say thanks and happy holidays and have a Flight on us, Capelli said.

An email was sent to Anheuser-Busch on Wednesday seeking comment.

Last week wasnt the first time that Anheuser-Busch, which is owned by Belgium-based Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV, had referred to Bud Light Next as the next generation of beer. Andy Goeler, vice president of marketing for Bud Light, used the phrase in a September interview on CNN.

Yuengling and Anheuser-Busch have tangled before. Two years ago, the beer behemoth launched an ad campaign designating Seltzer, Pennsylvania a real-life hamlet just a few miles from Yuenglings historic brewery in Pottsville  as the unofficial spokes-town of Bud Light Seltzer.

Yuengling clapped back in a tweet: Get off my lawn.

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As families and friends gather indoors for holiday revelry over the course of several weeks, the St. Francois County Health Center is keeping watch on the areas COVID-19 numbers, working to make rapid tests free and available  while continuing to offer its usual, non-coronavirus services.

SFCHC Director Linda Ragsdale said she wanted to remind everyone that, while COVID-19 is still a concern and its in the news every day for a reason, the center also provides services for expectant mothers, testing for other illnesses and diseases, and other vaccinations, such as for the common flu.

Since we've been able to really open up fully for other services, we still are a really good resource for the community in other aspects, not just COVID, whether its providing immunizations like the flu vaccine, or offering pregnancy or STD testing, we also provide lab services for the uninsured, she said. We have the WIC office here. We have case management for safe sleep program for new moms and babies who can't afford a crib. Weve had those services opened up again for several months now and we are just as busy as we ever have been. So its good.

She said given the amount of political debate regarding public health, she anticipates 2022 will be very interesting in regards to public health law, state guidelines, state law.

I feel interesting things are going to come out in 2022 and I hope for the best, she said. It does make me very concerned regarding other contagious diseases that the health department deals with and I think because it hasn't been on the same magnitude (as COVID), those other contagious diseases arent as advertised, people are not aware that we continue to deal with, for example, foodborne illnesses in our community  salmonella. We are concerned about rabies, and we continue to do testing for pertussis in the spring, usually we'll have a small outbreak at a school and, you know, your health department's behind the scenes working, doing those investigations.

Because its not on a pandemic scale, people might be unaware that we are still doing these things.

Ragsdale said they are still offering free, no-appointment COVID testing every Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and the center offers the Moderna, Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson vaccines from 8 a.m.-3:30 p.m. all five days of the week, Monday through Friday.

Shes also hoping  since numbers are creeping up again due to Halloween, Thanksgiving, and now Christmas and New Years Eve  that the center will soon expand testing to include drive-up rapid tests.

We are getting more people, and more kids. Anyone under the age of 5 is not eligible for the vaccine yet, that's why it is so important for adults and caregivers to get vaccinated  to protect those who cannot, she said. And we're trying to decrease barriers for testing ... we haven't started it yet, but we have ordered some of the rapid tests.

"We want people to be able to drive up, be handed a home test provided from the Department of Health, and register their test using the Internet. Were hoping by the end of next week, they can actually just text us if they need a home test, theyll come and pick it up and well bring it out to their car. They will go home, they will register their information, do the test and then they do also have to be able to drop it off at a FedEx drop-off point within 24 hours.

Free testing, no appointment needed and we're excited about that. We're gonna start out small. I don't want to order a large quantity and then not be able to use them. We won't have to worry about them entering the building and we can run a test to them along with the instruction sheet.

Since COVID tests can cost as much as $30 at some pharmacies, she said, the importance of free cant be overstated, especially around the holidays.

I mean, if you have a family and need to test for COVID, it might depend on, are you going to pay the full electric bill? Are you going to be able to do this week's groceries? she said. And if you have a family where you have maybe three or four children, you know, and you want to test them before you go to grandma's on Saturday for Christmas, that's over $100.

She said she hasnt been informed that the Omicron variant has been found in St. Francois County, but she suspects its a matter of time.

You can kind of speculate that we just haven't maybe tested the right person yet. You know, we have so much travel throughout Missouri. It's very easy to go to Kansas City or St. Louis and then come back to our county. So unless we're testing our whole population to find the Omicron variant, it's very difficult to tell because not all COVID tests have the genome sequencing to find out what variant you have, she said.

Ragsdale said once a variant has dispersed in the population it could become the main variant. When the Delta variant was picked up in sequencing in Missouri, it became the main strain.

So we haven't been informed yet that we have Omicron in our county, she said. But you know, really, with the way viruses work and how easily its transmitted, it could possibly just be a matter of time.

She said theyre anticipating numbers will climb during and following the holidays, but she hopes citizens everywhere will use good judgment.

Of course, if you're sick, stay home. If you've been exposed, get tested. If you're not vaccinated, get vaccinated  although that does take a couple weeks to boost your immunity. And if you haven't had your boost yet, go ahead and get boosted as well, Ragsdale said. We're moving forward. We're still educating as much as we can. We're providing the vaccines daily. We're trying to decrease the testing barrier. Hopefully well get back to what we consider a new normal.

The past two years we have learned exponentially about this virus and how to protect ourselves. So, now we have the tools. The next step is to take appropriate measures to protect yourself and your family.

As of Tuesday, St. Francois County's all-time confirmed cases of COVID-19 came to 11,422 confirmed cases, 2,034 probable cases, 190 confirmed deaths and 32 probable deaths. In the past seven days, 224 cases were confirmed, as well as one death.

"Probable" means the person hasn't had a confirmatory test performed but has a positive antigen test or meets the clinical criteria of infection and is at high risk for COVID-19 infection, such as a healthcare worker.

Madison County's all-time confirmed cases to date are 2,233 confirmed cases, 369 probable cases, 28 confirmed deaths and 12 probable deaths.

Ste. Genevieve County's confirmed cases come to 2,474, with 218 probable cases, 29 confirmed deaths and 5 probable deaths.

Washington County's confirmed cases come to 3,236, probable cases 1,163, confirmed deaths 73 and probable deaths 27.

Iron County's confirmed cases to date come to 778, with 810 probable cases, 18 confirmed deaths and 11 probable deaths.

Sarah Haas is the assistant editor for the Daily Journal. She can be reached at 573-518-3617 or at shaas@dailyjournalonline.com.

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Firefighters responded to a structure fire in northern St. Francois County early Thursday morning.

Emergency personnel was dispatched at 12:33 a.m. to the 1000 block of King Arthur's Court near Route D in French Village for a working fire.

Assistant Bonne Terre/Big River Fire Chief Allen Stegall said crews arrived at the address within about 10 minutes of the call to find a detached garage fully engulfed in flames.

Stegall said firefighters had the flames knocked down quickly, containing the fire within approximately 10 minutes of their arrival on the scene. The garage was a total loss, and damage was caused to vehicles inside the structure, Stegall explained. He said the heat melted portions of the siding on the house near the garage, but the fire did not extend into the home.

There were reportedly no injuries reported during the fire. Crews were at the property for approximately an hour. The assistant chief said the cause of the fire was undetermined, but it was not deemed suspicious.

Assisting Bonne Terre/Big River with containment efforts were mutual aid fire companies from Desloge, Farmington, Festus, and De Soto Rural. The St. Francois County Ambulance District was dispatched to the scene to standby for any potential medical needs.

Bobby Radford is a reporter for the Daily Journal. He can be reached at bradford@dailyjournalonline.com

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Since the School District implemented the policy, R has heard her son joke about and discuss his race in a negative way that she never observed him doing before the School District started implementing the policy, Langhofer wrote.

Several of the plaintiffs are Catholic, and others are Protestant. According to the complaint, the school systems efforts to eliminate racism conflict with the plaintiffs religious and philosophical beliefs.

Plaintiffs faith teaches them that God creates all people equal, and that a persons race has no relation to that persons inherent dignity as a child of God, Langhofer wrote. Accordingly, plaintiffs believe that all people should receive equal and loving treatment.

The complaint echoes several points made over the summer at School Board meetings in response to the Henley lessons. The content of the lessons has alarmed a group of parents who said the units overstepped the schools role, discriminated against their children who hold different beliefs, infringed on parental rights and created divisions.
Currently, 4% is added to a meal tab in Albemarle County whereas 6% is added to the cost of a meal, whether sit-down or take-out, in Charlottesville. The supervisors, at a Dec. 15 work session, expressed support for increasing the meals tax by as much as 2% to meet the citys rate.

The city adds 8% to the cost of a days stay in a hotel or motel while the county adds 5% to the bills bottom line. The state legislature in 2020 repealed the maximum amount a county can charge for a hotel tax, known as transient occupancy tax.

Terry said the proposed tax hike bodes ill for area restaurants and lodging.

These economic challenges coincide with an exponential growth in labor, as well as food and supply costs, which are leading to higher expenditures for businesses already in pandemic induced deficits, Terry wrote in a Dec. 17 letter to the board.

While some jobs have been regained, approximately 90,000 jobs in the hospitality industry remain unfilled, he wrote. This represents 44% of the total unfilled jobs in Virginia.

For housing, prices and demand are up but there are fewer homes being put on the market, which could push prices even higher.
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Samoa was one of the first Pacific Island countries to establish a regulatory infrastructure and to liberalise its telecom market. In 2006, it became the first in the region to see the market entrance of Digicel, which has since launched services in other Pacific nations.

The advent of competition in the mobile market saw prices fall by around 50% and network coverage increase to more than 90% of the population.

LTE is developing on the back of its initial launch in 2016 by Digicel Samoa, followed by BlueSky Samoa (now Vodafone Samoa) in 2017. Digicel Samoa completed its LTE network in September 2020.

Digicel Samoas parent company, Digicel Pacific, has been on the lookout for several months for a potential buyer as it has struggled financially. Various Chinese firms have registered interest in taking a stake, however the Australian government has sought to block further Chinese investment in the region by providing financial support for a local buyer. In October 2021, Telstra agreed to acquire Digicel Groups Pacific operations for around $1.6 billion, with a considerable financial input from the Australian government.

Similar to other countries in the Pacific Islands, Samoas telecoms sector has been inhibited by a lack of international connectivity. While Samoa has had access to the Samoa-America-Samoa (SAS) cable laid in 2009, this cable has insufficient capacity to meet the countrys future bandwidth needs.

This issue was addressed with two new submarine cables that became available in 2018 and 2019. These, combined with the Samoa National Broadband Highway (SNBH), have improved internet data rates and reliability, and have reduced the high costs previously associated with internet access in Samoa.

BuddeComm notes that the outbreak of the pandemic continues to have a significant impact on production and supply chains globally. During the coming year the telecoms sector to various degrees is likely to experience a downturn in mobile device production, while it may also be difficult for network operators to manage workflows when maintaining and upgrading existing infrastructure. Overall progress towards 5G may be postponed or slowed down in some countries.

On the consumer side, spending on telecoms services and devices is under pressure from the financial effect of large-scale job losses and the consequent restriction on disposable incomes. However, the crucial nature of telecom services, both for general communication as well as a tool for home-working, will offset such pressures. In many markets the net effect should be a steady though reduced increased in subscriber growth.

The report also covers the responses of the telecom operators as well as government agencies and regulators as they react to the crisis to ensure that citizens can continue to make optimum use of telecom services. This can be reflected in subsidy schemes and the promotion of tele-health and tele-education, among other solutions.

Key developments:

Australian government contributes $1.33 billion of the $1.6 billion cost for Telstra to acquire Digicel Pacific.

Manatua cable is ready for service.

Get a Full Copy of this Report

Developing Telecoms market report summaries are produced in partnership with BuddeCom, the worlds largest continually updated online telecommunications research service.

The above article is a summary of the following BuddeCom report:

Report title: Samoa - Telecoms, Mobile and Broadband - Statistics and Analyses

Edition: October 2021

Analyst: Stephen Marshall

Number of pages: 63

Companies mentioned in the report: Amalgamated Telecom Holdings (ATH), Vodafone Samoa, Amper, Blue Sky Samoa, Digicel Samoa, Kacific Broadband Satellite, O3b

Single User PDF Licence Price: US$890

For more information or to purchase a copy of the full report please use the following link: https://www.budde.com.au/Research/Samoa-Telecoms-Mobile-and-Broadband-Statistics-and-Analyses/?r=83

This article is an update to a previous BuddeComm Market Report.
Bharat FIH, formerly Rising Stars Mobile India, a subsidiary of FIH Mobiles, a Foxconn Technology Group Company, has filed for an initial public offering of up to INR 50.04 billion ($662.97 million).

Bharat FIH, the manufacturing, and services of the handset and wireless communications sector is responsible for making mobile phones for Xiaomi.

Bharat FIHs IPO will consist of a fresh issue of shares of up to INR 25.02 billion and an offer for sale of shares up to INR 25.02 billion by promoter group and Foxconn unit Wonderful Stars, said local media.

BNP Paribas, Citi, and Kotak Mahindra Bank are the investment banker working on the IPO while S&R Associates along with Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas are Bharat FIHs legal advisors.

According to media reports, Bharat FIH has been one of the key beneficiaries of the central governments production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme, which was launched to boost the local manufacturing of various products.

Reuters reported that shares of FIH Mobile, a unit of Apple Inc supplier Foxconn, surged 6.7% earlier in the day in Hong Kong after the company proposed the listing of Bharat FIH.

Bharat FIH is an electronic manufacturing services provider in India and had a 15% market revenue share in the financial year 2021, according to the prospectus.
Indian operators and network technology providers apparently want an extension of the deadline for responses to the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India's (TRAI) consultation paper on the sale of 5G spectrum.

The Economic Times reports that last week the Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI), which represent Indias big three operators Reliance Jio, Bharti Airtel and Vodafone Idea, sent a letter to TRAI requesting the extension.

This happened after TRAI released a consultation paper in late November and sought industry comments by 28 December, and counter-comments by 11 January 11 2022. However, that may not now happen. Industry players have asked for an extension of the response time to allow them to provide what are described as improved and detailed responses.

It seems there has not yet been any response to the discussion paper, which itself was the result of a request from Indias Department of Telecommunications (DoT) for TRAI to provide its views on the auction of spectrum for 5G applications  in particular base price, band plan, block size, and amount of spectrum to be auctioned in a number of bands.

This was in part necessitated by the Indian governments recent reform decisions relating to spectrum auctions, though its also likely that the process is also intended to take account of the fact that operators and lobbying groups are unhappy with spectrum pricing in general.

We reported earlier this week that the pricing recommendations requested from TRAI by DoT are unlikely to appear much before March, meaning 5G auctions are now likely to take place in July next year.

Could the latest news mean even longer delays? TRAI is apparently not keen on any extension, but a final decision has not yet been made.
Explanation of Vote by Ambassador Byrne Nason - Afghanistan Humanitarian Exemption

Statement

Thank you Mr President.

We welcome the adoption this morning of this resolution providing a much needed and unequivocal exemption to the sanctions imposed under the 1988 Taliban sanctions regime. It provides clarity and will facilitate, and accelerate, the provision of vital life-saving and life sustaining humanitarian assistance into Afghanistan.

The dire humanitarian need in Afghanistan has been the shared focus of this Council for some months. We have been repeatedly warned of the magnitude and gravity of the humanitarian crisis - by Special Representative of the Secretary General Lyons, by UN agencies, and most importantly, by the people of Afghanistan. They have been clear. Winter has arrived and millions are now facing acute hunger. Women led households have been particularly impacted. Children are facing malnutrition and starvation.

While the Taliban continues to bear primary responsibility for the conditions facing the people of Afghanistan, the international community and this Council had to take action in face of one of the worlds worst humanitarian crises.

Today, the Council has stepped up and, finally, delivered on our obligation to facilitate the urgent and very necessary humanitarian response.

The next step is to ensure that humanitarian assistance, which is now required at unprecedented levels, is delivered to every person in need. We reiterate our call, clearly stated in the resolution, that all actors must ensure full, safe and unhindered access to all humanitarian workers, regardless of gender.

In welcoming the adoption of this text this morning, Ireland remains clear-eyed as to what must yet be done. We recognise this text could, and should, be stronger in acknowledging and addressing the plight of women and girls in Afghanistan. We know from the first hand testimonies of Afghan women, that they have been disproportionately affected by the economic and humanitarian crises and face greater barriers to obtaining food and accessing health care services. Their burdens and the risks they take to raise their voice will remain Irelands focus as this Council continues to respond to the situation in Afghanistan.

Mr President, I want to be clear that in our view the one-year timeline for the review of the humanitarian exemption is not intended in any way as one year of license to the Taliban, nor is it one year when we wont insist that they be held to account. Their actions to date have shown open disregard for the norms and values we uphold, in particular in relation to human rights and gender equality. This exemption is to immediately provide support to the people of Afghanistan who are in dire need. Nothing more. We will continue to consider our next steps, in light of the ongoing needs of the Afghan people and we will remain vigilant in relation to the actions, not the words, of the Taliban.

Thank you, Mr President.

 Previous Item | Next Item 
Statement by Amb. Byrne Nason at UNSC briefing on the Middle East, Incl. the Palestinian Question

Statement

Thank you Mr. President,

Thank you Tor for your comprehensive briefing, and for the report on the implementation of Resolution 2334.

Mr. President,

As the Council convenes to discuss the situation in the occupied Palestinian territory for the final time this year, five years since the adoption of Resolution 2334, it is fitting that we take stock.

Despite grave concerns raised in this Council about Israels settlement activity in every meeting this year, Israel has continued to plan and expand its settlements, with an estimated 800,000 people now housed in illegal settlements. I repeat Irelands call on Israel to halt all settlement activity, including in the sensitive areas of E1, Atarot and Givat Hamatos. The facts are crystal clear  settlements are illegal under international law and severely undermine the viability of a two-State solution.

Ireland assures this Council of our commitment to the principle of differentiation and the implementation of Resolution 2334.

2021 has also seen a record high number of Palestinians affected by demolitions, evictions and confiscations. Once again, Palestinian families in Silwan, Sheikh Jarrah and al-Walajeh are confronted with a looming legal deadline. In East Jerusalem alone, 121 children have been impacted by demolitions and confiscations this year. As highlighted by the Secretary-General, demolitions and forced evictions raise serious concerns about the risk of forcible transfer.

Mr. President,

The significant uptick in violence across the occupied Palestinian territory this year, and its increasing intensity is extremely concerning. Incidents of settler violence are deeply disturbing and those responsible for attacks must be held accountable. In 2021, the Israeli Security Forces in the West Bank killed 72 Palestinians, including 17 children, using live ammunition. The disproportionate use of live fire by the Israeli Security Forces is unacceptable. We are deeply disturbed by the surge in violence in the West Bank, including attacks in Jerusalem and the killing of civilians.

We condemn terrorism in all of its forms. We are concerned by the threat to the safety and security of Palestinian and Israeli populations and incitement to violence by terrorist groups.

Mr. President,

Earlier this year we witnessed the most significant escalation in hostilities since 2014 leading to the death of more than 200 people, including over 60 children. Seven months on and the ceasefire remains fragile. UNRWA have confirmed that more than half of the children in the Gaza Strip require mental health support. Every child is born with the right to safety, the right to protection and the right to development. For Palestinian children, these rights are violated on a daily basis.

Mr. President,

Our statement here last month made our position of grave concern clear on Israels recent designation of six Palestinian civil society organisations. Irelands commitment to supporting civil society, and those defending human rights, remains unwavering.

Mr. President,

We welcome the first phase of Palestinian municipal elections in the West Bank and look forward to the second phase. Ireland remains of the view that national Palestinian elections are essential to renew the legitimacy of national institutions. The financial situation of the Palestinian Authority is of concern and we encourage support, as well as enhanced economic cooperation between the Palestinian Authority and Israel.

We strongly support UNRWAs vital work for Palestine refugees, and call on others to do the same, and to ensure that UNRWA has the financial means to fully discharge its role, which is also critical to regional stability.

Mr. President,

Let me emphasise again the need to reinvigorate efforts, including through the Quartet, with and between the parties and with key regional players, to help make progress toward a two State solution to the conflict. Only this will end the occupation and achieve our shared vision of two States, Israel and Palestine, in peace and security, on the basis of the pre-1967 lines, with Jerusalem as the capital of both States. This Council also bears a particular responsibility, given its role in the maintenance of international peace and security under the UN Charter and the fact that this issue has been on the UNs agenda since 1948.

Ireland is ready to play its part and this issue will remain a priority for the rest of our Council membership.

Thank you Mr. President.

1. Thank you Mr. President,

2. Thank you Tor for your comprehensive briefing, and for the report on the implementation of Resolution 2334.

3. Mr. President,

4. As the Council convenes to discuss the situation in the occupied Palestinian territory for the final time this year, five years since the adoption of Resolution 2334, it is fitting that we take stock.

5. Despite grave concerns raised in this Council about Israels settlement activity in every meeting this year, Israel has continued to plan and expand its settlements, with an estimated 800,000 people now housed in illegal settlements. I repeat Irelands call on Israel to halt all settlement activity, including in the sensitive areas of E1, Atarot and Givat Hamatos. The facts are crystal clear  settlements are illegal under international law and severely undermine the viability of a two-State solution.

6. Ireland assures this Council of our commitment to the principle of differentiation and the implementation of Resolution 2334.

7. 2021 has also seen a record high number of Palestinians affected by demolitions, evictions and confiscations. Once again, Palestinian families in Silwan, Sheikh Jarrah and al-Walajeh are confronted with a looming legal deadline. In East Jerusalem alone, 121 children have been impacted by demolitions and confiscations this year. As highlighted by the Secretary-General, demolitions and forced evictions raise serious concerns about the risk of forcible transfer.

8. Mr. President,

9. The significant uptick in violence across the occupied Palestinian territory this year, and its increasing intensity is extremely concerning. Incidents of settler violence are deeply disturbing and those responsible for attacks must be held accountable. In 2021, the Israeli Security Forces in the West Bank killed 72 Palestinians, including 17 children, using live ammunition. The disproportionate use of live fire by the Israeli Security Forces is unacceptable. We are deeply disturbed by the surge in violence in the West Bank, including attacks in Jerusalem and the killing of civilians.

10. We condemn terrorism in all of its forms. We are concerned by the threat to the safety and security of Palestinian and Israeli populations and incitement to violence by terrorist groups.

11. Mr. President,

12. Earlier this year we witnessed the most significant escalation in hostilities since 2014 leading to the death of more than 200 people, including over 60 children. Seven months on and the ceasefire remains fragile. UNRWA have confirmed that more than half of the children in the Gaza Strip require mental health support. Every child is born with the right to safety, the right to protection and the right to development. For Palestinian children, these rights are violated on a daily basis.

13. Mr. President,

14. Our statement here last month made our position of grave concern clear on Israels recent designation of six Palestinian civil society organisations. Irelands commitment to supporting civil society, and those defending human rights, remains unwavering.

15. Mr. President,

16. We welcome the first phase of Palestinian municipal elections in the West Bank and look forward to the second phase. Ireland remains of the view that national Palestinian elections are essential to renew the legitimacy of national institutions. The financial situation of the Palestinian Authority is of concern and we encourage support, as well as enhanced economic cooperation between the Palestinian Authority and Israel.

17. We strongly support UNRWAs vital work for Palestine refugees, and call on others to do the same, and to ensure that UNRWA has the financial means to fully discharge its role, which is also critical to regional stability.

18. Mr. President,

19. Let me emphasise again the need to reinvigorate efforts, including through the Quartet, with and between the parties and with key regional players, to help make progress toward a two State solution to the conflict. Only this will end the occupation and achieve our shared vision of two States, Israel and Palestine, in peace and security, on the basis of the pre-1967 lines, with Jerusalem as the capital of both States. This Council also bears a particular responsibility, given its role in the maintenance of international peace and security under the UN Charter and the fact that this issue has been on the UNs agenda since 1948.

20. Ireland is ready to play its part and this issue will remain a priority for the rest of our Council membership.

21. Thank you Mr. President.

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Alabama schools reported 750 cases of COVID-19 this week, up about 25% from the 589 last week. The largest increases were in the large metropolitan areas around Birmingham, Huntsville, Mobile and Montgomery plus rural Walker County, northwest of Birmingham.

With only about 47% of the states population fully vaccinated against the virus that causes COVID-19, more than 16,350 people have died from the illness in Alabama, according to researchers from Johns Hopkins. The death toll is the 16th highest nationally and the second highest per capita at almost 335 deaths per 100,000 people.

Dr. Michael Saag, an infectious diseases expert at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, said there's still time for additional vaccinations to stem a tide of new infections. People who aren't vaccinated make up the vast majority of the people being treated in hospitals, he said, comparing a coming wave of infections from the new omicron variant of the virus to an approaching tornado.

"Theres a storm coming and we need to get in our safe place, and the safest place we can be is with vaccines, said Saag, who recovered from a bout with COVID-19 early in the pandemic.
It cautioned that the analysis is preliminary and highly uncertain because of the small number of omicron patients in hospitals and the fact that most were in younger age groups. As of Dec. 20, 132 people had been admitted to U.K. hospitals with confirmed omicron, of whom 14 -- aged between 52 and 96 -- died.

SOFIA, Bulgaria  Bulgarians aged over 65 are being offered a one-off payment of 75 levs ($43) in addition to their monthly pensions if they get a COVID-19 vaccine.

Prime Minister Kiril Petkov said Thursday that pensioners who have not received a jab will get the payment after the first dose. Those who have had one dose will get the money after receiving a second dose and those getting a booster dose when the program kicks off.

The program, scheduled to begin in January and to last until the end of June, is part of the new governments campaign to encourage the vaccination process

The Balkan country of 7 million remains the least vaccinated in the 27-nation European Union, with less than one-third of its adults fully vaccinated.
BISMARCK, N.D. (AP)  George Keiser, a longtime Republican North Dakota lawmaker who announced just last week that he would not seek another term in the Legislature, has died. He was 75.

House Republican Caucus Chair Glenn Bosch said Keiser died Wednesday, the Bismarck Tribune reported. A cause of death was not disclosed. Keiser announced in 2019 that he had been diagnosed with Lou Gehrigs disease, the common name for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS, a nervous system disease that weakens muscles.

Keiser's body has been taken to Eastgate and Parkway Funeral and Cremation Service in Bismarck, which is handling the funeral, an employee said.

Gov. Doug Burgum said in a statement that Keiser served the citizens of North Dakota with passion and dedication for nearly three decades.

U.S. Sens. John Hoeven and Kevin Cramer also issued statements. Hoven said Keiser worked to build up his community and secure a more prosperous future for North Dakotans.
Vietnam an e-logistics phenomenon in the making: industry leader

Nelson Wu, CEO BEST Inc. Vietnam, says Vietnam is fertile ground for express delivery development in the e-commerce industry, given its young population and large percentage of smartphone users.
Vietnam is the biggest ASEAN foreign direct investor in Cambodia with 188 active projects and a total registered capital of $2.85 billion.

In the first 11 months this year, Vietnam has invested in four new projects in Cambodia with a registered capital of nearly $90 million, up 4.6 times year-on-year, officials said at a Tuesday meeting between Vietnamese President Nguyen Xuan Phuc and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen.

Phuc concluded an official visit to Cambodia on Wednesday.

In the first 11 months of the year, bilateral trade rose 84 percent year-on-year to over $8.6 billion.

One of the biggest Vietnamese investments is Metfone, a telecom brand operated by Viettel Cambodia.

Phung Van Cuong, CEO of Viettel Cambodia, said that after 15 years of establishment, the company has 3,000 workers now.

Metfone is now the biggest telecoms brand in Cambodia with nine million subscribers, or 60 percent of the population, he said.

It accounts for half of the telecoms market there he added.

Metfone is valued at over $1 billion, and it is one of the businesses that contribute most to the Cambodian states coffers at $820 million to date, Cuong said.

Thagrico, the agriculture unit of Truong Hai Auto Corporation (Thaco), has invested $388 million to grow oil palm trees, rubber trees and fruit farms.

Exports from the Cambodian farm is set to reach 250,000 tonnes this year with a value of $151 million, creating jobs for 15,900 workers, Thaco chairman Tran Ba Duong said.

"We expect banana exports to reach $1 billion," he added.

The company plans to invest $100 million next year in farming and husbandry, and another $500 million if needed.

Vietnamese companies also proposed changes to make their business more convenient.

Cuong of Viettel proposed that Cambodia establishes more 4G resouces so that Metfone can expand and provide 4G and 5G services.

Duong of Thaco requested that problem of power shortages be addressed and resolved.
A man is tested for Covid-19 in HCMC, July 14, 2021. Photo by VnExpress/Huu Khoa

Vietnam has emerged from the Covid-19 battlefield after 1.5 million infections and 30,000 deaths with scars to show and lessons learned.

From 1,400 cases and 35 deaths at the end of 2020 the coronavirus situation has changed considerably, with significant increases in both the number of infections and deaths.

The Alpha and Delta variants, with their much higher transmissibility and ability to evade immune responses, have created a much bleaker picture in the country's fight in contrast with its previous achievements.

But the pain in the past year notwithstanding, the nation of 98 million has also learned to roll with the punches, adapting to life with the coronavirus and shifting its defense strategy.

The highlight is a historic vaccination campaign, which has seen Vietnam turn from a country that was sluggish in administering vaccines to having the third fastest immunization rate in the world.

As the Omicron variant casts a shadow over the globe and winter months approach, we take a look back at the country's journey in 2021 in its coronavirus fight.

Third wave

On January 2 Vietnam recorded its first confirmed case of the Alpha coronavirus variant when a woman, one of 305 passengers on a flight to Vietnam from the U.K. on December 22, was found infected.

Three days later, on January 5, then Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc ordered the suspension of all flights to Vietnam from regions with new variants, starting with the U.K. and South Africa.

On January 28 two cases of local transmission were found, a 34-year-old woman worker at the Poyun Company in Hai Duong Province and a 31-year-old man working at the Van Don International Airport in its neighbor Quang Ninh. They were the first in the country after 55 days without local transmission.

Beds are set up at a Covid-19 field hospital in Hai Duong, February 6, 2021. Photo by VnExpress/Nguyen Dong

The Hai Duong woman had contracted the U.K. variant, and 82 more people associated with the two people were announced as infected the same day, prompting province authorities to immediately begin social distancing.

Quang Ninh suspended all public transportation, including flights, on January 28 before shutting food and drink establishments and karaoke parlors a day later.

Also on January 29 the Ministry of Health required all health workers to be tested for Covid. Within the next few days, localities across the country began deploying their own coronavirus prevention measures like lockdowns, social distancing and making students study online.

On February 1 the capital closed karaoke parlors and dance clubs and restricted non-essential activities with large gatherings. Hanoi also scrapped plans for almost all fireworks for the Lunar New Year except at Thong Nhat Park. By mid-February it also shut street stalls and coffee shops.

Throughout February Vietnam continued to ramp up preventive measures like mass testing, contact tracing, isolation, social distancing, and online classes for students.

Only in early March did major cities like Hanoi and HCMC and Covid hotspot Hai Duong begin to ease restrictions and allow certain non-essential activities to resume.

Cases still cropped up here and there throughout March, but the situation was mostly under control in the country.

For most of April Vietnam saw a period of relative calm. In the third wave, which lasted around two months, around 910 cases were found.

But it was in late April that the nightmare began for Vietnam.

Fourth wave

Ahead of the Reunification Day-Labor Day holidays at April-end and the start of May localities began to suspend certain festival activities and closed pedestrian streets fearing potential outbreaks.

On April 27 a receptionist at a hotel in the northern province of Yen Bai tested positive for the coronavirus. A week earlier a group of Indian engineers had quarantined in the hotel, and four of them were later found infected.

The cases were found just days before the holidays when people would travel across the country in large numbers. No one knew then, but it was the beginning of the fourth Covid-19 wave, the most deadly yet, one that has infected 1.5 million people and killed over 30,000.

A few days later, on April 29, a new community outbreak was confirmed in the northern Ha Nam Province after a man returned to Vietnam from Japan. Despite having tested negative thrice and completed his quarantine period, the man was found infected anyway and spread the virus in the community.

The Ha Nam patient was also the source of infection of a case in HCMC, which broke the citys streak of no community transmission in 75 days, and community transmissions in Hanoi, where the disease-free period had been 72 days.

HCMC decided to shut down non-essential businesses like bars and karaoke parlors on April 30, a decision followed by Hanoi as well.

The Ha Nam case was also connected to outbreaks in other areas like Hung Yen Province.

Many provinces and cities decided to close down non-essential businesses as the situation deteriorated steadily.

Outbreaks also started to crop up elsewhere starting early May, for example in Vinh Phuc Province and Da Nang City.

On May 5 dozens of cases of infection were detected at Hanois National Hospital for Tropical Diseases, one of the nations foremost Covid treatment facilities. The hospital went into lockdown the same day.

The outbreak at the Hanoi hospital was soon linked to cases in Bac Ninh, Thai Binh, Hung Yen provinces and at other medical facilities like the 105 Military Hospital and K Hospital. Several hospitals and others had to be locked down as a result.

By mid-May Hanoi had recorded 70 Covid cases in the community and 100 others at the National Hospital for Tropical Diseases and K Hospital.

On May 8 a worker at Bac Giangs Van Trung Industrial Park, the provinces largest with hundreds of thousands of workers, was found infected. The case was associated with the cluster at K Hospital, and soon more cases were detected in other industrial parks in the region.

Other provinces like Bac Ninh, Bac Giang, Ha Nam, Vinh Phuc, Hai Duong, Hung Yen, Thai Binh, Yen Bai, Lang Son, Quang Ninh, Quang Tri, Ha Tinh, Thua Thien-Hue, and Nghe An, and Hai Phong City also saw new cases, prompting social distancing and lockdowns of various intensities.

Bac Giang and Bac Ninh were two hotspots with the highest numbers of daily infections due to outbreaks at industrial parks where thousands of workers mingled with each other daily.

As a result, Bac Ninh began social distancing in its capital town on May 7 and Bac Giang on May 19.

Other locations in the two provinces also saw restrictions imposed, industrial parks and tenants began to adopt measures that would allow workers to work, eat and sleep on company premises to prevent travel and preclude possible infection.

On May 15 Vietnam recorded its 36th Covid death at the National Hospital for Tropical Diseases and the first since the second wave of the disease in Da Nang back in July-August 2020.

On May 18 a person was diagnosed with Covid in HCMC but with no obvious source of infection. It was the first community case in 20 days.

It was the beginning of a string of outbreaks that turned Vietnam's economic spearhead into a Covid warzone for the next few months.

More clusters continued to be detected in the city, leading to lockdowns at multiple locations. On May 26 a husband and wife couple belonging to the Revival Ekklesia Mission, a self-described Christian congregation, were found infected. In the next few days the congregation revealed itself to be a super spreader.

HCMC on May 27 ordered a ban on dine-in services at eateries and coffee shops and barbershops among others as 25 cases related to the new cluster were detected within 12 hours.

Multiple lockdowns also commenced in locations associated with the infections.

On May 31 a citywide social distancing mandate was imposed on a single days notice. News of the lockdown led to residents rushing to supermarkets to stock up on food and other necessities despite authorities assurances there would be no food shortages.

Meanwhile, the outbreaks in the city, involving both the Alpha and Delta variants, had begun to spread to neighboring provinces resulting in thousands of new cases. Localities also began to test and isolate those coming from HCMC.

The Delta variants high transmissibility meant several infection cycles were completed rapidly, making contact tracing very difficult. Outbreaks without obvious sources of infection began to appear as a result.

By June 25, six localities in southern Vietnam: HCMC, Tay Ninh, Phu Yen, Binh Thuan, Binh Duong and Tien Giang were undergoing social distancing orders of various levels. The daily number of cases across the country was in the hundreds.

By late June some people who had come into close contact with patients were allowed to self-isolate at home to relieve the burden on the medical system.

The number of infections in HCMC was beginning to rise during the month as more outbreaks were detected, including major ones like at Pouyuen Vietnam, which employs around 56,000 workers.

On June 20 the city imposed several measures to prevent the viruss spread, including suspending taxi and bus services and limiting gatherings.

The number of cases went past Bac Ninhs on June 20.

By July 3 the infection tally had topped 5,000, the worst case scenario painted by authorities 45 days earlier.

The number then went past the 6,000 mark just one day later, and the southern metropolis had eclipsed Bac Giang and turned into Vietnams biggest hotspot.

Two medics rest at a Covid-19 field hospital in HCMC, July 2021. Photo by VnExpress/Huu Khoa

On July 9 city authorities tightened the lockdown for a period of 15 days, which included further transportation restrictions like banning ride-hailing services. At that point the city had already undergone over a month of restrictions, which had begun on May 31.

Nearby provinces like Dong Thap, Binh Phuoc and An Giang also began to impose restrictions days after HCMC did.

Hanoi began closing down non-essential businesses and like coffee shops and hair dressers before making social distancing more stringent on July 24.

By mid-July Vietnam was recording around 3,500 cases a day, with HCMC accounting for more than half. On July 16 the infection tally across the nation exceeded 40,000 cases.

On July 26 HCMC authorities urged people not to leave home after 6 p.m. except for medical emergencies or tasks related to fighting the pandemic. Similar restrictions were adopted by some other localities like Bac Lieu Province.

Amid the virulent outbreak, many people in HCMC decided to leave the city and return to their hometowns, hoping to escape it despite knowing they would need to test and quarantine for that. But fearful that an uncontrolled exodus could cause new outbreaks, authorities organized buses to take people back home in an orderly fashion.

A report in October by the General Statistics Office said around 1.3 million people abandoned cities across the country and returned to their hometowns.

Travel papers had to be checked at Covid-19 checkpoints, and this inadvertently caused traffic jams and, consequently, large crowds around them, defeating the original purpose of setting them up.

On July 31 authorities in several southern localities announced the extension of social distancing while some others imposed new restrictions.

Throughout August localities carried on with social distancing and measures as outbreaks persisted.

Toward the end of the month the country began to tally daily infections in five figures.

In mid-August HCMC began to trial treating mild cases at home amid a surge in the outbreak. By the end of the month the city had recorded over 200,000 cases. During peak periods there were 7,000-8,000 cases in a single day.

On August 19 Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh said the military would deploy personnel for buying and delivering food and other essential items to peoples homes in HCMC, which would be locked down starting in four days time.

Hundreds of soldiers and police officers arrived in the city on August 21. Their tasks also included conducting tests and others.

As the pandemic continued to worsen, authorities in places like Hanoi, HCMC and Binh Duong Province also began to evacuate residents living in hotspots and moved them into quarantine zones to contain the spread.

But the number of cases stubbornly refused to decrease as the government had hoped, still remaining at around 10,000 daily.

On September 1 PM Chinh said lockdowns could not be maintained forever considering their impact on the economy and peoples lives.

It was the second time the government had brought up the idea of living with Covid-19, the first being at a Cabinet meeting on August 29, when Chinh said the pandemic could not be completely contained and requires adaptation.

Four days later he said Vietnam needs to have a plan for safe adaptation to the coronavirus once it had enough vaccines.

On September 7 HCMC allowed food and beverage establishments to resume takeaway services after a two-month hiatus.

Other localities with the outbreak relatively under control also began to loosen restrictions.

New normal

On September 11 Chinh instructed the health ministry to finalize a Covid-19 fighting plan focusing on vaccination, testing and treatment for Vietnam to enter the "new normal" in 2022.

By mid-September Hanoi, HCMC and some other localities had begun to resume delivery services and some other activities.

Hanoi stopped requiring travel papers and removed several Covid checkpoints starting September 21.

HCMC too withdrew the travel paper requirement on September 30.

Toward the end of September the daily count in the country began to subside, dropping to four digits.

In early October troops began to gradually leave HCMC about a month and a half of hard work.

Flights resumed on some domestic routes on October 10.

On October 11 the government issued a temporary guideline classifying areas based on their coronavirus threat as low, medium, high, and very high risk.

The risk level would depend on a number of factors, including the number of infections, population density and vaccine coverage. Areas designated as lower risk faced fewer restrictions than others.

On October 14 Hanoi allowed the resumption of a number of activities, including eating indoors and taxi operations.

People walk and jog in a park in Hanoi, October 14, 2021. Photo by VnExpress/Giang Huy

By the end of October more and more localities began to return to relative normalcy though basic safety measures like wearing masks remained in place.

But in early November the number of daily Covid cases began to rise once again, an expected consequence of resuming economic activities in the new normal.

Vietnam by then had shifted its goal to one of minimizing the number of severe cases and deaths.

On November 3 there were over 7,000 new cases in a single day, the highest in 32 days.

Along with the number of infections, the tally of severe cases and deaths also rose though still much lower than during the worst days of the pandemic.

More and more cases were found in southern localities, with experts believing it was caused by the exodus of migrant workers to their hometowns in the Mekong Delta from epicenter HCMC.

The coronavirus surge caused certain localities, especially those deemed to be at medium and high risk, to bring back certain restrictions. HCMC for instance reversed its decision to reopen bars, dance clubs and karaoke parlors on November 18, just two days after they opened.

Also on November 18 Vietnams daily infection tally crossed the 10,000 mark once more, the highest number in 53 days.

A day earlier the country had welcomed its first foreign tourists in two years, with 29 tourists from several countries boarded a Vietnam Airlines plane at South Korea's Incheon Airport to Da Nang under a vaccine passport program.

In late November the world rippled with news of a new coronavirus variant named Omicron.

It was designated a "variant of concern" by the WHO on November 26 due to its transmissibility and ability to evade immune responses owing to its large number of mutations.

As countries scrambled to enact measures against the variant, Vietnam also put its guard up. But the new variant has yet to be found in Vietnam.

With effect from December 16 the health ministry allows visitors who are vaccinated or have recovered from Covid to quarantine themselves at home and for only three days, followed by another 11 days of self-monitoring. Earlier they had been required to self-isolate for a full 14 days.

Since the end of November Hanoi has slowly been emerging as the country's coronavirus epicenter.

An alley under Covid-19 lockdown in Hanoi, December 1, 2021. Photo by VnExpress/Pham Chieu

The number of daily cases was around 100-200 in mid-November, but exploded to 1,000 by mid-December. On December 21 there were 1,704 cases, which took the tally in the new wave to 27,583.

Vietnam has recorded more than 1.58 million cases and 30,251 deaths.

Vaccination campaign

Vietnam began its Covid vaccination campaign, the largest in its history, on March 8, starting with priority groups like health workers, soldiers and those with underlying conditions.

The first vaccine to be approved, in February, was the one produced by AstraZeneca. It was followed by Sputnik V, Sinopharms Vero Cell, Pfizer-BioNTech, Modernas Spikevax, Johnson & Johnsons Janssen, Hayat-Vax, and Abdala.

Vietnam secured vaccines for its people either through contracts, global vaccine access mechanism Covax or government aid.

Its vaccination rate was initially slow amid a global vaccine shortage, and the majority of its doses arrived only in the later months of this year.

Thus, starting in March it was only administering a few thousand doses a day, while developed countries raced ahead after managing to secure vaccines early, condemned globally as vaccine apartheid.

A medic administers a Covid-19 vaccine shot in HCMC, June 2021. Photo by VnExpress/Huu Khoa

But the country began to speed things up by the end of July, and by mid-December became the third fastest in the world behind only China and India, vaccinating up to 1.5 million people a day, according to the health ministry.

Starting mid-June, Covid-19 vaccination began for all of Vietnams adult population, not just prioritized group. Children aged 12-17 started to be immunized in late October.

The government now plans to give a third shot to all adults by the end of January.

As of December 21 some 77.8 million people had received shots.

Of them, 63.3 million are fully immunized and 1.3 million have even received a booster shot.
Expressing support for Vietnam's resumption of international flights, several embassies have proposed that people fully vaccinated or recovered from Covid-19 are exempted from any quarantine requirement.

At a Wednesday meeting between Deputy Minister of Transport Le Anh Tuan and diplomatic representatives of certain countries on the resumption of international flights, embassies of several countries said they support Vietnam's strategy to adapt to the pandemic as well as the plan to resume international flights.

The resumption would help boost Vietnam's economic relations with other countries and generate business and travel opportunities, they added.

However, they also said that Vietnamese authorities should consider changing the country's immigration and visa policies back to what they were before the pandemic appeared, including removing quarantine requirements for entrants who test negative for the coronavirus and have either been fully vaccinated or recovered from Covid-19.

Currently, all arrivals except for children below two must test negative for the coronavirus and those who have either been fully vaccinated or recovered from Covid-19 would have to be "home quarantined" (self-isolation at accommodation of choice) the first three days. Others would have to self-quarantine for seven days.

Starting January 1, 2022, Vietnam plans to reopen commercial flights to certain destinations deemed safe, like Bangkok, Beijing/Guangzhou, Phnom Penh, San Francisco or Los Angeles, Seoul, Singapore, Taipei, Tokyo, and Vientiane. There would be four flights per week to each destination and an estimated 14,000 arrivals a week in the first phase of the reopening project.
Deputy Prime Minister Pham Binh Minh asked related ministries Wednesday to urgently perform assigned tasks to ensure international flights are resumed as planned on January 1, 2022.

Minh's directive was issued with just a week left until the official reopening day of regular commercial flights after two years of suspension.

He noted that ministries had not issued sufficient specific instructions to concerned agencies so far.

Currently, domestic carriers have not yet been granted flight slots for resuming regular commercial routes.

On December 10, the government had approved the resumption of commercial flights between Vietnam and nine destinations with high vaccination rates and good pandemic control measures in place. The first phase of resumption would take place for 15 days starting on the first day of 2022.

Regular flights are scheduled to resume to Bangkok (Thailand), Beijing/Guangzhou (China), Phnom Penh (Cambodia), San Francisco or Los Angeles (the U.S.), Seoul (South Korea), Singapore, Taipei (Taiwan), Tokyo (Japan), and Vientiane (Laos).

In the second phase starting Jan. 16, flights would be added on routes connecting Vietnam with Frankfurt (Germany), Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia), Moscow (Russia), Paris (France) and Sydney (Australia).

The government had asked the Ministry of Health to consult experts, businesses and the public to issue fresh entry guidelines for people coming on regular international flights.

The foreign ministry was tasked with continuing negotiations to reach agreements with other countries and territories on mutual recognition of "vaccine passports," with priority for destinations in the first phase of the plan to resume international flights.

The health, public security and information and communications ministries were to release the medical declaration software for use by air travelers and businesses and for monitoring and tracing visitors; while the transport ministry would work with aviation agencies to grant flight slots for different carriers.

Under the latest guidelines issued by the health ministry last week, fully vaccinated people and those who have recovered from Covid-19 will only need to self-isolate for three days instead of having to spend a week at centralized quarantine facilities.

All arrivals, except children below two, must have tested negative for the novel coronavirus using PCR method within the previous 72 hours before departure.

Those who have been fully vaccinated or recovered from Covid-19 will only need to self-monitor their health for three days, either at home, hotels or other facilities while those who are not fully vaccinated will be quarantined at home or other facilities for seven days, then be tested on the 3rd and 7th days.

Vietnam closed its borders and grounded international flights in March 2020, allowing in only citizens, foreign experts, investors, and highly-skilled workers coming in on special flights.
The Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam has permitted airlines to commence ticket sales for regular international flights to Japan and the U.S. scheduled to depart Jan. 1.

Dinh Viet Thang, head of the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam (CAAV), said it had negotiated with markets to which Vietnam plans to resume regular international flights from Jan. 1.

So far, Japanese aviation authorities have agreed with Vietnam's flight resumption plan while American equivalents have also allowed Vietnam Airlines to start regular direct flights to the U.S., Thang said, adding aviation agencies of other countries have not yet officially responded.

On Dec. 10, the government had approved the resumption of commercial flights between Vietnam and nine destinations with high vaccination rates and good pandemic control measures from Jan. 1.

Regular flights are scheduled to resume to Bangkok (Thailand), Beijing/Guangzhou (China), Phnom Penh (Cambodia), San Francisco or Los Angeles (the U.S.), Seoul (South Korea), Singapore, Taipei (Taiwan), Tokyo (Japan), and Vientiane (Laos).

Thang said only Vietnam Airlines and Vietjet had operated direct flights from Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to Tokyo before the Covid outbreak; therefore, CAAV has agreed to only allocate flight slots to Japan for these two airlines, with the same frequency as before the pandemic.

The Japanese side has also stated it would designate Japan Airlines and ANA to resume flights to Vietnam.

Vietnam Airlines will operate two direct flights per week from HCMC to San Francisco using the Boeing 787 and Airbus A350, the two most modern wide-body aircraft.

A representative of Vietnam Airlines said the airline will announce the ticket price and number of flights on its website so passengers could buy tickets online.

A representative of Vietjet Air added the airline is ready to resume regular international routes to Tokyo, Seoul, Taipei, Bangkok, Singapore and Phnom Penh.

Under the Ministry of Transports international flight resumption plan, each side would operate four to seven flights a week, with the frequency to increase later depending on market demand.

Under the latest guidelines issued by the health ministry last week, fully vaccinated people and those who have recovered from Covid-19 will only need to self-isolate for three days instead of having to spend a week at centralized quarantine facilities.

All arrivals, except children below two, must have tested negative for the novel coronavirus using the PCR method within 72 hours before departure.

Vietnam closed its borders and grounded international flights in March 2020, allowing in only citizens, foreign experts, investors, and highly-skilled workers.
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The Biden-Harris administration is committed to supporting every individuals right to freedom of religion or belief, including by confronting violations of this human right.
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Taliban members in Afghanistan have executed or forcibly disappeared more than 100 former police and intelligence officers since August according to Human Rights Watch.
ELKO  A Colorado truck driver was arrested in Elko County after being accused of pointing a gun at a motorist on U.S. Highway 93.

Michael S. Swiger, 31, of Nucla was pulled over on the afternoon of Dec. 1 by a Nevada State Police trooper. Swiger had turned off U.S. 93 onto Interstate 80 in a truck hauling two tank trailers, and the trooper questioned him about the report.

The driver admitted showing a pistol to another driver after flipping them off, according to the troopers declaration of probable cause.

A Ruger .380 pistol with a green laser dot sight was found in the cab of Swigers truck, along with an open beer.

Swiger was arrested on charges of assault with a deadly weapon, driving under the influence, and open container of alcohol in vehicle. His bail was listed at $21,385.

The truck driver had not been formally charged with a crime as of Dec. 22, according to Elko Justice Court.

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ELKO  Elko City Council has taken the initial steps toward acquiring 78.25 acres of Union Pacific Railroad land at the east and west ends of the city by agreeing to a 50% split with UP on the cost of an appraisal and approving a conditional purchase agreement with the railroad.

The mostly vacant land originally contained mainline railroad tracks that ran through downtown Elko before they were moved in the 1980s for safety reasons.

The land package includes roughly 28.43 acres at the west end of the downtown corridor and nearly 49.83 acres on the east side that the council aims to clean up and see developed, but the city and UP still must agree on a sale price following the appraisal and meet a list of requirements before the deal can be finalized.

Mayor Reece Keener said he was in favor of the appraisal and acquiring the land, which could eventually be put into private hands for productive use, and the city would benefit from higher property tax revenue.

I think that there will probably be some things that will be at an impasse or there may be ridiculous demands, and thats when we go to back to the well, by contacting U.S. Rep. Mark Amodei, R-Nev., and Nevada senators, the mayor said.

I think we can get it done, Keener said, pointing to the improvements downtown when Elko acquired railroad land there years ago and the improvements when NV Energy sold parcels. It could be a game changer for the community.

The land acquisition would also allow the city to gain all that right of way that would allow for the extension of Silver Street and a connection to Manzanita Lane, Keener said in a phone interview Dec. 16, because the railroad has been uncooperative. We want the railroad out of there.

City Manager Curtis Calder described the land the city would buy from Union Pacific as essentially a 400-foot right-of-way (east-west) starting at Third Street and ending at Silver Street and a 400-foot right-of-way (east-west) starting at 12th Street and ending at Manzanita Drive, to the south of the East End Mall for a total of 78.523 acres.

Elko had looked to its congressional delegation when the city considered back in late 2009 and early 2010 to acquire the land. Calder said an appraisal was done then and completed in June 2010.

Keener said the railroad deal fell through back then because of environmental issues that have since been mitigated.

City, railroad try to get land deals on track ELKO  City officials have been promoting downtown redevelopment for more than a decade but the biggest area of blight hasnt been touched.

Assistant City Manager Scott Wilkinson told the council on Dec. 14 that there was the potential to use redevelopment agency funds for the appraisal, which he estimated would be up to $25,000 for the citys share.

All these areas are blighted to one degree or another, and cleaning up blight is a goal of the RDA, he said.

City Councilman Giovanni Puccinelli said regarding the acquisition that down the road, this will be very beneficial to us.

The city will need to work with UP to obtain information on all the leases the railroad currently has for the land Elko would buy, Wilkinson also said. There are leases for billboards and for other land uses. UP has refused to release that information so far pending a non-disclosure agreement, he said.

Keener said there needs to be due diligence done for any environmental issues that remain.

There is risk were taking but keep in mind a lot of work has already been done, said City Attorney David Stanton, who mentioned cleanup of an old oil bunker near where the railroads turntable used to be and an old gas station cleanup.

The sale agreement calls for the seller to provide environmental reports.

The east end land is described as starting at the centerline intersection of Court and 13th streets and includes intersections with 11th and 12th streets. The west end starts at the centerline intersection of Commercial and Third streets.

Wilkinson said the agreement with UP calls for a one-year timeline, but he doesnt expect the sale to go through that soon, probably taking several years. However, he said UP wasnt that worried because the sale agreement can be extended.

He also said he would check into the question of whether the Igloo had a promise from Union Pacific regarding first right to land near the Igloo recreational facility.

Although the council took the steps to move the railroad land acquisition along, Keener said in the call that his first meeting as mayor in January 2019 was with Amodei to talk about the UP land, and it has taken three years to get where we are now to finally get an agreement to conduct appraisals and the purchase agreement that will tie into that.

He also said there may be a need for congressional action to finalize the acquisition of the railroad land.

The agreement between the city and UP calls for the city and UP to agree on a purchase price, and for the city to pay $36,676 for removal of certain licenses and a signboard fee of $179,500 to terminate a clear channel agreement, as well as install fencing on the northeasterly boundary at the west end. The estimated cost for the fencing is $75,000.

The city additionally needs to update a survey of the parcels, according to the agreement that has a long list of details, and Elko will pay a $5,000 in earnest money.

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ELKO  A winter weather advisory has been expanded to include Elko and the surrounding area, as freezing rain and blowing snow could make for hazardous travel conditions.

Lamoille Summit in particular could be impacted during the evening or morning commute.

Travel could be very difficult, stated the National Weather Service.

Valleys could see 1 to 6 inches of snow mixed with freezing rain and winds up to 35 mph.

Snow and blowing snow with accumulations of 6 to 20 inches are possible in the Ruby Mountains/East Humboldt Range during the advisory, which runs from 10 a.m. Thursday to 10 a.m. Friday.

Northern Elko County could experience snowfall accumulations of 4 to 9 inches above 6,500 feet with 1 to 4 inches below 6,500 feet. Areas of blowing snow are possible too.

Snow levels were running at about 6,000 feet early Thursday morning but are expected to drop to 5,500 feet in the afternoon.

Meanwhile, another cold front associated a colder air mass is pushing onshore into Oregon, eventually entering Humboldt County by early Friday morning, forecasters said. Only light snowfall is forecast with the colder air.

The chance of snow increases from 70% to 100% on Thursday, drops to 30% Thursday night, and increases to 70% Friday.

Christmas Day will see a 30% chance of snow increasing to 70% Saturday night and dropping back to 20% on Sunday.

High temperatures will be around 40 degrees Thursday and Friday before dropping to the mid-30s on Christmas Day and lower 30s on Sunday.

The chance of snow showers continues through at least the first half of next week with high temperatures in the 20s.

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Imagine knowing that the very act of going to a religious service would likely result in violence and death. In Nigeria, churches have been sent warning letters instructing them to shut down or face ferocious attacks. Thats some Christmas card! In a perhaps not unrelated event, just before Thanksgiving, as U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken was set to arrive in Nigeria as part of his tour of Africa, the country was cruelly and infuriatingly de-listed from the roster of Countries of Particular Concern for Religious Freedom by the U.S. State Department.

Christians in Nigeria rightfully feel abandoned by the United States. In a distressing new video released by the Religious Freedom Institute, Bishop Stephen Dami Mamza of Northeast Nigeria says Christians are disheartened by the perplexing move. All Christians in Nigeria are feeling bad about it, he says, fearing an upswing in anti-Christian violence.

In 2014, much of Bishop Mamzas diocese was devastated by Boko Haram marauders. As the region was occupied by the Islamist terrorist group, members of his flock fled, leaving their whole lives behind. Some of them were able to go back in 2016, but there was nothing there for them. Their homes and farms had all been destroyed.

Mamza says he is hard-pressed to find a family that has not lost someone to that murderous violence  he lost his elder brother, cousins and uncles. He says people are traumatized  and they remain surrounded by people who hate them.

The religious-freedom designation exists for countries where there are systematic, ongoing egregious violations of religious freedom, among other cruelties to the human person because of religion. The bipartisan United States Commission on Religious Freedom (USCRF) immediately said it was appalled by the move. The USCRF exists in part to advise the U.S. government about the list, and the State Department ignored its recommendation to keep Nigeria on the list.

How is Nigeria different than the Nigeria of two years ago? Mamza asks. The persecution here is more intense now than ever. He asks the U.S. State Department to explain what data they used, because its not reflective of the facts on the ground. He is saddened that the Biden administration didnt actually talk to Christians in Nigeria before making its move.

Eric Patterson of the Religious Freedom Institute also warns against explaining away the violence in Nigeria as something other than religious. Listen to the perpetrators, he says  they say their motivation is religious  they want Christians dead.

The Religious Freedom Institute recently held a virtual panel that should embarrass all Americans. It was called Americas Indifference to the Plight of Nigerian Christians: A Conversation about U.S. Policy.

There are a set of overlapping catastrophes happening in Nigeria, Patterson said. For more than a decade, Boko Haram, Islamic State of West Africa and criminal and terrorist organizations have murdered 90,000 of their fellow citizens  their fellow Sunni Muslims, the Shia minority and Christians.

The U.S. ambassador to Nigeria has dismissed concerns about the violence against Christians. During the Religious Freedom panel, Nina Shea from the Hudson Institute pointed out that we are watching a growing spreading, bloodied disintegration of northern Nigeria. If it continues unabated, it will both destabilize the country and radicalize it, and create incalculable human misery.

This is a U.S. national security threat, Shea says, that the United States is completely missing. She says the delisting of Nigeria is a betrayal for what we stand for as a country.

Remember these long-suffering people this Christmas. You can watch a short video on the YouTube of the Religious Freedom Institute  look in the faces of some of the people we have abandoned  and witness the courage of Bishop Mamza, who says God will bless you for your prayers. Keep an eye on what is happening and educate people to create moral pressure for our government to undo this injustice.

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Whether baking up cookies with the kids, picking up those last-minute gifts or meeting up with friends to share the holiday spirit, one can easily overlook having to do the mundane. If you need to do any banking before Christmas, youll need to get to the bank before Saturday and earlier than normal if its Christmas Eve.

Christmas is one of 13 bank holidays in the US when the Federal Reserve closes. Even though banks are not required to close on 25 December, dont expect to find one open. Given that the 25th is on Saturday, the bank holiday will be on Friday, so inter-bank transactions will not be processed until the next business day. However, banks should be open on Friday 24 December but with shorter than normal operating hours. If you're in a pinch, you can always use online banking services.

When will banks be open?

Many businesses including banks close on Christmas Day. However, on Christmas Eve your bank branch should be open but will have shorter hours. Otherwise, youll need to wait until the next business day, which will be Monday 26 December this year.

Call your local bank branch to see what their hours will be on Christmas Eve as most will close early to let their employees be with their loved ones. Last year some banks were requiring customers to make appointments for in-person business to limit the number of people in offices due to covid-19. With the US experiencing yet another surge going into the holiday season you may want to check before you jump in the car.

At most banks, if you must do any transactions on Christmas Eve or Day you can use an ATM or online banking service. However, be aware that the Federal Reserve will be closed Christmas Day, as well as Christmas Eve this year, so any money transfers done between banks online will not be processed until the following business day.

For those who need to do Market Mutual Funds transactions with JP Morgan banks and some of their third-party partners, there are early cut-off times for Christmas Eve, as well as days before and after other observed US holidays.

What to do in an emergency

If you need to make a transfer to someone in a hurry on Christmas Day you can look into using a peer-to-peer or mobile payment system like Venmo but research which one you are going to use first since not all send money instantly. The best option is to check with your bank to see if they have a service already integrated into their online app.

You can also try calling your local bank to see if they are open or have someone watching the helm, but dont be surprised if no one picks up the phone.

Bank opening hours Christmas Eve

Here is a list of opening hours on Christmas Eve for some banks. Always call first to confirm. You can locate an office near you by clicking on the links below.

Bank of America: Most branches open 9 am to 2 pm

Capital One: Most branches open 9 am to 2 pm

Chase: Most branches open 9 am to 3 pm

Citi: Most branches open 9 am to 2 pm

US Bank: Branches may be open 10 am to 2 pm, but hours vary widely and some branches will be closed

Wells Fargo: Most branches open 9 am to 3 pm
Cutting ribbon to open the exhibition (Source: NDO)

The paintings are illustrations of Nhan Dan Newspapers first-ever table calendar for 2022, which is designed as a collection of artworks.

The artworks were created by 31 acclaimed Vietnamese contemporary painters, including Pham Luan, Le Thiet Cuong, Dao Hai Phong, Le Tri Dung, and Pham Ha Hai, as well as young talented faces namely Bui Van Tuat, Do Hiep, Nguyen Minh, Ly Viet Anh, and Binh Nhi, who are also collaborators for Nhan Dan newspaper.

The paintings spread an enthusiastic spirit to viewers amidst the complicated developments of the COVID-19 pandemic.

In his opening speech, member of the Party Central Committee (PCC), Deputy Head of the PCC Commission of Popularization and Education, Editor-in-Chief of Nhan Dan Newspaper Le Quoc Minh said that through their artworks, the painters have praised the beauty of life in this new normality to greet a fresh spring full of hope to overcome difficulties caused by the pandemic.

He took this occasion to hand over 220 million VND to the Vietnam Fatherland Front Central Committee in support of 22 children in Can Tho city, who became orphans due to the pandemic. The money was previously earned from the auction of the 59 paintings./.
Politburo member and permanent member of the Party Central Committee's Secretariat

Vo Van Thuong speaks at the Conference.

On December 23, at the National Conference to summarize dissemination 2021 and deploy the tasks in 2022, on behalf of the Party and State leaders speaking at the Conference, Mr. Thuong praised the results achieved by the whole dissemination sector over the past year. He also said that in 2021, the whole sector has proactively and promptly directed and guided dissemination on the 13th National Party Congress. Immediately after the Congress, the whole sector directed and guided the dissemination of the Resolution of the 13th National Party Congress, timely reflected the implementation of the Resolution at all levels, associated with dissemination on some theoretical and practical issues on socialism and the path to socialism in Vietnam by General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong, contributing to the unity of perception, political thought and action in the Party and society, arousing the aspiration to develop a prosperous and happy country, and the determination to successfully implement the Resolution of the 13th Party Congress.

The overview of the conference

Regarding the tasks of 2022, comrade Vo Van Thuong suggested that the whole sector should continue to promote research, disseminate and implement the Resolution of the 13th National Party Congress and resolutions, instructions, conclusions and regulations of the Party.

Secretary of the Party Central Committee, Head of the Party Central Committee Commission of Popularization and Education Nguyen Trong Nghia at the event

Concluding the Conference, on behalf of dissemination workers throughout the country, Comrade Nguyen Trong Nghia, Secretary of the Party Central Committee, Head of the Party Central Committee Commission of Popularization and Education, said that the Party Central Committee Commission of Popularization and Education will complete work programs and tasks, directing the whole sector to implement in 2022./.
Photo: VNA

This project aims to implement an agreement on exchanging public land use rights signed between the Overseas Vietnamese Association in Vientiane and Laos Ministry of Industry and Trade.



Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony, Chairman of the Overseas Vietnamese Association in Vientiane Le Van Mui said the five-floor project has a total investment of 1.1 million USD.

Covering an area of 2,500 sq.m, the building is designed to meet the working demand of more than 200 people. The project is expected to be completed after 18 months.

According to Mr. Mui, once operational, the building will contribute to enhancing the professional efficiency of the department in particular and the Lao Ministry of Industry and Trade in general in the future.

At the event, Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade of Laos Bountheung Duangsavanh highlighted the significance of the project, affirming that the exchange of public land use rights between the association and the ministry is in line with the real situation, contributing to creating favorable conditions for and bringing benefits to each side, and clearly reflecting the special friendship and solidarity between Laos and Vietnam.

Previously, the Ministry of Industry and Trade of Laos handed over the land use rights of the departments old building in Vientiane in order to construct a memorial area dedicated to Lao and Vietnamese leaders and heroic martyrs of the two countries who died in wartime./.
On December 22, 2021, Nanjing University of the Arts held the graduation report exhibition for the Dance Performance major (branch of classical dance). The graduates of the class of 2022 performed in two units, "Road of Arts" and "Times", expressing their feelings of parting with their Alma mater with graceful dance and wonderful performance. The picture shows graduates in a presentation performance. (Photo by Yang Suping/Guangming Photo)

On December 22, 2021, Nanjing University of the Arts held the graduation report exhibition for the Dance Performance major (branch of classical dance). The graduates of the class of 2022 performed the works in two units, "Road of Arts" and "Times" for the teachers and students, expressing their feelings of parting with their Alma mater with graceful dance and wonderful performance. The picture shows graduates in a presentation performance. (Photo by Yang Suping/Guangming Photo)

Editor: ZAD
Chinese Ambassador to Myanmar Chen Hai (L) shakes hands with Myanmar's Health Minister Thet Khaing Win during a handover ceremony of China-donated COVID-19 vaccines at Yangon International Airport in Yangon, Myanmar, Dec. 22, 2021. A new batch of 1 million doses of Sinovac COVID-19 vaccines donated by China arrived in Myanmar's Yangon on Wednesday. (Xinhua/U Aung)

YANGON, Dec. 23 (Xinhua) -- Myanmar's Ministry of Industry and China National Biotec Group, affiliated with China National Pharmaceutical Group (Sinopharm), signed a supply agreement on Wednesday for semi-finished vaccine products.

The agreement marks the achievement of China-Myanmar cooperation in vaccine filling and packaging, Chinese Ambassador to Myanmar Chen Hai said at the signing ceremony, hoping that locally produced Sinopharm vaccines can be available soon and more people in Myanmar can have access to them.

Union Minister for Ministry of Industry Charlie Than said this is an important milestone in the cooperation between the Ministry of Industry and China National Biotec Group.

He hoped the two sides would continue joining hands in producing important vaccines and other medicines for Myanmar's medical service sector.

On the same day, a new batch of 1 million doses of Sinovac COVID-19 vaccines donated by China arrived in Myanmar's Yangon.

Editor: WPY
The Ukrainian gas transmission system operator and the Hungarian gas transmission system operator FGSZ have signed an agreement on cooperation on the introduction of guaranteed capacities for the transportation of natural gas from Hungary to Ukraine from January 1, 2022, said Serhiy Makogon, Head of the Ukrainian Gas Transmission System Operator (GTSOU).

"For me personally, the most important thing in this agreement is the creation for domestic traders of access to gas from the LNG terminal on the island of Krk (Croatia) and, accordingly, the diversification of gas supply sources to Ukraine. This is a step to enhance our security and new opportunities for traders from Ukraine and Europe!" wrote Makogon on his Facebook page.

He noted that after the unbundling in 2020, the Ukrainian GTSOU Operator conducted negotiations and approvals with international partners, which are currently ongoing.

According to Makogon, this agreement will physically transport up to 8 million cubic meters of gas from Hungary to Ukraine. In particular, as the daily volume of gas consumption in Kyiv, which is the largest consumer of gas. "Together with the available daily capacities from Slovakia (27 million cubic meters), the total guaranteed capacity for gas imports to Ukraine will increase to 35 million cubic meters per day," the head of the board wrote.

According to him, this deal is concluded for a test three months. During this time, Ukraine and Hungary plan to coordinate and set up all technical and operational processes to continue its operation from April 2022 and to further increase the guaranteed capacity.

"Starting from December 31, it will be possible to book capacities for gas imports from Hungary through the RBP platform at daily auctions. The first lunar auction will take place on January 17," Makogon said.
Ukrainian law enforcement officials reported suspicion of encroachment on the territorial integrity of Ukraine to a Russian citizen, head of the Wagner private Russian military company Dmitry Utkin, the Prosecutor General's Office (PGO) press service said on Thursday.

"A citizen of Russia, head of the Wagner private military company was informed about suspicion of encroachment on the territorial integrity and inviolability of Ukraine, as well as complicity in the conduct of an aggressive war (Part 3 of Article 110, Part 5 of Article 27), Part 2 of Article 28, Part 2 of Article 437 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine)," the PGO said.

It does not specify the name of the suspect, but sources of the agency in law enforcement reported that it was about Utkin.

The prosecutor's office said the suspect, being in the temporarily occupied territory of Donetsk and Luhansk regions, the head of the Wagner PMC in the period from July 2014 to March 2015, acting by prior conspiracy with officials of the Russian Armed Forces and under their control, exercised command of subordinates subdivisions of militants and coordinated their actions.

"They, together with units of the Russian regular troops and illegal armed formations, fought against the Armed Forces of Ukraine, as a result of which they violated the territorial integrity of our state by temporarily occupying a part of its territory," the law enforcement officers said.

Later, the State Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) said the special services were able to document the facts of the intensive shelling by the Wagner PMC militants of the Ukrainian positions in the Debaltseve direction.

"According to the information received in these battles, the PMC members suffered heavy losses due to the rebuff by units of the Armed Forces of Ukraine," the SBU said.

They also said that during his stay in the temporarily occupied territories of Donetsk and Luhansk regions, Utkin coordinated his actions with the former commander of the second army corps of Russia.

"At present, a pretrial investigation is underway. The issue of declaring the suspect on the international wanted list to be prosecuted for crimes against the state security of Ukraine is being resolved," the SBU said.
The State Bureau of Investigations (SBI) will analyze the failure of fifth President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko to appear on Thursday for procedural actions due to the suspicion in the case of coal supplies from the occupied territory, and will take a relevant decision, SBI communications adviser Tetiana Sapian said.

"At 10.00 on December 23, we expected the appearance of Poroshenko. But he did not appear, this fact was recorded... Poroshenko was expected, lawyers and their presence were not envisaged," Sapian told reporters on Thursday.

"Investigators analyzed the video materials (Poroshenko's video statement) and they were included in the criminal proceedings. We have information that Poroshenko did not appear at 10.00 on December 23. Investigators will analyze this, and as soon as a decision is made, we will immediately inform about our further actions," the communications adviser said.

Speaking about why MPs from European Solidarity were not allowed to pass, she said: "Due to temporary quarantine restrictions, they offered an option to use a mailbox to record appeals."
The continuation of the meeting of the selection commission to elect the head of the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office (SAPO) is scheduled for the evening of December 24, the Prosecutor General's Office (PGO) has said.

"On December 24, 2021, a regular meeting of the commission for holding a competition for holding administrative positions in the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office will take place," the PGO said on the statement on its website.

The meeting will be held in the premises of the Training Center of Prosecutors of Ukraine, the commission will meet at 16.00 in the online mode, and the broadcast will be on the YouTube channel of the selection commission.

As reported, on December 21, the commission said NABU detective Oleksandr Klymenko received 246 points for the post of the SAPO head, and prosecutor of the PGO Andriy Syniuk received 229 points for the post of deputy head of the SAPO, but the members of the commission did not vote for this three times.
The Ukrainian Supreme Court has summoned President Volodymyr Zelensky to testify as a respondent in hearings of former President Petro Poroshenko's administrative lawsuit on February 28, 2022, the court told Interfax-Ukraine.

"The president has been summoned as a respondent to a hearing on February 28 on Poroshenko's administrative lawsuit against the president [concerning recordings publicized by the bihus.info investigative journalism project]," the source said.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine has denied a statement made by Russian President Vladimir Putin that Ukraine is allegedly preparing to conduct a "military operation" in Donbas, and called on Russia to comply with the ceasefire.

"A statement of the President of Russia about Ukraine's alleged preparation of a 'military operation' in Donbas is not true. Ukraine strives exclusively for peace. The constant efforts of the Ukrainian leadership to move from the place of the peace process, primarily in the Normandy format, vividly illustrate Ukraine's devotion to the political and diplomatic path settlement of the armed conflict,'" spokesperson of the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry Oleh Nikolenko told the Interfax-Ukraine agency on Thursday.

He emphasized that moreover, the head of the office of the President of Ukraine and the Ukrainian delegation to the Trilateral Contact Group had done titanic work to achieve the resumption of the ceasefire.

"We call on the Russian Federation to focus on fulfilling the ceasefire agreements and ending the international armed conflict in eastern Ukraine. People on both sides of the contact line in Donetsk and Luhansk regions deserve peace and tranquility, especially on the eve of the New Year holidays," Nikolenko said.
The Armed Forces of Ukraine absolutely support the decision to return to full compliance with the measures to strengthen the ceasefire in Donbas on July 22, 2020, however, in the event of a threat to the life and health of military personnel or civilians, the military is not prohibited from opening fire in response, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Valeriy Zaluzhny said.

"Our military carried out and continue to carry out tasks. They protect their homeland, protect their civilians, and protect themselves. Of course, if there is a threat to the life and health of military personnel or civilians, the military should do what they should do and what they were doing. But again, I draw your attention to the fact that we are military people, we absolutely support the ceasefire regime introduced, which, of course, will make it possible to avoid losses that could have happened," Zaluzhny told reporters at the presentation of the concept of the award system of the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed forces of Ukraine on the 30th anniversary of the Armed Forces of Ukraine in Kyiv, answering the question of whether the Ukrainian military can respond to provocations.

He clarified that the ceasefire regime does not prohibit the Ukrainian military from opening fire in response to shelling by Russian mercenaries.

"Nobody forbids them to shoot in response. I would like to draw your attention once again to the fact that it is not a question of a prohibition to fire in response, but a ceasefire regime, its observance," Zaluzhny said.

As reported, on December 22, within the framework of a meeting of the Trilateral Contact Group (TCG) on resolving the situation in Donbas, the parties at the level of heads of delegations expressed their firm resolution to fully comply with the measures to strengthen the ceasefire regime of July 22, 2020.
Egypts President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi attended on Thursday the Christmas mass ceremony held by the Egyptian Coptic Orthodox Church at the Nativity Cathedral at the New Administrative Capital
More than six million people in drought-hit areas of eastern and southern Ethiopia will need "life-saving" assistance this year, the UN's emergency response agency said in a new report.
As a raging band of his supporters scaled walls, smashed windows, used flagpoles to beat police and breached the US Capitol in a bid to overturn a free and fair election, Donald Trump's excommunication from the Republican Party seemed a near certainty, his name tarnished beyond repair.
Starting next month, government offices and state employees will begin a gradual move to the new capital.

A first tranche of public employees is scheduled to begin work in Egypts New Administrative Capital next month. The move has been delayed by almost a year due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Late last week, President Abdel-Fattah Al-Sisi directed the cabinet to start actual relocation to the Government District in the New Administrative Capital in December, beginning a six-month phase during which government buildings and electronic systems will be tested.

Located between the Cairo-Suez and Cairo-Ain Sokhna roads, the new capital will house 6.5 million people when completed. The new city, which Al-Sisi has said will embody the values of modern Egypt, was due to be inaugurated mid-2020 with the move of more than 50,000 employees.

The New Administrative Capitals 360 feddan Government District includes 10 complexes that will house 34 ministries, the headquarters of the cabinet, and the House of Representatives.

Khaled Al-Husseini, public relations manager for the New Administrative Capital Urban Development Company, told Al-Ahram Weekly that Decembers relocation will involve the opening of government offices but not housing projects for employees which are not yet complete.

The first phase of a housing development in Badr City for government workers moving to the New Administrative Capital includes 376 residential buildings, comprising 9,024 housing units, each between 115 to 120 square metres. The project costs LE3.2 billion.

Prime Minister Mustafa Madbouli says state employees who have their workplace relocated to the New Administrative Capital can choose between receiving a transport or a housing allowance.

Employees can secure an apartment in Badr City with a LE110,000 down payment  25 per cent of the discounted propertys value  with the rest paid in instalments. According to official statements, the average cost of constructing each apartment was LE700,000.

Employees who are unable to move to the Badr housing units will receive a transport allowance, the amount depending on their position, but starting at LE2,000 per month.

The new capital will be connected to Greater Cairo by a transport network that includes Egypts first monorail train, scheduled to begin operations in late 2022.

State employees say they have been informed of the available bus routes to their new workplaces, which they will use until the monorail and Light Rail Transit (LRT) networks come online.

The 56.5km and 22 station Nasr City monorail, one of two planned monorails, will start from Nasr City. A second, 42km and 12 stations, monorail is planned to begin from 6 October city. They are being constructed at a cost of 2.695 billion euros, and with maintenance contracts worth 1.567 billion euros covering 30 years. When they are complete, a commuter from 6 October will be able to take the monorail to Mohandessin, a 42km ride, change to the third metro line and travel to Nasr Citys Cairo Stadium, and then take the second monorail east to the New Administrative Capital, a 56km ride.

The first phase of Nasr City monorail is planned to be operational in mid-2022. The LRTs first phase, due to open this year, will connect with the third line of the Cairo underground network at Adli Mansour metro station, linking Cairo, Obour, Shorouk, Mostaqbal, Badr, and 10 Ramadan with the New Administrative Capital. It will have 16 stations over its 90km length and is estimated to cost LE35 billion.

We have not yet been told the exact date for moving to our office in the new capital, a public employee due to be relocated told the Weekly. He added that only 30 per cent of employees who will eventually move to the New Administrative Capital are being included in the six-month pilot phase.

The new capital, which has been under construction since 2015, will eventually cover 170,000 feddans (714 sq km)  nearly two times the area of Cairo.

It is part of Egypt Vision 2030, which aims to improve the quality of life of citizens and expand urban areas to cater for Egypts rapid population growth.

The Egyptian Armed Forces Engineering Authority, which oversees hundreds of private companies working on the construction of the New Administrative Capital, has announced a public contest for all Egyptians to select a name, logo, and slogan for the new capital. Readers can submit their proposals at www.egbranding.eg/ by 18 November.

*A version of this article appears in print in the 11 November, 2021 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly

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The Secretary-General of the United Nations, Antonio Guterres, hailed on Thursday Egypts efforts to face the impacts of climate change locally and globally while taking into consideration African countries interests.

Guterres made his remarks in a meeting with Egyptian Minister of Environment Yasmine Fouad, Minister of International Cooperation Rania Al-Mashat, and Minister of Planning and Economic Development Hala El-Said in Glasgow.

During the meeting that was held on the sidelines of the UNs 26th session of the Conference of Parties (COP26), Guterres welcomed Egypts scheduled hosting of the COP27 next year in Sharm El-Sheikh, a statement by the environment ministry read.

Guterres also lauded Egypts input in the discussions with the COP26, which has been taking place from 31 October and will continue to run until 12 November 2021.

Fouad invited Guterres to visit Egypts pavilion at the COP26 to review the projects Egypt has carried out, reiterating the countrys integration of climate and environment friendly practices into its developmental sectors.

She expressed Egypts keenness that the COP27 takes into account the concerns of developing and African countries.

Then, Al-Mashat highlighted the necessity of joint and collaborative efforts to advance climate action and achieve the fastest transformation towards a green economy.

She briefed Guterres on the Egyptian initiative that would be introduced in Egypts pavilion at the Glasgow summit regarding developing an international framework for innovative financing for climate action.

This, Al-Mashat added, should be carried out by enhancing the role of the private sector and building on successful partnerships with international development banks and the banking sector.

Additionally, El-Said stated that Egypt has started to implement programmes seeking to secure a safe and decent social life for Egyptians in parallel with the states orientation towards a green economy.

Consequently, Guterres hailed Egypts efforts regarding its role in climate-financing negotiations, which have contributed to the issuance of the Paris Agreement action plan.

Earlier this month, Egypts President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi called on developed countries to fulfil their pledge to provide $100 billion annually to developing countries to address the effects of climate change.

In a speech delivered to the COP26, El-Sisi seconded Guterres remarks at the event, which highlighted the need to allocate at least half of all public climate finance to adaptation measures.

He affirmed the need to preserve the Paris Climate Accords to ensure the bolstering of efforts to reduce emissions and adapt to the negative implications of climate change.

The president also vowed that Egypt would seek to enhance international climate action to achieve the goals of the Paris Agreement during the countrys presidency of the COP27, affirming this will achieve the interests of the global community.

The Paris Climate Accords  adopted at the COP21 and signed by over 190 states including Egypt  came into effect in 2016 with the aim of reducing the rate of global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius in this century.

El-Sisi said strengthening climate action to achieve this rate has become imperative and undeferrable.

In 2019, Egypt co-chaired a coalition with the UK on climate adaptation and resilience at the UN Climate Action Summit.

Egypt also hosted the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity in 2018.

Furthermore, the country has implemented many steps to implement a sustainable development model centred on adapting to climate change.

Egypt seeks to increase the percentage of government-funded green projects to 50 percent by 2025 and 100 percent by 2030, El-Sisi said during his remarks at the COP26.

The country also seeks to boost the percentage of renewable energy sources in its energy mix from the current 20 percent to 42 percent by 2035.

It also aims to rationalise energy subsidies.

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The United States said Monday that it hopes the retreat of Tigrayan rebels in Ethiopia to their northern stronghold "opens the door to broader diplomacy."

"If we do see a movement of the Tigrayan forces back into Tigray, that is something we would welcome," State Department spokesman Ned Price said, after the group announced their retreat. "It's something we'd call for, and we hope it opens the door to broader diplomacy."

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Egypts border guards arrested 2,267 irregular migrants of different nationalities at strategic border areas over the past month, Armed Forces Spokesman Gharib Abdel-Hafez said in a statement on Thursday.

The corps also seized and destroyed tons of drugs over the last month in border areas and South Sinai, read the statement.

The drugs included 1,050kg of hashish, a drug derived from cannabis; 1,020kg of weed; 10kg of opium; 150kg of hydro; and 93,000 pills of different kinds.

In South Sinai, the forces removed narcotic plants cultivated over 90 feddans. More than nine tons of hemp, including hemp seeds, were seized and destroyed. Two hashish factories were also seized.

The border guards detected 12 tunnel portals, 230 vehicles used for the transportation of smuggled objects, 240 weapons, 120 firearm magazines, as well as 9,000 bullets, added the statement.

This comes in continuation of the intensive efforts and all the measures implemented by the border guards round the clock to secure Egypt's borders and intensify procedures of tightening control over all border crossings and ports of the state, the statement said.

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Egypts Minister of International Cooperation Rania Al-Mashat met on Thursday with Alessandro Fracassetti, resident representative of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), to chart the new roadmap for the Strategic Partnership Framework 2023-2027 and assess the results of the 2018-2022 Partnership Framework.

Al-Mashat said that the 2018-2022 framework includes 45 projects implemented in 20 governorates to the tune of $250 million.

Regarding the 2023-2027 framework, Al-Mashat noted that Egypt's priorities include localising the global goals and echoing international roadmaps.

The Ministry of International Cooperations portfolio includes 34 projects that meet Goal 7 of the SDGs (clean and affordable energy), totalling $5.95 billion and representing 23.2 percent of official development assistance (ODA).

During the meeting, Al-Mashat referred to the discussions that take place under the presidential Decent Life initiative, which is the largest national project meant to achieve integrated development for more than half of the population, targeting impoverished rural communities in particular.

Fracassetti said the UNDP is proud of its strategic partnership with the Ministry of International Cooperation and that the programme is looking forward to more fruitful cooperation with the Egyptian government, particularly in regards to the Decent Life initiative and Egypt's hosting of COP27, scheduled for 2022.

Since 1945, Egypt has been a strong partner of the United Nations, hosting around 38 United Nations offices and is regarded as one of the largest regional centres for the international body.

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France on Thursday condemned the Malian transitional authorities' decision to allow the deployment of the Wagner Group, and accused Moscow of funding the private military company's use of mercenaries in the West African country.

``We are aware of the involvement of the Russian government in providing material support to the deployment of the Wagner group in Mali,'' the French foreign ministry said in an emailed statement. It called on Russia ``to revert to a responsible and constructive behavior'' in West Africa.

Mali has struggled to contain an Islamic extremist insurgency since 2012. Extremist rebels were forced from power in the country's northern cities with the help of a French-led military operation, but they regrouped in the desert and began launching attacks on the Malian army and its allies.

In June, Col. Assimi Goita was sworn in as president of a transitional Malian government after carrying out his second coup in nine months. Mali faces increasing isolation from the international community over the junta's power grab. Elections are due to be held in February, but there are fears they will be delayed.

``We deeply regret the choice of the Malian transitional authorities to use already scarce public funds to pay foreign mercenaries instead of supporting the Malian Armed Forces,'' the French statement said.

The Wagner Group has been accused by western governments and United Nations experts of human rights abuses in the Central African Republic and involvement in the conflict in Libya. France and Germany have both objected to the presence of its mercenaries in Mali.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has said that the company has a ``legitimate'' right to be in the West African nation because it was invited by the transitional government, and he has insisted that the Russian government is not involved.

French troops have been present in Mali since 2013, when they intervened to force the Islamic extremists from power in the country's north. That operation was later extended to other countries in an effort to stabilize the broader Sahel region that includes Chad, Niger, Burkina Faso and Mauretania.

In July, President Emmanuel Macron announced a drawdown of French troops in the Sahel force by early 2022 amid growing political instability in Mali and despite continued devastating attacks by Islamic militants in the region.

Hundreds have died this year alone of massacres targeting villages on the border of Niger and Mali.

France has said that Malian forces are ready to take over the heavy lifting in northern Mali but Macron promised his African partners after a meeting in July that his country will continue to help fight groups linked to Al-Qaida and the Islamic State group.

Along with France, the United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, Portugal, Romania and other European Union countries joined in the condemnation of the mercenaries' deployment to Mali.

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Renowned Egyptian activist Sanaa Seif was released from prison on Thursday after completely serving her 18-month-long prison sentence after being convicted with spreading false news, her lawyer Khaled Ali announced.

Her sister, activist Mona Seif, posted Sanaas photo on the doors of their homes in Giza on Thursday afternoon.

Sanaa Seif was sentenced by a Cairo criminal court in March to 18 months in prison over spreading false news.

Despite being a first-degree sentence that can be appealed, she did not appeal it.

In June 2020, the State Security Prosecution ordered her arrest on charges of spreading false news and fearmongering on her personal Facebook page.

According to the law, her stint in pretrial detention was deducted from her prison sentence.

This is the third sentence 27-year-old Seif has been handed since 2013.

Following her arrest in 2020, an international campaign was launched calling for her release, including a campaign involving a number of US and UK stars and intellectuals such as Thandie Newton, Naomi Harris, Dame Judi Dench, TV host Amy Goodman, and Noam Chomsky.

The young activist is the daughter of late human rights lawyer Ahmed Seif El-Islam; her sister Mona Seif is also a human rights activist, and her brother  Alaa Abdel-Fattah  is a blogger, who has been sentenced to five years in prison on Monday by a Cairo Emergency State Security Misdemeanour Court for spreading false news and joining an outlawed group.

Previously, Sanaa was sentenced to three years in prison and received a presidential pardon in September 2015 after having served 15 months.

Moreover, she was sentenced to six months in prison in 2016 for insulting the judiciary.

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Egypt's Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities lit up the Giza Plateau in blue to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) for one hour on Wednesday.

The foreign ministry also lit up its headquarters with the word UNICEF75.

UNICEF, which is in charge of spreading awareness about protecting childrens rights, celebrates its anniversary on 11 December every year.

Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry voiced Egypts keenness to enhance cooperation with UNICEF to protect childrens rights.

The organisation has a noble humanitarian message that we all have to support, Shoukry said in a speech during a ceremony in Cairo sponsored by the ministry and UNICEF.

Egypt was one of the first member states to sign the Convention on the Rights of the Child and has since ratified all the optional protocols related to it.

UNICEFs presence and longstanding cooperation in Egypt goes back to the early 1950s since then, we have worked closely with our line ministry partners and international and national civil society organizations as well as the corporate sector to deliver results for children  and always under national leadership, Jeremy Hopkins, UNICEF Representative in Egypt, said during the ceremony.

Minister of Planning and Economic Development Hala El-Said, who attended the ceremony, hailed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and UNICEF for the fruitful cooperation with the Egyptian government to support children.

Egypt places children in its heart, especially since the largest segment of its population is children and youth. In its 2030 strategy, Egypt focuses on human development and on reaching every child in Egypt and providing them with health care and education services, El-Said said, according to a statement by the UNICEF.

The longstanding cooperation and partnership between Egypt and UNICEF is entering a new phase amid ongoing efforts to complete the UNICEF Egypt Country Programme Document (CPD) 2023-2027 as a regulatory framework for all the funds activities in the country.

In a meeting with Egypts Minister of International Cooperation Rania Al-Mashat in October, Hopkins voiced aspiration to cooperate with Egyptian authorities to further support national efforts to protect children and empower girls and youth.

UNICEF is working with the Egyptian government to establish a strategic partnership framework from 2023 to 2027, which will focus on providing support to Upper Egypt, the most vulnerable segments of society, persons with disabilities, and youth and girls, Hopkins said.

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The African Unions (AU) Peace and Security Council (PSC) pledged support to Egypt, the host of the 27th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP27) next November, to advance African priorities and reach concrete actions on global climate change.

In a late November communique, the PSC highlighted the importance of adopting climate-sensitive planning for post-conflict construction, peacekeeping and development efforts, citing the Cairo International Centre for Conflict Resolution, Peacekeeping and Peacebuilding (CCCPA).

The council also urged the AU Commission to finalise an assessment of climate-related security risks in Africa.

The council also called for accelerating climate finance and adaptation to consolidate Africas peace and development.

Egypt presided over the 15-member PSC in November and chaired numerous sessions, including a session on the repercussions of climate change on peace and security in Africa.

The country was selected to host COP27 during the 26th edition of the summit held in Glasgow last month.

During the Glasgow summit, Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi highlighted the need to preserve the Paris Climate Accords to reduce emissions and adapt to the negative impacts of climate change.

The Paris Climate Accords  adopted at COP21 and signed by over 190 states including Egypt  came into effect in 2016 with the aim of reducing global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius in this century.

El-Sisi affirmed the importance of special treatment for Africa in the accords, highlighting that the continent, which contributes the lowest percentage of greenhouse gas emissions, has suffered the most negative repercussions of climate change.

Africa, however, is considered a "role model for serious climate action according to the continent's capabilities," El-Sisi added.

According to the World Bank's Groundswell Africa reports that were released late in October, Africa is expected to face the hardest impacts of climate change, displacing up to 86 million Africans by 2050 if mitigating efforts are not taken.

In October, Egypts Environment Minister Yasmine Fouad said COP27 would be a chance to support African demands and to help the continent acquire the needed funds to implement climate adaptation plans.

PSC hails CCCPAs role

The PSCs communique also highlighted the role of the CCCPA in strengthening the capacities of the AU to advance a holistic African perspective on the climate, security and development nexus.

The CCCPA, founded by the foreign ministry in 1994 and re-chartered in 2017 by a decree from the prime minister, is specialised in training, capacity building and research in the security and peace fields in Africa and the Middle East.

The CCCPA has stepped up its efforts regarding climate, security and development over the past two years, developing a first-of-its-kind training manual on Climate Responsive Programming for Sustaining Peace in Africa.

The centre has also held eight workshops and seminars on enhancing climate resilience for sustaining peace, including on the nexus between climate change and peacebuilding, gender, displacement and financing for fragile and conflict-affected settings, they said in a statement.

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Speaker of Bahrains Council of Representatives Fawzia bint Abdulla Zainal lauded Egypt as a main pillar of security and stability in the Arab world in a meeting with President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi on Thursday in Cairo.

Zainal hailed Egypts pivotal role in the region and its keenness on enhancing solidarity among Arab nations and advancing joint Arab work, Egyptian Presidential Spokesman Bassam Rady said in a statement.

She affirmed Bahrains keenness to enhance cooperation with Egypt at all levels, conveying the greetings of Bahraini King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa to El-Sisi.

The parliament speaker also hailed the developmental achievements happening across Egypt as a reflection of the wise leadership and insightful vision of the president, Rady said.

El-Sisi hailed the special and strong Egyptian-Bahraini relations and the consensus between the two countries viewpoints and visions on various issues, affirming Egypts keenness to develop cooperation with Bahrain in all fields.

He reiterated Egypts unwavering commitment to preserving the security of the Gulf.

Speaker of Egypts House of Representatives Hanafy El-Gebaly and Bahrains Ambassador to Cairo Hisham Al-Jowder also attended the meeting.

In September, King Hamad met with El-Sisi in the Egyptian Red Sea resort city of Sharm El-Sheikh, where he affirmed solidarity with Egypt and Sudan regarding efforts to safeguard their legitimate rights to the Nile Rivers water.

He also voiced his support for all efforts to establish a fair and legally binding agreement concerning the filling and operation policies of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD).

During their talks, El-Sisi and Al-Khalifa agreed to boost Egyptian-Bahraini cooperation and coordination in a way that helps protect Arab national security and boosts their capabilities in the face of challenges and threats in the region.

They also discussed bilateral cooperation between the two countries, especially in the economic and investment fields.

In the first seven months of 2021, trade between the two countries amounted to about $552 million, Egypts Minister of Trade and Industry Nevine Gamea said in a meeting with her Bahraini counterpart, Zayed bin Rashid Al-Zayani, earlier this month.

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Egypt has so far administered 53.8 million coronavirus jabs with 20 million citizens being fully immunised and 33.8 million others partially vaccinated, Acting Minister of Health and Population Khaled Abdel-Ghaffar declared in a statement on Thursday.

Egypt started its coronavirus vaccination campaign in January this year by vaccinating medical workers at quarantine hospitals, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals.

In his report on the latest pandemic updates in Egypt during the weekly Cabinet meeting  which was held for the first time in the New Administrative Capital  Abdel-Ghaffar mentioned that an average of 350 thousand vaccines are administered daily.

The minister stated that there are currently more than 62 million vaccine doses available for use.

Egypt has imported 116.8 million doses of the Sinopharm, Sinovac, AstraZeneca, Sputnik V, Moderna, Pfizer, and Johnson & Johnson vaccines, according to the minister.

The country has also been locally producing the Chinese Sinovac vaccine.

The Egyptian government has set a goal to fully vaccinate 40 million people by the end of 2021.

In a phone interview with Sada El-Balad TV channel on Tuesday, Presidential Adviser for Health Affairs Mohamed Awad Tag El-Din said that the fourth wave has not reached its peak yet, however, he assured that the situation in Egypt is under control.

The country has, as of Wednesday, detected 377,960 coronavirus infections since the start of the pandemic, including 21,500 deaths and 314,452 recoveries.

On 4 December, the ministry announced that three travellers tested positive for the Omicron variant upon arriving in Cairo International Airport and then promptly sent to quarantine.

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Egypts cabinet will hold its first meeting in the New Administrative Capital on Thursday as part of the governments gradual transition to the new capital scheduled for this month.

In November, President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi ordered the cabinet to start relocating public employees to the government district in the new capital in December for a 6-month experimental phase.

Construction on the 700-square-kilometre new capital, located 60km from Cairo in the area between the Cairo-Suez and Cairo-Ain Sokhna roads, started in 2015 and is set to house 6.5 million people when completed.

The government had planned to relocate ministries and 52,300 government employees to the new capital by mid-2020, but the coronavirus pandemic forced it to delay the move

The city boasts a 360 feddan government district with 10 ministerial complexes that will house 34 ministries, in addition to the headquarters of the cabinet and the House of Representatives.

In a November statement, the cabinet made it clear that the transfer of state employees to the new capital will be implemented gradually, and that government offices that deal directly with the public will not be transferred to the new capital for the time being.

Todays weekly cabinet meeting is scheduled to discuss the major projects inaugurated or set to be inaugurated soon in Upper Egypt, according to reports.

El-Sisi inaugurated on Wednesday a major complex for producing benzene at the Assiut Petroleum Refining Company in addition to several development projects in Upper Egypt.

In a speech during the inauguration, Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly said the government has pumped investments worth EGP 1.1 trillion into projects to develop Upper Egypts governorates, with a successful implementation rate of 96 percent.

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Computers have become amazingly precise at translating spoken words to text messages and scouring huge troves of information for answers to complex questions. At least, that is, so long as you speak English or another of the world's dominant languages.

But try talking to your phone in Yoruba, Igbo or any number of widely spoken African languages and you'll find glitches that can hinder access to information, trade, personal communications, customer service and other benefits of the global tech economy.

``We are getting to the point where if a machine doesn't understand your language it will be like it never existed,'' said Vukosi Marivate, chief of data science at the University of Pretoria in South Africa, in a call to action before a December virtual gathering of the world's artificial intelligence researchers.

American tech giants don't have a great track record of making their language technology work well outside the wealthiest markets, a problem that's also made it harder for them to detect dangerous misinformation on their platforms.

Marivate is part of a coalition of African researchers who have been trying to change that. Among their projects is one that found machine translation tools failed to properly translate online COVID-19 surveys from English into several African languages.

``Most people want to be able to interact with the rest of the information highway in their local language,'' Marivate said in an interview. He's a founding member of Masakhane, a pan-African research project to improve how dozens of languages are represented in the branch of AI known as natural language processing. It's the biggest of a number of grassroots language technology projects that have popped up from the Andes to Sri Lanka.

Tech giants offer their products in numerous languages, but they don't always pay attention to the nuances necessary for those apps work in the real world. Part of the problem is that there's just not enough online data in those languages _ including scientific and medical terms _ for the AI systems to effectively learn how to get better at understanding them.

Google, for instance, offended members of the Yoruba community several years ago when its language app mistranslated Esu, a benevolent trickster god, as the devil. Facebook's language misunderstandings have been tied to political strife around the world and its inability to tamp down harmful misinformation about COVID-19 vaccines. More mundane translation glitches have been turned into joking online memes.

Omolewa Adedipe has grown frustrated trying to share her thoughts on Twitter in the Yoruba language because her automatically translated tweets usually end up with different meanings.

One time, the 25-year-old content designer tweeted, ``T'Ilu o ba dun, T'Ilu o ba t'oro. Eyin l'emo bi e se se,'' which means, ``If the land (or country, in this context) is not peaceful, or merry, you're responsible for it.'' Twitter, however, managed to end up with the translation: ``If you are not happy, if you are not happy.''

For complex Nigerian languages like Yoruba, those accent marks -- often associated with tones -- make all the difference in communication. `Ogun', for instance, is a Yoruba word that means war, but it can also mean a state in Nigeria (Ogun), god of iron (Ogun), stab (Ogun), twenty or property (Ogun).

``Some of the bias is deliberate given our history,`` said Marivate, who has devoted some of his AI research to the southern African languages of Xitsonga and Setswana spoken by his family members, as well as to the common conversational practice of ``code-switching'' between languages.

``The history of the African continent and in general in colonized countries, is that when language had to be translated, it was translated in a very narrow way,'' he said. ``You were not allowed to write a general text in any language because the colonizing country might be worried that people communicate and write books about insurrections or revolutions. But they would allow religious texts.''

Google and Microsoft are among the companies that say they are trying to improve technology for so-called ``low-resource'' languages that AI systems don't have enough data for. Computer scientists at Meta, the company formerly known as Facebook, announced in November a breakthrough on the path to a ``universal translator`` that could translate multiple languages at once and work better with lower-resourced languages such as Icelandic or Hausa.

That's an important step, but at the moment, only large tech companies and big AI labs in developed countries can build these models, said David Ifeoluwa Adelani. He's a researcher at Saarland University in Germany and another member of Masakhane, which has a mission to strengthen and spur African-led research to address technology ``that does not understand our names, our cultures, our places, our history.''

Improving the systems requires not just more data but careful human review from native speakers who are underrepresented in the global tech workforce. It also requires a level of computing power that can be hard for independent researchers to access.

Writer and linguist Kola Tubosun created a multimedia dictionary for the Yoruba language and also created a text-to-speech machine for the language. He is now working on similar speech recognition technologies for Nigeria's two other major languages, Hausa and Igbo, to help people who want to write short sentences and passages.

``We are funding ourselves,`` he said. ``The aim is to show these things can be profitable.''

Tubosun led the team that created Google's ``Nigerian English'' voice and accent used in tools like maps. But he said it remains difficult to raise the money needed to build technology that might allow a farmer to use a voice-based tool to follow market or weather trends.

In Rwanda, software engineer Remy Muhire is helping to build a new open-source speech dataset for the Kinyawaranda language that involves a lot of volunteers recording themselves reading Kinyawaranda newspaper articles and other texts.

``They are native speakers. They understand the language,'' said Muhire, a fellow at Mozilla, maker of the Firefox internet browser. Part of the project involves a collaboration with a government-supported smartphone app that answers questions about COVID-19. To improve the AI systems in various African languages, Masakhane researchers are also tapping into news sources across the continent, including Voice of America's Hausa service and the BBC broadcast in Igbo.

Increasingly, people are banding together to develop their own language approaches instead of waiting for elite institutions to solve problems, said Damian Blasi, who researches linguistic diversity at the Harvard Data Science Initiative.

Blasi co-authored a recent study that analyzed the uneven development of language technology across the world's more than 6,000 languages. For instance, it found that while Dutch and Swahili both have tens of millions of speakers, there are hundreds of scientific reports on natural language processing in the Western European language and only about 20 in the East African one.

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Ethiopia's government has announced that its forces will not advance deeper into the Tigray region.

Ethiopian forces have been ordered to maintain the areas they have won back from the Tigray People's Liberation Force, but not to go further into the Tigray region, the Government Communication Service head, Legesse Tulu, said Thursday.

The Ethiopian federal army and its allies have made strong advances in recent weeks, recapturing major towns and cities in the neighboring Amhara and Afar regions that Tigray fighters had seized earlier this year. The Tigray forces have been forced to retreat back to their home region.

``The first phase operation to expel the terrorist group from the areas it invaded has ended with victory. At this moment the enemy's desire and ability (to engage in war) is severely destroyed,`` said Legesse.

``The government will take further steps to make sure that (the Tigray forces) desire won't arise again in the future. For now, Ethiopian forces are ordered to maintain the areas it has controlled,'' he said.

The government of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed's announcement that its soldiers will not pursue the Tigray forces into their home region could be an opening that encourages a cease-fire and negotiations to resolve the conflict.

Earlier this week the leader of the Tigray forces said its fighters have been ordered to withdraw back to Tigray.

``I have ordered those units of the Tigray Army that are outside the borders of Tigray to withdraw to the borders of Tigray within immediate effect,'' Debretsion Gebremichael said in a letter to U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. Debretsion proposed an immediate cease-fire to be followed by negotiations.

He also proposed the establishment of a no-fly zone over Tigray to prevent air attacks over the region and the imposition of an international arms embargo on Ethiopia and Eritrea.

Tens of thousands of people have been killed in the Tigray conflict that erupted in November 2020 between Ethiopian forces and fighters from the country's Tigray region, who dominated the national government before Abiy became prime minister in 2018.

As a result of a months-long government blockade, some of Tigray's 6 million people have begun starving to death, according to aid groups. Thousands of ethnic Tigrayans have been detained or forcibly expelled in an atmosphere stoked by virulent speeches against Tigrayans by some senior Ethiopian officials. Alarmed human rights groups have warned some of the anti-Tigrayan rhetoric is hate speech.

Last month, the Ethiopian government declared a state of emergency as Tigray fighters moved closer to the capital, Addis Ababa, and carried out a number of abuses against ethnic Amhara, according to accounts by local residents. The Tigray forces say they are fighting to lift the blockade on their people.

The Ethiopian government's military appears to have been strengthened by aerial drones purchased from China, Turkey and the United Arab Emirates, said William Davison of the International Crisis Group.

``Tigray forces appear to be in a weakened position after giving up all the areas they controlled,'' he said.

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A Tunisian court has sentenced former President Moncef Marzouki in absentia to four years in prison for "undermining the external security of the state,'' according to the state TAP news agency.

Marzouki had urged France to end its support for Tunisia, calling current President Kais Saied a "dictator.''

Citing an "imminent peril'' to the country in the midst of an economic and health crisis, Saied froze parliament and sacked the prime minister in July, giving himself wide powers. Marzouki has repeatedly called for Saied's dismissal and described him as a "coup leader."

The statements by the former president angered Saied, who said those seeking intervention from foreign parties were "traitors to the nation.''

Saied announced he was withdrawing Marzouki's diplomatic passport in October. Tunisia issued an international warrant for his arrest on accusations that he undermined the North African country's security.

Marzouki came to power after the 2010-2011 Tunisian uprising that overthrew an autocratic leader and unleashed the Arab Spring. He left office in 2014.

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Negotiators from Iran and five world powers that are trying to revive a tattered 2015 nuclear deal will resume talks in Vienna next week, the European Union said Thursday.

The talks were adjourned nearly a week ago after a round marked by tensions over new demands from Tehran. They are chaired by EU diplomat Enrique Mora.

The EU said participants from Britain, France, Germany, China, Russia and Iran will resume their efforts on Monday. They had been interrupted to allow Iran's chief negotiator to return home for consultations.

The United States has participated indirectly in the ongoing talks because it withdrew from the accord in 2018 under then-President Donald Trump. President Joe Biden has signaled that he wants to rejoin the deal.

The accord was meant to rein in Iran's nuclear program in return for loosened economic sanctions.

Following the U.S. decision to withdraw from the deal and reimpose sanctions on Iran, Tehran has ramped up its nuclear program again by enriching uranium well beyond the thresholds allowed by the agreement.

Iran has also restricted monitors from the U.N.'s atomic watchdog agency from accessing its nuclear facilities, raising concerns about what the country is doing out of view.

Diplomats from the three European countries involved said after the talks adjourned last week that negotiators in Vienna are "rapidly reaching the end of the road.'' They have expressed frustration with Tehran's new demands in recent weeks but pointed to "some technical progress'' so far.

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The office of Ethiopias prime minister announced on Thursday that the military operation it launched in Amhara and Afar has concluded after meeting its main objectives.

The announcement came in a tweet from the official account of the office of the Ethiopian prime minister.

It also said that Ethiopian army forces on the Eastern Amhara and Afar fronts have been ordered to remain on guard in the recently liberated areas.

The office said that the armys activities on other fronts will be shared in the future.

The recently launched operation  National Unity in Diversity concluded with main objectives met. ENDF in Eastern Amhara & Afar fronts ordered to remain on guard in the recently liberated areas. The ENDFs activities on other fronts will be shared in the future. #PMOEthiopia

 Office of the Prime Minister - Ethiopia (@PMEthiopia) December 23, 2021

The government Communication Service head, Legesse Tulu, said Thursday that Ethiopian forces have been ordered to maintain the areas they have won back from the Tigray People's Liberation Force, but not to go further into the Tigray region, according to AP.

"The first phase operation to expel the terrorist group from the areas it invaded has ended with victory. At this moment the enemy's desire and ability (to engage in war) is severely destroyed," said Legesse.

"The government will take further steps to make sure that (the Tigray forces) desire won't arise again in the future. For now, Ethiopian forces are ordered to maintain the areas it has controlled,'' he said.

TPLF Withdrawal

The Ethiopian Army entered Amhara and Afar after pushing the forces of the Tigrayan Peoples Liberation Front (TPLF) out.

The leader of the Tigrays forces in Ethiopia said on Monday that the fighters outside of the region have been ordered to withdraw and return to the embattled federal state according to AP.

Debretsion Gebremichael  the chairman of the Tigrayan Peoples Liberation Front  in a letter to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, proposed an immediate cease-fire to be followed by negotiations.

The Ethiopian federal army and its allies have made strong advances in recent weeks. Major towns and cities in the Amhara and Afar regions have been recaptured by Ethiopian forces, forcing the Tigrays fighters to retreat further into their region.

A fleet of Armed Drones

On Tuesday, the New York Times attributed the great change in the fortunes of Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiye Ahmeds forces in the war against the TPLF to a fleet of armed drones recently acquired from allies in the Persian Gulf region and elsewhere who are determined to keep him in power.

Furthermore, the US on Wednesday expressed its alarm over Turkeys drone sales to Ethiopia, citing humanitarian concerns.

The New York Times said that the United Arab Emirates, Turkey, and Iran have quietly supplied Ahmed with some of the latest armed drones, even as the United States and African governments were urging a cease-fire and peace talks, according to two Western diplomats who have been briefed on the crisis.

Human Rights Violations

The UN on Friday expressed serious concerns over alleged severe human rights violations and abuses in Ethiopia, with the UN Human Rights Council agreeing in a vote on Friday to probe these violations according to a statement.

Nada Al-Nashif, the deputy UN human rights chief, noted with concern that the nationwide state of emergency announced on 2 November had led to mass arrests of those believed to be sympathetic to the TPLF.

Thousands of ethnic Tigrayans have been detained, along with more than a dozen journalists and UN staff, she said.

While some of those arrested over the past six weeks have been released, we estimate that between 5,000 and 7,000 remain detained, including nine UN staff members. Many are detained incommunicado or in unknown locations. This is tantamount to enforced disappearance, and a matter of very grave alarm.

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Iraq's foreign minister on Thursday called for direct negotiations between Iran and the United States, Iranian media reported, a rare appeal just days before world powers are set to resume talks over the tattered nuclear accord in Vienna.

Fuad Hussein spoke at a news conference after meeting his Iranian counterpart in Tehran, stressing that heightened tension between Iran and the U.S. - Baghdad's two powerful allies - directly affects his country's stability.

While Iraq remains a pillar of Washington's security policy in the region, Iranian-backed militias wield extensive power in the country.

``Any opening in Tehran-Washington relations will positively impact Iraq's internal situation from political, economic and security perspectives,'' Hussein said.

``We think it's time for direct talks between Tehran and Washington so that the two countries reach a common understanding not only on the nuclear issue but also on sanctions imposed on Iran,'' he said.

Tehran's 2015 atomic deal with world powers granted Iran sanctions relief in exchange for curbs on its nuclear program. Three years ago, America under then-President Donald Trump withdrew from the accord. In response, Iran has stepped up its nuclear program and is now spinning a stock of uranium enriched to 60% purity _ a short technical step from weapons-grade levels.

Tehran has struck a hard line in negotiations since conservative President Ebrahim Raisi came into office. Consternation is building among European nations at the negotiating table in the Austrian capital. The parties to the landmark deal will resume their efforts on Monday, the European Union said.

Iran has refused to speak directly to American officials in the rounds of talks since the U.S. abandoned the accord.

Hussein also touched on the hasty evacuation and sudden death of Iran's top diplomat in war-torn Yemen, Hassan Irloo, whom Washington has identified as a member of Iran's powerful paramilitary Revolutionary Guard. He said the U.S. cooperated with Saudi Arabia and Iran to transfer Irloo on an Iraqi plane from Yemen to Tehran, where Iranian authorities said he died of COVID-19.

There was no immediate comment from Washington on its reported assistance. Yemen's Houthi rebels had sought permission for his transfer from Saudi Arabia.

Speaking alongside Hussein, Iran's Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian repeated calls for the U.S. to lift sanctions before Iran walks back its nuclear advances.

``We say it out loud that if you want your concerns over Iran's peaceful nuclear issue to be removed, then all of the nuclear deal-related sanctions must be removed,'' he said, addressing the West.

Amirabdollahian also noted that Baghdad-brokered talks between Iran and its long-time Sunni rival Saudi Arabia have continued.

``We will attend the upcoming round of talks (with Saudi Arabia) in Baghdad,'' he said, thanking Hussein and Iraq's prime minister for their ``support.''

He said that three Iranian diplomats had been granted visas to be stationed in the Saudi city of Jiddah at the 57-member Organization of Islamic Cooperation, a body of Muslim nations. Saudi authorities did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the matter.

Baghdad has played a visible role in trying to cool tensions between the rivals.

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The U.S. Navy said it seized a large cache of assault rifles and ammunition being smuggled by a fishing ship from Iran likely bound for war-ravaged Yemen.

US Navy patrol ships discovered the weapons aboard what the Navy described as a stateless fishing vessel in an operation that began on Monday in the northern reaches of the Arabian Sea off Oman and Pakistan. Sailors boarded the vessel and found 1,400 Kalashnikov-style rifles and 226,600 rounds of ammunition, as well five Yemeni crew members.

It's just the latest interdiction amid the grinding war in Yemen that pits Iran-backed Houthi rebels against a Saudi-led military coalition. Western nations and UN experts repeatedly have accused Iran of smuggling illicit weapons and technology into Yemen over the years, fueling the civil war and enabling the Houthis to fire missiles and drones into neighboring Saudi Arabia.

Iran denies arming the Houthis despite evidence to the contrary.

In an unusually pointed move, the statement late Wednesday from the Navy's Bahrain-based 5th Fleet blamed Iran for sending the weapons, saying the boat was sailing along a route ``historically used to traffic weapons unlawfully to the Houthis in Yemen.''

``The direct or indirect supply, sale or transfer of weapons to the Houthis violates U.N. Security Council Resolutions and US sanctions,'' the statement added.

Iran's mission to the United Nations did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the interception.

US Navy patrol ships transferred the confiscated weapons to the guided-missile destroyer USS O'Kane before sinking the fishing vessel because of the ``hazard'' it posed to commercial shipping. It said the Yemeni crew would be repatriated.

American seizures of arms bound for Yemen's war, typically Kalashnikov rifles, machine guns and rocket-propelled grenade launchers, began in 2016 and have continued intermittently. Yemen is awash with small arms that have been smuggled into poorly controlled ports over years of conflict.

The Navy's 5th fleet said it has confiscated some 8,700 illicit weapons so far this year across the 2.5 million-square-mile area it patrols, including the strategically important Red Sea and the Persian Gulf.

Yemen's war erupted in 2014, when the Houthis seized the capital of Sanaa and much of the country's north. Saudi Arabia, along with the United Arab Emirates and other countries, launched a bombing campaign months later to restore the internationally recognized government and oust the rebels.

The war has killed some 130,000 people and spawned the world's worst humanitarian disaster.

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Germany's health minister said Thursday that he expects a surge in coronavirus cases around New Year's, and people will likely need a fourth vaccine shot to maintain the best immune response against COVID-19.

Health Minister Karl Lauterbach told public radio network WDR 2 that Germany hasn't yet seen a big, rapid wave of new infections from the omicron variant like some other European countries.

"That will change around New Year and in the first week of January,'' Lauterbach said.

The government is urging Germans to limit their contacts over the holiday period and to get vaccinated, including with booster shots if they've already had their initial vaccines. .

Official figures show 70.7% of the population have received a full course of vaccine, while 35% have had boosters.

Demonstrations against new pandemic restrictions and a planned vaccine mandate have flared up in Germany over the past weeks.

Police said about 5,000 protesters gathered in the center of Munich late Wednesday, with some participants attacking officers. Eleven people were detained.

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A would-be suicide bomber was shot dead Thursday outside Kabul's main passport office, police said, as hundreds of Taliban fighters lined up for travel documents on a day reserved exclusively for their applications.

"He was identified and killed at a checkpoint at the entrance," Mobin Khan, spokesman for Kabul police, told AFP.

There have been several attacks against Taliban fighters since their return to power in August -- most claimed by the local chapter of the Islamic State group.

Around 200 Taliban fighters had gathered at the passport office from dawn after authorities announced that Thursdays would be set aside exclusively for them to apply for passports.

It was unclear why the fighters wanted passports -- or where they planned to travel to -- as security operatives barred reporters from interviewing them.

Civilians who arrived to process their applications were held back or sent home by Taliban security, who also tore up documents of some as they pressed to enter.

"Issuing passports to the Taliban members was cancelled due to overcrowding," said Qari Shafiullah Tassal, a spokesman for the office.

Many people were also falsely claiming they had Taliban links, he told AFP.

Taliban fighters were also given the opportunity Thursday to apply for passports in the southern city of Kandahar, according to an AFP reporter there.

Taliban authorities stopped issuing passports after the hardline Islamic group returned to power on August 15, citing staff issues, faulty equipment and a lack of supplies.

Operations resumed on Sunday but hundreds of thousands of Afghans are desperate to flee a growing humanitarian crisis in the country.

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A joint Turkish and Qatari delegation is traveling to Afghanistan to discuss plans for companies from their two countries to run Kabul's international airport in a partnership, Turkey's state-run news agency reported Thursday.

The Anadolu Agency said Turkish and Qatari officials met in Doha this week to coordinate details and were scheduled to travel to Kabul later on Thursday to present their proposal to Afghanistan's interim government, which has yet to agree to the plan.

During their talks, members of the joint delegation would also receive information on Afghanistan's "requests and expectations'' concerning the proposal, the agency said.

NATO-member Turkey, which has historic and cultural ties to Afghanistan, managed and protected Kabul's airport for six years until U.S. and other NATO forces left Afghanistan following the Taliban takeover.

Turkey has long expressed willingness to continue to run the airport, which is a main gateway for landlocked Afghanistan and a vital access for humanitarian aid.

Turkey is a close ally of Qatar, which is a key player in relations with the Taliban. The country hosted months of U.S.-Taliban peace talks and has since been critical to the evacuation of American and other countries' citizens from Afghanistan. Roughly half the people who have left the country have transited through Qatar.

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At least four migrants died after their boat was grounded on an islet north of the Greek island of Antikythera on Thursday, the Greek coastguard said.

Some 90 migrants are currently stranded on the islet but cannot be evacuated before early Friday because of poor weather conditions, state television said.

Several coast guard vessels have been deployed in a search and rescue operation.

Thursday's shipwreck came the day after a dinghy carrying migrants capsized off the island of Folegandros, killing at least three people.

Thirteen people were rescued, while dozens remain missing, Greek authorities said.

Survivors gave conflicting accounts, some telling authorities there were originally 32 people aboard, while others put the number at around 50, a coastguard official told AFP.

The UN refugee agency UNHCR said the Folegandros shipwreck was the worst in the Aegean Sea this year.

"This shipwreck is a painful reminder that people continue to embark on perilous voyages in search of safety," said Adriano Silvestri, the UNHCR's assistant representative in Greece.

The UNHCR estimates that more than 2,500 people have died or gone missing at sea in their attempt to reach Europe from January through November this year.

Nearly one million people, mainly Syrian refugees, arrived in the EU in 2015 after crossing to Greek islands close to Turkey.

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Lawyers for Julian Assange have launched an appeal before Britain's Supreme Court against a High Court ruling that he may be extradited to the United States, the WikiLeaks founder's fiancee said Thursday.

The December 10 decision by the High Court in London reversed an earlier judgement by a British magistrates' court that it would be "oppressive" to extradite the 50-year-old Australian to the US justice system due to his mental health and the risk of suicide.

The United States wants Assange to face trial for WikiLeaks' publication in 2010 of classified military documents relating to its wars in Afghanistan and Iraq.

The US government has indicted Assange on 18 charges relating to the release of 500,000 secret files on the conflicts.

He could be jailed for up to 175 years in the US, although the exact sentence is difficult to estimate.

Assange's fiancee Stella Moris, herself a lawyer, said on Twitter that his lawyers filed an appeal to the extradition ruling on Thursday.

Moris, who has two children with Assange, said no decision regarding a Supreme Court appeal can be expected before the third week of January.

A two-day hearing in October saw lawyers for the United States argue that a lower court judge had not given sufficient weight to other expert testimony about his mental state.

They also pointed to diplomatic assurances provided since the January decision that Assange would not be held in punishing isolation at a federal supermax prison, and would receive appropriate care.

Approving the appeal, two judges at the High Court in London accepted the new assurances, noting they were not unusual in such cases and "solemn undertakings offered by one government to another".

Assange has been in custody since 2019, despite having served a previous sentence for breaching bail conditions in a separate case.

He spent seven years at Ecuador's embassy in London to avoid being removed to Sweden to face sexual assault allegations that were later dropped.

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Three challenges still stand in the way of democratic change in the region in the wake of the grassroots uprisings of the Arab Spring.

It has been ten years since the Arab Spring and the first wave of grassroots uprisings in the Arab region encompassing Tunisia, Egypt, Libya, Yemen and Syria.

The directions these experiences took varied, from Civil War and institutional collapse in Libya to experiments in democratic transition that are still stumbling forward in Tunisia. In Egypt, the need to fight terrorism and promote economic and social development was seen as more urgent than the advancement of political and civil rights.

After a period in which the Arab Spring had begun to appear an anomaly in what otherwise was relative grassroots inactivity, a second wave of uprisings erupted in Algeria, Sudan, Iraq and Lebanon. Some of these led to democratic transition processes that still face grave dangers, such as in Sudan, while others have sustained popular pressures for change in power structures, such as in Algeria. In Lebanon and Iraq, systems for the distribution and sharing of power remain the same.

The Arab uprisings were fed by a rejection not just of dictatorship, but also of certain types of never-ending systems of government that failed to meet democratic aspirations.

In Egypt, the 30-year rule of former president Hosni Mubarak, not to mention the widespread suspicion that he was scheming to pass power on to his son, was a major factor behind the eruption of the 25 January Revolution. The same applied to the Zine El-Abidine Ben Ali regime in Tunisia, which had been in power for 22 years, and to the Gaddafi regime in Libya, in power for 42 years.

The Ali Abdullah Salah regime had been in power in Yemen for 34 years, and the Bashar Al-Assad regime in Syria, which has been in power for 20 years, is still planning to perpetuate itself indefinitely. In the second wave of uprisings, the revolutions in Sudan and Algeria aimed to topple the Omar Al-Bashir regime that had been in power for 30 years and the Abdelaziz Bouteflika regime, which had been in power for 20 years, respectively.

Generally speaking, some of the Arab uprisings brought change. While some of them precipitated anarchy and collapse, others led to democratic transitions of varying success, or reforms within the system, albeit insufficient in the opinion of many. Yet others brought no substantial change to the governing system.

This article will examine three challenges that need to be addressed in order to understand what stands in the way of democratic change in the region.

INSTITUTIONAL REFORM

Perhaps the main thrust of the third wave of democratic transitions in Eastern Europe was for the reform of government structures and authorities in the executive, security and judicial branches of the state.

These experiences did not result in an institutional collapse or a split between government bodies and the military establishment. Nor did they descend into Civil War and the proliferation of paramilitary organisations and militia brigades. Instead, they saw the application of programmes for gradual institutional reform with the support of generous funding, advice and political backing from the US and Western Europe.

The same thing cannot be said of most experiences in the Arab region. The first wave of uprisings in some cases caused the total or partial collapse of the state and Civil War, as in Syria and Libya. The Iraqi state and army had been dismantled long before the uprising in that country took place as a consequence of the 2003 US-led invasion.

On the other hand, the military establishment played a major role in most of the Arab cases, and where the state remained intact and warfare did not erupt the army not only retained its cohesion but it also came to represent the nation, in the sense of the state and the people, as opposed to the regime.

Egypt and Tunisia exemplified this dynamic, regardless of the different paths they took towards institutional reform and the rule of law.

It is also clear that in the second wave of the Arab uprisings the cohesion of the army improved the chances of democratic transition, regardless of the differences between contexts and the relative strength and influence of the armies involved.

The extent to which a given army intervened in the political process was contingent on the ability of civilian political elites and movements to forge consensus and fill the vacuum that follows regime change. As was seen in the first wave of the uprisings, in cases where civilian forces were weak, disorganised and divided, Islamist organisations and the army were the only powers capable of filling the power vacuum.

In cases where the uprisings gave way to Civil War, the collapse of the state or widespread turmoil, people began to yearn for a return to autocracy, thinking that at least that had been better than anarchy and destruction. However, the reinstatement or survival of the state without significant reform means that nothing has changed.

In both the first and second waves of the Arab Spring, attempts to promote change ran up against a discourse of the need to preserve the state, as though this were an end in and of itself. In fact, the preservation of the state is a vehicle for realising development, social justice and the rule of law. But in order for the state to serve as such a vehicle, it needs to undergo the type of institutional reform that has been applied in all successful cases of democratic change.

ISLAMIST CHALLENGES: The Islamist movements that were a dominant force in the first wave of the Arab uprisings posed one of the greatest threats to the drives for democratic change.

This became all the more evident in cases where the movements gained power and took control of the democratic transition process. In Egypt, the Muslim Brotherhood had refused to comply with laws requiring it to register as a civil society organisation dedicated to religious work, which would have subjected it to the rules of transparency and non-involvement in politics that apply to hundreds of other religious organisations.

It continued to see itself as above the law after coming to power, as a result of which the political party it formed remained a wing of the organisations central bureau. It took little trouble to hide this as it proceeded to exclude other political forces. Eventually, the Muslim Brotherhoods antidemocratic behaviour and mismanagement precipitated widespread protests that led to the armys intervention to oust former president Mohamed Morsi and the Muslim Brotherhood regime.

Following the revolution in Tunisia, the Islamist Ennahda Movement clashed with the countrys other political forces, compelling it to back down and compromise. However, after Tunisias 2019 elections, in which Ennahda obtained a majority in parliament (although with only 54 seats this was not an absolute majority), it began to reassert itself in a bid to dominate key functions of the state. This was one of the main reasons why Tunisian President Kais Saied dismissed parliament and took other such exceptional measures in July this year.

Sudan is a case in which the people rose up against a 30-year-old dictatorship run by the Sudanese chapter of the Muslim Brotherhood. Islamists elsewhere in the region saw it as a dream of Islamist rule come true. The Sudanese peoples overthrow of former president Omar Al-Bashir delivered some powerful and symbolic messages in this regard.

Islamist movements played little if any part in the grassroots uprisings in Iraq and Lebanon. But there too part of the popular anger was directed against the Islamist parties and the denominational power-sharing systems in the country.

The Tunisian case will remain significant in terms of the Islamists designs on power because Ennahda remains a force to be reckoned with. It is unlikely that it will be excluded from the Tunisian political arena because of the nature of a context characterised by a diversity of political actors and a strong civil society.

At the same time, Kais Saieds supporters, such as the Tunisian General Labour Union, have made their support for him conditional on the continuation of the process of democratic transition and the pursuit of social justice. Ennahda, in contrast to the Egyptian Muslim Brotherhood, is also constituted and conducts itself as a political party, and its members are committed to the partys platform and to attaining it through parliamentary and local elections, rather than to the Muslim Brotherhoods ideological aim of universal control.

Tunisia now has a historic opportunity to clip the Islamist organisations wings through civil and democratic means. In order to achieve this end, the president will need to introduce profound political and social reforms that will include constitutional amendments approved in a national referendum. If these moves succeed, they will usher in a new and democratic presidential system in the country.

BUILDING ALTERNATIVES: Building a system of government based on the rule of law is the only real guarantee for successful democratic change.

The region has offered too many examples of movements that have been unable to shift from protest mode to the institution-building that would create a genuine alternative to the previously existing autocracies. The roar and courage of thousands of people in the streets has a thrill and iconicity that is difficult to resist, but it will all turn out to be a mirage unless this energy is channelled into a single entity that has the means, programme and grassroots backing to fill a power vacuum and advance a viable alternative.

This is not about building a revolutionary movement or ideology in the manner of the Marxist movements of the 20th century. The revolutions in the Arab world may not have espoused a clear revolutionary theory, but this is only natural in that there is no magic formula for effecting change in todays complex world. Indeed, even in those countries where leftist movements helped bring about democratic change, such as in Latin America, they did not aim to build regimes based on revolutionary theory, but instead wanted to build reformist-minded leaderships with the skills to govern, manage and interact with the world.

In Sudan, the Forces for Freedom and Change (FFC) are an example of this type of constructive outlook in a world where there is no revolutionary alternative to despotism and corruption. There is no disputing that it took a grassroots uprising to topple Al-Bashir and that grassroots pressure forced military leader Abdel-Fattah Al-Burhan to back down and reinstate Abdullah Hamdok as prime minister. However, it was never an option for the FFC to refuse to negotiate with the military top brass and to attempt to sideline the army and its support base.

In sustaining the negotiations, the FFC followed in the footsteps of many Latin American experiences in the last century, when civilian forces, including Marxist ones, entered into negotiations with the military for the sake of democratic change. In fact, in order for their efforts to succeed they often had to offer certain guarantees to military leaders in exchange for relinquishing power.

Were the Sudanese civil forces to refuse to negotiate with the army in accordance with some principle that held that negotiating with the enemy was betrayal, then the momentum for constructive change would give way to a momentum for street action, which would undermine the current understandings between Al-Burhan and Hamdok without offering a viable alternative.

Perpetuating protest movements that protest against everything is no answer to the absence of revolutionary theory. Protest activism is only half the way forward. It helps to bring down dictatorships, but it is no recipe for success if it does not provide an alternative project, the practical means of building it, and the political and professional talents that have the ability to get things done.

*A version of this article appears in print in the 23 December, 2021 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly.

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Contestants dressed as mermaids and mermen put their underwater skills to the test as they compete to win China's inaugural "mermaid" competition on tropical Hainan Island on Dec 21, 2021. Over 40 people have gathered to demonstrate their vertical swimming, 360-degree backward somersaults, mid-water hovering, and even blowing "mermaid bubbles" skills. All of the challengers hold a China Water Ski, Underwater & Powerboat Federation (CSUPF)-accredited mermaid license. [Photo: CNSPHOTO via VCG]

Contestants dressed as mermaids and mermen put their underwater skills to the test as they compete to win China's inaugural "mermaid" competition on tropical Hainan Island on Dec 21, 2021. Over 40 people have gathered to demonstrate their vertical swimming, 360-degree backward somersaults, mid-water hovering, and even blowing "mermaid bubbles" skills. All of the challengers hold a China Water Ski, Underwater & Powerboat Federation (CSUPF)-accredited mermaid license. [Photo: CNSPHOTO via VCG]

Contestants dressed as mermaids and mermen put their underwater skills to the test as they compete to win China's inaugural "mermaid" competition on tropical Hainan Island on Dec 21, 2021. Over 40 people have gathered to demonstrate their vertical swimming, 360-degree backward somersaults, mid-water hovering, and even blowing "mermaid bubbles" skills. All of the challengers hold a China Water Ski, Underwater & Powerboat Federation (CSUPF)-accredited mermaid license. [Photo: CNSPHOTO via VCG]

Contestants dressed as mermaids and mermen put their underwater skills to the test as they compete to win China's inaugural "mermaid" competition on tropical Hainan Island on Dec 21, 2021. Over 40 people have gathered to demonstrate their vertical swimming, 360-degree backward somersaults, mid-water hovering, and even blowing "mermaid bubbles" skills. All of the challengers hold a China Water Ski, Underwater & Powerboat Federation (CSUPF)-accredited mermaid license. [Photo: CNSPHOTO via VCG]
More than 4.5 million people including Kim Kardashian have called for a US truck driver's 110-year prison sentence to be reduced over a 2019 crash in which his brakes failed and he plowed into traffic, killing four people.

Cuban immigrant Rogel Aguilera-Mederos, 26, was transporting timber in the mountainous western state of Colorado in April 2019 when his brakes stopped functioning on a downhill stretch and he failed to use an emergency exit ramp.

The ensuing 28-car pileup also left six people wounded.

Aguilera-Mederos was found guilty by a jury on 27 counts including multiple vehicular homicides, and last week a judge handed down a 110-year sentence, which he said was the mandatory minimum under Colorado law.

"I will state that if I had the discretion, it would not be my sentence," he said, according to The Denver Post.

But the length of the jail term has caused a massive public outcry, with 4.6 million people signing a Change.org online petition calling for clemency or a commutation of his sentence based on time served.

Kardashian, who is training to become a lawyer, called on Colorado's governor Jared Polis to step in.

"Mandatory minimums take away judicial discretion and need to end," she tweeted.

"Colorado law really has to be changed and this is so unfair. @GovofCO is a really good person and I know he will do the right thing."

Polis said Tuesday his office has received a clemency application and is reviewing it.

Separately, the prosecutors who pursued the initial charges against Aguilera-Mederos on Friday filed a motion for the court to consider reducing his sentence.

"As Colorado law required the imposition of the sentence in this case, the law also permits the court to reconsider its sentence in an exceptional case involving unusual and extenuating circumstances," said the motion filed by district attorney Alexis King.

Some truck drivers have posted on social media that they will refuse to work in Colorado until the case is addressed.
KYODO NEWS - Dec 24, 2021 - 13:29 | All, World

U.S. President Joe Biden on Thursday signed into law a bill effectively banning all imports from China's Xinjiang region amid concerns over the use of forced labor involving its Uyghur ethnic minority, immediately triggering a backlash from the Communist-led government.

The Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act, which passed both the House of Representatives and the Senate last week, is certain to further strain relations between the world's two largest economies, already at loggerheads over issues including human rights, trade and China's military assertiveness in the region.

The law underscores the United States' commitment to "combatting forced labor, including in the context of the ongoing genocide in Xinjiang," Secretary of State Antony Blinken said, referring to China's alleged human rights abuses taking place in its far-western region.

"We call on the government of the People's Republic of China to immediately end genocide and crimes against humanity against the predominantly Muslim Uyghurs and members of other ethnic and religious minority groups in Xinjiang," he added in his statement, using the official name of China.

On Friday, China swiftly lambasted the United States, saying the government under President Xi Jinping deplores and firmly rejects Biden's signing of the bill as it denigrates the human rights situation in Xinjiang.

"We admonish the U.S. to correct the mistake immediately, and stop using Xinjiang-related issues to spread lies, interfere in China's internal affairs and contain China's development," the Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

The law requires U.S. customs authorities to presume goods manufactured in the Xinjiang region have been made with forced labor, and thus ban them from import unless there is "clear and convincing" evidence to the contrary.

The provision will take effect 180 days after the enactment of the law.

Washington's action may also affect Japanese companies sourcing products from Xinjiang, a major cotton-producing region.

The move is the latest in a series of efforts by the U.S. government to ensure that the country's supply chains are free from the forced labor of Muslim Uyghurs.

Under the 1930 Tariff Act, which prohibits the importation of merchandise produced with forced labor, the Biden administration in July imposed an import ban on a key solar panel material by a Chinese company located in Xinjiang.

An import ban on cotton and tomato products from the region was also issued toward the end of the previous administration under Donald Trump.

The Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act will have broader coverage, as it applies to any "goods, wares, articles, and merchandise mined, produced, or manufactured wholly or in part in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region."

More than one million Uyghurs and other Muslim minorities are believed to have been unjustly detained in internment camps within the region, according to the State Department's most recent report on human rights practices.

The department has also accused Chinese authorities of using threats of physical violence, forcible drug intake, physical and sexual abuse, and torture to force detainees to work in factories producing various items including garments, hair accessories, footwear, holiday decorations, consumer electronics, face masks and food products.

China has insisted that what the United States calls detention camps are vocational training centers established to combat terrorism and religious extremism preemptively, urging Washington not to interfere in its "internal affairs."

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By Chananthorn Kamjan, KYODO NEWS - Dec 23, 2021 - 10:07 | World, All

Thai politicians are gearing up for a possible general election next year, even though Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha insists his military-backed coalition government will complete its four-year term in 2023.

Key indicators include a rift within the ruling Palang Pracharath Party as well as a constitutional amendment that introduced electoral changes favoring Thailand's larger parties.

In September, Prayut sacked two ministers shortly after surviving a censure debate in parliament against him and some Cabinet members.

Political sources said the premier found that the two ministers had conspired to oust him alone in the no-confidence debate. Despite a degree of reconciliation in the party, conflict remains.

Trakoon Meechai, an associate professor of Chulalongkorn University's Political Science Faculty, told Kyodo News that the chance of the government completing its four-year-term is slim if Prayut cannot withstand the political pressure, with the situation aggravated by the economic impact of the COVID-19 crisis.

"If the country faces a severe resurgence of COVID-19, the premier may not be able to hold onto power. He could face replacement or decide to dissolve the lower house," he said.

The Prayut-led administration has faced criticism over its pandemic management.

Although the election could be a way to relieve political tension in Thailand, the path ahead is smooth neither for Prayut nor his political rivals.

Those rivals include the largest opposition Pheu Thai Party, which consists of supporters of ousted Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra and is strong in rural areas, and the Move Forward Party, which also opposes military influence in politics and is mainly supported by the younger generation.

Pheu Thai got the greatest number of lower house seats in the 2019 general election but Palang Pracharath, which won the popular vote, was able to form a coalition government.

Prayut, a retired army general who initially came to power in a 2014 military coup, was subsequently elected prime minister by the 500-member House of Representatives and almost every member of the junta-appointed, 250-seat Senate.

In the 2019 election, the lower house members were elected using a form of mixed-member proportional representation, in which voters cast a single vote. This and other changes introduced by the military-backed 2017 Constitution were widely viewed as designed to handicap anti-junta parties like Pheu Thai.

Under the revised election system, however, the two-ballot system has been restored, with voters electing candidates from single-seat constituencies and casting a second ballot for a political party.

Whereas last time there were 350 constituency seats and 150 party-list seats up for grabs, the former has been increased to 400 and the latter reduced to 100.

Pheu Thai, which prior to 2019 had won every election since 2001 if its precursor parties are counted, has resolved to make every effort to win the next election too.

One obstacle the populist party faces is that the lower house vote for prime minister would take place in a joint session with the Senate, whose military-appointed members' term lasts until 2024.

Efforts in the legislature to further amend the Constitution to reform the Senate and to restructure the Constitutional Court and key state agencies have so far failed.

To convince the party's lawmakers and supporters on this matter, Thaksin recently installed his youngest daughter Paetongtarn Shinawatra to a position of influence in Pheu Thai to cement the dominance of the Shinawatra dynasty.

Trakoon interpreted this as Thaksin resting his hope in the election and convincing Pheu Thai lawmakers to stay with the party with his daughter, who has been tipped as a future prime ministerial candidate, as a key part of its political machine.

Under the new system, small and midsize parties such as Move Forward will be struggling.

However, there is a chance that Move Forward would join a coalition if Pheu Thai wins the election with insufficient support to form a government on its own.

Some young voters have voiced support for such inter-party cooperation after the next election after coming to the realization that street rallies are not enough to help them achieve their goals of overhauling the charter and reforming the monarchy.

Naenon, a 19-year-old-student from Mahidol University whose family name is being withheld, said he does not want the Prayut-led government to return, citing its poor performance in administration.

He said Pheu Thai is capable of running the country in view of its proven past performance, even though a large number of younger Thais including him support Move Forward.

Prawravee Suwantawit, 20, a student of Thammasat University, also wishes to see Pheu Thai in power again considering its experience and the prospect of opening doors for the younger generation.

"I think Pheu Thai is one of the good choices to fix the country's problems, especially the economy," she said, adding that Move Forward still lacks experience to run the country alone.

On another hand, legal scholar Jade Donavanik saw Prayut would finish his term if the government can still handle both the political movement and the pandemic impact. Jade said only political accidents such as the departure of coalition parties or a coup could bring him down, but it is unlikely.

However, he thought that it is not easy for Prayut to secure a second term in the next election.

"Aside from being in power for too long since seizing power, Gen. Prayut has yet made any significant progress in reforming the country as promised," he said.

Regarding the student movement, Jade, who is also former adviser to the Constitution Drafting Committee, said the pro-democracy groups have been weakened by law enforcement authorities and -- in the court of public opinion -- violence including burning public properties at recent rallies in Bangkok.

He said the groups made a good start in calling for changes in politics and the constitutional monarchy, but later turned the main focus to the monarchy using ill-mannered methods.

Move Forward, the student groups and their allies have been making parallel movements in and outside the parliament to reform key establishments, including the monarchy, but have little to show for their efforts. Key leaders are being detained on various charges, including under the strict lese majeste law.

Foreseeing Thai political developments, the political academic Trakoon said all sides have to adjust themselves to the changes and avoid fomenting hatred of their opponents or seeking to destroy them.

(Raveebhorn Chaiprapa contributed to this story)

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KYODO NEWS - Dec 23, 2021 - 22:32 | All, Japan, Coronavirus

An elementary school pupil was newly found in Osaka Prefecture to be infected with the Omicron variant of the coronavirus through unknown routes, the local government said Thursday, in a sign that the community transmission of the variant is spreading in western Japan.

The latest announcement on the boy, whose COVID-19 infection is seen by the Osaka governor as another case of the community spread of Omicron, came a day after similar cases were reported in Osaka. Another case of a community spread was confirmed in adjacent Kyoto Prefecture earlier Thursday.

The boy is not related to the three family members confirmed Wednesday in Osaka to have been infected with Omicron, Osaka Gov. Hirofumi Yoshimura said in a press conference.

Three of his classmates have also contracted coronavirus and are currently undergoing tests to determine whether they have also been infected with the highly transmissible strain, said Yoshimura.

Shigeru Omi, the country's top COVID-19 adviser, said that while "it is unlikely the variant has become widespread in Japan," such infections have begun spreading "at various locations."

As new cases of Omicron surface in the prefecture, the Osaka government said it will start providing free COVID-19 testing in more than 100 sites from Friday.

In Tokyo, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said during a gathering that his government will provide free COVID tests in areas where cluster and community transmissions have been detected, and that testing is open to all those who want it and are worried about the latest developments.

Following the first case of a community spread in Osaka, Kishida has said steps will be taken to prevent the spread of cases, as the country braces for a sixth wave of infections.

Earlier in the day, a woman in Kyoto, with no overseas travel history, was reported to have contracted Omicron through untraceable routes.

The woman, in her 20s, exhibited symptoms such as a fever and coughing on Sunday and was admitted to hospital the next day after having tested positive, according to the Kyoto prefectural government.

She has received two vaccination doses and is showing mild symptoms. The prefecture is monitoring seven people as being close contacts of the woman, of whom two have tested negative while the results for the other five were not yet available.

Japanese officials said three family members -- a male elementary school teacher, a woman in her 30s and a girl under 10 years old -- were found to be infected with Omicron through unknown routes.

The three also do not have any history of traveling abroad, with the two adults having received their two inoculations.

Two other members of the family have also contracted COVID-19, and were awaiting the results of genome tests to determine if they have also been infected with the new variant.

Omi urged people to be vigilant during the year-end and New Year holidays, especially in activities such as traveling to hometowns or elsewhere.

Referencing overseas cases such as in South Africa and Britain, where it only took two to three days before the number of infection cases doubled, he said, "The number of infections could (also) spread rapidly once community transmission begins" in Japan.

Even after seeing its first case of Omicron community spread, Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirokazu Matsuno said Thursday that Japan will not immediately retighten restrictions on people's activities.

"But we plan to respond speedily by working with municipalities and experts by taking infection situations into account," the top government spokesman said during a regular press conference.

At a separate gathering in the Japanese capital earlier in the day, Kishida said, "Using the time we bought through strengthened border controls (since late November), we have accelerated efforts to enhance the process of prevention, testing and early treatment."

Japan banned new entries by foreigners globally from Nov. 30, and the measure will continue at least until early next year as Tokyo seeks to gain more information about the new variant.

Kishida also said he has led efforts to secure enough hospital beds for COVID-19 patients as well as hotel rooms for those found infected with the virus and strengthened cooperation among medical institutions.

After the first Omicron case was confirmed in Japan on Nov. 30 -- a man who arrived from Namibia -- total infections with the new variant nationwide had reached 160 as of Wednesday. But health minister Shigeyuki Goto said the same day he does not believe the variant has become widespread across the country "at this point."

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KYODO NEWS - Dec 23, 2021 - 21:57 | All, Japan

Japan's Self-Defense Forces and the U.S. military have drawn up a draft joint operation plan that would enable the setup of an attack base along the Nansei island chain in the country's southwest in the event of a Taiwan contingency, according to Japanese government sources.

Japan and the United States will likely agree to begin work to formalize an operation plan when their foreign and defense chiefs meet in early January under the "two-plus-two" framework, the sources told Kyodo News by Thursday.

The development will likely draw a backlash from China, which regards the self-ruled island of Taiwan as a renegade province to be reunified with the mainland, by force if necessary.

Under the draft plan, U.S. Marines will set up a temporary attack base at the initial stage of a contingency on the Nansei Islands, a chain stretching southwest from the Japanese prefectures of Kagoshima and Okinawa toward Taiwan. Okinawa hosts the bulk of U.S. military installations in Japan.

The U.S. military will get support from the SDF to send troops to the islands if a Taiwan contingency appears imminent, the sources said.

Such a deployment, however, would make the islands the target of attack by China's military, putting the lives of residents there at risk. Legal changes would be needed in Japan to realize the plan, the sources said.

Japan's SDF and the U.S. forces have around 40 candidate sites along the Nansei chain, which consists of around 200 islands, including uninhabited ones.

Most of the locations have residents and islands where the SDF has deployed or plans to deploy missile units -- Amami-Oshima, Miyako and Ishigaki near the Senkaku Islands controlled by Japan but claimed by China -- are among the candidates, the sources said.

As longtime security allies, Japan and the United States have been strengthening defense cooperation and boosting the interoperability of the SDF and the U.S. military. They face threats from China's military buildup and assertive moves at sea as well as North Korea's nuclear and missile development.

The U.S. Marine Corps have expeditionary advanced base operation manuals to dispatch Marines in small formations to necessary locations, apparently in view of China's assertive moves.

The Japanese government sources said the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command had proposed to the SDF to create a joint operation plan.

The condition under which the U.S. military will set up a temporary base is when the Japanese government judges that conflict between the Chinese and Taiwanese militaries will undermine the peace and security of Japan, if left as is, the sources said.

In such a scenario, the U.S. military will deploy its high mobility artillery rocket system to a temporary base location while the SDF will be tasked with logistical support by providing ammunition and fuel. To prevent coming under attack, U.S. Marines will change base locations, the sources added.

The United States has been hardening its stance on China as they compete for economic, technological and military superiority. Japan, for its part, has seen its relations with China frayed over history and the Senkakus, a group of uninhabited islands in the East China Sea.

Underscoring heightened vigilance, Japan and the United States stressed in a joint statement the importance of "peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait" when their leaders met in April. It was the first time in half a century for the two nations' leaders to mention Taiwan in a statement.

The United States would come to the aid of Taiwan should China turn to the use of force.

During a Taiwan think-tank event in early December, former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said any Taiwan contingency would also be an emergency for Japan and for the Japan-U.S. security alliance.

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KYODO NEWS - Dec 23, 2021 - 19:15 | World, All

The University of Hong Kong removed a sculpture commemorating those killed in the 1989 Tiananmen Square crackdown from its campus in the early hours of Thursday, a symbolic move showing that the bloody event has become a taboo subject in the Chinese territory as in the rest of China.

The university council cited safety issues resulting from the Pillar of Shame statue's "fragile" state as well as potential legal risks facing the university under the city's crime ordinance, adding the sculpture would be put into storage.

The statue has stood on the university campus since 1999, after it was brought into Hong Kong just before the former British colony's return to Chinese rule in July 1997.

Created by Danish sculptor Jens Galschiot, the 8-meter-tall sculpture depicts a pile of corpses symbolizing those killed in the Tiananmen crackdown on student protesters. After a Beijing-imposed national security law went into force in June 2020, Galschiot offered to return the statue to Denmark but was unsuccessful.

The tribute's removal comes amid Beijing's continued efforts to crack down on dissent and curtail freedoms in the city following the implementation of the law, which criminalizes acts of secession, subversion, terrorism and collusion with foreign forces.

Earlier this month, the city's District Court sentenced eight pro-democracy figures to prison for their involvement last year in an annual vigil commemorating the 1989 Tiananmen Square protests.
Photo taken on Nov. 29, 2021 shows a meeting of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) Joint Commission in Vienna, Austria. (EU Delegation Vienna/Handout via Xinhua)

Although uncertainty is the only certainty right now in the Iranian nuclear deal talks in Vienna, the willingness of parties to the 2015 nuclear deal to continue dialogue bodes well for future negotiations. Analysts are cautiously optimistic about the prospects of the talks.

by Xinhua writer Gao Wencheng

TEHRAN, Dec. 23 (Xinhua) -- Following seven rounds of talks held since April this year, Iran and Western parties to the 2015 nuclear deal have yet to find a way to break the impasse on salvaging the pact, which Washington unilaterally quit in 2018.

Although uncertainty is the only certainty right now in the Austrian capital of Vienna, the host city of the talks, the parties' willingness to continue dialogue still bodes well for future negotiations, analysts said.

UPS AND DOWNS

Since April, Iran and the major parties to the 2015 nuclear pact, namely Britain, France, Germany, China and Russia, have held seven rounds of talks in Vienna on reviving the 2015 nuclear deal. The United States has been taking part in the talks indirectly.

No significant progress has been made so far. When the seventh round of talks ended on Friday, Iran and the Western parties accused each other of foot-dragging in the negotiations.

Six rounds of negotiations on reviving the 2015 deal, formally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), were already held in Vienna between April and June, before they were interrupted by Iran's presidential election.

Ahead of the Iranian election, an atmosphere of optimism prevailed in the Vienna talks.

Then Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said in early June that the main issues between Tehran and Washington in the ongoing nuclear talks in Vienna had been settled.

Similarly, according to European diplomats, in the first six rounds of talks, "we have 70 percent to 80 percent of the work done, but some of the most difficult issues are what remain."

But new uncertainty appeared when the Vienna talks resumed on Nov. 29 with the participation of a new Iranian negotiating team following a five-month hiatus.

Britain, France and Germany, known as the E3, wanted Iran to agree to continue talks from where they left off in June, but Iran's new negotiators insisted that what had been agreed upon in the previous talks were not legally binding.

During the seventh round of talks, the new Iranian delegation put forward two draft proposals, which were dismissed as "unrealistic" by the E3 and the United States, accusing Iran of backtracking on "the diplomatic progress made" through demanding major changes.

Iran demanded the United States lift all sanctions and guarantee that it will not quit the nuclear pact again despite future leadership changes in Washington.

"We made no demand beyond the JCPOA, and at the same time will not accept any obligations beyond the JCPOA," said Iran's Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian, referring to Tehran's refusal to negotiate a new deal that will cover its missile and other weapons development programs.

Iran's chief nuclear negotiator in the Vienna talks Ali Bagheri Kani arrives at the venue of the Iran nuclear talks in Vienna, Austria, on Dec. 17, 2021. (Xinhua/Guo Chen)

BLAME GAME

After the Vienna talks adjourned on Friday, the E3 diplomats called it "a disappointing pause," warning that there are only weeks instead of months before the JCPOA's core non-proliferation benefits will be lost.

"We are rapidly reaching the end of the road for this negotiation," they said in a statement.

In a more frustrating tone, Washington warned Iran against attempting to "drag out this process while continuing to move forward inexorably in building up its nuclear program."

However, the pace of reaching an agreement depends on the will of the opposite side, Iran's chief nuclear negotiator Ali Bagheri Kani, also deputy foreign minister, was quoted by Iran's Press TV as saying.

"If the other side accepts the rational views and positions of the Islamic Republic of Iran, the new round of talks can be the last one, and we can achieve a deal in the shortest possible time," said Bagheri Kani.

He criticized the E3 countries for failing to present a more constructive proposal during the talks, saying that "they previously announced that they have proposals and initiatives on some topics, including the issue of guarantees, but we received no proposal or initiative from them during this round of talks."

Neither has the United States made any tangible proposals for the talks, Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Saeed Khatibzadeh said, adding that this partially explained why Iran questions Washington's real intentions.

Rafael Mariano Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), displays a surveillance camera during a press conference in Vienna, Austria, Dec. 17, 2021. (Xinhua/Guo Chen)

CAUTIOUSLY OPTIMISTIC

Despite the war of words, progress, though limited, has been made in the nuclear talks.

The E3 diplomats revealed after the seventh round of talks that "there has been some technical progress in the last 24 hours, but this only takes us back nearer to where the talks stood in June."

Enrique Mora, deputy secretary general of the European External Action Service, said the parties held in-depth discussions during the latest round of talks on a variety of sensitive issues like "the political positions, the new political sensitivities of the new administration in Tehran."

"We have incorporated some of the most relevant elements of the new Iranian positions ... to the documents that we will still work on," Mora added.

Analysts are cautiously optimistic about the future of the Iranian nuclear deal talks.

Hassan Hanizadeh, an Iranian international affairs analyst, told Iranian media that in spite of all the difficulties, "so far the negotiation process seems to have been positive," and an acceptable outcome to the Vienna talks is possible.

Liu Lanyu, an Iran expert at the Institute for International and Area Studies of China's Tsinghua University, said that despite their differences, both Iran and the United States have the willingness to reach a final deal on reviving the 2015 nuclear pact.

Iran hopes to lift the U.S. sanctions through negotiations to ease domestic pressure, while the United States wants to accelerate its withdrawal from the Middle East by resolving the Iranian nuclear issue, Liu told Xinhua.

Fan Hongda, a professor at the Middle East Studies Institute of Shanghai International Studies University in China, said the United States needs to "face future negotiations with a more positive attitude."

Only compromises, instead of sanctions and pressure, can lead to an agreement, Fan told Xinhua.

Ironically, the Joe Biden administration imposed fresh sanctions on two Iranian government agencies and several officials for so-called human rights abuses on Dec. 7 as the nuclear talks were underway in Vienna.

The U.S. move triggered angry reaction from Iran, which warned that such sanctions would not create leverage in the talks to bring about a breakthrough.
Aerial photo taken on Dec. 8, 2021 shows the city view of Xiamen, southeast China's Fujian Province. (Xinhua/Jiang Kehong)

XIAMEN, Dec. 23 (Xinhua) -- China on Tuesday held a gathering to mark the 40th anniversary of the establishment of the Xiamen Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in east China's Fujian Province.

The Xiamen SEZ is among China's first batch of four special economic zones, serving as a pilot area for the country's reform and opening-up and promoting cross-Strait cooperation and exchanges.

With a spate of new opening-up policies rolled out in recent years, Xiamen, a city facing Taiwan across the Taiwan Strait, is opening a new chapter of opening-up and high-quality development.

Xiamen has been seeking growth momentum from reform and opening-up over the past decades.

A representative speaks at a gathering marking the 40th anniversary of the establishment of the Xiamen Special Economic Zone in Xiamen, southeast China's Fujian Province, Dec. 21, 2021. (Xinhua/Jiang Kehong)

In October 1980, the State Council approved the establishment of the Xiamen SEZ. Its construction officially started the following year. Later, the SEZ expanded twice. Now, it covers the entire city of Xiamen.

After implementing a series of policies, Xiamen has formed a comprehensive and multi-level opening-up pattern, attracting scores of Fortune Global 500 companies amid efforts to integrate into the global economic system.

By the end of 2020, 63 Fortune Global 500 companies had invested 114 projects in Xiamen, with foreign investment in actual use totaling 3.63 billion U.S. dollars, said the Xiamen municipal bureau of statistics.

Official data shows that Xiamen's foreign trade increased from 141 million U.S. dollars in 1980 to 691.6 billion yuan (about 108.6 billion U.S. dollars) in 2020, with an average annual growth of 18 percent. Its utilized foreign investment increased from 8 million U.S. dollars in 1983 to 16.6 billion yuan in 2020, with an average yearly growth of 16.9 percent.

From January to November, the total foreign trade of Xiamen reached 814.2 billion yuan, up 29.3 percent year on year, with ASEAN, the United States, and the European Union the city's top three trading partners, statistics with Xiamen customs authorities show.

"There are policies and opportunities in Xiamen, and its good business environment encourages us to continue to increase investment here," said James Zhao, president of ABB Electrification China.

Aerial photo taken on Dec. 9, 2021 shows Xiamen International Conference Center and surrounding buildings in Xiamen, southeast China's Fujian Province. (Xinhua/Jiang Kehong)

Over the past 40 years, Xiamen achieved average annual economic growth of 15 percent. Its gross domestic product reached 638.4 billion yuan in 2020, with per capita GDP exceeding 20,000 U.S. dollars.

Currently, foreign-funded companies contribute about 70 percent of the city's industrial output, 60 percent of its economic growth, and 40 percent of its foreign trade.

The city's opening-up has been gaining momentum since the Xiamen Area of China (Fujian) Pilot Free Trade Zone and the city's China-Europe freight train service were launched in 2015.

Nearly 500 innovative measures have been rolled out in the Xiamen Area of the Fujian FTZ, according to Dai Bin, an official with the Xiamen Area administration committee.

So far, more than ten aviation maintenance companies have established businesses in Xiamen, with their output in this field accounting for about one-fourth of the country's total.

As the host of the ninth BRICS summit in 2017, Xiamen has also boosted its cooperation with BRICS countries, with the BRICS Partnership on New Industrial Revolution Innovation Center launched in Xiamen in December last year.

Photo taken on Sept. 8, 2021 shows models of jets during an exhibition on BRICS New Industrial Revolution held in Xiamen, southeast China's Fujian Province. (Xinhua/Lin Shanchuan)

Xiamen launched Silk Road shipping services in 2018. Silk Road Shipping is an alliance jointly initiated in late 2018 by dozens of ports, carriers, and logistics service providers in countries along the Belt and Road.

After three years of development, Silk Road Shipping, with more than 200 members, now has 86 routes reaching 102 ports in 29 countries, said Li Nan, deputy general manager of Fujian Silk Road Maritime Management Company.

As one of the mainland cities closest to Taiwan, Xiamen is a major hub for cross-Strait exchanges and regional cooperation.

Xiamen will build itself into a demonstration zone for cross-Strait integration development and become a top mainland destination for Taiwan compatriots and businesses, said Liu Jinzhu, head of Xiamen's Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Macao affairs office.

"Deepening its construction as a strategic hub for the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road, and docking with the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) have given direction for Xiamen's higher-level opening-up," said Huang Maoxing, a professor with the School of Economics, Fujian Normal University. 
Aerial photo taken on Nov. 21, 2021 shows a section of the China-Laos Railway on the outskirts of Vientiane, Laos.(Photo by Kaikeo Saiyasane/Xinhua)

-- The Asia-Pacific is home to an infrastructure network further extended over the past year by new bridges, dams, highways, power lines and railroads, among other BRI projects. Even the COVID-19 pandemic did not slow down work for long.

-- Lao President Thongloun Sisoulith called inauguration of the China-Laos Railway "a proud moment and the dream of all ethnic groups of Laos." The railway symbolizes the spirit of a community of a shared future and the shared dreams of peoples, according to him.

by Xinhua writer Qu Junya

HONG KONG, Dec. 23 (Xinhua) -- In early December, landlocked Laos took a quantum leap toward the nation's dream of becoming a land-linked hub thanks to the inauguration of the China-Laos Railway.

Laos is the only nation in Southeast Asia without direct access to the sea. Lao President Thongloun Sisoulith called the occasion "a proud moment and the dream of all ethnic groups of Laos."

The first electrified railway in Laos was made possible by the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). China's grand plan for a better-connected world was also behind Vietnam's first metro line, which went into commercial operation in capital Hanoi in November.

The Asia-Pacific is home to an extending infrastructure network which was further energized over the past year by new bridges, dams, highways, power lines and railroads, among other BRI projects. Even the COVID-19 pandemic did not slow down work for long. The East Coast Rail Link in Malaysia had almost its entire staff fully vaccinated by October.

Around the world, 141 countries and 32 international organizations, including 19 UN agencies, have participated in the BRI.

CHINESE TECHNICAL STANDARDS

In Bangladesh, the awe-inspiring Padma Bridge nears completion. The rail-road bridge is expected to speed up development and poverty reduction in the southwest of the riverine country, and to complete a key link in the envisaged trans-Asian rail network.

The Padma Bridge has 40 piers sunk into the sandy riverbed. According to Bangladeshi project engineer Dewan Muhammad Abdul Kader, "Every pier and span presented numerous challenges" to the Chinese engineers.

Photo taken on Sept. 12, 2021 shows a view of Padma Multipurpose Bridge under construction in Munshiganj on the outskirts of Dhaka, Bangladesh.(Xinhua)

The China-Laos Railway has 75 tunnels in the 422-km Laos section. There -- and in Belt and Road projects elsewhere -- advanced technology and techniques are making short work of geological complexities.

Chinese management and technical standards are extensively applied. VR systems providing a virtual workplace for safety training help protect Malaysian workers, while state-of-the-art equipment like China's tunneling machines boosts progress in building the railway in eastern Malaysia.

Phase-II of the Karakoram Highway was declared one of the best projects in the world this year by U.S. weekly Engineering News-Record in September. Part of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, the highway is just one of 46 corridor projects underway or completed. Pakistan sees the corridor as a gamechanger for its national development.

CLEAN AND GREEN

No more coal-fired power plants will be built as part of the BRI, and a large number of hydropower projects are completed, underway or in the pipeline.

Notably, the Sirindhorn Dam in northeastern Thailand combines a floating solar farm with an existing hydropower plant. The Thai government plans to reproduce this model in 15 other locations as part of its climate commitment to a green low-carbon growth.

An aerial view on Oct. 29, 2021 of the floating solar farm in Sirindhorn Dam in Thailand's northeastern Ubon Ratchathani province.(Xinhua)

All Belt and Road projects are constructed in an environment-friendly manner, with a strong imperative to protect the local ecosystem. Construction of the railway created some 110,000 jobs in Laos, but the route remains just as verdant and lush as before the earthmovers arrived.

"After construction, revegetation goes. This is not just high-quality engineering, but also common sense. We want to leave the trackside in the condition we found it," said chief engineer Huang Daiwen. Huang's team has even applied for a patent for "roadbed slope revegetation devices" developed during their work in Laos.

Building hydro dams, of course, takes into account habitat protection for terrestrial wildlife. In the water, dams on the Nam Ou River in Laos have been restocked with native species of fish. Over 2 million fry have been released into the river over past years. And that's not just good for the health of the biosphere, it's good for local people too. Fish restaurants have sprung up, attracting customers from Luang Prabang, dozens of kilometers away. Songkham Yathika, 55, likes boasting about his personal journey from mountain man to fisherman to restaurateur.

Aerial photo taken on Sept. 6, 2021 shows the Nam Ou 7 hydropower plant of the Nam Ou River cascade hydropower project in northern Laos.(PowerChina Resources/Handout via Xinhua)

LIVELIHOODS AND RISING HOPES

Thanks to the resumed BRI arrangement of chartered freight, in November the flow of pine nuts from Afghanistan to China got moving again, much to the relief of rural people whose only income comes from the nut. The whole pine-nut industrial chain provides at least 40,000 jobs in Khost and Paktia provinces. This trade is a lifeline in Afghanistan amid what might otherwise be a harsh winter of food shortages, economic crises and COVID-19.

Photo taken on Nov. 26, 2021 in Colombo Port City, Sri Lanka shows a footbridge to be opened to public. (Photo by Tang Lu/Xinhua)

To Sri Lankans, the BRI will bring more things than clean water to 450,000 Katana residents and a new outpatient building in commercial capital Colombo.

In September, a children's picture book, A City Rising from the Ocean was published. It tells the story of Colombo Port City, a financial hub growing on land reclaimed from the sea for the past seven years. Port City marina staged Colombo Fashion Week shows in November. A PwC study in November said that, once fully operational, the port city project will add 13.8 billion U.S. dollars to Sri Lanka's economy.

The China-funded 60,000-seat Morodok Techo National Stadium, built in Cambodian capital Phnom Penh, was handed over to Cambodia in September. The country is now ready to host the Southeast Asian Games in 2023.

BROADER CONNECTIVITY

"The stadium serves as another bridge to connect the hearts of the two peoples," said Cambodian government's chief spokesperson Phay Siphan.

Aerial photo taken on Sept. 9, 2021 shows the China-funded Morodok Techo National Stadium in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.(Photo by Chen Gang/Xinhua)

In inaugurating the eighth Cambodia-China Friendship Bridge in November, Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen thanked the BRI for benefiting the Cambodian people and thanked China for COVID-19 vaccine supplies. Those supplies have been instrumental in achieving the country's very high vaccination rates, with 13.56 million people or 84.8 percent of the population being fully vaccinated as of Dec. 15.

Cambodia is also setting up a Sinovac COVID-19 vaccine filling factory. It is among the 29 countries in Asia-Pacific that began Belt and Road partnerships on COVID-19 vaccines cooperation and green development this June.

To return to the biggest BRI event of the year, the China-Laos Railway connecting Kunming in Southwest China to Lao capital Vientiane is a docking project between the BRI and Laos' development strategy.

According to President Thongloun, the shining green line of high tech through primal forest symbolizes the spirit of a community of a shared future and the shared dreams of peoples.
ABUJA, Dec. 22 (Xinhua) -- Nigerian government on Wednesday launched a four-year national development plan which aims to provide for the implementation of major infrastructure and other development projects across the country.

The National Development Plan (NDP 2021-2025) was inaugurated by Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari during the weekly cabinet meeting at the state house in Abuja. The new document was designed to replace the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP 2017-2020) which ended in December 2020.

Speaking at the short ceremony to launch the document, Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning Zainab Ahmed said the government aimed to take necessary actions that will fundamentally change the structure of the economy and how government businesses are conducted for efficiency and effectiveness through the new medium-term development plan.

"The ERGP 2017-2020 assisted the country to exit economic recession in 2017 and sustained modest growth until the recent global economic challenges occasioned by COVID-19 Pandemic," Ahmed said, noting the current challenges were products of many years of inappropriate policies, fiscal leakages, and global economic phenomena.

The new plan would help Nigeria achieve robust development in the science and technology sectors, the minister told Buhari and other senior officials present at the inauguration.

"It is very important to note that the Plan is a pointer to the type of Nigeria we all desire and encourages the use of science, technology and innovation to drive growth," she said.

The NDP 2021-2025 will help Nigeria achieve its agenda at the continental and global levels, according to the minister. Enditem
ISLAMABAD, Dec. 23 (Xinhua) -- Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan said on Thursday that the country will facilitate the technology industry with a policy to generate job opportunities and increase revenue by exporting the products.

"If incentivized and facilitated, the technology industry could help overcome the current account deficit of the country by boosting exports as well as addressing the issue of unemployment," said the prime minister, while addressing the inauguration ceremony of a special technology zone "Technopolis" in Lahore, eastern Punjab province.

Khan told the audience that Pakistan lagged behind in the sector despite having ideal conditions, including the young population, adding that the new initiatives would help the country increase annual tech exports.

The prime minister said the country should learn from China in the field of technology, especially the way China promoted technical education, encouraged inventions and attracted investments and talents from across the world. Enditem
KUALA LUMPUR, Dec. 22 (Xinhua) -- The death toll from the massive floods in Malaysia has risen to 33 as of Wednesday, authorities said.

Selangor police chief Arjunaidi Mohamed said the death toll in the state has risen to 24, while another nine were confirmed dead in Pahang state, according to state news agency Bernama.

A number of the victims had been found in houses, while others were discovered as the floodwaters began receding.

The number of displaced persons due to flooding in Malaysia has dropped to some 62,372 in six states plus the Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur as of 10:00 p.m. local time Wednesday, according to data from the Malaysian social welfare department.

The worst-hit state remains Pahang along the east coast of Peninsula Malaysia, with over 37,000 people being evacuated to flood relief centers, followed by Selangor state with over 22,000 evacuated.

The country's meteorological department has warned of more rain in the Peninsula Malaysia, with rain and storms expected in several states on Thursday. Enditem
A customer plays with dogs at the Waf Cafe in Lille, northern France, Dec. 22, 2021. The Waf Cafe in Lille permanently welcomes dogs that have been abandoned. Customers can play with or simply pet them. Since its creation five years ago, more than 100 abandoned dogs have found a family thanks to the Waf Cafe. (Photo by Sebastien Courdji/Xinhua)

A girl plays with a dog at the Waf Cafe in Lille, northern France, Dec. 22, 2021. The Waf Cafe in Lille permanently welcomes dogs that have been abandoned. Customers can play with or simply pet them. Since its creation five years ago, more than 100 abandoned dogs have found a family thanks to the Waf Cafe. (Photo by Sebastien Courdji/Xinhua)

A dog is pictured at the Waf Cafe in Lille, northern France, Dec. 22, 2021. The Waf Cafe in Lille permanently welcomes dogs that have been abandoned. Customers can play with or simply pet them. Since its creation five years ago, more than 100 abandoned dogs have found a family thanks to the Waf Cafe. (Photo by Sebastien Courdji/Xinhua)

A customer plays with a dog at the Waf Cafe in Lille, northern France, Dec. 22, 2021. The Waf Cafe in Lille permanently welcomes dogs that have been abandoned. Customers can play with or simply pet them. Since its creation five years ago, more than 100 abandoned dogs have found a family thanks to the Waf Cafe. (Photo by Sebastien Courdji/Xinhua)

A girl plays with a dog at the Waf Cafe in Lille, northern France, Dec. 22, 2021. The Waf Cafe in Lille permanently welcomes dogs that have been abandoned. Customers can play with or simply pet them. Since its creation five years ago, more than 100 abandoned dogs have found a family thanks to the Waf Cafe. (Photo by Sebastien Courdji/Xinhua)

Photos of dogs once lived here and adopted after hang on the wall at the Waf Cafe in Lille, northern France, Dec. 22, 2021. The Waf Cafe in Lille permanently welcomes dogs that have been abandoned. Customers can play with or simply pet them. Since its creation five years ago, more than 100 abandoned dogs have found a family thanks to the Waf Cafe. (Photo by Sebastien Courdji/Xinhua)

A customer plays with a dog at the Waf Cafe in Lille, northern France, Dec. 22, 2021. The Waf Cafe in Lille permanently welcomes dogs that have been abandoned. Customers can play with or simply pet them. Since its creation five years ago, more than 100 abandoned dogs have found a family thanks to the Waf Cafe. (Photo by Sebastien Courdji/Xinhua)
MOSCOW, Dec. 22 (Xinhua) -- Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Wednesday that Moscow hopes that its proposals on security guarantees will be taken seriously by NATO and the United States.

"We will do everything to make sure we are understood, considering the actions we are currently taking to ensure our defense capability, I hope that we will be taken seriously," Lavrov said during an interview for RT.

Russia has recently sent a draft agreement to NATO and a draft treaty to the United States both on security guarantees in Europe for the Western countries to consider.

Lavrov pointed out that a series of conversations have taken place at the level of foreign policy assistants to the presidents of Russia and the United States.

"It was agreed that the first round of bilateral talks between us and our American negotiators would take place at the very beginning of next year," he said.

Nonetheless, Lavrov reiterated that with NATO's infrastructure approaching Russia's borders, Moscow insists on legally binding guarantees. Enditem
ROME, Dec. 22 (Xinhua) -- Italy's coronavirus infection rate on Wednesday surged to its highest level in more than a year despite its already strong vaccination program, while the Delta and Omicron variants of the coronavirus spread in the country.

On Wednesday, the country reported more than 36,000 new infections over a 24-hour period, the second consecutive day with more than 30,000 infections and the highest daily infection number since November 2020.

There were 146 deaths recorded over the last day, down slightly from the previous day but the second consecutive day that saw more than 100 coronavirus deaths.

The number of hospitalized patients and those in intensive-care units also hit multi-month highs this week and the total number of active cases in the country was approaching 400,000, a level last seen in April. During the summer, the total number of active cases had dropped to a tenth that level.

La Stampa, a leading newspaper, said that pediatric wards are also filling with children infected by COVID-19. The paper said that more than half of those hospitalized children came from homes where parents were unvaccinated.

According to TG24, a television news channel, the infection rate in Italy is now 4.7, which shows the virus is now spreading aggressively in Italy.

Government health officials urged residents to follow coronavirus safety precautions as the Delta and Omicron variants spread in the country.

Prime Minister Mario Draghi on Wednesday called for the country's vaccine-hesitant residents to get vaccinated.

"Three-quarters of the (coronavirus deaths in Italy) come from the unvaccinated," Draghi said.

Sergio Abrignani, a leading Italian immunologist, called for a mandatory vaccination campaign, according to Il Fatto Quotidiano, a news site. Abrignani called the spread of the newer, highly mutated Omicron variant "explosive" and said it was time for the government to take "extraordinary steps" to slow the viruses' spread.

"If we don't issue a mandatory vaccine rule now, when would we do it?" Abrignani asked.

Unlike previous waves of the pandemic, where most hot spots were concentrated in the densely-populated northern part of the country, this wave is more evenly spread across the country, and it comes despite Italy's nearly one-year-old vaccine campaign.

As of Wednesday, the country had fully vaccinated more than 46 million people, the equivalent to 85.5 percent of the population over the age of 12.

On Wednesday, the Italian Medicines Agency (AIFA) approved the Novavax for use in Italy starting in January.

AIFA said Novavax would be a new option for those who had so far not been vaccinated. Novavax, developed in the United States, will be the fifth vaccine approved for distribution in Italy, joining the vaccines from Pfizer and BioNTech, AstraZeneca, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson. Enditem
highlights Asteroids are small, rocky objects that orbit the Sun.

Space rocks can bring tsunamis, shock waves and flattening winds that could be catastrophic.

NASA and ESA are stepping-up plans to deliberately crash a spaceship into an asteroid.

New Delhi:

Asteroids approach towards the Earth due to the gravitational forces that affect them. Asteroids are small, rocky objects that orbit the Sun and these space rocks can bring tsunamis, shock waves and flattening winds that could be catastrophic. It is said that Earth will reach to its end one day and one of the possible reason for this could be an asteroid. No one knows what our future will be. These days a large number of asteroids are hovering all around the Earth and we might get hit too sooner or later. However, in a bid to save our planet and humans as well, NASA is stepping-up plans to deliberately crash a spaceship into an asteroid when it joins forces with the European Space Agency (ESA) next week.

According to a report published by Daily Star, scientists from NASA and ESA have planned to test whether it is possible to deflect the orbit of potentially-deadly asteroids. It is worth mentioning here that the mission will launch in 2022 and involves two spacecraft, one to smash into the space rock and the other to measure the results of the collision.

Also Read: Asteroid Alert: Five Deadly Space Rocks To Approach Earth This Month, Find Out Here If They Will Hit

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Also Read: ALERT! Destructive Asteroid With 100 Per Cent Chance Of Impact Coming Towards Earth

Experts will meet in Italy to fine-tune the plan. So far, it involves crashing NASA spacecraft DART  or Double Asteroid Impact Test  into the asteroid. Then ESA's Hera will survey DART's crash site and analyse the direction of the asteroid's new path, Daily Star reported.

Queen guitarist and astrophysicist Brian May explained how the mission would be conducted using the might of NASA, the European Space Agency (ESA) and other asteroid specialists.

HERA is going to show us no one has ever seen before. This ESA mission will be humanities first-ever spacecraft to visit a double asteroid, Didymos. This asteroid is typical of the thousands that pose an impact risk to our planet. express.co.uk quoted Brian May as saying.

Also Read: Asteroid Terror: Four Deadly Space Rocks To Hover Around Earth THIS September

Imagine a mountain in the sky with another rock about the size of the great pyramid swinging around it, that is Didymos. Just the seemingly tiny moon would be big enough to destroy a city if it were to collide with the Earth. But we are going to find out if it is possible to deflect it, Brian May added.

He further said, HERA is led by a multinational team of scientists and engineers. Right now all we have is many years and theories but HERA will revolutionise our understanding of asteroids and how to protect ourselves from them. Then ESA comes in, HERA will map the impact crater left by DART and measure the mass of the asteroid.

Knowing this mass is key to determining what is inside and knowing for certain whether we would be able to deflect it. Next come our briefcase-sized CubeSats, if you think of HERA like an aeroplane, cubists will operate more like drones, Brian concluded.

Also Read: Are We Safe From An Asteroid Armageddon? Find Out Here

According to a report published by spacetelescope.org, there are more than 7 lakh asteroids that have been found in space. Asteroids are mainly found in an area called the main belt, between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter.

CLICK HERE TO READ THIS ARTICLE IN HINDI

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highlights Maharashtra govt will set up two resorts in Kashmir and Ladakh.

After nullification of Article 370, non-residents are allowed to buy land in Kashmir.

Several politicians have shown interest in buying land in Kashmir.

New Delhi:

The Maharashtra government has said that it will buy land in Kashmir to set up two resorts in the region as nullification of Article 370 of the Constitution paved way for non-residents to buy property in the Valley. According to reports citing officials, the Maharashtra Tourism development Corporation (MTDC) is planning to set up two resorts in the Union Territories of Kashmir and Ladakh.

While one resort will be built in Kashmirs Pahalgam, the other will be set up in Leh. The government officials said that the resorts will provide comfortable stay to tourists going to the holy shrines of Amarnath and Vaishno Devi.

The move, likely to provoke a backlash has come a month after the Narendra Modi government striped Jammu and Kashmir of its special status which also led to the removing the ban on buying land in the Valley by non-residents.

The BJP-led Maharashtra government said that it has allotted Rs 1 crore for each resort and the process to identify the location will start within a fortnight.

"In Leh, we are planning to start a mountaineering resort, because of Maharashtrians are interested in mountain climbing, we are going have our own mountaineering resort there," State tourism minister Jaykumar Rawal said.

Several politicians, including Goa Ports Minister Michael, had shown their interest in buying land in Kashmir after the nullification of the states special status and its bifurcation into two Union Territories.

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Chennai:

The coastal town of Mamallapuram near here might host the next informal summit between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping in October, top government sources said here on Monday. The town was one of the probable ones that could host the top leaders of the respective countries for the two-day summit, the second informal one, the official said on condition of anonymity.

Mamallapuram is one of the probable cities that could host the informal summit between the Prime Minister and the Chinese President, he said.

While some other Indian cities were also on the list, he did not name them. He did not divulge further details.

In April last year, Modi and Xi Jinping had held multiple meetings in the central Chinese city of Wuhan, as part of an unprecedented two-day informal summit to solidify the India-China relationship.

Mamallapuram, also known as Mahabalipuram and located on the scenic East Coast Road about 50 km from here, is home to various ancient monuments and temples.

According to the Kancheepuram district administration website, Mamallapuram is one of the oldest structural excellence of South India and has been classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

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highlights 1 billion years ago Earth suffered a major mass extinction.

In the pre-historic Silurian Period, 99.5 per cent of life on Earth was wiped out.

Scientists unearthed reason behind major mass extinction of Earth that took place 1 billion years ago.

New Delhi:

It is said that one day humans will extinct from the Earth. And yes, it will happen as we are destroying nature for our sake. There will be a day when nature will take back all from us. Do you know that around one billion years ago Earth suffered a major mass extinction? No, may be the answer from most of you. Well, whatever you read is right. In the pre-historic Silurian Period, 99.5 per cent of life on Earth was wiped out. Now, you must be wondering what could be the reason behind mass extinction. The reason had so far remained a mystery which is now revealed. Scientists have finally unearthed the reason behind this major mass extinction of Earth that took place one billion years ago.

According to a study published in PNAS, an international team of scientists examined rocks from Hudson Bay, Canada, that would have formed billions of years ago. They were looking at barite, a mineral that holds information about how much oxygen was in the atmosphere at a given time.

The scientists from these rocks were able to show that there was a massive drop in the level of life on Earth 2.05 billion years ago. Due to this, there were major changes in the oxygen levels on Earth. Yes, you read it right. About 2.4 billion years ago, there was a massive surge in the amount of oxygen in the atmosphere and this event is called as the Great Oxidation Event. At the end of the Great Oxidation Event, oxygen levels fell. Researchers say conditions for life on Earth went from "feast to famine"and that these conditions persisted for about one billion years.

Also Read: Asteroid Alert: NASA, ESA To Team Up To Save Humans THIS Way, Details Inside

Study author Peter Crockford, from Israel's Weizmann Institute of Science and Princeton University, told Newsweek that they were very surprised. "We didn't expect to see such a large signal, nor did we expect to find it in this specific type of sample, he added.

"Over the 100 to 200 million years before this die-off event there was a large amount of life on the planet, but after this event a huge portion died off. However, instead of recovering like more recent mass extinctions, the amount of life on the planet or size of the biosphere stayed small for the following billion years of Earth's historyabout two billion to one billion years ago," Peter Crockford said.

Also Read: ALERT! Destructive Asteroid With 100 Per Cent Chance Of Impact Coming Towards Earth

He further said, "From our estimates it could be anywhere between about 99.5 per cent to 80 per cent of life on the planet died off around two billion years ago." To put that in perspective, the mass extinction event of the dinosaurs saw about three-quarters of life on Earth disappear, while the Great Dying eventthe biggest known mass extinctionresulted in the loss of around 70 percent of terrestrial life and 96 percent of ocean dwellers.

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highlights Over 26,000 landlines are functional in the Valley

Jammu and Ladakh landlines and mobile phones are fully functional

Day time restrictions have been fully lifted from 92 police stations

New Delhi:

Jammu and Kashmir Principal Secretary Rohit Kansal held a press conference on Monday where he briefed media on the ground situation of the valley. During the briefing, Kansal said that the mobile phones have become functional in all 10 districts of Jammu and the national highway continues to be normal.

Over 26,000 landlines are functional in the Valley, in Jammu and Ladakh landlines, mobile phones are fully functional. Day time restrictions have been fully lifted from 92 police stations. This makes 90% of Valley free of day time restrictions of any kind, Rohit Kansal said.

He further added that all medical facilities and hospitals are functioning normally.

Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale also briefed the media on PM Narendra Modi's visit to Russia. It's going to be a short visit, just 36 hours. PM will arrive in Vladivostok on 4th September morning & depart on 5th Sept evening, Gokhale said.

There are two main purposes for this visit- he has been invited by President Putin to attend Eastern Economic Forum as one of the chief guest & he'll also hold the 20th annual summit between India & Russia, he further added.

On the issue of Zakir Naik, Gokhale said, Will India raise the issue of Zakir Naik with regards to possibility of him being extradited or deported?': As of now we're still waiting for confirmation on the bilateral, if there's meeting with Malaysia, we'll certainly brief the media.

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New Delhi:

Assam government will oppose in the Supreme Court some of the procedures adopted in the exercise to compile a National Register of Citizens (NRC) in the state. India has won the second Test against West Indies to clean sweep the series 2-0. Here's a look at these and all other big stories of Tuesday, Septermber 3.

Assam Govt To Seek Review Of Key Procedures In Final NRC List: Sarma

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led Assam government will oppose in the Supreme Court some of the procedures adopted in the exercise to compile a National Register of Citizens (NRC) in the state, Assams finance minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said on Monday. However, he ruled out any legislative process to enforce its demands if the court were to uphold the list as final. READ MORE...

Kulbhushan Jadhav 'Under Extreme Pressure' To Parrot Pakistan's False Narrative: India

Indian national Kulbhushan Jadhav, sentenced to death by a Pakistani military court, appeared to be under extreme pressure to parrot Pakistan's false narrative, the External Affairs Ministry said on Monday. The statement came hours after India accepted consular access to Jadhav and a Charge d Affaires, High Commission of India in Islamabad, met him in the prison. READ MORE...

Imran Khan Says Pakistan Will Not Use Nuclear Weapons First

Amid tensions with India, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan said his county will not use nuclear weapons first, according to news agency Reuters. We both are nuclear-armed countries. If these tensions increase, the world could be in danger, Khan said addressing members of the Sikh religious community in eastern city of Lahore. There will be no first from our side ever, Reuters quoted Khan as saying. READ MORE...

Converted Pakistani Sikh Girl Not Produced In Court

The teenage Sikh girl, who was allegedly abducted and converted to Islam before being married to a Muslim man in Pakistans Punjab province, could not be produced before a special judicial magistrate on Monday due to security issues, according to a court official. A police official of the Nankana City police station told the judicial magistrate that there were some serious security issues therefore she couldnt be produced before the court, a court official told news agency PTI. READ MORE...

India Sweep Series, Virat Kohli Becomes Most Successful Test Captain

Virat Kohli is now India's most successful Test captain. Kohli reached the milestone and surpassed as India beat West Indies by 257 runs in Jamaica on Monday. Kohli now has 28 27 wins to his credit and overtook MS Dhoni who had scripted 27 Test wins from 60 matches. India made a clean sweep of the two match Test series winning won seven out of the eight matches against West Indies on this tour. READ MORE...

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highlights The CBI opposed any relief to Chidambaram in the case and sought extension of his custodial interrogation by a day.

Senior advocate Kapil Sibal moved the interim bail application of the former minister, who was arrested on the night of August 21.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta sought time to reply to Chidambaram's interim bail plea and said that notice be issued to the CBI as it is required statutorily.

New Delhi:

A Delhi Court on Monday extended the CBI custody of former finance minister P Chidambaram by one day in the INX Media corruption case. Special Judge Ajay Kumar Kuhar will also hear at 3:50 PM on Tuesday the interim bail plea of Chidambaram, who was produced before the court on the expiry of his 3-day CBI custody granted on August 30.

The CBI opposed any relief to Chidambaram in the case and sought extension of his custodial interrogation by a day.

Senior advocate Kapil Sibal moved the interim bail application of the former minister and senior Congress leader, who was arrested on the night of August 21.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta sought time to reply to Chidambaram's interim bail plea and said that notice be issued to the CBI as it is required statutorily.

"All citizens have to be treated equally," Mehta said, adding that personal liberty of every citizen is equal.

After the judge was informed about Monday's Supreme Court hearing, he asked if there was any direction by the apex court to seek the relief and to decide on it on Monday itself.

During the hearing, Mehta asked what was so special and extraordinary in this case.

Responding to his submission, senior advocate AM Singhvi, also appearing for Chidambaram, said the Solicitor General would not have been here if it would have been a normal case.

Mehta said it would be a serious travesty of justice if the CBI is not given time to reply to the bail plea and demanded 10-day time.

Sibal said he wants to argue for bail.

While submissions were being made by both the sides, the judge said, "I do not know what order has been passed by the Supreme Court."

Singhvi said that according to them, the apex court has asked to decide the interim bail plea today itself or extend the police custody till September 5.

The special court on August 30 had extended Chidambaram's CBI custody till on Monday.

Chidambaram, 73, has been already subjected to custodial interrogation by the CBI for 11 days since his arrest on August 21, after the Delhi High Court on August 20 dismissed his anticipatory bail plea.

His son Karti was also present in the court.

Chidambaram, who was Union home minister as also finance minister during the UPA rule from 2004 to 2014, was arrested by the CBI on August 21 from his Jor Bagh residence. He was earlier produced before the court on August 22 and was remanded to four-day CBI custody.

The CBI had registered an FIR on May 15, 2017, alleging irregularities in the Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) clearance granted to the INX Media group for receiving overseas funds of Rs 305 crore in 2007 during Chidambaram's tenure as the finance minister.

Thereafter, the Enforcement Directorate lodged a money laundering case in this regard in 2017.

(With PTI inputs)

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highlights Pakistan Foreign Office on Tuesday said there is no change in Pakistans nuclear policy.

Foreign Office said Khans comments were being taken out of context.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan had said his county will not use nuclear weapons first.

New Delhi:

Pakistan Foreign Office on Tuesday said there is no change in Pakistans nuclear policy. This came after Prime Minister Imran Khan vowed that his country will never ever start a war with India, amid escalating tensions between the nations. Foreign Office said Khans comments were being taken out of context and did not represent a change in Islamabads nuclear policy.

Prime Ministers comments on Pakistans approach towards conflict between two nuclear armed states are being taken out of context, Foreign Office spokesperson Mohammad Faisal said in a late-night tweet on Monday.

While conflict should not take place between two nuclear states, theres no change in Pakistans nuclear policy, he said.

Earlier, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan had said his county will not use nuclear weapons first, according to news agency Reuters. We both are nuclear-armed countries. If these tensions increase, the world could be in danger, Khan said addressing members of the Sikh religious community in eastern city of Lahore. There will be no first from our side ever, Reuters quoted Khan as saying.

Khan said war is not a solution to any problem. "I want to tell India that war is not a solution to any problem. The winner in war is also a loser. War gives birth to host of other issues," he said.

Recalling his previous telephonic conversation with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Khan said, "I told him that there are similar circumstances both in Pakistan and India. I told him about the climate change. We are sitting on a ticking bomb. If we do not address this issue (climate change) there will be scarcity of water (in both countries). I told him that we together can solve the Kashmir dispute through dialogue."

Expressing his frustration over "no response" from India for his efforts to talk to Pakistan, Khan said: "Whatever effort I made India was acting like a super power asking us to do this and not to do that (for talks). It was giving us dictation."

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highlights Recapitalisation of IDBI okayed with one-time infusion of funds.

LIC will infuse Rs 4,700 crore, Prakash Javadekar said.

Announcement comes after bank mergers made official last week.

New Delhi:

Days after announcing big banking reforms, the Narendra Modi government on Tuesday approved over Rs 9,000 crore capital infusion in IDBI Bank with a view to increasing the lender's capital base. Giving out the details about the decision of the Union Cabinet, Information and Broadcasting Minister Prakash Javadekar said that the Cabinet cleared recapitalisation of IDBI Bank with one-time infusion of funds by both the government and the LIC. Out of Rs 9,000 crore, the government will provide Rs 4,557 crore as one-time re-capitalisation to IDBI Bank, he said. Besides, he said, LIC will infuse Rs 4,700 crore.

The announcement comes after the bank mergers that was made official on Friday last week. The government had unveiled a mega plan to merge 10 public sector banks into four. The mega bank mergers are a continuance of the governments attempt to consolidate the public sector banks. Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Friday announced creation of four large entities after merger of 10 public sector banks.

#CCEA approves mechanism revision of ethanol price for supply to Public Sector Oil Marketing Companies for procurement of ethanol w.e.f. December19 for one year period pic.twitter.com/mlU7UHYyu3  Sitanshu Kar (@DG_PIB) September 3, 2019

At a media briefing, she said Oriental Bank of Commerce and United Bank will merge with Punjab National Bank to create the nation's second-largest lender behind State Bank of India. Also, Syndicate Bank will merge with Canara Bank while Andhra Bank and Corporation Bank would subsume into Union Bank of India, and Allahabad Bank will be amalgamated with Indian Bank.

The mergers announced on Friday, together with two set consolidations done last year, will reduce the number of public sector banks to 12 from 27 in 2017.

These mergers will aim to create fewer and stronger global-sized lenders with robust balance sheets with an aim to boost credit and spur growth. However, the mergers will also have a range of impact on the customers of these 10 public sector banks.

Amid the stagnant economic woes, Indias auto sector is also facing the worst slump in decades. Nearly 3,50,000 people have lost their jobs since April as Indias auto sector faces worst ever slump, forcing companies to shut down their factories and axe shifts, according to a report published in Reuters. The report, citing industry sources, slumping sales of cars and motorcycles have forced automakers, parts manufacturers and dealers to laid off these workers.

While car and motorcycle owners handed pink slips to at least 15,000 employees, component manufacturers laid off 100,000 employees. The remaining jobs were lost at dealers end with many of them closing their agencies.

(With agency inputs)

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highlights Regime and Russian bombardment have killed more than 960 civilians in Idlib, Syria.

UN said more than 400,000 people have fled their homes.

The war in Syria has killed more than 370,000 people and driven millions from their homes.

Damascus:

Syrian regime defences Tuesday confronted drones headed towards a key airbase of government ally Russia in northwest Syria, state media said, on the fourth day of a ceasefire in the region. "The sounds that were heard over the city of Latakia are the result of territorial defences confronting drones dispatched by the terrorists in the de-escalation area towards the Hmeimim base," state news agency SANA said, using its blanket term for rebels and jihadists.

A fragile ceasefire has held in northwest Syria since early Saturday after months of deadly bombardment by the regime and Russia on the jihadist-run region of Idlib. The regime-held coastal city of Latakia and Russia's Hmeimim airbase lie to its west.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a Britain-based monitor, said there was no immediate report of casualties. Regime and Russian bombardment have killed more than 960 civilians in Idlib since the end of April, according to the Observatory, which relies on sources inside Syria for its information.

The United Nations says more than 400,000 people have fled their homes in that region in that same period. The truce is the latest Russian-led effort to avert what the United Nations has described as one of the worst humanitarian "nightmares" in Syria's eight-year conflict.

It is the second such agreement between Assad's regime and jihadists since August 1. But on Saturday, an advisor to President Bashar al-Assad said that the ceasefire was "temporary." Buthaina Shaaban said it "serves the grand strategy of liberating every inch of Syrian territory".

Since January, the whole of the Idlib region has been administered by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, an alliance led by Syria's former Al-Qaeda affiliate. The war has killed more than 370,000 people and driven millions from their homes since it started with the repression of anti-government protests in 2011.

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highlights US Department of Homeland Security would be violating the company's rules if agents create fake profiles to monitor the social media: Facebook

Facebook said it has improved the ability to spot fake accounts through automation, blocking and removing millions of fake accounts daily.

Operating fake accounts is not allowed, and we will act on any violating accounts: Facebook

Washington:

Facebook said Tuesday that the US Department of Homeland Security would be violating the company's rules if agents create fake profiles to monitor the social media of foreigners seeking to enter the country. "Law enforcement authorities, like everyone else, are required to use their real names on Facebook and we make this policy clear," Facebook spokeswoman Sarah Pollack told The Associated Press in a statement Tuesday. "Operating fake accounts is not allowed, and we will act on any violating accounts."

Pollack said the company has communicated its concerns and its policies on the use of fake accounts to DHS. She said the company will shut down fake accounts, including those belonging to undercover law enforcement, when they are reported.The company's statement followed the AP's report Friday that US Citizenship and Immigration Services had authorized its officers to use fake social media accounts in a reversal of a previous ban on the practice.

Homeland Security explained the change to the AP in a statement Friday, stating that fake accounts would make it easier for agents reviewing visa, green card and citizenship applications to search for fraud or security threats. The department didn't provide comment when asked Tuesday.

The plan would also be a violation of Twitter's rules. Twitter said Friday that it's still reviewing the new Homeland Security practice. It did not provide further comment.

The change in policy was preceded by other steps taken by the State Department, which began requiring applicants for U.S. visas to submit their social media usernames this past June, a vast expansion of the Trump administration's enhanced screening of potential immigrants and visitors.

Such a review of social media would be conducted by officers in the agency's Fraud Detection and National Security Directorate on cases flagged as requiring more investigation. The privacy assessment notes that officers can only review social media posts available to all users on the platform - they cannot "friend" or "follow" an individual - and must undergo annual training.

The officers are also not allowed to interact with users on the social media sites and can only passively review information, according to the DHS document. While lots of social media activity can be viewed without an account, many platforms limit access without one.Facebook said it has improved the ability to spot fake accounts through automation, blocking and removing millions of fake accounts daily.

Twitter and Facebook both recently shut down numerous accounts believed to be operated by the Chinese government using their platforms under false identities for information operations.

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highlights Doctor in Jharkhand is set to be sacked for prescribing condom

The incident happened in Jharkhand's East Singhbhum district

It came to light after lady showed prescription to a local medicine shopkeeper

New Delhi:

A doctor in Jharkhand is set to be sacked for prescribing condom to a 55-year old lady who complained of stomach pain. The state government has decided to terminate the services of doctor Asraf Badar. The incident happened in Ghatshila sub-division hospital in East Singhbhum district of the state where Asraf Badar has been working on a contractual basis with the hospital.

Earlier in July, a class 4-grade woman employee went the Ghatshila government hospital of West Singhbhum district complaining stomach pain where Badar asked the woman to use condom.

The order to dismiss accused Dr Ashraf Badr has come from the state health department. We will put it in the meeting of the district health society as soon as the DC returns to the city, HT quoted East Singhbhums civil surgeon Dr Maheshwar Prasad as saying.

The incident came to light after the lady showed prescription to a local medicine shopkeeper.

The issue later was raised in Jharkhand Assembly by Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) legislator Baharagora Kunal Sarangi.

A committee was set up to look into the matter and the state health department found Badar guilty. It instructed the authorities to take immediate steps to remove him.

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Chandigarh:

A 22-year-old woman in Haryana's Yamunanagar district committed suicide allegedly over 'police inaction' on her rape complaint. The incident took place outside the Jathlana police station on Monday evening, where the woman, along with her kin, had gone to know the status of her complaint.

Members of her family accused local police officials of not acting on her complaint, which was submitted around 12 days ago. The police said she took some poisonous substance and was taken to a local hospital, where she died.

The police said they had been investigating the rape complaint lodged by her family. Yamunanagar Deputy Superintendent of Police Subhash Chand on Tuesday said the woman had "eloped" with one Manoj Kumar three months ago.

She had given a statement in a court that she went with Manoj on her own, ahe police said. Later, her family lodged a complaint that she was raped and sought action against Manoj, the police said.

The DSP said a case under Section 306 (abetment to suicide) was registered against six people, including Manoj. Three employees of the Jathlana police station had been sent to the Police Lines after the suicide incident, the DSP said.
highlights Le Drian said that there will be drawbacks, that's inevitable.

He said fisheries is one of the issues between France and Britain.

His remarks came as British PM engaged in a showdown in Parliament.

Paris:

French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said Tuesday that he considered a no-deal Brexit "the most likely scenario" as Prime Minister Boris Johnson pressed ahead with his quest to leave the EU on October 31, with or without a divorce agreement.

"It's the most likely scenario," Le Drian told reporters in Paris when asked about the prospect of Britain crashing out of the union without a deal on the movement of goods and people in and out of the Europe.

Le Drian said "there will be drawbacks, that's inevitable", citing fisheries as one of the issues that could cause tensions between Britain and France.

But even if Britain's 46-year membership of the EU does come to an abrupt halt next month, Le Drian said: "There will have to be discussions at some point, even if only about landing airplanes and the Eurostar (cross-Channel rail service)."

He also repeated France's opposition to any further postponement of Britain's departure date, barring a game-changing event in British politics such as early elections.

His remarks came as Johnson engaged in a showdown Tuesday in Parliament with opposition MPs and Conservative Party who are trying to prevent him taking Britain out of the EU without a deal.

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New Delhi:

Nearly 420 million years ago, Earth suffered a major mass extinction which was the reason for the wipe out of almost 23 per cent of the marine life on the planet. The reason for such extinction was always a subject for study and now the mystery has finally been unravelled.

The findings of the study which were published in the journal  Geology and the study was conducted by researchers from Florida State University. It states that it was triggered by an all-too familiar widespread depletion of oxygen in the global oceans.

The study co-author Seth Young, an assistant professor in the Department of Earth, Ocean and Atmospheric Science said, "This makes it one of the few extinction events that is comparable to the large-scale declines in biodiversity currently happening today, and a valuable window into future climate scenarios.

Scientists have long been aware of the Lau/Kozlowskii extinction as well as a related disruption in Earth's carbon cycle during, which the burial of enormous amount of organic matter caused significant climate and environmental changes. But the link and timing between these two associated events -- the extinction preceded the carbon cycle disruption by more than a hundred thousand years -- remained stubbornly opaque.

"It has never been clearly understood how this timing of events could be linked to a climate perturbation, or whether there was direct evidence linking widespread low-oxygen conditions to the extinction," said Chelsie Bowman, FSU doctoral student, who led the study.

Researchers used advanced geochemical methods including thallium isotope, manganese concentration, and sulfur isotope measurements from important sites in Latvia and Sweden to reconstruct a timeline of ocean deoxygenation with relation to the Lau/Kozlowskii extinction and subsequent changes to the global carbon cycle.

The team's new and surprising findings confirmed their original hypothesis that the extinction record might be driven by a decline of ocean oxygenation.

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highlights Final NRC list was released by Home Ministry on August 31.

Over 19 lakh applicants failed to make it to the list.

Those excluded from NRC have 120 days to appeal against it.

New Delhi:

Even as various stakeholders debate over the final list of the National Register of Citizens (NRC), which was released by the Home Ministry on August 31st, Himanta Biswa Sarma has reportedly said that the BJP-led Assam government is set to move the Supreme Court for review of the key procedures of the entire exercise. The final NRC list released on Saturday at 10 am had excluded over 19 lakh individuals. Around 3 crore people found their names in the list. The state government feels that several deserving people were left out of the final list, an HT report said on Tuesday.

Nothing is final in this NRC till the Supreme Court accepts the NRC or till the court gives its seal of approval. The government will definitely put its views on the floor of the court. Our plea was for 20% reverification in border districts and 10% in the rest. We have to press it again, Assams Finance Minister was quoted as saying by the Hindustan Times.

Also Read: Home Minister Amit Shah To Visit Assam Next Week, His First After NRC Final List Declaration

According to the HT report, Sarma feels that the NRC officials didnt accept the refugee certificates issued to the Hindu Bengalis, who came to Assam during the violence in the then East Pakistan in 1970s. This led to their exclusion from the final NRC list, Sarma was quoted as saying. It should be noted that till now, the NRC panel has not released the final data according to religion.

The ruling BJP is not the only party that has expressed dissatisfaction over the final NRC list. Even opposition Congress and the All Assam Students Union have also said that they are not okay with the final citizenship roll.

Also Read: Who Is Prateek Hajela - The Man Behind Gigantic Assam NRC Updation Exercise?

The updated final NRC, which validates bonafide Indian citizens of Assam, was out on Saturday, with over 19 lakh applicants who failed to make it to the list staring at an uncertain future. A total of 3,30,27,661 people had applied to be included in the NRC. Of them, 3,11,21,004 have been included in the document and 19,06,657 excluded, a statement from the NRC State Coordinator's office had said.

Those who have been excluded from the National Register of Citizens have 120 days to appeal against it at Foreigners Tribunals. The Assam government has already ruled out detention of people who do not figure in the list "in any circumstances" till the time Foreigners Tribunals declare them foreigners. The final list was published at 10 am and the hard copies of the Supplementary List of Inclusions are available for public viewing at the NRC Seva Kendras (NSK), offices of the deputy commissioner and offices of the Circle Officer during office hours, a statement by the NRC authority said.

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New Delhi:

The tussle for leadership in Madhya Pradesh Congress seems to be growing every day. The supporters of Congress leader Jyotiraditya Scindia have voiced their opinion and are making the demand to appoint him the chief of the MP unit of the party.

After a hoarding was seen on Monday morning in Gwalior requesting Congress interim president Sonia Gandhi to appoint party leader Scindia as MP Congress chief, another leader has now published advertisments in support of Scindia in many newspapers.

These ads published by Madhya Pradesh party leader Abdul Naseer are a request to Gandhi calling for Scindia's appointment as MP Congress chief.

The leaders of the faction supporting Scindia have openly advocated for him. The workers have been displeased with Scindia being made the chairman of Maharashtra Screening Committee.

Earlier, a hoarding had appeared with a message, "All India Congress Committee (AICC) president Sonia Gandhi should not come under anyone's pressure and must appoint Jyotiraditya Scindia as the Madhya Pradesh Congress chief."

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath met Gandhi in New Delhi on Friday. He apprised her about the need for a new Madhya Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) president. Presently, Kamal Nath is serving as the state president. However, ever since he expressed his desire to be free from the responsibility, the hunt for another leader started.

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highlights Iranian tanker Adrian Darya 1 blacklisted by the United States has been off the coast of Lebanon and Syria.

Adrian Darya 1 has stopped just 45 nautical miles (83km/52 miles) west of Tripoli, Lebanon, in international waters.

Pompeo said he had "reliable information" it was transporting oil to Syria.

New Delhi:

The Iranian tanker Adrian Darya 1 blacklisted by the United States has been off the coast of Lebanon and Syria for the past 24 hours, maritime monitors said on Monday. "The Adrian Darya 1 has stopped just 45 nautical miles (83km/52 miles) west of Tripoli, Lebanon, in international waters, TankerTrackers, a maritime traffic monitoring website said. MarineTraffic said the vessel previously known as Grace 1 was since Sunday off the coast of Syria, where US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Friday said it would unload.

Pompeo said he had "reliable information" it was transporting oil to Syria in defiance of wide-ranging sanctions on the regime of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.

The US Department of Treasury said the vessel was blocked property under an anti-terrorist order, and anyone providing support to the Adrian Darya 1 risks being sanctioned.

The declared and suspected destination of the Adrian Darya has changed multiple times since it was released from Gibraltar.

Earlier, Iran had announced that the 2.1 million barrels of crude aboard an Iranian oil tanker pursued by the US has been sold to an unnamed buyer. Government spokesman Ali Rabiei declined to name the oils buyer, nor terms for the sale. At market rates, the crude oil aboard the Adrian Darya would be worth about USD 130 million. However, anyone buying it likely would be targeted by US financial sanctions.



The buyer of the oil decides where its destination is, Rabiei said, adding that the world is witnessing the wrong policy by the US in monitoring and intervention in others internal affairs.

In the time since, Iran has lost billions of dollars in business deals, as the US re-imposed and escalated sanctions largely blocking Tehran from selling crude abroad, a crucial source of hard currency for the Islamic Republic.

Tensions have spiked in the Gulf since May last year when President Donald Trump unilaterally withdrew the US from a nuclear deal between Iran and world powersknown formally as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).

Ships have been attacked, drones downed and oil tankers seized in the Gulf in recent months.

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highlights Hassan Rouhani spoke with French counterpart Emmanuel Macron Saturday, warning him Iran would take the next step in reducing its nuclear commitments.

Macron has been leading efforts to de-escalate the situation and he expressed hopes of bringing together Rouhani and Trump for a meeting during a G7 summit.

Tensions have spiked in the Gulf since May last year when President Donald Trump unilaterally withdrew the US from a nuclear deal between Iran and world powers.

New Delhi:

President Hassan Rouhani spoke with French counterpart Emmanuel Macron Saturday, warning him Iran would take the next step in reducing its nuclear commitments unless Europe lives up to its own undertakings. Earlier, the UN atomic watchdog has said Iran is still in violation of limitations set by the 2015 nuclear deal with major powers. Irans stockpile of low-enriched uranium still exceeds the amount allowed by the so-called Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action the International Atomic Energy Agency said. It said Iran continues to enrich uranium to 4.5 per cent, above the 3.67 per cent allowed.

Macron has been leading efforts to de-escalate the situation and he expressed hopes of bringing together Rouhani and Trump for a meeting during a G7 summit days ago.

If Europe cannot operationalise its commitments, Iran will take its third step to reduce its JCPOA commitments, Rouhani reportedly told Macron in the phone call.

However, this step, just like the other ones, will be reversible, he added, quoted on the Iranian governments website.

Unfortunately, after this unilateral move by the US, European countries did not take concrete measures to implement their commitments, he continued.

The contents of JCPOA are unchangeable and all parties must be committed to its contents, he said.

Rouhani said Iran had two priorities: for all parties to the JCPOA to fully implement their obligations and securing the safety of all free maritime transportation in all waterways including the Persian Gulf and Strait of Hormuz.



Tensions have spiked in the Gulf since May last year when President Donald Trump unilaterally withdrew the US from a nuclear deal between Iran and world powersknown formally as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).

Ships have been attacked, drones downed and oil tankers seized in the Gulf in recent months.

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New Delhi:

A major fire broke out at the ONGC gas plant in Navi Mumbai's Uran. As per latest updates, 5 people are feared dead while three reported injured. Fire tenders have been rushed to the spot.

The crisis management team of the ONGC has been immediately pressed into action. Firefighters are putting continuous efforts to douse the fire. It is being reported that there is no impact on Oil processing. As a precautionary measure, the gas from Uran Plant is being diverted to Hazira Plant. Authorities are evacuating the area nearby to conduct rescue operations.

"A fire broke out in storm water drainage early morning 2day in Uran oil & gas processing plant.ONGC fire services & crisis managemnt team immediately pressed in2 action. Fire is being contained. No impact on Oil processing.Gas diverted to Hazira Plant. Situation is being assessed", a tweet from ONGC's official Twitter handle reads.

In a similar incident, 40 people had lost their lives in a fire that broke out at a refinery of Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltds (BPCL) refinery in Chembur, suburban Mumbai in 2018. The fire had sparked in the compressor shed at BPCL Mahul refinery, where the crude oil is refined.
New Delhi:

Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) on Tuesday announced the launch of the enhanced version of the Yaris -The Happenin New Yaris. Its available in manual transmission (MT) and Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) options across four variants, and comes with six exterior colours.

The Yaris, now available in grade- J Optional, starts from Rs 8,65,000 in the MT & Rs 9,35,000 in the CVT, the Bengaluru-headquartered company said in a statement. The Yaris grade- V Optional, which offers a new dual-tone & diamond cut alloy wheels, is available at Rs 11,97,000 in the MT and Rs 13,17,000 in the CVT.

The company reported 21 per cent decline in total sales at 11,544 units in the month of August. The company had sold 14,581 units in the same month last year, Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) said in a statement.

Sales in the domestic market stood at 10,701 units as compared to 14,100 units in August 2018, down 24 per cent. However, exports during the month increased nearly two-fold to 843 units as against 481 in the year-ago month, TKM said.

Commenting on the sales performance, TKM Deputy Managing Director N Raja said, The consumer sentiment continues to be muted in the month of August, with customers deferring their purchase of vehicles. Severe floods across states has also hurt the demand in the industry. Unfavorable exchange rate is not helping our cost.

Toyota recently decided to continue to sell diesel models in the country even as prices of such vehicles are expected to go up significantly with the upcoming BS-VI emission norms from April 1 next year, a top company official has said.

(With inputs from PTI)
highlights India's economic growth has slumped for the fifth straight quarter to an over six-year low of 5 per cent in the three months ended June as consumer demand and private investment slowed amid deteriorating global environment.

India's GDP growth was behind China's 6.2 per cent in April-June, its weakest pace in at least 27 years.

Chidambaram, 73, was produced before Special Judge Ajay Kumar Kuhar on expiry of his one-day CBI custody.

New Delhi:

Minutes after stepping out of special CBI courtroom, former finance minister P Chidambaram on Tuesday took a dig at the NDA government over the slump in GDP, which has dropped to over six-year low of 5 per cent in the April-June quarter. When journalists asked what he had to say about his CBI custody, Chidambaram quipped: "Five per cent. Do you know what is five per cent."

He also raised his hand to show five fingers as the CBI took him away in custody. Chidambaram was remanded to two more days of CBI custody in the INX Media corruption case.

India's economic growth has slumped for the fifth straight quarter to an over six-year low of 5 per cent in the three months ended June as consumer demand and private investment slowed amid deteriorating global environment.

Having lost the tag of the world's fastest-growing economy earlier this year, India's GDP growth was behind China's 6.2 per cent in April-June, its weakest pace in at least 27 years.

aAAAAAAA@PChidambaram_INaAAAAAAA on the state of the economy. pic.twitter.com/NT8LGmhFRY  Karti P Chidambaram (@KartiPC) September 3, 2019

Chidambaram, 73, was produced before Special Judge Ajay Kumar Kuhar on expiry of his one-day CBI custody.

The judge was informed by Solicitor General Tushar Mehta and Chidambaram's counsel that the apex court has passed an order today that he will be in CBI custody till September 5.

The judge took note of the Supreme Court order and ordered Chidambaram's CBI custody till Thursday.

Chidambaram has been already subjected to custodial interrogation by the CBI for 12 days since his arrest on August 21, after the Delhi High Court on August 20 dismissed his anticipatory bail plea.

His wife Nalini and son Karti were also present in the court.

(With PTI inputs)

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highlights After the price cut, Nokia 8.1 Nokia 8.1 is being retailed at Rs 15,999 (4GB, 64GB Variant).

Nokia 8.1 is available for sale on Nokia's online store in India and Flipkart.

Flipkart is offering additional discounts on Nokia 8.1.

New Delhi:

Are you a Nokia fan and want to buy one? Waiting for discounts on Nokia smartphones? Then it is a good time to buy a Nokia smartphone. It is to be noted that the 4GB RAM variant of Nokia 8.1 has been slashed in India. Nokia 8.1 was being retailed at Rs 17,299. However, after the price cut Nokia 8.1 is now available at Rs 15,999 (4GB, 64GB) on Nokia's online store in India and Flipkart. The prices are likely to reflect at other online and offline stores in the next few days.

Flipkart is offering an additional 5 per cent cashback on HDFC Bank debit cards on the purchase of Nokia 8.1. The e-commerce site is also offering an exchange offer with up to Rs 13,500 as an additional instant discount. Besides, Flipkart is also offering a no-cost EMI payment option with select payment modes. HMD Global's online store in India is also offering several deals with the Nokia 8.1. Airtel users can grab additional 360GB data on Rs 249 and Rs 349 recharges. The company is also offering a no-cost EMI payment option on select credit cards for up to 9 months.

It is worth mentioning here that the price of 6GB + 128GB variant of the Nokia 8.1 hasn't received a price cut.

Back in June this year, Nokia 8.1 received a price cut. The price of 4GB + 64GB variant of Nokia 8.1 was slashed to Rs 19,999 from Rs 26,999. On the other hand, the price of 6GB + 128GB storage option of the smartphone was brought down to Rs 22,999 from Rs 27,999.

Nokia 8.1: Specifications

Nokia 8.1 was launched in the month of December 2018. Nokia 8.1 is available in two colour options i.e. Blue and Iron. The Nokia 8.1 comes with a 6.18-inch PureDisplay screen with FHD resolution and an aspect ratio of 18:7:9. It means it has a notch at the top most part of the screen area. It is powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon 710 SoC, paired with 4GB/ 6GB of LPDDR4x RAM.

On optics front, it has a dual camera setup at the back with a 12 MP and 13 MP camera lens for in-depth sensing. These camera lenses are powered by ZEISS and supports Optical Image Stabilisation (OIS). For selfies, it has a 20-megapixel sensor with support for 4-in-1 pixel technology to facilitate better low-light photography.

Other connectivity which Nokia 8.1 supports includes 4G VoLTE, Wi-Fi 802.11ac, VoWiFi, Bluetooth v5.0, GPS/ A-GPS, FM radio, a 3.5mm headphone jack, and a USB Type-C port. The handset is fuelled by a 3500mAh battery and also supports 18W fast charging.
New Delhi:

Remember the Tauba Tauba journalist? He is back, and this time with a rant on Kashmir. In a recent video, which is going viral, the reporter has appealed Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan to drop nuclear bombs on New Delhi.

In February, just before to the Balakot airstrike, the journalist had warned that India shouldnt take nuclear power Pakistan lightly and demanded that Pakistan should respond to the tomato embargo by dropping nuclear bombs on India. He soon became a butt of jokes for online and has been known as the Tauba Tauba reporter.

"In this situation, I would like to appeal to Imran Khan and Pakistan forces that they should immediately attack Kashmir and drop an atom bomb on Delhi. Atom bomb should be thrown on Delhi and other cities of India. This is a Tauba Tauba situation and Indian forces must be taught a lesson that if Kashmir is in sorrow, then every Indian child must feel the pain," the reporter said in the latest video.

Tauba Tauba man is back YY pic.twitter.com/g6Fm6jCaIb  Ankur Singh (@iAnkurSingh) September 3, 2019

His ranting came days after India abrogated Article 370 of the Constitution that gave a special status to Jammu and Kashmir.

"This is a Tauba Tauba situation, today it has been 27 days since the curfew has been imposed in Kashmir. People are waiting for medicines, the sick are waiting to get to the hospital, people are not getting water and electricity, people don't have internet and mobile services. This is Tauba Tauba situation, Indian forces have imposed a curfew for 27 days," he said.

In February, reporting for a Lahore-based news channel, the reporter went on a hilarious tirade against Madhya Pradesh farmers deciding to stop export of tomatoes to Pakistan in protest against the Pulwama terrorist attack.

Evidently not thrilled with the ban, the journalist criticises India by responding "Tamatar ka jawab atom bomb se." However, what catches attention is the repeated use of the phrase "tauba-tauba" throughout the video.

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highlights CRPF probe pointed out that there was no intelligence input on car bomb.

One of the key factors that led to high casualties in attack was length of the convoy.

CRPF probe is in contrast from what Modi govt had told Parliament.

New Delhi:

The February 14 attack on the convoy in Jammu and Kashmirs Pulwama that killed 40 security personnel was an intelligence failure, a CRPF inquiry has revealed. Multiple media reports on Tuesday published the findings of the probe that vastly differs from what the Narendra Modi government had said earlier about the attack. The CRPF report says that thought there was a general alert about an IED attack. However, the probe said that there was no input about the car bomb. The CRPF inquiry also pointed out that amid several lapses, one of the key factors that led to high casualties in the attack was the length of the convoy.

The CRPF inquiry is totally different and in contrast from what Modi government had said about the Pulwama attack in June. On June 26, the Narendra Modi government had told Parliament that the February 14 Pulwama attack, in which over 40 CRPF jawans were killed, was not a failure of intelligence agencies. Replying to a question in Rajya Sabha that whether the Pulwama attack was an intelligence failure, MoS Home Affairs Kishan Reddy, in a one word answer said - No.

When asked by Congress Rajya Sabha MP Nasir Hussain that how the bomber car joined the highway from a slip road which carried around 300 kg of explosive, Reddy said, "Jammu and Kashmir is affected by cross-border terrorism for last 3 decades. But large number of terrorists have been neutralised in past few yrs due to sustained action against terrorists.

"All agencies are working in a coordinated manner and the intelligence inputs are shared among various agencies on real time basis. The investigation by NIA into the Pulwama attack so far, has resulted in identifying the conspirators, suicide attacker and the vehicle provider, Reddy added.

In the biggest terror attack in nearly two decades in Jammu and Kashmir, 42 CRPF personnel were killed in Pulwama on February 14, 2019. On February 8, a week before the attack, the Jammu and Kashmir police had reportedly sent an intelligence input to the CRPF, BSF, ITBP, SSB, Army and the Air Force warning of a possible IED attack.

Headlined "extremely urgent", the letter sent on behalf of the Inspector General of Police, Kashmir, asked all security agencies to "sanitize areas properly before occupying your place or deployment as there are inputs that IEDs could be used".

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New Delhi:

Some people have died and rescuers were searching for 33 more on Monday morning after a fire broke out aboard a dive boat off the Southern California Coast. Captain Brian McGrath of the Ventura County Fire Department confirmed some deaths to The Daily Beast but said he could not give an exact number.

Five crewmembers sleeping on the top deck of the 75-foot (20-meter) commercial scuba diving vessel were rescued, according to Lt. Cmdr. Matthew Kroll of the US Coast Guard. But he said 33 passengers who were sleeping below deck have not been accounted for.

One of the crew suffered minor injuries. The Coast Guard has helicopters, small boats and a patrol cutter in the area for a search-and-rescue operation off of Santa Cruz Island, about 90 miles (140 kilometers) from Los Angeles.

The Ventura County Fire Department said on Twitter that it responded to the fire around 3:30 am. A photo tweeted by the department shows a boat engulfed in flames. It's not clear how many people were on the boat, but the Coast Guard earlier said that more than 30 people were "in distress."

(With AP inputs)

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Chennai: The number of Omicron coronavirus infections in Tamil Nadu increased to 34 on Thursday, December 23, with those who were asymptomatic "doing well" with symptoms including giddiness and sore throat, according to the state government.

The infected included contacts of the state's first case, an air traveller who travelled here from Nigeria via Doha, according to Ma Subramanian, the Minister for Health and Family Welfare.

He informed reporters in Chennai that the samples of those afflicted with S-gene drop, a probable indicator of Omicron infection, had been given to the Centre previously, and 33 of them had been confirmed for the current variant of the virus. "All 34 (including the initial case) are asymptomatic, with giddiness and a sore throat, but they're doing fine," he said. He said that the suspected cases had been under surveillance for some time and that some of them could shortly test negative for the virus and be released.

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TEHRAN: Iran has reported four new cases of the Omicron variant of Covid-19 in the last 24 hours, bringing the total number of cases of the new strain to eight.

The country recorded 2,103 new Covid cases on Wednesday, bringing the total number of infections to 6,177,885. According to an update from Iran's Ministry of Health and Medical Education, the epidemic has claimed 44 lives, bringing the total death toll to 131,211. According to reports citing the ministry's update, a total of 6,016,324 people have recovered from the disease or been discharged from hospitals across the country, while 2,821 remain in intensive care units.

Until Wednesday, 59,313,976 Iranians had received their first vaccination and 50,744,197 had received their second. Meanwhile, 4,593,787 people have received their booster shots across the country. According to the data, 41,082,066 tests have been conducted across the country so far.

Iran announced on Sunday that it has discovered the first case of the Omicron strain in a tourist returning from the United Arab Emirates.

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Thiruvananthapuram: The number of Covid-19 patients who have tested positive for the Omicron variant in Kerala has now reached 24, State Health Minister Veena George said. Six of the nine patients travelled to Kochi from other countries, while three arrived at the capital city's airport, she said.

"The six people who arrived in Kochi tested positive for Covid at the airport and were soon sent to a hospital, so they had no one on their contact list. While one traveller from the United Kingdom tested positive for Covid upon arrival and was taken to the hospital, two others from Nigeria who came on December 10 tested positive later and had only two of their children as key contacts "George noted.

Following a surge in Omicron cases, all four airports have increased screening of arriving passengers, and the government has requested everyone to follow Covid guidelines and ensure that anyone who has not yet received the second dose of immunisation does so as soon as possible. By now, 75 percent of those over the age of 18 have received both doses, while 97.38 percent have received only one, and officials are holding camps to ensure that everyone receives both doses as soon as possible.

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Jammu: Kuldeep, who went missing 29 years ago from home, has returned home from Pakistan after waiting for nearly three decades. However, Kuldeep is yet to meet the family members. They are also waiting eagerly for a time when they can touch him and hug him. Kuldeep's mother did not let her hopes of seeing her son's face break in this long time. With Kuldeep entering India via the Wagah border, tears of joy are no longer stopping from the mother's eyes. She is eager to embrace his son.

On December 10, 1992, Kuldeep Singh, a resident of Makwal in Ramkot, suddenly went missing. When Kuldeep did not return for several days, the family also started questioning at several places. Wherever someone reported his sighting, the family members would reach there, but Kuldeep had no knowledge. When Kuldeep finally received the first message in 1996, the family's shattered hopes were dashed again. Makwal resident Kuldeep Singh was lodged in barrack number four of Pakistan's Kot Lakhpat Central Jail Lahore. That was the address from where the family continued to get Kuldeep Singh's information thereafter.

The mother's eyes have also turned in the last 29 years in the hope of meeting Kuldeep. Tears of joy are now flowing from these eyes. Kuldeep Singh's mother Krishna Devi says she hoped she would be able to meet her son before she lose her breath. The mother said her son is extremely courageous. He does not know how he reached Pakistan, but he did expect his son to return one day. It is only after three decades that God has heard her prayers.

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Pakistan's Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Fawad Chaudhry, is co-producing two 'multi-million dollar' biopics based on Zahiruddin Babar and Allama Iqbal with Uzbekistan and Iran, respectively.

"Pakistan Television Network has formed a filmmaking division, and two projects are now in production," he stated. "These films will be produced in accordance with worldwide standards." He also mentioned that a project based on Tipu Sultan is in the works with a private production studio. The government is simplifying the procedure of obtaining a no-objection certificate (NOC) for film projects in the country, according to the information minister.

PTV Films will offer a venue for new filmmakers to present their ideas and collaborate on films. To restore Pakistani cinema, the government will subsidize their initiatives and advertise their films. "Pakistan offers some of the most beautiful places in the world," he remarked, according to the newspaper. "Foreign filmmakers can simply shoot their movie."

The minister promised to open more movie theaters and outlined strategies to help the industry grow. "For electricity use in cinema houses, the government will offer industrial and home prices," he stated. "We have reduced several cinema taxes." The government had demanded that NCOC open cinemas, and "happily," they have been operating across Pakistan, according to the information minister.

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SEOUL: South Korean and US investigative agencies have collaborated to crack down on a 2017 bitcoin phishing scam and assist victims in recouping some of their losses, according to prosecutors in Seoul.

According to sources, the Supreme Prosecutors Office (SPO) apprehended two South Korean suspects and confirmed the identity of one Japanese suspect based on information provided by the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in 2018. The SPO and the FBI then collaborated to recover crypto assets from one of the Korean suspects, and have so far paid out approximately 140 million won (USD118,000) in reparations to some of the fraud victims.

From June 2017 to June 2018, the three suspects were accused of stealing 900 million won (equivalent to 2.35 billion won in current value) from 61 victims (24 from South Korea and 37 from Japan) By hacking IDs and passwords from visitors to a US-based phishing site disguised as a Ripple-related site. Ripple is a cryptocurrency as well as a digital payment network.

Their arrests were made feasible after the FBI handed over intelligence and data to the SPO, which then directed the Seoul Eastern District Prosecutors Office to launch an investigation. The two Korean con artists received sentences of 2 1/2 years in prison and one year in prison with a two-year suspension, respectively.

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South Korea has become the tenth country outside of Europe to join the European Union's (EU) law enforcement cooperation agency, which combats terrorism and other international crimes.

On October 6, the National Police Agency (NPA) joined Europol after signing a working-level agreement that was unanimously approved by the 27 EU members. According to the officials, the admittance is the result of police efforts to increase collaboration with Europe since 2017.

Under the terms of the agreement, police can now share crime information and collaborate with Europol member states, which include 17 European and nine non-European countries, as well as international organizations and research institutes. According to the NPA, the partnership will improve police reaction capabilities against worldwide crimes by exchanging experience and training programs, as well as collaborating with Europol agents.

Due to the Covid-19 outbreak, NPA chief Kim Chang-yong had planned to visit Europol headquarters in the Hague for a signing ceremony, but instead exchanged the agreement with Europol Commissioner-General Catherine De Bolle through a diplomatic pouch. Europol, the EU's law enforcement organization, was founded in 1992 to support the battle against terrorism, international drug trafficking, and other severe crimes.

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Kabul: Taliban terrorists in Afghanistan interrupted the Pakistani military's construction of a security fence along the border between the two nations, Afghan officials said.

Despite protests from Kabul, Pakistan has fenced the majority of the 2,600-kilometer border, which has historically disputed the British-era demarcation that separates families and tribes on both sides. Taliban militants blocked the Pakistani military from installing a "illegal" border fence along the eastern province of Nangarhar on Sunday, according to Afghan Defense Ministry spokesman Enayatullah Khwarazmi. He downplayed the situation, claiming that everything was back to normal now. A request for comment from the Pakistan army was not returned.

A video that went viral on social media showed Taliban militants seizing spools of barbed wire and a senior official urging Pakistani soldiers stationed in security posts across the border not to try to fence the border again. The footage could not be independently verified as per reports.

The incident is being investigated, according to Taliban spokesman Bilal Karimi. According to two Taliban officials who spoke on the condition of anonymity, the Taliban and Pakistani forces met face to face over the border incident, and the scene was heated. They said, cross-border mortar fire from Pakistani territory further north along the border into Afghanistan's Kunar province occurred on Wednesday as a result of the event.

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Kathmandu, December 23

Weather in the hilly region of the country will remain partly cloudy today due to the influence of the westerly wind.

Light snowfall has also been forecast in a few places of the high hilly and mountainous regions of Province 1, Bagmati and Gandaki provinces on Thursday.

According to the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology, a few places of Tarai (southern plains) of Sudurpaschim and Lumbini provinces have been experiencing fog.

The department, issuing a warning, has requested the people to adopt measures to keep themselves warm as most of the Tarai areas are covered with fog and the country has been experiencing chilling cold day by day.

As per the latest bulletin of the Meteorological Forecasting Division, todays minimum temperature of Kathmandu valley was recorded at 3.0 degrees Celsius and maximum temperature at 17.7 degrees Celsius.

The lowest temperature was recorded minus 5.1 degrees Celsius in Jumla and the highest temperature 27 degrees Celsius in Bhairahawa.
Kathmandu, December 23

Amid reports that Nepals agricultural imports are excessively high, the Department of Customs has revealed another alarming fact: Nepal has been importing vegetables only worth Rs 60 million a day on average.

As per the statistics made public by the department on Thursday, Nepal imported vegetables worth Rs 8.59 billion in the past five months (mid-July till mid-December), which is Rs 60 million a day.

Among the vegetables, Nepal spent the highest amount of money on potatoes in this period. The department says it imported potatoes worth Rs 5.27 billion in the past five months.

Following potatoes on the list are onions (Rs 2.47 billion), green garlic (Rs 374.1 million), tomatoes (Rs 186.6 million), spinach (Rs 160 million), mushroom (Rs 71.7 million), pumpkins (Rs 10.4 million), carrots (Rs 4.1 million), capsicums (Rs 40 million), and beans (Rs 33.7 million).

Nepal has also imported cucumbers, cabbages and chillies in this period.

Nepal mostly imports vegetables from India, followed by Pakistan and Bangladesh.
" " American composer John Cage (19121992), a music theorist, artist and philosopher, was one of the leading figures of the post-war avant-garde and one of the most influential composers of the 20th century. Paul Bergen/Redferns/Getty Images

On Sept. 5, 2020, a small crowd of mask-wearing music lovers gathered in St. Burchardi church in the town of Halberstadt, Germany, to witness an organ chord change. What seems like a minor event was actually a milestone: It marked the first sound change in almost seven years (and only the 14th chord change since the concert began on Sept. 5, 2001) in what is known as the slowest concert in the world. Welcome to John Cage's living legacy, "ORGAN/ASLSP."

Cage, who died Aug. 12, 1992, nine years before the concert kicked off on what would have been his 89th birthday, left a lasting mark on music composition and is considered one of America's greatest avant-garde composers. Born in 1912, Cage studied music with renowned figures like Arnold Schoenberg and Henry Cowell before he began experimenting with "increasingly unorthodox instruments" like the prepared piano (a piano modified with objects placed between or on its strings) and tools like tape recorders, record players and radios to create innovative and unconventional sounds and concepts.

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"John Cage was an American composer and teacher with a varied career that included many works ranging from modern dance to prepared piano and percussion to tape music to aleatory [music involving the element of chance in performance]," composer Nicolas Lell Benavides, writes via email. "However he is probably best known as the father of indeterminate music in the Western art music canon. In the most basic sense, indeterminate music is music where the sound is left to chance. This can be a piece for multiple radios, a set of instructions for performers, or famously his '4:33', which is thought to be a piece about silence but in fact is a frame for the sounds of the environment that the listener is occupying. This challenges the definition of music and the notion of what it even means to be a composer, since the composer is no longer the sole producer of musical ideas."

"He is one of the most important artists of the second half of the 20th century and he revolutionized modern music," says Rainer O. Neugebauer, chairman of the board of trustees of the John Cage Organ Foundation, in an email interview. "For him, all sounds, tones, and noises are equal, they all have the same dignity. He was especially interested in the new, not yet heard, surprising sounds."

" " Rainer O. Neugebauer, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the John Cage Organ Foundation Halberstadt, speaks to the guests in the Burchardi Church before the Sept. 5, 2020, sound change on "ORGAN/ASLSP," which has been playing without interruption since 2001 and will last 639 years, until the year 2640. Matthias Bein/picture alliance/Getty Images

When it comes to Cage's signature sound, Neugebauer uses an interesting term to sum up the experience: "His handling of sound material can be described as 'decomposition,'" he says. "The composer's subjectivity, his likes and dislikes, should be taken back, therefore he worked a lot with chance operations. He was interested in exhausting all possibilities of formal and structural relationships, in the dazzling diversity of the unstructured. He was interested in the initiation of processes whose progress is unpredictable. He stood up for the utopia of a non-intentional, non-instrumental life, of a simple so-and-so existence, for freedom and openness."

As Cage himself told The New York Times in 1981 about his book, "For the Birds," "I am for the birds, not for the cages in which people sometimes place them." According to Neugebauer, Cage was referring to "what we call silence, which for Cage means only the absence of intended sounds."

Why a 639-year-long Concert?

The concept of creating a 639-year-long composition wasn't actually Cage's idea. "In 1985, Cage composed the piece, 'ASLSP,' for a piano competition," Neugebauer says. "In 1987, he gave it the ambiguous title, 'As SLow aS Possible,' but also the reference to 'Soft morning, city! Lsp!' from the last paragraph of James Joyce's 'Finnegans Wake'." Adapted for the organ at the request of German organist Gerd Zacher, the piece became known as "ORGAN/ASLSP" (As Slow as Possible), and was dedicated to Zacher.

"The first performance in the same year in Metz was just over 29 minutes," Neugebauer says. "After Cage's death in 1998, the question was asked at an organ symposium: 'What does as slow as possible mean by an organ?' A piano string fades away. The organ is a wind instrument, an aerophone that can hold the sound as long as it is supplied with wind."

At an organ symposium in Trossingen, Germany, six years after Cage's death, music theorists, philosophers and organ builders discussed and debated what ASLSP really meant. The answer? 639 years.

If that seems oddly specific, there's a reason for that. One of the symposium participants knew of an old abandoned Burchardi church that stood empty in Halberstadt. "And then came the memory," Neugebauer says. "Halberstadt had written music history once before: The 17th-century composer Michael Pratorius wrote that an organ with the first modern keyboard design had been built in Halberstadt's cathedral in 1361. This organ was the first of its kind with a manual organized in patterns of 12 notes, the manual still used on our keyboard instruments today. One might thus say that the cradle of modern music was in Halberstadt."

The innovation was major, according to Neugebauer, and American composer Harry Partch even described it as "'that fatal day in Halberstadt.'" With the new millenium approaching, the symposium thought leaders decided to pay homage to the fateful occasion. "We then extended the 639 years from 1361 to the year 2000, with the millenium change as a mirror axis 639 years into the future," Neugebaur says. "Our performance of John Cage's ORGAN/ASLSP ends on schedule in the year 2640."

"This piece is a great example of John Cage's contributions as a music philosopher and the extremes his thought experiments bring us to," Benavides says. "The tempo marking of this work is 'as slow as possible,' but what does that mean for an instrument that has no decay? The work is no longer on a human timescale and cannot be played by a single person, but is that any different from an orchestra or modern electronic music? Does that make it any less of a work of art? There's something beautiful about watching only a portion of it in a single lifetime, much like how building cathedrals and great monuments took hundreds of years and many lifetimes."

" " John Cage worked with some of the most progressive musicians, dancers and artists of the 20th century, including Brian Eno (pictured at left here with Cage in 1985), and his romantic partner of many years, choreographer/dancer Merce Cunningham. Michael Putland/Getty Images

In addition to this iconic, continuing work, and his other musical masterpieces, Cage also published several books over the course of life, including "Silence: Lectures and Writings." He also studied Zen Buddhism and other Eastern philosophies and "concluded that all the activities that make up music must be seen as part of a single natural process." But his enduring live concert continues to be one of his most awe-inspiring works.

The meaning or message of ORGAN/ASLSP is something Neugebauer feels the composer would have been coy about. "John Cage would have answered, 'That is a very good question. I should not want to spoil it with an answer,'" he says. "And, 'there was a German philosopher who is very well known, Immanuel Kant, and he said there are two things that don't have to mean anything: one is music and the other is laughter." So, according to Neugebauer, Cage's answer would have been, well, cagey, alluding to the notion that certain pleasures merely exist for the sake of pleasure.

"My own cautious answer: maybe it is a kind of sonic message in a bottle released into the world," Neugebauer says. "The 639 years of Cage's ORGAN/ASLSP in Halberstadt are a simultaneously radical, irritating, open, and extremely gentle art project '... past the wit of man ... The eye of man hath not heard, the ear of man hath not seen (Shakespeare)....' A dream so strangely set in motion; a former monastery church as a sonic dreamspace that allows more than 639 years of the past to become visible, and that is filled with the force of Ernst-Blochian hope for more than 639 years into the future."

Now That's Interesting Cage may be credited with pioneering the industry of indeterminate music, but it's important to know that the composing technique is distinct from another form of interpretive sound. "John Cage is credited with being the father of American aleatory," Benavides says, "but it's worth noting that he actually disliked improvisation where a performer makes intentional choices. Aleatoric or indeterminate music was created in opposition to improvised American music like jazz, and though those traditions intersect in many ways, it is important to recognize the contributions of American improvisors in jazz who were creating complicated music without fully notated scores."
LONDON, December 23, 2021--(BUSINESS WIRE)--AM Best has affirmed the Financial Strength Rating of B (Fair) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating of "bb" (Fair) of Al-Sagr National Insurance Company P.S.C. (ASNIC) (United Arab Emirates). The outlook of these Credit Ratings (ratings) is negative.

The ratings reflect ASNICs balance sheet strength, which AM Best assesses as adequate, as well as its adequate operating performance, limited business profile and marginal enterprise risk management.

The balance sheet strength assessment reflects ongoing erosion of ASNICs capital base following an AED 39.2 million net loss for the nine-month period ended 30 September 2021. This follows declines in the companys capital position in 2019 and 2020. Despite the surplus deterioration, ASNIC continues to narrowly maintain risk-adjusted capitalization at the very strong level, as measured by Best Capital Adequacy Ratio (BCAR). The adequate balance sheet strength assessment also considers ASNICs increased financial leverage as a result of its overdraft increasing by AED 90.8 million to reach AED 138.2 million at the end of third-quarter 2021. The companys investment portfolio has a high concentration of volatile domestic real estate and equity assets. The negative outlooks reflect the potential for further weakening in balance sheet strength metrics, due to the potential for further operating and/or investment losses. Operating performance has experienced a significant downward trend in 2021, driven by underwriting losses on motor business and a share in net losses of an associate. The limited business profile assessment reflects product and geographic concentration in its local market. AM Best views ERM as marginal for the companys size and scope of operations.

This press release relates to Credit Ratings that have been published on AM Bests website. For all rating information relating to the release and pertinent disclosures, including details of the office responsible for issuing each of the individual ratings referenced in this release, please see AM Bests Recent Rating Activity web page. For additional information regarding the use and limitations of Credit Rating opinions, please view Guide to Bests Credit Ratings. For information on the proper media use of Bests Credit Ratings and AM Best press releases, please view Guide for Media - Proper Use of Bests Credit Ratings and AM Best Rating Action Press Releases.

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AM Best is a global credit rating agency, news publisher and data analytics provider specialising in the insurance industry. Headquartered in the United States, the company does business in over 100 countries with regional offices in London, Amsterdam, Dubai, Hong Kong, Singapore and Mexico City. For more information, visit www.ambest.com.

Copyright  2021 by A.M. Best Rating Services, Inc. and/or its affiliates. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211223005399/en/

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Algirdas Karvelis

Financial Analyst

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In the US, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is 1-800-273-8255. Crisis Text Line can be reached by texting HOME to 741741 (US), 686868 (Canada), or 85258 (UK). Wikipedia maintains a list of crisis lines for people outside of those countries.

Amazon is hitting the tail end of peak  the term the company uses to refer to the winter holidays, as well as its own corporate holiday, Prime Day  when its workers are under the greatest strain, frequently required to clock mandatory overtime hours and are disallowed from scheduling any vacation days. It also coincides with the hiring of a deluge of temporary workers, with a projected 150,000 added this year, its largest holiday surge to date.

It's hectic during the best of times. But according to an internal email viewed by Engadget, and the testimonies of four current or former associates who were granted anonymity for fear of reprisal, it's also a time of year when Amazon expects some number of its workforce to take out their stress on their colleagues, or on themselves.

"Peak is a busy time for our entire team as everyone is dedicated to helping customers receive their holiday packages on time. It's easy to feel stressed and overwhelmed," the leaked email, dated November 23, reads. "And while most of us never pose a risk to others, some people can act out in a way that causes concern. This could be due to many factors in their lives, not just what they experience at work. Regardless of the cause, workplace violence is never the answer." [Emphasis theirs]

The worker who provided the email to Engadget could not recall similar messaging during previous peaks. "I've been with Amazon a little over four years now and they've never mentioned anything about our mental status until now," they wrote in an email. "Our leadership hasn't announced anything [other] than quota related issues."

The email goes on to draw a connection between the grueling workload of peak and the potential for self-harm. "Remember that your mental health matters," it reads. "If you experience stress, feelings of depression, anxiety, or thoughts of suicide, please talk with your manager, a human resources business partner, or a mental health professional." It directs workers to use the company's "free, confidential counselors and other resources."

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Two of the associates who spoke to Engadget recalled being shown a video, covering similar subject matter, during their training.

"It was stupid things like call the employee resource center, and talking about 'if you feel like you want to harm somebody you can tell your supervisor and you'll be allowed to leave work and go home.' It was just such bullshit," one recalled. The same associate stated that the employee resource center is "like a black hole of 'press one for this', I don't even know how to talk to a real person there."

"They have a number you call if you start feeling suicidal or depressed from working too much," another told Engadget. "They put a video on during training where they talked about how a lot of workers feel this way. And that was right after the reveal that we were not getting the schedules we wanted and we had to work 60 hours a week. After being told it would be 40."

A 2019 report in the Daily Beast publicized some of the 911 calls that had been made from inside several of Amazon's warehouses, including a pregnant worker who threatened to stab herself and her unborn child. Jace Crouch, a former employee quoted in the story, said that "people having breakdowns [are] a regular occurrence" within these facilities.

An Amazon spokesperson declined to answer specific questions sent by Engadget, including whether the company had seen any uptick in workplace violence. Instead the company provided the following statement: We know its been a tough year and a half for everyone, and like most large companies, we work to support our teams in many different ways. This includes providing resources throughout the year for anyone who may be dealing with stress in their personal lives or at work, and making sure they feel seen and able to ask for help if they need it.

Are you a tech worker with concerns about your job, safety, or the work you're required to do? Reach out to me confidentially on Signal at 646.983.9846
NEW ORLEANS, Dec. 22, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC ("KSF") and KSF partner, former Attorney General of Louisiana, Charles C. Foti, Jr., remind investors that they have until February 7, 2022 to file lead plaintiff applications in a securities class action lawsuit against Berkeley Lights, Inc. (NasdaqGS: BLI), if they purchased the Company's shares between July 17, 2020 and September 14, 2021, inclusive (the "Class Period"). This action is pending in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California.

(PRNewsfoto/Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC)

What You May Do

If you purchased shares of Berkeley Lights and would like to discuss your legal rights and how this case might affect you and your right to recover for your economic loss, you may, without obligation or cost to you, contact KSF Managing Partner Lewis Kahn toll-free at 1-877-515-1850 or via email (lewis.kahn@ksfcounsel.com), or visit https://www.ksfcounsel.com/cases/nasdaqgs-bli/ to learn more. If you wish to serve as a lead plaintiff in this class action, you must petition the Court by February 7, 2022 .

About the Lawsuit

Berkeley Lights and certain of its executives are charged with failing to disclose material information during the Class Period, violating federal securities laws.

On September 15, 2021, Scorpion Capital reported a wide range of criticisms against the Company purportedly based on extensive research and interviews of former employees and end-users, including that its machines were onerous, unusable, a waste of money, and had an error rate 50% higher than standard lab equipment, and that a negligible addressable market and negative customer experiences had further hindered the Company's growth potential, among other things.

On this news, shares of Berkeley Lights plummeted nearly 30% over two trading days to close at $23.53 on September 16, 2021, on abnormally high trading volume.

The case is Ng v. Berkeley Lights, Inc., No. 21-cv-09497.

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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 recoveries for investment losses emanating from corporate fraud or malfeasance by publicly traded companies. KSF has offices in New York, California, Louisiana and New Jersey.

To learn more about KSF, you may visit www.ksfcounsel.com.

Contact:

Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC

Lewis Kahn, Managing Partner

lewis.kahn@ksfcounsel.com

1-877-515-1850

1100 Poydras St., Suite 3200

New Orleans, LA 70163

Cision

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SOURCE Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC
Join the Dip livestream on New Year's Day at 1 p.m.

Courage Polar Bear Dip aims to raise $100,000 for World Vision's clean water projects in Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo

Since 1995, the Dip has raised over $2 million to support World Vision's work

The World Health Organization predicts that by 2025, half the world's population will be living in water-stressed areas. And by 2050, half the world's population may no longer have safe water.

MISSISSAUGA, ON, Dec. 23, 2021 /CNW/ - The Courage Polar Bear Dip, the largest and longest-running charity event of its kind in Canada, this year aims to raise $100,000 to support World Vision's clean water initiatives by allowing to participants to "dip their own way" this New Year's.

Polar Bear Dip logo (CNW Group/World Vision Canada)

In past years, hundreds of brave dippers have come out to Coronation Park in Oakville for the annual Jan. 1 plunge into the freezing waters of Lake Ontario. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the Courage family team will host a virtual experience again this year, including Dip Day traditions like the costume contest, live music, activities for the whole family, and videos of participants dipping safely from their own homes.

"As the pandemic still grips the world, the need for clean water is more critical than ever for millions of children and their communities," said Trent Courage, event co-founder. "That's why the funds we raise are so important. We've been astounded by the generosity of those who dip with us every year and who have helped us raise over $2 million to date, to fund World Vision's clean water projects. Whether you stay warm and donate online, or dip in a chilly snowbank or pool, you can make it your dip, your way, from anywhere in the world!"

Jan. 1, 2022, marks the 37th year of the dip and the 27th consecutive year the Courage Polar Bear Dip has partnered with World Vision Canada to raise funds for clean water projects in Africa. This year's funds will support projects in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Zambia.

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"I can't think of a better way to usher in 2022 than to participate in the Courage Polar Bear Dip!" said Michael Messenger, President of World Vision Canada. "It's so much fun, and a little bit crazy. And it's for such a good cause: providing clean water to vulnerable communities. Access to clean water is essential for children's health and hygiene, as well as helping to fight COVID-19."

The live experience dip will run on Saturday, Jan. 1, 2022, starting at 1 p.m.

Canadians across the country can register for the free event or donate on the Courage Polar Bear Dip website .

MEDIA RESOURCES:

Photos and video of virtual Polar Bear Dippers to be available on Jan. 1, 2022, at 2 p.m.

Website: https://www.polarbeardip.ca/

About the Courage Polar Bear Dip

The Courage Polar Bear Dip began on New Year's Day in 1985 when Gaye Courage dared her boys Todd and Trent to get off the couch and go "jump in the lake" to wake themselves up. They took up the challenge and over the next few years it snowballed. As the event grew larger, the brothers realized this was an opportunity to fundraise for a good cause and in 1995 they teamed up with World Vision Canada. Since then, over $2 million has been raised to support clean water projects around the world.

About World Vision

World Vision is a relief, development and advocacy organization working to create lasting change in the lives of children, families and communities to overcome poverty and injustice. Inspired by Christian values, World Vision is dedicated to working with the world's most vulnerable people regardless of religion, race, ethnicity or gender. For more information, visit worldvision.ca or follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.

World Vision Canada Logo (CNW Group/World Vision Canada)

SOURCE World Vision Canada

Cision

View original content to download multimedia: http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/December2021/23/c1605.html
WASHINGTON, December 23, 2021--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The College of American Pathologists (CAP) filed an amicus brief supporting a lawsuit challenging the federal governments flawed implementation of the No Surprises Act. In the amicus brief, the CAP warned the governments actions will cause substantial harm and further drive more physicians out of their patients health plan networks.

"The College of American Pathologists worked closely with Congress during the development of the No Surprises Act, and we advocated for patient protections, including robust access to health care thats in their health plans network," said CAP President Emily Volk, MD, FCAP. "Importantly, we continue to believe that the subsequent regulations must support an equitable and balanced system for resolving out-of-network payment disputes. As of today, the rules heavily favor the insurers when their power is already too great. With new rules going into effect on January 1, physicians and hospitals have little choice but to ask the courts to fix regulations that strayed from the law."

The lawsuit led by the American Medical Association (AMA) and American Hospital Association (AHA) focused on requirements in the federal governments rules pertaining to the independent dispute resolution process in the No Surprises Act. The law clearly established a fair and impartial independent dispute resolution process where physicians and other providers can settle claims with insurers without patients receiving unexpected large medical bills.

However, the current administrations rules favor the health insurance industry. The AMA and AHA lawsuit states that the federal governments regulations deviated from the law but ensured that commercial insurers routinely undercompensate physicians and patients having fewer choices for in-network services.

The lawsuit does not challenge patient protections in the law but seeks alignment between statute and the regulations for the independent dispute resolution process.

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The CAPs amicus brief outlined how the adverse rules will disadvantage pathologists. Specifically, the government added to the No Surprises Act statute a material term that conflicts with Congresss balanced design for the independent dispute resolution process. By making an insurer-controlled qualifying payment amount as the presumptive benchmark for the independent dispute resolution process, the government warped an independent inquiry into one that is harmful to pathologists and their patients.

The AHA, AMA, and their co-plaintiffs filed their lawsuit against the departments of HHS, Labor, and Treasury, along with the Office of Personnel Management in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. Go to the AMAs website for copies of the original complaint and a motion to stay.

About the College of American Pathologists

As the worlds largest organization of board-certified pathologists and leading provider of laboratory accreditation and proficiency testing programs, the College of American Pathologists (CAP) serves patients, pathologists, and the public by fostering and advocating excellence in the practice of pathology and laboratory medicine worldwide. As a 501(c)(6) membership organization, the CAP is the only entity representing pathologists with unrestricted advocacy capability and a political action committee, PathPAC. For more information, visit yourpathologist.org to watch pathologists at work and see the stories of the patients who trust them with their care. Read the CAP Annual Report.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211223005459/en/

Contacts

Apoorva Stull

202-354-7102

Email:media@cap.org
(Bloomberg) -- Record-high power and gas prices have crippled energy suppliers worldwide, leaving some running at a loss and causing many to collapse altogether.

Most Read from Bloomberg

Energy providers are closing down in the U.K., the Netherlands, Germany, the Czech Republic, Belgium, Finland and Singapore. Thats reducing choice for consumers, triggering government intervention and threatening innovation.

Its been especially damaging for suppliers who sold energy at fixed prices to withstand volatility. Many havent been able to pass on wholesale price increases as national regulators usually have strict regimes that limit how much companies can charge.

More than 40 suppliers have now collapsed, including Enstroga, a company based in the U.K. and the Netherlands. In September, the provider said it would halt operations in Britain. Just six weeks later, it said it was left with no other choice but to shutter its activities in the Netherlands as well.

All of the liberalization approaches of the regulators who have tried to open the market, they have been useless now, Enstroga Chief Executive Officer Jens Muller-Bennerscheidt said in an interview. At the end, the consumers will pay higher prices than ever.

Volatility

European gas and power prices have been extremely volatile in recent months as heightened demand, low inventories, nuclear outages and reduced flows from Russia have squeezed supplies. German year-ahead power, the European benchmark, surged more than 400% this year, while gas prices jumped more than seven-fold.

In Germany, record-high prices have accelerated the cut-throat competition in the sector, said insolvency lawyer Justus von Buchwaldt, whos overseeing the administration of Neckermann Strom AG, a power and gas provider with some 13,000 customers, which filed for bankruptcy on Friday.

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In the U.K., 24 household suppliers have collapsed since early August, partly due to Britains energy regulator Ofgem capping bills. Thats left companies unable to pass these costs onto consumers. Elsewhere, at least five energy companies have gone bust in the Netherlands and Singapore, three in Germany, five in the Czech Republic, one in Belgium and one in Finland.

When Prague-based Bohemia Energy ceased trading in October, the Czech company also blamed its banks. It said a group of 25 lenders denied it access to a 2 billion-koruna ($90 million) loan facility that was already approved, owner Jiri Pisarik told local media. If we continue to deliver energy, we would generate huge losses daily, he said. CED, another Czech supplier, said on Thursday it would stop supplying energy this week.

The collapses are adding to the financial burden of governments and taxpayers, as market rules force a redistribution of costs and states must step in to subsidize bills. Britains largest casualty, Bulb Energy Ltd., has been nationalized by the Johnson administration, costing about 1.7 billion pounds ($2.2 billion), an amount thats set to be recouped through additions to household bills.

Stagnant Sectors

The energy crisis could also hinder much-needed innovation in the sector.

In Singapore, about 140,000 households and 11,000 businesses have been affected by five of the bigger retailer bankruptcies. That makes up 9% of total demand, Tan See Leng, second minister for trade and industry, said in a November speech to Parliament. Thats complicated the nations bid to liberalize its power sector by boosting competition and encouraged the regulator to reconsider planned market reforms.

Britains remaining suppliers are largely running at a loss. Theyre hoping regulator Ofgem will lift the nations price cap in April to allow them to operate profitably and to compete on price. But that assumes wholesale costs will fall significantly by then.

Prices in the wholesale market are extremely high and its unlikely theyll come down enough by the time the price cap lifts to make things profitable again, said Tony Jordan, an energy-industry consultant who has advised firms that have gone bust. The supplier market will stagnate because customers wont have much choice to switch provider.

(Updates with new failure in ninth paragraph.)

2021 Bloomberg L.P.
FRANKFURT, Dec 23 (Reuters) - Some European banks are holding off on a decision to move forward with a new payments project that is intended be a home-grown rival to Mastercard and Visa, the company overseeing the effort said on Thursday.

The so-called European Payments Initiative (EPI) aims to become a new standard means of payment, offering a card for consumers and retailers across Europe.

A majority of the shareholders in Belgium, Germany and France want to move ahead with the project, EPI Interim Company said in a statement on its website.

"Other shareholders, such as some Spanish banks, will provide their answer in January," it said.

Some banks in Germany have also grown sceptical about their participation in the project, said two people with knowledge of the matter.

(Reporting by Tom Sims; Editing by Kirsten Donovan)
HOUSTON, December 23, 2021--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Our thoughts are with the four people who were rushed to the hospital in the early hours of this morning due to an explosion in a Baytown refinery. ExxonMobil is reporting that four people were injured in the fire. The fire started at 1 AM in a plant that produces gasoline. Sheriff Ed Gonzalez said three of the injured workers were taken to the hospital by Life Flight and another was taken by ambulance. Residents near the Baytown plants have been asked to avoid the area so that emergency crews can work on securing the fire and cleaning the resulting destruction.

We have seen firsthand the impact of refinery injuries on an individual as well as their family. Williams Hart has represented fire and explosion victims for over 38 years. With our principal office in the oil and gas capital of Houston, Texas, we know from experience that petrochemical accidents impact the entire community. We are proud to have secured billions of dollars on behalf of explosion and fire victims.

Thousands of plant workers and their families rely on industry safety standards to keep their loved ones from harm. Managing Partner John Eddie Williams Jr. was born into a gulf coast union family. Williams Hart Boundas Easterby, LLP has represented unions since the firm's founding. When dangerous situations arise the lawyers at Williams Hart are here for workers. We help injured people to hold companies accountable and to secure the financial means to recover.

The BP refinery explosion in 2005 killed 15 and injured hundreds of others in Texas City. Williams Hart was there for the victims. We represented 150 injured workers who won just compensation for their injuries. We have now handled hundreds of explosion claims against major corporations including Phillips Petroleum Co, Bayer Material Science, and ARCO.

With this horrific incident so close to Christmas our prayers are with the families of the victims and we hope that the workers affected will be able to return home soon. We are deeply saddened to hear this news and wish those affected a swift recovery.

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If you or a loved one was injured in this disaster contact Williams Hart immediately. Learn more about your rights and legal recovery process with a free case evaluation.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211223005395/en/

Contacts

Logan Jack, Marketing Director

713-230-2200

ljack@whlaw.com

whlaw.com
VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / December 23, 2021 / Graphite One Inc. (TSXV:GPH)(OTCQX:GPHOF)("Graphite One" or the "Company") is pleased to provide the Company's 2021 year in review. It has been a momentous year for Graphite One as the Company continues to rapidly advance the largest known and highest-grade graphite deposit in the United States.

"Despite the challenges of COVID on the business climate and all aspects of operations, Graphite One raised more than CA$30 million in capital, completed a successful drill program to confirm the Company's projections of a long mine life based on drilling just 20% of the projected trend of the graphite mineralization, and continued to progress R&D efforts on multiple advanced graphite materials that will serve essential renewable energy and technology sectors," said Anthony Huston, Graphite One's CEO. "Additionally, the surge in graphite demand in the EV and energy storage sectors, coupled with new U.S. Government strategic focus on Critical Mineral development in the comprehensive infrastructure package, plus concern over materials supply chain disruptions is a strong signal that momentum is shifting in a way that perfectly aligns with Graphite One's objectives of being an integrated supply chain solution for advanced graphite materials."

Commenting on recent Tesla statements on EV supply chains, Mr. Huston added: "Elon Musk said recently there is currently no graphite anode production in the U.S. He's right - and our goal at Graphite One is to change that.

I agree with Jim Farley, the CEO of Ford Motor Co., who recently said: We have to bring battery production here, but the supply chain has to go all the way to the mines. Are we going to import lithium and pull cobalt from nation-states that have child labour and all sorts of corruption, or are we all going to get serious about mining? We have to solve these things, and we don't have much time.'"

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As Graphite One anticipates it is on track to complete its Pre-Feasibility Study ("PFS") in Q1 2022, the Company reports progress along the following fronts:

2021 Financing

From January 1, 2021 to date, total gross proceeds from three financings plus the exercise of options, warrants and broker warrants 1 totaled CA$30.2 million.

2021 Drill Program

In the Company's 2021 Drill Program, a total of 2,052 meters were drilled, including 1,695 meters of HQ core drilling and 357 meters of sonic drilling. 2 Results are expected to be released in Q1 2022 when data analysis is completed. The drill program will generate additional information to update the resource model and provide technical data now expected to be available in time to be included in the PFS.

With exploration to date on only 20% of the projected trend of graphite mineralization supporting the potential for a long mine life, the Graphite Creek deposit continues to show potential to be an essential long-life component of the graphite supply chain.

While all required drilling for the PFS is completed, the Graphite Creek deposit remains open at depth and along strike both east and west. "Given the demand growth every end-user mentions to me, and their concerns about surety of supply," said Mr. Huston, "we're putting a priority on demonstrating that Graphite Creek is a robust, low-risk source for graphite far into the 21st Century." The Company expects to initiate the Project's Feasibility Study in Q1 2022 including plans to conduct a 2022 drill program focused on infill drilling and step-out drilling with the aim of increasing this long-life resource.

Advanced Materials R&D Pipeline

During 2021, further progress was seen in materials development in the anode space as well as other markets for advanced graphite material.

"With the World Bank and International Energy Agency (IEA) 3 projecting graphite demand to rise by 25 times between 2020 and 2040 (IEA) or more than 490% from 2020 to 2050 (World Bank) 4 -- and new efforts to simultaneously build out energy storage systems underway, multiple uses of the same renewable battery technologies are beginning to compete for the same material supply," Mr. Huston noted. ""As a result, global graphite shortfalls initially projected for 2024 or 2025 are now predicted to begin as early as 2022." 5

Battery-Grade Anode

Graphite One's technology development partner, American Energy Technologies Co. of Arlington Heights, Illinois ("AETC") continues its work on developing battery anode-ready grade materials from the PFS concentrate sample it received from Graphite One in June 2021.

Graphite Foam Fire Suppressant

Against the backdrop of a 2020 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) requirement to phase out Aqueous Film Forming Foams (AFFF) by 2024, and with commercially available PFAS-free foam (PFF) products not meeting MIL spec MIL-F-24385F, Graphite One and AETC have worked with NAVAIR's Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division ("NAWCWD") at China Lake, California, to pursue PFS-level validation of technology based on use of expandable +80 mesh graphite from Graphite Creek - formulated into a pigment component - to extinguish Class B fuel fires.

Tests conducted in December 2021 by a team of firefighting professionals at NAWCWD/China Lake showed that the foam formulation containing Graphite Creek material can extinguish Class B fires in accordance with Mil spec standards.

With AFFF and PFF soon unavailable for use in aircraft emergencies involving Class B fires at military installations or airports, this represents a possible near-term commercialization opportunity.

Graphite One Synthetic Diamond R&D

R&D work with the +100-mesh fraction of purified Graphite Creek PFS material successfully produced synthetic diamonds suitable for use in cutting tool applications including hard surface coatings in drill bits, cutting and grinding discs, tips of metalworking tooling and other instruments designed for increased abrasion wear.

After successful production of synthetic diamond dust, the Graphite One PFS material was used to synthesize a gemstone-quality crystal, and ultimately - doped with boron and nitrogen - to synthesize blue diamonds, which have an increased hardness and engineered semiconductor properties.

A picture containing tablewareDescription automatically generated

In a subsequent study, this blue diamond was sliced via laser and polished to a surface roughness radius of 2 nm to form substrates for the synthesis of cultured semiconductor grade diamonds. A Scanning Electron Microscopy image of the plate made from Graphite One's PFS flake is shown below.

A close-up of the moonDescription automatically generated with medium confidence

Graphite One is currently working with partners including Stanford University, Texas Tech University, Defense Logistics Agency, U.S. Navy and others to establish several targeted technology demonstration projects with academia, industry, and the U.S. Government to test the properties of synthetic diamonds generated from Graphite Creek flake precursor in mechanical, semiconductor, thermal management, and sensor applications.

Graphite One Graphene Material Produced by Yale and Emory Universities

Graphite One submitted samples of its +50 mesh PFS material for evaluation as a precursor to make graphene with intended use in advanced water purification technologies. R&D teams at Yale University and Emory University are currently involved in making graphene from Graphite One's PFS flake. One of the graphene samples generated from the Graphite One material is depicted by Transmission Electron Microscopy below.

"Our advanced graphite material work is driven by Graphite One's commitment to serve the broad range of tech material applications that depend on graphite engineered to exacting specifications," said Mr. Huston. "Battery grade anode material for EVs and lithium-ion batteries will be the core of our commercial value, but we know that there is even more graphite can do to meet urgent demand in sectors ranging from environmentally-safe fire suppression to transformational technologies in the semiconductor sector and the new world of graphene. Each one of these product lines underscores the value of Graphite One's integrated supply chain solution - as well as our belief in the mission of our Company to provide the tech materials that drive global ingenuity."

Grant of Options

The Company announces that the board of directors has approved an incentive stock option grant to directors, officers and consultants of the Company of an aggregate of 3,387,429 options of Graphite One ("Options") in accordance with the Company's shareholder approved stock option plan. Each Option is exercisable at a price of $1.39 per share, all vesting immediately and expiring on December 22, 2026. All Options are subject to a restricted period that expires four months and a day following the date of issuance.

Upon the granting of the Options described above, Graphite One will have 8,352,429 Options outstanding, which represents approximately 9.8% of the 85,524,287 common shares of the Company currently outstanding. Graphite One's stock option plan limits the issuance of Options to no more than 10% of the outstanding common shares.

About Graphite One Inc.

GRAPHITE ONE INC. (TSXV:GPH)(OTCQX:GPHOF) continues to develop its Graphite One Project (the "Project"), whereby the Company could potentially become an American producer of high grade Coated Spherical Graphite ("CSG") that is integrated with a domestic graphite resource. The Project is proposed as a vertically integrated enterprise to mine, process and manufacture high grade CSG primarily for the lithiumion electric vehicle battery market. As set forth in the Company's Preliminary Economic Assessment, potential graphite mineralization mined from the Company's Graphite Creek Property, is expected to be processed into concentrate at a graphite processing plant. The proposed processing plant would be located on the Graphite Creek Property situated on the Seward Peninsula about 60 kilometers north of Nome, Alaska. CSG and other valueadded graphite products, would likely be manufactured from the concentrate at the Company's proposed graphite product manufacturing facility, the location of which is the subject of further study and analysis. The Company intends to make a production decision on the Project once a feasibility study is completed.

On Behalf of the Board of Directors

"Anthony Huston" (signed)

For more information on Graphite One Inc., please visit the Company's website, www.GraphiteOneInc.com or contact:

Anthony Huston

CEO, President & Director

Tel: (604) 889-4251

Email: AHuston@GraphiteOneInc.com

Investor Relations Contact

Tel: (604) 684-6730

GPH@kincommunications.com

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

This release includes certain statements that may be deemed to be forward-looking statements. All statements in this release, other than statements of historical facts, including the timing and completion of the Pre-Feasibility Study, timing of the Feasibility Study, receipt of regulatory approvals, implementation of a more established shipment program, exploration drilling, exploitation activities, future production, establishment of a processing plant, completion of a 2022 drill program, success of R&D efforts on multiple advanced graphite materials, and events or developments that the Company expects, are forward-looking statements. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include market prices, exploitation and exploration successes, continuity of mineralization, uncertainties related to the ability to obtain necessary permits, licenses and title and delays due to third party opposition, changes in government policies regarding mining and natural resource exploration and exploitation, and continued availability of capital and financing, and general economic, market or business conditions. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on this forward-looking information, which is given as of the date it is expressed in this press release, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking information, except as required by applicable securities laws. For more information on the Company, investors should review the Company's continuous disclosure filings that are available at www.sedar.com.

[1] See press releases - "Graphite One Announces Closing CA$10 million in Financings and Awarding of Options" (February 23, 2021), "Graphite One Announces Closing of $10.23 Million in Private Placement Offering" (August 12, 2021) and "Graphite One Announces Closing of Second Tranche of $998,000 in Private Placement Offering" (September 24, 2021).

[2] See press release - "Graphite One Completes 2021 Field Program at 100% Owned Graphite Creek Deposit, Alaska (October 13, 2021).

[3] https://www.iea.org/reports/the-role-of-critical-minerals-in-clean-energy-transitions/mineral-requirements-for-clean-energy-transitions

[4] https://pubdocs.worldbank.org/en/961711588875536384/Minerals-for-Climate-Action-The-Mineral-Intensity-of-the-Clean-Energy-Transition.pdf

[5] https://money.usnews.com/investing/news/articles/2021-12-15/china-ev-battery-makers-grapple-with-graphite-squeeze

SOURCE: Graphite One Inc.





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Hy-Vee started as a regional grocery store brand. Soon, the company plans to become a national one.

The West Des Moines-based supermarket chain intends to expand into four new states and build its third distribution center in Nashville, Tennessee, opening more than 20 new stores in the next four years.

The Des Moines Register obtained a video of Hy-Vee CEO Randy Edeker announcing plans to build the Tennessee distribution facility, which will initially service seven new stores in Indiana, Tennessee, Alabama and Kentucky, in 2023. Hy-Vee posted the video on Zipline, the companys internal communication platform for employees.

A spokesperson with Hy-Vee declined to comment on the expansion.

According to Edekers statements in the video, posted Wednesday, Dec. 8, Hy-Vee intends to open two stores in the Nashville metro area, one in Knoxville and one in Memphis, all in Tennessee, with additional stores landing in Huntsville, Alabama; Louisville, Kentucky; and Indianapolis, Indiana.

The new distribution facility in Nashville will be the company's first outside of Iowa, where it has similar facilities in Chariton and Cherokee. Hy-Vee had planned to open its third distribution center in Austin, Minnesota, but put that project on hold as it focused on building more fulfillment centers.

The new facility, Edeker said, will also supply Hy-Vee's stores in southern Missouri.

More: Hy-Vee adds telehealth, medication delivery services nationwide

This is the growth for the next 25 years for Hy-Vee in this territory, Edeker said on the video. If we can build out 50 stores in this market, we estimate that is $6 billion [in sales]. But overnight were going to go from a regional company to a national company. As we build our third DC [distribution center] in the Nashville market you will see us turn more into a national presence.

Edeker said Hy-Vee expects to build at least 21 stores in the four-state region by 2025. According to the video, select Hy-Vee employees will begin relocating to the Nashville region as early as January 2022.

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Currently, the company has more than 93,000 employees at more than 285 stores in eight Midwestern states: Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, South Dakota and Wisconsin.

Competition and future plans

A move to three southeastern states and Indiana would be Hy-Vees first venture outside of the Midwest and its first expansion into a new state since 2009, when the company opened in Wisconsin, the same year Edeker was tapped as the company's fourth president. Before that, Hy-Vee hadnt entered a new state since 1988, when it built a store in Kansas.

You take a look at this map and you see this massive hub of over 50 cities of over 150,000 that are within five hours of Nashville, Tennessee, and that is the strategy that we are starting to think about, Edeker said in the video, referencing a map of the southeast region the company is expanding into. We could open a new distribution facility in Nashville, Tennessee, or that vicinity, and then launch a dozen or so stores over the next two years in that market.

Edeker said in the video posted for employees that Hy-Vee doesn't currently have any plans to migrate down to Texas, where H-E-B, a San Antonio-based grocery store chain, dominates the market with 340 locations.

"Theyre a phenomenal competitor," Edeker said. "There are lots of weak competitors out there that we just dont need to go poke that bear, so we wont."

But with the new territory comes competition in the form of customers' brand loyalty and existing, legacy grocery stores.

Moving into the southeastern United States, Hy-Vee will face increased competition from Kroger, a Cincinnati-based supermarket chain with 2,742 stores in 35 states, and Publix Super Market, a Lakeland, Fla.-based chain with 1,294 stores in seven states.

Supermarket News' annual ranking of supermarkets reports Kroger's 2020 sales at $132.5 billion, while the publication says Publix's annual sales in 2020 are $44.86 billion. The publication estimated Hy-Vee's annual sales that same year at $12.15 billion.

Burt Flickinger, managing director of the Strategic Resource Group, a retail consulting firm based in New York, said it's "an interesting time for Hy-Vee to move south given their unbalanced, lack of success in the Minneapolis-St. Paul market."

"They never reached the size and scale in the state of Minnesota that they had hoped for because they just weren't able to compete head-to-head with a high volume of food operators in Minneapolis, most notably Costco and Target," Flickinger said.

Hy-Vee's growth in the state slowed since it launched in the Twin Cities market in 2014. Edeker previously told the Star Tribune that the company hoped the Twin Cities market would become Hy-Vee's largest. Earlier this year, the company opened its first new store there since 2019.

Opening stores, closing others

Hy-Vee's intention to open at least seven new stores by 2023 comes on the heels of its announcement to close four existing locations starting in January.

Two stores will permanently close: The only Iowa location affected is in Cedar Rapids, 279 Collins Road NE on Jan. 9. A Moline, Illinois, location at 750 42nd Ave. Drive will close on Jan. 1.

A Hy-Vee store in Kansas City, Missouri, will transition to a Wall to Wall Wine and Spirits location, and a store in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, will be renovated into a nonretail facility with a bakery area and a pharmacy fulfillment department.

The closures and store transitions will affect around 970 employees.

More: A $3,600 bottle of cognac, vegan wine: Hy-Vee's Wall to Wall Wine & Spirits opens in West Des Moines

"All employees affected will be offered positions with the same pay and benefits across the companys other stores in each respective market," Hy-Vee's statement announcing the closures said.

Tina Potthoff, a spokesperson for Hy-Vee, said, "unfortunately, the results at these locations have not consistently met our expected levels."

Hannah Rodriguez covers retail for the Register. Reach her at herodriguez@registermedia.com or on Twitter @byherodriguez.

This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Hy-Vee expanding to Tennessee, Indiana, Alabama, Kentucky in 2023
(Bloomberg) -- Japan should offer tax breaks in the next fiscal year and spur 10 trillion yen ($88 billion) in investment over the next decade to revive domestic chipmaking, according to the top adviser on a government semiconductor panel.

Most Read from Bloomberg

Roughly $7 billion in supplementary spending approved by the government this week should be just the start of its efforts to reverse decades of decline in the industry, said Tetsuro Higashi, the former chief of Tokyo Electron Ltd. and leading chip expert advising the Fumio Kishida administration.

I expect this level of funding to continue at least for the next few years, Higashi said in an interview on Monday. Without initial investment from the government, we wont be able to reach a point where private companies will put in the money. The government will have to play a central role until things are established.

Japan Approves $6.8 Billion Boost for Domestic Chip Industry

Higashi called for a combined 10 trillion yen of investment over a decade from the government and the private sector, echoing a target suggested a week earlier by Akira Amari, a senior member of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party. Prime Minister Kishida reportedly said more than 1.4 trillion yen of public-private investment will be made available for domestic semiconductor production.

Chip shortages that have disrupted global manufacturing during the pandemic have prompted nations to shore up domestic production and supply.

The U.S. is committing $52 billion to the task and attracting leading chipmakers Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. and Samsung Electronics Co. to set up new facilities within its borders.

Story continues

China has made semiconductor sovereignty a key pillar of its development goals. And TSMC and Samsung have set the pace of investment high by devoting hundreds of billions of dollars to improving and expanding their capabilities over the next few years.

After years of underinvestment and losing market share to regional rivals, Japan made reviving its chip industry a national project this year, aiming to boost the annual revenue of domestic semiconductor companies roughly three times to 13 trillion yen by 2030.

Japan Sets Goal of Tripling Domestic Chip Revenue by 2030

Marking a change from its previous practice of relying on domestic companies alone, Japan has pledged to cover half the cost of building TSMCs recently announced $7 billion fabrication facility in western Japan. Collaboration with the Apple Inc. chipmaker is seen as essential for revving up Japans chipmaking capacity in the next several years, Amari said earlier.

The next step for Japan is to make extra funding for chipmaking part of its regular budget rather than a one-off event, Higashi said. People wont take the government seriously until they see a substantial long-term commitment to the project, he said.

Exempting research and development costs from corporate income tax and cutting water and utility costs for chipmakers would also be worth consideration, according to Higashi.

It will take a decade or so for Japan to reach the front line of modern chipmaking, a goal that will dictate the fate of many aspects of its economy, from automated driving to health-care, Higashi said. Within that timespan, he wants to see mass production of 2- and 3-nanometer chips in Japan.

Unless Japan secures its industrial foundation, we will have to rely on others for chip intellectual property and they will take away all added value, he said. Various industries need to be mindful of that possibility.

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Rating Action: Moody's affirms the ratings of six Kazakhstani corporates; withdraws BCAsGlobal Credit Research - 23 Dec 2021London, 23 December 2021 -- Moody's Investors Service ("Moody's") has today affirmed the Baa2 ratings of KazMunayGas NC JSC (KMG), JSC NC KazTransGas (KTG), Intergas Central Asia (ICA), Kazatomprom JSC (KAP) and Kazakhstan Electricity Grid Operating Company (KEGOC). Moody's has also affirmed the Baa3 rating of the National Company Kazakhstan Temir Zholy JSC (KTZ). The outlook on these ratings remains stable. Concurrently, Moody's has withdrawn KMG's ba2 baseline credit assessment (BCA); KTG's, ICA's, KAP's and KEGOC's ba1 BCAs; and KTZ's b1 BCA, because it no longer classifies these entities as Government-Related Issuers (GRI). This follows Moody's assignment of ratings to these companies' parent company Kazakhstan's Sovereign Wealth Fund Samruk-Kazyna JSC (Samruk-Kazyna, Baa2 stable).Full details of the rating actions for the affected entities can be found at the end of this press release.RATINGS RATIONALEOn 24 September 2021, Moody's assigned a first-time long-term issuer rating to Samruk-Kazyna, which is 100% owned by the Government of Kazakhstan (Baa2 stable), under the GRI Methodology. Samruk-Kazyna owns 90.42% of KMG, 75% of KAP, 100% of KTZ, 90%+1 share of KEGOC and 100% of KTG, which in turn owns 100% of ICA. As a result, Moody's no longer rates KMG, KTG, ICA, KAP, KTZ and KEGOC under the GRI Methodology as Moody's does not normally designate subsidiaries of a GRI as also being GRIs. The removal of the GRI status has no rating implications on these corporates and their ratings have been affirmed accordingly. Moody's will continue to consider any benefits from indirect government ownership as well as support from Samruk-Kazyna and the government on a qualitative basis.KazMunayGas NC JSCKMG's Baa2 rating incorporates a standalone assessment which has the characteristics of a solid Ba profile, and several notches of uplift reflecting KMG's continued strategic importance to Samruk-Kazyna, and therefore, the Government of Kazakhstan (Baa2 stable).The Kazakh government, through Samruk-Kazyna, exerts strong influence over KMG's strategy and operations, including asset composition and allocation, management and appointment of board of directors, investments, financing policies and risk management.KMG's rating factors in the company's leading position in Kazakhstan's oil and gas industry; its large oil reserves and track record of sustainable production without OPEC+ restrictions; its pre-emptive right to acquire interests in various exploration and production licenses, and contracts or production sharing agreements (PSAs) when they are offered for sale; Moody's expectation that the company's credit metrics will moderately weaken in 2022 following the transfer of KMG's subsidiary KTG to Samruk-Kazyna in November 2021, but will remain commensurate with its rating; and the company's robust liquidity and long-term debt maturity profile.There is a potential for external influence by Samruk-Kazyna and the government which could materially change KMG's pool of core assets, strategy, financial and dividend policies. The company's rating factors in Moody's assumption that potential corporate actions and organisational developments, such as the privatisation of KMG and the execution of KMG's call option to acquire a 50% stake in KMG Kashagan B.V. (KBV) from Samruk-Kazyna would be prudently managed and not impair the current risk and credit profile of the company, and the level of state support embedded into the current rating. Any material deviations from the current financial policies, strategy, pool of core assets, operations, operating and financial performance and credit metrics, would be assessed separately.JSC NC KazTransGasKTG's Baa2 rating incorporates a standalone assessment which has the characteristics of a strong Ba profile, and several notches of uplift reflecting KTG's continued strategic importance to Samruk-Kazyna, and therefore, the Government of Kazakhstan (Baa2 stable).The Kazakh government, through Samruk-Kazyna, exerts strong influence over KTG's strategy and operations, including asset composition and allocation, management and appointment of board of directors, investments, financing policies and risk management.KTG's transfer to Samruk-Kazyna's direct ownership on 9 November 2021 was part of the government's strategy to develop KTG as a national operator specialising in gas exploration, production and transportation. While Moody's assumes no immediate changes to its assets, operations, strategy, financial and dividend policies, there is a potential for external influence by Samruk-Kazyna and the government which could materially change KTG's pool of core assets, strategy, financial and dividend policies.KTG's rating factors in the company's status as a national gas and gas pipelines' operator that is entitled to purchase all gas produced in Kazakhstan (except from production sharing agreements (PSAs)), responsible for gas distribution and gasification, and part to all international gas transmission agreements; its dominant position in the domestic market and lack of competition; its strong supply base and the high credit quality of its contractors; the government's supportive tariff policies; the high demand potential from China (A1 stable) and the domestic gas market; and its robust liquidity and solid credit metrics.KTG's rating also takes into account the company's dependence on state-regulated tariffs and prices of domestic operations; its sizeable share of domestic gas deliveries, which are less profitable than export sales; significant increase in the company's capital spending in 2022 to cover new midstream projects, which Moody's expects to be financed largely with debt, leading to a moderate weakening in its leverage and cash flow metrics; and governance risks related to the potential for external influence by Samruk-Kazyna and the government which could materially change KTG's pool of core assets, strategy, financial and dividend policies.Intergas Central AsiaICA's Baa2 rating incorporates a standalone assessment which has the characteristics of a strong Ba profile, and several notches of uplift reflecting ICA's continued strategic importance to Samruk-Kazyna, and therefore, the Government of Kazakhstan (Baa2 stable).The Kazakh government, through Samruk-Kazyna and ICA's direct 100% shareholder KTG, exerts strong influence over ICA's strategy and operations, including asset composition and allocation, management and appointment of board of directors, investments, financing policies and risk management.ICA's rating factors in the company's monopoly position in the international transit of gas through the Kazakhstan territory; its favourable transportation tariffs; its high-quality gas supplier base; and its geopolitical importance as the sole route of transportation of Central Asian gas to Russia and Europe.The rating also takes into account the risks associated with the company's dependence on and uncertainty regarding its medium-term contractual relationship with the Russian gas company Gazprom, PJSC (Gazprom, Baa2 stable), which remains one of its major contractors and sources of US dollar-denominated revenue; significant increase in the company's capital spending in 2022 to cover new midstream projects, which Moody's expects to be financed largely with debt, leading to a moderate weakening in its leverage and cash flow metrics; and the long-term risk of competition from contemplated pipeline projects in Central Asia.Kazatomprom JSCKAP's Baa2 rating incorporates a standalone assessment which has the characteristics of a strong Ba profile, and several notches of uplift reflecting KAP's continued strategic importance to Samruk-Kazyna, and therefore, the Government of Kazakhstan (Baa2 stable).The Kazakh government, through Samruk-Kazyna, exerts strong influence over KAP's strategy and operations, including asset composition and allocation, management and appointment of board of directors, investments, financing policies and risk management.KAP's rating factors in KAP's leading market share globally, its low-cost position (supported by the weak Kazakhstan tenge) and its long-term customer contracts. KAP is the largest producer in the global uranium market, with a 23% share of the world uranium production. The company benefits from its large reserve base, which is the second largest globally. The rating also takes into account KAP's limited business diversification (86% of sales are derived from uranium products), exposure to risks inherent to the uranium extraction process and sizeable dividend payments under the company's financial policy.National Company Kazakhstan Temir Zholy JSCKTZ's Baa3 rating incorporates a standalone assessment which has the characteristics of a strong B profile, and several notches of uplift reflecting KTZ's continued strategic importance to Samruk-Kazyna and, therefore, the Government of Kazakhstan (Baa2 stable).The Kazakh government, through Samruk-Kazyna, exerts strong influence over KTZ's strategy and operations, including asset composition and allocation, management and appointment of board of directors, investments, financing policies and risk management.The company's rating reflects the history of extraordinary state support extended by the Government of Kazakhstan to KTZ, and the likely willingness and ability of the state to continue to provide such support, directly or through Samruk-Kazyna, in the event of financial distress given the company's (1) position as the monopoly owner of rail transportation infrastructure and the largest provider of transportation services in Kazakhstan, and (2) its strategic and social importance to the state and the country's economic development. In addition, along with extraordinary, ordinary government support (via an approval of tariff indexation, state subsidies for loss-making operations and interest expenses, as well as equity injections/loans from the budget) remains a critical component of the rating.KTZ's rating factors in the company's historically weak standalone credit quality, driven by its susceptibility to macroeconomic and foreign-exchange-rate volatility and significant investment requirements. The company has been demonstrating gradual improvement in its financial profile and credit metrics over the last 18 months, with Moody's-adjusted debt/EBITDA reducing to 4.1x as of 30 September 2021 from 5.6x as of year-end 2019. This was driven by KTZ's increasing focus on deleveraging and debt portfolio optimisation. However, the leverage is likely to increase above 5.0x in 2022 due to lower earnings because of accelerated cost indexation, and recover to 4.0x-4.5x in 2023 as tariff indexation and low cost growth translate into EBITDA expansion.In addition, KTZ's rating reflects its fairly aggressive liquidity management. However, Moody's expects the company to address its refinancing risks successfully because of its historically proven access to bank and capital market financing, and state support.Kazakhstan Electricity Grid Operating CompanyKEGOC's Baa2 rating incorporates a standalone assessment which has the characteristics of a strong Ba profile, and several notches of uplift reflecting KEGOC's continued strategic importance to Samruk-Kazyna, and therefore, the Government of Kazakhstan (Baa2 stable).The Kazakh government, through Samruk-Kazyna, exerts strong influence over KEGOC's strategy and operations, including asset composition and allocation, management and appointment of board of directors, investments, financing policies and risk management. Furthermore, the government guaranteed 74% of the company's foreign-currency debt (24% of the total debt) as of 30 September 2021.KEGOC's standalone credit quality factors in the company's monopoly position as the owner and operator of essential national electricity infrastructure and its strong financial profile, underpinned by the tariff-setting mechanism that allows for full cost recovery, cost optimisation and a flexible investment programme. KEGOC's rating is constrained by the company's still-high, although decreasing, exposure to interest rate and foreign-currency risks, significant investment programme, as well as the strong political interference of the government in the regulation of the sector to balance the company's interests with those of the society. OUTLOOKS KazMunayGas NC JSC The stable outlook on KMG's rating is in line with the stable outlook on Kazakhstan's sovereign rating and the rating of Samruk-Kazyna, and reflects Moody's view that the company's specific credit factors, including operating and financial performance, credit metrics, market position and liquidity, will remain commensurate with its current rating on a sustainable basis; and there will be no weakening in the likelihood of support from Samruk-Kazyna and the government in the event of financial distress.JSC NC KazTransGasThe stable outlook on KTG's rating is in line with the stable outlook on Kazakhstan's sovereign rating and the rating of Samruk-Kazyna, and reflects Moody's view that the company's specific credit factors, including operating and financial performance, credit metrics, market position and liquidity, will remain commensurate with its current rating on a sustainable basis; and there will be no weakening in the likelihood of support from Samruk-Kazyna and the government in the event of financial distress.Intergas Central AsiaThe stable outlook on ICA's rating is in line with the stable outlook on Kazakhstan's sovereign rating, the rating of Samruk-Kazyna and the rating of ICA's direct parent KTG, and reflects Moody's view that the company's specific credit factors, including operating and financial performance, credit metrics, market position and liquidity, will remain commensurate with its current rating on a sustainable basis; and there will be no weakening in the likelihood of support from Samruk-Kazyna and the government in the event of financial distress.Kazatomprom JSCThe stable rating outlook on KAP's rating is in line with the stable outlook on Kazakhstan's sovereign rating, the rating of Samruk-Kazyna, and reflects Moody's view that KAP's specific credit factors, including its operating and financial performance, credit metrics, market position and liquidity, will remain commensurate with its rating on a sustainable basis, and there will be no weakening in the probability of support from Samruk-Kazyna and the government in the event of financial distress.National Company Kazakhstan Temir Zholy JSCThe stable outlook on KTZ's rating is in line with the stable outlook on Kazakhstan's sovereign rating, the rating of Samruk-Kazyna, and reflects Moody's view that KTZ's specific credit factors, including its operating and financial performance, credit metrics, market position and liquidity, will remain commensurate with its rating on a sustainable basis, and there will be no weakening in the probability of support from Samruk-Kazyna and the government in the event of financial distress. Moody's also expects KTZ to successfully address the refinancing risks related to substantial maturities due in Q2 2022.Kazakhstan Electricity Grid Operating CompanyThe stable outlook on KEGOC's rating is in line with the outlook on Kazakhstan's sovereign rating, the rating of Samruk-Kazyna, and incorporates Moody's assumption that the company will maintain strong standalone financial profile and healthy liquidity, and there will be no weakening in the probability of support from Samruk-Kazyna and the government in the event of financial distress.FACTORS THAT COULD LEAD TO AN UPGRADE OR DOWNGRADE OF THE RATINGSKazMunayGas NC JSCMoody's could upgrade KMG's rating if it were to upgrade Kazakhstan's sovereign rating and Samruk-Kazyna's rating, provided there is no weakening in the likelihood of support from Samruk-Kazyna and the government in the event of financial distress, and no significant deterioration in the company's operating and financial performance, market position and liquidity.Moody's could downgrade KMG's rating if it were to downgrade Kazakhstan's sovereign rating or Samruk-Kazyna's rating, or if it reassesses the likelihood of support from Samruk-Kazyna and the government in the event of financial distress to a weaker level. Moody's could also downgrade the rating if the company's Moody's-adjusted retained cash flow (RCF)/net debt were to decline below 15% on a sustained basis; or KMG group's business and risk profile weakens as a result of regulatory changes or corporate reorganisations leading to significantly weaker or more volatile cash flow generation, credit metrics and liquidity.JSC NC KazTransGasMoody's could upgrade KTG's rating if it were to upgrade Kazakhstan's sovereign rating and Samruk-Kazyna's rating, provided there is no weakening in the likelihood of support from Samruk-Kazyna and the government in the event of financial distress, and no significant deterioration in the company's operating and financial performance, market position and liquidity.Moody's could downgrade KTG's rating if it were to downgrade Kazakhstan's sovereign rating or Samruk-Kazyna's rating, or if it reassesses the likelihood of support from Samruk-Kazyna and the government in the event of financial distress to a weaker level. Moody's could also downgrade the rating if the company's (funds from operations [FFO] + interest expense)/interest expense declines below 4.0x, FFO/debt declines below 15% and retained cash flow (RCF)/debt declines below 12% (all metrics are Moody's-adjusted), all on a sustained basis, and liquidity deteriorates significantly.Intergas Central AsiaMoody's could upgrade ICA's rating if it were to upgrade Kazakhstan's sovereign rating, Samruk-Kazyna's rating and KTG's rating, provided there is no weakening in the likelihood of support from Samruk-Kazyna and the government in the event of financial distress, and no significant deterioration in the company's operating and financial performance, market position and liquidity.Moody's could downgrade ICA's rating if it were to downgrade Kazakhstan's sovereign rating or Samruk-Kazyna's rating or KTG's rating, or if it reassesses the likelihood of support from Samruk-Kazyna and the government in the event of financial distress to a weaker level. Moody's could also downgrade the rating if the company's operating and financial performance, market position and liquidity were to deteriorate significantly.Kazatomprom JSCMoody's could upgrade KAP's rating if it were to upgrade Kazakhstan's sovereign rating, Samruk-Kazyna's rating, provided long-term supply-demand balance for uranium is improving, there is no significant deterioration in the company's operating and financial performance, market position and liquidity, and no adverse changes in the probability of support from Samruk-Kazyna and the government in the event of financial distress.Moody's could downgrade KAP's rating if it were to downgrade Kazakhstan's sovereign rating or Samruk-Kazyna's rating, or if the company's operating and financial performance, market position and liquidity were to deteriorate significantly. A reassessment of the probability of support from Samruk-Kazyna and the government in the event of financial distress to a weaker level would also exert negative pressure on the rating.National Company Kazakhstan Temir Zholy JSCUpward rating pressure could emerge if Moody's were to upgrade Kazakhstan's sovereign rating and Samruk-Kazyna's rating assuming no change in the likelihood of support from Samruk-Kazyna and the government in the event of financial distress, but would, in any case, remain subject to a significant improvement in the company's standalone creditworthiness. In particular, a rating upgrade would require that the company establishes a sufficient track record of more stable operating performance, pursues prudent financial policy and liquidity management, and sustainably reduces its adjusted debt/EBITDA towards 4.0x through the economic and investment cycles.KTZ's rating could come under pressure if there were a downward reassessment of the government's and Samruk-Kazyna's ability and willingness to provide support. A deterioration in the company's standalone credit quality beyond levels commensurate with the strong B category and increased liquidity concerns could also lead to a rating downgrade.Kazakhstan Electricity Grid Operating CompanyAn upgrade of the government's rating and Samruk-Kazyna's rating could potentially lead to an upgrade of KEGOC's rating, provided that the company's standalone credit quality and liquidity remain solid and no adverse changes in the probability of support from Samruk-Kazyna and the government in the event of financial distress.Moody's could downgrade KEGOC's rating if it were to downgrade the government's rating or Samruk-Kazyna's rating, or if a significant deterioration in the company's financial profile, credit metrics, resulting in concerns over its liquidity. A reassessment of the probability of support from Samruk-Kazyna and the government in the event of financial distress to a weaker level would also exert negative pressure on the rating. LIST OF AFFECTED RATINGS Affirmations: ..Issuer: KazMunaiGaz Finance Sub B.V.....BACKED Senior Unsecured Medium-Term Note Program, Affirmed (P)Baa2..Issuer: KazMunayGas NC JSC....LT Issuer Rating, Affirmed Baa2....Senior Unsecured Medium-Term Note Program, Affirmed (P)Baa2....Senior Unsecured Regular Bond/Debenture, Affirmed Baa2..Issuer: JSC NC KazTransGas....LT Issuer Rating, Affirmed Baa2....BACKED Senior Unsecured Regular Bond/Debenture, Affirmed Baa2..Issuer: Intergas Central Asia....LT Issuer Rating, Affirmed Baa2..Issuer: Kazakhstan Electricity Grid Operating Company....LT Issuer Rating, Affirmed Baa2..Issuer: Kazatomprom JSC....LT Issuer Rating, Affirmed Baa2..Issuer: KTZ Finance LLC....BACKED Senior Unsecured Regular Bond/Debenture, Affirmed Baa3..Issuer: National Company Kazakhstan Temir Zholy JSC....LT Issuer Rating, Affirmed Baa3....BACKED Senior Unsecured Regular Bond/Debenture, Affirmed Baa3Outlook Actions:..Issuer: KazMunaiGaz Finance Sub B.V.....Outlook, Remains Stable..Issuer: KazMunayGas NC JSC....Outlook, Remains Stable..Issuer: JSC NC KazTransGas....Outlook, Remains Stable..Issuer: Intergas Central Asia....Outlook, Remains Stable..Issuer: Kazakhstan Electricity Grid Operating Company ....Outlook, Remains Stable ..Issuer: Kazatomprom JSC ....Outlook, Remains Stable ..Issuer: KTZ Finance LLC ....Outlook, Remains Stable ..Issuer: National Company Kazakhstan Temir Zholy JSC....Outlook, Remains StablePRINCIPAL METHODOLOGY The principal methodology used in rating KazMunayGas NC JSC and KazMunaiGaz Finance Sub B.V. was Integrated Oil and Gas Methodology published in September 2019 and available at https://www.moodys.com/researchdocumentcontentpage.aspx?docid=PBC_1172345. The principal methodology used in rating JSC NC KazTransGas and Intergas Central Asia was Natural Gas Pipelines published in July 2018 and available at https://www.moodys.com/researchdocumentcontentpage.aspx?docid=PBC_1113727. The principal methodology used in rating National Company Kazakhstan Temir Zholy JSC and KTZ Finance LLC was Surface Transportation and Logistics published in December 2021 and available at https://www.moodys.com/researchdocumentcontentpage.aspx?docid=PBC_1296092. The principal methodology used in rating Kazatomprom JSC was Mining published in October 2021 and available at https://www.moodys.com/researchdocumentcontentpage.aspx?docid=PBC_1292752. The principal methodology used in rating Kazakhstan Electricity Grid Operating Company was Regulated Electric and Gas Networks published in March 2017 and available at https://www.moodys.com/researchdocumentcontentpage.aspx?docid=PBC_1059225. Alternatively, please see the Rating Methodologies page on www.moodys.com for a copy of these methodologies. COMPANY PROFILESKazMunayGas NC JSC (KMG) is Kazakhstan's national oil and gas company. KMG is one of the largest producers of crude oil in Kazakhstan and also controls Kazakhstan's downstream sector. KMG is mandated by the state to protect the state's interests in the oil and gas sector. KMG is 100% owned by the Kazakh government, 90.42% via Samruk-Kazyna and 9.58% via the National Bank of the Republic of Kazakhstan. In the last 12 months that ended 30 September 2021, KMG produced 21.3 million tonnes (mt) of oil (2020: 21.75 mt; 2019: 23.62 mt) and 7.8 billion cubic meters (bcm) of gas (2020: 8.2 bcm; 2019: 8.5 bcm), and generated Moody's-adjusted EBITDA of KZT1.9 trillion (2020: KZT1.15 trillion; 2019: KZT2.0 trillion).JSC NC KazTransGas (KTG) is Kazakhstan's national company that engages in the transportation, sale, and, to a lesser extent, exploration and production of natural gas in Kazakhstan. KTG is Kazakhstan's national operator in gas transportation and manages the state's strategic interest in Kazakhstan's gas industry. Through its key subsidiary Intergas Central Asia (ICA, Baa2 stable), KTG transports transit Russian and Central Asian gas through Kazakhstan to Russia and Kazakhstan's gas to exports. Another key subsidiary of KTG, KTG Aimak, distributes and sells gas domestically. KTG is 100% owned by the Kazakh government via Samruk-Kazyna. In the 12 months that ended 30 June 2021, KTG generated revenue of KZT891.2 billion (2020: KZT945.5 billion) and Moody's-adjusted EBITDA of KZT491.8 billion (2020: KZT355.8 billion). In 2020, KTG transported 86.6 billion cubic metres (bcm) of gas via its trunk pipelines, sold 22.7 bcm of gas (of which 14.8 bcm was sold domestically) and produced 326 million cubic metres (mcm) of gas.Intergas Central Asia (ICA) is Kazakhstan's monopoly operator for pipeline gas transit. ICA's key assets include the Central Asia-Centre trunk pipeline with a throughput capacity of 47.2 billion cubic metres (bcm) per annum, which links Turkmenistan's and Uzbekistan's gas-producing provinces with Russia; and two parallel Soyuz and Orenburg-Novopskov gas pipelines with a throughput capacity of 40.4 bcm per annum, which are used for the transit of Russian gas through the Kazakhstan territory. ICA is 100% owned by the Kazakh government via Samruk-Kazyna and KTG. In the 12 months that ended 30 June 2021, ICA generated revenue of KZT216.7 billion and Moody's-adjusted EBITDA of KZT115.5 billion. In 2020, ICA transported 57.8 bcm of gas, of which 30.8 bcm was gas transit, 12.7 bcm was gas exports and 14.3 bcm was domestic transportation.Kazatomprom JSC (KAP), together with its subsidiaries, is the world's largest uranium producer and accounted for around 23% of the world's uranium production in 2020. KAP participates in a number of associates and joint ventures engaged in the uranium business, which contribute to the company's earnings through sizeable dividend payments. In addition, KAP is involved in the manufacturing of certain rare metal products, primarily tantalum and beryllium. Following its IPO in November 2018 and secondary public offerings in September 2019 and June 2020, KAP is currently 75% owned by the Kazakh government through the state-controlled Sovereign Wealth Fund Samruk-Kazyna, with the remaining 25% of KAP's shares in free float.National Company Kazakhstan Temir Zholy JSC (KTZ) is the vertically integrated monopoly owner and operator of the national rail network of the Republic of Kazakhstan, as well as the leading provider of freight and passenger rail transportation services in the country. The company is also an operator of several other key infrastructure assets such as sea ports. The sole shareholder of KTZ is JSC National Welfare Fund Samruk Kazyna. In the 12 months that ended 30 September 2021, the group generated revenue of around KZT1,290 billion and Moody's-adjusted EBITDA of KZT424 billion.Kazakhstan Electricity Grid Operating Company (KEGOC) is the System Operator of the Unified Power System (UPS) of Kazakhstan, and it owns and manages the assets of the National Power Grid (NPG) and operates most of the national electricity transmission grid in the country. The company operates as the natural monopoly. As of the end of 2020, the national transmission grid comprised around 26,998 kilometres (km) of high-voltage overhead lines of 0.4-1150 thousand volt (kV) and related infrastructure. Following KEGOC's IPO in December 2014, the Kazakhstan government, represented by Samruk-Kazyna, owns 90% + 1 share of the company's ordinary shares. The company's free-float shares listed on the Kazakhstan Stock Exchange account for around 10% of its share capital.REGULATORY DISCLOSURESFor further specification of Moody's key rating assumptions and sensitivity analysis, see the sections Methodology Assumptions and Sensitivity to Assumptions in the disclosure form. Moody's Rating Symbols and Definitions can be found at: https://www.moodys.com/researchdocumentcontentpage.aspx?docid=PBC_79004.For ratings issued on a program, series, category/class of debt or security this announcement provides certain regulatory disclosures in relation to each rating of a subsequently issued bond or note of the same series, category/class of debt, security or pursuant to a program for which the ratings are derived exclusively from existing ratings in accordance with Moody's rating practices. For ratings issued on a support provider, this announcement provides certain regulatory disclosures in relation to the credit rating action on the support provider and in relation to each particular credit rating action for securities that derive their credit ratings from the support provider's credit rating. For provisional ratings, this announcement provides certain regulatory disclosures in relation to the provisional rating assigned, and in relation to a definitive rating that may be assigned subsequent to the final issuance of the debt, in each case where the transaction structure and terms have not changed prior to the assignment of the definitive rating in a manner that would have affected the rating. For further information please see the ratings tab on the issuer/entity page for the respective issuer on www.moodys.com.For any affected securities or rated entities receiving direct credit support from the primary entity(ies) of this credit rating action, and whose ratings may change as a result of this credit rating action, the associated regulatory disclosures will be those of the guarantor entity. Exceptions to this approach exist for the following disclosures, if applicable to jurisdiction: Ancillary Services, Disclosure to rated entity, Disclosure from rated entity.The ratings have been disclosed to the rated entity or its designated agent(s) and issued with no amendment resulting from that disclosure.These ratings are solicited. Please refer to Moody's Policy for Designating and Assigning Unsolicited Credit Ratings available on its website www.moodys.com.Regulatory disclosures contained in this press release apply to the credit rating and, if applicable, the related rating outlook or rating review.Moody's general principles for assessing environmental, social and governance (ESG) risks in our credit analysis can be found at http://www.moodys.com/researchdocumentcontentpage.aspx?docid=PBC_1288235.The Global Scale Credit Rating on this Credit Rating Announcement was issued by one of Moody's affiliates outside the EU and is endorsed by Moody's Deutschland GmbH, An der Welle 5, Frankfurt am Main 60322, Germany, in accordance with Art.4 paragraph 3 of the Regulation (EC) No 1060/2009 on Credit Rating Agencies. Further information on the EU endorsement status and on the Moody's office that issued the credit rating is available on www.moodys.com.The below contact information is provided for information purposes only. Please see the ratings tab of the issuer page at www.moodys.com, for each of the ratings covered, Moody's disclosures on the lead rating analyst and the Moody's legal entity that has issued the ratings.The person who approved KazMunayGas NC JSC, KazMunaiGaz Finance Sub B.V., JSC NC KazTransGas, Intergas Central Asia, Kazatomprom JSC, Kazakhstan Electricity Grid Operating Company credit ratings is Victoria Maisuradze, Associate Managing Director, Corporate Finance Group, JOURNALISTS: 44 20 7772 5456, Client Service: 44 20 7772 5454. The person who approved National Company Kazakhstan Temir Zholy JSC, KTZ Finance LLC credit ratings is David G. Staples, MD-Corporate Finance, Corporate Finance Group, JOURNALISTS: 44 20 7772 5456, Client Service: 44 20 7772 5454.Please see www.moodys.com for any updates on changes to the lead rating analyst and to the Moody's legal entity that has issued the rating.Please see the ratings tab on the issuer/entity page on www.moodys.com for additional regulatory disclosures for each credit rating. Artem Frolov VP - Senior Credit Officer Corporate Finance Group Moody's Investors Service Limited, Russian Branch 7th floor, Four Winds Plaza 21 1st Tverskaya-Yamskaya St. Moscow 125047 Russia JOURNALISTS: 44 20 7772 5456 Client Service: 44 20 7772 5454 Victoria Maisuradze Associate Managing Director Corporate Finance Group JOURNALISTS: 44 20 7772 5456 Client Service: 44 20 7772 5454 Releasing Office: Moody's Investors Service Ltd. One Canada Square Canary Wharf London E14 5FA United Kingdom JOURNALISTS: 44 20 7772 5456 Client Service: 44 20 7772 5454  2021 Moodys Corporation, Moodys Investors Service, Inc., Moodys Analytics, Inc. and/or their licensors and affiliates (collectively, MOODYS). All rights reserved.CREDIT RATINGS ISSUED BY MOODY'S CREDIT RATINGS AFFILIATES ARE THEIR CURRENT OPINIONS OF THE RELATIVE FUTURE CREDIT RISK OF ENTITIES, CREDIT COMMITMENTS, OR DEBT OR DEBT-LIKE SECURITIES, AND MATERIALS, PRODUCTS, SERVICES AND INFORMATION PUBLISHED BY MOODYS (COLLECTIVELY, PUBLICATIONS) MAY INCLUDE SUCH CURRENT OPINIONS. MOODYS DEFINES CREDIT RISK AS THE RISK THAT AN ENTITY MAY NOT MEET ITS CONTRACTUAL FINANCIAL OBLIGATIONS AS THEY COME DUE AND ANY ESTIMATED FINANCIAL LOSS IN THE EVENT OF DEFAULT OR IMPAIRMENT. SEE APPLICABLE MOODYS RATING SYMBOLS AND DEFINITIONS PUBLICATION FOR INFORMATION ON THE TYPES OF CONTRACTUAL FINANCIAL OBLIGATIONS ADDRESSED BY MOODYS CREDIT RATINGS. 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Additions of Gagan Dhingra, VP of Accounting and Principal Accounting Officer, and Mustally Hussain, Managing Director, Global Treasurer and Head of Financial Services, strengthen financial arm of Lucid as a rapidly growing public company

NEWARK, Calif., Dec. 23, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Lucid Group (NASDAQ: LCID), which is setting new standards with its advanced luxury electric vehicles (EVs), today announced the appointment of Gagan Dhingra as Vice President of Accounting and Principal Accounting Officer, and Mustally Hussain as Managing Director, Global Treasurer and Head of Financial Services. Together, they bring decades of strategic leadership experience in building accounting and financial functions at various multi-national organizations.

Lucid Group (NASDAQ: LCID) today announced the appointment of Gagan Dhingra as Vice President of Accounting and Principal Accounting Officer, and Mustally Hussain as Managing Director, Global Treasurer and Head of Financial Services.

"I am thrilled to welcome Gagan and Mustally to Lucid as we embark on another year of unprecedented growth for the company," said Sherry House, CFO, Lucid Group. "With their leadership and deep expertise, we'll be able to further develop and maintain critical infrastructure within Lucid that will best serve our stakeholders against the backdrop of the company's global expansion and growing demand for its products."

Mr. Dhingra will be responsible for leading accounting, tax and internal control functions, reporting to Ms. House. He brings with him more than 20 years of experience in accounting and finance. Most recently, he served as Chief Accounting Officer at Anaplan, an enterprise software company where he was responsible for accounting, tax, treasury, stock administration and procurement functions. Prior to Anaplan, Gagan worked in various leadership roles with increased responsibilities at global organizations, including Seagate, McKesson, and Ernst & Young.

Mr. Hussain, also reporting to the CFO, will provide strategic leadership to the Treasury, Risk and Financial Services functions, He will be responsible for capital markets activities, banking relationships, global cash management, financial risk management, global insurance, and financial services including customer loans and leases. Additionally, he will focus on working capital management and help ensure continuous improvement of the balance sheet and cash flow with responsibility for optimizing the company's capital structure. Most recently, he served as Vice President & Treasurer at Herc Holdings Inc. and in leadership roles at Hyundai Capital America and National Grid.

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About Lucid Group

Lucid's mission is to inspire the adoption of sustainable energy by creating advanced technologies and the most captivating luxury electric vehicles centered around the human experience. The company's first car, Lucid Air, is a state-of-the-art luxury sedan with a California-inspired design that features luxurious full-size interior space in a mid-size exterior footprint. Underpinned by race-proven battery technology and proprietary powertrains developed entirely in-house, Lucid Air was named the 2022 MotorTrend Car of the Year. The Lucid Air Dream Edition features an official EPA estimated 520 miles of range or 1,111 horsepower. Customer deliveries of Lucid Air, which is produced at Lucid's new factory in Casa Grande, Arizona, are underway.

Media Contact

media@lucidmotors.com

Trademarks

This communication contains trademarks, service marks, trade names and copyrights of Lucid Group, Inc. and its subsidiaries (the "Company") and other companies, which are the property of their respective owners.

Forward-Looking Statements

This communication includes "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the "safe harbor" provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements may be identified by the use of words such as "estimate," "plan," "project," "forecast," "intend," "will," "expect," "anticipate," "believe," "seek," "target," "continue," "could," "may," "might," "possible," "potential," "predict" or other similar expressions that predict or indicate future events or trends or that are not statements of historical facts. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the Company's expectations related to the production and deliveries of the Lucid Air and Lucid Gravity, the performance, range, and other features of the Lucid Air, construction and expansion of the Company's AMP-1 manufacturing facility, the promise of the Company's technology, and the Company's ability to develop, maintain, and improve critical processes and infrastructure. These statements are based on various assumptions, and actual events and circumstances may differ. Forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including factors discussed in the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2021 under the heading "Risk Factors," as well as other documents of the Company that are filed, or will be filed, with the Securities and Exchange Commission. If any of these risks materialize or the Company's assumptions prove incorrect, actual results could differ materially from the results implied by these forward-looking statements. There may be additional risks that the Company does not presently know or that the Company currently believes are immaterial that could also cause actual results to differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements. In addition, forward-looking statements reflect the Company's expectations, plans or forecasts of future events and views as of the date of this communication. However, while the Company may elect to update these forward-looking statements at some point in the future, the Company specifically disclaims any obligation to do so. These forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as representing the Company's assessments as of any date subsequent to the date of this communication.

Cision

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SOURCE Lucid Group
LOS ANGELES, Dec. 23, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The Los Angeles Business Journal published its list of the "Leaders of Influence: Thriving in their 40's" today naming Ervin Cohen & Jessup Partner Michael Murphy. The Journal's Publisher and CEO says the feature highlights the top business professionals in Los Angeles who "demonstrate success inside business and throughout their communities."

"Michael is a savvy litigator and trial attorney who continually demonstrates his ability to deliver the Firm's clients with the highest degree of strategy and service," said Co-Managing Partner Randall Leff.

Murphy, a Partner in the firm's Litigation Department, was recognized for his work on matters involving corporate governance disputes, breaches of fiduciary duty, fraud, real estate, defamation, the anti-SLAPP statute, and trademark litigation. Murphy represents clients in a variety of industries including real estate development, cannabis and gaming (including litigation and regulation as to both), venture capital, software development, out of home advertising, printing, food and beverage, franchises, and participants in the business to business marketplace (including, most recently disputes arising from the PPE supply chain issues during the pandemic).

Murphy has a deep commitment to his community, which involves extensive participation in non-profit governance, fundraising and consulting. He regularly sits on non-profit boards, including his eight-year service as Board President of Being Alive, Los Angeles, a non-profit providing psychological care and other wellness services to people with HIV living below the poverty line. He is active in the homeless services community, having just raised $10,000 for Chrysalis as part of his participation in Ironman Arizona 2021.

After graduating from UC Berkeley School of Law, Murphy served as a law clerk to the Honorable Ronald Lee Gilman, of the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit.

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Ervin Cohen & Jessup LLP is a full-service firm that provides a broad range of business-related legal services including corporate law; litigation; intellectual property & technology law; real estate transactions, land use and finance; construction & environmental law; tax planning and controversies; employment law; health care law; bankruptcy, receivership and reorganization; and estate planning. For more information, visit http://www.ecjlaw.com/

Cision

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SOURCE Ervin Cohen & Jessup LLP
NEW ORLEANS, Dec. 22, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC ("KSF") and KSF partner, former Attorney General of Louisiana, Charles C. Foti, Jr., remind investors that they have until January 11, 2022 to file lead plaintiff applications in a securities class action lawsuit against Novavax, Inc. (NasdaqGS: NVAX), if they purchased the Company's securities between March 2, 2021 and October 19, 2021, inclusive (the "Class Period"). This action is pending in the United States District Court for the District of Maryland.

(PRNewsfoto/Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC)

What You May Do

If you purchased securities of Novavax and would like to discuss your legal rights and how this case might affect you and your right to recover for your economic loss, you may, without obligation or cost to you, contact KSF Managing Partner Lewis Kahn toll-free at 1-877-515-1850 or via email (lewis.kahn@ksfcounsel.com), or visit https://www.ksfcounsel.com/cases/nasdaqgs-nvax/ to learn more. If you wish to serve as a lead plaintiff in this class action, you must petition the Court by January 11, 2022 .

About the Lawsuit

Novavax and certain of its executives are charged with failing to disclose material information during the Class Period, violating federal securities laws.

On August 5, 2021, the Company disclosed another delay in filing the Emergency Use Authorization ("EUA") for its COVID-19 vaccine product candidate, NVX-CoV2373, from the third quarter of 2021 to the fourth quarter of 2021. On this news, Novavax's stock price fell $46.31 per share, or 19.61%, to close at $189.89 per share on August 6, 2021. Then, on October 19, 2021, Politico reported that anonymous sources stated that manufacturing issues could delay regulatory authorizations and approvals for NVX-CoV2373 until the end of 2022.

On this news, Novavax's shares plummeted $23.69 per share, or 14.76%, to close at $136.86 per share on October 20, 2021.

The case is Sinnathurai v. Novavax, et al., 21-cv-02910.

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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 recoveries for investment losses emanating from corporate fraud or malfeasance by publicly traded companies. KSF has offices in New York, California, Louisiana and New Jersey.

To learn more about KSF, you may visit www.ksfcounsel.com.

Contact:

Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC

Lewis Kahn, Managing Partner

lewis.kahn@ksfcounsel.com

1-877-515-1850

1100 Poydras St., Suite 3200

New Orleans, LA 70163

Cision

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SOURCE Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC
BELFAST, Ireland, December 23, 2021--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Options Technology, the leading provider of managed services to the global Capital Markets, presented a cheque for 6,000 to Northern Ireland Children's Hospice to help fund Horizon House and the Community Nursing teams over Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211223005274/en/

Options Technology, the leading provider of managed services to the global Capital Markets, presented a cheque for 6,000 to Northern Ireland Childrens Hospice to help fund Horizon House and the Community Nursing teams over Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. The Hospice provides specialist end-of-life care, home care, supported short breaks, and support to children with life-limiting and life-threatening illnesses at their Horizon House facility and through their Community Nursing team. It costs over 1,000 to provide 24 hours of care for one child at Horizon House. (Photo: Business Wire)

The Hospice provides specialist end-of-life care, home care, supported short breaks, and support to children with life-limiting and life-threatening illnesses at their Horizon House facility and through their Community Nursing team. It costs over 1,000 to provide 24 hours of care for one child at Horizon House.

Options, a global company with offices in eight key financial cities worldwide, first opened in Belfast in 2014. From their Belfast headquarters, the team has worked with Northern Ireland Hospice over a number of years, having taken part in their fundraising activities such as their Christmas Toy Appeal.

Options' President and Chief Executive Officer, Danny Moore, said, "We first became involved with the Children's Hospice in early 2019, and thoroughly enjoy working with this fantastic group of individuals who deliver such valuable support to families in difficult circumstances across Northern Ireland. Shortly before the pandemic, the team took part in the Hospice's Christmas Toy Appeal, and while we would have loved to donate toys again this year, this wasn't possible due to Covid concerns. We are still keen supporters of the Hospice and decided we would cover their running costs for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day."

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Mary McCall, Director of Commercial and Brand Development at Northern Ireland Hospice, added, "We are delighted to receive this donation from Options Technology. Due to ongoing COVID concerns and restrictions, 2021 has been a difficult year in the charity and fundraising sectors. It is only through the generous support from businesses like Options Technology that we can continue to provide care for families across Northern Ireland. We depend on donations like these to continue to provide specialist palliative care to children and infants with life-limiting and life-threatening conditions on a daily basis."

Today's news comes as the latest in a series of developments for Options, including the creation of 150 jobs in Belfast following the recent acquisition of ACTIV Financial, expansion into Canada with the Toronto Office Opening, and Thanksgiving donation to the Mourne Mountains Rescue Team.

About Options (www.options-it.com):

Options Technology is the No. 1 provider of IT infrastructure to global Capital Markets firms, supporting their operations and ecosystems.

Founded in 1993, the firm began life as a hedge fund technology services provider. Today, the company provides high-performance managed trading infrastructure and cloud-enabled managed services to over 200 firms globally, providing an agile, scalable platform in an Investment Bank-grade Cybersecurity wrapper.

Options clients include the leading global investment banks, hedge funds, funds of funds, proprietary trading firms, market makers, broker/dealers, private equity houses and exchanges. With offices in 8 key cities; New York, Toronto, Chicago, London, Belfast, Hong Kong, Singapore and New Zealand, Options are well placed to service their customers both on-site and remotely.

In 2019, Options secured a significant growth investment from Abry Partners, a Boston-based sector-focused private equity firm. This investment has enabled Options to considerably accelerate its growth strategy to invest further in its technology platform and expand its reach in key financial centres globally.

Options has been named among the UK's leading growth companies in the 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018 and 2017 Sunday Times HSBC International Track 200 league table.

For more on Options, please visit www.options-it.com, follow us on Twitter at @Options_IT and visit our LinkedIn page.

About Abry Partners (www.abry.com)

Abry is one of the most experienced and successful sector-focused private equity investment firms in North America. Since its founding in 1989, the firm has completed over $82 billion of leveraged transactions and other private equity or preferred equity placements. Currently, the firm manages over $5.0 billion of capital across their active funds.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211223005274/en/

Contacts

Page McLaughlin

Email: page.mclaughlin@options-it.com
Note: This article has been updated to include November data from Customs and Border Protection.

As experts sprint to learn more about the omicron variant first identified in South Africa, the U.S. has set travel restrictions on South Africa and other countries in the region to curb the spread of the variant.

President Joe Biden restricted travel on Nov. 26 from South Africa, Botswana, Lesotho, Eswatini, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia and Zimbabwe. Those restrictions are in effect until Biden chooses to end them.

More: Omicron spread in Austin likely after first Texas case confirmed, health leaders say

In a Nov. 29 tweet, Gov. Greg Abbott weighed in on the travel restrictions and linked the idea of people coming from South Africa and surrounding countries to illegal immigration. Abbott criticized Biden's travel and border policies in the tweet.

Over 50 illegal immigrants from South Africa and other South African countries under the Biden travel ban have been apprehended by CBP this year, with 18 being apprehended this month alone.



Biden's open border policies must end. pic.twitter.com/bGnhHRK0ui  Greg Abbott (@GregAbbott_TX) November 29, 2021

"Over 50 illegal immigrants from South Africa and other South African countries under the Biden travel ban have been apprehended by CBP this year, with 18 being apprehended this month alone," Abbott said in a tweet that gained traction online.

Customs and Border Protection told PolitiFact Texas it logged 39 encounters from January through October with migrants from southern Africa.

So where did Abbott's numbers come from? Let's take a look.

What Customs and Border Protection data indicates

Border Patrol data is collected and released by U.S. Customs and Border Protection. A Dec. 23 email from CBP states the agency had 25 encounters with people from southern African countries along the Southwest border in 2021 through November.

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In summarizing all encounters from the African continent, the agency said: "There were 336 encounters of individuals from Botswana, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Republic of South Africa, Eswatini (Swaziland), and Zimbabwe for CY21 through November at and between air, land and sea ports nationwide (25 along the SWB)."

CBP defines an "encounter" as a law enforcement action. Technically, that includes both apprehensions  defined as "the physical control or temporary detainment of a person who is not lawfully in the U.S. which may or may not result in an arrest"  and "expulsions," a measure implemented due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It also includes "inadmissibles," which are people seeking to enter the U.S. at a port of entry but who are determined to be "inadmissible."

Where did Abbott get his data?

A spokesperson for the governor's office indicated that the governor's referenced Border Patrol data, via the Texas Department of Public Safety. The department has access to this data through interagency operations, specifically "Operation Border Star."

Abbott's numbers came from a Dec. 1 executive report by the Texas Fusion Center, which "provides real-time intelligence support to law enforcement and public safety authorities" according to the Department of Public Safety's website. In other words, Texas has access to real-time data on border security.

The report indicated all numbers are "preliminary, unofficial, and subject to change" and included a chart of Border Patrol apprehensions by month through Nov. 28 of migrants from southern African countries in Texas sectors on the Southwest border.

The Texas preliminary data showed 39 apprehensions for January through October, which would be higher than CBP's reported number of 20 encounters along the Southwest land border for January through October.

Abbott said "over 50" because the November data in the Department of Public Safety's data logged 18 apprehensions, which Abbott also noted in the tweet. This 18 apprehensions would mean there were 57 apprehensions in Texas through Nov. 28.

Apprehensions does not necessarily equal the number of individuals who have been apprehended because a person can be apprehended more than once. Abbott referred to individual people in his tweet, and a Texas Public Safety spokesperson confirmed the agency's data refers to the apprehension of individuals. CBP said its data only refers to law enforcement actions, not individual people.

CBP's data from prior years

The breakdown of numbers from the Texas Department of Public Safety are high compared with recent fiscal year data for the Southwest border.

For example, from Oct. 1, 2019, to Sept. 30, 2020, Border Patrol data indicate there were six encounters with South African citizens on the Southwest border. If you include the northern border, there were eight total apprehensions or expulsions of South African citizens in fiscal year 2020.

But, for this calendar year, the agency's data indicates 13 apprehensions of South Africans in Texas sectors alone.

The Texas agency's numbers indicate 41 apprehensions of Malawi citizens, with 14 apprehensions of people from Malawi in November alone. In past fiscal years, there were no apprehensions of citizens from Malawi.

Ultimately, when Abbott tweeted, "Over 50 illegal immigrants from South Africa and other South African countries under the Biden travel ban have been apprehended by CBP this year, with 18 being apprehended this month alone" he was speaking ahead of the Customs and Border Protection's release of data.

As of Dec. 23, the CBP data through November indicates 25 encounters of people from southern African countries along the Southwest border, and Texas preliminary data through Nov. 28 suggested more than 50 apprehensions in Texas sectors along the border.

Sources

This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Explainer: Texas Gov. Greg Abbott's data on southern African migrants
Saudi Arabia Facility Management Market, By Service (Property, Cleaning, Security, Support, Catering & Others), By End User (Commercial, Industrial & Residential), By Region Competition, Forecast & Opportunities, 2026

New York, Dec. 23, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Reportlinker.com announces the release of the report "Saudi Arabia Facility Management Market, By Service, By End User, By Region Competition, Forecast & Opportunities, 2026" - https://www.reportlinker.com/p05774152/?utm_source=GNW



Saudi Arabia facility management market accounted for a value of USD22.71 billion in the year 2020 and is estimated to grow with a CAGR of 7.68% in the forecast years until 2026F. The growth of the Saudi Arabia facility management market can be associated with increasing demand for facility management for large infrastructure projects and increasing construction in the country, which is further driving the growth of the Saudi Arabia facility management market in the upcoming five years. Additionally, the incorporation of advanced technology like AI and internet-based services are further supporting the growth of the Saudi Arabia facility management market in the next five years. Also, the increasing penetration of the internet and increasing demand for smartphones and their applications to avail facility management services are also substantiating the growth of the Saudi Arabia facility management market in the future five years. Increasing industrialization and digitization of services also facilitate the growth of the Saudi Arabia facility management market in the forecast years until 2026. The increasing number of market players functioning and providing facility management services also aid to the growth of the Saudi Arabia facility management market in the forecast period. Expanding demand for the services in corporate offices and expanding the tourism industry in the country further substantiates the growth of the Saudi Arabia facility management market in the upcoming five years.

The Saudi Arabia facility management market is segmented by service, end user, competitional analysis, and regional distribution.Based on services, the market is further segmented into property, cleaning, security, support, catering & others.



Property sub-segment of the service segmentation is anticipated to register the largest revenue shares of the market and dominate the market segment in the upcoming five years on account of the increasing construction of commercial and residential complexes in the country.The rising population of the country is further anticipated to support the growth of the Saudi Arabia facility management market in the next five years.



The cleaning sub-segment is anticipated to draw significant growth in the future five years due to increasing demands from the high-rise corporate & residential sectors. Increasing demand and rising awareness among the population regarding hygiene is further expected to support the growth of the sub-segment as well as the growth of the Saudi Arabia facility management market in the forecast years.

Based on end user, the market is fragmented into commercial, industrial & residential.Commercial end users are expected to dominate the market in the future five years on account of increasing commercial complexes and corporate offices.



The rising population of the country is expected to aid the growth of the residential sub-segment growth along with the growth of the Saudi Arabia facility management market in the forecast period.

Leading companies operating in the Saudi Arabia facility management market include Saudi EMCOR Company Ltd (EFS Facility Management), Khidmah LLC, Enova Facilities Management Services LLC, Muheel Services For Maintenance & Operations LLC, Musanadah Facilities Management Company Ltd., Al Mahmal Facilities Services, Al Khozama Facility Management Services, Five Moons Company Ltd., Takamul AlOula Facility Management, Al Borj Facility Management, Saudi Binladin Group Operation & Maintenance, and others.



Years Considered for this Report:



Historical Years: 2016-2019

Base Year: 2020

Estimated Year: 2021

Forecast Period: 2022-2026



Objective of the Study:



 The primary objective of the study is to understand and gain insights about Saudi Arabia Facility Management Market by value and its segmental analysis by service, by end user, by region from 2016-2026.

 To analyze the historical growth in market size of Saudi Arabia Facility Management Market from 2016 to 2020.

 To estimate and forecast the market size of Saudi Arabia Facility Management Market from 2021 to 2026 and growth rate until 2026.

 To project the size of Saudi Arabia Facility Management Market, in terms of value, with respect to key services such as property, cleaning, security, catering, support and others.

 To understand the regional market structure of Saudi Arabia Facility Management Market, which is segmented into four regions, namely  Makkah, Riyadh, Eastern Province and Rest of Saudi Arabia.

 To identify the detailed information about the prime factors affecting the Saudi Arabia Facility Management Market.

 To evaluate competitive pricing, average market selling prices and margins in the Saudi Arabia Facility Management market.

 To examine competitive developments such as new services, new entrants, government policy and investments in the Saudi Arabia Facility Management market.

 To strategically profile the leading players in the market which are involved in facility management in Saudi Arabia.

To analyze and forecast Saudi Arabia Facility Management Market, both top-down and bottom-up approaches have been used.Multiple employees from the leading companies have been interviewed through telephonic conversations to extract and verify the information being collected at the source.



A brief study of the major players operating in Saudi Arabia Facility Management Market was also undertaken.Moreover, a detailed and in-depth scrutiny of information was done to understand each policy and external or internal factor which could increase or decrease the demand for facility management services in Saudi Arabia.



To extract data, primary surveys were conducted with key players and stakeholders in the industry. The future of major players was studied and projects which have commissioned in the country were identified.

Various secondary sources such as company websites, news articles, press releases, company annual reports, investor presentations and financial reports were also studied by the analyst.



Key Target Audience:



 Facility management companies

 Service providers of facility management such as property, cleaning, security, catering and support services.

 Research organizations and consulting companies

 Associations, organizations, forums and alliances related to facility management

 Government bodies such as regulating authorities and policy makers

 Industry associations

 Market research and consulting firms

The study is useful in providing answers to several critical questions that are important for industry stakeholders such as facility management companies, service providers, customers, policy makers and which market segments should be targeted over the coming years (next two to five years) in order to strategize investments and capitalize on the growth of the market.



Report Scope:



In this report, Saudi Arabia Facility Management Market has been segmented into the following categories in addition to the industry trends which have also been listed below:

 Saudi Arabia Facility Management Market, By Service:

o Property

o Cleaning

o Security

o Support

o Catering

o Others

 Saudi Arabia Facility Management Market, By End User:

o Commercial

o Industrial

o Residential

 Saudi Arabia Facility Management Market, By Region:

o Makkah

o Riyadh

o Eastern Province

o Rest of Saudi Arabia



Competitive Landscape



Company Profiles: Detailed analysis of the major companies present in Saudi Arabia Facility Management Market.

Voice of Customer: Brand Satisfaction Level wrt Availability, Brand Satisfaction Level wrt Mode of distribution, Brand Satisfaction Level wrt Pricing, Brand Satisfaction Level wrt Sales service are the major factors affecting decision related to facilities management for various users in Saudi Arabia.



Available Customizations:



With the given market data, we offers customizations according to a companys specific needs. The following customization options are available for the report:



Company Information



 Detailed analysis and profiling of additional market players (up to five).

Read the full report: https://www.reportlinker.com/p05774152/?utm_source=GNW



About Reportlinker

ReportLinker is an award-winning market research solution. Reportlinker finds and organizes the latest industry data so you get all the market research you need - instantly, in one place.



__________________________

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CONTACT: Clare: clare@reportlinker.com US: (339)-368-6001 Intl: +1 339-368-6001




New York, New York--(Newsfile Corp. - December 23, 2021) - ShibRWD ($SRWD), is pleased to update the community about its recent listing on CoinMarketCap & Crypto.com.





ShibRWD

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/8498/108417_123%20purple%20shib.jpg

ShibRWD, a 100% community-driven token, is looking to bring real value for the investors and further expand & empower the SHIB Ecosystem. ShibRWD has been able to grow and strengthen the ecosystem established by the Shiba Inu community: a project built on the foundation of community involvement.

ShibRWD has created a token which generates dividends in the form of reflections in the Shiba Inu Token. Through the execution of a 12% tax on every transaction, purchase, sale and transfers, the $SRWD holders are rewarded with 4% reflections in $SHIB..

$SRWD is supporting the $SHIB community. The smart contract hardcoded in the DNA of ShibRWD token, has purchased in excess of $100,000 since the day of token launch, December 17th 2021 at 9AM PST. These transactions can be found on etherscan at the following link: https://etherscan.io/tokentxns?a=0xded052b7d7faed8503156798a9eabd827d07c3f5.

The team's goal for this project is to reach a minimum purchase of $1,000,000 per day of $SHIB from the open market as it increases the number of $SRWD investors and distributes the $SHIB dividend purchased to holders, thereby increasing the price of $SHIB and reducing the circulating number of tokens, hence increasing the value of their reflections.

The Founding Members:

The team behind the success of ShibRWD is not anonymous. The team members are fully doxed and KYC Verification. They have the requisite experience and track record to develop, launch and promote successful crypto-related projects.

Co-Founded by Mr. Calvin Sanchez (KYC VERIFIED), a fintech expert, the team members have come together to build an ecosystem where every community member is uplifted and valued.

Story continues

The other Co-Founder is Mr. Amir Shoolestani (KYC VERIFIED), founder of a successful social media influencer marketing company with a Masters in Engineering.

The Current purchasing options for ShibRWD ($SRWD) Token:

Uniswap:

Token Contract Address: 0xa518c9f3724cced4715e6813858dc2ce9b21ed78

Flooz.trade:

https://www.flooz.trade/wallet/0xa518c9f3724cced4715e6813858dc2ce9b21ed78

Social Media Accounts:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/shib_reward

Telegram: https://t.me/shibrwd

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shibrewards

Media Contact:

Company: ShibRWD

Contact Name: Calvin Sanchez

E-mail: admin@shibrwd.com

Website: http://www.shibrwd.com/

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/108417
OTTAWA, ON, Dec. 22, 2021 /CNW/ - The sustainable and responsible management of our ocean ecosystems is a priority for me as Minister, and our government is committed to protecting and regenerating wild salmon stocks. In December 2020, Minister Jordan announced the licences for open-net pen salmon farms in the Discovery Islands would only be renewed until the summer of 2022. This has resulted in a reduction of more than 3.5 million farmed salmon in the Discovery Islands since December 2020, and I will ensure the decision to phase out these 19 open-net pen farms is carried on to completion.

Yellow Island Aquaculture recently submitted an application for a Fish Transfer Licence at their Discovery Islands site, a requirement before transferring any fish. The Yellow Island site supports a multi-year research program that has studied the effects of pre-biotics and probiotics on Chinook salmon since 2018. The information collected here will contribute to improved understanding of salmon immunity. The scientists conducting the study requested a transfer of 3,000 Chinook salmon smolts from their hatchery to their Discovery Islands facility for an additional two months, to ensure they have consistent, reliable data for this year of their study. After carefully reviewing their application, and given the time-limited nature of the request, I have granted the licence extension and transfer permit, in the interest of ocean science.

All requests to transfer fish to sites in the Discovery Islands are reviewed based on the individual merits of the application; all previous applications to transfer fish into the Discovery Islands have been denied. Reviews include input from First Nations and consideration of environmental, scientific and socio-economic factors. As new research and information becomes available, the Department will continue adapting its measures to protect and restore wild salmon populations.

Canada can be a global leader in sustainable aquaculture when done in collaboration with Indigenous peoples, industry, local communities and local governments. We remain committed to responsibly transitioning from open-net pen salmon farming in all coastal British Columbia waters and introducing Canada's first-ever Aquaculture Act, which will respect jurisdictions, and provide more transparency and certainty within the industry.

Story continues

Stay Connected

Follow Fisheries and Oceans Canada on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.

Follow the Canadian Coast Guard on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.

SOURCE Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) Canada

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View original content: http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/December2021/22/c5915.html
(Bloomberg) -- Tesla Inc. has agreed to take the majority of battery-ready graphite from a production facility planned in Louisiana, as it races to secure supplies of the key material in a market dominated by China.

Most Read from Bloomberg

Melbourne-based Syrah Resources Ltd. will supply Elon Musks company with graphite anode material for an initial four years, with an option to buy additional volumes subject to further expansion at Syrahs Vidalia plant, the Australian company said in a statement. The Louisiana facility is planned to process graphite from Mozambique to become the first U.S.-based source of graphite anodes for the countrys fast-growing electric vehicle and lithium-ion battery manufacturing industry.

The deal with Tesla would help underpin a final investment decision on the production plant expected next month and help secure local supply, Syrahs Managing Director Shaun Verner said by telephone. China produces almost all of the graphite used in producing materials for anodes, demand for which is forecast to increase fivefold by the end of the decade, according to BloombergNEF.

Such concentration poses a risk to rivals looking to build domestic battery supply chains, such as the U.S. and Europe, BNEF said in a Dec. 2 report.

Earlier this month, Tesla asked the U.S. government to waive tariffs on graphite from China, saying it couldnt access enough of the material from elsewhere. Vidalias initial 10,000 ton-a-year production rate would be able to supply about 3% of U.S.-based battery demand by 2025, according to industry estimates cited in a Syrah presentation.

The top battery and EV manufacturers are scouring the planet to secure supplies of battery materials such as lithium, cobalt, nickel and graphite as the global push toward a greener future fires up demand at a time of constrained supply exacerbated by the pandemic. Tesla in July struck a major nickel offtake deal with BHP Group, the worlds biggest mining company.

Story continues

READ: Metals Key for EVs Will Be Pricier for Longer After Record Year

Syrah will supply Vidalia with graphite from its Balama operation in Mozambique, which was restarted in March after being suspended in 2020 due to impacts from Covid-19. The long-term plan is to expand output at Vidalia to a minimum 40,000 tons per annum by the middle of the decade, Verner said.

Syrahs shares jumped as much as 35% on Thursday following the announcement -- the most since March 2020 -- before being placed on a trading halt pending a statement from the company on further information regarding the announcement.

(Updates with Syrah trading halt in last paragraph)

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2021 Bloomberg L.P.
A money changer holds Turkish lira and U.S. dollar banknotes at a currency exchange office in Ankara

By Orhan Coskun, Nevzat Devranoglu and Ebru Tuncay

ANKARA (Reuters) -Turkey's state banks aggressively sold dollars this week, boosting a rally in the lira after President Tayyip Erdogan announced a deposit-protection scheme meant to stem a currency crisis, according to four sources familiar with the moves.

The selling coincided with a drop in the central bank's foreign reserves, according to official data and a trader who told Reuters they declined by nearly $6 billion on Monday and Tuesday alone.

A second source, a chief bank advisor, said state bank interventions on Monday and Tuesday totalled $3 billion. The other two sources, including a senior Turkish official, said the interventions were intense and extended later in the week.

The three big state banks - Ziraat Bank, Vakif Bank and Halk Bank - did not immediately comment on possible interventions. The central bank was not immediately available to comment.

The lira has soared more than 50% this week, rebounding from record lows, after Erdogan late on Monday announced a scheme in which the Treasury and central bank would guarantee some local currency deposits against depreciation losses.

In 2019-2020, the central bank backed, via swaps, the sale of some $128 billion via state banks to stabilize the lira, depleting Turkey's foreign reserves. Earlier this year, the sales emerged as a focus of what the political opposition calls government mismanagement.

To address the latest market turmoil, the central bank has announced five direct market interventions this month that bankers say totalled between $6-$10 billion. It has made no intervention notices this week.

Official data shows that the bank's net foreign reserves dropped to $12 billion last week, from $21 billion a week earlier, as the interventions weighed.

The government says the deposit-protection scheme encourages Turks to hold lira rather than hard currencies, which account for more than half of local savings.

Analysts have warned that if the lira's rally fizzles and reverses, the scheme could further stoke inflation, add to public debt, and eat into foreign reserves.

Story continues

Faik Oztrak, spokesperson for the main political opposition CHP, said on Twitter the lira shot up "apparently due to selling foreign currency through the back door again," citing a $6-billion drop in net reserves on Monday and Tuesday.

Ziraat Chief Executive Alpaslan Cakar, who also heads the Turkish Banks Association, said the overall dollar-selling pressure amounted to about $1 billion in markets on Monday after Erdogan's announcement.

(Reporting by Orhan Coskun, Nevzat Devranoglu and Ebru Tuncay; Writing by Jonathan Spicer;Editing by Bernadette Baum)
In the news release, VANGUARD INVESTMENTS CANADA ANNOUNCES ESTIMATED 2021 ANNUAL CAPITAL GAINS DISTRIBUTIONS FOR THE VANGUARD ETFs, issued 22-Dec-2021 by Vanguard Investments Canada Inc. over CNW, we are advised by the company that the Estimated annual capital gain per unit for each ticker symbol was incorrect and has been updated below. The complete, corrected release follows:

VANGUARD INVESTMENTS CANADA ANNOUNCES ESTIMATED 2021 ANNUAL CAPITAL GAINS DISTRIBUTIONS FOR THE VANGUARD ETFs

TORONTO, Dec. 22, 2021 /CNW/ - Vanguard Investments Canada Inc. today announced the estimated annual capital gains distributions for the Vanguard ETFs listed below for the 2021 tax year. This is an update to the estimated annual capital gains distributions announced on November 16, 2021. Please note that these are estimated amounts only, as of December 15, 2021, and could change if the Vanguard ETFs experience subscriptions or redemptions prior to the ex-dividend date.

These estimates are for the year-end capital gains distributions only, which will be re-invested and the resulting units immediately consolidated, so that the number of units held by each investor will not change. These estimates do not include estimates of ongoing monthly or quarterly cash distribution amounts, which are reported in a separate press release.

Vanguard Investments Canada Inc. expects to announce the final year-end distribution amounts for all ETFs (with the exception of VBU, VBG and VGAB, which will be announced on December 23, 2021) on or about December 30, 2021. The ex-dividend date for the 2021 year-end distributions for these ETFs will be December 30, 2021. The record date will be December 31, 2021 and payable on January 10, 2022. The actual taxable amounts of reinvested capital gains distributions for 2021, including the tax characteristics of the distributions, will be reported to brokers (through CDS Clearing and Depository Services Inc.) in early-2022.

Story continues

Vanguard ETF TSX

Ticker

Symbol Estimated annual

capital gain per

unit as of

December 15,

2021 ($) Vanguard FTSE Canada Index ETF VCE 0.414263 Vanguard FTSE Canada All Cap Index ETF VCN 0.235934 Vanguard FTSE Canadian High Dividend Yield Index ETF VDY 0.158938 Vanguard FTSE Canadian Capped REIT Index ETF VRE 0.000000 Vanguard S&P 500 Index ETF VFV 0.014576 Vanguard U.S. Dividend Appreciation Index ETF VGG 0.064865 Vanguard U.S. Dividend Appreciation Index ETF (CAD-hedged) VGH 1.344634 Vanguard S&P 500 Index ETF (CAD-hedged) VSP 1.286167 Vanguard U.S. Total Market Index ETF VUN 0.012698 Vanguard U.S. Total Market Index ETF (CAD-hedged) VUS 2.131888 Vanguard FTSE Developed Asia Pacific All Cap Index ETF VA 0.000000 Vanguard FTSE Developed All Cap ex U.S. Index ETF VDU 0.014967 Vanguard FTSE Developed Europe All Cap Index ETF VE 0.000000 Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets All Cap Index ETF VEE 0.010117 Vanguard FTSE Developed All Cap ex U.S. Index ETF (CAD-hedged) VEF 1.924079 Vanguard FTSE Developed All Cap ex North America Index ETF (CAD-hedged) VI 1.344404 Vanguard FTSE Developed ex North America High Dividend Yield Index ETF VIDY 0.000000 Vanguard FTSE Developed All Cap ex North America Index ETF VIU 0.105583 Vanguard FTSE Global All Cap ex Canada Index ETF VXC 0.202113 Vanguard Canadian Aggregate Bond Index ETF VAB 0.000000 Vanguard Canadian Corporate Bond Index ETF VCB 0.000000 Vanguard Canadian Government Bond Index ETF VGV 0.000000 Vanguard Canadian Long-Term Bond Index ETF VLB 0.000000 Vanguard Canadian Short-Term Bond Index ETF VSB 0.000000 Vanguard Canadian Short-Term Corporate Bond Index ETF VSC 0.000000 Vanguard Balanced ETF Portfolio VBAL 0.290468 Vanguard Conservative Income ETF Portfolio VCIP 0.190490 Vanguard Conservative ETF Portfolio VCNS 0.274859 Vanguard All-Equity ETF Portfolio VEQT 0.130114 Vanguard Growth ETF Portfolio VGRO 0.223205 Vanguard Retirement Income ETF Portfolio VRIF 0.127431 Vanguard Global Momentum Factor ETF VMO 3.107328 Vanguard Global Value Factor ETF VVL 0.269483 Vanguard Global Minimum Volatility ETF VVO 0.000000

Forward-looking information

This notice contains forward-looking statements with respect to the estimated 2021 year-end capital gains distributions for the Vanguard ETFs. By their nature, these forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause the actual distributions to differ materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking statements. Material factors that could cause the actual distributions to differ from the estimated distributions include, but are not limited to, the actual amounts of distributions received by the Vanguard ETFs, portfolio transactions, currency hedging transactions, and subscription and redemption activity.

To learn more about TSX-listed Vanguard ETFs, please visit www.vanguard.ca

About Vanguard

Canadians own CAD $68 billion in Vanguard assets, including Canadian and U.S.-domiciled ETFs and Canadian mutual funds. Vanguard Investments Canada Inc. manages CAD $47 billion in assets (as of November 30, 2021) with 37 Canadian ETFs and six mutual funds currently available. The Vanguard Group, Inc. is one of the world's largest investment management companies and a leading provider of company-sponsored retirement plan services. Vanguard manages USD $8.2 trillion (CAD $10.5 trillion) in global assets, including over USD $2.1 trillion (CAD $2.4 trillion) in global ETF assets (as of November 30, 2021). Vanguard has offices in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Europe, Australia and Asia. The firm offers 421 funds, including ETFs, to its more than 30 million investors worldwide.

Vanguard operates under a unique operating structure. Unlike firms that are publicly held or owned by a small group of individuals, The Vanguard Group, Inc. is owned by Vanguard's U.S.-domiciled funds and ETFs. Those funds, in turn, are owned by Vanguard clients. This unique mutual structure aligns Vanguard interests with those of its investors and drives the culture, philosophy, and policies throughout the Vanguard organization worldwide. As a result, Canadian investors benefit from Vanguard's stability and experience, low-cost investing, and client focus. For more information, please visit vanguardcanada.ca.

Commissions, management fees, and expenses all may be associated with investment funds. Investment objectives, risks, fees, expenses, and other important information are contained in the prospectus; please read it before investing. Investment funds are not guaranteed, their values change frequently, and past performance may not be repeated. Vanguard Funds are managed by Vanguard Investments Canada Inc., an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of The Vanguard Group, Inc., and are available across Canada through registered dealers.

London Stock Exchange Group companies include FTSE International Limited ("FTSE"), Frank Russell Company ("Russell"), MTS Next Limited ("MTS"), and FTSE TMX Global Debt Capital Markets Inc. ("FTSE TMX"). All rights reserved. "FTSE", "Russell", "MTS", "FTSE TMX" and "FTSE Russell" and other service marks and trademarks related to the FTSE or Russell indexes are trademarks of the London Stock Exchange Group companies and are used by FTSE, MTS, FTSE TMX and Russell under licence. All information is provided for information purposes only. No responsibility or liability can be accepted by the London Stock Exchange Group companies nor its licensors for any errors or for any loss from use of this publication. Neither the London Stock Exchange Group companies nor any of its licensors make any claim, prediction, warranty or representation whatsoever, expressly or impliedly, either as to the results to be obtained from the use of the FTSE Indexes or the fitness or suitability of the Indexes for any particular purpose to which they might be put.

The S&P 500 Index is a product of S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC ("SPDJI"), and has been licensed for use by The Vanguard Group, Inc. (Vanguard). Standard & Poor's, S&P and S&P 500 are registered trademarks of Standard & Poor's Financial Services LLC ("S&P"); Dow Jones is a registered trademark of Dow Jones Trademark Holdings LLC ("Dow Jones"); and these trademarks have been licensed for use by SPDJI and sublicensed for certain purposes by Vanguard. Vanguard ETFs are not sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by SPDJI, Dow Jones, S&P, their respective affiliates, and none of such parties make any representation regarding the advisability of investing in such product(s) nor do they have any liability for any errors, omissions, or interruptions of the S&P 500 Index.

SOURCE Vanguard Investments Canada Inc.

Cision

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Driskell and Thomas would exhibit their work in Washington galleries and he would curate several of her exhibits. In one catalogue, he would describe her as long gone, into the cosmic order where form, color, and texture dominate, the likes of which takes anyone by surprise. . . . Atmosphere, wind, flowers, a rustling breeze, all romantically tell us that Alma Thomas still paints from the heart. Sharing their love of the natural world, Thomas Blue Abstraction (1961) shown beside Driskells Pine Trees #5 (1959) is one of the examples of their connections within the two exhibits.

Projected on a wall on the stairwell exit of the two exhibits is Amalgama Phillips, a digital intersection work by Daniel Canogar. The seamless blend of 550 works from The Phillips Collection into a rich abstract animation, constantly producing new configurations driven by an algorithm, is a playful display of art evolving and the connections of what works share with each other.
According to the report, the trooper said Cuomo ran the palm of his left hand across her abdomen, to her belly button and then to her right hip, where she kept her gun, while she held a door open for him as he left an event at Belmont Park on Sept. 23, 2019.

Cuomo was at the state-owned racetrack, home to the last leg of horse racings Triple Crown, to break ground on a new arena for the NHL's New York Islanders. The arena, adjacent to the track's main grandstand and paddock, opened last month.

The trooper, a member of Cuomo's security detail, told James' investigators that Cuomo's conduct at the event made her feel completely violated because to me, like thats between my chest and my privates.

James' report said that although the trooper was upset by Cuomo's unwanted touching, she did not feel she could do anything about it.

Im a trooper, newly assigned to the travel team. Do I want to make waves? No, she said, according to the report. Ive heard horror stories about people getting kicked off the detail or transferred over like little things. ... I had no plans to report it.
We arrived in camp about 11 oclock yesterday morning.  (My tentmates) are all Dodge City boys and the best bunch of fellows in camp. It wont be like home, but under the conditions we can make out fairly well.

 Pvt. Harvey Myers

Company D, 137th Infantry Regiment

Kansas National Guard

Coldwater (Kansas) Western Star, Jan. 24, 1941

***

If his Kansas buddies ever talked about their surprise Christmas in North Platte, Harvey Junior Myers might have marveled at what he missed.

Myers, then in advanced training at Fort Benning, Georgia, wasnt on the troop train that stopped with the wrong National Guard Company D at North Platte on Dec. 17, 1941.

But because his hometown paper published his prewar letter home and later wrote about his postwar family reunion, Myers, who died Oct. 26, 2004, left vital clues about the World War II Canteens first unofficial customers.

His letters unit description clinched the deal: There was no other National Guard Company D in Kansas 80 years ago.

It has to be them. There is no other option, said Sgt. Maj. Jeremy Byers, present-day Kansas Guard command historian.

Getting out of Dodge

Company D had members from Dodge Citys Ford County and at least eight others, according to online records.

Their active-duty service began Dec. 23, 1940, when President Franklin D. Roosevelt federalized all U.S. Guard units.

Kansas 137th Infantry and Nebraskas 134th Infantry, along with Missouri Guardsmen, reported to Camp Joseph T. Robinson near Little Rock, Arkansas.

They trained for nearly a year with the 35th Infantry Division, the Santa Fe, as they followed similar wartime paths to their postwar inactivation at Camp Breckinridge near Morganfield, Kentucky.

Neither the 137th nor 134th could accurately be called a Kansas or a Nebraska regiment by then, Byers said.

Many high-performing Guard officers and enlisted men were plucked to anchor newer Army units. Draftees took their places.

So while Company D, 137th Infantry, was Kansas going out (to war), it wasnt Kansas coming back, Byers said.

But most of the Dodge City Guardsmen wound up in the 35th Divisions third regiment, the 320th, the Dodge City Daily Globe wrote on Jan. 30, 1945.

Nebraskas 134th also contributed men to the 320th when it was activated Jan. 28, 1943, according to the latters unit history.

Myers, a decorated Army technician fourth grade when discharged, was one of 170 Company D Guardsmen called up in 1940.

That comes from a Western Star account on Nov. 9, 1945, of how family and friends feted Myers and his wartime bride near Coldwater, 50 miles southeast of Dodge City.

Surviving but incomplete World War II enlistment records include 103 Kansas Guardsmen called up in 1940 at Dodge City.

At least eight of them would not return.

Last-minute switch

A week after Pearl Harbor, 35th Division troops began boarding trains for Fort Ord to bolster coastal defenses against a Japanese West Coast invasion that never came.

The wartime diary of North Plattes Maj. Gen. Butler Miltonberger, then a colonel and 134th Infantry commander, says Train No. 1 left Camp Robinson at 6:50 p.m. Dec. 14.

It reached Fort Ord at 11:55 a.m. Dec. 19, having traveled north to Kansas City and then southwest to California.

But the train with Dodge Citys Company D would have had to go north, then west or northwest, to reach North Platte.

The War Department asked newspapers to withhold all information concerning the movement, method, route of travel and destination of the units until the destination was reached, said a Dec. 27 Little Rock Star article duplicated in Miltonbergers diary.

The troop trains took different routes, and the trip required from four to seven days.

The rumor that North Plattes Company D would stop at the Union Pacific Depot that Dec. 17 likely was well founded.

But the Nebraskans had been routed south at the last minute, an Omaha World-Herald story on the North Platte Canteen said on Jan. 17, 1943.

So Dodge Citys Company D received its counterparts treats and Christmas presents  and set the Canteens founding in motion.

Stateside journeys

Junior Myers rejoined his 137th Infantry mates in March 1942. They spent their California months serving as troop backgrounds for war films like 1943s Thousands Cheer, their unit history says.

There was time for Myers to sneak home to marry Alice Ewy on Dec. 20, 1942. She died Feb. 17, 2011.

But as 1943 opened, many Dodge City Guardsmen were reassigned to the 320th. The 137th arrived at Camp Rucker in southern Alabama April 1 for advanced training.

By then, at least one old Company D hand already was in his grave: Pvt. Francis E. Black, killed by a sniper on Guadalcanal in the Solomon Islands on Nov. 30, 1942.

The Dodge City Journal wrote Dec. 31 that Black was transferred to a Pacific-bound unit a year earlier.

He performed any task given him without the least bit of reluctance, 1st Lt. Henry T. Brown wrote his parents Dec. 12. He died a very brave man.

Two other 1940 Company D members won Army Air Corps commissions but died in separate New Mexico disasters.

First Lt. Jack R. Moss of Lincoln County, Kansas, was one of five killed on March 17, 1943, when the B-24 Liberator he was piloting crashed near Clovis Army Air Base.

A similar fate befell 1st Lt. Keith Bishop when a plane he was flying exploded in midair on Jan. 18, 1944, near a bombardier training school at Deming.

St.-Lo

With the long-expected Allied invasion of Nazi-occupied France looming, the 35th Division went to Camp Butner, North Carolina, for final training in early 1944.

The Dodge City Guardsmen boarded the SS Thomas H. Barry on May 11, 1944. The 137th Infantry landed May 24 in Avonmouth, England, but didnt start landing on Omaha Beach until July 7, a month after D-Day.

With more than three years stateside training, the 35th Division was prepared to face the Germans on more than even terms, former Kansas Guard historian Christopher Lovett wrote in 2010.

Allied troops were stuck in hedgerow country amid stiff German resistance. On July 11, the 137th jumped off toward the Vire River toward St.-Lo, just 20 miles southwest of Omaha Beach.

Twelve in the regiment were killed the first day. Seven more died July 12, including Pfc. David C. Roberts, an orderly who had planned to enter the ministry before serving every Company D commanding officer since Camp Robinson.

He rests in the Normandy American Cemetery with Sgt. James M. Segers, another Dodge City Guardsman who died Aug. 1 of wounds suffered during his first month in France.

By July 17, the 137th had reached the main road to St.-Lo and the 1st Battalion of Miltonbergers 134th had lodged itself on fiercely defended Hill 122.

Two of North Plattes Company D Guardsmen, Pvt. Harold G. McKay and Pvt. Dale B. Horne, had died July 15. Theyre buried at Fort McPherson National Cemetery.

The next day, the 137th conquered the heights above St.-Lo and their 134th counterparts swept into the town itself.

North Plattes Lt. Col. Denver Wilson, brother of Canteen originator Rae Wilson, led the 2nd Battalion of Miltonbergers regiment in the Normandy invasions pivotal victory.

Someone in the 134th started yelling the (units) old war cry, All hell cant stop us! Miltonberger wrote in its unit history.

The wars most famous Kansan, Supreme Allied Commander Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower of Abilene, personally took note of the Nebraska-born 134ths achievement.

That irritated the writer of the 137ths unit history: Due credit must be given to the valiant infantrymen of the 137th who crashed through the German main line of resistance  and were overlooking St.-Lo at the time it was entered.

Patton

In Patton, the 1971 Oscar winner for best picture, a tank driver under U.S. Third Army commander Lt. Gen. George S. Patton (George C. Scott) complains that he cant find their latest French location on a map.

You know why? a buddy replies. Weve run clear off the map.

So would the 35th Division, placed under Pattons command Aug. 6.

The 137th and its Dodge City Guardsmen first were sent 20 miles southeast to counter a German counterattack near Avranches. Driving overnight through St.-Hilare, their convoy was attacked early Aug. 7.

Anyone who went through this bombing will remember the mad scramble for cover  the extreme fright of the troops  the woeful bleating coming out of the weird night, Wheres OUR airplanes? said the 137ths unit history.

Four men died that day, including Staff Sgt. Floyd Reinert and Technician 4th Grade Lemuel Clark Anderson.

Both had been Company D cooks since 1940 with Sgt. Carl Kreger of Jetmore. Reinert and Anderson rest in Brittany American Cemetery in St.-James, south of Avranches.

Kreger wrote home that he could not say what had happened but to be prepared for bad news, the Daily Globe said Sept. 14.

After a weeks hard fighting, the 35th Division was turned loose Aug. 14 to chase Pattons rampaging tanks.

By Aug. 25, when Free French forces liberated Paris, Eisenhowers position map showed the 35th Division at its east edge.

It soon neared the Moselle River and the German border. Nancy fell to Pattons forces Sept. 15, but Metz  also a World War I battleground  wasnt secured until Dec. 13.

Technical Sgt. Cleo Reynolds, a Dodge City Guardsman wearing the Bronze Star for July 11-12 heroics in Normandy, was killed Sept. 24. An artillery shell exploded as a jeep he was riding in left a wooded area near Fresnes-en-Saulnois.

He was buried in the Lorraine American Cemetery in St.-Avold. Your son constantly exhibited outstanding qualities of leadership and was a true soldier in every sense of the word, Capt. Gerard T. Armstrong would write Reynolds parents in January 1945.

The Bulge and victory

German dictator Adolf Hitler launched his last major offensive Dec. 16, gouging Eisenhowers line in Belgiums Ardennes Forest.

To relieve U.S. forces in encircled Bastogne, Patton swung his Third Army north from Metz in a wintry movement shown in the generals namesake movie.

Moving out on Dec. 26  Hitlers high-water mark in the Battle of the Bulge  the 35th Division pitched into the German line southeast of Bastogne.

With Kansas old 137th and Nebraskas 134th applying steady pressure, the division helped drive the Germans back to their starting point by Jan. 25, 1945.

Victory in Europe came quickly after that.

Assigned after the Bulge to the Seventh Army and finally the Ninth, the 35th Division  now with North Plattes Miltonberger as assistant commander  pushed east from Holland.

It crossed the Rhine River in late March and reached the Elbe River, 50 miles west of Berlin, by April 24. The divisions shooting war ended there.

Before going home, the 137th Infantry served as an honor guard when President Harry S. Truman landed in Belgium July 15 on his way to the postwar Potsdam Conference.

The few Dodge City Guardsmen still with the 137th landed in Boston Aug. 31 aboard the SS Cristobal. After leaves and discharges, they were home for good by Halloween.

Survivors and laurels

Those prewar Kansas Guardsmen who left Dodge City in 1940 wrote their wartime stories in many places  stateside, in the Pacific, especially Europe.

Carl Kreger, Company D mess sergeant after Reinert and Anderson were killed, was wounded twice and promoted to staff sergeant by wars end.

Kregers brother Leo, who had gone to Camp Robinson with him, sustained three wounds. Both survived the war along with another brother, Staff Sgt. Ernest Kreger of the 320th.

So did Technician 5th Grade Franklin P. Bailey and Sgt. Norman Bonus, both of whom stayed with Company D to the end.

And so did Junior Myers, who could show off a Bronze Star, Combat Medal and five battle stars at his November family reunion.

He soon would be off to Baltimore to take an insurance course, setting the stage for his peacetime career in a Dodge City firm.

Myers told how the 35th Division fought with every army but one, said the Coldwater Western Star writer.

Its members were called upon to help push the Belgium Bulge and fought against the crack German SS troops and wherever the going was toughest and the fighting hardest. 

At one time they were in battle every day for over 100 days, advancing so fast their provisions couldnt always keep up with them.

Much the same would be said of North Plattes Company D, forever united with its hometowns unexpected 1941 visitors in the Greatest Generations greatest mission.

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More than 150 pounds of ham were donated to the Salvation Army of Fremont by employees of Wholestone Farms and Cactus Feeders on Monday.

It was just such a blessing, Salvation Army Lt. Amber Morin said. We were able to give those out with our Christmas food boxes, so people who maybe would not have had a meal would be able to have things to make a Christmas meal like potatoes, stuffing and now also a ham that was donated from Wholestone.

The donation was part of the National Pork Producers Councils annual Give-A-Ham campaign, which so far has provided 3,350 pounds of meat to 24 different organizations in seven states.

Nonprofit Cactus Cares challenged employees of Cactus Feeders and Cactus Family Farms to take part in the challenge by donating meat to organizations serving the food insecure and matched every donation.

As Cactus Family Farms is a farmer-owner of Wholestone Farms, the Fremont food manufacturer got in on the challenge as well, donating 156 pounds of ham to the Salvation Army.

We challenged Wholestone Farms to join our mission to stamp out food insecurity in the Fremont community and they stepped up to the plate, Cactus Feeders Co-CEO Brad Hastings said in a press release. We appreciate them for taking part in this initiative so we could make a difference together.

Cactus Cares Executive Director Wayne Craig said in the release that the nonprofit is actively involved in the community by focusing on hunger relief, scholarships and education, leadership and renewal.

We want to be good neighbors and build brighter futures for the people in our communities, and we understand that doing so might look different for each cause, initiative and person, he said. That is why we encourage our fellow Cactus Feeders employees to make recommendations and get involved.

Cactus Cares Director Shelby Padgett said in the release that the nonprofit aims to tackle hunger issues in communities.

It was amazing to see our Cactus Family Farms team come together and get excited about the difference they were making with the #GiveAHam challenge, she said.

Morin said she was thankful for Wholestones donation, especially at this time of year.

It was just wonderful to have them support our community in need like that, she said.

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MINNEAPOLIS (AP)  A suburban Minneapolis police officer who said she confused her handgun for her Taser was convicted of manslaughter Thursday in the death of Daunte Wright, prompting tears from the young Black mans parents and a jubilant celebration by supporters outside the courthouse who chanted Guilty, guilty, guilty!

The mostly white jury deliberated for about 27 hours over four days before finding former Brooklyn Center Officer Kim Potter guilty of first-degree and second-degree manslaughter. Potter, 49, faces about seven years in prison under the states sentencing guidelines, but prosecutors said they would seek a longer term.

Judge Regina Chu ordered Potter taken into custody and held without bail pending sentencing on Feb. 18. Potter had been free on $100,000 bond posted the day last April that she was charged, which was three days after she killed Wright and a day after she quit the police force.

As she was led away in handcuffs, a Potter family member in the courtroom shouted Love you, Kim! Potters attorneys left the courthouse without commenting and didnt immediately respond to phone messages or emails.

It was the second high-profile conviction of a police officer won this year by a team led by Attorney General Keith Ellison, including some of the same attorneys who helped convict Derek Chauvin in George Floyds death in the very same courtroom just eight months earlier.

Wright was killed while that trial was happening not far away, and it set off a wave of angry protests outside the police station in Brooklyn Center, where demonstrators demanding Justice for Daunte clashed with officers in riot gear for several nights.

Outside the courthouse Thursday, dozens of people who had gathered erupted in cheers, hugs and tears of joy as the verdicts were read. A New Orleans-style jazz band played When the Saints Go Marching In. Two men jumped up and down holding one anothers shoulders, and then other people began jumping up and down and chanting Guilty, guilty, guilty!

They chanted Say his name! Daunte Wright! Some held yellow signs that said guilty in large block letters.

Potter, who testified that she didnt want to hurt anybody, looked down without any visible reaction when the verdicts were read. As Chu thanked the jury, Potter made the sign of the cross.

Potters attorneys argued that she should be allowed to remain free until shes sentenced, saying she wasnt going to commit another crime or go anywhere.

It is the Christmas holiday season, Potter attorney Paul Engh argued. Shes a devoted Catholic, no less, and there is no point to incarcerate her at this point in time.

Chu rejected their arguments, though, saying she cannot treat this case any differently than any other case.

Though Potter showed no visible emotion in court as the verdicts were read, she was photographed smiling in a mug shot taken later as she was processed at a womens prison near Minneapolis.

After Potter was led from the courtroom, prosecutor Erin Eldridge exchanged a long hug with a tearful Katie Bryant, Wrights mother and a frequent presence at the trial, and with Wrights father. Ellison also exchanged hugs with the parents.

Outside the courthouse afterward, Ellison said the verdict brought a measure of accountability for Potter but fell short of justice.

Justice would be restoring Daunte to life and making the Wright family whole again," Ellison said. "Justice is beyond the reach that we have in this life for Daunte. But accountability is an important step, a critical necessary step on the road to justice for us all.

Ellison said he felt sympathy for Potter, who has gone from being an esteemed member of the community to being convicted of a serious crime.

Wrights mother hugged Ellison and said the verdicts triggered every single emotion that you could imagine.

Today we have gotten accountability and thats what weve been asking for from the beginning, Katie Bryant said, crediting supporters for keeping up pressure.

We love you, we appreciate you, and honestly, we could not have done it without you, she said.

The time-stamps on the verdicts showed that jurors agreed on the second count on Tuesday, before they asked the judge that afternoon what to do if they were having difficulty agreeing. The guilty verdict on the more serious first-degree count was reached at 11:40 a.m. Thursday.

Potter, who is white, shot and killed the 20-year-old Wright during an April 11 traffic stop in Brooklyn Center as she and other officers were trying to arrest him on an outstanding warrant for a weapons possession charge. The shooting happened at a time of high tension in the area, with Chauvin standing trial in nearby Minneapolis for Floyd's death.

Jurors saw video of the shooting from police body cameras and dashcams. As Wright pulled away while another officer attempted to handcuff him, Potter repeatedly said she would tase him before she drew her handgun and shot him once in his chest.

(Expletive)! I just shot him. ... I grabbed the wrong (expletive) gun, Potter said on video shown to the jury. A minute later, she said: Im going to go to prison.

During her sometimes tearful testimony, Potter told jurors that she was sorry it happened. She said the traffic stop just went chaotic."

The maximum prison sentence for 1st-degree manslaughter is 15 years. Minnesota law sentences defendants only on their most serious conviction when multiple counts involve the same act and the same victim, and state guidelines call for about seven years on that charge.

Prosecutors have said they would seek to prove aggravating factors that merit whats called an upward departure from sentencing guidelines. In Potters case, they alleged that her actions were a danger to others, including her fellow officers, to Wrights passenger and to the couple whose car was struck by Wrights after the shooting. They also alleged she abused her authority as a police officer.

Potter's attorneys argued that she made a tragic mistake, but that she also would have been justified in using deadly force because of the possibility that Potter's fellow officer, then-Sgt. Mychal Johnson, was at risk of being dragged if Wright had driven away from the traffic stop.

Potter testified that she decided to act after seeing a look of fear on Johnson's face. But Eldridge pointed out to jurors that for much of the interaction, Potter was behind a third officer she was training and that Johnson didnt come into her cameras view until after the shot was fired  and then it showed the top of his head as he backed away.

Sgt. Johnson was clearly not afraid of being dragged, Eldridge said. He never said he was scared. He didnt say it then, and he didnt testify to it in court.

Eldridge also noted an inconsistency in Potter's testimony, saying that when she gave an interview to a psychologist working for the defense team, she told him she didnt know why she used her Taser. Potter told the jury she didnt recall saying that.

First-degree manslaughter required prosecutors to prove that Potter caused Wrights death while committing a misdemeanor  in her case, the reckless handling of a firearm. The second-degree charge required them to prove that she caused Wright's death by culpable negligence.

Bauer reported from Madison, Wisconsin. Associated Press writers Mohamed Ibrahim in Minneapolis and Kathleen Foody in Chicago contributed to this report.

Find the APs full coverage of the Daunte Wright case: https://apnews.com/hub/death-of-daunte-wright

Copyright 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.

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KEARNEY  A Kearney man is in jail accused of kidnapping, robbing and assaulting a Nebraska probation officer early Saturday morning in Kearney.

Shawn W. Smith, 35, of Kearney, was charged in Buffalo County Court with felony kidnapping, robbery, terroristic threats, flight to avoid arrest, misdemeanor third-degree assault and driving under the influence of alcohol-first offense in the incident.

Records indicate Smith went to a residence where the female probation officer was, hitting her numerous times, taking her to an ATM to force her to withdraw money, and then allegedly threatening her if she told anyone.

At 1:31 a.m. Saturday a man called the Kearney Police Department asking officers to check on the welfare of a woman at a residence in the 1000 block of 15th Street.

When officers arrived at the residence a neighbor told them a man and woman left in a silver sport utility vehicle. As police rang the doorbell to the residence a silver SUV pulled into the driveway, then backed out and took off at a high rate of speed without its headlights on.

Police stopped the vehicle a short time later. Records indicate the driver, identified as Smith, had a strong odor of alcohol and preliminary breath tests indicated his blood alcohol content at .176 and .146, about twice the legal limit in Nebraska. The passenger was known to officers and identified as a probation officer.

An officer saw an abrasion on the womans lower lip, blood on her mouth, face, hands and clothing, and when the officer asked her what had happened, she said Smith beat her up. The woman was transported to CHI Health Good Samaritan for treatment, and Smith was arrested.

The ensuing investigation revealed Smith showed up at the woman's residence, demanded money and hit her in the face 10-15 times and kicked her in the ribs.

Smith allegedly told the woman he wanted $1,000, and took her to an ATM to make a withdraw.

The woman withdrew $500 from one bank, and told the man to go to another bank to get the remaining money. Instead, Smith allegedly gave the woman until noon Saturday to get the rest of the money.

Smith allegedly threatened the woman if she didnt get the remaining money he had friends in Omaha who would find her and her child. Smith then drove back to the residence on 15th Street, but when they arrived he saw police and fled the area.

Smith remains at the Buffalo County Jail on a $500,000 bond.

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Turkish and Qatari officials are traveling to Afghanistan to present plans to Taliban leaders for companies from their countries to run Kabuls international airport, as the global community looks for ways to get desperately needed humanitarian aid to the country.

The delegation is scheduled to arrive on December 23 following meetings in Doha this week to coordinate details, Turkeys Anadolu Agency reported.

Afghanistans interim government has yet to agree to the plan to run the airport, the report said.

Turkey helped manage and protect Kabuls airport for six years prior to the pullout of U.S. and other Western forces from Afghanistan following the Taliban takeover in mid-August.

Turkey has said it is prepared to run the airport under Taliban rule.

Turkey, a NATO nation, has long had ties with Afghanistan, while Qatar served as a site for yearslong talks between U.S. officials and Taliban representatives prior to the Islamist groups return to power in war-ravaged Afghanistan.

In late November, the European Union said the Taliban had asked for help in keeping Afghanistan's airports running in talks in Qatar with EU officials.

In the meeting, the EU officials and Taliban representatives expressed grave concern about the worsening humanitarian situation in Afghanistan as winter is arriving, a statement said.

The sides underlined the fundamental importance of keeping Afghan airports open to facilitate the safe passage of Afghans and foreign nationals who wish to leave Afghanistan, it said.

In this regard, both sides underlined the fundamental importance of keeping Afghan airports open, and the Afghan delegation requested assistance for maintaining operations of airports.

The airport is also the main route for those wishing to flee Afghanistan following the Taliban takeover.

The United States and its allies evacuated tens of thousands of at-risk Afghans, but thousands more people want to leave the war-torn country, with those who worked closely with Western militaries seen to be in particular danger from potential Taliban retaliation.

With reporting by AP, AFP, and RFE/RLs Radio Azadi
Coloradans can expect seasonably busy travel conditions and unseasonably clear weather in some parts of the state as they head into holiday festivities this weekend, transportation and weather officials say.

Ski resorts have also joined in, bracing for another bustling holiday week and weekend. Luckily, some say, weather conditions are forecast to cooperate.

Meteorologists for the National Weather Service in Pueblo and Boulder predicted Wednesday that sunny weather with high temperatures in the 60s should be expected in Colorado Springs and Denver through Thursday, with a chance of precipitation on Friday in Denver and Fort Collins.

The Western Slope and southwestern Colorado are likely to see rain or snow showers beginning Thursday, to include Steamboat Springs, Aspen, Pagosa Springs and Grand Junction.

Meteorologist Stephen Rodriguez said Colorado Springs saw above normal temperatures with slight winds on Tuesday and Wednesday, and likely wont see precipitation before Christmas Day.

Sunny and breezy weather with high temperatures in or near the 60s was also expected for much of southeast Colorado from Thursday to Saturday, including Pueblo, Trinidad and Springfield. Trinidad on Friday also had a 20 percent chance of showers.

That forecast, said Colorado Springs Airport spokeswoman Dana Schield, didnt have airport officials too worried ahead of holiday travel projected to see 91,000 travelers, which was around 20% more than the airport saw in 2019.

Michelle Peulen, state transportation department spokeswoman for southeast Colorado, said weather also wasnt expected to snarl many holiday travel plans. She advises drivers to check COTrip.org before heading out.

To help with congestion, the state transportation department is suspending all transportation projects by noon on Thursday, and again one week later, on Dec. 30, according to a Tuesday release. The department said those projects will be allowed to resume operations the following Mondays, Dec. 27 and Jan. 3.

Still, Peulen and the state transportation department said traffic on Interstates 70 and 25 are expected to be heavy, especially along the Front Range.

The Denver International Airport is also expecting a busy holiday, predicting in a Monday press release that more than 2.7 million passengers will travel through Denver from Dec. 20 to Jan. 3. That projection, they said, was around 5% less than the airport saw in 2019.

The busiest days for travel will be Dec. 23, 27 and 29. The airport expects more than 200,000 travelers on those days and between 60,000 and 70,000 people traveling through security checkpoints. They recommend passengers arrive two hours prior to boarding time.

Stephanie Figueroa, spokeswoman for Denver International Airport, said passengers will likely have to wait until the day of travel to get information on weather impacting flights.

As of Wednesday, the forecast for the airport is mostly clear with some rain coming Thursday night into Friday, according to the National Weather Service in Boulder. Sunday calls for a slight chance of snow.

Figueroa also said that travelers can skip the food line by downloading the "AtYourGate" app in which passengers can have food delivered to their airport gates.

The holiday season is a busy time for travel, as Coloradans and visitors spend time with family and friends and explore our beautiful great outdoors, said Shoshana Lew, executive director of the Colorado Department of Transportation. We must all be prepared for weather forecasts and road conditions, and especially mindful of the importance of driving sober in times of festive celebration. Lets end 2021 safely and protect one another as we enter 2022.

The Gazette's Hugh Johnson contributed to this report.
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A Colorado Springs-based nonprofit that awarded more than $2 million in scholarships in the past year will begin accepting grant applications on New Year's Day.

The Sachs Foundation, established in 1931 by Pikes Peak-area resident Henry Sachs, has helped more than 3,000 Black Coloradans afford college, according to foundation president Ben Ralston. The application period will run from Jan. 1 to March 15.

Depending on how far they wish to go in school, qualified candidates can receive up to $90,000 in scholarship funding.

A student can get up to $50,000 in undergraduate scholarships, and if they wish to pursue a graduate degree, they can apply for up to an additional $40,000 for grad school, Ralston said.

The nonprofit grants 40 to 50 scholarships each year and has awarded $2.44 million in educational grants in the past year alone, the foundation president said.

The Sachs Foundation provides scholars with more than funding, according to scholarship director Terrell Brown. Through a mentoring program called Elevated, the nonprofit helps prepare youths for the sometimes daunting experience of applying for and attending college. About 60% of Sachs scholarship recipients are first-generation collegians.

We want to help them see it all the way through, Brown said. Were making sure they can afford college, and thats a big help to a struggling family, but so many of these kids are first-generation college students and dont have family members who are familiar with the college experience. We help them with the entire process.

The financial obstacles facing Black students today are not as stark as they were when the foundation was established 90 years ago, but young people of color still face a tougher road to a college degree than their white counterparts, according to Ralston. Because of this, the Sachs Foundations mission is as necessary and relevant as ever, he said.

The truth of this might make some people uncomfortable, but wealth  or lack of wealth  is a generational issue, Ralston said. The same is true for educational opportunity. We are looking at data in Colorado and across the country, and the gap is still a large one.

Black students are more likely than their white classmates to drop out of college for financial reasons, Ralston said, and those who graduate tend to have greater debt.

What we do  providing educational opportunities for Black students  is still important, Ralston said. It was our original founding mission, and it is still our mission today.

An undergraduate applicant must be an African-American high school senior and full-time Colorado resident with a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or higher. A graduate-school candidate must be a former Sachs scholarship recipient who has completed an undergraduate degree program within the last three years.

For more information, visit sachsfoundation.org.
In the span of a few weeks, the omicron variant moved into Colorado and now accounts for as many as half of the state's recent COVID-19 cases.

The variant arrives as the state pulls itself from a months-long fall surge, which pushed hospitals to the brink of being overwhelmed. It also comes on the eve of two major holidays, the sort of travel-heavy large gatherings that have worried public health officials since the start of the pandemic nearly two years ago.

So what's Colorado's status heading into the end of the holiday season, and how should you approach them?

What's up with omicron in Colorado?

Omicron was first identified here in early December, the result of international travel from Africa. It's now surging in resort communities  Eagle, Pitkin and Summit counties in particular. It's been detected in all 21 wastewater systems statewide that the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment monitors, and nearly half of samples taken in recent days have a telltale omicron genetic marker.

The good news is that Colorado hospitalizations are still going down. Much remains unknown about omicron in terms of its severity, but it does appear extremely transmissible. That means more cases, which inevitably means more hospitalizations. Each day of declining COVID-19 hospitalizations now buys the state time and resources while we await omicron's full impact.

What can I do to prepare for omicron?

If you're not vaccinated, get vaccinated. If you're fully inoculated but haven't received your additional shot, get your additional shot. Early research indicates that those doses give good protection against infection against omicron, more so than the initial vaccines. Any vaccine is better than no vaccine, and maximizing your protection with boosters is the best way to prevent both infections and serious disease.

Socially distance, wear masks and get tested if you feel symptomatic. The same strategies we've used for the past 21 months, plus vaccinations, continue to be the bedrock of how we can blunt omicron and any other variants that emerge.

If you're out holiday shopping, be aware that the variant is out there and spreading. Keep your distance from others, mask up, and know what you want before you walk in.

I'm sick. Now what?

If you're feeling symptomatic or know you were exposed, get tested. If your test results are positive, then isolate for at least 10 days. That may be tough around the holidays, but it's better than getting any of your relatives sick.

Monitor your symptoms; if you have risk factors, be particularly aware of how you're feeling. Go to the hospital if your symptoms worsen, especially if you have trouble breathing.

Should my family gather for the holidays at all?

The U.S. governments top infectious diseases expert, Dr. Anthony Fauci, has consistently said in television interviews that holiday gatherings can continue, but advised common-sense measures  its safer if everyone is vaccinated and has received a booster shot.

If you and your family are vaccinated and boosted, hopefully you should feel comfortable about having a holiday situation where you have dinners and gatherings in your own home with family and friends. But that will only be safe if people get vaccinated, Fauci told ABC.

Vaccines, vaccines, vaccines. Be sure to tell your guests that if they're sick, they should stay home. Keep a list of guests, in case there is an exposure and you have to let people know they need to get tested. As much as you can, keep gatherings small and short.

Speaking of testing  getting checked before any travel or gatherings is a great idea.

Even if youre fully vaccinated, getting tested before (and) after gatherings or parties ... can make a difference in whether you expose someone you love to the virus, Dr. Dawn Terashita, associate director of Los Angeles Countys acute communicable disease control program, said at a town hall.

Bear in mind, too, that large gatherings are inherently riskier than smaller ones, particularly if they're held indoors. It'll be nice in Denver and parts of Colorado around Christmas, so consider hanging out outdoors, if possible.

Sure, but what if I'm going to attend a large, indoor gathering anyway?

Stop me if you've heard this one before  get vaccinated, get boosted.

People who are particularly risk-averse, or who are older or have a weakened immune system, may want to think twice about attending large, crowded indoor gatherings where people arent wearing masks. If you are indoors, try to keep windows open (weather allowing) or otherwise improve ventilation.

A big problem that has become more noticeable, especially with the newest variants, is how there seems to be an increased chance that vaccinated, boosted asymptomatic people can still be unknowingly infected and be contagious.

Thats why wearing masks in indoor public settings still remains an essential strategy at this particular moment in the pandemic, even if youre already vaccinated, local health officials say.

It stinks to imagine spending your holidays wearing masks around your extended family. But omicron is really transmissible, and if you're going to hang around a lot of people indoors, it's better to be safe.

The Associated Press and Los Angeles Times contributed to this report.
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A federal judge has dismissed part of a lawsuit involving a Colorado Springs police dog who apprehended a man while he was in the shower.

John Mullins, the Colorado Springs man who in February filed a complaint against the city over his 2019 arrest, saw claims against two of the officers on scene and the city tossed in a ruling handed down by U.S. District Judge William J. Martinez on Dec. 15.

The judge, however, ruled that Mullins' claims against the officer responsible for handling the police dog could proceed. Martinez noted that the K-9 officer, Brian Kelly, didnt stop the dog from biting Mullins for as long as 25 seconds.

Mullins said when the dog  known as Broc  was sent after him, he was upstairs taking a shower and did not hear police orders. He said he made no attempt to resist the dog nor officers after Broc pulled him naked and clearly unarmed from the shower.

The city on Aug. 6 filed a motion to dismiss the case, saying Mullins failed to show the department has a policy or pattern of enforcing constitutional violations, or that officers failed to intervene, adding that defendant officers acted reasonably and did not use excessive force.

The motion also said that a reasonable officer could have believed that [Mullins] was dangerous and likely to resist or evade arrest, adding that Mullins overlooked in his complaint his violent criminal history. He also did not allege officers knew he was in the shower, the motion said.

The city attorneys office did not respond to multiple calls and emails seeking comment, and Colorado Springs police spokeswoman Natashia Kerr said CSPD doesn't comment on active litigation.

Police had obtained a warrant for Mullins arrest on suspicion of third-degree burglary, criminal mischief and theft. Mullins ultimately pleaded guilty to felony menacing and received a three-year sentence in prison.

Department of Corrections records show hes incarcerated at the Trinidad Correctional Facility, and court records indicate hed received prison sentences in other cases, including at least one identity theft case.

The dogs bite, Mullins claimed in the complaint, threatened a major artery in his leg and caused massive blood loss. He was immediately rushed to the hospital, where he was told he required multiple emergency surgeries. He was arrested around a week later.

Denver defense attorney David Lane, whos representing Mullins, said police had spoken with his client's mother and sister at the door of the home. The complaint said police could have communicated with Mullins through them.

Lane said Mullins suffered permanent damage from the canines bite.

His leg is still impaired, theres nerve damage to him  and theres no reason on earth that should have happened, Lane told The Gazette.

The complaint, filed Feb. 26, is seeking damages  to be determined at trial  for humiliation, emotional distress and other pain and suffering.

Martinez ruled that Mullins couldnt pursue claims against the two other police officers because the complaint didn't adequately show they were involved in the dog's release. The judge also ruled that the officers, because they hadnt been sufficiently shown to have been trained as dog handlers, couldnt be held accountable for failing to remove Broc from Mullins leg.

The judge also ruled that Mullins claim that the city was liable for its officers actions and inaction because they enforced informal customs and formal policies  and failed to properly train officers  was insufficient.

For K-9 officer Kelly, however, Martinez agreed that he should have removed Broc from Mullins leg sooner than he did, adding that Mullins had a clearly established right not to be attacked by a canine in these circumstances.

A reasonable officer in this jurisdiction should have known that it was constitutionally impermissible to allow a canine to continue to bite Mullins while he was lying on his bathroom floor, naked and unarmed, offering no resistance and with no ability to flee police, Martinez wrote.

Martinez allowed Mullins at the end of the ruling to file a motion seeking to refile an amended complaint that could plausibly plead facts curing the deficiencies in claims that were tossed.

Lane said that option was being discussed, but that as far as he was concerned, the case was still in play.

We think these bystander officers should have not allowed this to happen, but as long as were still in court against the main wrongdoers, thats fine, Lane said.
DES MOINES  Terry Branstad, Iowa's former governor and the former U.S. ambassador to China, has formed a company to consult with business leaders and investors on how to conduct business between the U.S. and China.

Branstad will form the Branstad Churchill Group with Steve Churchill, his chief of staff in China when he was ambassador.

Branstad said in a statement posted on the firm's website that the company will offer planning, government and regulatory analysis, political insight, data security and privacy analysis, market entry strategy and other services to clients.

Branstad, a Republican, was appointed ambassador by former President Donald Trump and left the position last year.

Since then he has served as a consultant to Iowa businessman Bruce Rastetter, who owns an Ames company, Summit Carbon Solutions. The company is trying to build a $4.5 billion pipeline to sequester carbon from corn ethanol plants across 30 Iowa counties.

Branstad also was named ambassador-in-residence at Drake University in Des Moines last month and plans to donate records from his 45-year political career to Drake.

Churchill, in addition to serving as Branstad's chief of staff in Beijing, was elected to the Iowa House from 1993 to 1999.

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A Humboldt County woman who was reported missing late last week and found dead inside her car in Wright County has been identified.

At 6 p.m. on Friday, Humboldt County notified the Eagle Grove Police Department that Tonya Collins, 42, was reported missing. Collins' last known location was Eagle Grove, according to a press release issued by Wright County Sheriff Jason Schluttenhofer on Thursday.

Murder charge issued in Mason City fatal fire Dominick Daniel Degner, 28, is in the Cerro Gordo County Jail on first degree murder charges.

At some point, a 2019 Nissan Rogue registered to Collins was found wrecked in a creek bed on the western edge of Eagle Grove, near 270th Street and Baxter Avenue, according to the release. Collins was pronounced dead at the scene of injuries sustained in the accident, according to police.

Clear Lake man facing kidnapping charges A Clear Lake man is being held in the Cerro Gordo County jail after Clear Lake Police say he

Wright County was assisted by the Humboldt County Sheriff's Department, Eagle Grove police and fire departments and EMS, and Wright County Search and Rescue, Emergency Management and the Medical Examiner's Office.

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We knew that there were a lot of people that needed a lot of help, Elliott said. We wanted to make sure that we kept those people as comfortable as we possibly could with food and shelter. There was a lot of stress for those people, especially the U.S. citizens.

We tried to make their stay as comfortable as they could under difficult circumstances, he said. We even had music parodies and tried to lighten them up and take their mind off everything and just enjoy some of our culture and have a great time.

Planes stayed up to five days. Some continued to their destinations; others returned to their originating cities.

As one lady said to me when she was leaving, They told me I was stranded, but I wasnt stranded. I ended up on a resort with all expenses paid for five days, Elliott quoted her as saying. So it was nice that the people enjoyed it as much as they could under the circumstances.

Today, Gander has about 13,000 residents. They wonder what all the fuss is about, for doing something they felt they should do, Elliott said.

Lessons from the experience continue to resonate.
"They tried to foresee every need and make everybody feel welcome  no matter where you are coming from, what your religious beliefs are," she said.

With televisions constantly broadcasting news of the terrorist attacks, "we kind of realized the impact of what had happened to us," Brown said. "We were actually the lucky ones that were safe. But the question was: How long are we going to stay in Gander?"

The passengers and crew on the Lufthansa plane stayed three days and two nights. Then returned to Frankfurt.

Brown and her children spent another week with family in Germany before going back to Dallas.

Brown also befriended a fellow passenger who was born in Japan. They visited each other in Texas and later in Germany. They remain friends.

Brown already has seen "Come From Away" on Broadway.

She, her husband and daughter will now see it at the Tanger Center.

Now in their early 20s, children Joshua and Caroline recall nothing of their time in Gander.
A doubling or tripling of people with COVID-19 in hospitals would return the community to where it was last January. Thats when Cone Health hit a high of 265 patients with the coronavirus, resulting in crowded emergency rooms and long waits for care.

The latest count taken at Cone Health facilities shows the health network has 90 cases of COVID-19.

This is the time to get a booster. If you havent been vaccinated, get vaccinated, Snider said.

Meanwhile, the community is making adjustments, again, to prepare for what may be a new wave of infections.

St. Andrews Episcopal Church in Greensboro is canceling its 4 p.m. Christmas Eve Pageant Service because of emerging information about the omicron variant.

We are weary, but the light still shines in the darkness and the darkness cannot overcome it, the church said in a news release.

The Steven Tanger Center for the Performing Arts also announced that beginning Tuesday, masks will again be required to attend performances.
GREENSBORO  The COVID-19 pandemic continues to take a toll on Guilford County nursing facilities, with two resident deaths associated with the disease included in the latest report from state health officials.

Increases in cases at some facilities were noted in the report from the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services, and a couple of previous outbreaks were declared over.

The deaths were reported at Adams Farm Living & Rehabilitation in Jamestown and Ashton Health and Rehabilitation in McLeansville.

At Adams Farm, the state reported 11 new cases among residents (21 total) and one new infection involving a staff member (eight total).

The numbers in the states report usually lag behind real-time cases and the nursing homes executive director, Sherry Ingram Bass, said Wednesday that there are currently no cases of COVID-19 at the facility.

We havent had any positive cases since Nov. 19, she said. All of the residents who wanted booster shots have gotten them, as well as the employees.

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More than a quarter-century later, Leandro is now a lawyer living in Raleigh. He works at Parker Poe, the same law firm that has been representing the school districts suing the state.

Leandro hasnt been officially involved in the lawsuit since he graduated from Hoke County High. But he serves as an ambassador for the case, speaking to groups about why more needs to be done to improve K-12 public education, especially for rural areas.

Leandro grew up in Raeford, 90 miles south of Raleigh. But Raeford was far different in the 1990s before the expansion of nearby Fort Bragg.

While Leandro was fortunate enough to live in what was considered an upper middle class family by Raefords standards, his classmates struggled with crime and poverty. This lack of resources extended to schools as well  something Leandro said he didnt realize until he met students from other counties and other states.

Even now, Leandro says, parents who live in places like Raleigh and debate about which magnet school to attend have far more educational choices than families in places like Halifax, Hoke or Robeson counties.
In detail, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that the Syrian youth had been killed. Mahmoud Mohammed Shobak, a son of Aleppo, in the Turkish city of Dilok (Ghazi Entab), after storming his home by an armed Turkish racist, in which he lives, following a dispute between the killer and a resident. The young man tried to intervene to break up a fight between the citizen and another person living with him, but was subsequently shot in the chest and taken to the hospital before he died of his wounds.

On 20 December, local sources revealed that 3 young Syrian nationals had been burned down by a Turkish citizen more than a month earlier, after gasoline had been poured into the youth's place of residence. In the village of Kazal Bahchi, Izmir State, on 16 November.

The killing took place amidst a major media blackout, and the results of the investigations have not yet been disclosed by sources.

T/S

ANHA
Main_Content







PHOTO RELEASE: Maryland Department of Health co-hosts successful COVID-19 vaccination clinic and food distribution event for Hispanic community in Upper Marlboro

December 23, 2021Deidre McCabe, Director, Office of Communications, 410-767-3536Andy Owen, Deputy Director for Media Relations, 410-767-6491Organizers also distributed free at-home COVID-19 test kits to families

Baltimore, MD  The Maryland Department of Health (MDH) and community partner Centro de Apoyo Familiar (CAF), along with host church Ministerio Edificando Las Familias, last night provided COVID-19 vaccinations and free at-home Abbott BinaxNOW antigen self-test kits, along with fresh food for the upcoming holidays, to members of the Upper Marlboro community.







MDH and its partners Centro de Apoyo Familiar and Ministerio Edificando Las Familias distributed hundreds of at-home test kits at the event.







Volunteers worked alongside MDHs mobile vaccination unit to distribute bags of food, COVID-19 safety information in English and Spanish, and the test kits.





Dr. Mark Martin, deputy director of the MDH Office of Minority Health and Health Disparities, visited the clinic to highlight MDHs ongoing focus on working with partners in the Hispanic community to encourage vaccination, testing, and safety precautions during the upcoming holiday season and winter.





We are in the midst of a surge in cases across Maryland, and community clinics like these are incredibly important so that families can have local access to COVID-19 vaccines, boosters, and tests, said Dr. Martin. Our partnership with Centro de Apoyo Familiar and Ministerio Edificando Las Familias allows us the opportunity to not only help distribute food to those in need, but also offer valuable COVID-19 services to this community.
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP)  New Mexico health officials on Wednesday warned that COVID-19 transmission rates remain high across the state and they urged people to be cautious over the holiday weekend, acknowledging that the public will need to learn to live with the virus and take action to reduce risks for older people.

The warning comes as workplace safety regulators are investigating the death of a third employee of Santa Fes local bus system who was infected with COVID-19.

State health officials said during a virtual briefing that New Mexico's death toll since the pandemic began has reached 5,700 and that every county is experiencing high rates of spread. That's despite having a statewide mask mandate in place for public indoor spaces and a vaccination rate of more than 75% among adults. Nearly one-third of adults also have received boosters.

The officials also noted that while the omicron variant has been reported in New Mexico, delta continues to be the dominant variant in the state right now.

State Epidemiologist Dr. Christine Ross said there are several specimens that are awaiting sequencing at the state laboratory to determine if they are omicron cases and that the state is monitoring the situation closely.

Overall, she said New Mexico is sitting at what appears to be a very high uncomfortable plateau" when it comes to COVID-19 cases. She said the surge began in July when the delta variant became prominent.

"We have been dealing with this ongoing high level of cases for several months now and we do see some decrease in our seven-day moving average most recently," she said. We certainly hope that trend continues downward, but I think we need more time to follow that trend out and see where it's going to head.

Ross said the state's goal is to reduce risk, whether it be by encouraging vaccination, getting more people tested or reminding them about social distancing and avoiding crowds.

The state said it will be embarking on a pilot program aimed at expanding access to home tests.

In Santa Fe, the worker who died Monday was a supervisor with the citys transit department.

Stephanie Stringer, deputy cabinet secretary of operations for the state Environment Department, has said that if the state finds the city did not take steps to prevent worker exposure to COVID-19, the department can take enforcement action and seek corrective measures.

City spokesman Dave Herndon Herndon said Santa Fe follows state guidelines, provides workers with personal protective equipment and regularly cleans and sanitizes buildings and equipment.

Copyright 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
Nearly half of all registered voters in Helena cast ballots in the city's 2021 elections.

An overwhelming majority of voters reelected Helena Mayor Wilmot Collins to a second term. Collins defeated challenger Sonda Gaub, a former school teacher, by nearly 4,000 votes.

"I'd like to thank the people of Helena for trusting me with their city for another four years," Collins said.

With Helena City Commissioners Andres Haladay and Heather O'Loughlin deciding not to run for reelection, newcomers Eric Feaver and Melinda Reed were elected to fill the vacated seats.

Feaver, a former Montana Federation of Public Employees president, secured about 31% of the vote.

When asked what he felt might have set his campaign apart from his competitors', Feaver said his prolific door knocking over the final months of the campaign helped him "learn a lot about Helena and gave me a great deal of insight ..."

Reed recently served as the interim city manager following the parting of ways with former City Manager Anna Cortez. She received about 29% of the vote.

"It was a really great campaign, and I'm proud of what we've done and the support we received," she said. "I think we all approached this race with a sense of civic duty. ... I feel we all ran a congenial race, something Helena deserved."

Kelly Harris defeated incumbent James Schell in East Helena's mayoral race.

Harris, an East Helena city councilman, was running against Schell, who was seeking a third term as mayor, and resident Lori Erickson.

Harris secured about 51% of the vote compared to Schell's about 40% and Erickson's about 9%.

"I think the city was ready for a change and I think that is what the votes are saying," Harris told the Independent Record on election night.

Editor's note This story is part of a 10-part series on the biggest local stories of 2021.

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A Flathead Valley construction company owner pleaded guilty Wednesday to one count of wire fraud in federal court in Missoula.

Craig Mark Draper, 55, owner of ADI Builders, was accused by federal prosecutors of a scheme to defraud customers by spending money intended for projects on unrelated business and personal expenses. He faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release.

According to a plea agreement filed in the case, the government will seek the dismissal of nine other counts of wire fraud and two counts of money laundering if U.S. District Judge Donald W. Molloy accepts the agreement.

The government alleges that after Draper moved from Las Vegas to the Flathead Valley in 2017, he formed his company and started bidding on a variety of jobs including the construction of pole barns, shops and residential remodels.

In several instances, Draper provided invoices to customers for specific expenses associated with their projects.

In one case for which he pleaded guilty, Draper sent an invoice to a customer for $59,002, which included $8,000 in charges for siding. The customer wired $59,002 to Draper but never received siding and eventually paid the siding vendor directly. Draper then allegedly used some of the wired money for personal expenses, including paying a company in Iowa for trophies for the winners of car races, paying an outfitter in Utah, making cash withdrawals and paying $9,500 to the Salish and Kootenai Tribes to lease their racetrack.

Assistant U.S. attorney Timothy Racicot is prosecuting the case, which was investigated by the FBI.

Sentencing is scheduled for April 14, 2022.

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Grazing will continue under a new adaptive management framework on the Pine Creek, Elbow Creek, and North Sixmile allotments on national forest lands in the Paradise Valley.

A signed decision by Yellowstone District Ranger Alex Sienkiewicz was published earlier this month.

Six livestock grazing allotments make up the East Paradise Range Allotment Plan on this portion of the Custer Gallatin National Forest, located southeast of Livingston.

To promote ecosystem recovery and reduce use conflicts, the Suce Creek, South Sixmile, and Mill Creek allotments will remain vacant.

The Absaroka-Beartooth Mountain Range is a complex and ecologically diverse landscape, with wilderness at its core and many multiple uses occurring in its frontcountry landscapes, Sienkiewicz said in a press release. My decision reflects ecological values, as well as a balancing of multiple uses on the landscape.

"The Pine Creek, Elbow Creek, and North Sixmile allotments have been grazed for years and show good range health. These allotments have co-existed with wildlife and recreation with minimal conflicts," he added. "In contrast, the South Sixmile, Mill Creek, and Suce Creek allotments have been vacant for many years, and each have unique management issues that should be mitigated before livestock grazing is authorized.

The decision to continue to authorize livestock grazing is not expected to displace or outcompete native species, including elk that Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks have monitored in the area since 2013, the Forest Service contends.

Due to the low livestock numbers and the rugged nature of the allotments, the decision is not expected to largely impact grizzly bears or other species. Additional project information can be found at: https://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=41485.

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In court Wednesday, the state defended a requirement for transgender Montanans to have surgery and then petition a judge in order to update the sex on their birth certificate, while the ACLU of Montana said the law is unconstitutional and should be blocked while their lawsuit progresses.

In July, the ACLU sued the state on behalf of two transgender Montanans. Earlier in the year, the state Legislature passed Senate Bill 280, which undid a previous process set out by the state health department under the prior administration that allowed Montanans to update their birth certificates by submitting a form.

Republican state Sen. Carl Glimm's legislation requires a person submit to a court information showing they have had gender-affirming surgery in order to make a change. Glimm said he brought the bill because he opposed the process the previous administration used to update birth certificates and because he was concerned over the accuracy of state records. Those opposed to the legislation said it would put transgender Montanans at risk if they did not have documents that corresponded to their gender, opening them to attacks and discrimination, and that most transgender Montanans do not have surgery.

The lawsuit was filed on behalf of Amelia Marquez, a trans woman who lives in Billings, and a trans man identified as John Doe in court proceedings. It is against the state of Montana; Gov. Greg Gianforte; the state Department of Public Health and Human Services, which handles birth certificates; and department Director Adam Meier.

In court, Kathleen Smithgall, assistant solicitor general, argued that people do not have a constitutional right to update their birth certificates. Smithgall also called the new law a process to make the update and said there are other processes for people who want to update things like paternity information. Smithgall argued the process was voluntary and that a judge could issue an order to keep a person's medical information private.

"SB 280 simply does not prohibit (people) from making any any medical decision. It simply outlines the process for an individual to amend his or her birth certificate," Smithgall said. " ... There is no (constitutional) right to change one's birth certificate, and the Legislature establishing the process for amending a birth certificate is not unreasonable or arbitrary."

Akilah Lane, staff attorney for ACLU of Montana, said the state doesn't make clear what surgeries would meet the law's requirement and that surgery is not medically necessary or possible for many people because of factors such as cost, time away from work, medical recommendations and more. Lane also said the requirements of transgender Montanans was more of a burden than for others seeking to update their birth certificates.

"It is not the state's place to either limit, coerce or otherwise intervene with a person's course of medical treatment in order to receive that state benefit, especially by requiring something as risky as surgery," Lane said. " ... This law was borne of anti-transgender animus and medical falsities intended to humiliate, exclude and target a group of people who already regularly experienced discrimination and hostility."

Yellowstone County District Court Judge Michael Moses did not indicate when he would rule on the ACLU's request to stall the law or the state's motion to dismiss the case.

On the motion to dismiss, the state argued the plaintiffs lack standing and aren't making a claim that a judge can grant relief for. The ACLU disputed those statements, saying Marquez and Doe face irreparable harm if the law isn't blocked.

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The last return-to-work bonuses for Montanans who reentered the workforce earlier this year will be processed by the end of December, according to the state labor department.

It marks the end of the policy that has delivered $1,200 checks to about 3,000 workers while drawing controversy for the early termination of expanded federal unemployment benefits.

Department of Labor and Industry Administrator of Workforce Services Scott Eychner, who oversaw the incentive program, said in an interview Tuesday that about 300 pending applications for the bonuses will be processed by the end of next week. In all, 2,900 bonuses had been approved out of more than 6,300 applications submitted between the start of the program in May and its Oct. 31 deadline, according to numbers released Monday by the state.

Workers were eligible if they were unemployed due to the pandemic as of May 1 and subsequently held a job for at least four weeks. The commission responsible for approving how money awarded to the state under the federal American Relief Plan Act (ARPA) is spent allocated $15 million to the program, of which about $3.5 million has been distributed to workers.

Not knowing what success would look like, because weve never done anything like this before, out of the gate we were very happy with the results we had, Eychner said.

Around two-thirds of recipients of the return-to-work bonuses went to workers making $20 per hour or less, according to the departments report. The benefits were distributed fairly evenly between more urban and rural counties: The counties containing the states seven largest cities, which account for 64% of Montanas population, received about 70% of the bonuses.

But the program has drawn fire from Democrats on the economic stabilization ARPA commission. At the time it was announced, House Minority Leader Kim Abbott criticized Republican Gov. Greg Gianfortes administration for neglecting to disclose that the return-to-work program was tied to his first-in-the-nation decision to stop accepting federal unemployment benefits tied to the pandemics economic outfall.

Gianforte announced later in the day that he was ending the benefits, after the commission  of which Abbott is a member  had voted unanimously to approve the bonus program.

Ending those additional benefits three months before their sunset amounted to forfeiting tens of millions of dollars that would have potentially flowed into the state. Abbott said she previously requested an estimate of that total from the Department of Labor and Industry, which pegged that amount at about $50 million.

Gianforte and some business owners in the state have argued that the increased unemployment benefits amounted to paying people not to work.

That was appropriate when we had a significant health crisis, the governor said in an interview over the summer. Were coming out of it and  instead of just taking the benefits away, we created an incentive to getting back into the workforce.

In an interview Wednesday, Abbott argued the incentive program should have been more specifically tailored to addressing child care, housing and other issues that have sidelined workers during the pandemic, and noted that it left about $11 million sitting in the states bank account when it could have been put to other uses.

The vast majority of folks, I think they want a job they can count on to take care of themselves and their families and contribute to their local communities, she added, and we didnt address the major barriers, from our view, to folks going back to work.

The bonus program was advertised by the Gianforte administration as an effort to push out-of-work Montanans back into the workforce, as employers faced a historically tight labor market. In the months since it began, Montana added more than 12,600 jobs as of November, according to seasonally adjusted data from the Bureau of Labor Statistic  a 2.5% increase.

That tracks with a 2.5% increase seen nationwide during that time frame, and a number of studies published earlier this year indicated little difference in employment gains between states that ended unemployment benefits early and those that didnt.

Eychner acknowledged theres no way to be sure whether those workers would have gone back to work anyway, but said the department heard anecdotally that the bonuses enabled some recipients to address barriers to returning to the workforce, like affording child care and housing.

Economists and business owners in Montana have cited both of those factors as slowing the flow of workers back into the labor force. Some workers, particularly older ones and those with chronic medical conditions, have also been reticent to return to public-facing jobs amid a pandemic that continues to kill more than 1,000 Americans daily, nearly two years after it began.

The states Republican-controlled ARPA commissions have separately approved $31 million in ARPA money for child-care providers, as well as $15 million for affordable housing projects, but Democrats have argued that the state has been slow to actually spend that money.

Eychner said the department plans to produce a report on the return-to-work bonus program by the end of January, to include more details data on the demographics of the bonus recipients and what types of jobs they took. A more comprehensive report, to be published about a year later, will analyze more specific information the department collected from applicants, he said.

That report will attempt to find answers to the questions many economists and policymakers have been asking since the pandemic upended workers and businesses across the economy. It will include data on how long people were out of work, and what industries they worked in before and after.

One of the things were curious about (is) did people change jobs, did they change industries, did they completely upend their life and get into something else? Eychner said. Because weve heard narratives about that, but its just anecdotal data at this point.

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Speed is killing drivers on Montanas roads.

As highway safety experts examine fatal crashes during 2021, the one factor above all others this year contributing to those wrecks has consistently been driving over the speed limit.

Were at a 20% increase [in crashes] overall for the state. Thats still better than predicted as the first part of the year we saw a massive increase in fatal wrecks," said Sgt. Jay Nelson, the Montana Highway Patrol public information officer. "As far as factors in those crashes, the biggest one that we are seeing is speed with an 85% increase compared to the previous two years.

An estimate published by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in October tracked over 20,000 deaths during the first six months of 2021, an increase of about 18% compared to the first half of 2020. Within that same period, the region of the United States that includes Montana, Washington, Idaho, Oregon and Alaska saw a 25% increase in fatalities.

In an additional report on driving behaviors from March 2020 through June 2021, the NHTSA found that cases of speeding coupled with failure to wear a seat belt were higher than previous years. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg called the number of recent fatalities a crisis, and announced the creation of a new DOT program next year to address it.

As of Dec. 13, at least 213 people have died on Montana's highways, an increase of about 16% compared to the two years prior, according to the latest data from Montana Highway Patrol. Sgt. Nelson said those deaths are fairly spread out, with the regions with the highest populations accounting for the most deaths. One of the largest increases by percentage this year has been wrecks in urban areas, which jumped by 114%.

In my training and experience, I would say that where youre seeing these violent rollovers within urban areas, speed has definitely become a factor. Not only has speed been a factor, but you also have the combining with the increase in these crashes where seatbelts arent worn, he said.

MHP has about 256 personnel patrolling throughout the state, a number that needs to increase in the interest of reducing crashes and deaths as the states population continues to increase, Nelson said.

The Billings Police Department has conducted nine fatal crash investigations so far in 2021, according to data provided by the department, an increase over seven investigations in 2019 and four in 2020. In the past five years, deadly crash investigations for BPD peaked in 2018 with 13. In Yellowstone County, at least six teenagers have died this year in crashes, with two of them within the city limits.

Three crosses currently stand where Interstate 90 meets North 27th Street in Billings, marking the spot where three men died in November when a semi-truck struck the SUV in which they were traveling. One of those mourned was 44-year-old Alan Winslow, who left behind several children and a wife of 10 years.

Im lost without my husband, said Lori Winslow, who plans to carve her husbands name into one of those crosses.

The 50-year-old and her son have spent the months since Alan Winslows death in search of a place to live. The family had moved to Billings just prior to the wreck and were in the middle of finding a residence when they suddenly had to make plans for a funeral.

Winslow and his brother-in-law Nikolas James Turner, 40, were passengers in the SUV when its driver reportedly tried to make a U-turn on I-90. The three had pulled off the interstate to work on another vehicle.

Thats what took his life, helping somebody else in need. Its sad, its unfortunate and I hope to God that people learn from this. People are dying all the time, and no family should have to go through this, Lori Winslow said.

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I am rounding out my first term in the Montana Legislature and have spent the past year thinking about hope: where we find hope, how we create it, what is both feeding and eroding it, and the future of hope within our democratic institutions. I am writing to share one of the conversations on hope Ive been having with myself.

I recently returned from a legislative leadership academy with a bipartisan group of state lawmakers from across the West. We gathered to learn about the history of state legislatures, how to negotiate and build consensus, communicate effectively, and find common ground.

We also spent time together studying the history of democracies  the Athenian democracies and Greek republics  all of which came to an end after several centuries, driven, in part, by disregard for political norms and violent rhetoric. These history lessons made me think about Montanas 2021 legislative session.

As a Democrat in the deep minority, I watched how our caucus was marginalized and sidelined without adherence to process. Over the course of the session, I imagined that if Democrats were in the majority, we would treat the minority party with the graciousness and integrity we did not receive. But in conversations with my colleagues from the legislative academy, Republicans in the minorities in Oregon, Washington and Colorado, they told me their Democratic colleagues treated them just as we were treated.

These stories make me feel disheartened. We are working within a system that dehumanizes people and belittles efforts toward kindness and recognition of our humanness. I am disappointed in our bipartisan behavior towards the other that seems to come as a reflex of unexamined power. I also recognize thoughtfulness around power opens up space to include everyone in the work of building an ethic of love in politics. This work takes discipline and a caring for each other and the integrity of our democracy.

It is challenging to run a campaign on a platform of curiosity, generosity, middle-ground and thoughtfulness. The messaging doesnt come easy. This kind of campaigning demands more time, attentiveness, listening, asking the questions, and a rejection of the reductive soundbites and slogans we are accustomed to in politics. But campaigns built on disparaging or distancing ourselves from each other make it hard to serve with a spirit of partnership and decency.

Despite all of that, a beautiful thing about politics is that the closer we get to the people, moving from national to state to local public service, the more our partisan divides diminish and the easier it is to find common ground, shared values and consensus. I find hope in We, the people. I find hope in public servants who are meeting people where they are and doing the work that directly improves the lives of those in their communities. I will continue to search for hope in democracy by showing up with love, integrity and humanness.

Rep. Alice Buckley, D-Bozeman, represents House District 63 in the Montana Legislature.

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The Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail Interpretive Center in Great Falls will waive general admission fees in January and February to encourage visitation and accessibility.

We want folks to experience the Interpretive Center, said Acting Center Manager Jeff LaRock. Fee free months help make the exhibits more accessible, and January and February are good months to get in from the cold for a few hours and see what the Interpretive Center has to offer.

Starting Jan. 4, the center, at 4201 Giant Springs Road, will open fee-free from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday, and from 12  5 p.m. on Sunday. It will offer its standard schedule of orientation videos, access to our main exhibit space, and access to the trails and grounds around the building. The center will still charge standard tuition for school groups that come for formal education programs and for commercial tour groups.

Since 1998, the center has displayed the spirit of exploration embodied by the 1804-1806 noLewis and Clark Expedition through western North America and their interactions with Plains and Northwest Indians. Each year, 48,000 visitors engage in live programs with park rangers and special presenters, walk interpretive trails, explore 6,000 square feet of hands-on exhibits, view movies directed by acclaimed filmmaker Ken Burns and Dayton Duncan or Gray Warriner or take an optional audio tour in any of five languages.

The center is managed by the USDA Forest Service. To slow the spread of COVID-19, masks are now required for all visitors. Call us at (406) 727-8733 or visit https://go.usa.gov/xezH8 for more information.

Oltrogge to lead ranger district

Jason Oltrogge will lead the Judith Musselshell Ranger District, the eastern most district on the Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest.

Jasons understanding of the unique landscape on the east end of our Forest as well as his connection to Harlowton, Stanford and the surrounding communities will make him a great leader for the district, Forest Supervisor Bill Avey said in a news release. He has already done great work to navigate the district through several late season human-caused fires this fall.

He has been serving in the role since October.

Oltrogge holds a bachelor of science degree from the University of Wyoming. He launched his career as a trail crew volunteer with the Forest Service in 1990 on the Bridger-Teton National Forest before accepting a range specialist position on the Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest. Since October 2006, he has served on the Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest supporting the range programs for both the Rocky Mountain and Judith Musselshell ranger districts.

Oltrogge lives with his wife, Mindy, in Stanford where they raised their children.

He has served as a member of the Stanford Volunteer Fire Department and Judith Basin Search and Rescue. In his free time, he enjoys spending time in the mountains following his two bird dogs around, paddle boarding, fishing and hiking.

FWP buys 772 acres near Columbia Falls for $7.26M

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks on Tuesday finalized the $7.26 million purchase of 772 acres of intact forestland along the Flathead River near Columbia Falls from former landowner Columbia Falls Aluminum Co., a subsidiary of Glencore Inc.

It will add to a 12,000-acre network of conserved land along 50 miles of the Flathead River and Flathead Lake downstream of Columbia Falls. The property is just east of Columbia Falls and south of the Flathead River and is one of the Flathead Valleys largest remaining undeveloped riverfront properties.

It serves as critical winter range for elk, moose and white-tailed deer, and provides important habitat connectivity for grizzly bears, bull trout and 43 Species of Greatest Conservation Need, officials said. The wetlands and quality riparian habitat on the property help safeguard the excellent water quality of the Flathead River and Flathead Lake.

The acquisition also secures permanent public access to the property, which will include a limited opportunity for hunting and a 3-mile community trail constructed by Gateway to Glacier Trail, Inc. for use by hikers, bikers, birdwatchers and others.

FWP will now manage the property as the Bad Rock Canyon Wildlife Management Area and safeguard critical wildlife habitat while allowing public access, officials said.

Funding for the purchase includes $4 million from the US Forest Service Forest Legacy Program, which is funded through the Land and Water Conservation Fund and $2.5 million from Habitat Montana, which uses big game license fees for habitat conservation.

Flathead Land Trust was tasked with raising the remaining $590,000 with help from funding partners, the Flathead Lakers. The majority of the donations were from local individuals and organizations as well as large grants from Heart of the Rockies Initiative, The Kendeda Fund, Montana Fish and Wildlife Conservation Trust, AGL Foundation, Cinnabar Foundation, Cross Charitable Foundation, Whitefish Community Foundation, Headwaters Montana, Montana Trout Unlimited, Flathead Valley Trout Unlimited, Flathead Wildlife, Flathead Audubon, and Vital Ground Foundation. Large donations from individuals were also received from Dean Marsh, David and Chet Barclay, Bob and Betty Moore, Molly Miller and Mark Jungerman, Walter Rowntree and Laura Reynolds, George and Kimberly Ruhana, and an anonymous donor. Over 250 individuals stepped up to financially contribute to the project.

FWP panel to meet Monday via Zoom

The Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission will meet via Zoom from 9-10 a.m. on Monday.

The commission will make final decisions on the following:

Amending Administrative Rule 12.11.6702 to repeal the Madison River walk/wade section and to reinstate the 2020 Madison River walk/wade section

Repeal Administrative Rule 12.11.6706 regarding the rest/rotation sections of the Madison River

Big Hole River brown trout fishing regulations

For the full agenda and background on the scheduled topics, go to the Fish and Wildlife Commission page on the FWP website.

FWP's website offers live streamed audio of each Fish and Wildlife Commission meeting.

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Groups or individuals interested in building or improving a community fishing pond have until Feb. 1 to apply for a Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Community Pond Program grant.

The program aims at enhancing public fishing opportunities in or near Montana communities by providing funding to build or improve a public fishing pond.

Applicants must provide at least 30% of the total project cost, which can include contributions such as heavy equipment time, construction materials, labor, engineering services and more. Anyone wishing to sponsor a project may apply. A total of $100,000 in grant funds is available for ponds that offer public fishing opportunities.

Since 2003, the Community Pond Program has funded projects that benefit young anglers and their families by providing locations where individuals of all ages can learn angling skills. Morel information, including a grant application form, is available on the FWP website at fwp.mt.gov. Click on About FWP, select Grant Programs, then click on Community Pond Program. The direct link is: https://fwp.mt.gov/aboutfwp/grant-programs/community-pond.

Applications must be received on or before Feb. 1. Applicants are required to contact their local FWP fisheries biologist to obtain project support. For more information, contact Michelle McGree, FWP program officer, at 406-444-2432 or mmcgree@mt.gov..

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"It's a Wonderful Life" is a holiday fixture now but that was not true at first. Movie fans did not always think the classic  No. 20 on the American Film Institute's list of the best movies ever made and 75 years old this week  was so wonderful.

Released five days before Christmas in 1946, "Wonderful Life" introduced us to George Bailey (Jimmy Stewart), who faces a personal and professional crisis on Christmas Eve of 1945 and only manages to turn his frown upside-down with the help of a klutzy angel (Henry Travers).

It did modestly in theaters, reportedly falling about $500,000 shy of earning the $6.3 million it would have needed to break even. It earned respectful reviews and was nominated for five Oscars, including best picture, best director Frank Capra and best actor Stewart, losing those three to "The Best Years of Our Lives." Then, for years, it was barely thought of.

But a few things changed that. The biggie was that Republic Pictures neglected to renew the copyright on the film, so it entered the public domain in 1974, which is why you can find slipshod Blu-rays for $4 at gas stations every December and why it pops up on TV year after year. Then, in 1977, Marlo Thomas, a big TV star at the time, produced and starred in a gender-flipped remake, "It Happened One Christmas," which scored huge ratings and led many dads like mine to tell their kids, "You liked that thing? You should see the original."

The main change, in terms of how we look at "It's a Wonderful Life," is us. It's the same movie it was in 1946 but we come at it differently now than we did then  when, for a variety of reasons, it must have startled audiences hoping for a "The Bells of St. Mary's"-like burst of holiday cheer.

Jimmy Stewart

Then: One of the most genial of Hollywood stars, Stewart earned audiences' trust playing uncomplicated good guys, including in Capra's "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington" and his Oscar-winning role in "The Philadelphia Story." It's likely the Capra connection led Stewart to sign on to "Wonderful" as his first project after distinguished service in the U.S. Army, starting in 1941 (he remained in the Reserves).

If audiences were expecting another of those uncomplicated guys, they did not get it in "Wonderful," where George spends a chunk of the movie contemplating suicide. George is a hero but "Wonderful" examines what it costs him to be one for the town of Bedford Falls, New York, whose citizens he repeatedly puts ahead of himself.

Now: With his entire career available, not just those early years, "Wonderful" does not seem like an outlier. A pioneer in actors wresting control of their careers away from studios, Stewart began stretching what audiences expected of his characters, especially with Alfred Hitchcock, who seemed to delight in roughing up Stewart's image. Hitchcock cast him as a dangerously arrogant professor in "Rope," a peeping Tom who somehow doesn't know how incredible Grace Kelly is in "Rear Window" and a borderline necrophiliac in "Vertigo."

Frank Capra

Then: Capra rose to fame as a crowd-pleaser, to such an extent that the term "Capra-esque" means a corny, modern-day fable where hope and goodness always triumph. Capra was never as sunny as his rep  "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington," especially, takes a dim view of politics  but audiences that loved "Mr. Deeds Goes to Town" and "It Happened One Night" expected uplift.

Now: In hindsight, the darkness and cynicism that were erased in Capra's happy endings have gotten more attention. The handful of documentaries he made as part of the World War II propaganda effort are a possible turning point. Having spent time immersed in the ugliness of war, Capra seems to have shifted to exploring ambiguous material such as "Wonderful." That may also be why, although he continued to make movies for 15 more years, the six-time Oscar nominee and three-time winner earned no more nominations and only made one more enduring film  the Katharine Hepburn/Spencer Tracy "State of the Union."

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Todays Highlight in History:

On Dec. 23, 1783, George Washington resigned as commander in chief of the Continental Army and retired to his home at Mount Vernon, Virginia.

On Dec. 23:

In 1788, Maryland passed an act to cede an area not exceeding ten miles square for the seat of the national government; about two-thirds of the area became the District of Columbia.

In 1928, the National Broadcasting Company set up a permanent, coast-to-coast network.

In 1941, during World War II, American forces on Wake Island surrendered to the Japanese.

In 1948, former Japanese premier Hideki Tojo and six other Japanese war leaders were executed in Tokyo.

In 1954, the first successful human kidney transplant took place at the Peter Bent Brigham Hospital in Boston as a surgical team removed a kidney from 23-year-old Ronald Herrick and implanted it in Herricks twin brother, Richard.

In 1962, Cuba began releasing prisoners from the failed Bay of Pigs invasion under an agreement in which Cuba received more than $50 million worth of food and medical supplies.

In 1968, 82 crew members of the U.S. intelligence ship Pueblo were released by North Korea, 11 months after they had been captured.

In 1972, a 6.2-magnitude earthquake struck Nicaragua; the disaster claimed some 5,000 lives.

In 1986, the experimental airplane Voyager, piloted by Dick Rutan (ruh-TAN) and Jeana (JEE-nuh) Yeager, completed the first non-stop, non-refueled round-the-world flight as it returned safely to Edwards Air Force Base in California.

In 1997, a federal jury in Denver convicted Terry Nichols of involuntary manslaughter and conspiracy for his role in the Oklahoma City bombing, declining to find him guilty of murder. (Nichols was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.)

In 2001, Time magazine named New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani its Person of the Year for his steadfast response to the 9/11 terrorist attack.

In 2003, a jury in Chesapeake, Virginia, sentenced teen sniper Lee Boyd Malvo to life in prison, sparing him the death penalty.

In 2011, after days of stalemate and rancor, Congress approved a two-month renewal of payroll tax cuts for 160 million workers and unemployment benefits for millions; President Barack Obama immediately signed the bill into law. Two car bombers blew themselves up in Damascus outside the heavily guarded compounds of Syrias intelligence agencies, killing at least 44 people and wounding dozens more in a brazen attack on the powerful security directorates.

In 2016, the United States allowed the U.N. Security Council to condemn Israeli settlements in the West Bank and east Jerusalem as a flagrant violation of international law; the decision to abstain from the councils 14-0 vote was one of the biggest American rebukes of its longstanding ally in recent memory. Actor and writer Carrie Fisher was transported to a Los Angeles hospital after suffering a severe medical emergency on an international flight; she died four days later at age 60.

In 2020, Pfizer said it would supply the U.S. government with an additional 100 million doses of its COVID-19 vaccine under a new agreement between the pharmaceutical giant and the Trump administration. Two new studies provided encouraging evidence that having had COVID-19 may offer some protection against future infections. After months of fighting the coronavirus, the Fire Department of New York began vaccinating its own members, starting with the front-line EMTs who had responded to more than 1 million emergency medical calls throughout New York City in 2020.

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DECATUR  A California man, intercepted by police while driving past Decatur in a van packed with 160 pounds of cannabis, has been sent to prison for seven years.

Vincent D. Johnson, 64, took a plea deal negotiated by his attorney, Daniel L. Fultz, which saw him admit to a single charge of unlawful possession of the drug with intent to deliver. Two further charges of cannabis trafficking and possession of the drug were dismissed by Macon County Circuit Court Judge Jeffrey Geisler.

Johnson, appearing in court Wednesday, was also ordered to pay a $250 fee to cover the costs of having his DNA added to a criminal database maintained by the Illinois State Police.

The charges against Johnson stem from a vehicle stop carried out on Interstate 72 by Macon County Sheriffs Office deputies on the evening of Feb. 18, 2020.

A sworn affidavit signed by Deputy Matthew Hunt said the van had been pulled over for traffic infractions but police became suspicious while talking to Johnson. Hunt said Johnson told him he was buying the van but then claimed he didnt know who the owner was.

Later, he admitted to having the drugs stowed in the back and also told police there was another man in the vehicle, 42-year-old Joshua A. Fitch, whom Johnson identified as a hitchhiker. Hunt described him as being found under a blanket in the back of the van, where he appeared to be hiding," and he was booked on the same original charges as Johnson.

Both men filed a motion in December of 2020 arguing the drug seizure was done improperly and should be thrown out as evidence. Geisler had denied that motion and denied a motion to reconsider that decision after a further hearing in February.

But in October, in a bench trial, Geisler found Fitch, also from California, not guilty of all charges. Fitch was represented by defense attorney Mark Kevin Wykoff Sr., who said his client had known nothing about the drugs and was just trying to reach the bedside of his dying grandmother in Columbus, Ohio.

Wykoff had pointed out that his story had checked out when investigated by police. The grandmother died while Fitch was being held in the Macon County Jail. He was released immediately following his acquittal.

Contact Tony Reid at (217) 421-7977. Follow him on Twitter: @TonyJReid

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DECATUR  A self-confessed porn addict and his mother wept with relief in a Decatur courtroom Wednesday after a judge decided not to send the defendant to prison for his crimes involving child pornography.

Instead, Niantic man Joshua R. Skinner, 44, was sentenced to 36 months probation when he appeared in Macon County Circuit Court. He had earlier pleaded guilty to two counts of possession of child porn.

Those pleas were part of a deal negotiated by his defense attorney, Susan Moorehead, that saw prosecutors drop four more serious charges of reproducing child porn images.

Presiding Judge Thomas Griffith also sentenced Skinner to 180 days in the Macon County Jail, but that was canceled out by the time hes already spent behind bars. The defendant has remained in custody since his arrest Feb. 5.

Earlier, as his mother sat watching from the gallery, Skinner had taken the stand and gave evidence under questioning by Moorehead. What is it that led you to decide to view child pornography ? she asked him.

I dont really know, Skinner replied. I have an addiction to pornography and, being under the influence at that time, I fell down a rabbit hole and I made a mistake.

Skinner said his behavior had been twisted by substance abuse but he was now clean of using heroin and would no longer drink alcohol or smoke cannabis. He said he had reaffirmed his faith in God and wanted the chance to turn his life around.

He confirmed that his mother had agreed he could stay with her and he had the prospects of a job lined up as a restaurant dishwasher. Questioned by Moorehead, Skinner said his mother would make sure he abided by all conditions placed on him by his probation.

Is it fair to say she believes that the rules should be followed? asked Moorehead. Absolutely, replied Skinner.

Prosecuting, Macon County States Attorney Scott Rueter had requested that Skinner be sent to prison for 10 years. He acknowledged the defendants lack of a criminal record and the fact he had confessed immediately to viewing porn images when confronted by Macon County Sheriffs Office deputies.

But Rueter said Skinner had already received enough of a break for all that by having the charges knocked down to Class 2 felonies as opposed to the former Class X charges. He said the public policy of the state was that child porn was a crime so heinous that prison time for those involved in it was essential as both fitting punishment and a deterrent.

Moorhead insisted, however, that her client deserved a break. He recognizes he made a huge mistake, he recognizes that he did something horrible, she told the judge. He recognizes that his substance abuse contributed to what happened when he gave into this sexual deviance.

The judge said he acknowledged all those points before he passed sentence. He also ordered Skinner to register for life as a sex offender, to undergo evaluation for being a substance abuser and sex offender and undergo any recommended treatments.

Griffith noted that Skinner had not been accused of producing child pornography, only of viewing and letting others see it. But he said that was bad enough: It certainly is still despicable conduct; I dont understand how anyone could ever be interested in any of this, he added.

Seeing Skinners relief at not getting a prison sentence, the judge warned him not to just sit there and think all is great and wonderful." Griffith said the defendant was going back out into a world full of the same stressors and factors that got him into trouble and would see him headed straight for prison if he offends again.

You understand? Keep yourself out of trouble and not do this sick stuff, you understand that? Griffith asked.

Skinner, due to be released that day, assured him he did.

Contact Tony Reid at (217) 421-7977. Follow him on Twitter: @TonyJReid

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Early in her term, Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot successfully pushed aldermen to change city law so that her administration could release previously confidential reports from the inspector general.

Lightfoot cast her campaign to give her office more discretion on the release of such reports as a key point in her bring in the light reform agenda at City Hall.

During my campaign, I committed to holding my administration to the highest levels of transparency, and this ordinance provides the public with an opportunity to fully examine the inspector generals findings on the most high-profile and consequential investigations in our city, Lightfoot said in a summer 2019 statement accompanying her ordinance.

But in the more than two years since, Lightfoot and her lawyers have yet to release a full inspector generals report on any high-profile incidents that have occurred during her tenure.

And Lightfoot has released only three previously confidential inspector general reports: one on the Chicago Police Departments cover-up of Laquan McDonalds murder; another on an investigation into the death of two city police officers; and a third on the death of David Koschman, for which Richard Vanecko, the nephew of former Mayor Richard M. Daley, pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter.

All three incidents occurred long before Lightfoot became mayor.

At issue are key reports written by Chicagos inspector general, the independent watchdog tasked with investigating allegations of wrongdoing and then providing extensive reports on alleged misconduct to city officials, which are later released in condensed summaries to the public.

Lightfoots ordinance, however, gives the citys top lawyer an option to release IG investigation reports in cases that involve a death or a possible felony, and are of a compelling public interest. They also must be reports that include sustained findings of conduct connected with a felony or death, a Lightfoot spokeswoman said in a statement.

City Hall points to those restrictions to argue the administrations hands are often tied when it comes to decisions about releasing reports.

The Lightfoot Administration will continue to follow the law, and any such report that meets these criteria will be released, the statement said.

Alisa Kaplan, Reform for Illinois executive director, acknowledged the limitations in how the law is written and said Lightfoot should revisit it if shes serious about following through on those promises of transparency.

The ordinance that she and her team wrote doesnt allow the transparency she promised as a candidate or in some of these specific cases, Kaplan said.

Since Lightfoots ordinance passed, the mayor has resisted calls from media, aldermen and members of the public to release reports detailing some of the biggest scandals of her tenure.

For instance, Lightfoot refused to make public the inspector generals report on the October 2019 incident that led her to fire police Superintendent Eddie Johnson, one of the defining moments of Lightfoots term.

Lightfoots team recently received two major reports, one involving the administrations handling of the botched raid on Anjanette Youngs home, the other on a faulty demolition in Little Village that sent a dust cloud over the Southwest Side immigrant neighborhood.

Chicago police had carried out a raid on Youngs home when they acted on a bad tip and made her stand naked and handcuffed as she repeatedly insisted they had the wrong place. The raid in February 2019 became national news the following year in large part because Lightfoot officials sought an extraordinary order to prevent CBS-2 from airing the footage, setting off a public relations nightmare for the mayor as her office mishandled the situation.

City lawyers initially requested sanctions against Young for sharing video of the raid with media, though they later backpedaled, saying they only wanted sanctions against Youngs lawyer, before dropping the request altogether.

As the scandal unfolded, Lightfoot released a statement in December 2020 falsely saying she had no knowledge of the matter involving Young before CBS aired video of the errant raid. Lightfoot also insisted at a news conference that her administration hadnt refused to give Young video from the raid, even though her administration had done exactly that.

Lightfoot later acknowledged that she had been informed about the botched raid in 2019, though she downplayed what she was told.

Lightfoot has since personally apologized to Young for the errant raid, though her administration played hardball in defending the departments actions before coming to a $2.9 million settlement agreement.

In response to questions from reporters, Lightfoot has publicly declined to commit to releasing the full 163-page report by former inspector general Joe Ferguson.

An outside investigation by the law firm Jones Day, meanwhile, found that Lightfoot officials failed to follow appropriate procedures, did not adequately communicate across departments and did not live up to the public service mission in their handling of a botched police raid on Anjanette Youngs home, according to a report released last week.

But the firm also said it found no evidence of purposeful concealment by the mayor or any department, even though city lawyers objected to releasing video from the raid to Youngs lawyer because they were concerned it would be given to the media.

Lightfoots administration recently confirmed it will not release a report involving the 2020 demolition of a former coal-fired power plants smokestack in Little Village by Hilco that sent massive dust clouds into the working-class community.

Fergusons report on the demolition recommended discipline for at least three city employees, with a finding that one should be fired.

Little Village Ald. Michael Rodriguez and U.S. Rep. Jesus Chuy Garcia sent Lightfoot a letter in October urging her to release and respond to Fergusons report as soon as possible to maintain an honorable level of accountability and transparency we have promised our constituents.

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Illinois state Sen. Kimberly Lightford and her husband were carjacked Tuesday night in suburban Broadview, police said.

No one was hurt, but at least one of the suspects fired gunshots at Lightfords husband, according to police.

Lightford, a Democrat from Maywood, and her husband were in a black Mercedes SUV and were in the near west suburb to drop off a friend, according to Broadview police Chief Thomas Mills.

Three masked individuals in a Dodge Durango SUV blocked the couples Mercedes in the 2000 block of South 20th Avenue about 9:45 p.m. The suspects ordered Lightford and her husband, who was driving, out of the Mercedes, said Mills.

The suspects drove off in the Mercedes and the Durango, police said. Mills said the Mercedes has since been recovered by police.

Broadview police were also trying to retrieve surveillance video to aid in the investigation.

Lightford, the second highest-ranking member of the state Senate, could not be reached for comment.

The carjacking occurred about 30 minutes after a Christmas event hosted by Broadviews village officials took place close to the scene of the crime, Mills said.

He said the number of carjackings in the town have been minimal, but other parts of Cook County have been struggling to contain them.

In Chicago, carjackings were up by about 32% through Sunday with 1,781, up from 1,352 during the same time last year.

The Cook County Sheriffs Department earlier this month acknowledged the steep rise in carjackings, with Sheriff Tom Dart sending letters to major automakers, asking them collaborate on addressing the crime.

Dart has suggested automakers create a 24/7 hotline for motorists and law enforcement to contact if they need to track a stolen vehicle,

His office has also created a consent form that car owners can submit to the sheriffs office, granting them permission to have their vehicles tracking information in case it gets stolen.

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SPRINGFIELD  U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis, in an interview Monday, was bullish on Republicans chances of taking back the majority in the U.S. House next year.

I guarantee it, the Taylorville Republican said assuredly, adding that he will be the chairman of the House Administration Committee should that happen.

In fact, he thinks Republicans will do well statewide, perhaps with a boost from billionaire Ken Griffin, the state's wealthiest man.

I think we can win some statewide seats, Davis said. I think we can pick up more seats in the House and the Senate. I think it's going to be a great year for Republicans.

Though Davis is now out of the statewide picture, Lee Enterprises and other news outlets confirmed last week that billionaire Griffin plans to bankroll a slate of statewide Republican candidates to challenge Pritzker and other Democrats. Even if the slate were to come up short, party operatives believe there could be a down ballot trickle effect.

When you've got J.B. Pritzker, who's not afraid to throw out hundreds of millions of dollars to keep his seat at the governor's mansion, we Republicans need to be able to compete, Davis said. I'm glad that we can have competitive races in Illinois because when we do, I think we can elect a Republican governor.

If it happens, that Republican governor will not be Davis, who opted to run for reelection in a conservative district Democrats seemingly drew to appease him.

Though Springfield Democrats, in control of the redistricting process, approved a map with the intention of creating a 14-3 Democratic majority in the state's congressional delegation, Davis thinks theres at least two additional districts that could swing Republicans way next year.

And don't sleep on the fact that I think we're going to surprise a lot of Democrats in Springfield by winning some congressional seats that they assuredly thought we're going to go to Democrats, Davis said.

The first is the 17th Congressional District, which includes Bloomington, Peoria, the Quad Cities and Rockford, which is represented by retiring Rep. Cheri Bustos, D-East Moline. Many have rated the seat a tossup in next years election. Republican Esther Joy King is running again after almost defeating Bustos in 2020. Five Democratic candidates have announced.

The other is the 13th Congressional District, which snakes from East St. Louis to Champaign, picking up Springfield and Decatur in between. Its the condensed version containing the urban elements of Davis current district, which he was drawn out of.

"These are districts that the Democrats drew in their in their calculation to elect Democrats, but just as my current district was drawn to elect a Democrat 10 years ago, we beat the trend," Davis said. "I think we're going to see those districts represented by Republicans."

Davis notes with pride that Democrats connected the major urban centers of central Illinois and every college campus they could find into the district so a Democrat could be competitive. Yet the five-term Republican has won every time.

At the same time, the 12th Congressional District, stretching from Metro East across much of rural Southern Illinois, once a strong Democratic seat, has now been in Republican hands for several cycles.

The Democratic gerrymander is strong, but perhaps not as strong as Democrats think it is, Davis believes.

A key factor may be the role for former President Donald Trump, who is popular in conservative bastions downstate but a pariah in the moderate Chicago suburbs.

In Virginia, Republican Glenn Youngkin defeated Democrat Terry McAuliffe in the governor's race by successfully keeping Trump at arms length. Some think that formula could work in suburban Chicago state legislative and congressional races.

Davis' arc on Trump is somewhat interesting. He went from saying that he could not vote for Trump in 2016 after the release of the "Access Hollywood" tape, in which the president described grabbing women, to serving as a co-chair of the his 2020 presidential campaign.

Serving in his current swing district, Davis was always careful to tout his bipartisan credentials even as he embraced Trump's policy agenda, a balancing act that helped him get reelected in a close race in 2018.

But Davis, perhaps acknowledging the increasingly conservative nature of his district, invoked Trump's name several times in the interview, touting his support for the president's signature tax cut legislation, for example.

"I hope the president joins us in electing as many Republicans to the U.S. House so that we can make Kevin McCarthy speaker of the house, and we can hold the administration accountable for some of the terrible decisions that they've made policy-wise and legislatively wise," Davis said.

Davis' Republican credentials have never been questioned. And he's never shied away from Trump. But the frequency in which he invokes the former president has seemingly increased. It doesn't seem like a coincidence.

And should Trump run for president in 2024?

"That's a decision that he's going to have to make," Davis said. "I think if he does run, he will immediately be the frontrunner and likely win the Republican nomination."

And Davis would likely be a co-chair of Trump's 2024 campaign as well.

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The Prairie Du Pont Fire District has fallen into chaos.

Its three-member board of trustees replaced the fire chief on Monday with a controversial assistant chief who was convicted of arson 23 years ago and who has been reported for safety violations.

That caused 10 out of 13 volunteer firefighters to resign, according to the former fire chief, John Rosenkranz, 37, of East Carondelet.

The district's Facebook page, which functions as its official website, is being used by both supporters and opponents of the new acting fire chief, and the latter are calling on the St. Clair County Board to remove members of the Prairie Du Pont board.

"In the past 2 years there have been open meetings act violations, federal background check violations, tort law violations, civil rights violations, discrimination, and sexual harassment issues," according to a "no confidence" letter sent to the county board from the "Prairie Du Pont Fire Department."

"The board refuses to hear the departments pleas for the laws and regulations of the State of Illinois and of the Federal Government to be followed. They will not let the public read or look at the minutes of their meetings. There is NO financial report being made to the general public. There are no (postings) of budgets or equipment contracts."

Prairie Du Pont serves about 2,500 people who live in a 14-square-mile area that includes East Carondelet and some homes with Dupo, Cahokia Heights, Millstadt and Columbia zip codes.

The new acting fire chief is Jerame Simmons, 42, of Dupo, who has served as a firefighter with several metro-east departments over the years. The Prairie Du Pont board promoted him to assistant chief last summer, demoting John Rosenkranz's wife, Laura Rosenkranz.

The board called a special meeting at 3 p.m. Monday to replace John Rosenkranz with Simmons.

Board members later issued a statement on Facebook, saying that they appreciated Rosenkranz's service but determined in the last several months that new leadership was needed.

"The Board is aware that some of the current officers and members of the Fire Department may disagree with the Board's decision, however, the position of the fire chief under state law is at the pleasure of the Board of Trustees ...

"In order for that position to be effectively served, the trustees must have a good working relationship with the person serving as chief and it must have confidence in the leadership being provided. When that is not the case, it is the Board's duty to make changes which it determines are appropriate."

Governor granted pardon

Jerame Simmons is the son of Herb Simmons, mayor of East Carondelet, a village of 390 people, and executive director of the St. Clair County Emergency Management Agency, which provides 911 services.

Jerame Simmons pleaded guilty in St. Clair County Circuit Court to felony arson and having an illegal "oscillating emergency light" on his personal vehicle in 1998. (He was a firefighter at the time.) He later successfully completed four years of intensive probation.

According to court documents, Jerame Simmons went to the basement of Dupo High School, gathered toilet paper and ceiling tiles and lit them on fire, knowing that a woman was present in the building. The small fire didn't lead to a larger fire, and no one was injured.

Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker pardoned Jerame Simmons in the arson case, but that doesn't "absolve" him of the crime, according to the Prairie Du Pont firefighters' letter to the county board.

Jerame Simmons couldn't be reached for comment Tuesday, nor could members of the Prairie Du Pont board. Phone calls weren't being answered at the fire station by employee or voicemail.

Jerame Simmons posted a video on his personal Facebook page, showing a clip of John and Laura Rosenkranz being interviewed by TV news reporters after the Prairie Du Pont special meeting next to a laughing emoji. The video was set to The Rolling Stones song "You Can't Always Get What You Want." It also included a portion of the board's statement.

John and Laura Rosenkranz were among those who resigned Monday.

"It's not about me being chief or the other (firefighters)," John Rosenkranz said by phone Tuesday. "It's about this reckless, lawless board that is going to hurt or kill somebody, lose property and promote destruction in this area."

John Rosenkranz called the personnel change "retaliation" for his efforts to obtain basic information on district finances that he needed to prepare budgets and apply for grants so firefighters could update their equipment and maintain a safe operation.

John Rosenkranz said he was forced to file Freedom of Information Act requests for such information.

Other departments on call

Herb Simmons stated in a private Facebook message Tuesday that Prairie Du Pont is a separate entity out of his purview as mayor of East Carondelet and that he hasn't attended one of its board meetings in 30 years.

When asked if he's concerned about what might happen if a fire breaks out in the community after the resignation of so many firefighters, Herb Simmons stated, "I was told last night by members of the fire district board that wasn't true."

The board addressed the potential problem in its statement:

"The Board hopes that members of the Fire Department will work with the Acting Chief to provide quality emergency services to the residents and property owners of the District during this transition period," it read.

"While the Board hopes it will not be necessary, arrangements have been made by the District with neighboring fire departments to provide any needed coverage within the Prairie Du Pont District in the event that any personnel shortages in the Fire Department should occur as a result of the Board's action."

Prairie Du Pont was organized in 1941 and became an official fire district in 1948, according to its Facebook page. The St. Clair County Board is responsible for appointing its board of trustees under state law.

In 2008, Jerame Simmons was charged with several offenses in Monroe County related to an order of protection filed against him by his wife. One charge was impersonating a police officer. That was dismissed in return for a guilty plea to a misdemeanor involving an order of protection violation.

In 2018, Jerame Simmons received supervision in St. Clair County Circuit Court for misdemeanor disorderly conduct resulting from an altercation with the manager of Country Rock Cabernet strip club in Sauget.

The manager originally reported that Jerame Simmons pulled a gun on him and announced, "I'm a police officer," after the manager removed Simmons' wife from the club for being disruptive. Officials later took his word for it that he was holding a vaping device in his fist.

Rosenkranz said he has reported Jerame Simmons for violating safety regulations while fighting fires but that he was told he didn't have the authority to reprimand or discipline him.

"They removed me because they couldn't control me when they were being reckless, (like) skimping on equipment," Rosenkranz said. "... I did my job, and I did it pretty well with what I was given."

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THUMBS UP! To yet another sign that this decade is an odd one. A man spotted a creature he called a Bigfoot outside the small town of Chandlerville, northwest of Springfield. With the federal government acknowledging the existence of unidentified flying objects, were smack in the middle of the incredible.

THUMBS DOWN! To alarming noises. Tuesday's sonic boom from an F-15 fighter jet rattled Central Illinois. Some Decatur residents were reminded of the 1974 Decatur rail yard explosion that killed seven and destroyed 80 homes. Others were reminded of the 2004 explosion at Illiopolis' Formosa Plastics factory. Fortunately, there's plenty of distance between these scares.

THUMBS DOWN! To a record low population growth in the U.S. The coronavirus, reduction of immigration and delayed pregnancies are blamed. The long-term effects of the drop impacts the country in a significant way. For just one example, if we think jobs aren't getting filled now, what happens when the workforce employee pool is smaller?

THUMBS DOWN! To bogus corporate decisions. A strike against Kelloggs has since been settled, but before that happened, the company announced it was taking its name off Pop-Tarts. In a tweet, Kellogg's said Our data show that consumers routinely focus on the visual of the Pop-Tarts brand name, so we simplified the package design by removing "Kellogg's". Alternate possibility -- a boycott of Kelloggs products in support of striking workers, and the company tried to battle it this way.

THUMBS UP! To one final grace period. Illinois drivers or state ID holders have an additional three months to get their cards renewed. While in-person visits to the Secretary of State's offices have often been a challenge, at least there's been plenty of cooperation and understanding about renewals. The extension for March 31 does not include commercial drivers' licenses or commercial learners' permits.

THUMBS UP! To the success of "Spider-Man: No Way Home." Amid rising pandemic panic thanks to the recent increase in cases, the film had the third-best opening weekend in movie history. There are questions about the future of every form of media. This result shows we still want to go out to the movies and has to be a relief for that industry.

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A boo and a hiss to Sen. Joe Manchin, who for the indefinite future has buried Build Back Better in a shallow grave, proclaiming himself unpersuadable, despite months in which President Biden and other Democrats bent over backward to negotiate with him and craft the bill more to his liking. If he doesnt return to the bargaining table, he may have just made it easier for the execrable Donald Trump to win a second term.

But Democrats, including Biden, angry at Manchin for betraying their best chance at pushing through a transformative policy agenda  including important advances like paid family leave, a dramatic expansion in free pre-K, hearing benefits under Medicare and lower-cost prescription drugs  should save some ire for Republicans, who said hell no from day one, and for their own strategists.

For months, Democrats wasted energy on a debate over whether to connect Build Back Better to a bipartisan infrastructure bill, with progressives insisting that the two had to move in lockstep, lest they lose leverage over centrist Democrats. Now, the likes of Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez are crowing that the gargantuan bills demise proves they were right all along.

To the contrary, the country is far better off having passed the infrastructure bill, and theres no way Manchins concerns about spending would have been allayed if the fate of the two packages had been fused. This never shouldve been a choice between everything and nothing.

Democrats also likely erred by cramming almost all of Bidens domestic policies into a single huge box. Nothing would have been wrong with three, four or more bills: one enhancing child care, one improving health care, one investing in climate change resiliency, and so on. Perhaps it wouldve been harder for Manchin to naysay them all in succession.

Members of the party in power can grouse all they like about the fact that in the 50-50 Senate, Democrats represent 41 million more Americans than Republicans do. But they knew they needed 50 votes, and they didnt get there. Thats on them.

New York Daily News

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New Braunfels, TX (78130)

Today

Plentiful sunshine. High around 60F. Winds NNE at 15 to 25 mph..

Tonight

A clear sky. Low near 30F. Winds NNE at 10 to 15 mph.
Other participating divisions include Alexandria, Carroll County, Fairfax, Galax, Prince William, Richmond, Rockingham County, Williamsburg/James City County and Winchester.

The pilot phase is expected to begin in January and last two to four weeks.

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VDH recognizes the importance of in-person learning and how important attendance at schools is for academic, social and behavioral health of our children and adolescents, according to the statement. We are also committed to providing recommendations to ensure that our students, teachers, and staff have as safe an environment as possible.

School officials are closely watching Gov.-elect Glenn Youngkin, who has already announced plans to eliminate all masking requirements after taking office Jan. 15.

If that happens, if there is not a test-to-stay opportunity or a change in how we do quarantines, potentially it could have some negative impacts on students, Perrigan said. Im thrilled well be part of this pilot because we want to start transitioning towards less masks required in our schools and having a test-to-stay option will make that more doable.
ACS has announced one Honorary Life Member and eight Fellows for 2021.

Steve Godbee has been awarded an Honorary Life Member while Dr Kenneth Price, Professor Ghassan Beydoun, Professor Guandong Xu, Dr Morris Fedeli, Nigel Chartres, Williy Susilo, Gavin Keeley, and Dr Asheley Jones have all been elevated as ACS Fellows.

Congratulations to Steve Godbee and all the Fellows for being recognised for their service to the Australian ICT sector.

Honorary Life Member:

Steve Godbee

Steve Godbee has contributed to the ACS with distinction for over 15 years.

He was appointed as Director of the Member Lifecycle Board from 2007 to 2011. During this time, Steve was instrumental in driving significant changes and programs that have transformed ACS to this day, including the Professional Partner Program and Open Membership.

From 2006 to 2013, Steve served on the NSW Branch Executive Committee.

He then led the Professional Standards Board as Director in 2016, followed by Director of the Professional Advisory Board in 2017, ensuring a smooth transition from one structure to another.

Steve has played an integral role in the ACS Digital Disruptors Awards and in 2018 was appointed as the Chief Judge.

He has also been a long-standing contributor to both the Professional Standards Committee and Business Assurance Committee.

Across his tenure, Steve has used his personal profile to promote ACS, including being the first spokesperson for Certification.



Fellows:

Dr Kenneth Price

Dr Kenneth Price has made a distinguished contribution to the field of ICT education for school-aged children, at the forefront of bringing new ideas and curricula into ICT education at a state and national level over four decades.

He is passionate about including the incorporation of life-long, transferable problem-solving skills and the social, economic and ethical impacts of digital technology.

During his career, Dr Price actively continued his research into the role of computing within the STEM area, enriching the materials and approaches used to support teachers in order to enable them to remain current with this rapidly changing topic.

He was particularly valued as a mentor among his peers and for over two decades maintained an online support community for Tasmanian ICT teachers.

Dr Price was a member of numerous ICT education bodies at many levels including state (TASITE), national (Australian Council for Computers in Education board) and international (Computer Science Teachers Association).

Professor Ghassan Beydoun

Professor Ghassan Beydoun has made a distinguished contribution to ICT in software development.

He is an internationally recognised researcher in complex information systems development processes and has published more than 160 journal and conference papers in this area.

Professor Beydoun has been a leader in Academia in various roles, including as the IT cluster chair at University of Wollongong, and as the Deputy Head of School at UTS, where he was instrumental in the transformation of the school to become research intensive.

He is acknowledged for his leadership and expertise within the SME community in the field of information systems and has served with distinction on high-impact journals and has supervised many prominent and emerging future leaders in doctoral completions and senior research accomplishments.

Professor Guandong Xu

Professor Guandong Xu is recognised for his distinguished contribution to ICT for his work in data analytics, developing algorithms used to predict behaviour. These, when applied across a diverse range of applications in business decision making for commerce industry and government, led to hugely significant savings in cost and efficiency which have had far reaching benefits to the Australian economy.

His research into human behaviour patterns used artificial intelligence and machine learning which revolutionised the way, for example, risk analysis, business processes and customer-based financial transactions were understood and changed the way such applications were deployed in a digital environment.

Professor Xus interest in Data Science extended beyond the use that can be made of his research into supporting education as Chair of the IEEEs Committees Educational Data Mining Task Force and sitting on the editorial board of several prestigious international journals.

Dr Morris Fedeli

Dr Morris Fedeli made a significant contribution to ICT as a pioneer of technology initiatives who was the first to bring them to market.

In 2004 in Queensland, he was the founding director of Satellite & Wireless Pty Ltd. In 2005, in the Philippines, he leveraged his expertise from his Australian operations and deployed the first wireless ISP service. This was in partnership with the national carrier, RJ Holdings DZRJ-TV, and used its national terrestrial footprint of towers for transmission.

Leading Odyssey World Pty Ltd from 1992-2008, Dr Morris continued to develop innovative business models and technologies including e-commerce solutions.

He enabled the first pizza delivery from an online order in Australia long before this was became the common occurrence it is today.

Dr Fedeli also established the THRIVE organisation; a world leader in sustainable business modelling which is backed by a sustainable business model theory, methodology, and practical assessment tools that Morris designed.

Nigel Chartres

Nigel Chartress distinguished contribution to ICT has been to envision and deliver the use of ICT to completely transform the way that users accessed various health related services first in West Australia, and then nationally.

His leadership and ability to achieve organisational change in the pursuit of a single doorway to government services led to systems such as the Online WA Program and established a yardstick for ICT reform in healthcare. To achieve this, he established digital pathways in areas where no such systems previously existed, opening routes between the many entities in healthcare and government. He thus demonstrated possibilities that shaped ICT reform across all levels of government bureaucracies.

Nigel is acknowledged for bringing together stakeholders, industry professionals and government departments at the national level in the reform of digital and online health care systems and data management.

Dr Willy Susilo

Dr Susilos ground-breaking research on authentication techniques has empowered the advancement of e-applications across the world and contributed to the security of Australia.

His work on shortened authentication techniques, algorithms, and protocols has had a lasting impact, especially for cloud computing.

Dr Susilo has been acknowledged as one of the top cyber security researchers in the world.

As a senior academic and Head of School at the University of Wollongong, he has led initiatives which have profoundly enhanced the standing of ICT within the Australian research landscape. These include a revamp of the curricula that has enhanced its appeal to a greater diversity of applicants.

Gavin Keeley

Gavin Keeley has made a distinguished contribution to the field of ICT as co-founder of a digital careers program (known as Group X) that led to a 60 per cent increase in ICT enrolment at University in Queensland. This became a national program in 2013 and has since had participation from millions of school students, thousands of teachers and supported the public debate about STEM.

His research, and lobbying government for seven years, led to the establishment of an undersea fibre optic connection direct to the internet from the Sunshine Coast. Finally commissioned and operational in March 2020, the network provides Australias fastest, most affordable international data connection to Asia from the east coast.

Gavin also co-founded the Silicon Coast group in 2014. It has over 2,000 members and drives collaboration to support the growth of the Sunshine Coast Digital Economy as the leading representative body for entrepreneurship, innovation and technology.

Dr Asheley Jones

Dr Asheley Jones is internationally recognised as an agent of change in ICT education and workforce development, both as an educator and as a thought leader in the education industry.

Dr Jones pioneered the application of the Skills Framework for the Information Age (SFIA) delivering ICT curriculum and workforce transformation across corporate Australia and the higher education sector.

She is acknowledged as a leader in the development of outcome-based microcredential frameworks including digital literacy and SFIA aligned ICT post-graduate credentials as well as for building outcome-based assessment to provide formal education pathways into Masters of IT Leadership programs.

Dr Jones expertise has been recognised by her appointment as an accredited expert for the Australian Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency and as Head of the Council of Professions Australia Education and Accreditation portfolio.

Within ACS, Dr Jones led the highly applauded Professional Year curriculum redesign.
Welcome to the Information Age annual roundup of the stories that captivated your attention this year.

After analysing almost a million pageviews, we found surveillance, Elon Musk, jobs, and cyber security made the cut.

Heres your top 12 of 2021:

1. Australia is becoming a surveillance state

We took a look at the new powers the government would have, following the passing of the Surveillance Legislation Amendment (Identify and Disrupt) Bill 2020. They included the ability to modify and delete data, and take over online accounts of alleged criminals.

2. Elon Musks satellite internet comes to Australia

The imminent launch of SpaceXs Starlink  promising vastly improved data speed, latency and uptime  was a winner with readers sick of the inadequate options available in some areas of Australia. At $809 to get set up, plus a monthly fee of $139, it was definitely not a cheap option, but for some, may be the only one.

3. Cyber security professionals ready to quit

The people we need most within organisations to protect systems are quitting in droves. Why? Extreme stress and burnout topped the list. But the job pays well and demand is strong. Is it worth it?

4. SA trials facial recognition for home quarantine

Isolating in quarantine at home instead of a hotel room sounds like a great idea, but for some South Australians who signed up to a trial, it meant being monitored by the government via webcam to check they were, in fact, at home.

5. NFT: why tweets and jpegs are selling for millions

Are NFTs the latest investment innovation or sure-fire scam? We explained why the latest use of blockchain is causing ripples around the world and how the face of music and art are rapidly changing.

6. The fake COVID apps fooling authorities

Where theres a COVID certificate requirement, theres a way to get around them. Reports fake certificates could be bought online and which looked as convincing as genuine ones had authorities scrambling for a resolution.

7. NBN technicians strike over pay

More than 100 NBN technicians walked off the job at a time Australians were needing fast internet services while working from home. Readers werent very sympathetic, with some describing the NBN scheme as a horses arse and urging a class action suit against the company.

8. NSW pauses online change of address

Its amazing how many people thought COVID was a great time to move  until authorities worked out people were simply logging on and changing their address in the system, even though they had not actually moved. Why? To avoid suburb-specific lockdowns in NSW.

9. These are Australias most-needed IT jobs

The Australian government released a list of the top 800 jobs needed in Australia, with IT nabbing almost 10 percent in the highest demand category. The roles in demand were multimedia specialist, developer programmer, software engineer, ICT security specialist, and ICT project manager.

10. The most wanted programming skills of 2021

So many programs, so little time. Which languages were worth learning this year? Python and Java were high up the list, as was C and Javascript. The most in-demand programming skills included front-end development, full-stack development, and automated testing.

11. The best-paying certifications in IT

Which certification is more likely to be valuable once complete? With hundreds to choose from, we looked at the top-paying certs which included CRISC, CISSP and PMP.

12. Help government hack or face 10 years jail

Readers were not happy about the Surveillance Bill mentioned in our #1 story, outraged that police could apply for an assistance order requiring someone such as a system administrator to assist with hacking activities. Anyone who helped hack was protected from civil liability and those refusing faced 10 years in jail.

Which tech news stood out for you this year? We'd love to read your comments.
After state Rep. Delia Ramirez of Chicago announced her candidacy for Congress earlier this month, a photo was posted on the private Instagram account of a past supporter showing the candidate standing in front of a U.S. flag as she addressed her audience at Revolution Brewing.

The picture from the Dec. 7 event had @DELIA4CONGRESS imprinted on it, with an arrow drawn in purple pointing to the candidate. A large X was scrawled in purple over the flag in the background.

The Ramirez campaign called the posting the work of a private individual using a personal account and beyond the control of the campaign.

But the image, sent to the Tribune by a source, was on the private Instagram account of a person well known to Ramirez and her campaign staff.

The Instagram account, labeled chibread, belongs to Ryan Kelleher, elections director for United Working Families, a politically active progressive group that is backing Ramirezs congressional bid.

The organizations website notes Kellehers history with Ramirez, which includes going on to recruit Ramirez to run for state representative in 2018 and acting as co-chair of that campaign. Kelleher was paid $16,412 for her campaign staff role, state campaign finance reports show.

I led the effort to #DraftDelia and went on to raise over $100,000 for the campaign from small dollar giving, Kelleher is quoted as saying on the UWF website. We won with over 48% of the vote in a four-way race. It was a collective victory that was the result of the work that our members and allies had been doing for years.

Now that we know how to elect grassroots candidates, it is our job to figure out how to keep them with us by holding them accountable and setting them up to be successful, Kelleher is quoted as saying on the groups website.

The groups website also shows Kelleher standing at a podium in front of a Delia Ramirez legislative campaign poster.

Kelleher did not respond to a request for comment on her Instagram post. United Working Families also did not respond to a request for comment.

Erin Connelly, a spokeswoman for the Ramirez congressional campaign, said Kelleher was not employed by the campaign and that the flag image was not shared by the campaign or campaign staff.

This is not a campaign statement, Connelly said. Its not something the campaign condones. We cannot control what private individuals post on social media.

Ramirez, an assistant Democratic leader in the Illinois House, is an ally of U.S. Rep. Jesus Chuy Garcia, and her congressional bid has drawn support from more progressive members of the Illinois legislature and City Council.

The only other announced Democratic candidate for the race is Chicago Ald. Gilbert Villegas, 36th, a Marine Corps veteran, chair of the City Councils Latino Caucus and a founding member of the councils Veterans Caucus.

The new, sprawling 3rd Congressional District was created by legislative Democrats to give the states growing Latino population an opportunity to send a second Latino to Washington along with Garcia. But Latinos are not a majority voting-age group in the new district, which stretches from Chicagos Northwest Side westward to include Latino communities in Bensenville, Addison and West Chicago.

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Krispy Kreme Inc.s strategy for shrinking its local infrastructure presence has continued with the sale of its doughnut shop property at 259 S. Stratford Road in Winston-Salem.

According to a Forsyth County Register of Deeds filing Wednesday, the company sold the property for $3.16 million to Hubbard Realty of Winston-Salem Inc.

John-Lewis Godfrey, chief operating officer for Hubbard, said the transaction represented a sale-leaseback arrangement.

Godfrey said the transaction did not affect Krispy Kremes shops at 5912 University Parkway or 2442 Lewisville- Clemmons Road in Clemmons.

Krispy Kreme could not be immediately reached for comment on whether the sale of the Stratford Road property was part of a larger real-estate initiative.

Krispy Kreme said in December 2017 it was shrinking its local workforce and office space as part of moving most critical corporate functions to south Charlotte, as well as in London.

That included reducing its space in its former corporate headquarters at 370 Knollwood St., which is near Salem Parkway and Thruway Shopping Center. Krispy Kreme still occupies the fourth and fifth floors.

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Fravel and his wife, Sue Malomo, who are both software developers and have six children between them, are worried about omicron and delta. Fravel, 51, said they nixed their trip to New York City because the thought of being in those big crowds didnt seem to make a whole lot of sense.

Neither did having lots of people at their house. Typically, 20 to 25 people filter through between Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. But this year, only the kids will come and not all at the same time.

Right now, the plan is everyones just kind of staying put in smaller circles or doing FaceTime, Fravel said.

England, an energy lobbyist, also weighed his options  and decided a trip could be made. He and his wife both got booster shots, which reassures him, though his daughter is too young for the vaccine.

We picked Miami in part because we would be able to eat exclusively outdoors and then spend time on the beach and at the pool, he said. But even he is still hedging: As of Tuesday evening, they were 80/20 going.
A Winston-Salem man was charged Thursday in the death of a toddler in July, authorities said.

Fernanda Lavon Jones, 34, of Peachtree Street is charged with murder and felony child abuse, inflicting serious physical injury, Winston-Salem police said. Jones is being held in the Forsyth County Jail with no bond allowed, police said.

Officers, city firefighters and emergency medical technicians responded to Peachtree Street at 4:20 a.m. July 27 to a report of unknown trouble, police said.

The first responders found the child, Thomas Ryan Jones Thompson, in distress, police said. Despite efforts to save his life, Thomas, who was 23 months old, died at the scene.

Detectives later learned that the boy had been in Jones care, police said. Jones and the child share similar last names but are not related, according to police.

An autopsy determined that the child died of blunt force trauma, and the boys manner of death was homicide.

Jones is accused of assaulting the boy on July 27, causing injuries to the toddlers abdomen, according to an arrest warrant. The toddler suffered an injury to his abdominal vein and a lacerated liver.
The combination of Mitchells background in mining and the depth of drilling at the Yadkin County site have left nearby residents fearful that hes planning a mining operation there. Steelman said a state inspector, at the request of a neighbor of the property who runs a company specializing in drilling for wells, visited the site and discovered that the deepest bore holes reached depths nearing 500 feet.

Why else would they need to drill that deep? Steelman asked.

He and the neighbors fear that a mine would impact the areas water table and threaten hundreds of nearby wells it supplies. They also worry about air quality, and potential noise from blasting and trucks entering and exiting.

When asked by the Journal, Mitchell repeatedly declined to say what the drilling was meant to find, or to reveal potential uses for the site.

Yeah, Im not going to answer the speculation, he said. You can ask me five different ways and Im not going to answer it.

Mitchell also pushed back on Steelmans characterization of the site as a pin cushion during a recent Yadkin County Planning Board meeting. Holes have been bored in just three locations on the property, he insisted.
Farrell was able to solve that problem with a system he crafted for precisely moving the camera and developed a method of stitching together the images into a larger whole  there are a couple examples of that in the exhibition.

But the panoramas didnt reach their full dramatic power until Farrell found a camera that shoots the equivalent of four standard frames on a negative that is about 10 inches long and 2  inches high, thereby eliminating the technical issues and need for multiple images.

The most iconic image in Wide Open Spaces is that of Delicate Arch, the instantly recognized rock arch found in northeast Utah. Its also one of the only pictures that contains people  not by the photographers choice.

We got up there really early in the morning, Farrell said. I thought lets go really early and there wont be any people. Theres always people there.

That photograph also provides one of the best examples of Farrells framing technique that is key to creating the images, a method that has everything to do with where the camera is placed.
With increasing cases of the COVID-19 omicron variant in Nebraska and holiday gatherings on the horizon, people may be looking to get tested before meeting friends and relatives this weekend.

Unlike last year, when COVID-19 test supply was tight and you usually had to have a doctor's referral or be experiencing possible symptoms of the disease, this year pretty much anyone can get a test for any reason.

There are several locations where you can get a rapid COVID-19 test and have the results in a few hours.

One of those is the test site run by Nomi Health at Gateway Mall. You can register online and get either a rapid antigen test or a PCR test. The rapid test results are usually available in an hour or so, while the PCR test results can take up to a couple of days. The site is closed both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

CVS also offers both rapid and PCR tests at certain locations, but it appeared as of Wednesday afternoon that there were no testing slots open at Lincoln locations this week.
He needed to be in a place that could do more for him, she said. Is he gonna get there? Is he gonna get the help he needs? Is this delay gonna  is it going to make things worse?

Finally, on Dec. 10, a Bryan employee called back. We have a bed, they said.

Then, another delay: The ambulance meant to speed Kieler to Lincoln was occupied by another, severely ill patient. Finally, at about midnight, Kieler was rushed to Lincoln and admitted to Bryan with acute respiratory failure.

He had waited roughly 80 hours for a spot.

He stayed for nearly a week. He was released  probably too early, Kim Kieler said. He ended up being life-flighted back to Bryan last weekend after the carbon dioxide in his blood spiked. Hes now recovering at the hospital, as others wait their turn on The List.

Some people simply dont realize what this is until youre in this position and you see how hard it is to get a family member into a hospital, Kim Kieler said. To get the care they need.
These three young men, they were playing around, Donahue said. (Calderon) thought the gun was unloaded. He was playfully pointing it at multiple people, including his girlfriend, that day. He was playfully pointing it at Manuel when the gun went off.

Donahue said Calderon was observed crying by multiple witnesses after the shooting.

For his part, Calderon read a letter he wrote to Manuels family.

I feel terrible and sorry, Calderon said slowly. Manuel was never supposed to die that day. We were young and without knowledge of how to use a firearm. I was playing with a gun that went off (by) accident. I got scared as I felt tears out of my eyes. I was trying to help but I didnt know what to do. I put pressure on his chest. I was trying to stop the bleeding. We started to drive, not knowing what was happening. We were going to take him to the hospital but we were scared so we drove, not knowing where we were going, until we ran out of gas.

I really didnt mean to hurt Manuel or his family. I will never be able to forget this. For as long as I live, I will never forget what I did to someone I love. It hurts because he was not just like a friend but he was like my brother.
Youve got a huge captive audience here, he said. Before they get up at the end of the day and go to the hotel, a lot of them would rather not have to walk all the way out to their truck, and drive to the offsite place to get food if they have it right here, he said.

Stakeholders also felt there was a chance to better connect fair visitors with the Thompson Indoor Arena on the far east end of the fairgrounds, Kolarik said.

There was a sentiment that they felt like it was a backdoor, and a lot of folks, from fairgoers to vendors and exhibitors, expressed that that area, the circulation corridor, from the east side of the site, across to the main body of event venues ... could be improved, he said. We looked at how we could develop more of a boulevard approach to that area.

A key element of the master plan is the planned casino.

Elite Casino Resorts, based in Iowa, is preparing to build a $100 million casino at the Fonner Park site.

The casino has a big impact on the market feasibility of different types of events, Kolarik said. With a casino, there is a greater potential for convention-type events, for example.
Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird and the Lincoln Arts Council hosted a fast and fun Mayors Arts Awards Nov. 8 at the Johnny Carson Center for Emerging Media Arts at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

The theme of the 43rd annual event was The Arts Find a Way, based on the billboard artwork of local artist Danny Reneau as part of the Lincoln Billboard Art Project. Kokyo Taiko Drummers brought the audience to their feet, and emcee DeWayne Taylor led the way for the 13 honorees to be celebrated by their colleagues, friends and our community.

The evening was livestreamed as well with help from Basement Creators Network. You can watch it at https://bit.ly/303k2mq if you weren't able to attend in person or join in online.

2021 HONOREES

Artistic Achievement Award - Literary Arts:

Author Mary Pipher

Sponsored by Commercial Investment Properties

Artistic Achievement Award - Performing Arts:

Kokyo Taiko Japanese-style drumming group

Sponsored by Myron and Karen Gagner
In addition to the annual arts festival, past examples of the councils work include the Tour de Lincoln bike art project and Stories from Home, a writing and visual art project that helped people from different backgrounds tell their stories.

The council also offers UpstArt programming, which in the past primarily focused on bringing art experiences to Title I schools and providing artists to work with Lancaster County Youth Services Detention Centers Pathfinder Program. For 2021-22, only three of the 20 planned UpstArt projects are school-based.

Gagner will continue to pursue a recent shift in focus for the center from providing programming to reaching underserved populations by facilitating programming and partnerships. Some targeted populations include seniors, those with physical or mental disabilities, people in need of healing, people of color and new immigrants.

The goal is to step back from provider to connector, making it our job to provide the network, Gagner said. We think it will be more efficient if we utilize those art organizations that have programming in place to serve these populations.

The council will also be reaching out to an additional 60-70 arts organizations in Lincoln that are not currently members.
Manchin has been inconsistent publicly on which parts of the bill he favors -- and precisely how much spending hed accept. He maintained Sunday his ceiling was always $1.5 trillion, some $600 billion less than the House-passed bill.

But leaders of the Democratic partys left wing -- and the White House -- cant escape some responsibility for the impasse.

They have endangered BBBs prospects by unrealistically demanding more spending than can pass a 50-50 Senate where administration legislation needs the votes of the two independently minded Democratic moderates, Manchin and Arizonas Kyrsten Sinema.

Now, progressives are demanding an immediate Senate vote, presumably to embarrass Manchin. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer says the Senate will vote early next year on a revised version of the House bill. If the goal is to pass BBB, those revisions better meet some of Manchins demands.

After all, this remains the best chance for Democrats to enact popular portions of their social agenda, like universal pre-kindergarten, added day care support, Medicaid expansion, expanded Obamacare subsidies and a range of environmental measures.
A criminal complaint issued Wednesday morning by the Kenosha County District Attorneys Office provides disturbing details about the death of a 60-year-old Twin Lakes man.

Joey L. Miracle, 18, of the 1600 block of Wilmot Avenue, Twin Lakes, and Thomas R. Wilton, 21, of the 11400 block of Antioch Road, Trevor, both have been charged with first-degree intentional homicide and hiding a corpse as a party to a crime.

They are charged in the death of Kenneth Thoma, whose body was found Nov. 6 buried in a wooded area behind Tan Oaks Apartments, 1601 Wilmot Ave., just less than a month after his family had reported him missing to the Twin Lakes Police Department on Oct. 20. Thoma was identified through dental records.

Kenneth Thoma Kenneth Thoma, whose body was found Nov. 6, buried in a wooded area behind Tan Oaks Apartments, 1601 Wilmot Ave. His family had reported him m

Both defendants were ordered held on a temporary $1 million cash bond during a bond hearing last week. Miracle and Wilton each made their initial appearance Wednesday afternoon in Kenosha County Circuit Court before Commissioner Larry Keating, who made that a permanent bond during both hearings.

I dont think theres been any significant change (in the case) since Friday when the temporary bond was set, Kenosha County Assistant District Attorney Carli McNeill said. The state believes that this charge does create a motive for (the defendants) to flee.

Miracle is a 2021 graduate of Indian Trail High School and Academy in Kenosha, while Wilton received his high school diploma from Gateway Technical College.

Preliminary hearings for both defendants were set for Jan. 26, at 8:30 a.m., before Keating.

Criminal complaint

According to the criminal complaint:

Twin Lakes Police were provided a written statement by a man, who stated on Nov. 6 he went to the trails behind the apartment complex to work on dirt jumps for bicycles. The man stated he had been digging a deep hole and had removed about three wheelbarrows full of dirt when he found a piece of plywood buried there.

The man moved the plywood and took out two more wheelbarrows full of dirt when he hit what he thought was a rock. As he dug out more, the man stated he saw grey hair, eyes, a nose and ears, then covered it back up because he was scared. The man reported what he had found to police that same day.

An autopsy conducted by the Milwaukee County Medical Examiners Office showed that Thoma had been killed by a gunshot to the back of his head.

On Dec. 12, police received a phone call from an officer with the Wellington, Ohio Police Department. Miracles stepfather told police that his stepson had killed Thoma. The caller stated that Miracle had sold the gun to his half-brother, who got rid of the gun by giving it to one of his friends.

In court last week during a bond hearing, McNeill said that Miracle purchased the gun online with money given to him from his grandmother. The purchase was for a ghost gun, which doesnt have any traceable serial numbers.

The caller in Ohio told police there that he overhead Miracle say that they tried to bury his body, but could only bury it so far ... and thats how the body got found, the complaint states.

Allegations of sex assault

Twin Lakes Police confirmed that Miracle lived in the same apartment complex as Thoma in October and November of this year.

Police spoke with Miracles half-brother, who stated that Wilton told him that Miracle had killed Thoma. They also took a statement from Miracles mother, who said that he told her, Mom, I had to get rid of my gun. There was this guy raping girls, and I had to take care of him.

The complaint states the Twin Lakes Police Department had no record of Thoma being reported for a sexual assault, and that during the course of the investigation, no one interviewed had provided specific information that indicated he was a suspect in any assault.

When asked if he had gone to Thomas apartment because he believed he had sexually assaulted someone, or if the victim had come at him and he had killed him in self-defense, Miracle told police he had no more information about what had happened but he could ask around.

Police also questioned Miracle about the gun, and he stated that he didnt know how to build it, that he messed it up and threw it in the garbage, the complaint states.

During an interview with Miracle with Twin Lakes Police on Dec. 14, Miracle acknowledged he had been with Thoma at the apartment complex the evening of Oct. 14. When Miracle knocked on Thomas door, he said the victim offered him a Monster drink and then some crack.

Miracle stated that wasnt his thing, and the two left the apartment together out the back door. Miracle said he split off from Thoma in the parking lot, and that was the last he saw of him.

Police stated Oct. 14 was the last time anyone had seen Thoma. A check of his cellphone showed no data usage on Thomas phone after that evening, and a further examination showed an unopened text sent to him at 10:45 p.m.

During the Dec. 15 interview with police, Miracle did not deny that he killed Thoma when asked directly, but merely stated he was tired and wanted to leave. At that point, he was arrested and taken into custody.

The following day, police were provided with a written statement by a man, who stated that Wilton had told him he was with Miracle, and that Miracle had shot a guy, and that he helped defendant Miracle bury the guy in the woods. Wilton also told that person that he was there with Miracle just in case anything went south.

Multiple witnesses told police that Wilton abuses drugs, that he had been given an at-home drug test, and he had tested positive for cocaine.

That same day, another person came forward who stated she had spoken to Wilton, who said he went with his friend, Joey, to some guys house, and he saw Miracle shoot the guy in the face. Wilton showed that person a bottle of Adderall pills that he said belonged to Thoma.

The complaint states that Thoma was known to take Adderall pills, but none were found in his bedroom. During that search, police found a small plastic bag that contained a substance that tested positive for methamphetamine and fentanyl.

Wilton told police that Miracle had stated he shot Thoma once in the back of his head, but Wilton denied being there when it happened. Wilton also stated that defendant Miracle told him a week before about wanting to kill Thoma. Wilton also stated he told Miracle it was a bad idea, and that he had gotten rid of the gun by giving it to another friend.
RACINE  A group of Walden III School students in the No Place for Hate club spread holiday cheer, not by singing loud for all to hear, but with ... shoeboxes?

Yes, shoeboxes.

Through donations from a local Toyota dealership, Racine Dental Group, Culvers and Wendys, No Place for Hate put together shoeboxes filled with hats, gloves, toothbrushes, toothpaste, frozen-treat vouchers and, of course, toys.

In the end, more than 250 shoeboxes were given to students and a local daycare, said Bryan Wright, a Walden administrator.

The whole idea behind No Place for Hate is that every every person, every man, woman and child, should be treated with respect and dignity, and so with that being said, they want to make sure they give back to the community, Wright said.

Dressed as elves, reindeer and even Santa himself, Walden students delivered their gifts Tuesday, much to the delight of the students at three Racine Unified elementary schools: Wadewitz, Gilmore Fine Arts and Julian Thomas.

At Julian Thomas, students were so in awe of Santa  or, as Walden students know him, junior Zamarion Carr  they burst into song before No Place for Hate members left and carried on after they had left the room. Maria Becerra, a Julian Thomas teacher, said her students were thrilled.

We are extremely grateful to have been chosen for this act of kindness, Becerra said in an email. The smiles on my students faces were priceless and the students from Walden were very sweet and loving towards them.

Other teachers took to Facebook to celebrate the excitement, including Amber DAmato. It was wonderful!! My Kindergarten students at Gilmore Fine Arts K-8 loved it!! Thank you!

Walden, according to Wright, is on its pathway to becoming a designated

No Place for Hate site while the club will continue its mission. The club has a waitlist to join.

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1. Crime. Too much violence, too many shootings. Police have to get a handle on it.

2. Coronavirus. The omicron variant and others to follow threaten the community.

3. Roads. Killeen-area roads are still a mess after last years storm  a serious problem.

4.Government. Elections are on the horizon, and voters will have hard choices to make.

5. Unsure. Its hard to say which single issue will stand out at this point.

Vote

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Retailers big and small may run sales on Super Saturday, the final Saturday before Christmas. Prepare to shop or pick up orders in-store to get discounted gifts in hand by the holidays.

Cancel or return the item

You can usually cancel an order that hasn't processed or shipped and get a full refund. But even if you miss the cancellation period, you can likely return the item after it arrives.

Many retailers have extended holiday return policies. However, certain items or categories may be excluded. For example, Macys has a 90-day return window for most items, but a 14-day window for Apple products and tech accessories.

Check retailers websites for policy details. Read the fine print carefully to make sure you understand the conditions and deadlines.

Take a 14-day return policy, for instance. Does it mean the day that it leaves their warehouse? Is that when the clock on 14 days for returns starts ticking? Is it the day that it leaves there, or is it the day that it shows up at your doorstep? Thomas says.
BRUSSELS (AP)  The Belgian government tentatively committed itself Thursday to phasing out the country's existing nuclear power plants by 2025 while using gas as a bridge toward sustainable energy sources and possible new-technology nuclear options later.

Under a complicated compromise agreement reached after all-night negotiations, an assessment will be made of whether Belgium's energy security can be assured if all seven nuclear plants are shut down. A definitive decision is expected to be made in March.

It would not be smart not to have a safety net, Prime Minister Alexander De Croo said, indicating that two plants could remain open, if need be.

While the government is pushing for the elimination of nuclear plans built with 20th-century technology, it also committed to invest in research for small modular nuclear reactors.

We say goodbye to the old nuclear reactors and look to nuclear energy of the future, said De Croo.

A political commitment to phase out nuclear energy dates back to 2003, but successive Belgian governments have waffled to seal the deal. The anti-nuclear Greens are part of the current governing coalition and insistent on seeing action taken.
BEAVER CITY  Five men were sentenced Wednesday in Furnas County District Court for their involvement in a sex trafficking case.

The men were sentenced after William Billy Quinn was given 176.5 years in prison for 13 counts of sexual assault and sex trafficking of a 15-year-old.

During the sentencings, Corey OBrien with the Nebraska Attorney Generals Office said that it has become more and more obvious to distinguish in sex trafficking cases the difference between someone who exploits and sells someone for sex and a person who buys someone for sex.

OBrien noted the power and manipulation that Quinn had not only over the victim but also over the adult men to make poor decisions.

In some ways, they were victims of Quinn, OBrien said during the sentencings.

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The prosecution noted that the mens cooperation in the investigation and testifying at Quinns trial was valuable. The prosecution stated that these men did make terrible decisions, but each of the men had minimal criminal history before this case and were at low risk to offend again. The prosecution did not actively advocate for jail time for each of the men.
KEARNEY  Council chambers were packed Tuesday evening as Chief Jim Tacha recognized 10 members for their tenure and service to the Kearney Volunteer Fire Department.

I couldnt do what you do. You guys are running into places where people are running out, said councilman Randy Buschkoetter, who was among council members expressing their appreciation to the volunteers.

Collectively, the 10 members honored Tuesday represent 175 years of service.

One KVFD member was honored posthumously  Emmett Maul served 45 years as a Kearney volunteer fire fighter.

I want to thank the families who support them, council member Tami Moore said to the many spouses, children and loved ones in the room.

Tacha told the council members he appreciates the support they provide the volunteers in the form of equipment, training and encouragement.
Near day's end, jurors asked to see the transcripts of the testimonies of one accuser, Kate, and former Epstein housekeeper Juan Patricio Alessi. Alessi testified that when he worked at Epstein's sprawling Florida home from 1990 to 2002, he saw many, many, many female visitors, appearing to be in their late 20s, often lounging topless by the pool. He also testified that two accusers, underage teens at the time, were repeat visitors to the Epstein mansion.

Jurors had requested the transcripts of the other three accusers' testimonies Tuesday, the first full day of deliberations. Jurors met for less than an hour Monday after closing arguments and instructions consumed most of the day.
Some of the intense conversation that Coen might normally have exchanged with his brother, he had with Delbonnel, poring over sketches and taking contemplative cigarette breaks. Their connection, Delbonnel says, is in questioning everything.

Joel and Ethan were always questioning whether it was the right way to do something. There is no right way, but the right way for the movie, says Delbonnel. We both think Kurosawa was a genius.

As much as the hurly burly of the Coen brothers movies might seem distant from Shakespearean tragedy, their films are crowded with schemers seized by misguided ambitions -- just usually more farcical ones. Its not a terribly far leap from Fargo," where foul was also fair, to Macbeth, or even from McDormands opportunistic personal trainer, Linda Litzke, in Burn After Reading," to Lady Macbeth.

There are echoes of things weve done in the past in this play, Coen says. One of the reasons Ive always loved the play is how Shakespeare anticipated or prefigured these tropes of 20th century crime fiction, this idea of a couple plotting a murder. While theyre not comically hapless or characters weve explored in that context in other movies, they nevertheless lose control of the situation.
As governor, Ricketts acts as commander-in-chief of the Nebraska Guard.

"These young people make us so proud," Ricketts said. "They volunteer to serve."

"You just stand up and say 'I will,'" Sen. Deb Fischer said in adding her birthday greetings.

Fischer, who is a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, said members of the Guard "helped Nebraskans recover in the aftermath of record flooding" and have provided vital services during the pandemic while also fulfilling missions all around the world.

Rep. Don Bacon, who is a retired U.S. Air Force brigadier general and former wing commander at Offutt Air Force Base, said the Nebraska National Guard has proven that it is "up to the task," whatever the mission.

"Thank you for serving Nebraska and our country," he said.

Bacon is a member of the House Armed Services Committee and represents metropolitan Omaha's 2nd District in the House.

Maj. Gen. Daryl Bohac, adjutant general of the Nebraska National Guard, said he is "very proud" of the members of the Guard and promised they will "always be ready."
The existing Barn Bar would get an expansion, adding to food and beverage options for visitors.

Kolarik said he emphasized the importance of diversifying experiences for visitors to keep potential revenue at the site, which is used not only during the fair but by livestock groups throughout the summer.

Youve got a huge captive audience here, he said. Before they get up at the end of the day and go to the hotel, a lot of them would rather not have to walk all the way out to their truck, and drive to the offsite place to get food if they have it right here, he said.

Stakeholders also felt there was a chance to better connect fair visitors with the Thompson Indoor Arena on the far east end of the fairgrounds, Kolarik said.
QUESTION: Are microchips put in COVID-19 vaccines?

ANSWER: Social media is great  interactive technologies that permit the creating and exchange of information, interests and ideas. Social media allows all forms of expression via virtual communities and networks. It allows people to stay in contact with others and to see what people are doing and thinking.

There is a downside. Research suggests that negative experiences on social media are linked to symptoms of depression, especially among young people. Another danger is the spreading of rumors, falsehoods and conspiracies.

One of those conspiracy theories circulating is that COVID-19 vaccines contain microchips that governments or global elites, like Bill Gates, use to track citizens. There have been TikTok videos gone viral claiming the chips make vaccinated arms magnetic.

Such claims are ridiculous. If you had your vaccine shots, you know that the needle is so small you hardly feel it. The inside diameter of the needle is between .26 millimeters and .41 millimeters. (A millimeter is about the thickness of a dime). Any usable chip is roughly the size of a grain of rice, which would require a syringe about 13 times larger than the one used to inject the vaccine. Ouch! In addition, the microchip would need a power source to transmit a signal through at least an inch of muscle, fat and skin.

Governments, businesses, advertisers and mega-companies have all kinds of ways of tracking you and me: credit cards, cell phones, drivers licenses and purchases we make. They dont need to fool around with vaccines.

There is no shortage of conspiracy theories out there. The more prevalent ones would be the John F. Kennedy assassination, Princess Dianas death, UFOs and the Roswell, New Mexico stories, the Holocaust, the assassinations of Robert Kennedy and Martin Luther King and the World Trade Center Towers destruction on 9/11. There are dozens more.

After almost 60 years, a majority of Americans believe that Kennedy was the victim of some kind of conspiracy. The possible perpetrators include the CIA, FBI, KGB, mafia, Castro/Cuba, Lyndon Johnson, Secret Service, military-industrial complex, banking cartels, world governments and a host of minor cabals. Yet, no credible evidence has arisen to indicate that Lee Harvey Oswald was not the sole perpetrator.

The same dynamic was at work when Princess Diana was killed in a car accident in a Paris tunnel in August 1997. Arguably one of the most beautiful and admired women in the world and a member of royalty, Princess Diana was killed in her prime of life. Never mind that she wasnt wearing a seat belt that could easily have saved her life, or that her driver was drunk and on anti-depressants, that the car struck a pillar on a roadway that had no guardrails, and that the car was moving at twice the speed limit. People do not want princesses to perish this way. Her demise must be the result of some plot was the thinking of many.

Conspiracy theorists cling to any little discrepancy, unknown, anomaly, or pure happenstance. They tend to discount the overwhelming evidence that the murder, in the Kennedy case, was the act of a lone shooter.

There is a tendency in which people who believe in one conspiracy theory are likely to believe in many other improbable and often contradictory theories. If high officials or powerful organizations can carry off one conspiracy, such as the JFK murder, then it is easier for the mind to slide into a belief that extraterrestrials are living among us, and the government is covering it up. Or that men never landed on the moon, or that fluoridation is part of a communist or fascist plot, or that world governments are controlled by a Trilateral Commission, or that 911 was pulled off by U.S. government agents or that the Holocaust never occurred, or that and the list is nearly endless.

Conspiracy theories are harmless for the most part. People believe what they want to believe. Conspiracy sells. But people should not feel so hopeless that they disengage from the political process and ignore the pressing issues of our country.

Sources: CDC, NIH, healthline.com, alliance for science/cornell.

Larry Scheckel is a retired Tomah High School physics teacher.

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Vernon County Crime Stoppers, along with the Westby Police Department, is asking for the publics help in solving a burglary at The Big Red Shed in Westby.

In the early morning hours of Dec. 12 and Dec. 14, The Big Red Shed was burglarized. One particular item that was stolen was a Cook & Brother Confederate naval sword. Also stolen was a Luger .22 pistol, several coins and pocket knives. One knife was a John Deere and the others were Swedish knives. Photos can be seen at www.vernoncrimestoppers.org or www.faceboook.com/vernoncrimestoppers.

Do you have information on this burglary? If so, submit an anonymous tip. Tips can be submitted by one of the following ways: Phone: 608-637-8477 or 800-657-6868; App: www.p3tips.com; Web: www.vernoncrimestoppers.org or www.facebook.com/vernoncrimestoppers; or Mail: PO Box 1, Viroqua, WI 54665.

It is Crime Stoppers and law enforcements hope that details of this actual case from police records may cause someone to remember and report what they know about the person or persons involved. Tipsters may be eligible for cash rewards of up to $3,000 and will remain anonymous.

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PHOENIX (AP)  Arizonas independent redistricting commission on Wednesday unanimously approved new boundaries for congressional districts that are likely to shift the state's congressional delegation in favor of Republicans.

The new boundaries create four solidly Republican districts, two where Democrats are likely to dominate and three that could be relatively competitive, based on metrics the commission uses to measure competitiveness. Of the potentially competitive districts, one strongly favors Democrats and two lean toward Republicans based on their voting patterns in nine past elections.

Arizonas congressional delegation currently has five Democrats and four Republicans. The likelihood that Democrats will lose ground in Arizona further complicates the party's bleak prospects in next year's midterm elections, when control of the U.S. House will be at stake.

This is not the map that I wouldve liked, Democratic Commissioner Shereen Lerner said, saying the two competitive districts could've been more balanced. But she said the final boundaries had improved from earlier drafts and expressed hope that the picture will improve over the next decade the maps are in effect.

Republican Commissioner Doug York said an earlier draft was better for the GOP, and he credited the commission with approving a map that wasn't favored by either side.

The commission also adopted new boundaries for Arizona's 30 legislative districts in a 3-2 vote after independent Chair Erika Newberg sided with the Republican commissioners. The legislative map includes four competitive districts in the northern and eastern parts of the Phoenix metro area.

Lerner tried in vain to tweak one competitive district in the North Valley to reduce its Republican leaning before the final vote.

On the new congressional map, districts currently represented by Democrats Tom O'Halleran and Ann Kirkpatrick  the two most competitive in the state under the existing boundaries  moved in favor of Republicans. The new boundaries for O'Halleran's rural district tilt it strongly toward Republicans, casting serious doubt on his prospects for reelection.

Kirkpatrick has already announced plans to retire. The new district boundaries for the region she represents include eastern Tucson, Casa Grande and most of southeastern Arizona.

Much of the area now represented by Republican David Schweikert is likely to become the most competitive district in the state. The new boundaries include Scottsdale, Paradise Valley, parts of North Phoenix, the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community and the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation.

The regions now represented by Schweikert and Kirkpatrick will be the state's two battleground districts. An East Valley District including Tempe, Mesa, Ahwatukee and part of Chandler is considered marginally competitive under the commission's metrics, though voters there have elected Democrats in eight of nine races analyzed by the commission.

The redistricting panel is made up of two Republicans, two Democrats and independent Chair Erika Neuberg, who mainly backed Republican-favored versions of the maps through much of the recent deliberations. Redistricting is required every 10 years under the U.S. Constitution to adjust for population changes around the country.

Eric Holder, the former U.S. attorney general under Democratic President Barack Obama, said Tuesday night that the maps could draw a lawsuit.

The Chair has a duty to ensure a fair process and not side with Republicans or push a partisan agenda, Holder, who is leading Democratic efforts to influence redistricting around the country, wrote on Twitter. Anything less than maps that are fair will be challenged.

Maps drawn by the Arizona redistricting commissions based on the 2000 and 2010 censuses both were challenged in court.

The voter-created redistricting law, which removed the job from the Legislature and was supposed to limit partisanship, says commissioners should draw districts that are compact and contiguous, comply with the U.S. Constitution and the Voting Rights Act and respect communities of interest and city, county or geographic lines or features.

The commission adopted draft maps in late October and then held a monthlong series of meetings across the state before starting its final set of meetings last week.

Republicans generally liked the district maps drawn after the 2000 census, and those done following the 2010 census were regarded as more favorable to Democrats, prompting strong criticism from Republicans.

Copyright 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.

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Foxconn Technology Group has qualified for $28.8 million in state tax credits, marking the first time the Taiwan-based company has secured state aid since breaking ground on its southeastern Wisconsin facility in 2018.

The Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. on Wednesday verified that Foxconn created 579 eligible jobs and made a capital investment of $266 million at the Racine County facility last year, which qualifies the company for $2.2 million in job credits and $26.6 million in capital investment credits, according to documents provided to the Wisconsin State Journal. The state Department of Revenue will ultimately release those funds to the company.

WEDC has determined that Foxconn created sufficient jobs and invested sufficient capital expenditures to qualify for tax credits under its amended contract, WEDC Secretary Missy Hughes said in a statement.

Foxconn failed to qualify for state funds under the first two years of its previous contract with the state. Ultimately, Wisconsin and the company in April reached a new agreement for the project after state officials told Foxconn it would not be eligible for any state credits under the previous contract. Foxconn was eligible for just over $29 million in performance-based tax credits for 2020 under the new contract.

Foxconn reported on June 30 that, by the end of 2020, the company had created 970 total jobs at the Mount Pleasant facility. WEDC verified that 579 of those jobs were eligible, well above the minimum requirement of 481 jobs, though falling slightly short of the target goal of 601 jobs.

A statement from Foxconn on Wednesday indicates that the company has continued to add jobs at the facility and has invested nearly $1 billion in the state.

This center of gravity has attracted the attention of other manufacturers, businesses and investors who share our vision for a Park that can sustain continued business and community development, the company said. Foxconn thanks staff at WEDC for their work on the 2020 tax credit evaluation process and looks forward to continued reporting periods beginning next year.

Under the new six-year contract, Foxconn could receive up to $80 million in state tax dollars as long as the company creates at least 1,454 jobs and makes a capital investment of at least $672 million by 2026. Foxconns $266 million in spending represents nearly 40% of the investment needed in the entire contract.

Billions pledged

Foxconns original contract, signed by former Gov. Scott Walker in 2017, promised the company $3 billion in state subsidies if it made a $10 billion investment and hired 13,000 employees over a 15-year period. Other state and local incentives, including $150 million in sales tax breaks that the company still could receive, brought the total to about $4 billion.

Last year, Foxconn reported creating more than 800 jobs in 2019, above the 520 minimum needed for state subsidies under the previous contract. However, WEDC reported that only 281 of those jobs had been verified. The company fell 82 jobs short of the minimum required to claim state tax credits in 2018.

Ultimately, Foxconn and the state agreed to an amended contract in April that drastically reduced both the companys jobs and capital investment requirement, as well as the states subsidy commitment to the project. The contract was renegotiated after the state told Foxconn it would not receive any state dollars under the previous agreement, as the project being constructed didnt match what was agreed on.

Assembly Minority Leader Gordon Hintz, D-Oshkosh, who has been a vocal critic of the states deal with Foxconn since it was signed, said the new agreement entered into earlier this year was certainly Foxconns best moment, but said he remains concerned that, despite being several years in the making, the company still hasnt said specifically what is happening at the manufacturing facility.

If there are 500 people working there, what are they doing? What do they make? Whats going on? Whats the future? said Hintz, a WEDC board member. If theres 10 people working there, what are they doing? Its just crazy to me and I keep sort of asking, but even the people who should know dont know.

New agreement

Under the companys new agreement with the state, which is similar to other performance-based incentive packages provided to companies, Foxconn could earn tax incentives without specific requirements on what the company produces as long as it meets hiring and capital investment targets. The contract also memorializes the potential for future investment and added tax incentives from the state.

State officials said earlier this year the project in Mount Pleasant had already cost the state more than $200 million in state and local road improvements, sales and use tax exemptions, grants to local governments and for worker training and employment.

Wisconsin Public Radio reported on Tuesday that Claude Lois, who was hired by the village of Mount Pleasant as project director overseeing the Foxconn project, has been paid $28,000 a month  for a total of about $362,000 for 2021.

Documents obtained by WPR found that Lois, a contracting consultant with Kapur and Associates who also works in Mount Pleasant Village Hall, has consistently billed the village for 40 hours per week, but records did not account for what work he has done. All told, Kapur and Associates has billed the village for about $1.23 million.

A report from the nonpartisan Legislative Audit Bureau released earlier this month recommended that WEDC modify its written procedures to adhere to the April 2021 contract.

The latest audit with only one recommendation shows continued improvement from the Audit Bureaus previous reports to WEDC. Audit Bureau recommendations have dropped over the years from 30 in 2013 and 24 in 2015, to 19 in 2017 and 10 in 2019.

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MOORHEAD, Minn. (AP)  Seven members of an immigrant family from Honduras whose bodies were found inside a Minnesota home last weekend died of apparently accidental carbon monoxide poisoning, authorities said Wednesday.

Relatives of the family discovered the victims Saturday night in a home in south Moorhead when they went to check on them after not hearing from them. Police are still working on a time frame of the deaths but said the three children who lived there were not in school on Friday.

Officials with the Ramsey County Medical Examiner's Office in St. Paul examined blood samples to determine cause of death. Those tests showed a lethal level of carbon monoxide, authorities said.

Police Chief Shannon Monroe said the carbon monoxide came from either the home's furnace or a van in the garage. Technicians couldn't find a defect in the furnace that would have sent carbon monoxide into the home. Moore said further tests were being done to determine whether the victims had hydrogen cyanide in their blood, which would point to the van, and those tests might take up to eight weeks.

Investigators found that a carbon monoxide detector in the garage had been removed and replaced with a smoke-only detector. Monroe said the van had a half-tank of gas and a dead battery. The chief said that in cases of intentional carbon monoxide exposure, vehicles are usually found with empty gas tanks.

Theres no indication of any kind of criminal activity, Monroe said. Unless we find something else yet later in the investigation, right now its pointing toward some type of accidental situation.

The family members were identified earlier as Belin Hernandez, 37; Marleny Pinto, 34; Eldor Hernandez Castillo, 32; Mariela Guzman Pinto, 19; Breylin Hernandez, 16; Mike Hernandez, 7, and Marbely Hernandez, 5. They all lived together, police said.

Belin Hernandez and Marleny Pinto were the parents of Breylin, Mike and Marbely; Eldor Hernandez Castillo was Belin's brother; and Mariela Gusman Pinto was Marleny's niece, family members said.

The two-story twin home, which authorities said was between 5 and 7 years old, did not have a basement and all the bedrooms were upstairs. The furnace was in a separate room inside the garage.

Monroe said the victims were wearing light clothing, indicating the heat had been working. By the time first responders arrived, the temperature was 54 degrees (12 degrees Celsius) in the house and only the furnace fan was on.

Five of the victims were found in their beds. Belin Hernandez and Marleny Pinto were on the floor in the bedroom area.

It would appear to us possibly that the parents were still awake when this happened, Monroe said.

Residents in the adjoining unit had no signs of carbon monoxide sickness, police said.

Family members who gathered at the house Monday to share stories described their loved ones as happy people who were relieved to get away from turmoil in Honduras. They had been in the United States between three and eight years, a family translator said.

They love this community, Monroe said of the surviving family members. They are very pleased with the outpouring of support theyve seen so far. Just know that these are terrific members of our community and this is a huge and tragic loss at a holiday season.

Moorhead is on the Minnesota border next to Fargo, North Dakota, in a metropolitan area of about 230,000 people.

Copyright 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.

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MINNEAPOLIS (AP)  A jury pushed through its third day of deliberations with no verdict Wednesday at the trial of a suburban Minneapolis police officer who shot and killed Black motorist Daunte Wright.

The court reported no questions from the jury at Kim Potter's trial, a day after jurors asked Judge Regina Chu what to do if they couldn't agree and she told them to continue deliberating. They got the case about midday Monday.

Potter, who is white, said she meant to use her Taser on Wright rather than her gun. She is charged with first- and second-degree manslaughter. If convicted of the most serious charge, Potter, 49, would face a sentence of about seven years under state guidelines, though prosecutors have said they will seek more.

The judge has ordered that the mostly white jury be sequestered during deliberations  meaning the jurors remain under the courts supervision in an undisclosed hotel and cannot return home until they have reached a verdict or the judge has determined they cant reach one.

However, Chu told jurors at the start of the trial that they would have time off on Christmas Eve and over the Christmas weekend. She has not indicated that she would change that plan if deliberations were ongoing.

I think the holiday will put pressure on them to agree, Joe Friedberg, a Minneapolis defense attorney who is not involved in the case but is following it, said Wednesday.

Jurors had also asked Chu on Tuesday if they could handle the officer's handgun, and she said yes. Prosecutors had told jurors they would be able to handle both Potter's gun and Taser, but the gun arrived in the jury room secured into an evidence box with zip ties.

During closing arguments, prosecutors accused Potter of a blunder of epic proportions in Wright's death in an April 11 traffic stop  but said a mistake was no defense.

Potter's attorneys countered that Wright, who was attempting to get away from officers as they sought to handcuff him for an outstanding warrant on a weapons charge, caused the whole incident.

Wright's death set off angry protests in Brooklyn Center just as nearby Minneapolis was on edge over Derek Chauvin's trial in George Floyd's death.

Potter, who resigned two days after Wright's death, testified Friday that she didnt want to hurt anybody and that she was sorry it happened."

Chu told jurors that the state doesnt have to prove Potter tried to kill Wright.

The judge said for first-degree manslaughter, prosecutors must prove that Potter caused Wrights death while committing the crime of reckless handling of a firearm. This means they must prove that she committed a conscious or intentional act while handling or using a firearm that creates a substantial or unjustifiable risk that she was aware of and disregarded, and that she endangered safety.

For second-degree manslaughter, prosecutors must prove she acted with culpable negligence, meaning she consciously took a chance of causing death or great bodily harm.

Bauer reported from Madison, Wisconsin. Associated Press writer Kathleen Foody in Chicago contributed to this story.

Find the APs full coverage of the Daunte Wright case: https://apnews.com/hub/death-of-daunte-wright

Copyright 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.

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MINNEAPOLIS (AP)  A suburban Minneapolis police officer who said she confused her handgun for her Taser was convicted of manslaughter Thursday in the death of Daunte Wright, prompting tears from the young Black mans parents and a jubilant celebration by supporters outside the courthouse who chanted Guilty, guilty, guilty!

The mostly white jury deliberated for about 27 hours over four days before finding former Brooklyn Center officer Kim Potter guilty of first-degree and second-degree manslaughter. Potter, 49, faces about seven years in prison on the most serious count under the states sentencing guidelines, but prosecutors said they would seek a longer term.

Judge Regina Chu ordered Potter taken into custody and held without bail, and scheduled her to be sentenced on Feb. 18. As she was led away in handcuffs, a Potter family member in the courtroom shouted Love you, Kim!

Outside the courthouse, dozens of people who had gathered erupted in cheers, hugs and tears of joy as the verdicts were read. Two men jumped up and down holding one anothers shoulders. Other people then began jumping up and down in place and chanting Guilty, guilty, guilty!

They chanted Say his name! Daunte Wright. Some held yellow signs that said guilty in large block letters.

Potter, who testified that she didnt want to hurt anybody, looked down without showing any visible reaction when the verdicts were read. As Chu thanked the jury, Potter made the sign of the cross.

Potters attorneys argued against her being held without bail, saying she wasn't going to commit another crime or go anywhere.

It is the Christmas holiday season, Potter attorney Paul Engh arued. "Shes a devoted Catholic, no less, and there is no point to incarcerate her at this point in time.

Chu rejected their arguments.

I cannot treat this case any differently than any other case, she said.

After Potter was led from the courtroom, prosecutor Erin Eldridge exchanged a long hug with a tearful Katie Bryant, Wrights mother and a frequent presence at the trial, and with Wrights father. Attorney General Keith Ellison, whose office handled the prosecution, also exchanged hugs with the parents.

It was the second high-profile conviction of a police officer won this year by a team led by Ellison, including some of the same attorneys who helped convict Derek Chauvin in George Floyds death in the very same courtroom just eight months earlier.

Outside the courthouse afterward, Ellison said the verdict brought a measure of accountability for Potter but fell short of justice.

Justice would be restoring Daunte to life and making the Wright family whole again," Ellison said. "Justice is beyond the reach that we have in this life for Daunte. But accountability is an important step, a critical necessary step on the road to justice for us all.

Ellison said he felt sympathy for Potter, who has gone from being an esteemed member to the community to being convicted of a serious crime.

Wrights mother, Katie Bryant, hugged Ellison and said the verdicts triggered every single emotion that you could imagine.

Today we have gotten accountability and thats what weve been asking for from the beginning, Katie Bryant said, crediting supporters for keeping up pressure.

We love you, we appreciate you, and honestly, we could not have done it without you, she said.

The time-stamps on the verdicts showed that the jurors agreed on the second count on Tuesday, before they asked the judge that afternoon what to do if they were having difficulty agreeing. The guilty verdict on the more serious first-degree count was reached at 11:40 a.m. Thursday.

Potter, who is white, shot and killed the 20-year-old Wright during an April 11 traffic stop in Brooklyn Center as she and other officers were trying to arrest him on an outstanding warrant for a weapons possession charge. The shooting happened at a time of high tension in the area, with Chauvin standing trial in nearby Minneapolis for Floyd's death. Potter resigned two days later.

Jurors saw video of the shooting that was captured by police body cameras and dashcams. It showed Potter and an officer she was training, Anthony Luckey, pull over Wright for having expired license plate tags and an air freshener hanging from his rear-view mirror. During the stop, Luckey discovered there was a warrant for Wrights arrest for not appearing in court on the weapons possession charge, and he, Potter and another officer went to take Wright into custody.

Wright obeyed Luckeys order to get out of his car, but as Luckey tried to handcuff him, Wright pulled away and got back in. As Luckey held onto Wright, Potter said Ill tase ya. The video then shows Potter holding her gun in her right hand and pointing it at Wright. Again, Potter said, Ill tase you, and then two seconds later: Taser, Taser, Taser. One second later, she fired a single bullet into Wrights chest.

(Expletive)! I just shot him. ... I grabbed the wrong (expletive) gun, Potter said. A minute later, she said: Im going to go to prison.

In sometimes tearful testimony, Potter told jurors that she was sorry it happened. She said the traffic stop just went chaotic and that she shouted her warning about the Taser after she saw a look of fear on the face of Sgt. Mychal Johnson, who was leaning into the passenger-side door of Wrights car. She also told jurors that she doesnt remember what she said or everything that happened after the shooting, as much of her memory of those moments is missing.

Potters lawyers argued that she made a mistake by drawing her gun instead of her Taser. But they also said she would have been justified in using deadly force if she had meant to because Johnson was at risk of being dragged.

Prosecutors sought to raise doubts about Potters testimony that she decided to act after seeing fear on Johnsons face. Eldridge, in cross-examination, pointed out that in an interview with a defense expert Potter said she didnt know why she decided to draw her Taser. During her closing argument, Eldridge also replayed Potters body-camera video that she said never gave a clear view of Johnsons face during the key moments.

Eldridge also downplayed testimony from some other officers who described Potter as a good person or said they saw nothing wrong in her actions: The defendant has found herself in trouble and her police family has her back.

Prosecutors also got Potter to agree that she didnt plan to use deadly force. They said Potter, an experienced officer with extensive training in Taser use and use of deadly force, acted recklessly and betrayed the badge.

For first-degree manslaughter, prosecutors had to prove that Potter caused Wrights death while committing a misdemeanor  in this case, the reckless handling or use of a firearm so as to endanger the safety of another with such force and violence that death or great bodily harm to any person was reasonably foreseeable.

The second-degree manslaughter charge required prosecutors to prove that Potter caused Wrights death by her culpable negligence, meaning she caused an unreasonable risk and consciously took a chance of causing death or great bodily harm to Wright while using or possessing a firearm.

Under Minnesota law, defendants are sentenced only on the most serious conviction if multiple counts involve the same act and the same victim. Prosecutors had said they would seek to prove aggravating factors that merit whats called an upward departure from sentencing guidelines. In Potters case, they alleged that her actions were a danger to others, including her fellow officers, to Wrights passenger and to the couple whose car was struck by Wrights after the shooting. They also alleged she abused her authority as a police officer.

The maximum for 1st-degree manslaughter is 15 years.

Bauer reported from Madison, Wisconsin. Associated Press writers Mohamed Ibrahim in Minneapolis and Kathleen Foody in Chicago contributed to this report.

Find the APs full coverage of the Daunte Wright case: https://apnews.com/hub/death-of-daunte-wright

Copyright 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.

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Some have taken the City of La Crosse to task for not finding shelter for its summer encampment of the homeless at Houska Park before the arrival of winter. While it is true that in a perfect world the city would have arranged to provide winter shelter months ago, it is also true that the City and County of La Crosse have been providing funding for initiatives to address the needs of the homeless for years. Unfortunately, it is also true that the other municipalities of the La Crosse metropolitan area have done little to address the needs of the currently homeless and nothing to prevent homelessness.

The City of La Crosse will not be able solve the problem of homeless alone. All municipalities in the area will need to help. Their help is essential in preventing homeless and needed to provide cost-effective temporary housing for the homeless. Currently we are subsidizing housing for the more affluent in exurban districts at an unfair cost to city property taxpayers.

For example, for tax year 2020 in the City of La Crosse homeowners in the La Crosse School District pay property tax at a mill rate of 2.560771% of equalized valuation compared to 1.2725993% for a rural homeowner in the Town of Hamilton in the Onalaska School District. On a $200,000 home, the City of La Crosse family pays $5,121 and the Town of Hamilton family pays $2,545. A difference of 50%.

The same year 2020, in the City of Onalaska an unimproved 5-acre parcel on Theater Road (perhaps the most valuable per sq. ft. in the city) paid the staggering amount of $17.70 in taxes due to an agricultural assessment even though no crops have been grown on the land in the last four decades.

At a capital cost of $17,000,000 the new Vine Street parking ramp in downtown La Crosse is yet another example of how the City of La Crosse taxpayers pay for parking of exurban users. When interest cost is added to capital cost, the cost per parking space is more than $37,744. Assuming a 33-year life and operating costs, each parking space costs more than $10 a day. It appears that parking fees now generate around 10% of true costs.

The City of La Crosse is the commercial center of a regional economy composed of the towns, villages and cities in southwestern Wisconsin and southeastern Minnesota. Our regional economy prospers because of the economic synergy of farming, health care, education institutions, transportation, retail (big and small) and tourism.

All cities, villages and townships are critically needed to prevent homeless and provide housing opportunities within their communities, at a wide range of costs. In a perfect world all the regions municipalities will include funding to address homelessness in their budgets.

A recognition of the importance of all municipalities coming together is demonstrated by the work of the La Crosse Area Planning Committee (LAPC). The LAPC is composed of representatives from municipalities in La Crosse County and La Crescent, MN. In the past the committee has focused on land use, transportation, and collaboration in provision of government services.

I ask that the LAPC address homelessness through its powers to influence zoning and land use and the expansion of public transportation.

Mike Giese is a resident of Onalaska

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Annual Founders Kwanzaa Message

Practicing Kwanzaa and the Seven Principles: Ensuring the Well-Being of the World

Heri za Kwanzaa. Happy Kwanzaa to African people everywhere throughout the world African community. We bring and send you Kwanzaa greetings of celebration, solidarity and continued struggle for a shared good in the world. And in the words and way of our ancestors, we wish for you all things good, pure and beautiful, all the good that heaven grants, the earth produces and the waters bring forth from their depths. Hotep. Ashe. Heri.

This season and celebration of Kwanzaa on its 55th anniversary comes at a time when humanity and the world are in crisis: the pandemic of Covid-19 with all its destructive and deadly variants; erosion of the concept and practice of democracy; failed economies; continuing conflict and war and resultant massive displacement of peoples, famine and increased suffering. And there is continuing environmental degradation, climate change, extreme weather events, rising sea levels, destruction of species and species habitats, increased pollution, disappearance of the arctic ice, and the threatened loss of island nations.

As a pan-African holiday with ancient agricultural origins, Kwanzaa celebrates the good of the earth and carries within it a commitment to protect, preserve and share this good. And Kwanzaas modern origins in the Black Freedom Movement commits it to the achievement of liberation and social justice. Thus, in Kawaida philosophy, out of which Kwanzaa and the Nguzo Saba were created, environmental justice and social justice are inseparably linked in the moral imperative to achieve and ensure African and human good and the well-being of the world.

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Dr. Wangari Maathai gave her life to the practice of joining the struggle for social justice with the struggle for environmental justice. She also understood that we need not sacrifice the good of human beings for the well-being of the world nor sacrifice the well-being of the world for the good of human beings. What is called for is a complementary justice; where justice for one is conceived and practiced with and through justice for both. She speaks of how in the uncritical acceptance of colonialisms views and values about the earth hallowed landscapes lost their sacredness and were exploited as the people became insensitive to the destruction, accepting it as progress. Thus, she calls for an expansion of democratic space in which the people make decisions in their own interests, rediscover their voices and values, and rebuild their social and natural world in rightful, effective and mutually beneficial ways.

Long before the concept and call of environmentalism emerged, the brilliant scientist and chemurgist, Nana Dr. George Washington Carver, was an environmentalist concerned about both social justice and the well-being of the world. He taught that we should respect ourselves and others and he asked us to neither look up to the rich nor down on the poor. Rather we are to aid the little and lowly people in their struggles to overcome poverty and oppression and live lives of dignity and decency. Moreover, he taught us to love nature, listen to its speech, and learn its language and lessons for the good of humans and the world. And he asks us not to hoard, monopolize or be greedy in relation to the good of the world, but to be those who take (their) share of the world and let other people have theirs.

The concept and practice of saving and sustaining the world is unavoidably linked to humans equitably sharing the world and doing what ensures the well-being of the world. And the Nguzo Saba, the Seven Principles, offers us a clear foundation and way forward for this. And thus, we are urged to relate rightfully, act justly and walk gently and humbly on the earth. The principle and practice of Umoja (Unity), teaches an ever-expanding sense of self through our sense of oneness with others and the world. With others we are fellow human beings (watu) with obligations of mutual respect, reciprocal solidarity and cooperation for common good. And in our relationship with the world, we are world beings (walimwengu), deeply embedded in the natural as well as social world, interrelated, interdependent and unavoidably responsible for the health, wholeness and well-being of both. Thus, we understand that damage to the world is damage to us and ecocide is a form of genocide, the end of all.

The principle and practice of Kujichagulia (Self-determination), as Nana Haji Malcolm teaches us, is to see for yourself and listen for yourself and think for yourself. And this is to be done, not in isolation, but in community and in the midst of struggle for justice, freedom and good in the world. It means not being satisfied with prevailing established order thought, but doing deep thinking about the current conditions and future of the world, and as the ancestors taught: think deep about what is good for the people and for the future of the world.

The principle and practice of Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility) urges acceptance of the shared responsibility to work together for good in the world, the good of freedom, justice, equity, peace, mutual caring and cooperation and building the good world we all want and deserve and leave as a legacy worthy of the name African and human. It is a work and struggle that require a genuine and sustained moral sensitivity to others, their aspirations for the good as well as an ethical commitment to the well-being of the world and to the struggle to achieve both.

Upholding the principle and practice of Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics) teaches us the essential value of shared work and shared wealth and the right of everyone to a life of dignity and decency. It urges us to cultivate a kinship in and with the world, to reject artificially created conflicts between a robust economy and a rightful relationship with the environment. And it teaches respect of the earth as shared sacred space and common good, not to be plundered, polluted and depleted by corporation greed and aggression and consumerist consumption without consideration of consequences to the world.

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In embracing the principle and practice of Nia (Purpose), we foreground and foster the ancient moral teaching of the Odu Ifa that we should do things with joy for surely humans have been divinely chosen to bring good into the world. And this is the fundamental mission and meaning of human life. And it reminds us that even as we are chosen by history and heaven to bring good into the world, we must also choose to do it. It means audaciously choosing the good for the world and acting accordingly. This means choosing in thought and practice love over hate, peace over war, freedom over unfreedom, justice over injustice, sharing over hoarding, and liberation from oppressions of all kinds, forms and fashions.

The principle and practice of Kuumba (Creativity) invites and urges us to work and struggle mightily for communities, societies and a world more beautiful and beneficial than the ones we inherited. It raises up the ancient African ethical imperative of the Husia to practice serudj ta, i.e., to constantly repair, renew and remake the world. We are to see this repair, renewal and remaking as both a social initiative and an environmental one. For again, the issues, impact and outcomes are interrelated and interdependent. Thus, we must, in our relations with each other, other humans, and the natural world: raise up what is ruins; repair what is damaged; rejoin what is separated; replenish what is depleted, strengthen what is weakened; set right what is wrong; and make firm and flourish that which is fragile, insecure and underdeveloped.

Finally, the principle and practice of Imani (Faith) teaches us and urges us to believe in our people, in the good we seek, strive and struggle for and in our capacity to achieve and share it. And we must believe in the righteousness and victory of our struggle to bring and sustain good in the world. It also urges us to believe in the coming good of the future and our young peoples will, consciousness, capacity and commitment to forge it and to share it equitably and caringly. For we and they and what we do during this crisis and long after are actually the future unfolding through the transformative power of righteous and relentless struggle, to bring good in the world and not let any good be lost, as our honored ancestors taught us.

Dr. Maulana Karenga, Professor and Chair of Africana Studies, California State University-Long Beach; Executive Director, African American Cultural Center (Us); Creator of Kwanzaa; and author of Kwanzaa: A Celebration of Family, Community and Culture and Essays on Struggle: Position and Analysis, www.OfficialKwanzaaWebsite.org; www.MaulanaKarenga.org, www.AfricanAmericanCulturalCenter-LA.org; www.Us-Organization.org.
ChristianaCare announces $500,000 in scholarships for students pursuing health fields, in partnership with HBCU Week Foundation

To strengthen and diversify the health care workforce for years to come, ChristianaCare will provide $500,000 in scholarships to 10 students in Delaware who plan to pursue degrees in health care. Administered through the HBCU Week Foundation, each scholarship will provide $12,500 per year in financial support over four years and will include a paid internship at ChristianaCare.

At ChristianaCare, we recognize that we are best able to deliver high-quality, equitable, safe care to everyone when our workforce reflects the rich diversity of the communities we serve, said ChristianaCare President and CEO Janice E. Nevin, M.D., MPH. We are proud to partner with the HBCU Week Foundation in this exciting initiative that will create new opportunities for young people in our community to pursue careers in health care  and potentially join us as expert, caring partners in the health of our neighbors.

This is a tremendous opportunity to invest in the youth in our community as the health care leaders of tomorrow, said Bettina Tweardy Riveros, J.D., chief health equity officer and senior vice president of Government Affairs and Community Engagement at ChristianaCare. These scholarships will strengthen our professional pipeline and ensure that our caregivers reflect the communities we serve. We look forward to working with the HBCU Week Foundation in supporting the scholarship award recipients.

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Prospective students can learn how to apply for the scholarship online at https://www.hbcuweek.org/christianacare-scholarship/.

Applicants must:

Be a citizen or legal permanent resident of the United States.

Complete or have completed high school with a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (unweighted) and be entering their freshman year of college.

Attend a Historically Black College or University (HBCU) for the entirety of their college education.

Demonstrate financial need.

Be a Delaware resident.

The deadline for application is March 1, 2022.

Winners will be announced during spring 2022. Students can choose from nearly two dozen majors that qualify for the scholarship, including biology, chemistry, nursing and health information technology.

This partnership is particularly special for me, as it prepares students for future careers and addresses the deficit of diversity in the medical field, said Ashley Christopher, Esq., founder and chief executive officer of HBCU Week Foundation, and an alumna of both Howard University and the University of the District of Columbia David A. Clarke School of Law. Through this partnership, we are putting forth tangible efforts to achieve true diversity in medicine and I couldnt be prouder of this commitment from ChristianaCare.

The scholarships represent an innovative approach by ChristianaCare to improve health equity, community health and inclusivity and diversity. In the past two years, ChristianaCare has been engaged in a wide variety of efforts that aim to advance inclusion and diversity within the organization and improve health equity in the community. In 2020, ChristianaCare made a public commitment to being an anti-racism organization. Under Dr. Nevins leadership, ChristianaCare is one of the first organizations in Delaware to sign the CEO Action for Diversity & Inclusion pledge, which is a commitment to take specific actions to advance diversity and inclusion within the workplace.

ChristianaCare also has launched LeadershipDNA, a leadership development program that fosters professional and career development for underrepresented, diverse populations within the organization.

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In addition, ChristianaCare has developed a vibrant employee resource groups program that currently supports 10 employee resource groups, which connect caregivers who have a common interest or bond with one another. Formed by employees across all demographics  such as disability, gender, race, military status, national origin, sexual orientation, etc.  these voluntary grassroots groups work to improve inclusion and diversity at ChristianaCare. More than 1,000 caregivers at ChristianaCare participate in employee resource groups.

For its efforts, ChristianaCare has been ranked one of the Best Employers for Diversity by Forbes magazine, as well as the No. 1 employer for diversity and inclusion in Delaware and the No. 14 health system nationwide by Forbes.
Defending a Democracy in Flames

I woke up this morning with my mind stayed on freedom. And how we can preserve it.

Our freedom is threatened. We all need to be paying attention and preparing to take action next year.

Look, I know that Christmas and New Years are around the corner. Millions of us are looking forward to time off work and time spent with loved ones. I can just hear people saying, Ben, the last thing I want to think about right now is politics. Well, lets think bigger than that. Lets think about freedom.

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All year long, the freedom to vote has been under attack in dozens of states. In 2020, many states made voting more accessible in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. That was a good thing. We had record voter participation in 2020. But because millions of those voters rejected former President Donald Trump, Republican legislators are rolling back access to the ballot box and imposing new restrictions on voting. And sad to say, new voter suppression laws are not the only threat to our freedom.

Donald Trumps henchmen have some other schemes up their sleeve. Theyre getting themselves in positions to oversee elections at the local and state levels. Theyre creating ways for legislators and election officials to count the votes they want toand ignore the ones they disagree with.

To combat this onslaught of voter suppression and election subversion measures, Congress and the White House need to get new federal voting rights laws passed, signed, and put into effect before next years elections.

And thats not all.

In the year since the violent attempt to stop Congress from certifying President Joe Bidens victory in the presidential election. Trump and his allies have done everything possible to deny what happened. But the truth is coming out anyway.

We can be grateful for good investigative reporting. And thankful for the determination of Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi and the bipartisan House committee that is investigating the Jan. 6 insurrection.

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We now know that multiple lawyers working for Trump helped him pressure former Vice President Mike Pence to block congressional certification of Bidens win. We know that a PowerPoint presentation circulated among Trumps inner circle claiming that the election was compromised by foreign powers and that Trump could declare a national security emergency to stay in power. It has been reported that the author of that memo, a retired army colonel, met with former White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows multiple times after the election. Republican members of Congress were briefed on the claims on the eve of the insurrection.

Given that so many of Trumps allies were willing to ignore the Constitution and overturn the will of the voters, its not exactly surprising that they are also willing to defy legal efforts to get at the truth.

One after another of Trumps political strategists and former aides have been stonewalling the Jan. 6 committee. Meadows and right-wing political operative Steve Bannon have simply refused to comply with legal subpoenas to testify and now face charges of criminal contempt of Congress.

Here is the brutal bottom line: Trump has never accepted his loss. He and his allies are showing us that they are more committed to getting and keeping power in their hands than they are to accepting the will of the voters. They are ready to sacrifice democracy on the altar of right-wing authoritarianism.

That is not a pleasant thought at Christmas timeor any time. We dont have the luxury of looking away. We have to face these threats and what it will take from all of us to defeat them in the months and years ahead.

In this season of gift-giving, think of the time and energy you spend defending democracy as a gift to your family and friendsa future of freedom.

Ben Jealous serves as president of People For the American Way. Jealous has decades of experience as a leader, coalition builder, campaigner for social justice and seasoned nonprofit executive. In 2008, he was chosen as the youngest-ever president and CEO of the NAACP. He is a graduate of Columbia University and Oxford, where he was a Rhodes Scholar, and he has taught at Princeton and the University of Pennsylvania.
Dr. Hines-Gaither Joins Mount Saint Marys University as the First VP for Equity, Diversity and Justice

Mount Saint Marys University is pleased to welcome Krishauna Hines-Gaither, PhD, as the inaugural vice president for equity, diversity and justice. A highly experienced diversity educator and leader, Hines-Gaither will be responsible for guiding and coordinating campus-wide efforts to integrate diversity and inclusion into policies, practices and procedures within the University.

Hines-Gaither brings to the Mount almost two decades of experience in higher education and a focus in justice, equity, diversity and inclusion scholarship and practice. Before joining Mount Saint Marys, she served as the interim vice president for diversity, equity & inclusion and the director of the Intercultural Engagement Center at Guilford College in Greensboro, North Carolina.

Dr. Hines-Gaither is a proven leader in DEI work in the higher education space and will be an outstanding addition to our community, said President Ann McElaney-Johnson, PhD. I am excited to welcome her to the Mount as we continue to move our work forward to become an anti-racist university.

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As the only womens university in Los Angeles, and one of the most diverse in the nation  with 83% of students of color  the University has had a commitment to social justice since its founding in 1925. Its recent commitment to becoming an anti-racist institution is one of the priorities of its strategic plan for the next five years.

As the new vice president overseeing the recently renamed Bernadette Gonzaque Robert Center for Equity, Diversity and Justice, Hines-Gaither will develop recruitment and retention programs to increase diversity of faculty, staff and students at the graduate and undergraduate level; promote inclusive education and training for all members of the Mount community; support efforts to create diverse and inclusive curriculum across the University; and strengthen the Mounts offerings and engagement experiences through more effective and diverse community partnerships.

I am excited to join Mount Saint Marys University during this pivotal moment in time, said Hines-Gaither. I have had the opportunity to meet several Mount community members already, and with every interaction I find a welcoming community that is deeply invested in the success of our synergistic vision for equity, diversity and justice. I look forward to building a sustainable vision with my new Mount colleagues.

In sharing her vision about the Center, Dr. Hines-Gaither said, We will be a cutting-edge training center for students, staff and faculty. We will fulfill the goals of our newly minted strategic plan by increasing representation and increasing our MSMU footprint. We will work diligently to become an anti-racist university. Finally, we will pursue a publishing agenda that tells our story and that sets a standard for other EDJ centers throughout the nation.

During her time at Guilford, Hines-Gaither co-chaired the colleges first staff of color committee, served on the interfaith council, and provided cutting-edge equity programming. She also chaired the diversity and inclusion councils subcommittees to increase equity in curricular/co-curricular programs and to combat bias in hiring.

She previously served as the inaugural director of diversity and inclusiveness at Salem College, a womens college in North Carolina, which is also her alma mater. In that role, Hines-Gaither advised several multicultural student clubs and began the campus first large scale program for cross-cultural dialogues.

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Her work for inclusion has been recognized locally and nationally. Guilford College has a perfect score of 5 on the Campus Pride Index for LGBTQIA friendliness, and was named a Top 30 institution in the nation for LGBTQIA support. Guilford College became the first institution in North Carolina to hire a coordinator dedicated to immigrants and refugees of varying documentation statuses. Dr. Hines-Gaither was named a Voice for Change by Spectrum News in North Carolina honoring her commitment to inclusion. She is a frequent speaker, workshop facilitator and scholar. She has taught Spanish, race & ethnicity studies, women and gender studies and (Afro) Latin American studies. She is currently under contract with Routledge Press to author a book on anti-racism.

Hines-Gaither has a bachelors degree in Spanish language and literature from Salem College and a masters in Spanish language teacher education from Wake Forest University, both in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Her doctorate is in cultural studies/critical theory and analysis from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro.
Fernando Pullum Arts Center Performs Fa Mulan in Leimert Park

On Saturday and Sunday, December 18th and 19th, over 40 students from ages 4-17, from the Fernando Pullum Community Arts Center (FPCAC) took center stage in the Peoples Square in Leimert Park. The young but polished artists performed Fa Mulan the Musical with Broadway quality performances to the public for free.

The play, under the direction and musical director, Pooh Mayo, is based on Chinese folklore which tells the story of a young girl, Mulan, played adeptly by Mayeeda Wang, who joins the army in place of her father by impersonating a man, an act whose penalty is death if discovered. Instead, she saves China with the help of a dishonored dragon, Mushu, played by the electrifying 4th grader, Kennedy Staunton.

The performances were more than well received as evidenced by the roaring standing ovation for the performances. The executive director of the FPCAC, Fernando Pullum spoke about the program that bears his name saying, Our program is not about creating the next Hollywood superstar thats nice if that happens but its about building self-esteem, and spreading positivity throughout our community.

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Mrs. Dorene Nelson, one of the choreographers and a parent had this to say, My three girls have been a part of the center since it first opened and, now they are being booked to do professional work. Theyve sang with John Legend and been on TV. I love the program!

The FPCAC is located at 3351 W. 43rd St. It offers free performing arts classes to students ages 5-20. To learn of upcoming performances and general info, visit www.pullumcenter.org
Hamilton Saluted by Trademark Women of Distinction

Juanita Holcombe Hamilton, an entrepreneur, mediator and veteran faith-based organizer, is featured in the 2021 honors edition of the Trademark Women of Distinction.

A long-time contributor to several L.A. churches, Hamilton has also worked closely for several years with the Southern Christian Leadership Conference of Southern California. The Trademark Women of Distinction recognized her for demonstrating dedication, leadership and excellence in her profession.

According to the announcement about her inclusion, Hamilton was commended for exhibiting honesty and integrity,admired by colleagues and peers alike. Her kindness and willingness to always help others and find solutions to most questions is both exemplary and honorable.

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Hamilton has accumulated more than 20 years of experience of doing business in Los Angeles. As chief executive officer of The Hamilton Group, she provides management consulting and technical services to small and mid-sized firms throughout the metropolitan area. In addition, she holds certifications as a realtor, housing inspector and corporate trainer.

Trademark Women of Distinction compiles an annual registry of women throughout the U.S. that reflects the high level of determination, courage, leadership, patience, and discipline that the women have displayed in their chosen professions.
Kim Potter guilty of manslaughter in Daunte Wrights death

Jurors on Thursday convicted a suburban Minneapolis police officer of two manslaughter charges in the killing of Daunte Wright, a Black motorist she shot during a traffic stop after she said she confused her gun for her Taser.

The mostly white jury deliberated for about four days before finding former Brooklyn Center officer Kim Potter guilty of first-degree and second-degree manslaughter. Potter, 49, faces about seven years in prison on the most serious count under the states sentencing guidelines, but prosecutors said they would seek a longer term.

Judge Regina Chu ordered Potter taken into custody and held without bail, and scheduled her to be sentenced on Feb. 18. As she was led away in handcuffs, a man in the courtroom shouted We love you, Kim!

Outside the courthouse, dozens of people who had gathered erupted in cheers, hugs and tears of joy as the verdicts were read. Two men jumped up and down holding one anothers shoulders. Other people then began jumping up and down in place and chanting Guilty, guilty, guilty!

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They chanted Say his name! Daunte Wright. Some held yellow signs that said guilty in large block letters.

Potter, who testified that she didnt want to hurt anybody, looked down without showing any visible reaction when the verdicts were read. As Chu thanked the jury, Potter made the sign of the cross.

Potters attorneys argued against her being held with no bail, saying she was not going to commit another crime or go anywhere.

It is the Christmas holiday season, Potter attorney Paul Engh arued. Shes a devoted Catholic, no less, and there is no point to incarcerate her at this point in time.

Chu rejected their arguments.

I cannot treat this case any differently than any other case, she said.

The time-stamps on the verdicts showed that the jurors agreed on the second count on Tuesday, before they asked the judge that afternoon what to do if they were having difficulty agreeing. The guilty verdict on the more serious first-degree count was reached at 11:40 a.m. Thursday.

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Potter, who is white, shot and killed the 20-year-old Wright during an April 11 traffic stop in Brooklyn Center as she and other officers were trying to arrest him on an outstanding warrant for a weapons possession charge. The shooting happened at a time of high tension in the area, with former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin standing trial just miles away for the killing of George Floyd. Potter resigned two days later.

Jurors saw video of the shooting that was captured by police body cameras and dashcams. It showed Potter and an officer she was training, Anthony Luckey, pull over Wright for having expired license plate tags and an air freshener hanging from his rear-view mirror. During the stop, Luckey discovered there was a warrant for Wrights arrest for not appearing in court on the weapons possession charge, and he, Potter and another officer went to take Wright into custody.
Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors clears the way for transfer of Bruces Beach

The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors approved a state grant deed modification that clears the way for the county to transfer Bruces Beach  a piece of Manhattan Beach coastline stripped away from its Black owners nearly a century ago  to the descendants of Willa and Charles Bruce.



Supervisor Janice Hahn, who championed the plan to see the heirs take control of the property that was seized by Manhattan Beach through eminent domain, said the ball is now back in the countys court.



She called the boards approval one final step before we right this historic wrong.



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Hahn also noted that because of redistricting, she no longer represents Manhattan Beach, which now sits in Supervisor Holly Mitchells Second District.



This is a very tangled web that we are unweaving, Mitchell said.

I look forward to taking the baton and leading as we go forward to figure out what the next steps will be for the county.



The board directed the county CEO in October to work with staff from the Treasurer and Tax Collectors Office to identify and vet potential claimants. The county also needs to determine with the family how to transfer the property in a way that eases the property tax burden on the descendants

when they take possession.





The state law gives the county the leeway to handle the transfer however it determines to be in the best interest of the county and the general public.



Hahn said she hoped the transfer of Bruces Beach would serve as an example to others.



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We will be a model for the country in how you can right a wrong, even if its 100 years old, Hahn said. I hope we spend the next 100 years in this country looking at all the possible opportunities we have to tell the truth and then reconcile and amend and heal.



The public seizure of the property has long stained the history of Manhattan Beach, and has been a particular focus of attention in the past couple of years amid a nationwide reckoning on racial injustice.



Jessa Williams, a Los Angeles resident and Black surfer, told the board in October that it was about much more than this particular piece of land.



The average white family has 10 times the amount of wealth as the average Black family, white college grads seven times more wealth than Black college grads, Williams said. No amount of personal responsibility, hard work or bootstrapping can erase this wealth gap, and this history paints a picture of how and why were here.



Williams statements are supported by research from the Brookings Institution.



Its more than just beachfront property that was taken, its generations of opportunity that was stolen, she told the board.



Willa and Charles Bruce purchased their land in 1912 for $1,225. They eventually added some other parcels and created a beach resort catering to Black residents, who had few options at the time for enjoying the California coast.



Complete with a bath house, dance hall and cafe, the resort attracted other Black families who purchased adjacent land and created what they hoped would be an oceanfront retreat.



But the resort quickly became a target of the areas white populace, leading to acts of vandalism, attacks on vehicles of Black visitors and even a 1920 attack by the Ku Klux Klan.



The Bruces were undeterred and continued operating their small enclave, but under increasing pressure, the city moved to condemn their property and surrounding parcels in 1924, seizing it through eminent domain under the pretense of planning to build a city park.



The resort was forced out of business, and the Bruces and other Black families ultimately lost their land in 1929.



The families sued, claiming they were the victims of a racially motivated removal campaign. The Bruces were eventually awarded some damages, as were other displaced families. But the Bruces were unable to reopen their resort anywhere else in town.



Despite the city claiming the land was needed for a park, the property sat vacant for decades. It was not until 1960 that a park was built on a portion of the seized land, with city officials fearing the evicted families could take new legal action if the property wasnt used for the purpose for

which it was seized.



The exact parcel of land the Bruces owned was transferred to the state, and then to the county in 1995.



The city park that now sits on a portion of the land seized by the city has borne a variety of names over the years. But it was not until 2006 that the city agreed to rename the park Bruces Beach in honor of the evicted family, a move derided by critics as a hollow gesture.
Mothers In Action Spreads Christmas Joy Throughout South L.A.

Children and youth throughout South Los Angeles will enjoy the holidays a lot more, thanks to the generosity of Mothers In Action, who provided toys and gift cards to more than 450 young people through its Angel Tree Christmas Project.

The well-known nonprofit organization, which has assisted underserved children, college students and senior citizens for more than 25 years, utilized all of their resources and partnerships to sponsor one of their most successful campaigns ever. As a result, said MIA President Tracy Mitchell, the group was able to support scores of primary, secondary and high school pupils.

With the COVID-19 pandemic spreading like wildfire, the need this year was greater than ever. So we increased our reach and capacity to serve by providing the entire Danny J. Bakewell Sr. Primary School with food boxes and toys for all of the kids, said Mitchell.

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On the last day before the Christmas vacation break, we gave each child a sack pack that contained a doctors kit, Mr. Potato Puzzles and Disney Money/Time books. The partnership really works out because we work closely with the principal, Ms. Karen Ward, who is great with the children. She knows the name of each student and just makes them all feel special, she explained.

Mitchell added that MIAs long history with Bakewell Primary School includes collaborating on projects such as the Read Across America drive and the car seat safety check program. Also, the organization teams up with LAPD and California Highway Patrol to sponsor regular Stranger Danger and bicycle safety days at the school.

In keeping with the spirit of Christmas, MIA went above and beyond to give to people less fortunate. The group distributed toys and food packets to three day care facilities, additional elementary schools and several families in need. In addition, 100 homeless individuals received hygiene kits, PPE supplies and nonperishable food items.

Our village of donors helped us to double our capacity to serve this year. We give special thanks to the L.A. Sentinel, Taste of Soul, Spark of Love, L.A. Regional Foodbank, the Bakewell family, Los Angeles Urban League, our other Angel Tree Christmas Project donors and the Mothers In Action staff, Mitchell said.

We also appreciate Chef Marilyn, who donated three bikes. She has done this for more than 10 consecutive years because she says she remembers, as a child, how it felt to get a bike on Christmas Day. We want to acknowledge Reve Gipson as well for sponsoring the appearance of Black Santa Claus, added the MIA president.

And to spread even more holiday joy, MIA coordinated with students from Fairfax High School, Marcus Garvey School and Bakewell Primary School to create personalized Christmas cards that the organization will distribute to seniors and other children.

Mitchell noted, This allowed children as young as three-years-old to bless others through the precious cards they made. Now, we are focusing on providing gift cards and age-appropriate gifts for our seniors and college students through our Angel Tree Christmas Project.

But even while promoting the Angel Tree Christmas Project, MIA will place equal emphasis on helping people who are negatively impacted by COVID-19, said Mitchell.

Since the pandemic started in 2020, MIA has distributed food and PPE supplies to thousands of families. Also, weve assisted over 15,000 people with receiving COVID-19 vaccinations and booster shots. We are very serious about helping our community, she insisted.

Mothers In Action, founded in 1992 to improve the quality of life for South L.A. children and families, sponsors a range of services including mentoring programs, financial literacy training, job placement and referrals. For more than 20 years, MIA has presented the largest giveaway of school supplies and resources on the West Coast. The Annual Back-to-School Health Fair and Festival distributes free items to thousands of students in the greater Los Angeles area.

To learn more, email [email protected]. Donations are accepted at Zelle at (213) 706-5831,

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www.gofundme.com/MIA-AngelTreeChristmasProject or by mailing checks to Mothers In Action, 3800 Crenshaw Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90008.
Musicians In Action and Guitar Center Music Foundation Partner to Help Drum Educator

Musicians in Action, Inc. (MIA) and Guitar Center Music Foundation united to aid T.J. Fisher in introducing alternative careers to urban youth.

Gerald and Jacquelyn Malone, MIA president and CEO, respectfully, have devoted years to exposing young people of all genders and ages to the joys of gospel music and the opportunities to grow as a professional. In addition to presenting music workshops and training sessions, they mentor disadvantaged children and teens in the community.

One of our popular workshops is our Annual Drum Clinic, which usually features celebrity musicians such as Sheila E. Also, T.J. Fisher is one of the coordinators of the Drum Clinic, said Jacquelyn.

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Through his foundation, Drums For Success, he wants to make a difference through music education with mentorship and by building programs to assist future generations.

Considering MIAs influential reputation in the industry, its no surprise that Myka Miller, executive director of the Guitar Center Music Foundation, reached out to the Malones for assistance. Millers foundation has access to new and slightly used musical instruments, which are donated to school music classrooms, after school programs and music therapy programs.

Myka is not only behind the successful operation of the foundation, but she is also responsible for putting musical instruments into the hands of thousands of children across the nation, Jacquelyn said. So, when she asked for suggested groups to give instruments to, I recommended T.J.s organization.

After connecting with Miller, Fisher mentioned that Frederick K.C. Price School, where he works, was sorely lacking in the music arena, too. As a result, Miller and the Guitar Center Music Foundation provided musical instruments for both the school and Drums For Success. Also, Professor Jae Deal of USC Thornton School of Music aided in ensuring that the donation was solidified.

Elated about the result, Fisher said, Ive been a music instructor for over 20 years, working with schools and nonprofits and organizations to help inner-city youth [along with] building a career as a professional musician.

My current goal is to build a recreational center/ music school to mentor youth and keep them off the streets and pour into the future leaders of tomorrow.

Jacquelyn added, Thanks to the generosity of Myka Miller and the Guitar Center Music Foundation, T.J. has help to move further in his aspirations!

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To learn more about Musicians in Action, Inc., call (323) 539-8990 or visit Musicians In Action on Facebook. Follow Drums For Success on Instagram @drumsforsuccess or call (562) 726-8393.
Rams Team Up with L.A. Food Bank and Pechanga to Give Meals in Inglewood

The Los Angeles Rams hosted their fourth annual Community Blitz Day of Service by partnering with Pechanga and the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank for a food distribution event. Over 3,600 Angelenos drove to Sofi Stadium to benefit from the event.

Among the volunteers were Rams safety Nick Scott and his wife Holly. For the newlywed couple, serving the community is one of their top priorities.

My wife and I, we love giving back during the holidays, Scott said. We just want to spend a little time together as well as be with the people in the community.

Each resident were given frozen goods, fruits, a shelf stable kit and potatoes. Employees of the Rams and Pechanga woke up early to pack meals in the cars of people in need. The L.A. Food Bank has been partnering with the fran since they returned to Los Angeles. They collaborate to host Taste of the Rams, a fundraising event that helps battle food insecurity.

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In Los Angeles County, one in five people struggle with food insecurity. Since the pandemic started, The Food Bank has added 100 new agency partners. They recently partnered with the Rams for a food distribution at Compton College.

We want to do more during the holiday season for Thanksgiving and to try to make December holidays brighter for people, said L.A. Regional Food Bank CEO Michael Flood. That partnership with the Rams is really very important to us.

Pechanga has been a partner with the Rams for two years, they had 15 employees volunteer at the food distribution. Ken Perez, the first vice president of the Pechanga corporation, noted how they want to become part of and give back to the Inglewood community.

This is really indicative of the spirit of our team members, they come out here voluntarily, he said. Our team members come out and they give their time freely because its part of what we do at Pechanga.

Pechanga corporation president Andrew Masiel knows the importance of helping those in need and is elated to be able to serve the Inglewood community.

The spirit of giving is engraved with us because for many years, weve been on the other side of the table, where weve been given opportunities and food, Masiel said. Being here today means a great deal for all of us, not only as individual board members, but for the entire tribe of Pechanga to be in the position to give back.

Along with front office staff members, Rams mascot Rampage and cheerleaders were in tow to engage with the residents and give them food. The franchise has hosted several food distributions in the parking lots at Sofi Stadium.

I love how Sofi Stadium represents more than just a stadium, said Rams community affairs and engagement manager Johnathan Franklin. To have this opportunity to come here and to be a part of an organization that really strives to be a resource 365 days a year, Im happy that I get to serve the community.
Reclaiming My Time: Ed Chief Thurmond Weighs Successes, Setbacks

When Tony Thurmond, State Superintendent of Public Instruction (SSPI) was elected in 2018, he became the second African American in the office since the 1849 California Constitution established it. Wilson Riles was Californias and the nations first Black SSPI. In 1970, he also was the first African American voted to hold any statewide office in California.

Recently, Thurmond spoke to California Black Media (CBM) about his experience as the states highest elected Education official. He says the COVID-19 pandemic has been the defining challenge of his tenure. It affected everything  from requiring him to suddenly draft a revised strategy for supporting schools to keeping students and staff safe. He did this while taking steps to improve the overall quality of public education.

March 13, 2020. March 13, Ill never forget it, Thurmond told CBM. He was in his office when he started to receive calls asking what are we going to do? as school districts announced that they were closing to mitigate the spread of the virus.

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Responding to the COVID-19 pandemic forced Thurmond to delay action on the initiatives he identified as priorities when he entered office. Opening schools safely and dealing with the specific systemic inequities, particularly experienced by students of color, had to be tackled first. The California Department of Educations (CDE) action plan included securing two million masks for schools and working with the governors office to obtain five million rapid COVID tests. While schools were closed, the states education department supplied over 500 million meals to students and families. When vaccinations became available, CDE developed a campaign that encouraged staff and students to get vaccinated.

While it was up to each school district to decide how it would deal with the COVID-19 crisis, Thurmond hosted weekly meetings with all county superintendents to talk through plans for reopening schools safely.

As distance learning became necessary, inequities in access to technology were exposed. One-fifth of California students lacked the resources to continue their education from home, either due to no internet connectivity or not owning a computer at home  or both. To find a solution to the problem, Thurmond assembled a committee he named Closing the Digital Divide Task Force.

We put legislators on that committee by design. We knew that in order to get the attention of the internet providers, they need to see legislators, Thurmond said.

As a result, the state was able to provide computers and hotspots, enhancing internet connectivity to over 400 school districts across nearly all of Californias 58 counties. According to Thurmond, There is about $6 billion for building out broadband in this years state budget. The task force helped to lay the foundation for that.

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Thurmond points out that state law grants the SSPI limited authority over Californias public education policies, funding and infrastructure. But despite his restricted power, Thurmond views the SSPI role as much more than being a figurehead. As one of only eight statewide elected officials, voters have given him a prominent bully pulpit from which he can influence education policy.

They said the office doesnt have a lot of tools to get things done directly, but I felt very confident using my relationships with the legislature and the governor that I could find way to put a spotlight on big problems and find ways to influence them even though it would have to happen in an indirect way, Thurmond said.

The governor and the legislature determine state funding for education and set policy direction. The State Board of Education determines academic standards, curriculum, instructional materials, assessments, and accountability.

The SSPI has no legal authority over the 1,000 local school districts in the state. Each of the states 58 county offices of education  not the SSPI  approve school districts budgets and provide assistance and instruction on how they can improve their educational programs.

Thurmonds main job is to run the day-to-day operations of the CDE, which has about 2,600 employees and enforces Californias education laws and regulations. It also administers federal and state education programs and oversees federal education grant compliance. In addition, it performs certain administrative tasks, such as collecting and compiling statewide data on district spending and student performance.

In 2018, Thurmond decided to not to seek another Assembly term and run to be SSPI instead. That way, he could work full time on education issues. At the time, he was a two-term Assemblymember representing the 51st Assembly District in the Bay Area.

A popular politician among his constituents, Thurmond received 90% of the vote during his last Assembly election.

For Thurmond, education is the great equalizer. He says it allows children to overcome challenging circumstances and it provides paths to opportunities for all of Californias kids. He started his term as SSPI by proposing an ambitious eight-year plan to significantly boost school funding and expand early childhood education.

Beginning with his first month in office, Thurmond formed 13 transition teams with over 1000 people. Those teams focused on his top priority: closing racial and economic achievement and opportunity gaps in a state where African American and Latino kids score below statewide standards on achievement tests.

Town halls and webinars focused on Black and Brown student achievement became the genesis for his initiative supporting funding to diversify the teacher workforce.

Now that school districts have adopted the safety protocols like masking, vaccinations, and testing necessary to stay open for in-person learning, Thurmond says he has again turned his attention to pursuing pre-pandemic initiatives. In September, he launched a literacy goal to make sure all third graders are able to read by 2026. He also appointed the Task Force to Improve Black Student Achievement.

Thurmond told CBM, I feel like Im in a place now where like Maxine Waters says, Im reclaiming my time. I came to the department thinking Id have eight years to work on third grade literacy, and that got undercut because of the pandemic.

Funding from the state and federal government for Californias public education is at a historic high. As a result, money is available for initiatives advocated by Thurmond like universal Pre-K and universal meals, community schools, family engagement and mental health services for students.

At his inauguration, Thurmond told the audience, This job is the type of job where you get all the blame for what goes wrong, but you dont have the resources to fix what needs to be fixed.

Although at the time Thurmond was speaking generally, his observation could apply to recent criticisms leveled at him in the media about the high turnover of his senior staff.

Thurmond thinks that CDE is underfunded and insufficiently staffed to be able to handle its bureaucratic responsibilities and support the initiatives that he sees as public education priorities. He says, Ive taken some time to think about how to structure the organization and how to restructure it.

Regarding commentary about his public visibility during the COVID-19 crisis, Thurmonds view is, The way this job works, theres a piece of it that people will never see. But Id like to think that we have been the glue between school leaders, legislators and the governor. In my role, weve had to be that glue between those entities, and that interplays on how decision making happens.

Thurmond does not have a button he can push to make something happen in California public schools. But he does have a microphone to broadcast where problems are and the good news is because he has the relationships he is in a position to influence education policy for the benefit of Californias public education students.
Robey Theatre Presents Kwanzaa: A Celebration of Unity

During the global pandemic and civil unrest, devastation, and aftermath, can the guiding seven principles of Kwanzaa offer change to the world?

Kwanzaa: A Celebration of Unity, presented by The Robey Theatre Company and directed by Ben Guillory, was conceptualized by playwright Marie Y. Lemelle to explore the possibilities of how Kwanzaa can unite people on a global level and help them embrace their differences.

In the late 60s, during the aftermath of the Watts riots, Dr. Maulana Karenga created Kwanzaa, an African American celebration of culture and tradition, said Lemelle, the creator and lead writer of the play with co-writer, Barbara Bullen.

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As an activist and writer, my vision was to amplify the purpose and re-visit the intention about Kwanzaa and its seven principles (unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity, and faith), especially during the pandemic, the deadliest time in modern history, and the civil unrest sparked by the horrific public murder of George Floyd. I am thankful for the Robey Theatre Companys platform, she added.

The virtual performance opens on the first day of Kwanzaa on Sunday, December 26, at 3 p.m. PST and runs from December 27, through January 1, at 7 p.m. PST. To watch the free performance, register in advance at http://therobeytheatrecompany.org/our-events to receive Zoom links.

The play is set during the global pandemic. In the midst of civil unrest, devastation, and its aftermath, a resolute Afrocentric history professor, Dr. Agu, challenges a multi-national group of college students during virtual classroom sessions while quarantine-stranded in Ghana on his own personal journey to uncover his roots.

To address current world events of social injustice and amplify Black awareness, Dr. Agu sublimely changes the narrative to dig deeper into civil rights history and how Kwanzaa values could be the solution to our racial divide. On the other hand, his U.S.-based pupils are not quite ready for the truth about prejudice, racism, and inequality or how life lessons based on the Kwanzaa celebration can be a solution and change the world.

Marie Lemellle and Barbara Bullen were commissioned to write the play that was developed and produced by The Robey Theatre Company, said co-founder Guillory who served as dramaturge to the playwrights. Marie and Barbara did a wonderful job in writing the play and creating the characters. We assembled 14 diverse actors, said Guillory in an interview on the Our Society Show with Allen Shay.

Kwanzaas seven principles end up being a part of the lives of these students. The students put the principles into practice, not just academically, but walk away with these principles, as part of their consciousness; however, there is a huge conflict in the class because racism rears its ugly head as so often does in the classroom, he said.

My character is Penny Jones who is into civil rights and Kwanzaa and wants to learn more. Its really interesting to watch the evolution of the characters from different backgrounds to have intense discussions and at times come together. Some people have different intentions than others in this beautifully written play, said actor Christina Childress is originally from Memphis, Tennessee. This play brought me back to that place of how hateful the world can be.

Guillory directs a cast that includes Jermaine Alexander, JC Cadena, Childress, Garret Davis, Matt Jennings, Nate Lovell, Terry Tes Scott-Mitchell, Mona Mohamed, Crystal Nix, Amara Phelps, Ke Shi, Kyle Sparks, William Warren, Jess Weaver, and Guillory as Maulana Karenga.

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Subscribe to The Robey Theatre Company YouTube Channel to receive notifications regarding the plays availability on YouTube. Sign up at www.youtube.com/c/TheRobeyTheatreCompany. The Robey, a nonprofit developmental theatre organization, encourages a voluntary $10 donation at http://therobeytheatrecompany.org/donate
West Angeles COGIC Plans Virtual Worship Only for Next Two Weeks

West Angeles Church of God in Christ will cease in-person worship for the next two weeks. In an announcement by Co-Pastor Charles Blake II, all services will be held virtually through the end of 2021.

Guided by prayer and concern for the health of parishioners, Blake indicated that the most prudent decision was to hold online worship services, especially considering the recent increase in COVID-19 cases.

The decision means that the Candlelight Service on Wednesday, December 22, the Sunday Morning Service on Sunday, December 26 and the Watch Night Service on Friday, December 31, will be broadcast on westa.tv.

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Blake noted that, Much prayer, thought and consideration has been made regarding how we operate as an organization moving forward. Even though our services during this time are so meaningful and mean so much to the community, we are very much concerned about your health and about our already overburdened healthcare system.

In a concluding encouragement to members and friends, he said, Please continue to support the work of the Lord and log on as we will continue to stream our services online. We are very fortunate to not have had any outbreaks connected to our services to this point and these measures are intended to keep all of our members and attendees safe during this time. Be blessed.
White House, Dems Furious Over Sen. Manchins Build Back Better Betrayal

Black Press photojournalist and social media maven Anthony Tilman assessed the death of President Joe Bidens Build Back Better legislation this way:

[Fifty] Republicans in the Senate dont care about children in their own communities and want them to remain in poverty, and yet they still get re-elected. Thats the sad truth.

While Tilghman accurately assessed the GOP blocking popular and needed legislation, the most consequential no vote came from a Democrat.

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In an appearance, Sunday, December 19, on the Republican-friendly network Fox News, West Virginia Sen. Joe Manchin  who carries the D party tag but certainly has routinely demonstrated GOP views and values  said he would vote no on Build Back Better.

I have always said, If I cant go back home and explain it, I cant vote for it. Despite my best efforts, I cannot explain the sweeping Build Back Better Act in West Virginia, and I cannot vote to move forward on this mammoth piece of legislation, Sen. Manchin said in the statement.

The $1.75 trillion economic and climate package would transform Americas social safety net, particularly benefiting African Americans and other people of color.

The monthly child tax credit payments to families have already significantly reduced child poverty.

Still, Sen. Manchin has opposed that saying he didnt want to continue government handouts.

Build Back Better would create a universal pre-K program, help families with childcare and send them the child tax payments for another year.

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It would also provide even more subsidies on the Affordable Care Act exchanges for four more years and offer more assistance for individuals and families who fall below the poverty line.

With climate change a major issue, the bill earmarks $570 billion into measures to blunt the effects of environmental damage.

It would address shortfalls in affordable housing and provide cash for parents to purchase food for their children during the summer months when theyre not in school.

Like many in the Democratic Party, Biden-Harris administration officials expressed their outrage with Sen. Manchin.

[Sen. Manchins] comments were at odds with his discussions this week with the President, with White House staff, and with his own public utterances, The White House said in a statement after the senators Fox News appearance.

On Tuesday of this week, Senator Manchin came to the White House and submitted  to the President, in person, directly  a written outline for a Build Back Better bill that was the same size and scope as the Presidents framework, and covered many of the same priorities, White House press secretary Jen Psaki wrote in the statement.

While that framework was missing key priorities, we believed it could lead to a compromise acceptable to all.

Psaki said Sen. Manchin promised to continue conversations in the days ahead and to work with us to reach that common ground.

If his comments on FOX and written statement indicate an end to that effort, they represent a sudden and inexplicable reversal in his position and a breach of his commitments to the President and the Senators colleagues in the House and Senate, Psaki asserted.

She added: Just as Senator Manchin reversed his position on Build Back Better this morning, we will continue to press him to see if he will reverse his position yet again, to honor his prior commitments and be true to his word.

After getting word of his colleagues decision to sabotage Build Back Better, Vermont Democratic Sen. Bernie Sanders blasted Sen. Manchin during an appearance on CNN.

Well, I think hes going to have a lot of explaining to do to the people of West Virginia, to tell him why he doesnt have the guts to take on the drug companies to lower the cost of prescription drugs, Sen. Sanders insisted.

West Virginia is one of the poorest states in this country. You got elderly people and disabled people who would like to stay at home. So, hes going to have to tell the people of West Virginia why he doesnt want to expand Medicare to cover dental hearing and eyeglasses.

Sen. Sanders continued:

Ive been to West Virginia a number of times, and its a great state, beautiful people, but it is a state that is struggling. And hes going to have to tell the people of West Virginia why hes rejecting what the scientists of the world are telling us that we have to act boldly and transform our energy system to protect future generations from the devastation of climate change.

Joe Manchin voted for a huge increase in military spending. Manchin voted for an infrastructure bill that added $250 billion to the deficit. The truth of the matter is that if you look at the military budget $770 billion times that by ten years, it is four times is higher than what the Build Back Better plan is.
Mas

 Copyright 2017 Grupo Editorial La Verdad.

Todos los derechos reservados.


A Harvard professor of chemistry was found guilty in a Boston court Tuesday of charges related to his business ties to a Chinese university. The charges included making false statements to officials and on tax returns and not reporting his Chinese bank account.

The case was part of a federal program to deal with Chinese influence on U.S. research. The professor, Charles Lieber, is a well-known nanoscientist and the former chairman of Harvard's chemistry department.

Thousand talents program

A federal jury in Boston found Leiber guilty. Prosecutors said that in 2011, Lieber agreed to work with Wuhan University of Technology in China. They charged that he helped get other scientists to take part in Chinas Thousand Talents Program through that connection.

Prosecutors say China uses that program to persuade foreign researchers to share their knowledge with the country. Taking part in the program is not a crime. But prosecutors said the 62-year-old Lieber illegally lied to officials about his involvement.

Liebers lawyer had argued that prosecutors did not have enough good evidence to prove Lieber's guilt. Lieber, who is battling cancer, sat emotionless as the court announced the decision.

'China Initiative'

Lieber was charged in January 2020 as part of the U.S. Department of Justice's effort called the "China Initiative. It began during former President Donald Trump's administration to oppose suspected Chinese economic spying and stealing of research. President Joe Biden's administration has continued the effort although the Justice Department has said it is reconsidering its methods.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian said China manages such exchanges along the same lines as the U.S. and other countries. Critics say the U.S. efforts harm academic research, discriminate against Chinese researchers and make some scientists afraid.

Earlier this year, a judge declared a Tennessee professor not guilty following a mistrial. Government lawyers also dropped charges against six other researchers.

Lieber denied his involvement in the Thousand Talents Program when asked by officials of U.S. agencies, including the U.S. Defense Department. The National Institutes of Health had provided him with $15 million in research money.

'Young and stupid'

After his arrest, Lieber told FBI agents that he was "younger and stupid" when he linked up with the university in Wuhan. He said he had believed his collaboration would improve his career.

Lieber also hid his income from the Chinese program. This included $50,000 a month from the Wuhan University of Technology, up to $158,000 in living expenses and more than $1.5 million in research money, government lawyers said.

In exchange, they said, Lieber agreed to publish research reports, organize international conferences and seek patents for the Chinese university.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian said U.S. agencies and officials should not "stigmatize" such exchange programs. He said they should do something that helps China-U.S. cooperation and people-to-people exchanges instead.

Hundreds of teachers and researchers at Stanford, Yale, Berkeley, Princeton, Temple and other top universities have signed letters to U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland. They called on him to end the investigative effort.

The university professors and others said the effort harms the nation's competitiveness in research and technology and makes it harder to get foreign researchers. The letters also criticize how the investigations have looked at Chinese researchers.

Lieber has been on paid administrative leave from Harvard since being arrested in January 2020.

Im Jill Robbins.

Nate Raymond reported for this story on Reuters. Associated Press reported on it for the AP. Jill Robbins adapted the stories for Learning English. Mario Ritter, Jr. was the editor.

__________________________________________________

Words in This Story

mistrial  n. a trial that is not valid because of an error or because the jury is unable to decide a verdict

collaboration n. to work with another person or group in order to gain or do something

career n. a job or profession that someone does for a long time

patent  n. an official document that gives a person or company the right to be the only one that makes or sells a product for a certain period of time

stigmatize  v. to describe or regard (something, such as a characteristic or group of people) in a way that shows strong disapproval

What do you think of the courts decision for the Harvard professor? We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section.
Reforestation efforts in the Santiam State Forest will be boosted by a nearly $1 million grant from a national nonprofit. The Oregon Departmen
ELWOOD  Friday, Nov. 19, was an incredibly warm day that was full of high spirits, a perfect day for a walk. The National Honors Society took advantage of the situation and held their fall fundraiser. The group decided the best use of their time would be to assist the Community Redevelopment Authority in their efforts to raise funding for a Veterans Memorial to be built in Elwood Nebraska. The memorial is still in planning phases but will be placed across the highway from the Senior Center for all to enjoy while they drive by.

Lauren Hickey and Brooke Brockman, Senior National Honor Society members were hard at work preparing a walk-a-thon for the elementary school to participate in. Hickey said, We planned a fun-filled event for the kids to get some exercise and learn facts about the holiday. During the month of October, Hickey and the NHSs sponsor, Sandy Dean visited the elementary students to watch a video and learn about veterans and their importance. The students were then asked to collect as many donations as they could for prizes donated by the American Legion and Booster Club.
By Bahk Eun-ji





The National Human Rights Commission of Korea / Korea Times file
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SALT LAKE CITY (AP)  An advertising-technology billionaire has formally resigned his membership in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and rebuked the faith over social issues and LGBTQ rights in an unusual public move.

Jeff T. Green has pledged to donate 90% of his estimated $5 billion fortune, starting with a $600,000 donation to the LGBTQ-rights group Equality Utah, the Salt Lake Tribune reported.

Green said in a Monday resignation letter to church President Russell M. Nelson that he hasnt been active in the faith widely known as Mormon for more than a decade but wanted to make his departure official and remove his name from membership records.

I believe the Mormon church has hindered global progress in womens rights, civil rights and racial equality, and LGBTQ+ rights, he wrote. Eleven family members and a friend formally resigned along with him.

The church didnt immediately return a message from The Associated Press seeking comment Tuesday, but in recent years has shown a willingness to engage on LGBTQ rights that is unusual for a conservative faith. It maintains its doctrinal opposition to same-sex marriage and intimacy, but the faith didnt block a 2019 ban on so-called conversion therapy in Utah and in November high-ranking leader Dallin Oaks called for a recognition of both religious rights and LGBTQ rights.

Still, the church has taken positions over the years that have been deeply painful for many in the LGBTQ community. Green, for his part, said most church members are good people trying to do right, but he also worries about the faiths transparency around its history and finances.

Green, 44, now lives in Southern California. He is the CEO and chairman of The Trade Desk, an advertising-technology firm he founded in 2009.

He also mentioned concerns about a $100 billion investment portfolio held by the faith. It was the subject of an Internal Revenue Service whistleblower complaint in 2019, from a former employee who charged the church had improperly built it up using member donations that are supposed to go to charitable causes.

Leaders have defended how the church uses and invests member donations, saying most is used for operational and humanitarian needs, but a portion is safeguarded to build a reserve for the future. The faith annually spends about $1 billion on humanitarian and welfare aid, leaders have said.

The church has also come under criticism for conservative social positions. Women do not hold the priesthood in the faith, and Black men could not until the 1970s.

In recent years, though, the faith has worked with the NAACP and donated nearly $10 million for initiatives to help Black Americans. It has also worked with Equality Utah to pass a state LGBTQ nondiscrimination law, with religious exemptions.

Another prominent onetime Latter-day Saint sued the faith this year, accusing it of fraud and seeking to recover millions of dollars in contributions. James Huntsman is a member of one of Utahs most well-known families and brother of a former governor. The suit was later tossed out.

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BOISE  An Ada County man has been arrested in connection with the death of his 10-day-old daughter, according to the Ada County Sheriffs Office.

Kody Durfee, 32, told investigators that he was drinking alcohol on Dec. 15  in violation of his terms of parole  when he put his daughter on his chest and fell asleep, according to a blog post from the Sheriffs Office.

Later that evening, a family member arrived at his residence in the Desert Avenue and Cole Road neighborhood, southwest of the Boise Airport, and found that the baby was wedged between (the man) and the couch and was unresponsive, according to the blog post.

Family members began administering CPR and called 911, the post said. Paramedics took the infant to a hospital, where she was declared dead.

In 2015, Durfee was found guilty of driving under the influence for the second time in 15 years, and sentenced to 18 months in prison and an 8 1/2-year indeterminate sentence, according to court records. As a condition of his parole agreement, he is not allowed to consume alcohol, according to the Sheriffs Office.

Durfee was interviewed and arrested on Dec. 15 on the parole violation and was booked into the Ada County Jail. After an investigation, the Ada County Prosecutors Office issued an arrest warrant Wednesday on suspicion of felony injury to child and a felony enhancement for infliction of great bodily injury on Wednesday.

He was served with the warrant at the jail, the Sheriffs Office said.

The two charges are punishable by up to 30 years in prison.

Durfee is being held without bail at the jail on a hold from the Idaho Department of Corrections; he has a court appearance on Thursday.

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BOISE  Gov. Brad Little on Thursday appointed Ned Burns to replace Rep. Muffy Davis in the Idaho House.

Burns, the mayor of Bellevue, will fill the District 26 House seat opening created on Dec. 3 when Little appointed Davis to the Blaine County Commission.

The Legislature convenes on Jan. 10.

A native of Twin Falls, Burns moved to the Wood River Valley in 2000 after graduating from the University of Montana. He is a real estate agent and was elected to the Bellevue City Council before being elected mayor in 2018. He was reelected in 2020.

Ive watched Twin Falls grow tremendously, Burns told the Times-News after the announcement Thursday. Ive watched the Wood River Valley grow tremendously. Well see how we can do continued smart growth and make sure theres opportunities for future generations.

He has served as a substitute for Davis and Rep. Sally Toone in the Idaho Legislature, so he has met and worked with most of the representatives in the House.

I know basically everybody in the room, Burns said, and Ive got friends on both sides of the aisle.

Burns, a Democrat, said hes super chatty by nature and expects hell find a lot of areas of commonality with his colleagues.

Maybe its naivete, but I dont think that were nearly as far apart as we like to think we are, Burns said. If we can all put our labels aside and our parties aside and remember that were there to do the work for the people  it will be a lot easier and hopefully not unnecessarily contentious.

He will serve the rest of Davis term, which ends in December 2022. He plans to then run for reelection to the House, but the district boundaries will change as a result of this years redistricting.

Burns said his experience in local government gives him a boots-on-the-ground perspective that will help inform him when it comes to priorities, like meaningful property tax relief.

Theres lots of talk thrown around in the Legislature about how local government is the reason property taxes are so high, that were bad with our budgets, and theres lots of fluff in there, he said. I know what my budget looks like. I know what the county budget looks like. Ive spent plenty of time digging through all of the budgets and I know its not fluff.

Burns said he hopes to find solutions to allow counties and cities to respond to increased pressure for services to keep up with Idahos record growth.

There are people moving into our state every single day, and its getting harder and harder for long-time Idahoans to be able to stay here, Burns said.

Burns was one of three names submitted to the governors office to fill the vacancy by the Idaho Democratic Partys District 26 Legislative Committee, which was responsible for selecting candidates.

Im thrilled Gov. Little chose Ned as my successor, Davis said in a statement. Ned is well prepared to jump into the role and hit the ground running to best represent the constituents of District 26.

Davis, who was in her second term in the House, asked to move to Blaines county commission because of the difficulty of being in a super minority in the Legislature and the lack of health and safety precautions in the Capitol during the last Legislative session.

Davis will start as a commissioner in January and serve through the remainder of the term in January 2023.

Jack Nelsen of Jerome, a former vice chair of the Jerome County Republican Central Committee and a member of the College of Southern Idaho Board of Trustees, has also announced plans to run next year for a House seat in what will be District 35, composed of Blaine, Lincoln and Jerome counties.

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TWIN FALLS  After 12 years serving in the Idaho Legislature, Sen. Lee Heider announced he will retire at the end of the 2022 session.

Heider has represented Twin Falls since 2010 in Idahos District 24.

This is going to be my last term in the Senate, Heider said. ... Ive been there 12 years. Thats long enough.

Heider said he decided its now time to turn to other things, particularly spending more time with his wife, Jan, and their children and grandchildren.

He has endorsed Rep. Linda Wright Hartgen  who announced to the Times-News on Thursday that she will run for the Senate in 2022  as his replacement.

During his time in the Senate, Heider has served on several high-profile committees, including Resources and Environment, Health and Welfare, and Senate Affairs committees. Many of the flashpoint issues brought up each session pass through the Senate Affairs committee, and Heider says it takes a level head and good communication with fellow legislators and constituents to work for the good of the people of Idaho.

We need good people, Heider said. The Senate is really a good place to serve. Ive very much enjoyed that for the last 12 years.

In endorsing Hartgen as his successor, Heider says the legislators from the Magic Valley have tended to be fairly mainstream Republicans, which he said best serves the people of Idaho during times of intense political debate.

Magic Valley is very middle of the road, Heider said. We dont get under the far-right, the far-left things. We pretty much track down the middle. (Hartgen) represents that; I represent that.

Hartgen, who is serving her second term as a representative for Twin Falls, says Heider has set a good example to live up to.

Ive watched Lee, and hes done such a stellar job, and people really respect him, Hartgen said. To think of taking his seat would be an honor, just to see if I could follow in his footsteps.

Hartgen said her time in the Idaho House has given her a lot of experience in building consensus and working through adversity to reach good legislation.

Ive enjoyed being in the House, Hartgen said. It really teaches you that its a citizen legislature, and everybody comes with a different path, a different walk in life and a different expertise, and you need all of those people.

Sometimes negotiation is a dirty word with some people. Im just not that person, I do believe in working across the aisle.

Hartgen said that the variety of temperaments in members of the House is what makes it a bit more contentious workplace, where the Senate has a reputation for being more cordial.

Hartgen has 23 years of experience as court administrator for the Fifth Judicial District. She had previously been elected Twin Falls County Clerk and served as president of the College of Southern Idaho Foundation.

Im a common-sense conservative who listens, Hartgen said. I dont go out and take funny bills up to Boise. I make good policy for the state that other people bring to me. I think my promise is that I wont go off the deep end and bring things that are just for drama.

In Republican-controlled southern Idaho, the primary race in May usually tends to be the definitive contest of the election.

I have no doubts that I will have a primary opponent, Hartgen said. An open seat draws lots of people.

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Intrepid miners abandoned California mines in 1860 to climb into the mountains of north-central Idaho in search of silver and gold. Prospector Elias Pierce, following animal trails to evade Nez Perce warriors, found gold on Sept. 30 at Orofino Creek.

Oro fino means fine gold in Spanish.

The mining town Florence, some 60 miles as the crow flies south of Orofino, was one of the richest mining areas in the state for a short time.

Jacob Weisers operation at Baboon Gulch yielded $6,000 worth of gold in two days. And Peter Bablaines claim yielded 60 pounds of gold worth $7,200  equal to more than $200,000 in todays money.

Word of Florence miners wild success traveled swiftly in its first year, bringing in more than 10,000 fortune hunters to the town in 1862. That year, the mines produced $50,000 per day.

Major excitements in Florence had ended by 1864, the year after Idaho became a territory, historians Arthur Hart and Merle Wells wrote in their book Idaho, Gem of the Mountains.

Florence was all but a ghost town by 1896. In all, its mines yielded $10 million in gold.

Mychel Matthews is the senior reporter for the Times-News. The Hidden History feature runs every Thursday in the Times-News and at Magicvalley.com. If you have a question about something that may have historical significance, email Matthews at mmatthews@magicvalley.com or call her at 208-735-3233.

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A hand grenade was dropped into the lap of Major General Antonio Taguba in 2004 when he was assigned to investigate reports of prisoner abuse at Abu Ghraib Prison in Iraq. I understand the conflicting interests such an investigator faces because I had been appointed to investigate an artillery incident involving a friend in my heavy artillery unit in Vietnam in 1968. A scrupulous investigation that discloses fault or wrongdoing by the military can be a career killer for an Army lifer like General Taguba.

Nevertheless, General Taguba, a 1972 graduate of Idaho State University and only the second Filipino-American to achieve general officer rank in the Army, did an outstanding job. Tellingly, he was not authorized to pursue wrongdoing into the upper ranks, but he meticulously documented and reported the abuse that occurred in the prison setting and suggested to the top ranks of the defense establishment that fault went to its highest reaches. That warning was unwelcome by Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld and many of his supporters, who went into denial and cover-up mode.

Had the truth-telling Tagubas report been publicly embraced and appropriate action been taken to bring all those responsible for the abuse to account, the lives of many U.S. service personnel could have been saved. The denial and cover-up provided the Iraqi insurgents a remarkably effective recruitment tool to increase their ranks and kill more Americans. The notorious founder of the Islamic State, which almost took over Iraq, did time at the infamous Abu Ghraib Prison.

General Taguba performed a valuable service by giving the Defense Department the unvarnished truth about a shameful situation: A situation which actually provided the U.S. with an opportunity to show that we really do live our values and will punish those who transgress them, no matter how exalted their rank. Revealing the truth and owning up to responsibility goes a long way in trying to quell an insurgency. Our leaders failed the country by declining to grasp that opportunity. Regrettably, the general also lost his opportunity to gain another star because of honorably speaking truth to power.

Now, General Taguba is trying to alert the highest power in this democracy, the American people, of a danger to our form of government. He has joined two other distinguished, retired general officers, Major General Paul Eaton and Brigadier General Steven Anderson, in warning that the military must prepare for a 2024 possible insurrection in America.

The three generals point to the fact that ten percent of those charged with attacking the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6 were veterans or active-duty military, also that the Oklahoma National Guard refused an order from the secretary of defense to vaccinate its members. They say this demonstrates the potential for a breakdown of the chain of command along partisan linesfrom the top of the chain to squad level.

Nothing is more essential to discipline in the military than the requirement to follow lawful orders. Article 92 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice makes it a punishable offense to fail or refuse to follow orders. I defended a number of soldiers in Vietnam who were charged with failing to obey standing orders. They were not ideal soldiers. Without such a rule, soldiers could do as they wished, endangering the attainment of military objectives.

There is no question that requiring troops to get vaccinations against a wide range of illnesses is the lawful subject of military orders. I got nearly a dozen shots to protect against a wide range of exotic diseases when I went into the Army. Refusing, getting sick, infecting others, endangering the mission, were not options.

The military is now discharging many of those who have refused to get the safe and effective vaccinations against COVID-19. Learning the identity of those military personnel who are inclined to disobey orders may prove to be a blessing for the future stability of our country. If the lawbreakers will disobey one lawful order, why might they not disobey another standing ordernot to rise up against our lawfully-elected government? All of those who think they are above following orders should be discharged before they are put to the test of whether or not to support our democracy.

Thanks to that honorable, truth-telling Idaho State Bengal, Antonio Taguba, for having the courage to serve his countrys true interests in the Iraq War. Thanks also for joining with his colleagues in warning against a much greater offense that might be inflicted upon our great country in 2024 by groups of military lawbreakers.

Jim Jones is a Vietnam combat veteran who served eight years as Idaho attorney general (1983-1991) and 12 years as justice of the Idaho Supreme Court (2005-2017). He is currently a regular contributor to The Hill online news. He blogs at JJCommonTater.

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BOISE  When Idaho officials confirmed the states first cases of chronic wasting disease, a fatal illness that affects deer species, the news was expected. Still, the reality hit Rick Ward like a ton of bricks.

In 20-some years in the wildlife profession, one of the worst days was the day I found out we had CWD in Idaho, said Ward, state wildlife manager for the Idaho Department of Fish and Game.

The disease means certain death for deer, elk and moose and can cause serious population declines in the animals. Once chronic wasting disease infects an area, it cant be eradicated. Ward said its presence in Idaho likely means a paradigm shift in how the state has long managed deer species, though theres little research on the best ways to manage infected herds.

CWD has been present in neighboring states for decades, creeping closer to Idaho state lines. Since 1997, Fish and Game has been testing deer harvested by hunters  primarily on state borders  awaiting the day chronic wasting disease would arrive in Idaho.

Ward and his Fish and Game cohorts mobilized quickly after the disease was confirmed in mid-November. A week after the discovery was made public, the Fish and Game Commission created a chronic wasting disease management zone and announced surveillance hunts meant to determine the diseases prevalence.

Meanwhile, local wildlife advocates and Idahos congressional delegation have worked to secure funding to research the little-understood disease, which attacks the brain and causes infected animals to lose weight, awareness and fear of humans.

Fish and Game OKs surveillance hunts

Chronic wasting disease is a transmissible spongiform encephalopathy, a contagious disease caused by malformed proteins called prions. Its in the same family as mad cow disease, Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease and scrapies. Theres no treatment for the disease.

It has only been identified in two Idaho animals  mule deer bucks killed by hunters in Unit 14, a geographic hunting area near Riggins. The deer were harvested just a few hundred yards apart.

I was very surprised, Ward said. Not that it showed up in the state. Weve been expecting that it would eventually show up.

But wildlife managers thought theyd find the first cases along the border of Wyoming or Montana, where chronic wasting disease has shown up miles from Idaho. The cases were much closer to the Oregon and Washington borders  states that dont have any confirmed cases of CWD.

(Were) trying to figure out, did we just happen to pick up these two bucks and there are a lot more infected animals around that we hadnt detected? Ward said.

Thats why the commission set up its surveillance hunts. Fish and Game offered 1,500 tags across the unit where the infected deer were found and neighboring units. The hunts began Dec. 7. Ward said the department is hoping to find out how prevalent chronic wasting disease is and how widespread it may be. Officials also want to know if its in other species  CWD can affect deer, elk and moose.

If its in mule deer, theres a high likelihood its in whitetail deer, Ward said.

Some hunters balk at CWD deer hunts

But some Idaho hunters have balked at the emergency hunt, which takes place during winter, the hardest time of the year for wildlife.

Aaron Poloni, a hunter from Meridian, told the Idaho Statesman in response to a prompt for this story in the Idaho Hunt and Fish Facebook group that he thinks killing the deer on their wintering range is a bad idea.

Id like to see Fish and Game focus their efforts on heavy sampling from the areas of concern next hunting season through checkpoints and voluntary submission, Poloni said.

Ward admitted the hunts arent ideal, but the information theyll provide is invaluable, he said. Theres no way to test for chronic wasting disease in a live animal. Ward said the short-term population impacts from the hunt will be easier for animals to recover from than the long-term impacts of a contagious disease left to run rampant.

It is a tough pill to swallow, especially the antlerless harvest, Ward said. To me, its much more important to get our arms around the extent of CWD.

Many hunters agree. Brent Varriale, of Fruitland, said he understands the hesitance from fellow hunters. But as a veterinarian, he said, he thinks Fish and Game is taking the right approach to a potentially devastating illness.

Initially when you see they want to do the emergency hunt, the thought is, Wow, thats a big chunk of deer,  Varriale said by phone. Thats probably the hunter in me that doesnt want to see opportunities go away or our deer population decline. But from a practical standpoint, we really do need to know how severe the problem is. You cant manage a problem without knowing how severe it is.

Varriale said he has a lot of the same questions as Ward  how did chronic wasting disease get to the middle of Idaho, and where else has it spread? He said he hopes other hunters understand the 1,500 surveillance hunt tags arent a random number but a figure necessary for Fish and Game to get a reliable sample to create an appropriate management plan.

According to Ward, a management plan will be developed with input from the public and Fish and Game Commission once the results of the surveillance hunt are complete.

Chris Minter, another Idaho hunter, said in a Facebook comment that hes already prepared to submit all his future deer harvests for CWD testing. If an animal tests positive, all meat and any body parts will have to be thrown away, as health experts urge people to avoid consuming or handling contaminated animals.

Several hunters told the Statesman it would be difficult and disappointing to lose a deer to a positive CWD result, but worth it to stay safe and keep tabs on the disease. Ward said the hunters support will be key going forward.

States that have had success keeping CWD contained, the primary tool is hunters, Ward said. The public is a great resource in that regard. Trying to collect samples without public input wouldnt sit well with anybody.

Idaho congressmen push for CWD research funding

Much about CWD is still unclear  where it came from, how to treat it, and whether vaccines can be used to prevent it. As the illness continues to spread across the U.S., wildlife officials and advocates are calling for more research on the disease.

There is definitely a need for more CWD research. Its surprising how little is out there, Ward said. Thats everything from the physiology side of it all the way up to population management.

Brian Brooks, director of the Idaho Wildlife Federation, has spent recent weeks urging Idahos congressional delegation to vote in support of a bill that would allot funding to chronic wasting disease research and mitigation.

The Chronic Wasting Disease Research and Management Act was introduced in Congress in October by U.S. Rep. Ron Kind, D-Wisc., whose home state has been dealing with CWD for nearly 20 years. The legislation would put $70 million annually for five years toward research on detecting the disease in live animals, suppressing it in infected animals and managing it in wild populations.

There are going to be changes coming to Idaho, Brooks said. If we want to keep the impacts of CWD to a minimum, were going to need to pay for mitigation efforts. Thats what this bill does.

Already the legislation has support from Idahos Republican congressmen. U.S. Rep. Mike Simpson signed on as a co-sponsor to the bill on Nov. 30, two weeks after Idahos first cases were publicly confirmed. He and U.S. Rep. Russ Fulcher, who represents North and West Idaho, voted in favor of the legislation when it overwhelmingly passed the U.S. House on Dec. 8. Its not clear how Idaho Sens. Mike Crapo and Jim Risch will vote on the bill when it reaches the Senate. A spokesman for Risch said the senator understands the serious concerns about chronic wasting disease and has supported legislative efforts to combat it.

Brooks said hes also hopeful for changes on the state level, particularly around testing and restrictions for deer and elk farms. Those facilities can be conduits for CWD as wild animals enter or captive ones escape.

For a long time, Idaho had very strict CWD testing for domestic and imported (deer and elk), Brooks said. A few years back, those were gutted, frankly. We need to take a serious look at doing everything else we possibly can so those populations arent vectors.

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Morocco, the USA, and Israel celebrated on Wednesday the first anniversary of the joint trilateral declaration that was signed in Rabat on Dec.2020 before King Mohammed VI.

IN a video conference organized on this occasion, the Foreign Ministers of the three countries, Nasser Bourita, Antony Blinken, and Yair Lapid have all hailed in their addresses the celebration of this first anniversary, as a celebration of a year of renewed peace between old friends, and as a celebration of shared past, present and future.

The agreement signed one year ago between Morocco, the United States and Israel is a diplomatic achievement, which has opened a new era of peace, stability, opportunities and understanding, said U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken.

Blinken recalled that following the signing of the joint declaration, Morocco and Israel opened their airspaces, for the first time in decades, with nearly ten direct flights a week between the two countries.

The two countries have also signed several agreements on joint military exercises and strengthened economic relations, he said, noting that a new Morocco-Israel Business Council helped setting up more than 30 partnerships in the sectors of technology, agriculture, water, textile, health, and renewables.

Discussions are underway to collaborate in desalination projects and set-up student-exchange programs, he added, noting that the establishment of diplomatic ties also created greater opportunities for cultural connections among the one million Israelis of Moroccan heritage.

These steps arent positive only for Israel and Morocco, theyre also positive for the region as a whole, Blinken pointed out.

Through the resumption of their relations, Morocco and Israel show the way for other countries to discuss openly and constructively their common goals and points of disagreement, seize mutually beneficial opportunities and bring people together, he underlined.

The United States is committed to supporting and expanding the Abraham Accords, he stressed in this regard.

Were grateful for your continued efforts to deepen and strengthen the bond between two great partners and friends of the United States, and were committed to continuing our work together to build a more peaceful and prosperous region, Blinken said.

The US Secretary of State had tweeted the same day: We congratulate Israel and Morocco on the first anniversary of normalization of relations. This is an achievement that has deepened ties, partnerships, and avenues to pursue shared goals. It is also a positive step for the region as we aim to widen the circle of peace.

Under the joint declaration, the US also recognized Moroccos sovereignty over its southern provinces, the Sahara, and renewed backing to the Morocco-proposed autonomy initiative for these provinces.

Nasser Bourita underlined in this connection that by asserting the recognition of Moroccos sovereignty over its Sahara, as well as by reactivating the relationship with the State of Israel, the Joint Trilateral Declaration carries a very high message of peace.

Bourita said Morocco highly values the wise decision of the United States to recognize Autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty as a realistic viable political solution under the auspices of the UN, of the long-standing regional dispute.

The Joint Trilateral Declaration is a valuable tool that can help move forward the cause of peace in the region, improve security and unlock new opportunities for all, Bourita stressed in his address during the videoconference.

Morocco, as a historic bridge-builder and credible actor of peace and stability, is firmly committed to help achieving a lasting peace in the region, Bourita said, reiterating Moroccos position in support of the two-state solution.

Under the Guidance of H.M. King Mohammed VI, the Kingdom will continue its endeavor in supporting a just, lasting and equitable peace based on the two-state solution: the State of Israel, and an independent Palestinian state within the borders of June 4, 1967, both living side by side in peace and security, the minister underlined.

Bourita who welcomed the momentum generated by the deal with the US and Israel insisted that an ocean of opportunities awaits this trilateral cooperation in support of regional peace and stability.

It is indeed our strong belief that the sea, be it the Mediterranean or the Atlantic Ocean, no longer separates our countries. It now connects them and turned into an ocean of opportunities, said Bourita.

He also underlined that the commemoration of this first anniversary is not a celebration of a mere diplomatic event, it is a rather a celebration of a shared past, present and future.

Bourita highlighted the potential for partnership in the fields of health, education, security, economy, trade and investment, tourism, culture, agriculture, climate change, and sustainable development.

Highlighting the Jewish component of the centuries-old Moroccan identity, the minister stressed that in order for this Declaration to be meaningful, People should remain at the very beginning and at the receiving end of this partnership.

We could consider that we have succeeded, when the one million Israelis of Moroccan origin can renew with their heritage and visit the land where their ancestors have lived in peace and harmony, under the protection of the Moroccan Monarchs, he said.

We can concretize the Qualifying Industrial Zones. We can implement trilateral projects open to other countries and regions; and above all, we can and must expand the circle of those involved in our partnership, he said.

The Israeli Foreign Minister Yair Lapid on his part hailed the trilateral declarations first anniversary as a celebration of a year of renewed peace between old friends and stressed the need for Morocco and Israel to continue to build up and strengthen their bilateral ties.

We are celebrating a year of renewed peace between old friends. The ties between our peoples are deep and the relations between our countries are stronger than ever, he said, stressing that today we are building closer relations between peoples and between economic actors with a view to securing a more in-depth strategic cooperation.
Nigerias health authorities destroyed more than a million doses of expired coronavirus vaccine in Abuja on Wednesday. A move aimed at reassuring a wary public.

Health authorities say the doses of vaccine from manufacturer AstraZeneca were delivered by international donors just before their expiration date, leaving them insufficient time to distribute them.

Nigeria, like many African countries, is struggling to get more people vaccinated and vaccination remains a divisive issue. So far, only 2% of Nigerias more than 200 million people have received two doses of vaccine against covid-19.

Other countries including Malawi, South Sudan, Liberia, Comoros, and the Democratic Republic of Congo have already destroyed expired vaccine doses.

This is attributed to a consequence of delays in the shipment of vaccine doses, particularly of AstraZeneca vaccine, which does not allow enough time to deploy them before expiration.

To further reassure people, authorities say they will no longer accept vaccines that do not have a long expiration date.

The government is trying to convince Nigerians of the quality and effectiveness of vaccines, but to no avail. That is why the authorities have decided to publicly show the destruction of the vaccines.
Captain Moussa Dadis Camara returned to Conakry on Wednesday, December 22, after a decade in exile. His name remains attached to the September 28, 2009 massacre in the Guinean capitals stadium, for which he is indicted.

On September 28, 2009, when Moussa Dadis Camara was head of the junta, soldiers stormed the main stadium in Conakry to suppress a demonstration against his candidacy in the presidential election. At least 157 people were killed, 109 women raped.

Having just arrived in Conakry, the putschist captain said he was ready to answer to the judges: I am ready to make myself available to justice so that this kind of event will never again plague Guinea. He said he was doing this for the memory of the victims of these painful events, for the respect of the institutions of the Republic and for the truth of history.
The UN Security Council has finally extended the mandate of Amisom, the African Union Mission against the Shebabs in Somalia, for three months. The scenario was expected. The reform of this mission, which everyone is calling for, has been delayed by the differences between the AU and the UN on the future of this mission.

For months, discussions have been taking place between Somalia, the African Union and the United Nations on an in-depth reform of Amisom, which all consider necessary, but on which they are unable to agree. Extending the current mandate by three months is therefore a way of giving themselves time to hope to reach a consensus.

Somalia is calling for a rapid withdrawal of the mission by 2023 and for the national army to be given more powers in the fight against the Shebabs. The African Union, for its part, would like to see a hybrid mission under the supervision of the United Nations. This would allow it to be less financially dependent on the European Union, the missions main backer, which is showing signs of disengagement, but this option is rejected by the UN.
Scripps Research and collaborators discovered a new set of antibodies (blue and gray) that can neutralize influenza by binding to the anchor region of influenza HA (pink and purple). Credit: Julianna Han, Ward Lab at Scripps Research

Scientists at Scripps Research, University of Chicago and Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai have identified a new Achilles' heel of influenza virus, making progress in the quest for a universal flu vaccine. Antibodies against a long-ignored section of the virus, which the team dubbed the anchor, have the potential to recognize a broad variety of flu strains, even as the virus mutates from year to year, they reported Dec. 23, 2021 in the journal Nature.

"It's always very exciting to discover a new site of vulnerability on a virus because it paves the way for rational vaccine design," says co-senior author Andrew Ward, Ph.D., professor of Integrative Structural and Computational Biology at Scripps Research. "It also demonstrates that despite all the years and effort of influenza vaccine research there are still new things to discover."

"By identifying sites of vulnerability to antibodies that are shared by large numbers of variant influenza strains we can design vaccines that are less affected by viral mutations," says study co-senior author Patrick Wilson, MD, who was previously at the University of Chicago and recently recruited to Weill Cornell Medicine as a professor of pediatrics and a scientist in the institution's Gale and Ira Drukier Institute for Children's Health. "The anchor antibodies we describe bind to such a site. The antibodies themselves can also be developed as drugs with broad therapeutic applications."

In a typical year, influenza affects more than 20 million people in the United States and leads to more than 20,000 deaths. Vaccines against influenza typically coax the immune system to generate antibodies that recognize the head of hemagglutinin (HA), a protein that extends outward from the surface of the flu virus. The head is the most accessible regions of HA, making it a good target for the immune system; unfortunately, it is also one of the most variable. From year to year, the head of HA often mutates, necessitating new vaccines.

Researchers have designed experimental influenza vaccines to be more universal, spurring the body to create antibodies against the less-variable stalk region of HA, which extends like a stem between the influenza virion and the HA head. Some of these universal flu vaccines are currently in early clinical trials.

In the new study, a collaborative team of scientists characterized 358 different antibodies present in the blood of people who had either been given a seasonal influenza vaccine, were in a phase I trial for an experimental, universal influenza vaccine, or had been naturally infected with influenza.

Many of the antibodies present in the blood of participants were antibodies already known to recognize either the HA head or stalk. But a collection of new antibodies stood out; the antibodies bound to the very bottom of the stalk, near where each HA molecule is attached to the membrane of the flu virion.

The co-first authors of the manuscriptJulianna Han, a staff scientist in the Ward lab, and Jenna Guthmiller, a postdoctoral fellow at the University of Chicagonamed this section of HA the anchor, and began studying it further. In all, the scientists identified 50 different antibodies to the HA anchor, from a total of 21 individuals. The antibodies, they discovered, recognized a variety of H1 influenza viruses, which account for many seasonal flu strains. Some of the antibodies were also able to recognize pandemic H2 and H5 strains of influenza in lab tests. And in mice, the antibodies successfully protected against infection by three different H1 influenza viruses.

"In order to increase our protection to these highly mutating viruses, we need to have as many tools as we can," says Han. "This discovery adds one more highly potent target to our repertoire." Importantly, these antibodies appear to be fairly common in people, and belong to a class of antibodies that any person's body can producean important consideration in designing a vaccine to spur their development.

"The human immune system already has the ability to make antibodies to this epitope, so it's just a matter of applying modern protein engineering methods to make a vaccine that can induce those antibodies in sufficient numbers," adds Guthmiller.

The researchers say that future, improved iterations of a universal vaccine could more purposefully aim to generate anchor antibodies. Until now, scientists designing universal vaccines hadn't paid attention to whether the anchor region of the stem was included as a target. Ideally, a universal influenza vaccine will lead to antibodies against multiple sections of the virussuch as both the HA anchor and the stalkto increase protection to evolving viruses.

The researchers are planning future studies on how to design a vaccine that most directly targets the HA anchor of different influenza strains.

In addition to Han and Ward, authors of the study, "Broadly neutralizing antibodies target a hemagglutinin anchor epitope," include Sara Richey and Alba Torrents de la Pena of Scripps; Jenna Guthmiller, Henry Utset, Lei Li, Linda Yu-Ling Lan, Carole Henry, Christopher Stamper, Olivia Stovicek, Haley Dugan, Nai-Ying Zheng, Micah Tepora, Dalia Bitar, Siriruk Changrob, Min Huang and Patrick Wilson of University of Chicago; Meagan McMahon, George O'Dell, Alec Freyn, Fatima Amanat, Victoria Rosado, Shirin Strohmeier, Adolfo Garcia-Sastre, Raffael Nachbagauer, Peter Palese and Florian Krammer of Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai; Monica Fernandez-Quintero and Klaus Liedl of University of Innsbruck, Lauren Gentles and Jesse Bloom of Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center; and Lynda Coughlan of University of Maryland School of Medicine.

Explore further Details about broadly neutralizing antibodies provide insights for universal flu vaccine

More information: Broadly neutralizing antibodies target a hemagglutinin anchor epitope, Nature (2021). www.nature.com/articles/s41586-021-04356-8 Journal information: Nature Broadly neutralizing antibodies target a hemagglutinin anchor epitope,(2021). DOI: 10.1038/s41586-021-04356-8
Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain

The differences in COVID-19 infection risk between ethnic minority healthcare workers and their white colleagues is likely due to home and work factors rather than biology, finds the largest and most detailed study on the subject, co-led by researchers at University College London (UCL).

Previous research has shown that healthcare workers from ethnic minority groups are at a disproportionately higher risk of contracting COVID-19 than their white colleagues. Baseline data from the UK-REACH study confirms this. Out of 10,772 healthcare workers on the study, Black healthcare workers were significantly more likely to have evidence of COVID-19 infection than white healthcare workers.

However, once work factorssuch as job role and location, and number of patients with COVID-19 they cared for, and lifestyle factorssuch as living with other healthcare workers and age are taken into account, this difference in risk is no longer seen. This implies that such home and lifestyle factors, rather than anything innate/biological, are responsible for driving the disproportionate COVID-19 risk in ethnic minority healthcare workers.

The study, published on the pre-print server MedRxiv and carried out with the University of Leicester and University of Nottingham found that higher risk of infection from COVID-19 in healthcare workers was associated with working in nursing or midwifery, exposure to increasing numbers of patients with COVID-19, lack of access to PPE, living with another key worker, and working in hospital inpatient or ambulance settings.

Additionally, those working in Scotland and South West England were are lower risk of infection compared to healthcare workers in the West Midlands, as were those working in intensive care units (ICU).

Co-author Professor Katherine Woolf (UCL Medical School) said, "It is concerning that Black healthcare workers were at greater risk of reporting COVID-19 infection. Our study suggests that this higher risk was due to Black healthcare staff being more exposed to the virus at work and/or outside work, rather than because of any inherent biological or genetic factors. These findings underline just how important it is to make sure healthcare workers, especially those working in higher-risk jobs or areas, are given proper protection to reduce their chances of catching COVID-19 including being supported to take up booster vaccines. This is especially important now because the Omicron variant of the virus is much easier to catch than previous variants."

Dr. Manish Pareek, Associate Professor of Infectious Diseases at the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Leicester Biomedical Research Centre, and chief investigator for the UK-REACH study, said, "Our study shows the importance of occupational risk and some home life factors. For example it shows a strong association between the number of patients with COVID-19 attended by a healthcare worker and the healthcare worker's risk of infection. This is not in all situations: Where healthcare workers reported lack of access to appropriate PPE at all times their risk of infection was higher than those who did not report access issues. In terms of roles, ambulance workers were at twice the risk of infection compared to those not working in this setting.

"By contrast, those working in ICU settings, where long-sleeve gowns and respirator facemasks are recommended at all times, were at lower risk that those who did not work in this setting. This supports the idea that upgrading PPE standards for all healthcare workers attending COVID-19 patients, regardless of location or type of procedure being done, may have a beneficial impact on reducing infection rates among staff."

Dr. Christopher Martin, Academic Clinical Fellow in Infectious Diseases at University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust and first author of the study, said, "We identified key risk factors associated with COVID-19 infection amongst UK healthcare workerssuch as younger age, job role and living with other key workers. Healthcare workers from Black ethnic groups in our study were younger, more likely to work in settings such as inpatient care, more likely to see a higher number of COVID-19 patients and less likely to report access to appropriate PPE at all times than white colleagues. They were also more likely to live with other key workers and in areas of greater deprivation.

"All these factors increase their risk of COVID-19. However, once these factors were accounted for, the difference in infection risk between Black and white healthcare workers was negligible, suggesting that differences in work and home lives of ethnic minority healthcare workerssome of which are linked to inequalities more generallyare driving differing infection rates. These important findings should inform policies, including targeted vaccination strategies and risk assessments aimed at protecting healthcare workers in future waves of the COVID-19 pandemic."

The results are especially timely, given the emergence of the highly infectious Omicron variant of coronavirus, which may be better able to evade vaccine-induced protection against infection, potentially leading to higher number of healthcare workers contracting the disease.

The authors acknowledge that the study has limitations, such as the potential for self-selector bias, meaning that healthcare workers might be more inclined to complete the survey if they felt they had a greater risk of infection, for example. However, the study is the largest and most detailed to date looking specifically at risks for healthcare workers. The sample of 10,772 people is largely representative of the NHS workforce, albeit with fewer ancillary staff, and infection rates reported in the study are in line with those reported in other UK studies.

The results have been published on MedRxiv as a pre-print, which means the findings have yet to be peer-reviewed.

Explore further Impact of long COVID on ethnic minority healthcare workers investigated

More information: Christopher A. Martin et al, Predictors of SARS-CoV-2 infection in a multi-ethnic cohort of United Kingdom healthcare workers: a prospective nationwide cohort study (UK-REACH), (2021). Christopher A. Martin et al, Predictors of SARS-CoV-2 infection in a multi-ethnic cohort of United Kingdom healthcare workers: a prospective nationwide cohort study (UK-REACH), (2021). DOI: 10.1101/2021.12.16.21267934
People wait to get tested for COVID-19 at a pop-up testing site in Los Angeles, Monday, Dec. 20, 2021. Omicron has raced ahead of other variants and is now the dominant version of the coronavirus in the U.S., accounting for 73% of new infections last week, federal health officials said Monday. Credit: AP Photo/Jae C. Hong

California's roughly 2.5 million health care workers have until Feb. 1 to get a coronavirus vaccine booster shot or risk losing their jobs, Gov. Gavin Newsom announced Wednesday.

Newsom gave more details on the booster mandate during a Wednesday news conference at a vaccine clinic in Oakland. He had initially announced new rule on Tuesday afternoon.

California was the first state to require health care workers to be vaccinated, a rule that took effect in September. Most workers have complied. But thousands of others have either lost their jobs or been suspended.

Now, California joins New Mexico as at least the second state to require a booster shot for its health care workers. Also this week, two of the nation's largest public university systemsCalifornia State University and the University of Californiaannounced students must have a booster shot for the spring semester.

California also requires other groups to either be vaccinated or submit to weekly testing, including state workers and, eventually, teachers and students. But Newsom said Wednesday there is no plan to require those other groups to get a booster shot.

Instead, he said California would provide up to two take-home coronavirus test kits for each of the state's more than 6.1 million public school students while also expanding hours at the 6,288 state-run testing centers.

However, Newsom said rules about booster shots could change.

"Hopefully we won't have to consider that if all of our interventions are successful," Newsom said.

California is doing a lot better compared to other states in terms of the virus' spread. Of everyone tested for the virus in California, just 3.3% test positivethe lowest rate in the nation, Newsom said. California has the sixth-lowest case rate, with 13.6 new cases for every 100,000 people over seven days.

Travelers wait for a shuttle but to arrive at the Los Angeles International Airport in Los Angeles, Monday, Dec. 20, 2021. The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health reported more than 3,500 new cases of COVID-19 on Sunday as the number of daily new cases tripled over the week. Credit: AP Photo/Jae C. Hong

As of Tuesday, California had 3,589 coronavirus patients in the hospital, a 12% increase since Dec. 1. But that's far less than the peak of last winter's surge, when the state had nearly 22,000 coronavirus patients back before vaccines were widely available. Today, more than 70% of California's roughly 40 million residents are fully vaccinated.

Much about the omicron coronavirus variant remains unknown, including whether it causes more or less severe illness. Scientists say omicron spreads even easier than other coronavirus strains, including delta. Early studies suggest the vaccinated will need a booster shot for the best chance at preventing an omicron infection but even without the extra dose, vaccination still should offer strong protection against severe illness and death.

Federal officials said Monday omicron is now the most common form of the virus in the U.S., accounting for 73% of all cases. In California, state officials estimate omicron accounts for about half of cases, but Newsom said the true number is likely much higher and will be released on Thursday.

Newsom said booster shots provide more protection against omicron. More than 8.8 million Californians have gotten a booster shot so far.

"We need to increase that number if we're going to hold the line and decrease the growth for hospitals," Newsom said.

While hospitals have far fewer coronavirus patients than they did a year ago, most are struggling with a shortage of health care workers. A recent study by the University of California, San Francisco estimated a statewide nursing shortage would persist until at least 2026.

A new mandate for booster shots could convince more workers to quit. But the California Hospital Association on Wednesday said it supported the new rule "to further protect health care workers and hospital patients."

"While we don't yet know enough about Omicron to determine its precise impact on the need for hospital care, we do know that booster shots offer an additional layer of protectionsomething that will be vital to ensuring care for all in need as California and the nation as a whole continue to face a persistent shortage of health care workers," California Hospital Association President and CEO Carmela Coyle said.

The California Nurses Association said it is reviewing the new booster mandate for health care workers. In a news release, the group said it strongly supports everyone getting vaccinated while respecting medical and religious exemptions. But they said other measures are needed to protect health care workers.

"Science shows that a multiple-measures approach to infection control is the most effective, and vaccination is just one, albeit critical, component," the group said in a news release calling for more personal protective equipment and proper staffing levels at hospitals.

Explore further California to require booster shots for healthcare workers

 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
In this March 11, 2020, file photo, people wear masks while walking past Wheeler Hall on the University of California campus in Berkeley, Calif. California State University will require students, faculty and staff at its 23 campuses to get COVID-19 booster shots for the spring semester amid concerns about the highly contagious omicron variant. The mandate, which allows for medical and religious exemptions, requires the boosters by Feb. 28, or six months after the final dose of vaccination. Credit: AP Photo/Jeff Chiu, File

California State University, the nation's largest four-year-public university, said Wednesday that it will require students, faculty and staff at its 23 campuses to get COVID-19 booster shots for the spring semester amid concerns about the highly contagious omicron variant.

The mandate, which allows for medical and religious exemptions, requires the boosters by Feb. 28, or six months after the final dose of vaccination.

Individual campuses can impose earlier deadlines, the university said in a statement, adding it was still negotiating the requirement with labor unions.

"Vaccination, including a booster when eligible, remains our most effective strategy against infection and severe disease," CSU Chancellor Joseph I. Castro said in the statement. "This is particularly important in light of the rapid rise of cases of COVID-19 throughout the state and nation as the omicron variant spreads."

California State University has about 485,000 students and 55,000 faculty and staff.

The announcement comes a day after the University of California announced a similar mandate for its 10 campuses, saying that a COVID-19 booster shot is required under the existing UC policy that says students and staff must keep their vaccination status up to date.

UC Chancellor Michael Drake outlined the policy in a letter to chancellors Tuesday. Several UC campuses have announced that classes will begin remotely at the start of the new term, including UCLA, UC Irvine, UC Santa Cruz and UC San Diego. The delays of in-person classes range from one to two weeks, which campuses say will allow them to conduct extensive testing and reduce the risk of spreading illness after the winter recess.

In this April 25, 2019, photo students walk past the Harriet and Charles Luckman Fine Arts Complex at the Cal State University, Los Angeles campus. California State University will require students, faculty and staff at its 23 campuses to get COVID-19 booster shots for the spring semester amid concerns about the highly contagious omicron variant. The mandate, which allows for medical and religious exemptions, requires the boosters by Feb. 28, or six months after the final dose of vaccination. Credit: AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes, File

In this Sept. 2, 2020 file photo people walk on campus at San Diego State University, in San Diego. California State University will require students, faculty and staff at its 23 campuses to get COVID-19 booster shots for the spring semester amid concerns about the highly contagious omicron variant. The mandate, which allows for medical and religious exemptions, requires the boosters by Feb. 28, or six months after the final dose of vaccination. Credit: AP Photo/Gregory Bull,File

Colleges across the country are bracing for the worst when students return from winter break and many see boosters as their best hope. More than 30 colleges have issued booster shot requirements in recent weeks, and others say they're thinking about it. The list includes large universities like Boston University, NYU, the University of Chicago, Michigan State University, the University of Oregon and dozens of smaller liberal arts and Ivy League campuses.

Much about the omicron coronavirus variant remains unknown, including whether it causes more or less severe illness. Scientists say omicron spreads even easier than other coronavirus strains, including delta. Early studies suggest the vaccinated will need a booster shot for the best chance at preventing an omicron infection but even without the extra dose, vaccination still should offer strong protection against severe illness and death.

California has so far fared far better than many other states. Gov. Gavin Newsom said Wednesday that California has the lowest test positivity rate in the country, with 3.3% of COVID-19 tests coming back positive. But cases are surging as the more-transmissible omicron variant spreads through the state. New cases have nearly doubled from 5,400 last week to nearly 11,000 this week, he said during a news conference.

 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
Credit: CC0 Public Domain

Inhaled CBD shrinks the size of the highly aggressive, lethal brain tumor glioblastoma in an animal model by reducing the essential support of its microenvironment, researchers report.

"We saw a significant reduction in the size of the tumor and its microenvironment was different," Dr. Babak Baban, immunologist and associate dean for research at the Dental College of Georgia at Augusta University says, after only seven days of treatment.

Researchers at DCG and the Medical College of Georgia say that the inhaler approach not only helped ensure the compound found in cannabis reached the brain, but that the method of delivery could, much like asthma inhalers, eventually be easily used by patients.

It was the first study to use CBD in an animal model of glioblastoma, they report in the journal Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research.

Using modified glioblastoma cells from humans, they created what is called an orthotopic glioblastoma model, to provide the most realistic model they could for this most common and lethal malignant brain tumor. By day eight the aggressive tumor was established in the brain of the mice, and at day 9 they started giving daily doses of inhaled CBD or a placebo that continued for seven days. They then looked again at an image of the tumor and directly at the tumor tissue.

While the approach is likely easily applicable to humans, at this juncture they are looking primarily at the biological response of the tumor to CBD, says Dr. Martin Rutkowski, MCG neurosurgeon whose expertise includes operating on these patients who tend to present after a seizure or sudden loss of consciousness, or with slower onset of neurological deficits like a weak arm, vision or cognitive problems.

"It's probably one of the most aggressive cancers period. We are in desperate need of research and more treatments," the neurosurgeon and study coauthor says. "What we have right now is not working very well," he says.

"Family members will bring patients in and say they are just not thinking right, that their memory is all over the place, or that they got fired from their job because they are no longer doing things right that they have been doing for 30 years," Rutkowski says.

Today's treatment includes surgery, followed by chemotherapy and radiation therapy. "Surgery does not offer a cure but it does offer an important first step in maximizing quality of life and prognosis," Rutkowski says, noting there is a clear relationship between the amount of tumor that can be removed surgically and the length of survival.

They found that CBD appears adept at altering the tumor's ecosystem, or supportive tumor microenvironment, including restoring levels of inflammation that target rather than protect the glioblastoma, which could make it a safe, effective and novel adjunct therapy for these patients.

"It is about immune balance," says Baban, corresponding author. Inflammation is heightened in response to a frontline attack on a tumor, which is a normal response; in fact our immune system is regularly attacking cancerous or precancerous cells. But when a tumor manages to become established, the tumor takes charge, switching to producing a state of more chronic inflammation that ultimately protects it from the immune system, he says.

The tumor microenvironment established by the cancer cells, includes things like immune cells as well as blood vessels and growth factors to enable more blood vessel growth, which is key to tumor growth and survival, enabling it to thrive where it starts and to spread.

For a glioblastoma, the tumor microenvironment has been shown to have increased activity of natural immune checkpoints, which as their name implies, helps prevent an overzealous immune response that could hurt the body, like what happens in autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis. But in this case the damping down means protecting the tumor. There also is a notably small presence of cytotoxic T cells, which are particularly adept at putting a tumor or other invader in the crosshairs.

CBD was able to improve the immune mix against the tumor including reducing the tumor's coopting of glial cellsa brain cell type that normally protects neurons, including producing inflammation to fight invaders into instead becoming a major component of the tumor, now called a glioblastoma associated macrophage, which helps support and protect it.

It also suppressed the protein P-selectin, which typically plays a role in important functions like injury repair, and one of the things it recruits to help is platelets. However in cancer, P-selectin helps tumors spread and be treatment resistant, in fact it's a focus for new cancer treatments. Like many other inhabitants of the microenvironment, there is some evidence one way P-selectin works for tumors is by also serving as an immune checkpoint.

Apelin, a pervasive enzyme made by a lot of different cell types, is normally present at low levels in the brain. But in glioblastoma its expression is much higher, the researchers say, and it supports critical blood vessel growth, in addition to promoting the cancer stem cells thought to birth the tumor as well as being key to the tumor's resistance to treatment. There also is evidence that apelin functions as an immune checkpoint in the tumor microenvironment, and others have shown that inhibiting apelin, which CBD does, decreases the growth rate of the deadly brain tumor.

CBD also suppresses IL-8, which macrophages normally release to promote inflammation and aid injury repair, and which recruits other immune cells in the process. But glioblastoma also secretes IL-8 to help promote cell migration and angiogenesis and its level has been shown to be high in many cancers, including glioblastoma. In fact, these fast-growing tumors are good at growing blood vessels, which in turn support their growth, and drugs that target this specific skill have been shown to help.

CBD also reduces other key immune checkpoints, like the enzyme indoleamine 2,3 dioxygenase, or IDO, another localized blockade to the immune response that tumors are known to use.

CBD also improved the mix by increasing expression of some good things, like CD103, a complex thought to help the immune system recognize cancer, and that is generally associated with a better cancer prognosis, as well as CD8, a sugar-coated protein that also aids an immune response. There is evidence suppressing immune checkpoints, which CBD does, drives levels of both up.

"It is a puzzle and that is why we need good immune regulators," Baban says. "CBD is a very smart regulator," that can make adjustments based on its environment, like turning apelin down in glioblastoma and up in the face of lungs damaged by COVID, he says. DCG and MCG investigators reported last year that CBD actually increases levels of apelin, which they have shown go way down with a SARS-CoV-2 infection, and in that scenario the apelin increase reduces inflammation and the "cytokine storm" that has wreaked destruction in the lungs of patients.

"Right now we are excited that the tumor shrinks," Baban says of the cannabinoid's impact in glioblastoma. He and Rutkowski note that the positive results from inhaled CBD occurred without being done in tandem with other therapies, like surgery. They anticipate if CBD is eventually used for these patients, it will be a novel adjunct to these therapies.

Next steps include seeing how long the positive changes last and looking further at the impact on cancer stem cells. They also want to assess CBD's impact on the high recurrence rates of glioblastoma. They have more evidence for hope: In an earlier study they incubated the tumor cells in CBD before implantation, and no tumors resulted, Baban says.

The latest significant advance in treating glioblastoma came more than 15 years ago, with the addition of the chemotherapy drug temozolamide to radiation, which extended survival about one and one half months and was celebrated by patients and caregivers alike, Rutkowski says.

CBD's skill at controlling inflammation, and their research experience with other conditions where inflammation is key, including Alzheimer's, led Baban and his colleagues to pursue the cannabis derivative for glioblastoma. Other researchers are looking at CBD in combination with other cannabis derivatives, including THC, but because CBD is such an interactive compound, including with other active compounds in cannabis, like THC, the DCG and MCG researchers thought it would be more effective alone.

Explore further Research shows why immune checkpoint blockade impedes but does not stop glioblastoma progression

More information: Hesam Khodadadi et al, Inhalant Cannabidiol Inhibits Glioblastoma Progression Through Regulation of Tumor Microenvironment, Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research (2021). Hesam Khodadadi et al, Inhalant Cannabidiol Inhibits Glioblastoma Progression Through Regulation of Tumor Microenvironment,(2021). DOI: 10.1089/can.2021.0098
Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain

Children who require intensive care miss days to weeks of school during hospitalization while their parents miss work to be at their side.

And this impact on the family continues even after they get home from the hospital, new research suggests.

Two in three children in a study cohort of young patients requiring ICU care for critical illness missed school during the six months after discharge with absences averaging two weeks but sometimes longer, according to the findings in JAMA Network Open.

Meanwhile, half of primary caregivers missed work during the same period.

"Pediatric critical illness impacts a family's health and well-being not only during the child's treatment but after they leave the hospital and go home," said lead author Erin Carlton, M.D., a pediatric intensivist at University of Michigan Health C.S. Mott Children's Hospital.

"We know that missing that much school puts children at risk of worse academic achievements and other poor health outcomes later in life. Their families may also be at increased risk of economic hardship."

Researchers assessed school and work absences among 960 children ages 0-18 who required ICU care, including mechanical ventilation, after respiratory failure due to such conditions as pneumonia, sepsis, infections, transplant, asthma or bronchiolitis. The study is based on data between 2010 and 2015 from the multi-center RESTORE trial, which is focused on improving care and comfort for children during ICU hospitalizations and supporting their physical and emotional health following discharge.

Among the nearly 400 kids enrolled in school, nearly 70 % missed classes following their hospital care. Of those who missed school, over half met the criteria for chronic absenteeism.

Children who had a pre-existing illness, as well as those with a longer ICU stay, were more likely to have longer school absences.

Meanwhile, nearly 53% of working parents and primary caregivers missed work during the post discharge period and 20% percent of siblings also missed school during the hospitalization itself.

"A child's acute illness impacts not only the child but also the whole family, including siblings and caregivers," Carlton said. "We know that child and family health are closely connected with one always impacting the other.

"When the consequences of a child's illness spill over onto their family it can create a chain reaction affecting the child's recovery and worsening their overall health."

Financial burdens from work absences and a caregiver's inability to return to work while caring for a child may also be detrimental, she says. Further studies are needed to better understand the financial cost of missed work and the stress on families. Prior studies show parents worry about job loss or reduced wages when taking time off to care for a sick child and many don't qualify for some parental leave programs.

Parents with access to leave or paid benefits were more likely to miss work when needed by their child, suggesting awareness and access to family leave benefits may decrease this stress, previous research suggests.

"Given the magnitude of missed work found in our study and the hardships described by parents in prior studies, there is a great need for programs and policies to support and protect families during and after a child's hospitalization," Carlton said.

She said pediatric health providers must also seek strategies to improve transitions from the hospital to home and home to school.

"Our study shows the importance of studying ways to help children return to school after the ICU," she said. "We need to commit to efforts to reduce barriers to school participation and absences to improve outcomes for children and their families following critical illness," Carlton said.

Explore further Leaving work to care for special needs child takes big financial toll

More information: School and Work Absences Related To Critical Care Hospitalization for Pediatric Acute Respiratory Failure, JAMA Network Open (2021). Journal information: JAMA Network Open School and Work Absences Related To Critical Care Hospitalization for Pediatric Acute Respiratory Failure,(2021). jamanetwork.com/journals/jaman  tworkopen.2021.40732
Credit: Paul Joseph

When it comes to COVID-19, peace of mind is difficult to come by.

But thanks to new research compiled with data from UBC's first on-campus clinical study, a new self-administered rapid antigen test will soon be available in Canada. It's a tool that could help combat growing uncertainty, prevent transmission and potentially save lives.

The research was used by Quebec-based Roche Diagnostics in agreement with SD Biosensor Inc. to further validate a new SARS-CoV-2 Antigen Self Test Nasal, allowing users to get test results at home in about 15 minutes.

Principal investigator Dr. Sabrina Wong and fellow researchersincluding investigators Dr. Marc Romney and Dr. Don Sin of UBC and Providence Health and UBC's Dr. Kristen Haasesurveyed 689 participants at UBC's Vancouver campus. It was a part of a larger study that looked at the effectiveness of self-administration of rapid antigen testing amongst asymptomatic adults in Canada.

In this Q&A, UBC school of nursing professor and associate director Dr. Wong shares more.

What is a rapid antigen test?

A rapid antigen test is a quick and easy tool to detect if someone has a high SARS-CoV-2 viral load, which means they are likely to transmit the virus to someone else. This type of screening test is intended to identify infected individuals not currently showing symptoms but who may be contagious, so that measures can be taken to prevent transmission.

How does this new test differ from others?

The Roche SARS-CoV-2 Antigen Self Test Nasal is one of the few rapid antigen tests approved for self-testing amongst both symptomatic and asymptomatic people.

It has a shelf life of 24 months and uses a nasal swab to collect the sample. This means the test can be widely available across supermarkets, drug stores and so on. This also means that the federal, provincial and territorial governments can now procure this rapid test and distribute to Canadians where there are higher risks and those who cannot buy them.

How did UBC's research contribute?

UBC conducted the clinical study, with two primary objectives: To test self-administration of a SARS-CoV-2 Antigen Self Test Nasal compared to application of this same test by a trained health professional, and to examine the sensitivity and specificity of the test in detecting infection amongst an asymptomatic population.

We found the results from the self-test versus the healthcare professional's gave near identical results. We also showed that this method has acceptable sensitivity (94.9 percent) when compared to the PCR test that detects the virus's genetic material.

What else did you find through UBC's pilot study?

The biggest takeaway is that people tend to stick the nasal swab way too far up their nose. The nasal swab is meant to get mucosal cells just inside the nostril, so no need to stick it so far up.

Another takeaway is that rapid tests are an additional layer of protection for individuals, organizations and systems. People can be empowered to protect themselves and protect others by helping to stop future transmission. Most people would not knowingly spread an infectious disease.

Why is this approval important for Canadians?

In B.C. and most of Canada we've been painstakingly slow to embrace rapid antigen testing. As a society we have adopted many tools that previously would have been unthinkable: Masks, physical and social distancing and multiple vaccines. However, few British Columbians have access to these simple yet essential screening tests.

COVID-19 has disrupted our daily lives for nearly 21 months now. Initially the "finish line" was vaccination, but with the rise of this latest variant and pending fifth wave, that finish line keeps moving.

Rapid testing provides peace of mind to individuals and their contacts but it is just one layer of protection and needs to be used with other preventive measures, including physical distancing, masks and vaccination.

Explore further Testing for COVID-19 at home
Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain

A month after it was first detected in southern Africa, Omicron is now known to be far more contagious than previous variants of COVID-19 but appears to cause a less severe illness than its predecessors.

What isn't clear is how the newest variant will change the face of the pandemic.

Just how severe

Comparing Omicron to the Delta variant, the president of the French government's scientific advisory board Jean-Francois Delfraissy said its transmission is much higher but that its severity is probably weaker.

"But we don't know how much weaker," he said.

Omicron is spreading faster than any variant before it, with cases in some countries doubling every two to three days.

It has already overtaken Delta as the dominant strain in Denmark and the UK, where the number of new cases daily has topped 100,000. It is likely to become dominant in other countries soon.

However, the first studies from South Africa, Scotland and England this week show that Omicron appears to lead to fewer hospitalisations than Delta.

Data show Omicron could be between 35 and 80 percent less severe than Delta, though experts warn these early results should be analysed with caution.

It is unknown, for example, whether Omicron is causing fewer hospitalisations because the variant itself is less virulent.

Another hypothesis is that is is causing less-severe disease because large numbers of people have already had COVID or been vaccinated against it.

How many hospitalisations?

A key unknown is whether Omicron will lead to increased hospitalisations, straining national health systems.

"Even if Omicron does cause less severe disease, the sheer number of cases could once again overwhelm unprepared health systems," World Health Organization chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said last week.

In South Africa hospitalisations appear to be limited, but experts note one reason could be the relative youth of its population compared to Europe.

Do vaccines still work?

Recent lab tests show that antibody levels in blood samples from people vaccinated with Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna jabs drop when faced with Omicron.

The drop is even greater in those vaccinated with AstraZeneca or Sinovac, a Chinese jab authorised in about 50 countries.

A booster seems to increase antibodies, with both Pfizer and Moderna announcing positive results from recent tests.

But nobody knows how long the booster will be effective.

Even less is known about the efficacy of Novavax, the recently-approved vaccine because it was in clinical trials when the Alpha and Beta variants still dominated.

But this does not mean vaccines are useless against Omicron: the body has a secondary immune defence called T-cell response, which fights the virus by attacking infected cells.

This secondary response is particularly important in preventing severe forms of illness.

A recent study from South Africa showed Pfizer/BioNTech remained effective at preventing severe COVID from Omicron even after just two shots.

Containment havoc ?

Another feared consequence of the Omicron wave is that current containment rules in case of infection require many people to isolate even if they aren't very sick.

On Wednesday the UK changed required isolation for vaccinated people who tested positive for COVID from 10 to seven days.

South Africa has made a similar move, with seven days of isolation required for patients with symptoms.

France is mulling the measure.

Explore further Omicron spreads faster and weakens jabs: WHO

 2021 AFP
It is important to take steps to stay connected and find support when facing obstacles. Credit: Shutterstock

After experiencing weeks or months of excitement building up before you left your home for the thrill of a North American education, you might now be feeling vulnerable in a foreign country, especially with news of the new omicron variant.

You may feel lonely and wondering what to do during this holiday as your friends are spending time with their families, a luxury you may not have due to complicated international travel restrictions. In addition, as some campus and university services have been restricted due to COVID-19 and many will be on holiday hours, you may face isolation which can evoke emotional memories and hardships.

So, here we are, Ezgi and Qiyang, two international students. Our research expertise is respectively in critical analyses of international education, and student well-being and school-based mental health intervention. We study at Concordia University in Montreal (Ezgi) and at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore (Qiyang). We offer suggestions to youand your communitieson how to better support your mental health and wellness.

Managing elevated pandemic stressors

On top of the obstacles you have probably faced, such as adjusting to the drastic change of food, weather, language and culture, the pandemic has disconnected you socially, applied severe economic pressure on you and made immigrating much more challenging.

Additionally, if you are an Asian international student, you have likely been coping with the stressors of elevated racial discrimination. Research in the U.S. shows this discrimination in the pandemic has included hate crimes and vicarious discrimination (seeing or hearing about hate crimes and discrimination and worrying about them), and that these experiences are associated with poorer self-reported mental and physical health. In Canada, researchers similarly documented a surge of COVID-19 anti-Asian racism; hate crimes targeting East or Southeast Asian descent people rose by 301 percent in 2020.

Studying under these circumstances is challenging. Therefore, we consider your psychological, social, and emotional well-being as we write this holiday letter to you.

Mental health stigma

We care about you, not only because of the obstacles you face, but also because of the lack of help-seeking behaviors among international students. Almost half of the international students in the U.S. and Canada come from India and China. Researchers with the China-India Mental Health Alliance have found that people often associate mental health counseling with negative connotations in these countries. Social stigma can burden you heavily, especially when we consider that your host institutions may be unaware of these cultural barriers.

Therefore, mental health may not be a topic you have previously been encouraged to reflect on. Maybe you've been told to keep your head down and just get good grades. Or perhaps you think that it is only you who is struggling, and everyone else has it together.

Peer-support groups

Have you previously tried peer support groups? These groups provide informational and emotional support and expand your network. While socializing with your peers, you can reduce a sense of alienation, improve your self-esteem and have feelings of empowerment.

For example, Concordia University offers various student groups, including the Canadian Asian society, that help students with essential skills for building strong professional communities. There are also peer wellness ambassadors trained in active listening and providing peer support. Search for your institution's social support opportunities to get involved and benefit.

Combatting systemic racism and cultural biases

Experiencing discrimination could undermine both mental and physical health. You are likely frustrated by injustices and would like to take action against racism. It is necessary to combat anti-Asian racism and other systemic problems on and off-campus.

Princeton University began offering a workshop during new first-year student orientations on its racist history and the power of student activism. We advise you to keep your eyes open for similar workshops.

Participating in unconscious bias workshops is essential to empower us to become agents for change, equipped with concrete tools. The most effective training does more than help students become aware of their own biases in a new environment, but also to build stronger networks with other students concerned with bias, discrimination or systemic racism from intersectional perspectives.

Although we encourage you to find these workshops, your institutions may not offer or tailor them to your needs. We suggest seeking ways to have your own racial justice task force and build bridges with fellow students engaged in countering systemic racism. Raise your voice and share your perspective while learning from others, broadening your vision and widening your social network. This engagement is essential.

Culturally responsive counseling services

It is OK not to be OK. University counseling services are available to help. Please do not worry about privacy issues, as all conversations will remain confidential. We encourage you to try at least one session, especially if you have doubts.

Having said this, we know that mental health and student support campus programs tailored to specific communities are critical. Research proposes that one reason for Asian Americans' under-use of mental health services is existing services aren't culturally competent. Peer leaders may help you navigate what culturally relevant services are available at your campus.

Some universities have counselors and therapists who are proficient in foreign languages or have international backgrounds. For example, Tufts University's counseling and mental health team hires a culturally sensitive generalist clinician who is bilingual in English and Mandarin and has expertise in counseling international students on life transitions, cultural adaptation and racial dilemmas.

We worry about your well-being and encourage you to take steps to take care of yourselves. For students, this might mean stepping forward to ask for help or pinpoint what social supports, engagement and institutional supports you need, or sharing this article with your peers, communities and institutions so that they can become aware of your needs and support you better.

For people in university communities, it might mean making an extra effort to reach out to international students on or off campus they know over the holidays. In the longer term, what's critical is prioritizing hiring counselors of diverse backgrounds, providing more social chances for international students to bond and organizing workshops to discuss international students' needs and concerns.

Explore further Study urges reconsidering therapy for Asian, Latino students

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
Number of COVID-19 patients hospitalized from Feb. 24, 2020 to Dec. 20, 2021. Credit: Our World in Data.org, CC BY

As the omicron variant brings a new wave of uncertainty and fear, I can't help reflecting back to March 2020, when people in health care across the U.S. watched in horror as COVID-19 swamped New York City.

Hospitals were overflowing with sick and dying patients, while ventilators and personal protective equipment were in short supply. Patients sat for hours or days in ambulances and hallways, waiting for a hospital bed to open up. Some never made it to the intensive care unit bed they needed.

I'm an infectious disease specialist and bioethicist at the University of Colorado's Anschutz Medical Campus. I worked with a team nonstop from March into June 2020, helping my hospital and state get ready for the massive influx of COVID-19 cases we expected might inundate our health care system.

When health systems are moving toward crisis conditions, the first steps we take are to do all we can to conserve and reallocate scarce resources. Hoping to keep delivering quality caredespite shortages of space, staff and stuffwe do things like canceling elective surgeries, moving surgical staff to inpatient units to provide care and holding patients in the emergency department when the hospital is full. These are called "contingency" measures. Though they can be inconvenient for patients, we hope patients won't be harmed by them.

But when a crisis escalates to the point that we simply can't provide necessary services to everyone who needs them, we are forced to perform crisis triage. At that point, the care provided to some patients is admittedly less than high qualitysometimes much less.

The care provided under such extreme levels of resource shortages is called "crisis standards of care." Crisis standards can impact the use of any type of resource that is in extremely short supply, from staff (like nurses or respiratory therapists) to stuff (like ventilators or N95 masks) to space (like ICU beds).

And because the care we can provide during crisis standards is much lower than normal quality for some patients, the process is supposed to be fully transparent and formally allowed by the state.

What triage looks like in practice

In the spring of 2020, our plans assumed the worstthat we wouldn't have enough ventilators for all the people who would surely die without one. So we focused on how to make ethical determinations about who should get the last ventilator, as though any decision like that could be ethical.

But one key fact about triage is that it's not something you decide to do or not. If you don't do it, then you are deciding to behave as if things are normal, and when you run out of ventilators, the next person to come along doesn't get one. That's still a form of triage.

Now imagine that all the ventilators are taken and the next person who needs one is a young woman with a complication delivering her baby.

That's what we had to talk about in early 2020. My colleagues and I didn't sleep much.

To avoid that scenario, our hospital and many others proposed using a scoring system that counts up how many of a patient's organs are failing and how badly. That's because people with multiple organs failing aren't as likely to survive, which means they shouldn't be given the last ventilator if someone with better odds also needs it.

Fortunately, before we had to use this triage system that spring, we got a reprieve. Mask-wearing, social distancing and business closures went into effect, and they worked. We bent the curve. In April 2020, Colorado had some days with almost 1,000 COVID-19 cases per day. But by early June, our daily case rates were in the low 100s. COVID-19 cases would surge back in August as those measures were relaxed, of course. And Colorado's surge in December 2020 was especially severe, but we subdued these subsequent waves with the same basic public health measures.

And then what at the time felt like a miracle happened: A safe and effective vaccine became available. First it was just for people at highest risk, but then it became available for all adults by later in the spring of 2021. We were just over one year into the pandemic, and people felt like the end was in sight. So masks went by the wayside.

Too soon, it turned out.

A haunting reminder of 2020

Now, in December 2021 here in Colorado, hospitals are filled to the brim again. Some have even been over 100% capacity recently, and a third of the hospitals expect ICU bed shortages during the last weeks of 2021. The best estimate is that by the end of the month we'll be overflowing and ICU beds will run out statewide.

But today, some members of the public have little patience for wearing masks or avoiding big crowds. People who've been vaccinated don't think it's fair they should be forced to cancel holiday plans, when over 80% of the people hospitalized for COVID-19 are the unvaccinated. And those who aren't vaccinated  well, many seem to believe they just aren't at risk, which couldn't be further from the truth.

So, hospitals around our state are yet again facing triage-like decisions on a daily basis.

In a few important ways, the situation has changed. Today, our hospitals have plenty of ventilators, but not enough staff to run them. Stress and burnout are taking their toll.

So, those of us in the health care system are hitting our breaking point again. And when hospitals are full, we are forced into making triage decisions.

Ethical dilemmas and painful conversations

Our health system in Colorado is now assuming that by the end of December, we could be 10% over capacity across all our hospitals, in both intensive care units and regular floors. In early 2020, we were looking for the patients who would die with or without a ventilator in order to preserve the ventilator; today, our planning team is looking for people who might survive outside of the ICU. And because those patients will need a bed on the main floors, we are also forced to find people on hospital floor beds who could be sent home early, even though that might not be as safe as we'd like.

For instance, take a patient who has diabetic ketoacidosis, or DKAextremely high blood sugar with fluid and electrolyte disturbances. DKA is dangerous and typically requires admission to an ICU for a continuous infusion of insulin. But patients with DKA only rarely end up requiring mechanical ventilation. So, under crisis triage circumstances, we might move them to hospital floor beds to free up some ICU beds for very sick COVID-19 patients.

But where are we going to get regular hospital rooms for these patients with DKA, since those are full too? Here's what we might do: People with serious infections due to IV drug use are regularly kept in the hospital while they receive long courses of IV antibiotics. This is because if they were to use an IV catheter to inject drugs at home, it could be very dangerous, even deadly. But under triage conditions, we might let them go home if they promise not to use their IV line to inject drugs.

Obviously, that's not completely safe. It's clearly not the usual standard of carebut it is a crisis standard of care.

Worse than all of this is anticipating the conversations with patients and their families. These are what I dread the most, and in the last few weeks of 2021, we've had to start practicing them again. How should we break the news to patients that the care they are getting isn't what we'd like because we are overwhelmed? Here's what we might have to say:

" there are just too many sick people coming to our hospital all at once, and we don't have enough of what is needed to take care of all the patients the way we would like to 

 at this point, it is reasonable to do a trial of treatment on the ventilator for 48 hours, to see how your dad's lungs respond, but then we'll need to reevaluate 

 I'm sorry, your dad is sicker than others in the hospital, and the treatments haven't been working in the way we had hoped."

Back when vaccines came on the horizon a year ago, we hoped we'd never need to have these conversations. It's hard to accept that they are needed again now.

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
Syringes with doses of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine, are shown next to vaccination cards March 13, 2021, in Seattle. The District of Columbia government is imposing a series of COVID-19 vaccine mandates as it intensifies virus protocols in response to spiraling infection numbers and the march of the omicron variant. Credit: AP Photo/Ted S. Warren, File

The District of Columbia government is imposing a series of COVID-19 vaccine mandates as it intensifies virus protocols in response to spiraling infection numbers and the march of the omicron variant.

Starting in mid-January, residents over age 12 will have to show proof of vaccination to enter any restaurant, bar, nightclub or gym. All D.C. studentswhether in public, private or charter schoolsmust be fully vaccinated by March 1. That means two shots for the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines.

People will be required to prove their status with their vaccine card, a photocopy or via an app on their phone. The new rules come two days after Mayor Muriel Bowser reinstated the district's indoor mask mandate.

Officials strongly recommended booster shots as well, but they are not required to get into the places affected by the new mandate. For those who get the two-shot regimen of Moderna or Pfizer, proof of one shot will be required by mid-January and both shots a month later.

"I don't make any of these types of decisions lightly," Bowser told reporters Wednesday. She said crises such as the pandemic are "the exact time when the government needs to make some decisions for the whole society."

Churches, grocery stores and outdoor stadiums are exempt from the vaccine requirement, and Bowser said fast food restaurants may also be exempted when more detailed guidance is issued this week.

The rising infection wave around the country has been reflected in Washington and the communities in northern Virginia and southern Maryland. Last week, Washington reported record-breaking infection numbers on two consecutive days. Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan and Trayon White, a member of the D.C. Council, have both reported testing positive in recent days.

And that's before the omicron wave truly hits the region. The government reports that 73% of new infections nationwide are from the omicron variant. But so far, only 25 omicron cases have been identified in the capital.

"We know it's only a matter of time," said Patrick Ashley of the D.C. health department. "There's a lot of COVID in the community and it's understandable to be anxious."

Much about omicron remains unknown, like whether it causes more or less severe illness. Scientists say omicron spreads more easily than other coronavirus strains. Early studies suggest the vaccinated will need a booster shot for the best chance at preventing an omicron infection but even without the extra dose, vaccination still should offer strong protection against severe illness and death.

Ashley said local data showed unvaccinated people are seven times more likely to be infected and 15 times more likely to be hospitalized. He urged residents to get the booster shot as well.

"It's not enough just to get your two shots," Ashley said.

The wave of public anxiety had led to long lines outside several testing facilities and a renewed debate on whether school buildings should open next year when winter break ends. The January return date for most students has already been pushed back by two days to allow for the preparation and delivery of thousands of rapid tests.

"We are doing anything in our power to keep schools open" said Bowser, adding that it may have been a mistake in hindsight to keep the school buildings shut for the entire 2020-2021 school year.

Bowser acknowledged the emotional toll of a second COVID winter surge, but pointed to a distinction between now and a year ago.

"We know very well that it is not 2020 because of the vaccine," she said. "We have a safe and effective vaccine that is available. The vaccines are working and they're working well to keep people out of the hospital and keep people from dying from COVID-19."

Explore further D.C. brings back indoor mask mandate amid surging infections

 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
This scanning electron microscope image shows SARS-CoV-2 (yellow)also known as 2019-nCoV, the virus that causes COVID-19isolated from a patient, emerging from the surface of cells (blue/pink) cultured in the lab. Credit: NIAID-RML

European nations reimposed tough rules and China locked down millions Thursday, as countries scrambled to contain surging coronavirus infections driven by the Omicron variant.

Early studies from England and Scotland said infections of the Omicron strain appeared less likely to result in hospitalisation than the Delta variant.

But despite that initial data, scientists have warned that Omicron is highly contagious and could still lead to more overall severe cases.

As families across Europe prepared for Christmas, governments announced a raft of new measures to prevent intensified spread of the new strain, putting a dampener on festivities.

Spain's Catalonia was to reimpose a night-time curfew for a fortnight from Christmas Eve, while Scotland announced it would close nightclubs from next week, including on New Year's Eve.

Greece now requires people wear face masks both indoors and outside during Christmas and New Year's gatherings, as Italy contemplated imposing face masks outdoors nationwide.

Europe has been hit hard by the ongoing surge, recording 60 percent of global cases over the past week, according to an AFP tally from official sources on Wednesday.

Denmark said foreign visitors would be required to provide a negative COVID-19 test to enter, vaccinated or not.

13 million indoors

In even more stringent measures, China shut down a city of 13 million people on Thursday in a bid to extinguish a tiny COVID-19 outbreak and chase its zero-case goal.

China locked down the northern city of Xi'anhome to the world-famous Terracotta Warriorsto stamp out a cluster of several hundred cases.

"I think it is necessary to have the lockdown," said a Xi'an resident, who wanted to be identified only as Yuan.

Omicron has not been reported in Xi'an, with only dozens of cases of the less infectious Delta variant detected in the city of 13 million people in recent days.

But the Chinese government, in pursuit of its zero-case strategy ahead of the Beijing Winter Olympics, has ordered all Xi'an residents to stay indoors.

Only one person per household can go outside every two days to buy necessities, while non-essential businesses are closed.

February's Olympics are set to be the most restrictive mass sporting event since the pandemic began, with international spectators banned and all participants required to stay inside a closed-loop system.

All athletes must be vaccinated before landing in China, and personnel inside the bubble must undergo daily testing.

Those who test positive will not be able to participate.

COVID pills

In business, German national carrier Lufthansa said Omicron forced it to axe 33,000 flights following a drop in bookings.

Denmark discovered an illegal mink farm that had been operating despite a ban, after the country last year culled millions of the animals over fears they could carry coronavirus and jeopardise vaccine effectiveness.

But in some positive news, the US Food and Drug Administration authorised Merck's COVID pill for high-risk adults, a day after giving the green light to a similar Pfizer product.

The pill developed by Merck is taken within five days of symptom onset.

It has been shown to reduce COVID hospitalisations and deaths by 30 percent among at-risk people, whereas Pfizer's pill reduced the same outcomes by almost 90 percent.

Pills that are available at pharmacies are likely to be much easier to access than synthetic antibody treatments, which require infusions at hospitals or specialised centres.

The United States has spent $5.3 billion (4.68 billion euros) procuring 10 million courses of the Pfizer treatment, according to the White House.

But health authorities maintain that vaccines are still the best protection against any variant, and are encouraging booster shots.

AstraZeneca said Thursday that a third dose of its COVID-19 vaccine "significantly" lifted antibody levels against the Omicron strain in a laboratory study.

Explore further China locks down city as COVID cases surge around the world

 2021 AFP
Police officers try to stop a demonstration march of opponents of the Corona policy in front of the main train station in Munich, Germany, Wednesday, Dec. 22, 2021. Nearly 3000 opponents of the Corona measures demonstrated in Munich on Wednesday. Germany's health minister said Thursday that he expects a surge in coronavirus cases around the New Year period, and people will likely need a fourth shot of vaccine to maintain the best immune response against COVID-19. Credit: Lennart Preiss/dpa via AP

Germany's health minister said Thursday that he expects a surge in coronavirus cases around New Year's and people will likely need a fourth vaccine shot to maintain the best immune response against COVID-19.

Shortly later the national disease control center said the country has now recorded its first death of someone with the new omicron variant.

Health Minister Karl Lauterbach told public radio network WDR 2 that Germany hasn't yet seen a big, rapid wave of new infections from omicron like some other European countries.

"That will change around New Year and in the first week of January," Lauterbach said.

The national disease control center, the Robert Koch Institute, said that 3,198 COVID-19 cases in Germany were attributed to omicron as of Wednesday, a 25% increase compared with the previous day. It also said that one person with omicron has now died, though it gave no details other than to say that the person was aged between 60 and 79.

The government is urging Germans to limit their contacts over the holiday period and to get vaccinated, including with booster shots if they've already had their initial vaccines. .

Official figures show 70.7% of the population have received a full course of vaccine, while 35% have had boosters.

Opponents of the Corona policy march through downtown Munich in a demonstration procession in Munich, Germany, Wednesday, Dec. 22, 2021. Nearly 3000 opponents of the Corona measures demonstrated in Munich on Wednesday. Germany's health minister said Thursday that he expects a surge in coronavirus cases around the New Year period, and people will likely need a fourth shot of vaccine to maintain the best immune response against COVID-19. Credit: Lennart Preiss/dpa via AP

German Health Minister Karl Lauterbach gestures during a press conference on the current coronavirus pandemic in Berlin, Germany, Wednesday, Dec. 22, 2021. Germany's health minister said Thursday that he expects a surge in coronavirus cases around the New Year period, and people will likely need a fourth shot of vaccine to maintain the best immune response against COVID-19. Credit: AP Photo/Michael Sohn

Demonstrations against new pandemic restrictions and a planned universal vaccine mandate have flared up in Germany over the past weeks.

Police said about 5,000 protesters gathered in the center of Munich late Wednesday, with some participants attacking officers. Eleven people were detained.

Prosecutors in Bavaria state said Thursday that authorities are investigating two doctors on suspicion they provided false vaccination certificates to people who were unwilling to get shots against COVID-19, and administered diluted vaccines to other patients without their knowledge.

Officials have written to advise almost 1,000 people in the Passau region to get tested for antibodies to determine whether or not they were properly vaccinated.

Explore further Germany sees omicron dominant soon, pushes on vaccination

 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
Credit: CC0 Public Domain

Nearly half of global youth surveyed (45%) say climate anxiety and distress is affecting their daily lives and functioningaccording to results from the largest scientific study into climate anxiety in children and young people, according to recent research.

The inaugural study, based on surveys with 10,000 children and young people (16-25) across 10 countries, found 75% of young respondents believe "the future is frightening"jumping to 81% of youth surveyed in Portugal and 92% in the Philippines.

It found, for the first time, that climate distress and anxiety is significantly related to perceived government inaction and associated feelings of betrayal. 58% of children and young people surveyed said governments were "betraying me and/or future generations," while 64% said their governments are not doing enough to avoid a climate catastrophe.

The study finds widespread psychological distress among children and young people globally and warns "such high levels of distress, functional impact and feelings of betrayal will negatively affect the mental health of children and young people." Experts warn that because continued government inaction on climate change is psychologically damaging, it potentially amounts to a violation of international human rights law.

Caroline Hickman, from the University of Bath, Climate Psychology Alliance and co-lead author on the study says that "this study paints a horrific picture of widespread climate anxiety in our children and young people. It suggests for the first time that high levels of psychological distress in youth is linked to government inaction."

"Our children's anxiety is a completely rational reaction given the inadequate responses to climate change they are seeing from governments. Children and young people are now mobilizing around the world and taking governments to court; arguing that failure to act on climate change violates their human rights. This study makes an important contribution to these legal arguments, framing climate anxiety and distress as a 'moral injury'."

Co-lead, Dr. Liz Marks, from the University of Bath's Department of Psychology added that "this study shows us how many young people around the world feel betrayed by those who should be protecting them. Despite this, governments at COP26 failed to take the bold and decisive action required to combat climate change. The decisions that those in power are making now will have the greatest impact upon the youngest and future generations, but they feel dismissed and ignored."

"We must consider the futures of young people, listen to their voices and place them at the center of decision making. By bringing together all generations, we can demand that that governments engage in the urgent action on climate change we so desperately need."

Mitzi Tan, 23-years-old, from the Philippines, said that "I grew up being afraid of drowning in my own bedroom. Society tells me that this anxiety is an irrational fear that needs to be overcomeone that meditation and healthy coping mechanisms will 'fix.' At its root, our climate anxiety comes from this deep-set feeling of betrayal because of government inaction. To truly address our growing climate anxiety, we need justice."

Beth Irving, a 19-year-old climate activist behind the Cardiff student climate strikes, says that "when I was 16... I went through phases of feeling utterly helpless in face of this immense problem, and then would launch myself into organizing protests or changing things within my school. To put so much energy into something and then see so little real life impact was exhausting; I had many occasions where I would hide myself away and think "None of this is enough". It's so damaging to put this problem on the shoulders of young peoplehope needs to come instead from palpable structural action."

Additional findings from the study include:

59% of children and young people surveyed were very or extremely worried about climate change;

More than half of respondents said they had felt afraid, sad, anxious, angry, powerless, helpless, and/or guilty;

55% of respondents felt they would have fewer opportunities than their parents;

65% felt governments were failing young people, while 61% said the way governments deal with climate change was not "protecting me, the planet and/or future generations";

Almost half (48%) of those who said they talked with others about climate change felt ignored or dismissed.

Young people surveyed from the Global South expressed more worry and a greater impact on functioning; while young people surveyed in Portugal (which has seen dramatic increases in wildfires since 2017) showed the highest level of worry amongst those from the Global North.

The study concludes that governments must respond to "protect the mental health of children and young people by engaging in ethical, collective, policy-based action against climate change."

The research was published in The Lancet Planetary Health.

Explore further Government inaction on climate change linked to psychological distress in young people

More information: Caroline Hickman et al, Climate anxiety in children and young people and their beliefs about government responses to climate change: a global survey, The Lancet Planetary Health (2021). Caroline Hickman et al, Climate anxiety in children and young people and their beliefs about government responses to climate change: a global survey,(2021). DOI: 10.1016/S2542-5196(21)00278-3
Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain

British pharmaceutical giant AstraZeneca said Thursday that a third, or "booster", dose of its COVID-19 vaccine Vaxzevria "significantly" lifted antibody levels against the Omicron strain in a laboratory study.

AstraZeneca also revealed in other findings that its preventative moniclonal antibody treatment, Evusheld, "retains neutralisation activity" against Omicron.

The threat of the highly transmissible Omicron variant looms large over the festive holidays, forcing many governments to roll out new curbs and urge citizens to get vaccinated.

However, separate UK research on Thursday suggested that Omicron infections are less likely to result in hospitalisation compared to the Delta variant.

"Vaxzevria significantly boosted levels of antibodies against the Omicron SARS-CoV-2 variant (B.1.1.529) following a third dose booster," AstraZeneca said in a statement.

"The third dose booster vaccination neutralised the Omicron variant to levels that were broadly similar to those observed... after the second dose against the Delta variant."

Levels of neutralising antibodies were also higher with the booster jab than with individuals who had previously been infected and recovered naturally.

Boosters 'limit Omicron spread'

The study was conducted by investigators from the University of Oxford, which is the academic institution which helped AstraZeneca develop the vaccine last year.

Researchers analysed blood samples taken from individuals infected with COVID-19; those vaccinated with two doses plus a booster; and those who had reported previous infection.

"It is very encouraging to see that current vaccines have the potential to protect against Omicron following a third dose booster," said University of Oxford professor John Bell, one of the study investigators.

"These results support the use of third dose boosters as part of national vaccine strategies, especially to limit the spread of variants of concern, including Omicron."

Mene Pangalos, AstraZeneca's executive vice-president of biopharmaceuticals research and development, said that the study should boost confidence in the extra jab.

"Vaxzevria plays an important role in vaccination programmes around the world and these data give us confidence that the vaccine should be given as a third dose booster," said Pangalos.

"It is also important to look beyond antibodies to better understand how vaccines offer protection against Omicron.

"As we better understand Omicron, we believe we will find that T-cell response provides durable protection against severe disease and hospitalisations."

WHO warning

On Wednesday, the World Health Organization issued a stark warning to rich countries over boosters, arguing that they divert valuable jabs away from poorer nationsand encourage the virus crisis to worsen.

"Blanket booster programmes are likely to prolong the COVID-19 pandemic, rather than ending it, by diverting supply to countries that already have high levels of vaccination coverage, giving the virus more opportunity to spread and mutate," WHO Secretary General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus warned.

The latest data suggest Omicron does not cause more severe illness than previous variants, including Delta, but as soaring infection numbers threaten to overwhelm health systems, scientists warn it could cause more deaths.

Evusheld, for high-risk people who show resistance to COVID vaccines, is made from a combination of two antibodies.

The drug, formerly known as AZD7442, was authorised by US health authorities earlier this month to prevent infections in people who react badly to jabs.

Explore further Swiss cut COVID booster wait to four months

More information: Wanwisa Dejnirattisai et al, Omicron-B.1.1.529 leads to widespread escape from neutralizing antibody responses, bioRxiv (2021). DOI: 10.1101/2021.12.03.471045 Wanwisa Dejnirattisai et al, Omicron-B.1.1.529 leads to widespread escape from neutralizing antibody responses,(2021). DOI: 10.1101/2021.12.03.471045 Laura A. VanBlargan et al, An infectious SARS-CoV-2 B.1.1.529 Omicron virus escapes neutralization by several therapeutic monoclonal antibodies, bioRxiv (2021). DOI: 10.1101/2021.12.15.472828

 2021 AFP
This graph shows the tuberculosis death rate in Massachusetts from 1861-1970 and in the U.S. overall from 1900-2014, using merged data from the U.S. Census Bureau and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. While not the same graph that McKeown used, it shows a similar trend that highlights the steep decrease in death rates that occurred before antibiotics and vaccination became available. Credit: Ljstalpers/Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA

Before COVID-19, there was tuberculosis. Twentieth century British physician Thomas McKeown controversially proposed that the sharp declines in infectious disease death rates in the late 1900s were due to improved economic and social conditionsnot medical and public health measures like antibiotics and improved sanitation.

His theory was later partly discredited. But the central question behind itwhether medical interventions or social factors make the biggest impact on infectious diseasesremains relevant in the current pandemic.

When COVID-19 first arrived in the U.S., the only tool public health officials had to stop its spread was behavior change through lockdowns, social distancing and face masks. With vaccines, the tide seemed to turn. But with new variants, waning immunity and ongoing vaccine hesitancy, the pandemic is still far from over.

So which are more successful at driving down rates of disease and deathsocial behaviors or medical technologies?

As an infectious disease and social epidemiologist, I have been particularly interested in how new medical technologies affect existing health disparities. I believe that understanding the interplay between behavior and technology will be key to surviving the pandemic and emerging as a stronger society.

Do technologies help or make things worse?

Biomedicine has clearly played a critical role in mitigating COVID-19. Less than a year after discovering the virus that causes COVID-19, researchers were able to develop multiple vaccines that are highly effective in preventing severe infection and transmission from most variants. They're also likely to reduce the risk of long COVID-19, the ongoing symptoms that can persist for months after initial recovery. COVID-19 vaccines are estimated to have saved almost 140,000 lives in the U.S. in the first five months of 2021.

There has also been remarkable medical progress in other arenas. Even though antivirals are notoriously difficult to manufacture, there are finally options for treating COVID-19. Merck's molnupiravir cuts hospitalization risks for adults in half, and Pfizer's paxlovid has 89% efficacy at preventing hospitalization and death. Additional treatments are expected in the coming months.

Researchers have also developed and scaled up a variety of innovative diagnostic technologies. These range from using PCR tests to predict the trajectory of the pandemic to implementing blood tests that can simultaneously measure antibody levels against COVID-19 and other pathogens for quicker diagnosis.

Collaboration across both public and private sectors has also been fairly unprecedented. Large-scale government funding has aided these efforts. The U.S. National Institutes of Health's Rapid Acceleration of Diagnostics, or RADx, initiative, for example, has worked to contain outbreaks in schools by providing COVID-19 test kits across the country.

Social factors as drivers of health

Despite these technological advancements, the COVID-19 pandemic has illuminated long-standing health disparities. In 2020, Latino and Black people died from COVID-19 at a rate almost three times higher than white people.

Systemic structural and social inequities are some of the reasons behind these disparities in the U.S. For example, communities of color are disproportionately represented in essential occupations that are at the front lines of potential COVID-19 exposure. In addition, Black and Hispanic Americans have higher rates of obesity, hypertension and type 2 diabetes, known risk factors for severe COVID-19 complications. Children in communities of color also experienced the death of a primary caregiver at a rate up to 4.5 times higher than non-Hispanic white children.

Technologies intended to improve health care can themselves exacerbate health disparities. This results in a digital divide where certain populations continue to have poor health despite technological improvements. For example, the safety and convenience of remote videoconferencing is a privilege unavailable for those who need to go to public workspaces to access these technologies.

This divide extends to medical devices used in routine care. Oximeters that measure oxygen levels in the blood tend to produce inflated results for people with darker skin because they were calibrated in clinical trials with mostly white participants. This racial bias may result in denial of care if someone with darker skin gets a normal reading despite actually having dangerously low oxygen levels.

Health disparities persist despite technology

These inequities are often derived from ongoing historical biases and discrimination.

Socioeconomic status, occupation and economic mobility are primary drivers of unequal health outcomes. In 2020, 5.4 million laid-off workers became uninsured in just four months. In 2019, 55% of retail and food workers at large firms didn't have access to paid sick leave. Many immigrants, whether undocumented or legal U.S. residents, are likely to avoid the health care system due to fear of deportation and limited insurance coverage and public assistance.

Difficulty parsing through health information is another factor. In addition to abundant misinformation about COVID-19, nearly 9 in 10 adults struggle with health literacy. A July 2020 study found that Black men were less likely to know about COVID-19 symptoms and how the virus spreads than white men. For some groups, limited English proficiency and cultural beliefs are barriers to health communication.

Even more critical is distrust in the medical system. Historical unethical experimentation and everyday racism have led to a lack of confidence in scientists and clinicians among vulnerable populations. Two-thirds of Black adults believe the government can rarely or never be trusted to look out for the interests of their community.

Conversely, that COVID-19 hospitalizations and deaths disproportionately affect lower-income populations and communities of color reinforces the need for greater diversity in clinical research participants. Over 80% of participants in the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine trial identified as white. Having clinical trials that reflect the patients who will be treated ensures that the drug will work for all and encourages confidence among those communities.

The importance of social factors in health

While technology has greatly improved U.S. pandemic response, broader societal ills continue to impede the nation's ability to control COVID-19.

The McKeown debate exposes a common misconception that improving health is a binary: a choice between improving social conditions or developing new technologies and medicines. But a growing body of research shows that social factors, or the conditions where people live, work and play, are key to health outcomes.

There are numerous strategies that can increase health equity in this time of crisis. These include tackling food insecurity, flexibility in work conditions, targeted vaccine initiatives and culturally competent health care. Engaging with communities as partners in health also advances the nation's ability to cope during a crisis.

Nobel prize-winning economist Amartya Sen hypothesized that increases in life expectancy in the 20th century occurred in periods marked by a strong emphasis on social sharing and public provision of health care. To me, it's clear that the time has come to invest not just in new technologies and medical treatments, but also in communities.

Explore further COVID-19 disparities caused by chronic conditions and lack of health care access

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
A research group led by scientists at the University of Campinas in Brazil found total parasite biomass to be a better predictor of complications from malaria than parasite burden in the bloodstream. The discovery can help develop treatment and a Plasmodium vivax vaccine. Credit: JR Baker/Wellcome Collection

In an article published in the journal eLife, researchers at the University of Campinas (UNICAMP) in the state of Sao Paulo, Brazil, describe a novel strategy for detecting imbalances and complications in patients infected by Plasmodium vivax, one of the parasites that causes malaria and the main cause of the disease in the Americas.

According to the study, total parasite biomass in the patient is a better predictor of the extent of infection outside the bloodstream than parasitemia, the number of living parasites in blood samples. The discovery will contribute to the development of novel diagnostic methods and treatments, as well as a specific vaccine against this type of malaria.

Considered one of the infectious diseases that affect most people in the world, with 229 million new cases in 2019 alone, malaria can be caused by five different species of the protozoan genus Plasmodium. The most prevalent are P. falciparum and P. vivax. The latter causes 84 percent of cases in Brazil. A vaccine has recently been approved for P. falciparum, the most aggressive species. The parasite is transmitted to humans by the bite of an infected female Anopheles mosquito.

P. vivax usually causes a mild form of malaria, but treatment is more complex because dormant forms of the parasite may remain in the patient's body for a long time and are hard to eliminate. In addition, patients who display major imbalances during the acute infection stage may progress to a worse clinical condition and suffer from more severe symptoms after treatment begins. However, clinical condition deteriorates even when parasitemia is low.

In the UNICAMP study, alterations of clinical parameters and biomarkers detected in plasma from patients with P. vivax resulted from systemic responses and local infection, especially in the bone marrow and spleen.

The researchers measured a series of factors in patient blood samples, such as platelet count and P. vivax lactate hydrogenase (PvLDH), a key target in diagnosing blood-stage malaria, as well as total parasite biomass, to confirm the possibility of predicting the extent of infection outside the bloodstream.

"Biomass rather than parasitemia is associated with several problems. This is extremely novel and hasn't been investigated in depth until now. Our findings highlight the importance of parasite biomass in the bone marrow and spleen. It's clear that these two organs play a major role in vivax malaria complications," said Fabio Trindade Maranhao Costa, a professor at UNICAMP's Institute of Biology and co-principal investigator for the study alongside Matthias Marti, a professor at the University of Glasgow (Scotland). Costa has been researching malaria for over 15 years.

The study was supported by FAPESP via the Thematic Project "Development of new tools for discovering and validating molecular targets for treatment of P. vivax" and scholarships awarded to Joao Luiz da Silva Filho, first author of the article alongside Ph.D. candidate Joao Conrado Khouri Dos-Santos. Silva Filho was a postdoctoral fellow and research intern at the University of Glasgow with FAPESP's support.

"Every step we take in our research confirms that P. vivax is different from P. falciparum. From afar they may seem the same, but when you look more closely you detect the differences. This is important to the development of more effective treatment, specific controls, and even a vaccine," Costa told Agencia FAPESP.

In an announcement considered historic in early October, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended widespread use of the RTS,S/AS01 vaccine against falciparum malaria among children in sub-Saharan Africa and other regions with moderate to high falciparum malaria transmission.

This does not include Brazil, however, despite the fact that 140,974 new malaria cases were reported in 2020, according to the Health Ministry, because 84.2 percent of these notifications (118,651), were vivax cases.

The symptoms of vivax malaria include fever with chills (initially every day, and later every two days), joint and muscle pain, prostration and profuse sweating.

Almost all cases of malaria in Brazil are reported in the Amazon region, which comprises nine Brazilian states. Amazonas state had the highest number in 2020 (about 58,000), followed by Roraima (approximately 27,000).

Samples

The group conducted a cross-sectional study of uncomplicated vivax patients treated at the Doutor Heitor Vieira Dourado Tropical Medicine Foundation (FMT-HVD) in Manaus, capital of Amazonas state. Marcus Vinicius Lacerda, an infectious disease specialist, and Stefanie Lopes, a researcher, contributed to this stage of the study.

The sample comprised 79 adult mild vivax patients with an average age of 36, and a control group of 34 healthy uninfected age- and sex-matched subjects. Parasitemia varied broadly among the patients, who exhibited clinical signs of uncomplicated vivax infection at enrollment. However, significant hematological abnormalities were present in most patients during early onset of the disease.

Data analysis revealed two patient clusters, termed Vivaxlow and Vivaxhigh, defined on the basis of differences in total parasite biomass but not peripheral parasitemia. The latter group displayed more profound alterations in hematological parameters, endothelial cell activation, glycocalyx breakdown, and levels of cytokines regulating different hematopoiesis pathways. The Vivaxhigh group also had more severe thrombocytopenia (low platelet count) and lymphopenia (low levels of lymphocytes), along with peripheral blood neutrophil enrichment.

"When we separated some of the patient plasma samples to stimulate endothelial cells, we observed strong modulation of the cellular monolayer, without direct or indirect interaction with the parasite for endothelial dysfunction," Costa said.

The research done by Costa and his group has resulted in other articles, including one published last year in which bone marrow is shown to be a major parasite replication reservoir and parasite biomass a key indicator.

"Each study enables us to assemble more pieces of the puzzle, and our findings talk to each other. That's how science works: piece by piece, brick by brick," he said.

Next steps include a more detailed analysis of the parasite's behavior in bone marrow, following patients for a longer period and collecting blood samples to detect alterations in bone marrow that can explain malaria complications.

Explore further Malaria parasite's partiality for the spleen

More information: Total parasite biomass but not peripheral parasitaemia is associated with endothelial and haematological perturbations in Plasmodium vivax patients, eLife, DOI: 10.7554/eLife.71351 , elifesciences.org/articles/71351 Journal information: eLife Total parasite biomass but not peripheral parasitaemia is associated with endothelial and haematological perturbations in Plasmodium vivax patients,
(HealthDay)In some heartening news for the holidays, three new studies that combed through early data on the new Omicron variant suggest it does not cause severe disease as often as the Delta variant does.

On the other hand, Omicron is so contagious that it will likely increase hospitalizations, and the unvaccinated still need to worry, public health experts said.

"If you are unvaccinated and you have never been infected, it is a little less severe than Delta," William Hanage, an epidemiologist from Harvard's T.H. Chan School of Public Health in Boston, told The New York Times. "But that's a bit like saying you're being hit over the head with one hammer instead of two hammers. And the hammers are more likely to hit you now."

To slow Omicron's spread, Americans should take rapid COVID-19 tests before holiday events, Christina Ramirez, a biostatistician at the University of California, Los Angeles, told the newspaper.

They also should gather outside, stay near open windows or find other ways to improve ventilation, Ramirez said.

"I don't want to be alarmist, but I don't think that you can let your guard down," she added.

The three new studies suggesting Omicron infections are milder were conducted by researchers in South Africa, Scotland and England. At the same time, encouraging news that the wave of Omicron infections seems to have already peaked arrived from South Africa on Wednesday.

The new South African study found that the risk of hospitalization was about 70% lower in Omicron cases compared to people infected with other COVID variants. Those researchers cautioned that their data was gathered during the early stage of the Omicron wave, when it may have been more likely that people with mild symptoms were admitted to the hospital because the infection rate was low.

They also suggested that because Omicron was more likely to reinfect people who had already had the virus, it might be causing a higher number of milder cases. While it can get past the antibodies created during earlier surges, it may not have been able to evade slower immune responses that prevent more serious disease, the Times reported. About 70% of those in the study had experienced previous COVID-19 infections and 30% had been vaccinated.

Two separate British studies buttressed the South African findings, where researchers again found reduced hospitalizations with Omicron cases.

During November and December, Omicron infections in Scotland were associated with a two-thirds reduction in the risk of hospitalization compared with the Delta variant.

Meanwhile, researchers in England found Omicron patients were 15% to 20% less likely to end up in hospitals compared to Delta patients, and they were 40% to 45% less likely to be hospitalized overnight or for a longer period.

The Imperial College of London researchers theorized that previously acquired immunity was contributing to Omicron's milder infections.

Still, the variant could still put a lot of people into hospitals very quickly, Mark Woolhouse, a professor of infectious diseases at the University of Edinburgh, told the Times.

"We're not at a place to treat this as a cold," Azra Ghani, a co-author of the Imperial College London study, told the Times.

The results are preliminary, the researchers noted, and the statistics may shift as cases spread to older people at higher risk of hospitalization.

Meanwhile, Omicron has spread to all 50 U.S. states as the holidays arrive. A bright note: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration on Wednesday authorized the first pill to treat COVID-19.

Paxlovid, developed by Pfizer, is authorized for COVID-19 patients ages 12 and up who are at risk of becoming severely ill. The pills are likely to work against Omicron, Pfizer has said.

While more than 204 million Americans are fully vaccinated, only 63.2 million have received their boosters so far, according to the CDC. The boosters offer the strongest protection against Omicron infection, health officials have said.

While some countries have vaccinated 80% of their populations, only 62% of Americans have been vaccinated.

For now, experts said, everyone will have to endure some uncertainty about what this variant will do in the weeks ahead.

"We need to be willing to wait for answers and be willing to swim in the uncertainty a little bit," Nicholas Reich, a biostatistician and infectious disease modeler at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, told the Times.

Explore further Omicron less likely to put you in the hospital, studies say

More information: Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for more on the Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for more on the Omicron variant Nicole Wolter et al, Early assessment of the clinical severity of the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant in South Africa, (2021). DOI: 10.1101/2021.12.21.21268116

Copyright  2021 HealthDay. All rights reserved.
Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Hispanic Medicare patients hospitalized with COVID-19 were more likely to die than non-Hispanic white Medicare beneficiaries, according to a study led by researchers from the Department of Health Care Policy in the Blavatnik Institute at Harvard Medical School.

The analysis also found that existing pre-pandemic racial and ethnic disparities in hospital mortality widened during the pandemican exacerbation that was fueled by a widening gap between deaths of Black and white people, the researchers said.

The study, done in collaboration with Avant-garde Health and the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, is published Dec. 23 in JAMA Health Forum.

Although this is by no means the first study to unmask critical health care inequities during the pandemic, it is believed to be one of the most comprehensive to date. The analysis measures racial and ethnic disparities in death and other hospital-based outcomes for both COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 patients based on an examination of complete hospitalization data for Medicare beneficiaries nationwide.

Because the challenges posed by COVID-19 hospitalizations may have had spillover effects on non-COVID-19 hospitalizations, it was important to examine outcomes in people hospitalized for both COVID and non-COVID, the researchers said. Even during the height of the pandemic, more than 85 percent of hospitalizations were for people who were not infected with SARS-CoV-2, so this study provides a much fuller view of the racial and ethnic disparities sparked by the pandemic, building on studies that have measured outcomes solely in COVID cases, the researchers said.

The findings are far from surprising, the researchers said, but they underscore once more the profound health inequities in U.S. health care and should be viewed as an urgent call to action to address the structural inequalities and individual biases that drive disparities from both inside and outside of the health care system.

"Our study shows that Medicare patients' racial or ethnic background is correlated with their risk of death after they were admitted to hospitals during the pandemic, whether they came into the hospital for COVID-19 or another reason" said study lead author Zirui Song, HMS associate professor of health care policy and a general internist at Massachusetts General Hospital. "As the pandemic continues to evolve, it's important to understand the different ways COVID is affecting health outcomes in communities of color so providers and the policy community can find ways to improve care for those who are most disadvantaged."

Since the beginning of the pandemic, people of color have had a disproportionately higher risk for exposure to the virus and borne a markedly higher burden for more severe illness and worse outcomes, including hospitalization and death.

These risks stem from several factors. For example, people of color are more likely to work jobs with high rates of infection exposure, to live in more densely populated, multigenerational homes that heighten transmission risk among household members, and to have comorbiditiescardiovascular illness, diabetes, obesity, asthmathat drive the risk for more severe illness after infection. These groups also tend to have worse access to health care. Because such social determinants of health are correlated with race and ethnicity, the researchers did not adjust their findings for socioeconomic status.

For the current study, the researchers analyzed mortality rates and other hospitalization outcomes such as discharges to hospice and discharges to post-acute care for Medicare patients admitted to a hospital between January 2019 and February 2021. The study focused on traditional Medicare beneficiaries and did not include people participating in a Medicare Advantage plan.

The team examined the data to answer two basic questions: First, were there any differences in hospitalization outcomes among people on Medicare with COVID-19? Second, what happened to people hospitalized for conditions other than COVID-19 during the pandemic?

Among those hospitalized with COVID-19, there was no statistically significant mortality difference between Black patients and white patients. However, deaths were 3.5 percentage points higher among Hispanic patients and patients from other racial and ethnic groups, compared with their white counterparts.

Many hospitals and health systems have been stretched to capacity during the pandemic. Yet through the many COVID-19 surges during the months of the study, the researchers noted, more than 85 percent of hospital admissions in Medicare nationwide were still for conditions other than COVID-19. Were the stresses on the health care system felt equally across medical conditions and across racial and ethnic groups?

Because there were already disparities in outcomes between white people and people of color before the pandemic, the researchers compared the disparities before the pandemic with the disparities during the pandemic, using what's known as a difference-in-differences analysis to see how the existing disparities changed under the stresses of the pandemic.

Among individuals hospitalized for conditions other than COVID-19, Black patients experienced greater increases in mortality rates, 0.48 percentage points higher, compared with white patients. This represents a 17.5 percent increase in mortality among Black patients, compared with their pre-pandemic baseline. Hispanic and other minority patients without COVID-19 did not experience statistically significant changes in in-hospital mortality, compared with white patients, but Hispanic patients did experience a greater increase in 30-day mortality and in a broader definition of mortality that included discharges to hospice, than did white patients.

One possible factor for the differences between mortality of Black and white people for non-COVID hospitalizations suggested by the data is this: for white individuals, the mix of people admitted to the hospital got healthier during the pandemic, perhaps because sicker, higher-risk white people had more resources to stay home, wait out surges in the pandemic, or receive care as outpatients, such as through telehealth, with support systems in place at home.

Non-white hospitalized patients, likely having fewer such support systems, got, on average, sicker compared with white hospitalized patients, which may explain, at least in part, the relative increase in mortality rates among non-white groups.

The findings could also be related to evolving disparities in access to hospitals, getting admitted, or quality of care during the pandemic, the researchers said. Moreover, structural racism, which could partly explain why hospitals serving more disadvantaged patients, who tend to be people of color, might have had fewer resources than hospitals with mostly white patients, and changes in conscious or unconscious bias in health care delivery during the pandemic could have also played a role, Song said.

The findings that emerge from this work are nuanced and complex, the researchers said. Medicare claims data and hospital medical records can't explain all of the cultural, historical, economic, and social factors that contribute to health disparities for people with COVID. And they can't pinpoint why non-white patients were more likely to die after being hospitalized for COVID or why the preexisting disparities among people hospitalized for non-COVID conditions worsened during the pandemic.

"One thing is clear," Song said. "We have much work to do to make sure that everyone who comes into U.S. hospitals receives the best care possible and has an equitable chance to live a healthy life following hospitalization."

Co-investigators included Lindsey Patterson at HMS, Xiaoran Zhang and Derek Haas at Avant-garde Health, and C. Lowry Barnes at University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences.

Explore further Impact of HIV virus on COVID-19 disease

More information: JAMA Health Forum, DOI: 10.1001/jamahealthforum.2021.4223
Michelle Aebersold guides a student during a simulation exercise with the Oculus Rift. Credit: University of Michigan

A team of faculty from the University of Michigan Center of Academic Innovation, School of Nursing and College of Pharmacy designed an innovative way to teach nursing and pharmacy students about the intricacies of chemotherapy.

Led by Michelle Aebersold, clinical professor of nursing, the group created Under the Skin, a virtual reality experience that guides students on handling high-risk complications when giving chemotherapy drugs to treat cancer.

Their goal is to show how to safely administer anti-cancer drugs, handle urgent situations and get students to deeply understand what is happening at the cellular level when giving treatments.

Chemotherapy is similar to poison; it destroys the cells if it leaks outside the blood vessel. Therefore, students must know how to deal with emergencies like a drug spilling on the floor or a patient having an allergic reaction. While using a virtual reality headset, they can learn to handle these situations in a safe simulation setting.

"We figured VR is a great way to represent that cellular level," Aebersold said.

This simulation is tailored for practicing nurses and nursing studentsonce they get into their clinical rotationsand pharmacy students or pharmacists.

"Pharmacists mix up these drugs and are very involved with making sure that the antidotes we need to administer if the drug leaks into the skin exist," Aebersold said.

The program complements the workshops the School of Nursing has provided for the past four years. Previously, students would learn about chemotherapy in these workshops and then practice with other nurses. But these workshops and experiences went virtual due to COVID-19.

The simulation, however, can improve the in-person practice. Once students put the VR headset on, they transition into a world simulating an actual treatment room where they can practice with an avatar representing the patient.

"When in the simulation, the participant experiences the patient complaining about a symptom and then tries to recognize the problem. Then, they take a magnifying glass and click a button to go under the skin and see what the cells look like. Once they come back out, they figure out how to treat the patient," Aebersold said.

Credit: University of Michigan

As of now, the program is still in the testing phase. However, Aebersold has received feedback from students in the School of Education who did user testing. The final and current version was recently completed by the Center for Academic Innovation and delivered in September.

After learning all the project's objectives, Moeezo Saleem created 2D storyboards with the help of user experience designers, then began prototyping.

"There was a lot of back and forth when creating the prototypes to make sure things looked right," said Saleem, XR software developer at the Center for Academic Innovation. "This was a completely new thing that I hadn't studied, so we had lots of communications with the team. Also, the nursing students would be learning through it, so we wanted to make sure everything was accurate."

Eventually, the Academic Innovation team will place the program on a website to download the simulation and use it on a headset.

"One of the next steps would be to make the program available for faculty to use as part of a lab session or for cancer-focused elective classes," Aebersold said.

Chloe Preble, a student in the XR certificate program at the School of Information, leads the final round of user testing for her master's thesis.

"I think this is cool because it allows students to actually be a large part of our usability study," Aebersold said. "As soon as it is approved, we will start recruiting nurses, nursing students, pharmacy students and pharmacists to use the program."

Preble is getting her master's as a user experience researcher. Last May, she became involved with the project and released flyers to recruit nurses and pharmacists to sign up for the pilot testing.

"I wanted to work with VR for my master's and was accepted to work with Michelle (Aebersold)," she said. "The simulations are pretty amazing. They are well done and I think that they support students' learning."

Preble wants to evaluate the simulation's usability and educational value. She plans to give participants using the simulation a before and after testthe System Usability Scale and the NASA TLX. This tool can quantify a subjective experience of workload.

"A lot of the literature on simulation training, especially in the medical field, is very promising for being a great way to help train medical staff," Preble said. "It is an amazing opportunity to very safely train people. I think that there are so many applications for learning in VR and I just can't wait to see the field grow."

Explore further Michigan nursing school uses mannequins for medical lessons
Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain

Nearly two years into the pandemic, as countries, institutions and businesses work to stay open, a common refrain has begun to emerge among leaders: Get vaccinated or face weekly testing.

But new University of Colorado Boulder research suggests while these unvaccinated-only testing policies make sense when the unvaccinated population is large, they have little impact on transmission when there are few remaining unvaccinated people to test. The study also finds that in highly vaccinated regions, including Colorado, most infections will soon be breakthrough casesparticularly with the arrival of the omicron variant.

"Our findings suggest that once you reach vaccination rates above 80 or 90 percent, the money spent on testing the unvaccinated could probably be better spent on other public health measures," said senior author Dan Larremore, an assistant professor in the Department of Computer Science. "That's because in places where 8 out of 10 people are vaccinated, not only will a majority of infections be vaccine breakthroughs, but most of the transmission will be coming from the vaccinated, not the holdouts."

Math confirms it: Vaccines work

Larremore and colleagues at the BioFrontiers Institute used computer modeling to simulate how SARS-CoV-2 would spread in a community of 20,000 under different scenarios, with varying degrees of vaccination, vaccine efficacy, infection acquired immunity, mitigation and testing.

First and foremost, the models show that vaccines work, protecting communities by reducing transmission.

"Across all scenarios, we found that the more vaccination there is, the fewer infections there are in a community, even if vaccine effectiveness has waned somewhat," said Casey Middleton, a graduate student in the Interdisciplinary Quantitative Biology program and one of the study's two lead authors.

They also found that as the proportion of vaccinated individuals rose, even as total cases declined, the percentage of vaccine-breakthrough cases increased.

While this may surprise some people, mathematically, the explanation is simple:

"When no one is vaccinated, of course infections are going to be 100% unvaccinated. Likewise, when everyone is vaccinated, any infections that do occur are going to be 100% breakthroughs," said Larremore. "So somewhere in between, there's got to be a vaccination rate where infections are half breakthroughs and half unvaccinated. We wanted to understand that point."

Modeling a vaccine with the effectiveness of two mRNA doses, and with about a third of people with partial immunity from prior infection, this 50-50 tipping point occurred when 68% of individuals were vaccinated. Many U.S. states, including Colorado, are nearing or have exceeded that thresholda threshold expected to be lower for the omicron variant.

"We all see news stories that talk about vaccine breakthrough infections as if they are an unexpected phenomenon, but our analysis changes expectations," said Middleton. "We shouldn't be surprised by breakthroughs when most individuals are vaccinated."

Because vaccines provide some protection against passing the virus to others, the tipping point for transmission was higher. Once eight in 10 people were vaccinated, more than half of transmission came from the vaccinated.

This creates a hurdle for testing programs, Middleton notes:

"Unvaccinated-only testing policies operate under the assumption that the majority of transmissions are coming from the unvaccinated. That's usually true, but not if almost everyone is vaccinated."

Their study found that in highly vaccinated communities, testing only the unvaccinated with a highly-sensitive polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test with a quick one-day turnaround would have "little impact on community spread." For instance, on a college campus where only 1 in 20 remain unvaccinated, there's little impact in focusing an expensive testing program on a tiny fraction of the population, notes Larremore.

Compliance and frequency key

Modeling showed that unvaccinated testing programs were worthwhile in communities with lower vaccination ratestypically under 80 percentand in situations where social distancing and masking are not widespread. Even then, however, testing programs were successful only if people were tested at least once a week, and compliance was very high. At many institutions, voluntary COVID-19 testing has yielded about 50% compliance, too low to have a large effect.

The study did not assess the impact of testing everyone, regardless of vaccination status, but previous research shows that universal testing is also most useful in populations with lower vaccination rates and with high frequency and compliance.

Notably, the study was completed before the omicron variant swept the world. If vaccines are less effective at preventing omicron infections, as early data suggest, the authors note that the tipping points for both infection and transmission would occur at even lower vaccination rates.

The takeaway now: People should not be surprised to hear about more breakthrough infections and should remember that the vaccines also protect against severe disease and hospitalization.

And as policymakers consider testing protocols, they should realize there is no one-size-fits all approach.

"We have locations like CU that are extremely highly vaccinated and others around the country that are only at about 50%," said Kate Bubar, a graduate student in the Interdisciplinary Quantitative Biology program and the study's other lead author. "These populations are very different, and those differences need to be taken into consideration when policies are made."

This study has been submitted for publication in a peer-reviewed journal, but due to the quickly-evolving situation with COVID-19, the authors posted it online in advance.

Explore further Vaccinated health care workers shed less COVID-19 virus than unvaccinated

More information: Kate M. Bubar et al, SARS-CoV-2 Transmission and Impacts of Unvaccinated-Only Testing in Populations of Mixed Vaccination Status (2021). Kate M. Bubar et al, SARS-CoV-2 Transmission and Impacts of Unvaccinated-Only Testing in Populations of Mixed Vaccination Status (2021). DOI: 10.1101/2021.10.19.21265231
At least 59 overdoses were prevented in the first three weeks that two overdose prevention centers have been open in New York City, the city's health department said Tuesday.

During that time, there were more than 2,000 visits to the centers that are operated by OnPoint NYC and are the first publicly recognized overdose prevention sites to open in the United States. The city first announced the program on Dec. 1.

The centersalso known as safe injection sitesare located in Washington Heights and East Harlem.

"These data are promising and show how overdose prevention centers will reduce needless suffering and avoidable death," City Health Commissioner Dr. Dave Chokshi said in an agency news release. "The simple truth is that overdose prevention centers save livesthe lives of our neighbors, family and loved ones. Thank you to OnPoint NYC for launching this vital new service to keep New Yorkers healthy."

The centers provide supervised, clean spaces for people who use drugs to do so safely, and can connect them with services such as harm reduction, medical care, mental health therapy, drug treatment and social supports.

"We are meeting people who use drugs where they are in their life journey, to support them in building their self-worth," said Sam Rivera, executive director of OnPoint NYC.

"The early data demonstrates the [centers] are reaching exactly who they're meant for, and they're already working. We are courageous enough to work with people who use drugs at their most vulnerable state while they are actively using drugs, with the belief and proof that they can come out of that when they are ready. We are honored to be doing this important work and look forward to more [overdose prevention centers] opening up around the country soon," Rivera added.

There were more than 90,000 overdose deaths in the United States in 2020, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. More than 2,000 of those deaths were in New York City, according to city officials.

As the U.S. opioid crisis has worsened in recent years, cities and states nationwide have pushed for overdose prevention sites.

Safe injection site programs in Australia, Europe and Canada have already reduced drug overdose deaths in those locations.

Explore further NYC OKs safe sites for drug use, aiming to curb overdoses

More information: The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has more on The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has more on overdose prevention

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One day recently, Tobin Addington, a University of Montana media arts professor and screenwriter, was visiting his in-laws. His son, who was scrolling through the cable channels, hollered to let his father know his movie was on TV.

Addingtons script, A Christmas Stray, had been produced by the Oprah Winfrey Network for its 2021 slate of original holiday movies, and now it was piping into households everywhere.

I love Christmas  and its one of my favorite holidays, and I love Christmas movies, Addington said. Two years ago, he began a real attempt to try something new and work on a script in the popular genre, which has its own conventions and beats, not unlike the mysteries and thrillers he usually writes.

The trick for me was to figure out how/if I could fulfill the formula but also make it new and different enough to get produced, he said.

Then the image came to him, which became the film you see: Ethan, a somewhat uptight young executive (Andra Fuller) gets run off the road by a stray dog, and gets stuck in a small mountain town for a few days over the holidays. In keeping with the holiday spirit  Christmas movies lend themselves to a love story  he meets Foster, a local veterinarian (Rhyon Nicole Brown).

OWN filmed his script earlier this year and premiered it last week. Its also available on demand through Discovery Plus.

A screenwriter at heart, Addington said its so cool to see one of your ideas brought to life by this whole crew. Some aspects of the completed film are different than I imagined, and there are some things that are just as I imagined they would be, and I'm really proud of it, and it's nice to be able to finally share it with other people.

Love of filmmaking

Addington is an adjunct assistant professor of media arts and digital filmmaking in the UM School of Visual and Media Arts, where he teaches screenwriting courses, an upper-division directing class, and more.

The Missoula native discovered his love of filmmaking when he first got his hands on a shoulder-mounted VHS camcorder around the seventh grade. He made movies through his time at Hellgate High School and continued in college  first at Willamette University in Salem, Oregon, and then at the Columbia University MFA filmmaking program in New York City, where he stayed for some 15 years.

He counts the first feature film he worked on among the highlights of his time there. He was directors assistant for The Night Listener, a 2006 thriller starring Robin Williams. Not only was he on set with an actor hed seen on screen since he was young, he said it was eye-opening to see how a professional movie was not really that different from what we were doing in school, and they just had more resources.

He was hired to do some uncredited writing work on Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon: Sword of Destiny, a 2016 sequel distributed by Netflix. The filming was already completed, and he assisted with restructuring and dialogue.

While hes worked in many different capacities in film, scripts are his main passion. He loves writing for actors and directors and cinematographers and for other people to take a project through to the finish line. I find that really, really satisfying.

He always wanted to find a way back to western Montana, and after he and his wife had two young children, they moved back to Missoula so they could have the same kind of upbringing he did.

While A Christmas Stray is set in Colorado (and filmed in Canada), he thinks anybody from Montana will recognize elements, such as annual gatherings in small towns. In the film, the residents come together for a party on Dec. 24 in the heart of town, a communal effort not unlike First Fridays in Missoula or St. Patricks Day in Butte.

Meanwhile, Addington is working on several pitches for films set in his home state.

Like any screenwriter from Montana, Im always trying to get projects made here, he said. The level of productions now make the prospects more and more likely, and as a professor he said its tremendous when theyre able to give students a chance to work on professional sets, much like he did in New York.

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THURSDAY, Dec. 23, 2021 (HealthDay News) -- People who struggle with severe asthma now have a new treatment to get some relief.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved an injectable drug called Tezspire (tezepelumab-ekko), which would be administered every four weeks by a health care professional.

The medication is considered an add-on treatment meant to improve severe asthma in a person whose condition isnt controlled by their current medications. People who are prescribed Tezspire would continue to use other asthma treatments.

Tezspire is unique because it is not limited to a specific type of severe asthma. It only targets a type of molecule that is involved in airway inflammation.

"There are several monoclonal antibody treatments for asthma mediated by eosinophils," explained Dr. Len Horovitz, a pulmonary specialist at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City. "Tezspire attacks a different molecule, so acts on a different pathway. It may have utility in a wide variety of asthmatics."

The FDA approved the drug after two clinical trials demonstrated that it was both safe and effective. Participants in the trials received either the drug or the placebo every four weeks for a year.

Those who used the drug had fewer asthma attacks, including fewer attacks that led to emergency room visits and/or hospitalization.

Patients who start using Tezspire should not discontinue their inhaled or systemic corticosteroid asthma treatments abruptly. Any reductions should be gradual and under the direct supervision of a health care professional, the FDA said.

Those who have preexisting helminth infections (parasitic worm diseases) should be treated before starting Tezspire. People who start taking Tezspire should not have live vaccines, which include MMR, smallpox and rotavirus vaccines. The drug should also not be used to treat short-term asthma symptoms or attacks.

About 5% to 10% of Americans with asthma have severe asthma, which is an inflammatory disease that affects the lungs airways. Asthma causes the airways to become swollen or inflamed by certain triggers, including allergens or irritants and viral infections.

It can cause asthma attacks that make it hard to breathe and include wheezing, cough and chest tightness. Severe attacks can be intense and long-lasting. The symptoms of severe asthma typically do not get better with short-term treatments.

More information

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has more on asthma.

SOURCE: U.S. Food and Drug Administration, news release, Dec. 20, 2021

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THURSDAY, Dec. 23, 2021 (HealthDay News) -- Many Americans now have two oral antiviral pills that can be taken at home to treat a fresh case of COVID-19.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration on Thursday approved the emergency use of Merck's molnupiravir pill for the treatment of mild to moderate COVID in people who've just tested positive.

The approval comes on the heels of Wednesday's approval of Pfizer's COVID antiviral pill Paxlovid.

Both pills are intended only for people who at high risk for hospitalization and death from severe COVID, and they are available by prescription only.

"Today's authorization provides an additional treatment option against the COVID-19 virus in the form of a pill that can be taken orally," Dr. Patrizia Cavazzoni, director of the FDA's Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, said in an agency statement.

"As new variants of the virus continue to emerge, it is crucial to expand the country's arsenal of COVID-19 therapies using emergency use authorization, while continuing to generate additional data on their safety and effectiveness," she said.

The authorizations come as the United States plunges into a fresh surge of COVID, spurred on by the highly infectious Omicron variant.

But the two pills are not interchangeable: Pfizers drug far outperformed Mercks in clinical trials. While molnupiravir cut the risk of hospitalization and death in high-risk patients by 30%, Paxlovid did so by nearly 90%.

Molnupiravir works by introducing errors into the coronavirus' genetic code, which first hampers and then prevents the virus from replicating.

"The copy machine for the virus becomes more sloppy," explained Jonathan Abraham, an assistant professor of microbiology at Harvard Medical School in Boston. "That eventually allows the virus to make so many mistakes that the virus is no longer functional."

COVID patients would take four 200-milligram capsules at a time every 12 hours for five days, for a total of 40 capsules, the FDA said.

As with Paxlovid, patients should start their pill regimen as soon as possible after their COVID diagnosis, and within five days of symptom onset, according to the FDA.

Molnupiravir is not authorized to be taken to prevent COVID infection in people who've been exposed to a sick person, the FDA noted. It also can't be taken by patients who are so sick that they've landed in the hospital.

The FDA warned that the two antiviral pills should not be considered a substitute for vaccination.

Molnupiravir's emergency approval was supported by a clinical trial comparing 709 COVID patients who got the drug to 699 patients who received a placebo.

About 6.8% of people who got molnupiravir were hospitalized or died during a month of follow-up, compared to 9.7% of people who received a placebo, the FDA said. That includes one patient given molnupiravir who died, compared with nine placebo patients who died.

Side effects observed in the clinical trial included diarrhea, nausea and dizziness.

Molnupiravir is not authorized for patients younger than 18 because it might affect bone and cartilage growth.

It's also not recommended for use during pregnancy, since animal studies showed that the drug may cause fetal harm. Molnupiravir can only be prescribed to a pregnant woman if her doctor feels that the benefits outweigh the risks and has outlined those risks to her.

Women in their childbearing years are advised to use reliable birth control during molnupiravir treatment and for four days after the final dose. Men should use birth control for at least three months after their final dose of molnupiravir.

There is one concern with molnupiravir -- that by causing the coronavirus to create flawed copies, the drug might actually prompt the evolution of even worse mutations in COVID.

People prescribed the drug will need to take it precisely as directed to ward off that possibility, Abraham said.

"We'll have to be in a situation where we're really careful about how these drugs are prescribed and how they're administered, ensuring near-perfect compliance so that they work most effectively and don't induce resistance," Abraham said.

More information

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has more on COVID-19.

SOURCES: Jonathan Abraham, PhD, assistant professor, microbiology, Harvard Medical School; U.S. Food and Drug Administration, news release, Dec. 23, 2021

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WASHINGTON (AP)  House Majority Whip Jim Clyburn said Wednesday he has tested positive for COVID-19, though he is fully vaccinated with a booster and has no symptoms.

America is in a new phase of this pandemic, Clyburn, 81, said in a statement. No one is immune.

The South Carolina Democrat said he tested negative for COVID-19 last week ahead of President Joe Bidens visit to South Carolina State University.

On Sunday, my entire family took at-home tests as a precaution prior to my granddaughters wedding, which took place today, he said. The home test was inconclusive, he said, and he quarantined and took another test Monday.

Clyburn said it took 56 hours to get results, which came back positive. He remains quarantined and missed the wedding.

Two senators and another House lawmaker said recently they have tested positive for COVID-19 after having been vaccinated: U.S. Rep. Jason Crow of Colorado and Sens. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts and Cory Booker of New Jersey.

Copyright 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
THURSDAY, Dec. 23, 2021 (HealthDay News) -- How do you prevent nearly 1 million cases of mouth and throat cancers in American men in this century? Find a way to reach an 80% HPV vaccination rate among adolescents, a new study suggests.

HPV vaccination protects against the human papillomavirus (HPV), which is the leading cause of cancer in the oropharynx. It's the middle part of the throat, behind the mouth. About 16,000 cases of oropharyngeal cancer are diagnosed in the United States each year, and more than 70% are caused by HPV, the study authors noted.

The vaccine prevents nearly all cancer-causing HPV infections, and the Advisory Committee on Human Immunization Practices recommends HPV vaccination at 11 to 12 years of age, and catch-up vaccinations through age 26.

"We are in an era of declining cancer incidence and mortality. Oropharyngeal cancer is one of only a few cancers that is rising rapidly," said study lead author Haluk Damgacioglu. He is a postdoctoral research fellow at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston.

The Healthy People program of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has set an 80% target for the HPV vaccination program by 2030, but only 54% of adolescents and only 21% of young adults in the United States were adequately vaccinated as of 2019.

Meeting the 80% target will not be easy, the researchers noted. Last year, during the peak of the pandemic, HPV vaccination rates plummeted by more than half and have continued to remain lower than in prior years. That fact alone could lead to as many as 6,200 additional cases of male mouth/throat cancer through the century, they added.

To assess how the 80% target would affect male mouth and throat cancer numbers, the UTHealth researchers created a computer simulation.

"Achievement of the 80% goal by 2025 and maintaining it could lead to the prevention of 934,000 oropharyngeal cancers and could lead to its elimination by late 2070s; whereas, maintaining the current vaccination rate of 54% could prevent 792,000 cases but oropharyngeal cancer elimination will not occur by the end of the century," said senior study author Ashish Deshmukh, associate director of the Center for Health Services Research at the UTHealth School of Public Health.

The study was published online Dec. 15 in The Lancet Regional HealthAmericas journal.

Study co-author Gary Clifford is deputy head of the Branch of Early Detection, Prevention and Infections at the World Health Organization's International Agency for Research of Cancer. "This work is a clear and important reminder that to prevent avoidable suffering and death from HPV-related cancer in our future, we must act by protecting adolescents in our present," Clifford said in a university news release.

More information

The American Cancer Society has more on HPV vaccination and cancer prevention.





SOURCE: University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, news release, Dec. 15, 2021

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THURSDAY, Dec. 23, 2021 (HealthDay News) -- In a sign that white-tailed deer are becoming a reservoir for the new coronavirus, researchers report that COVID-19 variants are spreading among the wild animals.

How they became infected and if these variants can infect humans isn't known, experts say.

"Animal reservoirs of zoonotic viruses pose obstacles to infectious disease control and open doors to allow the reintroduction of novel viral diversity back into humans," explained senior researcher Dr. Andrew Bowman. He is an associate professor in the department of veterinary preventive medicine at Ohio State University in Columbus.

"Human-to-animal spillover of SARS-CoV-2 virus has occurred in a wide range of animals, but thus far, the establishment of a new natural animal reservoir has not been detected," Bowman said.

The scientific community has been alarmed by the prospect of white-tailed deer becoming new hosts for COVID-19 ever since the U.S. Department of Agriculture found COVID-19 antibodies in white-tailed deer in Illinois, Michigan, New York and Pennsylvania in July 2021, he noted.

For their study, Bowman's team used genetic testing to confirm that COVID-19 had infected deer in Ohio. They found that more than 35% of the deer tested had the virus and carried at least three COVID variants.

Analysis also revealed that the animals caught COVID-19 from humans.

"The SARS-CoV-2 viruses, dominant in Ohio, spilled over independently into deer populations from humans in six separate locations," Bowman said.

Deer-to-deer transmission in three locations suggests that free-ranging white-tailed deer have the potential to become the first known non-human reservoir for COVID-19, he added.

"These findings fundamentally change our assumptions about SARS-CoV-2 persistence in the environment, and transmission between animals and humans," Bowman said. "The establishment of a natural reservoir of SARS-CoV-2 in white-tailed deer could facilitate future spill-back to humans, which would further complicate long-term COVID-19 control strategies."

The report was published online Dec. 23 in the journal Nature.

Dr. Tony Goldberg, chair of the department of pathobiological sciences at the University of Wisconsin's School of Veterinary Medicine, said that no one knows yet exactly how deer became infected with COVID-19.

"It's unlikely that deer attended a packed concert with a bunch of infected humans," he said. "People are speculating that it could be environmental. For example, perhaps deer picked it up by sniffing a spot where an infected person sneezed or by drinking untreated water. It's not known how long the virus can persist in the environment when that environment is a forest."

Whether the deer can actually infect humans is also not known. "We do know that deer are spreading it to other deer, however, so they can transmit it," Goldberg said. "Whether that happens from deer to people is a big question."

People should be "reasonably cautious," Goldberg said. "Until we do more research, it's probably best to adopt the precautionary principle and assume that deer can transmit the virus to humans, even if it winds up that they can't in the end," he said.

Another expert, Dr. Angela Bosco-Lauth, an associate professor in the department of biomedical sciences at the University of Colorado's School of Veterinary Medicine, quipped, "I don't think people should be worried about catching COVID from deer  we're doing a great job at passing it along to each other, and I doubt that will stop anytime soon."

More information

For more on COVID-19 and animals, head to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

SOURCES: Andrew Bowman, DVM, PhD, associate professor, department of veterinary preventive medicine, Ohio State University, Columbus; Tony Goldberg, PhD, DVM, chair, department of pathobiological sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison; Angela Bosco-Lauth, DVM, PhD, associate professor, department of biomedical sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Colorado State University, Fort Collins; Nature, Dec. 23, 2021, online

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THURSDAY, Dec. 23, 2021 (HealthDay News) -- Parents, think you have a good handle on how much time your teens are spending on social media?

Don't bet on it. New research suggests your best guesstimate is likely way off.

Parents significantly underestimated their teens' social media use  especially girls'  during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, the study showed.

"Although most parents and their teens spent more time together at home during the pandemic, this did not translate to a greater awareness of their child's screen use," said the study's lead author, Dr. Jason Nagata, assistant professor of pediatrics at the University of California, San Francisco.

And screen time matters: Girls who spend a lot of time on social media are at increased risk for problems with body image and mental health, previous studies have found.

While parents overestimated their teens' total recreational screen time, they underestimated how much of it was spent with social media and multiplayer video games (versus texting, video chats and other uses), according to findings published online Dec. 16 in the journal Academic Pediatrics.

In addition, parents underestimated girls' social media use more than boys' social media use, the investigators found.

Previous research has suggested that social media can harm teen girls' body image and mental health, an issue that was the focus of recent U.S. Senate hearings.

"A negative body image may be a result of exposure to social media and unattainable body ideals," said study co-author Kyle Ganson. He is an assistant professor of social work at the University of Toronto, in Canada.

"This may lead to disordered eating behaviors and poor mental health," Ganson said in a university news release.

The study also found that parent/teen differences in estimates of social media use were greater in families of color, among single parents, and in low-income households.

Previous studies have shown recreational screen time doubled among teens during the pandemic, according to Nagata.

"Parents should discuss screen use with their teens and develop a family media use plan," he said. "Discussions about time spent on screens, as well as types of screen use and content, may promote greater understanding among family members and help prevent adverse consequences."

More information

The American Academy of Pediatrics explains why it's important to limit your child's media use.

SOURCE: University of Toronto, news release, Dec. 17, 2021

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A record 13.6 million Americans have signed up for health coverage for 2022 on the Affordable Care Act marketplaces, with nearly a month remaining to enroll in most states, the Biden administration announced Wednesday.

President Joe Bidens top health advisers credited the increased government subsidies, which lowered out-of-pocket costs, for the surge in enrollment. They also said enhanced personal assistance and outreach helped connect more people to health insurance plans.

Some of the largest increases are in Florida, Texas, Georgia and nine other states that have not expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act.

The previous marketplace enrollment record was 12.7 million in 2016, the final year of President Barack Obamas administration. Enrollment largely stagnated under President Donald Trump, who cut tens of millions of dollars in funding for navigators, who help people sign up for coverage.

Open enrollment for the marketplace began Nov. 1 and ends Jan. 15.

Through Dec. 15, enrollment in Florida had soared to 2.6 million people, up from 2.1 million in the same period a year earlier.

This is a very big deal as it means we have made a dent in the uninsured pool and we are not only insuring people but keeping people signed up, said Jodi Ray, program director for Florida Covering Kids & Families.

Ray has used federal grants to help Floridians sign up for private coverage on the marketplace for several years. During the Trump presidency, she said, she could help only people in half the counties in the state because of funding constraints. You cannot overlook the impact that one-on-one assistance has in getting people through the process, Ray said.

Enrollment has jumped more in states that have not expanded Medicaid because they have more uninsured residents than expansion states. In expansion states, people with incomes from 100% to 138% of the federal poverty level  about $12,880 and $17,770 for an individual  can enroll in Medicaid. In states that havent expanded the program, they can get subsidies to enroll in private plans through the Affordable Care Act marketplaces.

Georgia enrollment jumped to 653,990 from about 514,000 the previous year.

Thats the most weve ever had enrolled, said Laura Colbert, executive director of the consumer advocacy group Georgians for a Healthy Future. She said the enrollment spike helps show that Republican Gov. Brian Kemps plan to scrap healthcare.gov and replace it with a privately run portal isnt needed.

The Biden administration is reviewing that proposal.

Hundreds of thousands of Georgians still opt to remain uninsured rather than shop on the federal platform, Kemp spokesperson Katie Byrd said Wednesday. This means that the one-size-fits-all approach by the federal government is not working for Georgia.

The 13.6 million enrollment number includes people who used state-run marketplaces, in addition to those who enrolled through the federally run healthcare.gov portal that handles sign-ups for more than 30 states.

Texas enrollment rose to 1.7 million from 1.3 million.

Texas, Georgia and South Dakota each showed gains of at least 20%, said Chiquita Brooks-LaSure, administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. None of those states has expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act.

In non-expansion states, our outreach efforts have been so robust this year, Brooks-LaSure told reporters during a press call. The federal government is using four times the number of navigators, or insurance counselors, to help people sign up for insurance, said Xavier Becerra, secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

The big driver behind the enrollment gains is new discounts on premiums.

As part of a covid-19 relief bill passed this year, Congress increased the subsidies consumers receive when they enroll in health insurance via the marketplace. CMS said 92% of people in healthcare.gov states will get the tax credits for 2022 coverage. Becerra said that for 4 in 5 enrollees, monthly premiums cost $10 or less, which he said is less than going to a movie.

But conservatives chafe at the idea of higher subsidies. Brian Blase, a former Trump adviser and president of the conservative think tank Paragon Health Institute, stressed that the federal government is paying 85% of peoples monthly insurance premiums.

People will buy something that provides them with little value if the after-subsidy price is zero or close to zero, and thats what is generally happening here, Blase said. Ultimately, the big winners are the health insurance companies that are getting billions of dollars in additional government subsidies.

Another driver of enrollment is that some people may have lost job-based coverage during the pandemic and are seeking insurance on their own.

The marketplaces also offer consumers more choices than in previous years. The average consumer now has between six and seven insurers to choose from, up from four to five in 2021, federal officials said.

KHN (Kaiser Health News) is a national newsroom that produces in-depth journalism about health issues. Together with Policy Analysis and Polling, KHN is one of the three major operating programs at KFF (Kaiser Family Foundation). KFF is an endowed nonprofit organization providing information on health issues to the nation.

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THURSDAY, Dec. 23, 2021 (HealthDay News) -- When a child has severe health problems, the suffering often extends to the entire family, new research finds.

Using data from a single health insurance provider, the study authors assessed nearly 7,000 children with life-threatening conditions and their families, and compared them to a control group of more than 18,600 children without a life-threatening condition and their families.

The four types of life-threatening conditions studied were: very premature birth; critical congenital heart disease; cancer; and severe neurological impairment.

The researchers compared rates of health care encounters (inpatient stays, outpatient visits, telephone consultations), physical and mental health diagnoses, and subsequent medication prescriptions in the two groups of families.

In families of a child with a life-threatening condition, those rates were 61% higher among mothers, 51% higher among fathers, 68% higher among sisters and 70% higher among brothers, compared to families in the control group, the findings showed.

"Though limited to four specific life-threatening conditions, our study provides critical empirical data specifically measuring the negative impact felt by family members," said study senior author Dr. Chris Feudtner, director of research at the Center for Palliative Care at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP).

"We hope that this study brings enhanced awareness of this largely unaddressed problem and starts moving us towards effective responses," Feudtner said in a CHOP news release.

The study was published online Dec. 20 in JAMA Network Open.

"As clinicians caring for children with a variety of life-threatening conditions, members of our research group have long known, by bearing witness, that many of the parents and siblings of our patients are adversely affected by the stress imposed due to presence of a life-threatening condition in the family," Feudtner added.

"We hope that this study provides the foundation for more work that offers critical interventions and support for families to help stabilize their mental and physical well-being during an incredibly trying time in their lives," he noted.

More information

For more on how a serious condition in a child can affect a family, go to the American Academy of Pediatrics.

SOURCE: Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, news release, Dec. 20, 2021

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THURSDAY, Dec. 23, 2021 (HealthDay News) -- Gum disease isn't just a threat to your teeth. It also increases your risk of diabetes, heart disease, mental woes and more, British researchers report.

"The study reinforces the importance of prevention, early identification and treatment of periodontal disease, and the need for members of the public to attend regular oral health checks with a dentist or dental care professional," lead researcher Dr. Joht Singh Chandan said.

Looking at thousands of people with gum disease, the researchers found links to a host of chronic health conditions. Compared to people with healthy gums, folks with "pink in the sink" were more likely to develop heart failure, stroke, vascular dementia, high blood pressure, arthritis, psoriasis and type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Also, depression, anxiety and other serious mental illnesses.

"We found evidence that periodontal diseases appear to be associated with an increased risk of developing these associated chronic diseases," said Singh Chandan, a lecturer in public health at the University of Birmingham's Institute of Applied Health Research.

"As periodontal diseases are very common, an increased risk of other chronic diseases may represent a substantial public health burden, because chronic diseases may be related to poor oral health," he said.

According to the U.S. Centers of Disease Control and Prevention, nearly half of Americans over age 30 have gum, or periodontal, disease. Its early stage, called gingivitis, is characterized by swollen and red gums that may bleed. In its later form, called periodontitis, the gums can pull away from the tooth, bone can diminish, and the teeth may loosen or fall out.

Dr. Leena Palomo is a professor and chair of periodontology and implant dentistry at NYU College of Dentistry in New York City. Palomo said that although this study doesn't prove gum disease causes all these diseases, as "practicing periodontists, we live this data every day."

For the study, the U.K. research team collected data on nearly 64,400 patients with a history of gum disease. They compared these patients with more than 250,000 patients without the condition.

Among those with gum disease, nearly 61,000 had gingivitis and almost 3,400 had periodontitis, both of which cause inflammation. Over three years of follow-up, those with gum disease were more likely to develop other medical problems, the investigators found.

People with gum disease were 37% more likely to develop a mental health condition, 33% more likely to develop an autoimmune disease and 18% more likely to develop cardiovascular disease. They were also 7% more likely to develop a metabolic disorder, with a 26% increased risk for developing type 2 diabetes, the researchers noted.

Whether gum disease causes these problems or gum disease is caused by them isn't clear, Palomo said. "Some data shows that it's a two-way street. That's the case with diabetes. In other areas, we need more research and more investigation," she said.

If your gums aren't healthy, you should ask your doctor to screen for other medical conditions that may co-occur, Palomo advised.

When gum disease is caught early, it can be easily treated, she said. For a healthy mouth, it's important to keep up regular dental appointments.

"The advice is to be hypervigilant," Palomo said. "Just because nothing hurts in your mouth, it doesn't mean you should be ignoring dentist visits or the basic fundamentals of brushing and flossing. People tend to forget those basic principles until there's a toothache or an abscess."

The report was published online Dec. 19 in the BMJ Open.

More information

For more on gum disease, head to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

SOURCES: Joht Singh Chandan, PhD, MBBS, academic clinical lecturer in public health, Institute of Applied Health Research, University of Birmingham, U.K.; Leena Palomo, DDS, MSD, professor and chair, Ashman department of periodontology and implant dentistry, NYU College of Dentistry, New York City; BMJ Open, Dec. 19, 2021, online

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After nearly three years and three rounds of cancer treatment, 14-year-old Jack Berry is cancer-free and ready for his life to return to normal.

Firefighters with the Missoula Fire Department are raising money to build a bridge in an effort to honor that journey and all of those who have supported the Berrys over the years.

The bridge seems symbolic in the fact that it was something that we could create in Jacks Armys honor and capture this amazing support that Missoula offers people, said Mike Birnbaum, a local firefighter who is helping organize the project.

But it also offers the community something that would be a place of hope and a place of positivity, because we all go through difficult situations in our life.

After Jack was diagnosed with an osteosarcoma  a bone tumor  in 2018, the Berry family opted to seek treatment at the world-renowned Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Boston Childrens Hospital.

Community members found unique ways to support Jack and his family, known as Jacks Army. Supporters created Jacks Army T-shirts and yard signs, while the community grew online through a Facebook group with 1,000 members who would share their outdoor adventures and photos of hearts they found in rocks, foot prints and clouds.

I was actually struck one day heading up Pattee Canyon by how many Jacks Army signs there were in his neighborhood, Birnbaum said. I think almost every yard had one of his signs for a half mile straight.

Jack recently completed his third round of intensive cancer treatment in Boston and is now cancer-free, Birnbaum said.

The proposed site for the Jacks Army Bridge is across Pattee Creek near the intersection of Pattee Canyon Road and Southwest Higgins Avenue. Hikers and bikers commonly use that corridor as a shortcut to avoid the intersection and cross the waterway on a rickety wooden bridge. The Berrys also live nearby and the kids frequently play in the creek.

The new metal bridge was designed pro bono by Angie Lipski and David Clark from MMW Architects. Its design mimics the shape of Mount Sentinel. Those involved with the design want the bridge to reflect the landscape surrounding it, as well as Jacks interests.

Its going to be art, and its going to be something that all of us can use and enjoy, Birnbaum said. It will be a place where all of us can go when were having good days and bad to take in the positivity of that bridge and find power in this community.

Birnbaum hopes that the bridge will be complete for a ribbon-cutting ceremony in either the spring or summer of the new year, but the fundraising goal for the bridge still needs to be met.

Earlier this month, Missoula Firefighters Local 271 launched a GoFundMe called Jacks Army Bridge. They have a goal to raise $25,000 to cover the cost of labor and materials. The fundraiser had secured 35 donations totaling nearly $2,400 as of Thursday afternoon.

As plans for the bridge have become more concrete, Birnbaum has been connected with different members of Jacks Army who are willing to help with the permit process and share their expertise on levees and floodplains.

It just makes me think that sometimes Missoula is more like two degrees of separation from each other instead of seven, Birnbaum said.

Theres somebody just right around the corner who knows Jack and wants to be a part of it and help out, even that just felt so refreshing, he continued. Especially in these times, weve had a tough couple of years, so its so refreshing to have people be able to step up and do good.

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A collaborative, women-led grassroots philanthropy group in Missoula has donated a big chunk of sorely needed money to a local nonprofit that provides safe harbor to women and children who are trying to recover from trauma.

The Womens Giving Circle of Missoula County announced recently that its 2021 grant recipient for $10,000 will be Mountain Home Montana, which provides housing and services for at-risk moms and kids. The money will be used to pay for staff training and salaries.

This strategic and timely funding will help counter global staffing challenges with additional training, competitive salaries, and additional staffing to ensure the families we serve can thrive, said Mountain Home Montana executive director Steph Goble.

The organization has roughly 42 employees.

Mountain Home is honored and very grateful to receive the generous grant from the Womens Giving Circle of Missoula County," Goble said. "We deeply appreciate their support of the young moms and kids we serve and all the good they make possible.

Mountain Home Montana was established in 2000 and has offices, a group home, a playground, a licensed daycare and a community center on South Avenue near Community Medical Center.

The group home has room for up to 12 families at a time and serves over 80 families a year, Goble said. Mountain Home Montana provides an evidence-based education and employment program, onsite mental health care for both parents and children, and the states first trauma-informed child care. The community center also offers parenting and life-skills classes.

We are advocating for women in poverty, Goble said. With the Womens Giving Circle, we were really transparent about working with marginalized demographics, people whove had some sort of trauma in their life, whether thats abuse or being separated from their biological parents or just having to couch-surf or live in the backs of cars. We serve the under-served.

To do that requires a well-trained staff that can handle crisis, Goble said. People who come to Mountain Home Montana often come with an emotional heaviness that requires tenderness and patience.

And we are in the midst of a labor crisis, so we are asking the staff at Mountain Home to step up and bridge these families to better outcomes, Goble said. So we like to make sure were paying our staff competitive and valuable wages and giving them professional training to handle the issues that these young families are combating. Its a cycle, and we cant expect poverty to get better if were only paying 12 bucks an hour.

The Womens Giving Circle of Missoula County is an organization that aims to amplify the power of women and people who identify as nonbinary by allowing them to pool their donations and then vote to make collective choices on how to best serve the greater Missoula area.

Terri Goldich, the chair of the organizations steering committee, said the collaborative, member-led model promotes philanthropy and equity among its 100 members. They come from from diverse backgrounds and varying degrees of wealth. Every member has an equal voice, regardless of how much they contribute. The minimum donation is $120 annually or $60 for students.

They ask for applications every year, and this year the membership decided to ask for applications from organizations that focus on housing and homelessness, Goldich said. After a vote, the steering committee narrows down the applicants based on a rubric.

I am as thrilled to have our recipient be Mountain Home as they are to get it, Goldich said.

The award this year is the Women's Giving Circle of Missoula County's fifth grant since its inception in 2018 and brings the total amount given to $40,000. Past recipients include the Missoula Food Bank, Free Cycles Missoula, the YWCA Missoula and EmpowerMT.

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Gathering on the longest and darkest night of the year, members of the Poverello Center hosted its annual remembrance ceremony for those who were unhoused and lost their lives this year.

In Missoula, 21 people who were unhoused died this year. The ceremony also remembered three Poverello Center volunteers and staffers who died this year as well.

The ceremony began with a statement from Jill Bonny, the Poverello Center's executive director, and then a prayer. Following that, the names of the 24 who died this year were read and then "Amazing Grace" was sung.

"Many of these individuals I knew and knew for years," Bonny said. "I just think about each and every one of them and what I remember about them. And, unfortunately, they died without a home."

In a recent housing report, it was noted by the Missoula Coordinated Entry System, which tracks the city's homeless population, that there were 1,138 individuals in the city that were unhoused.

Missoula was projected to serve more homeless clients than the year before, the report said. Additionally, there are nearly 400 students in Missoula County Public Schools who are either homeless or at risk of being unhoused.

At least two of those who died while homeless were United States military veterans, those at the remembrance noted. None of those who died while homeless over last winter did so due to exposure, Bonny said.

"We really think that having the winter shelter location is a big reason for that," Bonny said. "I just think there's such a need for shelter for everybody. You know, come as you are, come when you're ready, stay for an hour, stay for 24 hours, but you have a warm place to be."

There has been significant vitriol aimed at those who are unhoused in Missoula. It dominated several debates during the run-up to the 2021 municipal election and was a large part of several candidates' campaign platforms.

When asked what the community needs to do in response to the crisis, Bonny had a direct answer.

"Educate themselves. There's such a stigma around homelessness, that people aren't working, they're not trying," Bonny said. "We have a pretty high percentage of individuals who are here with 150 roommates and take a shower every morning and go to work and grab a sack lunch and just can't make enough to get into someplace to live.

"I think (the community) educating themselves, realizing that there's a stigma around homelessness ... and that everybody deserves shelter."

Bonny invites the public to serve meals or do other volunteer work with the homeless population in Missoula.

There's also been an uptick in people experiencing homelessness for the first time. Being priced out of a place to live is one of Bonny's major concerns, she said.

Average rent in Missoula has climbed to over $1,100. The city's rental vacancy rate is around 0.38%.

"If you spend some time with some of the individuals who are staying here, you realize that there's a story behind every person and it just doesn't really meet that stigma," Bonny said.

One former volunteer, Daniel Duensing, worked with the Homeless Outreach Team for several months. He now works as an emergency medical technician.

"During that time, you know, there were just so many experiences where you realize how important it is that housing is a human right and that everybody deserves that chance to feel safe and secure," Duensing said. "That's what strength of the community is, is how well we help those who are struggling."

Missoula and Missoula County have put significant efforts into combating homelessness in the area. A new safe outdoor camping area is under construction near the city's compost facility and there are plans for other areas to be built to provide shelter.

But there have been hiccups as well. Encampments under the Reserve Street bridge have existed for years, but will be cleaned up and closed following the opening of the safe outdoor camping space.

Several camps were cleared out over the summer and fall as well. West Broadway Island was closed for six weeks and the entrance is now locked at night.

The city bought the Sleepy Inn last year to provide a quarantine area for those who are unhoused and either tested positive for COVID or were considered a close contact.

"I think (the city and county) are trying and right now, today, I would say we need more housing. But that takes years and we do what we do in the meantime. And it takes a lot of money," Bonny said. "I think they're trying. Especially our politicians here in Missoula and the community here in Missoula really want to have housing for everybody that lives here.

"It's just challenging."

Jordan Hansen covers news and local government for the Missoulian. Shout at him on Twitter @jordyhansen or send him an email at Jordan.Hansen@Missoulian.com

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ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. (AP)  As New Jersey races to grab the leading role in offshore wind energy projects on the U.S. East Coast, a commonly heard criticism is that people don't want to see the structures on the horizon when they're at the beach.

On Wednesday, New Jersey energy and environmental regulators addressed those concerns, saying the farther away from the shoreline the turbines go, the more expensive the electricity they generate will be.

During an interview with reporters from several media outlets, the state's environmental protection commissioner, Shawn LaTourette, said the roughly 15-mile distance from shore envisioned for the state's early projects is not set in stone.

The approach is not offshore wind at all costs, said LaTourette. We must ensure balance. If that means turbines being arrayed in a different way or at a different distance, then that's what it means. It is not a fait accompli.

But Joseph Fiordaliso, president of the state Board of Public Utilities, cautioned that even though his board has the power to require the turbines to be placed farther offshore, cost is an important part of the equation in locating them.

This energy has to be transmitted back on shore, he said. The farther we go out, the more expensive it's going to be to get that energy onshore. That certainly is a consideration.

Most of the turbines proposed for the three offshore wind projects approved thus far in New Jersey will be located about 15 miles from the coast, he said.

They are not going to be visual pollution, he said. Probably most people won't be able to see them.

In past presentations, government and wind industry officials have said the turbines may or may not be visible from the shoreline, depending in part on weather conditions.

But several shore communities including Ocean City, perhaps the center of opposition to offshore wind projects thus far, say today's turbines are much larger than those proposed in the past, and much more likely to be seen from shore.

We don't believe them when they say they're all going to be 15 miles offshore, said Suzanne Hornick, a leader of Protect Our Coast-NJ. The lease area is closer than that, and we know they will fill up that whole lease area. It could be as close as eight miles.

The group also cites environmental and financial concerns in opposing the projects.

Thus far, New Jersey has approved three offshore wind energy projects: two by Danish wind developer Orsted, and one by Atlantic Shores.

Those three projects combined aim to provide enough electricity to power over 1.6 million homes. New Jersey has set a goal of generating 100% of its energy from clean sources by 2050, and plans to solicit additional wind energy projects every two years until at least 2028.

The next round of applications should happen in the second half of 2022, BPU officials said.

Follow Wayne Parry on Twitter at @WayneParryAC

Copyright 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.

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A trademark tiff between Americas oldest beer maker and America's best-selling beer brand appears to be over before it really began.

Last week, D.G. Yuengling & Son, the nearly 200-year-old Pennsylvania-based brewer, demanded that its much larger rival, Anheuser-Busch, stop using a tagline for its forthcoming Bud Light Next zero-carb beer, noting it closely resembled one already trademarked by Yuengling.

Get ready for the next generation of beer, read the Dec. 14 post from Bud Lights Twitter account, according to a screenshot provided by Yuengling. The same graphic appeared on Bud Lights Instagram and Facebook accounts that day, Yuengling said.

Yuengling quickly objected, pointing out its own low-carb brew  Flight, introduced in February 2020  is marketed as the next generation of light beer." Yuengling registered that phrase with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office more than a year ago.

The brewer poked fun at Bud Light, tweeting an image of a cartoon burglar  masked and suspended from a rope  pilfering Flights catchphrase. We know imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, but this is going a bit too far, Yuengling tweeted at Bud Light.

And then Yuengling got serious, sending the St. Louis-based beer giant a cease-and-desist letter.

Flight by Yuengling is one of our lead brands; it's one of our fastest-growing brands," Yuengling spokesperson Paul Capelli said Wednesday. We've created this great product, and if some other light beer takes our tagline and puts it on their brand, obviously that is extremely confusing for the consumer.

Anheuser-Busch did not issue a formal response to Yuengling, but this week, Yuengling officials saw that Bud Light had scrubbed its social media accounts of the disputed posts and replaced them with ones that teased, Get ready for whats next.

We had hoped they would do the right thing, and in the spirit of the holiday season, they gave us back what belonged to us. We say thanks and happy holidays and have a Flight on us, Capelli quipped.

Last week wasn't the first time that Anheuser-Busch, which is owned by Belgium-based Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV, had referred to Bud Light Next as the next generation of beer. Andy Goeler, vice president of marketing for Bud Light, used the phrase in a September interview on CNN.

Anheuser-Busch released a statement Wednesday touting its new light beer but did not answer questions about Yuenglings trademark claim.

Yuengling and Anheuser-Busch have tangled before. Two years ago, the beer behemoth launched an ad campaign designating Seltzer, Pennsylvania a real-life hamlet just a few miles from Yuengling's historic brewery in Pottsville  as the unofficial spokes-town of Bud Light Seltzer.

Yuengling clapped back in a tweet: Get off my lawn."

Copyright 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.

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Georgetown Lakes trout and salmon face a potentially lethal winter and spring tied to a lower than normal water level at ice-over.

The high-elevation, comparatively shallow reservoir is susceptible to depleted dissolved oxygen.

A Dec. 17 update from the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation described Georgetown Lakes water surface elevation as being well below normal, a condition tied primarily to drought.

Water surface elevation equals the height of the lakes waterline on the shore and is usually measured as height above sea level. Lake level or lake depth can be synonymous terms, depending on context.

Conditions have improved somewhat recently, according to the DNRC report, which noted that just a month ago, things looked substantially worse.

Todd Blythe, a hydrologist for DNRC, provided an update Tuesday.

Based on our predictive model and weather forecasts, it does appear conditions are improving, Blythe said. Lake levels are on the rise.

Steve Luebeck, vice president of the George Grant Chapter of Trout Unlimited, has fished Georgetown Lake since he was a child.

Ive never seen the lake as low as it was this fall, Luebeck said. If the ice comes off late, I think were in real trouble.

The impact to the fishery could hinge on how long the lake remains covered by ice. Prolonged ice cover seals off the lake from the atmosphere and the water cannot be recharged with oxygenated air.

Fish without access to a sufficient amount of dissolved oxygen can die or become sick.

Brad Liermann, a fisheries biologist for Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks, said Georgetown Lake initially iced over on Nov. 19 and then thawed before re-freezing Dec. 9.

The DNRC report from Dec. 17, written by longtime DNRC surface water hydrologist Dave Amman, noted that the unusual thaw could be helpful in the long run.

Maybe it was a good thing, in that it may have allowed for better dissolved oxygen conditions for the lake, wrote Amman, who is retiring at years end after being the DNRC representative on the Flint Creek Dam Advisory Committee for nearly 20 years.

Liermann said Georgetown Lake is prone to having low dissolved oxygen. In addition to being a shallow lake, it also has high productivity, such as lots of nutrients, bugs and fish, he said.

Once the ice is on the lake, there is a finite amount of dissolved oxygen available in the lake, Liermann said. Biological processes in the lake use dissolved oxygen through the winter and slowly deplete it.

He said the lakes high elevation, shallow depth, productivity and tendency to hold ice for months make it more likely to have lethal levels of low dissolved oxygen than other lakes and reservoirs in Montana.

Trout and salmon require high dissolved oxygen levels, so are more vulnerable to low dissolved oxygen levels than other game fish species, Liermann said.

Granite County owns and operates the dam. The reservoir is operated to meet lake elevation targets and outflows to satisfy fish and wildlife needs, power generation, irrigation, recreation and the Georgetown Lake Homeowners Association. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission regulates the dam.

Granite County is required by their FERC license to release 30 cubic feet per second for irrigators in the Flint Creek Valley through the irrigation season and these outflows and the drought conditions led to a fairly significant reduction in the Georgetown Lake levels, Liermann said.

Chuck Stokke, a past president of the homeowners association and a board member for the Clark Fork Coalition, has family ties to Georgetown Lake going back 100 years. Like Luebeck and others, he worries about the potential for a fish kill linked to insufficient dissolved oxygen.

Stokke noted that a 2018 fish kill, discovered in May of that year, was tentatively linked to low oxygen levels in Georgetown Lake. Hundreds of fish, mostly rainbow trout, died. Liermann said Wednesday that he and others believe that low levels of dissolved oxygen likely caused the fish kill observed in 2018.

If deoxygenation does not kill fish outright, the related stress can affect their immune systems and increase susceptibility to disease or parasitic infestation.

Luebeck said hed like to see greater restraint exercised by Granite County Commissioners in the amount of water released from the lake. He said a lot of water was released last year in anticipation of a spring runoff that never happened due to low snowpack and a continuing drought.

Liermann said the DNRC model showed that outflows from the lake in spring 2021 were set at the proper level to fill Georgetown Lake during runoff.

Unfortunately, May through mid-July was very dry at Georgetown, with very little precipitation, he said.

County commissioners did not respond to requests for comment.

Earlier this month, outflow from the dam was 6 cubic feet per second. Commissioners voted Dec. 14 to continue that outflow instead of reducing it to 4 cfs. Commissioners voted again Dec. 21 to continue the 6 cfs outflow, noting that there have been small gains in the inputs to the lake.

Liermann said reducing outflows below 6 cfs could have biological impacts on Flint Creek below the dam.

The Dec. 17 update from DNRC noted that the watershed has seen some decent precipitation inputs and also some warm spells that melted snow and temporarily increased lake inputs.

Amman sounded a hopeful note.

We have a lot of winter ahead of us and hopefully so much snow falls that people complain about it all the way through May, he wrote.

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Five recent gifts totaling $525,000 are helping the Montana Historical Society reach its private fundraising goal for construction of the Montana Heritage Center and updates to its existing building, museum officials said.

The family of Bob and Genevieve Morgan contributed $115,000 in their honor. Bob Morgan, a noted artist from Helena, was an MHS museum curator and acting director, and served on the board. His wife, Gen, also was a longtime supporter of MHS.

The entire Morgan family is thrilled to honor our parents and grandparents memory and legacy with this gift, Bob and Gens son, Bob, said in a news release from the Montana Historical Society. The preservation and presentation of Montanas history and culture was paramount to them. They would be delighted to see this endeavor moving forward.

Construction on the $63.7 million expansion project is underway at 225 N. Roberts St. The Montana Historical Society wants to raise $15 million for the Heritage Center construction and updates to its current historic building. A grand re-opening is planned for December 2024 or early 2025.

So far, MHS has raised close to $7 million. The states lodging facility use tax will provide an additional $41 million, and a $7 million bond from 2005 also is contributing to paying for the project.

Bruce Ennis and Maggie Davis of Kalispell made a $250,000 donation, after meeting with MHS Director Molly Kruckenberg and Development Officer Ginny Sullivan, officials said.

They noted that Ennis and Davis are well-versed in historical society activities and challenges; Ennis formerly sat on the MHS board of trustees for nine years, and Davis previously volunteered as a docent at MHS.

In about 400 years the human experience in what is now Montana changed dramatically, Davis said. From the introduction of the horse to todays Legislature, the society has preserved artifacts, documents, cultural hallmarks, and more. MHS is a fantastic resource for us all.

A $100,000 donation came from Stockman Bank, which is Montanas largest family owned community bank, with 36 full-service locations across the Treasure State.

Its important that we help honor and preserve our great states history, not only for us but for future generations, Bill Coffee, chief executive officer of Stockman Bank, said in a news release.

Two additional gifts totaling $60,000 also were received.

We cant thank everyone enough for their dedication in making the Montana Heritage Center a reality, Kruckenberg said. I look out my window at the work and see progress every day, due in large part to our supporters.

More information on the project is at MontanasMuseum.org.

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Brian Solan hopes the Deer Lodge man who poached a bighorn ram last month in the Highland Mountains will join ongoing efforts to sustain the Highlands' toehold herd of wild sheep.

Solan, executive director of the Montana Wild Sheep Foundation, said Thursday that he believes poacher Harold Horine, 45, got off easy when he was penalized for offenses that included hunting without a valid license, unlawful possession of a game animal, failure to obtain landowner permission when hunting and waste of a game animal.

Horine pleaded guilty to the charges in Madison County Justice Court on Dec. 7. He was ordered to pay $5,245 in fines and restitution. His hunting, fishing and trapping privileges were suspended for two years and his ability to apply for special permits was suspended for 12 years.

The offenses galled sportsmen like Solan, Chris Marchion of the Anaconda Sportsmans Club and Justin Mandic, president of the Skyline Sportsmens Association. They were especially troubled by Horines abandonment of the bighorn rams carcass.

Horine reportedly told game wardens that he mistook the bighorn sheep for an elk.

Accidents and mistakes happen in the field, Solan said. It was more concerning to leave the sheep to waste.

Marchion was skeptical of Horines story about mistaking the two animals.

Theyre not similar at all, he said.

The Facebook page for the Montana Wild Sheep Foundation noted Wednesday that illegally killing a trophy bighorn ram could require restitution of up to $30,000. State law requires the court to determine that the killing of a trophy animal was committed knowingly or purposely before imposing such restitution.

Both Marchion and the Skyline Sportsmens Association felt the two-year suspension of Horines hunting, fishing and trapping privileges wasnt sufficient punishment.

A case in 2020 involving a 27-year-old Belgrade man who poached a bighorn in the Missouri River Breaks resulted in the suspension of his hunting, fishing and trapping privileges for 10 years. He was fined $4,000.

Dave Loewen, chief of law enforcement for FWP, said game wardens occasionally make recommendations to judges about sentencing. That typically happens when circumstances might mitigate imposition of a larger fine, such as an offender turning themselves in.

However, the tendency is to allow the judicial system to function independently, Loewen said.

He said it is also challenging to compare penalties for similar cases when there are so many judges and courts across the state and often mitigating circumstances involved.

Mandic, Solan and Marchion observed that Montana hunters seeking a permit to hunt a bighorn sheep can wait years and years without success.

Solan said the campaign to sustain the bighorn sheep herd in the Highlands has been expensive, with helicopter transport costs, radio collaring costs, personnel expenses and more. The fines for Horine should have reflected those costs, he said.

Mandic, speaking for himself and not the Skyline Sportsmens Association, said Horines decision to leave the carcass to rot should have been enough to merit a stiffer fine.

Earlier this month, volunteers helped FWP conduct a count of bighorns in the Highlands. The official tally wasnt available Thursday and FWP wildlife biologist Vanna Boccadori was out of the office for the holidays.

Solan suggested Horine could atone for his offenses.

Wed encourage him to get involved in the Montana Wild Sheep Foundation. Wed be happy to have his help.

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The Pillar of Shame monument became an issue in October, with the university demanding that it be removed, even as activists and rights groups protested. Galschit offered to take it back to Denmark provided he was given legal immunity that he won't be persecuted under Hong Kong's national security law, but has not succeeded so far.

No party has ever obtained any approval from the university to display the statue on campus, and the university has the right to take appropriate actions to handle it at any time, the university said in a statement Thursday.

Latest legal advice given to the university cautioned that the continued display of the statue would pose legal risks to the university based on the Crimes Ordinance enacted under the Hong Kong colonial government."

The university said that it had requested for the statue to be put in storage and would continue to seek legal advice on follow-up actions.

In October, the university informed the now-defunct candlelight vigil organizer, the Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements of China, that it had to remove the statue following the latest risk assessment and legal advice.
HONG KONG (AP)  A monument at a Hong Kong university that commemorates the 1989 Tiananmen Square massacre was removed by workers early Thursday over the objections of its creator from Denmark.

The 8-meter (26-foot) tall Pillar of Shame, which depicts 50 torn and twisted bodies piled on top of each other, was made by Danish sculptor Jens Galschit to symbolize the lives lost during the bloody military crackdown on pro-democracy protesters in Beijings Tiananmen Square on June 4, 1989.

Workers barricaded the monument at the University of Hong Kong late Wednesday night. Drilling sounds and loud clanging could be heard coming from the boarded-up site, which was patrolled by guards.

The dismantling of the sculpture came days after pro-Beijing candidates scored a landslide victory in the Hong Kong legislative elections, after amendments in election laws allowed the vetting of all candidates to ensure that they are patriots loyal to Beijing.

The removal also happened in the same week that Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam traveled to Beijing to report on developments in the semi-autonomous Chinese city, where authorities have silenced dissent following the implementation of a sweeping national security law that appeared to target much of the pro-democracy movement following mass protests in 2019.

The Pillar of Shame monument became an issue in October, with the university demanding that it be removed, even as activists and rights groups protested. Galschit offered to take it back to Denmark provided he was given legal immunity that he won't be persecuted under Hong Kong's national security law, but has not succeeded so far.

No party has ever obtained any approval from the university to display the statue on campus, and the university has the right to take appropriate actions to handle it at any time, the university said in a statement Thursday.

Latest legal advice given to the university cautioned that the continued display of the statue would pose legal risks to the university based on the Crimes Ordinance enacted under the Hong Kong colonial government."

The university said that it had requested for the statue to be put in storage and would continue to seek legal advice on follow-up actions.

In October, the university informed the now-defunct candlelight vigil organizer, the Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements of China, that it had to remove the statue following the latest risk assessment and legal advice.

The organization had said that it was dissolving, citing a climate of oppression, and that it did not own the sculpture. The university was told to speak to its creator instead.

When reached by The Associated Press, sculptor Galschit said he was only aware of what was happening to the sculpture Wednesday from social media and other reports.

We dont know exactly what happened, but I fear they destroy it, he said. This is my sculpture, and it is my property.

Galschit said that he would sue the university if necessary to protect the sculpture.

He had previously written to the university to assert his ownership of the monument, although his requests had gone largely ignored.

Over 100 pro-democracy activists have been arrested since Beijing implemented the national security law in Hong Kong. It outlaws secession, subversion, terrorism and foreign collusion to intervene in the citys affairs. Critics say it rolled back freedoms promised to Hong Kong when it was handed over to China by Britain in 1997.

The Pillar of Shame monument has been erected for over two decades, and initially stood at Hong Kongs Victoria Park before eventually being moved to the University of Hong Kong on a long-term basis.

Each year on June 4, members of the now-defunct student union would wash the statue to commemorate the Tiananmen massacre. The city, together with Macao, were previously the only places on Chinese soil where commemoration of the Tiananmen crackdown was allowed.

Over the past two years, the annual candlelight vigil in Hong Kong had been banned by authorities, who cited public risks from the coronavirus pandemic.

Some 24 activists were charged for their roles in the Tiananmen vigil last year, during which activists turned up and thousands followed, breaking past barricades in the park to sing songs and light candles despite the police ban on the event.

Copyright 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.

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Butte police reports

Upset at the pump

Just after 10 p.m. Tuesday, a man entered the Town Pump at 2711 Harrison Ave. He was told by the clerk that he would have to prepay for gas.

According to a police report, the man was not thrilled with that answer and proceeded to throw a bottle of sparkling wine at the clerk. He then began breaking items and throwing things.

The unidentified man left in pickup with two Christmas trees in the back. Shortly after, the truck was found at the Town Pump at Montana and Rowe Road. When the man spotted the police he took off toward Greenwood Avenue, went through a fence, and onto the highway where police lost him.

Officers were able to get the trucks license plate number and there is also security footage.

Disturbance at complex

At 3:30 a.m. Saturday police were dispatched to an apartment complex at 910 Evans to investigate a disturbance between a man and a woman that allegedly turned physical.

During the argument, Remington Brooks Vail, 31, of Butte reportedly was yelling obscenities at the woman, put her in a headlock, threw her down to the ground and put pressure on her neck.

Vail had already left the scene but was located at Hobson and Kennedy. He was arrested early Saturday morning for felony partner or family member assault (strangulation).

Felony warrant

Christopher Patrick Carey, 37, of Butte was arrested at around 1 a.m. Saturday in the 1300 block of Silver Bow Homes on a felony warrant out of Park County.

Stolen property

Jacob Steven Alt, 40, of Butte was arrested at around 4 a.m. Sunday for felony buying or possessing stolen property and felony parole violation.

An officer was patrolling in the area of George Street and Warren Avenue when he saw a 2007 Dodge Charger that had been reported stolen.

Inside the car was Alt, who claimed he purchased the vehicle from another person.

Causing issues

Numerous times early Sunday afternoon an aggressive panhandler, Jonathan Orville Weinberger, 32, homeless, was told by employees of the Town Pump to leave the premises, but he refused.

Weinberger reportedly told employees he would not leave until he got his alcohol.

Police arrived at 2 p.m. to convince the man to leave, but he continued to cause issues and was arrested for misdemeanor criminal trespass to property.

MHP arrests

An officer with the Montana Highway Patrol arrested Shannon Leigh Atkins, 61, of Butte last Saturday morning for the misdemeanor offenses of driving under the influence (refusal), possessing drug paraphernalia, operating a vehicle without a current registration in effect, no liability insurance in effect, failure to wear a seatbelt, and driving with a suspended or revoked drivers license.

Shawn Braaten Roane, 56, of Butte was arrested by an officer with the Montana Highway Patrol late Sunday morning for misdemeanor offenses of criminal contempt driving without a valid drivers license, no vehicle registration and no liability insurance in effect

Jordan Isiah Lanahan, 24, of Anaconda was arrested Sunday morning by a Montana Highway Patrol officer for misdemeanor aggravated driving under the influence and operating a vehicle without a current registration.

No gun

Late Saturday night, police responded to a residence in the 600 block of West Broadway on a report of a man with a gun. Turns out, there was no gun. Instead, a fire extinguisher had been discharged.

Inside was Jesse Lee Shields, 32, of Butte, who had extensively damaged property in his own apartment and broke a next door neighbors window.

He was arrested for felony probation violation and two misdemeanor criminal mischief offenses.

Locked in bathroom

Fawna Marylee Shields, 37, homeless, was arrested just after 6 p.m. Saturday for the misdemeanor offenses of disorderly conduct, possessing drug paraphernalia (syringes and baggies), and criminal trespass to property.

According to police reports, Shields was asked to leave an area several times. Instead, she locked herself in the bathroom, throwing things around and yelled profanities continuously at the store manager.

Booked into jail

Ciara Lynn Smart, 35, of Butte was booked into the jail just before 1:30 a.m. Tuesday for misdemeanor disorderly conduct

Police arrived at the 2100 block of South Wyoming Street around 1 a.m. to find a belligerent Smart saying she wanted to go to jail. She allegedly swung at one officer, hitting a camera, and managed to hit another officer.

Not stolen

A woman shopping at Walmart on Monday afternoon thought her car had been stolen from the parking lot. She just forgot exactly where she parked it.

Stolen property

Two Butte men, Jacob Ryan Martin Maher, 29, and Kyle James King, 34, were arrested Monday morning for felony possession of stolen property.

Officers responded to the 800 block of South Washington to investigate a suspicious black SUV. When they arrived, the SUV was towing another vehicle, which had been reported stolen.

Both men each had out-of-jurisdiction warrants out for their arrests. Maher was also jailed for misdemeanor criminal contempt. King had a misdemeanor Montana Highway Patrol warrant out for his arrest, too.

Several offenses

David Samuel Sandoval, 40, of Butte was arrested Sunday night for the felony offenses of criminal contempt and violation of release condition, and two misdemeanor criminal contempt offenses.

Truck stolen

Zachary Adam Perrick, 33, of Butte was arrested Sunday night for felony motor vehicle theft from the 2800 block of Helena.

The owner of the 2018 Dodge Ram located the truck at 5100 S. Warren and called police.

Perrick was seen on security footage getting out of the truck.

Off and running

On Sunday morning, officers arrived at the Red Lion Inn to check on a report about a wanted man staying there.

Instead, they found Brittany Lynn Birkoski, 32, of Butte, who had two warrants out for her arrest. At first, she gave the officers a fictitious name and then took off running.

She was apprehended, handcuffed and taken to jail for felony criminal contempt out of Butte District Court and the misdemeanor offenses of obstructing a peace officer and unauthorized use of a motor vehicle warrant out of Butte City Court.

Tossed salad

Just before 8 p.m. Tuesday, Frank Owen Tallbull, 42, of Butte was at the Town Pump, 531 S. Montana, where he allegedly helped himself to two beers, a salad, and a peanut butter and jelly sandwich.

When the clerk told Tallbull he had to pay for the items, he threw the beers and the salad at the clerk.

He was arrested for the misdemeanor offenses of simple assault and shoplifting.

Packages stolen

Last Friday afternoon, packages were taken from a home in the 2600 block of Placer Street

Late Friday afternoon, a package was taken from a front porch in the 2900 block of Nettie

Window broken

Early Saturday morning, someone threw a rock into a window at a residence in the 2000 block of Florida Avenue.

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Correos post office workers in Spain call strike action for 3 days in January



There will be a general strike on January 5 and 7, and partial stoppages on January 12

The trade unions CCOO and UGT have called a general strike for Correos postal workers in Spain on January 5 and 7 and partial stoppages on January 12 to protest against the dismantling of Correos delivery services, precariousness and staff cuts.

They claim that the new model of Spains state postal company entails a reduction of spaces and people to make way for the commercial and profitable parcels of the subsidiary Correos Express, which they intend to subcontract to precarious workers, as was already done in the middle of the pandemic.

Whats more, unions argue that postmen will now have to cover greater distances by having to take on more sections because the workforce has been cut drastically. In fact, 7,000 jobs have been lost in the last two years.

A full 75% of the union representation at Correos rejected the companys new direction on December 16, which means it lacks democratic legitimacy to be applied.

This is only the beginning of an aggression that the company wants to culminate on January 15 with the total change of the delivery and distribution service of Correos, which cannot be left without a comprehensive mobilising response at the state level, said the CCOO and UGT in a joint statement.

For its part, Correos announced last week the companys largest public offer of employment in recent decades, allowing 5,377 people to be employed at the what is the largest public company in the country to work with permanent contracts in the delivery, sorting and customer service departments.

These positions are expected to be opened up to the public in the first half of 2022, with the interviews and tests scheduled to take place next November.

Image: Wikimedia commons
By Shawn Touney | Dec 23, 2021

MURRAY, Ky.  Murray State Universitys Center for Economic and Entrepreneurial Development (CEED) through the Arthur J. Bauernfeind College of Business has assisted various businesses in several ways, including the dissemination of important information, connecting businesses with important contacts, and fielding requests for assistance in aiding recovery efforts. This outreach originated in Spring 2020 during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as in the aftermath of the devastating storms in the west Kentucky and multi-state region earlier this month.

"We have a tremendous responsibility at Murray State University to assist our region during this difficult time, Murray State President Dr. Bob Jackson said. The Bauernfeind College of Business, CEED office, Mr. Chris Wooldridge and others will be excellent resources and a major help along with the Purchase Area Development District to those throughout our region impacted by the tornadoes."

Echoing President Jackson, the Bauernfeind College of Business and the Center for Economic and Entrepreneurial Development are in unique positions to provide small business expertise and assistance. Chris Wooldridge is a known presence in the business community of west Kentucky, and he and others, spanning all the Murray State Colleges and Schools, will be of assistance to help our region, said Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Tim Todd.

The CEED is working with resource partners as well as businesses and industries throughout the region to both support recovery efforts as well as evaluate support the Murray State University CEED can provide going forward to grow from this disastrous weather event. I appreciate the support that Dr. Jackson, Dr. Todd and Dr. Eaton continue to give the CEED in the support of its mission," said Chris Wooldridge, CEED Director.

Following the devastation and upon the restoration of power from the Dec. 10 storms, CEED began immediately sending contact and resource information from state and national levels through the region to chambers of commerce, economic development organizations, and area development district partners throughout its 26-county footprint. Information and resources from providers that continue to be shared include the United States Department of Agriculture, United States Small Business Administration, Tennessee Valley Authority, Delta Regional Authority, Kentucky League of Cities and Kentucky Association for Economic Development. In addition, contacts from the regional and other state entities have been providing useful information that has been redistributed through the CEED regional contact network.

CEED Director Chris Wooldridge and Purchase Area Development District (PADD) Business Lending Specialist Mike Maxwell met with the Small Business Administration (SBA) Disaster Recovery Center team on Dec. 16 when SBA opened its office in Benton. This meeting involved making the necessary connections for service delivery and assistance across the SBA, Murray State and PADD resources. Information from that meeting facilitated connecting the SBA public information efforts with the Universitys National Public Radio affiliate, WKMS for regional dissemination.

The CEED is working to establish a temporary office in Mayfield to support service partners and serve business owners in operational disaster recovery for the business. Talks have been underway since the disaster to establish the temporary office in the Purchase Area Development District office as soon as feasible. The CEED is already working with PADD officials with regard to information sharing and program support.

The CEED has received numerous requests for information and support from organizations and local officials in developing planning for immediate and longer term recovery. The CEED is also working to continue to identify and deliver to the region information, support and success for the business owners and their families who have been impacted by the recent storms. Murray State will continue to support its community through its response, recovery and growth efforts.

Murray State Universitys Center for Economic and Entrepreneurial Development can be reached by email at cwooldridge@murraystate.edu or by phone at (270) 809-2495.
In Warm Springs, tribal members dont pay for their water, and proposals to charge for it are deeply unpopular. That provides little incentive for tribal members to conserve water and raises questions about how new infrastructure will be maintained.

There are some Natives who say  and I believe this myself  How do you sell something you never owned? The Creator has given it to us, said Martinez, a tribal member.

Building out infrastructure in remote areas can be onerous, too. Most roads on the Navajo Nation are unpaved and become muddy and deeply rutted after big storms.

In Alaska, winter temperatures can fall well below zero, and construction seasons are short. Having enough people in a small community who are trained on the specifics of a water system so they can maintain it also can be a challenge, said Kaitlin Mattos, an assistant professor at Fort Lewis College in Colorado who worked on a 2020 report on water infrastructure in Alaska.

Every bit of funding that is allocated is going to help some family, some household, which is wonderful, she said. Whether its enough to help every single household, I think, remains to be seen.

Fonseca reported from Flagstaff, Arizona. Bohrer reported from Juneau, Alaska.

Copyright 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
COLUMBUS JUNCTION  Beginning January 1, the Louisa County Ambulance Service will operate under the city of Columbus Junctions umbrella, although a few details over the merger remain to be ironed out.

Mayor Mark Huston confirmed that date shortly after the city council adjourned its regular meeting on Wednesday. During the meeting, Huston and other city officials provided an update on recent steps that had been taken to move the citys acquisition of the ambulance service forward.

We had a meeting with the (LCAS Board of Directors) on Monday night - Mark and (council member) Hal (Prior) and I met with them - and Mark officially appointed Hal and I to the board, council member Frank Best reported.

Officials indicated the board would now likely be holding regular meetings, possibly monthly, and Best said he and Prior would be active participants in those meetings. He indicated the current board would remain intact for the next six months to provide some continuity for the service during the transition from its former nonprofit status to a city operation.

The city and the LCAS began discussing the changeover earlier this year and during its Sept. 8 meeting, the council approved moving forward with the acquisition.
WAPELLO  Louisa Countys unionized workers submitted two initial proposals that included 5 percent across the board salary increases to the board of supervisors on Monday, less than one day after the countys compensation board approved a Fiscal Year 2023 salary increase recommendation that proposed raises ranging from 6 to 18 percent for the countys elected officials.

The initial proposals, one for workers in the Louisa County Sheriffs Department and another for the Louisa County Roads Department, were presented by union representative Amber Moats.

While both proposals included the 5 percent wage increase and would remain in effect for one year, each had other specific provisions.

The proposal from the sheriffs employees included other financial provisions, including a 10 shift differential increase for any employee who works a regularly scheduled permanent shift that includes four hours or more between 6 p.m. and midnight. That would boost the shift differential to 20 per hour.

The differential for any employee who worked a regularly scheduled permanent shift of four or more hours between midnight and 6 a.m. would also be increased by 10, to 25 per hour, under that proposed article.
In October, the board had unanimously recommended that Floyd become just the second person in Texas since 2010 to receive a posthumous pardon from the governor.

As a result of the Boards withdrawal of the recommendation concerning George Floyd, Governor Abbott did not have the opportunity to consider it, Abbott spokeswoman Renae Eze said in a statement.

Mathis called the last-minute reversal a ridiculous farce." She said the board  which is stocked with Abbott appointees  did not make her aware of any issues prior to the announcement from the governor's office.

It really strains credibility for them to say now that it's out of compliance, after the board has already voted on it, she said.

Floyd grew up and was laid to rest in Houston. In June, former Minneapolis police Officer Derek Chauvin was sentenced to 22 1/2 years in prison for Floyd's murder, which led to a national reckoning in the U.S. over race and policing.
In November, the former Oklahoma zookeeper known as Tiger King Joe Exotic was transferred to the facility after a cancer diagnosis, his attorney said. Joe Exotic, whose real name is Joseph Maldonado-Passage, had been convicted for trying to hire someone to kill an animal rights activist and for violating federal wildlife laws.

The deadly homemade bombs that the vengeful Kaczynski sent by mail  including an altitude-triggered explosion that went off as planned on an American Airlines flight  changed the way Americans sent packages and boarded airplanes.

A 1995 threat to blow up a plane out of Los Angeles before the end of the July 4 weekend threw air travel and mail delivery into chaos. The Unabomber later claimed it was a prank.

The Harvard-trained mathematician had railed against the effects of advanced technology and led authorities on the nations longest and costliest manhunt. The FBI dubbed him the Unabomber because his early targets seemed to be universities and airlines.
PHILADELPHIA (AP)  U.S. Rep. Mary Gay Scanlon was carjacked at gunpoint by two men in a south Philadelphia park but wasn't injured, police and her office said.

Scanlon, D-Pa., was walking to her parked vehicle after a meeting in FDR park shortly before 3 p.m. Wednesday when two armed men demanded her keys, police said. She handed them over and one drove off in the blue 2017 Acura MDX while the other followed in a dark-colored sport utility vehicle, police said.

Scanlon was physically unharmed, said her communications director, Lauren Cox. Police said several personal and work items were also taken with the vehicle. WPVI-TV reported that the congresswoman's personal and government cellphones were inside, along with her purse and identification.

Police said they were working with the FBI, which is taking the lead of the investigation.

I am relieved that Congresswoman Scanlon was not physically injured, and my thoughts are with her during this difficult time, Police Commissioner Danielle Outlaw said in a statement, vowing that police would provide any support needed.
Public support in Iowa for legal marijuana has climbed exponentially in recent years: it was at just 29% in a 2013 Iowa Poll.

This has become a mainstream issue. The majority of Iowans support this, said Sen. Joe Bolkcom, a Democrat from Iowa City. The Republicans are in the minority on this. That said, we need their help to move this constitutional amendment to voters so they can have their voices heard.

That does not sound likely. Such a proposal likely would move through the judiciary committee, and the man who chairs that committee in the Senate, Sen. Brad Zaun, a Republican from Urbandale, said that will not happen.

Gimmicks like a constitutional amendment on recreational marijuana do a better job of illustrating the lack of ideas Senate Democrats have to solve the problems of Iowans than any response I have, Zaun said in an emailed statement. I have no intentions of advancing this bill out of the judiciary committee.
An American Canyon police officer noticed a car parked against traffic, and his decision to check things out resulted in arrests.

The car was near the intersection of Los Altos Place and Donaldson Way on Wednesday at 2:56 a.m. The parking position is common for people who are engaging in such behavior as catalytic converter theft, a police press release said.

The officer pulled in behind the vehicle and the vehicle drove away. A check of registration information showed the vehicle had been reported stolen out of San Francisco.

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Police made a traffic stop. They found the occupants had shaved keys, a spring-loaded window punch, controlled substances and drug paraphernalia.

Police arrested 24-year-old Guillermo Camacho of Oakland on suspicion of felony vehicle theft and possession of stolen property and misdemeanor possession of burglary tools, a controlled substance and drug paraphernalia and bringing contraband into a jail facility, the press release said.

They arrested 23-year-old Maria Almendra of Oakland on suspicion of misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia, misdemeanor possession of burglary tools and bringing contraband into a jail facility. Both were booked and released that afternoon, the press release said.

Officers returned to the area where the vehicle had first been located, but found no signs of vehicle burglaries. Police pointed to the incident as an example of proactive policing.

You can reach Barry Eberling at 256-2253 or beberling@napanews.com.

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With the search for Crystal Lea McCarthy now in its second week, friends of the 37-year-old Napa woman missing since Dec. 13, along with volunteers, carried out another search on Wednesday.

About 20 searchers allied with the Facebook group Find Crystal Lea McCarthy met at 11:30 a.m. in the parking lot of the Century Napa Valley movie theater at 195 Gasser Drive. The searchers split up into small groups to canvass the area and give out missing-person handbills to local businesses.

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McCarthy was reported missing on the morning of Dec. 14. The handbills state she was last seen at about 9 p.m. Dec. 13 on the Napa River Trail between Lincoln Avenue and Trancas Street, at the tail end of a heavy two-day rainstorm that dumped about 4 inches and more on much of the Napa Valley.

The group of searchers targeted the South Napa area near the Imola bridge because the Facebook group had received tips of possible sightings in the area, said Deanna Reister, a friend and former coworker of McCarthy.

Search efforts since her disappearance have included walks of the Napa River banks by detectives, a California Highway Patrol search on Dec. 16, and a Napa County Sheriffs Office boat search on Sunday from Kennedy Park north to downtown.

Police reported earlier that McCarthys boyfriend Drew Wright told officers he had last seen and talked to her the night of Dec. 13 and that he worked that evening and learned she was not home on his return just after midnight.

A roommate of McCarthy and Wright was home that night and spoke with McCarthy just before 9 p.m., when she asked about an umbrella, Napa Police said on Saturday. At 10:30 p.m., the roommate received a food order placed by McCarthy, but assumed she was in her bedroom.

Wright, who was among the group searching for McCarthy on Wednesday, said he searched the area the next morning and found McCarthys umbrella and boots on the western bank of the Napa River, near their home.

Detectives have reported no activity on her bank accounts since her disappearance, and McCarthys cellphone was left at her house. Wright said it was not abnormal for McCarthy to leave without her phone.

Also on Tuesday, Napa Police released new details about McCarthys possible whereabouts on Dec. 13 before her disappearance, under the Lincoln Avenue bridge near their home, the department said.

According to Sgt. Pete Piersig, McCarthy was observed at about 10:34 p.m. on a security video at a nearby 7-Eleven store, with a homeless man who had recently been released from jail. She was seen in the video purchasing alcohol, a detail Piersig said was consistent with what her boyfriend Wright believed she was doing, Piersig said in an email about the encounter.

Police initially were informed that McCarthy had befriended a homeless woman and had brought food and beverages to her and others in the past, but follow-up conversations revealed she also was a friend of the homeless man, who Piersig said is not suspected of any criminal activities.

The nearest 7-Eleven at the corner of the Silverado Trail and Lincoln is east of the home shared by McCarthy, Wright and their flatmate. On Wednesday police released the last known photo of McCarthy at the 7-11, taken at about 10:30 p.m. on Dec. 13.

We suspect she went in the rushing river based on the proximity of her personal belongings, but it is entirely possible she walked away or was taken away, wrote Piersig. Since we cant rule out that she met foul play, we will continue to investigate.

Wright said the homeless man told him he met McCarthy while walking on the bridge to the 7-11 that night and they started up a conversation. According to Wright, the man said that he and McCarthy picked up alcohol at the store and then drank it underneath the bridge. He told Wright he went to get more alcohol and when he came back McCarthy was gone.

Wright said he thinks the Napa police department detectives are doing the best they can with little evidence.

Napa police detective Brandt Keown said the department isnt considering foul play at this point, given the information they have, and that the homeless man has been cooperative and forthcoming in interviews with police.

Wright and several of McCarthys friends said McCarthy is a very friendly person who could strike up a conversation with anyone. Wright added McCarthy is an amazing social butterfly and one of the bubbliest people I know, and that they have a great relationship.

Shed talk to anybody; she didnt really have much of a filter for dangerous people, potentially at least, Wright said.

McCarthy is described as 5 feet and 4 or 5 inches, weighing 155 pounds with red-orange hair and green-hazel eyes. She was described as wearing a blue hooded jacket and black pants, and does not have a vehicle.

The Facebook group Find Crystal Lea McCarthy can be viewed at facebook.com/FindCrystalLea, and information can be sent to FindCrystalLea@gmail.com. Anyone with information is asked to contact Napa Police Detective Brandt Keown at 707-257-9592 or bkeown@cityofnapa.org, or Drew Wright at 707-225-4193.

You can reach Howard Yune at 530-763-2266 or hyune@napanews.com

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Howard Yune Public Safety Reporter Howard Yune covers public safety for the Napa Valley Register. He has been a reporter and photographer for the Register since 2011, and previously wrote for the Marysville Appeal-Democrat, Anaheim Bulletin and Coos Bay (Oregon) World. Follow Howard Yune 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
With the quantity of Napas dispensaries steadily climbing, the city of Napa is set to move early next year to permit retail sales of cannabis to adults in the city.

Its been five years since recreational cannabis use was legalized in California. That 2016 legislation was known as Proposition 64, which 61% of voters in Napa County voted to approve compared to 57% of state residents overall.

But California cities have been slow to embrace cannabis businesses. Most still dont allow adult-use cannabis sales, including the city of Napa.

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The city still currently only permits medical sales of cannabis through an ordinance passed in 2017  the adult-use ordinance would come into effect in roughly a month after the council approves it.

That means customers need a physician-approved medical-use card to purchase cannabis products at any of the citys six dispensaries. The medical card required has become less of an obstacle over time  patients dont have to see a physician in-person and can obtain a card over the phone  but it still presents a hurdle for interested customers like tourists, retailers say.

In February this year, the Napa City Council voted to include the cannabis-selling ordinance on a list of six policy objectives to prioritize this year. The new adult-use permits  available to businesses 30 days after final city council approval  would allow for anyone age 21 or older to purchase cannabis products from retailers with those permits.

Representatives of cannabis retailers have said opening up adult-use sales would boost business considerably for the dispensaries, which in turn would bring increased tax revenues to the city.

Harvest House of Cannabis, Napas first dispensary, opened right at the end of 2018. Five more cannabis retailers have opened up in the city since then, including Perfect Union and Abide this year.

Aimee Henry, an owner of Napa Cannabis Collective, said at a city planning commission meeting that she anticipates the business to have about 1,500 customers each month with adult-use allowed, compared to the 300 to 500 that currently shop at the business in the same time frame.

Though a coalition of five of Napas current dispensaries have expressed concerns about other dispensaries rapidly moving into once adult-use becomes allowed, the council didnt express support for a requested 2-year moratorium on new adult-use cannabis retail applications.

Henry said at the planning commission meeting the moratorium would benefit both the city and the current retailers. The retailers would be able to stabilize financially after taking a hit from economic difficulties spurred by the COVID-19 pandemic, she said. And the city would have time to decide how and if to limit the number of dispensaries allowed in the city.

Our thought process was, give the city time, give us time to catch up to the marketplace and then that also allows for public comment and observation to give an idea of if you want to put a cap in place later down the road and how many that cap should be if you decide to do that, Henry said.

A letter sent by the coalition to the city suggested that not capping the number of dispensaries would impact each companys ability to balance their budgets, operate sustainably and give back to the Napa community.

Councilmembers and planning commissioners for the most part expressed that they didnt support the suggested moratorium because it goes against the spirit of competition. Two planning commissioners wished to recommend establishing a one-year moratorium to the city council, but didnt have the votes to pass that suggestion.

Whether or not adult-use applications will flood into the city next year remains to be seen. Regardless, the coalition of retailers has framed allowing adult-use sales as opening up a significant tax-base for the city and contributing to Napas tourism industry.

The COVID-19 pandemic has devastated tourism and ravaged local government budgets, the letter says. Cannabis brings a unique opportunity to stabilize and build tourism. People are traveling from all around the world to taste Napas fine wines, and now it's fine cannabis.

You can reach Edward Booth at (707) 256-2213.

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We will hold more discussions on the Armenian-Turkish relations in the bilateral format, but if there is an opportunity to hold discussions in the 3+3 format, we will also take advantage of that opportunity to have contacts with Turkey and express each others positions more clearly and make them more accessible. This is what Secretary of the Security Council of Armenia Armen Grigoryan said in an interview aired on Armenian Public Television today, touching upon Armenias participation in the 3+3 or 3+2 regional format being formed and the possible agenda within the scope of that format.

Asked if this means that Armenias representatives will go to Ankara since the Turkish foreign minister informed that the next meeting will be held in Turkey and then in Baku and the representatives of Turkey and Azerbaijan will visit Armenia, Grigoryan said the following: If there is an opportunity, we are ready to go, and we are also ready to host the representatives of those countries to organize discussions on our regional issues.

The first meeting in this regional format was held on Dec. 10 in Moscow, and Armenia was represented at the level of the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs. Although the Georgian national flag was seen at the meeting, Georgia didnt participate in the meeting since it is against participation in this and any platform with Russias participation. Nevertheless, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu recently voiced hope that Georgia will participate in the next meeting to be held in Ankara, but Tbilisi hasnt responded to this yet.
Security Council secretary Armen Grigoryan made another nonsense on the air of H1 [television] today about the recording of a number of facts by us at a recent press conference with [fellow MP] Anna Grigoryan. I use this word specifically to make it clear to the public about what state our country's national security is. Gegham Manukyan, an MP of the opposition "Armenia" Faction of the National Assembly of the Republic of Armenia (RA), wrote this on Facebook Wednesday night.

"It refers to the withdrawal of RA Armed Forces units from the Syunik [Province] frontline in December 2020. He [i.e., Armen Grigoryan] has lied," Manukyan added, also proposing to organize a live TV debate between him and Grigoryan.

In an interview with the state-funded Public TV of Armenia last evening, Armen Grigoryan, referring to the statements and claims of the opposition MPs that the Armenian authorities had signed a secret document from the public and some state institutions, noted that the opposition MPs present the known facts as disclosures to the public.

"We have spoken publicly about almost all the processes that took place after November 9; the Prime Minister said why he made decisions to withdraw the troops. The document is about something completely different, I am surprised that the opposition has made a disclosure a year later. The document was that Armenia will continue to use that road until having an alternative road. In November, the construction of an alternative road was completed in Armenia; Azerbaijan announced that it would set up customs checkpoints on the Goris-Kapan road. We have talked about this, and it is surprising that the opposition is making disclosures about known facts," said the Armenian Security Council secretary.
Sony reveals its first 4K quantum OLED TV

Kazakhstan ministry of internal affairs says they will destroy those who refuse to lay down their arms

Russian Defense Minister holds talks with Pentagon head

Blinken discuss with Kazakhstan FM situation in republic

Kazakhstan President thanks CSTO for sending peacekeeping forces

Aeroflot cancels all flights to and from Kazakhstan on January 6 and 7

Armenian Embassy in Kazakhstan recommends not to leave place of stay

Kazakhstan MFA denies information on suspension of foreign citizens entry into country

EU takes note of Kazakhstan's appeal for help to CSTO

Shooting in Kazakhstan's Alma-Ata

CSTO Secretary General discuss Kazakhstan situation with Armenian PM

Yerevan-Aktau flight scheduled for today is canceled

Kazakhstan suspended entry of foreign nationals into the country

Lavrov supports efforts to normalize relations between Turkey and Armenia

President of Artsakh attends Christmas Holy Liturgy

Yerevan-Aktau flight scheduled for today is canceled

Saakashvili welcomed protests in Kazakhstan

Gibka-S missile systems to be delivered to Russian forces in 2022

Lavrov and Cavusoglu discuss the situation in the Caucasus

First plane with Russian CSTO contingent arrives in Almaty

Georgia PM: I congratulate our Armenian compatriots, brotherly Armenian people on Christmas

Russian peacekeepers secure entry to Karabakh for 5,000 vehicles carrying pilgrims

Armenia sends about 70 servicemen to Kazakhstan

Politico: US Senate unlikely to approve sanctions against Nord Stream 2

1 more person dies of coronavirus in Artsakh

134 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Armenia

12 law enforcement officers killed in Almaty

Razm.info: At least 78 casualties in Azerbaijan armed forces become known in 2021

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CSTO sends peacekeepers to Kazakhstan

Armenia President: May your hearts and homes be filled with peace, goodness

More than 1,000 people injured in Kazakhstan unrest

Catholicos of All Armenians serving Christmas Divine Liturgy

MFA: No Armenia citizens at the moment among those affected by Kazakhstan events

Blinken, Israel FM discuss Russia, Ukraine, Iran

Christmas and Revelation: Armenian Apostolic Church celebrates Nativity and Baptism of Christ

Dozens neutralized during attempts to attack administrative buildings of Kazakhstans Almaty

Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Armenia, Kazakhstan leaders discuss situation in Kazakhstan

Kremlin website posts Armenia PM statement on CSTO decision to send peacekeepers to Kazakhstan

Armenia PM: CSTO will send peacekeeping forces to Kazakhstan

Airport of Kazakhstans Almaty freed during special operations

8 police and military killed in Kazakhstan: 317 more wounded

Protesters in Kazakhstan tear down Nazarbayev's monument

Special representatives of Armenia and Turkey meeting to take place on January 14 in Moscow

Azerbaijani defense ministry denies news of servicemen deaths

State of emergency introduced throughout Kazakhstan

EU calls on all sides in Kazakhstan to avoid escalation and violence

Azerbaijan starts receiving Turkmen gas through Iran

Prime Minister Pashinyan congratulates Armenians on Christmas

Protesters seize Almaty airport in Kazakhstan

Andranik Grigoryan is the CEO of Converse Bank, Chairman of Executive Management

France intends to help Azerbaijan in search of missing persons during 1st Karabakh war

Aeroflot cancels flight to Almaty: Aktau airport not working

Arnak Avetisyan appointed Armenian State Property Management Committees chair

Armenia appoints new ambassador to Russia

Christmas Eve liturgy takes place in Armenia's Etchmiadzin

Attempts to demolish a monument of Nazarbayev in Kazakhstan

Armenia deputy PM Mher Grigoryan to co-chair intergovernmental joint commission with Iran

Media: Internet cut off in Nursultan and Almaty

Armenia Prosecutor General to head for Moscow

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Protesters try to break into residence of Kazakhstan's president

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Kazakh protesters seize Kazakh president's residence and destroy TV channels premises

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Armenian traces destroyed in occupied Shushi

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Azerbaijan declares 2022 year of occupied Armenian city of Shushi

Justice minister not commenting on arresting Armenian captives returned from Azerbaijan

Yerevan homeless shelter residents picketing in front of Armenia labor, social affairs ministry

Hong Kong imposes ban on flights from 8 countries due to COVID-19

Protesters in Almaty riot hospitals and clinics

PM: I have hard time imagining how Omicron variant cannot enter Armenia

New council of Armenias Parakar does not convene first session, new village mayor not elected

7 new cases of coronavirus reported in Artsakh

Armenia cargo transportation via railway drops but passengers increase in 2021

Government hands over Zangezur Copper and Molybdenum Combine certified rights with 15% Armenia-owned shares

Borrell says EU cannot be a neutral spectator in talks with Russia

Armenian PM urges to throw plastic bags out of life

Oil prices stabilize after jump

Premier recalls that anti-tobacco law has entered into force in Armenia as of January 1

129 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Armenia

Kazakhstan President accepts governments resignation

Armenia State Property Management Committee dismissed

Armenia PM: We are entering 2022 with quite serious start to reforms

New council of Armenias Parakar convenes first session, village mayor election on agenda

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Flights delayed at Kazakhstan's Aktau airport as rallies continue

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Borrell not to discuss Nord Stream 2 during Ukraine visit
Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh) has always been proud of the religious and cultural monuments in its territory, considering them part of its historical and cultural heritage. The people of Artsakh are also concerned about the preservation of Russian religious and cultural heritage monuments. This is noted in the statement disseminated by the Embassy of Armenia in Greece. The statement continues as follows, in particular:

It is noteworthy that the state budget of the Artsakh Republic envisages expenditures for the preservation and restoration of historical and cultural monuments every year, as the domain of preservation, study, and use of historical and cultural monuments is one of the most important and special domains of the history and culture of the Artsakh Republic.

The Russian Holy Mother of God Church is located in Gevorgavan precinct of the Martuni region of the Artsakh Republic. The church was built more than 100 years ago by immigrants from Russia. It is made of limestone, yellowish in appearance. It has two entrances, which open from the west and north sides. There are more than two dozen windows. The parishioners of the church were Russian settlers. In 1989, the restoration work of the church began, which was interrupted due to the [military] aggression unleashed by Azerbaijan against Artsakh, during which the church again suffered great damage. Before the start of the war in 2020, the government of the Artsakh Republic was working on a project to restore the church and was looking for a sponsor to start the restoration work.

Thus, the propaganda material disseminated by an Anastasia Lavrina and the Azerbaijani Embassy in Greece in Greek translation about the Armenian sides alleged "encroachments" on the Russian Orthodox religious heritage in the territory of the Artsakh Republic is another provocative, groundless, and false disinformation. It aims to spread hatred towards Armenians and try to drive a wedge in the relations between Armenia and its relatives. The country [i.e., Azerbaijan] that deliberately destroys cultural monuments is trying to cover up, with baseless accusations, the numerous cases of vandalism committed by it.

Despite the rulings of the International Court of Justice, Azerbaijani officials continue to spread targeted racial hatred [against Armenians] and do not take any steps to stop the destruction of Armenian cultural heritage.
Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly of Armenia, Head of the Armenia-India Friendship Group Hakob Arshakyan today received Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of India to Armenia Kishan Dan Dewal.

Members of the Friendship Group Tsovinar Vardanyan, Taguhi Ghazaryan, Tigran Abrahamyan and Narek Babayan were also attending the meeting.

The deputy parliamentary speaker noted that the rich historical past of the Armenian-Indian relations serves as the best basis for expansion of interstate ties.

During the past 29 years, since the establishment of diplomatic relations, Armenia and India have succeeded in turning the friendly ties with deep historical roots into warm interstate and partnering relations, Hakob Arshakyan underlined.

Talking about the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, Arshakyan touched upon the importance of the immediate return of persons held as captives in Azerbaijan and the failure to implement the provisions of the November 9 trilateral statement by Azerbaijan. Arshakyan emphasized that, in this regard, Armenia appreciates the balanced statements and the role of India in the international arena. He stated that Armenia reaffirms its support to India on the Jammu and Kashmir issue and expressed hope that the issue would be resolved peacefully.

According to the deputy parliamentary speaker, Armenia has mutually beneficially cooperation with friendly India in different spheres and stated that, in 2019, compared to the same period, the volumes of export to India grew by almost 20 times.

Touching upon the cooperation in various sectors, Arshakyan singled out the activities of the Armenian-Indian Center for Excellence in ICT.

The direct aviation flights between the two countries was highlighted from the perspective of expansion of cooperation in the fields of tourism and business development. The parties also touched upon the student exchange programs in the sphere of education, and it was particularly mentioned that more than 3000 Indian students receive education in Armenia. The importance of the North-South road corridor and its international significance was underlined. An agreement was reached to work on review and expanding the Memorandum of Cooperation between Armenia and India signed in 2005.

The Ambassador attached importance to the deepening of the Armenian-Indian relations as well and noted that a Friendship Group will be also formed in the Indian Parliament soon. Kishan Dan Dewal highlighted the settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict through peaceful negotiations and within the framework of the Co-Chairmanship of the OSCE Minsk Group.

New perspective directions of the bilateral cooperation were discussed, and the need for deepening the collaboration in different spheres was underlined.
In recent years, there has been a natural increase in Armenia due to the birth of the third child in families. The Minister of Labor and Social Affairs, Narek Mkrtchyan, stated about this at Thursdays Cabinet meeting of the government.

"Studies estimate that growth at five percent, and with this program we will be able to estimate the results of three years in 2025, and we predict that there will be another three-percent growth," he added.

According to the minister, this program is of strategic demographic importance, and there is a separate point in the 2021-2026 program of the government where it is noted that the demographic strategy of Armenia shall be developed.

"The Ministry [of Labor and Social Affairs], already with the assistance of the United Nations Population Fund, has jointly started developing the demographic strategy document of Armenia, the main part of which we plan to complete by May 2022, and by September we will present, in addition, the results of the assessment of the monitoring and effectiveness of the current demographic programs," the minister added.

To note, as of January 1, 2022, financial assistance in the amount of 50,000 drams (approx. US$100) will be assigned in Armenia for the birth of the third and each subsequent child in the countrys familiesand until this child turns 6 years old.
Azerbaijan has demanded the removal of Armenian place names in Nagorno-Karabakh (Artsakh) from Google Maps, according to Azerbaijani media.

We would like to bring to your notice that in addition reflecting the official names of Azerbaijans Karabakh region in the application of Google maps in the Azerbaijani language, the issue of using fake names in the Armenian language has been raised before Google via official diplomatic channels, head of the Press Service Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) of Azerbaijan, Leyla Abdullayeva, stated this regarding the names of the now-Azerbaijani-occupied territories of Artsakh in Google Maps.

According to her, a letter was sent to the company's management regarding the distortion of the names of the territories of Azerbaijan, and a list of official geographical names of the relevant territories was submitted to the company.

"Moreover, we would like to remind that in May of this year we presented a national report prepared by the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources of the Republic of Azerbaijan at the annual session of the UN Group of Experts on Geographical Names (UNGEGN).

The report contains a list of 4,589 settlements officially standardized and approved in Azerbaijani, English, and Russian, as well as the names of 125 geographical objects located and identified in our territories affected by the Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict.

Resolutions adopted by the United Nations Conference on Standardization of Geographical Names do not allow changes in standardized geographical names by any competent public authority of any state, and such changes cannot be recognized by the United Nations.

As for the Google maps platform, we would like to note that this application is based on the principle of individual requests and approaches of users. In this regard, it is very important that our citizens, as well as non-governmental organizations, actively write their opinions on the subject to the company," the Azerbaijan MFA official added.
The perpetrators of the storming of the US Congress building must be held accountable before the law, regardless of their position in society, US President Joe Biden told ABC.

According to him, it doesn't matter who participated in the riots as those who are responsible must answer before the law.

On January 6, 2021, supporters of the then President of the United States, Donald Trump, burst into the building of Congress in Washington to prevent the approval of the results of the presidential elections held in November 2020 in the country. Biden won them. During the riots inside the building, the police shot and killed the protester. In addition, there were recorded unrelated deaths of several more people, qualified as medical emergencies. After the clashes, a Capitol police officer died.

A special committee of the House of Representatives of Congress, which is investigating the circumstances of the assault, ordered a number of individuals, including former Trump aides, to appear at the hearing and provide all information they have about these events. Summons were sent to them.
At the moment we have a pretty good epidemic situation. Minister of health Anahit Avanesyan noted this at Thursdays Cabinet meeting of the government of Armenia.

"The reproduction rate is 0.56 percent, which means that this favorable situation will be maintained. If we follow the anti-epidemic rules during the holidays, too, we will be able to keep the situation stable," she added.

The minister informed that the Omicron variant of the coronavirus has not been detected in Armenia yet.

"We are carrying out sequencing of the samples taken from people who have just arrived in Armenia. When we have a positive case, we will definitely make it public. The data being accumulated show that vaccinations [against COVID-19] ensure a fairly high threshold against the Omicron variant, too, which is pleasing," Avanesyan said.
The Constitutional Court of Armenia is announcing its decision on the constitutionality of the order of the Minister of Health on mandatory coronavirus vaccinations and testing.

According to the decision, employers need to require that their employees submit a certificate of vaccination against the coronavirus or show negative result of a PCR test twice a month and/or a statement of information from a doctor stating that the particular employee has contraindications for vaccination.

According to the deputies of the National Assembly who submitted an application to the Constitutional Court, the order mandates all employees to either get tested for COVID-19 at their own expense or get vaccinated. The deputies stated that this has to be each persons informed, not imposed decision.

According to Article 68 of the Constitutional Law on the Constitutional Court, the body having adopted the mentioned law (National Assembly of Armenia) and the body having adopted the mentioned order (Minister of Health of Armenia) are involved in the proceedings as respondents under this case.
Azerbaijan has supposedly addressed Bosnia & Herzegovina with the request for identification of the remains of those who fell during the first war in Nagorno-Karabakh. This is what Foreign Minister of Azerbaijan Jeyhun Bayramov said during a press conference with Foreign Minister of Bosnia & Herzegovina Bisera Turkovic.

Bosnian specialists are ready to help Azerbaijan with this, the Bosnian FM said.

According to Bayramov, its about the fraternal tombs that have allegedly been found in the territories under the control of Azerbaijan.

The Azerbaijani authorities claim that nearly 4,000 people went missing during the first war in Nagorno-Karabakh. Based on the data of the Armenian side, nearly 1,000 people went missing from Armenia and the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic.
President of Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh) Arayik Harutyunyan today attended the regular session of the National Assembly during which the bill on the 2022 State Budget of Artsakh was considered in the second reading.

In his concluding speech, President Harutyunyan touched upon the activities carried out in 2021, noting that the relative stability that is being maintained through the Defense Army and the Russian peacekeeping contingent has provided the opportunity to solve a number of vital issues and launch projects that will help ensure progress.

Harutyunyan also talked about the mid-term expenditure programs for 2022-2025 and stated that the key issue of Artsakh has been and remains demography, adding that improvement of the demographic situation will be the aim of all the programs to be implemented in the coming years. The head of state also touched upon the launched and future housing projects and added that his apartment for each family program is still in effect.

The President of Artsakh also talked about foreign policy and security issues. I believe the presence of the Russian peacekeeping contingent in Artsakh needs to be guaranteed and termless until there is no longer a need for its presence, and the need and opinions of the people of Artsakh need to be key factors since we the people of Artsakh are the main beneficiaries of the peacekeeping mission, Harutyunyan said, noting that the consistent capacity-building and strengthening of the Defense Army, police and the National Security Service are another major direction on the path to ensuring proper security.

The head of state said Artsakh will continue the struggle for unconditional recognition of the exercise of the right of the people to self-determination and the return of the seized territories. We support a peaceful settlement of the conflict where our major and unwavering goal is to achieve international recognition of Artsakhs independence based on the right to self-determination, and this will pave the way for implementation of the ultimate goal of the Artsakh movement, he said.

The law on the 2022 State Budget was adopted with 18 votes in favor and 11 votes against.
Minister of Foreign Affairs of Iran Hossein Amir-Abdollahian has expressed willingness to provide technical and engineering support to Azerbaijan for restoration of the occupied territories of Nagorno-Karabakh, Tasnim reports.

During a meeting with his Azerbaijani counterpart Jeyhun Bayramov in Baku, Amir-Abdollahian said Iran is ready to export technical and engineering services to Azerbaijan. He also expressed Irans willingness to offer the neighboring country its resources to assist in restoring the liberated territories.

Highlighting the need for closer cooperation between Tehran and Baku in various sectors, the Iranian top diplomat called on making efforts for expansion of cooperation between the private sectors of both countries.
Employees arent obliged to pay for PCR tests because this was declared unconstitutional. This is what deputy of the opposition Armenia Faction of the National Assembly of Armenia Aram Vardevanyan told reporters, touching upon the decision of the Constitutional Court.

The problem with the well-known order of the health minister was that all employees of Armenia were forced to get tested for the coronavirus at their expense when the social situation is so complicated. This was one of the cornerstones of our application, and I believe it is extremely important that the Court implemented constitutional justice, Vardevanyan said, adding that even though the best solution is vaccination, it needs to be a persons informed decision.

An employer can no longer tell an employee to go and pay for a PCR test, and this is clearly stated in the concluding part of the decision. The decision of the Constitutional Court will be promulgated in full in three days, and well touch upon it, the MP stressed.

During todays session, the Constitutional Court of Armenia decided that certain provisions stated in the order of the Minister of Health are unconstitutional. In particular, the Constitutional Court declared the word-combination at his or her expense in the sentence the PCR test shall be carried out by the employee at his or her expense as contradicting parts 1 and 2 of point 6 and Article 39 of the Constitution and invalid, taking into consideration the fact that prescribing the scope of employees with the duty to pay for a PCR test is beyond the scope of powers of the Minister of Health prescribed by law.

According to part 2 of Article 170 of the Constitution, this decision is final and shall enter into force from the moment of promulgation.

Opposition MPs had applied to the Constitutional Court to challenge the constitutionality of the health ministers order on mandatory coronavirus vaccinations and testing.

According to the decision, employers need to require that their employees submit a certificate of vaccination against the coronavirus or show negative result of a PCR test twice a month and/or a statement of information from a doctor stating that the particular employee has contraindications for vaccination.

According to the deputies of the National Assembly who submitted an application to the Constitutional Court, the order mandates all employees to either get tested for COVID-19 at their own expense or get vaccinated. The deputies stated that this has to be each persons informed, not imposed decision.

According to Article 68 of the Constitutional Law on the Constitutional Court, the body having adopted the mentioned law (National Assembly of Armenia) and the body having adopted the mentioned order (Minister of Health of Armenia) are involved in the proceedings as respondents under this case.
The Fifth Turkish Column is very active in Armenia; it intoxicates all spheres of life, including the relations with the Armenian Diaspora. This is what High Commissioner for Diaspora Affairs under the Prime Minister of Armenia Zareh Sinanyan said today.

After the war, unfortunately, for political considerations, certain organizations of the old Diaspora became hostile towards Armenia, and it was very wrong on their part. Those organizations have been monopolists in the relations with Armenia for many years. However, now we are going to renounce this approach and work with all organizations and individuals. We are even ready to work with those who have had a bad attitude towards Armenia after 2018, he stated.

Sinanyan clarified that President of the Association of Armenian Lawyers of Russia Shahen Petrosyan, who was awarded a medal in the past and which caused the discontent of other Armenians who provided assistance during the war in Nagorno-Karabakh, was either at the Embassy of Armenia or was providing assistance every day during the war. Sinanyan added that he and others have made tremendous contributions.
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The vast majority of Americans have a religious preference -- predominantly a Christian one -- though that percentage is declining. At the same time, much smaller proportions of Americans say that religion is "very important" to them, that they belong to a church or that they regularly attend religious services.

Most Americans Identify With a Religion

According to an average of all 2021 Gallup polling, about three in four Americans said they identify with a specific religious faith. By far the largest proportion, 69%, identify with a Christian religion, including 35% who are Protestant, 22% Catholic and 12% who identify with another Christian religion or simply as a "Christian."

Seven percent identify with a non-Christian religion, including 2% who are Jewish, 1% Muslim and 1% Buddhist, among others.

Twenty-one percent of Americans said they have no religious preference, and 3% did not answer the question.

Line graph. Religious preferences of U.S. adults, 1948 through 2021. In the 1940s through the early 1970s more than 90% of Americans said identified with a Christian religion. That steadily declined to 69% in 2021. Meanwhile, there has been a sharp increase in the percentage of Americans with no religion, which was less than 5% from through the early 1970s, rose to 10% by 2002 and was 21% in 2021.

Fifty years ago, in 1971, 90% of U.S. adults identified with a Christian religion, 6% were non-Christian or another religion, and 4% did not have a religious preference. Thus, much of the change in the U.S. has been a shift away from Christian religions to no religion at all.

Religion 'Very Important' to About Half of Americans

Forty-nine percent of Americans say religion is "very important" in their life, with another 27% saying it is "fairly important" and 25% saying it's "not very important."

When Gallup first asked this question in 1965, 70% said religion was very important. That fell to 52% in a 1978 survey -- though the percentage ticked up to near 60% between 1990 and 2005, before declining in the past 15 years.

Line graph. Importance of religion to U.S. adults, 1965 through 2021. In the 1965, 70% of Americans said religion was very important to their lives. After falling to 52% in 1978, the figure rose slightly and stayed around 60% until 2005. Currently, 49% say religion is very important, among the lowest readings in the trend. Over time there has been a steady increase in the percentage who say religion is not very important to them.

Church Attendance Is Declining

Even though most Americans have a religious preference and say religion is at least fairly important to them, much smaller proportions regularly attend religious services.

Asked whether they personally had attended church, synagogue, mosque or temple in the past seven days, an average of 29% of U.S. adults in 2021 reported they had done so, either in person or virtually. In 2000, 44% had gone to church in the past seven days, and in 1958, 49% had.

Line graph. Self-reported church attendance in past seven days, 1939 through 2021. At its peak in the mid-to-late 1950s, 49% of U.S. adults said they had attended church in the past seven days. The percentage generally stayed above 40% until 2012, and has been below that level since, including a new low of 29% in 2021. The 2021 question, which asks about attending church, synagogue, mosque or temple, also accounts for virtual attendance as well as in-person attendance.

The long-term decline in church attendance is linked to a drop in religious identification in general -- particularly for Protestant religions -- but also to decreasing weekly attendance among U.S. Catholics.

When describing their behavior more generally, 22% of Americans report they attend religious services "every week," with another 9% saying they do so "almost every week" and 11% saying they attend about once a month. That leaves the majority saying they "seldom" (25%) or "never" (31%) attend religious services.

Gallup trends on this measure of church attendance date back only to 1992, at which time 34% of U.S. adults said they attended church every week.

Steep Decline in U.S. Church Membership

Additionally, less than half of Americans, 47%, belong to a formal house of worship. Church membership has been below the majority level each of the past two years. When Gallup first asked the question in 1937, 73% were members of a church, and as recently as 1999, 70% were.

Line graph. U.S. Church Membership. When Gallup first asked about church membership in 1937, 73% of Americans said they were a member of a church. The percentage stayed near 70% for much of the next few decades, and was 70% as recently as 1999. By 2011 the figure had dropped below 60%, and has continued to decline to 47% in each of the past two years.

The decline in formal church membership has largely been driven by younger generations of Americans. About one in three U.S. young adults have no religious affiliation. Further, many young adults who do identify with a religion nevertheless do not belong to a church. But even older adults who have a religious preference are less likely to belong to a church today than in the past.

To stay up to date with the latest Gallup News insights and updates, follow us on Twitter.

Gallup measures religious attitudes and behaviors each year as part of its Gallup Poll Social Series.

Explore Gallup questions and trends about religion on Gallup's Topics A-Z: Religion page.

For more articles in the "Short Answer" series, visit Gallup's The Short Answer page.
Nuclear Simulation Laboratory at Ontario Tech University.

Bruce Power and Ontario Tech University are partnering on an internship program designed to attract women to pursue post-secondary engineering degrees and careers in the nuclear sector.

Exclusively offering Canadas only Nuclear Engineering university degree, Ontario Tech proudly announces the Bruce Power Engineering Internships for Women program.

Through the program, four-month internship opportunities will be available to Ontario Tech Nuclear Engineering students who identify as women. Domestic and international students are eligible to apply. Candidates will participate in the program for three consecutive summers, pending maintenance of academic standards and successful employment reports. There is also potential for a full-year internship between the third and fourth academic years.

Bruce Power will offer support and development workshops for students, and can link students with local Women-in-Nuclear mentors.

Generate an innovative and environmentally-impactful career path at Ontario Tech. Learn more about the Bruce Power Engineering Internships for Women

Ontario Techs Nuclear Engineering program is in high demand

The nuclear industry is rapidly positioning itself for the future and seeks new talent. Ontario Tech offers an outstanding experiential learning environment that has a powerful reputation for producing career-ready graduates.

As the only program of its kind in all of Canada, Ontario Techs Nuclear Engineering degree attracts students seeking an interesting and innovative career in an industry featuring long-term stability.

The new Bruce Power/Ontario Tech internship program for up to 15 students each summer will help create a diversified talent source including female nuclear engineering students and graduates as potential hires for the energy company.

As the nuclear sector looks to diversify its talent base with new Indigenous candidates, its also targeting gender equity by 2030. In 2018, Bruce Power signed a Leadership Accord on Gender Diversity, publicly committing to fostering a culture of equality and inclusion throughout the workforce and at all levels, while facilitating greater opportunities for women in traditionally male-dominated positions.

The partnership with Ontario Tech University will advance this commitment, while providing valuable work experience to students pursuing careers in engineering.

The nuclear industry is critical for Ontarios energy future

In Ontario, nuclear energy accounts for about 60 per cent of energy production and played a key role in helped Ontario phase out the burning of coal for electricity, translating to a dramatic reduction in the number of smog days. The smaller land-use footprint and longevity of nuclear stations also mean that nuclear power has among the lowest lifecycle carbon footprints of any clean energy source.

A recent United Nations report highlights that global climate objectives will fall short without nuclear power in the mix. In Canada alone, nuclear power helps avoid 80 million tonnes of carbon emissions per year  equal to removing 15 million cars from the road.

Nuclear energy is a growing and stable industry. Major refurbishment projects mean plants will function for decades to come. Innovative new nuclear projects like small modular reactors could support reliable power generation in remote communities. At the same time, isotope capturing from Ontario nuclear facilities is a widening field, offering new opportunities in medical device sterilization and cancer treatments.

Quotes

Bruce Power has partnered with a number of organizations to build a pipeline of diverse talent in various roles across the company. This internship program is one of the ways we are building a more diverse and inclusive workforce as part of our clean energy future.

-Cathy Sprague, Executive Vice President, Human Resources, Bruce Power

Ontario Tech University thanks Bruce Power for this internship opportunity for women engineering students interested in the energy sector, and for helping the engineering profession reach its 30 by 30 goal to raise the percentage of newly licensed engineers who are women to 30 per cent by the year 2030. These new internships will drive new hands-on learning and mentorship opportunities for our students that will guide them in their transition to exciting and promising nuclear energy careers.

-Dr. Hossam Kishawy, Dean, Faculty of Energy Systems and Nuclear Science, Ontario Tech University

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Digitalization of the economy has resulted in data being the worlds newest resource for competitive advantage. Every digital process, or social media exchange gives rise to data. Big Data is arriving from multiple sources at an alarming volume at a very high velocity and in a variety of forms. Making value out of these enormous data is the biggest challenge that organizations face today. Big Data has frequently been defined by the four Vs: Volume, Velocity, Variety and Value.

Big data is changing the way we do business, it is shifting decision making from a select few to a large mass of individuals who are all equipped with information to make better decisions at all levels.

Organizations need to develop a clear strategy around Analytics and how it can align with their overall business strategy, instead of piecemeal big data projects arising out of individual group imperatives. Below are a few things to remember before embarking on a Big Data journey:

 Never start with the technology but with the business need

 Start by identifying some simple use cases which can be easily understood from a business relevance perspective

 While the overall strategy should be guiding the initiative, its better to start small with the end goal in mind, with open source products, and a small set of people. A pilot or POC with concept and underlying technology would be a good idea.

 Change management and general stakeholder buy-in is key in any newer initiative and Big Data is no exception. Sincere attempt should be made to get stakeholder buy-in. Hence, the need for simple and relevant use cases to start with. Analytics is a team sport.

 Identify the right set of people to be part of the initiative. These should be run by people who understand the business and knows the business outcome expected from the Big Data initiative in general and the use case in particular and supplemented by Business Analysts, Data Scientists, Graphic Designers, Analytics Architect, Data Engineer, Graphic Designer. Often these skillsets are hard to get and hiring from the market might become challenging. Attempts should be made to reuse, cross train and retrain existing skillsets.

Incubating big data projects with true values is a challenge in itself for the industry. Deep understanding of structured data, augmented with relevant unstructured data, is not an easy task. From ingestion of various data sources to meaningful business intelligence dashboard is a long journey which will require a good strategy and careful planning.

In agile way, the Big Data Analytics team and the business users work in a series of iterations right from scope definition, requirements gathering, data extraction, data exploration, data analytics phases, to delivery. Working in iterations and in close collaboration with the user ensures the delivery of a meaningful business outcome, which the business users can relate to, because they have been involved in the full lifecycle.

Another challenge is with respect to technology & people. The landscape is changing with a rapid pace and newer technologies are being added before the previous one has proven its worth. Finding the right mix of technology and a matching skillset is a real challenge.

Explosion of unstructured data from social media, messaging, connected devices (IoT) etc. will always have trouble fitting in the traditional data management scheme. Its not just augmenting the database with a field or two every time there is a need. The data strategy of tomorrow has to be scalable, performance centric, secure, highly available, fast, and logically useable. Cloud is a promising answer to all these challenges. With promise of anything as service cloud has potential to solve many Infrastructure issues arising from digital and big data transformation. "Analytics is addictive, this positive addiction quickly turns sour if your infrastructure can't keep up- Matt Wood, AWS Data Science Chief.

Benefits Brought About by Big Data in Customer Centricity

The rise of social media has already proven that customer is at the centre and every strategy revolves (or will revolve) around her. With better persona of customer the companies are in a better position to reachout and interact with the customers. Structured data within an organization and unstructured data together can release immense business intelligence which is/will transform how companies do business today. Many start-ups, insure-tecs and fin-techs are a result of this evolution. Traditional way of doing business is no more viable. And meaningful outcome based options are emerging more and more  re pay-as-you-use, pay-how-use etc.

The most heartening evolution will be that finding the right skill will become easier as more and more young professionals are focusing on these skillsets and these areas are making entry into the educational curriculum as well.
Private airline Go First, formerly known as GoAir, has introduced a 20 per cent discount scheme on domestic flights for passengers who have received both doses of Covid vaccine. With this scheme, the airline aims to encourage more passengers to get fully vaccinated in the fight against Covid-19. The discount scheme is applicable for travel beyond 15 days from the date of booking. According to Kaushik Khona, Chief Executive Officer, Go First: "The past two years have been extremely difficult due to Covid-19, which has redefined the meaning of normal. "We at Go First are committed to ensuring the safety of all our stakeholders. We began by supporting the vaccination of all our employees and now we encouraging more people to get inoculated. We understand the need for vaccination, especially in the wake of the new Covid variant and will continue to support India's fight against coronavirus." --IANS rv/arm ( 163 Words) 2021-12-22-22:40:05 (IANS)
Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], December 23 (ANI/PNN): Khatera Hakimi, an Afghan-American actor based in New York, has ignited the silver screen with her riveting performance as the RAW agent in 'Code Name Abdul.' With her stellar performance on the big screen, Khatera Hakimi has already become a heartthrob for many. Code Name Abdul, starring Tanishaa Mukherjee in the lead role in her long-awaited return to the big screen, has everyone buzzing this week with its slick action that has everyone impressed. However, the film is receiving a fantastic response from audiences thanks to its new cast members, particularly Khatera Hakimi, whose passion has led her to work in Indian films. Khatera Hakimi discovered her hidden talent of becoming an actress at a young age, influenced by her father's love of Indian classical music and black and white cinema of the past. The role of a RAW agent is played by Khatera Hakimi in the film, and she has done an excellent job. Khatera Hakimi co-stars in the film with promising newcomers Akku Kulhari and Ashok Chaudhary. "I was glad that I had with colleagues and peers who did not belong to the quintessential Hindi film industry," she adds. In some ways, they were all just getting started. And I'm grateful for their company as we discussed our fears, challenges, and mental states because we were all in it together." For months, Khatera Hakimi was trained in physicality to play the role of a RAW agent. "I was trained to strengthen my core and work on my agility," Khatera Hakimi says. It was sheer hard work and a few hours of gym time every day that propelled me to the next level of giving my all in the film and being physically prepared to perform stunts." Stunt training was also important, according to the actor. "I worked with my stunt coordinator to learn how to handle the gun, shoot, punch, and kick." Every stunt is a meticulously choreographed sequence, and not being perfect wasn't an option. It was all very new to me, and it was also very difficult. But that's the fun of acting. You can sink your teeth into parts of the world that are completely foreign to you. In this case, it's critical to understand the character's psyche." This story is provided by PNN. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of this article. (ANI/PNN)
Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], December 23 (ANI/Mediawire): We've all gone out of our way to impress our crush at some point in our lives, but rarely have we discovered our real passion/talent during this course. Actor Harsh Beniwal, who will soon be seen in MX Player's college drama - Campus Diaries, took to his social media to share with his fans how he discovered his acting talent. Posting a picture from his college days, Harsh shared a small incident that changed his life. What started as a medium for an icebreaker with his then crush, ended in a realization of his potential and the 'beginning of his quest and thirst for this art - acting' - wrote Harsh in the caption. Without any prior knowledge or interest in acting, he took part in an audition for the college theatre society and prepared a monologue from 'Haider' for the same. All this, just to interact with his then crush who was also auditioning for the same play. He didn't really get any attention from the girl but nailed the audition and received a thunderous applause. His co-stars from the series also dropped-in with some hilarious reactions on the comments section. Here's what they said: Ritvik Sahore commented on Harsh Beniwal's saying, "Hahaha bhai maine bhi college mei ek ladki ki wajah se guitar play karna shuru kiya tha! Ladki tohmili nahi but I fell in love with music" Saloni Gaur commented on the post and said, "Hahaha maine bhi college mei audition diya tha par hostel ke curfew timings ne saare plans barbad kar diye" Saloni Patel said, "Although mein sirf padhai kar rahi thi kyunki mujhe top ka engineer bana tha but jab college fest hota hai.. Those were the days man.. I was stupid to still not realise that the stage, music, dancing, acting was my calling! But college kept reminding me that. And of course the friends I made were a complete blessing." Srishti Ganguli shared emojis on the post and expressed her emotions. Does this post seem relatable to you? Who from your college does this group of 5 friends remind you off? Here's the link to Harsh Beniwal's post: https://www.instagram.com/p/CXvAzjfrXPF/?utm_medium=copy_link For the unversed, Campus Diaries is the latest MX Original Series, that is set to launch on 7th January 2022, starring Harsh Beniwal, Ritvik Sahore, Saloni Gaur and Salonie Patel. But this one is so-not-your-regular-college-drama because it goes beyond the routine masti and dosti plots that quintessential youth dramas portray and tackles relevant yet lesser discussed issues like ragging, one sided love stories, rampant drug abuse and toxic relationships that mould your personality and ready you to face the real world. The trailer of the show was released last week, and it certainly has all the ingredients to keep you entertained. In case you missed it, you can watch the trailer here - https://bit.ly/CampusDiaries_Trailer This story is provided by Mediawire. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of this article. (ANI/Mediawire)
New Delhi [India], December 23 (ANI/NewsVoir): Commemorating the 'Kisan Diwas' in year 2021, Sonalika Tractors has launched its most advanced Tiger DI 75 4WD tractor with superior CRDs (Common Rail Diesel System) technology for introductory price range of Rs. 11-11.2 lacs. Designed to deliver industry-first dual benefit of power and economy, the Tiger 75 4WD with CRDs technology complies with Trem IV emission norms and offers power of 75 HP & economy of 65 HP tractor just with a touch of a button. Alongside, Sonalika has also introduced the Tiger DI 65 4WD tractor which has been customised with twin benefit to deliver 65 HP power and economy of 55 HP tractor. Sonalika was the pioneer from India to introduce newer technology like CRDi complying with the European and American emission norms back in year 2016. Sharing his thoughts on company's commitment towards farmers, Raman Mittal, Executive Director, Sonalika Tractors, said, "Our farmers put in praiseworthy efforts every single day and on the Kisan Diwas, we are launching our most advanced Tiger DI 75 4WD tractor with powerful & fuel efficient CRDs - a technologically advanced system that delivers twin benefit of power and economy. Inspired by the sole belief of delivering farm prosperity in an affordable way, every new technology innovation at Sonalika is built with a clear focus to deliver outstanding performance for higher farmer productivity. Our latest Tiger 75 4WD tractor complies with Trem IV emission norms and offers the power of 75HP tractor and fuel efficiency of 65 HP tractor. Equipped with segment defining features such as highest torque & speed, the new Tiger DI 75 and Tiger DI 65 launch is a mark of honour by Sonalika Tractors towards farmers for their hard work and passion. Back in 2016, we were the pioneer from India to introduce newer technology like CRDi complying with the European and American emission and we will continue to introduce cutting edge technologies for farmers in India as well as abroad. Both new tractors will play a vital role in steering ambitious farmers towards a better tomorrow and further accentuate Sonalika's heavy duty tractor range for 'Leading Agri Evolution." One of India's leading tractor manufacturers and the No. 1 exports brand from the country, Sonalika Tractors has designed the Tiger series in Europe that has already been winning farmer's hearts across regions since its launch in 2019. Both the new models will be available in 4W and 2W drive versions and boast of premium technologies such as 12+12 shuttle tech transmission and 5G hydraulic control system. CRDs tractors built with legendary Sonalika power as well as intelligent features will drive farm mechanisation growth for next gen customers. Both the Tiger DI 75 and Tiger DI 65 tractors will be equipped with 'Sky Smart' telematics - that brings in unique features such as engine immobilizer, real-time support for reduced breakdown time, vehicle geo-fencing and tracking along with others. Banking on the farmer's valuable feedback, Sonalika's R&D experts have developed CRDs technology to deliver up to 10% higher fuel efficiency for affordable farming and will also support Sonalika Tractors to comply with the upcoming Trem Stage IV emission norms in future. Specifications of Tiger DI 75 and Tiger DI 65 that make the tractors unique: Equipped with 4,712 cc CRDs engine each, the Tiger DI 75 delivers 290 Nm torque and Tiger DI 65 delivers 258 Nm torque, which is the highest in their respective categories. The engine is coupled to a superior 12+12 shuttle tech transmission to ensure smooth gear shifting and fatigue free driving for long working hours, thereby resulting in higher productivity for farmers. The Tiger DI 75 delivers a top speed of 40 kmph and Tiger DI 65 tractor delivers a top speed of 35.65 kmph, which makes both tractors fastest in their respective segments. Taking forward the legacy of Sonalika Tiger series, the new tractors feature twin barrel headlamps with DRL, LED DRL tail light and a stylish front grille with chrome finish. The deluxe seat with 4-way adjustment and fully digital CAN-based instrument cluster support farmers for longer working hours. The 5G hydraulic control valve offers 130 auto depth settings and high lift capacity of 2,200 kg for easy lifting of heavy equipment's & attachments. These new tractors are also engineered with special speed gears to be suitable for over 30 applications including 4 MB plough, mulcher, reaper, 12-ft harrow, rotavator, baler, tractor mounted combined harvester (TMCH) et al. Sonalika Tractors, one of India's leading tractor manufacturers and the No.1 Exports brand from India, has established its robust presence in the domestic as well as in over 130 countries with 12 lakh+ customers. Sonalika manufactures the widest heavy duty tractor range in 20-120 HP and 70+ implements at its Hoshiarpur facility in Punjab that caters to the varied needs of customers across the globe. Being a farmer-centric brand, the Govt. of India has chosen Sonalika as the only tractor brand to contribute for the inspirational project of Niti-Aayog to double the farmer's income in the country by 2022. No.1 Heavy Duty Customised Crop Solutions Sonalika tractor portfolio is customised as per the needs is equipped with efficient engines which give higher power output and remain affordable with low maintenance for better total cost of ownership and experience. Sonalika is the leading brand in more than 50 HP tractor segment and is strengthening its presence in more than 40HP segment to achieve the leadership position. As the farm mechanisation expert, Sonalika Agro Solutions offers a wide range of implements to address various stages of crop cycle ranging from land preparation to post harvesting operations including residue management. Sonalika has also forayed into Custom Hiring Centres, a platform that offers small and marginal farmers an access to advanced agri machinery on rent, thereby aims to increase farm output in a cost effective way. The company has introduced 'Agro Solutions' app for easy access of requisite machinery to farmers, thereby promoting farm mechanization in the country. No.1 Exports Brand from India Sonalika is the No. 1 Exports brand from India and is proudly associated with 1.5 lakh customers in markets outside India, a true sign of acceptability of an Indian company across 130 countries. Having a 100% presence across all European countries, our tractors are successfully operated by more than 20,000 satisfied customers in diversified European conditions. Sonalika has also set up a spare parts centre in Germany that caters to the regional requirements with an aim to provide better service and customer satisfaction. The Hoshiarpur plant of Sonalika is the World's No.1 vertically integrated tractor manufacturing plant that is designed to manufacture customised farm machinery as per the farmer's crop-specific applications. The facility is fully equipped to manufacture almost every element in-house which goes in the making of a tractor and is powered by robotic as well as automation. Sonalika has bagged the 'Iconic Brand of the Year' award by The Economic Times three years in a row (2017-2019), and 'Global Innovations Leadership Award' by Agriculture Today in 2018 & 2019. Sonalika Vice Chairman, A.S. Mittal has been felicitated with the 'Business Leader Of The Year 2018-2019' award by BTVi. This story is provided by NewsVoir. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of this article. (ANI/NewsVoir)
According to a statement released by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry on Thursday, the two leaders held talks on December 21 through video conference.

"The ministers appreciated the progress made in various rounds of talks between the chief negotiators of both sides and discussed the way forward for an early conclusion of interim agreement," India's Commerce and Industry Ministry said.

"In this regard, both the ministers appreciated that bilateral trade talks have been very progressive and both the ministers have decided to deepen the engagement and directed the officials to speed up the negotiations to pave the way for a comprehensive agreement," it said.

Both the ministers also pitched for a rules-based international trading system. (ANI)
New Delhi [India], December 23 (ANI/NewsVoir): Vedic Cosmeceuticals, a premier private label manufacturer of personal care products for leading international and domestic brands, announced that the company raised INR 25 crore; it's Series A round of capital from Sixth Sense Ventures. Vedic Cosmeceuticals manufactures a wide range of personal care products, including facial care, hair care, baby care, soaps, body & bath care, intimate care and aromatherapy products. The company manufactures for leading Indian cosmetic brands including Nykaa, Moms Co., Sirona, Arata and many more, with 20% of their current production is exported to Europe. Founded by Mohit Goel in 2004, Vedic Cosmeceuticals has grown from being a contract manufacturer for a single brand in 2004 to 50+ leading brands in 2021. The company has grown almost 100% y-o-y, and their biggest strength is being able to provide deep customized Idea-to-shelf services to their clientele, having a 1000+ strong formulations bank in-house. The company's facilities are GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) and GLP (Good Lab Practices) certified, and FDA approved. Speaking on the fund raise, Mohit Goel, Founder Vedic Cosmeceuticals said, "Vedic Cosmeceuticals has grown steadily in the last few years, with accelerated growth since 2017. From building the first FDA approved unit in 2004, to setting up in-house R&D labs, upgrading to state-of-the-art manufacturing unit to onboarding multiple D2C companies, we have catered to the growing consumer needs in the segment of beauty and personal care. With a plethora of beauty and skin care options available in the market, the challenge which D2C (Direct-to-consumer) brands face today are sourcing clean beauty products which are ethically produced. With our focus towards clean beauty, we have been delivering highly customized services through to an accelerated go-to-market with a superior and well-thought-out product range." "We aim to utilize the raised funds to expand our outreach to newer markets and global clientele, and considerably scale up operations and take our Research & Development to the next level. Presently, the company has a monthly production capacity of 300 metric tonnes and we aim to upscale to 1000 metric tonnes shortly. We look forward to strategic guidance from Sixth Sense Ventures team; Nikhil and Ketki, for acquisition of new markets and leveraging their deep consumer understanding to further our existing relationships," he further added. Nikhil Vora, Founder & CEO of Sixth Sense Ventures said, "Beauty and personal care industry in India is a $13b industry, within which the fastest growing theme is clean beauty. It is expected to reach $2bn by 2025. With emergence and proliferation of direct-to-consumer beauty and personal care brands, contract research and manufacturing in the sector becomes critical. We are thrilled to partner with Sandhya and Mohit at Vedic who bring a differentiated set of capabilities to the industry, reflective of their broad product portfolio and emphasis on research and product innovation. We are extremely bullish on manufacturing in an environment wherein there will be a plethora of brands. Vedic is our vehicle to capture the tremendous growth that we envisage in the manufacture of Beauty and Personal Care." Vedic Cosmeceuticals is a leading private label manufacturer for more than 50 leading domestic and international brands. The company has its 80,000 sq. ft. state of the art manufacturing unit at Noida, NCR, and is producing private label Personal, Intimate Care and Baby Care products. The company is supplying 80% of its production to Indian brands, and the balance 20% is exported to international clientele. The company is also delivering its products to international clientele in Europe. Sixth Sense Ventures, founded by Nikhil Vora, is India's first domestic, consumer-focused venture fund - Investing in the Consumer of Tomorrow...Today. Their core philosophy lies in partnering "Early" with first-generation entrepreneurs that are disrupting large and sticky consumer categories and helping them create value by being a good sounding board. Founded in 2014, Sixth Sense Ventures currently manages over $500M across three funds and has been ranked as the top performing AIFs in India by CRISIL. Both their funds (SSIO-I and SSIO-II) have been voted amongst the top 5 funds in India over the past decade. SSIO-III has completed 15 investments including Fraazo, Nobel Hygiene, Parag Milk, Open Secret, GoodDot, Stylam, Neeman's, Rage Coffee, Storia, Bira, Design Cafe, Dogsee Chew, Giva, Wonderchef and Vedic. This story is provided by NewsVoir. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of this article. (ANI/NewsVoir)
Lawrenceville (New Jersey) [USA], December 23 (ANI/BusinessWire India): The USA-based World Talent Organisation (WTO) has collaborated with Primex Media Service Private Limited, a leading PR agency in India, for the promotion and expansion of its activities in India. Primex has been appointed as the World Record Consultant by the advisory committee of WTO. WTO USA in India is a specialized international organization for promoting talent at the global level and is a service-based platform that offers the best opportunity to showcase the potential of human beings and entities through certification and requisite consultancy. It follows a cliental-centric revenue model involving innovative promotional marketing with events, conferences, magazines, e-newspaper, and annual record book. Apart from these, it honours those personalities and places doing outstanding in their field and contributing to society's betterment across the world. Besides, WTO supports the cause of social, educational, and philanthropic activities to motivate people and business organizations. Mihir Brahmbhatt, Founder & CEO of the World Talent Organization, USA, said, "We have appointed Primex Media Service Private Limited as our partner and World Record Consultant for the promotion and expansion of our activities in India. Our mission at WTO is to inspire people to discover talent at their full potential and get recognized at the global platform". "We believe all of us are talented in our unique way. We just need to recognize our capacity and develop our talents to their full potential." The objectives of WTO is to provide a globally recognized business platform for corporates, NGOs, the educational sector, and other bodies who are involved in socio-economic development across the world, to organize events, conferences, meetings & conventions, and expositions at the national and international level. It also gives a platform for talented people to showcase their talent at the global level, to showcase human excellence and unique entities of natural or man-made creations; honour, certify and publish achievements of individual and organization, work with global brands and businesses to break world records as part of bespoke marketing campaigns, encourage people, business and brands to break or set new world records at national and international level and to provide business and brand marketing solutions. "We believe we have created working at the WTO with a sense of fun, adventure, curiosity, learning growth, and dedication. Across all aspects of business, there are opportunities to develop your skills, learn new ones, and further your career--the culture focus on mentoring, nurturing, and doing things together. We have an open and collaborative company culture dedicated to supporting employees and team members looking out for each other. We have a structured and controlled approach, with a focus on efficiency, stability, and doing things right," said Brahmbhatt. Nitesh Desai, director of Primex Media Service Private Limited, said, "It is our honour to collaborate with an international organization for promoting talent from India at the international level. We are looking forward to the long association with WTO." This story is provided by BusinessWire India. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of this article. (ANI/BusinessWire India)
Ahmedabad (Gujarat) [India], December 23 (ANI/NewsVoir): Injala, a leading insurtech solutions provider based out of Texas, US, has reiterated its commitment to innovation as it embarks on its next phase of growth. The leading disruptor in the insurance industry held its town hall meeting in Ahmedabad, where the senior management spoke about the company's plans for the years ahead. Addressing the town hall meeting, Injala CEO Hyder Naqvi told the employees how innovation has shaped the company and how it will continue to drive future growth. He exhorted employees to continue to embrace change, innovate the way they think and work, look outside the box for inspiration, and imagine beyond today's solutions. Naqvi recalled how the launch of Injala's WrapPortal, a network-based technology solution that automates the wrap-up certification process of commercial construction insurance, had resulted in 200% annual growth for many years, revenue growth of 300%, a three-fold expansion in the team strength, and creation of "innovation initiative" teams devoted to design, data science, and specific product engineering tasks. He recounted some of the company's firsts including being the first SAAS-based company in commercial insurance space, the first to automate processes including enrolment, payroll, reporting, closeouts, emails and alerts, and reviewed how the period from 2014-2018 laid the foundation for Injala's current products and those to be launched in the coming months. Naqvi also gave an overview of the soon-to-be-released technology products including Asuretify, which provides indisputable insurance authentication, Anzenn, the automated safety and loss control solution that uses object detection technology, and Kinetic, which provides digital policy management. In his presentation, Injala COO Rajeev Varshneya provided an overview of the company's roadmap to success. Other presentations included product development updates regarding WrapPortal presented by Nikhil Khoda, Anzenn by Ujesh Patel, Kinetic by Anand Thaker, and Asuretify by Sachi Mehta and Naveen Valera. Injala Engineering Manager Dhaval Charadva gave a presentation about the status of integrating artificial intelligence into Injala solutions. Employees based outside of India joined the event via live streaming. Exemplary employees were recognised for their dedicated service and achievements. This story is provided by NewsVoir. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of this article. (ANI/NewsVoir)
New Delhi [India], December 23 (ANI/NewsVoir): The Business Responsibility and Sustainability Report (BRSR) format aims to bring India's sustainability reporting to global reporting standards. Odgers Berndtson, a leading global executive search firm, recently brought together board members across eminent companies in India, for a roundtable to understand how leaders are aligning business goals with sustainability. The 7 key takeaways by business leaders on the changing landscape of sustainability in India are: 1. Choosing the right framework is important & often a challenge for businesses starting their journey on sustainability. Currently there is a lot of confusion around which charter a company should adopt. As per the latest guidelines by SEBI, the BRSR reporting format will become mandatory from FY 2022-23. "BRSR has been structured in a manner that allows companies to migrate towards globally converged frameworks and standards rather easily. BRSR is a good way companies can get disciplined on sustainability reporting. It is a magnet to pull the ESG story forward," affirms Shailesh Haribhakti, Non-Executive Chairman, L&T Financial Services. 2. Collaboration is key to achieve the goal of sustainability. All the energy that has been produced in the last 300 years by the primary elements, will go through dramatic shifts within the next 10-15 years. Keeping this context in the background, collaboration is the only way forward to make an impact. "Industry must come together to collaborate & establish norms under sustainability that work for their sector. Though this may be a tough challenge, but keeping the larger goal in mind, they must share innovation and sustainability best practices rather than use it as a competitive advantage," says Naina Lal Kidwai, Member of the Board of Directors and member of the Health, Safety & Sustainability Committee of Holcim Group. 3. Do markets favour companies working on sustainability? The harsh reality is that markets and global investors only look at those company that have strong balance sheets. However, markets do favour those companies that have adopted sustainability within their business ethics. "When investors are deciding on which company to invest in, they will go for the option where both profitability as well as sustainability are present. The market is extremely competitive, with many options for global investors to choose from. So, a company that does not work towards sustainability will lose out," remarks Anand Kripalu, Managing Director and Global CEO, EPL Ltd. 4. Imbibing sustainability within the supply chain. Educating vendors & MSMEs who don't have the necessary know-how. "Although larger corporates have set their goals towards sustainability and increased their focus, it is also important that they take that one step further and imbibe sustainability within their supply chains as well. This means to reach out & educate vendors about the value in being cognizant about water consumption, using clean energy and other benefits of focusing on sustainability," says Gita Nayyar, Independent Director PNB Housing Finance Ltd, Ind. Director - Glenmark Life Sciences, Non-Executive Ind. Director Transport Corporation of India. 5. Sustainability is no longer a choice but a way to do business "I believe the current thrust towards sustainability can be taken as a life changing opportunity in the organization life cycle. Whether one takes this in the right spirit and catapults oneself, or gets bogged down by all the risks that are involved, is a choice. I would say it's best to change before the world forces you to change," says Ashish Bhandari, MD & CEO, Thermax Group. 6. Young talent giving the necessary push towards sustainability. Young talent expects their recruiting firms to be environment conscious. Unlike before, companies have started to ensure their ESG goals reflect clearly in the mission & value statements. "The awareness and intent to achieve a sustainable business model spreads across the board and is not restricted to only a generation or a certain industry or a certain size of company. The ability to make a difference is what matters. Companies that are trying very hard and put in a lot of money and resources to move the needle on sustainability, because of the industry they operate in and the compulsions they must live with, are often not given adequate credit," says Bhavana Bindra, Managing Director South Asia, REHAU Polymers. 7. Linking of executive compensation & ESG goals The seriousness with which some corporates are looking at driving their ESG commitments can be seen with the recent trend of linking of executive compensation with ESG goals. "Executive compensation must be linked with ESG goals if the organization is serious towards achieving them. By human nature we are only driven to achieve those things we are incentivized for. If the incentive is not there, then that agenda point usually takes a backseat. The challenge is to incentivize executives to take up bigger, more challenging ESG goals that may not be necessarily quantifiable in the short to medium term," says Vikas Kulkarni, Managing Director, Bostik India. "Leaders may not be comfortable to link executive compensation with ESG goals due to challenges of defining appropriate metrics and well-defined targets. However, it does not mean it cannot be done. The key lies in breaking down broader goals into achievable targets and metrics that can be mapped in a given time frame that is acceptable to all concerned. The light at the end of the tunnel shouldn't seem so remote, that one gets discouraged to even attempt to cross it. If ESG goals are set too broadly and leaders aren't incentivized to drive it, then they will remain a distant dream," says Dr. Prasad Medury, MD India, Odgers Berndtson. Odgers Berndtson is one of the leading global executive search firms with presence in over 35 countries providing services such as leadership appointments, appointment of Board (Independent) Directors, leadership assessment, and contractual (Interim) appointments. Reach out to Odgers Berndtson team to explore your leadership requirements. This story is provided by NewsVoir. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of this article. (ANI/NewsVoir)
Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India]. December 23 (ANI/NewsVoir): As an extension of its vision to provide best treatment facilities, Milann Fertility & Birthing Hospital, JP Nagar today inaugurated all-new state-of-the-art level 3 NICU in the city. Located at its premises, the NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit) was inaugurated by Indian actress and producer, Priyanka Upendra. The NICU with 9 specialised beds will offer comprehensive care for babies in the highest risk categories, ranging from prematurity to life-threatening diseases. The well-equipped NICU will be a special area to care for newborns with complications requiring intensive medical attention, and will be well staffed with experienced neonatologists and paediatricians, specialised NICU nursing staff supported by a multi-disciplinary team of specialists. Some of the state-of-the-art facilities include, a dedicated neonatal ambulance for transport of neonates, in-utero transfer facility, high-frequency ventilators, monitors, breathing aids and other equipment. Speaking on the occasion, Priyanka Upendra, Indian Actress, Producer and a Mother said, "I would like to congratulate Milann Fertility & Birthing Hospital for achieving another milestone by launching level 3 NICU. Milann's effort to provide world-class medical practices and clinical services be it in terms of fertility & birthing or paediatric & neonatal is commendable. Being a mother myself, considering the higher risk of pregnancies these days, I understand the need of every mother to be in the best possible hands for best possible care. And I believe that this endeavour of Milann would serve the purpose. My best wishes for all the future endeavours of Milann." Commenting on the launch, Shailesh Guntu, CEO, Milann & Director Healthcare Services, Healthcare Global Enterprises Ltd. said, "Having a legacy of over 30 years, Milann has touched many lives since its inception and today is a matter of great pride for all of us in the organisation. The relentless faith shown by patients for our services in fertility care has enabled Milann to venture into birthing, with a Precious Baby Centre, backed by holistic expertise in providing superlative women and child care in terms of handling high-risk pregnancies and critical cases. The level 3 NICU at Milann Fertility & Birthing Hospital, JP Nagar will provide personalised care that will transform the way parents experience healthcare for their little ones." Adding on, Dr Praveen Kumar Venkatagiri, National Director, Neonatology & Clinical Operations, Milann said, "This level 3 NICU will be of great help to Milann's Precious Baby Centre. Our specialized team has vast experience in dealing with the smallest and youngest of babies and is well equipped to manage the most critical of cases. With the best of NICU machines such as advanced high-frequency ventilators, monitors, breathing aids and other equipment backed by the expertise of the medical team, we can assure better treatment options and outcomes." The launch also witnessed unveiling of a Birthing Package called the Happy Mom Package which includes benefits pertaining to comprehensive care needed to have a safe and peaceful birthing experience. For more details contact 1800 102 8860. Established in 1990, Milann was formerly known as Bangalore Assisted Conception Centre (BACC). The company was re-branded as Milann when it entered a strategic partnership with Health Care Global Enterprise Limited (HCGEL) in 2013 and became a 100 per cent HCGEL subsidiary in 2020. With 8 centres spread across India at prime locations, having a legacy of more than 30 years, Milann has helped over 1,00,000 couples experience the joy of parenthood while establishing benchmarks in technology, training and clinical competence in the field of Maternity, Antenatal Care, Gynaecology & Infertility. Since its inception, Milann has always been at the forefront of scientific research, giving comprehensive care to patients with access to a whole range of advanced reproductive services and state-of-the-art technologies. A five-time winner of the "Best in Fertility Services" award by the Times of India, Milann has some of the other feathers to its cap including the ET Best Healthcare Award 2021. This story is provided by NewsVoir. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of this article. (ANI/NewsVoir)
National carrier Air India has won a significant legal battle in a case of a passenger dispute in the UK. Notably, a bench of the English Court of Appeal, has passed an order in favour of the airline. Initially, a District Judge had passed a judgment against the airline in a dispute centered on the applicability of EU compensation regulations for a single booking, where only one leg of the booking - the only one within EU or UK jurisdiction - was delayed. In this case, the third leg of the passenger's flight departed from Heathrow Airport late, resulting in delays in her final arrival at her destination. The Court of Appeal after a full hearing held in favour of Air India that previous European Court of Justice case law reaffirmed the 'single-unit' principle for a multiple-leg journey made under the same booking. Air India successfully argued that there was no reason why this principle should not be applied to this case, in circumstances where the Claimant's journey originated from a non-UK or non-EU destination. "What is significant about this decision is that this is one of the first cases where the Court of Appeal has been asked to determine EU law post-Brexit," said Daniel Powell of Zaiwalla & Co, Air India's solicitors. "The intention of ECJ judges when making their decisions was discussed at the hearing, and the Court of Appeal chose to not interpret these principles differently in the post-Brexit era." "Had the Claimant succeeded in their appeal, airlines could have expected myriad further claims against them, with a potentially substantial economic impact being felt across an industry already reeling from the Covid-19 pandemic." --IANS rv/skp/ ( 289 Words) 2021-12-23-13:06:05 (IANS)
In a significant development for the law relating to the aviation industry a bench of the English Court of Appeal, headed by the Master of the Rolls Sir Geoffrey Voss, has found in favour of Air India Ltd in a contested dispute with a passenger after a District Judge originally found against them. By winning its case, Air India has prevented a serious blow to the international airline industry, which is already suffering from the disruption caused by Covid-19. This is also one of the first cases where the English Courts have been asked to determine EU law post-Brexit. The dispute centered on the applicability of EU compensation regulations for a single booking, where only one leg of the booking the only one within EU/UK jurisdiction was delayed. In this case, the third leg of the passenger's flight departed from Heathrow late, resulting in delays in her final arrival at her destination. The Court of Appeal after a full hearing held in favour of Air India Ltd, stating that previous European Court of Justice case law reaffirmed the 'single-unit' principle for a multiple-leg journey made under the same booking. Air India successfully argued that there was no reason why this principle should not be applied to this case, in circumstances where the Claimant's journey originated from a non-UK/non-EU destination. They acknowledged the principle of passenger protection, but this principle did not mean that passengers should be entitled to compensation in every circumstance. Article 3(1) (a) of the EU Regulation was a territorial gateway to compensation and it should not be undermined by the principle of passenger protection. The passenger could not "have their cake and eat it". Daniel Powell of Zaiwalla & Co, Air India's solicitors, commented: "What is significant about this decision is that this is one of the first cases where the Court of Appeal has been asked to determine EU law post-Brexit." "The intention of ECJ judges when making their decisions was discussed at the hearing, and the Court of Appeal chose to not interpret these principles differently in the post-Brexit era. This is despite an Attorney General commentary being released in October, which stated in its discussion that just because a passenger's journey originated from a non-EU/UK destination, this does not necessarily mean that they are not entitled to compensation." "Had the Claimant succeeded in their appeal, airlines could have expected myriad further claims against them, with a potentially substantial economic impact being felt across an industry already reeling from the Covid-19 pandemic." --IANS san/skp/ ( 434 Words) 2021-12-23-13:58:02 (IANS)
The Delhi High Court has directed the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) to bring on record its money in various bank accounts to examine how an arbitral award won by Delhi Airport Metro Express Private Ltd (DAMEPL), a Reliance Infrastructure subsidiary, can be enforced. As per the Supreme Court order, the state-owned enterprise has to pay an arbitral award of around Rs 7,200 crore to the DAMEPL. The DMRC has objected to the rigid stand taken by the private firm regarding the compensation, against the backdrop of the state-owned enterprise facing funds scarcity. On September 9, Reliance Infrastructure Ltd won a four-year-long drawn battle for control of money from the arbitration award. The Supreme Court dismissed a plea by the DMRC challenging an arbitration award in favour of Reliance Group, following a dispute on running of Delhi Airport Express Metro line. In another jolt to the DMRC, on November 23, the top court junked its review petition against the September order. Against the backdrop of this legal victory, which affirmed the right to demand compensation, it is perplexing how this demand can be stone-walled any further. Has the DAMEPL short-circuited the process and picked up on loopholes, embedded in the legal course, the answer is: no. The highest court in the country, after a close scrutiny, decided in the DAMEPL's favour. Then, how is this a wrongful demand? The delay by a state-owned enterprise, to escape compliance with the Supreme Court order, would be contrary to the government's large claims on ease of doing business. The DMRC has informed the high court it has over Rs 5,800 crore,with Rs 1,642 crore being its earnings and over Rs 2,400 crore and Rs 1,700 crore being its project allocation fund and deposit fund, respectively. This delay will hit both the DAMEPL and the DMRC. People familiar with development claim every single day's delay in the payment of arbitration money to Reliance Infrastructure by the DMRC is causing an additional interest burden of around Rs 2 crore per day on the DMRC. Any further delay, in clearing the demand, would add to the crushing pressure which is not favourable for the metro rail corporation. Is it tough for the DMRC to raise a loan to compensate the DAMEPL? Can it not utilise a large pool of resources, available with Centre and state government? The money, which belongs to Reliance, is with the state-owned enterprise and despite having a ruling in its favour, if a private firm were to run from pillar to post, then it actually defeats the purpose of the arbitral award which was ratified by the country's apex court. How it is possible for a private firm to abandon its rightful claim. The DMRC, in the high court, submitted that the government could mediate with the banks to not call in their dues from Anil Ambani companies. Can the state spin around the established procedure for debt repayment, to favour a state-owned enterprise? It is a tough choice for a company to not pursue its money, and rather stare at bankruptcy which could entail making tough choices. This will be a systematic blunder and raise apprehensions among the private firms, eventually leading to a trust deficit on the state. --IANS ss/d ( 553 Words) 2021-12-23-19:44:02 (IANS)
Actor James Franco has finally broken his silence about the sexual misconduct allegations levelled against him nearly four years ago. On SiriusXM's 'The Jess Cagle' podcast, he addressed the allegations, confessing that he had slept with his students, reported The Hollywood Reporter. For the unversed, in January 2018, five women accused Franco of inappropriate and sexually exploitative behaviour, while four of them were students at his acting school Studio 4, which was soon closed. Two of the students filed a lawsuit in 2019 alleging that classes existed mainly to create a way for Franco and his associates to take advantage of young women. Talking about such allegations, Franco said, "Look, I'll admit I did sleep with students. I didn't sleep with anybody in that particular class. But, over the course of my teaching, I did sleep with students and that was wrong." He added, "But like I said, it's not why I started the school and I wasn't the person that selected the people to be in the class. So it wasn't a 'master plan' on my part. But yes, there were certain instances where, you know what, I was in a consensual thing with a student and I shouldn't have been." Franco also opened up about why he was silent for so long. "In 2018, there were some complaints about me and an article about me. And at that moment I just thought, 'I'm gonna be quiet. I'm gonna pause.' [It] did not seem like the right time to say anything. There were people that were upset with me and I needed to listen," he explained. He even addressed his history of drug abuse and sex addiction. The actor said, "Once I stopped using alcohol to sort of fill that hole, it was like, 'Oh success, attention -- this is great. And so, in a weird way, I got addicted to validation. It's such a powerful drug. got hooked on it for 20 more years, and the insidious part of that is that I stayed sober from alcohol all that time. I went to meetings all that time. I even tried to sponsor other people. And so in my head, it was like, 'Oh, I'm sober. I'm living a spiritual life.' Where on the side, I'm acting out now in all these other ways. And I couldn't see it." He stated that he was "completely blind to power dynamics or anything like that, but also completely blind to people's feelings." The Oscar nominee opened his acting school, Playhouse West Studio 4, in 2014 before it closed in 2017. (ANI)
After appearing at Khar Police Station on Thursday morning to record her statement in a case related to alleged derogatory remarks made by her against Sikhs on her social media platform, actor Kangana Ranaut expressed her disappointment saying that "this country continues to ill-treat nationalists." "This country continues to ill treat and devalue nationalists and if you love your nation you are on your own against a very powerful enemy," she wrote on Instagram Story. For the unversed, on December 13, Bombay High Court asked Kangana to appear before Mumbai Police on December 22 for investigation of an FIR registered against her for her Instagram post with alleged derogatory remarks made against Sikhs. Maharashtra government had agreed not to take any coercive action against her till January 25, the next date of hearing. Recently, a petition had also been filed in the Supreme court against the actor seeking censoring of all her social media posts in future in order to maintain law and order in the country. None of her posts on social media should be allowed without amendment, deletion, modification or censoring in order to maintain law and order in the country, stated advocate Charanjeet Singh Chanderpal in the plea. In her latest Instagram post, Kangana said that people in power "would prioritise vote banks for that they can even encourage terrorism...so it's a lonely road and guess what it's alright #jaihind." She also shared a picture of her entering the police station and captioned it as, "another day another visit to police station hundred of politically motivated FIR's and hours and questioning." Kangana, who showed up at the police station in a white, floral saree, was surrounded by security and police officers. (ANI)
'Home Alone' star Devin Ratray was arrested on Wednesday over domestic violence charges. As per People magazine, Ratray was arrested after authorities in Oklahoma City issued a warrant regarding an altercation with a woman earlier this month. The 44-year-old actor has been charged with one count of domestic assault and battery by strangulation and another count of domestic assault and battery, according to online court records. The state of Oklahoma issued the warrant on Tuesday, records show. His bond was set at USD 25,000. Authorities told Fox News that the actor "turned himself in and was processed through and bonded out" on Wednesday. The arrest comes a week after Oklahoma City police told People magazine on December 15 that they considered the matter to be closed and did not expect any arrests in the case. According to a heavily redacted police report obtained by Page Six, the woman alleged that Ratray punched her in the face, covered her mouth with his hand and tried to strangle her. A spokesperson for the Oklahoma City Police Department previously confirmed the incident to the outlet but did not confirm the identity of the woman, citing privacy concerns. In documents obtained by KFOR, the woman was reportedly identified as Ratray's girlfriend. She told police that the pair got into an argument at a bar, and she left him to return to their hotel room, according to the news station. The woman said Ratray followed her back to the hotel, where the physical altercation allegedly occurred. "[The] victim had trouble breathing while she was being strangled and while the defendant's hand was over her mouth," a probable cause affidavit stated. Ratray rose to prominence in the early 1990s when he played Buzz McCallister, the older brother to Macaulay Culkin's character, in the first two 'Home Alone' films. In recent years, Ratray has also had roles on shows such as HBO's 'Girls', 'Hawaii Five-0', 'Chicago Med' and 'The Tick'. Ratray recently told People magazine that a 'Home Alone' reunion was in the works with some members of the original cast. He also reprised his role as Buzz in the movie 'Home Sweet Home Alone' on Disney+. (ANI)
Taking to his Instagram handle, Sunny shared two pictures of himself as Tara Singh and wrote, "Only a fortunate few get to bring amazing characters back to life. Presenting Tara Singh 20 years later! Wrapped the first schedule of #Gadar2. Feeling blessed. #Gadar #TaraSingh."

'Gadar 2' is the sequel to the 2001 blockbuster hit romantic movie 'Gadar: Ek Prem Katha'. The first film mainly revolves around Tara Singh (portrayed by Sunny), a Sikh truck driver from Amritsar, who falls in love with Sakina (portrayed by Ameesha), a Muslim girl hailing from a political family in Lahore, Pakistan. Late Amrish Puri was also a part of the first installment.

'Gadar 2' will also star film director Anil Sharma's son Utkarsh Sharma in the lead role alongside Sunny and Ameesha. Utkarsh had played the role of Sunny and Ameesha's son in the first part.

The film went on floors in December in Himachal Pradesh. (ANI)
The royals are all set to celebrate their daughter Lilibet's first Christmas in full swing!

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex recently unveiled their annual holiday card, which was obtained by People magazine.

The royal couple treated their fans with the new adorable photo of their 2-year-old son Archie and 6-month-old daughter Lilibet through the annual holiday card, which featured a sweet portrait of the family of four.

The all smiles snap was captured this summer at the couple's home in Santa Barbara, California, as per People magazine.

In the snap, toddler Archie, who twins with his parents in jeans, sits on his dad's lap. Next to them, Meghan could be seen wearing her denim with a navy blue sweater while holding toddler Lilibet in her hands.

"This year, 2021, we welcomed our daughter, Lilibet, to the world. Archie made us a 'Mama' and a 'Papa', and Lili made us a family. As we look forward to 2022, we have made donations on your behalf to several organizations that honour and protect families-from those being relocated from Afghanistan to American families in need of paid parental leave," the family said in a statement.

The list of organizations included Team Rubicon, Welcome.US, Human First Coalition, Humanity Crew, Paid Leave For All, PL plus US and Marshall Plan for Moms, according to People magazine.

The family concluded their message by writing, "Wishing you a happy holiday season and a prosperous New Year, from our family to yours!"

Meghan and Harry welcomed daughter Lilibet on June 4, 2021, at Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital in Santa Barbara, California. (ANI)
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) on Wednesday expressed serious concerns over the human rights issues of people affected with leprosy amid Covid-19 pandemic, and its impact on the mental health. Justice Arun Mishra, Chairperson, NHRC, said that there are still many discriminatory laws, which need to be either amended or repealed and replaced with the policies and frameworks that will protect the human rights of the people affected with leprosy. "Their social and economic empowerment needs to be prioritized to bring them in the mainstream of society," Mishra said while chairing a session on the issues related to the people affected by leprosy. The people affected with leprosy need to be provided with sustained supply of medicines, basic amenities and vocational training to help them make their living to improve their socio-economic conditions, said the NHRC. The commission said awareness about leprosy needs to be built through a sustained campaign to end myth about the disease and the discrimination against those who suffer with it and their family members. While talking on the mental impact of Covid pandemic, Justice M.M. Kumar said that the mental health sector remains a concern. The Covid-19 pandemic has added up to the problems related to mental health issues. He said that the implementation of the advisories issued by the commission as a guiding principle to deal with this challenge by the concerned authorities. The deliberation said that states should submit an Action Taken Report on the NHRC advisories on mental health and increase budgetary allocation for the mental health and in particular for the district mental health programme. To avoid disparity in reporting, the NHRC said transparency in maintaining data and its methods in every district should be standardised. It also expressed concerns on Omicron preparedness and the lack of clarity on the efficacy of the booster dose for Covid-19 which needs to be looked into on priority to avoid mental stress related to it. --IANS avr/pgh ( 338 Words) 2021-12-23-00:00:03 (IANS)
On Wednesday, it reported 2,103 new Covid cases, taking the country's total infections to 6,177,885. The pandemic has claimed 44 lives, taking the death toll to 131,211, an update by Iran's Ministry of Health and Medical Education said.

A total of 6,016,324 people have recovered from the disease or been discharged from hospitals across the country, while 2,821 remained in intensive care units, Xinhua news agency reported citing the ministry's update.

As many as 59,313,976 Iranians have received their first jab, and 50,744,197 received their second, till Wednesday. Meanwhile, 4,593,787 people in the country have received their booster doses.

The report added that 41,082,066 tests have, so far, been carried out across the country.

on Sunday, Iran said it detected the first case of the Omicron variant in a traveller who returned from the UAE.

--IANS int/sks/shb/

( 174 Words)

2021-12-23-11:10:08 (IANS)
Australia reported a record of more than 8,000 coronavirus cases on Thursday -- an increase of about 45 per cent from the previous record set on Wednesday -- and 11 more deaths, Xinhua news agency reported.

Despite surging infections, Hunt said the Omicron variant was not significantly increasing the burden on intensive care units.

He said the number of patients in intensive care has grown by three to 112 in a week, while those on ventilators are unchanged at 54.

"The hospital system is well-equipped," he said.

As of Wednesday, 94.1 per cent of Australians aged 16 and above had received one vaccine dose and 90.9 per cent were fully inoculated.

More than 1.8 million Australians have had their third booster shot, with about 1,60,000 doses being administered per day.

Anthony Albanese, the leader of the opposition Labor Party, on Thursday called for the minimum interval between second and third vaccine doses to be cut further from five months.

"The third shot, as a protection against Omicron, is particularly important," he told Nine Network television.

--IANS int/sks

( 209 Words)

2021-12-23-15:14:05 (IANS)
The Nigerian government has destroyed over 1 million doses of Covid-19 vaccines withdrawn from across the country after being identified as having a short shelf life, the media reported. The National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), which coordinates vaccination in the country, and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control monitored the exercise at a dumpsite in a suburb of Abuja, the Nigerian capital on Wednesday, Xinhua news agency reported. Nigeria, the most populous African country, took the decision to join other African nations which earlier destroyed doses of Covid-19 vaccines for the same reason, to boost the confidence of Nigerian citizens in the ongoing vaccination programme nationwide, Faisal Shuaib, head of the NPHCDA, was quoted as saying at the dumpsite. "We withdrew about 1,066,214, doses of expired AstraZeneca vaccine from across the country," he said, noting that the doses of vaccine might still be potent before the Nigerian health authorities took the decision to withdraw them. According to the Nigerian health authorities, the manufacturers of those doses of vaccine offered to extend the shelf life but it was declined by the Nigerian government. "The work that we do is the work that requires trust. It is a sacred trust that has been bestowed on us by the generality of Nigerians," Shuaib said. "A few months ago, when these vaccines were offered to us, we knew that they had a short shelf life. But we were living in an environment where the supply of Covid-19 vaccines was very scarce." The senior public health official said Nigeria still had such short shelf-life vaccines which pose a lot of challenges to the country. More than 10 million people have been vaccinated so far against Covid-19 in Nigeria, according to Shuaib. According to media reports in early December, over 1 million Covid-19 vaccines are estimated to have expired in Nigeria in November without being used. And the expired doses were made by AstraZeneca and delivered from Europe. Nigeria's Health Ministry responded quickly and acknowledged some of the vaccine doses which were given by donors had residual shelf lives. Health Minister Osagie Ehanire explained in a statement that the vaccines which were received in form of donations through international vaccine sharing scheme COVAX and its African counterpart AVAT facility had residual shelf lives, leaving the country with "a limited period to facilitate distribution and usage". AVAT, or the African Vaccine Acquisition Trust, which has been launched by the African Union, aims to secure vaccine doses to complement initiatives such as COVAX, the global vaccine equity mechanism, and attain a target immunisation of 60 per cent of Africa's population. Ehanire said the vaccines that expired had been withdrawn and will be destroyed. The minister said the dilemma is not typical for Nigeria, but a situation many low- and medium-income countries find themselves in. He urged donors "to begin the process early enough and create a well-oiled pathway for prompt shipment and distribution through the COVAX and AVAT facilities, to reduce risk of expiration". --IANS rvt/vd ( 520 Words) 2021-12-23-17:10:02 (IANS)
The Omicron tally in Kerala has gone up to 29, after five new cases of the Covid variant were reported, state Health Minister Veena George said on Thursday. She said the new cases include four who arrived through the Kochi international airport from various countries, while the fifth case was reported at Kozhikode, from a passenger who reached the state from the Bengaluru airport. "Of these cases, 17 arrived from high risk countries, 10 were from low risk countries and two were primary contacts of those who came from abroad. All the above patients are under proper health care and are in good condition," said George. She issued a warning to all that even with Christmas and New Year round the corner, there should be extra caution and all the Covid protocols should be strictly observed. --IANS sg/vd ( 155 Words) 2021-12-23-19:50:01 (IANS)
President Ram Nath Kovind on Wednesday witnessed naval operation demonstration in the Ernakulam channel, and also visited the indigenous aircraft carrier (IAC) 'Vikrant', which is under construction at the Cochin Shipyard Ltd here. The combat capability of ships and aircraft, which included simulated beaching reconnaissance and assault, high-speed runs by fast interceptor crafts, shore bombardment, helobatics, sonar dunk operations, boarding operations and cargo sling operations by naval helicopters, were on display in the 40-minute long event. The President was accompanied by the Governor of Kerala, Arif Mohammad Khan, and Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Vice Admiral M.A. Hampiholi. The highlights of the day were manning of the yard and arms of the sail training ship 'Tarangini', along with steam past by naval ships which manoeuvred in a column formation. Later, the President also visited the IAC Vikrant which is under construction at the Cochin Shipyard Ltd. The President was provided a first-hand brief on the progress of trials towards commissioning of the ship. Indigenous content in construction of IAC is close to 76 per cent out of the overall project cost of Rs 19,341 crore. IAC has a large number of indigenous materials such as steel, besides other equipment manufactured by Indian industrial houses and about 100 MSMEs. The indigenous construction of the carrier has generated employment opportunities and bolstered plough back effect on the domestic economy. Close to 2,000 shipyard and 13,000 non-yard personnel have been employed per annum towards the construction of the IAC, an official statement noted. The President expressed satisfaction on the progress and appreciated the efforts of the Indian Navy and Cochin Shipyard towards development of indigenous capabilities in shipbuilding as a shining example of the nation's quest for 'Atmanirbhar Bharat', an official release stated. --IANS pvn/arm ( 303 Words) 2021-12-22-22:00:04 (IANS)
"We have decided to work towards ensuring victory in the polls. I have asked all the MLAs to start a cooperative in their constituency and create a brand," the Chief Minister said.

The local body elections in Assam are scheduled to take place in the year 2022.

With the aim to enable women representation in the governance and decision-making process, the Assam cabinet has decided to amend the Assam Municipal Act 1956 to provide women reservations for 10 years.

According to the Chief Minister's Office, the cabinet also decided to bring an amendment to The Guwahati Municipal Corporation Act, 1969 to extend the tenure of women reservation up to 10 years in direct elections to posts of Councillors of the Corporation.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led National Democratic Alliance secured a comfortable majority in recently held Assam Assembly elections by winning 75 seats of the total 126 constituencies. The BJP secured 60 seats, while allies Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) and United People's Party, Liberal (UPPL) bagged nine and six seats respectively.

Congress managed to secure 29 seats while its 'Mahajoth' allies AIUDF won 16, and Bodoland People's Front bagged four. The Communist Party of India (Marxist) secured one seat.(ANI)
Bharatiya Janata Party Manifesto committee Vice President Brij Lal took a jibe on Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi, the Congress in-charge of the poll-bound Uttar Pradesh, over her announcement of 40 per cent reservation to the women in her party's electoral tickets and said that no one is going to belive the piecrust promises made by Congress. The third meeting of the Bharatiya Janata Party Manifesto committee took place in New Delhi on Wednesday in which discussions were held on a manifesto that would make Uttar Pradesh the "top-most" state in the country, Brij Lal said. The first two meetings were held in Lucknow. The manifesto is based on the theme of Sabka Sath, Sabka Vishwas', according to the party sources. The third meeting of the committee which was held for the first time in New Delhi was attended by Suresh Khanna, President of Manifesto Committee, Vice President Brij Lal and other members including Vijaypal Singh Tomar, Rita Bahuguna Joshi, Seema Dwivedi, Rajesh Verma. Speaking to ANI, Vice President of the Manifesto Committee Brij Lal said that the manifesto will be for the top-most state in the country. "Today the third meeting of the Manifesto Committee was held in which all the members were present. We are considering farmers, youth, students, SC-ST, women and the people of all sections of the society. Our manifesto will be for the society and for the top-most state in the country," he said. Lal further informed that the party has sought opinion from the public for drafting the manifesto. "We have also sought opinion from the public. They are pouring in as well and we will include them too," he told ANI. On being asked that Priyanka Gandhi, the Congress in-charge of the poll-bound Uttar Pradesh, has already announced that her party will reserve 40 per cent of its electoral tickets for women, he said whatever Priyanka Gandhi is making electoral promises people are not believing in the promises made by the Congress as people of the state knows that BJP is the only party who fulfils all the electoral promises The BJP leader further informed that the Committee will hold at least one more meeting where the manifesto will be given its final shape. "One more meeting will be held in the future where the suggestions of the public will be included. The manifesto will be given its final shape after that," he said. According to the sources, most of the topics have been finalised in the meeting on Wednesday. Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections are scheduled to take place early next year. In the 2017 Assembly elections, the BJP won a landslide victory winning 312 Assembly seats. The party secured a 39.67 per cent vote share in the elections for 403-member Assembly. Samajwadi Party (SP) bagged 47 seats, BSP won 19 while Congress could manage to win only seven seats. (ANI)
Forty-eight hours have passed since a college-going girl ended her life for being unable to cope up with the continuous eve-teasing she faced at the hands of some boys from her neighbouring village, but the Karnataka police are yet to make any arrest in the case. The police inaction has raised many questions with the victim's family members and villagers staging protests demanding immediate arrest of the culprits. The incident took place at Kodihalli village in Hosadurga town in Chitradurga district on Monday. The father of the 19-year-old victim, who was studying at a pre-university college, said that when they last saw her, she was crying. But since they had to take a relative to the hospital, her mother told her that she would talk to after returning from the hospital. But by the time they returned, she had taken the extreme step by hanging herself inside the house. "The miscreants had teased her, pulled her veil and threw stones at her when she went to school a year ago. When we questioned the parents of the boys who indulged in eve-teasing, they apologised, held our feet and so I forgave them. My daughter then joined the pre-university college in Hosadurga. After she came back to the village recently, the eve-teasers burst crackers and yelled at her," he said. "My daughter is no more, but they should not repeat the act with any other girl. We will not rest until they are punished," the distraught father said. When contacted, Chitradurga police said that special teams have been formed to nab the culprits. "They can't go anywhere, we will arrest them," the police said. --IANS mka/arm ( 290 Words) 2021-12-22-22:34:03 (IANS)
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Wednesday gave its approval to an increase in the minimum support price (MSP) for copra for 2022 season. The MSP for fair average quality (FAQ) of milling copra has been increased to Rs 10,590 per quintal for 2022 season from Rs 10,335 per quintal in 2021 and the MSP for ball copra has been increased to Rs 11,000 per quintal for 2022 season from Rs 10,600 per quintal in 2021. This is to ensure a return of 51.85 per cent for milling copra and 57.73 per cent for ball copra over the pan India weighted average cost of production. The increase in MSP for copra for 2022 season is in line with the principle of fixing the MSP at a level of at least 1.5 times the all India weighted average cost of production as announced in the budget 2018-19, a release from the Agriculture Ministry said. The decision is based on recommendations of the Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP). It assures a minimum of 50 per cent as margin of profit as one of the important and progressive steps towards making possible doubling of farmers' incomes by 2022. The National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India Ltd and National Cooperative Consumer Federation of India Ltd will continue to act as Central nodal agencies to undertake price support operations at the MSP in the coconut growing states, the release added. --IANS niv/vd ( 260 Words) 2021-12-22-22:40:06 (IANS)
Tension prevailed at Ramateertham temple in Andhra Pradesh's Vizianagaram district on Wednesday when former Union Minister P. Ashok Gajapathi Raju tried to remove the plaque installed to lay foundation stone for reconstruction of the temple. Raju, a trustee of the temple, and other leaders of Telugu Desam Party (TDP) entered into an argument with the officials and tried to remove the plaque. The incident occurred a few minutes before the foundation stone laying ceremony on the Ramateertham hill near fort city of Vizianagaram. Deputy Chief Minister P. Pushpa Srivani, Endowments Minister V. Srinivas and others later laid the foundation stone for the temple. Raju, a TDP politburo member, was apparently angry over his name being written at the bottom of the plaque. He alleged that the state government ignored the protocol and also violated tradition and culture. He said the temple committee was not consulted before deciding the foundation stone ceremony. Raju also turned down the invitation to break the coconut at the ceremony. He argued that only the trustee was supposed to perform puja and lay the foundation stone. Raju's family had been functioning as trustees of the temple for the last 400 years. The temple was in news in December last year after unidentified persons vandalised a 400-year-old idol of Lord Rama, triggering massive protest by the opposition parties. The YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) government had refused to accept Raju's donation of Rs 1 lakh for the reconstruction of the temple. Meanwhile, state ministers slammed the TDP leader for creating ruckus at the temple. Endowments Minister V. Srinivas reiterated that the state government is committed towards the development of Ramateertham temple. The minister said that Ashok Gajapathi Raju created chaos by forcibly removing the plaque which had the names of minister and government officials engraved on it as per the protocol. He said that the latter wanted to make a donation under a clause to use it for idols but the officials refused it as the idols are being offered by Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD) free of cost. The minister stated that the TDP leader intentionally went on rampage although he was formally invited by the temple EO and other officials to the foundation stone laying ceremony. He said that action would be taken against Raju. He mentioned that the temple was deeply neglected during the previous government and questioned Raju about what he had done for the development of Ramateertham all these years. Mansas Trust plundered the government lands and neglected the development of the temples, which is why the state government had sanctioned Rs 3 crore for Ramateertham temple, he said, adding that the government installed new idols and also sanctioned Rs 1 crore for the development works. Meanwhile, Minister for Municipal Administration Botsa Satyanarayana dared Ashok Gajapati Raju to answer why the government had to sanction Rs 3 crore when the Ramateertham temple development was a matter for the Mansas Trust and why he did not spend the money from Mansas Trust on temple development. "Isn't he responsible for the development of the temple as the temple chairman," he asked. He said that such a rampage has never happened in Vizianagaram district in years, not even when the YSRCP leaders were in the opposition. He said that Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy had intended to develop Kodanda Ramalaya in Ramateertham as the second Bhadradri temple and the government has sanctioned the funds. The government has taken steps to preserve the culture and traditions but people like Ashok are obstructing good deeds. --IANS ms/pgh ( 602 Words) 2021-12-22-22:42:04 (IANS)
Police said a civilian, identified as Rouf Ahmad Khan, was fired upon by terrorists outside his home in Nawa Kadal area. He was taken to a hospital where doctors declared him dead.

Additional forces have reached the spot and an operation has been started to nab the attackers.

"Terrorists fired upon a civilian namely Rouf Ahmad at Merjanpora, Eidgah PS Safakadal Srinagar. The injured was shifted to SMHS hospital where he was declared dead. Case registered, investigation going on," police said.

In Anantnag, Assistant Sub-Inspector Mohd Ashraf of Police Station Bijbehara was injured after terrorists fired upon him indiscriminately in Bijbehara. He was taken to a hospital in Srinagar where he succumbed to his injuries.

"Injured ASI Mohd Ashraf succumbed to his injuries and attained martyrdom. We stand by his family at this critical juncture," police said.

Security forces have surrounded Bijbehara town to trace the assailants.

--IANS sq/zi/vd

( 193 Words)

2021-12-22-22:56:03 (IANS)
Lungs harvested from a brain-dead patient in Ahmedabad was on Wednesday transported to Delhi for life-saving transplant surgery. The organ was transported covering a distance of 950 kms in 3 hours via air and two green corridors. A green corridor was created between the Civil Hospital and the airport at Ahmedabad, and then between the airport in the national capital and the Super Speciality Hospital in Delhi. The recipient was a 54-year-old man from Meerut, who has been suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The donor was a 44-year-old man from Ahmedabad who was declared brain dead after a brain haemorrhage. Given the criticality of an early transplant for success, a safe passage was facilitated by authorities. This ensured the retrieved lungs to be transplanted within the critical eight-hour chest to chest period. "The harvested lungs were flown down to Delhi in clockwork precision. The patient had COPD and he urgently required a lung transplant. We welcome this decision by the donor family to have stepped forward and agreed to donate several vital organs which will provide a new lease of life to critically ill patients," Dr Rahul Chandola, Associate Director, Adult CTVS, Heart & Lung Transplant Specialist, Max Super Speciality Hospital, Saket said. Dr Chandola said, "We remain indebted to the family of the donor who decided to serve critical patients even in their time of loss. Organ donation can save so many precious lives and I really hope that everyone embraces this cause. We would also like to thank all authorities concerned like NOTTO, Gujarat Police and Delhi Police for taking swift action and making this possible." (ANI)
Following directions from the high court, the district administration in Nagpur has set up a seven-member committee to oversee the total ban on the use of nylon strings (Manja) for kite flying, which are often coated with glass, posing great threat to the lives of people, particularly those riding on two-wheelers. A high court bench of Justices Sunil Shukre and Anil Pansare issued the direction to the district collectorate while hearing a PIL, which pointed at loss of lives due to the use of such strings. The District Collector, R. Vimla, told IANS that the administration has formed a seven-member committee to not just crackdown on the sale of such strings, but also create awareness among the people, particularly the kite flyers and sellers, on the issue. Vimla has invoked the directives of the National Green Tribunal, which has forbidden manufacturing, use and import of nylon strings in its order dated July 11, 2017. --IANS joseph/arm ( 172 Words) 2021-12-22-23:02:03 (IANS)
Andhra Pradesh and Telanagana Chief Ministers Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy and K. Chandrasekhar Rao on Wednesday virtually attended the second national committee meeting on 'Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav' presided by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Jagan Mohan Reddy, in his speech, said the state would redouble its efforts to ensure the success of the 'Azadi ka Amrut Mahotsav'. He called for laying emphasis on sustainable development and reduction of economic inequality to unleash the full potential of the nation. "It is imperative that while the needs of the present are met through economic progress, the ability of the future generations to meet their needs should not be compromised," he said. Stating that the energy sector plays a very key role in socio economic development, he called for formulating policies that would eventually lead to phasing out of coal-based power generation and enhanced reliance on renewable sources for energy needs. He voiced concern over the economic growth not sufficiently trickling down to the poor in the country. "The recently published aWorld Inequality Report 2022' estimates that the top 10 per cent and top 1 per cent of the country's population hold 57 per cent and 22 per cent of the total National Income respectively. Income inequality would result in increased rural indebtedness, lower purchasing power and reduction in rural aggregate demand. This is a serious problem that deserves immediate attention from all of us as policy makers. In the light of the fragility, the interventions must be made more impactful by identifying and effectively addressing the bottlenecks and thereby making inclusive economic growth possible," he said . Jagan Mohan Reddy described 'Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav' as one of the laudable initiatives to celebrate and commemorate the completion of 75 years of Independence. "This Mahotsav has rightly provided an occasion to rejoice the nation's glorious past, its cultural, social, economic and scientific achievements made during the admirable journey of 75 years and also to reaffirm our commitment to the nation's progress going forward," he said. --IANS ms/vd ( 349 Words) 2021-12-22-23:30:05 (IANS)
The accused persons established an online network in India for luring gullible people for applying voter IDs and targeting people from all over the country, added the police.

After the initial enrolment, they used to charge payment of Rs. 650 online from each person. More than 10,000 persons have fallen prey to the fake website to date, as per the police.

The accused persons had been identified as Ankit Kumar (26) and Manmohan Singh (22) and are residents of Uttar Pradesh, according to the police.

New Delhi [India], December 23
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and his Meghalaya counterpart Conrad K. Sangma on Wednesday decided to resolve the six of the 12 inter-state border disputes before January 15. Meghalaya's Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong said that Wednesday's meeting was a "productive" and "good". "The meeting has decided that the regional committees formed by both the states will submit their reports to the respective Chief Ministers by December 31. After that, both the CMs will meet again and by January 15, we are hopeful of resolving the disputes in the six locations," he told the media after the meeting. Tysong, accompanied by Assam's Agriculture and Border Area Development Minister Atul Bora said that in the first phase, six disputed locations are being mutually studied and after resolving these, the remaining disputes would be taken up. The six disputed locations are Tarabari, Gizang, Boklapara, Pillangkata, Ratacherra, and Hahim. After the meeting, Sarma tweeted: "We have been continuously striving to resolve border issues with our neighbours. As part of our effort, held a meeting with my Meghalaya counterpart Shri Conrad K. Sangma along with Deputy CM Meghalaya Shri Prestone Tynsong & several ministers and senior officers of both states. "Our regional committees have submitted their reports and we are working towards final agreement on many disputed border areas. I am confident that gradually we will be able to resolve all-long pending border issues with Meghalaya and other neighbouring states." According to the Assam Chief Minister, of the 12 locations along Assam's Cachar, Kamrup and Kamrup (metro) districts and Meghalaya's West Khasi Hills, Ri-Bhoi and East Jaintia Hills districts, six disputed locations with lesser complications were taken up first. To settle the border disputes, Assam and Meghalaya in August had formed various regional committees led by Ministers and officials of the two states to focus on five aspects -- historical facts, ethnicity, administrative convenience, contiguity of the land, willingness and people's sentiments. An official said that the Assam Chief Minister is now likely to go to Delhi on Thursday or Friday to hold a meeting with his Nagaland counterpart Neiphiu Rio to discuss the inter-state border disputes. Assam has border disputes with Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya and Mizoram. Assam's border dispute cases with Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh are before the Supreme Court but there are no cases on the inter-state disputes with Meghalaya and Mizoram. Recently, Assam and Nagaland had signed an agreement to remove state forces from the disputed locations. Sarma recently discussed an out-of court settlement of the boundary disputes with his Arunachal Pradesh counterpart Pema Khandu. --IANS sc/vd ( 440 Words) 2021-12-23-00:06:03 (IANS)
In a plea filed before the Delhi High Court, Amazon accused ED of conducting a "fish and roving enquiry" against it.

It said that the agency is summoning multiple executives from the company which amounts to unnecessary harassment.

"Pass an ad-interim order staying all and any investigation/inquiry/summons or proceedings commenced by ED in respect of the subject matter," Amazon said in its petition.

The plea filed by Amazon is likely to come up for hearing before the Delhi High Court bench led by Justice Rekha Palli on Thursday. (ANI)
Former Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh took a dig at Congress leader Harish Rawat's "hands being tied" tweet ahead of Uttarakhand polls. Rawat was the Punjab affairs in-charge of the Congress in September when Amarinder Singh stepped down as Punjab chief minister. Rawat, who is seen as the key face of the Congress' Congress poll campaign in Uttarakhand had on Wednesday alleged non-cooperation from his organization. Taking to Twitter, Singh reacted to a series of Rawat's tweets and said, "You reap what you sow! All the best for your future endeavours (if there are any) Harish Rawat ji." The former Punjab CM had in November this year in a letter to Congress President Sonia Gandhi slammed Rawat terming him as "perhaps the most dubious individual" he had the occasion to make acquaintance off. Harish Rawat through his tweets on Wednesday, had expressed anguish at the factionalism in the state unit and noted that thought has been crossing his mind that "it is time to rest". "Isn't it strange, one has to swim in the sea in the form of the forthcoming electoral battle, instead of cooperation, the organisational structure at most places is turning its face away or is playing a negative role," Rawat had tweeted. "There are many crocodiles of the ruling dispensation. On whose directions one has to swim, their nominees are tying my hands and feet," he added. Rawat further cited lines of the Gita, and said, "And then quietly in a corner of the mind, a voice is erupting, 'na denyam, na palaynam' (one who does not bow or flee). Perhaps the new year will show the way. I have faith that Lord Kedarnath will provide me guidance in this situation." Rawat, a member of the Congress Working Committee, is a key Congress troubleshooter. The Congress is keen to come back to power in Uttarakhand in assembly polls early next year. Rawat is apparently keen to be projected as a chief ministerial candidate. Party leaders have so far said that the polls will be held under "collective leadership". Sources said Rawat is likely to meet Rahul Gandhi on December 25. (ANI)
The road has been closed in the wake of slippery road conditions following heavy snowfall over the region.

Meanwhile, Kashmir is presently under the 40-day long harshest period of winter, known locally as 'Chillai Kalan', which started on 21 December and is likely to continue till the end of January.

According to the meteorological department, Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir recorded a low of 2 degrees Celcius against last night's minus 1.8 degrees Celcius. (ANI)
The Iranian Foreign Ministry has said that Western countries have always stoked tensions in the region, in reaction to an anti-Iran joint statement recently issued by foreign ministers of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) members and the UK. British Foreign Secretary Liz Truss met with visiting Foreign Ministers of the on Monday and they issued a joint statement after the meeting, voicing "grave concern" about Iran's regional activities and what they called "nuclear escalation", Xinhua news agency reported. FIran's Foreign Ministry Spokesman Saeed Khatibzadeh called the claims made through the statement "baseless" and "repetitive," according to a statement published on the ministry's website. He said the joint statement was issued as part of the attempts by certain circles, which are concerned about the creation of an atmosphere of interaction and cooperation among the regional countries, to sow discord in the region. Iran has always played a responsible role in ensuring peace and stability in the region and has invited regional states to interact and hold dialogue with each other, Khatibzadeh noted. The spokesman regretted that some Western countries, through measures such as exporting modern weaponry to some regional states, are important factors in the region's tensions and human catastrophes. On the claim about "nuclear escalation," Khatibzadeh said Iran has always remained committed to the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and the safeguards agreement and will be able to benefit from the peaceful use of nuclear energy within the NPT framework. --IANS int/shs ( 252 Words) 2021-12-23-06:52:03 (IANS)
The Delhi Police have recovered a huge cache of arms meant for a gang war, from a member of a notorious Haryana gang and have also arrested one in this connection. According to the police, 12 pistols, 47 live cartridges, 3 empty cartridges have been recovered. The arrested gang member had reportedly fired at the police team during the seizure operation. The police acted on a tip-off about the movement of Sidharth also known as Surender, one of the members of the dreaded Nandu gang. A trap was laid to catch him near Delhi's Nala Road where he was intercepted while he was coming on a motorcycle from the Jindpur village side. On noticing the police, the accused opened fire. In retaliation, the police also fired 4 rounds. One bullet hit Sidharth on his right thigh. The accused was found carrying a backpack containing 11 sophisticated pistols and 46 live cartridges. The motorcycle was also found to be stolen from the area around Mansarovar Park in Delhi's Shahdra district. Sidharth(25), also known as Somveer, is from Haryana's Jhajjar district. After completing his ITI in mechanical trade, he started working in Flipkart warehouse in Kulana. There, he met one of the associates of the Nandu gang who influenced him to join the gang for easy money. As per information, there are two major gangs active and operating in the Najafgarh area. One is the Manjeet Mahal gang and the other is the Nandu gang. Manjeet Mahal Gang is being operated by Manjeet Gahlot of Mitraw village while Nandu Gang is being operated by Kapil Sangwan and his brother Jyoti also Baba of Nangal Chaudhary village. Manjeet Mahal and Jyoti Baba are in jail at present. Kapil Sangwan alias Nandu is absconded and is supposed to be in a foreign country. As per police records, both the gangs have committed more than 20 murders. (ANI)
Border Security Force (BSF) personnel on Thursday opened fire to disperse a group of alleged cattle smugglers who were forcibly trying to smuggle cattle heads on the India-Bangladesh Border. One alleged smuggler was injured in the firing, according to an official of the paramilitary force. The BSF informed that at about 02:05 am, a group of around 20 miscreants were attempting to forcibly smuggle cattle heads from the area of border out-post Daribas in Coochbehar Sector (West Bengal) of the Guwahati Frontier. BSF troops claimed when the miscreants were challenged, the alleged smugglers encircled and attacked the troops. "In self-defence, BSF jawans fired from Pump Action Gun to disperse miscreants but they attempted to snatch the weapon from one of the jawans and inflicted injuries to one of them," they said. "Sensing an imminent threat to his life, the jawan fired in the air from his weapon in self-defence but these warning shots could not deter the miscreants who continued to encircle the jawans," a senior BSF officer said. "In self-defence and to deter them from smuggling, one jawan fired a few shots again," he added. The miscreants fled from the spot taking advantage of dense fog and darkness of night but in the process, one miscreant got hit at his shoulder. The injured miscreant was given first aid immediately at BOP Gitaldah by the unit doctor and subsequently evacuated to Civil Hospital Dinhata and further to MJN Hospital at Coochbehar. "The injured Indian miscreant is an active cattle courier/smuggler and his wife is also involved in Trans-Border Crimes. The wife of the injured miscreants was apprehended by our troops on 11 Nov 2020 and currently, she is in Coochbehar Jail under NDPS Act," he said. (ANI)
Eighteen-year-old climate activist Aditya Dubey's continuous effort to fight off Delhi's air pollution problem as a citizen led to the promulgation of the Commission For Management Of Air Quality (CAQM) in the national capital and its adjoining areas besides making him eligible to win the prestigious Diana Award this year. Established in 1999, the Diana Award, named after Princess of Wales -- Diana, honours young people who work to improve the lives of others. In an exclusive interview to IANS, Aditya -- one of the 20 young changemakers to bag the honour, talked about his journey, the award, climate movement and how it could become more inclusive. Excerpts from the interview: Q: Tell us about your journey to the Diana Awards and what has changed since then? A: It is a great honour that the judges found me worthy of carrying on her (Princess Diana's) legacy of social service forward. Much grateful for that. During the course of the award ceremony, we had a sponsored trip to London where we attended various workshops and met wonderful people. It was a wonderful experience altogether. Now, my words will have more weightage. For example, earlier people used to listen to me as a teenager but now maybe they will, in the sense of the legacy award, take my word in more regard so that we can work even better on environmental issues. Q: What led you to become a climate activist in the first place? A: So, it all started in 2016 because of the air pollution crisis in New Delhi and National Capital Region (NCR) because it has been very bad over the past few years and I saw people facing respiratory problems due to the same. I, too, am suffering from sinusitis and asthmatic cough. Then people started wearing masks. That's when we started staging protests and insisted that the government does something about it. However, when I felt that no heed was being paid to our demands, I moved the Supreme Court with my fellow petitioner Aman Banka seeking a direction to the government to take measures to solve the air pollution crisis. Last year, it led to the promulgation of the CAQM. However, since the air quality level has been very horrible this year so the hearings are going on weekly due. Q: You had also started some campaigns like 'Plant a Million Trees' and 'No Car Sundays'. What is the present-day status of these initiatives? A: My first campaign was the 'Plant a Million Trees' initiative which had started with the aim of planting a thousand trees but then I became too arrogant and increased the target to a million trees. Now I have a goal to plant a million trees within the next year and till now we have planted 1,88,000 trees. Another campaign called 'No Car Sundays' works on ways to encourage people to use public transport instead of a car on Sundays. It has been going on for a few months now where we regularly hold events in which people can cycle together. Q: As an 18-year-old climate activist, did you face any kind of challenges during your campaigns? A: Because of my age, I have not been taken seriously. Even the government did not listen to us or paid attention to our protests as environmental issues are not voting issues right now. That is why we had to approach the Supreme Court. Having said that, I will not blame any one government for the poor condition of air in Delhi. State governments of Haryana, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh and the central government are equally responsible for not coordinating to find a common solution to the problem of stubble burning. We cannot blame farmers for burning the crop residue in the absence of an alternative. This is where the government should step in and give incentives to the farmers, provide stubble burning machines to them etc. Q: Have you been following the global climate strike? What differences have you noticed in the climate movement in India and those taking place in other parts of the world? A: I have worked Fridays for Future (FFF) and Extinction Rebellion. We regularly held protests on Fridays, but to our dismay governments are not doing anything to address this crisis. In our culture, the environment is held in high regard, however, it is not given the due respect or attention by the governments. If we look at the present-day situation then Covid-19 is just a warning as to which level of destruction can take place due to climate change in the future. Also, there is no economic benefit in not dealing with climate change either. Look at the amount governments have to spend in the relief and rehabilitation of those affected by floods, cyclones, storms etc. There is an economic advantage in solving the climate crisis and those steps need to be taken urgently. We are also in touch with a few Members of Parliament (MPs) and we are hoping to bring in a climate change law in the near future. As for the differences in climate movement, in the developed parts of the world, governments listen to the masses. Here, the same is not the case. For example, look at the crores of money spent on the installation of smog towers in Delhi which are very ineffective. I believe that if the problem of air pollution becomes a voting issue only then something can be done about it. Q: As a climate activist, how inclusive do you think the climate movement in India is? A: The climate movement in India is mostly restricted to the cities that is why it is being led by the privileged section of society. The lack of awareness is among the topmost reasons as to why it is not inclusive of all the classes and communities in India. --IANS rdk/shb/ ( 991 Words) 2021-12-23-10:28:02 (IANS)
Taking to Twitter, Sudhakar said, "A total of 12 new cases of Omicron have been confirmed in Karnataka today taking the tally to 31."

Of these 12 new cases, as many as 10 Omicron infections have been reported in Bengaluru, out of which, five have returned from the UK, one from Denmark, and one from Nigeria, the minister informed.

"The other two cases have been reported in Mysore (returned from Switzerland) and Mangaluru (returned from Ghana) each.

India has reported 253 Omicron cases of coronavirus infection so far. Out of this, Maharashtra topped the list with 65 confirmed cases followed by Delhi with 64 cases, Karnataka with 31 cases, and Kerala with 29 cases. Of the 213 cases, 104 patients have recovered from the virus.

On November 26, the WHO named the new COVID-19 variant B.1.1.529, which has been detected in South Africa, as 'Omicron'. (ANI)
"Bomb disposal squad is at the site. Police conducting a search at the Court complex. A team of NSG is also coming here," said Gurpreet Singh Bhullar, Ludhiana Commissioner of Police.

"The identity of a possible suspect, whose body was found at the explosion site, is being ascertained. Other 4, injured in the incident, are in stable condition," he added.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Home Affairs has sought a report from Punjab on the explosion, said sources.

The explosion was heard near the Record Room on the second floor of the Ludhiana Court complex on Thursday.

More details are awaited. (ANI)
Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama on Thursday interacted with staff and students of the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Rohtak via video conferencing and asserted that India is a country with thousands of years of a tradition that promotes Ahimsa (non-violence) and Karuna (compassion). The session on the topic "Facing Challenges with Compassion and Wisdom" was attended by thousands of people across the world. Expressing his delight at the opportunity to speak with Indian friends, he said that people of many religions coexist in harmony here. "I came to India as a refugee due to conflict in Tibet. I was really captivated by the religious harmony of this nation. I believe that India is a living example of religious harmony across the world," said Dalai Lama. He further stated that the age-old tradition and religious peace of the country can help make significant contributions to religious harmony on this planet. Earlier, he said the western world thought of India's way of life as backward but now they are changing their view. The western world too realizes that the Indian way of life is best for maintaining world peace and harmony, he added. He also encouraged students not to focus on what they can get but focus on what they can give. He stated, "We need to rekindle our own age-old Ahimsa and Karuna traditions. In order to create a peaceful and joyful environment, human nature needs to be more sympathetic. Together, Ahimsa and Karuna in our culture may teach the world a path of tolerance, thoughtfulness, and compassion." Talking about his affection for India, he said, "I was born in Tibet. The culture of Tibet is highly based on Buddhism and more specifically, on Nalanda tradition. I have been staying in India for many decades now. I really enjoy Indian freedom and religious harmony. Thus, culturally, I really feel I am an Indian." Responding to the questions of students, he emphasized the need for oneness among seven billion people and broad thinking. He said, "Today, we are more focused on the short-term goals. As members of the larger society, we only focus on ourselves. We should be more empathetic towards everyone, irrespective of faith, race, or nationality." His Holiness's words echoed in everyone's mind: "Show consideration for other individuals, not just for ourselves, but for the environment, for everybody on this planet to coexist." A student asked, "Many youngsters feel that in order to have scientific temper they must detach themselves from religion". He replied that the pursuit of truth cannot come without being a good person and a good person must have strong values. "Religious teaching can often provide the strong values needed to engage in scientific pursuits," said Professor Dheeraj Sharma, Director, IIM Rohtak. He added, "Thoughts shared by His Holiness shall allow us to think differently about how we see the world and change our attitudes." (ANI)
Amid the threat of Omicron variant of coronavirus, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Thursday said that the Delhi government is prepared to handle one lakh COVID-19 cases daily and has created a capacity to conduct three lakh tests every day. Addressing a press conference after a high-level meeting with officials on COVID-19, Kejriwal urged people to stay at home in isolation and not to rush hospital if they experience mild symptoms. "We have created a capacity to conduct three lakh tests daily. With our preparations, we can handle as many as one lakh daily cases if such a situation arises. We are strengthening our home isolation management protocol." "We appeal to persons with mild symptoms to stay at home, don't rush to the hospital. Under our home isolation module, our healthcare workers will visit patients at their residence, conduct tele-counselling and also give a kit containing oximeter etc to them," he said. The Chief Minister said that the government is increasing the manpower and also arranging 15 oxygen tankers. "We are increasing our manpower, stocking medicines for the coming few months. We are arranging medical oxygen and 15 oxygen tankers will be delivered to us in the next 3 weeks," said the Delhi CM. He further said that according to the serosurvey 95 per cent of people in Delhi have already been infected with COVID-19 and they have developed antibodies. "We think that in Delhi we will not see a surge in cases this time because according to the sero survey 95 per cent of people in Delhi have already been infected with COVID-19 and they have developed antibodies. 99 per cent have received their first dose of the vaccine while more than 70 per cent are administered with second doses. We think that the cases will be less but if we see a surge then we are ready to handle it," he added. As per the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, there are 64 Omicron cases in the national capital. The Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) issued orders to all District Magistrates and District Deputy Commissioners of Police to ensure that no cultural event, gatherings, and congregations are taking place for celebrating Christmas or New Year in Delhi. The DDMA has also issued orders to enforce the 'No Mask, No Entry' rule at shops and workplaces. (ANI)
Punjab Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi on Thursday said that he is "saddened" over the news of an explosion in the Ludhiana District Court Complex and those trying to "disturb peace and harmony of state" will not be spared. Taking to Twitter, the Chief Minister informed that he will visit the blast site today. "Saddened over the news of blast at Ludhiana court complex. I'm reaching the blast site shortly and I assure the people of the state that the guilty would not be spared. Anybody trying to disturb the peace and harmony of the state will be taken to task," Channi Tweeted. Earlier, Punjab CM had said that "anti-national" elements are doing such acts as Punjab Assembly polls are nearing. "I am going to Ludhiana. Some anti-national elements are doing such acts as Assembly elections are nearing. The government is on alert. Those found guilty will not be spared," said Channi. One person has been killed and two others were injured in the explosion at Ludhiana District Court Complex. Ludhiana Commissioner of Police Gurpreet Singh Bhullar informed that the explosion was heard near the Record Room on the second floor of the Ludhiana Court complex. "One person died, two persons were injured in the incident. Bomb disposal team and forensics team has been called from Chandigarh for probe," Bhullar said. "There is no need to panic," he added. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Home Affairs has sought a report from Punjab on the explosion, said sources. (ANI)
As per Uttarakhand Information Department, the CEC will hold meetings with representatives of political parties. A presentation will be given by the District Election Officers and Superintendents of Police (SP).

On the last day of his visit, the CEC will interact with the youth and other voters of the state.

He will chair a meeting with the election expenditure monitoring agencies and with the Chief Secretary and the Inspector General of Police. (ANI)
Ahead of 2022 Punjab polls, Congress MPs from Punjab will meet Congress interim president Sonia Gandhi at her residence at 6.30 PM on Thursday, sources said. An MP on anonymity told ANI that it's a courtesy meeting as Punjab MPs couldn't get a chance to meet her in Parliament like other state MPs. Prior to this, all the Punjab MPs had an internal meeting at the residence of one of the MPs at lunch and discussed Punjab's political situation. This comes days after Congress on Wednesday decided to give the party ticket to only one member from a family. The decision was taken at the Screening Committee meeting of the party held at 15 GRG in the national capital. The meeting lasted for around 3 hours. Speaking to ANI, Punjab Congress Incharge Harish Choudhary on Wednesday said, "The Screening Committee discussed candidature on 117 Assembly seats today and a strategy has been made. A decision has been taken that the ticket will be given to only one member of a family. Not more than one ticket will be given to the members in a family." Talking about the second committee meeting, Choudhary said that it will be held soon where all the members of the committee will be present. "The next meeting will be held soon. All the members of the Screening Committee will be present in the next meeting," he said. Congress leader Ajay Maken told the media, "It was a good discussion. All of us will decide on the candidates. Today we have held discussions." Meanwhile, Punjab assembly polls are scheduled to be held in early 2022. In the 2017 Punjab Assembly polls, Congress won an absolute majority in the state by winning 77 seats and ousted the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD)-BJP government after 10 years. Aam Aadmi Party emerged as the second-largest party winning 20 seats in 117-member Punjab Legislative Assembly. The SAD could manage to win only 15 seats while the BJP secured three seats. (ANI)
Prior to this, Randhawa visited the district court complex and took stock of the situation.

After meeting the patients, Randhawa told ANI, "Patients have minor injuries. One of them said the explosion sound was too loud as if a building fell. Pakistan doesn't want us stable."

Punjab Director-General of Police Siddharth Chattopadhyaya also was present along with Randhawa.

"We cannot comment on anything. Only the experts can tell the kind of explosives used, but the district, state and central forensics are on it. Every crowded place is on alert, the public should also be careful," he told ANI.

A team of National Security Guard has been called in connection with Ludhiana District Court Complex explosion on Thursday, informed Local Police officials.

"Bomb disposal squad is at the site. Police conducting a search at the Court complex. A team of NSG is also coming here," said Gurpreet Singh Bhullar, Ludhiana Commissioner of Police.

"The identity of a possible suspect, whose body was found at the explosion site, is being ascertained. Other 4, injured in the incident, are in stable condition," he added.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Home Affairs has sought a report from Punjab on the explosion, said sources.

The explosion was heard near the Record Room on the second floor of the Ludhiana Court complex on Thursday. (ANI)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said that strengthening India's dairy sector is one of the top priorities of the government and lauded the people of Uttar Pradesh for making it the largest milk-producing state in the country. Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone of 'Banas Dairy Sankul' at the Uttar Pradesh State Industrial Development Authority Food Park, Karkhiyaon, Varanasi. Spread across 30 acres of land, the Dairy will be built at a cost of about Rs 475 crores and will have a facility for processing 5 lakh litre of milk per day. The Prime Minister also digitally transferred about Rs 35 crore bonus to the bank accounts of more than 1.7 lakh milk producers associated with Banas Dairy. The Prime Minister also laid the foundation stone for the Biogas based Electricity generation plant for the Milk Producers Cooperative Union Plant, Ramnagar, Varanasi. The Prime Minister launched a Portal and Logo dedicated to the Conformity Assessment Scheme of milk products, developed by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) with the help of the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB). In another effort to reduce the land ownership issues at grassroot level, the Prime Minister virtually distributed the rural residential rights record 'Gharauni' under the Swamitva scheme of the Union Ministry of Panchayati Raj, to over 20 Lakh residents of Uttar Pradesh. The programme also witnessed the Prime Minister inaugurating and laying the foundation stone of developmental projects worth over Rs 1500 crores in Varanasi. This will further strengthen the ongoing 360 degree transformation of Varanasi. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Union Minister Dr Mahendra Nath Pandey were among those present on the occasion. Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister paid tribute to former Prime Minister Chaudhary Charan Singh on his birth anniversary, which is celebrated as Kisan Diwas. The Prime Minister underlined the importance of livestock. He said, "Talking about cows can be a crime for some people, cows are revered as mothers by us. People who make fun of cow-buffalo forget that the livelihood of 8 crore families of the country is run by such livestock." He added, "Strengthening India's dairy sector is one of the top priorities of our government." In this series, the foundation stone of Banas Kashi Sankul has been laid here today." He also talked about the nationwide immunisation programme for foot and mouth disease among cattle. "The milk production in the country has increased by about 45 per cent as compared to 6-7 years ago. Today India produces about 22 per cent of the world's milk. I am happy that today Uttar Pradesh is not only the largest milk producing state in the country, it is also significantly ahead in the expansion of the dairy sector," the Prime Minister said. The Prime Minister expressed his firm belief in the role of the dairy sector, animal husbandry and the new push in a white revolution in transforming the lives of farmers. Firstly, he said, animal husbandry can become a huge source of additional income for the small farmers of the country, whose number is more than 100 million. Secondly, India's dairy products have a huge market abroad, in which there is a lot of potential to grow. Thirdly, said the Prime Minister, animal husbandry is a great way for the economic upliftment of women, to further their entrepreneurship. The fourth is that livestock is also a big basis for biogas, organic farming and natural farming. The Prime Minister's office further informed that the Bureau of Indian Standards has issued a unified system for the country. An integrated logo featuring Kamdhenu cows has also been launched for certification. If this proof, this logo is visible, then the identification of purity will be easy and the credibility of India's milk products will also increase, the Prime Minister emphasised. Continuing with his emphasis on natural farming, the Prime Minister said that with the passage of time, the scope of natural farming was reduced and chemical farming became dominant. "For the rejuvenation of mother earth, to protect our soil, to secure the future of the coming generations, we must once again turn to natural farming. This is the need of the hour today", he said. The Prime Minister appealed to the farmers to adopt natural farming and organic crops. He said that this will go a long way in making our agriculture AtmaNirbhar. The Prime Minister virtually distributed the rural residential rights record 'Gharauni' under the Swamitva scheme of the Union Ministry of Panchayati Raj, to over 20 Lakh residents of Uttar Pradesh. He said this will open new vistas of development and dignity for the rural poor and will make them part of the development growth story. He said Varanasi is fast turning into a model of development. New projects are bringing unprecedented ease and convenience for the people of Varanasi. He said. Projects inaugurated and started today will further strengthen the health, education and infrastructure-related image. The Prime Minister said that people who have viewed the politics of Uttar Pradesh from the prism of caste, creed, religion get upset by the talk of double power of double engine. Such people, he said, don't consider schools, colleges, roads, water, housing for the poor, gas connections and toilets part of development. "The difference between what the people of UP got earlier and what the people of UP are getting from our government today is clear. We are enhancing the heritage of UP and we are also developing UP," the Prime Minister said. Projects in the education sector that were inaugurated by the Prime Minister include the Union Education Ministry's Inter University Centre for Teachers Education, built at a cost of around Rs 107 crore and a Teachers Education Centre at Central Institute of Higher Tibetan Studies, built at a cost of over Rs 7 crore. Further, residential flats and staff quarters at BHU and ITI Karaundi were also inaugurated by the Prime Minister. In the health sector, projects comprising Doctors hostel, a Nurses hostel and shelter home amounting to Rs 130 crore, at Mahamana Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya Cancer Centre were inaugurated by the Prime Minister. He inaugurated a 50 bed Integrated Ayush Hospital at Bhadrasi. He also laid the foundation of Rs 49 Cr Government Homoeopathic Medical College in tehsil Pindra under the Ayush Mission. In the road sector, the Prime Minister laid the foundation stone of two '4 to 6 lane' road widening projects for the Prayagraj and Bhadohi roads. This will improve the connectivity of Varanasi and will be a step towards resolving the problem of the city's traffic congestion. To give fillip to the tourism potential of the holy city, the Prime Minister also inaugurated the Phase-1 of Tourism Development project related to Shri Guru Ravidas Ji Temple, Seer Govardhan, Varanasi. Other projects inaugurated by the Prime Minister include a Speed Breeding Facility at International Rice Research Institute, South Asia Regional Centre Varanasi, a Regional Reference Standards Laboratory at village Payakpur and an Advocate building at Tehsil Pindra. (ANI)
After meeting with the injured Punjab Chief Minster informed that a total of five people have been injured and one died in the explosion.

"An investigation is underway. Some people want to create disturbance in Punjab. Government is on alert. A person died and five got injured in the incident," said Channi.

Chief Minister had earlier said that some "anti-national" elements doing such acts as Punjab Assembly polls are nearing and those trying to "disturb peace and harmony of state" will not be spared.

"Saddened over the news of blast at Ludhiana court complex. I'm reaching the blast site shortly and I assure the people of the state that the guilty would not be spared. Anybody trying to disturb the peace and harmony of the state will be taken to task," Channi tweeted.

Some anti-national elements are doing such acts as Assembly elections are nearing. The government is on alert. Those found guilty will not be spared," said Channi.

A team of National Security Guard has also been called in connection with the explosion, informed Local Police officials.

"Bomb disposal squad is at the site. Police conducting a search at the Court complex. A team of NSG is also coming here," said Gurpreet Singh Bhullar, Ludhiana Commissioner of Police.

An explosion was heard near the Record Room on the second floor of the Ludhiana Court complex on Thursday. (ANI)
A war of words broke out between the ruling BJP and the Opposition Congress in the State Assembly on Thursday after former chief minister and the Leader of Opposition Kamal Nath accused the state Election Commission of issuing confusing notifications regarding the reservation for Other Backward Classes (OBCs) in Panchayat elections in the state. As the proceedings of the Assembly began, Nath raised the OBC reservation issue and asked the government to clear its stance. "Ever since the Supreme Court's order came, the state election commission has been issuing different notifications at different times which are creating confusion. I would request the government to clear its stand on the OBC reservation issue," Nath said. In response, state Home Minister Narottam Mishra, who is also Parliamentary Affairs Minister, said that the government has filed a petition in the Supreme Court and a date for hearing on the matter will be fixed by the court soon. After Mishra's statement, MLAs of the Congress accused the Shivraj Singh Chouhan government of being anti-OBC. This led to a chaos prompting Speaker Girish Gautam to adjourn the Assembly for 15 minutes. Since the first day of the winter session of the Assembly (December 20), both the ruling (BJP) and the Opposition (Congress) have been accusing each other of being anti-OBC. Earlier on Tuesday, Chouhan had stated that the state government should explore legal options against the Supreme Court's December 17 order that stayed polling on all OBC-reserved seats. The ruling follows a similar order by the apex court for the Maharashtra municipal elections. Chouhan and Nath were arguing over the apex court staying the election on seats reserved for OBC candidates and directed the state election commission to re-notify these as general seats. The top court passed the order while hearing a plea challenging the Madhya Pradesh High Court's order that accepted an application challenging the validity of the Madhya Pradesh Panchayat Raj and Gram Swaraj (Amendment) Ordinance, 2021 related to reservation and delimitation in MP but refused to stay the elections to the panchayat polls. The ordinance promulgated on November 21 by the state government had annulled the last rotation on reservation, and decided that the elections would be conducted as per the delimitation and rotation exercise carried out in 2014 by the then BJP government. Reserved seats are rotated among SCs, STs and women every five years, and the last time this happened was in 2019, when the Nath-led Congress government was in power for 15 months. IANS pd/shb/ ( 428 Words) 2021-12-23-13:12:03 (IANS)
The state health minister informed that out of which four reached the Cochin International Airport, Ernakulam and one reached the Bengaluru Airport. All the patients have been shifted to the hospital.

The state has a total of 29 infections of the variant.

Kerala had reported its first case of Omicron variant on December 12.

On November 26, the WHO named the new COVID-19 variant B.1.1.529, which has been detected in South Africa, as 'Omicron'. (ANI)
Anil Deshmukh's Social Media Handler and lawyer Anand Dilip Daga played a crucial role in the planning of posting illegally accessed copy of the enquiry report to sabotage the investigation into an alleged corruption case, said a chargesheet of Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Thursday. CBI said that it was revealed that the illegally accessed or obtained enquiry report was already available with Daga and was in conspiracy with Vaibhav Gajendra Tumane, Social Media Handler of Anil Deshmukh. The report got circulated and posted with a note on the background of the Preliminary enquiry to a number of addressees, as a part of their larger conspiracy to subvert the investigation. In its chargesheet, the CBI has alleged that Tumane played a crucial and active role in planning and execution of this conspiracy with the intent to sabotage the investigation. CBI has named then CBI official Abhishek Tiwari, lawyer Anand Dilip Daga and Vaibhav Gajendra Tumane. Abhishek Tiwari in conspiracy with the lawyer was accused of leaking sensitive documents to subvert the investigation of the case against Deshmukh. During the investigation, it has revealed that Abhishek Tiwari and Anand Dilip Daga met in Delhi, Mumbai and Pune and had been in regular touch through WhatsApp calls or messages and SMS after April 14, 2021, CBI said. The probe revealed that Deshmukh's lawyer had bought an iPhone worth Rs 95,000 for CBI official Abhishek Tiwari and given him illegal gratification in lieu of sharing case sensitive and confidential documents. "Illegally obtained enquiry report of the Preliminary Enquiry against Deshmukh was already available with Anand Dilip Daga (A-2), which, he, in conspiracy with Vaibhav Gajendra Tumane (A-3), Social Media Handler of Anil Deshmukh and unknown others, got circulated or posted with a note on the background of the preliminary enquiry to a number of addressees which included many constitutional dignitaries and media houses, as a part of their larger conspiracy to subvert the investigation, " the chargesheet said. The chargesheet further disclosed that Tumane roped in services of various other people to circulate the illegally accessed documents to various important and influential people. Earlier, CBI has arrested its Sub-Inspector Abhishek Tiwari and lawyer Anand Daga, in connection with an alleged corruption case for leaking information of a separate case against former Maharashtra Home Minister Anil Deshmukh in connection with the extortion case. The arrests of CBI officials and lawyers had come after it registered an FIR against the sub-inspector, a Nagpur-based Advocate, and unidentified persons on certain allegations, including illegal gratification. On August 29, a report that was allegedly part of a preliminary inquiry conducted by CBI got leaked in media. The report mentions that the agency had concluded that "no cognizable offence has been committed by Anil Deshmukh". The CBI in its internal inquiry found that Deshmukh's legal team tried to bribe some lower-ranked CBI officials in its preliminary inquiry. Strict action will be taken against the staff who were involved in the case. The investigation is underway to find out if more people were involved in the conspiracy to manipulate the documents. (ANI)
Expressing grave concern at the lack of adequate security in court complexes, he hoped that the law enforcing agencies will pay necessary attention to ensure protection for the court complexes and all the stakeholders. Such incidents occurring in quick succession across the country are a worrisome trend, he observed.

Justice Ramana called up the Chief Justice of Punjab and Haryana High Court Justice Ravi Shankar Jha and enquired about the development. Justice Ramana offered condolences to the bereaved members of the family of the deceased and wished speedy recovery of those injured.

One person was killed and four others were injured in the explosion at Punjab's Ludhiana District Court Complex on Thursday. (ANI)
Atin Ghosh has been declared as the Deputy Mayor of the corporation.

TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee said to the elected councillors that in order to ensure effective working on councillors part, the work of Kolkata Corporation will be reviewed every six months.

"State Election Commission and Police worked well in conducting peaceful elections. Kolkata Corp report card will be reviewed after every 6 months. If someone is not working, the government will take action against them," said Mamata.

Slamming the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party and Communist Party of India (Marxist) said, Mamta Banerjee said, "BJP and CPM have the habit of talking more and working less. All hoardings need to be taken down and the city should be clean."

TMC registered a landslide victory in the recently conducted Kolkata Municipal Corporation polls, emerging victorious in 134 out of total 144 wards of the local body.

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) emerged as the second-largest party in the polls, winning in only 3 wards.

Left and Indian National Congress (INC) won two wards each while others registered wins in 3 wards.

The Left and the Congress which had fought the Assembly polls jointly decided to contest the KMC polls independently.

The elections were conducted on December 19. The counting of votes took place on December 21. (ANI)
After a Ludhiana Court blast, an alert has been issued in a crowded place, said Punjab Director General of Police (DGP) Siddharth Chattopadhyaya on Thursday adding that the public should also be careful. Chattopadhyaya further said that only experts can tell the kind of explosives used in the blast. "We cannot comment on anything. Only the experts can tell the kind of explosives used, but the district, state, and central forensics are on it. Every crowded place is on alert; the public should also be careful," said the DGP. Punjab Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi visited the hospital to meet people who got injured in an explosion. After meeting with the injured Punjab Chief Minster informed that a total of five people have been injured and one died in the explosion. "An investigation is underway. Some people want to create disturbance in Punjab. Government is on alert. A person died and five got injured in the incident," said Channi. The Chief Minister had earlier said that some "anti-national" elements doing such acts as Punjab Assembly polls are nearing and those trying to "disturb peace and harmony of state" will not be spared. A team of National Security Guard has also been called in connection with the explosion, informed Local Police officials. "Bomb disposal squad is at the site. Police conducting a search at the Court complex. A team of NSG is also coming here," said Gurpreet Singh Bhullar, Ludhiana Commissioner of Police. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Home Affairs has sought a report from Punjab on the explosion, said sources. An explosion was heard near the Record Room on the second floor of the Ludhiana Court complex on Thursday. (ANI)
The Lancet study, which reportedly states that the protection offered by the Oxford AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine Covishield declines after 3 months, has been misquoted, said experts. Speaking to ANI about the Lancet study on Covishield waning antibodies after 90 days, experts say that study has been misquoted. Dr JA Jayala, President, IMA, said, "Most of the scientific data that is available says that vaccines provide antibodies and T cell immunity as well. It is based on certain facts. Most of the scientific data is available and the studies which have been conducted wide across the country and abroad have proved that antibody is not just stopping but it is continuing. "But we are concerned about the T cell immunity or/and cellular immunity which is long lasting by all chances and once you are getting infected with the virus or when you are getting the passive immunity by the Covishield, definitely you will have the effect of that sustaining for a longer time. It will be preventing you and helping you to come out of the severe infection you are getting," the Indian Medical Association President said. "Unfortunately, this study has a strange methodology, which none of us, including my peers, had ever seen before... So my point is, without discrediting the study authors, methodologies are very important when we come to understanding conclusions. So my message is that one should never blindly jump to conclusions. This study is based on the author's conclusions," he said. "Always look at the methodology and see the data. And if we don't understand, run it by somebody who knows it before jumping to a conclusion. Unfortunately, the study has been misquoted. And all over the world, there's panic among people who've taken AstraZeneca vaccine," said Dr Rajeev Jayadevan, Vice Chairman Research Cell Kerala State IMA. "Even till today, no decline has been observed as far as the protection offered by both vaccines, Covishield and Covaxin is concerned. No signal has come from anywhere in India that people are suddenly falling sick after taking these vaccines," Dr Rajeev added. As India reported 236 Omicron cases as till today, the government and medical experts have appealed to people to follow COVID-19 appropriate behaviour. "Specifically, I'll focus on just one thing. Don't hang around people inside a closed room where people are talking, cheering or singing or having festivities. If you want to meet people, meet them outside or in open premises," Dr Rajeev said. He further added, "We learned in the last two years to use masks. Everybody wears masks. Masks are important. You know why? Because many people who carry the virus do not know they're infected. So if they're wearing a mask, they're reducing the number of viruses in the air. And so, they're protecting other people. So, that is the main purpose of wearing a mask." (ANI)
"There is absolutely NO MERIT in the hugely speculative and unsubstantiated reporting regarding the difference of opinion or working relationship between TMC and I-PAC," TMC said in a tweet.

The TMC said that under the leadership of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, they will work as one team and will continue to collaborate in the future.

"Under the leadership of Mamata Banerjee, we work as one team and will continue to collaborate in the future," it added. (ANI)
Shiv Sena MP Arvind Sawant on Thursday slammed Maharashtra BJP President Chandrakant Patil's comment on handing over the Chief Minister's post to someone else and said that he should think before giving such inappropriate comments. Notably, Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray was hospitalised recently due to health reasons. Speaking to ANI, Sawant said, "Uddhav Thackeray ji is keeping healthy and fine. As per the doctors' advice, his movement is restricted. However, he is still working virtually and governmental works are going on. Patil, on the other hand, is making unnecessary claims. Patil should think before making such inappropriate comments." "Moreover, the entire Parliament session has ended and not once did the Prime minister come and address the Parliamentarians. The BJP should self-introspect first before making such claims," he added. After the Maharashtra Chief Minister remained absent from the State Assembly on its first day of winter session today due to health issues, state's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) President Chandrakant Patil on Wednesday said that Uddhav Thackeray should hand over his charge to someone else till he gets well and termed his absence from the winter session of the state legislature as "inappropriate." "If the Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray is unable to attend the winter session of the Maharashtra legislature then he should designate someone to carry out the business. It is inappropriate that the Chief Minister remains absent from the legislature proceedings. We will not accept the complete absence of the Chief Minister from the session," Patil said while speaking to reporters outside the Vidhan Bhawan ahead of the commencement of the session today. Taking a dig at the ruling Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) in the state, Patil said that Uddhav Thackeray does not trust anyone in his government adding that the Chief Minister should give charge to his son and state minister Aaditya Thackeray and if he does not, then he does not trust him as well. The winter session of the Maharashtra Assembly is scheduled to be held from December 22 to December 28 in Mumbai. (ANI)
In view of the proposed visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Haldwani, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Thursday took stock of arrangements at the programme venue MB Inter College grounds. Union Minister of State Ajay Bhatt, State Minister Banshidhar Bhagat, Uttarakhand Minister of State Yatishwaranand and other dignitaries were also present with the Chief Minister. After the inspection, the Chief Minister held a meeting with the office-bearers of the organization and discussed the arrangements in detail. The Chief Minister directed that all the arrangements related to the event should be completed on time. During the meeting, the Chief Development Officer and PWD officials apprised the Chief Minister about the layout plan of the stage, the seating arrangement at the Prime Minister's programme venue and also about the parking space. Dhami said that parking places should be selected as close as possible to the venue so that the party workers and the public do not have to face difficulties in commuting to the venue. He said that volunteers would be positioned at each parking place and parking lot route so that party workers coming from outside would not face any problem in reaching the venue. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said that on December 30, the Prime Minister will also inaugurate and lay foundation stones of schemes worth crores of rupees for the Kumaon region in Haldwani. He said that an amount of Rs 29 crores has been released from the Government of India for the Tanakpur-Bageshwar broad gauge rail line survey. In-principle approval for Jamrani Dam has been received, added Dhami. During the inspection, President, District Panchayat Bela Tolia, Mayor Dr Jogendra Pal Singh Rautela, MLA Naveen Dumka, Diwan Singh Bisht, Ram Singh Kaida, Rajkumar Thukral, State General Secretary BJP Suresh Bhatt, Organization Minister Ajay Kumar, Chief Development Officer Dr Sandeep Tiwari and others were present. (ANI)
Hours after an explosion at Ludhiana District Court complex jolted the administration, Punjab Police Intelligence chief AS Rai on Thursday said that the police are investigating the matter from all sides. Speaking to ANI, Rai said, "The Punjab Police is investigating the matter from all sides." Regarding the use of explosives in the incident, he said that the concerned team will investigate. Meanwhile, Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa on Thursday visited a nearby hospital to people who got injured in an explosion at the Ludhiana district court complex. Prior to this, Randhawa visited the district court complex and took stock of the situation. After meeting the patients, Randhawa told ANI, "Patients have minor injuries. One of them said the explosion sound was too loud as if a building fell. Pakistan doesn't want us stable." Punjab Director-General of Police Siddharth Chattopadhyaya also was present along with Randhawa. "We cannot comment on anything. Only the experts can tell the kind of explosives used, but the district, state and central forensics are on it. Every crowded place is on alert, the public should also be careful," he told ANI. A team of National Security Guard has been called in connection with Ludhiana District Court Complex explosion on Thursday, informed Local Police officials. "Bomb disposal squad is at the site. Police conducting a search at the Court complex. A team of NSG is also coming here," said Gurpreet Singh Bhullar, Ludhiana Commissioner of Police. "The identity of a possible suspect, whose body was found at the explosion site, is being ascertained. Other 4, injured in the incident, are in stable condition," he added. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Home Affairs has sought a report from Punjab on the explosion, said sources. The explosion was heard near the Record Room on the second floor of the Ludhiana Court complex on Thursday. (ANI)
AAP leader Baghel Singh from Gurdaspur and former Sangrur District Congress Committee president and Chairman Planning Board Sangrur, Rajinder Singh Raja Birkalan joined the Punjab Lok Congress along with several supporters.

Welcoming them to the party fold, the former Chief Minister said that their joining will strengthen the party and will motivate others to join the party.

Speaking on the occasion, he said, "The Congress party was at war with itself with Punjab Pradesh Congress (PPC) president Navjot Singh Sidhu and the Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi pulling in different directions. There was complete disillusionment and frustration among the Congress rank and file and very soon many more party leaders and workers will join the PLC."

Baghel Singh said that the AAP had completely vanished from Punjab and the Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal was spreading lies like nobody else.

"Kejriwal had still not given up his dream of becoming the Chief Minister of Punjab," he added.

Baghel Singh has been appointed District President of the PLC for Gurdaspur-I comprising of Gurdaspur, Qadia and Dina Nagar constituencies.

Meanwhile, Punjab assembly polls are scheduled to be held in early 2022.

In the 2017 Punjab Assembly polls, Congress won an absolute majority in the state by winning 77 seats and ousted the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD)-BJP government after 10 years. Aam Aadmi Party emerged as the second-largest party winning 20 seats in 117-member Punjab Legislative Assembly. The SAD could manage to win only 15 seats while the BJP secured three seats. (ANI)
"The Army commanders discussed the security situation along the borders as well as the situation in Jammu and Kashmir," said government officials.

This is the first meeting of the top Army leadership after the death of Chief of Defence Staff Gen Bipin Rawat in a chopper crash.

Chief of Defence Staff Gen Bipin Rawat died in a chopper crash on December 8 along with his wife and 12 other personnel.

The Army commanders were briefed on the situation along the China border including the activities of the People's Liberation Army in the eastern sector. India and China have been in a military standoff since April-May last year after the Chinese showed unilateral aggression.

India responded very aggressively to Chinese aggression and checked their actions at multiple locations. The Galwan clash also took place there in which both sides suffered casualties.

The top Army brass conducted promotion boards for senior ranks in the force.

India has been working towards establishing peace in the area but has also maintained a high level of preparedness to thwart any misadventure by the enemy troops. Both sides have deployed a large number of troops in the area along with heavy weaponry. The infrastructure build-up has also been very heavy. (ANI)
The cadres of the banned outfit surrendered in presence of Tuliram Ronghang, Chief Executive Member of Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council among others.

"Committing themselves to the dream of Prime Minister and Home Minister of progressive and peaceful Assam, I am glad to share that 67 cadres of DNLA laid down weapons today at Dhansiripar, Karbi Anglong in presence of Tuliram Ronghang CEM, KAAC & others," Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said in a tweet.

A poster at the event welcomed the surrendered DNLA cadres.

"Warm welcome to DNLA cadre, returning to mainstream reposing faith on the Constitution of India and Democracy, May peace prevail," reads the poster present in the event. (ANI)
The FIR has been filed under the relevant section of the Indian Penal Code, Explosive Substance Act, Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act and Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.

This case has been registered on the statement of Court Complex Outpost in charge ASI Sukhpal Singh.

According to the ASI, there was a loud explosion on the second floor at around 12:30, after which 5 people were injured and one person died on the spot.

A team of National Security Guard has also been called in connection with Ludhiana District Court Complex explosion, informed Local Police officials.

"Bomb disposal squad is at the site. Police conducting a search at the Court complex. A team of NSG is also coming here," said Gurpreet Singh Bhullar, Ludhiana Commissioner of Police.

The explosion was heard near the Record Room on the second floor of the Ludhiana Court complex on Thursday. (ANI)
Septic shock occurs when an infection in the body leads to dangerously low blood pressure.

A local police official said, "Four infants died at the Savitribai Phule maternity hospital in Bhandup in the last three days allegedly due to septic shock."

Further probe in the matter is underway.

Meanwhile, state Urban Development Minister Eknath Shinde announced the suspension of the medical officer and has ordered a high-level inquiry into the matter.

BJP has accused Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) of negligence. BJP MP Manoj Kotak visited the hospital and raised questions about the BMC and demanded a probe. (ANI)
Reacting to Vice President and Rajya Sabha Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu's remarks on the functioning of the House during the winter session of Parliament, Communist Party of India (CPI) Rajya Sabha MP Binoy Viswam on Thursday said that Upper House Chairman should not be biased, adding that he should "look the other side also". Viswam's comments came after Naidu on Wednesday expressed unhappiness over the functioning of the House. Referring to the ruckus created by the Opposition during the winter session of Parliament, the Vice President said that elected representatives of the House are making a mockery of the institution. The CPI MP took a jibe at the Rajya Sabha Chairman and said, "I respect him very much and I humbly request him to look the other side also. Who is the prime cause for this? It is the government and their behaviour. The Parliament was disrupted because the government violated the procedure and rules of the House. Forgetting the main cause, he is only accusing one side. A chairman is not supposed to be looking one way only." Meanwhile, the Upper House clocked productivity of 47.90 per cent during the 18 sittings of the Winter Session that concluded on Wednesday with the announcement of the Chairman. Out of the total scheduled sitting time of 95 hours six minutes, the Upper House could discharge business only for 45 hours 34 minutes. This Session's productivity of 47.90 per cent is the fifth-lowest among that of the 12 Sessions presided over by Naidu over the last four years. A total time of 49 hours 32 minutes has been lost due to persistent disruptions and forced adjournments, mentions a data prepared by Rajya Sabha Secretariat, adding "the time lost amounts to 52.08 per cent of the available time". (ANI)
Two Indian smugglers were killed when the Border Security Force (BSF) troops tried to stop them from smuggling cattle heads in West Bengal's Coochbehar, informed an official statement issued by BSF on Thursday. A group of Indian and Bangladeshi smugglers attacked the BSF troops on the intervening night of December 22 and 23 in an attempt to smuggle cattle heads from India to Bangladesh side by taking advantage of the unfenced riverine border, according to the statement. BSF troops challenged them but the group of 15 to 20 smugglers encircled and attacked the troops, informed an official statement issued by BSF. "BSF jawan fired to disperse the miscreants but they attempted to snatch the weapon and inflicted injury to one of them. In self-defence and to deter them from smuggling, one Jawan fired again and one miscreant was got hit at his shoulder and remaining miscreants fled away from the spot," the statement further read. Immediately, the injured miscreant was given first aid by the BSF doctor subsequently evacuated to civil hospital Dinhata and further to MJN Hospital at Coochbehar where he succumbed to his injury. The deceased Indian smuggler has been identified as Lutfar Rahman from West Bengal's Coochbehar district, it added. "He was an active cattle courier and his wife namely Laizul Bibi is also involved in Trans-border Crimes and she has been apprehended by BSF troops November 11, 2020. Presently, she is at Coochbehar Jail under NDPS Act," it informed. Further, another dead body of Indian smuggler identified as Jahidul Miya from the same district was found at the location. During the searches, one cattle head, one mobile phone, voter ID card, and sharp-edged weapon were also recovered from the spot. An FIR has been lodged at Dinhata police station in the state in this regard. (ANI)
A day after he made a veiled attack on the Congress leadership ahead of assembly polls in Uttarakhand over "lack of cooperation" from the state unit, party leader and former Chief Minister Harish Rawat spoke of his being a party loyalist who was devoted to welfare of the state. Interacting with the media in Haridwar, Rawat refused to comment on the apparent tussle in the party unit. "Kadam kadam badhae jaa, Congress ke geet gae jaa. Zingadi hai Uttarakhand ke vaaste Uttarakhand par lutae jaa (Keep on marching forward, sing praises of the Congress, life is for Uttarkhand, devote it to Uttarakhand)," he said in his cryptic reply as he used lines of Hindi song. Rawat, who left for Delhi to meet party leadership, met his supporters in Haridwar at an event and paid tributes to former Prime Minister Chaudhary Charan Singh on his birth anniversary. Rawat had on Wednesday made a veiled attack in tweets on the Congress leadership ahead of assembly polls in the state stating that the "nominees of those whose directions one has to swim (in the electoral battle) are tying my hands and feet". In his cryptic tweets, Rawat has also expressed anguish at factionalism in the state unit saying there was "non-cooperation" from the party organisation in the state at most places and that thought has been crossing his mind that "it is time to rest". Rawat, a member of the Congress Working Committee, is seen as the party's face for the elections in Uttarakhand. Rawat had also expressed faith that Lord Kedarnath will provide him guidance in the new year."Isn't it strange, one has to swim in the sea in the form of the forthcoming electoral battle, instead of cooperation, the organisational structure at most places is turning its face away or is playing a negative role," Rawat said in his tweet. "There are many crocodiles of the ruling dispensation. On whose directions one has to swim, their nominees are tying my hands and feet," he added. Rawat also cited lines associated with Gita."And then quietly in a corner of mind, a voice is erupting, 'na denyam, na palaynam' (one who does not bow, does not flee). Perhaps the new year will show the way. I have faith that Lord Kedarnath will will provide me guidane in this situation," he said. Capt Amarinder Singh, who resigned as Punjab Chief Minister earlier this year and floated his own party, took a dig at Harish Rawat over his tweets."You reap what you sow! All the best for your future endeavours (if there are any) @harishrawatcmukji," he said in a tweet. Congress leader Manish Tewari also took a swipe at Harish Rawat, who was AICC incharge of both Punjab and Assam, over the way matters were being held in poll-bound Uttarakhand. "FIRST ASSAM THEN PUNJAB NOW UTTRAKHAND.....BHOG POORA HI PAUN GAYE KASAR NA RAHE JAWE KOI," Tewari said in his tweet. Tewari's tweet was also seen as a veiled reference to the party leadership's handling of affairs in different states. Rawat had resigned as Assam incharge of Congress after the party's poor performance in the 2019 Lok Sabha polls. (ANI)
Days after sacrilege and hours after the Ludhiana court blast, Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee (PPCC) President Navjot Singh Sidhu questions the timing of series of events happening in the state prior to the upcoming assembly elections. After visiting Ludhiana District Court blast victims, Sindhu condemned the cheap politics and alleged that the same thing happened in West Bengal during assembly elections. "If everything remains fine for about 4yrs, why do a series of events happen only 1-2 months prior to elections? That's what happened in West Bengal. I condemn these cheap politics. We'll give a befitting reply to those who want to divide us," said the Punjab Congress chief. He further said that fear is being spread in the name of a political agenda. "It is unfortunate that fear is being spread in the name of a political agenda. That's the culmination of negative politics; innocent people get killed for votes' polarization," he added. An FIR has been registered in the Ludhiana District Court Complex explosion case which has claimed the life of one person while leaving five others injured. The FIR has been filed under the relevant section of the Indian Penal Code, Explosive Substance Act, Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act and Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. This case has been registered on the statement of Court Complex Outpost in charge of ASI Sukhpal Singh. According to the ASI, there was a loud explosion on the second floor at around 12:30, after which 5 people were injured and one person died on the spot. A team of National Security Guard has also been called in connection with Ludhiana District Court Complex explosion, informed Local Police officials. "Bomb disposal squad is at the site. Police conducting a search at the Court complex. A team of NSG is also coming here," said Gurpreet Singh Bhullar, Ludhiana Commissioner of Police. The explosion was heard near the Record Room on the second floor of the Ludhiana Court complex on Thursday. (ANI)
There are seven municipal corporations in West Bengal namely Asansol Municipal Corporation, Bidhan Nagar Municipal Corporation, Chandernagore Municipal Corporation, Durgapur Municipal Corporation, Howrah Municipal Corporation, Kolkata Municipal Corporation and Siliguri Municipal Corporation.

Officials, on the condition of anonymity, said, "The State Election Commission informed Calcutta High Court today that it is ready to hold the polls in remaining municipal corporations. The proposed dates for the next phase is on January 22 in Asansol, Howrah, Bidhannagar, Siliguri and others. The other phase will be held on February 27 for the remaining municipalities."

Recently, voting for 144 wards of Kolkata Municipal polls was held on December 19 and the results were declared on December 21. (ANI)
The high-level team of the Election Commission of India (ECI) under the chairmanship of Chief Election Commissioner Sushil Chandra held a meeting with representatives of political parties in Dehradun on Thursday ahead of the assembly polls in Uttarakhand scheduled for next year. Chief Election Commissioner, Election Commission of India (ECI) Sushil Chandra, Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar, Anoop Chandra and senior officials of the body were in Dehradun on Thursday to review preparations for the upcoming assembly polls in Uttarakhand. The meeting was followed by a presentation by the District Election Officers and Superintendents of Police. Then the Chief Electoral Officer and State Nodal Police Officer also gave information through the presentation. The commission also launched an online poster design competition. This competition is organized to engage the youth and get new creative suggestions regarding the importance of every vote. The office of Chief Electoral Officer, Uttarakhand released the logo of 'Uttarakhand Vidhan Sabha Election 2022', 'Kautig' and Voter's Guide. Along with this, posters giving information about EVMs and VVPATs were also released. Voter's Guide is a pocket booklet. It will be distributed to all the households. All the necessary information including voter registration, EVM, VVPAT information is available in the booklet. Senior officials of the Election Commission of India were also present on the occasion. (ANI)
Intelligence agencies warned of more terror attacks in Punjab before elections and asked state police to intensify the safety of sensitive installations and close watch on social media. A senior officer said that several security advisories were already issued to the state police anticipating terror activity. Keeping a close watch on the situation, teams of Central intelligence agencies are coordinating with state police and local intelligence units to avert any more such incidents. "We held a meeting with state intelligence officers and issued a warning to them regarding terror activities in the state. We have asked them to keep a close watch on social media to keep tapping on any rumour-mongering. At present, Punjab is more fragile than Kashmir," he added. He said that in the last few months there was a surge in drone activities in border areas, where explosives and arms were dropped in Indian territory. And it is expected that the smuggled explosives will be used to destabilize law and order in the state. "There were several instances of drones used to drop explosives were remained undetected and it might be used in terror activities before or during elections to create a law and order situation," said the officer. In addition to a bomb blast in Ludhiana, the state recently witnessed sacrilege into the sanctum sanctorum of the Golden Temple and lynching incident in Kapurthala. An intruder was shot dead by BSF along the Indo-Pak border in the Gurdaspur sector when he was trying to cross over from the Indian territory. The identity of the youth killed in Amritsar and Gurdaspur remained unidentified. On December 20, a drone was sighted in the Gurdaspur sector of Punjab near the international border. BSF personnel fired five rounds but it manages to return inside Pakistan territory. (ANI)
With this, the tally of injured in the incident has gone up to six, as per the government.

The patient in question is a lady who was admitted at the GTB Hospital in Ludhiana. She had sustained severe head injuries in the incident. The patient is currently out of danger, the government said.

As of now, two patients each have been admitted at the DMC Hospital and Civil hospital in Ludhiana. One patient each have been admitted at CMC and GTB hospitals in Ludhiana.

An FIR has been registered on Thursday in the Ludhiana District Court Complex explosion case on Thursday.

The FIR has been filed under the relevant section of the Indian Penal Code, Explosive Substance Act, Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act and Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.

This case has been registered on the statement of Court Complex Outpost in charge ASI Sukhpal Singh.

The explosion at the Ludhiana District Court claimed one life and left six people injured. (ANI)
Rahul Gandhi tweeted, "The blast in Ludhiana is extremely condemnable. My condolences to the families of those who've lost their lives and prayers of quick recovery for the injured. Strict action must be taken at the earliest against those guilty."

Punjab Chief Minister Charanjit Channi too condemned the incident and said inimical forces seeking to vitiate the peaceful atmosphere in the state would never succeed in their nefarious designs.

He said everybody knew the timing and the handiwork of those forces as the Assembly polls were drawing near and they were hell-bent upon hatching such conspiracies to disturb the hard-earned peace and harmony in the state.

Two people died and five received injuries in an explosion in the district court complex of Ludhiana city in Punjab in the bomb explosion.

The court complex is located close to the district Commissioner's office.

The explosion took place in the washroom on the second floor at around 12 noon, said the police.

Not many people were present at the time of the explosion owing to strike by lawyers. One of the injured has been identified as advocate R.S. Mand.

The intensity of the blast was so huge that it damaged nearby walls and shattered window glasses.

--IANS miz/skp/

( 231 Words)

2021-12-23-19:08:03 (IANS)
"The Shiv Sena will field strong candidates against all BJP ministers to ensure their defeat," said the state Sena secretary Vishvajeet Singh.

He said that a decision to this effect had been taken at a meeting of party leaders held here on Thursday and presided over by state president Anil Singh.

The Sena state president said that the BJP, which claims to be a pro-Hindu government, had demolished scores of temples in Ayodhya, Varanasi, Mirzapur and other districts in the name of development.

"The state government has proved to be a failure in health, education and law and order. The government has failed to generate employment and now its leaders and bureaucrats are involved in land scam in Ayodhya. What kind of Hindutva is this?" Anil Singh asked.

He further said that Shiv Sena would elicit the support of other Hindu outfits for the elections.

A meeting with these outfits would be held next week under the leadership of Hindu Mahasabha chief Chakrapani Maharaj to decide the poll strategy.

--IANS amita/skp/

( 205 Words)

2021-12-23-19:14:03 (IANS)
The Madras High Court on Thursday quashed another FIR against YouTuber Maridhas, registered by the Mettupalayam police in 2020 for a video post linking the Tablighi Jamaat meeting at New Delhi for the spread of Covid-19 pandemic. The FIR was registered based on a complaint filed by Tamil Nadu Muslim Munnetra Kazhagam leader Mohammed Khader Meeran on April 4, 2020. Justice G.R. Swaminathan of the Madras High Court observed that a careful reading of the written text of the video indicates that the petitioner was scared by the congregation of Tablighi Jamaat. The Judge also said that the incident came under bitter and sharp criticism in the entire media during the early days when the Covid-19 pandemic struck. He observed that hence a slightly exaggerated comment can be expected. The judge also said that in the video, the accused had nowhere questioned the religious belief of the Muslim community and had only spoken about the irresponsible behaviour of the attendees of the congregation. Justice Swaminathan while reading out the order observed that the intention of the petitioner was that he called upon the attendees who took part in the meeting to go to hospital and have a medical checkup. The judge also said that the government had itself started carrying out contact tracing and wanted to identify the members who took part in the congregation. Maridhas was booked under sections 292(A) (publishing grossly indecent or scurrilous matter intended for blackmail), 295(A) (deliberate and malicious acts intended to outrage religious feelings by insulting its religion or religious beliefs), and 505 A (statement creating or promoting enmity or ill will between classes) of the Indian Penal Code and Section 67 (publishing or transmitting obscene material in the electronic form) of the IT Act. Justice Swaminathan while quashing the FIR against the YouTuber said that a sharp criticism against an organization would not attract the ingredients of offences mentioned in the FIR and that the registration of the FIR by the Mettupalayam police was itself illegal and quashed it. Maridhas was earlier arrested by the Police on his tweet of December 9 stating, "Is Tamil Nadu turning Kashmir under DMK rule", linking the IAF chopper crash of December 8 at Coonoor killing General Bipin Rawat, his wife, and other armed personnel. The case was quashed by the Madras High Court on December 14. --IANS aal/skp/ ( 403 Words) 2021-12-23-19:24:02 (IANS)
Meanwhile, Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackrey held a meeting with the COVID-19 task force on Thursday at 10:00 pm via video conferencing, as per Chief Minister's Secretariat.

The guidelines will cover the gathering allowed at wedding ceremonies in hotels and restaurants.

About 615 people recovered from the infection during the last 24 hours while 17 people lost their lives to the deadly virus during the last 24 hours. With this, the active cases of COVID-19 cases in the state are 7,897.

As many as 23 new cases of Omicron variant of the COVID-19 reported in Maharashtra on Thursday, said the state health department.

With this, the tally of the Omicron variant of COVID-19 in the state has gone up to 88. (ANI)
Recognising over 70 exercises, the Watch D offers features including heart rate monitoring, sleep tracking, and the ECG and blood pressure features we mentioned previously.

Heart rate detection will be done through an eight-channel high-sensitivity optical sensor, reports GizmoChina.

The smartwatch features a squarish 1.64-inch display and has an HD resolution providing 326 PPI retina-level clarity.

On the app, users can monitor their results for improvements. The feature seems to be similar to the one available in the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4.

A micropump with a size equal to a dime and with a compression capability of 40kPa has been fitted inside, allowing accurate 40mmHg to 230mmHg blood pressure measurement.

As per the website, "of course, such a smartwatch will never replace a real BP monitor but it works and can give you an idea about your health and condition. It can be for quick or everyday use".

It will go on sale in China on 25 December 2021 and cost 2988 Yuan.

--IANS wh/dpb

( 201 Words)

2021-12-23-15:38:05 (IANS)
With the government once again failing to table the (much-expected) Cryptocurrency and Regulation of Official Digital Currency Bill, 2021, in the Winter Session of Parliament, former Finance Secretary Subhash Chandra Garg said on Thursday that he had no confidence in the ability of government to figure out the complexities of this new crypto phenomenon. "I expressed serious doubts when the government had expressed its intent to present the bill, about the introduction of the crypto-assets/currencies bill in the Winter Session of Parliament. I am, therefore, not surprised to see the present situation where there is zero clarity over what is the Bill," Garg told IANS. This was the second time that the Crypto Bill 2021 was listed on the Parliament's agenda but did not see the light of the day. It was also deferred during the Budget Session of Parliament in February this year. Garg, a pioneer in formulating policies around crypto, headed the inter-ministerial committee (IMC) that drafted the cryptocurrency bill entitled "Banning of Cryptocurrency and Regulation of Official Digital Currency Bill, 2019". According to him, the government has been buffeted by two forces in this matter. First, "the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), believing that crypto-technology and businesses are only in the currency business, has been constantly hammering the government to ban the crypto-currencies and statutorily empower RBI to issue digital bank-notes," said Garg. "The crypto-currency exchanges, applying the force from the other side, want the government to treat crypto-currencies as assets and statutorily create a regulatory mechanism for the same," he added. The government seems to be caught up in this crypto storm unable to make up its mind, he noted. Adding to the government's problems are several critical issues spawned by this new crypto technology phenomenon. More than addressing the issue of legitimising cryptocurrencies in India in the upcoming bill, the government is now facing deeper challenges like crypto being potentially misused for hawala and money laundering, investments worth billions of dollars escaping to abroad and capital gains tax being avoided by the trade exchanges as well as investors. With an estimated 15 to 20 million crypto investors, and no clarity on the size of the Indian crypto market, a blanket ban is set to shake up the entire crypto ecosystem and affect millions who have put in their hard-earned money into various crypto trading exchanges. --IANS na/shb/ ( 410 Words) 2021-12-23-15:46:02 (IANS)
The relevant document will be adopted at a meeting of the Council of Ministers on Thursday, the cabinet said.

Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez announced the cabinet's plans at a meeting of the heads of autonomous communities.

The obligatory wearing of masks on the streets was canceled at the end of June, but they remained obligatory in all closed public places.

Spain is already experiencing its sixth wave of COVID-19. Despite vaccination (90 percent of the population), the growth of infections continues - 695 per 100,000 residents in two weeks; more than 27,000 new cases were detected over the past day. (ANI/ Sputnik)
The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) on Wednesday welcomed the UNSC decision facilitating the delivery of urgent humanitarian help to millions in need in Afghanistan. "We welcome UNSC decision today facilitating the delivery of urgent humanitarian help to millions in need. UN urges Afghan DFA & Int'l Comm. to accelerate necessary next steps to support needs & rights of Afghan people, inc. the broader, underlying, economic crisis impacting society," UNAMA tweeted. The Security Council on Wednesday adopted a resolution providing for a humanitarian exemption to the sanctions regime established by resolution 1988 (2011), enabling the provision of humanitarian aid to Afghanistan as the country verges on economic collapse, the UN said in a statement. Unanimously adopting resolution 2615 (2021), under Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations, the 15-member Council decided that humanitarian assistance along with other activities that support basic human needs in Afghanistan are not a violation of a provision in resolution 2255 (2015) concerning individuals and entities associated with the Taliban in constituting a threat to the peace, stability and security of Afghanistan. Additionally, the Council decided that the processing and payment of funds, other financial assets or economic resources, and the provision of goods and services necessary to ensure the timely delivery of such assistance or to support such activities are permitted. It also strongly encouraged providers relying on the resolution to use reasonable efforts to minimize the accrual of any benefits -- whether as a result of direct provision or diversion -- to entities or individuals designated on the sanctions list established by resolution 1988 (2011). By other terms, the Council decided to review the implementation of the resolution after one year and requested the Emergency Relief Coordinator to brief its members every six months, based on the delivery of humanitarian assistance in Afghanistan. (ANI)
Concerned over the fact that half the population of Afghanistan are facing acute food insecurity, Ambassador of India to the UN TS Tirumurti on Wednesday (local time) said that India has supported the UNSC resolution to grant exemption from sanctions for humanitarian assistance to the troubled country. "The humanitarian situation in Afghanistan is dire. We have seen reports that suggest that over half the population are facing crisis or emergency levels of acute food insecurity, urgent humanitarian assistance is required to meet the basic food needs of the people, and most of the country is going below the poverty threshold," Tirumurti said at a UN Security Council. He noted that the winter is already upon us. It is important that assistance be scaled up urgently and unhindered access be provided to the UN and other agencies. In this context, India has supported the call of the international community that access to humanitarian assistance for Afghanistan should be direct and without any hindrance. Humanitarian assistance should be based on the principles of neutrality, impartiality, and independence and disbursement of the aid should be non-discriminatory and accessible to all, irrespective of ethnicity, religion or political belief. In particular, the assistance should reach the most vulnerable first - including women, children and minorities, he added. Tirumurti further said that at the same time, this Council should equally exercise its oversight on the delivery of assistance as well as guard against any possible diversion of funds. This is essential since any diversion or misuse can be counter-productive. In this regard, we welcome the provision in the resolution which calls for a review of the implementation of the humanitarian carve out after one year. Over the last two decades, India has contributed significantly to the development of Afghanistan. We have just airlifted half a million doses of vaccines and 1.6 metric tonnes of life-saving medicines. We are also in the process of sending more medicines and food grains. India is ready to deliver urgent humanitarian aid consisting of food grains and medicines to the people of Afghanistan. We remain steadfast in our commitment towards humanitarian assistance to the people of Afghanistan, Tirumurti said. "We call on the international community and countries in the region to come together, rising above partisan interests. As the largest regional development partner of Afghanistan, India is willing to coordinate with other stakeholders to work towards enabling the expeditious provision of much-needed assistance to the people of Afghanistan,' Tirumurti stated. While the situation in Afghanistan is in flux, the expectations of the international community vis-a-vis Afghanistan were set out clearly in Security Council Resolution 2593. The Resolution lays down the requirements in terms of the fight against terrorism, where it has noted the commitment of the Taliban not to allow the use of Afghan soil for terrorism, including from terrorists and terrorist groups designated under Resolution 1267. It also laid down the expectations of the international community in terms of an inclusive and representative political set up with participation of diverse political-ethnic groups in the country, and the importance of upholding human rights including those of women, children and minorities, Tirumurti said. Going forward, even as we cater to the immediate humanitarian needs of the people of Afghanistan, our approach to Afghanistan will be guided by the commitments expected from resolution 2593, and our long-standing friendship with the people of Afghanistan, he added. (ANI)
"The Secretary congratulated the Qatari people for their recent observance of Qatar National Day and thanked Qatar for its continued work to assist with the safe transit from Afghanistan of U.S. citizens, Lawful Permanent Residents, and Afghans to whom we have a special commitment," Blinken said in a statement.

Blinken and the Foreign Minister also reviewed the latest developments regarding Afghanistan, the statement added.

Blinken earlier today said that the United States will work with the international community to scale up the level of assistance provided to Afghanistan, adding to provide one million additional COVID-19 vaccine doses to the strife-torn country through COVAX.

The United States is working tirelessly with the international community to ensure humanitarian assistance and other essential support flows to the people of Afghanistan to support those in need, Blinken added. (ANI)
The National Police Agency (NPA) joined Europol by signing a working-level agreement that was approved unanimously by the 27 EU nations on October 6. The accession is an outcome of efforts by police to strengthen cooperation with Europe since 2017, Yonhap news agency quoted officials as saying.

Under the agreement, police can now exchange information on crime and cooperate with member states of Europol -- 17 European and nine non-European countries -- as well as international organisations and research institutes collaborating with the agency.

The NPA said the agreement is expected to enhance police response capabilities against global crimes through sharing expertise and training programs, and working together with Europol officers.

NPA chief Kim Chang-yong had planned to visit Europol headquarters in the Hague to attend a signing ceremony but exchanged the agreement with Europol's Commissioner-General Catherine De Bolle through a diplomatic pouch due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Europol, established in 1992, is EU's law enforcement agency supporting the fight against terrorism, international drug trafficking and other serious crimes.

--IANS int/shs

( 209 Words)

2021-12-23-02:36:04 (IANS)
Sullivan told Bennett that the US and Israel are at "a critical juncture for both countries on a major set of security issues" and should develop a joint strategy, Xinhua news agency reported.

"Israel and the United States stand together," Sullivan said.

For his part, Bennett said that Israel's relationship with the Biden administration is "as strong as ever."

The two also discussed "the negotiations between Iran and the major powers in Vienna, and several additional issues of joint interest to both countries."

The Israeli prime minister said "what happens in Vienna has profound ramifications for the stability of the Middle East and the security of Israel for the upcoming years."

Sullivan arrived in Israel on Tuesday for a series of meetings with Israeli top officials on Iran. On Tuesday night, he met with Israeli President Isaac Herzog and he has scheduled meetings with Israel's Foreign Minister Yair Lapid and Defence Minister Benny Gantz.

The US official is also expected to travel to Ramallah to meet Palestinian President Mohammed Abbas to discuss bilateral ties.

--IANS int/shs

( 222 Words)

2021-12-23-03:28:03 (IANS)
The ban imposed by the European Union on Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) flight operations is expected to be lifted soon, local media reported quoting the country's Civil Aviation Authority official. "Yes, the ICAO has informed the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) that the safety audit conducted by its team recently was presented before its validation committee, which cleared it after which the SSC will be removed and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency will lift the ban," CAA Director General Khaqan Murtaza said at a meeting of the Senate Sub-Committee on Aviation on Wednesday, Dawn newspaper reported. He further said that until the CAA received the approval, the PIA would not be able to resume flight operations to the EU. An ICAO audit team that had visited Pakistan to undertake a safety audit of the aviation authority completed the process on December 10; however, its final report will be released in a few weeks and shared publicly, the newspaper said. According to Dawn, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) had extended travel restrictions imposed on PIA in April for an indefinite period and has directed the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA) to get its safety audit done by ICAO scheduled in July. (ANI)
The Foreign Minister pointed out that he had been fully vaccinated including a booster.

"I have tested positive for COVID-19 today. I am isolating at home with mild symptoms. I was privileged to have been fully vaccinated including a booster. My prayers are with the millions suffering from Covid and the billions without access to vaccine," Shahid said in a Tweet.

Maldives has recorded its first case of the Omicron variant of the COVID-19 virus on December 7, according to media reports.

Maldives Health Protection Agency (HPA) confirmed that it had detected the Omicron virus after conducting genomic sequencing on samples taken from a tourist from South Africa who arrived in the country on November 27, Xinhua news agency reported.

According to the latest figures from the HPA, over 92,000 active cases of COVID-19 have been detected in the country. (ANI)
China has expressed concerns over what it called Japan's unilateral decision to discharge the nuclear-contaminated water into the sea, calling on Tokyo to "rescind the wrong decision". The remarks by Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian come in the wake of a media report that Tokyo Electric Power Company has submitted an application to Japan's Nuclear Regulation Authority with a detailed plan of discharging nuclear-contaminated water from the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant into the sea, Xinhua reported. Hitting out a Tokyo, the spokesperson said Japan has constantly tried to defend the decision to discharge the nuclear-contaminated water into the sea. "In total disregard of the legitimate and reasonable concerns of the international community, the Japanese side only continues to proceed with the preparations for the discharge both policy-wise and technology-wise," Zhao said. The Japanese utility giant Tepco is planning to release more than 1 million cubic meters of treated radioactive water -- enough to fill 500 Olympic-size swimming pools -- from the wrecked Fukushima Dai-Ichi nuclear power plant into the Pacific Ocean, The Fukushima Nuclear Plant is a disabled nuclear power plant located in Fukushima Prefecture. The plant was dismantled due to a major earthquake in 2011. The wastewater produced by the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant is stored in tanks that are set to fill up in 2022. "In total disregard of the legitimate and reasonable concerns of the international community, the Japanese side only continues to proceed with the preparations for the discharge both policy-wise and technology-wise," Zhao said. "Obviously, it wants to impose its wrong decision on the entire international community, and it is all the littoral countries of the Pacific Ocean that will have to take the risk for such move. The Japanese side is extremely irresponsible in doing so," Zhao added. (ANI)
Two People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) Shenyang J-16 fighter jets, one Shaanxi Y-8 electronic intelligence spotter plane, and one Shaanxi Y-8 electronic warfare plane entered the southwestern corner of the ADIZ, according to the Ministry of National Defense (MND), Taiwan News reported,

At a legislative session on Wednesday, Taiwan's Defence Minister Chiu Kuo-cheng (Qiu Guo Zheng ) briefed lawmakers on the military's moves amid increasing Chinese military aggression. Chiu said that since January, the PLAAF has already carried out over 940 incursions into the country's ADIZ.

Air defence identification zones are early warning systems that help countries detect incursions into their airspace.

Any aircraft entering such an area is supposed to report its route and purpose to the "host" nation, though the zones are classified as international airspace and pilots are not legally bound to make such a notification.

Since mid-September of last year, Beijing has stepped up its grey-zone tactics by regularly sending planes into Taiwan's ADIZ, with most instances occurring in the southwest corner of the zone and usually consisting of one to three slow-flying turboprop planes.

Beijing claims full sovereignty over Taiwan, a democracy of almost 24 million people located off the southeastern coast of mainland China, despite the fact that the two sides have been governed separately for more than seven decades.

Taipei, on the other hand, has countered the Chinese aggression by increasing strategic ties with democracies including the US, which has been repeatedly opposed by Beijing. China has threatened that "Taiwan's independence" means war. (ANI)
Quoting mart's manager, The News International reported that six armed men entered the mart at around 8 pm on Wednesday at Shah Latif Town and held all employees hostage at gunpoint.

He also disclosed that the dacoits siphoned off Rs 78,500 from the mart.

The injured girl was rushed to a nearby hospital, however, she could not survive. Her brother demanded justice from the government, as per The News International.

Police have registered a case under the manager's supervision and have launched an investigation into the incident. (ANI)
Geneva [Switzerland], December 23 (ANI/Sputnik): It is up to Polish authorities to investigate all claims made by a defected Polish soldier concerning the murders of migrants on the border with Belarus, UN High Commissioner for Refugees Senior Communications Officer Katerina Kitidi told Sputnik. "We are aware of the media reports about a Polish soldier crossing the border to Belarus and about the allegations he has made. However, it is up to the concerned national authorities to investigate the reported incidents," Kitidi said. On Thursday, a group of Belarusian border guards detained Polish soldier Emil Ciecko at the Tushemlya frontier post. The soldier admitted to being part of the Polish Border Guard and requested political asylum in Belarus in protest of what he described as the harsh treatment of refugees amassing at the common border, including killings of migrants and two volunteers assisting migrants in the area. On Friday, Ciecko told Belarusian media that he witnessed two cases of Polish troops killing volunteers who tried to help migrants at the border. Polish Interior Ministry described the accusation about the murder of volunteers as "a story made of cardboard." (ANI/Sputnik)
General Mobin, the spokesman of the Kabul security department, said the explosion in front of the passport department was a car bomb, Tolo News reported.

No casualties have been reported.

Further details are awiated. (ANI)
Four important agreements were exchanged on Thursday between Maldives and Bangladesh during Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's ongoing state visit to the island nation. Apart from the agreement exchange, a symbolic handover of keys to military vehicles donated by Bangladesh to Maldives took place between Maldives' Chief of Defence Force, Major General Abdulla Shamaal, and General S. M. Shafiuddin Ahmed, Chief of Army Staff of Bangladesh, Maldives President's office said in a statement. This comes as Maldives President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih and Bangladesh Prime Minister presided over the joint ceremony today. Both leaders today delivered a joint press statement at the Maldives President's Office. They noted that Maldives and Bangladesh enjoy a traditionally and historically close relationship and that as close neighbours both countries share common attributes through our values, faith, and traditions. Solih highlighted that interactions between the two countries have heightened, including the exchange of high-level visits during the past year, bringing a sense of renewed dynamism to the Maldives-Bangladesh relations. He went on to commend PM Hasina, the government, and the people of Bangladesh for the significant progress made in economic, social, and political areas and highlighted efforts that led Bangladesh to qualify to graduate from the United Nations' list of Least Developed Countries to Developing Country status. Reflecting on the official talks held today, Hasina noted that direct air connectivity between the two countries has been enhanced in the hopes of improving people-to-people contact and exchange of tourism cooperation. She further announced the Bangladeshi government's decision to facilitate visas on arrival for Maldivian nationals in the context of the improved situation in the current pandemic and issuing long-term student visa facilitation for Maldivian students in Bangladesh. Speaking further, Solih acknowledged Bangladesh's significant contribution to Maldives in the areas of health, higher education, human resource development, and defence. He went on to note the donation of military vehicles today, collaboration on the health front, and increased opportunities for higher education, vocational training, and skills development for Maldivian students in Bangladesh. (ANI)
China will hold pro-Taiwan independence supporters criminally liable for life for promoting their cause in the mainland. China's Taiwan Affairs Office on November 5 issued a statement declaring that the pro-Taiwanese activists who support Taiwan's independence to be held liable criminally for life, sparking a new tension in the already strained Beijing-Taipei relations, according to Just Earth News. Earlier, the independent status of Taiwan is disputed as the People's Republic of China (PRC) claims the strait island nation to be a territory of Mainland China. On the other hand, Taiwan is also increasing its military power and it is further being strengthened by the United States' Taiwan Deterrence Act. Further, The Taiwan Deterrence Act is being introduced in the US Senate by the Republicans to provide financial aid of around $2 Billion a year to Taiwan to strengthen its defence. Meanwhile, the Taiwan Deterrence Act seeks to provide financial aid for the long term till 2032 subject to a yearly review of funds allocated and their use by Taiwan. PRC maintains a strong "One China" policy and is adamant about merging Taiwan into China by any means necessary including physical force if required. On the other hand, Taiwan maintains an autonomous status at the international forums, according to Just Earth News. The ties between Taiwan and China are already strained and are worsening in recent times. Recently, Chinese military planes entered Taiwan's air defence and the numbers and frequency of warplanes of China entering Taiwan's air defence are increasing, which is escalating psychological pressure on Taiwan, according to reports. Meanwhile, according to Republican Senator Jim Risch who proposed Taiwan Deterrence Bill in US Senate, peace between Taiwan and China is vital for the Indo-Pacific Region and the bill aims to achieve peace in the Taiwan Strait region. Further, the Bill also seeks to amend the Arms Export Control Act to facilitate US to sell arms and ammunition to Taiwan. (ANI)
The programme called 'BOOST Primary Student Learning Program for Results' is aimed at making pre-primary and primary education better and more accessible across the east African country, Xinhua news agency reported citing the statement released on Wednesday.

The statement said the education programme supported by World Bank will help make Tanzania primary schools safer, more inclusive, child friendly and enhance teachers' subject content knowledge.

The overall goal is to ensure an education system that supports all children, including the most marginalised, to enroll early, develop strong foundational skills and complete a quality education, said the statement.

The programme which was jointly formulated with the government and other development partners will support Tanzanian government's education sector development plan in the next five years by providing result-based financing to catalyze reforms, the statement said.

"Tanzania has made important progress in education by expanding access and reducing gender disparity in basic education," said Mara Warwick, World Bank Country Director for Tanzania.

"Investing in the education of young and vulnerable children, especially girls, is a critical building block to accelerate the country's progress towards inclusive growth, poverty reduction and stronger upward mobility of all Tanzanians," she said.

Primary enrollment in Tanzania increased since 2013, the statement said, adding that Tanzania's mainland now has 12.3 million pupils attending preprimary and primary classes.

Nevertheless, Tanzania's education sector remains constrained by several key factors including inequitable access to early learning and primary education for rural marginalised and vulnerable groups, inadequate school learning environments exacerbated by declining financing and increasing school populations, and a shortage of teachers and low teacher competencies, said the statement.

--IANS int/sks

( 314 Words)

2021-12-23-12:16:03 (IANS)
The Parliamentarians for Global Action Group, an international network of legislators from around the world, held a virtual biannual strategic meet on December 21 on the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan. This meeting by legislators that advocate for human rights and the rule of law was hosted by the Permanent Mission of Switzerland to the United Nations. The group sought to provide a platform to exchange ideas to explore to improve to the extent possible the safety and security of Afghan civilians. Former Afghan MP Mariam Solaimankhil in her speech blasted Pakistan who she claimed was single-handedly responsible for abetting a coup in Afghanistan and helping the Taliban to start its reign of terror. She accused Pakistan and its Prime Minister Imran Khan of deceiving not only the people of Pakistan but the entire world by claiming that they were fighting the war on terror alongside the US and the coalition forces while all this while. "This crisis in Afghanistan, although humanitarian in nature, is man-made. It is the result of undermining the stability of democracy for the sake of false promises made by the terrorist organisations whose major leaders are still sanctioned by the United Nations," she further added. Afghanistan's economy is in "free fall", UN Emergency Relief Coordinator Martin Griffiths told a special meeting on Sunday, warning that if decisive and compassionate action is not taken immediately, it may "pull the entire population with it". Speaking virtually to the 17th Extraordinary Session of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Council of Foreign Ministers in Islamabad, Pakistan, Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs Martin Griffiths painted a grim picture of 23 million people facing hunger; malnourished children overflowing in health facilities; 70 per cent of teachers working without salaries; and millions of students - Afghanistan's future - out of school. Moreover, this is occurring as the value of the Afghani currency plummets, a lack of confidence in the financial sector destroys trade and the space for borrowing and investment dramatically constricts. (ANI)
The number of Chinese and other people -- living in Beijing-controlled territories -- seeking asylum in foreign countries has surged dramatically in the past decade, which experts say is an indication of growing fears of Beijing's oppressive policies among its residents, a media report said. The residents of mainland China are becoming part of an exodus as some escape persecution, while others seek new opportunities for their families in other countries to have a safer, better life and be a part of open societies, reported Voice of America (VOA). The destination of these people varies from the nearby located Taiwan to as far away as Ecuador. The surprising number also came from the territory of Hong Kong. More than one per cent of the territory's residents or about 89,200 people left it from mid-2020 to mid-2021, Voice of America reported citing the data from the territory's Census and Statistics Department data. Hong Konger is fleeing the territory in the hope of better life as from the last year China has imposed its national security law that has given arbitrary powers to authorities. "Hong Kong's living environment seems to be deteriorating, so I am looking for a better place where I can live a happier life," resident Edwin Lai told VOA at an immigration fair in Hong Kong. "Hong Kong's living environment seems to be deteriorating, so I am looking for a better place where I can live a happier life," VOA quoted Hong Kong resident Edwin Lai as saying during an immigration fair. Referring to the new laws implemented by China in the territory, Edwin said that There are a lot of restraints implemented in many areas, from freedom of speech to education. There are also many restrictions. The citizens of the territory are heading to Taiwan in large numbers, as per the data from Taiwan's National Immigration Agency. Kacey Wong, a visual artist, said that she had to leave Hong Kong in order to have an independent voice. The artist stressed that nobody wants to live in a territory where fear is rising constantly. Over 10,000 people moved from Hong Kong to Taiwan in 2020, the most on record and nearly double the number from 2019. Such relocations continued in 2021, with more than 5,000 in the first seven months of the year, reported VOA citing Taiwan's National Immigration Agency. Britain is also Hong Kongers' choice for asylum as more than 65,000 territory's citizens applied to move there in the first half of 2021. A Beijing-based artist, Hua Yong, is seeking asylum in Canada. He was arrested and detained several times in China as his videos of people being evicted documented the suffering of some of the poorest Chinese citizens. Hua said that because of his works he was put in jail for years and persecuted by the government. So, I had no choice but to leave my homeland. (ANI)
Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla met Myanmar's State Administrative Council's chairman and held meetings with members of political parties, emphasising India's interest in seeing Myanmar's return to democracy at the earliest. Shringla -- who is on a two-day visit to Mynamar (December 22-23) -- reaffirmed India's strong and consistent support to the ASEAN initiative and expressed hope that progress would be made in a pragmatic and constructive manner during his meeting with all concerned members in Myanmar, said Ministry of External Affairs in a press release on Thursday. The Foreign Secretary also emphasised India's interest in seeing Myanmar's return to democracy at the earliest, release of detainees and prisoners, resolution of issues through dialogue, and complete cessation of all violence, the release added. During his visit, Shringla called on the Chairman, State Administrative Council and other senior representatives and held meetings with members of civil society and political parties, including the National League for Democracy, the release read. Myanmar's military chief General Min Aung Hlaing heads the State Administrative Council. Underlining that India shares a long border with Myanmar, the Foreign Secretary conveyed India's continued humanitarian support for the people of Myanmar. A grant of 10,000 tons of rice and wheat to Myanmar was also announced. He expressed India's continued support for people-centric socio-economic developmental projects as well as India's commitment for expeditious implementation of ongoing connectivity initiatives such as the Kaladan Multimodal Transit Transport Project and the Trilateral Highway. He also reiterated India's commitment to continue with the projects under the Rakhine State Development Programme and Border Area Development Programme for the benefit of the people of Myanmar. During the visit, Shringla also inaugurated the India Centre at the erstwhile LIC building in Yangon. The renovated building will help promote Indian culture, including performing arts, languages and yoga. The centre also houses a business hub with an exhibition hall and auditorium dedicated to trading and investment promotion, The Indian Mission in Yangon said in a tweet on Thursday. The visit also provided an opportunity to raise matters relating to India's security, especially in the light of the recent incident in the Churachandpur district in southern Manipur. The Foreign Secretary stressed the need to put an end to any violence and maintain peace and stability in the border areas. Both sides reiterated their commitment to ensuring that their respective territories would not be allowed to be used for any activities inimical to the other. India shares an approximately 1700 km long border with Myanmar. Any developments in that country have a direct impact on India's border regions. Peace and stability in Myanmar remain of utmost importance to India, specifically to its North Eastern Region, the Ministry of External Affairs said in the release. As a democracy and close neighbour, India has been involved in the democratic transition process in Myanmar and in this context has worked with various stakeholders in developing capacities on democratic systems and practices. India proposes to renew these efforts for Myanmar to emerge as a stable, democratic, federal union in accordance with the wishes of the people of Myanmar, the release added. (ANI)
Pakistan Muslim men target minority girls for forced marriage and push them into prostitution forcibly as observed by the UK parliamentary panel report. Powerful Muslim men in Pakistan, mostly in Punjab and Sindh regions, groom religious minority girls and women from poor families and force them into marriage once they grow up, and in many cases, these girls and women are forced into prostitution or sold as sex slaves, according to Just Earth News. The observation comes as part of a United Kingdom parliamentary panel report published in September this year. Earlier, the UK Parliamentary panel report pointed out how these powerful men, their families, and certain Muslim organisations "hide their crime under the cloak of religion, and there are unlikely to be any worrying penalties to pay for them. Further, the group pointed out that the Pakistan government had rarely taken any corrective action to help the hapless families who lost their daughters to Muslim men, according to Just Earth News. Also, the report pointed out forced conversions are being used as a tool for 'silent discrimination' since there is so much publicity for blasphemy cases. Further, the police mostly refuse to register a First Information Report in such cases, forcing families of abducted young girls and women with no access to judicial remedy and besides the police, the judiciary too has played a hand in glove with the majority of Muslims by applying Sharia law instead of the state law in deciding the victim's marriage status, according to Just Earth News. The girls become abused twice, once by forcibly converting her religion and again by legitimizing her illegal marriage, according to the report. (ANI)
China plans to build a military presence in Equatorial Guinea in Africa along the Atlantic Ocean which would pose a strategic challenge to the US. China is reportedly looking to build a military presence in Equatorial Guinea, which would be its second such facility in Africa and the first along the Atlantic Ocean. But China's options are not limited to the small country, according to Nikkei Asia. Further, Beijing is based on ensuring that the host country is politically stable enough so that the Chinese will not be forced out if the local leadership were to be toppled, Earlier, China's first African base is in Djibouti in the Horn of Africa which is near the US naval base Camp Lemonnier in Djibouti. On the other hand, Joe Biden's administration has made clear to Equatorial Guinea leaders that "certain potential steps involving [China] and [its] activities there would raise national security concerns for us," Pentagon press secretary John Kirby told reporters. Kirby said that Beijing "continued to try to coerce behavior out of many African nations and try to intimidate, use economic leverage to seek their own national security goals there." Paul Nantulya, a research associate at the Africa Center for Strategic Studies says that China, no doubt, has a wide range of options to choose from when it comes to basing. "Certainly China is not going to publicize discussions that it's having with African countries about issues of a military nature because these tend to be controversial," he said. "However, if we look at China's operational patterns of behavior, there will be a number of considerations that the Chinese government will take into account," he added. Earlier, an annual report on China's military capabilities released last month by the US Department of Defense states that Beijing has likely considered building facilities in Cambodia, Myanmar, Thailand, Singapore, Indonesia, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, the UAE, Kenya, the Seychelles, Tanzania, Angola, and Tajikistan. Further, China will likely opt for partners with which it enjoys the highest strategic level of relations. Also, Nantulya said that of the five tiers of partnerships it has, the "comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership" is the highest, and those that fit that category are Ethiopia, Guinea, Kenya, Mozambique, Namibia, Tanzania, and Zimbabwe. "Even when relations are strong, whenever there are signs of instability, China has shown to be very cautious and very conservative," Nantulya said "Beijing will also favor countries that have clout in the African Union and will be able to mobilize support and mitigate resistance to a Chinese base," he added. Further, the prospect of the People's Liberation Army gaining a foothold along the Atlantic, in addition to its expanding Pacific presence, has alarmed Washington as tensions continue to simmer in the wider Indo-Pacific region, according to Nikkei Asia. Earlier, Beijing's military capabilities have grown increasingly sophisticated and the US shift of its military focus to the Indo-Pacific could leave openings elsewhere for China to capitalize on. (ANI)
The vessel's foray into the contested region last week - the first such journey in nearly two decades - was a sign that Germany was "perpetuating" its activity in the region in "small steps", RT TV quoted Schonbach as saying on Tuesday while speaking from onboard the Bayern frigate.

Stressing that Germany's primary interest was in maintaining an international rules-based order in the region, Schonbach said that Berlin hoped to dispatch additional ships and aircraft to Asia from 2023.

The Bayern set sail for Asia with a crew of 200 in August. The following month, Germany claimed Beijing had denied the Brandenburg-class frigate entry into its harbours, which Schonbach suggested was a "political decision", according to RT TV.

Underlining that when a nation like Germany sends a ship, then there must have happened something in recent years, said Schonbach, emphasising that due to those happenings it is important enough to Germany to change the way of communication.

The German vessel in the South China Sea did not sail through the Taiwan Strait.

Schonbach said that this time Germany started with smaller steps. Probably, German vessels would cross the strait next time if needed, he added. (ANI)
INS Sudarshini is presently on its culmination phase of deployment to the Gulf region as part of the Indian Navy's efforts towards familiarising friendly foreign navies on various facets of operations and training on board sail training platforms and extending 'Bridges of Friendship', the navy said on Thursday. The ship was escorted by IRIS Zereh to Port Sahid Bahonar, Bandar Abbas (Iran) on December 22, according to a Navy press release. The ship was accorded a warm welcome by the Naval band of IRI Navy at the jetty. A delegation of the IRI Navy 1st Naval Region and Naval Attache Indian embassy received the ship. The reception was followed by an onboard visit by His Excellency Gaddam Dharmendra, Ambassador of India to Iran. He along with his team was provided with a guided tour of the ship. The ship's staff were hosted at a banquet lunch on the invitation of the Ambassador. Personnel from IRI Navy were also invited for the event. A joint cake cutting ceremony was held to mark the visit. The Commanding Officer accompanied by Naval attache India called on Commander IRI Navy 1st District. Historical maritime linkages, mutual co-operation between both the Navies on the subject of training cadets and young officers and various aspects of sail training were discussed during the call-on. Capt. Hamza, Director of Training (IRI Navy) visited the ship with a team of Officers from the IRI Navy. They were provided with an in-depth overview of the functioning and features of the ship during harbour training of IRI Navy Cadets. IRI Navy Trainee officers (Sea Riders) designated to undergo sail training visited the ship for a familiarisation tour of the ship. Practical knowledge on subjects of seamanship, sail arrangement, ropework and the technicalities of sail training was shared. Hands-on practical knowledge and experience on sail rigging of both sides were also imparted during this visit. The ship would be staying at Bandar Abbas for three days which includes a visit to Naval Base (Bandar Abbas) and embarkation of Sea Riders from the IRI Navy to provide sail training experience over a day's sortie. (ANI)
China has defended its international scientific exchange programs after the conviction of a Harvard University professor in the US for hiding his ties to a Chinese-run recruitment program. In a strongly worded response, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian said, "We have noted that US justice departments' repression of scientists and damage to normal China-US scientific and technological exchange in the name of combating economic espionage have already evoked doubts among visionary people in the US." Lijian stressed that China's talent exchange and cooperation programs with other countries are essentially no different from the common practice of other countries, including the US, and that US government institutions and politicians should not stigmatize them. "The US should do more that benefits scientific and technological cooperation and people-to-people exchange between China and the US," he added. Earlier on Wednesday, a Harvard professor was convicted by a US federal jury in connection with lying to federal authorities about his affiliation with a Chinese-run recruitment program. Charles Lieber, 62, was convicted following a six-day jury trial of two counts of making false statements to federal authorities, two counts of making and subscribing a false income tax return and two counts of failing to file reports of foreign bank and financial accounts (FBAR) with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). US Senior District Court Judge Rya W. Zobel will sentence Lieber at a later date that has not yet been scheduled, The US Justice Department said in a statement. Lieber was indicted in June 2020 and was subsequently charged in a superseding indictment in July 2020. Lieber served as the Principal Investigator of the Lieber Research Group at Harvard University, which received more than $15 million in federal research grants between 2008 and 2019. Unbeknownst to his employer, Lieber became a "Strategic Scientist" at Wuhan University of Technology (WUT) and, later, a contractual participant in China's Thousand Talents Plan from at least 2012 through 2015. China's Thousand Talents Plan is one of the most prominent talent recruitment plans designed to attract, recruit and cultivate high-level scientific talent in furtherance of China's scientific development, economic prosperity and national security. Under the terms of Lieber's three-year Thousand Talents contract, WUT paid Lieber a salary of up to $50,000 per month, living expenses of up to $150,000 and awarded him more than $1.5 million to establish a research lab at WUT. In 2018 and 2019, Lieber lied to federal authorities about his involvement in the Thousand Talents Plan and his affiliation with WUT, the justice department said. In tax years 2013 and 2014, Lieber earned income from WUT in the form of salary and other payments made to him pursuant to the Strategic Scientist and Thousand Talents Contracts, which he did not disclose to the IRS on his federal income tax returns. The case is among the highest-profile to come from the US Department of Justice's so-called "China Initiative." (ANI)
London [UK], December 23 (ANI/Sputnik): UK Home Minister Priti Patel on Thursday condemned a "seriously disturbing" anti-Semitic attack in north London, and said she was in close contact with the Metropolitan Police and a charity protecting the Jewish community in the UK. "Seriously disturbing antisemitic incident in north London. I will remain in close contact with @metpoliceuk and @CST_UK [Community Security Trust] as the investigation progresses and I would urge anyone with info to contact the police immediately," Patel wrote on her official Twitter account. The London police have released a CCTV image of a man they said they need to speak with in connection with a hate crime outside an overground train station in Camden on December 2. The victim - a man in his twenties - was approached by the suspect, who made anti-Semitic comments after damaging a display that had been raised to celebrate Chanukah. The Campaign Against Antisemitism said in a statement that the alleged assailant told the victim that he was "looking for a Jew to kill" before leaving the scene. The campaign group also claimed that the police faced criticism for their initially slow response to the attack, but that the investigation has been upgraded following intervention by the CST. (ANI/Sputnik)
A Karachi bakery chain has taken action against a staffer who refused to write Merry Christmas on a cake despite requests from a customer in Pakistan's Sindh. "At the moment we are taking action against him. It was done in an individual capacity and is not company policy," Dawn quoted senior management at the bakery chain Delizia as saying on Wednesday. "It may have been done due to lack of education and awareness. 'Merry Christmas' means wishing someone a happy Christmas, nothing else," the management member added. Expressing sorrow over the incident, the member also said that there is nothing wrong with wishing someone a merry Christmas. A Facebook user had earlier posted on her social media page that she went to the Delizia's store in Karachi's Khayaban-e-Jami to buy a cake. When she asked a worker of the branch to write Merry Christmas on the cake, the worker refused to do so. The worker said that he is not allowed to do this as he has been instructed from the kitchen. The post went viral on social media and users expressed their anger and shock over the incident. (ANI)
"A letter of offer and acceptance (LOA) for US-made Sky Guardian uncrewed drones is expected in March," Taiwan News quoted Minister of National Defence Chiu Kuo-cheng as saying during a meeting of the Legislative Yuan's Foreign Affairs and National Defence Committee on Wednesday.

Taipei is also in talks with Washington on a deal for Paladin self-propelled howitzers.

The US has also promised other weapons to Taiwan as M2A2T Abrams tanks, F-16V Block 70 jets, M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems and others. But Taipei has so far no clarity that when it will receive LOA for these deals.

"The Defence Ministry had been able to estimate when it would receive the Sky Guardian LOA because the legislature had approved the drone budget for next year," said Lee Shih-Chiang, head of the Ministry of National Defense's Department of Strategic Planning.

Lee also said that the ministry received the LOA for the field information communications systems and would move forward with that deal.

With regard to LOA for 40 M109A6 Paladin self-propelled howitzers, the ministry said that the deal is under discussion due to disagreements on price and the specifications of precision aiming parts. However, the ministry said that it expected a swift resolution of the disagreements and to receive the LOA for the deal soon, according to Taiwan News. (ANI)
Pakistan PM Imran Khan has failed to deliver the pandemic economic stimulus package as promised, as per an audit report. According to details shared in the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) on Wednesday, the Finance Ministry has released only Rs 186 billion out of total of Rs500 billion, which are only 37 percent of the total amount promised by the Prime Minister, according to the Nation. Under PM package, relief to daily wagers was promised Rs 200 billion but the actual release was only Rs 16 billion, funding to the utilities stores was Rs 50 billion but it got only Rs 10 billion, subsidies to power and gas were Rs 100 billion but the sector received only Rs 15 billion. However, under the head of relief to vulnerable families and panagahs was Rs 150 billion out of which a considerable amount of Rs145 billion was released by the finance ministry. Meanwhile, the Secretary Finance informed the PAC that a total of Rs 1240 billion were planned to be spent for corona-related activities that includes Rs 365 billion non cash and Rs 875 billion cash expenditures. "As far as the issue related to less spending is concerned, the corona relief package was not for one financial year but it is continuing even in current financial year," "The government had provided Rs 334 billion out of its own budget as supplementary grant during financial year 2019-20 while rest is being spent," he added. The Public Accounts Committee however expressed its dissatisfaction over half baked information extended by the Secretary Finance regarding Covid-19-related expenditure, according to the Nation. (ANI)
A draft plan has been drawn up by the US military and Japan's Self Defence Forces to enable the setup of an attack base along the Nansei island chain in Japan's southwest in the event of a Taiwan contingency, reported Kyodo News citing sources. Tokyo and Washington will likely agree to begin work to formalize an operation plan when their foreign and defence chiefs meet in early January under the "two-plus-two" framework, said Kyodo News. The move is likely to hit Beijing as it sees Taiwan as a renegade province to be reunified with the mainland, by force if necessary. US Marines, under this draft plan, will set up a temporary attack base at the initial stage of a contingency on the Nansei Islands. These islands are a chain stretching southwest from the Japanese prefectures of Kagoshima and Okinawa toward Taiwan. Notably, Okinawa has the bulk of American military installations in Japan. Japan's Self Defence Forces will support the US military by sending troops to the island nation if a Taiwan contingency appears imminent, the report said citing sources. The forces of both countries have listed around 40 candidate sites along the Nansei chain. This consist of nearly 200 islands including uninhabited ones. In early December, Japan's former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe had said that any Taiwan contingency would also be an emergency for Japan and for the Japan-US security alliance, according to Kyodo News. (ANI)
Russian President Vladimir Putin said that the international community must proceed from the current realities in regard to a possible recognition of the Taliban government in Afghanistan, reported Sputnik. "As for recognition, as a whole, we must proceed from the realities, proceed from the fact that, after all, the forces that ended up at the head of Afghanistan will intend to ensure that all ethnic groups are represented in the leadership of the country," Sputnik quoted Putin as saying on Thursday during an annual end-of-year press conference. He also said that this is the only thing in his opinion that can create conditions giving rise to hope for stabilisation in Afghanistan. Emphasising that Russia works with all international partners to come up with a consolidated decision, Putin also said that Afghanistan requires assistance at this time. The Russian President also said that the countries that were present on the Afghan territory for 20 years and destroyed its economy should take care of it. Calling on the organisations to unfreeze Afghanistan's monetary holdings, Putin said that Kabul's holding in the foreign banks primarily in the US should be unfrozen in order to support the humanitarian assistance to Afghans. He also warned that without the humanitarian assistance and unfreezing of assets, people in Afghanistan may face famine or severe consequences of that, which can spill over to the neighbouring countries. (ANI)
The teachers of the Federal Directorate of Education (FDE) are protesting against the decision to hand over the management of public schools to the municipal corporation and are demanding the reversal of the decision, Geo News reported citing reports.

Teachers had staged a similar protest in early December and decided to protest on the streets on Thursday as the government did not meet their demands.

Leaders of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) also joined the teachers in the protest, Dawn reported.

Earlier, it was also reported that the two colleges of Islamabad are facing an acute shortage of staff as both institutions have failed to create the recommended number of posts for teaching and non-teaching staff despite a lapse of more than two years. (ANI)
Rehman, who is also the head of the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM), extended this support during a meeting with Afghan Education Minister Mullah Abdul Baqi Haqqani who called on him at his residence to discuss regional politics, Dawn newspaper reported.

"The consistency and struggle based on principles have led to the success of the Islamic Emirate," Rehman told the Afghan minister, adding that the world should accept the government of the Islamic Emirate Afghanistan and help them in every possible way.

Citing the sources, the Pakistani newspaper said Haqqani is among those Taliban leaders who have received education in seminaries affiliated with the JUI-F.

Earlier, Pakistan hosted a special meeting of the 57-member Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to discuss the situation in Afghanistan.

The Taliban took over control of Kabul on August 15 and following this the country has been battered by deepening economic, humanitarian and security crises.

A combination of a suspension of foreign aid, the freezing of Afghan government assets, and international sanctions on the Taliban have plunged a country already suffering from high poverty levels into a full-blown economic crisis.

The international community, from governments to non-governmental organizations, has been providing various assistance to the Afghan people. (ANI)
The Taliban have halted US-chartered Qatar Airways evacuation flights out of Afghanistan for the past two weeks. The flights were halted over disagreements both about how the Kabul airport is managed and who is provided with seats on the evacuation flights, Sputnik reported citing NBC report on Thursday. "We are hopeful that flights will resume shortly, though as usual, winter weather conditions and airport operations remain additional factors to be aware of," a State Department official told NBC. The Taliban allegedly demanded several seats on the flights for their fighters and sympathizers so that they can work in other countries, the Russian News Agency reported. According to the report, the Taliban argue that they are running the country and Qataris use their airspace, so the radical group should receive seats on the flights. Prior to the flight suspension, the Taliban were using the seats to send migrant workers to Qatar, Saudi Arabia and other countries to find work, the report noted. The Taliban were deciding who would get the seats, and it was not known who was leaving Afghanistan - Taliban fighters, sympathizers, civilians, or a combination of these groups, the report added. The report further stated that when the Qatari government declined to continue providing seats, the Taliban halted evacuation flights. The Taliban took over control of Kabul on August 15 and following this the country has been battered by deepening economic, humanitarian and security crisis. A combination of a suspension of foreign aid, the freezing of Afghan government assets, and international sanctions on the Taliban, have plunged a country already suffering from high poverty levels into a full-blown economic crisis. The international community, from governments to non-governmental organizations, has been providing various assistance to the Afghan people. (ANI)
After US President Joe Biden signed the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (UFLPA) into law today, US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi on Thursday (local time) said that it is a strong step to combat the exploitation of forced labor in China's Xinjiang province. The bill received unanimous bipartisan support in both chambers of Congress. "President Biden and the Congress, on a bipartisan and bicameral basis, have taken a strong step to combat the exploitation of forced labor in Xinjiang with the enactment of the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act," Pelosi said in a statement. US President Joe Biden on Thursday signed the "Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act" that bans importing of goods into the US made with forced labor in China's Xinjiang province. "The ongoing genocide perpetrated by the Chinese government against the Uyghur people and other Muslim minorities is a challenge to the conscience of the entire world, which is why the House twice passed legislation to hold the Chinese Communist Party accountable for its exploitation of forced labor and put an end to this horrific practice," the statement said. It further added, "We salute Chairman Jim McGovern for his leadership and commitment to this action, which is a moral imperative for our values and an economic priority for our workers. We cannot accept a situation in which American workers and businesses are forced to compete with forced labor." "Congress, on a bipartisan and bicameral basis, will continue to condemn and confront the CCP's human rights abuses in Xinjiang and many other abuses in the region, from Hong Kong to Tibet to the mainland. If America does not speak out for human rights in China because of commercial interests, we lose all moral authority to speak out for human rights any place in the world," the statement added. (ANI)
TALLAHASSEE  From elections to vaccines, state and federal courts are weighing major Florida lawsuits. Here are 10 big legal issues to watch in 2022:

 ELECTIONS: With high-profile elections looming in November, Chief U.S. District Judge Mark Walker is slated to start a trial Jan. 31 in challenges by voting-rights groups to a controversial new elections law. Among other things, the law made it harder for Floridians to cast ballots by mail and added restrictions to drop boxes, where voters can drop off completed ballots.

 GUN PURCHASES: The National Rifle Association is asking the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals to reject a 2018 Florida law that prevents people under age 21 from buying guns. The law, passed after the mass shooting at Parklands Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, was upheld by a federal district judge. The NRA argues the law is unconstitutional.

 LOCAL GUN RESTRICTIONS: The Florida Supreme Court has agreed to take up a case challenging a 2011 state law that threatens tough penalties if city and county officials approve gun-related regulations. Local governments began fighting the law after the 2018 mass shooting at Parklands Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. The 1st District Court of Appeal upheld the law.

 MARSYS LAW: More than three years after voters approved a victims rights measure known as Marsys Law, the Florida Supreme Court will consider whether the law can shield the identities of police officers involved in shootings. The 1st District Court of Appeal backed two Tallahassee officers who argued they were entitled to privacy protections because they were threatened in the use-of-force incidents.

 PROTEST CRACKDOWN: The 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals is slated in March to hear an appeal by Gov. Ron DeSantis administration in a battle about a law aimed at cracking down on protests. DeSantis championed the law after nationwide protests in 2020 focused on racial justice. A federal district judge issued an injunction against the law, which enhances penalties and creates new crimes in protests that turn violent.

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 SOCIAL MEDIA: The state wants the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals to overturn a preliminary injunction against a law targeting social-media giants such as Facebook and Twitter. The law, in part, seeks to prevent platforms from banning political candidates from their sites and requires the companies to publish and consistently apply standards. The online industry challenged the law on First Amendment grounds.

 SPORTS BETTING: Gov. Ron DeSantis and the Seminole Tribe are looking to a Washington, D.C., federal appeals court to salvage a gambling deal that allowed sports betting in Florida. A district judge said the deal violated a federal Indian gambling law. The deal, approved in a May special legislative session, called for the tribe to control online sports betting in the state. It was challenged by two pari-mutuel facilities.

 TRANSGENDER STUDENT: In a case that is drawing national attention, the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals is slated to hear arguments in February about whether a transgender male student should have been allowed to use boys bathrooms at a St. Johns County high school. A district judge ruled in favor of student Drew Adams, spurring the St. Johns County School Board to appeal.

 UF PROFESSORS: Chief U.S. District Judge Mark Walker will hear arguments Jan. 7 in a lawsuit filed against the University of Florida after it blocked political-science professors from testifying against the state in an elections case. Six professors contend that a university policy violates First Amendment rights. UF walked back the decision in the elections case, but the school has faced heavy scrutiny about the policy.

 VACCINE MANDATES: Attorney General Ashley Moody has gone to the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals after a district judge refused to block a Biden administration rule requiring health-care workers to be vaccinated against COVID-19. Moody, backed by Gov. Ron DeSantis, also is challenging a separate federal vaccination requirement for workers at federal contractors.

This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: 10 big legal issues involving Florida to watch in 2022
The 12-year-old was taken to a detention center after recovering from the gunshot (Tulare County Sheriff's Office)

A 12-year-old boy was shot in California during an alleged attempt to rob a teenager at gunpoint.

The boy was treated at a local hospital for several weeks before being transferred to the Tulare County Juvenile Detention Facility.

According to the Sheriff's Office, the boy walked up to a 17-year-old sitting in the driver's seat of a vehicle and tried to rob him in Cutler on 26 November.

When the suspect pulled out a gun, the 17-year-old tried to back out of the parking stall and leave the area.

As the teenager began backing up, the 12-year-old started shooting at his car. "The victim then grabbed his own gun and fired one shot through his windshield, hitting the 12-year-old," the Sheriff's Office said.

The teenager then left the area immediately to avoid further confrontation.

When the detectives arrived at the spot, they found the suspect with a gunshot wound. He was rushed to a hospital and after treatment, released on 16 December. The suspect is presently being held at the detention centre without bond.

California prohibits any person, corporation or firm, from selling a handgun to anyone under the age of 21 and, selling, loaning, or transferring any firearm to a minor.

In a bid to reduce gun violence, California Attorney General Rob Bonta on Wednesday announced that the California Department of Justice (DOJ) has awarded over $4.9m to 10 county sheriffs departments to support activities related to seizing weapons and ammunition from individuals prohibited from possessing them.

In Georgia, a 12-year-old was taken into custody earlier this month for fatally shooting an 11-year-old. The minor has been charged with murder, aggravated assault, tampering with evidence, possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime, among others, the Clayton County Police Department said.
MENDOTA HEIGHTS, MN  Two Mendota Heights schools were recently added to the Minnesota Department of Health's list of schools that have had recent outbreaks of COVID-19.

Mendota Elementary School and St. Thomas Academy are the most recent adds to the list, amid a surge of the omicron variant.

Dakota County has 79 schools on the list.

See also: Omicron Cases Explode In MN: See Latest CDC Data



Mendota Heights has three schools on the list:

Mendota Elementary School Reported between 5-9 cases from Nov. 28-Dec. 11. MDH said it will post more recent data when it is available.

Friendly Hills Middle School Reported between 5-9 cases from Oct. 31-Nov. 13. The school remains on the list and MDH said it will post more recent data when it is available.

St. Thomas Academy Reported between 5-9 cases from Nov. 14-27. The school remains on the list and MDH said it will post more recent data when it is available.



The list is updated every Thursday.

Editor's note: This information came from the Minnesota Department of Health. The view the list of schools on the current list, click here and search for "Cases in Pre-K through Grade 12 School Buildings."

A school has an outbreak when it reports five or more confirmed cases of the virus in students or staff who were in the building while infectious during the most recent two-week reporting period.

"School buildings listed may not have ongoing transmission," MDH noted. "School buildings that have not reported a new case for 28 days will be removed. If five or more cases are reported in a school building in a subsequent 2-week period, they will once again be listed."

See also:

Omicron: MN Health Officials Release Holiday Recommendations

Walgreens Limiting COVID Tests For Shoppers As Demand Surges

Free COVID-19 Testing In MN: Find A Site Near You

This article originally appeared on the Mendota Heights Patch
It didnt have to be this way.

So says the sister of 90 Day Fiance star Jason Hitch  who died of COVID-19 complications on Dec. 14 in Florida, at the age of 45.

The Spring Hill resident didnt want to get vaccinated because he thought his immune system would see him through, Shannon Speagle told TMZ.

Speagle admitted she and Hitch often argued about the vaccine and that he wasnt allowed to visit her and her kids until he got the shot, she told the outlet.

Speagle, who added that Hitch would often share misinformation about the pandemic, wants people to know that the vaccine likely could have saved her brothers life.

In 2014, Hitch, a U.S. Army veteran, appeared in season two of the reality show  which documented him getting married to Brazilian Cassia Taraves; the two split in 2017, and divorced in 2018.

The popular show documents couples who have applied for or have already received a K-1 visa, for foreign fiances of U.S. citizens, who then have 90 days to wed.

On her Facebook page, Speagle paid homage to her brother in his death announcement, which mentioned that she was at Hitchs bedside when he passed away.

Despite my frustrations and differing viewpoints I loved him very much and only wanted the best for him, noted her post the following day. Politics aside, please consider the absolute grief that now exists within my family and do whats necessary to protect you and others. He was a healthy 45-year- old. If it could ravage his body, then it could to you or someone you love.

I would never want another person in this world to experience the pain of dying from this virus or have to witness what I did last night.
The U.S. Air Force has denied 2,130 requests for religious accommodation regarding the Pentagon's coronavirus vaccine mandate, the service announced Tuesday.

Why it matters: The U.S. military has scrambled to address service members who defy the vaccination order amidst growing concern over another wave of infections fueled by the Omicron variant.

Stay on top of the latest market trends and economic insights with Axios Markets. Subscribe for free

The big picture: In August, Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin directed all military troops to get vaccinated against COVID and directed each branch to set its own deadline.

The Air Force indicated that nearly 97% of its active-duty service personnel had complied with the mandate. The deadline to be vaccinated was Nov. 2.

The service branch has received more than 10,000 requests for religious accommodation. Each request is reviewed to "accommodate a sincerely held belief without putting mission accomplishment at risk," per the statement.

By the numbers: The Marine Corps said earlier this month that it had received more than 3,100 requests for religious accommodation. While the Army received about 1,700, according to AP.

The Navy announced Wednesday that it had 2,844 requests for religious accommodation, none of which have been approved.

What they're saying: "Each members request is carefully considered to balance the governments ... interest in mission accomplishment with the service members sincerely held belief," said Gina Ortiz Jones, under secretary of the Air Force, in a statement.

"Well continue to be as transparent and thorough as possible throughout this process and update everyone on the status of requests in a timely fashion."

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A view of the Milky Way over the Cape Lookout Lighthouse. The Cape Lookout National Seashore was recently certified as a International Dark Sky Park.

Probably best known for its miles of unspoiled beaches and signature lighthouse, Cape Lookout is now getting recognized for what it doesn't have: lights.

The national seashore, squeezed between Ocracoke Island and Bogue Banks, was certified this month as a Dark Sky Place. The designation by the International Dark Sky Association recognizes the exceptional quality of the night skies of the park and the opportunities it provides for astronomy-based experiences for visitors.

"There aren't too many places on the East Coast where you can get away from all of the ambient light," said Jeff West, superintendent of the nearly 30,000-acre national seashore that consists of a series of stringy barrier islands. "But out here, the stars just seem like they're right there. It's really awe-inspiring."

The Dark Sky Program, founded in 2001, encourages areas around the world to preserve and protect dark sites through responsible lighting policies and public education. Cape Lookout is the only National Park Service site on the East Coast that has received the designation.

Cape Lookout National Seashore map

Convincing residents and other neighbors of the seashore that a Dark Sky certification wouldn't bring with it any additional bureaucratic red tape took some doing, said Vermadel Nienstedt, a member of the Crystal Coast Stargazers, which headlined the push to get the designation, and a Down East native.

"We were at it for two years, and there were some tough discussions," she said. "But once we explained the differences in lighting and how any changes would likely be very minor and how they could also end up having other benefits, like for wildlife, they were very supportive."

More: NC Answers: Is the Carolina panther still lurking in the shadows?

The certification process required officials to evaluate the light fixtures within the national seashore and surrounding areas. West said that led to some light fixtures getting replaced, others tweaked, to meet dark-sky-friendly lighting requirements. The lighthouse also had to pass muster, which wasn't a problem since the old powerful beam had been replaced with a less powerful LED beacon late last decade after the electric cable that powered the light was taken out of service due to age and corrosion issues.

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The designation also requires an annual review and development of a plan to protect the seashore's dark skies.

Photo of the Iris Nebula taken from the Cape Lookout National Seashore Visitor Center on Harkers Island.

'Bursting with pride'

So is all the paperwork, meetings and annual lighting reviews just to look at stars worth it?

Without a doubt, West said, and the impacts go well beyond the economics of drawing new and more stargazers to the coast  especially during the slow winter months when the coast is largely free of tourists but the cosmos looks its best.

"The stars are just so great out here, but I don't think most people know about it," he said. "We've forgotten about the night skies. We don't look up anymore because we're too busy, have too many things pulling at us.

More: PHOTOS: National Lighthouse Day

"But we're here in year two of the pandemic, and people are toast, and sometimes you need something that says we're not the big deal, that there's a lot more out there in the universe to consider. Plus, it's just really cool."

West added that the expected popularity of the Dark Skies certification also opens up more opportunities to educate visitors about the vital role the national seashore plays in the environment, both as a wildlife sanctuary and as a protective storm-slowing speed bump for developed areas inland. That's seen an especially important as climate change is forecast to bring more frequent and powerful tropical systems to the coast.

More: What ancient trees from New Bern to Wilmington are telling us about future flooding events

Cape Lookout now joins more than 190 places around the world that are part of the Dark Skies initiative to limit light pollution and protect the nighttime sky.

It also is the third Dark Sky Park in North Carolina, joining the Mayland Earth to Sky Park & Bare Dark Sky Observatory, formerly the Blue Ridge Observatory and Star Park, in Yancey County and the Pisgah Astronomical Research Institute in Transylvania County.

Photo of the Seven Sisters taken from the mainland side of the park at the Cape Lookout National Seashore Visitors Center on Harkers Island.

While the Crystal Coast Stargazers already puts on numerous astronomy outreach programs, many in conjunction with the national seashore, Nienstedt said the club expects to ramp up those efforts and work with local businesses and officials to capitalize on the national seashore's new star power.

"We've been enjoying this for years, and now it's just really exciting that we're going to be able to share it with everyone," she said. "We're just bursting with pride."

Reporter Gareth McGrath can be reached at GMcGrath@Gannett.com or @GarethMcGrathSN on Twitter. This story was produced with financial support from 1Earth Fund and the Prentice Foundation. The USA TODAY Network maintains full editorial control of the work.

This article originally appeared on Wilmington StarNews: Cape Lookout National Seashore receives Dark Sky Park designation
By Jonnelle Marte

(Reuters) - The fast-spreading Omicron variant of COVID-19 has started leaving an imprint on slices of the U.S. economy as some events are canceled or postponed, consumers cut back on restaurant dining and understaffed businesses shut down in some of the most-afflicted areas such as New York City.

But even as economists say the variant could be a drag on growth early next year, they caution it is too soon to gauge the mark that will be left by an iteration of the virus that may on balance prove less severe even if it is the most transmissible version yet in nearly two years of the pandemic. It also seems unlikely at this stage to prevent a second straight year of above-trend growth.

Preliminary data out Thursday from the U.K. government showed a 50-70% lower probability of an Omicron infection resulting in hospitalization than with the Delta variant. That followed a study on Wednesday from South Africa, where Omicron was first identified last month, that suggested infections peaked quickly there and symptoms were less severe.

Nonetheless, Mark Zandi, chief economist for Moody's Analytics, expects the U.S. economy to take a hit in the near term from a surge that could infect more people than earlier waves but end more quickly. He now forecasts the U.S. economy will grow by 2% in the first quarter of 2022, down from 5%.

"Omicron is already affecting peoples behavior and business practices," said Zandi, pointing to a decline in credit card spending over the past several weeks.

Credit card balances were fractionally lower in the week ending Dec. 8, marking the first time since October that they didn't increase week over week, according to the Federal Reserve.

Consumers are also cutting back on trips to restaurants as the virus spreads. The number of diners seated at U.S. restaurants was down 10% for the week ending Dec. 23 when compared with the same week in 2019, according to the restaurant reservations site OpenTable. That is lower than Nov. 25, when dining activity was on par with 2019 levels.

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"The situation is changing rapidly and this is far from the resurgence many restaurants were counting on this holiday," Debby Soo, chief executive of OpenTable, said in a statement to Reuters.

Still, other parts of the economy appeared to be running as usual for now.

The number of Americans filing new claims for unemployment benefits held below pre-pandemic levels last week. And while workplace activity declined slightly last week after rising earlier in December, it was in line with the drop seen heading into the holidays in 2019 and stronger when compared to the same time last year, said Dave Gilbertson, vice president of the payroll management firm UKG.

"So far, we havent seen widespread business shutdowns, and customer demand remains strong across industries," Gilbertson said in an email.

And Americans by and large seemed more committed to their holiday travel plans. The number of people checked through airport security in the approach to Christmas is roughly double last year's volumes, Transportation Security Administration data showed. Wednesday's total exceeded the comparable 2019 level by about 144,000 passengers, one of only a handful of days so far to top pre-pandemic levels and by the largest margin yet.

TOO EARLY TO KNOW

Some analysts say it may just be too soon for the effects of Omicron to show up in economic reports.

Consumer sentiment improved in December but Richard Curtin, director of the University of Michigan's Surveys of Consumers said "too few interviews" were done to capture the impact of the Omicron variant.

"Confidence and spending are likely to be depressed in January, but it is too early to know the eventual impact of Omicron on the economy," Curtin said in a statement on Thursday.

Some economists are downgrading their forecasts for how much the U.S. economy and the labor market will grow early next year amid a surge in infections and a decline in fiscal support.

Oxford Economics lowered its growth projections for next year to 4.1% from 4.4% because of the surge in infections, and says growth could slow to 3.7% if President Joe Biden's Build Back Better spending plan is completely blocked. The package's odds of passing dimmed after Senator Joe Manchin said he would not support the bill, but some analysts say a modified version of the bill could be approved later.

And Aneta Markowska and Thomas Simons, economists for Jefferies, earlier this week said economic activity is likely to soften in January, and they "see relatively high probability" the labor market could contract next month, similar to December 2020, if more businesses furlough workers because of the virus.

Biden announced new steps this week meant to stem the health and economic consequences of the infection surge, including new sites for testing and vaccination, more at-home rapid tests and an extension of the pause on student loan payments until May 1, 2022.

Zandi says that despite the slowdown he is expecting, growth could rebound quickly in the second quarter and the economy could expand by just over 4% next year. That would be almost double the annual growth rate that prevailed in the decade before the pandemic.

(Reporting by Jonnelle Marte; Editing by Dan Burns and Andrea Ricci)
Dec. 22ANDERSON  Police are investigating the Tuesday shooting death of an Anderson woman.

Andrea Aguirre, 37, was found inside the house by her estranged husband who was checking on her and their children because there was no response when he attempted to contact her.

Anderson Police were dispatched to the 2900 block of East Fifth Street at 7:46 p.m. on a report of a woman found dead inside the residence, according to a press release.

Aguirre was found on the floor of her bedroom with an apparent gunshot wound.

The children were found unharmed and are currently with family members.

The death remains under investigation.

Aguirre was arrested on Nov. 20 on a Level 6 felony charge of domestic battery in the presence of a child under the age of 16.

According to the probable cause affidavit, police responded at 6:20 p.m. to the 800 block of West Third Street for a domestic disturbance.

Officers observed that Juan Avina had swelling around the left eye and saw a broken fingernail on Andrea Aguirre's right hand.

Avina said that he was married to Aguirre and separated at the time. He said the two had and argument about past issues in the relationship, which escalated and Aguirre punched him in the face.

Avina said he once put his hands on Aguirre's wrist which caused a fingernail to break and that's when he was punched in the face.

Aguirre told officers that Avina backed her into a corner and that she pushed him in the forehead.

Aguirre said she didn't punch Avina multiple times in the face.

The children were given to Avina following Aguirre's arrest.

Officers contacted the Indiana Department of Child Services to notify them of the case.

Follow Ken de la Bastide on Twitter @KendelaBastide, or call 765-640-4863.
Up and at 'em, Plymouth-Canton! It's Friday, so let's get you started with everything you need to know going on around Plymouth-Canton today.

First, today's weather:

A bit of afternoon rain. High: 46 Low: 45.

Here are the top stories in Plymouth-Canton today:

Demolition of three buildings continues transformation of Plymouth's Ann Arbor Trail. (Hometown Life) Oxford school shooting lasted 5 minutes. On social media, it never ended. (Detroit Free Press) Here are some fun events for the Holiday weekend! (WDIV ClickOnDetroit) Some States Are Vaccinating For COVID Faster Than Others, Here's How Michigan Stacks Up. (24/7 Wall St. - Detroit) Some Detroit area bars and restaurants temporary close  again  due to COVID-19. (The Detroit News)

This Newsletter will run Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday each week.

Today's Plymouth-Canton Daily is brought to you in part by our friends at Verizon. They're building the fastest 5G network in the country. To learn how 5G is going to change life for you and your community  and to get access to this amazing technology  click here. And thank you Verizon for sponsoring this community resource in Plymouth-Canton!

Today in Plymouth-Canton:

Christmas Eve Holiday - Summit Open 7am-12pm (7:00 AM)

From my notebook:

Plymouth District Library: "Celebrated annually on December 23. (Made popular by "Seinfeld" in 1997.)" (Facebook)

Wayne County, Michigan: "Congratulations to the Guardian Building team on being awarded with a TOBY (The Outstanding Building of the Year) award from BOMA in the Historical Building category for 2021! The Outstanding Building of the Year (TOBY) Awards is the mo..." (Facebook)

Nextdoor Neighbor, Plymouth-Penniman-Farmer: "The University of Michigan in Facilities and Operations is hiring! - There are many great opportunities - full time, part time, temporary, and different shifts being offered, including Customer Service Reps, Custodian, GIS Technician, Gr..." (Nextdoor)

Nextdoor Neighbor, W Ann Arbor Trail: "Hi! - I am looking for a candlelight Christmas eve service, protestant, but not picky about denomination. Preferably one where you sing "Silent Night" and everyone lights a candle. DTP or close would be best as I am recovering from foot ..." (Nextdoor)

Nextdoor Neighbor, Flodin Park: "Just want to say Vick did an amazing job mounting both my 75 and 60 inch! - He came the time and date given. Was in and out very professional!. Just in time for the holidays!!" (Nextdoor)

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 Dylan Siwicki

About me: I was born and raised on Detroit's Westside, in the hard working blue-collar Polish neighborhood of Warrendale. I'm a Detroit Public School graduate who fought hard to earn my education. My aspiration into journalism came as a young kid, when I began following the corruption scandal of former Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick.My first break in to the journalism world began with the opportunity to work at the Michigan Journal, where I primarily reported on campus and local news throughout Dearborn community. I eventually worked my way to news editor. In correlation to work in journalism, I had an amazing opportunity to study and write about many different cultures and backgrounds at the Piast Institute, which also helped me prepare for this role. So with first-hand experience growing up in a tight-knit neighborhood, I know the importance of delivering news and telling stories that impact local communities. And as a breaking news editor at Patch for Metro Detroit, it's my job to deliver that news. So feel free to contact me about news tips or your own unique experiences at dylan.siwicki@patch.com

This article originally appeared on the Plymouth-Canton Patch
The body of an Arizona man who was hiking in Grand Canyon National Park was found Tuesday, the National Park Service said Wednesday.

Ralph Stoll, 57, of Scottsdale, was reported Tuesday morning as being overdue from a hike in the area of the Boucher Trail, the park service said in a statement.

Stoll's body was found about 200 feet below the trail and flown by helicopter to the South Rim, the park service said.

Video: Hikers and crowds overrun Appalachian Trail

No additional details were released about the death and the incident is under investigation.

The Boucher Trail is described as a difficult one best left to experienced canyon hikers.

The most recent visitor death reported in Grand Canyon National Park this year occurred in August, when a 48-year-old Oregon man fell while on hike in the Deer Creek Narrows area.

In all of 2020, there were 13 deaths in the park, according to park statistics.
Hello, Central Jersey readers. Here are a few stories you might not want to miss today:

Click here to subscribe to your local Patch.

This article originally appeared on the Princeton Patch
By Pushkala Aripaka

(Reuters) - A three-dose course of AstraZeneca's COVID-19 vaccine is effective against the rapidly-spreading Omicron coronavirus variant, the pharmaceutical company said on Thursday, citing data from an Oxford University lab study.

Findings from the study, yet to be published in a peer-reviewed medical journal, match those from rivals Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna which have also found a third dose of their shots works against Omicron.

The study on AstraZeneca's vaccine, Vaxzevria, showed that after a three-dose course of the vaccine, neutralising levels against Omicron were broadly similar to those against the virus's Delta variant after two doses.

The London-listed company said researchers at Oxford University who carried out the study were independent from those who worked on the vaccine with AstraZeneca.

"As we better understand Omicron, we believe we will find that T-cell response provides durable protection against severe disease and hospitalisations," Mene Pangalos, the head of AstraZeneca's biopharmaceuticals R&D said, referring to a critical component of the immune system that respond to fight infection.

Antibody levels against Omicron after the booster shot were higher than antibodies in people who had been infected with and recovered naturally from COVID-19, the Anglo-Swedish drugmaker added.

Although the early data is positive for the company, AstraZeneca said on Tuesday it was working with its partner Oxford University to produce a vaccine tailored for Omicron, joining similar efforts from other vaccine-makers.

The Oxford study analysed blood samples from those infected with COVID-19, those vaccinated with two doses and a booster, and those previously infected with other variants of concern. It included samples from 41 people given three doses of Vaxzevria.

Scientists and governments are scrambling to bolster defences against Omicron with shots and therapies, as the variant threatens to become dominant globally and has prompted renewed curbs ahead of the holidays to contain infections.

Britain earlier this month backed the use of boosters after it found that a third dose significantly restored protection against mild disease caused by Omicron, in part reversing an otherwise steep drop in vaccine effectiveness.

(Reporting by Pushkala Aripaka in Bengaluru; Editing by Shounak Dasgupta, John Stonestreet and Elaine Hardcastle)
The New York State Attorney Generals Office is investigating after a suspect in a domestic incident was shot and killed by a state trooper Wednesday night in the Otsego County Village of Unadilla.

Officials said Sidney-based State Police responded shortly after 7 p.m., Wednesday for a report of a domestic dispute at a residence on Lyons Street in Unadilla.

Once inside the home, State Police said a trooper was confronted by 24-year-old Mark A. Beilby, who was armed with a knife.

Police said Beilby advanced on the trooper while refusing to comply with repeated demands to drop the knife. The trooper discharged his firearm, striking Beilby, police said.

Beilby was taken to Tri-Town Hospital and then transferred to UHS Wilson Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead.

Public safety: Johnson City Police arrest 18-year-old from Town of Maine on rape, incest charges

Health: Seeking a COVID-19 test before the holiday? Here's where to go in Broome County

Officials said the New York State Attorney Generals Office is investigating the incident pursuant to state law and in conjunction with the New York State Police.

Follow Neal Simon on Twitter @HornellTribNeal. To get unlimited access to the latest news, please subscribe or activate your digital account today

This article originally appeared on Binghamton Press & Sun-Bulletin: NYS Attorney General investigates after trooper shoots, kills suspect
MarketWatch

Is there a job that comes with the prospect of a six-figure income, high job satisfaction and has enough job openings to make it a real possibility? Companies are always keen to use intel to improve efficiency and learn more about their customers and, so, computer scientists are in high demand. Java developers are No. 1 on Glassdoors 50 Best Jobs in America for 2021.
BEDFORD  With the season of sharing bearing down to the climactic stage when Santa Claus comes to town, the fifth-ranked Bedford North Lawrence girls basketball team neatly-wrapped, then ripped open, an early gift for all who graced BNL Fieldhouse Wednesday night to watch the championship game of the Limestone Classic Holiday Tourney.

Except for those wearing the black-and-gold of Noblesville. For the third-ranked Millers, who were was coming off an ultra-impressive 25-point semifinal shellacking of top-ranked Crown Point, it was a massive clump of coal.

The gift the big crowd of BNL backers received was a night with the real Lady Stars and a witness to what they can do when playing in near-perfect lockstep as they denied the Millers, 59-40.

The Lady Stars shot 56 percent (24 for 43) overall and 50 percent (8 of 16) from 3-point range while committing a mere six turnovers and blasting out 34-20 command of the boards over the bigger Millers. Noblesville shot 30 percent (14 for 46) overall and 7 for 25 (28 percent) from the arc.

BNL's Chloe Spreen eyes a jump shot Wednesday night against Noblesville. Spreen scored 28 points in a 59-40 win.

Sophomore guard Chloe Spreen hit her last 10 shots, poured in 28 points and also yanked down seven rebounds, while junior guard Karsyn Norman added 17 points and five assists while supplying suffocating defense on Noblesville star Ashlynn Shade, who has an offer from UConn among dozens of other major Division I schools.

BNL defense leads impressive roll

Shade had three points going into the fourth quarter before finishing with nine, getting three baskets at mop time. Norman frightened the fans when she went down hard after a driving layup with 1:26 to go, but it was only a cramp and she will be fine.

"It goes up as one of the best games we've seen as a coaching staff," said BNL head coach Jeff Allen, who is not prone to hyperbole. "We take a lot of pride in defending this place, and these kids really wanted this one.

BNL junior forward Mallory Pride scores inside Wednesday night against Noblesville. She had 11 rebounds in BNL's 59-40 win.

"I don't think we had made shots with the consistency that we're capable of for quite awhile, but we did tonight, and I think it all started with our defense. Karsyn did a phenomenal job on one of the best high school players in the country, and the other kids were in great positions and had great help rotations.

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"I think it fed over to the offense. When we kept getting stops and we got a few shots to go down it just fed the confidence. They got on a roll and never lost their focus.

"Dean Smith said, 'Basketball is a beautiful game when the five players on the court play with one heartbeat.' That's what you saw tonight. It was a beautiful early Christmas gift for me, I can tell you that."

Buckley's bunch buckles

Noblesville coach Donna Buckley wasn't feeling the holiday cheer, but she gave credit where due. She employed the box-and-one defense that served her team well against Crown Point, but it backfired against BNL.

Buckley put guard Kaitlyn Shoemaker one-one-one against Norman, and played a four-person zone on BNL's other players. Spreen shredded that strategy with 12 of 17 shooting, including a trio of 3-pointers.

"I think we played really tired, and they played really well, and that's not a good combination if you're the tired team," she said. "We did some good things early, but they always had an answer, and once Chloe and Karsyn got going they really got on a roll.

"Norman is really good and Spreen is really good, and you have to pick your poison. We wanted to try to at least take one of them away. Spreen had been, I think, 1 for her last 23 from 3-point range coming in, so what are you going to do? You have two superstars out there and they both played like superstars tonight."

Lady Stars smother Millers

Both teams had shaky shooting starts as BNL went 5 for 14 from the field in the first quarter, but Noblesville found no free looks against the man-to-man and went 3 for 17. The Lady Stars assaulted the glass for 16 caroms, nine of them from sophomore guard Madisyn Bailey, who chased down nine of them and hit a 3-pointer, and Norman nailed a deep one to give BNL a 13-10 edge at the first break.

BNL sophomore guard Madisyn Bailey fires a 3-pointer over Noblesville's Ashlynn Shade during the Lady Stars' 59-40 win.

"Rebounding wasn't talked about a lot," Bailey said of the board work. "Coach Allen just said they were probably the best team in the state (the Millers had the top Sagarin Rating coming in), so we really needed to play hard. I was just trying to go after the ball and get as many as I could."

BNL blasts Noblesville out of box

Spreen, with the help of two assists from Norman, shot Noblesville out of the box-and-one quickly in the second stanza. She banged in a 10-footer off a steal by Bailey, then swished a trey at the 6:48 mark, hurrying Buckley into a timeout.

She switched to man-to-man defense, and the rout was on. Norman found Spreen for another trey to make it 24-13 and the lead never got back under double digits. Norman later added two treys off assists from Carlee Kern as BNL took a 29-16 halftime lead.

"That felt great to shoot them out of that box-and-one," Norman said. "They came out face-guarding me and nobody really likes that, but I was okay with it because I know we have a whole bunch of other players who will hurt them if they do that.

BNL junior point guard Karsyn Norman drives past Noblesville's Kaitlyn Shoemaker Wednesday night. Norman scored 17 points in a 59-40 victory.

"So my priority wasn't offensively tonight, but playing defense on one of the best players in the state. Then Chloe really got going and got them out of face-guarding me, and once that happened I was able to get some offense going, too."

Spreen picks up steam

Spreen went 4 for 4 with 10 points in the second stanza, but she was just getting started. She ended all doubts about the outcome with a scintillating 72-second stretch of the third period.

After Mallory Pride knocked down a 15-footer, Spreen used a reverse spin move to nail a 12-footer, swished a fadeaway 15-footer, and converted a brilliant reverse layup off a pinpoint fast-break feed from Norman to make it 37-19 at the 4:56 mark. It spurred Buckley to another timeout.

BNL's Chloe Spreen (left), Carlee Kern (middle) and Ella Turner (right) celebrate a fast-break basket by Kern during Wednesday night's 59-40 victory over Noblesville in the title game of the Limestone Classic Tourney.

"I think what really got me going tonight was the atmosphere in here," Spreen said. "My high school is so great, and the fans were awesome tonight, so it was so much fun. This win was huge for us and I couldn't be more proud of our team because we played so together and everybody contributed."

Coming out of the break, the BNL defense notched another stop, and Norman rifled a dart to a streaking Kern for a score that brought the fans to their feet, and Norman followed with a blow-by score. When the smoke cleared, the Lady Stars were 9 of 11 in the quarter to claim a 48-25 lead, rendering the fourth period academic.

BNL senior Ella Turner goes up against Noblesville center Brooklyn Smitherson in the Lady Stars' 59-40 victory in the championship game of the Limestone Classic Tourney.

Shoemaker and Meredith Tippner scored 11 points apiece for the Millers (12-3).

Kern and Bailey had six each, while Pride finished with 11 rebounds for BNL (14-1), which has a break before playing Louisville Male Wednesday, Dec. 29 at 6 p.m. in the Girls BodyArmor Showcase at Jeffersonville.

Crown Point topped East Central, 60-50, in the consolation game behind 29 points from Jessica Carrothers. Josie Trabel had 27 for the Trojans.

Contact Times-Mail Sports Writer Jeff Bartlett at jeffb@tmnews.com, or on Twitter @jeffbtmnews.

BEDFORD NL 59, NOBLESVILLE 40

Noblesville (40)

Smitherman f 0-2 2-4 2, Shade g 4-12 0-0 9, K. Shoemaker g 4-8 0-0 11, Wilson g, 1-8 0-0 3, Tippner g 4-12 2-2 11, A. Shoemaker 1-3 0-0 3, Mendez 0-0 1-2 1, Ely 0-1 0-0 0. Totals 14-46 5-8 40.

Bedford North Lawrence (59)

Kern f 2-3 2-3 6, Pride f 1-5 0-0 2, Spreen g 12-17 1-2 28, Norman g 7-12 1-3 17, Bailey g 2-4 0-0 6, Turner 0-2 0-0 0, Crane 0-0 0-0 0. Totals 24-43 3-5 59.

Noblesville (12-3) 10 | 6 | 9 | 15  40

Bedford NL (14-1) 13 | 16 | 19 | 11  59

3-point goals: Noblesville 7-25 (K. Shoemaker 3-6, Shade 1-4, A. Shoemaker 1-3, Tippner 1-5, Wilson 1-6, Ely 0-1); Bedford NL 8-16 (Norman 3-6 Bailey 2-3, Kern 0-1, Spreen 3-6). Rebounds: Noblesville 20 (Shade 5); Bedford NL 34 (Pride 11, Bailey 10). Turnovers: Noblesville 4, Bedford NL 6. Total fouls: Noblesville 12, Bedford NL 7.

This article originally appeared on The Times-Mail: Bedford North Lawrence girls establish themselves as contenders
By Philip Blenkinsop

BRUSSELS (Reuters) -The Belgian government agreed in principle on Thursday to close its nuclear power plants by 2025, but left open the possibility of extending the life of two reactors if it could not otherwise ensure energy supply.

The seven-party coalition has wrestled for months with the topic, with the Greens adamant that a 2003 law setting out a nuclear exit be respected, while the French-speaking liberals favoured extending the life of the two newest reactors.

The government had given itself an end-2021 deadline to settle the matter.

Belgium's two nuclear plants, with seven reactors in total, are operated by French utility Engie and account for almost half of the country's electricity production.

After talks through the night, ministers settled on a compromise whereby the last existing nuclear power plant should close in 2025, joining other countries such as Germany that are also phasing out the technology.

However, Belgium still needs to establish how to make up for the energy shortfall and there is a problem. The winner of a contract to build a gas-fired plant just north of Brussels has been denied a permit.

The government will now wait until March 15 to see if the permit is granted and, if not, look into other options, including other contract bidders.

Prime Minister Alexander De Croo said it was possible that certain nuclear reactors could be left to operate longer, but added that was "very unlikely".

Belgium will also invest 100 million euros ($113 million) over four years in research into nuclear power technology, emphasising smaller modular reactors and possibly cooperating with France and the Netherlands.

The planned nuclear exit will begin with the closure of one reactor on Oct. 1, 2022. Decommissioning, including the removal of all radioactive materials and demolition of buildings, is to be completed by 2045.

($1 = 0.8821 euros)

(Reporting by Philip BlenkinsopEditing by Mark Potter)
By David Brunnstrom and Paul Grant

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -U.S. President Joe Biden on Thursday signed into law legislation that bans imports from China's Xinjiang region over concerns about forced labor, the White House said, provoking an angry Chinese condemnation.

The Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act is part of the U.S. pushback against Beijing's treatment of the China's Uyghur Muslim minority, which Washington has labeled genocide.

The bill passed Congress this month after lawmakers reached a compromise between House and Senate versions.

Key to the legislation is a "rebuttable presumption" that assumes all goods from Xinjiang, where Beijing has established detention camps for Uyghurs and other Muslim groups, are made with forced labor. It bars imports unless it can be proven otherwise.

Some goods - such as cotton, tomatoes, and polysilicon used in solar-panel manufacturing - are designated "high priority" for enforcement action.

China denies abuses in Xinjiang, a major cotton producer that also supplies much of the world's materials for solar panels.

Its Washington embassy said the act "ignores the truth and maliciously slanders the human rights situation in Xinjiang."

"This is a severe violation of international law and norms of international relations, and a gross interference in China's internal affairs. China strongly condemns and firmly rejects it," embassy spokesperson Liu Pengyu said in an emailed statement.

He said China "would respond further in light of the development of the situation," but did not elaborate.

Nury Turkel, Uyghur-American vice chair of the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom, told Reuters this month the bill's effectiveness would depend on the willingness of Biden's administration to ensure it is effective, especially when companies seek waivers.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Biden's approval of the law underscored the "United States' commitment to combatting forced labor, including in the context of the ongoing genocide in Xinjiang."

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"The State Department is committed to working with Congress and our interagency partners to continue addressing forced labor in Xinjiang and to strengthen international action against this egregious violation of human rights," he said in a statement.

One of the bill's co-authors, Democratic Senator Jeff Merkley, said it was necessary to "send a resounding and unequivocal message against genocide and slave labor."

"Now ... we can finally ensure that American consumers and businesses can buy goods without inadvertent complicity in China's horrific human rights abuses," he said in a statement.

In its final days in January, the Trump administration announced a ban on all Xinjiang cotton and tomato products.

The U.S. Customs and Border Protection agency estimated then that about $9 billion of cotton products and $10 million of tomato products were imported from China in the past year.

(Reporting by Paul Grant and David Brunnstrom; Editing by Howard Goller and Daniel Wallis)
Associated Press

A former hermit in New Hampshire whose cabin in the woods burned down after nearly three decades on the property that he was ordered to leave has been charged with trespassing there once again, turning a shed that survived the fire into a makeshift home outfitted with a wood stove. There had been an outpouring of support for David Lidstone, 81  better known as River Dave" since he was arrested in July and accused of squatting on property owned by a Vermont man. Lidstone was a local celebrity to boaters and kayakers on the Merrimack River before his property dispute caught the attention of the masses, bringing in over $200,000 in donations to help him start a new, law-abiding life.
Family and friends searched for Sherell Pringle, 40, tracking her cellphone and eventually discovering her remains.

The boyfriend of a Massachusetts woman who was found dead in Saugus on Tuesday was arrested Wednesday night on charges of larceny over $1,200, tampering with evidence and obstruction of justice.

Bruce Maiben, 44, has not been charged in the death of 40-year-old Sherell Pringle, who was last seen Saturday evening, NBC10 Boston reports. Her son reported her missing Sunday after she didnt return home the night before.

According to reports, Pringles suspicious death remains under investigation. No arrests have been made.

The boyfriend of Sherell Pringle (above), a 40-year-old Massachusetts woman found dead in a marsh Tuesday, was arrested Wednesday, officials said. (Photo: Screenshot/NBC10 Boston)

The family said Pringle was supposed to spend Saturday night with Maiben.

When local police failed to act with the urgency they sought, Pringles loved ones took matters into their own hands. Her family and close friends launched their own search for the missing woman.

Pringles son, 19-year-old Jahmani Larionne, tracked his mothers cellphone and found it in a sewer in the city of Lynn, which is about 10 miles northeast of Boston. They backtracked from there until they found a purse by the road.

Dante said, I think I see a purse. We doubled back, and thats where we found Sherell, said the victims friends Troy Moore and Dante Webb, who reportedly found her body in the bushes along the Rumney Marsh Reservation in Saugus, located about four miles from Lynn.

We did everything ourselves, said Larionne of his mothers search Tuesday. Do you think the police found her? We found her.

This is an active and fluid investigation, said a spokesperson for Essex County District Attorney Jonathan W. Blodgett.

Its been pure hell, Pringles mother, Pearl Garner, said. Im a mother, thats my child. I feel like my heart has been ripped out. I dont know whats going on. I feel like the police should be doing much, much more.

Im just feeling empty inside, Larionne told the media. I need my mom. I want her back. Immediately.

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Pringles family said Lynn police didnt do enough after they filed a missing persons report.

We kept reaching out to them  and they werent following up on any tips that we gave them. We werent hearing anything back from them. They werent saying anything to us, said Moore and Webb.

Pringles son also filed a missing persons report with Woburn police on Sunday and informed them about the report filed in Lynn.

Her death is a terrible tragedy, and we stand ready to support her family in any way we can, the Woburn Police Department said in a statement Tuesday.

My mother was a strong, independent woman, a dream chaser, said Larionne. I love my moms to death, now shes gone.

Have you subscribed to theGrio podcasts Dear Culture or Acting Up? Download our newest episodes now!

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The post Boyfriend of missing Massachusetts woman arrested after body found in marsh appeared first on TheGrio.
SAN DIEGO (AP) 

A California woman who punched a flight attendant in the face during a flight, breaking her teeth, pleaded guilty Wednesday to a federal charge, authorities said.

Vyvianna Quinonez, 28, of Sacramento, entered a plea to interfering with a flight attendant, the U.S. attorney's office said.

Quinonez was on a May 23 Southwest Airlines flight from Sacramento to San Diego when a flight attendant asked her to buckle her seatbelt, stow her tray table and wear her mask properly during the descent.

Instead, Quinonez began recording the attendant on her cellphone, pushed her, then stood up and punched the woman in the face and grabbed her hair before other passengers intervened, authorities said.

The assault was recorded on another passenger's cellphone.

The plea agreement says that the flight attendant suffered three chipped teeth, two of which needed crowns, along with bruises and a cut under her left eye that needed stitches.

The flight attendant who was assaulted was simply doing her job to ensure the safety of all passengers aboard the plane, acting United States Attorney Randy Grossman said in the statement. Its inexcusable for anyone to use violence on an airplane for any reason.

The incident marked an escalation in unruly behavior by airline passengers and led the president of the flight attendants union to ask for more federal air marshals on planes.

Quinonez will be sentenced in March in San Diego federal court. She could face up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. However, prosecutors said they probably will recommend a sentence of four months in custody and six months of home confinement, KGTV-TV reported.

Airlines reported more than 5,000 incidents of unruly passengers to the Federal Aviation Administration this year.

Most of the incidents have involved passengers refusing to follow the federal requirement for passengers to wear face masks while on planes, but nearly 300 have involved intoxicated passengers, according to the FAA.
OTTAWA (Reuters) - Canada has delayed the implementation of new rules designed to cut drug prices to allow the government to focus on fighting the COVID-19 pandemic, Health Minister Jean-Yves Duclos said on Thursday.

The new rules, meant to reduce patented drug prices that are among the highest in the world, will come into effect on July 1 next year rather than Jan. 1, Duclos said. The pharmaceutical industry has long fought the new regime.

"To bring these amendments into force, in the context of a global pandemic, requires preparedness and consultation. A delay also allows the government to further engage stakeholders," Duclos said in a statement.

The new regulations would change which countries Canada's Patented Medicine Prices Review Board (PMPRB) uses as a benchmark to set some maximum drug prices. The PMPRB will drop the United States and Switzerland from its comparisons and add nations with lower prices.

The regulations will also empower the PMPRB to consider the cost-effectiveness of new drugs, and their potential impact on government budgets.

"The government remains firmly committed to improving the access to, and affordability of, quality medicines for Canadians," said Duclos.

(Reporting by David Ljunggren; Editing by Leslie Adler)
(Reuters) - Three doses of Sinovac's CoronaVac COVID-19 vaccine do not produce adequate levels of antibodies to fight the Omicron variant of the coronavirus, researchers from Hong Kong said in a statement.

Their analysis revealed Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine was more effective, as a third dose of the shot administered after two doses of the same or China's Sinovac vaccine provided "protective levels" of antibody against Omicron.

Pfizer and its German partner BioNTech have said their three-shot course was able to neutralise the new Omicron variant in a laboratory test.

The latest study was conducted by researchers from the University of Hong Kong and the Chinese University of Hong Kong, and funded by the Health and Medical Research Fund and the Government of Hong Kong.

The statement did not say how many samples were used in the analysis. Sinovac did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Sinovac's CoronaVac and state-owned Sinopharm's BBIBP-CorV vaccine are the two most-used vaccines in China and the leading COVID-19 vaccines exported by the country. Sinopharm also has a second vaccine in use in China.

Hong Kong has been using the Sinovac and Pfizer-BioNTech shots. But people aged 12-17 are eligible only for the BioNTech vaccine.

(Reporting by Jaiveer Singh Shekhawat in Bengaluru; additional reporting by Baranjot Kaur and Shubham Kalia; Editing by Shinjini Ganguli)
NEW JERSEY  If youre planning a Christmas vacation away from New Jersey this year, youre in good company.

More than 109 million people in the United States plan to hit the road between Dec. 23 and Jan. 2, according to AAAs newly released end-of-year travel forecast. Thats a 34 percent increase from 2020, when most people were forced to cancel travel plans or hold smaller celebrations at home due to the coronavirus pandemic.

That dramatic bounce-back  27.7 million more people traveling  will bring this years numbers within 8 percent of 2019 levels. Airlines will also see a 184 percent increase in travelers over last year.

With vaccines widely available, conditions are much different and many people feel a greater level of comfort with travel, Paula Twidale, senior vice president of AAA Travel, said in a news release.

Road trips remain the preferred method of travel during the holidays. More than 100 million plan to reach their destination by car despite gas costing $1.25 per gallon more than a year ago. More than 6 million people are expected to travel by air, while 3 million people are booking buses, trains and cruises.

AAA booking data through October shows that travelers are headed to theme-park-heavy destinations such as Orlando, Florida, and Anaheim, California. Las Vegas, New York City and several other Florida cities also rank high.

Whether you plan to travel by plane, train or automobile, those doing so in major urban cities are likely to see increased delays in areas where traffic bottlenecks are already common.

The transportation analytics firm INRIX, in collaboration with AAA, predicts only marginal delays throughout the holiday week. However, major metro areas across the United States could see more than double the delays versus typical drive times, while drivers in New York City are likely to experience more than three times the delays.

If you plan to travel from the New York City/Jersey City area and want to avoid the rush, be aware that the peak travel time is expected to be 12/27/21, 4:306:30 p.m.

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Nationwide, here are the best and worst times to travel over Christmas and New Years:

Dec. 23

Worst travel time: Noon-6 p.m.

Best travel time: After 7 p.m.

Dec. 24

Worst travel time: 2-6 p.m.

Best travel time: Before 1 p.m.

Dec. 25

Minimal congestion expected.

Dec. 26

Worst travel time: 1-7 p.m.

Best travel time: Before noon.

Dec. 27

Worst travel time: 5-6 p.m.

Best travel time: Before 1 p.m.

Dec. 28

Worst travel time: 1-7 p.m.

Best travel time: Before noon.

Dec. 29

Worst travel time: 1-7 p.m.

Best travel time: Before 11 a.m.

Dec. 30

Worst travel time: 1-7 p.m.

Best travel time: Before noon.

Dec. 31

Worst travel time: 2-4 p.m.

Best travel time: Before 1 p.m.; after 5 p.m.

Jan. 1

Minimal congestion expected

Jan. 2

Worst travel time: 2-6 p.m.

Best travel time: Before 1 p.m.

Travel Costs

Travelers are also likely to run into some higher prices and other changes from last year. AAA recommends travelers book flights, car rentals, accommodations and other activities as early as possible, as prices are not expected to decrease as the holiday nears.

Traveling by air: AAA flight booking data show ticket prices for Christmas week are up 5 percent from last year, with the average lowest round-trip fare at $154. For those flying around New Years, prices will be considerably higher, with the average lowest fare at $182.

Hotels: The cost of a nights stay at mid-range hotels has increased about 36 percent, with the nightly rate averaging $320 on Christmas and $267 on New Years Eve.

Car rentals: Daily car rental rates are averaging about $130, a 20 percent increase over last year.

Travel Tips

Planning ahead can prevent a number of travel headaches, according to AAA:

Arrive at the airport early so youll have plenty of time to get through longer TSA lines and other travel checkpoints. For domestic travel, AAA suggests two hours ahead of departure time and three hours for international travel.

Consider booking a flight during non-peak travel periods to cut down on wait times.

Hit the road when theres less traffic and allow for extra time when traveling to your destination.

Plan ahead. Check with state and local authorities where you are, along your route, and at your planned destination to learn about local circumstances and any restrictions that may be in place.

Minimize stops along the way. Pack meals, extra snacks and drinks in addition to an emergency roadside kit.

Follow public health guidance. Use face masks and remember to socially distance. Wash your hands regularly and be sure to pack disinfecting wipes, hand sanitizer and a thermometer to help protect and monitor your health.

Check with your hotel. Prior to any hotel stay, call ahead to ensure your hotel is open and ask what precautions it is taking and what requirements are in place to protect guests.

For other helpful travel guidance from AAA, visit the organizations COVID-19 Travel Restrictions Map for the latest state and local travel restrictions. You can also use TripTik.AAA.com to plan your road trip and help determine which rest stops, gas stations, restaurants and hotels are open along your route.









This article originally appeared on the Jersey City Patch
BERLIN (Reuters) - For Franziska Hilberath, whose home in western Germany's Ahr valley was destroyed by flash floods this summer, it was a Christmas miracle to be able to move into a donation-financed "tiny house" this month just in time for the holidays.

Hilberath and her partner have been sleeping at the homes of friends and relatives since Germany's most lethal floods in six decades in July that killed more than 180 people and destroyed many houses, roads, railway lines and bridges.

They were on the waiting list for "tiny houses" to stay in while fixing up their old, half-timbered house, where water had reached the ground floor ceiling when the Ahr River burst its banks in the wake of record rainfall.

But they did not expect to get one until February at the earliest. So it was with glee that they received a phone call last week saying they could move in already.

"We have actually now at short notice still got a tree and started to somehow decorate - something we had completely ruled out for this year," said Hilberath.

The government has set up a 30 billion euro ($34 billion) recovery fund https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/german-cabinet-backs-30-bln-euro-flood-recovery-fund-2021-08-18 to help western and southern Germany rebuild after the floods.

But citizens' initiatives have also raised millions of euros - some of which are now going to fund the construction of tiny houses as frigid temperatures set in and many flood-hit buildings remain without heating or electricity.

So far, 25 tiny homes measuring some 30 square meters (323 square feet) each have been handed over to flood victims like Hilberath in the town of Grafschaft. Each house has a bathroom, bedroom and open kitchen and comes fully equipped with bed linen, kettle and coffee maker.

"They are ready to move into, so people don't have to organize anything big anymore, but can move in directly and, so to speak, process here what they have experienced," Grafschaft spokesperson Thomas Hergarten said.

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Hilberath said her tiny home is not big enough for her Christmas tree which instead bedecks the terrace but she was still grateful for the people who had helped put a roof over her head.

"We're glad to have arrived here, glad to have privacy again and not spend the night on someone's couch or airbed," she said.

($1 = 0.8824 euros)

(Reporting by Reuters TV; Writing by Sarah Marsh; Editing by Richard Chang)
The City of Jackson has joined a call asking state lawmakers to pass an equal pay law.

Jackson signed onto a letter by the Mississippi Women's Economic Security Coalition, a group made up of over 50 organizations across the state supporting policies that improve the economic wellbeing of women and families.

"Mississippi's women are economic drivers for their families and the broader Mississippi economy," the letter from the coalition states. "Equal pay protection would benefit the whole of Mississippi."

Forty-nine percent of the state's workforce are women, and women are nearly two-thirds of workers who make minimum wage of $7.25 an hour, according to the letter. In addition, more than seven in 10 work in low wage jobs that pay $11.50 an hour or less.

More: Jackson passes equal pay law. Will it change anything?

A 2017 report by the Mississippi University Research Center found women earned 27% less than men working fulltime in Mississippi, compared to a 19% national wage gap.

When considering race and the wage gap, white women earn 73% of the annual median earnings of white men and African American women earn 55% of the earnings of white men, according to a 2015 report by the Mississippi Economic Policy Center.

Both reports mention some of the wage gap can be explained by factors like the types of job men and women work and educational attainment. The 2017 report said a portion of the unexplained wage gap in Mississippi "may be due to discrimination," but also factors like decisions about work-life balance and choice of college majors.

Without equal pay protection, women in Mississippi face financial trauma and poverty, the letter states. They balance work in unprotected jobs with the need to provide basic family needs like housing, healthcare, childcare and transportation.

An equal pay law can give women a path out of poverty and provide economic security for them and their families, the letter says.

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The law could also add $4.15 billion to the state's economy and benefit businesses, the letter says.

Supporters are asking the legislature to pass an equal pay law addressing various areas, including equal pay for work regardless of sex, race and other protected characteristics, unless an employer shows a genuine justification for a pay difference.

Jackson passed an equal pay ordinance that went into effect in June 2019. It prohibits city job applicants from being asked about their prior employment salary and mandates worker pay to be based on the city's official pay plan and now to deviate from it.

Former Councilman De'Keither Stamps, who drafted the ordinance, previously said it shows commitment to the issue of equal pay.

Mississippi is the only state in the country that does not have an equal pay law.

Efforts to make it law: Mississippi only state without equal pay law. Here's why and who hopes to change that

There have been previous efforts to pass equal pay here, and State Senate Labor Committee Chairman John Hohrn, a Jackson Democrat, has promised to push for the legislation next year.

Among supporters of an equal pay law are Mississippi Attorney General Lynn Fitch, the first woman elected to the position.

The Associated Press contributed reporting.

Reporter Mina Corpuz can be reached by email at mcorpuz@gannett.com. You can follow her on Twitter @mlcorpuz.

This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: Jackson letter asks Mississippi lawmakers to pass equal pay for women
As soon as the COVID-19 vaccine became available for children ages 5 to 11, the Rev. Ben Gosden of Trinity United Methodist Church took his daughter to get vaccinated at the Apollo Pharmacy on Broughton Street.

Yeah, I am really happy that kids can get it now, 9-year-old Oliva Gosden said.

In November, the FDA and The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention approved the Pfizer/Biotech COVID-19 vaccine for children ages 5 to 11. The Moderna and Johnson and Johnson COVID-19 vaccines have not been approved for children ages 5 to 11.

More: Chatham County's flu, COVID cases on the rise going into holidays

As Savannah-area schools ready to open on Jan. 4 after a two-week holiday break, several area parents are making the choice to vaccinate their children, while others have not.

Carter Bynum, 9, holds his mother's hand as he receives his COVID vaccination during a drive-thru clinic at Coastal Pediatrics in Savannah.

The Georgia Department of Health Coastal Health District and health agencies began offering the COVID-19 vaccine for children ages 5 to 11 on Nov. 4.

According to the Georgia Department of Public Health, data on the children who received the vaccine are broken up into up into two age groups: 5 to 9 and 10 to 14. Statewide 83,766 or 12% of children ages 5 to 9 have received the COVID-19 vaccine, while 246,131 or 34,5% of children ages 10 to 14 have received the vaccine.

The data is from Nov. 4 to Dec. 23.

In Chatham County, 1,838 or 10.8% of children ages 5 to 9 have received at least one dose of the vaccine and 5,913 or 34.5% of children ages 10 to 14 have received at least one dose.

In Bryan County, 234 or 7.8% of children ages 5 to 9 have received at least one dose and 824 of 26.4% of children ages 10 to 14 have received at least one dose.

In Effingham County, 194 or 4.4% of children ages 5 to 9 have receive at least one dose and 936 or 20.4% children between the ages 10 to 14 have received at lease one dose.

Doing my part

Pastor Gosden is one of those parents who is doing their part.

Its a no brainier for us and it makes us feel great," Pastor Gosden said.

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He said the reason why he and his family decided to get the vaccine is because his wife works in health care. He said another reason was because his daughter doesn't want to keep wearing a mask in school and wanted to see her grandparents without the worry of getting them sick.

Pastor Gosden said once the vaccine is approved for children younger than 5, he will take his 4-year-old to get vaccinated.

For us, a little protection is better than no protection," he said. It is just a matter of caring for each other."

More: Many Savannah-area parents of young children eager for approval of COVID-19 vaccine

According to the Georgia Department of Public Health, children have to receive the following vaccines before starting school:

Tdap: four or five does, if fourth dose is after fourth birthday, a fifth dose is needed.

Polio: three or four, fourth dose on or after fourth birthday, required for children born on or after Jan. 1, 2006.

MMR: two doses.

Hepatitis B: three doses.

Varicella: two doses.

Hib: Required for child care or Pre-K only.

PCV: Required for child care and Pre-K only.

Hepatitis A: two doses required for children born after Jan. 1, 2006.

Pastor Gosden said he and his family have received the required vaccines, as well as the flu vaccine.

We are very much pro-vaccine, he said.

Pastor Gosden said he feels more comfortable going out into the world after getting the COVID-19 vaccine.

More: I got vaccinated only to become a COVID-19 breakthrough case. Now I feel like a fool

It's going to be OK

Another parent, Dana Felty Bynum, recently took her children ages 6 and 9 to get the second dose of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine during a clinic at Costal Pediatrics on 2 Wheeler St. in Savannah.

"We were so excited that kids could get the vaccine because we have been pretty cautious," Bynum said. "They (sons) have had a really hard time..., they are outgoing, social little guys. We felt that with the vaccine it would be OK to step out a little bit more in the public then we had before."

She said getting the vaccine outweighs the cost of getting the virus.

"We think vaccines work," she said. "I am seeing a lot of medical news daily, and I am really comfortable with the vaccine."

Dana Felty Bynum comforts her son, Calvin, after receiving his second COVID-19 vaccination.

Bynum said she and her husband have both received the COVID-19 shot and felt that it was safe because they didn't have a reaction.

"A lot about what we know about vaccines is if family members seem to take it pretty well; it's likely that the kids will do well, too, because they don't have any other underlining health issues," she said.

Bynum said her children have had the required vaccines for school.

She has explained to her sons that getting the vaccine is not just for them, but for the community. Bynum said a vaccine helps to reduce the spread of the virus and prevents someone getting sick.

"We are going to get this ouchie in our arm to also prevent your grandparents, sweet neighbors and teachers from getting sick," she said to her sons.

Not enough data

Nadine Chapman, who lives in Effingham County, said she and her children are not planning to get the COVID-19 vaccine. She has a 5-year-old and an 8-year-old who attend schools in the Effingham County School District.

Dana Bynum talks with Dr. Dudley Stone with Coastal Pediatrics about the COVID vaccinations for her two boys during a drive-thru clinic.

Chapman said she would be more comfortable letting her kids get the vaccine if there was at least two years of information or a study that was done on the vaccine.

For us, for me, there is not enough information that shows what the vaccine is going to do to the body over an extended period of time, she said.

She said her kids get the mandatory vaccines for school, but not the flu shot. Chapman said she trusts the mandatory vaccines because she had them as a child.

Those are the vaccines that I had as a child, so if I had it as a child and my husband had it as a child, then in our heads its OK for our kids to get them.

Chapman said there is no need for her to get the COVID-19 vaccine because she has had COVID-19 twice and has built up an immunity.

I feel like my kids are safe, she said. I am not going to live in fear of COVID-19.

More: City of Savannah, Chatham County, others offering $500 COVID vaccine incentive for employees

Natural vs. vaccine immunity

"Everyone still needs the vaccine regardless of their past infection status," said Epidemiologist Jessica Schwind, assistant professor of public health at Georgia Southern University at the Armstrong campus.

She said there are not only individual benefits in receiving a vaccine, but also it benefits the community in reducing the spread.

"There are also population benefits and to really recognize that kids are such an integral part of the community, and as such, can contribute to the community transmission of COVID-19 or community spread," she said. "Both in the household and in school settings."

She said a benefit of kids receiving the vaccine is the ability to have in-person instruction in school. She said something like a vaccine is one tool that can help stop a disease.

"We are in a state of public health emergency and COVID-19 is a novel pathogen in our population, which means, in many cases, cause disease and death," she said.

She said having a vaccine is a better choice than relying on natural immunity. Schwind stated that a natural immunity is a person, who has had a past infection and would have had symptoms from a virus.

She said having a vaccine immunity means the immune system has been built to recognize the COVID-19 vaccine.

She said a vaccine strengthens an individual's immune system and provides protection for different variants of a virus. She also said that with any vaccine, there could be potential side effects.

In relation to children, she said, even though children are less likely to get the virus, they can still get the virus.

Schwind said she would encourage those with concerns about the vaccine talk with a medical professional, a doctor or someone at a local health department.

"I encourage people to get their questions answered by experts in the field," she said.

Bianca Moorman is the education reporter. Reach her at BMoorman@gannett.com or 912-239-7706. Find her on Twitter @biancarmoorman.

Find a vaccine location

This article originally appeared on Savannah Morning News: Savannah parents decide on COVID vaccines for children ages 5 to 12
(clockwise from top left) Workers' Party chief Pritam Singh; Committee of Privileges member Edwin Tong; WP vice-chair Faisal Manap; and former Sengkang Member of Parliament Raeesah Khan (PHOTO: SCREENGRAB: Gov.sg YouTube channel)

SINGAPORE  There is a scene from presidential drama The West Wing that has been playing on this reporter's mind since the Workers' Party (WP) press conference of 2 December, when it was revealed that its senior party leadership first became aware of Raeesah Khan's lies in Parliament a few days after they were first uttered on 3 August.

"This is what happens when you put teenagers in the White House," declares an opposition lawmaker to two presidential aides who almost commit perjury in their attempts to defend a colleague for his alcoholism. "I'd like to hold hearings into the two of you being stupid."

While the context may be different, and it may seem harsh, those remarks could apply to just about every player in the ongoing Raeesah Khan saga, from the former Sengkang Member of Parliament to WP chief Pritam Singh to the eight-member Committee of Privileges (COP) tasked with investigating Raeesah's lies.

Simply put: no one in this barely believable affair has covered themselves in glory, bar the ingenious meme makers and perhaps the WP cadre members who testified. And with a sixth special report released by the COP on Wednesday evening (22 December), incorporating fresh testimony from Raeesah insisting that Singh and party leaders had instructed her to keep up the deception, the COP inquiry is beginning to look like it will rival that other long drawn-out saga also involving WP leaders: Aljunied-Hougang Town Council.

Memes and parodies

PHOTO: Mediacock Singapore

Netizens have had a field day with the COP hearings, in particular the epic nine-hour interrogation of Singh by Minister for Culture, Community and Youth Edwin Tong, who sits on the COP. It essentially consisted of Tong levelling the same accusation over and over again  Singh was indecisive, if not complicit  and Singh responding with a constant refrain of "I disagree".

By comparison, Raeesah, the elected MP who had lied repeatedly in the House, was only questioned for around three hours in total over her three appearances before the COP. She first made serious allegations against her former party leaders in early December and doubled down on these claims on Wednesday.

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Despite his repeated declarations that the COP has no agenda beyond a fact-finding mission, Tong's constant use of the legal term "I put it to you" and demands to "answer my question" often made the proceedings adversarial. The COP, which has only one opposition MP, also saw fit to release its first interim report without having first heard from the WP's senior leaders.

With proceedings resembling a courtroom drama, netizens ate up the Leader of the Opposition's sassy, almost smug performance. By comparison, Tong, a Senior Counsel, looked almost bumbling, with long, convoluted  if reasonable  questions posed to the soundtrack of him furiously scrolling on his mouse.

It all made rich fodder for satire, from a 'movie trailer' on the Raeesah saga to a hilarious clip of Singh 'complaining' about discounted sushi at Don Don Donki. In particular, a meme playing on the old Gold 90FM ad, casting Tong in the role of the listener who wants to "only hear the good stuff", has been circulating.

As a colleague put it: you know you've lost the people when you become a meme.

The narrative has been set

SCREENGRAB: Gov.sg YouTube channel

Lawyers would know that "I put it to you" is typically used in a cross-examination to advance a client's case. In the same manner, I put it to you that the court of public opinion has already made its ruling.

This is best summed up by one online wags comment, Verdict looking for crime lah. The COP can claim to be neutral till it is blue in the face: this will not change the perception among many netizens that it is acting in a partisan manner.

It does not matter how many more reports are written or witnesses questioned - the narrative has been set in stone. If the WP scored an own goal, then the COP has missed an open goal so far.

There are many questions to be asked of the COP. First and foremost, why did Tong take such a belligerent approach with Singh, while treating Raeesah with kid gloves in comparison? His bizarre assertion that "I am entitled to put a hypothesis to you because we should test the evidence" was met with the perfect response from Singh, You dont test the evidence with a hypothesis, but go ahead.

At the risk of stating the blindingly obvious, the COP is not a tribunal of court judges, and some of its members need to know they are not conducting a court hearing. Perhaps the public criticism of his conduct was one reason that Tong was far more cordial when he questioned WP chair Sylvia Lim after his verbal jousting with Singh.

COP hearings have now lasted more than 30 hours. The Committee has also sat for almost a month but has yet to come to any conclusions. Is this a reasonable or efficient use of taxpayers' money, especially when the questioning has been largely conducted by just three COP members, and there is still a pandemic raging?

Whatever the WP's supposed misdeeds, the perception of bullying is overshadowing it all.

Political theatre

Workers' Party chief and Aljunied Member of Parliament Pritam Singh testifies before the Committee of Privileges on Friday, 10 December 2021. (SCREENGRAB: Gov.sg YouTube channel)

On the flip side, there are equally pressing questions to be asked of the WP.

When Raeesah's allegations were first aired, some declared that this would mark the end of Singapore's largest opposition party. Instead, the LO's defiant refusal to back down has won him plaudits.

At times, he almost seemed to be playing it up for the cameras, knowing full well that the footage of his testimony would be released to the public. "Nice try, Mr Tong. You're a good lawyer, but I'm a good listener," he breezily said at one point.

One wonders if the LO would have been so combative if the questioning had been led by Law and Home Affairs Minister K Shanmugam, a man who would make the final courtroom scene in A Few Good Men look like a friendly chat with the auntie next door.

But Singh's performance helped obscure his inexplicable response to the whole affair, as well as the more pertinent findings from the COP hearings. It beggars belief that a politician as experienced and savvy as Singh left it to a rookie MP to decide when to clarify her lies in a Parliament dominated by an unforgiving PAP supermajority.

There was also the startling revelation that Singh, along with senior leaders, withheld the full facts on Raeesah's initial confession from their Central Executive Committee and party members, claiming that it was "not material" to their deliberations on Raeesah's fate.

Not to mention the LO's eyebrow-raising assertion that her claims about the alleged victim being mistreated at a police station did not adversely impact the police. As Tong might say, "Come on, Mr Singh."

Where does it all end?

SCREENGRAB: Gov.sg YouTube channel

At some point, the COP hearings will conclude and a report with the next course of action released. Given the way things have proceeded so far, the COP should think very carefully about what it says in its findings. Censure the WP and it will be accused of partisanship. Slap them on the wrist and people would ask what the point of the hearings was.

It is unlikely that the average PAP or WP supporter would have been swayed by the saga. Online comments suggest that many are already tired of the COP hearings, and a fair few are unconvinced that the WP leaders are guilty of any wrongdoing.

But for Singh and the WP, the real damage to the party has been internal. Much soul-searching about their candidate selection procedures and leadership culture is needed, while senior leaders will have their work cut out to regain the trust of rank and file members. The key question being: how could things have been allowed to come to this point?

For the WP's sake, for opposition politics and for Singapore, the WP leaders must come up with viable solutions to distance themselves from an ugly saga that has snowballed from a disgraced former MP's dishonesty

The views expressed are the writer's own.

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MISHAWAKA  City employees will receive "premium pay" in the form of one-time bonuses in 2021 for keeping city services running during the pandemic.

On Monday, the Common Council approved spending $1.19 million of the city's allotment of $11.8 million from the federal American Rescue Plan money to pay for the reward.

Most city services remained after the start of the pandemic. Where services had to be modified, city leaders said the staffs worked to make the changes.

"Our staff stayed on the job despite uncertainty, despite fear, despite families being home and worrying about their co-workers being here," Mayor Dave Wood said to the council. "Many of them responded directly, putting themselves in harm's way during the pandemic."

Pandemic improvements: Mishawaka library uses time during pandemic to renovate buildings, improve services

All sworn police and firefighters will receive $2,500, while civil city full-time employees, redevelopment, parks and Mishawaka Utility employees will get $1,570.

Lead medic-certified employees would receive $3,000, while non-lead medics and Class A EMTs would get $1,000.

Employees covered under the Teamsters union would get $2,000, along with some information technology employees who undertook extra duties.

Wood had offered a proposal earlier this year to offer premium pay to city employees over a two-year period, spending $500,000 each year.

Wood said he and council members consulted over the premium pay issue and came up with the way to enhance the stipends to reward the staff.

Email South Bend Tribune reporter Greg Swiercz at gswiercz@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on South Bend Tribune: Premium pay Mishawaka employees COVID relief funds
TOMS RIVER  For the rooms that were occupied by COVID-19 patients, Susan Corsini painstakingly donned protective gear, scrubbed one side to the other and sprayed with disinfectant, sure not to miss any crack or crevice.

The pandemic was taking a physical and emotional toll on Corsini, the lead housekeeper at Community Medical Center, so when the hospital offered the chance to get a vaccine, she was among the first in line.

"First-hand, I saw how sick people were getting and dying," Corsini, 69, said. "And I said that I don't want to have that happen to me. I have to think about my family. I have a son. I have three grandchildren. And I said, 'How am I going to be any help to them if they get sick?' So as soon as I heard I could do it, I did."

It's been a year since the Jersey Shore's hospitals began offering vaccines, turning the tide on a scourge that has claimed as many as 28,730 lives in New Jersey. The frontline hospital workers are among the first to observe that the shot has more than delivered on its promise, easing what was an unrelenting crush of patients and giving them hope that the virus can be managed.

Susan Corsini, lead housekeeper at Community Medical Center in Toms River, was one of the first employees to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.

They are marking the milestone, however, with weariness. New Jersey COVID cases on Wednesday hit a record high, steamrolling past the previous record set almost a year ago.

The past year, hospital employees have tried to convince their own family members to get vaccinated with varying degrees of success. They have found themselves in arguments with strangers. And they are watching hospital rooms fill up once again with COVID patients, most of whom are unvaccinated.

"I think right now, there's just this feeling for anybody who works in a hospital, everybody's tired," said Donna Bonacorso, chief nursing officer at Community. "They're tired and frustrated that this, you know, is just continuing."

COVID in NJ: Ocean County has lowest vaccine rate, highest death rate

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Corsini, a Manchester resident who served in the U.S. Marine Corps during Vietnam, has been at Community for six years, and when the pandemic first broke out in 2020, she referred to it as an invisible enemy: Nobody knew what they were fighting, only that the disease was airborne and people were dying.

She rolled her cleaning cart through the hospital corridors, entering rooms after COVID patients either died or recovered.

Corsini put on a plastic gown, an N95 mask with another mask over it, a face shield, paper boots and a double set of gloves. And she began to clean, moving clockwise around the room and then the bathroom, fogging the room with a spray, letting it sit for 15 minutes, making the bed and then moving to another room.

When she got home, she left her shoes in the garage, put her uniform in the washing machine and wiped down her car. She was happy she lived alone and didn't have to worry about infecting family members. But she didn't see her grandchildren last Christmas.

About that time, Community was rolling out vaccines, and Corsini could sense the mood at the hospital start to change.

"It wasn't as intense anymore," she said. "A group (of co-workers) said, 'We got a handle on it, a handle on what is going on.' We're busy, but mentally (we thought) it's going to be OK."

Variants disrupt daily routine

Laila Reed, quality manager nurse at Community Medical Center in Toms River, receives a booster shot of the Moderna vaccine.

As the weather gets colder, people gather for holiday celebrations, and a new, highly contagious variant of the virus picks up speed, New Jersey finds itself in another wave.

On Thursday, the state reported 15,482 confirmed COVID cases, 124% higher than the previous peak of 6,922 on Jan. 13. It reported 2,241 hospitalizations, the highest number since mid-April.

Going backwards: COVID surge threatens to derail NJ job recovery

The caseload continues to disrupt daily life. The Count Basie Theatre in Red Bank canceled Holiday Express's Christmas concerts. The Stone Pony in Asbury Park canceled a New Year's Eve show. The Marine Academy of Science and Technology, the Monmouth County vocational school known as MAST, this week moved its classes from in person to remote.

And Shore residents were taking precaution. Kevin McLaughlin, 46, of Island Heights, was at Toms River North High School Tuesday with his daughter, Chloe, 20, and son, Dylan, 17, to get booster shots.

They are considering requiring their family members receive a negative COVID test before getting together for Christmas, Kevin McLaughlin said.

A year after they started administering vaccines, health providers are promoting them with more urgency. They note that the vaccines might not provide compete protection against the omicron variant, but they will prevent serious illness or death in the overwhelming number of cases.

A year of hope, frustration

Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune has seen a sharp increase in patients to its "vaccination village" in recent weeks.

Many patients appear to be taking notice.

A spokesman at Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune said shots the hospital's "vaccination village" have jumped from 80 to 120 doses a day during the summer and fall to 350 doses for adults and 100 doses for children a day.

Still, health workers who had hoped to have the virus under control by now instead have spent the past year trying to come up with a message that will convince skeptics to get a shot, pushing back against misinformation rampant on talk radio, podcasts or the internet.

Leslie Shephard, clinical nurse leader at Monmouth Medical Center in Long Branch and Monmouth Medical Center Southern Campus in Lakewood, was one of the first employees at the hospital to get vaccinated  a decision she made after working on the COVID ward and talking to doctors about the shot.

She tries not to engage in debate, but it isn't easy. When someone once told her that masks don't offer protection, she told them her experience: She worked in a COVID unit where masks were the only protection she had, and she didn't get the virus.

She hears similar arguments about the vaccine. But Shephard has seen what she has seen  a rampant virus that can leave some people deathly ill and others unscathed.

"Honestly, you don't know what's going to happen if you get COVID because it's like Russian roulette," Shephard, 45, of Eatontown, said. "You don't know. You can be perfectly fine, a healthy individual, and do horribly with COVID."

"It's just, I think, working in health care and seeing all the different levels of COVID, you get a different perspective on things," she said. "And I wish almost everybody could have that medical perspective and see what patients go through."

'I believe in the vaccine': Kids line up at Jersey Shore for shots

Susan Corsini said she managed to convince her son, an early vaccine skeptic, to get the shot. Now her whole family is vaccinated with a booster, although she still hasn't decided about a Christmas get-together; something in the back of her mind tells her to be careful.

Cases as Community Medical Center have doubled in recent weeks from 30 this fall to about 60, still a fraction of the 150 to 200 patients admitted in March and April of 2020, but enough to douse the optimism they might have had a year ago.

There was a point during the early days of the pandemic that Corsini's son asked why she continued to work. She didn't have a great answer, other than to say, it was something she had to do.

Corsini pressed on, putting on her gear to clean rooms.

"When there was polio, they came out with a vaccine for polio, and I got that," she said. And we survived and people got better and then polio disappeared, became something of the past."

"We're fighting now different kinds of viruses and all kinds of other infections. And it's getting harder to eliminate them. So there is no magic bullet. They got to keep working on it. But I'm willing to try. Thats all we can do is try."

Michael L. Diamond is a business reporter who has been writing about the New Jersey economy and health care industry for more than 20 years. He can be reached at mdiamond@gannettnj.com.

This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: COVID vaccine gives weary health workers hope as omicron looms
Pennsylvania congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon was carjacked at gunpoint by two men in South Philadelphia, said police and her office.

The incident occurred at around 2.45pm on Wednesday when Ms Scanlon was walking towards her car at FDR park, according to the police.

The car, however, was found at around 9pm in Newark, Delaware, reported CBS Philly.

Police pursued the suspects on foot and took five people, both men and women, into custody soon after, reported the news network.

The Democrat congresswoman was meeting other elected officials to discuss the concerns of constituents around ongoing development plans for FDR park, reported the Philadelphia Inquirer.

The carjack had taken place when Ms Scanlon was walking back alone to her 2017 Acura MDX car parked on 1900 block of Pattison Avenue when she was approached by two armed men believed to be in their 20s and 30s.

One of the suspects drove away in her car, while the other followed in a dark-coloured sport utility vehicle, said the police.

The lawmaker was not injured in the incident, but had her personal and government cellphones, along with her purse and identification stolen as they were inside her car, reported ABCs WPVI-TV.

The Philadelphia police department was working with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) which had taken the lead of the investigation, as the victim was a member of Congress, said police.

The agencies had mounted a search of the two suspects.

It is not clear if the stolen items were recovered or if the two suspects were among the five who were arrested.

Issuing a brief statement on Twitter, Ms Scanlon thanked the Philadelphia police department for their swift response, and appreciated the efforts of both the sergeant at Arms in DC and her local police department for coordination with Philly PD to ensure [the] continued safety.

Statement from the Office of Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon on today's incident: pic.twitter.com/fomScnWUXo  Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon (@RepMGS) December 22, 2021

Police commissioner Danielle Outlaw said: I am relieved that Congresswoman Scanlon was not physically injured, and my thoughts are with her during this difficult time.

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Police have declined to comment on whether Ms Scanlon, who serves on the House Judiciary and Rules Committee, may have been singled out because the carjackers recognised her as a politician or a public figure.

Reacting to the incident, mayor Jim Kenney said he was appalled to learn of this violent crime that was perpetrated against Ms Scanlon.

I'm appalled to learn of this violent crime that was perpetrated against my friend and colleague, Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon. My thoughts are with her during what Im sure is a traumatic time. https://t.co/vyBoBRRFVK  Jim #VaxUpPhilly Kenney (@PhillyMayor) December 22, 2021

Everyone deserves to feel safe in our city, and sadly that hasnt always been the case this year, he wrote. Its disheartening and infuriating that criminals feel emboldened to commit such a reckless crime in the middle of the day in what should be a place of peace  one of our citys parks.

The mayor also urged others with any information about this incident  or any other crime to reach out to the police for anonymous leads.

Additional reporting from the wires
A diner owner who kept his Michigan restaurant open despite coronavirus shutdown orders in order to pay for his wifes cancer treatments has died after a two month battle with Covid-19.

John Parney Sr, 62, died on 14 December, according to MLive. He was the owner of the Quincy Diner in the village of Quincy.

According to previous statements by Mr Parney, he was struggling to pay for his wife's cancer treatments and wanted to continue to keep his workers employed, so he kept the restaurant open.

My wifes fighting stage-four colon cancer, Mr Pareny said in December 2020. We depend on this restaurant to help subsidize billing and all of that. My employees need that. Of course, if Id have stayed closed much longer, Id have lost the business.

In some countries, Ms Parney's medical costs would have been covered through state-funded healthcare, but high costs of private treatment in the US appear to have put a financial strain on Mr Parney, forcing him to make the difficult decision of closing up shop or continuing to work in violation of the state's orders.

Ms Parney is still fighting the cancer and reportedly is doing well.

Mr Parney was unvaccinated before he became ill, but a GoFundMe post helping to raise money to pay for the family's medical bills noted that he planned to take the shot after he was released from the hospital.

In the post, Mr Parney said that his experience with the virus was worst than the toughest training he had undertaken during his time as a US Marine.

Mr Parney also had a second job working full time at the FireKeepers Casino and Hotel.

The family is now seeking to raise money both to cover their travel expenses to and from the hospital where they visited Mr Parney, but also for their mother's continued cancer treatments.

As of 22 December, the fundraising campaign has raised $22,480 of its $25,000 goal.

The family plans on hosting another fundraiser on 11 January at a local Pizza Hut, where 10 per cent of the sales between the hours of 4pm and 8pm will go to the family.

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Mr Parney's death comes just as the Omicron variant of the virus becomes the dominant strain in the US. Though the virus produces milder symptoms than the Delta variant, it is much more transmissible.

Health experts expect the omicron strain to peak sometime in January, and warn that it is likely to infect 60 per cent of all Americans. Most of those infections will be asymptomatic, and for the vaccinated the symptoms are unlikely to be serious or life threatening.

However, unvaccinated individuals, especially if they are elderly or otherwise immunocompromised, are still susceptible to the worst of Covid-19 symptoms, including death.
The city hopes this letter will resolve the matter and no further action will be needed, Barstow Mayor Paul Courtney read from a cease-and-desist letter he got from the city, combating one of numerous allegations he faced Dec. 20, 2021.

Barstows district councilmembers formally denounced Mayor Paul Courtney for abuse of power and unanimously approved an outside investigation of allegations he has intimidated and influenced city employees in what one councilman says could expose the city to major liability.

Were talking harassment, Councilman Tim Silva said at the dais. A Barstow employee was threatened by the mayor of their position if they did not do what he wanted.

Silva, the councils longest-serving member at more than 15 years, said he learned the details of these allegations in a meeting earlier Monday with an unnamed city employee, Barstows legal team and City Manager Willie Hopkins Jr.

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He didnt reveal these details to a substantial degree, but he called for the council to initiate an independent investigation of Courtney in a vote separate from the censure.

I found out a lot more in that meeting than just threatening or firing a position, Silva said with a tinge of urgency. Other than the censure, Im gonna ask the city attorney how we can do a third-party investigation to the very, very  I dont even know how to describe the things I heard today.

Tense questioning

Silva questioned Courtney about his engagements with city employees.

Have you ever given direction to a City of Barstow employee with a task for them to do? he asked.

A task for them to do? Courtney asked in response.

Yes, Silva clarified. Told them their job.

I dont really know their jobs, the mayor responded.

Silva followed up: Have you ever interfered with any administrative duties in the City of Barstow?

Administrative duties? No, Courtney said.

Have you ever interfered with the commission of any City of Barstow employee while he or she was doing their job?

I dont work with the employees, Courtney said.

Silva went on to explain the questions: Hed received a call about new allegations that prompted him to hold the meeting earlier Monday with the employee, city manager and city lawyers. He told the Daily Press he believes investigators will talk to multiple employees about the same subject.

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This council needs to show that they will take action, Silva said.

That contextualized his call for a second council vote.

Weve got city employees being harassed by the mayor, Silva alleged at the dais. This meeting happened, employees are scared, and this city is at liability because of this mayor.

After the councils quick unanimous approval of the censure against Courtney, it cast another 4-0 vote just as quickly to launch a third-party investigation of the mayor.

Silva motioned at a Dec. 6 meeting to schedule the censure deliberations and got an immediate second from Councilwoman Barbara Rose.

The council also delayed an item Monday night to make time for the deliberations. That item, now set for a future meeting, will scrutinize two taxpayer-reimbursement claims tied to the mayor:

A $1,065 expense report Courtney filed for gas in his vehicle on various drives he attributed to City Council business between March and September.

A $110 invoice from P.A.C.E. Services Corp.  the janitorial business Courtney has been chief executive, chief financial officer, and a director for years  to clean and sanitize holding cell @ Barstow Police Department on July 5.

Mayor's allies abandoning him?

The unanimous approvals surprised some because a 3-2 split has often been the margin in City Council votes this year. Mayor Pro Tem James Noble, whose council stint began in 2018, and Councilwoman Marilyn Dyer-Kruse, a 2020 election newcomer, have repeatedly voted with Courtney in these splits.

Both took a firm stance against the mayor Monday.

Dyer-Kruse described concerns about every issue discussed Monday, saying in many cases, she wasnt fully aware of what was going on. I was not asked if I would like to have my name on it, she said of the recent flyers.

Playing the role of mayor for the proceeding, Noble did the formality of seconding Silvas motion for a final vote on the censure. He spoke little on it in the meeting and instead used closing comments to speak to Silvas call for an outside investigation.

One of the things that I learned a long time ago, there are always three sides to the story: You got the right, the wrong, and theres something in the middle, Noble said. If you want to find out what the truth is, you have to do something outside the city. Somebody that has no interests within the city. It has to be an independent person.

Courtney has insisted from the start that he plans to be a one-term mayor. He repeated the plan with a sharper tenor Monday night.

I already made it publicly clear: When my time is up, I know I dont want to be the elected mayor in the City of Barstow, he said. But while Im sitting here, whether it's for two more months or three more years, Ill do my best.

Reasons for censure

Silva kicked off the censure hearing Monday by declaring two charges against the mayor of ethical violations on issues separate from harassment and misuse of funds.

His first charge, abuse of official capacity, focused on Courtneys use of elected power.

Barstows governmental structure gives a mayor essentially the same powers as any other City Council member. The mayor gets some ceremonial powers and is elected by a citywide count of votes, while the other members get elected within four districts drawn across the city. But the nitty-gritty powers of policymaking and deal-striking are shared council-wide, and separate powers on that front exist for hired employees in city management and staff.

The first charge in the censure hearing Monday started with a recent issue: Courtney personally funding and distributing flyers across Barstow that displayed the city logo and listed every council member by name.

The flyer touted things like (20) NEW Businesss(sic) OPENED or in DEVELOPMENT as successes of 2021, the first full year in office for Courtney, Rose, and Councilwoman Marilyn Dyer-Kruse. The mayor gave a different number than the flyer Monday evening by touting 31 businesses opened or in development for the year.

Critics such as former Mayor Pro Tem Carmen Hernandez, who is part of a nascent push for a recall election against Courtney, argued the flyer was inaccurate and inappropriate personal promotion under the pretense of city endorsement and raised multiple legal liabilities for the city in the manner it was distributed to businesses and residents street-by-street.

Courtney disputes accusations

The mayor disputed these criticisms, arguing the flyer was an effort to celebrate Barstow as a whole rather than himself.

Theres no personal gain in this for me. Its just personal expense, Courtney said, specifying $657 he spent on the flyer effort.

I could have used (that) for Christmas, he said. I spent it on this and then threw all these away with everybodys name on it. Lesson learned.

Courtney used two volunteers to distribute the flyers and denied ever paying Anthony Brown  a man the mayor says is exclusively a volunteer he met on the campaign trail and has been loyal ever since  to do work on his behalf, he said.

Brown has contributed to Courtneys outside ventures and has frequently advocated for him in public-comment sessions at City Council meetings since 2020.

I take a vested interest because I helped Paul (Courtney) with his campaign, and I helped Barbara Rose with her campaign, Brown said at a Nov. 15 council meeting, denouncing whining, crying and bitching like all this negative stuff happened when Paul came in.

The mayors supporter has been the subject of controversies as well, including for business cards he was doling out earlier this year that used a city logo and an unofficial title: Anthony L. Brown, Mayors Aide.

Courtneys general defense in the censure and other public conflicts is consistent: He won a first term last year with a platform of a Better Barstow and should get credit rather than critique for taking personal initiative, even if unorthodox, to implement changes.

As he understands it, outside of Barstow, there are no limitations in bragging about your city.

All of a sudden, people dont like free advertising, acknowledgment, celebration, etcetera etcetera? Courtney asked Monday night rhetorically.

I will not use the city logo nor the city seal, he said, because, for whatever reason, theres a segment of the population that doesnt want Barstow to receive the glory, in my opinion, by saying, Look what weve got done in this past year.

The mayor said he immediately halted the flyer effort after talking to Hopkins, the city manager whom Barstow hired three months ago. He also got a cease-and-desist letter from City Attorney Matthew Summers, which he displayed at the dais Monday.

The city hopes this letter will resolve the matter, and no further action will be needed, Courtney read from the letter, indicating it nullified the further scrutiny.

Unilaterally canceled contracts?

City contracts approved by the council have also allegedly been killed without proper public knowledge or consideration by the council, Silva and Rose said.

Silva said he learned a few months ago that the city canceled its contract with Barstow-based nonprofit Main Street Murals Inc., which preserves art along old Route 66.

Sometime in the spring, he also learned a contract with a federal lobbyist had been canceled within City Hall.

I didnt hear about this from City Hall. I heard about this through a third party, he said Monday.

In the spring, Silva added, he also learned of another council-approved contract with the Harvey House having not been renewed, without coming to the council for direction. He then said the cancellation of state lobbyist contract became news to him in the minutes of a meeting where the issue wasnt discussed.

Silva believed these contracts were canceled by either direction of the mayor or conversation (between) the mayor and the past city manager, he said, referencing former interim City Manager Jim Hart.

I went and had a talk with (Hart), Silva said. He denied it. He took the blame. He said the mayor had nothing to do with it. I have to believe him. Why would he lie?

Well, he did lie, Silva continued. He alleges to have later learned that the mayor is the one that gave direction not to renew the Harvey House contract, and that (Hart) covered for him.

With that, I believe I was correct in my thinking of the other contracts, Silva said. He then asked a person in the public-attendance section to corroborate if they chose, though no attendant spoke to do so.

The 'Siblings' letter

Silvas second censure charge, misuse of official information, centers on a letter written by the brother of Rose, whose first year on the council has often been defined by feuds with the new mayor.

Rose has confirmed her brother wrote the letter but declined to comment on it, citing a desire to keep her family out of politics.

The letter came in a public-comment submission to Barstow staff under Frank Maestas on April 19. It donned a subject line, Siblings of Mayor pro tem Barbara M. Rose, and asked staff to make this part of the record verbatim at the councils May 3 meeting, according to documents the city provided the Daily Press.

The May 3 meeting marked the public rollout of an effort led by Courtney to ensure Roses ouster as mayor pro tem. Noble shifted from his councilman role that month to take over the backup mayor job and City Hall parking spot briefly held by Rose, whom the mayor appointed after their allied 2020 campaigns flipped two council seats.

The San Bernardino County District Attorneys Office concluded that every councilmember except Rose likely broke state laws in her ousting but said it would let Barstow off the hook in a note to Barstows private lawyer, Summers.

The Siblings letter submitted for the May 3 meeting accused Rose of felony-level fraud and cast numerous insults on her personal and political character. However, it didnt include evidence for its claims.

It makes numerous serious allegations that, if true, could only be known by someone with unique access to Roses private life and tax information. The Daily Press is unaware of any records that substantiate or add to the letters claims.

City Clerk Services Manager Christina Rudsell forwarded the Siblings letter on April 27 to Hart, then the interim city manager, seemingly responding to the sender's request.

Hart then forwarded the letter to Summers, the city attorney, and told him Rose wanted to know if a copy of the letter had to be included in the May 3 agenda. That would have made it available online for all to see a few days in advance of the meeting.

The lawyer emailed Hart back a couple of hours later.

My read of this one is that it is not a general public comment, Summers wrote. He said it didnt pertain to the citys operations or jurisdiction and is a public record available upon request, but need not be publicized further.

This made it a document that the public could access via a specific request, but few people knew it existed and would know to make such a request.

Who leaked the letter?

Yet, the Siblings letter didnt take long to become a hot topic in City Hall.

Courtneys role and motives in helping bring it to public light were the focus of Silvas second censure charge Monday night.

The mayor in past meetings has said he found the letter sitting on his desk one morning. He then showed it privately to his four council colleagues, which he has said was an effort to prepare and get them on the same page because they would end up seeing it too.

Others saw it as an attack.

Silva, to his council colleagues, said, The letter was taken to you, and you know in which way it was presented to you. Did the mayor do it in the way he said here at the dais? To defend (Rose)? When I got it, I know he was there to harm (Rose).

Under questioning Monday from Rose, Courtney said he discussed the letter with Ben Rosenberg, owner of the multi-shop Barstow Station and president of the Barstow Unified School District, before it became a public topic.

Council members and longtime local John Tex Williams have also accused him of sharing the letter with former Planning Commission member Michael Carson, though Courtney has denied this.

Rose argued that Courtney did intend to harm me by advancing public knowledge of the letter.

The mayor exploited my family, and he exploited me, she alleged, and he retaliated against me in more ways than youll ever know.

Charlie McGee covers the city of Barstow and its surrounding communities for the Daily Press. He is also a Report for America corps member with the GroundTruth Project, an independent, nonpartisan, nonprofit news organization dedicated to supporting the next generation of journalists in the U.S. and around the world. McGee may be reached at 760-955-5341 or cmcgee@gannett.com. Follow him on Twitter @bycharliemcgee.

This article originally appeared on Victorville Daily Press: Barstow council orders outside investigation of the mayor




Welcome to Wednesday's Overnight Energy & Environment, your source for the latest news focused on energy, the environment and beyond. Subscribe here: thehill.com/newsletter-signup.

Today we're looking at possible ways around Joe Manchin's opposition to major environmental legislation, new research on how to decarbonize transportation and another EPA reversal of a Trump-era policy.

For The Hill, we're Rachel Frazin and Zack Budryk. Write to us with tips: rfrazin@thehill.com and zbudryk@thehill.com. Follow us on Twitter: @RachelFrazin and @BudrykZack.

Let's jump in.

Advocates, Dems seek climate Plan B

Sen.Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) dealt Democratic plans on climate change a potential death blow on Sunday, leaving climate hawks scrambling for alternate routes to meaningful action as the 2022 midterms loom.

The Build Back Better agenda represented the best hope for legislation action on climate change, and without Manchin's support it is unclear how any major legislative progress can be made next year.

It could also set efforts back for years going forward, too, given the odds of a GOP takeover of the House and possibly the Senate after the midterms. A GOP Congress would not be expected to tackle the issue of climate change aggressively if at all.

So is that it? Advocates for the Build Back Better bill urged the administration to restart talks with Manchin despite his position."I do think that the negotiations can continue. And I also think that we have to get to 'yes' " said Melinda Pierce, legislative director for the Sierra Club.She said the only pathway to a 50 percent reduction in carbon emissions by 2030 was through a Build Back Better-like bill."So it has to be done," she said.Ben Pendergrass, senior director of government affairs for Citizens' Climate Lobby, said he was similarly hopeful at least some form of the bill's climate ambitions could survive."We can't let this moment pass and be beholden to a certain deadline," he said. "So even if it takes a little bit longer, and we need to have some hearings, and do some tweaks or changes or additions to the policy, we should do those things," he said.

Story continues

What does Congress think? The White House hasn't given up on reviving the bill, but doing so may be a long-shot and some lawmakers are talking about different efforts. In an interview with The Hill, Rep. Jared Huffman (D-Calif.) did not rule out passing parts of the reconciliation bill piecemeal. He said if he had to identify the most important climate provision, it would be the bill's tax credits.

"That's where the biggest part of the emission reduction is concentrated," he said, before adding: "I would love to be able to do the other pieces as well."Read more about the possibilities here.

Using funds on highways could up emissions

Construction workers are seen on I-66 for a widening project near Fairfax, Va., on June 2

The recently passed bipartisan infrastructure bill could increase carbon dioxide emissions from the transportation sector, according to research from the nonpartisan Georgetown Climate Institute.

The $1 trillion package has been touted as a major step forward in the decarbonization of transportation, and the research found that it could accomplish that if it prioritizes electrification and road maintenance. However, an approach that involves building new roadways and adding lanes to existing ones could create a phenomenon known as "induced demand"- in other words, the existence of those new roads would induce more people to drive on them, creating further emissions.

By the numbers: While the bill allocates just under $600 billion for "surface transportation" spending, its specific uses would largely be at the discretion of individual states. Georgetown researchers mapped out two possible scenarios based on this flexibility. In the higher-emission scenario, 27 percent of the surface transportation money goes to expanding highways compared to 23 percent for maintenance.

The alternate low-emissions scenario, meanwhile, spends 38 percent on maintenance and just 4 percent on highway expansion.

Either scenario could bend the existing baseline trajectory of emissions in either direction, according to the research. Under the high-emission scenario, emissions could increase from that baseline by up to 1.6 percent, whereas under the low-emission scenario they could fall up to 1.6 percent over the next five years. This is about the equivalent of 4.5 million passenger vehicles' annual emissions.

Read more about the research here.

EPA reverses state's control over tribal issues

The Environmental Protection Agency headquarters is seen in Washington, D.C., on June 3

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on Wednesday proposed the withdrawal of a Trump-era rule that gave the state of Oklahoma jurisdiction over certain environmental issues on tribal lands.Last October, the EPA granted the state's request for such jurisdiction under a carve-out from a 2005 law that grants the state environmental oversight "in the areas of the state that are in Indian country, without any further demonstration of authority by the state.Gov. Kevin Stitt (R) submitted the request shortly after the Supreme Court's Oklahoma v. McGirt decision, in which the high court ruled 5-4 that much of eastern Oklahoma was legally part of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation reservation.Since then, the EPA said in a statement that it has extensively consulted with representatives from the Sooner State's 38 tribal nations, in addition to holding meetings between agency leadership and eight individual tribes. The agency faulted Trump-era leadership for what it said was "abbreviated" consultation on the matter with tribes that lasted under a month.The EPA will accept comments from stakeholders on the proposal through Jan. 31, with the state retaining the authority granted by the 2020 decision in the meantime."Today's action reflects careful consideration of their concerns and our commitment to ensuring robust consultation on all policy deliberations affecting Tribal nations," Assistant Administrator for International and Tribal Affairs Jane Nishida said in a statement. "EPA appreciates the invaluable input we received from Oklahoma Tribes this year and looks forward to continuing dialogue with all parties to inform an effective and durable framework for environmental protection within Indian country."

Read more about the proposal here.

WHAT WE'RE READING

Biden has no EPA air nominee as climate goals teeter, E&E News reports

Global shipping in crosshairs as environmental scrutiny deepens, Reuters reports

Environmental group says Michigan governor's plan to reduce harmful algal blooms 'won't work,' Michigan Radio reports

Follow the green leader: why everyone from Prince William to Jeff Bezos is looking to Costa Rica, The Guardian reports

ICYMI

Sixteen Hispanic House Democrats ask EPA for tougher methane rule

Biden administration advances two large-scale solar projects in California

And finally, something offbeat and off-beat: Good girl.

That's it for today, thanks for reading. Check out The Hill's energy & environment page for the latest news and coverage. We'll see you tomorrow.
EVESHAM - Police Chief Christopher Chew is retiring after a 25-year career with the township's police department.

Chew, who has led Evesham's police department since 2013, will continue in his post through Jan. 31, the township said in an announcement Thursday.

"He will be missed," declared Mayor Jaclyn Veasey, who said Chew offered "every distinguishing quality you can ask for in any officer of our department, but especially of our police command staff."

"Hes professional, personable, experienced, open to new ideas, and incredibly devoted to the community he serves," the mayor observed.

Evesham Police Chief Christopher Chew

Serving as chief of police has been one of the greatest honors of my career," said Chew.

He expressed gratitude for the support of the township's officials and residents, while also singling out his department's officers.

"I want to thank each of our officers for their daily acts of bravery, heroism, kindness and compassion," said Chew. "These acts do not go unnoticed and are deeply valued by the community we serve.

The township's announcement noted Chew's role in expanding multiple initiatives at the department, including community policing and a school resource officer program.

Chew also helped create an "officer safety and wellness program" at the department, which grew from 65 to 95 officers during his tenure.

Chew began his career with the Lower Alloways police department in 1996, but left the Salem County township for Evesham's police department in February 1997.

He served in the patrol bureau and the investigative bureau, then was promoted to sergeant in the patrol bureau in January 2004.

He became a lieutenant in January 2005, then took command of the newly created Office of Professional Standards in April 2010.

He was promoted to captain and became the department's executive officer in February 2012.

Chew holds a bachelor's degree in criminal justice from Rowan University and a master's degree in administrative sciences from Fairleigh Dickinson University.

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He is a graduate of the FBI National Academy at Quantico, Virginia.

Jim Walsh covers public safety, economic development and other beats for the Courier-Post, Burlington County Times and The Daily Journal.

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This article originally appeared on Cherry Hill Courier-Post: Evesham police chief says job was 'one of the greatest honors'
Ruby chocolate is a product of Barry Callebaut. (Photo: Barry Callebaut)

Like many baking novices, Ive learned about a lot of new ingredients and techniques from The Great British Bake Off. But perhaps the most interesting (and aesthetically pleasing) tidbit Ive seen on the show is ruby chocolate.

During the 2020 season, contestant Sura Selvarajah baked dark and ruby chocolate-swirled brownies with Italian meringue. That same year, Marc Elliott used ruby chocolate in his ginger, cherry and pistachio Florentines. And in the previous season, Priya OShea baked ruby barfi biscuit bars.

As the name suggests, ruby chocolate has a lovely pinkish hue, but beyond looks, it was otherwise a mystery to me when it first appeared on-screen.

So what is the deal with ruby chocolate and why hadnt I heard of it before? I asked the company behind this product and a couple of chocolate experts to break it down.

What is ruby chocolate?

Ruby chocolate is a proprietary product created by Barry Callebaut, said Megan Giller, the author of Bean-to-Bar Chocolate: Americas Craft Chocolate Revolution and founder of Chocolate Noise Tastings. Its millennial pink and tastes fruity.

Ruby chocolate is relatively new. Indeed, Barry Callebaut (a Swiss chocolate manufacturer) revealed the fourth type of chocolate at an event in Shanghai in September 2017, and the first mass market release of a product containing ruby chocolate came a few months later in early 2018.

Eighty years after the last new type  white chocolate  was invented, now theres a completely new taste and experience. The taste can be described as a tango of berry fruitiness and luscious smoothness, Bas Smit, vice president of global marketing at Barry Callebaut, told HuffPost.

He added that the final product came after more than 10 years of research and development and, since its introduction, has been available to consumers in different forms through brands like KitKat, Chocolove, Magnum, Starbucks, Prestat and more.

The company has been secretive about the specifics of its proprietary methods in producing ruby chocolate. (Photo: Barry Callebaut)

What is it made of?

Callebaut says its a blend of beans from Brazil, the Ivory Coast and Ecuador, Giller noted. The company says it doesnt add color and that the pinkness comes from how the cocoa beans are processed. As far as I know, no one can buy ruby beans or ruby chocolate without other ingredients already added: It always comes from Callebaut and includes sugar, milk and other ingredients in addition to cocoa beans.

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As an industrial supplier, Barry Callebaut sells its products to large companies and artisanal chocolatiers, rather than straight to consumers. So you have to go to a third-party source for ruby chocolate goods. Looking at whats available on the market, the list of ingredients tends to include sugar, milk, citric acid, soy lecithin, vanilla, and cocoa butter.

Smit emphasized that ruby chocolate, also known as ruby RB1, is made from the ruby cocoa bean.

[W]e unlock the flavor and pink color tone of the ruby bean, which are naturally present within the bean, he said. The pink chocolate does not have any color or flavor additives. It is simply created by selecting the right bean and tempering the chocolate in a specific manner.

Chef Dimitri Fayard of Barry Callebauts Chicago Chocolate Academy went a step further in describing the production of ruby chocolate.

Through a fine-tuned selection and processing method by Callebauts chocolate makers and cocoa experts, what qualifies as a ruby cocoa bean is determined by whats found within the shell, he said. The natural occurrence of the sought-after precursors determines whether a cocoa bean will yield the typical ruby color and taste during processing.

The production method has been the source of much speculation in the chocolate community. Pointing to a 2009 patent from the company, some experts have posited that the process involves unfermented cocoa beans treated with acid.

Ruby chocolate is processed using Barry Callebauts proprietary methods that preserve the typical sour flavors, Fayard said. Weve worked on a process where we could use the flesh as a sweetener, and the shell used later for cocoa butter and such. This means that the chocolate is made entirely from the cocoa pod and nothing is discarded.

Some experts have posited that the process involves unfermented cocoa beans treated with acid. (Photo: Barry Callebaut)

How does it compare to dark, milk and white chocolate?

I think the flavor of ruby chocolate is most similar to a white chocolate with raspberries or strawberries added to it, Giller said. Both are super creamy and sweet.

Frayard described the taste as having an intense fruitiness with fresh sour notes that arent present in dark, milk or white chocolate.

As for the ingredient composition, ruby chocolate seems to be most comparable to white or milk chocolate, according to Giller.

Most milk chocolate is 10 to 30% cocoa, though many bars go up to almost 70% percent  theyre called dark milk, she explained. Most white chocolate is 20 to 40%. Callebaut says that ruby chocolate is 47.3% cocoa solids, which means its similar to milk and white.

The white chocolate comparison also arises in the baking process.

When tempering ruby chocolate to create chocolate showpieces and flowers, I have found I need to follow the same temperature patterns of white chocolate  melting it to 115 degrees Fahrenheit, cooling to 85 degrees, then rewarming to 88 degrees for use, said Norma Salazar, chef-instructor of pastry and baking arts at the Institute of Culinary Education. It holds its temper beautifully, giving a shine, strength and snap for eating.

Beyond the eating experience, Giller also compared ruby chocolate to the big three in terms of business.

Unlike ruby chocolate, you can buy dark, milk, and white chocolate made from scratch from a number of companies  big ones like Barry Callebaut and Nestle as well as tiny ones like Castronovo and Markham & Fitz, Giller said.

The Food and Drug Administration also has standards of identity for products to be marketed as dark, milk and white chocolate. For example, white chocolate must contain at least 20% cocoa butter, at least 14% total milk solids and at least 3.5% milk fat, as well as a maximum of 55% nutritive carbohydrate sweetener.

As of September 2021, the FDA still hasnt decided if ruby chocolate can legally be called chocolate, Giller said. It has a temporary permit.

There's debate around whether ruby chocolate can be categorized as a fourth kind of chocolate along with dark, milk and white. (Photo: AFP Contributor via Getty Images)

Why is it controversial?

Ever since its debut, ruby chocolate has been the subject of much debate in the chocolate world.

Many experts have questioned whether its really an innovation and new fourth kind of chocolate or if its mostly just a marketing gimmick.

Im not convinced that its a fourth type of chocolate along with white, dark and milk, chocolate expert Angus Kennedy told Business Insider. Yes, its a different color, but having said that I know chocolate producers in Peru that have been producing this type of pink chocolate for years.

He also described the taste as comparable to putting a piece of white chocolate in your mouth and adding raspberries and a bit of milk chocolate.

Then swallow it, he said. Thats ruby chocolate. Its quite easy. Its just a raspberry tasting, sort of white-ish chocolate.

Callebaut has also been subject to scrutiny in the past for its business practices. A 2017 report from the NGO Mighty Earth accused the company of purchasing illegally grown cocoa linked to deforestation. In 2021, Callebaut was named along with Nestle, Mars, Cargill, Olam, Hershey and Mondelez in a class-action lawsuit filed by former child slaves who accused the companies of knowingly profiting off and perpetuating forced labor in Africa.

Giller said she believes the actual future of chocolate lies beyond these large manufacturers.

Callebaut hasnt revealed much about the process it uses to create ruby chocolate, Giller said. Meanwhile, there are so many wonderful bean-to-bar companies that are fully transparent about their sourcing practices and production processes. These companies focus on the terroir of the cocoa beans and make truly delicious chocolate that has natural wild flavor, from raspberry to pineapple to sourdough bread.

This article originally appeared on HuffPost and has been updated.

Related...
Researchers from a California aquarium were searching for deep sea jellies when they caught a glimpse of an extremely rare creature with glowing green eyes.

Monterey Bay Aquarium senior aquarist Thomas Knowles spotted the fish in the Monterey Bay on Dec. 1 from a distance but knew exactly what it was.

As we slowly approached it, excitement grew in the control room as everyone began to realize what we had found, Knowles said in a news release from the Monterey Bay Aquarium. We all knew that this was likely a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

The creature was a barreleye fish. With visible green bulb-like eyes inside its forehead, the bizarre fish can move them forward to see when its eating, according to the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute.

Though the researchers knew what they were looking at, it was the first time theyhave seen the fish.

Researchers have logged more than 5,600 remote dives with more than 27,600 hours of video and theyve only witnessed the fish nine times.

Though sightings of the strange fish are rare, Knowles said they did not capture the barreleye for their upcoming Into the Deep exhibit because they werent prepared to care for it at the aquarium.

Just observing this animal living in its natural habitat is an amazing opportunity for science, he said in the release.

The rare fish grows to a maximum size of about 6 inches and dwells in the midwater ocean  at depths between 2,000 to 2,600 feet.

These fish are found in the Bering Sea to Japan and Baja California.

Most of the deep sea truly is unexplored territory, and it is still revealing it wonders to us, Knowles said.

Barreleye selfie from the control room! pic.twitter.com/FUni8IKqDT  Tommy Knowles (@medusivore) December 21, 2021

Bobcat plays with its live food just like a house cat in Rhode Island video

Police stop van they thought was stolen in Georgia  and find flock of sheep inside

Horse found stuck neck-deep in mud leads to odd rescue in South Carolina woods
A federal judge on Wednesday granted Florida's request for a preliminary injunction against the Biden administration's order requiring federal contractors to be vaccinated against COVID-19.

Driving the news: Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis announced the lawsuit in October, arguing that the mandate represented a "radical intrusion on the personal autonomy" of U.S. workers.

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The Republican governor has fought vehemently against public health measures intended to address the toll of the virus in Florida and the lawsuit represented one of multiple attempts by the GOP governor to undermine federal vaccine requirements.

Details: "The extent of any procurement problem, past or future, attributable to COVID-19 is undemonstrated and is merely a hastily manufactured but unproven hypothesis about recent history and a contrived speculation about the future," wrote U.S. District Judge Steven Merryday in Wednesday's 38-page decision, which focused primarily on whether the Biden administration had proved the necessity of the mandate.

"Obviously, no massive extension and expansion of presidential power is necessary to cure a non-existent problem and certainly neither good cause nor urgent and compelling circumstances exists to justify summary disregard of the requirements of administrative law and rulemaking, added the judge, who serves on the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida.

The other side: The Justice Department argued that the state did not have legal standing to bring the challenge, but Merryday disagreed.

If the federal government awards a contract proposal subject to the executive order, the universitys compliance with the mandatory clause will conflict with the universitys duty to obey state law prohibiting a vaccination requirement. He was referring to an example cited by the state in the lawsuit that involved federal contracts with the University of Florida.

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Of note: A federal judge in Georgia earlier this month temporarily blocked President Biden's vaccine mandate for federal contractors nationwide.

Meanwhile, a federal judge in Missouri on Monday granted a similar injunction to the 10 states that had collectively sued.

Context: The executive order, signed in September, goes further than the Biden administration's previously announced policy, which required federal workers to be vaccinated or follow other rigorous safety protocols, including regular testing.

"The expectation is if you want to work in the federal government or be a contractor, you need to be vaccinated," White House press secretary Jen Psaki said at the time.

The vaccine requirement includes exemptions for individuals with disabilities and objections on religious grounds.

Biden also extended the mandate to employees of contractors that do business with the federal government.

For the record: The announcement came amid a surge in coronavirus cases and hospitalizations over the summer largely driven by the Delta variant.

What's next: The Supreme Court on Wednesday announced it will hold oral arguments on Jan. 7 to consider legal challenges to Biden's vaccine mandates for health care workers and large companies.

It is likely the federal government will ask that the lower court cases involving the objections to the federal contractor requirement be consolidated and heard by a single federal appellate court.

The Supreme Court is expected to be the final arbiter to this order as well.

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By Nate Raymond

BOSTON (Reuters) - A former Boston College student pleaded guilty on Thursday to an involuntary manslaughter charge stemming from what prosecutors said was her role in encouraging her boyfriend to commit suicide through unrelenting verbal, physical and psychological abuse.

Inyoung You, 23, entered the plea in Suffolk County Superior Court in Boston after reaching a plea deal with prosecutors under outgoing District Attorney Rachael Rollins that could allow her to avoid serving any time in jail.

Judge Robert Ullmann sentenced her to a 2-1/2-year suspended jail sentence and 10 years of probation and barred her from profiting from her high-profile case, prosecutors said. If she complies with her probation terms, she could avoid incarceration.

Prosecutors said You sent 22-year-old Alexander Urtula in the last two months of their 18-month relationship 47,130 text messages, during which she waged a campaign of abuse and told him to kill himself and to "go die."

Urtula, of Cedar Grove, New Jersey, leaped to his death from a parking garage in May 2019 hours before his graduation.

The allegations bore similarities to the high-profile Massachusetts case of Michelle Carter https://www.reuters.com/article/usa-court-texting-idINKBN1ZC1ML, who was convicted in 2017 of involuntary manslaughter and accused of goading her teenage boyfriend into committing suicide with text messages and phone calls.

You had been fighting the charges, and the state's top court was scheduled in February to hear her appeal of a ruling that allowed the 2019 case to move forward. You decided to give that appeal up and accept responsibility instead, her lawyer said.

"Today marks the end to a two-year living hell that has upended Ms. You's life," her lawyer, Steven Kim, said in a statement.

Her probation terms call for mental health treatment, 300 hours of community service and an agreement to not profit financially by selling her story.

(Reporting by Nate Raymond in Boston; editing by Jonathan Oatis)
The Daily Beast

Google MapsWhen police arrested Gioacchino Gamminoone of Italys most wanted mafia fugitivesin a Madrid suburb last week, he asked how on earth they found him. Did someone rat him out or did he accidentally leave a clue?Gammino insisted he had not called his family for more than a decade and had been living under a false name. We saw you on Google Maps, the police told him, showing him a fuzzy photo of himself standing outside a greengrocer store in 2018.Gammino, 61, had escaped from Romes
Dec. 22The person responsible for the Christmas-time shooting two years ago at the Red Arrow diner in Manchester pleaded guilty to four felonies Wednesday.

Manchester resident Aweis Khamis, 23, apologized in Hillsborough County Superior Court to the two shooting victims.

One was shot in the neck and lost a significant amount of blood and had to be saved by doctors, said Hillsborough County prosecutor Patrick Ives.

The other was shot in the buttocks and suffered a shattered vertebrae. Two other rounds from his handgun entered the Red Arrow diner, which was crowded four days before Christmas.

"I'd like to apologize to my victim's family, my family, and the people at the Red Arrow. I could have put their lives in danger. I'm sorry about that," Khamis said.

Family and friends of Khamis, a former track star and above-average student at West High School, were on hand for the hearing. He had no arrests before the Red Arrow shooting.

Superior Court Judge Will Delker said Khamis is not the first young man to appear before him who fell in with a bad crowd and ended up committing a serious crime.

Delker accepted a plea bargain that sends Khamis to New Hampshire State Prison for 10 to 20 years, but he can get out in six years if he earns a bachelor's degree. Khamis has spent two years in jail waiting for the case to be resolved.

Ives said the sentence represents an opportunity for Khamis, but that opportunity will be difficult in state prison.

"Everyone acknowledges here you're obviously a very smart young man. It's sad you made the decisions you did; you do have the potential to get out of this," Delker said.

As part of the plea deal, Khamis pleaded guilty to two charges of second-degree assaultt. He had initially been charged with first-degree assault and two charges of reckless conduct.

Manchester police have said he was affiliated with the DRS street gang, and was with gang members inside the Red Arrow about 2:30 a.m. when an altercation started with two brothers.

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One, Zabayullah Qahir, punched Khamis in the head before Khamis fired his handgun four times. Qahir, who was shot in the buttocks, was arrested this August and charged with attempted murder for a daylight shooting in downtown Manchester.

Khamis' defense attorney, Arthur Gatzoulis, said Qahir and his brother have moved on with their lives and requested a lower sentence than the one accepted Wednesday.

Through his attorney, Khamis had given notice that he was going to argue self defense. But Gatzoulis said immigration concerns played a part in the decision to plead guilty. The lesser charges would improve Khamis' chances of remaining in the United States, the lawyer said.

According to previous articles, Khamis was born in Kenya to a family of Somali refugees. His mother died in childbirth; he lived in a refugee camp until he was 7. He was living with his brothers and sisters at the time of the shooting.

His sister, Malyun Khamis, said the family plans to visit him in prison and support his efforts at getting an education. She disputed accounts about his gang involvement.

"He is going to turn things around," she said.
PARIS (AP)  France on Thursday condemned the Malian transitional authorities' decision to allow the deployment of the Wagner Group, and accused Moscow of funding the private military company's use of mercenaries in the West African country.

We are aware of the involvement of the Russian government in providing material support to the deployment of the Wagner group in Mali, the French foreign ministry said in an emailed statement. It called on Russia to revert to a responsible and constructive behavior in West Africa.

Mali has struggled to contain an Islamic extremist insurgency since 2012. Extremist rebels were forced from power in the country's northern cities with the help of a French-led military operation, but they regrouped in the desert and began launching attacks on the Malian army and its allies.

In June, Col. Assimi Goita was sworn in as president of a transitional Malian government after carrying out his second coup in nine months. Mali faces increasing isolation from the international community over the juntas power grab. Elections are due to be held in February, but there are fears they will be delayed.

We deeply regret the choice of the Malian transitional authorities to use already scarce public funds to pay foreign mercenaries instead of supporting the Malian Armed Forces, the French statement said.

The Wagner Group has been accused by western governments and United Nations experts of human rights abuses in the Central African Republic and involvement in the conflict in Libya. France and Germany have both objected to the presence of its mercenaries in Mali.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has said that the company has a legitimate right to be in the West African nation because it was invited by the transitional government, and he has insisted that the Russian government is not involved.




France's health minister said on Wednesday that the country had canceled its 50,000-dose order of Merck's COVID-19 antiviral drug after clinical trial data released by the company in November showed that the treatment reduced hospitalizations and deaths less than previously expected, Reuters reported.

Speaking to French news outlet BFM TV, the country's health minister, Olivier Veran, said that "the latest studies weren't good" and that the country hoped by the end of January to get Pfizer's Paxlovid antiviral treatment instead, according to Reuters.

No costs will be incurred due to the cancellation, according to Veran, per the wire service.

France is the first country to publicly say it is withdrawing its order from Merck, Reuters noted.

Earlier this month, the French health authority decided not to authorize the medication, and the planned purchase did not occur, a Merck spokesperson told the wire service. But the company said 12 countries are already receiving shipments of its drug, with shipments to be made to more 30 countries in total.

The data released in late November lowered expectations for the effectiveness of the COVID-19 antiviral treatment Merck developed alongside Ridgeback Biotherapeutics, called molnupiravir.

While earlier data released by Merck had suggested the treatment reduced the risk of hospitalization or death by 50 percent, more data released last month following a clinical trial with high-risk individuals adjusted those expectations, indicating that it reduced the risk by only 30 percent.

France's announcement comes on the same day the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authorized Paxlovid, which trial data indicated lowered the risk of hospitalizations and deaths in high-risk patients by 89 percent.

Bloomberg reported earlier this week that both Merck's molnupiravir and Pfizer's Paxlovid are expected to be authorized by the FDA this week. Late last month, FDA advisers narrowly voted to recommend Merck's COVID-19 antiviral drug for use in adults infected with COVID-19 who are at a high risk of severe illness, hospitalization or death.

The Hill has reached out to Merck for comment.
Peter Dinklage has said he was a self-saboteur when it came to falling in love in his twenties.

In an interview with The New York Times published on Wednesday (22 December), the actor discussed his forthcoming film Cyrano, the backlash over the finale of Game of Thrones, and his relationships when he was younger.

Dinklage said he was in love with the idea of love during those years. He added that theres a Wuthering Heights quality to love when one is younger and Romeo and Juliet wasnt written for 40-year-olds.

The four-time Emmy winner, who played Tyrion Lannister during Game of Throness eight-season run, continued: I was guilty of always falling for someone where it wasnt reciprocated, because keeping it at a distance is more romantic than bringing it up close. 

You fall for people you know arent going to return that, so its even more tormented, Dinklage said. Youre not interested in the people interested in you.

Explaining thats how his brain worked, he said: I was a self-saboteur when I was young.

After starring in the 2019 Off Broadway premiere of Cyrano  written and directed by his wife Erica Schmidt  52-year-old Dinklage is set to reprise his role as the titular, lovelorn poet in Joe Wrights film adaptation of Schmidts stage musical.

The film stars Haley Bennett as Cyranos love interest Roxanne, and Kelvin Harrison Jr, as the young soldier Christian who has captured Roxannes fancy.

Wordsmith Cyrano plays cupid, and expresses his own feelings for Roxanne in long letters supposedly from Christian. The play was originally written in 1897 by Edmond Rostand.

Cyrano will be released in theatres in the US on 31 December 2021. It is scheduled for a theatrical release in the UK on 14 January 2022.




Rep. Tom Cole (R-Okla.) said Wednesday that Congress may move on legislation early next year to provide more resources to tackle the rising number of COVID-19 cases amid the spread of the omicron variant.

In an interview with Bloomberg's "Sound On" podcast, reporter Jack Fitzpatrick asked Cole whether Congress would respond to the increasing case count in a bipartisan manner.

"My guess is yes," said Cole, who is the ranking member for the United States House Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies, adding that he had spoken with Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra about taking action "early in the new year."

"I think if you actually look at what's happening, that's probably, you know, spot on, if anything," he added. "So, yeah, I think so, and it ought to be bipartisan."

Cole noted that Democrats passed the last COVID-19 relief package, which included some $1.9 trillion in spending, on their own.

Cole's comments come as the United States sees a surge of COVID-19 cases amid the spread of the omicron variant, which now makes up a large majority of new cases.

Health officials and scientists are racing to learn more about the variant, but early signs are that it is significantly more transmissible than previous strains.

Some early data also appears to suggest the variant may be less severe. But health officials warned earlier this week that the U.S. is in for a rocky few weeks and months.

"It is going to be tough. We can't walk away from that," President Biden's chief medical adviser, Anthony Fauci, told CNN's Jake Tapper on "State of the Union" on Sunday.

"We can't because with omicron that we're dealing with, it is going to be a tough few weeks to months as we get deeper into the winter," he added.
Gordon Ramsay and his daughter Holly Anna Ramsay at the 2017 Elton John AIDS Foundation Academy Awards Viewing Party in California. TIBRINA HOBSON/AFP via Getty Images)

Gordon Ramsay shared words of encouragement for his daughter Holly as she marked a year of sobriety.

Holly, 21, posted a statement to Instagram on Wednesday outlining her journey over the last year.

"What an incredible young lady and words can't explain enough how proud you make me feel," he said.

Gordon Ramsay showed support for his second-eldest daughter Holly as she marked one year of being sober with a statement shared to her Instagram page on Wednesday.

Holly, a 21-year old podcast host, opened up about the anniversary of her sobriety in a post that has over 18,000 likes at the time of writing. She wrote: "Today marks one year without alcohol. This is not something I thought I would ever say at the age of 21. However, by 21 (nearly 22) I never thought I would've been through half of what I have."

The statement continued: "I choose to take a break from alcohol because it wasn't improving my mental health - which for me, comes first."

'This time last year I was at my lowest and I was scared but I made a decision to take control of what I could - and that meant removing alcohol from my life," she added.

Holly, a fashion design student, according to Hello! Magazine, told her 281,000 followers that sobriety was "not an easy decision" but it has improved her physical and mental health.

She added that she had to learn the hard way that "alcohol and antidepressants do not mix well at all," but that she felt lucky to be able to celebrate and spread awareness.

Addressing his daughter in the comments of her post, 55-year-old TV chef and restaurateur Gordon confessed his pride: "What an incredible young lady and words can't explain enough how proud you make me feel love you so much Dad."

In May, Holly opened about the impact sexual assault had on her life in the first episode of her mental-health podcast "21 & Over." She said after the assault that she experienced as an 18-year-old student in London, she was diagnosed with PTSD, anxiety, and depression and was seeing a therapist three times a week.

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"I just buried it in a box in the back of my mind and tried to get on with everything as best as I could," she said, noting that it was a year before she told anybody what happened. "My family has been an amazing support. It's brought me closer to them in many ways."

In October, Ramsay told the Daily Mail's Cole Moreton that his daughter had been through a "healing process" and had "a very difficult time."

He added: "Now she is in an amazing position and she has dealt with those issues."

Representatives for Gordon and Holly Ramsay did not immediately respond to Insider's request for comment.

Read the original article on Insider
The Greater Newport Chamber of Commerce held its third annual Holidays by the Sea Window Contest earlier this month. Chamber members were encouraged to enter and show off their festive decor to be viewed by the Chamber Ambassadors, a group of chamber member volunteers. The Ambassadors chose Stalise as this years winner.

All of this years participating businesses did a wonderful job in contributing to the beauty of Greater Newports winter season. We encourage shoppers to visit these locations and see for themselves, the beautiful holiday spirit that each one offers, said Events, Development & Programs Director Kate Grotteberg.

Participants in the contest included:

Stalise  105 Clock Tower Square, Portsmouth

Stalise, 105 Clock Tower Square, Portsmouth, is the winner of The Greater Newport Chamber of Commerce's third annual Holidays by the Sea Window Contest.

The Robins Egg  1016 East Main Road, Unit 3A, Portsmouth

Residence Inn - 325 West Main Road, Middletown

Island Canine Academy - 1015 Aquidneck Ave., Middletown

Wish Newport - 80 Thames St., Newport

Bowens Wharf - Newport

Newport Mansions Store - 1 Bannisters Wharf, Newport

The Museum of Newport History & Shop  127 Thames St. Newport

Bellevue Wine & Spirits -181 Bellevue Ave., Newport

The Clean Earth Project  468 Thames St., Newport

This article originally appeared on Newport Daily News: Greater Newport Chamber of Commerce window contest winners
(Reuters) - GSK and Vir Biotechnology's antibody-based COVID-19 drug is being studied as a possible treatment for hospitalised patients in a large British study looking into coronavirus therapies, researchers said on Thursday.

The RECOVERY trial will test sotrovimab as the Omicron variant spreads, its website said, with an "urgent need to evaluate alternative therapies."

The new strain, first identified in southern Africa and Hong Kong, has worried researchers as the large number of mutations it has will help the virus spread faster and evade the protection offered by shots and therapies currently in use.

Laboratory studies have shown that sotrovimab is effective against all mutations of Omicron, GSK said this month, citing new data from early-stage studies.

"We hope to begin testing sotrovimab next week," said Peter Horby, joint chief investigator of RECOVERY and an Oxford University professor. "We lack good antivirals, and hope that we will be able to add other antiviral treatments to the trial".

Treatments that have been or being tested in the RECOVERY trial include arthritis drug tocilizumab, steroid dexamethasone, common antibiotic azithromycin, painkiller aspirin, and Regeneron's antibody cocktail.

Britain's drug regulator earlier this month approved the GSK-Vir treatment, branded Xevudy, for people with mild-to-moderate COVID-19 who are at high risk of developing severe disease.

(Reporting by Pushkala Aripaka in Bengaluru; editing by Uttaresh.V)
NEW BERLIN, WI  If you're traveling to and from New Berlin for Christmas and the holidays, or have relatives visiting, you may be looking for a site to get tested for COVID-19 to stay safe over the weekend.

In its holiday guidance, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said those joining gatherings with multiple households should take additional measures like getting tested and avoiding crowded indoor places before traveling.

The CDC also cautions anyone who tested positive for COVID-19 should not travel until they end isolation. More advice from the CDC on traveling can be found on the agency's website.



For anyone who may be sick or has symptoms, the message is to stay home and away from others. They should also get tested for the virus as should anyone who may have been in close contact with a person who has COVID-19, the agency says.



The number of COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations in Wisconsin sharply increased in early December, and the Department of Health Services urged people to get vaccinated as omicron variant cases and Christmas family gatherings both draw closer.

The omicron variant, a recently discovered coronavirus mutation with potential to be highly transmissible, was discovered in Wisconsin on Dec. 4. Health experts say they're waiting to see how transmissible the new variant is, the severity of its illness and how effective vaccines will hold against it.

One Wisconsin hospital, SSM Health Monroe Hospital, has about 50 percent more patients than what the staff is meant to manage, hospital president Jane Curran-Meuli told WISC-TV. "Our ICU is 2-3 times higher to what we're staffed to, and there's no more staff," she said.

Health officials said most of the virus patients entering hospital and ICU beds in Wisconsin aren't fully vaccinated and urge people to get the shot before traveling.

Where To Find COVID-19 Testing Near New Berlin

City of Milwaukee Testing Clinics



The City of Milwaukee has several free drive-thru and walk-up community COVID-19 testing sites for anyone 12-months or older, regardless of symptoms. The sites will be closed Dec. 24-26 and Dec. 31-Jan. 2.

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Northwest Health Center

7630 West Mill Road

Drive-thru garage with entry at the Mill Road Library, 6431 North 76th Street

Monday and Friday: 9 a.m.-3 p.m.Tuesday and Thursday: 12-6 p.m.

Saturday: 9 a.m.-1 p.m.





Southside Health Center

1639 South 23rd Street

Drive-thru heated tent, entry on 24th Street

Monday and Friday: 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

Tuesday and Thursday: 12-6 p.m.

Saturday: 9 a.m.-1 p.m.





Menomonee Valley Site

2401 West St. Paul Avenue

Drive-thru garage

Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays: 12-6 p.m.

Tuesday and Thursday: 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

More information about City of Milwaukee testing sites is available online.

Summit Clinical Laboratories



Summit hosts COVID-19 testing clinics at locations across the Milwaukee area. Many locations may be closed on certain days during the holiday season.

The closest locations to New Berlin include 15480 Beloit Road in New Berlin and 7352 West Rawson Avenue in Franklin.

Call Summit ahead of a visit at 262-788-9311. Summit is closed on Dec. 25 and 26. For more hours visit their website.

Do-It-Yourself With A Pharmacy Kit

Places like Walgreens, CVS and Pick 'n Save have limited appointments for tests and a limited supply of over-the-counter tests that can be taken at home. In addition to that, many pharmacies are limiting the number of tests each customer can buy.

Still, take-home tests may be available at your local pharmacy, and it's always a good idea to call ahead and check.

State health services offer an entire database for community testing sites, and can be another option as they mail an at-home collection kit straight to your home.



The following are the state health-service guidelines on at-home rapid COVID-19 test results.

Positive test results mean that you are likely infected with the virus that causes COVID-19. People who test positive should stay home or isolate for 10 days and avoid gathering with people outside of the household.

Negative test results mean that you are likely not infected with the virus that causes COVID-19, but false negatives are possible. State health services say to consider testing again a day or two later, and tests at least 24 hours apart increase confidence in the results.

Contact your healthcare provider or a community testing site if you have trouble understanding the results or are concerned with the accuracy of the result.

Patch Editor Ethan Duran contributed to this report.



This article originally appeared on the New Berlin Patch
Santa struggles to enter a trailer home in Oak Ridge during the Manhattan Project in 1943. At the time, many people, including many families, were living in temporary housing.

Marilou Awiakta, a world-renowned poet, moved to Oak Ridge when she was 9. It was 1945, just after Christmas.

The air was cold, but the house was warm. The movers had built a fire in the fireplace ahead of the familys arrival from their little apartment on East Fifth Avenue in Knoxville.

"All the houses were the same color but we were delighted," Awiakta told Knox News. The family had been waiting for a house since 1942 when her father, who worked for the Army on a secret job, put them on a list for family housing at Oak Ridge. It was a Christmas Ill never forget because the house was like a Christmas present."

But it wasn't the same kind of Christmas other Americans experienced. Their family was part of the Secret City. In 1942, the U.S. government purchased a huge tract of land in East Tennessee, displacing a farming community to create a hub for the Manhattan Project, the furious sprint to build an atomic bomb before Nazi Germany did.

The U.S. Army completely reshaped the land in an orgy of construction, building 300 miles of roads, restaurants, shops, schools, homes and the world's largest building at the time. The K-25 uranium enrichment plant sprawled over 2 million square feet.

Awiakta recalls being searched by security before walking on a boardwalk over the ever-present construction mud to a hillside covered in identical houses built with grey cemesto, a lightweight, waterprooof and fireproof composite.

Still, her memories are of the best things. Plumes of chimney smoke against the December sky. Turkey and hot cider. A million little Christmases. The neighborhood kids quickly adopted her, and she and her younger sister spent the first weeks at parties at the neighbors' houses.

There was an openness though it was a closed city and a secret city. It was strict on you not to ask anybody what their father did no matter what, said Awiakta. But on the other hand, you could roam around and play.

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Manhattan Project: Bias kept black scientists out of Oak Ridge's atomic bomb work

Holidays behind a security fence

The holidays weren't easy in Oak Ridge during World War II. Gifts were hard to find. The store was out of butter. Sons were away at war. Many in the city worked for the Army, which expected workers to show up no matter what day the calendar says.

Santa Claus poses with children's letters in Oak Ridge in 1947. Letters to Santa often ended up at the Oak Ridge Journal during the years when the city was closed to the outside world. Some of these letters ended up printed in the journal. One child asked for a long list of toys, accompanied by a drawing of Santa dropping gifts from his sleigh like a B-52 bomber.

There were no schedule changes, recalled Ruth Huddleston, a former worker at the Oak Ridge calutron, an industrial-scale, electromagnetic device used to enrich uranium. I didnt know what I was doing. All we knew was that we were helping to win the war.

And yet people celebrated anyway, with smuggled booze, with pooled rations, with plays, parties and after-hours concerts. In spite of their work on the war effort, community members still got together to celebrate how they could.

A U.S. Army sergeant lights and decorates a tree in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, circa 1944. Cutting trees in Oak Ridge for Christmas was forbidden by the army. Christmas trees were shipped in for home decoration.

Archived issues of the Oak Ridge Journal advertised holiday activities, like community caroling and charitable drives by the Women's Army Corps. Gift suggestions and shopping guides were published alongside Army reminders that Christmas trees were not to be cut in Oak Ridge. Like a lot of things during those days, the reasons were not stated.

People were asked to extend hospitality to their coworkers who wouldnt be able to return home that year.

Even Santa Claus got the Oak Ridge treatment. In the Oak Ridge Journal, someone writing as Santa complained of muddy streets, the difficulties of being searched by security and fitting toys down the stovepipes of Army-provided housing trailers. Many people were on waiting lists for permanent housing.

Even Santa got busted trying to enter the compound. He didnt have security clearance and was turned away!

In 1943, a group of scientists from New York smuggled champagne on site during Christmas. The alcohol quickly dissolved the glue in the paper cups, forcing the men to chug it down in shots.

That same Christmas season, top Manhattan Project scientists, including Enrico Fermi, Alvin Weinberg and Eugene Wigner, were asked to estimate how long it would take the Nazis to develop an atom bomb.

Wigner put down on the board that  by Christmas of 1944 they would have the bomb, recalled Weinberg for an interview with Manhattan Project Voices. And that, of course, scared us shitless.

'Secret City': How did Oak Ridge remain a secret during wartime?

Christmas at wartime

Denise Kiernan, author of "The Girls of Atomic City," said the general feelings in Oak Ridge werent dissimilar from the worries that plagued in the country at large.

"Throughout the country, everyone was dealing with making sacrifices for the war," Kiernan said. "People were just scared."

Wartime longing for family and home was reflected in the pop charts, topped by Bing Crosbys "Ill Be Home For Christmas." Rationing, and shortages of sugar and butter, changed Christmas recipes.

Kiernan said that all these things were amplified by the conditions at Oak Ridge: isolated, secret and eternally muddy from construction. Work on the Manhattan Project never paused.

A guide to local shops for gift-buyers published in the Oak Ridge Journal in 1944. All information about Oak Ridge was restricted to residents and Manhattan Project managers. Sharing this shopping guide, like sharing anything in the Oak Ridge Journal, was forbidden.

In her collected stories from Oak Ridge, Kiernan recounted that women made decorations out of cut paper and nail polish. People packed family photographs and indestructible fruitcakes into actual popcorn to ship to their sons serving in parts unknown. Gifts were in short supply, even if you could spare the time to shop in Knoxville.

It was difficult. There were lines for everything. There were rations. And they had no idea what they were doing. They were exhausted, working around the clock, Kiernan said. So, the coming together as a community around different events  those were extremely important to them because it made the rest of everything easier to swallow.

Everyone who had a job at Oak Ridge was expected to work their normal hours during the holidays. Gen. Leslie Groves, director of the Manhattan Project, was said to have told people under his command to "Write letters home for Christmas." Staff who did travel, usually upper management or senior scientists, were forbidden to discuss work with their families. Issues of the Oak Ridge Journal from 1943-1944 were full of stories like this around the holidays.

World War II: The story of how Manhattan Project workers tried to stop the atomic bombs 75 years ago

Rising to the occasion

By Christmas 1944, the Allies were roughly five months away from their victory over the Nazis. In eight months, uranium enriched at Oak Ridge would drop on Hiroshima in the first atomic bombing. The Oak Ridge Journal at the time urged people to stay the course, and to celebrate how they could.

The words 'peace on earth, goodwill toward men' fall with a hollow sound, as they have for the past three years, wrote Journal editor Frances Smith Gates. Yet it is all together fitting that we should celebrate Christmas in the customary manner  with the determination that we shall bend our efforts to making 'peace on earth' applicable before another Christmas.

Kiernan said that these celebrations weren't unlike how the country adapted to celebrating during COVID-19.

"The commonality is the people rising to an occasion under dire circumstances," Kiernan said. "And this is something that comes up over, and over and over."

Y-12 National Security Complex: How a letter from Einstein to FDR forever changed Oak Ridge and the world

Learning about the bomb

The next year, the mood changed. World War II had just ended in August and Oak Ridge had been awakened to its purpose as one of the cradles of the nuclear age. 1945 was the town's first holiday at peace.

Archives of the Oak Ridge Journal show those who had contributed were proud of what they had accomplished. The paper was full of speculative buzz about on-site shooting for "The Beginning or the End?" a B-movie docudrama by MGM. The film's production had been prompted by a letter from Oak Ridge scientist Edward Tompkins to his former chemistry student, the actor Donna Reed.

Oak Ridge people, who helped make two of the loudest bangs ever, are all set to bring in 1946 with a resounding welcome, wrote the editorial staff of the Journal the week after Christmas.

The Army sponsored a children's club called The Little Atoms starting around the 1945 holiday season to celebrate the town's contribution to the war. Their inaugural event was a candy-licking contest.

Santa Claus visits the Children of Oak Ridge in 1949. The town had only just opened to the rest of the country in the summer of that year.

"I expect to have an easier time in Oak Ridge this year now that the war is over," wrote someone posing as Santa Claus in the Oak Ridge Journal. "Two years ago when I applied for a pass they said 'Claus! Isn't that a German name?'"

But there was still considerable uncertainty about the future of the bomb  and about the future of the town. Nobody knew if the Secret City would still exist after the war.

Nuclear arms control was seeping into the conversation.

"May the bombs we made here to end the war never be used again," wrote one family on a Christmas card to the Oak Ridge Journal.

"People were still kind of stunned. What does it mean? It takes a long time to understand what something so momentous means, " said Awiakta. "But it was a splendid Christmas."

(A previous version of this story incorrectly stated the first name of Enrico Fermi.)

Vincent Gabrielle reports on science, technology and culture, and their intersection in the Oak Ridge Corridor. Follow him on Twitter @vincentdgabriel. Email Vincent Gabrielle at vincent.gabrielle@knoxnews.com. Make our community, our society and our republic stronger by supporting robust local journalism. Subscribe to Knox News at knoxnews.com/subscribe.

This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: How Oak Ridgers celebrated holidays during the Manhattan Project
Lending a helping hand is not unfamiliar to Jon Schmier, and the holiday season is just another opportunity to help, the local restauranteur said.

So, when tragedy struck Mayfield, Kentucky, in the form of a series of deadly twisters this month, Schmier immediately got to work.

Though the storms ravaged a 200-mile-long swath through the state, Mayfield was hardest hit by a monster EF4 tornado Dec. 11 that struck as residents slept, killing at least 76 and destroying hundreds of homes and businesses in the hamlet of 10,000 people.

More: Remembering those who died in the devastating Kentucky tornadoes

By that afternoon, Schmier had posted to his Rustic Burger Facebook pages a request for donations, spearheading the collection of 30,000 pounds of supplies.

On Monday, two box trucks were packed with the hundreds of donated items, including water, clothing, nonperishable food, pet food, baby formula, diapers and wipes.

Most of the donations came from people in the Fayetteville area, including Spring Lake and Hope Mills, according to Schmier. Even Carlie C's on Cedar Creek Road donated 10 cases of food to Mayfield.

Then Tuesday, Schmier, his wife, Trista, and the owners of Fayetteville trucking company Faith Brothers Logistics made the 700-mile drive to Mayfield to deliver the items.

I want the community to know that were not just a business that makes money, but were a business that gives back at the same time," Schmier said.

Jon Schmier, of Rustic Burger, films on his phone as two box trucks are loaded with supplies behind Rustic Burger in Spring Lake on Monday, Dec. 21, 2021. The donated supplies will be driven to Mayfield, Kentucky in response to the tornado that struck that area.

In February, the restaurant donated 60,000 pounds of supplies to Texas to help people affected by a winter storm. Last year, they held a fundraiser for a Fayetteville detective battling kidney disease.

In addition to collecting items for Kentuckians, Rustic Burger held a Christmas toy drive for area residents.

Some of those toys will now end up in the hands of Mayfield's children, Schmier said.

You have to give back in a time of need, he said. I dont care if youre in North Carolina, Florida, Kentucky, Colorado, California, were coming to you. Were coming to help you.

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Hope is not gone

James Alexander, of Faith Brothers Logistics, helps load two box trucks with supplies behind Rustic Burger in Spring Lake on Monday, Dec. 21, 2021. The donated supplies will be driven to Mayfield, Kentucky in response to the tornado that struck that area.

James Alexander and his brother, Cortez Graham, owners of Faith Brothers Logistics, donated the two trucks to deliver the supplies. Alexander said this is the first time he's ever worked with Schmier, but the two are already planning to collaborate on more community service projects in the future.

Alexander said a tornado like the one in Kentucky could have happened anywhere, including North Carolina. The tragedy hits close to home for him, he said.

One day before the tornado hit Kentucky, one of his employees was set to travel to the state to drop off a load, but the deal fell through, causing him to stay in North Carolina. Both Alexander and Schmier said that was Gods way of protecting the employee.

My driver called me right after that (tornado) and thats how I knew about it, Alexander said. Now, were going back to help. Its all Gods plan.

Alexander is a native of Hope Mils and said he too is active in his community through his business. He said its important to remind people during the holidays that theyre not alone in their struggles and there are many people in the community who are willing to help their neighbors.

Arne McNeill, left to right, James Alexander, of Faith Brothers Logistics, and another man work on loading two box trucks with supplies behind Rustic Burger in Spring Lake on Monday, Dec. 21, 2021. The donated supplies will be driven to Mayfield, Kentucky in response to the tornado that struck that area.

Background: Rustic Burger and its 15-pound burger challenge coming soon to Spring Lake

We want to let people know that were still here in spite of whats going on. Were thankful because we have our homes to go to and the shelter and all that, but theres ones thats in need right now that dont have nothing," he said.

If the pandemic has shown anything, Alexander said, it's that this is the time for more people to come together.

Hope is not gone, Schmier said. We want to be the light at the end of the tunnel.

Volunteers take a break from loading two box trucks with supplies behind Rustic Burger in Spring Lake to pose for a picture on Monday, Dec. 21, 2021. The donated supplies will be driven to Mayfield, Kentucky in response to the tornado that struck that area.

Helping each other out

When Rustic Burger advertised its Christmas toy drive in September, Schmier opened up registration for families to apply for toys. More than 240 families applied and were helped, he said.

"That's one thing I can say about Fayetteville, Spring Lake and Hope Mills  all three come together and they band together," Schmier said. "When I ask my community members to help out, they help out."

This holiday season amid tragedy, loss, and uncertainty, Schmier remains committed to his mission to help people in need, hoping his efforts will inspire others to do the same.

"I can't care less who you are, where you're from. I couldn't care less about your age or race, your sexual orientation," Schmier said. "To me, we're all the same and we're all human beings and I'm going to help you no matter who you are."

Investigative Reporter Kristen Johnson can be reached at kjohnson1@gannett.com.

Support local journalism with a subscription to The Fayetteville Observer. Click the "subscribe'' link at the top of this article.

This article originally appeared on The Fayetteville Observer: Business owners team up to deliver supplies to people in need
Iraq's foreign minister said on a visit to Tehran Thursday that the time has come for the Islamic republic and the United States to negotiate directly on Iran's nuclear ambitions.

US-Iran relations have been severed since April 1980, just months after the fall of the shah and the occupation of the American embassy by Islamist students loyal to Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini.

They worsened significantly after US president Donald Trump's 2018 decision to unilaterally withdraw from the nuclear deal and impose sanctions on Tehran.

Negotiations resumed in November after a five-month hiatus to try to restore the deal, which gave Iran sanctions relief in exchange for curbs on its nuclear activities.

Diplomats from the remaining parties to the deal -- Britain, China, France, Germany and Russia -- are in talks in Vienna with Iran and the US, with the two sides refusing direct contact.

"We call for, and this is no secret, direct negotiations between the two parties," Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein told a joint press conference.

"Iraq's interest is in helping the two parties to sit round a table and talk," he said.

"We have proposed this to the Americans and have made this proposal (to Iran) and even before our visit to Tehran.

"It is better that a direct meeting take place between the American party and the Iranian party," Hussein said.

He said Iraq felt there was a "problem" with the negotiating mechanism at the Vienna talks.

"The negotiations with the American side are indirect, through the European envoy," he said.

"We think the time has come for direct talks between Washington and Tehran to reach common understandings not just on the nuclear issue, but also on sanctions.

"We need direct contact between the two parties and we are working towards that," Hussein said.

Iraq is Iran's neighbour, and Hussein said US-Iran relations "are not an external matter for Iraq, but an internal one".

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He said tensions between the long-time foes impacts directly on the political and security situation in Iraq, and that detente between the two would have a positive effect.

Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian outlined the way contacts currently take place.

"The Americans send unwritten messages to meetings and receive responses" indirectly from Iran, he said.

"As for the Islamic republic, we seriously declare that we want to reach a good agreement and we hope the other parties also come and negotiate with the same seriousness and the same goodwill," Amir-Abdollahian said.

The Vienna talks are set to resume on Monday after a 10-day break.

On Thursday, EU diplomat Enrique Mora, who is chairing the negotiations, said he hoped for speedy progress.

"Important to pick up the pace on key outstanding issues and move forward, working closely with the US. Welcome to the 8th round," Mora said in Vienna.

kam-str/sk/srm/kir
SOAVE, Italy (AP)  Italy on Thursday again tightened COVID-19 restrictions, focusing on the unvaccinated and on New Years Eve celebrations as the new omicron variant pushed recorded infections to the country's highest one-day total ever.

Under the new rules, people who have not been vaccinated will be barred from entering museums, exhibitions, amusement parks, bingo parlors and betting halls  places that until now they could access with a negative test. Already forbidden seating in restaurants, their dining options have now been completely shut down as they can no longer be served standing at a bar.

It is important that we present a series of measures to respond to the growth of cases that we see in the last days, due to the arrival in our country in a significant way of the omicron variant, Health Minister Roberto Speranza told a press conference.

The measures come as Italians prepare to celebrate the Christmas holiday weekend, with many planning family gatherings that were barred last year during the surge of the delta variant. The government has not mandated any rules for private gatherings, but it has set its sights on New Years Eve, banning outdoor events and closing discotheques until the end of January.

The new regulations will be gradually implemented starting Friday.

Long lines formed at testing sites in Milan on Thursday, as people worried about suspected cases sought to be tested alongside those who continue to get tested every 48 hours to access workplaces. And in neighboring Veneto, some testing sites for PCR swabs posted notices that they had exhausted their available appointments for the next 60 days.

In the last 24 hours, Italy recorded nearly 44,600 new infections, its highest ever, and 168 deaths. The omicron variant of the coronavirus represents nearly one-third of the new cases. The head of Italys national health institute, Silvio Brusaferro, said that omicron would be dominant by next week with slow but continuous growth.

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Italy was the first major economy to adopt a health pass to access workplaces, but has allowed a negative test every 48 hours to stand in for a full vaccination or proof of recovery from COVID. Mask mandates have remained in place in public indoor settings and public transport. Now, that has been upgraded and only more-protective FFP2 masks may be worn on all public transport, as well as in cinemas, theaters and stadiums.

___

Follow all of APs pandemic coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/coronavirus-pandemic
Actor James Franco has broken his silence about sexual misconduct allegations months after he paid $2.2 million to settle a lawsuit filed by former acting students who accused him in 2019 of sexual harassment at his former acting school, Studio 4.

In an interview on SiriusXMs The Jess Cagle Podcast," which is scheduled to be released in its entirety Thursday, Franco, 43, blamed addiction  to work and sex  for his public struggles over the years.

Once I couldnt use alcohol to sort of fill that hole, it was like  oh, success? attention? This is great. And so, in a weird way, I got addicted to validation, I guess, or success, or whatever that is, Franco told Cagle in a clip of the interview, which was shared in a series of YouTube videos SiriusXM posted Wednesday.

Representatives for Franco did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

In published clips of the interview, Franco relates his teenage struggle with alcoholism and his decision to become sober at 17 to what he variously describes as a struggle with an addiction to success, attention and sex.

Attention from women, success with women, also became a huge source of validation for me, Franco said. The problem with that is like, I'm sure you can guess, like any sort of drug or anything, theres never enough.

He said he was first able to identify his experience after he got a book about sex and love addiction from his sister-in-law.

When I read this book, it was like, it hit me like a bullet and was like: Oh, my God, thats me, Franco said. Its such a powerful drug, and I got hooked on it for 20 more years.

Sarah Tither-Kaplan and Toni Gaal alleged in their suit in 2019 that Franco coerced them and other students at Studio 4 into filming overt sexual acts.

The suit accused Franco of seeking to sexualize their power and fame by dangling the opportunity to aspiring actors of employment in film and television in exchange for explicit nudity, sex and as Franco put it, the pushing of boundaries at Studio 4.

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In the settlement, both sides released a statement in which Franco denied all allegations of misconduct.

While Defendants continue to deny the allegations in the complaint, they acknowledge that Plaintiffs have raised important issues; and all parties strongly believe that now is a critical time to focus on address the mistreatment of women in Hollywood, said the joint statement, which was issued in June.

Franco on Wednesday denied an allegation that he used his acting school to create a pipeline of young women for exploitation in the name of education, saying he had consensual sex with students.

Franco said a decision to name one of his acting school courses masterclass: sex scenes was one of the stupidest things I did, describing it as a poor attempt to be provocative.

I didnt sleep with anybody in that particular class. But over the course of my teaching, I did sleep with students, and that was wrong, Franco said.

Asked about the power dynamic between him and his students, Franco said his attitude at the time was if this is consensual, I think its cool.

Franco also addressed actor Seth Rogens announcement in May that he would no longer work with Franco.

We arent working together right now, and we dont have any plans to work together  of course, it was hurtful, you know, in context, but I get it, Franco said. He had to answer for me, because I was silent. Its one of the main reasons I wanted to talk to you today. ... I dont want Seth or my brother or anyone to have to answer for me anymore.
TOKYO (Reuters) - Japanese and U.S. armed forces have drawn up a draft plan for a joint operation for a possible Taiwan emergency, Japan's Kyodo news agency said on Thursday, citing unnamed Japanese government sources, amid increased tensions between the island and China.

China claims democratically governed Taiwan as its own "sacred" territory and in the past two years has stepped up military and diplomatic pressure to assert its sovereignty claims, fuelling anger in Taipei and deep concern in Washington.

Taiwan's government says it wants peace, but will defend itself if needed.

Under the plan, the U.S. Marine Corps will set up temporary bases on the Nansei island chain stretching from Kyushu, one of the four main islands of Japan, to Taiwan, at the initial stage of a Taiwan emergency, and will deploy troops, Kyodo said.

Japanese armed forces will provide logistical support in such areas as ammunition and fuel supplies, it said.

Japan, former colonial ruler of Taiwan, and the United States would likely reach an agreement to start formulating an official plan at a "2+2" meeting of foreign and defence ministers early next year, the news agency said.

Japanese defence ministry officials were not immediately available for comment.

In October, Japan's government signalled a more assertive position on China's aggressive posture towards self-ruled Taiwan, suggesting it would consider options and prepare for "various scenarios" while reaffirming close U.S. ties.

Earlier this month, former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said that Japan and the United States could not stand by if China attacked Taiwan.

U.S. officials, speaking on the condition of anonymity, have long said that given the tens of thousands of troops the U.S. has in Japan and its proximity to Taiwan, Japan would likely have to play an important role in any Taiwan emergency.

A Pentagon spokesman said that as U.S. President Joe Biden and his Japanese counterpart said in a March joint statement, both countries shared a commitment to peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait.

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"We are committed to enhancing resiliency and interoperability between U.S. and Japanese forces and deepening operational cooperation during peacetime and various regional contingencies," the Pentagon added.

Japan is host to major U.S. military bases, including on the southern island of Okinawa, a short flight from Taiwan, which would be crucial for any U.S. support during a Chinese attack.

China views democratic Taiwan as a wayward province, awaiting the day the island can be brought under its control - peacefully or militarily - with no right to state-to-state relations.

The United States, like most countries in the world, recognises China over Taiwan, in line with Beijing's "one China" policy. But Washington is the island's biggest arms supplier and ally and is obliged by law to help it defend itself.

(Reporting by Kiyoshi Takenaka. Additional reporting by Idrees Ali in Washington; Editing by Alison Williams, Nick Macfie, Dan Grebler and Cynthia Osterman)
By Steve Holland

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Jared Kushner's global investment firm, Affinity Partners, has raised more than $3 billion in committed funding from international investors, a person familiar with the fund-raising effort told Reuters on Thursday.

Kushner, a former top aide to former President Donald Trump who is married to his daughter, Ivanka, formed the Miami-based Affinity Partners last summer after deciding to step away from politics, and began raising money in the fall.

Kushner plans to invest in American and Israeli companies that are looking for international expansion opportunities in India, Africa, the Middle East and other parts of Asia.

Kushner's firm has received commitments of more than $3 billion, the source said, adding that he expects to continue fund-raising efforts for the next few months to close these and add potential additional commitments.

Information on specific investors was not disclosed, but Affinity was targeting American institutions and foreign investment institutions, including sovereign wealth funds and high net worth individuals.

Affinity is hoping to close its first deal in the first quarter of 2022, the source said.

The firm has hired about 20 people, including private equity veterans Bret Perlman and Asad Naqvi, and plans to focus on U.S. based investments as well as those in the Middle East.

At the Trump White House, Kushner helped broker deals between Israel and the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Sudan and Morocco in a six-month flurry last year. He also helped negotiate a new U.S.-Mexico-Canada trade agreement.

He played a prominent role in Trump's failed 2020 reelection campaign, but has steered clear of Trump's false claims of voter fraud. Kushner tried to distance his father-in-law from fringe, far-right social media platforms after Trump was kicked off Twitter following the deadly riot on Jan. 6.

Kushner hopes to create "an investment corridor" between Israel and Saudi Arabia, by working with Israeli and Gulf companies and investors, the person said.

He has also written a book about his White House experience that is expected to be published by HarperCollins in 2022.

(Reporting By Steve Holland; Editing by Heather Timmons and Sonya Hepinstall)
Joan Didion in her New York apartment

Joan Didion, a literary icon who chronicled 60s and 70s US culture, with screenwriting credits including 1976 film A Star Is Born, has died aged 87.

The incisive US novelist and essayist examined the fragmentation of US life in books like 1968's Slouching Towards Bethlehem and 1979's The White Album.

Her Pulitzer Prize-winning The Year of Magical Thinking mined her own grief following the death of her husband.

She died of Parkinson's disease, her publisher, Knopf, told the BBC.

"We tell ourselves stories in order to live," Didion once wrote, and she spoke of the act of writing more astutely than perhaps anyone else.

She was revered by legions of young and aspiring writers for her cool, terse and distinctive voice.

"No one writes better English prose than Joan Didion," wrote literary critic John Leonard, who once described Didion's prose as "ice pick laser beams".

Didion was said to be fiercely protective of her work, not letting on about the latest subject of interest to her closest friends until it was ready to publish.

She received the National Medal of Arts in 2013 from US President Barack Obama, who described her at the time as "one of the most celebrated American writers of her generation" and "one of our sharpest and most respected observers of American politics and culture".

"I wanted not a window on the world but the world itself," she wrote in her essay collection Let Me Tell You What I Mean, published this year.

Her literary bona fides were unaffected by a growing pop-culture fascination, including advertising campaigns with both Gap (in 1989) and Celine (in 2015).

Joan Didion in 1981

Born in Sacramento in 1934, a fifth-generation Californian, she studied at the University of California, Berkeley. Didion joined Vogue Magazine after graduation in 1956, leading to her career as a journalist and writer.

Her novels included 1970's Play It as It Lays, which explored and exposed Hollywood film culture. Fellow author Martin Amis once described her as a "poet of the Great Californian Emptiness".

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She also adapted The Year of Magical Thinking, her wrenching, ruminative and award-winning account of losing husband John Gregory Dunne, for the stage. Vanessa Redgrave starred in the inaugural production on Broadway in 2007.

Also that year, Didion was awarded the National Book Foundation's Medal for Distinguished Contribution to American Letters "for her distinctive blend of spare, elegant prose and fierce intelligence".

She became a leading exponent of the mostly male New Journalism movement, standing alongside Tom Wolfe, Truman Capote and Gay Talese.

In 2005, grief became an unwanted inspiration again after her adopted daughter Quintana Roo died of acute pancreatitis at the age of 39. Didion channelled her loss into the 2011 memoir Blue Nights.

Shelley Wagner, her editor at Knopf, said Didion had been "a wise and subtle teller of truths".

"We will mourn her death but celebrate her life, knowing that her work will inspire generations of readers and writers to come," Ms Wagner added.
Jon Snow (front, seated) and the rest of the Channel 4 News team on his last day

Jon Snow has presented his final edition of Channel 4 News after 32 years at the helm of the programme.

The 74-year-old, one of the UK's longest-serving TV news presenters, described the role as the "greatest privilege of my life".

Former Prime Minister Gordon Brown was among those who paid tribute to Snow, calling him a "British institution".

After a clip featuring some of his best moments, Snow was cheered out of the newsroom by his colleagues.

Co-presenter Krishnan Guru-Murthy described Snow as "the most energetic, enthusiastic, committed and questioning TV journalist, who brought compassion and humanity to his reporting whether in the studio, war or disaster zone".

He added: "It is no wonder viewers love him or that politicians who get angry with his questions respect him. His last day has been an emotional one for the whole newsroom. We knew it was coming, but can't quite believe it's happening now."

Today marks the end of an era at Channel 4 News, as @jonsnowC4 will present his final edition of the programme tonight at 7pm.



Here's a look back at his remarkable 32-year career presenting the show from around the world. pic.twitter.com/cOcnGEfHIK  Channel 4 News (@Channel4News) December 23, 2021

Cathy Newman, another Channel 4 News presenter, wrote on Twitter that appearing alongside Snow had been "the privilege of my life".

The programme's editor Ben De Pear said: "It's been an honour for all of us to work with Jon, not just for his outstanding journalism but because he's a wonderful person and friend and example to all of us as to how to report a story and also care about what it means.

"He's the heart and soul of Channel 4 News and we all love him."

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The credits at the end of the programme paid tribute to Snow

When Snow's departure was announced in April, Channel 4 said Snow would now "front longer-form projects... and represent the channel in other matters".

He will now "focus on his charities and some of his many passions in life, people's stories, inequality, Africa, Iran and the arts", according to the channel.

Snow joined Channel 4 News after serving as ITN's Washington correspondent and diplomatic editor in the 1980s.

As well as being a fixture in the nightly programme's London studio, the job has taken him around the world to report on stories including the fall of the Berlin Wall, the release of Nelson Mandela and Barack Obama's inauguration.

The programme has won 10 Bafta TV awards during his tenure, while Snow received Bafta's Richard Dimbleby Award for the best factual contribution to television in 2005, and the Bafta Fellowship - the organisation's highest accolade - in 2015.

His other honours include 10 Royal Television Society awards, including six for presenter of the year.

Jon Snow

Speaking about the response to his journalism over the years, Snow told The Media Show: "Because I'm tall and have funny ties, people are terribly nice to me in the street and you get this feedback and that's wonderful.

"You do get a sense of why people watch and it's not just me, we're a team, and we're different from other options. Obviously I'm going to miss that."

Snow's last show featured tributes from a range of high-profile figures, including former Prime Minister Gordon Brown, Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, broadcaster Sir Trevor McDonald, Commons leader Jacob Rees-Mogg and celebrity chef Jamie Oliver.

Mr Brown described him as a "British institution" while Sir Trevor said Snow "wanted to be where the story was every time - every day, every week".

Mrs Sturgeon said Snow's absence would leave a "massive hole", and Mr Rees-Mogg described the broadcaster as a "completely fair" interviewer, adding "you knew you had to be on your toes with Jon".

Bowing out of his last programme, Snow said his role had been the "greatest privilege of my life" before he was cheered out of the newsroom by colleagues.

The BBC's chief international correspondent Lyse Doucet shared a photo of herself and Jon Snow on Twitter.

The photo shows Doucet and a team of colleagues, dressed in safety gear in Gaza, with a smiling Snow: "JonsnowC4 stopped us - "an all-women team!" He asked for a photo .. or was it us asking him? #JonSnow,"

BBC economics editor Faisal Islam, who previously worked with Snow at Channel 4 News, tweeted that his former colleague was a "simply superb colleague, fearless & relentless interrogator of truth".

Piers Morgan added his tribute on Twitter, writing: "You've been a consistently brilliant news broadcaster, and aside from the ludicrous ties, and dodgy helmets, a lot of fun too. Congrats on a great run."

The programme's remaining team of presenters includes Guru-Murthy, Newman, Matt Frei and Jackie Long.

In 2018, Snow took a 25% cut to his salary to help reduce the gender pay gap.

In March, he revealed he had become a father for the third time.

Snow told BBC Radio 4's Media Show last week that his departure would be "like leaving a marriage".

"You're all interdependent in so many ways in the workplace, and you see each other day after day, week after week, year after year," he said.

"Obviously it's a big wrench."
A jury has found former Brooklyn Center, Minn., Police Officer Kim Potter guilty of manslaughter in the death of Black motorist Daunte Wright, following a two-week trial and 27 hours of deliberation by the 12 jurors.

Potter fatally shot Wright, 20, after she and an officer trainee pulled him over in the Minneapolis suburb on April 11. They, along with a third officer, attempted to arrest him when he tried to take off with his girlfriend in the car.

Potters bodycam footage shows her threatening to use her Taser multiple times during the struggle to remove him from the car. She then fired off a shot but grabbed her gun instead of the Taser. In the video, Potter exclaims: I grabbed the wrong f***ing gun.

She was found guilty on a charge of first-degree manslaughter, which carries a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison and a $30,000 fine, according to Minnesota law, and also a second-degree charge, for causing someones death through culpable negligence, which has a maximum sentence of 10 years and a $20,000 fine.

Kim Potter. (Court TV via Reuters Video)

At one point, the jury appeared to be deadlocked or at least struggling in making a decision. Tuesday night, the panel sent a question to Judge Regina Chu, asking, If the jury cannot reach consensus what is the guidance around how long and what steps should be taken?

Chu reread a portion of the jury instructions she had given them before. You should discuss the case with one another and deliberate with a view toward reaching agreement, if you can do so without violating your individual judgment, she said, in part.

For a conviction, the state had to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that Potter handled her firearm recklessly and showed culpable negligence in her actions that resulted in Wrights death.

Prosecutors focused on Potters training and that she should have known the difference in weight and feel of the weapons. She carried a gun on her duty belt her entire 26-year career and a Taser since 2005, according to court testimony. Potter retrained for use of both each year she was equipped with them, prosecutors said, adding there was no excuse for weapons confusion.

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Members of the jury, the defendant told you her sons will be home for the holidays. You know who wont be home for the holidays ... is Daunte Wright, said prosecuting attorney Erin Eldridge during closing arguments.

Images of Daunte Wright outside the Hennepin County courthouse in Minneapolis on Monday. (Kerem Yucel /AFP via Getty Images)

What this case is really about is about an officer who mishandled her firearm, Eldridge went on to say. Thats why were here and even if you take the defendants word for it  she admits  thats what she did. She told you in court she knew it was wrong and she knew from the very beginning.

When Potter testified last week, she broke down while giving her account of what happened, saying, We were trying to keep him from driving away, it just went chaotic and then I remember yelling Taser, Taser, Taser and nothing happened and then he [Wright] told me I shot him.

Potters defense team argued that Potter had the right to use not only her Taser but also her gun, had she intended to, because of the danger her fellow officers faced.

Did they prove beyond a reasonable doubt that she caused this death? No. Daunte Wright caused his own death, unfortunately," Earl Gray, her defense attorney, said during his closing arguments.

Gray added that the two other officers involved in the incident, Officer Anthony Luckey and then-Sgt. Mychal Johnson, believed Potter was justified based on comments made that day and in court. He walked the jury through a vantage point of what happened when officers told Wright to get out of the car.

[Wright] hesitated and he said, Why? And then he got out of the car and Officer Luckey, being a nice guy, he could have taken him and thrown him against the car and put his knee on his neck. No, he said, Put your hands behind your back, Im going to handcuff you.

Knee on his neck is a reference to the killing of George Floyd by former Minneapolis Police Officer Derek Chauvin.

Gray continued: Within seconds, he all of a sudden breaks away. Thats the cause, ladies and gentlemen of the jury. Thats what caused this whole incident. If he wouldve gone with the officers, been handcuffed, go to the squad car, go take a ride downtown and its over.

Daunte Wright during the traffic stop on April 11. (Court TV via AP, Pool)

Eldridge argued that Potter was responsible.

The defendant alone is responsible for her choices and her actions. Daunte Wright did not cause his own death. Were here because this was entirely preventable. It didnt have to happen. It was a tragedy of her own making and its not just a tragedy, its manslaughter, she said. Her actions were rash and reckless and what she did was wrong.

Benjamin Crump, a prominent civil rights attorney, described Wrights family as very emotional, anxious, just very much, in an interview with Yahoo News on Tuesday.

He serves as co-counsel for the family and drew parallels between this case and that of Mohamed Noor, a Black former Minneapolis police officer who was found guilty in the shooting death of a white female in 2019.

Now in the case of Officer Noor, he said, No. 1, Im sorry. I didnt mean it. It was a mistake. He cried. He was remorseful. No. 2, he said, The reason I did what I did was because I was trying to protect my fellow officer. I was worried about his safety. I didnt want him to get killed, Crump said, adding that the same court in Hennepin County decided Noor violated police department policies in his actions.

They convicted him and sentenced him for 12 years for killing an unarmed white woman, in what many believe a far worse situation than Kim Potter because it was pitch dark. They couldnt see what she was reaching for. And then you look at what happened to him, so you say, Well, if it did not work for him, why should [Potter] escape culpability? We cant have two different systems of justice in America.

He added: And all were saying is we want equal justice for Daunte Wright. Dont change your rules when its one of our children lying dead on the ground.

The jury was made up of nine white people, two Asian Americans and one Black person, according to how the jurors self-identified to the court. Six were men and six were women, and they ranged in age from their 20s to their 60s.

Judge Chu said sentencing will take place on Feb. 18, 2022, at 9 a.m. Until then, Potter will be in custody and held without bail.
Kashmir has been rocked by several protests against Indian rule

A controversy has erupted in Indian-administered Kashmir over a proposal to redraw the region's electoral map.

The draft proposes an increase in assembly seats that could raise the influence of the Hindu-dominated Jammu region in the disputed region's electoral politics.

Residents of the Muslim-dominated Kashmir valley fear this will reduce their say in choosing leaders. Mainstream political leaders say this could sound the death knell for pro-India politics in the region.

The latest move comes on the heels of various other measures that have increased the sense of alienation people in Muslim-majority Kashmir feel from the rest of India, which is overwhelmingly Hindu.

Relations between Kashmir and Delhi have been tense for decades but became worse after 2019 - when Narendra Modi's Hindu nationalist government stripped Jammu and Kashmir state of its special status and divided it into two federally-administered territories.

It also imposed restrictive measures, including a security crackdown and communication blockade that cut off the region from the world for several months.

An insurgency in Kashmir against Indian rule has claimed thousands of lives over the last three decades.

Kashmir is one of the world's most militarised zones, where alleged excesses committed by security forces against civilians have led to massive anger and resentment, regularly sparking huge protests.

What is the issue over constituencies?

The Jammu and Kashmir Delimitation Commission, headed by a former Supreme Court judge, has proposed six additional assembly seats for Jammu and only one more for the Kashmir valley - if passed, this would take their total tally to 43 and 47, respectively.

Internet and phone lines were suspended for several months in Kashmir in 2019

Delimitation refers to redrawing the boundaries of assembly seats to represent changes in population over time.

It's a routine exercise to ensure that all constituencies, whether parliamentary or for state assemblies, have an almost equal number of voters.

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The commission was set up in March 2020 and was extended earlier this year as work fell behind schedule due to the Covid-19 lockdown. They met politicians in Jammu and Kashmir to hear their views during the process.

The proposal comes in the wake of repeated assurances by Mr Modi's government that it will hold assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir - the first since 2016 when the last government collapsed - once the exercise is completed.

The region is currently administered by a lieutenant governor who is directly appointed by Delhi.

But politicians in Kashmir have questioned why their region has been singled out for the process now when it's not due to take place across the rest of India until after 2026.

Why are the seat tallies being criticised?

In the last delimitation exercise in 1995, the Kashmir valley, which accounted for 56% of Jammu and Kashmir's population, had 55.4% representation in the state legislature. Jammu, with 43.8% of the population, had 44.6% representation.

So, Kashmir was allocated 46 seats and Jammu, 37.

The army has been repeatedly accused of excesses by locals

The last census - which happened in 2011 - showed that Kashmir's population was higher than that of Jammu by 1.5 million.

Experts say that based on these figures, Kashmir's share of seats should have increased to 51, while Jammu should have been given 39 seats.

The commission hasn't yet revealed the methodology it used to arrive at the new numbers.

It has also proposed reserving 16 seats for candidates from scheduled castes and tribes, the most disadvantaged groups - experts say this will again work in Jammu's favour as the population of these groups is larger here.

Who are the critics?

Two former chief ministers of Jammu and Kashmir took to Twitter to criticise the commission's recommendations once they were made public.

"My apprehensions about the Delimitation Commission weren't misplaced. They want to pitch people against each other by ignoring the population census," wrote Mehbooba Mufti, who was chief minister from 2016 to 2018.

Ms Mufti is the former chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir

Ms Mufti's Jammu and Kashmir People's Democratic Party (PDP) had refused to meet the federal commission, saying it believed the outcome of the exercise was "pre-planned".

Omar Abdullah, chief minister from 2009 to 2015, also called the recommendation "unacceptable".

"The distribution of newly created assembly constituencies with six going to Jammu and only one to Kashmir is not justified by the data of the 2011 census," he wrote on Twitter.

Sajad Lone, a former minister, told reporters that the exercise was a "shame".

"It's a slur on those people who are in graves because they took a bullet for India. There's no self-respect in this," he said, referring to politicians who had earlier advocated for Kashmir to peacefully remain a part of India.

When Mr Modi's government cracked down on Kashmir, pro-India politicians, including former state chief ministers, were detained under house arrest for months. This was seen as a betrayal by many of these leaders, who were often branded as "traitors" by their own people for siding with India during the 30-year insurgency.

Even big parties such as the BJP had to ally with regional parties in Kashmir

Regional parties have always been more powerful in Jammu and Kashmir than national parties such as the current governing Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) or the main opposition, Congress.

The Congress and BJP allied with regional parties such as the PDP and Mr Abdullah's National Conference (NC) to form previous governments.

A political commentator who spoke on condition of anonymity told the BBC that if the proposal was passed, it would make things even harder for regional parties from the Kashmir valley.

"The BJP wants to create a whole new political architecture where it won't need allies from Kashmir to form the next government. That would make pro-India mainstream politics in Kashmir insignificant," he said.

Who's supporting the proposal?

The local BJP unit has welcomed the commission's proposal.

"The process is transparent and the commission has made recommendations only after studying the ground realities in both Jammu as well as Kashmir regions," Jammu and Kashmir BJP president Ravinder Raina said.

And some, like Harsh Dev Singh, leader of the Jammu-based Panthers Party - which campaigned for years to remove Jammu and Kashmir's special status - feel Jammu deserves more than six additional seats.

Jammu-based freelance journalist Tarun Upadhyay says the new proposal will be welcomed by people in the region, who have always felt they were discriminated against.

"All these decades, people in Jammu had to protest for their rights. The power has always been tilted towards Kashmir," Mr Upadhyay said.

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The Kent and Portage County health departments are out of the at-home COVID-19 test kits. Kent health officials have issued a warning that cases in the city are spiking.

The Kent Health Department issued a warning on Thursday that cases in the city are "overwhelming," causing local health officials to experience delays in case investigation and notifications.

The department said the 44240 zip code is seeing 1,642 cases per 100,000 people weekly, which is more than 15 times what the CDC considers a "high" level of transmission.

More: Where can I get a COVID-19 test in Portage County? Here's a simple guide.

In a public health notice, Health Commission Joan Seidel and Medical Director Angela DeJulius are urging members of the community "to seriously consider delaying, curtailing, or even canceling holiday plans until cases start to drop, and taking particular care around vulnerable people."

They also said that because local hospitals are at capacity, people should not go to the emergency department for COVID-19 testing unless they are seriously ill.

Their other urgent suggestions are to mask up, regardless of vaccination status, especially in crowded indoor or outdoor conditions and to get vaccinated.

More: UH doctor on holiday gatherings: Keep it small and keep it vaccinated.

What to do if you have been exposed or test positive

Seidel and DeJulius offer tips on what to do if you have been exposed to have tested positive.

If you test positive for COVID, it is essential that you isolate, stay home, and stay away from others for 10 days. Wear a mask, even in your own home if you have to be out of your room. Notify people you were in close contact with, starting 48 hours prior to your symptoms began, within 6 feet for 15 minutes or more.

If you have been exposed to a known case and develop symptoms, presume that you do have COVID. Stay home and isolate yourself for 10 days. Seek testing: if fully vaccinated test between days 3-5 after your last exposure; if unvaccinated, test between days 5-7. Testing too soon after exposure may yield a non-detected result when you are truly positive.

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If you have been exposed and do not have symptoms, quarantine yourself and monitor for symptoms for a full 14 days. Test using the guidance above. Fully vaccinated individuals who are exposed and asymptomatic may use a modified quarantine, wearing a mask and monitoring for symptoms, for 14 days.

What about COVID-19 testing?

Both Portage County and Kent City health departments are out of Binax COVID-19 test kits. The departments will notify the public when the tests become available.

COVID-19 testing is still available at NEOMED from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday in December. The tests are free and are available on a walk-in basis. No appointments are necessary.

COVID-19 tests are also available at pharmacies in the area, although supplies are very limited.

This article originally appeared on Record-Courier: Kent health officials: city exceeds what CDC calls 'high' transmission
Christmas is just days away, but the holiday is shaping up much differently than expected for those who were in the path of the catastrophic tornado that tore through Kentucky earlier this month.

At least 76 people lost their lives during the outbreak on Dec. 10 into Dec. 11, with others still hospitalized from their injuries.

"We do have some people still in the hospital and in difficult conditions. So, we continue to pray for them. We have zero people that we know of being missing, and we have zero rescue operations," Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear said.

Mayfield, Kentucky, took a direct hit from the EF4 tornado after nightfall on Dec. 10, with its 190-mph winds making it one of the strongest twisters of the entire year across the U.S.

AccuWeather news reporter Sarah Gisriel spoke with some survivors in Mayfield this week, including a mother and her four-month-old son, Michael.

"His dad calls him an F4 survivor," Prisilla Derevag told Gisriel. Derevang was at home with her son when the twister struck. Everything happened in the blink of an eye.

As the EF4 tornado sped toward her home, Derevang hid in a closet with her son and used her own body to shield him from debris.

"We heard windows shattered, people screaming afterwards, you know, help, help,'" she said.

The four-month-old did not cry amid the chaos that destroyed the house that once stood around them. Since then, Derevang and her son are staying at Kenlake State Resort Park, about a 40-minute drive east of Mayfield.

Tornado survivor Prisilla Derevag and her four-month-old son survived the EF4 tornado that struck Mayfield, Kentucky, on Dec. 10, 2021. (AccuWeather/ Sarah Gisriel)

Derevang's story is one of many across the region, and with the peak of the holiday season about to arrive, a cloud of uncertainty looms overhead. She is also one of around 175 people staying at Kenlake State Resort Park this Christmas.

Gov. Beshear visited the park this week to meet with some of the survivors and voice his support to help everyone in these trying times.

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"I can tell you, we're gonna be there with them every single step and we just want the rest of the world to stay with us, to stay with these families that they've adopted," Beshear said.

Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear visits tornado survivors at Kenlake State Resort Park. (AccuWeather/ Sarah Gisriel)

And it's not just people who have been displaced by the twister, but also dozens of pets.

"One of our first days out in the field, 50 animals had come into that shelter that particular day... some of those we brought in and some of those came in through other avenues," Diane Robinson of the Humane Society told AccuWeather's Kim Leoffler.

"They don't know where their people are they don't know anybody's looking for them and you know strangers are out trying to catch them or bring them in and so there's so much stress on those animals," Robinson added.

CLICK HERE FOR THE FREE ACCUWEATHER APP

Amid the catastrophic damage and need for assistance just days before Christmas, Gisriel explained that the people that she spoke with are more thankful than anything else.

"You would think that this would be a Christmas where they would just be miserable, really, but everyone that we met today was just full of joy and just thankful that they are alive and that they are even able to have a Christmas," Gisriel said.

Kentucky's First Lady Britainy Beshear has helped to set up storefronts for the families impacted by the tornadoes ahead of Christmas and is still collecting gifts and other goods for those wanting to help those in need.

For the latest weather news check back on AccuWeather.com. Watch the AccuWeather Network on DIRECTV, Frontier, Spectrum, fuboTV, Philo and Verizon Fios. AccuWeather Now is now available on your preferred streaming platform.
Kim Potter Hennepin County Sheriff's Office via Getty Images

Kim Potter, the former Minnesota police officer who shot and killed 20-year-old Daunte Wright after she says she mistook her gun for a Taser, has been found guilty on manslaughter charges.

A Minneapolis jury found Potter guilty Thursday on charges of first-degree and second-degree manslaughter in the killing of Wright, a Black man, in April 2021. Potter fatally shot Wright during a traffic stop. She says she thought her gun was a Taser, and video showed her shouting "Taser" and saying "Holy s--t. I just shot him."

Potter testified in her defense during the trial, saying she was "very distraught" after the shooting and "didn't want to hurt anybody." Prosecutors said the case was about "an officer who knew she could kill someone if she got it wrong but failed to make sure she got it right," per NPR, and attorneys for Wright's family said the "argument that she mistook her firearm for her Taser is simply beyond comprehension and a damning indictment of both her and the Brooklyn Center Police Department's practices and training protocols."

According to The New York Times, the maximum sentence on the most serious charge is 15 years. Potter's conviction comes after former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin was convicted this year in the murder of George Floyd, and he was sentenced to more than 20 years in prison. Potter is scheduled to be sentenced in February.

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goldie hawn, kurt russell

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Goldie Hawn and Kurt Russell were matching in style while in Aspen, Colorado this week.

The longtime couple each rocked cowboy hats while spotted shopping on Tuesday in the trendy city. Hawn, 76, wore a black hat with a brown band, which she paired with a bright raspberry winter coat, dark purple leggings and tall boots.

Russell, 70, wore a white western-style hat with a black band, plus a wintry patterned sweater, blue jeans and a pair of sneakers. Both he and Hawn were photographed carrying shopping bags ahead of Christmas.

Hawn was spotted out in Aspen this week with her son, Oliver Hudson, 45. The First Wives Club star was seen walking arm-in-arm with Hudson, who was joined by his wife, Erinn Bartlett.

Goldie Hawn

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RELATED: Kate Hudson Shares a Laugh with Mom Goldie Hawn and Pa Kurt Russell as They Leave Dinner

The Aspen trip is a family affair for Hawn and Russell, who were also joined by daughter Kate Hudson, 42, who was spotted in Aspen with her fiance, Danny Fujikawa, per Hollywood Life.

Kate posted a photo of herself and her three-year-old daughter, Rani, on Instagram after she landed in Colorado Monday, captioning the post, "The birdies have landed   #coloradogirlies #xmastime."

Hawn and Russell never married but raised their family together. They share son Wyatt Russell, 35, and children from previous marriages: Russell's son Boston, plus Hawn's children, Kate and Oliver.

Kurt Russell

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RELATED: Goldie Hawn, Kurt Russell Say If They Knew Secret to Relationship They'd 'Bottle It' and 'Sell It'

Russell told PEOPLE last year, "For people like us, the marriage certificate wasn't going to create anything that otherwise we wouldn't have. I don't know. 40 years isn't enough to finally say, 'Well I guess...' "

Never miss a story  sign up for PEOPLE's free weekly newsletter to get the biggest news of the week delivered to your inbox every Friday.

Hawn added, "It's not about the marriage. It's about the people and the relationship, and the will to stay together."

She explained, "And that's a big one because if you want it, you can have it. You've got to give things up, but the joy and the excitement of being together and touching the toes of somebody at night is really a nice feeling."
LIMA (Reuters) - MMG Ltd's Las Bambas copper mine said on Thursday that a temporary truce to lift a month-long blockade affecting a key copper transport road in Peru does not guarantee conditions to restart operations in a sustainable way.

Residents of the Chumbivilcas province had been blocking the road since Nov. 20, forcing Las Bambas, which produces some 2% of global copper output, to suspend production.

The situation has created a major issue for the government of leftist President Pedro Castillo. Peru is the world's No. 2 copper producer.

While many Chumbivilcas residents agreed to lift the blockade on Wednesday, Giselle Huamani, a top government official focused on social conflicts, told Reuters that the last community to unblock the road had communicated its decision only on Thursday.

In addition, communities have only agreed to lift the blockade temporarily until Dec. 30 https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/exclusive-peru-protesters-clear-las-bambas-road-after-mining-shutdown-legal-2021-12-22, when Peruvian Prime Minister Mirtha Vasquez is set to visit the area. Residents have said that depending on the agreements reached that day they will lift the blockade permanently or restart it.

Las Bambas said in a statement it "calls on all parties to respect the rule of law and generate the conditions necessary to restart our operations in a sustainable way." The company added that the temporary truce did not meet those conditions.

The Las Bambas mine has been a flashpoint for protests since the mine started operations, with blockades hitting the road on and off for over 400 days since then.

Vasquez has strongly urged protesting communities to clear the road but was vague about the consequences of not doing so. She has not ruled out a state of emergency declaration but said she would rather engage in dialogue.

(Reporting by Marcelo Rochabrun; Editing by Chris Reese, Diane Craft and Sonya Hepinstall)
At least four people were injured early Thursday when a large fire broke out at an ExxonMobil oil refinery in Texas.

Emergency response teams extinguished a fire that broke out around 1 a.m. at the Baytown refinery, about 25 miles east of Houston, the company said in a statement. Initial reports indicated an explosion of some kind had occurred inside the plant, Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez said on Twitter.

Officials cautioned residents to avoid the area of the "major industrial accident" as deputies responded to the scene but did not issue an evacuation or shelter in place order.

Three injured people were taken to hospitals by helicopters and a fourth was transported in an ambulance, Harris said. No fatalities were reported.

Rohan Davis, the refinery's manager, said everyone else working at the site has been accounted for. The refinery, which can process up to 584,000 barrels of crude oil each day, employs about 7,000 people, according to the company's website.

Smoke still fills the air at ExxonMobils refinery on Thursday, Dec. 23, 2021 in Baytown, Texas. Crews have extinguished a large fire at a Houston-area refinery that left four people injured.

The fire occurred in a unit that produces gasoline and a section of the plant has been isolated but the rest is still in operation, Davis said. When asked if an explosion occurred, Davis said a fire broke out at the time of the event but that the company is still collecting information.

"We will do a thorough investigation to make sure an event like this doesn't happen again," Davis said. "We're really sorry for what's happened."

Related video: Man allegedly set Christmas tree on fire outside Fox News building in NYC

The cause of the fire is not yet known. ExxonMobil said air quality monitoring along the fence line has not found any "adverse impacts" to the community or employees on site.

"Our first priority is the people in the community and in our facilities," the company said in a statement. "We deeply regret any disruption or inconvenience that this incident may have caused the community."

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In July 2019, an explosion and fire rocked an ExxonMobil plant in Baytown and left nearly 40 people with minor injuries, prompting the city to issue a shelter in place order.

Another fire erupted at a refinery at the complex in March 2019 that was extinguished within hours, but continued to release toxic pollutants for eight days, according to Harris County officials.

2017 settlement: Exxon settles pollution case with feds by upgrading 8 plants

Contributing: The Associated Press

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Fire at ExxonMobil oil refinery in Baytown, Texas, injures 4
Side view of The Light The World Giving Machine in front of Bridgestone Arena

The Light the World Giving machines sponsored by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are taking-up donations for new Afghan refugees in Nashville.

"A lot of folks from Afghanistan who evacuated came with nothing but clothes, the clothes on their back so having winter coats is important right now," the organizations Associate Director of Development Max Rykov said.

Shoppers can donate winter attire, car seats, school supplies, and citizenship study books for prospective immigrants with only a credit or debit card swipe. The Nashville International Center for Empowerment is one of the organizations helping provide for the refugees and is participating in the giving machine program.

Donations made through the Giving Machine to NICE help welcome refugees to their new community here in Nashville with the tools and resources they need to prosper, now and for generations to come, Rykov said.

Volunteers of the Light the World Giving machines gathered at outside Bridgestone Arena this week to encourage bystanders passing to stop and swipe their card to contribute to families in need.

The organizations Associate Director of Development Max Rykov and Giving Machines volunteers standing in front of machines.

"This is a great opportunity to swipe your credit card and buy a coat for someone in the Nashville area who needs a coat, or buy food for someone in the world who needs food for their family," volunteer Laura Harris said. "This is a great opportunity for the community of Nashville to give back to different communities throughout the world."

The giving machines allow donors to spend $2 to $500 on items ranging from a box of macaroni to bunk beds. There are five local charities and two global charities that donors can contribute to.

The Nashville International Center for Empowerment, a nonprofit known as NICE, has resettled more than 100 Afghan refugees and is likely to greet over 200 Afghan allies by February 2022.

In 2005, the organization was founded by Gatluak Ter Thach, a Sudanese refugee. He began teaching his wife and members of the Sudanese community English. His generosity helped grow the nonprofit organization to what it is today.

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The organization serves refugees by providing numerous programs such as resettlement, education, employment, health, and immigration.

"The wrap-around services we have right now to serve refugees that are coming through our agents help get them on the path toward being economically self-sufficient," Rykov said. "We also get them connected to the community. There is nothing more important than having a network."

New refugees will receive the items as they settle into their new homes.

KURD WELCOMES AFGHANS: Afghan refugees welcomed to Nashville by a Kurd who knows what's it's like to flee his homeland

LONG-TERM NEEDS: Resettlement agencies eye long-term needs as they welcome Afghan refugees to Nashville

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints covers the machine and maintenance costs, credit, and any administrative fees. All donations made to the machines go directly to charities including NICE. Visitors can visit Light the World Giving Machines until Jan. 3.

For more information about the event schedule or items inside the machines, please visit GivingMachinesNashville.org.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: World Giving machines set to help new Nashville refugees
(Reuters) - Migrants who cross into Lithuania from Belarus can be detained for up to a year, the Lithuanian parliament decided on Thursday, increasing an initial six-month detention limit.

Eighty-one lawmakers backed the lengthening of the six-month detention period, which was introduced in July https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/lithuanian-parliament-votes-allow-mass-detention-asylum-seekers-2021-07-13 as part of plans to hold large numbers of migrants in camps near the border and deter others from trying to cross into the country. Fourteen lawmakers opposed the extension, while 15 abstained.

"We have to send a message to migrants and Europe," Interior Minister Agne Bilotaite told parliament. "Migrants haven't flooded Europe, and Europe is grateful to us."

About 4,300 migrants have entered Lithuania from Belarus this year, with Iraqi citizens accounting for two-thirds of the total, according to Lithuanian interior ministry data. More than 3,000 people are currently held in migrant camps, the ministry said.

Since early August, Lithuania has pushed more than 7,000 people back over the border, which runs along sparsely populated woods and marshes. The number of migrants trying to cross from Belarus has decreased in recent weeks, but Lithuania has said it could soon be facing a new wave.

Last month, thousands of migrants were stuck on the European Union's eastern frontiers. The EU has accused Minsk of engineering the situation by flying migrants into Belarus and pushing them to cross the borders.

Belarus denies the allegations.

(Reporting by Nerijus Adomaitis; Editing by Pravin Char)
Firefighters extinguished a large fire at a Houston-area oil refinery that broke out early Thursday, injuring four people.

Four people were injured but everyone else on site has been accounted for, said Rohan Davis, the refinery's manager. Three of the injured were taken to hospitals by helicopter while the fourth was taken by ambulance, Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez said.

Gonzalez called the situation a "major industrial accident" on social media and tweeted that "initial reports indicated some type of explosion occurred inside the plant." ExxonMobil said the four injured are in stable condition. Gonzalez's office said three were airlifted out and one was removed by ambulance.

CBS Houston affiliate KHOU-TV reported that the flames were in the part of the Baytown, Texas, facility that makes gasoline, but the rest of the refinery was still operating. The fire broke out at around 1 a.m., ExxonMobil said. Authorities have not released the names of those who were injured.

Flames and towers of smoke are seen at ExxonMobil refinery in Baytown, Texas, near Houston, early on December 23, 2021. / Credit: @_mollyfitzz

The refinery, located along the Houston Ship Channel, has the capacity to process up to 584,000 barrels of crude oil each day. It employs about 7,000 people, according to the company's website. The refinery also makes chemically based products like butyl for car tires and polypropylene for bumpers.

Officials with ExxonMobil said they're unsure what caused the explosion and that air quality monitoring has not revealed any issues. Everyone else who works at the site has been accounted for, Rohan Davis, the refinery's manager, told the Associated Press. The company said via Twitter it has set up an information hotline for local residents to call if they have questions.

pic.twitter.com/0RH96kCf0J

 ExxonMobil Baytown Area (@ExxonMobilBTA) December 23, 2021

Gonzalez tweeted that there didn't appear to be any need for any nearby residents to evacuate or shelter-in-place.

The Baytown facility and employees who work there are no strangers to fires and explosions. The facility had an explosion and fire in August 2019 and another in March of that year. Local authorities had to implement a shelter-at-home order during those incidents, KHOU-TV reported.

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In the August incident, 66 workers were examined by medical staff. Some employees were treated for injuries; all were eventually released. A contractor, Alvaro Coronel, said he was burned so badly during that incident that he sued ExxonMobil.

During the March incident, ExxonMobil was able to extinguish the fire hours after it began, but county officials said the accident continued to release toxic pollutants around the area for eight more days. Harris County later sued Exxon Mobil, accusing the company of violating the federal Clean Air Act rules.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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Bitcoin. Illustrated | iStock

As many enthusiasts tell it, bitcoins pose a radical challenge to entrenched powers. In fact, U.S. authorities "are afraid and concerned because a lot of countries are looking at us, and they will follow our leadership," El Salvador's Ambassador to the U.S. Milena Mayorga told CoinDesk recently of her country's experiments with the cryptocurrency.

But this is hard to square with the staggering inequality of bitcoin wealth. A recent paper by finance professors Antoinette Schoar and Igor Makarov examined the structure of bitcoin ownership (as well as the structure of the bitcoin system generally) and found ownership is incredibly concentrated  more than twice that of normal, non-bitcoin wealth.

"The study showed that the top 10,000 bitcoin accounts hold 5 million bitcoins, an equivalent of approximately $232 billion," The Wall Street Journal reports, which "means that approximately 0.01 percent of bitcoin holders control 27 percent of the 19 million bitcoin in circulation." Economist Gabriel Zucman, who has studied wealth inequality in detail, points out that the top 0.01 percent of Americans control "only" about 10 percent of dollar wealth  which itself reveals record wealth inequality.

It turns out computerized financial assets that you can trade over the internet are no solution to inequality. For that you need taxes, the welfare state, and democratic ownership of wealth.

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(Fixes typo in paragraph 3 from "describe" to "prescribe")

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Available data indicates that both Merck's and Pfizer's COVID-19 anti-viral treatments are effective against the Omicron variant of the coronavirus, a top U.S. Federal Drug Administration official said on Thursday.

"The available data that we have indicates that both paxlovid and molnupiravir are effective against Omicron.," said Dr. Patrizia Cavazzoni, adding that both drugs interfere with how the virus replicates, a process that isn't altered across variants.

The availability of other treatments should be the first consideration for doctors wishing to prescribe Merck's molnupiravir, said Cavazzoni, director the FDA's Center for Drug Evaluation and Research.

(This refile fixes typo in paragraph 3 from "describe" to "prescribe")

(Reporting by Manas Mishra in Bengaluru, Carl O'Donnell in New York and Ahmed Aboulenein in Washington, D.C.; Editing by Nick Zieminski)
SEOUL (Reuters) - North Korean leader Kim Jong Un praised outgoing Chinese Ambassador Li Jinjun for helping to improve relations between Pyongyang and Beijing, state media reported on Thursday, as the envoy left office after seven years in the post.

Kim's comments were conveyed to Li by Choe Ryong Hae, a top official in the ruling Workers' Party of Korea, state news agency KCNA said. Li also met with North Korean premier Kim Tok Hun, KCNA reported.

"Kim Jong Un highly praised the ambassador for successfully assisting several DPRK-China summit meetings over the past seven years, making much effort to develop the friendly relations between the two parties and the two countries and sharing bitters and sweets with the Korean people," Choe told Li, using the initials of North Korea's official name.

Kim is very satisfied that the North Korea-China relationship has entered a "fresh heyday" under the leadership of the ruling parties in each country, Choe said.

Li asked Choe to express his gratitude to Kim and congratulated the North Korean people on "making progress in all fields of socialist construction," KCNA said.

China has been North Korea's only major ally since the two signed a treaty in 1961, and international sanctions imposed over Pyongyang's nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programmes have made it more dependent than ever on Beijing for trade and other support.

Since Li was appointed in 2015, relations between the two countries have seen major ups and downs.

Kim sent China-North Korea relations to a historical low by prioritising nuclear weapons and missiles development, then harshly criticising Beijing when it supported international sanctions

Starting in 2018, however, Kim managed to quickly repair ties and made his first known international trip as leader to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing. Xi later visited Pyongyang, the first by a Chinese leader in 14 years.

Li was one of a diminishing number of foreign diplomats in Pyongyang, as many embassies closed during North Korea's strict anti-pandemic lockdown that blocked the rotation of new staff or ambassadors.

(Reporting by Josh Smith; Editing by Michael Perry)
A man suspected of stabbing and killing a 62-year-old man earlier this month has been found dead, according to Wilmington police.

Police were dispatched to the 5700 block of Park Avenue on Dec. 13 where they found Randy Davis, 62, suffering from stab wounds. Davis was transported to New Hanover Regional Medical Center by EMS but later died from his wounds.

According to a Thursday news release from the Wilmington Police Department, detectives developed a suspect by the next morning, who they later identified as 23-year-old Elijah Keever.

Police said they suspect Keever was involved in two break-ins that occurred around the same time and in the same area as the stabbing. According to the news release, Keever is accused of breaking into a home in the 100 block of Hinton Avenue before encountering Davis after leaving that home and killing him.

Keever then allegedly fled and broke into a business in the 100 block of Sebrell Avenue. At some point, the news release said, Keever allegedly removed all of his clothing and ran across Oleander Drive.

Police attempted to locate Keever using K-9s but were unsuccessful. The next day, on Dec. 14, police received a call that a nude man's body had been found in a wooded area between Oleander Drive and Greenville Village Mobile Home Park. The body was identified as Keever by visual inspection of his face, according to Crystal Williamson, police corporal with WPD.

The cause of death is unknown and police are awaiting toxicology reports from the autopsy. Williamson said there were no apparent wounds or injuries on the body suggesting manner of death.

Police said Keever would have been arrested and faced charges for first-degree murder in connection to Davis' death.

"WPD does not believe that residents in the area have anything to fear, as this incident most probably concluded on the same night as the murder," the release said.

This article originally appeared on Wilmington StarNews: Wilmington murder suspect found naked, dead in woods
Nampa Police are investigating a Wednesday morning shooting that sent one man to a hospital, and they have taken a suspect into custody.

Officers responded shortly after 11:27 a.m. Wednesday to the 600 block of S. Olive Street, in south Nampa, after reports of shots fired, according to a news release.

When police arrived, officers located an adult man who had been shot but was able to walk around and converse with police, according to the news release. He was taken to a hospital and is expected to survive his injuries, police said.

A second man was arrested Wednesday in the vicinity of the shooting, the release said.

Early Wednesday afternoon, about an hour after the gunshots, a woman told police that she had been grazed by a bullet. She was treated by Canyon County paramedics.

There are no further related threats to the community, the release said.

Two nearby schools  Nampa High School and Centennial Elementary School  were placed on hall check for around 30 minutes, meaning that classes continued but the school was otherwise locked down, according to Carmen Boeger, a spokesperson for the Nampa Police Department.

Police are asking residents with any information to call 208-468-4401.
A North Carolina police chief has been suspended after accusations that he told officers about a clinic where they could get proof of COVID-19 vaccination without actually getting inoculated, multiple news outlets report.

Oakboro Chief T.J. Smith was placed on unpaid administrative leave for two weeks, starting Dec. 21, WBTV reported, citing a letter from town administrator Doug Burgess. Smith was also handed a six-month probation.

In the letter dated Dec. 21, Burgess said Smith violated sections of the towns personnel policy including willful acts that endanger the property of others and fraud, according to the news station. The police chief is also accused of breaching the police departments obedience to laws and rules and regulations.

McClatchy News reached out to Oakboro town officials on Dec. 22 and was awaiting a response.

A private investigation firm hired by the Town of Oakboro alleges that Smith informed officers and troopers about a fake clinic where they could go into a restroom with a syringe and administer the COVID-19 shot themselves  or toss the vaccine entirely, WSOC-TV reported.

Investigators said Smith told the officers they would receive a COVID-19 vaccine card either way, thanks to an agreement with a pharmacist, according to the news station.

Smith has since responded to the allegations, calling his involvement a mistake.

Im owning that. It was a mistake, and I shared misinformation, he said in a statement obtained by The Stanly News & Press. Thats true. I wanted to say something about this before now, but with everything going on, it was best that I wait for the investigative process to conclude.

Smith said he learned about the so-called self-vaccination clinic from a friend and passed on (the) information to at least two other officers, the newspaper reported.

I got one phone call, hung up and made two others, he said, according to The Stanly News & Press. I didnt sit back and digest the information, ruminate on it, or otherwise give it much thought. I just passed it on.

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Smith will have the option to appeal his probation, according to the letter from the city.

Oakboro is about 33 miles east of Charlotte.

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Dec. 23Nearly 100 people were evacuated and at least four were taken to hospitals after a fire broke out in a Washington County apartment building early Thursday morning.

The fire at Thomas Campbell Apartments on Beech Street in South Strabane was reported around 12:20 a.m., a Washington County 911 dispatch supervisor said. The fire was reported under control just over an hour later.

It was described as a kitchen fire in an apartment on the sixth floor of the seven-story high rise.

The 911 supervisor could not say exactly how many were taken to Washington Hospital by ambulance.

Firefighters arrived to find residents screaming from balconies for help, South Strabane fire Chief Scott Reese told Tribune-Review news partner WPXI-TV. Some residents were elderly and using wheelchairs.

"As resources came in, we were able to get crews up to the fire floor and the fire floor above and the fire floor below and assist in getting people down and out," Reese told the station.

More than 40 of the building's residents were not able to return to their apartments because of fire and water damage. The Salvation Army and Red Cross were providing help, and the cause of the fire was under investigation.

Brian C. Rittmeyer is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact Brian at 724-226-4701, brittmeyer@triblive.com or via Twitter .
People arrive at, and depart from, St Thomas' hospital in central London as NHS staff absences in the capital rise. (Getty)

NHS staff absences in London hospitals have doubled in a week as more workers are forced to self-isolate over COVID.

The data from NHS England shows that 3,874 NHS staff at acute trusts in the capital were absent for COVID reasons on 19 December, more than double the 1,540 a week earlier and more than three times the 1,174 at the start of the month.

The total includes staff who were ill with COVID or who were having to self-isolate.

Across England as a whole, 18,829 NHS staff at acute trusts were absent due to COVID reasons on 19 December, up 54% from 12,240 a week earlier and up 51% from 12,508 at the start of the month.

The new figures come as the Omicron variant continues to cause a surge in cases, with recorded case rates of COVID across the UK rising above 100,000 on Wednesday for the first time since the start of the pandemic.

Reports published on Thursday showed that Omicron was milder than the Delta variant and was less likely to cause severe illness.

Staff absences at London hospitals have risen sharply this month. (Yahoo News)

Staff absences in hospitals have risen as a result of people either ill with COVID or because of being told to self-isolate. (Getty)

But the higher transmissibility of the variant means that there could be more people who suffer more serious symptoms at the same time, putting hospitals at more pressure during the winter months.

The data on staff absences, published on Thursday, showed that at Guys & St Thomas Foundation Trust in London, 515 staff were absent for COVID reasons on 19 December, up from 193 on 12 December, while Kings College Hospital Foundation Trust reported 505 absences, up from 193.

Other hospital trusts in London with steep jumps in COVID-related absences include Imperial College (365 on 19 December, up from 158 a week earlier), Barts Health (338, up from 91) and Great Ormond Street (351, up from 70).

Watch: Inside a COVID ward at King's College Hospital in London

The NHS England data also showed that one in five patients waited at least half an hour to be handed over from ambulance teams to A&E staff at hospitals in England last week.

University Hospitals Birmingham reported the highest number of ambulance handover delays of more than 30 minutes in the week to 19 December (760), followed by Barking, Havering & Redbridge University Hospitals (523), North West Anglia (489), University Hospitals of Leicester (449) and University Hospitals Bristol & Weston (440).

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A total of 16,410 delays of 30 minutes or more were recorded across all acute trusts in the week to 19 December, representing 20% of all arrivals  down slightly from 23% of arrivals in the week to 12 December.

Staff absences in London hospitals by Trust. (Yahoo News)

Health secretary, Sajid Javid, pictured at St George's Hospital in south west London, said a change to self-isolation rules will help with staff absences. (Getty)

Health secretary Sajid Javid acknowledged that staff absences due to COVID were adding to pressures on the NHS but said the easing of self-isolation rules from 10 days to seven would help.

The NHS workforce was already under pressure before Omicron came along. There is increased pressure in many workforces at the moment, especially if someone needs to isolate if they have a positive case, he told broadcasters.

Chris Hopson, chief executive of NHS Providers, said the service is preparing to expand capacity in case a surge of healthcare is needed, but it will be able to manage increased hospital cases.

Hopson said the NHS is facing its busiest Christmas period ever, with bed occupancy rates 5% higher than last year  adding that figures could get worse before they improve.

People queue at a COVID vaccination centre at the Westfield shopping centre in Stratford, east London. (Getty)

He said: These figures show how Omicron is having a tangible real-time impact on a service that was already operating beyond full stretch, through increased staff absences.

This is a big worry for trust leaders who are doing all they can to support colleagues at this very challenging time.

Absences due to COVID are up nearly 40%, and with community infections surging ahead, that figure may well get worse before it gets better.

The data comes as Boris Johnson has been facing calls to outline his post-Christmas COVID strategy for England, with leaders in Northern Ireland, Wales and Scotland having all announced new restrictions to tackle the Omicron variant.

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Formal charges have yet to be filed in the case of an Alexandria man arrested after a May hit-and-run that killed a father bicycling with one of his sons.

The wreck happened on May 1 on Horseshoe Drive, between its intersections with Prescott Road and Masonic Drive. Billy "Donnie" Cayer Jr. was bicycling with one of his two sons to go feed ducks that live in the area when he was hit by a vehicle.

Formal charges have yet to be filed in the case of an Alexandria man arrested after a May hit-and-run that killed a father bicycling with one of his sons. Billy "Donnie" Cayer Jr., 48, died while bicycling to feed ducks that live off Horseshoe Drive in Alexandria.

An off-duty Rapides Parish Sheriff's deputy witnessed the crash, and he pulled over to help. Soon, a nurse practitioner joined him, and the two performed CPR on Cayer until an ambulance arrived.

Cayer, 48, was pronounced dead at a hospital.

David Brett Westmoreland was arrested by the Alexandria Police Department the same day on charges of DWI, vehicular homicide, hit and run and limitations on passing bicycles.

More: Alexandria man charged after fatal hit-and-run

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Not long after his arrest, all 9th Judicial District Court judges recused themselves from the case because Westmoreland, a retired Louisiana State Police trooper, is a juvenile probation officer who works for the court.

Alexandria defense attorney Mike Small represents Westmoreland.

District Attorney Phillip Terrell said on Dec. 22 that his office still is waiting on information from the police before it can go forward in the case. On Dec. 23, the police department said the file had been turned over to the DA's office.

Westmoreland's deposition in a civil case has been delayed until whatever criminal charge or charges may be filed are resolved.

Christie Cayer, the mother of Cayer's sons who was estranged from her husband, filed a civil lawsuit against Westmoreland, 61, and his insurance company on May 11. The Rapides judges recused themselves in the civil case, as well.

Retired Judge Don C. Burns from Columbia has been appointed by the Louisiana Supreme Court to preside over the civil case.

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There are no court dates set in the criminal case, according to online Rapides Parish Clerk of Court records.

A GoFundMe account set up to raise money for the boys, ages 12 and 16, now is closed. It raised $17,045.

This article originally appeared on Alexandria Town Talk: No formal charges yet in May crash that killed dad Billy Cayer, who was biking with son
If youre not a Feinstein Jr. Scholar, you probably know one.

More than 250,000 students in Rhode Island and nearby Massachusetts elementary and middle schools have been promising to do good deeds since the Jr. Scholar program began in 1991.

How have these Feinstein Jr. Scholar children, many now grown with children of their own, carried forth the lesson?

The man who funds and heads the effort, Alan Shawn Feinstein, is easy to find. He publicly lists his phone number and address.

Asked if that gives him any security concerns, he replies, I never thought about it, with a shrug of his shoulders.

Much of Feinstein's wealth came from his collectibles and newsletter businesses.

Memories fill the walls in Alan Shawn Feinstein's kitchen.

The foundations building  an unpretentious ranch house cluttered with files, boxes, cabinets and folders  is on Alhambra Circle in Cranston, next to the modest colonial he and his wife, Pratarnporn Pat Feinstein, a child psychiatrist, purchased in 1966.

He sits uncomfortably behind his desk, speaking softly about his son, Ari, who died in November, the week before the interview.

He had a spontaneous spinal hemorrhage many years ago," the 90-year-old grieving father says, shaking his head. "It just came out of the blue. He struggled with it and other physical problems for more than 13 years. It was so hard for him, yet despite the pain, he never complained. Never.

The room falls silent.

I feel so sorry for my wife. A mother should never have to bury a child, he says, a sentiment he repeats during the interview.

The Feinsteins buried another child, Richard, in 2008.

Their daughter, Leila, recognizable from the foundations television ads, will take the reins when her father no longer can.

The philanthropist picks up the phone. Before dialing he proudly points out the photos of his five grandchildren decorating the walls.

He proceeds to call five principals of Feinstein Leaderships Schools. His voice becomes strong as he delivers his news with the spirit of a cheerleader.

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Alan Shawn Feinstein at a party to celebrate his 80th birthday at the carousel in Roger Williams Park

A Feinstein Jr. Scholar in each school holds a winning number in the Golden Ticket weekly raffle. That means each student will receive a $5,000 grant for their school and a $500 grant to donate to a nonprofit of their choice, or to their school.

Feinstein has one request: Please let the students make the announcement over the loudspeaker.

Tell the children Im so proud of them, he adds.

Feinstein once taught in elementary and middle schools.

I have enormous respect for our devoted and enterprising teachers, who make our program so successful, he says.

Id like the schools to be the centerpiece that can fill any need for food for students or their families, as well as any family in their neighborhoods. The thought of anyone going hungry just hurts me.

Arthritis keeps him grounded. He has difficulty walking and no longer drives his 27-year-old Mercury with the scotch-taped mirror to visit schools that bear this name. He misses seeing the children.

I ask him why he doesnt have the possessions that accompany wealth  no second or third homes, no jets, no yachts.

I have no need for those things, he says. Theres no yacht in the world that can match 250,000 children pledging to make the world a better place one good deed at a time.

Keeping tabs

Chris Costa, one of two Feinstein Foundation employees and a former Jr. Scholar himself, is responsible for organizing and maintaining the Leadership School programs, which includes coordinating grants with all 180 schools.

Its a dream job, says the 30-year-old Cranston resident, who still remembers how the auditorium became still when Feinstein delivered his message of kindness at his school years ago. His words had a big impact on my life.

In addition to the $1.5 million in grants we provided this past year, even more important is our message of kindness and helping others that we promote to more than 70,000 Jr. Scholars each year who are a part of our program, says Costa.

Over the years, Feinstein Jr. Scholar grants have supported several initiatives to promote good deeds. Some of the most recent grant initiatives include the Golden Ticket, the Summer Good Deeds competition and the Food Pantry and Kindness Tree.

The food pantry at Leo A. Savoie Elementary School in Woonsocket was renamed in honor of Alan Shawn Feinsteins late son Ari. Donations come from the students, and the food goes to school families in need.

Costa points out that Feinstein Jr. Scholars have received more than $20 million in college scholarships at the University of Rhode Island, Rhode Island College and Roger Williams University. Scholars also receive priority consideration for scholarships at Salve Regina University and Tufts University.

Food for thought

When Donna Coderre became principal of a Feinstein Leadership School for pre-k to second grade in Woonsocket, she didnt see how children so young could make a difference, especially since 80% of the families lived in poverty.

Though she had reservations, she helped the school organize a food drive.

There was an enormous outpouring of support, Coderre says. When the drive ended, a total of 2,000 canned goods had been collected, even though many of my children didnt have enough to eat themselves.

Coderre recalled another food drive at the Leo A. Savoie School in Woonsocket, where she is now principal.

The school set up a competition between the classes to see who would bring in the most food.

Each morning, tallies were read over the loudspeaker. One fifth-grade classroom hadnt brought in any food.

That changed when a boy from that class walked nearly two miles to school carrying bags of groceries in his hands and more in his backpack.

He said he did it so his class wouldnt be embarrassed, recalls Coderre.

His classmates immediately decided to pitch in.

He wasnt a natural leader or the most well-behaved kid in the school, but he took the initiative and showed how one person can make a difference, Coderre says.

Thats what I like about the Feinstein Jr. Scholar Program. It allows everyone to help the community. There are no age, racial or economic boundaries. No good deed is too small.

Winning Golden Ticket

Just about a year ago, Tyler Bernardos Feinstein Golden Ticket number was pulled in a weekly raffle.

Tyler, Liz, David and Alexis Bernardo of Providence display "Kindness Bags" that Tyler and Alexis decorated. The family filled the bags with a toothbrush and toothpaste, a snack and a toy for children in need.

That meant Sacred Heart School in East Providence, which Tyler and his sister Alexis attend, received a $5,000 grant. Tyler was able to donate his $500 grant to his favorite charity, Hope and Faith LLC.

Tyler, now 8 and Alexis, 11, are the children of David and Elizabeth Liz Bernardo of Providence.

The familys acts of charity helped Sacred Heart School win another $5,000 grant this year by participating in the Feinstein Summer of Good Deeds Challenge.

The more we did, the more we wanted to do, says Liz Bernardo, adding that she and her husband try to model kindness.

The family does health checks on two elderly neighbors who live alone.

We worried about them during this summers heat wave," Liz Bernardo says. "We brought them some fresh fruit platters and made sure their air conditioning was working.

We made them pumpkin bread this month, Alexis reminds her mother.

Tyler explains why people should help other people.

If someone is poor, you need to buy them food, if theyre cold you should buy clothes to keep them warm. You could buy them a bicycle if they dont have one and maybe a house, the Golden Ticket winner responds.

Alexis laughs.

Tyler, you dont buy people houses.

How, Tyler is asked, could he help people without spending money?

He contemplates the question before answering.

Well, I could keep company with someone whos lonely.

Breaking the piggy bank

Last month, a paper tree with 75 or so leaf-shaped ornaments was tacked on the faculty rooms bulletin board at Warwick Neck Elementary School. Each ornament listed a gift item.

Within days the tree was stripped of its leaves.

Our generous faculty and staff adopted 10 families in the school who they knew could use some help, explains Frank Galligan, who became the schools principal this fall.

Although Galligan is new to the school, hes familiar with Feinstein Leadership Schools. He attended one  the now defunct St. Matthew School in Cranston.

Students jot down their good deeds on heart-shaped leaves that make up the "Kindness Tree" at the Leo A. Savoie School in Woonsocket.

As a Feinstein Jr. Scholar, he remembers raking leaves for his neighbors, writing cards to veterans and participating in food and clothing drives.

Galligan enjoys his new post.

Everyone at the school embraces good deeds. A sock-tober drive this fall collected 683 pairs of new socks that were donated to a local shelter. Our food pantry continues to be stacked with donations.

Kids take their lessons home. When a neighbors elaborate Halloween display was destroyed during a storm, one of our fourth-graders emptied her piggy bank and left $50 in dimes on the neighbors front steps, with a note saying she was sorry his display was ruined.

As educators, we always brainstorm about the future needs of our students whose careers may change for jobs that dont even exist today.

But what they do for a living isnt so important, the principal says. Kindness remains a constant, and kindness will always count.

Nuts and bolts of the Alan Shawn Feinstein Jr. Scholars program

Golden Ticket: Each Feinstein Jr. Scholar receives a journal at the beginning of the year with a numbered ticket on its cover. Every Monday during the school year, five new Golden Tickets are drawn. Winning schools receive a $5,000 grant, and their winning students receive a $500 grant for their school or a nonprofit of their choice.

Summer Good Deeds competition: Several top-performing schools were each awarded $5,000 grants this year.

Food pantry and Kindness Tree: An in-house Feinstein Jr. Scholar Food Pantry that a school community can contribute to or benefit from. These pantries aim to nourish their communities while encouraging Jr. Scholars to help one another. A Feinstein Jr. Scholar Kindness Tree provides a place where students can feature good deeds they do. Each program awards $2,000 to the school. So far more than 145 schools participate in these programs.

This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Alan Shawn Feinstein donates millions to highlight message of kindness
Northland residents bid farewell to a beloved neighborhood grocery store, welcomed a new library and dined at exotic new locales in 2021.

Here's a look at five of the top Northland stories in 2021:

5 Top Stories from 2021

Market moves  An iconic business that was in Northland for decades at 1405 E. Dublin-Granville Road, Carfagnas Market closed its specialty grocery store and relocated and expanded the business to include a restaurant, Carfagnas Ristorante and Marketplace at 1441 Gemini Place.

The new location sells wine, meat, cheeses, pastas and other Italian delicacies. A dining space surrounds a rectangular bar complemented with upscale, well-lit decor.

The current owners are the fourth generation of Carfagnas to run the restaurant and market. Their great-grandfather founded the business as a corner market in Linden in 1937. He sold the dairy, produce and meat he had raised on his New Albany farm.

The family opened the East Dublin-Granville Road market in 1971.

Gas, grub and go  Northland welcomed the first of two Sheetz stores planned for the area.

The Pennsylvania-based company's newest local store opened at 6229 E. Dublin-Granville Road near New Albany. The other store is planned for 975 E. Dublin-Granville Road, which had been the location of a Walgreens pharmacy.

Ethnic dining  Pho Le and T-co Islands Restaurant added to the rich diversity of dining options in the Northland area this year.

Pho Le, specializing in Vietnamese cuisine, opened at 1623 Morse Road, and T-co Island Restaurants, which offers Haitian cuisine, is at 4466 Cleveland Ave.

Karl Road branch opens  Sporting a sleek and modern look, the new Karl Road branch of the Columbus Metropolitan Library opened at 5590 Karl Road.

The new library is adjacent to the old one, which was razed. The space has been transformed into a parking lot, meaning the new Karl Road branch sits closer to the road.

The 40,000-square-foot interior  twice as large as the previous branch  has a large open-air atrium inside the front door. Natural light filters into almost every corner of the building, designed by architect Jonathan Moody, CEO and president local firm Moody Nolan.

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His father, Curtis Moody, was the designer of the previous Karl Road branch, along with lead architect Steven Glass, also with Moody Nolan.

Apartments planned  A developer submitted plans to build a 48-unit apartment complex on the site of the vacant Northland Community Center pool, 6000 Beechcroft Road.

Another company wants to build a 144-unit apartment complex along Sinclair Road in the midst of a mostly residential area, but those plans aren't sitting well with local residents.

Neither project has received the greenlight from Columbus City Council.

On a related note, ground was broken on the Sinclair Apartments, an affordable-housing project with 180 units on the grounds of the former Alrosa Villa music venue, 5055 Sinclair Road.

gseman@thisweeknews.com

@ThisWeekGary

This article originally appeared on ThisWeek: Year in Review: Sheetz, new apartments, Alrosa Villa demolition were big news in Northland
Tulsas top municipal court judge ruled earlier this year that the Supreme Courts McGirt decision doesnt apply to his court system or the hundreds of cases it hears involving Native Americans.

A series of legal challenges have followed  with the latest from Gov. Kevin Stitts brother.

Marvin Keith Stitt is citing McGirt to challenge a traffic ticket, while his brother is trying to overturn the McGirt decision altogether.

Lawyers for Keith Stitt say Tulsa's municipal court no longer has jurisdiction to prosecute his traffic case. Stitt is a Cherokee Nation citizen. He was cited within Muscogee reservation boundaries, which encompass much of Tulsa.

More: Federal tribal lands regulation boosted by court ruling, EPA decision

Gov. Kevin Stitt faced heated criticism when he hosted a July panel discussion over the McGirt decision in Tulsa. Now his brother is asking Tulsa to dismiss a traffic case under the McGirt ruling.

The high-profile case also spotlights a larger question affecting thousands in Tulsa, where more Native Americans live than anywhere else in Oklahoma. The Tulsa Municipal Court handles everything from traffic violations to parking tickets to some misdemeanor crimes. Does it still have jurisdiction over Native Americans?

Presiding Judge Mitchell McCune concluded so.

In past rulings, McCune has cited the 1898 Curtis Act, aimed at breaking up tribal governments. The law granted cities in Indian Territory, including Tulsa, authority to enforce all city laws and ordinances on all residents, without regard to race.

In McGirt v. Oklahoma, the Supreme Court concluded the Muscogee reservation  where Tulsa was formed  still existed. That meant federal and tribal authorities, not the state, had jurisdiction over criminal cases involving Native Americans on those lands.

More: Supreme Court may decide soon whether to reconsider McGirt

Courts have recognized the current reservations of six tribes in the nearly 1 1/2 years since the McGirt decision.

But applying McGirt to Tulsas municipal court would create an incorrect result under the Curtis Act, McCune wrote in a ruling issued in April. That case involved a Choctaw man seeking post-conviction relief of a 2018 traffic fine.

McCune is also presiding over Keith Stitts case. Keith Stitt is a lawyer who founded a Tulsa title company.

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His attorneys wrote in a motion to dismiss filed Wednesday that McCunes conclusion is a fundamental misunderstanding and misapplication of the law."

The Supreme Court clearly meant for its McGirt ruling to apply to cities, and Tulsa itself has acknowledged as much in legal briefings, contends Stitt's legal challenge, which was first reported by The Frontier.

If the Curtis Act still applied, Congress would have granted a level of sovereignty to Tulsa that effectively supersedes that of the state of Oklahoma, the United States government and the Muscogee Nation.

More: Gov. Kevin Stitt, tribal leaders not meeting as McGirt rhetoric hits boiling point

The Muscogee tribal court, not the city municipal court, should hear the traffic case against Keith Stitt, said Brett Chapman, one of his attorneys. Chapman is enrolled in the Pawnee Nation and is also of Ponca and Kiowa heritage.

At the end of the day, we believe Mr. Stitt and all others similarly situated under the McGirt decision have the right to be heard in the proper court, which is not the city of Tulsas court as a political subdivision of the state of Oklahoma, Chapman said.

McCune declined to comment on any rulings tied to the McGirt decision because the cases are ongoing.

Keith Stitts case will likely end up in federal court, where its outcome could depend on the fate of his younger brothers Supreme Court challenges.

Gov. Kevin Stitt is asking the Supreme Court to overturn its decision in McGirt v. Oklahoma.

Gov. Kevin Stitt has called the McGirt decision s the states most pressing issue. His attorneys have asked the nations highest court to reconsider the 5-4 ruling.

The governors office said in a statement that Keith Stitts legal challenge highlights the absurdity of the fallout from the Supreme Court decision.

It is preposterous to think that an Oklahoman is not subject to municipal traffic laws because they have a small fraction of Cherokee heritage that dates back many generations, his office said in the statement. This case shows the absurdity of the McGirt ruling and how it is being abused and expanded to create unfair treatment for Oklahomans based on their race.

Gov. Stitts outspoken opposition has drawn criticism from people who see the decision as a win for tribal sovereignty. Critics of Stitt have also noted that tribal citizenship, not race, determines jurisdiction in cases affected by McGirt.

The governor believes the ruling is limited to crimes covered by the federal Major Crimes Act, his office noted in its statement.

That position sustained a setback Wednesday. A federal judge denied Oklahomas request for an injunction to block federal authorities from regulating surface coal mining on the Muscogee reservation, which the Department of Interior took up after the McGirt decision. The judge concluded the states attorneys did not show they were likely to succeed in their challenge of federal authority.

Chapman said the ruling shows that federal judges read the McGirt ruling as law that affects more than criminal jurisdiction on reservations.

Molly Young covers Indigenous affairs for the USA Today Network's Sunbelt Region of Colorado, Oklahoma, New Mexico and Texas. Reach her at mollyyoung@gannett.com or 405-347-3534.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Keith Stitt cites McGirt ruling as he challenges Tulsa traffic ticket
A passenger arriving from Italy administers a self-collected nasal swab at Los Angeles International Airport on December 3, 2021. Mario Tama/Getty Images

The Omicron variant may result in milder illness than Delta, two new studies from the UK suggest.

Omicron patients in the United Kingdom had a 15%-20% lower risk of hospitalization compared to Delta patients.

Many Omicron patients are vaccinated or previously infected. More research is needed to tell whether the variant is milder than Delta.

The Omicron coronavirus variant may result in milder illness than its predecessors, two studies conducted in the United Kingdom and released Wednesday suggest.

Preliminary estimates suggest that patients infected with Omicron in the UK had a 15%-20% lower risk of hospitalization and 40%-45% lower risk of being admitted to the hospital overnight than those infected with Delta, according to researchers at the Imperial College of London. To come to that conclusion, scientists analyzed coronavirus specimens in England between December 1 and December 14 and linked those COVID-19 cases to hospital data.

The researchers did not, however, find that Omicron is significantly less severe than Delta at face value. Instead, their data suggest Omicron is more skilled than Delta at reinfecting people with prior immunity from vaccination or natural infection, meaning they are less likely to be admitted to the hospital with COVID-19 in the first place.

A separate preliminary analysis, from Scotland, examined hospital data between November 23 and December 19, and found that hospitalizations in Scotland were 70% lower for Omicron infections than Delta ones.

"Although two-thirds reduction is significant, Omicron can cause severe illness in the doubly vaccinated," James Naismith, director of the Rosalind Franklin Institute and professor of structural biology at the University of Oxford, told reporters.

"If Omicron continues to double every few days, it could generate many more hospitalizations than Delta from the double vaccinated population," Naismith, who was not affiliated with the Scottish research, added.

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"In my view, the best news in the study is the observation that the booster is highly effective at reducing serious illness from Omicron."

Both sets of scientists stressed the results were preliminary. More research is needed to know whether Omicron is intrinsically milder than Delta.

The UK data join a growing body of early Omicron research

A passenger takes a COVID-19 test in order to travel to the United Kingdom. Thomas Pallini/Insider

Early lab data, which has not yet been published in a peer-reviewed journal, offer clues about Omicron's behavior compared to past variants.

In a petri dish, Omicron spread 70 times faster than Delta in tissue taken from human airways, which could explain why the variant spreads so quickly and overwhelms early immune defenses from vaccines.

The same study found that Omicron spread more slowly in human lung tissue than the original strain of the virus or the Delta variant, which may be why Omicron doesn't appear as severe as past strains. Still, questions remain, and scientists are rushing to explain what happens inside the human body when Omicron invades.

Until then, the real world may offer additional hints.

Tim Spector, an epidemiologist at King's College London, told Insider he is seeing similar patterns in his own data-gathering since the Omicron variant emerged.

Spector runs the UK's ZOE COVID Symptom Study, an app that logs more than 1 million people's COVID symptoms each day, and predicts COVID-19 trends.

His latest findings, which have not yet been published, suggest that among 2,500 people who had suspected Omicron cases, "self-reported hospitalization was also less common than with Delta," he told Insider.

Given the preliminary and self-reported nature of the data, putting it in larger context is key, Spector said. His cohort includes data from populations that tend to be younger and vaccinated, making it hard to tell how Omicron infections compare to Delta infections among people who are unvaccinated or immunocompromised.

Spector cautioned that, although hospitalization rates may be lower for Omicron than Delta, given the large number of infections, the absolute number of people hospitalized may be high.

Still, Spector said, he's "cautiously optimistic," adding, "I'd say so far the data aren't living up to the rather pessimistic predictions."

Read the original article on Business Insider
People wait in line for COVID at Boston Logan International Airport in Boston on Tue., Dec. 21, 2021. (M. Scott Brauer/The New York Times)

HOUSTON  Mary Kesterson, 67, was strolling maskless through Houstons teeming Galleria mall this week, among a sea of shoppers hunting for last-minute gifts.

She was aware of the mounting anxiety across the country over the highly transmissible omicron variant of the coronavirus, and as an older American, she was a member of a group at heightened risk from the virus. But she saw no reason to do anything but forge ahead with her Christmas plans.

Im not worried about it, Kesterson said. Im just going along with my life. Were all vaccinated, everyone in the family.

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For the second year in a row, Americans have hurtled into the holiday season under a cloud of escalating coronavirus cases, forced again to decide whether to carry on or cancel celebrations that had, only weeks ago, appeared so promising and so certain.

Such calculations are particularly fraught for older Americans. They are a highly vaccinated group in the United States  88% of them are fully vaccinated, well above the national average of 62%. But they have also been the most vulnerable to the pandemic since the beginning and more likely to get seriously ill and die from the virus: Seventy-five percent of people who have died of COVID in the United States  about 600,000 of the more than 800,000 who have perished  have been 65 or older.

In rural towns in Maine and Oregon and in urban centers in Texas and New York, holiday plans have been upended for many older Americans. Travel itineraries canceled. Gatherings postponed.

I feel that time is more precious because of my age and because of my health, said Susan West, 68, who lives in Lake Ariel, in northeastern Pennsylvania, and has multiple sclerosis. I dont have more time in front of me  I have more time behind me. So that is getting irritating, knowing that Im losing time for social gatherings.

West and her husband are skipping their usual Christmas Eve gathering of extended family in New York City this year, opting for a smaller celebration at home.

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For others, the steady rise in cases has not dampened their resolve to be together with family, or do the things they have always done at the holidays.

I am not extremely worried other than trying to wear a mask when I go to stores and go out, said Alice Broughton, 80, an artist in Basehor, Kansas. I dont really want to stop my life. When youre 80, how many years do you have left, you know? You dont want to stop doing the things that are most important to you.

Researchers are still unsure how severe the effects of the omicron variant will be, weeks after the variant was identified in southern Africa. Three separate studies, in which researchers looked at populations in South Africa, Scotland and England, suggest that, more often than previous variants, omicron results in mild illness and is less likely to put people in hospitals.

But for older Americans in particular, the uncertainty has been enough to cause worry.

Just before the omicron variant began to spread, Barbara Karagosian, of Agoura Hills, California, was beginning to feel safe  or safe-ish, she said.

That sense of relief from the pandemic danger was then replaced by a sinking feeling, even though she and her husband  both in their 70s  are vaccinated and boosted.

I feel a sense of dread if I get it because Im older, Karagosian said. I have some mild lung issues. Am I doomed if I get it?

Across the country, cases of the coronavirus are rising sharply, with three-quarters of new infections from the omicron variant. In New York, lines for testing have again stretched down city blocks, and in other cities, shelves have been picked clean of at-home tests.

President Joe Biden this week said the federal government would buy 500 million tests that could be sent to people at their homes for free, although they would not be available until January.

Public health experts have urged Americans of all ages to take the kinds of precautions that have become familiar through the pandemic: vaccination, masks, distancing, outdoor gathering when possible, testing before indoor gatherings.

None of these are perfect, but if you layer those on, then that gives the best protection, said Dr. Philip Huang, director of the health department for Dallas County in Texas. The good thing is that our 65-and-older population had great vaccination success and are getting the boosters also. Still, he said, they may not be as protected by the vaccine as a younger person.

What to do about the holidays is a top question for doctors who treat those 65 or older. Dr. Angela Catic, a gerontologist and assistant professor at Baylor College of Medicine, said her patients have been increasingly concerned.

The main question we are getting is What can I do to avoid getting this? she said. The other question that I get is that My grandchild just tested positive; what does that mean about the holidays? And unfortunately, the answer is that you dont want to spend the holidays with them.

Catic faced a version of that situation herself at home in Houston, where she lives with her parents and her husbands parents  all in their mid-70s  after the couples 9-year-old daughter tested positive Sunday. She was symptomatic and she was with them. We tested immediately, Catic said. If we did not live with them, would we be canceling plans, absolutely.

For Frank Jackson, former mayor of Prairie View, Texas, a small town outside of Houston, planning for Christmas has been focused on minimizing risk because of the omicron variant.

Jackson, 70, said he still planned to deliver bags of gifts to dozens of families on Christmas Eve, albeit with some changes: Santa would be seated on top of a firetruck, said Jackson, who is also the fire marshal, and he would have helpers on the ground to walk gifts to porches, in order to keep a safe distance.

As for his usual Christmas party, that is off. Only immediate family that are fully boosted are invited for lunch on Christmas Day, Jackson said.

Wesley Boots, 77, a retired schoolteacher, said he still planned to see his sons family for the holidays since they live just next door in New Stanton, Pennsylvania. And the omicron surge would not force him to put off plans to fly to a second home in New Mexico in January, although he did say he would be making some changes out of caution.

In the past, Ive often taken very circuitous routes to save a few bucks, he said. But this time, Im ticketed for a flight that has only one change.

By contrast, Carmen Scott, 67, said she and her husband would usually go to Florida to see one relative or to Houston to see others, but this year, they would be doing absolutely nothing. Instead, she planned to cook for people in her town of Oshkosh, Wisconsin, who did not have anyone to do it for them on Christmas. Food is love, she said.

But Scott said she would not give up her Christmas tradition: seeing a movie in the theater. She grew up poor as a child, she said, and the one time her family went to a movie was on Christmas.

We will go to a movie. 100%, she said. If I dont go to a Christmas movie, it is not Christmas for me.

 2021 The New York Times Company
GAYLORD  Despite a recent downward trend in cases and hospitalizations from COVID-19, Munson Healthcare officials are concerned about the emerging omicron variant and its potential effect on Northern Michigan.

Dr. Christine Nefcy, Munson's chief medical officer, said Tuesday the positivity rate, or the percentage of all coronavirus tests in the region that were positive, was at 16.7%, down from 19.2% a week earlier. The number of patients hospitalized in the Munson system was 103, below a peak of 146.

The vast majority of those being treated or hospitalized from the coronavirus are unvaccinated, Nefcy said.

"As we head into the omicron variant we know that those who are fully vaccinated with a booster is the most effective way to prevent getting that variant," Nefcy said.

Dr. Christopher Ledtke, an infectious disease specialist with Munson, noted that the delta variant is still dominant in Michigan, but omicron is gaining ground.

"Omicron has been detected in six counties. It is likely that the true burden is higher than this," Ledtke said.

As of Monday, omicron was the dominant strain nationwide, he added.

Nefcy also said the region is starting to see a rise in influenza cases, but no large outbreaks have been reported yet.

Vaccine milestone

It has been one year since the first COVID-19 vaccine was administered by the Health Department of Northwest Michigan.

Since that first dose, which was administered to Health Department of Northwest Michigan Medical Director Dr. Josh Meyerson on Dec. 17, 2020, more than 129,000 doses of vaccine have been provided to area residents in the health department's four-county jurisdiction of Antrim, Charlevoix, Emmet and Otsego counties, according to state data.

As of Dec. 18, the health department has given a total of 61,424 of those COVID-19 doses across the same four-county jurisdiction, according to their COVID-19 data dashboard.

"I was privileged to be among the first immunized and am overwhelmed with gratitude to our staff for administering these life-saving shots, and to all those residents across our region who have rolled up their sleeves for the vaccine," Meyerson said.

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As the Christmas holiday is near and with many people expected to be traveling, Meyerson said the region is once again seeing high rates of community transmission for COVID-19 that leads to exposures in households, social groups and workplaces.

"Although fully vaccinated individuals are far less likely to be infected than unvaccinated, we are seeing many cases in vaccinated persons," Meyerson said. "Although these cases tend to be very mild, the infected individual can spread the virus to close contacts, especially in their household and to those they spend a lot of time with."

Meyerson added that "the delta strain that now predominates has proven to be far more contagious than the previous strains encountered last winter and spring, and the latest variant of concern, omicron, that will likely soon predominate in our area is even more contagious even in the vaccinated."

Case counts

As of Wednesday, the Health Department of Northwest Michigan reported Otsego County had 4,265 COVID-19 cases and 78 deaths to date from the coronavirus.

As of Dec. 15, Otsego County had 4,179 cases and 74 deaths from the disease.

Antrim County was reporting 3,101 cases and 48 deaths while Charlevoix County had 3,368 cases and 51 deaths. Emmet County had 4,454 cases and 59 deaths.

Antrim County reported 3,050 cases and 45 deaths on Dec. 15 while Charlevoix County had 3,297 cases and 49 deaths. Emmet County reported 4,344 cases and 57 deaths.

Statewide, Michigan had 1,448,523 cases and 26,376 deaths as of Wednesday, according to MDHHS. The state was reporting 1,408,189 cases and 25,570 deaths on Dec. 15.

The first two confirmed COVID-19 cases in Michigan were reported March 10, 2020 and the first death was reported on March 19 of last year.

This article originally appeared on The Petoskey News-Review: Omicron worries health officials even with decline in cases, hospitalizations
The Department of Justice logo is seen at their headquarters in Washington, D.C., on Thursday, August 5, 2021 prior to a press conference regarding a civil rights matter.





The Justice Department (DOJ) announced on Thursday that one of the U.S. military's largest private landlords pleaded guilty to defrauding the Army, Air Force and Navy.

Balfour Beatty Communities (BBC) entered the guilty plea on Wednesday in Washington, D.C., after it submitted false information to the U.S. military in order to get performance bonuses, the department said.

U.S. District Judge Emmet Sullivan ordered the company to pay $33.6 million in criminal fines and more than $31.8 million in restitution to the military and serve three years of probation. The company will also work with an independent compliance monitor for three years, the release added.

"Instead of promptly repairing housing for U.S. servicemembers as required, BBC lied about the repairs to pocket millions of dollars in performance bonuses," Deputy Attorney General Lisa O. Monaco said in the statement.

Monaco attributed the fraud to "broken corporate culture, which valued profit over the welfare of servicemembers."

"Today's global resolution sends a clear message to companies that if they do not maintain adequate compliance programs, voluntarily self-disclose misconduct, and fully cooperate with the government, they will pay a price that outweighs the profits they once reaped," she added.

"In defrauding our country's military services, BBC took advantage of their unique position as a military housing provider and put greed and personal profit above our servicemembers," FBI Deputy Director Paul Abbate also said in the statement.

The company operated private military housing communities at 21 Air Force, 16 Army and 18 Navy bases across the country, according to the DOJ statement.

Two BBC managers, Stacy Cabrera and Rick Cunefare, had already pleaded guilty earlier this year to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and to major fraud, respectively.

The Hill has reached out to Balfour Beatty Communities for comment.
WASHINGTON (AP)  U.S. health regulators on Wednesday authorized the first pill against COVID-19, a Pfizer drug that Americans will be able to take at home to head off the worst effects of the virus.

The long-awaited milestone comes as U.S. cases, hospitalizations and deaths are all rising and health officials warn of a tsunami of new infections from the omicron variant that could overwhelm hospitals.

The drug, Paxlovid, is a faster way to treat early COVID-19 infections, though initial supplies will be extremely limited. All of the previously authorized drugs against the disease require an IV or an injection.

An antiviral pill from Merck also is expected to soon win authorization. But Pfizer's drug is all but certain to be the preferred option because of its mild side effects and superior effectiveness, including a nearly 90% reduction in hospitalizations and deaths among patients most likely to get severe disease.

"The efficacy is high, the side effects are low and it's oral. It checks all the boxes," said Dr. Gregory Poland of the Mayo Clinic. "You're looking at a 90% decreased risk of hospitalization and death in a high-risk group  that's stunning."

The Food and Drug Administration authorized Pfizer's drug for adults and children ages 12 and older with a positive COVID-19 test and early symptoms who face the highest risks of hospitalization. That includes older people and those with conditions like obesity and heart disease, though the drug is not recommended for patients with severe kidney or liver problems. Children eligible for the drug must weigh at least 88 pounds (40 kilograms).

The pills from both Pfizer and Merck are expected to be effective against omicron because they don't target the spike protein where most of the variant's worrisome mutations reside.

Cases jump: Maryland's COVID cases jump as state resumes reporting after cyberattack

Help needed: Red Cross seeks blood donors amid historically low supply

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Pfizer currently has 180,000 treatment courses available worldwide, with roughly 60,000 to 70,000 allocated to the U.S. The company said it expects to have 250,000 available in the U.S. by the end of January.

Federal health officials are expected to ration early shipments to the hardest hit parts of the country. Pfizer said the small supply is due to the manufacturing time  currently about nine months. The company says it can halve production time next year.

The U.S. government has agreed to purchase enough Paxlovid to treat 10 million people, and it will be provided free to patients. Pfizer says it's on track to produce 80 million courses globally next year, under contracts with the U.K., Australia and other nations.

President Joe Biden said the pill marks a "significant step forward in our path out of the pandemic" and said his administration will work with states to ensure equitable distribution.

Health experts agree that vaccination remains the best way to protect against COVID-19. But with roughly 40 million American adults still unvaccinated, effective drugs will be critical to blunting the current and future waves of infection.

The U.S. is now reporting more than 140,000 new infections daily and federal officials warn that the omicron variant could send case counts soaring. Omicron has already whipped across the country to become the dominant strain, federal officials confirmed earlier this week.

Against that backdrop, experts warn that Paxlovid's initial impact could be limited.

For more than a year, biotech-engineered antibody drugs have been the go-to treatments for COVID-19. But they are expensive, hard to produce and require an injection or infusion, typically given at a hospital or clinic. Also, laboratory testing suggests the two leading antibody drugs used in the U.S. aren't effective against omicron.

Pfizer's pill comes with its own challenges.

Patients will need a positive COVID-19 test to get a prescription. And Paxlovid has only proven effective if given within five days of symptoms appearing. With testing supplies stretched, experts worry it may be unrealistic for patients to self-diagnose, get tested, see a physician and pick up a prescription within that narrow window.

"If you go outside that window of time I fully expect the effectiveness of this drug is going to fall," said Andrew Pekosz, a Johns Hopkins University virologist.

The FDA based its decision on company results from a 2,250-patient trial that showed the pill cut hospitalizations and deaths by 89% when given to people with mild-to-moderate COVID-19 within three days of symptoms. Less than 1% of patients taking the drug were hospitalized and none died at the end of the 30-day study period, compared with 6.5% of patients hospitalized in the group getting a dummy pill, which included nine deaths.

Pfizer's drug is part of a decades-old family of antiviral drugs known as protease inhibitors, which revolutionized the treatment of HIV and hepatitis C. The drugs block a key enzyme which viruses need to multiply in the human body.

The U.S. will pay about $500 for each course of Pfizer's treatment, which consists of three pills taken twice a day for five days. Two of the pills are Paxlovid and the third is a different antiviral that helps boost levels of the main drug in the body.

___

Associated Press writer Tom Murphy contributed to this report.

___

The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute's Department of Science Education. The AP is solely responsible for all content.

This article originally appeared on The Herald-Mail: Pfizer pill becomes 1st US-authorized home COVID treatment
Shooting

Police made two additional arrests related to a north Phoenix apartment shooting Saturday in which a man was killed, according to a Thursday update released by officials.

Keith McCollough, 49, was arrested Tuesday and a second suspect, identified as Jimmy Eslinger, 29, was arrested Wednesday.

Those follow the arrest of Carl Robert Blazak, 46, who earlier was taken into custody on suspicion of first-degree murder. Police have not released the name of the victim.

According to police, just before 1 a.m. on Dec. 18, at least three men including Blazak, McCollough and Eslinger illegally entered the victim's apartment near 23rd Avenue and Deer Valley Road. That followed an argument between the victim and a downstairs neighbor, whom the victim's girlfriend identified as Blazak's wife.

The victim and his roommate had an altercation with the men, and one of them pulled out a gun and shot the victim, according to arrest documents for Blazak.

Blazak's wife, who was not identified, told police she had told her husband about the dispute but said she didn't know about the killing.

After further investigation and analysis of evidence found at the apartment, police said they developed probable cause to arrest McCollough and Eslinger. Both men were booked into a Maricopa County jail on suspicion of first-degree murder.

Reach breaking news reporter Laura Daniella Sepulveda at lsepulveda@lavozarizona.com or on Twitter @lauradNews.

Support local journalism. Subscribe to azcentral.com today.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Phoenix police arrest 2 more men in connection to apartment homicide
Wichita Falls police investigated an incident of shots fired Wednesday morning.

Police

According to allegations in the media release:

Officers responded to a disturbance in the 2000 block of Fillmore Avenue. A woman told them she is in a relationship with the suspect and that shes expecting his baby.

She said they were having an argument, and the man fired a weapon in her direction.

The woman said she called the police, and the man fled.

Officers found evidence of a shooting inside the home. Wichita Falls Police Department spokesman Sgt. Charlie Eipper said no injuries were reported, and the public is not in danger.

Police wrote a report for aggravated assault-family violence and unlawful possession of a firearm.

More: No Omicron cases confirmed in Wichita Falls. But it's probably here

More: No snow but lots of heat for Christmas

This article originally appeared on Wichita Falls Times Record News: Police respond to gunfire
Proud Boys march in support of former President Donald Trump in Washington, DC, on December 12, 2020. Evelyn Hockstein/Washington Post/Getty Images

A member of the Proud Boys pleaded guilty to conspiracy in the Capitol riot.

Matthew Greene, 34, admitted to coordinating members of the group in order to obstruct Congress.

He's the first Proud Boy to plead guilty to conspiracy and is cooperating with investigators.

Matthew Greene, a member of the right-wing group the Proud Boys, pleaded guilty Wednesday to charges of conspiracy and obstruction in the January 6 Capitol riot.

Greene, 34, of Syracuse, New York, "conspired with fellow members of the Proud Boys, a self-described 'pro-Western fraternal organization for men who refuse to apologize for creating the modern world; aka Western Chauvinists'" to disrupt the certification of the 2020 election, prosecutors said.

As part of a plea agreement, Greene pleaded guilty to conspiracy and obstruction of an official proceeding in exchange for having other charges against him dropped and a possible reduced sentence. He could face between 41 and 51 months in prison and a fine between $15,000 and $150,000.

Greene also agreed to cooperate fully with investigators, including turning over all evidence of potential crimes he is aware of. Prosecutors said they could recommend a lower sentence, pending his cooperation.

According to The Washington Post, Greene is the first Proud Boy to plead guilty to conspiracy in the Capitol riot and cooperate with law enforcement.

In a statement of offense, prosecutors said Greene conspired with fellow Proud Boys Dominic Pezzola and William Pepe, who have both been charged with conspiracy and assaulting officers in the riot. Pezzola and Pepe have pleaded not guilty.

Prosecutors said the three men coordinated a group of Proud Boys from around the country in Washington, DC, on January 6. Greene was with other Proud Boys who illegally entered the Capitol grounds and removed police barricades, according to prosecutors. Greene "was among the first wave to cross the downed police line," prosecutors said.

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Greene celebrated the breach of the Capitol in a message on an encrypted messaging app, writing to someone who asked how he was doing. "I'm good, we took the capital," he wrote, according to prosecutors.

"Greene hoped that his actions and those of his co-conspirators would cause legislators and the Vice President to act differently" while voting on whether to certify the results of the 2020 presidential election, according to the statement of offense, which Greene's lawyer signed on Tuesday. "Greene intended to affect the government by stopping or delaying the Congressional proceeding, and, in fact, did so."

More than 700 people have been charged in the Capitol riot on offenses that include violent entry and assault of officers.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Rep. Madison Cawthorn (R-N.C.) announced on Wednesday that he and his wife, Cristina, are getting divorced less than eight months after getting hitched.

Cawthorn announced the news in a statement and cited irreconcilable differences as the reason for the split.

He said that after he was elected to Congress in 2020, overnight our lives changed. That change has been both hectic and difficult, its neither the pace nor the lifestyle we had planned for.

From the outset, we committed to make things work, to fight for our marriage, and seek counsel for balancing the enormity of such a transition in life, the statement continued. Together, we realized that balance was not attainable, and that we had irreconcilable differences between us. Cawthorn said the decision to divorce was mutual.

Cawthorn married Cristina Bayardelle, an Instagram fitness influencer, on April 3, seven years to the day after Cawthorn was in a car accident that left him partially paralyzed.

He told People that Bayardelle picked the date so that the saddest day of his life would become his favorite day.

On April 3rd of 2014 my life changed. A car accident put me in a wheelchair and dashed my hopes for the future. On April 3rd of 2021 my life has once again changed. Marrying Cristina Bayardelle, now Cristina Cawthorn is the greatest honor, privilege and adventure of my life. pic.twitter.com/bqmtAUbsIS  Rep. Madison Cawthorn (@RepCawthorn) April 4, 2021

Cawthorn has had a tumultuous life since April, marked by many instances where he made outrageous, often fact-free statements in a never-ending quest to own the libs.

Earlier this month, he argued for the reversal of Roe v. Wade on the House floor by labeling women earthen vessels sanctified by almighty God.

In November, he reacted to Kyle Rittenhouses acquittal by urging his supporters to be armed, be dangerous.

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That same month, Cawthorn claimed people in Washington were trying to insert their woke politics into our culture, trying to destroy Western civilization, trying to take all of our morality away from everyone, trying to make everyone genderless, sexless, and just absolutely Godless.

In October, he asked young mothers of boys to please raise them to be a monster.

Both the Cawthorns have asked the media to respect their privacy during their separation, according to Charlotte Fox affiliate WJZY TV.

This article originally appeared on HuffPost and has been updated.

Related...
Photograph: J Scott Applewhite/AP

For many Democrats, Joe Manchin has become an unshakeable problem. The centrist senator is at odds with other Democrats on everything from filibuster reform to climate policy, and he recently announced his opposition to the Build Back Better Act, the lynchpin of Joe Bidens legislative agenda.

But Republicans think Manchin now represents an opportunity to boost their numbers.

As Democrats have leveled fierce criticism at the West Virginia senator in the past few days, Republicans have resurrected their campaign to recruit him to their party.

The stakes of this charm offensive could not be higher. With the Senate split 50-50, Manchins party change would give Republicans the majority. If Republicans take control of the Senate, they would have the ability to block Bidens nominees and quash Democratic bills.

Speaking to the New York Times on Tuesday, the Senate minority leader, Mitch McConnell, reiterated his invitiation to Manchin to join the Republican caucus. Obviously we would love to have him on our team, McConnell said. I think hed be more comfortable.

Related: Why the collapse of Bidens Build Back Better would be a major blow to the climate fight

The Republican senator John Cornyn said he also texted Manchin on Tuesday to tell him: Joe, if they dont want you we do.

Cornyn told the NBC affiliate KXAN that he had not heard back from Manchin, but he said a change in Senate control would be the greatest Christmas gift I can think of.

Manchin has not given any indication that he is seriously considering switching parties. In a Monday interview with West Virginia Radio, Manchin said he believed there was still room in the Democratic party for someone with his views.

I would like to hope that there are still Democrats that feel like I do, Manchin said. Im socially  Im fiscally responsible and socially compassionate. He added: Now, if theres no Democrats like that, then theyll have to push me wherever they want me.

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Manchin has been even more pointed in the past when asked about his party identity. After a report emerged in October that he was seriously considering leaving the Democratic party, he dismissed the news as bullshit.

But he acknowledged he had previously offered to change his party affiliation to independent if his views ever became an embarrassment for Biden or other Senate Democrats.

I said, me being a moderate centrist Democrat  if that causes you a problem, let me know and Id switch to be independent, Manchin said in October.

At the time, none of Manchins Democratic colleagues took him up on the offer, although some may now be tempted to do so. When Manchin announced he would oppose Build Back Better, after he had already demanded major changes to the spending package to limit its size and scope, some congressional Democrats sounded ready to abandon their colleague.

Its unfortunate that it seems we cant trust Senator Manchins word, Pramila Jayapal, the chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, said on Monday. Were not going to wait for one man to decide on one day that hes with us, and on the other day that hes not.

For McConnell, that is an opening to try to wrest back control of the Senate.

Why in the world would they want to call him a liar and try to hotbox him and embarrass him? McConnell told the Times. I think the message is, We dont want you around. Obviously that is up to Joe Manchin, but he is clearly not welcome on that side of the aisle.
Debra Gagne, owner of Need-a-Ride, turns on the taxi light on her car Wednesday. Her business was granted a taxi license by the Watertown City Council during a special meeting.

After receiving a letter from the Institute for Justice alleging that Watertowns taxi ordinance is possibly unconstitutional, the Watertown City Council approved a taxi license for Need-a-Ride.

The action came during a special city council meeting Wednesday.

During the Dec. 6 regular city council meeting, the owner of Need-a-Ride, Debra Gagne, was denied a taxi service license. The city determined she had violated the taxi and transportation network company ordinances. Only a taxi company can accept cash payments and tips, according to the ordinances. Transportation network companies like Uber and Lyft cannot legally accept cash for payments or tips.

More: Outdated ordinance, violation cause Watertown City Council to deny new taxi license

City officials said during the meeting that the taxi ordinance likely needed revision.

Gagne has a South Dakota carriers alcohol license that authorizes her to transport passengers for hire. There are no specific rules in the city ordinances noting that she cannot accept cash as a transport-for-hire service with that license.

A carriers alcohol license is needed by people or businesses that operate, for example, limousines or tour buses and wish to furnish or sell alcohol to passengers. The fee is $100 to the South Dakota Department of Revenue.

On Dec. 20, Erica Smith, an attorney with the Institute for Justice, emailed Watertown City Attorney Matt Roby. The Institute for Justice is a nonprofit public interest law firm based in Virginia.

It is the opinion of my organization, the Institute for Justice, that the Citys taxi license ordinance is an unconstitutional certificate of necessity law and that the City has very likely violated Ms. Gagnes rights," the letter read. "We thus request that the City allow Ms. Gagne to resume operating her Need-a-Ride service immediately.

Now, she can.

During the special council meeting, Roby told the council that Gagne did not have her commercial drivers license renewed at the time of her initial application. However, he said, it was reinstated as of Dec. 17.

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The commercial drivers license was not mentioned as something that is needed for a city taxi license during the Dec. 6 meeting.

I didnt know that the CDL was part of the issue, Gagne told the Public Opinion. I was still eligible to drive a commercial vehicle within South Dakota, but I couldnt drive across the border. You need to do a medical exam to keep the endorsement to drive out of state.

Roby said he has been working with the state to understand the statue regarding the carriers alcohol license. He explained that the city's ordinance requires a taxi company to be licensed through the state as well as through the city, and that the state license to transport passengers for hire requires a commercial driver's license.

City Councilman Dan Schutte said at Wednesday's meeting that it was his desire that the licensing process be paused to help navigate through the improprieties he felt were associated with Gagnes taxi license request.

Dan Schutte

We want to create an environment as a city to be successful and safe. Some improprieties came up during the last meeting, and there was that desire to pause and just let this be worked out, Schutte said. I didnt want your business to be shut down. I wanted to see if it would roll within the laws and ordinances. As a city, we want an environment of integrity.

Denying the Need-a-Ride taxi license was a concern for some in the community, though because the only other taxicab business in Watertown, Lake City Cab, is not renewing its license for 2022.

We have been in business in Watertown for almost 24 years. Weve been trying to sell it for four years now, Lake City Cab owner Kevin Siebrands said of his business.

Lake City's last day will be Dec. 31.

The denial of the license also affected Gagnes ability to conduct business. Although she previously drove for Lyft, she said she has not worked for that company since summer. After the Dec. 6 meeting, she said she would continue to give rides to Watertown area residents, but wouldn't charge them until the taxi license issue was resolved.

This strain on her business was also discussed in the letter sent to by the Institute for Justice.

After holding a hearing, the City denied Ms. Gagne a license because the City Council concluded there were already adequate services in the City. As a result, Ms. Gagne is unable to accept cash for her services, effectively preventing her from legally running her business during her busiest time of the year. While Ms. Gagne has reapplied for a license, it is likely this license hearing would not happen until after New Years Day," the letter read.

Turns out, that date came a little earlier.

Need-a-Ride currently has one vehicle that has been inspected and is clear for operation in Watertown. Gagne is expected to have two more vehicles inspected quickly and four drivers with proper insurance and background checks finished as soon as possible.

Only Schutte voted against Need-a-Ride's taxi license application Wednesday.

On Dec. 6, the vote was 4-3 against the license. Council members Colin Paulsen, Dan Schutte and Glen Vilhauer and Mayor Ried Holien voted no. Council members Bruce Buhler, Michael Danforth and Randy Tupper voted yes.

The Institute for Justice hailed the council's Wednesday decision.

Im ecstatic that I can reopen Need-a-Ride, Gagne said in a story the organization published online. This business provides a reliable form of transportation for people all over Watertown. This is fantastic news for my customers.

To schedule a ride with Need-a-Ride, call 605-303-4033.

This article originally appeared on Watertown Public Opinion: Need-a-Ride granted taxi license after city receives letter from Institute of Justice
The Royal Caribbeans Odyssey of The Seas arrives at Port Everglades on June 10, 2021 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images

A Royal Caribbean cruise ship was denied entry into Curacao and Aruba after a COVID-19 outbreak.

At least 55 passengers and crew members tested positive for COVID-19.

This is the company's second cruise ship to face a COVID-19 outbreak in the last two weeks.

A Royal Caribbean cruise ship was denied entry into Curacao and Aruba after at least 55 people tested positive for COVID-19, the Miami Herald reported on Wednesday.

The 55 individuals who tested positive on the Odyssey of the Seas were fully vaccinated passengers and crew members and were among around 5,500 people on the ship, a spokesperson for Royal Caribbean said in a statement sent to Insider.

The ship was denied entry to the two Caribbean islands after setting sail on Saturday, and it will now stay at sea until its December 26 return to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, the report said.

"The decision was made together with the islands out of an abundance of caution due to the current trend of COVID-19 cases in the destinations' communities as well as crew and guests testing positive on board," the Royal Caribbean spokesperson said.

Two people on the ship told the Herald that three passengers and 52 crew members had contracted the virus, but Royal Caribbean did not confirm the breakdown.

According to Royal Caribbean, the passengers who tested positive are mildly symptomatic or asymptomatic, and their close contacts were placed in quarantine prior to testing.

The ship set sail with 95% of passengers and crew vaccinated, and the company's guidelines require travelers over the age of 12 to be vaccinated with either two shots of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine, or one shot of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine.

This is the company's second cruise ship to face a COVID-19 outbreak in the last two weeks.

Royal Caribbean said on Monday that at least 48 passengers and staff on its Symphony of the Seas ship, which returned to Miami on Saturday, had tested positive for COVID-19.

Following rising COVID cases amid a spike in the Omicron variant, Royal Caribbean has tightened its mask guidelines, Cruise Industry News reported on December 18. Passengers are now required to wear a mask unless they are actively eating, drinking, in an empty open-aired section aboard the ship, or in their stateroom. Previously, vaccinated passengers could remove their masks in designated areas and venues.

Read the original article on Business Insider
MOSCOW (Reuters) -A Moscow court on Thursday said it had fined Twitter 3 million roubles ($40,920) for failing to delete content Russia deems illegal, the latest in a string of penalties against foreign technology firms.

Moscow has increased pressure on Big Tech this year in a campaign that critics characterise as an attempt by the Russian authorities to exert tighter control over the internet, something they say threatens to stifle individual and corporate freedom.

Twitter has denied allowing its platform to be used to promote illegal behaviour. Twitter did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Moscow's Tagansky District Court said Twitter had been fined 3 million roubles for failing to delete banned content.

The court later said software development website GitHub, which Microsoft purchased, had been fined 1 million roubles for the same offence.

San Francisco-based GitHub did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

($1 = 73.3175 roubles)

(Reporting by Anton Kolodyazhnyy and Alexander Marrow; Editing by Kirsten Donovan and Jane Merriman)
Hey, Glen Burnie! Let's get this day started. These are the most important things going on today in town.

First, today's weather:

Not as cool. High: 52, low: 43.

Here are the top 4 stories in Glen Burnie today:

Baltimore Teachers Union President, Diamonte Brown and Baltimore School leadership sent a letter for City School calling for virtual learning. The letter proposed virtual classes until Jan. 7., amid a surge in COVID-19 cases in schools. Teachers and students reported not feeling safe as more cases are confirmed. But school officials are saying differently. Our schools are much safer than the city at large, said Alison Perkins-Cohen, Chief of Staff for Baltimore City Public Schools. (Baltimore CBS) If you are Keeping your holiday celebration low-key, restaurants open on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day in Glen Burnie, include Outback and Bonefish. Click on the link to see the full list! (Glen Burnie Patch) On Dec. 20, The Board of Education of Anne Arundel County held a public workshop to learn more from Superintendent George Arlotto about changes to quarantining of students as a result of exposure to persons with COVID-19 and to contact tracing protocols. The workshop discussed changes brought by the Boards approval of a motion at its most recent meeting that students who have been determined to be close contacts of a COVID-positive case and who are asymptomatic should not be quarantined beginning in January. (Anne Arundel School District) Police arrested a man for car theft at the EXXON Gas station in Glen Burnie. On Dec. 19, a man was walking to the store when a suspect got into his vehicle. The victim ran back to his car in an attempt to prevent the suspect from taking his vehicle. The suspect pointed a handgun at the victim and drove off. Officers patrolling the Northern District observed the stolen vehicle and suspect on Belle Grove Road in Brooklyn. Officers stopped the vehicle and found the driver to be in possession marijuana and property belonging to the victim. The driver was arrested and charged accordingly. (Police Press)

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Today's Glen Burnie Daily is brought to you in part by our friends at Verizon. They're building the fastest 5G network in the country. To learn how 5G is going to change life for you and your community  and to get access to this amazing technology  click here. And thank you Verizon for sponsoring this community resource in Glen Burnie!

Today in Glen Burnie:

Christmas At Union BWI. (6 p.m.)

Candelight Christmas Eve - Bethel Baptist Church. (7 p.m.)

Christmas Service at Rosedale Church. (4 p.m.)

From my notebook:

Anne Arundel County Library: "A reminder that Anne Arundel County Public Libraries will be closed from Thursday, Dec. 23-26. We will re-open with with normal hours on Monday, December 27th.We are also always open online!" (Instagram)

AA County Schools - AACPS: "Davidsonville Elementary - Our Gator artists wish you a super winter!" (Instagram)

Nextdoor Neighbor, Brookfield: "Christmas Eve Store Hours! - I found the list of stores and their hours for Christmas Eve this year." (Nextdoor)

Nextdoor Neighbor, Brookfield: "Anyone here can help me with a ladder to replace some Christmas light bulbs on my porch? - Thank you." (Nextdoor)

Nextdoor Neighbor, Oakwood Rd: "Hello again, I'm a grooming student and I'm starting my actual hair cuts now. - I can offer a free shave down available for today at 12pm. Anyone interested please text me at 410-622-6453." (Nextdoor)

More from our sponsors  thanks for supporting local news!

Events:

Year Years Eve Party at American Legion. (Dec. 31)

The 7th Annual Concert for Bald Ballerina- Smith Theater. (Dec. 9)

The Angel Wing Project presents N Synopsis - Chesapeake Center. (Feb. 20)

Add your event

Loving the Glen Burnie Daily? Here are all the ways you can get more involved:

Send a friend or neighbor this link so they can subscribe

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Send me a news tip or suggestion at Glenburnie@Patch.com

Thanks for following along and staying informed! I'll see you soon.

 Debora Whitehead

About me: Debora Whitehead is a dedicated wife and homeschooling mom from Coram, NY. She has a bachelor's degree in Education and loves to teach and write. Her passion for the community reflects on her volunteering work at the "Mariposa Ministry, " a nonprofit family assistance program. One of her strongest believes is Jesus Christ and when she is not parenting, teaching or reading, she is writing. One of her favorites quotes is: " The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams."- Eleanor Roosevelt.

This article originally appeared on the Glen Burnie Patch
For Crystal Givens, life is about giving back to others.

She learned this at an early age, growing up in the church, and from her mother who was always the caretaker of the community and a "surrogate" for many children in the neighborhood.

"I didn't realize how critical that was," Givens said, "until I was much older."

She started off her career as a teacher in early childhood education and eventually found her way into the non-profit space, becoming the vice president of statewide support at Early Learning Indiana, the states oldest early childhood education non-profit.

Givens said she was attracted to the opportunity there, because she felt she could impact more students by helping teachers instead of teaching a single class herself.

A year ago, Givens was looking for more opportunities to give back, driven by a belief that Its my calling to be of help and service to other people.

She applied to be a mentor at Starfish Initiative.

Life events prevented her from completing the orientation, she said, but one month later  as if by design  Givens received an email asking her to apply for the executive director position.

She applied and happily accepted once she received the offer.

To be of help to someone else is just really powerful, Givens said. If you help that one person, you never know whos watching or if that one person is going to give back to someone else, and it just keeps spreading.

Starfish Initiative was founded in 2003 to provide mentorship and programming for Indianapolis academically promising youth faced with adverse conditions, grades nine through 12.

At Starfish Initiative, the 'best relationships' are formed

Starfish Initiative offers a variety of programs to inspire, encourage and prepare their young scholars through leadership sessions, career fairs, college fairs, weekly text message check-ins and other activities. But its the mentorship connection that is unique, Givens said.

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After students are recruited and invited to apply in the 8th grade, they are paired with a mentor at the start of freshman year; and are guided along their high school journey by the same mentor, she added.

Although the program only asks mentors to be with students through the completion of high school, Givens said they often end up forming lifelong relationships.

They form the best relationships, she said.

Debby Akinfisoye (left) walks with Diamond Jones her Starfish mentor during the Winterlights show Wednesday, Dec. 8, 2021, at Newfields in Indianapolis.

Deborah Akinfisoye is a senior at Pike High School and a Starfish Initiative scholar.

One semester away from graduating, she has been accepted into all the 10-plus colleges she applied to except Purdue, she said, who hasnt responded yet. She thinks shell head to IU to study biochemistry.

She found her experience at Starfish Initiative "very helpful," stating that her mentor exposed her to a lot of new things she had never experienced with her family.

"Outside of school and church," she said, "we didnt go anywhere."

However, she said her mentor took her axe throwing, to pottery classes and taught her how to use chopsticks.

Having a mentor has really made high school easier than not having a mentor, Akinfisoye said. If youre facing something, they mightve faced the same thing and they can help you through it.

What is your organization's mission?

Givens said the mission of Starfish Initiative is to inspire, encourage and prepare academically promising high school students faced with unearned adversity for college and career success.

She describes unearned adversity as income- or geographic-based, lack of resources, the child of a single-parent household, etc.

How many people do you serve?

Currently, there are 200 scholars paired with 200 mentors, Givens said. However, they have additional scholars and mentors in the pipeline who are waiting to be paired.

What is your number one need?

Givens said the number one need was mentors.

"We rely heavily on our mentors to support our mission," she said. "I think it is a great opportunity for adults to connect to a high school student and help them along on their journey."

But funding is a close second, she added.

"Funding is a huge need for starfish initiative as well," Givens said. "We cant do this alone."

How can people get involved?

You can become a mentor or donate by visiting the website starfishinitiative.org.

Make a difference with IndyStar: Support Season for Sharing

The shared mission of IndyStars Our Children initiative and annual Season for Sharing campaign is to harness the power of journalism to make a difference in the lives of Central Indiana youth. We invite you to join us by making a financial contribution. The Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust will generously match donations up to $25,000. All charitable donations are tax-deductible.

This year, grants will be awarded to organizations that have gone above and beyond in serving Central Indiana children and families amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Go to indystar.com/ocdonate to give online. If you prefer to send a check, please mail to: Central Indiana Community Foundation, Attn: Our Children, 615 N. Alabama St., Suite 300, Indianapolis, IN 46204. You also can donate by texting "SHARING" to 80888.

Contact IndyStar reporter Brandon Drenon at 317-517-3340 or BDrenon@gannett.com. Follow him on Twitter: @BrandonDrenon.

Brandon is also a Report for America corps member with the GroundTruth Project, an independent, nonpartisan, nonprofit news organization dedicated to supporting the next generation of journalists in the U.S. and around the world.

Report for America, funded by both private and public donors, covers up to 50% of a reporter's salary. Its up to IndyStar to find the other half, through local community donors, benefactors, grants or other fundraising activities.

If you would like to make a personal, tax-deductible contribution to his position, you can make a one-time donation online or a recurring monthly donation via IndyStar.com/RFA.

You can also donate by check, payable to The GroundTruth Project. Send it to Report for America, IndyStar, c/o The GroundTruth Project, 10 Guest Street, Boston, MA 02135. Please put IndyStar/Report for America in the check memo line.

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Starfish Initiative seeks mentors to help serve Indy's youth
Ilene Landress (inset), and Uncle Junior (Dominic Chianese) in a season one scene at a funeral parlor from "The Sopranos." Jeffrey Mayer/WireImage; HBO

A former "Sopranos" producer revealed the cast and crew once got kicked out of a filming location.

According to the producer, they were filming at a "little old conservative Italian funeral home."

But after a line from Uncle Junior about a blow job, the crew and cast were asked to leave the home.

A former producer for "The Sopranos" revealed that the cast and crew were once kicked out of a "little old conservative Italian funeral home" while filming a scene for season one.

In "Tinderbox: HBO's Ruthless Pursuit of New Frontiers," a book centered on how HBO took over cable television, which was reviewed by Insider, producer Ilene Landress told journalist James Andrew Miller that this particular scene was being filmed in Manhattan, New York instead of New Jersey, where most of the production for season one took place.

As Landress was walking to set that day, however, she noticed something was amiss, the book detailed.

"I walk across Sixth Avenue, and I see our trucks in front of this little old conservative Italian funeral home where we were shooting," Landress recalled. "Then people start walking out, and the location manager running toward me."

According to Landress, she could tell there was "trouble ahead."

"We were shooting a funeral scene and the scene was a little lady in the coffin and Uncle Junior turns to somebody in the receiving line, glances into the coffin and says, 'She gave me my first blowjob,'" Landress remembered in the book. "Well, we got kicked out of the place."

The producer told Miller, "You could totally panic or you could see the humor in the whole thing."

"I called HBO and told them, 'I guess we're done for the day,'" Landress said in the tell-all book.

Uncle Junior (Dominic Chianese) in a season one scene at a funeral parlor in "The Sopranos." HBO

Lots of behind-the-scenes anecdotes about "The Sopranos" have come to light in recent months.

In September, Steve Schirripa, who played Bobby "Bacala" Baccalieri on the show, told Insider stars James Gandolfini and Michael Imperioli once got so drunk before filming a cliffside scene that they had to be chained to a tree.

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Schirripa said the two actors had shared whiskey before shooting the scene in season four, where  spoiler!  Tony Soprano (Gandolfini) and Christopher Moltisanti (Imperioli) throw the body of the murdered capo Ralph Cifaretto (Joe Pantoliano) off a cliff.

"On the break, while they set up the lights, Michael and Jim drank a bottle of Wild Turkey," Schirripa said.

"They were so drunk that they had to chain their legs to a tree because they were afraid they were going to fall off the cliff," he added.

"The Sopranos," also starring Edie Falco, Lorraine Bracco, and Tony Sirico, first premiered on HBO in 1999, and ran for six seasons before ending in 2007.

Read the original article on Insider
Doug Wilson throws down a dunk near the end of SDSU's 82-76 win over Oral Roberts on Wednesday night at Frost Arena.

BROOKINGS  The last time South Dakota State took on Oral Roberts, it was in the Summit League tournament, at an empty (due to COVID-19) Sanford Pentagon, where the Golden Eagles escaped with the win on a tip-in at the buzzer. That ended the Jackrabbits season, while ORU went on to the Sweet 16.

Sharpshooting guard Noah Freidel was not in the lineup that night, and curiously, he did not play on Wednesday, either. Coach Eric Henderson said it was a basketball decision to hold out his leading scorer. But even minus Freidels 19.0 points per game, SDSU managed to hold off the Golden Eagles for their second straight win to open conference play, surviving the jumper-happy Eagles 82-76 in front of 1,955 fans.

Doug Wilson had 21 points and Baylor Scheierman 20, as SDSUs defense kept the Eagles on the perimeter for most of the night, where they were content to try and do most of their damage from outside the 3-point arc. ORU attempted a whopping 73 shots in the game, 42 of which came from long distance. They connected on 31 percent of those 3s and 42.5 percent overall, while the Jackrabbits were much more willing and able to work the paint, shooting 53 percent from the floor and outscoring the Eagles 16-1 at the line (ORUs only free-throw attempt of the game came on a four-point play by Max Abmas).

SDSU's Zeke Mayo crosses over as teammate Baylor Scheierman (3) looks on.

A big emphasis for us was protecting the paint, even with how good of 3-point shooters they are, Scheierman said. We wanted to make them take the shots we wanted them to take, and we did a good job of that. A lot of their 3s were not the inside-out kind, they were just from outside.

Abmas, the nations leading scorer last year and the Summit League scoring leader coming into this game, was a handful for the Jacks, but they limited him to 15 shots in a full 40 minutes, offering their second straight strong defensive effort after a non-conference season in which defense didnt always appear to be the Jacks top priority. Abmas finished with 19 points on 7-of-15 shooting, 4-of-10 on 3s. The Jacks guarded Abmas with multiple defenders and doubled him at times.

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Just picking him up early, make every shot uncomfortable and not give him easy ones, Jacks guard Charlie Easley said when asked his approach. And then just not get discouraged, because hes a great player and hes gonna make some shots.

Kareem Thompson of Oral Roberts drives for a layup during Wednesday's Summit League game between SDSU and Oral Roberts at Frost Arena

The Jacks led 38-29 at halftime and pushed the advantage as high as 13 early in the second. But just when it looked like SDSU might come away with a comfortable win the Eagles got hot. After making just 3-of-18 from outside in the first half they hit 3s on four straight second-half possessions to race back in front at 59-58 with 9:34 to go.

It was about that time they couldve used Freidels offense, but the Jacks took the Eagles punch and countered, quickly retaking the lead and stretch it to five with 5:29 to go, and after another ORU spurt tied it at 68 with 3:17 left, went on a 14-5 run to put it away.

Freshman Zeke Mayo had 13 points and was a game-high plus-14, while Matt Dentlinger came off the bench to hit all four of his shots for nine points. Easley and Luke Appel had seven apiece.

As for Freidel, Hendersons explanation was vague. Friedel knew before the game he wasnt going to play, and it seems as though the coach plans on keeping the reasons to himself.

Theres so many things that go into who plays and who doesnt play, Henderson said. It was my decision to play the guys that we played.

That said, Henderson corrected a question afterward that asked how happy he was to win the game without their leading scorer.

I wouldnt say it was without Noah  he just didnt play, Henderson said. We trust all of our guys. We have a lot of good players and (a win) is gonna feel good no matter whos out on the court.

South Dakota State cheerleaders wear Christmas sweaters during Wednesday's Summit League game against Oral Roberts at Frost Arena.

Women improve to 2-0 in conference play

The Jackrabbit women, after suffering through an uncharacteristic 4-7 non-conference season, have jumped out to a 2-0 start in league play, completing a road sweep on Wednesday with a 71-51 win over Oral Roberts at the Mabee Center in Tulsa.

This one was over shortly after it started, as the Jacks scored the games first 20 points and obviously never trailed, going up by as much as 25 and never letting the Eagles get closer than 13.

It was an efficient night on both ends for SDSU, as they shot .484 from the floor and were 10-of-24 from beyond the arc (42 percent), while holding ORU to a mere .308 clip from the floor. SDSU used a balance attack on offense, with Paiton Burckhard leading the way with 14 points, Tylee Irwin netting 12 and Tori Nelson and Paige Meyer adding 11 each. Meyer added nine assists, six rebounds and three steals, while Nelson had six boards and a pair of blocked shots. Lindsey Theuninck had eight points and Myah Selland had seven points, five rebounds, four assists and two steals.

The Jacks are now 6-7 overall.

Tirzah Moore had 18 points and eight rebounds to lead the Golden Eagles, who outscored the Jacks 14-1 at the line but were beaten 39-27 on the boards, made just 5-of-15 3s and struggled in the paint as well. Delaney Nix had nine points for ORU, while Keni Jo Lippe had eight, going 8-for-8 at the line and 0-for-5 from the floor.

The Jacks, who had been 0-4 on the road prior to this week, are off for Christmas and return to action Dec. 30 when they host North Dakota State, followed by a New Years Day matinee with North Dakota.

This article originally appeared on Sioux Falls Argus Leader: South Dakota State holds off Oral Roberts in battle of Summit champs
A Sprint Food Store is located on Mike Padgett Highway in Augusta. Technical issues occurring among the chain's 34 locations have caused confusion for customers as well as glitches with the store rewards program.

One of the Augusta area's convenience store chains has been having problems with its discount cards and gas pumps, angering customers and prompting give-backs.

Sprint Food Stores customers like Debbie Casalie have been posting problems they've had at some of the chain's 34 locations.

"None of the signs are working properly," wrote Casalie in the Connect Augusta group on Monday. She posted a photo of a Sprint gas sign that reads the Super Saver value as ".00" and said, "They either look like this, or are completely turned off, or they say 'n/c.' Today, it wouldn't even accept my husband's super saver card, so he had to pay 10 more cents to use the regular debit card."

Several Augusta-area customers have complained about technical issues like this one on the price display at various Sprint Food Store locations.

Several other customers commented on difficulties of their own below Casalie's post.

"I think they are having issues overall, I went to 2 different ones last week and both could only take credit or cash," wrote Jennifer Malonjao.

"I tried to get gas yesterday at Sprint on Gordon Hwy/Barton Chapel Road," wrote Lisa Lovestone-Gifford. "No sign anywhere saying out of gas. All the pumps said we are temporarily out of order. I drove in circles to each pump trying to find one that I could get gas from. I couldnt get gas from any of them."

"I just drive past the sprint by my house because its handy and noticed it said 0.00 and was confused," wrote Caitlin Grace via Messenger.

News: Columbia County rejects three liquor stores at the same intersection

The chain's former owner, Andy Jones, recently sold the company to EG America, a subsidiary of the United Kingdom-based EG Group with over 17,000 convenience stores across the U.S.

EG America's spokesperson Emily Pickering was asked via email on Monday about what is causing the complications, what is being done to fix them and how extensive the problems might be.

Pickering responded Wednesday that EG America apologizes for the disruptions, thanks its customers for their patience as they deal with these issues and the company is "working diligently to resolve them as soon as possible."

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Sprint Food Stores is giving away drinks at all of its 34 locations as compensation for technical issues that have angered several customers.

As compensation for these inconveniences, through New Year's Eve, all Sprint customers will be able to get free fountain and frozen drinks as well as iced tea. Sprint Rewards members will also be receiving some extra bonuses from Dec. 28 through Jan. 15. Those with linked checking accounts will receive an extra 10 cents off per gallon of fuel on top of the standard 10 cents off for a total of 20 cents off per gallon. Members will also receive an additional 5 cents off per gallon for every $25 spent inside the store.

Sprint Rewards is the chain's loyalty program. For questions on how the program works, go to mysprintfs.com/faq.

This article originally appeared on Augusta Chronicle: Sprint Food Stores discount cards not working, rewarding customers
Keisha Amspaugh stands outside of the Mary Ann Township Fire Department in Newark, Ohio on December 13, 2021. Amspaugh was recently promoted to Fire Chief after her predacessor passed away earlier this year. Amspaugh is believed to be the first female fire chief in Licking County's history.

Mary Ann Township swore in Licking County's first female fire chief earlier this month.

In a field that is still largely male-dominated, Keisha Amspaugh said she considers it the honor of her career.

Amspaugh was appointed to the position by Mary Ann Township trustees after its chief, Randy Miner, died from COVID-19 complications earlier this year. She described the appointment as bittersweet.

More: Mary Ann Township fire chief dies from COVID-19 complications

More: Firefighters: Mary Ann Township chief Randy Miner was pillar of the firehouse

More: Newark woman becomes Licking County's third female assistant fire chief

"It's an honor to follow him. I always wanted to (succeed) him, but not this way - not this fast," she reflected. "He was my mentor for 16 years...I'm the first female chief in Licking County and that's a huge deal. It's a huge deal just for the generation, for forward motion in general."

Amspaugh became one of Licking County's first female assistant fire chiefs earlier this year after a promotion. She's been with the department for nearly 16 years and also works part-time for Buckeye Lake Fire Department.

Amspaugh's husband, Josh Amspaugh, said he's overly proud of her accomplishments. Currently a lieutenant at the same department, he said she was very shy and timid when he first met her at the firehouse in 2014.

Keisha Amspaugh stands inside of the Mary Ann Township Fire Department in Newark, Ohio on December 13, 2021. Amspaugh was recently promoted to Fire Chief after her predecessor passed away earlier this year. Amspaugh is believed to be the first female fire chief in Licking County's history.

Josh Amspaugh said he's been in fire service for 20 years and to see a woman become fire chief in Licking County, is inspiring. Describing his wife as the true definition of a leader, he said Keisha Amspaugh is a fireman's fire chief, family, faith and job-driven, organizational-minded. Being the first female fire chief for the county, he said, speaks for itself.

"It just goes to show it doesn't matter - if you put in the work and get down to grit and the grind...if you prove yourself, you can go anywhere," Josh Amspaugh said. "The sky's the limit."

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Mary Lou Nethers, who worked for Hanover Township Fire Department and served as secretary for the Licking County Fire Chiefs' Association for 25 years, described Keisha Amspaugh as a go-getter.

"She's now taking on a role that is not very often female. She has some big expectations to live up to," she said. "I think it's great. I think she's worked hard for it."

Linda Peterson, who previously worked for Mary Ann Township as a longtime volunteer firefighter, said she thinks Amspaugh will be a good chief for the department, noting she's done a lot for the department, including acquiring grants and taking on responsibility.

"It means a lot because back when I started, there wasn't hardly any women. They even really didn't want women on the department when I started," Peterson said. "Other girls will look to her and will be wanting to get into service, so it's a good thing."

Looking ahead, Amspaugh said she plans to focus on adjusting to the new position, running the department as she was taught by Miner, and executing some grants they recently received.

Keisha Amspaugh stands inside of the Mary Ann Township Fire Department in Newark, Ohio on December 13, 2021. Amspaugh was recently promoted to Fire Chief after her predecessor passed away earlier this year. Amspaugh is believed to be the first female fire chief in Licking County's history.

"I just want to make positive changes, boost morale. I have such a great group of guys," Amspaugh said. "I really couldn't ask for a better place to be the chief. But this is my home. This is where I started my career. This is where I moved up the ranks. This is where I live...where my parents live. This is more than just a career for me. This is my life. This is my family's life."

Thinking about her two daughters, how five and 12, at home who are now seeing their mom enter leadership in Licking County fire service, Amspaugh said she always tells her girls they can do anything they put their mind to.

"You can go anywhere you want to go," she said she tells them. "It just takes hard work and determination."

This article originally appeared on Newark Advocate: 'A step forward:' Licking County welcomes first female fire chief
Stow Muncipal Court Judge Kim Hoover has filed a formal response to a judicial misconduct complaint, denying allegations that he violated Ohio municipal court guidelines in his handling of criminal defendants.

A Stow Municipal Court judge has filed his formal response to complaints that he used illegal and coercive tactics to force unrepresented criminal defendants to pay their fines and costs.

Judge Kim R. Hoover denies violating judicial guidelines in the cases of 12 defendants listed in a misconduct complaint filed by the Ohio Office of Disciplinary Counsel. The complaint was certified to the state Board of Professional Conduct on Dec. 6, after which Hoover told the Beacon Journal he had not acted improperly and looked forward to a complete hearing on the issues.

In the 35-page complaint, the Ohio Office of Disciplinary Counsel alleged Hoover issued orders "such as imprisonment for several days or detention for several hours, to force unrepresented criminal defendants to pay their fines and costs  in apparent violation of guidelines for municipal court conduct set by the Ohio Supreme Court.

Hoover's written reply denies this allegation, and also denies a claim that he routinely ignores the safeguards of a state law listing what a judge must do before sentencing someone for willful failure to pay a fine. Hoover also denies an allegation that he has exhibited a bias against people who appear without counsel and cannot afford to pay their fines and costs.

More: 'Get comfortable' in jail, Stow judge warns defendants who can't pay fines up front

More: Stow Municipal Court Judge Kim Hoover faces state complaint over handling of defendants

More: Stow asks cities to close their mayor's courts. Cuyahoga Falls, Munroe Falls refuse

The Disciplinary Counsels complaint describes 12 different cases spanning the past few years that were handled by Hoover in which he employed tactics that the Disciplinary Counsel said violated provisions of the Ohio Code of Judicial Conduct and the Ohio Rules of Professional Conduct. In his answer, Hoover denied violating those provisions in any of those cases.

In each case, his response to the Disciplinary Counsel asserts that his actions in handling defendants  as recorded in transcripts or audio of the cases  speak for themselves.

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Lima attorney Robert B. Fitzgerald, Fifth District Court of Appeals Judge John W. Wise and retired Lake County Judge Joseph Gibson have been appointed to serve on a three-member Board of Professional Conduct panel to hear the complaint against Hoover.

A pretrial conference will take place to schedule the hearing date. The pretrial conference has not been scheduled yet.

Reporter Phil Keren can be reached at pkeren@thebeaconjournal.com, or on Twitter at @keren_phil.

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Stow Judge Kim Hoover denies judicial misconduct in reply to complaint
The Taliban have halted all flights of Afghan evacuees for the past two weeks in a dispute about how the airport in Kabul is run and who is allowed on the evacuation flights, according to a congressional source, two refugee advocates and a source familiar with the matter.

A State Department official involved in relocation efforts confirmed that flights have stopped. We are hopeful that flights will resume shortly, though as usual, winter weather conditions and airport operations remain additional factors to be aware of.

At issue are U.S.-chartered Qatar Airways flights that had been running between Kabul and Doha. The Taliban began demanding several seats on the flights for Taliban fighters and sympathizers to leave the country so they can work in other countries and send desperately needed money back to Afghanistan, according to a congressional official and the source familiar with the matter. The countrys economy is in tatters, and millions of Afghans are short of food as temperatures drop.

The Talibans argument is that they run the country and that it is their airspace and airport the Qataris are using, so they should get a certain number of seats on the flights.

Before the flights stopped, the Taliban were using the seats to send migrant workers out of Afghanistan to Qatar, Saudi Arabia and other destinations to find work, according to the congressional source and the source familiar with the matter. While Taliban fighters were designating who got the seats, it is not clear whether the people leaving were hardened Taliban fighters, sympathizers, civilians or a combination of the groups.

At least some of those the Taliban wanted seats for had been living and working in Persian Gulf countries but had returned to Afghanistan and then found themselves stuck there when the government collapsed amid the U.S. withdrawal in August, the source familiar with the matter said. Those workers are trying to return abroad, which the Taliban wants to facilitate.

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Chartered flights for Afghan refugees bound for the U.S. are operated by Qatar Airways, the only carrier the Taliban have allowed to fly regularly out of Kabul. Before the Taliban suspended flights, about one or two chartered flights a week were heading to Qatar, refugee groups and U.S. officials said.

When the Qatari government declined to continue providing seats, the Taliban stopped the flights.

The Taliban and the Qatari government have been at odds over how the Taliban are running the airport since the Taliban officially took it over on Aug. 31. The Qataris have argued that the airport and its security are not up to international standards, and they have decried cases in which the Taliban harass Afghan refugees at the airport or prevent them from boarding their flights. The Taliban have also submitted sloppy paperwork to Qatar for passenger lists, one of the refugee advocates said.

The feud is between the Qataris and the Taliban, said the congressional source, the two refugee advocates and a State Department official.

But the source familiar with the matter said that in some cases, the Qataris are operating the flights for the Americans and that the decision to deny seats to the Taliban was at the urging of the U.S.

I can confirm for you that the U.S. is not involved in the dispute and has not been, said a U.S. government source familiar with the situation. This remains between Qatar and the Taliban.

Since the full withdrawal of all Americans from Afghanistan in late August, the Biden administration has said it continues to strive to get U.S. citizens and legal permanent residents out of the country.

State Department spokesman Ned Price told NBC News: It is essential that Kabul Airport remain operational in order to ensure safe passage, commerce and, above all, urgently needed humanitarian aid in Afghanistan. The Qataris have been unfailing, generous and critical partners in this important work, and we support the quickest possible resolution to any disagreements. We continue to press the Taliban to uphold their safe passage commitments.

More than 74,000 Afghans were evacuated to the U.S. in the August withdrawal in an effort dubbed Operation Allies Welcome, according to the State Department. But tens of thousands of Afghans, including those who worked for the U.S. military or for Western organizations, are still trying to leave the country and resettle in the U.S.

There is hope that the dispute will get sorted by January, the refugee advocate said.
William Thompson is surrounded by family and friends during an interview with media at the Stephen R. Chapman Family Community Campus of Community Hospice & Palliative Care on Dec. 10, 2021. Thompson and his mother, Lisa Feller, left, made Christmas arrangements and wreaths for families served by Community PedsCare.

After years of receiving care from a local organization, William Thompson and his mother decided to give back.

The 17-year-old has lived with Pfeiffer syndrome since he was born. It's an extremely rare craniofacial disorder that prevented his skull from growing with the rest of his body.

The disorder caused his skull to fuse during development in the womb, leaving his brain with no place to grow. When Thompson was an infant, his brain squeezed through soft skull tissue; X-rays showed a skull riddled with holes.

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Danielle Eaves, child life specialist with Community PedsCare, stands with William Thompson next to Christmas arrangements that Thompson and his mother made for families in the Community PedsCare program in St. Johns County.

He has gone through many surgeries because of his condition. He is blind, has speech difficulties and moves with the help of a wheelchair. But with the help of family, friends and professionals through Community PedsCare, he has grown into a joyful teen.

"He is just a sweet soul," said Danielle Eaves, child life specialist with Community PedsCare. "And he is so much fun. I've had the pleasure of watching him overcome so many different obstacles and accomplish all these milestones that he was told he never would."

Community PedsCare, which is part of the Community Hospice and Palliative Care organization, is "a nationally recognized pediatric program for children in Northeast and North Central Florida living with complex, chronic, life-limiting or advanced illnesses," according to the Community Hospice website.

The program has provided support to Thompson and his family, including a chaplain and visits from Eaves. She provides Thompson with both psychological and social support. Among other things, she helps him participate in recreational activities, she said.

Thompson helped his mother, Lisa Feller, create about 100 Christmas arrangements for Community Hospice and Palliative Care to show their appreciation for the care he received over the years, and to brighten the holidays for other families.

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Attached to each wreath and centerpiece was a note with a photo and message from Thompson.

A photo of William Thompson was attached to Christmas centerpieces and wreaths made by Thompson and his mother, Lisa Feller, for families in Community PedsCare.

"We wanted to give back after all these years because he's been with PedsCare since 2006," Feller said. "And Danielle, who you know, she comes out, and we call it play therapy. And they have done so many nice things together. They've planted flowers. They've painted rocks. It's such a great program."

Feller encouraged people to donate to the program.

Feller and Eaves were at Thompson's side during a visit this month to the Stephen R. Chapman Family Community Campus of Community Hospice & Palliative Care in St. Augustine. Thompson and his parents delivered the items to the campus along with friends and program officials. The visit was intended not only to provide the arrangements, but also to celebrate Thompson's efforts.

During an interview with media, Feller bent down and whispered to her son, encouraging him to speak.

"Merry Christmas," Thompson said.

 Matt Soergel of The Florida Times-Union contributed to this report.

This article originally appeared on St. Augustine Record: St. Augustine teen with Pfeiffer syndrome helps bring Christmas surprise
From memoirs and short stories to an award-winning poetry collection, these books by Latino authors transported us to different places and made us reflect, smile, cry and gain a deeper understanding of identity, family, love and loss.

My Broken Language: A Memoir, by Quiara Alegria Hudes

In this emotional memoir, Hudes, a Pulitzer Prize winner, reflects on her own story, peeling back layers of her identity and upbringing. I had to take off so much armor to sit and write this book and express what does it mean to be half-white, what does it mean to be half-brown? Hudes said in an interview with NBC News. The memoir concentrates on Latina girlhood and womanhood while redefining what we view as representation.

Infinite Country: A Novel, by Patricia Engel

Full of twists and turns, Engels novel follows the close bonds a Colombian family holds through three generations as they face immigration and the complex set of challenges that come with it. The longing and love of own's homeland, the effects of assimilation and a familys separation across continents and borders are beautifully portrayed through the lens of parents and children. In an interview with NBC News, the award-winning Engel raises the question, How does a family remain a family through distance and time and uncertainty and ever-changing immigration laws?

Floaters: Poems, by Martin Espada

Espada, a winner of the prestigious National Book Award, writes a series of poems humanizing the dehumanized, a consistent theme throughout the book. The title is from his poem inspired by the searing image in the news of the intertwined bodies of Oscar Alberto Martinez Ramirez and his toddler daughter, Valeria, who drowned in the waters of the Rio Grande trying to cross the border into the U.S. Many of Espada's poems are odes to Latino artists and activists who were mentors to Espada  and left an indelible mark on the community.

Martita, I Remember You, by Sandra Cisneros

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"Cisneros sets this incredibly touching novel in the era before technology, when a young Latinas trip to Europe was full of wonder but also dangers without the quick access to a lifeline, the author, poet and scholar Rigoberto Gonzalez says about the acclaimed, award-winning novelist's latest book. Corinas story is about the challenges of living out a dream without the comforts of money, the pangs of homesickness, and the precarious connections with strangers who become friends and then strangers again.

Gentefication, by Antonio de Jesus Lopez

This inventive book of poems takes a meaningful look at the ways higher education demands Latinos assimilate, particularly through the displacement of ones cultural identity and language, Gonzalez said about the debut collection of Lopez, 27, whose experiences growing up in Palo Alto, California, in the shadow of Silicon Valley inspired him to run for office as East Palo Altos youngest City Council member.

Is the path toward success and belonging in a professional world worth the silencing of those voices that remind us of home, our faith, and our values? Gonzalez said about Lopezs book. Are the deficiencies not within us, but within those places that wont make room for our complex lives and experiences?

The Soul of a Woman, by Isabel Allende

In a book that is part memoir and part treatise, Allende, an award-winning Chilean author, writes about the challenges that come with being a progressive feminist in a male-dominated book publishing world, revealing harsh inequalities that exploit women. Hoping to uplift and inspire the younger generations of women, Allende told the Los Angeles Times in an interview with Gonzalez: I want to light the torches of our daughters and granddaughters with mine. They will have to live for us, as we lived for our mothers, and carry on the work we didnt have time to finish.

For Brown Girls with Sharp Edges & Tender Hearts, by Prisca Dorcas Mojica Rodriguez

Rodriguez, the founder of Latina Rebels, an online platform publishing bilingual content on social media, writes about how Latinas can reclaim their identity and be their true authentic selves. A tool guide for Latinx folk to address the common issues we go through, like colorism, imposter syndrome, said Karen Ugarte, the bookstore manager of Tia Chucha in Sylmar, California. Using her own voice and experiences, the author empowers us with tools and language to be a driving force for social change, Ugarte said.

In an interview in October, Rodriguez said: I wanted to share what I learned at college and graduate school with everyone. This information shouldnt be so inaccessible, so women of color can see what we are up against in our daily lives.

The Rock Eaters: Stories, by Brenda Peynado

Chosen as an NPR Best Book of 2021 and one of the New York Public Library's 10 best books for adults in 2021, Peynados debut collection of short stories uses elements of science fiction and fantasy to reflect across a range of issues, including class differences, xenophobia and immigration. At the heart of each story, she emphasizes the question: What does it mean to be other? What does it mean to love in a world determined to keep us apart?

What I most admire is the moral imagination of these stories, the acclaimed author Julia Alvarez said in a blurb of the book. Peynado is a writer willing to cross literary borders: magical realism, fable, parable, fiction, nonfiction  she erases those limiting storytelling parameters and her stories soar.

Eat the Mouth That Feeds You, by Carribean Fragoza

In a visceral and terrifying debut collection of short stories that detail the Latino experience in Southern California, Fragoza, a fiction writer who grew up in South El Monte, California, guides readers through the perspective of Latinas and how they navigate supernatural stories that take place on both sides of the U.S.-Mexico border. Immersing us into a liminal world that Fragoza mastered beautifully in each short story, Eat the Mouth That Feeds You is one that is hard to keep on our shelves," said Sarah Rafael Garcia, an author and the founder of LibroMobile Bookstore in Santa Ana, California.

Bright Star, by Yuyi Morales

Described as "the perfect gift for every child," this New York Times Best Children's Book of the Year mixes powerful imagery and words to describe a fawn's journey through a treacherous landscape that is full of potential. In her first book since her New York Times bestseller "Dreamers," Morales, an award-winning author and illustrator, writes in a soothing yet powerful tone to empower readers. The books art was created using digital paintings infused with photographs from the Sonoran Desert, sketches and hand-embroidered lettering.

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The Browns and quarterback Baker Mayfield have been on a collision course for weeks, if not months. The collision may indeed happen this offseason. Mary Kay Cabot of the Cleveland Plain Dealer reports that, if Mayfield doesnt get assurances that things will change next season, the quarterback will consider asking to be traded. The primary [more]
A huge male silverback gorilla nibbles on a tasty bamboo shoot before farting loudly, oblivious to his neighbours -- farmers working fertile fields a stone's throw away.

With hundreds of mountain gorillas in residence, the Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda is a conservation triumph. But this resurgence is not without consequences, as the majestic creatures now struggle for space to grow and thrive.

Straddling Rwanda, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Virunga range includes eight volcanoes in the heart of Africa's densely populated Great Lakes region and is, along with Uganda's Bwindi Forest, the world's only habitat for mountain gorillas.

Officials at the Rwandan park are proud of its success in regenerating the primate population.

"In the census we did in 2010, these mountain gorillas were 880; in 2015 we did another census that showed we have 1,063" in the Virunga massif and the Bwindi park, ranger Felicien Ntezimana told AFP, before leading a hike into the mist-covered forest where the animals live.

Thanks to this revival, the mountain gorilla, known for its thick, shiny fur, is now listed as "endangered" by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, while other great apes remain "critically endangered".

The animal has come a long way since the 1980s when decades of poaching caused its population to plunge to just 250 across the Virunga range, and famed American primatologist Dian Fossey was murdered in the Rwandan park allegedly because of her anti-poaching efforts.

Stronger security measures and efforts to win over local villagers have helped turn the mountain gorilla's fortunes around.

Today, 10 percent of the cost of each $1,500 park ticket goes towards community projects while five percent is allocated to a compensation fund for villagers.

Far from being hated and feared as they were in the past, the gorillas are now seen as key to the community's financial future, says Jean-Baptiste Ndeze, an elderly inhabitant of Musanze, a town bordering the park.

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"Tourists throw money at them, which... comes back to us in the form of food, shelter and good livelihood," he told AFP.

- Infanticide and disease -

While the tourism sector contributed $25 million to Rwanda's economy pre-pandemic, the park's success in conservation has led to unforeseen consequences.

Twenty-five years ago, the Rwandan authorities were monitoring about 100 apes in the forest. Today, about 380 gorillas call it home, according to an official count.

As a result of tourism and interaction with researchers, the primates are accustomed to humans, and they are increasingly unafraid to venture into populated areas as their own habitat grows cramped.

"We have seen gorillas more frequently coming out of the park and looking for food outside... also they tend to move further away from the edge of the park," said Felix Ndagijimana, who heads the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund in Rwanda.

The results can be dire.

The powerfully built animal -- an adult male can weigh up to 200 kilogrammes (440 pounds) -- is vulnerable to human diseases such as influenza, pneumonia and Ebola.

Rising gorilla numbers have also raised the likelihood of fights between the primates which can often prove fatal for the species' youngest members.

After seeing population growth slow a decade ago, Ndagijimana and his colleagues carried out a study which showed a staggering five-fold increase in infanticides.

"Infanticides are a big problem because it can have a huge negative impact in the gorillas' population increase," he told AFP.

- Displacement -

The problem is much more pronounced in Rwanda than in neighbouring countries.

Only one gorilla family lives on the Ugandan side of the Virunga range, while the Congolese park is "huge" compared with the Rwandan forest, says Benjamin Mugabukomeye from the International Gorilla Conservation Programme, a regional organisation.

In a bid to address the issue, Rwanda plans to extend its park, adding 23 percent more surface area over the next decade.

The ambitious project is due to start next year and will displace around 4,000 farmer households.

"It's a process we are undertaking very, very carefully," park director Prosper Uwingeli told AFP, adding that officials were conducting feasibility studies and designing detailed relocation sites.

The authorities intend to compensate the displaced families and house them in newly constructed "model villages" -- with a prototype already visible in Musanze.

In addition to a huge school and a poultry farm, the village includes immaculate, fully furnished brick apartments -- with the government insisting that the move will benefit displaced farmers.

Although they may have little choice but to comply with an authoritarian state, some families living on the edge of the park are worried.

"This place is very fertile and it has enabled me to feed my family," one potato farmer told AFP.

The gorillas "are not a problem", he said, but he complained that "where they want to relocate us, the soil is not as fertile".

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Summit County Public Health is giving away free BinaxNow COVID-19 home tests.

You took a rapid at-home COVID-19 test and the results came back positive.

Do you need to report your case to your local health department? And what else should you do?

Summit County residents who get a positive result from a non-proctored, at-home rapid test should report the results to Summit County Public Health, according to Marlene Martin, the health department's public information officer.

Results from proctored at-home tests  those taken on-camera via your computer during a free telehealth session  are automatically reported to the state health department, which then shares the information with local health departments for isolation instructions and contact tracing, if necessary.

Betty Lin-Fisher: Free at-home COVID test offers peace of mind when in doubt about virus

COVID-19 testing: Here's where you can get free tests in Summit County

Summit County Public Health has set up an online form for residents to report their positive results from non-proctored, at-home COVD-19 tests. Go to tiny.cc/hometest19 to fill out the form.

Self-reported positive results are added as "probable" cases to the county's official COVID-19 count, Martin said.

"We enter it into the state system and do a case investigation and contract trace," she said.

Martin said non-proctored home tests are fine, "as long as the individuals use our process to report the positive from an unproctored test."

How long do I need to isolate after a positive COVID test?

People who test positive for COVID-19 should isolate for 10 days after the test results if they're asymptomatic or for 10 days after their symptoms started, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Seek emergency medical help if you experience trouble breathing, persistent pain or pressure in the chest, new confusion, inability to wake or stay awake, or pale, gray or blue-colored skin, lips or nail beds.

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: COVID-19 in Summit County: What to do after a positive at-home test
A 13-year-old girl is on her way back home after being wooed over social media to run away with a man to New Mexico.

Investigators believe Lucas Murphy, 35, drove to the Tri-Cities to pick up the girl and take her back to his home in Los Lunas, said a Kennewick police news release.

The teen had previously lived in Kennewick with her mother, and they had moved to Montana in April. Her mother let the girl come back to Kennewick to visit friends.

What the girls mother didnt know was that Murphy had been talking with the girl for months, according to what she told a friend, court documents show.

Those conversations continued after she arrived in Kennewick, according to the documents.

The teens friend told investigators that Murphy and the girl used Snapchat and Facetime to communicate while she was staying in Kennewick.

(The teen) and the male (Murphy) spoke about their days and what the plan was when the male came to get her, according to documents filed in Benton County Superior Court.

The conversations included how they planned to use marijuana, drink alcohol and have sex, and investigators found inappropriate pictures that were tied to the Snapchat conversations.

A popular feature of the instant messaging app is that messages and posts are usually only accessible for a short time.

The friend also overheard the girl tell the man that she was 13, and Murphy reportedly said he was 21.

Lucas Murphy

He said he was a mail delivery driver, and her friend saw him delivering packages during one of the conversations, said investigators.

On Dec. 18, her friend saw the girl take a picture of the entrance to the trailer park where she was staying.

Snapchat account

The teen told her mother and her friends father that she planned to stay the night at another friends home in Tri-Cities.

The teen never arrived at that girls home, and when the friends father went to pick her up on Dec. 19 she was gone.

The teens mother soon found that her daughter had logged onto her tablet to use Snapchat.

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She found conversations between her daughter and someone using the handle luciddreamer462. The map associated with the name pointed to Los Lunas, New Mexico.

Investigators soon got information from her Snapchat account tying it to Murphys account. Thats when they learned he was 35.

They worked quickly with multiple law enforcement agencies in Los Lunas to arrest Murphy on Wednesday on a warrant with a $1 million bail and found the girl.

He was booked into Valencia County jail on Benton County charges of first-degree kidnapping with a sexual motivation, attempted second-degree rape of a child and communication with a minor for immoral purposes.

Its unknown if he will face additional charges in New Mexico and when he will be brought back to Kennewick.

Police in New Mexico are arranging for the girls return to her family.
Rise and shine, Toledo! It's Thursday, so let's get you started with everything you need to know going on today in town.

First, today's weather:

A flurry in the a.m.; breezy. High: 41 Low: 34.

Here are the top stories in Toledo today:

ProMedica Toledo Hospital and Mercy St. Vincent's Hospital will receive help from a deployment of Ohio National Guard troops in response to the recent surge of COVID-19 patients. Ohio Dept. of Health Director Dr. Bruce Vanderhoff made the announcement Wednesday, and also stressed that the majority of hospitalizations are unvaccinated persons. (WTOL) Toledoan Nicholas Beckford was sentenced to 10 years in prison for fatally shaking his infant son Ezykiel Beckford when the child was just three weeks old in September 2020. Beckford entered into a guilty plea for involuntary manslaughter, endangering children, and felonious assault. The original murder charges were dropped as a result of the plea. (13abc Action News) Navy Commander Jennifer Reid was relieved of her duties as commanding officer of the northwest Ohio Navy Reserve Center Monday. The announcement was made by Capt. Billy D. Franklin of the Navy Region Mid-Atlantic Reserve Component Command Great Lakes, who cited a "loss of confidence" in Reid's ability to fulfill her duties. (WTOL) Last year students at the McKinley STEMM Academy won a Green Energy Machine (G.E.M.) in the Ohio STEM Learning Network Engineering Design Challenge. This year, the G.E.M. has been used to power the school's Christmas Tree using solar panels. (13abc Action News) With the holidays quickly approaching, local veterinarians have traditionally seen a rise in pets needing care. Dr. Brooke West of West Toledo Animal Hospital warns that certain foods can be dangerous for pets, such as avocado, garlic, onions, grapes, and raisins. Other issues stem from overfeeding dogs turkey or ham, or cats getting into ribbon or tinsel. (WNWO NBC 24)

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Today in Toledo:

Winterfest Family Movie - Toledo Public Library - Main Branch (10:00 AM)

Holiday Market at Toledo Farmers Market (3:00 PM)

Yu_Gi_Oh! Tournament, Checkmate Games and Hobbies (6:00 PM)

Oliver Hazard: Holiday Charity Show, Ohio Theatre & Events Center (7:00 PM)

Rich and Ronnie G's Trivia at The Oarhouse (7:00 PM)

From my notebook:

The Ohio Turnpike has announced 8 winners for its " Name-A-Snowplow " contest sponsored by Northern Ohio Buick GMC Dealers . The winners each received a $100 gift card, and notable entries include Sir Plows-A-Lot , Plowy McPlowface , and Snow More Mr. Ice Guy . (13abc Action News)

Toledo group Team Recovery , led by Director of Program Development Juan Duarte , have started an event they call " Fight Fentanyl Fridays " in an effort to raise awareness of the record number of opioid deaths this year. Look for the group holding signs at the intersection of Monroe and Douglas from now through the end of the year. (13abc Action News)

Though Christmas is just around the corner, the Toledo Metroparks are accepting proposals from decorators for next year's annual Manor House holiday celebration. The form to apply can be accessed online here. (13abc Action News)

Police are investigating after Anthony Fizer III was shot by unknown assailants as he was leaving the home of a relative in East Toledo Tuesday morning just after midnight. Fizer was admitted to Toledo Hospital with non-life threatening injuries. (WTOL)

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Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Thursday. I'll catch up with you bright and early tomorrow with a new update!

 Brad King

About me: I have been a lifelong Northwest Ohio native and University of Toledo grad (Go Rockets!). I'm old enough to remember when the Mud Hens were still playing in Maumee. The Glass City has seen some amazing revitalization and I am so excited to share every update with you!

This article originally appeared on the Toledo Patch
By Kanishka Singh

(Reuters) - The U.S. Justice Department said it resolved probes into Balfour Beatty Communities, one of the U.S. military's largest private landlords, after it pleaded guilty on Wednesday to one count of major fraud and agreed to pay over $65 million in fines and restitution.

Balfour Beatty was being investigated for defrauding the U.S. Air Force, Army and Navy. A company spokesperson said on Thursday: We have taken full responsibility and apologize to all our stakeholders.

The company is a unit of British infrastructure conglomerate Balfour Beatty Plc.

In 2019, Reuters reports described https://reut.rs/3su5sAg how Balfour Beatty employees falsified maintenance documents at Air Force bases to help the company qualify for incentive fee payments, citing five former employees who said they falsified records, company emails and internal Air Force communications. Service members and their families were exposed to asbestos, vermin, mold and raw sewage.

The reports prompted https://reut.rs/3mqRDP0 an investigation by the Air Force Office of Special Investigations and the Inspector Generals Defense Criminal Investigative Service.

U.S. District Judge Emmet Sullivan accepted the company's guilty plea on Wednesday and sentenced it to pay over $65 million, serve three years of probation, and engage an independent compliance monitor for a period of three years.

"Instead of promptly repairing housing for U.S. service members as required, Balfour Beatty Communities lied about the repairs to pocket millions of dollars in performance bonuses," said Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco.

"This pervasive fraud was a consequence of Balfour Beatty Communities' broken corporate culture".

Stacy Cabrera, a former housing manager at Texass Lackland Air Force Base who told Reuters she felt pressure to manipulate records to meet the bonus goals, pleaded guilty to major fraud in April. Rick Cunefare, a former Balfour Beatty regional manager who oversaw bases in Oklahoma, Texas and other states, pleaded guilty earlier this year to major fraud.

(Reporting by Kanishka Singh in Bengaluru; Editing by Sonya Hepinstall)
By Stephen Nellis

(Reuters) - The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission has declined an effort by Apple Inc to skip a shareholder proposal asking the iPhone maker to provide greater transparency in its efforts to keep forced labour out of its supply chain.

A group of shareholders earlier this year asked Apple's board to prepare a report on how the company protects workers in its supply chain from forced labour. The request for information covered the extent to which Apple has identified suppliers and sub-suppliers that are a risk for forced labour, and how many suppliers Apple has taken action against.

In a letter from the SEC reviewed by Reuters on Wednesday, regulators denied Apple's move to block the proposal, saying that "it does not appear that the essential objectives of the proposal have been implemented" so far.

The letter means that Apple will have to face a vote on the proposal at its annual shareholder meeting next year, barring a deal with the shareholders who made it.

Apple did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

American lawmakers last week passed a bill banning imports from China's Xinjiang region over concerns about forced labour.

"There's rightfully growing concern at all levels of government about the concentration camp-like conditions for Uyghurs and other Turkic Muslims living under Chinese government rule," Vicky Wyatt, campaign director for SumOfUs, a group supporting the shareholder proposal, said in a statement on Wednesday.

Apple routinely asks the SEC to skip shareholder proposals, and the requests are granted about half the time.

The SEC also denied Apple's request to skip a shareholder proposal that would give investors more information about the company's use of non-disclosure agreements.

(Reporting by Stephen Nellis in San Francisco; Editing by Kenneth Maxwell)
By Lawrence Hurley

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -The U.S. Supreme Court agreed on Wednesday to take up disputes over the Biden administration's nationwide vaccine-or-testing COVID-19 mandate for large businesses and a separate vaccine requirement for healthcare workers.

The brief court order said the court will hear oral arguments on Jan. 7 in the two cases, with rulings likely to follow in short order.

The court, which has a 6-3 conservative majority, delayed action on emergency requests in both cases that sought an immediate decision. The workplace mandate is currently in effect nationwide, while the healthcare worker mandate is blocked in half of the 50 U.S. states.

The White House is confident in the legal authority for the two mandates, White House spokesperson Jen Psaki said in a statement, and the Justice Department "will vigorously defend both at the Supreme Court."

The challenges reached the high court as the new, highly transmissible Omicron variant surges, with public health officials bracing for a "tidal wave" of cases in the United States.

An appeals court on Friday allowed the workplace mandate, which covers 80 million American workers, to go into effect, prompting businesses, states and other groups challenging the policy to ask the Supreme Court to block it.

The other case concerns whether the administration can require healthcare workers at facilities that treat federally funded Medicare and Medicaid patients to receive shots while litigation continues.

The Biden administration asked the court to allow the policy to go into effect in 24 states in which it was blocked by lower courts. It is also blocked in Texas in a separate case not before the justices.

President Joe Biden in September unveiled regulations to increase the adult vaccination rate as a way of fighting the pandemic, which has killed more than 800,000 Americans and weighed on the economy.

Among the challengers are 27 mostly Republican-led states, various individual businesses and business groups, and two groups of religious entities, including the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky. Business challengers include the National Federation of Independent Business, a trade group that represents small businesses.

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Last week, the 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Cincinnati lifted a November injunction that had blocked the workplace rule from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), which applies to businesses with at least 100 workers.

The healthcare worker rule, also challenged by mostly Republican-led states, required more than 2 million unvaccinated healthcare workers to receive a first vaccine dose by Dec. 6.

Medicare and Medicaid are federal programs that provide healthcare for people who are elderly, disabled or living on low incomes.

(Reporting by Lawrence Hurley; Editing by Chris Reese, Peter Cooney and Sonya Hepinstall)
Author Joan Didion, a US literary icon credited with ushering in "new journalism" with her essays on Los Angeles life in the tumultuous 1960s, died on Thursday. She was 87.

Didion, a successful reporter, film screenwriter and novelist known for her piercing insights and understated glamor, died at her home in New York due to complications from Parkinson's disease, her publisher said.

"We will mourn her death but celebrate her life, knowing that her work will inspire generations of readers and writers to come," said her editor Shelley Wanger, at Penguin Random House's Knopf imprint.

Didion's early work included her seminal 1968 first-person essay collection "Slouching Towards Bethlehem" -- which delighted critics and made her a bona fide star -- and "Play It as It Lays," a novel about Hollywood lives.

"The White Album," an essay collection that depicted West Coast hippie counterculture, the rise of the Black Panthers and the notorious Manson murders, is perhaps Didion's most widely recognized work, starting with the famous sentence: "We tell ourselves stories in order to live."

Didion and her husband John Gregory Dunne penned screenplays including Al Pacino's romantic drama "The Panic in Needle Park."

In 1976, they re-wrote romantic musical "A Star is Born," resulting in the smash box-office hit starring Barbra Streisand and Kris Kristofferson.

Other scripts included "True Confessions," starring Robert De Niro and Robert Duvall, and "Up Close and Personal," an adaptation of a biography of US news anchor Jessica Savitch featuring Robert Redford and Michelle Pfeiffer.

As well as her acuity in describing contemporary American society, Didion became renowned for her autobiographical talents.

Decades after her heyday as a Hollywood socialite, screenwriter, essayist and novelist, Didion found herself again in the spotlight for her searingly honest writing on bereavement following a harrowing double tragedy.

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Didion was 69 when Dunne suffered a fatal heart attack and, less than two years later, the couple's adopted daughter Quintana Roo was killed at age 39 by acute pancreatitis.

She explored her devastating loss in her 2011 memoir "Blue Nights."

- 'Modern classics' -

"Didion was one of the country's most trenchant writers and astute observers," said Knopf executive Paul Bogaards in a statement to AFP.

"Her best-selling works of fiction, commentary, and memoir have received numerous honors and are considered modern classics."

Didion was born in Sacramento, California in 1934.

She began her career as a proofreader with Vogue in New York, and published her first novel "Run River," about the disintegration of a California family, in 1963.

She met Dunne, who was then writing for Life magazine, in New York.

Her other novels include "A Book of Common Prayer", set in a fictional Central American country, and "The Last Thing He Wanted."

Didion was awarded a National Medal of Arts and Humanities by President Barack Obama in 2013.

In 2017, she was profiled in the Netflix documentary "Joan Didion: The Center Will Not Hold," directed by Griffin Dunne, the son of her brother-in-law.

cl-amz/bgs
The US aviation regulator on Wednesday proposed modifications and safety inspections on some models of the Boeing 777 jet, following a number of engine incidents.

The most recent and dramatic one involved an engine on a United Airlines 777 bursting into flames shortly after takeoff in February, scattering debris over a Denver suburb.

No one was injured, but it led to scores of 777s equipped with Pratt & Whitney engines being removed from service worldwide. The US Federal Aviation Administration had ordered checks on all similar engines before any of those models returned to the skies.

On Wednesday, it said these 777 models needed modifications for safety.

"The FAA has determined that further action is necessary to address the airplane-level implications and unsafe condition resulting from in-flight engine fan blade failures," the regulator said in a statement Wednesday, citing three incidents including the one over Denver.

The problem was "likely to exist or develop on other products of the same type design," it added, of which it said there were 54 in the United States and 128 worldwide.

It has proposed installing debris shields on part of the engine casing, new checks on a fan part, and repeated tests on a mechanism supposed to be triggered in the event of a fire.

The proposals, which will not be published officially until December 28, are open for commentary until the end of January.

"We support these guidelines, which reflect our work with the FAA to improve the design" of the engines in question, a Boeing spokesperson told AFP.

Contacted by AFP, United Airlines, the only American carrier operating these 777 models, described the proposals as "a good solution".

The company said many of the affected aircraft were already subject to the proposed inspections.

"We expect these planes to join our (operational) fleet early next year," United said.

Even before the Denver incident, air safety regulators had been weighing stricter inspections on the jets and their Pratt & Whitney engines, US officials had said previously.

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The FAA reviewed inspection records and maintenance history after an engine fan blade on a Japan Airlines jet fractured in December 2020. The flight landed without injuries.

The 777 is one of Boeing's most successful commercial jets, in service with more than 60 airlines around the world.

tu/iba/reb/qan
OTING, India (AP)  It was 2004 when a bear mauled Nenwang Konyak in the forest in Mon district, high up in the hills along Indias border with Myanmar. The men in his village, Oting, rescued him and carried him home. He survived, thanks to them, but was left with a jagged scar running down his face.

When Nenwang heard that his village had called for a search team earlier this month to look for a group of laborers who were missing, he didnt hesitate. He and his 23-year-old twin brothers joined them on Dec. 4, not knowing that the laborers had already been killed by Indian soldiers. Later that day, seven men in the search party were killed by the soldiers - and Nenwang returned home without his twin brothers.

Like others in the village, he is haunted by the events of Dec. 4 and 5, when 14 civilians and a soldier were killed in a series of attacks in the northeastern state of Nagaland. Twelve of men, most of them coal miners, were from Oting village. The violence, among the deadliest to hit the state in recent years, sparked national anger and headlines - and left Oting reeling with shock and grief.

Even Christmas will bring no joy. Our hearts are hurting. They were our own children, said Among, a 50-year-old Christian woman in the village.

This part of India is long accustomed to pain. The people here are Nagas, a minority group more ethnically tied to Myanmar and China than to India. Over 90% of the states more than 1.9 million people are Christian -- a striking contrast in a Hindu-majority country. For decades, Nagas have fought a battle for independence from India, and there are few families that have not suffered from the violence.

In recent years, the violence has ebbed but the demands for political rights have grown even as the federal government has pushed for talks with separatists. Peace negotiations began in 1997 after the Indian government signed a cease-fire agreement with the Isak-Muivah faction of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland.

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In Oting, many work as farmers, except for during the lean season from November to March as the rains subside. During that time, they labor in open-pit coal mines. It is a backbreaking work. The money earned is often used to pay for school for their children, but when December comes, its all about Christmas.

On Saturday, Dec. 4, Shomwang, a villager, set off from Oting with food to give to the people working in his coal mine. On his way back home, he was joined by seven miners on his truck who wanted to be back in the village for the Sunday church service.

Their vehicle had barely left the mine when it was ambushed by Indian soldiers. Bullets began raining down, killing Shomwang and five others. Two remain hospitalized.

Back in Oting, the villagers heard the shooting but dismissed it as a gunfight between soldiers and Naga fighters or between rival Naga factions. But when night fell and no one had seen the laborers, a search party set out. Soon, they found the truck, empty and bullet-ridden. Barely 50 meters (150 feet) away, they saw soldiers on four trucks, one of them carrying the dead bodies of their brothers, sons and friends piled like animal carcasses on top of one another.

Enraged, they set three military vehicles on fire. The soldiers retaliated by shooting not just at the crowd, but also at stalls and shops about a kilometer (half a mile) away. By the time the last bullet was fired, 13 civilians in total and one soldier had been killed. Several were injured.

The violence continued the next day, when protesters attacked an army camp, prompting soldiers to shoot, killing one more civilian.

The army said the soldiers acted on the basis of credible intelligence that some of the victims were militants, but expressed regret and called it a case of mistaken identity. The government said it will launch an investigation. But villagers have rejected it, demanding an independent probe. They have also refused compensation offered by the government.

I was helping others unload the bodies from the truck when the soldiers started firing. I ran for my life and took refuge inside an earthmover. Two people hiding with me got killed. When the soldiers started shooting in our direction, I ran, said Phonai, a coal miner and part of the search team who survived.

Nearly three weeks later, Shomwang's truck, marked with bullet holes and cordoned off by crime scene tape, still stands at the site of the attack as a reminder. A stench, foul and overpowering, hangs in the air.

The incident struck a chord, drawing hundreds of people to Oting. Officials came to investigate, others came simply to offer support and share their grief.

The pain is unbearable, said Naophe Wangcha, the mother of the village chief. We just want news that the guilty have got what they deserve.

Cries of anger have spilled beyond Oting, swelling in towns and cities across Nagaland. Since the deaths, candlelight vigils and solidarity marches have called for the revocation of the Armed Forces Special (Powers) Act, which has loomed over the region since 1958 and gives many areas the feel of an occupied territory. The act gives the military sweeping powers to search, arrest and even shoot suspects with little fear of prosecution. Nagas and human rights groups have long accused security forces of abusing the law.

On a recent Thursday, in a tiny wooden house with mud floors, an 18-year-old, Mary Wangshu, was mourning her brother.

Manpeih was the familys only son and was pampered at home. The siblings worked in the coal mines, and were the only ones living in the family house with their parents. I miss him, she said. He was my only companion at home after everyone moved away.

Outside, her mother, Awat, was surrounded by neighbors who tried to distract her - once, she even tried to laugh.

Grief is shared here, even if villagers processes loss in their own way. Some silently weep in their kitchens, some angrily call for justice, some share stories, some seek solace in the church. Yet theyre all interconnected, and have been, for generations. There are friendships and marriages and lifetimes that link the people here.

Humans are not harvested from the ground. They arent grown wild. They come from our wombs. We care for them for nine months with physical pain, we keep them safe from mosquito bites, we give them food meant for ourselves, we send them to school with hope for their future. And then to have them killed has brought us much grief, Among said. We will visit their graves on Christmas morning and speak with them. We will ask their spirits to visit us.

At dusk a few days after the killings, Shomwangs younger brother is sitting with Nenwang and his parents around the fireplace. Both families have suffered loss but have also found solace in each other.

It is too painful. I dont want to talk about it, Nenwang said softly.
WAYNE, NJ  As more school districts around New Jersey plan closures because of rising coronavirus cases, Wayne Township Public Schools "expect" to reopen after winter break, Superintendent Dr. Mark Toback said Thursday.

The district may face staffing issues because of the surge in cases and quarantines, but officials are "well-prepared to deal with a variety of scenarios," Toback said.

The state hit record-highs for case totals for two days straight. The New Jersey Department of Health reported 9,711 new cases Wednesday and 15,482 on Thursday. State officials also announced confirmed 61 new COVID-19 deaths in the past two days.



A growing number of schools have temporarily switched to virtual instruction or plan to do so after winter break. Nearby, Haledon schools closed for four days of remote learning Monday. Paterson schools will go virtual after the break and return Jan. 18 to in-person learning.

But Toback also relayed news that could prevent some quarantine periods. New Jersey may soon have a "test and stay" option in which students identified as close contacts could be able to stay in school with regular testing.

Students would take rapid tests over several days before entering the classroom. The option could become available in January, state officials said.

Wayne schools will also increase in-district testing options as New Jersey faces heightened demand for COVID-19 tests. Starting Jan. 11, the district will offer voluntary testing for students two days per week  2:30-5 p.m. Tuesdays and Wednesdays in the Environmental Center behind the cell phone tower (50 Nellis Dr.).

New Jersey schools haven't been immune to state's recent surge in cases. Last week, 12.05 of every 1,000 school employees and 7.8 of every 1,000 students tested positive for the virus. In the last week of November, 4.3 staff and 2.66 students per 1,000 came down with cases.

Next month, Wayne schools will report cases each week under the district website's "COVID Updates" tab.

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Read Toback's full letter to the Wayne school community.

Thanks for reading. Have a news tip? Email josh.bakan@patch.com. Subscribe to your local Patch newsletter and follow the Wayne Patch Facebook Page.

This article originally appeared on the Wayne Patch
Dana Canedy, left, is portrayed by actor Chante Adams in the movie "A Journal for Jordan," directed by Denzel Washington. (Jesse Dittmar / For The Times)

"A Journal for Jordan" is a story of love lost and found.

Directed by Denzel Washington, the film tells the real story of former New York Times senior editor Dana Canedy (played by Chante Adams) and 1st Sgt. Charles Monroe King's (Michael B. Jordan) unlikely love affair.

"Dana just knew she wasn't going to end up with somebody like Charles," said Adams. "That was not the man that she had painted in her imagination of who her future husband and father of her child was going to be. But they loved each other despite their differences. Their connection was magnetic, and eventually she had to give into that and it was probably the best decision she's ever made."

King, a decorated soldier, started recording guidance and advice for his infant son in a 200-page journal shortly before being deployed in 2006 to Iraq, where he was killed by an improvised explosive device.

Canedy chronicled the experience in a 2007 New York Times essay and later a book, "A Journal for Jordan: A Story of Love and Honor," in part to help heal from the loss. Having that effort come full circle in a film, in theaters this Christmas, is gratifying, she says.

"Back when I was writing the book, part of the reason I did it was to help me get through grief," said Canedy, now the senior vice president of Simon & Schuster. "I had to find some positive way to channel the pain. Now I don't so much focus on the healing as I do just the pride I have that I get to share Charles with the world. It's funny, women all over the world are telling me they've fallen in love with Charles, which makes me smile and I know would make him blush from above."

The Times caught up with Canedy, Adams and Washington to discuss the 13-year journey to bring the story to the screen.

How did this movie come about?

Washington's producing partner, Todd Black, bought the rights to the book and article in 2008 before it was published and enlisted Virgil Williams as screenwriter.

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"When Todd and Virgil handed me that script, I was like 'Wow,'" said Washington. "I could see a film. And we already knew that we were going with Michael B. Jordan. We'd seen him in 'Fruitvale Station' and Todd and I both really loved him. It was really just a matter of trying to find [an actress to play] Dana."

Canedy had input from the very beginning, working closely with Williams to get the details of the story right. "We went through every single page of the script," she said. "Denzel asked me questions regularly [over] the last couple of years: 'What color was Charles' car? Tell me about the first time you guys went on a date. What was it like when he came home from Iraq to meet his son?'"

"Between 2008 and 2018 was a period of trying to develop the screenplay to get it to a place that felt comfortable," Washington said. "And that was really Todd Black doing that. He [and] Virgil brought me a script in 2018 that I was moved by, which led me to want to direct the film."

"I still have pictures of Denzel holding Jordan on the set of his ['The Taking of Pelham 123"] movie when Jordan was 3 years old," said Canedy of their first meeting. "So he knew me and my son not just as characters but as real people. And he got to know Charles as a real person through us."

What made Michael B. Jordan the right person to play Charles?

"He's an amazing actor but [he and Charles] also look a lot alike," said Canedy. "And in talking to him before we started shooting, I realized wow, to everybody else he's this big movie star but he's also a nice, decent man and he's sweet and humble and he's a gentleman. I feel like he was just singularly right for this project and I feel very deeply that God led all of us to this."

"Michael was such a generous and supportive scene partner," said Adams. "The first day I showed up to set, he was like, 'Just so you know, this is your movie and I'm supporting you.' And just to hear that from Michael B. Jordan, one of the biggest movie stars in the world, was so reassuring and spoke to the kind of man that he is."

Dana Canedy, left, and Chante Adams, who portrays her in "A Journal for Jordan," photographed at the Whitby Hotel in New York City. (Jesse Dittmar / For The Times)

What made Chante Adams the right person to play Dana?

"She's the only person to play me," said Canedy. "There's no one else for this role."

Canedy and Washington auditioned something like 200 actresses for the role. "And he kept saying, 'I'll know her when I see her,'" she said.

"[Then] he called me one day and said, 'Open your computer,'" she remembered. "And I said, 'I'm in the supermarket.' And he said, 'Well, go home, open up your computer and type in this name: Chante Adams.'"

"Her picture popped up on the screen and I was like, 'Well, she certainly looks like me from that period, 15, 20 years ago.' And I looked at her bio and she's classically trained and won a Sundance award. And I thought, 'She certainly has the skills.' And then in talking to her I realized she also had the heart and was a faithful person, and when you combine all of that, there's no one else for this role."

"We started speaking right after I got the role," said Adams. "My anxiety was through the roof. I was so scared to speak with her the first time, just because I knew the weight that this story held. But from that first phone call, she was like, 'I'm so happy that you're here. Nobody else can do this. This is you, this is me, and we're going to do this together.' And she held my hand through the entire process.

"I was trying to be polite so I only called her like once every three weeks at first," Adams added. "But then by the time we started filming, we got so close I was like, 'Girl, what you doing? I [have] some questions.' And she would pick up no matter the time, no matter what she was doing, just to help guide me along through the process."

"Now she's family, that's my little sister," said Canedy of the actress. "She really brought her heart and soul to this. And Mike as well. The first day I was on set, I brought a duffel bag of things  so he wore Charles' actual dog tags that day, he held the actual journal and he saw the outfit that Jordan wore to his father's funeral. All of this made the experience very personal for everybody involved, and because of that you see palpably in their performances a love story like no other."

How did the actors flesh out the romantic aspects of Dana and Charles' relationship?

Washington gave the actors free rein to discover the emotional truth of Canedy and King's relationship on their own. "That's the actors' work, and they did a great job," he said. "And Chante was on the phone with Dana [often], I mean they're close-close. I know they both did extensive research with Dana."

"They had this unbelievable chemistry [that] was really palpable on set," said Canedy. "And so that helped them to really capture the passion that Charles and I shared. But they also captured the humor just because they were playful with each other on set. I think they came to really respect one another as actors and as people. It's a very personal experience to shoot a movie like this and I think they helped each other through the difficult scenes."

"I would call [Dana] the night before I had to shoot anything that was really big and she graciously walked me through every moment," said Adams. "Even the very hard ones that she doesn't like to talk about, she was very open with me. But it wasn't just about the sad moments, it was also the happy moments too. I wanted to know what it was about Charles that she fell in love with and so just being able to hear that from her mouth really aided in the process for both Michael and I."

What was it like working with Denzel Washington to tell this story?

The chance to work with Washington is what initially drew Adams to the audition for the role. "That was probably the first thing that attracted me, because the script was shrouded in secrecy throughout the audition process," she said. "So I didn't really know about the story until further down the line, but I knew about the caliber of work that Denzel attaches himself to and I knew I wanted to learn from him and study under him.

"Denzel is the best director I've ever had," she added. "He just knows how to communicate with his actors. It was an amazing experience being able to learn from him."

"The Denzel Washington that I know is a friend," said Canedy. "And obviously we all know him to be a brilliant moviemaker, [but] he's also a man of faith, a family man. And knowing that made me incredibly comfortable [putting] my life and my Charles' life story in his hands ... I tell him all the time I'll be grateful for the rest of my life."

How does Jordan feel about the movie?

"He is so proud," said Canedy. "He's proud of his parents. Watching him grow into this young man just fills me with pride. The parts of Charles that everybody talks about were his humble spirit and soul. He's giving, he's loving [and] that's Jordan. He stands soldier straight like his dad when he walks. I catch a glimpse of that sometimes and I think, 'Oh my goodness, he's growing into his father.' I think Charles would be very proud."

Why is now the right time for this story?

"Because we need love in this world," said Adams. "And there's so much love in this movie. It's not just romantic love  we see platonic love, familial love, the love between the mother and her son and even between a father and his son [both] while he's here and when he's gone. Going through a pandemic, we need as much love as we can get right now."

"I think it's just a beautiful love story," said Washington. "And it's about a real hero who made the ultimate sacrifice for his country. It's about love lost, service and honor. This is a real hero, a real gentleman. A man who sacrificed it all and loved harder than most. She's kept him alive and hopefully in a small way we have too."

"I think [the movie] is a testament to the enduring power of love," said Canedy. "Even though there are parts of the movie that are sad, it's also funny and joyous watching these characters, who happen to be me and my Charles, fall in love.

"You can't love this hard and not feel the loss equally hard when it happens," she added. "But I also think the movie is about resilience and hope and optimism. We are not victims or tragic figures. I had this incredible love that produced this amazing child  and to be able to share the story of patriotism, Black fatherhood, honor, dignity and love is a blessing."

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
The White House announced in a statement Wednesday evening that Vice President Kamala was in contact with a staffer who has tested positive with the coronavirus but has tested negative herself.

"It is in the publics interest to know if any of the four principals [President, Vice President, First Lady, and Second Gentleman] are considered to have been in close contact with a White House official who subsequently tested positive for COVID-19 shortly after that contact," the statement said. "The criteria for what is considered a 'close contact' with the principals is determined by the White House Medical Unit, in line with CDC guidance."

U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris speaking about migrants heading to the U.S. at a news conference with Guatemalan President Alejandro Giammattei during her visit to Guatemala City, Guatemala June 7, 2021. REUTERS/Carlos Barria REUTERS/Carlos Barria

TRUMP 'VERY APPRECIATIVE' AND 'SURPRISED' BIDEN ACKNOWLEDGED HIS ADMINISTRATION'S COVID VACCINE SUCCESS

The statement continued, "On Wednesday morning, a staff member who staffed the Vice President throughout the day Tuesday received a positive test result for COVID-19. Yesterday, Monday and every day last week, this staff member tested negative for COVID-19. This staff member is fully vaccinated and boosted and did not experience symptoms. Others who were in close contact with this staff member are being contacted and will be advised to get tested per CDC guidance."

The White House added that the vice president is tested on a "regular basis."

President Biden answers questions after speaking about the status of the country's fight against COVID-19 and the Omicron variant, in the State Dining Room of the White House in Washington, on Dec. 21, 2021. (Photo by BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP via Getty Images) BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP via Getty Images

BIDEN ADMITS HIS VACCINE MANDATES ARE UNPOPULAR BUT SAYS THEY'RE 'LEGAL AND EFFECTIVE'

President Biden also had a "close contact" with a staff member who has tested positive for COVID-19 , White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said in a statement on Monday.

"On Monday morning, a mid-level staff member, who does not regularly have contact with the President, received a positive result for a COVID-19 test," Psaki said in a statement. " Three days earlier, on Friday, that staff member had spent approximately 30 minutes in proximity to the President on Air Force One, on the way from Orange, South Carolina to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania."

Story continues

Vice President Kamala Harris speaks during an interview with The Los Angeles Times in her ceremonial office in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building on the White House Complex on Friday, Dec. 17, 2021 in Washington. (Kent Nishimura / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images) Kent Nishimura / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images

The White House revealed that the staff member who tested positive and was in contact with Biden "is fully vaccinated and boosted, and tested negative prior to boarding Air Force One, as is required for everyone traveling with the President. This staff member did not begin to experience symptoms until Sunday, and was tested on Monday."

Harris was in the Oval Office with Biden on Tuesday morning, per her White House schedule.

Fox News' Tyler O'Neil contributed to this report
Embattled Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer declared her support for President Bidens workforce vaccine mandate, flipping her previous stance on the issue.

The Michigan Democrat said during a Wednesday Zoom roundtable with reporters that she believes the COVID-19 omicron variant is the harbinger of "tough" times and praised the presidents vaccine mandate for large companies.

Whitmer said the Michigan state government was preparing to comply with Bidens mandate, which the governor says is "about saving lives" and "getting more people vaccinated."

MICHIGANS WHITMER FACES ACCUSATIONS OF ILLEGAL CAMPAIGN CONTRIBUTIONS

"If we're successful on those fronts, it's going to be to everyone's benefit," Whitmer said .

Whitmers stance on Bidens mandate is a new one, however  the governor said earlier this month that the presidents vaccine mandate would be a "problem" for the Great Lake States workforce.

"I know if that mandate happens, were going to lose state employees," the governor said . "Thats why I havent proposed a [state] mandate. We have a lot of the same concerns ... its going to be a problem for all of us."

Former Detroit police chief and Michigan gubernatorial candidate James Craig told Fox News in a Thursday statement that he is completely against the presidents business vaccine mandate that Whitmer has now thrown her weight behind.

"I've been vaccinated and encouraged people to listen to medical professionals when making their own decision," Craig said. "My position is clear and consistent  I am 100% against Biden's vaccine mandate, which Whitmer now supports."

Whitmer has been hit hard with scandals and controversies throughout her first term in office.

In October, the governor amassed nearly $4 million in excess campaign contributions for her 2022 reelection bid, reports showed late Monday.

Normal state contribution limits permit individuals and political action committees (PACs) to donate up to $7,150 per candidate during an election cycle.

Story continues

But Whitmer has accepted donations from at least 40 individuals who gave more than the traditionally permitted amount  including Timothy Light of Kalamazoo and William Parfet of Hickory Corners, who each contributed more than $50,000 over the last three months, as first reported The Detroit News .

DETROIT, MI - OCTOBER 31: Gov. Gretchen Whitmer speaks during a drive-in campaign rally with Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden and former President Barack Obama at Belle Isle on October 31, 2020 in Detroit, Michigan. Biden is campaigning with Obama on Saturday in Michigan, a battleground state that President Donald Trump narrowly won in 2016. (Photo by Drew Angerer/Getty Images) Drew Angerer

The Republican Governors Association (RGA) slammed Whitmer in a Thursday afternoon email to Fox News Digital, saying Whitmer is "fully embracing Joe Bidens job-killing vaccine mandate."

"After months of dodging, followed by opposition, Gretchen Whitmers latest flip-flop has her fully embracing Joe Bidens job-killing vaccine mandate," said RGA spokesperson Chris Gustafson. "While Michigan families struggle to keep up with runaway inflation, the last thing they need is more anti-small businesses policies that will only worsen Michigans already worst in the region unemployment rate."

Whitmer's office emailed a statement to Fox News Digital early Thursday afternoon, pushing back on the notion that Whitmer is flipping her stance, saying Whitmer has been a "sympathetic partner to businesses" in Michigan and that she will be "disbursing" $500 million "in funding to help businesses weather the pandemic."

"Since the safe and effective vaccines became widely available, Governor Whitmer has been working to support the goal of increasing our states vaccination numbers, so that we can protect more Michiganders and finally end this pandemic," Whitmer's office wrote. "While our approach in Michigan has not included any sort of mandate or restriction, the courts have allowed the federal governments vaccine rule to move forward, which means employers across the country, including the state government in Michigan, will need to draft a plan to keep employees safe at work."

"As an employer of nearly 50,000 State of Michigan employees, the governor has been a sympathetic partner to businesses while we try to understand how the federal vaccine rule will work for our employees," her office continued. "To help alleviate some of that stress, the governor signed into law, and will be disbursing, $500 million in funding to help businesses weather the pandemic as we all work to figure out the logistics and implementation process to be in compliance with the federal governments new rule."



Fox News' Caitlin McFall contributed reporting.
Authorities in Tokyo have reported the first apparent community transmission of the coronavirus Omicron variant in the Japanese capital.

Tokyo Metropolitan Government officials say the infected person is a doctor who works at a clinic in Tokyo. They say the case, confirmed Friday, is the first known to involve an individual with no recent record of overseas travel, and whose infection route is unclear.

The officials say a total of five people from the clinic and the person's household have been identified as close contacts, but all have so far tested negative for the virus.

They say none of the clinic's patients are deemed close contacts because the doctor wore both a face guard and mask, and thorough anti-infection measures were in place.

Tokyo Governor Koike Yuriko told reporters that the case is believed to have been community-acquired. She said it is vital to strengthen testing, so that people who are positive can be treated and isolated quickly.

Koike also urged people who are experiencing a cough, fever or other symptoms to consult with a doctor.

Officials in Tokyo reported three other Omicron cases on Friday, all of which involved people returning from overseas. They say two shared flights with people who were confirmed to have been infected with the variant earlier.
As William Kieler struggled to breathe, as he grew woozy and unresponsive, as they hooked him up to machines to shove air into his lungs, the worried staff at the small-town hospital in Auburn kept calling the big-city hospitals.

They called every hospital in Omaha. No room. They called Fremont. No chance. They called nearby out-of-state hospitals. No dice.

They called Bryan Health in Lincoln, where a nurse put Kieler on The List. Its a blinking list of names on a computer screen, a digital documentation of ages and illnesses and notes. The List did not exist, in its current form, until last year. Its grown longer as the latest waves of COVID-19 sicken and send mostly unvaccinated people to the Lincoln hospital.

William Kieler does not have COVID-19. Hes a retired tugboat captain from Peru, Nebraska, a man proud of a career spent piloting ships down the mighty Mississippi. Hes an 83-year-old with congestive heart failure. Hes the sort of patient who has always been quickly transferred from a small-town hospital to a big-city one. But not on Dec. 7.

Kieler was 20th on The List. The next day, 9th. Then 7th. Back to 9th, because too many people were coming into Bryans ER. Then 4th.

For a day, two days, three, the staff of the Nemaha County Hospital in Auburn, the people caring for Kieler, called and waited. The Bryan nurses  the keepers of The List  answered and waited. Kielers loved ones waited, and worried.

The horror of The List is simple. Its proof that one of the biggest, best hospitals in Nebraska is currently being forced to ration medical care  isnt able to admit very sick patients it would normally admit  because its emergency rooms, regular rooms, intensive-care rooms, makeshift overflow rooms, waiting rooms and even hallways are packed with patients.

Of course you are rationing health care when you cant get in all the people who need it, Dawn Isaacs, the hospitals nursing director, told the Flatwater Free Press. When were making decisions based on capability and capacity, on what we can provide and cant  Yes, we are in a health care system that is rationing care.

For years, that call from the Nemaha County Hospital to Bryan would have been routine.

Isaacs said the Lincoln hospital rarely turned down a transfer before COVID-19, and never delayed admitting a critically ill patient.

Now, every time a small-town hospital phones, theres a short conference call with a doctor and the employee running bed control. The key question: Do you have a bed?

The current answer, almost always: Not yet.

On a recent day, 29 Nebraskans  almost all of them awaiting transfers from rural hospitals  sat on the waiting list, said Bob Ravenscroft, a Bryan vice president, at a mid-December briefing. He showed a chart with a gray line denoting a normal busy time at Bryan, and a red line illustrating the hospital at its surge capacity. Since August, Bryan has crossed that red line almost as many days as it hasnt.

Every time we pop above that red line thats where theres not a realistic place to put them, he said of patients awaiting transfer to Bryan. Theres a house supervisor on the receiving end of those calls, and they are going one-by-one, on who gets that next bed. So, obviously, this is heartbreaking for (the staff).

Bryan staff has converted the gastrointestinal lab into a space to put hospital patients at night. They have placed patients in rooms meant for observing people who have undergone surgery. They have parked a dozen beds in the hallways of the emergency room.

The ER looks like a war zone, said Isaacs, the nursing director in charge of the ER.

They discharge people speedily. They send people to urgent care offices for broken bones. They plead with smaller hospitals to do comfort care for their patients near death.

Bryan doesnt have beds for patients destined to die within the next 24 hours, they said. Bryan doesnt have beds, period.

Literally all our beds are used, Isaacs said. This is not a staffing problem. The staff are stressed, dont get me wrong. But we have every area open.

Nebraskans having heart attacks, strokes or other life-and-death emergencies still get immediately into Bryan, Isaacs noted.

But many patients fall into a gray area. They have internal bleeding. Or, like William Kieler, they are having serious trouble breathing. Those patients go onto The List.

It is one thing to hear that hospitals are full because of COVID-19. Its quite another to know that your loved one is bearing the brunt of that No Vacancy sign.

Kim Kieler, Williams daughter, stayed close to him at the Nemaha County Hospital as he waited for a transfer on Dec. 7, Dec. 8, then Dec. 9. To her, hes more than a number on a list.

Hes the man who worked a month on and a month off during her childhood. He steered ships down the Missouri River, the Ohio and the Mississippi, then returned to the house in Peru where he and wife, Beverly, raised four children.

William Kieler still lives in that house. He stayed even after his wife of 59 years died in 2017. Hes long been a healthy horse of a man who, despite two knee replacements, would still captain the occasional tugboat past age 80.

To Kim Kieler, hes Dad.

She tried to stay patient with the Nemaha County staff, knowing they were trying to get him transferred. She tried to stay patient with the phone calls  she knew Bryan wanted to help her father, too. But she felt fear in her temples, her muscles, her bones.

He needed to be in a place that could do more for him, Kim Kieler said. Is he gonna get there? Is he gonna get the help he needs? Is this delay gonna  is it going to make things worse?

Finally, on Dec. 10, a Bryan employee called Nemaha County back. We have a bed, they said.

Then, another delay: The ambulance meant to speed Kieler to Lincoln was occupied by another, severely ill patient. Finally, around midnight, Kieler was rushed to Lincoln and admitted to Bryan with acute respiratory failure.

He had waited roughly 80 hours for a spot.

He stayed for nearly a week. He was released  probably too early, Kim Kieler said. He ended up being life-flighted back to Bryan last weekend after the carbon dioxide in his blood spiked. Hes now recovering at the hospital, as others wait their turn on The List.

Some people simply dont realize what this is until youre in this position and you see how hard it is to get a family member into a hospital, Kim Kieler said. To get the care they need.

Isaacs realizes the position that Nebraska is in. Bryans nursing director has had to tell anguished co-workers that their loved one cant be admitted  they must go on The List like everyone else.

When she sees friends, she tells them to drive safe, because theres no room for them at Bryan. Its a joke, ha ha, but its really not, she said.

Bryan leaders have been sounding the alarm for months. They did so again at the December briefing.

The middling vaccination rates in Nebraska are crippling the health care system, Ravenscroft said. The unvaccinated population, as we can see from the statistics, is continuing to occupy beds at an unsustainable rate.

The List isnt going anywhere. Hospital leaders are bracing for it to lengthen, thanks to a resurgent flu season and a potential COVID-19 surge tied to the omicron variant.

The List was 10 names long when Isaacs began answering questions during a Monday morning phone interview. An hour later, it had jumped to 13.

It will grow this afternoon, she said before hanging up.

The Flatwater Free Press is Nebraskas first independent, nonprofit newsroom focused on investigations and feature stories that matter. Learn more at flatwaterfreepress.org.

The Flatwater Free Press is Nebraskas first independent, nonprofit newsroom focused on investigations and feature stories that matter. Learn more at flatwaterfreepress.org.
DES MOINES  Some Democratic state lawmakers for years have proposed legalizing marijuana in Iowa, just as 19 other states have already done.

They have been stopped in those efforts by the Republican majorities who set the states legislative agenda and a Republican governor who has said she does not support legalizing marijuana.

So statehouse Democrats, with public opinion on their side, went back to the drawing board and have devised a new proposal: let Iowans decide.

Roughly a handful of Senate Democrats on Tuesday held a news conference to announce they will introduce legislation that would propose an amendment to the Iowa Constitution that would make marijuana legal for recreational use and regulated like alcohol.

Amendments to the Iowa Constitution must be passed in two legislative sessions separated by an election, and then must be approved by a public vote.

More than half of Iowans, 54%, support legalizing marijuana for recreational use, according to a Des Moines Register/Mediacom Iowa Poll from March.

Its time to give Iowans the freedom to vote on something the majority of them support, instead of letting a handful of politicians hold Iowans back, said Sen. Janet Petersen, a Democrat from Des Moines.

Public support in Iowa for legal marijuana has climbed exponentially in recent years: it was at just 29% in a 2013 Iowa Poll.

This has become a mainstream issue. The majority of Iowans support this, said Sen. Joe Bolkcom, a Democrat from Iowa City. The Republicans are in the minority on this. That said, we need their help to move this constitutional amendment to voters so they can have their voices heard.

That does not sound likely. Such a proposal likely would move through the judiciary committee, and the man who chairs that committee in the Senate, Sen. Brad Zaun, a Republican from Urbandale, said that will not happen.

Gimmicks like a constitutional amendment on recreational marijuana do a better job of illustrating the lack of ideas Senate Democrats have to solve the problems of Iowans than any response I have, Zaun said in an emailed statement. I have no intentions of advancing this bill out of the judiciary committee.

Statehouse Republicans have in recent years approved two proposed amendments to the state constitution advancing conservative causes. One, which would add to the Iowa Constitution gun rights language that is stronger even than the Second Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, will go before Iowa voters in the November 2022 general election.

The other proposed constitutional amendment recently approved by statehouse Republicans would declare the Iowa Constitution does not guarantee a right to an abortion. The earliest it could appear on Iowans ballots would be 2024.

The 2022 session of the Iowa Legislature begins January 10.

Iowa has a medical marijuana program, although advocates contend it is too weak and does not allow patients to access cannabis-based medication that is strong enough to help address some more serious illnesses.
A Nebraska man will spend the rest of his life in prison after being sentenced Wednesday for 13 counts of sexual assault and sex trafficking of a 15-year-old girl.

William Billy J. Quinn, of Oxford, was sentenced to 177 to 304 years in prison by Furnas County District Court Judge James E. Doyle IV. Under state sentencing guidelines, the 57-year-old Quinn must serve at least half of his minimum sentence before being eligible for parole.

Following a two-week trial this summer that was prosecuted by the Nebraska Attorney General's Office, a jury found Quinn guilty of 13 of 14 felony charges. Nebraska Attorney General Doug Peterson said 18 other defendants have been arrested for crimes associated with Quinns actions.

Todays sentence is essentially a life sentence imposed on Billy Quinn," Peterson said. "The sentence issued by Judge Doyle sends a strong message that those who traffic children for sex will pay a substantial penalty for their acts."

Peterson said the investigation that began in 2019 involved many other agencies, including the Nebraska State Patrol, sheriff's offices in Furnas, Sarpy and Douglas counties and police departments in Norfolk and Kearney.

Sex trafficking is an especially cruel and dehumanizing crime, especially when an adult predator like Mr. Quinn targets a child for abuse and exploitation," said Furnas County Attorney Morgan Farquhar. "This victim suffered approximately six months of physical, emotional, and sexual abuse perpetrated by Quinn. The sentence handed down today cannot reverse the brutality that this victim suffered at the hands of William Quinn, but it can assure that Quinn will never again have the opportunity to harm another person."

Anyone who suspects someone is a sex trafficking victim should call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 888-373-7888.
A roundup of legislative and Capitol news items of interest:

BRANSTADS NEW VENTURE: Former U.S. Ambassador to China and Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad is back in the consulting business.

Branstad and Steve Churchill, who served as his chief of staff to the U.S. embassy in Beijing, have launched a new venture called the Branstad Churchill Group LLC. The U.S.-based firm will provide advice, guidance and solutions to organizations, corporate leaders and investors seeking to conduct business in China and the United States.

The relationship between the United States and China is the most consequential relationship in the world, Branstad said in a news release announcing the new partnership. At the Branstad Churchill Group, we specialize in bringing strategic insight and solutions to corporate leaders and investors conducting business in China and the United States.

According to the news release, the Branstad Churchill Group hopes to be a strategic partner in helping organizations and individuals advance their goals in areas of strategic insight, risk management, market growth and stateside services. Branstad served as the U.S. ambassador to China from 2017 to 2020 after two gubernatorial stints in Iowa that made him the longest-serving governor in U.S. history.

EXCEPTIONAL CREDIT RATING: State Treasurer Michael Fitzgerald says Iowas AAA credit rating has been affirmed by Fitch Ratings.

The exceptional credit rating from Fitch follows a report from Moodys Investor Services that affirmed the state of Iowas AAA rating earlier this fall. According to Fitzgeralds office, Fitch publishes credit ratings that are forward-looking evaluations of a states ability to meet financial commitments, similar to how an individuals credit score is rated.

This rating would equate to an individual with a credit score over 800, Fitzgerald said. Just as with an individual credit score, states are reviewed periodically. Iowans can continue to rest assured the states finances are in secure order, Fitzgerald said. Our conservative budget management, low debt liability and diverse economy helped the state maintain our AAA rating.

 Gazette-Lee Des Moines Bureau
One of the biggest threats facing pasture and rangeland across Nebraska is the encroachment of the Eastern Red Cedar. Although a native tree, and useful in a number of circumstances, its slow takeover of what used to be grassland has put much of the state in a difficult situation.
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Agreements first anniversary, a celebration of a year of renewed peace between old friends  Yair Lapid

First Anniversary, a celebration of shared past, present and future  Nasser Bourita

The agreement signed one year ago between Morocco, the United States and Israel is a diplomatic achievement, which has opened a new era of peace, stability, opportunities and understanding, said Wednesday the U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken.

The U.S. top diplomat was speaking in a video message broadcast on the occasion of the first anniversary of the trilateral agreement, at a video conference with the participation of the Moroccan and Israeli Foreign Ministers, Nasser Bourita and Yair Lapid, and the Charge dAffaires of the U.S. embassy in Morocco, David Greene.

A year ago, the three countries signed a joint declaration before King Mohammed VI, under which the US recognized Moroccos sovereignty over its southern provinces, the Sahara, and Rabat resumed diplomatic ties with Israel.

Blinken recalled that following the signing of the joint declaration, Morocco and Israel opened their airspaces, for the first time in decades, with nearly ten direct flights a week between the two countries.

The two countries have also signed several agreements on joint military exercises and strengthened economic relations, he said, noting that a new Morocco-Israel Business Council helped setting up more than 30 partnerships in the sectors of technology, agriculture, water, textile, health, and renewables.

Discussions are underway to collaborate in desalination projects and set-up student-exchange programs, he added, noting that the establishment of diplomatic ties also created greater opportunities for cultural connections among the one million Israelis of Moroccan heritage.

These steps arent positive only for Israel and Morocco, theyre also positive for the region as a whole, Blinken pointed out.

Through the resumption of their relations, Morocco and Israel show the way for other countries to discuss openly and constructively their common goals and points of disagreement, seize mutually beneficial opportunities and bring people together, he underlined.

The United States is committed to supporting and expanding the Abraham Accords, he stressed in this regard.

Were grateful for your continued efforts to deepen and strengthen the bond between two great partners and friends of the United States, and were committed to continuing our work together to build a more peaceful and prosperous region, Blinken said.

The US Secretary of State had tweeted the same day: We congratulate Israel and Morocco on the first anniversary of normalization of relations. This is an achievement that has deepened ties, partnerships, and avenues to pursue shared goals. It is also a positive step for the region as we aim to widen the circle of peace.

The Israeli Foreign Minister Yair Lapid on his part hailed the trilateral declarations first anniversary as a celebration of a year of renewed peace between old friends and stressed the need for Morocco and Israel to continue to build up and strengthen their bilateral ties.

We are celebrating a year of renewed peace between old friends. The ties between our peoples are deep and the relations between our countries are stronger than ever, he said, stressing that today we are building closer relations between peoples and between economic actors with a view to securing a more in-depth strategic cooperation.

Commenting his visit to Morocco last August, Lapid said it was one of the highlights of his tenure as Minister.

Nasser Bourita on his part underlined that the commemoration of this first anniversary is not a celebration of a mere diplomatic event, it is a rather a celebration of a shared past, present and future.

He welcomed the momentum generated by the deal with the US and Israel saying an ocean of opportunities awaits this trilateral cooperation in support of regional peace and stability.

It is indeed our strong belief that the sea, be it the Mediterranean or the Atlantic Ocean, no longer separates our countries. It now connects them. And turned into an ocean of opportunities, said Bourita.

Bourita highlighted the potential for partnership in the fields of health, education, security, economy, trade and investment, tourism, culture, agriculture, climate change, and sustainable development.

We can concretize the Qualifying Industrial Zones. We can implement trilateral projects open to other countries and regions; and above all, we can and must expand the circle of those involved in our partnership, he said.

By asserting the recognition of Moroccos sovereignty over its Sahara, as well as by reactivating the relationship with the State of Israel, the Joint Trilateral Declaration carries a very high message of peace, Bourita said.

Bourita said Morocco highly values the wise decision of the United States to recognize Autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty as a realistic viable political solution under the auspices of the UN, of the long-standing regional dispute.

The Joint Trilateral Declaration is a valuable tool that can help move forward the cause of peace in the region, improve security and unlock new opportunities for all, he said.

Morocco, as a historic bridge-builder and credible actor of peace and stability, is firmly committed to help achieving a lasting peace in the region, Bourita said, reiterating Moroccos position in support of the two-state solution.
The European Union (EU) has once again confirmed in its annual report, published on Wednesday, that the population of Moroccos southern provinces benefits fully from the agreements concluded between Morocco and the EU.

The publication of this annual report by the European Commission and the European External Action Service (EEAS) is part of the implementation of the agreement in the form of an exchange of letters, amending the Protocols 1 and 4 of the Morocco-EU Association Agreement, which entered into force on July 19, 2019, commonly known as the Agricultural Agreement.

The report, which details the different aspects of the benefits that this agreement provides to the population of the southern provinces of the Kingdom, adopts a positive tone, reflecting the quality and strength of the Morocco-EU partnership, which stands out for its spirit of trust and openness.

The report authors confirm the approach adopted by the Moroccan authorities to promote the economic opening of the southern provinces and to make them a genuine attractive hub within the framework of a win-win partnership between the EU, Morocco and the African continent.

In about forty pages, the document attests, through figures, the positive and visible impact of the agreement on the socio-economic development of the Southern Provinces and their population, in terms of economic growth, production, and development export of farming and fisheries products, job creation, and investment.

The document highlights in this regard the dynamic and rapid growth experienced by these regions and the action led by Morocco for the development of its Southern Provinces, within the framework of the 2016-2021 development program, through the implementation of several large-scale projects.

Another crucial point, outlined by the European Commission and the EEAS in their report, is the relevance of the public policies deployed in these regions, by highlighting the significant results achieved at different levels and their multiplier effects in terms of investments, generalization of social protection to the entire Moroccan population, improvement of working conditions, socio-economic integration of women, vigorous support for young people and infrastructure development.

The report therefore constitutes a recognition on the part of the European Executive body and the EEAS of the substantial efforts made by the Kingdom in its southern provinces, taking into account the concern for a rationalized and sustainable use of natural resources (project of the Dakhla port, desalination station project)

The report comes as a flat stinging denial on the part of the European institutions of the fallacious allegations of a so-called plunder of the resources of the Southern Provinces, circulated by the enemies of the Kingdoms territorial integrity. Actually, the report corroborates the documented benefits reaped by the population of the Moroccan Sahara as observed and recorded by the representatives of the European Commission and the EEAS during a visit in September 2021 to Morocco, including a trip to the southern provinces.

Indeed, this visit enabled European officials to observe, on the ground, all the tangible socio-economic advances in these regions, to interact with the legitimate representatives of the populations concerned and to be fully aware of the paramount importance of the Morocco-EU Partnership in reinforcing the economic openness of the Southern Provinces.

The report recalls that the meetings with the various economic stakeholders, local authorities and representatives of civil society, including organizations active in the area of human rights, made it possible to observe their total support for the development efforts in these regions, their support for the Agreement as a tool for the economic and social development of these regions and their satisfaction with its implementation and its beneficial nature.

The document highlights Moroccos efforts and achievements in the defense of human rights at the national level, and its active role at the multilateral level, as reflected in the EUs Annual Report on Human Rights and Democracy in the world (2021), and attests to the density of Morocco-EU cooperation in this area, citing the numerous projects implemented within the framework of the Joint Political Declaration, adopted by the Association Council in June 2019.

Regarding the Moroccan Sahara issue, the report recalls the EUs resolute support for the ongoing process at the UN level for the settlement of this regional dispute, and the importance of facilitating the mission of the new Personal Envoy of the UN Secretary General, Staffan de Mistura.

It also underlines the EUs commitment to strengthening regional cooperation and its readiness to contribute to it.

A reading of the different chapters of the report shows that its conclusions constitute a new snub inflicted by the European Commission and the EEAS on Algeria and the Polisario, which have recently increased fruitless maneuvers aimed at calling into question the legality of the agreements between the EU and Morocco, covering the southern provinces.

The report indeed dismisses the allegations conveyed by Algeria and the Polisario and underlines that the European Commission and the EEAS attest to the continuity of trade relations between Morocco and the EU, confirm their stability and reaffirm Europes commitments within the framework of its global partnership with Morocco.
Moroccan authorities have seized more than 1.4 tons of cocaine in 2021 and arrested 103,000 people, including 261 foreign nationals, during their relentless battle engaged against narcotics and drug dealers.

According to latest data released by the National police, the security services processed during the same period more than 80,000 cases related to the possession and trafficking of drugs and psychotropic substances.

Last October, the Moroccan security and customs agents intercepted a shipment of 1.3 ton of cocaine in the port of Tangiers, coming from Brazil and bound to the ports of Antwerp (Belgium) and Portbury (England).

In 2020, the Moroccan police seized 132 kg of cocaine, but the following year the smuggling attempts of cocaine surged substantially to record levels as the South American drug cartels insist on using the North African country as a platform for the route to Europe, which is the main market target.

In 2021, Moroccan authorities seized 191.1 tons of cannabis and 3 kg of heroin, representing respectively 12 pc and 64 pc drops compared to previous year.

Last May, Morocco passed laws legalizing the use of cannabis for medical purposes. The decision seeks to improve the living conditions of the growers of this plant and protect them from drug trafficking networks.

The country has also set up a national agency tasked with buying the plant from farmers and selling it to pharmaceutical firms.

The UN has removed cannabis from the list of the most dangerous drugs in a move that acknowledges the medical benefits of the plant following a recommendation from the World Health Organization.
Tunisian security forces have arrested a wanted senior member of the Italian mafia who has sneaked into the North African country since 2011, Webdo Tunis reports.

The Italian note identified, was nabbed in a house in one of the outskirts of the Tunisian capital, during an operation. Some special Italian forces also reportedly contributed to the operation, Webdo Tunis reports.

The man has been subject to several arrest warrants issued by Interpol which wants him for drogue trafficking, theft with arms.

Tunisian authorities claim the man has been living in the North African country since 2011 and continued carrying criminal acts in Italian from Tunisia.

Posted by North Africa Post North Africa Post's news desk is composed of journalists and editors, who are constantly working to provide new and accurate stories to NAP readers.
The Moroccan government Council decided on Thursday to extend the state of health emergency until January 31, 2022 to preserve the progress achieved in the fight against the coronavirus pandemic and reduce the risks of contamination by the new variants, namely the fast-spreading Omicron.

The decision was announced by the Govt. spokesperson Mustapha Baitas at press briefing held in Rabat following the Government council meeting.

The emergency coronavirus powers, enforced throughout the country, were expected to expire end of this month.

Within the frame of its precautionary measures against covid-19, Morocco has banned New Years Eve celebrations and announced night curfew on Dec. 31.

All cultural and artistic events were also cancelled. Incoming passengers flights and ferries were suspended for two weeks, while the number of attendees at funerals has been reduced to maximum ten people to prevent spread of the new strain.

So far, over 22.8 million people have been fully vaccinated in Morocco, 24.5 million received their first dose of the vaccine, while 2.5 million others got their third booster jab.

Posted by North Africa Post North Africa Post's news desk is composed of journalists and editors, who are constantly working to provide new and accurate stories to NAP readers.
He said the communication with the Department of Education is better than districts previously had.

I was fairly disappointed in how those rolled out, Rhodes said. It seemed we were somewhat blindsided by that, I think, as school districts were. It was unfortunate the way that it kind of transpired.

One of the challenges the North Platte district faces in the future is staffing.

When we look at both classified and certified, I think were going to need to continue to look outside of the box to attract quality applicants for positions, Rhodes said. What we know right now, and I do visit with our four-year institutions quite often, is that were not seeing a lot of kids graduate from high school and go into education.

He said the schools need to work to change that across the state.

Theres a lot of potential there to grow our own as well and certainly have some sort of education career path, Rhodes said. North Platte is doing some of that, but we may need to look at enhancing that a little bit as well.

The teacher shortage may be more prevalent in some areas than others.
Last week, the city paid $65,000 to settle former Lincoln Police Officer Sarah Williams' lawsuit. Williams, who now works for the Omaha Police Department, told the Lincoln City Council that sexual harassment and discrimination "was and is pervasive" in the Lincoln department and implored the council to intervene.

During public testimony at the council meeting, Williams named Sands and another female officer who she said were facing retaliation from the department because of formal complaints. Sands, who had been placed on a 30-day unpaid suspension, was in the council chambers and walked out with Williams after she made her comments.

New Lincoln Police Chief Teresa Ewins said in an emailed statement issued after the meeting that the city and the police department "do not tolerate discrimination or harassment of any kind. We have strong anti-discrimination policies and have made extensive efforts to foster an inclusive and safe workplace. We take all complaints, external or internal, seriously."
Ted Cruz had to crawl on his belly like a reptile to offset the offense to Trump he committed by not endorsing him at the 2016 Republican National Convention. Photo: Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

U.S. senator Ted Cruz of Texas isnt currently subscribing to the strongly held belief among most Republicans that Donald Trump is going to be the 2024 Republican presidential nominee. Indeed, as he told the conservative news site the Truth Gazette this week, hes bullish on the prospects of another potential candidate: himself. Politico explains:

Asked  whether he would consider launching another bid for the White House, Cruz responded: Absolutely. In a heartbeat.

You know, I ran in 2016. It was the most fun Ive ever had in my life. We had a very crowded field. We had 17 candidates in the race  a very strong field. And I ended up placing second Cruz said.

Theres a reason historically that the runner-up is almost always the next nominee, Cruz continued. And thats been true going back to Nixon or Reagan or McCain or Romney that has played out repeatedly. You come in with just an enormous base of support.

Cruz is articulating a next-in-line hypothesis about Republican presidential nominees that used to be close to conventional wisdom, based on the idea that Republican elites and voters alike are risk-averse and hierarchical and tend to think prior second-place candidates have earned the top position on the ticket. Its a claim we havent heard in a while, for the rather obvious reason that political novice Donald Trump blew away a huge field of more conventional rivals in 2016 (including Cruz) and still dominates the party to this day. Indeed, because Trump stands astride the GOP like a colossus, perhaps the only people who really remember much about Ted Cruzs 2016 campaign are those who are still angry at him for refusing to endorse Trump at the National Convention in Cleveland (an act of defiance for which the Texan has paid with many acts of abasement toward the Boss).

But lets humor Cruz enough to examine his next-in-line claims (borrowing from an analysis I did for FiveThirtyEight back in 2009).

If you want to argue that a non-disastrous prior presidential run is, all other things being equal, an asset for a candidate, thats hard to deny. But finishing second and thus becoming next in line hasnt necessarily been a qualifier. In 1952, Republican nominee Dwight D. Eisenhower had never run for office before. In 1960, his vice-president, Richard Nixon, who had never run for president before, won the GOP nomination without any serious challenges. In 1964, Barry Goldwater, who had only briefly and unsuccessfully let supporters promote him as a candidate in 1960 (and if there was any real threat to Nixon, it wasnt Goldwater but his ideological enemy, Nelson Rockefeller) won the nomination. The second-place finisher (in terms both of total delegates and persistence in running) was Pennsylvania governor William Scranton, who as it happens never ran for public office again. The 1968 nominee, Richard Nixon, didnt run in 1964 and finished first, not second, in his previous candidacy. Moving along to 1976, the Republican nominee had not only never run for president before; Gerald Ford had never run for anything outside his House district in Michigan (he became vice-president when Spiro Agnew resigned in disgrace, and president when Richard Nixon resigned in disgrace).

Finally, in 1980 you arrive at a contest in which the next-in-line hypothesis fits, with Ronald Reagan, who very nearly beat Ford in the 1976 nominating contest, winning the big prize. Its highly questionable, though, that Reagan won because hierarchy-minded Republicans saw that he had finished second four years earlier and decided he deserved a promotion. He was, preeminently, the leader of a conservative movement that was in the process of conquering the GOP. Early in the 1980 cycle, Reagan ran as the inevitable nominee (bands were instructed to play Hail to the Chief during his campaign appearances) and promptly lost Iowa to the harder-working George H.W. Bush. Only when Reagan fired his campaign manager and ran a harshly ideological campaign against Bush in New Hampshire did he get his mojo back and win the nomination.

Yes, in 1988 Bush succeeded Reagan after finishing second in 1980, but nobody really thinks his long-forgotten presidential campaign mattered remotely as much as his eight years as Reagans very loyal veep. Bob Dole finished second to Bush in 1988, and subsequently won the nomination in 1996. But deeming him next-in-line means ignoring the 1992 Republican nomination fight in which Pat Buchanan managed to throw a scare into Poppy. And indeed, Buchanan upset Dole in New Hampshire in 1996, and was second-place overall that year. Buchanan ran in 2000 but went nowhere, leaving the nomination to be fought out between novice candidates George W. Bush and John McCain.

McCains nomination in 2008 was really the closest approximation of the next-in-line scenario one can find: He had finished second in 2000, winning New Hampshire, and reprised that New Hampshire win in 2008 en route to the nomination. But anyone familiar with the actual contest understands that McCain won the nomination after a demolition derby in which he was more the survivor than the victor (he nearly dropped out early on thanks to financial problems); Rudy Giuliani and Mike Huckabee took turns as the front-runner before these candidates along with Mitt Romney and Fred Thompson succeeded in knocking each other out.

Cruz cites Romneys 2012 nomination as another next-in-line winner. But arguably Mike Huckabee (who won more delegates and stayed in the race longer) finished second in 2008. And 2012s clear second-place finisher, Rick Santorum, finished 11th in Iowa in 2016 and dropped out immediately.

Suffice it to say that the next-in-line hypothesis is very weak, and will probably be weaker in the immediate future given Trumps power in the GOP, which will likely deliver the nomination to the 45th president or whomever he chooses to make his MAGA successor. Its also a very dubious credential for Ted Cruz, who probably does not want to remind Trump too often that he fought him to the bitter end in 2016 and then took forever to come around to supporting him.

You know what Cruzs happy-talk about 2016 really sounds like? The fond recollections of a has-been pol who knows that his last run is as close to the presidency as he will ever come.
Laticia Khalif Smith, vice president of Branch 5038, told the Opelika-Auburn News the NAACP was pleased council members are working to better understand redistricting and holding off on the vote to consider their map and other citizen input.

Weve now sent them enough information, and the city council members asking questions is a good thing for us because at first, they were just given a map and they didnt understand the process, Smith said. I think as they hear more from us, they see the language that were using, they see that were quoting the law, were engaging them and we have been consistent.

The City Council has a deadline of Feb. 23, 2022, to vote on a final redistricting proposal, which is six months ahead of next years municipal election. Otherwise, the existing ward map will be retained for the election, according to Crouch.

Crouch said council members may have a special called meeting specifically focused on redistricting before the deadline if necessary.

Earlier in Tuesdays meeting, discussion on two rezoning items relating to Old Samford, an 885-acre housing community with recreational amenities, was postponed to the City Councils Feb. 2 meeting.
COVID-19 cases continue to remain stable in the Southeast while other parts of the country are seeing transmission rates spike.

East Alabama Medical Center and EAMC-Lanier have seen no more than a combined 12 COVID-19 patients each day since Nov. 1, with no more than two patients on ventilators since Oct. 27. According to John Atkinson, spokesman for East Alabama Health, hospitalization rates typically increase about two weeks after cases increase.

Brooke Bailey, infection prevention director for East Alabama Health, warns that just because the Omicron variant has not officially been identified in this region does not mean it isnt present.

The (Alabama Department of Public Health) did announce last week that Omicron had been identified elsewhere in the state, Bailey said. Given the increased travel thats already occurred with Thanksgiving and the travel expected over the next two weeks, its safe to say that Omicron is either already here or will be very shortly.

East Alabama Health officials continue to urge people to get vaccines and booster shots.
However, Chu told jurors at the start of the trial that they would have time off on Christmas Eve and over the Christmas weekend. She has not indicated that she would change that plan if deliberations were ongoing.

I think the holiday will put pressure on them to agree, Joe Friedberg, a Minneapolis defense attorney who is not involved in the case but is following it, said Wednesday.

Jurors had also asked Chu on Tuesday if they could handle the officer's handgun, and she said yes. Prosecutors had told jurors they would be able to handle both Potter's gun and Taser, but the gun arrived in the jury room secured into an evidence box with zip ties.

During closing arguments, prosecutors accused Potter of a blunder of epic proportions in Wright's death in an April 11 traffic stop  but said a mistake was no defense.
South Korea will release 3.17 million barrels of its oil reserves in the first quarter of 2022 as part of the U.S.-led global effort by major oil-consuming nations to lower prices.

The volume to be released between January and March accounts for 3.3 percent of South Koreas state oil reserves of 97 million barrels, according to the ministry of trade, industry and energy (Motie) cited by Argus.

Just over 2 million barrels of the release will be crude and will go to local refiners via loan agreements, and the other 1.09 million barrels will be petroleum products released via a bidding process to the highest bidder, South Korea said.

U.S. President Joe Biden said at the end of November that the Department of Energy would release 50 million barrels of oil from the SPR in a bid to lower high gasoline prices in a coordinated effort with other major oil-consuming nations. The SPR release from the United States will be carried out in parallel with other major energy-consuming nations, including China, India, Japan, South Korea, and the UK.

Despite the seemingly big number, 50 million barrels, the U.S. release actually equals around two and a half days of American petroleum consumption, which was at 20.5 million barrels per day (bpd) in the pre-pandemic 2019.

The other countries are going for much smaller releases, and the message seems to be that major oil consumers are coordinating efforts to try to lower high prices, while OPEC+ sticks to its guns over its oil production plan.

The oil market had already largely priced in SPR releases, with prices sliding before the official announcement. Analysts have also pointed out that one-off sales from strategic reserves cannot do much to move oil prices significantly lower.

What did move oil prices lower was the emergence of the Omicron COVID variant, which spooked the markets jut after Thanksgiving, leading to a 10-percent price collapse on the following day. Crude oil led the plunge in all markets as countries started to announce bans on flights from African countries. The low liquidity on the oil market in the festive period in the U.S. also contributed to the collapse in prices, which was the largest one-day crash since April 2020.

By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com

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A breakneck rally in European natural gas prices continued Tuesday, catapulting the benchmark to a new record high with premiums above Asia and the U.S. and creating massive arbitrage opportunities for U.S. liquefied natural gas (LNG) traders.

Commodity traders with uncommitted LNG cargos from the Atlantic basin headed to Asia via LNG carriers are changing their routes to supply European customers willing to pay a hefty premium.

Dutch front-month futures gained 33.55 euros/MMBtu over the prior day to close at 182.30 euros, a new record high

The rally in European natgas has gone parabolic in recent weeks following Russia's Gazprom PJSC's controversial Nord Stream 2 pipeline had its certification delayed until July, Russian gas flows to the continent plunged, France's nuclear power output slumping, Germany's wind output declining, persistent cold weather, Europe's overall gas supplies at unseasonably low levels, and mounting geopolitical concerns on the Russia/Ukraine border.

The spread between European and U.S. natgas prices is at a blistering 52/MMBtu, well above its 15-year range. To put this in context, natgas markets in Europe are stretched while ones in the U.S. are well supplied. This makes the perfect opportunity for traders to source cargos in the U.S. on the Henry Hub-linked index and schedule passage to Europe. If one can find an LNG carrier, the arb trade will print money.

"Soaring spot gas prices in Europe are prompting some rare cargo movements," said Alex Froley, an analyst at research consultancy ICIS, which tracks LNG tankers.

In recent weeks, US LNG vessels bound for Asia have deviated from their planned routes to Europe. This occurred on several occasions. Froley said a US LNG tanker called Minerva Chios was near India on Dec. 15 and turned around for delivery in Europe.

Another US LNG vessel turned around near the Malacca Strait while an Australian LNG vessel began a rare journey to Barcelona.

"This is believed to be the first Australian LNG into Europe since 2009, when there were a couple of Australian cargoes to the U.K. and France," he added.

Torbjorn Tornqvist, the founder and chief executive of Gunvor, the world's biggest independent LNG trader, said on top of normal LNG flows to Europe, there will be 15 to 20 additional vessels arriving in Europe this month and next.

"Europe is clearly pricing itself to attract a lot of LNG and it needs it," Tornqvist said. "Without that, the supply situation could be very serious depending on the weather. Stocks are already low and will be exceptionally low by the end of the winter."

Goldman Sachs commodity analyst Samantha Dart shows how LNG shipments to Europe have accelerated versus Asia.

High charter rates don't matter to traders taking advantage of this crazy arb trade printing like an ATM.

By Zerohedge.com

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Now that its Guriyeh-Jask oil pipeline has been finalised, Irans core focus in any sanctions environment remains the ongoing development of its huge West Karoun oil fields and its supergiant South Pars non-associated gas offshore sector, and the optimisation of its already world-scale petrochemicals sector. Increasing output and revenues from its petrochemicals sector has always been key to Irans resistance economy model, the concept of generating value-added returns by leveraging intellectual capital into business development wherever possible. Regardless of whether a new iteration of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) is reached with the U.S., Iran regards the continued development of the petrochemical sector as essential to its long-term economic survival and last week announced that it aims to achieve number one position in the Middle East in the sector by 2027. According to figures from Irans National Petrochemical Company (NPC), the countrys production of petrochemicals products increased from three million tonnes per year (mtpy) in 1978 to 83.5 million tonnes by March this year, although this represented a slight dip on the year earlier figure, due to the sanctions re-imposed by the U.S. after its unilateral withdrawal from the JCPOA in 2018. Irans Petroleum Minister, Javad Owji, said recently that the Islamic Republics petrochemicals exports will reach US$4.8 billion in the current Iranian calendar year (ending on 20 March 2022). Given this, Irans share of the Middle Easts petrochemical trade in the calendar year to March 2020 was 20.2 percent, and rose to 22.1 percent by March 2021. The next step in the petrochemical industry will cover 47 projects, which will bring the petrochemical industry revenue to US$50 billion by 2027.

The most immediate of these new projects are 10 that are planned for full launch early in 2022, which will bring Irans petrochemicals output comfortably up over the 100 mtpy level. One of these, the Sabalan Petrochemical Plant, was initiated earlier this year, with an annual production capacity of 1,650,000 tons of AA grade methanol worth US$400-450 million per year. Typically for many of these petrochemicals facilities in Iran  particularly those that came into being after the 25-year deal between Iran and China, analysed in depth in my new book on the global oil markets  much of the financing came from Chinese sources, either direct investment or via short-term credit facilities and longer-term loans. The feedstock required for US$400 million Sabalan Petrochemical Plant is one million tons of natural gas per year, which is supplied by Damavand Petrochemical Company from Irans South Pars natural gas field. Related: Germanys Reaction To The Energy Crisis Could Be Catastrophic



At around the same time as the Sabalan complex was started up, the Masjed Soleiman Petrochemical Plant was launched, with an annual production capacity of 1,755,000 tons of urea and ammonia. According to official statements from the NPC, it is being fed with 861 million cubic metres of natural gas per year, and is currently generating around US$268 million per year in sales revenues. Although Irans National Pension Fund Company has a 66.55 percent share in the plant, with other private sector shareholders holding the rest, much of the US$850 million capital required for the complexs build-out came from Chinese sources as well. Indeed, the main contractor of the project is Chinas Wuhan Engineering Company. It is interesting to note that the ammonia unit of this complex has been licensed by Switzerlands Casale and the urea and granulation units have been licensed by Japans Toyo.

This licensing highlights a key reason why the petrochemicals sector is so important for Iran, which is that the sector occupies a grey area from a legal perspective under the current U.S.-centric sanctions environment. When the previous set of major sanctions were at their height in 2011/12, Irans petrochemical industry was the subject of both U.S. and E.U. sanctions and the only way for it to sell such products legally was to customers outside the U.S. and E.U. At that time, secondary sanctions were in place in the U.S. on any person worldwide that purchased, acquired, sold, transported or marketed Iranian-origin petrochemical products, or provided goods or services valued at US$250,000 or more (or US$1 million over a 12-month period) for use in Irans production of petrochemical products. In the E.U. there was a ban on the import, purchase or transportation of Iran-origin petrochemical products and on the export to Iran of certain equipment for use in the petrochemical industry. In stark contrast to this, there are currently no E.U. sanctions specifically on Irans petrochemicals sector, nor are there plans to impose them. From the U.S. perspective, it cannot exert jurisdiction for primary sanctions unless U.S. persons are involved  notably U.S. banks and U.S. employees.

To capitalise on this grey area for foreign investment, Iran redesigned the contracts on offer for foreign firms wishing to invest specifically in its petrochemicals sector that addressed the previous situation in which investors needed to deposit as a pledge at least 130 percent of the capital investment amount required in a project. According to the NPC, the new contracts replaced this excess deposit idea with one that sees the NPC taking the role of quasi-transactional guarantor. The NPC would have a lien against future petrochemical products to be produced by petrochemical plants that are under construction. Therefore, on the one hand, this acts as a pledge for repayment of private sector loans to banks and on the other it gives an assurance to the banks through which the money is funded that repayment.

An additional boost for Irans petrochemicals sector development was the tacit approval given by Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei in 2020 for the incremental divestment by the government of state holdings in a range of major enterprises  including those connected to the oil and gas sector  from a total divestment of between 20 percent up to 70 percent, allowing the public (and private institutions and banks) to buy them. The resultant spike in Tehran Stock Exchange (TSE) values might appear counter-intuitive, given Irans parlous economic state, but can be seen instead both as a result of the extra liquidity being pumped into the system as a product of Iran printing money to deal with the rising budget deficit. It also can be seen as evidence of the pervasive view that, as things cannot become much worse, current values represent buying at the bottom of the investment cycle.

In fact, not only does the petrochemicals sector generate revenues for Iran of around 15 to 16 times more per tonne of product than crude oil but for investors, based on current contract terms, but also petrochemicals produce rates of return of 30-35 percent against 12-15 percent in the upstream segment, and petrochemical companies have often distributed relatively high dividends among shareholders. The Pars, Nouri and Shahid Tondguyan petrochemical companies were among the first petrochemical companies to list on the stock market, opening the way for more companies to do so, with at least six of them holding the extra cache of being subsidiaries of the Persian Gulf Petrochemical Industries Company (PGPIC). According to the latest data, PGPIC has about a 40 percent share of Irans petrochemicals market and accounts for the same proportion of Irans petrochemicals exports.

By Simon Watkins for Oilprice.com

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Oil prices have risen back to the mid-$70s this week as a result of tighter U.S. crude inventories and a force majeure on Libyan crude oil exports.

Friday, December 23rd, 2021

The interdependence of oil prices and Omicron news updates has subsided somewhat this week as the overall decline in US crude stocks and the Libyan supply disruption have been moving prices upwards. Despite US crude supply hovering around 11.6-11.7 million b/d, robust demand triggered another week-on-week decline in inventories at a whopping 4.7 million barrels. Libya degenerating into another bout of internal strife has taken off some 300,000 b/d of crude in an instant, providing a welcome Christmas gift for the oil bulls. As of Tuesday, Brent traded around $75.5 per barrel whilst US benchmark WTI was last seen around $73 per barrel.

European Gas Prices Drop Off Yesterdays Peak. Just as Gazprom is filling up the second line of Nord Stream 2, to be ready by year-end, day-ahead TTF futures dropped 20% day-on-day to 132 per MWh ($48 per mmBtu), potentially signaling more Russian supply coming to Europe soon.

Iran Talks Reconvene for Post-Christmas Round. The eight iteration of negotiations on Irans nuclear program will start 27 December in Vienna, less than two weeks after the previous session was cut short by the Iranian delegation.

Argentina to Build Vaca Muerta Gas Pipeline. Despite Argentinas near-default state, its authorities are reportedly set to sign a decree to start the construction of a major gas pipeline that would connect the plentiful Vaca Muerta shale play to Buenos Aires, boosting YPF (NYSE:YPF) prospects.

EU Still Probing Gazprom Actions in Europe. With European day-ahead gas prices hitting a new record of 182/MWh (equivalent to $63 per mmBtu) earlier this week, the European Commission has re-energized its probe into the actions of Russian gas firm Gazprom (MCX:GAZP), despite having found no evidence of speculation earlier.

ADNOC Wants to Decarbonize Offshore Oil Production. Emirati national oil company ADNOC launched a new $3.6 billion project to connect its offshore production operations to the primarily solar and nuclear-supplied onshore electricity grid by means of a 3.2 GW high-voltage, direct-current subsea transmission line.

Nigeria Crude Exports Hit By Another Force Majeure. The Nigerian subsidiary of oil major Shell (NYSE:RDS) was forced to declare force majeure at the Forcados export terminal this week after a malfunctioning barge continues to block tanker access and loading operations, the second FM this year already.

ExxonMobil Resumes Cyprus Drilling. US oil major ExxonMobil (NYSE:XOM)resumed drilling in Cyprus offshore Block 10 following a 20-month COVID-triggered hiatus, drilling an appraisal well to the 2019 Glafcos discovery that is assumed to hold as much as 8 trillion cubic feet (225 bcm).

US SPR Inventories Drop to Lowest in 19 Years. With the US pushing through with its planned SPR releases, the total stock of strategic crude reserves fell to 596 million barrels, the lowest it has been since November 2002.

Iran Seeks to Build a $10 Billion Heavy Oil Refinery. According to a draft budget for the next Iranian year starting in March, Teheran is looking into the construction of a 300,000 b/d new oil refinery named after Qasem Soleimani in Bandar Abbas, to be geared towards heavy oil refining.

Mexico Claims Deer Park Refinery a Done Deal. The Mexican government statedthat the bid of its national oil company PEMEX to buy the 303,000 b/d Deer Park refinery from Shell (NYSE:RDS) received the approval of the US government and that the long-delayed deal would, at last, be finalized in early 2022.

German Firms Clinch Russian Ammonia Term Deals. Russian LNG major Novatek (MCX:NVTK) signed a long-term sales agreement with Germanys utility firm Uniper for 1.2 mtpa of ammonia, to be transformed into gaseous hydrogen once it hits German soil, the second such deal this year already.

Albemarle Shakes Off Chile Election Hit. Despite having lost 15% of its market value this month on the back of the Chilean President-elect wanting to set up a national lithium company, lithium producer Albemarle (NYSE:ALB) said it does not expect its operations to be affected thanks to a unique contract structure.

Shipping Giant Maersk Doubles Down on Chinese Storage. Container shipping firm Maersk (CPH:MAERSK) agreed to buy Hong Kong-based storage company LF Logistics that owns a network of more than 200 warehouses across Asia for $3.6 billion as it seeks to gain a foothold in Asia Pacific.

Exxons Baytown Refinery Suffers Major Accident. The integrated 560,000 b/d Baytown refining complex operated by ExxonMobil (NYSE:XOM) in Texas saw a major industrial accident after a bypass line leak caused a fire in the refinerys desulfurization unit.

Sri Lanka to Repay Oil Debt to Iran by Bartering Tea. Struggling to repay its debt commitments, Sri Lanka plans to settle its $251 million debt in oil import dues to Iran by bartering tea throughout the upcoming four years, in a bid that would not trigger US sanctions.

By Tom Kool for Oilprice.com

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At least 30 tankers with liquefied natural gas from the United States are headed to Europe, where the gas and energy crisis has pushed regional LNG prices way above the Asian LNG benchmark and 14 times higher than the U.S. Henry Hub price, according to shipping data compiled by Bloomberg.

Ten LNG tankers from the U.S. have already declared Europe as their destination while another 20 cargoes appear to be crossing the Atlantic en route to Europe, the shipping data showed.

At least another ten LNG cargoes have been diverted from Asia to Europe as European LNG prices are now much higher than the prices in Asia, industry sources told Reuters earlier this week.

In recent days, natural gas prices in Northwest Europe have jumped to over $57 per million British thermal units (MMBtu), up by nearly one-third from last week. Prices in Europe are now around $24/MMBtu higher than the benchmark LNG price in Asia, per Bloomberg estimates.

Earlier this week, European gas prices jumped to an all-time high on Tuesday after natural gas on a key pipeline from Russia to Germany reversed flow eastward and freezing temperatures took hold in many parts of Europe.

The benchmark price for Europe at the Dutch Title Transfer Facility (TTF) surged by 11 percent early on Tuesday to a record 162.78 euros per megawatt-hour.

Freezing temperatures across Europe, low Russian gas supply, and low wind power generation in Germany have all combined to send European and UK gas prices to new records on Tuesday.

According to data from German operator Gascade, cited by Reuters, flows of natural gas from Russia on the Yamal-Europe pipeline via Belarus to Poland and Germany have been falling since the start of the weekend, stopped completely on Tuesday, and then reversed direction from Germany east to Poland.

On Wednesday, the flows on the Yamal-Europe pipeline continued eastward from Germany to Poland, and kept European prices close to the all-time high from the previous day.

By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com:
In the recordings, Holmes boasts about how Theranos would change the reality of lab testing" and bring down health costs so dramatically that it would save Medicaid and Medicare about $150 billion over a decade. But she didn't say how long that would take to happen.

Holmes also promised that a deal that Theranos had to deploy its blood-testing technology in Walgreens pharmacies was poised to quickly ramp up.

The question now is how fast do we scale?" Holmes told the group of investors on the conference call.. The fact that we will scale is a given."

Walgreens only ended up using Theranos technology in about 40 of its stores, mostly in Arizona, before bailing out of the deal because of concerns that the blood tests were wildly unreliable.

The recordings could prove pivotal to the jurors' decision because many of the accusations against her revolve around alleged lies she told to raise more money for Theranos.

By the time the recordings were made, a decade after she founded Theranos, Holmes estimated that the company was worth about $7 billion. By mid-2014, Theranos was valued at $9 billion, with half of that that paper wealth owned by Holmes, the company's controlling shareholder.
When she started at Madonna, all VandenBosch worked on was breathing. Now shes trying to clear up a foggy memory.

VandenBosch tackles some of her treatment on the treadmill.

The process has been riddled with ups and downs. Some days, VandenBosch said, her chest feels tight and heavy, almost like someones sitting on it.

Ive got a lot of steps to go to get back to where I was, but I know what I need to do and I know that even on bad days I can do a little, she said.

While she said she wasnt in the best health before, she never expected to be hit so hard by COVID.

There are days that it feels like its all in your head and if you just push yourself harder, maybe you would get better, she said. Give yourself some grace and understanding that COVID does weird things to your body, and be gentle with yourself.

Bierner said staff at Madonna have been open-minded when it comes to investigating and treating patients symptoms.
ATLANTA (AP)  The City of Atlanta's official seal shows a phoenix rising from the ashes of the Civil War. What it doesnt show is that Atlanta was rebuilt with slaverys successor: convict labor, working in horrific conditions to break granite at the Bellwood Quarry and burn clay at the Chattahoochee Brick Company.

Thousands of Black men, women and children were pulled off the streets and convicted of petty or nonexistent crimes before vanishing into camps and factories where many were worked to death. The peonage system lasted across the South for seven decades until World War II, yet many Americans have never heard of it.

Restoring this long-ignored chapter of U.S. history to public memory is the goal of a coalition of politicians, executives, foundation chiefs, historians, educators and grassroots activists that has taken shape over the past few months.
Davyon immediately sprinted over and did the Heimlich maneuver, Dawkins said. From the account of the witnesses, when he did it the bottle cap popped out.

Davyon demonstrated how he got behind the choking student, wrapped his arms around the student and burped him, kind of.

Davyon helped a woman evacuate her burning house later that day.

It was a disabled lady and she was walking out of her house, Davyon said. She was on her porch. But I thought, being a good citizen, I would cross and help her get into her truck and leave.

He said the back of the house was on fire, but it eventually got to the front of the house.

Davyon said he learned to do the Heimlich maneuver on YouTube and said it is a valuable procedure to learn.

Just in case youre in the situation I was in, you can know what to do, he said.

Davyons mother, LaToya Johnson, said shes not surprised he behaved the way he did. She said her brother, Wendell Johnson, is an emergency medical technician.

Im just a proud mom, she said.

For copyright information, check with the distributor of this item, Muskogee Phoenix.
During a three-week trial, prosecutors said Calk played a pivotal role in getting approval for a $9.5 million real estate construction loan and another $6.5 million loan so Manafort could finish construction on a Brooklyn condominium and avoid foreclosure.

Defense lawyers argued that Calk could not have won approval for the loans without the banks loan committee and underwriters agreeing to the terms. And they noted that the loans were obtained at a time when Manafort was considered wealthy and successful and had not yet been criminally charged.

Prosecutors also elicited evidence at trial to show that Manafort helped Calk get an interview for a job in the Trump administration, although he was never hired. Although Calk had hoped to become Secretary of the Army, he eventually interviewed for other positions because that post had already been filled, Antony Scaramucci testified at the trial.

Early in the trial, Scaramucci, who had worked on Trump's presidential transition team, testified that he never would have enabled Calk to get the interview for the administration post if he had known that Calk was helping Manafort to get millions of dollars in loans for his real estate ventures.
Khan and his friend met up in Turkey and Khan gave his friend money, knowing his plans, prosecutors said.

Khan's family, though, convinced him to come back to the U.S. Prosecutors say that once Khan was home, he got his friend in contact with the recruiter.

Prosecutors said the friend's mother eventually got a message saying he'd died while fighting in Syria.

Khans defense team had asked the judge for a five-year sentence.

Im sorry that the number is much higher than we argued for, David Adler, an attorney for Khan, told Khans supporters outside the courtrom, the Houston Chronicle reported.

Eskridge said anything less than 12 years wouldnt send the appropriate message. The judge did recognize that Khan had cooperated with government investigations and spoken out against terrorist propaganda.

The newspaper reported Khan recently graduated from the University of Houston with an engineering degree.

This does not mean that your life is over, the judge said.

Copyright 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
LINCOLN, Neb. (AP)  A crew cutting down a dying oak at the University of Nebraska made a surprising find  flying squirrels.

A video shot by a member of the crew made its way to Larkin Powell, a conservation biology professor. The Lincoln Journal Star reports that he was surprised by what he saw  the only remaining Nebraska population of the nocturnal and tiny animals was 90 miles away in Nebraska's southeast corner, near Indian Cave State Park.

It turns out the flying squirrels had been living undetected  until now  in the treetops just above the animal experts at the universitys School of Natural Resources in Lincoln. The crew made the discovery earlier this month, the newspaper reported.

Powell was surprised by their presence, if not by their elusiveness.

Its among the species thats harder to document because theyre not out when people are around, he said. And theyre little dudes.
Two new British studies provide some early hints that the omicron variant of the coronavirus may be milder than the delta version.

Scientists stress that even if the findings of these early studies hold up, any reductions in severity need to be weighed against the fact omicron spreads much faster than delta and is more able to evade vaccines. Sheer numbers of infections could still overwhelm hospitals.

Still, the new studies released Wednesday seem to bolster earlier research that suggests omicron may not be as harmful as the delta variant, said Manuel Ascano Jr., a Vanderbilt University biochemist who studies viruses.

Cautious optimism is perhaps the best way to look at this, he said.

An analysis from the Imperial College London COVID-19 response team estimated hospitalization risks for omicron cases in England, finding people infected with the variant are around 20% less likely to go to the hospital at all than those infected with the delta variant, and 40% less likely to be hospitalized for a night or more.
NEW YORK (AP)  Christmas came early  or really late, depending how you look at it, when a physics professor at the City College of New York in Harlem discovered a box postmarked in 2020 in the school's mailroom, holding $180,000 in cash.

The toaster-sized box was addressed to the chair of the physics department, Vinod Menon. He said he opened the box after returning to campus this semester and found a letter and $50 and $100 bundles in paper bands, The New York Times reported on Tuesday.

The letter stated that the cash was a donation meant to help physics and math students in need at City College. It also explained that the donor was a former City College alum who received their bachelors and masters degrees in physics at the school, ushering them into a successful scientific career.

City College and the entire CUNY system official said they could not remember a similar donation this large in cash and sent anonymously.

Chief Pat Morena, the leader of the Department of Public Safety at City College, said the return address used a fake name that traced back to Florida but did not lead to the anonymous donor's identity.
In Nebraska, the states largest farm insurer said Dec. 15 will go down as the companys biggest December storm loss in 130 years of keeping records.

With at least 42 tornadoes occurring in Iowa, the outbreak ranks as the most on any day of any year in Iowa, including peak tornado season, said Justin Glisan, state climatologist. Records date to 1950.

Its astounding to have an outbreak like that any time of year, but for it to occur in December is unheard of, Glisan said.

In Nebraska, at least 27 tornadoes occurred, all within a three-hour time span. To understand how unusual it is to have that many December tornadoes in Nebraska, consider that only five tornadoes  in total  are known to have occurred in the state in all Decembers combined since 1950, said Taylor Nicolaisen, meteorologist with the weather service. (In Iowa, a total of six had occurred in all Decembers since 1950.)

In eastern Nebraska and southwest Iowa, the outbreak likely set a daily record for the most tornadoes on any date, said Brian Smith, warning coordination meteorologist for the Valley office of the weather service.
BLOOMINGTON  McLean County added 121 cases of COVID on Wednesday, the same day state health officials reported a record for daily cases.

A total of 16,581 new confirmed and probable cases of the coronavirus across the state pushed the total number of reported infections since the start of the pandemic past 2 million.

McLean County health officials said there have been 915 new cases between Dec. 15 and Wednesday. Almost 200 of those were people in their 20s, data shows.

The county on Wednesday surpassed 300 deaths since the pandemic started. The person who died was a woman in her 70s, the health department said.

Other county data released Wednesday:

31 residents with COVID are hospitalized

88% of intensive care unit beds are use

45 with COVID are hospitalized

The new cases reported statewide Wednesday pushed the average number of new daily cases over the past week to 11,561, the highest level since the week ending Nov. 22, 2020. Last falls surge peaked at 12,384 cases per day during the week ending Nov. 16.

The average number of people hospitalized with COVID-19 peaked at 6,119 per day the following week, and daily deaths from the disease peaked at 154 per day during the week ending Dec. 11, 2020.

In comparison, the 4,178 COVID-19 patients hospitalized statewide as of Tuesday night pushed the seven-day average to 3,909 over the past week, the 66 deaths reported Wednesday brought the average over the past week to 49 per day. As of Wednesday, the states death toll stood at 27,357 since the start of the pandemic.

Hospitalizations and deaths are still rising, however, with the average number of hospitalizations up nearly 15% in the past week and daily deaths up more than 14%. Both measures of the viruss transmission, which lag behind a surge in cases, have more than doubled in the past month.

The latest surge  Illinois fifth since spring 2020  comes as hospitals are filling up with patients seeking treatment not just for COVID-19 but for other ailments, some of whom delayed care earlier on in the pandemic.

With screenings for the coronavirus more widespread than ever before, the case positivity rate  the percentage of new cases as a share of total tests  remains well below its peak during the fall 2020 surge. For the week ending Tuesday, the statewide case positivity rate averaged 6%, compared with the peak of 13.2% for the week ending Nov. 12, 2020.

The prevalence of vaccines during the latest surge also means that fewer people who contract COVID-19 are ending up in the hospital or dying from the disease than last year. The vast majority of cases, hospitalizations and deaths continue to be among those who are not fully vaccinated, according to health officials.

But the arrival of the omicron variant, which is highly contagious and has shown to be more resistant to the two-dose vaccine regimen, has public health officials strongly encouraging all who are eligible to receive a booster dose and for everyone to take extra precautions as they gather for the holidays.

The Chicago Tribune and Associated Press contributed to this report.

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BLOOMINGTON  A 26-year-old man is accused of breaking into two Bloomington residences and a vehicle Tuesday.

Jonathan D. Morris, who does not have an address listed in court records, is charged with the following:

Home invasion (Class X felony)

Residential burglary (Class 1 felony)

Unlawful possession of a weapon by a convicted felon (Class 2 felony)

Attempted residential burglary (Class 2 felony)

Burglary (Class 2 felony)

Burglary (Class 3 felony)

Two counts of obstructing a peace officer (Class A misdemeanor)

Prosecutors said a victim in the first block of Bandecon Way in Bloomington was awakened by a home surveillance system about 4:15 a.m. Tuesday.

After hearing someone in the house and asking who it was, the victim later saw a male walk away from the residence. The victim also learned that the man had broken into her vehicle, prosecutors said.

Another person in the 1300 block of North Hershey Road in Bloomington reported to police that an armed man had entered his residence, prosecutors said.

The prosecutor said Morris brandished a large knife and swung it at the man.

Bloomington police located Morris and arrested him near Stevenson Elementary School, authorities said.

Morris was jailed in lieu of posting $15,035 and he was ordered to have no contact with the two addresses.

An arraignment is scheduled for Jan. 7.

Contact Kade Heather at 309-820-3256. Follow him on Twitter: @kadeheather

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NORMAL  The Normal Police Department said a 12-year-old girl who went missing Tuesday evening was found safe.

NPD said in a Wednesday afternoon Facebook post that Mariah Walter was located. Officers reported she had run away around 8:15 p.m. Tuesday from her home in Normal.

NPD added in a press release that anyone who is considering running away, or knows someone who is thinking about it, should call Project Oz at 309-827-0377 to talk to a crisis counselor.

The Bloomington Police Department is also searching for 16-year-old Bryan Bell. He ran away Tuesday while in the Twin cities area, but BPD believes he may be in another part of Illinois or a nearby state.

This story has been updated.

Contact Brendan Denison at (309) 820-3238. Follow Brendan Denison on Twitter: @BrendanDenison

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The Pantagraph is counting down the Top 10 stories of 2021. This is No. 9. What do you think are the top stories of the year? Join our conversation here.

BLOOMINGTON  Heavy rains and high waters wrecked havoc this summer for scores of homeowners, businesses and organizations in Central Illinois.

The first torrents of precipitation arrived in June 25-26, leaving basements, roads and vehicles inundated by floodwaters in Bloomington, Downs and the greater McLean County area. Around 10.6 inches of rain fell about two miles east-southeast of Bloomington, according to spotters reporting to the National Weather Service.

Illinois State Climatologist Trent Ford decreed the flooding as a 100-year event.

Neighboring counties to the south of McLean sighted funnel clouds but no tornadoes confirmed to have touched down in the June weather event.

In Bloomington, Home Sweet Home Ministries got 38 inches of water in its basement, while the West Bloomington Revitalization Project had to replace its floors.

Even the Bloomington Public Works Department failed to escape from water encroaching on its property.

Over 40 calls in Bloomington requested emergency responses for stranded vehicles, and Bloomington fire personnel carried out rescues on at least 17 vehicles. One Heyworth resident needed rescuing after floodwaters closed in around their home.

McLean County was tapped once more by intense showers on July 16, when water covered roads near McLean and Heyworth. Responders rescued a driver who became trapped by flooding at Kickapoo Creek.

In total, $808,400 in Small Business Administration loans were provided to McLean County residents affected by flooding, U.S Rep. Rodney Davis, R-Taylorville, announced during an August press conference.

Then, in late September, the Bloomington City Council approved a plan by a 4-3 vote ordering city staff to identify existing state and nonprofit assistance programs that would fund direct aid payments to residents.

Within the next week, a legal demand by 10 residents for a $310,000 settlement for damage compensation from the city was shut down. An outside defense lawyer for the city cited the Tort Immunity Act for why its exempt from liability, saying water that backed up into peoples home was an act of God.

In total, over 500 claims for compensation through the citys insurer, PMA, were denied.

Earlier in 2021, The Pantagraph reported a 2014 storm water and sanitary sewer master plan had found that some infrastructure installed in the citys expansion had deteriorated to the point where it wasnt providing an adequate level of service.

Although originally estimated as a weather event spawning around 7 inches of rain, later findings increased that to just under 10 inches of rain. The NWS confirmed it as a 1,000-year flood event.

In the fall, The Pantagraph checked in with some residents and agencies who were continuing to close out their recovery process. The Gibson Area House Rehab Foundation plans extensive renovations for 37 homes, including foundation, drywall and flooring work, plus mold remediation for 20 homes.

Although countless heirlooms and valuables were lot in the flooding events, residents learned the value of what a community can do as a whole when responding to a crisis.

Contact Brendan Denison at (309) 820-3238. Follow Brendan Denison on Twitter: @BrendanDenison

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NORMAL  Christmastime is all about caring.

One way of showing others that you care is by volunteering at your local food bank.

Greg DeBo of Normal began volunteering at Midwest Food Bank about a year ago when he retired from IT work at State Farm.

DeBo, 57, said he gets awesome exercise helping out at the food bank, adding that he feels better going home after work now.

I leave here and I feel better physically, and I feel so much better mentally, he said.

Debo said when he was at State Farm: I was sitting at a desk most of the day, having back pains, and eating chocolate.

It was very stressful  and when you come here, theres no stress. Youre helping people, and it just makes you feel good.

He also said he doesnt have back pain anymore.

Caleb Augspurger is another food bank volunteer with a connection to State Farm. He currently is employed by the insurance company as a life actuary.

Augspurger noted that the company has a community service and education support day, which is why he was at the food bank on Friday, Dec. 10.

He said he started volunteering there with his family about 15 years ago, and he has fun doing it.

You always leave here more happy than when you came here, Augspurger said.

DeBo said the mission of the food bank in his mind is great.

We have groups from Chicago and from Southern Illinois  were helping the entire state by distributing this food, he said.

He understands they give out about 1 million pounds of food across a distribution. And, hes heard that demand for food assistance is starting to rise because supplemental nutrition programs have ended.

The work involves lots of lifting, DeBo said, by loading trucks and vans brought by different agencies. In their downtime, volunteers talk to other people at the food bank about what theyre doing and where their agencies need more help.

He added the Midwest Food Bank delivers supplies to disaster zones in other parts of the nation  sometimes when no other semitrailer-truck hauling aid can make it.

Everybody is thankful when a Midwest Food Bank truck shows up because its full of stuff they need, he said.

Plenty of groups from State Farm, Country Financial and Illinois State University help out for a half-day at the food bank, DeBo said, before having lunch together.

Its exciting to see the people coming here to give back, he said.

The food bank sees a lot people interested in helping out around the holiday season, said food bank director Tara Ingham.

Were so blessed to have so many people in the community who want to be a part of volunteer efforts and food efforts, she said.

However, when January and February come around, Ingham said, many of their regular helpers head out of state, going to warmer climates like Florida or Arizona.

But the food bank still needs to keep operations running.

Ingham said she understands  and shed love to do the same. However, theyre always looking for help with food distribution in those months.

Our daytime food distribution is really where we have the biggest need, Ingham said. So as long as you can lift some boxes, help us either load them on carts or load them into trucks, we always have a need for folks who can do that."

While distribution day involves more physically intensive work, the director added they have service projects for ages 5 and up, including tasks of many ability levels.

Ingham noted giving back can be therapeutic for people. She added a lot of people suffer from seasonal depression.

That is very common for a lot of us here in America today, she said. Volunteering actually helps to combat that.

You walk away with a sense of being able to help other people, to have done good, to have made an impact.

Contact Brendan Denison at (309) 820-3238. Follow Brendan Denison on Twitter: @BrendanDenison

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State Sen. Kimberly Lightfords husband had a gun and exchanged shots with at least one of the suspects when the couple was hijacked earlier this week near Chicago, authorities disclosed on Thursday.

Lightford, the Democratic senate majority leader and the second highest-ranking senator in the General Assembly, was in a vehicle with her husband, Eric McKennie, when they were carjacked at about 9:45 p.m. Tuesday in Broadview west of the city. The couple was there to drop off a friend, police have said.

At some point after Lightford and McKennie were ordered out of their black Mercedes SUV, there was an exchange of gunfire between McKennie and at least one of the carjackers, Broadview police Chief Thomas Mills said Thursday.

Mills said McKennie is a Concealed Carry License holder.

No one was hurt during the incident, which occurred in the 2000 block of South 20th Avenue.

The suspects, who were masked, drove away in the Mercedes and a Dodge Durango SUV that they used to box in Lightfords vehicle, authorities have said. The Mercedes has since been found, by police.

The case remains under investigation, and Broadview police were reviewing surveillance video in the area.

Lightford, a Maywood Democrat who has been in the state legislature since 1998, said in a statement Wednesday that she was thankful that my husband and I are alive and physically unharmed.

I am trying to process the trauma of what happened, she said, going on to thank Broadviews mayor and police department for their quick and thorough response.

The carjacking occurred about 30 minutes after a Christmas event hosted by Broadview village officials took place close to the scene of the crime, Mills has said.

Carjackings in the town have been minimal, said Mills, a former top Chicago police official, but other parts of Cook County have been see a big uptick in those crimes.

Carjackings in Chicago, just east of Broadview, were up by about 32% through Sunday with 1,781, up from 1,352 during the same time in 2020.

The Cook County Sheriffs Department earlier this month acknowledged the steep rise in carjackings, with Sheriff Tom Dart sending letters to major automakers, asking them to collaborate on addressing the crime.

Dart has suggested automakers create a 24/7 hotline for motorists and law enforcement to contact if they need to track a stolen vehicle.

His office has also created a consent form that car owners can submit to the sheriffs office, granting them permission to have their vehicles tracking information in case it gets stolen.

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Renovations are underway on the north wing of the Illinois Capitol.

Plans include the construction of an underground parking garage, elimination of the circle drive on the north side of the Capitol and the addition of a new entry that improves access and security.

We are very fortunate that we have a statehouse to be proud of. There are other states that have statehouses that look like a high-rise that you would see in Chicago, so we want to take care of a historic building and, unfortunately, the older buildings are the ones that need the most work, said Andrea Aggertt, director of the Office of the Architect of the Capitol.

The scheduled renovations carry a total price tag of $224 million already appropriated by the Rebuild Illinois Capital Plan. The Illinois Senate will convene in the Howlett Auditorium after the 2022 spring session and will continue meeting there until January 2025 when renovations are scheduled to be completed.

The plans for the renovations include:

Updated new stairs to allow for emergency exits directly outdoors.

New fire alarms, sprinklers and lighting.

Accessible bathrooms, entryways, door hardware.

Modernized mechanical, electrical, and heating and ventilation systems.

The purpose of the renovation is to address safety and security concerns, but also to return the historic architectural detail to the Capitol.

The restoration will also return some the history to the building that was completed in 1876 at a cost of $4.5 million, removing recessed ceilings, non-historic millwork and mezzanines from the north wing.

Construction for the underground parking garage will begin in coming weeks.

The goal of the renovation is to improve security by removing vehicles from close proximity to the building, creating a visitor screen area on the outside of the Capitol structure and installing electronic locking and lockdown capability and duress buttons.

Plans also include an underground conference and meeting room area.

Currently, there is one handicapped accessible entrance to the Capitol.

In 2011, the west wing of the Capitol underwent a two-year, $50 million renovation. The renovation met with scrutiny when the price for three mahogany doors clad in copper was revealed --- $700,000. The original doors were replaced in the 1970s with glass and aluminum doors.

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The Prairie Du Pont Fire District has fallen into chaos.

Its three-member board of trustees replaced the fire chief on Monday with a controversial assistant chief who was convicted of arson 23 years ago and who has been reported for safety violations.

That caused 10 out of 13 volunteer firefighters to resign, according to the former fire chief, John Rosenkranz, 37, of East Carondelet.

The district's Facebook page, which functions as its official website, is being used by both supporters and opponents of the new acting fire chief, and the latter are calling on the St. Clair County Board to remove members of the Prairie Du Pont board.

"In the past 2 years there have been open meetings act violations, federal background check violations, tort law violations, civil rights violations, discrimination, and sexual harassment issues," according to a "no confidence" letter sent to the county board from the "Prairie Du Pont Fire Department."

"The board refuses to hear the departments pleas for the laws and regulations of the State of Illinois and of the Federal Government to be followed. They will not let the public read or look at the minutes of their meetings. There is NO financial report being made to the general public. There are no (postings) of budgets or equipment contracts."

Prairie Du Pont serves about 2,500 people who live in a 14-square-mile area that includes East Carondelet and some homes with Dupo, Cahokia Heights, Millstadt and Columbia zip codes.

The new acting fire chief is Jerame Simmons, 42, of Dupo, who has served as a firefighter with several metro-east departments over the years. The Prairie Du Pont board promoted him to assistant chief last summer, demoting John Rosenkranz's wife, Laura Rosenkranz.

The board called a special meeting at 3 p.m. Monday to replace John Rosenkranz with Simmons.

Board members later issued a statement on Facebook, saying that they appreciated Rosenkranz's service but determined in the last several months that new leadership was needed.

"The Board is aware that some of the current officers and members of the Fire Department may disagree with the Board's decision, however, the position of the fire chief under state law is at the pleasure of the Board of Trustees ...

"In order for that position to be effectively served, the trustees must have a good working relationship with the person serving as chief and it must have confidence in the leadership being provided. When that is not the case, it is the Board's duty to make changes which it determines are appropriate."

Governor granted pardon

Jerame Simmons is the son of Herb Simmons, mayor of East Carondelet, a village of 390 people, and executive director of the St. Clair County Emergency Management Agency, which provides 911 services.

Jerame Simmons pleaded guilty in St. Clair County Circuit Court to felony arson and having an illegal "oscillating emergency light" on his personal vehicle in 1998. (He was a firefighter at the time.) He later successfully completed four years of intensive probation.

According to court documents, Jerame Simmons went to the basement of Dupo High School, gathered toilet paper and ceiling tiles and lit them on fire, knowing that a woman was present in the building. The small fire didn't lead to a larger fire, and no one was injured.

Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker pardoned Jerame Simmons in the arson case, but that doesn't "absolve" him of the crime, according to the Prairie Du Pont firefighters' letter to the county board.

Jerame Simmons couldn't be reached for comment Tuesday, nor could members of the Prairie Du Pont board. Phone calls weren't being answered at the fire station by employee or voicemail.

Jerame Simmons posted a video on his personal Facebook page, showing a clip of John and Laura Rosenkranz being interviewed by TV news reporters after the Prairie Du Pont special meeting next to a laughing emoji. The video was set to The Rolling Stones song "You Can't Always Get What You Want." It also included a portion of the board's statement.

John and Laura Rosenkranz were among those who resigned Monday.

"It's not about me being chief or the other (firefighters)," John Rosenkranz said by phone Tuesday. "It's about this reckless, lawless board that is going to hurt or kill somebody, lose property and promote destruction in this area."

John Rosenkranz called the personnel change "retaliation" for his efforts to obtain basic information on district finances that he needed to prepare budgets and apply for grants so firefighters could update their equipment and maintain a safe operation.

John Rosenkranz said he was forced to file Freedom of Information Act requests for such information.

Other departments on call

Herb Simmons stated in a private Facebook message Tuesday that Prairie Du Pont is a separate entity out of his purview as mayor of East Carondelet and that he hasn't attended one of its board meetings in 30 years.

Sen. Kimberly Lightford carjacked Illinois state Sen. Kimberly Lightford and her husband were carjacked Tuesday night in suburban Broadview, police said.

When asked if he's concerned about what might happen if a fire breaks out in the community after the resignation of so many firefighters, Herb Simmons stated, "I was told last night by members of the fire district board that wasn't true."

The board addressed the potential problem in its statement:

"The Board hopes that members of the Fire Department will work with the Acting Chief to provide quality emergency services to the residents and property owners of the District during this transition period," it read.

"While the Board hopes it will not be necessary, arrangements have been made by the District with neighboring fire departments to provide any needed coverage within the Prairie Du Pont District in the event that any personnel shortages in the Fire Department should occur as a result of the Board's action."

Prairie Du Pont was organized in 1941 and became an official fire district in 1948, according to its Facebook page. The St. Clair County Board is responsible for appointing its board of trustees under state law.

Renovations on state Capitol underway Renovations are underway on the north wing of the Illinois Capitol.

In 2008, Jerame Simmons was charged with several offenses in Monroe County related to an order of protection filed against him by his wife. One charge was impersonating a police officer. That was dismissed in return for a guilty plea to a misdemeanor involving an order of protection violation.

In 2018, Jerame Simmons received supervision in St. Clair County Circuit Court for misdemeanor disorderly conduct resulting from an altercation with the manager of Country Rock Cabernet strip club in Sauget.

The manager originally reported that Jerame Simmons pulled a gun on him and announced, "I'm a police officer," after the manager removed Simmons' wife from the club for being disruptive. Officials later took his word for it that he was holding a vaping device in his fist.

Rosenkranz said he has reported Jerame Simmons for violating safety regulations while fighting fires but that he was told he didn't have the authority to reprimand or discipline him.

"They removed me because they couldn't control me when they were being reckless, (like) skimping on equipment," Rosenkranz said. "... I did my job, and I did it pretty well with what I was given."

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The Bank of Ghana (BoG) has withheld large sums of money suspected to have been laundered from abroad by some foreign counterparts remitted to certain individuals and businesses in the country, thereby, further reporting such cases to the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) to prosecute the culprits.



In a press release signed by Secretary of the Bank of Ghana, Sandra Thompson, the regulator said the culprits tried to formalise the transaction using the SWIFT transfer system but documents attached to the transactions were later found to be fake, hence, referral to EOCO for further investigation and prosecution.



Following an emerging trend observed by the BoG over the last few years, BoG has since October 2020 submitted five separate requests to EOCO for investigations into claims of persons (individuals, businesses, and law firms acting on behalf of clients) who have persistently made claims on the BoG to the effect that certain large sums of money purportedly remitted to them by foreign counterparties through the banking system have been withheld by BoG.



These claimants often attached documentation alleged to be messaging from the SWIFT international funds transfer system, as proof of the receipt and retention of their funds by BoG. Following BoGs preliminary investigations which have shown that these claims are fake, BoG has referred such matters to EOCO for further investigation. EOCO has made significant progress in these investigations and has initiated prosecution in some of these cases, while investigations in other cases continue, the statement said.



The central bank has reiterated that it remains ever ready to cooperate with and assist law enforcement agencies to fight financial crimes and keep the sector clean of any money laundering activities, especially, at a time that the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) recently removed the country from its grey list.



Update on prosecution of directors of some defunct financial institutions



The bank further provided update on efforts it is making to prosecute shareholders, directors, and managers of some defunct banks, savings and loans companies, finance houses, and microfinance companies. The regulator says it has cited a number of potentially criminal actions on the part of these institutions and their shareholders, directors or management, and subsequently, handed them over to EOCO for further action.



Following further investigations into the failure of these institutions by the Receivers appointed by BoG, these cases were referred to EOCO for advice. EOCO has conducted independent investigations into a number of these cases as listed below and has made recommendations to the Attorney Generals Department for consideration and possible prosecution.



EOCO continues to work with the Attorney Generals Department towards speedy prosecutions of persons suspected to have been complicit in the failures of these institutions. In the meantime, EOCO has frozen and/or impounded some assets of such persons to help with reimbursements of the claimants of the defunct institutions.



BoG continues to deepen its collaboration with EOCO and other law enforcement agencies in the country, to help promote financial integrity and trust and confidence in our banking system, the statement said.



The savings and loans companies which have their shareholders, directors, and managers referred to EOCO include Ideal Finance, GN Savings and Loans, CDH Savings and Loans, Midland Savings and Loans, Legacy Capital Savings and Loans, FirsTrust Savings and Loans, Express Savings and Loans, IFS Savings and Loans, UniCredit Savings and Loans, and Dream Finance Co Ltd.



The microfinance companies also include Goldman Capital Microfinance, Dwadifo Adanfo Microfinance, CIG Microfinance, Noble Dream Microfinance, Adom Sika Microfinance, Nationwide Microfinance, Cypress Microfinance, Jorbies Microfinance, DPF Microfinance, and FTS Capital Microfinance.

Source: B&FT/kasapafmonline.com









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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Close to three-quarters of Americans don't trust Facebook and worry about how the social media giant uses their data, according to a new poll.



A total of 72 percent of surveyed Americans say they're wary about how Facebook manages personal data in a poll that also reflects distrust of other social media platforms such as TikTok, Instagram and WhatsApp - with the latter two also owned by Facebook parent company Meta.



Just 20 percent of people said they trust Facebook 'a great deal,' with another 72 percent of the 1,100 surveyed by The Washington Post expressing distrust of the social networking giant; eight percent of people did not offer an opinion.



Meanwhile, 70 percent of Americans said they believed their devices - phones and smart speakers such as Amazon's Echo - listen in on their conversations, without permission.



Tech firms deny this is the case, but multiple Americans have shared their unease at speaking about something with a friend close to a device, only to be offered goods and services related to the same topic the next time they log on to Facebook or Amazon.



Pollsters conducted a random sample of Americans to glean insights on how the nation feels about social media, targeted advertisements, and online privacy concerns.



Skepticism of Instagram's trustworthiness was also reflected in the survey, where 60 percent of respondents said they were cautious of the platform.



TikTok didn't fare any better, with 63 percent of Americans saying they lacked trust in the video-sharing app which has exploded in popularity and has usurped Instagram, Snapchat and Facebook among young users.



Amazon received the best trustworthiness rankings, with 53 percent of Americans saying they trusted the online retailer. It's owned by Jeff Bezos, who also owns the Washington Post.



The bulk of respondents also trusted Google (48 percent), Microsoft (43 percent) and Apple (44 percent).



The poll appears to show that firms which sell people actual goods - Apple, Google and Amazon - fare better than Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp, where people are unnerved and unsure about how their data is being used in return for free access to the sites.



The poll - taken November 22 with results released Wednesday - found 56 percent of Americans believe Facebook has a negative impact on society. Just 10 percent of people believe the platform has a positive impact.



Facebook's reputation took a blow during the Cambridge-Analyitica scandal, when it was revealed that the personal data of 84 million users was harvested without consent between 2007 and 2014.



It took another hit earlier this year, when whistleblower Frances Haugen went public claiming that the company puts profits above morals, and that it knew full well Instagram was harming young girls' mental health, but didn't make any such disclosure.



Haugen in October shared how she routinely filed complaints against Facebook for putting profits above morals by failing to stop the spread of misinformation online, protect young people and or stop the January 6 riot.



Facebook rebranded itself as Meta shortly after the scandal broke.



Separately, about 70 percent of Americans believe their phones and other electronic devices secretly listen in on conversations without consent.

Source: Dailymail.co.uk









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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Minister for Parliamentary Affairs and Majority Leader, Hon. Osei Kyei Mensah Bonsu, has slammed Member of Parliament for Banda and Deputy Minority Whip, Hon. Ahmed Ibrahim, for spewing lies about him.



He has asked him the NDC MP to keep the "fear of God in him and be truthful at all times".



The Banda MP had earlier accused the Majority Leader of seeking to do things his way and disrespecting the leadership of the House.



To him, the Majority Leader is the biggest treat to Ghanas democracy and laid blame at his doorstep for the chaos that occured in Parliament on Monday night.



The NDC MP claims Hon Kyei Mensah used delay tactics to drag sitting late into the night, forcing Speaker Rt. Hon. Alban Bagbin to miss proceedings.



But speaking on Okay Fm's "Ade Akye Abia" programme, the Majority Leader dismissed asssertions by his colleague MP, and revealed that he even plans to quit his role as leader of government business.



"....he should be guided by the fear of God.....such comments should not be entertained from my colleague member of parliament....i am no even longer interested in being the minister for parliamentary affairs....It is very unfortunate that things had to go the way they went but as members of parliament we should be able to resolve this E-levy issue when we resume from the one month break," he stated.



E-Levy Blues



Parliament, which has been strongly divided for some weeks now, experienced another strange scene in the Chamber just before the final vote on the controversial Electronic Transfer Levy Bill, also known as e-levy, was expected to be passed on Monday night.



Proceedings came to an abrupt end when a brawl broke out between some Minority Members of Parliament (MP) and their colleagues from the Majority, leading to the failure of the House to approve the controversial bill.



Earlier, the Minority grouping had angrily challenged the decision by the House to consider the e-levy bill under a certificate of urgency following the recommendation by the Finance Committee for the House to do so.



The House has meanwhile adjourned sitting to next year, January 18th.



Watch Video Below





Source: Isaac Kwame Owusu/Peacefmonline/[email protected]









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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Former NDC Central Regional Chairman, Bernard Allotey Jacobs has cautioned Ghanaians against the guiles of the Minority in Parliament as he claims the Minority don't have the interest of the citizenry at heart.



According to him, the Minority portray themselves as fighting for the ordinary Ghanaian regarding their position on the e-levy but what they are doing, in actual fact, is fighting for the comeback of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) into government.



Allotey Jacobs was commenting on the brawl on Monday night involving some Members of Parliament.



Proceedings in the House turned violent as the MPs, from the Minority and Majority sides, wrestled with one another when the First Deputy Speaker, Joseph Osei-Owusu, affectionately called Joe Wise, decided to hand over to the Second Deputy Speaker in order to pave way for him to participate in the voting on the e-levy.



The Minority has been against the e-levy since the Finance Minister announced it on the floor during his presentation of the 2022 budget.



Reacting to the matter, Allotey Jacobs asked Ghanaians not to be ''fooled'' by the Minority saying ''the Minority position in Parliament, on the e-levy, they won't accept it and that they are protecting the interest of Ghanaians is deception. Don't believe them. It is never true.''



He continued; ''I tell you don't believe the politician. Anything the politician will do to convince the masses to toll their line, so they march forward for them to come into power, they will do it.''



To him, the Minority are feigning to defend Ghanaians on the e-levy so they will win them to vote the NDC into power, come 2024.



''The Minority is thirsty for power...In politics, you take advantage of your enemies disadvantage. So, the Minority in Parliament is taking that advantage to drive home with their propaganda for them to win the sympathy of Ghanaians, irrespective of whatever happens. Because, critically, when you look at what's happening, they are holding the NPP government to ransom'', he stated.



Allotey Jacobs made these submissions on Peace FM's ''Kokrokoo'' on Wednesday.





Source: Ameyaw Adu Gyamfi/Peacefmonline.com/Ghana









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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Social Commentator, Bernard Allotey Jacobs, says Ghanaians should stop having hope in any government that will promise to come and reduce fuel prices.



Allotey Jacobs noted that all previous and successive governments act the same when it comes to the issue of fuel prices.



He was commenting on the recent brouhaha in Parliament resulting in a scuffle between the Members of Parliament.



On Monday, the MPs traded blows in an attempt to prevent one another from advancing their moves in the House.



Allotey Jacobs, discussing the incident during Peace FM's ''Kokrokoo'', specifically touched on the fuel prices that have got many Ghanaians, particularly vehicle drivers, to complain bitterly about the Akufo-Addo government.



Some commercial vehicle drivers, locally called 'trotro drivers', recently embarked on a nationwide strike in protest against the increment in fuel prices.



The strike was ended on a notice that their Union leaders had had a meeting with the Presidency to intervene in their situation.



Allotey Jacobs has cautioned Ghanaians not to trust the politician, stressing ". . don't believe the politician. Anything the politician will do to convince the masses to tow their line, so they march forward for them to come into power, they will do it".



Speaking to host Kwami Sefa Kayi, Allotey Jacobs warned; ''This is what Ghanaians should bear in mind that, from one regime to another, nobody will come and tell you that I will reduce the price. So, let us look at it holistically that what is our flagship or what is our policy that we use to help our tax regime for every successive government to get adequate revenue to do good works. If you are a patriot, this is what you should think about, not to cut your colleague with a blade.''





Source: Ameyaw Adu Gyamfi/Peacefmonline.com/Ghana









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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The Office of the Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Alban S.K. Bagbin, has denied a news publication alleging that members of the Parliamentary Service Board (PSB) had held a board meeting in Dubai at the instance of the Speaker.



There has not been any meeting of the PSB in Dubai held at the instance and convenience of the Speaker of Parliament, a statement issued by the Office of the Speaker said.



It explained that the PSB rather participated in an international workshop and team building exercise by the Crown Agents in Dubai.



It is worth noting that arrangement for the workshop predated the Speaker of Parliament's medical trip to Dubai. It was initially planned for April 2021 and was finally held in September 2021. It had to be postponed a couple of times due to time constraints and availability of members of the PSB. Consequently, the workshop and the Speaker's medical trip had nothing in common.



We entreat all well-meaning Ghanaians to disregard this misleading publication, which only seeks to traduce the Rt.Hon. Speaker's character by negatively projecting him and the Parliamentary Service Board.



The Speaker recently undertook a two-week trip to Dubai to seek medical care  from November 27 to December 14.





Source: graphiconline.com









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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" " Dolly Parton reads her book 'Coat of Many Colors' at the February 2018 Library of Congress event honoring her 100 millionth book donation. Shawn Miller/Library of Congress

Since 1995, beloved country and western superstar Dolly Parton's Imagination Library has been sending free books to children in areas where her program is offered. Kids get the books every month from birth until they reach the age of 5. The program, which originally distributed books to kids living in Parton's hometown of Sevier County, now sends them to children around the globe. That's a lot of books  100 million in total as of Feb. 27, 2018 to be exact.

And what book could be more fitting to commemorate the Imagination Library's 100 millionth than one written by Parton herself. "Coat of Many Colors" is a picture book featuring the lyrics of Parton's song of the same name with illustrations by Brooke Boynton-Hughes.

To celebrate this huge achievement for childhood literacy, Parton's book was enshrined in the Library of Congress this week. Its addition to the collection in Washington, D.C., also kicked off a partnership between the Library of Congress and the Imagination Library. Going forward on the last Friday of every month from March until August, readings will be livestreamed to local libraries across the United States.

"Dolly Parton's work through her Imagination Library is awe-inspiring," Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden said in a press statement. "...There is no way to truly quantify the impact this program has had on developing young readers across America and in other parts of the world."

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The Book Lady

Thanks to her efforts to bring books to kids, Parton has become known among the smaller set as "the book lady"  a title the star never expected. "The painted lady, yes. The overexaggerated, overdressed lady, yes," she said with a laugh during the Feb. 27 ceremony at the Library of Congress, which was livestreamed.

Parton started the Imagination Library program more than 20 years ago to honor her father, Lee Parton, who never learned to read or write himself, but was "the smartest person I've ever known," Parton said. Her mother, who was literate, often read stories from the Bible to Parton and her 11 siblings, including, of course, the story of Joseph and the coat of many colors.

Even with her tour schedule and philanthropic work, Parton told audience members at the Library of Congress event that she still manages to read about a book a week herself.

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A Library in Your Mailbox

The Imagination Library uses a network of what it calls "local champions" to bring books to kids at no cost to their families. These local champions  whether a school, a neighborhood association or even an individual  are responsible for enrolling the kids in their communities. The local champions also cover the costs of buying the books at wholesale prices and shipping them, which amounts to about $2 per child per month.

The books arrive in the mail with the children's names on them. Parton and the Imagination Library know the importance a sense of ownership these books give the kids. "It's not care of mom and dad," Parton said.

Parton's father did live long enough to see the program grow beyond the boundaries of Sevier County. It now has outlets in the Canada, Australia and the United Kingdom. "He was prouder of that than anything," Parton said.

Now That's Sweet Dolly Parton has been singing about her coat of many colors since 1971, when the song first appeared on her album of the same name. Parton grew up poor, and her mother had to sew her a winter coat out of scraps of fabric. When little Dolly wore it to school, the other kids made fun of her. But Parton's mom made sure she felt loved and had pride in herself, no matter what she wore or how much money she had. Now, Parton says, her book "Coat of Many Colors" is used in classrooms to talk about bullying.
" " Senate pages carry bound wooden boxes containing the electoral college votes from the 50 states into the House of Representatives chamber at the U.S. Capitol Jan. 4, 2013 in Washington, DC. Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

Earlier this month, Oregon became the 15th state plus Washington, D.C. to join what's known as the National Popular Vote interstate compact. Under this agreement, participating states pledge to deliver all of their electoral college votes to the winner of the national popular vote.

If enough states join, it could spell the end of the electoral college, a temporary body of state-appointed "electors" who are ultimately responsible for choosing the president of the United States. The electoral college was created by the Founding Fathers as a way of checking the raw power of the people and giving a leg up to small states, but it also makes it possible for the winner of the popular vote to actually lose the presidential election.

That very thing has happened five times in American history, most recently with the 2016 election of Donald Trump, who won the electoral vote by a broad margin (306 to 232), but lost the popular vote to Hillary Clinton by more than 2.8 million ballots. In 2000, the closest presidential election in U.S. history, George W. Bush narrowly won the White House with 271 electoral votes while receiving 543,895 fewer popular votes than his opponent, Al Gore.

The electoral college is generally unpopular  a May 2019 poll found 53 percent of Americans think it should be abolished  and according to a 2019 report by the Congressional Research Service, there have been 700 different proposals floated in Congress that would reform or repeal the electoral college, which is enshrined in Article II of the Constitution and also in the 12th Amendment.

Despite centuries of opposition, the electoral college is alive and kicking because amending the Constitution or repealing an existing amendment is a huge political undertaking that requires supermajorities in Congress plus the president's signature. That's why electoral college critics are psyched about a new approach that uses the Constitution's own language to bring power back to the popular vote. And it's gaining traction.

The National Popular Vote plan doesn't require a constitutional amendment, because it doesn't get rid of the electoral college. Supporters believe it brings parity back to the voting process (every vote counts), while opponents claim that any state-sponsored attempt to mess with federal elections is by its very nature unconstitutional.

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The Broken Electoral System

John Koza is chair of National Popular Vote, Inc., a nonprofit organization that's been lobbying states to join the movement since 2006. Koza's biggest gripe with the electoral college has nothing to do with what the Constitution says, but with state "winner take all" laws. These laws, which are on the books in 48 states plus Washington D.C., hand over all of a state's electoral votes to the candidate who gets the most votes at the state level.

"If you lose Florida by half a percent, you get nothing," says Koza, which is exactly what happened to Gore in 2000. And if you live in a state that constantly gives all of its electoral votes to the opposing political party, you start to feel like your vote doesn't even count.

A troubling side effect of the winner-take-all system is that presidential candidates have learned to campaign exclusively in so-called "battleground" states where both presidential candidates stand a good chance of winning. It makes perfect mathematical and financial sense. Don't waste time in states that are guaranteed to go blue or red, but go all in on the purple ones.

As a result, says Koza, in the 2012 election, 100 percent of campaign events and spending were focused on just 12 states. In 2016, 94 percent of events and spending occurred in those same 12 states.

"When there's no active campaigning in the majority of states, that affects government policy," says Koza. That's why manufacturers in a battleground state like Ohio get a lot more attention from White House policymakers than farmers in a solid red state like Idaho.

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What Does the U.S. Constitution Say About the Electoral Vote?

The National Popular Vote movement hinges on a clause contained in Article II, section I of the Constitution:

"Each State shall appoint, in such Manner as the Legislature thereof may direct, a Number of Electors, equal to the whole Number of Senators and Representatives to which the State may be entitled in the Congress." (emphasis added)

According to National Popular Vote supporters, the Constitution requires the use of electors to choose the president, but gives the states the right to pick those electors "in such a manner" as they see fit. And that's exactly what 15 states and Washington, D.C., have done. They have chosen to pledge all of their electors to the winner of the national popular vote instead of their state-level popular vote.

"The Constitution sets up the electoral college, but doesn't say how these electors get to the electoral college," says Koza. "It leaves it totally up to the states."

Incidentally, this is how 48 states plus D.C. ended up with a winner-take-all system in the first place. The winner-take-all idea isn't anywhere in the Constitution, explains Koza. States passed the legislation one by one as majority politicians tried to consolidate power in the decades preceding the Civil War. Only Nebraska and Maine divvy up their electoral votes by congressional districts.

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What the Opponents of the National Popular Vote Say

Critics of the National Popular Vote scheme argue that even if the interstate compact isn't expressly unconstitutional, it's at least "anti-constitutional." They point to the fact that the Founding Fathers created the electoral college as a deliberate move away from direct democracy. By giving ultimate power over selecting the president to a representative body chosen by the states, it avoided the threat of "unchecked majoritarianism," according to the Congressional Research Service report.

The National Popular Vote plan, opponents say, would undermine the intent of the Founding Fathers by bringing back majority rule.

Other criticisms of the National Popular Vote proposal are that it would incur endless state recounts, because so much will be riding on every single vote nationwide, not just battleground states. That it would disadvantage smaller states over larger ones. And that it would encourage multi-party elections in which a candidate could win the presidency with a plurality of votes, but not a majority.

Koza calls all of these arguments "pretty weak." In the extensive Answering Myths section of the National Popular Vote website, the organization addresses these criticisms and many more, generally arguing that the National Popular Vote scheme won't be any worse than what we have now and has the potential to function far better. For example, state recounts are already a pain, and 15 American presidents have already won the White House without an absolute majority (more than 50 percent) of the popular vote. Further, most of the smaller states are currently ignored during campaign season because they are not battlegrounds.

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The Race to 270

If you've paid attention on U.S. election night, you know that 270 is the "magic number" of electoral college votes needed to win the presidency. It's also the same number of electoral college votes required to make National Popular Vote a reality. The only way for the cooperative interstate scheme to work is if all of their pooled electoral votes add up to a majority.

As of this writing, National Popular Vote legislation has passed in states with a total of 196 electoral votes, which is 74 shy of the goal. Maine could be the next to add its four humble electoral votes, but it will take some bigger states to sign on, many of which voted for Trump, who once again stands to benefit from the electoral college in the 2020 election. While the vast majority of states who've signed on to the National Popular Vote have been Democratic strongholds, Colorado became the first "purple" state to join in May. Could more follow?

Now That's Interesting Compared to today's presidential campaigns, which are concentrated in a handful of states, Koza says that John F. Kennedy campaigned in 35 states in 1960 and his opponent Richard Nixon visited all 50.
" " This mosaic depicts a traditional Nativity scene. While scholars are divided on the actual date of Jesus' birth, they're pretty sure it was not Dec. 25. Philippe Lissac/Getty Images

Around the world, Christians anxiously await the arrival of Christmas, a joyous day to celebrate the birth of Jesus. But more than two millennia after Jesus' momentous ministry, even Christians can't agree on his birthday. In Catholic and Protestant traditions, Christmas is celebrated Dec. 25, while Orthodox Christians in countries like Russia, Greece and Egypt celebrate Christmas on Jan. 6 or 7.

Yet according to historians and biblical scholars, even those traditional dates are debatable. The Bible's most detailed account of the Nativity is in the New Testament's Gospel of Luke, but even that "orderly" narrative  complete with highly specific references to Roman rulers and a worldwide census  fails to name a day, month or even a year for Jesus' birth.

"We have this modern obsession with dates and chronological order, but the gospel writers were much more interested in theology than chronology," says Ian Paul, a theologian, biblical scholar and author who blogs at his website Psephizo.

That said, Paul's own best guess for the true date of Jesus' birth is somewhere in September, based on a complex set of calculations related to the birth of John the Baptist, also mentioned in Luke. A fall date for Christmas makes sense when you consider that the shepherds were in the fields tending their flocks, a sign of mild weather. Paul says that by December, the Judean foothills outside of Bethlehem are cold enough to get snow.

Ultimately, whether Jesus was born in December, September or March doesn't change the true meaning of Christmas, but the debate over Jesus' "real" birthday shows just how difficult it is to place specific dates on ancient events.

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Jesus Wasn't Born in 'Year 1'

Before we even get to the month and day debate, historians generally agree that we've got the year of Jesus' birth all wrong. How can that be, though, if "year 1" on the Gregorian calendar was based on the year that Jesus was born?

The short answer is that the man who invented the idea of anno Domini (shortened to A.D.) for "Year of Our Lord" was off by several years. Even Pope Benedict XVI agreed in a 2012 book that Dionysius Exiguus, the sixth-century monk who first calculated the year of Jesus' birth, miscounted, and that Jesus was likely born anywhere between 7 B.C. and 2 B.C. (Modern writers may use C.E. in place of A.D. and B.C.E. in place of B.C., to be religiously neutral.)

One compelling reason for an earlier birth year is that the Bible mentions in several places that Jesus was born when Herod the Great was king of Judea. But Herod the Great supposedly died in 4 B.C.E., according to Flavius Josephus, the famed Roman-Jewish historian who lived in the first century C.E. If we take Josephus's word for it, then Jesus must have been born at least four years earlier (and probably more) than our calendar says.

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How December and January Became the Traditional Dates for Christmas

The popular theory that Christians chose Dec. 25 to co-opt the pagan solstice festival of Sol Invictus is not based on strong evidence, but rather on the margin scribblings of an unnamed Syrian monk in the 12th century. Rather than accusing Christians of stealing the holiday, he was offering a theory for why western churches "moved" Christmas from January to December.

In fact, the first mention of a date for Christmas was around 200 C.E., and the earliest celebrations of it were 250-300, "a period when Christians were not borrowing heavily from pagan traditions of such an obvious character," according to the Biblical Archaeology Society.

For centuries after Jesus' death, early Christians didn't pay much attention to his birthday. In those days, Christians were persecuted and even martyred for their faith, which led them to put an emphasis on Easter, when Jesus himself was martyred on the cross, but overcame death and was resurrected.

It wasn't until the third and fourth centuries C.E. that early Christian theologians put forth possible dates for Jesus' birth. And even then, those dates were related to Easter. In ancient times, Paul says, there were traditions that the lives of great men were connected to specific times of year. Heroic figures often died in the same month and on the same day that they were born (years apart of course). In Jesus' case, it looks like ancient sources believed that he was either born or divinely conceived during Passover, the springtime Jewish holiday during which Jesus was later crucified.

Christians who believed that Jesus was conceived around the time of Passover/Easter counted nine months ahead to identify his birthday. In Rome and other western locales, they calculated Passover in the year that Jesus died as occurring March 25. In eastern Christian communities, they used a Greek calendar that placed that same Passover on April 6. Add nine months and that's how Christianity came up with two traditional dates for Christmas: Dec. 25 and Jan. 6.

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The September Theory of Christmas

So why do biblical scholars like Ian Paul believe that the true date for Christmas ought to be in September? It comes from a close reading of the clues left behind in Luke, particularly what the gospel's authors have to say about the timing of the birth of John the Baptist in relation to Jesus.

" " This 17th-century painting by Giovanni Benedetto Castiglione is titled "Angel Appearing to the Shepherds." Since the Bible says the shepherds were watching the sheep in a field at night, scholars assume this event took place in a warmer time than December. Heritage Art/Heritage Images via Getty Images

Luke's version of the Christmas story doesn't begin with Mary and Joseph, but with another couple, Elizabeth and Zechariah, who were old and childless. Zechariah was a priest in the Temple, and one day the angel Gabriel appeared to him in the Temple and told Zechariah that his wife would bear a son named John who would prepare the world for the coming of the Lord. Zechariah doubted Gabriel's message and was stuck dumb. But when his service in the Temple was over, Zechariah went home and Elizabeth soon became pregnant.

What does this story have to do with Jesus? The angel Gabriel also visited Mary and told her that Mary was going to conceive and give birth to Jesus, the Son of God, even though she was a virgin. Luke tells us that this second visitation to Mary happened "in the sixth month of Elizabeth's pregnancy."

With that key fact, it's possible to deduce that Jesus was conceived six months after John was conceived. But that only helps us if we know when exactly John was conceived. And how would we know that?

Again, the Bible provides more clues. Luke tells us that Zechariah "belonged to the priestly division of Abijah." Each division of priests took turns performing sacrifices and other services in the Temple. In 1 Chronicles 24, the order of Temple service is laid out by divisions numbering one through 24, with Abijah listed as eight in the rotation.

As Paul calculated on his blog, if each priestly division served for one week with the first week of the ecclesiastical calendar landing in late March, that would put Zechariah in the Temple in early June. If Elizabeth conceived soon after the angel visited Zechariah in the Temple, and Mary conceived six months later, then it places Jesus' birth in September of the following year.

Paul likes the September theory of Christmas for several reasons, including the shepherd idea mentioned above. Would Luke have placed shepherds in the fields if it was the middle of winter?

But there are also some holes in this theory. The biggest problem is that each priestly division served more than once a year in the Temple. What if Gabriel appeared to Zechariah during his second stint in the temple six months later? That would place Jesus' birth in March, which Paul admits is a distinct possibility.

Thomas Wayment, is a professor of classical studies at Brigham Young University who has written about the competing theories regarding the timing of Jesus' birth. He finds the debate over Jesus' birthday is intellectually fascinating and worthy of discussion but misses the point spiritually.

"Maybe, just maybe, we're better leaving it open in a sense," he says. He has seen early Christian references to Jesus' birth in April and May in addition to December and January. "We're celebrating an event, not a day."

Now That's Interesting You may have read that Jesus' birth, according to Luke 2, took place when Caesar Augustus sent out a decree that "all the world should be taxed" (later translations called it a census). And that this was the first census to happen while Quirinius was governor of Syria. But according to Josephus, the first census of Judea taken by Quirinius happened in 6 or 7 C.E., much later than the biblical account. Ian Paul says it could be a translation error  the verse could be translated from the original Greek as, "This census became most prominent when Quirinius was governing Syria." Or maybe, Josephus just got the date wrong. "If you think that Josephus is infallible, then you haven't read Josephus," says Paul.
While Dr. Anthony Fauci pointed on Wednesday to two new studies showing that the hypercontagious Omicron variant of the coronavirus is less deadly than the Delta variant, he cautioned against drawing the conclusion that the data might be a sign that the pandemic was drawing to a close.

At a briefing by the White House COVID-19 response team, Fauci, President Bidens chief medical adviser, was asked about the belief among some South Korean health officials that Omicron was a blessing in disguise given its apparent heightened degree of transmissibility and diminished overall severity.

I would hate to say a blessing in disguise. Fauci replied. I never thought of a virus that can infect and kill people as a blessing in any way. But if youre talking about would it be preferable to have Omicron be totally pervasive and be a relatively low degree of severity, yes, obviously that would be preferable. But its dangerous business to be able to rely on what you perceive as a lower degree of severity.

The latest on the Omicron variant

Earlier in the briefing, Fauci discussed two new studies that showed that Omicron appears to result in less serious illness than those infected by the Delta variant.

It appears that in the context of South Africa, there is a decrease in the severity compared to Delta, both in the relationship in the ratio between hospitalizations and the number of infections, the durations of hospital stays and the need for supplemental oxygen therapy, Fauci said of findings from researchers in South Africa, where Omicron was first discovered.

Fauci then referenced the findings of a separate study conducted by researchers in Scotland that appears to validate and verify the data that are in South Africa.

This is good news. However, we must wait to see what happens in our own population, which has its own demographic considerations, Fauci added. I would point out that even if you have a diminution in severity, if you have a much larger number of individual cases, the fact that you have so many more cases might actually obviate the effect of it being less severe.

Story continues

Dr. Anthony Fauci. (Kevin Lamarque/Reuters)

Omicron now accounts for more than 73 percent of U.S. COVID-19 cases, Dr. Rochelle Walensky, director of the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, said at the briefing, and cases nationwide have increased by 25 percent over the past week. Deaths from the disease caused by exposure to the coronavirus were up 3.5 percent over the prior week, though those fatalities were believed by many experts to have been from people who had contracted the Delta strain.

If the affects of Omicron can be controlled through vaccination, boosters and antiviral drugs like the Pfizer pill approved on Thursday, this variant may prove manageable and ultimately less deadly than those that preceded it. Yet with Omicron currently racing across the globe, health officials have not yet begun celebrating.

Fauci acknowledged the premise that diminished health risks from Omicron could, if the data confirms it, signal a welcome development in the pandemic. Still, with different strains of the virus continuing to circulate widely, further mutations are likely, which may be why Fauci hedged on declaring that that end of the pandemic was in sight.

Its conceivable, but you dont want to count on it, Fauci said on the conclusion being drawn about the findings. You dont want to count on anything when youre dealing with a virus that has fooled us so many times before.

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How are vaccination rates affecting the latest COVID surge? Check out this explainer from Yahoo Immersive to find out.
In this photo taken Wednesday Nov 24, 2021, Kola Tubosun, is photograph in his house in Lagos, Nigeria. Computers have become amazingly precise at translating spoken words to text messages and scouring huge troves of information for answers to complex questions. At least, that is, so long as you speak English or another of the world's dominant languages. But try talking to your phone in Yoruba, Igbo or any number of widely spoken African languages and you'll find glitches that can hinder access to information, trade, personal communications, customer service and other benefits of the global tech economy. Credit: AP Photo/Sunday Alamba

Computers have become amazingly precise at translating spoken words to text messages and scouring huge troves of information for answers to complex questions. At least, that is, so long as you speak English or another of the world's dominant languages.

But try talking to your phone in Yoruba, Igbo or any number of widely spoken African languages and you'll find glitches that can hinder access to information, trade, personal communications, customer service and other benefits of the global tech economy.

"We are getting to the point where if a machine doesn't understand your language it will be like it never existed," said Vukosi Marivate, chief of data science at the University of Pretoria in South Africa, in a call to action before a December virtual gathering of the world's artificial intelligence researchers.

American tech giants don't have a great track record of making their language technology work well outside the wealthiest markets, a problem that's also made it harder for them to detect dangerous misinformation on their platforms.

Marivate is part of a coalition of African researchers who have been trying to change that. Among their projects is one that found machine translation tools failed to properly translate online COVID-19 surveys from English into several African languages.

In this photo taken Wednesday Nov 24, 2021, Kola Tubosun, is photograph in his house in Lagos, Nigeria. Computers have become amazingly precise at translating spoken words to text messages and scouring huge troves of information for answers to complex questions. At least, that is, so long as you speak English or another of the world's dominant languages. But try talking to your phone in Yoruba, Igbo or any number of widely spoken African languages and you'll find glitches that can hinder access to information, trade, personal communications, customer service and other benefits of the global tech economy. Credit: AP Photo/Sunday Alamba

"Most people want to be able to interact with the rest of the information highway in their local language," Marivate said in an interview. He's a founding member of Masakhane, a pan-African research project to improve how dozens of languages are represented in the branch of AI known as natural language processing. It's the biggest of a number of grassroots language technology projects that have popped up from the Andes to Sri Lanka.

Tech giants offer their products in numerous languages, but they don't always pay attention to the nuances necessary for those apps work in the real world. Part of the problem is that there's just not enough online data in those languagesincluding scientific and medical termsfor the AI systems to effectively learn how to get better at understanding them.

Google, for instance, offended members of the Yoruba community several years ago when its language app mistranslated Esu, a benevolent trickster god, as the devil. Facebook's language misunderstandings have been tied to political strife around the world and its inability to tamp down harmful misinformation about COVID-19 vaccines. More mundane translation glitches have been turned into joking online memes.

Omolewa Adedipe has grown frustrated trying to share her thoughts on Twitter in the Yoruba language because her automatically translated tweets usually end up with different meanings.

In this photo taken Wednesday Nov 24, 2021, Kola Tubosun, is photograph in his house in Lagos, Nigeria. Computers have become amazingly precise at translating spoken words to text messages and scouring huge troves of information for answers to complex questions. At least, that is, so long as you speak English or another of the world's dominant languages. But try talking to your phone in Yoruba, Igbo or any number of widely spoken African languages and you'll find glitches that can hinder access to information, trade, personal communications, customer service and other benefits of the global tech economy. Credit: AP Photo/Sunday Alamba

One time, the 25-year-old content designer tweeted, "T'Ilu o ba dun, T'Ilu o ba t'oro. Eyin l'emo bi e se se," which means, "If the land (or country, in this context) is not peaceful, or merry, you're responsible for it." Twitter, however, managed to end up with the translation: "If you are not happy, if you are not happy."

For complex Nigerian languages like Yoruba, those accent marksoften associated with tonesmake all the difference in communication. 'Ogun', for instance, is a Yoruba word that means war, but it can also mean a state in Nigeria (Ogun), god of iron (Ogun), stab (Ogun), twenty or property (Ogun).

"Some of the bias is deliberate given our history," said Marivate, who has devoted some of his AI research to the southern African languages of Xitsonga and Setswana spoken by his family members, as well as to the common conversational practice of "code-switching" between languages.

"The history of the African continent and in general in colonized countries, is that when language had to be translated, it was translated in a very narrow way," he said. "You were not allowed to write a general text in any language because the colonizing country might be worried that people communicate and write books about insurrections or revolutions. But they would allow religious texts."

In this photo taken Wednesday Nov 24, 2021, Kola Tubosun, is photograph in his house in Lagos, Nigeria. Computers have become amazingly precise at translating spoken words to text messages and scouring huge troves of information for answers to complex questions. At least, that is, so long as you speak English or another of the world's dominant languages. But try talking to your phone in Yoruba, Igbo or any number of widely spoken African languages and you'll find glitches that can hinder access to information, trade, personal communications, customer service and other benefits of the global tech economy. Credit: AP Photo/Sunday Alamba

Google and Microsoft are among the companies that say they are trying to improve technology for so-called "low-resource" languages that AI systems don't have enough data for. Computer scientists at Meta, the company formerly known as Facebook, announced in November a breakthrough on the path to a "universal translator" that could translate multiple languages at once and work better with lower-resourced languages such as Icelandic or Hausa.

That's an important step, but at the moment, only large tech companies and big AI labs in developed countries can build these models, said David Ifeoluwa Adelani. He's a researcher at Saarland University in Germany and another member of Masakhane, which has a mission to strengthen and spur African-led research to address technology "that does not understand our names, our cultures, our places, our history."

Improving the systems requires not just more data but careful human review from native speakers who are underrepresented in the global tech workforce. It also requires a level of computing power that can be hard for independent researchers to access.

Writer and linguist Kola Tubosun created a multimedia dictionary for the Yoruba language and also created a text-to-speech machine for the language. He is now working on similar speech recognition technologies for Nigeria's two other major languages, Hausa and Igbo, to help people who want to write short sentences and passages.

In this photo taken Wednesday Nov 24, 2021, Kola Tubosun, is photograph in his house in Lagos, Nigeria. Computers have become amazingly precise at translating spoken words to text messages and scouring huge troves of information for answers to complex questions. At least, that is, so long as you speak English or another of the world's dominant languages. But try talking to your phone in Yoruba, Igbo or any number of widely spoken African languages and you'll find glitches that can hinder access to information, trade, personal communications, customer service and other benefits of the global tech economy. Credit: AP Photo/Sunday Alamba

"We are funding ourselves," he said. "The aim is to show these things can be profitable."

Tubosun led the team that created Google's "Nigerian English" voice and accent used in tools like maps. But he said it remains difficult to raise the money needed to build technology that might allow a farmer to use a voice-based tool to follow market or weather trends.

In Rwanda, software engineer Remy Muhire is helping to build a new open-source speech dataset for the Kinyarwanda language that involves a lot of volunteers recording themselves reading Kinyarwanda newspaper articles and other texts.

"They are native speakers. They understand the language," said Muhire, a fellow at Mozilla, maker of the Firefox internet browser. Part of the project involves a collaboration with a government-supported smartphone app that answers questions about COVID-19. To improve the AI systems in various African languages, Masakhane researchers are also tapping into news sources across the continent, including Voice of America's Hausa service and the BBC broadcast in Igbo.

In this photo taken Wednesday Nov 24, 2021, Kola Tubosun, is photograph in his house in Lagos, Nigeria. Computers have become amazingly precise at translating spoken words to text messages and scouring huge troves of information for answers to complex questions. At least, that is, so long as you speak English or another of the world's dominant languages. But try talking to your phone in Yoruba, Igbo or any number of widely spoken African languages and you'll find glitches that can hinder access to information, trade, personal communications, customer service and other benefits of the global tech economy. Credit: AP Photo/Sunday Alamba

In this photo taken Wednesday Nov 24, 2021, Kola Tubosun, is photograph in his house in Lagos, Nigeria. Computers have become amazingly precise at translating spoken words to text messages and scouring huge troves of information for answers to complex questions. At least, that is, so long as you speak English or another of the world's dominant languages. But try talking to your phone in Yoruba, Igbo or any number of widely spoken African languages and you'll find glitches that can hinder access to information, trade, personal communications, customer service and other benefits of the global tech economy. Credit: AP Photo/Sunday Alamba

Increasingly, people are banding together to develop their own language approaches instead of waiting for elite institutions to solve problems, said Damian Blasi, who researches linguistic diversity at the Harvard Data Science Initiative.

Blasi co-authored a recent study that analyzed the uneven development of language technology across the world's more than 6,000 languages. For instance, it found that while Dutch and Swahili both have tens of millions of speakers, there are hundreds of scientific reports on natural language processing in the Western European language and only about 20 in the East African one.

Explore further New AI brings the power of natural language processing to African languages

 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain

An international research team succeeded in identifying global factors that explain the diversity of form and function in plants. Led by the University of Zurich, the Max Planck Institute for Biogeochemistry in Jena and the University of Leipzig, the researchers collected and analyzed plant data from around the world. For the first time, they showed for characteristics such as plant size, structure, and life span how strongly these are determined by climate and soil properties. Insights derived from this could be crucial to improving Earth system models with regard to the role of plant diversity.

The diversity of plant form and function can be described in terms of morphological, physiological and biochemical characteristics. It has been shown previously that traits across species fall into two main categories within which each plant must maintain a balance: first, size; and second, economy of metabolism. In a recent study in Nature Ecology and Evolution, a team of researchers has now confirmed for the first time, using a greatly enlarged global dataset for 17 plant traits, that these two main categories apply to all plants studied worldwide.

In the size category, plants balance height, leaf size and seed size, among other traits. These traits are also influenced by hydraulic components of water transport in plants. The economics category describes how quickly and effectively the plant gains energy and biomass through photosynthesis balanced against how long it survives. This category is determined by measurable characteristics such as the structure and composition of the leaves in terms of leaf area, as well as their elemental composition (nitrogen, phosphorus and carbon). The team showed that life strategies of the plant species collected worldwide in the TRY database are well explained by these two main categories.

Characteristics of over 20,000 species analyzed

Plant traits are influenced by external factors such as climate, soil conditions and human intervention. It has not yet been possible to determine which factors are decisive at the global level. To answer this question, the research team, led by Julia Joswig at the University of Zurich and the Max Planck Institute for Biogeochemistry in Jena, analyzed the characteristics of over 20,000 species. Information on climate and soil conditions at the location of each plant was included in the analysis.

"Our study clearly demonstrates that plant traits worldwide can be explained by joint effects of climate and soil," Joswig said, adding, "This suggests that aspects of climate change and soil erosion, both of which occur as a result of land use change, for example, should be researched together."

Many of the relationships described here were already known from small-scale, local studies. "But the fact that these processes could now be shown globally and their significance quantified is an important milestone," adds Prof. Miguel Mahecha of the University of Leipzig. "Studies of this kind can guide global Earth system models to represent the complex interaction of climate, soil and biodiversity, which is an important prerequisite for future predictions," Mahecha adds.

As expected, the study shows how the height of plant species changes along latitudes, due to differences in climate. However, the economic traits of plants do not show this gradient. Similarly, soil quality is only partially affected by climate, so there is a latitude-independent component in information about soil. Joswig and her colleagues show that this soil information is also relevant for the economic traits. Besides climate, soil-forming factors include organisms living in the soil, geology and topography, and of course time. Global change affects climate, organisms, and to some extent topography. Therefore, the study suggests that global risks to plant life should be explored especially in relation to climate change and soil erosion.

Explore further Soil formation of the Galapagos Islands

More information: Julia Joswig, Climatic and soil factors explain the two-dimensional spectrum of global plant trait variation, Nature Ecology & Evolution (2021). www.nature.com/articles/s41559-021-01616-8 Journal information: Nature Ecology & Evolution Julia Joswig, Climatic and soil factors explain the two-dimensional spectrum of global plant trait variation,(2021). DOI: 10.1038/s41559-021-01616-8
A schematic of Mercury's early magma surface and atmospheric constituents in its lower, homogeneous atmosphere and upper, mass separated exosphere, from which species are primarily lost to space. Credit: Noah Jaggi, NASA

Mercury is a most unusual planet. The smallest planet in the solar system, and the closest planet to the sun, it is in a 3:2 spin resonance, slowly turning and experiencing scorching heat up to 430 degrees Celsius, and the night side frigid, down to -170 degrees Celsius. Due to its much larger iron-rich core compared to Earth, it has the second-highest average density in the solar system, just 1.5 percent below Earth's. Despite its proximity to the sun, the surface of Mercury was, surprisingly, found to be rich in volatile elements such as sodium and sulfur.

Notably, the planet's separation into an iron-rich core and rocky mantle (the geological region between the core and the crust) suggests Mercury had a magma ocean early in its formation. Like any liquid, this ocean would have evaporated, but in the case of Mercury, the temperatures were likely to have been so high that the vapor was not composed of water, but rock. In a new study published in The Planetary Science Journal, Noah Jaggi and colleagues modeled how the evaporation of the surface of this magma ocean would form an atmosphere and determined whether losses from the atmosphere could alter Mercury's composition, addressing an open question of why moderately volatile elements like sodium have accumulated on Mercury's surface. Their results were surprising, Jaggi, a graduate student at the University of Bern, told Phys.org.

Early planetary magma oceans aren't unusual, explained Lindy Elkins-Tanton, director of the School of Earth and Space Exploration at Arizona State University. "We think all rocky planets have one or moremaybe severalmagma oceans as they form. The impacts of accretion toward the end of planet formation are just that energetic; they will melt the planets to some depth."

The early solar system was a rough and active place, full of flying rocks, massive collisions and heavy bombardments. The heat these events generated, in addition to radioactive decay and heat produced by gravitational setting of Mercury's iron-rich core, kept the planet's surface and interior molten. Models indicate these processes caused the temperature of the surface to rise to about 2,400 K (3,860 degrees Fahrenheit). Could evaporation and then atmospheric loss change the makeup of Mercury?

Jaggi and his team assumed two initial sizes for Mercury, one larger than today's, as some scientists hypothesize, and four possible magma ocean compositions. Volatile species like carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, hydrogen (H2) and water dissolve in magma and can escape as a gas when pressure is released. Comparably nonvolatile, rock-forming elements such as silicon, sodium or iron can exist as gases such as silicon monoxide (SiO) only at the very high temperatures thought to have existed in the early magma ocean. The difference between the volatile and nonvolatile gaseous species is that, for a given temperature, volatile species have much larger equilibrium vapor pressures than do nonvolatiles. This is the pressure the atmosphere exerts at the atmosphere-magma surface when the two coexist.

The research team ran a coupled interior-atmospheric model to determine the effect of evaporation from the ocean into the atmosphere, and after accounting for atmospheric chemical and physical processes, the resulting mass loss from the atmosphere either to space or back to the planet. Meanwhile, the planet was cooling. Liquid magma begins to crystallize at 1,700 K (2,600 degrees Fahrenheit) which makes 1,500 K used by Jaggi a good approximation for the lifetime of the surface melt and sets the end point for mass loss sourced by the magma ocean of Mercury.

In both the volatile and nonvolatile case, the magma ocean evaporates to supply the atmosphere. Molecules can escape the atmosphere in one of four waysplasma heating from the solar wind of charged particles; photoevaporation of atmospheric species from extremely high-energy solar photons such as X-rays and ultraviolet photons from the sun deep in the upper atmosphere creating an outflow of gas (also called hydrodynamic escape); Jeans escape, where especially high-altitude, high-velocity, low-mass molecules zip out the top of the atmosphere before encountering another molecular collision; and photoionization, where high-energy photons produce ions that escape via various means.

The team's model found that of the four potential escape mechanisms, Jeans escape was negligible, with the others leading to mass losses from 1 million to 4 billion kilograms per second, depending on the timing of Mercury's formation and assumptions about heating efficiencies, with the upper range coming from hydrodynamic escape"from insignificant to predominant," said Jaggi, depending on how efficiently atmospheric species are heated and how much radiation was produced and delivered by the early sun.

But importantly, the total loss of mass from the two vastly differently atmospheres testedvolatile and nonvolatilewere found to be quite similar. Given the mass loss, the model's resulting timescale for efficient interior-atmosphere chemical exchange was less than 10,000 years, implying atmospheric escape processes only account for about 0.3 percent of Mercury's initial mass, or less than 2.3 kilometers of crust. (Mercury's present-day radius is 2,440 km.)

So cumulative mass loss seems not to have significantly modified Mercury's bulk mantle composition during the magma ocean stage. Thus, the cooling times, which depend on the greenhouse effect induced, determined how much material is lost over the lifespan of the magma ocean.

The insignificance of the total atmospheric mass loss from Mercury, hydrodynamic escape aside, was surprising, Jaggi said. "It tells us that there must be more to the high sodium measurements on Mercury's surface, as they cannot be accumulated nor lost in any significant amount given our modeled loss rates and magma ocean lifetimes." The results could be extended to the moon, an exoplanet or Earth-like planet that begins in a hot magma phase "with a volatile budget delivered by its building blocks."

Explore further New research explains Earth's peculiar chemical composition

More information: Noah Jaggi et al, Evolution of Mercury's Earliest Atmosphere, The Planetary Science Journal (2021). Journal information: The Planetary Science Journal Noah Jaggi et al, Evolution of Mercury's Earliest Atmosphere,(2021). DOI: 10.3847/PSJ/ac2dfb

 2021 Science X Network
The skull of the first giant creature to ever inhabit the Earth, the ichthyosaur Cymbospondylus youngorum, currently on display at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County. Credit: Natalja Kent / Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County

The two-meter skull of a newly discovered species of giant ichthyosaur, the earliest known, is shedding new light on the marine reptiles' rapid growth into behemoths of the Dinosaurian oceans, and helping us better understand the journey of modern cetaceans (whales and dolphins) to becoming the largest animals to ever inhabit the Earth.

While dinosaurs ruled the land, ichthyosaurs and other aquatic reptiles (that were emphatically not dinosaurs) ruled the waves, reaching similarly gargantuan sizes and species diversity. Evolving fins and hydrodynamic body-shapes seen in both fish and whales, ichthyosaurs swam the ancient oceans for nearly the entirety of the Age of Dinosaurs.

"Ichthyosaurs derive from an as yet unknown group of land-living reptiles and were air-breathing themselves," says lead author Dr. Martin Sander, paleontologist at the University of Bonn and Research Associate with the Dinosaur Institute at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County (NHM). "From the first skeleton discoveries in southern England and Germany over 250 years ago, these 'fish-saurians' were among the first large fossil reptiles known to science, long before the dinosaurs, and they have captured the popular imagination ever since."

A life recreation of C. youngorum stalking the Nevadan oceans of the Late Triassic 246 million years ago. Credit: Stephanie Abramowicz / Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County

Excavated from a rock unit called the Fossil Hill Member in the Augusta Mountains of Nevada, the well-preserved skull, along with part of the backbone, shoulder, and forefin, date back to the Middle Triassic (247.2-237 million years ago), representing the earliest case of an ichthyosaur reaching epic proportions. As big as a large sperm whale at more than 17 meters (55.78 feet) long, the newly named Cymbospondylus youngorum is the largest animal yet discovered from that time period, on land or in the sea. In fact, it was the first giant creature to ever inhabit the Earth that we know of.

"The importance of the find was not immediately apparent," notes Dr. Sander, "because only a few vertebrae were exposed on the side of the canyon. However, the anatomy of the vertebrae suggested that the front end of the animal might still be hidden in the rocks. Then, one cold September day in 2011, the crew needed a warm-up and tested this suggestion by excavation, finding the skull, forelimbs, and chest region."

The new name for the species, C. youngorum, honors a happy coincidence, the sponsoring of the fieldwork by Great Basin Brewery of Reno, owned and operated by Tom and Bonda Young, the inventors of the locally famous Icky beer which features an ichthyosaur on its label.

In other mountain ranges of Nevada, paleontologists have been recovering fossils from the Fossil Hill Member's limestone, shale, and siltstone since 1902, opening a window into the Triassic. The mountains connect our present to ancient oceans and have produced many species of ammonites, shelled ancestors of modern cephalopods like cuttlefish and octopuses, as well as marine reptiles. All these animal specimens are collectively known as the Fossil Hill Fauna, representing many of C. youngorum's prey and competitors.

Owing to their remote location, fossils have only recently been discovered in the Augusta Mountains. An international team of scientists led by Dr. Sander began collecting on public lands there 30 years ago, with fossil finds being accessioned to the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County since 2008. Credit: Lars Schmitz

C. youngorum stalked the oceans some 246 million years ago, or only about three million years after the first ichthyosaurs got their fins wet, an amazingly short time to get this big. The elongated snout and conical teeth suggest that C. youngorum preyed on squid and fish, but its size meant that it could have hunted smaller and juvenile marine reptiles as well.

The giant predator probably had some hefty competition. Through sophisticated computational modeling, the authors examined the likely energy running through the Fossil Hill Fauna's food web, recreating the ancient environment through data, finding that marine food webs were able to support a few more colossal meat-eating ichthyosaurs. Ichthyosaurs of different sizes and survival strategies proliferated, comparable to modern cetaceans' from relatively small dolphins to massive filter-feeding baleen whales, and giant squid-hunting sperm whales.

Co-author and ecological modeler Dr. Eva Maria Griebeler from the University of Mainz in Germany, notes, "Due to their large size and resulting energy demands, the densities of the largest ichthyosaurs from the Fossil Hill Fauna including C. youngourum must have been substantially lower than suggested by our field census. The ecological functioning of this food web from ecological modeling was very exciting as modern highly productive primary producers were absent in Mesozoic food webs and were an important driver in the size evolution of whales."

Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County Dinosaur Institute volunteer Viji Shook lying next to the skull of Cymbospondylus youngorum for scale, during the preparation of the specimen. Credit: Martin Sander / Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County

Whales and ichthyosaurs share more than a size range. They have similar body plans, and both initially arose after mass extinctions. These similarities make them scientifically valuable for comparative study. The authors combined computer modeling and traditional paleontology to study how these marine animals reached record-setting sizes independently.

"One rather unique aspect of this project is the integrative nature of our approach. We first had to describe the anatomy of the giant skull in detail and determine how this animal is related to other ichthyosaurs," says senior author Dr. Lars Schmitz, Associate Professor of Biology at Scripps College and Dinosaur Institute Research Associate. "We did not stop there, as we wanted to understand the significance of the new discovery in the context of the large-scale evolutionary pattern of ichthyosaur and whale body sizes, and how the fossil ecosystem of the Fossil Hill Fauna may have functioned. Both the evolutionary and ecological analyses required a substantial amount of computation, ultimately leading to a confluence of modeling with traditional paleontology."

An ichthyosaur fossil surrounded by the shells of ammonites, the food source that possibly fueled their growth to huge. Credit: Georg Oleschinski / University of Bonn, Germany.

They found that while both cetaceans and ichthyosaurs evolved very large body sizes, their respective evolutionary trajectories toward gigantism were different. Ichthyosaurs had an initial boom in size, becoming giants early on in their evolutionary history, while whales took much longer to reach the outer limits of huge. They found a connection between large size and raptorial huntingthink of a sperm whale diving down to hunt giant squidand a connection between large size and a loss of teeththink of the giant filter-feeding whales that are the largest animals ever to live on Earth.

Ichthyosaurs' initial foray into gigantism was likely thanks to the boom in ammonites and jawless eel-like conodonts filling the ecological void following the end-Permian mass extinction. While their evolutionary routes were different, both whales and ichthyosaurs relied on exploiting niches in the food chain to make it really big.

A figure from the text comparing C. youngorum to a modern sperm whale as well as rates of body size evolution over time between ichthyosaurs and cetaceans. The lines trending towards the top indicate larger body sizes whereas those towards the bottom are smaller sizes. Time is displayed as starting from the point of origin of the group until their extinction (for ichthyosaurs) or present (for whales). Credit: Stephanie Abramowicz / Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County

"As researchers, we often talk about similarities between ichthyosaurs and cetaceans, but rarely dive into the details. That's one way this study stands out, as it allowed us to explore and gain some additional insight into body size evolution within these groups of marine tetrapods," says NHM's Associate Curator of Mammalogy (Marine Mammals), Dr. Jorge Velez-Juarbe. "Another interesting aspect is that Cymbospondylus youngorum and the rest of the Fossil Hill Fauna are a testament to the resilience of life in the oceans after the worst mass extinction in Earth's history. You can say this is the first big splash for tetrapods in the oceans."

C. youngorum will be permanently housed at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, where it is currently on view.

Explore further Extinct swordfish-shaped marine reptile discovered

More information: P. Martin Sander et al, Early giant reveals faster evolution of large size in ichthyosaurs than in cetaceans, Science (2021). P. Martin Sander et al, Early giant reveals faster evolution of large size in ichthyosaurs than in cetaceans,(2021). DOI: 10.1126/science.abf5787 Lene Liebe Delsett et al, Early and fast rise of Mesozoic ocean giants, Science (2021). DOI: 10.1126/science.abm3751 , www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.abm3751 Journal information: Science
A designer view of a single-wall carbon nanotube intramolecular junction with metallic portions on left and right ends and a semiconductor ultrashort ~3,0nm channel in between. Credit: National University of Science and Technology, Moscow

An international team of researchers have used a unique tool inserted into an electron microscope to create a transistor that's 25,000 times smaller than the width of a human hair.

The research, published in the journal Science, involves researchers from Japan, China, Russia and Australia who have worked on the project that began five years ago.

QUT Center for Materials Science co-director Professor Dmitri Golberg, who led the research project, said the result was a "very interesting fundamental discovery" which could lead a way for the future development of tiny transistors for future generations of advanced computing devices.

"In this work, we have shown it is possible to control the electronic properties of an individual carbon nanotube," Professor Golberg said.

The researchers created the tiny transistor by simultaneously applying a force and low voltage which heated a carbon nanotube made up of few layers until outer tube shells separate, leaving just a single-layer nanotube.

The heat and strain then changed the "chilarity" of the nanotube, meaning the pattern in which the carbon atoms joined together to form the single-atomic layer of the nanotube wall was rearranged.

The result of the new structure connecting the carbon atoms was that the nanotube was transformed into a transistor.

Professor Golberg's team members from the National University of Science and Technology in Moscow created a theory explaining the changes in the atomic structure and properties observed in the transistor.

Lead author Dr. Dai-Ming Tang, from the International Center for Materials Nanoarchitectonics in Japan, said the research had demonstrated the ability to manipulate the molecular properties of the nanotube to fabricated nanoscale electrical device.

Dr. Tang began working on the project five years ago when Professor Golberg headed up the research group at this center.

"Semiconducting carbon nanotubes are promising for fabricating energy-efficient nanotransistors to build beyond-silicon microprocessors," Dr. Tang said.

"However, it remains a great challenge to control the chirality of individual carbon nanotubes, which uniquely determines the atomic geometry and electronic structure.

"In this work, we designed and fabricated carbon nanotube intramolecular transistors by altering the local chirality of a metallic nanotube segment by heating and mechanical strain."

Professor Golberg said the research in demonstrating the fundamental science in creating the tiny transistor was a promising step towards building beyond-silicon microprocessors.

Transistors, which are used to switch and amplify electronic signals, are often called the "building blocks" of all electronic devices, including computers. For example, Apple says the chip which powers the future iPhones contains 15 billion transistors.

The computer industry has been focused on developing smaller and smaller transistors for decades, but faces the limitations of silicon.

In recent years, researchers have made significant steps in developing nanotransistors, which are so small that millions of them could fit onto the head of a pin.

"Miniaturization of transistors down to nanometer scale is a great challenge of the modern semiconducting industry and nanotechnology," Professor Golberg said.

"The present discovery, although not practical for a mass-production of tiny transistors, shows a novel fabrication principle and opens up a new horizon of using thermomechanical treatments of nanotubes for obtaining the smallest transistors with desired characteristics."

Explore further Carbon nanotubes could help electronics withstand outer space's harsh conditions

More information: Dai-Ming Tang et al, Semiconductor nanochannels in metallic carbon nanotubes by thermomechanical chirality alteration, Science (2021). www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.abi8884 Journal information: Science Dai-Ming Tang et al, Semiconductor nanochannels in metallic carbon nanotubes by thermomechanical chirality alteration,(2021). DOI: 10.1126/science.abi8884
Credit: CC0 Public Domain

The central Mediterranean throughout time has been a region defined by the continuous flow of people, goods, and ideas. Excavation and analysis of ancient shipwrecks along these coastlines reveal the overlapping social, political, and economic relationships that fostered the development of the region and spurred wide-ranging movement across the Mediterranean Sea.

Elizabeth S. Greene, Justin Leidwanger, and Leopoldo Repola direct the Marzamemi Maritime Heritage Project, a collaborative heritage initiative focusing on seaborne mobility in Sicily, Italy. Their recent excavation of the famous "church wreck" off this coast asked questions about exchange in the waning years of the Roman Empire. Very different images of mobility are raised by the numerous abandoned fishing boats on these same shores of southeastern Sicily. The repurposed boatswhich had been utilized by displaced peoples en route to Italy from North Africawere subsequently impounded by Italian authorities.

Extending their fieldwork beyond the traditional parameters of ancient Mediterranean studies, Greene, Leidwanger, and Repola, in the article "Ephemeral Heritage: Boats, Migration, and the Central Mediterranean Passage," published in the January 2022 issue of the American Journal of Archaeology, examine these contemporary migrations through an archaeological lens. By applying methodologies and tools used in analyzing ancient ships in their recording of the modern vessels and their material assemblages, the authors document this ephemeral heritage before it is destroyed. The authors align these contemporary voyages with past migrations and expand upon the region's history of mobility and interconnectedness.

Bureaucratic entities deem the intercepted ships and their contents to be little more than pollution that needs to be disposed. The authors assert that the boats and the seemingly inconsequential objects left behind make visible the impact of policy decisions that have impeded movement in the Mediterranean, making passage on the sea treacherous for displaced individuals seeking refuge.

While the authors' have recorded a series of abandoned and impounded boats along these shores, the article presents the case study of one vessel that departed from Misrata, a Libyan port, in 2018 with 264 individuals on board. The boat is known only from the number 179 spray-painted on its hull by authorities after its interception.

The polyvocal archaeological data available from the remaining assemblages of blankets, clothing, wrappers, bottles, and personal items on this boatand others like itoffer insights into the human experiences of the individuals undertaking these journeys. Documenting these boats adds nuance to the narratives of contemporary migration, shifting focus away from prevalent media depictions of faceless waves, tragedy, and precarious travel.

Hooks, tools, and rope offer evidence of the ship's prior fishing endeavors. Analysis of the distribution and types of food packaging and medicine suggests inequalities and varying degrees of preparation among those onboard. Scarves and blankets point to a need for objects to serve more than one purpose. Concealing the ship's name and destroying personal items indicate a desire to obscure previous identities and begin anew.

By considering these ships as cultural heritage and situating them within the longstanding history of Mediterranean movement, the authors seek to restructure how stories of displacement are presented. The authors advocate for inclusive archaeological approaches that reveal previously overlooked narratives in order to comprehend the past's ongoing impact as well as the political and environmental factors motivating these voyages.

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More information: Elizabeth S. Greene et al, Ephemeral Heritage: Boats, Migration, and the Central Mediterranean Passage, American Journal of Archaeology (2021). Elizabeth S. Greene et al, Ephemeral Heritage: Boats, Migration, and the Central Mediterranean Passage,(2021). DOI: 10.1086/718177
Credit: CC0 Public Domain

Latin American forestsone of the world's greatest assets in the fight against climate changewill likely continue to shrink in size and economic clout, but not necessarily in their ability to help fight global warming, according to new research from Georgia Tech's School of Public Policy (SPP).

The study led by environmental economist Alice Favero evaluated different socioeconomic and climate-change scenarios to assess what the timber market and forests will look like in the future. Favero and her colleagues found that in a future with minimal warming, Latin American forests likely will continue to lose ground to agricultural uses. In a more dire climate scenario, forested areas still shrink. Still, the ability of the smaller forests to capture and hold carbon is projected to suffer less as increased atmospheric carbon boosts tree growth.

In both scenarios, Favero's research suggests the Latin American timber industry will lose ground economically over the next 80 years. But the economic losses will be most significant under the more dire climate scenario. This is the result of climate-change effects on other regions, such as Canada, that will increase the productivity of forests in those areas. That competition will suppress demand for Latin American timber, which currently accounts for 15% to 20% of the global supply. In turn, that could potentially drive more deforestation as forests lose economic value relative to other land uses.

"I think the most interesting part about this research for an economist such as myself is that it not only considers the effects of climate change on forests and the timber market in Latin America, it also takes into account the indirect effects of climate on other regions and corresponding implications on the market and management decisions in the region," said Favero, an academic professional who studies the economics of climate change on global timber.

Impact of climate change and timber demand

For their studythe first disaggregated assessment of the effects of climate on Latin American forestsFavero and her colleagues, Ph.D. student W. Parker Hamilton and Professor Brent Sohngen of Ohio State University, turned to the Global Timber Model. The tool includes 250 different land classes, from fast-growing tree plantations to unmanaged forests. It analyzes how land-use, management, and marketplace factors respond to various policy interventions under different climate conditions. Specifically, they also included inputs from a vegetation model that predicts the effects of changes in temperature, precipitation, and greenhouse gases on vegetation growth and surviving conditions.

Finally, their modeling was based on four "shared socioeconomic pathways," or SSPs. These are models of potential climate futures that go beyond forecast carbon emission predictions to examine cultural, political, and economic changes that could serve to accelerate, or put the brakes on, climate change.

While timber prices are expected to rise across most of the scenarios simulated in the study, the increase is not enough to stave off the continued loss of forestland to agricultural and other uses, according to the study. Total forestland is predicted to decline by between 97 million and 160 million hectares, or about 375,000 square miles to 618,000 square miles, through 2100. Those effects are most pronounced in the scenarios with the lowest economic growth and least demand for timber.

However, increased demand for timber in some scenarios would likely result in additional planting on timber plantations, resulting in up to 16 million hectares (about 62,000 square miles) of new managed forests across the region. Combined with the carbon storage gained from more robust tree growth due to climate change, these new managed forests could help offset the potential damages of climate change in terms of tree migration and increase in dieback rate. That is, the amount of carbon sequestered per hectare of forests in Latin America will increase under climate change, according to the research.

"This is an important finding for this region that has a large portion of natural forests that remains one of the planet's most important safeguards against carbon emissions and source of other ecosystem services," the researchers wrote in their paper.

Across the socioeconomic scenarios modeled, natural and unmanaged forests also could decline by 20% relative to current levels without additional forest conservation policies, according to the study.

The changes vary from country to country. For instance, more severe climate change could result in Brazil losing a significant portion of its remaining temperate forests while its tropical forests could grow. But the effects are milder in the rest of South America and Central America. In terms of timber production, the research suggests only Argentina would increase its output under modest and more severe warming models.

Importance of public policy in slowing climate change

The findings are particularly important for public officials, timber companies, and land managers across Latin America, where land management decisions in coming decades could have a tangible impact on global climate.

In the paper, the researchers include a call for forest management policies that will help Latin American forests retain their position as an important element in the fight against climate change.

Similar to how "market and institutional factors have contributed to second-growth forests in plantations, and more enforcement of property rights and community forest management have reduced the negative effects of deforestation on carbon stock, forward-looking forest management decisions, and conservation policies to preserve carbon in forests could mitigate the adverse effects of climate change in the future," the researchers wrote in their paper.

Explore further Tropical forests regrow surprisingly fast

More information: Alice Favero et al, Climate change and timber in Latin America: Will the forestry sector flourish under climate change?, Forest Policy and Economics (2021). Alice Favero et al, Climate change and timber in Latin America: Will the forestry sector flourish under climate change?,(2021). DOI: 10.1016/j.forpol.2021.102657
A silverback mountain gorilla from the Muhoza family sits in Rwanda's Volcanoes National Park.

A huge male silverback gorilla nibbles on a tasty bamboo shoot before farting loudly, oblivious to his neighboursfarmers working fertile fields a stone's throw away.

With hundreds of mountain gorillas in residence, the Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda is a conservation triumph. But this resurgence is not without consequences, as the majestic creatures now struggle for space to grow and thrive.

Straddling Rwanda, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Virunga range includes eight volcanoes in the heart of Africa's densely populated Great Lakes region and is, along with Uganda's Bwindi Forest, the world's only habitat for mountain gorillas.

Officials at the Rwandan park are proud of its success in regenerating the primate population.

"In the census we did in 2010, these mountain gorillas were 880; in 2015 we did another census that showed we have 1,063" in the Virunga massif and the Bwindi park, ranger Felicien Ntezimana told AFP, before leading a hike into the mist-covered forest where the animals live.

Thanks to this revival, the mountain gorilla, known for its thick, shiny fur, is now listed as "endangered" by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, while other great apes remain "critically endangered".

The animal has come a long way since the 1980s when decades of poaching caused its population to plunge to just 250 across the Virunga range, and famed American primatologist Dian Fossey was murdered in the Rwandan park allegedly because of her anti-poaching efforts.

The mountain gorilla is now listed as 'endangered' by the International Union for Conservation of Nature rather than 'critically endangered'

Stronger security measures and efforts to win over local villagers have helped turn the mountain gorilla's fortunes around.

Today, 10 percent of the cost of each $1,500 park ticket goes towards community projects while five percent is allocated to a compensation fund for villagers.

Far from being hated and feared as they were in the past, the gorillas are now seen as key to the community's financial future, says Jean-Baptiste Ndeze, an elderly inhabitant of Musanze, a town bordering the park.

"Tourists throw money at them, which... comes back to us in the form of food, shelter and good livelihood," he told AFP.

Infanticide and disease

While the tourism sector contributed $25 million to Rwanda's economy pre-pandemic, the park's success in conservation has led to unforeseen consequences.

Twenty-five years ago, the Rwandan authorities were monitoring about 100 apes in the forest. Today, about 380 gorillas call it home, according to an official count.

A local man displays souvenirs for sale at the entrance of Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda.

As a result of tourism and interaction with researchers, the primates are accustomed to humans, and they are increasingly unafraid to venture into populated areas as their own habitat grows cramped.

"We have seen gorillas more frequently coming out of the park and looking for food outside... also they tend to move further away from the edge of the park," said Felix Ndagijimana, who heads the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund in Rwanda.

The results can be dire.

The powerfully built animalan adult male can weigh up to 200 kilogrammes (440 pounds)is vulnerable to human diseases such as influenza, pneumonia and Ebola.

Rising gorilla numbers have also raised the likelihood of fights between the primates which can often prove fatal for the species' youngest members.

After seeing population growth slow a decade ago, Ndagijimana and his colleagues carried out a study which showed a staggering five-fold increase in infanticides.

"Infanticides are a big problem because it can have a huge negative impact in the gorillas' population increase," he told AFP.

The primates are now more accustomed to humans.

Displacement

The problem is much more pronounced in Rwanda than in neighbouring countries.

Only one gorilla family lives on the Ugandan side of the Virunga range, while the Congolese park is "huge" compared with the Rwandan forest, says Benjamin Mugabukomeye from the International Gorilla Conservation Programme, a regional organisation.

In a bid to address the issue, Rwanda plans to extend its park, adding 23 percent more surface area over the next decade.

The ambitious project is due to start next year and will displace around 4,000 farmer households.

"It's a process we are undertaking very, very carefully," park director Prosper Uwingeli told AFP, adding that officials were conducting feasibility studies and designing detailed relocation sites.

The authorities intend to compensate the displaced families and house them in newly constructed "model villages"with a prototype already visible in Musanze.

Stronger security measures and efforts to win over local villagers have helped turn the mountain gorilla's fortunes around.

In addition to a huge school and a poultry farm, the village includes immaculate, fully furnished brick apartmentswith the government insisting that the move will benefit displaced farmers.

Although they may have little choice but to comply with an authoritarian state, some families living on the edge of the park are worried.

"This place is very fertile and it has enabled me to feed my family," one potato farmer told AFP.

The gorillas "are not a problem", he said, but he complained that "where they want to relocate us, the soil is not as fertile".

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 2021 AFP
Quetzalcoatlus northropi had a wingspan of around 11 metres, which meant it had to jump into the air to take off. Credit: James Kuether

The largest-ever flying animal acted like a giant heron, plucking prey from the water and launching itself into the air.

Quetzalcoatlus northropi was a pterosaur which ruled the skies for millions of years, alongside a newly discovered relative.

Some of the secrets of the largest animal to have ever taken to the air have been revealed, acting like a heron on the ground and a condor in the skies.

With the wingspan of a small airplane, Quetzalcoatlus northropi was a pterosaur living in the wetlands of what is now Texas, U.S. over 67 million years ago. Researchers have found that its 11-meter-long wings meant it would have had to jump up to 2.5 meters into the air, followed by powerful flaps to pull it into the sky.

The scientists also described a smaller relative, Quetzalcoatlus lawsoni, for the first time, which would have had a shorter wingspan, at around the length of a car. Together, these pterosaurs would have fed on a range of fish and small aquatic prey.

The co-editor of a series of recently published papers on the animals, Professor Brian Padian, says, "These ancient flying reptile are legendary, although most of the public conception of the animal is artistic, not scientific.

"This is the first real look at the entirety of the largest animal ever to fly, as far as we know. The results are revolutionary for the study of pterosaursthe first animals, after insects, ever to evolve powered flight."

The papers were published together as a "memoir" in the Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology.

Quetzalcoatlus northropi was discovered in Big Bend National Park in Texas in the 1970s. Credit: Zack Frank/Shutterstock

The Texan titan

The largest ever pterosaur, Quetzalcoatlus northropi, was named in 1975 following the discovery of hundreds of bones in Big Bend National Park. The species was described from the large bones of the left wing, but many smaller bones were also found in other areas of the park in different layers of rock.

When these fossils were discovered, it was uncertain whether the smaller bones were simply young Q. northropi, or were from a different related species. In the end, scientists decided that they were probably a new species of Quetzalcoatlus, but did not carry out any further analysis to find an exact species.

Decades later, scientists have finally analyzed these smaller bones and found that they have a number of differences from the larger Q. northropi. These include changes in its skull structure and spine, suggesting that two other species of pterosaur were living side-by-side with the giant.

The majority of the finds are Quetzalcoatlus lawsoni, named in honor of Douglas Lawson, who first discovered the remains. As opposed to its larger relative, this species had a wingspan of around 4.5 meters long and was found in rocks dated to around 69 million years ago.

From around the same period researchers also found a few bones of a third species of pterosaur called Wellnhopterus brevirostris, which had a wingspan of three meters.

There is the potential for further species to be found at the site, but these will require further finds as the current unclassified bones lack the necessary detail to determine what they are.

The sky's the limit

By classifying the different bones by species, and investigating their unique features, the researchers were also able to find out how the different Quetzalcoatlus species would have behaved.

The researchers first turned to the 'chopstick-like' beak, and found it was probably too delicate to have eaten meat or scavenged from carcasses. Instead, they suggest the animals probably acted like a large heron, plucking fish, invertebrates, small amphibians and reptiles out of the water and gulping them down whole.

Unlike some previous studies which suggested Quetzalcoatlus would be unable to fly, researchers found that the species would have been very capable by using a jumping start. The scientists argue the size of its wings would have prevented it using a running start as they would have hit the ground.

"If they could jump twice their hip height, to eight feet, the wings would be able to clear the ground and they could execute a deeper flight stroke," Brian says. "This may be the best option for taking off, though it depends on sufficient power from the legs."

Once in the air, Quetzalcoatlus would have soared like modern condors and vultures, with suggestions its large head may have helped it to complete turns. Though historic drawings have compared pterosaurs to bats, the wings would have only been attached to the front limbs like those of a bird.

When it came to landing it would have acted like an airplane, slowing until it is about to fall out of the sky before touching down.

"The animal had to flap its wings to stall and slow its descent before it lands with its back feet and takes a little hop," Brian explains. "Then it puts down its front feet, assumes a four-legged posture, straightens itself out and walks away."

This four-legged posture saw Quetzalcoatlus walk in a way unlike any animal alive today. While vampire bats also use their wings to help them move forward, the bone structure of the pterosaur would have prevented this.

"To avoid tripping, the animal first raised its left arm, then advanced its left leg in a full step, then it placed the hand on the ground," Brian explains. "The process was then repeated with the right limb. It seems a cumbersome process to us, but the animal could execute the gait quickly and easily."

This suggestion ties in with fossilized tracks found in France, which are too oddly shaped for any terrestrial quadruped to have made them.

The researchers now hope to discover more about Quetzalcoatlus, such as the shape of its wing membranes and how they would have affected its flight.

While pterosaurs ruled the skies for millions of years, in the end it was another flying object that brought their time to an end. When the meteor which brought an end to the dinosaurs struck in Mexico 66 million years ago, it also spelled the end for their flying relatives.
Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain

The worldwide deterioration of reading skills due to the increase in online chatting is continuing per country. This is the conclusion of a study by researcher Hans Luyten from the University of Twente. He studied the data from the international PISA-surveys (Programme for International Student Assessment) in 2009 and 2018 in 63 countries. This was part of a large-scale comparative research study conducted under the auspices of the OESO. During that period, online chatting increased significantly in almost every country, but the rate of increase varied considerably from country to country. In Japan, for example, the percentage of students chatting daily increased from 9 percent to 85 percent, whereas the increase in Russia was much lower (from 42 percent to 58 percent).

In recent decades, the rise of information and communication technology (ICT) has greatly influenced the lives of people around the world. Gradually we also started to read more and more on a screen, while a few decades ago we still read everything in paper form. The rise of online chatting was a remarkable development in the first 20 years of the 21st century. There is a risk that digital media can encourage superficial reading strategies, such as scanning, skimming, and browsing, at the expense of more time-consuming strategies that allow for deeper understanding.

The research shows a strong correlation between the country-by-country increase in online chatting among 15-year-olds and the country-by-country decline in both reading skills and awareness of helpful reading strategies. The rise in online chat is the cause of a loss of about 25 score points on the PISA reading scale. Such a drop implies that an average student (who would have previously scored at the 50th percentile) would drop to the 40th percentile.

"While it is important to recognize the adverse effects of online chatting, efforts to reduce this phenomenon seem unrealistic and pointless. Banning online chatting to improve reading skills is just as radical as promoting a return to poverty to rid the world of obesity and other wealth-related health problems," according to Hans Luyten.

The results suggest that a focus on mastering useful reading strategies in reading education is necessary to maintain reading skills. The increased chatting in 20092018 has undeniably coincided with a declining awareness of such strategies. It seems that students need more support and stimulation than before to gain their awareness and mastery of useful reading strategies.

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After laying eggs on a deserted Thai beach, a green sea turtle dives back into the turquoise-coloured waters of the Andaman Seaa welcome sight for biologists who say the absence of tourists spurred the marine animal's return.

After laying eggs on a deserted Thai beach, a green sea turtle dives back into the turquoise-coloured waters of the Andaman Seaa welcome sight for biologists who say the absence of tourists spurred the marine animal's return.

The turtle's nesting was spotted in November by scientists. In about two months, the 100 eggs will hatch and babies will slide towards the sea, guided by the moonlight.

Pre-pandemic, millions of tourists thronged to the white sand beaches of southern Thailand, ferried to the islands by tour boats which dissuaded the skittish creatures from venturing ashore.

But with almost 20 months of covid travel restrictions in place, several different species of sea turtles have returned to nesting around Phuket, an ultra-popular beach destination before the pandemic.

Between October 2020 and February 2021, 18 nests of leatherback turtles which can grow up to 400 kilograms as an adult and are the largest species of sea turtleswere found in Phuket.

"Their nesting has improved in the last two years thanks to the absence of tourists, noise and light pollution," Kongkiat Kittiwatanawong, director of the Phuket Marine Biological Center, told AFP.

"We had never seen such a number in 20 years."

Although chances of survival are very lowabout one egg hatched out of 1,000 will reach adulthoodKongkiat said the increase in nesting is a positive sign for efforts to preserve endangered species.

In Thailandas in many other countriesthe turtles' future is threatened by global warming, which harms coral reefs and increases temperatures of waters.

A nest of the olive ridley sea turtle was also spottedthe first time in two decades.

Other species that live in the warm waters around Thailand include leatherback, hawksbill, green and loggerhead turtles.

No long-term reprieve

But as Thailand tentatively begins to reopen its doors to fully vaccinated international tourists, scientists have tempered their optimism.

"The pandemic may offer sea turtles a welcome break," Thon Thamrongnawasawat from Kasetsart University in Bangkok said.

"But they live long and are a highly migratory species. Without effective policies to protect them, we can't expect many long-term benefits to population recovery."

In Thailandas in many other countriesthe marine animal's future is threatened by global warming, which harms coral reefs and increases temperatures of waters.

At the moment, plastic and discarded fishing lines and nets remain the primary cause of disease and death in turtles.

The hotter conditions could in turn disrupt turtle species' populations: studies have shown that warmer sands where they nest leads to more female hatchlings relative to males.

Pollution is also a problem.

At the moment, plastic and discarded fishing lines and nets remain the primary cause of disease and death.

"In 56 percent of the cases, the turtles that are brought to us have ingested marine waste or become trapped in it," said Dr Patcharaporn Kaewong from the Phuket Marine Biological Center.

Currently, 58 turtles are being treated there. Some need operations, amputation or prosthetics before they are released back into the wild.

Tracking the turtles

At the moment, scientists and local authorities are on high alert for nesting seaon, which runs until February.

After a female turtle lays a nest, the authorities will act quicklyeither moving them to a safe place if they are too close to the water or surrounding it with bamboo fences and security cameras.

Up until a few decades ago, eating turtle eggs was a common custom in Thailand, but gathering them was banned by the Thai government in 1982.

"After hatching, we take care of the weak turtles until they are strong enough to go to the sea," Patcharaporn said.

She added that educating the public about conservation was also important.

Up until a few decades ago, eating turtle eggs was a common custom in Thailand, but gathering them was banned by the Thai government in 1982.

Illegally possessing or selling leatherback turtle eggs is now punishable by three to 15 years in prison, and carries fines of up to $50,000.

Some marine protection NGOs are also financially rewarding locals who report a nest, while technologylike microchipping a turtlealso plays a part in long-term monitoring.

"Thanks to satellite tracking, we have observed that they can migrate much further than we thought," Kongkiat said, adding that some have gone as far as Australia.

Explore further Thousands of turtles lay eggs on Nicaraguan coast

 2021 AFP
200 million years ago, almost all the worlds land was in one supercontinent named Pangea. Credit: van Hinsbergen et al (2019)

Every geography schoolbook has them: maps that look like today's Earth, but not quite, since all continents are merged into a single supercontinent. Those maps were used to explain why dinosaurs in South America and Africa, or North America and Europe looked so alike.

"Paleogeographic" reconstructions like these provide context to study the processes that shape our planet: the Earth's engines of plate tectonics, volcanism, and mountain building, and their interactions with the oceans, atmosphere, and sun that shape climate and life. In the past ten years software has been developed that means anyone who is interested can make these reconstructions.

But if paleogeographic maps were already in our primary school textbooks, then what are geologists like me trying to uncover? Just the details?

To some extent: yes, working out the details of plate motions in the distant past may make all the difference. For instance, major ocean currents can suddenly change course when narrow oceanic corridors open or close, such as between the Americas or when water suddenly flooded through the Straits of Gibraltar and filled up the Mediterranean. And subtle differences in the timing or location of such corridors may support or falsify what we think caused past changes in climate.

But the biggest problem for paleogeography is not the details: it's that as much as 70% of the Earth's crust that existed as "recently" as 150200 million years ago, when dinosaurs were already roaming the planet, has been lost to subduction into the Earth's inner mantle. On paleogeographic maps, we have filled in those now-subducted areas, usually in broad brush strokes using the simplest possible scenarios without much detail. But there are relics of this subducted crust left in the geological record, and in my field of research we try to use these records to learn about Earth's "lost" surface.

Many mountains, most famously the Himalayas, are made of folded and stacked slices of rock that were scraped off the subducted plate. And the types of rock and the fossils and minerals they contain can tell us when and where these rocks formed. Geologists can then piece together how those continents and deep basins and volcanoes linked together in the distant past.

Mountains of the future, based on work by geologists at Utrecht University.

Mountains 200 million years from now

In recent years, when I explained how we make reconstructions of paleogeography from modern mountain ranges, I was sometimes asked if we could also predict future mountains. I always said "sure, but why would I? I'd have to wait a hundred million years to see if I'm right."

But then I realized that this could be an interesting thought experiment. Predicting the architecture of future mountain ranges would require formulating a set of "rules of mountain building," which had not been done before. And we would have to predict how the geography we know well would transform into mountain belts, which would make us realize what the plates that were lost forever could have looked like, particularly the parts that subducted without leaving a record. And would we produce mountain belts that look much like the ones we have?

So we did. I formulated the rules by comparing which features are commonly found in mountain belts. My then-MSc student Thomas Schouten used the rules to predict the geological architecture of a mountain belt that will form in the next 200 million years, if Somalia, as expected, breaks off from Africa and collides with India.

The resulting mountain range, which we called the "Somalaya mountains," might be the Himalayas of their day. And seeing such similarities between the Somalaya and known mountains today can us with provide possible solutions we never thought of for paleogeographic evolution.

For instance, according to our research, a mountain belt may form in the bay between Madagascar and Africa, and it would be strongly curved much like the Carpathians of Eastern Europe or the Banda islands of Indonesia and Timor. And northwest India will first get deeply buried 50 km or so below Somalia, but then Somalia will rotate and northwest India will re-emergethis is a geological history that looks much like western Norway around 400 million years ago.

Thought experiments like our look at the Somalayas help us to realize what we overlook when reconstructing the history of the Earth's plates and surface. The better those reconstructions, the better we will predict Earth's history and behavior, its resources, and the effects of using them.

Explore further Extinct style of plate tectonics explains early Earth's flat mountains

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
The high-temperature and high-pressure conditions found on exoplanets can be recreated inside this instrument. Credit: University of Colorado at Boulder

Scientists do not need to travel light-years away to chart the atmospheres of exoplanets, thanks to research happening in the Paul M. Rady Department of Mechanical Engineering with scientists at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL).

Ryan Cole (Ph.D.MechEngr'21) has developed an experiment that recreates the actual climate of planets beyond our solar system inside a 2,000 lb. instrument at Professor Greg Rieker's lab on the University of Colorado Boulder campus. By reaching the same high-temperature and high-pressure conditions found on many exoplanets, the instrument can map the gasses in their atmospheres, which could one day help humanity find life on other planets.

"If we looked at Earth's atmosphere, we would know that life is here because we see methane, carbon dioxide, all these different markers that say something is living here," Rieker said. "We can look at the chemical signatures of exoplanets as well. If we see the right combination of gasses, it could be an indicator that something is alive there."

Rieker and Cole's work can contribute to exoplanet transit spectroscopya research method to observe the composition of an exoplanet's atmosphere. Scientists use a telescope to look at the light passing through it. As the light interacts with gasses in the atmosphere, those gasses absorb the photons as they move through.

A view of the instrument, built by Ryan Cole (PhDMechEngr'21), as the experiment replicates the conditions on exoplanets, causing the experiment to glow with heat. Credit: University of Colorado at Boulder

"Scientists need a map for how to interpret what the light is telling us when it gets here," Rieker said. "That is where Ryan's experiment comes in. As we create this little microcosm of that exoplanet's atmosphere in our lab, we send in our own characterized light with lasers and study the photons that come out. We can measure the changes and map how the light is absorbed."

In collaboration with scientists at JPL, Cole and Rieker's experiment combines sensor measurements with computational models to help detect the different gasses on exoplanets. While Cole built the instrument that replicates the exoplanets' climates and measures how light is being absorbed at those exotic conditions, JPL's Deputy Section Manager Brian Drouin's lab supplied the tool that interprets the measurements.

Their research could optimize telescopes like the James Webb Space Telescope, which as of mid-December, is set to launch Dec. 24 from the European Space Agency's site in French Guiana.

"The James Webb Space Telescope and others like Hubble are looking at the ultimate horizon of what humans can see," Cole said. "Greg and I are trying to make their visions a little clearer. Our laboratory measurements can help to interpret the telescopes' observations of distant planetary atmospheres."

There are endless expanses of the universe for these telescopes to exploremore than 4,800 confirmed exoplanets and about 7,900 more that NASA says could be planets. With Rieker and Cole's experiment factored into the expedition, our understanding of exoplanets and the gasses in their atmospheres can be improvedand therefore, it also advances the search for extraterrestrial life.

How the instrument works

"There really are not many systems out there that can reach the high-temperature, high-pressure conditions that we reach," Cole said. "Not only do we need to reach those conditions, we also need the temperature and pressure to be extremely uniform and well-known. Achieving these criteria is one of the most unique aspects of our experiment."

The size and scope of the instrument Cole developed is what allows them to reach the high-temperatures and high-pressures that are seen on exoplanets. The experiment inside the piece of equipment can get up to 1,000 degrees Kelvin, which is about 1,340 degrees Fahrenheit.

The 2,000 lb. instrument also has thick steel walls that are designed to reach 100 atmospheres. To put that into context, Earth's mean pressure at sea level is one atmosphere.

Starting in 2016, when he joined Rieker's lab, Cole had to work through about five iterations of the high-temperature, high-pressure cell before getting it right.

"Ryan is the first one to do it," Rieker said. "He has created datasets that are really close to perfect."

Once the conditions are reached inside Cole's instrument, the team sends light through the experiment from frequency comb lasers, a technology that was the basis of Nobel-Prize winning research at the University of Colorado Boulder and the National Institute of Standards and Technology. The laser has hundreds of thousands of wavelengths of light that are very well-behaved, making it an ideal tool to study light-matter interactions.

"We pass the laser through this environment and in doing so, we record how the laser light interacts with the gas that we have confined in the core of this unique experiment," Cole said. "We measure how the light has been absorbed at different frequencies, which can be used to interpret observations of actual exoplanetary atmospheres."

Those measurements then go through JPL's interpretation tool. That computational model extracts the fundamental quantum parameters that enable the team to map how the atmosphere's gas molecules will interact with light at any condition.

Rieker compared the relationship between the measurements they attain and the parameters that JPL supplies to a JPEG, the standard format for image data. While we see the photo, the JPEG data is the code, or set of instructions, for the image.

In this case, the equipment in Rieker's lab provides the photothe exoplanet conditions and light passing through its atmosphere. The JPL tool provides the JPEG codethe data that describes how the light is interacting with gasses in the atmosphere.

Looking inside the instrument when the experiment reaches high-temperatures and high-pressures. Credit: University of Colorado at Boulder

Applications for sustainability on Earth

Rieker's work did not start with the goal of mapping exoplanet's atmospheres. The original objective was to understand the combustion inside a rocket or aircraft engine. He had set out to chart the emissions coming from those engines, which can help society find more efficient ways to burn fuel.

"I think it is interesting that you can tie the applications of the instrument from a jet engine at the Denver International Airport to the atmosphere of a distant an exoplanet far from Earth," Cole said.

The range of the technology's function still allows the team to mimic the inside of a jet engine and map the gasses being emitted, but while building the equipment, Cole recognized that the conditions inside the simulated engine were very similar to conditions on the surface of Venushigh-temperature and high-pressure.

"Venus is a really interesting planet because physically, Venus and Earth are very similar in terms of size and density," Cole said. "There is an ongoing question in the planetary science community that says you can draw an interesting comparison between Venus and Earth. Does Venus give us another data point for how Earth-like planets evolve?"

Venus has an atmosphere that is almost 860 degrees Fahrenheit and is 95-times the pressure of Earth's atmosphere. The planet is completely inhospitable largely due to a runaway greenhouse effect driven by the high amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. The potent greenhouse gas traps heat in Venus's atmosphere, leading to extremely high surface temperatures.

While Earth's atmosphere is nowhere near the levels of carbon dioxide found on Venus, studies of Venus's atmosphere could advance climate change research.

"Our equipment can help scientists better understand Venus and the evolution of atmospheres that are increasingly burdened with carbon dioxide," Cole said. "The experiment can help our understanding of the atmospheres of Earth-like planets with a sample size of two planets, instead of just one."

From the inside of an engine to the surface of Venus and distant exoplanets, the fundamental goal of Rieker and Cole's work is to understand how light interacts with gas molecules. However, no matter the scope, the applications of Rieker and Cole's research all have the same themeto promote life. One day soon, that might include life elsewhere, not just on Earth.
Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain

Forces profound and alarming are reshaping the upper reaches of the North Pacific and Arctic oceans, breaking the food chain that supports billions of creatures and one of the world's most important fisheries.

In the last five years, scientists have observed animal die-offs of unprecedented size, scope and duration in the waters of the Beaufort, Chukchi and northern Bering seas, while recording the displacement and disappearance of entire species of fish and ocean-dwelling invertebrates. The ecosystem is critical for resident seals, walruses and bears, as well as migratory gray whales, birds, sea lions and numerous other animals.

Historically long stretches of record-breaking ocean heat and loss of sea ice have fundamentally changed this ecosystem from bottom to top and top to bottom, say researchers who study its inhabitants. Not only are algae and zooplankton affected, but now apex predators such as killer whales are moving into areas once locked away by icegaining unfettered access to a spoil of riches.

Scientists describe what's going on as less an ecosystem collapse than a brutal "regime shift"an event in which many species may disappear, but others will replace them.

"You can think of it in terms of winners and losers," said Janet Duffy-Anderson, a Seattle-based marine scientist who leads annual surveys of the Bering Sea for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Alaska Fisheries Science Center. "Something is going to emerge and become the more dominant species, and something is going to decline because it can't adapt to that changing food web."

A team from The Times traveled to Alaska and spoke with dozens of scientists conducting field research in the Bering Sea and high Arctic to better understand these dramatic changes. Their findings suggest that this vast, near-polar ecosystemstable for thousands for years and resilient to brief but dramatic swings in temperatureis undergoing an irreversible transition.

"It's like the gates of hell have been opened," said Lorenzo Ciannelli, a fisheries oceanographer at Oregon State University, referring to a once ice-covered portion of the Bering Sea that has largely disappeared.

Since 2019, federal investigators have declared unexplained mortality events for a variety of animals, including gray whales that migrate past California and several species of Arctic seals. They are also examining large die-offsor "wrecks," as avian biologists call themin dozens of seabird species including horned puffins, black-legged kittiwakes and shearwaters.

At the same time, they are documenting the disappearance of the "cold pool"a region of the northern Bering Sea that for thousands of years has served as a barrier that protects cold-water species, such as Arctic cod and snow crab, from subarctic species, such as walleye pollock and Pacific cod. In the last five years, many of these Arctic species have almost entirely disappeared from the northern Bering, while populations of warmer-dwelling fish have proliferated.

In 2010, a federal survey estimated there were 319,000 metric tons of snow crab in the northern Bering Sea. As of this year, that number had dropped by more than 75%. Meanwhile, a subarctic fish, the Pacific cod, has skyrocketedgoing from 29,124 metric tons in 2010 to 227,577 in 2021.

Whether the warming has diminished these super-cold-water species or forced them to migrate elsewherefarther north or west, across the U.S.-Russia border, where American scientists can no longer observe themremains unclear. But scientists say animals seem to be suffering in these more distant polar regions too, according to sporadic reports from the area.

Which gets to the basic challenge of studying this ecosystem: For so long, its remoteness, freezing temperatures and lack of winter sunlight have made the region largely inaccessible. Unlike in temperate and tropical climates, where scientists can obtain reasonably accurate population counts of many species, the Arctic doesn't yield its secrets easily. That makes it hard to establish baseline data for scores of speciesespecially those with little commercial value.

"That part is really frustrating," said Peter Boveng, who studies Arctic seals for NOAA's Alaska Fisheries Science Center. He said he and his colleagues wonder if the information they are now gathering is truly baseline data, or has already been shifted by years of warming.

Only recently have he and other scientists had the technology to conduct these kinds of countsusing cameras instead of observers in airplanes, for instance, or installing sound buoys across the ice and sea to capture the movement of whales, seals and bears.

"We're only just beginning to understand what is happening up there," said Deborah Giles, a killer whale researcher at the University of Washington's Center for Conservation Biology. "We just couldn't be there or see things in the way a drone can."

The dramatic shifts that Giles, Boveng and others are observing have ramifications that stretch far beyond the Arctic. The Bering Sea is one of the planet's major fishing groundsthe eastern Bering Sea, for instance, supplies more than 40% of the annual U.S. catch of fish and shellfishand is a crucial food source for thousands of Russians and Indigenous Alaskans who rely on fish, birds' eggs, walrus and seal for protein.

"Globally, cold-water ecosystems support the world's fisheries. Halibut, all of the cod, all of the benthic crabs, lobsters. This is the majority of the food source for the world," said NOAA's Duffy-Anderson.

The potential ripple effect could shut down fisheries and leave migrating animals starving for food. These include gray whales and short-tailed shearwatersa bird that travels more than 9,000 miles every year from Australia and New Zealand to feed in the Arctic smorgasbord before flying home.

"Alaska is a bellwether for what other systems can expect," she added. "It's really just a beginning."

***

Flying along the southeastern coastline of Alaska's Kodiak Island, Matthew Van Daelewearing a safety harness tethered to the inside a U.S. Coast Guard MH-60T Jayhawkleaned out the helicopter door, scanning the beaches below for dead whales and seals.

The clouds hung low, so the copter hugged close to the sandstone cliffs that rise from this green island, which gets about 80 inches of rain and 60 inches of snowfall every year. Although few dead animals were spotted on this September afternoon, plenty of furry brown Kodiak bears could be seen bounding across open fields and along the beaches, trying to escape the ruckus of the approaching chopper.

"There's one!" yelled Van Daele, natural resources director for the Sun'aq Tribe, speaking through the intercom system to the chopper's pilots as he pointed to a rotting whale carcass on the beach.

The pilots circled and deftly landed on a little strip of sand, careful to keep the rotor blades from hitting the eroding wall of rock on the beach's edge.

Joe Sekerak, a NOAA enforcement officer, jumped out after Van Daele, holding a rifle should hungry Kodiak bears arrive to challenge the small team in its attempt to examine the whale carcass.

According to Van Daele, the whale had been dead several weeks; her body was in poor shape, with little fat.

Since 2019, hundreds of gray whales have died along North America's Pacific coastline, many appearing skinny or underfed.

Although researchers have not determined the cause of the die-off, there are ominous signs something is amiss in their high Arctic feeding grounds.

"We're used to change around here," said Alexus Kwatchka, a commercial fisherman who has navigated Alaskan waters for more than 30 years. He noted some years are cold, some are warm; sometimes all of the fish seem to be in one area for a few years, and then resettle elsewhere.

This fall has been extremely cold in Alaska; the town of Kotzebue, in the northwest, hit minus-31 degrees on Nov. 28the record low for that date. This follows several years of record-setting warmth in the region.

What is new, said Kwatchka, is the persistence of this change. It's not like it gets super warm for one or two years and then goes back to normal, he said. Now the changes last, and he said he's encountering things he's never seen beforesuch as gray whales feeding along the beaches of Kodiak, or swimming in packs.

"Usually there are whales just scattered around the island," he said. "But I've seen them kind of bunched up and podded up, and I'm seeing them in places where I don't ordinarily see them."

In September, an emaciated young male gray whale was seen off a beach near Kodiak, behaving as though it were trying to feed, scooping material from the shallow shore bottom and filtering it through his baleen, a system many leviathans use to separate food from sand and water.

Three weeks later, that same young male washed ashore dead, not far from where he had been spotted previously.

Dozens of scientists validated Kwatchka's observations, describing these periods of intense ocean heat and cooling as "stanzas," which are growing more extreme and lasting longer than those of the past.

That's a problem, said Duffy-Anderson, because the longer you stress a system, the deeper and broader the impactsand therefore the harder for it to bounce back.

While it's always possible the current stanza is temporary and the ecosystem could reset itself, "that is unlikely," said Rick Thoman, an Alaska climate specialist at the University of Alaska Fairbanks.

Due to atmospheric warming, the world's oceans hold so much excess heat that it's improbable the Chukchi Sea will ever be covered again with thick, multiyear ice, he said. Nor will we see many more years where the spring ice extends across the Bering, he said.

Even though Nome saw one of its coldest Novembers in 100 years of record keeping, and King Salmona town of roughly 300 near Katmai National Park and Preserverecorded its all-time lowest November temperatures, "the escalator of warming is going up," Thoman said.

He conjured up an image of a 5-year-old running up and down an ascending escalator. "Somebody standing off of the escalator might say, oh, it looks like the kid is going down. But as we know, the escalator is continuing to go up."

"What we've seen in the Bering Sea in recent years is," he added, "unprecedented."

***

Lee Cooper and Jackie Grebmeier, researchers at the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science, have visited these waters every year since the 1980s, when they were graduate students at the University of Alaska. Their initial proposal centered on one basic question: What makes these Arctic-like waters of the northern Bering Sea so productive?

It was tough work. So much of the ocean was frozen, and therefore inaccessible. Other researchers faced the same challenge.

"When we started out, we couldn't get north into the Bering Strait area because of ice until mid-June," said Kathy Kuletz, a bird biologist with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, who has been researching the northern Bering Sea and high Arctic since 2006 and studying Alaskan birds since 1978. "Even then, it wasn't until late June that you could get into the Chukchi. And that's certainly not been the issue ... since, let's see, about 2015 or so."

Researchers are focused on iceor the lack of itbecause the frozen ocean is the foundation of the region's rich ecosystems. It not only keeps the waters beneath it cool, but a layer of algae grows on the underside of these ice sheetsthe key to the entire food web.

For eons, as the sun moved south in autumn and the temperatures dropped in the high latitudes, Arctic sea ice thickened near the North Pole. At its edges, it reached its frosty fingers into the inlets along the Chukchi and Beaufort seas, winding its way south through the Bering Strait and into the northern Bering Sea. By March, the northern Bering Sea was typically a vast field of white ice, its edges marked by broken sheets that had been pushed into a vertical position by whipping winds and churning currents below.

But for the last 50 years, as the region's warm stanzas have increased in duration and intensity, that seasonal ice has dwindled.

A 2020 study published in the journal Science documented a reduction in ice extent unlike any other in the last 5,500 years: Its extent in 2018 and 2019 was 60% to 70% lower than the historical average. In an Arctic report card released just this week, federal scientists called the region's changes "alarming and undeniable."

Long before the sea was named for the 18th century Danish cartographer and Russian naval explorer Vitus Jonassen Bering, the icy water body consisted of two distinct ecosystemsone subarctic, the other resembling the high Arctic. Fish in the subarctic zonesuch as Pacific codwere deterred by the frigid temperatures of the cold pool, which hover just below 32 degrees. But other fishsuch as Arctic cod, capelin and flatfishevolved to thrive in this environment, with the cold pool serving as a protective barrier.

Now that "thermal force field" has all but vanished.

Lyle Britt, director of the Resource Assessment and Conservation Engineering division of the Alaska Fisheries Science Center, leads annual trawl surveys in the Bering Sea, part of a U.S. effort to systematically monitor commercial fish populations and their ecosystems. The federal government has conducted a survey of the eastern Bering Sea every year since 1982with the exception of 2020, when COVID grounded the personnel and boats. Federal surveying of the northern Bering Sea began in 2010 amid concerns about the loss of seasonal sea ice; the government has surveyed it a total of five times.

With each survey, Britt and his mariner colleagues navigate the sea as if tracing over the same piece of graph paper, year after year, with 520 evenly dispersed stations at 20-mile intervals. At each one376 in the eastern Bering Sea and 144 in the northern Bering Seathey stop to collect environmental data, such as bottom- and surface-water temperatures, as well as a sampling of fish and invertebrates, which they count and weigh.

Data from a Bering Sea mooring shows the average temperature throughout the water column has risen markedly in the last several years: in 2018, water temperatures were 9 degrees above the historical average.

Not only have the scientists noticed, so too have the fish.

Consider the plight of the walleye pollockalso known as Alaska pollockone of the region's most important fisheries.

While adult walleye pollock are averse to super cold water, juveniles are known to gravitate to the interior of the cold pool. In this protective chilly dome, the young fish are not only walled off from cold-hating predators, but as their metabolisms slow in the frigid temperatures, they can gorge on and grow from the Arctic ecosystem's fatty, rich food sources.

With the cold pool gone, "there's no refuge" for small fish seeking to grow big, said Duffy-Anderson. "Instead, the adult fish can now move into those spaces."

So what has happened to the Arctic fish? Have they just moved north, following the cold water?

It's not that simple, said Britt. The northern Bering Sea is very shallow. When ice is not there to cover it, it warms up quicklyand can exceed temperatures detected in the subarctic southern Bering Sea.

"So we don't fully understand all the implications of why the fish are moving in the directions and patterns that they are," he said. But in some placesparticularly the places that once harbored cold-loving fish such as Arctic cod and capelinthey are just gone.

In a healthy Arctic system, thousands of bottom-dwelling speciesbottom fish, clams, crabs and shrimp-like crittersfeast on the lipid-rich algae that falls from the ice to the bottom of the sea. But in a warm-water system, the algae gets taken up in the water column, said Duffy-Anderson.

The healthy system is highly energy-efficientwith sediment-dwelling invertebrates and bottom fish feeding on the rain of algae, and then birds and large-bodied mammals, such as walrus and whales, scooping them up.

"One of the things I'm really concerned about is ... that the whole food web dynamic kind of comes apart," she said. As warmer waters and animals infiltrate the system, "you put more links in the food chain, and then less and less of that energy is transferred efficiently. And that is what we're beginning to see."

Ice is also essential habitat for some Arctic mammals. As with gray whales, several types of ice sealswhich include ringed, spotted and bearded sealsstarted showing up skinny or dead around the Chukchi and Bering seas in 2018, spurring a federal investigation. These Arctic-dwelling species rely on sea ice to pup, nurse and molt. Without it, they spend more time in the cold water, where they expend too much energy. Young seals are particularly vulnerable; their chances for survival plummet without the ice, said the Alaska Fisheries Science Center's Boveng.

There are also reports of killer whalesalso known as orcas showing up in areas they haven't been spotted before, feeding on beluga whales, bowheads and narwhals, said Giles, the University of Washington orca researcher.

"They are finding channels and openings through the ice, and in some cases preying on animals that have never seen killer whales before," she said.

Climate scientists worldwide have long warned that as the planet warms, humans and wildlife will become more vulnerable to infectious diseases previously confined to certain locations and environments. That dynamic could be a factor in the massive die-off of birds in the Bering Seaexperts estimate at least tens of thousands of birds have died there since 2013.

The culprit was avian cholera, a disease not previously detected in these high latitudes, and one that elsewhere rarely fells seabirds such as thick-billed murres, auklets, common eiders, northern fulmars and gulls.

Toxic algae associated with warmer waters has also been detected in a few dead birds (and some healthy birds) in the Bering Sea, said Robb Kaler, a wildlife biologist with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Serviceand may have been responsible for the death of a person living on St. Lawrence Island.

Kuletz, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife biologist who has been observing birds in Alaska since the late 1970s, said she's never before seen the large-scale changes of recent years. In 2013, the dead birds did not show signs of being emaciated, but in 2017, hundreds to thousands more began to wash up dead on beaches with clear signs of starvation, she said.

"There've always been little peaks" of die-offs that would last a year or so, but then things would go back to normal, she said. "These animals are resilient. They can forgo breeding if they aren't getting enough nutrition."

Not all bird species are suffering. Albatross, which are surface feeders, are booming, underscoring for Kuletz the idea that there could be "winners and losers" in the changing region. Albatross do not nest in Alaska. They only come in the summer to feed, and are therefore not tied to eggs or nests while looking for food.

Yet for some scientists, it isn't easy to reconcile how a system in balance could so quickly go off the rails, even if some species adapt and thrive as others struggle.

"For me, it's actually very emotional," said Thoman, the University of Alaska climate specialist, recalling his elementary school days, when he read Jack London's "To Build a Fire" and other stories from the Arctic.

"The environment that he described, the environment that I saw going through National Geographics in the 1970s? That environment doesn't exist anymore."

Explore further Melted Alaska sea ice alarms coast residents, scientists

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A new study has found that a class of toxins found in snake and mammalian venom evolved from the same ancestral gene. Credit: Pixabay

Snakes, some lizards and even a few mammals can have a venomous bite. Although these lineages split more than 300 million years ago, their venoms have evolved from the same ancestral salivary protein, reported scientists today in BMC Biology.

Researchers from the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University (OIST) in Japan and the Australian National University focused on a class of toxins found in most snake venoms and all other reptile and mammalian venoms called kallikrein serine proteases and traced their origins to a gene found in a common ancestor.

"Venoms are cocktails of toxic proteins that have evolved across the whole animal kingdom, typically as a method of killing or immobilizing prey," explained Agneesh Barua, co-first author and Ph.D. student at OIST. "The oral venom systems found in snakes are particularly complex, and the origin of their venoms is still unclear."

In a previous paper, Barua and his colleagues found that the mammal salivary gland and snake venom gland share a similar pattern of activity in a group of regulatory genes, suggesting that the foundation needed for venom to evolve exists in both snakes and mammals.

"In that paper, we hypothesized that in the ancestor of snakes and mammals, there was a common group of genes that had a toxic potential," said Barua. "Snakes and mammals then took different evolutionary paths, with snake lineages evolving diverse and increasingly toxic concoctions, while in mammals, venom did evolve, but to a much lesser degree. But what we wanted to know is whether the toxins within mammal and snake venom evolved from a common ancestral gene."

Kallikrein serine proteases are a kind of protein-degrading enzyme, which play a key role in regulating blood pressure. Mammal saliva contains small quantities of these proteins, although their function remains unclear to this day. But in venomous snakes and mammals, like shrews and solenodons, these proteins have evolved toxicity. When injected in high amounts, they drastically reduce blood pressure, potentially causing unconsciousness and even death.

Early on, researchers noticed biochemical similarities between kallikrein serine proteases in snake venoms and those in mammal saliva, but scientists did not know until now whether they were, in fact, related. "There are so many different serine proteases that have a high degree of similarity, that until now, it was too difficult to isolate the right genes needed to determine the evolutionary history," said Barua.

Salivary kallikreins, like those found in mice, humans, and venomous mammals like shrews and solenodons, are closely related to toxic serine protease kallikreins found in venomous snakes. Credit: OIST

With recent advances in genomic methods, the research group were able to identify and compare all the kallikrein genes in reptiles, amphibians, fishes and mammals to create an evolutionary tree.

Excitingly, they found that snake venom kallikrein serine proteases and mammal salivary kallikreins did evolve from the same ancestral gene.

"This is really strong evidence for our hypothesis that venom evolved from a common group of genes in an ancestor that had a toxic potential," said Barua. "But the most surprising thing was that non-toxic salivary kallikreins, like those found in humans and mice, also evolved from the same ancestral gene."

In fact, the researchers found that the non-toxic kallikreins in mammal saliva were more closely related to the venomous toxins found in snakes than to other kallikreins found within mammals.

Overall, this evidence suggests that salivary kallikrein proteins in mammals, including humans, also have the evolutionary potential to become toxic.

But, Barua quickly added, there is a caveat. "Just because we have the building blocks to evolve venom doesn't mean this will occur. Venom is really energetically expensive to make, so there had to be a strong ecological pressure for it, which humans, and most mammals don't have."

But what this does tell us, he said, is that the line between venomous and non-venomous mammals is blurrier than previously thought.

More information: Co-option of the same ancestral gene family gave rise to mammalian and reptilian toxins, BMC Biology (2021). Journal information: BMC Biology Co-option of the same ancestral gene family gave rise to mammalian and reptilian toxins,(2021). bmcbiol.biomedcentral.com/arti  6/s12915-021-01191-1
Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain

Since its beginning in 1989, the Nebraska On-Farm Research Network has helped producers, in partnership with Nebraska Extension, analyze experiments suited to the specific conditions of their fields. This collaboration has boosted agronomic understanding as well as producer profits. On-Farm Experimentation, or "OFE" is a growing phenomenon worldwide, and a new journal article co-authored by a Nebraska Extension specialist explains that global dimension and the opportunities to better coordinate conventional agronomic research with producer-generated findings and analysis.

Laura Thompson, an Extension educator with wide-ranging experience with the Nebraska On-Farm Research Network, joined contributors from Canada, Argentina, the United Kingdom, France, Morocco, Malaysia and China in writing "On-Farm Experimentation to transform global agriculture." The article appears Dec. 23 in the journal Nature Food.

OFE now comprises "a distinct and growing community of practice" worldwide, with over 30,000 farms participating in more than 30 countries, the article estimates. Unlike Nebraska's On-Farm Research network, OFE initiatives are usually relatively recent. An international network involved in 11 OFE initiatives across the world formed to expand understanding of the approach and of its momentum.

Such farm-derived data and analysis provide "an opportunity for agricultural experts to complement conventional agronomy research by working with the dynamic farm management that exists in the real world," the article says. Through this focus on "locally appropriate knowledge," Thompson and her co-authors write, OFE can accompany "a paradigm shift" by which producers are active contributors to deepening agronomic understanding worldwide.

Nebraska has seen the benefits from such an approach over the past three decades, Thompson says. Among the notable successes: the knowledge gained for soybean production, including seeding rates and planting times. Planting earlier helped boost yields, and use of a smaller volume of seed helped reduce costs. Another success is improved nitrogen management using precision technologies, enabling better profits and reduced environmental impact.

About 70 Nebraska producers are currently participating in the On-Farm Research Network, totaling about 100 On-Farm Experiments, since multiple projects are underway at some farms.

Farmer-centric On-Farm Experimentation, the Nature Food article says, can play a major role in realizing the benefits from ag-focused digitalization.

Nebraska On-Farm Research shows how digital technologies enable precision data collection, opening up important opportunities for producers to fine-tune management within a field, Thompson says. "Farmers can conduct their research more conveniently," she says, "and at the same time we can generate more research data and address more site-specific situations rather than managing one field as a single unit."

Overall, OFE can strengthen global production in four ways, Thompson and her fellow contributors write. First, by providing new tools for collaborative understanding of real-world needs and practices. Second, by emphasizing flexibility, so that research practices can best address local conditions. Third, by adding value for producers. Fourth, by introducing disruption, to achieve "new ways of learning," about appropriate agricultural and innovation practice, and sharing that knowledge on a global scale.

Enabling those new ways of learning, the article says, will require building stronger connections between the agriculture community's "theoreticians and practitioners"scientists, farmers and other agricultural stakeholdersin a cross-fertilization of ideas and approaches. By setting that new scientific foundation, the authors say, global agriculture can advance to new heights.

Explore further Farmer researchers reap more benefits than just increased crop production

More information: Myrtille Lacoste, On-Farm Experimentation to transform global agriculture, Nature Food (2021). www.nature.com/articles/s43016-021-00424-4 Journal information: Nature Food Myrtille Lacoste, On-Farm Experimentation to transform global agriculture,(2021). DOI: 10.1038/s43016-021-00424-4
LAKE GEORGE  The Village Board met this week to discuss the possibility of a third study into the benefits and drawbacks of dissolving the village into the town of Lake George.

The discussion was brought up after the study was proposed and the board was tasked with choosing a firm to complete it.

At Mondays meeting, board members voted to apply for a state grant that would cover 50% of the cost of the $50,000 study, leaving the remaining $25,000 to be split between the village and town.

Dissolving the village government into the town would mean all of the revenue brought in by the businesses in the village of Lake George would be inherited by the town. However, it was unclear at this time whether the sewer tax imposed on village residents would remain with the current taxpayers or carry over as well.

The study would begin in February and run until the end of the year.

The board members are considering putting the dissolution question on the ballot for the first time during the March 2023 village election.

Residents and business owners voiced their opinions at the meeting via Zoom.

Kathryn Muncil, CEO of the Fort William Henry Hotel and Conference Center, spoke to the board and was in favor of the study and the dissolution as a whole.

Many other villages in New York have dissolved and it worked out well for all, Muncil said.

Muncil expressed her support for the study, saying it is a financially sound decision for the village.

Edward Pontacoloni, a lawyer and a resident of Lake George, cited the disadvantages members of the village had compared to the members of the town.

Members of the village are not seen as part of the town. We cannot all be involved until there is one political unit, Pontacoloni said.

Village Mayor Robert Blais and Lake George Steamboat Company President Bill Dow were in agreement over their opposition to dissolving the village.

After the mayor explained what the dissolution would mean for the village, Dow had decided his stance.

Well, your explanation just convinced me to be against it, Dow said to the board.

At the conclusion of the discussion, board members unanimously voted in favor applying for the grant money to move forward with the study. The firm is scheduled to be selected by the next Village Board meeting on Jan. 10.

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Warren County Health Services reported 61 new COVID cases and 32 recoveries on Wednesday.

Of the new cases, 31 involved fully vaccinated individuals.

The county is now monitoring 456 active cases, with 438 involving mild illness.

The report stated 13 Warren County residents are hospitalized, with one critically ill patient. Ten of the 13 patients are unvaccinated.

According to Glens Falls Hospital spokesman Ray Agnew, the hospital had 29 COVID patients on Wednesday with four off isolation and five individuals in the ICU.

Health Services has recorded 1,879 breakthrough cases out of the 46,370 fully vaccinated individuals.

The county reported 77.9% of the population has received at least one dose of the vaccine and 72.1% of residents have been fully vaccinated.

The seven-day rolling positivity rate for the county stood at 8.1%.

Registration is open for the Dec. 28 Warren County Health Services booster/second dose vaccine clinic at Warren County Municipal Center. Find more information here: https://warren-county-ny-covid-19-warrencountyny.hub.arcgis.com/pages/vaccines.

Warren County Health Services will hold the following free COVID-19 vaccination booster/first dose clinics in the coming days, with registration required through online links posted at https://warrencountyny.gov/covidhub/ unless otherwise noted:

Tuesday, Dec. 28, Warren County Municipal Center, 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., Moderna booster and second doses. (Registration links posted)

Tuesday, Jan. 4 Warren County Municipal Center, 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., Moderna booster doses. (Registration not yet open)

Tuesday, Jan. 11, Warren County Municipal Center, 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., vaccines to be determined. (Registration not yet open)

On Tuesday, the Warren County vaccine team administered 105 boosters, seven second doses and two first doses after visiting the homes of 13 homebound residents for boosters earlier in the day.

Statewide

Gov. Kathy Hochul expressed her gratitude to President Joe Biden in a news release on Tuesday.

I want to thank President Biden for his leadership in fighting the nationwide COVID-19 winter surge and taking comprehensive action against the rapid spread of the omicron variant, Hochul said.

Cases are rising due to the winter surge, but this is not March 2020  we knew this was coming and New York is taking action to make vaccines, boosters and testing more widely available, she added. The state reported a total of 22,258 new positive COVID cases on Tuesday.

According to the news release, 4,328 New York residents are being hospitalized with the virus, including 799 ICU patients.

At the time of the report, 60,624 New Yorkers have died from COVID.

The CDC reported 71.1% of the population has received the full vaccine series and 82.3% have received at least one dose.

The seven-day rolling positivity rate for the state was at 7.9%.

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Beacon Animal Rescue, the nonprofit, volunteer-based, animal rescue serving Cape May and Atlantic counties, was recently presented with a $3,000 check from the founder of Pints 4 Pets, an organization that was specifically founded to raise funds for South Jersey animal rescues.

Former Miss New Jersey Amy (Fissel) Osborn, who grew up in Ocean City, started Pints 4 Pets in 2014. Its annual event was held at a local brewery for the first five years. The purpose was to bring beer enthusiasts together with animal lovers and raise money for local shelters. The event has grown exponentially and, this year, the eighth-annual Pints 4 Pets networker was held at The Mansion in Voorhees, where Beacon was announced as one of four recipients of the evenings fundraising efforts.

We are so grateful to Pint 4 Pets for this honor, which is especially valuable to us at this time of year when donors have so many other financial obligations, Beacons Executive Director Ryan Parker said. The mission of Pints 4 Pets truly embodies the Christmas spirit.
Pleasantville Mayor July Ward stated, we are building on the success of our Downtown Neighborhood Preservation Program to improve the City of Pleasantville. We appreciate the State continued support and interest in our City.

Last year, the City of Pleasantville was awarded a Neighborhood Preservation Grant from the State which started a community driven movement to improve Main Street. Streetlight improvements, murals, flowerpots, and a farmer market were funded through this program.

The midtown NRTC area is generally bounded by U.S. Route 9 to the west, the Atlantic City Expressway to the north, the West Atlantic City portion of Egg Harbor Township to the east, and Bayview Avenue to the south.

Vernon Lawrence of the Pleasantville Housing & Redevelopment Corporation and the Executive Director of the Pleasantville Housing Authority noted, We will be working hard to get the local residents and businesses involved in this effort. We are preparing a community-based plan that will guide future investments in the City.

To start the public process, a public meeting is schedule for Thursday, Jan. 13 at 5:30 p.m. at the Pleasantville Recreation Center.
Horece McZeke, 44, was charged with aggravated sexual assault, aggravated assault, possession of a weapon for unlawful purposes, unlawful possession of a weapon and endangering the welfare of a child.

Shortly after the incident, Pleasantville residents expressed frustration to school officials about the assault and questioned whether the school district was doing enough to keep its students safe. Following the suspects arrest Dec. 15, police Deputy Chief James Williams said the department would increase its presence when city children are traveling to and from school.

Mayor Judy Ward noted how traumatic the incident had been and praised local law enforcement for its work on the case.

It had everyone in the city upset, Ward said. Im proud of the Pleasantville police, they had all hands on deck with the help of other law enforcement, and they were diligent about this, they made it a priority, and they apprehended a suspect, and that just makes us feel more safe.

There are still things that the city knows, on our side, that we have to do to make things a little bit safer, Ward added.

0:15 Girl assaulted on her way to school in Pleasantville PLEASANTVILLE  A child was assaulted on her way to school Thursday, and police are looking 
It matters for many as an emotional weight of how the season ought to feel or how we think it ought to feel, National Snow and Ice Data scientist Twila Moon said. But the climate scientist in me is also very interested in having a white Christmas because its an indicator of how much and what type of precipitation weve gotten. And that is also really important because so much of our country is dealing with extreme drought right now.

In Helena, Montana, it definitely feels like we dont have as much snow or the winters are different, said Shawn Whyte on Tuesday as the high hit 52. Im looking out my window right now and I have a lovely view of the entire hill in a valley and it is brown. Its ugly and brown.

For us here, we expect winter and cold and it makes you feel snuggly and cozy, said Whyte, an information technology manager who said shes having trouble getting into the Christmas spirit with no snow.

Maybe, she said, if she just goes caroling it will be like a Hallmark movie and the Christmas snow will come at the last minute.

Press Meteorologist Joe Martucci contributed to this report.

Contact Joe Martucci: 609-272-7247 jmartucci@pressofac.com Twitter @acpressmartucci

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1:04 Atlantic Cape Community College awards $1.5 million contract for wind training center MAYS LANDING  Wind energy training for prospective employees in South Jersey took a step fo

Most of the turbines proposed for the three offshore wind projects approved thus far in New Jersey will be located about 15 miles from the coast, he said.

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They are not going to be visual pollution, he said. Probably most people wont be able to see them.

In past presentations, government and wind industry officials have said the turbines may or may not be visible from the shoreline, depending in part on weather conditions.

But several shore communities including Ocean City, perhaps the center of opposition to offshore wind projects thus far, say todays turbines are much larger than those proposed in the past, and much more likely to be seen from shore.

We dont believe them when they say theyre all going to be 15 miles offshore, said Suzanne Hornick, a leader of Protect Our Coast-NJ. The lease area is closer than that, and we know they will fill up that whole lease area. It could be as close as eight miles.

The group also cites environmental and financial concerns in opposing the projects.

1:04 Feds: Offshore wind study activity won't harm environment ATLANTIC CITY  The federal government has determined that the process of evaluating ocean s

Thus far, New Jersey has approved three offshore wind energy projects: two by Danish wind developer rsted, and one by Atlantic Shores.
New Jersey municipalities rely on planning and zoning boards to oversee the implementation of land-use ordinances for preserving a towns function, character and more. Underlying the work of those boards and the creation of related ordinances is the municipalitys vision for itself and its approach to land-use issues.

This vision is described in its master plan, which despite its name is not a statement of specifics but a look at local land use, how its being handled and what could be done better.

By law, each municipality must have a master plan, and the plans must be updated at least every 10 years. In those plans, municipal officials and the experts they rely upon describe where they see the town going in the years ahead, especially in terms of development.

In February, the state added a requirement to master planning  that cities and towns consider issues related to climate change, such as preparing for stronger storms and higher sea levels.

Many Jersey Shore municipalities have already included such issues in their master plans. Theres no harm in making climate a formal and required part of the vision, especially since the estimation of and response to planetary warming are constantly improving.
Honor the survival of Native Americans

2021 marked the 400th anniversary of the first Thanksgiving. Who doesnt love a national holiday of thanks?

The Wampanoag People, who helped Pilgrim families survive 1621, see Thanksgiving through a lens different from one of thanks.

Within a decade after Pilgrims arrived in 1620, Wampanoags were a minority in their own land. Europeans were converting Indian land to European-owned land, and by 1630 they were converting Indians to Christianity. Neither conversion was gentle. By 1879 Native children were forcibly sent to U.S. government run boarding schools where Indian ways of culture, religion, language and government were crushed under the motto of kill the Indian, save the man. Such schools existed decades into the 20th century.

Before the Mayflower landed, Europeans shipped Indians to Europe as slaves and curiosities. Tisquantum, called Squanto by the English, was one of them. When English-fluent Squanto returned to America in 1619 in time to teach Pilgrims survival farming skills in spring 1621, two-thirds of Wampanoags had died of European diseases.
Journalists from RFE/RLs Tajik Service (Radioi Ozodi) and Georgian Service (Radio Tavisupleba) were recognized this week for their national contributions to human rights reporting.

On December 9th, the Bureau for Human Rights and Rule of Law in Tajikistan, part of Tajikistans Ministry of Justice and a member of the International Federation for Human Rights, honored RFE/RL Tajik Service correspondent Mulloradzhab Yusufzoda with an award "For Active Citizenship in Journalism. Yusufzoda, a frequent contributor to the Tajik Service, has been working for RFE/RLs Dushanbe bureau since 2017. His work has included covering the COVID-19 pandemic, Badakhshan protests, human rights violations, and poverty in Tajikistan. While reporting on fuel prices in the country, he was attacked and beaten.

The prize, awarded annually, is dedicated to recognizing exceptional achievement in active citizenship through journalism. Previous awardees include former presidential nominee Oinihol Bobonazarova, prominent lawyer Shuhrat Kudratov, as well as journalists and civil activists from across Tajikistan.

Also on December 9, two journalists from RFE/RLs Georgian Service, Tornike Mandaria and Dato Koridze, were recognized by the Human Rights House of Georgia, with the inaugural Lekso Lashkarava Prize, for their documentary, Prejudice and Pride, about the July 5th violence against LGBT activists and journalists in Tbilisi during the citys Pride Week. The award is sponsored by the Norwegian Human Rights House Foundation.

Lashkarava was a TV Pirveli cameraman who died only days after being severely beaten by the mobs on July 5th. More than 50 other journalists were attacked by the hate groups that day. Mandaria and Koridze themselves were also physically assaulted during the protests, as well as the services film crew while creating the award-winning documentary.

-- Erica Stefano
(WASHINGTONDecember 23, 2021) Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) President Jamie Fly rejected todays announcement that Belarus Interior Ministry had added RFE/RLs Belarus Service to its registry of extremist organizations. Fly also expressed disgust at the detention today of Belarus Service journalist Aleh Hruzdzilovich, as he reiterated his concern for the health and safety of Andrey Kuznechyk following word that a criminal case on unknown charges had been opened against the journalist.

Said Fly, We condemn the Belarusian governments campaign to criminalize honest journalism and deprive the Belarusian people of the truth. We again adamantly reject this ridiculous, regime-imposed labelRadio Svaboda is not an extremist organization. Aleh Hruzdzilovich and Andrey Kuznechyk are hostages taken by this lawless regime, not criminals. Factual reporting is not an extremist activity, and journalism is not a crime.

The Interior Ministry announcement means that Belarusians who subscribe to the services online content channels could face up to six years in prison. It follows the December 3 designation of Belarus Service social media channels as extremist by a Belarusian court.

Authorities in Belarus have declared over 300 Telegram channels and communities extremistfrom local chats to channels with hundreds of thousands of subscribersmaking anyone who publishes or reposts extremist materials liable for up to seven years in prison. According to RFE/RLs Belarus Service, seven of the 10 most-popular Belarusian telegram channels have been declared extremist.

The detention of Hruzdzilovich, an award-winning journalist for RFE/RLs Belarus Service who served a 10-day sentence in July 2021 and a 15-day sentence in November 2020 for his reporting activities, comes on the same day the service reported that Belarusian authorities have opened a criminal case on unspecified charges against journalist Andrey Kuznechyk, who was first arrested on November 25 and has been in detention ever since. On December 22, the Belarusian Association of Journalists demanded that Belarusian authorities provide information on Kuznechyks whereabouts, echoing previous calls by RFE/RL President Fly, who has termed Kuznechyks situation a state-sponsored kidnapping.

RFE/RL journalists in Belarus have spent a cumulative 708 days behind bars since prominent blogger and Radio Svoboda journalist Ihar Losik was arrested in June 2020; Losik was sentenced to 15 years in prison on December 14 following a months-long, closed -door trial. Numerous other RFE/RL journalists on assignment to report on the election and its aftermath have been harassed, detained, jailed, and stripped of their accreditations. In October 2020, the Lukashenka regime blocked the services website, and on July 16, Belarusian security officers broke through the doors of RFE/RLs bureau in Minsk to raid and seal the office.

About RFE/RL

RFE/RL relies on its networks of local reporters to provide accurate news and information to more than 37 million people every week in 27 languages and 23 countries where media freedom is restricted, or where a professional press has not fully developed. Its videos were viewed 7 billion times on Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram/IGTV in FY2021. RFE/RL is an editorially independent media company funded by a grant from the U.S. Congress through the U.S. Agency for Global Media.

----

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:

Martins Zvaners in Washington (zvanersm@rferl.org, +1.202.457.6948)

Jana Hokuvova in Prague (hokuvovaj@rferl.org, +420.221.122.072
#4 - WET LEG - Assorted Singles

All you need to know about Wet Leg is the first comment that comes up under their Youtube page: "This song is so effortlessly cool I'd be scared to talk to it at a party." In fact, Wet Leg are SO effortlessly cool that I'm including them even though their actual debut album isn't scheduled to drop until April 2022. But the four singles they released this year stand so strong, they merit mention in any end-of-year wrap up. Seemingly from out of nowhere (the Isle of Wight, actually,) Wet Leg lit up hipster dancefloors with quirky angular guitar licks and non-sensical playful innuendo. Musically, it's as if French art students tried to become the B-52s by way of the Pixies. And they dress like Amish milkmaids with lobster hands because of course they do. Even in a lousy year, it's good to see the kids still know how to have fun.
So once a family gets here, in that first 90 days we help them do everything from get a Social Security number to get initial doctor's visits, get medical assistance and (food assistance) benefits until they are able to get working and find housing, register their kids for school, True-Funk said. And we also have an initial employment program for people that dont have a lot of barriers to finding employment. So if they are willing and able to work  we can help them find jobs.

All of that, even with the employment program, takes place within the first eight months that they are here. So it is really time-crunched, a lot of services in a short period of time. And then were able to give them some longer-term support through some of our additional programming.

The world is experiencing a refugee crisis, according to the International Rescue Committee, with United Nations data showing that 82.4 million people were forcibly displaced in 2020, a figure that has doubled over the past decade.
Urla Marcus has hoped for a long time to preserve the voices of area elders in a carefully crafted, artistic format. Now Marcus, director of the Center for American Indian Studies at Black Hills State University, will help to shape a documentary to do just that.

Staff members at the Center for American Indian Studies at Black Hills State University are preparing to work on a documentary  and to bolster many of the Centers services  by drawing from a $242,769 grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities that took effect earlier this school year. The grant was made possible by the American Rescue Plan.

The university announced earlier this month that it had been awarded the grant to restore and expand BHSU Center for American Indian Studies (CAIS) public programming.

Marcus, a member of the Northern Cheyenne Nation, said the grant facilitated the hiring of Tiarra Little as program manager of the Center for American Indian Studies. Little, a member of the Oglala Lakota Oyate who grew up in the Pine Ridge and Oglala areas, began her position on Nov. 1 and will play a key role in shaping the documentary.

Little earned her masters degree in Education Policy and Management from Harvard University, and shes slated to work for a year in the Center for American Indian Studies as she prepares for Ph.D. studies.

Shes going to be spearheading the documentary, and shes going to be looking at our American Indian Studies program, specifically at our assessment, Marcus said.

The position was added, Marcus said, after the Center's assistant directors post was frozen in March.

The grant will also be used to sustain and grow CAIS programs such as the annual Wacipi, or Powwow; American Indian Awareness Week; a speaker series and various course work, according to an announcement from the university.

Little, in addition to her masters degree from Harvard, brings a bachelor of arts from Stanford University in comparative studies in race and ethnicity, with an emphasis on education, access, and equity.

I was heavily involved in the Native communities at Stanford and Harvard during my time at school, she said. I think its a strength to be able to tap into those experiences as I contribute to student support at BHSU.

At Stanford, during her sophomore year, she co-taught an alternative spring break course  part of a service learning program  designed to help students make contributions to various communities during spring break. The course focused on Native American and rural education, and she traveled to Pine Ridge during spring break, with the students and the other co-teacher, to perform service.

We visited with organizations to hear first-hand about Indigenous education, she said. That was the very first time that I saw the behind-the-scenes part of my home community. It was stepping into the professional side of Indigenous education for the first time.

Little has worked on a sprawling array of other service projects, as well, including those in several countries around the world. Much of her experience working with people, though, hits close to home.

I come from a big family, a blended family, and so just being able to mentor and give advice to my younger relatives has been a constant, she said.

She said her work at the Center for American Indian Studies will encompass a wide swath of tasks.

So far its been giving pep talks, she said. Sometimes its giving people a ride back home  people who need a ride home during the break.

She said she also wants to help people stay connected to whats happening in our communities back home and to consider how that connects with whats happening here at school.

She noted the importance of working with Lakota Omniciye, a student organization on campus, along with other activities.

For the documentary, Marcus said the Center has tapped three consultants: Jace DeCory, professor emeritus at BHSU, along with filmmakers Kenn and John Little  not related to Tiarra Little. The two brothers created the film More Than a Word, a project described at http://morethanawordfilm.com/.

Both are members of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe.

DeCory is a member of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe.

Shes an elder herself, Marcus said of DeCory. Shes very well-known, not only in our state but in our region.

Marcus lauded DeCorys expertise and said DeCory will be conducting much of the interviewing in the documentary, Marcus explained.

Marcus said people from the Center for American Indian Studies have recorded the voices of speakers before, including at BHSUs celebration of American Indian Awareness Week. But the documentary moves a step further.

Weve always wanted the opportunity to capture what these speakers are saying  and what our elders, more specifically, are saying  in a professional way, she said. She added that we can use (the documentary) in our classes and make it more widely distributed so the public can use it as well.

Marcus said plans are in the works to visit with five elders.

Were going to travel to their home and do (the interviews) in their home communities, she said.

Marcus noted that this has been a trying, and in some cases a devastating, time for elders in the community.

We lost so many of our elders due to the pandemic, and we didnt have the opportunity to get their information and hear their stories, she said. We always listened to them, but we never really had the opportunity to record them.

This will be the first time the Center for American Indian Studies has produced a documentary, Marcus said.

This is brand new, she said. Thats why its important for us to work closely with John and Kenn. They have done documentaries, and were relying heavily on them to guide us.

In January, she said, the Littles, who both live outside of the area, will come to campus and help train interns and to establish groundwork for the film. Later, theyll work with the material thats been recorded.

Were going to be sending them all the footage, and Kenn specifically will be piecing it together working with his equipment, Marcus said.

Marcus mentioned plans to conduct interviews in February and March and then assemble the film during the summer. She said the film will likely be available online, and she noted the possibility of a public showing.

We would like to have a release, she said.

The grant is also sponsoring five interns to work in the Center for American Indian Studies, and they will also be contributing to the documentary.

Marcus reflected on some of the other activities that the NEH grant will help to sustain and develop, as well. She said two interns will be working this spring on the annual Wacipi, or Powwow, doing planning, fundraising and organization. The Wacipi has been canceled the past two years due to the pandemic, she added.

Its a large cultural event, and a lot of our community participates, she said.

And Marcus said a key function of the grant would be its funding of Tiarra Littles position as program manager.

Its really important for us to have our assistant back in the Center to work with the students, she said. Shes from Pine Ridge, and so she shares a lot of the background with the students. Shes a recent (university) graduate herself, so she knows the challenges our students are facing, and she also knows how to celebrate their successes.

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Heading deeper into the cold months, Meals on Wheels Western South Dakota is expanding its routes in Rapid City in response to a growing need. And the non-profit organization is seeking volunteer drivers  along with other volunteers  to make the expansion possible.

We have been needing to do this, said Cheree Pederson, community resource coordinator with Meals on Wheels. We like to have (drivers) stay within an hour and 15 minutes max on their routes.

Staying in that range keeps the food warm and also preserves the chance for drivers to interact with people receiving meals.

It gives them time to spend a few more minutes with our seniors who are on the route, said Pederson, speaking in the Meals on Wheels Rapid City kitchen on Philadelphia Street.

Pederson said 105 volunteer drivers are contributing to 21 Rapid City routes right now, with five drivers sharing a single route. Each driver takes a day of the week, and Pederson said about 1,000 meals are served each day in Rapid City.

In January, Meals on Wheels will create two more routes in the city, opening up the need for 10 more volunteer drivers. Pederson said volunteers are asked to make at least a three-month commitment.

Current volunteer drivers note the importance not only of delivering nutrition, but also of serving social needs.

Tom Baumgartner, who volunteers as a driver and also helps out in the kitchen, stressed the importance of one-to-one contact.

Some of them say, The only person I talked to today is the Meals on Wheels person, he said.

Pederson noted that drivers wear masks and practice social distancing as they interact with the people receiving meals.

Ed Adams, a volunteer who, like Baumgartner, helps out in the kitchen and as a driver, said he enjoys the frequent interaction with people that comes with being a volunteer.

Its good community service, and youre busy, he said. Its not like youre standing around or anything.

The range of volunteer tasks is wide, including driving and various other roles. And while the new routes most immediately open up new slots for drivers, Pederson said people who want to volunteer in other capacities are welcome, as well.

Those who have volunteered emphasize the way the work has nourished their own lives, as well as those of the people they serve.

I retired and I was looking for something to do that gives me purpose and direction, said Bob Belchic, whos been volunteering for more than a year.

Belchic retired in the rank of chief master sergeant in the U.S. Air Force.

Belchic helps to pack coolers, prepare packaging and perform other tasks related to the food deliveries. He finds great camaraderie, he explained, among the people working in the kitchen.

I gave them a Christmas card this morning, he said with a smile. I said, Thank you for allowing me to be part of your family. They work well together. Theyre cheerful ... and they always bring me up.

Pederson described some of the functions of Meals on Wheels Western South Dakota, noting that the pandemic has increased a need thats been present for a long time. Pointing out that the meals follow state guidelines for nutrition, she emphasized the role of nutrition in helping to allow people to stay in their homes.

Our goal is for them to stay healthy and in their own homes for as long as possible, she said.

She also described the social value of the work.

Our volunteers get to know their people, she said.

Pederson said the deliveries provide the opportunities for health and safety checks. Those play a particularly vital role for people who dont have family in the area, but even if they do, Pederson explained, a frequent check-in creates an additional buffer of support.

Meals on Wheels Western South Dakota primarily serves people 60 and older. According to the organizations website, Anyone 60 years of age or older is welcome to participate. If the spouse of an eligible participant is under 60, he or she may qualify as well.

The website also noted that the program is supported through the Federal Older Americans Act, participant donations, the state of South Dakota and local fundraising efforts.

Pederson said that people who live in one of the organizations dining sites  part of federal housing  also qualify for meals.

Pederson said the organization covers a large area in western South Dakota, with kitchens in various locations. She also described the country meals program that brings meals to people in smaller communities within an hour of Rapid City.

We see them once a week, she said. They get a hot meal and they get frozen meals, which we prepare in the kitchen, for the rest of the week.

Denise Miller, manager of the country meals and assistant manager of the Rapid City kitchen, has been doing the work for more than seven years.

When I went to college, I specialized in the older generation, she said, noting that she feels comfortable with the population she serves today.

She pointed out that she talks regularly on the phone to people receiving meals.

I get to talk to all my people once a week, she said. I get to find out what the dogs names are and little bits about themselves  Im an outlet for them to sit and talk, even if its just for a few minutes.

She said people might ask the drivers to do small errands, like picking up a newspaper or moving the garbage.

They feel OK to ask us that, she said.

Tim Schnider said he volunteered with Meals on Wheels Western South Dakota for four years before taking a job in August as a community resource coordinator assisting Pederson. Schnider, along with others who have volunteered, said the work helped him as well as the people he served. When he started volunteering, he explained, he was working from home  pre-pandemic  and seeking more outside connections.

I was working from home, and I wasnt leaving my house enough, Schnider said. This seemed like the perfect thing to do.

Pederson said people with questions about volunteering can call 605-394-6002 and ask for her or Schnider.

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As a special educator and a grandma to a grandson that has struggled with stuttering his entire young life, I was mortified when I read Kristi Noems mocking words towards President Biden. Have you no decency? We can do much better than a governor who acts like an immature teenager wanting to be popular.

Just read a good quote: Its not a labor shortage, its a wage shortage. Business is not paying enough (living wage) to attract the hundreds of folks who could do that work. Pay a living wage to one parent and maybe the other could remain home to take care of children. Step up South Dakota businesses.

To the individual who thinks one of the parents should stay home to take care of their children, are you in a dream world or just out of touch with the normal world? The average young family of today has no chance of survival with the wages paid versus the increasing living expenses unless both are working.

When will trash collection get with the 21st century and just send a text the morning they are coming?

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The Pennington County Jail is putting a call out to all women interested in starting a career in corrections, citing a need for more female correctional officers in the adult and juvenile facilities in Rapid City.

Currently, there are 26 women working in corrections at the Pennington County Sheriff's Office  12 at the juvenile services center and 14 at the jail. They make up 18.6% of the 140 correctional officers working for Pennington County.

On Wednesday, Dec. 29, the sheriff's office will be holding a recruitment event where women can interview for a career in law enforcement and join others now working in corrections.

Tami Rosser has worked at the Pennington County Jail for six years. Previously, she worked as a pharmacy technician at a Rapid City hospital.

Rosser, a sergeant who works with adult inmates, said there's a clear need for more female correctional officers.

"There are a lot of inmates within the facility that were raised by female figures. They tend to respond better to females so it's better to have more of them on shift," she said.

"There's been situations where a male or female inmate has been upset, and when they're dealing with a male correctional officer they get aggressive. But when a female comes up and talks to them, they have a little more respect for females. By their response to us, you get the inclination that they were raised by females."

Jessica Gregory has worked at the jail for ten years, but working as a correctional officer was not her chosen path when she applied for the job.

"I happened to see it in the newspaper ten years ago, and I applied for it. It wasn't the job I was interested in, it was the pay at the time," she said. "I thought this was something I could do until I could find something else to do, but I ended up being good at it and enjoyed it, and here we are ten years later."

Beginning in January, the starting pay for a correctional officer with no prior experience at the Pennington County Sheriff's Office will be $23.14 per hour.

Gregory noted the stigma of having to be physically tough in order to be a successful correctional officer, which she said is not true.

"The biggest attribute is being able to talk to people, being able to listen and have a conversation with somebody. Being able to de-escalate situations. A lot of people think that working here is unsafe, which is not the case. You get the training you need. You get help here. People would see if they came in and did a tour of the place. If you can talk to people, you can do this job."

Kathleen Houston has worked with adults at the jail for the last 19 years after trying a variety of other jobs.

"I was a jet engine mechanic in the United States Air Force, and when I was very young I worked in a library. I had just finished up my bachelor's degree when I applied for this job," she recalled. "I didn't know what it was all about, but we did many steps to the interview and I just kept saying 'I'll be there'."

Houston said she didn't know much about the job or the jail, but noted that those who share the position she was in will find out quickly if being a correctional officer is their niche or not.

"You do a lot of difficult things here," Houston said. "And you have to have the ability to tell people no and be able to deal with conflict. If you can do that, I think you'll be fine. But you have to be able to say 'no, have a seat'."

Paetyn Swigart has been working with at-risk youth for almost three years. It's been a learning experience for her.

"In certain situations you have to be a parent, you have to be a teacher, you have to be a counselor, you have to be able to wear all those different hats to get them through those tough times because they are kids," she said. "You have to be aware of how you deliver or say things to them, because they are kids that are going through a lot of tough things. You have to have patience and active listening skills."

Swigart said her job has been extremely rewarding despite the challenges.

"You have hard moments, but making a change in one kid's life makes it worth it. Knowing I had an impact on a kid's life makes it worth it for me every day," she said.

Heather Wood, a lieutenant at the juvenile services center, has worked at the facility for the last 24 years. She previously worked at a Boys and Girls Club.

"You have to have that passion to work with high-risk youth, so being able to communicate with them is key," she said. "The big key is listening to them, letting them vent. Sometimes they just need someone to listen to and vent. A lot of them aren't able to do that with their family."

Krystal Gentile recalled her first year on the job 12 years ago, where she remembered feeling alone on the cell block, where one correctional officer was tasked with overseeing up to 60 inmates.

"I'd have to call other people for answers and they were always there for me," she said. They'd reassure me. Among the females, I had a lot of female role models starting out here. If you need any help it's just a phone call or radio call away."

Wood echoed Gentile's comments, noting that the camaraderie amongst the correctional officers at the Pennington County Sheriff's Office extends beyond the workplace.

"There definitely is a camaraderie with the females, inside and on the outside. I have my home family and my work family, with both males and females," said Wood, adding that new hires will get the training they need to keep themselves and the inmates safe while feeling confident in doing so.

"It sounds daunting and scary, but you're trained to handle yourself on the cell block with the inmates," Wood said.

A "ladies-only, walk-in interview event" is being hosted by the Pennington County Sheriff's Office for women interested in working as a correctional officer at the jail or juvenile services center. The event will be held from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 29, at the Pennington County Jail in Rapid City.

The minimum requirements for applicants are that they are at least 20 years old and have a high school diploma or GED. Although not required, those interested applying can pre-register for the event by going to https://bit.ly/30QLCna.

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Despite having made decisions that put them in the Western South Dakota Juvenile Services Center over Christmas, the boys and girls there have been provided an opportunity to celebrate the holidays.

Commander Joe Guttierez and his staff have been keeping the facility's detainees busy with Christmas-themed activities.

"We try to normalize Christmas for them," he said. "The community has great support for the kids, too. We have a lot of donations for food and Christmas gifts as well. We want to make them feel like kids, because they are kids even though they've made poor choices. With that being said, it's still nice for a kid to wake up on Christmas morning and have a gift."

Not being able to celebrate the holidays with their family and friends can be difficult for a child, which is why the staff makes a concerted effort to provide them with gifts and special meals as a means to celebrate.

'It's a tough time for kids to be in detention over Christmas," Guttierez said. "We have some kids in here that it's their first time in detention. And we have kids who have been here for a couple of Christmases. The other day we were getting ready to take pictures by a mural for their Christmas cards and one juvenile made a comment 'hey this is my third time taking pictures by this mural,' which is sad that he's been here for three years. But we want him to feel like Christmas means something to him, even if he has to spend it in here."

The facility is housing 38 juveniles over the Christmas holiday, which is more than in past years.

"The numbers for Christmas this year are up. We've had a lot of young people with some more violent-type crimes in this past year, so that number has been up," Guttierez said.

Western South Dakota Services Center is one of three detention centers in the country to house federal juveniles for the Bureau of Prisons. It also serves as a regional youth detention facility for Pennington, Fall River, Custer, Meade, Lawrence, Butte and Harding counties.

The average detainee age is 17, with 69% being male and 31% female. The average length of stay is around 30 days.

At the beginning of the week, the juveniles illustrated holiday-themed covers on large envelopes, which will be filled with gifts to be opened on Christmas morning, said Rebecca Elger, a caseworker at the facility.

"Inside each envelope, we've stuffed them with goodies for Christmas morning," she said.

Phone time, envelopes and stamps, chocolate bars and behavior points that can be used at the commissary are among items that will be in the envelopes, Elger said.

The juveniles played Christmas Bingo, with Pennington County Commissioner Deb Hadcock calling out the numbers and providing prizes for them on Wednesday evening.

Local judges and businesses have also donated pizzas, nachos and other food items, Elger added.

"On Christmas morning they'll get all their presents. Staff will put them outside their door and wake them up," Elger said.

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CARSON CITY, Nev. (AP)  Nevada lawmakers on Tuesday overruled two vaccination mandates passed as emergency measures by the state Board of Health earlier this year, lifting requirements on college students and state health and prison workers.

In party-line votes, lawmakers on the Legislative Commission voted 6-6 on whether to expand the Board of Healths emergency measures into more permanent regulations. Without majority support, Nevada cannot extend the mandates.

Democrats make up the majority in the Nevada Legislature, which meets every other year, but the commission is split equally between the parties.

To me, it is unfathomable that we are arguing over whether a vaccine policy is something that we should support, state Senate Majority Leader Nicole Cannizzaro said.

The votes overturn two August decisions from the state Board of Health requiring vaccines. A mandate on state workers applied to Department of Corrections and Health and Human Services workers as well as employees or contractors working with vulnerable populations," such as in youth or residential treatment centers. A Nevada System of Higher Education mandate required students at state colleges, with few exceptions, to show proof of vaccination to register for classes in the spring semester.

The board of health cannot extend the mandates, which were passed as 120-day emergency measures, and any permanent requirements would need to be passed by the full Legislature  which isn't scheduled to meet until 2023  or win approval as long-term regulations from the board and legislative commission.

Following the vote, Nevada System of Higher Education Chancellor Melody Rose said all holds on student registration due to vaccination status would be lifted.

She said in a memo that the Legislative Commission's action was effectively eliminating the legal basis for student vaccines to be a requirement for registration for classes.

Coronavirus cases are once again on the rise in Nevada. The state has reported five cases of the omicron variant, the positivity rate as measured as a 14-day average is rising and the Las Vegas area is reporting more cases than it has since the peak of last summers surge in August.

Gov. Steve Sisolak's health response team plans to continue to pursue extending the vaccine mandates and will resubmit them to the Legislative Commission next year, Meghin Delaney, the governor's spokesperson, said in a statement.

State health officials also announced Tuesday that masking requirements for vaccinated people will be lifted Friday in rural Storey and White Pine counties because the two counties had low or moderate risk of transmission of the coronavirus for the second straight week.

Storey and White Pine counties join Esmaraldo County, which was released from a masking requirement for vaccinated people in late November.

Metz is a corps member for the Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative. Report for America is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues.

Copyright 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
Thompson is one of at least 37 children under age 18 to be shot in Richmond this year, and one of five kids to die from their injuries. Over the past three years, at least 98 children have been shot in the city, 14 of them fatally, according to statistics provided by the Richmond Police Department under the Virginia Freedom of Information Act.

Thompsons death has had a huge impact on Spartan Academy, where she was close to many of the staff and other students, said Eric Martin, executive director of the school.

She was just a great kid, he said. She was a very positive young lady. She made the best of every situation.

Martin said Spartan Academy has lost multiple current or former students to gun violence during each of the six years he has worked there.

It happens too often, he said.

Martin said Thompson had a strong sense of fairness. If a staff member asked one student to tuck in the shirt of their school uniform, but another student was getting away with having their shirt untucked, she would speak up. She also expected staff members to tuck in their shirts to set an example.
The amendments were made to reflect the guidance from Virginia Cooperative Extension, which is a partnership between Virginia Tech, Virginia State University and the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

The guidance from the Cooperative Extension said that they just need a little bit more room to move around and theyll be more productive. So thats kind of the angle we took, said Rachel Chieppa, a county planning manager for comprehensive planning and research.

Over the years, residents interest in keeping chickens has grown, Chieppa said.

Chesterfield residents are not required to report how many chickens they have to the county, but no roosters are allowed.

Stephanie Rector, who owns Hidden Triple Oak Farm, said the county needs to update its ordinance regarding keeping roosters.

The problem that I run into a lot in Chesterfield with having backyard chickens is that people find out some of their chicks are roosters, Rector said. They have raised the bird up but cant keep it because it crows; its disheartening.

When Lynch discovered one of her chicks was a rooster, she traded for one of Rectors chickens.
WASHINGTON (AP)  President Joe Biden on Thursday made two final nominations to the federal bench this year as he caps his first year in office with 40 judges confirmed, the most since Ronald Reagan was president.

Nancy Gbana Abudu, his nominee for the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit in the deep South, would be the first Black woman to sit on that court. The circuit covers Alabama, Georgia and Florida, where 8.5 million people are Black yet there is only one Black judge on the 12-person panel, Charles Wilson, and he was nominated by former President Bill Clinton.

The second nominee, also a woman of color, is J. Michelle Childs, currently a U.S. District Court judge for South Carolina. She is nominated to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit.

Former GOP president Donald Trump and then-Senate Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky oushed through a flurry of federal judges and three Supreme Court justices who will shape the courts for a generation.
I know who I am and I know what I believe in. In February of 2019, I knew I could resign or I could try to learn from everything that was going on, do better and help people, Northam said. It was certainly difficult for Virginia, and for me at the time, but thats what I chose.

I always think that things work out for the best.

***

Whatever Northam knew about himself or the origins of the photo on his page in the 1984 Eastern Virginia Medical School yearbook, the night that it surfaced on social media, Feb. 1, 2019, the image of a person in a KKK robe next to one in blackface raised doubts even among those closest to him.

It never occurred to me that that would be something that would be in his past, said state Sen. Jennifer McClellan, D-Richmond, one of the Black legislators who agreed to meet with Northam in the days after the photo surfaced. Is this man a racist? And if he was, how did I miss that?

After we met, I remember thinking, Youre not a racist, youre just race ignorant. I think I can work with that.
Cummings will succeed Joe Flores, whom Northam appointed as finance secretary after Layne resigned on June 30 to become a senior vice president of Sentara Healthcare.

The new finance secretary doesnt appear to be well known in Richmond, but his appointment is stirring excitement among some financial management experts who hope to see the state capital recover some of its luster as a center for banking and investment during the Youngkin administration.

I do believe Richmond has the possibility to recover some of its financial glory, said Kent Engelke, chief economic strategist and managing director at Capitol Securities Management, Inc.

Engelke said Youngkins extensive financial experience, combined with the presence of the Federal Reserve Bank and major law firms that serve the banking industry, could help reverse a decline that began more than 30 years ago as the banks and investment houses that anchored Richmonds business community began moving to Charlotte and other North Carolina financial centers.
For Donald Obenchain, the night of the 2020 presidential election started off with him at home, watching with a friend as the vote totals came in on TV.

The 62-year-old, who lived on Williamson Road behind the Pancake House, decided to walk across the street and pick up more beer at a convenience store. He grabbed his cane, and headed out.

He had made it almost to the middle of the four-lane thoroughfare when an oncoming car struck him. The impact sent Obenchain into the air. In court, another driver testified that she initially thought a bundle of clothes was being tossed into the street before realizing it was a person.

Obenchain died in the road minutes later as strangers who stopped to help tried to reassure him that medics were on the way and everything would be all right.

The driver that struck him, a nurse who worked with the elderly and was raising two young kids, wasnt among those who stopped after the collision.

An attorney for Stacy Nicole Clayborne, 31, said she didnt realize that she had hit a person. The accident happened around 8:30 p.m. Nov. 3, after sunset for that time of year, in the middle of a poorly lit block with no pedestrian crossings, said defense attorney Sheila Moheb.

She did not know she hit this man, Moheb said to a jury in a daylong trial held in September. She surely would have stopped, a nurse of all people, would clearly have stopped.

The prosecution, in the same trial, rejected the idea that Clayborne could have been unaware of what happened.

The road wasnt so dark that a person couldnt be seen, said assistant prosecutor John Beamer, and the impact happened on the drivers side of the car with enough force to leave the front bumper broken and dangling.

This was not just some sort of glancing blow, Beamer said. ... She knew she was in an accident.

The question of what Clayborne knew that night was a crucial element of her case. There was no dispute the collision was accidental, and no defense of the victims attempt to cross Williamson Road in the middle of the 2400 block.

Evidence from a toxicology report also indicated that Obenchain had alcohol and drugs in his system when he died.

But, in Virginia, it is a felony to knowingly flee the scene of a crash that resulted in death or injury. Clayborne was charged with hit-and-run after police identified her through security footage.

She was found guilty Sept. 16 by a jury after a trial that included examination of security videos, and testimony from people who had been in a car behind Clayborne and stopped after seeing the crash.

Clayborne has been held in jail since the verdict. On Wednesday, she returned to court to learn the sentence that a judge would deliver.

Family and friends testified to her kindness and her passion for helping others. She worked full-time while caring for her kids and putting herself through school to become a licensed practical nurse.

She went out of her way to mentor other nurses, people testified, and contacted one while in jail to offer support after hearing that the womans father had died.

She had no prior arrests, said Moheb, and can no longer keep working as a nurse as a felony conviction nullifies her nursing license.

We are asking the court for mercy, she said.

Beamer asked the court to consider Obenchains family, as well, and the loss they had detailed in a written statement. Claybornes training as a nurse only makes it more troubling that she failed to stop and offer aid as required by law, he said.

He asked the court to consider a sentence of 18 months.

Clayborne, testifying for the first time in her case, said she had been thinking about Obenchain and his family every day and prayed for them.

Im very sorry, she said, weeping. I just want his family to understand how I hurt for them, and they will always be a part of me. This will never go away. Ill suffer every day with this.

Circuit Judge William Broadhurst, in announcing his decision, said he sought to balance the seriousness of the imperative to stop after a crash with an understanding that the crash itself was an accident. He also reflected on the extent of the victims injuries and on Claybornes otherwise strong personal record prior to the crash.

In the end, he sentenced her to a total of two years, but suspended it after five months are served, with credit for the time shes been in custody to date.

Shell be on supervised probation for two years, and her drivers license will be suspended for 12 months as required by statute. A violation of her probation could mean the reinstatement of additional jail time.

Broadhurst, in concluding his remarks, said he imagined there was another consequence that would remain with Clayborne long after her sentence.

She had spoken correctly when she said that the memory of Obenchains death was now a part of her. That will always be with you, he said.
Another round of litigation against the Mountain Valley Pipeline is revving up, this time over last weeks vote by the State Water Control Board allowing the infrastructure to cross streams and wetlands.

The Sierra Club and eight other environmental and community groups filed a petition late Wednesday with the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, asking the court to review the boards decision.

Legal grounds were not included in the two-page document; those will be spelled out in future filings.

But pipeline opponents have long criticized the board and the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality, who they say failed to stop construction of the natural gas pipeline from harming natural resources  first in 2017, and more recently with a second permit.

MVPs dirty, dangerous pipeline project has already impacted both air and water quality along the route, leading to major environmental degradation, as well as public health concerns for communities, Caroline Hansley, a senior organizer for the Sierra Club, said in a statement.

A spokesman for DEQ declined to comment Thursday on the case.

Opponents say Mountain Valley should not be allowed to continue its past track record of nearly 400 violations of erosion and sediment control regulations in Southwest Virginia.

Mountain Valley contends that the problems, largely caused by heavy precipitation in 2018, have been corrected.

We believe the Courts review of the work completed by the VA DEQ during the past year will find that the agency met or exceeded all legal and regulatory requirements, and that the agencys action will be upheld, company spokeswoman Natalie Cox wrote in an email.

Joining the Sierra Club in the latest challenge are: Appalachian Voices, the Blue Ridge Environmental Defense League, the Chesapeake Climate Action Network, Preserve Bent Mountain, Preserve Craig County, Preserve Franklin County, Preserve Giles County and Wild Virginia.

The Fourth Circuit has been a frequent pipeline battleground, with both Mountain Valley and the government agencies that regulate it often suffering setbacks.

So far, however, there has not been a fatal blow to the $6.2 billion project. Five energy companies building the pipeline say its needed to provide 2 billion cubic feet per day of natural gas to markets along the East Coast.

Three-judge panels of the appellate court have twice set aside a blanket permit from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, which would have allowed the pipeline to cross nearly 1,000 water bodies along its 303-mile route through West Virginia and Virginia.

After the second defeat, Mountain Valley decided to seek a different type of permit that required a more detailed study of each crossing. Approval from the two states is needed before the Army Corps can issue a permit for the remaining crossings. West Virginia has until Dec. 31 to act.

The water boards 3-2 vote Dec. 14 applied to about 150 streams and wetlands in the six Virginia counties through which the buried pipeline passes: Giles, Craig, Montgomery, Roanoke, Franklin and Pittsylvania.

Getting from one side of a stream to the other has not been Mountain Valleys only legal challenge.

In 2018, not long after work began on the long-delayed project, the Fourth Circuit invalidated a permit for the pipeline to pass through the Jefferson National Forest. The court found the Forest Service was too accepting of the companys assurances that erosion in the forest would not be a major problem.

The following year, the same court issued a stay of an opinion from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, which determined that running a 42-inch diameter pipe along steep slopes and through pristine water bodies would not jeopardize endangered species.

Both agencies have since re-issued permits, only to be sued again by the coalition of environmental groups. The Fourth Circuit heard oral arguments Oct. 29. Decisions are expected in the coming days or weeks.

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Stakeholders from many quarters are doing their best to get their minds around the changes that the incoming configuration of state government will bring  and what it meant that these changes were even set in motion.

With an aim toward illuminating some of those mysteries, political analyst Bob Holsworth  who has led commissions in the administrations of previous Democratic Gov. Mark Warner and Republican Gov. Bob McDonnell  posed a complex, interesting question to a virtual room full of journalists earlier this month.

Referring back to Terry McAuliffes run as the Democratic candidate for governor in 2013, when he eaked out a win against hardcore social conservative (and science skeptic) Ken Cuccinelli, Holsworth floated this what-if, condensed here for clarity: If I had told you before the election that Terry McAuliffe would more than double his margin in Loudoun County, that he would add eight points to his margin in Fairfax County, that he would add to his margin in Prince William County, that he would add to his margin in Henrico County and that he would halve his deficit in Chesterfield County from eight points to four points  if I told you all of that was going to happen, how many of you would have placed your theoretical bets on Glenn Youngkin?

He raised that question at a Virginia Press Association event to debunk a frequent hot take from the pundit class that Youngkins victory resulted from high-income Northern Virginia suburbanites shifting back to the Republican Party once the natural repellent of Donald Trump no longer factored in.

As Holsworth pointed out, Ken Cuccinelli in a three-way race got a higher percentage of the vote in Fairfax County, Loudoun County and Prince William County than Glenn Youngkin did four years later.

A proud Southwest Virginian might take umbrage at Holsworths term RoVa, which did not mean Roanoke, Virginia but the rest of Virginia, i.e., every place not NoVa or Hampton Roads or Richmond-centric  but in RoVa, Holsworth said, The Democrats were wiped out.

In rural communities like Southwest and Southside Virginia, Holsworth said, It was hard to believe there were any more Republican votes left to get in these areas. Glenn Youngkin found them.

Conventional wisdom has been that high voter turnout favors Democrats, but Virginias election suggested otherwise. As Sen. Mark Warner, D-Va., put it  albeit in the context of trying to convince Republican colleagues to loosen voting restrictions nationwide instead of clamping down and setting more limits: We saw an increase in voter participation that went up 25% in 2021 over 2017. That increased voter participation actually helped elect a Republican, Gov.-elect Youngkin.

Despite the attention generated by the loud protests against the supposed teaching of critical race theory in Virginias public schools, and Youngkins courting of that unrest without explicitly repeating the claim, the whole CRT flap probably wasnt all that important to Youngkins victory, Holsworth asserted.

More likely, he said, it was the disaster that remote learning was for many parents throughout the commonwealth. Statewide, the one demographic that gave Youngkin significantly more support than they gave Donald Trump turned out to be white women without college degrees, who bore the brunt of the pandemic, both in terms of losing their jobs and having to struggle with the stress and mess of virtual learning, made much worse if they lived in areas with adequate internet access.

All of that was taken out on the Democrats, Holsworth said.

Holsworth noted that McDonnell, the last successful Republican candidate for governor prior to Youngkin, was a social conservative who campaigned by reframing himself as a business conservative, whereas Youngkin essentially reversed that formula as he ran.

Youngkins lack of public service, which without doubt helped him in the election, renders him a political enigma. Though the social conservatives of Southwest and Southside Virginia boosted Youngkin into office, to the degree the governor-elect has given any hint as to what his agenda will be, hes indicated that business concerns like reducing taxes and regulations will be his priority.

With half the General Assembly still controlled by Democrats, hes only going to be able to do so much. Even deregulation will involve negotiating with boards appointed by his predecessors, with members that have terms that dont automatically expire when Youngkin assumes office.

Demanding the resignations of all these appointees  as he has pledged he will do with the scandal-tainted Virginia Parole Board  creates its own sort of headache for a newly minted governor.

Reports that Youngkin has been reaching out to Democratic lawmakers prior to taking office might indicate that hes more interested in bipartisan dealmaking than carrying the banner of a culture warrior. He has announced a transition steering committee that includes McDonnell and fellow former Republican governors George Allen, Jim Gilmore and, from across the aisle, Doug Wilder.

In a curious twist, outgoing Gov. Ralph Northam appears either to be trying to assist Youngkins cause or steal his thunder. On Dec. 14, Northam proposed eliminating the states portion of the grocery tax, the thing Youngkin has vowed to get rid of altogether. The timing is  intriguing  because Northam talked this idea up during his own election campaign in 2017 but never pursued it.

For those with longer political memories, Youngkins pledge recalls Jim Gilmores No Car Tax slogan of 1997. Downsizing the car tax cut deeply into funds for local governments, as Youngkins and now Northams idea for the grocery tax would, and required the state to provide the money to local governments some other way. Of note, we still have a car tax AND the state still reimburses local governments for having reduced it. In other words, it didnt go as planned.

It doesnt take a working crystal ball or a study of the leaves left in the tea cup to deduce that the same thing just might happen this time around.

As a postscript, courtesy of Holsworth, a monumental sea change, not much on the radar, will be coming courtesy of the new attorney general.

Mark Herring, brought down with the rest of the 2021 Democratic ticket, used his eight years in office to push the progressive agenda. Let the liberal and the woke take note: this will come to a screeching halt under Jason Miyares.
" " More than a week after Texans lost power and water due to a crippling winter freeze, volunteers distributed bottled water at the Central Texas Food Bank mass distribution site in Del Valle, Texas, Feb. 20, 2021. Thomas Ryan Allison/Bloomberg via Getty Images

Americans often take electricity for granted  until the lights go out. The recent cold wave and storm in Texas have placed considerable focus on the Electric Reliability Council of Texas, or ERCOT, the nonprofit corporation that manages the flow of electricity to more than 26 million Texans. Together, ERCOT and similar organizations manage about 60 percent of the U.S. power supply.

From my research on the structure of the U.S. electricity industry, I know that rules set by entities like ERCOT have major effects on Americans' energy choices. The current power crunch in Texas and other affected states highlights the delicate balancing act that's involved in providing safe, reliable electricity service at fair, reasonable rates. It also shows how arcane features of energy markets can have big effects at critical moments.

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Let There be Light

The electric age began in 1882 when the Edison Illuminating Company sent power over wires to 59 customers in lower Manhattan from its Pearl Street Generating Station. Edison was America's first investor-owned electric utility  a company that generated electricity, moved it over transmission lines and delivered it to individual customers.

The scope and scale of electric utilities grew rapidly from those humble beginnings, but this underlying, vertically integrated structure remained intact for more than 100 years. Each utility had a monopoly on serving customers in its area and reported to a public utility commission, which told the company what rates it could charge.

Since the utilities knew more about their costs and abilities than anyone else, the burden was on regulators to decide whether the utility was operating efficiently. Regulators also determined whether the costs that utilities proposed to pass on to customers  such as building new generating plants  were just and reasonable.

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The Lines Get Tangled

Things grew complicated in 1996 when the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission issued Order 888, allowing states to restructure their electric power industries to promote more competition. Through the actions, or inaction, of individual state legislatures, the U.S. electricity market fractured.

Some states, primarily in the Southeast and the West, maintained the vertically integrated structure. The rest of the nation moved to a market structure in which generators compete to sell their electricity.

Regions created new independent organizations  known as independent system operators or regional transmission organizations  to regulate the flow of power on the grid. In these regions, generators compete to sell their electricity, and organizations called market monitors make sure that generators follow the rules. This approach created power markets that prioritize generating electricity at the lowest possible price.

" " In the Southeast, Southwest and Northwest U.S., traditional utilities generate electricity and deliver it to customers. Other regions, including Texas, have moved to competitive power markets run by Independent System Operators, or ISOs. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission

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An Imperative to Keep Prices Low

What do these changes mean for electricity customers in regions with competitive power markets? The companies that deliver power over wires to homes and businesses still must get their prices approved by regulators, but the system works differently for the businesses that generate that power.

Generators offer their electricity, typically at a particular price each hour, on exchanges run by market operators like ERCOT. Those operators figure out how much electricity is needed across the regions they serve and choose the lowest-cost bidders to supply it.

If a generating company is not selected, it loses the opportunity to sell its electricity during that hour. And selling power is how generators create revenue to pay for things like workers, power plants and fuel. This means that generators have an incentive to bid as low as possible and sell as much electricity as possible.

Generators in Texas are facing criticism now that they weren't prepared to operate in extremely cold temperatures. But consider the challenges facing two Texas generators that are identical in every way, except that one decides to invest in winterization. That company will have higher costs than its competitor and may be forced to submit higher-priced offers in the market, potentially losing out on opportunities to sell its electricity.

In the long run, the company that winterizes may have a more difficult time staying in business. It would be better prepared for the conditions affecting Texas now, but it would operate at a competitive disadvantage under more normal conditions.

An international nonprofit regulator called the North American Reliability Corporation conducts semi-annual reliability assessments for each North American region, but those assessments are only as good as the assumptions they're based on. If the assessment doesn't consider extreme events, then the regulator can't determine whether a power system is ready for them.

After an earlier cold wave in 2011 that led to power shortages, federal regulators identified options for winterizing the Texas power system  but ERCOT did not require energy companies to carry them out. Other regions might value resilience differently. For example, ISO-New England launched a program in 2018 that compensates generators for providing extra capacity when the system is strained.

The power of a competitive generation market is that each generator gets to decide for itself what makes it sustainable in the long run. That's also a weakness of the market.

" " Texans wait in line outside one of a grocery store in Austin, Texas, Feb. 17, 2021. Residents struggled to find basic necessities as the cold blast took out the power supply and upended supply chains. Thomas Ryan Allison/Bloomberg via Getty Images

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What's Next for Texas?

Once power is restored across Texas, state and federal policymakers will have to address several tough questions to make failures like this less likely.

First, does preparing the power system for severe storms represent value for electricity customers? What types of events should people be protected from? Who determines the scenarios that go into reliability assessments? Since consumers will pay the costs, they should also benefit.

Second, how should people pay for this resiliency? Costs could be assessed based on the number of kilowatt hours each household uses or charged as a flat fee per customer  an approach that could benefit heavy electricity users. Or they could be covered through new taxes. How will decision-makers respond a year from now, when the crisis has passed and people ask, "The weather is great and the system is doing fine, so why am I paying more for my electricity?"

Third, how does that money that consumers pay to improve the system translate into projects? Should it go directly to generators or into a fund that generating companies can draw on? Who would administer the fund? Who is ultimately responsible for implementing changes to the system and accountable if things don't improve?

Finally, how will these changes affect the market's central goal: inducing energy companies to provide power at the lowest cost?

Ultimately, the public pays the costs of electricity service, either through higher rates or service interruptions during events like this week's Texas freeze. In my view, utilities, regulators, government officials and people like me who study them have a responsibility to ensure that people get the best value for their money.

Theodore Kury is the director of energy studies at the University of Florida's Public Utility Research Center, which is sponsored in part by the Florida electric and gas utilities and the Florida Public Service Commission.

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. You can find the original article here.
" " A NASA rover gets some action in the Mars-like Atacama Desert. Professor Stephen B. Pointing

When it comes to searching for microbes on Mars, sending a robotic rover to the most arid environment on Earth is a fine place to start. And, should we find these single-celled organisms on the red planet, scientists have an idea as to what we might name them.

As described in a February 2019 study published in the journal Frontiers in Microbiology, a team of researchers explored the extreme environment of Chile's Atacama Desert. They wanted to develop strategies that future robotic explorers could use to seek out the hiding places of Martian microbes.

In 2020, both NASA and the European Space Agency will launch their first life-hunting rovers to the red planet (the Mars 2020 and ExoMars rover missions, respectively), so mission managers will need to know where to look.

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Mars ... on Earth

The Atacama Desert is about as extreme as it gets for life to eke out an existence. Not only is the region bone-dry  the core of the desert doesn't get any rainfall for decades  because of its elevation, it also receives high levels of damaging ultraviolet radiation. Plus the soil is extremely salty. These factors should make the Atacama Desert toxic for life, but according to team leader Stephen Pointing, a professor at Yale-NUS College in Singapore, some of the bacteria species just below the surface "survive right at the limit of habitability." And this is very good news for the prospect of finding microbes on Mars.

Pointing's team deployed an autonomous rover-mounted drill and sampling device in the Atacama Desert to see if it could extract soil samples containing microbes down to a depth of 80 centimeters (a little over 2-and-a-half feet). As a comparison, samples were also dug up by hand. Through DNA sequencing, the researchers found that the bacterial life in the samples from both methods were similar, confirming these hardy bacteria exist, and that the autonomous extraction method was successful. This test run shores up hope that if microbes also thrive just below the Martian surface, a robot can find them.

" " The rover wields its drill and sample collection system in the Atacama Desert. Professor Stephen B. Pointing

"These results are a cause for optimism that bacterial life could tolerate the conditions of the Martian subsurface," Pointing says. But, finding microbial biosignatures on Mars, he cautions, could be very challenging for a remotely operated Mars rover as they found that the subsurface population of bacteria were extremely patchy, correlating with increased salt levels that restricted the availability of water for the microbes to have access to.

"The patchy nature of the colonization suggest that a rover would be faced with a 'needle in a haystack' scenario in the search for Martian bacteria," he says.

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Living Underground

Previous studies have described the ubiquitous population of "relatively unremarkable" photosynthetic bacteria (microorganisms that get their energy from sunlight) that populate the surface of the desert. Things start to get a lot more interesting and, indeed, more alien just below the surface, Pointing adds.

"We saw that with increasing depth the bacterial community became dominated by bacteria that can thrive in the extremely salty and alkaline soils," he says. "They in turn were replaced at depths down to 80 centimeters by a single specific group of bacteria that survive by metabolizing methane."

These specialized microbes have been found before in deep mineshafts and other subterranean environments, but they've never been seen beneath the surface of an arid desert. "The communities of bacteria that we discovered were remarkably lacking in complexity, and this likely reflects the extreme stress under which they develop," Pointing says.

Finding highly specialized microbes that can thrive in the extremely dry, salty and alkaline Mars-like soils in the Atacama Desert suggest methane-utilizing bacteria could also thrive on the red planet.

If you recall the kerfuffle about the discovery of elevated levels of methane observed on Mars by various spacecraft over the years (most recently, measurements made by NASA's Curiosity rover), you'll understand why Mars methane is a big deal. On Earth, biological and geological processes generate methane, and, in turn, microbes can metabolize methane for energy.

The discovery of methane in the Martian atmosphere could mean there is some kind of active biology going on underground. To confirm this, we need microbe-seeking missions that will drill below the surface  and now we have a strategy to track them down.

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What to Call Martian Microbes

Should microbial life be found on Mars, it would undoubtedly be the most significant scientific discovery in human history. But, in the proud human tradition of naming new things, what would we call our newly discovered Martian neighbors? Would we just copy the system of how we name life on Earth?

"The way we assign Latin names to [terrestrial] bacteria is based on their evolutionary relationship to each other and we measure this using their genetic code," says Pointing. "The naming of Martian bacteria would require a completely new set of Latin names at the highest level if Martian bacteria were a completely separate evolutionary lineage  that is they evolved from a different common ancestor to Earth bacteria in a 'second genesis' event."

Granted, if we find the genetic code of Mars life to be similar to Earth life, it could be that life was transferred from Earth to Mars in the ancient past via a massive impact  a mechanism known as panspermia  but if we truly find a novel genetic code that emerged on Mars, the implications for our understanding of life would be profound.

Pointing concludes: "If we find truly 'native' Martian bacteria I would love to name one, and call it Planeta-desertum superstes, which translates in Latin to 'survivor on the desert planet.'

Now That's Interesting You may not see a lot of vegetation or rain in the Atacama Desert, but you will see plenty of stars. The region is home to the ALMA Observatory and a burgeoning astro-tourism industry for all those stargazers.
" " Ecologist Arthur Hasler (left) is credited with explaining the homing instinct of coho salmon. Center for Limnology, University of Wisconsin-Madison

Coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) are amazing fish. Indigenous to the Pacific Northwest, they begin their lives in freshwater streams and then relocate to the open ocean. But when a Coho salmon reaches breeding age, it'll return to the waterway of its birth, sometimes traveling 400 miles (644 kilometers) to get there.

Enter the late Arthur Davis Hasler. While an ecologist and biologist at the University of Wisconsin, he was intrigued by the question of how these creatures find their home streams. And in 1960, he used a basic tenet of science  the hypothesis  to find out.

So what is a hypothesis? A hypothesis is a tentative, testable explanation for an observed phenomenon in nature. Hypotheses are narrow in scope  unlike theories, which cover a broad range of observable phenomena and draw from many different lines of evidence. Meanwhile, a prediction is a result you'd expect to get if your hypothesis or theory is accurate.

So back to 1960 and Hasler and those salmon. One unverified idea was that Coho salmon used eyesight to locate their home streams. Hasler set out to test this notion (or hypothesis). First, he rounded up several fish who'd already returned to their native streams. Next, he blindfolded some of the captives  but not all of them  before dumping his salmon into a faraway stretch of water. If the eyesight hypothesis was correct, then Hasler could expect fewer of the blindfolded fish to return to their home streams.

Things didn't work out that way. The fish without blindfolds came back at the same rate as their blindfolded counterparts. (Other experiments demonstrated that smell, and not sight, is the key to the species' homing ability.)

Although Hasler's blindfold hypothesis was disproven, others have fared better. Today, we're looking at three of the best-known experiments in history  and the hypotheses they tested.

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Ivan Pavlov and His Dogs (1903-1935)

The Hypothesis: If dogs are susceptible to conditioned responses (drooling), then a dog who is regularly exposed to the same neutral stimulus (metronome/bell) before it receives food will associate this neutral stimulus with the act of eating. Eventually, the dog should begin to drool at a predictable rate when it encounters said stimulus  even before any actual food is offered.

The Experiment: A Nobel Prize-winner and outspoken critic of Soviet communism, Ivan Pavlov is synonymous with man's best friend. In 1903, the Russian-born scientist kicked off a decades-long series of experiments involving dogs and conditioned responses.

Offer a plate of food to a hungry dog and it'll salivate. In this context, the stimulus (the food) will automatically trigger a particular response (the drooling). The latter is an innate, unlearned reaction to the former.

By contrast, the rhythmic sound of a metronome or bell is a neutral stimulus. To a dog, the noise has no inherent meaning and if the animal has never heard it before, the sound won't provoke an instinctive reaction. But the sight of food sure will.

So when Pavlov and his lab assistants played the sound of the metronome/bell before feeding sessions, the researchers conditioned test dogs to mentally link metronomes/bells with mealtime. Due to repeated exposure, the noise alone started to make the dogs' mouths water before they were given food.

According to "Ivan Pavlov: A Russian Life in Science" by biographer Daniel P. Todes, Pavlov's big innovation here was his discovery that he could quantify the reaction of each pooch by measuring the amount of saliva it generated. Every canine predictably drooled at its own consistent rate when he or she encountered a personalized (and artificial) food-related cue.

Pavlov and his assistants used conditioned responses to look at other hypotheses about animal physiology, as well. In one notable experiment, a dog was tested on its ability to tell time. This particular pooch always received food when it heard a metronome click at the rate of 60 strokes per minute. But it never got any food after listening to a slower, 40-strokes-per-minute beat. Lo and behold, Pavlov's animal began to salivate in response to the faster rhythm  but not the slower one. So clearly, it could tell the two rhythmic beats apart.

The Verdict: With the right conditioning  and lots of patience  you can make a hungry dog respond to neutral stimuli by salivating on cue in a way that's both predictable and scientifically quantifiable.

" " Ivan Pavlov proved that you can make a hungry dog respond to neutral stimuli by salivating on cue. HowStuffWorks

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Isaac Newton's Radiant Prisms (1665)

The Hypothesis: If white sunlight is a mixture of all the colors in the visible spectrum  and these travel at varying wavelengths  then each color will refract at a different angle when a beam of sunlight passes through a glass prism.

The Experiments: Color was a scientific mystery before Isaac Newton came along. During the summer of 1665, he started experimenting with glass prisms from the safety of a darkened room in Cambridge, England.

He cut a quarter-inch (0.63-centimeter) circular hole into one of the window shutters, allowing a single beam of sunlight to enter the place. When Newton held up a prism to this ray, an oblong patch of multicolored light was projected onto the opposite wall.

This contained segregated layers of red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo and violet light. From top to bottom, this patch measured 13.5 inches (33.65 centimeters) tall, yet it was only 2.6 inches (6.6 centimeters) across.

Newton deduced that these vibrant colors had been hiding within the sunlight itself, but the prism bent (or "refracted") them at different angles, which separated the colors out.

Still, he wasn't 100 percent sure. So Newton replicated the experiment with one small change. This time, he took a second prism and had it intercept the rainbow-like patch of light. Once the refracted colors entered the new prism, they recombined into a circular white sunbeam. In other words, Newton took a ray of white light, broke it apart into a bunch of different colors and then reassembled it. What a neat party trick!

The Verdict: Sunlight really is a blend of all the colors in the rainbow  and yes, these can be individually separated via light refraction.

" " In 1665, Isaac Newton tested and proved his hypothesis that sunlight is a blend of all the colors in the rainbow and that the colors can be separated via light refraction. Apic/Getty Images

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Robert Paine's Revealing Starfish (1963-1969)

The Hypothesis: If predators limit the populations of the organisms they attack, then we'd expect the prey species to become more common after the eradication of a major predator.

The Experiment: Meet Pisaster ochraceus, also known as the purple sea star (or the purple starfish if you prefer).

Using an extendable stomach, the creature feeds on mussels, limpets, barnacles, snails and other hapless victims. On some seaside rocks (and tidal pools) along the coast of Washington state, this starfish is the apex predator.

The animal made Robert Paine a scientific celebrity. An ecologist by trade, Paine was fascinated by the environmental roles of top predators. In June 1963, he kicked off an ambitious experiment along Washington state's Mukkaw Bay. For years on end, Paine kept a rocky section of this shoreline completely starfish-free.

It was hard work. Paine had to regularly pry wayward sea stars off "his" outcrop  sometimes with a crowbar. Then he'd chuck them into the ocean.

Before the experiment, Paine observed 15 different species of animals and algae inhabiting the area he decided to test. By June 1964  one year after his starfish purge started  that number had dropped to eight.

Unchecked by purple sea stars, the barnacle population skyrocketed. Subsequently, these were replaced by California mussels, which came to dominate the terrain. By anchoring themselves to rocks in great numbers, the mussels edged out other life-forms. That made the outcrop uninhabitable to most former residents: Even sponges, anemones and algae  organisms that Pisaster ochraceus doesn't eat  were largely evicted.

All those species continued to thrive on another piece of shoreline that Paine left untouched. Later experiments convinced him that Pisaster ochraceus is a "keystone species," a creature who exerts disproportionate influence over its environment. Eliminate the keystone and the whole system gets disheveled.

The Verdict: Apex predators don't just affect the animals that they hunt. Removing a top predator sets off a chain reaction that can fundamentally transform an entire ecosystem.

" " When ecologist Robert Paine removed all of the purple sea stars from a rocky section of Mukkaw Bay, he expected the populations of mussels, barnacles and snails to explode. He was wrong. Jerry Kirkhart /Flickr ( CC By 2.0

NOW THAT'S INTERESTING Contrary to popular belief, Pavlov almost never used bells in his dog experiments. Instead, he preferred metronomes, buzzers, harmoniums and electric shocks.
" " Burying your nose in an old book can provide some useful information about its history and its chemical makeup. www.labicicletavermella.com/Getty Images

Pardon me, what fragrance is your book wearing? Researchers at University College London suggest that the nose knows. In an extensive study of smells, heritage and historic paper published in the journal Heritage Science, the authors argue the importance of documenting and preserving smells. But why?

The researchers realized that visitors at St. Paul's Cathedral Dean and Chapter Library in London frequently comment on the aroma of the space, saying they feel like they can smell history. Thanks to our limbic system, odors can make us pretty emotional, especially when they evoke memories. Scents affect how we experience different cultures and places, and help us gain more insight into and engage more deeply with the past.

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Since smells are a part of our cultural heritage, the researchers posit, they have historical value and deserve to be identified, analyzed and archived. Using chemical analysis and sensory descriptions, the study authors set about figuring out a way for scientists and historians to do so.

In one experiment, the researchers asked visitors at the historic library to characterize the odors they smelled. More than 70 percent of respondents considered the library smell as "pleasant." All the visitors thought it smelled "woody," while 86 percent noticed a "smoky" aroma. "Earthy" (71 percent) and "vanilla" (41 percent) were also descriptors visitors chose often. Other responses ranged from musty to pungent, and floral to rancid.

In another experiment, the study authors analyzed the responses of 79 visitors to the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery (U.K.) to the smell of a historic book from a secondhand bookstore. To capture the book smell, a piece of sterile gauze was soaked in 5 milliliters (0.17 ounces) of an extract of the book odor and placed in an unlabeled metal canister screwed shut to prevent visitors from peeking. The top three responses when the visitors were prompted to describe the smell? Chocolate, coffee and old.

The team even analyzed the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the book and the library. Most odors are composed of VOCs, or chemicals that evaporate at low temperatures. VOCs are often associated with certain smell types, like acetic acid with "sour."

Using the data from the chemical analysis and visitors' smell descriptions, the researchers created the Historic Book Odour Wheel to document and archive the "historic library smell." Main categories, such as "sweet/spicy," fill the inner circle of the wheel; descriptors, such as "caramel/biscuits" fill the middle; and the chemical compounds likely to be the smelly source, like furfural, fill the outer circle.

The researchers want the book odor wheel to be an interdisciplinary tool that "untrained noses" can use to identify smells and the compounds causing them, which could address conservators' concerns about material composition and degradation, inform artifact paper conservation decisions and benefit olfactory museum experiences.

Now That's Interesting In 2015, researchers used "smellwalks" and social media data to map city smells in London and Barcelona.
 "Legislative Regulation of Isolation in Prison: 2018-2021" | Main | Might we celebrate this Festivus with a polite airing of sentencing grievances? 

December 23, 2021

BOP chief from Trump Administration says "prisons are in crisis, riddled with deep and systemic ills that wont be cured by simply replacing the BOP chief"

Hugh Hurwitz, who served as Acting Director of the Federal Bureau of Prisons from May 2018 to August 2019, has this notable new Hill commentary headlined "To fix our prison system, we need far more than a change in leadership." It is worth reading in full, and here are some extended excerpts:

U.S. prisons are in crisis, riddled with deep and systemic ills that wont be cured by simply replacing the BOP chief. In fact, weve already tried that. Carvajal, appointed last year, became the sixth director or acting director in just five years. The reality is that one person can only do so much. I should know. I was one of those six. The news that sparked Durbins ire was an Associated Press report revealing that numerous federal prison workers have been arrested, convicted or sentenced for crimes since the start of 2019. Sadly, corruption and other malfeasance within prison systems are not uncommon. But as Durbin rightly noted, its clear that there is much going wrong in our federal prisons, and we urgently need to fix it.... How do we move forward? We must rethink our overall approach to incarceration to ensure that only the right people  those who need to be separated from society or require intensive reentry programming  are confined for the appropriate amount of time. Common-sense sentencing reforms are a good place to start. These include mandating a greater reliance on drug courts, community service and other alternatives to prison, such as halfway houses. It also means eliminating mandatory minimum penalties for drug crimes, which, among other problems, result in long sentences that drive prison populations up. On the back end of the system, we need more intensive reentry programs to ensure that the more than 650,000 people leaving prison annually find the jobs, housing and healthcare they need to lead stable lives  and remain crime-free. Congress started this effort with bipartisan passage of the First Step Act of 2018 (co-sponsored by Durbin), but BOP needs sufficient resources to fully implement this law. We also must invest in the recruitment, retention and training of correctional officers, while paying them on par with what other law enforcement officers earn. While the conduct spotlighted in recent news reports was reprehensible, it does not reflect the majority of BOP officers who put their lives on the line every day, and suffer disproportionately high rates of PTSD and suicide. They deserve to lead healthy lives, and their mental health has a direct impact on the orderly functioning of our prisons. It must be our concern. Beyond such measures, Congress must tackle what should be the easiest, but may be the most divisive, piece of the debate: closing some of Americas oldest and costliest federal prisons. Shuttering these aging lock-ups, some of which are more than a century old, would allow the BOP to reallocate staff and resources to the remaining facilities, improving safety and security while strengthening programs and services. Closing prisons may be a hard sell to some, particularly to those in Congress. But it has been done recently, at least at the state level. South Carolina, for example, has closed six correctional centers in the past decade, as its prison population declined following bipartisan passage of sentencing and corrections reforms in 2010. One step the Attorney General and Congress should quickly consider is a recommendation from the Council on Criminal Justices Task Force on Federal Priorities, which called for creation of an independent oversight board for BOP. This would bring outside expertise to bear on the agencys multiple challenges while retaining the career leadership that historically has served the agency well. The board would also provide political cover for harder choices that agency leaders and elected officials are sometimes reluctant or unable to make. While the recent news about the BOP is disturbing, I hope it serves as a reminder of the need to rebuild our criminal justice system so that it is smaller, less punitive, more humane and safer for all. With political will, independent oversight and an unwavering commitment, we can make holistic change to a system long in need of it.

December 23, 2021 at 12:50 PM | Permalink

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This opinion piece by Former BOP Director Hugh Hurwitz may be the most audacious attempt to rewrite a career in history. Director Hurwitz, who previously was Acting Assistant Director over Reentry services singlehandedly ordered the closure of 16 BOP Halfway Houses. Further, he ordered the BOP to only grant up to 120 days of Halfway House Placement to the inmates, rather than up to the one year they were previously eligible for. This order was issued in an October 10, 2017 memo (Google it, I can't attach it here). Further, he misrepresented this action as a cost saving measure. Yet, it costs the BOP less to house a prisoner within a Halfway House, then in the prison system.

Today it seems Failed Director Hurwitz is hoping to use this newfound wisdom to be a voice of reason regarding the how to fix the prison system. The reality is the last individual whose advice anyone needs on how to fix the unjust criminal justice system is an individual responsible for ensuring that the men and women housed within the BOP had less time in the Halfway House to assist in their transition back to the community.

You want to fix the prison system, ask the many men and women who have served time there and been released and are successfully advocating to change this broken system. They (we) can tell you everything that ails that system.



On a final note, BOP guards are some of the most well compensated prison guards in the world. With benefits that would make another union blush. If they have a high case of PTSD it is because of the Executive Branch of the BOP bureaucracy that they must deal with daily, not the inmates. (Poll the guards, they will certainly agree).

The BOP is the most top heavy agency in the Federal Government. Here's a way to save money and invest in reentry services. Abolish all the BOP Offices (Central, Regional, etc...) that do not house inmates. Relocate those staff members inside the prison complex offices. Hundreds of millions of dollars would be saved! Next you could simply begin to abolish all the redundant positions within those offices, and invest that money into education. That would be a small start to a much needed overhall.

Posted by: Dani Hourani | Dec 24, 2021 9:58:43 PM

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House Majority Whip Jim Clyburn (D-S.C.) has said that he tested positive for COVID-19 on Wednesday night, the latest lawmaker to become infected as the viruss omicron variant rapidly spreads across the country.

This is a breakthrough case, and I am asymptomatic. I am fully vaccinated and received my booster in September, the Houses third-ranking Democrat said in a statement, adding that he has been in quarantine since Sunday and will continue to follow public health guidance until its safe to resume regular activities.

Clyburn said that he tested negative last Thursday, Dec. 16, ahead of President Joe Bidens visit to South Carolina State University. The longtime congressmans family took at-home COVID-19 tests on Sunday as a precaution for Clyburns granddaughters wedding on Wednesday, he continued. Because his at-home test came back inconclusive, the House Democrat immediately quarantined and took a PCR test on Monday at the recommendation of the House attending physician.

JIM CLYBURN, No. 3 House Democrat, has Covid. pic.twitter.com/iERL64BVMg  Jake Sherman (@JakeSherman) December 23, 2021

It is a huge sacrifice to miss my granddaughters wedding, but it is an unfortunate reality that is playing out all across this country due to the proliferation of this virus. We all must do everything we can to keep one another safe and healthy, the statement continued. America is in a new phase of this pandemic. No one is immune to this virus. I urge anyone who has not done so to get their vaccines and booster. It is the best protection against severe disease and possible death.

Clyburn is one of the highest-ranking politicians to have recently announced a COVID-19 infection. On Sunday, Democratic Sens. Elizabeth Warren (Mass.) and Cory Booker (N.J.) announced they had contracted the virus in breakthrough infections. Warren, who received both vaccine doses and her booster, said she was only experiencing mild symptoms. Booker, who is just as inoculated, said he first felt symptoms on Saturday.

Story continues

On Monday, Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan (R) revealed he had tested positive after experiencing cold-like symptoms. On Tuesday, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz (D) announced he and his family were also infected.

Vice President Kamala Harris spokesperson, Symone Sanders, said that a staff member who worked with Harris throughout the day on Tuesday received a positive COVID-19 test on Wednesday morning. The staff member is reportedly fully vaccinated and boosted, and is asymptomatic. Sanders said Harris received a negative PCR test on Wednesday after being notified of the infection, and will be tested again on Friday.

This article originally appeared on HuffPost and has been updated.

Related...
When Westminster United Methodist Church in Houston resumed in-person services late last year, after a seven-month halt due to COVID-19, there were Sundays when only three worshippers showed up, according to the pastor, Meredith Mills.

Since then, attendance has inched back up, but it's still only about half the pre-pandemic turnout of 160 or 170, Mills estimates.

"It's frustrating," she said. "People just seem to want to leave home less these days."

Some houses of worship are faring better than Mills' church, some worse. Polls by The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research shows how dramatically church attendance fell during the worst of the pandemic last year, even as many say they are now returning to regular service attendance.

Among mainline Protestants, just 1% said in a May 2020 poll that they were attending in-person services at least once a week. In the new poll, 14% say they're doing so now, compared to 16% who say they did in 2019.

Among evangelical Protestants, 37% now say they are attending services in person at least weekly, while 42% said they did that in 2019. In the May 2020 poll, just 11% said they were attending services in person that often.

Among Catholics, 26% attend in person at least weekly now, compared with 30% in 2019. In the 2020 poll, conducted as many bishops temporarily waived the obligation for weekly Mass attendance, just 5% were worshipping in person at least weekly.

At St. Ambrose Catholic Parish in Brunswick, Ohio, the six services each weekend drew a total of about 3,800 worshippers before the pandemic, according to the pastor, Bob Stec. Current weekend attendance is about 2,800, Stec says, with 1,600 or more households joining online worship.

Elsewhere, churches large and small have taken hits in attendance.

John Elkins, teaching pastor at Sovereign Grace Fellowship in Brazoria, Texas, says 25 to 30 people have attended services recently, down from about 50 before the pandemic.

"For some, I was not political enough," he said via email. "Some wanted more activities, some just stopped going to church."

Sovereign Grace, a Southern Baptist church, had never offered online worship before the pandemic. When in-person worship was halted for a month in 2020, leaving online worship as the only option, Elkins said he did more crisis counseling for congregation members than ever before.

At the much larger First Church of God in Columbus, Ohio, there was a near-total halt to in-person worship between March 2020 and September of this year. On two Sundays in September 2020, worshippers were invited back to the church to test the feasibility of in-person services.

"But it was obvious they were still uncomfortable  they came dressed like they were working at Chernobyl," said the senior pastor, Bishop Timothy Clarke, evoking hazmat suits appropriate for confronting a nuclear disaster.

Pre-pandemic, the predominantly African American church held three services each weekend, including one on Saturday evenings, with average total attendance of 2,500. Now there's a single service on Sunday, and only 500 worshippers  with masks and proof of vaccination  are allowed into a sanctuary that can seat more than 1,500.

Attendance is down sharply from pre-pandemic levels at St. Barnabas Lutheran Church in Cary, Illinois, which halted in-person, indoor worship for more than six months in 2020. Instead it held drive-in services in the parking lot.

Before the pandemic, about 115 people would attend one of two services offered on Sundays, said the pastor, Sarah Wilson. Now there's one service, and attendance is down by more than half.

"Some families are still nervous about being in a room with others, even though most people attending are vaccinated and we require masks," she said. "Other people have re-ordered their priorities and worship isn't one of them."

At Temple Beth El in Charlotte, North Carolina, Rabbi Asher Knight was elated that recent Hannukah celebrations drew about 300 people in person. Overall, attendance now is roughly half of pre-pandemic levels, but an improvement over periods earlier this year when only a handful of worshippers appeared.

"It was demoralizing and painful to lead worship with virtually no one present," he said. "But in October and November, people got the booster and their children got vaccinated and they slowly started coming back."

Among Christians, the option of worshipping online has been embraced by many evangelical Protestants, according to the AP-NORC poll. About 3 in 10 have livestreamed services at least weekly in recent months, compared with about 1 in 10 Catholics or mainline Protestants.

Three-quarters of evangelical Protestants say they pray privately at least weekly, compared with roughly half of mainline Protestants and Catholics, the poll found.

Roughly a quarter of evangelical Protestants say they've recently talked by phone or video conference with a religious or spiritual leader at least a few times a month, compared with about 1 in 10 mainline Protestants and Catholics.

The AP-NORC poll of 1,083 adults was conducted Oct. 21-25 using a sample designed to be representative of U.S. population. The margin of sampling error for all respondents is plus or minus 4 percentage points.

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DES MOINES -- While Iowans are gathering with loved ones and friends for the holidays, the state --- like so many others in the nation --- is experiencing yet another surge of COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations.

The latest surge is fueled by the virus omicron variant --- which early research suggests is far more transmissible --- is once again putting severe stress on Iowas health care systems. Once again, hospitals are overflowing and health care professionals are over-worked.

COVID-related hospitalizations in Iowa are higher than they have been since December 2020, when the state was just beginning to come back down from the worst surge of the pandemic, according to state data.

Those hospitalizations are being driven by unvaccinated individuals. Those who are not fully vaccinated account for nearly 9 out of every 10 COVID patients in intensive care, and more than 4 out of every 5 COVID patients overall, according to state figures.

In Iowa, 62.5% of people eligible to get the COVID vaccines --- those who are 5 years and older --- are fully vaccinated, which is the 26th-highest rate in the country, according to federal data. And 44.8% of Iowa adults who are fully vaccinated have also received a booster shot; thats the fourth-best rate in the nation, according to federal data.

With COVID once again surging during the holiday season, the Des Moines Bureau asked medical experts from across the state to answer questions about how Iowans can be safe in the coming weeks.

SHOULD UNVACCINATED IOWANS TRAVEL OR GATHER WITH FAMILY DURING THE HOLIDAYS?

Dr. Jeremy Granger, medical director at UnityPoint Clinic in Sioux City:

In order to keep our families and communities safe, it is not recommended that unvaccinated Iowans travel or attend in-person gatherings during the holidays. However, if folks who are unvaccinated decide to do these things, they should wear a mask around others and in public places and practice good hand hygiene.

Dr. Timothy Horrigan, MercyOne Waverly Family Medicine:

Unvaccinated adults place themselves at very high risk of exposure to the COVID-19 virus (both the delta and omicron variants) anyplace they travel without a mask or by gathering in a crowd.  Unvaccinated adults are particularly vulnerable to exposure of the COVID-19 virus when gathering indoors without a mask and participating in high-exposure activities, such as eating meals.

IS IT SAFE FOR VACCINATED IOWANS TO TRAVEL AND GATHER WITH FAMILIES?

Dr. Dustin Arnold, chief medical officer, UnityPoint Health in Cedar Rapids:

The vaccine does protect against acquiring COVD-19 (by) reducing the risk of hospitalization and death. I would recommend masking and social distancing when possible while traveling.

Dr. Russel Adams, UnityPoint Health Allen Hospital in Waterloo:

Travel during these times is not 100% safe, but Iowans who are fully vaccinated coupled with having the booster injection if appropriate have less risk with air travel. Masking and social distancing when possible coupled with hand hygiene remain important, however.

IS IT SAFE FOR VACCINATED IOWANS TO GATHER WITH UNVACCINATED INDIVIDUALS?

Dr. Jeremy Granger, medical director at UnityPoint Clinic in Sioux City:

Those who have been fully vaccinated, and received the booster if appropriate, definitely have an added layer of protection against COVID-19 this holiday season. The safest possible scenario would be that every person attending the family gathering is also vaccinated, and we should still consider keeping the gatherings on the smaller side this year. If members of the family are still unvaccinated, you may want to consider a virtual gathering.

Dr. Timothy Horrigan, MercyOne Waverly Family Medicine:

Breakthrough infections are always a possibility for vaccinated adults. These infections can include all the usual symptoms of fever, cough and body aches, which can result in time off work or time away from family.

SHOULD IOWANS GET A COVID TEST BEFORE ATTENDING A GATHERING?

Dr. Dustin Arnold, chief medical officer, UnityPoint Health in Cedar Rapids:

Testing provides some reassurance. However, there are false negatives, so social distancing and masking and having good air movement is probably more efficacious in reducing transmission.

Dr. Jeff Brock, MercyOne Infection Prevention in Des Moines:

Those who are vaccinated do not need to test before gathering with family members unless they have had a recent close exposure to someone diagnosed with COVID-19, have any symptoms of infection, or just want to test to reduce the risk of exposing someone at high risk who has a weakened immune system. Testing is advisable for unvaccinated individuals before gatherings.

WHAT OTHER MESSAGE DO YOU HAVE FOR IOWANS THIS HOLIDAY SEASON?

Dr. Russel Adams, UnityPoint Health Allen Hospital in Waterloo:

Fully vaccinated with booster individuals still have risk of travel --- however the risk is less, but it remains important to wear a mask, social distance and hand wash frequently. Avoidance of exposure to individuals that are not vaccinated is very important. The safest plan is to not travel, but of course this option is difficult, especially during holidays and for the emotional and spiritual well-being.

Dr. Jeff Brock, MercyOne Infection Prevention in Des Moines:

The omicron variant is now the dominant strain of COVID-19 in the U.S. and it is spreading rapidly. While we still have a lot to learn about this new variant, we can help reduce transmission and slow this virus down through vaccination. Getting fully vaccinated, including the COVID-19 booster dose for those who are eligible, can help reduce the risk of becoming seriously ill.

Dr. Jeremy Granger, medical director at UnityPoint Clinic in Sioux City:

We recognize that its been a long 20 months and people are anxious to gather in person with their friends and families. Its extremely important at this time to remind the public that COVID-19 is still present in our communities, and that being fully vaccinated is your safest and most effective line of defense against this virus.

Sarah Ekstrand, spokeswoman, Iowa Department of Public Health:

Getting vaccinated is the best thing Iowans can do to protect themselves and their families from the risk of severe illness, hospitalization or death from a COVID-19 infection. Any Iowan who has questions about the vaccine should discuss them with their health care provider. Iowans should stay home if they are sick and seek testing if they have symptoms or are exposed to a COVID positive individual.

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NEW YORK (AP)  U.S. health officials are warning the public not to eat certain brands of packaged salads, which they say are linked to two small, long-running listeria outbreaks in which three people died.

One outbreak is linked to packaged salads produced by Fresh Express and another has been tied to packaged salads produced by Dole. The outbreaks are caused by different strains of listeria bacteria and there's no known link between them, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported Thursday.

In the outbreak linked to Fresh Express, ten people in eight states were identified in the outbreak between 2016 and late October of this year. All were hospitalized and one person, in Pennsylvania, died.

This week, Fresh Express recalled several brands of packaged salad products with product codes Z324 through Z350. The CDC is telling people not to eat, sell, or serve any recalled products.

A separate outbreak caused by a different strain was found on two Dole packaged salads. In that outbreak, 16 people in 13 states infected with the listeria strain have been reported between August 2014 and mid-October of this year. That includes 12 who were hospitalized and two  in Michigan and Wisconsin  who died.

Dole recalled several brands of packaged salads this week with best if used by dates from Nov. 30 to Jan. 8.

It's not known where the listeria originated in either outbreak, but it's a hardy bacteria that can linger on surfaces in production facilities or other places, officials say.

Listeria symptoms usually start one to four weeks after eating contaminated food, but can start as soon as the same day.

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.

Copyright 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.

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The puppy was supposed to be a Christmas present for her husband, Bryan.

But after Lauren Case, a registered nurse from Warren, Arkansas, plunked down $850 via a cash app for a cute teacup Yorkie named Rosy she saw online, she began to get suspicious.

She had paid an initial $600 by Zelle, a payment app that she had never used before but that her bank confirmed as legitimate. But then the supposed breeder asked for another $250 for a nanny to hand-carry the dog to her on an airplane. Finally, Case put the website address into a search engine and found lots of complaints.

It was something I really wanted, so I ignored the little voice in my head, she said, kicking herself for sending money before doing the checking.

There will be no puppy in the Case household this Christmas.

Despite numerous pleas, Case never got the Yorkie or her money back. The website then disappeared, Case said, only to pop up later with the same puppy pictures.

In retrospect, she said, there were warning signs. There was no phone number, and several of the words on the site were misspelled.

You dont think someones going to screw you over, but they do, she said in a phone interview.

Case has filed a complaint with the Arkansas Attorney Generals Office, which is looking into the allegations.

Similar complaints have skyrocketed across the country, boosted in part by more people looking to adopt pets during the pandemic. Attorneys general in numerous states have launched investigations, filed lawsuits and issued warnings about the pet fraud.

In the first year of the pandemic, pet adoptions soared, according to the American Pet Products Association, with ownership rising in 2020 to 70% of American households, an all-time high.

But the pet frenzy also created a shortage, giving scammers a bigger opening in which to work. Pet scams more than doubled last year and are on pace to be pretty much the same this year, said Steve Baker, international investigation specialist for the Better Business Bureau, which has a scam tracker for bogus pet sites. It really, really took off during the pandemic.

I dont think its possible to search online for puppies and not come across a scam, he said in a phone interview.

The scammers often pattern their sites after legitimate puppy companies, using the same fonts and sometimes even the same pictures and descriptions, but altering the pictures just slightly  by adding a holiday bow or Santa hat at this time of year, for example.

The Better Business Bureau said online shopping scam reports to its BBB Scam Tracker  for scams of all types  skyrocketed during the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2019, people lodged 1,515 pet scam complaints with losses of $1 million. In 2020 that rose to 4,552 complaints with losses of $3.3 million. Pet scams made up 34.5% of all the online shopping scams reported to the bureau.

The number of pet scams remains high this year. In the first nine months of 2021, there were 3,116 reports with losses of $2.4 million.

The BBB says pet scammers usually dont allow the buyer to meet the animal in person. Scammers also typically require the buyer to use some kind of pet delivery service, with charges tacked on for extras, such as delivering the pet to the buyer, a special crate for transportation or even some kind of COVID-19 protection shot (which doesnt exist for dogs) once the buyer has made an initial payment.

Younger people were more likely to be scammed in 2020, with 51% of them under age 44, and the average financial loss reported to the BBB Scam Tracker was $722.

While 82% of pet scam reports involved dogs, the BBB said, other animals included cats, birds and iguanas.

The scams have hurt genuine internet pet sites. Courtney Dean, social engagement director for pawrade.com, a legitimate site, said people are staying away from online pet purveyors because they are fearful.

People automatically assume when they see us, that we are one of them, she said in a phone interview. All day long, Im defending our service.

She said breeders began working with sites like hers during the pandemic because they didnt want strangers coming into their homes to see new puppies. To combat the potential buyers fears, Dean said, employees talk on the phone with every potential customer, will put them in touch with the breeders so they can see videos or pictures of the puppy, and provide a three-year health guarantee and 30 days of pet insurance free. Their advertised prices are also much higher than the scams, about $2,000 for a labradoodle, for example.

Alabama resident Alicia Trevino, 18, got taken in after she picked out an Australian shepherd pup, with gray, white and black fur and a little pink nose, she said in a phone interview. She put up $700 by Apple Pay to secure the pup, then another $1,000 for shipping to an airport near her home.

Then the scammers wanted another $1,000 not to leave the dog at the airport, which they claimed would put her at risk of being criminally charged with puppy abandonment. They demanded another $1,000 because the puppy supposedly had been sent to the wrong place. After spending $3,700, Trevino realized there would be no puppy. She filed a complaint with the Arkansas Attorney Generals Office, because thats where the dog allegedly was being shipped from. She has not gotten any money back.

Trevino eventually got a different Australian shepherd, as her boyfriend drove to a breeder in Tennessee to pick up the animal, whom they named Bubba. Her advice: Dont go through online stuff.



Take a look at some adorable photos of the 15 most active dog breeds, according to the American Kennel Club:

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LAGOS, Nigeria (AP)  Computers have become amazingly precise at translating spoken words to text messages and scouring huge troves of information for answers to complex questions. At least, that is, so long as you speak English or another of the worlds dominant languages.

But try talking to your phone in Yoruba, Igbo or any number of widely spoken African languages and youll find glitches that can hinder access to information, trade, personal communications, customer service and other benefits of the global tech economy.

We are getting to the point where if a machine doesnt understand your language it will be like it never existed, said Vukosi Marivate, chief of data science at the University of Pretoria in South Africa, in a call to action before a December virtual gathering of the world's artificial intelligence researchers.

American tech giants dont have a great track record of making their language technology work well outside the wealthiest markets, a problem thats also made it harder for them to detect dangerous misinformation on their platforms.

Marivate is part of a coalition of African researchers who have been trying to change that. Among their projects is one that found machine translation tools failed to properly translate online COVID-19 surveys from English into several African languages.

Most people want to be able to interact with the rest of the information highway in their local language, Marivate said in an interview. He's a founding member of Masakhane, a pan-African research project to improve how dozens of languages are represented in the branch of AI known as natural language processing. Its the biggest of a number of grassroots language technology projects that have popped up from the Andes to Sri Lanka.

Tech giants offer their products in numerous languages, but they don't always pay attention to the nuances necessary for those apps work in the real world. Part of the problem is that theres just not enough online data in those languages  including scientific and medical terms  for the AI systems to effectively learn how to get better at understanding them.

Google, for instance, offended members of the Yoruba community several years ago when its language app mistranslated Esu, a benevolent trickster god, as the devil. Facebook's language misunderstandings have been tied to political strife around the world and its inability to tamp down harmful misinformation about COVID-19 vaccines. More mundane translation glitches have been turned into joking online memes.

Omolewa Adedipe has grown frustrated trying to share her thoughts on Twitter in the Yoruba language because her automatically translated tweets usually end up with different meanings.

One time, the 25-year-old content designer tweeted, TIlu o ba dun, TIlu o ba toro. Eyin lemo bi e se se, which means, If the land (or country, in this context) is not peaceful, or merry, youre responsible for it. Twitter, however, managed to end up with the translation: If you are not happy, if you are not happy.

For complex Nigerian languages like Yoruba, those accent marks -- often associated with tones -- make all the difference in communication. Ogun, for instance, is a Yoruba word that means war, but it can also mean a state in Nigeria (Ogun), god of iron (Ogun), stab (Ogun), twenty or property (Ogun).

Some of the bias is deliberate given our history," said Marivate, who has devoted some of his AI research to the southern African languages of Xitsonga and Setswana spoken by his family members, as well as to the common conversational practice of code-switching between languages.

The history of the African continent and in general in colonized countries, is that when language had to be translated, it was translated in a very narrow way, he said. "You were not allowed to write a general text in any language because the colonizing country might be worried that people communicate and write books about insurrections or revolutions. But they would allow religious texts.

Google and Microsoft are among the companies that say they are trying to improve technology for so-called low-resource languages that AI systems don't have enough data for. Computer scientists at Meta, the company formerly known as Facebook, announced in November a breakthrough on the path to a universal translator" that could translate multiple languages at once and work better with lower-resourced languages such as Icelandic or Hausa.

That's an important step, but at the moment, only large tech companies and big AI labs in developed countries can build these models, said David Ifeoluwa Adelani. He's a researcher at Saarland University in Germany and another member of Masakhane, which has a mission to strengthen and spur African-led research to address technology that does not understand our names, our cultures, our places, our history.

Improving the systems requires not just more data but careful human review from native speakers who are underrepresented in the global tech workforce. It also requires a level of computing power that can be hard for independent researchers to access.

Writer and linguist Kola Tubosun created a multimedia dictionary for the Yoruba language and also created a text-to-speech machine for the language. He is now working on similar speech recognition technologies for Nigerias two other major languages, Hausa and Igbo, to help people who want to write short sentences and passages.

We are funding ourselves," he said. "The aim is to show these things can be profitable.

Tubosun led the team that created Googles Nigerian English voice and accent used in tools like maps. But he said it remains difficult to raise the money needed to build technology that might allow a farmer to use a voice-based tool to follow market or weather trends.

In Rwanda, software engineer Remy Muhire is helping to build a new open-source speech dataset for the Kinyawaranda language that involves a lot of volunteers recording themselves reading Kinyawaranda newspaper articles and other texts.

They are native speakers. They understand the language, said Muhire, a fellow at Mozilla, maker of the Firefox internet browser. Part of the project involves a collaboration with a government-supported smartphone app that answers questions about COVID-19. To improve the AI systems in various African languages, Masakhane researchers are also tapping into news sources across the continent, including Voice of Americas Hausa service and the BBC broadcast in Igbo.

Increasingly, people are banding together to develop their own language approaches instead of waiting for elite institutions to solve problems, said Damian Blasi, who researches linguistic diversity at the Harvard Data Science Initiative.

Blasi co-authored a recent study that analyzed the uneven development of language technology across the world's more than 6,000 languages. For instance, it found that while Dutch and Swahili both have tens of millions of speakers, there are hundreds of scientific reports on natural language processing in the Western European language and only about 20 in the East African one.

O'Brien reported from Providence, Rhode Island.

Copyright 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.

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SIOUX CITY -- A judge has declined a request from attorneys representing a 17-year-old accused of a fatal Sioux City shooting to recuse himself from the case because of statements he made in a previous ruling.

Public defender Joseph Reedy on Wednesday asked District Judge Jeffrey Poulson to remove himself from presiding over the jury trial of Dwight Evans, who is charged with first-degree murder and other charges in connection with the May 1 shooting of Martez Harrison outside Uncle Dave's Bar. Evans' trial is scheduled for Jan. 18 in Woodbury County District Court.

Reedy raised concerns about Poulson's statements in an October ruling in which he denied a defense request to transfer Evans' case to juvenile court. In particular, Reedy took issue with Poulson's agreement with a state report that said "there are some offenses that, by their very nature, separate adult behavior from that of children."

"Judge Poulson additionally stated in the same order that transfer to juvenile court 'would be an inappropriate and unjust response to the alleged brutal murder in cold blood in a gang-related shooting,'" Reedy wrote.

Reedy said those comments were contrary to the Iowa Supreme Court's position, through a series of rulings, that certain factors can decrease a juvenile's culpability in crimes. Reedy said he was afraid that, if jurors find Evans guilty, Poulson may not be able to apply special sentencing rules that treat juveniles different from adults.

Poulson issued his denial for recusal an hour after Reedy filed his request, saying he understands the special sentencing rules for crimes committed by juveniles.

"The court has no predisposition as to what sentence would be appropriate or what charge the sentence would be imposed upon. The court sees no basis for the allegation that it cannot give the defendant a fair and impartial trial," Poulson wrote.

Evans, who turned 17 three days before the shooting, could face a sentence of life in prison if found guilty of first-degree murder. He's charged with shooting Harrison once in the flank, then standing over him and firing a shot into his chest while Harrison fought with Lawrence Canady outside the bar at 1427 W. Third St.

According to court documents, Evans and Canady were armed and waiting for Harrison outside the bar. When Harrison's girlfriend arrived to pick him, Canady punched her in the face, causing the fight that preceded the shooting.

Harrison, 22, of Sioux City, died later at a Sioux City hospital.

Evans was arrested hours after the shooting. His attorneys have filed notice that he will rely on a defense of self-defense and/or defense of others. On Tuesday, they filed notice of an additional intoxication defense.

Canady, 21, of Sioux City, also was charged with first-degree murder, willful injury and serious assault. A Woodbury County jury last week found him guilty of the lesser charge of voluntary manslaughter as well as willful injury causing bodily injury and serious assault. He's scheduled to be sentenced in February.

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LINCOLN, Neb. -- A second charge has been filed against a Ponca, Nebraska, man accused of attempting to pay for sex acts with a 15-year-old girl.

A superseding indictment filed Dec. 14 in U.S. District Court in Lincoln added one count of attempted sex trafficking of a minor against Timothy Daly.

Daly, 49, previously pleaded not guilty to one count of attempted enticement of a minor.

According to court documents, Daly responded to an online prostitution ad, offering $200 and some fast food for sex with what he believed was a 15-year-old girl, who was actually an undercover police officer. When Daly arrived at the meeting location on Aug. 26, South Sioux City police arrested him. Daly told officers that he had sent messages and photos to the girl in the ad, but did not intend to have sex with her.

In the superseding indictment, Daly is charged with attempting to patronize and solicit the girl from Aug. 23-26, knowing she was under age 18 and that she would be engaging in a commercial sex act.

Daly's arrest was one of six that were part of Operation United Front, a 12-state undercover human trafficking operation to identify victims and subjects of adult and child human trafficking and/or prostitution.

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SPENCER, Iowa -- A Spencer man pleaded guilty Wednesday to attempting to slit a woman's throat and stabbing her numerous times.

District Judge Nancy Whittenburg sentenced Matthew Young, 25, to 30 years in prison after Young pleaded guilty in Clay County District Court to attempted murder and willful injury resulting in bodily injury. He must serve at least 17.5 years before he's eligible for parole. A charge of going armed with intent was dismissed as part of a plea agreement.

Young stabbed Cassandra Bicking, 26, on Oct. 24 at a home in the 300 block of Grove Street in Royal, Iowa. Sheriff's deputies responding to a call of a stabbing found Bicking with multiple stab wounds. Young was arrested later in the day at his Spencer home.

Young admitted in his written guilty plea that he tried to kill Bicking by trying to slit her throat and stab her in the chest. He stabbed her several times, causing injuries to her arms, neck and torso that required staples, stitches and multiple surgeries.

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SIOUX CITY -- With no comment from the public or the five Woodbury County supervisors, the board on Tuesday approved new supervisor districts and voting precincts.

The new boundaries, required by the results of the 2020 census, take effect Jan. 15.

Suzan Stewart, the chair of the county's temporary redistricting committee, spoke to the board about the process of redistricting and the factors that have to be considered including city boundaries, legislative boundaries and population numbers.

In Woodbury County, supervisors are elected countywide but are required to live in the specific district in which they run.

The county's temporary redistricting committee has met multiple times in the last few months to redraw the lines to comply with population changes in the 2020 census.

The supervisors do not have input on how the maps are designed and the committee members are prohibited from considering where the supervisors live.

The proposed boundaries are similar to the current lines drawn in 2011. But the new map would renumber some of the districts.

Under the map, three districts -- 1, 2 and 4 -- would be wholly within the city of Sioux City. Two others -- 3 and 5 -- would take in portions of the city, as well as more rural areas of the county.

The new District 1 boundaries would be similar to the current District 1 where Supervisor Keith Radig residents. The new district would take in most of Sioux City's west side and much of the city's north side.

District 2 Supervisor Justin Wright lives in the proposed District 2, which would take in portions of the north and west sides of the city.

The newly drawn District 3, which would include most of the Morningside neighborhood in Sioux City, would have boundaries similar to the current District 4, represented by Supervisor Matthew Ung.

The newly drawn District 4 would be comparable to the current District 5, represented by Board Chairman Rocky De Witt. The new District 4 would take in portions of Sioux City north of 14th and 18th Streets, east of Floyd Boulevard and south of Correctionville Road. The district also would cover rural areas in northern Woodbury County, including the cities of Lawton, Bronson, Moville, Anthon, Correctionville and Cushing.

Supervisor Jeremy Taylor currently represents District 3, which is similar to the proposed District 5. The newly drawn district would take in portions of Morningside south of Correctionville Road and areas of Sioux City around Sioux Gateway Airport. The newly-drawn district also would extend into rural areas of southern Woodbury County, including the cities of Sergeant Bluff, Salix, Sloan, Climbing Hill, Danbury, Hornick, Oto and Smithland.

As part of the redistricting for supervisor districts, Sioux City and Sergeant Bluff also are required to redraw their precinct boundaries. County Auditor Pat Gill said there's been a significant enough population change that the precincts will be altered more than they were a decade ago.

Both Sergeant Bluff and Sioux City have approved their precinct boundaries.

The census pegged the county's population at 105,941, an increase of more than 3,000 people from the 2010 census results. Most of the county's new residents live in Sioux City.

The most apparent changes impact Sergeant Bluff and the townships. For example, Woodbury Township used to be part of a precinct in Sergeant Bluff, but because of population growth they would be separated, under the proposed map.

The supervisors districts in Woodbury County usually follow the city precincts. While not required, Gill said it is easier for people to see what precincts fall into the district, rather than having to look at a separate map dividing the districts.

Gill said the ideal population for each supervisor districts is 21,188, plus or minus 1 percent, or around 212 people.

On Dec. 20, the temporary redistricting committee will hold a public hearing to discuss the proposed maps and listen to any suggested feedback. No one from the pubic attended the meeting.

To view the new supervisor districts, visit: https://bit.ly/3rRNMhD

To view the new precincts map, visit: https://bit.ly/3s3uO7w

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SIOUX CITY -- The Urban Native Center and the Sioux City Human Rights Commission will co-host memorial activities and a potluck on Sunday to honor the Dakota 38, who were killed on Dec. 26, 1862 in the largest mass execution in the United States.

In addition, the event also honors Dakota leaders Medicine Bottle and Shakopee who were hung in 1865.

The event, which is free and open to the public, begins at 4 p.m. at the Sioux City Public Museum.

For more information, contact Karen Mackey at 712-223-0931.

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HONOLULU (AP)  A U.S. appeals court ruling Wednesday affirmed a ban against cockfighting in U.S. territories.

A panel of 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals judges ruled against a Guam businessman whose 2019 lawsuit argued the ban was unconstitutional. Sedfrey Linsangan said in his lawsuit that gamefowl raising and competition is part of his culture, custom and tradition."

In 2018, former President Donald Trump signed a law banning all animal fighting in U.S. territories. The law took effect in 2019. Prior to the law, cockfighting had been illegal in the 50 states but not U.S. territories.

Linsangan appealed after a U.S. judge in Guam denied his motion for a preliminary injunction against the prohibition.

Linsangan didn't immediately respond to a text message from The Associated Press seeking comment on the latest ruling.

Attorneys representing the United States in the case didn't immediately respond to an email from the AP.

The ruling said Linsangan failed to show that cockfighting is a fundamental right.

Linsangans evidence of cockfighting as a cultural practice both predating and outside of American history does not show that cockfighting is objectively deeply rooted in our Nations tradition," the ruling said.

The U.S. Supreme Court in October turned away a challenge to the federal law brought by individuals and organizations that argued Congress exceeded its power in applying the ban to Puerto Rico. They noted that cockfighting is deeply ingrained in the islands history, tradition and culture.

The Animal Wellness Action said it hailed the ruling because it came days before Guam cockfighting derbies advertised for New Year's Day.

This story has been corrected to show that the animal welfare group that hailed the ruling is Animal Wellness Action.

Copyright 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.

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HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP)  David McCormick, CEO of one of the world's largest hedge funds and a former senior official in President George W. Bush's administration, is accumulating support from longtime party fundraisers and officials in Pennsylvania even before he has formally announced his candidacy for U.S. Senate.

Christine Toretti, Pennsylvania's longtime Republican national committeewoman, and former state party chair Rob Gleason are among McCormick's backers, as are fundraisers Pat Deon and Bill Sasso.

Whether McCormick's high-level support will translate into victory in the May 17 primary election remains to be seen.

McCormick, 56, is preparing to enter a Republican primary field that is newly in flux with the exit of former President Donald Trump's endorsed candidate, Sean Parnell, and the entrance of Mehmet Oz, the heart surgeon, author and TV personality who carries unrivaled name recognition as the host of daytime TV's Dr. Oz Show.

Other candidates  including conservative activist Kathy Barnette, real estate investor Jeff Bartos and Carla Sands, Trumps former ambassador to Denmark  have been making the rounds of party functions for most of the year, while Bartos toured the state by bus.

Deon, the fundraiser, called McCormick a winner.

Hes a salt of the earth guy who served his country and worked hard, Deon said in a text message. He can relate to someone who wears a hard hat or sits in a boardroom.

The race to replace retiring two-term Republican U.S. Sen. Pat Toomey in bellwether Pennsylvania has thrown open the gates to candidates in what is expected to be one of a handful of competitive contests across the country next year that will determine control of the Senate.

The presidential battleground is a big electoral prize that backed Democrat Joe Biden in last years election and Trump in 2016.

Democrats have a strong primary field with far more electoral experience.

They include John Fetterman, the states lieutenant governor, third-term U.S. Rep. Conor Lamb of suburban Pittsburgh, state Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta of Philadelphia and Val Arkoosh, a former chair of anesthesiology at Drexel University College of Medicine who chairs the three-member board of commissioners in Montgomery County.

For the Republican candidates, the rubber may begin to meet the road on Jan. 15, when the state party's central caucus will hold closed-door candidate interviews. Other regional caucuses will follow, leading up to the state party endorsement meeting on Feb. 5.

McCormick has avoided media, other than speaking with a conservative-friendly columnist, and has been meeting Republican officials in private meetings arranged by Toretti and other backers.

He is spending more than $1 million out of his own pocket to air a Christmas-themed TV ad across Pennsylvania this week and has filed paperwork with the IRS that allows him to start raising money for his candidacy before he formally declares, a campaign adviser said.

McCormick has lived in Connecticut since 2009 and worked for Bridgewater Associates, one of the worlds largest hedge funds. He is currently CEO.

To reestablish residency, the Pennsylvania native bought a house in Pittsburghs East End, near where he lived two decades ago before leaving in 2005 to serve in Bushs administration.

He is married to Dina Powell, herself a veteran of the Bush administration and Republican National Committee who also was a deputy national security adviser to Trump before she returned to work at investment bank Goldman Sachs. That has helped give McCormick an introduction to Trump's circle.

Wealthy, connected candidates  McCormick, Oz and Sands  moving from blue states in pursuit of a Senate seat in purple Pennsylvania has fast become an issue in the campaign.

McCormick's backers tip-toe around that by stressing his growing up in Pennsylvania, graduating from high school in Bloomsburg where he still owns a family Christmas tree farm, and spending about a decade in business in Pittsburgh, where he ran online auction house FreeMarkets Inc.

Some Republicans know McCormick through his father, who was the first chancellor of the state university system under then-Gov. Dick Thornburgh.

After high school, McCormick went to West Point, served in the Gulf War and got a doctorate at Princeton University before he headed into business in Pittsburgh, first as a consultant at McKinsey and Co.

He had insisted on going to McKinseys Pittsburgh office, he said on SiriusXMs Leadership Matters radio show in 2020, because he had imagined that I might try to do something political and thought that coming back to Pennsylvania, Id be able to figure that out.

He was a registered Democrat at the time, but found the local party hard to get involved with and instead, ended up volunteering on a Republican candidates countywide race, which began his transition to becoming a Republican, he said.

He held three different positions in Bush's administration, departing after serving as the Treasury Department's under secretary for international affairs.

Follow Marc Levy on Twitter at www.twitter.com/timelywriter.

Copyright 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.

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BOISE, Idaho (AP)  Republican Gov. Brad Little on Thursday appointed Bellevue Mayor Ned Burns to a House seat representing central Idaho in the state Legislature.

Burns, a Democrat, will fill out the remainder of the term for legislative district House seat 26 vacated by Democrat Muffy Davis. The term ends at the end of 2022.

I hope to help advance smart, well-crafted policy to better our state for future generations by making critical investments in infrastructure and public education, as well as finding real solutions to provide meaningful property tax relief  all of which are my top priorities and where our focus should be in 2022," Burns said in a statement.

Burns was one of three recommendations put forward by Democrats to Little to replace Davis, who was serving her second term in the Legislature.

Little earlier this month appointed Davis to the Blaine County Commission, and she resigned her seat in the Legislature.

Im thrilled Gov. Little chose Ned as my successor, Davis said in a statement. Ned is well prepared to jump into the role and hit the ground running to best represent the constituents of District 26.

The Legislature convenes on Jan. 10.

Copyright 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.

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MADISON, Wis. (AP)  The League of Women Voters of Wisconsin on Wednesday filed a federal lawsuit seeking to have the Wisconsin Elections Commission reinstate voter registrations for nearly 32,000 people who were deactivated this summer.

The commission deactivated the registrations for the voters after a two-year legal fight. That lawsuit, filed in 2019 by the conservative Wisconsin Institute for Law & Liberty, argued that the commission should have deactivated voters flagged as potentially having moved within 30 days of notice being given.

The new lawsuit argues that the 31,854 voters should not have had their registrations deactivated because they weren't given notice that it could happen or a deadline to avoid it.

Riley Vetterkind, a spokesman for the elections commission, declined to comment.

The commission mailed postcards during the summer of 2019 to more than 230,000 voters identified by the Electronic Registration Information Center as having possibly moved.

The commission voted that summer not to deactivate them until after the April 2021 election to give them several chances to affirm they hadnt moved. The Commission argued that the state law pertaining to voters who may have moved did not require the commission to remove the voters.

The state Supreme Court ruled in April that the law applied to local election clerks, not the state commission, and dismissed the lawsuit.

At its June meeting the commission deadlocked on whether to change its 2019 decision to deactivate the voters. Since no change to that earlier decision was approved, the commission moved ahead and deactivated them.

Voters who were removed from the rolls can become eligible to cast ballots again by re-registering.

The League of Women Voters lawsuit filed Wednesday argues that the due process rights of the deactivated voters were violated.

A voters registration to vote in Wisconsin is a constitutionally protected interest," said attorney Doug Poland, a partner at Stafford Rosenbaum that is representing the league along with Fair Elections Center and Law Forward Inc.

That constitutional right to register to vote can't be taken away without an appropriate process, Poland said.

"The state failed to follow that process, and so we are going back to court to ensure that the Wisconsin Elections Commission gets the message loud and clear that they must abide by the US Constitution, Poland said in a statement.

Copyright 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.

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Dave Fravel and his wife invited several relatives to their Cape Cod home for Christmas to share food, gifts and the togetherness they've longed for during the lonely days of the pandemic. They were also looking forward to a holiday sightseeing trip to New York City.

But the coronavirus spoiled all those plans. With cases surging in their state of Massachusetts and the super-infectious omicron variant racing around the world, they feared spreading the virus even before Fravel's 18-year-old son, Colin, came down with COVID-19.

Rich England has been there before. In the summer, when the delta variant was surging, he said no to a Christmastime vacation with his parents and sister's family to London and Scotland. But he, his wife and 2-year-old daughter are keeping plans for a four-day trip from their home in Alexandria, Virginia, to Miami on Dec. 31.

"The safest thing to do would be to say 'OMG, we have to cancel,'" he said. "But there's a lot of letters in the Greek alphabet  there's going to be variants after omicron. You can't just respond to every single variant by shutting down."

For the second year in a row, the ever-morphing virus presents would-be revelers with a difficult choice: cancel holiday gatherings and trips or figure out ways to forge ahead as safely as possible. Many health experts are begging people not to let down their guard. Read the full story here:

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VIRUS BY THE NUMBERS
Revelers will still ring in the new year in New York's Times Square next week, there just won't be as many of them as usual under new restrictions announced Thursday as the city grapples with a spike in COVID-19 cases.

Viewing areas that normally accommodate about 58,000 people will be limited to about 15,000 to allow for more distancing, and everyone in attendance must show proof of vaccination and wear a mask, Mayor Bill de Blasio said in a news release announcing the changes.

There is a lot to celebrate and these additional safety measures will keep the fully vaccinated crowd safe and healthy as we ring in the New Year," de Blasio said, noting the city's success in getting residents vaccinated while also keeping businesses open.

The added precautions for New Year's Eve in Times Square were spurred by the rapid spread of the omicron variant in the Big Apple, where lines for testing have snaked around blocks in recent days.

Universal Orlando is reinstating its mask requirements beginning Christmas Eve as COVID-19 cases are surging as a result of the omicron variant.

Daily cases of coronavirus have quadrupled in the past week in the state of Florida, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Hospitalizations have increased by 12%, the CDC says.

But one of the largest hospital networks in Miami, Jackson Health, has reported twice as many COVID-19 patients on Thursday than it had a week ago.

Universal Orlando says masks will be required at all public indoor locations and at all attractions from the moment guests enter the lines to when they leave. A lot of lines for rides and shows in the resort theme parks start in outdoor areas.

Italy on Thursday again tightened COVID-19 restrictions, focusing on the unvaccinated and on New Years Eve celebrations as the new omicron variant pushed recorded infections to the country's highest one-day total ever.

Under the new rules, people who have not been vaccinated will be barred from entering museums, exhibitions, amusement parks, bingo parlors and betting halls  places that until now they could access with a negative test. Already forbidden seating in restaurants, their dining options have now been completely shut down as they can no longer be served standing at a bar.

China plunged a city of 13 million people into lockdown on Thursday to stamp out an increase in coronavirus infections, as the country doubles down on its zero tolerance policy just weeks before it is set to host the Winter Olympics.

The restrictions in the northeastern city of Xian took effect at midnight Wednesday, with no word on when they might be lifted. They are some of the harshest since China imposed a strict lockdown last year on more than 11 million people in and around the city of Wuhan, where the coronavirus was first detected in late 2019.

One person from each household will be allowed out every two days to buy household necessities, a government order said. Other family members were required to stay at home, although the rule was not being rigorously enforced, according to social media posts. People who happened to be staying in hotels became stuck.

China locks down 13 million after COVID-19 outbreak The Chinese city of Xi'an locks down 13 million after a COVID-19 outbreak.

But, there is some good news:

Many Americans now have two oral antiviral pills that can be taken at home to treat a fresh case of COVID-19. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration on Thursday approved the emergency use of the molnupiravir pill from Merck for the treatment of mild-to-moderate COVID-19 in people who have just tested positive.

The approval comes on the heels of Wednesday's approval of the Pfizer COVID-19 antiviral pill Paxlovid. Both pills are intended only for people who are at high risk for hospitalization and death from severe COVID-19, and they are available by prescription only.

But the two pills are not interchangeable: The Pfizer drug far outperformed the Merck drug in clinical trials. While molnupiravir cut the risk for hospitalization and death in high-risk patients by 30 percent, Paxlovid did so by nearly 90 percent. Molnupiravir works by introducing errors into the genetic code of the the coronavirus, which first hampers and then prevents the virus from replicating.

FDA Gives OK to Merck Antiviral At-Home COVID-19 Pill THURSDAY, Dec. 23, 2021 (HealthDay News) -- Many Americans now have two oral antiviral pills that can be taken at home to treat a fresh case of COVID-19. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration on Thursday approved the emergency use of the molnupiravir pill from Merck for the treatment of mild-to-moderate COVID-19 in people who have just tested positive.
MILAN (AP)  An archaeological dig in Sicily has uncovered traces of a lost World War II American heavy bomber shot down in 1943, and possible human remains that could lead to identification of five airmen whose bodies were never recovered.

The six-week dig that ended this week was carried out by a team from the Pentagons Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency, which locates and identifies missing U.S. military personnel around the world.

The site near Sciacca was identified in 2017 by investigators using historical records and metal detectors.

This year's dig uncovered wreckage consistent only to a B-25 aircraft, said archaeologist Clive Vella, the scientific director of the expedition, contributing to hopes that any confirmed remains would be linked to the missing crew.

We owe (their) families accurate answers, Vella told the Associated Press Thursday.

The North American B-25 Mitchell heavy bomber with a crew of six was one of 52 air losses with missing personnel in the area during WWII, mostly during 1943 as the Allies pushed into southeastern Sicily.

It was shot down as it targeted a camouflaged German airstrip amid olive groves and pastureland on July 10, 1943. A German military report documented the crash of a U.S. aircraft about two kilometers (just over a mile) from the Sciacca airport, Vella said.

One crew member was located immediately and buried in the towns cemetery. The body was claimed in 1944 by U.S. military officials, but the other five airmen remained missing.

In the intervening decades, the crash site like most others in the Mediterranean region, was scavenged for metal, the land restored to its original use, Vella said. The scars of a crash were mostly gone.

The evidence, which includes possible human bones as well as potential remnants of the aircraft, has been transported to a laboratory in the U.S. for examination.

Worldwide, there are more than 81,600 missing U.S. military personnel, including 72,350 from World War II, 7,550 from the Korean War and 1,584 from the Vietnam War. Over 41,000 of the total are presumed lost at sea.

Copyright 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.

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"All of the people involved with this lawsuit should regret being here," the judge wrote in his order. "To begin with, nearly every public official draws the attention of critics and cranks who have opinions they insist on sharing."
Each of the three South Omaha teens was at a tender age: 19, 17, 15.

Jose Antonio Ramos, 19, was dabbling on the edges of hard drugs and the Surenos gang. The 17-year-old, Marcos Garza-Calderon, was on probation for methamphetamine possession and was posting pictures of himself on Facebook wearing a Tupac shirt and flashing gang signs, the butt of a handgun near his pocket.

The 15-year-old, Manuel Gijon-Villa, was just finishing up his sophomore year at Bryan High School and hanging out with the two older teens.

They were friends. Close enough to be hanging out in the same car on Mothers Day 2020. Close enough to apparently have gotten high together. Close enough to be passing around a sawed-off shotgun. Close enough to be another example of the deadly consequences of, as one prosecutor put it, kids and a gun.

Few details have been reported on the May 2020 death of Manuel. The arrest warrant for the killing was never unsealed. The 15-year-olds death generated little more than a story online in Wyoming and later, once the teens hometown was discovered, a blurb in Omaha.

After Douglas County District Judge Michael Coffey sentenced Calderon earlier this month to the equivalent of 8 to 12 years in prison for the manslaughter of Manuel, a World-Herald examination of the case showed an all-too-common combination: a cocktail of drugs and teens and guns. Compounded by sheer panic when the teens, as if in a movie, fled across two states, their friend dying and then dead in the backseat.

All along the way, there are decisions being made with terrible results, said prosecutor Corey Rothrock, a deputy Douglas County attorney.

Start with that Sunday, May 10, 2020.

The second-youngest of four siblings  a boy surrounded by sisters  Manuel had left his house that morning. He wished his mom a happy Mothers Day, then took off, telling her he was going to get her flowers.

He met up with Marcos and Jose, inside a white Toyota Corolla.

They were alternately passing around the gun inside the car near 33rd and L streets and pointing it at each other. Ramos assured his friends it was empty. Then Calderon  he later would claim to police that he was so blitzed he didnt remember what happened  pulled the trigger. The blast hit Manuel in the chest.

Calderon put his hand on the wound, futilely trying to stanch the bleeding.

Then Calderon and Ramos drove as far and as fast as they could, with Manuel in the back. Nine hours later, they ran out of gas and drifted to the shoulder just off Interstate 80. They took off, leaving Manuels body behind and hitching rides to Salt Lake City.

When police finally caught up with them, they showed Calderon a picture of Manuel.

He was my homie, Calderon said.

Until he started hanging out with Calderon, Manuel had been more homebody than homie. Gathered outside court earlier this month, his family and friends wore T-shirts commemorating the 15-year-old, his pudgy cheeks framed by a cowboy hat. Surrounded by three sisters, Manuel was a spitting image of his grandpa.

At the time a sophomore at Bryan, he loved to work. Hed scale ladders and paint house peaks for his uncle, Jaime Villa. His passion was working on cars, and he aspired to be a mechanic, said his sister, Keren Gijon, and a cousin, Leslie Ceballos Villa.

The last time they hung out, Leslie, 15, said she and Manuel, who was a year older, and family had a movie night, making pizza with the idea they would have leftovers the next day. The adults got up the next morning to find we had eaten it all.

I really miss him, Leslie said. You would have loved him.

The Gijon family did. Keren Gijon said her grandfather, overcome with sadness, died not long after Manuel.

His sisters, parents and uncles are left with a void to fill. In a letter to the judge, Keren described her brother as hard-working, amusing and adventurous, someone you always wanted to be around. Outside court, Keren said she didnt become concerned about whom her little brother was hanging out with until a few weeks before his death.

That spring, she came home to find Calderon in her house, even though Manuel wasnt there. She told him he couldnt hang out there.

Calderons Facebook posts were full of posturing. At the time, he was on probation after he was caught at Bryan in November 2019 with a felony amount of meth. He was placed on probation with an ankle monitor, was transferred to Benson High School and was ordered to go through treatment. That was six months before Manuels death.

By the end of April 2020, Manuels Facebook posts went from the lightness of a child to darker subjects. He posted a viral photo of a guy pointing a semiautomatic rifle through a car windshield. He posted videos of other people drinking and a meme that featured drugs and the question What you do after you smoke this? The attached photo was of a roofer putting on shingles upside down.

The only accounts of what happened in the car are from Ramos and Calderon.

Calderons attorney, assistant Douglas County Public Defender Mary Donahue, said Ramos told detectives that the three used drugs: cocaine, meth and marijuana. She said the three passed around the shotgun, playfully pointing it at each other numerous times.

Calderon was the last to touch it, and to point it. At Manuel.

These three young men, they were playing around, Donahue said. (Calderon) thought the gun was unloaded. He was playfully pointing it at multiple people, including his girlfriend, that day. He was playfully pointing it at Manuel when the gun went off.

Donahue said Calderon was observed crying by multiple witnesses after the shooting.

For his part, Calderon read a letter he wrote to Manuels family.

I feel terrible and sorry, Calderon said slowly. Manuel was never supposed to die that day. We were young and without knowledge of how to use a firearm. I was playing with a gun that went off (by) accident. I got scared as I felt tears out of my eyes. I was trying to help but I didnt know what to do. I put pressure on his chest. I was trying to stop the bleeding. We started to drive, not knowing what was happening. We were going to take him to the hospital but we were scared so we drove, not knowing where we were going, until we ran out of gas.

I really didnt mean to hurt Manuel or his family. I will never be able to forget this. For as long as I live, I will never forget what I did to someone I love. It hurts because he was not just like a friend but he was like my brother.

Rothrock, the prosecutor, pointed out all the things that werent an accident. Passing around, and playing with, a gun. Pointing it at another person, first his girlfriend, then his friends. Driving away, with Manuel dying in the backseat. Not stopping at a hospital. In fact, driving west on Interstate 80 until they ran out of gas near Rawlins, Wyoming. Leaving Manuels face down in the backseat for a Wyoming state trooper to later discover.

We can call it an accident all we want, but its not, Rothrock said. It may have been a mistake to pull a trigger, but it wasnt an accident.

Manuels family has further questions. If he was shot in the chest, why did Manuel have a knot on his forehead  one that was still visible at his funeral? If it was an accident, why didnt the teens call 911 or rush him to the hospital? Why didnt Calderon come clean to detectives in Salt Lake City?

Why would you kill somebody, drive that far and then just leave him there? Jaime Villa said. If it was an accident, if he was his brother like he said he was, he could have just called 911 right there. But leaving him out in the middle of nowhere, thats not respecting no one like a brother.

After Calderon and Ramos were arrested in Salt Lake City, they told detectives they didnt know much about a homicide. Calderon acknowledged that Manuel was my homie but didnt explain why he was dead.

Ramos, who is awaiting sentencing as an accomplice, was a little more forthright.

It hurts a lot. I know what I did, Ramos told detectives. Something happened  somethings in the car that shouldnt be.

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During the same month a former Rocky Mount, Va., police officer at the Jan. 6 insurrection moved to get his charge dismissed, the Pentagon stopped short of barring service members from extremist groups.

And we wonder why democracy withers on the vine.

The former police sergeant in question, Thomas T.J. Robertson, is an Army veteran who embodies the problem that senior leaders in the military are in denial about: the presence of extremists in the ranks.

The attorney for Robertson filed a motion earlier this month to dismiss a felony charge against him related to the U.S. Capitol insurrection, according to The Roanoke Times.

Mr. Robertson, like many other defendants, had no direct bearing on what others in various parts of the crowd ... were doing, wrote defense attorney Mark Rollins.

What does have a bearing, prosecutors say, are online comments Robertson posted after Joe Biden defeated Donald Trump in the 2020 presidential election.

A legitimate republic stands on 4 boxes, he wrote Nov. 7, 2020, on Facebook, prosecutors say. The soapbox, the ballot box, the jury box and then the cartridge box.

We just moved to step 3. Step 4 will not be pretty. I cannot speak for others, but being disenfranchised by fraud is my hard line. Ive spent most of my adult life fighting a counter insurgency. Im about to become part of one, and a very effective one, the Times reports.

Robertson was allowed to remain free on a personal recognizance bond following his arrest in January, before being charged with violating the conditions of his bond following a search of his home, the Times reports. Prosecutors allege that an assault-style rifle, a cache of ammunition and a partially assembled pipe bomb were found.

A disproportionate number of those at the insurrection were veterans or active duty U.S. military members, including Air Force veteran Ashli Babbitt, who was shot and killed by a police officer while attempting to climb through a broken window of a barricaded door leading to the Speakers Lobby of the Capitol.

The hazards of extremism among active duty military and veterans are not theoretical; weve witnessed it in real time. There are no atheists in that foxhole, but we certainly cant rule out the presence of extremists.

Rather than prohibiting active duty military personnel from membership in extremist groups, the new rules are focused on regulating behavior such as social media posts.

It appears that you can wear the hood and the sheet as well as the uniform. Just dont like a Facebook post about the Klan.

Explain to me how this makes sense?

Rep. Anthony Brown, a Maryland Democrat and retired colonel in the Army Reserve, said in an interview with NPR that the new rules are a positive step but dont go far enough.

And the point that Ive been making to the secretary of defense, the deputy secretary, my colleagues in Congress is that Congress has to make a really firm, definitive statement that membership in an extremist organization ... whether its the KKK, whether its a gang organization or the Oath Keepers, is enough to disqualify you from participating in the military. And they didnt go that far.

He added that senior military leaders, contrary to available data from various sources, are in denial about extremists in the U.S. military ranks.

It doesnt characterize the men and women who serve, the vast majority of whom are loyal, patriotic Americans, but one extremist in the ranks is just one too many.

A membership in a hate group or an outfit that participates in an insurrection is not a political leaning; its an affiliation that should be antithetical to any organization based on order, honor or inclusion.

In military outfits where the chain of command and esprit de corps are everything, can active duty members of color follow the command of  or entrust their lives with  members of hate groups?

Instead of soft-pedaling this issue, the Pentagon needs to examine in earnest why so many extremists are attracted to the military, why they arent being weeded out, and why so many veterans segue seamlessly toward hate groups after their service is done.

In a nation so rife with toxic partisanship that its cracking the foundation of democracy, the military cannot be allowed to continue to function as a training ground for people who will use their government-issue skills to assault the Constitution, or attack fellow citizens of a different race, nationality or creed.

If extremism is allowed to become the norm, the new normal will be anything but.

Williams: Locally, nationally and globally, inequity imperils us all Michael Paul Williams  a columnist with the Richmond Times-Dispatch  won the 2021 Pulitzer Prize in Commentary "for penetrating and historically insightful columns that guided Richmond, a former capital of the Confederacy, through the painful and complicated process of dismantling the city's monuments to white supremacy."

Williams: Censorship is being weaponized as a tool of exclusion. School districts need to stop the book banning. Michael Paul Williams  a columnist with the Richmond Times-Dispatch  won the 2021 Pulitzer Prize in Commentary "for penetrating and historically insightful columns that guided Richmond, a former capital of the Confederacy, through the painful and complicated process of dismantling the city's monuments to white supremacy."

Williams: In Virginia, white grievance was the winning ticket. That's what we learned on Election Day Michael Paul Williams  a columnist with the Richmond Times-Dispatch  won the 2021 Pulitzer Prize in Commentary "for penetrating and historically insightful columns that guided Richmond, a former capital of the Confederacy, through the painful and complicated process of dismantling the city's monuments to white supremacy."

Michael Paul Williams is a Pulitzer Prize winning columnist with the Richmond Times-Dispatch in Richmond, Va.; read more of his columns on Richmond.com.

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Gov. Kristi Noem is laying out a decidedly right-wing agenda ahead of South Dakotas 2022 legislative session, which also kicks off an election year in this state. Last week, she unveiled legislation addressing school prayer (sort of) and transgender athletes, and on Monday, she took aim at Critical Race Theory (CRT).

But, like her prayer legislation  which really doesnt do much to specifically address prayer at all  her CRT proposal is a vague measure designed more to hit some hot-button culture war topics than to deal with relevant issues.

First, this is a reminder of how CRT is defined, according to EdWeek.org: The core idea is that race is a social construct, and that racism is not merely the product of individual bias or prejudice, but also something embedded in legal systems and policies.

Meanwhile, it has been reported that Critical Race Theory is not currently taught anywhere in the state, either in public school or at the college level. One South Dakota university official told the Sioux Falls Argus-Leader last summer that he had to turn to the Internet to find out what Critical Race Theory even was when it became a conservative battle cry.

Thus, this is much more about political calculus than about classroom education.

In a press release announcing the anti-CRT legislation, the governor stated, Americans believe all men are created equal, and we also believe the American dream is available to all regardless of race, color or national origin. Our schools should teach our children our nations true and honest history. They should teach about our successes in establishing a country that is a beacon of freedom to the world and our mistakes along the way.

That seems sensible, at least on the surface.

But once again, like the prayer measure, it wades into nebulous territory, being purposely vague so that its intent may dwell in the eye of the beholder.

The proposal is more interesting to consider in the light of last years effort to redefine social studies standards in the state. After a task force submitted a proposal and mission statement that included a strong Native American component, the final document was altered, removing many of the references to Native American culture. Amid an uproar, Noem eventually put the process on hold, then decided to start over.

That might cast a little more insight into the intent of the proposed CRT legislation.

Also, we must reiterate the very real concern that banning CRT will become a rallying cry (or an excuse) to purge some racial issues out of American history altogether.

In Tennessee earlier this fall, a group called Moms for Liberty filed a complaint with that states Department of Education (DOE) that a textbook that focuses on civil rights leaders like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. violates that states CRT ban, Newsweek reported. The group claimed that the book violated the laws mandate that individuals should not feel discomfort, guilt, anguish or another form of psychological distress solely because of the individuals race or sex. (Noems proposal just happens to feature very similar language.) Tennessees DOE rejected the claim.

Nevertheless, the danger remains that some might use an anti-CRT law to delete such elements from a school curriculum, or that a school district might shy away from any material that could be construed in a CRT context. The proposal also works with a lot of subjectivity: For instance, how does a law define discomfort or distress in this context?

So, the proposal addresses a problem that technically does not exist in this state, but it could be used to impact the teaching of other matters, such as slavery or Native American land and cultural issues.

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(CNN)  The climate crisis took a catastrophic toll across the globe in 2021. From the Arctic to Louisiana to China's Henan province, signs that climate change is already altering our weather were everywhere.

In the United States, historic flooding trapped and killed residents in submerged basements. In Canada, an entire town was erased by a wildfire fueled by extreme heat. Rain fell at the summit of Greenland for the first time.

As climate disasters mounted, the world aligned around combating the crisis: Scientists published a landmark report that concluded humans are unequivocally to blame. U.S. President Joe Biden reentered the Paris climate agreement in the early days of his administration. World leaders met at the U.N. climate summit in Glasgow, Scotland, to negotiate solutions.

But promises were not met with action in 2021, and humans are pumping more planet-warming emissions into the atmosphere than ever. Experts now warn that the Earth is currently on track for 2.4 degrees Celsius of warming above pre-industrial levels, far beyond the critical 1.5-degree threshold that scientists say we should stay under.

This year's disasters are proof that the climate crisis is intensifying and that the window is rapidly closing to slash our reliance on fossil fuels and to prevent changes that would transform life as we know it.

"What we think of as climate change is now becoming very personal," Jennifer Marlon, a climate scientist at the Yale School of the Environment, previously told CNN. "It's not far away anymore. It's now in our front yard, it's in our backyards, it's in our basements, it's even in our lungs as (we are) breathing smoke from these wildfires."

These are the top 10 climate stories of 2021.

10. Historic rain at Greenland's summit

In August, precipitation at the typically snowy summit of Greenland fell as rain for the first time.

Temperatures at the Greenland summit, roughly two miles above sea level, rose above freezing for the third time in less than a decade around Aug. 15. Precipitation fell as rain and dumped 7 billion tons of water on the ice sheet, enough to fill the Reflecting Pool at the National Mall in Washington, D.C., nearly 250,000 times.

It was the heaviest rainfall on the ice sheet since record keeping began in 1950, according to the National Snow and Ice Data Center. And scientists say it will occur more often: A recent study found the Arctic region is expected to experience more rain than snow sometime between 2060 and 2070, marking a major transition in its precipitation patterns as the planet warms.

9. Texas deep freeze

February brought a historic deep freeze to Texas, which was also felt across much of the Central Plains and into the Southeast, and showed how the climate crisis can produce both hot and cold extremes.

A crippling winter storm swept across the Central United States the week of Feb. 15 and plunged deep into Texas, a state ill equipped to handle a multi-day freeze. Electricity generation ground to a halt, and around 4 million people lost power.

At the time, Gov. Greg Abbott blamed the power outages on frozen wind turbines and solar panels, though the state's fossil fuel energy sector was ultimately to blame for the energy crisis.

The Texas Department of State Health Services reported the extreme winter weather killed more than 200 people. However, an independent analysis by Buzzfeed put the number of deaths between 500 and 1,000.

The economic toll also proved catastrophic. The Texas comptroller's office reported the storm may have cost the state as much as $130 billion and urged the weatherization of its power infrastructure.

8. Fatal floods across three continents

In the span of a few weeks, destructive and fatal flash flooding ravaged parts of Western Europe, China's Henan province and the state of Tennessee.

In mid-July, severe flooding killed more than 200 people in Germany and Belgium. Vast swaths of the region saw 24-hour rainfall totals of roughly between 4 to 6 inches, which is more than an average month's worth of rainfall in the area.

World Weather Attribution, a group of scientists that establishes the link between climate change and weather, found the record rainfall was up to nine times more likely due to human-caused climate change.

In China, the floods that struck Henan province killed more than 300 people. Zhengzhou, the provincial capital of 12 million people, was one of the hardest-hit areas. Entire neighborhoods were submerged, while passengers were trapped in inundated subway cars, clinging to ceiling handles to stay above water.

Back in the United States, a staggering amount of rain led to flash flooding in Tennessee that destroyed more than 270 homes and killed more than two dozen people, including 7-month-old twins. State emergency management officials were not prepared for the magnitude of the event. The fallen phone lines, coupled with washed out roads, made it harder for them to get into the flood zone.

7. US rejoins the Paris Agreement

Within hours of being sworn in, Biden signed an executive order in January to rejoin the global climate pact known as the Paris Agreement, which former President Donald Trump pulled the United States out of while in office.

In April, Biden pledged to cut U.S. greenhouse gas emissions in half by 2030, in part to make good on the country's renewed membership in the agreement.

Under the Paris Agreement, countries are expected to track and enhance their commitments to drastically cut greenhouse gas emissions every five years. The primary goal of the climate accords is to put a lid on global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, with a preferred 1.5-degree limit.

However, the United Nations says there is still a huge gap between what's been promised and what scientists say is needed to curb emissions.

6. U.N. report: A 'code red'

Every six to seven years, the United Nations' Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change publishes a report that summarizes the state of climate research. The panel's latest report came in August, and its authors concluded it is "unequivocal" that humans have caused the climate crisis and that "widespread and rapid changes" have already occurred, some of them irreversibly.

U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called the report "a code red for humanity."

Scientists said the planet has rapidly warmed by more than 1 degree Celsius higher than pre-industrial levels and is now barrelling toward 1.5 degrees, a critical threshold that world leaders agreed warming should remain below to avoid worsening impacts.

To halt the precipitous trend, scientists say countries must make deep cuts to greenhouse gas emissions while simultaneously removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.

5. A critical summit in Glasgow

World leaders gathered in Glasgow in November for the U.N.-brokered climate change summit known as COP26.

And after nearly two weeks of negotiations on how to limit global warming, nearly 200 countries signed the Glasgow Climate Pact, which included the first-ever acknowledgment of the role burning fossil fuels have played in perpetuating the climate crisis.

While the final pact showed some progress, the text didn't reflect the urgency scientists have implored. Countries agreed to "phase down" the use of unabated coal for power generation, instead of completely phasing it out. Developing nations also left disappointed after negotiations around climate financing  funding from wealthy nations to help low-income countries deal with the crisis  broke down.

4. Hurricane Ida

In late August, Category 4 Hurricane Ida destroyed homes, uprooted trees and cut off power to more than 1 million customers in Mississippi and the already storm-ravaged state of Louisiana.

Ida checked all the boxes of how climate change is making hurricanes more dangerous, according to scientists: They are producing more rainfall, moving more slowly once they make landfall and generating larger storm surges.

But the impact didn't end on the Gulf Coast. As the storm made its way inland, Ida's remnants triggered flash flood emergencies in the Northeast. The storm broke the single-hour rainfall record in Central Park and gave Newark, New Jersey, its wettest day ever.

The flooding killed dozens of people in the Northeast, and many of them drowned in basement apartments in New York City. Some Ida survivors in the city are still displaced, and the storm exposed the dire need to strengthen the city's infrastructure against the worsening climate crisis.

Hurricane Ida's damage cost at least $60 billion, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration estimated, and exceeded the combined cost of the seven most damaging tropical cyclones of 2020.

3. December tornado outbreak

At the tail end of a year already packed with extreme weather, a series of tornadoes tore through the Midwestern and Southeastern United States on Dec. 12-13. The last month of the year is typically the quietest for tornadoes, but warm temperatures brought a historic twist.

In Kentucky, tornadoes uprooted trees, leveled homes and killed dozens of people. Gov. Andy Beshear said at a news conference that the tornado event reached a "level of devastation unlike anything I have ever seen."

Though it's not completely clear what role climate change played in December's outbreak, scientists say the fingerprints of global warming can be found on every extreme weather event.

2. Pacific Northwest heat wave

An unprecedented heat wave in late June killed hundreds of people in the Pacific Northwest and British Columbia. All-time record temperatures were set across the region, and scientists say the heat wave would have been "virtually impossible" without human-caused climate change.

Experts told CNN the normally temperate region is unprepared for extreme heat events, with many residents not owning air conditioning units. As a result, hundreds of people died from heat-related illness. Officials later called the heat wave a mass casualty event.

In British Columbia, the same heat wave fueled a fast-moving wildfire that obliterated the town of Lytton just one day after the temperature soared to 121 degrees and broke Canada's all-time temperature record.

1. Drought, wildfires and water shortages

Amid the acute disasters, the Western United States has been in the grips of a historic, multi-year drought, which scientists say is a clear sign of how the climate crisis is affecting not only the weather but water supply, food production and electricity generation.

In California, this summer's drought was the most extreme in the state's 126-year record, with July 2021 as the driest month since data gathering began in 1895. By August, more than 95% of the West was in drought conditions.

Lake Mead and Lake Powell, two of the country's largest reservoirs, drained at alarming rates after a dry winter and extreme drought this summer. The federal government in August declared a water shortage on the Colorado River for the first time, triggering mandatory water consumption cuts for states in the Southwest beginning in 2022.

The megadrought also primed the landscape for perilous wildfires. The three largest fires of 2021  the Bootleg, Dixie and Caldor Fires  burned roughly 1.6 million acres, an area half the size of Connecticut. High-level winds wafted smoke from some of these fires across the country, stretching from the West Coast to New York City.

Scientists say the summer was only a preview of what's to come: The United Nations' August report concluded droughts that may have occurred only once every decade or so now happen 70% more frequently.

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Dear Prudence is Slates advice column. Submit questions here.

Dear Prudence,

Im having an issue with my father I cant figure out what to do with. About 10 years ago, he kicked my mom out of the house and moved in with a woman that he met at a strip club (Brenda) who he then fell head over heels for. She was a nice woman but she didnt love him (she said so). Then she died and it ripped him apart. Hes now living in a different state, and when I went to visit him he told me that nobody down there knows about my mother who died last year and that Brenda was his only wife and I presume also my mother. He didnt acknowledge my mothers birthday to me, but every year gets a hold of me on the anniversary of Brendas death to remember her. It really hurts, and I love my father, but Im not sure I can keep up communication with him. Im just so angry. What should I do about that?

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Over All of It

Dear Over All of It,

Step 1: Tell him youre hurt and angry, if you havent already. Let him know how his decision to leave your mom for Brenda and kick her out of the house affected you. Tell him how you feel when he doesnt acknowledge your mom. You deserve to get this off your chest. It might even be a good idea to put it in writing, so you can make sure you dont leave anything unsaid and arent cut off or interrupted.

Step 2: Decide whether theres any version of a relationship with him that would work for you. If there is, its worth suggesting. Would you be OK with communicating with him if he didnt mention Brenda? If he acknowledged the pain of losing your mom? Are there things you would enjoy discussing with him or activities you wouldnt mind doing with him a couple of times a year? Really think about what would feel good to you. And then propose it. If he agrees, thats your new relationship. If he doesnt, you have every right to decide to limit or end your communication with him.

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Get Dear Prudence in Your Inbox We encountered an issue signing you up. Please try again. Please enable javascript to use form. Email address: Send me updates about Slate special offers. By signing up, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms Sign Up Thanks for signing up! You can manage your newsletter subscriptions at any time.

Dear Prudence,

I recently visited a friend, Aaron, whose house I hadnt seen since before the pandemic. He also is the boyfriend of my best friend, and they moved in together a couple weeks ago. Over the past couple months, I heard rumors of the state of Aarons house from mutual friends. But this was the first time seeing it for myself. There were boxes stacked taller than I am everywhere, with a rickety path carved through to the kitchen. Ankle-deep piles of random items strewed across the room, ranging from books to camping supplies to unopened Macys bags. Aaron mentioned without prompting that he had cleaned before I came.

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Aaron and my best friend are kind people who helped me at points in my life when I really needed it. Is there any way I can return the favor? I really dont know if I should say anything or if theres any way to help with hoarding. They are both lovely people who I hate to see living like that.

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Horrified at the Hoard

Dear Horrified,

Ill confess that all of my expertise here comes from watching Hoarders on A&E. But I feel certain that addressing this kind of behavior is above your pay grade. If an offer to help clean up or purge worked, people wouldnt have to turn to mental health professionals and heavy-duty cleanup crews to make their loved ones homes livable. I think the best you can do is be a good friend to this couple, which can include keeping in regular contact to help with any isolation they may be experiencing, and being a voice in favor of whatever kind of therapy or counseling they can afford, if the topic comes up.

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How to Get Advice From Prudie

Submit your questions anonymously here. (Questions may be edited for publication.) Join the live chat every Monday at noon (and submit your comments) here.

Dear Prudence,

I maintain a distant but polite relationship with my mother, Amy, despite living in the same city. When I was a kid, she not only failed to protect me from my abusive father, but sometimes threw me under the bus to protect herself and my younger brothers from him. His alcoholism killed him when I was 14, but the damage had been done at that point. She never apologizes or acknowledges any of this, and through years of therapy the best Ive managed is a distant coexistence.

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Although Amy is still mentally competent, her physical health has been declining steeply, and shes no longer doing well independently. Amy, my brother, and a social worker all called me after a recent fall landed her in the hospital, looking for me to organize and pay for care. Frankly, although I could afford to help, I have no desire to do it. Ideally, I would make one or two polite holiday visits a year out of a sense of obligation the way I do now, and even that is a big ask.

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How do I politely but firmly refuse to be involved in her care? As my mother and brother brought up, I was heavily involved in my mother-in-laws end-of-life care (although I doubt they know my partner and I also paid for all of it) but that was different: We loved her in a deep and uncomplicated way and still miss her dearly, and even then it was a difficult time. I dont want Amy to suffer, but I absolutely do not want to be involved in the life of someone who hurt me so much. My brothers were coddled and neither tends to take on womens work, so I doubt they will step in. I need a script that doesnt reopen old wounds or get into justification.

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(Trying to Stay) Distant in Ohio

Dear Trying to Stay Distant,

I want you to know that Im not going to be involved in Moms care. Thats it, thats the script! But your actions will be even more important. Your brothers will eventually step up and do this womens work, but only if you dont do it, or monitor it, or manage it, or even ask about it. Its great that they already have the support of a social worker. When they realize youre serious, theyll figure this out.

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Dear Prudence,

I need your advice please. I have a guy Ive been committed to for eight months now. Weve both been smitten with each other, but recently someone he used to talk to came around wanting attention. He, as far as I know, hasnt been talking to her. Very, very late at night recently she contacted him saying she needed him, but just before that she sent an email saying Im deleting you cause you dont talk to me. It turns out her son has cancer. This is sad, but why does she need to contact him of all people (not her husband, or girlfriend)? Im not possessive or jealous, but I feel that this is not an OK thing to do. So my question is, am I crazy to think this is overstepping a boundary for me? Thank you so much for your perspective.

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Feeling Shocked

Dear Feeling Shocked,

This stranger doesnt owe you anything, and she is allowed to reach out to an ex (whether or not hes single) if she wants to, whether or not her child has cancer. But the great news is, her actions and lack of respect for your boundaries dont matter as long as you can trust your boyfriend. And it sounds like you can. He told you when she reached out, and he hasnt been communicating with her. All is well.

Dear Prudence Uncensored

People really want to believe like, no expense too big for MY WEDDING! Bride brain.  Sometimes the grooms get bride brain too.

Jenee Desmond-Harris and friends discuss a letter in this weeks Dear Prudence Uncensoredonly for Slate Plus members.

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Dear Prudence,

My partner was recently asked to be best man at his brothers wedding. He said yes, no questions asked. All we were told was that it was a destination wedding. His brother informed him that he was responsible for planning the destination bachelor party. After receiving the invitation and reviewing the itinerary, I am shocked. The venue is a five-star, all-inclusive resort. The room is almost $2,000 for three nights. Its kid-friendly (we have three kids), but we would not have access to the majority of the resort because its separated by family-friendly and adult-only. This limits restaurants and bars we can utilize even if we leave the kids with another family member for a few hours one afternoon. The expenses for a family of five are adding up quickly, and we are estimating well spend between $6,000 and 8,000 total on this four-day, three-night wedding weekend.

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On top of this, the mother of the bride is the designated travel agent, and it feels like theyre trying to make a profit off the guests (the cost to book through the resort is actually cheaper than the travel agent). Add in the expenses of the destination bachelor party and time off from work, all while we are planning our own wedding later that same year with its own set of expenses and needing time off work.

I respect my fiances desire to be the best man, but Ive suggested that me and the kids stay home, and he was offended. I dont want to plan to leave the kids at home because I dont know what the state of the pandemic will be at the time. I tread delicately because I dont want to feel like Im controlling, but is it reasonable to ask my fiance to skip the bachelor party and find other ways to reduce the cost? Is this expecting too much of the wedding party, or am I being selfish? I fully support them having the wedding of their dreams, but I feel like this shouldve come with a list of requirements and expectations before he committed to the role.

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Going Broke

Dear Going Broke,

I cant believe we, as a culture, ask people to agree to be in wedding parties without outlining what the cost will be. Its unreasonable and unnecessarily confusing, and it always leads to situations like this and lots of resentment. But here you are. Your fiance is committed to the event and that commitment comes with an expectation that hell be the organizer of the bachelor party, so I dont think he can reasonably get out of that part. And, honestly, I dont really think you should ask him to. This is his brother, and his presence or absence will be remembered forever.

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My advice depends on whether you actually cant afford for the whole family to go to the wedding, or if you simply think the cost is excessive. Only you and your fiance know how your finances look (I assume theyre combined because you have kids) and whether this event would put you in a difficult spot or mean that you have to give up something else.

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If you truly cant afford it, make your case to your fiance that he should go and that you and the kids will stay home. You can always use the pandemic as an excuse here. Who knows when your children will have an exposure at school and need to quarantine? Plus, the resort isnt family-friendly. Put your foot down.

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If its just that you dont want to spend the money, suck it up this time, enjoy it as much as you possibly can, and vow that neither of you will ever again commit to bridal party duty without a full understanding of the costs involved. And keep this experience in mind when youre asking people to be in your wedding!

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Give Prudie a Hand in Were Prudence

Sometimes even Prudence needs a little help. Every Thursday in this column, well post a question that has her stumped. This weeks tricky situation is below. Join the conversation about it on Twitter with Jenee @jdesmondharris on Thursday, and then look back for the final answer here on Friday.

Dear Prudence, I (a woman) am in a relationship with a guy, both in our 40s. We dont yet live together, but things have been going great despite the pandemic. A couple of weeks ago, he told me that he felt awful with a migraine and it was the worst he had ever had. He was taking as many meds as he was permitted and still the next morning felt terrible. He was scheduled to go on a 90-minute drive for a nonessential errand (a delivery of a washer-dryer arriving at his buddys house that he said he would assist with). I said, for the love of God, dont go. Ask your friend if the delivery can be postponed, or maybe a neighbor would help him instead? He said no, took more meds up to the limit, and drove, still with his migraine pounding. His vision had been compromised the day before, but he said that element had improved. Two weeks later, and Im still enraged that he would risk himself and others, that he wouldnt accept that driving under the influence of prescribed medication is probably illegal, and all for a nonessential trip. This wont leave my mind, and I am now thinking its a deal-breaker, which I would be very sad about. He doesnt see the problem and says I am overreacting. Am I? If not, what should I do? Nervous Nancy

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Dear Prudence,

I am in love with and in a relationship with my best friend. Shes married with children and so am I, but we are both miserable in those marriages. She is truly my equal; she makes me laugh in a way that I have never laughed. She challenges me in a way no one does. Quite simply, she makes me happy in a way I have not been in a very long time. Not to mention we have the best sex of our lives. To make things more complicated, we are in a long-distance relationship, so the time we do share in person is special to us both. Time spent apart is difficult. I cannot bring myself to leave my wife and children, nor to ask her to leave her husband and children. Is what we are currently doing sustainable?

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Cant Take the Next Step

Dear Next Step,

No, it is not.

Classic Prudie

My sister is going to be visiting me and my family for the holidays, which is great. However, she recently reminded me that Id have to ship all of her gifts to her home because she doesnt check luggage. I was really looking forward to her arrival, but this seemingly small issue has me simmering with resentment. Sure, shes my little sister, but she is now in her 30s! My husband and I are both professionals with demanding jobs and little free time. Her refusal to check baggage because she doesnt want to be inconvenienced at the airport has me steaming. She says that it shouldnt make any difference that she doesnt want to take her gifts on the plane because if she werent coming, I would have to ship them anyway. Her sense of entitlement is making me feel bah humbug! Am I wrong?
This story was originally published by the Guardian and has been republished here as part of the Climate Desk collaboration.

The Biden administration admitted that a court decision did not compel it to lease vast tracts of the Gulf of Mexico for oil and gas drilling, shortly before claiming it was legally obliged to do so when announcing the sell-off, the Guardian can reveal.

Last month, the U.S. government held the largest-ever auction of oil and gas drilling leases in the Gulf of Mexicos history, offering up more than 80 million acres of the gulfs seabed for fossil fuel extraction. The enormous sale, which took place just days after crucial U.N. climate talks in Scotland, represented a spectacular about-face from President Joe Bidens previous promise to halt offshore drilling and was denounced by outraged environmental groups as a huge carbon bomb.

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The presidents administration insisted it was obliged to hold the lease sale due to a court ruling in favor of a dozen states that sued to lift a blanket pause placed on new drilling permits by Biden. But a memo filed by the U.S. Department of Justice before the lease sale acknowledges that this judgment does not force the government to auction off drilling rights to the gulf.

While the Order enjoins and restrains [the Department of the] Interior from implementing the Pause, it does not compel interior to take the actions specified by Plaintiffs, let alone on the urgent timeline specified in Plaintiffs contempt motion, wrote government lawyers to the federal court in Louisiana in August. The issuance of new drilling permits would require further steps under federal laws, the memo states, adding that the Courts order does not compel the agency to act in contravention of these other authorities. The memos language was first referenced by the Daily Poster.

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Just a month after arguing that it was not required to hold the sale, however, the Interior Departments Bureau of Ocean Energy Management announced it would auction off an area of the gulf that is two times the size of Florida to oil and gas companies.

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The expanse of the gulf put up for auction contains about 1.12 billion barrels of oil and 4.2 trillion cubic feet of gas, with the leases locking in yearsand potentially decadesof planet-heating emissions. It comes at a time when the International Energy Agency has said no new fossil fuel projects can be established after this year if the world is to avoid catastrophic heatwaves, flooding, and other disastrous impacts from runaway climate change.

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The administration has been misleading on this, to put it mildly. Its very disappointing, said Thomas Meyer, national organizing manager of Food and Water Watch. They didnt have to hold this sale and they didnt have to hold it on this timeline.  We know this will exacerbate the climate crisis, it undermines U.S. credibility abroad, and it contradicts a campaign promise by Biden. If the administration was taking the climate crisis seriously they would be fighting tooth and nail to keep every molecule of fossil fuel in the ground. They are nowhere near to doing that.

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The auction, held on Nov. 17, ended up netting the government $191.6 million from companies such as Exxon, Chevron and BP, the company responsible for the Deepwater Horizon disaster in 2010. A total of 308 tracts of the gulfs seabed were sold off, covering 1.7 million acres, an area larger than the state of Delaware.

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The rapid staging of the lease sale was not required by the courts and could have instead been delayed by a proper federal review of climate and other environmental impacts, according to Earthjustice, an environmental group suing to halt the leases before they come into effect in February.

Interior had a lot of discretion over whether to hold this lease sale, and they chose to do it anyway, said Brettny Hardy, a senior attorney at Earthjustice. The Biden administration is talking about a climate crisis and getting to net-zero emissions, and then it makes decisions like this that lock us into impacts for decades to come. These leases could potentially be producing oil 50 years from now. We have no good answer as to why they are doing this. Its problematic and disappointing.

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A spokesperson for the Interior Department said that it was complying with a U.S. district courts decision in going ahead with the leases. He did not answer questions over why the government said in August that this court decision does not compel the auction.

The decision to go ahead with the sale has damaged Bidens climate credentials after the COP26 talks in Glasgow, where he said the U.S. would lead by example in slashing greenhouse gas emissions. The president, who has called the climate crisis an existential threat to the U.S., said in a Democratic primary debate last year that under his administration there would be no more drilling, including offshore. No ability for the oil industry to continue to drill, period, ends, number one.

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This jarring contradiction has alarmed even some of Bidens closest allies, with three Democratic members of Congress filing a brief earlier this month with the federal court calling for a halt to the gulf lease sales. The three admitted that they are deeply concerned and shocked that the government is pushing ahead with the drilling despite its own findings that the largest lease sale in history has not had an adequate environmental review.

Biden has set a target for the U.S. to reach net-zero emissions by 2050, and the use of the huge amount of land and ocean overseen by the federal government is seen as critical to this goal. The production and consumption of fossil fuels on federal land causes about a quarter of all American greenhouse gas emissions, and a president has broad unilateral powers to limit or expand oil, gas, and coal development. The Biden administrations apparent reluctance to aggressively wield this authority may cost it politicallyand worsen the climate crisisahead of midterm elections next year.

This is not going to help with Democratic turnout next year, said Meyer. There is a core constituency of young people and people who care about climate change who are upset and feeling betrayed by the Biden administration.

Some commentators have pointed to Bidens need to appease Sen. Joe Manchin, a fossil fuelfriendly centrist Democrat, as a reason for the drilling. If it is political, that is unfortunate because the climate doesnt really care about politics, said Hardy. Climate change will continue to cause problems for the whole nation if we dont address it.
For some, the knowledge was passed down by a germophobic parent. For others, it was a glossy teen magazine, or a sign in a math classroom. One person told me she might be making up the memory of learning it at all, though she somehow follows protocol religiously. The secret? That the first bathroom stall is the least popularand thus the cleanest.

I suppose this is where I should admit I had not heard this precept before I was assigned this article. Each time I set foot in a public restroom, I perform the inane calculus all over again, wasting brain space on The Great Stall Choice. Maybe the first stall seems too obvious, Ill think, so better go for another one. Sometimes, on a whim, Ill head to the far end. Ive noticed recently that I gravitate toward the middle stall (more on that dreaded choice shortly).

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More than a few, however, are unburdened by this daily decision-making process. These first-stall devotees are part of what is effectively a private clubthough a less exclusive one than its members would hope. As it turns out, first-stall hearsay has been making the rounds over the past few decades.

Leigh, a consultant in San Francisco, told me, I really thought it was this life hack that only I had. Shes been a first-stall user since high school. Every time that Im in the first stall and that its clean, I feel a little tiny celebration, she said. I just feel so happy that I cracked this code and had this lesson on early on in my life. (And it was indeed a lessonthe information was on a poster in or the chalkboard of a high-school math teacher.) Leighs sentiment was shared by a number of Slates editorial team, who, like her, were recently unsettled to discover their secret lies somewhere between actual secret and, as Leigh put it, universal truth.

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First-stall users range from dogmatic to casual. Leigh, for instance, always chooses the first stall unless it turns out to be unclean. Slate writer Christina Cauterucci also strictly follows first-stall advice, which she learned from her mother a decade or two ago, with three notable exceptions: When its visibly gross, its a handicap-accessible stall, or theres someone in the stall next to it, in which case Ill pick a stall with at least a one-stall buffer between me and that person if possible, she said. The buffer is an important exceptionone that others, such as Slate writer Molly Olmstead, adhere to, even when it means walking farther. As Molly said, My sweet spot is the intersection of laziness and personal space.

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Former Slate writer Ruth Graham heard the advice as a preteen. (Ruth is now at the New York Times; here I will confess that I first reported this article back in late February 2020. It was delayed for obvious reasons.) Shes less regimented and said she probably chooses the first stall more than half the time. June Thomas, a Slate Podcasts producer, is similarly uncommitted. (Shes a first-stall user, but of the rare variety that hadnt heard the claim.) I like to think I let my intuition guide me, June said, but chances are it always leads me to the first stall.

Its unclear whether the claim holds up, though researchers do estimate that the middle and farthest stalls get the most traffic. Its not uncommon to see warnings to avoid the middle stall at all costs. This line of reasoning is based on what psychologists call centrality preference, which posits that people prefer the middle option when presented with similar options. A 1995 study, which analyzed toilet paper usage over a 10-week period in a public restroom in California, supports this argument: Sixty percent of the finished rolls were from the four-stall bathrooms two middle stalls, while 40 percent came from the end stalls. However, other research shows that women in particular gravitate toward stalls farther from the door. This could be because theyve assumed, like Isabella, a curator in Sao Paulo who has used the farthest stall since she was 14, that fewer people would make the effort to go the distance. But it more likely has do with privacy and the fact that U.S. bathroom stall doors often have gaps at the sides.

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Indeed, the vague suspicion of a privacy factor is perhaps the most important piece of evidence supporting claims about first-stall cleanliness. Philip Tierno, a professor in the department of pathology at New York University, told the Healthy in 2019, Its true that if you take a survey  people tend to (subconsciously or not) go to the stalls that are in the more sequestered section of the bathroom, and avoid those up front. Privacy is also something Pennsylvania Senate candidate Dr. Oz has used to explain avoidance of the first stall (though its worth keeping in mind that hes a known pseudoscience promoter).

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When I mentioned the privacy factor to the women I spoke with, their responses were mixed. Some noted that middle stalls feel even less private than the first. Others realized they subconsciously choose stalls farther back in, for instance, an office restroomthat intermediary space between private and public that June described as a topless beach in the sense that we all act like those monkeys that cant see/hear/whatever the other ones do. (Though June did say that she doesnt see much difference in terms of privacy.

The door to the first stall is as comically inadequate as all the rest.)

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Ruths stall choices have little to do with privacy, either. I dont have a lot of bathroom hang-ups, she said. Even using the first stall is not something I do because Im particularly worried about germs; its just satisfying to use what feels like a secret trick.

Whats missing from this analysis, as youve probably noticed, is men. Its perhaps too gender-normative to conclude that men simply care less and leave it at that. So I talked with a few of my male friends, all of whom were too embarrassed to attach their names to this highly scientific endeavor. None cared about germs or stalls with the most foot traffic. For the most part, they were surprised to hear that people even think about this, though one did mention that he never chooses a stall adjacent to another person and prefers stalls near a wall (again: privacy). Another admitted he has a slight bias for the first stall due to convenience; he also brought up urinal etiquettechoose the far end, space yourself out with gaps in betweenbut said that it doesnt extend to stall use: Stalls are stalls! They have the highest level of privacy afforded already!

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The verdict? The first stall is probably still your safest bet if the least germy toilet is important to you and youre in a womens bathroom. That is, until people see this article.

The truth at the heart of all this was clearly expressed when Christina told me, The more people who know about this, the germier the first stall will get! To those concerned about this, including Christina, who object[s] to this article on those grounds: Id like to apologize in advance for spreading the word.

But the first-stall club doesnt just point to a shared commitment to cleanliness. Its also about secrecy for secrecys sake. Its fitting that every member Ive talked to first heard about it in adolescencethat time of secret handshakes, passwords, treehouse clubs. Few have discussed it with others, even those theyre closest to. For some, like Ruth, thats because [i]ts one of those pieces of brain flotsam that disappears as soon as [she] leave[s] the scene. But for others, that reticence stems from a certain caginessand excitement. If you can somehow figure out another person is a first-stall user, said Leigh, then youre like, Oh youre in the club. We can discuss this together. 

Future Tense is a partnership of Slate, New America, and Arizona State University that examines emerging technologies, public policy, and society.
The aim is to minimise Covid deaths during the expected abrupt increase of hospitalisations caused by Omicron.

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The third wave of the pandemic has overloaded the capacity of the Slovak health system and left only minimum reserves, both in hospitals and the physical and mental capacities of Slovak healthcare workers.

The ministry said that taking into consideration the character of the spread of the Omicron variant in the world, there is a serious threat to the Slovak healthcare system which will not be able to absorb the increase in the hospitalisation of Omicron infections in time since hospitals are still at the edge of their capacities with the receding Delta wave.

Seven cases of the Omicron variant have been confirmed in Slovakia as of December 23. Observers agree that by the new year, the number of infected patients will start to increase again.

Emergency health facilities

The Health Ministry, therefore, proposed preparing emergency health facilities that sort patients and the basic therapy provided. The proposal was approved by the government.

The ministry proposes establishing one such facility initially and preparing for the fast expansion to four of them, or one smaller facility in each region. The initial capacity is 1,000 beds.

Surgeries shunted back again as Covid cases fill up hospitals Read more

It must be emphasised that this is an emergency solution with the provision of very basic medical care at the level of war medicine, and not an increase in hospital capacity, said Minister Vladimir Lengvarsky. This is an extremely complicated operation, which requires a lightning-fast implementation in the first weeks of 2022. We must be prepared for the worst-case scenario in terms of predictions for the Omicron variant.

Minimise Covid deaths

The aim of the intervention is to minimise the number of Covid deaths during a humanitarian catastrophe, decrease the strain on health facilities, optimise the admission of patients, and offer oxygen therapy to patients with respiratory difficulties in a more timely manner.

It will thus be possible to classify patients more efficiently, to provide basic health care, oxygen and pharmaceutical treatment, and thus release the vehicles of the Rescue Medical Service for further trips more quickly, Lengvarsky added. As for the staff, we have created a model example of 250 beds. We also count on the assistance of the armed forces and medical students. The emergency facility will belong to a larger hospital by territory, so it will cooperate closely with it.

Third wave passes peak but Omicron still ahead Read more

Due to the parameters of the Omicron variant, it is necessary to limit the spread of the disease in "white" wards where patients other than Covid ones are being treated. Furthermore, the spread among healthcare workers must be limited, especially in white wards, where a Covid-positive health care provider cannot, due to the risk of nosocomial infections, work, the ministry said.
Vaccination centres will reopen on Monday. Shops will be closed during the holidays.

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Good evening. The Thursday, December 23 edition of Today in Slovakia is ready with the main news of the day in less than five minutes. We wish you a pleasant read.

Enjoy safe Christmas holidays

(Source: TASR)

December 23 is the last working day for many people. The Christmas holidays start on December 24 and last until December 26.

On December 25, more anti-pandemic measures will ease up. If you have a question about whether it is allowed to visit family and friends, when the curfew applies, what rules are in place for hotel stays, check out our Christmas FAQs.

Scientists and doctors also provided seven points for minimising the risk of infection when meeting other people during holidays. Vaccination, testing, meeting in small groups and boosting immunity are among them.

The majority of shops will close on December 24 before noon and reopen only on December 27. Shops will also be closed on January 1 and January 6, which are also national holidays. Post office branches will close between December 24 and December 27, and on January 1 and January 6.

Check out classic and new Slovak and Czech movies on Netflix with English subtitles.

Learn why opekance, bobalky or pupaky should not be missing from Christmas Eve Dinner in Slovakia and listen to the podcast where people from Ethiopia, Argentina, Spain, Bulgaria and the Philippines discuss Slovak traditions.

To help you fully soak in the Christmas atmosphere, check out our cultural roundup where Peter Dlhopolec writes about the festive weekend weather forecast, ice climbing, food and tips on how to spend Christmas in Slovakia.

Coronavirus and vaccination news

People queuing for vaccination without registration in Mlynska Dolina, Bratislava. (Source: TASR)

Photo of the day

Fifteen Slovak artists have created a joint light installation that will illuminate the National Bank of Slovakia (NBS) building. Each artist prepared their own version of a winter and Christmas symbol - the snowflake. The screening of the art installation will be held on the building from today until December 26.

(Source: NBS)

Feature story for today

Although the coronavirus pandemic dominated 2021 once again and affected events in Bratislava, the year was a notable one in many other ways for the Slovak capital. The Slovak Spectator has picked five of the most notable developments in the capital this year.

[br][/br]

[br][/br] Despite pandemic, 2021 was a notable year for Bratislava Read more

If you like what we are doing and want to support good journalism, buy our online subscription. Thank you.

In other news

The traditional health difficulties about which patients call the 155 emergency line during the Christmas holidays are acute stomach aches and injuries . During last year's Christmas Day, regional emergency medical service operations centres sent paramedics to 1,649 patients. Compared to the previous year, this was an increase of more than 200 hits.

about which patients call the 155 emergency line . During last year's Christmas Day, regional emergency medical service operations centres sent paramedics to 1,649 patients. Compared to the previous year, this was an increase of more than 200 hits. The National Mental Health Support Line operates on weekdays from 14:00 to 22:00 and on weekends from 10:00 to 18:00. The ministry is expanding its operating hours during holidays. On Christmas Eve (December 24) the line will operate from 10:00 to 22:00 and during New Year's Eve (December 31) from 10:00 to midnight. Anyone who needs advice and guidance from an experienced psychologist can call. The number of the National Mental Health Support Line is 0800 193 193.

operates on weekdays from 14:00 to 22:00 and on weekends from 10:00 to 18:00. The ministry is expanding its operating hours during holidays. Anyone who needs advice and guidance from an experienced psychologist can call. The number of the National Mental Health Support Line is 0800 193 193. When a fish bone is stuck in the throat, a piece of dry bread or boiled potatoes will help swallowing it . "Stomach acids then dissolve the bone in the stomach," explained Alena Krcova, a spokesperson for the Emergency Medical Service. If the bone gets stuck in such a way that it causes severe pain and makes breathing difficult, it is important not to panic and breathe through your nose, she said, and call 155 in order to receive further instructions.

. "Stomach acids then dissolve the bone in the stomach," explained Alena Krcova, a spokesperson for the Emergency Medical Service. If the bone gets stuck in such a way that it causes severe pain and makes breathing difficult, it is important not to panic and breathe through your nose, she said, and call 155 in order to receive further instructions. The Bratislava City Waste Collection and Disposal Company (OLO) will ensure waste collection in the capital during the upcoming Christmas holidays, i.e. from December 24 to 26, as well as on 6 January 2022. The exception is New Year's (January 1, 2022), when waste will not be collected. Instead, it will be picked between January 3 and 5, 2022.

Do not miss on Spectator.sk today

Government passes law on higher education Read more

People with contraindications to Covid vaccine fall under vaccinated/recovered regime Read more

Health Ministry gears up for Omicron, plans to establish emergency health facilities Read more

If you have suggestions on how this news overview can be improved, you can reach us at editorial@spectator.sk.
Los Angeles Chargers running back Austin Ekeler became the latest NFL star to hit the reserve/COVID-19 list on Wednesday  something nearly every team is now dealing with as cases rise throughout the league.

Ekeler spoke about his diagnosis during his weekly appearance on "Ekeler's Edge," a fantasy football show hosted by Yahoo Sports' own Liz Loza. Ekeler said he wasn't feeling well after the diagnosis and expressed pessimism over being able to return in time for the team's Week 16 game against the Houston Texans.

"Don't recommend," Ekeler said. "Zero out of 10 fun. Just dealing with this day-to-day. We have new protocols in place. I had to get tested every day and have two negative tests and no symptoms. And so right now, I can tell you it's not looking good [for Sunday's game], just because the history of COVID and how long it usually takes to dissipate or at least for your body to beat it. So, I'm just going to be chilling."

Ekeler, 26, is in the midst of a career-best season. Ekeler has rushed for 789 yards and 10 rushing touchdowns, blowing his previous career high of three out of the water. He's also been a threat in the passing game, racking up 62 receptions for 558 yards and seven scores.

The Chargers  who are currently at 8-6 and two games behind the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC West  are currently listed as -9.5 favorites on BetMGM for Sunday's game against the Texans at NRG Stadium.

NFL dealing with multiple players on COVID-19 list

The Ekeler news comes as multiple NFL teams are trying to limit COVID-19 outbreaks. Over 100 players were placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list prior to Week 15. Three games were pushed back a few days to try and allow players to return in time to play.

The NFL continues to deal with COVID-19 as Week 16 approaches. A number of Kansas City Chiefs, including Tyreek Hill and Travis Kelce were placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list following their Week 15 win over Ekeler's Chargers. New York Jets coach Robert Saleh and Philadelphia Eagles coach Nick Sirianni were also placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list Wednesday.

Story continues

Both the NBA and NHL are also dealing with COVID-19 situations. The NBA has postponed at least seven games due to team outbreaks. NBA commissioner Adam Silver said Tuesday there were no plans to stop playing despite the rising number of positives around the league. On Monday, the NHL decided to pause the season until Dec. 26 due to COVID-19.

As of Wednesday night, the United States was averaging nearly 155,000 new cases of the coronavirus each day  which is a 27% increase over the past two weeks and a figure not seen since early September, according to The New York Times. About 71% of Americans aged 12 and up are fully vaccinated.
https://sputniknews.com/20211222/harris-tests-negative-for-coronavirus-after-staffer-gets-infected-earlier---statement-1091734431.html

Harris Tests Negative for Coronavirus After Staffer Gets Infected Earlier - Statement

Harris Tests Negative for Coronavirus After Staffer Gets Infected Earlier - Statement

WASHINGTON (Sputnik) - US Vice President Kamala Harris decided to get tested for the novel coronavrius after one of her staffers was infected and the test is... 22.12.2021, Sputnik International

2021-12-22T23:31+0000

2021-12-22T23:31+0000

2021-12-22T23:33+0000

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On Wednesday morning, a staff member who staffed the Vice President throughout the day Tuesday received a positive test result for COVID-19 Earlier today, after being notified of the staffers positive test, the Vice President received a PCR test and tested negative. She will be tested again on Friday then again on Monday per CDC guidance, the statement said on Wednesday.The staff member who tested positive was fully vaccinated and did not experience symptoms, the statement said. Others who came into contact with the individual will be advised to get tested as per public health guidelines, the statement added.Harris will continue with her daily schedule and depart for Los Angeles this evening to spend the New Year celebration there with the Second Gentleman since fully vaccinated individuals are not required to quarantine after an exposure per public health guidance, according to the statement.Earlier, President Biden tested negative after being exposed to an aide who later tested positive for COVID-19.

https://sputniknews.com/20211222/us-president-joe-biden-tests-negative-for-covid-19-1091729667.html

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https://sputniknews.com/20211222/our-first-lockdown-experiment-failed-lets-not-try-a-second-one--1091731722.html

Our First Lockdown Experiment Failed. Let's Not Try a Second One

Our First Lockdown Experiment Failed. Let's Not Try a Second One

Shutting down businesses and schools felt to many like a natural response to the COVID-19 pandemic. But the extended coronavirus lockdown of 2020 did not... 22.12.2021, Sputnik International

2021-12-22T23:39+0000

2021-12-22T23:39+0000

2021-12-22T23:40+0000

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Encouraging and coercing tens of millions of people to shelter in place in 2020 was one of the most radical social engineering experiments in modern history, as novel as the coronavirus itself.The political impulse to cancel events and close nonessential services we experienced during the spring and summer of 2020 is reemerging as the highly contagious, albeit anecdotally less severe, omicron variant sweeps through New York City and other hotspots. Broadway theaters, rock and hip-hop performers have canceled performances, the Rockettes closed their season a week early and Mayor Bill de Blasio is considering curtailing attendance at the citys annual ball drop at Times Square. Rumors that New York City is considering another public-school system lockdown are sparking panic among parents.Harvard has moved back to remote learning. The World Economic Forum in Davos has been canceled. Quebec is under lockdown, joining the Netherlands. The United Kingdom is considering one.So, clearly, is the Biden Administration. The feds cant order lockdowns. But they can pressure states and cities to enact them.White House chief medical adviser Dr. Anthony Fauci says he doesnt foresee another national lockdown in the United Statesyet. Students of political messaging will take note of the careful if-then conditional sentence structure in Faucis statement on ABCs This Week: Americans should we consider, as we stare down the barrel of a second wave of slow the spread-motivated societal freezes, the pros and cons of the first one last year. Spoiler alert: this is not a movie that deserves a sequel.Co-conceived in 2005 by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Department of Homeland Security and the World Health Organization, the Pandemic Influenza Plan developed to prevent, control, and respond tonovel influenza A viruses of animal (e.g. from birds or pigs) with pandemic potential, according to the Centers for Disease Control, was the blueprint for the National Strategy for Pandemic Influenza deployed by the Trump and Biden administrations 15 years later to coordinate all levels of government on the range of options for infection-control and containment, including those circumstances where social distancing measures, limitations on gatherings, or quarantine authority may be an appropriate public health intervention. Federal officials turned to this Bush-era guidebook when COVID-19 came to America.It pains this leftist to admit it, but conservatives who warned of the economic and psychological costs of the 2020 lockdown turned out to have been correct. Lockdowns do not prevent infection in the future. They just dont. It comes back many times, it comes back, President Donald Trump said in April 2020, shortly before much of the country succumbed to lockdown fever. He looks prescient.With the delta and omicron variants still raging, cost-benefit analysis of the COVID lockdown requires hard data that wont be available for years. But one thing is clear: the lockdown experiment was far short of an unqualified success.The economic cost has been staggering. COVID-19related job losses wiped out 113 straight months of job growth, with total nonfarm employment falling by 20.5 million jobs in April [2020], according to study by the Brookings Institute. 200,000 businesses more than average failed. Harvard economists David Cutler and Lawrence Summers have estimated the total cost of the crisis, much of which is attributable to the lockdown, at $16 trillion if the pandemic were to end this falli.e., now.2020-21 was the Great Lost Year of American public education. With Black students five months behind where they would have been otherwise and whites two months back, virtual instruction was virtually educational.But what about the benefit? Some studies claimed that lockdowns prevented nearly 5 million cases in the United States; at a mortality rate of 1.6% that works out to 80,000 fewer coronavirus fatalities thanks to the lockdown. But analyses of excess deaths indicate that at least 300,000 Americans more than usual died last year due to causes other than the virus itself. Increased alcohol consumption, reduced physical activity and depression culminating in suicide (not last year, when fewer people killed themselves, but in future years) will claim lives years into the future. If the lives-saved column of the ledger comes out a net positive, it probably wont be by much.As for ordinary Americans, we are voting with our feet: 72% of respondents to a December 14th Ipsos poll said they plan to see family or friends outside of their household over the holidays.This country cant handle more lockdowns.(Ted Rall (Twitter: @tedrall), the political cartoonist, columnist and graphic novelist, is the author of a new graphic novel about a journalist gone bad, The Stringer. Order one today. You can support Teds hard-hitting political cartoons and columns and see his work first by sponsoring his work on Patreon.)

https://sputniknews.com/20211221/biden-omicron-outbreak-will-not-send-us-back-to-march-2020-1091702717.html

Thomas Turk Out if touch with reality here Teddie.. it was a Scamdemic. No COVID,, D nor O idented. Peng Zhou et al. made their contribution to the fraud by publishing a paper that fulfilled none of the postulates to identify a virus or confirm it as being causative of any disease. The supposed virus was not physically isolated and purified for biochemical characterisation and so remains entirely theoretical. The Identity of the Virus: Health/ Science Institutions Worldwide Have No Record of SARS-COV-2 Isolation/Purification. By Christine Massey, December 05, 2021 . It was just a litrle bio engineered spike protein.. US lawyer Dr Francis Boyle has evidence that Harvard U Chem. Dept. Dr. Ch. Lieber (just this week convicted of umpteen bad things).& Oz. Health Dept (still on the loose), aided Wuhan Labs in the project to create the bio-weapon spike protein.. nothing that Ivermectin, D3, Chloroquine and zinc could sort out. 0

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usa, lockdown, covid-19, columnists
https://sputniknews.com/20211223/americans-voice-frustration-over-confusing-covid-19-information-1091734589.html

Americans Voice Frustration Over Confusing COVID-19 Information

Americans Voice Frustration Over Confusing COVID-19 Information

On todays episode of The Backstory, host Lee Stranahan and co-host John Kiriakou discussed current events including Spain bringing back outdoor mask-wearing... 23.12.2021, Sputnik International

2021-12-23T09:43+0000

2021-12-23T09:43+0000

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Americans Voice Frustration Over Confusing COVID19 Information On todays episode of The Backstory, host Lee Stranahan and co-host John Kiriakou discussed current events including Spain bringing back outdoor mask-wearing requirements, and Biden extending student loan repayments.

GUESTTyler Nixon - Attorney, Media Relations Specialist | Medicinal Use of Marijuana, Vinyl Records, and the January 6th Committee SuedTed Rall - Political Cartoonist, Syndicated Columnist | French Culture, The New York City Council, and French President Emmanuel Macron, and COVID-19In the first hour, Lee and John spoke with Tyler Nixon on marijuana legalization, executive privilege, and federal informants at the January 6th riot. Tyler spoke about the January 6th rioters, still jailed in Washington DC jail, and Democrats pushing for mail-in ballots in 2022 elections. Tyler discussed the taxation of marijuana and how marijuana has helped his medical ailments.In the second hour, Lee and John spoke with Ted Rall about shutdowns in New York City, Eric Adams taking office as mayor, and the great reset. Ted talked about the lack of defamation laws in America and how French culture handles criticism. Ted spoke about the rapid COVID tests and COVID shutdowns destroying New York businesses.We'd love to get your feedback at radio@sputniknews.com

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us, nigeria, democrats, bloomberg, defamation, fbi, vape pen, the backstory, omicron strain, , radio
https://sputniknews.com/20211223/as-conditions-in-gaza-improve-christians-in-the-enclave-prepare-to-celebrate-christmas-1091738202.html

As Conditions in Gaza Improve, Christians in the Enclave Prepare to Celebrate Christmas

As Conditions in Gaza Improve, Christians in the Enclave Prepare to Celebrate Christmas

Before 2007, when Hamas took over Gaza, the Strip was home to thousands of Orthodox Christians. But persecution by the Islamic group coupled with constant wars... 23.12.2021, Sputnik International

2021-12-23T06:58+0000

2021-12-23T06:58+0000

2021-12-23T07:10+0000

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gaza

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In Israel and the West Bank, multiple cities and towns are preparing for Christmas. Trees have been decorated and placed in central locations, markets have been set up, and local authorities entertain the crowds with various attractions and events.Festive Season?But in the Gaza Strip, that is home to a tiny Christian community, public festivities are nowhere in sight."Back then, we were able to light the Christmas tree in Al Jundi Al Majhoul Square. Those days are gone. Now we can only celebrate our holidays in community institutions", he added.Persecuted MinorityThe condition of Christians in the coastal enclave has taken a turn for the worse since the Islamic group Hamas took over the Strip in 2007, driving out forces loyal to President Mahmoud Abbas.Some Christians in the Strip have even faced forced conversions. Their churches have been targeted. Their children have been discriminated against in schools, while attacks on their businesses have become a common phenomenon.Wars between Israel and Hamas haven't helped the situation either. From 2008 to the present, the two rivals have engaged in four major confrontations during which the Jewish state bombarded Gaza, destroyed its infrastructure, and killed and injured thousands.For many Christians that constant fighting became so unbearable that they decided to leave and over the years the numbers of Christians in Gaza has dwindled from several thousand to only several hundred.Many have relocated to the United States and various European countries. Others went to live in the West Bank, controlled by Fatah, where the attitude towards Christians is milder.Saba says he understands those who opted to leave everything behind and relocate, especially as "Gaza has become an unsafe place for children". But the father of three also believes that he won't be following their path.Economic HardshipsA "good job" and a "nice house" are luxury commodities for most people in Gaza. The economic situation in the Strip has rapidly deteriorated since the takeover by Hamas, deemed a terrorist organisation by Israel, and the decision by authorities in Tel Aviv to impose a full blockade on the enclave to curb the threat of the Islamic group.In 2020, it was estimated that the years of the Israeli blockade have cost the Strip $16.7 billion in economic losses. Gazans, many of whom were employed in Israel, were barred from leaving the enclave pushing many into the circle of unemployment and poverty. For Christians, the blockade also meant that they could not visit their holy places in Jerusalem and Bethlehem.The first cases of the coronavirus in the Palestinian territories were recorded in March 2020. Reacting quickly to the situation, local authorities implemented a number of measures aimed at curbing the spread of COVID. They shut down public offices and private businesses. They also banned mass gatherings and prayers in mosques or churches.Recalling those "tough" days, Saba says the situation was unbearable. Now he is hoping for a better future.The coronavirus situation seems to be stable in Gaza, where authorities recently registered only 1,693 active cases and eased some of the measures introduced earlier.The financial situation has also improved somewhat following a change of government in Israel and the new coalition's decision to lift some of the restrictions imposed on the seaside enclave.

Hess What a despicable pro Jews Fascist propaganda. The world's largest Concentration Camp is on the verge of starvation and disaster. There has never been like it in history of Jewish Barbarism. 1

vot tak This israeli bs is embarrassing to see at sputnik. Why employ a government propagandist from the nation (israel) behind the current western war against Russia? 1

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https://sputniknews.com/20211223/barcelona-reportedly-set-to-meet-man-citys-55-million-price-for-ferran-torres-1091735937.html

Barcelona Reportedly Set to Meet Man City's 55 Million Price for Ferran Torres

Barcelona Reportedly Set to Meet Man City's 55 Million Price for Ferran Torres

FC Barcelona are reportedly nearing completion of a 55 million transfer for Manchester Citys Ferran Torres. The primary obstacle remains Barcelona freeing up enough room in their wage budget to finalize the deal.

2021-12-23T02:35+0000

2021-12-23T02:35+0000

2021-12-23T02:29+0000

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It has been reported that officials from Barcelona and Manchester City met in Sevilla on Tuesday to finalize the transfer. The deal will be for an initial fee of 55 million with 10 million in add-ons.For the move to go ahead, Barcelona will have to significantly reduce their current wage bill. La Liga implemented financial restrictions that capped Barcelonas spending limit at 97 million and the club is currently saddled with 1 billion in gross debt.Barcelona is currently well above their 97 million spending limit, but theyre allowed to spend 25% of any savings. Sergio Aguero's retirement due to a heart condition opened up significant wages, but they will still have to sell or offload players in January to bring Torres in.The club has been trying to find new homes for Samuel Umtiti, Neto, and Philippe Coutinho, but are willing to listen to other players including Serginio Dest.Torres was purchased by City from Valencia CF in 2020 for 23 million. At 21, Torres has performed well in the limited game action he has received in England. Across two Premier League seasons, Torres has played 17.9 full 90s, his total minutes played divided by 90, and netted 9 goals and 3 assists.Initially deployed on the right wing in Spain, Torres has been used as a central forward for City. His performance for Spain on international duty has been even more impressive. Excluding friendlies, across 15.6 90s he has netted 12 goals and 1 assist.Torres versatility should make him an excellent long term fit for Barcelona. He is comfortable pressing, excels in link-up play, can carry the ball past defenders, is a fine finisher, and his age suggests plenty of room for growth.According to FBRef.com, his top three statistical comparisons for forwards are Gabriel Jesus, Lautaro Martinez, and Kelechi Iheanacho.According to Transfermarkt.com, Torres has a market value of 50 million. His low purchase price from Valencia wasnt a product of performance, but was rather due to Valencias own financial struggles.Barcelona still has a long way to go to secure Torres. Finding a new home for Umtiti, Neto, and Coutinho will be difficult due to their wages. Umtiti earns 208,000 a week, Coutinho earns 146,000, and Neto earns 65,000.There are few, if any, clubs in Europe that will want to pay any of the trios current salaries. Barcelona may be forced to explore loan options where they foot a large percentage of their wages. In all likelihood, for Barcelona to bring Torres to the Camp Nou theyll have to sell one of their core players.Torres has been out since October due to a foot injury. He is expected back sometime in January.

https://sputniknews.com/20211215/argentina-and-ex-manchester-city-star-aguero-announces-retirement-due-to-heart-condition-1091538311.html

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Nevin Brown

manchester city, fc barcelona
https://sputniknews.com/20211223/belarus-labels-radio-liberty-site-social-media-as-extremist-1091759876.html

Belarus Labels Radio Liberty Site, Social Media as Extremist

Belarus Labels Radio Liberty Site, Social Media as Extremist

Belarus's interior ministry said on Thursday it had labeled the Belarusian-language website and social media accounts of US state-funded Radio Liberty (registered in Russia as a foreign agent) as extremist.

2021-12-23T21:32+0000

2021-12-23T21:32+0000

2021-12-23T21:32+0000

belarus

radio liberty

extremist

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"On December 23, 2021 the Interior Ministry declared a group of citizens brought together by Radio Liberty internet pages as an extremist grouping," a statement read.The radios YouTube channel, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram accounts were similarly outlawed. Their administrators and members face up to 7 years in prison, according to the ministry.According to the Belarusian human rights center Vesna, which is not registered officially, a journalist working for Radio Liberty has been detained in Minsk on Thursday.The journalist was detained in his house in the Belarusian capital, it added.

vot tak Excellent. All the radio liberty propaganda outfits are extremist. They are a combination of zionism, nazism and fascism and 100% propaganda spin. 1

1

belarus

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belarus, radio liberty, extremist
https://sputniknews.com/20211223/belgium-confirms-decision-to-stop-nuclear-power-reactors-by-2025-reports-say-1091754030.html

Belgium Confirms Decision to Stop Nuclear Power Reactors by 2025, Reports Say

Belgium Confirms Decision to Stop Nuclear Power Reactors by 2025, Reports Say

BRUSSELS (Sputnik) - The Belgian ruling coalition confirmed its decision to cease operation of all nuclear reactors in 2025 following negotiations on Thursday... 23.12.2021, Sputnik International

2021-12-23T14:59+0000

2021-12-23T14:59+0000

2021-12-23T14:59+0000

belgium

bushehr nuclear power plant

europe

nuclear reactors

nuclear power

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The federal government reached an agreement to withdraw from nuclear energy on Thursday morning, according to the Belgian RTBF broadcaster. The so-called plan A was approved, which entails the cessation of nuclear reactors operations in 2025.At the same time, Belgium is not going to completely abandon nuclear energy, investing about 100 million euros ($112.7 million) in small modular reactors, the broadcaster said, citing the second part of the agreement. This means the old reactors will be shut down, while investments will be transferred to a new generation of nuclear reactors, RTBF said.The decision to abandon nuclear energy was made in Belgium in 2003, but a number of political forces and experts called for keeping at least two of the most modern reactors operational in order to avoid issues with electricity supply.In 2020, the Belgian branch of the French energy company Electrabel SA notified employees about its intention to stop allocating funds toward ensuring the longevity of nuclear power plants due to uncertainties surrounding nuclear phase-out in the country. The company feared that the remaining time would not be enough to complete a long series of steps for extending the operation of the reactors; thus it was decided to abandon all reactors by 2025, without waiting for the government's final decision.

belgium

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belgium, bushehr nuclear power plant, europe, nuclear reactors, nuclear power
https://sputniknews.com/20211223/berlin-tries-to-kill-german-language-rt-young-voters-furious-at-biden-1091735118.html

Berlin Tries to Kill German Language RT; Young Voters Furious at Biden

Berlin Tries to Kill German Language RT; Young Voters Furious at Biden

In another major EU blow to press freedom, European satellite operator Eutelsat has removed the German-language RT DE channel from its platform under pressure... 23.12.2021, Sputnik International

2021-12-23T09:44+0000

2021-12-23T09:44+0000

2021-12-23T09:44+0000

julian assange

ethiopia

eutelsat

middle east

yemen

the critical hour

radio

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Berlin Tries to Kill German Language RT; Young Voters Furious at Biden In another major EU blow to press freedom, European satellite operator Eutelsat has removed the German-language RT DE channel from its platform under pressure from Berlin.

Dr. Colin Campbell, DC senior news correspondent, joins us to discuss President Biden's waning popularity. A new article in The Nation expresses the anger and frustration towards the Biden administration from young voters. The article reviews the campaign promises that Biden made and laments his failure to live up to a single commitment.Dr. Jack Rasmus, professor in economics and politics at St. Mary's College in California, joins us to discuss the economy. Dr. Jack reminds us that he predicted the death of the Build Back Better legislation. He also goes over his predictions for the next phase of the US economic and political crisis.Jim Kavanagh, writer at thepolemicist.net and CounterPunch and author of "Reconcile This: Lessons From the Latest Legislative Debacle," joins us to discuss censorship. In another major EU blow to press freedom, European satellite operator Eutelsat has removed the German-language RT DE channel from its platform under pressure from Berlin.Greg Palast, investigative reporter, joins us to discuss voting. The Brennan Center for Justice is reviewing state and local legislation and predicting a tidal wave of GOP-sponsored voter suppression starting in 2022. They say that empowering non-state partisan actors to intervene in the election process will be one of the principal methods used to create hurdles for minorities and youthful voters.Robert Fantina, journalist and Palestine activist, joins us to discuss Israel. We discuss the issue of settlements in the occupied territories and their designation under international law. Miko Peled argues that the term "illegal settlements" is misleading because there is no such thing as "legal settlements" under international law.Filmon Zerai, independent blogger with commentary for On Horn of Africa & Global Politics, joins us to discuss Ethiopia. In his Black Agenda Report article, Filmon Zerai says that "The best way for leftist anti-imperialists to support Ethiopia is to not take a hardline position on the internal politics of the country." We discuss the internal politics of Ethiopia and why it is important to take a non-activist position towards the present government.James Carey, editor/co-owner at Geopoliticsalert.com, joins us to discuss the Middle East. Intensifying Saudi airstrikes against Yemen are making it impossible for international aid flights to land in the Houthi-run zones.Kevin Gosztola, journalist and author, joins us to discuss Julian Assange. He argues that the persecution of Julian Assange will only end if the various factions of US imperial power conclude that the cost of making him an example is not worth the benefit.We'd love to get your feedback at radio@sputniknews.com

ethiopia

yemen

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Garland Nixon https://cdnn1.img.sputniknews.com/img/07e5/02/13/1082125302_0:0:239:239_100x100_80_0_0_d5d43c970b0740f228597fbcdb4ffd66.jpg

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julian assange, ethiopia, eutelsat, middle east, yemen, the critical hour, , radio
https://sputniknews.com/20211223/biden-potential-2024-rematch-with-trump-would-increase-desire-to-seek-reelection-1091735824.html

Biden: Potential 2024 Rematch With Trump Would 'Increase' Desire to Seek Reelection

Biden: Potential 2024 Rematch With Trump Would 'Increase' Desire to Seek Reelection

Former US President Donald Trump has repeatedly flirted with the idea of running in the 2024 presidential election cycle but has steered clear of giving a... 23.12.2021, Sputnik International

2021-12-23T02:57+0000

2021-12-23T02:57+0000

2021-12-23T02:52+0000

joe biden

donald trump

reelection

2024 us presidential elections

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US President Joe Biden disclosed on Wednesday that he would be interested and willing to run for reelection in 2024, so long as he remains in good health, but underscoring that a rematch against his predecessor would "increase the prospect."The commander-in-chief's confirmation came during an exclusive interview with ABC News' David Muir, who took the opportunity to ask Biden whether he would run in 2024. "Yes," the president told Muir in response to his reelection effort. "But look, I'm a great respecter of fate. Fate has intervened in my life many many times. If I'm in the health I'm in now -- from a good health. And, in fact, I would run again."When asked if he'd stick to his second term plans if former US President Donald Trump weighed into the election cycle, Biden didn't shy away.Biden has previously indicated that he is interested in running for his second term so long as his health remains in top shape. He earlier relayed that he would "fully expect" to have US Vice President Kamala Harris on his presidential ticket.Trump has repeatedly told supporters that he would announce a move in the months to come, at one point hinting to his followers that they will be delighted with his decision, when it comes. However, the former US president has made no affirmative steps toward a campaign for reelection.Biden's talk with Muir also saw the pair discuss his roadblocked Build Back Better legislation and supply line shortages.

https://sputniknews.com/20211117/half-us-voters-doubt-biden-in-good-enough-mental-physical-health-to-perform-his-duties-1090808633.html

LINDADREW one ;o 0

LINDADREW one looks straight at who mr c? and so does the other BOTH WILL BE SERVING DEMONS OF WMD - HOLLOW CARDBOARD MEN 0

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joe biden, donald trump, reelection, 2024 us presidential elections
https://sputniknews.com/20211223/bidens-done-what-could-have-his-presidency-been-1091728671.html

Bidens Done. What Could Have His Presidency Been?

Bidens Done. What Could Have His Presidency Been?

On this episode of Fault Lines, hosts Jamarl Thomas and Shane Stranahan talk about the dire situation in post-war Afghanistan, Joe Manchin revealing why he... 23.12.2021, Sputnik International

2021-12-23T09:43+0000

2021-12-23T09:43+0000

2021-12-23T09:43+0000

libya

us

sen. joe manchin (d-west virginia)

afghanistan

fault lines

build back better

radio

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Bidens Done. What Could Have His Presidency Been? On this episode of Fault Lines, hosts Jamarl Thomas and Shane Stranahan talk about the dire situation in post-war Afghanistan, Joe Manchin revealing why he really dropped BBB, and reflect on another year of Bidens presidency and what he could have accomplished.

Guests:Mark Sleboda - International Relations Analyst | Afghanistan in Shambles; Militias Mobilizing in LibyaJim Kavanagh - Socialist Columnist | Manchin Reveals Real Reason He Rejected BBBPeter Coffin - Video Essayist | Bidens Done. What Could Have His Presidency Been?In the first hour, Mark Sleboda joined the show to talk about the situation in Afghanistan after the hurried US exit left the economy in shambles and starvation running rampant. We also discussed escalating tensions in Libya as armed groups mobilize ahead of elections being held.In the second hour, Fault Lines was joined by Jim Kavanagh for a discussion on Joe Manchin admitting the real reason hes rejecting Bidens trademark social spending bill, and how Biden should have negotiated differently.In the third hour, Peter Coffin joined the conversation to talk about President Biden losing power as BBB gets buried, a year-in-review of his agenda, and what things could have looked like.We'd love to get your feedback at radio@sputniknews.com

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libya, us, sen. joe manchin (d-west virginia), afghanistan, fault lines, build back better, , radio
https://sputniknews.com/20211223/could-libyan-presidential-election-result-in-tripoli-recognising-israel-1091741940.html

Could Libyan Presidential Election Result in Tripoli Recognising Israel?

Could Libyan Presidential Election Result in Tripoli Recognising Israel?

On Friday, 2.5 million Libyans were expected to head to polling stations for the first time in years to elect their next president. At least 96 candidates have submitted applications for the top spot in the oil-rich nation. But the Central Election Committee has since announced that the much-anticipated polls will be pushed back to next month.

2021-12-23T09:08+0000

2021-12-23T09:08+0000

2021-12-23T09:08+0000

libya

africa

israel

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Experts have already warned that elections in Libya might escalate tensions and aggravate the situation, given the political and security instability in place for the past decade. But local authorities insist on going ahead with the polls, partially to create unity and partially due to international pressure.Mohammed Ali Kraer, a leading Libyan political analyst and director of the Libyan Forum for Communication and Dialogue, says there are many regional and international players who will be closely watching the developments in the war-ravaged country.Relations With Israel on the Horizon?Each of these players pursues its own agenda, believes the expert, and one of these goals is the establishment of ties between Libya and Israel.In 2020, Israel, which only had peace deals with two Arab nations, Egypt and Jordan, signed a number of normalisation agreements.In September, it inked pacts with the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain. A month later, it established ties with Sudan and in December of that year resumed relations with Morocco.Since then, officials have been hinting that more Muslim countries were ready to follow suit, while international and local media have been speculating which state or states that could be.Libya has been on that list. In November, after the son of General Haftar went on a blitz-visit to Israel, it was reported that his father had vowed to recognise the Jewish state if elected president in the upcoming elections.Kraer says the general's plans "are no longer a secret" to the people of Libya. He says that Haftar is sure to recognise Israel if he ends up coming to power. But he warns that this policy will promote conflict and instability and will not be accepted by the masses.For many in the Arab world, Israel is seen as the embodiment of western colonialism. It has been associated with depriving Palestinians of their lands and it has been accused of expansionist policies, in the West Bank and across the Middle East.They Don't Really Care About UsYet, ties with Israel aren't foreign powers' only goal, believes the expert. He claims their interference in Libyan affairs is done not for the sake of the ordinary people, but as part of their grand scheme to deprive Libyans of their resources, divide and then conquer the country.Before 2011, Libya ranked 9th in the world in terms of oil reserves and was a rather well-off country although Gaddafi ruled it with an iron fist and there were multiple reports about oppression and abuse of human rights. The outbreak of the Arab Spring in February of that year caused the situation to deteriorate and pushed the nation into poverty, instability, and civil war.After the ouster of the longtime ruler, Muammar Gaddafi, the country  that was largely united under his leadership and a strong fist  began to fall apart.The East fell into the hands of General Khalifa Haftar, a former general of Gaddafi and an ally of Egypt as well as a number of Gulf states. It is also an area, where extremist groups are allegedly still active. The West is controlled by the Government of National Accord that has links with Turkey and a number of western states, whereas the South is purportedly run by French intelligence, its allies, and some mercenary groups.Only Way ForwardThe elections were aimed at putting an end to this division, uniting the country, and giving Libyans hope for a better future. But Kraer says the real change will only happen if all players manage to come to terms with one another.But the analyst also believes that holding elections is the only way forward.

koursk koursk libya is ravaged by war because of the billionaire gang which controls economically, and therefore politically and mediatically, the nato zone *** for its personal enrichment, the big NATO mafia is setting the world on fire and blood, as it does fought against the ussr in 1941 and china in 1931, in iraq in 2003, chile in 1973 ... 1

Hess What a dirty Zionist propaganda disseminated by ant-Palestinians Jews? Libya is in chaos no matter what is does, no Libyan will buy it. 1

2

libya

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Elizabeth Blade

Elizabeth Blade

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Elizabeth Blade

libya, africa, israel
https://sputniknews.com/20211223/ethiopia-announces-end-of-military-operation-against-tigray-rebels-in-countrys-north-1091759740.html

Stalemate Sets in as Ethiopian Army Holds Positions in Liberated Amhara, Afar Towns Outside Tigray

Stalemate Sets in as Ethiopian Army Holds Positions in Liberated Amhara, Afar Towns Outside Tigray

The Ethiopian army will maintain their positions in Amhara and Afar states after pushing the Tigray Peoples Liberation Front out of them in a hard-fought counteroffensive, believing the rebel group weakened after the defeat.

2021-12-23T20:58+0000

2021-12-23T20:58+0000

2021-12-24T01:32+0000

ethiopia

tigray forces

tplf (tigray people's liberation front)

africa

ceasefire

abiy ahmed

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The first phase operation to expel the terrorist group from the areas it invaded has ended with victory. At this moment the enemys desire and ability (to engage in war) is severely destroyed, Legesse Tulu, Ethiopias ministry of government communications, announced on Thursday. The countrys parliament designated the TPLF a terrorist organization in May, after months of war against the group.Legesse also called on the TPLF and other allied groups, like the Oromo Liberation Front (OLF), to disarm.Western media had previously reported without evidence that the government of Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed had dismissed calls for a ceasefire offered by TPLF chairman Debretsion Gebremichael over the weekend. However, in the remarks quoted from Abiys spokeswoman, Billene Seyoum, she said that Abiy was committed to a peaceful resolution of the conflict, but whether the TPLF's actions are "a strategic retreat or not, will inevitably reveal itself."Past Peace Overtures Dismissed as Sick JokeAfter the TPLF had largely expelled the ENDF and Eritrean Defense Forces (EDF) from Tigray in June, the allied armies offered a unilateral ceasefire, which TPLF spokesperson Getachew Reda dismissed as a sick joke.As Sputnik reported at the time, the group enjoyed the support of Washington and US allies in Europe, whose diplomats met with TPLF leaders and advised them to seize Addis and declare a post-Abiy transition government.On Monday, Getachew claimed the TPLF had withdrawn from Afar and Amhara by its own volition, claiming it was far from defeated and was doing so in order to take away whatever excuse the international community [has used] to explain its feet-dragging when it comes to putting pressure on Abiy. However, as Ethiopian media reported over the weekend, a new ENDF drive across the TPLFs thin line of controlled territory succeeded in severing its supply lines by capturing several key towns, sending the TPLF retreat into disarray.As the TPLF pulled back into Tigray, a bulletin went out on Tigrayan media calling on all able-bodied men of age to be prepared to take up arms and defend the region in case government forces continue to advance.Abiys office announced on Wednesday that a National Dialogue Commission would be formed with an independent mandate to bridge differences and chart an inclusive way forward for national understanding and alignment. However, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Dina Mufti clarified on Thursday that the dialogue should not be mistaken for negotiation with a terrorist organization.Despite the recent developments, on Thursday evening US President Joe Biden decreed that Ethiopia, along with Mali and Guinea, would be removed from the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) preferential trade deal on January 1, 2022. Its just the latest in punishments handed down by Washington, including sanctions against Eritrea and the withholding of $272 million in aid money.Rebellion Begets Humanitarian CrisisThe TPLF ruled Ethiopia for 27 years after coming to power in 1991 at the head of a movement to oust the Derg military regime. The group used an ethnicity-based federal system to control the countrys roughly 80 different ethnic groups and became a close ally of Washington, sending Ethiopian troops into various African states in conjunction with the newly formed US Africa Command (USAFRICOM). They also launched a disastrous war against Eritrea in 1998, just years after it won independence from Ethiopia, which killed more than 120,000 people and resulted in a standoff.After mass protests against their government in 2018, the other ethnic parties in the TPLF ruling alliance, the Ethiopian People's Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF), also rebelled, choosing Abiy, an Oromo, instead of a Tigrayan to be its next chairman. Abiy became prime minister and quickly made peace with Eritrea, winning a Nobel Peace Prize that the New York Times recently bizarrely attempted to claim had emboldened him and Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki to plan a revenge war against Tigrayans.Abiy also combined the EPRDF alliance into a single centralized Prosperity Party, which seriously undercut the TPLFs power. After the TPLF attempted to hold illegal elections in September 2020, when Addis had postponed all elections due to the COVID-19 pandemic, ENDF forces were deployed to Tigray. On the morning of November 4, 2020, the TPLF launched a sneak attack on ENDF bases, beginning the present conflict.The war has produced a massive humanitarian crisis: more than 70,000 people had fled across the border into neighboring Sudan and an estimated 4 million more internally displaced, according to United Nations data. In addition, some 9.4 million people also require food aid. There is no reliable death toll for the conflict.

MichaelAngelus TIGRAYANS are being GENOCIDED.. .. The patriarch of Ethiopia's Orthodox Church recently ignited controversy when he said that genocide was being committed in the northern Tigray region..His Holiness Abune Matthias - an ethnic Tigrayan himself - explained that since the outbreak of conflict in November between the Ethiopian military and the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF), his "mouth had been sealed, unable to speak from fear".. Abune Matthias' emotional statement resonated with many Tigrayans, who are deeply traumatized by the violence in their region. More than two million people have been displaced in the conflict..... Through protests in capitals around the world and via social media, members of the diaspora have united to campaign against what they know is genocide.... The Lying Ethiopian government - Run by outsiders - naturally rejects reports of mass atrocities as exaggerated and politically motivated... The ARK OF THE COVENANT was stolen from the TIGRAY Town of AXUM. 1

MichaelAngelus The AFAR are also known as DANAKIL - who dwell in the Danakil Depression, one of the strangest and hottest places on Earth. ... The Covenant are the 2 Tabota / Stone Tablets Given to Moses (Mosaic Law). .. It shall show up in a soon to be constructed "Temple" .. The Golden Ark which shall house the Covenant has already been crafted. 1

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ethiopia, tigray forces, tplf (tigray people's liberation front), africa, ceasefire, abiy ahmed
https://sputniknews.com/20211223/france-unveils-classified-archives-on-algerian-war-1091749981.html

France Unveils Classified Archives on Algerian War

France Unveils Classified Archives on Algerian War

MOSCOW (Sputnik) - France has unveiled archives of court cases and police investigations related to the Algerian war (1954-1962), the Official Journal of the... 23.12.2021, Sputnik International

2021-12-23T12:52+0000

2021-12-23T12:52+0000

2021-12-23T12:52+0000

france

algeria

europe

africa

archives

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These archives include police and military materials, as well as documents of the French Foreign Ministry. The archives were classified for 75 years and could be accessed only by authorized personnel.In March 2021, French President Emmanuel Macron pledged to ease access to classified archives related to the Algerian war. It was about documents up to 1971 classified as "secret defense" (encompasses any extremely sensitive information concerning French national security). The presidential administration noted that the procedure will reduce the waiting time for researchers to gain access to the archives.Between 1954 and 1962, France waged a war against an independence movement in its then colony Algeria. Hundreds of thousands of Algerian nationals were killed and French armed forces believed to use torture techniques against Algerians. French citizens were shocked by the war and attempted a coup against the then-president, Charles de Gaulle, which has failed. In 1962, Algeria won its independence from France. The Algerian war still remains a very sensitive topic in France.

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france, algeria, europe, africa, archives
https://sputniknews.com/20211223/from-ukraine-crisis-to-gender-politics-key-takeaways-from-putins-2021-presser-1091746890.html

From Ukraine Crisis to Gender Politics: Key Takeaways From Putin's 2021 Presser

From Ukraine Crisis to Gender Politics: Key Takeaways From Putin's 2021 Presser

The 2021 presidential press conference, which first took place two decades ago, was held in person despite the coronavirus pandemic. Moscow Manege, located just outside Kremlin, was picked to host the event.

2021-12-23T14:18+0000

2021-12-23T14:18+0000

2021-12-23T14:20+0000

russia

ukraine

vladimir putin

china

gas

nato

putin's 2021 annual year-end press conference

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During his annual year-end press conference on Thursday, Russian President Vladimir Putin answered a wide range of questions relating to pressing international and domestic issues. He touched upon topics like Russia's relations with NATO, the situation in Ukraine, the issue with gas supplies to Europe, and shed light on Moscow's ties with other members of the globe.Sputnik has collected a round-up of key points made during Thursday's 2021 presidential press conference.NATO ExpansionAs Russia continues to dismiss Western accusations of "amassing troops" and "preparing an invasion" of Ukraine, Putin yet again reiterated that Moscow does not threaten anyone.The issue of security proposals rolled out by Moscow earlier this month emerged as well, with Putin estimating the reaction from the West as "largely positive". He said that both sides have picked their negotiators, and discussions on the issue are expected to kick off in Geneva early next year.The president said he hoped that the negotiations would follow a constructive path. But he said that the ball is now in the Wests court, recalling how often has Russia been "deceived" by Western countries.After decades of breaking its promises in order to pursue its own security interests in the post-Soviet space, Putin said that the West should be the first to give Russia immediate security guarantees.The Russian president again underlined that for Moscow, NATO expansion eastward is unacceptable. According to Putin, requesting that the US not place missiles near Russia is not too much to ask.Situation in UkraineIn regard to Ukraine, Putin said that, despite Moscow's desire to have good relations with Kiev, it is "almost impossible" with the current government in the neighbouring country.According to the Russian president, his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky has fallen under the influence of radical elements and "Nazis", instead of "responding to the request of the Ukrainian people for peace".Further touching upon the situation in Donbass as the region continues to weather the ongoing conflict, Putin said that the only way to resolve the matter is by sticking to the Minsk agreements  something that Kiev, according to him, is failing to do.The Russian president recalled history, referring to how Ukraine, at the stage of its creation, appeared to include "historically Russian territories". He also talked about more recent events: particularly, the reunification of Crimea and Sevastopol with Russia. According to Putin, there were no plans in the Kremlin in regard to the region before the Ukrainian coup took place in 2014.European Energy CrisisResponding to accusations made by Kiev and the European Union against the Russian gas company Gazprom, Putin denied that the firm is to blame for the ongoing energy crisis in Europe.He went on to suggest that Germany was reverse-pumping Russian gas to Ukraine through Poland, pointing to a pipeline connection between Poland and Ukraine that has the same capacity  three million cubic metres per day  as what is being pumped from Germany to Poland.He added that Gazprom supplies the entire volume of gas requested by its counterparties under existing contracts. Moreover, Gazprom has increased gas supplies to countries outside the Commonwealth of Independent States, the president stressed.According to him, this gas could have ended up in Ukraine, and "consumers in Europe, in Germany, should know whats going on and maybe they should ask responsible authorities to clear things up".Relations With ChinaPutin said that Russia and China have "an absolutely comprehensive partnership of a strategic nature", adding that the two nations continue to work in nuclear energy and high technologies, as well as other areas. He went on to say that Russia is ready to supply energy resources to China after 2060, when the two countries should reach carbon neutrality. Additionally, Putin revealed that Moscow and Beijing have teamed up to develop high-tech weapons, cooperating in space and aviation. His counterpart, Xi Jinping, is Putin's "friend", and the two enjoy a "very trusting personal relationship" that helps improve business ties as well.The Russian president also commented on the US decision to boycott the Winter Olympics in Beijing, slamming it as "unacceptable".AfghanistanWhen asked by a Sputnik correspondent about a possible recognition of the Taliban* government in Afghanistan, the Russian president said that Moscow is working with all international partners to come up with a consolidated decision on the issue. Still, Putin noted, such a decision must "proceed from reality"."I would like the relations between Russia and Afghanistan to develop in the best possible way, bearing in mind our mutual interests in stabilising the situation in the region", Putin said.He also underlined the need to unfreeze Afghan financial assets in order to prevent famine from occurring in the war-torn country.Navalny 'Poisoning'When asked about the alleged poisoning of Russian opposition politician Alexei Navalny, Putin criticised Germany and France for not returning his calls when he asked them to share the evidence they say they have.Despite having personally asked the French and German leaders to allow Russian experts to go over and take samples, Putin said he only received "silence" in response.He accused Navalny, who is jailed in Russia on charges of violating parole, of using politics as an excuse for breaking the law.Navalny is claimed to have been poisoned with the Novichok nerve agent in August 2020. He was airlifted to Berlin for medical treatment. After he returned to Moscow in January 2021, he was arrested on charges of violating the conditions of his parole (he was charged with large-scale fraud and money laundering). Later, his suspended sentence was replaced with a prison term.Protection of Traditional ValuesThe issue of the so-called "new ethics" and gender identity was also raised during the big presser, with Putin saying that Russia should have an "effective antidote" to non-traditional values coming from abroad.He also touched upon the issue of gender identity and how it affects sports, referring to situations when a man "declares that he is a woman and starts competing in weightlifting".

https://sputniknews.com/20211223/nato-expansion-to-the-east-is-unacceptable-for-russia-putin-says-1091745630.html

https://sputniknews.com/20211223/putin-reunification-of-crimea-with-russia-was-not-on-agenda-before-coup-in-ukraine-1091744848.html

https://sputniknews.com/20211221/gas-futures-in-europe-hit-new-all-time-high-above-2150-per-1000-cubic-meters-1091699523.html

Joy boy We need to un dolarise the world. Also, we need to focus on Africa and Central/South America. We don't need EUSA shit anymore. 11

vigilante The USA is no more a model.. it is a model of what NOT to be 7

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russia, ukraine, vladimir putin, china, gas, nato, putin's 2021 annual year-end press conference
https://sputniknews.com/20211223/indian-ex-defence-chiefs-say-hindus-calling-to-kill-muslims-threaten-national-security-1091739557.html

Indian Ex-Defence Chiefs Say Hindus Calling 'to Kill' Muslims Threaten National Security

Indian Ex-Defence Chiefs Say Hindus Calling 'to Kill' Muslims Threaten National Security

The second edition of the Hindu religious parliament "Dharma Sansad", an event for religious discussion among holy men, was held in Haridwar from 17 to 19... 23.12.2021, Sputnik International

2021-12-23T10:24+0000

2021-12-23T10:24+0000

2021-12-23T10:24+0000

indian navy

ladakh region

bharatiya janata party (bjp)

china

india

pakistan

indian army

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Prominent members of Indias defence community have joined a growing chorus of people across the country in demanding legal action against organisers of a Hindu religious event held last week, after several speakers there reportedly issued calls for killing Muslims.Admiral (retired) Arun Prakash, former chief of the Indian Navy, and General (retired) Ved Prakash, who previously headed the Indian Army, took to Twitter to slam the event. They criticised it for creating fissures in the country and weakening national security at a time when the South Asian country is involved in tense situations on both its eastern frontier with China as well as its western border with Pakistan.India and China have been involved in a military standoff at the eastern Ladakh border for nearly one-and-a-half years. The deadly military standoff remains unresolved in spite of 13 rounds of military commander-level talks and several rounds of official discussions, including meetings between foreign ministers.The calls by the defence veterans to stop hate mongering have been backed by other prominent national security observers as well.Sanjaya Baru, who served as an adviser to ex-Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, has cautioned that the warnings by the former Army and Navy chiefs deserve attention at the highest levels of government.The concerns from prominent individuals have surfaced as several videos of radical Hindu priest Yati Narsinghanand Giri, who was one of the lead speakers and organisers of the event, appeared online in the wake of the Haridwar gathering.The Muslims (in India) have an economy of 400 million people. You (Hindus) number around a 1 billion people. You dont have enough children to sustain your future generations, he went on to say during the event.As per the last federal Census in 2011, around 172.2 million Indians professed Islam, constituting almost 15 percent of the population. The Hindu population, on the other hand, comprised nearly 80 percent of the overall population.Giri finally reiterated that only by having the most advanced weapons in every Hindu household and by outnumbering Muslims in birth could the Hindu community be saved.In an interview given to Indian news channel Sudarshan TV, Giri, the head priest of the Dasna Devi temple in Uttar Pradesh, didnt even spare Muslim politicians in the governing Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).He remarked that leaders like Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi (a federal minister in Prime Minister Narendra Modis Cabinet) and former federal minister Syed Shahnawaz Hussain are more dangerous than even jihadis.India is moving towards becoming an Islamic state. This must be reversed and the nation should move towards becoming a Vedic-Sanathan (Hindu) nation, Giri said in the interview."Hindus should have more kids and keep the most advanced of weapons. Only these things are going to save you in this fight", Giri said.According to media reports, the event was attended by at least two politicians from the BJP- Ashwini Upadhyay and Udita Tyagi, the latter being a member of the governing organisations womens wing (Mahila Morcha).Can't Put India's Minorities in Such a Situation, Says Ex-DiplomatFormer Indian Ambassador Preet Malik agrees with the concerns raised by the former chiefs of the Army and Navy."It is certainly not the right time for any discord among our population", Malik remarked."Actually, it is never the right time for such hate-mongering", he added.The former ambassador also said that India's "governance model" is being challenged by these hardline organisations and the government must "rein them in".

https://sputniknews.com/20210706/will-keep-reconverting-muslims-unease-among-indias-hindu-nationalists-over-rss-chiefs-remarks-1083316273.html

vot tak Excellent article. The bjp are heavily israeli influenced, if not actual colonial quislings now. The israeli goal here is divide and conquer. They view india as just another tool to support their twisted policies of political/cultural supremacy. 1

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https://sputniknews.com/20211223/intel-apologises-in-china-over-xinjiang-supplier-advice-1091756104.html

Intel Apologises in China Over Xinjiang Supplier Advice

Intel Apologises in China Over Xinjiang Supplier Advice

American technology giant Intel extended its apologies to China on Thursday over its recent letter to suppliers with an appeal to avoid products from Xinjiang due to US sanctions over forced labour concerns.

2021-12-23T16:10+0000

2021-12-23T16:10+0000

2021-12-23T16:10+0000

intel

xinjiang uygur autonomous region

business

china

uighurs

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The company deeply regretted that the letter caused a heated debate and hurt the feelings of the Chinese people. The letter was meant to express its compliance with US laws, but did not contain any stance on the matter, the company explained.Intel issued a letter to suppliers earlier in the month saying that it is required to comply with restrictions on goods from Xinjiang. Earlier in December, the US Congress passed legislation banning imports of goods made with the forced labour of Uyghurs, Kazakhs, Kyrgyz, Tibetans, or members of other "persecuted groups" in China. On Thursday, President Joe Biden signed the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act into law.

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intel, xinjiang uygur autonomous region, business, china, uighurs
https://sputniknews.com/20211223/manchester-united-legend-reveals-premier-league-favorite-and-best-manager-1091761044.html

Manchester United Legend Reveals Premier League Favorite and Best Manager

Manchester United Legend Reveals Premier League Favorite and Best Manager

Manchester United legend and Sky Sport pundit Roy Keane has pegged Manchester Citys Pepe Guardiola as the Premier Leagues best manager. 23.12.2021, Sputnik International

2021-12-23T21:25+0000

2021-12-23T21:25+0000

2021-12-23T21:25+0000

manchester city

pep guardiola

premier league

football

sport

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In an episode of Sky Bets Michah Richards and Roy Keane Driving Home for Christmas, Keane recounted why he believes Manchester City are the team to beat and Pep Guardiola is the best of all the Premier League managers.City, after finishing second in the Premier League in 2019-20, won the 2020-21 title with 86 points. Manchester United finished second in the table with a distant 74 points. Their +51 goal differential blew away the competition as well, with Uniteds +29 differential the next closest.Keane believes that Citys advantage lies in their manager, saying, I think Pep is the man, I look at all of the managers I think Pep is the man.The statement immediately spurred Richards to ask Keane if he thinks Guardiola is the best, to which Keane said: I do.Keane is aware of the boldness of his statement. The Premier League has an impressive stockpile of the sports most talented managers. From the top of the table to the bottom there are managers who have won at the highest level and earned praise for tactical prowess.Guardiolas resume is peerless in the modern game. In 12 full seasons, he has won nine domestic league titles, nine domestic cups, and two Champions Leagues. His career winning percentage of 72.89% is unheard of, and his career average of 2.36 points per match grades out at 89.7 points per 38 match season.As Keane notably points out, Peps detractors will point to the financial and talent advantages he enjoyed while managing Barcelona, Bayern Munich, and now Manchester City. Since Pep joined City in the summer of 2016, theyve spent $1.17 billion on transfers, the most in the Premier League.Keanes belief in Manchester City and in Pep Guardiola may be driven by the success the latter had playing for Manchester United. There he won seven Premier League titles, four FA Cups, and one Champions League under the guidance of a legendary manager, Sir Alex Ferguson, and backed by deep pockets.The Premier League season has a long way to go yet, but through 18 matches, City have a three-point lead, the squad depth to weather any injury, and, according to Keane, the best manager in the league.

https://sputniknews.com/20211215/pep-guardiola-fastest-to-reach-500-premier-league-goals-as-manager-with-a-single-club-1091531128.html

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https://sputniknews.com/20211223/northern-ireland-to-impose-covid-19-restrictions-after-christmas-to-curb-surge-of-omicron-strain-1091738625.html

Northern Ireland to Impose COVID-19 Restrictions After Christmas to Curb Surge of Omicron Strain

Northern Ireland to Impose COVID-19 Restrictions After Christmas to Curb Surge of Omicron Strain

Northern Ireland will impose restrictions the day after Christmas to curb spread of the Omicron coronavirus strain, which now accounts for over 40% of COVID-19 infections in the country, Deputy First Minister of Northern Ireland Michelle O'Neill said.

2021-12-23T07:15+0000

2021-12-23T07:15+0000

2021-12-23T07:54+0000

northern ireland

omicron covid strain

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The deputy minister told reporters that nightclubs would be closed and indoor dancing would not be allowed from 6 a.m. on 26 December. Moreover, all indoor standing events will be prohibited.In addition, starting 27 December, only residents of a maximum of three households will be allowed to gather together. Guests will also be required to be seated with a maximum of six people, or 10 people from a single household at a table.Citizens are also recommended to work from home and to maintain a social distance of two metres.The deputy minister said the decision would help keep infection rates down and relieve the pressure put on healthcare workers and emergency services.The measures may be revised on 30 December, O'Neill said. The Northern Irish authorities are closely monitoring the situation.The United Kingdom has faced a surge in COVID-19 cases ahead of Christmas. The country has been breaking records for several days in the number of registered infections. The total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases with the Omicron strain has exceeded 74,000. The Ministry of Health has predicted that the number of Omicron infections in the country may exceed a million by the end of December.On 8 December, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced that the country would move to so-called Plan B. Britons are now encouraged to work from home whenever possible and required to wear a face covering. In addition, a COVID-19 pass confirming vaccination is now mandatory for visiting crowded places. Daily testing is required for those who may have come into contact with carriers of the coronavirus.

https://sputniknews.com/20211223/bojo-allegedly-not-going-to-change-covid-rules-before-xmas-as-figures-show-omicron-milder-than-1091737194.html

TruePatriot More restrictions, all over the seasonal winter flu/cold, eh? The scamdemic is over, the New Year's resolution is to end the tyranny. 1

1

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https://sputniknews.com/20211223/putin-reunification-of-crimea-with-russia-was-not-on-agenda-before-coup-in-ukraine-1091744848.html

Putin: Reunification of Crimea With Russia Was Not on Agenda Before Coup in Ukraine

Putin: Reunification of Crimea With Russia Was Not on Agenda Before Coup in Ukraine

In 2013, protests broke out in Ukraine due to the authorities' decision to halt a policy aimed at integration with the European Union, leading to a coup and the ousting of President Viktor Yanukovych.

2021-12-23T10:16+0000

2021-12-23T10:16+0000

2021-12-23T11:19+0000

russia

ukraine

putin

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https://cdnn1.img.sputniknews.com/img/07e4/09/01/1080339032_0:0:3072:1728_1920x0_80_0_0_7559de33e54e25dcddffd331d6536e00.jpg

The reunification of Crimea with Russia was never on the agenda before the coup in Ukraine, Russian President Vladimir Putin said during his year-end press conference on Thursday.He noted that it was impossible for Russia to deny Crimeans protection after the Ukrainian coup.The president recalled history, saying in terms of Ukraine "they created a country that included historical Russian territories".Additionally, the Russian president shared his "impression" that a third military operation is being prepared in Ukraine, and "they are warning Russia not to interfere".Russia needs to think about its national security and constantly monitor the events in Ukraine, the president noted. According to Putin, the main issue is that Kiev is refusing to comply with the Minsk agreements, which, he said, are the only way to resolve the situation in Donbass.Later, the Russian president underlined that the future of this region will be determined by the people of Donbass themselves.The ongoing conflict in southeastern Ukraine, where the Ukrainian military launched a special operation against the self-proclaimed Donetsk and Lugansk people's republics in 2014, has killed thousands of people. The Normandy Four format, which includes Russia, France, Germany, and Ukraine, was established in June 2014 to mediate the conflict after the regions of Donetsk and Lugansk, known together as Donbass, proclaimed independence following what they considered to be a coup in Kiev in February of that year. Despite several ceasefire agreements reached under the Normandy format, the Donbass conflict continues. In 2014, as the conflict in Donbass was raging, Crimea and Sevastopol reunited with Russia following a referendum in which more than 95% of the peninsula's voters were in favour of reunification.

https://sputniknews.com/20211209/why-has-ukraine-been-so-important-for-us-russia-policies-since-the-end-of-cold-war-1091394193.html

mandrake Of course it wasnt but once the morons plan re ukraine became clear and its ultrrior motive, crimea became an urgent necessity for moscow and the morons are swearing themselves blue that they missed the most vital part of ukraine from which to launch an attack on russia and all those goodies buried in the russian soil! 5

Alba1970 Rear Admiral Thomas McKenzie founded the Naval base and city of Sevastopol for Catherine the Great of Russia and not for Ukraine .. Crimea is Russian 4

5

ukraine

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russia, ukraine, putin
https://sputniknews.com/20211223/russia-us-attempts-to-use-security-guarantee-talks-as-cover-to-arm-ukraine-will-worsen-situation-1091739952.html

Russia: US Attempts to Use Security Guarantee Talks as Cover to Arm Ukraine Will Worsen Situation

Russia: US Attempts to Use Security Guarantee Talks as Cover to Arm Ukraine Will Worsen Situation

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said that US' efforts to use dialogue with Russia on security guarantees as a cover for further military development of Ukraine will lead to deterioration of the situation

2021-12-23T07:54+0000

2021-12-23T07:54+0000

2021-12-23T09:10+0000

us

russia

ukraine

security guarantees

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Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov has said that Washington's attempts to use the dialogue with Russia on security guarantees as a cover for the further military development of Ukraine will lead to an inevitable deterioration of the situation, and the responsibility for this will fall entirely on the US and NATO.In this case, Russia will conclude that the US does not have the political will to negotiate, "that everything that happens is used as a cover for continuing the same policy of militarily developing Ukraine and other states for anti-Russian purposes", according to the Russian deputy foreign minister.The Russian diplomat also said that Moscow had sent Washington its proposals regarding the timing of the start of the security guarantee talks. "Concrete steps should follow the discussions, [and] conversations. Therefore, we are still awaiting a concrete response from the US side when it is ready to launch a bilateral dialogue with us. Our proposals, including on the timing of launching such a dialogue, were made to the US side", Ryabkov noted. Moscow has repeatedly said that it is ready to immediately engage in this dialogue, the diplomat recalled.Lavrov Says Security Guarantee Talks Slated for Early Next Year The remarks come after Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov told RT that the first round of security guarantee talks between Russia and the US is set to take place in January.Russia's Draft Agreements on Security GuaranteesThe draft agreements on security guarantees, which were released by the Russian Foreign Ministry last week, stipulate legally binding commitments by Moscow and Washington not to deploy weapons and forces in areas where they may be a threat to each other's national security.The draft agreements also envisage both sides not sending their ships or aircraft within striking distance of the other party. Additionally, the documents limit the deployment of intermediate and short-range missiles, and suggest that nuclear weapons already deployed are expected to be returned to their country of origin. Moscow also demanded that NATO stop its eastward expansion towards Russia's borders and avoid inviting post-Soviet countries into the alliance, or creating military bases on their territory.This comes as Kiev and several Western countries continue to accuse Moscow of amassing troops near Russia's border with Ukraine. Moscow, for its part, rejected the accusations and alleged that the West wants to use them as an excuse to deploy NATO military equipment near the Russian border.

https://sputniknews.com/20211216/security-guarantees-proposals-handover-to-us-is-step-towards-substantive-dialogue-moscow-1091565341.html

https://sputniknews.com/20211222/russia-slams-us-for-distorting-reality-by-blaming-moscow-for-ukraine-escalation-1091710313.html

tomgreg Russia knows the Yanks' tricks and won't be fooled. 7

Valentin Yes! "Russia must treat those american provocateurs as ordinary criminals" - This is THE BEST and ONLY answer and attitude required 7

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us, russia, ukraine, security guarantees
https://sputniknews.com/20211223/russian-president-vladimir-putin-holds-2021-end-of-year-press-conference-1091739829.html

Russian President Vladimir Putin Holds 2021 End-of-Year Press Conference

Russian President Vladimir Putin Holds 2021 End-of-Year Press Conference

This event is the first live press conference held by the Russian president since the beginning of the pandemic, and several limitations are in place to avoid spreading the coronavirus infection.

2021-12-23T09:01+0000

2021-12-23T09:01+0000

2021-12-23T09:21+0000

russia

moscow

vladimir putin

putin's 2021 annual year-end press conference

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Sputnik is live from Moscow, as Russian President Vladimir Putin holds his annual press conference, addressing the issues of the outgoing year and answering questions from the press.Putin has held press events every year since 2001, when he was serving his first presidential term. In 2020, the press conference was held via video link for the first time due to anti-pandemic restrictions, while this year it returns to its usual format. However, the number of journalists attending the presser has been limited to around 500.Follow Sputnik's Live Feed to Find Out More!

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Vladimir Putin Holds Year-End Press Conference Vladimir Putin Holds Year-End Press Conference 2021-12-23T09:01+0000 true PT247M16S

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https://sputniknews.com/20211223/taliban-reportedly-halted-evacuation-flights-from-afghanistan-for-past-two-weeks-1091754742.html

Taliban Reportedly Halted Evacuation Flights From Afghanistan for Past Two Weeks

Taliban Reportedly Halted Evacuation Flights From Afghanistan for Past Two Weeks

WASHINGTON (Sputnik) - The Taliban* have suspended US-chartered Qatar Airways evacuation flights out of Afghanistan for the past two weeks, NBC reported on... 23.12.2021, Sputnik International

2021-12-23T15:28+0000

2021-12-23T15:28+0000

2021-12-23T15:28+0000

asia & pacific

afghanistan

taliban

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Flights were halted over disagreements both about how the Kabul airport is managed and who is provided with seats on the evacuation flights, the report said, citing a congressional source, two refugee advocates and a source in the know.The Taliban allegedly demanded several seats on the flights for their fighters and sympathizers so that they can work in other countries, NBC said, citing a congressional official and the source familiar with the matter. According to the TV channel, the Taliban argue that they are running the country and Qataris use their airspace, so the radical group should receive seats on the flights.Prior to the flight suspension, the Taliban were using the seats to send migrant workers to Qatar, Saudi Arabia and other countries to find work, the report noted. The Taliban were deciding who would get the seats, and it was not known who was leaving Afghanistan  Taliban fighters, sympathizers, civilians, or a combination of these groups, according to the broadcaster.When the Qatari government declined to continue providing seats, the Taliban halted evacuation flights, NBC said.The Taliban and the Qatari government are also reported to be at odds over how the Taliban are running the airport. Qatar maintains that the airport and its security are not up to international standards, and they have denounced instances of the Taliban harassing Afghan refugees at the airport or preventing them from boarding their flights, according to NBC.The Taliban took over Afghanistan in August, which led to the collapse of the previous government and mass evacuations from the Kabul airport. As crowds gathered at the airport, the area was hit by two terrorist attacks, the Taliban ordered all foreign evacuations to end before 31 August. Later, evacuations resumed.*The Taliban is an organisation under the UN sanctions over terrorist activities

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https://sputniknews.com/20211223/trump-reportedly-asks-supreme-court-to-block-release-of-his-white-house-records-to-jan-6-panel-1091757123.html

Trump Asks Supreme Court to Block Release of His White House Records to Jan. 6 Panel

Trump Asks Supreme Court to Block Release of His White House Records to Jan. 6 Panel

Former President Trump has appealed to the Supreme Court in a final bid to block his presidential records from being delivered to the House committee investigating the January 6 insurrection at the US Capitol by his supporters.

2021-12-23T17:02+0000

2021-12-23T17:02+0000

2021-12-23T22:37+0000

us

donald trump

records

us supreme court

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In a massive 195-page filing laying out his case, Trump petitioned the high court for a writ of certiorari on Thursday, asking it to consider "whether the Committees records request violates the Constitution or laws of the United States entitling President Trump to a preliminary injunction prohibiting production of the records to the Committee."In a separate filing on Thursday, Rep. Bennie Thompson (D-MS), who chairs the select committee, asked the high court for an expediting ruling, arguing that delay would inflict a serious injury on the Select Committee and the public."However, it's not just Trump's records the committee wants: dozens of Trump affiliates and former staffers have also been subpoenaed for their testimony and various records, including phone records. Many have refused to cooperate and been held in contempt of Congress, including right-wing ideologue and former chief adviser to Trump, Steve Bannon, and his former chief of staff, Mark Meadows.Earlier this week, Alex Jones, host of the website InfoWars, and Michael Flynn, a retired US Army general who briefly served as Trump's national security adviser before later becoming a cheerleader for the QAnon conspiracy theory, both filed their own lawsuits, attempting to dodge the committee's subpoenas of their phone records.The rioters were attempting to void the results of the election, which Congress was certifying at the time of the attack in a special joint session. While Trump lost the election to now-US President Joe Biden, he has refused to admit the loss, claiming the Democrats committed fraud and "stole" the election from him. However, the rioters failed in their goal, as while they temporarily dispersed Congress, they failed to lay hands on the election results, and police and National Guardsmen soon cleared them from the building.Wider questions remain about why so few defensive precautions were taken prior to the protest, including why Pentagon brass were so slow to respond to urgent pleas for support by Capitol Police. The extent to which the riot was coordinated with or by Republican lawmakers and numerous right-wing elements, including militia members and neo-Nazi parties, is also not yet fully known, but the committee has also subpoenaed the leaders of right-wing groups that participated, including the Proud Boys gang and Oath Keepers militia.

ASmith_ Trump Desperately Asks Supreme Court to Block Release of His White House Records to Jan. 6 Panel in what appears to be a last-ditch effort to duck criminal and civil liabilities with deaths and violence he allegedly encouraged. LockTrumpsUp RICOTrumps 6

vot tak Excellent article. The behaviour of trump & co. remind me of nixon & co. during the watergate investigations. They are try to block it any way they can. It is very obvious now to any but the most stupid dittohead zombies that trump was heavily involved with setting up the riot and it was a large scale effort involving many israeli likudite assets in the israeli controlled american colonial regime, the far right media, along with military and local political and police assets. The 4

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us, donald trump, records, us supreme court
https://sputniknews.com/20211223/two-killed-several-injured-in-suspected-bomb-blast-in-indias-punjab-1091740457.html

Two Killed, Several Injured in Suspected Bomb Blast in India's Punjab

Two Killed, Several Injured in Suspected Bomb Blast in India's Punjab

At least two people are dead and five injured after a massive explosion inside a district court complex in Ludhiana in the Indian state of Punjab on Thursday.

2021-12-23T10:16+0000

2021-12-23T10:16+0000

2021-12-23T10:16+0000

court

punjab

explosion

bomb blast

pakistan

india

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At least two people are dead and five injured after a massive explosion inside a district court complex in Ludhiana in the Indian state of Punjab on Thursday. The city is about 100 km from state capital Chandigarh.A court lawyer said that a "bomb blast" took place in the washroom on the third floor, which houses eight courtrooms."There is no security arrangement. People can come and go without any inquiry", a lawyer present at the incident site said. Hundreds of litigants with their attendants visit the court complex daily.The police have cordoned off the area. However, lawyers said several had already touched the dead bodies lying inside the damaged structure that may impact the investigation.The poll-bound state of Punjab bordering Pakistan has a history of violence. Over 21,000 people were killed in a little over a decade due to a secessionist movement before it was comprehensively defeated in 1993.

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court, punjab, explosion, bomb blast, pakistan, india
https://sputniknews.com/20211223/us-shows-absence-of-constructive-approach-on-russian-diplomatic-property--kremlin-1091735438.html

US Shows Absence of Constructive Approach on Russian Diplomatic Property  Kremlin

US Shows Absence of Constructive Approach on Russian Diplomatic Property  Kremlin

The United States refuses to return the Russian diplomatic property that it has illegally confiscated, and so far Moscow has not seen any constructive approach from Washington on the matter, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Wednesday.

2021-12-23T01:55+0000

2021-12-23T01:55+0000

2021-12-23T01:55+0000

us

russia

us diplomacy

kremlin

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The US violates international laws by keeping illegally occupied Russian diplomatic property, he stressed, adding that it would rather resume its foreign representation while keeping restrictions on Russia, which is absolutely impossible.A row between the United States and Russia over the latters diplomatic properties erupted in December 2016, when outgoing US President Barack Obama closed two Russian diplomatic compounds in New York and Maryland and expelled 35 Russian diplomats.In 2017, the administration of President Donald Trump shut down the Russian Consulate General in San Francisco, as well as the trade missions in New York City and Washington in response to Moscow's decision to reduce the number of US diplomatic staff in Russia.The United States also closed the Russian Consulate in Seattle the following year over allegations that Moscow was involved in the poisoning of former double agent Sergei Skripal in the United Kingdom. State Department officials entered the residence of the Russian consul by breaking all the locks there.Russia said the US actions violate the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic and Consular Relations as well as other aspects of international law.

vot tak An "absence of construction approach" in diplomacy is the israeloamerican way. A nation, run by zio-quisling psychopaths (usa) getting their orders from fellow psychopaths (israel). Look up the definition of psychopath. This is the mentality of those running the capitalist west. These lack the essential elements that make people human beings. 2

WhatTheFishIsThis In the absence of law and order, you'll have to beat up the thief and reclaim your property. 1

2

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us, russia, us diplomacy, kremlin
Montana Pablo A paced home for his 75th career victory when he won Wednesday's (Dec. 22) first race at MGM Northfield Park. The 14-year-old veteran, who has made 333 career starts, also has 38 second-place and 32 third-place finishes.

With the calendar soon turning to 2022, Montana Pablo A will be forced into retirement. Per the rules of the United States Trotting Association, horses can race from age two through 14.

Montana Pablo A (Blissfull Hall-Gold Liner-Shipps Fella) has amassed career earnings of $524,905, and took his lifetime mark of 1:50.4 at Harrahs Philadelphia as a 10-year-old. The geldings richest win came in a $22,000 conditioned race at Yonkers Raceway in 2014. Montana Pablo A is a well-traveled campaigner: his 333 starts have been spread across 17 different racing surfaces encompassing eight different states as well as Australia.

Montana Pablo A started from post four in the evenings $4,800 conditioned claiming event. He led at every call through fractions of :27.4, :56.1, 1:24.4 and 1:54.4, winning by 2-1/2 lengths. He was the lukewarm favourite in the race and paid $6.40 to win.

Andrew Betts of Broadview Heights, Ohio, owns Montana Pablo A. Trainer Scott Betts called upon Tim Deaton for the winning drive.

MGM Northfield Park has announced the addition of a $12,500 Pick-5 total pool guarantee for Sunday (Dec. 26). The Pick-5 begins in race six, and the $12,500 guaranteed total pool includes a carryover of $3,316. This wager is offered as part of the Strategic Wagering Program through the United States Trotting Association. The evenings eighth race begins the 50-cent (non-jackpot) Pick-6 with a $1,376 carryover. Northfields Pick-5, Pick-4s, Pick-3s, Pick-6 and 20-cent Super High Five offer a reduced takeout rate of 14 per cent. Sundays post time is 6 p.m.

(MGM Northfield Park)
At the time of its closure, city officials cited large maintenance costs as making continued operation of the facility as cost-prohibitive. Some organizations took over operations of the facility, but none of those entities operated the facility for long. Remodeling of the Splash Arena was estimated at $7 million to $9 million, while Zac Karpf, president of the YMCA Board of Directors, placed construction of a new facility between $13 million and $15 million.

From previous attempts to pass LB 357, it seems that voters want more definition of the plans for using the funds raised by a sales tax. At this time, Rief said, plans are to hold a special meeting in January to establish the communitys desires for the needs that could be met with an aquatic center.

The intention is to engage the community to see what they want to see in an aquatic center, he said. Well kind of put it together. And then, you know, based on what we have available for potential funding ... we can come up with something tangible that they can vote on.

Some of the needs at Mondays meeting included a competition pool for area swimmers that compete with community and school-based teams.
SCOTTSBLUFF  Members of Western Heritage Federal Credit Union  with branches located in both Alliance and Scottsbluff  voted overwhelmingly in favor of a merger with Meridian Trust Federal Credit Union. The two credit unions will merge under the banner of the Meridian Trust name effective Jan. 1, 2022.

Western Heritage, with $65 million in assets and over 8,000 members, will combine with Meridian Trusts $583 million in assets and more than 31,000 members.

Were extremely excited to partner with Meridian Trust because of what this means for our membership, Western Heritage CEO Cindy Baker said in a press release. Western Heritage FCU has honored and served our membership for 85 years. This will ensure that we can continue to meet our members growing financial needs, while providing them with top level service. Meridian Trust has a wide array of offerings that our members will love.

Kim Withers, Meridian Trust CEO, said, Were very excited to welcome Western Heritage members and employees into the Meridian Trust family. Weve witnessed firsthand the outstanding service they provide and the great loyalty of their members. We look at this as an opportunity that will benefit members of both credit unions.
At one time, there was a stage in the hall, but was torn out at some point in its history. In its place was a built-in cabinet that served as a Buddhist shrine.

(The hall) functioned both as a Christian church  Im not sure what denomination  but they also had Buddhist ceremonies, Wolf said.

Once the restoration is complete, Wolf said they have a Buddhist statue that will go in the cabinet, but is unsure if it is the original one.

There is more work to be done in the basement, which used to serve as a dormitory for the school operated in the Japanese Hall.

One of the original features is a kitchen that will be functional once the Japanese Hall is open to the public. Wolf said some of the original kitchen was taken out, but the cabinets and refrigerator are original to the building.

Wolf said one of the challenges the museum is facing is adding a second exit in the basement.

Hopefully, by adding that second exit, we can have meetings and smaller receptions down here where they can still use the kitchen and have a couple of roasters for potlucks. (The original counter space will let them) be able to have the food laid out, he said.
As of the start of Winter Break on Dec. 17, a total of 199 individuals regularly involved with Floyd County Public Schools, including students, teachers and operational staff, had tested positive for COVID, including three the week of Dec. 14-17.

Most cases in Floyd schools have occurred at Floyd County High School (81), followed by Floyd Elementary (60), Willis Elementary (18), Indian Valley Elementary (16) and Check Elementary (14). Ten cases have been reported by members of the Operational Staff.

Find the FCPS COVID-19 data online at www.floyd.k12.va.us/Page/3022.

Children as young as five years are eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine in the state of Virginia, and booster doses of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccine are encouraged for those 16 years and older as early as six months after the initial dose.

Booster doses of the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine are encouraged as soon as two months are the initial dose.

Both COVID-19 vaccines and regular flu vaccines are being offered at the Floyd County Health Department from 8:15 a.m. to noon on Tuesdays. Testing for COVID-19 is scheduled to take place in Floyd Tuesday, Dec. 28.
She said the staffer is fully vaccinated, had received a booster shot and had tested negative before boarding Air Force One.

Harris' office said an aide who was with the vice president throughout Tuesday tested received a positive test result for COVID-19 on Wednesday morning.

Symone Sanders, Harris' spokesperson, said the staffer is fully vaccinated, had received a booster and had tested negative every day last week as well as Monday and Tuesday of this week. The staffer did not experience symptoms of the disease, Sanders said.

Harris is also tested on a regular basis and is fully vaccinated and has received a booster dose. She tested negative Wednesday morning as part of that testing, Sanders said. After being informed of the staffer's condition, Harris took a more sensitive test that also produced a negative result, Sanders said.

Harris will be tested again on Friday and next Monday, Sanders said, in accordance with guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

CDC guidance does not require fully vaccinated people to quarantine after exposure, and Harris and her husband, Doug Emhoff, were set to depart Wednesday evening for Los Angeles, where she will stay through the New Year.

Copyright 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
Taylor had her daughter when she was 19 and her son a few years later. She lost custody of them for a couple years as she battled her own addiction to opioids and cocaine. She told them she wished she could fix all the dysfunctional things that happened when she was using.

"Then I thought, well, then my mom would have to go back and fix things, and then my grandma would have to go back, it would have to go on like that for generations," she said.

Taylor had lived in more than 50 places before she turned 18  foster homes, battered women's shelters, on the streets  and faced sexual, physical and mental abuse.

"The things I blame on generational trauma are not feeling good enough, not feeling worthy enough, not feeling loved," she said.

She prayed to her creator to spare her children, and she told her son every day that she loved him.

White Earth Nation too worked hard to save its people from addiction, and many years lost no one to overdoses on the reservation. But then the pandemic arrived and proved too painful for some.

And now in Taylor's shaking hands, she holds her son's picture  another face for the posterboard, lost January 11, 2021.
Cowlitz County Superior Court found a Longview man guilty Wednesday of entering two 20th Avenue homes without the intent of stealing or destroying property.

After a two-day trial, Superior Court Judge Thad Scudder ruled Timothy Rollo Bean, 33, was guilty of the lesser of his three charges: first-degree criminal trespass, a gross misdemeanor. He was found not guilty of two counts of felony residential burglary, which requires intent to commit a crime when inside someone's dwelling.

Man arrested after allegedly entering Longview home, trying to climb through window of another Police say a man with a warrant out for his arrest in Lewis County was found walking through back yards in Longview early Thursday morning, af

Bean is scheduled to be sentenced Jan. 3, 2022. He also is facing a trial in another case, where he is charged with six felonies, including second-degree assault, after allegedly being a passenger in the vehicle that hit and wounded Castle Rock Officer Bill Zimmerman in February.

Entering homes

Scudder said Bean unlawfully entered and remained at two Longview residences, but was not convinced that he formed the intent at either house to commit theft or malicious mischief.

Longview Sgt. Chris Angel said officers arrested Bean on Oct. 28 after receiving reports of a man possibly entering homes and walking through yards in the 200 block of 20th Avenue in Longview.

Bean said on the stand he was high on methamphetamines and did not sleep for five days before his arrest and cannot clearly remember the events. Bean said he thought he was home while inside one property because he lived nearby when he was 6 years old, and didnt remember trying to enter through a window of another.

The prosecution argued Bean intended to destroy property while inside one home because he admitted to looking for food to eat. The owners of the home said Bean destroyed their dishwasher detergent and Keurig K-Cup pods and were forced to throw away food they believe Bean may have handled.

Previous charges

Bean was released on a $1,000 bond in April after his February arrest, in which officers say Bean was the passenger of a stolen vehicle the driver intentionally used to hit Zimmerman.

Investigators release videos, send report to prosecutor from February officer-involved shooting Videos of a local police officer firing shots at a driver who struck him with a van have been released to the public as part of a report sent 

In that case, Bean is facing two counts of second-degree assault, attempting to elude a police vehicle, second-degree malicious mischief, possession of a stolen vehicle, theft of a motor vehicle, third-degree possession of stolen property, and resisting arrest.

Bean is in the Cowlitz County Jail. Court records show he previously was convicted of second-degree child molestation, failure to register as a sex offender and violating a no contact order in Cowlitz County, and possession of a stolen vehicle and failure to register as a sex offender in Clark County.

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Editors note: Information is provided by the Cowlitz County Corrections Department and local law enforcement agencies. Each individual named in this report is presumed to be innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Firearm possession  Cowlitz County sheriffs officers Tuesday arrested Joseph Casario, 29, address unknown, on suspicion of unlawful possession of a gun.

Assault and malicious mischief  Longview police Tuesday arrested Zachary Rogers, 24, of Kelso, on suspicion of malicious mischief, third-degree assault, harassment and resisting arrest.

Fire assist

4000 block of Dike Road, Woodland. Tuesday. RV evacuated over concern about possible carbon monoxide leak.

Assaults

2900 block of Douglas Street, Longview. Tuesday. Man sitting in car outside skate park allegedly made threats and spit on person who asked why he was there.

200 block of Cypress Street, Longview. Tuesday.

Burglary

2200 block of Lewis River Road, Woodland. Tuesday. Commercial burglary including dirt bike.

Stolen vehicles

2300 block of Lewis River Road, Woodland. Tuesday. Gray 1994 Nissan 4x4 pickup. WA B13313L. Business logos on the doors and missing tailgate.

800 block of Third Avenue, Castle Rock. Tuesday. Silver 2012 Hyundai Elantra. Later seen in Lewis County.

Thefts

Nelson Avenue and North Maple Street, Kelso. Tuesday. Missing mail found in middle of the street.

100 block of Sparks Drive, Kelso. Tuesday. Wallet stolen after it fell on ground.

6100 block of Willow Grove Road, Longview. Tuesday. Package stolen from front porch.

200 block of Hillsdale Road, Woodland. Tuesday. Propane tanks.

400 block of Haussler Road, Kelso. Tuesday. Money taken from bank account.

1776 Court, Longview. Tuesday. From a shop.

30th Avenue and Washington Way, Longview. Tuesday. Items possibly stolen from year.

1600 block of Arkansas Street, Longview. Tuesday. CPAP machine.

2700 block of Garfield Street, Longview. Tuesday. Possible porch theft.

Vandalism/malicious mischief

1000 block of A Street, Woodland. Tuesday. Possible attempt to break into truck.

Vehicle prowls

200 block of Carolina Street, Longview. Tuesday. Front differential cover stolen from car.

3500 block of Oak Street, Longview. Tuesday.

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Kelso Mayor Nancy Malone was forced to vacate her seat Tuesday for missing council meetings, capping a tumultuous year for the Kelso City Council.

City Manager Andy Hamilton announced the decision at the end of the Tuesday night council meeting. While Malone could be appointed back to her seat as soon as the next council meeting, her removal all but guarantees Kelso will have a new mayor beginning next year.

Kelsos city charter states that any councilmember who misses more than five meetings in one year automatically forfeits their seat. The only allowable reason to miss a council meeting is if the member is away on approved city business.

I know the mayor has talked to a number of people since the last meeting, and our charter is very much written in stone on this point, Hamilton said.

Before this week, Malone missed two regular council meetings in February, one in April and one in July. Her fifth absence came from the walkout at the Sept. 8 council meeting, when Malone and three other councilmembers left before the meeting began to prevent a quorum.

Malone posted on Facebook that her absences early in the year were due to family medical issues, including the death of her sister-in-law. She was unavailable for an interview with The Daily News on Wednesday.

Kim Lefebvre, who will serve as acting mayor until the next council meeting, said she felt sorry for what happened with Malone. Lefebvre missed only one meeting this year, despite going through a bypass surgery and contracting COVID-19.

We only meet twice a month, except sometimes we have special meetings, Lefebvre said. If you miss six meetings, thats a quarter of all our work.

Councilman Keenan Harvey said he had questions about whether the count of missed meetings was correct, but cited executive session discussions that kept him from getting into specifics. Harvey also felt the way the announcement was made was mishandled.

If members of the council thought that this met the definition of Malone missing six or more meetings, then why is the council not making that announcement? Harvey said.

The strict attendance policy is an issue Kelso councilmembers have run into in the past. Alan Slater lost his seat in 1997 after he missed meetings while recovering from cancer and Dan Myers lost his seat in 2012. Slater and Myers both were quickly reappointed to their seats, and their removals spurred unsuccessful attempts to amend the absence policy in the city charter.

The most recent instance came in December 2015, when embattled city councilman Jared Franklin vacated his seat over absences. Franklins removal overlapped with several current members of the council: Malone and Jim Hill were sworn in at the following council meeting, while Lefebvre was appointed to fill Franklins seat.

A vote for who will serve as mayor of Kelso will take place at the Jan. 4 meeting regardless of what has happened with Malone. The council chooses among themselves who will serve as mayor after newly elected members are sworn in at the first meeting of a year.

Hill said that, based on conversations with other members of the council, Malone may have had an uphill battle to be re-elected next month regardless of the absence issue.

It comes down to the fact that given everything that happened in the last year, the city deserves new leadership. And thats not a criticism of Nancys leadership, Hill said.

The swearing-in for councilman Brian Wood and the vote for mayor will be the first action items on the councils agenda in January. A discussion about reappointing Malone to her seat, or any other actions the council takes to fill her position, will not come up until later that night.

Harvey also has requested the city hold an executive session after the next meeting to discuss personnel matters related to the decision about Malone.

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Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain

Dozens of Amazon warehouse employees staged a walkout Wednesday at two Chicago-area delivery stations to demand higher pay and better working conditions, disrupting operations just days before Christmas.

The work stoppages began at about 4:30 a.m. in west suburban Cicero and 8 a.m. at the Gage Park facility on Chicago's Southwest Side, according to Amazonians United Chicagoland, an organization representing local Amazon warehouse workers.

Ted Miin, a member of the labor organization who has worked for Amazon for nearly three years, said about 25 workers on the overnight shift at the Gage Park station left their posts early and gathered for a brief parking lot rally Wednesday morning.

"We know that we're overworked and underpaid and understaffed; we know that we're at greater risk for injury, greater risk for COVID infection," said Miin, 36, who lives in Chicago's Englewood neighborhood. "We know that we deserve more pay and safer staffing conditions. We're going to do what it takes to make Amazon take us seriously."

Delivery stations are the last-mile stop in the Amazon shipping process, where packages from the fulfillment centers are sorted and loaded into vans for delivery to the customers. More than half of the workers at the Gage Park station walked out with hours remaining on their shift and boxes piling up for delivery during the busy holiday shipping season, Miin said.

Starting pay for a warehouse "sortation associate" at the Gage Park station is $15.30 an hournearly $3 an hour below what comparable workers make at other Amazon delivery stations in Chicago, Miin said. The workers are looking for a $3 an hour raise and a meaningful response from Amazon management addressing their concerns, he said.

In addition to better pay, the delivery station workers say they are "forced to move too fast," straining their bodies and walking over packages. They are demanding "fair pay" for the heavy work they do regularly during 10-hour overnight shifts throughout the pandemic, according to Amazonians United Chicagoland.

"We respect the rights of employees to protest and recognize their legal right to do so," Amazon spokeswoman Barbara Agrait said in an emailed statement. "We are proud to offer employees leading pay, competitive benefits, and the opportunity to grow with our company."

In April, Amazon quashed efforts by workers at an Alabama warehouse to form the first union in the online retail giant's history, waging a campaign that resulted in a lopsided defeat for the unionization vote.

Amazon has more than 36,000 full- and part-time employees in Illinois at 20 fulfillment centers, 20 delivery stations and 28 Whole Foods grocery stores, among other locations, according to the company's website.

The Wednesday walkouts come at a crucial time for last-minute shoppersjust three days before Christmas. On its website, Amazon said Thursday is the last day to order from more than 15 million items eligible for one-day delivery. On Friday, shoppers can order from a smaller selection of items available for same-day delivery, or send food from Amazon Fresh, if groceries are the gift of choice.

"We wanted to cause some disruption," Miin said. "There's definitely going to be some delays there. There's no way they're moving all the packages that were supposed to go out today."

Miin said he hopes Amazon will take the workers "a little more seriously" following the walkout, and come to the table seeking to resolve the issues they've raised.

The group has not decided whether to return to work Thursday or continue the walkout, Miin said.

While Amazon is navigating labor strife at its delivery stations, the company announced plans Tuesday to create 450 corporate and technology jobs over the next few years at its Chicago Tech Hub. The company signed a lease for a 67,000-square-foot expansion to accommodate the new hires at 222 W. Adams St., where more than 1,000 Amazon employees currently work.

The new Chicago office space is expected to be open for employees in late 2022, Amazon said in a news release.

Explore further US authorities order new vote in Amazon union bid

2021 Chicago Tribune.

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
A tractor works the land on a farm in front of a nuclear power plant in Doel, Belgium, on March 23, 2020. The Belgian government is committing itself to phase out the current nuclear plants by 2025, with polluting gas stations used as a bridge toward sustainable sources and possible new-technology nuclear options later. Credit: AP Photo/Virginia Mayo, File

The Belgian government tentatively committed itself Thursday to phasing out the country's existing nuclear power plants by 2025 while using gas as a bridge toward sustainable energy sources and possible new-technology nuclear options later.

Under a complicated compromise agreement reached after all-night negotiations, an assessment will be made of whether Belgium's energy security can be assured if all seven nuclear plants are shut down. A definitive decision is expected to be made in March.

"It would not be smart not to have a safety net," Prime Minister Alexander De Croo said, indicating that two plants could remain open, if need be.

While the government is pushing for the elimination of nuclear plans built with 20th-century technology, it also committed to invest in research for small modular nuclear reactors.

"We say goodbye to the old nuclear reactors and look to nuclear energy of the future," said De Croo.

A political commitment to phase out nuclear energy dates back to 2003, but successive Belgian governments have waffled to seal the deal. The anti-nuclear Greens are part of the current governing coalition and insistent on seeing action taken.

Nuclear plants release few pollutants into the air, which have made them an option as nations around the world seek clean energy to meet climate change targets. However, their construction and demolition produce large amounts of greenhouse gases.

Opponents have for decades cited the challenges involved with processing long-lived radioactive waste to lobby against new plants. Climate activists also say that relying on nuclear power risks slowing the rollout of renewable energy sources.

Belgium's ambivalence toward nuclear energy is reflected in a broader European Union debate that has pitted Germany against France.

The 27-nation bloc is expected to decide before the end of the year whether to include nuclear-generated energy among the economic activities that qualify for sustainable investment, a decision with far-reaching consequences for energy provisions in the bloc.

Explore further Merkel: No way back on German plan to end nuclear power use

 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
Credit: CC0 Public Domain

German national carrier Lufthansa will cut its winter flight plan by "around 10 percent" as the spread of the Omicron variant fuels uncertainty about travel, chief executive Carsten Spohr said Thursday.

"From the middle of January to February, we see a sharp drop off in bookings", leading the airline group to cancel "33,000 flights or about 10 percent" of its flights this winter, Spohr said in an interview with the Frankfurter Allgemeine Sonntagszeitung (FAS).

"Above all we are missing passengers in our home markets of Germany, Switzerland, Austria and Belgium, because these countries have been hit hardest by the pandemic wave," Spohr said.

Europe's largest airline groupwhich includes Eurowings, Austrian, Swiss and Brussels Airlineswas currently running "about 60 percent" of flights compared with the pre-pandemic year 2019, carrying "roughly half" the number of passengers, the CEO said.

The number of cancellations would have been higher were the group not running 18,000 "extra, unnecessary flights just to secure our landing and takeoff rights," Spohr said.

The airline industry has been battered since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic, with countless flights grounded in 2020 as countries closed their borders.

The European airports association ACI Europe estimated Thursday that the number of passengers travelling through its members had dropped 20 percent since November 24, when the Omicron variant was first reported to the World Health Organization.

Germany has placed stricter limits on travellers coming from the United Kingdom and South Africa, among others, where the new variant has caused a surge in cases.

The sudden headwind for the industry also caused Irish low-cost carrier Ryanair to cut its planned January schedule by 33 percent this week.

Across the Atlantic, American Airlines said it was running more than 5,000 flights daily on average over the Christmas and New Year periodaround 86 percent of its flight schedule over the same period in 2019.

Domestic demand "is very strong", the company said.

Internationally, pandemic-related travel curbs or test requirements have "a dampening effect" on demand, it added, "and we have seen that in some places".

Sick pilots

On Thursday, a Lufthansa spokesman told AFP the airline had already cancelled several transatlantic flights around Christmas, after the number of pilots calling in sick was greater than normal for this time of year.

Asked whether the absences were linked to the Omicron variant, the spokesman said he "could not speculate" as he did not have any information about the causes of illness.

In total, the airline has been forced to axe six flights between December 23 and 26, including services to Chicago, Boston and Washington.

The lack of personnel came despite Lufthansa's "big planned reserves" of crew, the spokesman said.

Swedish national carrier SAS on Wednesday also cancelled nine flights due to the coronavirus, after scrapping some 30 flights worldwide the day before.

Lufthansa posted its first operating profit since the beginning of the pandemic in the third quarter of this year, after a difficult 18 months.

The carrier booked an underlying, or operating loss of 5.5 billion euros ($6.2 billion) in 2020 and turned to the state for support.

In November, Lufthansa announced it had finished paying back the nine-billion-euro bailout it received from the government earlier than planned.

Explore further Ryanair doubles annual loss forecast on Omicron

 2021 AFP
It pays to compare like with like. Credit: Shutterstock

According to collective intelligence evangelist and journalist James Surowiecki, groups are much better at making predictions than the individuals who belong to those groups, be they novices or leading experts.

To illustrate this theory, Surowiecki shares a story in his 2004 book, "The Wisdom of Crowds," about Sir Francis Galton, a British statistician who made an astonishing discovery while attending a country fair at the turn of the 20th century.

During the fair, there was a contest in which participants were asked to guess the weight of an ox. There were 787 entries, which Galton analyzed upon returning home.

He was surprised to find that the median of all the entries was not only more accurate than the individual estimates of the butchers and farmers, who were supposed to have a keen eye for this kind of estimating, but also that this median was just a single pound off the animal's exact weight.

Galton would go on to publish his findings in the journal Nature, explaining the idea of vox populi: the best decisions are often those made by large groups.

Strength in numbers

Let's compare Francis Galton's anecdote to university courses for professional translators, in which participants have the opportunity to share their insights and clever finds, which they dissect, discuss, and critique as a group.

They arrange the best solutions into a final version, an ensemble of each individual contributor's most inspired ideas. This translation, a team effort, will invariably be higher quality than participants' individual work, no matter how talented they might be.

By extension, we might ask ourselves: might machine translation, whose statistical model more or less mimics the collective intelligence formula, replace real-life human translators? In the era of artificial intelligence, might we leverage our strength in numbers to translate, as if the Internet were a massive classroom, an enormous group project, our very own dream team with millions of members, a place where every translated text could serve as inspiration?

While seemingly brilliant on paper, I must start by disappointing automation evangelists.

The Internet is full of specialists, but they are but a drop in an ocean of generalists who also have something to say about how a given text should be translated. AI tries its best to put the sources it identifies as reliable (say, major organizations or reputable companies) at the top. But instead of asking for the truth, it asks for the opinion of the entire planet, indeed anyone who has written and published anything online.

If we continue to use the country fair analogy, this would be like not only asking everyone on earth for their opinion, for better and for worse, it would almost be like if everyone were also guessing without even identifying the creature they're looking at, since computers can't assign meaning to the solutions they find. They would certainly have a statistical idea of what animal it is, based on the features the machine detects, but not an exact match.

So, in addition to guesses about cattle breeds, you could potentially also get guesses about every animal on Earth, from fleas to blue whales, with all of the inconsistencies that would cause.

Finally, and most importantly, collaborative human translations are always subject to a certain amount of shepherding, whether by the professor or presenter, who guides the group and makes the final call. In other words, a higher power sorts through the solutions from the critical mass of translators and provides the guardrails that keep the process on track. When using machine translation without human intervention, these guardrails aren't there.

Mr Shithole goes to jumpsuit

There are, of course, a few safeguards that keep machine translation in check. The words themselves are usually a good indicator of the likely meaning of a sentence. Next, there's the context, which neural technologies now account for, narrowing the range of possible words to certain large families.

In our cattle example, the search would be corralled by the most basic engines to include large barnyard animals and by the most sophisticated ones to just bovine breeds. Nevertheless, given the difference between a small Angus calf and a big Charolais bull, the margin of error could still be high.

It's no wonder, then, that otherwise fluent-sounding sentences might omit meaningful information or be peppered with offensive errors, words that crop up out of nowhere, or gender bias.

Sometimes, the meaning might be completely flipped: since translation engines are unable to "understand" what sentences mean, they opt for the statistically likeliest solution, which could be the opposite of what the original says.

In this study, the headline, "UK car industry in brace position ahead of Brexit deadline," was translated as "L'industrie automobile britannique en position de force avant l'echeance du Brexit." The original English sentence means the UK car industry is fearing the worst (and placing itself in a defensive position, like passengers on a plane before a crash). Conversely, the French translation says the opposite: that the UK car is in a position of power (en position de force).

In other words, proceed with caution, because no matter how fluent the suggested translation appears, these types of errors (incorrect terminology, omissions, mistranslations) abound in machine translation output.

My colleague Ben Karl has shared a few examples on his website, including one where Mexico's official tourism website (automatically) translated the name of the upscale beachside resort town of Tulum as "jumpsuit."

Another incredible gem: the name of the president of the People's Republic of China being elegantly translated from Burmese to English as Mr. Shithole.

Normalization and leveling out

Another issue with machine translation which people may be less aware of is a process known as normalization. If new translations are only ever made using existing ones, over time, the process can stifle inventiveness, creativity, and originality, as several scientific studies have demonstrated.

Scholars also talk about "algorithmic bias": where machines are more likely to suggest a given term the more it is used to translate a certain word. The result is that less frequent (and therefore more creative) translations are blotted out.

Machines don't try to make texts sound pretty or play with the poetry of the wordssimply conveying the meaning will suffice. This leveling out, a sort of homogenisation, be it cultural, stylistic or ideological, can be a particular problem for literary texts, which by their very nature deviate from the norm and develop a distinct linguistic flavor.

An excellent article on leveling out by translator Francoise Wuilmart, written more than a decade before the emergence of neural machine translation, sounds particularly prescient today: "Leveling out hits at the very core of what makes literary translation so hard. To level out or 'normalize' a text is to dull or dampen it, flatten its natural relief, lob off its pointy bits, fill in its grooves, and iron out all the wrinkles that make it a literary text in the first place."

This is precisely what machine translation does, whether intentionally or not. The tecnhology creates a vicious circle that, over time, leads to language impoverishment: the machine produces increasingly standardized texts, which are then used as the input to train other engines, which further level out the texts, and so on.

Studies have shown that machine-translated texts are less lexically rich. Exposing ourselves to increasingly homogenous language means hobbling our ability to express ourselves, and therefore our thoughts.

Human expertise in indispensable

Everyone in the translation industry today recognizes that it is undergoing a technological shift. Machine translation is clearly being used more and more, and its raw output is becoming increasingly usable.

However, too many users forget that automatically translated content has the potential to be rife with all kinds of errors, and that mistakes can be lurking everywhere among seemingly fluent and coherent sentences.

Expert translation professionals are uniquely equipped to assess the quality of this raw output. Only real-life humans can decide whether to use machine translation or not, like photographers picking the best camera for the conditions or accountants choosing the data entry method best suited to how they work.

Translation, like all professions, can't escape a certain amount of automation. We could in fact be excited about this change, which can help professionals let their expertise shine, avoid repetitive tasks, and focus on where they can add the most value.

But caution is more important than ever, and indiscriminate use of machine translation should be avoided.

Real professionals will choose the best way to work with you depending on your priorities and the famous timebudgetquality trio. As your savvy linguistic and cultural consultants, they will be the key to ensuring flawless multilingual communication.

Like the butcher who actually won the contest at the country fair in Plymouth in 1906 would undoubtedly have said, human expertise is the only way you can be sure to hit the bullseye every single time.

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
He goes into detail about her complex life and love for weekly manicures, colorful jokes, rolling joints and dirty magazines. He jokingly described her as supermom and "perfect PTA lady," then quickly retracts."HA! HA! HA! Just kidding y'all!," he writes.

The goal was to paint an accurate picture of a woman who was not perfect, but lived an authentic life to the fullest, says Corren, who lives in New York City. The obit has been widely shared on social media, and he hopes it teaches the world to celebrate women like his mother.

"Most women like Renay don't get respect. Either they were too fat, too poor or too old. They are made to feel invisible and they are not invisible," Corren told CNN. "My job was easy, I just reported the facts."

He wrote the obit on his mom's final days

Corren wrote the obit at his mom's bedside as she was dying from advanced diabetes and sepsis. He shared some of the lines with her before she died.

"She laughed. As a writer writing for one audience, that was very satisfying," he says. "I didn't believe anyone was going to read it. I genuinely thought it was going to be rejected. I was shocked it even got printed."
Aguilera-Mederos was traveling as fast as 85 mph when his truck slammed into traffic on a section of Interstate 70 in Lakewood, Colo., where commercial vehicles are limited to 45 mph because of the road's steep grade.

He said at his trial his brakes had failed and when his emergency brake didn't work, he planned to stay on the shoulder to avoid traffic, but couldn't because another truck was in the way. Prosecutors said failing to use a runaway truck ramp several miles before the crash was among a series of bad decisions Aguilera-Mederos made that precipitated the wreck.

He was convicted of 27 counts, including vehicular homicide and assault.

A state law requiring the sentences be served consecutively, rather than at the same time, contributed to the lengthy sentence. But the judge said publicly it would not have been what he would have imposed if he had more discretion.

The law also allows the court to "reconsider its sentence in an exceptional case involving unusual and extenuating circumstances," according to a motion filed Friday by the office of District Attorney Alexis King, but the motion doesn't elaborate.
He apologized to the victim and said he holds himself accountable for his actions.

Quinn also apologized to the residents of Furnas County for the unfair stigma the case has brought to the community. Quinn briefly paused as he was overcome with emotion while apologizing to his family and addressing the shame and embarrassment he has caused them.

Quinn asked Doyle to impose a sentence that is fair and just while referencing his contribution to the community of Oxford, including revitalizing the downtown.

Doyle sentenced Quinn to a minimum of 30 years and a maximum of 50 years for the three counts of first-degree sexual assault of a child and two counts of sex trafficking of a minor, each to be served consecutively; a minimum of 15 years and a maximum of 35 years for one count of visual depiction of sexually explicit content; a minimum of 15 years and a maximum of 50 years of two counts of visual depiction of sexually explicit content; a minimum of 10 years and a maximum of 15 years for two counts of possession of child pornography; a minimum of nine months and a maximum of 24 months for two counts of enticement by electronic communication device; and a minimum of nine months and a maximum of 27 months for one count of child abuse.
This year's disasters are proof that the climate crisis is intensifying and that the window is rapidly closing to slash our reliance on fossil fuels and to prevent changes that would transform life as we know it.

"What we think of as climate change is now becoming very personal," Jennifer Marlon, a climate scientist at the Yale School of the Environment, previously told CNN. "It's not far away anymore. It's now in our front yard, it's in our backyards, it's in our basements, it's even in our lungs as (we are) breathing smoke from these wildfires."

These are the top 10 climate stories of 2021.

10. Historic rain at Greenland's summit

In August, precipitation at the typically snowy summit of Greenland fell as rain for the first time.
Pat Mayse Lake Report

Pat Mayse Lake is two feet low with temps at 56 degrees. Water temperature should continue to drop after the passage of the cold front last week. Bass have been good on drop offs and around stumps on crankbaits and plastics. Sand bass up to 1.75 pounds are biting well in very shallow on windy points and some flats using crankbaits. Crappie are slow in 15 to 30 feet around brush. The winds have prevented chasing crappie safely on the main lake. No report on catfish. The high winds have kept bait fish on the move; fish slow but move often to find the aggressive bites. Great Christmas gift ideas for the winter fisherman are storm suits and automatic life preservers. Suits by Arctic Armor will keep you warm. Make sure to use one large enough to allow room for a life preserver. Wintertime fishing can produce some heavy fish, give it a try.
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WAYNE COUNTY  Authorities have named Ray Tate as the suspect arrested in connection with the fatal shooting of a Wayne County deputy near the Illinois/Indiana border.

Illinois State Police's Criminal Division Zone 8 announced Wednesday evening they will lead the investigation into Tate's alleged killing of Wayne County Sheriff's Deputy Sean Riley.

After a manhunt that lasted several hours, Tate was taken in custody and transported to the Clinton County Jail. Authorities say they expect him to be charged with first-degree murder by the Wayne County States Attorney.

At about 5 a.m. Wednesday, ISP DCI Zone 8 was requested to assist with a shooting involving an officer. Preliminary reports indicate that Riley was dispatched for a motorist assist call on eastbound Interstate 64 at mile marker 115.

A short time later, another responding officer located Riley dead on scene. The deputy's squad car was missing, and then located abandoned a short time later just east of the scene.

ISP said it's believed the suspect, Tate, 40, of Hopkinsville, Kentucky, carjacked a semitrailer near where Rileys squad car was located.

The driver of the semitrailer said he was held against his will and drove Tate to a gas station in St. Peters, Missouri, police said.

While in Missouri, a series of carjackings, robberies and shootings occurred, police said.

Tate allegedly traveled back into Illinois with a kidnapped victim in another stolen vehicle, ISP said. That stolen vehicle was located at a residence in rural Carlyle.

Police say Tate committed a home invasion, and took the homeowner and the kidnapped victim hostage at a residence in rural Clinton County.

At 1:42 p.m., ISP S.W.A.T. officers made entry into the residence and took Tate into custody without incident. The homeowner and kidnapped victim were located uninjured.

ISP Sgt. Todd Ringle said an autopsy has been completed and nearly 40 police vehicles escorted Riley back home.

"Please continue to keep his family in your prayers. We appreciate the volume of people along the route that showed their respect for Deputy Riley," he wrote.

ISP Director Brendan F. Kelly released a statement on ISP's behalf, saying he extended my heartfelt condolences all who knew Riley.

Once again, the Illinois State Police has safely apprehended an alleged cop killer with exceptional professionalism, patience and persistence standing side by side with all Illinois law enforcement through another dark and difficult moment. Mercifully, this incident was concluded with no further harm to first responders, and this defendant will now face justice, concluded Kelly.

Illinois Comptroller Susana A. Mendoza released a statement this morning regarding the death of Riley.

I was deeply saddened to learn of the death of Wayne County Sheriffs Deputy Sean Riley early this morning," Mendoza said in the release. "As the sister of a Chicago Police detective sergeant, any death of a first responder on duty hits close to home. My family and I will be praying for Deputy Rileys family as well as for the rest of the Wayne County Sheriffs Department. As the investigation into Deputy Rileys tragic death continues, I hope that the perpetrator will be caught, and Deputy Rileys family can feel some sense of justice. I ask that all Illinoisans lift up Deputy Rileys family in prayer in the days and weeks ahead.

The investigation is ongoing.

Anyone with information should contact the Illinois State Police at 217-524-2500.

Katie Kull of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch contributed to this report.

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HARRISBURG  After 44 days, 22 cold cases and six deceased loved ones recovered, two locals remain on a mission to reunite families with missing loved ones.

Jacob Grubbs, founder and lead diver for Chaos Divers, has turned what started as an environmental cleanup YouTube channel into a community dedicated to solving cold cases and locating deceased missing persons in the water.

Grubbs has helped families from Texas to Ohio as he grapples with the cases he hasnt been able to solve.

Reuniting loved ones

Grubbs got his first taste of helping the families of missing loved ones when he partnered with Adventures with Purpose to recover Nathaniel Ashbys body from the river in 2019 in St. Louis, Missouri.

To see the familys eyes and them being relieved as we actually pulled Nathan out of the water was an indescribable feeling, Grubbs said. The feeling that you get with telling the family, yes, at the time its heartbreaking. But yet the next day or couple hours after you have that feeling of relief that the family has answers now.

Grubbs was immediately hooked. He knew he wanted to help more families locate missing loved ones.

Grubbs said he met Lindsay Bussick while working on another case where the individual turned up days later after having placed himself in the hospital for a mental evaluation. He later invited Bussick to be his "Chaos Coordinator" and aid him on recovery missions.

In September of this year, Grubbs and Bussick set off with AWP for their 44 day cold case trip across the United States.

One this trip, Chaos Divers and Adventures with Purpose solved one of Grubbs most memorable recoveries  that of a pregnant 19-year-old and her 22-month-old child.

Samantha Hopper and Courtney Holt went missing Sept. 11, 1998, leaving behind a second daughter, Dezarea Carpenter.

In late October, more than 23 years after Hopper and Holt disappeared, Hoppers blue Ford Tempo was pulled from a lake in Russellville, Arkansas.

Their human remains were found inside.

The most memorable (case) was Samantha Hopper, Grubbs said. I think that case will stick with me for the rest of my life. It was a blessing to bring her home, but it was heart-wrenching to know theres a child in the back and shell never get a chance in life.

Carpenter had told Grubbs that when she was little, she thought her mother had abandoned her, Grubbs said.

However, not every case leads to a successful recovery such as Hoppers.

Two found in place of another

One case that meant a lot to Bussick and Grubbs was that of Ohio couple Joni Davis and Brian Goff.

Goff, 64, and Davis, 56, went missing three years ago, and no one saw them until Chaos Divers pulled the couple out of the water.

Chaos Divers was originally in Ohio looking for Karen Adams.

Adams went missing in 2011 and was driving a small red car.

When that search didn't yield any results, Bussick and Grubbs decided to work on another case for a bit  Goff and Davis.

The two were driving around one day when they saw Restaurant Road.

They had heard about this road when looking into their disappearance.

They followed this road until they came face to face with the Ohio River, and ended up in the same location as two of the last cell phone pings related to the case, Grubbs said.

Grubbs later got on the water, looked around with sonar, then dove, finding found the vehicle containing both Goss and Davis.

The event sent chills through Grubbs  both in the moment and later when they retold the story to The Southern.

Telling the loved ones of Goff and Davis they had found them was a surreal experience for Bussick and Grubbs.

However, letting Adams' family know they hadnt found her was devastating.

Its heartbreaking finding something that doesnt belong to them (the family), Bussick said. Id rather not find anything at all because it is excruciating and to have the family looking at you from shore and to have to say there is a vehicle right here, but it isnt yours. You just gave them this mountain of hope to climb up and then youve got to come up and tell them that. Id rather tell them we found their loved one because at least that night they are going to go to lay down for the first time and know where their person is.

Grubbs and Bussick are already making plans to return to Ohio to continue the search for Adams as once they learn about a missing person they become emotionally connected to them.

Working with the family is definitely heartwarming and heartbreaking at the same time because you have to listen to the story, Grubbs said. Not that its a burden, but you have to listen. You get this connection to the family.

The future

Grubbs and Bussick are planning another long trip where they hope to tackle numerous cold cases.

As the weather gets colder in January and February the two will be heading south for a month in a half or two months.

To do this traveling, along with all travel done, the two rely on donations, t-shirt sales and YouTube memberships.

After 12 years working as a coal miner and two companies shutting down on him, Grubbs has finally been able to provide for his family while helping others recover theirs.

I was sick and tired of feeling like I didnt have a job the next day, Grubbs said. Am I going to be able to support my family? Am I going to be able to support myself? SO I decided to push for YouTube and it finally took off to a comfortable level. Then it just snowballed into the channel, actually going decent and I can breathe again.

To follow Chaos Divers on their journey or to reach out to them for help locating you loved you, you can check out the group's website at https://chaosdivers.com/.

Were not cowboys in this. Were here to help. Were not trying to show off. Were just two ordinary people trying to make a difference.

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Jay Gunn does not speak Cape Verdean Creole. Nor is he able to communicate in Dutch or in the native English-Creole spoken in Turks and Caicos.

In fact, he does not speak any tongues other than English, yet he has a hand in the translation of the Bible into these and 839 other languages.

Gunn, 43, is the assistant director of discipleship for Wycliffe Associates, a role which he says is a perfect fit, giving him an opportunity to serve and care for those around the world who are working on active translation projects.

Think of Gunn as a staff pastor for all of the other employees and volunteers of the not-for-profit organization.

My primary role right now is to be a sort of chaplain for our team, Gunn explained. I am the one who just checks in with people, making sure they are being taken care of. To use a phrase from my days as a United Methodist pastor, my job is to ask them, How is it with your soul?

Gunn used a Biblical example to describe his position.

In the Book of Exodus, it was the job of Aaron and Hur to help Moses hold up his hands so Israel would prevail. Its my job to keep our guys hands in the air as they go and do what God has called us to do as an organization, he said.

How Gunn landed in the role is a story in itself. Having worked as a conductor with Amtrak for eight years, he said in 2020 he could sense cutbacks and layoffs coming because of the pandemic. He saw an ad for a regional director position with Wycliffe Associates. The Orlando-based group was looking for someone to handle relationships with churches and translators in the Pacific Region. His application led to several conversations with administrators and leaders, who eventually invited Gunn and several other applicants to an in-person, multi-day interview in Florida.

Despite being in meetings with others competing for the same job, Gunn said he felt, not animosity toward the others, but rather a sense of shared mission.

Gunn shared his experience. Through the beginning of the week, I had this thought that I just wanted to take care of these guys, but there was nothing in the organizational chart for that, he said. Then on Wednesday, Sam, who would be our director opened up and said he was creating a new position with the organization. He said, Weve been doing this for four years and I have this desire for someone to take care of my guys, to look out for them, sort of like a chaplain. Do you guys have any ideas? he asked. I had goosebumps and told him what I had been feeling.

Wycliffe Associates had found their man and Gunn had found a new calling. Today, working remotely from his home in Marion, Gunn leads regularly scheduled staff devotional videos, making face-to-face check-ins over Zoom, leading team chapels and prayers as well as just checking in with people, providing support and encouragement and helping however he can. He said his role is ever-changing.

One of the cool things is its always in process. We dont know how it will look in the future, he said. Right now we are looking at how best to do the team care aspect of things.

Gunn said the goal is to lend support to those placed internationally, who work with locals, training and helping them translate the Bible into their native tongues  what Gunn calls heart languages.

Heart language is what people speak when they are at home, when they are with their families. Its the language they dream in and they language they speak from the heart, whether or not it is the official language in their country, he explained.

He said the work is overwhelming, but very rewarding.

There are still thousands of languages that do not have a Bible. In my Midwestern American church context, Ive never known life without the Bible. I cant imagine those who do not have that, he said. To hear people read from the Bible in their own heart language for the first time, it is a feeling you never forget. Its life-changing and I am excited to be part of that.

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The Prairie Du Pont Fire District has fallen into chaos.

Its three-member board of trustees replaced the fire chief on Monday with a controversial assistant chief who was convicted of arson 23 years ago and who has been reported for safety violations.

That caused 10 out of 13 volunteer firefighters to resign, according to the former fire chief, John Rosenkranz, 37, of East Carondelet.

The district's Facebook page, which functions as its official website, is being used by both supporters and opponents of the new acting fire chief, and the latter are calling on the St. Clair County Board to remove members of the Prairie Du Pont board.

"In the past 2 years there have been open meetings act violations, federal background check violations, tort law violations, civil rights violations, discrimination, and sexual harassment issues," according to a "no confidence" letter sent to the county board from the "Prairie Du Pont Fire Department."

"The board refuses to hear the departments pleas for the laws and regulations of the State of Illinois and of the Federal Government to be followed. They will not let the public read or look at the minutes of their meetings. There is NO financial report being made to the general public. There are no (postings) of budgets or equipment contracts."

Prairie Du Pont serves about 2,500 people who live in a 14-square-mile area that includes East Carondelet and some homes with Dupo, Cahokia Heights, Millstadt and Columbia zip codes.

The new acting fire chief is Jerame Simmons, 42, of Dupo, who has served as a firefighter with several metro-east departments over the years. The Prairie Du Pont board promoted him to assistant chief last summer, demoting John Rosenkranz's wife, Laura Rosenkranz.

The board called a special meeting at 3 p.m. Monday to replace John Rosenkranz with Simmons.

Board members later issued a statement on Facebook, saying that they appreciated Rosenkranz's service but determined in the last several months that new leadership was needed.

"The Board is aware that some of the current officers and members of the Fire Department may disagree with the Board's decision, however, the position of the fire chief under state law is at the pleasure of the Board of Trustees ...

"In order for that position to be effectively served, the trustees must have a good working relationship with the person serving as chief and it must have confidence in the leadership being provided. When that is not the case, it is the Board's duty to make changes which it determines are appropriate."

Governor granted pardon

Jerame Simmons is the son of Herb Simmons, mayor of East Carondelet, a village of 390 people, and executive director of the St. Clair County Emergency Management Agency, which provides 911 services.

Jerame Simmons pleaded guilty in St. Clair County Circuit Court to felony arson and having an illegal "oscillating emergency light" on his personal vehicle in 1998. (He was a firefighter at the time.) He later successfully completed four years of intensive probation.

According to court documents, Jerame Simmons went to the basement of Dupo High School, gathered toilet paper and ceiling tiles and lit them on fire, knowing that a woman was present in the building. The small fire didn't lead to a larger fire, and no one was injured.

Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker pardoned Jerame Simmons in the arson case, but that doesn't "absolve" him of the crime, according to the Prairie Du Pont firefighters' letter to the county board.

Jerame Simmons couldn't be reached for comment Tuesday, nor could members of the Prairie Du Pont board. Phone calls weren't being answered at the fire station by employee or voicemail.

Jerame Simmons posted a video on his personal Facebook page, showing a clip of John and Laura Rosenkranz being interviewed by TV news reporters after the Prairie Du Pont special meeting next to a laughing emoji. The video was set to The Rolling Stones song "You Can't Always Get What You Want." It also included a portion of the board's statement.

John and Laura Rosenkranz were among those who resigned Monday.

"It's not about me being chief or the other (firefighters)," John Rosenkranz said by phone Tuesday. "It's about this reckless, lawless board that is going to hurt or kill somebody, lose property and promote destruction in this area."

John Rosenkranz called the personnel change "retaliation" for his efforts to obtain basic information on district finances that he needed to prepare budgets and apply for grants so firefighters could update their equipment and maintain a safe operation.

John Rosenkranz said he was forced to file Freedom of Information Act requests for such information.

Other departments on call

Herb Simmons stated in a private Facebook message Tuesday that Prairie Du Pont is a separate entity out of his purview as mayor of East Carondelet and that he hasn't attended one of its board meetings in 30 years.

When asked if he's concerned about what might happen if a fire breaks out in the community after the resignation of so many firefighters, Herb Simmons stated, "I was told last night by members of the fire district board that wasn't true."

The board addressed the potential problem in its statement:

"The Board hopes that members of the Fire Department will work with the Acting Chief to provide quality emergency services to the residents and property owners of the District during this transition period," it read.

"While the Board hopes it will not be necessary, arrangements have been made by the District with neighboring fire departments to provide any needed coverage within the Prairie Du Pont District in the event that any personnel shortages in the Fire Department should occur as a result of the Board's action."

Prairie Du Pont was organized in 1941 and became an official fire district in 1948, according to its Facebook page. The St. Clair County Board is responsible for appointing its board of trustees under state law.

In 2008, Jerame Simmons was charged with several offenses in Monroe County related to an order of protection filed against him by his wife. One charge was impersonating a police officer. That was dismissed in return for a guilty plea to a misdemeanor involving an order of protection violation.

In 2018, Jerame Simmons received supervision in St. Clair County Circuit Court for misdemeanor disorderly conduct resulting from an altercation with the manager of Country Rock Cabernet strip club in Sauget.

The manager originally reported that Jerame Simmons pulled a gun on him and announced, "I'm a police officer," after the manager removed Simmons' wife from the club for being disruptive. Officials later took his word for it that he was holding a vaping device in his fist.

Rosenkranz said he has reported Jerame Simmons for violating safety regulations while fighting fires but that he was told he didn't have the authority to reprimand or discipline him.

"They removed me because they couldn't control me when they were being reckless, (like) skimping on equipment," Rosenkranz said. "... I did my job, and I did it pretty well with what I was given."

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WASHINGTON  House Majority Whip Jim Clyburn said Wednesday he has tested positive for COVID-19, though he is fully vaccinated with a booster and has no symptoms.

America is in a new phase of this pandemic, Clyburn, 81, said in a statement. No one is immune.

The South Carolina Democrat said he tested negative for COVID-19 last week ahead of President Joe Bidens visit to South Carolina State University.

On Sunday, my entire family took at-home tests as a precaution prior to my granddaughters wedding, which took place today, he said. The home test was inconclusive, he said, and he quarantined and took another test Monday.

Clyburn said it took 56 hours to get results, which came back positive. He remains quarantined and missed the wedding.

Two senators and another House lawmaker said recently they have tested positive for COVID-19 after having been vaccinated: U.S. Rep. Jason Crow of Colorado and Sens. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts and Cory Booker of New Jersey.

Meanwhile, President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris both tested negative for COVID-19 on Wednesday following separate incidents in which they were had close contact with aides who later tested positive for the coronavirus, the White House said.

This morning, President Biden received a PCR test and the test result was negative, the White House press office emailed reporters Wednesday, referring to a sensitive test used to detect the presence of coronavirus.

Biden had close contact on Air Force One last Friday, the day the president visited Orangeburg, with a staff member who later tested positive for the coronavirus and showed signs of COVID-19, the White House said.

That led to additional testing for the 79-year-old president, who is regularly tested and has received two doses of COVID-19 vaccine and a booster shot.

White House press secretary Jen Psaki said Tuesday that Biden had had two negative tests since Sunday, and would be tested again on Wednesday. That's the test result that came back negative.

Psaki said the staff member was around the president for about 30 minutes last Friday on the flight from Orangeburg to Philadelphia.

She said the staffer is fully vaccinated, had received a booster shot and had tested negative before boarding Air Force One.

Harris' office said an aide who was with the vice president throughout Tuesday tested received a positive test result for COVID-19 on Wednesday morning.

Symone Sanders, Harris' spokesperson, said the staffer is fully vaccinated, had received a booster and had tested negative every day last week as well as Monday and Tuesday of this week. The staffer did not experience symptoms of the disease, Sanders said.

Harris is also tested on a regular basis and is fully vaccinated and has received a booster dose. She tested negative Wednesday morning as part of that testing, Sanders said. After being informed of the staffer's condition, Harris took a more sensitive test that also produced a negative result, Sanders said.

Harris will be tested again on Friday and next Monday, Sanders said, in accordance with guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

CDC guidance does not require fully vaccinated people to quarantine after exposure, and Harris and her husband, Doug Emhoff, were set to depart Wednesday evening for Los Angeles, where she will stay through New Years.

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Orangeburg County could benefit from a legal settlement connected with the nation's opioid epidemic.

Orangeburg County Council on Monday unanimously passed a resolution agreeing to register for a settlement with Johnson & Johnson and distributors.

By entering into the settlement, the county would be eligible to receive money once an agreement is reached on the allocation and distribution of funds.

Attorney Brad Hutto, a Democratic senator from Orangeburg, is representing the county in the matter. He recommended the county enter into the settlement via a letter.

County officials say the letter is exempt from disclosure under the S.C. Freedom of Information Act under the attorney-client communication exemptions.

The amount the county could potentially receive from the settlement was not immediately known.

The settlement involves over a dozen states and thousands of local governments.

In the agreement, Johnson & Johnson and three distribution companies will be required to give out $26 billion, to go toward addiction treatment and prevention.

South Carolina could receive as much as $350 million from the settlement over the next couple of decades.

Payments could be received as early as the first quarter of 2022.

Orangeburg County attorney D'Anne Haydel explained there currently is a disagreement between S.C. Attorney General Alan Wilson and counties on how the money will be allocated.

Haydel explained the state attorney general believes the money should be split between the state, an opioid remediation fund and the counties.

He has a different idea of how he wants 100% of that settlement distributed among those three pots, Haydel said.

Our lawyer, Brad Hutto, believes that the counties, including Orangeburg County, should get a larger share than what the attorney general wants the counties to have in South Carolina, Haydel said. There is a little bit of tension between the state and the counties regarding of who gets how much of the settlement.

In Orangeburg County alone, there were 44 opioid deaths between 2014-2019, according to the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control.

The three distributors are expected to pay $21 billion over 18 years. Johnson & Johnson will pay $5 billion over nine years, including $3.7 billion during the first three years.

Payments to local governments will be tiered based on the level of involvement.

The settlement follows investigations by state attorneys general into whether the three distributors fulfilled their legal duty to refuse to ship opioids to pharmacies that submitted suspicious drug orders and whether Johnson & Johnson misled patients and doctors about the addictive nature of opioid drugs.

Johnson & Johnson has said it has stopped selling prescription opioids in the U.S. and the settlements are not an admission of any liability or wrongdoing.

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(TBTCO) - Blue-chips tiep tuc chao ao trong phien hom nay nhung van con tru neo giu iem cho VN-Index tang. Tuy vay su soi ong, tham chi la rat nong, van chi tap trung trong nhom au co vua va nho. ay cung la nhung ma hut tien nhat.
Every year, 2.5 million people are injured in auto accidents and 2.1 million are hurt on the job in the United States. Yet almost no one thinks it will happen to them. You dont need to live in fear of an accident, but it is a good idea to be prepared for the worst. So what can you do to minimize your financial risk if an accident causes injury to you or a loved one, and what can you expect if the worst does occur?

According to Casper, Wyoming-based attorney Dallas J. Laird, one thing people can do to protect themselves financially is to get uninsured motorist coverage in addition to their standard car insurance. While in a perfect world, every driver would have enough insurance to cover the amount they owe in the case of an accident, you cant count on it.

If you are hit by an underinsured driver and need extensive medical care, this coverage will protect you from owing the balance of your medical bills out-of-pocket. Additionally, you can protect yourself in the workplace by knowing the limitations and stipulations of your states workers compensation laws, such as how long you have to file a claim and exactly what that insurance covers.

Document and save all details pertaining to the accident

No matter what type of accident youre involved in, Laird says its important to document as much evidence as you can at the scene of the injury through pictures and videos, as well as by saving your medical records. This may be the difference between winning and losing a case.

You cant take too many pictures. Get as many pictures as you can and always get your medical records. Understand your own case and be very clear when you go to the hospital to tell them exactly what happened, Laird says.

Know who to turn to before an accident happens

If you ever find yourself or a loved one in an accident that causes bodily harm, what should your next steps be? While certain accidents are fairly straightforward and might be justified by a settlement, others warrant a lawsuit in order to cover the costs caused by the event.

Without the help of a legal expert, its hard to know whether an accident is worth going to court over. Thats where attorneys like Laird come in. Laird helps accident victims understand whether they have a case and if its worth going to court instead of settling.

Laird has decades of experience in personal injury law and knows what evidence to look for when representing a client. He wont take on a client unless he believes they have a case and he works exclusively on a contingency basis, meaning that he doesnt get paid unless his client wins their case.

Seek legal advice to decide whether to settle or litigate

So when should you settle and when should you go to court? Laird says that sometimes settling is best, but if there was wrongdoing or you expect there will be further health complications, you deserve more compensation. An experienced personal injury lawyer can help guide you to make the decision that best suits your interests so that you dont miss out on compensation you deserve.

You can always go see somebody and get an opinion. You can get a second opinion, says Laird. When I dont take someones case, I always tell them to get a second opinion.

A glimpse of the process involved in pursuing legal action for a personal injury

If you are injured, you may need to pursue legal action. Laird explains what that process may look like. First, youll meet with your attorney, who will ask for any photographic or video evidence that youre able to provide, as well as details about your health and medical care.

The attorney will then get statements from witnesses and relevant professionals, such as your doctor or the police, and track down as much evidence as possible to support your claim. Should this investigation provide enough supporting evidence, you will then go to court to present your case.

If you find yourself in the unfortunate situation of being hurt in an accident, Dallas J. Laird is here to guide you through the process of being justly compensated. As an accomplished attorney with 50 years of experience practicing law, he knows the ins and outs of the field and can get you the just outcome you deserve. Call Lairds office at 307.265.6352 or visit the website at dallaslaird.com for more information or a free consultation.

This content was produced by Brand Ave. Studios. The news and editorial departments had no role in its creation or display. Brand Ave. Studios connects advertisers with a targeted audience through compelling content programs, from concept to production and distribution. For more information contact sales@brandavestudios.com.

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Liz Cheney was always well known in Wyoming, partially because of her father, former Vice President Dick Cheney, but also because she has served as the states lone representative since 2017.

But her prominence rose dramatically this year after she made it her mission to fight back against former President Donald Trump and his unfounded claims of voter fraud.

After the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol, Cheney was quick to place partial blame on Trump, and she was later one of 10 House Republicans to vote to impeach him over the matter.

Cheney was the House Republican Conference chairwoman at the time, making her the highest-ranking Republican in the House to vote in favor of impeachment.

After she refused to quiet her criticism of the former president, her House GOP colleagues voted in May to remove her from leadership.

Cheney stayed in the national and local headlines for much of the year.

In late January, far-right Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz visited Wyoming to hold an anti-Cheney rally on the steps of the state Capitol.

Just over a week later, the Wyoming GOPs state central committee voted with a resounding margin to censure Cheney after roughly a dozen county-level Republican committees had passed censure resolutions of their own.

Cheney didnt let this increased attention go to waste.

She used her growing stature to continue to criticize Trump for undermining the democratic process and her colleagues for not speaking up. A couple months later, she told the New York Post that she has not ruled out a 2024 presidential bid, but remains committed to her 2022 U.S. House race, which initially attracted a large field of competitors.

Before the Trump-endorsed candidate, Harriet Hageman, joined the race in September, the field of GOP challengers was approaching a dozen. Hagemans entrance with Trumps endorsement caused some candidates to drop out.

One of the original Cheney challengers, Sen. Anthony Bouchard, R-Cheyenne, is still in the race, however. Revelations that he impregnated a 14-year-old girl when he was 18 became national news in May, a sign of how important and national Cheneys race has become.

Whats more, a national PAC that has spent thousands in the effort of unseating Cheney also came to Wyoming in search of a challenger.

As time went on, Cheney continued to rebuke Trump and continued to feel in-state backlash.

A number of county Republican parties voted to unrecognize Cheney as a Republican, a purely symbolic move. Like with the censure, the Wyoming Republican Partys central committee voted in November to no longer recognize her as a Republican, but the vote was far closer than the censure in February. That story also went national.

After becoming a symbol of opposition to Trump, the Cheney campaign has recorded a couple of its highest fundraising quarters on record. With Hageman now in the race, the primary is attracting even more campaign donors.

Wyoming congressional races are usually a mild affair. This time around, Wyoming is bracing for a campaign thats being watched, and fought, well beyond its borders.

Follow state politics reporter Victoria Eavis on Twitter @Victoria_Eavis

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OMAHA, Neb.  Each of the three South Omaha teens was at a tender age: 19, 17, 15.

Jose Antonio Ramos, 19, was dabbling on the edges of hard drugs and the Surenos gang. The 17-year-old, Marcos Garza-Calderon, was on probation for methamphetamine possession and was posting pictures of himself on Facebook wearing a Tupac shirt and flashing gang signs, the butt of a handgun near his pocket.

The 15-year-old, Manuel Gijon-Villa, was just finishing up his sophomore year at Bryan High School and hanging out with the two older teens.

They were friends. Close enough to be hanging out in the same car on Mothers Day 2020. Close enough to apparently have gotten high together. Close enough to be passing around a sawed-off shotgun. Close enough to be another example of the deadly consequences of, as one prosecutor put it, kids and a gun.

Few details have been reported on the May 2020 death of Manuel. The arrest warrant for the killing was never unsealed. The 15-year-olds death generated little more than a story online in Wyoming and later, once the teens hometown was discovered, a blurb in Omaha.

After Douglas County (Nebraska) District Judge Michael Coffey sentenced Calderon earlier this month to the equivalent of 8 to 12 years in prison for the manslaughter of Manuel, a Omaha World-Herald examination of the case showed an all-too-common combination: a cocktail of drugs and teens and guns. Compounded by sheer panic when the teens, as if in a movie, fled across two states, their friend dying and then dead in the backseat.

All along the way, there are decisions being made with terrible results, said prosecutor Corey Rothrock, a deputy Douglas County attorney.

Start with that Sunday, May 10, 2020.

The second-youngest of four siblings  a boy surrounded by sisters  Manuel had left his house that morning. He wished his mom a happy Mothers Day, then took off, telling her he was going to get her flowers.

He met up with Marcos and Jose, inside a white Toyota Corolla.

They were alternately passing around the gun inside the car near 33rd and L streets in Omaha and pointing it at each other. Ramos assured his friends it was empty. Then Calderon  he later would claim to police that he was so blitzed he didnt remember what happened  pulled the trigger. The blast hit Manuel in the chest.

Calderon put his hand on the wound, futilely trying to stanch the bleeding.

Then Calderon and Ramos drove as far and as fast as they could, with Manuel in the back. Nine hours later, they ran out of gas and drifted to the shoulder just off Interstate 80. They took off, leaving Manuels body behind and hitching rides to Salt Lake City.

When police finally caught up with them, they showed Calderon a picture of Manuel.

He was my homie, Calderon said.

Until he started hanging out with Calderon, Manuel had been more homebody than homie. Gathered outside court earlier this month, his family and friends wore T-shirts commemorating the 15-year-old, his pudgy cheeks framed by a cowboy hat. Surrounded by three sisters, Manuel was a spitting image of his grandpa.

At the time a sophomore at Bryan, he loved to work. Hed scale ladders and paint house peaks for his uncle, Jaime Villa. His passion was working on cars, and he aspired to be a mechanic, said his sister, Keren Gijon, and a cousin, Leslie Ceballos Villa.

The last time they hung out, Leslie, 15, said she and Manuel, who was a year older, and family had a movie night, making pizza with the idea they would have leftovers the next day. The adults got up the next morning to find we had eaten it all.

I really miss him, Leslie said. You would have loved him.

The Gijon family did. Keren Gijon said her grandfather, overcome with sadness, died not long after Manuel.

His sisters, parents and uncles are left with a void to fill. In a letter to the judge, Keren described her brother as hard-working, amusing and adventurous, someone you always wanted to be around. Outside court, Keren said she didnt become concerned about whom her little brother was hanging out with until a few weeks before his death.

That spring, she came home to find Calderon in her house, even though Manuel wasnt there. She told him he couldnt hang out there.

Calderons Facebook posts were full of posturing. At the time, he was on probation after he was caught at Bryan in November 2019 with a felony amount of meth. He was placed on probation with an ankle monitor, was transferred to Benson High School and was ordered to go through treatment. That was six months before Manuels death.

By the end of April 2020, Manuels Facebook posts went from the lightness of a child to darker subjects. He posted a viral photo of a guy pointing a semiautomatic rifle through a car windshield. He posted videos of other people drinking and a meme that featured drugs and the question What you do after you smoke this? The attached photo was of a roofer putting on shingles upside down.

The only accounts of what happened in the car are from Ramos and Calderon.

Calderons attorney, assistant Douglas County Public Defender Mary Donahue, said Ramos told detectives that the three used drugs: cocaine, meth and marijuana. She said the three passed around the shotgun, playfully pointing it at each other numerous times.

Calderon was the last to touch it, and to point it. At Manuel.

These three young men, they were playing around, Donahue said. (Calderon) thought the gun was unloaded. He was playfully pointing it at multiple people, including his girlfriend, that day. He was playfully pointing it at Manuel when the gun went off.

Donahue said Calderon was observed crying by multiple witnesses after the shooting.

For his part, Calderon read a letter he wrote to Manuels family.

I feel terrible and sorry, Calderon said slowly. Manuel was never supposed to die that day. We were young and without knowledge of how to use a firearm. I was playing with a gun that went off (by) accident. I got scared as I felt tears out of my eyes. I was trying to help but I didnt know what to do. I put pressure on his chest. I was trying to stop the bleeding. We started to drive, not knowing what was happening. We were going to take him to the hospital but we were scared so we drove, not knowing where we were going, until we ran out of gas.

I really didnt mean to hurt Manuel or his family. I will never be able to forget this. For as long as I live, I will never forget what I did to someone I love. It hurts because he was not just like a friend but he was like my brother.

Rothrock, the prosecutor, pointed out all the things that werent an accident. Passing around, and playing with, a gun. Pointing it at another person, first his girlfriend, then his friends. Driving away, with Manuel dying in the backseat. Not stopping at a hospital. In fact, driving west on Interstate 80 until they ran out of gas near Rawlins. Leaving Manuels face down in the backseat for a Wyoming state trooper to later discover.

We can call it an accident all we want, but its not, Rothrock said. It may have been a mistake to pull a trigger, but it wasnt an accident.

Manuels family has further questions. If he was shot in the chest, why did Manuel have a knot on his forehead  one that was still visible at his funeral? If it was an accident, why didnt the teens call 911 or rush him to the hospital? Why didnt Calderon come clean to detectives in Salt Lake City?

Why would you kill somebody, drive that far and then just leave him there? Jaime Villa said. If it was an accident, if he was his brother like he said he was, he could have just called 911 right there. But leaving him out in the middle of nowhere, thats not respecting no one like a brother.

After Calderon and Ramos were arrested in Salt Lake City, they told detectives they didnt know much about a homicide. Calderon acknowledged that Manuel was my homie but didnt explain why he was dead.

Ramos, who is awaiting sentencing as an accomplice, was a little more forthright.

It hurts a lot. I know what I did, Ramos told detectives. Something happened  somethings in the car that shouldnt be.

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POWELL  Leaders of the Park County Republican Party contend state Sen. R.J. Kost, R-Powell, has a conflict of interest  his concurrent service on the Powell hospital board  that should have prevented him from voting in Octobers special session on vaccine mandates.

However, Kost says hes been assured by counsel that his dual roles do not present a legal problem.

The county partys central committee voted unanimously this month to send a letter to Wyoming Attorney General Bridget Hill and Secretary of State Ed Buchanan that accuses Kost of violating state rules and laws related to conflicts of interest. It asks Hill and Buchanan to investigate this situation and take the most serious action warranted under the authority of the Wyoming Constitution, the Senate rules and Wyoming State Statute, up to and including criminal prosecution.

It asks for  if there is criminal liability  that criminal prosecution, precinct committeeman and letter author Troy Bray of Powell explained at the Dec. 2 meeting.

However, Powell Hospital District attorney Tracy Copenhaver told Kost in a written analysis last month that there is no conflict of interest from serving in the two capacities.

If the Park County Republican Party wants to make a big deal out of the issue, thats their business, Kost said when the party first drafted the letter in November.

I did what I needed to do to make sure I was still legal; I was legal, he said. From there, so be it.

Kost has served on the Powell Hospital District Board and the related Powell Valley Healthcare board since 2011. He was reelected to the district board in 2018  the same year he won a four-year term in the state Senate.

Wyoming law allows people to hold more than one elected office, so long as the entities they represent do not provide funding to each other. In this case, the Legislature does not directly appropriate money to the Powell hospital, Kost said. For instance, any state grants are awarded by the State Loan and Investment Board, which is controlled by the five statewide officials rather than the Legislature.

Theres nothing that I could do that could influence the amount of money that our hospital would receive, Kost said. He said the hospitals attorney, Copenhaver, assured him in 2018 that holding the two positions did not run afoul of the states restrictions on holding more than one elected office.

However, the issue was raised amid the recent special session, called in response to the Biden administrations COVID-19 vaccination mandates.

Kost drew scrutiny from some local conservatives after proposing an amendment to Senate File 1003, a bill that aimed to prevent businesses and other entities from discriminating on the basis of a persons COVID-19 vaccination status. Kost took issue with the entire concept, feeling it would pit employers against employees and force businesses to choose between violating state law or federal law.

Looking to get hospitals out of the middle of that bill, Kost sought to amend the legislation to allow health care providers like Powell Valley Healthcare to refuse, withhold from or deny employment opportunities based on a persons COVID-19 vaccinations status or on whether the person has a COVID-19 immunity passport if necessary to protect the health and safety of patients or of employees who are at increased risk of contracting COVID-19. It also allowed providers to exercise reasonable measures imposed through the least restrictive means based on a persons vaccination status.

After learning of the amendment, Vince Vanata of Cody, who is the Park County Republican Partys state committeeman, issued a personal call to action, saying Kost might have a conflict of interest because of his role on the hospital board.

After receiving pushback, Kost ultimately withdrew his amendment and recused himself from the vote on SF 1003.

Due to concerns from certain people, I am going to declare a conflict and not vote on this, he announced on the Senate floor.

Vanata sent another email saying a battle had been won, saying Kost recused himself because people became aware of his ties to the healthcare industry, and voiced their concerns to him.

Moreover, the senator may have realized his positions put him [in] direct conflict with his ability to vote and serve the people of the State of Wyoming, Vanata wrote.

The letter approved by the Park County Republican Partys Central Committee this month says Kosts dual roles created a substantial Conflict of Interest in matters concerning the vaccine mandates and that he should have removed himself from voting due to a significant financial or personal interest.

The rules of the House and Senate define a personal or private interest as being when a lawmaker will receive a direct personal or financial gain or loss if the measure or bill is enacted. It must also be a greater benefit or a lesser detriment than the general public or another large group of people.

The partys letter does not say what they believe that Kost stands to personally gain or lose from the vaccination mandates.

In case somebody didnt check, you dont get paid for being on the hospital district and so theres no financial gain for me in that, he said.

Although Kost briefly recused himself, he went on to vote on other legislation in the session after being reassured by Copenhaver that he did not have a conflict.

They said theres not any problem, he said, and so thats where it ended.

But the Park County Republican Party is hoping for an investigation into Kosts actions, with enthusiastic support for the letter approved this month. When Bray finished reading the document, it was met with an amen and a round of applause.

The 26 precinct committeemen and women present at the Heart Mountain Clubhouse  representing 30 of the committees 78 members  voted unanimously to approve the letter, followed by another round of applause. One of Sen. Kosts legislative colleagues, state Rep. Rachel RodriguezWilliams, R-Cody, was among the committee members present for the vote.

Kost has been at odds with more conservative members of the local party for some time, saying at a September panel discussion that they are looking for somebody to be their puppet, not to think on their own and look for whats best for Wyoming.

Im not here to fight with them, he said this month. Im just here to keep doing what I think is right for the people.

While the letter only complains of a conflict of interest, more conservative Republicans in the state have expressed unhappiness that the special session ended without a more forceful push against the Biden administrations mandates. Last month, the state party passed a resolution strongly condemning Republican lawmakers who voted against some of the bills, saying they failed to protect the people of Wyoming. The measure was among 11 resolutions passed by the state party  including one saying they would no longer recognize U.S. Rep. Liz Cheney as a Republican and others opposing mask and vaccine mandates and critical race theory.

Vanata said some of the measures incorporated text from Park County Republicans.

What we are saying and what we are doing here in Park County is making a difference, he told the body on Dec. 2.

Vanata also discussed a resolution the Laramie County Republican Party brought to Novembers state party meeting, which called for action against Bray. The Powell precinct committeeman had sent a profane email to state Sen. Tara Nethercott, R-Cheyenne, in September, which took issue with the way she handled an earlier bill on coerced vaccinations. Bray told Nethercott in part that, if I were as despicable a person as you, I would kill myself to rid the world of myself and closed with F YOU C.

Speaker of the House Eric Barlow, R-Gillette, and Senate President Dan Dockstader, RAfton, asked the Park County Republican Party and Wyoming Republican Party to join them in calling for Bray to resign his post. The two GOP organizations did denounce Brays language, but the county party declined to discipline him and the state party rejected Laramie Countys proposed resolution. Wyoming GOP leaders modified the resolution to condemn two state lawmakers, Sen. Larry Hicks, R-Baggs, and Rep. Steve Harshman, R-Casper, rather than Bray.

It went beautifully, Vanata said of that result.

As the meeting came to a close, Park County Republican Party Chairman Martin Kimmet told members to continue to be tenacious.

They try to wear us down and they try to beat us up, and in Park County we havent let that happen, he said. Weve stood up to them, weve been strong.

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Sublette County Rural Health Care District Director of Nursing Vicky Marshall has been a nurse for nearly 24 years, but lately shes found herself daydreaming of becoming a waitress or bartender.

Im tired, which makes it hard to come to work, and it makes it hard to take care of patients, she said. The ongoing fatigue makes a career shift more tempting, she said.

A sparsely populated county that rambles over nearly 5,000 square miles, Sublette does not have a hospital. Instead, the medical clinic in Pinedale runs an emergency room mainly designed to stabilize and transfer patients to the nearest hospital, roughly 70 miles away in Jackson. Marshall is so exhausted because shes been running a 24/7 emergency room with just four nurses, she said.

In normal times, she managed seven full-time registered nurses and an additional on-call nurse. But its been about five months since that was the case.

And you know, were not the only ones. Star Valleys got shortages. Jackson has shortages. Evanston has shortages. Everybody has shortages of nurses, she said.

The problem isnt just in Wyoming  in the United States employment in the health care industry was down by 450,000 between February 2020 and Dec. 3, 2021, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

While providers say staffing has long been an issue for the state, the persistence of the COVID-19 pandemic is turning that simmering problem into a full blown crisis. From nurses to licensed clinical social workers, health care providers are worn thin and seeking opportunities where pay is better.

When asked about which Wyoming hospitals are suffering particularly acute staffing shortages, Josh Hannes, vice president of the Wyoming Hospital Association said singling out just one is impossible.

You could call any hospital in the state, he said.

A long-standing problem

In 2017 the Wyoming Department of Workforce Services published a report examining health care staffing in the state and predicted that a nurse shortage would hit within a decade. And its not just about nurses  its workers across the health care spectrum, from the people who provide daily care for those with developmental disabilities to clinical social workers.

The needs here are immense, said Heath Steel, president of the Wyoming Association of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Centers and EVP of operations for Volunteers of America Northern Rockies. We have a hard time recruiting and bringing back young professionals into this field. Thats a problem that existed long before the pandemic, he said.

Steel pointed to a lack of investment in education as one key problem. Most of the positions his organization is hiring for require a masters degree, he said. The broader challenge of retaining younger workers in Wyoming plagues his field as well, according to Steel.

Toni Decklever, a registered nurse and member of the Wyoming Nurses Association, said that while theres been some interest in expanding the nursing school programs already offered in the state, the wages offered in academia are substantially lower than for those practicing in the field. That makes it difficult to recruit additional faculty that would enable nursing programs to expand.

I have never ever seen things like this. We have members right now that are up to 40% vacant, said Jeff Gardner, executive director of Wyoming Community Service Providers (an organization that supports centers that serve people with intellectual and developmental disabilities). Gardner has worked in his field for 32 years and theres always been an issue with staffing, he said, but the pandemic greatly exacerbated the problem.

Those perpetual staffing vacancies are mostly caused by the low wages offered, he said. The community service providers are primarily reimbursed through Medicaid, which sets the rates. We have to work within those rates, Gardner said.

Low pay and burnout

Its a very difficult job that doesnt pay very well, Gardner said of the typical work in his field. If youre having to support someone physically, it can be emotionally exhausting. In one case, a member of his association reported losing someone who had been employed for 20 years to a job at a fast-food franchise that paid more.

Marshall in Sublette County lost two registered nurses to traveling nurse positions  in which she says they can make roughly six times as much money  and a third to a hospital position where pay is also better. Shes since struggled to find nurses to replace them.

Lori Hart, executive director of the Wyoming State Board of Nursing, laughed when she said her office has been getting at least one phone call or email every day from a nurse who wants to open an aesthetics practice, where pay is often better and the work is less stressful.

Youd think we were the most Botoxed state from the number of phone calls and emails that we get on the subject, Hart joked. (While data on the most Botoxed state in the union is elusive, Groupon released a list of the most Botoxed cities based on the number of deals the company sold. None were based in Wyoming).

The seemingly non-stop flow of COVID-19 patients has left health care providers burned out, industry representatives say.

If [COVID patients] go to the ICU, and especially if theyre on a ventilator, their length of stay just dramatically increases, and their chance of mortality greatly increases too, unfortunately. And its just hard to watch, Tim Thornell, CEO of the Cheyenne Regional Health System, said.

Were just tired, Decklever said. Theres no breaks.

And each time someone resigns, that puts a greater strain on those remaining, who must deal with a greater number of patients with fewer people to take care of them. Many nurses are working mandatory overtime because theres simply not enough staff, according to Decklever. They cannot take vacation time, she said. Even lunch breaks are difficult to squeeze in.

Marshall is worried she may lose yet another nurse due to the immense pressure on their four-person team. I had one come to me today and say, I dont know how much longer I can do this. Well, if I lose another one it decimates my nursing staff, and we cant do it, she said.

What that means for patients

While other places of business can reduce hours or cut back on the number of days that theyre open, health care providers cant scale back as easily  although in Wyoming, they are having to in some ways.

In Sublette County, the shortage means that nurses often have to go from working a full shift in the clinic to working in the ER, Marshall said.

You work all day with the COVID people and then youre here all night, she said. Its exhausting and dangerous because when youre tired your brain isnt always functioning at top capacity.

Patients have expressed frustration, she said, because when they call the Pinedale or Big Piney/Marbleton clinics to refill a prescription they no longer receive a quick return call. When they were fully staffed, we had the time to take care of their needs that same day. But now we just dont have the staff for that. But we still try. We still try.

Meanwhile, at CRMC, staff are being forced to postpone elective surgeries, according to Thornell.

The need for substance abuse disorder services has also increased, Steel of Volunteer of America Northern Rockies said. The greater need for services in conjunction with continued staffing issues means that theyre running long waiting lists. Wait time for high-intensity treatment, for example, is around 45 days.

An end to the crisis is nowhere in sight. Most of the solutions health providers recommend  from finding ways to increase enrollment in nursing programs to reforming Medicaid so that they can pay workers more, would take years to implement.

In the meantime, people like Marshall are trying to brace themselves for a potential holiday surge in COVID patients.

Hoping its not going to spike, she said. But Im not holding my breath.

WyoFile is an independent nonprofit news organization focused on Wyoming people, places and policy.
Go Green Award: Tucson Electric Power recognizes local organizations and businesses for their sustainable efforts with 2021 Go Green Award. The awards are given annually to highlight meaningful work that protects the environment, preserves natural resources and promotes sustainability in the community. The city of Tucson was honored with the Conservation Partner Award. The Community Partner Award went to Thrive in the 05. The Pioneering Partner Award was given to ASARCO/Komatsu. Hotel Congress was honored with the Collaborative Partner Award. The Educational Partner Award went to STEMAZing Institute. JW Marriott  Starr Pass received the Sustainable Partner Award. The Trailblazing Partner Award went to Pima County. The University of Arizona/Tucson Village Farm received the Eco-Friendly Partner Award. Pima Community College took home the Innovative Partner Award.
6. Plumbing  If there is natural gas piped to the house through the attic, it may need to be moved.

7. Professional cleaning  A professional cleaner will have the equipment needed and the expertise to perform a thorough cleanup after construction is complete.

8. Air conditioning & air duct cleaning  While you are at it, add a duct and AC cleaning to remove dust that might have gotten into the ducts from the jackhammering and saw cutting.

No. 4: Why stucco is so popular in the desert

First appeared July 16, 2019.

Many Arizona residents wonder why most houses in the state are covered with stucco. Sometimes it looks like an unending sea of stucco.

Thats because stucco does a great job of protecting our homes. According to Doug Dedrick, owner of Stucco Renovations in Tempe, stucco is a strong coating that will stand the test of time and the Arizona sun, if its put on properly in the first place, painted regularly, and repaired whenever there are cracks or other damage to its surface.
Foxconn reported on June 30 that by the end of 2020, it had created 970 total jobs at the Mount Pleasant facility. WEDC verified that 579 of those jobs were eligible, which was well above the minimum requirement of 481 jobs and nearly reached the target goal of 601 jobs.

Under the new six-year contract, Foxconn could receive up to $80 million in state tax funds as long as it creates at least 1,454 jobs and makes a capital investment of at least $672 million by 2026.

Foxconns original contract, signed by former Republican Gov. Scott Walker in 2017, promised the company $3 billion in state subsidies if it made a $10 billion investment and hired 13,000 employees over a 15-year period. Other state and local incentives, including $150 million in sales tax breaks that the company still could receive, brought the total to about $4 billion.

Under the companys new agreement with the state, which is similar to other performance-based incentive packages provided to companies, Foxconn could earn tax incentives without specific requirements on what the company produces as long as it meets hiring and capital investment targets. The contract also memorializes the potential for future investment and added tax incentives from the state.

State officials said earlier this year that the project in Mount Pleasant had already cost the state more than $200 million in state and local road improvements, sales and use tax exemptions, grants to local governments, and for worker training and employment.

For copyright information, check with the distributor of this item, Wisconsin State Journal.
Neuberg has not disputed that, but said it has to do with a fundamental difference that we have in terms of interpreting our constitutional mandate.

That includes Neubergs argument that while the panel is required to create as many politically competitive districts as possible, that is only to the extent that it does not interfere with other guidelines including following political and geographic boundaries as well as what she interprets as communities of interest.

That explanation didnt wash with Lerner.

She pointed specifically to how draft maps sought to create a legislative district that encompassed the Tucson suburban communities of Marana, Oro Valley and Casas Adobes. As crafted, that would have been a politically competitive district. She said it kept the district within specific school districts, reflecting the requirement for honoring communities of interest.

But what emerged in the final map as Legislative District 17 excluded Casas Adobes and instead extended a line around the Catalina Mountains to pick up Republican areas of east Tucson and Tanque Verde.
Before becoming a police officer in 1985, Magnus spent time working in related fields, first as a dispatcher and then as a paramedic. He says these experiences helped shape his views on policing as it pertains to issues like substance use disorder and mental health issues.

"You can't have public safety without public health. They're inextricably combined if you want to be effective," Magnus said. "I was a paramedic for 10 years even while I was doing policing, and experiences even within my own family and circle of friends have helped me appreciate that this is a field that has to constantly evolve. You have to be willing to experiment with new things. You have to reward and encourage people who are willing to reach out and do something that is really outside of the box."

When he first arrived, he said, officers who were trying to address problems in a nontraditional way almost felt like they had to hide. Now, the climate is one that rewards new ideas and community engagement, he said.

"There are a lot of things that I think put us well ahead of the curve and are very important when it comes to accountability, engagement and training, and they're things that lead to a healthier organizational culture," Magnus said.
Before and after Monday, Dec. 13's so-called hearing on Pima County elections, Rep. Mark Finchem said the idea was to provide proof.

On a video he posted before the event, Finchem said: The purpose of this is no more than to hear from constituents and to gather evidence, testimony that will either prove or disprove alleged discrepancies in the election.

At the end of the daylong discussion on election integrity, he said, The whole point of this is to develop evidence, develop testimony and to prove or disprove discrepancies in the 2020 election.

In between, though, no proof was offered  hardly even anything you could call evidence, certainly not of election fraud.

As Pima County GOP Chair Shelley Kais put it, while laying out what she considered questionable voter-registration data: My position today is to raise inquiry.

So, more than a year on from the 2020 election, Finchem and his band of election dead-enders are still in the stage of raising questions, now about Pima County.
Among other things, the task force came up with a furlough program. The idea was that furloughs  reducing peoples pay by cutting the number of days they work  were the best way to avoid a wave of layoffs, though some job losses did occur anyway.

The administration decided on furloughs, employees protested, the administration changed the plan, then delayed implementing it until Aug. 10, 2020. It was pretty harsh. Better than losing your job, but harsh.

Employees making $44,500 and $44,999 were to lose 5.25 days of work and pay over a 12-month period  a cut of just over 5%. The more money an employee made, the number of furlough days rose until reaching 20 days for people making 12-month salaries of $203,500 or more  a 20% cut.

UA President Robert Robbins was in that 20% category.

The furloughs never sat well with employees. Some formed a union of all university employees, United Campus Workers Arizona Local 7065. And the furlough issue continues to rankle, in part because Arizona State University did nothing of the sort.
Vondell said hed had bad experiences with the man in the past, including a time the man threw a shovel at him, and they exchanged words that morning over a wall about 5 1/2 feet high. A video of the incident, taken by a neighbor, shows Vondell telling him to leave. Then a few seconds later, he tells the man give me that grinder right now three times. Then theres a shot.

Vondell told me he thought the man had stolen tools  thats why he was demanding the grinder, to take the serial number off of it and pass it on to authorities.

He pulled a pocket knife out and said he was going to jump over the wall, Vondell told me.

I had a 9 mm (pistol) under my shirt. It was in a holster. I pulled it out fast and discharged, said Vondell, who has concealed-carry training. I aimed it I would say no more than 6, 7 feet to my left, (and to) his right through a gap in the wall.

The man left, then Vondell did, he said, heading with his son to Sahuarita.

Neighbors called police, and they arrested Vondell in his neighborhood the next day. A grand jury indicted him March 15 on one count of unlawful discharge of a firearm in or into city limits, a class 6 felony.
They also face economic constraints. The minimum wage in Mexico is as little as one-tenth of that in the United States, with $5 to $7 earned in a full days work, OLeary said. Education may be more affordable, but that isnt worth much if your job doesnt cover it or you cant understand your textbook.

Carolina Sotos family moved back to Mexico when she was 16, when the recession put her father out of work. Soto had always expressed a desire to attend college, and her familys economic straits, coupled with what they saw as the catastrophic costs of sending her to school in the U.S., convinced them to move.

I felt disoriented in every sense of the word, Soto said.

She spoke Spanish with her parents but was unprepared for the level of language comprehension expected of her in school. Soto vividly remembers asking a teacher to explain an unfamiliar word, only to be met with laughter from the rest of the classroom. After that, she avoided speaking up or expressing herself in public.

Today, Soto is a professor at the University of Sonora in Hermosillo, Mexico, but she still lacks self-confidence when it comes to writing professionally in Spanish and makes liberal use of autocorrect.
HONOLULU (AP)  A U.S. appeals court ruling Wednesday affirmed a ban against cockfighting in U.S. territories.

A panel of 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals judges ruled against a Guam businessman whose 2019 lawsuit argued the ban was unconstitutional. Sedfrey Linsangan said in his lawsuit that gamefowl raising and competition is part of his culture, custom and tradition."

In 2018, former President Donald Trump signed a law banning all animal fighting in U.S. territories. The law took effect in 2019. Prior to the law, cockfighting had been illegal in the 50 states but not U.S. territories.

Linsangan appealed after a U.S. judge in Guam denied his motion for a preliminary injunction against the prohibition.

Linsangan didn't immediately respond to a text message from The Associated Press seeking comment on the latest ruling.

Attorneys representing the United States in the case didn't immediately respond to an email from the AP.

The ruling said Linsangan failed to show that cockfighting is a fundamental right.
Justice would be restoring Daunte to life and making the Wright family whole again," Ellison said. "Justice is beyond the reach that we have in this life for Daunte. But accountability is an important step, a critical necessary step on the road to justice for us all.

Ellison said he felt sympathy for Potter, who has gone from being an esteemed member of the community to being convicted of a serious crime.

Wrights mother hugged Ellison and said the verdicts triggered every single emotion that you could imagine.

Today we have gotten accountability and thats what weve been asking for from the beginning, Katie Bryant said, crediting supporters for keeping up pressure.

We love you, we appreciate you, and honestly, we could not have done it without you, she said.

The time-stamps on the verdicts showed that jurors agreed on the second count on Tuesday, before they asked the judge that afternoon what to do if they were having difficulty agreeing. The guilty verdict on the more serious first-degree count was reached at 11:40 a.m. Thursday.
Today is Thursday, Dec. 23, 2021. Let's get caught up.

Here are today's top stories, celebrity birthdays and a look back at this date in history:

***

FIRST, THE WEATHER

***

TOP STORIES

Omicron less likely to put you in the hospital, studies say

Two new British studies provide some early hints that the omicron variant of the coronavirus may be milder than the delta version.

Scientists stress that even if the findings of these early studies hold up, any reductions in severity need to be weighed against the fact omicron spreads much faster than delta and is more able to evade vaccines. Sheer numbers of infections could still overwhelm hospitals.

Still, the new studies released Wednesday seem to bolster earlier research that suggests omicron may not be as harmful as the delta variant, said Manuel Ascano Jr., a Vanderbilt University biochemist who studies viruses.
DETROIT (AP)  The parents of a teenager charged with killing four students at a Michigan high school didn't anticipate that he would commit violence and are devastated like others in the community, a lawyer said Wednesday in requesting that they be granted a lower bond.

James and Jennifer Crumbley are charged with involuntary manslaughter and have been jailed on $500,000 bond since their arrest on Dec. 4. They're accused of making a gun accessible to Ethan Crumbley and failing to pull him out of school when summoned about his writings before the shooting on Nov. 30.

Defense attorney Shannon Smith acknowledged that Jennifer Crumbley sent a text message to her son that day, telling him don't do it. But Smith said it was a plea for him to not kill himself after the shooting at Oxford High School had already occurred and the gun was missing from home.

Ethan Crumbley, 15, is charged as an adult with murder and other crimes.
But one of the largest hospital networks in Miami, Jackson Health, has reported twice as many COVID-19 patients on Thursday than it had a week ago.

Universal Orlando says masks will be required at all public indoor locations and at all attractions from the moment guests enter the lines to when they leave. A lot of lines for rides and shows in the resort theme parks start in outdoor areas.

Italy on Thursday again tightened COVID-19 restrictions, focusing on the unvaccinated and on New Years Eve celebrations as the new omicron variant pushed recorded infections to the country's highest one-day total ever.

Under the new rules, people who have not been vaccinated will be barred from entering museums, exhibitions, amusement parks, bingo parlors and betting halls  places that until now they could access with a negative test. Already forbidden seating in restaurants, their dining options have now been completely shut down as they can no longer be served standing at a bar.

China plunged a city of 13 million people into lockdown on Thursday to stamp out an increase in coronavirus infections, as the country doubles down on its zero tolerance policy just weeks before it is set to host the Winter Olympics.
Photo editor

Rick Wiley is the photo editor of the Arizona Daily Star in Tucson. From 1995-2004, he was director of photography at the East Valley Tribune in Mesa. From 1988-94 he was a photographer at the Tucson Citizen. He is a graduate of ASU (yes, that ASU).
There is no indication when any of that would occur.

Hanging in the balance is a statute, approved earlier this year by the Republican-controlled legislature, which makes it a felony for medical providers to terminate a fetus if they know that the reason the woman is seeking the procedure is solely because of a genetic abnormality. The law carries a penalty of up to a year in prison for doctors; there is no penalty for the woman.

The law also creates a more serious crime for any person, including but not limited to doctors, to solicit or accept monies to finance ... an abortion because of a genetic abnormality. That carries a presumptive prison term of 3.5 years.

And it also creates liability on any medical or mental health provider who knowingly does not report known violations of the law to police.
Ok, my patience is now running thin as to the unvaccinated. Shame on you and the selfishness of not respecting the pleasure and privileges' of
OPINION: "Our goal is to make good on our commitment to transparency. But the only way we get from transparency to accountability is through the engagement of the citizenry of Pima County. We need you to engage us intellectually, to challenge us  with both honesty and seriousness  to come up with the best solutions to violence and injustices that our community faces," writes Pima County Attorney Laura Conover.
I am a nurse, and understand the drug needs to be broken down and eliminated by his body, but how long will this take? It has been two weeks since the oral administration of NexGard. When he was a pup, we tried Frontline topical, which resulted in him refusing to eat for many days and a frantic, monthlong search for food he would eat.

Any advice or reassurance would be hugely appreciated. Im trying to be patient, but second-guessing myself. Maybe he needs a full physical?  J.E., Washington, D.C.

Dear J.E.: I have consulted with dog owners as far away as Belgium on the adverse effects of this product. Give your dog 1 teaspoon of coconut oil twice daily in food, plus 250 mg of milk thistle to help him detox. In the evening, give him 6 mg of melatonin and another 3 mg of melatonin around noon. Continue this for 10 to 14 days.

A massage therapy routine (as described in my book The Healing Touch for Dogs) may also help calm your poor dog. He is not alone in suffering the side effects of this product and other widely marketed insecticides given to companion animals. These products should not be on the market, in my opinion. As per my website (drfoxonehealth.com), there are safer ways to prevent fleas and ticks in companion animals.

Send all mail to animaldocfox@gmail.com or to Dr. Michael Fox in care of Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.
There may be extra (emergency) responses on Christmas Eve that nobody wants with the wildfire potential, he said.

As of Thursday, Tulsa is down about 3 inches of rain from normal for the year, with 37.24 inches. The normal from Jan. 1 to Dec. 23 is 40.39 inches.

However, Decembers precipitation is just slightly below the normal (1.86 inches) for the date with 1.44 inches so far this month.

There is no rain in the forecast for Tulsa through at least Wednesday next week.

The U.S. Drought Monitors most recent outlook for December shows much of the state with either persistent drought or drought development likely.

According to its monthly outlook from mid-December to mid-January, the Climate Prediction Center gives most of Oklahoma increased odds of above-average temperatures and below-normal precipitation, except for the northeast corner of the state, which has equal chances of above- or below-normal temperatures and precipitation.
OHP places no specific speed limitations on its tactical vehicle interventions (TVIs), also known as a pursuit intervention technique or PIT maneuver.

The agency had erased language in policy that explained how chances of serious damage or injury from a TVI go up as speeds increase, just five months before the Bailey chase. OHP in a written response contended the wording was removed because it was a declaratory statement that was unnecessary in policy, not because of culpability or liability concerns.

Some policing researchers and strategists say law enforcement shouldnt engage in vehicular pursuits unless a violent crime is involved  fleeing itself doesnt count  because of their inherent dangers to life and limb.

You can arrest them at their homes; get a warrant for them  but the one thing that you cannot do is get a life back, said Chuck Wexler, a former officer who heads the Police Executive Research Forum, which places sanctity of life above all else in policing. We put a higher value on human life. Even someone who is fleeing the police.

Fleeing the police by itself doesnt justify a tactic that could result in an injury or death to the driver, the police officer or to other third-parties.
State and federal wildlife authorities are partnering to investigate the deaths of four endangered whooping cranes in southwest Oklahoma, and a reward is being offered.

The cranes appear to have been killed near Tom Steed Lake in Kiowa County, the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service said in a news release last week.

One whooping crane was discovered by hunters who notified Oklahoma game wardens; the bird died while being transported to a veterinarian clinic. The cause of death was determined to be a shotgun wound.

Evidence of three additional whooping crane deaths was found, adding to the size of the investigation.

This is sickening to see such a wanton waste of wildlife, and our game wardens are very eager to visit with the individual or individuals who committed this crime, said Wade Farrar, assistant chief of law enforcement with the Wildlife Department. Somebody out there knows something that will help in this investigation, and I trust that they will do the right thing and come forward.
Vietnams Deputy Prime Minister Le Van Thanh has rejected the proposal by the state-owned Vietnam Railways Corporation (VRC) to import 37 second-hand Japanese train cars as some of them had been in use for up to 42 years, beyond the maximum lifespan prescribed by Vietnamese laws, among other issues.

The disapproval was made based on the viewpoint of the Ministry of Transport, the Government Office said in a recent notice, in which the deputy PM also stated that such importation would have to be in accordance with Government Decree 65 that guides the execution of the Law on Railways.

In a report earlier submitted to the government about the proposal, the ministry affirmed that the 37 old carriages should not be allowed to be imported as they were manufactured more than 10 years ago and had been used for around four decades, as detailed in the decree.

All these rail cars had been utilized for 39 to 42 years by the East Japan Railway Company (JR East) before they were replaced with those manufactured with advanced technologies, the ministry stated.

The JR East had said it would be ready to provide the old carriages for the VRC for free, according to the latters proposal.

The ministry commented that the VRC had yet to evaluate technical features, investment efficiency, improvement cost, and operation and maintenance in detail, among other factors.

The VRC had not set out solutions in case such cars were found not meeting Vietnams requirements on safety and environmental protection, the ministry added.

The ministry therefore rejected the VRCs proposal despite some benefits from the use of these old cars, as mentioned by the corporation in its plan.

The VRC had said it would spend around VND140 billion (US$6 million) importing the train cars, including VND40 billion ($1.74 million) on transport, VND80 billion ($3.48 million) on refurbishment, and the rest on other expenses.

The old train cars could be used for 15 years after being renovated, Vu Anh Minh, chairman of the VRC, then estimated.

Meanwhile, 37 new carriages of the same type would cost over VND1.1 trillion ($47.9 million), Minh said.

Commenting on this matter, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment said it did not support the proposed import, citing Government Decree 65.

The JR East discharged such old carriages for the sake of environmental protection, so they could cause environmental problems to Vietnam if being used in the Southeast Asian country, the ministry explained.

The national railway sector currently uses 1,030 passenger cars, of which 510 are under 20 years old, 231 from 20 to 30 years, 126 from 30 to 40 years, and 163 over 40 years, according to the VRC.

Under Decree 65, passenger carriages are required to run for no more than 40 years, so the VRC will have above 200 expired cars from January 1, and the number will increase every year, the corporation warned.

The VRC needs around VND7 trillion ($304.8 million) to replace the expired carriages and locomotives from now until the end of 2025, according to its own projection.

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South African data offered a glimmer of hope on Wednesday about the severity of the Omicron coronavirus variant, but World Health Organization officials cautioned that it was too soon to draw firm conclusions as the strain spread across the globe.

With the second Christmas of the pandemic days away, countries imposed new restrictions on their citizens while worrying about the damage the variant might inflict on their economies.

Plans for Christmas parties and celebrations were wiped out from London to New Delhi amid the uncertainty.

Omicron was first detected last month in southern Africa and Hong Kong. Preliminary data indicated it was more resistant to vaccines developed before it emerged.

But a studyby South Africa's National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) suggested that those infected with Omicron were much less likely to end up in hospital than those with the Delta strain.

COVID-19 cases also appear to have peaked in South Africa's Gauteng province, where Omicron first emerged, it said.

The study, which has not been peer-reviewed, compared South African Omicron data from October and November with data about Delta between April and November.

"In South Africa, this is the epidemiology: Omicron is behaving in a way that is less severe," the NICD's Professor Cheryl Cohen said.

"Compellingly, together our data really suggest a positive story of a reduced severity of Omicron compared to other variants."

People queue for a COVID-19 test as the Omicron coronavirus variant continues to spread in Manhattan, New York City, U.S., December 21, 2021. Photo: Reuters

It noted though that as the majority of people in South Africa have had a prior COVID-19 infection, they could have a higher level of immunity.

The positive news was bolstered by research from London's Imperial College which said the risk of needing to stay in hospital for patients with Omicron was 40% to 45% lower than for patients with Delta.

However, the WHO technical lead on COVID-19, Maria van Kerkhove, said the U.N. agency did not have enough data to draw firm conclusions.

The data was still "messy," she told a briefing in Geneva.

"We have not seen this variant circulate long enough in populations around the world, certainly in vulnerable populations. We have been asking countries to be cautious, and to really think, especially as these holidays are coming up."

The WHO's European head, Hans Kluge, told Reuters in Brussels that three to four weeks was needed to determine Omicron's severity. He said Omicron was likely to be the main coronavirus strain in Europe in a few weeks.

Britain on Wednesday reported more than 100,000 new daily COVID-19 cases for the first time since widespread testing was introduced, leaving many industries struggling with staff shortages as workers self-isolate.

France reported 84,272 new COVID-19 infections in the last 24 hours, close to its all-time high.

"There is no doubt that Europe is once again the epicentre of the global pandemic. Yes, I'm very concerned, but there is no reason for panic. The good news is... we know what to do," Kluge said.

A NHS message is seen on a screen at a coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pop-up vaccination centre at Wembley Stadium in London, Britain, December 19, 2021. Photo: Reuters

Vaccinate

Germany, Scotland, Ireland, the Netherlands and South Korea have reimposed partial or full lockdowns or other social distancing measures in recent days.

Germany's health minister said he had not ruled out a full lockdown.

Italy was preparing new measures and might make vaccinations obligatory for more categories of workers, Prime Minister Mario Draghi said.

Spain made it compulsory to wear a face mask outdoors again as part of a package aimed at containing Omicron. But Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez reassured citizens: "Don't worry, families will be able to celebrate Christmas."

In the United States, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Director Rochelle Walensky said the seven-day average of COVID-19 cases increased by 25% from the previous week to about 149,300 cases per day.

On Tuesday, President Joe Biden warned the quarter of American adults who are unvaccinated that their choices could spell the "difference between life and death".

In Asia, New Delhi banned Christmas and other celebrations ahead of the New Year.

The Chinese city of Xian - home to the Terracotta Warriors - told its 13 million residents to stay at home as it struggled to contain rising COVID-19 cases.

Policymakers across the world are trying to address the economic blow that might come from new outbreaks.

But Wall Street saw a broad rally on Wednesday after the hopeful news on Omicron's severity and upbeat consumer confidence and other economic data.

More than 275 million people have been reported to be infected with the coronavirus around the world, and nearly 5.7 million have died, according to a Reuters tally.

Infections have been reported in more than 210 countries and territories since the first cases were identified in central China in December 2019.
The United States on Wednesday authorized Pfizer Inc's antiviral COVID-19 pill for people ages 12 and older at risk of severe illness, the first oral and at-home treatment as well as a new tool against the fast-spreading Omicron variant.

Pfizer's antiviral regimen, Paxlovid, was nearly 90% effective in preventing hospitalizations and deaths in patients at high risk of severe illness, according to data from the company's clinical trial. Recent lab data suggests the drug retains its effectiveness against Omicron, Pfizer said.

Pfizer raised its 2022 production projections to 120 million courses of treatment from 80 million and said it was ready to start immediate delivery in the United States. The treatment's two-drug regimen includes a new medicine and a second older antiviral called ritonavir.

The U.S. government will have 265,000 treatment courses available by January and supply will ramp up in subsequent months, White House COVID-19 response coordinator Jeff Zients told a briefing. The government expects to receive the 10 million courses it has ordered within six months.

"Paxlovid's approval is a major milestone that marks another step towards making COVID-19 a much more manageable infection," said Amesh Adalja, a senior scholar at the Johns Hopkins Institute for Health Security.

"There are two key issues, however, that remain: It will be scarce in the coming weeks and its optimal use requires prompt diagnosis, which can be difficult with the continual testing problems that plague us," Adalja added.

Pfizer has said it has 180,000 treatment courses ready to ship this year. The U.S. government's contract for 10 million courses of the drug is priced at $530 per course.

The Food and Drug Administration's decision to issue emergency authorization for the treatment comes as the U.S. combats a surge in COVID-19 cases driven by the Omicron variant, with President Joe Biden announcing plans for more federal vaccination and testing sites.

The pills can fill a treatment gap opened by the Omicron variant, said William Schaffner, a leading infectious disease expert from the Vanderbilt University School of Medicine. The most widely used monoclonal antibody treatments for COVID-19 have proven to be less effective at fighting the variant and there is limited supply of the one remaining treatment that works, he said.

Monoclonal antibodies are typically given intravenously in hospitals, are not widely available and are more than twice the cost of the Pfizer pill.

A Pfizer employee checks the boxes containing Paxlovid, COVID-19 treatment pills, at a distribution facility in Memphis, Tennessee, U.S. in this undated handout picture. Photo: Pfizer/Handout via Reuters

The Omicron variant, first identified in southern Africa and Hong Kong in November, has spread across the world and now constitutes over 70% of new coronavirus cases in the United States, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Prior infection and vaccines have been shown in studies to only partly prevent infection from the variant, though a booster shot does increase protection.

The FDA said it authorized Paxlovid for emergency use for the treatment of mild-to-moderate disease in adults and children 12 years and older who are at high risk for progression to severe COVID-19.

The drug is available by prescription only and should be initiated as soon as possible after diagnosis of COVID-19 and within five days of symptom onset, the FDA said. The pills are meant to be taken every 12 hours for five days.

While the clinical trials did not include patients under the age of 18, Pfizer said, the authorized adult dosing regimen is expected to result in comparable blood concentration levels of the drug in pediatric patients 12 and older weighing at least 40 kg (88.2 lbs).

The second drug, ritonavir, is known to have interactions with some other prescription medicines. Pfizer has said that should be manageable and suggested most patients would be able to lower the dose of their other medications while being treated for COVID-19.

Pfizer said it plans to file a new drug application with the FDA in 2022 seeking full regulatory approval.

Pfizer has agreed to allow generic manufacturers to supply versions of the treatment to 95 low- and middle-income countries through a licensing agreement with international public health group Medicines Patent Pool (MPP).

A rival pill from Merck & Co is under review by the FDA. The drug, molnupiravir, developed with Ridgeback Biotherapeutics, cut hospitalization and death risk by 30% in a trial.

Pfizer shares ended up more than 1% at $59.45 on Wednesday.
Check out the news you should not miss today:

Politics

-- Vietnam's State President Nguyen Xuan Phuc arrived in Hanoi on Wednesday, concluding his two-day state visit to Cambodia at the invitation of Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni, the Vietnam News Agency reported the same day.

Society

-- Hanoi recorded a total of 10,503 COVID-19 cases from December 16 to December 22. December 21 saw the peak of 1,704 cases.

-- Nearly 12.8 million pandemic-hit workers have received support worth a total of VND30.31 trillion (US$1.32 billion) from the unemployment insurance fund so far, the Vietnam News Agency quoted the Vietnam Social Insurance on Wednesday.

-- Police in the southern province of Dong Nai on Wednesday said they had recently detected a case in which about 900 metric tons of untreated industrial waste was illegally discharged into the environment.

Business

-- The Consulate General of India in Ho Chi Minh City on Wednesday organized a 60-minute webinar on smart city development in India and Vietnam with the presence of government officials, researchers, lecturers, and students from southern Vietnamese provinces, it said in a press release the same day.

Education

-- The British Council is offering a chance to join a postgraduate course in the UK to students from 18 countries, including Vietnam, given the 2022 GREAT Scholarship program that grants each candidate a minimum of 10,000 ($13,333) for the one-year course, the British Council Vietnam announced on its verified Facebook page on Wednesday.

Lifestyle

-- Photos featuring the fight against COVID-19 in Ho Chi Minh City are being exhibited at Nguyen Van Binh Book Street in District 1 from December 22 to 26.

World news

-- The Omicron variant will become the dominant coronavirus strain in Germany within three weeks and the country has ordered 80 million doses of Omicron-specific vaccine for delivery in April or May, Reuters cited health officials as saying on Wednesday.

Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam!
The Ministry of Health documented 16,377 more COVID-19 cases in Vietnam on Thursday, together with 10,944 recoveries and 280 pathogen-related mortalities.

The latest infections, including 10 imported and 16,367 domestic transmissions, were detected in 62 provinces and cities, the ministry said, elaborating that 10,152 patients caught the virus in the community.

Hanoi logged 1,774 of the newest local cases, Ca Mau Province 1,167, Tay Ninh Province 949, Khanh Hoa Province 797, Can Tho City 792, Ho Chi Minh City 787, Thua Thien-Hue Province 395, Ba Ria-Vung Tau Province 344, Binh Thuan Province 288, Hai Phong City 252, Lam Dong Province 251, Dong Nai Province 232, Da Nang 195, Binh Duong Province 118, Quang Nam Province 96, and Ninh Thuan Province 61.

Vietnam had recorded 16,522 locally-acquired infections on Wednesday.

The country has confirmed 1,599,150 community transmissions in all its 63 provinces and cities since the fourth virus wave erupted on April 27. A combined 1,181,611 of them have recovered from COVID-19.

Ho Chi Minh City has been the largest epicenter with 497,949 patients, followed by Binh Duong Province with 289,731, Dong Nai Province with 95,993, Tay Ninh Province with 67,772, Long An Province with 39,891, Dong Thap Province with 38,763, Can Tho City with 36,474, Tien Giang Province with 32,133, Hanoi with 31,003, An Giang Province with 30,487, Khanh Hoa Province with 26,703, Ba Ria-Vung Tau Province with 24,963, Binh Thuan Province with 24,230, and Da Nang with 9,982.

Vietnam found a mere 1,570 locally-transmitted infections in total in the previous three waves.

The health ministry added 10,944 recovered patients on Thursday, taking the total to 1,184,428.

The toll has risen to 30,531 fatalities after the ministry registered 280 deaths on the same day, including 44 in Ho Chi Minh City, 38 in Dong Nai Province, 28 in An Giang Province, 17 in Binh Duong Province, 15 in Dong Thap Province, and the remaining in 24 other provinces and cities.

Vietnam has reported 1,604,712 patients since the COVID-19 pandemic first hit the country early last year.

Health workers have given more than 142 million vaccine doses, including 1,273,529 shots on Wednesday, since vaccination was rolled out nationwide on March 8.

Over 76.5 million of the countrys 98 million people have received at least one dose while above 64.1 million have been injected twice.

The number of third doses  including additional primary shots for immunocompromised people, boosters, and third jabs of Cubas Abdala vaccine  has mounted to 1,708,262.

Vietnam aims to fully inoculate 100 percent of its adult population this year. Many provinces and cities are immunizing children aged 12-17 against COVID-19, using Pfizer-BioNTech shots.

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The 94th Academy Awards ceremony, presented by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, announced on Tuesday the shortlists for ten categories, including International Feature Film, upsetting film fans across Vietnam who hoped the Vietnamese comedy-drama Bo Gia (Dad, Im Sorry) would be a contender.

Earlier this year, Bo Gia, produced and co-directed by famed comedian, actor, and TV host Tran Thanh, was chosen by a jury from the Vietnam Cinema Department under the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism, to represent Vietnam at the 2022 Oscars.

Bo Gia is the highest-grossing Vietnamese movie ever as its revenue has surpassed the US$1-million mark, becoming the first Vietnamese-produced title to reach that milestone.

Ninety-two films from around the world competed to make the 15-film shortlist in the Best International Feature Film category.

The films that did make the list include the entries from Austria, Belgium, Bhutan, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Iceland, Iran, Italy, Japan, Kosovo, Mexico, Norway, Panama, and Spain.

Among the shortlisted films, favorites to win the award are Drive My Car, A Hero, and The Worst Person in the World.

While many of the selected films earned a spot on the shortlist in their own right, film fans from across the world were shocked that Titane from director Julia Docournau  a Cannes Film Festival Palme dOr winner  missed the cut.

Equally surprising to many was the absence of South Korean flick Escape from Mogadishu from the list.

In the next phase, Academy members will view all 15 shortlisted films and nominate their favorites in order to determine the final nominees for the 2022 Oscars.

The 94th Academy Awards will take place on March 27 at the Dolby Theater in Los Angeles.

The winners will be announced during a live television broadcast in more than 200 countries and territories worldwide.

The International Feature Film Award is announced each year by the U.S.-based Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, according to its website.

The nominees for the award are feature-length motion pictures produced outside the U.S. with predominantly non-English dialogues.

Each country is eligible to submit only one film, released between October 1 and September 30 of each calendar year.

Vietnam has made 18 submissions to this award over the last 28 years, but only one movie has been nominated - Mui Du Du Xanh (The Scent of Green Papaya), a 1993 film by Vietnamese-French director Tran Anh Hung.

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Screen Queensland this week farewelled Jo Dillon (pictured left) as Chief Creative Officer after seven and a half years (including as Head of Content), who departs for a new position leading a media start-up.

Her tenure included the establishment of SQhub, the agencys RIDE (Respect, Inclusion, Diversity and Equality) Initiative and its inaugural Equity and Diversity Taskforce, and the Screen Ventures Fund.

While at Screen Queensland, she also co-chaired the Screen Diversity and Inclusion Network for a year (with Benjamin Law), and led Screen Queenslands strategy to expand the screen industry in Far North Queensland.

Screen Queensland CEO Kylie Munnich said, Jo has led the Creative Division of Screen Queensland with incredible commitment to the Queensland screen industry through her ideas, drive, sharp intellect and creative vision.

Most of all, Jos sense of humour, loyalty and passion will be missed at Screen Queensland, as we wish her all the very best for the next chapter in her career within the industry.

Looking back, I am proud of what our industry has achieved and the crucial role that Screen Queensland has played in supporting its success since I joined the team in 2014, said Dillon.

Queensland has an incredible depth of creative talent with practitioners from around the state telling diverse and unique stories for screen, plus an enviable reputation as one of the best places in the world to make content.

The good news is I will not be leaving an industry, which I love, but working in it from a different angle, she said.

Dr Belinda Burns, (pictured right) currently Head of Marketing and Communications at Screen Queensland, will act in the role of Chief Creative Officer from 10 January 2022 while a full executive search is undertaken.

Her CV includes General Manager of Olgilvys social marketing agency, The Reputation Group, in Melbourne; Associate Director at global PR network Citigate in London; and Director of Communications and Engagement at Brisbane Girls Grammar School.

As a published novelist with a PhD in Creative Writing, she also has a background in lecturing, teaching and course development across literature, film studies and writing including advanced-level screenwriting and screen adaptation courses at The University of Queensland and University of Southern Queensland.
Top Stories of 2021, #10: ClubGG Makes a Splash in the Poker World

December 23 2021 Matthew Pitt

It is that time of year again when PokerNews delves through the hundreds of articles published over the past 12 months and chooses the ten biggest stories of the year. Kicking off the series for 2021 is the launch and initial success of a brand new poker product, GGPokers ClubGG.

ClubGG launched in August and is GGPokers first foray into the world of private club-based poker apps. The free-to-play app is available on Windows-powered computers, in addition to being playable on Android and iOS devices thanks to a state-of-the-art dedicated app.

There are dozens of free poker apps on the market today, so what makes ClubGG stand out from a crowded crowd? The fact ClubGG makes it possible to win seats to major live events worldwide and do so from almost anywhere on the world is the answer.

Daniel Negreanu Inspires Latest ClubGG WSOP Main Event Seat Winner

ClubGG Opens Online Poker To Players Around The World

ClubGG opens the door for players worldwide to play poker against their friends and opponents from all corners of the Earth. The tried-and-tested sweepstakes model (you can become a Platinum Member for $49.99 per month) means ClubGG is fully legal and accessible from more than 40 U.S. states, reopening the online poker world to the American audience.

"We believe live poker events should be more affordable and accessible"

Dom Choi, Head of ClubGG, told PokerNews why GGPoker created ClubGG.

"Here at ClubGG, we believe live poker events should be more affordable and accessible. We aim to service poker players around the world who enjoy playing brick and mortar tournaments. Whether it is playing in your local poker room or traveling to different destinations, we want to make it more affordable for everyone."

The World Series of Poker (WSOP) Main Event is the one live poker tournament that everyone wants to play at least once in their lives. Unfortunately, the $10,000 buy-in is too much for most bankrolls to stretch to. Sure, there are online satellites feeding into "The Big Dance" but ClubGG wanted to make it possible for low-stakes players to have a legitimate shot at competing in the WSOP Main Event.

The Surreal Experience of Francisco Estrada

Francisco Estrada

It is fair to say ClubGG achieved that goal and then some. Platinum members who subscribed to ClubGG for the affordable sum of $49.99 per month, enjoyed unlimited chances at winning one of 50 guaranteed WSOP Main Event seats. Francisco Estrada was one of the first players to win a 2021 WSOP Main Event seat at ClubGG, doing so from the comfort of his home in Thornton, Colorado.

Estrada discovered ClubGG through PokerNews and immediately signed up for an account.

"The article was only five minutes old! I clicked on it and it told me all the steps and all the different stages. I felt it was meant for me."

Estrada battled through the stages and got his hands on a WSOP Main Event seat, something he described as being surreal.

I did it ! I turned a $49.99 sub @ClubGG_Poker into a $10,000 MAIN EVENT @wsop seat! The dream is real ! Shoutout t https://t.co/OMFq4YBa1G  Francisco Estrada (@MrEstrada303)

"Poker is one of my biggest passions and its a huge part of my life. It feels amazing, too surreal. I still cant wrap my head around whats going on. All the support and love has made me realize what I did. If I cash, its going to be for my daughter. Theres so much motivation that comes into it. Im excited about the future."

The ClubGG qualifier did cash, finishing 705th in the 2021 WSOP Main Event for an impressive $17,500.

The Best Fifty Bucks Vasu Amarapu Ever Spent

Vasu Amarapu

While Estradas achievement of turning a $49.99 investment into a $17,500 score was impressive, the epic WSOP Main Event run of Vasu Amarapu was something else. The Illinois native who lives in Dorchester, Massachusetts, like Estrada, learned about ClubGG from an article on PokerNews.

"The $50 that I spent, thats the best thing that happened to me in my life"

"I read an article on PokerNews, and right away I downloaded the app. The steps [to win a WSOP Main Event seat] were very clear. The $50 that I spent, thats the best thing that happened to me in my life," Amarapu explained to PokerNews during Day 6 of the 2021 WSOP Main Event.

Amarapu almost went all the way in the WSOP Main Event, navigating his way to a miraculous 13th place finish worth $470,000. He was five community cards away from doubling up through eventual third-place finisher Jack Oliver; his pocket sevens lost a coinflip against the British youngster's ace-queen.

The deep runs of Estrada and Amarapu were a major source of excitement for the ClubGG management team, and the floods of players who had access to the special GG Platinum Lounge throughout the WSOP.

Social Interaction Is Key To ClubGGs Success

"Every day we would check the progress of our qualifiers on PokerNews," Head of ClubGG Choi said. "We were rooting for all of our qualifiers and excited for them once many of them reached the money stages. We were watching Vasu through the stream and at his rail when time allowed. It was just an amazing accomplishment for Vasu to turn his $49.99 into $470,000 and so close to achieving every poker players dream.

Read More: ClubGG Qualifier Vasu Amarapu Goes Deep in WSOP Main Event: "Best $50 I Ever Spent"

"Our members were playing for side event prizes in our GG Platinum Lounge at the WSOP and seeing them win prizes first hand was fulfilling. Sharing stories about their experiences and journey to winning their Main Event tickets during the Daniel Negreanu meet-and-greet, members asking each other for their ClubGG nicknames, and seeing each other for the first time away from the virtual felt, where they shared battle stories and complimented each others abilities was the highlight of the Series for me."

ClubGG Handing Out Over 100 Seats to Live Poker Events in December

2022 Looks Set To Be A Year To Remember

ClubGG members will have plenty of opportunities to follow in the footsteps of Estrada and Amarapu thanks to the key partnerships ClubGG has forged with key strategic partners. They, and hopefully you, can win seats to events that are part of tours such as:

World Series of Poker

World Series of Poker Europe

World Series of Poker Circuit

The Mid States Poker Tour (MSPT)

The Run Good Poker Series (RPGS)

Card Player Cruises

Bounty Poker Tournament

Kings of Tallinn

Battle of Malta

PokerNews Cup

Choi informed PokerNews ClubGG is continually working behind the scenes to create new partnerships and be able to send players to new events.

"In 2022, players can expect more events to be added on ClubGG, not just in the United States but in Europe and, hopefully, in Asia-Pacific if and when events are back on from the COVID-related restrictions."

If you thought 2021 was an exciting time to be a member of ClubGG, 2022 has all the hallmarks of being nothing short of amazing.
Israel has marked the first anniversary of its US-sponsored resumption of diplomatic relations with Morocco. While the US says the fledgling friendship "widens the circle of peace" in the region, not everybody is celebrating.

During a video conference, the three countries' foreign ministers, Nasser Bourita, Yair Lapid and Antony Blinken, welcomed a partnership aimed at establishing what the US Secretary of State called "an achievement that has deepened ties, partnerships and avenues to pursue shared goals".

Bourita said Rabat was committed to help achieve "a lasting peace in the region".

Morocco renewed official relations with Israel in December last year, two decades after it cut ties when the second Palestinian intifada, or uprising, began.

Abraham Accords

The rapprochement was part of a string of normalisation deals between Israel and four Muslim countries, Bahrain, Morocco, the UAE and Sudan, brokered by the administration of then US president Donald Trump and known as the Abraham Accords.

The deal infuriated the Palestinians as it went against the longstanding Arab consensus opposing normalisation until Israel agrees to a comprehensive and lasting peace.

On Wednesday, Blinken hailed "a positive step for the region as we aim to widen the circle of peace".

"The United States is committed to supporting and expanding the Abraham Accords. We'd look forward to seeing your liaison offices becoming embassies in the near future," he said.

Western Sahara

Bourita also accepted an invitation from Lapid to visit Israel "as soon as possible".

On the Israeli-Palestinian conflict he reiterated Morocco's support for a two-state solution.

A pro-Palestinian coalition of far-left militants and Islamists had called for sit-ins in several cities to protest the accord anniversary but authorities in Rabat forbade it. Turnout was modest elsewhere, according to videos on social media.

Story continues

Despite pro-Palestinian sympathies in Morocco, the renewal of relations with Israel did not spark major protest, as Washington at the same time recognised the kingdom's sovereignty over the disputed Western Sahara.

Morocco controls most of Western Sahara and considers the former Spanish colony part of its sovereign territory, while neighbouring Algeria backs the Polisario Front independence movement.

Defence cooperation

Morocco and Israel had earlier on established diplomatic relations in the early 1990s following the Oslo Accords between Israel and Palestine, but ties were suspended after the Second Intifada, the Palestinian's uprising against Israel, that started in September 2000.

After re-estblishment of relations last year, normalisation is proceeding fast.

Israeli Defence Minister Benny Gantz made an unprecedented visit last month that saw the signing of a security pact which angered Algeria and the Palestinians.

A memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed in Rabat during the trip, which according to an Israeli defence spokesperson lays down a "solid security cooperation framework" that allows for increased cooperation in areas of intelligence, industrial collaboration, military training and more."

Regional media have since reported on Moroccan acquisition of Israeli defence technology.

Israel's Economy and Industry Minister Orna Barbivai is also expected to visit early next year, media in the kingdom have reported.

Meanwhile, Algeria, which supports Western Sahara, has cut diplomatic ties with Morocco in August, citing "hostile actions", a charge Rabat has denied.

(With AFP)
Papua New Guinea is an archipelago comprising hundreds of islands. These add up to a vast coastline and unparalleled coral reef biodiversity. These reefs maintain the region's ecological balance and, apart from being a source of food, generate income and provide protection against climatic disturbances like storms.

The women of Papua New Guinea have undertaken the responsibility of conserving their local coral reefs. They are banned from diving, but they have defied traditions. They have started the Sea Women of Melanesia, and the members convinced the communities that they should remove the ban.

Their interest is to conserve their local coral reefs. They are examples of what women can achieve once they are determined.

These women interact with indigenous communities to draw up plans to create and manage temporary marine protected areas. That helps their objective, and the marine lives get a new lease of life. The individual behind this is Evangelista Apelis, a biologist and co-director of the project. She relies on knowledge from the locals. In her words: "They have a whole idea about their sea. They know where they can get the best fish, what species, certain locations, and all that."

Coral reefs are vital to the future of our planet

The project Sea Women of Melanesia has just been recognised by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), winning a Champions of the Earth award.

Inger Andersen, UNEP's executive director, said coral reefs are vital to the future of our planet. She appreciated the work done by the Sea Women of Melanesia.

The project, localized in a small society, is impacting the world. The Sea Women of Melanesia extends training to local communities. They have to monitor and assess the reefs.

Discuss this news on Eunomia

Based on their feedback, the team can plan to take further action to conserve them.

Climate change, overfishing, and pollution threaten the coral reefs

Coral reefs worldwide have to withstand Climate change, overfishing, and pollution. UNEP says since 2009 alone, almost 14 percent of the world's corals have disappeared. Many of those that remain fall in the category of endangered.

Healthy reefs are essential because they can withstand climate change impacts.

These include ocean acidification and extreme events. However, unless the world takes drastic action to limit global warming, the live coral might gradually vanish. The Sea Women of Melanesia operate in the Coral Triangle. It covers the Great Barrier Reef and the island archipelagos of Melanesia and South East Asia. It is one of the world's premier destinations for underwater tourism. It is also home to a significant fisheries industry, but the surging human populations and waste levels are matters of concern.
As Azerbaijans victory in the 44-day war over Armenia has led to significant changes in the region, EU-Azerbaijan relations also need to be reconsidered in the current reality, political analyst Shabnam Hasanova for Eurasia Review.

It should be emphasized that the victory has laid a solid foundation for stability, cooperation and sustainable security in the region. In the post-war period, Azerbaijan has been characterized as a country that pursues constructive policy, ready to engage with all parties, negotiate on an equal footing and open to initiatives to establish peace in the region, define borders and sign a peace agreement.

Given the fact that each of the South Caucasus countries has different approaches and actual steps to develop relations with official Brussels, official Baku preferred to establish relations with the EU not on the basis of associative membership, but on the logic of equal, mutually beneficial cooperation. This is confirmed by the signing of strategic partnership documents between Azerbaijan and nine EU member states. One third of EU member states consider Azerbaijan a strategic partner. Speaking at the Sixth Eastern Partnership Summit in Brussels on December 15, President Ilham Aliyev said that more than 90 percent of the work on a new partnership agreement between Azerbaijan and the European Union has been completed. Mr. Aliyev added that he hoped the rest of the document would be finalized as a result of negotiations in the coming period.

One of the main directions of the partnership between the Republic of Azerbaijan and the European Union is energy security. The signing of the Joint Declaration on the Southern Gas Corridor between the European Union and Azerbaijan in Baku in 2011 provided wider opportunities in relations. Despite the actual war in Azerbaijan, the fourth and final segment of the project, the Trans Adriatic Pipeline, was commissioned shortly after the war, on December 31, 2020. Azerbaijan took the main financial burden in all the four segments of the Southern Gas Corridor.

TAP can stimulate gas supplies to Southeast European countries through interconnectors to be built in the future. Bulgaria, once dependent on a single gas supplier and experiencing major problems due to gas shortages, has the opportunity to strengthen supply security by providing 33% of its natural gas needs through TAP. Countries that are not currently involved in the Southern Gas Corridor project have expressed their intention to join the project and Azerbaijan is also positive about this issue.

Mr. President Ilham Aliyev has repeatedly stated that as there is no gas and price crisis or freezing in the countries supplied with Azerbaijani gas, and the Southern Gas Corridor serves not only the mission of diversification of routes, but also sources, it is a real energy security project. Azerbaijan, along with the European Union, has been chairing the Southern Gas Corridor Advisory Council for many years. During the ten months from January 1 to October 31, 2021, Azerbaijan exported more than 14 billion cubic meters of natural gas via this route to five countries  Turkey, Georgia, Italy, Greece and Bulgaria. About half of this volume was used by EU consumers. Next year it will be 9 billion, and in 2023 at least 11 billion cubic meters.

One of the primary issues on the EU-Azerbaijan agenda is undoubtedly the normalization of relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan. It was the first time during the post-war period that discussions between the President of Azerbaijan and the Prime Minister of Armenia took place on December 14 on the initiative of Charles Michel, President of the European Council and Mr. Aliyev described the meeting as practical and thorough in a constructive atmosphere. When Mr. Aliyev was asked What would you say this EU trilateral contact in Brussels differs from the last meeting in Sochi? in an interview with the Spanish newspaper El Pais in Brussels on December 14, the President replied that Practically speaking, I dont see any differences, because I see Russia and the European Unions genuine desire to help normalize relations between the two countries. Otherwise, they wouldnt spend time with us and spend hours in these negotiations.

The most important part of Charles Michels statement on the results of the meeting was that Michel called for the elimination of the conflict legacy between Armenia and Azerbaijan. The Azerbaijani side has repeatedly stated that the conflict is over, it is time to turn the page and look into the future. Another special factor is the call for the signing of a comprehensive peace agreement between Azerbaijan and Armenia and the fulfillment of obligations undertaken in the framework of the two trilateral statements of 9 November 2020 and 11 January 2021 and understandings reached in Sochi on 26 November 2021.

The statement also expressed support for humanitarian demining efforts. On July 18 2021, during his official visit to Baku, Charles Michel said at a press conference that EU was ready to provide European expert assistance in delimitation and, if necessary, European monitoring. Michel added that the partnership between the European Union and Azerbaijan is not based on financial support. On the contrary, it is a partnership based on the desire to work together, innovation, technological exchanges and economic cooperation. Two issues here need to be analyzed in detail.

The European Union is Azerbaijans main trading partner. At present, almost 40% of Azerbaijans trade is with the European Union. Last years trade turnover was almost $ 9.5 billion. Azerbaijans exports to EU member states amount to $ 6.8 billion. More than 1,700 companies from member states operate in Azerbaijan. Brussels is interested in cooperating with Azerbaijan as an equal partner in modern development areas. Azerbaijan also continues to work closely with the EU and is an active participant in the digital transition including Ukraine, Georgia and Moldova.

The second issue is that while the EU allocated 3.9 billion euros to Georgia and 2.6 billion euros to Armenia, it allocated substantially less, 140 million euros to Azerbaijan. In an interview with the Italian Il Sole 24 Ore newspaper in Brussels, the President of Azerbaijan commented on this issue: It was a very unpleasant surprise for the people of Azerbaijan. About 1 million mines have been buried there. The process of clearing mines is very expensive and time consuming. There is no destruction in Armenia. This country was not occupied, it was an occupier. Even physically, the Armenian economy cannot absorb this huge package. At the meeting with Mr. Michel, I even suggested that the European Commission consider financing the demining process in Azerbaijan through its funds. I told them not to give us the money, but to provide financial assistance to European mine clearing companies so that they could come to Azerbaijan and start working. Our position is that the level of financial contribution to Armenia, whether it is a donation or a loan, should be the same as in Azerbaijan.

In Charles Michels statement there was very important point for Azerbaijan. Given that the fate of more than 4,000 people missing by Azerbaijan during the First Karabakh War is still unknown, for the first time the issue of missing persons has been included in the EU agenda and the need to clarify their fate has been highlighted. It is also important that the EU expresses its support for the rehabilitation and reconstruction work carried out by Azerbaijan in the liberated territories. Because so far, Azerbaijan has done all the work at its own expense. At the same time, the organization said it would support the demarcation and delimitation of borders in a consultative capacity. The EU has even expressed its support for the creation of communication infrastructure in the region, the opening and development of communication lines between countries, by supporting these projects through economic and investment resources. This approach and points show that Azerbaijans political agenda coincides with the EUs position.

Adhering to the principles of humanism, Azerbaijan handed over to the Armenian side on December 19, 2021, through the European Union, 10 servicemen of Armenian origin, detained while preventing the provocation committed by the Armenian armed forces on November 16, 2021 in the direction of Kalbajar.

The relations between the EU and Azerbaijan are developing in the context of new geopolitical realities emerging on a regional and global scale. Azerbaijan is the only member of the Eastern Partnership that has been consistent for many years. At the heart of this successful position of the Azerbaijani state is the line of mutually beneficial cooperation established on the basis of equal partnership in the status of an independent state. Experience shows that the position of the Azerbaijan is promising, realistic and, most importantly, effective.
Gazprom PJSCs 2022 budget took a typically prudent view of gas prices, despite record-high energy costs in its main export market and few signals Europes energy crunch is abating, Bloomberg writes.

The Russian gas producer is basing its 2022 budget on what it calls a conservative export price of $296 per 1,000 cubic meters, according to a company presentation made to investors on Wednesday.

Gazprom has traditionally been cautious in its budget estimates, saying this helps mitigate the impact of volatile prices. In its budget for 2021, the company made a similarly reserved call on export prices, of $250/1,000 cm, that didnt materialize. The gas producers average 2021 export price is actually much higher, at over $280/1,000 cm, according to Deputy Chief Executive Famil Sadygov.

Gazproms conservative 2022 budget comes as Europe, its main export market, buckles under a supply crunch thats pushed benchmark gas contracts to break record after record in recent months. Constrained supplies from Russia mean the continent has to rely on its depleted storage sites, as nuclear outages throughout the continent mean more gas is needed to generate electricity. The outlook for Europes gas supply doesnt look much better next year either.

The company sees an export price of $296/1,000 cm for all its foreign markets next year, including Europe, Turkey and China as well as former Soviet Union nations, according to the presentation seen by Bloomberg News. Gazproms 2022 budget envisions total exports of 227 billion cm, about 2% above the level the 2021 budget is based on.

The presentation doesnt provide a regional breakdown for 2022 export-estimates, however, one explanation could be the fact that Gazprom is obligated to ramp-up gas flows via the Power of Siberia link next year under its long-term contract with China.

Despite Gazproms caution on export-price estimates, the company still expects to report record earnings for this year and 2022 because of Europes gas crunch and the price rally thats followed.

The price situation combined with our thoroughly elaborated supply policies have made this year one of the most successful for Gazprom Group, Sadygov told the companys in-house publication in an interview published on Tuesday.
An Iranian car company has restarted production at a plant in Senegal, West Africa, in a story of perseverance in the face of substantial political and economic challenges, Forbes writes.

The plant has had a turbulent, stop-start history that highlights the rocky path that Iranian companies sometimes have to travel when they expand abroad. As well as all the usual challenges thrown up by distance, foreign currency risk and different business cultures, Iranian companies have also had to contend with international sanctions and the impact of their governments activist foreign policy.

Car maker Iran Khodro announced plans to assemble cars in the industrial city of Thies, 70km from the capital Dakar, in 2008 through a local joint venture named Seniran Auto, 60% owned by the Iranian firm. However, the project has been plagued by problems. The first challenge was a reported shortage of electricity supply to the plant. Then in February 2011, Senegal severed diplomatic relations over allegations of Iranian arms shipments to separatist rebels in Casamance province.

Bilateral relations were restored in 2013 and Iran Khodro officials then talked up the opportunity. However, six years later, an Iranian MP complained that Khodro was still paying for its $100 million investment in Senegal without producing any cars there.

Production restarts

Such problems may now be behind it. Kianoush Pourmojib, Iran Khodros deputy director for exports and international affairs, told local media in Iran this month that production had restarted in Senegal after an agreement with the Senegalese government over import duties. Irans ambassador to Senegal Mohammad Reza Deshiri visited the factory on December 14 to mark the official restart.

The plant will assemble the Samand model for use in the local taxi fleet, using kits sent from Iran. Other models may be produced in the future depending on demand.

The Samand sedan is based on the old Peugeot 405  a model discontinued in Europe in the late 1990s, but which still finds new customers in the likes of Iran and Azerbaijan, thanks to Khodro.

The assembly and supply of Samand taxis has begun, said Pourmojib. We are planning to export other products of the Iran Khodro Industrial Group to Senegal, including heavy and semi-heavy commercial vehicles and motorbikes. In time, vehicles could be exported to nearby markets. By activating the Senegal site, we will be able to pursue export targets in the African region more easily, said Pourmojib.

The plant is said to have a capacity of around 5,000 vehicles a year  although in the past figures of 10,000-15,000 vehicles a year have been cited for the factory. That is a tiny fraction of the number of cars that Iran Khodro and its local rivals Saipa and Pars Khodro produce in their domestic market, where foreign marques fear to tread because of sanctions.

Those blockages to trade could be lifted, if a deal can be reached in the ongoing talks in Vienna to revive the 2015 nuclear deal. If so, there may also be more opportunities for Iran to export its car-making skills. Despite the weak state of its economy, Iran is one of the 20 largest car producers in the world, ahead of Italy and not far behind the United Kingdom, according to industry data.
In an interview with "Vestnik Kavkaza", Professor of the Russian Academy of Natural Sciences (RAE), writer Gagik Ohanjanyan spoke about the causes of the Karabakh conflict and the ways of reconciliation between Armenians and Azerbaijanis.

- Can the unblocking of communications between Armenia on the one hand and Azerbaijan and Turkey on the other hand give an impulse to the development of the Armenian economy?

- Honestly, the economy is not the main thing in this matter. But its, of course, all positive. As far as I know, now several thousand Armenian citizens are working part-time in Turkey and do not experience any problems. We must understand that there are no whole nations-enemies. We should understand how in the Ottoman Empire, where more than 3 thousand Armenian churches were built, mutual hatred was formed. The enmity between peoples shouldn't be blamed for it. Apparently, this was beneficial to the third party. Armenians feel good in Turkey, Erdogan's right hand is Armenian.

- Could the Second Karabakh War have been avoided?

- I think we should to start with school textbooks. We should start with the fact that we are not Armenians and Azerbaijanis, first of all, but people. Under no circumstances should one descend to the level of cave nationalism. The criminal has no nationality, and here the responsibility of the elite is high. The more we sow mutual enmity, the more we will receive grave monuments. Dealing with problems by force is not the best option, we have to negotiate.

- There are two approaches to resolving conflicts. On the one hand, to establish humanitarian ties and increase trust between peoples, and then a solution to the territorial dispute will be found by itself. The second is to resolve the territorial dispute, and then drink tea and barbecue. How can these polar approaches be reconciled?

- The problem of unitary states is serious. We see how Turkey is trying to build a civilized European state, national problems are belittled - but they will always be. Why not to learn from the experience of Russia in the form of federalization? For some reason, some people think that this is a time bomb. People want to live by their own little laws - let them live so that people do not feel that they are in control of someone. What prevents an Armenian and an Azerbaijani from living together in Shusha? It is possible to organize joint residence in Shusha and Hadrut. We can do it. It's one step from love to hatred. It's like in everyday life - when you fight with someone, then he becomes your friend. Azerbaijanis and Armenians fought together against the fascists and became brotherly peoples. Maybe we should talk about a common enemy, which today is called globalization.

- How does globalization hinder us?

- In the context of globalization we are forbidden to talk about the friendship of peoples.

- How can Armenians and Azerbaijanis overcome mutual hatred?

- Let's take some kind of music that Armenians consider theirs, Azerbaijanis theirs. But this music speaks of how close these peoples are, because even music can't be distinguished. If they perceive music in the same way, then theyre not really strangers. It seems to me that there are much more differences between Iranian and ordinary Azerbaijanis than between the Armenians and Azerbaijanis of Karabakh. We need to realize how much we have in common, and not look for differences. We must start with school, with the upbringing of children.

- The old generation probably had more chances for peaceful coexistence, because they lived together. And the young, who saw each other through the sights, will be difficult.

 Yes, one can say that my generation is very fortunate, although it does not absolve him of responsibility. I believe that Armenia and Azerbaijan need a third party. In this matter, we must be close to Russia. The very state structure of Russia is an invaluable experience that must be used until we have learned to govern our states. We cannot cope with this alone, because there are forces interested in destabilization.

States are needed to enable people to live together without problems. Now in Armenia there is an irreconcilable struggle between Westerners and "patriots". An arbitrator is required. I hope that Russian peacekeepers will be in demand to create friendly conditions. Let the reconciliation of peoples go through a third person. I think Aliyev is a realist. The more peacekeeping things now - railways and air communications - the better.
Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov said that Iran intends to develop cooperation with Azerbaijan to rehabilitate territories liberated from Armenia's occupation in the 44-day war late last year.

Bayramov made the remarks at a joint news conference with his visiting Iranian counterpart Hossein Amir Abdollahian on December 23.

Bayramov said that Azerbaijan had received numerous offers from Iranian companies regarding participation in the restoration of the liberated territories.

"Today, one of the most important priorities of Azerbaijan is the restoration of the liberated territories and the return of former internally displaced persons to their native lands. Large-scale projects are being implemented on the liberated territories and new ones are planned. Iran also expressed interest in participating in these works. We have received applications from many Iranian companies. The relevant government agencies are considering these projects, and, according to my information, one of the projects will be launched in the coming weeks. I hope that positive results will be achieved on other projects in the near future," he said.

Bayramov added said that Tehran and Baku are negotiating on demining the liberated territories of Azerbaijan.

He stressed that the issue was also discussed at the meeting with his Iranian counterpart. "The Azerbaijan National Agency for Mine Action will exchange views with the relevant Iranian agencies on mine clearance," he said.
Azerbaijan`s Minister of Foreign Affairs Jeyhun Bayramov has met with his Iranian counterpart Iran Hossein Amir Abdollahian.

Following the one-on-one meeting, the ministers were joined by their delegations for a meeting in an expanded format.

Bayramov noted that relations between Azerbaijan and Iran are based on ancient history and common culture. He noted that the friendly and cooperative relations between the two countries are developing at a high level. Bayramov said that contacts between the country's officials, especially meetings at the level of heads of state, gave a serious impetus to the development of bilateral cooperation.

Abdollahian said a very useful meeting and comprehensive discussions were held with the President of Azerbaijan.

The FMs discussed the successful cooperation between Azerbaijan and Iran in the economic, trade and humanitarian spheres. The activity of the State Commission in this regard was noted.

During the meeting, the sides also exchanged views on the current situation in the region, new post-conflict realities and opportunities for cooperation, including on the future prospects of the 3 + 3 consultation mechanism, the benefits of opening communications for the countries of the region and other topics.

The ministers also discussed other issues of mutual interest.
Baku handed a note of protest to the French diplomat in connection with the illegal visit of the presidential candidate Valerie Pecress to the Azerbaijani city of Khankendi in the area of responsibility of Russian peacekeepers. The press service of the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry spead this message.

The French diplomat was informed that such actions "harm the Azerbaijani-French bilateral relations", have caused serious damage to Frances reputation in the region and to the role that Paris can play in the normalization of relations between Baku and Yerevan after the end of the conflict.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan drew attention to the fact that Pecress and the French citizens who accompanied her on her illegal trip were included in the "blacklist" of the authorities.
The presidential nominee of France's Republican party, President of the Regional Council of Ile-de-France Valerie Pecresse made an illegal visit to Russian peacekeepers' zone of responsibility, France TV columnist Julien Neny wrote on his Twitter page.

According to him, the politician held meetings with separatists, Sputnik Armenia reports.



On December 21, Pecresse met with Armenian President Armen Sargsyan and Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan.



During her speech at a press conference following the talks, the French presidential candidate expressed the opinion that she deserved the support of the Armenians, working as the president of the Regional Council of Ile-de-France, called for the release of the Armenian saboteurs detained in Azerbaijan, and announced her intention to organize an international conference in support of Armenia if elected president.



Earlier, another French presidential candidate Eric Zemmour visited Armenia.
The opening of the Kars-Gyumri railway branch would create economic interdependence between Armenia and Turkey, Secretary of Armenia's Security Council Armen Grigoryan said in an interview with Armenia's Public Television.

"There are opportunities now in the region in a broad context. For example, the opening of the Kars-Gyumri railway branch would create great opportunities for Armenia and Turkey and would create also economic interdependence, which is an important factor of stability and security," ARKA cited him as saying.

Grigoryan expressed readiness to visit Ankara and Baku, if necessary, and to host representatives of Turkey and Azerbaijan in Armenia to discuss regional problems.
President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has received a delegation led by Iranian Minister of Foreign Affairs Hossein Amir Abdollahian.

The head of state recalled his meeting with President of Iran Seyyed Ebrahim Raisi in Ashgabat, during which many issues related to future cooperation were discussed and Azerbaijan-Iran friendly relations were reaffirmed.

Abdollahian extended Iranian President Seyyed Ebrahim Raisi's greetings to the head of state. President Aliyev thanked for Raisi's greetings and asked the minister to extend his greetings to the Iranian President.

Pointing to the meeting between Aliyev and Raisi in Ashgabat, the Iranian Foreign Minister described the meeting as a turning point in relations between the two countries.

The sides underlined the importance of continuing joint efforts to deepen cooperation in political, economic, energy, transport, humanitarian and other fields.

They pointed out the broad agenda of bilateral cooperation and expressed their hope that good results would be achieved.
Former President of Georgia Giorgi Margvelashvili will be able to meet with convicted ex-head of state Mikhail Saakashvili at the Gori military hospital. This was reported by the Special Penitentiary Service.

"On December 20 Giorgi Margvelashvili addressed to the Special Penitentiary Service with a request to meet with the convicted Mikheil Saakashvili. The Special Penitentiary Service satisfied this request", the statement says.

The Special Penitentiary Service noted that the meeting was approved because, according to the recommendation of the medical staff, Mikheil Saakashvilli's state of health allows to do it", "Georgia Online" reports.
Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed confidence that there will be results from the integration of Russia and Belarus.

"What are we talking about now? About synchronizing tax, customs, business laws. This is extremely important in order to provide a non-diverse understanding of how we will act together to achieve the highest result. These are really the main things", stressed the head of state.

According to Putin, the first step is "to synchronize our legislation in the economic sphere and antimonopoly, tax and customs legislation." "So we agreed on all this. We agreed, now we will start working. I am sure that there will be the results", he said.

At the same time, the Russian leader reminded that the level of integration of the two countries was much lower than that of the EU.

"Here we are building the Union State, and the level of our integration is still much lower than the level of integration in the European Union. It is simply incomparable. If our respective economic services come to some agreement on this matter",Putin concluded.
On Thursday, December 23, a telephone conversation took place between the Chief of the General Staff of Russia Valery Gerasimov and the Chief of the Defence Staff of the UK Antony Radakin. This was reported by the Russian Ministry of Defence.

The ministry noted that an exchange of views on actual issues of global and regional security took place during the conversation.

Let us remind you, on the eve, Valery Gerasimov held a telephone conversation with the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff of the US Armed Forces, General Mark Milley. The parties discussed issues of regional security "causing concern".
Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Mark Milley and Chief of the Russian General Staff, General Valery Gerasimov discussed "regional security-related issues of concern" in a phone conversation on December 22, the press service of the Joint Chiefs of Staff reported.

"The military leaders discussed regional security-related issues of concern. The phone call is a continuation of communication between both leaders to ensure risk reduction and operational de-confliction," the statement noted.

"In accordance with past practice, both have agreed to keep the specific details of their conversation private," the statement specified.

The Russian Defense Ministry also announced that Gerasimov discussed issues of international security with Milley. According to the Ministry, "the two military commanders discussed ongoing issues of international security" during their phone call.

The previous phone conversation between Milley and Gerasimov was held on November 23.
Russian troops stationed in Syria and in Nagorno-Karabakh are a guarantee of preserving peace in these regions, Russian Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu said on Wednesday.

"For over a year, Russian peacekeepers have been ensuring the conditions for facilitating a peaceful life in Nagorno-Karabakh and adjacent regions, assisting in rebuilding relations between Azerbaijan and Armenia. To date, no serious incidents have occurred. Also, the contingent of Russian troops remains the guarantor of peace in Syria," he said at a plenary session of the Defense Ministrys Public Council.

For instance, he reported that since the beginning of the year, Russian servicemen in Syria have conducted 348 humanitarian events with over 650 tonnes of food products and basic necessities distributed.
Sri Lanka plans to settle $251 million in oil import dues owed to Iran by bartering tea, a Sri Lankan minister said on Wednesday, amid dwindling foreign reserves.

Plantations Minister Ramesh Pathirana told Reuters he aimed to start sending tea to Iran from January. "We hope to send $5 million worth of tea each month to repay Iran for oil purchases pending since the last four years," he said.

Sri Lanka has to meet about $4.5 billion in debt repayments next year, starting with a $500 million international sovereign bond in January, but the country's foreign reserves had dwindled to $1.6 bln at the end of November, latest data from the central bank showed.

Central Bank Governor Ajith Nivard Cabraal said earlier this month Sri Lanka is confident of being able to "seamlessly" repay all sovereign debt that comes due in 2022.

But Fitch Ratings this month downgraded Sri Lanka's sovereign rating to "CC" from "CCC", citing a growing risk of debt default in 2022, despite repeated assurances from the central bank.

Sri Lanka has foreign currency debt service payments of $6.9 billion in 2022, equivalent to nearly 430% of official gross international reserves as of November 2021, Fitch said in a statement.

A senior member of the country's tea board said it was the first time it had been able to use tea supplies for a barter arrangement to settle foreign debt.

The Plantation Ministry said in a statement this barter with Iran "will not violate any UN or U.S. sanctions since tea has been categorized as a food item under humanitarian grounds while none of the blacklisted Iranian banks will be involved in the equation."

"The recommended scheme will save Sri Lanka much-needed foreign currency since the settlement to Iran would be made in Sri Lankan rupees through the sale of Ceylon Tea," it added.

Sri Lanka produces about 340 million kilogrammes of tea annually. Last year it exported 265.5 million kg of tea, making it the largest forex-earning crop, with earnings of $1.24 billion in 2020.
Turkish Minister of National Defense Hulusi Akar met with the family of Senior Lieutenant of the Azerbaijani Armed Forces Valeh Memiyev, who died during the Patriotic War.

The meeting with family members of the Azerbaijani hero - Valeh's father Isbat Memiyev, mother Ilhama Memieva, brother Vusal Memiyev and nephew Sabir Memiyev - took place in the building of the Ministry of Defense in Ankara.

Akar wished peace to the souls of all the fallen heroes of the Patriotic War and wished a speedy recovery to the victims of the hostilities.

"Two years ago, I met Valeh during the military exercises and set him the task of liberating the lands that had remained under occupation for 30 years. Valeh, in turn, promised to liberate the Azerbaijani territories. We have become eyewitnesses of history," the Anadolu news agency quotes the minister.

At the same time, the head of the Turkish defence department noted the significance of peaceful coexistence in the Caucasus and the prosperity of this region and also expressed the hope that Armenia would appreciate the peace initiatives of Azerbaijan and that this would serve to establish stability and peace in the region as soon as possible.

In turn, the father of the Azerbaijani hero Isbat Memiyev thanked the Turkish minister for the invitation. "We are very grateful to you for being able to come to Turkey, to visit the mausoleum of the founder and first President of the Turkish Republic, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk - "Antkabir", and for the opportunity to meet you", Memiyev said.
Skynewss Facebook and Twitter observers agreed with Russian President Vladimir Putin's demand to guarantee the country's security.

The Russian leader said at a press conference that Moscow didn't threaten anyone, unlike the West. Vladimir Putin also reminded that NATO was continuing its expansion to the East and he called for "unconditional security for Russia".

Many readers found Putin's demands logical.

"Russia is not going to place its missiles on the US porch, while NATO countries intend to place missiles a few minutes from the Kremlin," the user whitehallgate1 said.

According to the reader john44023, the West does not give Moscow any guarantees, while it itself demands them.

The commentator Freespeechmarty believes that the only threat of war comes from Britain, the US, Ukraine and Germany. He also stressed that Moscow wants peace, not conflict.

The observer Lin Cassidy supported Putin and stated that the US is seeking to deploy its military forces near Russias borders. "Russia must bring troops into Mexico! You'll see how they like it!" she added
The UN Security Council on Wednesday adopted a resolution that eases humanitarian aid to Afghanistan by allowing to tap funds that were earlier frozen.

All 15 Security Council members voted in favor of the resolution. The document is referring to assets that are owned by the Taliban (banned in Russia) or related groups.

The resolution will be in effect for one year, and the Security Council will next December consider its extension.

The resolution also states that the money for humanitarian needs isnt subject to the restrictions that the UN Security Council introduced against the Taliban.

The resolution allows only the funding of humanitarian aid, not efforts to rebuild the country.

There have been hurdles in providing aid to Afghanistan because some members of the countrys new government are sanctioned by the UN Security Council for being involved with the Taliban. These sanctions call for freezing their personal assets and the assets of their agencies.
Russian President Vladimir Putin stressed that national security is Moscows number one priority, and that Western countries misled Russia by expanding NATO in Eastern Europe despite previous promises.

Answering a question about the security guarantees and the possibility of an "invasion" of Ukraine, Vladimir Putin stressed that the whole situation was created by the West.

Our actions will depend not on the course of negotiations, but on the unconditional guarantees of Russian national security. We made it clear that NATO's expansion to the east is unacceptable. The US is standing with missiles on our doorstep. How would Americans react if we placed our missiles at the U.S. border with Canada or Mexico?" he asked.

He reiterated that the West should immediately give firm guarantees to Russia instead of just talking about them for decades.

"It is not the course of the negotiations that is important, the result is important. 'Not a single inch to the East', they told us in the nineties. So what? They tricked us. There have been five waves of NATO expansion. Missile systems are appearing in Romania and Poland. Did we come to them? They came to us", the president stressed.

Putin said that the reunification of Crimea with Russia was never on the agenda before the coup in Ukraine. He noted that it was impossible for Russia to deny Crimeans protection after the Ukrainian coup.

"The aggravation began in 2014. What happened then? A coup. A bloody one. People were killed and burned", Putin said. "President Yanukovych agreed with everything, received guarantees from other countries of a peaceful resolution of the situation. How could we refuse Sevastopol and Crimea to take them under our protection?"

The president recalled history, saying in terms of Ukraine "they created a country that included historical Russian territories".

Additionally, the Russian president shared his "impression" that a third military operation is being prepared in Ukraine, and "they are warning Russia not to interfere". "We must react", Putin said.

Russia needs to think about its national security and constantly monitor the events in Ukraine, the president noted.

According to Putin, the main issue is that Kiev is refusing to comply with the Minsk agreements, which, he said, are the only way to resolve the situation in Donbass.
"Kazakhstan is one of the closest allies of Russia, and the relations between the countries can be called unique", Russian President Vladimir Putin said at a big press conference.

According to him, these ties were established by the first president of Kazakhstan, Nursultan Nazarbaev, and now they are picked up by the new president, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, the Russian leader described the relations with him as very close and friendly.

Putin expressed the hope that the president and the first president of Kazakhstan would accept his invitation to visit St. Petersburg next week, where the meeting of the EAEU and CSTO members will take place: according to him, preliminary consent has already been given by Nur-Sultan.

The head of state specified that in the field of economics, one of the main tasks is to change the structure of Russian-Kazakh economic ties and work with great effect in areas of high-tech development, such as genetics, medicine and space. Accordingly, he added, Russia will continue to work with Kazakhstan at Baikonur, Kazakhstan should also take part in space programs.

Vladimir Putin drew attention to the deep humanitarian ties between the countries, expressed gratitude for the attentive attitude to the maintenance and development of the Russian language, noted that Kazakhstan is a Russian-speaking country in which the number of schools with the study of the Russian language, as well as branches of Russian universities, is growing, there is a good competition for the places there

The President of the Russian Federation also specified that Kazakhstan is an active member of the CSTO, and military equipment is supplied to the country at domestic Russian prices.

"I very much hope that the pace and quality of our relations will be preserved", concluded Vladimir Putin.
The Council of Elders of Armenias capital city Yerevan removed Hayk Marutyan as mayor by a vote of 44 to 10.

The Council of Elders also voted to replace Marutyan with his former deputy Hrachya Sargsyan.

The My Step faction in the Council of Elders controlled by Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyans Civil Contract Party announced officially its decision to replace Marutyan by one of his deputies last Friday, accusing now the former mayor of taking steps without consulting with the Council of Elders.

Speaking before the vote, Marutyan said it was the first impeachment of the mayor of Yerevan in the history of the capital, describing the process as disrespect for democracy and the votes of the people of Yerevan.
In the latest fund-raising round, financial technology startup MoMo received $200 million of investment capital, bringing its total value to over US$2 billion.

Startup MoMo recently announced the completion of the 5th round of fund raising (Series E) with a total investment of about $200 million. This round was led by Mizuho (Global Bank of Japan) and a group of global investors including Mizuho, Ward Ferry, Goodwater Capital and Kora Management.

MoMo was once known as the most popular e-wallet application in Vietnam for many years and now it is aiming to develop into a super app.

MoMo currently has more than 1,600 employees with its headquarters based in Ho Chi Minh City and offices in Hanoi and Da Nang. This FinTech company has about 31 million users with more than 140,000 payment points nationwide.

Daisuke Horiuchi, Managing Director of Retail Business of Global Japan Bank Mizuho said the company is looking to expand its retail business in Southeast Asia, as well as in the field of digital transformation and financial inclusion. That's why Global Japan Bank Mizuho decided to invest in startup MoMo.

MoMo's representative told VietNamNet: "We are not allowed to announce specific numbers, but we can confirm that MoMo's value has exceeded $2 billion."

The company will use the new funding to strengthen its position as a market leader in super apps by increasing its financial services to its 31 million existing customers, a MoMo representative said.

The Fintech startup also aims to continue to expand by providing digital transformation solutions for millions of small businesses (SMEs) and micro enterprises (MSMEs) in Vietnam.

In addition, MoMo will promote investment in Vietnamese companies to expand the ecosystem as well as strengthen services in tier 2 and tier 3 cities as well as rural areas.

Nguyen Manh Tuong, Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors, Co-CEO of MoMo, said the strong commitment of global investors to MoMo - a technology product built entirely by Vietnamese - is great encouragement for this firm.

According to recent data from McKinsey & Company Vietnam, the percentage of service users of Fintech (financial technology) companies in Vietnam increased from 16% in 2017 to 56% in 2021; and Vietnam's digital ecosystem is estimated at $50 billion and can increase to $100 billion by 2025.

Trong Dat

Global list includes name of Vietnamese unicorns Startup Sky Mavis with the game Axie Infinity has surprised the Vietnamese startup community when it reached a huge total market capitalization - US$2.4 billion - after three years since its release, a record time in the Asian technology world.
Offshore wind power is poised to become a key pillar of the nations energy transition, and its rapid development is imperative for Vietnams net emissions reduction. However, issues remain with policy frameworks and grid capacity.

Right after sending a positive message to the world at the COP26 climate summit by pledging to phase coal out of its energy mix, Vietnam attracted more attention than ever before from many domestic and foreign investors to wind power projects, especially in offshore wind.

At first we could not have imagined that wind power in Vietnam would develop so quickly despite many challenges in the short term. After COP26, wind power is expected to lead the path towards a net-zero future that Vietnam targets to achieve by 2050, said Logan Knox, general director of UPC Renewables Vietnam at a forum hosted by the Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC) earlier this month.

The World Bank Group estimates that offshore wind in Vietnam has a potential of over 600GW. However, there are currently no offshore wind projects in operation in Vietnam.

The long list

Recognising that wind power has a future for development, Dang Hoang An, Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade, said that many localities are now proposing to develop offshore wind power.

Many localities have submitted proposals to the MoIT to develop offshore wind power projects of up to 110GW. The commitment of many countries, including Vietnam, at the recent COP26 conference is a great premise for wind power development. We will develop a detailed programme to fulfil this commitment, An said.

According to him, in the draft Power Development Plan VIII which is being widely consulted on, the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT) plans to raise the planning for offshore wind power to 5,000MW by 2030 and to 40,000MW by 2045. If economic and technical conditions allow, we can develop even more, An said.

Up to now, 55 localities have sent proposals to the ministry for additional power sources and power grids that have not yet been approved for it to summarise.

The Peoples Committee of the southernmost province of Ca Mau province has submitted a proposal to supplement the power source and grid, including gas, solar, and wind power projects. Specifically, the province proposed four liquefied natural gas (LNG) to power projects with a total capacity of 10,700MW and 24 wind projects with a total capacity of more than 12,000MW, including six offshore wind power ventures.

In the central region, Binh Thuan and Ninh Thuan provinces have all proposed to add tens of thousands of MW of offshore wind power. The latter proposed to put into planning about 42,600MW, of which offshore wind power would be 21,000MW and 4,600MW of nuclear power converted into LNG power, supplemented with stored hydroelectricity.

The northern and central provinces of Quang Ninh, Thanh Hoa, and Thai Binh have also proposed to continue adding wind power projects. Explaining the development of only 5,000MW in the first phase, Nguyen Tuan Anh, deputy director of the MoITs Electricity and Renewable Energy Department, said that the wind power market is still new and bound by the transmission grid.

By 2030, Vietnam will only participate in a certain amount of capacity to give time to strengthen the transmission grid and complete the appropriate policy mechanism for offshore wind power, Anh said.

Unlock the barriers

Groups such as Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners (CIP), Orsted, Enterprize Energy, and T&T have outlined huge ambitions and made busy preparations in Vietnam as they both set up offices in the country and sign geological survey contracts with Vietnamese contractors.

Keld Bennetsen, vice president at CIP, said that a clear consenting framework is critical for investors to understand how to secure the project exclusivity and commence any meaningful development work.

Uncertainty in the project or unclear consenting routes make it really difficult for investors to commit fully or plan their next steps, Bennetsen said. We understand that the regulatory framework is being finalised, but it is not yet clear. We still need power purchase agreements and mechanisms to facilitate participation by international financial institutions.

Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners is developing the massive La Gan offshore wind project off the coast of Binh Thuan province. With an expected capacity of 3.5GW, the wind farm is estimated to power more than seven million households and aims to be one of the first large-scale offshore wind ventures in the country. Bennetsen noted that only top professionals have the capacity to carry out such activities.

It is also important that projects will first need to be developed by experienced companies that will help Vietnam attract more financial investors as well as international investors to develop the supply chain and promote the national value chain, he added.

Besides these issues, the grid system also needs to be upgraded and the feed-in tariff (FiT) mechanism is also a factor to help support early projects.

Andrew Ho, head of Government and Regulatory Affairs for Asia-Pacific at Danish giant Orsted Group, said that when it comes to a market, international investors need to see a stable framework for long-term investment.

The government needs to put in place important and transparent regulatory frameworks because offshore wind power cannot be deployed quickly, he said. In many countries, they have established a single point of contact designated by the state to manage the matter. That is great for investors because the state will share the risk and contribute to reducing the price of electricity production. This benefits both sides.

A GWEC report released in the summer noted that the first large-scale offshore wind projects are not likely to be connected to the grid until 2026 or later. For these initial projects, policy clarity and transparency on procurement mechanisms are urgently needed as the current FiT mechanism is soon to expire. The latest FiT mechanism ended in November.

Practical experience from countries such as the UK, Germany, Denmark, and the Netherlands have shown the importance of having a clear roadmap for industry development in this area, starting with FiT pricing incentives, before the transition to open bidding.

But Dr. Nguyen Duc Hien, deputy head of the Central Economic Commission, admitted that offshore wind power is still considered a new field in Vietnam. The institutionalisation and concretisation of the direction require the development of supportive policies and breakthrough mechanisms for offshore wind power development, which are still slow, he said last week.

Source: VIR
China suspends goods import via border gates in Mong Cai



The Customs Division of Mong Cai City, Quang Ninh province, has informed that China released a formal announcement about the suspension of customs clearance in its side of the border gates sited in Mong Cai City due to Covid-19 case detection. This decision is to serve tracking tasks for Covid-19 prevention purposes.

Because of this customs clearance suspension, it is expected that 1,500 container trucks will be stuck in Mong Cai City, most of which are transporting fruits, frozen seafood, handicrafts. The localities, as a result, have arranged more temporary parking lots in Luc Lam area to minimize potential traffic congestion.

The two border gates of Tan Thanh and Chi Ma in Lang Son Province are now experiencing temporary closure as well. Being the only active one, Huu Nghi border gate is seeing a very slow traffic flow.

Additional 200 hectares of land to be handed over for Long Thanh airport project

The Dong Nai government has decided to hand over some 200 more hectares of cleared land to the Southern Airports Authority to develop the first phase of the Long Thanh International Airport project.

This is the second time the province has handed over cleared land for the project, the local media reported.

Earlier in October 2020, Dong Nai Province handed over 1,280 hectares of land to the Southern Airports Authority for the construction of the project. The Long Thanh International Airport project will cover 5,000 hectares of land.

Vietnams animal feed export surpasses 1 bln USD for first time

Vietnams export of animal feed and materials surpassed 1 billion USD for the first time to 1.049 billion USD from early this year to mid-December, reported the General Department of Vietnam Customs.

The figure topped 81 million USD in the first half of December.

The biggest importer was China with an export turnover of more than 330.73 million USD, or 34 percent of the countrys total exports, up 75.6 percent annually.

Cambodia came second with 137.41 million USD, up 22.7 percent year-on-year, equivalent to 14.1 percent.

The third largest market was India with 95.86 million USD, marking an annual increase of 36 percent and accounting for 9.9 percent.

In 11 months of this year, Vietnams export to several markets hiked compared to the same period last year. Its earnings from the Philippines soared by 165.3 percent to 69.13 million USD while those from Thailand surged by 78.2 percent to 28.65 percent.

Trade exchange held to connect Japanese, Vietnamese firms

Vietnam Trade Promotion Agency (Vietrade) under the Ministry of Industry and Trade in collaboration with the Vietnam Trade Office in Japan on December 23 organised a trade exchange to connect businesses of Vietnam and Japan in the field of food processing.

The total import-export turnover between Vietnam and Japan reached 38.4 billion USD in the first 11 months of this year, up 7 percent over the same period last year. Notably, Japanese investment capital into Vietnam increased by 54 percent against last years figure.

The fact that the two countries are members of many free trade agreements including the Vietnam-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement (VJEPA), Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) and Regional Economic Partnership Agreement (RCEP), creates many opportunities to expand trade cooperation, especially participating in the regional and worlds supply chain.

Vietnam, Australia eye stronger trade, investment cooperation

The governments of Vietnam and Australia have announced the Australia-Vietnam Enhanced Economic Engagement Strategy and a roadmap to promote trade and investment ties between the two countries in the 2021  2025.

In the first ten months of 2021, the two-way trade reached an estimated 10 billion USD, up about 50 percent year-on-year.

The two countries have built a reliable partnership, and ready to help each other in crises and unstable developments. The latest evidence is Australia's support activities for Vietnam in preventing the COVID-19 pandemic and promoting the recovery of green economy during the health crisis.

In addition to economic ties, Vietnam and Australia are increasingly connected in social and cultural aspects. Nearly half a million people of Vietnamese origin are living in Australia, This is an important cultural and economic bridge between the two countries.

Vietnam, RoK foster on trade, industry, energy cooperation

Vietnamese Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien and the Republic of Korea (RoK)s Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy Moon Sung-wook co-chaired the 11th meeting of the Vietnam-RoK Joint Committee on trade, industry and energy cooperation and the 5th meeting of the bilateral Joint Committee on implementation of the free trade agreement between the two countries on December 22.

Following the two meetings, the two ministers signed four documents, including a memorandum of understanding between the Ministry of Industry and Trade and Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy on middle and long-term cooperation in commercial urea for industrial use.

During Vietnamese National Assembly Chairman Vuong Dinh Hues visit to the RoK, leaders of both sides agreed to work together towards the target of 150 billion USD in two-way trade in 2030 with trade balance.

Reference exchange rate up VND10

The State Bank of Vietnam set the daily reference exchange rate at 23,193 VND/USD, up 10 VND from the previous day.

With the current trading band of +/-3 percent, the ceiling rate applicable to commercial banks during the day is 23,888 VND/USD and the floor rate 22,497 VND/USD.

Bidding contract for Phuoc Thai 2, Phuoc Thai 3 solar power plants signed

A signing ceremony for the bidding contract No.3 in the form of engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) for Phuoc Thai 2 and Phuoc Thai 3 solar power plants took place in Hanoi on December 22.

Signatories were the Power Project Management Board No.2 and joint venture between Hong Kongs Risen Energy Co.Ltd and Vietnams Tasco JSC.

Located in the south central province of Ninh Thuan, the plants are invested by the Vietnam Electricity and managed by the Power Project Management Board No.2, connecting with the national grid via a 220kV line.

As scheduled, they will generate electricity by the third quarter next year. Once completed, they are expected to add over 247 million kWh to the national grid.

Room for Vietnams exports to Eurasia remains huge

The Ministry of Industry and Trades Department of European  American Markets held a trade cooperation forum with Eurasian partners both online and offline on December 22.

Despite COVID-19 pandemic, two-way trade between Vietnam and Eurasia still hit 12.7 billion USD in 11 months of this year, up 13.1 percent annually. Of the figure, 8.6 billion USD was Vietnams export which remained modest compared to their import demand of more than 1.34 trillion USD, or only 0.66 percent of the market share, showing that room for Vietnams exports remains huge.

As of the late November, 18 out of 28 regional countries invested in 319 projects worth nearly 1.78 billion USD in Vietnam, or 0.44 percent of the total foreign direct investment in the country.

Meanwhile, Vietnam poured around 2.82 billion USD in 37 projects in nine regional nations as of the late September. Russia was the biggest recipient of Vietnamese investment with 15 projects valued at 2.8 billion USD.

Meta helps Mekong Delta agro-fishery firms in digital economy

The Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) and Facebook Group (now Meta) held a webinar on December 22 to discuss improving competitiveness of agro-fishery firms in Can Thos digital economy.

The event was part of Boost with Facebook programme to assist the Vietnamese firms in the digital economy, attracting over 100 delegates from local authorities and agro-fishery firms in Can Tho and the Mekong Delta.

Participants at the event raised questions to speakers about the application of digital technology to restore production and access customers, and sectoral development strategy in the near future. It is the fifth year the VCCI has cooperated with Meta to carry out the programme in Vietnam.

PM requests better efficiency of ODA use

The Prime Minister has assigned the Ministry of Planning and Investment to draft strategies and policies on development cooperation with foreign donors in order to improve the efficiency of using official development assistance (ODA) and concessional loans.

The ministry is also tasked with being in charge of clarifying orientations for attracting, managing and using ODA and concessional loans from foreign donors; and for drafting and submitting for promulgation or promulgating legal documents on the such management according to its competence.

Vietnamese association in Vientiane helps Laos build SMEs promotion departments building

Construction of a building of the small and medium-sized enterprise promotion department in the campus of the Lao Ministry of Industry and Trade, funded by the Vietnamese Association in Vientiane capital, commenced on December 22.

This is a project to implement an agreement on exchanging public land use rights signed between the association and the Lao Ministry of Industry and Trade. The five-storey project has a total investment of 1.1 million USD. Covering an area of 2,500 sq.m, the building is designed to meet the working demand of more than 200 people. The project is expected to be completed after 18 months.

Vietnam, RoK firms look to boost trade in apparel, footwear

The Republic of Korea (RoK) is the largest investor in the textile - garment and leather - footwear industries of Vietnam, which holds considerable chances to boost the export of these commodities to the Northeast Asian market, heard a recent teleconference.

The RoK is currently one of the leading economic partners of Vietnam, ranking first in foreign direct investment and third in trade with the latter last year.

Bilateral trade reached 63 billion USD in the first 10 months of 2021, up 17.6 percent year on year. That included 17.9 billion USD of Vietnamese exports, rising 11.5 percent.

Vietnam shipped 26.9 billion USD worth of textile - garment and 14.24 billion USD worth of leather - footwear products to the RoK during the period. The full-year figures are forecast to hit 33.9 billion USD and 18.52 billion USD, respectively.

FTAs unlock opportunities for Australian investment increase

Australias investment in Vietnam would grow further in the coming time thanks to free trade agreements (FTAs), heard a workshop held virtually in Hanoi on December 22.

The Australian investment in the Southeast Asian nation now remains modest, said Nguyen Thi Thu Trang, Director of the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI)'s Centre for WTO and Economic Integration, citing statistics by the Foreign Investment Agency at the Ministry of Planning and Investment as showing that by November 2021, Australia had run 545 projects worth 1.94 million USD in Vietnam.

The capital accounts for only 0.5 percent of the total FDI poured into Vietnam, making Australia rank 19th among countries and territories investing in Vietnam, she added.

However, Trang said, the two countries share three FTAs, including two new-generation ones, namely the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP).

Businesses eager to use e-invoices

As many as 263,182 businesses registered to use e-invoices after one month of piloting e-invoices in six provinces and cities, accounting to 71 percent of the total enterprises and organisations in the localities, according to the General Department of Taxation (GDT).

To prepare for the implementation of the second phase in the remaining 57 localities from April 2022, the GDT said it is accelerating the completion of institutions, policies, and professional processes related to e-invoice, focusing on reviewing problems arising in the application process of e-invoices in six provinces and cities in the first phase, and proposing suitable adjustments.

The GDT sets the goal of having 100 percent of businesses in Vietnam use e-invoices until June 30, 2022.

Eco-Fair project achieves most of the initial goals

Under the framework of the project "Promotion of supply and demand of Eco-Fair Agri-food processing products in Viet Nam" (Eco-Fair), co-financed by the European Union with EUR 1.5 million through the EUs SWITCH-Asia Programme, Viet Nam Rural Industries Research and Development Institute (VIRI) held an online policy dialogue on Promotion of Supply and Demand of Eco-Fair Agri-Food Products on Tuesday.

The policy dialogue shared some results and initial impacts of the Eco-Fair project that promotes Sustainable Consumption and Production (SCP) practices in eco-fair agri-food product supply chains, which contributes to the development of sustainable livelihoods and circular economy in Viet Nam.

The Eco-Fair project targets micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), consumer groups in agri-food processing sectors, as well as business intermediaries and relevant government authorities.

NAPAS and BIDV partnership launches DFS acceptance services

Cardholders with global payments brand Discover Financial Services (DFS) will have more options to make payments at merchants throughout Viet Nam.

This implementation is under the Network Alliance agreement between the National Payment Corporation of Viet Nam (NAPAS) and Discover Global Network (DGN). BIDV is the first member of NAPAS to enable DGN acceptance at merchants in Viet Nam.

Fitch affirms outlook on Standard Chartered Vietnam as positive

Fitch Ratings has affirmed the outlook on Standard Chartered Bank (Vietnam) Limited as positive, with long-term foreign currency and local currency issuer default ratings at BB and BBB respectively.

Fitchs ratings are driven by institutional support from 100 per shareholders, with Standard Chartered Vietnam given an important role in the group's broader South-East Asia strategy.

The ratings are capped by a potentially higher Country Ceiling should the sovereign rating be upgraded.

Vietnams animal feed export surpasses 1 billion USD for first time

Vietnams export of animal feed and materials surpassed 1 billion USD for the first time to 1.049 billion USD from early this year to mid-December, reported the General Department of Vietnam Customs.

The figure topped 81 million USD in the first half of December.

The biggest importer was China with an export turnover of more than 330.73 million USD, or 34 percent of the countrys total exports, up 75.6 percent annually.

In 11 months of this year, Vietnams export to several markets hiked compared to the same period last year. Its earnings from the Philippines soared by 165.3 percent to 69.13 million USD while those from Thailand surged by 78.2 percent to 28.65 percent.

State capital to be less than half of investment in Ring Road 4s PPP subproject

The Government has sought that the State capital poured into a subproject conducted under the public private partnership (PPP) model of the Ring Road No. 4 project, which will pass through Hanoi, Hung Yen and Bac Ninh, should not exceed half of the total investment in the subproject.

Accordingly, the Ring Road No. 4 project was included in the road system development plan in the 2021-2030 period with a vision to 2050 and was approved by the prime minister on September 1, 2021. The project was aimed at reaching the target of having some 5,000 kilometers of expressways by 2030.

To ensure that the project will be submitted to the National Assembly for approval at its sitting in May next year. The Hanoi government was asked to submit a proposal on the appraisal of the project to the Government and the Ministry of Planning and Investment before December 25.

16 coal transit ports proposed to serve thermal power projects

The Ministry of Industry and Trade and consulting firms have proposed the prime minister choose locations to develop 16 coal transit ports to serve coal-fired power projects to complete the national electricity development plan in the 2021-2030 period with a vision to 2050.

According to Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Dang Hoang An, to serve large coal-fired power projects, five ports will be developed in the northern and north-central regions, including Hon Net in Quang Ninh, Tien Hai in Thai Binh, Hon Me in Thanh Hoa, Son Duong in Ha Tinh and Quang Trach in Quang Binh.

Eleven other ports should be developed in the southern and south-central regions, consisting of Vinh Tan in Binh Thuan, those on the Go Gia River and the Ong Cho Island in HCMC, Soai Rap in Tien Giang, Duyen Hai in Tra Vinh, My Thanh in Soc Trang, Ganh Hao in Bac Lieu, Hon Khoai in Ca Mau, one on the Nam Du Island in Kien Giang, Con Dao in Ba Ria-Vung Tau and Nam Van Phong in Khanh Hoa.

Father of ST rice variety asks for brand protection domestically

The Ministry of Industry and Trade, on December 22, informed that the family of Mr. Ho Quang Cua - the father of ST24 and ST25 rice varieties that won the 2019 World's Best Rice award - had submitted an application to the Market Surveillance Authority, asking for brand protection of these two rice varieties in the Vietnamese market.

After receiving the application from Mr. Ho Quang Cua's family, the Market Surveillance Authority issued a document directing the Market Surveillance Agencies of provinces and cities to review and verify the contents reflected by the enterprise in the application about establishments alleged to have violated in the areas under their management.

Previously, the ST24 and ST25 rice trademarks were taken by some enterprises in the US and Australia to register trademarks in these countries.

Source: VIR/VNA/VNS/VOV/SGT/Nhan Dan/SGGP
The General Department of Customs said Vietnams imports and exports recovered strongly in November 2021, reaching the highest number so far  over $30 billion - a new milestone.

The total import-export value of goods in November reached $62.48 billion, up 13.6% over the previous month, corresponding to $7.47 billion. Exports reached $31.87 billion, up 10.4% over the previous month (equivalent to $3 billion); imports were $30.61 billion, up 17.1% (equivalent to $ 4.47 billion).

Accumulated to the end of November 2021, the total import-export value of the country was $602 billion, up 22.9% over the same period last year, equivalent to $112.25 billion. Thus, the total import-export turnover of the country exceeded $600 billion. This is also a new record for Vietnam's merchandise trade.

Vietnam's goods trade with Asia was $390.06 billion, up 23.5% year on year, with the Americas $125.3 billion, up 24%; Europe $66.14 billion, up 14.2%; Oceania $12.82 billion, up 45.7% and Africa $7.69 billion, up 24.5%.

Vietnam's vaccine for African swine fever is ready for use

The vaccine for African swine fever has been researched and tested by scientists at the Institute of Biotechnology and the Dabaco Group on hundreds of thousands of pigs. The efficacy of the vaccine was shown to be high. After 21 days, the unvaccinated pigs died while the vaccinated pigs were all immune and achieved protection.

Ministry of Health speaks about price hike of Viet A test kits

The Ministry of Health has affirmed that all products licensed by the ministry, including Viet A's test kits, meet Vietnam's standards and are in compliance with current regulations. After being licensed, the products are monitored for quality and stability. The Ministry of Health affirmed that the price hike on the COVID-19 test kit of Viet A Technology Joint Stock Company needs to be handled seriously.

Responsibilities of ministries in Viet As test kit case should be clarified

Chairman of the National Assemblys Legal Committee Hoang Thanh Tung has spoken about the Viet A test kit case, which has been the center of public attention. "Voters are very interested in the actual quality of this test kit to know whether it really meets the requirements of expertise or not. The country is currently using the test kits produced by this company on a large scale, Tung said at a recent meeting of the National Assembly Standing Committee. National Assembly Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue said this is a concern of the public, which should be reported to the National Assembly in a written report.

Northern region to have cold spells

This weekend provinces in the North and North Central region will experience a cold spell. In some mountainous areas the temperature is forecast to drop to below 0 C degrees.

From the night of December 24 to December 26, due to the influence of cold air, there will be rain in the North and North Central region.

From December 25-28, the Central and South-Central regions will also have rain and showers. From December 26-28, cold air is likely to cause severe cold in provinces in the North and North Central areas.

Mountain areas will suffer from harmful cold spell with the lowest temperature of about 4-7 C degrees and even below 0 with frost in some places.

800 pharmacies join HCM Citys fight against Covid-19

The Department of Health of Ho Chi Minh City has called on 6,500 pharmacies in the city to participate in the prevention and control of Covid-19, but so far only 800 pharmacies have registered to join.

According to statistics from the local Department of Health, of 22 districts and Thu Duc city, only Can Gio district has had no pharmacies registering for the program.

Pharmacies participating in the prevention and control of Covid-19 are in 3 main groups of activities:

1: Supply necessary items and medicines for home healthcare for people with Covid-19

2: Give advice on home care for infected people who are treated at home

3: Act as a bridge between patients who are treated at home and medical stations and mobile medical stations.

VND 54 billion bridge suddenly collapses

The VND54 billion (nearly $2 million) Cai Doi Vam Bridge in the southern province of Ca Mau, built with capital from the state budget, suddenly collapsed on December 21. The incident did not cause any loss of life. This bridge is still under construction. An investigation has been launched.

PV
After inspecting 26 local agencies and units, the Ministry of Public Security (MPS) this year discovered 30 information disclosure cases with 202 documents, and found many serious security vulnerabilities.

At the conference

Lieutenant General Nguyen Minh Chinh, Director of A05, said at a conference on ensuring information security for digital content that Vietnam has joined the fourth industrial revolution.

Vietnam now has 70 million internet users, or nearly 70 percent of the population, with 154 million internet connection devices. The IT industry is high ranking, and digital infrastructure has developed rapidly with 68 million Facebook accounts. The conditions, however, pose challenges in ensuring national security and social order.

Criminals take advantage of the spreading power, anonymity, cross-border usage and high security of the internet to disseminate malicious information against the Party and State. The number of crimes of this kind was very high in 2021, when Vietnam organized many important events and pandemic developments continued to be complicated.

Professional units have handled more than 1,100 sites with 2.3 million items of news and articles violating the law. MPS recorded 8 million warnings about cyberattacks, and 2,763 attacks on domestic websites and electronic information portals, an increase of 26 percent over the previous year.

MPS has imposed administrative fines on dozens of violators, neutralized hundreds of systems collecting personal information illegally, and seized 1,400GB of personal data that had been appropriated.

MPS, after examining 26 local agencies, discovered many serious security vulnerabilities. The information systems had viruses and dangerous spyware, which posed security risks.

In 2021, agencies discovered 30 cases of information disclosure and loss of state secrets with 202 documents. Some Covid-19 prevention apps were found as facing the risk of losing personal information.

A05 also said that the number of phishing cases is on the rise.

Criminals impersonate law enforcement agencies, break into personal and businesses email accounts, hijack systems to defraud people; forge banks websites, counterfeit telecommunication BTS to spread false information; and install devices to steal information from ATM cards.

In the last five years, MPS discovered and handled 2,386 cases, filed charges against 1,055 suspects in 1,158 cases, and imposed administration fines on violators in 51 phishing cases.

MPS also reported an increase in scams under MLM mode (multi-level marketing), including financial mobilization in accordance with MLM model; investment in foreign currencies and real estate; issuance of cryptocurrencies, and online sale of shares and training courses. In most cases, scammers, after attracting a certain amount of money, collapsed the systems and ran away.

Since 2016, MPS has handled 12 cases and filed charges against 37 individuals in nine cases of this kind.

Doan Bong

Malware threatens businesses in digital age The digital economy has more opportunity for cyberattacks, especially from ransomware. The more businesses and users use technology online, the more opportunities hackers have to expand their attacks.
A new criminal case in which suspects inflated the price of rapid-test kit prices has been discovered. Previously, newspapers had reported turmoil in test kit prices.

The suspects in the case

The investigation agency has filed charges against and detained Phan Quoc Viet, CEO of Viet A Technology JSC, and Pham Duy Tuyen, Director of CDC Hai Duong, and others.

Earlier, on December 10, the C03 Agency conducted an urgent search of 16 locations in eight localities, including Hanoi, HCM City, Hai Duong, Thua Thien - Hue, Binh Duong, Long An, Can Tho and Nghe An, and summoned testimony from 30 related subjects.

According to the investigation agency, Viet inflated the prices of equipment, input materials and set the price at a high level of VND470,000; and promised to pay commissions to hospital leaders and provincial CDCs that bought its products.

Viet A provided Covid-19 test kits to CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) and other medical units in 62 cities and provinces with revenue of VND4 trillion. Tuyen alone received a commission of VND30 billion. The same rule have been applied to other cities and provinces.

In April 2020, CDC Hanoi official Nguyen Nhat Cam was detained for violations of regulations on bidding, causing serious consequences in Covid-19 testing procurement.

The profit of several billions of dong Cam tried to pocket last year was small compared with the VND30 billion Tuyen collected from hundreds of thousands of test kits.

All of this activity occurred in the midst of millions of people suffering from Covid-19, and thousands of medical staff, soldiers, police and volunteers working in epicenters to help people overcome the pandemic.

Medical workers are struggling to fight the pandemic and working in dangerous conditions. Around VND5-6 million is the average monthly wage paid to one worker with 15-20 years of experience at grassroots healthcare units.

Low pay and hard work are the reasons why many ward medical workers want to resign. In 2020, as many as 597 workers resigned from their post, while the figure was 968 in the first 10 months of the year.

The total amount of money budgeted to support medical workers in HCM City is VND8.5 billion a month, which is just one quarter of the amount Tuyen pocketed from the business deal with Viet.

Not only Hai Duong but other cities and provinces also bought test kits from Viet A at the price of VND470,000 and higher.

Nguyen Duy Xuan

Former CDC Hanoi director sentenced to 10 years in jail The Hanoi Peoples Court on December 12 sentenced Nguyen Nhat Cam, former director of the Hanoi Centre for Disease Control (CDC Hanoi), to 10 years in prison for violations on bidding regulations that causes serious consequences.
Phu Chau Temple is located in the middle of Vam Thuat River, a branch of Saigon River. This site contains stunning physical features as well as mysteries related to historical events.

Phu Chau Temple (Ward 5, Go Vap District, Ho Chi Minh City) was built on a small sandbank on an area of 2500 square meters. As a result, it is called Noi Mieu.

To visit this special temple, travelers must go by boat. As it is famous for its holy ground, there are many people who visit this temple. Young adults visit to pray for love, kids or safety.

No one knows about the birth of the ancient temple, but it is estimated that it was built in the 19th century. It is believed that a fisherman came across a dead body of a woman on the river. He then buried her and built a small temple to worship the unlucky woman. Since that moment, the quality of his life has improved significantly. Many people started going to the temple after they heard the story. The temple was gradually rebuilt to worship Ngu Hanh and Long Mau.

Before 1975, this was a well-known destination for a pilgrimage. However, the temple was abandoned and ruined afterwards. Seventeen years later, Mr. Sau Hoa, a resident living near the temple, and Mr. Luc Cau, a Hoa resident, called for help in rebuilding the temple. Mr. Luc Cau developed a blueprint of a new temple to perform the task. He then became the head of management committee of the temple.

In 2010, Phu Chau Temple was recognized as an artistic monument by the Peoples Committee of Ho Chi Minh City. There are many big and small images of dragons around the temple. At the entrance of the temple, many enormous dragons are worshipping. Inside the temple, sculpted reliefs of dragons were made of colorful ceramics.

Last week, Mr. Pham Huu Nghia (Ho Chi Minh City)  a young adult who loves travelling  visited Phu Chau Temple. On this second visit, he chose to go early to enjoy the scenery.

I was attracted by the myth and the physical features of the temple. I went to this temple to get to know more about it and to get away from the hectic life in the city, Nghia said.

To get to the temple, travelers go along Nguyen Thai Son Road from Go Vap Market. At the end of the road, they should turn on Tran Bao Giao Road and go straight until they reach the parking area to get on a boat to go to the Phu Chau Temple. It costs 25000 VND to arrive at the temple and then return to the parking area. Visitors may have to wait for 10 minutes to get on a boat, but it takes only five minutes to reach the temple.

A temple in the middle of the river.

More than one hundred dragons of many sizes are in the temple.

Colorful sticks of incense are a cultural feature of Hoa people, and are used in the temple.

As Phu Chau temple is located near the Tan Son Nhat International Airport, visitors can see planes in the sky while visiting Phu Chau Temple.

One-of-a-kind structure of the temple.

The comforting atmosphere around the temple.

Linh Trang

Photo: Tram Du Lich

A mysterious temple that travelers should visit in Vung Tau Hon Ba temple, located on an island, has become a special tourist destination since the emergence of a path to this island in Vung Tau.
When I bought my house almost three years ago, I wrote a letter to the seller. I talked about my dog, my kids (they looked to be about the same age as the sellers, judging by the toys in their playroom), and I fawned over my big plans for the huge cul-de-sac lot. I even dropped a mention that my husband was a local teacher.

I have no idea if that letter swayed them, but I do know this: We got the house  even with other offers on the table.

My story is hardly unique. These kinds of homebuyer love letters have long been a staple of the industry  particularly in hot markets or those rife with first-time homebuyers. Buyers use them to stand out, differentiate themselves from the pack, and often, make a personal connection with the seller in hopes of winning the home. According to Matt Brennan, a Redfin agent in Portland, they make an offer more human.

Soon, though, these letters will no longer be an option  at least in Oregon.
Cancel Christmas. Thats what the chilling email addressed to me read, nearly a dozen years ago, right around the holidays.

The anonymous author went on to say hed kill me coming out of Fox News, where I was working at the time. As a political commentator, Id sadly grown accustomed to threats of this nature, and I got all kinds. Some were violent rape fantasies. Some were simply images of hanging nooses. Once I was sent a box of bloody chicken parts. And some were actual death threats.

All because I had a political point of view some people didnt like, and as a member of the media, I had a platform to express it.

Then, because I was a conservative Republican, the threats came from the far left. Now, as Ive become a vocal Trump critic, they come from the far right.

Of course, actionable threats were  and still are  dealt with swiftly by the FBI, security or other law enforcement. But that doesnt always mitigate the emotional and psychological toll these attacks have on a person or a family.
Art Center a hit

Kudos to the Art Center of Waco. We went to see the Kermit Oliver exhibit and the docent, Lina, met us and discussed the paintings. Her thoughtful description of some of the ideas embodied in the works made the exhibit more meaningful.

Olivers paintings, the frames he made for them, and the selection of scarves are beautiful. Thank you to the collectors who made their treasures available for the exhibit. If you have a few hours, check out the Art Center. Its another Waco treasure.

Mark and Marla Jaynes, Hewitt

Zoning tyranny

Cities across Texas are struggling with a severe shortage of low- and moderate-income housing. One of the primary causes is exclusionary zoning, i.e., single-family zoning, which makes duplexes, accessory dwelling units and similar types of housing illegal. Fundamentally, the states housing shortage is being caused by violations of property rights  restrictions on how property owners can use their land.
Let dough rise for at least 1 hour or until its doubled in size. You can use the dough at this point or punch it down and let it rise a second time. A second rise give a little more depth to the flavor and, according to some, makes a better crumb. Unless youre comparing side-by-side, you may not notice much difference.

If you have a pizza stone, place it in your cold oven and preheat the oven and stone simultaneously to 425 to 450 degrees F. (The stone will likely break if you put a cold stone into a hot oven.) If you are using a baking pan or sheet, you do not need to preheat the pan, although it does help develop a crustier bottom if the pan is hot.

Cut the dough into four equal pieces. (The dough can be frozen at the point for future use. Pull the dough out of the freezer an hour before youre ready to make your pizza. For the dough to cook all the way through, it needs to be at room temperature before baking.)

Using parchment paper, press the dough into the desired thickness and shape. (Mine is never round, even if thats what I desire.)

Add toppings (discussed later) and bake for about 10 minutes.
If you are thinking about incorporating healthy and nutritious food in your breakfast or lunch plans, Harvest on 25th would be an excellent choice.

The restaurant, co-owned by Juanita Barrientos and Toby Tull, opened in December 2018 with a mission of providing nutritious vegan and vegetarian choices, but not limited to that.

Harvest on 25th has already faced a couple of challenging setbacks in the time its been open. The first was the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020 that forced it to close along with other restaurants temporarily.

Then, in April 2021 an electrical fire damaged the restaurant significantly.

These days the restaurant at 25th Street and Washington Avenue, is back on track with serving customers delicious healthy breakfasts and lunches Wednesdays through Sundays.

Co-owners Tull and Barrientos originally met at Wacos farmers market. Tull was providing produce with his Home Grown Farm in Gholson. Barrientos, a Cordon Bleu-trained chef, was creating meals for Crav, a take-out service within Gourmet Gallery.

They shared ideas for a partnership and eventual restaurant, utilizing Tulls business degree and acumen and Barrientos training. She graduated from Texas A&M with a degree in nutrition and then attended Austins Le Cordon Bleu (now called Texas Culinary Academy).

Beginnings

Happy Harvest was their first healthy endeavor. That business offered to-go meals that were locally sourced, and they worked with not only the farmers market, but area farms.

When the time was right, Harvest on 25th became a reality.

Our menu changes seasonally and we usually offer a selection of pancakes, a few savory egg or bowl items, breakfast tacos, savory toasts, as well as lunch items, Tull said.

Just a look at the menu, whether online or in the restaurant, can entice the taste buds.

While customer favorites include the vegan omelets, toasts and kale salad, Tull quickly notes it is not just a vegan restaurant.

We serve locally farmed pork and organic chicken, he said. I think by focusing on the local perspective we dont really exclude anyone. Our main crowd are those who are not necessarily health-focused but take food seriously, if that makes sense.

Among the restaurants favorite dishes is a Zucchini and Wild Mushroom Omelet ($11), which is served in a bowl with summer squash, roasted marinated mushrooms, roasted onion, Heirloom salsa verde potatoes and carrot hot sauce aioli. For an extra dollar, breakfast sausage can be added.

The Lavender Horchata Overnight Oats are lightly toasted organic oats with chia, flax and hemp seeds with a housemade lavender horchata (a Mexican drink of sweetened white rice in water), blueberry sesame crunch, organic bananas and wild blueberries.

Tull and Barrientos create their own recipes at Harvest on 25th and make everything from scratch since Barrientos serves as the executive chef.

She credits her passion for food to her late mother, whose homecooked meals made an impression on her young daughter.

Barrientos sauces incorporate a variety of vegan, gluten-free and add-on meat choices.

The toast is made with Harvest on 25ths own sourdough bread.

Other items on the breakfast menu include choices like the savory apricot (or plum when its in season) and chili toast, breakfast tostadas, honest migas and sourdough pancakes, including a new addition, banana horchata pancakes.

Everything on the menu can be made gluten-free.

Customers also can build their own breakfast, customizing their plate from a list of side items.

Breakfast is served from 8 a.m. until 3 p.m. when Harvest at 25th closes.

Lunch specials begin at 11 a.m. with choices such as a Morocco rice bowl, Harvest falafel salad and a black pepper walnut Caesar salad from $10 to $12, not counting add-ons. Tacos include braised chicken, pulled pork and mushroom options ($5 for corn tortillas and $6.50 for flour).

Aubergine or pepperoni pizzas are made with a sourdough crust.

Brownies and scones are available when in stock. Beverages include kombucha (a fermented tea) and drip coffee.

Atmosphere

When you enter the doors of Harvest on 25th you will find the decor is fresh, light and airy  like our food as described by Tull. He says that as a relief because the restaurants electrical fire in April devastated the entry and kitchen.

The restaurant, interestingly, is housed in a former fire station.

The fire was traumatic for owners and staff. Barrientos, in an interview with the Tribune-Herald, likened it to her biggest trauma when she lost her mother at age 15.

After the fire, however, the team did not quit and set up shop in a temporary location for online takeout food.

Harvest was able to reopen its doors in September.

The Harvest on 25th name came about, Tull said, because of their connection to farmers.

To that end they still source their fresh products from local farms and purchased from Austin-based Farm To Table, which works directly with farms.

Harvest on 25th concentrates on the breakfast and lunch crowd. On occasion it will have ticketed events for a dinner crowd as a way to give customers an idea of the tasty menu options.

Tull and Barrientos have said they are thrilled that Harvest on 25th can serve as a space where people can have important conversations over food.

The healthy aspect and flavors of the food keep customers coming back and spreading the word to others about the health-conscious offerings.

As always, being nutritious is what Harvest on 25th is all about. 

Harvest on 25th

112 N. 25th St.

254-313-7285

Wed-Sun, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Order online for pickup, Wed-Fri

Dine-in only, Sat-Sun

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Texas has long been a crossroads for some of the more colorful figures of American history. Whether they were forces for good or ill, their various deeds demanded the attention of the world. Among these are those who seem to have everything going for them, only to self-destruct.

Albert Fall, a one-time Texas businessman and lawyer and later a secretary of the interior and New Mexico politician, would go from the life of a preachers hard-working grandson and frontier lawyer to becoming forever tied to one of the worst political scandals of the early 20th century.

Albert Bacon Fall was born in Frankfort, Kentucky, in November 1861. His father was a school teacher, with his mother teaching on occasion, and his grandfather was a minister. His father also served as a Confederate officer during the Civil War.

The family moved often after the war, with his father taking teaching positions across Kentucky and Tennessee. His mother would sometimes work as a music teacher. His own education was sporadic, supplemented by efforts at home, and he picked up a series of odd jobs along the way. In 1872, he began work in a cotton factory, but the fibers in the air caused him to develop serious breathing problems.
Baker said the timing of the storm helped reduce potential damage. Those 90 mph winds would have done much more damage if this storm had taken place in summer.

This storm packed a big punch in terms of high wind gusts, upwards of 90 miles per hour. It could have been much worse in terms of outages, Baker said. Fortunately, as compared with the July storm, there were no leaves on trees to weigh tree limbs down, which would have caused even more tree damage and interference with power lines.

Miller said he expected additional reports of damage would have resulted from the storm.

For the amount of wind we had, I was surprised there was more damage, he said.

In Wahoo, the situation was much different. Utilities General Manager Ryan Hurst said there were no outages reported in the citys electrical system.

We got tremendously lucky we had zero outages, he said.

There was just one tree limb that fell onto an electrical wire, Hurst reported, but it did not cause any outages.

Sam Crisler is a reporter for The Ashland Gazette. Reach him via email at sam.crisler@wahoonewspaper.com.
Nebraskans having heart attacks, strokes or other life-and-death emergencies still get immediately into Bryan, Isaacs noted.

But many patients fall into a gray area. They have internal bleeding. Or, like William Kieler, they are having serious trouble breathing. Those patients go onto The List.

It is one thing to hear that hospitals are full because of COVID-19. Its quite another to know that your loved one is bearing the brunt of that No Vacancy sign.

Kim Kieler, Williams daughter, stayed close to him at the Nemaha County Hospital as he waited for a transfer on Dec. 7, Dec. 8, then Dec. 9. To her, hes more than a number on a list.

Hes the man who worked a month on and a month off during her childhood. He steered ships down the Missouri River, the Ohio and the Mississippi, then returned to the house in Peru where he and wife, Beverly, raised four children.

William Kieler still lives in that house. He stayed even after his wife of 59 years died in 2017. Hes long been a healthy horse of a man who, despite two knee replacements, would still captain the occasional tugboat past age 80.

To Kim Kieler, hes Dad.
KEARNEY  A Kearney man is in jail accused of kidnapping, robbing and assaulting a Nebraska probation officer early Saturday morning in Kearney.

Shawn W. Smith, 35, of Kearney, was charged in Buffalo County Court with felony kidnapping, robbery, terroristic threats, flight to avoid arrest, misdemeanor third-degree assault and driving under the influence of alcohol-first offense in the incident.

Records indicate Smith went to a residence where the female probation officer was, hitting her numerous times, taking her to an ATM to force her to withdraw money, and then allegedly threatening her if she told anyone.

At 1:31 a.m. Saturday a man called the Kearney Police Department asking officers to check on the welfare of a woman at a residence in the 1000 block of 15th Street.

When officers arrived at the residence a neighbor told them a man and woman left in a silver sport utility vehicle. As police rang the doorbell to the residence a silver SUV pulled into the driveway, then backed out and took off at a high rate of speed without its headlights on.
There has been a flurry of activity in the world of surviving PBY Catalinas and their many variants this year. To help summarize some of the more significant details, here is a comprehensive update based upon an original article by the marvelous Catalina Society  posted here (with their permission).

In this latest round-up of news regarding Catalinas around the world, we feature aircraft from as far afield as Russia, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and the USA. This article is derived from the latest edition of The Catalina News, the print magazine which subscribers to The Catalina Society receive as part of their membership.

Russia

From time-to-time, a Catalina survivor will simply go missing and such is the case with a PBY-5A last registered in the USA as N4582U. Consolidated built this aircraft as hull number 1821 at their plant in San Diego towards a US Navy contract in 1944. As BuNo.46457, the aircraft joined the U.S. Navys Patrol Squadron VP/VPB-94 for a brief period before transfer to the Forca Aerea Brasileira (Brazilian Air Force) in late-1944. The Catalina initially served in her new role as FAB 11, but later gained the identifier 6510; she remained in service until the Brazilian military retired her in December 1981. Subsequently, the legendary American warbird collector, David Tallichet, acquired the airframe. Registered as N4582U, the aircraft flew from Brazil to Fort Lauderdale, Florida some time in 1983. Tallichet worked out an arrangement with the U.S. Air Force Museum (now the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force) in 1984 and had the aircraft flown to Albuquerque, New Mexico where it spent the next several decades displayed in the open as part of the Rescue Memorial Museum at Kirtland Air Force Base. The Catalina wore a couple of liveries during that time, being painted first as US Air Force OA-10A Catalina 44-34077 and then as PBY-5A 46457. While the flying boat never flew again after that early 80s ferry flight to New Mexico, it wasnt until December 3rd, 2014 that her US registration was canceled in a paperwork tidy up at the Federal Aviation Administration. During at least some of her time in New Mexico, the aircraft had remained under the ownership of its initial purchaser, Project Catalina, but at some point the National Museum of the US Air Force (NMUSAF) formally acquired her in an updated Bill of Sale. At this point, the aircrafts ownership history becomes somewhat hazy. Roger B. Kelsay of Hillsboro, Oregon is known to have purchased the aircraft from the NMUSAF on September 26th, 2016, but then a company registered as JG-5 LLC of Cave Creek, Arizona acquired it the following December. Subsequently, the Catalina was dismantled and moved from Kirtland AFB to an unknown location, believed to be somewhere in San Antonio, Texas. Intriguingly, the FAA noted the Catalina as canceled and exported to the Russian Federation!

The Catalina then turned up at the workshops of the well-known warbird restorers, American Aero Services, in New Smyrna Beach, Florida. Here the aircraft received some refurbishing, but then it disappeared again and, whilst I have been unable to discover how and when it traveled, it finally reappeared in early-2021 at the UMMC Museum in Verkhnyaya Pyshma, Sverdlovsk, Russia. In seemingly no time at all, the aircraft received a WWII-era livery representing a Soviet PBY-6A, PBN-1 Nomad or GST (a licensed-built PBY-5)  albeit, this transformation may have occurred at New Smyrna Beach before the Catalina departed for Russia. Regardless, the PBY is now the largest exhibit at the museum, and is finally housed undercover. The UMMC Museum, founded by the Ural Mining and Metallurgical Company (UMMC), is intended to preserve the memory of Russias past while also educating younger generations about the nations history. BuNo.46457 is presently the only complete Catalina preserved in the former Soviet Union, and although no PBY-5As served within their military, it seems appropriate that one should be there now representing the type as a whole.

Australia

In Australia, the Historic Aircraft Restoration Society (HARS) has not flown their former U.S. Navy PBY-6A Catalina (BuNo.46679/VH-PBZ) as regularly as usual, due largely to the pandemic, which forced the museum to close its doors for significant periods this year. However, the aircraft did take part in the flypast over Australias capital city, Canberra, on March 31st this year to celebrate the Royal Australian Air Forces (RAAF) centenary as an independent air arm. Indeed, HARS provided no less than six of its aircraft for the flypast  a Douglas C-47, de Havilland Canada Caribou, Lockheed Neptune, and Orion, Bell UH-1, and, of course, Felix their Catalina. Over the years, HARS has re-insalled an eyeball and side-blister turrets on their Catalina as well as a host of internal features. Sadly, she no longer operates from water.

Meanwhile, at the Catalina Flying Memorial project in Bankstown near Sydney, New South Wales, work on the huge task of getting another Catalina flying continues, this being PBY-6A BuNo.46665 (VH-CAT). Sadly, Philip Dulhunty, the projects founder, Chair, and driving force passed away on November 29th last year at the grand age of 96 (check out his Wikipedia entry to learn more about his varied and fascinating life). While Phils death will require a restructure of the organizations management, Director Mike Boyce has pledged to continue the work on VH-CAT through his association with the Coral Sea Catalina Heritage Museum and has expressed confidence that this Catalina will fly again. The current plan will eventually see the Catalina form a centerpiece of the proposed museum at Bowen Airport, a town very closely associated with wartime RAAF Catalina operations.

Still, in Australia, there are changes afoot at the Rathmines Catalina Memorial Park Association (RCMPA) Catalina project. Work continues on the restoration of the organizations PBY-5A (BuNo.48412/ex-N7238Z) in the Kilaben Bay area of Lake Macquarie, New South Wales, but the RCMPA released a significant media statement on September 4th to announce their negotiation of a new home for their Catalina, known as Our Girl. They stated: Negotiations to gain approval to site and house Our Girl at Rathmines were not progressing at a pace, or direction, that would meet RCMPAs timeframe to complete the restoration and provide a suitable facility in which to display her. As a result, we intend to relocate Our Girl from Kilaben Bay to the RAAF Williamtown Aviation Heritage Centre, where she will form part of the display. We wish to thank Air Force for their support in providing this outcome. The relocation will not happen for some time. There is a pre-existing unrelated project underway to upgrade the RAAF Williamtown Aviation Heritage Centre. Therefore, the Our Girl move is planned to occur once the upgrading of existing facilities at the Williamtown center is completed. We are pleased that as a result of this agreement with the Air Force, Our Girl will remain in Newcastle. We consider this to be a wonderful outcome for the Association and the dedicated volunteers completing the restoration. We will feature an update on Our Girl in our next magazine.

New Zealand

Further south, Lawrence Acket provided some Catalina news from New Zealand. The Canadian Vickers-built Canso A (RCAF 11054/ZK-PBY) belonging to the New Zealand Catalina Preservation Society/Catalina Club of NZ has had another gap year in operations due to Coronavirus restrictions, but there are hopes she will reactivate for the 2022 season. The main events planned so far will be an appearance at the Warbirds Over Wanaka International Air Show next Easter and some of the warbird open days at Ardmore. There are hopes that ZK-PBY can also attend the Napier Art Deco Festival in Hawkes Bay during late February, 2022. Meanwhile, she is being kept in airworthy condition at New Plymouth on New Zealands North Island ready for when she can take to the air again. Recent work carried out has included overhauling the nosewheel oleo and shimmy dampener.

Back in Issue 93 of The World Catalina News magazine, I reported that the Air Force Museum of New Zealand at Wigram, near Christchurch on New Zealands South Island had halted work on the restoration of Canadian Vickers-built OA-10A Catalina (44-34081/VH-SBV) for the foreseeable future. Thankfully, the aircrafts partially restored hull is, at least, kept indoors and has received attention to keep it corrosion-free. A few months ago, museum personnel moved the fuselage outside for the first time in many years, before returning it to the hangar; it has to be said that she looked great in her new coat of white paint and with bow and blister turrets in place. Despite the slow rate of restoration, the airframe has come a long way since the Museum of Transport and Technology (MOTAT) organized her rescue from the fire dump at Port Moresby on Papua New Guinea in 1975!

Canada

The Canadian Warplane Heritage Museums (CWH) Canso A (RCAF 11084/C-FPQL) known as Mary K did not fly a great deal this year for the reasons we have all got used to, but she did perform at the Canadian International Air Show along the waterfront in Toronto, Ontario during the weekend of September 4th/5th. Apparently, this was the first time that the CWH had participated at this event for some years, but with the Cansos performance receiving much appreciation, she will hopefully become a regular attendee in years to come.

As mentioned in the tribute to Andy Carswell in Issue 96 of The World Catalina News magazine, the port side bow and cockpit section from a Catalina are now on display outside the Andy Carswell Building  Canso Campus of the Veterans House in Ottawa, Ontario. Veterans House provides housing for homeless ex-servicemen and is built on the grounds of former Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) Station Rockcliffe, once a home for RCAF Canso amphibians! This nose section came from the long derelict PBY-5A BuNo.46590 (N68756) which once belonged to the Commemorative Air Force. MotoArt/Planetags of El Segundo, California had cut up the remainder of the aircraft to sell as functional artwork/mementos after the badly corroded and damaged hull had been deemed unfit for restoration. The fuselages most recent home prior to her scrapping was in the storage yard at the Pima Air & Space Museum near Tucson, Arizona. MotoArt restored the exterior of the nose section before it went to Canada in late April, and painted the exterior silver with the word RESCUE stenciled in large letters below and behind the canopy to resemble the Canso A amphibians which Andy Carswell flew during his RCAF service. It is good to know that a substantial section of this airframe has been saved, and displayed in such an appropriate place too.

United States of America

Talking of Pimas storage yard, the population of PBY and Canso hulks on site there has further diminished with the departure of the two derelict and much-stripped-out fuselages from PBY-5A Catalina BuNo.48396 (N10609) and a Canso A (either RCAF 9829 or 9839  precise identity unknown). Soaring By The Sea LLC acquired these remnants as a parts source for their airworthy Canso A (RCAF 9767/N9767). Both airframe hulks were loaded onto huge flatbed trucks and roaded all the way from Arizona to Soarings base in Eugene, Oregon, departing on February 27th and arriving on March 1st. Peter Houghton, speaking for the new owners, advised that as many usable parts as possible will be salvaged as spares to keep N9767 flying. The nose section from the former Canso will be used to graft the bombardiers glass and turret back onto N9767 at some point; its bulkheads and ring frames will enter storage in case they are needed at some future point. These reports make it seem as if little will be left of these long-suffering airframes once parts recovery is complete. More on the activity at Soaring By The Sea will feature in our next magazine.

Many thanks indeed to David Legg and the Catalina Society for allowing us to reproduce some of their news regarding the magnificent flying boat. For more information about the Catalina Society, please visit www.catalina.org.uk/

And finally, as an update to our own April 2021 progress report regarding PBY-6A Catalina BuNo.64097 with the Commemorative Air Force Lake Superior Squadron in Superior, Wisconsin, we recently published further news HERE describing the restoration work which has taken place through the end of October this year.
TOPEKA, Kan. (AP)  Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly spent 18 months sparring with Kansas legislative Republicans over COVID-19 measures. In the early days of the pandemic she imposed and then extended a stay-at-home order, issued a brief statewide mask mandate and tried to limit in-person worship services  all while meeting growls of GOP protest.

Then in November, two days after Republican Glenn Youngkin defeated Democrat Terry McAuliffe to become governor of reliably blue Virginia, Kelly expressed her first opposition to Democratic President Joe Bidens vaccine mandates. A couple weeks later, she signed a bill aimed at helping Kansas workers resist vaccine mandates, a proposal that even the GOP-friendly Kansas Chamber of Commerce opposed.

As Democrats shook their heads, Kellys moves signaled her efforts to appeal to moderate Republican and GOP-leaning independent voters who she will need to win a tough reelection race in a heavily Republican state next year.

Like Democratic governors in Michigan and Wisconsin, Kelly will try to win a second term against midterm political headwinds blowing in Republicans favor. But shes trying it in a state former President Donald Trump carried twice and where Republicans, energized in opposition to Bidens vaccine mandates, look likely to avoid a serious primary fight.

Her attempt to stake out ground in the political center has irritated some fellow Democrats in the short term. But others argue the tactic could work for her if she also hammers home a message that Kansas now has a stable budget and its public schools are considered fully funded.

"What Democrats need to remember is that shes doing that to try to win reelection," said Mike Swenson, who has worked as a Democratic strategist and consultant in the Kansas City area for over four decades.

He added: We can appeal to the moderates  absolutely.

Kelly said throughout the pandemic that she would follow science in addressing it. But Republican lawmakers used their legislative supermajorities to force her to accept more local control over decisions about requiring masks and restricting businesses  a move that allowed many communities to reject recommendations from public health officials. She weathered their criticism for making prison inmates an early priority for vaccines.

And so she surprised some Democrats and liberal activists by publicly questioning Biden's vaccine mandates and quickly signing Republicans' bill. The new law provides unemployment benefits if workers lose jobs for refusing shots and allows them to claim religious exemptions, no questions asked.

Also, to some Democrats, she seemed closer to Republican leaders: Multiple Democratic lawmakers said they learned of her plans to sign the bill from GOP colleagues' gloating texts.

Its a huge, huge gamble, said Christopher Reeves, a Kansas City-area consultant and former Democratic National Committee member.

She signed the measure less than a week after the state health department's head abruptly resigned. Dr. Lee Norman was visible early in the coronavirus pandemic, appearing with Kelly at news conferences, often wearing a white lab coat. Internal emails showed an internal conflict this past summer over pandemic messaging, and Norman also recently said Kelly's administration ousted him because of COVID-19 politics.

Kelly positioning herself in the political center on vaccines contrasts with her strong support for abortion access and LGBTQ rights.

Kelly said during a recent Associated Press interview that her decision-making isn't driven by what voters its going to keep in my camp. She cited major bipartisan legislation on school funding and transportation funding as examples of her approach.

Its the only way to govern and govern well, she said.

Even as Kelly and GOP lawmakers sparred early in the pandemic, she praised Trump's response to outbreaks in meatpacking plants enough that he later said she was doing a fantastic job in handling the pandemic.

Environmental issues provide another example of appealing to Republican-minded voters. Her administration resisted Biden administration efforts to preserve the lesser prairie chickens habitat, which raises concerns that agriculture and energy production will be restricted. Kellys administration has also been skeptical of Bidens push to preserve 30% of the nations land by 2030, which critics call a land grab.

In addition, after forming a racial justice commission after the Minnesota killing of George Floyd last year, she didn't intervene this year when its proposals stalled in the Legislature.

And on Wednesday, Kelly proposed giving a one-time $250 rebate to every Kansas resident who filed a state income tax return last year, with $500 going to married couples who file jointly. The move came after Kelly vetoed three GOP proposals for permanent income tax cuts in three years, calling those measures fiscally irresponsible.

Its just the reality of being a Democratic governor in Kansas, said Bob Beatty, a Washburn University of Topeka political scientist. You have to be in the middle and sometimes you have to be in the middle-right.

While Democrats haven't won a U.S. Senate race in Kansas in nearly 90 years, they've been successful in trading the governor's office back and forth with Republicans over the past half-century.

Swenson said the formula is simple: Run up votes in the state's 10 most populous counties and avoid losing the other 95 by too much. Kelly essentially followed that path to victory in 2018.

It also helped Kelly in 2018 that her GOP foe was polarizing conservative Trump ally Kris Kobach, whose take-no-prisoners style alienated moderate voters. Kelly's expected Republican opponent next year is Derek Schmidt, the state's three-term attorney general.

Schmidt is running as an anti-abortion, small-government attorney general, but in the mold of Kansas Republicans like former U.S. Sen. Pat Roberts and the late Bob Dole  pragmatic enough to avoid alienating moderates.

Kelly prepared for 2022 by hiring a reelection campaign manager who in 2020 led Democrats' successful effort to flip a Republican congressional seat in Georgia. Shelbi Dantic was also the deputy campaign manager in Montana for U.S. Sen. Jon Tester when he was narrowly reelected in 2018.

Follow John Hanna on Twitter: https://twitter.com/apjdhanna

Copyright 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
WATERLOO  A Waterloo man has been arrested after he allegedly fired in gun inside a Logan Avenue home and pointed the gun at a resident while children were present.

The gunman then left, and police arrested him when he returned to the house drunk behind the wheel, according to authorities.

Dorondis Davaris Cooper, 35, of 119 Irving St., was arrested for second-offense operating while intoxicated, intimidation with a weapon, assault, felon in possession of a firearm and four counts of child endangerment.

Bond was set at $35,000.

According to court records, Cooper fired a single round inside 409 Logan Ave. while another man and four children  some as young as 3 and 5 years old  were inside. Following the gunshot, the resident gathered the children and hid with them in a bathroom.

Cooper allegedly knocked on the door frame to the bathroom with the 9 mm pistol and made disparaging remarks to the man, records state. He then pointed the handgun at the mans face while all four children looked on, records state.

Cooper left the scene, and police found a spent shell casing and a bullet hole in the house.

Cooper returned a short time later, and police noticed a pistol on the front passenger seat of his vehicle. He had slurred speech and bloodshot eyes, but he refused a breath test, according to court records.

Police said Cooper is prohibited from handling firearms because of prior felony convictions, including charges from a 2004 gang retaliation shooting that left one woman dead.

Authorities said Cooper was associated with a group that opened fire on a Harrison Street home that was hosting an after party in October 2004 in retaliation for an earlier fight outside a nightclub.

Someone returned fire, and in the crossfire a bullet struck Cooper, who said he was unarmed, in the shoulder.

Another bullet, fired by another person wielding an SKS rifle, entered the house and killed Thyanna Parsons, a 23-year-old University of Northern Iowa student who was serving food at the party.

Two other people were convicted of first-degree murder at trial and sentenced to life in prison.

Cooper was charged with murder, but pleaded to lesser charges of conspiracy and intimidation with a weapon and was sentenced to up to 25 years in prison. Cooper was released from prison in 2015, according to corrections records.

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CEDAR FALLS  Prior to the final City Council meeting of 2021, outgoing councilors Frank Darrah and Mark Miller were recognized for their many years of service to the community.

Both longtime council members received commemorative watches and challenge coins during a special presentation Monday attended by city officials past and present.

Darrahs involvement in city government spanned more than three decades.

It really has been an honor to work with so many of you that are in this room tonight, he said. Im not going to get emotional, but Ive had the pleasure of being on the Parks and Rec Commission, Planning and Zoning Commission, and City Council, and serving this great community for 38 straight years.

He noted three guiding lights while serving the city.

The late longtime Mayor Jon Crews was one of them. He loved this city dearly. Maybe he made some tough decisions once and a while, but the city moved forward because he loved the city and had a passion for it, Darrah said.

I feel I share that with Jon, he added.

Darrah, who lost his bid for a fifth four-year term to Dustin Ganfield in November, also noted the late Ed Stachovic, another former mayor, asked him to serve on the Planning and Zoning Commission.

He quoted a statement he cherishes from Stachovic: I think we do way too much zoning and not enough planning.

That was a theme of how Darrah went about making decisions as a councilman.

How do we plan for the future of this community? Whats going to make people 30 years younger than me enjoy the same quality of life, if not better, than Ive enjoyed, he said. Its because of the planning by the people that came before us.

He referenced a third person, former longtime city administrator Dick McAllister, and recalled what McAllister said when he retired.

People were praising (McAllister), and he said, Dont thank me, thank our hard-working, dedicated staff. Thats what makes this city great.

I feel like Ive tried to embody those three things, Darrah said. I love this community. I think we need to plan for the future. And I fully appreciate what our staff does day in and day out without much attention and often undue criticism.

Miller served two four-year terms on the council before deciding not to run for re-election. Councilor-elect Gil Schultz will take over his seat next month.

Ive been super honored to sit up here. I didnt set out ever to be on City Council, and I dont know if anybody ever does, he said. But it was super organic how I got here, with the flood of 08 happening, and then me stepping into the (North Cedar) Neighborhood Association, and then I jumped up here.

He said it was an honor to work with everybody, and said staff is responsible for a lot of what is right in Cedar Falls.

Its because you guys come to work every day and do your best. It means the world to me as a councilperson, he said.

Miller thanked Darrah, fellow longtime councilor Susan deBuhr, and the others who provided the history and background of Cedar Falls. He said those people allowed him to continue learning on the job.

Like Darrah, Miller also referenced McAllister: Dick used to say: The reason this is happening is because of the wise decisions that you on the council make. And I always thought to myself: Wow, I wouldnt have nearly the knowledge to make that decision if it wasnt for you saying, hey think about it this way, or think about it that way.

Ive always tried to make decisions with all the different viewpoints, Miller added. Ive been set back a couple times when I thought I had all the information, and then somebody would come out of left field and throw me another view or another way of looking at something.

Cedar Falls councilors approve new redistricting map; if public outcry, mayor could veto it To make comments on the new map, e-mail councilors at: citycouncil@cedarfalls.com, or the mayor at: mayor@cedarfalls.com, no later than the end of day Thursday.

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DES MOINES -- While Iowans gather with loved ones and friends for the holidays, the state -- like much of the nation -- is experiencing yet another surge of COVID-19 cases.

The latest surge is fueled by the omicron variant -- which early research suggests is far more transmissible -- once again putting severe stress on Iowas health care systems. Hospitals again are overflowing, and health care professionals are overworked.

COVID hospitalizations in Iowa are higher than they have been since December 2020, when the state was just beginning to come back down from the worst surge of the pandemic, according to state data.

Those hospitalizations are being driven by unvaccinated individuals. Those who are not fully vaccinated account for nearly 9 out 10 COVID patients in intensive care, and more than 4 of 5 COVID patients overall, according to state figures.

In Iowa, 62.5% of people eligible to get the COVID vaccines -- those who are 5 years and older -- are fully vaccinated, the 26th-highest rate in the country, according to federal data. And 44.8% of Iowa adults who are fully vaccinated have also received a booster shot; thats the fourth-best rate in the nation, according to federal data.

With COVID once again surging during the holiday season, the Des Moines Bureau asked medical experts from across the state to answer questions about how Iowans can be safe in the coming weeks.

Should unvaccinated Iowans travel or gather with family during the holidays?

Dr. Jeremy Granger, medical director at UnityPoint Clinic in Sioux City:

In order to keep our families and communities safe, it is not recommended that unvaccinated Iowans travel or attend in-person gatherings during the holidays. However, if folks who are unvaccinated decide to do these things, they should wear a mask around others and in public places and practice good hand hygiene.

Dr. Timothy Horrigan, MercyOne Waverly Family Medicine:

Unvaccinated adults place themselves at very high risk of exposure to the COVID-19 virus (both the delta and omicron variants) any place they travel without a mask or by gathering in a crowd.  Unvaccinated adults are particularly vulnerable to exposure of the COVID-19 virus when gathering indoors without a mask and participating in high-exposure activities, such as eating meals.

Is it safe for vaccinated Iowans to travel and gather with families?

Dr. Dustin Arnold, chief medical officer, UnityPoint Health in Cedar Rapids:

The vaccine does protect against acquiring COVID-19 (by) reducing the risk of hospitalization and death. I would recommend masking and social distancing when possible while traveling.

Dr. Russel Adams, UnityPoint Health Allen Hospital in Waterloo:

Travel during these times is not 100% safe, but Iowans who are fully vaccinated coupled with having the booster injection if appropriate have less risk with air travel. Masking and social distancing when possible coupled with hand hygiene remain important, however.

Is it safe for vaccinated Iowans to gather with unvaccinated individuals?

Dr. Jeremy Granger, medical director at UnityPoint Clinic in Sioux City:

Those who have been fully vaccinated, and received the booster if appropriate, definitely have an added layer of protection against COVID-19 this holiday season. The safest possible scenario would be that every person attending the family gathering is also vaccinated, and we should still consider keeping the gatherings on the smaller side this year. If members of the family are still unvaccinated, you may want to consider a virtual gathering.

Dr. Timothy Horrigan, MercyOne Waverly Family Medicine:

Breakthrough infections are always a possibility for vaccinated adults. These infections can include all the usual symptoms of fever, cough and body aches, which can result in time off work or time away from family.

Should I get a COVID test before attending a gathering?

Dr. Dustin Arnold, chief medical officer, UnityPoint Health in Cedar Rapids:

Testing provides some reassurance. However, there are false negatives, so social distancing and masking and having good air movement is probably more efficacious in reducing transmission.

Dr. Jeff Brock, MercyOne Infection Prevention in Des Moines:

Those who are vaccinated do not need to test before gathering with family members unless they have had a recent close exposure to someone diagnosed with COVID-19, have any symptoms of infection, or just want to test to reduce the risk of exposing someone at high risk who has a weakened immune system. Testing is advisable for unvaccinated individuals before gatherings.

What other message do you have for Iowans this holiday season?

Dr. Russel Adams, UnityPoint Health Allen Hospital in Waterloo:

Fully vaccinated with booster individuals still have risk of travel -- however the risk is less, but it remains important to wear a mask, social distance and hand wash frequently. Avoidance of exposure to individuals that are not vaccinated is very important. The safest plan is to not travel, but of course this option is difficult, especially during holidays and for the emotional and spiritual well-being.

Dr. Jeff Brock, MercyOne Infection Prevention in Des Moines:

The omicron variant is now the dominant strain of COVID-19 in the U.S. and it is spreading rapidly. While we still have a lot to learn about this new variant, we can help reduce transmission and slow this virus down through vaccination. Getting fully vaccinated, including the COVID-19 booster dose for those who are eligible, can help reduce the risk of becoming seriously ill.

Dr. Jeremy Granger, medical director at UnityPoint Clinic in Sioux City:

We recognize that its been a long 20 months and people are anxious to gather in person with their friends and families. Its extremely important at this time to remind the public that COVID-19 is still present in our communities, and that being fully vaccinated is your safest and most effective line of defense against this virus.

Sarah Ekstrand, spokeswoman, Iowa Department of Public Health:

Getting vaccinated is the best thing Iowans can do to protect themselves and their families from the risk of severe illness, hospitalization or death from a COVID-19 infection. Any Iowan who has questions about the vaccine should discuss them with their health care provider. Iowans should stay home if they are sick and seek testing if they have symptoms or are exposed to a COVID positive individual.

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The first five months of my tenure as a reporter at The Courier have revolved around building background and context in everything I cover within Cedar Falls city government.

My first day was Aug. 16. I came from covering small towns in New Jersey and Pennsylvania, and for me, the transition to covering a city with a greater population and larger municipal budget warranted some time to adjust.

One of the goals has been to get a grasp on everything that involves the City Council, boards and commissions, while understanding the roles of the major players who have influence over impactful decisions.

That being said, these are my six most memorable stories from 2021 and my reasons for why I chose them.

Four motions fail to amend Cedar Falls proposed downtown zoning ordinances (Oct. 22).

During my short tenure, the most controversial and debated topic in City Hall has been the ordinances replacing the code for downtown zoning.

What this taught me, and hopefully every reader learning about Cedar Falls, is that not everything will be rubber stamped. There is going to be public discussion, and elected officials will not always agree.

This story was the first Id written involving a public meeting at which four similar motions failed to garner enough votes to pass. That stood out to me.

But the topic itself stood out because Ive covered lots of areas where discussion was about finding ways to attract new development and business. This may have been the first time when it seemed like new commerce and foot traffic was guaranteed, and the talk was more about regulating that growth for the future.

Cedar Falls mayoral candidates spar over campaign events at city parks (Sept. 13).

Providing clarity to readers on unclear situations is one responsibility I hold close as a reporter.

When I received word that then-mayoral candidate Tom Blanford was allegedly being denied the chance to host campaign events at local parks, I dove into the language in an administrative policy, rather than an ordinance that typically is adopted by the council after multiple readings in public.

The topic was resolved, but continues to be discussed, specifically about whether candidates running for state or federal office would be afforded the same right in the city's public parks.

Holmes and Peet community pools to remain open until one at new high school is built (Sept. 27).

Following progress and setbacks is another responsibility of mine.

These pools caught my attention one day in September when I received email notifications on back-to-back days that both swimming pools at Holmes and Peet junior high schools had closed due to mechanical issues.

I later found out these pools had a history of concerns, and that the school district was working with a local community group to raise funds to build a state-of-the art swimming facility.

It's important to hold people accountable by getting affirmation on a prior commitment. In this instance, it was about hearing that the district intended to keep the other pools open until we can have the new pool constructed.

City Council stands by planning staff, developer in support of Creekside Condos (Dec. 7).

The little guys dont always have a voice in the fight. And its important as a newspaper to give readers a sense of their feelings on the important issues.

Months had passed since displeasure was first voiced by two home owners associations about plans for six 12-plex condominium buildings, but representatives continued until the last day to push for revisions.

Ultimately, it was refreshing to hear councilors voice their satisfaction with the planning process, and the developer working with these residents on compromises.

Two more vacancies, but Cedar Falls HRC chair, newcomer remain optimistic about direction (Nov. 12).

Following the Cedar Falls Human Rights Commission -- whose task hasnt always been clear to the public, elected officials, and sometimes maybe even themselves -- has been one of the most fascinating stories to cover.

Early in my tenure, there was word the commission had been working toward revitalization after notable resignations, and it will be important to keep tabs on its progress. Often, the roles of commissions and boards are forgotten, but trust me, as long as I'm here, I intend to keep tabs on most all of them.

Jail administrator becomes Cedar Fall's code enforcement officer after predecessor left unhappy with higher-ups (Nov. 29).

Personnel is one of those sensitive topics when it comes to the coverage of city government that people don't often want to discuss. When you try to understand it further, often you field a lot of questions about why people should care.

For me, in Cedar Falls, its even more important to write these types of stories because city positions are included in the annual budget, which is approved by city councilors, but the actual hires often aren't reviewed in public.

What makes this story memorable is that soon after it was published, administration outright denied it being true, but also acknowledged that work culture was an area needing improvement.

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Notice of Founder/CEO cash settled equity swap transaction

Sydney, Dec 23, 2021 AEST (ABN Newswire) - WiseTech Global Limited ( ASX:WTC ) ( FRA:17W ) ( OTCMKTS:WTCHF ) has been informed that RealWise Holdings Pty Ltd, a company controlled by WiseTech Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Mr Richard White, has entered into a transaction involving the sale of 4.3 million WiseTech shares (equating to approximately 1.3% of the total issued capital of WiseTech).Mr White advises that the share sale has been undertaken in connection with a cash settled equity swap executed with Macquarie Bank Limited on 22 December 2021 (Equity Swap). As part of the transaction, Mr White has transferred 4.3 million WiseTech shares to Macquarie Bank. Mr White will retain an economic interest under the Equity Swap. Mr White has informed the Company that the Equity Swap is structured to reduce market impact and that an unwind of the Equity Swap is expected to commence in early 2022 and complete within six months.Mr White has indicated that the share sale announced today is an evolution of the trading programs he implemented in August 2020, April 2021 and September 2021, and is intended to continue to facilitate additional liquidity in WiseTech's shares, as well as a small diversification of Mr White's assets.Prior to the Equity Swap transaction Mr White had voting control over approximately 43.3% of WiseTech's total issued capital. As a result of this transaction, Mr White is expected to retain voting control over approximately 42% of WiseTech shares, and the directors and employees of WiseTech, in aggregate, will hold approximately 53% of the Company's issued share capital.Mr White remains WiseTech's largest shareholder and has confirmed his ongoing commitment to WiseTech as its founder and CEO, as well as his intent to remain a substantial, long-term shareholder.Mr White said, "As the founder and CEO of WiseTech, I am committed to driving WiseTech's global growth ambitions and positioning our CargoWise logistics execution software as the operating system for global logistics."As WiseTech continues to gain momentum in delivering revenue growth and market penetration, we are seeing increasing interest from new, long-term investors wanting to be part of the Company's growth journey, which is why it is important to enhance liquidity via an orderly process."About WiseTech Global Ltd

WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX:WTC) is a leading developer and provider of software solutions to the logistics execution industry globally. Our customers include over 17,000 of the world's logistics companies across 160 countries, including 41 of the top 50 global thirdparty logistics providers and all of the 25 largest global freight forwarders worldwide2. Our flagship platform, CargoWise, forms an integral link in the global supply chain and executes over 50 billion data transactions annually.

At WiseTech, we are relentless about innovation, adding over 4,000 product enhancements to our global platform in the past five years while bringing meaningful continual improvement to the world's supply chains. Our breakthrough software solutions are renowned for their powerful productivity, extensive functionality, comprehensive integration, deep compliance capabilities, and truly global reach.

For more information about WiseTech Global or CargoWise, please visit wisetechglobal.com and cargowise.com


APRA Licencing Update

Melbourne, Dec 23, 2021 AEST (ABN Newswire) - iSignthis Ltd ( ASX:ISX ) ( FRA:TA8 ) advises that its subsidiary, iSignthis Australia Pty Ltd ('ISAU'), has withdrawn its application for a Purchased Payment Facility (PPF) from the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority ('APRA').ISAU commenced the PPF licensing application process in 2018, since which time a number of factors have changed substantially.One such key factor is the civil litigation and damages case brought by ISAU's parent iSignthis Ltd against the publicly traded ASX Ltd (ASX : ASX). The $462m civil damages case has arisen from the suspension of iSignthis Ltd by the ASX.Conclusion of the ASX matter and separate ASIC matter will establish the factual matrix in the Federal Court, after which time ISAU may consider its approach and requirements for Australian licensing.About iSignthis Ltd

iSignthis Ltd (ASX:ISX) (FRA:TA8) is a hybrid monetary financial institution and also a RegTech leader in remote identity verification, payment authentication with deposit taking, transactional banking and payment processing capability. iSignthis provides an end-to-end on-boarding service for merchants, with a unified payment, electronic money and identity service via our Paydentity(TM) and ISXPay(R) solutions.

By converging payments and identity, iSignthis delivers regulatory compliance to an enhanced customer due diligence standard, offering global reach to any of the world's 4.2Bn 'bank verified' card or account holders, that can be remotely on-boarded to meet the Customer Due Diligence requirements of AML regulated merchants in as little as 3 to 5 minutes. Paydentity(TM) has now onboarded and verified more than 1.5m persons to an AML KYC standard.

iSignthis Paydentity(TM) service is the trusted back office solution for regulated entities, allowing merchants to stay ahead of the regulatory curve, and focus on growing their core business. iSignthis' subsidiary, iSignthis eMoney Ltd, trades as ISXPay(R), and is an EEA authorised eMoney Monetary Financial Institution, offering card acquiring in the EEA, and Australia.

ISXPay(R) is a principal member of Mastercard Inc, Diners, Discover, (China) Union Pay International and JCB International, an American Express aggregator, and provides merchants with access to payments via alternative methods including SEPA, Poli Payments, Sofort, PRZ24 and others.

Probanx Solutions Ltd, a wholly owned subsidiary of iSignthis Ltd, provides API based access to CORE Banking solutions, SEPA Core, SEPA Instant and SEPA business scheme, for neobanks, banks, credit unions and emoney institutions, and provides a bridge to the Eurosystem's Central Bank of Lithuania's CENTROLink service.
This far into a pandemic that has claimed the lives of more than 5,600 New Mexicans, its probably futile to expect a sudden shift in how people go about their daily lives.

But the holidays loom as a potent threat to the health of many. Christmas and New Years Eve bring together all the factors that health experts warn optimize the spread of the COVID variants  an abundance of people from different households (many who traveled from other states) breathing the same air in a confined indoor space.

With the highly transmissible omicron variant now detected in the state, its important to follow the same common-sense guidelines that have been in place since the early stages of the pandemic.

From the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:

 Get a COVID-19 vaccine/booster as soon as you can.

 Wear a mask that covers your nose and mouth to help protect yourself and others.

 Stay 6 feet apart from others who dont live with you.

 Avoid crowds and poorly ventilated indoor spaces.

 Test to prevent spread to others. Use a self-test before attending indoor gatherings that include non-household members. If you are hosting a gathering, consider asking your guests to self-test before attending.

 Wash your hands often with soap and water. Use hand sanitizer if soap and water arent available.

With a Christmas daytime high of 60 degrees forecast, consider opening windows to let some fresh air into the gathering or setting up a table and some chairs outdoors near a patio heater to create a much safer outdoor gathering.

Remember, the virus can be spread even among the fully vaccinated, so wear a mask around those who arent members of the immediate household. You dont know how many COVID clouds your cousin Joe from North Carolina passed through on his way to your moms house.

After several weeks of rising COVID-19 case numbers and hospitalizations due to the highly contagious delta variant, New Mexico last week saw a decrease in the number of new confirmed cases over a weeklong period. The states positivity rate had declined from 13.9% as of Dec. 6 to 9.5% as of Dec. 20.

While thats good news, its most certainly transitory. The presence of omicron has state health officials bracing for a new pandemic phase, and 48 deaths were reported Tuesday alone. How safely people celebrate the holidays will go a long way toward determining how badly cases spike in early 2022.

One of the lessons of New Mexicos recent surge in COVID infections is what a difference vaccines make. While the recent spread of COVID-19 variants has led to an increase of fully vaccinated New Mexicans testing positive for COVID-19, unvaccinated individuals still make up the majority of those who contract the virus and are hospitalized for it.

During a four-week period that ended Dec. 13, unvaccinated people made up 72% of new cases recorded statewide and 81.2% of those hospitalized. In addition, of the 141 deaths attributed to COVID-19 during that time period, 115  or 81.6%  were unvaccinated and 18.4% were fully vaccinated.

That means New Mexicans who are not fully vaccinated had a seven times higher risk of dying from COVID-19 than fully vaccinated individuals, according to New Mexico Department of Health data.

As of Dec. 20, roughly 31.8% of New Mexicans 18 and older had gotten a vaccine booster, according to DOH data. In all, 88% of adults statewide have received at least one vaccine dose, while 75.4% completed their initial vaccine series.

Now is the time  while school-aged children are on break  to get vaccination numbers up for those younger than 18.

The website, https://vaccinenm.org/public-calendar.html, administered by DOH, shows every location in the state where shots are being offered, with click-on links to schedule an appointment.

The holidays are a time of charity and giving. Unfortunately, for some, the holiday will be marked by giving someone else the virus if were not smart about celebrating. An ounce of prevention between now and Jan. 1 will save a lot of misery, if not actual lives. The best gift any of us can give or receive this holiday season is continued good health.

This editorial first appeared in the Albuquerque Journal. It was written by members of the editorial board and is unsigned as it represents the opinion of the newspaper rather than the writers.
Zephryn Taitte knows that patience pays off.

When the London-based actor was cast as Cyril Robinson in the BBC hit series, Call the Midwife, it was for a recurring role.

The long-running series follows the nurses, midwives and nuns from Nonnatus House, who visit the expectant mothers of Poplar, providing the poorest women with the best possible care.

Since joining the series, Taitte has been moved up to a series regular.

It seems like everyone liked the character, he says with a laugh. I was able to flourish with the character and Im happy about that. I never expected this stuff and you get these gems sometimes. Now Im a household fixture for Christmas.

Taitte and the rest of the cast from Call the Midwife will appear in a holiday special, which will air on 8:05 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 25, on New Mexico PBS, channel 5.1.

According to the official synopsis, the special takes place at Christmas 1966, which promises to be memorable one at Nonnatus House as Lucille (Leonie Elliott) and Cyril (Taitte) prepare for their upcoming winter wedding.

The Nonnatus team are faced with their busiest Christmas Day ever as the Maternity Home is filled with expectant mums to be, each with their own challenging case.

Luckily, Mother Mildred (Miriam Margolyes) is on hand to support the team.

Taitte is overwhelmed with how successful Call the Midwife has been in England and in the United States.

He says the series provides a form of comfort for viewers.

Its become a piece of their lives, he says. The Christmas special does just that. Its about overcoming obstacles and having a sense of togetherness.

Over the course of the series, Taitte says viewers have seen only a few sides of Cyril Robinson.

I dont think weve seen all of the layers, he says of his character. What makes it so much fun is that I dont know what I am going to get with the show. At first, hes just a mechanic. Hes trying to better himself and then falls in love and becomes part of the community. Now hes a leader of the congregation. Its a nice little ride. Viewers will get to see him wrestle with things that test his resilience. Hes trying to be a better man and it takes a lot of work. Its interesting to see his journey with this show.

ON TV

Call the Midwife holiday special will air at 8:05 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 25, on New Mexico PBS, channel 5.1

Downton Abbey the film will be shown at 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 25.
When Mariah Cameron Scee pictured her life as an artist, she never imagined it between the walls of a brewery.

But thats where she landed and if awards are any indication, shes thriving.

Scee is the director of art and branding for Second Street Brewery in Santa Fe, responsible for organizing events, marketing and graphic design. She has been with the company for five years and those colorful Second Street beer cans and labels one sees on the shelves at local stores are her creations.

Scee worked in bars and restaurants for many years to support herself while pursing her own art and freelance illustration. She earned a bachelor of fine arts from the Rhode Island School of Design. Working for the brewery, she said, has given her the opportunity to remain in the service industry while also working as a designer.

Beer design is at such an interesting time in history right now, she said. Fifteen years ago beer cans were boring. Now you have to be able to catch peoples eye.

The New Mexico Brewers Guild asked Scee to design a pint glass that was sold at local breweries this November as a fundraiser for the guild. She used the state fossil  a Coelophysis bauri  as inspiration for her design. The glass features a skeletal dinosaur with a blue, jagged mountain range in the background and it sold out in a matter of hours at most breweries that stocked it.

Leah Black, outgoing executive director of the guild, has worked with Scee for several years.

I think Mariah is such a great artist because she is ever-evolving, Black said. She seems to be constantly exploring what she might be able to do or trying to learn how to do new things in new mediums, always stepping out of her comfort zone. Not only that, she is a fantastic human being, who sorta really cares about other humans and how she can help to make them thrive and shine.

In 2020, Scee won a gold Crushie in the Craft Beer Marketing Awards for her can design for Second Streets Agua Fria Pilsner. She won the peoples choice best can packaging design and the best packaging award for her 2018 Skookum Limited edition release design. Her artwork for the 2019 Barleywine packaging and labels was named the global winner in 2021.

Scee said she tries to tie all her designs back into New Mexico and the natural world.

Rod Tweet, president and brewmaster of Second Street Brewery, said Scee helped transition the company into packaged liquor sales with her artistic talent and ability to convert her design into a commercial product.

The craft market these days is brutally competitive, and I have a belief that what succeeds is a strong execution on all fronts, the branding, the package art, and of course the beer  youve got to do it all, Tweet said. Her work has certainly contributed to our success in the retail packaged market.

Scee said she loves the creative freedom the brewing industry can offer to an artist.

Its so much fun for me, she said.  I get paid to design beer cans. Thats honestly the coolest job in the world.
Copyright  2021 Albuquerque Journal

SANTA FE  Top New Mexico health officials said Wednesday theyre still investigating lab specimens to determine how rapidly the omicron variant of COVID-19 may be spreading statewide.

And theyre moving forward on a plan to distribute roughly 20,000 at-home tests for the virus  and possibly more  in COVID-19 hot spots and low-income areas as the contagious new variant surges nationwide.

Christine Ross, the states epidemiologist with the Department of Health, said Wednesday there are still many uncertainties about the omicron variant, including how lethal it might be and how effective antibody treatments might be in reducing its symptoms.

The best-case scenario is this variant causes a less severe illness, Ross said during a remote briefing with reporters.

She also encouraged New Mexicans to take precautions during holiday gatherings and get tested before meeting up with family members and friends, but did not urge people to stay home as top state officials did during the early stages of the pandemic.

It appears were not going to see this virus contained or eradicated, so weve got to learn to live with it, Ross said.

After the COVID-19 spread waned this summer, New Mexico saw another wave of new cases and hospitalizations this fall caused by the delta variant of the virus.

That surge has proven persistent despite New Mexico having one of the nations highest COVID-19 vaccine administration rates, though the number of new cases and hospitalizations has declined over the last two weeks.

The states COVID-19 test positivity rate has also dropped from 13.6% on Dec. 7 to 9.4% as of this week.

But the improving outlook could be clouded by the omicron variant, which was first confirmed in New Mexico on Dec. 12.

Ross said investigators at a state laboratory were scrutinizing test samples  using a technique called sequencing  to determine how many additional cases of the variant might be confirmed.

She also said modeling has suggested omicron could soon eclipse delta as the dominant variant of COVID-19, as has already happened in other parts of the nation.

Fighting hospitalizations

The recent spread of COVID-19 variants has led to an increase of fully vaccinated New Mexicans testing positive for COVID-19. However, unvaccinated individuals still make up the majority of those who contract the virus and of those who are hospitalized because of it.

During a four-week period that ended Monday, unvaccinated people made up 70.6% of new cases recorded statewide and 82% of those hospitalized, according to DOH data.

Also, of the 222 deaths attributed to COVID-19 during that time period, 194 were unvaccinated  or 87.4%  and 28 were fully vaccinated.

Of the total 9,621 reported breakthrough cases of fully vaccinated individuals testing positive during the four-week time period, only about 3.2% were hospitalized, according to DOH data.

In contrast, slightly more than 6.1% of the roughly 23,000 unvaccinated residents who tested positive for COVID-19 were hospitalized.

Reducing infection

Top state health officials said Wednesday that expanded COVID-19 testing could help reduce potential exposures, especially if people get tested before attending large gatherings.

Its really important to check on that day how infectious you are, Ross said.

Deputy Health Secretary Laura Parajon also cited President Joe Bidens plan to buy roughly 500,000 at-home test kits and mail them to people who want them, starting next month.

But she and Ross also acknowledged the possibility of COVID-19 case undercounts, in part due to at-home testing.

State health officials did report 914 new confirmed cases on Wednesday, along with 39 additional deaths related to COVID-19.

There were 560 people hospitalized due to the virus around New Mexico  down from 613 individuals hospitalized a week earlier.

Preliminary studies have suggested initial vaccine doses might provide only partial protection against the omicron variant of COVID-19, but that a booster dose can improve immunity.

As of Wednesday, 32.3% of New Mexicans ages 18 and older had gotten a booster dose of the vaccine, per Department of Health data.

In all, slightly more than 88% of adults statewide have received at least one vaccine dose, while 75.5% had completed their initial vaccine series.
More than a dozen New Mexico lawmakers are petitioning state utility regulators to study the potential costs and benefits of publicly owned electrical power for the state.

The lawmakers in a petition released Tuesday said they believe public ownership of the electrical utilities that serve New Mexico likely would benefit customers, businesses and state, local and tribal governments as mandates aimed at curbing pollution and growing renewable energy development kick in over the next two decades.

The lawmakers, most of whom are liberal Democrats, want to make their case before the Public Regulation Commission during a meeting next month.

We no longer need to trade off the environment and the economy against each other as we have abundant natural resources in New Mexico, state Sen. Liz Stefanics said in a statement. We must look at alternative ways to structure the provision of energy so that we can meet our goals as quickly and equitably as possible.

The request comes after the Public Regulation Commission issued two major rejections involving the states largest electric provider in recent weeks. The five elected commissioners voted unanimously against Public Service Company of New Mexicos proposed exit from the coal-fired Four Corners Power Plant and a proposed multibillion-dollar acquisition of the investor-owned utility by global energy giant Iberdrola.

The commissioners had voiced concerns about whether the proposals were in the public interest, among other things.

Stefanics and her colleagues argue that a formal study would help determine whether implementation of public power would be in the public interest, stabilize electricity rates, generate revenues and result in the deployment of more renewable energy.

Supporters of the rejected PNM merger had argued that bringing in Iberdrola and U.S. subsidiary Avangrid would have made available more capital and boosted purchasing power that could help meet emissions benchmarks and renewable energy mandates.

But the petitioning lawmakers say that under the current model, plant ownership and energy investments by investor-owned utilities require a return on equity that often creates an incentive not to invest in energy sources with fixed capital costs and no fuel costs.

The petition points to two possible models that could be studied  a state owned and operated electric power authority with municipal and tribal local control over generation or a community choice system where investor-owned utilities maintain transmission and distribution with the option for municipal and tribal control over generation.

The lawmakers say it would be up to the New Mexico Legislature to make the ultimate decision about whether a public power retail electric service at just and reasonable rates is feasible.

That process must begin with an understanding of what is possible, the petition states.

According to the petition, more than 2,000 communities in 49 states and several U.S. territories have a public power utility and as a whole, public power utilities have lower rates than other types of electric utilities.

The petition suggests that the study, if allowed by the commission, should also look at potential downsides such as whether public power adoption could expand the urban-rural divide or decrease market competition.
Copyright  2021 Albuquerque Journal

For Miquela Larranaga, a single mother from Santa Fe with two young sons, receiving utility bill assistance was a load off her shoulders.

She is taking classes toward a degree in early childhood education and early childhood special education, and she works full time as a public schools pre-K teachers assistant.

Teaching remotely and home schooling my boys was not easy and, now that we are back in the classroom, we are at risk of exposure to COVID-19 and dont always get paid if we are out due to the pandemic, she said.

She applied for and received utility bill assistance through the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program, or LIHEAP, which helps low-income families and individuals defray the cost of home heating bills in the winter and cooling costs in the summer.

Larranaga, who said she couldnt recall how much the assistance covered, was clear that it helped me a lot because, being a single mom, I could use the money it saved me for other things, like food, gas for my car, or even to help with my student loans. And it helped me to not get behind on my other bills. I am grateful for the LIHEAP program and I hope that others take the opportunity to apply for this resource.

With the cold months of winter descending, state officials are reminding low-income residents that this money is available, said Angela Medrano, deputy secretary for the Human Services Department, which administers the federally funded LIHEAP program.

Weve had this in our benefit package all along, but we just wanted to bring it to everyones attention during these times to let them know that its still out there and they can apply, Medrano said.

And many people have.

In 2021, 62,911 New Mexico households have taken advantage of the program, collectively receiving more than $21 million, she said. Eligibility is based on household size and the gross annual income of every household member 18 years of age or older. Households can earn no more than 150% of the federal poverty level  the equivalent of a family of three earning $2,745 per month, or roughly $32,940 a year, Medrano said.

The benefit runs on the federal fiscal year  October through September  and individuals must apply each year to receive a one-time assistance payment for the new fiscal year to help defray the cost of winter heating or summer cooling bills. The average amount of the once-a-year assistance payment is about $285, she said.

Payments are made directly to the utility vendor that supplies the applicants gas, electricity, propane or even cut wood for those who use a wood stove for winter heat.

Albuquerque resident Ashley, who asked that her last name not be used, got significantly more than the average. The married mother of two children, ages 3 and 10 months, received about $600 to cover the cost of months of missed payments on her electricity bill.

My husband lost his job at the beginning of COVID and hes just been kind of working contracting jobs since then, she said. The family subsequently was forced to move and is paying more now because there was almost nothing available to rent.

The LIHEAP funding, which she received for the first time, caught us up on our electric bill, which helped us catch up on some other bills that we were behind on, she said. It was awesome.

Since 2019, the state has distributed $73,927,065 in energy assistance to approximately 200,963 low-income New Mexico households. That includes funding of $5,383,505 to 17,945 people under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security, or CARES, Act.
Shannon Kunkel, the incoming executive director of the New Mexico Foundation for Open Government, said she hopes to grow and diversify the organizations membership, as well as continue FOGs quest to hire a full-time sunshine lawyer.

Named to the position by FOGs board of directors, Kunkel, an Albuquerque native and graduate of the University of New Mexico, will take over on Jan. 3, according to a Tuesday news release.

She will replace outgoing executive director Melanie Majors, who announced in October she was retiring.

Kunkel graduated with honors from UNM where she studied journalism, advertising and marketing. She most recently worked with Common Cause New Mexico, managing digital and social media, and outreach and development for the organization. She has also worked in marketing for the Roadrunner Food Bank and the Albuquerque Publishing Co.

Transparency and the publics right to know are coming under attack from numerous fronts, FOG president Susan Boe said in a news release. We are pleased to welcome Shannon at this critical time as FOG takes on these challenges.

Kunkel told the Journal on Tuesday that taking the job at FOG is a bit of a homecoming for me because I worked for FOG as a part-time membership director back in 2014 and 2015, so Im familiar with the organization and looking forward to this new capacity.

She said she will continue FOGs primary work as a government watchdog organization, and will work on raising funds to hire a full-time lawyer to focus on transparency issues related to the Inspection of Public Records Act and the Open Meetings Act.

We will still be operating the hotline (505-764-3750) to deal with concerns from citizens, concerns from journalists or even other public officials, Kunkel said.

Majors is leaving FOG after serving as executive director since 2018. She had previously been a member of FOGs board of directors.

She came to FOG with more than 35 years of communications experience working as a reporter for the Grants Daily Beacon, as an assignments editor and producer at KOB-TV, and in public relations.

She is also an adjunct professor at UNM, teaching broadcast and print journalism, and public relations.

Im 66 and Ive been working for 44 years, and I want to see what life is like when youre not working, Majors said. Im looking forward to no more deadlines, and if COVID ever abates Im looking forward to traveling. Its just time for me to leave and time for someone with fresh ideas and a lot of energy to step in.

Ive had a really great board and have nothing but admiration for them. They are all hard-working volunteers that give so much of their time, their talent and their money on behalf of all New Mexicans.
SILVER CITY  Co-Starters, a 10-week-long program that equips entrepreneurs of all kinds with the insights, relationships, and tools needed to turn business ideas into action, has helped a number of budding businesspeople in Grant County develop their own businesses and be able to work for themselves.

My cohort was pretty awesome, said Damien Davies, who joined and graduated from the program this past summer.  I had already started my small business, and so I went essentially to get some of the foundational knowledge I needed to run it.

Davies business, Boxcar Stickers, prints wholesale stickers, banners, marketing materials and signs  and he began to grow his business before his time in the program had even ended.

Josie Ross owns Kneeling Nun Soapworks, and was in the same cohort as Davies. Ross is a U.S. Army combat veteran and New Mexico native born in Artesia. She started her business in December 2019, and after completing her cohort, became fully self-employed. While the soapworks is based in Mimbres, her products are sold in Silver City as well.

Co-Starters helped me think about things like branding, Ross said. The owner of Boxcar Stickers helped me out (with) labels for our products that need waterproofing  for example, our shaving soap and lotions. Through networking in that class with Damien, I now have these wonderful labels done locally.

The program also offers more conventional business education.

They had a certified public accountant come and talk to us, so that gave me a better idea of what I need to do for taxes, Ross said.

Co-Starters is a national program, run through the Southwest New Mexico ACT in Grant County. To join, all thats needed is an idea that the prospective business owner must be willing to question, shape and fine-tune with others.

Each week, we go through the curriculum, and it really helps the entrepreneur get an idea of what their business really is, said Cassandra Hartley, Co-Starters local coordinator.

The program has been running in Grant County since the summer of 2020, and has had six cohorts with a total of 46 graduates, according to Hartley.

Hartleys husband, Ronald, is also a graduate of the program, and recently moved to Silver City. Hes started a landscaping business, Enchanted Touch.

I was lucky enough to begin my session at the same time that I started doing the type of work that I ended up turning into a business, he said.   About two weeks after completing the session, I got my business license from the city and opened up a business account locally  so it was the perfect timing.

Spring 2022 Co-Starters registration is now open for entrepreneurs interested in joining. Classes begin Jan. 25. Visit swnmact.org for more information.
Internal auditors must be trusted and the organisations and people they service need to have total confidence in the advice and opinions they express. This may seem to be a given, but Derek Anderson  head of internal audit, Northern Ireland Department of Justice  asked delegates at this years ACCA annual internal audit conference in London - Internal Audit and the Ethical Compass  to look more closely at their moral compass.

There might sometimes appear to be grey areas in the definition of right and wrong, he suggested. Might right depend on the situation? What if you dont know if something is right or wrong? Everyone is capable of rationalising situations and may occasionally need to re-visit or correct their moral compass.

The consequences of getting it wrong have been demonstrated very clearly in recent times, Derek said, alluding to the United Airlines fiasco which had damaged the companys reputation in seconds. Quoting the words of Billy Graham, he added: When wealth is lost, nothing is lost; when health is lost, something is lost; when character is lost, all is lost.

Fortunately for internal auditors, Derek pointed out, the ACCAs Code of Ethics offers a clear set of instructions on what is right and wrong, detailing expectations, rules and  in the worst-case scenario  penalties and outcomes for transgressions.

The code covers integrity, which Derek said implied not merely honesty but firm truthfulness, which is easily spoken about but challenging to live up to. In professional lives, he suggested, many, if not most people, have known when advice or recommendations might not go down well and therefore sugared unpalatable truths. Nevertheless, there are real dangers in not being truly honest.

Remaining objective and transparent about potential conflicts of interest is also vital. In our job, we must be whiter than white, Derek said. As I tell my auditors, there are people waiting in the long grass for the first time we step out of line. So, we cant ever give them that opportunity. We must be seen to be above reproach at all times.

Confidentiality, ensuring that whatever happens in an organisation stays in the organisation, is also key. This may be a challenge in cases where someone is auditing many different organisations. However, the only reason to consider sharing information is if one organisation could benefit from anothers good practice. In this case they can be put in touch with one another, but thats the only time you can step outside the confidentiality rule, Derek said.

Highlighting the importance of professional behaviour, courtesy and consideration and moral integrity, he stressed: It is not just internal auditors who are expected to display these behaviours at all times, but senior management team must also walk the talk.

Blowing the whistle

So, what about the responsibility of internal auditors to blow the whistle on any wrongdoing? Derek acknowledged that it is an extraordinarily hard move to make. We all know what we should do - we should report what we see, he said. But do we do it or do we just satisfy ourselves by trying to put a stop to it or looking the other way?

Reporting wrongdoing or becoming a whistle-blower is difficult and there is no shortage of people who became whistle-blowers and had bad things happen to them. But what does our code of ethics say we should do? It says that we should report wrongdoing. Thats quite a challenge.

In a poem, Seamus Heaney says: Whatever you say, say nothing. Is that true of us? We all know somebody who took a decision that didnt go down well. Are we going to make that mistake? Its easy to say that you should be courageous, but not easy to do.

Moving from poetry to music, Derek reminded delegates of a Kenny Rogers song about playing poker, which included what he viewed as good advice. He said you need to know when to hold them, know when to fold them, know when to walk away and know when to run. Thats good advice when it comes to the work we do, the findings were reporting, the recommendations that we're making and the reaction we get from management. Its about gauging the balance. You have to be able to stand your ground when its the right thing to do. Equally you have to know when its time to go away.

Looking from the other side, Derek pointed out that internal auditors were often urging change when people were quite happy doing things the way they always had. So its not a surprise that the second our backs are turned they put things back again or just tell us to go away, he said. We have to make a compelling case and then we might have to come back to make sure theyve implemented our recommendations. Otherwise were wasting our time.

There are many famous examples of people who had paid a high price for maintaining moral integrity. Derek cited Marta Andreasen, the former chief accountant of the European Commission, Nigel Woodford, former chief executive of Olympus in Japan, and Basil Brookes, former finance director at Maxwell Communication Corporation, who all raised concerns about flaws in their organisations accounting systems.

If you ever have to work for someone like Maxwell then the advice I have for you is run away as quickly as possible for your own sanity, he said. What does our code of ethics tell us we should do in those sorts of situations? The advice is that we should resign and turn whistle-blower. Well, thats easy to say, isnt it!

Derek concluded with a personal story from early in his career when a new senior manager joined his organisation and proved unwilling to hear about the issues he was dealing with in the organisation. Despite his best attempts, the relationship deteriorated to a point where he feared for his independence and ability to do his job with integrity.

Resigning was the right thing to do but he had a wife, family and mortgage, the problem came in the middle of the recession when jobs were thin on the ground. Eventually an opportunity came up and he took it. I cried with sheer relief at getting out of that situation, he said. My point? Its a whole lot easier to resign when you have a job.

Jill Wyatt, business journalist
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) - Jurors have convicted a suburban Minneapolis police officer of first-degree and second-degree manslaughter in the fatal shooting of Black motorist Daunte Wright.

The jury deliberated for about four days before finding Kim Potter guilty of both counts on Thursday. Potter, who is white, was a Brooklyn Center police officer when she shot and killed the 20-year-old Wright during an April 11 traffic stop.

Potter has said she mistook her handgun for a Taser while she and other officers were trying to arrest Wright on an outstanding warrant for a weapons possession charge.

She faces about seven years in prison on the most serious count under the states sentencing guidelines, but prosecutors said theyd seek a longer term.
CHICO, Calif.  People who live in higher elevations are preparing for a winter storm over the holiday weekend.

Lots of people in Chico were filling up on gas before hitting the road. Brittny Petty came to Chico specifically to get gas.

She said the closest gas station to Forest Ranch is about 25 miles away. She said she needed to fill up on gas just in case she can't get to a gas station once the storm hits.

We live up [Highway] 32 and Forest Ranch and we know our storm is going to hit and we are just filling up in preparation knowing we might not be able to fill back up, said Petty.

Petty said she and her family are hoping to visit family in Redding for Christmas and she is prepared with a full tank of gas if the weather does allow for her and her family to leave

RELATED: Stormy weather likely to impact travelers throughout week

Philip Elkins was also filling up on gas before heading back up to Forest Ranch

He said while he is prepared for the storm, he is worried about his daughters who are traveling to Sacramento and the bad weather conditions they will be traveling in.

Coming up and down the highway from forest ranch and Chico, it is foggy, and it could be icy and there could be a lot of hydroplaning so that is nerve-racking and what I have to deal with, said Elkins.

Elkins said it was important for him to fill up on gas in Chico before heading back up to Forest Ranch because there are no gas stations in that area and he didn't want to chance not having any gas if he were to get snowed in.

AAA does have a couple of safety tips to keep in mind if you do plan on traveling during the storm.

Drive slow, accelerate slowly and increase your following distance to five to six seconds.
Emerging from the severe disruptions in 2020, brought on by the global pandemic and the subsequent lockdowns, the year 2021 has seen the industry fight back to regain growth. And leading this growth saga have been the captions of the industry, who have been leading from the front.

The most definitive compilation of the most influential leaders of India Inc. across sectors, the 4th edition of Powerful Influencers 2021 was launched at a virtual event yesterday (December 22, 2021). In keeping with the current times, the Powerful Influencers 2021 has the overarching theme of Resilience | Rebuilding | Resurgence.

Delivering his keynote address, Nitin Mantri, Group CEO, Avian WE & President, International Communication Consultancy Organization (ICCO), shared his views on the new normal as well as the Resilience | Rebuilding | Resurgence seen in the industry as we usher in 2022.

Mantri pointed out, Last year, the pandemic brought the world to a screeching halt, at the same time it triggered the reimagining and re-orienting of life as we know it. Humanity rose to the occasion and turned the odds stacked against us into momentum of opportunity into digital transformation that otherwise would have taken another decade. Just think of how the world shifted gears to a seamless and biotech human technology work mode where empathy and ingenuity showed the way forward.

He further noted how education has re-conceptualised classrooms with online learning to keep students on track with their lessons. Doctors switched to tele-consultations to help their patients through tough times. On the other hand, government agencies leveraged online platforms to stay on track with the spread of viruses. These events, said Mantri, also showcased that the COVID-19 situation is as much a story of hope, resilience and optimism as it has given us the opportunity to radically rethink our future, how we live, how we work and how we treat others.

This shift was reflected in the world of communications as well. We realized that we do not need to be in the same way to be connected. Physical space does not matter as long as you can connect human beings to human beings. Connections made through the stories we use to tell each other, he added.

If we could call anything a soul, it could be the magical ability to imagine a story that does not exist. The creativity to make it meaningful and engaging and the fraternity showed as the soul in the past 20 months and how. Like the phoenix, the industry rose from the ashes of the pandemic and re-invented and rebuilt itself with the help of technology, creativity and purpose. We were agile, we were hyper responsive as we kept pace with the crisis and guided clients through unknown territory and helped them flourish, Mantri further said.

Today, as the year is winding down, he affirmed that we are stronger and better and fulfilling our purpose as communicators. We are not just amplifying things anymore, we are revising, running campaigns on our own, we are using different mediums where we can showcase our creativity. This is our industrys inflection point where divergent thinking and creating reshaping of PR strategies will become the hallmark of communications going forward.

These are edited excerpts. For the complete keynote address watch below:
Cineline India Limited (part of Kanakia Group), one of the most renowned real estate players in MMRDA region is re-entering the film exhibition business and will launch the same under a new brand in Q1 FY23.

Rationale of Re-Entry in the Film Exhibition Business

The Company was present in the film exhibition business through its Cinemax Brand since 1997.

In 2012, the Company sold its multiplex business along with Cinemax Brand to PVR Limited under a non-compete clause which has already ended. Further, the Company had leased out 9 properties with 23 screens to PVR under leave and license agreements on which Multiplex operations were run by PVR.

In light of expiry of the license period by 31 st March 2022, coupled with weakening industry dynamics for the unorganized and single-screen film exhibition players, there is a tremendous opportunity for Organized players to increase their foothold in this segment. Therefore, Cineline with a strong history of operating the Film exhibition business has decided to re-enter and create a strong consumer-oriented brand in this segment.

March 2022, coupled with weakening industry dynamics for the unorganized and single-screen film exhibition players, there is a tremendous opportunity for Organized players to increase their foothold in this segment. Therefore, Cineline with a strong history of operating the Film exhibition business has decided to re-enter and create a strong consumer-oriented brand in this segment. Post 31 st March 2022, the Company with have access to its own properties and thus will be able to kick start its Film exhibition operations in Q1 FY23 through 9 properties with 23 screens across Mumbai, Thane, Nashik, and Nagpur having an aggregate seating capacity of more than 6,000 seats.

March 2022, the Company with have access to its own properties and thus will be able to kick start its Film exhibition operations in Q1 FY23 through 9 properties with 23 screens across Mumbai, Thane, Nashik, and Nagpur having an aggregate seating capacity of more than 6,000 seats. The Company will grow the Film exhibition business in due course of time by acquiring theater properties Pan India on a lease basis.

Post relaxation of lockdown restrictions and patrons returning to theaters, there is a huge opportunity in this space with a large lineup of Bollywood, Hollywood, and regional content pipeline in place till the next year.

Commenting on the same, Mr. Rasesh Kanakia, Chairman, said We are delighted to re-enter the film exhibition business in India. With various leave and license agreements between us and PVR expiring on 31st March 2022, the Company will launch a new brand for the film exhibition business in Q1 FY23. We plan to create a strong consumer-oriented brand in this segment.

Considering the fact that as the exhibition business inches closer to a return to normality, post-CoVID, we see a strong pipeline of movies coming up in the next year, and patrons excitement to return to theatres will be quite high. We are seeing a big wave of opportunity and have big plans for growth in this business.
Mathrubhumi Group Keralas formidable media groups was recently conferred with two metals at South Asian Digital media awards 2021 presented by Wan  IFRA, the World Association of Newspapers and News Publishers.

Creating its impact in the industry with a Silver and Bronze metals were honored to Mathrubhumi under various categories which included, Best Podcast / Digital Audio Project- Club FM Silver Katha, Best Data Visualisation - Kerala Assembly Elections 2021.

The awards in its fifth edition in 2021 received more than 140 entries, a record jump of close to double the number of entries in the previous year. These awards, presented by WAN-IFRA, the World Association of News Publishers, recognise South Asian publishers who have delivered unique and original digital media projects in the last 12 months.

Mayura Shreyams Kumar, Director  Club FM & Digital Business of Mathrubhumi Group said: "This recognition has been bestowed at a time when we as an organisation are striving hard to move a step closer to the new evolving digital world of today, I am glad our sustained efforts are being acknowledge and recognised in international platforms like these, it keeps our team enthusiasm going strong and staying ahead in the race".

South Asian Digital Media Awards are presented in ten different categories including Best Website, Newsletter, Native Advertising / Branded Content, Paid Content Strategy, Podcast/ Digital Audio and COVID-19 Projects among others. Twenty judges from across the globe evaluated the entries and selected winners.
Bidding adieu to 2021 in style and welcoming the new year on a musical note, MediBuddy launched its latest campaign  Lets call it a wRAP in collaboration with a well-known musician & rapper Baba Sehgal. The objective of the campaign is to emphasize the importance of mental and physical wellbeing and to urge people to know the advantages and ease of digital healthcare and adopt the practice of the same.

The digital healthcare platform has always been at the frontline of promoting the importance of mental & physical health and accelerating Indias digital medical ecosystem. MediBuddy through this campaign aims to reach out to a larger audience to propagate the message to make overall wellbeing a priority and encourages people to avail the benefits of online healthcare.

As part of the campaign, MediBuddy engages with rap fanatics through a fun contest - #LetsCallitAwRap. Through the campaign, MediBuddy urges rap enthusiasts to participate in the contest on social media by sharing rap songs/ lyrics. The topic of the contest revolves around the significance of mental and physical well-being and highlights the core message of good health. The contest has been divided into three categories 1) Lyrics- people can send in only text/lyrics of minimum of 8 lines, 2) Reel A - Create your own rap and record the video and 3) Reel B - Use Baba Sehgals rap and video mime to it. The winning entries will be published on MediBuddys social media handles from each category. The campaign is from 15th - 31st December 2021.

Commenting on the campaign, Satish Kannan, Co-founder & CEO, MediBuddy said, We at MediBuddy always encourage people to take health on priority and constantly make efforts to provide quality healthcare accessible nationwide. We hope with Lets call it a wRAP, we bid adieu to this testing time and embrace the new year with prosperity, good health, and happiness. We are extremely delighted to have collaborated with Baba Sehgal in this latest campaign and we trust that he would help us to increase the reach of our message to take health on priority and make digital healthcare the first choice for any healthcare need.

MediBuddy has been at the forefront of Indias healthcare digital acceleration. They recently surpassed the 7lakh vaccination mark and are gearing up to provide vaccination services for children as well, in accordance with government rules and regulations. Amid the second wave, MediBuddy launched several initiatives such as Hospital Bed Availability Tracker, a 24x7 helpline number, and a Coronavirus Risk Assessment Tool apart from providing vaccinations, apart from vaccinations to help tackle the surge of coronavirus infection and contribute its bit in combating the virus.
Indias leading local FM network, MY FM, kick started a unique initiative to curb traffic violations and spread awareness on measures to improve road safety in Indore. The initiative, MY FM Dekhta Hai, aimed at educating Indores population about safe driving and hoped to drastically reduce the number of casualties on roads. Along with MY FM, Eicher Group Foundation also extended its support as a presenting sponsor in this week-long initiative along with the Traffic Police and the Municipal Corporation of Indore.

The highlight of the activity was a 15-feet high specially crafted vigilance tower at Indores busiest square, Palasia Square, from where MY FM RJs continuously intercepted traffic violators and also gratified rule-abiding citizens. Apart from this, all MY FM shows were broadcasted from this makeshift studio continuously for 7 days.

Commenting on the activity, Mr. Rahul Namjoshi, COO, MY FM, said MY FM has the power and reach to influence mindsets at large and we have always strived to resolve issues the citizens struggle with. Traffic violations are rampant in Indore and the idea behind this campaign was to encourage people to taking onus of their actions. We are optimistic that we will be able to bring about a significant difference in building better civic sense and social responsibility.

The activity was inaugurated by ASP Traffic, Indore, Mr. Anil Patidar and witnessed by Indores MP Mr. Shankar Lalwani.
Its time for Christmas Pawty! Kickstarting the holiday fever, Nicktoons Marshall and Chase hosted the biggest party of the year, #PawsomeChristmas Pawty, and gave pet parents and kids a perfect chance to spread Christmas cheer with their furry friends.

Hosted at Pefe cafe, kids witnessed a dose of extra love and spend some quality time with their pets and canines. Amidst a plethora of things, what kept the young guns fascinated was the sneak preview of the upcoming movie Paw Patrol: Jet To The Rescue which saw the canines hooked on to the screen and watching their furry friends Marshall & Chase save the world! This was followed by a series of enjoyable games and grab worthy prizes with kids and having a gala time and enjoying the festive activities galore with plenty of fabulous four-legged animals. Thats not all! From a delightful party, to a memorable day-out with friends and parents, to receiving the much-awaited presents, the Paw Patrol gang from Nick Jr. India ensured to bring smiles and sheer joy amongst the kids and the adults alike!

The movie Paw Patrol: Jet To The Rescue revolves around the scheming DUKE of Flappington stealing a powerful levitation gem from the royal castle. Then join the PAW Patrol in even more high-flying adventures where they will save a stunt pilot, one of Mayor Humdingers kittens, and even Skye when she breaks her wing flying to Jakes Mountain! The TV premiere of the movie is set to be aired on December 25, 2021, Saturday at 9 AM on Nick Jr. India.

The evening also saw furry friends having a pawsome time sniffing the Nicktoons and making new friends while enjoying the yummy treats offered by kids. Since holidays can be stressful for dogs owing to the hustle-bustle, through this initiative, Nick Jr. India set out to provide these puppers some magical time!
In Malaysia, illegal streamers will now think twice before venturing into pirating content. The government has amended its Copyright Act to penalise individuals who allow pirate streaming. People who provide streaming services and devices that prejudice copyright owners might face penalties of $2,377 or more, as well as jail terms of up to 20 years.

Companies are also discouraged from collaborating in or tolerating streaming piracy under the new regulation. Managers will be found guilty of the relevant offence unless they can prove they were uninformed of the infraction and used all due care to prevent it.

Digital piracy is regularly covered by copyright laws across the world, although some of them were created to address downloads and other, earlier types of bootlegging. That posed an issue for Malaysia, which couldnt utilise the Copyright Act to prosecute persons selling piracy-related streaming gadgets until a High Court ruling enabled it.

The potential penalties are severe, and the wording implies that avoiding involvement with certain rogue elements may be impossible for certain organisations. This demonstrates how some countries may address streaming piracy through law, which may satisfy the United States and other copyright-protected countries which are concerned that their neighbours will permit illicit internet services.
Putin's coming moves toward Ukraine will depend on his risk/reward calculation. That calculation will greatly depend on his evaluation of the resolve of the United States under the Biden administration.

The Obama administration withdrew the last of U.S. armor from Europe in October of 2013. NATO works when the U.S. leads, and the absence of U.S. Armor meant that no meaningful NATO ground response to the early 2014 Russian annexation of Crimea and subsequent Russian aggression in Eastern Ukraine was possible. A feasible option should have been a large NATO tank exercise in Poland. Of course, the Russians would consider such a move provocative --that is why it would be done. Whether this would have been the best option is not the issue. The issue is that it was not an option, and Putin knew this. NATO allies would not participate in such a provocative exercise without U.S. participation.

The Obama administration scrambled to develop some reaction to Russian aggression and began with a $1 billion one-year program to deploy a rotational armored brigade to Europe. This led to a large NATO exercise in Poland in 2016, two years too late. The administration followed with a $3.4 billion fiscal 2017 budget request for what it titled the European Reassurance Initiative focused on continuing a rotational armored presence in Europe. In the spring of 2016, the administration probably anticipated the program would be implemented by a Hillary Clinton administration.

Given the image of Trump's aversion to international organizations, the continuation of the initiative was in question. However, the Trump administration immediately accelerated and changed the nature of the program from reassurance to deterrence. The administration began with a $4.8 billion fiscal 2018 request (and changed the name to European Deterrence Initiative) and a $6.3 billion fiscal 2019 request. The fiscal 2020 budget request for EDI was $5.9 billion. While slightly less than the 2019 request, it reflected a move from building capacity to increased training activity. Acting Secretary of Defense Pat Shanahan explained that nonrecurring costs were complete and now the program was sustaining the level of effort, conducting more exercises, and actually deploying more troops. Given the 2013 total withdrawal of U.S. armor, the Army was the focus of the funding  with the Army funding in each of the three years at $3.24 billion, $4.56 billion, and $3.98 billion, respectively. Trump also reversed an Obama-era policy and authorized lethal aid for Ukraine.

The amount dedicated specifically to increased presence increased in the 2020 budget from $1.87 billion in 2019 to $2.05 billion. The amount dedicated to exercises and training more than doubled from 2019 to 2020 by going from $291 million to $609 million. The budget also included the replacement of any weapons already provided for Ukraine. The increased presence funds sustained an increased number of rotational forces and deferred previously planned force reductions. That ensured a U.S. presence across eastern Europe to include the Baltic states, Bulgaria, and Romania.

As a result of the Trump administration's investment in EDI, the U.S. has a continuous rotational armored brigade combat team in Poland. In addition, the U.S. has prepositioned equipment for a second armored brigade combat team in Poland. This equipment is maintained and exactly duplicates the equipment of stateside units so that troops can be flown in, draw the equipment and immediately be ready. Even before the completion of prepositioning the United States demonstrated the effectiveness of prepositioning with a no-notice exercise in March 2019. 1500 troops in Fort Bliss, Texas were alerted and flown to Poland. A week after notification the soldiers were training with their equipment in the Drawsko Pomorskie training area in Poland.

A permanently stationed Division headquarters has been established in Poland that could command and control the two armored brigade combat teams. In early 2020 NATO began the largest training exercise since the Cold War REFORGER exercises. Two armored divisions were to deploy to Europe from the United States and British armor actually crossed the English Channel. Unfortunately, the COVID pandemic cut the exercise short. But the reinvigoration of NATO with reinvigorated U.S. commitment and leadership was clear.

The final Trump budget request for EDI was $4.5 billion for 2021. The first Biden budget request was $3.7 billion. The Biden administration stated a continuing commitment to EDI. But in the wake of Afghanistan, it remains to be seen if Putin believes that the United States commitment is real. Biden and NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg have reiterated support for Ukraine and have suggested there would be costs for Russian aggression, but the nature of those costs remains unclear. The threat of economic sanctions has not appeared to be reassuring to Ukraine.

The Trump years resulted in a demonstrable U.S. recommitment to NATO, and a strengthened Alliance. NATO capabilities that were not available in 2014 are there. A NATO led by the United States has more options than in 2014. But Putin is testing the viability of that commitment now that Biden is in power.

F. Charles Parker IV is a retired U.S. Army Colonel, who worked on the International Staff at NATO for 16 years, has a PhD in History from Georgetown University and wrote a book titled Vietnam: Strategy for a Stalemate, Paragon House 1989.

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Californias state lawmakers recently failed to pass bail reform legislation, creating a case study in how fundamentally poor public policy will self-destruct if its exposed for what it is. On the face of it, there is a logic to the continuing argument that cash-based bail is unfair to people who have little or no money. But that simplistic premise is deeply flawed and has led to a huge increase in violent crime in California, as well as in other places that implemented the policy. Unfortunately, the grim repercussions are not just statistical. There is a human face to criminal justice reform gone badand ultimately it tripped up the legislators behind the latest attempt at force-feeding bail reform to the Golden States citizens.

Even the staunchest bail reform advocates were compelled to take a step back after the horrific events of September 6. In Sacramento, Troy Davis, a convicted felon, broke into 61-year-old Kate Tibbittss home, raped and murdered her, slaughtered her two dogs, and then set the house ablaze. The night before, Davis had exposed himself on a neighbors porch.

When it emerged that Davis had been released on zero bail, the impetus for a bail reform bill that was steamrolling its way through the California Senate immediately screeched to a halt. But is that the end of the story or is there another domino waiting to fall?

In 2020, as an emergency measure during the COVID-19 pandemic, the California Judicial Council, hoping to prevent COVIDs spread, had implemented zero-bail schedules to reduce jail populations. Senate Bill 262 was later introduced in another of a series of attempts to eliminate most monetary bail. For reasons having nothing to do with protecting health and safety, Senate Bill 262 would have made the schedules permanent. In effect, if defendants could not afford bail, they would simply be released.

The grim reality of zero-bail policies became increasingly apparent as late summer turned to fall. Dramatic expansions in crime. Rampant retail theft. Law enforcement and prosecutors unified in their complaint that the zero-bail schedule was a problem. A big problem. In fact, the Judicial Council had terminated the zero-bail schedule order even before its emergency authority expired, presumably because these policies failed. Troy Daviss rape and murder of Kate Tibbitts was the final straw in Sacramento, at least for Senate Bill 262.

Even as the importance of bail in the criminal justice system is being recognized, the careful balance that it creates between defendants and the public (including victims of crime) has grown more precarious. For example, retail criminals are now organized and increasingly brazen. A mayor in a California city could order police to go on an old west-style round-up of these lawbreakers, who would then immediately walk free out of jailonly to go out and do it again.

Image: Empty ball and chain. Piqsels.

Sacramento County District Attorney Anne Marie Schubert laid the blame for Daviss heinous acts squarely on Californias bail policies. She indicated that zero bail was misapplied in his case, as parolees should not have been eligible for free release. But she also cautioned that the right to an affordable bail, as stipulated in Senate Bill 262, would have set Davis free pending trial no matter what.

The reality is that Senate Bill 262 aside, the pendulum has swung so far over the years that no single bill can fix the fundamental problems with criminal justice in California and restore law and order to a point where citizens feel safe and protected.

My dad was a career cop. He always told me that, in the old days, there were two things you never wanted to do: get arrested or go to jail. Usually, a few nights or a week in jail was enough to make the pointand it kept the peace. The idea of strong prosecution or collateral consequences was not on anyones mind. Today, there is no peace to be kept because the presumption of innocence when dealing with repeat criminal defendants pretrial, has been extended far beyond any definition of reasonableness.

In a 2016 report that criminologist Daniel S. Nagin wrote and the U.S. Department of Justice issued, Nagin concluded, Research shows clearly that the chance of being caught is a vastly more effective deterrent than even draconian punishment. He added that law enforcement has an increased ability to deter crime when it does things that strengthen a criminals perception of the certainty of being caught. Zero-bail for a list of crimes in fact does quite the oppositeit strengthens the perception of getting away with it.

The reality is that judges in Californiawhom voters electhave always been prepared to handle bail without political meddling. Rather than interfering in areas outside of their authority, legislators must turn their attention to speedy trial reform, along with deterring and punishing repeat offenders. Meaningful criminal justice reform is a noble and just cause, and reasonable minds should work together to improve the system.

While there may be disagreements about the right path to take, it should never be lost on decision-makers that the debates are not just about concepts, but about all the human beings involvedboth the defendants and our citizens. When bad public policy harms real people, its time to put political rhetoric and agendas aside. Kate Tibbitts deserved better, as do all Californians.

Jeffrey J. Clayton is the Executive Director of the American Bail Coalition. He has worked as a public policy and government relations professional, and also as a licensed attorney, serving a variety of clients in legal, legislative, and policy matters. Mr. Clayton also worked in government service, representing the Colorado Judicial Branch and State Labor Department, and the U.S. Department of Transportation. He is also a prior Presidential Management Fellow and Finalist for the U.S. Supreme Court fellows program. Mr. Clayton holds a B.B.A. from Baylor University, an M.S. in Public Policy from the University of Rochester, N.Y., and a J.D. from the Sturm College of Law, University of Denver.

To comment, you can find the MeWe post for this article here.
The Biden administration has nominated Dr. Robert Califf to head the Food and Drug Administration. Peter J. Pitts, a former FDA Associate Commissioner, had published at the International Business Times an enthusiastic essay about Califfs nomination because Califf is a proponent of accelerated approval for drugs. However, that one factor, while it can be beneficial, ignores myriad other problems with Califf.

You can read the IBT article here, which focuses on Califfs approval history. This essay is about all the problems with the rest of Califfs history.

COVID has revealed that the FDA, the CDC, Fauci, the White House, and science are at odds with each other. The FDA desperately needs major reform and transparency surrounding hiring, drug safety, and new drug approvals. As commissioner under Obama, Califf made few or no noteworthy changes to the FDA and shows no signs of improving the record if re-appointed.

Califf arrived at the FDA in 2015 determined to modernize how the agency reviewed drug and device study data, but there is little evidence he achieved that goal:

When he learned that Obama had proposed him as commissioner, Califf removed his name from scientific articles he had written. Even if they were controversial and assuming they were truthful, he should have stuck by them. America needs an FDA commissioner who will stick to evidence-based science, even in the face of controversy.

Dr. Califf currently works full-time for Googles Alphabet company (Google being the most evil company in the world, according to Ted Cruz). In 2019, he became head of medical strategy at Google parent company Alphabet Inc.

Dr. Califf in Bed With Big Pharma:

Dr. Califf has deeper ties to the pharmaceutical industry than any FDA commissioner in recent memory, and he lacks a public health background.

Dr. Califf founded the Duke Clinical Research Institute, which runs research trials for pharmaceutical companies and today has more than 1,200 employees.

At Duke, Dr. Califf actively solicited funding from Big Pharma and no record exists of Dr. Califf ever saying no to any pharmaceutical company that offered him money. America needs an unbiased, science-based commissioner without these conflicts, and someone who can stand up to Big Pharma and say no. Some of the drug companies he accepted money from have FDA violations and questionable or even upsetting behaviors when it comes to their claims and when it comes to their safety /regulatory records.

Hillary Clinton and the Clinton foundation have been heavily criticized for doing the same thing. She solicited significant donations as Secretary of State from anyone and everyone. Some of the countries from which Hillary Clinton accepted donations have appalling human rights records and even ties to terrorism. The Republicans threw a fit about Clinton but they didnt seem to care about the appointment of Califf the first time around and havent yet raised these issues since his second appointment was proposed.

Bernie Sanders is opposed to Califfs appointment because of his Big Pharma ties.

More than half (~63%) of Califfs $320 million funding at Duke came from Big Pharma and has had decades-long ties to almost every big pharma company.

He has served as a paid consultant with (1) Merck Sharp & Dohme, (2) Johnson & Johnson, (3) GlaxoSmithKline, (4) AstraZeneca, (5) Eli Lilly (6) Amgen, (7) F. Hoffmann-La Roche AG, (8) Janssen Pharmaceutica, (9) Daiichi Sankyo, (10) Sanofi-Aventis, (11) Bristol-Myers Squibb, (12) Proventys, Inc, (13) Regado Biosciences, Inc, and (14) Corgentech Inc. (15) Genentech

Forbes wrote that his close ties to the drug industry were the reason for him not being nominated for the FDA Commissioner position in 2009.

Due to Califfs big pharma conflicts, he would be unable to serve on an FDA advisory committee, yet democrats are proposing Calif for a third tour of duty at the FDA, where he previously served as the deputy commissioner and then the commissioner.

Image: Robert Califf (cropped). Public domain.

Califf and the Opioid EpidemicBipartisan Disapproval

Ineffectual assistance to terminally ill patients:

Right-to-Try legislation exploded under Califfs last FDA appointment because terminally ill American patients could not obtain access to potentially life-saving drugs that they needed. Right-to-Try now exists in 41 states.

Todays FDA is not the same FDA of 20 or even 10 years ago. The FDA has become a lot more political and has made some highly questionable approvals and safety decisions in the very recent past which include, but are not limited to, vaccine/booster approvals. The FDA and CDC regularly ignore their own independent expert panels advice which they solicit and that includes, but is not limited to, decisions related to Covid-19 vaccines and boosters.

While Califf has put out voluminous amounts of research, he has a list of conflicts dozens of pages long. He clearly knows a lot about drug development and drug research but there are other individuals who are equally or more qualified than he is out there who dont have Califfs conflicts and baggage.

It is even further evidence of Joe Bidens presidency being nothing more than an Obama 3rd term.

Greg Daniels (a pseudonym) is a former long-time FDA official.

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Counterfactuals, like "conspiracy theories," are frowned upon by those who look guilty when they are posed. Here are three to chew on during the holidays:

(1) What if it turns out that the gene therapies marketed as "vaccines" by pharmaceutical companies end up causing more harm than good? What if it becomes obvious that more children die from government-ordered injections than would have ever succumbed to the virus itself? What if the long-term effects of any of these experimental treatments condemn the "vaccinated" to suffer from lifetime health complications created by compromised immune systems, making them more vulnerable to the very diseases the "vaccines" were mandated to prevent?

If these counterfactuals become proven reality down the road, will it then become the duty of the non-"vaccinated" to round up the "vaccinated" for their own protection? Should great concentration camps the size of cities be constructed to quarantine the immuno-compromised? Should employers lay off "vaccinated" workers for their own good? Should children who were forcibly injected by their schools be tracked for the rest of their lives through digital passports implanted under their skin in order to ensure they remain six feet away from others at all times? Should the "vaccinated" be forced to wear masks and other symbols so that the un-"vaccinated" know to keep their distance from the unhealthy? Will it become necessary for the un-"vaccinated" to create laws mandating punishments for the "vaccinated" when they don't comply? Will the un-"vaccinated" be forced to confiscate the money, property, and possessions of any "vaccinated" who stubbornly refuse to listen to reason? Will the un-"vaccinated" mock their fellow citizens' staunch refusals to submit to their imprisonment by condescendingly informing them that they are "science deniers" deserving of their fate?

(2) What if it had been President Bush's CIA and FBI that had spied on Barack Obama's 2008 presidential campaign because of his personal ties to known communists and subversives? What if the FBI had repeatedly filed false affidavits with the national security FISA Court alleging that Obama was an agent of a foreign power intent on subverting America's founding traditions? What if, instead of fessing up to its illicit spying on his presidential campaign once he was nonetheless elected, the former directors of both the FBI and CIA, along with numerous other high-ranking individuals from the Intelligence Community, had spent the next three years pushing disinformation on cable news shows while insisting, without evidence, that the American president was a Manchurian stooge and national security threat?

What if it were discovered later that John McCain's campaign had used the cutouts of law firms and private intelligence agencies to launder fraudulent information about Obama to the FBI in order to set off an explosive criminal investigation that would rock the presidential race just before the 2008 general election? After years of punitive witch hunts targeting Obama, thousands of articles and television reports produced by partisan reporters peddling unverified propaganda, and repeated attempts by Congress to push for his impeachment and removal from office, would everything have just gone back to normal once the reality of the underhanded conspiracy against him was revealed? Would his voters have been expected just to chalk it up to "one of the dirtiest tricks in politics" and pretend an organized plot by the Intelligence Community and a political party to frame an American leader as a foreign spy is no big deal? Would they have not seen the outrageous set of events as nothing short of a "high-tech lynching"? Could the increased tensions between America and her adversaries caused by conspirators' fraudulent allegations that a foreign power had stolen an American election have been excused and dismissed without punishing the guilty for recklessly antagonizing nuclear power nation-states for no other reason than partisan political gain? Would Obama's supporters have been ridiculed for calling for heads to roll?

(3) What if, instead of Black Lives Matter and Antifa burning down cities these last few years in response to perceived "injustices," Republican voters had continuously shown up in the streets to seek vengeance for court decisions or police actions they did not like? What if they had responded to the unconstitutional imposition of Obamacare or the federal government's refusal to enforce immigration law or the FBI's decision to classify conservatives as "domestic extremists" by taking over highways, looting stores, and threatening innocent bystanders? Would mayors and governors have sat back and said stoically, "Give them some space to destroy"? Would the director of the FBI have testified that all these "mostly peaceful protests" organized by conservatives were really about some abstract idea of freedom, rather than anything that should be targeted by law enforcement? Would pro-liberty Tea Partiers have been featured on the front pages of fashion mags and had their political slogans emblazoned on chic clothing lines just as BLM's are regularly today?

If Democrats had spent years watching Republicans commit violent crimes in the streets while police forces sat back and watched (per orders from their commanders and civilian political leaders), and newspapers and news shows celebrated their actions as part of the storied fight for civil rights, would Republicans have then been surprised when Democrats decided to follow in their footsteps by showing up en masse at the U.S. Capitol to protest what they saw as a fraudulent presidential election that should not be certified by Congress? Wouldn't Democrats have found it inexplicable if they were immediately labeled as "insurrectionists" and "traitors," when their Republican opponents had been treated as heroes for engaging in destructive civil disobedience for years? Wouldn't they have felt betrayed by the federal government for arresting and punishing them stringently for doing nothing more than what Republicans had been doing successfully across the country with few, if any, repercussions?

Had a white Capitol Police officer shot and killed an unarmed Black Lives Matter protester on January 6, instead of a black officer having shot an unarmed white Ashli Babbitt for protesting the numerous irregularities surrounding the 2020 election, would the officer have been treated as a hero and celebrated by corporate news? Would Congress and the White House have applauded law enforcement's killing of an unarmed black woman waving an American flag? Would a congressional committee have been formed to torment the families of those killed and those imprisoned to hype the incident as somehow far worse than the U.S. Civil War that took nearly a million lives? Would courts have gone out of their way to punish black Americans for trespassing in the "people's house" because judges believed that it was important to intimidate them into compliance? Would military generals have written editorials encouraging the Pentagon to purge all Black Lives Mattersupporters from the armed forces because they represented an inherent threat to the national security of the United States? Would the FBI have called Black Lives Matter members the single greatest threat to the country?

Some people despise "what if" hypotheticals. What if those people are the same ones who can't face the overwhelming evidence for their own hypocrisy?

Image: Gage Skidmore via Flickr, CC BY-SA 2.0.

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Lt. General Michael Flynn has filed a complaint against Speaker Pelosi and her Select Committee along the lines of the complaint already filed by former White House counsel Mark Meadows, but with an important difference.

Like the Meadows complaint, Gen. Flynn points out that the committee was not organized in accordance with the provision of the authorizing resolution, H.Res. 503. Where the resolution called for thirteen members, the Pelosi panel has only nine members. Where the resolution called for five members of the minority appointed in consultation with the minority leader, the committee has two members of the minority, selected by the speaker without consultation with the minority leader. The authorizing resolution called for a ranking member; the committee has no ranking member. And as the Meadows complaint alleges, the Flynn complaint alleges that the subpoenas issued by the committee serve no valid legislative purpose.

In pertinent part, the Flynn complaint, as does the Meadows complaint, calls on the court  in this case, the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida, Ft. Myers Division  to declare unenforceable the subpoena issued by the Select Committee on Lt. General Flynn.

There is, however, a marked difference in paragraph 3 of the Flynn complaint, compared with the opening paragraphs in the Meadows complaint, and I believe that the words in this paragraph demand the immediate attention of the United States Congress, the media, and, of course, the readers of American Thinker, for this paragraph makes clear that all those who incessantly apply the terms "false" and "baseless" to expressions of concern about the conduct of the 2020 presidential election are traducing the very concept of free speech and expression in America and would impose the notion of unfreedom upon a people who view liberty as a God-given right.

Here is the important, indeed crucial to freedom's cause, reminder in the Flynn complaint, how far astray Speaker Pelosi and her very Select Committee would take us from the moorings of our Constitution:

At the times relevant herein, General Flynn was and is a private citizen. Like many Americans in late 2020, and to this day, General Flynn has sincerely held concerns about the integrity of the 2020 election. It is now a crime to hold such beliefs, regardless of whether they are correct or mistaken, to discuss them with others, to associate with those who share the same belief, or to ask the government to address such political concerns. Indeed, it is our fundamental Constitutional right to speak about and associate around political issues that concern us, and to petition our government about this grievances. See U.S. Const. Amen. I.

By implication, paragraph 3 of the complaint brought by Lt. General Flynn against Speaker Pelosi and her cohort is tantamount to a call on a free people to rise up; to declare that the Pelosi panel is an affront to the Constitution and the American spirit of liberty; and to demand an end, forthwith, to the politically obscene conduct of this committee of the House of Representatives, a committee that offends the Constitution and is an insult to the men who drafted our organic document of government.



Lt. General Michael Fkynn (ret.). Photo credit: Defense Intelligence Agency.

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On 15 December the Associated Press (AP), one of the world's premier wire services, ran a lengthy report titled "How a Kennedy Built an Anti-Vaccine Juggernaut Amidst Covid-19."

The report, written by Michelle Smith, examined the efforts of Robert Kennedy, Jr. to warn against what he perceives are the risks associated with the current COVID vaccines, and particularly how those risks pertain to children.

The second paragraph of the AP's piece reads as follows:

"It is criminal medical malpractice to give a child one of these vaccines," Kennedy contended, according to a video of the event, one of his many assertions that ignored or went against legal, scientific and public health consensus.

The clear implication of the above is that there exists a broad positive consensus on the issue of vaccinating children against COVID-19.

This claim, however, is demonstrably untrue. Anybody who takes the trouble to do even a little research will quickly find out that no such consensus exists.

This is very easy to show. To wit, less than a week before the Associated Press filed its report an international conference was held. It was co-sponsored by an organization called Global COVID Summit, an international alliance of physicians and medical scientists "committed to speaking truth about COVID pandemic research and treatment." This organization has more than fifteen thousand members from around the globe, many of whom are recognized as top experts in their fields.

The organization's website prominently features a post titled: "Over 15,000 Physicians and Scientists Reach Consensus on Vaccinating Children and Natural Immunity."

It opens with the following paragraph:

Consensus is clear among MDs and medical PhDs: following 20 months of exhaustive research, millions of patients treated, hundreds of clinical trials performed and scientific data shared worldwide, they conclude that healthy children and COVID recovered should be excluded from vaccine mandates and social restrictions.

On December 11, the Global COVID Summit held a symposium whose main purpose was to speak against mass vaccination of children against COVID. One after another the speakers argued that vaccinating children against this disease does not make sense from a medical and scientific point of view. On the contrary, it was shown that vaccinating healthy children against this disease poses undue dangers and goes against the principles of science, good medicine, and common sense.

One of the participants at this event was Dr. Robert Malone, who delivered a statement via livestream. Dr. Malone is one of the best known and accomplished vaccine scientists in the world today. Here is a brief summary of his credentials:

Dr. Malone is the original inventor of mRNA vaccination as a technology, DNA vaccination, and multiple non-viral DNA and RNA/mRNA platform delivery technologies. He holds numerous fundamental domestic and foreign patents in the fields of gene delivery, delivery formulations, and vaccines: fundamental DNA and RNA/mRNA vaccine technologies. Dr. Malone has authored approximately 100 scientific publications with over 12,000 citations of his work. He has been an invited speaker at over 50 conferences and has sat on or served as chairperson on HHS and DoD committees. He currently sits as a non-voting member on the NIH ACTIV committee, which is tasked with managing clinical research for a variety of drug and antibody treatments for COVID-19.

Here are some of the things Dr. Malone had to say about vaccinating children against COVID (emphasis added):

I ask you to ask yourself, as a fellow parent, if you want your own child to be part of the most radical medical experiment in human history. [T]he reason they're giving you to vaccinate your child is a lie. Your children represent no danger to their parents or grandparents. It's actually the opposite. Their immunity, after getting COVID, is critical to save your family, if not the world from this disease. There is no benefit for your children or your family to be vaccinating your children against the small risks of the virus, given the known health risks of the vaccine that as a parent, you and your children may have to live with for the rest of their lives. The risk/benefit analysis is not even close with this vaccine, for children. [M]y strong recommendation to you is to resist and fight to protect your children.

You can read the full text of Dr. Malone's statement here.

Dr. Malone's position is shared and endorsed by thousands upon thousands of experts and health professionals who are members of the Global COVID Summit.

You can read their position, which is known as the Rome Declaration, at this link. This is what it says about COVID vaccines for children:

RESOLVED, THAT HEALTHY CHILDREN SHALL NOT BE SUBJECT TO FORCED VACCINATION Negligible clinical risks from SARS-CoV-2 infection exist for healthy children under eighteen. Long term safety of the current COVID vaccines in children cannot be determined prior to instituting such policies. Without high-powered, reproducible, long term safety data, risks to the long-term health status of children remain too high to support use in healthy children.

prior to instituting such policies. Without high-powered, reproducible, long term safety data, risks to the long-term health status of children remain too high to support use in healthy children. Children risk severe, adverse events from receiving the vaccine. Permanent physical damage to the brain, heart, immune and reproductive system associated with SARS-CoV-2 spike protein-based genetic vaccines has been demonstrated in children.

from receiving the vaccine. Permanent physical damage to the brain, heart, immune and reproductive system associated with SARS-CoV-2 spike protein-based genetic vaccines has been demonstrated in children. Healthy, unvaccinated children are critical to achieving herd immunity . Natural immunity is proven to tolerate infection, benefiting community protection while there is insufficient data to assess whether Covid vaccines assist herd immunity.

At the bottom of the statement, you can view photos and brief biographies of some of the prominent co-signers of this declaration, many of whom are among the world's most respected authorities in their respective fields of endeavor.

The declaration ends with the statement informing us that this document has been signed by "thousands more physicians, medical scientists, and researchers from around the globe" (emphasis added).

Their view is also shared by additional hundreds of thousands of physicians, scientists, and health professionals across the world who know that the risks of vaccinating children against COVID far exceed the risks posed by the disease itself (which are extremely small for healthy children). Among those who hold this view is also Professor Luc Montaigner  a virologist  who won the 2008 Nobel Prize in medicine for his discovery of the virus that causes AIDS.

All this clearly shows that the implicit claim of the AP piece that there exists consensus on vaccinating children is patently and demonstrably untrue.

AP's piece is nothing other than gaslighting of the most flagrant kind.

By claiming there is a consensus, the Associated Press is brazenly spreading misinformation on a very sensitive subject.

There can never be any positive consensus on vaccinating healthy children against COVID among medical professionals because it is an indisputable scientific fact that the risks of injections far exceed the risks posed by the disease itself. According to a cost-benefit analysis conducted by risk assessment expert Toby Rogers, 117 healthy children in the 511 age range will have to die of vaccine-related side effects in order to save one child from dying of COVID-19.

Dr. Malone expressed this point very clearly when he said, "The risk/benefit analysis is not even close with this vaccine, for children."

By spreading misinformation about the alleged "consensus," the AP's false reporting will result in serious harm as some parents will believe what they read and rush to have their children vaccinated. Some of those children will experience serious side-effects, and some of them will die. Their deaths will be unnecessary because they were never in real danger from COVID-19 in the first place. The deaths of those children will be on the hands of those who deliberately spread the misinformation about the alleged consensus on COVID vaccines for children.

The only way the mainstream media can say there is "consensus" on this subject is by deliberately suppressing and censoring those who say otherwise.

This has, in fact, been the media's modus operandi in advancing their odious agenda. They cancel those whose views diverge from their own and then victoriously declare "consensus."

We can mention the manufactured "consensus" on global warming as another gaslighting operation par excellence.

Vasko Kohlmayer was born and grew up in former communist Czechoslovakia. You can follow his writings by subscribing to his Substack newsletter " Notes from the Twilight Zone ." He is the author of The West in Crisis: Civilizations and Their Death Drives.

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Black Lives Matter (BLM) is urging a boycott of "white" businesses. The official Black Xmas website urges "No spending with White corporations" and "buy exclusively from Black-owned businesses" until Jan. 1. It's the seventh year BLM has proffered this perversion of the ecumenical spirit of Christmas.

Racism begets racism. The ugly racism of the BLM message invites the retaliation to buy only from white-owned businesses. Thus do racist directives make for a society more segregated, intolerant, and angry. Racism always moves in that direction.

Let's establish first principles. In a free-market capitalist system, you can shop wherever you want. That's what makes it free. BLM has the right to do "racist shopping," and so can anyone else. But that doesn't make it good or right. The obvious far better policy is for consumers to seek the best products and services  irrespective of the eye, hair, or skin color of the provider.

Then there's hypocrisy. While not wanting to buy from them, BLM has unhesitatingly accepted large amounts of money from the "white" businesses they disparage. Amazon, Apple, Coca-Cola, Google, Microsoft, and many others have donated millions of dollars to BLM. The money was eagerly taken  no boycott there. But imagine the enormous protest if those companies funded an organization promoting exclusively white-owned businesses.

Ironically, if BLM has its way, the free market, which BLM exploits with impunity, would cease to exist. For the BLM mission goes much deeper than boycotts. Their objective is nothing less than the destruction of our economy and the elimination of capitalism  frequently referred to, by them, as "white capitalism" or "white supremacist capitalism." Destruction is no exaggeration.

The 2016 platform of the Movement for Black Lives (M4BL), a coalition of over 50 groups including BLM Network, called for "a reconstruction of the economy to ensure our communities have collective ownership"  meaning that there would be no private ownership; all property would be community- or collectively owned. This is a socialist model.

Alicia Garza and Patrisse Cullors are BLM cofounders. In 2015, Cullors said (ungrammatically), "Myself and Alicia, in particular, are trained organizers. We are trained Marxists." In July 2020, the president of Greater New York Black Lives Matter, Hawk Newsome, said, "If this country doesn't give us what we want, then we will burn down this system and replace it."

The BLM website originally declared, "We disrupt the Western-prescribed nuclear family structure requirement." Instead, they prescribe "'villages' that collectively care for one another." Dismembering the "nuclear family structure" is a central objective of Marxism. That BLM tenet was subsequently scrubbed from the website because it repelled so many people.

Also ironically, if BLM and the other leftists succeed in abolishing capitalism, the black businesses they claim to support will also be abolished. In a socialist/communist system, there is no private property  and no "white" or "black capitalism." The black business-owners will lose everything and may even be arrested as capitalists. That's what happened when the communists took over Russia in 1917 and created the USSR.

Those advocating socialism here  BLM, university faculties, Bernie Sanders, and the left wing of the Democrat party  are advocating for government control of everything, and they envision themselves as controlling the government. Their activism is really an overt attempt to gain power for themselves.

But with power comes corruption and indulgence. In April 2021, the self-avowed Marxist BLM cofounder Patrisse Cullors purchased a $1.4-million home in Los Angeles. Cullors is black, but the expensive home she bought is in a predominantly white neighborhood (1.8% black). So much for her devotion to the cause. (For collectivists, the cause is invariably outranked by self-interest.) It's unclear where the money came from. According to the AP, BLM received $90 million in donations last year. Its finances have been described as opaque.

In 1934, USSR dictator Josef Stalin ordered the construction of a 225-foot-long yacht to sail on the new Moscow Canal. The double-decked vessel's luxury was unparalleled. Reportedly belonging to Stalin himself, it was dubbed "Stalin's Yacht" and was used by the Russian elite  while the Russian people were starving.

Marxism and luxury go together  for those at the top. Misery and hardship for everyone else.

Image: Ivan Radio.

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In the S.F. Chronicle this week, disgraced district attorney Chesa Boudin posted a "Hail Mary" op-ed in order to defend his record prior to having to endure a recall election. He claims that retail crime is actually down, although he fails to include the sad reality that, since one has to steal more stuff in order to be considered a felon, fewer cases are charged.

He ultimately plunges into the tired old shopworn dogma that policing alone won't do the job of suppressing criminal activity. What is needed (of course) is a broader, more generous "social safety net." He does, however, acknowledge that the world has changed since he was first indoctrinated by the Weather Underground, and he admits that not all theft is a "crime of desperation," but is sometimes a result of organized crime. He also claims that increased police presence only serves to intimidate minority communities. Maybe he should try telling that to those same communities who are most impacted by these crimes.

At the outset, Boudin alleges that his San Francisco is not at all different from other locales in its exposure to retail theft since such events are also happening elsewhere. Really? It so happens that quantity matters, or else so many stores in S.F. wouldn't be closing permanently.

It is rather odd that Boudin ever got to be the D.A. in the first place. Both his parents, David Gilbert and Kathy Boudin, were sentenced to prison for being the getaway drivers in a 1981 Brinks truck robbery that left the driver and two policemen dead. Just before he resigned in disgrace, New York governor Andrew Cuomo pardoned Boudin's father. His mom had already served out a lesser sentence. S.F.'s political culture and a bundle of George Soros's money played a major part in setting this all up. Meanwhile, the recall looms, coupled with next year's statewide primary.

It's still too early to take polling seriously, but the recall alone indicates a cultural shift. Another sensational flash mob hit on a major retail center on Boudin's turf would likely push the shift still farther. The local media have done what they can to keep a lid on all the bad news about Boudin, as they did during his 2019 election. But they can't hide looting sprees and closures of important retail outlets such as Walgreens.

Of course, Boudin is not alone. He shares the ethos of several George Soros plants in our dystopic urban cores. First, he went for the secretaries of state  the overseers of elections. Considering his enormous wealth and his sociopathic intentions, Soros would be a perfect James Bond villain. Oh, yeah, and his Hungarian accent doesn't hurt, either.

But now the time has begun for the chickens to come home to roost. "Defund the Police" has already been proven to be a tremendous political liability. "No cash bail" is next. We are now waking up to realize the profound difference between ideology and pragmatism. It is, however, still not a perfect world, and I'm sure there are still many San Franciscans who will vote against Boudin's recall. Stay tuned.

Correction:

A representative of Justice & Public Safety PAC, the political action committee primarily funded by George Soros, maintains that Geogre Soros has not  directly or indirectly  backed or supported or contributed to Mr. Boudin. Accordingly, reference to Soros financially backing Boudin has been removed.

Image: SFGovTV.

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Most of us were pretty horrified by the travesty of justice that went down in Colorado, where a 23-year-old truck driver, who lost control of his huge vehicle after its brakes failed and ended up in a fiery crash that killed four people and injured dozens of others, got a 110-year prison sentence. Rogel Aguilera-Mederos's 2019 accident was attributed not to the failure of his brakes, but entirely to a failure in his judgment over whether he could take an off ramp (try doing that without brakes in a state of panic). As a result, the poor Cuban immigrant with no criminal record got a de facto death sentence for an accident he had never intended to commit, was largely powerless to prevent, and fully cooperated with the authorities.

At his sentencing, the man cried at his lost life as the monster sentence was read, looking powerless and small against a huge state juggernaut  a young, humble immigrant trying to provide for his family with a dirty, dangerous, low-paid job nobody wants in a profession blue states treat like dirt. Nothing pointed to the power of the elites, the unequalness of the justice system, or the mercilessness of the ambitious prosecutors with their unlimited prosecutorial "discretion" than that case. The man was expendable to them, and they had careers to advance, so they got busy.

The only thing the de facto death sentence could be called was cruel and unusual punishment, made even more insulting because this is the era of Soros-financed district attorneys, who gladly let real criminals out without prosecution under the rubric of "ending mass incarceration." The judge expressed his distaste at the draconian sentence, saying his hands were tied by sentencing guidelines. Draconian justice, after all, isn't justice.

And in no surprise, the public was outraged. Some 4.7 million people signed this Change.org petition demanding that the unjust sentence be commuted to time served or something similar. Trucking organizations bruited strikes. Individual truckers vowed to never drive through Colorado, and too bad about the supply chain. Latino groups spoke out about the unjust sentence. It was obviously trash justice done by ambitious prosecutors with very low morals.

And sure enough, a pair of them popped out proving the public's suspicions about them.

Here's young Kayla Wildeman, two years out of law school, a former restorative justice intern, and her adoring father-aged 54-year-old mentor, Trevor Moritzky, who were the "successful" prosecutors in the case:

Kayla Wildeman, a deputy district attorney with the First Judicial District Attorney's Office, posted on her personal Facebook page a photo of a brake shoe from a semitrailer with the case number and her name printed on a placard affixed to the brake. The copy accompanying the undated photo reads: "Get yourself a trial partner as great as Trevor Moritzky. He turned a brake shoe from a semi-truck into a memento. What a special gift from truly a special person. I never asked for a new bff at work, let alone one that is old enough to be my father (no offense) but I sure am grateful this trial brought you into my career as both a colleague and a friend! Words will never convey how lucky I am to have gotten the opportunity to learn from you!"



Image: Facebook share, since deleted.

That's sadism. The celebratory "trophy" was a brake shoe, gleefully placing the failure of the brakes on a sort of perverted award plaque, set to decorate this miserable creature's "distinguished" law library. The truck driver was very questionably convicted on the grounds of bad judgment, but this pair was celebrating the failed brakes. That was the part they liked best and wanted to immortalize themselves on. Speaking of bad judgment...

A law classmate of Kayla Wildeman's described her lack of character:

Describing Kayla Wildeman, Jordie Margaret, who went to law school with her, wrote on Facebook, "Her computer screensaver she had in law school is burned into my brain: "You're never fully dressed without a smile." It's burned into my brain because I remember constantly thinking about the irony of someone being so smiley and bubbly yet adding commentary in class that completely devalued human life and represented a complete inability to place herself in the shoes of someone else."

A lot of the attention is being focused on young Kayla with her openly expressed excitement about all her career advancement as a result of this sorry case, but the guy who made the trophy, Moritzky, deserves at least some scrutiny. Try driving with brake failure (it happened to me once), and let's see how any of us does.

LULAC, a left-wing Latino advocacy organization with which I rarely otherwise agree, made the right statement:

"To say we are disgusted over this so-called trophy is an understatement. LULAC demands a full investigation into the matter to identify the people who are involved so that they face the maximum disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal," said Domingo Garcia, LULAC national president. "To mock the seriousness of this case diminishes the loss of four lives as well as the pain suffered by everyone affected by this tragedy. This trophy is evidence of the total lack of respect and basic human decency by the district attorney and her team in this matter. They are dancing on the graves of the victims and showing their glee that a man faces a sentence equal to three generations in an unjust verdict. Professionalism is clearly lacking in this District Attorney's office."

The whole show was disgusting, and, fortunately, the rest of the district attorney's office seem to recognize the public relations problem brought on not just by the sentence, but the gleeful, Madame Defargestyle celebrations from the prosecutors.

The elected D.A., Alexis King, came out with a public statement saying this despicable grave-dancing act "does not reflect the values of my administration" and that the matter would be dealt with "internally." That could mean anything, including nothing, given that the public isn't being let in on whether any action to fit the transgression will ever be taken.

As of this writing, it appears that King knows that the public heat is hot now. She's asked the court to "reconsider" the sentence and take it to a board for review, which apparently only she can set into motion:

First Judicial District Attorney Alexis King filed a motion Tuesday for a court to set a hearing to review the sentence of Rogel Lazaro Aguilera-Mederos. "As Colorado law required the imposition of the sentence in this case, the law also permits the Court to reconsider its sentence in an exceptional case involving unusual and extenuating circumstances," the motion states. "This would allow for the conditions to be met for a modification of the defendant's sentence as was discussed by the People in the initial sentencing hearing."

This is rather the right thing to do, given the travesty brought about by Wildeman and Moritzky. Assuming it's out of their incapable hands now, given their bad judgment, the task remains how to clean up some of these district attorneys' offices, obviously filled with people with low character and zero morals. We see a lot of bad people turn up in district attorneys' offices these days  from Chesa Boudin to James Comey to now this pair. Draconian sentences reduce public regard for the law, as it's only dictatorships that do them. Where are the reforms about the kinds of creeps they are hiring? And above all, why are the judge's hands tied on sentencing, but the prosecutors' discretionary powers utterly unlimited? Absolute power corrupts absolutely and when you have a hollow punkling like Wildeman and a corrupted older creep egging her on with that kind of power, judicial travesties are the only result.

Image: Facebook share screenshot, since deleted.

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Republican Governor Ron DeSantis of Florida created a scare among the mainstream media and liberals in December 2021, when he proposed re-establishing the Florida State Guard. He raised the topic while speaking about his military budget proposal.

Not to be confused with Florida National Guard, a federal military force, the Florida Guard is entirely under the control of the State of Florida. It was created initially in 1941 to fill in for National Guard members deployed during World War II. It was disbanded in 1947 once the National Guard members had returned to the states. However, the unit is still part of Florida law as the Florida State Defense Force, so although it did disband, it doesnt have to be re-created, just reactivated.

Ron DeSantis in 2017 Photo credit: Gage Skidmore CC BY-SA 2.0 license

DeSantiss proposal would see 200 volunteer civilians trained in the best emergency response techniques. According to a press release, the unit would aid the National Guard in the event of natural disasters or other state emergencies. DeSantis said in the press release that a state guard unit would give him the flexibility and the ability needed to respond to events in our state in the most effective way possible.

While a state guard is nothing new for Florida, it hasnt been around for 74 years. However, 23 other states have similar units, giving DeSantis plenty of examples to study and incorporate the elements that work into the Florida Guard.

It seems to be the fact that DeSantis proposed this that has media and politicians upset. While perturbed politicos are nothing new, they dont seem concerned that the blue states of New York and California have state guard units. The primary reason the left seems upset is that the newly reactivated military would not be under the control of Washington, D.C. bureaucrats. Nowadays, top brass in the Pentagon seems more concerned about making the military woke than fighting-ready.

Florida Democrats, not surprisingly, attributed dark motives to the governors proposal that they dont see with the state guards in blue states under the control of Democrat governors in those states.

Florida Rep. Charlie Crist, who will challenge DeSantis in next years governors election, tweeted, No Governor should have his own handpicked secret police. Presumably, he was not referring to the governor of California

Another gubernatorial challenger, State Sen. Annette Taddeo, called DeSantis in a tweet a wannabe dictator trying to make his move for his own vigilante militia like weve seen in Cuba.

CNN tried to put a negative spin on the announcement in their headline, writing, DeSantis proposes a new civilian-military force in Florida that he would control while failing to point out why this isnt a problem in the 23 other states where it exists.

The Florida Guard can prove very useful in Florida, particularly during natural disasters like hurricanes or tornados, as weve recently seen in Kentucky. They could also help should urban rioting like we have seen in other cities across the country happen. For example, a State Guard unit would have been helpful when rioting broke out in some Florida cities in 2020 after the death of George Floyd.

While the details still need to be worked out, the unit likely will be designated as a Special Operations Rapid Emergency Response Battalion. Its members should primarily come from law enforcement, firefighting, medical, and search and rescue, for cross-training in other skills.

Proper training and adequate funding are a must and a wise fiscal investment. DeSantis asks for $3.5 million from the state legislature to re-establish the unit from a $100 million budget.

While this proposal will likely help Ron DeSantis against his Democrat gubernatorial challengers next year, it could also help DeSantis in a U.S. Presidential run, should he choose that path.

Regardless of whether we ever see a President DeSantis, reactivating the Florida State Guard is an appropriate action taken by the chief executive officer to serve and protect the people of the Sunshine State who selected Ron DeSantis to be their governor.

Michael A. Letts is the CEO and Founder of In-VestUSA, a national grassroots non-profit organization helping hundreds of communities provide thousands of bulletproof vests for their police forces through educational, public relations, sponsorship, and fundraising programs.

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In his December 21 article on these pages, Wolf Howling described the disordered thinking of three high-ranking retired U.S. military officers, who openly sought to justify a military coup to prevent Trump's (second) re-election. That risk has been much on my mind.

The most dangerous ongoing political phenomenon is the purge of the U.S. military and badge-wearing, weapon-carrying federal agencies. This is nothing less than preparation for a leftist putsch, in the event the unruly and untrainable American populace should again make the "wrong" choice  as it did in 2016 and 2020.

The scope of electoral corruption required in '22 and '24 to preserve the left's grip on power may well have to be ratcheted up from that employed in '20. And it may become correspondingly more obvious to a larger percentage of the public. This time, perhaps, the lie might not be accepted. For this contingency, the left is no doubt now preparing.

How? In addition to honing and perfecting its already proven effective election-corrupting techniques, it is openly and furiously trying to convert a newly purged and politicized military, along with key federal agencies, into a brownshirt thug force whose function will be to back up an in-your-face declaration of victory, a declaration possibly more obviously false than the one we heard a year ago. America's newly South Americanized political police will be tasked with the simple job of standing there, with the implied barroom threat: "What are you going to do about it?"

We are at a dangerous historical point: the left's ideological and policy agenda is so transparently destructive, causing so much suffering and harm, so obviously at war with fact and truth that reliable surveys show Trump currently leading Biden in the popular vote by as much as 8%. That would translate into an electoral vote landslide. Were anything like that to occur, credible persons now openly advocate that such a result not be permitted to stand.

The Western globalist/leftist alliance, especially its American iteration, has now fully embraced the conclusion that all revolutionaries inevitably reach: its goals  the abolition of the Western nation-states and the ancestral populations that created them; radically lowered standards of living for the masses; and rule by an interlocking, international, unelected Communist China-like elite  are so indisputably good that any methods utilized to achieve them are justified. Absolutely gone are any concerns for democratic rule. The globalist/leftist alliance has locked arms intellectually with Robespierre, Marx, Lenin, and Stalin. These people have the truth. Dissent is to be demonized and ultimately effectively banned. And the possibility of any future democratic mishaps, such as those of the recent past  Brexit, Trump, the AfD in the German Bundestag  are to be cauterized with whatever it takes.

The left has ever projected its own evil habits and plans onto the polite, timid, and well behaved American center-right. January 6, an unarmed, unplanned walk-through of the Capitol where a few windows were broken (very probably by agents provocateurs), is the best example. This silly nothing has been risibly turned by the Democrat party and its media parrots into a dangerous insurrection. What a joke! From somewhere in hell, Stalin, Goebbels, and Hitler are chuckling, cheering on their Democrat party emulators  no matter how puny, feeble, and unthreatening the event, if it can be cited as proof of your opponents' danger to the state, the Democrats' newly adopted role models urge them to use it.

So never forget: electoral victory may not be enough. The left in '22 and '24 will be poised for a reprise of 2020, this time with techniques perfected and licensed force more completely at its disposal.

And also never forget: in confronting revolutionary utopian tyranny, force and violence are never the way. Never. The guiding example should be the peaceful millions of Eastern Europeans whose bravery in 1989 brought down an entire edifice of anti-democratic repression and evil without firing a shot.

Between now and the upcoming two elections, the continuous focus, for all conservatives, patriots, and real Republicans, must be on preparing to produce an enormous electoral rejection of the Democrats' efforts to demonize and destroy America and on being ready to defend any great electoral victory in the institutions charged with ensuring electoral integrity and the rule of law.

There is no other way.

Despite the great disappointment, so widely felt, at how those institutions reacted to the events of November 2020, there is in fact a widely and deeply shared American belief in the rule of law, the U.S. Constitution, electoral integrity, and procedural legitimacy. That belief permeates the legal profession and the Judiciary. The arrogant revolutionaries whose claimed possession of absolute truth trumps democracy are a tiny minority.

It is our job to so conduct ourselves, to argue and to prepare, so that those institutions in '22 and '24, overcoming both threats and promises, rise to the defense of any electoral outcome threatened either by fraud or force.

There is no other way.

To comment, you can find the MeWe post for this article here.
One of the longstanding problems with Democrat governance is that Democrat politicians enact policies that affect people other than themselves. Thus, affluent professional Dems living in chi-chi gentrified enclaves aren't the ones who lose their jobs due to unconstrained illegal immigration. Likewise, those same neighborhoods insulate them from the havoc their "defund the police" policies wreak. However, on Wednesday, two Democrat politicians, one in Philadelphia and one in Chicago, were mugged by reality when both were carjacked. Fortunately, neither was hurt, but I hope it was a learning experience for both of them.

Kimberly Lightford is the Democrat majority leader in the Illinois Senate and a member of her state's Legislative Black Caucus. To her credit, she was never an ardent proponent of property destruction, nor was she calling to defund the police. However, she was at the forefront of the movement to reform policing in her state, which included eliminating cash bail (effective January 2023), giving a pass for people who vanish for 48 hours or less while on electric monitoring, and increasing liability for individual police officers. By October 2021, with crime in Chicago soaring, Lightford had become strident in her defense of policing.

Lightford's disenchantment with attacks on the police may have grown because, on Wednesday, she and her husband were carjacked at gunpoint:

Illinois Senate Majority Leader Kimberly Lightford, who championed the state's criminal justice reform omnibus legislation in January, was carjacked at gunpoint in suburban Broadview on Tuesday evening, authorities said. One of the hijackers fired multiple gunshots at Lightford's husband, but he was not injured. Three masked men exited a Dodge Durango and hijacked Lightford's Mercedes Benz SUV at gunpoint on the 2000 block of South 20th Avenue around 9:45 p.m., according to a statement from the village's chief of police. Lightford confirmed the incident in a short statement, saying she was "thankful that my husband and I are alive and physically unharmed. I am trying to process the trauma of what happened." She thanked the Broadview Police Department for their "quick and thorough response."

In other words, a Democrat just got mugged by reality.

Police eventually arrested one of the men involved, who had been charged with unlawful use of a weapon and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon  but was out on bail.



Image: A carjacking in Texas. YouTube screen grab.

Ironically, Lightford was not the only Democrat lawmaker who got mugged (or rather, carjacked) by reality on Wednesday. In Philadelphia, Mary Gay Scanlon, a House member from Pennsylvania, was also carjacked in broad daylight:

The incident occurred Wednesday afternoon at FDR Park in South Philadelphia, where the lawmaker had been attending a meeting. Ms. Scanlon was walking to her parked car when she was approached by two men driving a dark-colored SUV. Police said both men, who were armed, demanded the keys to her car. They got away with her 2017 Acura MDX, her personal cell phone, her government cell phone, her purse and her identification. There was no immediate report on suspects.

As was the case with Lightford, Scanlon also joined the police reform movement after George Floyd's death.

We have seen too many lives taken and communities devastated by police brutality and racial profiling. Action is long overdue. @HouseDemocrats are fighting for REAL reform in our countrys police departments. #JusticeInPolicing pic.twitter.com/IS9n6LZXCg  Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon (@RepMGS) June 8, 2020

There is nothing wrong with making policing in America better. There is nothing wrong with expecting the men and women in blue, who have a great deal of power because they have guns and the criminal justice system at their back, to behave with honor and decency (as almost all already do). However, the criminal justice reform that Democrats have been pushing over the last year has had less to do with helping police be the best they can be and a whole heck of a lot to do with making life easier for criminals.

It turns out that, when you do away with bail, shrink police departments, make police officers feel unsafe, have prosecutors who refuse to prosecute, and have both prosecutors and judges who are loath to place even hardened or extremely violent criminals in prison, you end up with an extraordinary escalation in violent crime in all of America's Democrat cities. Although all these changes have mostly made life worse for poor and working-class people, the odds were that the problem would eventually hit one or two of the politicians who created this pro-crime environment.

However, I have a hard time calculating the odds of the same crime happening on the same day in two different cities to two Democrat politicians. Honestly, when something happens in this way, you might think the universe is trying to send a message. I only hope Democrats start listening.

To comment, you can find the MeWe post for this article here.
Although Californians are living under Gov. Gavin Newsom's COVID totalitarian rule, each county has some decision-making latitude. Even before Newsom's renewed mask mandate, which many Californians are ignoring, Orange County residents had more freedom than compatriots in Los Angeles County. That's why many Angelenos come to The OC to shop and dine. In some ways, the situation is like East and West Germany before the wall went up.

A few days before Newsom's latest, tyrannical, one-month mask mandate went into effect on December 15, I attended a Republican club holiday breakfast in a Los Angeles city not far from the Orange County border. Inside the Christmas-decorated banquet room, an announcement was made that everyone had to don a mask. Why? The Los Angeles County Board of Health...

Sorry, but at that point I stopped listening. Los Angeles authorities expend their time and energy going after maskless law-abiding Angelenos, but not maskless murderers and smash-and-dash burglars. There's a reason why Detective Jamie McBride, head of the Los Angeles Police Department's union, recently said:

We're wondering how many times somebody has to be arrested here in L.A. before they stay in jail. It's sad to say, but it's almost safer to hang out with Alec Baldwin on a movie set than go shopping in Los Angeles right now. That's how crazy it is. It is so violent. We're telling people don't visit because we don't think we can keep you safe right now. And that's just sad to say.

Do COVID droplets know the difference between chatting and eating?

Droplet #1: Let's get those people talking by the window.

Droplet #2: Sounds great. Oh, wait! They just sat down to eat.

Droplet #1: Okay, we will get them when they've finished eating.

If Californians want to ridiculously cover half their face with a useless thin cloth, they can go right ahead. But please, do not insist that I follow the same stupidity. After explaining to the club president and vice president, two women I highly respect, that I couldn't stay under those circumstances, I left just as breakfast started. I was not trading my principles for scrambled eggs.



Image: Throwing away the mask by Marco Verch. CC BY 2.0.

What is the purpose of having convictions if they can be easily abandoned? I might as well change my name to Lindsey Graham.

A few minutes later, my car phone rang. It was the club president. "Robin, please come back and join us. We talked to the restaurant manager, and he said masks are optional."

It turned out that, when some members wanted to know why I had walked out, the club's leadership approached the manager, who said he didn't care if patrons wore masks. Nearly everyone happily removed his face diaper. Wow! Isn't freedom wonderful?

My refusal to wear a mask set the ball in motion. Instead of passive acceptance, people asked questions and learned that masks were optional. If not for me, all the attendees would have sat there for two hours (minus eating) wearing silly masks and breathing in their own germs.

Breakfast was still being served when I returned. To my surprise, it was a buffet, and there was no Plexiglas in sight. How would masks have made a difference?

Droplet #1: Let's get them at the buffet line because they are all touching the same serving utensils!

Droplet #2: No, we can't because everyone is wearing a mask.

The good news is that not all Californians are sheep! From business-owners to law enforcement to city mayors, many people are ignoring Newsom's latest mask mandate. Coronado mayor Richard Bailey summed it up best when he told a local news station that if California can host the Super Bowl and Oscars in the next few weeks, "the emergency is already over."

The power of one person repeated by millions of patriots throughout this country is how we save the United States of America. You can be that one person!

Robin Itzler can be reached at PatriotNeighbors@yahoo.com.

To comment, you can find the MeWe post for this article here.
There are some vital implications of the UFO/UAP incidents, and also of the ongoing scientific Search for Extra-Terrestrial Intelligence (SETI), that already affect our lives. Many consider these to be frivolous matters, of no importance to our everyday existence, but there is an understated possibility. The outcome of researching these matters can lead to a radical reordering of our social, economic, and even religious lives.

Sudden advances in technology have usually caused economic dislocations. For example, livery stables gave way to automobile repair shops, to the chagrin of many a blacksmith. Abrupt changes in economic conditions often have dramatic political consequences and may even lead to war. Darwin's book on evolution led to a rift between science and religion.

Imagine, then, an unprecedented leap forward in technology that leaves most of our present-day gadgetry in the dust. Imagine that, overnight, our computers have become as primitive as the abacus, our telephones as smoke signals, and our medical science comparable to bloodletting. Could this happen?

It could. It need not require that creatures arrive from an advanced civilization, bringing the products of their own industry: computers, communication devices, and biomedical knowledge. Less dramatically than that, artifacts discovered on Mars, the moon, or even here on Earth could yield knowledge of materials that we have never known how to produce.

Not knowing how to produce them would not be a dead end. Simply knowing that they exist would give scientists and technologists an increased incentive to try, with confidence in the prospect of success. As we all know, even when a scientific project is deemed a failure, there are ancillary benefits that might never have been made available without that failed project. Penicillin was an accidental discovery.

Society is now sufficiently complex that it is all but impossible to isolate one part of it from the others. Everything has a ripple effect. An induced genetic mutation in agriculture can multiply the world's food output by many times, but also, induced mutations in a virus can kill millions.

Even without hard evidence, the probabilities alone make life on other planets a reasonable assumption, even by hard-faced scientists who scoff at speculation. Now there is a growing body of evidence that there may be alien spacecraft in our skies. So far as we know, the evidence is not conclusive, at least not yet  but the need to gather more data has finally affected our national budget. We actually have at least one government agency officially looking into it, spending tax money. There are calls for expanding it and making it transparent to the public  no more hiding behind excuses masquerading as national security concerns.

While there is no public proof of alien artifacts, the mere observation of UAPs is strong evidence that unknown means of controlled flight and propulsion do in fact exist. Whereas in times past, the inquiry into possible anti-gravity devices, for example, was summarily dismissed, there is now at least an open-door attitude for such things. Theoretical physicists who suggest such possibilities must now at least be given a fair chance to make their case. Obstructionist gatekeepers must, however grudgingly, give way to them.

Also, there is now a conscious awareness that imminently, a breakthrough discovery could be made  one that would radically alter our perceptions of what is possible. We may begin to view ourselves as indigenous savages, looking out across the expanse of ocean and seeing, for the first time, the tips of distant sails.

Image via Pixabay.

To comment, you can find the MeWe post for this article here.
Intel has announced that it will put those employees who unjustifiably refuse to be vaccinated on the unpaid leave list. The decision follows a forced vaccination order by the Biden administration. According to the order, all companies with more than 100 employees must make vaccination mandatory.

Intel employees who have not yet been vaccinated have until January 4 to apply for vaccination, submit an exemption, or provide a weekly PCR test. PCR testing is mandatory even for employees who work from home.

According to the Intel announcement, employees who do not follow either of these three ways will be on the unpaid leave for at least three months. Of course, they will not be fired, and Intel guarantees that it will continue to provide healthcare benefits to unvaccinated employees. Moreover, Intel will review the exemptions by mid-March 2022.

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Biden vaccine mandate has become a controversial issue

Bidens mandate for compulsory vaccination of employees has sparked a wave of protests. Some federal courts believe the ruling may be unconstitutional. Of course, Intel did not wait for the court ruling and enforced the vaccination order.

We are closely monitoring the legal environment and expect it will take time for the case in Georgia, as well as other similar cases, to be fully resolved, the Oregonian cited an Intel statement.

Of course, there does not seem to be much opposition to this Biden order among technology companies. Most big companies have stated that they follow this order. Google puts its unvaccinated employees on 30-day administrative leave and may even decide to fire them.

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Facebook and Microsoft have made similar decisions against unvaccinated employees. Of course, many believe that forcing vaccination and intimidating unvaccinated employees violate human rights.

Apple, meanwhile, is the only company that has not made vaccination mandatory. But unvaccinated Apple employees must provide regular tests. In the coming months, more employees will join the fight against forced vaccination, which could be a challenge for big companies.
TEL AVIV - The music of Richard Wagner remains a taboo in today's Israel, 140 years after the German composer's death.



According to economic newspaper Globes, two days ago Israeli Discount Bank was forced by protests to immediately cancel a television commercial that used a short passage from the famous Ride of the Valkyries in the background.



For many Israelis, especially those who survived the Holocaust, Wagner's music is associated with the Nazi period, even though the composer was already deceased by then.



Intolerance towards the composer is fueled by his strong anti-Semitism and the systematic use of his music by the Nazis.



In response to the protests, Discount Bank immediately replaced the disputed piece of music, said Globes.
ATHENS - Young migrants in Greece are to benefit from a new educational program for teachers which aims to support all educators who work with asylum seekers in the country.



The new training program, entitled "All children in education", is a joint initiative involving the Ministry of Education and Religion, under the supervision of the Institute of Educational Policy (IEP), and in collaboration with the Universities of EKPA, AUTh, Thessaly, Ioannina, Patras and Crete, and with the UNICEF Office in Greece.



The program was publicly launched by Education Minister Niki Kerameus on Tuesday. It is part of the effort to meet the growing needs of more than 14,000 migrant and refugee children attending Greek schools. The aim is to train 1,600 people, through 400 hours of teacher training courses over nine months.



The broader goal is to benefit refugee and migrant students, both in terms of enhancing school attendance and improving education.



"We are investing in strengthening the skills of our teachers and providing them with essential tools to help co-shape the intercultural and inclusive schools of the 21st century," said Kerameus about the program.



So far, a total of 1,540 teachers have been recruited to deliver classes in primary and secondary education in the country.



Another 87 teachers have been appointed as refugee education coordinators. Additionally, interpreting services have also been activated at school units.



Kerameus added: "All children have the right to a quality education. The aim is that all students, without discrimination, can have access to a quality school that functions as an effective lever of social mobility for every child, and that provides equal opportunities for advancement in the age of the global knowledge society." ANOTHER DEATH IN GREEK WATERS, MORE MISSING Meanwhile, in related developments, there was a tragic accident on Wednesday as 1 person was reported dead after a vessel carrying migrants capsized in the Aegean Sea near the island of Folegandros.



The Hellenic Coast Guard confirmed that one man had drowned while dozens were feared missing after a boat sank in the early hours of Wednesday morning. Rescuers reportedly found 12 asylum-seekers, most of whom were Iraqis and Syrians.



The rescued were taken to the nearby island of Santorini.



The search and rescue operation involved four coast guard boats, five ships sailing in the area, two helicopters and a C-130 airplane. The coast guard, citing testimonies from survivors, said the boat was carrying between 32 to 50 people and started taking in water after suffering engine failure.



Greece continues to be one of the main routes into the European Union for asylum-seekers trying to get into the bloc from neighboring Turkey. However, most crossings are done on small and often not seaworthy rubber boats to the Greek islands which lie close to the Turkish coast. Folegandros, part of the Cyclades cluster of islands in the middle of the Aegean, is not along the typical route.
TEL AVIV - Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, in a Christmas message reported by WAFA news agency said that the historic status quo of all holy sites and the historical reality in Jerusalem are "being threatened by a belligerent occupation and Israeli extremists".



Abbas appealed to "all countries and churches not only to oppose and condemn such Israeli policies and practices", but also to "take concrete steps" to "protect the Palestinian people" and "fulfill our long overdue inalienable rights, including preserving the entrenched Christian presence in Palestine, the Holy Land".



Abbas recalled that this was "explicitly stated in the statement of the Heads and Patriarchs of Jerusalem Churches in Jerusalem" on December 15, 2021.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have sent their best wishes to supporters in a message featuring the first publicly-released photograph of their baby daughter Lilibet.

The card shows Harry and Meghan smiling at Lilibet as the duchess holds her aloft, while their son Archie sits on his fathers knee.

The couple wishes supporters happy holidays in the card, which was sent through the Archewell charity they co-founded in 2020.

A message alongside the photo reads: This year, 2021, we welcomed our daughter, Lilibet, to the world.

Archie made us a Mama and a Papa, and Lili made us a family.

Harry and Meghan said they had made donations on your behalf to several organisations that honour and protect families  from those being relocated from Afghanistan, to American families in need of paid parental leave.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex pay tribute to their children in their message for the festive season (Alexi Lubomirski/Archewell/PA)

The organisations include Team Rubicon, Welcome.US, Human First Coalition, Humanity Crew, Paid Leave For All, PL+US and Marshall Plan for Moms.

The couple wish supporters a happy holiday season and a prosperous new year, from our family to yours, though they do not reference Christmas in the card.

Harry and Meghan met with Team Rubicon, a disaster relief charity staffed by veteran volunteers, earlier in the year during a visit to Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst.

They visited Task Force Liberty, home to 10,000 Afghan refugees being housed at the US military base.

As part of their visit, the couple led a class of children learning English in singing Head, Shoulders, Knees And Toes, which they described as a favourite of two-year-old Archie.

A spokesperson for Archewell said the couples donation will support resettlement sites like Task Force Liberty across the country.

Welcome.US chief executive Nazanin Ash said: Welcome.US is mobilising an all-country response to support our new Afghan neighbours, and we are honoured to receive support from Archewell Foundation and Prince Harry and Meghan, The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, in this effort.

With this generous gift, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex will not only help thousands of Afghan families as they rebuild their lives, but will also create opportunities for all of us to unite through compassionate service and common purpose.
The jury deliberating the fate of British socialite Ghislaine Maxwell has been sent home for the Christmas holidays.

Jurors ended their second full day of deliberations into the sex trafficking trial on Wednesday by requesting more transcripts of testimonies from the trial.

The PA news agency understands that rather than continuing its deliberations on Thursday, the jury will return after the Christmas holiday on December 27.

Ghislaine Maxwell with Jeffrey Epstein (US Dept of Justice)

It means Maxwell, who was born on December 25, will spend her 60th birthday in prison.

US District Judge Alison J Nathan told jurors to keep themselves safe and healthy over the Christmas break as New York is facing a rise in coronavirus infections.

She added that strict coronavirus protocols will be in place, such as wearing hospital-grade masks, for when they reconvene on Monday.

Maxwell, who was labelled dangerous and a predator by the prosecution, is accused of luring vulnerable young girls to massage rooms to be molested by Jeffrey Epstein between 1994 and 2004.

Jeffrey Epstein was found dead in his cell in 2019 (US Department of Justice/PA)

The defence told the Southern District of New York court that she is being prosecuted as a scapegoat as a result of the sex trafficking charges against Epstein being dissolved following his death.

The 66-year-old was found dead in his cell at a federal jail in Manhattan in August 2019 while he awaited trial on sex-trafficking charges.

His death was ruled a suicide.

Maxwell, who has been held in a US jail since her arrest in July last year, denies all charges.
DUP MP Sammy Wilson. (PA)

A senior DUP MP has been branded a moronic fool after adapting a Christmas carol to criticise Northern Irelands Health Minister.

Sammy Wilson, a vocal lockdown critic, tweeted his version of Hark The Herald Angels Sing after fresh Covid-19 restrictions were announced by the Stormont Executive.

The measures were backed by Mr Wilsons own party, with DUP First Minister Paul Givan joining deputy First Minister Michelle ONeill and Health Minister Robin Swann to announce steps that included the closure of nightclubs and bolstered restrictions on hospitality and workplaces.

Juvenile, pathetic, moronic, self indulgent, narcissistic fool who jokes as people get sick, as people die, as families grieve. Northern Ireland Deserves Better https://t.co/3Um4c018MI  Doug Beattie (@BeattieDoug) December 22, 2021

Hark the herald angels ping, the East Antrim MP tweeted.

Robin Swann wont let us do a thing. No more parties, work at home. In the streets you cannot roam

Omni is far worse than the delta curse. Stay at home. Or theyll be far worse to come.

Mr Swanns Ulster Unionist party leader Doug Beattie condemned Mr Wilson.

He said: Juvenile, pathetic, moronic, self indulgent, narcissistic fool who jokes as people get sick, as people die, as families grieve.

Northern Ireland Deserves Better.

It is the latest in a line of controversies involving Mr Wilson during the pandemic.

The veteran MP has been accused on several occasions of undermining his own partys position on public health measures to combat Covid-19.

Northern Ireland Health Minister Robin Swann announcing the new Covid-19 measures at Stormont (Liam McBurney/PA)

Last month, as he announced his intent to vote against new coronavirus restrictions in England, he adapted another Christmas carol as he described the Omicron variant as mild.

Ding dong merrily on high will be replaced this Christmas by ping-dong miserably we sigh, he tweeted.

I will vote against new restrictions in Parliament today. They are not proportionate to deal with the spread of the mild omicron variant.

Challenged about the tweet, DUP party leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson insisted that Covid-19 was no joking matter.

Dr Alan Stout, the chair of the British Medical Associations GP committee in Northern Ireland, also condemned Mr Wilsons latest tweet.

Thoroughly disrespectful to so many and nothing short of pathetic. Sadly not unexpected, he said.
Knowledge of Omicron first emerged in late November 2021, and the World Health Organization (WHO) quickly classified the strain of coronavirus as a "Variant of Concern."

Omicron quickly spread across the world and is now the most dominant strain of COVID in the U.S.

Heres everything we know and do not know about Omicron so far.

Omicron seems milder than Delta but could still overwhelm hospitals

Omicron is a heavily mutated version of coronavirus that appears to be significantly more transmissible than the Delta variant  driven by being somewhat able to evade both vaccination and natural immunity  while seemingly leading to less severe outcomes on average.

"I dont believe we can contain the spread of Omicron; its just too good at [spreading]," Dr. David Katz, a preventative medicine specialist and president of Public Health and True Health Initiative, told Yahoo Finance. "Only extreme isolation from one another would succeed. I believe, however, that owing both to the variant itself  less virulent  and to our now quite prevalent immunity, most infections will be relatively mild."

And while it's unclear how much milder symptoms are due to immunity (from vaccination or natural immunity) compared to the relative severity of the variant itself, a new study out of South Africa found that those infected with the Omicron variant are 80% less likely to need hospitalization than with other strains, and a study in the United Kingdom reported similar findings.

But "you don't need to be quite as deadly if you're infecting as many more people as Omicron is," Dr. Lakshman Swamy, an ICU physician at Cambridge Health Alliance and Boston Medical Center, told Yahoo Finance. "Even if you're less likely, if you're rolling the dice a lot more frequently. I'm still concerned at a population level  but far less so for individual healthy vaccinated and boosted people without risk factors."

People wearing festive hats wear masks as they walk through Times Square during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic in the Manhattan borough of New York City, New York, U.S., December 15, 2021. REUTERS/Carlo Allegri

Furthermore, despite the encouraging early data, Omicron driving more hospitalizations on top of the expected rise during winter months is still a concern  especially in the U.S.

Dr. Amesh Adalja, a senior scholar at Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security, noted that for high-risk individuals who are not vaccinated, its still going to infect them and be severe enough that hospitalizations are going to increase. And in many parts of the country, pressure is going to be felt on hospitals already reeling with Delta.

Adalja reiterated that Omicron could still lead to enough hospitalizations to overwhelm already-overworked hospital systems given the variant's higher contagiousness.

Whether or not it is a degree of magnitude lower than Delta may end up not mattering much because it ends up being more transmissible than Delta, he told Yahoo Finance.

Swamy stressed that Omicron is occurring at a time when hospitals are already being pushed to the brink by patients of all kinds and a worsening nurse shortage.

"We're already struggling with a worse scenario than we've been in for many previous surges because we've got a lot of sick COVID patients coming into hospitals with ICUs already full of very sick non-COVID patients, and worst of all, many hospitals are facing severe nursing shortages  especially in the ICU," Swamy said. "That is a recipe for the worst crisis in the pandemic yet. We just cannot stretch to replace missing staff, especially ICU nurses. So my concern is that with Omicron spreading so rapidly the proportion of hospitalized and critically ill patients might be low but the absolute number doesn't need to add much to a situation that is already terrible for many of us."

What this means for vaccines and therapeutics

One of the key questions is whether or not current COVID vaccines and existing medicines will be effective against the Omicron variant.

All indications have pointed to yes for vaccines  at least against severe disease and death, which health experts have noted is the main goal of vaccination.

Dr. Adalja of Johns Hopkins noted that breakthrough infections are going to be very common even among those who have received their booster shots, especially since "our current vaccines do not produce high levels of antibodies in the nasal passages where the virus infects. The goal of vaccines is not to prevent all infections but to make sure they are mild when they do occur.

The two strongest vaccines available in the U.S.  from Pfizer (PFE) and Moderna (MRNA)  have been shown to be effective at protecting against serious outcomes when combined with a booster shot. And according to Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, boosters should be sufficient at this time.

Vaccination clearly doesnt prevent infection, although fully vaccination plus booster reduces infection risk by half or more, said Dr. Katz, the preventative medicine specialist. What is clear is that prior immunity, and apparently prior immunity by either infection or vaccine, reduces the risk of severe infection tremendously. Accordingly, we should expect a lot of infections, but only a small fraction of them to be severe.

Dr. Swamy, an ICU physician in Boston, also noted that the emergence of new variants will keep happening until vaccines are distributed around the world more equitably.

Omicron does have serious implications for the future of the pandemic, he told Yahoo Finance. For me, this wipes away any hope of just slowly getting through it. Until we have robust immune protection  with vaccination, boosters, or novel vaccines  at home and across the globe, well keep seeing these variants emerge that always have the potential to be worse than what weve dealt with so far.

In terms of therapeutics, there is more cause for cautious concern: Laboratory testing of Regeneron and an antibody drug from Eli Lilly  two go-to treatments for COVID-19 since they seem to help pre-empt severe disease  suggests that the drugs are not nearly as effective against Omicron.

Omicron-specific drugs can be created, but that will take months.

Were certainly going to see hospitalizations rise, Dr. James Cutrell of the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center told PBS NewsHour. If we have a lack of antibodies, thats certainly going to contribute to that many more patients needing to be in the hospital.

Should we change our behavior?

Many health experts agree that if youre fully vaccinated and boosted, you dont need to change your behavior much.

Some peoples risk tolerance may prompt them to change their behavior, but I think they can be assured they are protected against what matters: serious disease, Adalja said. For the unvaccinated, they should get vaccinated. COVID-19 is never going away, and people have to learn how to risk calculating the world in which this virus is present.

Katz suggested focusing more extreme protections on the highly vulnerable parts of the population.

This is still a very sizable population, but it is a whole lot less than everyone, he said. Among the many more for whom this is apt to be something much like a cold, my personal view is to treat it as we would any other virus causing colds. That does mean taking reasonable precautions to limit spread  distancing, hand washing, covering nose and mouth, staying home when acutely ill, but it does not involve heavy-handed public policies.

A man wears a double mask as he visits Times Square in New York on December 10, 2020. (Photo by Kena Betancur / AFP)

He also conceded that general spread of the virus cannot be curtailed at this point absent extreme containment measures by the government, though he acknowledged that such measures wouldnt be tolerated by the general public.

All we know reliably at this point is that it is spreading like proverbial wildfire, Katz said.

Dr. Howie Forman, a professor at the Yale School of Public Health, suggested that considerate members of society can somewhat moderate behavior to help reduce transmission.

This is all about decision-making under uncertainty and balancing personal interests against community interests, Forman told Yahoo Finance. I have stated publicly and will state again: Reduce your discretionary activities. That does not mean you cancel everything. But if there is a small dinner or party that you absolutely dont need to go to, then cancel it and spare the risk. Same for masking  wear masks and higher-quality masks more often now.

A testing site is opened as people wait in long lines in Manhattan to get tested for COVID-19 on December 22, 2021 in New York City. (Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images)

Additionally, increasing testing will help make individuals aware if they are carrying the virus and prevent them from spreading it to others. President Biden announced this week that his administration would be providing 500 million free at-home COVID tests to Americans across the country.

I think the Biden plan will have an impact, but its results will not be felt until the New Year, Adalja said. Having ubiquitous home tests that can be used to gauge peoples contagiousness would really allow people to go about their life in a way that minimizes interruptions from COVID. Testing is a way to reduce the harm the virus causes and allow us to navigate the world in which COVID-19 is an ever-present threat.

Adriana Belmonte is a reporter and editor covering politics and health care policy for Yahoo Finance. You can follow her on Twitter @adrianambells and reach her at adriana@yahoofinance.com.

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The Omicron variant of COVID-19 is rapidly spreading across the U.S. ahead of the holidays, but experts still expect big crowds hitting airports to visit loved ones despite new fears of contagion.

AAA estimated last week that 6.4 million Americans would hit the skies between Dec. 23 and Jan 2., nearly three times the number who traveled during those dates last year, before vaccines were widely available.

Hopper economist Adit Damodaran told Yahoo Finance Live on Tuesday that airport crowds for the holidays will be roughly 85% to 90% the size of those back in 2019. AAA similarly projected that more than 87% of 2019's level of air travel will return for the Christmas holidays.

"I actually do think that it's going to be interesting for travelers because we haven't seen these crowds since 2019," said Damodaran, whose company predicts how prices for flights and hotels will change. And that is a mix of both domestic and international traffic. So for everyone going through airports this holiday season, it's going to feel a lot more like 2019 crowds.

U.S. air travel fell rather predictably in 2020 after pandemic-induced fear wreaked havoc on travel demand and national restrictions during the ensuing shutdowns increased costs for airlines. U.S. airlines carried 62% fewer passengers in December 2020 than they did the same month in 2019, according to data filed with the Bureau of Transportation Statistics.

Travelers push their luggage past baggage claim inside the United Airlines terminal at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) during the holiday season as the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) Omicron variant threatens to increase case numbers in Los Angeles, California, U.S. December 22, 2021. REUTERS/Bing Guan

However, much has changed in the past year: Notably, over 65% of the eligible population has been fully vaccinated. Even with the Omicron variant, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says vaccines protect against severe illness, hospitalization, and death.

Still, the Omicron variant may be making travelers wary of venturing overseas. Since late November, when the World Health Organization classified the Omicron strain as a variant of concern, the share of travel searches on Hopper for domestic travel rose from about 57% to 64% now, Damodaran said. This suggests that international travel demand has fallen more precipitously than domestic travel during the period.

Indeed, trade association Airlines for America said this week that international air travel for the week ending Dec. 19 was down 28% from 2019 levels compared to just 15% for domestic air travel. This may be in part to new CDC regulations requiring unvaccinated people to submit proof of a negative COVID test 24 hours before an international flight, as opposed to three days for unvaccinated people.

That lower demand could mean international fliers could get a good deal this holiday season.

"If you're going internationally, those prices are still down from pre-pandemic levels. So for the international airfare market for outbound international flights from the U.S., those are down about 9% from 2019 prices. That amounts to about $800 round trip," Damodaran said. "So it's still pretty pricey for an international trip, but not as pricey as it used to be in 2019."

Ihsaan Fanusie is a writer at Yahoo Finance. Follow him on Twitter @IFanusie.

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Dubai Post Covid Boom FILE - Tourists enjoy on a yacht as they pass a traditional dhow serving a dinner cruise, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Tuesday, Jan. 12, 2021. The globalized city-state of Dubai appears to be in the midst of a boom season. It's a surge in growth spurred on by one of the worlds highest vaccination rates and government moves to de-escalate tensions with regional rivals and lure foreign businesses. (AP Photo/Kamran Jebreili, File)

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP)  Nations around the world are lurching into lockdown, steeling themselves for a brutal surge as the omicron variant spreads like wildfire.

But in Dubai, Donna Sese is bracing for a very different surge: countless restaurant bookings and meter-long drink bills.

Were back and busy like the way things used to be, said Sese, manager of the Yalumba restaurant at the five-star Le Meridien hotel, where devotees of Dubais Friday brunch pay $250 for lavish spreads with free-flowing Clicquot Champagne.

The globalized city-state appears to be in the midst of a boom season, spurred on by one of the worlds highest vaccination rates and government steps to lure businesses and de-escalate tensions with regional rivals.

Maskless debauchery has returned to dance floors. Brunch-goers are drinking with abandon. Home-buyers are flooding the market. Tourists are snapping up hotel suites. Expat millionaires are moving to the emirate. Coronavirus infections, although now making a comeback, remain below past peaks.

The Dubai government did not respond to request for comment.

It's deja vu for those recalling the rush of December last year in Dubai, when the city courted tourists and influencers fleeing coronavirus lockdowns and wintry weather elsewhere. The open-door policy let revelers sate their pent-up desire to go out on New Year's Eve but infections soon rocketed to unseen heights, and hospitals filled up with COVID-19 patients.

A year later, mass vaccination has left Dubai feeling like its off the hook. There have been vanishingly few virus hospitalizations and deaths  even as the global spread of omicron threatens a new surge. Daily infections surpassed 1,000 on Thursday after lows of under 100 for weeks.

While many Western countries have seen inoculation rates plateau, the UAE reports 99% of all of those eligible for vaccines  anyone over 12  has received at least one dose.

Some have received five.

In the global vaccine scramble, the UAE relied initially on a shot made by Sinopharm, a state-backed Chinese company. Even as the nation's vaccination rate soared, infections rose  as did concerns over Sinopharm's insufficient antibody response.

Now, Sinopharm is no longer an option in Dubai. Those who received both doses, including the emirate's legions of low-paid foreign laborers, also have opted for double vaccination with Pfizer-BioNTech. The government offers Pfizer boosters to all adults.

Months of trepidation have given way to unburdened excitement. Encouraged by widespread inoculation and record-low mortgage rates, more properties were sold in Dubai in November than in any other month in the last eight years, according to website Property Finder.

Sales prices have surged past pre-pandemic levels. Until June, prices were climbing 2.5% month on month, with wild appreciations in the luxury segment.

Market analysts have attributed the hot streak to a pause in villa construction and influx of Western European, Chinese and Indian financiers drawn to glittery Dubais open offices, high vaccination and low tax rates.

A giant cryptocurrency conference in October drew dozens of young millionaires who paid cash upfront for beach villas, real estate agents said.

You can go to restaurants. Theres no debate about remote working. This is not the case in Europe where it's still locking down, said Christophe De Rassenfosse, the chief product officer of Property Finder, about why he moved his family from Brussels to Dubai in October. You dont necessarily have a huge percentage of elderly people which occupies the hospitals.

The government has promoted plans to make the sheikhdom more attractive to foreign investors and visitors, with new 10-year visas, retirement and freelance options and reforms to the country's Islamic legal code.

In its latest move as competition heats up with neighboring Saudi Arabia, the UAE will change its work week from Sunday-Thursday to Monday-Friday in January to align with the West.

The rebound is apparent in the city's full hotels, clogged roads and raucous nightclubs.

Hotel occupancy in Dubai exceeded 90% in mid-November, according to data firm STR. Long-haul carrier Emirates estimated over 1.1 million passengers would squeeze through its Dubai terminal ahead of the holidays.

Traffic during the first week of December surpassed 2019 levels, according to navigation company TomTom. Taxis have been missing from many street corners, with fleet owners that downsized operations during the pandemic citing shortages amid unprecedented demand.

Overall sales of alcohol by volume in the UAE rose to 117.5 million liters (31 million gallons) this year, up some 7.8% sold the year before, according to market research firm Euromonitor.

The growth has even extended to business with the UAE's long-time rivals  Turkey and Iran.

Politics had poisoned trade between the powerhouses in past years. But in a recent flurry of diplomacy across the Middle East, UAEs de factor leader met Turkey's president in Ankara, and a top Emirati national security advisor visited Tehran.

From March to September 2021, Iran's imports from the UAE spiked 70% to $5.4 billion, according to Iranian government figures. Emirati imports will hit levels unseen since America imposed crushing sanctions on Iran in 2018 by the year's end.

Trade between the UAE and Turkey also jumped over 100% to $7.2 billion during the first half of this year, reported the official Emirati WAM news agency.

Iranian and Turkish business leaders in Dubai say the detente has eased restrictions on their licenses and visas.

Turkish business expert Fatma Nilgun Emrem of Tamimi Consulting has been inundated with requests from Turkish beauty salons, retailers and restaurants seeking to set up shop in Dubai.

The policies and perspectives of the UAE are changing, she said.

Hossein Asrar Haghighi, board member of the Iran-UAE Business Council, similarly described a relaxing" of trade regulations on Iranians and growing number of Iranian businessmen who secured the UAE's 10-year golden visas.

The combination of Dubai getting out of COVID, reduction of regional tensions and new moves to attract businesses, it's a pretty good environment, said Gregory Gause, a scholar of the region at Texas A&M University. But Dubai doesn't control what goes on around it.

A collapse of ongoing talks in Vienna to revive Tehran's nuclear deal may inflame Mideast tensions. When the world's fair packs up and leaves Dubai next year, industries may suffer from overcapacity, warned James Swanston, an economist at Capital Economics.

And the rapid spread of omicron may soon spoil Dubais party.

But for now, optimism reigns.

The money has returned, said Saeed Zakari, a captain at Dubai's creek who plies the Persian Gulf in a dhow packed with appliances bound for Iran.

___

Associated Press writer Amir Vahdat in Tehran, Iran contributed to this report.
FILE - New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo prepares to board a helicopter after announcing his resignation, on Aug. 10, 2021, in New York. Cuomo won't face criminal charges after a female state trooper said she felt completely violated by his unwanted touching at an event at Belmont Park in September 2019, a Long Island prosecutor said Thursday, Dec. 23, 2021. Acting Nassau County District Attorney Joyce Smith said in a statement that an investigation found the allegations against Cuomo credible, deeply troubling, but not criminal under New York law. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig, File)

NEW YORK (AP)  Former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo won't face criminal charges after a female state trooper said she felt completely violated by his unwanted touching at an event at Belmont Park in September 2019, a Long Island prosecutor said Thursday.

Acting Nassau County District Attorney Joyce Smith said in a statement that an investigation found the allegations against Cuomo credible, deeply troubling, but not criminal under New York law.

Smith opened the investigation after details of the encounter appeared in Attorney General Letitia James' August report on sexual harassment allegations against Cuomo. The report chronicled accusations from 11 women and led to Cuomo's resignation from office, though he has attacked the findings as biased and inaccurate.

A message seeking comment was left with Cuomo's spokesperson.

According to James' report, the trooper said Cuomo ran the palm of his left hand across her abdomen, to her belly button and then to her right hip, where she kept her gun, while she held a door open for him as he left an event at Belmont Park on Sept. 23, 2019.

Cuomo was at the state-owned racetrack, home to the last leg of horse racings Triple Crown, to break ground on a new arena for the NHL's New York Islanders. The arena, adjacent to the track's main grandstand and paddock, opened last month.

The trooper, a member of Cuomo's security detail, told James' investigators that Cuomo's conduct at the event made her feel completely violated because to me, like thats between my chest and my privates.

James' report said that although the trooper was upset by Cuomo's unwanted touching, she did not feel she could do anything about it.

Im a trooper, newly assigned to the travel team. Do I want to make waves? No, she said, according to the report. Ive heard horror stories about people getting kicked off the detail or transferred over like little things. ... I had no plans to report it.

The trooper told James investigators that what happened at Belmont Park was just one of many instances of Cuomos flirtatious and creepy behavior toward her.

One time, in an elevator, he traced his finger from her neck to her back, she said. Another time, he asked to kiss her in the driveway outside his Mount Kisco home, she said.

I remember just freezing, being  in the back of my head, Im like, oh, how do I say no politely? she told investigators.

The Nassau County investigation was limited to the encounter at Belmont Park, which is on the county's border with New York City. Authorities in other parts of the state have been looking into other allegations in James' report.

In October, the Albany County sheriff's office filed a misdemeanor groping complaint against Cuomo, but a week later the district attorney asked a judge for more time to evaluate the evidence.

The D.A. said that the sheriff's one-page criminal complaint, based on allegations from a woman who said Cuomo slid his hand up her blouse and grabbed her breast at the governor's mansion in late 2020, was potentially defective."

At the prosecutor's request, a court delayed Cuomo's scheduled arraignment until Jan. 7.

___

Associated Press writer Michael Balsamo contributed to this report. Follow Michael Sisak on Twitter at twitter.com/mikesisak
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YEREVAN, DECEMBER 23, ARMENPRESS. The opposition Hayastan and Pativ Unem factions of the Armenian parliament say they have rejected Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyans offer to hold a closed meeting with him.

In a statement, the two opposition blocs said that Speaker Alen Simonyan relayed PM Pashinyans offer.

[We] notified that [we] will participate in the meeting only in open, equal conditions accountable before the people  which was rejected  therefore, we reiterate our stance that closed meetings are inexpedient, the opposition factions said in a joint statement.
YEREVAN, DECEMBER 23, ARMENPRESS. Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan held a meeting with the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) Secretary General Stanislav Zas in Yerevan.

PM Pashinyan said that the CSTO Secretary Generals visit is a good chance to discuss the current situation in the CSTO region, and to recap the CSTOs 2021 activities, the Prime Minister's Office said in a readout.

We will also speak about the programs and challenges of 2022, we will address the mechanism for further developing the organization in terms of what dysregulations have appeared. Of course, we will address the current situation in the region and overall the CSTO area of responsibility. This is also very important and it would be interesting to listen to your assessments regarding this, PM Pashinyan said.

Zas thanked for the meeting and added that they have already developed the main plan document for the CSTO 2022 activities. This is the implementation of the decisions made during the meetings in September and the priorities brought forward by the Armenian side for the period of its presidency. We have already developed this document and agreed it with all [member] states. Id like to note that this document  by which our Secretariat, the General Staff and other bodies will work  reflects all the initiatives and recommendations expressed during the Dushanbe autumn session by the foreign ministers, defense ministers and leaders of member states. The priorities which you raised during the Dushanbe meeting are also reflected here, meaning all our [member] states have confirmed that they are ready to work next year with the priorities which have been recommended, including by the presiding country Armenia, Secretary General Zas said.
According to Indian media, the Indian Army is planning to buy 10 sets of Medium-Range Precision Kill System (MRPKS), comprising 120 loitering munitions to destroy enemy targets with precision and minimum collateral damage. The 120 loitering munitions will help artillery units to detect, engage, strike and destroy static and moving targets with precision.

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The Indian Air Force currently uses the Harop Loitering Munition System from Israel Aerospace Industries. (Picture source: IAI)

The Army said there is an urgent requirement to procure MRPKS capable of day and night acquisition and precision engagement of targets. Medium Range Precision Kill System (MRPKS) are unmanned combat aerial vehicles (UCAV) that can provide a breakthrough against dynamic and well-protected static targets by real-time acquisition and precision strike. The munitions can loiter in the sky close to the designated target and provide real-time imagery to the operator on the ground. When directed, these loitering munitions can attack the designated target by self-destructing into it, hence their nickname of "suicide drones".

The Armys Request for Information for 10 launchers and 30 advanced observation stations clearly stated that the weapon system should be indigenously designed and the Indian vendors will have to participate in the Make II Category for development and procurement of 10 sets of MRPKS under Buy Indian (IDDM) category of Defence Acquisition Procedure 2020 (DAP-2020).

Characteristics requested for the MRPKS:

Range: 40 Km

Accuracy: 5 meters CEP

Operational altitude: 4,000 meters or more

Warhead weight: 8 kg

Warhead types: High Explosive Pre-Fragmented (HEPF) and anti-armour

Endurance: minimum 2 hours

Loitering altitude: capability to loiter above ground level at a minimum altitude of 1,000 meters

In September 2021, the Indian Army inked a contract to acquire 120 payload-capable Israeli 'SkyStriker' drones which will be manufactured in Bengaluru by Adani's Alpha Design in collaboration with Elbit Systems. The Israeli company describes SkyStriker as a "silent, invisible and surprise attacker, that delivers the utmost in precision and reliability, providing a critical advantage in the modern battlefield". The SkyStriker can reach a distance of 20 km in less than 10 minutes. The total range for the system is around 100 km, sources said. According to Elbit, it can loiter and pursue a target for up to two hours with a 5 kg warhead or up to one hour with a 10 kg warhead. At maximum speed (100 knots), SkyStriker can reach a distance of 20 km within 6.5 minutes, reducing the loitering time by 15 minutes.

Launching of a Harop Loitering Munition System (Picture source: IAI)
According to information published by the Iranian press agency FARS on December 22, 2021, the Iranian army has officially used its new Karrar home-made Main Battle Tank during military exercises in the Southern parts of Iran.

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New Iranian-made Karrar Main Battle Tank during recent military exercises in Iran. (Picture source FARS)

The Karrar tank is an Iranian development of the new Main Battle Tank (MBT) based on the Soviet-made T-72M. According to the Iranian defense industry, the new Karrar has special coatings to withstand heatwaves and can hide from heat-seeking missiles.

In Early 2016, Iran has announced the production of a new indigenously designed Karrar MBT, which was very similar to Russian-made Russias T-90MS, but predominantly based on Irans T-72s.

According to the analysis of the Army Recognition editorial team, the Karrar is based on the chassis of the Soviet-made T-72 but fitted with a new turret. The design of the tank seems to be very similar to the Russian-made T-90MS main battle tank. According to retired Major General Vladimir Bogatyrev, the Karrar is a copy of the Russian-made T-90MS, the most advanced modification of the T-90 family but it uses some features of American M1 Abrams and British Challenger 2. Russian military experts suggested that in terms of certain military capabilities the Karrar is unlikely to match the Russian T-90.

In March 2017, the Iranian Defense Minister Brigadier General Hossein Dehghan has inaugurate the production line of the new home-made Karrar main battle tank at the Bani-Hashem Armor Industrial Complex in Dorud County, Lorestan.

In July 2018, The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) had announced a plan to procure almost 800 modern main Karrar battle tanks. In November 2020, the Iranian army has received the latest version of the local-made Karrar MBT (Main Battle Tank). The tank had completed all the final trial tests and is now ready to be delivered.

The main armament of the Karrar consists of one 125mm smoothbore gun fitted with a fume extractor and a thermal sleeve. A remotely operated weapon station armed with a 12.7mmm machine gun is mounted on the roof of the turret. the main gun is able to fire anti-tank laser-guided missiles

The Karrar is protected with a new ERA (Explosive Reactive Armor) mounted at the front of the hull and around the turret that could be a copy of the Russian Relikt ERA, 3rd generation Russian ERA. The roof of the turret is also equipped with ERA armor to provide protection from top-attack weapons. The explosive reactive armor is a type of vehicle armor that reacts in some way to the impact of a weapon to reduce the damage done to the vehicle being protected. It is most effective in protecting against shaped charges and specially hardened kinetic energy penetrators.

The side of the hull is also equipped with additional armor plates as well as slat armor mounted at the rear of the hull and at the rear of the turret. This type of armor is designed to protect against anti-tank rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) attacks.

The Iranian-made Karrar MBT is equipped with an electro-optical fire control system, laser rangefinder, ballistic computer, and able to destroy fixed and mobile targets in day and night conditions.
Henk Kamp, Dutch Minister of Defense, issued a document on December 14, 2021, announcing his project for the Mid-Life Updating (MLU) of the Thales Bushmaster armored vehicles currently operated by the army of The Netherlands.

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Thales Bushmaster of the Dutch army (Picture source: Army Recognition)

The Netherlands currently has got 102 Bushmaster armored vehicles in service at the Land Forces Command. These vehicles were purchased in 2006 with an expected life of approximately 30 years. To keep these Bushmaster's operationality in the complex security environment, a Midlife Update (MLU) is required. With this, the Defense will keep the Bushmasters operationally relevant, future-proof and technically deployable up to the middle of the thirties. This also contributes to the control of maintenance costs. The project is part of the investment program of the Defense Memorandum 2018 (Parliamentary Paper 34 919, no. 1 of 26 March 2018).

Background

In 2006, the Dutch Defense purchased Thales Bushmasters for the Task Force Uruzgan deployed in Afghanistan in the framework of ISAF (Parliamentary Paper 27 925, no. 221 of 21 July 2006). These Bushmasters have since been intensively used in Afghanistan and Mali. After the ISAF mission, the Bushmasters are assigned to the Army Command, including support units within the 13th Brigade (Kamerstuk 27830 No. 162 of October 26, 2015).

The Bushmaster wheeled armored vehicle is assigned to units in a (combat) supporting role and has a versatile usage profile: it is used in various variants for, among other things, command and control, logistics, and explosive ordnance disposal (EOD). In addition, 15 Bushmasters are stored in a central pool, making them quickly available for deployment in missions.

Midlife update

The Defense has a package of measures drawn up for the necessary technical and operational improvements. The work covers a wide spectrum of measures to improve protection, firepower, mobility, perception, command, maintenance and the workout. The project includes modifications that will apply to virtually the entire Bushmaster fleet as well as specific modifications to some variants.

For the fleet-wide adjustments, the midlife update means that the onboard weapon stations will be brought up to modern standards, so increasing the self-protection capability. The upgrading of the armoring will also improve the personnels protection. To increase situational awareness, the Bushmasters are being prepared for better communication systems, and command and control systems. In addition, the payload will be increased and road safety will be improved by installing a new rear camera.

The explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) variant will be provided with adjustments that will allow them to perform their work more efficiently and safely.

Finally, variants of the Bushmaster will be equipped with a secondary energy source. This will reduce the use of the vehicle engine for static tasks, and also lower the heat and noise emission. In addition, this will limit fuel consumption and reduce CO2 emissions.

Acquisition

The modifications mainly concern the integration of existing components. Modifications to this MLU can only be implemented by the original manufacturer because it alone has the intellectual property to do it.

The shortcomings of the current Bushmasters and the solutions for them are well known to the manufacturer and available off the shelf. The project risks are therefore limited. The intention is therefore to tender the MLU single source at the original manufacturer of the Bushmaster: Thales.

Implementing the MLU on the vehicles will imply the participation of the Dutch industry. It is expected that part of the built-in and integration activities can be taken in charge by the Dutch defense industry. Hence, parallel to the procurement process, the Ministry of Economic Affairs is examining the possibilities of industrial participation, as The Netherlands is part of the Bushmaster user group. Within this user group, the countries exchange information about modifications as well as experience data about maintenance and use.

In the implementation of this project, there is a relationship with a number of ongoing equipment projects:

* Project Improved Operational Soldier System (VOSS)

* Program FOXTROT

* Project Replacement ESM Capacities KL EOV System

* Project C-RAM and Class 1 UAV Detection Capability

* Project Counter Improvised Explosive Devices (C-IED)

Financial aspects

The project budget ranges between 25 million and 100 million (price level 2021). This investment is charged to the investment budget of the Defense ministry. The operating costs will increase to a limited extent; these costs will be part of the projects budget.

Looking ahead

The project will be carried out in the period 2021 to 2027. The first modified Bushmasters are expected to be operational in early 2024 taken. Given the financial size of this project of less than EUR 100 million, the Dutch Minister of Defense intends to mandate the Defense Materiel Organization to complete the project feed. The Parliament will be informed about the progress of this project through the Defense Project Overview (DPO).
A 45-year-old resident, Rouf Ahmed Khan, was fatally shot by gunmen in Srinagars Mirjanpora, Idgah area

Paramedics and policemen stand next to the body of a Kashmiri man at a hospital in Srinagar, in Kashmir on Wednesday, Dec 22, 2021. Suspected rebels shot and killed a civilian on Wednesday evening officials said. (AP /Mukhtar Khan)

Srinagar: The ghost of targeted killings has returned to the Kashmir Valley. On Wednesday evening, suspected militants shot and critically wounded a civilian in the capital Srinagar and a policeman in Bijbehara town of southern Anantnag district. Both succumbed in hospital soon after being targeted in cold blood, officials said.

A 45-year-old resident, Rouf Ahmed Khan, was fatally shot by gunmen in Srinagars Mirjanpora, Idgah area. He was rushed to the nearby Sri Maharaja Hari Singh Hospital where he died minutes after arrival, the police and hospital sources said. The Kashmir zone police tweeted: #Terrorists fired upon a #civilian namely Rouf Ahmad at Mirjanpora, Idgah, Police Station Safakadal #Srinagar. The injured was shifted to SMHS hospital where he was declared dead. #Case registered, investigation going on (sic.).

Half an hour later, a J&K police assistant sub-inspector was targeted by suspected militants in a similar fashion in the highway town of Bijbehara. The policeman, identified as Muhammad Ashraf, received bullet wounds in the neck and chest. He was initially taken to Bijbeharas sub-district hospital but on seeing his condition the doctors asked for him to be shifted to a Srinagar hospital for advanced treatment, but he died on the way.

Earlier this month, two policemen were shot dead by militants in the northern town of Bandipore. This was the seventh such attack on the uniformed forces in the past few weeks. On December 13, an assistant sub-inspector and two other policemen were killed, and eleven others wounded in a sneak attack on a police bus in Zewan area on Srinagars periphery. The authorities, following these attacks and other stepped-up activities of militants, issued an updated security alert across J&K.

In October and November, the Valley had seen a series of target killings, the gory acts in which several members of minority Kashmiri Pandit and Sikh communities and workforce from Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal -- both Hindus and Muslims -- fell to the bullets of the assassins. The authorities had blamed these killings on The Resistance Front and a couple of other obscure outfits which they insist were actually offshoots of the banned Lashkar-e-Tayyaba. They had also claimed later that most of those involved in these targeted killings were neutralised in swift operations of the J&K police and other security forces.
Modi directed the officials to work with the state authorities on a regular basis

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday directed all agencies of the Central government to work closely with the states and support their efforts at public health measures towards containment under the Whole of Government approach to prevent Omicrons spread in the country.

At a high-level meeting with experts and senior officials to review the Covid-19 situation, he stressed how important it was for states to ensure that hospitals have their oxygen supply equipment installed and fully functional. He also called for effective use of IT tools for telemedicine and teleconsultation.

The PM said that the strategy of the Centre was for a proactive, focused, collaborative and cooperative fight against the pandemic that must guide all our future actions. In view of the new variant, we should be satark (alert) and saavdhan (take precautions), he added.

Mr Modi emphasised that the fight against the pandemic was not over and there was a need for continued adherence to Covid-appropriate behaviour. He directed the officials to ensure that health systems in the states, beginning from the district level, were strengthened to meet any challenge posed by the Omicron variant.

Mr Modi directed the officials to work with the state authorities on a regular basis and review the preparedness of various components of the health infrastructure, including training and capacity building of human resources, timely availability of ambulances, the readiness of states to operationalise Covid-19 facilities for institutional quarantining and effective and supervised monitoring of those in home isolation.

Hours before the PMs meeting, the health ministry directed all states going in for elections in the near future to exponentially ramp up vaccinations -- especially in low coverage districts to protect the vulnerable population.

At another review meeting with the states/UTs, Union health secretary Rajesh Bhushan raised a red flag that pockets with low vaccination coverage may be more vulnerable to the Omicron variant -- and district administrations must pay special attention to ramp up vaccinations in these pockets.

Mr Bhushan advised states/UTs to ensure 100 per cent Covid-19 vaccine coverage of the left-out first and second dose eligible beneficiaries in an accelerated manner, with special focus on districts where the coverage is less than the national average.

The latest health ministry figures suggest that over 140 crore Covid-19 vaccine doses have been administered to the countrys adult population. While over 60 per cent of the adult population has got both doses, about 90 per cent has been administered only one shot.

On the spread of Omicron, the health ministry figures in the morning showed a total of 236 people have been infected with the new variant across 16 states and UTs. Some TV news channels, however, claimed that over 300 Omicron cases have been detected across the country.

The health ministry data updated at 8 am also showed India had 7,495 new Covid-19 infections, taking the total tally of cases to 3,47,65,976, while active cases increased to 78,291. The data showed that the death toll due to the virus has risen to 4,78,759, with 434 fresh fatalities.

With 65 Omicron cases, Maharashtra has so far reported the highest cases of the new strain, followed by Delhi with 64 cases, Telangana with 24, Rajasthan (21), Karnataka (19), Kerala (15) and Gujarat (14).

Mumbai also reported 602 fresh Covid-19 cases and one death over the last 24 hours -- showing an upward trajectory that has concerned many. The figure in Mumbai is the highest single-day spike in 77 days -- on October 6, the city reported 629 cases.

In Delhi, a day after banning gatherings for Christmas and New Year celebrations, chief minister Arvind Kejriwal said Thursday that the citys preparations for the highly infectious variant will have keen focus on the home isolation of patients. He said arrangements were made to support and counsel one lakh patients a day in home isolation.

Several other states announced strict measures to prevent the spread of Omicron. In Madhya Pradesh, chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has announced a night curfew from 11 pm to 5 am as a precautionary step to stop the spread of Omicron and a Covid-19 third wave.

Haryanas health minister said that from January 1, 2022, people who had not got the second dose of the vaccine will not be permitted to enter congested areas like restaurants, malls, banks and offices. The Punjab government said its employees wont get their salary if they dont submit their vaccination certificates.

The Central government also reiterated that districts should impose local containment measures where the test positivity increases beyond 10 per cent or occupancy of oxygenated beds increases beyond 40 per cent.

At the health ministry meeting, attended among others by Dr Randeep Guleria, director of New Delhis AIIMS, experts highlighted to the states that the Omicron variant closely mimics the common cold with a higher rate of transmissibility and doubling time, and directed them to enforce a minimum 14 days of restrictions in clusters with higher case positivity rates.

The health secretary asked the states to keep a close watch on Omicron cases in new emerging clusters and initiate containment in these areas, including imposition of night curfews and ensuring strict regulation of large gatherings, especially ahead of the forthcoming festivities.

Mr Bhushan also said that many have decommissioned Covid facilities set up in the Delta surge -- and these states have to keep an action plan ready for making these operational along with adequate availability of doctors and ambulances on call in case there is a rise in Covid cases.
CBCP president Bishop David urges the faithful to give up lavish Christmas parties and help instead the communities Visayas and northern Mindanao affected by Typhoon Rai. The death toll has reached 375, including a priest. In Cebu, Verbite missionaries opened their doors to 44 poor families. Rescue teams reached the city of Malabuyoc after only a week.

Manila (AsiaNews)  Bishop Pablo Virgilio David of Kalookan, president of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), issued an appeal just before Christmas calling on the faithful not to spend on lavish Christmas parties and exchange gifts but rather do whatever we can to help relief operations in communities hit by super typhoon Rai (known as Odette in the Philippines).

The official death toll currently stands at 375, but thousands of families have lost everything. To help the affected communities, the CBCP is organising moments of prayer and solidarity on 25 and 26 December.

Proceeds raised will go to Caritas, which is involved in relief operations in the 10 dioceses most affected, in the Visayas and northern Mindanao Island.

In Cebu, Verbite missionaries opened their doors to 44 poor families left without water or electricity by the typhoon.

The Archdiocese of Cebu reported that a priest was among the dead  Fr Elisha "Leo" Fernandez served as parish priest at the Santo Tomas de Villanueva church in Badian.

Meanwhile, rescue teams finally managed to reach Malabuyoc today, a week after the typhoon. The collapse of two bridges had cut off the city from the rest of Cebu province.

A convoy of vehicles brought supplies, including rice, water and other essential goods. About 90 per cent of the towns 4,000 houses suffered damages with 20 per cent a total loss.

On Bohol Island, a well-known tourist destination, the situation is also desperate. Some 98 people have died with 16 still missing. The lack of drinking water remains the main challenge.
by Emanuele Scimia

Canada and New Zealand have no intention of joining AUKUS, the military pact between the United States, Britain and Australia. However Ottawa says the arrangement is complementary to its interests in the Indo-Pacific. Wellington is ready to cooperate on cyber. The two countries do not want to formally take part in a military combination with a strong anti-China character.

Rome (AsiaNews)  CAUKUS and NAUKUS are not in sight. Canada and New Zealand have no intention of joining AUKUS, the military pact signed in mid-September by the United States, Britain and Australia, which many consider a new tool to contain the geopolitical rise of China. Ottawa and Wellington actually appear interested in cherry picking cooperation on areas other than nuclear submarines covered by the arrangement.

In October General Nick Carter, then British chief of the defense staff, said the trilateral deal could be expanded. Given their participation in the Five Eyes network (the intelligence alliance formed by the AUKUS nations plus Canada and New Zealand) and traditional links within the Anglosphere, Ottawa and Wellington seems natural candidates.

Canadas position on AUKUS remains ambiguous. When asked by AsiaNews if the Canadian government was considering joining the trilateral entente, at least as far as artificial intelligence, quantum computing and missile technology are concerned, Global Affairs Canada spokesperson John Babcock said his country has not sought to be directly involved in this arrangement.

However, he added that Ottawa viewed AUKUS as complementary to its interests in the Indo-Pacific. Security in the [region] is a priority that requires close collaboration with a wide range of partners. Canada remains committed to working with our partners and allies on regional security and stability, he said. As a Pacific nation, Canada continues to expand its defense and security engagement in the Indo-Pacific, including through an enhanced naval presence in the region.

According to Robert Huebert, a senior fellow at the University of Calgarys Center for Military and Strategic Studies, it is not inconceivable for Canada to join the AUKUS pact, which also would be to the advantage of all member countries. He said the problem is that the current Canadian government has shown little willingness to engage seriously in any form of defensive posture against China.

On whether Canada is contemplating the acquisition of US and UK nuclear submarine technology, the cornerstone of the AUKUS accord, Babcock replied that its country currently has no plans to acquire nuclear submarines. Yet the Canadian Defense Ministry explained to AsiaNews that the Royal Canadian Navy was establishing a patrol submarine project about a potential replacement class of subs that will investigate all available options.

Huebert believes a sound strategic argument can be made for Canada to once again consider buying nuclear powered submarines for its security requirements in the Asia-Pacific region and within its Arctic waters. However he noted that politically it seems impossible to think that the Canadian government would now pursue such a project a third time.

Differently from Canada, New Zealands distancing from AUKUS is more clear. Wellington's Ministry of Foreign Affairs underscored that the centerpiece of the arrangement was nuclear powered submarines, which are prohibited from the countrys internal waters under the New Zealand Nuclear Free Zone, Disarmament and Arms Control Act.

But even so, New Zealand leaves a door open. AUKUS includes cooperation on other emerging security capability areas, including ones on which we work closely with these countries, such as cyber. We will continue to engage closely with the US, the UK and Australia on how we can cooperate to mutual benefit in such sectors, a New Zealand government spokesperson pointed out.

In its recently published 2021 Defense Assessment, the New Zealand cabinet says it has deep concerns about the Chinese military presence in the South Pacific. Wellington is worried by the possibility of the People's Liberation Army Navy establishing an outpost in Pacific island territories.

Robert Ayson, a strategic studies professor at Wellingtons Victoria University, does not think New Zealand seeks to join AUKUS as a member. He is also skeptical that the three signatories would offer actual membership to Wellington (or others). However he does believe there is the potential for some AUKUS Plus discussions with selected security partners: If AUKUS does move significantly into some of the areas that are of interest to New Zealand, including cyber defense and artificial intelligence, for example, then I think Wellington would be keen to be in those discussions. And for it to work for New Zealand's foreign policy, Ayson observed, Wellington should not join this collaboration as an AUKUS member per se.

The bottom line is that Canada and New Zealand might try to reap some benefits offered by AUKUS, but without the uncomfortable burden of formally taking part in a military combination with a heavy anti-China character.
by Sumon Corraya

The Society of St. Vincent de Paul of Tejgaon, a district of the capital, held a fundraising campaign to be ale to gift small sums of money to needy families. For some it's an opportunity to buy meat and sweets. Others use it to buy a dress for their daughter. One parishioner: the festive season is an opportunity to "show compassion to others".

Dhaka (AsiaNews) - "Today I received a sum of money as a gift. I will use it to buy meat and a cake. So my Christmas will be better. And for this I want to thank those who have joined the fundraiser for us," says Manju Palma, a Catholic who lives in a slum in Dhaka. She works as a cleaner in an office, and is a widow and mother of three children, this small amount of help received for the holidays is precious: "I am the only one who earns money in the family. This money will help me with teh cost of living in this expensive city," she tells AsiaNews .

The woman is one of 80 needy people who on December 20 received this "Christmas gift" from the volunteers of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul in Tejgaon, a district of Dhaka. A total of 10 euros each, a small sum apparently, but a precious good for those in need. Like her, Nipu Gomes, disabled and in financial difficulty, received the sum that will allow him to cover his expenses: "I can't work like everyone else. But today I was able to buy - she says with a smile - a new dress for my beloved daughter".

Bruno Dias, president of the local section of the Catholic association, explains that he collected the sum from some families of faithful who wanted to share part of their savings. "We collected the money during Sunday masses," Dias explains.

As well as "knocking door to door" and "collecting funds" with various initiatives, and then distributing according to a predetermined list. He points out that due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the number of families in need has grown, as has the list of beneficiaries. "Sometimes we encounter obstacles" and people "do not allow us to enter their homes," Dias says, but in general "we are welcomed with warmth and cooperation."

In the past, for Christmas, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul of Tejgaon promoted the distribution of festive sweets, rice, oil, soap and cloth; since the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic, the preference has been to collect and distribute money to better meet needs. At the same time Catholic volunteers try to contribute to human development by taking care of the spiritual element, witnessing Christ, trying to remove obstacles to development and the roots of poverty. In many cases, this service is offered without distinction of faith, caste, skin color or social background.

Fr. Kollol L Rozario, deputy parish priest in Tejgaon, speaks with admiration of the members of the society who do "exceptional work, helping the needy in my parish." A parishioner, who asks for anonymity, confirms his joy in bringing help to people in difficulty: "I think that Jesus - he says - came to earth for needy and sad people. Christmas is the right time to show compassion to our neighbors in need of our support."
Today's headlines: China has been blocking visits to Tibetan political prisoners for a year under the pretext of the pandemic; A Yangon court has sentenced more than 90 people to death since the military coup in February; Colombo wants to trade tea for its oil debts with Iran; radical Indian leaders close to Modi are calling for ethnic cleansing of minorities, especially Muslims.

HONG KONG

The Pillar of Shame, a famous Hong Kong University statue, commemorating the 1989 Chinese massacre in Tiananmen Square, was removed overnight. It depicted the bloodied bodies and faces of pro-democracy protesters killed by Chinese authorities. University officials ordered its removal in October. Aruthor of the work, Jens Galschiot decried it as a "brutal" gesture.

MYANMAR

Military courts in the Yangon region have sentenced more than 90 people to death since the junta seized power and overthrew the civilian government of Aung San Suu Kyi in early February. According to estimates by the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners, the military has killed 1348 civilians and arrested 8131, most of whom were detained during non-violent street protests.

CHINA

Chinese authorities in Sichuan and Qinghai have prevented family members from visiting imprisoned Tibetan political prisoners under the pretext of Covid-19. Restrictions remain in place even though there has been no infection in Mianyang and Minyak Yak-nga prisons for over a year. Meetings are forbidden, even if spaced and separated by glass, and the delivery of food, clothes or medicine is prohibited.

SRI LANKA - IRAN

Sri Lanka wants to settle its debt with Iran on oil imports by bartering it with tea. The proposal is from Minister Ramesh Pathirana, who intends to send goods for 5 million dollars every month, up to the sum of 251 million. Colombo is experiencing a severe economic crisis, exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic that has crippled tourism. The modality would not violate US sanctions.

TURKEY

Turkey has approved for "emergency" use the first domestically produced Covid-19 vaccine. The Health Ministry says large-scale use of Turkovac, based on an inactivated virus, is expected to begin by the end of the year. The manufacturing process began in April 2020, but positive results from pre-clinical animal studies only arrived last October.

INDIA

Leaders of some far-right groups linked to the government of Prime Minister Narendra Modi have called for "ethnic cleansing" of minorities in India, particularly the 200 million Muslims. The attack came during a three-day summit sponsored by Hindutva leader Yati Narsinghanand. They cited the 2017 mass atrocities in Myanmar against the Rohingya as an example.

RUSSIA - UNITED STATES

The first round of negotiations between Russia and the United States on security guarantees will be held in early 2022. This is what Moscow's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov assured in an interview with the TV channel RT. For the head of Russian diplomacy, "the modalities of the work to be carried out together have already been approved, and the Americans have already appointed those responsible for the meetings."

GEORGIA

A new demonstration of the "National Movement" in support of former president Mikhail Saakashvili took place in Tbilisi, demanding his release. Thousands of people marched in the rain and frost on Rustaveli prospekt in the center of the capital. A column of cars paraded in front of the Gori military hospital to greet the detained leader on his birthday.
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported a steady decline in recent years. This year, 1,505 civilians were killed, including 360 children. Some 297 people were killed by anti-personnel mines and explosive devices. Human rights groups say that the situation remains critical, unsuited for the return of refugees.

Damascus (AsiaNews)  The latest death count in Syrias ongoing civil war reports 3,746 people killed in 2021, the lowest number since the start of the conflict in March 2011.

According to the UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR), which relies on an extensive network of correspondents in the country, at least 1,505 of the dead are civilians, including 360 children. The others are Syrian soldiers, jihadis, and rebel fighters.

Some 297 people were killed by anti-personnel mines and explosive devices, a problem still topical in both Syria and Iraq after years of war and Islamic State insurgencies.

This years body count is down from 6,800 in 2020 and more than 10,000 in 2019. The drop, experts say, is due to a series of factors, including the end of fighting in much of the country after Syrias regular army retook rebel-held territories with the help of Iran and Russia.

In the north-western province of Idlib, which is still under rebel control, a fragile ceasefire was brokered by Russia and Turkey in March 2020 and extended this year. Despite persistent tensions, the tenuous truce has held, cutting the number of battle-related casualties.

For some powers, the steadily decreasing numbers of dead is a positive development, a sign that Syria is a more peaceful and safer country, with the conditions for the return of the millions of refugees who fled at the height of the conflict.

In reality, several NGOs and human rights groups have challenged that view, stressing how much the situation on the ground is still dangerous, unsuited for the return of people already living in conditions of extreme difficulty.

In fact, people returning face arbitrary detentions, forced disappearances, violence against former rebels and regime opponents persuaded to go home as part of a policy of reconciliation".

Moreover, international sanctions and the Caesar Act imposed by the United States have affected the civilian population even more than the fighting, making them the victims of unfair collective punishment and a source of endless suffering.

Many feel like exiles in a land that has not yet left behind the violence of past struggles in order to look to the future, although there is no shortage of reconstruction projects, some linked to international tourism after a long period of isolation and marginalisation.
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This is the case with a recent report that signals a new problem on Android Auto , as some users discovered the app is becoming extremely laggy even on high-end phones that should offer top-notch performance from one end to another.Posts on Googles Android Auto support forums reveal that the glitch is occurring even on new-generation cars with new Android smartphones like the Samsung Galaxy S21.At this point, Samsung Galaxy S21 is one of the best Android phones on the market, as its considered the South Korean companys flagship model and a rival to the iPhone.And as it turns out, Android Auto suddenly becomes painfully slow in some cars, even when its powered by this Samsung Galaxy S21, with videos published online confirming this makes the application overall impossible to use.Whats worse is that users have already tried pretty much all the common workarounds out there, including several cables, factory resets, and various phone settings. Furthermore, these users claim that switching phones, sometimes to much more affordable models, does the trick and allows Android Auto to run properly on their head units.At first glance, this seems to suggest theres a compatibility problem between Android Auto and the head unit itself, as the glitch only occurs on the Galaxy S21.Unfortunately, nobody knows for sure what exactly happens and how they could resolve it, and given neither Google nor Samsung commented on the whole thing, the only option is to just try as many unofficial workarounds as possible.In some cases, changing the phone is the only way to restore Android Auto, so if you also have another Android phone laying around, you should just use it until a full fix is finally released.
EV

Xiaomi has already confirmed its plans for an electric vehicle , and 2024 has been chosen as the year to witness the debut of the companys first car.Now another Chinese tech behemoth looks ready to step into the car market, once again in 2024.This time, its OPPO, the Apple phone rival whos reportedly interesting in developing an electric vehicle that could make its debut in India in 2024. The vehicle is still in its early days right now, so nobody knows for sure what approach OPPO wants to use.In theory, OPPO can join forces with a traditional carmaker for the project, but given such collaborations havent necessarily been received very well by the automotive industry, theres a chance it could go the Apple route and take care of everything on its own.One thing is for sure, though: BBK Electronics, the parent company owning not only OPPO but also Realme and OnePlus, doesnt want to be late to the party, so it wants itsto see the daylight even before the Apple Car.According to people familiar with the matter, Apple wants to launch the Apple Car in 2025 at the earliest, but given the project is still in the works, the dates could easily change. The Cupertino-based iPhone maker has tried various approaches, including a collaboration with a traditional carmaker, but the discussions failed to come to a conclusion.Right now, its believed that a joint venture between LG and Magna is in pole-position to manufacture the Apple Car, especially as the South Korean tech firm is already working with Apple for the production of the iPhone.Analysts expect Apple to at least spill the beans on the Apple Car project in 2022 or 2023, but this is rather unlikely given the FBI-inspired secrecy the company has always used for its top priority products.
But theres another thing to brag about  an annual support survey conducted by Aviation International News showed that Dassault is the winner when it comes to original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). And it has gained this title for three years in a row.Its not surprising, considering that the aircraft manufacturer operates 20 authorized service facilities and 40 factory service centers, around the world. Recently, one of the main centers celebrated its fifth anniversary. Located next to the Dassault Aviations final assembly facility close to Bordeaux, Dassault Falcon Service Merignac was inaugurated in 2016.Unfolding over 7,500 square meters (80,729 square feet), with a staff of 62, the Merignac center has been as busy as it gets over the last five years, having completed 35 of the total 53 Falcon 7X C-checks carried out during that period. A C-check is a complex set of operations performed as a full inspection. It takes at least six weeks to complete such a check for a single Falcon 7X.These aircraft are required to undergo a C-check every eight years, or once they reach 4,000 flight hours. The process can also include various upgrades, such as avionics retrofits or a complete paint job.DFS Merignac was specifically designed to provide heavy maintenance for the Falcon 7X and 8X trijets, both of which are large-cabin, long-range aircraft. But the center also handles different types of upgrades, from paintwork and carpentry to cabin modifications and flight system optimization.In addition to celebrating the centers fifth anniversary, Dassault announced that DFS Merignac will get to include other models in its area of service, namely the Falcon 900EX EASy and 2000EX EASy. Plus, this is where the future extra-widebody Falcon 6X, coming in 2022, will undergo regular maintenance.
Formerly known as Key Safety Systems prior to the acquisition of the Takata Corporation, the supplier informed the Ford Motor Company that incorrectly manufactured airbags were used in certain Mustang vehicles manufactured for the 2021 model year. The Blue Oval reviewed its data to determine which VINs were fitted with the suspect inflators, and hey presto, the Dearborn-based automaker has identified a grand total of 93 vehicles.Produced in Flat Rock, Michigan from February 9th to November 12th, the recalled population needs replacement inflators that are within specification for gas mass. Owners will be informed of the callback between February 1st and February 4th according to documents filed with the federal watchdog.As for Joyson Safety Systems, which is owned by Chinese and Hong Kong-based firms, the supplier has reportedly changed the programmable controllers logic to correct the condition that led to incorrectly manufactured inflators in the first place. A validation was reportedly performed as well, ensuring the rejection of inadequately filled inflators. FoMoCo highlights that its not aware of any injury or accident reports.As for the Mustang, 2022 will mark the final year for the sixth generation. Dubbed S550, the pony car was introduced for the 2015 model year on December 3rd, 2013 with same-day media events all over the world because the sixth gen was developed from the very beginning as a global product.2022 will also see the Coyote V8 in the GT and Mach 1 lose 10 horsepower and 10 pound-feet of torque to comply with tighter emissions regulations. Alas, the GT will crank out 450 horsepower and 410 pound-feet (556 Nm) of torque while the Mach 1 will make do with 460 and 420 (569 Nm).
On Wednesday, Indian revealed what it is planning for the first months of the year - a build-off competition meant for European garages and with the Chief as the canvas for the projects. Now, its time for Yamaha to show us a glimpse of what it has planned on the custom scene for 2022.The Japanese just kicked off something called the Free Spirits concept, a competition likewise meant for European shops, but with the twist that in this case all sorts of ambassadors (musicians, wakeboarders, surfers and artists) will be involved.The motorcycle chosen as the base for the projects that will be assembled in Italy, France, Germany, Greece, Spain, and Portugal, is the XSR125. And to give us a taste of whats to come, enter the first of many, a bike that for people living in places where winter is king right now might seem a bit off.This XSR125 was made in Greece with help from top 5 water-ski world games competitor Nikolas Plytas and using mostly Yamaha accessories.Being meant for a surfer, the bike had to be of course modified to be able to carry both a surfboard and a wakeboard. That was achieved by fitting it with unique fixings. Then, a detachable winch can be anchored on a beach to allow the man to be pulled on the wakeboard across the water.To be able to travel over the sand on the beaches, the XSR125 was gifted with off-road tires. Then, LED flash indicators made their way on the build, and a sticker meant to be reminiscent of the Dakar XT500 was slapped onto the fuel tank.As said, this is a unique project, the first in several to be unveiled over the coming month. That means its not for sale, and were not told how much it cost to put together.
Tom Felton is known to be very close to his fans, posting often on social media and giving glimpses of a life that seems to be normal. But the British actor, who grew up filming for the Harry Potter franchise where he played Draco Malfoy, is far from your average Joe. He has an estimated net worth of $20 million, and he has a particular liking for supercars.Just recently, Felton shared a photo of his black Lamborghini Urus parked at Warner Bros Studio outside London, UK, where he attended the filming for the upcoming Harry Potter reunion special on HBO Max.Now, hes flexing another model from the Italian brand on the streets of the UK, but this time, it's an Aventador which seems to be sporting the Grigio Estoque color paint, despite the obvious filters the image has.Lighter and faster than the Urus, the Aventador S was introduced in 2017, and its a force to be reckoned with. With a 6.5-liter V12 engine placed in front of the rear axle, the Aventador S features a standard seven-speed ISR transmission, sending power to all four wheels. The V12 delivers 730 horsepower (740 ps) at 8,400 rpm and a maxim torque of 509 lb-ft (690 Nm) at 5,000 rpm. Taking into account all these figures, the supercar is very fast, sprinting from zero to 62 mph (0-100 kph) in 2.9 seconds, all the way to a top speed of 217 mph (349 kph).The British actor seems to have a particular liking for the Raging Bull, because his social media displays more models from the Italian brand. He shared a video of himself playing the ukulele in a white Huracan Evo Spyder, as you can see attached below.
As an American, the notion of anything elegant for sale by the English is an invitation for ridicule. But I can empathize with owners of Rolls-Royce, Bentley, and Jaguar who have worked hard to achieve the finer things in life. After a decade as the editor of the duPont Registry, I have learned to appreciate the history and amenity of Old-World luxury.From the end of WWII, a strong Labour Party attempted to nationalize everything they could get their hands on. Forcing longtime rivals to cooperate was seen as a temporary setback by politicians in the mid 70s, but they laid the groundwork for the unraveling of British manufacturing. It took the will of the Iron Lady to free these companies from indentured servitude, so lets raise a glass for Margaret Thatcher The process was welcomed by the people a year prior, when Jaguar, Rover, Land Rover, Austin-Healy, MG, and Triumph were rolled into British Leyland to create an English General Motors. Like all great socialist schemes, this was only to help them become profitable and get back to public ownership. Smelling blood in the water, sharks from around the automotive world eyed British brands that could be had at bargain prices.Ford was quick to bag Aston Martin in 1987, then moved on to purchase Jaguar two years later. This was the foundation of their Premier Automotive Group, which held control over Lincoln, Volvo, and eventually Land Rover. This brain trust gave us such winners as the S-Type, a rebadged Lincoln LS, while Aston Martins grill was remanded to be the face of the Ford Fusion. Perhaps the biggest blow to enthusiasts was realizing the steering wheel of the V8 Vantage was borrowed from the Ford Taurus.Meanwile, the other legacy marques of British Leyland were packaged together to form the Rover Group in 1986. Put under the control of British Aerospace, as quality control problems were faced across the lineup. With their backs to the wall, a savior appeared in the form of BMW . On the last day of January 1994, Bavaria purchased 80% of the group for 800 million GBP. It turns out that German precision and efficiency werent enough, as reports estimate this venture cost them 15 billion deutschmarks in less than a decade.Saving the best for last, their German competitors also wanted in on the action. That prompted VW Chairman Ferdinand Piech to become interested in Rolls-Royce. In 1998, it was still owned by the United Kingdom along with Bentley. BMW had been their engine supplier, but they were outbid by a long shot. Therefore, VW assumed they had control over all the assets.In perhaps the biggest business blunder of the 20th century, Volkswagen had purchased the shape of the radiator grille, the factory in Crewe, and the rights to use their famous Spirit of Ecstasy mascot. The name and logo remained under the control of Rolls-Royce plc (the jet engine company). BMW moved in quickly when they realized the blunder, snapping up the logo and the name for only 40 million pounds.This led to a strange cooperation between German rivals who were deadlocked in England. When the dust settled in 2002, BMW walked away with a new generation of Rolls-Royce cars while VW remained happy with Bentley.Finally, Tata Motors of India purchased Land Rover and Jaguar using badge engineering to cut costs and make their lineup more reliable. Globalization has forever changed how the automotive world operates, so stay with us for all your automotive insights.
Just in time for Christmas, someone (with a lot of cash to space) treated themselves to a new, semi-custom Heesen yacht. The company announced the successful sale of its latest boat, which is due to be delivered to its owner in 2023. It might seem like a long time to wait, but its actually a short delivery schedule  in the yachting world, this would normally take much longer.Heesen is one of the top names when it comes to luxury yacht building , and the Dutch shipyards latest project confirms that once again. Earlier this year, the builder completed the 180-foot (55 meters) vessel with what it claims to be an innovative design. Part of one of Heesens most successful lines (that also gave birth to the famous Moskito), Project Apollo keeps that DNA but brings unique features that make it stand out.Frank Laupman of Omega Architects replaced the classic vertical windows in this line with floor-to-ceiling glass, without mullions, both in the main saloon and sky lounge, to let even more light in. The horizontal lines of the design make Project Apollo appear sleeker and longer, while sheets of tinted glass give it a more masculine, aggressive look.The superyachts hull was designed for increased fuel efficiency and ocean-crossing range , with very generous interior volumes. Other innovations include an extra-large owners suite with a French balcony (a smaller, mostly decorative kind of balcony), an extended sundeck, boasting a geometrical jacuzzi with a wrap-around bar, and additional stairways for better access and fluid circulation.With enough room for up to 12 guests, Project Apollo displays a beautiful interior created by Luca Dini Design and Architecture. Warm tones and exquisite materials, such as Zebrano hardwood and bronze, give this yacht a truly premium look. The cost of this stunning gift hasnt been revealed, but Heesen is known for developing some of the most expensive models on the market. A gift that wont be ready for Christmas, but thats well worth the wait.
Meet the venerable CF-104 Starfighter. As you might have guessed, it's a licensed-built copy of the Lockheed F-104 Starfighter. The type was the pride and joy of the Royal Canadian Air Force from the early 1960s until the late 1980s. The Mach Two capable interceptor carried an engine also licensed from the U.S., the Orenda J79, carried-over from General Electric.This particular example was manufactured in 1962 by the Canadair Corporation. This two-seater variant was flown with the Royal Canadian Air Force for over a decade. It served with a squadron at the Cold Lake testing facility until it was sold to the Norwegian Air Force, where it served until 1982.The airframe then spent time at a number of museums across the United States. By 1995, it found its way to Fuel Fresh Inc out of Phoenix, Arizona, today's airframe. Only 2100 flight hours have come and gone in this warbird in the last 60 years.It's a venerable spring chicken compared to how worn out and disheveled some of its contemporaries were. Not just any wealthy pilot with moolah to blow will be able to fly this fighter. Please make no mistake about it. People can and have been killed in Starfighters.It doesn't have the unofficial nickname "Widowmaker" for no reason. But if you think you're up to it, a check for $850,000 will see this bird shipped off the nearest hangar to your mansion. That's high-end Hypercar price territory, but this Starfighter is essentially a hypercar in the sky, isn't it?
In an automotive world where Ram trucks pack Hellcat power or 2022 Defenders become custom Convertibles and no one raises an eyebrow, why not something like a BMW X7 pickup? Especially when its able to (digitally) fight off the Ford F-150 Raptor.

18 photos
Born in the stables of McDonnell Douglas, which is now part of Boeing, the monster spans from wingtip to wingtip for a distance of 170 feet (52 meters) and has a fuselage diameter of 23 feet (7 meters).It is powered by four massive Pratt & Whitney engines that can develop, each, 40,440 pounds of thrust, powerplants that allow it to lift a payload of up to 164,900 pounds (74,797 kg). The fuel tanks are large enough to allow the Globemaster to keep flying for as much as 7,169 miles (11,537 km), but thats relative, given how the plane has aerial refueling capabilities.Despite the impressive and seemingly unforgiven numbers, the plane has been designed in such a way as to be able to take off from airfields that are just 7,740-foot (2,359 meters) long, but it does make quite a fuss in the process.The image we have here, captured by the USAF a the beginning of the month, shows a Globemaster taking off from the Delamar Dry Lake in Nevada, during what the military is calling a Weapons School Integration mission.Now, weve seen these planes take off before, but the surrounding landscape makes for a very impressive such operation this time, as the wheels of the beast and the roaring engines are sending large amounts of dust into the air, making the plane look like its on fire, and completely reshaping the monotone landscape in the area.This particular Globemaster is deployed with the 305th Air Mobility Wing out of Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst in New Jersey. The unit was created in 1951, and it is tasked with strategic airlift and air refueling missions, and also takes care of two of America's largest strategic aerial ports supporting the delivery of cargo and personnel to combatant commanders abroad.
NEWS: The UK and Japan have announced plans to jointly develop a future fighter aircraft engine demonstrator, with the shared intention to explore further technologies in the future ???????????????? Read more here: https://t.co/Wg9lG8EP4d pic.twitter.com/MWH5iPIswd  Team Tempest (@TeamTempestUK) December 22, 2021

Earlier this year, UK inked a 250 million (circa $333 million) contract with defense contractor BAE Systems to move forward with the concept and assessment phase of its sixth-generation fighter jet program, which is dubbed Tempest.The upcoming aircraft, which is set to join the Royal Air Force fleet in 2035, will replace the Typhoon jet and is expected to explore game-changing capabilities such as uncrewed operation, more advanced sensors, weapons, and data systems.In parallel, Japan is looking to develop a future fighter jet to replace its F-2 aircraft through its F-X program. The capabilities of the new F-X jet are also said to classify it as a sixth-gen fighter.The work on the future aircraft will be led by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) and Ishikawajima-Harima Heavy Industries (IHI) in Japan. Rolls-Royce and BAE Systems will contribute from the UK. Rolls-Royce has already agreed to work with IHI on the all-new engine.The teams will kick off the engines development early next year. Initially, the UK will invest 30 million ($40 million) in manufacturing developments and will add another 200 million (around $266.6 million) that will be poured into the full-scale demonstrator system.For now, the details about the aircraft or the engine are scarce. Alex Zino, director of Business Development and Future Programmes at Rolls-Royce, said that this joint engine demonstrator programme is an exciting opportunity to bring together some of the best combat air capabilities in the world and will also enable the development of innovative and critical technologies that will be fundamental to the future of the defence aerospace industry.However, theres no technical data provided at this stage, and it is unknown if the engine will be used on both the Tempest and the F-X. According to the Royal Air Force , the engine will be able to operate at higher temperatures since it will be developed using advanced composite materials that will provide lightweight, power-dense configurations.Aside from the agreement to cooperate on new fighter jet engine technology, UK and Japan have also agreed to a Memorandum of Cooperation that allows both countries to assess the viability of further combat tech through 2022.
Robert, the Brazilian pixel master better known as rob3rtdesign on social media, has decided to proudly showcase his most out-of-the-box 2021 project. He chose this particular depiction with ease since ultra-widebody RAUH-Welt Begriff (RWB) VW Beetles have been a recurring act on his social media channel. And, frankly, there is nothing wrong with that.Luckily, he did not just repost an older ultra-widebody Volkswagen Beetle RWB Targa project and just called it a day. Instead, the CGI expert reworked the idea around an all-black depiction that almost screams  American murdered-out  if not for a series of differently-colored details.For example, up in the front, there is a recovery hook with a splash of crimson. We have no idea if he just likes off-roaders so much that he just had to include one. Or is he subliminally hinting that we shouldnt trust the real-world reliability of such an outlandish project if it ever escaped the confines of the virtual realm?Then, on the sides, there is a glorious set of deep-dish black wheels with the rims painted bronze. What a cool way to deliver homage to the RWB and JDM tuning inspiration . But then again, we are a bit suckers when it comes to deep-dish aftermarket setups... Anyway, thats not everything that sticks out of the ordinary when viewed from the profile.The biggest side highlight is, of course, the Porsche 911 Targa top treatment. But thats not a surprise in case you are an aficionado of this virtual artists projects. But its still interesting to mention that such a modern element integrates without a shadow of a doubt with the overall retro-themed vibe of the digital project.At the rear, there is not much else to interrupt the chiseled all-black monotony, save for the camouflage-style restomod lights. Those are sad reminders that the Beetle is the major product of a dark period in human history (WWII), so we had better focus on the huge dual exhaust instead. By the way, the second post embedded below shows some of the other nominees for this artists personal best-off awards.
SUV

Video of the aftermath of the accident was captured by paparazzi and is available at the bottom of the page. The good news is that the collision resulted in no injuries, and it seems that, despite the damage, all matters were settled amicably in the presence of a Los Angeles Police Department traffic officer.No word yet on what caused the crash, but based on the video and the damage to both vehicles, it looks like Shatners Mercedesslammed into the Acura sedan, sending it over the curb and onto the sidewalk. The Acura sustained the most damage to the front drivers side. The crash occurred in Studio City in Los Angeles, but neither driver was injured or, for that matter, required medical assistance. The video below shows the famous 90-year-old actor, who recently became the oldest man to fly to space thanks to Jeff Bezos Blue Origin, pacing the scene and removing debris from the street with his foot. Seemingly calm, Shatner engaged with the other driver to exchange information and a handful of people who gathered at the scene, probably out of concern.Once police arrived, and a report was filed, Shatner loaded his dog into another SUV and left. Hes yet to address the crash on his social media, though hes already being flooded with well-wishes from his loyal fans.William Shatners most famous role is that of Captain Kirk in the original Star Trek series, but hes also a very passionate and vocal environmentalist and quite an entertaining celebrity that knows how to get headlines out of nothing whatever he does. In October this year, he was on board the New Shepards NS-18 flight, officially becoming the oldest man to fly to space  or the edge of space, more like it, since the Blue Origin rocket reached a max altitude of 340,000 feet or over 100 kilometers, before coming back down to Earth.
Wind power is one of the clean energy sources thats being reinvented these days, with the added benefits of modern technology. One of the major programs for transitioning the maritime industry to more sustainable alternatives has a catchy name  Greening the Blue.Developed by the European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency (CINEA), with financial support from the European Union, this program supports various projects that are based on clean energy for maritime applications. One of the accomplishments of the Greening the Blue program was the installation of a sailing system on a ship that claims to be the worlds first theater vessel. The eSail system has been developed by a Spanish company called bound4blue. Other partners involved in the project were the German company Lanitz Aviation, which tested new, lightweight materials for maritime applications, and the Spanish shipyard Astander, which led the installation process.Bound4blues wind-assisted propulsion technology was installed on La Naumon, a vessel designed by Elipsis Onboard and a well-known Spanish contemporary theater company, La Fura dels Baus. Besides reducing CO2 levels, the sailing system will also play an important part in the future artistic performances carried out on board.I imagine the eSAIL slowly rising to the magical wind of music, pyrotechnics and light. A trapeze artist with the wings of a butterfly, representing the transformation of renewable and circular energy, will fly anchored at its tip, said the creative director of La Fura dels Baus, Carlus Padrissa.eSail is almost 60-foot tall (18 meters), and it includes a tilting mechanism and an autonomous control system. According to the manufacturer, its supposed to be quick and easy to install, while helping to increase fuel efficiency and, therefore, cut toxic emissions.La Naumon, a large floating stage, will be hosting performances that can be watched from the pier or from the beach, while also promoting eco-friendly technologies.
Four senior Israeli officials who attended meetings in Jerusalem with national security adviser Jake Sullivan tell Axios they came away reassured that the U.S. is ready to take a harder line on Iran if necessary and to take Israels views into account.

The big picture: Sullivan sketched out three possible near-term scenarios on Irans nuclear program in the meetings, two officials say:

An agreement within the next several weeks to return to full compliance with the 2015 deal, which he was skeptical would be achieved. A freeze for freeze interim agreement to stop Iran from further accelerating its program. No deal and new sanctions and pressure on Iran.

The backstory: As the nuclear talks resumed in Vienna, anxiety was growing in the Prime Ministers Office over the idea that the Biden administration would seek a partial agreement that would provide Iran with sanctions relief without any nuclear rollback.

The idea of a possible freeze for freeze agreement was discussed during Sullivans meetings with Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, Foreign Minister Yair Lapid and Defense Minister Benny Gantz, all three of whom told Sullivan they oppose such a step, Israeli officials say.

Such a deal could prevent Iran from enriching uranium to weapons-grade levels. But Lapid told Sullivan that Israel already operates as though Iran has 90% enriched uranium, and we dont think there is any need to pay them not to do it, according to one Israeli official.

Sullivan met Bennett, Lapid and Gantz on Wednesday following a meeting on Tuesday with President Isaac Herzog.

What theyre saying: One senior Israeli official told me Bennett appreciated the fact that Sullivan made the trip despite the many other pressing issues the Biden administration is facing, and saw it as a signal that the White House is attentive to Israels concerns. The official added that the meeting was very substantive and could have bearing on both countries policies.

For the first time, both sides really understood each other. Over time, there was ripening on both sides and we feel a bit more reassured after today, the senior official said.

Another senior Israeli official concluded after meeting with Sullivan that the Biden administration is in a better place than we thought on Iran, and the policy gaps are smaller than previously believed.

Sullivan told Bennett at the top of their meeting that President Biden sent him to Jerusalem on Christmas week because he thought it was important to sit together and develop a common strategy, a common outlook on Iran and find a way forward that secures the interests of both U.S. and Israel.

Sullivan also led a meeting of a U.S.-Israel working group on Iran Wednesday along with his Israeli counterpart, Eyal Hulata. They discussed "the need to confront all aspects of the threat posed by Iran, including its nuclear program, destabilizing activities in the region, and support for terrorist proxy groups," according to a White House statement.

Behind the scenes: Two Israeli officials who attended the meetings told me Sullivan made it clear that the window for further talks in Vienna could close by the end of January or the beginning of February.
The Jan. 6 select committee on Wednesday asked Rep. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) to meet with the panel to provide information on his communications with former President Trump regarding the attack on the Capitol.

Why it matters: The request marks the second time in three days the panel's members have asked one of their colleagues to cooperate with their expanding investigation.

What they're saying: Representatives for Jordan did not immediately respond to Axios' request for comment, but he told "Fox News Primetime" on Wednesday evening that he is "going to review" a letter from the committee. He added that he has "real concerns" about the panel's strategies.

Rep. Scott Perry (R-Pa.) said Tuesday he would decline to comply with the committee's request for documents and an interview.

Driving the news: Rep. Bennie Thompson (D-Miss.) wrote in the letter, "We understand that you had at least one and possibly multiple communications with President Trump on January 6th."

Thompson said he would like to discuss "each such communication" with Jordan "in detail." Jordan has publicly admitted to speaking with Trump by phone on Jan. 6, though he has been murky on the exact timing.

Thompson said he would also like to discuss reported meetings with White House officials in December and January "about strategies for overturning the results of the 2020 election."

"We would also like to ask you about any discussions involving the possibility of presidential pardons for individuals involved in any aspect of January 6th or the planning for January 6th," Thompson added.

What's next: As with Perry, Thompson said his request for an interview with Jordan is "voluntary" and offered to meet the Ohio congressman in his district.

Jordan, a harsh critic of the committee who was denied a role as a senior Republican on the panel after House Speaker Nancy Pelosi vetoed his appointment, is not a prime candidate for cooperation.

A committee spokesperson said in a statement Tuesday the panel would consider using "other tools" to extract information from Perry but declined to go as far as threatening a subpoena  its tool of choice for many non-congressional witnesses.

Editor's note: This article has been updated with comment from Jordan.
A Louisiana-based oil company will pay $43 million in civil penalties and damages and $432 million to a clean-up trust fund over a spill in the Gulf of Mexico, the Justice Department announced Wednesday.

Why it matters: Taylor Energy's former Gulf of Mexico offshore oil production facility is the source of the longest-running oil spill in U.S. history, ongoing since 2004, per a Department of Justice statement.

Nicole LeBoeuf, director of NOAA's National Ocean Service, said in a statement the proposed settlement "represents an important down payment to address impacts" of the spill  which began when a Taylor Energy production platform some 10 miles off Louisiana's coast collapsed during Hurricane Ivan.

The resulting oil discharge "continues to this day," the DOJ noted.

Details: Under the settlement agreement that's subject to final court approval, Taylor must dismiss three existing lawsuits it filed against the federal government. But it does not admit any liability.

The big picture: Ivan triggered a mudslide, causing the Taylor production platform to collapse, with 16 of the 25 damaged undersea wells leaking since then, per the New York Times.

Taylor managed to cap the others but said it couldn't do so with the rest because they were "buried under so much mud and debris," per the NYT.

U.S. Coast Guard Capt. Will Watson, sector commander in New Orleans, noted in a statement that for the past three years teams had removed more than 800,000 gallons of oil that had been discharging into the Gulf of Mexico.

What they're saying: "Despite being a catalyst for beneficial environmental technological innovation, the damage to our ecosystem caused by this 17-year-old oil spill is unacceptable," said Duane Evans, U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Louisiana.

For the record: Taylor "sold its oil and gas assets in 2008 and ceased all drilling and production operations," according to a website statement. It now exists today solely to respond to the spill.

The other side: Taylor couldn't immediately be reached for comment.

The company said in a statement to CBS' "60 Minutes" when the show covered the spill last month that Taylor "has retained and relied upon the world's foremost experts to study and then recommend a plan of action ... We continue to advocate for a response driven by science."

What's next: The U.S. District Court will decide whether to approve the settlement's proposed consent decree at a date to be scheduled.
The Supreme Court on Tuesday rejected, without comment, a bid to challenge New Mexico's vaccine mandate for workers in hospitals, nursing homes and prisons, among other settings.

Why it matters: The court has repeatedly denied bids to block states' vaccine mandates, including in New York and Maine.

Details: The New Mexico requirement, which includes medical and religious exemptions, took effect in August.
Pecresse travelled to Karabakh on Wednesday from Armenia where she met with the countrys political and spiritual leaders during a trip which observers believe is connected with Frances forthcoming presidential elections.

The conservative candidate, who heads the Ile de France region of greater Paris, visited the Center for Francophonie in Stepanakert and met there with Ara Harutiunian and Davit Babayan, Karabakhs president and foreign minister respectively. The Karabakh government issued no official statements on the meeting.

Pecresse was accompanied by French Foreign Minister Michel Barnier and Bruno Retailleau, who leads the conservative Les Republicains partys group in the French Senate.

Why does France not provide humanitarian aid on the ground for the return of refugees like other members of the [OSCE] Minsk Group do? Retailleau asked in a tweet on their trip to Karabakh.

The French charge daffaires in Baku was on Thursday summoned to the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry and handed a protest note. The ministry condemned the trip in a statement, saying that it was part of the French presidential race and directed at Azerbaijans sovereignty and territorial integrity.

In Armenia, a brotherly country for France, I come to plead for the return of peace in Nagorno-Karabakh and the strengthening of French support in the economic and cultural areas and protection of religious heritage, Pecresse tweeted before flying back to Paris on Thursday.

Speaking to journalists in Yerevan on Tuesday, she reportedly described last years Armenian-Azerbaijani over Karabakh as an important warning to Europe.

We would be wrong to think that what happened here does not threaten us because the history of Europe is full of examples of threats emerging at times when they were underestimated, she said.

France is home to an influential Armenian community. It was instrumental in the December 2020 passage by both houses of the French parliament of resolutions calling on President Emmanuel Macrons government to recognize Karabakh as an independent republic.

Macron, Pecresse and other candidates are expected to vie for French-Armenian votes during the tight race. One of those hopefuls, controversial far-right figure Eric Zemmour, visited Armenia last week.

French commentators say that with their pro-Armenian gestures Pecresse and Zemmour are also reaching out to Frances non-Armenian conservative electorate attached to traditional Christian values.

Pecresse stressed in Yerevan the importance of protecting Christians not only in Armenia but also France and other European countries. They are facing common dangers, she said.

A French opinion poll released over the weekend showed Pecresse as the likely challenger to Macron in the second round of the presidential elections slated for April 2022.
Simonians office said on Thursday that the year-end bonuses, equivalent to their full monthly salaries, will cost taxpayers 143 million drams ($300,000). It argued that payment of the so-called 13th salary on the eve of the New Year and Christmas holidays has long been common practice in the Armenian parliament.

Parliament deputies did not receive such bonuses one year ago, in the wake of the devastating war with Azerbaijan. Then speaker Ararat Mirzoyan allocated them only to the staffers.

Simonian approved similar, albeit slightly more modest, bonuses on the occasion of Armenias Independence Day marked on September 21.

Both opposition alliances represented in the National Assembly criticized that decision as profligate and unethical Lawmakers representing them donated their bonuses to victims of the war and their families.

The Hayastan and Pativ Unem blocs are also critical of the latest allocation. Hayastans Artsvik Minasian said he and other deputies from the bloc will meet soon to decide whether to accept the bonuses.

Pativ Unems Hayk Mamijanian was confident that members of his faction will again use the bonuses for charitable purposes. In one way or another, we give such money back to the people, he told said.

Members of Armenias 107-seat parliament currently earn roughly 500,000 drams (just over $1,000). On top of that, they are paid 250,000 drams each to cover their job expenses.

The official monthly wage in the country stands at almost 200,000 drams.

Vahe Ghalumian, a senior lawmaker from the ruling Civil Contract party, defended the latest payouts.

I find it normal that people working at the National Assembly get a 13th salary, he told RFE/RLs Armenian Service. We must strive to raise all pensions and wages in Armenia.

Ghalumian would not say why the Armenian government is not planning such pay rises next year.

Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian significantly increased the amount and frequency of bonuses paid to civil servants and especially high-ranking government officials after coming to power in 2018. That prompted strong criticism from opposition figures and other government critics.

Pashinian has repeatedly defended these payouts, saying that they discourage corrupt practices in the government and the broader public sector.

Varuzhan Hoktanian, a program coordinator at the Armenian affiliate of the anti-graft watchdog Transparency International, dismissed the official rationale for hefty bonuses.

It looks like they did the [2018] revolution to improve their lives, Hoktanian said, referring to Pashinian and his political team. At the end of the day, the state budget is losing money. While that was done illegally in the past, they now deduct public funds in a legal way.
Unprecedented die-offs, melting ice: Climate change is wreaking havoc in the Arctic and beyond
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You can reach Ishani Desai at 661-395-7417. You can also follow her at @idesai98 on Twitter.
Four Fantastic Scenic Corridors of Oregon Coast

Published 12/20/21 at 6:02 PM PST

By Oregon Coast Beach Connection staff

(Oregon Coast)  Sometimes they have the name scenic corridor already, other times they are that unique brand of Oregon coastline that provides a run of non-stop views and beachy marvels in one way or another. But what's in a name, anyway? (Above: Samuel H. Boardman Scenic Corridor, courtesy Manuela Durson Fine Arts)

They are the fantastic scenic corridors of these shores, where you can often simply drive along and catch sight of the most unique spots that the coast can cloister, hiding plenty of things you've never seen before.

Bandon State Natural Area is not so much a scenic drive as it is a four-mile stretch of south Oregon coast wilderness and accesses that vary from well-known to absolutely secretive and remote.



Photo courtesy Oregon State Parks

It all starts at the southern edge of Devil's Kitchen, where the vast majority of the activity along this chunk of untamed chunk of coastline takes place. It's here where the most variety of fun stuff is situated as well, with ancient sea stacks dotting the surf, in the shapes of blobs, spires to nebulous forms that defy description. Many have even more intricate features when you look close, such as large chunks of areas with bizarre honeycombed holes.

Climb on them or dart between them with your beach bike or horse ride.

Beach Loop Road is the mainline for accesses around here, with a couple of them within a mile south of Devil's Kitchen. China Creek at the southern elbow of the road is the last one for miles. From here on out there are no access points, almost three miles of remote hiking.

Along the way, the craggy, looming sea stacks have long disappeared, but a handful of odd structures lurk along the beaches. Mostly, it's pure, untouched no-man's land and sand, however, with the only access still miles away about Floras Lake  long after the Bandon State Natural Area has ended. South Coast Hotels - Where to eat - Maps - Virtual Tours

Upper Lane County. On the central Oregon coast, that 15 or so miles between Heceta Head and Yachats provide some of the most eye-popping scenery as seen from your car as can ever be imagined. With major bends in the road at various points, it's a tad white-knuckled at times, but on others there are long, straight stretches where you can gaze peacefully out at ocean vistas and curious shapes whizzing by. Plus, some of the most interesting beach access on the whole of the coast hide here. (Above: Strawberry Hill)

Ocean Beach Picnic Ground, closer to Florence, hosts a giant blob of a promontory, where plenty of sea life resides. Strawberry Hill is a vast complex of rocky chunks and placid beach to wander, where the sights get stranger the farther in you go, sometimes resembling a Yes album cover. Bray's Point allows you to stop and gawk at the oceanscape from above, while directly below it, Bob Creek hosts prime agate-combing, hordes of sea life and a funky cave. Hotels in Yachats - Where to eat - Upper Lane County Maps and Virtual Tours





Otter Crest Loop, near Depoe Bay. Barely a mile of roadway, still, it's one stunning little hidden drive that meanders, twists and turns beneath the main section of Highway 101 between Depoe Bay and the Devil's Punchbowl. No longer a loop, it was once fully two lanes, but about 20 years ago one lane kept disappearing into the plunging cliffs thus shutting it down with every two or three storm seasons, so officials finally whittled it down to one way for a good portion.

Starting at Rodea Point near Depoe Bay  or the Devil's Punchbowl, depending on how you think of it  there's a huge array of views that pop up in between stands of trees or bulbous, grass-covered hills. Glimpses of vast ocean are sandwiched between those engaging green blobs or mini-forests, with its undulating shapes almost taking on a kind of Celtic myth vibe.

These often give way to dramatically sheer cliffs, containing secret, chaotic shorelines that you can never get to, but you can watch them from afar.

Otter Crest Loop Road does have one incredibly cool secret access, however. Hotels in Depoe Bay - Where to eat - Depoe Bay Maps and Virtual Tours

Samuel H. Boardman Scenic Corridor. The Samuel H. Boardman Scenic Corridor stretches some 25 miles down the southern Oregon coast, encompassing an unusually large portion of the drive from Gold Beach down to Brookings. Thus, it's no surprise there's a veritable laundry list of oceanic must-see's. (Above: Secret Beach, courtesy Manuela Durson)

Among the attractions here are Arch Rock Picnic Area, Spruce Island Viewpoint, Secret Beach, Seal Cove, the Natural Bridges, Spruce Creek area, China Beach, Thomas Creek Bridge, Indian Sands Loop Trail, Whaleshead Beach and Viewpoint, House Rock Viewpoint, Lone Ranch, and Cape Ferelo.

Some of these spots are huge and meandering, especially the Natural Bridges area, where odd rock islands sit distanced from each other the majority of the time, while others have curious rocky walkways connecting them. In fact, what's going on here isn't quite what you'd imagine, geologically. Those arches and bridges are formed by giant caves falling apart, then leaving skeletal remains of sorts, in a rocky way. These aren't basalt (long ago-cooled lava), after all, like most of the northern half of the coast. What you see here is all sorts of looser, less sturdy material, normally conglomerates: meaning there's a mix of the stuff in the rocks you see.

The Natural Bridges is not an easy hike, but it's worth the exceptionally steep parts. South Coast Hotels - Where to eat - Maps - Virtual Tours





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New Wetland Area on N. Oregon Coast Providing More Benefits Than Thought

Published 12/21/21 at 4:42 AM PST

By Oregon Coast Beach Connection staff

(Tillamook, Oregon) - A few years ago, a tidal wetland restoration project was finished on the north Oregon coast along Tillamook Bay, designed with environmental concerns in mind. Yet a study from Oregon State University (OSU) has revealed there's more going on here that affects humans  and indeed the tourism and local economy  than previously realized. It's even created yet another recreation area for visitors.

The 443-acre wetland doesn't have an official name it seems, but it's found on the western edges of Tillamook up against the city limits and Hoquarten Slough, bordered along the southern edges of the Wilson River. The restoration project was completed in 2017 at the cost of $11.2 million, and it has achieved its aims and more. It has led to benefits for Tillamook Bay waters, flood mitigation and salmon habitat improvements  its original goals. However, it's also brought a variety of other socioeconomic benefits to the Tillamook area, including more recreation possibilities, higher home values nearby and increased carbon storage in the local environment.

All this is according to the OSU study co-authored by Steve Dundas of Oregon State University's College of Agricultural Sciences and the Coastal Oregon Marine Experiment Station in Newport, which was funded by Tillamook Estuaries Partnership and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Restoration Center. Those groups were two of the partners in the restoration project.



Graphic courtesy OSU

The positive impact on housing values near the restored site alone likely justifies the investment in this project, Dundas said.

When the project was begun, its primary goal was to help reduce the destructive flooding within Tillamook and along that part of Highway 101, as well as improving habitat for salmon. Yet it turns these projects have ripple effects, helping people beyond their original intent of the environment or fish, as one NOAA official put it. In this case, it's locals on the Oregon coast as well as visitors that receive the positive results.

Among the big finds were how the public is able to use this area for walking, fishing, birdwatching, kayaking and educational possibilities, and its possible impact on tourism.

The study indicated activities such as kayaking and wildlife viewing have an estimated value of $60 to as much $471 per person per day.

The restoration project created a large area for increased recreation that wasn't there before, said Graham Shaw, the lead author on the study. It wasn't accessible for people in the community the way it is now.

Nan Devlin, executive director of Tillamook Coast, said visitors can access the wetlands from Hoquarton Slough from a non-motorized boat launch. On the eastern side of Highway 101 there are walking paths for the area.

For locals and Oregon coast visitors, a reduction in flooding along that part of Highway 101 and the Tillamook business corridor will be a welcome one. Travel delays alone during these flood events can cost over $7,000 on average each time.

Dundas and Shaw said since the restoration project was completed, Tillamook has only experienced two minor, five-year flooding events, and in both cases, the flooding was less severe than previous similar floods.

In both cases, the amount of flooding was 9 inches less than previous floods. It took two to three hours longer for the city to flood and the floodwaters receded two to three hours sooner than it would have previously, said Kristi Foster, executive director of the Tillamook Estuary Partnership.





Homes within three-quarters of a mile of the area increased in value by 10 percent since the project's completion, OSU found. Water quality in Tillamook Bay is also getting an assist by more sediment getting trapped within the project area and not in the bay, decreasing the need for dredging.

NOAA and the Federal Emergency Management Agency were the primary funders of the project.

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BAYTOWN, Texas (AP)  Crews extinguished a large fire at a Houston-area refinery that broke out early Thursday, injuring four people.

The fire started at about 1 a.m. at ExxonMobil's refinery in Baytown, which is about 25 miles (40 kilometers) east of Houston. Four people were injured but everyone else on site has been accounted for, said Rohan Davis, the refinery's manager.

Three of the injured were taken to hospitals by helicopter while the fourth was taken by ambulance, Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez said.

The cause of the fire is not yet known. ExxonMobil said air quality monitoring has not revealed any issues. No evacuations or shelter-in-place orders have been issued.

The refinery, located along the Houston Ship Channel, has the capacity to process up to 584,000 barrels of crude oil each day. It employs about 7,000 people, according to the company's website.
LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP)  A prosecutor in a Kansas college town has dropped charges against two Black men whose murder and rape cases became a rallying cry for racial injustice protesters and celebrities.

Douglas County District Attorney Suzanne Valdez announced Wednesday that she had moved to formally dismiss the first-degree murder case against Rontarus Washington Jr. and the rape case against Albert Wilson.

Josh Dubin, an attorney with the Innocence Project, which helped represent both men, said in email to the Lawrence Journal-World that he was relieved and overjoyed.

Washington's case has faced a series of delays and one mistrial resulting from a hung jury. Valdez said in a statement that those delays raise questions about the integrity of the criminal justice system itself.

A particular legal maxim holds true here: Justice delayed is justice denied," said Valdez, who took office in January.

On Nov. 9, 2014, Justina Altamirano Mosso was found beaten to death in her home in Lawrence. Washington lived down the hall from the victim. During the trial, Washington admitted to entering Altamirano Mossos apartment and seeing her body, but he maintained that he did not kill her. The affidavit said he told police he was looking for change to steal. His defense suggested Altamirano Mossos estranged husband as a possible alternative suspect.

After a four-week 2019 trial ended with jurors unable to reach a verdict, Washington remained jailed until a judge reduced his bond to $500,000 from $750,000. Money to pay for his release was raised by Lawrence-area activists and businesses.

The case also became a flashpoint in the most recent Douglas County district attorneys race, when Valdez defeated incumbent Charles Branson and another challenger.

Wilson was convicted of rape in 2019 after his accuser testified that he assaulted her at a popular bar in 2016 when he was a 20-year-old University of Kansas student and she was 17 years old. She said he then walked her to his house a couple of blocks away and assaulted her again before walking her back to the bar.

Supporters said the conviction was unfair because the jury was all-white and mostly female. Wilsons case garnered the attention of celebrities such as Kim Kardashian, who shared news articles and petitions that criticized Wilsons conviction.

A judge granted a new trial in March, finding that his trial attorney failed to review hundreds of text messages from the accuser.

Valdez said her office initially offered a plea deal to Wilson, but negotiations with Wilsons attorneys did not result in an agreement. Without that agreement, she said her office then approached the accuser about another possible resolution.

She wanted to address Mr. Wilson directly and to convey to him the impact this entire experience has had on her, Valdez said.
HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP)  David McCormick, CEO of one of the world's largest hedge funds and a former senior official in President George W. Bush's administration, is accumulating support from longtime party fundraisers and officials in Pennsylvania even before he has formally announced his candidacy for U.S. Senate.

Christine Toretti, Pennsylvania's longtime Republican national committeewoman, and former state party chair Rob Gleason are among McCormick's backers, as are fundraisers Pat Deon and Bill Sasso.

Whether McCormick's high-level support will translate into victory in the May 17 primary election remains to be seen.

McCormick, 56, is preparing to enter a Republican primary field that is newly in flux with the exit of former President Donald Trump's endorsed candidate, Sean Parnell, and the entrance of Mehmet Oz, the heart surgeon, author and TV personality who carries unrivaled name recognition as the host of daytime TV's Dr. Oz Show.

Other candidates  including conservative activist Kathy Barnette, real estate investor Jeff Bartos and Carla Sands, Trumps former ambassador to Denmark  have been making the rounds of party functions for most of the year, while Bartos toured the state by bus.

Deon, the fundraiser, called McCormick a winner.

Hes a salt of the earth guy who served his country and worked hard, Deon said in a text message. He can relate to someone who wears a hard hat or sits in a boardroom.

The race to replace retiring two-term Republican U.S. Sen. Pat Toomey in bellwether Pennsylvania has thrown open the gates to candidates in what is expected to be one of a handful of competitive contests across the country next year that will determine control of the Senate.

The presidential battleground is a big electoral prize that backed Democrat Joe Biden in last years election and Trump in 2016.

Democrats have a strong primary field with far more electoral experience.

They include John Fetterman, the states lieutenant governor, third-term U.S. Rep. Conor Lamb of suburban Pittsburgh, state Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta of Philadelphia and Val Arkoosh, a former chair of anesthesiology at Drexel University College of Medicine who chairs the three-member board of commissioners in Montgomery County.

For the Republican candidates, the rubber may begin to meet the road on Jan. 15, when the state party's central caucus will hold closed-door candidate interviews. Other regional caucuses will follow, leading up to the state party endorsement meeting on Feb. 5.

McCormick has avoided media, other than speaking with a conservative-friendly columnist, and has been meeting Republican officials in private meetings arranged by Toretti and other backers.

He is spending more than $1 million out of his own pocket to air a Christmas-themed TV ad across Pennsylvania this week and has filed paperwork with the IRS that allows him to start raising money for his candidacy before he formally declares, a campaign adviser said.

McCormick has lived in Connecticut since 2009 and worked for Bridgewater Associates, one of the worlds largest hedge funds. He is currently CEO.

To reestablish residency, the Pennsylvania native bought a house in Pittsburghs East End, near where he lived two decades ago before leaving in 2005 to serve in Bushs administration.

He is married to Dina Powell, herself a veteran of the Bush administration and Republican National Committee who also was a deputy national security adviser to Trump before she returned to work at investment bank Goldman Sachs. That has helped give McCormick an introduction to Trump's circle.

Wealthy, connected candidates  McCormick, Oz and Sands  moving from blue states in pursuit of a Senate seat in purple Pennsylvania has fast become an issue in the campaign.

McCormick's backers tip-toe around that by stressing his growing up in Pennsylvania, graduating from high school in Bloomsburg where he still owns a family Christmas tree farm, and spending about a decade in business in Pittsburgh, where he ran online auction house FreeMarkets Inc.

Some Republicans know McCormick through his father, who was the first chancellor of the state university system under then-Gov. Dick Thornburgh.

After high school, McCormick went to West Point, served in the Gulf War and got a doctorate at Princeton University before he headed into business in Pittsburgh, first as a consultant at McKinsey and Co.

He had insisted on going to McKinseys Pittsburgh office, he said on SiriusXMs Leadership Matters radio show in 2020, because he had imagined that I might try to do something political and thought that coming back to Pennsylvania, Id be able to figure that out.

He was a registered Democrat at the time, but found the local party hard to get involved with and instead, ended up volunteering on a Republican candidates countywide race, which began his transition to becoming a Republican, he said.

He held three different positions in Bush's administration, departing after serving as the Treasury Department's under secretary for international affairs.

__

Follow Marc Levy on Twitter at www.twitter.com/timelywriter.
PORTLAND, Maine (AP)  The mother of a transgender teenager who died by suicide at a youth detention center in Maine has settled a wrongful death lawsuit against the state for $225,000.

The Bangor Daily News reported the settlement Thursday in the death of Charles Knowles, 16, at Long Creek Youth Development Center in fall 2016.

Michelle Knowles, of North Vassalboro, filed the lawsuit in federal court in April against the Maine Department of Corrections. The Maine attorney generals office declined to comment on the settlement.

Michelle Knowles has said she pleaded with authorities to provide mental health treatment to Charles before his death.

Charles Knowles was a transgender boy who had already lived with intolerance before being placed in the girls unit at Long Creek, his mother said.

Charles was on suicide watch, and his death prompted a review of the facilitys ability to handle the mental health needs of people who are detained there. Charles was detained in Long Creek while awaiting a court hearing on charges of setting fire to his house earlier in 2016.

Knowles attorney, Matthew Morgan of Augusta, praised his clients efforts on behalf of her son.

She continues to follow developments at Long Creek and urges the state to take bold action to make sure no child ever dies a needless death there ever again, Morgan told the newspaper.
FULTON, Mo. (AP)  A central Missouri man is jailed without bond after allegedly using a crossbow to attack a neighbor.

Fulton police were called to a home just before noon Wednesday to help a 42-year-old man who had been shot in the abdomen with an arrow from a crossbow. The man is hospitalized but a news release from police did not offer details about his condition.
Ever wonder where the real life inspiration for all those Imperial Guard Regiments came from? Read on!

The Imperial Guard, or Astra Militarium to newcomers, is a cornerstone of both 40K and the Imperium. The many-storied regiments of the Guard have held the line since the Heresy. They make up the most considerable portion of the bulwark of Humanity. One of the great things about the Guard, both in fluff and from a hobby perspective, is the vast variety of guard Regiments you can make. The Guard comes from many worlds, and the most famous of these have left their mark on 40K.

Real Life Imperial Guard

Many of these famous regiments have some cool real-world inspirations. Today I want to take a look at the inspirations behind many of these real life Imperial Guard. Im going to be focusing on some of the older fluff, such as the 2nd Edition Guard Codex. Also, inspiration comes from many places. These are going to be my best guesses, but there could well be other sources for these regiments. I simply cant cover every regiment, as there are so very many, but Ill cover what I can. Anyway, lets dig in.

Catachan Jungle Fighters

Catachans have two main, closely related sources of inspiration. The first is American and allied troops from the Vietnam War. From their look to their chosen battlefield to their attitude, these guys fit in with the image. This image is however very heavily colored by war and action movies of the 80s and early 90s. Thats where the 2nd big inspiration comes in. Catachans also draw a ton of inspiration from action movies, often featuring Jungle combat, either in Vietnam (or its surroundings) or Central America. In particular, you can see a ton of influence from movies like Rambo and Predator.

Cadians

Cadians over time have come to be sort of a default unit, are a little harder to pin down that Catachans. In some ways, they are your basic army men. They seem to draw a fair bit of inspiration from the militaries of the Allies and NATO in WWII and the Cold War. Though Id say the clearest inspiration for their early look is the Colonial Marines from the Aliens franchise, with the helmets, in particular, looking very similar. Culturally the Cadians seem to draw inspiration from highly militarized societies like Sparta and Nazi Germany. In particular, the use of the Whiteshields  youth fighting formations is a reminiscence of some Nazi organizations.

Valhallans

This one is pretty easy. Valhallans are clearly based on Russian WWII troops fighting in the winter. Everything from their looks to their tactics of mass wave assaults, to their name, screams classic Eastern Front Soviet Russia. Theyve got a bit of some of the Scandinavian countries mixed in as well, but its not hard to see where the real life Imperial Guard connection come from.

Tallarn Desert Raiders

For the Desert Raiders, I think you can find two main real-world Imperial Guard sources of inspiration. The first would be Arab insurgents fighting in the Arab Revolt during World War One. The Tallarns share a pretty close look and feel to the Arab fighters in this war, and their homeworld is not unlike the homelands of the Arab fighters. The Arab Revolt, of course, has ties to England through the exploits of the famed Lawrence of Arabia, among others. It would have been well known the designers at GW when they were coming up with regiments. In fact, Id not be surprised if the 1962 Lawrence of Arabia film didnt provide inspiration.

The second source of inspiration I think, is the Afghan Mujahideen from the Soviet-Afghan war. The Mujahideen share some similarities with the Arab insurgents and the Tallarans, all being desert warriors that excel in hit and run tactics. Additionally, I would not be surprised if the idea of the Tallara being a world almost destroyed by a massive tank battle was based on reports on the devastation of Afghanistan by the Soviet invasion. The Soviet-Afghan war lasted until 1989. It would have been well known to the designers at GW in the late 80s and early 90s. Clearly, it could have influenced them.

Praetorian Guard

The Praetorian Guard may have the clearest inspiration of any Regiment. The Name is a direct reference to the old Roman elite unit and bodyguard/assassin of the Emperors. Aside from that, they have nothing to do with the Romans. The Praetorian Guard are directly modeled on 19th Century British Colonial forces, in particular, those that fought in the Zulu War. In fact, if you want to really get down to it, they are based on the Company B of the 24th Regiment of Foot during the battle of Rorkes Drift.

The Praetorians were originally converted from Mordains for a diorama at Games Day Canadian in 1997. The battle is known as Battle of Big Toof River, or sometimes as Ord Drift, invoked the Zulus wars. The Praetorians were so popular that GW released them as a kit. The Praetorian XXIV (24) kit, a direct reference to the 24th Regiment of Foot and thus a legend was born.

Death Korps of Krieg

The Death Korps of Krieg, a fan favorite, are heavily inspired by World War One Imperial Germans. From the names to the excessive use of Ks, to the weapons and overall look they draw a ton of inspiration from the Kaisers troops. Interestingly enough, the Krieg troops also clearly draw inspiration from their French counterparts in WWI. The helmet worn by most Krieg Troops looks far closer to the French Adrian Helmet than the German Pickelhaube or Stahlhelm. The blue long coats are very reminiscent of French winter uniforms  what might have been worn in the trench fighting around Verdun. Thus its clear the Krieg are a mix of WWI French and Germans, stuck forever in the brutal life of trench fighters.

Alright folks, thats just a few of the many Guard Regiments. Let us know your favorite inspiration for real life Imperial Guard I didnt cover, down in the comments!
Malaysia next month will host the first face-to-face talks in nearly two years between Thailand and southern BRN rebels, sources from both sides said Thursday about in-person negotiations that were disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The high-level talks brokered by Malaysia are expected to resume after a surge in clashes in late 2021 between Thai government forces and suspected rebels from Barisan Revolusi Nasional (BRN), the most powerful separatist group in Thailands majority-Muslim Deep South.

We will resume in January if all goes well, a source on the Malaysian side familiar with the peace negotiations, but who requested anonymity, told BenarNews.

It will be a face-to-face discussion in Kuala Lumpur, said the source who was not authorized to speak to the media.

Thai officials and BRN representatives last met virtually in February 2021, and the last face-to-face discussions  two rounds of them  took place in Kuala Lumpur in March 2020, around the time of the first full-blown onset of the coronavirus pandemic in Malaysia.

Gen. Wanlop Rugsanao, the chief Thai negotiator, did not immediately reply on Thursday to calls from BenarNews seeking comment.

The provinces of Narathiwat, Pattani and Yala  as well as four districts of Songkhla province make up Thailands Deep South, a predominantly Muslim and Malay region on the border with Malaysia.

A leader of an umbrella group of 32 civil society organizations in the Deep South, however, said Thailand and the BRN would likely meet in the Malaysian capital in the coming weeks.

As far as we heard from insiders, there will be a meeting of Thailands peace talk panel and the BRN in Kuala Lumpur, likely on Jan. 11, Ruckchart Suwan told BenarNews by phone on Thursday, but declined to name his sources.

Meanwhile, the commander of Thai armys 4th Region, which covers the Deep South, and officials with ISOC-4, the regional operations command, are involved at a working level and technical level to discuss a possible peaceful solution to the conflict with the private sector and in-country insurgents, ISOC officials told BenarNews without going into detail.

More than 7,000 people have been killed in the southern border region since the BRN and other armed separatist groups renewed their decades-old insurgency against Buddhist-majority Thailand 17 years ago.

Increase in attacks since September

Ruckchart, who is based in Yala, went to parliament on Thursday to join an opposition MP in proposing that a House committee be set up to to follow up on the progress of the existing peace talks.

A big budget was spent on many talks and it is necessary to have a committee to monitor the process, Ruckchart said.

The Thai legislature may include the proposal for consideration during the next session in early 2022, opposition lawmaker Kamolsak Leewamoh said in parliament.

A month after the last in-person discussions between Thai official and BRN representatives, the rebel group declared a unilateral ceasefire in April 2020 to allow Thai health workers to combat the COVID-19 pandemic.

Despite the ceasefire  which was never formally declared over  a few sporadic attacks, which were blamed on the insurgents, took place earlier this year.

This past September, a noticeable uptick in violence began after a message linked to the BRN and posted on Facebook urged combatants to resume self-defense operations because, it alleged, security forces were conducting summary executions despite COVID difficulties.

Later that month, three government personnel and a suspected insurgent were killed during a shootout in Narathiwat, government officials said.

In October, military personnel said they flushed out insurgents who were holed up for 17 days in a swamp in Narathiwat. Four government security personnel and six suspected rebels were killed during the operation, officials said.

Since then and after BRN announced its support for Songhkla residents protesting an industrial project in Chana district, four bomb attacks have hit the Thai Deep South.

The last attack, on Dec. 13, targeted a passenger train in Pattani, injuring three. There were no casualties in the three earlier attacks.
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Greg Sukiennik has worked at all three Vermont News & Media newspapers and was their managing editor from 2017-19. He previously worked for ESPN.com, for the AP in Boston, and at The Berkshire Eagle in Pittsfield, Mass.
Business writer

Tony Dobrowolski's main focus is on business reporting. He came to The Eagle in 1992 after previously working for newspapers in Connecticut and Montreal. He can be reached at tdobrowolski@berkshireeagle.com or 413-496-6224.
Investigations editor

Larry Parnass joined The Eagle in 2016 from the Daily Hampshire Gazette, where he was editor in chief. His freelance work has appeared in the Washington Post, Boston Globe, Hartford Courant, CommonWealth Magazine and with the Reuters news service.
Josh Lang gave up public service for a spell. He's back, and settling in as Lanesborough's new town administrator
New Lanesborough Town Administrator Josh Lang, from left, Selectmen John Goerlach and Michael Murphy and tax rate consultant Harald Scheid discuss the merits of a single tax rate for fiscal 2022. The next bills should be mailed out by the Dec. 31 deadline.
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For many, today is a day for joining with loved ones to open presents. Its also a fitting time, though, to reflect on some priceless gifts we
Next month, Jennifer Macksey will become the first woman to serve as mayor of North Adams. The inauguration event for Macksey and other newly elected city officials is open to the public, and masks are required.
To the editor: I recently had a conversation with the regional manager of my Northern Berkshire health club.

After reprieve, NYC is rattled by a stunning virus spike NEW YORK (AP)  Just a couple of weeks ago, New York City seemed like a relative bright spot in the U.S. coronavirus struggle. Now it's a hot 

I had written to the company to ask about their COVID protection plan for staff and members. He informed me that they "followed local and state guidelines." He is correct, and he was very polite and respectful. However, this conversation made me realize that here in Massachusetts, we do not have a statewide mask or vaccination mandate, and to my knowledge, the governments in North Adams and Williamstown also have not instituted mandates.

Given the latest omicron outbreak and the lack of compliance to even mask up I see in local grocery stores and many other businesses, I'd like to know why we are so behind New York City and, just recently, Boston. Both have enacted much stricter guidelines. North Adams has a high number of COVID cases right now, and I think we have to start really pushing for local authorities to do something about this shameful situation. If you don't wish to mask up or be vaccinated, I would like to see local businesses be legally able to exclude people from entering a business.

It may seem draconian, but hey  this is a pandemic.

Laura Dankner, Williamstown
Bonjour

Living in a new country without being fluent in the native language provided a series of adventures for Chapin  a treasure hunt for new shampoo ended successfully thanks to a helpful French grocer  but also gave Chapin both cherished lifelong memories and a clear idea of what she wants for her career.

Though the experience of going alone to a new place felt overwhelming at times and the coursework was challenging, she said she couldnt be happier that she went through with the program.

On my first day, they made us all stand up and give a presentation about ourselves for 30 minutes, and Im like, Oh my God, how am I going to talk about myself for 30 minutes? she said. As the 30 minutes went on, I kept getting more comfortable, and thats how a lot of the classes were. It wasnt just about taking this exam and getting an A on your tests, but also about interacting with your peers and learning how differences among multiple ethnic cultures work in a business sense.

After the experience, Chapin said she saw herself in a new light. She previously had been apprehensive to speak in front of large groups or see herself in a leadership role, but said she returned to the United States ready to take on just about anything in the business world.

Chapin left with a keen awareness that she wants to travel the world through international business during her career, and sought employers who could make that happen.

I just think every time I said yes to an opportunity or yes to something that made me nervous, I always came out on top or learned something from the challenge, she said. It might sound corny to say, but I was always comfortable with being uncomfortable because I knew thats what growth feels like.

Taking full advantage

Though she did not spend her entire college career in Bowling Green, Schmidthorst College of Business Dean Raymond W. Braun 80 said that Chapin still made the most of her time here  and employers noticed.

Braun said the college implores its students to take risks, be willing to try new things and show confidence in their ability to adapt  all things that Chapin demonstrated by getting involved right away.

She wasnt here a full four years, but during the time she was here, she took full advantage of many opportunities, including being involved with the Student Ambassador Program in our college and studying abroad in Strasbourg to obtain a European Management and a BGSU dual degree, Braun said.

It makes employers aware that shes willing to take on new challenges in a different cultural environment, go there and succeed.

Chapin said she returned to the U.S. from France to a surge of recruiters regularly reaching out by phone and on LinkedIn, allowing her the freedom to chase opportunities that truly matched what she wanted within the workforce.

Saying yes to new opportunities at BGSU proved to be an invaluable decision, and one that Chapin said shaped her worldview and gave her confidence that she is ready for whatever comes next during her young career.

Every time you say no, it closes a door. Every time I said yes to something, a door opened, Chapin said. I didnt always know where the door led or what would come next, but I knew that if said yes and tried things that were out of my comfort zone, I was going to learn things.
Plus, Bill's Message of the Day, the truth about the January 6th capitol riot.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Marketing Manager

Remuneration: Market related Location: Cape Town Type: Permanent Reference: #21677 Company: Datafin Recruitment

Job description

ENVIRONMENT:

As a fast-growing technology business in the Mobile VAS sector seeks a Marketing Manager to join its tight knit team. The successful candidate requires a proven track record in ROI driven campaigns and extensive experience in funnel optimization. You must be able to entrench themselves in the core metrics of our business to help drive growth and optimise marketing spend across AVM, SMS & Digital (performance marketing)

DUTIES:

Grow subscriber base across all partner networks and products.

This is a data driven role, you will be working with our data team to improve targeting and CPAs on a daily basis.

Optimise expenditure to maximise ROI

Ongoing onboarding of new products to grow our product base and ensure we offer fresh and relevant content / services / products to our subscribers.

Document and improve our funnels on a granular level.

Analyse customer insights, billing insights and generally marketing performance data to build and execute effective marketing strategies.

Grow digital revenue across all active regions / networks, including the management and optimization of affiliate partners as well as paid digital acquisition channels.

Maintain all digital properties.

Build high performing marketing strategies across all channels (Direct Marketing and Performance Marketing)

Daily / Monthly responsibilities:

Create and A/B test scripts for AVM, SMS, Affiliate and Paid Media campaigns on an ongoing basis.

Create and manage user journeys / story boards for products / service on all networks

Liaise with product owners, partners and networks to ensure all compliance is adhered to.

Work with the data / compliance team to ensure all marketing funnels / user journeys / scripts are POPIA compliant.

Work with BI team to produce Daily / Monthly reporting on key marketing performance metrics.

Work with the ops team to set up tests, campaigns and monitor performance.

End-End testing of new products / services.

Campaign Scheduling

REQUIREMENTS:

At least 7-10 years relevant experience in a managerial role.

Analytical and performance driven

Solid understanding of digital marketing concepts and innovations.

Experience in ROI based marketing campaigns.

Excellent excel & reporting skills

Deep understanding of performance marketing

Deep understanding of the VAS or Gaming industry.

Understanding of Mobile Networking

Personal Skills/Attributes

Marketing, Manager, ROI, Paid Media, Posted on 23 Dec 15:39, Closing date 22 Jan
Former president Donald Trump was asked by Candace Owens recently why he refused to pardon Julian Assange and Edward Snowden and gave an incredibly weak, equivocating response.



WATCH:







From The Daily Wire:

"You could have had a chance to pardon these individuals," Owens said of Assange and Snowden. "Why decide not to in that moment?"



"You have two sides of it," Trump explained. "In one case, you have sort of a spy deal going on, and in another case, you have somebody that's exposing real corruption. I feel a little bit  I won't say which one  but I feel a little bit more strongly about one than the other."



"I could have done it, but  I will say, you have people on both sides of that issue  good people on both sides. And you have bad people on one side. But I decided to let that one ride, let the courts work it out. And I guess the courts are actually doing that."



"There was some spying things, and there was some bad things released that really set us back and really hurt us with what they did," Trump continued [...] "But at the same time, in many cases, what they did  these were the same people that came after me so viciously and dishonestly."



"I could have gone  I was very close to going the other way," Trump added.

Assange is being tortured in prison and recently suffered a stroke.



A UK court just ruled that Assange can be extradited to the US where he'll likely be given a life sentence and further tortured in prison.



Multiple reports were released earlier this year stating Trump refused to pardon Assange because GOP senators threatened to convict him during his impeachment trial if he did.



Though Trump claims he was torn about pardoning Assange and Snowden due to unspecified "spying" issues, he had no similar qualms when it came to pardoning the Israeli handler of traitor and spy Jonathan Pollard, Israeli colonel Aviem Sella, who fled the US and escaped justice after Pollard was arrested.





President Trump on his last day in office pardoned Israeli colonel Aviem Sella, the convicted handler of US-born Jewish-American intelligence analyst and traitor Jonathan Pollard who stole US military secrets and sold them to Israel. https://t.co/UqtqgSNvnV  Chris Menahan  (@infolibnews) January 20, 2021



Pollard is considered by many to be the most damaging spy in US history and yet Trump released him from the terms of his parole so he could "make aliyah" in Israel.





Freed traitor Jonathan Pollard stabs America in the back once again  encourages American Jews to spy for Israel and embrace dual loyalty in first major interview since release. https://t.co/t1rWjhMvhc  Chris Menahan  (@infolibnews) March 30, 2021



After Pollard was flown to Israel on billionaire pro-Israel GOP megadonor Sheldon Adelson's private plane and given a hero's welcome by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, he gave an interview encouraging American Jews to spy for Israel and embrace "dual loyalty."



Follow InformationLiberation on Twitter, Facebook, Gab, Minds, Parler and Telegram.




Russia has detailed its security demands to the U.S. and NATO in form of two draft treaties.

Besides yours truly many knowledgeable bloggers and publicists have also written about the issue:

Andrei Martyanov also explains the timing. Russia is technologically and militarily in a strong position and currently can survive a break with the 'western' world without too much trouble. The U.S. is in disarray and NATO not ready to fight. It is simply the right moment.

To add to his short video I will also note that it is winter and that Europe depends on Russian gas. Gazprom is no longer offering gas at European spot markets but only delivering in previously agreed quantities to long term contract partners. This puts pressure on German regulators to finally sign off on Nord Stream II which the U.S. and Ukraine want to prevent by all means. Russia does not need that pipeline but Germany does.

The timing thereby guarantees that the issues Russia has noted will get the appropriate attention in all of Europe.

Some 'western experts' like the anti-Russian Dimitri Alperovitch believe that Russia will wage war on Ukraine no matter what but especially if the U.S. and NATO reject the treaties.

I believe that to be false. If something has to be done about Ukraine, which is currently not the case, it will be a Gulf War 1 style war that will destroy its armed forces but not invade the country. It is not worth the effort.

Andrei Martyanov lists a number of impressive weapons systems Russia could set up on its ground or around the world and sell to "more than allies" China, India and other customers. The U.S. forces would thereby come under severe threats in several theaters.

I believe that Russia has also a number of impressive new arms and systems that it has not unveiled yet. Those too can be station in many places and can also get sold to its allies. Those who threaten Russia will come under at least equally strong threats in their offices and homes.

Raevsky and Armstrong present more options in their last pieces listed above.

Meanwhile Russia has increased the pressure on the issue. Throughout the last days everyone of higher rank relevant to foreign policy and defense has held some talk on the issue. All of them were translated to English. This will supposedly help to get the attention the Russian steps deserve.

When Russia talks one should listen. Here are therefore the relevant excerpts from all these interviews and speeches.

On December 18 in an long interview with Interfax Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov, the point man for the treaties, explained the reasoning behind the demands:

The security situation in Europe, the Euro-Atlantic region and Eurasia has indeed greatly deteriorated recently. This has happened because of a series of concerted actions by the United States and its NATO allies, which, generally speaking, can be described as an attempt to undermine Russias security and to create a hostile environment around us. We cannot accept this. Ukraine is in the focus of this policy. Ukraines decisions are not independent but are subject to change in the situation. When the West provides unconditional and unqualified support to Ukraine, certain quarters in Kiev play up to the worst Western objectives and formulas. And the possibility of Ukraine eventually joining NATO, which some Ukrainian officials keep talking about, is categorically unacceptable to us. We will do our best to prevent this.

Ryabkov rejects to call the draft treaties an 'ultimatum' and he leaves open what Russia would do if the U.S. and its European proxies fail to react positively to Russia's concerns:

Question: But if, say, they reject our proposal, will that untie our hands? Sergey Ryabkov: We will use the appropriate methods and approaches we need to ensure our security. We do not want a conflict and we would like to come to terms on a reasonable foundation. ...

On December 18 Ryabkov's colleague Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko gave an interview to the Solovyov Live YouTube channel. TASS reported on it:

Russia will engage in creating counter threats if NATO turns down the Russian proposals for security guarantees, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko said on Solovyov Live YouTube channel on Saturday. "We are making clear that we are ready to talk about switching over from a military or a military-technical scenario to a political process" that will strengthen the security of all countries in the area of the OCSE, Euro-Atlantic and Eurasia, he said. "If that doesnt work out, we signaled to them (NATO-TASS) that will also move over to creating counter threats, but it will then be too late to ask us why we made these decisions and why we deployed these systems."

On December 20 Grushko also gave an interview to Rossiyskaya Gazeta. He is asked what Russia would do if no agreement is found:

Question: Mr Grushko, discussions of the action plan regarding NATOs expansion, which Russia has proposed to Washington, are ongoing. You have mentioned a military-technical alternative, if NATO rejects Moscows proposals. What do you have in mind? Alexander Grushko: If our concerns are disregarded and NATO countries are not ready to show military restraint, we will have to use the response instruments at our disposal. There is no other option. If the other side decides to project, let alone use force, that is, if it applies its defence capability as a means of economic or political pressure, this will be unacceptable to Russia, and we will find methods to neutralise these threats. Question: What methods could this be? Alexander Grushko: For example, if strike systems capable of reaching our command centres within a matter of minutes are deployed in the territory of NATO countries, we will have to create an appropriate situation for them.

The flight time of a hypersonic missile fired from a Russian submarine stationed near the U.S. east coast (or from Cuba?) to Washington DC is impressively short.

Then Ryabkov talked with TASS:

Russia is ready for a military response if NATO keeps ignoring Moscows security concerns, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov said on Monday. "I said that we would find forms to respond, including by military and military-technical means [if NATO ignores Moscows concerns again]," the high-ranking Russian diplomat told TASS. "I reaffirm this. We will have to balance the activities that are of concern to us, because they increase the risks, with our countermeasures," Ryabkov said.

Yesterday Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov gave a long interview to a number of RT correspondents. A transcript is not yet available but the English language video is here. During the first few minutes Lavrov rips NATO General Secretary Jens Stoltenberg a new one.

Also on December 21 President Vladimir Putin gave a speech at the annual expanded meeting of the Defense Ministry Board at the National Defense Control Centre. The part where he talks about defense modernization he mentions this:

We continued to actively develop cutting-edge weapons systems. Some of them, namely the Avangard and Kinzhal systems, have been put on combat duty.

Later on he demurs about U.S. weapons systems in Poland and Romania:

The Mk 41 launchers, which are located in Romania and are to be deployed in Poland, are adapted for launching the Tomahawk strike missiles. If this infrastructure continues to move forward, and if US and NATO missile systems are deployed in Ukraine, their flight time to Moscow will be only 710 minutes, or even five minutes for hypersonic systems. This is a huge challenge for us, for our security.

Putin explains how the draft treaties grew out of his virtual summit with Biden. He goes on:

[W]e need at least something, at least a legally binding agreement rather than just verbal assurances. We know the worth of such verbal assurances, fine words and promises. Take the recent past, in the late 1980s and early 1990s, when we were told that our concerns about NATOs potential expansion eastwards were absolutely groundless. And then we saw five waves of the blocs eastward expansion. Do you remember how it happened? All of you are adults. It happened at a time when Russias relations with the United States and main member states of NATO were cloudless, if not completely allied. I have already said this in public and will remind you of this again: American specialists were permanently present at the nuclear arms facilities of the Russian Federation. They went to their office there every day, had desks and an American flag. Wasnt this enough? What else is required? US advisors worked in the Russian Government, career CIA officers gave their advice. What else did they want? What was the point of supporting separatism in the North Caucasus, with the help of even ISIS  well, if not ISIS, there were other terrorist groups. They obviously supported terrorists. What for? What was the point of expanding NATO and withdrawing from the ABM Treaty? They are to blame for what is happening in Europe now, for the escalation of tensions there. ...

As to how Russia will fix that:

Naturally, as I have already noted, if our Western colleagues continue their obviously aggressive line, we will take appropriate military-technical reciprocal measures and will have a tough response to their unfriendly steps. And, I would like to stress that we are fully entitled to these actions that are designed to ensure Russias security and independence.

He later adds:

Given the complicated international situation, it is necessary to develop military and military-technical cooperation with states that are members of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation and the Collective Security Treaty Organisation and to pay special attention to strengthening the defence capability of the Russia-Belarus Union State.

Putin's speech is followed by one by Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu. He explains the military situation from the Russian perspective. NATO and the U.S. are doing all they can encroach on Russia. Of the Ukraine he especially notes:

The military development of Ukraines territory by NATO countries is underway. The situation is being further aggravated by the deliveries of US and allied helicopters, unmanned combat aerial vehicles and guided anti-tank missiles. The presence of over 120 members of US private military companies in Avdeyevka and Priazovskoye, Donetsk Region, has been proved reliably. They are setting up firing positions in residential houses and social facilities and are preparing the Ukrainian special operations forces and far-right armed groups for active hostilities. Unidentified chemical warfare agents have been delivered to Avdeyevka and Krasny Liman for the purpose of provocations. The Ukrainian military keep up the shelling of civilian neighbourhoods in Donbass and the positions of the peoples militias of the Lugansk and Donetsk republics to provoke a response.

Shoigu details the exceptional amount of modern weapons the armed forces have received and concludes:

Comrade Supreme Commander-in-Chief, All the tasks assigned to the Armed Forces for 2021 have been accomplished. The Armed Forces combat capability has grown by 12.8 percent; the prescribed level of national defence capability has been ensured. The implementation of all signed contracts has ensured the delivery of over 5,000 main armament models. The rearmament of the Army and the Navy and regular servicing have made it possible to maintain military equipment in good condition at the level of 95 percent.

...

Russian society has a high regard for the Defence Ministrys activities. Over 90 percent of Russian citizens are confident that the Armed Forces are capable of defending the country, and 88 percent are proud of the Army and Navy.

...

In accordance with your instruction, we will continue to ensure the sustainable development of the Armed Forces and to enhance their combat capabilities throughout 2022. We will discuss the results of our activities in great detail at our limited-attendance meeting.

Then Putin is back on with a more informal talk. He also rejects to call the draft treaty an 'ultimatum'. He bemoans the illegality of U.S. action:

As a reminder: everything that our partners  let us call them that  the United States has been doing in previous years, supposedly ensuring its interests and security thousands of kilometres away from their national territory  they have been doing these tough things, the boldest things, without UN Security Council authorisation.

He notes that sometime in the future the U.S. will also have hypersonic weapons like the ones Russia currently has or is fielding. It could station those in the Ukraine and directly threaten Moscow. Then comes the important part:
A new provincial pilot project designed to promote the inclusion of Indigenous histories, cultures, traditional values and knowledge in the classroom, will soon launch in some Westman schools.

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A new provincial pilot project designed to promote the inclusion of Indigenous histories, cultures, traditional values and knowledge in the classroom, will soon launch in some Westman schools.

On Dec. 14, Education Minister Cliff Cullen announced the province will invest $275,000 in the program. School divisions tapped to receive funding include Flin Flon, Fort La Bosse, Frontier, Hanover, Lord Selkirk, Mountain View, Pembina Trails, Portage la Prairie, Prairie Rose, Mystery Lake and St. James-Assiniboia.

"Including First Nations, Metis and Inuit knowledge and teachings in schools across the province will create space for our children to understand and celebrate the rich histories of Indigenous peoples in Manitoba," Cullen stated in a press release. "This pilot project affirms our governments commitment to truth and reconciliation at all levels by increasing school divisions capacity to develop and strengthen respectful partnerships with elders and knowledge keepers."

Funding for the pilot program will help build Indigenous programming in the Mountain View School Division, said Supt. Dan Ward. The division will receive around $23,000 in two instalments provided in January and March 2022.

Three schools in Dauphin have been identified in the division for the project: Dauphin Regional Comprehensive Secondary School, MacKenzie Middle School and Whitmore School.

These three schools were chosen to host the pilot project based on criteria set by the province. This included identifying schools in the division partly based on self-identified Indigenous students and school-level socioeconomic factors.

"One of the most important measures of success for us is how many students and families we can engage in this process," Ward said. "We already have elders in the school program. But with this, [what] were hoping to see through the pilot, that will continue into the spring, is just an increased number of students and families  whether its working with an elder in groups, or learning about corrective history; whether its learning about cultural practices and traditional values."

He noted an Indigenous education facilitator has been working with the Mountain View School Division and an elder-in-school program has existed for a number of years.

The funding from the province will enhance established programs in Mountain View.

"Its a short pilot project, but it provides more dollars for us to bring in more elders and the elders were working with more frequently," Ward said. "Even before this pilot, one of the primary goals within our Indigenous education plan, we recognized that we have a lot of work to do in terms of reconciliation. A big part of that is to create schools that are welcoming to all children, both Indigenous and non-Indigenous, but to really emphasize the importance of reconciliation with the Indigenous communities."

The division brought in an Indigenous education lead and launched an elders program prior to the funding in pursuit of this goal. Ward said the hope was to build and strengthen relationships with Indigenous families and communities in the Dauphin area.

The division is working to identify individuals who can help with the pilot, and planning is taking place on how resources will be used. The funding will likely double the capacity of programming in the three selected schools based on the funding already provided by Mountain View School Division.

The pilot project began with professional development for teachers before the holidays, and they are also communicating with students and families about initiatives taking place.

Programming will partially happen in the classroom, while other parts of the project will consist of working with groups as an extracurricular activity or outside regular classroom time.

Other aspects of the pilot project will be embedded directly into the curriculum and throughout the school day.

"Our plans are to look at what we have learned from this pilot project. Being that it is a pilot, there is certainly optimism that there will be some components that will continue. But even if we werent to receive additional grant money, we fully intend to learn from this pilot project and use the information and what we have learned to help guide us forward."

Fort La Bosse Supt. Barry Pitz said the provincial funding will support elders and knowledge keepers coming to school and working with students and staff, and provide overall aid to the divisions continuous improvement plan.

Three schools  Virden Collegiate Institute, Goulter School and Virden Junior High  were identified by the province for $22,000 in funding.

"Its important because one of our priorities in the school division is Indigenous education," Pitz said. "We have an Indigenous education framework that forms part of our continuous improvement plan  stories and knowledge for all of our kids and staff in terms of Indigenous perspective is very important so that we become a very inclusive school and community for all of our kids."

Pitz added the division has a close relationship with neighbouring Canupawakpa Dakota First Nation, located south of Virden. Canupawakpa is a feeder community for Virden schools, Pitz said, and has people who have helped facilitate events and talks with Fort la Bosse.

It has been invigorating knowing the division will be able to bring in more elders and knowledge keepers to work with students, Pitz said, in support of the strong local Indigenous education framework developed by members of the school community, including Canupawakpa.

"We have been quite progressive in our school division around infusing Indigenous perspectives into our curriculum as well as celebrating the culture. All this is going to be an extra boost to our schools and to our students."

 ckemp@brandonsun.com

 Twitter: @The_ChelseaKemp
HALIFAX - Nova Scotia reported a new daily record for COVID-19 cases on Wednesday with 537 infections, as well another death attributed to the novel coronavirus.

Premier of Nova Scotia Tim Houston speaks to reporters following a meeting with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Parliament Hill in Ottawa on Monday, Nov. 22, 2021. Nova Scotian is relaunching its paid sick leave program for those affected by the latest outbreak of COVID-19 in the province. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sean Kilpatrick

HALIFAX - Nova Scotia reported a new daily record for COVID-19 cases on Wednesday with 537 infections, as well another death attributed to the novel coronavirus.

Health officials said the latest death was a man in 50s from the northern zone.

"I am saddened to hear about the loss of another Nova Scotian, so close to what is supposed to be a joyful time of year," Premier Tim Houston said in a statement offering condolences.

He urged people to keep their gatherings small and follow public health rules.

"Now is not the time to let our guard down," he said.

Of the newly reported cases, 434 are located in the central zone which includes Halifax. Another 36 cases were in the eastern zone, 44 in the northern zone and 23 in the western zone.

Officials say 10 people are in hospital, with three of them listed in intensive care.

Also Wednesday, the province announced it would be renewing its paid sick leave program for workers affected by the rising COVID-19 cases in the province.

Under the temporary program, people can qualify for up to four paid sick days if they can't work remotely and miss less than 50 per cent of their scheduled work time in a one-week period.

The program is expected to begin Jan. 10 and will run until March 31 and will retroactively cover sick days starting from Dec. 21.

It covers employee wages, including wages of self-employed people, up to a maximum of $20 per hour or $160 per day for a maximum payment over the 15-week period of $640 per worker.

Eligible businesses that continue to pay their employees during their leave may be reimbursed by the program.

The program, which originally launched in May of this year and covered sick days from May 10 to July 31, paid out $600,000 in benefits covering 4,000 sick days according to the province.

The premier urged people to stay home when they are ill.

"People should continue to do the right thing  just as they did during the third wave  to keep our workplaces safe," Houston said in a news release.

The program is meant to compliment the federal Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit, which may apply after an employee has been off for 50 per cent or more of their scheduled work week.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 22, 2021.
Crown Resorts has received a second $1 million fine from Victorias gambling regulator for disobeying an official order to cut ties with an unsuitable junket tour operator, and for failing to properly vet one of the operators associates.

The Victorian Commission for Gambling and Liquor Regulation said on Thursday it had imposed the maximum fine on the casino giant over its past dealings with junkets  tour operators that bring wealthy gamblers, mainly from China, into casinos.

Crown Resorts was hit with the maximum penalty available to Victorias regulator.

Crowns past dealings with junkets  some which were revealed by this masthead in 2019 to have links with organised crime  have sparked a series of explosive inquiries into the casino giant in the last two years.

Announcing its second $1 million fine of Crown this year, following a separate penalty in April, the VCGLR said Crown had failed to comply with its regulatory obligations in relation to junket operations.
Dr Gerrard and Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has been remarkably clear-eyed about the possibility for large numbers of cases and even deaths from the reopening plan. As far back as October 15, then-chief health officer Jeannette Young was warning that COVID-19 would eventually sweep through the state. We are all of us going to end up being infected with COVID, every single person in Queensland, Dr Young said at the time. But if youve been vaccinated, its highly unlikely that youll get sick and you definitely very unlikely to end up in hospital and ICU.

That does now seem to be borne out by the real-world experience of the Omicron variant, which had not even emerged when Dr Young spoke those words. The variant appears to be much more transmissible than previous versions of COVID-19 and also appears to produce a less severe disease. But even if the main variant was still Delta, Queensland would be pursuing this strategy because it is the only way it can rejoin the rest of Australia and, eventually, the world. Chief Health Officer John Gerrard says there will be thousands of COVID-19 cases by next month. Credit:Getty Images Elimination was possible early in the pandemic, but large countries like the United States and China saw widespread outbreaks, meaning the virus would always be lurking in some form.

Even if the virus had been eradicated within Australia, keeping it out would mean screening and quarantining all international travellers going forward  a logistically, politically and culturally unfeasible solution. The difference between the Queensland experience and the rest of the world, or even with other states of Australia, is that Queensland is one of the few places opening on its own terms. Loading People north of the border looked on in horror and sympathy as cases raged out of control throughout much of NSW and Victoria this year, with hospitals overflowing and people dying in their homes. But there are a few reasons why the Queensland experience should be different, despite rising case numbers.

In the southern states earlier this year, there were very few people with full immunity via vaccines, and patchy implementation of public health measures such as masks. Queensland has taken the time, and the government has spent the political capital, to get the overall rate in the state above 80 per cent fully vaccinated before reopening. Loading People with two doses of a COVID-19 vaccine seem to have much less severe sickness, if they develop symptoms at all. There is a note of caution to this plan, which is the tyranny of scale. Essentially, even if only a small percentage of people get sick, if more people become infected, then more people will get sick.
Queensland has recorded 369 cases of COVID-19 on Thursday, as authorities warned of an escalation in numbers, as in NSW and Victoria.

The numbers have almost doubled since Wednesday, but Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said there was only one person sick in hospital across the state out of those numbers.

I want everyone to stay safe over the Christmas and New Year period, but we will see an escalation in cases like were seeing in other states, Ms Palaszczuk said, adding that there had been more than 300,000 people entering Queensland from NSW, Victoria, and the ACT, at an increase of about 30,000 a day.

Ms Palaszczuk again held firm on interstate travellers needing a PCR test to enter Queensland, but added that after the national cabinet meeting on Wednesday, there would be further discussions on the requirement.
A woman who was sexually abused by a Catholic priest says the church is now trying to subpoena deeply personal medical records, including of an unrelated abortion, as part of her lawsuit against the archbishop.

The woman, a former teacher now aged 60, is suing the Melbourne archiocese over allegations the abuse her parish priest subjected her to from the age of 13 caused psychiatric injury, including post-traumatic stress disorder and depression.

The Loud Fence in Ballarat, where abuse survivors tied ribbons to the church fence. Credit:Dylan Burns

The survivor and her lawyers say, while the church accepted she was sexually assaulted by Preston assistant priest Father Francis Thorp in the 1970s, its legal team intends to subpoena sensitive medical records as part of the claim.

The records flagged for subpoena include information about a termination she had when she was in her late 20s, a decade after the abuse ceased, a contraceptive device she had implanted and her obstetric records.
Victorians aged eight years and older will have to wear masks in all indoor settings - except private homes - and at all large outdoor events, from 11.59pm on Thursday.

Victorias Acting Premier James Merlino made the announcement during a press conference moments ago, saying despite the new restrictions, the state will not be going into lockdown.

Mr Merlino described new measures the government is taking as common sense, sensible changes in response to the new variant.

The returning mask rules also dictate that people have to wear them when moving around major events of more than 30,000 people, but not when they are seated outdoors.
Hi Suz, things bad here, he messaged. Using/gambling last [money] today. No electricity or phone, water or food. Only internet in city 2 hours away. F---ing disaster zone. He found a business, he said, selling one bottle per family per day but if you have no money you cant buy the water. The damage inflicted by typhoon Rai, or Odette as it was called in the Philippines, is being compared to the most powerful storm to hit the country on record, typhoon Haiyan, which killed more than 7000 people in 2013. The people are saying this is like the Yolanda [as Haiyan was called in the Philippines] before, said Father Tony Labiao, the Philippines executive secretary of Catholic organisation Caritas, on Thursday. There are less casualties but in terms of properties and livelihoods and houses lost, its almost the same. Its a really terrible sight.

He was speaking from Bohol, the next island to the east, where the governor has warned looting is inevitable if aid does not arrive soon. Siargao Island was hit by a storm surge as high as three metres. Its a really terrible sight, Labiao said. People here in Bohol are in need of water, food, medicine and emergency shelter. Weve come from Cebu, where there 24 municipalities are severely damaged and 80 to 90 per cent of the infrastructure is down. There is no electricity, no water  the communication lines are down. The situation is just as bleak on the more remote Siargao Island, a surfing destination off the north-west corner of Mindanao.

It was struck by a three-metre storm surge when Rai arrived, effectively washing some villages away and reducing to rubble much of what remains. While millions of pesos in relief supplies are said to have been sent there by the private sector, there are reports that they havent yet been released at the port. Back on Cebu, Australian Mike Selfe is trying to organise relief for the 350 staff his outsourcing company employs there. He said it had been difficult initially to account for everybody but the focus was now on stockpiling food and cash for diesel to keep generators running for their water supply. The situation has become so desperate to the point where the hottest commodity at the moment is drinking water, he said from Adelaide, where he has been coordinating efforts to help staff and families.

And while weve been able to power up a water station to provide for our community, we cant provide for everyone. Weve had to have an armed guard put in place to guard the water station like one would guard a bank. People pass by toppled electrical posts in Cebu province. Credit:AP There are some free water stations but the line-ups are huge. There were only select banks dispensing money in Cebu City, he said. Weve had to have an armed guard put in place to guard the water station like one would guard a bank. Mike Selfe

The only ATMs that are up and running are those that are in business precincts because the ATMs are running on a back-up generator ... sometimes there are also ATMs in hotels. But of course, there are very long line-ups, he said. Food supply is not as scarce [as water] but they need cash. Loading President Rodrigo Duterte, who on Wednesday visited Surigao and the Dinagat Islands, another province laid waste by the typhoon, has revealed most of the government funds set aside for relief have been depleted by the fight against COVID-19. I can promise to the people that help will arrive, he said on Monday. Just give us a bit more time because theres a lot of paperwork in government. For every move you make, theres a layer of papers. Government works that way.
A view of the scene of the train disaster Credit:National Publicity Studios

WELLINGTON. One hundred and sixty-six people were killed when a holiday-packed train plunged into the flooded Upper Whangaehu River, near Tangiwai, last night.

First published in The Age on December 26, 1953

It is believed a cloudburst or a volcanic upheaval on Mt. Ruapehu caused a crater lake on the mountain to burst, flooding the river and carrying away the rail bridge.

Many of the 267 passengers in the train, a night express from Wellington to Auckland, were travelling to Auckland to see the Queen.

The engine and five of the nine carriages of the train disappeared into the swollen river. A sixth carriage remained precariously perched on the river bank.

It was New Zealands worst rail disaster.

Late tonight only 61 bodies had been recovered, but little hope was held for the 138 still missing.
Travel agents nationwide were on Wednesday evening unable to access and sell tickets listed on global distribution systems (GDS).

Airlines, for tickets, use their own websites and GDS platforms like Amadeus and Travelport. The platforms distribute tickets to travel agents for a fee.

While continues to issue tickets through its website and reservation offices, agents have been unable to access the inventory on GDS platforms. The airline declined to comment on the issue.

The Travel Agents Association of India wrote to the airline management seeking clarity. The issue has happened in the midst of peak travel season and we are worried about agents losing business, said Jyoti Mayal, president of Travel Agents Association of India.

A few months before the airlines website restricted sales for some international flights. The sudden ticketing problem fuelled agents' worries if there was another change in policy by the airline.

We shall appreciate if there are any reasons for these sudden changes whereby the majority of international inventories are not visible on GDS. We would like you to kindly look into this concern on priority so as to resolve the issue at the earliest, wrote Paras Lakhia (Chairman, Airline Council), TAAI.
Brazilian company Vale has entered into a binding agreement with Jindals Vulcan Minerals to sell the Moatize coalmine (Mozambique) and the Nacala Logistics Corridor (straddling Mozambique and Malawi) at $270 million.

Vulcan is a private company and part of $18-billion Naveen Group. The deal comprises $80 million, which Vale will receive immediately, followed by the balance $190 million at the close of the transaction.

I am pleased to announce this important step for the responsible divestment of Moatize and NLC (Nacala Logistics Corridor), in a transaction that benefits the communities and governments where those operations are located and offering a sustainable future for the operations. This is another accomplishment on our commitment to reshape our company, focusing on our core businesses, the release quoted Eduardo Bartolomeo, chief executive officer of Vale, as saying.

Alongside, there will also be a 10-year royalty agreement subject to certain conditions in mine production and coal prices. The closing of the deal is expected to take time because many approvals are needed from local authorities, said an industry source close to the development.

The transaction is subject to the approval of the Ministry of Mineral Resources and Energy of Mozambique, Vale said in its release.

KEY TAKEAWAYS Moatize mine has thermal, metallurgical coal

Deal includes 10-year Royalty Agreement

Mine buy will make Steel significantly self reliant in coal sourcing

Steel currently relies on Australia for 60% of its coal requirement

The Moatize coalmine is one of the worlds biggest metallurgical and thermal coalmine sites and will help Jindal Steel become self-reliant in its coal supplies for its domestic steel operations. Metallurgical coal is used in making steel.

Currently, Jindal Steel sources nearly 60 per cent of its coking coal from Australia, some of its thermal coal comes from Mozambique, and the rest of the coking coal from the open market. There are, however, no details regarding funding arrangements. Calls made to Jindal Steel went unanswered.

In April 2021, Jindal Steel & Power (Mauritius), an arm of Naveen Jindal-led Jindal Steel & Power (JSPL), sold its balance stake in an Oman unit to Vulcan Steel. Jindal Steel owned 48.99 percent in the unit via Jindal Steel & Power (Mauritius). The former had made the deal to exit the Oman business in September 2020.

Vale said it was committed to working with both the Mozambique and Malawi governments to ensure a smooth transition to the new operator. In early 2021, Vale announced it would no longer own coal assets, and focus on its core businesses and on becoming a leader in low-carbon

Over the past 15 years, Vale has worked in partnership with the Mozambique and Malawi governments in working the Moatize mine and NLCs 912-km railway for coal transportation, in addition to the revamp of general cargo operations and passenger transportation.
Byjus, the most valuable company, has appointed Himanshu Bajaj as head of business to lead its Byjus Learning Centre.

In his role, Bajaj will be responsible for development and expansion of Byjus Learning Centre, along with providing strategic business growth and thought leadership direction for the brand and the business. He will report directly to the Chief Operating Officer of Byjus, Mrinal Mohit.

Before joining Byjus, Bajaj worked with consulting firm Kearney and led its Consumer and Retail practice across Asia Pacific. He has also worked with Fedex in Singapore and Hong Kong and TSMG in Mumbai. He earned his Bachelors Degree in Engineering from the Delhi College of Engineering and has done his MBA from the Indian Institute of Management in Ahmedabad. He is also a Chartered Financial Analyst from the Association for Investment Management and Research

I am delighted to be associated with Byjus first of its platform that offers a hybrid model of learning, said Bajaj. Since its inception, Byjus has led the way forward with its transformative power of education through an innovative online learning model. I am looking forward to furthering the value and developing the business across geographies  displaying a promising future in revamping the face of education for students.

With over 18 years of consulting and industry experience working with the both public and private sectors, Bajaj has worked for leading local and global transformation programs for consumer goods and retail clients across Asia, Europe, and Africa. He has also led projects in sales and marketing, real estate, chemicals, energy, and logistics. His experience includes managing global projects as well as country-specific projects across India, Paris, UK, the US, Singapore, Hong Kong, Vietnam, Dubai, South Africa.

Byjus Learning Centre offers students a hybrid model of learning by combining the best of offline and online learning methodologies. Students experience classes online delivered via Byjus two-teacher model to ensure deep conceptual clarity followed by practice sessions to solve doubts. Students can then attend weekly tutorial classes offline at BYJUS Learning Centre to bridge learning gaps, reinforce learning, ensure exam readiness and track monthly progress.

With Himanshus (Bajaj) extensive years of diverse experience in front-ending business for various corporates, he will help scale and add value to the offerings of Byjus Learning Centre, said Pravin Prakash, Chief People Officer, Byjus. We are pleased to welcome him on board and look forward to working with him to strengthen our business further and support him in achieving the goals.

Byjus which is in talks with Churchill Capital to raise $4 billion at a valuation of $48 billion and go public through the special purpose acquisition company (SPAC) route, is strengthening its leadership team. The Bengaluru-based firm recently appointed Rachna Bahadur as the senior vice president to lead the global expansion plans of the firm. In her new role, Bahadur will lead the overall planning, strategy, and roadmap for Byjus expansion in new and existing markets.With over 15 years of experience, before joining Byjus, Bahadur was a Partner at Bain & Company where she was a leader in the consumer product practice. The firm also announced the appointment of Mukut Deepak as Head of Business to lead its class 4 to 10 school segment. Before joining Byjus, Deepak was the Chief Business Development Officer at Tata Sky Limited and a Director for Tata Skys Digital venture.


Electric scooter maker has announced the launch of its third retail outlet in Kerala, scaling up in one of its largest markets.

The new outlet called Ather Space in Pattom, Thiruvananthapuram, provides customer support and an overview of the companys scooters. The Ather 450X and the Ather 450 Plus will be available for test ride and purchase at the outlet, which the company will run in association with Popular Vehicles & Services.

The outlet will be the Athers third store in the state, after the ones in Kochi and Kozhikode. The company is expanding in the state, encouraged by the response it got for Ather 450X and 450 Plus electric scooters.

Kerala is one of the largest markets for Ather Energy, with a high rate of EV adoption, and the market acceptance for premium electric two-wheelers has been encouraging, said Ravneet Singh Phokela, Chief Business Officer, We also aim to launch 10 new retail stores in Kerala by March 2023."

Ather has installed charging points in Thiruvananthapurams Thycaud, Kazhakootam, Panavila, Nemom and Plamoodu. The company plans to strengthen its retail operations by expanding to 100 cities with around 150 experience centres by March 2023.

"Ecomarq, the EV subsidiary of Popular Vehicles and Services, is delighted to partner with Customers in Kerala are increasingly looking to switch to since they provide exceptional value for money, said Naveen Philip, managing director of Popular Vehicles & Services.
Fintech startup mPokket will hire 1,500 people in 2022, amid a growing user base for its instant loan app that caters to college students and young working professionals, an official said on Thursday.

The Kolkata-based company recruited over 500 people across all functions between April and December 2021, taking the total number of employees to over 1,400, he said.

"The upcoming hiring will allow talented professionals from various domains to apply to one of India's fastest-growing fintech startups. The company will onboard 1,500 people and they will be included in technology and product development, data analytics, human resource, finance, and marketing," mPokket Founder and CEO Gaurav Jalan said.

Over 80 per cent of the recruits would be needed for operations, and the rest for corporate functions, he said.

With users spread across 19,000 pin code areas in the country, the startup had clocked credit disbursal worth Rs 1,200 crore in the 2020-21 fiscal year and the app has witnessed over 10 million downloads till date.

It also has offices in several cities such as Bangalore and Hyderabad.

The company offers instant loans, ranging from Rs 500 to Rs 30,000, after completing an initial KYC process.

The entire exercise is completed on the mobile application without any physical interface, the official said.

mPokket focuses on individuals who do not meet the eligibility criteria of traditional lenders and need loans to meet urgent requirements, 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.)
Realty firm on Thursday said it has partnered with Real Estate Investing (MSREI) to develop a premium warehousing project near Mumbai with an investment of Rs 600 crore.

Macrotech Developers, which got listed on stock exchanges in April after raising Rs 2,500 crore through public issue, markets its properties under Lodha brand.

In a statement, said it has closed a deal with MSREI to develop about 1.9 million square feet area at Palava Industrial and Logistics Park (PILP).

"This would entail an investment of approximately Rs 600 crore for development of Grade-A warehouses across 72 acres land parcel at PILP," it added.

MSREI is the global private real estate investment management arm of

will further act as the development manager for the project, responsible for leasing, project development, and asset management.

The PILP is located close to JNPT, the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport, and the industrial hub of Taloja MIDC.

The logistic park is part of Macrotech's 4,500-acre Palava city township.

Shaishav Dharia, CEO, Townships, and Rental Assets, Lodha, said, Through this formidable collaboration, we will leverage our development expertise along with MSREI's industrial know-how as we continue to expand and enhance this best-in-class industrial park."



The company expects more such strategic partnerships in the near future, he added.

Vineet Sekhsaria, Executive Director and Head, Real Estate Investing India, said, We believe that Palava will soon become the most strategic location for logistics and industrial development in Western India."



Macrotech Developers has delivered more than 81 million square feet of real estate and is currently developing around 93 million square feet under its ongoing and planned portfolio.

The group has more than 4,400 acres of land beyond its ongoing and planned portfolio which will be utilized in developing further residential, commercial and industrial and logistics spaces.

Besides India, Macrotech is also developing two projects in London, where it made a foray in 2013.

(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.)
Karnataka on Thursday reported 12 new cases of Omicron variant of the novel coronavirus, taking its tally in the state to 31, Karnataka Health Minister Dr K Sudhakar said.

Seven of them are female, including two girls aged nine and 11 years old.

"12 new cases of Omicron have been confirmed in Karnataka today taking the tally to 31," Sudhakar said, adding, ten are from Bengaluru while one each is from Mysuru and Mangaluru.

Among the Bengaluru cases, five had a travel history to the United Kingdom and one each had come from Denmark and Nigeria.

The three others from Bengaluru did not have a travel history.

A 27-year-old man from Mangaluru had come from Ghana, while the nine-year-old girl from Mysuru had returned from Switzerland.

According to health department officials, they have been isolated and were undergoing treatment.

They added that their health condition is being monitored.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Union Minister of State for Electronics and Information Technology Rajeev Chandrashekhar on Thursday said will soon have a centre of excellence and a tech park.

The minister was in to launch seven new internet exchange nodes.

The seven new nodes were launched for Agra, Prayagraj, Gorakhpur, Lucknow, Varanasi, Meerut and Kanpur under the Digital campaign and Digital India. Gautam Budhh Nagar already has an internet exchange node.

He was accompanied by Union Minister of State for Law and Justice S P Singh Baghel.

Talking to reporters, Chandrashekhar told reporters, "Soon, will have a centre of excellence and a tech park. We have a strategy that there should be a centre of excellence and infrastructure so that investors across the globe invest in "



He added that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath are making all efforts to develop the state a hub of technology across the globe.

"When UP becomes a hub of technology and electronics, more jobs and businesses will increase in the state. We have come up with the centre of excellence in Lucknow and will soon have it in Meerut and Agra," he added.

When asked about the 5G technology, he said the telecom department will decide about its timing.

MP from Agra and Union Minister of State for Law and Justice S P Singh Baghel had urged for promoting the Agra city as an IT hub.

(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 three-dose course of AstraZeneca's COVID-19 vaccine is effective against the rapidly-spreading Omicron variant, the pharmaceutical company said on Thursday, citing data from an Oxford University lab study.

Findings from the study, yet to be published in a peer-reviewed medical journal, match those from rivals Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna which have also found a third dose of their shots works against Omicron.

The study on AstraZeneca's vaccine, Vaxzevria, showed that after a three-dose course of the vaccine, neutralising levels against Omicron were broadly similar to those against the virus's Delta variant after two doses.

The London-listed company said researchers at Oxford University who carried out the study were independent from those who worked on the vaccine with

"As we better understand Omicron, we believe we will find that T-cell response provides durable protection against severe disease and hospitalisations," Mene Pangalos, the head of AstraZeneca's biopharmaceuticals R&D said, referring to a critical component of the immune system that respond to fight infection.

Antibody levels against Omicron after the booster shot were higher than antibodies in people who had been infected with and recovered naturally from COVID-19, the Anglo-Swedish drugmaker added.

Although the early data is positive for the company, said on Tuesday it was working with its partner Oxford University to produce a vaccine tailored for Omicron, joining similar efforts from other vaccine-makers.

The Oxford study analysed blood samples from those infected with COVID-19, those vaccinated with two doses and a booster, and those previously infected with other variants of concern. It included samples from 41 people given three doses of Vaxzevria.

Scientists and governments are scrambling to bolster defences against Omicron with shots and therapies, as the variant threatens to become dominant globally and has prompted renewed curbs ahead of the holidays to contain infections.

Britain earlier this month backed the use of boosters after it found that a third dose significantly restored protection against mild disease caused by Omicron, in part reversing an otherwise steep drop in vaccine effectiveness.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The ED on Thursday said it has attached assets worth Rs 100 crore of a "habitual offender", who took new loans to repay old ones, and is being probed for money laundering linked to alleged fraud against an IDBI branch in

Agricultural lands, fish ponds, commercial sites, plots and flats of Rebba Satyanarayana located in and Telangana have been provisionally attached under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), the (ED) said in a statement.

Satyanarayana and his family members are accused of "fraudulently availing KCC (Kisan Credit Card Scheme) fish tank loans in the names of 143 benami borrowers from IDBI Bank, Rajahmundry branch, to the tune of Rs 112.41 crore".

He was first booked for these charges by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) following which the ED took cognisance of the case.

The ED said Satyanarayana "was the aggregator and end beneficiary of all the KCC loans sanctioned to the borrowers and he conspired with the officials of the IDBI Bank and others to avail loans in the name of his family members, relatives and acquaintances."



These loans, the federal investigation agency said, were firstly transferred to the borrowers' savings accounts -- opened by Satyanarayana -- and later, most of the said loan amount was withdrawn in cash.

The cash was handed over to the accused, which Satynarayana utilised for various purposes like "repayment" of earlier loans availed by entities in his, relatives and benami names, but controlled by him, it said.

The ED said the accused also used the loan funds to allegedly purchase properties in his name, in the name of his relatives as well as in benami names and made investments in his export-import businesses.

The agency alleged that properties purchased by Satyanarayana through these means "were again used to mortgage for getting other loans in their other business entities."



"He is a habitual offender who is taking cyclical loans to repay old loans and divert portions of the sanctioned loans to run his various benami ventures," the ED said.

It was found that Satyanarayana "incorporated a foreign entity in New Jersey, USA, and exported sea food and cultured prawns worth over USD 24,00,000 from his domestic entity to the said foreign entity, which is pending for export realisation.

"This non-realisation of the export is also suspected," it said.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Prime Minister in a high-level review meeting on Thursday on status of Covid-19, Omicron, and preparedness of health systems said the country needs to be satark and savdhan in light of the new variant and assured that the government is alert and seized of the evolving scenario.

The meeting was held on the day India achieved full vaccination for 60 per cent of its total adult population even as the Omicron cases in the country reached 236, according to the data.

The PM directed the officials to ensure that the health systems in the states, beginning from the district level, are strengthened to meet any challenge posed by the new variant. He also asked the officials to work with the states on a regular basis and review the status of preparedness of various components of health infrastructure including training and capacity building of human resources, timely availability of ambulances among other things.

Focus should be on prompt and effective contact tracing, ramping up of testing, accelerating vaccination and strengthening health infrastructure, Modi said.

The Centre would also send teams to states with low vaccination, rising cases, insufficient health infrastructure to assist them.

The ministry, in a review meeting with states earlier in the day, asked them to impose night curfews, strict regulation of large gatherings, and exponentially ramp up vaccination in states going for elections. Observe all precautions. Dont let your guard down, the ministry said in a statement.





In the meeting chaired by Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan with state health departments held in view of the Omicron variant, the ministry said the existing national clinical management protocol remains unchanged for the new variant. For testing, the right proportion of RT-PCR versus the rapid antigen test has to be in the ratio of at least 60:40 on a daily basis. The ministry said this could be ramped up to a 70:30 ratio.

States have been told to increase bed capacity, ensure logistics like ambulances and enforce mechanisms for seamless shifting of patients. Besides, they should maintain a buffer stock of essential medicines for at least 30 days, the government has said.

The maximum Omicron cases in the country are in Maharashtra (65), followed by Delhi (64), according to ministry data as of Thursday morning.

As many states have decommissioned Covid facilities, they are required to keep an action plan ready for making these operational along with adequate availability of doctors and ambulances on call, in case there is a rise in Covid cases, the ministry said.

The health secretary also told the states that since symptoms of Omicron variant closely mimic common cold with a higher rate of transmissibility and doubling time, syndromic approach for Covid containment can be employed. Any restriction must be enforced for a minimum of 14 days.

State health departments have been asked to monitor the status and progress of fiscal spending using funds sanctioned under Emergency Covid Response Package and physical progress in this regard on a daily basis.

In a video conference with the states, Bhushan said pockets with low vaccination coverage and those with low Covid exposure may be more vulnerable to the new Omicron variant. Special attention to ramp up vaccination in these pockets has to be given by states.
The has arrested 11 people in connection with around Rs 60,000 crore investment allegedly run by the Pearls group, officials said on Thursday.

The arrests were made from Delhi, Chandigarh, Kolkata, Bhubaneswar among other places, the said in a statement.

According to the probe agency, the case pertains to the alleged collection of around Rs 60,000 crore from around 5.5 crore investors across the country by operating different investment schemes, without any statutory approval and with a motive of duping the investors.

"It was alleged that the arrested accused were the co-conspirators in this scam, who aided the prime accused and others in illegally operating investment schemes for earning quick and easy money," spokesperson R C Joshi said.

They induced people to invest in such schemes which offered lucrative returns and thereafter aided the prime accused and others in the diversion of such funds through dubious means with the motive of misappropriation, he said.

Those arrested include Pearls group executives Chander Bhushan Dhillon, Prem Seth, Manmohan Kamal Mahajan, Mohanlal Sehajpal and Kanwaljit Singh Toor, officials said.

Businessmen Praveen Kumar Agarwal, Mannoj Kumar Jain, Akash Agarwal, Anil Kumar Khemka Subhash Agarwal and Rajesh Agarwal were also arrested from Delhi, Chandigarh, Kolkata, Bhubaneshwar etc, they said.

They were produced before a special court on Thursday which sent eight of them to CBI custody while the remaining three were sent in judicial custody.

The CBI had arrested Nirmal Singh Bhangoo, CMD of Pearls Golden Forest Ltd (PGF) and ex-chairman of Pearls Australasia Pty Limited, along with Sukhdev Singh, MD and Promoter-Director of Pearls Agrotech Corporation Ltd (PACL), Gurmeet Singh, Executive Director (Finance) and Subrata Bhattacharya, ED in the PGF/PACL on January 8, 2016.

"To investigate the role of other accused/suspects in this multi-thousand crore financial scam, which had adversely affected the interests of millions of investors, further investigation of the case was continued," Joshi said.

The investigation also revealed that the accused persons fraudulently diverted the alleged funds collected under the aegis of a Jaipur-based private company for purported investment in Australian companies. It has been alleged that around Australian Dollar 132.99 mn (approximately) was found to have been diverted to Australian companies, 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.)
A confidential statement of chief Subodh Kumar Jaiswal, recorded during his previous tenure in connection with bribery allegations against former home minister Anil Deshmukh, was recovered by the from devices of an arrested agency official and a lawyer of the politician, officials said on Thursday.

Both the agency official and the lawyer have been charge-sheeted by the agency for allegedly subverting the case against the former minister.

According to the charge sheet, filed before a special court here, the recovered the statement, recorded by the investigation officer of the case against Deshmukh, from a pen drive seized from its sub-inspector Abhishek Tiwari and the phone of lawyer Anand Daga. Tiwari was part of the team probing Deshmukh.

The CBI has accused Tiwari of hatching a conspiracy with Daga and leaking sensitive and secret documents to subvert the investigation pertaining to the case that was handed over to the agency by the Bombay High Court to probe corruption allegations against Deshmukh.

The CBI had arrested Tiwari and Daga and both are now in judicial custody.

A forensic analysis of digital devices recovered from Tiwari and Daga revealed the statement of CBI Director Subodh Kumar Jaiswal, when he was Director General CISF, telephonically recorded by the investigating officer of Deshmukh case and CBI Deputy SP Mukesh Kumar on May 6, 2021.

Kumar had saved this statement on an external hard drive and no other members of the investigation team was aware of this fact, they said.

Jaiswal was questioned under Section 161 of the CrPC about allegations against Deshmukh during his tenure as the Director General of Police.

The forensic analysis showed that the document was found saved in a pen drive of Tiwari on August 1, 2021 and mobile phone of Daga on August 5, 2021.

Jaiswal, a 1985-batch IPS from Maharashtra, had assumed charge as Director, CBI on May 26, 2021 after handing over the charge of Director General, Central Industrial Security Force.

The CBI conducted a forensic analysis of the record extracted from the digital devices of both the accused which showed that both the documents were allegedly retrieved from the same source, having the same 'hash value' (a digital parameter to know if documents are copies of same source material), implying that Tiwari had handed over the content of Jaiswal's statement to Daga, they said.

After the arrest of Daga, the CBI had conducted an imaging of his phone, from which files related to the Preliminary Enquiry and FIR against Deshmukh were recovered, they said.

The CBI did a comparison of forensic of these documents with those recovered from the phone and pen drive recovered from Tiwari which matched, they said.

The CBI on September 1 had arrested Daga and Tiwari for allegedly leaking confidential documents related to the preliminary enquiry against Deshmukh, they said.

A special court here has taken cognisance of the charge sheet noting that Deshmukh may be the controlling mind of the larger conspiracy, whereas the accused persons (Tiwari and Daga) may only be hands, as he (Deshmukh) would have been and was the main beneficiary from the leak of the contents of the PE and the case.

The court asked the CBI to probe the role of Deshmukh in the case of leak of documents.

The case pertains to a PE registered by the CBI against Deshmukh on the orders of the Bombay High Court which had issued the directions while hearing a public interest litigation on allegations of corruption against the former minister.

The PE findings showed the Deputy SP probing the matter had purportedly opined that no cognisable offence was made out against Deshmukh but it was later converted into an FIR based on a contrasting opinion of the Deputy SP.

The opinion mentioned in the FIR said that cognisable offence is made out against Deshmukh.

The findings giving clean chit to Deshmukh got leaked to the media causing an embarrassment to the CBI after opposition parties blamed the agency for conducting a motivated probe against the then minister.

Soon after the leak, an embarrassed CBI booked Tiwari and Daga on the allegations of leaking documents.

(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.)
Sources said the nod may even come as early as December-end after the worlds top health body and the European Medicines Agency (EMA) gave their thumbs up to the vaccine recently. Data from the Indian arm of the trials have been submitted and the review is on. With the World Health Organisation (WHO) and EMA giving their nods, the process of approval in India becomes that much easier, said a ...

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Travellers wait for trains at the Moynihan Train Hall at Penn Station ahead of the Christmas holiday, in New York City (Photo: Reuters)

Two vaccine makers said their shots protected against the Omicron variant as UK data suggested it may cause proportionally fewer hospital cases than the Delta strain, though public health experts warned the battle against COVID-19 was far from over.

Similar encouraging evidence about hospitalisation rates had emerged from South Africa on Wednesday, but the head of Africa's main public health agency joined the World Health Organization in cautioning that it was too soon to draw broad conclusions about Omicron's virulence.

"Let's be careful not to extrapolate what we are seeing in South Africa across the continent, or across the world," Africa Centres for

Disease Control (CDC) chief John Nkengasong told a media briefing.

infections have soared across much of the world as highly infectious Omicron has spread, triggering new restrictions in many countries.

First identified last month in southern Africa and Hong Kong, the variant is quickly becoming dominant in much of western Europe including Britain, where daily new infections have soared beyond 100,000.

But increases in hospitalisations and deaths in South Africa and Britain since Omicron took hold appear to have been more gradual, and AstraZeneca and Novavax have joined other vaccine manufacturers in saying their shots protect against it.

University of Edinburgh researchers who tracked 22,205 Omicron patients said on Wednesday the number who needed to be hospitalised was 68% lower than they would have expected, based on the rate in patients with Delta.

Imperial College London researchers said they saw evidence over the last two weeks of a 40%-45% reduction in the risk of hospitalisation for Omicron relative to Delta.

'DON'T OVER-INTERPRET'

Raghib Ali, senior clinical research associate at the University of Cambridge, said scientists had warned that, with the surge in UK cases, even a small proportion of hospitalisations could overwhelm the heathcare system.

However, the UK data was encouraging and "may help justify the government's decision not to expand restrictions on social gathering over Christmas in England", he said.

UK hospitalisations supported Wednesday's findings from South Africa's National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD).

However, the CDC's Nkengasong said the NICD data, suggesting Omicron was 70%-80% less severe than Delta, should be interpreted "with a lot of caution".

"This is early days and public health practice is local," he said, adding that particular factors such as the young median age of the South African population could be in play.

On Wednesday, the WHO's technical lead on COVID-19, Maria van Kerkhove, had said data on Omicron was still too "messy" to draw firm conclusions.

VACCINE HOPES

On Thursday, AstraZeneca said a three-course dose of its COVID-19 vaccine offered protection against the variant, citing data from an Oxford University lab study.

Findings from the study, yet to be published in a peer-reviewed medical journal, match those from rivals Pfizer-BioNTech, and Moderna.

The study on AstraZeneca's vaccine, Vaxzevria, showed that after a three-dose course, neutralising levels against Omicron were broadly similar to those against Delta after two doses.

Hours earlier, Novavax Inc said early data showed its vaccine - authorised for use this week by the European Union and WHO but yet to be approved by the United States - also generated an immune response against Omicron.

As financial markets welcomed the signs that Omicron might be less severe than feared, global shares extended a rally on Thursday while safe-haven bonds and currencies eased.

Beyond western Europe, the Delta variant continued to spread.

The death toll in Russia, where officials said this week they had detected only 41 Omicron cases, passed 600,000 on

Thursday, Reuters calculations based on official data showed, after a surge of infections linked to Delta.

Only the United States and Brazil have recorded more coronavirus deaths.

The Chinese city of Xian, where no Omicron cases have been detected, put its 13 million residents in a lockdown as the daily count of domestically transmitted COVID-19 infections rose for a sixth day running.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
A third booster shot of the AstraZeneca-Oxford Covid-19 Vaxzevria significantly boosts antibody levels against the variant of the coronavirus, claimed the British drug major.

This brightens the scope for Serum Institute of India (SII), which makes Covishield, the Indian version of the Vaxzevria. Experts are of the opinion that mixing shots may give better results to boost immunity. However, the University of Oxford has supported the use of Vaxzevria as a third booster dose against SII is sitting on 500 million doses of Covishield (half of which is in bulk drug form), and has cut production by half owing to low demand.

If the is recommended for use as a booster against Omicron, it may significantly boost the demand for Covishield in India. An Indian expert group on policy is yet to take a call on whether and when to allow Covid booster shots.

Vaxzevria was co-invented by the University of Oxford and its spin-out company, Vaccitech. It uses a replication-deficient chimpanzee viral vector based on a weakened version of a common cold virus (adenovirus) that causes infections in chimpanzees and contains the genetic material of the SARS-CoV-2 virus spike protein. After vaccination, the surface spike protein is produced, priming the immune system to attack the SARS-CoV-2 virus if it later infects the body.

Neutralisation titres for were boosted following a third dose with Vaxzevria compared to titres after a second dose. The levels seen after the third dose booster were higher than the neutralising antibodies found in individuals who had been previously infected with and recovered naturally from Covid-19 (Alpha, Beta, Delta variants and original strain), AstraZeneca said.

It explained that sera obtained from individuals one month after receiving the third dose booster neutralised the Omicron variant to levels that were broadly similar to those observed one month after the second dose against the Delta variant. Two doses of Vaxzevria have been associated with protection against the Delta variant in real world studies, it added.





ALSO READ: Covishield production capacity 250-275 mn shots a month, Covaxin 50-60 mn

The study analysed blood samples from individuals infected with Covid-19; those who had been vaccinated with a two-dose schedule and a third dose booster; and those who had reported previous infection from other Covid-19 variants of concern. The study included samples from 41 people who had received three doses of Vaxzevria.

The study was performed independently by investigators at the University of Oxford.

John Bell, Regius Professor of Medicine, University of Oxford, UK and one of the study investigators, said, It is very encouraging to see that current vaccines have the potential to protect against Omicron following a third dose booster. These results support the use of third dose boosters as part of national vaccine strategies, especially to limit the spread of variants of concern, including Omicron.

Sir Mene Pangalos, Executive Vice President, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, said: Vaxzevria plays an important role in programmes around the world and these data give us confidence that the vaccine should be given as a third dose booster.

Data from another laboratory study supports Vaxzevrias effect against Omicron, with individuals vaccinated with two doses of Vaxzevria retaining neutralising activity against Omicron, although a decrease was seen compared to the original strain.

AstraZeneca is collecting real world evidence evaluating the effectiveness against the Omicron variant with academic groups in the southern African region. AstraZeneca is also analysing blood samples from participants in the companys phase II/III trial to evaluate neutralising activity when given as a third dose booster against Omicron for both Vaxzevria and its investigational next generation Covid-19 vaccine, AZD2816.

Data from these studies are expected soon.
India on Thursday reported a net increase of 101 in active cases to take its count to 78,291. Indias share of global active cases now stands at 0.34 per cent (one in 294). The country is twenty-ninth among the most affected countries by active cases. On Wednesday, it added 7,495 cases to take its total caseload to 34,765,976 from 34,758,481  an increase of 0.1%. And, with 434 new fatalities, its Covid-19 reached 478,759, or 1.38 per cent of total confirmed infections.

With 7,017,671 more Covid-19 vaccine doses being administered on Wednesday, Indias total count of vaccine shots so far reached 1,396,976,774. The count of recovered cases across India, meanwhile, reached 34,208,926  or 98.4 per cent of total caseload  with 6,960 new cured cases being reported on Thursday.

Now the twenty-ninth-most-affected country by active cases, third by deaths, second by total cases and recoveries, India has added 47,374 cases in the past 7 days.

India now accounts for 0.34% of all active cases globally (one in every 294 active cases), and 8.88% of all deaths (one in every 11 deaths).

India has so far administered 1,396,976,774 vaccine doses. That is 4018.22 per cent of its total caseload, and 99.86 per cent of its population.

Among Indian states, the top 5 in terms of number of vaccine shots administered are Uttar Pradesh (194801906), Maharashtra (134204581), West Bengal (105115272), Madhya Pradesh (102576248), and Bihar (96807002).

Among states with more than 10 million population, the top 5 in number of vaccine shots per one million population are Gujarat (1428695), Delhi (1402856), Kerala (1368067), Jammu and Kashmir (1355991), and Uttarakhand (1307642).

Backwards from here, the last 1 million cases for India have come in 84 days.

The count of active cases across India on Thursday saw a net increase of 101, compared to net decrease of 907 on Wednesday. States and UTs hat have seen the biggest daily net increase in active cases are Maharashtra (240), Delhi (67), Karnataka (64), Gujarat (48), and Haryana (41).

With 6,960 new daily recoveries, Indias recovery rate stands at 98.4%, while fatality rate remained unchanged at 1.38%.

The Indian states and UTs with the worst case fatality rates at present are Punjab (2.75%), Nagaland (2.18%), and Uttarakhand (2.15%). The rate in as many as 14 is higher than the national average.

Indias new daily closed cases stand at 7,394  434 deaths and 6,960 recoveries. The share of deaths in total closed cases stands at 5.86%.

Indias 5-day moving average of daily rate of addition to total cases stands at 0.0%.

Indias doubling time for total cases stands at 3214.9 days, and for deaths at 764.3 days.

Overall, five states with the biggest 24-hour jump in total cases are Kerala (3205), Maharashtra (1201), Tamil Nadu (604), West Bengal (534), and Karnataka (321).

India on Wednesday conducted 1,205,775 to take the total count of tests conducted so far in the country to 668,643,929. The test positivity rate recorded was 0.6%.

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 (14.76%), Kerala (12.77%), Sikkim (11.49%), Goa (11.2%), and Maharashtra (9.77%).

Five states with the highest TPR by daily numbers for tests and cases added  are Mizoram (6.12%), Kerala (5.68%), Goa (1.76%), Himachal Pradesh (1.48%), and West Bengal (1.47%).

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 (1714084), J&K (1376550), Kerala (1146001), Punjab (1071009), and Karnataka (823216).

The five most affected states by total cases are Maharashtra (6652166), Kerala (5225772), Karnataka (3003265), Tamil Nadu (2741617), and Andhra Pradesh (2076077).

Maharashtra, the most affected state overall, has reported 1201 new cases to take its tally to 6652166.

Kerala, the second-most-affected state by total tally, has added 3205 cases to take its tally to 5225772.

Karnataka, the third-most-affected state, has reported 321 cases to take its tally to 3003265.

Tamil Nadu has added 604 cases to take its tally to 2741617.

Andhra Pradesh has seen its tally going up by 103 to 2076077.

Uttar Pradesh has added 19 cases to take its tally to 1710764.

Delhi has added 125 cases to take its tally to 1442515.
The Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) has raised queries and sought more data from over its application seeking emergency authorisation for Covid vaccine Covovax, official sources said on Thursday.

(SII) had sent an application to the DCGI in October for the grant of market authorisation of Covovax for restricted use in emergency situations.

"Noting that the vaccine is technology transfer of Novavax vaccine, DCGI has sought to know the approval status of the application with regulatory authorities in the country of origin, that is the USA.

"The apex drug regulator has also asked the SII to provide details on Matrix component used in the vaccine," an official source said.

On November 27, the Subject Expert Committee on COVID-19 of the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation had deliberated on SII's application and sought additional data from SII.

Along with its application, the Pune-based firm had submitted interim safety and immunogenicity data of phase 2/3 bridging clinical trial conducted in the country as well as interim clinical trial data of safety and efficacy from phase-3 clinical trials conducted in the UK and the US.

The government recently permitted the export of 2 crore doses of COVID-19 vaccine Covovax to Indonesia produced in India by SII, official sources had said.

DCGI office had granted SII permission to manufacture and stock Covovax on May 17. Based on DCGI approval, till now, the Pune-based firm has manufactured and stockpiled vaccine doses.

The World Health Organisation had last week issued emergency use listing for Covovax produced by SII under licence from Novavax, expanding the basket of jabs validated by the global health body against the viral disease.

In August 2020, US-based vaccine maker Novavax, Inc had announced a licence agreement with SII for the development and commercialisation of NVX-CoV2373, its COVID-19 vaccine candidate, in low and middle-income countries and India.

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The (DDA) on Thursday launched a new special with over 18,000 flats on offer with all the units being drawn from its old inventory, officials said.

This is the second such scheme of the housing authority this year, the first one being offered in early 2021.

The DDA made the announcement via a newspaper advertisement which said the flats were being sold at "discounted prices", and as per the DDA brochure, the maximum price of a flat is about Rs 2.14 crore in HIG category in Jasola.

The 18,335 flats of different categories, located at Dwarka, Narela, Rohini and Jasola, among other places, being offered under this scheme are those which remained "unsold in previous housing schemes" of the urban planning authority, a DDA official said.

He said the scheme has been launched completely online, and no formal initiation will take place.

The inventory consists of -- 205 HIG flats, 976 MIG flats, 11,452 LIG flats and 5,702 flats under the EWS/Janata flats category.

The decision to launch a new was taken during an online meeting of the authority of the DDA held on November 24, under the chairmanship of Delhi Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal, who is also the chairman of DDA.

While announcing the approval of the new scheme, the DDA in a statement had then said that the flats were being offered at the old rates or cost in relaxation of the costing policy of DDA, which is updated every financial year based on the appreciation or depreciation of land cost or building, as the case may be.

The flats at Narela sub-city are being offered after taking several remedial measures in terms of improvement of infrastructure, security and connectivity on the basis of suggestions, feedback of the allottees, and residents of the area, the DDA said.

The allottees will be eligible for subsidy under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana of the central government if they avail home loan from a bank or financial institution, the statement said.

The entire process from application to allotment and possession is being done through online mode, officials said.

The DDA on March 10 had allotted 1,353 flats to people under its launched in January 2021, through a draw of lots, that was streamed online.

Out of these, 689 flats were surrendered by allottees, nearly 50 per cent of the total inventory under the scheme with COVID-19 and other factors being attributed by officials for such a large number of flats being given up.

Later in August, the DDA had held a draw for 689 flats under the 2021 housing scheme that were surrendered by allottees, with a meagre 79 waitlisted applicants being alloted units from this lot.

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The exit of Vijay Rupani-led government and the leadership passing on the baton to a new-look team headed by first-term MLA Bhupendra Patel dominated political developments in during the year.

Rupani's exit was attributed by political observers to his apparent failure to handle the second wave of the pandemic.

The change of guard in the coastal state in came a year ahead of the state Assembly elections. Patel (59), sworn in as the 17th chief minister of in September, is a soft-spoken person who rose in state politics from the municipality level.

The exercise saw side-lining of senior state party leaders like Nitin Patel, Bhupendrasinh Chudasama, Kaushik Patel and Pradeepsinh Jadeja, who were ministerial colleagues of Prime Minister Narendra Modi when he was the state chief minister.

The health care infrastructure was under strain amid opposition's claim that during the second wave of the pandemic the state government undercounted COVID-19 deaths as many people died at home due to a severe shortage of hospital beds and oxygen.

The government's detractors claimed that people had to wait for hours at crematoriums to perform last rites of their near and dear ones.

Allegations of underreporting of coronavirus-related deaths also surfaced at the end of the year when the state government admitted in the Supreme Court that it gave Rs 50,000 compensation in almost twice the number of Covid deaths recorded officially.

Issues like redevelopment of Sabarmati Ashram established by Mahatma Gandhi, stringent law against forcible religious conversion by marriage and curbs on sale of non-vegetarian food items from street food carts kept politicians and activists busy during the year.

Apart from COVID-19, cyclone Tauktae, one of the fiercest to hit coast in recent history, ravaged the state in May killing 79 people and left a trail of destruction, uprooting everything that came in its path as it made landfall near Diu.

Rupani, who completed five years as chief minister in August, was on September 11 asked to resign. The next day, Patel, a surprise choice for many, was elected the legislature party leader.

Patel became the fifth politician from the Patidar community to occupy the top post since the state's formation in1960, indicating the clout wielded by the influential social group. The 2017 state Assembly elections were fought after the Patidar quota agitation.

Political observers said the poll results indicated Patidar community's resentment against the and the party does not want to take any chances in the next year's elections.

The observers said a major for shunting out the entire council of ministers led by Rupani was poor handling of the situation. As the pandemic raged, people felt helpless and their anger could have been reflected in the ensuing Assembly elections in a state where the BJP has been on a winning spree since 1995, they said.

In November, BJP-ruled civic bodies of Rajkot, Vadodara and Ahmedabad decided to take action against non-vegetarian street food carts. The chief minister intervened, saying the state government has no problem with people eating what they like.

Responding to a petition by the vendors, the Gujarat High Court slammed the civic administration for acting against street vendors selling non-vegetarian food on the streets of Ahmedabad. You don't like non-veg food, it is your lookout. How can you decide what people should eat outside? How can you stop people from eating what they want?" the court said.

Another controversial issue was the Gujarat Freedom of Religion (Amendment) Act, 2021 which penalises religious conversion by allurement, fraud, force or by marriage. The Gujarat High Court stayed six amended provisions on interfaith marriages in the state's anti-conversion law on August 19.

The ruling BJP won the civic body polls as well as Assembly bypolls during the year. It swept elections to six municipal corporations in Gujarat -- Ahmedabad, Surat, Vadodara, Rajkot, Jamnagar and Bhavnagarin February. The party won a clear majority in all 31 district panchayats, 196 out of 231 taluka panchayats and 74 out of 81 municipalities in the February elections.

The Aam Aadmi Party made inroads in Gujarat as it won 27 seats in the 120-member Surat Municipal Corporation. Buoyed by the performance, party leader Arvind Kejriwal announced that his party will contest all the 182 Assembly seats in next year's state elections.

OBC leader Jagdish Thakor replaced Amit Chavda as the state Congress president, while tribal leader Sukhram Rathwa replaced Paresh Dhanani as leader of opposition.

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Chief Minister on Thursday said as the Assembly polls are drawing near, some anti- forces are trying to spread anarchy in the state.

He said this after a bomb blast in the Ludhiana district courts complex left one person dead and six injured.

Meanwhile, Congress chief Navjot Singh Sidhu, Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, former CM Amarinder Singh, Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal and Shiromani Akali Dal president Sukhbir Singh Badal also condemned the attack.

Talking to reporters in Chandigarh soon after the incident, Channi termed the alleged sacrilege bids and the Ludhiana blast a "big conspiracy".

"As the elections are nearing, some anti- and anti-state forces are trying to commit such disgusting acts and for this, the government is alert and people should also be alert," he said.

Channi said earlier sacrilege attempts were made but they did not succeed. Now, this blast has been carried out, the CM said.

Later in the day, Channi visited a hospital in Ludhiana and enquired about the health of those injured in the blast.

Talking to reporters in Ludhiana, he said prima facie, it appears that the person who died in the incident was operating the bomb. He said the body has not been removed from the site so that the crime scene is not tempered with.

He expressed fear that an attempt is being made to "spread anarchy" ahead of the state Assembly polls.

Channi later at a public meeting in Ludhiana's Mullanpura Dakha sought to draw a parallel between the registration of an FIR against Akali leader Bikram Singh Majithia, the blast and the recent alleged sacrilege bids.

He questioned as to why such a horrendous incident took place only after Majithia was cornered by the law.

Majithia (46) was on Monday booked under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act on the basis of a 2018 status report of a probe into the drug racket in the state.

Asked if it appears to be a suicide bomber and why would have this particular day been chosen, Channi said, "Sometimes, it appears we are doing political talk. Ever since we started acting against the drug menace, such incidents are surfacing."



Meanwhile, former chief minister Amarinder Singh condemned the blast and reiterated his concerns over the challenges to the state's peace and security.

Hoping that the Punjab Police and other security agencies will closely coordinate with each other in investigating the blast, he regretted the "diversionary" tactics by the Punjab government, particularly Chief Minister

"It is not only unfortunate but highly irresponsible on part of the chief minister to jump to conclusions by trying to construct a link between the blasts, the sacrilege incidents and the FIR against an Akali leader without any investigations," Amarinder said.

He said the CM must speak with facts and not with political rhetoric.

"There is a serious threat to the peace and security of Punjab and such incidents are an indication towards that which must be taken seriously and not brushed aside the way the government is trying to," he said.

Punjab Congress chief Navjot Singh Sidhu also condemned the blast, saying "innocent people losing lives to vote bank politics and polarisation".

"I condemn this cowardly act Innocent people losing lives to vote bank politics and polarisation !! The politics of Hope and Unity must replace the politics of Fear and Division. Divisive force will be defeated by the indomitable spirit of Punjabiyat given to us by Great Gurus," Sidhu said in a tweet.

He further said the blast in Ludhiana "left no shadow of doubt that a series of peace-disrupting activities have been planned by vested interests to create law and order problem in Punjab".

He condoled the death and prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured.

Union Minister and BJP leader Gajendra Singh Shekhawat blamed "anti-national" forces for the incident.

He said Punjabis will never let the harmony and peace be disturbed in this border state.

Senior Congress leader Sunil Jakhar said people of Punjab needed to be assured of the state government's ability to maintain peace and law and order.

"People of Punjab can see through the evil designs behind today's bomb blast coming soon after attempts at desecrations. But they need to be assured of the commitment and ability of the govt to maintain peace & harmony. The CM can't afford to be seen floundering on this account," said Jakhar in a tweet.

SAD chief Sukhbir Singh Badal expressed shock over the blast.

He, however, alleged, "Police are being used to settle political vendetta. I want to say that the DGP has to maintain law and order, which they are not doing," said Badal.

SAD leader Daljit Singh Cheema condemned Channi's statement, in which he alleged that "sacrilege" bids and the Ludhiana blast occurred after the government registered a case against Majithia.

AAP leader and Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal in a tweet said,"First sacrilege, now blast. Some people want to disturb the peace of Punjab. Three crore people of Punjab will not allow their plans to succeed.

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Election for the Speaker of the Assembly will be held on December 28, the last day of the ongoing winter session, the state cabinet decided on Thursday.

The decision was taken in a cabinet meeting here, said an official from the Chief Minister's Office. The seat fell vacant in February this year after Nana Patole stepped down and took over as the state Congress chief. The Congress, which is part of the ruling coalition along with the Shiv Sena and NCP, will nominate another MLA for the election of new Speaker. The new Speaker will effectively start functioning from the Budget session.

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A man, who is believed to be carrying explosives, was killed and five others were injured in a suspected IED in the district court complex in Ludhiana on Thursday, Chief Minister Charanjit Channi said.

The state has been put on high alert after the It is learnt that the Home Ministry has sought a report from the government on the incident.

Channi, who reached the spot to assess the situation along with Home Minister Sukhjinder Randhawa and other Cabinet colleagues, told the media that such incidents have seen a rise after the government tightened its noose against the drug traffickers.

Channi, who smelt a plot before the Assembly elections slated early next year, also called it a 'conspiracy' by those trying to polarise the voters.

The took place at around 12:22 pm in a washroom on the second floor of the court complex when the court was functioning. The court is located close to the district commissioner's office.

Putting the state on alert after the incident, DGP Siddharth Chattopadhyaya said, "We cannot comment on anything. Only the experts can tell the kind of explosives used, but the district, state, and central forensic agencies are on it. Every crowded place is on alert, the public should also be careful."

Condemning the incident, Channi said inimical forces seeking to vitiate the peaceful atmosphere of the state would never succeed in their nefarious designs.

"Everybody knows the timing and the handiwork of these forces as the Assembly polls are drawing near and they are hell-bent upon hatching such conspiracies to disturb the hard-earned peace and harmony in the state. It is the need of the hour to condemn such incidents in the harshest possible words by one and all."

Ludiana Police Commissioner Gurpreet Bhullar told the media that the explosion might have been executed by a human bomb.

"Though not confirmed, the person whose body is inside and is yet to be identified was either carrying the bomb or was very close to the spot... We are investigating the matter," Bhullar said.

Not many people were present in the court complex at the time of the explosion owing to a strike by lawyers.

The court complex was cordoned off by the police and later vacated. The intensity of the blast was so huge that it damaged nearby walls and shattered window panes.

Meanwhile, former Chief Minister Amarinder Singh said the police must get to the bottom of the case.

"Disturbing news of a blast at Ludhiana court complex. Saddened to know about the demise of two individuals. Praying for the recovery of those injured. Punjab Police must get to the bottom of this," Amarinder Singh tweeted.

Ludhiana (West) legislator Bharat Bhushan Ashu appealed to the people to maintain calm.

"There is a pattern, earlier sacrilege and now a blast. There is an effort to disturb peace in Punjab, but we should wait for the probe. Security lapse will also be probed. How did the person who planted the explosive enter the court building," he asked.

Directing police authorities to carry on a detailed investigation to get to the bottom of the incident, Channi reiterated his commitment to book the perpetrators of the heinous crime and give them exemplary punishment as a deterrent for others not to commit such crime in the future.

Channi said any such attempt to disturb the law and order situation would be dealt with sternly.

Recalling the recent incident of 'sacrilege' at Golden Temple and now the bomb blast in the Ludhiana court complex, he said all these indicate that several forces are actively involved to create disturbances in the border state for their vested interests.

He said the people of Punjab must remain vigilant to curb the unholy designs of such forces.

Channi said the state government would soon give a befitting reply to such anti-social forces, adding that these would not be allowed to create a bogey of terror to traumatise the innocent people in the wake of forthcoming Assembly elections.

Deputy Chief Minister Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa said, "Ours is a border state, so we cannot rule out anything, including the possibility of external forces, as they never want Punjab to be stable; the whole state is on high alert."

--IANS

vg/arm

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Mumbai Police have arrested a man from for allegedly threatening Maharashtra cabinet minister Aaditya Thackeray, an official said on Thursday.

The accused, identified as Jaisingh Rajput, was apprehended by the Mumbai crime branch's cyber team on Saturday and brought to Mumbai, he said.

is the son of Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray.

Rajput allegedly called the minister on December 8, but the latter did not receive the call. The accused then sent threatening text messages to the minister, the official said.

During the investigation, the cyber police traced the caller's mobile number to in neighbouring Karnataka.

Accordingly, a team was sent to where the accused person was arrested, the official said.

He was later produced before a court which sent him in police custody.

The accused was a fan of late actor Sushant Singh Rajput, the official said.

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City police on Thursday recorded the statement of Bollywood actor for more than an hour in a case where she is accused of portraying the farmers' protest on Delhi borders as "Khalistani" movement.

The actor arrived at the Khar police station around 11 am and left in the afternoon, an official said.

Police recorded an over one-page-long statement, he added. Ranaut's lawyer Rizwan Siddiquee said, "The next date before the High Court in our matter is January 25. We are confident that justice will be done." The members of a Sikh organization had filed a complaint alleging that Ranaut, in an Instagram post, portrayed the farmers' protest against (now repealed) farm laws as a Khalistani movement. An FIR was registered against her for 'deliberately hurting a community's religious sentiments' under IPC section 295-A.

Ranaut has moved the HC seeking to quash the FIR.

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Scores of in Delhi on Wednesday evening lit up 'diyas' in the campus of a medical college here to register their protest over the delay in NEET-PG 2021 counselling, even as patient care remained affected at various facilities in the city.

On Tuesday, a group of doctors had thrown flowers on security barricades, and clanged utensils and clapped in front of the Nirman Bhawan here, saying they were symbolically "returning" the adulation showered on them for being Covid warriors.

On Wednesday, a large number of doctors protested outside the Nirman Bhawan, which houses the office of the Union health ministry, for the third consecutive day, and then late evening they assembled on the premises of the Maulana Azad Medical College (MAMC) and lit up 'diyas' and marched around.

NAMC comes under the Delhi government and three facilities, including the LNJP Hospital, are attached to it.

As their stir led by the Federation of Resident Doctors' Association (FORDA), resumed after a week-long hiatus, entered into its sixth day on Wednesday, patient care remained affected at three Centre-run facilities -- Safdarjung, RML and Lady Hardinge hospitals -- and some of the Delhi government-run hospitals.

The IMA's Junior Doctors Network on Monday had written to Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya demanding fast-tracking of the court hearing to expedite NEET-PG 2021 counselling, while extending solidarity with

Many wore white lab coats, and stethoscopes thrown around the neck, chucked floral petals on security barricades, and on a lab coat hung on a barricade, with 'Dear Union Health Ministry' scrawled on its back, as scores of other medics clanged utensils, clapped and chanted 'We want justice', on Tuesday.

During the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, the government authorities had showered floral petals from mid-air and asked people to clang utensils and clap for a few minutes by coming out in the open in balconies of their homes, in acknowledgement of the yeoman services rendered by doctors to fight the pandemic.

In a statement issued Wednesday night, FORDA appealed to all NEET-PG aspirants and MBBS students of the country to come forward, extend support to the protesting medics and join their agitation.

It earlier said, "Today we are doing 'diya jalao' campaign" to make their voices heard.

"We have also requested the honourable presidents of all political parties of the nation to take note of our grievance, and to highlight the issue in the Parliament of during the ongoing Winter Session," the FORDA had said on Tuesday.

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The on Thursday urged the central government to stop election rallies from being held in view of the new Omicron variant potentially leading to a third wave of COVID-19.

A Bench of Justice Shekhar Kumar Yadav, while allowing the bail application of a petitioner in a case, said the number of patients infected with Omicron are increasing and there is a possibility of a third wave.

In view of this horrific pandemic, countries like China, Netherlands, and Germany have imposed complete or partial lockdowns, it said.

The court requested the Election Commission of India to immediately stop such rallies, gatherings and order political parties to campaign through TV channels and newspapers.

Appreciating Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the COVID-19 vaccination campaign, the court requested him to consider stopping rallies, gatherings and postponing the upcoming state elections, taking strong measures in view of the situation of the pandemic.

The court made the remarks while allowing the bail plea of a person named Sanjay Yadav.

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There were over 280 active cases of COVID-19 under home isolation in Delhi till December 21, even as Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Thursday said the system was being strengthened to combat the pandemic.

On Thursday, 118 COVID-19 cases and one death were recorded, according to the latest health bulletin.

On Wednesday, the national capital had logged 125 cases, the highest since June 22, with a positivity rate of 0.20 per cent, while there was zero death due to the infection, official figures said.

Kejriwal on Thursday held a review meeting in view of the rising cases of Omicron variant of the infection in the city. He took stock of the preparations and asserted that the system of home isolation was being strengthened.

"From hospitals to medicines, the Delhi government's preparations are solid. The system of home isolation was being strengthened. It is an appeal to you all to be careful and do not allow this new variant to spread," he tweeted in Hindi after the meet.

According to the data shared by authorities during the meeting, 289 active cases of COVID-19 were under home isolation in Delhi till December 21.

During the meeting, it was also shared that a helpline is operational 24x7 manned by 25 executives in three shifts, handling 600-700 calls per day. About 1,000 calls can be handled with present strength of manpower, officials said.

There is sufficient stock of pulse oximeters and thermometers, they said.

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The variant of the COVID-19 appears to be having a less severe impact than the earlier variants, a study in has found.

The variant was first identified by South African scientists last month and it has sparked extensive research into its impact.

"In South Africa, is behaving in a way that is less severe," said Cheryl Cohen, professor in epidemiology at the University of the Witwatersrand, who shared results of a research titled 'Early Assessment of the Severity of the Omicron variant in South Africa' on Wednesday in an online briefing by the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD).

"Likely this is generalisable to other countries in the region in sub-Saharan Africa, which have similar very high levels of previous infections," Cohen said, adding that the picture might not be similar in countries where there are high levels of vaccination with very low levels of previous infections.

NICD Public Health Specialist Waasila Jassat highlighted how the current fourth wave, largely driven by the Omicron virus, was not as severe as the previous waves. "In wave four, we had a huge number of cases in the first four weeks, over 366,000 compared to (the previous waves)."



Jassat said only six per cent of the cases in wave four were admitted to hospitals, while previous waves had seen up to 16 per cent of cases being admitted.

"In terms of the number of (hospital) admissions, in wave four, it was around 21,000, whereas in wave two, about 19,000 and in wave three, about 16,000. So that huge increase in cases did not really translate into a huge increase in admissions. The percentage of cases that are admitted is much lower than in previous waves," Jassat said.

The percentage of patients with serious infections had also halved from previous admissions. Six per cent of patients in the current wave had died of Covid complications, while around 22 per cent had died in the preceding wave which was largely driven by the Delta variant.

The average length of a hospital stay had also halved to about three days, Jassat said.

"The lower proportion of severe diseases we are seeing in the fourth wave could be due to a number of factors, including the level of prior immunity from people who have already gotten vaccinated, or it could also be due to the lower virulence of Omicron, but we need more studies to be able to unpack these things," Jassat said.

NICD Head of the Division of Public Health Surveillance and Response Michelle Groome believed that the province of Gauteng, the economic hub of had passed the peak of the fourth wave.

"We are seeing a decrease in daily case numbers and percentage testing positive in the Gauteng province and this has persisted for over a week and we are past the peak in Gauteng," Groome said, adding that there was still an increasing number of infections in the coastal provinces of KwaZulu-Natal and Western Cape.

"But we really need to be cognisant that from last Thursday it was a long weekend and people are travelling, so there may be a change in terms of the number of people that may be testing, so some of the lower numbers may be due to the holiday season that we are in," she opined.

Senior government officials had earlier cautioned that the coastal provinces of KwaZulu-Natal and Western Cape could expect an increase in infections as people from Gauteng and other inland provinces head there for their annual holidays.

"Omicron is dominating and likely to take over from Delta in all provinces," Groome said.

NICD Executive Director Adrian Puren explained that the study had included data from both symptomatic and asymptomatic people.

"The cases that we report on are from symptomatic individuals that presented for testing or are referred by a clinician or an individual who feels they have come into contact with someone who has Covid, or asymptomatic individuals either testing for travel purposes or returning to work," Puren said.

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Anticipating a surge in Covid cases driven by the Omicron variant, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Thursday said his government has made preparations to handle one lakh patients and conduct three lakh tests daily and ensure availability of enough manpower, medicines and oxygen.

Kejriwal stressed that the latest variant of spreads rapidly and claimed that it causes "very mild" infection, fewer hospitalizations and deaths.

Therefore, the government has been focusing on strengthening its home-isolation module and directions have been issued to hire agencies for treating patients in their home, he said.

"We have made preparations keeping these things in mind. We have ramped up our capacity to be able to conduct three lakh tests daily. At present, 60,000 to 70,000 tests are being conducted in Delhi every day," Kejriwal said at a press conference after a review meeting with senior officials.

He said infrastructure has been bolstered to handle up to one lakh cases daily.

At the peak of the second wave, Delhi reported around 26,000 to 27,000 cases daily, the chief minister recalled.

Kejriwal said orders have been issued to hire agencies for the treatment of patients under home isolation and the hiring process will be completed in two to three days.

The capacity to follow up patients in home isolation will be increased from the current 1,100 cases daily to one lakh each day, he said.

"On testing positive for COVID-19, a person will get a call from the government. A team will give them a kit, including medicines and an oximeter, the next day. Thereafter, tele-counselling will be provided till the patient tests negative," the chief minister said.

"What we have learnt from other countries is that an Omicron-driven wave can lead to manpower shortage. So, we are increasing our manpower and creating a buffer stock of essential medicines that can last two months," he said.

Learning lessons from a ferocious second wave that led to an acute shortage of oxygen in the city, the government has also procured 15 tankers to transport medical oxygen in case of a contingency.

According to the Union Health Ministry, Delhi has logged 64 cases of Omicron so far. Maharashtra has recorded a maximum of 65 cases. Telangana has 24, Karnataka 19, Rajasthan 21 and Kerala 15 cases.

A total of 236 cases of the Omicron variant have been recorded in 16 states and Union Territories till now out of which 104 people have recovered or migrated, according to government data.

Doctors at the Lok Nayak Hospital, which has treated the maximum number of Omicron cases (34) in Delhi, said most of the patients are fully vaccinated and asymptomatic.

The national capital has been recording an uptick in the number of daily cases amid concerns over Omicron. It reported 125 Covid cases on Wednesday, the highest since June 22; 102 on Tuesday and 91 on Monday.

The positivity rate which remained below 0.10 per cent for around three months has also crept up to 0.20 per cent.

The city, meanwhile, on Thursday achieved the milestone of providing one dose of COVID-19 vaccine to all eligible persons. According to the CoWIN dashboard, 1,48,27,546 people in the capital have taken at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine by 8 pm on Thursday.

According to the draft roll published on November 1, 2021, the total number of electors in Delhi stands at 1,47,95,949.

Over 2,53,37,557 doses have been administered in the city since the inoculation exercise started on January 16. As many as 1,05,10,011 people have received both doses.

We are increasing our manpower, stocking medicines for the coming few months. We are arranging medical oxygen and 15 oxygen tankers will be delivered to us in the next 3 weeks: Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal on Omicron threat  ANI (@ANI) December 23, 2021

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It is controversial whether viruses are alive, but  like all living things  they do evolve. This fact has become abundantly clear during the pandemic, as new variants of concern have emerged every few months.

Some of these variants have been better at spreading from person to person, eventually becoming dominant as they out-compete slower versions of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. This improved spreading ability has been ascribed to mutations in the spike protein  the mushroom-shaped projections on the surface of the virus  that allow it to bind more strongly to ACE2 receptors. ACE2 are receptors on the surface of our cells, such as those that line our airways, that the virus attaches to in order to gain entry and start replicating.

These mutations allowed the alpha variant, and then the delta variant, to become globally dominant. And scientists expect the same thing to happen with

The virus cannot, however, improve indefinitely. The laws of biochemistry mean that the virus will eventually evolve a spike protein that binds to ACE2 as strongly as possible. By that point, the ability of SARS-CoV-2 to spread between people will not be limited by how well the virus can stick to the outside of cells. Other factors will limit virus spread, such as how fast the genome can replicate, how quickly the virus can enter the cell via the protein TMPRSS2, and how much virus an infected human can shed. In principle, all of these should eventually evolve to peak performance.

Has reached this peak? There is no good reason to assume that it has. So-called gain-of-function studies, which look at what mutations SARS-CoV-2 needs to spread more efficiently, have identified plenty of mutations that improve the spike proteins ability to bind to human cells that doesnt have. Besides this, improvements could be made to other aspects of the virus life cycle, such as genome replication, as I mentioned above.

But lets assume for a second that omicron is the variant with maximised spreading ability. Perhaps omicron wont get any better because it is limited by genetic probability. In the same way that zebras havent evolved eyes at the back of their heads to avoid predators, its plausible that SARS-CoV-2 cant pick up the mutations required to reach a theoretical maximum as those mutations need to occur all at once, and that is just too unlikely to emerge. Even in a scenario where omicron is the best variant at spreading between humans, new variants will emerge to handle the human immune system.

After infection with any virus, the immune system adapts by making antibodies that stick to the virus to neutralise it, and killer T-cells that destroy infected cells. Antibodies are pieces of protein that stick to the specific molecular shape of the virus, and killer T-cells recognise infected cells via molecular shape as well.

SARS-CoV-2 can therefore evade the immune system by mutating sufficiently that its molecular shape changes beyond the immune systems recognition.

This is why omicron is so apparently successful at infecting people with previous immunity, either from vaccines or infections with other variants  the mutations that allow the spike to bind to ACE2 more strongly also reduce the ability of antibodies to bind to the virus and neutralise it. Pfizers data suggests that T-cells should respond similarly to omicron as to previous variants, which aligns with the observation that omicron has a lower fatality rate in South Africa, where most people have immunity.

Importantly for humanity, past exposure still seems to protect against severe disease and death, leaving us with a compromise where the virus can replicate and reinfect, but we do not get as severely sick as the first time.

Probable future

Herein lies the most probable future for this virus. Even if it behaves like a professional gamer and eventually maxes out all its stats, there is no reason to think that it wont be controlled and cleared by the immune system. The mutations that improve its spreading ability do not greatly increase deaths. This maxed-out virus would then simply mutate randomly, changing enough over time to become unrecognisable to the immune systems adapted defences, allowing waves of reinfection.

We might have COVID season each winter in the same way we have flu season now. Influenza viruses can also have a similar pattern of mutation over time, known as antigenic drift, leading to reinfections. Each years new flu viruses are not necessarily better than last years, just sufficiently different. Perhaps the best evidence for this eventuality for SARS-CoV-2 is that 229E, a coronavirus that causes the common cold, does this already.

Omicron will therefore not be the final variant, but it may be the final variant of concern. If we are lucky, and the course of this pandemic is hard to predict, SARS-CoV-2 will probably become an endemic virus that slowly mutates over time.

The disease might very likely be mild as some past exposure creates immunity that reduces the likelihood of hospitalisation and death. Most people will get infected the first time as a child, which could occur before or after a vaccine, and subsequent reinfections will barely be noticed. Only a small group of scientists will track SARS-CoV-2s genetic changes over time, and the variants of concern will become a thing of the past  at least until the next virus jumps the species barrier.

Ben Krishna, Postdoctoral Researcher, Immunology and Virology, University of Cambridge

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
Aircraft passengers are twice or even three times more likely to catch Covid-19 during a flight since the emergence of the variant, according to the top medical adviser to the worlds airlines.

The new strain is highly transmissible and has become dominant in a matter of weeks, accounting for more than 70% of all new cases in the U.S. alone. While hospital-grade air filters on modern passenger jets make the risk of infection much lower on planes than in crowded places on the ground such as shopping malls, is rapidly spreading just as more travelers take to the skies for year-end holidays and family reunions.

Business class may be safer than more densely packed economy cabins, said David Powell, physician and medical adviser to the International Air Transport Association, which represents almost 300 carriers worldwide. As before, passengers should avoid face-to-face contact and surfaces that are frequently touched, and people sitting near to each other should try not to be unmasked at the same time during meals, he said.

The relative risk has probably increased, just as the relative risk of going to the supermarket or catching a bus has increased.

Powell, former chief medical officer at Air New Zealand Ltd., spoke with Bloomberg News on Tuesday about flying during the pandemic. Heres an edited transcript.

What are the risks of infection during a flight?

Whatever the risk was with delta, we would have to assume the risk would be two to three times greater with omicron, just as weve seen in other environments. Whatever that low risk -- we dont know what it is -- on the airplane, it must be increased by a similar amount.

What should passengers do to minimize the risks?

Avoid common-touch surfaces, hand hygiene wherever possible, masks, distancing, controlled-boarding procedures, try to avoid face-to-face contact with other customers, try to avoid being unmasked in flight, for meal and drink services, apart from when really necessary. The advice is the same, its just that the relative risk has probably increased, just as the relative risk of going to the supermarket or catching a bus has increased with

What about masks at meal times?

For a two-hour flight, its pretty easy to say, just keep your mask on the whole time. But if its a 10-hour flight, it becomes pretty unreasonable to ask people not to eat and drink. What most airlines have been doing is encouraging, but not insisting, on customers trying to stagger their mask-off periods a little bit.

In simple terms, two people masked have minimal transmission from one to the other. If one of you removes your mask, then that persons at greater risk of transmitting and at slightly greater risk of receiving. But if both of you remove then obviously, theres no barrier there and you can freely transmit one to the other.

Would it be safest not to fly at all?

The greatest protection you can give yourself is to be vaccinated and boosted. The protection that you give yourself from an extra mask or a different type of mask, or not flying at all, frankly, is probably less than the benefit you would get from just being fully boosted. Theres a sort of a rule of thumb starting to appear, that essentially omicron loses you one vaccine dose of benefit. So, two doses against omicron is about similar protection to one dose against delta. Thats not established in hard science, but it roughly seems to correlate with whats coming out in studies.

Is it safe for healthy passengers if an omicron case is sitting on the plane?

Its an enclosed space, but its a leaky box, and we pressurize it by putting a huge airflow on one end of it, and then having an exhaust valve out the other end. So youre sitting in a very high-flow airflow environment. It is an enclosed space, but that doesnt shout risk to me. An Irish pub with a fan in the corner shouts risk to me, or a gymnasium with a whole lot of people shouting and grunting and sweating. But any flight you take does involve airports as well, which are a little bit less controlled. So, there is risk there. What can you do? Vaccination, testing, mask-wearing, distancing. Are surgical masks better than cloth masks? Yes, probably. On average, maybe 10-20%.

Having said all that, still, its been our observation throughout the pandemic, that airline flights have been less conducive to spread than other indoor environments. Again, were not saying perfect, but compared with restaurants, buses, subways, you know, nightclubs, gyms, all of those that have been studied. The likelihood of transferring to another person is less on an aeroplane.

Most of the documented cases of spread in flight are from way back in March 2020 -- before we had testing, before we had masks, before we had organized boarding procedures, before there was a high degree of awareness about not flying if you were unwell.

What about leaving middle seats on rows empty?

Its incredibly appealing, intuitively. It does give a greater physical distance between you and the next person. But we havent seen that actually deliver a whole lot of benefit. But if theres some cross airflow from the aisle to the window, or the window to the aisle, and you remove the person from the middle seat, youve helped the person who would have been in the middle seat. You probably havent helped the person in the next seat a whole lot, because its likely to drift across without the obstruction of that first person.

Should cabin crew wear full protective clothing, such as body suits and face shields?

Probably not. There hasnt been a lot of passenger-to-crew transmission throughout Covid. There has been some, but its very, very small numbers. Its tended to be passenger-to-passenger or crew-to-crew. And again, very small numbers of crew-to-passenger. Lets just be stringent about the measures already in place, and wait until we have a bit more data on omicron.

What are the risks of infection at the airport?

The requirements for airflows on board are much more stringent than they are for airport buildings generally. The protections for the airline cabin are: everybody stays seated, facing the same direction, there are these physical barriers that are in the way, you have a high degree of airflow thats by and large from ceiling to floor, minimal drift along the airplane, a little bit more drift across the airplane. Roughly 50% of the airflow is fresh from outside, 50% is recirculated, but when its recirculated, its HEPA-filtered, so its clean. Most of those arent present in the airport phase. Youve got much more random movement, much more potential for face-to-face contact, youve got generally reduced airflows. Airport ventilation rates are a 10th, maybe, of what they are on the airplane.

What about children on the flight? How should families manage them?

The risk of severe illness to small children themselves from traveling is low, just because the risk of severe Covid is so low for children. Its one of the unanswered questions with omicron. The risk is not so much to them. The risk is that they may be mildly infected, not know it, and potentially be spreading whilst theyre traveling. And so that is a risk. Getting them to keep a mask on is hard. The smaller they are, the harder thats going to be.
A bomb went off in the district court complex here on Thursday, killing one person and injuring six others, prompting the government to declare a high alert in the state.

Police suspect that the man killed in the blast in the second-floor toilet was trying to assemble or plant the explosive device.

As forensic teams and specialised agencies were being summoned to the blast site, Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi expressed apprehension that the explosion might have been an attempt to create anarchy in the poll-bound state.

The Union Home Ministry has sought a detailed report from the state government as early as possible. It also wanted to be informed about the findings of the initial investigations.

The blast wrecked a wall of the bathroom, leaving a pile of rubble. Windowpanes in adjoining rooms and windscreens of some cars parked below were smashed. There was panic in the busy court complex.

Local MLA Balwinder Singh Bains was in a lawyer's chamber on the third floor when the explosion took place. Some people thought a cooking gas cylinder had burst, other said it was a blast, he told a TV channel.

Officials said the six people, including three women, injured in the explosion were out of danger.

CM Channi, accompanied by Deputy Chief Minister Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa and minister Bharat Bhushan Ashu, visited a hospital in Ludhiana to meet the injured.

He also summoned a meeting later in the day in Chandigarh.

The blast comes days after the alleged sacrilege bids at the Golden Temple in Amritsar and a gurdwara in Kapurthala followed by the lynching of unidentified two men.

Over the past months, there have also been cases of drones being spotted near the Pakistan border, with authorities suspecting that they could have dropped arms or explosives.

Channi expressed fear that an attempt was being made to spread anarchy in ahead of the state assembly polls.

Our police are capable of maintaining law and order, he said."But which agencies which are trying to disturb Punjab's peace will become clear as investigations are on."



Earlier, he told reporters in Chandigarh, As elections near, some anti- and anti-state forces are trying to commit such disgusting acts, and for this the government is alert and the people should also be alert, he said.

He also suggested that the blast could be linked to action against drug traffickers, mentioning also the case against Akali leader Bikram Singh Majithia.

Deputy CM Randhawa, who is also the state's home minister, said some external forces could be trying to destabilise Punjab, and alluded to Pakistan.

has been put on high alert, he said.

Several advocates complained of lax security arrangements at the complex, and Randhawa said more metal detectors will be installed there.

Asked if it could be a human bomb or a fidayeen suicide attack, the minister said nothing can be ruled out. A DNA test will be conducted on the unidentified man found dead at the blast site, he added.

CCTV footage will also be examined, he said.

Ludhiana Police Commissioner Gurpreet Singh Bhullar said the area has been sealed and forensic teams will collect samples from the site.

Initial reports said two people were killed, but police later clarified that only one man had died.

Punjab Congress chief Navjot Singh Sidhu said the alleged sacrilege attempts and the blast were attempts to polarise a particular community in the state.

Former chief minister Amarinder Singh said he was saddened after hearing that two people had died. PunjabPoliceInd must get to the bottom of this, he tweeted.

Shiromani Akali Dal chief Sukhbir Singh Badal expressed shock. Pb govt must focus on law & order instead of political vendetta to ensure peace & communal harmony in State, he said in a tweet.

The Aam Aadmi Party called it a conspiracy and said the Channi government had completely failed in maintaining law and order in the state.

(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 bomb went off in the district court complex on Thursday, killing one person and injuring five others, prompting the government to declare a high alert in the state. Police suspect that the man killed in the blast in the second-floor bathroom was trying to set off the explosive device, or may even have been a suicide bomber.

As forensic teams and specialised agencies were being summoned to the blast site, Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi expressed apprehension that the explosion might have been an attempt to create anarchy in the poll-bound state.

The Union Home Ministry has sought a detailed report from the state government as early as possible. It also wanted to be informed about the findings of the initial investigations. The blast wrecked a wall of the bathroom, shattered window panes in adjoining rooms and broke windscreens of some cars parked below, triggering panic in the busy court complex.

Officials said the five people, including two women, were injured in the explosion were out of danger. CM Channi, accompanied by Deputy Chief Minister Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa and minister Bharat Bhushan Ashu, visited a hospital in Ludhiana to meet the injured. He summoned a meeting in Chandigarh.

The blast comes days after the alleged sacrilege bids  at the Golden Temple in Amritsar and a gurdwara in Kapurthala  followed by the lynching of two men. Over the past months, there have also been cases of drones being spotted near the Pakistan border, with authorities suspecting that they could have dropped arms or explosives.

Channi expressed fear that an attempt was being made to spread anarchy in ahead of the state assembly polls. Our police is capable of maintaining law and order, he said. But which agencies which are trying to disturb Punjab's peace will become clear as investigations are on," he said. Earlier, he told reporters in Chandigarh, As elections near, some anti- and anti-state forces are trying to commit such disgusting acts, and for this the government is alert and the people should also be alert, he said.

Deputy CM Randhawa, who is also the state's home minister, said some external forces could be trying to destabilise Punjab, and alluded to Pakistan. has been put on high alert, he said.

Several advocates complained of lax security arrangements at the complex, and Randhawa said more metal detectors will be installed there. Asked if it could be a human bomb or a fidayeen suicide attack, he minister nothing can be ruled out. A DNA test will be conducted on the unidentified man found dead at the blast site.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Chief Minister on Thursday announced release of funds worth Rs 1,200 crore to clear up to Rs 2 lakh under the existing debt waiver scheme along with cancellation of all FIRs against farmers in the state who protested against the farm laws.

The latest tranche of funds is expected to benefit about 1.09 lakh small and marginal farmers having land up to five acres. The state government has already waived of 5.63 lakh farmers to the tune of Rs 4,610 crore.

Out of these, 1.34 lakh small farmers got relief of Rs 980 crore while 4.29 lakh marginal farmers were benefitted of loan waiver worth Rs 3,630 crore, an official statement said here.

Acceding to another major demand of Samyukt Kisan Morcha, Channi also announced cancellation of all FIRs registered by the Police against the farmers who protested against the black farm laws" within the state by December 31.

The Chief Minister was speaking to reporters after holding a meeting with a group of Punjab's farmers here.

Channi directed the Director General of Police to immediately complete the requisite formalities to cancel all the FIRs filed against various farmers, including those involved in the farm laws' agitation and paddy straw burning cases across the state.

In a bid to "eulogise the unprecedented contribution of farmers and in the remembrance of sacrifices made by hundreds of farmers during the year-long farm agitation against the farm laws", the Chief Minister also announced it will construct a state-of-the-art memorial across five acres of land, the statement said.

Mooting a proposal in this regard, Channi said the upcoming memorial exclusively dedicated to the farmers' agitation and their sacrifices would be instrumental in showcasing the relentless battle of farmers in getting these draconian farm laws repealed from the Centre.

This memorial is all the more important as it would reflect the supremacy of democracy and shows peaceful conduct of agitating by farmers, he said.

He sought wholehearted support and cooperation from the Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) to create the memorial as a monument to demonstrate the indomitable spirit of farmers and their peaceful agitation.

Channi also announced bringing small and marginal farmers, who have taken up to Rs 2 lakh with land holding up to 5 acres from the State Cooperative Agriculture Development Bank (PSCADB), previously known as Punjab State Cooperative Land Mortgage Bank, within the ambit of the debt waiver scheme.

On the occasion, Channi also handed over appointment letters on compassionate grounds to 17 next-of-kin of the farmers who died during the farm agitation.

(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 third booster shot of the AstraZeneca-Oxford Covid-19 vaccine, Vaxzevria, significantly boosts antibodies against the Omicron variant of the coronavirus, said the British drug company.

This brightens the scope for (SII) which makes Covishield, the domestic version of the Vaxzevria. Experts believe mixing vaccine shots may give better results in boosting immunity. However, the University of Oxford has supported the use of Vaxzevria as a third booster dose against Omicron. SII is sitting on 500 mn doses of Covishield (half of which is in bulk drug form), and has already cut production by half owing to low demand.

If the vaccine is recommended as a booster against Omicron, it may significantly boost the demand for Covishield in India. An Indian expert group on vaccination policy is yet to take a call on whether and when to allow booster shots against Covid-19.

Vaxzevria was co-invented by the University of Oxford and its spinoff company, Vaccitech. It uses a replication-deficient chimpanzee viral vector based on a weakened version of a common cold virus (adenovirus) that causes infections in chimpanzees and contains the genetic material of the SARS-CoV-2 virus spike protein. After vaccination, the surface spike protein is produced, priming the immune system to attack the SARS-CoV-2 virus if it later infects the body.

Neutralisation titres for Omicron were boosted following a third dose with Vaxzevria compared to titres after a second dose. The levels seen after the third dose booster were higher than the neutralising antibodies found in individuals who had been previously infected with and recovered naturally from COVID-19(Alpha, Beta, Delta variants and original strain), said.

It explained that sera obtained from individuals one month after receiving the third dose booster vaccination neutralised the Omicron variant to levels that were broadly similar to those observed one month after the second dose against the Delta variant. Two doses of Vaxzevria have been associated with protection against the Delta variant in real world studies, it added.

The study analysed blood samples taken from individuals infected with COVID-19; those who had been vaccinated with a two-dose schedule and a third dose booster; and those who had reported previous infection from other COVID-19 variants of concern. The study included samples from 41 individuals who had received three doses of Vaxzevria.1

The study was performed independently by investigators at the University of Oxford.

It is very encouraging to see that current vaccines have the potential to protect against Omicron following a third dose booster. These results support the use of third dose boosters as part of national vaccine strategies, especially to limit the spread of variants of concern, including Omicron, said John Bell, Regius Professor of Medicine, University of Oxford, UK and one of the study investigators.

Vaxzevria plays an important role in vaccination programmes around the world and these data give us confidence that the vaccine should be given as a third dose booster. It is also important to look beyond antibodies to better understand how vaccines offer protection against Omicron. As we better understand Omicron, we believe we will find that T-cell response provides durable protection against severe disease and hospitalisations, said Sir Mene Pangalos, Executive Vice President, BioPharmaceuticals R&D,

Data from another laboratory study support Vaxzevrias effect against Omicron, with individuals vaccinated with two doses of Vaxzevria retaining neutralising activity against Omicron, although a decrease was seen compared to the original strain.

is collecting real world evidence evaluating the effectiveness against the Omicron variant with academic groups in the southern African region. AstraZeneca is analysing blood samples from participants in the Companys Phase II/III trial to evaluate neutralising activity when given as a third dose booster against Omicron for both Vaxzevria and its investigational next generation Covid-19 vaccine, AZD2816.

Data from these studies is expected soon.
Foreign Secretary has raised matters relating to India's security and emphasised New Delhi's interest in seeing Myanmar's return to democracy at earliest as he called on the Chairman, State Administrative Council and other senior representatives in the country.

Shringla is here on a two-day working visit, in the first such high-level outreach from India after Myanmar's military deposed the democratically-elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi in a coup on February 1.

The powerful State Administration Council (SAC) is headed by General Min Aung Hlaing, who seized power in February.

According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Foreign Secretary Shringla called on the Chairman, SAC and other senior representatives and held meetings with members of civil society and political parties, including the League for Democracy.

During his meetings, the Foreign Secretary emphasised India's interest in seeing Myanmar's return to democracy at the earliest; release of detainees and prisoners; resolution of issues through dialogue; and complete cessation of all violence, it said in a statement.

He reaffirmed India's strong and consistent support to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) initiative and expressed hope that progress would be made in a pragmatic and constructive manner, based on the five point consensus, the said.

The visit also provided an opportunity to raise matters relating to India's security, especially in the light of the recent incident in Churachandpur district in southern Manipur, the said.

Foreign Secretary stressed the need to put an end to any violence and maintain peace and stability in the border areas.

Both sides reiterated their commitment to ensure that their respective territories would not be allowed to be used for any activities inimical to the other, it said.

India shares an approximately 1,700 km-long border with Any developments in that country have a direct impact on India's bordering regions, it said, adding that peace and stability in remain of utmost importance to India, specifically to its North Eastern Region.

is one of India's strategic neighbours and it shares its border with a number of northeastern states including militancy-hit Nagaland and Manipur.

India has been concerned over some militant groups from the North-East region taking shelter in Myanmar.

Shringla also conveyed India's continued humanitarian support for the people of Myanmar.

In the context of Myanmar's fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, he handed over one million doses of "Made in India vaccines to the Myanmar Red Cross Society.

A part of this consignment would be utilised for communities living along Myanmar's border with India. A grant of 10,000 tonnes of rice and wheat to Myanmar was also announced, it said.

The Foreign Secretary expressed India's continued support for people-centric socio-economic developmental projects, including those along the India-Myanmar border areas, as well as India's commitment for expeditious implementation of ongoing connectivity initiatives such as the Kaladan Multimodal Transit Transport Project and the Trilateral Highway.

He also reiterated India's commitment to continue with the projects under Rakhine State Development Programme and Border Area Development Programme for the benefit of the people of Myanmar.

As a democracy and close neighbour, India has been involved in the democratic transition process in Myanmar and in this context has worked with various stakeholders in developing capacities on democratic systems and practices.

India proposes to renew these efforts for Myanmar to emerge as a stable, democratic, federal union in accordance with the wishes of the people of Myanmar, the added.

On February 1, Myanmar's military grabbed power in the coup and imposed a state of emergency after detaining Nobel laureate Suu Kyi and other leaders of her League for Democracy (NLD).

The country witnessed massive protests following the coup.

As the Myanmarese military continued its crackdown on civilians protesting against the coup, India in April condemned any use of violence and said it stands for the restoration of democracy in Myanmar.

According to reports, hundreds of people including children were killed in the crackdown by Myanmarese authorities.

Earlier this month, Suu Kyi was sentenced to four years of imprisonment by a court in Myanmar after holding her guilty of inciting dissent. Her sentence was later reduced from four years to two years.

India said it is "disturbed" at the verdicts relating to Suu Kyi and others.

(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.)
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Snchez is convening a special Cabinet meeting Thursday to pass a law by decree that makes it mandatory to wear masks outdoors, amid a record surge in COVID-19 cases.

Snchez announced at a meeting with the leaders of regional governments Wednesday that he was consenting to their appeals to extend mask-wearing rules, his office said. A decree-law does not require a debate and vote in parliament before taking effect.

He also announced a raft of other measures, including an offer to deploy the armed forces to help the regions step up their vaccination rollout and put military hospital beds at their disposal if they are needed.

Snchez said he is targeting 80 per cent of the 60-69 age group to have received booster shots by the end of next week, among other goals.

Also, COVID-19 tests for professional use will temporarily be placed on sale at pharmacies, amid a reported shortage of tests, and medical teams will be reinforced with retired staff and specialists who earned their qualifications outside the European Union.

Furthermore, fully vaccinated people won't need to quarantine if they have been in contact with an infected person - a measure that seemed to be aimed at avoiding the shortages of essential personnel.

on Tuesday officially recorded almost 50,000 new cases of That's higher than last January, when a surge placed the national health system under severe strain.

is reporting almost 700 cases per 100,000 inhabitants over 14 days, more than double the accumulated cases before last year's Christmas holidays. The strain has soared from 5 per cent of new cases in to 47 per cent within one week.

Still, vaccinations are credited with sparing many people from the virus's worst effects. While last January some 30,000 COVID-19 patients were in the hospital in Spain, now it's fewer than 8,000.

Snchez told the Spanish parliament Wednesday that 90 per cent of the target population 12 and over is fully vaccinated.

He told lawmakers, "Don't worry, families will be able to celebrate Christmas. Spain has prevailed.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The central government has received bids for the sale of Nigam Ltd (NINL), marking the "concluding stage" for the strategic of the state-owned steel company.

The Centre seeks to divest 93.7 per cent stake held by four central public sector enterprises (CPSE) and two Odisha government companies. CPSEs MMTC and NMDC own 49.78 per cent, and 10.10 per cent in NINL, respectively while MECON and Bharat Heavy Electricals hold 0.68 per cent each. Odisha government-owned Industrial Promotion and Investment Corporation of Odisha (IPICOL) and Odisha Mining Corporation (OMC) own 12 per cent and 20.47 per cent stake in NINL, respectively.

For a successful sale of the stressed joint venture company, the central government has accepted most demands made by potential buyers.

These include lowering the lock-in period for sale of assets to one year and allowing the new buyer to undertake the amalgamation of a special purpose vehicle (SPV) into NINL. Last month, the core group of secretaries on divestment (CGD) headed by Cabinet Secretary Rajiv Gauba decided that the lock-in period for the buyer can be reduced to one year from the date of completion of sale, from the earlier three years proposed by Dipam. This would exclude land and mining leases. The lock-in restriction for the sale of land and mining leases would continue to be three years.

...The process now moves to concluding stage, Tuhin Kanta Pandey, Secretary in the Department of Investment and Public Asset Management, said on Twitter about bids for NINL.

The Centre has also agreed to the bidders demand that some members of the consortium of buyers may just be financial investors and would not have a joint liability over dues.

The receipt of financial bids may help in closing the transaction in the ongoing financial year as targeted by the government. Besides Air India, the government is aiming to privatise BEML, Shipping Corporation of India (SCI), Pawan Hans, Central Electronics, and NINL this year.
Indias outbound shipments growth may slow down in 2022-23 compared to the previous fiscal year due to new variants of Covid-19 and supply side challenges, Federation of Indian Export Organizations (FIEO) said on Thursday.

clocking 15-20 percent growth or more in the next fiscal will depend on whether the pandemic is contained through massive vaccination across the globe and creation of required capacity, the exporters body said in a statement.

Looking into the emergence of the new variants and supply side challenges at this point of time, we would like to be a little conservative and will aim for an export of $460-475 billion during the next fiscal, said FIEO president A Sakthivel.

India exported goods worth $290.63 billion during the financial year 2020-21. It aims to achieve a target of $400 billion in the current fiscal year, which is expected to translate into a growth of nearly 38 per cent YoY. While in absolute terms, the target of $400 billion is likely to be achieved by the end of the fiscal year, the growth may not be as sharp due to a high base.

Thus, export growth of 30-35 per cent on such numbers ($400 billion) would be difficult, particularly as additional may require augmenting the capacity as well. Moreover, the spectacular increase in global trade by about 22 per cent, buoyed by high prices of commodities, as witnessed in 2021 will not be there to provide the tail wind to our exports, Sakthivel said.

There has been a sustained increase in since the beginning of the current fiscal, amid robust external demand due to opening up of various economies. As of now, India has met nearly two-thirds of its annual export target.

The good thing with our exports has been a very balanced growth across sectors both in traditional exports as well as sunrise sectors of exports during the current fiscal. We are hopeful that the same trend will continue particularly as the order booking position of all exporters are extremely encouraging and China plus one policy of global companies is definitely helping our exports, Sakthivel said.

During April-October, when the overall exports grew by about 59 per cent, almost all regions witnessed a growth rate of at least 60 per cent, barring Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), North East Asia and Commonwealth of Indian States (CIS) countries.

Therefore, in the next year as well, FIEO believes that export growth will be widespread and exports to NAFTA, Europe, Middle-East, Oceania will continue to boom. India should ink trade agreements with the UK and UAE soon and finalize trade pacts with Canada and Australia next year, he said.

Lack of capacity is one of the major concerns to meet the increasing demand. Rise in input cost and delays in shipments and payments have resulted in the need for additional credit. While container shortage has eased due to peak season supplies for Christmas, New Year and Chinese New Year getting over, the same is likely to compound once countries open up after the holiday seasons particularly if the new Covid-19 variant is not brought under control, said the exporters association.
The Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO) on Thursday said taking a conservative approach, it will aim for USD 460-475 billion in the next fiscal year due to emergence of new variants of coronavirus and the existing supply side challenges.

During 2021-22, are expected to reach USD 400 billion, FIEO President A Sakthivel said.

He said the spectacular increase in global by about 22 per cent, buoyed by high prices of commodities, as witnessed in 2021 will not be there to provide the tailwind to India's

Much will also depend on whether the world would be able to contain COVID-19 through massive vaccination across the globe and be able to create the required vaccine manufacturing capacity.

"Looking into the emergence of the new variants and supply side challenges at this point of time, we would like to be a little conservative and will aim for an export of USD 460-475 billion during the next fiscal," he added.

He also expressed hope that the global consumption would go up substantially in 2022, albeit the pandemic is controlled.

"The good thing with our exports has been a very balanced growth across sectors both in traditional exports as well as sunrise sectors of exports during the current fiscal.

"We are hopeful that the same trend will continue particularly as the order booking position of all exporters is extremely encouraging and China plus one policy of global companies is definitely helping our exports," he added.

Next year also, FIEO feels that exports growth will be widespread and exports to NAFTA, Europe, the Middle East, Oceania will continue to boom particularly as "we should look" at concluding free agreements with the UK and UAE soon and similar pacts with Canada and Australia in 2022.

"Moreover, with increase in the prices of inputs, skyrocketing freight and delays in shipments and payments have resulted in the need for additional credit.

"While container shortage has eased due to peak season supplies for Christmas, New Year and Chinese New Year getting over, the same is likely to compound once countries open up after the holiday seasons particularly if the new variant is not brought under control," Sakthivel 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.)
Commerce and Industry Minister and his Australian counterpart Dan Tehan have held talks on December 21 to expedite talks for the proposed free trade agreement, which aimed at enhancing economic ties between the countries.

"The ministers appreciated the progress made in various rounds of talks between the chief negotiators of both sides and discussed the way forward for an early conclusion of interim agreement," the commerce ministry said in a statement on Thursday.

Both sides also directed the officials to speed up the negotiations to pave the way for a comprehensive agreement, which is officially dubbed as Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA).

"The ministers agreed they look forward to a balanced trade agreement that benefits both the economies and their people, and that reflects their shared commitment to a rules-based international trading system," it added.

India and Australia have agreed to conclude a long-pending free trade agreement, officially dubbed as CECA, by the end of 2022, and an early harvest trade deal by end of this year.

In an early harvest or interim agreement, two trading partners significantly reduce or eliminate customs duties in a certain specified number of goods. These duties were removed in the maximum number of goods traded between them in a free trade agreement or CECA. They also liberalise norms for enhancing trade in services and boost investments in a CECA.

Both the countries launched negotiations for a CECA in May 2011, but the negotiations were suspended in 2015, due to certain disagreements over certain issues such as market access for agriculture and dairy products, and visa liberalisation for professionals.

In 2020-21, India's exports to Australia were USD 4.04 billion, while imports were USD 8.24 billion.

India mainly exports refined petroleum, medicaments, railway vehicles including hovertrains, pearls and gems, jewellery, and made-up textile articles. While imports include coal, copper ores and concentrates, gold, vegetables, wool, fruits and nuts, lentils, and education-related services.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The Indian industry, battered by the pandemic, is on alert mode but not panicking yet in the face of the Omicron variant threatening to derail prospects of winter holiday season business, according to industry players.

With states imposing restrictions on gatherings for Christmas and New Year celebrations, hoteliers and restaurant operators are, however, staring at possible booking cancellations even as they hope for some support from the government like what the UK government has done for the industry there.

Federation of Associations in Indian Tourism and (FAITH) Consulting CEO Aashish Gupta said there is uncertainty within the industry about the impact of the Omicron variant with different inputs coming in from different places regarding its severity and speed of spread.

"The first scene is that everybody is on alert mode but there is no panic mode because the information itself is not creating panic. The information is like a wait and watch," Gupta told PTI.

Terming the situation as dynamic, he said in terms of reservations around Christmas and New Year, there isn't much of cancellation as yet as the "information is not creating those states of panic".

"If the information changes overnight, over the next 24 hours to 48 hours and then the whole action around the holiday and the New Year will immediately change. All of a sudden you'll see a bit of cancellation. So, everyone is very alert. It is a wait and watch the situation," he said.

Commenting on states putting restrictions on mass gatherings for Christmas and New Year in the wake of the emergence of the Omicron variant, Gupta said the governments have put caps based on whatever information that they have and the industry will agree to it but "actually it will put a damper on their business".

If the caps around celebrations on the number of people who gather come in across the country, he said, "Business and plans which everybody was waiting for almost 20 months will get really impacted".

Federation of Hotel & Restaurant Associations of India (FHRAI) Vice-President Gurbaxish Singh Kohli said there has been an impact already with states imposing restrictions on the number of people who can gather.

"These can have a very huge impact, because last week, we were seeing some resurgence, some kind of hope for survival," he said, adding "Omicron is there and we are really confused as to what is going to happen".

In terms of the hotel room bookings, it never picked up. There was only 30 per cent occupancy and there is no pickup whatsoever, he said.

Seeking help from the government for the sector, he said the UK government has already announced a 1 billion pound package for the industry there but in India "there is no such or any fraction of an announcement over here".

Lamenting the lack of support from the government, he said, "Whatever little we were looking forward to is lost again".

In the wake of the emergence of the Omicron variant, the Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) has directed district magistrates to ensure no Christmas and New Year gathering takes place in the national capital although restaurants and bars are allowed to operate with up to 50 per cent of the seating capacity, while marriage-related gatherings are permitted with a maximum of 200 people in attendance.

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has also said that prior permission is now mandatory for any programme or event to be attended by 200 or more people. Indoor halls can operate at 50 per cent of their total capacity, while open-to-sky venues shall operate at only 25 per cent of total capacity.

Similarly, the Karnataka government has banned parties or mass gatherings in the state from December 30 to January 2, although clubs and restaurants will be allowed to have only 50 per cent of the capacity.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
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The Indian industry was able to breathe a little easier in 2021 as domestic flight operations reached their pre-pandemic levels even though international services continued to remain curtailed due to Covid-related travel restrictions.

Air India's sale to the Tata Group and arrival of Rakesh Jhunjhunwala-backed new airline Akasa Air in 2021 are likely to introduce more competition and change the dynamics of the Indian sector in the coming years.

While the Ministry of Civil (MoCA) removed all capacity restriction on scheduled domestic on October 18, the lower and upper limits on domestic air fares continue to remain in place.

Both -- capacity restriction and fare limits -- were imposed by the MoCA from May 25, 2020, when scheduled domestic resumed after a two-month-long suspension due to COVID-19.

Though the MoCA announced on November 26 that scheduled international would resume from December 15, the decision was suspended on December 1 in the wake of spread of the Omicron variant of coronavirus.

Scheduled international flights have been suspended in India since March 23, 2020. Currently, special passenger flights have been operating between India and approximately 32 countries on the basis of air bubble arrangements signed with them.

With US-based aircraft manufacturer Boeing making all necessary software rectifications in 737 Max plane to the satisfaction of Indian aviation regulator Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the ban on the aircraft's commercial flight operations was lifted after 27 months.

All Max planes were grounded in India by DGCA on March 13, 2019, three days after the crash of an Ethiopian 737 Max plane near Addis Ababa, which had killed 157 people, including four Indians.

Akasa Air -- the new airline backed by ace investor Jhunjhunwala and aviation veterans Aditya Ghosh and Vinay Dube -- got the no-objection certificate (NOC) from the MoCA to launch commercial flight operations in the first half of August.

With the DGCA giving its green light to Max aircraft in late August, Akasa Air signed a deal with Boeing on November 26 to purchase 72 Max planes.

Aviation consultancy firm CAPA said last month that the disruption in the Indian aviation sector due to Akasa Air will possibly be felt from 2024-25 onwards "once it has scale and achieves a competitive cost base".

SpiceJet reported a net loss of Rs 935 crore and Rs 998 crore in 2019-20 and 2020-21, respectively. In the first six months of the current financial year, the airline has posted a net loss of Rs 1,290 crore.

Sections of SpiceJet's employees went on strike outside the Delhi airport on September 3 and November 2 protesting against reduced salaries and its irregular disbursement.

SpiceJet chairperson and managing director Ajay Singh had told PTI in October that employees were being paid their full salaries on time and all issues related to their pays have been resolved.

SpiceJet is the only airline in India that has Max planes -- 13 of them -- in its fleet currently. In November, the budget carrier said it had entered into an agreement with Boeing to settle outstanding claims related to the grounding of 737 Max aircraft and its return to service.

CAPA said that risks for SpiceJet would remain "elevated without serious recapitalisation" and "long-term stability" could be achieved with recapitulation.

After much effort over the years, the Narendra Modi government was finally able to successfully able to sell debt-laden Air India in 2021 to a private entity.

On October 8, the Centre announced that Talace Private Limited -- a wholly-owned subsidiary of Tata Sons -- has beaten a consortium led by Ajay Singh by offering Rs 18,000 crore to win the bid to acquire Air India.

Air India is expected to be finally handed over to the Tata group in the first quarter of 2022.

Tata Group already own and operate two -- Vistara and Air Asia -- in India. It is unclear if Vistara would be merged with Air India or not.

Similarly, it is unclear whether Air India Express -- Air India's wholly owned subsidiary that operates narrow-body aircraft only -- will be merged with budget carrier AirAsia India or not.

On July 8, Jyotiraditya Scindia took charge as the Civil Aviation Minister replacing Hardeep Singh Puri.

Under Scindia's charge, the MoCA has given a big push to the drone industry.

The MoCA on September 15 approved a PLI scheme for drones and drone components with an allocation of Rs 120 crore spread over three financial years.

The PLI scheme came up as a follow-through of the liberalised Drone Rules, 2021, released by the MoCA on August 25.

The Indian drone industry will have a total turnover of up to Rs 15,000 crore by 2026 as the government has given a major boost to the sector with the PLI scheme and the liberalised rules, Scindia had said on September 16.

The National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) in June approved the Jalan Kalrock Consortium's resolution plan for Jet Airways, two years after the once-storied full-service carrier went into insolvency proceedings.

Earlier this month, the winning consortium of Jet Airways said it wants to infuse funds in the airline and has approached the NCLT to fast-track implementation of the resolution plan approved by the insolvency court in June this year.

The consortium, in a statement, also said it plans to restart domestic operations at the earliest in 2022 as a full-service carrier.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Union Home Minister is embarking on a statewide tour of Uttar Pradesh from Friday to give momentum to the party's election campaign.

Shah is expected to address public meetings at nearly 21 different locations and each public meeting will be attended by party workers and supporters from the surrounding seven Assembly constituencies.

In this way, he will be covering around 140 Assembly seats in his tour.

The plans to put Shah on the forefront of organisational strategy even as Prime Minister Narendra Modi goes on a spree to lay foundation stones or launch developmental projects in the state.

Sources said the party plans to bring supporters from Dalit and OBC dominated constituencies at the Shah's public meetings.

The move attains political significance in the backdrop of mobilising the non-Yadav OBC to counter an aggressive Samajwadi Party president, Akhilesh Yadav who has been emerging as the main challenger to the ruling

During his campaign, Shah is also scheduled to hold special meetings with the party functionaries in different districts to assess the ground level political situation.

This comes close on the heels of the recent booth level functions which the party had organised to set its organisational machinery into motion and reinforce its cadre strength.

--IANS

amita/dpb

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in has demanded that the income of president income be investigated.

State MSME Minister and government spokesperson Siddharth Nath Singh questioned Yadav's support to certain members of his party who were raided by the income tax department recently.

He accused of lying about the income tax raids and defending his party members on the pretext of elections and trying to gain sympathy in the name of raids.

The minister said that the SP president should accept that those close to him were tax evaders and that he, too, is their partner.

"Undeclared assets of Rs 400 crore were found in the income tax raids. The income of and his family should also be investigated. The SP had prepared to fund the elections with this illegal money, but their plans could not be realised. Akhilesh should clarify what relation he has with those who were raided," Singh said.

Singh said that loot, theft and corruption were in the DNA of the SP, and this was confirmed by the income tax raids and a recent CAG report on Noida.

"Akhilesh had turned Noida into a den of loot. The CAG report has exposed corruption to the tune of over Rs 58,000 crore in allotment of land in Noida during the SP rule. The CAG report exposes how corrupt officials played with the interests of the public at Akhilesh's behest," the minister said.

--IANS

amita/dpb

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The (RBI) on Thursday extended the deadline for wiping off card data on merchant sites and applying tokenisation by another six months as merchants and payments companies expressed their inability to meet the December 31 deadline.

In a statement on its website, the central bank said at the request of industry stakeholders, the timeline is being extended until June 30, 2022.

After that, all card data shall be purged. In addition to tokenisation, industry stakeholders must devise an alternative mechanism to handle recurring e-mandates, equated monthly instalment (EMI) options, etc. or any post-transaction activity that currently involves the storage of card-on-file data by entities other than card issuers and card networks.

On March 17, 2020, the central bank had said from June 30, 2021, merchant websites and payment aggregators should not store customer card data.

At the request of merchants and payment aggregators as well as card companies and banks, this timeline was extended until December 31, 2021. In order to avoid inconveniencing customers, the central bank on September 7 this year introduced card-on-file tokenisation (CoFT) services.

Ashish Agarwal, vice-president and head of policy, Nasscom, said this extension was valuable and would mitigate business and payments risks for customers.

We really hope the #Banks and other ecosystem players look at this extension with responsibility and comply with the timeline now.

Sijo Kuruvilla, executive director, Alliance of Digital India Foundation, said thanks to the for listening to stakeholders and acknowledging the readiness challenges. The extension gives a breather to all players in the payment ecosystem.

Tokenisation refers to the technology of substituting sensitive card data with random numbers. The merchant sites get this random set of numbers while processing is done by the card-issuing bank or the card company such as Visa, MasterCard, or Rupay.



FOR A SMOOTH TRANSITION The tokenisation deadline is now June 30

Deadline extended at the request of industry stakeholders

After the deadline, all card details must be purged

Firms must provide an alternative mechanism for recurring payments

Merchants say customers not registering for tokenisation

Card on file tokenisation (CoFT) is used to register card data with a merchant site in a manner that the basic details reside with the card company or the issuer bank, but not with the merchant, so that the customer does not have to key in his or her details every time for a transaction.

The deadline for card tokenisation had created problems in the payments industry because not all banks and payment companies were ready with the infrastructure. Many customers who were upset with the decision to change the recurring payments to a consent-based system were not willing to tokenise their card details for the new system.

Besides, most merchants and even banks were not prepared to switch to the new system on time. The payments industry had lobbied for two years at least for a smooth transition, according to reports.

In a status check report earlier this week, Business Standard quoted Sanjeev Moghe, executive vice-president and head (cards and payments), Axis Bank, who said some merchants had completed the changes for customers to tokenise their cards, and many were expected to be ready by the end of the year with the proposed changes.

Vishwas Patel, chairman, Payments Council of India (PCI), and director, Infibeam Avenues, however, said: A few card-issuing banks are not ready, and some merchants are taking time, so it might be a challenge for the ecosystem to go live from January 1, 2022.

The tokenisation services of Visa and Mastercard have been tested in other countries. Rupay was also ready with its technology, but it was untested, being the newest card network, mainly concentrated on India.

According to food delivery and e-commerce executives, even as payments firms are ready with the technology, customers are not.

We are ready with our solution. However, we are unable to offer it to most card customers because the upstream support for all banks and card networks is far from 100 per cent, said an executive at a food delivery unicorn.

Rameesh Kailasam, chief executive officer and president of IndiaTech.org, an industry association representing Indias technology start-ups, unicorns, and investors, said: All banks, processing banks that process tokens, payment networks, payment processors, and millions of merchants have to build support to fetch tokens, purge card data, and rewire internal logic. This will take time. Ideally, a graduated process is the need of the hour and while the had given enough time, clarity emerged largely around September.

But companies had started their own tokenisation solutions. PayU, an online payment solution provider, has launched PayU Token Hub, which offers both network tokens and issuer tokens under a single hub.

(With contributions from Subrata Panda and Deepsekhar Choudhury)
A New Orleans-based oil company has agreed to turn over a USD 432 million cleanup trust fund and pay an additional USD 43 million to settle a federal lawsuit over cleaning up abandoned wells leaking since 2004, federal prosecutors said Wednesday.

"This settlement represents an important down payment to address impacts from the longest-running in US history," Nicole LeBoeuf, director of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Agency's National Ocean Service, said in a news release from the US Department of Justice.

Attorneys for Taylor Oil Co, which agreed to drop three lawsuits challenging government cleanup orders and measures, did not immediately respond to an email requesting comment. As is common in such agreements, the proposed settlement said Taylor does not admit any liability.

US District Judge Greg Gerard Guidry will decide whether to approve the proposed consent decree after a 40-day public comment period.

Sixteen wells off Louisiana have been leaking since September 2004, when a subsea mudslide caused by Hurricane Ivan knocked over a Taylor production platform, dragging and breaking a cluster of pipes. Taylor plugged nine wells but has said it cannot plug the rest.

The settlement requires Taylor to drop its other lawsuits. In June, a federal appeals court agreed that a district judge was right to throw out a trespass suit against a federal contractor that created a system to capture most of the oil.

That system has captured and removed more than 800,000 gallons (3 million litres) of oil since April 2019, Coast Guard Capt. Will Watson, sector commander in New Orleans, said in the news release.

"Despite being a catalyst for beneficial environmental technological innovation, the damage to our ecosystem caused by this 17-year-old is unacceptable," said Duane A Evans, US attorney for the Eastern District of Louisiana.

Taylor's website states that it sold all its oil and gas assets in 2008 and exists now only to respond to the toppled platform. The company has agreed to turn over all remaining assets after liquidation, the government said.

The trust fund was created to plug the wells, permanently decommission the facility and clean contaminated soil. One of Taylor's suits, filed in 2016, sought to get back the remaining money, claiming regulators had broken the agreement requiring it to put USD 666 million into the fund.

The company also had appealed the Coast Guard's rejection of its claim for USD 353 million in cleanup costs.

The trust fund will be transferred to the Department of the Interior under the settlement. The additional USD 43 million all of the company's remaining assets is for civil penalties, removal costs and natural resource damages, the news release said.

It includes a civil penalty of USD 15 million, USD 16.5 million for natural resources damage and more than USD 12 million for Coast Guard removal costs.

The company cannot interfere with the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement's decommissioning work or the Coast Guard's oil containment and removal, and will turn over all studies, reports and other documents about the site.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
on Thursday reported a major spike in coronavirus infections, a day after Prime Minister rejected lockdowns or mask mandates to slow the spread of the variant.

The most populous state, New South Wales, recorded 5,715 new cases, up from 3,763 and almost as many as were recorded across all of on Wednesday. New South Wales also reported one death.

There were 347 people in New South Wales hospitals, up from 302 the previous day, and 45 in intensive care units, up from 40. Victoria state also saw a sharp increase, reporting 2,005 new infections on Thursday and 10 deaths.

Morrison on Wednesday convened a Cabinet meeting with leaders of Australia's states and territories. He later told reporters lockdowns and mask mandates are not being considered.

A decision on whether the gap between second vaccine doses and booster shots will be shortened will be left to the Australian Technical Advise Group on Immunisation.

"My message is stay calm, get your booster, follow the commonsense behavioral measures as you're going into Christmas and we look forward to that," Morrison said. "Australians have worked very hard to have this Chrismas together and we want to protect that."



New South Wales Premier Dominic Perrottet said after Wednesday's meeting that his government was working to make rapid antigen tests more readily available. The tests previously have been scarce and expensive.

"Providing rapid antigen testing kits for those who want to do the right thing will help take the pressure of our testing clinics while giving people confidence to get on with their lives," Perrottet said.

"This will also help people monitor their symptoms and go about their daily activities in a responsible manner helping protect themselves, their families and the community.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Two vaccine makers, AstraZeneca and Novavax, said their shots protected against Omicron as UK data suggested it may cause proportionally fewer hospital cases than the Delta variant, though public health experts warned the battle against Covid-19 was far from over.



Similarly encouraging signs about hospitalisation rates emerged from South Africa on Wednesday, but the head of a leading African health agency joined the World Health Organization in cautioning that it was too soon to draw broad conclusions about Omicron's virulence.

Lufthansa said it planned to cut 33,000 flights from its winter schedule due to the spread of the Omicron variant and related travel restrictions.

From mid-January to February, we see a sharp downturn in bookings, CEO Carsten Spohr told the Frankfurter Allgemeine Sonntagszeitung newspaper on Thursday, adding that 33,000 flights was equivalent to about 10 per cent of the flight plan.

But a study found that booster of the vaccine made by Chinas Sinovac Biotech, one of the most widely used in the world, didnt produce sufficient levels of neutralising antibodies to protect against the Omicron variant.

infections have soared wherever highly infectious Omicron has spread, triggering new restrictions in many countries.

In Italy, the first Western country to be hit by the pandemic last year, the National Health Institute said Omicron would soon predominate, while Greece banned public Christmas festivities to curb its spread. Both countries also made outdoor mask-wearing mandatory.

The US Supreme Court said it would hear arguments on an expedited basis on President Joe Bidens Covid-19 shot-or-test rule for large employers and his separate vaccine mandate for health-care workers.

The justices will hear both cases at a special January 7 session, weighing whether to let the rules take effect in the face of a barrage of legal challenges.

Boris Johnson, meanwhile, will wait until after Christmas to announce any new curbs to tackle the Omicron Covid-19 strain, which has already pushed daily cases to a record daily level above 100,000. Any announcement will not come until the week after Christmas, people familiar with the matter said Thursday.
Astronomers from Curtin University, as part of an team, have produced the most comprehensive images of the nearest active to earth.

The discovery, published in the Nature journal and released to the public on Thursday, took a deep dive into the at the center of the galaxy Centaurus A, about 12 million light-years away, reported Xinhua news agency.

Despite being galaxies far away, the erupting extended across a length equal to 16 moons placed side by side in the night sky. However, it is not visible to the naked eye.

The images were created using the Murchison Widefield Array (MWA) telescope in outback Western Australia, which is able to detect and image emitted radio waves.

"These radio waves come from material being sucked into the supermassive black hole in the middle of the galaxy," said lead author on the study Benjamin McKinley from the Curtin University node of the Centre for Radio Research (ICRAR).

As the black hole that possesses 55 million times the mass of the sun erupts, it feeds on gas and ejects material at near light speed, which causes "radio bubbles" to expand outwards.

"It forms a disc around the black hole, and as the matter gets ripped apart going close to the black hole, powerful jets form on either side of the disc, ejecting most of the material back out into space, to distances of probably more than a million light-years," said McKinley.

McKinley said this is why the images appear brighter in the center, as energy is dissipated as particles are shot out and settle.

He said the shape it forms, two connected ovals, is likely the result of particles being re-accelerated by a strong magnetic field.

The research and imaging were made possible by the MWA which Curtin University operates on behalf of ICRAR.

"The MWA is a precursor for the Square Kilometre Array, a global initiative to build the world's largest radio telescopes in Western and South Africa," said MWA director Steven Tingay.

--IANS

int/dpb

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The Iranian Foreign Ministry has said that Western countries have always stoked tensions in the region, in reaction to an anti- joint statement recently issued by foreign ministers of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) members and the

British Foreign Secretary Liz Truss met with visiting Foreign Ministers of the on Monday and they issued a joint statement after the meeting, voicing "grave concern" about Iran's regional activities and what they called "nuclear escalation", Xinhua news agency reported.

FIran's Foreign Ministry Spokesman Saeed Khatibzadeh called the claims made through the statement "baseless" and "repetitive," according to a statement published on the ministry's website.

He said the joint statement was issued as part of the attempts by certain circles, which are concerned about the creation of an atmosphere of interaction and cooperation among the regional countries, to sow discord in the region.

has always played a responsible role in ensuring peace and stability in the region and has invited regional states to interact and hold dialogue with each other, Khatibzadeh noted.

The spokesman regretted that some Western countries, through measures such as exporting modern weaponry to some regional states, are important factors in the region's tensions and human catastrophes.

On the claim about "nuclear escalation," Khatibzadeh said has always remained committed to the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and the safeguards agreement and will be able to benefit from the peaceful use of nuclear energy within the NPT framework.

--IANS

int/shs

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Iraq's foreign minister on Thursday called for direct negotiations between and the United States, Iranian media reported, a rare appeal just days before world powers are set to resume talks over the tattered nuclear accord in Vienna.

Fuad Hussein spoke at a news conference after meeting his Iranian counterpart in Tehran, stressing that heightened tension between and the U.S. Baghdad's two powerful allies directly affects his country's stability.

While remains a pillar of Washington's security policy in the region, Iranian-backed militias wield extensive power in the country.

Any opening in Tehran-Washington relations will positively impact Iraq's internal situation from political, economic and security perspectives, Hussein said.

"We think it's time for direct talks between Tehran and Washington so that the two countries reach a common understanding not only on the nuclear issue but also on sanctions imposed on Iran, he said.

Tehran's 2015 atomic deal with world powers granted sanctions relief in exchange for curbs on its nuclear programme. Three years ago, America under then-President Donald Trump withdrew from the accord. In response, Iran has stepped up its nuclear program and is now spinning a stock of uranium enriched to 60% purity a short technical step from weapons-grade levels.

Tehran has struck a hard line in negotiations since conservative President Ebrahim Raisi came into office. Consternation is building among European nations at the negotiating table in the Austrian capital. The parties to the landmark deal will resume their efforts on Monday, the European Union said.

Iran has refused to speak directly to American officials in the rounds of talks since the U.S. abandoned the accord.

Hussein also touched on the hasty evacuation and sudden death of Iran's top diplomat in war-torn Yemen, Hassan Irloo, whom Washington has identified as a member of Iran's powerful paramilitary Revolutionary Guard. He said the U.S. cooperated with Saudi Arabia and Iran to transfer Irloo on an Iraqi plane from Yemen to Tehran, where Iranian authorities said he died of COVID-19.

There was no immediate comment from Washington on its reported assistance. Yemen's Houthi rebels had sought permission for his transfer from Saudi Arabia, which maintains an air blockade on Yemen's capital of Sanaa.

Speaking alongside Hussein, Iran's Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian repeated calls for the U.S. to lift sanctions before Iran walks back its nuclear advances.

We say it out loud that if you want your concerns over Iran's peaceful nuclear issue to be removed, then all of the nuclear deal-related sanctions must be removed, he said, addressing the West.

Amirabdollahian also noted that Baghdad-brokered talks between Iran and its long-time Sunni rival Saudi Arabia have continued.

We will attend the upcoming round of talks (with Saudi Arabia) in Baghdad, he said, thanking Hussein and Iraq's prime minister for their support.

He said that three Iranian diplomats had been granted visas to be stationed in the Saudi city of Jiddah at the 57-member Organization of Islamic Cooperation, a body of Muslim nations. Saudi authorities did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the matter.

Saudi Arabia severed its diplomatic ties with Iran in 2016 after protesters attacked the Sunni kingdom's embassy in Tehran in response to its execution of a prominent Shiite cleric. The powerhouses support opposite sides of Yemen's spiraling conflict and remain at war for influence across the region.

Baghdad has played a visible role in trying to cool tensions between the rivals.

(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.)
Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett and US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan met on Wednesday in Jerusalem and discussed and other strategic issues, according to a statement from Bennett's office.

Sullivan told Bennett that the US and are at "a critical juncture for both countries on a major set of security issues" and should develop a joint strategy, Xinhua news agency reported.

" and the stand together," Sullivan said.

For his part, Bennett said that Israel's relationship with the Biden administration is "as strong as ever."

The two also discussed "the negotiations between and the major powers in Vienna, and several additional issues of joint interest to both countries."

The Israeli prime minister said "what happens in Vienna has profound ramifications for the stability of the Middle East and the security of for the upcoming years."

Sullivan arrived in Israel on Tuesday for a series of meetings with Israeli top officials on On Tuesday night, he met with Israeli President Isaac Herzog and he has scheduled meetings with Israel's Foreign Minister Yair Lapid and Defence Minister Benny Gantz.

The US official is also expected to travel to Ramallah to meet Palestinian President Mohammed Abbas to discuss bilateral ties.

--IANS

int/shs

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Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Wednesday that Moscow hopes that its proposals on guarantees will be taken seriously by and the US.

"We will do everything to make sure we are understood, considering the actions we are currently taking to ensure our defense capability, I hope that we will be taken seriously," Lavrov said during an interview for RT.

has recently sent a draft agreement to and a draft treaty to the United States both on guarantees in Europe for the Western countries to consider, Xinhua news agency reported.

Lavrov pointed out that a series of conversations have taken place at the level of foreign policy assistants to the presidents of and the US.

"It was agreed that the first round of bilateral talks between us and our American negotiators would take place at the very beginning of next year," he said.

Nonetheless, Lavrov reiterated that with NATO's infrastructure approaching Russia's borders, Moscow insists on legally binding guarantees.

--IANS

int/shs

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With Omicron becoming the dominant variant of Covid in the US, accounting for over 73 per cent cases, new modeling data shows that the highly transmissible new strain will cause 140 million new infections from January to March, infecting 60 per cent of all Americans, the majority of which will be asymptomatic cases.

According to researchers at the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation at the University of Washington, while infection will surge, it will have fewer hospitalisations and deaths compared to the Delta variant, USA Today reported.

The findings showed that the Covid cases may peak in late-January at about 2.8 million new daily infections.

"We are expecting an enormous surge in infections ... so, an enormous spread of omicron," IHME director Dr Chris Murray was quoted as saying.

"Total infections in the US we forecast are going from about 40 per cent of the US having been infected so far, to having in the next 2 to 3 months, 60 per cent of the US getting infected with Omicron," he added.

While meta-analyses have suggested previous variants cause about 40 per cent of cases to be asymptomatic, Murray said more than 90 per cent of people infected with omicron may never show symptoms.

As a result, only about 400,000 cases may be reported, as most Americans infected with the virus won't feel sick and may never get tested, the report said.

At the peak of last year's winter surge in January, the country was reporting a little over 250,000 new cases per day. The country has reported about 51 million confirmed cases since the pandemic began, according to Johns Hopkins data.

On the other hand, the world may see approximately 3 billion new infections in the next two months with peak transmission occurring in mid-January at more than 35 million new cases per day, the models showed.

Murray noted that the forecast may be pessimistic, but other health experts say it is within the realm of possibility based on the early, incomplete information on Omicron.

"Sure, this a potential outcome," Julie Swann, professor at North Carolina State University who studies pandemic modeling and health systems was quoted as saying. "How certain am I that this is the outcome? Not certain at all."

While infections are expected to skyrocket, the IHME model shows hospitalisations and deaths will be about the same. Researchers found the infection-hospitalisation rate of Omicron is about 90 per cent to 96 per cent lower than delta, and the infection-fatality rate is about 97 per cent to 99 per cent lower.

"In the past, we roughly thought that Covid was 10 times worse than flu and now we have a variant that is probably at least 10 times less severe," Murray said. "So, Omicron will probably a be less severe than flu but much more transmissible."

--IANS

rvt/shb/

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When Pakistan and India agreed to restore peace along the highly volatile (LoC) in February 2021, it appeared that they were again ready to take a turn on the bumpy road of animosity and mistrust. The ensuing months, however, showed that it was yet another mirage.

The story of Pakistan-India relations is a tale of the proverbial one step forward, two steps backward'. So far, almost every positive development in terms of the bilateral ties has been overtaken by innate hostility that is often driven by popular sentiments.

In a surprise announcement on February 25, India and Pakistan said that they have agreed to strictly observe all agreements on ceasefire along the LoC. India and Pakistan signed a ceasefire agreement in 2003, but it has hardly been followed in letter and spirit over the past several years with more violations than observance of the pact.

The restoration of the ceasefire agreement of 2003 on the LoC was not an exception. Soon it was followed by reports, insinuating that the two sides were engaged in a secret diplomacy in some shady haunt of the Arabian deserts (the so-called talks reportedly being held in the UAE). No official statement was issued about the status of talks but ties remain frozen.

Weeks later in March, Army chief Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa said that it was time for India and Pakistan to bury the past and move forward.

In his address to first-ever Islamabad Security Dialogue, participated by Who's Who' of Pakistan's security establishment, Gen Bajwa said that stable Indo-Pak relation is a key to unlock the untapped potential of South and Central Asia by ensuring connectivity between East and West Asia but also mentioned that Kashmir was the main stumbling block in normalisation of bilateral ties.

Previously Pakistan had conditioned the start of talks with India if it reversed the August, 2019 steps in Kashmir, but Gen Bajwa lowered the bar by saying that India should create a conducive environment.

The powerful army, which has ruled Pakistan for more than half of its 70 plus years of existence, has hitherto wielded considerable power in the matters of security and foreign policy.

Prime Minister Imran Khan, who had taken a hardline stance since India abolished the special status of Jammu and Kashmir in 2019, also reduced his rhetoric by saying that good relations with neighbours were paramount for national security.

"We will not be able to take full advantage of our geo-strategic location until we have regional peace, until our relations with our neighbours and our trade ties do not improve," he said in the address to the same event.

On March 31, Pakistan almost surprised India when its Economic Coordination Committee (ECC), a top decision-making body, lifted a ban on the import of sugar and cotton from India. Finance Minister Hammad Azhar had announced the big decision.

Apparently, the permission for import was given without taking all stakeholders on board, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Sources in the ministry said that foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi was unhappy with the decision. Consequently, it was withdrawn as quickly as it was announced.

Months later in November, Pakistan silently allowed India to use its airspace for direct flights between Kashmir and the UAE, but its fate was not different from the previous positive steps. The move was scuttled after a week when Islamabad withdrew the permission. No reason was given why the flights were allowed, and why they were discontinued.

The event in Afghanistan served as a major diversion as the Taliban took over Kabul in August, giving a big boost to Pakistan vis-a-vis India's stakes in Afghanistan.

In the wake of the change in regime in Afghanistan, Islamabad's entire attention has been riveted on Kabul and it has been pulling all strings to give time to the Taliban to adjust to the new situation to earn global recognition of its interim government, which includes at least 14 Cabinet members blacklisted by the UN.

The Afghan situation stirred a positive development in the context of Pak-India ties. In December, Pakistan allowed India to send a humanitarian shipment of 50,000 tonnes of wheat and life-saving drugs to Afghanistan through the Wagah border crossing.

Unlike the short-lived optimism after the permission for direct flights between Srinagar and Sharjah and allowing import of sugar and cotton from India, the decision to let India send wheat on its condition of using only the Afghan trucks for transit has not been reversed. But it is difficult to interpret it as a breakthrough in bilateral relations.

In November, India reopened the Kartarpur Corridor that links Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Pakistan, the final resting place of Guru Nanak Dev, to Dera Baba Nanak shrine in Punjab's Gurdaspur district.

Punjab Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi, along with about 30 persons, including his Cabinet ministers, visited the revered Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Pakistan using the visa-free Kartarpur corridor on the second day of the reopening of the route which was suspended for some 20 months following the COVID-19 outbreak.

Towards the end of the year, Prime Minister Khan, while addressing a seminar on December 9 in Islamabad, said peace with India is not possible until the resolution of the Kashmir dispute. But he also added another hurdle this time: the RSS ideology.

For ties between India and Pakistan, things are back to square one as another year nears its end.

The two sides also failed to agree how Indian prisoner Kulbhushan Jadhav on death row in Pakistan should be represented in his review appeal in Islamabad High Court against his conviction by a Pakistani military court.

In October, Paris-based Financial Action task Force, a global money-laundering watchdog, decided to retain Pakistan on its 'grey list' until it further demonstrates that action is being taken against Jamaat-ud-Dawah chief Hafiz Saeed and Jaish-e-Mohammed founder Masood Azhar who are listed as global terrorists by the United Nations.

The FATF had placed Pakistan on the grey list in June 2018 and asked Islamabad to implement a plan of action to curb money laundering and terror financing by the end of 2019 but the deadline was extended later on due to COVID-19 pandemic.

On the domestic front, Prime Minister Khan faced a serious challenge from banned radical outfit Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) which marched towards Islamabad in October after the government failed to meet their demands to release party chief Saad Rizvi and expel the French envoy.

After deadly clashes between TLP supporters and the security personnel, Prime Minister Khan-led government entered into a 'secret agreement' with the radical Islamist party and released its chief Saad Rizvi, who was languishing at Kot Lakhpat jail since his arrest on April 12 under terrorism charges.

During the year, Pakistan also witnessed a series of deadly blasts in different cities and a massive protest by local residents in Gwadar which rattled the government and forced authorities to deploy thousands of additional police personnel in the region where China is building major projects linked to its multi-billion-dollar Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

The protests in Balochistan are part of growing discontent with China's presence in Gwadar, whose port is an integral part of the USD 60 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor project (CPEC), the flagship project of BRI.

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Abdulla Shahid, president of the 76th session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA), has said that he has tested positive for Covid-19 and is self-isolating.

"I have tested positive for COVID19 today. I am isolating at home with mild symptoms," Shahid tweeted.

"I was privileged to have been fully vaccinated including a booster. My prayers are with the millions suffering from Covid and the billions without access to vaccine! I Stand for #VaccineEquity," read the tweet.

--IANS

int/shs

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A major bet on India as a growth market for low-carbon projects just propelled a UK fund to the top of this years ESG rankings.

The Stewart Investors India Subcontinent fund, which is domiciled in Britain but manages its 442 million ($592 million) of client money from Singapore, returned 31.2 per cent in the year through November according to Morningstar Inc. data. Thats better than any other UK fund using environmental, social and governance strategies over the same period, according to Morningstar classifications.

India has a smaller carbon footprint than Europe and the US and is on track to increase investments in infrastructure and manufacturing, according to an analysis provided by Stewart Investors, which oversees a total of $25 billion. That outlook includes significant spending on renewable energy and low-carbon technologies, it said.
The Australian share market finished higher for fourth consecutive session on Thursday, 23 December 2021, as risk sentiment was lifted up on ease concerns about the severity of the Omicron coronavirus variant after an oral COVID-19 drug was approved in the United States and South African study suggests reduced risks of hospitalisation and severe disease in people infected with the Omicron variant compared to Delta. Most of S&P/ASX200 sectors advanced, with gains in the Gold, Utilities and Industrials sectors led shares higher.

At closing bell, the benchmark S&P/ASX200 was up 22.80 points, or 0.31%, to 7,387.57. The broader All Ordinaries index added 24.93 points, or 0.32%, to 7,707.49.

The top performing stocks in this index were MAGELLAN FINANCIAL GROUP LIMITED and NICKEL MINES LIMITED, up 5.17% and 4.73% respectively. The bottom performing stocks in this index were BEGA CHEESE and WISETECH GLOBAL, down 10.3% and 2.57% respectively.

Shares of Gold explorers were among the top gainers in the bourse on the back of a surge in bullion prices.

Newcrest Mining rose 0.8%, while Northern Star Resources jumped more than 2%.

Bega Cheese shares tumbled after the company warned of a hit to its 2022 fiscal earnings from strong competition for dairy supply in Australia, high global prices and the coronavirus impact.

ECONOMIC NEWS: Australia Private Sector Credit Climbs 0.9% On Month In November - Australia private sector credit was up 0.9% on month in November, the Reserve Bank of Australia said on Thursday, accelerating from 0.5% in October. On a yearly basis, credit spiked 6.6%, rising from 5.7% in the previous month. Housing credit was up 0.7% on month and 7.1 on year, while personal credit rose 0.6% on month and fell 3.5% on year and business credit climbed 1.6% on month and 7.3% on year. Broad money was up 0.9% on month and 8.3% on year.

CURRENCY NEWS: The Australian dollar was at $0.7231, continuing its upward trek after yesterday's surge from around $0.712.

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Bharat Forge Ltd is quoting at Rs 694, up 1.41% on the day as on 12:54 IST on the NSE. The stock is up 31.79% in last one year as compared to a 24.27% spurt in NIFTY and a 19.4% spurt in the Nifty Auto index.

Bharat Forge Ltd gained for a third straight session today. The stock is quoting at Rs 694, up 1.41% on the day as on 12:54 IST on the NSE. The benchmark NIFTY is up around 0.77% on the day, quoting at 17086. The Sensex is at 57389.88, up 0.81%. Bharat Forge Ltd has slipped around 6.29% in last one month.

Meanwhile, Nifty Auto index of which Bharat Forge Ltd is a constituent, has slipped around 5.21% in last one month and is currently quoting at 10652.55, up 0.63% on the day. The volume in the stock stood at 7.81 lakh shares today, compared to the daily average of 15.8 lakh shares in last one month.

The benchmark December futures contract for the stock is quoting at Rs 694.05, up 1.43% on the day. Bharat Forge Ltd is up 31.79% in last one year as compared to a 24.27% spurt in NIFTY and a 19.4% spurt in the Nifty Auto index.

The PE of the stock is 38.57 based on TTM earnings ending September 21.

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Carborundum Universal's step down subsidiary, CUMI GmbH, Germany has entered into an Asset Purchase Agreement with the Insolvency Administrator of M/s AWUKO ABRASIVES Wandmacher GmbH & Co.

KG, Germany (AWUKO) on 22 December 2021 for acquiring the main assets of AWUKO.

The asset purchase deal will be subject to completion of negotiations with the Works Council in connection with rightsizing of employees as well as agreements with the lessors/creditors of AWUKO. The estimated purchase price is Euro 6.01 million excluding the compensation cost to be agreed with the Works council and other costs, if any with the Insolvency Administrator.

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Nucleus Software Exports jumped 4.90% to Rs 518.45 after the company's consortium FPT Information System (FIS) was awarded a contract by Joint Stock Commercial Bank for Foreign Trade of Vietnam (Vietcombank - VCB).

The contract has been awarded for the consortium's retail loan origination system.

Vietcombank - VCB is one of the biggest commercial banks in Vietnam.

FinnOne Neo, the retail lending software, will help VCB to provide end-to-end digitization and launch innovative loan products, optimize customer on-boarding process, standardize credit appraisal processes and provide flexible loan reports.

VCB will use FinnOne Neo Customer Acquisition System (CAS) to control and automate various business processes and activities performed in the processing of a loan application for advanced risk management and business process optimization. It will help integrate VCB processes for acquisition and pre-disbursal. In addition, VCB will use Origination API packs that provide seamless and controlled flow of data across systems.

Nucleus' FinnOne Neo is a multi-channel solution that helps in digitizing the complete loan life-cycle from initiating contact with customers, making better & faster credit decisions, providing comprehensive loan services to creating analytical reports.

"It is an honour to partner with Vietnam's biggest and most reputed bank in their Retail Transformation Operation Model (RTOM). With FinnOne Neo, we will be able to ensure seamless delivery of high-volume retail business for VCB, so that they will be able to launch innovative loan products promptly and optimise the retail customer on boarding process. This will support VCB on their way to top-notch position in Retail Lending as well, says Mr. Parag Bhise, CEO, Nucleus Software.

Nucleus Software Exports is a software product company that provides lending and transaction banking products to global financial leaders.

On a consolidated basis, net profit of Nucleus Software Exports declined 70.87% to Rs 8.58 crore on 16.69% decline in net sales to Rs 114.12 crore in Q2 September 2021 over Q2 September 2020.

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The equity benchmarks hit fresh intraday high in afternoon trade. Barring the Nifty Media index, all the sectoral indices on the NSE were in the green. Banks and realty shares were in demand.

At 13:25 IST, the barometer index, the S&P BSE Sensex, jumped 548.03 points or 0.96% at 57,478.59. The Nifty 50 index gained 152.80 points or 0.9% at 17,108.25.

Sentiment got a boost as Asian shares rose across the board. Investors reacted to a study out of South Africa suggesting a reduced risk of hospitalization and severe disease with omicron compared to delta. Meanwhile, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention authorized an antiviral Covid pill from Pfizer for people aged 12 and above at risk of severe illness.

In the broader market, the S&P BSE Mid-Cap index rose 1.05% while the S&P BSE Small-Cap index added 0.92%.

The market breadth was strong. On the BSE, 2290 shares rose and 966 shares fell. A total of 127 shares were unchanged.

Power Grid Corporation of India (up 3%), ITC (up 2.81%), Indian Oil Corporation (up 2.43%), Bajaj Finance (up 2.40%) and Axis Bank (up 2.05%) were major index gainers.

Divi's Laboratories (down 1.18%), UltraTech Cement (down 0.85%), Bharti Airtel (down 0.58%), Eicher Motors (down 0.52%) and Maruti Suzuki India (down 0.45%) were major index losers.

Transformers and Rectifiers (India) rose 6.38%. The company has been awarded orders of transformers for total contract value of Rs 72 crore from Gujarat Energy Transmission Corporation (GETCO). With this order, the company's order book as on date stands around Rs 816 crore.

New Listing:

Shares of Medplus Health Services were currently trading at Rs 1123.65 on the BSE, a premium of 41.16% as against the issue price of Rs 796.

The scrip was listed at Rs 1015, representing a premium of 27.51% to the initial public offer (IPO) price.

So far, the scrip has hit a high of Rs 1133 and a low of Rs 1015. Over 10.74 lakh shares of the company have changed hands in the counter till now.

The IPO of Medplus Health Services was subscribed 52.59 times. The issue opened for bidding on 13 December 2021 and it closed on 15 December 2021. The price band of the IPO was fixed at Rs 780-796.

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The natural resources company on Wednesday said it plans to raise upto Rs 1,000 crore through non-convertible debentures (NCDs).

Vedanta proposes to offer rated, secured, redeemable, non-cumulative, non-convertible debentures aggregating upto Rs 1,000 crore in one or more tranches.

The board will meet on 27 December 2021 to consider the proposal, the company said in a filing.

The above issuance is pursuant to the board of directors' resolutions passed at their meeting held on 7 May 2019, and 3 October 2020.

Vedanta, a subsidiary of Vedanta Resources, is one of the world's leading oil & gas and metals company with significant operations in oil & gas, zinc, lead, silver, copper, iron ore, steel, and aluminium & power across India, South Africa and Namibia.

On a consolidated basis, Vedanta reported attributable net profit of Rs 4,615 crore in Q2 September 2021, steeply higher than Rs 824 crore in Q2 September 2020. Net sales rose 44% to Rs 30,048 crore in Q2 FY22 over Q2 FY21.

Shares of Vedanta were up 0.88% to Rs 345.

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Speaker said on Wednesday that agreements and disagreements on issues may be reflected in debates and not through disruption.

Emphasing that democracy in India is a way of life, Birla called upon the leaders of political parties and members to work in the direction of strengthening democracy and democratic institutions.

Addressing a press conference here, the Speaker noted that smooth conduct of the House is the responsibility of all stakeholders and the House must be run in accordance with the collective will and consensus.

Speaking on differences of views of political parties on several issues, Birla said that such differences are natural in a functional democracy but they need to be reflected in the form of healthy debates. He appealed mmbers not to resort to disruptive tactics in the House.

He said had 18 sittings during the of and the House sat for 83 hours and 20 minutes. lost 18 hours and 48 minutes to interruptions. The House sat late for 18 hours 11 minutes to complete listed business during the session.

The productivity of the House during the session was 82 per cent. Productivity during the first seven sittings of the session was 102 per cent. The performance of the House on December 2, 2021 was 204 percent, Birla said. The Lok Sabha Speaker also informed that 12 bills were introduced and nine bills were passed during the session. Birla also informed that 91 starred questions out of 360 were orally answered in the House during the Session. Answers to 4,140 unstarred questions were laid on the table of the House.

On December 20, all 20 starred questions listed for the day were covered, the Speaker added. Besides, 380 matters of public importance were raised under Rule 377. Expressing satisfaction on use of information technology by members, Birla said that 94.68 per cent e-notices were received as compared to 93.5 per cent during the previous session.

Birla also informed that 563 matters of urgent public importance were also raised in the House during Zero Hour. On December 9, 62 members, sitting late in the House, placed their subjects before the House during Zero Hour. Of these, 29 were women members. Zero Hour was held for eight days and averaged 1 hour 51 minutes per day.

The Speaker said that standing committees presented 45 reports to the House. A total number of 2,658 papers were Laid on the Table of the House.

Birla also informed that two Short-Duration discussions, one pertaining to 'COVID-19 global pandemic' and another on 'climate change' were held during the Session. The short duration discussion on climate change will continue during the next session.

A total of 99 members participated in the 12 hours 26 minutes discussion on 'COVID-19 Global Pandemic'. Sixty-one members participated in the short duration discussion on climate change. So far, the discussion has lasted for 6 hours 26 minutes.

Talking about private members business, Birla informed that during the session, 145 Bills on various subjects were introduced by private members. Discussion on the 'Compulsory Voting Bill, 2019' by Janardan Singh 'Sigriwal' could not be completed. Similarly, the discussion on the resolution of non-official members with regard to 'Welfare Measures for Anganwadi Workers and Anganwadi Helpers' by Ritesh Pandey could not be completed.

As a step towards capacity building of the Members of Parliament, five briefing Sessions were organized on various important Bills which were considered by the House.

The launch of a mobile app for the use of the MPs was also announced by the Speaker while chairing the Question Hour on December 21, 2021.

He said the construction of new building is going on full swing and every effort is being taken to ensure that it gets ready by the next year.

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Congress president held deliberations with the party MPs from on Thursday on the current political situation in the poll-bound state.

Though the details of what transpired at the meeting were not known, it was convened on a day when a blast took place in the Ludhiana district court complex, killing one person.

The meeting also comes in the wake of incidents of alleged sacrilege attempts at the Golden Temple in Amritsar and in Kapurthala, and the subsequent lynching of two men.

Sources said former chief minister Amarinder Singh's wife Preneet Nair, who is the Congress MP from Patiala, did not attend the meeting.

It is learnt that Gandhi sought the opinion of the MPs on the party's prospects in the 2022 Assembly polls.

The meeting was held at the Congress chief's 10, Janpath residence.

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Trinamool Congress secretary general on Wednesday said the party does not approve of excesses by its workers on opponents after the landslide victory in Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) poll and cautioned that it will take swift action if any such incident is reported.

Chatterjee, who was asked to comment on the alleged take over of a BJP party office at Behala in the south western part of the city by workers after the declaration of the civic poll results on Tuesday, said "I am inquiring about it. Every party, every organisation should have the right to pursue their activities, to have their party offices."



"If such a report is true, we will take action immediately. This is not done," he said.

He said even if people are angry wit those who face the activists' ire, none can take law into their hands. "The party does not approve of this,"



Chatterjee trashed the claim of the Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari about large-scale rigging in the city civic poll and said BJP would have secured higher number of seats if it had connection with the general people in the city.

" works throughout the year for people who are at the grassroots. Those who do not have any connect with people are rejected in the polls every time ... There is no point in giving importance to someone who is making irresponsible statements every day," he said without naming Adhikari.

Chatterjee said the continuous work done by the TMC-led KMC in providing civic amenities to the people for the past 10 years had made it sure of decimating the opposition, which, he said, has no base among the people.

Chatterjee, who is the state industries minister, said the Bengal Global Business Summit to be held next year will take the state to a new trajectory of investment.

"Important investment proposals are slated to be clinched at the business summit," he added.

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The on Thursday said it will hear in January a plea by challenging the jurisdiction of the to investigate matters that are beyond its scope under the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA).

The plea was listed before Justice Rekha Palli who did not hold court, and the matter is now listed for hearing on January 5.

Petitioners Wholesale (India) Pvt Ltd and Seller Services Pvt Ltd challenged the jurisdiction of the (ED) and its officers to investigate Amazon Wholesale (India) Pvt Ltd in matters that are beyond the scope of power and remit of the agency under the FEMA.

Last month, Amazon had said it was in receipt of summons by the ED in connection with its deal with the Future Group.

The plea said the two -- Amazon Wholesale (India) Pvt Ltd and Amazon Seller Services Pvt Ltd -- are Indian resident entities and are challenging the investigation as it pertains to transactions that have no foreign exchange element.

It said the ED had issued a directive on February 19 this year and is conducting a "fishing and roving" investigation against Amazon Wholesale and subjecting the petitioners to proceedings without any legal basis or jurisdiction. This is causing unnecessary harassment despite their full cooperation, the plea said.

Various summons and emails have been issued to employees of Amazon Seller Services for a transaction which is completely unconnected with them, and seeking from them legal advice and privileged legal opinions that have been received from time to time by Indian subsidiaries of Amazon.com, it said



The petition sought a direction to the ED to forthwith withdraw or cancel the February 2021 directive and all summons or proceedings commenced by the agency.

It further sought from the court to direct the probe agency not to conduct "fishing and roving" enquiry on matters covered by legal privilege and ask for information falling outside the purview of FEMA.

Amazon and Future Group have been battling it out in courts after the Kishore Biyani-led group in August last year agreed to sell its assets to billionaire Mukesh Ambani's Reliance Retail on a slump sale basis for Rs 24,500 crore.

Amazon is objecting to the sell-off plans, accusing Future Group of breaching its 2019 investment pact. Future Coupons was founded in 2008 and is engaged in the business of marketing and distribution of gift cards, loyalty cards, and other reward programmes to corporate customers.

Amazon had approached the Singapore International Arbitration Centre (SIAC) as well as in Indian courts.

Last week, the Competition Commission of India (CCI) suspended its more than two-year-old approval for Amazon's deal to acquire a stake in Future Coupons Pvt Ltd, and also imposed a Rs 202 crore penalty on the e-commerce major for certain contraventions.

(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.)
Dubai [UAE], December 23 (ANI/NewsVoir): The India Pavilion, one of the largest and most visited pavilions at EXPO2020 Dubai completed another landmark by hosting 6 lakh visitors in 83 days of its opening.

The India Pavilion, inaugurated by Piyush Goyal, Minister of Commerce & Industry, Consumer Affairs & Food & Public Distribution and Textiles, and Leader of the House in Rajya Sabha, on 1st October has so far received 604,582 visitors as on 22nd December.

In his tweet message, Goyal said, "The India Pavilion @Expo2020Dubai is on a record-making spree. Over 6 Lakh visitors at this state-of-the-art set up already! It has emerged as a shining jewel, showcasing India's dreams & aspirations at #IndiaAtDubaiExpo." (https://twitter.com/piyushgoyaloffc/status/1473946488510181378?s=24)

Speaking on the achievement, Shri Sunjay Sudhir, Ambassador of India to the UAE said, "India is among the most visited and celebrated pavilions at the Expo. We are delighted that we have successfully showcased India's rich amalgamation of business opportunities and cultural heritage. We have also been able to highlight the business potential of our nation by capitalizing on opportunities to network with global stakeholders to secure investments."

With the upcoming festive and holiday season, the India Pavilion is expected to witness higher footfalls. As part of the Christmas celebrations, the India Pavilion is all set to host renowned AO Naga Choir who will be adding cheer to the celebration with Spirituals, Gospel Songs, Hymns, Ao Naga Songs and Choruses from opera, operetta and musicals. The Choir has recently joined as an Affiliate Member of the Royal School of Church Music, London and a Member of the International Federation of Choral Music.

The India Pavilion has been recognised as 'one of the most iconic pavilions' at the Expo by American Institute of Architects among the 192 participating countries. The Pavilion has played a key role in showcasing the Indian start-up ecosystem amongst global audience through initiatives like 'Elevate', that aims to display unconventional solutions created by 500 Indian startups from across the country. The EXPO2020 Dubai has also been pivotal in showcasing India as a lucrative business destination and representing the cultural heritage of India.

The India Pavilion has also taken pride in celebrating the UAE's 50th National Day on 2nd December. The event was celebrated with an array of cultural performances showcasing a unique fusion of India's and UAE's culture. The India Pavilion also celebrated the India-Bangladesh 'Maitri Diwas' on 8th December to commemorate the 50 years of establishment of diplomatic relations between India and Bangladesh.

States such as Gujarat, Karnataka, Telangana, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and UT of Ladakh among others have successfully showcased their business ecosystem along with rich cultural heritage and sourced investment opportunities from leading global investors. Additionally, sectors such as New and Renewable Energy, Space, Urban and Rural Development, Oil & Gas, Textile, Knowledge and Learning have held respective weeks to highlight the growth and investment opportunities in these areas.

The upcoming weeks at the India Pavilion will witness participation from states such as Goa, Jharkhand, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and UT of Jammu & Kashmir among others and sectors such as Tourism, Steel, Healthcare, Electronics and Information Technology, Energy Conservation, Environment & Sustainability, Tribal Affairs to name a few.

To know more about India Pavilion at EXPO2020 Dubai, please visit:

Website - (https://indiaexpo2020.com)

Facebook - (https://www.facebook.com/indiaatexpo2020)

Instagram - (https://www.instagram.com/indiaatexpo2020)

Twitter -(https://twitter.com/IndiaExpo2020?s=09)

LinkedIn -(https://www.linkedin.com/company/india-expo-2020/?viewAsMember=true)

YouTube - (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6uOcYsc4g_JWMfS_Dz4Fhg/featured)

Koo - (https://www.kooapp.com/profile/IndiaExpo2020)

To know more about EXPO2020 Dubai, please visit - (https://www.expo2020dubai.com/en).

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Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], December 23 (ANI/NewsVoir): Cineline India Limited (part of Kanakia Group), one of the most renowned real estate players in MMRDA region is re-entering the film exhibition business and will launch the same under a new brand in Q1 FY23.

Rationale of Re-entry in the Film Exhibition Business

The Company was present in the film exhibition business through its 'Cinemax' Brand since 1997.

In 2012, the Company sold its multiplex business along with Cinemax Brand to PVR Limited under a non-compete clause which has already ended. Further, the Company had leased out 9 properties with 23 screens to PVR under leave and license agreements on which Multiplex operations were run by PVR.

In light of expiry of the license period by 31st March 2022, coupled with weakening industry dynamics for the unorganized and single-screen film exhibition players, there is a tremendous opportunity for Organized players to increase their foothold in this segment. Therefore, Cineline with a strong history of operating the Film exhibition business has decided to re-enter and create a strong consumer-oriented brand in this segment.

Post 31st March 2022, the Company with have access to its own properties and thus will be able to kick start its Film exhibition operations in Q1 FY23 through 9 properties with 23 screens across Mumbai, Thane, Nashik, and Nagpur having an aggregate seating capacity of more than 6,000 seats.

The Company will grow the Film exhibition business in due course of time by acquiring theater properties Pan India on a lease basis.

Post relaxation of lockdown restrictions and patrons returning to theaters, there is a huge opportunity in this space with a large lineup of Bollywood, Hollywood, and regional content pipeline in place till the next year.

Commenting on the same, Rasesh Kanakia, Chairman, said, "We are delighted to re-enter the film exhibition business in India. With various leave and license agreements between us and PVR expiring on 31st March 2022, the Company will launch a new brand for the film exhibition business in Q1 FY23. We plan to create a strong consumer-oriented brand in this segment.

Considering the fact that as the exhibition business inches closer to a return to normality, post-COVID, we see a strong pipeline of movies coming up in the next year, and patrons' excitement to return to theatres will be quite high. We are seeing a big wave of opportunity and have big plans for growth in this business."

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New Delhi [India], December 23 (ANI/PRNewswire): MSI, a leading gaming brand strengthens its content creation line-up with the launch of Creator Z16 laptops recently in India equipped with 11th Gen Intel Core i9 and i7 processors with NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 graphics.

This new series of Creator laptops boast's a 16:10 display with thin bezels inspired by the Golden Ratio for better viewing angles and increased productivity. The latest model comes in i7 & i9 variants at INR 2,40,990/- & INR 2,57,990/- respectively and are available across MSI brand stores, authorized sellers and Flipkart.

With World's 1st MiniLED Keyboard Laptop mini LED backlit keyboard, the Creator Z16 illuminates lightly dim spaces and helps you accomplish tasks with ease. In addition, the laptop features personalized per-key RGB backlight by Steel Series Engine. Also, it comes with factory-calibrated Delta-E & lt; 2 out of the box accuracy, and True Color Technology post the color gamut supporting the needs of designers and creators. Not only this, these models are equipped with touchscreen for intuitive interactions to make work seamless under every circumstance.

With its people-centric design philosophy, the Creator Z16 combines rounded and fluid form with sleek edges, merging both postmodernism designs on its appearance. It is available in a unique 'Lunar gray' colour and carries a stylish CNC body leading you to new horizons where 'Technology meets 'Aesthetics'. This new series of Creator laptops boast's a 16:10 display with thin bezels inspired by the Golden Ratio with innovative technology for better viewing angles and increased productivity.

Commenting on the announcement, Green Lin, Regional Marketing Manager, MSI, said "We at MSI have always taken pride in bringing forth a seamless experience for our consumers who are always on the lookout for the best in technology. Our latest product is an amalgamation of Tech & Aesthetics which is the perfect addition to our power packed line up of creator series laptops. It reflects great design and is equipped with the latest tech innovations such as the world's thinnest fan blade design that cater to the evolving needs of our audience in the Indian market. We look forward to introducing more performance driven products and take our brand experience to next level with each product offering."

For more information on the product, please visit: (https://msi.gm/3yf2yQN)

For high-res images, please visit: (https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1XLMGhA__GqqpsYfT9vSz7MxGaq-MBZbM)

MSI GAMING: (https://in.msi.com)

MSI Content Creation: (https://www.msi.com/Content-Creation)

MSI Facebook:(https://www.facebook.com/MSIIndia)

MSI Instagram: (https://www.instagram.com/msigaming_india)

MSI YouTube: (https://www.youtube.com/c/MSIIndiaNB)

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New Delhi [India], December 23 (ANI/NewsVoir): Acknowledging the relentless contribution of farmers from across the country, Organic India, an innovative global leader working with thousands of small family farmers who cultivates sustainable organic farmlands, officially announced the Dharti Mitr Awards 2021, today.

The award aims to recognize the outstanding contributions of individual organic farmers by felicitating them with cash prizes and citations, on February 20, 2022, at the Dada Saheb Phalke International Film Awards.

Sharing details about the Dharti Mitr Awards 2021, Subrata Dutta, Group Managing Director, Organic India said, "We conceptualized the Dharti Mitr Awards with the sole objective of recognizing the invaluable service that organic farmers provide to India's agriculture, ecology and the society, at large. We as an organization are committed to be a living embodiment of love and consciousness in action. We work with thousands of marginalized family farmers and wild crafters in India, supporting the regeneration of their communities and land through organic agriculture. Our focus has always been on doing business sustainably and establishing an ecologically sustainable model in the country. We believe that empowered and informed farmers will strengthen the entire ecosystem of organic farming, and therefore, this recognition will definitely go a long way in boosting the confidence of our most important stakeholders."

Earlier this year, Organic India had invited nominations from farmers from all across the country and received an overwhelming response. Currently, the screening process is underway, and jury members will be reviewing each entry followed by a farm visit and personal interview. Four best entries will be shortlisted and felicitated at the award function.

Organic India engages with over 2,500 farmers to create favorable economic, environmental and social ecosystems, as well as to promote healthy lifestyles and conscious living via bio-regenerative farming practices. Such a process benefits the environment with each crop cycle.

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Lawrenceville (New Jersey) [USA], December 23 (ANI/PNN): The USA-based (https://www.worldtalentorg.com) World Talent Organisation (WTO) has collaborated with (https://primexmediaservices.com) Primex Media Service Private Limited, a leading PR agency in India, for the promotion and expansion of its activities in India. Primex has been appointed as the World Record Consultant by the advisory committee of WTO.

WTO USA in India is a specialized international organization for promoting talent at the global level and is a service-based platform that offers the best opportunity to showcase the potential of human beings and entities through certification and requisite consultancy.

It follows a cliental-centric revenue model involving innovative promotional marketing with events, conferences, magazines, e-newspaper, and annual record book. Apart from these, it honours those personalities and places doing outstanding in their field and contributing to society's betterment across the world.

Besides, WTO supports the cause of social, educational, and philanthropic activities to motivate people and business organizations.

Mihir Brahmbhatt, Founder & CEO of the World Talent Organization, USA, said, "We have appointed Primex Media Service Private Limited as our partner and World Record Consultant for the promotion and expansion of our activities in India. Our mission at WTO is to inspire people to discover talent at their full potential and get recognized at the global platform". "We believe all of us are talented in our unique way. We just need to recognize our capacity and develop our talents to their full potential."

The objectives of WTO is to provide a globally recognized business platform for corporates, NGOs, the educational sector, and other bodies who are involved in socio-economic development across the world, to organize events, conferences, meetings & conventions, and expositions at the national and international level. It also gives a platform for talented people to showcase their talent at the global level, to showcase human excellence and unique entities of natural or man-made creations; honour, certify and publish achievements of individual and organization, work with global brands and businesses to break world records as part of bespoke marketing campaigns, encourage people, business and brands to break or set new world records at national and international level and to provide business and brand marketing solutions.

"We believe we have created working at the WTO with a sense of fun, adventure, curiosity, learning growth, and dedication. Across all aspects of business, there are opportunities to develop your skills, learn new ones, and further your career--the culture focus on mentoring, nurturing, and doing things together. We have an open and collaborative company culture dedicated to supporting employees and team members looking out for each other. We have a structured and controlled approach, with a focus on efficiency, stability, and doing things right," said Brahmbhatt.

Nitesh Desai, director of Primex Media Service Private Limited, said, "It is our honour to collaborate with an international organization for promoting talent from India at the international level. We are looking forward to the long association with WTO."

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Another year has gone by without India getting a firm hold over how to regulate

The divide between the government and the Reserve Bank of India persists.

The RBI is concerned that pose financial risks to the countrys macroeconomic stability. The government, however, is reportedly looking at a more accommodative approach, rather than a ban on all private

We dont know yet whats inside the proposed Bill to regulate cryptocurrencies.

But Indian crypto exchanges have revealed the questions theyre being asked by the government. Broadly, the conversation over how to regulate crypto is around these queries.

Which is the best authority to regulate crypto? SEBI, RBI or even the International Financial Services Authority (IFSC) in Gujarats GIFT City? What are crypto-assets? How can crypto exchanges, both domestic and foreign, be registered in India? How to tax crypto transactions? How will exchanges be allowed to list new cryptocurrencies? Do cross-border cryptocurrency transactions violate Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) rules?

Several solutions have been proposed. Under the FEMA Act, the Liberalised Remittance Scheme or LRS allows for outward remittance worth $250,000 per Indian per year. However, there is the concern that since cryptocurrency helps users transact anonymously, it would be impossible for the government to check the quantum of intercountry cash flows. This could cause disturbance in the countrys current account deficit and forex reserves.

For this, Policy 4.0, a crypto and blockchain-focused think-tank, has proposed The India Wallet.

This will be a KYC-compliant wallet that will have to be integrated by all domestic and foreign crypto exchanges to offer trading services to Indian users. It would help regulators distinguish between domestic and cross-border transactions.

Balaji Srinivasan, former CTO at Coinbase and angel investor also suggests that India treat crypto as foreign assets under its FEMA rules. RBI could use FEMA to regulate crypto exchanges as authorised persons per the Act, thereby permitting them to deal in foreign currency. Most developed countries, including Australia, Canada, Japan, South Korea, the EU and the US, have brought crypto-asset business activity within their anti-money laundering regimes. Such an approach has also been recommended by the FATF.>>

Despite the regulatory uncertainty, crypto has flourished in India with more and more users turning to these new-age investment instruments, even before trying their hand at the stock market.

15-20 million crypto investors in India. Total crypto holdings worth $5.33 billion. Indian crypto exchanges such as WazirX, at 10 million, and CoinSwitch Kuber, at 11 million, have more registered users than Zerodha, the countrys largest stockbroker, at around seven million.

We reached out to crypto exchange Zebpay to understand how, despite the regulatory uncertainty, the Indian crypto ecosystem has matured this year.

It is important to realise that the conversation over crypto regulation isnt limited to cryptocurrency. Theres an ecosystem of non-fungible tokens (NFTs), metaverse and Web3.0 that is leveraging technology and crypto as a mode of payment.

If the Indian government takes any decision on crypto regulation, it will have to factor in these newer use-cases of and crypto as well.
Christmas is a time to cheer and celebrate. Its the most wonderful time of the year when houses and businesses adorn their Christmas lights and decorations, the streets are filled with holiday music, and people are in a jolly and celebratory mood.



There is just something extra-special about Hong Kong during Christmas time. The city is filled with glamorously decorated placesgarlands and ornaments, glittering festive lights. There are myriad unique shopping, dining, and entertainment experiences you can discover and immerse yourself in an atmosphere of love, warmth, and joy.



For this festive season, we have picked out a perfect Christmas itinerary in Hong Kong for you.



Visit the Christmas Town in the West Kowloon Neighborhood

There is nothing more iconic than visiting the Christmas Town in the West Kowloon Neighborhood. The brand-new bustling international art and culture hub of Hong Kong has been transformed into a storybook Christmas Town, with eight wooden lodges for photo-taking dotted around a 20-meter Christmas tree. This year, the six-storey Christmas tree has been relocated from Central to West Kowloon for the first time, putting the cultural district under the spotlight.



The Christmas Town is designed after the fantasy town of Colmar, France, which also inspired Howls Moving Castle, a world-acclaimed animated picture directed by Hayao Miyazaki. With festive music and lighting effects, the Christmas Tree will decorate the skyline of Victoria Harbor, making the scene a not-to-be-missed Christmas checkpoint.



Decorate Your Tree, Hong Kong Style

Hong Kong is a shoppers paradise. It is a hotspot for independent artisans, making it easy for you to find stylish, creative and unique gifts. It is the perfect time to visit Lion Rock Press.



A gift company inspired by Hong Kong, The Lion Rock Press began as part of a 120-year-old family business specialising in paper and printing. It offers childrens toys and Christmas decorations using Hong Kong as an inspiration for its quirky, humorous designs. For little ones, theres a beautiful wooden dim sum set that will deliver many hours of imaginative fun; and for your Christmas tree, you will find beautiful heirloom ornaments inspired by local culture.



Indulge in some of these local comfort foods

The culinary scene in Hong Kong is world-renowned. It's a foodie's dream come true! Christmas is the ideal opportunity to try some of Hong Kong's winter specialties. More than just keeping us warm, this cuisine encourages good relationships and connections.



Gathering around a pot is a traditional Chinese ritual that residents follow when celebrating or catching up with friends and family. Hotpot restaurants are popping up all over Hong Kong, serving everything from Chinese fiery haidilao to Korean budae jjigae to Japanese all-you-can-eat shabushabu.

Claypot rice, served in a vintage Claypot bowl, is a popular local delicacy enjoyed by Hong Kong residents on cold winter days. Traditional preserved meats to western-fusion combos like mushrooms and foie gras, and beef and garlic are amongst the most popular preparations.
Whats new: Guo Hong, a former banking regulator, has been expelled from the Communist Party and removed from public office for legal and disciplinary violations including accepting bribes, an official announcement said Wednesday.

Guo was arrested in October and prosecuted in a Tianjin court in November on charges including accepting particularly huge sums in bribes, according to previous official statements.

The background: Guo, about 50, had worked in a variety of positions in the now-defunct China Banking Regulatory Commission and the China Banking and Insurance Regulatory Commission (CBIRC), according to public information.

He was appointed head of the CBIRCs Rural Small and Medium-sized Banking Institution Supervision Department in 2018, and was removed from that position in April this year after turning himself in to authorities.

China has stepped up anti-corruption efforts in recent years. An article published by the countrys top anti-graft agency in September said that since October 2017, it had initiated 93 cases involving officials in the banking and insurance regulatory system, almost tripling the number of cases in the previous five years.

Related: Senior Rural Banking Regulator Turns Himself In to Graft Investigators

Quick Takes are condensed versions of China-related stories for fast news you can use. To read the full story in Chinese, click here.

Contact reporter Zhang Yukun (yukunzhang@caixin.com) and editor Heather Mowbray (heathermowbray@caixin.com)

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Shipping /

Cost of shipping from China to Southeast Asia spikes to 10 times pre-pandemic rate

As Southeast Asian countries reopen their borders and ease pandemic restrictions, demand for imports from China is rising and ports are growing congested, driving up shipping costs.

As of Monday, the shipping rate for Chinese exports to Southeast Asia climbed to nearly $4,000 per container, 10 times as much as in previous years, Caixin learned.

Costs started surging in early November and more than doubled within a month as there have been few ships available, a Shanghai-based freight forwarder told Caixin. A shipment of farm machinery was delayed two weeks, during which freight rates skyrocketed, he said.

China-Russia /

Russia, China can do more to connect investors to each others financial markets, Moscow Exchange exec says

Russia and China can build more interlinked channels to help Chinese people invest in Russian financial markets, suggested a senior executive of Moscow Exchange Group (MOEX).

In an interview with Caixin, Igor Marich, the managing director for sales and business development at MOEX, said that more access can be created by developing trading, clearing, depositary and custodian links for investors in both countries. MOEX is Russias largest exchange group.

FINANCE & ECONOMY

Wang Chaoyong

PE /

In Depth: How private equity tycoon Wang Chaoyongs dreams collapsed

Wang Chaoyong, a Chinese private equity tycoon who founded Chinaequity Investment Co. Ltd., was detained by Beijing police on allegations of misappropriation of funds, Caixin learned from multiple sources.

Wang, 56, disappeared from public sight nearly three weeks ago. He was last seen at his office in Beijings central business district on the afternoon of Nov. 29. He was detained by police the next afternoon, sources said.

Wang is the founding chairman and CEO of Chinaequity, which manages more than $1.7 billion. Chinaequity, listed on the New Third Board in Shenzhen, said in a Dec. 16 filing that several attempts to contact Wang and his family failed. The company hasnt received any investigation notice from police, it said. Chinaequity suspended its stock trading until Dec. 29 and pledged to keep investors updated.

Property /

Chinas local governments roll out subsidies to juice sales in struggling property sector

Chinas property sector, a pillar for economic growth, has been crippled by the central governments deleveraging campaign, with major developers such as Evergrande mired in debt. As policymakers move to restore the property sector, local governments have started to roll out measures to prop up the industry.

In the northeastern rust-belt province of Heilongjiang, the Department of Housing and Urban-Rural Development convened a meeting Monday to study and deploy work to pull out all stops to restore the real estate industry, an official announcement published that day showed.

That announcement was, however, deleted from the government website the next day. No explanation was provided.

Covid-19 /

Xian kidney disease patients cut off from dialysis due to Covid lockdowns

As the historic city of Xian battles a growing delta outbreak, some 100 people suffering from kidney disease and in urgent need of dialysis  some in critical condition  risk becoming collateral damage as they are unable to receive treatment due to lockdowns and hospital closures amid the spread of Covid-19.

Xian, capital of Northwest Chinas Shaanxi province and home to nearly 13 million people, kicked off its second round of citywide testing Tuesday after it reported a daily high of 42 Covid-19 cases linked to a flight from Pakistan. The city has recorded a total of 143 cases since Dec. 9.

Quick hits /

Warburg raises $2.8 billion for its first Asia real estate fund

BUSINESS & TECH

Wind power /

China Three Gorges plans to pour $6.47 billion into three new wind farms

China Three Gorges Corp. plans to invest nearly 41.2 billion yuan ($6.47 billion) in building three offshore wind farms in southeastern Chinas Guangdong province, the state-owned energy giant said Monday.

Each of the wind farms, planned for the ocean near Yangjiang city, will have capacity to generate 1 million kilowatts of electricity. They are expected to start operation in 2024.

After completion of the projects, China Three Gorges Corp.s Yangjiang new-energy unit will have total wind power capacity of 5 million kilowatts, becoming the worlds largest offshore wind farm operator.

Mining /

Zijin Mining takes 21.23% stake in Jiayou International

Zijin Mining Group Ltd. offered 1.24 billion yuan ($195 million) for a 21.23% stake in cross-border logistics service provider Jiayou International Logistics Co. Ltd., the company said Monday.

A wholly owned unit of Zijin Mining will acquire 45.05 million shares of Jiayou for 18.9 yuan a share and will subscribe for 20.97 million shares of Jiayous non-publicly issued shares for 387 million yuan, the mining giant said.

After completion of the deal, Zijin Mining will become Jiayous second-largest shareholder and will have the right to nominate one director to the board.

Salaries /

LeTV restores employee benefits after sound year-end earnings

Debt-ridden Chinese streaming service provider Leshi Internet Information and Technology Corp., also known as LeTV, announced that it will raise employee salaries and restore compensation for expenses to pre-pandemic levels as the company comes to the end of a financially sound year, according to an internal letter seen by Caixin.

Our latest financial data shows that we have managed to balance operating profits and cash flow for the first time during the past few years, said LeTV in the letter. The employee salaries and benefits will be restored after the next Lunar New Year, which falls on Feb. 1.

Quick hits /

China Mobile plans $7.6 billion Shanghai share sale

China builder RiseSun says majority support debt-swap offer

GALLERY

China mulls law to protect the Yellow River

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Malaysian military and emergency services personnel rescue residents marooned by floodwaters in Shah Alam, Selangor on Dec. 20. Photo: VCG

(Nikkei Asia)  Panasonic, the latest foreign manufacturer to be hit by severe flooding in Malaysia, announced on Wednesday the temporary suspension of production at its factory near Kuala Lumpur, the capital, after it was inundated by heavy rains.

Panasonic expects the plant to be closed for at least a week, halting its production of vacuum cleaners, ceiling fans and exhaust fans for Southeast Asian markets. The company is currently inspecting the equipment inside the facility.
Chinas benchmark Shanghai Composite Index (000001.SH) gained 0.57% on Thursday, while the Shenzhen Component Index (399001.SZ) rose 0.49%.

Shanghais tech-heavy STAR 50 Index (000688.SH) gained 0.07% for the day, while Shenzhens similar ChiNext Index (399006.SZ) rose 0.15%.

Below is a rundown of the top China business and finance stories, plus other news for the day:

 Panasonic, Daihatsu Halt Malaysian Plants After Severe Floods

Suspension of production comes as Peninsular Malaysia experiences its worst flooding on record, with tens of thousands of people displaced

 Energy Insider: China Expands Clean Power Generating Capacity

Carbon credits touch record high on rising volume; CATL launches largest lithium battery plant; Zijin Mining buys into logistics service provider

 Rural Teacher Out of Contact After Social Media Comments

Li Tiantian told friends local authorities forced her into a mental hospital after she voiced support for a college lecturer fired over controversial comments

 Northwest Chinas Xian Locks Down Amid Virus Resurgence

City of 13 million people imposes travel controls, seals off high-risk areas and tests 10 million as Covid-19 flare-ups spread

 Chinas Local Governments Roll Out Subsidies to Juice Sales in Struggling Property Sector

Northeastern province of Heilongjiang says it will pull out all stops to restore the real estate industry in a deleted post that signals grassroots desire for speedier action to fix the sector

 As Southeast Asia Covid Lockdowns Lift, Cost of Shipping From China Spikes to 10 Times Pre-Pandemic Rate

Demand booms amid easing pandemic restrictions, ports grow congested and freight companies run out of ships, driving up costs as much as 10-fold

 Russia, China Can Do More to Connect Investors to Each Others Financial Markets, Moscow Exchange Exec Says

Both sides can develop trading, clearing, depositary and custodian links, Igor Marich says

 Xian Kidney Disease Patients Cut Off From Dialysis Due to Covid Lockdowns

Almost 100 sufferers in the capital of Chinas Northwest Shaanxi province are desperate for treatment as city battles growing delta outbreak

 Opinion: How Can Companies in China Respond to Extraterritorial U.S. Criminal Probes?

Your company should have a plan for what it should do if its asked to collaborate in an investigation

 LeTV Restores Employee Benefits After Sound Year-End Earnings

The streaming service provider had a financially sound 2021, according to an internal letter seen by Caixin

Click here to read more of the latest news.

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What kind of sums are we talking? The CSA projects that 250300 million (USD$282$330 million) will be invested per year. Netflix is by far the biggest contributor: it will reportedly spend 200M in 2023, according to projections. (For comparison: Vivendi-owned pay TV group Canal+ just struck a deal to invest over 600M in French and European film across the next three years.)

What about animation? The streamers will only have to spend 5% of their investment on documentaries and animation combined. Collective management society Society of Dramatic Authors and Composers (SACD) complained that representatives of these industries werent consulted in the negotiations.

SACD wrote in a statement: [T]he very limited portion allocated to animation, a pillar of French excellence abroad, constitutes a real disappointment and lack of understanding from the platforms, even as they have developed a large animation offering, which drives a large number of subscriptions from parents and families.

What do the streamers get out of this? They will avoid penalties, including a potential ban from operating in the country. But as part of the overall negotiations around their new duties, the companies have been pushing to shorten the window after which they can start streaming theatrical releases. They currently have to wait 36 months; Netflix wants 12 months, and will likely end up getting 1517 months. Those talks are still ongoing.

Why is this happening? The new legislation is Frances way of implementing the Audiovisual Media Services Directive (AVMSD), a legal framework introduced by the European Union. It aims to level the regulatory playing field for all broadcasters and video platforms, which means extending existing production quotas to global SVOD platforms. Read more here.

So will other European nations introduce the same law? They are expected to also implement the AVMSD (France is the first to do so). But countries have a lot of freedom to interpret the directive as they wish. For example, Spain unveiled a draft law in September that would require streamers to invest a mere 3.5% of turnover in local content  far less than in France.

Image at top: Netflixs hit series Arcane, produced by the French animation studio Fortiche
Photo: Contributed Central Okanagan-Similkameen-Nicola MP Dan Albas

Last week was the final sitting of the House of Commons before the winter break.

As is often the case, the government is typically in a hurry to pass certain bills before the House adjourns.

This year was no different as Bill C-3 an act to amend the Criminal Code and the Canada Labour Code was deemed a priority as it contained a provision to provide 10 days of paid sick leave in federally regulated workplaces.

In a majority situation, a sitting government always has parliamentary tools available such as closure and time allocation to essentially force a bill through Parliament. However, in a minority Parliament, where a sitting government can be outvoted by the opposition parties, it becomes trickier for the government to pass a bill.

This is often where backroom deals and agreements are made between the government and one or more opposition parties.

In the case of Bill C-3, in the effort to reach an agreement between the government and the official opposition, a different approach was used.

In this case, my Conservative colleague, MP Scott Aitchison from Parry Sound-Muskoka, proposed amending Bill C-3 to include a proposed Conservative MPs private member bill that would provide bereavements benefits to parents who lose child.

This private members bill was authored by MP Tom Kmiec from Calgary-Shepard who, in 2018, sadly experienced the loss of a child and proposed this bill to help other parents in this tragic situation.

For the Aitchisons proposal to work, it required support from the Liberal government. On that note, Labour Minister Seamus O'Regan from St. Johns South-Mount Pearl, was the champion on moving this important proposal forward within the Liberal ranks.

Ultimately, an agreement reached between the government and the official Opposition helped pave the way for Bill C-3 to have an expedited passage through Parliament. Subsequently, the Senate passed Bill C-3 and it received royal assent.

The reason I have shared this is because it is an important example of our Canadian Parliament working together to benefit Canadians.

As Aitchison pointed out: No parent should have to choose between going to work and mourning the loss of a child.

Thanks to the efforts of these parliamentarians, Kmiecs private members bill is now part of a the law.

This is one of the important things that can, and does, occur when Parliament is sitting (virtually or in person) with MPs doing the work in the House of Commons Canadians elected us to do.

Unfortunately, in the past few years, because of prorogation, the early fall election and a significant delay in recalling the House after the election, Parliament has not sat nearly as often as usual during the Parliamentary calendar.

Regular demonstrations of accountability, such as debate on bills, ministers presenting themselves and their policies to scrutiny at committee and, ultimately, confidence votes are all fundamental to our system of responsible government, where a government must show it maintains the confidence of the House.

I believe we need Parliament to sit more frequently, as has been the case in previous years but has deteriorated considerably under the current government

My question this week:

Are you concerned about our Parliament sitting less frequently?

I can be reached at [email protected] or call toll free 1-800-665-8711.
Photo: The Canadian Press

Former President Donald Trump turned to the Supreme Court Thursday in a last-ditch effort to keep documents away from the House committee investigating the Jan. 6 insurrection at the Capitol.

A federal appeals court ruled against Trump two weeks ago, but prohibited documents held by the National Archives from being turned over before the Supreme Court has a chance to weigh in. Trump appointed three of the nine justices.

Trump is claiming that as a former president he has right to assert executive privilege over the records, arguing that releasing them would damage the presidency in the future.

But President Joe Biden determined that the documents were in the public interest and that executive privilege should therefore not be invoked. The document include presidential diaries, visitor logs, speech drafts, handwritten notes concerning the events of January 6 from the files of former chief of staff Mark Meadows, and a draft Executive Order on the topic of election integrity, the Archives has said.

The House committee has said the records are vital to its investigation into the run-up to the deadly riot that was aimed at overturning the results of the 2020 presidential election.
Where are the studies that indicate which venues are potentially a problem for spreading the new variant that has the experts cancelling events, shuttering businesses while leaving other businesses to be business as usual?

Lets shutter gyms and bars.(It is) easy picking, especially to shut them down over the holidays. It doesnt matter if they are not the source of the problem because its more important to say look at us, we are doing something 

Recently I read on Castanet there is a call for medical professionals, like retired nurses, to help out after the government dismissed more than a thousand medical professionals who, for whatever reason, decided not to be vaccinated.

Now there is a problem. Would not rapid testing allow these people to actually do their jobs?

Most people in B.C. are double- or triple-vaccinated but the cases continue to climb. So we are told the vaccines dont actually prevent the spread only lessen the symptoms.

How many new ICU beds were planned or actually expanded since February 2020? None you say? If the concern is overwhelming ICU how come there are no new or planned beds?

Robert Hepting, Kelowna
Photo: Glacier Media

West Shore RCMP are investigating a pair of incidents where two women were shot from a vehicle with a pellet gun on Tuesday morning  with one of them having to go to hospital to have a pellet dislodged from her face.

The reports follow two similar incidents in Victoria early Sunday, which also involved two women being shot with pellet guns from a vehicle.

Victoria police spokesman Bowen Osoko said police dont know for sure if the shootings are linked, but there are key similarities between them, including the description of the vehicle involved  a grey sedan  and the fact women were targeted.

VicPD investigators are working closely with the RCMP to determine if the attacks are related, he said.

The first West Shore incident was reported about 10:15 a.m. Tuesday near Westshore Town Centre in Langford. She went to hospital for treatment.

Then about 10:25 a.m. Tuesday, a woman reported she had been shot as she walked in Colwood, near Latoria Walk shopping centre. She was not physically harmed and described the vehicle used as a grey sedan.

Const. Alex Berube said anyone with video surveillance that may have captured something in those areas or any information that could help investigators to identify any suspects is asked to contact West Shore RCMP.

Its hard to determine what the motive is behind this, whether its just a bad prank or is somebody who has an ulterior motive to just cause harm, Berube said.

The Victoria incidents began with a woman reporting she was shot with a pellet by an unknown man in a vehicle just after 1:30 a.m. on Sunday. A few moments later, a second woman was shot.

One of the women was hospitalized.

The vehicle containing the shooter was described as an older-model grey or light-coloured sedan with four white men inside.

Osoko said a pellet gun can cause serious injuries. The reality is that, depending on the weapon you used, they can cause significant injury, he said. Theres great risk of potentially life-altering injuries. Its not funny and not a joke.

Shopper Deb Norbury was horrified to hear that the woman hit in Langford had to have a pellet taken out of her face. Theres some sick people around, arent there? I hope they catch them.

Colwood Mayor Rob Martin called the pellet-gun shootings deplorable.

Clearly I dont want it in my community and we need to address it, he said. Im very disappointed that  especially during this holiday season and dealing with so much stress around COVID and then the disappointment of things being shut down  somebodys being so selfish and choosing to be purposely hurtful.

Victoria Mayor Lisa Helps was also upset at the news.

Its really horrible to see this happening across our region, she said. Its troubling to see women targeted in this way.
Photo: Contributed

Health Canada is warning parents to be wary of illegal copycat edible cannabis products that have sent several children to hospital after they were accidentally ingested.

In a statement released Wednesday, the national health body said many of these unregulated products are packaged to look like popular candies but remain prohibited under the Cannabis Act.

Health Canada pointed to cannabis-infused cereal, chips, cheese puffs, cookies, chocolate bars and a variety of candies

These products can contain high amounts of THC, which increases the risk of experiencing adverse effects or poisoning, wrote a spokesperson for Health Canada.

Parents and children may not be able to recognize these products as anything other than their favourite brands of candy or snack foods.

Cannabis poisoning is not known to be fatal. But accidentally consuming too much can lead to temporary adverse affects, wrote the spokesperson, including chest pain, rapid heartbeat, nausea and vomiting.

Other signs of cannabis poisoning include a psychotic episode, severe anxiety, panic attacks, agitation, slurred speech or confusion and loss of consciousness. In some cases, a child might appear unsteady on their feet, drowsy or experience muscle weakness.

Health Canada recommends consumers shop at government-regulated stores. All edible cannabis products should be stored out of the reach of children in a locked drawer or box separate from other food.

Anyone suffering a medical emergency related to cannabis poisoning should call 911 or contact the BC Drug and Poison Information Centre at 1-800-567-8911.

One way to recognize if a product is a copycat or not is to look for its THC content. Authorized retailers selling a product with more than 0.3 per cent THC must have an excise stamp when they are sold; otherwise, its illegal.

Legal edibles can also only contain up to 10 milligrams of THC per package. That package must be child-resistant and will also be marked with a THC symbol and a health warning message inside a yellow box.

Flashy packaging or catchy names are avoided on legal products to avoid enticing children.

Health Canada is flagging the following edible cannabis products as illegal:
Photo: McDonald?s

Nearly 3,000 McDonalds locations across Japan are being forced to ration French fries over the holiday season after a shipping bottleneck in Vancouver created a potato shortage an ocean away.

On Dec. 21, president and CEO of McDonalds Japan Co. Tamotsu Hiiro said in in a translated statement its locations usually ship potatoes through Vancouver on a large scale.

But recent flooding and the ongoing impacts of COVID-19 have forced the iconic fast-food chain to take drastic steps. From Dec. 24 to Dec. 30, McDonalds Japan will suspend the sale of medium- and large-sized French fry orders  instead, rationing out the fries in small-sized portions.

The company said the move is a proactive measure and that there have so far been no breaks in supply.

The potato shortage comes only days before many Japanese fast-food diners descend on chains like McDonalds and Kentucky Fried Chicken in droves  a holiday tradition in Japan.

The small fry news was met with big reactions from customers in Japan.

A truly disastrous end to 2021, wrote one British transplant on Twitter.

The end of the world (as we know it) is here, wrote another.

The Japanese potato shortage is the latest disruption in a global supply chain under significant pressure over the past 18 months.

Over that time, COVID-19 has led more people to stay home, spending money in an online shopping spree rather than at a restaurant, a movie theatre or to travel, explains Trevor Heaver, a professor specializing in supply chains at UBCs Sauder School of Business.

As more North Americans buy goods produced in Asia, the cost of shipping a container of goods west across the Pacific has soared roughly 150 per cent since last year, according to the U.K.-based. shipping consulting company Drewry.

Thats meant shipping companies have every incentive to dump cargo in a port like Vancouver and immediately send the empty container back to China for another high-value trip back to North America.

The steamship lines are just running the containers empty, says the former head of a Vancouver-based importer.

With so many containers going back at once, ships are overwhelmed, leading to long waits, from English Bay to ports in Seattle and Los Angeles.

At one point Wednesday, 44 ships were floating off the coast waiting to dock at one of the port authoritys berths.

McDonalds is particular about its potatoes. When the company first franchised out its locations in the 1950s on its path to becoming a global behemoth, it only fried the Russet Burbank potato. Now, the company accepts six varieties of Russet, plus the Shepody potato, which is mostly grown in Canada.

What do they all have in common? They have gone through extensive testing to determine if they will fry up crisp and light in colour with a mashed potato texture inside, according to the Idaho Potato Commission.

Ross Johnson, the commissions international marketing director, says Japanese import restrictions on raw vegetables mean McDonalds French fries have to be processed in North America before they are shipped.

Companies like McCain, Cavendish Farms, Lamb Weston and J.R. Simplot are among a small handful of processors that cut, prepare and export McDonalds French fries from North American farms to fast-food locations around the world.

Whether from Idaho or Washington, every French fry a Tokyo resident pops in their mouth has spent weeks on refrigerated shipping containers known as reefers.

When a reefer full of French fries arrives in Vancouver waiting for a ride to Japan, it needs to be plugged in. But with containers piling up at ports, space for even a regular sea can is hard to find.

At sea, there are only so many ships that can plug in a refrigerated container, adding another bottleneck.

So when in mid-November a tongue of warm, moist air dumped record rain across southern B.C., knocking out the rail lines and highways that feed this already strained system, everything came to a head.

As a spokesperson for the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority said in an email, B.C.s recent flood-event exacerbated supply-chain challenges already occurring on the west coast of North America.
Photo: The Canadian Press Minister of Health Jean-Yves Duclos participates in a news conference on the COVID-19 pandemic and the omicron variant, in Ottawa.

Health Minister Jean-Yves Duclos has put a six-month pause on new regulations designed to lower the cost of patented medicines in Canada.

Health Canada first announced in 2019 that the Patented Medicine Prices Review Board (PMPRB) would change how it sets a price cap on medicines in Canada in an effort to lower excessively expensive drug costs.

This will be the fourth delay in implementing those changes.

The regulations were supposed to come into force at the beginning of January, but have been pushed back to July 1, 2022.

Duclos said the newest delay will allow the industry, government and other players in the drug distribution system to focus efforts on fighting the pandemic.

"To bring these amendments into force, in the context of a global pandemic, requires preparedness and consultation," Duclos said in a statement Thursday.

"A delay also allows the government to further engage stakeholders on the application of these amendments within the changing pharmaceutical landscape."

Health Canada expects the amendments would save Canadians billions of dollars on patented drugs.

Life-sciences groups, patient advocates and drug companies have called on the minister to reconsider the changes entirely over fears a steep drop in the price of drugs could make Canada an unattractive place to launch life-saving new therapies.

Other critics worry about stifling effects on innovation in the biomedical field.

The delay comes as welcome news to the Best Medicines Coalition, a group that lobbies on behalf of 29 patient groups for access to safe, effective medicines.

"I'm relieved that the new minister of health and his cabinet colleagues are taking a pause," said John Adams, chairman of the board of the coalition. "Hopefully we'll use this for time to reflect on the merits of doing so many changes all at the same time."

The federal NDP however were not happy to see more delays in the government's efforts to lower the price of drugs.

Canadian families are struggling to make ends meet and prices are rising for everything. Provinces are seeing record numbers of COVID-19 cases and the government is announcing they wont do anything to make prescription drugs more affordable for people," NDP health critic Don Davies said in a statement.

Davies said is was "supremely cynical" to make the announcement on Dec. 23, as people are busy getting ready for Christmas and trying to cope with the latest wave of the pandemic.

"The Liberal government should be ashamed of this," he said.

Duclos said in his statement the government remains committed to improving access and affordability of medicines in Canada, and is also working on a national strategy for drugs for rare diseases.
Photo: The Canadian Press The facade of the headquarters of the Department of National Defence.

The head of the response centre for victims of military sexual misconduct says her organization has seen an explosion in requests for assistance since February, with many Armed Forces members triggered by allegations of inappropriate behaviour by senior officers.

Sexual Misconduct Response Centre executive director Denise Preston said many service members are also struggling after submitting their claims as part of a class-action lawsuit settlement with the government.

"What we saw, and it's been maintained throughout the year, is once the allegations started breaking in February and March, we saw an immediate increase in call volume," she said in an interview.

"Some weeks we had double or triple the number of calls" than usual, she said.

The surge in new calls has sparked the hiring of more counsellors to address what Preston described as "an ongoing crisis," even as the five-year-old centre prepares to launch several new and highly anticipated initiatives in the new year.

Those include providing independent legal advice and peer support for victims, and a restorative engagement process in which victims will speak to senior defence officials about their experiences in the hopes of preventing similar incidents in the future.

"This program holds tremendous potential for healing and also for transformation of the culture," Preston said of restorative engagement, which will kick off in earnest in January after months of consultations and preparation.

The centre, which previously served only serving military personnel but has recently expanded to assist veterans and civilian defence officials, is also preparing to expand its footprint across the country and will provide funding to more community-based centres.

Yet even it prepares to launch those initiatives, Preston said the centre is scrambling to help victims and survivors affected by months of headlines that include unprecedented allegations against top commanders.

Staff at the centre's 24/7 hotline haven't seen that in only the number of calls coming in; Preston said the nature of the calls has also changed as more people pick up the phone in the hopes of finding support and counselling.

"The vast majority of the calls are for our counsellors," she said. "It's really about support. People being triggered and upset about either what they're hearing or what its making them think about their own particular situation."

As a result, Preston said she has had to put a priority on hiring more counsellors as the number of staff employed by the centre has tripled since April.

The centre was first established in 2016 after a scathing report by retired Supreme Court justice Marie Deschamps found a highly sexualized culture in the Canadian Armed Forces. The centre operates outside the military's chain of command, but it relies on the Defence Department for funding.

In the aftermath of allegations against several senior officers, victims and others have called for a truly independent centre whose mandate includes oversight of the military, as Deschamps had originally recommended.

Preston said she has been pushing the Armed Forces to provide more information about incidents of sexual misconduct in the ranks so the response centre can provide better oversight, but that military commanders have resisted on privacy grounds.

She has also met with retired Supreme Court justice Louise Arbour, who is currently conducting a review of how the military handles allegations of sexual misconduct and is to come up with recommendations for addressing any shortfalls.

Preston acknowledged the criticism of the centre for not being truly independent, but said she is hoping that when Arbour's review is done, it will include guidance on both its mandate and reporting mechanism.

We really would like Madame Arbour to sort of nail that down: What does our independence mean? And independent from whom and for what purpose?
USG Supramax/Ultramax spot market sees slow recovery

ICR Newsroom By 23 December 2021

By Maria Vasyutenko, associate of Brannvoll ApS, Denmark

The USG Supramax/Ultramax spot freight market is slowly recovering after a significant rate fall observed last month. Tonnage supply started shortening once owners and charterers began seeking to cover their positions before the holiday mood begins. Thus, USG rates were well-supported amid decent demand with more and more positional opportunities starting to appear. It should be noted that the grain flow to China is the main driver that allows owners to push rates up fast, while the transatlantic segment experiences slower pace of rate growth.

After ups and downs observed throughout the month, freight rates on transatlantic routes settled on lower levels than last month. Freight rates for the transportation of a Supramax-lot of petcoke from Houston to ARA ports with spot laycans are at US$34/t (-US$2/t MoM) on average. Deals for delivery of 50,000t of petcoke from Houston to Iskenderun with spot laycans are discussed at around US$37/t on average.

The freight rates on fronthaul directions (trips to southeast Asia and China) showed quite a big jump in rates as the US grain season is gaining momentum fast enough after its delayed start. A pre-holiday spike of activity in the fronthaul segment also adds positivity to owners mood. Shipping costs for delivery of a Supramax-lot of petcoke from USG to EC India are at US$74/t on average (+US$2/t MoM).

Looking ahead, USG shipowners are optimistic for the rest of the year. USG freight rates are expected to show further gains amid strong grain demand from Chinese importers during the last month of the year when the market is traditionally strong and rates reach their highest levels.

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Cement output in Indonesia falls 22% in November, affecting exports

ICR Newsroom By 23 December 2021

The total Indonesian production of cement and clinker in November 2021 reached 11.45Mt, down 22 per cent from 14.67Mt when compared with October 2021, according to the Indonesian Ministry of Industry. Director of the Cement, Ceramics and Non-Metal Mineral Processing Industry, Ignatius Warsito, attributed the decrease in output due to issues with the supply of coal.



"The decrease in monthly production will reduce the specific utilisation for that month. The decrease in production will also have an impact on the decline in exports because when the need for coal is not sufficient for normal production, cement producers will prioritise their production to meet domestic cement needs first," he explained.



Exports from Indonesian declined by 53 per cent MoM to 505,420t in November 2021 from 1.06Mt in October 2021.



The domestic cement market required 5.94Mt of cement in November, down 2.1 per cent, while consumption in the January-November period expanded 4.7 per cent YoY to 59.43Mt, according to the Indonesian cement association, ASI. The associations Chairman Widodo Santoso said that apart from the stagnating supply of coal, the decline in production may also be caused by floods, landslides and earthquakes in several areas in Indonesia.

Published under
Vietnamese market contracts 7% in November

ICR Newsroom By 23 December 2021

Cement dispatches in Vietnam declined by seven per cent YoY to 5,570,069Mt in November 2021 but advanced by six per cent when compared with October 2021, according to the Vietnamese cement association, VNCA.



Of this total VICEM saw a six per cent drop YoY to 1,836,559t while associated companies reported an 11 per cent fall to 1,223,510t YoY in November 2021. Other cement producers reported a seven per cent decrease to 2,510,000t when compared with November 2020. When compared with October 2021, VICEM and associated companies saw a six per cent uptick while the countrys other producers reported a seven per cent increase.



January-November 2021

Cement deliveries in Vietnam in the January-November 2021 period slipped by two per cent to 56.571Mt YoY. VICEM reported a three per cent decrease to 18.137Mt while associated companies saw deliveries fall by 12 per cent YoY to 12.864Mt. Other cement producers improved their market share as delivery volumes increased by five per cent YoY to 25.57Mt.







Published under
The Hixson Chamber of Commerce welcomed Marsha Barker as guest speaker at their December meeting held at the North River YMCA. Ms. Barker is the director of Adult Services and Tennessee Reconnect coordinator at Chattanooga State Community College.

Tennessee Reconnect is an initiative designed to help more adults begin or return to higher education to gain new skills, advance in the workplace, and fulfill lifelong dreams of completing a degree or credential. Ms. Barker was accompanied by Anthony Weaver, a Reconnect student pursuing his Associate of Applied Science degree in Business Management at Chattanooga State.

The cost of college is a concern for potential students and Anthony was just as concerned until he began to hear about the Tennessee Reconnect program and did some internet research. My wife and I were very excited about this opportunity, said Anthony. When the staff at Chattanooga State explained the program in detail, it looked as if this 44-year-old with a full-time job could go back to school. Mr. Weaver has completed his freshman year and thanks to Reconnect, began his sophomore year with no student loan debt.

Since its inception in 2018, thousands of Tennessee Reconnect students have completed their degrees or credentials debt-free. Ms. Barker is always available to speak to businesses and organizations about Tennessee Reconnect at Chattanooga State Community College. Email Ms. Barker at marsha.barker@chattanoogastate.edu or call 697-4753.




Chattanooga-based professional organizations in architecture, construction, engineering and design announced the 6th Annual BRIC Awards to recognize the people and projects that highlight the best of the best in the building industry.



Winners include:



Associated General Contractors presented:

 Excellence in Construction  Building Renovation to the Stove Works by New Blue Construction

 Excellence in Construction  New Construction to the 20th Street Branch of TVFCU project by Construction Consultants



American Institute of Architects Chattanooga presented:

 New Construction

o Award of Excellence for the Clarksville Commons project by Franklin Associates Architects

o Merit Award for the Cummins Falls State Park Visitors Center project by Tinker Ma

o Merit Award for the Layouts on Underwood project by Ally Architecture

o Merit Award for the Incline Townhomes project by Ally Architecture

o Merit Award for the Montessori Elementary project by Hefferlin + Kronenberg Architects

 Renovation/Restoration

o Merit Award for the Stove Works project by Elemi Architects



American Society Civil Engineers, Chattanooga Engineers Club, Society of Women Engineers and Tennessee Society Professional Engineers presented:

 Outstanding Engineering Project to the Citico Water Treatment Plant Flocculation-Sedimentation Basin Replacement project by Stantec



American Society of Interior Designers presented:

 Commercial Design of the Year for the US Express Midtown Atlanta project by Hefferlin + Kronenberg Architects

 Student Design Project of the Year to NEXT project by Kara Kirk



American Society of Landscape Architects presented:

 Award of Excellence to the Walnut Street Plaza project to WMWA Landscape Architects



Construction Specifications Institute Chattanooga Chapter presented:

 Innovative Collaboration of the Year to the Chattanooga Airport Parking Garage project by MBI Companies.



Home Builders Association of Greater Chattanooga presented:

 Excellence in Building to the 100 at South Broad project by Collier Construction



Sustainability Professionals of Greater Chattanooga presented:

 Sustainable Project to the Chattanooga Public Library Infrastructure Upgrades projects to Derthick Henley & Wilkerson

 Sustainable Business of the Year to the Creative Discovery Museum

 Sustainable Professional of the Year to Michael Ryan with NewTerra Compost



Peoples Choice Awards were presented to:

 Associated General Contractors Excellence in Construction in Building Renovation to the Hunter Museum River Terrace project by EMJ Corporation

 Associated General Contractors Excellence in New Construction to the Walnut Street Plaza project by Thomas Brothers

 AIA Chattanooga New Construction project to East Hamilton Middle School by MBI Companies

 AIA Chattanooga Renovation/Restoration project to the Hunter Museum River Terrace Roof project by Hefferlin + Kronenberg Architects

 AIA Chattanooga Construction Detail and Fabrication Design to the Hunter Museum River Terrace Roof project by Hefferlin + Kronenberg Architects

 American Society of Interior Designers Architectural Interior Design to the US Express Midtown Atlanta project by Hefferlin + Kronenberg Architects

 American Society of Interior Designers Student Project of the Year to the Walking Stick project by Kara Kirk

 Outstanding Engineering Project: Moccasin Bend Renewable Energy Project  Jacobs

 American Society of Landscape Architects Award of Excellence to the Walnut Street Plaza project to WMWA Landscape Architects

 CSI Innovative Collaboration of the Year to the Chattanooga Airport Parking Garage project by MBI Companies

 Home Builders Association Greater Chattanooga Excellence in Building to the 100 at South Broad project by Collier Construction

 Sustainable Project of the Year to the Chattanooga Public Library Infrastructure Upgrades by Derthick Henley & Wilkerson

 Sustainable Business of the Year to the Creative Discovery Museum

 Sustainable Professional of the Year to Joseph Parks with March Adams



Full project submissions can be viewed at: https://bit.ly/3GNaYSZ.



We have an incredible number of high-quality projects that are produced by outstanding professionals in the building industry every year in Chattanooga, and the BRIC Awards provide an opportunity for us to recognize those who are excelling in their professions and in the community. The BRIC Awards aligns with the ACE Mentor Program mission of developing partnerships and recognizing excellence, while supporting our ability to fund scholarships to encourage high school students to pursue higher education and careers in the Architecture, Construction and Engineering professions stated Brian Horne, director of Engineering, March-Adams & Associates and current ACE Mentor board president.



The ACE (Architecture, Construction and Engineering) Mentor Program serves to promote careers in the design and construction industry to high school students. During the program, ACE mentors meet with teams of local high school students to share with them about the design and build processes through project meetings, site visits, and hands-on activities. Each year student teams are given a real-world project and work with their mentors to prepare innovative design and construction solutions. At the end of the program students present their professional work at our annual scholarship banquet. Each year through the generous support of local organizations, companies, and individuals ACE has the opportunity to provide scholarship to local students to help them pursue A-C-E career fields through education and training opportunities post-high school. ACE is actively working in Southeast Tennessee and North Georgia to invest in the future of the local design and construction workforce.



Find more about ACE: http://acementor.org/.
The Hixson Chamber of Commerce welcomed Marsha Barker as guest speaker at their December meeting held at the North River YMCA. Ms. Barker is the director of Adult Services and Tennessee Reconnect coordinator at Chattanooga State Community College.



Tennessee Reconnect is an initiative designed to help more adults begin or return to higher education to gain new skills, advance in the workplace, and fulfill lifelong dreams of completing a degree or credential. Ms. Barker was accompanied by Anthony Weaver, a Reconnect student pursuing his Associate of Applied Science degree in Business Management at Chattanooga State.



The cost of college is a concern for potential students and Mr. Weaver was just as concerned until he began to hear about the Tennessee Reconnect program and did some internet research. My wife and I were very excited about this opportunity, said Mr. Weaver. When the staff at Chattanooga State explained the program in detail, it looked as if this 44-year-old with a full-time job could go back to school. Mr. Weaver has completed his freshman year and thanks to Reconnect, began his sophomore year with no student loan debt.



Since its inception in 2018, thousands of Tennessee Reconnect students have completed their degrees or credentials debt-free. Ms. Barker is always available to speak to businesses and organizations about Tennessee Reconnect at Chattanooga State Community College. Email Ms. Barker at marsha.barker@chattanoogastate.edu or call 423-697-4753.
Tennessee Valley Federal Credit Union employees joined forces with credit union members to adopt nearly 200 Angels for The Salvation Armys Chattanooga Area Commands Angel Tree Program.



Every year, TVFCU is a crucial contributor to the Angel Tree Program, said Major Mark Smith of The Salvation Armys Chattanooga Area Command. This year, TVFCU employees and members worked together to provide Christmas gifts and necessities for nearly 200 Angels. I am consistently inspired by the generosity of our community, and Im thankful for this groups commitment to helping those in need.



Since 2006, TVFCU employees have coordinated an employee food auction the day before Thanksgiving to raise funds for The Salvation Armys Angel Tree Program. The auction includes homemade items and food-related gift cards in an effort to help credit union employees spend less time in the kitchen on Thanksgiving Day. Items ranged from savory casseroles to tasty desserts.

The highest item sold was an Oreo cake for $285. Through employee generosity, TVFCUs

food auction raised $8,291. The funds enabled TVFCU to share holiday cheer with 45 Angels.



In addition to TVFCUs food auction, Christmas trees at TVFCUs nine branches in Hamilton County featured the Angel Tree tags. Credit union members and employees adopted the Angels. One of TVFCUs smallest branches, the City Center Branch, provided gifts for more than 20 Angels.



I think with the pandemic, our employees and members actually felt closer to one another in their efforts to help families who are truly hurting financially, said Jed Mescon, TVFCU community engagement liaison and organizer of TVFCUs participation in the Angel Tree Program This was going to be the year to enjoy the spirit of the holidays and make up for lost time. That was truly the motto among everyone who gave through TVFCU. It worked. The famous Mr. Rogers once said, If you could only sense how important you are to the lives of those you meet; how important you can

be to the people you may never even dream of. Was he ever right.



Although this years Angel Tree Program has reached completion, it is never too late to help. Visit csarmy.org to donate to the Online Red Kettle campaign and to learn about volunteer opportunities.
Celebrity chef Giada De Laurentiis Aunt Raffy is nearly as popular with Food Network fans as the Everyday Italian star herself. The culinary television personality admits she draws a great deal of inspiration from her aunt and one of Raffys most popular recipes is her holiday salad. Heres how to put it together!

Celebrity chef Giada De Laurentiis appears on Today | Peter Kramer/NBC/NBC Newswire/NBCUniversal via Getty Images

Aunt Raffy is well-known by Giada De Laurentiis fans

De Laurentiis Aunt Raffys name is Raffaella De Laurentiis and shes the sister of Giadas mother, Veronica. Raffy and Veronicas father was Hollywood producer Dino De Laurentiis, famous for his films King Kong, Barbarella, and Hannibal.

Like her father, Raffy is also an accomplished film producer, with films such as Conan the Barbarian, Conan the Destroyer, Dune, Prancer, Dragon: The Bruce Lee Story, all the films in the Dragonheart series, The Forbidden Kingdom, and Kull the Conqueror under her belt.

Growing up, Giada was in awe of her aunt and her ambition in becoming a film producer: I watched many women in my family not have a lot of independence, Giada told Parade. [Raffy] made a real career for herself and that was very alluring. I thought, Thats the kind of woman I want to be.'

Raffys holiday salad is easy to make

Calling for a handful of ingredients, Raffys salad is a celebration of textures and flavors, from the crunchy Belgian endive, corn kernels, and pomegranate seeds to the salty Gruyere cheese and silky diced avocado.

Half of a lemon is juiced and tossed in a bowl with the chopped endive and one cubed green apple. Make sure the apple is thoroughly coated in the lemon juice so they dont turn brown. Now, add the corn kernels, along with the diced cheese.

Cube half of an avocado and toss it in the juice of the other half of lemon. As you continue to layer flavors into the salad, add pomegranate seeds to the dish. Raffy notes the easiest way to seed half of a pomegranate. The half of the fruit is held over a cutting board, cut side down, and use a wooden spoon to lightly beat the skin, causing the seeds to fall onto the board.

Make a quick and easy dressing with the juice of two lemons whisked briskly with one-quarter cup of olive oil. Season with salt and pepper. The dressing is tossed into the salad just before serving.

Thats Raffys holiday salad and judging by its festive appearance and vibrant taste, its easy to see why its gained such fame.

Giada De Laurentiis and her Aunt Raffy in the kitchen

Giada De Laurentiis Aunt Raffy helps keep her centered

The chef arrived in the U.S. as a young child from Italy and eventually, Raffy told Parade, became totally American. I had to bug her to learn Italian again when she started her career because she couldnt cook Italian and not speak it. Or speak it wrong, which is even worse.

Its clear from all of Raffys appearances on Giadas Food Network programs that the chef adores her aunt. She praised her in her 2005 cookbook, Everyday Italian. Im indebted to my family, who have always inspired me to achieve great things. And of course, for passing along the passion for food and family  My Aunt Raffy, for sharing family recipe secrets and for all the fun we have cooking together  priceless.

RELATED: Giada De Laurentiis Mascarpone Apple Crumble Torta Is Great for Beginner Bakers
Country superstar Reba McEntire once shared that legendary Tonight Show host, Johnny Carson, playfully teased her about a beloved attribute during her first TV chat with him. What did McEntire say to the host that prompted him to start impersonating [her] and making fun?

Reba McEntire | Ethan Miller/Getty Images

Reba McEntire was born in Oklahoma and was once a barrel racer

Before getting into the details of The Tonight Show interview, a little background on McEntire might help. She was born in Oklahoma in 1955 and grew up at the rodeo. Her father was a World Champion Steer Roper and she took up barrel racing at a young age. A clip of her showing off her horse-riding skills is available on YouTube.

Notably, McEntire was discovered while singing at a rodeo and was invited to record country music demos soon after. Thats what revved up her journey to superstardom  and to Carsons couch.

Johnny Carson seemed fascinated by the way Reba McEntire said barrel

In her book, Reba: My Story, McEntire talks about a couple of her visits to The Tonight Show with Carson. She appeared twice as a performer before she was given the invite for an on-air chat.

I wouldnt get the real guest treatment  the chance to be called to the interview couch  until my third appearance, she writes. That time Johnny questioned me about my background in rodeo, and I explained that I had been a barrel racer.

While Carson was likely intrigued by her rodeo history, she reports that he got stuck on her accent. He seemed fascinated by the way I said barrel and kept asking me to repeat it, impersonating me and making fun of how I said barrel,' she shares. But she didnt seem to have any hard feelings towards the host by the time she wrote her book.

Of his playful teasing, she concludes: Well, Johnnys from Nebraska, and thats about as rural as Oklahoma. I guess he lost his Nebraskan accent a long time ago. But, in hindsight, I can see that Johnny meant no harm  he was just trying to break the ice.

Reba McEntire wore a gift from Johnny Cash on her first Tonight Show appearance

(L) Johnny Cash | Phil Dent/Redferns; (R) Reba McEntire | Paul Natkin/Getty Images

Also in Reba: My Story, McEntire writes about her first appearance on The Tonight Show with Carson, during which she wore a dress gifted by Johnny Cash.

She shares that Cash provided the gown  a beautiful aqua, slim-styled evening gown with spaghetti straps  for a 1981 television special she took part in. Then, he offered it to her as a gift after filming.

Not many television hosts would have even thought to make such a kind and sensitive gesture, and I, for one, was very grateful, she writes. Its that kind of open-heartedness, along with his great music, that has made Johnny Cash a legend.

Two years later, she wore the dress again to perform on The Tonight Show for the very first time.

On that first, 1983, Tonight Show date, for good luck  and because I couldnt afford anything else  I wore the same dress that Johnny Cash had given me for his TV special, McEntire writes.

And she reports that Carson was very nice and gracious to her backstage before that debut performance.

RELATED: Reba McEntire Believes in Reincarnation and That Shes Been Here Before as a Man
MTVs The Challenge Season 37 reunion is here, and its about to get messy. Throughout Spies, Lies, and Allies, hookups, betrayals, and disqualifications occurred, sending a number of players at each others throats. And it seems Amanda Garcia comes for rookie player Michele Fitzgerald during the reunion. Heres what a clip from the reunion shows  and what prompted Amandas accusations.

Are Amanda Garcia and Fessy Shafaat dating? They spent time together after The Challenge Season 37

Fessy Shafaat | Monty Brinton/CBS via Getty Images

During The Challenge Season 37, Fessy Shafaat and Amanda Garcia became quite close. The two veteran players hit it off early, and they seemed to sustain some semblance of a romance outside of the show.

So, are Amanda and Fessy dating today? While the two seemed like a potentially good match, it doesnt seem like theyre still together. According to Heavy, they vacationed together in Mexico in September 2021. While everything seemed peachy with the couple at the time, Fessy was later spotted with another woman in a video clip, angering Amanda. Amanda then took to the internet to publicly call out Fessy for his actions.

After their public spat online, Amanda and Fessy seemed to patch things up. But when Amanda talked on Johnny Bananas Devenanzios podcast, Death, Taxes, and Bananas, she seemed to refer to her relationship with Fessy as a massive mistake. This indicates the two still arent on good terms.

Amanda Garcia called out Michele Fitzgerald for being fake and going for Fessy Shafaat after the show

Things got steamy in the house this season but not everyone found love in Croatia.



Watch Michele set the record straight with Tori and Amanda TONIGHT during #TheChallenge37 reunion kicking off at 8/7c on @MTV! pic.twitter.com/9mGJY8sQfg  The Challenge (@ChallengeMTV) December 22, 2021

Amanda Garcia and Michele Fitzgerald have a complicated relationship. Following Spies, Lies, and Allies, the women appeared to be friends. But Amanda mentioned before that Michele allegedly hooked up with Fessy Shafaat and wasnt honest with her about it. Since then, Amanda and Michele havent been on good terms.

It seems Amanda calls out Michele during The Challenge Season 37 reunion, too. A clip from The Challenge Twitter shows Michele and Tori Deal talking about their relationships with Emanuel Neagu. Michele noted she felt angry at Tori for pursuing a relationship with Emanuel after she was eliminated. Thats when Amanda stepped in.

Shes mad at Tori for going for Emanuel, but she went for Fessy as soon as Fessy got off the show, Amanda said. So, its like, I was your friend, b****, and you went straight on to his d***. Youre fake as f***.

Michele Fitzgerald also expressed sorrow over Tori Deals relationship with Emanuel Neagu

Brrrr it's cold in here. There must be some rivalries in the atmosphere. https://t.co/xpc8k65Vxf  The Challenge (@ChallengeMTV) November 12, 2021

Prior to Amanda Garcias callout, Michele Fitzgerald expressed a lot of hurt feelings over Tori Deal and Emanuel Neagu.

It doesnt upset me that theyre together, Michele said. But, he just was my person.  I was mad at Emanuel, but I was mad at Tori. And I really, really had a grudge against her.

So, where do Tori and Michele stand now? Michele noted she no longer has beef with Tori, so the conversation during The Challenge Season 37 reunion seemed to squash any ill feelings. As for Tori and Emanuel, they seem to still keep in touch all the time, though its unclear if theyre considering anything more serious.

The Challenge Season 37 reunion airs Wednesday, Dec. 22, 2021, at 8 p.m. EST on MTV.

Check out Showbiz Cheat Sheet on Facebook!

RELATED: The Challenge Season 38: Kaycee Clark Says Shes Not Expecting a Callback After Season 37 Win
For our Chemistry team located in Hirschberg / Germany we are looking for a chemist as an expert in analytical methods and physical-chemical properties and project manager of plant protection products.

Duties

Your Tasks and Responsibilities

The candidate will be involved in various aspects of registration activities for active ingredients and plant protection products under Regulation (EC) 1107/2009 including:



Data gap analysis

Processing and evaluating scientific data according to registration requirements

Preparing expert statements

Monitoring of lab studies on analytical methods and physical-chemical properties

Giving scientific input to our regulatory teams on ecotox, efate, toxicology and consumer safety regarding analytical methods

Supporting our field study department in questions related to analytical methods

Preparing EU dossiers according to current EU regulations and national requirements

Communicating with clients, laboratories and authorities

Evaluating authority requests and commenting

Strategic consultancy / project management

Requirements

Your Qualification

Scientific background (chemist or equivalent discipline)

Practical experience in analytical methods (e.g. GC-MS, HPLC-MS/MS, IC-MS)

Experience in scientific reporting of analytical methods and EU related guidelines

(SANCO/3029, /3030 and /825 and SANTE/2020/12830) is desirable

Experience in GLP & technical understanding is advantageous

Very good level of written and spoken English, other language skills are advantageous

Self-motivated

Excellent communication and team player skills

Company

RIFCON GmbH is an independent scientific consulting company offering comprehensive professional services for the registration of synthetic and biological plant protection and EU fertilising products (e.g. biostimulants, fertilizers, inhibitors etc.). Our head office is located in Hirschberg near Heidelberg in Germany. Almost 200 employees offer services ranging from complete EU registration packages, general consultancy work to sophisticated GLP field studies and various combinations of these elements.
By honoring Hortense McClinton, first Black professor, and Henry Owl, first American Indian student, the University adds diversity to its landscape.
Over the next several weeks, The Cheshire Herald will run a series of columns, courtesy of State Representative Liz Linehan (D-103) regarding this issue of mental health among children and teens.

This is the second installment in my Childrens Mental Health Series in partnership with The Herald. Last week, we discussed the warning signs of mental health issues in children, and how to determine if your child should be evaluated. While there were many warning signs listed, its fair to say that any sudden change in behavior may mean your child should be evaluated by a pediatrician or mental health professional. You may not be completely sure of what is normal, age-appropriate behavior, but its always safer to err on the side of caution, and ask a trusted professional to talk to your child.

But what do you do if this has gone beyond warning signs, to a situation where you feel your child may be in danger? If your child is actively harming themself, having suicidal thoughts, or planning to hurt others, these should be considered a crisis, and immediate intervention is warranted.

Connecticut has partnered with the United Way for Mobile Crisis intervention and the Emergency Mobile Psychiatric Service (EMPS). This is a free 24-hour, 7-days-a-week service to have your child immediately evaluated by a mental health professional. If calling by cell phone, 2-1-1 can also be reached toll-free at (800) 203-1234. Press 1, and then press 1 again, to be connected to the Youth EMPS.

What should you expect after calling 2-1-1? A social worker or other mental health professional will arrive within 45 minutes most times, and come to your home discreetly in their own vehicle, unless an ambulance is needed or a 911 phone call is made. The extensively-trained social worker will speak directly with the child and family to assess any immediate risk, and then make recommendations to the parent for further evaluation, treatment, or other options.

I cannot stress how valuable this service is for any child or family who needs help. In Connecticut, the caller determines the crisis, which means there is never a reason for you to be turned down for help. There is no shame in having the Emergency Mobile Psychiatric Service team come to your home. Every professional on the team would rather you call than not. If you feel you should call, then call. Trust your gut. Do not have any concerns about overreacting, placing any burdens on others by calling, or fear of any stigma associated with calling for the service. The service is confidential, it is not listed in the police blotter, and there is no fee. This service is available for exactly this reason: to help a child and family in crisis.

Suicidal thoughts and expressions of hopelessness, or any self-harm are clearly an emergency. But there may also be times when your child just cant calm down, or perhaps their behavior is uncontrollable, or theyre suffering panic attacks, or maybe youre having trouble even getting them out of bed that day due to their incredible sadness or anxiety. All these are reasons you may decide to call 2-1-1.

Remember that calling a professional is helpful not only to your child, but also to you, the parent. Most of us will have moments when parenting is overwhelming, and having a child with a mental illness or behavioral issue compounds that feeling. A fresh perspective from a professional is beneficial, and allowing someone to assess your child objectively may put you on the path forward to healing for all.

Calling 2-1-1 and EMPS is great for those in-the-moment needs. Should you realize that the situation is stable, but you believe your child should be seen quickly, there are other options as well. Enhanced Care Centers in the area will see your child quickly  in as little as two hours, two days, or two weeks, depending on how acute the situation is. Three such places in our immediate area include The Child Guidance Center in Meriden, Wellmore in Waterbury, and Wheeler Clinic with offices around the state, including Waterbury and Plainville. Each of these places have information and phone numbers listed on the Internet, and are available for initial triage, assessment, and evaluation, as well as outpatient and family therapy, in-home therapy, and even intensive daily after-school programs known as IOPs. These Enhanced Care Clinics can help you from the initial assessment all the way through intensive therapy if you choose, and will get you and your child in to see someone on a timeline that is right for your situation.

These are very good places to start when you have concerns that your child is suffering. EMPS, 2-1-1, and Enhanced Care Clinics have a proven track record of support that rely on a team of highly trained professionals who use evidence-based, trauma-informed practices. Best of all, theyre available to you today. Please do not wait to ask for help.

Now that you have information on how to find your child professional support outside the home, next week we will focus on how to support your child inside the home by actively making it a safer place to be. A word of caution: next weeks column will have a trigger warning whereby we alert you of talk surrounding self-harm methods like cutting, discussion of suicide, and more. A heavy subject indeed, but one that is incredibly important, and vital to keeping our children safe.

As always, I wish for you, your child, and your whole family to find peace. By reading this column, and arming yourself with all available options, you are well on your way.
The name Immanuel (im-ma-nu-AIL) appears twice in the Hebrew Scriptures and once in the New Testament. It first appears in Isaiah 7:14 as part of a prophetic word that Isaiah spoke to King Ahaz of Judah (the southern kingdom) at a time when Syria and Israel (the northern kingdom) had formed a coalition against Assyria.

The prophet Isaiah counseled Ahaz not to join in Israels uprising against Assyria, the regions greatest power, assuring him it would not succeed. Instead, he urged Ahaz to trust in the Lord. Then he invited Ahaz to ask the Lord for a sign to confirm the prophetic word, but the unfaithful king refused. In response to Ahazs refusal to trust God, Isaiah proclaimed: Hear now, you house of David! Is it not enough to try the patience of human beings? Will you try the patience of my God also? Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.

Shortly after that Syria and Israel were soundly defeated, exactly as Isaiah had prophesied.

Matthews Gospel recalls Isaiahs prophecy, applying it to the child who would be born of Mary, the virgin betrothed to Joseph. The sign given hundreds of years earlier to an apostate king was meant for all Gods people. One of the most comforting of all the names and titles of Jesus, it is literally translated with us is God or, as Matthews Gospel puts it, God with us. In fact the Bible is nothing if not the story of Gods persistent desire to dwell with his people. In Jesus, God would succeed in a unique way, becoming a man in order to save the world not from the outside, but from the inside. Immanuel, God with us, to rescue, redeem, and restore our relationship with him.

Praying to Immanuel

Every year Chuck Colson and his wife Patty deliver Christmas gifts to the children of imprisoned men and women. One year, as Chuck and his wife drove into a housing project to deliver the gifts, they saw all the evidence of despairgang members lounging in doorways, broken windows, neglect. Making their way to one of the apartments, Chuck knocked on the door. He knew that the father of this family was spending Christmas in prison. A young boy opened the door.

Merry Christmas Colson said. These are from your Daddy. Immediately the door swung wide, revealing a scraggly Christmas tree propped against a wall empty of presents.

When Colson asked the boy his name, he replied, Emmanuel.

Do you know what your name means? Colson asked, opening his Bible and reading from Matthews Gospel: and they will name him Immanuel, which means God is with us.

Just then the boys mother returned home from work. Emmanuel threw his arms around her thighs, crying, Mama, Mama, God is with us!

At that moment, the message of Christmas hit Colson anew.[1]

He saw a young boys eyes open a little wider to the wonder of Gods presence. Both the man and the boy seemed to sense Gods presence in that apartment, in that family, on that day.

ImmanuelGod with us. Let us encounter him today as we do his work, for as Matthews Gospel says, Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me (25:40).

[1] Chuck Colson, God with Us, https://breakpoint.org/breakpoint-god-us, November 24, 2009, accessed on November 22, 2021.
The internets a crowded place, and while other end-of-year lists are busy celebrating popular pieces, we thought wed share a few hidden gems. Here, in no particular order, are Christianity Todays 2021 in case you missed it stories:

Check out the rest of our 2021 year-end lists here.
9 Planned Parenthood CEOs paid higher salary than Dr. Fauci: report

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A new report reveals that nine Planned Parenthood CEOs are paid a higher salary than the U.S. government's highest-paid federal employee and its non-white CEOs take home less money than many of their white counterparts.

The American Life Leagues 2020 Report on Planned Parenthood CEO Compensation, published earlier this month, reveals that nine of the 10 highest-paid Planned Parenthood affiliate CEOs were paid more money than Dr. Anthony Fauci, the highest-paid federal employee. Fauci, the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, has become the face of the U.S. governments coronavirus task force, messaging and agenda.

The statistics uncovered by the pro-life group, compiled using public taxpayer information and data available on the abortion providers website, found that the highest-paid Planned Parenthood affiliate CEO, Darrah DiGiorgio Johnson of Planned Parenthood of the Pacific Southwest, Inc., made $616,926 in 2020. The second-highest paid Planned Parenthood affiliate CEO, Stacy Cross of Planned Parenthood Mar Monte, made $554,545 last year.

In a statement announcing the reports release, American Life League CEO Jim Sedlak, the chief author of the publication, noted that Robert F. Kennedy Jr.s new book, The Real Anthony Fauci, reveals that at $437,000 a year, Fauci is the highest-paid federal employee in the nation. The report identified nine CEOs, including DiGiorgio Johnson, who received higher salaries than Fauci in 2020.

Sedlak also asserted that there is an obvious disparity in the way Planned Parenthood treats its executives of color. According to the report, The following three affiliates had [b]lack CEOs: PP of Greater Ohio, PP of Southwest Ohio Region, and PP of Metropolitan New Jersey.

The [b]lack CEO of PP of Southwest Ohio Region had the lowest compensation of any PP CEO in the nation  despite her affiliate having an annual income higher than 16 other PP affiliates, the report stated. Specifically, Kersha Deibel made $124,045 in 2020. The other two black CEOs identified by American Life League also found themselves among the bottom 50% of Planned Parenthood affiliate CEOs in terms of salary, making $272,720 and $199,415, respectively.

While only two of the Planned Parenthood affiliate CEOs are Latino, one of them made it onto the list of top 10 highest-paid CEOs by taking home $424,610, slightly less than Faucis annual salary. Overall, 48 of the 53 Planned Parenthood affiliates have white CEOs, accounting for more than 90% of the total. Sedlak sees the racial makeup of Planned Parenthood's leadership as significant because of the business admitted roots in eugenic efforts to keep [b]lack women from reproducing.

The American Life League report on Planned Parenthood CEO compensation comes as the abortion provider has attempted to distance itself from its founder Margaret Sanger, who had expressed support for the eugenics movement during her lifetime. Last year, Planned Parenthood of Greater New York announced that it was removing Sangers name from its building as part of an effort to reckon with our legacy and acknowledge Planned Parenthoods contributions to historical reproductive harm within communities of color.

Earlier this year, Planned Parenthood President Alexis McGill Johnson authored a New York Times op-ed titled Im the Head of Planned Parenthood. Were Done Making Excuses for Our Founder. In the article, Johnson expressed disappointment that the abortion provider had excused Sangers association with white supremacist groups and eugenics as an unfortunate product of her time. Johnson leads the Planned Parenthood Federation of America, the national organization that oversees the 53 affiliates.

American Life League previously published a report in November 2020 titled Planned Parenthoods Racism  In Their Own Words. The report cited a BuzzFeed article about the findings of an internal investigation documenting the childification of non-white employees.

The article defined childification as the persistent treatment of [b]lack people as children or adolescents who are unable to accomplish work independently, and viewed uniformly, such that they cannot be differentiated from one another. The 2020 report also contained statistics showing that black employees comprise 18% of Planned Parenthood Federation of Americas 556 employees.

In addition to decrying the racial disparities in the salaries of Planned Parenthoods white CEOs and their non-white counterparts, American Life Leagues most recent report seeks to shine a light on the extremely lucrative business, as described by American Life League co-founder and President Judie Brown, in light of the fact that it receives substantial taxpayer money.

Planned Parenthood Federation of America and its affiliates combine to make a $1.6 billion dollar business in the United States, the report concluded. Despite continually crying poverty and begging for funds from federal, state, and local governments, Planned Parenthood reported a total profit (income in excess of expenditures) of $425 million over the last three years  even after paying almost $16 million to its various CEOs and another $6 million to its top headquarters employees.

After highlighting the $618 million in taxpayer money the organization has received, the report lamented that Planned Parenthood is demanding a significant increase in government funding from the Biden administration. Sedlak asserted that It is time that the United States Congress remove Planned Parenthoods charitable organization status and quit forcing Americans to fund this profiteering parasite.
After 8 months of marriage Christian Congressman Madison Cawthorn is getting a divorce

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Madison Cawthorn, a Republican congressman from North Carolina, announced Wednesday that he and his wife of eight months have mutually decided to get a divorce.

When my wife Cristina and I were engaged, I was not a member of Congress. I felt called to serve and we both agreed that I should run. Our victory was unprecedented, but overnight our lives changed. That change has been both hectic and difficult, its neither the pace nor the lifestyle we had planned for, Cawthorn said in a statement Wednesday evening.

From the outset, we committed to make things work, to fight for our marriage, and seek counsel for balancing the enormity of such a transition in life. Together we realized that balance was not attainable, and that we had irreconcilable differences between us. While it was an enormously difficult decision, Cristina and I have mutually decided to divorce. We ask for privacy as we work through this privately, he added.

Cawthorn, 26, and his wife, Cristina, got married on April 3, 2021, on the seventh anniversary of the car accident that left him partially paralyzed and needing the use of a wheelchair.

On April 3rd of 2014 my life changed. A car accident put me in a wheelchair and dashed my hopes for the future. On April 3rd of 2021 my life has once again changed, he announced on Twitter. Marrying Cristina Bayardelle, now Cristina Cawthorn is the greatest honor, privilege and adventure of my life.

On April 3rd of 2014 my life changed. A car accident put me in a wheelchair and dashed my hopes for the future. On April 3rd of 2021 my life has once again changed. Marrying Cristina Bayardelle, now Cristina Cawthorn is the greatest honor, privilege and adventure of my life. pic.twitter.com/bqmtAUbsIS  Rep. Madison Cawthorn (@RepCawthorn) April 4, 2021

During a speech at AmericaFest 2021 on Tuesday, Cawthorn described himself as a devout Christian and urged young conservatives to skip college because it was a scam, and be a Christian, marry young and have as many babies as they could.

Ill tell you, Im a devout Christian. Ive got a great relationship with my Lord and Savior. And so, of course, I love being able to help people. I love taking care of people. I think we should send missionaries out into the world. We should bring people to Christ, he said.

People will call me a radical for believing that you should be a Christian, you should get married young, you should have as many kids as possible, you should try and have a great job, you should be as successful as you possibly can, theyll say Im extremist for that, Cawthorn said.

I think you should homeschool. I was homeschooled all the way through, he added. I am proudly a college dropout. If you are not becoming an engineer or a doctor or a lawyer, I highly encourage you to drop out. Its a scam.

When it comes to divorce, many conservatives frown upon the idea, but the Bible allows divorce under certain circumstances, such as the infidelity of a spouse.

A new research brief from the Institute of Family Studies also suggested that religious marriages are slightly less likely to end in divorce because these couples are less likely to seek cohabitation before marriage, which is a known risk factor for divorce.

The brief, which crunched data from more than 53,000 women ages 15 to 49 from the National Survey of Family Growth from 1995 to 2019, shows how age at the time of marriage is also a factor. Depending on when marriage happens for a woman, however, the impact of religion on divorce can also have no effect.
Evangelicals' views toward Israel shifting after Gaza conflict: survey

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Evangelicals' views toward Israel are shifting slightly following the conflict that erupted in Gaza earlier this year, according to a newly released survey.

Commissioned by Chosen People Ministries and the Alliance forthe Peace ofJerusalem and designed by the University of North Carolina-Pembroke, researchers surveyed Evangelicals in July, which came on the heels of the 11 days of fighting in Gaza in May.

The survey, which was conducted by Barna, found that 43.5% of Evangelicals blamed both parties for the conflict, and 34.3% blamed the Palestinians. Approximately half of the respondents said they considered the state of Israel's actions justified, whereas only 21.6% said that Palestinians' actions in the conflict were justified.

The Alliance for the Peace of Jerusalem is an organization that exists to promote further dialogue among Evangelicals about Israel and the Middle East.

During those 11 days, at least 255 people died from their injuries and over 600 were injured.

Even so, 47.6% of the respondents said their support for the lone Jewish state in the world has not changed. Additionally, 26.2% indicated their support increased, 7.3% indicating their support declined, and 18.9% said they were not sure of how the latest conflict shaped their opinion.

Our goal with this survey was to better understand how recent events have impacted the evolution of [E]vangelical views regarding Israel, said Dr. Mitch Glaser, president of Chosen People Ministries in a statement.

The results reinforce that a new generation of [E]vangelicals are less supportive of Israel than their parents and grandparents, although the overall support for Israel remains constant among half of the [E]vangelicals surveyed. These respondents indicated no change in their favorable views of Israel and more than 25% said their support increased after the Gaza war.

Researchers also found that concerns about anti-Semitism are not tied to what is more broadly conceived as social justice among [E]vangelical respondents. Thus, for all practical intents and purposes, "social justice does not include non-discriminatory treatment of Jews, in their view.

This does not mean, to be sure, that American Evangelical Christians are not concerned about anti-Semitism, the researchers say. In fact, the data revealed that a majority of the respondents are significantly worried about anti-Semitism. The data also showed that though less than 40% of African Americans showed support for Israel, 58.8% said they were concerned about anti-Semitism.

In the aftermath of the Gaza conflict, UNC-Pembroke researcher found, as reported by the Brookings Institution, that attitudes had dramatically shifted between 2018 and 2021: support for Israel among young evangelicals dropped from 75% to 34%.








Samaritans Purse to serve Christmas Eve lunch to thousands of tornado survivors

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Franklin Graham and the Evangelical disaster relief organization Samaritans Purse will serve free lunch Friday to as many as 4,000 people impacted by a deadly tornado that struck Mayfield, Kentucky, earlier this month.

Known for aiding those impacted by the worlds worst humanitarian disasters and global conflicts, Samaritans Purse launched relief operations earlier this month in the wake of deadly tornadoes impacting six states. More than 1,600 volunteers have responded and helped over 350 families across Kentucky and Arkansas.

At the Dec. 24 charity feast, the organization plans to help even more families by giving away gifts and serving a free Christmas meal consisting of traditional pies, roast turkey and baked ham. The event will run from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. at Graves County High School in Mayfield.

Across Kentucky, as many as 76 people died as four tornadoes struck the state on Dec. 10. In Mayfield, much of which was destroyed, officials say at least 22 people died, including nine when a candle factory collapsed and trapped dozens.

Graham, Samaritan Purses president and son of the late evangelist Billy Graham, who is also an evangelist, will share a message of encouragement and will be joined by bluegrass and country musician Ricky Skaggs, who will play Christmas music.

Everyone is welcome to come. We want the people of this hard-hit region to know that we love them and God loves them, Graham said in a statement shared with The Christian Post. So many people are hurting and discouraged. They need hope, and Christmas is about the hope that is offered to all of us through the birth of Gods Son Jesus Christ.

Samaritans Purse sent dozens of staff and three cooking trailers to Mayfield to prepare the free hot meals on Christmas Eve.

Families literally lost everything just before Christmas, and knowing that Christmas would be different, we knew that we couldnt replace things or fix it right away, but we knew we could love them in the midst of their pain, Kendra Bandy, Samaritans Purse's podcast production manager, said in a podcast on the organizations website. So we wanted to bring some joy to this community.

Bandy said that with less than a weeks notice, the food services team at Samaritans Purse started planning the entire Christmas lunch.

Weve never done anything like this, she said.

We dont want just to provide physical relief, we want to truly love on and minister to people in their time of need, Bandy continued. And weve never done anything quite like this.  And so this is crazy and nearly an impossible feat.  We are trusting God.

A podcast team member named Melissa and Andy Jeter, the charitys director of food services, shared their thoughts on the Christmas Eve lunch.

We work for someone who is an incredible visionary.  Franklin Graham, he surprises us with these plans sometimes, Melissa shared. But, [Graham] just has a vision for helping these people and he knew that they would be hurting, that people would not have the same kind of Christmas that they normally would and so it was just something that the Lord put on his heart to do.

We talked to Franklin, and we didnt know at that time what the number would be, but very soon, he made that evident that he was thinking big, which we like, but now weve got the fun part of figuring out the logistics of that and working through details and getting food procured, Jeter added.

Melissa said the devastation caused by the tornado in Mayfield has been catastrophic.

Its easy to look at pictures when theyre on social media [to see] what the devastation looks like, but for my own eyes to see it  it took it to a whole different level, Jeter said. And to just see people just kind of walking around almost in a daze still, and you know its a week after it took place and you can see the confusion on their face, like what do we do next?

Its neat to be a part of something that is going to minister to them directly  of course their stomachs  but also speakers and music and everything  that we can love on these people, he continued.
Staffers quit Venue Church after confronting pastor with allegations of affair, misconduct

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At least eight employees of Venue Church, a fast-growing congregation based in Chattanooga, Tennessee, have reportedly quit their jobs over alleged misconduct by Pastor Tavner Smith, who is allegedly shown kissing a woman who is not his wife in a video that recently surfaced online.

Last Friday afternoon, staff and volunteers confronted Smith about the video recorded in North Georgia, The Chattanooga Times Free Press reported.

Two former employees and four volunteers or members previously connected to the church told the newspaper that the eight employees quit after confronting the pastor about a rumored affair with a church employee.

Venue Church did not immediately respond when contacted by The Christian Post on Thursday morning. But a spokesperson for the church told the Times Free Press that no comment will be made until after the severance process for staff was finalized.

Court records show that the pastor and his wife, Danielle Smith, who have three kids, began divorce proceedings in May, according to The Times Free Press.

Before the report, several individuals who said they are former members or employees of the church publicly made significant allegations of pastoral abuse and misconduct against Smith and his leadership team, including what they suggest is a pattern of marital infidelity.

Former Venue Church employee Colt Chandler Helton wrote in a Facebook post Sunday that he has worked for over 12 churches throughout his career  from North Point to Hillsong  and was hired by Venue Church in its early days to set up its systems and structures and model anything an adult would experience on a Sunday morning.

In hind sight I taught the Iranians how to make nuclear weapons, Helton, who worked for the church for nearly a year beginning in 2014, contends. I gave a man who had very very bad intentions the ability to make a mega church.

He shared a lengthy list of reasons why he left Venue Church, including what he claims to be financial abuse and witnessing domestic abuse in an atmosphere where there are zero elders or accountability.

The lead pastor had 100 percent absolutely control and his decision was Devine (sic), Helton wrote.

Money issue - we were always told there was no money. But the lead pastor always had a new car every few weeks. And the shopping trips would blow your mind. From exotic dogs to shoe and jersey collections, Helton alleged.

He recalled once watching the churchs worship pastor slam his wife against a wall in the green room prior to going on stage. Helton insisted that the pastor would talk to her like a dog and scream submit to me, women.

I witnessed on many times if someone saw or said anything about the money, accountability or abuse they were ran off and everyone at the church was made to triangulate against the said person and attack them by calling their jobs friends etc. making false statements in person and or on social media, Helton alleges.

Helton also suggested that Smith may have been intimately involved with females in the church other than his wife.

I witnessed on many times the lead pastor have alone time with females on the worship team and congregation, he wrote, while pointing out how the churchs theology devolved into something resembling the prosperity gospel.

When I went to report the physical abuse, I was told I was not allowed to speak to the lead pastor unless I was spoken to. Because he was so close to God and his closeness couldnt be put in jeopardy by speaking to commoners, Helton claimed.

According to cached data from Smiths website, the Smiths met in 2003 while attending North Greenville University in South Carolina. They got married the following year.

At the time, Smith worked as a student pastor at a church in Greenville, South Carolina. He continued working around the country until 2008 when he became the executive student pastor at the Ron and Hope Carpenter-led Redemption Church in Greenville.

We had no intention of being anything but members, Pastor Tavner recalled.

Four years later, in 2012, the Smiths moved to Chattanooga and started Venue Church, one of the fastest-growing churches across the country.

I never wanted to be a pastor of a church, Pastor Smith said on his website. This was not my plan. Actually, right in the middle of what I thought was our perfect plan  God spoke. He called me to start a church here in Chattanooga He said Shift. Danielle and I were scared to change our plan, but God continued to solidify in us that this Shift  to live here in Chattanooga and start a move of God through Venue Church  was what He has called us to do.

Helton contends that there could not be a more dangerous man and or organization than Pastor Tavner and Venue Church.

He currently has cheated on his wife with his assistant and lead worship leader, he claims. His staff have almost all quit and he refused to step down. This is in part due to no elder system or any leadership to force him out. This isnt how the church is or should run.
Scrooge and overpopulation

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We all know that there is some kind of economic theme running through Charles Dickens' most famous novel, A Christmas Carol. The problem is that modern people tend to read their own views into the story instead of paying close attention to the details of the story itself. The standard modern interpretation is that A Christmas Carol is a condemnation of business, and a call for the state to step in and become the provider for the poor. But look closer and you'll see that the truth is quite in the opposite direction.

For example, when a pair of men come to Scrooge's office asking for private donations for the poor, Scrooge responds,

Are there no prisons? ... And the Union workhouses?... Are they still in operation? ... The Treadmill and the Poor Law are in full vigour, then?  I was afraid, from what you said at first, that something had occurred to stop them in their useful course  "

Scrooge is refusing to give private aid and instead throwing the responsibility onto public, government entities. The alms-askers decry the cruelty of these institutions. Many cant go there; and many would rather die.

"If they would rather diethey had better do it, and decrease the surplus population," is Scrooge's reply.

And in this exchange we see what the economics of A Christmas Carol is all about. It is a condemnation of the philosophy of scarcity and population growth hysteria popularized by Thomas Malthus. Malthus argued that history showed population tends to grow faster than the food supply, and therefore population growth was dangerous and might cause mass starvation. Historians now recognize that Malthus himself, both an economist and a Christian pastor, eventually came to a more balanced position. He corresponded with the free-market economist Jean Baptiste-Say, the forefather of modern supply-side economics and the man who coined the word "entrepreneur." Say argued that economic growth was driven by increasing the supply of goods and services and the world could consume more as it learned to produce more. He is responsible for something called "Say's Law;" i.e., "supply creates its own demand." In other words, production is the basis of consumption. As entrepreneurs move resources to more productive endeavors, supply increases, which means there's more for us to consume.

But Malthusian ideology did not shift along with its namesake, and English elites lived in fear of excess breeding among the poor classes. They devised programs for the poor that were intentionally cruel, keeping them in cold and hunger and abusive circumstances. In modern parlance, the cruelty was a feature, not a bug. The point was to impose pain on the poor to keep them from bringing more poor people into the world. As Solomon said, "The compassion of the wicked is cruel."

Dickens put the words of Malthus into the mouth of Scrooge, when he wrote the phrase "surplus population." That would have been easily recognized by educated readers at the time. Scrooge was what we would call an advocate of "Zero Population Growth" (ZPG). Malthus' ideas were key to the work of Charles Darwin and through him down into the various eugenics movements of the 20th century. Nazism was built on Malthus. The gas chambers were the "final solution" to certain segments of "the surplus population." In the "free world" the Malthusians took a more medical than military approach in the form of public health efforts at mass sterilization and, barring that, abortion. Surely a post-1973 version of Scrooge would have asked, "Are there no abortion clinics, are they still in operation?"

Later we see Scrooge talking with the Ghost of Christmas Present who tells him that he has over 1,800 brothers (i.e. over 1,800 Christmases have passed since the first one in Bethlehem.) Scrooge's reaction is to exclaim how difficult it would be to provide for such a large family, at which point the Ghost rises in indignation and looms over Scrooge. Christmas Present is rightly offended by Scrooge's philosophy, which treats his brothers as burdens rather than blessings. Later, Christmas Present rebukes a frightened and stopping Scrooge for his wish that the "surplus population" would die off, suggesting that perhaps the Tiny Tims of the world were greater "in the sight of Heaven" than the men who wished that such sick children had never been born.

Originally, A Christmas Carol was intended to be a pamphlet, but Dickens decided instead to tell a story. The trigger for him was a report about childhood poverty. Friedrich Engels (Marx's wealthy sponsor) had read the same report. But Dickens did not take the revolutionary route that Marx and Engels did. Instead, he argued for personal, private generosity, in the form of alms and higher pay. Scrooge gives Cratchit a Christmas bonus in the form of a turkey and a pay raise. Business is part of the solution. Jacob Marley is usually quoted in the films as saying something like, "Business? Mankind was my business," as if to deny moral legitimacy to the role of entrepreneurs. But in the actual story he ended the speech by saying, "The dealings of my trade were but a drop of water in the comprehensive ocean of my business! In other words, "trade" was a legitimate part of his responsibility, alongside the true purposes which are "charity, mercy, forbearance, and benevolence." Trade makes charity, etc. possible. The example of young Scrooge's generous and successful employer Fezziwig shows the positive vision of business which Scrooge and Marley (while alive) had failed to live up to.

Dickens' response to the poverty report was not to urge more government programs and it was not Marx's violent revolution. High wages for the employable and alms for the unemployable are the ways to forestall the revolutionary children of Ignorance and Want hiding beneath the robes of Christmas Present.

Edit: An earlier version of this piece incorrectly stated that Bob Cratchit received a goose as a Christmas bonus and that the Ghost reached for his sword. Both issues have been corrected.
5K attend first indoor services at Rock Church in over 1 year; pastor says it feels like 'Christmas'

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More than a year after the COVID-19 pandemic caused the shuttering of the campuses of Rock Church in San Diego, California, Senior Pastor Miles McPherson welcomed back over 5,000 of his congregants indoors for the first time on Sunday, and it felt like Christmas.

Whats up Rock family? Whats up Rock family! One year has gone by; we are back! McPherson declared in a Facebook broadcast, clapping at first and then pumping his fists in the air with jubilation.

All the campuses, everybody watching all over, God bless you. Thank you so much for your patience, for your faithfulness. COVID came, but COVID did not knock us out. Come on now! God will not stop the church. We are back. It is so exciting.

While elated that his congregants were now finally able to come together for the first time since the state placed restrictions on houses of worship gathering during the pandemic, McPherson also took the time to acknowledge the loss many of them suffered as a result of the virus while offering a sense of hope.

Over the last year, weve gone through so much. A lot of yall lost loved ones, lost jobs, businesses, but God is going to sustain you. Hes going to sustain you as we talk about in this new series called Relaunching, Hes going to get you through, McPherson declared.

Speaking with The San Diego Union-Tribune after the service, the megachurch pastor, who did not move to hold indoor services until state officials lifted mandatory restrictions last week, reiterated how happy he was to reunite with his spiritual family again.

It was so good to see our family back together, he said. It was like Thanksgiving or Christmas when you get to reunite with your family and reestablish your relationships.

More than 5,000 attended in-person services across four campuses and 300,000 also watched Rock Church services online, the publication noted. But for those who attended in-person, the feeling was special.

Its my birthday today, and weve been gone for so long that it feels like a gift from God and Pastor Miles that we can all be together again, said Karla Ghancous, 27, who recalled the first time she walked through the doors of the Point Loma campus.

I kid you not, the Holy Spirit just caught me the moment those double doors opened and I heard the music. Im ready to run back in right now, she told the newspaper.

Along with the loss of life that came with the pandemic, the social isolation, said McPherson, also deprived congregants of their relationship.

We dont realize how much we need each other, to look each other in the eyes, to see our faces and the expressions were making, McPherson said. Because were made for relationships. And when you take that away and when you get used to that, you lose something, and you just dont realize what you lost until you get it back.

On April 12, California lifted capacity limits on houses of worship after a controversial year when several churches challenged the states pandemic restrictions in court.

In response to recent judicial rulings, effective immediately, location and capacity limits on places of worship are not mandatory but are strongly recommended, an update posted on the states COVID-19 website reads.

In February, the office of California Gov. Gavin Newsom was forced to revise guidelines for indoor worship services after the U.S. Supreme Court granted an emergency injunction blocking a complete public health ban on indoor worship services in some counties. But the court kept in place restrictions on singing, chanting and a 25% limit on crowd size in place.

The state completely lifted all mandatory restrictions after the Supreme Court ruled against the states limits on in-home Bible study and other forms of worship on April 9.



Last week, Rock Church announced that four campuses would hold in-person services at 50% capacity, while the Chula Vista campus and microsites continued to meet outdoors.

Those wishing to attend services are encouraged to RSVP each week and are required to wear a mask upon entering the facility. Attendees will have the option to remove the mask once they are seated.

According to a statement released by the church, seating indoors "will support comfortable distancing." Attendees are asked to maintain "appropriate distance from those outside their household" and were asked to leave bags and purses at home in an "effort to keep everything as touchless as possible." No food or drink was allowed to be consumed inside the church buildings except water.

With the recent Supreme Court ruling allowing churches to meet indoors, the Rock Church leadership has been meeting to assess the feasibility of how to do it safely," McPherson said in a statement. "This involves preparing the physical buildings, training staff and volunteers, and making the necessary safety precautions.
Texas business sues US military over ban on sale of Bible-themed dog tags

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A Texas-based religious business that makes specialty dog tags with Bible verses and Christian imagery has filed a lawsuit against the United States Department of Defense over its decision to prohibit the company from selling religious tags with U.S. armed forces trademarks.

Shields of Strength filed a lawsuit last week against the U.S. Department of Defense and others tied to the military in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas, Tyler Division.

At issue, according to the suit, was a decision by various branches of the military to prohibit Shields of Strength from using the various trademarks of the Armed Forces on their specialized dog tags.

For over 20 years, Shields of Strength had been allowed to include the military trademarks alongside Bible verse quotes and Christian imagery, such as a cross. The business boasts of having sold or donated around 4 million dog tags.

According to a Department of Defense instruction from April 2020, military trademarks cannot be included on products that feature the promotion of religious views.

DoD marks may not be licensed for use in a manner that creates a perception of DoD endorsement of any non-federal entity or its products and services, stated the instruction.

DoD marks may not be licensed for any purpose intended to promote ideological movements, sociopolitical change, religious beliefs (including non-belief), specific interpretations of morality, or legislative/statutory change.

In its complaint, Shields of Strength accused the military of violating its religious liberty when the DoD demanded the removal of religious elements from the specialty dog tags.

The DoDs directive that SoS remove all Biblical references from its products demonstrates precisely the type of government hostility towards religion that the Establishment Clause forbids, stated the lawsuit.

SoS has suffered irreparable harm, including the loss of fundamental constitutional rights, entitling it to injunctive relief, declaratory relief, legal relief, damages under [the Religious Freedom Restoration Act], and attorneys fees and costs.

Shields of Strength is being represented by the First Liberty Institute, a conservative law firm headquartered in Plano, Texas, and the law firm Fish & Richardson.

Its a cruel insult to our service members to deny them a source of inspiration, hope, and encouragement simply because it contains a religious message, said Mike Berry of First Liberty Institute in a statement released last week.

DOD officials caved to the empty threats of those who make their living by being offended. Theres no legal reason for the military to discriminate against Shields of Strength, it added.

In July 2019, Military Religious Freedom Foundation President Mikey Weinstein sent cease-and-desist letters to each branch of the Armed Forces, demanding that they prohibit Shields of Strength from using the trademarks of each military branch on its products.

Shields of Strength is and has always been free to produce and sell its other products, said Weinstein in a statement to Fox News. It is only these products with an official DoD emblem for which a DoD license is required that the DoD has said Shields of Strength cannot sell.

Hopefully, any competent Federal judge will easily see through First Liberty Institutes specious subterfuge and justly rule in favor of the DoD via DoD, or DoJ on behalf of DoD, filing a simple Motion for Summary Judgment or other routine, preliminary dispositive Motions.
Graham reacts after school pulls out of Operation Christmas Child: 'I don't think our country will ever come together'

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The Rev. Franklin Graham reacted to a Kansas middle schools decision to sever ties with his charity project, Operation Christmas Child, and expressed doubt that our country will ever come together.

We dont solicit necessarily from schools, Graham, president of Samaritans Purse, said on Fox News The Ingraham Angle Friday. Anybody can participate and what this is, this is just children there at the school that did this on their own and got their school involved."

The atheist group Freedom From Religion Foundation had sent a complaint letter dated Nov. 3, to Superintendent Tony Helfrich, urging the district to take "immediate action to cease promoting and endorsing Christianity in its schools." FFRF specifically cited Liberty Middle School, based in Pratt, Kansas, where morning announcements often include references to Jesus and Operation Christmas Child is promoted.

After contending that the Samaritans Purse website states that the purpose of the shoe boxes is to attract children in the developing world to convert to Christianity, FFRF Staff Attorney Christopher Line argued that organizing a donation drive that for all intents and purposes employs school staff and resources to convert people to Christianity violates constitutional principles.

In response, Helfrich sent a letter to FFRF explaining that the district was discontinuing the collaboration with Operation Christmas Child upon learning that its mission is more sectarian in nature than we realized.

Though the school has pulled out of participating in the shoebox gift donations, Graham encouraged students at Liberty Middle School to send gifts directly to the ministry instead.

I want every child that gets a box to know that God loves them and that he cares for them, Graham said. We dont hide the fact that were Christians.  Its on our website, were very upfront about our  position and our faith.

He added that if we would just turn from our sins, that God would forgive our sins and heal our sins.

When asked by Fox News host Laura Ingraham to respond to Pastor John MacArthur's recent comments that Americas in a moral free fall, Graham responded: I do share his concerns and I think we are in a moral free fall in this country.

According to Graham, the only hope for our country, I believe, is God.  For that to happen is weve got to come to Him in repentance, turning from our sins and putting our faith and trust in His son, Jesus Christ. And I think if we do that, then God will hear our prayers and Hell heal this country.

Addressing the question of what it will take to bring this country together, Graham argued: I dont think our country will ever come together. I think were so divided now and its only going to get worse and the hatred that we see from many  in the public square toward Christians is incredible.

Im not going to back down. Im just going to keep telling people that God loves them and He cares for them and Christ died for their sins.

This is not the first instance of an atheist group targeting public schools for their collaboration with Operation Christmas Child. In 2013, the American Humanist Association sent letters to public schools in West Columbia, South Carolina, and Douglas County, Colorado, threatening them with legal action if they did not terminate their relationships with the charitable organization.

Both schools complied with the AHAs demands, citing a desire to avoid the legal fees and media attention that would accompany a lawsuit by the atheist group.
Lutheran LGBT ministry suspends ELCA's first trans-identified bishop over alleged 'racist' actions

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A group that supports LGBT Lutheran clergy has suspended the membership of the first trans-identified bishop in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, accusing the church leader of racist actions and words.

Bishop Meghan Rohrer, the head of the California-based ELCA Sierra Pacific Synod who uses they/them pronouns, was suspended by the Extraordinary Lutheran Ministries board of directors last week. ELM is an organization that organizes queer seminarians and rostered ministers to confront barriers and systemic oppression.

As a result of the suspension, Rohrer will not be included in the ELM Proclaim communications and events and will not be invited to events exclusively sponsored by ELM.

Additionally, ELM asked Rohrer to remove any references to the LGBT Lutheran group from any of the bishops articles, biographies, publications and reports.

In a statement Monday, the ELM board claimed that Rohrer was suspended due to an existing pattern of behavior that put the bishop at odds with ELMs Mission, Vision, and Values  specifically as it pertains to being an anti-racist organization.

This suspension is not only a response to recent harm done by the Sierra Pacific Synod Council and Bishop Rohrer to the Latinx community in Stockton, CA. This is a decision that ELM staff and Board have been discerning for much of 2021, continued the board.

The Accountability Team has attempted to work with Bishop Rohrer to specifically address how the bishops racist words and actions have harmed members of the ELM staff, board, and community. In September, Bishop Rohrer declined the Accountability Teams invitation for continued work to repair these relationships.

The board stated that its members hope and pray that ELM and Bishop Rohrer can work together to repair our relationships and proclaim together the liberating, life-giving gospel of Jesus Christ.

The boards statement didnt elaborate on what Rohrers racist words and actions were. Recent reports have indicated that the Rev. Nelson Rabell-Gonzalez of Mision Latina Luterana in Stockton, California, was fired by Rohrer on Dec. 12.

In May, Rohrer was elected to head the ELCA Sierra Pacific Synod, winning the fifth ballot with 209 votes, narrowly defeating the Rev. Jeff R. Johnson, who received 207 votes.

Before the election, Rohrer served as pastor of Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church in San Francisco and was the community chaplain coordinator for the San Francisco Police Department.

All of us are proud of our colleague, Bishop-elect Megan Rohrer, who made history as the first openly transgender person elevated to the role of Bishop by a major Christian denomination in the U.S., tweeted the police department at the time.

Rohrer was installed as bishop in September, saying in a statement that taking on the new leadership position would not be possible without a diverse community of Lutherans in Northern California and Nevada prayerfully and thoughtfully voting to do a historic thing.

My installation will celebrate all that is possible when we trust God to shepherd us forward, stated Rohrer at the time.

Rohrers election and installation did not come without criticism, as the Exposing the ELCA blog labeled it a complete slap in the face to God.

The ELCA is thumbing its nose at God, His Word and Truth and effectively showing that they are part of the uber left and its rejection of Christianity, posted the blog.

How can God-fearing, Bible-believing individuals remain in the ELCA? How can churches remain?
Man charged with killing British MP David Amess in church pleads not guilty

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A 25-year-old man believed to be behind the October stabbing of Conservative British member of Parliament David Amess at a church has pleaded not guilty to the murder and allegations he planned a terror attack for over two years.

Ali Harbi Ali, of Kentish Town in north London, made an appearance on Tuesday in London court for his pretrial hearing before the Old Bailey, the nickname of the Central Criminal Court of England and Wales.

At the hearing, Ali pleaded not guilty to allegations suggesting that he researched addresses linked to members of Parliament, the houses of Parliament and conducted internet searches for attack targets over a time starting in May 2019, The Guardian reports.

The deadly stabbing occurred on Oct. 15, when Amess was conducting a constituency surgery for his Southend West constituency at Belfairs Methodist Church in Leigh-on-Sea, Essex.

Amess suffered 17 stab wounds so severe the paramedics could not get him to the hospital before his passing. An hour after the brutal assault, Amess died on the scene at the church at around 1:13 p.m. He was 69.

Ali is facing charges of engaging in conduct in preparation of terrorist acts between May 2019 and Sept. 28, 2021.

Authorities also allege that Ali engaged in reconnaissance of locations of targets to attack and conducted internet research relating to targets to attack.

A trial date has been set for March 21, 2022, while Ali remains in custody.

In October, it was reported that police described Ali as a self-radicalized man who had previously been referred to the governments deradicalization program.

Amess was married with five children and served as a parliamentarian for 38 years. He was known for his socially conservative viewpoints and pro-life stance on abortion.

Amess family said they are proud of the life Amess lived.

Our hearts are shattered. However, there was still so much David wanted to do  this we know from the events of the last few days, said Amess family members in a statement.

The family also mentioned that Amess was strong and courageous and that nobody should die in the way he did.

He was a patriot and a man of peace. So, we ask people to set aside their differences and show kindness and love to all. This is the only way forward. Set aside hatred and work towards togetherness, continued the familys public sentiment.

Amess family hopes some good would come from the tragedy.

Whatever ones race, religious or political beliefs, be tolerant and try to understand. As a family, we are trying to understand why this awful thing has occurred, the statement reads. We are absolutely broken, but we will survive and carry on for the sake of a wonderful and inspiring man.

Others who knew Amess shared similar sentiments following his murder.

Chairman of the Southend Conservative Association, John Lamb, shared that before the killing, Amess had celebrated the wedding of one of his daughters.

He was a family man, its just tremendously sad, Lamb said, according to The Telegraph. They cant believe that Sir. Davids gone, the wife cant believe that her husband has gone and that it happened at a place he loved being. He will never go home again. Thats the disbelief.

Cardinal Vincent Nichols, the president of the Catholic Bishops Conference of England and Wales, said he was shocked and saddened to hear about the stabbing and killing.

This death throws a sharp light onto the fact that our Members of Parliament are servants of the people, available to people in their need, especially in their constituencies, Nichols said, according to Crux. This horrific attack, as David was undertaking his constituency surgery, is an attack on our democratic process and traditions.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson posted a social media statement saying Amess believed passionately in the country and its future.

The U.K. lost a fine public servant and a much-loved friend and colleague.  All of our hearts are full of shock and sadness, Johnson expressed on Twitter in October.

One of the kindest, nicest, most gentle people in politics.  Our thoughts are very much today with his wife, his children, and his family.

Labour leader Keir Starmer called Amess death Horrific and deeply shocking news, while Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey added it was a truly terrible day for British politics.
Over 2,500 families receive toys, groceries at California's Rock Church Toys for Joy donation event

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Loud cheering amid encouraging words of prayer and a Gospel message could be heard as over 2,500 families and children received donated toys and boxes filled with groceries this holiday season during a California church's drive-thru distribution event, Toys for Joy.

To provide aid to families in need this Christmas, Rock Church in San Diego partnered with 1,091 community members, 30 agencies, and 55 schools across San Diego County for the Toys for Joy initiative, which served 2,857 families who needed financial help or food assistance on Dec. 11.

As families in need drove by to collect the items, many of the Christian volunteers at the event took the opportunity to not only pray with them but also share the Gospel.

"I really try to teach that this is the time of forgiveness. This is the time to heal wounds, said Tarlease Jones, a volunteer who has devoted time to helping with the initiative for the past 10 years. This is the time to make amends. This is our time to tell our God thank you and be thankful for the things that we do have.



For Jones, the Toys for Joy donation event was once something she relied on to support her two children in 2010. And ever since that year when she sought assistance for her family, she said she has become passionate about giving back to the community as a volunteer.

Looking back on the past decade of her volunteer efforts, Jones said she has been able to give thanks to God for all the years she has served in a capacity that involved sharing and spreading the Gospel to those who are in need.



Paul the Apostle teaches us about that contentment in all circumstances and situations [and] there are thousands of families who cant afford to get a gift; not for themselves, not for their children, not for their family members, their coworkers, or their grocery store clerk, Jones continued.



And so instead of us falling into humanitys nature of feeling like a failure of feeling less than, its a great moment to tell God thank you and really look at what He has for you, being able to have a sense of connection with people and always connecting back to Him, she added.



Another volunteer at the drive-thru event, Geniese Ligon, recalled a time in her past when she encouraged someone else to seek assistance from a past Toys for Joy. Ligon said she recalls inviting a single mother with three children who was a congregant at Rock Church to the initiative because the mother was on the verge of becoming homeless.



Fast forward, she came through the lines at Toys for Joy after I encouraged her to come [and] she came through for two or three years. And then in the fourth year, she and her older daughter volunteered, recounted Ligon about the womans story.



Ligon also recalled that the mother of three later told her: I'm just picking up trash, but I felt like it was a metaphor for me. When I was trash, God saw me, and He picked me up. And so now I want to encourage somebody else.



She is Christian now, shes serving God, she understood who she was. She started off as a recipient and became so much more than that, Ligon said, further detailing the mothers story.



The Rock Church will host The Rock Family Christmas Special on Dec. 24 at 10 a.m. PST (Online) and 4 p.m. at their in-person campuses. Visit here for more information.
Salvation Army responds to allegations of embracing CRT, decries 'war on Christmas and the poor'

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The national commander of The Salvation Army is accusing an advocacy organization of waging a war on Christmas and the poor by publicizing the charitys apparent embrace of critical race theory, thereby causing the faith-based organization to lose support.

On Saturday, Commissioner Kenneth Hodder, national commander of The Salvation Army, posted a video accompanied by the caption Kenny Xus War on Christmas and the Poor on his Twitter account. The video features Hodder addressing the controversy surrounding a document titled Lets Talk About Racism.

Portrayed by the charity as a resource developed to guide The Salvation Army family in gracious discussions about overcoming the damage racism has inflicted upon our world, the document was strongly condemned by the advocacy group Color Us United, which advocates for a race-blind America and works to push back on those claiming America is racist or by those who simply want to undermine Americas fundamental principles of freedom.

The resource took issue with the idea that the U.S. is a post-racial society and cited works authored by prominent advocates of critical race theory as recommended reading.

Encyclopedia Brittanica defines critical race theory as an intellectual and social movement and loosely organized framework of legal analysis based on the premise that race is not a natural, biologically grounded feature of physically distinct subgroups of human beings but a socially constructed (culturally invented) category that is used to oppress and exploit people of color.

But such definitions of CRT that fail to mention its Marxist roots are denying reality, according to Paul Kengor, professor of political science and chief academic fellow of the Institute for Faith and Freedom at Grove City College.

Kengor noted in an op-ed published in The Christian Post that the origins of CRT are the "Frankfurt School, Freudo-Marxism. He further implored academics to "explain what CRT is and isnt. Most of all, rejecting CRT doesnt mean rejecting talking about racial discrimination. It didnt in the past and it wont in the future.

"Until then, in the spirit of Marxism, critical race theory will do what it does: divide people. We need to unite people around what is true," Kengor added.

In response to the onslaught of criticism, The Salvation Army document has since been removed from its website.

Color Us United launched a petition designed to keep The Salvation Army focused on its good works and prevent it from going woke. As of Wednesday afternoon, the petition has gathered nearly 18,000 signatures out of a goal of 25,000. Additionally, the advocacy group has started the #JustSayIt campaign, urging the charity to explicitly declare that America is not a racist country.

Hey Salvation Army, #JustSayIt: America is not a racist country! pic.twitter.com/3BeSMp00VS  Color Us United (@CUU_org) December 10, 2021

Hodder began the video by elaborating on his interactions with Kenny Xu, president of Color Us United. A couple of months ago, my wife and I hosted Kenny Xu and one of his colleagues from Color Us United at our national headquarters for lunch, Hodder recalled. We knew they had questions about the Salvation Army and we were happy to answer them.

Kenny Xus War on Christmas and the Poor - A Response from Commissioner Kenneth Hodder, National Commander of The @SalvationArmyUS. pic.twitter.com/D4EhP4Tb3d  Commissioner Hodder (@natlcommander) December 19, 2021

We shared some history outlining the Armys beliefs, described its commitment to service and even talked a bit about the deep personal satisfaction that my wife and I have found in our 33 years of ministry. Above all, we made it clear that the Salvation Army has never been about politics, we are not on the left and we are not on the right.

Hodder lamented that Xu alleged in a Wall Street Journal op-ed that an internal coalition of woke ideologues now endangers the organizations representation.

After noting that Mr. Xu calls upon the Salvation Army to say that America is not a racist country, Hodder insisted that making such a statement was not necessary because weve never said otherwise. Additionally, he accused Color Us United of engaging in a campaign to discredit the Salvation Army and dissuade the public from supporting our work.

Frankly, these attacks have left me angry not because of what they might mean for the Salvation Army but because I know what they could mean to those who are hungry, to families who are at risk of losing their homes and to the survivors of natural disasters, he said. Mr. Xu has also called for the Salvation Army to eliminate positions focused on diversity, equity and inclusion. Thats not going to happen, Hodder declared.

Hodder defended the work of ensuring equal opportunity and treatment within the Salvation Army as far too important not to be intentional about.

Color Us United has misrepresented a short-lived discussion guide in order to fabricate political claims and further its own agenda. Its wrong and its reckless, Hodder maintained.

We have never said that America is a racist country. We have never said that our donors should apologize for the color of their skin and we have never endorsed a political or social ideology other than that found in the Bible.

Xu addressed a letter to Hodder in response to the video, pushing back on the idea that he is working to discredit and damage the reputation of the Salvation Army. Our team watched your video with sadness, he wrote in the letter. Our respect for The Salvation Army is immense. We fully support all the good work TSA has done for decades. Rather than harm TSA, we want to prevent divisive woke programs from causing its internal demise vis a vis an overt and unnecessary fixation on race.

FINAL letter sent to Commander Hodder and the leadership of @SalvationArmyUS: pic.twitter.com/sCAEbETNsK  Kenny Xu (@kennymxu) December 21, 2021

We are merely a messenger for concerned Salvationists. They see the imposition of [diversity, equity and inclusion] trainings and narratives onto TSA as damaging to the camaraderie among Salvationists and the implementation of programs, he added.

Addressing Hodders refusal to explicitly proclaim that the U.S. is not a racist country, Xu said: We are truly saddened that you cannot bring yourself to say America is not a racist country. You proclaim you never said America is a racist country. Yet, you cannot make a positive statement about this great country that has strongly supported TSA for over 100 years.

A poll conducted by Rasmussen Reports and RMG Research on behalf of Color Us United earlier this month revealed that the embrace of critical race theory has had a negative impact on the view of The Salvation Army among donors and members of the general public.

Specifically, the survey found that the charitys favorability ratings dropped from 81% to 41% when respondents were informed about the Lets Talk About Racism campaign. Thirty-two percent of those surveyed said the charitys embrace of Lets Talk About Racism made them less likely to donate.

In an exclusive column for CP, Ryan Bomberger, the Chief Creative Officer and co-founder of The Radiance Foundation, noted: "Many dont realize that The Salvation Army is a Christian denomination  an Evangelical one  which claims to follow the mainstream of Christian belief. ... Hodder recently and emphatically proclaimed in an online video: Let me be clear. We believe only in the Bible. We endorse no social philosophy, and we never will."

"The Salvation Army wholeheartedly promotes homosexuality and transgenderism," Bomberger asserted. "In fact, on their website, they go out of their way to highlight their unquestionable support of all things LGBTQ. I love that they serve anyone in need regardless of who they are (or who they think they are). The Bible teaches us to love every human being but not every human doing.

However, he lamented that: "Without offering any scriptural support, SA features numerous videos expressing their embrace of same-sex marriage and gender confusion. Interestingly, these are offered below the banner 'HEAR OUR TRUTH.' Well, therein lies the problem. There isnt your truth, my truth, or our truth  just the Truth. Back in 2012, the Salvation Army was biblical about its position on marriage and sexuality, signing an Open Letter on Marriage and Religious Freedom. Today, theyre clearly political; it makes those big corporate partnerships possible. They not only endorse the social philosophy of Queer Theory (not my terminology but the academic label), they champion it. This isnt mainstream Christian belief.

"The Salvation Army is known for meeting human needs. But failing to distinguish between needs and wants has been leading the Salvation Army astray."
Christian groups ask Supreme Court to stop Biden employer vaccine mandate

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Christian organizations have appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court to stop the enforcement of the Biden administrations COVID-19 vaccine mandate following an appeals court decision last Friday allowing the employer mandate to take effect.

A three-judge panel of the U.S. 6th Circuit Court of Appeals dissolved a stay issued by the U.S. 5th Circuit Court of Appeals, allowing for the rule stipulating that businesses with 100 or more employees require employees to get vaccinated against the coronavirus or submit to weekly testing by early January.

The First Liberty Institute, a legal nonprofit specializing in religious liberty cases, filed an emergency application for stay with the nations high court over the weekend on behalf of multiple faith-based organizations, arguing that the Occupational Safety and Health Administration vaccine mandate violates the Religious Freedom Restoration Act.

The application was filed with Justice Brett Kavanaugh, who oversees the 6th Circuit.

The Ministries seek an immediate stay of [OSHAs emergency temporary standard] while the court of appeals considers the merits of their petitions for review, because the ETS fails to provide any religious exemptions or accommodations for religious employers as required by the Religious Freedom Restoration Act, the First Liberty application states.

First Liberty represents the Daystar Television Network, Inc.; the American Family Association, Inc.; and Answers in Genesis, Inc.

On behalf of Christian colleges and seminaries, the Alliance Defending Freedom, a conservative legal nonprofit that has successfully argued several religious freedom cases before the Supreme Court, asked Justice Kavanaugh to halt the enforcement of the federal vaccine mandate.

ADF represents the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Asbury Theological Seminary, Sioux Falls Catholic Schools, Cambridge Christian School, Home School Legal Defense Association and the Christian Employers Alliance.

ADF contends that relief is warranted because the Mandate seeks to issue sweeping non-workplace, public health measures. ADF believes that OSHA failed to satisfy the requirements of the ETS provision.

It is problematic enough that the Mandate exceeds OSHAs authority, imposes $3 billion in compliance costs, seeks to resolve one of the most hotly debated political topics in recent memory, and seeks to alter the federal-state balance, continued the ADF.

But the Mandate also inserts federal power into the employment decisions of religious institutions, despite the fact that the OSH Act does not allow OSHA to regulate religious nonprofit organizations.

The Heritage Foundation, a petitioner in a lawsuit against the mandate, also expressed the intention of continuing the legal battle against OSHA. President Kevin Roberts said in a statement Saturday that his organization will explore all legal options for challenging the circuit courts decision.

President Biden was wrong to impose this authoritarian mandate on the American people and the circuit courts ruling only adds confusion and uncertainty. If this ruling is upheld, it will set a dangerous precedent for future encroachments upon our freedom, said Roberts.

While we are disappointed in the 6th Circuits misguided ruling, we remain confident we will ultimately prevail. Until then, we wont stop fighting for the millions of Americans affected by this unlawful mandate.

OSHA unveiled its temporary emergency standards final rule in November.

OSHA has determined that many employees in the U.S. who are not fully vaccinated against COVID-19 face grave danger from exposure to SARS-CoV-2 in the workplace, the agency stated at the time.

This finding of grave danger is based on the severe health consequences associated with exposure to the virus along with evidence demonstrating the transmissibility of the virus in the workplace and the prevalence of infections in employee populations.

OSHA maintains that the rule is necessary to protect unvaccinated workers from the risk of contracting COVID-19 at work, adding that workers are becoming seriously ill and dying as a result of occupational exposures to COVID-19, when a simple measure, vaccination, can largely prevent those deaths and illnesses.

The majority of the 6th Circuit panel concluded that OSHA has long had the authority to regulate hazards that co-exist in the workplace and in society but are at heightened risk in the workplace.

OSHAs issuance of the ETS is not an enormous expansion of its regulatory authority. OSHA has regulated workplace health and safety on a national scale since 1970, including controlling the spread of disease, the courts opinion authored by Obama appointee Judge Jane Stranch reads.

[V]accination and medical examinations are both tools that OSHA historically employed to contain illness in the workplace. The ETS is not a novel expansion of OSHAs power; it is an existing application of authority to a novel and dangerous worldwide pandemic.

Judge Joan Larsen, a Trump appointee, dissented.

Here, the Secretary asks for maximum authority and maximum discretion; he wants to

issue a rule of national import, covering two-thirds of American workers, and he wants to do it without clear congressional authorization, without even public notice and comment, and with a capacious understanding of necessity, Larsen wrote. Such a combination of authority and discretion is unprecedented, and the Secretary is unlikely to show that he has been granted it.

In a statement Saturday, the U.S. Department of Labor said it wont penalize companies that dont comply with the regulations until Jan. 10. The agency wont issue citations for companies that dont comply with its testing requirements until Feb. 9 so long as an employer is exercising reasonable, good faith efforts to come into compliance.
Mike Pence joins Samaritan's Purse volunteers to aid tornado victims in Kentucky

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Former Vice President Mike Pence and his wife, Karen, joined volunteers with the Evangelical Christian aid organization Samaritans Purse to help cleanup efforts in Kentucky following a recent line of deadly tornadoes.

On Dec. 10, over 60 tornadoes struck in six states, destroying hundreds of homes and killing over 70 people in Kentucky alone.

On Saturday, the Pences volunteered in Mayfield, Kentucky, working alongside dozens of volunteers in the town that became a focal point for national media coverage after the collapse of the Mayfield Consumer Products candle factory trapped dozens and killed at least eight.

Also joining the volunteers for the cleanup on Saturday was Edward Graham, son of the Samaritans Purses President Franklin Graham and grandson of the late evangelist Billy Graham.

According to a statement released by Samaritans Purse, the Pences encouraged and prayed with residents affected by the tornadoes. He also encouraged those volunteering amid the Christmas season to help those in need.

We just wanted to come down and say thanks for putting hands and feet to your faith, Pence told volunteers. The fact that youre taking time at this time of year is even more meaningful. Seeing you here is testament to the Lord Jesus Christ.

In a video, Pence said that the devastation in Mayfield is heartbreaking.

But to see Samaritans Purse on the scene coming literally all across this country to volunteer, helping to clear the damage, helping put their lives back together and doing it all in Jesus name, I know its been an encouragement to these homeowners that weve spoken to, the former Indiana governor said. People in this community need healing, and the Bible tells us that if His people who are called by His name will humble themselves and pray, Hell heal our land and Hell heal this community.

Volunteers with Samaritans Purse, who worked on the property of former Police Chief Dale Murphy, gave him a copy of the Holy Bible that they and the Pences signed.

What an encouragement this was to residents who have been through so much and to those volunteering, Graham stated in a Facebook post. Thank you to the Pences for showing the love of Jesus Christ in the aftermath of this deadly storm.

The six states impacted by the tornadoes are Arkansas, Illinois, Kentucky, Missouri, Mississippi and Tennessee. Kentucky reportedly had one tornado that stayed on the ground for over 200 miles.

With help from local churches, Samaritans Purse has established tornado relief operations in Mayfield, Bowling Green, Kentucky, and northeast Arkansas. Volunteers in those locations are cutting and removing broken trees, removing wet drywall and carpeting, tarping roofs, salvaging belongings and locating missing items from destroyed homes.

We want to show these folks that are down in the ditch the love of Jesus Christ. And we know theres a need, and we are able to help these folks right where they are, in Jesus name, Todd Taylor, Samaritans Purse U.S. disaster relief program manager, told The Christian Post last week. Once yards have been cleaned and raked up, even if the house has been destroyed, it gives the homeowners hope and a place to start. And thats when we can start sharing the Gospel.

In Illinois, the fierce weather system led to the collapse of an Amazon warehouse in Edwardsville, resulting in six deaths, prompting an investigation into the warehouses collapse.

A letter sent Monday by progressive Democrat lawmakers to Amazon CEO Andy Jassy and founder Jeff Bezos argued that the tragedy could have been avoided had the company followed proper safety procedures.

As we work to ensure that tragedies such as this one are not repeated, we seek answers about what happened at your Edwardsville warehouse, stated the letter, and whether your policies may have contributed to this tragedy.
Church leaders in Jerusalem demand more protection for Holy Land Christians

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A group of church leaders in Jerusalem have issued a joint statement calling for greater protection for Christians living in the Middle East, as well as a special cultural heritage zone for Christians in Jerusalem.

In a statement issued earlier this week, the Patriarchs and Heads of Churches in Jerusalem spoke with concern about the rising trend of violence against Christians in the Holy Land.

Since 2012 there have been countless incidents of physical and verbal assaults against priests and other clergy, attacks on Christian churches, with holy sites regularly vandalized and desecrated, and ongoing intimidation of local Christians who simply seek to worship freely and go about their daily lives, they stated.

These tactics are being used by such radical groups in a systematic attempt to drive the Christian community out of Jerusalem and other parts of the Holy Land.

The church leaders went on to note that while they appreciated the Israeli governments commitment to uphold a safe and secure home for Christians in the Holy Land, they believed that this commitment was being undermined by local politicians, officials and law enforcement agencies to curb the activities of radical groups.

The principle that the spiritual and cultural character of Jerusalems distinct and historic quarters should be protected is already recognized in Israeli law with respect to the Jewish Quarter, continued the church leaders.

Yet radical groups continue to acquire strategic property in the Christian Quarter, with the aim of diminishing the Christian presence, often using underhanded dealings and intimidation tactics to evict residents from their homes, dramatically decreasing the Christian presence, and further disrupting the historic pilgrim routes between Bethlehem and Jerusalem.

The church leadership called on political authorities in Israel, Jordan, and the Palestinian territories to dialogue with them, to deal with the radical groups, and to work on the creation of a special Christian cultural and heritage zone to safeguard the integrity of the Christian Quarter in Old City Jerusalem.

The World Council of Churches' acting General Secretary, the Rev. Ioan Sauca, issued a statement on Thursday in support of the Patriarchs and Heads of Churches in Jerusalem.

Recognizing the gravity of the threat accelerating the already tragically steep decline in the Christian presence, the WCC strongly supports the church leaders call for an urgent dialogue with the political authorities of Israel, Palestine and Jordan with a view to addressing the challenges posed by radical groups and to protecting and supporting the Christian community, Sauca said.

The Christians of the Holy Land must be respected and valued as part of both the heritage and future of the region, and assured the same rights as others and protections appropriate to a threatened minority, for which the political authorities of the region are both legally and morally responsible.

The statement comes as Israel faces allegations of discrimination for not easing a travel ban for Christian pilgrims seeking to visit the country during the Christmas season.

Recently, Israel eased a restriction on travel due to the omicron variant of COVID-19 for Jewish individuals seeking the Birthright program, however, they maintained the ban for non-Jewish Christian pilgrims.

Racist discrimination should never be accepted in any way, said Wadie Abunassar, a spokesman and adviser to churches in the Holy Land, as reported by The Associated Press. I urge the Israeli authorities to treat all those who want to visit the country equally without any discrimination between religion."
Indian authorities investigate Mother Teresa charity over claims of converting orphan girls

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Amid rising Christian persecution in India, police in the western state of Gujarat are investigating Mother Teresas charity, which runs orphanages and schools for abandoned children, after officials filed a police complaint under the states anti-conversion law alleging the nuns are forcibly converting girls.

Police have filed a case against the Missionaries of Charity, which was founded by Mother Teresa, under the Gujarat Freedom of Religion Act of 2003 for allegedly hurting Hindu religious sentiments and luring" young girls "toward Christianity" in a shelter home it runs in Vadodara city, The Indian Express reported.

The police complaint says District Social Defense Officer Mayank Trivedi and the Chairman of the Child Welfare Committee of the district visited the Catholic charitys Home for Girls in Makarpura area on Dec. 9 and found that girls were being forced to read the Bible and pray with the intention of steering them into Christianity, the newspaper said.

Between February 10, 2021, and December 9, 2021, the institution has been involved in activities to hurt the religious sentiments of Hindus intentionally and with bitterness The girls inside the Home for Girls are being lured to adopt Christianity by making them wear the cross around their neck and also placing the Bible on the table of the storeroom used by the girls, in order to compel them to read the Bible It is an attempted crime to force religious conversion upon the girls, reads the complaint.

A spokesperson from the charity was quoted as saying, We are not involved in any religious conversion activity We have 24 girls in the home. These girls live with us and they follow our practice as they see us doing the same when we pray and live. We have not converted anyone or forced anyone to marry into Christian faith.

While Christians make up only 2.3% of Indias population and Hindus comprise about 80%, the countrys radical Hindu nationalists have been carrying out attacks on Christians under the pretext of punishing the minority for allegedly using monetary rewards to convert Hindus to Christianity.

Several Indian states, including Gujarat, have passed anti-conversion laws, which presume that Christians force or give financial benefits to Hindus to lure them into converting to Christianity. While some of these laws have been in place for decades, no Christian has been convicted of forcibly converting anyone to Christianity. These laws, however, allow Hindu nationalist groups to make false charges against Christians and launch attacks on them under the pretext of the alleged forced conversion.

India ranks as the 10th worst country globally when it comes to Christian persecution, according to Open Doors USAs 2021 World Watch List.

The group warns that since the Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party took power in 2014, persecution against Christians and other religious minorities has increased.

In 2017, more than 100 members of the U.S. Congress wrote a letter to Indias interior minister, urging him to allow U.S.-based Christian child sponsorship organization Compassion International, which was forced to close operations in India due to allegations that it was funding religious conversions, to continue its work in that country. The Colorado-based charity said at the time that the decision impacted nearly 147,000 babies, children and young adults registered in its child development programs, as well as 127 staff.

Compassion International executives denied the allegation and said they were not given a chance to rebut the governments claims, according to The New York Times.

Open Doors USA reports that Hindu radicals often attack Christians with little to no consequences.

Hindu extremists believe that all Indians should be Hindus and that the country should be rid of Christianity and Islam, an Open Doors fact sheet on India explains. They use extensive violence to achieve this goal, particularly targeting Christians from a Hindu background. Christians are accused of following a foreign faith and blamed for bad luck in their communities.

Human rights groups in India said in October they had documented over 300 incidents of Christian persecution in just the first nine months of 2021, warning that this year might be the worst in terms of the number of such incidents in the countrys history.
Mozambique: Islamic extremists behead pastor, force wife to carry his severed remains

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Suspected ISIS-linked extremists beheaded a pastor, handed his severed head to his wife and forced her to carry the head to the police station in the southern African country of Mozambique, according to reports.

The jihadist militants decapitated the pastor, a resident of Nova Zambezia area in the northern province of Cabo Delgado, last Wednesday, the U.S.-based persecution watchdog International Christian Concern said.

The killing was also reported by the Daily Mail, but the pastors name has not been disclosed.

Zimbabwe Daily also reported on the murder, saying the pastors wife told police that suspected Islamic State-linked insurgents intercepted the pastor in a field, decapitated him and then handed over his head to her and ordered her to inform the authorities.

Earlier this month, the U.K.-based watchdog organization Human Rights Watch reported that an armed group in Cabo Delgado province called Al Sunnah wa Jamaah, also known as Al-Shabab, had forced kidnapped women and girls to marry their fighters.

Other women and girls held captive had been sold to foreign fighters for between $600 and $1,800, according to the report. Some abducted foreign women and girls had been released after their families paid a ransom.

Last November, ISIS-linked militants beheaded over 50 people, including women and children, and abducted others in raids in the Miudumbe and Macomia districts of the Cabo Delgado province.

The day after the pastor's murder, Mozambiques President Filipe Nyusi claimed that the number of jihadist attacks had decreased this year after Rwanda and neighboring countries helped tackle the radical Islamic jihadist insurgency.

The oil-rich Cabo Delgado province, a coastal region on the Indian Ocean, has suffered an emergence of a jihadi movement that has displaced thousands and killed hundreds since 2017. In 2018, the terror group pledged its allegiance to the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria. In 2019, the Islamic State confirmed the group as an affiliate and has claimed responsibility for some attacks.

The Al-Shabab group in the majority-Christian country of Mozambique is not believed to have any connection with the deadly Somalia-based terror group with the same name.

According to the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project (ACLED), the Cabo Delgado province had suffered from at least 776 organized violence events since 2017, and as of January 2021, 2,578 fatalities from organized violence and 1,305 fatalities from civilian targeting.

The United Nations estimates more than 745,000 people are internally displaced in Mozambique due to Islamic extremism since 2017.

Mozambique also ranks as the 45th worst country for Christian persecution on Open Doors USAs 2021 World Watch List. This 2021 report is the first time the country has been listed on Open Doors annual list.

Extremist attacks have killed many Christians, and terrorists have burned churches and schools in the country.
Pastors challenge govt officials 'scaremongering campaign' against Evangelical Christians

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Two evangelical pastors in Bulgaria have appealed to the European Court of Human Rights to order a Bulgarian city to end its "scaremongering campaign" against non-Eastern Orthodox Christians after city officials and police sent a letter to all school administrators instructing faculty to inform children of the danger evangelical Christians pose.

The pastors, Zhivko Tochev and Radoslav Kiryakov, filed a brief with Europes top court earlier this month, responding to the arguments of the Balkan nations government in defense of its letter, which was sent by the City Council of Burgas, together with the police, to school administrators in 2008.

In the letter sent by officials with the city of Burgas, all non-Eastern Orthodox Christians were labeled as being part of sects.

Officials also accused Protestants of carrying out a massive campaign of agitation  tricking new members  disuniting the Bulgarian nation, said the human rights group Alliance Defending Freedom International, which is representing the pastors.

The letter also alleged that there was a danger of suffering mental aberrations and disorders when attending Protestant church services. The students in the class were asked to report if they had ever met someone from one of the named groups. The government also provided material to the press to generate coverage on what was referred to as its War on the Sects.

When we read the letter, we were shocked because after the fall of communism, we thought that we would be able to share the Gospel freely, Pastor Kiryakov was quoted as saying. At the same time, the media also started to say that we are dangerous cults and sectarians, and that people should be very careful.

ADF Internationals allied lawyer Viktor Kostov said religious beliefs are part of the dignity of human beings and have to be respected.

The actions of the government in this case were reckless and they caused significant damage to the ability of the pastors that I represent, Tonchev and Kiryakov, to exercise their religious rights, he said. They also caused damage to all other congregations and, in a larger context, to all believers in the city and in the country.

In 2018, Christian leaders in Bulgaria sounded an alarm about two proposed draft laws that were being advanced in the countrys parliament at the time that would revise the countrys Religious Denominations Act.

The amendments would hold that Bulgarian citizens may only carry out liturgical activities if they have completed theological education in Bulgaria or have a foreign diploma recognized by Bulgarian government institutions and state-sanctioned denominations.

The New York-based World Evangelical Alliance, which serves an international network of churches in 129 nations, voiced concern with the draft laws, stressing that they threaten to force evangelical churches and institutions to close or face unbearable and discriminatory administrative burdens and has implications on the funding and financial management of religious communities as well as on the training and appointing of clergy.
Amazon's massive cloud-computing operation Wednesday suffered its third outage in a month, briefly shutting down a vast number of online services critical to everyday life and highlighting again the vulnerabilities of an increasingly interconnected web.

Amazon Web Services reported on its status page that a power outage at a data center in Northern Virginia triggered connectivity issues starting around 7:30 a.m., disrupting a wide range of online giants, from the work chat rooms of Slack to the gaming store of Epic Games. Network connectivity had returned to normal by about 10 a.m., the company said.

It's the latest of several recent AWS outages that took down large chunks of the digital economy. Two weeks ago, service problems tied to malfunctioning network devices knocked offline Amazon's Ring doorbells and Roomba vacuums. Another outage occurred last week.

Cloud systems such as AWS allow companies to rent servers and computing power over the Web, and they've revolutionized the internet with promises of a reliable online backbone, available at any minute.

But the outages have underscored how this consolidation of the internet's once-distributed capabilities also means that a single failure can lead to wide-ranging, ripple effects, weakening the hidden backbone undergirding much of the web.

"A single glitch in a high-profile provider will have huge implications on countless organizations of all sizes, in often very unexpected ways," said Ed Skoudis, president of the SANS Technology Institute. "Service interruptions are vast and impact thousands of companies and millions of users. We are putting more eggs into fewer and fewer baskets. More eggs get broken that way."

Amazon did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Amazon founder Jeff Bezos owns The Washington Post.

Reliably keeping a giant "cloud" of international data centers online is tough, said Steven Bellovin, a computer science professor at Columbia University. Every change must be tested before it's deployed and closely monitored afterward, with an automatic way to back out in case of problems and a safety net of redundant software and backup servers, just in case.

Amazon has not released technical details on the underlying faults, and occasional outages are expected. But so many errors in a short time suggest that some of the backup systems might be inadequate to the task, Bellovin said.

"The short answer is that I'm disturbed," he added. "I've long been a fan of cloud services ... and it's possible that this is just malign coincidence for Amazon ... but if they can't accommodate growth, they're in a bad place."

AWS is the world's largest provider of cloud-computing services, with 40 percent of the worldwide market last year for infrastructure cloud services, according to the market research firm Gartner. Microsoft was a distant second, with roughly 20 percent.

But moving among the biggest cloud-computing services - Amazon's AWS, Microsoft's Azure and Google Cloud - is a challenge, because each system works differently and relies on its own infrastructure.

More companies, Skoudis said, are starting to talk about using multiple cloud systems simultaneously, even though the approach is pricey and "a little ridiculous, given how the cloud was advertised as giving us reliability and affordability."

The causes for the three outages this month reveal how the cloud's increasing intricacy and demands have led to more potential for disaster. The five-hour outage Dec. 7, AWS engineers wrote in a postmortem, was caused by a glitch in some automated software that led to "unexpected behavior" that then "overwhelmed" AWS networking devices and hit computer systems on the East Coast.

The second outage, which lasted for less than an hour Dec. 15, affected mostly West Coast devices and was blamed on "network congestion" due to some internal engineering that "incorrectly moved more traffic than expected to parts of the AWS backbone that affected connectivity," according to a company statement.

During Wednesday's outage, which Amazon said was due to data center power issues, users on Downdetector, a site for measuring internet outages, said they had trouble accessing sites including the video-streaming service Hulu and the investment site Fidelity.

Last year, huge swaths of the web were knocked offline after Amazon's Northern Virginia servers became overwhelmed. And Skoudis suspects more issues will arise as the internet grows more complex.

"In the IT field, we sometimes joke about how we spend 15 years centralizing computing, followed by 15 years decentralizing, followed by another 15 years centralizing again," he said. "Well, we have spent the past 10 years centralizing again, this time on (the) cloud."
(Bloomberg) -- The U.S. Supreme Court said it would hear arguments on an expedited basis on President Joe Bidens Covid-19 shot-or-test rule for large employers and his separate vaccine mandate for health-care workers.

The justices will hear both cases at a special Jan. 7 session, weighing whether to let the rules take effect in the face of a barrage of legal challenges. The cases will test the power of the federal government to tackle a pandemic that has killed more than 800,000 Americans.

The more sweeping clash involves an Occupational Safety and Health Administration rule that requires employers with 100 or more workers to make them get vaccinated or be tested regularly.

The justices will hear arguments from business groups and Republican-led states. They argue that OSHA exceeded the powers Congress gave the agency and that the federal government lacks constitutional authority to issue such a sweeping mandate.

The OSHA rule had been set to take effect Jan. 4, though the agency had said it wouldnt start issuing citations before Jan. 10. A federal appeals court backed the administration.

The other rule, issued by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, requires vaccinations for employees at facilities that participate in the Medicare and Medicaid health-care programs. The rule requires facilities to provide medical and religious exemptions.

Lower courts are divided on the CMS mandate and the Biden administration is currently barred from enforcing the rule in about half the country.

The Supreme Court has backed vaccine mandates in other contexts, rejecting challenges to state rules even if they dont let people opt out for religious reasons. But the latest cases involve different issues about the power of administrative agencies and the federal government.

The Jan. 7 argument will be the third expedited session of the courts current term, joining a clash over Texas ban on most abortions after six weeks and a case about the role of ministers in the execution chamber.

The OSHA cases are National Federation of Independent Business v. Department of Labor, 21A244, and Ohio v. Department of Labor, 21A247. The CMS cases are Biden v. Missouri, 21A240, and Becerra v. Louisiana, 21A241.

2021 Bloomberg L.P.
As other states are mobilizing to respond to the rapidly spreading omicron variant, Gov. Greg Abbott is not budging on his hands-off approach to the coronavirus pandemic that was cemented months ago.

In March, Abbott ended the statewide mask mandate, marking the beginning of a sharp shift toward preaching personal responsibility and an outright rejection of any government mandate  whether state or local  to curb the pandemic. That philosophy carried the state through the delta variant this fall, even as hospitals were overrun and deaths climbed. Now as the state stares down the latest variant, Abbott remains unmoved, continuing to rule out any mask or vaccine mandates and business shutdowns.

Were moving forward with life as we know it, Abbott said Tuesday in a radio interview when asked about omicron.

Abbotts insistence on the status quo comes as the state begins to see a rise in some key pandemic metrics, including daily new cases and the positivity rate, or the ratio of cases to tests. That rate hit 14.6% on Tuesday, part of a swift trajectory upward and above 10%, the threshold that Abbott has previously identified as worrisome. Hospitals have not yet seen a notable increase in cases, however, medical officials say theyre bracing for a possible post-holiday surge.

Asked Tuesday what the state is doing to address omicron, Abbotts spokesperson Renae Eze said in a statement that the governor recently got a briefing on the state response to the variant by John Hellerstedt, the commissioner of the Department of State Health Services, and Nim Kidd, chief of the Texas Division of Emergency Management. Eze otherwise gave no indication the state was doing anything differently, saying it was continuing to respond to the pandemic by setting up therapeutic infusion centers, ramping up COVID vaccination efforts, and providing surge staffing and medical equipment to hospitals and nursing homes.

Eze ended by calling vaccination the best defense against COVID-19 and encouraging Texans to get immunized.

Even as Abbotts office says its prioritizing vaccines as the best defense against COVID-19, the states vaccination rate lags nationally. As of Monday, 56% of Texans were fully vaccinated, placing Texas in the back half of the 50 states when ranked by vaccination rates.

Abbott got vaccinated on camera late last year and has encouraged Texans to get the shot. But he does not go out of his way to promote vaccinations and he has expended much more energy in recent months fighting vaccine requirements by local and federal officials.

Abbott has been virtually silent on the booster, which the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said last month every qualifying adult should receive. The word booster has never appeared on Abbotts personal Twitter account, and a spokesperson did not respond when asked whether the governor has received a booster.

As of Monday, 14.4% of Texans had gotten boosters.

State Rep. Chris Turner, chair of the House Democratic Caucus, acknowledged Abbott has encouraged vaccines on some occasions but said he needs to do so more often and more loudly.

If Gov. Abbott spent half the time promoting vaccines and boosters as he spends fighting local governments and businesses when theyre trying to protect their constituents or employees or students, Turner said, I think wed be in a much better place.

The Department of State Health Services has been more active in encouraging vaccination, as well as boosters. On social media, it has shared video testimonials from people who were initially reluctant to get the vaccine but ultimately received it.

With the holidays around the corner and Omicron spreading, DSHS recommends getting fully vaccinated and a booster shot, the agency said in a tweet last week.

Meanwhile, the federal government and some other states have sprung into action as the new variant has cropped up. President Joe Biden announced Tuesday the federal government would buy a half a billion at-home rapid tests to distribute for free to Americans. A number of states have extended or declared a state of emergency. And several major cities have announced plans to require vaccination proof to enter indoor spaces.

There has been no comparable mobilization by Abbott, who has not held a news conference on COVID-19 since March and has been prioritizing other issues in the public recently, like border security. On Saturday, Abbott traveled to Rio Grande City to debut the beginning of a state-built border wall.

Texas COVID cases are trending upward after the state reported an average of more than 6,000 confirmed cases every day in the last week.

The case data suggests that we have entered another COVID surge much like were seeing around the world with the emergence of omicron, said Lauren Ancel Meyers, director of the University of Texas COVID-19 Modeling Consortium. Were not yet seeing hospitalizations coming up, but that could follow shortly behind.

Meyers said there is still a lot of uncertainty about how omicron will play out in Texas, particularly when it comes to how severe cases will be. But given the rising case numbers, she added, if ever there was a time to err on the side of caution, now is the time.

As the cases rise in Texas, a familiar tension is reemerging between local officials and Abbott, who has restricted them from doing things like requiring masks, mandating vaccines and scaling back business openings.

I think the answer is very simple, said KP George, the judge in Fort Bend County in suburban Houston, where cases have increased by more than 300% in the last two weeks. As the governor and his party have said in the past, let the local government do their job. Texas is a large state and something important in Fort Bend County may not be important in the Panhandle or some other place.

Speaking Wednesday afternoon, George said there was not a specific virus-fighting tool that he wanted the state to allow local officials to use again because we are still analyzing numbers and learning more about omicron. He said it is not at all a priority for him to shut down business or issue mandates generally, but moving forward, I will do anything possible I need to save life.

Hours after George spoke to a reporter, George announced he had tested positive for COVID-19. He said he is fully vaccinated and was not experiencing any symptoms.

There is at least one preliminary sign that omicron poses a unique challenge to the pandemic playbook that Abbott has clung to. While Abbott has championed monoclonal antibody treatments for COVID-19 patients, some hospitals in Houston have temporarily suspended them because they believe they are ineffective against the latest variant.

One health system, Memorial Hermann, said it expected to receive doses of a different monoclonal antibody therapy this week and hoped to start administering it as soon as possible.

This MCA treatment has been shown to be more effective against the omicron variant, which is now the dominant strain in our region and across the country, accounting for more than 80 percent of cases locally, the health system said in a statement.

Pandemic politics



Politically, Abbott is in a somewhat different situation than the last time Texas dealt with a rise in cases. He now has a serious Democratic challenger in Beto ORourke, who announced his campaign in November and has focused on the pandemic in his first stops  meeting with the Hidalgo County health authority in his first weeks as a candidate.

ORourke has offered a black-and-white contrast with Abbott: He has said he would allow schools and businesses to require masks and vaccines. At the same time, he has suggested taking an understanding approach to those resistant to the vaccine, saying they should not be judged because it pushes them into a corner.

Still, ORourke sees a lack of leadership from Abbott when it comes to the pandemic.

First Abbott flip-flopped on public health guidelines and then he stopped schools, local governments and businesses from protecting our fellow Texans, ORourke said in a statement for this story, alluding to Abbotts reversal on letting private employers require vaccines for their workers. The least he can do is get out of the way and allow those who are focused on preventing more Covid hospitalizations and deaths to do their jobs.

On his right, Abbott continues to face pressure to not bow to demands to be more aggressive in fighting the pandemic. In fact, when it comes to vaccine requirements, dozens of Republican state lawmakers believe he has not done enough to outlaw them and want him to call a special session to codify his executive order.

Of course Im considering it, but people need to go through the legal analysis here, Abbott told a radio interviewer Tuesday. He explained that the issue of federal vaccine mandates is headed to the U.S. Supreme Court and if the court upholds them, a state law passed during a special session would be unable to overrule the court. If the court strikes down the mandates, he said, then his executive order is the law of the land and no special session is necessary.

Abbotts primary challengers agree that government should stay out of Texans lives with regard to the pandemic. One of them, Don Huffines, is openly against the vaccine, repeatedly boasting on Twitter that he has never had the vaccine and is not taking the vaccine.

Allen West, the former Texas GOP chair who is running against Abbott, became infected with COVID-19 in the fall while unvaccinated, and he recovered with the aid of monoclonal antibody therapy.

Texans have options and should not be relegated to politicized mandates and dictated remedies for their own bodies, West said in a statement.

The Texas Tribune is a nonpartisan, nonprofit media organization that informs Texans  and engages with them  about public policy, politics, government and statewide issues.
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Kyle Rittenhouses status as the new rockstar of the conservative movement was cemented on Monday, when he strode onstage at Turning Point USAs AmericaFest in front of fireworks, flashing lights, a DJ scratching over his name, and, most importantly, thunderous applause from the young people in attendance.

Kyle! Kyle! Kyle! the crowd chanted as he smiled and sat down alongside Charlie Kirk, Jack Posobiec, Elijah Schaffer, and Drew Hernandez for a panel titled Kenosha on Camera.

The discussion, as has been the case with the rest of Rittenhouses post-acquittal media tour, was geared around the idea that the teenager  who was acquitted of all charges after killing two people in Wisconsin last summer  is a victim fighting a noble uphill battle against liberal persecution. Also victims, according to the guest and his interviewers, are the millions of Americans who support him.

My trial was an example of them trying to come after our Second Amendment rights, or the right to defend ourselves in trying to take our weapons, Rittenhouse responded on Monday when asked by Kirk if there was a broader story at play in his case.

The ludicrous idea that conservatives are particularly oppressed has been a theme of right-wing activism at large throughout the Trump era. Conservative media has anointed the teenager, who now stands to make untold sums of money from his newfound celebrity as an avatar of this imagined oppression for the next generation of conservatives  many of which flocked to the youth-oriented AmericaFest. Rittenhouse has gladly accepted the mantle. He even teased that he might sue the media during for defaming him during an interview with Fox News later on Monday.

Kirk offered a warning to said media during the panel. Kyle Rittenhouse is about to be super rich, he said. So you better be careful about what you write.

Hernandez took aim at the media, as well, ranting about outlets mistakenly writing that Rittenhouse killed Black people in Kenosha. Kyle Rittenhouse didnt shoot Black people, said Hernandez, an independent journalist. You just have to say that because the fake news media cartel is still saying that, right now to this hour. People after the trial are calling me after the testimony saying, I had no idea that this kid didnt shoot a single Black person.

Posobiec, a conspiracy theorist and correspondent for OAN, took a religious angle into the Rittenhouse case, crediting God with his acquittal. It was divine providence that brought people like Drew, Elijah, and everyone who was there that night, to be there to get that footage of what happened. Because then that carried forward so that God would be with you in the courthouse, he said.

Attendees like Tyler Pemberton, a 27-year-old Grand Canyon University student, agreed with Posobiec. It was the grace of God that allowed him to act as swiftly and gracefully as he did, Pemberton tells me. He was protecting businesses and willing to shoot to protect his life. He had every right to have a firearm with him.

I dont know if he necessarily should have been there, but what he did was in self-defense. The argument that he got off because hes White is wrong, says Czeena Devera, 31, from Michigan. Im afraid for my cousin who is half-White, half-Mexican but White passing. The world is out for kids like him.

The idea that the world is out for conservatives was all over AmericaFest. Earlier on Monday, Boebert took the stage to impassioned applause, donning a red, white, and blue outfit. Her stature was small but her presence was strong as she yelled into the microphone. They tried to cancel me but Im not bowing down, she said. I refuse to be bullied by people who hate our country!

The irony of her claim was apparently lost on the crowd. Boebert called Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN) Jihad Squad over Thanksgiving weekend and implied that she might be in danger if Omar was carrying a backpack in the elevator they shared. Boebert doubled down on the bigoted comments in a call veiled as an apology, prompting Omar to hang up on her.

Boebert continued to speak about gun rights before closing with a prayer that invoked the sin of abortion. She could do no wrong in the eyes of AmericaFests attendees. I think shes amazing and I love that she incorporated faith into her speech, says Devera, the Michigan attendee. Im Catholic and I feel like I need to have two different identities  my work identity and my real identity. But shes herself in all that she does.

Shes a very passionate speaker, says David Johnson, a 25-year-old Project Veritas whistleblower from San Diego. When I ask about her Islamophobic comments, he says he doesnt know much about that.

AmericaFest attendees for four days were pushed the idea that they are underdogs, from a stolen election and cancel culture to disdain for Dr. Fauci and his abhorrent rules. Its a radical anti-reality at a time when a relatively small subset of the U.S. population has a stranglehold on the Supreme Court, controls a mass of state legislatures, and has had an even share of the White House despite winning the popular vote only one time since 1988.

Still, conservative activism hinges on the idea that the system isnt fair to them. Rittenhouse shot two people dead in the street, and the system dared put him on trial for it. This was somehow unjust, as was the mere fact that Boebert was criticized for implying a fellow lawmaker is a terrorist looking to destroy America. The conservative movement represented at AmericaFest views any accountability  of Rittenhouse for taking a military-style rifle into the street or Boebert for her rampant bigotry  as proof of a fascistic liberal machine is slowly crushing the conservative way of life.

Speaker after speaker implored AmericaFest attendees to stand up and take action  or else. It wasnt just Kyle Rittenhouse on trial, it was every single one of you, Hernandez said on Monday. Today its Kyle Rittenhouse, tomorrow its you.
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Michael B. Jordan is aware of the fact that audiences will leave A Journal for Jordan talking about his booty.

There are a number of intimate and heartfelt moments in the Columbia Pictures romantic drama directed by Denzel Washington, which tells the true story of the late 1st Sgt. Charles Monroe King (Jordan) and his love, journalist-turned-publisher Dana Canedy (Chante Adams). But in one particular love scene, the camera captures Jordan in the buff, with the frame just wide enough to show the actors butt.

Its a brief (or lack thereof) moment, but if a womans ear-piercing scream in this reporters screening of the movie is any indication, theres no way audiences will miss it.

When Variety asked the award-winning actor what reaction he expected when he first learned of the scene, Jordan chuckled as he searched for the appropriate words.

I dont think it was written like that, so I dont think I read anything that was like, Oh yeah, Charles walks in and his butt [flashes] across the screen, Jordan explained. It was more of in the moment, like, how are we shooting this shot?  And, we went for it.

We knew the movie that we were making, the actor concluded. And we wanted something that would give people what they want, so thats what we went for.

Speaking of that butt-baring scene, Washington noted that the framing of the shot was cinematographer Maryse Albertis idea.

In the case of this story, it was deliberate, Washington told Varietys Clayton Davis about tapping Alberti to lens this movie. I wanted a womans perspective. I wanted to see the movie through her eyes. What does a woman see? Maybe she sees something another male DP wouldnt necessarily look at  like shooting a particular part of Michael B. Jordans body that I may not have decided to shoot.

Bottom line  A Journal for Jordan is a tribute to King and Canedys once-in-a-lifetime love story, and as such, Jordan and Adams worked hard to get their chemistry just right. Washington first assembled the pair of actors for rehearsals about a month before the film began production, which Adams says was particularly helpful.

We rehearsed probably for like four to five hours a day, Adams recalled. Going over the scenes, breaking down the script, just talking about Dana and Charles, creating our own backstories for them for the answers that we didnt get from the book or from Dana. I think that is what helped us build such amazing chemistry.

From a filmmakers perspective, casting the right actors was key to creating those sparks. The most important thing for me was finding this young woman who was the right  not just match  but just equal in power, strength and ability with Mike, Washington explained. Because Michael B. is this big star and Chante brought it.

Telling a true story such as this one is a weighty feat. In 2008, Canedy, a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist (formerly of the New York Times) and now senior vice president and publisher of Simon & Schuster, published A Journal for Jordan, the memoir about her life with her war-hero partner and the journal that he wrote for their son as a guide to life and love before he was killed in action in Iraq. The emotional book went on to become a New York Times bestseller and served as the ultimate guide for Washingtons film adaptation, with a screenplay from Virgil Williams.

They were real people that went through obstacles  they werent each others ideal person when they first met, but they grew to be each others soulmate, Jordan said, explaining what attracted him to this story. Thats something beautiful and awesome, so to be able to have a hand in telling that story, its something thats special.

Though both Adams and Jordan have played real people before  Adams burst onto the scene with the Sundance-award Roxanne Roxanne, in which she portrayed hip-hop legend Roxanne Shante, while Jordan has starred in true-life tales like Fruitvale Station and Just Mercy  Adams admits that playing Canedy was nerve-wracking.

Denzel was very adamant about making sure I knew that this was not a biopic about her life; this was a biopic about the love that her and her fiance shared, Adams said.

So, the actor reached out to Canedy a couple weeks after getting the role. I was very nervous; I mean, anxiety through the roof, just because I knew how much weight this project held and that it meant so much more to her, Adams said, recalling that first meeting. I just wanted to honor that and I wanted to honor her.

Ultimately, Adams and Jordan earned a glowing review from Canedy, who was impressed by the way the actors disappeared into their roles.

I was sort of amazed by that, Canedy gushed. I thought that obviously audiences would get caught up in the character and see us, but I saw us and thats a testament to their talent.

Reflecting on her takeaways from seeing her story played out on the big screen, Canedy is hopeful that audiences will be moved by the movie too.

As it relates to military service, Im hoping that folks will understand at even more of a visceral level what that sacrifice is like, she said. But I also hope, in general, that what folks come away from this movie with is an uplifting story about love.

A Journal for Jordan debuts in theaters on Dec. 25.

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ATLANTA (AP)  A man suspected in the shooting death of a rising Texas rap artist on an Atlanta area interstate was arrested as he was exiting a plane at Atlanta's airport, a Georgia sheriff's office said.

James Edward Thomas was taken into custody at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport on suspicion of malice murder and aggravated assault in the March slaying of rapper Corey Detiege, the Gwinnett County Sheriff's Office said Wednesday.
The House committee investigating Jan. 6 has named a second sitting Republican member of Congress: Rep. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio). The committee on Wednesday requested an interview with the MAGA-friendly lawmaker who previously admitted to talking with former President Donald Trump on the day of the insurrection.

We write to seek your voluntary cooperation in advancing our investigation, Chair Bennie Thompson (D-Miss.) wrote in a letter asking Jordan to discuss in detail all communication between him and Trump on Jan. 6. In addition to his conversations with Trump, Thompson wrote that the committee wants to ask about any discussions regarding strategies to overturn the election, as well as any communications Jordan had on Jan. 5 and 6 with Trumps legal team, White House personnel, or the presidents allies who were based in a War Room at D.C.s Willard Hotel. Another line of questioning the committee wants to pursue involves Jordan discussing the possibility of presidential pardons for individuals involved in any aspect of Jan. 6 or the planning for Jan. 6.

NEWS: @January6thCmte is demanding information from @Jim_Jordan about his communications with Donald Trump that day, among other things. pic.twitter.com/pKRZ5KDdEU  Sahil Kapur (@sahilkapur) December 22, 2021

During a media interview over the summer, Jordan confirmed he spoke with Trump on Jan. 6.

I spoke with the president last week, I speak with the president all the time, I spoke with him on Jan. 6th, Jordan told Spectrum News. But when pressed about whether he and Trump talked before, during, or after the insurrection, Jordan demurred. Uhh, Id have to go  I spoke with him that day after  I think after? he said. I dont know if I spoke with him in the morning or not. I just dont know. I dont know when those conversations happened. I know that I spoke with him all the time.

Jordan, who voted with nearly 150 Republicans to overturn Bidens electoral victory, sought a seat on the House committee investigating Jan. 6 but was barred by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.), who cited concern about statements made and actions taken by Jordan.

Jordan was recently identified as the member of Congress who forwarded to Mark Meadows a text message from a conservative legal scholar advocating a strategy for overturning the election. According to the committee, the text Jordan sent the Trump chief of staff read, in part: On January 6, 2021, Vice President Mike Pence, as President of the Senate, should call out all electoral votes that he believes are unconstitutional as no electoral votes at all  in accordance with guidance from founding father Alexander Hamilton and judicial precedence.

In short, the text message argues that Pence could reject any electoral votes he saw as unconstitutional. At the time, Trump and his allies were pushing a plot to deny electors from states where they claimed (without evidence) that rampant fraud took place, even though experts believed appointing alternate electors was unlikely to change the election outcome.

Rep. Scott Perry (R-Pa.) is the only other sitting Republican to receive an interview request from the committee. In response to the committees request, Perry said earlier this week that he will not cooperate and will instead continue to fight the failures of the radical Left who desperately seek distraction from their abject failures.

In his letter to Jordan, Thompson wrote, The American people deserve a full and accurate accounting of what happened on Jan. 6.
Gareth Powell began cooking at the age of 12 alongside his late grandmother, Mable Williamson, the person he credits for his expertise in the kitchen. Ms. May, as folks in their community called her, could cook a mean plate of stewed chicken, but Powell says she was all about family, a trait that undoubtedly rubbed off on him.

Now, many Houstonians recognize Powell as Chef G from Jamaica Pon Di Road, the popular Caribbean food truck and Acres Homes restaurant inspired by Powells island roots. Translating to Jamaica on the Road, his mobile and brick-and-mortar eateries serve a variety of West Indian specialties, including curry shrimp, drunken plantains, coconut rice and peas and the regions ubiquitous jerk chicken.

Courtesy of Danielle and Gareth Powell

When Powell cooks, the 37-year-old chef employs long-established techniques he learned in Jamaica, setting his food apart from run-of-the-mill Caribbean fare.

I use wood and charcoal and a smoker to smolder the chicken, Powell explains. As a lot of people use a gas grill, I do it the traditional way  youll get more intense flavor from the smoke, herb and marinade.

Post-high school, Powell completed a free culinary program at Runaway Bay Training Institute on the Northern Coast of Jamaica before landing positions at Sandals Royal Plantation and Riu Hotel in Saint Ann, Ocho Rios. But the promising chef had hopes of running his own restaurant one day.

Jeremiah Jones

In 2009, Powell met Houston native Danielle while she was on vacation in Jamaica. The two connected and ended up marrying in 2010, with Powell moving to Houston in 2011. By 2013, Powell and Daniel were determined to launch his catering business  and they did, using the commercial kitchen at Danielle's daycare center.

Both lovers of great food, the Powells frequented culinary festivals and immersed themselves in the citys diverse food truck scene in their spare time. Thats when the idea for a mobile kitchen came to life. The festival that started him thinking of his own truck was Haute Wheels Food Truck Festival, Danielle says.

Courtesy of Danielle and Gareth Powell

Since there was no Caribbean food at the fete, Powell thought he could bring Jamaican cuisine to Houstons mobile food boom.

Even though he had years of cooking under his belt, Powell had not worked in a mobile kitchen before. A food truck had never crossed my mind, and I didnt really know about food trucks until I moved to Houston, he said. To get the hang of whipping up a meal in a moveable space, the chef tag-teamed with a friend to learn the ropes before debuting his cookery on wheels in 2017.

Jeremiah Jones

The Jamaica Pon di Road food truck quickly developed a following, and eventually, Powell and Danielle expanded the business, opening a brick-and-mortar restaurant at 2213 S. Victory Drive in summer 2021. I always wanted my own restaurant and the opportunity arrived, Chef G says. Set in an aqua-colored house with white trim and a lemon yellow door, the Acres Homes spot is reminiscent of the bright clapboard cottages of the Caribbean.

The eaterys number one seller is undoubtedly jerk chicken, but braised oxtail and Powell's spiced-up version of an eggroll follow close behind. Powell takes the wheat flour skin used in the Chinese delicacy and layers jerk chicken and steamed cabbage inside before rolling the ingredients and tossing the roll into the fryer, then plating it with his sweet and spicy mango pepper sauce.

Jeremiah Jones

But perhaps the dish generating the most buzz these days is his Insane Bolt Burger, a play on Usain Bolt, the famed Jamaican sprinter. Earthy jerk seasoning motivated the sandwichs name. According to Danielle, Its so insanely good that people will eat it fast. Stacked with lettuce, tomato, cheddar and island aioli, then perched on a Brioche bun, the beef patty bursts with flavor.

Powells tasty fare aside, what folks may not know about the Jamaica native is his penchant for serving others. During hours of rustling up pans of goat curry and ackee salt fish  Jamaicas national dish  alongside Ms. May all those years ago, the aspiring chef was also learning the importance of service, a skill that would ultimately help shape his life in and out of the kitchen.

Jeremiah Jones

In an effort to give back to the Houston community, the duo parks their food truck on Saint Charles Street in Houstons Third Ward to prepare meals for unhoused people every fourth Monday of the month. They hope to expand their outreach to the Acres Homes area in the future.

Meanwhile in Jamaica, the couple organizes a backpack initiative through the nonprofit CHANGED Missions Ministries International each July. Folks in the U.S. fill bags with canned goods, school supplies, clothing and other essentials before the Powells ship the backpacks and travel to distribute the supplies to about 250 children in Clarendon, Powell's hometown.

Gareth is powerful in his giving, Danielle said. He has the biggest heart ever.



While patrons praise Powell for the success of Jamaica Pon di Road, the restaurant hes dreamt of owning for years, Powell credits his wife and step-daughter as essential to reaching this goal. Its a family effort, he says.
MINNEAPOLIS (AP)  A suburban Minneapolis police officer who said she confused her handgun for her Taser was convicted of manslaughter Thursday in the death of Daunte Wright, prompting tears from the young Black mans parents and a jubilant celebration by supporters outside the courthouse who chanted Guilty, guilty, guilty!

The mostly white jury deliberated for about 27 hours over four days before finding former Brooklyn Center Officer Kim Potter guilty of first-degree and second-degree manslaughter. Potter, 49, faces about seven years in prison under the states sentencing guidelines, but prosecutors said they would seek a longer term.

Judge Regina Chu ordered Potter taken into custody and held without bail pending sentencing on Feb. 18. Potter had been free on $100,000 bond posted the day last April that she was charged, which was three days after she killed Wright and a day after she quit the police force.

As she was led away in handcuffs, a Potter family member in the courtroom shouted Love you, Kim! Potters attorneys left the courthouse without commenting and didnt immediately respond to phone messages or emails.

It was the second high-profile conviction of a police officer won this year by a team led by Attorney General Keith Ellison, including some of the same attorneys who helped convict Derek Chauvin in George Floyds death in the very same courtroom just eight months earlier.

Wright was killed while that trial was happening not far away, and it set off a wave of angry protests outside the police station in Brooklyn Center, where demonstrators demanding Justice for Daunte clashed with officers in riot gear for several nights.

Outside the courthouse Thursday, dozens of people who had gathered erupted in cheers, hugs and tears of joy as the verdicts were read. A New Orleans-style jazz band played When the Saints Go Marching In. Two men jumped up and down holding one anothers shoulders, and then other people began jumping up and down and chanting Guilty, guilty, guilty!

They chanted Say his name! Daunte Wright! Some held yellow signs that said guilty in large block letters.

Potter, who testified that she didnt want to hurt anybody, looked down without any visible reaction when the verdicts were read. As Chu thanked the jury, Potter made the sign of the cross.

Potters attorneys argued that she should be allowed to remain free until shes sentenced, saying she wasnt going to commit another crime or go anywhere.

It is the Christmas holiday season, Potter attorney Paul Engh argued. Shes a devoted Catholic, no less, and there is no point to incarcerate her at this point in time.

Chu rejected their arguments, though, saying she cannot treat this case any differently than any other case.

Though Potter showed no visible emotion in court as the verdicts were read, she was photographed smiling in a mug shot taken later as she was processed at a womens prison near Minneapolis.

After Potter was led from the courtroom, prosecutor Erin Eldridge exchanged a long hug with a tearful Katie Bryant, Wrights mother and a frequent presence at the trial, and with Wrights father. Ellison also exchanged hugs with the parents.

Outside the courthouse afterward, Ellison said the verdict brought a measure of accountability for Potter but fell short of justice.

Justice would be restoring Daunte to life and making the Wright family whole again," Ellison said. "Justice is beyond the reach that we have in this life for Daunte. But accountability is an important step, a critical necessary step on the road to justice for us all.

Ellison said he felt sympathy for Potter, who has gone from being an esteemed member of the community to being convicted of a serious crime.

Wrights mother hugged Ellison and said the verdicts triggered every single emotion that you could imagine.

Today we have gotten accountability and thats what weve been asking for from the beginning, Katie Bryant said, crediting supporters for keeping up pressure.

We love you, we appreciate you, and honestly, we could not have done it without you, she said.

The time-stamps on the verdicts showed that jurors agreed on the second count on Tuesday, before they asked the judge that afternoon what to do if they were having difficulty agreeing. The guilty verdict on the more serious first-degree count was reached at 11:40 a.m. Thursday.

Potter, who is white, shot and killed the 20-year-old Wright during an April 11 traffic stop in Brooklyn Center as she and other officers were trying to arrest him on an outstanding warrant for a weapons possession charge. The shooting happened at a time of high tension in the area, with Chauvin standing trial in nearby Minneapolis for Floyd's death.

Jurors saw video of the shooting from police body cameras and dashcams. As Wright pulled away while another officer attempted to handcuff him, Potter repeatedly said she would tase him, but instead shot him once in his chest with her gun, which was in her hand.

(Expletive)! I just shot him. ... I grabbed the wrong (expletive) gun, Potter said on video shown to the jury. Moments later, she said: Im going to go to prison.

During her sometimes tearful testimony, Potter told jurors that she was sorry it happened. She said the traffic stop just went chaotic."

The maximum prison sentence for first-degree manslaughter is 15 years. Minnesota law sentences defendants only on their most serious conviction when multiple counts involve the same act and the same victim, and state guidelines call for about seven years on that charge.

Prosecutors have said they would seek to prove aggravating factors that merit whats called an upward departure from sentencing guidelines. In Potters case, they alleged that her actions were a danger to others, including her fellow officers, to Wrights passenger and to the couple whose car was struck by Wrights after the shooting. They also alleged she abused her authority as a police officer.

Potter's attorneys argued that she made a tragic mistake, but that she also would have been justified in using deadly force because of the possibility that Potter's fellow officer, then-Sgt. Mychal Johnson, was at risk of being dragged if Wright had driven away from the traffic stop.

Potter testified that she decided to act after seeing a look of fear on Johnson's face. But Eldridge pointed out to jurors that for much of the interaction, Potter was behind a third officer she was training and that Johnson didnt come into her cameras view until after the shot was fired  and then it showed the top of his head as he backed away.

Sgt. Johnson was clearly not afraid of being dragged, Eldridge said. He never said he was scared. He didnt say it then, and he didnt testify to it in court.

Eldridge also noted an inconsistency in Potter's testimony, saying that when she gave an interview to a psychologist working for the defense team, she told him she didnt know why she used her Taser. Potter told the jury she didnt recall saying that.

First-degree manslaughter required prosecutors to prove that Potter caused Wrights death while committing a misdemeanor  in her case, the reckless handling of a firearm. The second-degree charge required them to prove that she caused Wright's death by culpable negligence.

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Bauer reported from Madison, Wisconsin. Associated Press writers Mohamed Ibrahim in Minneapolis and Kathleen Foody in Chicago contributed to this report.

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Find the APs full coverage of the Daunte Wright case: https://apnews.com/hub/death-of-daunte-wright

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This story has been corrected to delete a reference to Potter pulling out her gun after she shouted a Taser warning. Body camera video shows her gun was already in her hand at the time.
Does world's wealthiest man Elon Musk actually live in a modest, sub-$100,000 Texas home like he claims? It's not so simple, according to a new report from the Wall Street Journal.

In a piece published Wednesday, WSJ Austin reporter Rob Copeland reports that the billionaire has spent the last year staying at the Austin-area mansion of fellow billionaire friend Ken Howery as Musk evaluates property for sale outside the state's capital city. Located on the edge of the Colorado River in the private, gated community of Watersedge, the $12 million property Musk has stayed at features a waterside pool, gatehouses and a private boat slip.

"For roughly a year [Musk] has also been living in a waterfront estate in Austin owned by a rich friend nicknamed 'Kenny,' people familiar with the matter say" Copeland writes. "A home so extravagant that it was the most expensive listed in the Texas capital when it was sold just a few years ago."

A co-founder of PayPal, Howery is an old associate of Musk's and the living arrangement between the two billionaires has remained a closely guarded secret, according to Copeland, who cited a number of unnamed sources close to Musk with knowledge of the agreement. The Boca Chica, Texas home Musk rents near SpaceX's base of operations in the state allegedly costs $50,000, according to the billionaire.

"Mr. Musks stay is so secret that some friends of Mr. Howery said they were unaware of the arrangement," Copeland writes. "Mr. Musk has also engaged a series of real-estate agents to show him Austin-area mansions for purchaseand toured some houses personally, some of the people say."

The material possessions and living quarters of the world's richest man have become part of an ongoing narrative surrounding Musk, who this year was awarded "Person of the Year" by Time Magazine in a profile that proudly stated "The world's richest man does not own a home."

Musk's decision to rent a home in Boca Chica from SpaceX seemingly coincided with his previous stated desires to pare down the material possessions in his life. In May of 2020, Musk tweeted that he planned to "own no house" in the future and subsequently sold off four of his Los Angeles residences in 2021 for a total of $62 million. In November the billionaire reportedly found a buyer for his seventh and final California propertya $30 million estate south of San Franciscoleaving him, in a technical sense, homeless.

Contrary to his "no home" claim, however, Muskwho officially relocated Tesla headquarters to Austin in Decemberhas been evaluating large properties outside the capital city and has taken particular interest in a custom-built mansion owned by jewelry magnate Kendra Scott, according to Copeland.

"[Musk's] personal financial advisers have sent a slew of requirements to brokers, including a desire for a large expanse of land that is currently unavailable in properties on the market," Copeland writes. "Mr. Musk has toured several homes in person, two of the people say. Among the homes he expressed interest in, those people say, is a custom-built mansion owned by the noted jewelry designer Kendra Scott."

Wherever Musk lands, it seems that large estates are back on the menu for the world's richest "homeless" man.
JUNEAU, Alaska (AP)  COVID-19 tests will no longer be offered at Alaska's airports as of Jan. 31 because the state is not renewing its contracts for the tests, the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services said.

Airports across Alaska offer the service. Earlier in the coronavirus pandemic, people arriving in Alaska from out of state were required to be tested. The state made testing optional in April.
TIRANA, Albania (AP)  Albania's prime minister on Thursday apologized for a big leak of personal records from a government database of state and private employees, which he said seems more like an inside job than a cyber attack.

A file containing the personal identity card numbers, employment and salary data of some 637,000 people became public this week and was widely shared through messaging apps.
MADISON, Wis. (AP)  A state attorney representing Wisconsin's chief elections administrator worked Thursday to persuade a judge to block a subpoena demanding she turn over reams of documents and submit to a private interview with a former state Supreme Court justice investigating the 2020 elections for Assembly Republicans.

Assembly Speaker Robin Vos hired Michael Gableman this summer to investigate election procedures. Gableman has subpoenaed the mayors of Wisconsin's five largest cities along with Wisconsin Elections Commission Administrator Meagan Wolfe. He wants them to turn over all their election-related records and submit to questioning at his Brookfield office.
SYDNEY (AP)  Australia on Thursday reported a major spike in coronavirus infections, prompting the worst-hit state of New South Wales to reimpose mask wearing indoors, a day after Prime Minister Scott Morrison rejected lockdowns or mask mandates for the entire country to slow the spread of the omicron variant.

New South Wales recorded 5,715 new cases, up from 3,763 and almost as many as were recorded across all of Australia on Wednesday. New South Wales also reported one death.

There were 347 people in New South Wales hospitals, up from 302 the previous day, and 45 in intensive care units, up from 40. Victoria state also saw a sharp increase, reporting 2,005 new infections on Thursday and 10 deaths.

Morrison on Wednesday convened a Cabinet meeting with leaders of Australias states and territories. He later told reporters lockdowns and federally ordered mask mandates are not being considered.

A decision on whether the gap between second vaccine doses and booster shots will be shortened will be left to the Australian Technical Advise Group on Immunization.

My message is stay calm, get your booster, follow the commonsense behavioral measures as youre going into Christmas and we look forward to that, Morrison said. "Australians have worked very hard to have this Chrismas together and we want to protect that.

But in the face of fast-rising cases, New South Wales Premier Dominic Perrottet bowed to pressure from medical experts and others to announce that from midnight Thursday masks must be worn in indoor settings. Perrottet also announced the reinstatement of density limits that will allow only one person per 2 square meters indoors.

Weve always said as we have moved through this that we will monitor the situation and the evidence in front of us, Perrottet said. The key indicators to us are not the case numbers but rather ICU numbers, hospitalizations and in addition to that, importantly, the ability of our health care workers here in our state to provide the care that people need if theyre seriously ill as they come into the hospital system."

Perrottet described the new requirements, which will be in place until Jan. 27, as modest and cautious.

Victoria state moved early Thursday to expand current regulations to require residents aged over 8 years to wear masks in hospitality, entertainment and office settings. The new rules also will come into force at midnight Thursday.

This is a sensible response which will allow businesses to stay open, bars and restaurants to continue to stay open and major events to go ahead, Victoria Acting Premier James Merlino said. Masks are a cheap and effective way to maintain the health of the community. Its something public health experts have been calling for."

Australia's federal Health Minister Greg Hunt said mask wearing and other regulations are a matter for states and territories to decide individually.

But states and territories with their public health orders, whether it's QR codes in New South Wales, whether it's the masks in Victoria, have responded well and I think it's important for me to acknowledge that, he said.
BISMARCK, N.D. (AP)  Authorities are investigating how a fatal explosion occurred at an oil field business.

The Bismarck Tribune reported Thursday that a water tanker blew out at JM Oilfield Services near Ross on Saturday. The Mountrail County Sheriffs Office says 33-year-old employee Jesse Holmquist was killed in the blast. Another employee was injured and taken to a hospital. Both employees had been working on changing the tankers tires.
KYIV, Ukraine (AP)  Belarusian authorities labeled the local service of the U.S.-funded broadcaster Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty extremist, launched a criminal probe against one of its journalists and arrested another one Thursday.

It was the latest move in a months-long, multi-pronged crackdown on the country's independent media.

Belarus' Interior Ministry added the outlet, known in the country as Radio Svaboda (Radio Freedom), and its journalists to the government registry of extremist organizations. Earlier this month, a court in the Belarusian capital Minsk ruled to designate the social media pages of Radio Svaboda as extremist.

Journalists and members of the public in Belarus may face up to seven years in prison for disseminating content produced by extremist outlets.

Also on Thursday, authorities launched a criminal case against Andrey Kuznechyk, a 43-year-old journalist with the outlet, his relatives said. It was not immediately clear what the charges against Kuznechyk were.

The journalist was detained a month ago and sentenced twice to 10-day jail terms. According to RFE/RL President Jamie Fly, he remains in custody even though he has served both sentences.

Andrey Kuznechyk has completed his sentences. As far as we know, Belarusian authorities continue to hold him, essentially as a kidnapped hostage. Andrey should be allowed to return to his family immediately. Journalism is not a crime, Fly said in an online statement.

Belarus top human rights group Viasna reported that another Radio Svaboda journalist in Belarus was arrested on Thursday.

Aleh Hruzdzilovich, 63, was detained in his home in the Belarusian capital Minsk, Viasna said, after masked law enforcement officers broke a door into his apartment. The journalist is facing charges of preparing for a gross violation of public order, and may be imprisoned for up to four years if convicted.

More than 300 independent media outlets and channels on the messaging app Telegram have been designated extremist in Belarus after covering mass protests that erupted after a disputed presidential election in August 2020. Official results handed authoritarian President Alexander Lukashenko a sixth term in office, but were denounced by the opposition and the West as a sham.

In response to unprecedented antigovernment demonstrations, Lukashenko's government unleashed violent crackdown on the protesters, arresting more than 35,000 and brutally beating thousands of them. All top opposition activists have either left the country or been jailed.

After the protests subsided, the authorities targeted independent media, human rights groups, individual journalists and activists.

A total of 31 Belarusian journalists are currently behind bars, either serving sentences or awaiting trial.

Last Thursday, prominent blogger and journalist with RFE/RL Ihar Losik was sentenced to 15 years in prison by a court in the city of Gomel.

Journalism in Belarus has been equated with a criminal offense, and dozens of colleagues have been thrown behind bars for merely fulfilling their professional duties, the head of the Belarusian Association of Journalists, Andrei Bastunets, said. For freedom of speech in Belarus, standards of North Korea have been set.

Belarus' opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, who ran against Lukashenko in the 2020 election and was pressured by the authorities to leave the country shortly after the protests broke out, told The Associated Press on Thursday that the truth can't be beaten up by batons and put in prison.

The regime hopes in vain that repression against journalists will help them, Tsikhanouskaya said, commenting on the move against RFE/RL.

It is a fear that journalists will continue to expose corruption schemes, investigate who orchestrated the migrant crisis (on the borders with the EU) and how, write about horrible torture in prisons. And for Radio Svaboda it is an evaluation of its work, (a) recognition of its necessity and effectiveness, Tsikhnaouskaya said.
NAIROBI, Kenya (AP)  Ethiopias government has announced that its forces will not advance deeper into the Tigray region.

Ethiopian forces have been ordered to maintain the areas they have won back from the Tigray People's Liberation Force, but not to go further into the Tigray region, the Government Communication Service head, Legesse Tulu, said Thursday.

The Ethiopian federal army and its allies have made strong advances in recent weeks, recapturing major towns and cities in the neighboring Amhara and Afar regions that Tigray fighters had seized earlier this year. The Tigray forces have been forced to retreat back to their home region.

The first phase operation to expel the terrorist group from the areas it invaded has ended with victory. At this moment the enemys desire and ability (to engage in war) is severely destroyed," said Legesse.

"The government will take further steps to make sure that (the Tigray forces) desire wont arise again in the future. For now, Ethiopian forces are ordered to maintain the areas it has controlled, he said.

The government of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed's announcement that its soldiers will not pursue the Tigray forces into their home region could be an opening that encourages a cease-fire and negotiations to resolve the conflict.

Earlier this week the leader of the Tigray forces said its fighters have been ordered to withdraw back to Tigray.

I have ordered those units of the Tigray Army that are outside the borders of Tigray to withdraw to the borders of Tigray within immediate effect, Debretsion Gebremichael said in a letter to U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. Debretsion proposed an immediate cease-fire to be followed by negotiations.

He also proposed the establishment of a no-fly zone over Tigray to prevent air attacks over the region and the imposition of an international arms embargo on Ethiopia and Eritrea.

Tens of thousands of people have been killed in the Tigray conflict that erupted in November 2020 between Ethiopian forces and fighters from the countrys Tigray region, who dominated the national government before Abiy became prime minister in 2018.

As a result of a months-long government blockade, some of Tigrays 6 million people have begun starving to death, according to aid groups. Thousands of ethnic Tigrayans have been detained or forcibly expelled in an atmosphere stoked by virulent speeches against Tigrayans by some senior Ethiopian officials. Alarmed human rights groups have warned some of the anti-Tigrayan rhetoric is hate speech.

Last month, the Ethiopian government declared a state of emergency as Tigray fighters moved closer to the capital, Addis Ababa, and carried out a number of abuses against ethnic Amhara, according to accounts by local residents. The Tigray forces say they are fighting to lift the blockade on their people.

The Ethiopian governments military appears to have been strengthened by aerial drones purchased from China, Turkey and the United Arab Emirates, said William Davison of the International Crisis Group.

Tigray forces appear to be in a weakened position after giving up all the areas they controlled, he said.
MAIDUGURI, Nigeria (AP)  Explosions killed several people Thursday in northeastern Nigeria ahead of a visit by President Muhammadu Buhari to the restive region, witnesses said.

The attacks took place in Maiduguri, the city where Islamic militants first launched an insurgency against the government more than a decade ago.
AURORA, Colo. (AP)  A former police officer has been charged with second-degree murder and other crimes in the shooting death of a 17-year-old boy in suburban Denver last month, prosecutors said Wednesday.

Adam Holen, 36, was arrested Wednesday in the Nov. 24 shooting in Aurora. Court records do not list an attorney for him.
In efforts to honor the family of the Laredo Marine who lost his life this year in Afghanistan, Laredo officials announced on Monday that his family would be receiving a significant gift.

The family of Lance Cpl. David Lee Espinoza received a new home via a donation on Friday. The home  located on Sabana Lane  is just a couple of blocks away from Cielito Lindo Boulevard, which was recently renamed LCpl David L. Espinoza Memorial Blvd in Espinozas honor.

Presenting the house was Rep. Henry Cuellar, President & CEO of First Community Bank Corpus Christi Wes Hoskins and President & CEO of Commerce Bank Ignacio Urrabazo Jr.

To begin this process, Hoskins  who arranged the private donation  reached out to Cuellars office with the idea of getting the Espinoza family a new home. Cuellars office connected Hoskins and his team with the Espinoza family, and that is how the journey of finding their perfect home began.

Hoskins also donated scholarships for Espinozas siblings and paid the houses taxes and insurance for a couple of years so the family can enjoy an easy move in without worries.

Cuellars office contacted Realtor Bertha Garcia from EXIT Realty Laredo with the request to help them find a home for the Espinoza family.

This process has been very beneficial, for me it is a blessing to be able to help, Garcia said. And this process has been very easy. To be honest, everyone is cooperating. Whenever we ask for a donation, everyone is willing to donate. It has been beautiful.

For me this project has been different as it has been very emotional to look for a property for the family.

The search for the house had been going on for the past three to four months, Garcia stated, adding that inviting others to join has been easy and gratifying. He said that the moment they heard about the donation, everyone wanted to cooperate.

Bertha Garcia, a Realtor from EXIT, reached out to me, so we both worked as a team  myself with the construction and her as a seller  to find the ideal house for the family, said Sonia Gutierrez, seller of Ariva Homes.

Gutierrez said this project has been different from her past ones.

This is a special case. Obviously, we are never going to replace Lee Espinoza, but this is a special project as he served this country.  What we are now trying to accomplish is to complete donations for us to be able to deliver this house completed.

This is not her first experience in this area. Gutierrez helped deliver 50 donated houses alongside Cuellar following Hurricane Katrina, so this is a project she knows how to get done.

The goal was not only to provide walls and shelter. We want this to be not just a house but a home, Cuellar said. And there is a difference between a house and a home. A house is put together by construction materials, a home is put together with trust, compassion and, most importantly, love.

A home means warmth, protection and love. It means laughs and memories. I think we can all agree that those are things that Lance Cpl. David Lee Espinoza embodied.

This sums up the intentions and efforts that all contributing parties are putting into delivering this home in the best shape it can be for the Espinoza family to live this change the most comfortable way possible.

Ariva Builders/Engineering and Construction donated for the house the range hood and stove, a refrigerator, granite countertops, ceramic tile for the bathtub, a wooden fence, color upgrades for the cabinets, and more. Representing Texas Discount Furniture was Jose Cabrera, which donated furniture to furnish an entire room of the familys choice. Brokers Gerardo and Flor Gonzalez donated a new bed with bedding for family member Angel Martin Espinoza, Premier Property Inspection and Consultants donated the house inspection, and veteran Eddie Rubio donated $500 to the family.

cecilia.trevino@lmtonline.com
(The Conversation is an independent and nonprofit source of news, analysis and commentary from academic experts.)

Miriamne Ara Krummel, University of Dayton

(THE CONVERSATION) On Dec. 31, people from cultures all around the world will be raising a toast to welcome in A.D. 2022. Few of them will think about the fact that A.D. signals anno Domini, Latin for in the year of our Lord. In A.D. temporality  the one acknowledged by most societies today  next year marks 2023 years since the purported birth of Jesus Christ.

So why are we all toasting this new year, given that most of the worlds nearly 8 billion people arent Christians?

My fascination with time was nurtured by the millennium and the hype that surrounded its approach, as the globe anticipated traversing from 11:59 p.m., Dec. 31, 1999 to 12:00 a.m., Jan. 1, 2000.

Convinced that there was some truth to fears about technological disruptions caused by the Y2K bug, I stayed away from the ball drop in Times Square. Instead, I watched the celebration on my laptop and enjoyed trailing journalists reports abroad. I began to wonder: How did it come to be that people all over the Earth subscribed to  and were aware of  the temporal system followed by the Christian West? After all, cultures have historically experienced and documented time in a variety of ways.

These questions about time blossomed into a research project and book. Part of the phenomenon was caused by global capitalism, but I soon learned that another aspect involved the globalization of anno Domini. The A.D. system, often called C.E. or Common Era time today, was introduced in Europe during the Middle Ages. It joined the worlds other temporal systems like the Coptic, Seleucid, Egyptian, Jewish and the Zodiac calendars, along with calculations based on the years of rulers reigns and the founding of Rome.

Latin Christendom slowly but confidently came to dominate Europe, and its year dating system then came to dominate the world, so that most countries now take A.D. for granted, at least when it comes to globalized business and government. A.D.s ubiquity has almost silenced other ways of thinking about time. This began during the medieval era, under the influence of educated Christian monks  what historian Bernard Guenee describes as anno Dominis conquest of time.

My recent work as a medieval studies professor focuses on the demonization of Jewish communities in Europe at a time when the A.D. system was gaining prominence and marginalizing the Jewish calendar.

Counting backwards

Part of the story of anno Domini time takes us back to the fourth and fifth century, when Christian scholars like Eusebius of Caesarea and John Chrysostom were trying to calculate what they considered was the beginning of Christian time  in other words, the birth date of Jesus of Nazareth.

Eusebius and Chrysostom were working with the Gospel accounts of Jesus birth and death. According to the Gospels, Jesus was arrested around the time of the Jewish holiday of Passover, and the Gospel of John suggests that Jesus was about 33 when he died. Therefore, Eusebius and Chrysostom first tried to determine the date of his death based on Passover dates in the Jewish calendar. But both men failed in their calculations and blamed the Jews for their difficulty. In their twisted reasoning, the Jewish community had postponed Passover in order to make anno Domini time impossible to calculate. This accusation illustrates the intense antisemitism common in Europe at their time and which work like theirs helped continue.

But in many ways, the real author of the worlds modern sense of time, the one who decided to choose the date when Year One would begin, is the Venerable Bede, an English monk who lived circa 673-735.

Bede found himself with several calculations he did not approve of, and decided Christ must have actually been born on Dec. 25, 1 B.C.. By his reasoning, in other words, the A.D. system began a year after Jesus purported birth. Bede also determined that March 25, 34 A.D. marked Christs death.

Bede, a monk in an important monastery in Northumbria, popularized the A.D. dating system by using it in his work Ecclesiastical History of the People of England, which made him the first historian to tell time by anno Domini. The Ecclesiastical History was dedicated to King Ceowulf of Northumbria, written in Latin in 731, and translated into Old English around the end of the ninth or the beginning of the 10th centuries. Still read by many today, it popularized anno Domini time by infusing A.D. time into events Bede told about the English people.

Taken together, these ingredients helped A.D. time become the norm. While the Christian calendar is built on and infused with other cultures time systems, A.D.s popularization contributed to sidelining these calendars to the margins  what postcolonial scholars call temporal colonization. For example, the date Bede set for Easter in his work The Reckoning of Time is based on a polytheistic celebration of Eostre, a German goddess. Eostre has, thus, disappeared into Easter.

Likewise, the fraught connections between the dates of Jesuss Passion, Easter and Passover further fueled antisemitism at a time when Jewish communities were also trying to formalize a Jewish calendar.

Changing the name

Approximately 1,400 years ago, when Bede selected a date to begin anno Domini time, he perhaps unwittingly started the process of privileging Christian time, which is now near-universally recognized.

[Over 140,000 readers rely on The Conversations newsletters to understand the world. Sign up today.]

Today, many people use the expressions common era and before the common era, or C.E. and B.C.E., instead of A.D. and B.C. But despite what we call it now, the roots of this system are not common but Christian. As the medieval studies scholar Kathleen Davis writes, using C.E. does little to diminish the effect of a globalized Christian calendar.

Initially, I too had applauded C.E. as a less Christian replacement for A.D. But today, Id argue it is just the equivalent of a yellow sticky note placed over it. Theres nothing naturally common about the common era, and its worth applauding all kinds of diversity  even in time  on planet Earth. This year, what will you be toasting at 11:59 p.m. on Dec. 31?

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article here: https://theconversation.com/how-common-is-the-common-era-how-a-d-and-c-e-took-over-counting-years-168719.
SOAVE, Italy (AP)  Italy on Thursday again tightened COVID-19 restrictions, focusing on the unvaccinated and on New Years Eve celebrations as the new omicron variant pushed recorded infections to the country's highest one-day total ever.

Under the new rules, people who have not been vaccinated will be barred from entering museums, exhibitions, amusement parks, bingo parlors and betting halls  places that until now they could access with a negative test. Already forbidden seating in restaurants, their dining options have now been completely shut down as they can no longer be served standing at a bar.

It is important that we present a series of measures to respond to the growth of cases that we see in the last days, due to the arrival in our country in a significant way of the omicron variant, Health Minister Roberto Speranza told a press conference.

The measures come as Italians prepare to celebrate the Christmas holiday weekend, with many planning family gatherings that were barred last year during the surge of the delta variant. The government has not mandated any rules for private gatherings, but it has set its sights on New Years Eve, banning outdoor events and closing discotheques until the end of January.

The new regulations will be gradually implemented starting Friday.

Long lines formed at testing sites in Milan on Thursday, as people worried about suspected cases sought to be tested alongside those who continue to get tested every 48 hours to access workplaces. And in neighboring Veneto, some testing sites for PCR swabs posted notices that they had exhausted their available appointments for the next 60 days.

In the last 24 hours, Italy recorded nearly 44,600 new infections, its highest ever, and 168 deaths. The omicron variant of the coronavirus represents nearly one-third of the new cases. The head of Italys national health institute, Silvio Brusaferro, said that omicron would be dominant by next week with slow but continuous growth.

Italy was the first major economy to adopt a health pass to access workplaces, but has allowed a negative test every 48 hours to stand in for a full vaccination or proof of recovery from COVID. Mask mandates have remained in place in public indoor settings and public transport. Now, that has been upgraded and only more-protective FFP2 masks may be worn on all public transport, as well as in cinemas, theaters and stadiums.

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Follow all of APs pandemic coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/coronavirus-pandemic
CARSON CITY, Nev. (AP)  A federal judge has refused to block the mask mandate imposed by school administrators in the Las Vegas area, dismissing a lawsuit that two parents filed claiming the requirement infringed on their right to make decisions for their kids.

In the lawsuit, the parents argued the mandates violated their right to make medical decisions for their children and argued against the process by which the Clark County School District adopted the policy.

The ruling comes as schools and businesses prepare for another variant-fueled surge and fights over coronavirus measures in schools continue to provoke spirited responses from parents and teachers on both sides of the issue.

U.S. District Judge Jennifer Dorsey on Wednesday denied the parents' request for a preliminary injunction, saying that they didn't establish a viable legal basis for their lawsuit's challenge to the mandate for students and staff in the nation's fifth-largest school district.

The Constitution does not require an opportunity to participate in the decision-making process for such broadly applicable policies, and the fundamental right to parent does not include the prerogative to dictate school health and safety policies, Dorsey wrote in a 22-page ruling.

The parents  who are represented by two attorneys running as Republicans for statewide office in 2022  also argued they were left out of the process in which the district adopted the policies. They also alleged that masks caused physical and mental harm  including fogging glasses and impairing vision, increasing carbon dioxide levels and impeding their ability to connect emotionally.

Dorsey said the court did not have a basis to intervene in the district's decision, but noted that one of the articles cited challenging the efficacy of masks was written by a freelance writer out of Utah and another submitted by the plaintiffs concluded that an increase in carbon dioxide levels was "not physiologically significant.

In her ruling, she wrote that the parental rights enshrined by prior decisions have not been broad enough in scope to outweigh the interests of administrators in imposing a mask mandate. Administrators have long been allowed to make decisions in the interest of general welfare, health and safety, the ruling says.

The dismissal also notes that the parents' lawyers denied in court that there was a COVID-19 pandemic though it was acknowledged by the World Health Organization, the White House and the U.S. Supreme Court.

Nevada Attorney General Aaron Ford said the decision ensured classrooms would be as safe as they can be and vowed to continue to defend health experts against those who wish to peddle debunked, fear-mongering arguments in the court of law.

One of the parents lawyers, Sigal Chattah, said on Twitter that the ruling would be appealed to the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. Chattah is running for Ford's seat in next year's election. Joey Gilbert, the parent's other attorney, is running for governor.

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Metz is a corps member for the Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative. Report for America is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues.
BOISE, Idaho (AP)  Canyon County officials are violating the U.S. Constitutions First Amendment by censoring mail sent to prisoners in the county's jail, a human rights group alleges in a lawsuit.

Human Rights Defense Center in the lawsuit filed Tuesday against the county and Sheriff Kieran Donahue said magazines and other materials pertaining to legal rights it sends to incarcerated individuals are prevented from going through.

The group, headquartered in Lake Worth, Florida, said it assists prisoners in all 50 states seeking legal redress for violations of their constitutional and other basic human rights. It does that in part by distributing books, magazines and brochures.

Defendants have a custom and practice of rejecting magazines and informational brochures sent by HRDC to prisoners at the Jail," the lawsuit states. Accordingly, Defendants publications and mail policies and practices violate HRDCs rights under the Free Speech Clause of the First Amendment.

Canyon County spokesman Joe Decker declined to comment Thursday.

The group said it publishes a 72-page monthly magazine titled Prison Legal News concerning news and analysis about prisons. Another magazine called Criminal Legal News focuses on individual rights and criminal justice-related issues. The group also publishes books about the criminal justice system, legal reference books and self-help books of interest to prisoners.

The group in the lawsuit said Canyon County Jail officials are refusing to deliver issues of Prison Legal News and Criminal Legal News, as well as informational brochure packets. The group said that since November 2020, it can identify at least 21 items of mail it sent to prisoners in the Canyon County Jail that it said were censored.

It said the items were returned with notations on the envelopes that said Refused, Staples Not Allowed, Staples + Advertisements Not Allowed, and Soliciting Not Allowed.

Canyon County's website says inmates can receive books and magazines, but there are some restrictions and conditions. Jail officials, for example, don't allow inmates to have more than five publications at a time.

The lawsuit states that the group has suffered damages that include the loss of potential subscribers and the inability to recruit new subscribers.

The group is asking the court prevent jail officials from blocking material it sends to inmates. It is also asking for a jury trial and unspecified damages.
SYDNEY  Australias New South Wales state is reporting more than 5,000 new coronavirus cases in 24 hours for the second straight day as the state and federal governments roll out measures meant to curb the spread of the virus.

The Federal health minister also said experts have recommended the gap between second vaccine doses and boosters be shortened from five months to four starting Jan. 4 and down to three beginning Jan. 31.

State Premier Dominic Perrottet had resisted mandating mask-wearing indoors until Thursdays record caseload led him to reconsider.

Testing centers have been swamped by people seeking tests before traveling for family Christmas gatherings. People are now being advised to seek tests only if they are symptomatic or are close contacts of existing cases.

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HERES WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW TODAY ABOUT THE CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC:

 Ever-morphing coronavirus requires holiday calculus for 2nd winter

 Omicron less likely to put you in the hospital, British studies say

 US Supreme Court to hold special session on worker vaccine requirements

Go to https://APNews.com/coronavirus-pandemic for updates throughout the day.

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HERES WHAT ELSE IS HAPPENING TODAY:

DES MOINES, Iowa  Iowa state officials anticipate spending $9.2 million in federal funds to shore up health care staffing at strained hospitals amid the latest surge in COVID-19 cases.

The Des Moines Register reports that 100 out-of-state nurses and respiratory therapists began arriving in Iowa earlier this month. They are being placed in 17 facilities in Davenport, Des Moines, Iowa City, Mason City, Cedar Rapids, Dubuque, Waterloo, Council Bluffs, Ames and Sioux City.

The state will spend about $15,000 per nurse for each of the next six weeks. The state is paying $220 per regular hour to a Kansas staffing company for each supplemental nurse and $330 for each of the overtime hours that the nurses are expected to work reach week.

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HONOLULU  Hawaii has reported 1,511 new coronavirus cases for the latest 24-hour period as officials say the omicron variant is likely spreading widely throughout the islands.

Hawaiis single-day record of 1,678 infections was recorded at the height of the delta surge at the end of August.

The case count announced Thursday is the latest in a week of high infection numbers for the state, which had been averaging about 100 daily cases in early December. Hawaii has had among the most rapid increases in new cases nationally over the past 14 days.

More than 370,000 of Hawaiis 1.5 million residents have not been vaccinated. The state also has a low rate of people getting booster shots.

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QUITO, Ecuador  Ecuador is making vaccination against the coronavirus mandatory.

The government said Thursday that only Ecuadorians with a medical condition that could be complicated by vaccination will be exempt. Those people must provide documentation.

Officials say the order comes because of an increase in coronavirus infections and the circulation of new variants such as omicron.

Ecuador says it has enough vaccine to immunize the entire population. As of Tuesday, about 77% of Ecuadors 17.3 million people had been vaccinated. About 33,600 people in Ecuador have died from COVID-19.

Earlier this week, the body overseeing health policies to combat the pandemic decreed that vaccination certificates must be shown to enter restaurants, cinemas and other public areas.

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SANTIAGO, Chile -- Chile plans to offer a fourth dose of the coronavirus vaccine to its citizens.

President Sebastian Pinera said Thursday that the fourth dose is expected to start in February.

Health Secretary Enrique Paris says the shot will be different than the one people got previously.

Chile has reported almost 86% of its population fully vaccinated. That makes it the country with the highest level of immunization against the coronavirus in Latin America, and puts it among the best ones in the world, according to online research website Our World in Data.

Pinera says 10,2 million out of Chiles 19 million people have received a third dose as a booster.

Almost 39,000 people in Chile are confirmed to have died from COVID-19.

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RALEIGH, N.C.  The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services says that although its testing supply chain remains tight, the uptick in demand since Thanksgiving has not reached the levels the state saw in past peaks, such as the delta surge during the summer.

The agency said Thursday that it is working with laboratory partners to continuously assess testing demand and supply throughout the state and at this time most laboratories have additional testing capacity available."

Health officials in the state's Wake County announced Wednesday night that they will double the number of appointments and expand rapid testing at five locations. They say results for 13,000 people each day will come back in less than 12 hours.

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MADRID  Spain has set a new daily infection record as citizens seeking to determine whether they are contagious ahead of Christmas gatherings endured long queues amid a shortage of tests.

The nearly 73,000 new cases recorded Thursday were Spains third consecutive record high in three days.

The national 14-day contagion rate rose to its highest level this year: 911 new cases per 100,000 residents.

The Spanish government has ordered mandatory mask-wearing outdoors, with few exceptions, starting from Friday.

But authorities have ruled out measures that would hurt the economy  such as bar and restaurant closures  or caps on gatherings that would be unpopular during the festive period.

Instead, they are mainly relying on masks, social-distancing and vaccines, which have relatively few detractors in Spain and that experts credit for a lower hospital admission rate of COVID-19 patients than in previous virus surges.

The northeastern Catalonia region has reinstated curfews and limited to a maximum of ten the number of people allowed to meet indoors.

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PODGORICA, Montenegro  Montenegros President Milo Djukanovic has tested positive for the new coronavirus.

His office on Thursday said Djukanovic has light symptoms, feels well and will continue to perform his regular presidential duties from self-isolation. The state RTCG television report says Djukanovic has cancelled his meetings.

The report did not specify the variant of the virus Djukanovic has contracted. Montenegro has reported several cases this month of the fast-spreading omicron variant.

Djukanovic, who is 59, is known as the longest-serving official in the Balkans and has held top positions in Montenegro since 1990s.

Djukanovic was vaccinated last August. Montenegro has registered nearly 162,000 and 2,385 deaths from COVID-19 since the start of the pandemic in the Balkan nation of some 620,000 people.

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ROME  Italy has again tightened COVID restrictions, including barring the unvaccinated from more public spaces, as it registered a record high of new coronavirus infections.

Under the new rules announced Thursday, masks must be worn outdoors nationwide, and only more-protective FFP2 masks may be worn on public transport, in cinemas, theaters and stadiums. Outdoor New Years Eve celebrations have been banned, and discos will be closed until Jan. 31.

Already unvaccinated people are barred from restaurants, museums and other indoor activities, but now they also are deprived of the typical Italian coffee standing at a bar.

Italy in the last 24 hours recorded nearly 44,600 new cases of COVID infection, the highest number of new cases in any 24-hour period, and 168 deaths. Omicron represents nearly one-third of the new cases.

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CLAYTON, Mo.  St. Louis area health officials have urged the public to avoid travel and gatherings amid a new spike in COVID-19 infections.

The community is not as safe as it was a month ago, and you should consider that as you plan your activities, the St. Louis County health department said Thursday in a news release that encouraged vaccinations, booster shots and masking.

The states first confirmed case of the omicron coronavirus variant was detected earlier this month in a St. Louis resident.

The county recorded 774 new COVID-19 cases on Wednesday, the largest one-day total since early January. Another 593 new cases were recorded Tuesday.

The recent surge has driven the average daily count of new cases to 398, a 15.6% increase over the past week and a count well into the CDCs high transmission threshold, the news release said.

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MONTGOMERY, Ala.  With hospitalizations and infections on the rise in Alabama, the state will have a limited number of doses of a new drug that can be used to treat COVID-19, health officials say.

The states initial supply of 780 courses of the Pfizer oral drug Paxlovid, which the Food and Drug Administration approved for emergency use as the omicron variant spreads rapidly, will be distributed through pharmacies, the Department of Public Health said Thursday.

Dr. Scott Harris, the state health officer, said the drug will be available to people who arent hospitalized with the illness but isnt a substitute for vaccinations.

Less than half of the states population is fully vaccinated. Alabama has the nations second-highest death rate from the illness caused by the coronavirus, according to researchers from Johns Hopkins University.

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COLUMBIA, S.C.  In South Carolina, where COVID-19 cases are again rising and less than 52% of eligible residents are fully vaccinated, hospitals are concerned that an oncoming omicron surge would worsen a staffing crunch among doctors, nurses and other frontline workers.

In the states Grand Strand region, hospitals are already contending with high vacancy rates, especially among specialty nurses and lower-wage jobs like emergency room registration clerks, said Gayle Resetar, the chief operating officer of Tidelands Health, which runs four hospitals in the coastal area.

Any amount of additional workforce out with omicron is pretty catastrophic, she said.

Hospitals are still busy catching up on other surgeries and procedures delayed by the pandemic, Resetar added: It wont take many hospitalized patients to throw us into the overwhelmed state. Its really more about the availability of staff than it is rooms.

Dr. Christine Carr, an emergency department physician at the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston, said her ER has closed an entire 12-bed pod because there is no one to staff it.

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PHOENIX  Arizonas top public health official is urging residents to be influencers who gently encourage their families and friends to get COVID-19 vaccinations and booster shots for the sake of themselves and others.

The importance of influencers cant be overstated when it comes to encouraging people to protect themselves from COVID, Department of Health Services interim Director Don Herrington said in a blog post Wednesday.

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LONDON  Britains public health agency says preliminary data suggest that people with the omicron variant of the coronavirus are between 50% and 70% less likely to need hospitalization than those with the delta strain.

The U.K. Health Security Agency findings add to emerging evidence that omicron produces milder illness than other variants -- but also spreads faster and better evades vaccines.

The agency said Thursday that, based on cases in the U.K., an individual with omicron is estimated to be between 31% and 45% less likely to attend a hospital emergency department compared to delta, and 50 to 70% less likely to be admitted to hospital.

It cautioned that the analysis is preliminary and highly uncertain because of the small number of omicron patients in hospitals and the fact that most were in younger age groups. As of Dec. 20, 132 people had been admitted to U.K. hospitals with confirmed omicron, of whom 14 -- aged between 52 and 96 -- died.

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SOFIA, Bulgaria  Bulgarians aged over 65 are being offered a one-off payment of 75 levs ($43) in addition to their monthly pensions if they get a COVID-19 vaccine.

Prime Minister Kiril Petkov said Thursday that pensioners who have not received a jab will get the payment after the first dose. Those who have had one dose will get the money after receiving a second dose and those getting a booster dose when the program kicks off.

The program, scheduled to begin in January and to last until the end of June, is part of the new governments campaign to encourage the vaccination process

The Balkan country of 7 million remains the least vaccinated in the 27-nation European Union, with less than one-third of its adults fully vaccinated.
Tom Stromme/AP

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP)  George Keiser, a longtime Republican North Dakota lawmaker who announced just last week that he would not seek another term in the Legislature, has died. He was 75.

House Republican Caucus Chair Glenn Bosch said Keiser died Wednesday, the Bismarck Tribune reported. A cause of death was not disclosed. Keiser announced in 2019 that he had been diagnosed with Lou Gehrigs disease, the common name for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS, a nervous system disease that weakens muscles.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP)  The driver of a tractor trailer has been charged with involuntary manslaughter in a crash that killed a North Carolina police officer investigating a crash on Interstate 85, Charlotte-Mecklenburg police announced Thursday.

Daniel Morgan, 50, failed to move left to an open lane or slow the Volvo VNL early Wednesday and it struck four police vehicles, a semi-truck and Officer Mia Goodwin, police said in a news release.
ALLEGAN, Mich. (AP)  A former western Michigan man has pleaded no contest in the 1989 killing of his 14-year-old adopted daughter, whose body was found buried in his backyard.

Dennis Bowman, 72, pleaded no contest Wednesday in an Allegan County courtroom to second-degree murder in Aundria Bowman's death, The Holland Sentinel reported.

His sentencing is scheduled for Feb. 7.

Aundria Bowman was last seen in March 1989. Her body was discovered in February 2020 under a concrete slab in the backyard of Bowmans Hamilton home after he confessed to her killing.

Bowman told police he pushed the teen down stairs, killing her, in March 1989 after she threatened to report that he had molested her. The same day, Bowman called police to report that his daughter had stolen $100 from the couple and run away from home.

After Aundria's death, Bowman used an axe to cut off her legs so her body would fit in a barrel, he told police. Bowman said he buried that barrel at he and his wife's Holland-area home and later reburied it at their new home in Hamilton after they moved.

Bowman is already serving two life sentences for the 1980 rape and murder of a 25-year-old woman  Kathleen Doyle, who was the wife of a U.S. Navy pilot  in Norfolk, Virginia.

Bowman confessed to concealing Aundrias death in late 2019 while he was being held in the Allegan County Jail after his arrest for the Virginia murder.
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (AP)  A drifter convicted of killing two Massachusetts men in carjackings in 2001 and sentenced to death has died, according to the Federal Bureau of Prisons.

The bureau said Gary Lee Sampson, 62, died Tuesday at the medical center for federal prisoners in Springfield, Missouri.

Sampson was first condemned to die in 2003. A judge later granted him a new sentencing trial after finding that a juror at his first trial had lied about her background. A new federal jury sentenced him to death in 2017 for the killing of Jonathan Rizzo, 19.

Jurors were unable to reach a unanimous decision on Sampsons penalty for the killing of Philip McCloskey, 69, so Sampson was sentenced to life for that crime.

Sampsons lawyers said he was brain damaged and mentally ill when he separately carjacked Rizzo, a college student from Kingston, and McCloskey, a retired pipefitter from Taunton, stabbed them each more than a dozen times, slit their throats and left them to die.

Sampson received a separate life sentence for killing a third man, Robert Eli Whitney, in New Hampshire.

Sampson pleaded guilty to the killings, so the jury was asked only to decide whether he should get life in prison or the death penalty.

Our thoughts are with the Rizzo, McCloskey and Whitney families today," Nathaniel Mendell, acting U.S. attorney for Massachusetts, said in a statement. Their resilience is extraordinary.

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This story has been updated to correct one instance of misspelling to Sampson, instead of Samspon.
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP)  A House panel on Thursday agreed on two tentative plans for redrawing Missouris state legislative districts, while the Senate panel remained deadlocked and failed to act.

House and Senate commissions, divided evenly between Republicans and Democrats, faced a Thursday deadline to tentatively redraw districts based on new census data.

The Senate panel struggled to agree to continue negotiating and eventually gave up entirely, adjourning without taking action.

Plus, the House panel's decision to double up with two maps could mean a court battle.

Senate commissioner Susan Montee, the former Democratic state auditor, proposed following the House's lead and submitting two Senate district maps. She questioned whether Senate commissioners could reach an agreement by the deadline without submitting separate Republican and Democratic maps, which proved true.

I just don't know that we would ever be able to get to that point tonight, she said.

Several Republicans, including the Senate commission chairman, questioned the constitutionality of sending in two maps when the Constitution calls for a tentative redistricting plan and map of the proposed districts" by December.

What the Constitution says is plain and clear: one map, Ellinger said.

Former Missouri Solicitor General Jim Layton, who was involved in Missouri's past two redistricting efforts, said he's never heard of a commission proposing two tentative plans before.

Still, he said the courts might accept the method if the House commission is able to agree on a final plan before the January deadline.

They met their constitutional obligation to provide a plan, Layton said. And now the real question is in the next 30 days, can they come up with one that gets a (successful) vote?

If the commissions fail to vote on a final plan by Jan. 23, the Missouri Supreme Court is responsible for picking a panel of six judges to take up the task.

Judges had to draw Missouris House maps in 2011 and 2001 after commissioners failed to agree on a plan. Judges also had to draw Senate maps every decade since the 1980s, though their 2011 map got overturned by the state Supreme Court. After the court ruling, a second bipartisan commission was formed and completed the Senate redistricting in 2012.

Commissioners face different guidelines for redrawing districts this year.

A constitutional amendment approved by voters last year diminished the potential to carve up sparsely populated counties. It places a priority on keeping counties and municipalities intact in districts, relegating partisan fairness and competitiveness to a lower priority than had originally been approved in a separate 2018 constitutional amendment.

The Republican and Democratic House redistricting plans differ on how to divide Boone County, home of Columbia, and Greene County, home of Springfield. In both cases, the urban cores of those cities include more Democratic voters while the rest of those counties include more Republican voters. Most of the Senate disagreements centered on those areas as well.

The commissions are not responsible for redistricting Missouris eight U.S. House seats. That job is to be done by state lawmakers when they convene their annual session in January.
SHOW LOW, Ariz. (AP)  A Utah man and a Tucson girl were killed when a single-engine plane crashed near the airport of the east-central Arizona city of Show Low, a fire official said Thursday.

Deputy Chief Randy Chevalier of the Timber Mesa Fire and Medical District identified those killed Wednesday as pilot David A. Gillette, 40, and passenger Lorelai Johansen, 11.
CAIRO (AP)  A prominent Egyptian human rights activist was released Thursday after serving her sentence on charges of spreading false news and insulting a police officer, her lawyer and family said.

Sanaa Seif, who hails from a renowned family of activists, had been behind bars since June 2020. She was convicted in March 2021 of broadcasting what authorities said were fake news and rumors about health conditions and the spread of the coronavirus in Egyptian prisons.

Mona Seif, her sister and also a prominent human rights advocate, posted photographs of Sanaa on social media showing her smiling and walking with friends upon her release.

The development comes after an Egyptian court on Monday sentenced the Seif sisters' brother, Alaa Abdel-Fattah, to five years on charges of spreading false news.

Abdel-Fattah was first sentenced in 2014 on charges of taking part in an unauthorized protest and allegedly assaulting a police officer. He was released in 2019 after serving a five-year term but was rearrested again later that year, in a crackdown that followed anti-government protests.

Sanaa Seif was arrested while she and other family members were at the public prosecutors office to file a complaint about an attack against them outside Cairos Tora prison complex. The family had been going daily to the prison, hoping to receive a letter from imprisoned Abdel-Fattah.

In a separate case in 2016, Seif was convicted of insulting a government employee and was sentenced to six months. After that, she served 15 months of a three-year sentence for demonstrating against a law banning public gatherings. She was pardoned early in that case.

The siblings' father, Ahmed Seif al-Islam, was a renowned human rights lawyer who died in 2014. Their mother, Leila Soueif, is a mathematician and a prominent advocate for academic independence. Their aunt is Ahdaf Soueif, an award-winning novelist.
BILLINGS, Mont. (AP)  Of the Montana schools that have met the states program deadline, most show high levels of lead in school drinking water.

In early 2020, the state of Montana for the first time required all public schools to test their drinking water for lead. Schools were given until December 31 of this year to take initial samples.

Now, with two weeks to go before the deadline, 136 schools  only about a quarter  have sent in samples and, of those, 125 have had at least one fixture exceed the state action level for lead, Yellowstone Public Radio reported.

Billings Superintendent Greg Upham all 32 schools in Montanas largest district have submitted their water samples for lab testing.

In a school district our size, you can imagine the amount of fixtures and faucets, he said.

As in other school districts in Montana, samples from Billings found that most schools had at least one fixture used for food and drinking water that exceeds state limits for lead content.

Overall, I was pretty pleased, Upham said. I thought it would be more, but enough that in a school (district) this size, its still an issue for sure.

Its going to take a while for us to get those replaced.

The prevalence of lead-based plumbing across the United States came under public scrutiny in 2014 after a high-profile case in Flint, Michigan.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says children are especially vulnerable to lead poisoning: Long-term exposure can cause issues including brain damage and developmental delays.

Montana announced its school lead testing program in January 2020, the same month the U.S. recorded its first case of COVID-19. Now, almost two years later, the state says most of Montanas 560 schools have yet to comply with program requirements.

In Belt, a town of about 500 people in central Montana just east of Great Falls, Superintendent Joe Gaylord said schools in his district only recently submitted their samples.

COVID really took all the energy focusing on it, and so the lead stuff kinda got put on the back burner, he said. But everyone kinda knew the deadline was coming.

Gaylord said the school district is waiting on the lab results.

A lot of the piping has been replaced, he said. We do have a few areas that have older piping, so that would be where we would - we dont have a high concern that we have an issue, but it will be nice to know if we do or not.

Montanas maximum allowable amount of lead in water is 5 parts per billion, the same concentration ceiling the U.S. Food and Drug Administration set for lead in bottled water. The state requires schools that exceed that limit to submit mitigation plans.

Caroline Pakenham with the climate action group Elevate co-authored a report examining how states are addressing lead in school drinking water. She said most U.S. schools were built before 1986, when the Safe Drinking Water Act set restrictions and the U.S. had a lot of lead used in our plumbing.

Pakenham said mitigation strategies can range from installing water filters to the more expensive solution of replacing pipes.

Schools with less resources are going to have a harder time mitigating lead, and this directly affects the children that they serve, she said. So, if we really want to protect all children in all communities regardless of their income or school district, we really need to provide financial resources to help these facilities take care of these sources of lead.

As part of the state program, schools are required to flush their pipes with water if its been sitting stagnant for longer than three days. The state says installing filters is one viable way for schools to address fixtures with high lead levels.

Greg Montgomery is the lead in school drinking water rule manager under the Montana Department of Environmental Quality. He says the state is currently able to use funding from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to cover sampling, but not mitigation.

However, with the infrastructure bill that was passed ... they added five additional years onto that program and they also changed the wording to allow us to use that for remediation and sampling, Montgomery said, so thats an upcoming funding source that will be available for schools.

The infrastructure bill includes more than $50 billion nationwide for clean drinking water. Montgomery said the state could learn what its allocation will be in the coming weeks.

In the meantime, said Billings Superintendent Greg Upham, his schools are looking at turning off or replacing fixtures that tested beyond the state limit for lead.

Its like anything. You get something new and everyone freaks out, including myself, and then you start tackling it, he said. And so, its feasible. I mean, its time and cost for sure, but were working at it.
HOUSTON (AP)  A Texas man convicted of providing material support to the Islamic State group was sentenced Wednesday to 12 years in federal prison after the government appealed his previous sentence, saying it was too lenient.

U.S. District Judge Charles R. Eskridge in Houston sentenced Asher Abid Khan, 27, of Spring, to also serve 15 years of supervised release, prosecutors said.

Khan pleaded guilty in 2017 to providing material support to the Islamic State group. U.S. District Judge Lynn H. Hughes later sentenced Khan to 18 months in prison, saying he showed potential for rehabilitation.

The government twice appealed the 18-month sentence before the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals ordered the judgment reversed and vacated and the matter reassigned, prosecutors said.

Khan was living in Australia when he and a friend from Texas came up with a plan to travel to Turkey and then to Syria in 2014 to fight for the Islamic State, according to prosecutors. Khan told a recruiter that he wanted to join the Islamic State, prosecutors say.

Khan and his friend met up in Turkey and Khan gave his friend money, knowing his plans, prosecutors said.

Khan's family, though, convinced him to come back to the U.S. Prosecutors say that once Khan was home, he got his friend in contact with the recruiter.

Prosecutors said the friend's mother eventually got a message saying he'd died while fighting in Syria.

Khans defense team had asked the judge for a five-year sentence.

Im sorry that the number is much higher than we argued for, David Adler, an attorney for Khan, told Khans supporters outside the courtrom, the Houston Chronicle reported.

Eskridge said anything less than 12 years wouldnt send the appropriate message. The judge did recognize that Khan had cooperated with government investigations and spoken out against terrorist propaganda.

The newspaper reported Khan recently graduated from the University of Houston with an engineering degree.

This does not mean that your life is over, the judge said.
NEW HAVEN, Conn. (AP)  Yale University has announced that it will delay the start of its spring semester for undergraduates and the graduate school of arts and sciences by a week amid the latest surge in COVID-19 cases.

In an email Wednesday night to the Yale community, school President Peter Salovey and University Provost Scott Strobel said the school also will shorten spring break from two weeks to one week.

Yale's spring semester will now begin online on Jan. 25, with in-person classes starting on Feb. 7, the officials said. Students must be back on campus no later than Feb. 4, according to the email, which was first reported by the Yale Daily News.

Yale plans to use the week of Jan. 18 to administer online makeup exams for students who were unable to complete their finals in December. The school cancelled in-person exams for the fall semester on Dec. 18.

Spring break will now run from March 19 to March 28.

Of course, the past months have been difficult for many of us, but we also displayed unmatched strength, kindness and ingenuity. We are grateful for your tremendous efforts, Salovey and Strobel wrote. Together, we will continue to navigate through this extraordinary moment in history.

The changes to the calendar were made after the university reported 67 cases of COVID-19 on Dec. 20.

The seven-day rolling average of daily new cases in Connecticut has risen from 1,525 new cases on Dec. 7 to 2,729 on Dec. 21, according to Johns Hopkins University Center for Systems Science and Engineering.

The governors office reported Thursday that 75 more people died in Connecticut from COVID-19-related issues during the past week. That brings the total during the pandemic to 9,077.

The state reported that 837 people were hospitalized with the virus on Thursday, up 16 from Wednesday.

In response to the new cases, the state Department of Public Health has rescinded guidance that would have allowed vaccinated high school athletes in the state to stop wearing masks during competition beginning on Friday.

Dr. Manisha Juthan, the states public health commissioner, said in a statement that the rapid rise in cases and the omicron variant forced us to reconsider that assessment.

Guidance that has been in place for winter sports throughout this season will remain in place," Juthan said. "In line with our neighboring states of Massachusetts and Rhode Island, DPH is advising that all participants continuously wear a mask over the nose and mouth during all indoor athletic activities to help reduce the spread of COVID-19 in our state and region.
Metro Video

BAYTOWN, Texas (AP)  Crews were working to extinguish a large fire at a Houston-area refinery that broke out early Thursday, injuring four people.

The fire started at about 1 a.m. at ExxonMobil's refinery in Baytown, which is about 25 miles (40 kilometers) east of Houston. Four people were injured but everyone else on site has been accounted for, said Rohan Davis, the refinery's manager.
Growing up poor was never fun until it came to Christmas Day. I was always hoping to get a pair of name brand shoes instead of the "pleathers" bought from K-Mart. Or maybe an actual pair of Guess jeans, versus a pair of Wrangler's where your Aunt had to sew the Guess triangle on the rear pocket from an old pair.

I remember one year when my parents gave me the opportunity to get the gift I wanted, which I asked for the original Optimus Prime Transformer, which they ordered from the Sears catalog. Unfortunately, they told me that this was the only gift I would get from them because it cost $25. I guess beer can deposits were running low that holiday season.

Grandma always made Christmas special with all the gifts, especially the ones left out from Santa on the living room floor. You would wake up to an electric slot car track or an electric train set. The only exception to this was on Christmas Eve when Grandma would let you open one gift. It never mattered on the size or shape, or what the box sounded like when I shook it...I always managed to pick the long underwear that Grandma gifted to me every year.

In this edition of the "Sheriff's Corner," keeping with the holiday spirit, I bring you "Santas" who were arrested or charged with crimes.

G-String Santa: On Christmas Day in 2007, a boozed-up St. Nick imposter was apprehended for taking a wasted joyride down to a theater in Hollywood. Though the guy might've been rocking a Santa hat, those who got a bit closer quickly noticed that in place of the typical jolly red suit was a purple G-string (topped off with a lacy red camisole). After tests showed that the man's blood-alcohol levels were above the legal limit, he was taken to jail before being released on $5,000 bail. However, to ease any worries you might have about Santa's true identity, an officer from the police department helpfully volunteered, "We are pretty sure this is not the real Santa Claus."

Counterfeit Santa: Santa did a little Christmas shopping in South Florida, but police said he tried to pay with a fake $100 bill. Jaret Santa, who bears the name of the North Pole's most famous resident, allegedly tried to swap the counterfeit bill for a $25 T.G.I. Friday's gift card and change last Wednesday, according to the Boynton Beach Police Department. Santa was booked into the Palm Beach County Jail on a charge of possessing a forged instrument. His bond was set at $3,000.

Shooting Santa: A man dressed up as Santa was at a Detroit gas station early Sunday morning when he allegedly shot two 29-year-old men. Apparently, there was an argument over Santas girlfriend  Mrs. Claus, a Detroit police officer told the Detroit News. One of the victims ran back to his car, and the guy dressed as Santa Claus mustve thought he was going to get a gun because he started shooting. Two off-duty cops chased Santa on foot. Police said the two victims are expected to recover.

Intruder Santa: In 2014, a man dressed in a Santa suit and wearing zombie make-up, wandered into a house in St. Paul, Minnesota, while intoxicated, scaring two teenage residents who were home alone. The drunk 21-year-old then vomited on himself and fell asleep on the couch. The Santa was arrested for trespassing. He must have come in through the chimney.

Protest Santa: In 2019, police arrested Santa about an hour after he arrived, for refusing to leave unless Charmin executives came out to accept their bad tidings. As he was whisked away in handcuffs, Santa could be heard Ho, Ho, Ho-ing tearfully as he lamented Procter & Gambles policy of refusing to use recycled content in its Charmin toilet paper, relying instead on fiber from fresh-cut trees from endangered forests like the Boreal Forest in Canada  critical habitat for caribou, which are also called reindeer. To the tune of Santa Claus is Comin to Town. the carolers sang: You better watch out, you better not cry, the reindeer have lost their home, and heres why: Charmin cuts the forest down. Theyre cutting down trees, grinding them up, destroying reindeer homes, so you can wipe your butt. Charmin cuts the forest down.

Santa with Warrant: A man dressed as Santa Claus ringing the bell for the Salvation Army was arrested Christmas Eve for an outstanding warrant. A 40-year-old man was arrested outside Price Chopper in Latham after a Colonie police officer recognized him as having an outstanding warrant from Colonie Court for failing to appear on an earlier charge of Patronizing a Prostitute. That charge stemmed from an incident in January 2018. Agrusti told police he was being paid by the Salvation Army to ring the bell. After he was booked by police, they gave him an appearance ticket and drove him back to Price Chopper to resume his duties.

Mean Santa: A mall Santa in Maine was fired in 2012 because he kept making kids cry. Parents flooded the malls Facebook with complaints like, He made my 11-year-old son cry  basically told him he was being greedy. One parent even said Santa put his hands across his lap so [my daughter] couldnt even sit on his lap.

Enabling Santa: Police in Berlin reported a man dressed as Santa was offering people shots of alcohol in a paper cup at a local Christmas market. One 15-year-old girl accepted, immediately started puking, and was rushed to the hospital where a blood test showed the drink had been doused. Eight others experienced similar incidents.

Sex Offender Santa: Robert Bruce Kendal showed up to Rose Place Park on Tuesday in Santa Claus iconic red suit, black boots and fake white beard. He thought he was playing Ole St. Nick for a companys Christmas party. He left in handcuffs. Now, the 48-year-old registered sex offender is in the Orange County Jail on a $2,000 bond. Court records reviewed by the Orlando Sentinel revealed that Kendal was convicted in 1993 of sexual battery involving a child younger than 12. Thanks to an anonymous tip, deputies said they discovered Kendals Craigslist ad in which he used the name Santa Bob to advertise his services as a professional Santa.

High-speed Santa: Maine State Police say they arrested a driver who called himself Santa Claus following a nearly 50-mile chase Tuesday. They learned his Jeep was stolen from New Hampshire. Police said the chase started in Clinton and reached 112 miles an hour before spike strips were deployed in Newburgh. The Jeep continued north on Interstate 95 to Bangor, where a 50-year-old man of Goffstown, New Hampshire, was arrested.

Green Santa: A 57-year-old Monterey Peninsula man was arrested in January 2015 after police say he handed out marijuana to customers and staff at the Buffalo Wild Wings in Seaside. The Monterey County Herald reported that Lange claimed to be Santa Claus and said the pot was a gift to the recipients, according to a press release from the Seaside Police Department. About 4 p.m., the man was allegedly seen wrapping marijuana in napkins and handing it out to people inside the restaurant. The man also allegedly gave one employee a napkin filled with pot, put cannabis in the tip jar, and told diners that he was Santa and that he had a gift for them, authorities said.

Inappropriate Santa: A 62 year old Massachusetts mall Santa was arrested on assault and battery charges last year after pinching an 18-year-old elfs butt. When cops questioned him, the man claimed, I did not touch that woman. A judge ordered the man not to dress up as Santa any more that holiday season.

Imposter Santa: Police ended up seeing double when they were called to a Fort Wayne, Indiana, McDonalds this month to remove an unwanted Santa who was causing a disturbance. When they arrived, there were two Santas, though the manager told officers that one had been hired. The other was inviting children to sit on his lap, just like the other one. When police asked for his name, he responded Santa Claus.

Bank Robber Santa: Cisco Texas, December 23, 1927. Marshall Ratliff was one of four men who dressed as Santa and held up the First National Bank. The Santa Claus bank robbery led to the largest manhunt ever seen in the state. They got away with $12,000 but were eventually caught.

Party Santa: Osceola County, Florida. December 23, 2012. Mike Busey, aka the "King of Rock and Roll Debauchery," was arrested during a house party at his Florida home he calls the "Sausage Castle." An undercover police officer paid the $20 cover charge for "Mike Busey's End of the World Sexy Santa Holiday B-Day" inside, he saw liquor being sold without a license. Busey was booked and jailed, but even after he was released, he tweeted "Last Night I Got Arrested For Throwing A EPIC Party! I Never Had Some Much Being Arrested!"
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Impala Canadas safety coordinator Jamie Murphy, left, and human

resources superintendent Ray Juurakko, second from right, helped drop

off about 500 gift bags to Dew Drop Inn executive director Michael

Quibell, second from left, and kitchen manager Julio Chiodo on

Wednesday morning. The gift bags will be handed out to patrons on

Christmas Day.
IRCC achieved the goal by focusing on transitioning temporary residents living in Canada during the pandemic to permanent resident status.

Canada breaks all-time immigration record by landing 401,000 immigrants in 2021 IRCC achieved the goal by focusing on transitioning temporary residents living in Canada during the pandemic to permanent resident status.

Canada breaks all-time immigration record by landing 401,000 immigrants in 2021 IRCC achieved the goal by focusing on transitioning temporary residents living in Canada during the pandemic to permanent resident status.

Canada breaks all-time immigration record by landing 401,000 immigrants in 2021 IRCC achieved the goal by focusing on transitioning temporary residents living in Canada during the pandemic to permanent resident status. Kareem El-Assal Shelby Thevenot Aa Accessibility Font Style Serif

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Canada has landed over 400,000 new permanent residents in 2021 for just the second time since it was founded as a country in 1867.

This has just been confirmed in a news release by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

The department also confirmed that the country has broken its all-time record for permanent residence landings in a year.

The only other time Canada surpassed the 400,000 immigrant figure was in 1913, but the onset of the First World War saw immigration to the country drop in the following years.

Prior to the pandemic, Canada set a goal of welcoming 341,000 new immigrants in 2020. It only landed 184,000 last year due to the pandemic. However, it doubled down on immigration to support its post-pandemic economic recovery by announcing it would target the arrival of 401,000 new permanent residents in 2021.

IRCC has been able to meet its Immigration Levels Plan target this year through a technicality. A landing can occur either by a temporary resident of Canada seeing their legal status change to permanent residence, or by them arriving to Canada from abroad and officially gaining permanent resident status. Prior to the pandemic, most new immigrants came from overseas. This year, however, IRCC has focused on transitioning those within the country to achieve its newcomer goal. The rationale has been those within Canada are less likely to be impacted by COVID-related disruptions that may impede their ability to land as a permanent resident.

Discover if Youre Eligible for Canadian Immigration

Before the pandemic, about 30 per cent of new economic-class immigrants were already in the country when they got permanent residency, while about 70 per cent moved from abroad. In 2021, this has been reversed with some 70 per cent landing from within Canada and about 30 per cent arriving from overseas.

IRCC has made shifts in operations to transition more temporary residents to permanent residents.

Some of the changes include holding Express Entry draws that target Canadian Experience Class (CEC) candidates, as well as launching six streams in May to offer pathways to permanent residence to as many as 90,000 international students and temporary foreign workers living in Canada.

In the pre-COVID days, Canada landed between 25,000 and 35,000 immigrants per month, with figures being higher during the warmer spring and summer months. Canada got off to a slow start this year before ramping up landings in June. Since June, Canada has consistently landed over 35,000 new permanent residents each month, and in recent months has exceeded 45,000 landings per month.

Achieving the 401,000 newcomer target has been one of IRCCs top priorities in 2021. Now that the department has achieved this goal, IRCC will broaden its priorities following the release of a new mandate letter.

In todays news release, immigration minister Sean Fraser stated Last year, we set an ambitious goal. Today, we achieved it. This is a historic moment for our country, as we welcome the highest number of newcomers in a century. I want to thank all the employees in my department, especially our Operations Sector, who made this possible. Canada is built on immigration, and we will continue to safely welcome the immigrants that Canada needs to succeed. I cant wait to see the incredible contributions that our 401,000 new neighbours make in communities across the country.

Under the Immigration Levels Plan 2021-2023, Canada is looking to welcome 411,000 new immigrants in 2022 and 421,000 immigrants in 2023. Fraser will announce the new Immigration Levels Plan by February 10, 2022. Fraser has suggested the new plan may entail even higher targets for 2022 and 2023.

Discover if Youre Eligible for Canadian Immigration

 CIC News All Rights Reserved. Visit CanadaVisa.com to discover your Canadian immigration options.
Enterprise architecture provides the foundation for successful business-IT initiatives. When properly designed and implemented, enterprise architecture will help business leaders achieve their goals, enabling the organization to become more responsive, efficient, and competitive.

Unfortunately, just a few common mistakes can keep an enterprise architecture from meeting its designers intended goals and objectives. In fact, a flawed enterprise architecture can, over time, send an enterprise in an entirely wrong direction.

When developing or updating your enterprise architecture, step back and make sure it isnt falling into any of the following seven traps.

1. Misaligning EA efforts to business needs

Enterprise leaders may design a coherent, detailed architecture, but it wont be successful over the long term unless its focused on real-world business needs.

Before planning begins, Ginna Raahauge, CIO at communications infrastructure services provider Zayo, suggests rounding up the enterprises most impactful use cases to pressure-test the existing enterprise architecture to discover potential leaks. Make sure the use cases are relevant, she advises. If youre having order accuracy challenges, [for example,] make sure to think through whats causing this on the front- and back-end and how a change in the architecture could fix that.

Raahauge believes that an enterprise architecture is never really completed. Its living and breathing, she says. Raahauge recommends revisiting the enterprise architecture at least once every five years. As technology is moving faster and faster, we need to be able to survive five years of technology shifts, she explains.

2. Not taking a customer-first approach

Its important to align design initiatives with a customer-centric approach when designing an enterprise architecture, says Phillip Hattingh, a vice president at business and IT consultancy Capgemini. Customer-centric KPIs for objectives and outcomes should be enabled throughout the design, facilitating true omnichannel customer journeys that address both digital and physical interplay, he says. How the design will achieve the organizations desired outcomes should be clear and well communicated in support of a successful transformation.

A customer-centric approach to enterprise architecture design marks a major change from traditional product-centric models. A customer-first approach will challenge the traditional model and has the potential to lead to operating model changes in the future, Hattingh notes. By not adopting a customer-centric design, organizations may also lose competitiveness in the marketplace.

3. Neglecting to centralize core goals and capabilities

An enterprise architecture that fails to centralize core business goals and capabilities is destined to produce or preserve silos.

When different offices and departments encounter the same challenge and deploy often-overlapping solutions, they entrench themselves in redundant, inefficient systems that inhibit progress toward business goals, warns Jonathan Benett, technical director, digital government solutions, at Adobe and former chief enterprise architect for the US Department of Agriculture. Moreover, once workstreams are siloed, implementing any enterprise architecture at all becomes progressively more difficult.

Benett says he witnessed silos destructive impact while serving as a government agency enterprise architect. Offices with the budget and the human capital to solve immediate problems would develop their own applications and approaches rather than building platforms with applications that served multiple purposes and met cross-agency needs, he says. When offices and departments work separately, they tend to oppose efforts to streamline  because they lack visibility into the benefits [of] overall business goals.

An effective way to tear down a siloed enterprise architecture is to invite teams representing major business functions to catalog all their digital tools, including applications, websites, and workforce management programs. Then include enterprise-wide processes and policies. Once this all-encompassing catalog has been created, gaps and strengths can be identified and built on, Benett says. From there, a capability-driven business architecture can start to take shape, he notes.

4. Placing technology ahead of flexibility and business goals

When developing an enterprise architecture, its easy to slip into a technology-centric worldview while losing sight of the business value model, says Jonathan Cook, CTO of healthcare data and software company Arcadia. Business needs are constantly evolving, and we as technology leaders and professionals need to enable, support, and accelerate that change.

When blinded or bound by a technology-centric outlook, enterprise leaders can find themselves stuck arguing about the superiority of various technological approaches instead of focusing on how to support current and upcoming business needs. If we fail to provide a flexible, resilient architecture we can hold our organizations back from competing effectively, Cook warns. Over the past 18 months of this pandemic weve seen that businesses that could rapidly adapt to changing market conditions were able to survive and even thrive.

5. Getting stuck in the present

An enterprise architecture developed without anticipating future growth requirements is likely to eventually fail. Without a roadmap, youll come up against limitations for creating efficiencies, as well as limitations, for supporting business goals, says Liz Tluchowski, CIO/CISO of insurance brokerage World Insurance. Youll also face the added expense of trying to reinvent the wheel when discovering what you have built is not serving the operational needs of the business.

Tluchowski recommends keeping an open mind when building out any system that will likely require scalability as the enterprise grows and/or business needs change. Use platforms and services that are known for their open architecture, as technology is forever changing and theres so much thats unpredictable even when you have a plan in place.

6. Shortchanging security

Enterprise architecture has been forced to change over the past few years as the cyber threat landscape has evolved. In the past, security was a bolt-on or an afterthought, says Chuck Everette, director of cybersecurity advocacy at cybersecurity technology firm Deep Instinct. Security is now at the core and the forefront of enterprise architecture and design, he notes. Everything else is built on top or around it.

Not including security at the start of the enterprise architecture design phase is a dangerous mistake as systems, applications, and data may be exposed to possible compromise, warns Bruce Young, who leads a cybersecurity management graduate program at Harrisburg University of Science and Technology. Cyber threats are constantly increasing, and successful cyber-attacks on organizations occur daily, so security must be included in the enterprise architecture process starting with the design phase.

Basic security considerations must take place during the design and planning phase, as well as testing and validation before final signoff, says Everette, who recommends taking a security-by-design approach to enterprise architecture development. Security-by-design enforces the prioritization of the design based on the business risks, values, and impacts of breaches and vulnerabilities.

7. Aiming for perfection

Most highly talented people, including those in IT and the business, want to build something perfect. While perfection may be an admirable goal, its not a particularly good pursuit when developing an enterprise architecture, particularly when future-proofing architectures or building for scale.

Thats important for sure, but over-rotating on it leads to a plethora of problems, primarily of the variety of overbuilding and over-architecting, explains Laura Thomson, vice president of engineering at cloud computing services provider Fastly.

Building the perfect architecture for the enterprise that management would like to have in five years time will lead to massively increased complexity and cost, Thomson warns. It pushes out delivery deadlines, makes systems slower to build and more error- and outage-prone, and drives up costs.

Thomson suggests aiming for an architecture thats merely good  not perfect. The perfect system doesnt exist, she says. Getting to an 80% solution, short term, front-loads value to the enterprise. You can and should iterate on improvements, Thomson adds.
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The Last Love Song: A Biography of Joan Didion, by Tracy Daugherty (St. Martins Press, 728 pp, $35)

Why do I keep seeing this one image of Joan Didion so often recently? Ive seen it crown two out of three recent profiles or reviews, and here it is again, in all its icy monochrome perfection, on the front of Tracy Daughertys outsize biography. It was even splashed across one side of a seasons briefly fashionable tote bag (the other side proclaiming MAGICAL THINKER, which seemed to me a most un-Didion-like phrase, even if it did sort of recycle one of her most recent titles). Is there some kind of demand being responded to here? Is there something in the air?

Jacket photograph copyright 1970 Julian Wasserwhich makes the Didion in the photo 36 and returns us to a moment when the woozily optimistic saturnalia of the sixties was shifting down into a murkier time of serial overdose and retreat: the Exile on Main Street years. This was also high times for the so-called New Journalismalmost midway between Truman Capotes In Cold Blood (1966) and Tom Wolfes clamorous manifesto-compilation of 1973. Didion (and her husband John Gregory Dunne) could be found in the contributors rolls of the latter, alongside burly big hitters like Norman Mailer, Michael Herr, and Hunter S. Thompson; but her presence on the page was markedly different from these other stars in the nonfiction firmament. She didnt burst from the platform of her magazine work like some raucous volley of fireworks. Didions tone was more reserved, more quietly insinuating, and sometimes slightly disturbing; you might occasionally mistake the authorial I of those early pieces for a more astringent and censuring sensibility from an earlier century, navigating our choppy twentieth-century rapids.

Anyone thinking of teaching Celebrity Journalism 101 could do worse than compare Truman Capotes infamous 1957 New Yorker profile of Marlon Brando (The Duke In His Domain) with Didions 1965 John Wayne: A Love Song: two rugged American icons up close and personal, one rakishly (even freakishly) liberal, one pure redwood Republican. Capote sits back and lets Brando do all the serious damage with his own scatty, pretentious gab; Didion intimates that the softly melancholy world of Wayne and his cronies is long past its last round-upbut shes never flip or cruel about it. If anything, the dominant tone here is hesitantly rhapsodic, a fond fare-thee-well: As it happened I did not grow up to be the kind of woman who is the heroine in a Western, and although the men I have known have had many virtues and have taken me to live in many places I have come to love, they have never been John Wayne, and they have never taken me to that bend in the river where the cottonwoods grow. Deep in that part of my heart where the artificial rain forever falls, that is still the line I wait to hear. It was also an early indication that, politically speaking, it would always be a tricky job placing Didion anywhere on the available spectrum.

The flashy shooting stars of New Journalism proved to have distinctly variable shelf lives. I recently started a looking back piece on Hunter S Thompson but ultimately floundered: I just found the full story too depressing for words, on too many levels. In retrospect, the range of subjects grappled with by a groovy New Barbarian like Thompson didnt take us very far, very often, out of a rather samey orbit. Hold the front page! Here is the strange and surprising news: Hells Angels are NOT Boy Scouts! Big drug dealers are NOT Boy Scouts! Richard Nixon is NO Boy Scout! The unhinged author himself is . . . etc. Didions tone was less bulked-out, more lapidary, and unobtrusive rather than messily point-scoring and loud. She relied less on showy lines and busy syntax and more on establishing a certain kind of hypnotic, shark-eyed mood. Perhaps because Didion also had (or surely intended to have) a successful career as a novelist, she didnt need to use journalism as a way to smuggle in the Great American Novel under wraps.

If Didion possessed a quieter sensibility, it would be a mistake to peg it as a more defiantly feminineor even feministone. Friends in liberal circles were delighted when she sent up pretty Nancy Reagan; less pleased when she did the same thing with some of the more starry-eyed avatars of the Womens Liberation movement. She already had a sharp eye (and ear) for the little fudges and blind spots in ideological syntax on both sides of the street. As a working mother herself, she naturally saw the need for certain pragmatic political demands, but she talked also of the coarsening of moral imagination to which . . . social idealism so often leads. She seemed ill at ease with the all-or-nothing verities of an emergent identity politics: The idea that fiction has certain irreducible ambiguities seemed never to occur to these women, nor should it have, for fiction is in most ways hostile to ideology. And while its probably fair to say that she was never going to run for, or place, in any kind of Republican Mom-of-the-Year contest, she could offer scathing put-downs of her own gilded social circle: [t]he public life of liberal Hollywood comprises a kind of dictatorship of good intentions, a social contract in which actual and irreconcilable disagreement is as taboo as failure or bad teeth, a climate devoid of irony.

One thing I will say straight off in favor of Tracy Daughertys The Last Love Song: its nice to see that the cover image comes complete with Didions 1970s cigarette intact, allowed (in memory, at least) to foul the pristine California air once again. Probably one of the reasons this photo is so popular is that, hypothetically, you cant be sure what year it was taken: the woman in the image isnt instantly identifiable with any particular time frame. Didion isnt excessively sixties- or seventies-looking. She isnt incoherently a la mode: no embarrassing fright perm or heavy ethnic jewelry or purple granny glasses. This is a woman versed in some other visual language entirelycool, remote, poised. (Soigne, I think, is the preferred fashion-mag word.) In a more recent photo used for a Celine marketing campaign, Didion looks like the 81-year-old woman she now is; whats more notable (and also what Id guess fashion people like about it) is that her look now is as Zen-cool as it was in her hanging-with-Jim-Morrison days: still minimal, pared back, classic. Rare, in fact, is the picture of Didion that seems at all cruelly date-stamped. Non-fans of Didion (apparently, they do exist) might say this is of a piece with what they find weak and self-parodic in her reportage: that it often didnt appear to matter where she was sent, or whom she profiled, or what year it wasthe story always emerged in the same airy, detached Didion semaphore.

In fact, a sober trip back through the books on the shelf reveals at least three discrete Didion periods: the name-making investigative reportage of 196879; the nonpareil arc linking Salvador to Political Fictions; and her recent more-ruefully personal work, each of which reflects a markedly different attitude towell, we can call it politics, or better say her sense of whats at stake in the various narratives of public life. Theres a long closing paragraph in her montage-essay Good Citizens that provisionally sketches a distinct post-sixties slump and general bafflement at both ends of the political spectrum: it might be snipped out and reprinted, as is, today. She identifies a widening gap between the everyday struggles of ordinary people and the empty language of problems and solutions used by slick, vote-grabbing politicos, who tend to gloss over real problems (especially if said problems are stubbornly economic rather than handily and divisively cultural) and offer abstractly hopeful solutions. That might begin to explain why many citizens feel so angry but also so deeply apathetic. I suspect that present-day Didion would claim that the only real difference between now and 1970 is that way too large a segment of the reporting media have let themselves be co-opted into the same anodyne, distracting chatter of problems and solutions.

Precisely how Didions work relates to its time is one of the declared interests of literary biographer Daugherty (previous subjects: Joseph Heller, Donald Barthelme). Daugherty writes what he calls literary biography as cultural history. But didnt Didion herself already do the cultural history thingand rather well? In her own way, she pitched down into the deep moods and hidden textures of history, rather than just skimming off slogans and cliches. Here, on the other hand, is Daugherty in characteristic cultural history mode: Taking their cue from The Doors, the baby boomers shouted, We want the world and we want it now! Didion was intrigued and appalled.

Daugherty seems to want it both ways: in a rather precious preface, he claims not to be the sort of grubby biographer who goes for the dish. But any biographer is almost by definition a very nosey fellow, and once Daughertys high-minded thoughts have drifted out with the Malibu tide, we soon plunge headlong into the home life of Didion and Dunne (and the latters even more dish-worthy family members, Dominick and Griffin). Its pretty odd, this notion of being less concerned with gossip than with The Work. Who on earth still reads conventional Lit Crit nowadays? And what kind of Lit Crit might Didion herself suit or attract? Her work is already a canny merger of idioms: reportage, memoir, political rhetoric, semantic analysis, essayistic reflection. In fact, Didion has already told us so much about her life, it makes you wonder whether a biography was really necessary.

Things are further complicated by the fact that Daugherty got zero help from Didion and very little face time with any of her family or close friends. (My favorite lines in the book all came from Eve BabitzLos Angeles scene-maker extraordinaire, but someone with only the most tangential relation to Didions work.) If you want to know why the Didion-Dunne marriage went a bit rocky around the end of the sixties, youre left not much wiser. But we do find out where 1970s Malibu Didion went for dinner-party staples and gorgeous orchids. There seems to be an internal struggle going on here between Daugherty the noble literary critic and Daugherty the author of a big, glamorous biography. We get too much domestic scene-setting, especially during the Los Angeles years: what markets Joan frequents; her fall-back menu for dishy dinner parties; the color scheme of her writing room. At times, Daughertys book reads like it was written by someone whos accepted a bet to do a noir parody of the kind of celebrity profile (marriage, decor, menus, children) you might find in People magazine.

Sometimes, Daugherty quails at how other-worldly Didions networking Los Angeles life has become, but Didion-Dunne cant win. If they act like artists, theyre held up as hopeless naifs; if they join a writers union or engage a lawyer to make sure they get proper recompense for their hard work, theyre reactionary breadheads! When the Didion-Dunne scriptwriting partnership manages to come out of the nerve-shredding trial of the 1976 Barbra Streisand vehicle A Star Is Born with proper payment for all their successive script treatments, Daugherty sums up thusly: The movie went on to earn over $66 million, a percentage of which made a nice payday for the snobby intellectuals. (Say what? Where did those last two words leap from! Envy? Reverse snobbism? Or is this just Lit Crit flip?)

If we dont get any real Didion dirt, what we do get are endless pages of Daugherty writing as if located deep inside Didions diurnal I (reproducing her mental and emotional rhythms, as he sees it). He tries to echo or simulate her sensibility by writing like heror at least, by deploying similar-seeming stylistic devices like mucho white space, random italics, and punchy one-line paragraphs. He effectively blows this undercover mission with what proves to be something of a Daugherty trademarka positive blizzard of fizzy exclamation marks.

It all feels a bit Creative Writing 101: The shape of her writingfragmented, jaggedsuggested the chaos of contemporary circumstances. Well, maybe. Fragmented? Sure, after a fashion. Jagged? Arguable. At its highwire best, her prose is prickly, but also possessed of a gorgeous, lilting, musical rhythm. (Parlor game: if Joan Didion were an LP, who would it be by? Randy Newman? Warren Zevon? Roseanne Cash? Morton Feldman?) Didions mosaic style works only because its so tough-shelled, precise, worked-on. Daugherty shows what happens when such a style lapses into mere reflex tic, a not so expertly wielded mannerism. I think Didions style is stranger and more elusive than Daughertys one-dimensional take on it. Its like the literary equivalent of one of those Hollywood dolly zoom shots, seeming to whoosh in and shudder out at one and the same time. In Didions memoir, Where I Was From, we get this in full effect: what seems to be a focusing-in on standard personal data (family, childhood, hometown) is accompanied by a panning-out to take in contemporary California and a whole raft of socio-economic problems.

Increasingly, Didions core concern in such reportage is with language itself and how she feels its become utterly devalued as social currency. All the confident duplicitiesself-help mantras, rebranding jingles, campaign promisesand how eerily similar theyve begun to sound. Buzzwords in the air during the Reagan presidency; CIA-speak; economist data; shadowy deals, just under the skein of everyday discoursetheyre all there in fiction like Democracy and The Last Thing He Wanted: a trance-like repetition of everyday speech till its moorings begin to fray and untie and unmoor everyone involved.

One good section early on in The Last Love Song details the young Didions 195666 tenure at Vogue under Allene Talmey and a more personal apprenticeship with the hard-drinking, Maileresque writer and roue-about-Manhattan, Noel Parmentel. Parmentel also mentored Didions husband-to-be, John Gregory Dunne, and eventually introduced the couple. What Didion got from Vogue/Talmey and the demanding work of caption-writing, was an education in self-editing, learning what to leave out, writing as creatively limited space and shape. (Talmey: We wrote long and published short and by doing that Joan learned to write.) What she got from Parmentel is harder to summarize; but its perhaps telling that we once again brush up against hard-to-place politics: In print, [Parmentel] savaged the right in the pages of The Nation, would turn around and do the same to the left in National Review . . . and blasted both sides in Esquire.

Writing-wise, the iconic Didion (the textual parallel to that photo) is generally taken to be her freewheeling work in 1968s Slouching Towards Bethlehem and 1979s The White Album: a stiff-backed, quietly purposive young reporter given the gift of truly exciting times: Manson and Morrison, Nixon and Reagan, the Panthers and Patti Hearst and Womens Lib. But this may not be the most interesting moment in Didions long career, and it is to Daughertys credit that he gives equal consideration to her (for some of us) equally fascinating middle periodDemocracy and The Last Thing He Wanted; Where I Was From; the spectral reportage of Miami and Salvador, plus some of the essays collected in After Henry.

The problem here comes when Daugherty slips back into the slyly confidential tone of one who was there, and knows what his subject was thinking every step of the way. It certainly made me feel a bit ethically queasy when he began to linger over every shiver and blot in the short and apparently troubled life of Didions adoptive daughter, Quintana Roo. This sits uneasily with Daughertys loftily stated aim of tracing the intersection between Didions work and the wider zeitgeist of the day. We end up with a book that manages to say some of the right things, but in a rather shrill and patronizing and often just plain icky way.

The shame of it is that an interesting book remains to be written about the road travelled from the days of long Saturday Evening Post pieces to todays daily updated-insider blogs: the yawning difference between media and politics then and now, and how Didions work has traversed all these changes. It often happens that an artistic era suddenly comes into intense focus for the generation that comes of age following it. And this is what currently seems to be happening with figures like Didion and with Patti Smith: certainly a lot of younger women seem to identify with the example of such lives, with their hopeful, headstrong beginnings, as well as with their stoic, grief-burnished final acts.

As well as that photo, there may be another reason that Didion is getting play with a younger-than-usual readership: could there be something about Didions eerie, semi-fictional Los Angeles that strikes a chord with kids whose first big pop music crush is Lana Del Rey? Is it pushing things to see something of Didions haunted fiction in the video for Del Reys High By The Beach, for instance, and a set that could have stepped right out of a long-ago Didion essay? It streamed down the blank windows of unleased offices, loosened the soft coastal cliffs and heightened the most characteristic Santa Monica effect, that air of dispirited abandon which suggests that the place survives only as illustration of a boom gone bankrupt . . . . What chance a Hollywood remake of Play It As It Lays, with Del Rey making her big screen debut . . . and perhaps with a cameo for Saint Joan herself, as a wise old psychotherapist, a long-ago mover and shaker, andmost of alla quietly dignified survivor.

Photo by Julian Wasser
The UN Human Rights Office (Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights  OHCHR) represents the world's commitment to universal ideals of human dignity. It has a unique mandate from the international community to promote and protect all human rights.

The Human Rights Advisors presence (HRA presence) in Moldova, led by the International Human Rights Advisor, assists the UN RC Office, UN Country Team in Moldova (UNCT), Government and civil society in strengthening human rights and human rights-based approaches, working closely with the UN Country Team on capacity building and mainstreaming human rights in their work, as well as providing support in engagement with national actors on human rights, including advising national authorities upon request. According to the Country Programme for 2018-2021 OHCHR in Moldova is developing its activities based on the following framework pillars: a) Strengthening rule of law and accountability for human rights violations; b) Increasing the implementation of the international human rights mechanisms outcomes; c) Enhancing equality and countering discrimination; d) Integrating human rights in sustainable development; e) Enhancing and protecting civic space and peoples participation.

Starting from 2022 the HRA presence in Moldova jointly with UNDP and UNICEF will be implementing the project Paradigm Shift to Disability Inclusive Services, Accountability and Governance in Moldova (2022 - 2023), funded by the UN Partnership on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNPRPD). The project will address three major barriers to inclusion of persons with disabilities in Moldova: (i) predominant medical approach to disability assessment and determination, (ii) limited accountability and governance mechanisms for CRPD implementation and (iii) limited mainstreaming of rights of persons with disabilities in the national programmes, development programmes, budgets and monitoring processes.

The project has three main outcomes:

 Outcome 1 Capacity of national stakeholders, especially of key duty bearers and rights holders, is enhanced, to ensure more effective contributions towards disability inclusive policies, systems and - for the implementation of the CRPD and SDGs;

 Outcome 2. Gaps in achievement of essential building blocks or preconditions to CPRD implementation in development and humanitarian programs are addressed.

 Outcome 3. National development and humanitarian plans, budgets, programs and monitoring processes are disability inclusive.

While OHCHR in Moldova will be engaged in the majority of the outputs of the above mentioned outcomes, OHCHR will have the leading role in following:

Outcome 1: (a) Capacity of UNCT Moldova staff improved on mainstreaming disability in development cooperation frameworks and programs; (b) OPDs and informal groups, including persons from rural areas, women with disabilities, parents of children with disabilities, are capacitated and mobilized to participate in the design and piloting of guidelines for the transition from the medical to the human rights-based approach to disability determination in three pilot regions

Outcome 2: Established formal multi-stakeholder and cross-sectoral consultative mechanism to support legislative policy and systems changes and engage persons with disabilities, including children and women with disabilities and their representative organizations, in harmonization of implementation framework on disability determination, data collection and access to assistive devices and technologies with CRPD standards.

Outcome 3: (a) Disability is mainstreamed in the UNSDCF 2023-2027 design and implementation; (b) National framework of indicators for SDGs progress monitoring and reporting are disability inclusive and aligned with CRPD standards (with expertise).

For the other components/outputs under each of the outcome, OHCHR in Moldova, will ensure that all the interventions are CRPD compliant. Also, as full and meaningful participation of persons with disabilities is one of the preconditions of advancing the implementation of CRPD, OHCHR will facilitate the engagement of persons with disabilities, families of children with disabilities, OPDs, CSOs in the field, in all processes.

Under the guidance and direct supervision of the Human Rights Adviser and in close collaboration with a National Human Rights Officer, the incumbent is responsible for the management of OHCHR activities within the mentioned project and for the coordination of all project activities through a range of actions: substantively contribute and ensure effective and efficient implementation of the activities under the OHCHR leadership; contribute to mainstreaming human rights and human rights based approach to disability throughout different activities of the project, including the activities under the leadership of UNDP and UNICEF; apply and promote the principles of results-based management (RBM), as well as a client-oriented approach consistent with UNDP and OHCHR rules and regulations; ensure the substantive internal coordination, as well as coordination with UNDP and UNICEF; monitoring and evaluation throughout project implementation, ensuring synergies between the components of the project, communicating project objectives and results, reporting and engaging with all stakeholders. The incumbent will work in close collaboration with other members of the Human Rights Advisor team for effective achievement of results, anticipating and contributing to resolving complex program/project-related issues and information delivery. The incumbent is expected to exercise full compliance with applicable programming, financial, procurement and administrative rules, regulations, policies and strategies, as well as implementation of the effective internal control systems
In Pennsylvania, if an insurer contends that a medical service, drug or device is unnecessary, it must resolve the dispute through a process called utilization review, where medical professionals decide if the request is reasonable.

The Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruled Wednesday that non-treating providers, such as pharmacies and imaging centers, may play no role in that process.

The high court rolled back an appellate court decision that effectively added new language to the state Workers Compensation Act by requiring non-treating providers be given due-process rights in utilization-review decisions. The unanimous opinion says the act makes it clear that providers have no property interest in their claims until after UR determines the goods or service are reasonable and necessary.

Absent a constitutionally protected property interest, there is no viable due process claim, the opinion says.

The dispute that was brought to the Supreme Court for resolution started out as an administrative proceeding before the state Department of Labor and Industries Medical Fee Review Section in 2017. Claimant Thomas Shaw, an employee of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Philadelphia, had injured his year three years before and was prescribed medications by his physician. Keystone Rx LLC dispensed the drugs and billed the employers insurer, Compservices/AmeriHealth Casualty Services.

The insurer filed a UR request. The utilization review organization determined that all medications dispensed after Nov. 2, 2016 were unreasonable and unnecessary because they were unrelated to Shaws workplace knee injury.

While non-treating providers cannot participate in the UR process, they can challenge decisions by insurers and employers that refuse to pay their bills.

Keystone petitioned the Medical Fee Review Section, which initially ruled that Compservices owed the pharmacy $4,000. The insurer appalled to the Fee Review Hearing Office, which vacated the previous determination and found the insurer owed nothing because UR determined the medications were unnecessary and that the pharmacy had no standing to challenge a UR decision.

Keystone appealed to the Commonwealth Court, which is an intermediate court of appeal. The Commonwealth Court determined that because a hearing officer had decided that the medications were unnecessary, it had correctly concluded that Keystone could not challenge that finding.

But the appellate court went further: It ruled that from the date of the decision forward, non-treating providers must be given notice and a right to intervene in UR proceedings.

The ruling grabbed the attention of business and insurance groups, which noted that Pennsylvania has been using UR for more than 20 years. The Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry. Insurance Federation of Pennsylvania, American Property Casualty Insurance Association and the National Association of Mutual Insurance Companies were among groups that filed amicus briefs after Compservices appealed to the Supreme Court.

The high court said the Commonwealths ruling was unconventional. For all intents and purposes, the appellate court had deemed the UR procedures called for by the Workers Compensation Act to be unconstitutional, the opinion says. To remedy the infirmity, the court engrafted onto the act a new requirement that non-treating providers be given notice and an opportunity to intervene in UR proceedings.

The Supreme Court said, however, that the law does not bestow property rights onto providers for goods and services that are deemed medically unnecessary. Therefore, the Commonwealths concerns about due process are unfounded.

Justice David Wecht elaborated in a concurring opinion. He said providers such as laboratories, medical imaging centers, opticians and pharmacies are free to petition the state legislature if they believe the UR rules are unfair.

Short of legislative intervention, non-treating providers will have to make the business decision of whether to continue providing services to workers compensation claimants, Wecht wrote.
CHICAGOThe U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is assessing whether the weed killer dicamba can be sprayed safely on soybean and cotton plants genetically engineered to resist the chemical, without the procedure posing unreasonable risks to other crops, an agency official said on Tuesday.

Farmers and scientists for years have reported problems with dicamba drifting away from where it is sprayed on fields, causing damage to nearby plants not modified to resist the herbicide.

The EPA said it received about 3,500 reports this year indicating that more than a million acres of non-dicamba-tolerant soybean crops were allegedly damaged when the chemical drifted from where it was applied. Trees and crops like rice and grapes also suffered damage, the agency said.

The number, severity and geographic extent of the incidents was similar to last year, even though the EPA had tightened restrictions on dicamba use for the 2021 growing season, the agency said.

Right now we dont know whether over-the-top dicamba can be used in a manner that doesnt pose unreasonable risks to non-target crops and other plants, said Michal Freedhoff, an EPA assistant administrator.

The EPA is evaluating all its options for addressing future dicamba-related incidents, Freedhoff said.

Further restrictions would be a blow to Bayer AG, which sells the herbicide under the name XtendiMax, as well as seeds to grow dicamba-resistant crops. The company has settled lawsuits brought by land owners who say their crops were damaged by neighbors using dicamba.

Bayer said it believes the EPAs latest restrictions on use, announced in October 2020, helped the vast majority of XtendiMax herbicide users succeed with weed control and on-target applications this season.

Some farmers and seed companies have called for regulators to limit spraying to before crops are planted. The Center for Biological Diversity, an environmental group, said the EPA should impose a complete ban.

Regulatory changes will probably not be fully implemented by the 2022 growing season, the EPA said. The agency said it will work with states that want to impose further restrictions, though.

A U.S. appeals court blocked dicamba sales in June 2020 and ruled the EPA had substantially understated risks related to its use. Four months later, the EPA under former President Donald Trump re-authorized the use of dicamba-based weedkillers with new restrictions, invalidating the court ruling.
In this file photo, U.S. Rep Diana DeGette, D-Colo., front makes a point as Interior Secretary Deb Haaland looks on during a news conference after Haalands visit to talk about federal solutions to ease the effects of the drought at the offices of Denver Water on July 22, 2021, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
Popular, privacy-centered search engine DuckDuckGo plans to launch a desktop browser for macOS laptops and desktops.

The browser is designed from the ground up to maintain privacy; that means it will not collect information about users and will not install cookies or tracking codes on devices. The company also claims it can block hidden trackers before they load.

DuckDuckGos browser is already available as a download for mobile devices. In 2019, DuckDuckGo added Apple Maps support and has since added other improvements to how it works on Apple devices.

DuckDuckGo for desktop is built around OS-provided rendering engines, which is similar to how the DuckDuckGo mobile apps work; it will not use a Chromium fork as other browser offerings do.

The desktop browser is in closed beta testing for the Mac right now, with a Windows version also planned in the future. A release date has not yet been set, but DuckDuckGo is currently soliciting beta testers.

The DuckDuckGo browser will have no complicated settings, no misleading warnings, and no levels of privacy protection  just robust privacy protection that works by default, across search, browsing, email, and more, the company said in a blog post.

It's not a privacy browser; it's an everyday browsing app that respects your privacy because there's never a bad time to stop companies from spying on your search and browsing history, DuckDuckGo said.

The Pennsylvania-based company said its desktop app is cleaner, more private, and faster than Googles Chrome browser.

DuckDuckGo also said that over the past year it has revamped its search results page to give it a more simple and modern design, and continued to refine and improve local, maps, and directions results.

In April, DuckDuckGo partnered with the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) to enhance secure browsing and protect user information on the web. The partnership resulted in the enhancement of DuckDuckGo's HTTPS Everywhere browser extension by incorporating rule sets from DuckDuckGo Smarter Encryption. The HTTPS Everywhere browser is a Firefox, Chrome, and Opera extension that encrypts user communications with many major websites, making browsing more secure.

Jon Callas, director of technology projects at the EFF, said that while his privacy-focused organzation does not endorse any products or browsers, DuckDuckGo has "done a lot of work to improve the privacy aspects of searches."

DuckDuckGo is among a small number of privacy-oriented browsers, including Brave and Vivaldi.

"Im very interested in the idea of DuckDuckGo doing a browser. It would be nice to have more privacy-oriented browsers around," Callas said. "Having people try different approaches is good for the advancement of privacy on the web."

Founded in 2008, DuckDuckGo claims its search engine is now the most downloaded browsing app on Android in its major markets and on iOS is second only to Chrome.

Were averaging more than 100 million searches a day, and our most recent survey showed 27 million Americans (9%) use DuckDuckGo, the company said in its blog post. Worldwide weve had over 150 million downloads of our all-in-one privacy apps and extensions since we moved beyond just private search in 2018.

Accessing any search engine is essentially giving away privacy, as it's very easy to track what users search for by the ID of the browser and/or computer or IP address, according to Jack Gold, president and principal analyst at J. Gold Associates.

Cookies are only one part of the tracking story, so even if you erase all your cookies after each search and/or website access, it is still possible to track you, though not as conveniently as with cookies, Gold said in an email response to questions. And with cookies, you can be tracked over multiple websites and over extended times, whereas with other means it's tracking only as you hit the particular website. So removing tracking cookies alone is not sufficient (and also why the 'dont track me' settings on browsers dont really keep us private).

Gold isn't completely convinced that DuckDuckGo wont install cookies or track searches, and said people have to take the company at its word when it comes to those promises.

I suppose putting out a desktop browser app is a good way to extend their privacy umbrella beyond mobile, Gold continued. Of course, if you download any app, you run the risk of it getting hacked, so its a potential additional threat, although its hard to say how much of one at this point.

The EFF's Callas agreed. While some browsers offer "privacy options" such as Google Chrome's Incognito mode (which turns off the function that saves cookies), a user's browsing history is still being recorded on the web through the IP address.

"All servers know the IP address you came from. Thats a fact of life on the internet," Callas said.

The only way to more thoroughly cover tracks is to either use a VPN or Tor (short for The Onion Router), which is free and open-source software for enabling anonymous communication. Tor manages to hide both ends of an internet connection from each other.

All of the major browser developers offer a free browser because they can make money off a users browsing history, Gold explained. Thats how Google, Microsoft, and others work and how they can offer a browser without charge.

Like other search engines, DuckDuckGo earns revenue by serving ads on a website called up by the user; instead of relying on a users browser behavior, the ads served up are based on keywords and terms of the search query.

The company also touted its support of charitable entities whose focus is on improving internet privacy. Over the past decade, DuckDuckGo has donated $3.7 million to privacy causes, including to the Center for Information Technology Policy, the Electronic Frontier Foundation, and the European Digital Rights (EDRi) organization.

DuckDuckGo Inc. DuckDuckGo released App Tracking Protection in November.

Last month, DuckDuckGo released App Tracking Protection, a new feature in its Android app that blocks third-party trackers like Google and Facebook from looking into other apps. That feature is now in beta.

Users trying out the new feature are already surprised by how much tracking normally happens on their devices. Join the waitlist through the DuckDuckGo Android app to give it a try, the company said.

In July, DuckDuckGo also announced the beta release of Email Protection, a free email forwarding service that removes trackers in email and protects the privacy of a personal email address without asking users to change email providers.

Additional Mac-centric features and some tips for installing DuckDuckGo are available online.
Apples iCloud Private Relay service gives users privacy, security, and convenience. It is best seen as a limited form of virtual private network (VPN) that protects a users Safari browsing activity from prying eyes. But, is it compatible with your enterprises existing VPN systems?

(TL;DR: Yes).

iCloud Private Relay and enterprise VPN

Solid VPN usage statistics are relatively hard to find. Security.org clams that two-thirds of Americans have used a VPN with around 38 million people making regular use of these tools. The move to working from home during the pandemic may have sparked an increase in such use, with 68% of companies beginning to or increasing their use of such services.

The inference is that more businesses than ever before now make use of VPN services, and they will need to know whether these are compatible with iCloud Private Relay.

The short answer is yes, they are compatible. Apple designed it this way.

Private Relay is designed to provide clear status information and control to the user, and provide appropriate controls to enterprises and network operators that might require the ability to audit all traffic on their network, the company explains in its recently-published guide to the service.

How iCloud Private Relay works

At its simplest, iCloud Private Relay works by separating a users identity from the nature of their Safari web browsing session.

When they make a request to visit a site, the request is sent through two separate internet relays operated by two different entities.

One (the ingress proxy) will handle the users original IP address but does not know the website name they are requesting.

The other egress proxy uses an assigned IP address that does not relate to the user to summon the site.

The idea is that people cannot be directly connected to the sites they visit and that no one in the chain has access to that information.

The system is sufficient to support location-personalized web experiences but does not undermine regional content restrictions. So, if you want to watch U.S. Netflix from your luxury pad in Lisbon, Portugal, youll need to use a VPN. You should also take care to scrutinize which VPN service you select.

The system has solid TLS 1.3 security to encrypt what happens between the users device and the ingress and egress proxies. You can explore Apples online dedicated Private Relay pages and its recent document to gain more in-depth insight into the system. This WWDC developer presentation may also be of interest.

How iCloud Private Relay supports existing enterprise VPNs

It supports existing enterprise security systems (including VPNs) in the following ways:

Private Relay only protects connections made using public internet servers.

Private Relay allows users to access local or private servers (such as your company server) directly.

If it detects that the server being used is not a public internet name, it will instruct the device to access the server directly over the local network.

In a protection against spoofing attempts in which an attacker may choose to pose as a local network server to access data, the device never allows direct connections to names held on DuckDuckGos known tracker list.

Private Relay will not try to proxy traffic that it recognizes as specific to the local network.

Most managed networking settings as used by enterprises take precedence over Private Relay

If a device has a VPN installed, traffic that goes through that VPN will not use Private Relay.

Similarly, a proxy configuration, such as a Global Proxy, will be used instead of Private Relay.

If your network forbids use of proxy servers, then iCloud Private Relay will not function.

What this all means is that if you are using a corporate VPN, iCloud Private Relay will ignore the internet transaction. And if you make use of a local network or global proxy server, or forbid use of proxy servers on your network, no protection will be put in place.

Another exception relates to those who use custom-encrypted DNS settings, as the specified DNS server will be used instead of Private Relay.

What about MDM systems?

If your business manages a fleet of devices, Apple has made it possible to enable or disable iCloud Private Relay using your MDM tools. It does this by allowing these systems to install and use management profiles on devices to disable use of iCloud Private Relay on them.

What about network audits?

Some industries require businesses to log network traffic, particularly in highly sensitive or heavily regulated sectors. If your business needs to audit network traffic, then it is possible to block access to Private Relay.

In the event use of the service is blocked on your network, a user will receive an error message to let them know they must disable Private Relay for that network or use another network.

Convincing your employees to use your network rather than another may be the biggest security challenge you find in consequence.

What else should you know?

With so many employees working remotely, its important to understand what iCloud Private Relay does not protect. While it will do a great job of securing a remote users browsing traffic when transacted on a public server using Wi-Fi or a wired internet connection, it does not protect traffic sent across cellular networks.

It is also important to note that only Safari sessions are protected. Traffic from apps, emails, or browsers is not. If you and/or your business needs to protect all your online traffic  apps, services, emails and so on  youll still need to use a VPN.

The service is pretty relevant. As a result of its growth in the enterprise, Apple devices are now a bigger security threat target, Jamf Senior Manager Garrett Denney writes.

How to enable and disable Private Relay

Private Relay is available to iCloud+ subscribers running iOS 15, iPad OS 15 or macOS Monterey or later.

To enable it, open Settings (System Preferences on Mac), then open your Apple ID>iCloud section and toggle Private Relay to On. Or toggle it to off to disable the service.

Please follow me on Twitter, or join me in the AppleHolics bar & grill and Apple Discussions groups on MeWe.
Northeast Airlines Flight 823 took off from LaGuardia in New York on February 1, 1957, headed for Miami. It didn't get very far. Within the first minute of takeoff, it crashed on Rikers Islandit hadn't been ascending nearly as much as it was supposed to, so it hit the island's trees, tilted forward, and slammed into the ground.

Rikers Island, for those who don't know, is home to the biggest jail in the US (arguably second to L.A. County Jail, but we're ignoring L.A., because that one's a collection of different jails across 4,000 acres). So, if this were a movie, the noble survivors of this crash would now find themselves terrorized by the inmates of Prison Island. Either that, or the plane would knock down the prison wall, allowing the inmates to escape. Rikers being an island might make that second premise challenging, but Hollywood would still manage it; maybe the inmates would commandeer the plane and take off again, keeping the passengers as hostages.

Instead, the people on Rikers rushed to the plane to help passengers and crew get free of the wreckage. Those Rikers people included both the guards who worked at the facility and the inmates. This hadn't been some controlled crash everyone was easily surviving: The wreckage was on fire, and some passengers were watching their skin burn and slide right off their bodies.
WARSAW, Poland (AP)  Polish Sen. Krzysztof Brejzas mobile phone was hacked with sophisticated spyware nearly three dozen times in 2019 when he was running the opposition's campaign against the right-wing populist government in parliamentary elections, an internet watchdog found.

Text messages stolen from Brejza's phone  then doctored in a smear campaign  were aired by state-controlled TV in the heat of that race, which the ruling party narrowly won. With the hacking revelation, Brejza now questions whether the election was fair.

It's the third finding by the University of Torontos nonprofit Citizen Lab that a Polish opposition figure was hacked with Pegasus spyware from the Israeli hacking tools firm NSO Group. Brejzas phone was digitally broken in to 33 times from April 26, 2019, to Oct. 23, 2019, said Citizen Lab researchers, who have been tracking government abuses of NSO malware for years.

The other two hacks were identified earlier this week after a joint Citizen Lab-Associated Press investigation. All three victims blame Polands government, which has refused to confirm or deny whether it ordered the hacks or is a client of NSO Group. State security services spokesman Stanislaw Zaryn insisted Thursday that the government does not wiretap illegally and obtains court orders in justified cases. He said any suggestions the Polish government surveils for political ends were false.

NSO, which was blacklisted by the U.S. government last month, says it only sells its spyware to legitimate government law enforcement and intelligence agencies vetted by Israels Defense Ministry for use against terrorists and criminals. It does not name its clients and would not say if Poland is among them.

Citizen Lab said it believes NSO keeps logs of intrusions so an investigation could determine who was behind the Polish hacks.

In response to the revelations, European Union lawmakers said they would hasten efforts to investigate allegations that member nations such as Poland have abused Pegasus spyware.

The other two Polish victims are Ewa Wrzosek, an outspoken prosecutor fighting the increasingly hardline government's undermining of judicial independence, and Roman Giertych, a lawyer who has represented senior leaders of Brejzas party, Civic Platform, in sensitive cases.

Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki on Wednesday dismissed revelations that Giertych and Wrzosek were hacked as fake news. Justice Minister Zbigniew Ziobro expressed no knowledge of illegal actions aimed at the surveillance of citizens but also said Poland was not helpless in taking action against people suspected of crimes.

Giertych was hacked 18 times, also in the run-up to 2019 parliamentary elections that the ruling Law and Justice party won by a razor-thin margin. That victory has continued a dangerous erosion of democracy in the nation where the popular 1980s protest movement Solidarity presaged the eventual collapse of the Soviet empire.

The intense tempo of the hacks of Brejza and Giertych indicates an extreme level of monitoring that raises pressing questions about abuses of power, Citizen Lab senior researcher John Scott-Railton said. Pegasus gives its operators complete access to a mobile device: They can extract passwords, photos, messages, contacts and browsing history and activate the microphone and camera for real-time eavesdropping.

My heart sinks with each case we find," Scott-Railton added. "This seems to be confirming our worst fear: Even when used in a democracy, this kind of spyware has an almost immutable abuse potential.

Other confirmed victims have included Mexican and Saudi journalists, British attorneys,Palestinian human rights activists, heads of state and Uganda-based U.S. diplomats.

An NSO spokesperson said Thursday that the company does not and cannot know who the targets of its customers are, yet implements measures to ensure that these systems are used solely for the authorized uses." The spokesperson claimed zero tolerance for governments who abuse it the software; NSO says it has terminated multiple contracts of governments who have abused Pegasus, although it has not named any publicly.

Despite any measures NSO might be taking, Citizen Lab notes, the list of abuse cases continues to grow.

Brejza, a 38-year-old attorney, told the AP that he has no doubt data stolen from his phone while he was chief of staff of the opposition coalitions parliamentary campaign provided critical strategy insights. Combined with the smear effort against him, he said, it prevented a fair electoral process."

Text messages stolen from Brejzas phone were doctored to make it appear as if he created an online group that spread hateful anti-government propaganda; reports in state-controlled media cited the altered texts. But the group didnt actually exist.

Brejza says he now understands where TVP state television got them.

This operation wrecked the work of staff and destabilized my campaign, he said. I dont know how many votes it took from me and the entire coalition.

Brejza won his Senate seat in that October 2019 race. But since the ruling party held on to the more powerful lower house of parliament, it has steered Poland further away from EU standards of liberal democracy.

Election monitors from the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe said at the time that control of state media gave the ruling party an unfair advantage but called the elections essentially free. They were unaware of the hacking.

Brejza has kept the ruling Law and Justice party on its heels since it won power in 2015. For example, he has exposed large bonuses paid to senior government officials. In another case, he revealed that the postal service sent tens of thousands of dollars to a company tied to ruling party leader Jaroslaw Kaczynski. Brejza fears the hacking could have compromised whistleblowers who had reached out to him with evidence.

NSO Group is facing daunting financial and legal challenges  including the threat of default on more than $300 million in debt  after governments used Pegasus spyware to spy on dissidents, journalists, diplomats and human rights activists from countries including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Mexico and the United States. The U.S. blacklisting of NSO has effectively barred U.S. companies from supplying technology to the Israeli firm.

Apple sued NSO last month, bent on halting the violation of its operating systems with exploits including a so-called zero-click hack that can compromise a device with no user interaction. Apple alerted scores of users worldwide that they had been hacked. In 2019, Facebook sued the Israeli firm over allegations of hacking its globally popular WhatsApp messenger app.

Dutch EU parliamentarian Sophie in t Veld told the AP on Wednesday that a committee has launched hearings on Pegasus and that the revelations from Poland will only help intensify the process.

EU governments using spyware on political opponents and critics is unacceptable, she tweeted, accusing the European Commission  the EU's executive branch  of ducking the issue. She wants a ban on such practices in the 27-nation bloc.

That may be difficult, however, because national security matters are outside EU jurisdiction, said Lukasz Olejnik, a cybersecurity consultant who has worked with the International Red Cross. Some member states are apt to argue that the EU cannot prohibit their use of digital surveillance tools for that end, he said.

___

Bajak reported from Boston. Associated Press reporters Kelvin Chan contributed from London and Josef Federman from Jerusalem.
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP)  Nations around the world are lurching into lockdown, steeling themselves for a brutal surge as the omicron variant spreads like wildfire.

But in Dubai, Donna Sese is bracing for a very different surge: countless restaurant bookings and meter-long drink bills.

Were back and busy like the way things used to be, said Sese, manager of the Yalumba restaurant at the five-star Le Meridien hotel, where devotees of Dubais Friday brunch pay $250 for lavish spreads with free-flowing Clicquot Champagne.

The globalized city-state appears to be in the midst of a boom season, spurred on by one of the worlds highest vaccination rates and government steps to lure businesses and de-escalate tensions with regional rivals.

Maskless debauchery has returned to dance floors. Brunch-goers are drinking with abandon. Home-buyers are flooding the market. Tourists are snapping up hotel suites. Expat millionaires are moving to the emirate. Coronavirus infections, although now making a comeback, remain below past peaks.

The Dubai government did not respond to request for comment.

It's deja vu for those recalling the rush of December last year in Dubai, when the city courted tourists and influencers fleeing coronavirus lockdowns and wintry weather elsewhere. The open-door policy let revelers sate their pent-up desire to go out on New Year's Eve but infections soon rocketed to unseen heights, and hospitals filled up with COVID-19 patients.

A year later, mass vaccination has left Dubai feeling like its off the hook. There have been vanishingly few virus hospitalizations and deaths  even as the global spread of omicron threatens a new surge. Daily infections surpassed 1,000 on Thursday after lows of under 100 for weeks.

While many Western countries have seen inoculation rates plateau, the UAE reports 99% of all of those eligible for vaccines  anyone over 12  has received at least one dose.

Some have received five.

In the global vaccine scramble, the UAE relied initially on a shot made by Sinopharm, a state-backed Chinese company. Even as the nation's vaccination rate soared, infections rose  as did concerns over Sinopharm's insufficient antibody response.

Now, Sinopharm is no longer an option in Dubai. Those who received both doses, including the emirate's legions of low-paid foreign laborers, also have opted for double vaccination with Pfizer-BioNTech. The government offers Pfizer boosters to all adults.

Months of trepidation have given way to unburdened excitement. Encouraged by widespread inoculation and record-low mortgage rates, more properties were sold in Dubai in November than in any other month in the last eight years, according to website Property Finder.

Sales prices have surged past pre-pandemic levels. Until June, prices were climbing 2.5% month on month, with wild appreciations in the luxury segment.

Market analysts have attributed the hot streak to a pause in villa construction and influx of Western European, Chinese and Indian financiers drawn to glittery Dubais open offices, high vaccination and low tax rates.

A giant cryptocurrency conference in October drew dozens of young millionaires who paid cash upfront for beach villas, real estate agents said.

You can go to restaurants. Theres no debate about remote working. This is not the case in Europe where it's still locking down, said Christophe De Rassenfosse, the chief product officer of Property Finder, about why he moved his family from Brussels to Dubai in October. You dont necessarily have a huge percentage of elderly people which occupies the hospitals.

The government has promoted plans to make the sheikhdom more attractive to foreign investors and visitors, with new 10-year visas, retirement and freelance options and reforms to the country's Islamic legal code.

In its latest move as competition heats up with neighboring Saudi Arabia, the UAE will change its work week from Sunday-Thursday to Monday-Friday in January to align with the West.

The rebound is apparent in the city's full hotels, clogged roads and raucous nightclubs.

Hotel occupancy in Dubai exceeded 90% in mid-November, according to data firm STR. Long-haul carrier Emirates estimated over 1.1 million passengers would squeeze through its Dubai terminal ahead of the holidays.

Traffic during the first week of December surpassed 2019 levels, according to navigation company TomTom. Taxis have been missing from many street corners, with fleet owners that downsized operations during the pandemic citing shortages amid unprecedented demand.

Overall sales of alcohol by volume in the UAE rose to 117.5 million liters (31 million gallons) this year, up some 7.8% sold the year before, according to market research firm Euromonitor.

The growth has even extended to business with the UAE's long-time rivals  Turkey and Iran.

Politics had poisoned trade between the powerhouses in past years. But in a recent flurry of diplomacy across the Middle East, UAEs de factor leader met Turkey's president in Ankara, and a top Emirati national security advisor visited Tehran.

From March to September 2021, Iran's imports from the UAE spiked 70% to $5.4 billion, according to Iranian government figures. Emirati imports will hit levels unseen since America imposed crushing sanctions on Iran in 2018 by the year's end.

Trade between the UAE and Turkey also jumped over 100% to $7.2 billion during the first half of this year, reported the official Emirati WAM news agency.

Iranian and Turkish business leaders in Dubai say the detente has eased restrictions on their licenses and visas.

Turkish business expert Fatma Nilgun Emrem of Tamimi Consulting has been inundated with requests from Turkish beauty salons, retailers and restaurants seeking to set up shop in Dubai.

The policies and perspectives of the UAE are changing, she said.

Hossein Asrar Haghighi, board member of the Iran-UAE Business Council, similarly described a relaxing" of trade regulations on Iranians and growing number of Iranian businessmen who secured the UAE's 10-year golden visas.

The combination of Dubai getting out of COVID, reduction of regional tensions and new moves to attract businesses, it's a pretty good environment, said Gregory Gause, a scholar of the region at Texas A&M University. But Dubai doesn't control what goes on around it.

A collapse of ongoing talks in Vienna to revive Tehran's nuclear deal may inflame Mideast tensions. When the world's fair packs up and leaves Dubai next year, industries may suffer from overcapacity, warned James Swanston, an economist at Capital Economics.

And the rapid spread of omicron may soon spoil Dubais party.

But for now, optimism reigns.

The money has returned, said Saeed Zakari, a captain at Dubai's creek who plies the Persian Gulf in a dhow packed with appliances bound for Iran.

___

Associated Press writer Amir Vahdat in Tehran, Iran contributed to this report.
A Connecticut man accused of sexually abusing a 9-year-old girl bribed the childs family with an apparent $4,000 payoff weeks after she and her adoptive mother stayed at his Vermont ski home, the U.S. Attorneys Office said in a motion this week to prevent the former CNN producer from being released.

John Griffin, 44, of Stamford, pleaded not guilty Wednesday in federal court in Burlington, Vt., to three counts of using a facility of interstate commerce to attempt to entice minors to engage in unlawful sexual activity.

District Judge Judge William K. Sessions III granted the prosecutions motion to keep Griffin detained, which his attorney, David Kirby, did not oppose.

Kirby declined to comment in an email to Hearst Connecticut Media on Wednesday.

Leading up to the hearing, Nikolas P. Kerest, U.S. Attorney for the District of Vermont, filed a motion requesting Griffin remain in federal custody, claiming he is a potential flight risk.

Griffin has tried to deceive, delete and spend his way out of being held accountable, Kerest wrote in the motion. He is a wealthy man who will be desperate to avoid facing justice.

In the motion, Kerest pointed out that Griffin purchased a ski home last year in Ludlow, Vt., where he tried to lure women and their daughters to train the underage girls in sexual submission, for $1.8 million without a mortgage. Kerest also noted that Griffin boasted to federal agents that his estate is worth between $35 million and $40 million.

Kerest said Griffin sent $4,000 to bribe a family member of a Nevada 9-year-old girl who was forced to engage in sexual activity with her adoptive mother and Griffin at his Vermont home last summer, Kerest said.

This apparent pay-off of a potential witness is not only further evidence of wrongdoing, it is an independent reason for Griffins detention, Kerest wrote in the motion. Indeed, making payments to a potential witness in an apparent effort to buy their silence itself justifies Griffins pre-trial detention.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation arrested Griffin in New Haven on Dec. 10. He appeared in New Haven federal court that day before being transferred to Vermont where he remains held without bond.

Griffin worked at CNN since 2013 until he was fired Dec. 13. Once a producer for the Chris Cuomo show, Griffin was most recently a senior producer for CNN political analyst John Avlon.

According to his indictment, Griffin tried to lure women to his Vermont ski home to train their minor daughters in sexual submission. Griffin told one parent that he trained girls as young as 7 years old, the court documents state.

Griffin paid a Nevada woman $3,350 to travel with her 9-year-old daughter to Vermont where they forced the child to engage in sex acts, Kerest said. The girl was also left alone with Griffin when her adoptive mother was twice hospitalized for unknown reasons during the weeklong visit in July 2020, according to court documents.

After they returned home, a family member of the girl contacted Griffin, pointing out how the child recalled what happened when she visited him, Kerest said. A short while later, Griffin sent the relative $4,000 via Venmo, Kerest stated in the motion.

The girls adoptive mother, 48, whose name Hearst Connecticut Media Group is withholding to protect her daughters identity, is facing child abuse and sexual assault charges in Nevada in connection with the trip to Vermont and other alleged incidents when she forced the girl into sexual activity, court documents state.

In his motion, Kerest referenced the Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell cases to support his argument for Griffin to remain behind bars.

Kerest also stated Griffin offered $30,000 for what he described as a mother-daughter weekend or week with me. He also offered a woman $1,200 for sex, and then upped the price to $5,000 if her kids were in the room, Kerest stated.

As the indictment explains, John Griffin repeatedly sought to persuade, induce, entice, and coerce minor girls to be trained by him to be sexually subservient, Kerest stated in the motion.

Kerest stated Griffins attorney submitted letters in August from his wife, father and four friends, vouching for his character in an effort to avoid charges being filed. However, Kerest stated Griffins estranged wife and three of his friends have since withdrawn their letters of support.

One friend explained that he was blatantly lied to about the nature of the investigation when he agreed to write on Griffins behalf, Kerest stated.

Griffin and his wife have three young children, whose welfare has been investigated, Kerest stated. The couple has been separated for two years and Griffin has since moved from the familys Rowayton home to Stamford.

Unlike the overwhelming majority of criminal defendants who come before the Court, Griffin has enjoyed rarefied privilege and a place in wealthy society, Kerest stated. He faces not only a substantial loss of liberty, but also extraordinary reputational loss. It appears he has no law-abiding community to return to.

liz.hardaway@hearst.com
Two new British studies provide some early hints that the omicron variant of the coronavirus may be milder than the delta version.

Scientists stress that even if the findings of these early studies hold up, any reductions in severity need to be weighed against the fact omicron spreads much faster than delta and is more able to evade vaccines. Sheer numbers of infections could still overwhelm hospitals.

Still, the new studies released Wednesday seem to bolster earlier research that suggests omicron may not be as harmful as the delta variant, said Manuel Ascano Jr., a Vanderbilt University biochemist who studies viruses.

Cautious optimism is perhaps the best way to look at this, he said.

An analysis from the Imperial College London COVID-19 response team estimated hospitalization risks for omicron cases in England, finding people infected with the variant are around 20% less likely to go to the hospital at all than those infected with the delta variant, and 40% less likely to be hospitalized for a night or more.

That analysis included all cases of COVID-19 confirmed by PCR tests in England in the first half of December in which the variant could be identified: 56,000 cases of omicron and 269,000 cases of delta.

A separate study out of Scotland, by scientists at the University of Edinburgh and other experts, suggested the risk of hospitalization was two-thirds less with omicron than delta. But that study pointed out that the nearly 24,000 omicron cases in Scotland were predominantly among younger adults ages 20-39. Younger people are much less likely to develop severe cases of COVID-19.

This national investigation is one of the first to show that Omicron is less likely to result in COVID-19 hospitalization than Delta, researchers wrote. While the findings are early observations, they are encouraging, the authors wrote.

The findings have not yet been reviewed by other experts, the gold standard in scientific research.

Ascano noted the studies have limitations. For example, the findings are specific to a certain point in time during a quickly changing situation in the United Kingdom and other countries may not fare the same way.

Matthew Binnicker, director of clinical virology at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, said that in the Scottish study, the percentage of younger people was almost twice as high for the omicron group compared with the delta group, and that could have biased the conclusions to less severe outcomes caused by omicron.

He nonetheless said the data were interesting and suggest omicron might lead to less severe disease. But he added: Its important to emphasize that if omicron has a much higher transmission rate compared to delta, the absolute number of people requiring hospitalization might still increase, despite less severe disease in most cases.

Data out of South Africa, where the variant was first detected, have also suggested omicron might be milder there. Salim Abdool Karim, a clinical infectious disease epidemiologist in South Africa, said earlier this week that the rate of admissions to hospitals was far lower for omicron than it was for delta.

Our overall admission rate is in the region of around 2% to 4% compared to previously, where it was closer to 20%, he said. So even though were seeing a lot of cases, very few are being admitted."

___

The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institutes Department of Science Education. The AP is solely responsible for all content.
SANTIAGO, Chile (AP)  When Gabriel Boric is sworn in as Chile's president he'll not only be the youngest to lead the South American country but also the first in Latin America to sport several tattoos.

The question is whether he'll openly display them.

One person hoping he does is Yumbel Gongora, the self-proclaimed tattoo dissident who inked the three elaborate designs that fill Boric's arms and back with sweeping imagery from his native Patagonia region.

It's important that a person never forgets their roots. That always keeps you focused on where you are and whats important ... not get lost in the fame, Gongora told The Associated Press while taking a break at her parlor in downtown Santiago decorated with artwork containing feminist slogans.

Boric, 35, scored a historic victory in Sunday's runoff over a one-time admirer of Donald Trump after campaigning on a promise to attack the nagging poverty and inequality that he and leftist supporters argue is the unacceptable underbelly of a free market model imposed decades ago by the dictatorship of Gen. Augusto Pinochet.

Since his days as a student protest leader, Boric has made a career of flouting conventions. He shunned the traditional suit and tie when he was elected to congress in 2014 and instead wore rock band T-shirts, jeans and once even a Mohawk, all the while drawing the ire of traditionalists.

I couldn't care less, he said at the time, dismissing the conventions as a tool of the elites to distinguish themselves from the low people.

But he adopted a decidedly more conformist look in the run up to Sunday's runoff election  still no tie, but a dark sport coat, dress shirts and well-groomed beard  to court more conservative Chileans on edge about voting for an untested millennial who counts among his supporters Chile's Communist Party.

Gongora said she studied old maps of Chile for months in coming up with the first tattoo she designed for Boric nearly a decade ago: a map of the ice-capped islands and labyrinthine fjords near where both grew up in Punta Arenas, at the tip of the South American continent.

Later, she designed two more: a lenga tree twisted into knots by the strong southern winds and an end-of-world lighthouse shining into emptiness that Boric had carved into his left arm during a battle with depression.

A lonely Magellan lighthouse among the stormy and mysterious seas of southern Patagonia, Boric said in a 2018 social media post showcasing Gongora's body art. I'm going to live there one day but in the meantime it lives with me.

Gongora, whose dyed green hair, piercings and tattoos are something of a walking advertisement for her university-trained artistry, said Boric always stood out among her urban hipster clientele because of his humility  something she attributes to his upbringing far from the capital.

But she felt betrayed by her fellow activist when in November 2019 he negotiated a deal with allies of President Sebastian Pinera to put an end to nationwide protests in exchange for a commitment to hold a plebiscite on rewriting the Pinochet-era constitution. It was a risky political decision that at the time cost Boric the support of hardliners like Gongora, who identifies as a anarchist-feminist.

Like huge numbers of often apathetic Chilean youth, she nonetheless voted for Boric in the runoff, fearing his conservative opponent  Jose Antonio Kast  would be a major setback for women, indigenous rights and Chile's LGBTQ community.

In her binder sits the sketch for yet another tattoo for Boric  its design a secret  that the two discussed a while ago. With the demands of his new job and the future of Chile riding on his shoulders, she doesn't know if she get to ink it, though.

I'd hope he doesn't stop being a rocker, Gongora said. But I don't know if that will fly in politics. Then again, nobody ever expected such a young president.

___

Associated Press writer Joshua Goodman in Miami contributed to this report.
Susan Walsh/AP

WASHINGTON (AP)  House Majority Whip Jim Clyburn said Wednesday he has tested positive for COVID-19, though he is fully vaccinated with a booster and has no symptoms.

America is in a new phase of this pandemic, Clyburn, 81, said in a statement. No one is immune.
ORLANDO, Fla. (AP)  Mona Hardin calls it her walking nightmare.

Shes haunted by the body-camera images of her son Ronald Greene being punched, stunned and dragged by Louisiana State Police, and shes enraged that troopers initially tried to explain away the Black mans 2019 death as the result of a car crash.

She holds tightly to her sons cremated remains and says she wont be able to put him to rest until she gets justice.

We have to relive this constantly, Hardin told The Associated Press in an interview near her Orlando-area home. They took joy in killing him.

Hardin recoils at the pattern of police misconduct thats emerged since her quest began. Indeed, Greene is not the only Black motorist abused in recent years by Louisianas premier law enforcement agency. An Associated Press investigation identified at least a dozen cases over the past decade in which troopers or their bosses ignored or concealed evidence of beatings, deflected blame and impeded efforts to root out misconduct. And by the state polices own count, 67% of troopers uses of force in recent years targeted Black people.

But it's been a frustrating crusade. After a federal probe thats dragged on more than two years, still none of the officers involved in Greenes arrest has been criminally charged.

Along the way, the 70-year-old Hardin says her repeated trips to Washington, D.C., and Baton Rouge have been met with empty promises from officials, institutional wagon-circling and indifference. Hardin saw her sons assailants stay on the job, unpunished for months, the then-head of the state police defending Greenes deadly arrest as awful but lawful before abruptly retiring, and the body camera video remaining a secret from the public for more than two years before the AP obtained and published it this spring.

All of it has deepened her familys pain, she said, while making a mockery of the criminal justice system.

In the end, you just end up being part of a big nightmare, Hardin said. But that was my commitment. I wont fail him.

Not long before midnight on May 10, 2019, the 49-year-old Greene was driving near the University of Louisiana at Monroe when a trooper attempted to pull him over for a traffic violation. Greene, who an autopsy would show had cocaine in his system, sped away, leading troopers on a chase that topped speeds of 115 mph. It ended with troopers converging on Greenes SUV, beating him, jolting him with stun guns and leaving him handcuffed and prone for several minutes as he pleaded for mercy and wailed: Im your brother! Im scared!

One trooper, Kory York, could be seen on body-camera video briefly dragging him facedown by his ankle shackles. Another, Chris Hollingsworth, struck Greene in the head several times with a flashlight, and was later captured on his squad car video boasting he beat the ever-living f--- out of him.

Hundreds of miles away, in central Florida, Hardin said she felt in my soul something was wrong with Ronnie.

Those fears were confirmed when her daughter called her early that morning in a panic, saying Greene had been in a crash and didnt make it. Alana Wilson said a state trooper told her by telephone that her brother was in a car accident, hit a tree, went through the windshield and died on impact.

Loved ones arriving at the hospital in West Monroe became suspicious after seeing the deep bruises on Greenes face and cuts on his head.

It didnt look like what they said, Wade said.

Hardin at first didnt recognize the shrouded corpse as her son when she was allowed to see him later a funeral home. I hugged on him and I kissed him and I kept saying, Mamas here.

Even the emergency room physician doubted the account of Greenes death from the moment he arrived dead at the hospital, bruised and bloodied with two stun-gun prongs still protruding from his backside.

The crash claim became even less plausible to Greenes family when they saw his vehicle, which had only minor damage. The airbags had not even deployed.

Everything started to make sense, Wilson said. This man didnt die from a car accident.

Hardins anguish would only deepen in the months that followed. An avalanche of excuses  including the pandemic  compounded the uncertainty and lack of answers from, police, state prosecutors and the FBIs field office in Monroe.

Hardins first ray of hope came when a civil rights law firm in Philadelphia agreed to take her case and filed a federal wrongful-death lawsuit just before the first anniversary of Greenes death.

Hardin returned to Louisiana in the October 2020 for a private family viewing of the body-camera video.

I had to see my son take his last breath, she said. I felt it.

Whatever happens with the Greene case, Hardin says she will be denied full justice. Hollingsworth, the trooper who struck Greene in the head with a flashlight, died in a single-vehicle crash last year hours after he learned he would be fired for his role in the arrest. He was still buried with full state police honors.

They overlooked what he did, Hardin said.

Hardin still has not fully grieved the loss of her son and draws strength from a sorority of other mothers from similar cases, including Ahmaud Arberys, who can relate to the days when her sadness prevents her from getting out bed or even running errands in her car.

Ill have a heaviness and Ill well up and I have to get off the road because the tears are so thick, Hardin said.

I just wont fail him. Theres no other way to walk this nightmare.

__

Bleiberg reported from Monroe, La. Video journalist Allen G. Breed contributed to this report.
A small number of people who attended a holiday party at Gov. Ned Lamonts Greenwich home this month tested positive last week for COVID-19, the governors office confirmed Thursday night.

However, Ned and Annie Lamont have regularly tested negative for COVID since the Dec. 11 private party, according to Max Reiss, the governors director of communications.

Reiss said everyone who attended the event were required to provide proof of full vaccinations as well as a negative test result for the virus.

In the week that followed, the Lamonts were informed that a small number of attendees had tested positive for COVID-19, Reiss said.

Reiss pointed out the governors schedule often includes two or three public events every day, including indoor gatherings like the Connecticut Restaurant Association gala the night of Dec. 6 at Foxwoods Resort & Casino, and the annual fundraising breakfast of the Middlesex County Chamber of Commerce on Dec. 14 attended by about 300 people in Rocky Hill.

Reiss did not say whether the Lamonts and others wore masks during the party at their home or how many people attended.

The governor and first lady test regularly and have tested negative in each instance since the event, Reiss said. The positive tests occurred long after their party.

Unlike last year during the holidays, Lamont has not set limits on the number of people who can gather indoors to help prevent the spread of COVID.

Amid the states worst wave of the virus in a year, Lamont has resisted reinstating broad mandates and has instead encouraged municipal leaders to enact their own local rules like indoor mask requirements while encouraging everyone to get vaccinated and receive booster shots.

Stamford and Norwalk were among the municipalities this week to reinstate indoor mask mandates as the states seven-day average COVID positivity rate on Thursday topped 8 percent  the highest since Connecticut began broad testing.

kdixon@ctpost.com Twitter: @KenDixonCT
Ben Lambert / Hearst Connecticut Media

NEW HAVEN  A Milford man was sentenced to six years in prison for trading child sex abuse images on the internet, according to federal prosecutors.

After his prison sentence, Robert Harrington, 55, of Milford, was ordered to five years of supervised release, according to Leonard Boyle, the acting United States attorney for the district of Connecticut.
OMAHA, Neb. (AP)  A 14-year-old girl was shot to death Wednesday night in Omaha, police said.

Isabella Santiago was shot at 37th and P streets in south Omaha and then driven to a fire station. Medics rushed Santiago to Nebraska Medical Center, where police said she was pronounced dead.
KENNER, La. (AP)  Police in a southeast Louisiana city are planning to spread a bit of extra holiday cheer with help from a local business.

Motorists pulled over in Kenner might get some extra cash, WWL-TV reported. Twenty-five drivers will get a $100 bill.
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP)  A new legal challenge seeks to curtail the use of solitary confinement as discipline in Oregon prisons.

The Oregon Justice Resource Center argues the practice is cruel and unusual punishment in violation of the U.S. Constitution.

The center asked the state appeals court Wednesday for a temporary restraining order halting the Oregon Department of Corrections from sending inmates to solitary confinement for over 15 days while justices consider the motion, The Oregonian/OregonLive reported.

Disciplinary solitary confinement is not only harmful to peoples mental and physical health, it is not even effective in achieving the goals that (Oregon Department of Corrections) has for it, Ben Haile, a senior lawyer for the Oregon Justice Resource Center, said.

People in Oregon prison solitary confinement generally spend an average of 23 hours a day in their cells with 40-minute breaks five days a week for exercise and showering, according to the Oregon Justice Resource Center, a Portland-based nonprofit focused on civil rights and legal representation issues.

The motion doesn't challenge the use of solitary confinement for non-disciplinary purposes such as a segregation order made for safety reasons.

A spokesperson for the Oregon Department of Corrections did not immediately respond to a request for comment from the newspaper.

Washington state abolished disciplinary solitary confinement in September, while Idaho and California generally limit solitary confinement to 10 or 15 days, according to the legal filing. Nevada allows isolation punishments of up to a year.
MADRID (AP)  Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez is convening a special Cabinet meeting Thursday to pass a law by decree that makes it mandatory to wear masks outdoors, amid a record surge in COVID-19 cases.

Sanchez announced at a meeting with the leaders of regional governments Wednesday that he was consenting to their appeals to extend mask-wearing rules, his office said. A decree-law does not require a debate and vote in parliament before taking effect.

He also announced a raft of other measures, including an offer to deploy the armed forces to help the regions step up their vaccination rollout and put military hospital beds at their disposal if they are needed.

Sanchez said he is targeting 80% of the 60-69 age group to have received booster shots by the end of next week, among other goals.

Also, COVID-19 tests for professional use will temporarily be placed on sale at pharmacies, amid a reported shortage of tests, and medical teams will be reinforced with retired staff and specialists who earned their qualifications outside the European Union.

Furthermore, fully vaccinated people wont need to quarantine if they have been in contact with an infected person - a measure that seemed to be aimed at avoiding the shortages of essential personnel.

Spain on Tuesday officially recorded almost 50,000 new cases of coronavirus. Thats higher than last January, when a surge placed the national health system under severe strain.

Spain is reporting almost 700 cases per 100,000 inhabitants over 14 days, more than double the accumulated cases before last years Christmas holidays. The omicron strain has soared from 5% of new cases in Spain to 47% within one week.

Still, vaccinations are credited with sparing many people from the viruss worst effects. While last January some 30,000 COVID-19 patients were in the hospital in Spain, now its fewer than 8,000.

Sanchez told the Spanish parliament Wednesday that 90% of the target population 12 and over is fully vaccinated.

He told lawmakers: Dont worry, families will be able to celebrate Christmas. Spain has prevailed.

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Follow all AP stories on the pandemic at https://apnews.com/hub/coronavirus-pandemic.
HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP)  Gov. Tom Wolfs administration has taken the extraordinary step of marshaling state employees to handle investigations for a Philadelphia nonprofit struggling to hire enough caseworkers to field allegations of the neglect or abuse of older people.

Secretary of Aging Robert Torres took that step over the summer, after Department of Aging staff raised an alarm internally about how Philadelphia was handling cases. The Associated Press asked about the assignment of state employees to aid the nonprofit Philadelphia Corporation for Aging after reviewing internal department emails received through an open records request.

Although the latest state data still has some errors, the nonprofit likely has not been complying with state laws that require caseworkers to promptly see potential victims, limit workers' case loads and set deadlines to resolve cases, according to state officials and data provided by the Department of Aging to the AP earlier this month.

I think we have an obligation to help them out, and were making some progress, but not progress that any one of us, especially myself, is satisfied with because obviously we need to move at a quicker pace, Torres told the AP in an interview last week.

In August, Torres ordered improvements at the Philadelphia nonprofit, citing three particular cases where state inspectors were worried that caseworkers had not adequately helped people in dire need.

Neither Torres, his agency nor the Philadelphia Corporation for Aging has been willing to disclose any details about those cases, including whether those people lived or died.

Besides mandating changes, Torres assigned six state employees to help the Philadelphia nonprofit, apart from their normal duties of monitoring how county-level agencies handle allegations of neglect or abuse.

The employees have taken on more than 420 cases over four months in Philadelphia, according to the state Department of Aging. As a result, routine duties of monitoring other counties are being put off.

Another five state Department of Aging staff are helping the Philadelphia nonprofit with other tasks, the department said.

The Philadelphia Corporation for Aging is one of 52 local agencies across Pennsylvania, some of which are county-run while others are nonprofits that have state contracts to carry out what are called protective services cases for people 60 and over.

Most calls involve an elderly person who lives alone or with a family member or caregiver. Poverty is often a factor.

The Department of Aging discloses little about what it knows about how county agencies may not be meeting standards, and it answers to no other agency.

Many of the county-level agencies have seen the pandemic worsen long-term difficulties in hiring and retaining caseworkers, but Philadelphia's situation is particularly acute.

The Philadelphia Corporation for Aging itself isn't answering questions about its caseworker ranks, turnover and salary, or its number of open cases.

All a nonprofit spokesperson was willing to say Friday in an emailed statement was that, at its peak, 60% of its investigator positions were vacant. It has now narrowed that to 22%, the spokesperson said.

The Department of Aging said the Philadelphia nonprofit has 50 investigator positions. As of Dec. 10, the nonprofit had told the state that 32 positions were filled, although five of those caseworkers were on leave, according to information from the Department of Aging.

The Philadelphia nonprofit has also hired a contractor for support and protective services workers from other counties to help on a part-time basis, the department said.

Still, in recent months, Philadelphias caseloads for individual workers have far exceeded 30 active cases, the limit in state law, state officials say.

Cases are supposed to be closed within 20 days, but data in the states case management system showed an eye-popping 3,100 open cases in Philadelphia, according to the Department of Aging. Torres cautioned that, in some of those cases, people have been connected with service providers and caseworkers simply arent updating that information in the system.

The Philadelphia nonprofit also is falling far short of meeting the state law when it comes to seeing a potential victim within 24 hours of a case being classified as an emergency or a priority, according to state data. The Department of Aging cautioned that some of the entries were incorrect, and were missing information like a date for when the call was taken or when a face-to-face meeting was conducted.

Torres has thus far defended the Philadelphia nonprofit, saying it had an almost a perfect storm of vacancies and turnover in its brass amid the pandemic.

Torres, however, could not give a time frame for when Philadelphia must stand on its own  or face losing the state's contract. The priority is hiring more caseworkers, and trying new strategies to find eligible applicants, Torres said.

So I would like to tell you Id like to see this done within the next three months," Torres said. "I mean, Im sure its something that it cant happen fast enough to my satisfaction. But theres some practical realities that were dealing with here. Thats why it makes it hard for me to tell you in three months, this is going to happen or the contract is going to be gone."

But, he said, at some point if performance doesnt improve, then I think theres going to be a different conversation.

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Follow Marc Levy on Twitter at www.twitter.com/timelywriter.
BRIDGEPORT  The criminal charges against local restaurateur John Vazzano, accused of offering a bribe to a teenage girl who was allegedly sexually assaulted in his Bridgeport restaurant, will be dismissed after he holds a luncheon for a local charity.

Following a hearing Thursday morning, Superior Court Judge Kevin Russo granted Vazzano accelerated rehabilitation, a pretrial probation program, with one condition  he provide a luncheon to a charitable organization in Bridgeport on Feb. 20, the two-year anniversary of his alleged bribe attempt.

If he holds the luncheon, the charges against him of bribery of a witness, third-degree hindering prosecution and interfering with an officer, will be dismissed the next day, the judge ruled.

Vazzanos lawyer, Edward Gavin, said his client will start planning the luncheon.

I commend Judge Russo for his ruling, Gavin said later. This was clearly an appropriate accelerated rehabilitation case. John Vazzano has been a pillar of the community and we look forward to having the charges dismissed.

A former Barnum Festival ringmaster, Vazzano is the owner of restaurants in Bridgeport, Stratford, Fairfield and Monroe. Following his arrest, he resigned his seat on the Trumbull police commission.

In October he was fined $100,000 by the state Department of Labor for labor violations at his Broadbridge Road restaurant in connection with the case.

During the hearing, Senior Assistant States Attorney Christopher Alexy told the judge that the girl and her father did not object to Vazzano getting AR.

The complainant wishes to put this incident behind her, Alexy said. However, he said that despite their wishes he was still objecting to Vazzano getting the probation program because of the serious nature of the case.

However, while the judge emphasized that he wasnt downplaying the allegations by the girl, he said that he couldnt justify denying Vazzano AR when there have been public figures in the state who have gotten the program for similar charges.

He deserves this opportunity, the judge said. I find the allegations are not so serious to deprive him of this program.

Vazzanos arrest came after a 9-month investigation, initially begun by the Bridgeport Police Departments Detective Bureau into allegations that in November and December 2019 a longtime dish washer at Bridgeports Vazzys Restaurant and another kitchen employee sexually assaulted a 16-year-old girl who was working as a hostess in the restaurant.

In February 2020, the dishwasher, Jaime Sena, 56 was charged with third-degree sexual assault and second-degree unlawful restraint. His case is pending in Superior Court. The second suspect, Jose Tsenkush, is still being sought by police.

According to the arrest warrant, the girls father filed a complaint about the alleged assault with the Police Department on Jan. 11, 2020. The affidavit states that Vazzano told the investigating detective that he would provide the names of the suspects in the assault but did not do so.

The affidavit states that in February 2020, during the funeral service of an unrelated person, Vazzano approached the father of the girl and told the father that the arrest of the sexual assault suspect is not a good idea. He then offered to give the victim a job at another of his restaurants and a $1,000 gift card to Macys, the affidavit states. The conversation between the father and Vazzano was overheard by an off-duty police officer, the affidavit states.

But Gavin told the judge law enforcement officers misinterpreted Vazzanos actions. In his own way Mr. Vazzano was trying to say he was sorry for what happened and asking how he could make it right, he said.

The affidavit states that Vazzano later lied to members of the U.S. Marshals Violent Crime Fugitive Task Force on the whereabouts of the two sex assault suspects and that Vazzanos cell phone call logs showed he had often texted the two men.
I cant think of a more exciting time to be part of financial services and the credit union movement specifically. The industry is undergoing one of the greatest revolutions in our history. It is a time of monumental change, and along with it, incredible opportunity.

The pace of change is continuing to increase with new technologies and solutions emerging that shift consumers demands and make it difficult for credit unions to compete.

Just consider the evolution of auto purchasing and financing. Consumers can now go through the entire car-buying process online, without ever stepping foot in a dealership. As we continue to move into these digital ecosystems, the touchpoints in which the customer potentially completes a financial transaction or makes a choice on a specific lender will be earlier in the buying experience, so the threshold for a lender to be online, to be visible, to engage with the customers early on in their buying experience is critical.

Between big banks, fintechs and an ever-changing environment, one thing is clear  credit unions need to innovate in ways they havent had to in the past. To keep our system strong, weve got to embrace the new opportunities, rather than fight them.

The way credit unions can level the playing field is through fintech partnerships. For too long, credit unions shied away from embracing the true opportunity of partnering with fintechs. Early on in this disruption, it was easy to see fintechs as the enemy.

This is why we launched CMFG Ventures in 2016  to see emerging technologies in the early stages and work to bring them to credit unions. The new technologies that many fintechs offer need to get into the hands of credit unions and the middle-class Americans we serve.

We talk to fintechs every day that are excited about working with credit unions. They recognize the incredible member base that credit unions have and the mission of our movement. Just like credit unions can grow by tapping into fintechs, fintechs can further their business by working with credit unions. Its an incredibly complimentary relationship.

But, where do you start? How can credit unions begin to consider fintech partnerships?

Vet the opportunities thoroughly. Be sure to take the time to evaluate the fintech partnership fully, including talking to their customers and reviewing the financial health and investors behind the company.

Define Success. Set success metrics so that you can set expectations from the start.

Create a dedicated collaboration team focused on the success of the partnership and meeting those metrics.

Start small. Utilize pilots or targeted rollouts before scaling up with a partner and seek continuous feedback from your staff and members.

Join our new Fintech Forum. This new community provides an opportunity to connect directly with fintechs, learn about new technologies and talk with other credit unions about their experiences.

Register for the next Fintech Forum webinar. Join the next Fintech Forum webinar, Building Successful Fintech Partnerships, featuring Rodney Hood, Eleventh Chairman & Current NCUA Board Member; Tyrone Muse, CEO of Visions Federal Credit Union; Tanya Van Court, Founder & CEO of Goalsetter, and Carlos Molina, Sr. Risk Consultant at CUNA Mutual Group.

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STORY LINK Pound Australian Dollar Exchange Rate News: GBP/AUD Directionless Despite Omicron Fears Dwindling

GBP/AUD Muted in Spite of Omicron Concerns Fading

Australian Dollar (AUD) Muted Despite Risk-On Mood

Pound (GBP) Trading in Narrow Range Despite Omicron Optimism

GBP/AUD Exchange Rate Forecast: Omicron to Continue Dominating Market Movement



Looking ahead, the Pound Australian Dollar (GBP/AUD) exchange rate may remain vulnerable to market movement as scientific guidance surrounding the Omicron strain continues to evolve.



The UK government has said there will be no more restrictions implemented before Christmas. But the announcement of post-Christmas restrictions in England remains a clear risk for the Pound.



As we head towards Christmas, there is an absence of data scheduled for released throughout the rest of this weeks session which is likely limit movement and the Aussies appeal.





Like this piece? Please share with your friends and colleagues:

The Pound to Australian Dollar (GBP/AUD) exchange rate is trading in a narrow range at the beginning of todays session despite anxieties surrounding the Omicron strain dwindling.At the time of writing, the GBP/AUD exchange rate is trading at approximately AU$1.8502 with market movement stunted as Christmas festivities loom.The Australian Dollar (AUD) is trading relatively flat against the Pound (GBP) this morning despite the risk-on sentiment.The 'Aussie is being favoured slightly against its other peers as the Omicron variant is believed to be less hazardous than initially thought.Moreover, the scientific evidence shows that the vaccines currently being delivered are considered to be more effective than first thought, causing optimism for a stronger economic recovery in the new year.On Wednesday, Australian Prime Minister, Scott Morrison, said:We are taking Omicron very seriously, as you would expect us to.But we are confident that we will be able to continue to ensure we can face down the most recent challenge.Morrison also said that the [200,000 figure] is not a scenario that is envisaged any way shape or form and is a worst case situation which is unlikely to come into fruition.This has further boosted a much-needed positive approach for 2022 following the scares that the recently-identified coronavirus strain had created.Meanwhile, the Pound (GBP) is mixed against the Australian Dollar (AUD) this morning in spite of UK data suggesting that the Omicron variant is less likely to cause hospitalisation than the Delta variant.According to new UK data, Omicron appears to be milder than previous strains, with a 20%-25% decreased likelihood of being admitted to hospital.This new information has buoyed the travel and hospitality sectors across the UK as investors favour the leading companies within these fields due to fading Omicron fears.Additionally, the UK government has not said that there will not be any more restrictions before Christmas which has further buoyed Sterling.However, this positive information has been dampened by various scientists urging the public to remain vigilant.Professor Neil Ferguson, SAGE scientist, said:The challenge is, if there's enough of them [hospitalised individuals with coronavirus] it still poses quite a challenge to the NHS. We're not talking about anything like what we saw last year with over-flowing intensive care units and ventilator beds.Chris Hopson, chief executive of NHS Provider, has reinforced Fergusons warnings by reiterating that although this data is positive, it is not conclusive, thus everyone should continue to be cautious.

International Money Transfer? Ask our resident FX expert a money transfer question or try John's new, free, no-obligation personal service! ,where he helps every step of the way, ensuring you get the best exchange rates on your currency requirements.

TAGS: Pound Australian Dollar Forecasts
For anyone worried about soaring electricity bills, an eye-catching advertisement in newspapers this week may have caused some confusion.

'Will your business have power this winter?' read the blurb, before offering two gas-fired power stations  for hire.

The plants, Sutton Bridge in Lincolnshire and Severn, near Newport, south Wales, could be producing enough electricity for nearly two million homes, but instead they sit idle  at a time when electricity companies are warning of power shortages.

Worse, the advert suggests that the two plants could be dismantled and taken abroad for reassembly.

How has it come to this? The answer lies in Britain's creaking energy supply and the distortions created by this Government's drive to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050.

'Will your business have power this winter?' read the blurb, before offering two gas-fired power stations  for hire. The plants, Sutton Bridge in Lincolnshire and Severn, near Newport, south Wales, could be producing enough electricity for nearly two million homes, but instead they sit idle  at a time when electricity companies are warning of power shortages

When the two power stations were built, in 1999 and 2010 respectively, their operators were confident that gas would provide the mainstay of Britain's electricity needs for decades to come.

Under our privatised system, power stations have to compete to sell electricity to consumer energy companies. But gas was fairly cheap  and much cleaner than coal  so Severn and Sutton Bridge were very competitive.

That began to change, however, with the 2008 Climate Change Act. In a bid to reach the-then target of cutting carbon emissions by 80 per cent by 2050, Gordon Brown's government ramped up a scheme called the renewables obligation, forcing energy companies to buy a certain amount of their electricity from clean sources  wind or solar.

At the same time, Westminster and Brussels began piling carbon taxes on the owners of gas plants, which then struggled to compete.

Come the first Covid lockdown, when demand for power temporarily plummeted as large parts of the economy shut down, Calon Energy  the owner of the Sutton Bridge and Newport plants  went into receivership and they were mothballed.

But as renewables began to provide more and more of the electricity generated here  wind accounted for 24 per cent of power and solar 4.5 per cent in 2020  we then ran into the problem of 'intermittency'.

It is fine when the sun is shining and the wind is blowing  on such days we can derive over half our energy from wind and solar. But come dark and windless winter evenings  such as those over the past week  renewables can account for five per cent or less.

Earlier this year the Prime Minister told us he wanted Britain to become the 'Saudi Arabia of wind'. Outer Mongolia, more like. Because when the wind isn't blowing and the sun isn't shining, it may soon be completely dark

In order to fill the gap and stop the lights going out, the Government set up what it calls 'capacity market auctions' in 2014. This is a mechanism by which the electricity industry, funded by levies on consumers' bills, pays a hefty subsidy to the owners of generators that can be turned on and off at short notice in order to make up for the shortfall in wind and sun.

The extra energy can come from battery installations, polluting diesel generators or hydro electric plants. Bizarrely, large consumers of electricity can also put in bids for cash subsidies by agreeing to switch off energy-hungry plant when electricity supply is low.

But most of this back-up electricity is provided by gas and even coal plants. Instead of providing a steady baseload of power  which would be more efficient  they can now earn eye-watering sums by agreeing to provide power only when the National Grid is crying out for it.

As well as pocketing subsidies for being on standby, coal and gas plants were earning 2,500 per megawatt-hour for the electricity they supplied to the grid in September when wind speeds were light. That is 50 times the typical wholesale price of electricity.

Anyone tempted by the advertisement for Severn and Sutton Bridge power stations will have to provide their own gas  from the North Sea, Via Dutch or Norwegian pipelines or liquefied gas from Qatar  which won't be cheap.

Wholesale gas prices have spiked to record levels thanks to a combination of energy demand recovering after Covid, China outbidding European energy companies for advance supplies, Russia's political game-playing and threats to halt supplies to the Continent and Germany, in its rush to a greener future, closing nuclear plants.

Even so, the Severn and Sutton Bridge plants could be profitable if they were allowed to sell power in times of high demand. That is what Calon Energy's receivers  backed by money from a Texan billionaire  would love to do.

But ironically the plants cannot compete in the capacity market because there is only one auction  in the spring  and at the time they were forbidden from taking part because they were in administration.

Hence, via those advertisements, the receivers are trying to find a large industrial user  perhaps a steelworks  to make use of them.

But while Britons are facing a chilly winter with low winds and soaring electricity prices, there are two perfectly serviceable gas plants not being used.

Earlier this year the Prime Minister told us he wanted Britain to become the 'Saudi Arabia of wind'. Outer Mongolia, more like. Because when the wind isn't blowing and the sun isn't shining, it may soon be completely dark.
Couples who are hoping to finally get the winter wedding they planned to have last year - before lockdown struck - have revealed their turmoil at finding that their plans once again in jeopardy.

While Prime Minister Boris Johnson has held back from any official Covid curbs before Christmas, couples due to wed in the days and weeks after December 25th have been sharing their agony at being at the mercy of more possible restrictions being introduced.

Alongside the fear that Omicron will rip through their guest lists and affect the work of suppliers and staff at their venues; they now say they're also living in fear of guest number limits being reintroduced within days.

The 14 billion pound UK wedding industry, brought to its knees for much of 2020 and early 2021, faces yet another blow; couples who assumed they'd be safe a year on from the first Christmas lockdown are again faced with the prospect off calling off their nuptials.

Scroll down for video

Winter wedding jeopardy: couples who've spent months planning to have a wedding next week are now fearing new restrictions will come in after December 25th that could see their plans cancelled

Helen Pye, Deputy Editor at wedding website Hitched, told FEMAIL that the romance of the festive season means it's always a popular time for weddings, and couples hoped they'd escaped Covid's curse: "Planning a wedding is stressful at the best of times, let alone with the added layer of uncertainty Covid continues to present.

'With Christmas and New Year being such a popular time to tie the knot - and many postponed weddings moved to this period - even more couples will be feeling nervous about what's to come.

'The best advice we can offer couples is to keep communicating with your venue and suppliers. It's important to remember that they have the same amount of information as you, so try to be patient with them.'

Take heart, says Pye, that 'everyone wants your day to be a success.'

'It's become so stressful, I feel like it's making me ill. We're set to lose thousands if our wedding doesn't happen...'

Rachel Howell, 37, and Craig James, 29, both teachers from Shropshire, were due to marry last December but put their winter wedding on hold hoping they'd get the green light to walk down the aisle this year instead. They're now fearing for their re-arranged wedding, due to take place next week, with guests having travelled from across the UK and even America to be there...

Rachel Howell, 37, and Craig James, 29, who are both teachers from Shropshire, were due to wed in December 2020 but were forced to cancel as lockdown hit. A year on, their new wedding date - December 29th - now also looks in jeopardy

Worry: The couple, pictured, have friends who travelled from America two weeks ago - at 'huge cost' - to ensure they'd have enough time to quarantine if they caught the virus en route

'We're on tenterhooks, we've been checking Omicron figures and watching them rise, we're waiting for any type of announcement from the Government about whether we can go ahead.

'I'm a really positive person but I think this is making me ill; I feel so anxious and I'm on the edge of tears all the time.

'I should be really excited now but I'm nervous and overwhelmed by everything. We're both exhausted by it.

'My mum's in a care home and I haven't seen her because we're trying to stay safe - and she's now made the decision that she's not coming to the wedding.

'Everything's booked, we're ready to go': Rachel says the couple are 'exhausted' by the uncertainty over whether their manor house wedding faces being cancelled again

Getting married next week? How to keep stress levels down... Helen Pye, deputy editor at wedding website Hitched, says communication is key in these complicated times. 'The best advice we can offer couples is to keep communicating with your venue and suppliers. 'It's important to remember that they have the same amount of information as you, so try to be patient with them.' Take heart, says Pye, that 'everyone wants your day to be a success.' 'Make sure you keep your guests up-to-date with any changes as they're confirmed: emailing is the easiest way to do this, so everyone has the same information and knows what the plan is.' Advertisement

The couple say they've taken every precaution they can to ensure their country house wedding goes ahead.

'We've done everything we can - our guests are all triple jabbed - our venue, a country manor house, holds hundreds of people - we only have 23 people attending including ourselves.'

There's frustration and disappointment - even though their wedding could still go ahead - at how the uncertainty has affected the build-up.

'It's our right to get married in the way that we want and everyone is being safe - it was supposed to be a chink of light for us in all this gloom.'

They say they faced a decision day on Wednesday this week when suppliers asked them to confirm they wanted to press ahead with food and flower orders.

'We're set to lose thousands of pounds if our wedding doesn't go ahead.

'We've had two of our guests fly over from America, at huge cost to them.

'They came over two weeks ago so they'd be clear should they catch the virus.'

Speaking about their plans last year, Rachel says: 'We planned to get married last December, and again the Government was late in making announcements.

'A lot of our guests had anxiety when Covid rates went up and we were worried that guest numbers would be small so we postponed.

'We thought surely by next year, it'll be okay. We knew there might be a spike again but we hoped the Government would handle things better.

The couple say their appreciate the importance of affecting the NHS but they just want some clarity either way.

'It's the inaction of the Government that is causing the most anxiety. I'd really like to see the Prime Minister give a figure on guests for weddings and funerals so people like us can make a decision.'

'Our guests have put their lives on hold for fear of contracting Covid - we feel like we're playing Russian roulette with lateral flow tests!'

Bride-to-be Kayleigh Grant, 36, an office manager, from Westerham, Kent is set to wed fiance James Smith, a plumber, 34, next week on December 31st, after already re-arranging their big day once before...

After bride-to-be Kayleigh Grant, 36, and fiance James Smith cancelled their wedding last year, they'd hoped a wedding on New Year's Eve 2021 would be a safe option - however, the couple say they're now stressed at what should be the happiest time of their lives (Pictured on the day the couple were engaged in 2019)

Kayleigh and fiance James should be celebrating their first wedding anniversary.

Instead, the couple, who live in Kent are still engaged - a year after they tried to get married but had their plans scuppered due to the 2020 Christmas lockdown.

Kayleigh explains: 'We got engaged in December 2019, and paid our deposit and signed contacts with our wedding venue two weeks before the first lockdown in March.

'We thought getting married now was going to be okay, but then Omicron arrived three weeks ago and we're just not enjoying what should be one of the happiest times of our lives.

'We have 72 day guests, who also have families to think about. I know they don't want to let us down by not coming - weddings are not cheap, however they need to do what's best for them.'

The couple's wedding venue hasn't been helpful, says Kayleigh, which has added to their woes - she admits if their big day is cancelled, there might be some feelings of relief because their 72 guests are currently taking great care to avoid catching the virus so they can attend

She says many of the guests have 'put their lives on hold' for the time being, afraid to go out in fear of contracting Covid and not being able to attend.

'We feel like we are playing Russian roulette with lateral flow tests!'

Kayleigh says the threat of more restrictions has left them anxious but they haven't found much reassurance at the venue where they're getting married.

'We are trying to manage everyones expectations and concerns with no helpful advice from the venue.

'I know they dont know much more than we do but Ive never done this before let alone amidst a global pandemic, I would have felt better and more at ease if they were more proactive.'

The bride-to-be says she's struggling to sleep while there's uncertainty over their big day

With Wales and Scotland imposing stricter restrictions, suggesting England might go the same way, Kayleigh and James now say they're dealing with 'so many scenarios and not a lot of outcomes'.

Kayleigh says the impact on her mental health has been significant. She says: 'I'm currently not sleeping (unless Ive had a large glass or two of wine!).

'Were constantly checking the news and trying to answer our guests questions with "I dont know".

'Were feeling lost and out of control. I know if the Prime Minister does do a circuit breaker straight after Christmas, itll give me just three days to move suppliers and find another date. I just cant process that just yet - we'll be absolutely gutted.

She adds: 'There would, sadly, be some relief probably too though - purely because I don't want anyone to feel worried about coming to our wedding.'
A German man is on a quest to find out more about his past after love letters to his mother revealed a family secret.

Raimund Schmalbeins was handed letters by his grandmother six years after his mother's death that detailed her secret love affair with a soldier from Liverpool in his 20s or 30s, along with pictures.

Raimund's mother Stax fell in love with Jim Miller stationed at an army barracks near the factory where she worked in the town of Kettwig, now part of the city of Essen in the western German state of North Rhine-Westphalia.

He started writing letters after his return to Liverpool in January or February 1946, a few months before Raimund's birth on August 31 that year.

But in a twist of fate, for reasons unknown Stax was never given the letters, which Jim had entrusted to a friend to deliver, and she moved on with her life and married another man.

Raimund always suspected that the man who brought him up was not his real father, and now believes that his mother fell pregnant by Jim.

The letters were only given to the family after her death, and now Raimund has had them translated and is hoping to piece together more information about his father., The Liverpool Echo reports.

Raimund Schmalbeins, pictured with his wife Angelika, got a surprise when he read letters meant for his mother

Raimund Schmalbeins' real father, Jim Miller, from Liverpool who sent Raimund's mother letters for years

Jim told the story to his neighbour Ralf who helped by making contact with Liverpool-based German musician Leonie Jakobie through a local history Facebook page, who has helped to translate the letters.

One, dated February 1, 1946 said: 'My Darling, I hope you, Mama and Papa are keeping very well. I am now a civil and I don't care much for it. I would better be a soldier and back in Kettwig with you, Darling.'

'I suppose you miss me a lot, and I know you have been crying. I have not been to any dance. I promised you I would not go to any.'

'Well Dear, how is Kettwig, still cold? Here in Liverpool, we have plenty of rain.'

Raimund's mother. Depsite waiting on letters from Raimund's father, Jim, for yearsa friends of Jim's had kept them from her

Leonie Jakobi and Raimund Schmalbeins at the Cavern in Liverpool in November 2021 during their search for information about Jim

A collection of photos of Jim Miller (third left), included a group photo with some army comrades

Direct mail and travel to post-war Germany difficult, so Jim sent his letters via a friend, Fred, who was still in the army.

A later letter, dated February 20, 1946, said: 'I am waiting for a letter from you Dear, I think you have forgotten me? As I did expect one from you.

'How are you Darling, and also Mama and Papa? I hope you are all O.K. and well.

'Well my Sweetheart, I am sending you a parcel, I will send it on to Fred, so you can see him next week and see if he has got it for you.

'I am still trying to get back again and I am just waiting for a reply to let me know.

'Still love me Darling, I always love you, and I dream every night of you Darling.

'I hope it won't be long before we are together again, and I can sleep in your bed?'

But Raimund's mum, Stax, never received Jim's messages, sent from 26 Carlton Road, L23.

Jim Miller wroter to his German girlfriend Stax when her returned home to Liverpool and gave the messages to a friend to pass on to her, but for some reason they were never delivered and she died without knowing he wanted to reunite

Fred, the friend tasked with passing on the post, kept the letters to himself until he finally sent them on after Raimund's mother's death.

It's not clear why Fred did not give Stax the post,but for some reason, he had a change of heart when she died.

Raimund's mother died in 1980, aged 57, never knowing that the father of her son had tried to contact her.

She'd eventually moved on with her life and had a new relationship with a man who Raimund grew up knowing as his father.

Raimund always had a feeling that his 'father' wasn't his real dad and the letters confirmed that suspicion.

Five years ago, Raimund told Ralf about the discovery, but it was only when he showed him the pictures and letters in October that Ralf was spurred into action.

With the help of Leonie, found through the Historic Liverpool page on Facebook, Ralf and Raimund found more contacts who could help them in their search.

In November, the pair came to Liverpool to continue their mission, and Ralf said that Raimund wonders if he's in the same chair in the pub where his father drank a pint.

'Or when we stepped out the bus in Waterloo and walked on the beach, 'Perhaps my father was here, going swimming where all these statues are standing,' he said.

Raimund just wants to know more about who his father was and what happened to him after those letters in the 1940s.

His neighbour Ralf said that after 15 years of searching, Raimund is keen to find answers and although it would be 'nice' to meet some relative too, it's not his friend's priority.
A NEW ICON

This winters it dress has a very distinctive look: the structured shoulders, the nipped-in waist, the A-line skirt and a gathered hem. We have the ludicrously talented Susie Cave and her label The Vampires Wife to thank for creating a universally flattering, sophisticated piece that can be worn anywhere from family Christmas to a work meeting.

LUXE BUT WEARABLE

Everyone from Alexa Chung to Keira Knightley and Holly Willoughby to Kate Middleton has been seen in Caves Festival design. Hers are available in iridescent silk (1,595), floral print chiffon (1,450) and lush velvet (1,350), but its the more wearable corduroy version (795) that has spawned affordable iterations everywhere; if you havent invested in one, now is the time.

Dinah Van Tulleken shares advice for styling this winter's distinctive 'it' dress. Pictured: Corduroy dress, 220, aspiga.com; earrings, 24.99, tkmaxx.com; court shoes, 140, johnlewis.com

CORDUROY IS NOW COOL

It s a fabric I normally avoid because it adds bulk  and frankly my dad was the only one in our house who ever wore corduroy  but Ive been forced to think again. The gorgeous navy-black (its not quite black, which I love) corduroy design Im wearing here is from sustainable brand Aspiga and its made of organic cotton needle cord.

ONE FOR EVERY BUDGET

Im wearing mine as I write this and Ill be wearing it on Christmas Day and again for New Years Eve. Then Ill be wearing it to the office in January and probably most weekends, too. I may need to buy two. And there are plenty of lower-priced choices, such as Iriss deep fuchsia pink version and Warehouses in navy (both pictured below).

NOW SHOP THE TREND...
So let me get this right. An advertisement from Jigsaw, one of British fashions most mainstream, middle-market, dont-scare-the-horses brands, has been banned for objectifying women? How ridiculous.

The black and white picture in question shows a girl in the Berkshire countryside climbing over an old stile while wearing a pair of hiking boots, a white fishermans rib sweater and, as far as one can see, a brief sliver of a swimsuit. As a result, Jigsaw stands accused of being irresponsible and causing serious offence.

Laughably, one of the points made by the Advertising Standards Authority, in handing down judgment this week, is that she appeared to be out for a hike or walk in the woods where people would not ordinarily be undressed in that way. Aha! So advertising is now meant to be reportage. A bland depiction of the way people really look and behave? I think not.

This image, emailed to customers as part of the brands Autumn/Winter Into The Woods campaign, no more objectifies women than it turns hiking boots into fetishwear. Its a beautiful, gentle and sensitive image, devised by an all-female team and shot by in-house staff as one of the add-ons to the main campaign.

The Advertising Standards Authority has banned an image of a girl in the Berkshire countryside (pictured) that was emailed to Jigsaw customers as part of their Autumn/Winter Into The Woods campaign

The picture is captioned These boots were made for walking  a nod to the 1965 hit song by Nancy Sinatra, which pronounced loud and clear that she was a woman capable of walking out of any situation not to her taste.

So, the message here is about as far from portraying a woman as vulnerable or as a hapless sex object as you can get. Which makes the decision that a picture as generally innocuous as this one, is something that our eyes should be shielded from, deeply worrying.

Into The Woods was conceived by Joanna Sykes, Jigsaws Creative Director since 2019. Sykes has a hugely successful track record in womens fashion, particularly in clothes that resonate with grown-up, real women. She did a stint at Aquascutum before going to Nicole Farhi for a few years.

Farhi and Jigsaw are both brands that have provided reliable staples for womens professional wardrobes. They are clothes for real life rather than flights of imagination. Which is where advertising comes in. Successful advertising catches our eye (which, in this case, it certainly has done).

It is meant to make us desire the product or the brand, and to do that often it must sprinkle some fairy dust around, rather than document the way the product will be used in reality.

There are only so many photos of a pair of black trousers and a navy coat that will inspire us to splash out. Sykes would have wanted to add some mood and emotion to the many straightforward studio shots also featured in the campaign and, I imagine, hoped to do so by producing a narrative about a cheeky group of friends larking around together. Along with pictures of half-clothed young models joyfully dancing, there are conventional pictures of them posed in whole outfits  a velvet trouser suit, a trench coat, for example.

Alexandra Shulman (pictured), who commissioned fashion shoots at Vogue for over two decades, said she didn't find the image voyeuristic or offensive

The main campaigns photographer Sarah Blais has worked with many fashion magazines as well as shooting for clothing brands including Zara, Dior and Arket. Tellingly, she was also the 2019 winner of the British Journal of Photographys Female in Focus award, a periodical not known for a love of sexually exploitative work.

In the bumf accompanying the shoot, Jigsaw describes the images thus: A group of friends spill into the forest with a spirit of heady adventure . . . the collection explores the relationship with our bodies both inside and out, through the art of dressing and undress, revelling in freedom and self expression.

Now, you could take Jigsaw to task over the mind-blowingly pretentious speak, but that is not what the ASA has found them guilty of. Their sin is supposedly being voyeuristic and sexually suggestive.

Its a beautiful, gentle and sensitive image, devised by an all-female creative team

Well, eye of the beholder and all that. I didnt find it voyeuristic or offensive. There were only two complaints lodged about this image, which is a ludicrous reason for investigating the case, let alone the ruling.

But, more importantly, can it really be that the sight of a womans naked legs is so disturbing?

And where does the idea that an image such as this is offensive leave us? Its part of the move towards sanitising our culture so anything that makes an impact, which might perturb a very few, is deemed too risky to be allowed.

Alexandra said the female team on the campaign saw no problem with the focus on the lower half of the models body, because there is nothing uncomfortable or exploitative. Pictured: Jigsaw clothing shop on High Street

As someone who commissioned fashion shoots at Vogue for over two decades, I understand why the team at Jigsaw would have liked this picture. In fashion terms, pronouncing a picture to be like a catalogue shot is the greatest criticism you can make.

Catalogue shots clearly show the clothes in a straightforward, up and down way. No arty stuff. With this striking black and white image, they would be hoping to add a level of creativity to the campaign that might make Jigsaw appear more cutting edge.

I imagine the female team on the campaign saw no problem with the focus on the lower half of the models body, nor on the partially bare bottom, because there is nothing uncomfortable or exploitative here.

There is no deliberate sexuality in the girl, just natural movement. This may be because they were all women, or in all honesty, it may not. I dont believe there should be a blanket judgment of the male or female gaze.

But speaking as a woman, looking at this image I am shocked by the suggestion that there is anything amiss in what I find an attractive and evocative shot.

The idea that the ASA should deem it unpalatable is far more worrying and bleak.
Aldi stores across Australia are releasing two ice cream makers on January 1st that will allow customers to make homemade sweet treats all summer long.

The home made ice cream will become the ultimate pick me up for friends and family and the perfect snack on a hot afternoon.

The ice cream machines allow customers to make up their own customisable creations, flavours and toppings.

Aldi stores across Australia are set to release two all new ice cream makers that will allow customers to make home made sweet treats all summer long

Ambiano Ice Cream Maker

The Ambiano Ice Cream Maker is available from Aldi for only $39.99 and comes in three different colours, soft pink, yellow and teal.

The maker can hold up to one and a half litres and features an in-built 30 minute timer to notify customers when the ice cream is ready.

With a detachable mixing paddle and freezing bowl the ice cream makes excels in convenience and comes with a stainless steel exterior.

The Ambiano Ice Cream Maker is available from Aldi for only $39.99, comes in three different colours, is packed full of innovative features and functions and has the ability to make ready-to-eat ice cream in just 20 to 30 minutes

The ingredient shoot allows those making the ice cream to add flavouring and ingredients to the cream directly, allowing for no mess to be made.

The maker's non slip feet also ensures the machine is stable and sturdy at all times while in use.

Aldi's Ambiano ice cream machine has the ability to make ready-to-eat ice cream in just 20 to 30 minutes.

The ice cream machines allow customers to make up their own customisable creations, flavours and toppings... The options are endless

Stirling Ice Cream Maker with Compressor

Aldi's Ice Cream Maker with Compressor is available for $129.00 and features a built-in high power compressor.

The machine can make customisable ice cream, gelato and sorbet with capacity up to one litre.

Consisting of three complete modes, the machine features a mixing mode, an ice cream making mode and a chill mode.

Aldi's Ice Cream Maker with Compressor is available for $129.00 and features a built-in high power compressor, the machine can make customisable ice cream, gelato and sorbet with capacity up to one litre

Stirling's frozen dessert guide: Ice Cream: Sweet, soft frozen dessert made with milk and cream. Gelato: A similar custard base as ice cream using a lower proportion of cream and eggs (or no eggs at all) and a higher proportion of milk. Sorbet: Frozen water sweetened with sugar or syrups such as fruit juice, fruit puree or honey. Advertisement

This Stirling Ice Cream Makers comes as a fully automatic ice cream machine and does not require the person making the dessert to pre-cool the recipe, it also features a built in mixing system that allows the maker to combine the cream and add-in ingredients together entirely on its own

This Stirling Ice Cream Makers comes as a fully automatic ice cream machine and does not require the person making the dessert to pre-cool the recipe.

The machine also features a built in mixing system that allows the maker to combine the cream and add-in ingredients together entirely on its own.

Stirling's ice cream machine has the ability to produce professional, restaurant quality dessert that's packed of flavour and smooth in consistency.
A mother-of-one who suffers from non-epileptic seizures has become the first in the UK to give birth in a hospital with a bedside dog as 'medical aid.'

Charlotte Beard, 24, from Dorset, who also has a heart condition and post-traumatic stress disorder, has had three miscarriages over the last few years.

She got Flump, a Maltese multipurpose assistance dog, two years ago, and the pooch has been trained to detect her seizures as they are about to happen.

Charlotte was in labour for 50 hours at Poole Hospital, and Flump was by her side throughout, before she welcomed her son Alfie, weighing 6lb 10oz on December 4.

She told The Times Flump and Alfie are 'brothers', adding: 'We say Flump is like my partner or an extension of myself. The idea of doing such a momentous moment in my life, also such a vulnerable point, without Flump by my side just didnt seem right.'

Charlotte Beard, 24, from Dorset, who suffers from non-epileptic seizures has become the first in the UK to give birth in a hospital with a bedside dog as 'medical aid'

Charlotte was in labour for 50 hours at Poole Hospital, and Flump was by her side throughout, before she welcomed her son Alfie, weighing 6lb 10oz on December 4

It was a doctor who suggested Charlotte, who worked as a wildlife rehabilitator before she had to stop because of her health, try to find an assistance dog to help build her confidence.

She adopted Flump when he was just ten-weeks-old, and the two have been inseparable ever since.

Charlotte and her boyfriend Ash Pheonix, 29, suffered three miscarriages in their attempts to start a family, with Flump offering support throughout.

As she grew closer to the due date for her son Alfie, she became concerned about how her PSTD might affect the birth.

Charlotte adopted Flump when he was just ten-weeks-old, and the two have been inseparable ever since (pictured in hospital)

On one occasion, Charlotte needed help in a bathroom and Flump was able to find a nurse to help her.

As she was taken into hospital to give birth in early-December, Flump was by her side once-again, occasionally sitting closer to her.

Meanwhile her partner Ash ensured he was taken on regular breaks to be fed and given walks.

She said: 'He was there for the labour as intended and was only away from me for his scheduled breaks and during the C-section. He is absolutely besotted with his little brother already.'

Charlotte, pictured with her partner Ash Pheonix, also has a heart condition, causing faintness and chronic pain, and post-traumatic stress disorder

The couple have suffered three miscarriages on their journey to start a family, with Charlotte suffering PTSD as a result

It was a doctor who suggested Charlotte try to find an assistance dog to help build her confidence

Even untrained pet dogs can detect when their owners are about to have an epileptic seizure due to a unique scent, study reveals Pet dogs can tell when their owners are about to have an epileptic seizure thanks to a unique scent the canines pick up on, a study has demonstrated. The finding  confirming various anecdotal accounts  means dogs could give warnings that have the potential to save lives if their owner falls unconscious. Experts led from Queen's University Belfast exposed 19 dogs to odours harvested from the sweat of people who were about to have, were having or just had a seizure. They found that all dogs exhibited observable behavioural changes  such as by crying, barking, or making eye contact  despite having not been trained to do so. Alongside reducing the injuries that can be associated with unexpected seizures, the finding may also allow for medical interventions before the seizure occur. Epilepsy is a neurological condition that affects some 65 million people across the globe  of whom 20 million are unable to control their seizures with medication Advertisement

After she gave birth, she, Alfie and Flump remained in hospital for five days for tests.

Now Charlotte wants to see the policy of medical assistance dogs being permitted into more hospitals, saying: 'You wouldnt ask someone to go to hospital without their wheelchair so, as long as its reasonable, an assistance dog has the right to attend and assist their handler.'

The skills of medical assistance dogs have developed exponentially since the introduction of guide dogs for the blind and deaf in the 1930s.

Recently, psychologists found that simply petting animals could ease the psychological symptoms of myriad mental health problems.

In 2019, TV presenter Ulrika Jonsson credited her two English bulldogs for helping her recovery from depression following the breakdown of her marriage.

Meanwhile James Middleton has also been vocal about the support of his dogs during his mental health battles.

But emotional support is just one health benefit.

Dogs acute sense of smell can now be trained to detect, and help prevent, fatal epileptic and diabetic attacks, and triggers for people with allergies.

Even more remarkably, the latest research shows that dogs can even spot signs of cancer in blood  a medical advancement yet to be cracked by cancer experts.

At least 55 medical assistance dogs have already been allocated to Britons at risk of sudden seizures.

Last week, an American mother revealed how her 'hero' dog saved her baby's life by breaking into her nursery when the pet realized that she had stopped breathing.

Kelly Andrew, an author from Boston, explained that her young daughter wasn't feeling well, and their Boston Terrier, Henry, was very concerned.

The 24-year-old worked as a who worked as a wildlife rehabilitator before she had to stop because of her health (pictured)

Flump has been by Charlotte's side throughout every step of her journey to welcoming son Alfie (pictured with her in hospital)

He kept pushing the nursery's door open with his head so that he could check on the little girl - and his move ultimately saved her life.

The writer said she began to get 'fed up' with Henry's antics, since the baby was trying to sleep and he kept waking her up. But Henry could tell something was wrong and he kept persisting.

At one point, when she went to get Henry out of the room, she noticed that the baby had stopped breathing - and was turning 'blue.'

She and her husband, Jeff, rushed her to the hospital, where doctors were thankfully able to clear out the baby's airways.

Charlotte, who describes Flump as a 'brother' to her son Alfie, now hopes more women will be allowed their medical assistance dogs to join them during labour
A woman who thought she'd found a fairytale ending after marrying a handsome toyboy in Portgual has revealed how her dreams went up in smoke along with her wedding dress - when she burned the frock to mark the end of her marriage.

Andrea Calland, 54, escaped her old life in North Wales and ran off for adventure in Portugal, where she met local logger Pedro, 20 years her younger.

But after three blissful years she was left alone at Christmas in a cold caravan with only the burning remains of her perfect wedding dress for comfort.

The massage therapist and aromatherapist has told how setting fire to the gown on New Year's Day this year has helped her to move on and embrace the future.

'As I watched my beautiful wedding dress burn, all my dreams went up in smoke,' she said. Im in a better place this year and feel like life has come full circle. Im looking forward to celebrating Christmas with friends in my new home.

Andrea Calland from Wales, 54, on her wedding day to toyboy Pedro, a 34-year-old logger she met after moving to Portugal for a new adventure

Andrea felt cleansed and liberated after burning her wedding dress on New Year's Day, and decided to look forward to a new start

Andrea left her cosy pink cottage in Ruthin, North Wales, in 2014 in search of a 'new adventure'.

'As I turned the key in the door the final time, I wiped away a tear,' she recalled.

But things were soon looking up when Andrea met her husband, Pedro Branco, 34, whilst helping a friend with their grape harvest one weekend.

Pedro spoke excellent English and Andrea asked him to help her clear deadwood from the riverbed on the plot of land where she lived, in rural Portugal.

'I couldn't afford to pay him but I offered him any wood we cleared in exchange for his help,' she recalled.

'The work was exhausting but I enjoyed getting to know Pedro. He was funny, hardworking and charming.

Andrea, pictured on her wedding day, left her life in North Wales for an exciting adventure in Portugal. She met Pedro, 20 years her younger, and found fairytale bliss

'We shared a picnic lunch every day and we fell in love.'

Andrea soon married the logger, who was 20 years her younger, and describes their love story as a 'fairytale.'

She soon moved into his small stone off-grid house and just as quickly they were engaged.

'One the big day, 400 guests arrived from the four corners of the globe to celebrate with us.'

Andrea reminisces how she wore 'a flowing white wedding dress with a crown of flowers in my hair.'

In happier times: Things went wrong for the couple when, after a year of marriage, Pedro started working late, bute Andrea is not entirely sure what went wrong

Here comes the bride: Andrea and Pedro tied the knot with bridesmaids wearing orange dresses and sporting cowbells on their ankles

All the bridesmaids wore orange with ribbons and cowbells around their ankles.

Together we walked up to the farm well to the music of Eva Cassidys Somewhere Over The Rainbow, the cowbells signalling our arrival to the waiting guests.'

But this wouldn't last and soon marital bliss turned to marital stress. The couple enjoyed a magical year together. But a couple of months after their first wedding anniversary on 5 October 2020, Pedro began working late and seemed to 'lose interest.'

I racked my brains to figure out what was wrong. Our marriage limped along for another couple of months but the magic had definitely gone. Sadly, we decided to separate.

Taking only the bare essentials, Andrea moved into a caravan on the plot of land she lived on when she first arrived in Portugal.

She says: In the middle of an unusually cold Portuguese winter, I shivered through Christmas in a freezing caravan.

Looking back, Andrea says that she may have given her heart away too quickly, but doesn't think that's a bad thing and refuses to change

After my blissful three years with Pedro, my little oasis just wasnt the same. When I picked up some more of my belongings, Pedro had chucked everything into boxes.'

I tearfully went through them on New Years Day. And I found my beautiful wedding dress carelessly scrunched up in a ball.'

She was heartbroken but decided enough was enough. She went outside and lit a bonfire, throwing her wedding dress into the flames.

She says: 'Afterwards I felt cleansed and surprisingly liberated. New year, new start, I told myself.'

Since this new start Andrea has turned her life around, but admits that at times it wasn't easy.

Andrea spent last Christmas shivering through an unusually cold December on her own after her marriage to Pedro fell apart

I survived the coldest winter in eleven years in the caravan and my car ended up in the scrap yard,' she said.

However, her massage business picked up and she moved into a rented cottage. Her divorce is currently going through the courts.

She says: 'To this day, I don't understand what went wrong with my marriage. Maybe I gave my heart away too easily but that isn't always a bad thing and I don't want to change.'

Andrea is looking towards the positive this year and this Christmas will 'throw my door open to new friends'.

Im in a better place this year and feel like life has come full circle. Im looking forward to celebrating Christmas with friends in my new home.

Pedro said: Andrea has lost her sensible.'
The Norwegian royal family have released their annual Christmas portrait, putting on a cheery display from the royal palace in Oslo.

Reigning King Harald and Queen Sonja, both 84, can be seen beaming in the front, while Crown Princess Mette-Marit and Crown Prince Haakon, both 48, stand behind them with their children Princess Ingrid Alexandra, 17, Prince Sverre Magnus, 16.

While the family were forced to adhere to social distancing rules last year amid concerns for King Harald's safety during the pandemic, the royals were able to sit next to each other for the latest festive photo.

The Norwegian royal family have released their annual Christmas portrait, putting on a cheery display from the royal palace in Oslo

Injecting a splash of colour, Queen Sonja stole the limelight in a red shirt and plaid skirt, along with a Gucci leather belt and heels - adding a touch of sparkle with a glitter embellished cardigan.

Meanwhile Crown Princess Mette-Marit opted fora black poloneck and polka dot skirt, while daughter Ingrid continued the monochrome theme in a white poloneck and jumper skirt.

King Harald and Princes Haakon and Sverre opted for coordinating navy blue suits and ties, looking regal in front of the backdrop of the grand Christmas tree, gilded portraits and chandelier.

Further pictures show golden wallpaper, oriental rugs and a pile of neatly wrapped Christmas presents.

Reigning King Harald and Queen Sonja, both 84, can be seen beaming in the front, while Crown Princess Mette-Marit and Crown Prince Haakon, both 48, stand behind them with their children Princess Ingrid Alexandra, 17, Prince Sverre Magnus, 16

Last year King Harald was admitted into hospital with breathing difficulties in late September, although he tested negative for Covid.

In the wake of his father's condition, Crown Prince Haakon had been stepping in and taking over his father's duties.

King Harald, who ascended to the throne after the death of his father King Olav on January 17 1991, was also admitted to hospital last year and underwent two weeks sick leave.

Meanwhile Crown Princess Mette-Marit opted fora black poloneck and polka dot skirt, while daughter Ingrid continued the monochrome theme in a white poloneck and jumper skirt

Speaking at the time, Crown Prince Haakon said it was a difficult period for the family and his father was recovering from dizziness but no serious illness was found.

Crown Prince Haakon has stepped in for his father on several previous occasions including when he became ill in April 2018 with congestion and pain in one foot.

King Harald, who is the country's first native-born king since the 14th century, won the nation's hearts when he married a commoner.

He was also praised globally for a 2016 speech showing support for gay rights, saying: 'Norwegians are girls who love girls, boys who love boys, and girls and boys who love each other.'
The star of French horror film Titane has defended the film, despite audiences being left so repulsed by it that many have 'fainted' during graphically violent scenes.

The movie tells the tale of a woman called Alexia (played by Agathe Rousselle, 33), a dancer at car shows who has a titanium plate in her head following a car accident.

Fixated on vehicles, the murderous heroine has sex with a car, becomes pregnant and gives birth to the resulting monster.

Audiences from around the world have been left shocked by the graphic film, with dozens walking out and falling ill at premieres around the world.

However Agathe has brushed off any controversy, telling The Times: 'If it had been a male director  Tarantino, Cronenberg, anyone  it wouldve been less surprising.

Agathe Rousselle, star of French horror film Titane has defended the film, despite audiences being left so repulsed by it that many have 'fainted' during graphically violent scenes

'And were so used to men being violent and making violent movies. Its kind of time for men to know that women can be violent as well.'

Among the most violent scenes in the film, Agathe, having murdered six people, is filmed smashing her own nose against the corner of a sink in order to break it.

After being told that people had walked out of the film after witnessing the violence, Agathe called it a 'shame'.

However she confessed when she saw the film for the first time she was left in 'a state of shock.'

Among the most violent scenes in the film, Agathe, having murdered six people, is filmed smashing her own nose against the corner of a sink in order to break it

The actress also revealed how she hopes the film will 'go to the Oscars', adding: 'Im not that acquainted with the industry, but if they dont want to play it safe and if they want to reward real cinema then thats Titane.'

French Agathe was born the eldest of four children to divorced parents, her father was a doctor while her mother was a teacher.

She settled in Paris, where she studied at drama school before becoming a photographer and artist.

She has since gone on to try out a variety of careers, including journalist, sales assistant, embroiderer and professional runner.

Wild: The film tells the tale of a woman called Alexia (played by Agathe ) a dancer at car shows who has a titanium plate in her head following a car accident

She was cast in the film after being spotted on Instagram by the casting director.

Meanwhile Agathe confessed she hopes to make a Richard Curtis rom-com next.

The flick might have won Palme d'Or - the highest prize awarded at the Cannes Film Festival - but it has turned the stomachs of many who watch it.

According to audience members attending a screening at the Sydney Film Festival, scores left the cinema, unable to cope with what they were seeing, while as many as 20 fainted.

'15 people walked out of Titane at #SydFilmFest tonight. Missed a great, but strange, movie!' one person tweeted.

Another wrote: 'A friend fainted during TITANE last night and told me that 20 other people did as well - now that's cinema baby!'

One more said: '13 people fainted at the Sydney premiere of Titane.'

Exodus: According to audience members attending a screening at the Sydney Film Festival, scores left the cinema, unable to cope with what they were seeing, while as many as 20 fainted

Eek! The flick might have won Palme d'Or - the highest prize awarded at the Cannes Film Festival - but it has turned the stomachs of many who watch it

One viewer speaking to Pedestrian TV after the screening claimed there was chaos as security struggled to deal with dozens of unwell attendees.

'I fainted... I was jerking my head around while unconscious. In the back area on the couches, there was another group of girls whose friend had just fainted,' they said.

'(The security guard said) he'd been very busy that night and that there were people on every level fainting. Another security (guard) told us around 15 people had fainted and another five or so had walked out.

'I was feeling very nauseous and also threw up later, a friend of mine was with her friend who'd also fainted,' they explained.

Sick: Pedestrian TV quoted one attendee who fell ill and fainted during the screening. '[The security guard said] he'd been very busy that night and that there were people on every level fainting. Another security [guard] told us around 15 people had fainted and another five or so had walked out,' they said

The attendee said that some people were 'very angry' that the film did not feature 'trigger warnings about the abortion and violence'.

The ultra-violent horror film about a young woman who has sex with cars and gets impregnated by a vintage Cadillac also stunned the Cannes Film Festival.

Titane, by French director Julia Ducournau, tells the story of a woman who kills without a care and pretends to be a boy despite being pregnant by the vintage car.

Some extremely violent scenes had cinema-goers shielding their eyes at the film's early festival screenings.

Drama: The viewer claimed there was chaos as security struggled to deal with dozens of unwell attendees. The attendee added that some people were 'very angry' that the film did not feature 'trigger warnings about the abortion and violence'

The Hollywood Reporter said the movie, which is competing for the Palme d'Or, might herald a 'French-Punk-Queer Wave', while IndieWire said it was 'one of the wildest films ever to screen at Cannes'.

But others were not as receptive to it. The Guardian called it a 'car crash' because of its 'sheer silliness and towering pointlessness'.

French paper Liberation meanwhile said the storyline was 'pretty much inarticulate' and Switzerland's Le Temps wondered what the film-maker had meant by her 'pretentious' offering.
A young man who just moved to New York City is making his home in what he calls 'the smallest apartment in New York'  and video that he has shared on TikTok proves he's not exaggerating.

Axel Webber made the move to Manhattan three weeks ago and landed in a minuscule microstudio in the East Village with just enough room for a bed, a closet, a sink, and a 'kitchen' comprised of a mini fridge and microwave.

Now his video tour of him very humble abode has gone viral, shocking millions of TikTok users.

'Here's what it's like living in the smallest apartment in New York. Whatever your expectations are, lower them,' he says in the clip.

A young man who just moved to New York City is making his home in what he calls 'the smallest apartment in New York'

Axel Webber made the move to Manhattan three weeks ago and landed in a minuscule microstudio in the East Village

Much of the room is filled with a bunk bed. On the bottom is a queen-sized mattress facing the door, while a smaller twin-sized mattress going perpendicular to that makes up the top bunk

Even when he stands the bottom mattress up on its side, he has very little space - though he did manage to fit his small piano

Axel had been living in his car in a Walmart parking lot before finding the apartment, so it is certainly an upgrade.

He managed to find a place on St. Marks Place in the East Village, and insists: 'It's not bad, it's cozy.'

'As soon as you walk in the door, we have the sink,' he says, opening the door and panning the camera left to show a small bathroom-style sink in the corner immediately to his left.

Above that is a mirror, which he has festively strung with Christmas lights.

'Right next to the sink is, conveniently located, the kitchen,' he continues, showing what few people would actually describe as a kitchen.

It consists of a mini fridge, on top of which is a microwave. Above the microwave is a small open pantry with two shelves, where he has a single bowl and plate and some food that can easily be made without a full kitchen, like ramen, peanut butter, and popcorn.

'As soon as you walk in the door, we have the sink,' he says. Above that is a mirror, which he has festively strung with Christmas lights

While he does get water at the sink, it is small and bathroom-sized, not ideal for cooking

'Right next to the sink is, conveniently located, the kitchen,' he continues, showing what few people would actually describe as a kitchen

There is a small fridge, a microwave, and shelves where he keeps dry goods and a single plate and bowl. He also has a single burner stove

The rest of the room is mostly filled with a bunk bed. On the bottom is a queen-sized mattress facing the door, while a smaller twin-sized mattress going perpendicular to that makes up the top bunk.

'I have two beds, but only one me. Some nights I'm a queen guy, other nights I chill on the twin,' he says.

He has also fit a small piano on the bottom bunk, and sits on a tiny stool pushed up against the bed to use it.

Behind the beds is a window that faces another building, and Axel has an air conditioner hanging out of it.

Finally, he has a 'closet,' which is university dorm-style with no door.

Axel noted that there is no bathroom in his apartment, and he has to use a communal one down the hall.

Axel proudly shows off the loft for extra storage above the door

Finally, he has a 'closet,' which is university dorm-style with no door

Axel noted that there is no bathroom in his apartment, and he has to use a communal one down the hall

The bathroom, too, is incredibly tiny and fits just a toilet and sink. There is no soap, and Axel notes that people have to bring their own every time they use the toilet.

The bathroom, too, is incredibly tiny and fits just a toilet and sink. There is no soap, and Axel notes that people have to bring their own every time they use the toilet.

He did not explain where he bathes or if there is another room with a shower.

Axel's videos have quickly gone viral, with one earning a whopping 23.5 million on TikTok.

Commenters are shocked and befuddled by his living arrangements, with some insisting that it must in fact be a college dorm  but Axel insisted that it is not, and that his neighbor is a 60-year-old man.

Axel did not immediately respond to DailyMail.com's request for comment, but another TikTok user who claimed to live there said he paid $1,000 per month in 2011, which 'was cheap for Manhattan.'

Speaking to ABC News, Axel said that he hopes to one day have a place with a stove with 'a nice burner, a gas range, maybe even my own pot to cook pasta in.'

'You know what I'm cooking pasta in?' he said. 'A pan [on] a single burner stove.'
Prince Harry has once again showed how well he's embracing his relaxed LA lifestyle by going barefoot in a trendy Christmas photoshoot.

Harry and Meghan today shared the first photo of their daughter Lilibet Diana, six months after she was born in a family photoshoot with their two-year-old son Archie.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have been portraying themselves in a more laidback manner since stepping down as senior royals in January last year, and today was no exception.

Leaning into their LA image, Harry, 37, was seen smiling at his wife - who was holding up their giggling daughter - wearing ripped denim jeans, a casual shirt, beaded bracelets and no shoes.

Prince Harry has once again showed how well he's embracing his relaxed LA lifestyle by going barefoot in a trendy Christmas photoshoot

Harry's more relaxed approach to his image was made clear after he bared his soles in a photo announcing he and Meghan, 40, were expecting their second child in February

The Sussexes, who are currently residing in a $14.7million mansion in Montecito, released the card to announce they've made a donation to several charities, including an organisation that supports displaced Afghan families.

The relaxed family photograph shows Archie, who has inherited his dad's red hair, casually dressed in jeans like the rest of the family smiling at his mum as Meghan holds up baby Lilibet.

Harry's more relaxed approach towards his image was made clear after he bared his soles in a photo announcing he and Meghan, 40, were expecting their second child in February.

The couple revealed they were expecting with a black-and-white photo of themselves sat near a tree with Harry's hand placed under Meghan's head as she lies on his lap with her hand resting on her bump.

The relaxed approach is a world away from the rigid rules of the Royal Family, which saw the couple bend royal protocol as they hugged in public and walked barefoot along Bondi Beach in 2018

Lilibet Diana Mountbatten-Windsor - named after the Queen's childhood nickname - was born on June 4 in Santa Barbara, California, and is eighth in line to the throne.

The baby - a younger sister for the Sussexes' two-year-old son Archie Mountbatten-Windsor - was born at Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital weighing 7lbs 11oz.

A statement from the couple's press secretary said: 'It is with great joy that Prince Harry and Meghan, The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, welcome their daughter, Lilibet 'Lili' Diana Mountbatten-Windsor, to the world.

'Lili was born on Friday, June 4 at 11.40am in the trusted care of the doctors and staff at Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital in Santa Barbara, California.

'She weighed 7lbs 11oz. Both mother and child are healthy and well, and settling in at home.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have finally shown the first photo of their daughter Lilibet Diana, six months after she was born.

'Lili is named after her great-grandmother, Her Majesty The Queen, whose family nickname is Lilibet.

'Her middle name, Diana, was chosen to honour her beloved late grandmother, The Princess of Wales.

'This is the second child for the couple, who also have a two-year-old son named Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor.

'The Duke and Duchess thank you for your warm wishes and prayers as they enjoy this special time as a family.'

The relaxed approach is a world away from the rigid rules of the Royal Family, which saw the couple bend royal protocol as they hugged in public and walked barefoot along Bondi Beach in 2018.

This photo of a pregnant Meghan in March 2021, was another example of when the Duke and Duchess of Sussex decided to not show Archie's face to the public

Last year, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex opted to share an illustrated Christmas card - leading to some disappointed fans calling for the couple to show Archies face (pictured)

Royal fans expressed their annoyance over not seeing Archie's face again after Meghan Markle and Prince Harry released a new picture of their son to celebrate his second birthday (pictured) in May this year

The couple, who are preparing to spend their third festive period outside of the UK, also opted for American phrases and spellings in their message - using Happy Holidays rather than the British Merry Christmas in their card.

'This year we welcomed out daughter, Lilibet, to the world. Archie made us a "Mama and Papa" and Lili made us a family,' their message read.

'As we look forward to 2022 we have made donations on your behalf to several organizations that honor and protect families - from those being relocated from Afhghanistan to American famiilies in need of paid parental leave.'

Today's card marks another change for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, who have hidden their children's faces in recent photographs.

Archie has rarely been seen since the couple stepped back as senior royals in March last year, with the most recent picture of him released to mark his second birthday this May showing him with his back to the camera.
Lilibet Diana can be seen beaming as she is tossed into the air by Meghan Markle in a new Christmas card snap released by the Sussexes today.

Prince Harry, 37, and Meghan, 40, who are currently living in their $14 million mansion in California having stepped back from royal duty, have never shared a photograph of their daughter with the public before.

In the snap, the little six-month-old can be seen sharing a smile with the Duke and Duchess of Sussex as she is lifted into the air by her mother.

She is wearing a white frilly top with a scalloped hem in the image, as well as a plain white nappy.

Six-month-old Lilibet Diana can be seen beaming as she is tossed into the air by Meghan Markle, 40, in a new Christmas card snap released by the Sussexes today

The six-month-old, who showed off a gummy smile in the picture, also appears to share her father Harry and brother Archie's shock of red hair.

Today marks the first time royal fans have been able to see Lilibet's face.

Meghan is thought to have revealed a grainy first photograph of her second child after a framed picture of Prince Harry kissing a newborn baby took pride of place on her desk in a video for her 40th birthday.

Three further black and white photos could be seen in a connected frame in front of this, with the central one seeming to show Harry kissing a baby and one on the right potentially showing Meghan holding a young child.

Today marks the first time the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have ever shared a photograph of their daughter with the public

Lilibet  whose middle name is Diana  was born at Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital in June.

The name Lilibet was coined by the Queen and used by her younger sister Margaret and their parents.

George VI once said: 'Lilibet is my pride. Margaret is my joy.'

It is understood the Queen was informed by Prince Harry that her great grandchild would be named in her honour, ahead of their official announcement which was made on their official website.

However, Buckingham Palace appeared to be caught off guard by the timing of the Sussexes' news with a spokesman for the palace congratulating the couple 90 minutes after the announcement broke.

Prince Harry and Meghan announced they were expecting their second child, a daughter, in March this year (pictured with Archie)

Meanwhile questions remain over when the Queen will ever meet her great-granddaughter face-to-face.

In August, royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliam told the Express the couple will 'do things their own way' with their daughter Lilibet.

He said: 'It seems certain that her christening will be in Meghan's home state and with the secrecy but without the controversy that surrounded Archie's christening.'

The new family image shows Meghan, holding up their giggling daughter, while smiling Harry, looks on with his arm around their two-year-old son Archie in the portrait by Alexi Lubomirski, who shot the couple's engagement photos and the official family portraits on their wedding day.

The only previous picture of Lilibet (centre) that's been seen is a very grainy black and white photo on Meghan's desk during her 40th birthday video call with Melissa McCarthy

Archie, who looks just like his dad with a shock of red hair, is casually dressed in jeans like the rest of the family, and his face is on show unlike other pictures shared by Harry and Meghan, where they have only shown the youngster from behind.

The Sussexes, who are currently residing in a $14.7million mansion in Montecito, released the card to announce they've made a donation to several charities, including an organisation that supports Afghan families left behind after the US withdrawal and Paid Leave For All, in line with the Duchess' recent campaigning for a paid family leave law for all Americans.

'This year we welcomed out daughter, Lilibet, to the world. Archie made us a "Mama and Papa" and Lili made us a family,' their message read.

'As we look forward to 2022 we have made donations on your behalf to several organizations that honor and protect families - from those being relocated from Afhghanistan to American famiilies in need of paid parental leave.'

It comes as the couple - who used the American Happy Holidays phrase rather than the British Merry Christmas in their card - prepare to spend their third festive period outside of the UK, and away from Prince Harry's family.

In the photograph, Harry, Meghan and Archie all opt for a low-key look in denim jeans, with the Duchess teaming hers with a navy jumper, while the Duke wears a blue shirt and his son a white one.

Today's card marks a change for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, who have hidden their children's faces in recent photographs.

Archie has rarely been seen since the couple stepped back as senior royals in March last year, with the most recent picture of him released to mark his second birthday this May showing him with his back to the camera.

During the Oprah Winfrey interview and Prince Harry's mental health documentary, he made an appearance but royal fans were only be able to get a glimpse of the youngster's face.
A doting husband flew all the way across the country to surprise his wife of 25 years with a proposal - because he felt like she didn't get a romantic one the first time around.

Katie Prentiss, from Portland, Oregon, headed to New York City with her 17-year-old daughter, Abi, for what she thought would be a special mother-daughter trip.

But the mom-of-four was shocked to discover that her husband of more than two decades, Brian, had secretly flown to the Big Apple too - so that he could surprise her with a romantic gesture that has now captured the hearts of millions of people around the world.

Katie and Abi were strolling through Central Park when her hubby suddenly came up behind her. And then, he dropped to his knee and pulled out a ring.

A man flew all the way to around the country to surprise his wife of 25 years with a proposal - because he felt like she didn't get a romantic one the first time around

Katie Prentiss, from Portland, Oregon, headed to New York City with her 17-year-old daughter, Abi, for a mother-daughter trip. They are pictured together on the vacation

During the proposal, Brian said she was one of the most 'amazing and wonderful people' he has ever met and that he would 'love to marry her again.' They are pictured together 23 years ago

@katieprentiss my daughter and husband have had this planned for months. How is this my life?!  IMPERIAL PIANO - Treia Music

Brian, who has already been married to Katie for 25 years, said he wanted to do something special for his 'amazing and wonderful' wife, since he felt like she didn't get what she deserved when they first got engaged all those years ago.

Katie's daughter captured the heartwarming moment and she uploaded it to TikTok, where it was watched more than five million times.

In the clip, Katie seems to think she is posing for a picture on a footbridge in Central Park.

She is oblivious to Brian walking up behind her, and Abi gets her to turn around.

Stunned, Katie asks: 'What are you doing? Why are you here? I'm so confused.'

Brian launches right into his romantic gesture, bending down on one knee and telling her: 'You didn't get a romantic proposal the first time around. So I thought I'd try again by flying somewhere far and surprising you.'

Surprise! Katie's husband secretly flew to the Big Apple too. He came up and surprised her while she was strolling through Central Park

Brian, who has been married to Katie for 25 years, said he wanted to do something special for her since he felt like she didn't get what she deserved when they first got engaged

Heartwarming: Brian put the ring on her finger before they both embraced in a big hug and sweet kiss, as onlookers clapped for the pair

'Are you surprised?' he asks, as she becomes overwhelmed by emotion and chokes back sobs.

'You are one of the most amazing, fearless, beautiful, wonderful people I have ever met,' he continues.

'After 25 years, I would love to spend the rest of my life with you again. I would love to marry you again. You can make me happy forever.'

Brian then puts the ring on her finger before they both embrace in a big hug and sweet kiss, as onlookers stop to clap for the pair.

Everyone was in tears - including Abi, who could be heard sniffling as she cheered for her parents.

'My daughter and husband have had this planned for months. How is this my life?!' Katie captioned the now-viral clip.

Growing their family: Over the course of their 25-year marriage, the couple has welcomed four kids together

Sneaky: It turns out, her husband and daughter secretly planned the whole thing behind her back

Many people were moved by Brian's romantic gesture and the emotional TikTok video, and they took to the comment section to share their thoughts

Many people were moved by the TikTok and took to the comment section to share their thoughts.

'THIS should be normalized! A second engagement just to reaffirm [you're] STILL in love with me,' one viewer wrote.

Another added: 'I almost thought this was a scene in a romantic comedy.'

'OK, I'm sobbing,' someone else said. A fourth comment read: 'If I dont have this type of love in 25 years I [swear to God] I dont want it.'

'This gives me hope,' another TikTok user gushed. A different commenter added: 'This is true love.'

'I love this. Its amazing for kids to see the love their parents have for each other (still),' one more message read.
Last Christmas, we spent it apart and the very next day, you were still away. This year, to save me from tears, we're trying to make it special . . . but the question is, will we succeed?

Should we eat drink and be merry, partying like Downing Street elites because another lockdown could be just around the corner?

Or should we cool our yule and err on the side of festive caution? Whatever you do, don't miss my A-Z guide to Christmas Covid  The Second Coming.

A. . . is for another year over, and a new one just begun. Well, almost. In some ways we know what to expect for Christmas 2021.

A circuit-breaker is no longer just a missing bulb on the tree lights.

Hands, face, waste of space? As good a phrase as any to describe our political leaders.

Contact tracing, the pingdemic? Been there and done that, along with doomscrolling and caremongering when WFH on a Blursday  but what is next?

B . . . is for the Big Boost. For getting your booster. 'Have you been boosted yet?' is the kind of thing perfect strangers feel free to ask as you socially distance at the bus stop.

What you do in the privacy of your own home is entirely your own businesses, but fear not. At Covid Christmas 'boosting' merely means what volume of alcohol you have managed to smuggle into your everyday drinks. Gin in a teacup, sherry in a trifle, rum in your cornflakes? We've all been there. The gratuitous injection of premium spirits into innocent beverages is the boost we all need at this time of year. See also C.

C . . . is for Christmas Milk, aka Baileys Irish Cream.

Christmas is the one time of year when it is socially acceptable for mums everywhere to pour themselves a nutritious glass of Christmas Milk when basking in the glow of that 15-minute window of opportunity when the table is cleared, the dishwasher is full, the living room isn't a war zone and no one is asking where the next cup of tea/meal/gift/snack is coming from.

Christmas is the one time of year when it is socially acceptable for mums everywhere to pour themselves a nutritious glass of Christmas Milk

D . . . is for Drinks. Story doing the rounds at the moment: on a flight from London to Belfast this week, an air hostess pushed her trolley down the aisle. 'Any drinks or snacks?' she asked. 'What do you think this is  a cabinet meeting?' roared one passenger, to the hilarity and delight of everyone on board.

I do so hope this is true, because it has made my Christmas.

E . . . is for elves, the unsung minions who run around in regrettable shoes and man tights to help the big guy get the big job done.

Some of them are more helpful than others. Dominic Cummings was once a chief elf, but now he is on Team Grinch. He seems hell-bent on destruction, on bringing down the government and the people who once employed him, purely to satisfy his own dark urges. Does he have low elf esteem? Someone help him, before it's too late.

Elves are the unsung minions who run around in regrettable shoes and man tights to help the big guy get the big job done

F . . . is for the fourth vaccine. Are you kidding me? Four calling birds, four riders of the apocalypse and now a fourth Covid injection? Is this the quattro formaggi of intravenous medicine, the last stab on the pinpricked pizza of your bicep? I'm not going to argue. If that is what it takes, I am in.

G . . . is for Gandalf and also for Gummidge (Worzel). Much has been made of women's lax grooming over the pandemic, but take a look at the men in your lives. What a state!

The British Prime Minister looks like he sleeps in a skip and rubs a balloon on his head before every press conference, while Keir Starmer is very ageing boy band.

The British Prime Minister (or Worzel Gummidge) looks like he sleeps in a skip and rubs a balloon on his head

H . . . is for Hamsterkaufing  the wonderful German word for stockpiling and/or hoarding foodstuffs. If you see someone filling their trolley with Christmas puddings or festive boiled meats, you could shout: 'Hey, stop your hamsterkaufing, lady!'

Only don't be surprised if she shouts back: 'I've got ham but I'm not a hamster.'

Please also note the verb to 'magpie'  to snatch up desirable staples in the supermarket, such as toilet paper or pasta, like a mad old bird.

I . . . is for idiot  and possibly also for idi-not. 'If you are eligible and refuse the Covid vaccine, you are an idiot,' said Tony Blair this week.

Uh oh! Beware the Man From The Past daring to venture into the modern pit of public opinion without learning the new rules.

No sooner had Tony spoken his truth, than anti-vaxxers were triggered into a rage. Before the day was out, the former Labour prime minister had changed his mind. 'Possibly I was a little too undiplomatic in my use of language,' he said. Possibly. Or possibly not.

J. . . is for Jesus, Mary, Joseph and the wee donkey, too. This travelling family with their new baby won't break the Rule Of Six in Wales, or bust Nicola Sturgeon's decree that socialising should be limited to three households in Scotland. However, this does mean that visits from shepherds, angels and anyone from red-list countries, wise men or otherwise, is out.

K. . . is for Kate and her laudable dedication to festive dressing. You've got to hand it to the Duchess of Cambridge.

From December to Hogmanay, that girl is never knowingly underdressed on a festive theme.

Kate Middleton wore a red cashmere jumper from Miu Miu that came with its own built-in baubles

Red coats at carol services. Velvet collars in church. Gold and silver accents everywhere. Tartan skirts for Christmas drinks.

And best of all  for decorating the trees at Westminster Abbey  a red cashmere jumper from Miu Miu that came with its own built-in baubles! Not to mention a Peter Pan collar and pearl buttons.

Most of us would look like a knitted tea cosy in that number, but Kate carries it off. Just.

L. . . there is Noel.

M. . . is for mistletoe. Forget it. It's just not happening.

M . . . is for mistletoe. Forget it. It's just not happening

N . . . is for the New Normal. What even is that? No one knows, so would everyone please stop saying it. Nothing is normal any more and no matter where you are, there you are, so you had better just get on with it.

O. . . is for Omicron, our lovely new friend which might be a new wave or a parallel pandemic.

It is called the mild version of Covid, which is like saying a cold is the mild version of flu  we all know that both are horrible.

A strain that's half as virulent can surely cause just as much damage if it is also spreading several times faster. Omicron may be born to be mild, but let's be careful out there.

P . . . is for parties, which we are not having this year, not even if we work in Downing Street. Boris has his critics, including me, but that photograph looked to me like fed-up colleagues taking a break outside their workplace, sustained by cheese and wine.

Perhaps they were wrong and certainly thoughtless, but what is far worse is the confected outrage and tribalism of those who condemn them all.

Q . . . is for Queen, of course, who is having a very different Christmas, too. It is also for Quality Street and in a way  puffs on pipe  the two are inextricably linked. One has a gold crown and a coconut topping, the other is a chocolate. Q is for quarantinis, which must be ingested in vast quantities over the coming week.

R . . . is for reindeer. Please extend a warm welcome to the new members joining Donner, Blitzen and the gang. Say hello to Pfizer, Moderna and AstraZeneca. This is not their first Christmas rodeo and they are going to be around for years to come.

S . . . is for saviour complex. The new photograph of Harry and Meghan and their children, Archie and Lilibet, is just adorable.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have finally shown the first photo of their daughter Lilibet Diana, six months after she was born, in their family Christmas card (pictured)

But why does the accompanying statement say they have made donations to charities on our behalf? Why not their own behalf?

There is only one person allowed to bask in a saviour complex at this time of year, and that is the little guy in the basket. Someone who is not away with the fairies like the Sussexes, but away in a manger instead,

T . . . is for terminology. Let me be clear on this once more. A Covid staycation is when you stay at home and don't have a holiday. A holiday is when you go on holiday, even if that holiday is in your own county.

A drivecation is when you sit in the car in your drive and sulk because you have been forced to have another staycation. Got it?

U . . . is for useless presents. Never have we been more in need of something silly, expensive and utterly futile, and for once I don't mean the Duchess of York, the most persecuted royal in history, up to and including Mary Queen of Scots, who lost her head instead of just her reason. Most useless presents this year include the Hot Chocolate Velvetiser at 99.95 and the 160 Smeg milk frother.

V . . . is for Very Closely, which is how Sage and the Government are watching the data. Let's keep an open mind on a fast-moving situation and tolerate the different views of our fellow citizens. Or let's not, and just carry on fighting.

W . . . is for Worst. The worst part of Christmas will never change. It is when Emma Thompson unwraps the Joni Mitchell CD in Love Actually.

X . . . is for Xmas Traditions, many of which have drifted like snow and been lost in the pandemic blizzard (see M for Mistletoe).

Y. . . is for yesterday, when our troubles seemed so far away, now it looks as if Covid's here to stay. But remember, the true Christmas spirit lies in your heart. Who said that? Baby Jesus? Meghan? No, you fools. It was Tom Hanks's Santa in The Polar Express.

Z. . . is for Zoom Quiz. It seems astounding that there are people out there who seriously want the Prime Minister to be investigated by the police for holding a Zoom quiz last year. Not only that, they want him punished and possibly locked up.

It could happen. I've heard that you get 25 days for an advent calendar in these torrid times.

And finally, I would just like to wish a Merry Christmas to all my readers.
New York based fashion photographer Alexi Lubomirski is famed for his portraits of the Hollywood elite, and was chosen to shoot Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's engagement photos and the official family portraits on their wedding day.

The father-of-two, who was born in the UK, was a protege of Mario Testino who was beloved by Harry's mother Princess Diana and photographed William and Kate when they got engaged in 2010.

The star photographer is also a prince of the Polish House of Lubomirski, whose royal lineage stretches back 500 years on his fathers side and gives him the title: 'His Serene Highness'.

Alexi is a firm favorite with celebrities, and has shot cover stars such as Julianne Moore, Angelina Jolie, Demi Moore, Beyonce, Charlize Theron, Gwyneth Paltrow, Natalie Portman, Jennifer Lopez, Selma Hayek, Katy Perry, Sarah Jessica Parker, Jennifer Aniston, Emilia Clarke, Julia Roberts, Nicole Kidman and Scarlett Johansson.

The photographer was born in England to a Peruvian/English mother and a Polish/French father and at the age of eight, he moved to Botswana with his mother and English stepfather.

He was introduced to star photographer Mario Testino and joined him in Paris as his assistant for four years and has worked regularly for Vogue and Harpers Bazaar.

He has also published books including 'Princely advice for a happy life' - a tribute to his two sons - and 'diverse beauty' about models not usually used in fashion magazines and campaigns.

All proceeds from his books are donated to the charity Concern Worldwide - which fights world poverty - of which Alexi is an ambassador.

The photographer had never done an engagement shoot before taking on the prestigious commission from Harry and Meghan.

'It was one of the easiest, most joyful jobs because they were so deliciously in love,' he told E! News.

He added that there was no effort needed to capture the couple in a variety of romantic poses, after telling them to just be themselves while he took their pictures.

'It was nutty. It was a very surreal end to the year because it came out of nowhere,' he recalled.

'I think one of Meghan's friends saw me on Instagram that I was in England during the announcement of the engagement.

'I was told later that this person said to her, "You should meet Alexi. He's great. You'd love him", and that was it.'

In a statement released after the engagement shoot, Alexi said: 'It was an incredible honour to be asked to document this wonderful event, but also a great privilege to be invited to share and be a witness to this young couples love for one another.

'I cannot help but smile when I look at the photos that we took of them, such was their happiness together'.
Promising data from South Africa, the world's first Omicron hotspot, suggest that the country's Omicron-driven Covid wave is fading after just one month.

After seeing a 1,800 percent increase in infections from late November through mid-December, cases appear to have peaked nationally at about 27,000 on December 15.

Cases have fallen in the country for the last five days in a row. Between December 15 and December 22, the case rate has dropped by about 22 percent.

At the same time, data from South Africa suggests that Omicron cases are more likely to be mild, in part because vaccinated and previously infected people who catch the variant have protection from severe disease.

In the U.S., new Covid cases are rising sharply with about three in four cases nationwide caused by Omicron.

On Wednesday, the US recorded a staggering 238,378 new daily infections, and 2,024 new deaths. Since the start of the pandemic, the US has recorded 51.5 million cases of COVID-19 and 812,069 deaths.

The Omicron variant now accounts for 73 percent of new cases in the US and pushes Europe to the brink of fresh lockdowns. In hard-hit states like New York, the variant is estimated to account for more than 90 percent of cases. So far, it has been confirmed in 2,756 cases and accounts for at least one death in a man in Texas.

Predictions from the University of Washington suggest the U.S. could see 140 million Omicron infections from January through March, in an enormous yet short and mild wave.

About one month since Omicron was first detected in South Africa, the country's Omicron-driven Covid wave appears to be fading, with cases falling 22% in the last week

The Omicron variant, first identified in South Africa and Botswana in late November, has quickly become the dominant variant in the U.S.

Omicron is now causing about 73 percent of new Covid cases nationwide, according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates released on Monday.

Last week, Omicron was only causing 13 percent of new Covid cases, suggesting that the variant can grow more than five-fold within a week.

In some states - including New York, Florida, Texas, and others - Omicron is already causing more than 90 percent of new Covid cases.

While the U.S. is still in the early stages of its Omicron surge, data from South Africa suggest that this Covid wave may be more short-lived than those caused by past variants.

Omicron may not have originated in South Africa, but the country became ground zero for this variant as it reported a rapid case increase in late November through mid-December.

The country saw a meteoric rise in infections, from 670 to 11,800 a day (up 1,800 percent) in the space of just two weeks.

In recent days, however, South Africa's case rate appears to have leveled off.

Cases peaked nationally at 26,976 on December 15, and have now fallen for the last five days in a row.

On December 22, South Africa reported 21,099 new cases - a drop of 22 percent from the previous week.

South African scientist Dr Michelle Groome said in a press briefing Wednesday that infections are now leveling off in three of the country's nine provinces, after peaking in Gauteng about a week ago.

While experts had worried that a deadly wave of hospitalizations would follow the rise in cases, hospitalization rates in South Africa have continued to be lower than in past waves.

Over the past few days, hospitalizations also seem to be leveling off at just below 400 admissions a day - compared to a height of 2,000 when Delta took hold.

Deaths in South Africa are just a fraction of the levels when Delta took hold, and have not gone above 100 a day during the Omicron wave.

The country is reporting an average of 50 new deaths a day, compared to 600 deaths a day at the peak of the Delta wave.

Some experts, such as Chris Whitty, Britain's chief medical officer, have said that the low patient numbers may be attributed to South Africa's younger population, as young people have a lower risk of severe Covid.

South Africa also has high levels of immunity from past Covid infections - according to some estimates, over 50 percent of the population had Covid antibodies from a past infection in summer 2021.

While Omicron is more likely to reinfect patients who previously had Covid, antibodies from past infection can protect patients from severe disease.

Plus, about 30 percent of South Africans have received at least one dose of a Covid vaccine, according to Our World in Data.

'All indications are that we've seen the end of the  that we've surpassed the peak of infections in Gauteng,' Groome said Wednesday.

'This is encouraging and quite optimistic in terms of the decreasing trends in case numbers.'

'But I think we really do need to be cognizant that people are now traveling, and there may be changes in terms of the number of people that may be testing and so some of the lower numbers may be due to the holiday season.'

In addition, Groome and other experts have noted that there is typically a lag of two weeks or more between infections and severe illness.

As a result, hospitalizations and deaths may continue to rise in South Africa over the coming weeks even as case numbers fall.

During the Omicron wave in the U.S., daily Covid cases are expected to more than double and the country may see 140 million new infections by March 2022

Daily deaths are expected to increase and peak at around 2,800 deaths by mid-February - a lower peak than last winter's surge thanks to protection from vaccines

Still, the drop in cases could be a promising sign for the U.S., currently in the early weeks of its Omicron wave.

The U.S. is now averaging over 160,000 new Covid cases a day, according to data from Johns Hopkins - a 50 percent increase from early December.

In some Omicron hotspots where the variant is already causing over 90 percent of new cases, infections have risen rapidly in recent weeks.

The case rate in New York City has more than tripled in the past week - from 295 new cases for every 100,000 people on December 12 to 956 new cases per 100,000 on December 19.

Washington, D.C. and surrounding areas are also reporting record-breaking case numbers.

D.C. is now reporting more than 1,000 new Covid cases a day - three times higher than the city's case peak at any other point during the pandemic.

Cases will continue rising from here, according to new modeling predictions from the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) at the University of Washington.

According to IHME, Omicron is expected to cause 140 million new infections from January to March 2022.

The U.S. could peak at 2.8 million new cases a day in late January, the model says.

'We are expecting an enormous surge in infections ... so, an enormous spread of Omicron,' IHME director Dr Chris Murray told USA Today.

'Total infections in the U.S. we forecast are going from about 40 percent of the U.S. having been infected so far, to having in the next two to three months, 60 percent of the U.S. getting infected with Omicron.'

IHME predicts that the majority of these infections will be asymptomatic or mild, however, as the vast majority of Americans are protected through vaccination or prior infection.

As a result, IHME researchers warned that total Omicron infections will go underreported, since many people will not feel sick or seek out testing.

Murray said that while the forecast may be pessimistic, it is within the area of possibility based on the current information scientists have on the Omicron variant.
YOUR STARTER FOR TEN

1. Which book of the Old Testament contains the two censuses of the Israelites after their exodus?

2. Which author suffered, at various times, anthrax, pneumonia, diabetes, hepatitis, skin cancer, malaria, a fractured skull, a ruptured kidney, a ruptured spleen and a crushed vertebra, survived alcoholism and two plane crashes, but finally offed himself with a gunshot to the head in 1961?

3. Which winner of the Nobel Prize for Literature wrote the script for the first ever royal Christmas broadcast in 1932?

4. Which writer, the creator of a much-loved childrens character himself, dramatised Kenneth Grahames book The Wind In The Willows, making it into Toad Of Toad Hall?

Sleuth: Joan Hickson as Miss Marple

5. In Sir Arthur Conan Doyles story The Greek Interpreter, who, according to Sherlock Holmes, can always be found at the Diogenes Club from a quarter to five till 20 to eight?

6. Once there were four children whose names were Peter, Susan, Edmund and Lucy. Thats the first line of which 1950 novel?

7. What were named, variously, after a tram in New Orleans, a collection of animal figurines, and Bricks wife Maggie?

8. Four characters from Frozen  Anna, Kristoff, Hans and Sven  are named after which author, who wrote The Snow Queen, the films main inspiration?

9. In Edward Lears The Owl And The Pussycat (pictured below) who performed the marriage ceremony?

10. Good career move, said Gore Vidal, in 1984, about which other writers death?

ME, MYSELF & I

As usual theres a tidal wave of celebrity autobiographies in the bookshops. Who wrote each of these?

1. Windswept & Interesting

2. And Away . . .

3. This Much Is True

4. Dont Laugh, Itll Only Encourage Her

5. All About Me!

6. The Audacity

7. Reflections

8. Before & Laughter: A Life-Changing Book

9. Leap Of Faith

10. A Funny Life

ANNIVERSARIES

1. Which English author of picaresque novels such as The Adventures Of Roderick Random, The Adventures Of Peregrine Pickle and The Expedition of Humphry Clinker was born 300 years ago this year?

2. Which French realistic novelist, probably best known for his first novel, was born 200 years ago, and never married or had children, explaining that he was opposed to childbirth because he would transmit to no one the aggravations and the disgrace of existence?

3. Which French poet and essayist, also born 200 years ago, coined the term modernity (modernite) to designate the fleeting, ephemeral experience of life in an urban metropolis, and the responsibility of artistic expression to capture that experience?

4. Which American writer would have celebrated her 100th birthday in January, had she not died in 1995? She published the first lesbian novel with a happy ending, and Graham Greene called her the poet of apprehension.

5. In September the author of the Doctor series of comic novels would also have been 100. What was his pen-name? He was only the second person ever to reject Eamonn Andrews and his big red book on This Is Your Life, but relented and the show went out a week later.

6. Crome Yellow, the first novel by which English writer, was published in 1921, and so this year was its centenary? This author died on the same day as President John F. Kennedy, and, therefore, news of his demise was rather overshadowed.

7. Two well-known books by a prolific childrens author had their 75th birthdays this year. The Folk Of The Faraway Tree was the third in the Faraway Tree series, while First Term At Malory Towers was the first in the Malory Towers series. Who was the author?

8. Which famous black paperback imprint was launched in 1946? A translation of Homers Odyssey was the first in the series, and remained the companys bestselling book over the next decade?

9. Which English writer, who died 75 years ago in 1946, had affairs with a significant number of women, including the writers Amber Reeves, Elizabeth von Arnim and Rebecca West, the birth-control activist Margaret Sanger and (on a visit to Maxim Gorky in Russia) Gorkys own mistress, Countess Benckendorff?

10. Which English author, born in 1946, wrote Salmon Fishing In The Yemen, which won the 2007 Bollinger Everyman award for comic writing? He was diagnosed with cancer shortly after publication and died in 2013.

PICTURE ROUND

All of these writers won the Booker Prize, some a very, very long time ago. But at least theyre all in alphabetical order. No need to name the book, just in each case the writer.

A. 1986

B. 1984

C. 2018

D. 1990

E. 1983 & 1999

F. 2019

G. 2004

H. 2009 & 2012

I. 1997

J. 2017

FILMS & BOOKS

Here are ten films based on famous books. Ill give you the three main stars, the director and the year of first release. And I want you to give the title of the novel (or novella) it was based on and the name of its author. Example: Anthony Hopkins, Jodie Foster, Scott Glenn, directed by Jonathan Demme (1991). Answer: The Silence Of The Lambs by Thomas Harris. Lets go!

1. Judy Garland, Frank Morgan, Ray Bolger, directed by Victor Fleming (1939).

2. Gregory Peck, David Niven, Anthony Quinn, directed by J. Lee Thompson (1961).

3. Omar Sharif, Julie Christie, Tom Courtney, directed By David Lean (1965).

4. Matthew Broderick, Reese Witherspoon, Chris Klein, directed by Alexander Payne (1999).

5. Brad Pitt, Edward Norton, Helena Bonham Carter, directed by David Fincher (1999).

6. Julianne Moore, Clive Owen, Chiwetel Ejiofor, directed by Alfonso Cuaron (2006).

7. Christian Bale, Hugh Jackman, Scarlett Johansson, directed by Christopher Nolan (2006).

8. Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway, Stanley Tucci, directed by David Frankel (2006).

9. Chiwetel Ejiofor, Michael Kenneth Williams, Michael Fassbender, directed by Steve McQueen (2013).

10. Armie Hammer, Timothee Chalamet, directed by Luca Guadagnino (2017).

A MONTH IN THE COUNTRY

Who wrote the following novels or novellas?

1. The Deans December (1982)

2. The Enchanted April (1922)

3. Snow In April (1972) and September (1990)

4. November (1842)

5. A Week In December (2009)

6. Julys People (1981)

7. The Hunt For Red October (1984)

8. The March (2005)

9. August Is A Wicked Month (1965) and Wild Decembers (1999)

10. Juneteenth (1999)

FROM THE PAGES OF THE DAILY MAIL . . .

1 Nick Rennison enjoyed Ageless: The New Science Of Getting Older Without Getting Old, in January. A tortoise named Harriet died of a heart attack in an Australian zoo in 2006. Who had originally picked her up in the Galapagos Islands?

a) Sir David Attenborough

b) Steve Backshall

c) Charles Darwin

2 Which actor, according to a biography reviewed in January, always wore leather driving gloves in the car and a collar and tie to the beach?

a) David Niven

b) Kenneth More

c) Roger Moore

3 In a Constance Craig Smith review from January, who said the following: Im not offended by the dumb blonde jokes, because I know Im not dumb . . . and I also know Im not blonde.?

Pictured left to right: Jayne Mansfield, Marilyn Monroe and country legend Dolly Parton

a) Marilyn Monroe

b) Dolly Parton

c) Jayne Mansfield

4Which classic novel left the novelist Marian Keyes cold because she had to do it for the Irish equivalent of A-levels? She says she is a fully-paid up Jane Austen fan now.

a) Pride And Prejudice

b) Persuasion

c) Emma

5 Roger Alton had some fun in March with Paul OKeeffes book about the Battle of Culloden. How long did the battle last?

a) Forty minutes

b) Two hours

c) Nearly three days

6 In March, I reviewed a book about Isaac Newtons London career. Which useful domestic item is Newton believed to have invented?

a) The spoon

b) The catflap

c) The shaving brush

7 I have never experienced happiness. I have always been waiting for it. A typically gloomy remark from which great Russian writer, whose biography was Book Of The Week in March?

a) Leo Tolstoy

b) Fyodor Dostoevsky

c) Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn

8 In April, Antony Cummins reviewed Blake Baileys vast biography of which great sex-crazed American writer, who died three years ago, aged 85?

a) Saul Bellow

b) Norman Mailer

c) Philip Roth

9 According to Roger Lewis in April, Had Miss Marple been a novelist, shed have been . . . who? A large jar of marmalade is more desirable than a new love affair, she wrote.

A) Agatha Christie

B) Barbara Pym

C) Miss Read

10 William Palmers book In Love With Hell, about alcoholic writers, was a Book Of The Week in May. Which American writer had vodka for breakfast and went everywhere with a Thermos flask of dry martinis?

a) Ernest Hemingway

b) William Faulkner

c) John Cheever

HOW TO ENTER

Send your answers by post to Daily Mail Literary Quiz, Books Department, Daily Mail, Northcliffe House, 2 Derry Street, London W8 5TT.

Include your full name, address, phone number and email address (if you have one). Closing date for entries is January 17, 2022. The first set of correct answers drawn from the hat after that closing date wins a prize of 1,000.

The winners name and the correct answers will be printed in the Daily Mail Books pages on January 21, 2022. The prize is non-transferable and no alternative is available. Allow 28 days for receipt of prize. Normal Daily Mail terms and conditions apply. See page 59 for full terms and conditions or visit: dailymail.co.uk/rules
Food delivery firm Just Eat continued its expansion into the grocery market through a tie-up with corner shop chain One Stop.

Up to 500 items such as bread, milk and snacks will be available to order through Just Eats app.

Around 40 One Stop stores in the UK will initially be available to order groceries from, although Just Eat said it could offer delivery for 500 stores.

Appy shopper: Just Eat will soon offer up to 500 items including basics such as bread, milk, toiletries and snacks through its app after its tie-up with corner shop chain One Stop

One Stop is a much-loved British convenience store at the heart of many local communities, making it a perfect partner, said Andrew Kenny, managing director of Just Eats UK business.

Just Eat rose just 0.7 per cent, or 26p, at 4046p as investors took some profits before Christmas. The deal follows Just Eats entry into a fast-growing market last week when it unveiled a partnership with supermarket giant Asda.

From January, customers on Just Eats app will be able to order a range of Asda products. It is following on the heels of rivals Uber Eats and Deliveroo (up 0.2 per cent, or 0.4p, to 213.3p), the latter having launched a grocery delivery service in London in September.

Stock Watch - Avacta Drug and diagnostic test maker Avacta shot up after its Covid-19 lateral flow test received a CE mark for use as a self-test for people in the UK and the EU. The mark signifies that products have met the safety, health and environmental requirements to be sold to consumers. Avactas Affidx test, which uses a nasal swab and provides a result in 20 minutes, will be marketed under the Meduflow brand. The shares surged 16.9 per cent, or 17.9p, to 123.8p.

Victoria Scholar, head of investment at Interactive Investor, said Just Eat and other food delivery firms were all fighting for a slice of the increasingly competitive UK grocery market and that the race was getting even tougher as new competitors emerged.

The FTSE 100 inched up 0.6 per cent, or 44.25 points, to 7341.66 while the FTSE 250 climbed 1.1 per cent, or 260.49 points, to 23.080.79.

Reports that the Omicron variant of Covid-19 causes milder symptoms than its Delta counterpart provided some optimism that the latest wave of infections could be less bad than initially feared.

However, the market mood was soured slightly by worse than expected UK growth in the third quarter, which saw the economy expand by 1.1 per cent rather than initial reports of 1.3 per cent as supply chain issues began to bite.

The latest pandemic panic also seems to have snuffed out any chance of a late Santa Rally, with the blue-chip index heading for a rise of less than 1pc in the final week before Christmas.

Mid-cap life science investor Syncona surged 5.5 per cent, or 11p, to 211p after it struck a deal to sell its Gyroscope Therapeutics business to Swiss pharma giant Novartis for 1.1billion.

Syncona, which co-founded Gyroscope in 2016, is expecting to rake in up to 589million from the deal, more than five times the cost of its original investment.

Housebuilder Taylor Wimpey rose 2.6 per cent, or 4.35p, to 174.1p after it settled a probe by competition regulators into ground rent fees.

The firm has agreed to remove terms from some of its leaseholder contracts that would have doubled ground rents every 10 years.

Mining giant Rio Tinto headed underground, shedding 1 per cent, or 58.5p, to 4854.4p after pushing back the date for its full-year results by one week, to February 23 from February 16.

Budget airline Wizz Air announced the purchase of a substantial portfolio of 15 aircraft slots at Gatwick Airport from Norwegian Air Shuttle, and will base four additional aircraft there from next spring. The shares crept up 0.02 per cent, or 1p, to 4231p.

And online fashion giant Boohoo was in tears after a bleak note from analysts at broker Liberum, who cut their target price for the stock to 200p from 360p.

Liberum said a recent profit warning was not just a result of the global supply chain logjam but also over-optimism baked into the guidance, adding that they believed higher supply costs and weaker delivery will persist for the next 12-18 months. Boohoo fell 1.5 per cent, or 1.7p, to 115.35p.
Financial advisers will be forced to compensate thousands of British Steel workers for wrongly advising them to ditch their company pension plans.

Industry watchdog the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) yesterday told advisers to ensure that they have the money to pay out claims from those given unsuitable advice.

The claims are from workers who were told to switch out of valuable pensions linked to their salary and move into inferior and riskier plans.

Compensation: Industry watchdog the Financial Conduct Authority yesterday told advisers to ensure they have the money to pay out claims from those given unsuitable advice

This advice would typically have resulted in rewards for the advisers  but left the steel workers facing a poorer retirement.

The British Steel Pension Plan scandal arose in 2017 when the scheme was restructured after the sale of the business by owners Tata Steel.

Some 7,700 members were transferred out, many of them having been targeted by opportunistic and commission-hungry advisers.

Earlier this year the FCA examined the recommendations given to 192 workers and found that just a fifth of them had been given suitable advice.

In 47 per cent of cases, the guidance was unsuitable.

And in a further 32 per cent of cases, the advice contained information gaps, the FCA said.

It added that the level of bad advice that was given to the British Steel workers was highly exceptional.

And yesterday it warned advisers not to try to avoid their liabilities to workers by selling down assets, saying it would take action if they did.

It also urged former members of the pension scheme to check whether or not they had received unsuitable advice and raise a complaint.

Members are thought to have lost hundreds of millions of pounds worth of retirement income through the scandal.

But workers complained that the watchdog had done too little too late, prompting calls for a probe into its actions.

Parliaments spending watchdog, the National Audit Office (NAO), said in October that it would investigate the FCAs response to the affair.

Members moved around 2.8billion in total out of the British Steel pension scheme.

The NAO will look at what the FCA did to regulate advice to British Steel workers, its plans for supporting those owed compensation, and how much compensation is being delivered.

It is expected to report back in the spring.
Croda International has struck a deal to sell most of its performance technologies and industrial chemicals divisions to US food processing giant Cargill for 778million.

The sale comes as Croda shifts its focus towards the life science and consumer care sectors, which together accounted for more than 90 per cent of its profits in 2020.

Shares in the Yorkshire firm have shot up around 48 per cent this year, helped by its supply of lipids for Pfizers Covid jabs.

Croda is shifting its focus towards the life science and consumer care sectors, which together accounted for more than 90% of its profits in 2020

The FTSE 100 firm will reinvest the cash in faster growth areas, increasing its exposure to the healthcare sector and developing a position in consumer markets.

The divisions it is selling make ingredients for coatings, sealants and adhesives used in businesses such as the car industry.

It has decided to sell 77 per cent of the two divisions following a strategic review. Cargill will take control of five manufacturing facilities including Crodas plant in Hull as well as a factory in the Netherlands.

Cargill will also take on a joint venture in China, in which Croda owns a 65 per cent stake, and several laboratories.

The assets being sold raked in 361million in revenues in 2020, around 26 per cent of Crodas total that year.

It is not the first time the companies have done a deal, with Croda having sold a rapeseed oil extraction plant in Hull to Cargill in 1985.

Chief executive Steve Foots said the sale will lead to consistent sales growth and stronger profits. Cargill said that it will gain nearly 1,000 employees.

Croda shares dipped 0.4 per cent, or 38p, to 9942p.

Hargreaves Lansdown analyst Susannah Streeter said a sale had been on the cards during the strategic review and, as a result, the fall in the share price may have been the result of some investors being disappointed by the final price tag.

But the drop barely made a dent in its strong performance over 2021. It has cashed in on soaring demand for booster jabs as countries try to control infection rates.

A rebound in consumer spending following lockdown has also helped Crodas personal care division, which supplies ingredients used to make skin, hair and cosmetic products.
Fast fashion firm Missguided has been saved from devastating supply chain disruption by investor Alteri.

The London company, which invests in the retail sector, took a 50 per cent stake this week, giving Missguided, which has been looking for a partner since October to help it through the crisis, access to much-needed cash.

The online-only womens fashion outlet has been the subject of a Channel 4 documentary and won attention in 2019 when it advertised a bikini costing just 1 during Love Island, only for critics to label it a symbol of throwaway fashion culture.

Sales slump: London-based Alteri has amassed a 50% stake in online-only women's fashion retailer, which was founded by chief executive Nitin Passi (pictured)

It has struggled in the pandemic because customers have not bought party dresses or as many new outfits.

Missguided had global sales of 287million in the year to March, mostly in the UK and US. The Manchester business founded by chief executive Nitin Passi in 2009, has 330 staff.

Alteri, backed by private equity giant Apollo Global Management, buys into distressed retailers with the intention of turning them around and profiting from recovery.

It plans to hire an executive chairman with strong turnaround experience, and will put two directors on the board.
Customers of the conveyancing firm Simplify Group are planning to launch legal action after some have seen their property purchases stalled for more than a month following a data breach.

The firm's systems were shut down on 8 November after what appears to have been a cyber security incident, leaving some customers unable to exchange, complete or move home.

Now, a law firm is working with customers of the group  whose brands include Premier Property Lawyers, JS Law, DC Law and Advantage Property Lawyers  with a view to bringing a compensation claim against Simplify.

Hayes Connor, which specialises in data breaches, said it had been contacted by a number of customers who were worried about the impact the breach could have on them.

Simplify Group conveyancing customers have experienced delays in their house purchases and sales following a security incident in November, and it is unclear whether their data is safe

Customers were initially concerned that money they had transferred to their solicitor may have been stolen by hackers.

Simplify Group and the Council for Licensed Conveyancers, the regulator which has been monitoring the situation, have since stated that all customer funds are safe.

However, there are still unaddressed concerns about the safety of customers' personal data, as many had given over bank details, addresses and copies of driving licences or passports in order to buy or sell their homes.

Fraudsters can use this information to make applications for credit in customers' names.

Hayes Connor is collecting evidence from customers with a view to bringing a group litigation claim against Simplify, This is Money understands.

'Buying or selling a home is one of the most stressful times for anyone at the best of times, so to be facing extra worry is something none of these people want  especially just before Christmas,' said Richard Forrest, Legal Director at Hayes Connor.

Simplify Group conveyancing firms are recommended to home buyers by the likes of estate agents Purplebricks, Strike, Yopa and Fine & Country, among others

'To make matters worse we are still unclear exactly what has happened and what data has been breached.

'Home moves involve a huge amount of personal data which can be very valuable to the wrong sort of people so Simplify have a duty to all of their customers to let people know what has happened, why and how exactly they have been affected, and to do so immediately.

'Any further delay will just add to the worry people are already suffering just when they least need that extra stress.'

'Simplify Group should put its money where its mouth is' First-time buyer and Premier Property Lawyers customer Monika Kujur first started the conveyancing process on her future home in June, but is yet to complete almost six months later. She is still paying rent on her current home, and says she is feeling anxious about the whole situation. Monika says: 'Not only did they take much longer than the expected 12-16 weeks to finalise this property sale, due to their incompetence and lack of intiative in following up on conveyancing tasks, but their IT systems outage has now caused me to have to pay at least a month's extra rent for accommodation. 'I believe their systems outage occurred around 8 November, and I had no visibility and no progress for over a month. All we want is a roof over our heads, but the conveyancing firms fob us off with legalese when we complain 'They have added charges for exceptional market conditions to my bill, although I see nothing to suggest paying a premium added to their expediency. 'If I hired a new conveyancing firm, I would likely spend another 3-4 months in limbo, further inflating my rent costs and losing my mortgage offer. 'I am close to exchange now, but I think we, the property buyers and sellers, are quite powerless in these situations. 'All we want is a roof over our heads. Our life savings are ploughed into the agreed sale price. 'This is an anxious time for me especially as a first time buyer, and these conveyancing firms just fob us off with legalese when we protest we are not getting the services we paid for. 'I do hope there is some way to set things right, and they are made to put their money where their mouth is.'

The amount of compensation that customers may receive, if an eventual claim is successful, will depend on what data has been exposed.

It will also depend on the distress that has been caused to them by the situation, which can vary from person to person.

Hayes Connor is calling for Simplify to provide an update on the safety of customers' personal information, saying customers have been met with a 'wall of silence' so far.

While Simplify has said that it is now at 'close to business as usual capacity,' some customers have told This is Money that their transactions have still not been completed.

A typical property purchase or sale takes around 12 weeks to complete.

The nature of the security breach has not been made public, but Simplify has confirmed to This is Money that it is the subject of an 'ongoing criminal investigation'.

Security incident: The nature of the data breach at Simplify has still not been confirmed,but the group has said that it is the subject of an ongoing criminal investigation

While the Hayes Connor claim would be likely to come under data breach legislation, This is Money understands that there could also be a case for a professional negligence claim to be brought against Simplify.

All contracts provide for a situation where the completion is delayed, with customers potentially able to bring claims for some of the costs incurred. These would usually be settled via their lawyer's professional indemnity insurance.

Simplify firms are recommended to home buyers by the likes of estate agents Purplebricks, Strike, Yopa and Fine & Country, among others.

Together, it is estimated that they are involved in around five per cent of property transactions  spelling disruption for those who are in chains with Simplify Group customers, as well as the customers themselves.

The breach led to clients being unable to complete or exchange on their purchases, with some on the brink of completion when the inicident occured saying they were stuck with all their possessions in a removal van and with nowhere to stay.

One even told us that he had been forced to sleep in his car.

With websites down and phone lines congested when the breach first happened, many were unable to contact their conveyancer to find out the status of their sale or purchase, and some are still facing long waits to hear back from them.

Some buyers have told This is Money that their transactions have fallen through because the other parties in the transaction refused to wait any longer and pulled out.

'I lost out on my dream home' JS Law customer Nasir Aminu from Cardiff is running almost a month late on his initial completion date, as the delays caused his first buyer to pull out. This also meant that he lost out on the home he wanted to move to. He says: 'I was referred to JS Law by Purplebricks after I sold my property. I was meant to complete my sale and purchase by the end of November 2021, but JS Law is ruining the whole business. 'The buyers of my property pulled out, and I have had to withdraw my offer on my own new home. 'My solicitor does not respond to my polite queries as the paying customer. However, she responds to a third party within a few hours of them asking the same questions. 'After getting a new offer on my home I have decided to change solicitors, but JS Law is frustrating the process by refusing to send over documents to my new firm.'

Other than saying that those who switched conveyancers would not need to pay for Simplify's previous work, the firm has not made clear if it will voluntarily provide any compensation for customers who have seen their house purchases fall through.

In late November, regulator the Council for Licensed Conveyancers told those who had not exchanged to consider switching to a different conveyancing firm in order to progress.

A spokesman for Simplify told This is Money: 'We understand that, during the period where systems were unavailable, clients may have experienced delays to their transactions but we expect that, from early in the new year things will start to feel normal for clients, both existing and new.

'Simplify continues to do everything possible to minimise any impact on our customers and prioritise their needs.

'This incident is the subject of a criminal investigation that limits how much information we can provide at this time, however we can confirm that this investigation is making progress.

'Importantly, we are adding additional layers of security, in order to protect against the continued and growing cyber threats that all businesses in our sector (and many others) are now unfortunately exposed to.'

While the law does not stipulate a time limit on when Simplify would need to give customers information about the nature of the incident and whether their data was safe, Forrest said companies were encouraged by the Information Commissioners' Office to let them know as soon as possible.

However, Forrest conceded that Simplify itself may still not be fully aware of what information had been exposed.

'It has all the hallmarks of an external attack on their systems,' he said. 'I can't think what else it would be'.

One type of security breach is a ransomware attack, where fraudsters hack in to a company's systems and encrypt its data.

They then demand a payment, upon receipt of which they will restore access to the information.

Recent examples of this include the payroll systems firm Kronos, which is used to log staff hours at Sainsbury's among other large businesses; and the retailer Spar, which was forced to close some stores temporarily earlier this month after a ransomware attack.
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Kim Potter flashes a smile in her new mugshot shortly after being found guilty of first and second-degree manslaughter in Daunte Wright's death

Ex-Brooklyn Center cop Kim Potter is seen bizarrely grinning from ear to ear in her new booking photo shortly after being convicted of first- and second-degree manslaughter for shooting 20-year-old Daunte Wright dead.

Potter, 49, was found guilty on both counts at Hennepin County Court Thursday before being led away in handcuffs and ordered to be held without bail ahead of her sentencing in February.

Jurors in the dramatic eight-day trial came to a decision after close to 28 hours of deliberations, during which they had, at times, seemed hopelessly deadlocked.

Potter, a 26-year veteran of the force, had claimed she accidentally shot Wright after pulling her gun instead of her Taser during a traffic stop gone wrong on April 11.

Prosecutors had to prove Wright's death was caused by the officer's recklessness or culpable negligence in order to win a conviction.

The jury of six men and six women - nine white, two Asian and one black - alerted the judge that they had reached a verdict shortly before noon on the fourth day of deliberations.

Potter remained impassive between her attorneys and did not react throughout the reading of the guilty verdict or the news that she would be taken into custody.

One of the jurors wept and shook as the decision was read. Wright's family members let out loud sighs with each guilty count.

As she left the courtroom, her husband, who was present with the couple's sons, shouted 'I love you, Kim.' Potter did not react.

After reading out the outcome, Judge Regina Chu confirmed with each juror individually that this was their 'true and correct verdict.' The judge told group that they were 'the heroes of our judicial system.'

When Potter had been led from the courtroom, prosecutor Erin Eldridge exchanged a long hug with a tearful Katie Bryant, Wright's mother and a frequent presence at the trial, and with Wright's father.

Minnesota State Attorney General Keith Ellison, whose office handled the prosecution, also exchanged hugs with the parents.

Potter was found guilty of both manslaughter count on Thursday for shooting 20-year-old black motorist Daunte Wright dead during a botched traffic stop in Brooklyn Center, Minnesota, on April 11

Potter remained impassive between her attorneys and did not react throughout reading of the verdict or the news that she would be taken into custody

The former police officer, 49, reacts after being convicted of both manslaughter charges, which carry a 15 and 10 year maximum sentence, respectively

Potter was led from the courtroom in handcuffs. Judge Regina Chu ordered she be held without bail and scheduled her to be sentenced on February 18

It was the second high-profile conviction of a police officer won this year by a team led by Ellison. It included some of the same attorneys who helped convict Derek Chauvin in George Floyd's death in the very same courtroom just eight months earlier.

Stepping up to the microphone in a brief press conference following the verdict, Ellison said that Potter had gone from being 'an esteemed member of the community and honored member of a noble profession' to a person convicted of a serious crime.

He said that he wouldn't wish that on anyone.

But according to the AG, Potter's conviction was an 'important step' towards justice while it fell short of ever truly being that.

Echoing the speech he made following the conviction of Derek Chauvin in March, Ellison explained that this conviction was merely, 'accountability.'

Justice, he said 'is restoration and making the Wright family whole again,' and that, 'is beyond our reach.'

Bryant said the verdicts triggered 'every single emotion that you could imagine.'

'Today we have gotten accountability and that's what we've been asking for from the beginning,' she said, crediting supporters for keeping up pressure.

'We love you, we appreciate you, and honestly, we could not have done it without you,' she said.

Once the jury was released, Potter's attorneys made a plea to the judge to reconsider her decision to take the ex-cop into custody.

Defense attorney Paul Engh told the judge: 'She is a devoted Catholic. She's not a risk to the public.' Attorney Earl Gray added that Potter had 'deep roots in the community' and 'is not going anywhere.'

Judge Chu refused to budge informing both: 'I cannot treat this case any differently than any other case.'

Officer Kim Potter, a 26-year veteran in the force, claimed she accidentally shot Daunte Wright (right) when she reached for her gun instead of her taser during a traffic stop over his expired plates in Brooklyn Center, Minnesota on April 11

Daunte Wright's brother Damik Wright (center) celebrates at George Floyd Square in Minneapolis after a jury convicted officer Kim Potter of manslaughter

Crowds of demonstrators watching the verdict on their smartphones and braving the frigid Minnesota temperatures celebrated and rejoiced as Potter was led away in handcuffs Thursday

George Floyd's girlfriend Courteney Ross responding to the guilty verdict outside of the Hennepin County District Courthouse

She will now consider so-called 'Blakely issues'  aggravating factors that the state says speak to a need for a higher sentence than someone with Potter's lack of criminal record might otherwise receive on the charges.

Similarly, her defense have said they plan to put in a motion asking for a lesser sentence. The defense has asked for a month to do this while the state said they will need two weeks.

A date for these motions has been set for January 31 with sentencing set for 9am, Friday February 18.

Potter will serve out her sentence in Minnesota's Shakopee woman's prison. Under Minnesota statute, the minimum sentence possible given the severity of her convictions is three years. That sentence would see her spend two of those years in prison.

The maximum prison sentence for first-degree manslaughter is 15 years. Minnesota law sentences defendants only on their most serious conviction when multiple counts involve the same act and the same victim, and state guidelines call for about seven years on that charge.

While the atmosphere inside courtroom felt tense and quiet following the verdict, outside, crowds of demonstrators tuning in on their smartphones and braving the frigid Minnesota temperatures celebrated and rejoiced as Potter was led away in handcuffs.

Potter was led away in handcuffs and ordered to be held without bail ahead of her sentencing in February

Among them was Courteney Ross, George Floyd's girlfriend, who told DailyMail.com: 'The jury did the right thing.

'Floyd's spirit told me he was going to come back guilty,' she added.

Two men jumped up and down holding one another's shoulders. Other people then began jumping up and down in place and chanting 'Guilty, guilty, guilty!'

Addressing the media outside Hennepin County Courthouse, Attorney General Ellison focused on Potter's victim.

He said: 'At this moment I ask us all to reflect upon the life of Daunte Wright and who he could have been had he had a chance to grow up.

'At 20 Daunte could have done anything, maybe he could have gone into the building trade, maybe he could have started a business.

'What we know is that he was a young dad and so proud of his son Daunte Jr. and we know that he loved his mom and his dad and his siblings and his big, beautiful family.

'He had his whole life ahead of him and he could have been anyone. All of us miss out on who Daunte would have been.'

Nobody, Ellison said, missed him more than his parents as he extended his 'deepest condolences' to Arbuey and Katie Wright who stood behind him.

'There will be an empty chair at the Wright family table during the Holidays and that saddens me,' Ellison said.

Stepping up to the microphone in a brief press conference following the verdict, Minnesota State Attorney General Keith Ellison said that Kim Potter had gone from being 'an esteemed member of the community and honored member of a noble profession' to a person convicted of a serious crime

Wright's mother, Katie Bryant (center) hugged Ellison and said the verdicts triggered 'every single emotion that you could imagine'

Aubrey Wright (L) and Katie Wright (R), parents of Daunte Wright, join friends and family outside the Hennepin County Courthouse after the verdict was read in the trial of Kim Potter

Damik Wright, Daunte's brother, celebrates at George Floyd Square after the verdict was announced

Ellison thanked his team, the witnesses and the jury and he said that the verdict should not be seen as a discouragement to other law enforcement officers.

In fact, he said: 'When a member of your profession is held accountable it does not diminish you. It shows the whole world that those of your who enforce the law are also willing to live by it.

'It restores faith, trust and hope.'

He said that it does that by showing: 'Nobody is above the law. Nobody is beneath the law.'

The conviction marks the sensational conclusion to a trial during which the jury heard eight days of testimony.

At different times both the state and the defense said it was not a difficult case. According to the state, it 'wasn't complicated.' According to the defense, 'mistakes happen.'

But jurors had hinted that they were struggling to reach the necessary consensus for conviction or acquittal on Tuesday afternoon. The time-stamps on the verdicts showed that the jurors had reached a verdict on the second-degree charge on Tuesday but struggled to reach consensus on the more serious count.

Then, after more than 13 hours of deliberations they asked the judge: 'If the jury cannot reach consensus what is the guidance around how long and what steps should be taken?' It would be another 15 hours before they finally squared the circle and reached their verdict.

The guilty verdict on the more serious first-degree count was reached at 11.40am Thursday.

Outside the courthouse, dozens of people who had gathered erupted in cheers, hugs and tears of joy as the verdicts were read

Diamond Wright (L) and Destiny Wright (R), sisters of Daunte Wright, joined friends and family outside the Hennepin County Courthouse after the verdict

Demonstrators gather at the Hennepin County Government Center in Minneapolis after Potter's conviction

It was the second high-profile conviction of a police officer won this year by a team led by AG Keith Ellison, and included some of the same attorneys who helped convict Derek Chauvin in George Floyd's death in the very same courtroom just eight months earlier

Had they continued deliberating through today Judge Chu had informed the jurors, who were sequestered in a hotel for this portion of the trial, that she would recall them to continue on December 27.

Instead, with this conclusion they are now released from their duties, and it will be for the court to decide if and when their names will be made public.

During the jury selection process some jurors had expressed concerns over their safety should their names become known, and their identity has been closely guarded throughout proceedings.

Addressing the jury after the verdict, Judge Chu told them: 'When you first came into the courtroom I told you that jurors are the heroes of our judicial system. The twelve of you were heroes in this case.'

The charges and penalties in the Kim Potter trial FIRST-DEGREE MANSLAUGHTER PREDICATED ON RECKLESS USE/HANDLING OF FIREARM AND SECOND-DEGREE MANSLAUGHTER: First-degree manslaughter in this case means prosecutors allege that Potter caused Wright's death while committing a misdemeanor - the 'reckless handling or use of a firearm so as to endanger the safety of another with such force and violence that death or great bodily harm to any person was reasonably foreseeable.'

The second-degree manslaughter charge alleges that she caused his death 'by her culpable negligence,' meaning that Potter 'caused an unreasonable risk and consciously took a chance of causing death or great bodily harm' to Wright, while using or possessing a firearm.

Neither charge requires prosecutors to prove Potter intended to kill Wright. POTENTIAL PENALTIES: The maximum for first-degree manslaughter is 15 years; for second-degree, it's 10 years. But Minnesota judges follow sentencing guidelines that normally call for less - just over seven years for first-degree, and four years for second-degree.

Prosecutors have said they will seek a longer sentence due to aggravating factors, which is what they did in former Minneapolis Officer Derek Chauvin's murder trial for killing George Floyd.

The longest sentences that could conceivably stick on appeal are double the top of the guidelines range. But that's more than the statutory maximum of 15 years for first-degree manslaughter, so 15 years would be the cap for Potter if she's convicted. The realistic maximum on the lesser charge would be 9 1/2 years.

Presuming good behavior, Minnesota offenders typically serve two-thirds of their time in prison and one-third on supervised release. Source: AP Advertisement

Before being selected, jurors had been asked whether or not they wanted to serve.

'You may remember,' the judge said, 'A number of you checked, "No" or "Not sure," and a few checked all three [including yes] but when I asked each of you if you would be willing to serve if the parties selected you you all said, "Yes."

She continued: 'You said yes even though we are in a pandemic with Omicron spreading in our community. You said yes even though you had concerns about serving given the nature of the case.

'You said yes even though you knew you would be sequestered away from your loved ones and you said yes even though there was a chance this case could have lasted past Christmas.

'You were willing to sacrifice much because you believe in our judicial system.'

Judge Chu dismissed them wishing them the 'peace and beauty of the season' and said that she would thank them each individually.

Potter, a 26-year veteran in the force, claims she accidentally shot Daunte Wright when she reached for her gun instead of her taser during a traffic stop over his expired plates in Brooklyn Center, Minnesota.

Jurors saw video of the shooting from police body cameras and dash cams.

As Wright pulled away while another officer attempted to handcuff him, Potter repeatedly said she would tase him before she drew her handgun and shot him once in his chest.

'S**t! I just shot him. ... I grabbed the wrong f**king gun,' Potter said on video shown to the jury. A minute later, she said: 'I'm going to go to prison.'

During her sometimes tearful testimony, Potter told jurors that she was 'sorry it happened.' She said the traffic stop 'just went chaotic.'

During closing arguments on Monday, prosecutors accused Potter of a 'blunder of epic proportions' - but said a mistake was no defense.

Potter's attorneys countered that Wright, who was attempting to get away from officers as they tried to handcuff him for an outstanding warrant on a weapons charge, 'caused the whole incident.'

On Tuesday it became clear jurors were struggling to come to a verdict after seeking advice from the judge on what to do if they are unable to reach an agreement.

Judge Chu returned to the bench to answer two jury questions which were lodged at 4pm CT after more than 13 hours of deliberations.

The first and most revealing question was, 'If the jury cannot reach consensus what is the guidance around how long and what steps should be taken?'

Judge Chu responded by repeating the instructions she gave when jurors were sent out following closing statements Monday.

The second question was whether they could remove the zip ties on Potter's gun in the evidence box so they can more easily examine it.

Judge Chu allowed the request before sending the jurors back out to continue deliberations.

The state fielded more than 20 witnesses while the defense called just eight.

Key among the defense's was Potter herself who broke down on the stand and told the court that she was 'sorry' and hadn't meant to hurt anyone.

From prosecutors' standpoint that held little sway. This was never a case about intent, they told the jury again and again, and there was no 'mistake defense.' This the state alleged, was about conduct and Potter's, they argued, was criminally reckless.

People celebrate outside the Hennepin County Courthouse after the verdict was announced in the trial of former police officer Kim Potter

Earlier, Daunte's parents were seen arriving at the courthouse for another day of deliberations. Daunte's father Aubrey Wright told DailyMail.com that the family was 'hoping' for a decision

For their part Potter's defense team maintained quite the opposite.

Led by Earl Gray - the attorney representing Thomas Lane one of the three officers still awaiting trial in George Floyd's death  Potter's attorneys told the jury of a career beyond reproach.

She was an officer who was a member of the Domestic Assault Response Team, a Field Training Officer, a member of the honor guard and casket carrier for officers killed in the line of duty.

She was a mother, a wife and a sister, a mentor and mother figure to many. Potter, 49, was a good cop who made a mistake they said.

There was no crime here and the only person to blame for Daunte Wright's death was Wright himself.

Had the 20-year-old surrendered, Gray and co-counsel Paul Engh said more than once, he would have been alive today.

In fact, the defense argued, Potter's use of a taser was not only reasonable it was an attempt at 'de-escalation.' She would, they said, have been within her rights to use deadly force to prevent Wright from fleeing and endangering the safety of her fellow officers.

According to the defense, the state's case was a 'confusing mess.' In truth, the prosecution's own witnesses contradicted each other as, under cross examination, the defense converted three of them into their own.

During the trial, jurors were shown body cam and dash cam footage of the dramatic moment Potter shot Wright dead after 'accidentally' pulling out her gun instead of her taser. Potter said she mistakenly grabbed her gun after the traffic stop devolved into 'chaos'

The jury deciding Kim Potter's fate had to reach a consensus on first and second degree manslaughter charges, which carry a 15 and 10-year max sentence, respectively

Potter broke down in tears as she testified in her trial last Friday, hoping to persuade jurors to acquit her of manslaughter charges in what she has said was a gun-Taser mix-up

The jury on Tuesday asked the judge whether they could remove the zip ties on Potter's gun to more easily examine it. Pictured: Potter's gun and taser side by side

Patrol Major Mychal Johnson, Brooklyn Center Police Department (BCPD) Commander Garett Flesland and BCPD taser expert Mike Peterson all agreed with the defense that deadly force would have been reasonable and justified.

In stark contrast the state's Use of Force Expert Professor Seth Stoughton told the court that Potter was not even justified in pulling her taser. There was risk in the situation, he told the jury, but no actual threat, which rendered any use of force inappropriate.

In closing arguments both sides rehearsed their central arguments  the prosecution at some length, with Erin Eldridge speaking for well over an hour and Matthew Frank mounting a rebuttal that the defense claimed was inappropriately wide-ranging in its scope and tantamount to a second closing.

Earl Gray's closing though scattered and argumentative was more succinct.
International arrivals to Australia are roaming the streets searching for tests as swamped testing clinics prioritise 'departures' to Queensland, where a negative PCR swab is required to enter the state.

UK resident Rhiannon Macdonald attempted to get tested for Covid five times after touching down on Australian shores from the Omicron-ravaged UK on Tuesday.

Ms Macdonald was rejected by two testing facilities at Sydney Airport, twice in Melbourne Airport and once at a testing site in Malvern East.

As part of her quarantine requirements Ms MacDonald needed to get tested within the first 24 hours of her arrival in the state, prompting a mad dash across the city.

It was only on her sixth attempt - after being forced to leave isolation and take several pricey Ubers across Melbourne - that she was finally afforded a test.

She quickly realised testing facilities were prioritising departures overseas and to Queensland, which demands a negative PCR test for entry into the state.

Ms Macdonald has been rejected by two testing facilities at Sydney Airport, twice in Melbourne Airport and once at a testing site in Malvern East (pictured, a map showing the three Melbourne locations Ms Macdonald tried to get a test)

International arrivals to Australia are free to roam the streets as swamped testing clinics prioritise 'departures' to Queensland (pictured, an arrival at Melbourne airport)

Ms Macdonald attempted to get an on-arrival test at Histopath and Covidair clinics in Sydney airport, but was turned away after being bumped down the priority list.

Later that evening, the weary traveller landed in Melbourne and tried the Histopath inside the airport but was similarly knocked back.

She said about 60 per cent of the line was departing overseas or to Queensland and had been pre-charged for a PCR test that falsely promised results within four hours.

However with testing sites in NSW and Victoria overwhelmed, hopeful travellers and international arrivals have been experiencing extensive delays in the lead-up to Christmas.

Staff members told Ms Macdonald they weren't allowed to test people who couldn't provide proof of an onward journey.

As it neared midnight she had no choice but to catch a cab home - potentially infectious with the Omicron variant of coronavirus - and isolate overnight.

Jet-lagged but determined, Ms Macdonald woke on day two of her stay to travel to the Holmesglen Tafe in Melbourne's Malvern East.

Testing facilities are prioritising departures overseas and to Queensland, which demands a negative PCR test for entry into the state (pictured, people queue to get tested in Melbourne)

Testing sites in NSW and Victoria overwhelmed with demand, hopeful travellers and international arrivals are experiencing major delays (pictured, people queue up in Melbourne)

A two kilometre line was already snaking around the building when she arrived just before 7am when the clinic was scheduled to open.

A discouraging sign on the door announced the testing facility would not be taking any more people as it had been overwhelmed.

Ms Macdonald was forced to call yet another Uber - racking up hundreds of dollars and potentially spreading Covid further - to travel to the other side of Melbourne.

She was finally afforded a test at Melbourne Pathology in North Melbourne after a near two hour wait.

Staff told Ms Macdonald that because of a backlog of tests pathology labs were working through it could be 24 to 72 hours before she got her results.

However, the test could be fast-tracked if she personally delivered the swab to a Footscray pathology lab, where results could come back in 24 hours.

Ms Macdonald decided not to risk another trip across the city and returned to isolation where she could potentially stay until Christmas Day.

Paranoid premier Annastacia Palaszczuk's (pictured) demand is causing extensive testing delays for visitors, putting Christmas plans in jeopardy

Testing sites continue to be inundated across NSW and Victoria in the pre-Christmas rush (pictured, members of the public wait to be tested in North Melbourne)

She booked her flight to Australia in hopes of being reunited with family in Queensland, but quickly realised it would not be without a fight.

Her parents are in their 70s and have been 'on edge' as they wait for their daughter to arrive home after being separated overseas for two years.

'It just makes me think, how many more people are like me, how many more international arrivals are facing this,' she told Daily Mail Australia.

'I'm quite a strong person but this situation has broken me in every single way.'

Ms Macdonald said she is 'more vaccinated that most Queenslanders' with two doses of a Covid vaccine and a booster shot.

She has also been self-testing daily with lateral flow tests - the equivalent of a rapid antigen test in Australia - which have all come back negative.

Ms Macdonald said she has had four hours sleep since leaving the UK and is a 'nervous wreck' not knowing if or when she will see her family.

As case numbers soar in both Victoria and NSW, residents have been coming out in their thousands to get tested (pictured, residents queue up outside a clinic in Collingwood)

Queensland is refusing to back down from forcing travellers to produce a negative PCR test before entering the state (pictured, a family is reunited at Brisbane Airport)

She will need to get tested again between day five and seven of her stay in Victoria and again on day 13 to cross the Queensland border.

Ms Macdonald fears the process will be as difficult as her first excruciating attempts but says her priority is now to hold tight and isolate.

'It just feels so impossible,' she admitted.

'The people making the rules don't understand how they work in reality. What about the people who can't afford the Ubers and the plane tickets?'

Queensland is refusing to back down from forcing travellers to produce a negative PCR test before entering the state.

Christmas plans have been thrown into disarray as thousands of positive cases and their close contacts are forced to isolate (pictured, people queue in North Melbourne to get tested)

Demand for tests in the pre-Christmas rush has overwhelmed health workers at testing sites (pictured, long queues to get tested to receive a test at Macquarie Park in Sydney)

Annastacia Palaszczuk's PCR demand is causing extensive testing delays for visitors, putting Christmas plans in jeopardy.

However, officials have confirmed the testing requirement would stay in place until the state is 90 per cent vaccinated.

Travellers must have their test within 72 hours of showing up to the border, but as well over 200,000 people get tested a day, the wait time can be longer.

This can not only result in the traveller being unable to cross the border on time, but can render their test ineligible - through no fault of their own.
A man who shot a father-of-six in the head with a single barrel shotgun in a dispute over dodgy DJ gear sold on Gumtree has sobbed to police, 'I don't deserve to live ... ... I took a man's life'.

Tony Panagiotou, 59, had loaded and cocked a sawn-off shot gun and hidden it under his jumper before following his two sons and four other young men armed with batons into a home at 5am on February 9, 2019.

Panagiotou and his sons George and Johnny had entered the Oakleigh East home in southeastern Melbourne to retrieve sound gear belonging to a business run by the brothers.

The mobile DJ equipment had been hired by a woman living at the address who was a friend of 46-year-old Duane Hutchings.

Described as 'a gentle and adoring' father, Mr Hutchings had been to his grandfather's funeral the day before and was visiting the woman at Oakleigh East at the time of the armed home invasion by the Panagiotous.

Duane Hutchings (above), a father of six, was shot in the head and when he lay dying on his friend's floor, George Panagiotou refused the woman permission to call an ambulance

Police outside the southeastern Melbourne home where Tony Panagiotou armed with a shotgun up his jumper and young men with batons stormed the premises

Johnny Panagiotou pleaded guilty to aggravated burglary and intentionally cause injury but got off with a three-year community correction order

The woman had hired the sound equipment twice, using fake identification, and then allegedly advertised the gear for sale on Gumtree.

When the seven males stormed the home, the young men began beating Mr Hutchings with batons.

The Supreme Court of Victoria heard this week that Tony Panagiotou watched his sons and the four other men attack before raising his shotgun and discharging the weapon just 20cm from Mr Hutchings' head.

The court was told the woman begged George Panagiotou, then aged 22, to be able to call an ambulance for her dying friend, but he denied her plea while his brother Johnny and the armed men unplugged the DJ equipment and fled.

Panagiotou Snr was originally charged with murder, but pleaded guilty to the lesser charge of manslaughter.

Tony Panagiotou (pink shirt, above left) hid a cocked sawn-off shotgun up his jumper as he followed his two sons and four men armed with batons into the house where he shot Duane Hutchings (above, right)

His lawyer argued that he had not intended to shoot Mr Hutchings and that despite the fact his finger was on the trigger, it was an 'accidental' shooting.

At a pre-sentence hearing on Tuesday, Mr Hutchings' family members described their pain and loss since his since his 'nonsensical' death.

The dead man's aunt, Tina Hutchings, said the actions of Panagiotou Snr had demonstrated to his sons that 'vigilantism is valiant'.

She said she was filled with 'overwhelming sadness' that her nephew had been in the wrong place at the wrong time.

'For almost three years I have wondered about the man who shot my nephew in the back of the head,' Tina Hutchings said.

'What kind of life lessons did he give his sons to result in such a callous act?'

Duane Hutchings (above) who had six children was a 'gentle and adoring' father who was innocently visiting a friend when a violent home invasion turned fatal

Forensic police at Oakleigh East in Melbourne after three members of the Panagiotou family stormed the home and Duane Hutchings was shot dead at point blank range

'That he died over some mobile DJ equipment he had nothing to do with is nonsensical.'

Mr Hutchings' mother, Christine, said Duane had been a devoted son who left behind three sons and three daughters he adored and she had 'truly felt what agony is' when police knocked on her door in 2019.

'I felt my life's blood draining away. Since that moment, the world has never been the same,' she said.

The court heard Tony, George and Johnny Panagiotou men had reported the stolen DJ equipment to police, who told them not to attend the Oakleigh East address.

Panagiotou Snr's barrister Malcolm Thomas said his client had only obtained the shotgun three weeks earlier and had himself been the victim of a home invasion years earlier.

Mr Thomas said Panagiotou had experienced shame and 'absolute self-loathing' since the fatal shooting.

In an interview with police recorded after his arrest, he said, 'I'm not a good person. Look what I've done.'

George Panagiotou has been jailed for a maximum two years and three months' jail, with a non-parole period of 12 months.

Johnny Panagiotou, aged 18 at the time of the attack, was sentenced to a three-year community correction order after pleading guilty to aggravated burglary and intentionally cause injury.

Justice Lex Lasry will sentence Tony Panagiotou on January 21.
Florida man Patrick Florence, 34, was arrested on Saturday morning after deputies with the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office found baggies of cocaine and meth strapped around his penis

A Florida man was arrested over the weekend after police said they found baggies of cocaine and meth strapped to his penis during a traffic stop -

Patrick Florence, 34, was a passenger in the vehicle when the car was stopped by deputies with the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office early Saturday morning at around 4 a.m. in Clearwater.

The officers stopped the vehicle when they noticed it did not have its headlights or tail lights on.

The vehicle was searched by officers who found a gun under the passenger's seat where Florence was sitting.

Florence was then searched by officers, who found two baggies strapped to his penis with one containing cocaine and the other methamphetamine.

He then denied the narcotics and weapon were his before he was arrested, police said. He was charged with four felonies including possession of cocaine, meth, ammunition and a firearm.

Florence was charged with felony possession of cocaine, meth, ammunition and a firearm after a gun was also found under the seat of the vehicle he was in at the time of his arrest

Before his arrest, he also did not mention who the drugs belonged to, police said.

In place of a $24,000 bond, Florence has since been booked into the Pinellas County Jail.

The driver, Darius Owens, 27, was also arrested on DUI and marijuana possession charges, according to WFLA-TV.

Florence has faced legal trouble in the past as he has been arrested 20 times on drug-related charges, police said.

This also isn't the first time a Florida suspect found with hidden drugs in strange places.

Another Pinellas County man, Wesley Scott, 40, was arrested in January 2019 after he removed three syringes from his rectum and handed them to a jailer.

He denied the syringes were his and claimed he found them before he was charged by police for felony contraband.

Florence was booked into Pinnellas County Jail

Vero Beach resident Tiffany Flores, 23, was also charged with contraband in April 2016 after a crack pipe was found in her vagina.

She had been arrested at a traffic stop where she confessed to owning a small bag of cocaine that she had thrown out of the window of the passenger's seat.

During processing, she claimed that she could not go through a scanner as she was pregnant at the time.

Officers found the pregnancy test results to be negative but then noticed the crack pipe that had been stuffed in Flores' vagina.

Flores claimed she had been holding the crack pipe for her friend who had been driving the vehicle at the time of her arrest.

She was asked to hide it by her friend when they noticed that they were being followed by police officers.

Despite these claims, she was charged with contraband in addition to drug possession and tampering with evidence.
People who are self-isolating are still able to attend a funeral, go food shopping or even take their pet to the vet in limited circumstances under official legislation.

The little-known exemptions mean hundreds of thousands of Brits who may have thought they were unable to leave the house at all over Christmas can in fact do so.

The rules apply to anyone who is self-isolating by law - which includes those who have tested positive for Covid-19 or unvaccinated Britons who are close contacts.

They apply in the 'Meaning of self-isolate' section 2A of the 'Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (Self-Isolation) (England) Regulations 2020'.

Other examples include going to court or taking part in legal proceedings when required - or accessing dentists, opticians or chiropractors in an emergency.

But the UK Health Security Agency insists these are 'exceptional circumstances', and you 'should have considered all other options first' before going out.

Officials have added that if people have 'no other options' and have to go out, they should 'think about how you can limit contact with other people'.

Here, MailOnline looks at what you can still do when you're self isolating:

The self-isolation period for those who tested positive has been cut to a week in most cases

FUNERALS

All those self-isolating can 'attend a funeral of a close family member', including your parents, siblings or children. It does not cover uncles, aunties, nieces or nephews.

A 'close relative' is defined in law under the The Social Fund Maternity and Funeral Expenses (General) Regulations 2005 as a 'parent, parent-in-law, son, son-in-law, daughter, daughter-in-law, step-parent, step-son, step-son-in-law, step-daughter, step-daughter-in-law, brother, brother-in-law, sister or sister-in-law'.

What are the reasons to legally leave the house while self-isolating? The exceptional circumstances where you may leave self-isolation are to: post a PCR test or antibody test at a Royal Mail priority post box

attend (or accompany a child to) a COVID-19 testing site

take part in NHS COVID-19 research, but only if you are asked to leave self-isolation

agree to take part in a testing scheme where that agreement cannot be given from home

get urgent health services for you, your family and pets

avoid harm, for instance if there is a fire or you are at risk of domestic abuse

move to a different place when it becomes impractical to stay where you are, for instance, if your house has been damaged by a fire or flood

access critical public services, including social services, and to access services provided to victims of crime, for instance if there has been a burglary

get food or medicine if you cannot order it online or by phone, or you cannot ask someone to bring it to your home

go to the funeral of a close family member

meet legal duties such as going to court, taking part in court proceedings, or following bail conditions There are some exemptions that do not apply if you have tested positive for Covid, and are therefore only for unvaccinated people who have been a close contact. These are to: take part in NHS COVID-19 research

help someone who is pregnant to go to a medical appointment, or to give birth Advertisement

GOING SHOPPING

The rules also give self-isolating Britons a right to 'obtain basic necessities, such as food and medical supplies for those in the same household (including any pets or animals in the household) where it is not possible to obtain these provisions in any other manner'.

This means you could not simply go out to buy food shopping if you are able to order it online or get a friend or neighbour to deliver it - so this would only apply in very limited circumstances.

ANIMAL CARE AND HEALTHCARE

You also have the chance to 'access veterinary services, where this is required urgently or on the advice of a veterinary surgeon', effectively meaning you could take your pet for medical treatment at the vet in an emergency situation.

Furthermore, self-isolating Britons are allowed to leave their home to 'seek medical assistance, where this is required urgently or on the advice of a registered medical practitioner'.

This includes accessing 'services from dentists, opticians, audiologists, chiropodists, chiropractors, osteopaths and other medical or health practitioners, or services relating to mental health'.

GOING TO COURT

Another exemption is that you can leave home 'to fulfil a legal obligation, including attending court or satisfying bail conditions, or participating in legal proceedings'.

They can also leave home to 'access critical public services, including social services, and services provided to victims (such as victims of crime)'.

FLEEING HOME

Self-isolating Britons can also flee 'to escape a risk of harm' - an exemption to help those suffering domestic abuse.

Other exemptions allow people to 'move to a different place specified in paragraph 1a, where it becomes impracticable to remain at the place at which they are'.

These locations listed in the law under '1a' are your home, the home of a friend or family member; bed and breakfast accommodation; accommodation 'provided or arranged under section 4, 95 or 98 of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999', or 'another suitable place'.

COVID TESTING

Other exemptions include going to an official coronavirus testing site, or accompanying a child to this location so they can take a test.

You can also leave home to post a completed Covid-19 home test carried out by yourself or anyone else living in the same household.

And you can agree to participate in a testing scheme 'where that agreement cannot be given from the place' where you are self-isolating.

HELPING EXPECTANT MOTHERS

There are also a number of further limited exemptions which do not apply if you have tested positive for Covid, and are therefore only for unvaccinated people who have been a close contact, who must still self-isolate under law.

One of these is that you can accompany 'an expectant mother to any medical appointment related to the pregnancy throughout the antenatal period', at that mother's request.

'The antenatal period' is defined within the law as the 'period beginning with the start of the pregnancy and ending with the onset of labour'.

How long do you have to self-isolate for if you test positive for Covid? The self-isolation period for people who have tested positive for coronavirus has been cut to a week in most cases. From yesterday, people in England who receive negative lateral flow results on day six and day seven of their self-isolation period no longer have to self-isolate for the full 10 days. This applies to members of the general public who are vaccinated and unvaccinated. The Government intends to amend the current coronavirus regulations to reflect the new guidance when Parliament returns. Until then, people who follow the new guidance will be regarded as having a 'reasonable excuse' not to complete the full self-isolation period. Advertisement

Self-isolating people who have not tested positive for Covid - ie only unvaccinated close contacts - can also attend 'an expectant mother giving birth', again at the expectant mother's request.

People within this bracket can also take part in 'NHS Covid-19 research'.

OFFICIAL GUIDANCE

The UKHSA says in its guidance: 'In exceptional circumstances, you may need to temporarily leave self-isolation. You should have considered all other options first.'

It continues: 'If you have no other options, you should think about how you can limit contact with other people.'

It adds that there is support for people who are self-isolating available through local authorities if you cannot rely on help from family, friends and neighbours.

ISOLATION RULE CHANGE

The details have emerged as more than 280,000 people infected with the virus, who were facing Christmas alone, can now safely enjoy festivities with their families after a change in isolation rules.

Health chiefs yesterday announced those who test positive for Covid can be released after seven days, rather than 10, providing they take two lateral flow tests at the end of that period.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said infected patients can take the tests 24 hours apart on day six and seven of their isolation period, which if negative means they can stop quarantining.

This means the 102,875 people who tested positive on December 15, the 95,058 positive cases the following day, and a further 82,945 people who contracted the virus on December 17, will be free to enjoy Christmas together with loved ones under the new rules.

It has also been hailed as a major boost to the NHS, with Health Secretary Sajid Javid reportedly among those concerned at the number of staff who have been off work with the virus under the 10-day rule.

However, unvaccinated adults who have come into contact with someone infected with Covid must still self-isolate until 10 days after their estimated date of exposure to the virus.
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A dozen Spitfires are to go on display at the place where the first operational squadron of the planes flew from.

The 12 aircraft, of varying marks, will go on show at IWM Duxford in Cambridgeshire as part of the museum's exhibition - Spitfire: Evolution of an Icon.

Curators said they were able to bring the 12 planes together thanks to a number of private owners who loaned their Spitfires to the museum for the duration of the exhibition.

The first Spitfire was flown into RAF Duxford in 1938, where it was received by the base's number 19 Squadron.

The museum says it still has the largest range of different airworthy Spitfire marks anywhere in the world. It said the new exhibition, in its AirSpace hall, will be the 'largest exhibition of these historic aircraft'.

Alongside IWM's own Mk Ia Spitfire, which is one of few remaining airworthy Spitfires to have seen conflict in the Second World War, there will also be Mk V, Mk IX and Mk XIV Spitfires among others.

IWM curator Adrian Kerrison said: 'The Spitfire became synonymous with hope and protection as the threat of German invasion loomed heavy over Britain.

'The aircraft captured the hearts of the home front to such an extent that members of the public from across Britain and the Commonwealth would dig deep into their own pockets to fund their production, and the love for them has not subsided since they were first produced.

'It's a great honour for us at IWM Duxford to know that we were not only the location from which the first operational Spitfire squadron flew, but that now we can bring together so many of them in one place for the first time and enable visitors to get up close and learn more about this icon of victory.'

Spitfire: Evolution of an Icon will be open to visitors to IWM Duxford from December 27.

A dozen Spitfires are to go on display at the Duxford Air Museum - where the first operational squadron of the planes flew from. Pictured: (front to back) Spitfire FR Mk XIVe MV293, Mk XIVe RN201, PR Mk XI PL983, Spitfire T Mk IX PV202

Pictured (clockwise): Spitfire N3200, AR213, BM597, EP120, JG891, MH434, MV194, PT462, PL983, RN201, MV293, PK624

Alongside their own Mk Ia Spitfire, which is one of few remaining airworthy Spitfires to have seen conflict in the Second World War, there will also be Mk V, Mk IX and Mk XIV Spitfires among others. Pictured: the Mk XIVe MV293 (L) Mk XIVe RN201 (R)

The museum has gathered the largest collection of Spitfires under one roof since the war. Pictured: Spitfire MKVB EP120

The very first Spitfire was flown into RAF Duxford in 1938, where it was received by the airbase's number 19 Squadron

The museum says it still has the largest range of different Spitfire marks anywhere in the world. Pictured: Mk XIVe RN201

Curators said they were able to bring the planes together thanks to private owners who loaned Spitfires to the museum

RAF Duxford was the base for the first operational squadron of the planes back in the Second World War and its museum will host the special exhibition for visitors from December 27. Pictured (foreground): Spitfire MK VC JG891

The twelve iconic aircraft, of varying marks and the largest collection under one roof, will go on show at IWM Duxford in Cambridgeshire as part of the museum's exhibition - Spitfire: Evolution of an Icon, open to visitors from December 27
A kleptomaniac cat with a hefty criminal history has been terrorising a New Zealand neighbourhood by committing a string of burglaries.

Keith, a five-year-old black cat, has been snatching items from a quiet suburban street in Christchurch for the past three years.

A corrections officer's shirt, black laced panties, bras, shoes and live eels are among some of the stolen goods owners Ginny and David Rumbold have woken up to.

His offending has been spiralling in recent weeks with the feline bringing home a bong and a zip-lock bag containing white powder.

Keith, a five-year-old black cat, (pictured) has been stealing from neighbours in Christchurch for the last three years

Keith has even terrorised a local tradie, who resorted to weighing down his steel-toed boots with 2.5kilogram weights to no avail.

Horrified by his latest haul, Ginny and David are at a loss on how to put a stop to his thieving after his crimes caught the attention of local police.

'We've been playing a bit of cat and mouse with this prolific offender,' a police spokesperson told Stuff.

'Of particular concern is Keith's latest find  an implement used to smoke cannabis. We'll be seizing the implement and speaking to Keith about where he's acquired it from.'

Keith brazenly enters homes through windows and cat doors in the dead of the night nicking anything he can get his paws on.

Owners Ginny (pictured) and David Rumbold leave containers of Keith's stolen goods at the front of their property for neighbours to collect their items

'Keith's got a thing about shoes, he loves shoes, labelled shoes - Nike or Adidas...ladies swimsuits, gloves,' Ginny told Stuff.

Some nights Keith can bring home up to six items, sometimes his haul is so big he can't get it through the cat door, so he dumps it on the deck or the driveway.

'I suggested to him diamonds and cash would be better, but that hasn't happened so far,' she said.

His desperate owners have recently tried imposing home detention on Keith who stripped their Christmas tree bare and scattered baubles across the house.

Two containers of Keith's loot sit at the front of their their Hoon Hay property alongside an apology letter to neighbours who come to reclaim their items.

Fortunately there is no bad blood between neighbours who find the infamous cat's antics amusing.

After researching Keith's behaviour, Ginny speculates he may have some Burmese genes - a breed that can become bored very quickly and seek out mischief when there is no one to play with.

They are also know as the 'dog cat' based on their exceptional ability to retrieve items and are so intelligent they can work out how to open doors, according to Purina Australia.

'He's just got the cheek of old Joe,' says Ginny.
A popular aerosol sunscreen has been recalled after a cancer-causing substance was detected.

The recall was issued by the Therapeutic Goods Administration for several Banana Boat products on Thursday.

It comes after unexpected levels of benzene were detected in four batches.

Banana Boat has issued a recall on three of its discontinued aerosol sunscreen products (above) over cancer concerns

Benzene has been linked to causing cancers like leukaemia and so the company has urged customers to stop using the products 'out of an abundance of caution.'

The company have reassured customers that its other sun care products, including aerosols, are still safe to use.

The aerosol sunscreens have been sold at Woolworths and Coles, and pharmacies across Australia.

The products were also discontinued after consultation with the Therapeutic Goods Administration and 'unexpected levels' of benzene - which has been linked to causing cancer - was found in some batches

The three sunscreens recalled are :

Banana Boat Ultra Very High Protection Clear Sunscreen Spray SPF 50+

Banana Boat Simply Protect Kids Very High Protection Sunscreen Lotion Spray SPF 50+

Banana Boat Dry Balance Very High Protection Clear Sunscreen Spray SPF 50+.

Banana Boat has provided a refund request form on its website.

All unsold products of the affected batches will be removed from shelves.

The recall comes after Neutrogena recalled its aerosol sunscreen earlier this year for the same reason.

The skincare company recalled its Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Body Mist Sunscreen Spray SPF 50+ in August of this year.

The company told customers to discard of the product after benzene was discovered in some batches.

Neutrogena also stated it was recalling its product out of an 'abundance of caution' at the time of the recall.
Live Nation must provide documentation on the questions by January 7 and a briefing to committee members by January 12

A Congressional committee has launched an investigation into the promoter of the Astroworld music festival in Houston, where 10 people were killed during a massive crowd surge and attendees were packed so tightly that many could not breathe or move their arms.

The House Oversight and Reform Committee sent a letter on Wednesday to Live Nation's president and CEO, Michael Rapino, asking for information about the company's role in the November 5 festival and concert by rap superstar Travis Scott, who is not mentioned in their letter.

The committee, chaired by Rep. Carolyn Maloney of New York, said it launched the investigation after disturbing reports emerged showing a lack of preparedness.

'Recent reports raise serious concerns about whether your company took adequate steps to ensure the safety of the 50,000 concertgoers who attended Astroworld Festival,' the letter states.

Michael Rapino (right), the CEO of Live Nation, has been asked to provide information for a Congressional investigation into the November 5 concert in Texas. The House Oversight and Reform Committee, chaired by NY Rep Carolyn Maloney (left), sent a letter on Wednesday

Travis Scott is seen on stage on November 5, shortly before the crowd surge that killed 10

The energy 'shifted' as Scott, the headline and founder of the festival, was set to take the stage, one concertgoer recalled, with more people packing in from nearby performances

Autopsies have revealed that the 10 victims of Travis Scott's Astroworld Festival last month died of 'compression asphyxia.' Above, a crowd at the festival pushes over a barricade

'For instance, reports indicate that security and medical staff were inexperienced or ill-equipped to deal with mass injuries.

'Some attendees stated that the placement of barricades made it difficult to escape.

'Experts have stated that Astroworld Festival organizers failed to heed warning signs. For example, hundreds of fans broke through metal barricades at the same festival in 2019, causing injuries.'

The Committee also pointed out that first responders began attending to injuries at 9:20pm, but the concert was not called off until 10:10pm.

Information the committee requested included details about security, crowd control and mass casualty incident planning; details about any pre-show briefings by Live Nation or is subsidiaries on any safety concerns raised before the concert; and what steps the concert promoter will take to prevent injuries or deaths at future events.

'Recent reports raise serious concerns about whether your company took adequate steps to ensure the safety of the 50,000 concertgoers who attended Astroworld Festival,' the committee said in the letter.

Emergency personnel are pictured responding to the November 5 tragedy in Houston

The victims are, clockwise: Madison Dubiski, 23; John Hilgert, 14; Bharti Shahani, 22; Axel Acosta, 21; Brianna Rodriguez, 16; Mirza Baig, 27; Franco Patino, 21; Jacob Jurinek, 21; Rodolfo Angel Pena, 23; and Ezra Blount, 9

Seven of the victims - Rodolfo 'Rudy' Pena, Jacob Jurinek, Franco Patino, Danish Baig, Axel Acosta, Madison Dubiski and Ezra Blount - were located near the center of the south quadrant

People walk past a sign announcing that Astroworld is canceled outside NRG in Houston on November 6

They further pointed out that Live Nation has previously faced legal action for security lapses.

In 2011, a stage collapse in Indiana killed seven and injured 61, and in 2013, a concert staffer in New York suffered brain damage after a forklift crashed into his booth, the letter notes.

The committee is requesting that Live Nation provide documentation on the questions by January 7 and that it provide a briefing to committee members by January 12.

Such a briefing to the committee would be behind closed doors and not open to the public.

Live Nation has not commented.

The youngest of the 10 victims was nine-year-old Ezra Blount.

The others who died as headliner Scott took to the stage ranged in age from 14 to 27.

Some 300 people were injured and treated at the festival site and 25 were taken to hospitals.

Last week, officials announced that the people killed at the concert died from compression asphyxia.

A medical expert says the pressure from the crowd surge at the event was so great that it quickly squeezed all the air from the lungs of the victims, causing them to pass out within a minute or so and die because critical organs, such as the heart and brain, were depleted of oxygen.
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The developer of 432 Park Avenue, the tallest apartment building in New York City that sits on Billionaires' Row overlooking Central Park, has responded to a $125 million lawsuit that was filed by the condominium's board earlier this year.

The lawsuit alleged that the building suffered from leaks, flooding, creaking walls and faulty elevators.

On Wednesday the company behind the project replied in a filing with the New York State Supreme Court calling the lawsuit 'ill-advised' and 'an effort to wrest unwarranted payments' from the developer, Los Angeles-based CIM Group.

In their answer to the original lawsuit, the developer claimed that the complaints raised by the board had been 'vastly exaggerated,' the Wall Street Journal first reported.

Residents of 432 Park Avenue in New York City, once the tallest residential skyscraper in the world, have complained of faulty maintenance issues that have caused leaks, flooding, and noise

The developer has called the $125 million lawsuit filed against it 'ill-advised' and 'an effort to wrest unwarranted payments' from the developer, Los Angeles-based CIM Group

Among the most famous residents were Alex Rodriguez and Jennifer Lopez, who paid $15.3million for a unit which they later sold the following year. Their living room is pictured

The suit cited more than 1,500 alleged defects, breakdowns, failures and safety issues.

Horrified residents were furious and alarmed about the leaks, creaks and swaying, not to mention the frequent problems with the lifts, in a building that is only a few years old and that was billed to buyers as 'God's gift to the world.'

Located on Billionaires Row, known for its cluster of residential skyscrapers overlooking Central Park, the tower attracted buyers like Jennifer Lopez and Alex Rodriguez, among others.

But one of the key selling points of the building - its height - also appears to be causing problems.

Strong wind gusts at higher altitude cause the structure to sway, affecting elevators and cables, while the free flow of air into garbage chutes, doorways, and hallways creates an orchestra of loud, spooky noises that reportedly dampen quality of life.

The 1,400ft tall building is the tallest apartment block in New York City

The building comes with a pool, sauna and steam room

There are plenty of other building facilities that residents can take advantage of including meeting space

The building's tall structure also makes it vulnerable to strong wind gusts that cause structure to sway several feet in either direction

432 Park Avenue is among several residential skyscrapers located on Billionaires' Row - a cluster of high-end multi-billion dollar development projects on or near West 57th Street and which overlook Central Park

Ghostly whistles as air rushes through doorways and along the lift shafts is a disconcerting but common issue in super-high, super-thin buildings, caused by winds that force the materials to grind and screech against each other.

The taller a skyscraper, the greater the force of the wind, especially higher up, where it bounces off the structure as whirlwinds that create turbulence. Visitors to the penthouse reported feeling super-nauseated because of the swaying. If hit by high winds, tall skyscrapers can bend by as much as three feet.

The suit cataloged the board complained of 'horrible and obtrusive noise and vibrations,' including creaking, banging and clicking noises. Putting trash in the trash chute sounded like the detonation of a bomb, according to the suit.

The sway of the building is also said to be wreaking havoc on piping and plumbing as residents continue to complain of leaks and floods.

CIM Group had stated that the structure is a successfully designed, constructed and virtually sold-out project and that the firm was working collaboratively with the condo board.

The building is lavishly decorated on the interior but it is basic details such as plumbing and the construction of elevator shafts that appear to have generated problems

Like all new construction, there were maintenance and close-out items during that period, the board said.

Of the 125 condominium units in the building, just two are currently for sale, according to the official web site for the property.

In some cases, the problems saw residents forced to leave their units for as long as 19 months while the sponsor fixes the issues, the Wall Street Journal reported.

The building has suffered from several leaks and floods, two of which were reported in November 2018.

On November 22, 2018, a flange, which is a ribbed collar that connects piping, burst around a high-pressure water feed on the 60th floor, causing a flood.

The water seeped into apartments several floors below the leak.

Just four days later, the building general manager reported a water line failure in which water leaked into the elevator shafts.

The damage forced two of the four residential elevators to be out of service for weeks.

The bedroom of one of the apartments (86B) in 432 Park Avenue. The Chrysler building can be seen out the window

A living room is staged in the building as part of New York Fashion Week in 2017

Common charges in the building increased by 39% due to a 300% rise in insurance premiums

The image above shows a bathroom at the 86B residence in 432 Park Avenue in New York City in January 2017

In another incident, a worker who was attempting to fix water infiltration issues allegedly drilled through concrete and into the building's electrical wiring. It caused an arc-flash explosion and damaged the electrical supply to the building.

According to engineers, the problems affecting 432 Park Avenue have become commonplace at other residential skyscrapers where severe wind gusts at higher altitudes cause the buildings to sway.

In October 2019, management at 432 Park told tenants that one of their fellow residents was trapped for nearly 90 minutes after high-wind conditions forced the elevator to become stuck.

Engineers say wind-induced sway led to cables in the elevator shaft shifting around, which caused slowdowns or shutdowns making it nearly impossible for residents to access their apartments.

Common charges for the building went up by 39% in 2019 after insurance premiums for the building rose by 300% following a vast increase in claims, largely due to water-related incidents that alone have cost the building nearly $10 million to put right.

The image above shows a room inside JLo's and ARod's three bedroom, four-and-a-half bathroom condo that they eventually sold in 2019

The condo on the 36th floor boasts oak floors, 12.6-foot ceilings, large windows, and views of Central Park

There is even a large gym for the building's residents. The complex includes free weights, treadmills, benches, and other exercise equipment

CIM Group has insisted the building is a successfully designed, constructed and virtually sold-out project. It added it was working with residents and that, like all new construction, there had been maintenance and other issues.

'The building is without a doubt, safe', the developer said in response to the lawsuit noting that the majority of issues brought up by the board, including rewiring, plumbing repairs and waterproofing have been fixed.

On some occasions, where the developer had admitted repairs needed to be made, it alleged the board blocked its access to the building to carrying out repairs, cancelled work and even deactivated the keys of representatives of the developer who needed to access the building.

Among the famous celebrities who bought properties at 432 Park Avenue were Jennifer Lopez and Alex Rodriguez (seen above in New York in 2018). The two bought a 4,000 square foot unit in 2018 for $15.3million - only to sell it the next year for $17.5million

'Like any other skyscraper, 432 Park's sophisticated symphony of systems needed to be fine-tuned when residents began to move into the building,' the developer states in a legal response to the lawsuit.

'But the board repeatedly and unlawfully prevented sponsor from accessing the building and finishing the job, all while manufacturing an ever-increasing list of demands.'

The luxury building is equipped with a pool, fitness center, together with aa sauna and steam room, a private theater and billiards room. The block is more than 90% sold.

The apartments are also some of the priciest anywhere in the world.

Saudi billionaire property mogul, Fawaz Al Hokair, has put his penthouse up for sale and is on the market for $169 million having paid $87.66 million in 2016.

Others who have lived in the building at one time or other include Jennifer Lopez and her former boyfriend, former Yankees slugger Alex Rodriguez.
Politicians and climate activists around the world have failed to focus on China in the quest to reduce global emissions, according to Angus Taylor.

The federal energy minister pointed out that China accounts for almost a third of global greenhouse gas emissions while Australia releases about 1.2 per cent.

Mr Taylor said politicians at the COP26 climate change summit in Glasgow last month were too focussed on reducing emissions in developed nations while China didn't even show up to the talks.

Smoke billows from a large steel plant in Inner Mongolia, a region of China bordering Mongolia

'Part of the issue here is people not identifying what the underlying facts are,' he told broadcaster Alan Jones on his new online show Direct To The People.

'I mean just under a third of global emissions now are coming from China and we're responsible for just over one per cent as you know.

'And yet the debate revolves around countries like Australia.'

Mr Taylor said activists and pro-climate politicians want to destroy fossil fuel industries which are a major part of Australia's economy with coal and gas among the nation's top exports.

'Now the truth of the matter is that if China is a third of emissions and emissions are the problem then China should be a very significant part of the focus.

'But we didn't see that at COP, we don't see that in the debate more generally. It's an opportunity to try and destroy industries that people don't like,' he said.

'People don't like our mining industry, they don't like our agriculture.'

Mr Taylor said Australia refused to sign up to a pledge to phase down the coal industry to keep global temperature rises as close to 1.5C as possible because developing nations in Asia will want Australia's coal for decades to come.

'We're not going to shut down these industries while customers still want to buy them,' he said.

'If we said tomorrow ''we're going to shut down the coalmines'' Indonesia would expand their exports, and China would still use as much coal, in fact it would be dirtier coal than Australian coal,' he said.

Britain's Prime Minister Boris Johnson (right), India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi (centre) and Australia's Prime Minister Scott Morrison (left) at the COP26 summit

Earlier this year a report by US research institute Rhodium Group found that China accounts for 27 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions, more than all developed nations combined.

The US produced 11 per cent, India 6.6 per cent and the EU including the UK 6.4 per cent.

China has committed to net zero by 2060 instead of 2050 like many other nations including Australia.

Last week US national security adviser Jake Sullivan said he believed pressure would grow on China to offer 'something fundamentally more ambitious' in the fight against climate change.

'In the months coming out of COP26, I think the focus will shift and the pressure will grow on China to come to the table with something fundamentally more ambitious than what they have put on the table so far,' he said at event hosted by the Council on Foreign Relations think tank.

'I don't say that in some kind of competitive way, or challenging way, or threatening way, just the reality is that the only way to solve this problem - for China, as well as for the rest of the world - is for that country to step up more. There are other countries that will have to as well.'

China is responsible for more than half of global coal-fired power generation and is expected to see a nine per cent year-on-year increase in 2021, the International Energy Agency said on Friday.

China has already made a pledge to start reducing coal consumption, but will do so only after 2025, giving developers considerable leeway to raise generation capacity further in the coming four years.

At the Glasgow summit, China and the United States made a joint declaration committing to ramp up their cooperation on climate change as well as their own national plans.
New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Adern has risen above a petty jibe about her appearance on a live video chat discussing how the country is battling Covid.

Nine minutes into the serious discussion, which included travel restrictions and the safety of vaccines, Ms Ardern read out a comment posted by a viewer.

'Amanda thinks I've aged. Merry Christmas to you too Amanda,' the Prime Minister told her.

Her classy response was quickly backed by other commenters, who took swipes at Amanda for her remark.

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern (pictured) has been hailed for her classy response to a mean comment online

'Amanda, did you get that personal message? Because Jacinda was far more polite than I was when I read your note. You get more from honey than from vinegar,' one person responded.

Before she was so rudely interrupted, Ms Ardern used the Facebook live chat to respond to misinformation around the New Zealand government's plan to tackle the Omicron variant.

On Tuesday, the country's Covid-19 Response Minister Chris Hipkins revealed the precautionary measures introduced to lower the risk of the far more contagious variant getting into the community.

One of the measures is rolling out a version of the Pfizer vaccine to children aged five to 11 from January 17.

Ms Ardern said she would speak on this directly because there has been a lot of misinformation about it online.

'The decision over whether or not someone's children is vaccinated is a parent's or caregiver's. It absolutely requires your consent.

'There is no mandate around children being vaccinated - it is up to a parent or caregiver. So I just thought I would make that nice and clear again.'

Some commenters were concerned about the PM's own health after she coughed several times in the video.

The NZ government has delayed a move to allow self isolation at home for international arrivals (Air New Zealand plane pictured) and an end to Managed Isolation and Quarantine

'I can assure you I'm very, very well and healthy. I just swallowed down the wrong - down my windpipe so excuse the little cough there for a minute,' she replied.

Earlier, Ms Ardern had sparked an angry backlash after a Christmas Facebook post backfired with furious Kiwis raging over her travel ban.

She posted a picture of a knitted gingerbread house and told the story of how it came to be a Christmas tradition for her family over the past 30 years.

But it provoked a furious reaction from fed-up New Zealanders facing a second Christmas cut off from their families by the latest Covid restrictions.

Now the planned easing of travel restrictions from January 17 has also been pushed back to the end of February, bringing fresh heartbreak for Kiwis trapped overseas.

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Adern (pictured) sparked an angry backlash after a Christmas Facebook post backfired with furious Kiwis raging over her travel ban

Ms Adern posted a picture of a knitted gingerbread house (pictured) and told the story of how it came to be a Christmas tradition for her family over the past 30 years

Ms Adern revealed on social media how her tour guide father was gifted the knitted ornament by a US tourist when she was a child, and how it had been brought out every Christmas since.

'Anyone else have Christmas decorations, that when you see them, bring back a bunch of memories?,' she wrote.

'This gingerbread house would have to be at least 30 years old. When I was a kid, my father used to work an extra job taking tourists around New Zealand.

'On one of his tours, a woman sat on the bus crafting. At the end of the tour she produced this. It's come out every Christmas ever since.

'I'm not sure Dorothy the crafter from the United States would still be around, but this gift has been very well loved!'

A message (pictured) from a dissatisfied New Zealander to their Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern

The Christmas memory prompted an angry response from some though (pictured) with Kiwis furious at being cut off from their families for a second year

The Christmas memory prompted an angry response from some though.

'Tonnes of memories and traditions like that,' posted Sandra Grigg. 'Unfortunately for the second year running we are unable to share them with our family in NZ, or bring our babies home to meet their grandparents.

'Your decisions have caused heartbreak the world over. So yeah.Merry Christmas to you.'

Miranda Guthrie added: 'Hope you enjoy Christmas with YOUR family unlike so many New Zealanders who will be facing another one without theirs.

'You and your government should be ashamed of treating them like untrustworthy criminals - you're tarring everyone with the same brush and forcing this lunatic process on our beautiful and ever more divided country.'

The uproar comes after the government delayed a move to allow self isolation at home for international arrivals and an end to Managed Isolation and Quarantine (pictured, domestic travellers checking in Auckland Airport)

The uproar comes after the government delayed a move to allow self-isolation at home for international arrivals and an end to Managed Isolation and Quarantine.

Travellers currently need to get an MIQ voucher before they can fly to New Zealand and numbers are strictly limited.

Countless Kiwis have been stranded overseas while they wait for an MIQ spot and had hoped the relaxed restrictions in January would allow them to finally fly home.

As well as delay to the relaxed restrictions, even those flying in with MIQ vouchers will now have to spend even longer in quarantine, back up to 10 days.
Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has announced another steep rise in the state's Covid numbers, with 369 new cases, as she warned Gold Coast residents to lift the vaccination rate on the tourist strip.

The doubling in numbers follows the 186 cases announced yesterday.

Ms Palaszczuk urged people on the Gold Coast to get vaccinated as the tourist strip lagged behind state averages.

'I'm still worried that vaccine coverage is not high enough here on the Gold Coast, which is one of the reasons we're doing this press conference here today,' the premier said.

'Across the south-east of our state, essentially every area is above 90 per cent except the Gold Coast region.

The number of Queenslanders with a first dose of a vaccine on the Gold Coast is currently at 88.8 per cent.

'It is absolutely imperative that we drive up the vaccination rates on the Gold Coast.'

Ms Palaszczuk said there will be no change to current border arrangements and that 'the roadmap stands'.

'Our response is we have always kept Queenslanders safe and the measures in place were the measures outlined in the road map and the road map stands.

'Also, I'm concerned on the Gold Coast that we do not have the high rates of vaccination needed in a tourist destination.

'There are thousands of people coming here from New South Wales and from Victoria where the virus is rampant and they're coming to the Gold Coast and the Gold Coast is exposed because people are not vaccinated.'

Ms Palaszczuk said more than 30,000 people a day were trying to enter Queensland during the holiday period.

She took issue with suggestions the state should drop the PCR test requirement for entry to the state before January 1.

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk urged people on the Gold Coast to get vaccinated as the tourist strip lagged behind state averages, with 88.8 per cent of its residents having had a first dose of a Covid vaccine

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk announced another steep rise in the state's Covid numbers to 369 new cases

Ms Palaszczuk said more than 30,000 people a day were trying to enter Queensland during the holiday period

'It's not just Queensland, people are travelling all around the nation,' she said. 'People travelling everywhere else need a PCR test.

'It's a bit Sydney-sided at the moment.'

Chief Health Officer Dr John Gerrard said more than 163 people were being managed at home in Queensland with Covid, but were 'not sick' with the virus, while 93 people were in hospital.

Only one patient is in ICU but also has other medical problems.

Dr Gerrard said the spread of the Omicron variant was 'inevitable' and admitted it was necessary Australians catch it.

'This Omicron variant is extremely contagious, not only is the spread of this virus inevitable, it is necessary.' Dr Gerrard said.

'In order for us to go from a pandemic phase, to an endemic phase, the virus has to be widespread.

'You all have to develop immunity and there's two ways you can do that, by being vaccinated or getting infected.

'Once we've done that, once we all have a degree of immunity, the virus becomes endemic, and that is what is going to happen.'

Dr Gerrard said there was no plan for the Queensland border to close again.

'Nothing has changed. Our roadmap is clear, we're moving forward not backward.'

A further easing of border restrictions, including dropping the requirement for the controversial PCR test within 72 hours of arrival into the state and on day five, is planned for when 90 per cent of Queenslanders are fully vaccinated under the current definition of two doses.

Ms Palaszczuk is under pressure to drop the lab test requirement for travellers after she was accused of causing long queues for testing in NSW and Victoria.

Long testing queues in NSW and Victoria had been blamed on Queensland's requirement of a PCR test for people entering the Sunshine State

A further easing of border restrictions, including dropping the requirement for the controversial PCR test within 72 hours of arrival into the state and on day five, is planned for when 90 per cent of Queenslanders are fully vaccinated

At yesterday's press conference she argued with reporters about the test requirement, claiming only 10 per cent of those queueing for tests in NSW planned to travel to Queensland.

The new cases were detected across the state, including Brisbane, Central Queensland, Gympie, Noosa, Redlands, Southern Downs, Sunshine Coast, Toowoomba, Townsville and the Whitsundays.

Dr Gerrard said yesterday that Covid was now 'everywhere'.

'And we know we're not picking up every case so that number of 186 is an underestimate of the number of people who are already carrying this virus,' he said.

'It's happening around the world, we're certainly not unique.

'Omicron is clearly becoming dominant it will completely overtake Delta and we'll expect fewer and fewer Delta cases as time goes by.

The state passed the 90 per cent mark of eligible residents with one dose of a Covid vaccine yesterday.

Ms Palaszczuk said the PCR test requirement would remain for now but that she would consider the use of rapid antigen tests as proof of negative Covid status after January 1. Pictured: Cars entering Queensland from NSW at Coolangatta

Ms Palaszczuk said the PCR test requirement would remain for now but that she would consider the use of rapid antigen tests as proof of negative Covid status after January 1.

'We are happy to get some further advice from AHPPC [Australian Health Protection Principal Committee] about rapid antigen tests.

'We're getting some further advice about how they can be administered and how you'd be able to get confirmation [of a negative result].

'If this is approved, we may be able to utilise them in the New Year from 1 January, but between now and the New Year we will require those PCR tests for people coming into our state.

'It's frustrating for people in NSW because there are so many people getting tested, because the variant, Omicron, is rampant in NSW,' she said.

'And guess what, I don't want it rampant in Queensland. I want Queenslanders to have a good, safe New Year.

Queensland Chief Health Office Dr John Gerrard said yesterday that Covid was now 'everywhere'. 'It's happening around the world, we're certainly not unique'

Prime Minister Scott Morrison said yesterday that only one-in-1000 would-be travellers was returning a positive PCR test but that they accounted for about 25 per cent of those lining up at Covid clinics.

The fear is that those testing for travel are causing those who genuinely have Covid symptoms to give up on being tested because of the delays.

The continuing rise in cases since Queensland reopened its border to visitors from interstate hotspots on December 13 prompted an extension of the state's mask mandate yesterday.

From 5am today, workers and patrons at theatres and cinemas will be required to wear masks, while staff in hospitality venues such as pubs and restaurants will also have to mask up.

Masks are already mandated in supermarkets and other retail, as well as public transport and rideshares.

'We want to keep our restaurants and our cafes and everything operating over Christmas and New Year,' she said.

Vaccination rates had reached 90.1 percent of eligible Queenslanders with one dose and 85.26 percent fully vaccinated.

Queensland relaxed quarantine requirements for double vaccinated close contacts of Covid-19 cases on Tuesday, halving the isolation period from 14 days to a week.
The parents of the accused Michigan school shooter who are each charged with four counts of involuntary manslaughter have each requested their bail be lowered to $100,000.

James, 45, and Jennifer, 43, Crumbley have each been jailed on $500,000 bond since their arrest on December 4.

Defense attorney Shannon Smith asked on Wednesday that their bond be lowered and said they would wear an electronic monitor if released from jail.

Their son, Ethan Crumbley, 15, is charged as an adult with murder, terrorism and aggravated assault for the deadly shooting at Oxford High School on November 30 that killed four students and injured several others.

His parents are accused of making a gun accessible to Ethan Crumbley and failing to pull him out of school when summoned about his writings before the shooting on November 30.

Oakland County prosecutor Karen McDonald has charged James and Jennifer Crumbley in a rare move to hold the parents of an accused school shooter accountable.

James, Jennifer, and Ethan Crumbley are all being held at the Oakland County Jail.

James, 45, and Jennifer, 43, Crumbley are charged with involuntary manslaughter and have each been jailed on $500,000 bond since their arrest on December 4. They have asked that their bail be lowered to $100,000 and be released with electronic monitors

Ethan Crumbley is charged as an adult with multiple counts of murder and terrorism after the deadly Oxford High School shooting on November 30. His parents have also been charged in connection to the school shooting

Before the shooting, Jennifer Crumbley bragged on social media about going out with her son to test his Christmas present - a 9mm handgun - just three days before the shooting and just one day after her husband James Crumbley had purchased the gun for Ethan Crumbley.

When Jennifer Crumbley was later made aware of her son's 'inappropriate' web search researching firearm ammunition while at school, she texted him: 'LOL I'm not mad at you. You have to learn not to get caught.' She never responded to the school's message about the 'inappropriate internet search.'

Hours before the school shooting begun, the Crumbleys were called to the school to discuss Ethan Crumbley's disturbing behavior including drawings depicting a gun, a bullet, blood everywhere, a shooting victim and a laughing emoji.

The note included the words: 'Thoughts won't stop, help me'; 'my life is useless' and 'the world is dead,' McDonald said. After the meeting, the Crumbleys left their son to finish the day at school when he opened fire on his classmates and teachers.

Smith acknowledged that Jennifer Crumbley sent a text message to her son on the day of the shooting, telling him 'don't do it.'

But Smith said it was a plea for him to not kill himself, as the school shooting had already occurred and the gun was missing from home.

'The Crumbleys, like every parent and community member, are devastated by the school shooting,' Smith and co-counsel Mariell Lehman said in a court filing. 'The last thing they expected was that a school shooting would take place, or that their son would be responsible.'

McDonald has said she would oppose a lower bond. The Crumbleys were arrested at a Detroit art studio less than a mile from the Canadian border, hours after their charges were announced and they failed to appear in court on December 3.

The Crumbleys were arrested while hiding in an art studio less than a mile from the Canadian border after their charges were announced earlier this month

The Crumbleys preliminary hearing was rescheduled for next month (Pictured: Jennifer Crumbley being escort out of the courtroom on December 14)

The Crumbleys will all spend the holidays in jail pending a bond hearing for the parents in January (Pictured: James Crumbley being escort out of the courtroom on December 14)

The Crumbleys' arrests came after the U.S. Marshals offered a $10,000 bounty for information leading to their capture. Their absence prompted a manhunt involving several agencies, including the Marshals' Fugitive Task Force, state police and the FBI.

Law enforcement sources say the couple withdrew $4,000 from an ATM and were last seen around 2-3 pm shortly before the 4 pm deadline to turn themselves in.

Smith said they had planned to appear the next day at a different court handling Saturday arraignments and were not trying to flee.

'It is clear from the media appearances by Ms. McDonald that this case is one she takes very personally, was filed out of anger and filed in an effort to send a message to gun owners,' Smith said of the charges against the parents.

A judge is not expected to consider the new bond request until January 7. They will spend the winter holidays in jail, along with their son, but will be separated with no means to communicate.

Both Crumbleys have pled not guilty to all four charges of involuntary manslaughter - one for each Oxford High School student who was killed. Each count is punishable by up to 15 years in prison along with a $7,500 fine and mandatory DNA testing.

Their 15-year-old son is accused of killing Madisyn Baldwin, 17; Tate Myre, 16; Hana St. Juliana, 14; and Justin Shilling, 17, and injuring several others after opening fire in the school. Ethan was charged as an adult with two dozen crimes, including murder, attempted murder and terrorism, and is being held at the same jail as his parents.

Madisyn Baldwin, 17, (left) and Hana St Juliana, 14, (right) died in a shooting rampage at Oxford High School in suburban Detroit

Justin Shilling, 17, (left) died in the hospital the morning after the shooting and Tate Myre (right) died in the school on November 30

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer embraces Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter as the two leave flowers and pay their respects outside Oxford High School, where Crumbley killed four people on November 30

A memorial outside of Oxford High School on December 7 in Oxford, Michigan. One week prior, four students were killed and seven others injured

'These two individuals could have stopped it and had every reason to know he was dangerous,' McDonald told the judge during the Crumbleys arraignment. She claimed that not one person in the community would vouch in favor of either Crumbley.

But Smith denied that the Crumbleys had any responsibility for their son's alleged crimes. She adamantly declared that it is 'absolutely not true' that they gave their child 'free access' to the weapon he used to kill several students at his Michigan high school.

The Crumbleys appeared in court on December 14 for a 20 minute hearing and asked to reschedule tthe preliminary exam which was scheduled for Wednesday. The court was adjourned until next month.

The hearing concluded with Judge Julie Nicholson granting a request by prosecutors and defense lawyers to postpone until February 8 a key preliminary hearing that will determine whether the Crumbleys will face a trial.

McDonald said she needs more time to collect a 'staggering' amount of evidence from investigators and share it with the defense.

'We have police narratives, we have digital evidence, we have video evidence,' McDonald later told reporters. 'We have viewed a lot of it, certainly enough to establish charges here. But there's also more investigation that needs to be done.'

In explaining her decision to seek the delay, the district attorney said she wants to give witnesses 'time to heal' through the holiday season before subjecting them to interviews as part of the ongoing investigation, reported Detroit Free Press.

McDonald added that she and her prosecutors 'owe it to the victims' to go through every single piece of evidence and 'do this right.' She says that the hearing will involve 15-20 witnesses and last 3-5 days.

The couple did not speak, beyond acknowledging, when asked, that they understood and were waiving their right to a speedy preliminary exam, and confirmed that they wished to continue being represented together by their two attorneys.
An Oklahoma man's murder conviction was thrown out on Monday over the former judge's alleged sexual misconduct, according to a report.

Robert Hashagen III was convicted in February for the murder of his 94-year-old neighbor, Evelyn Goodall, in 2013.

Former Oklahoma County District Judge Tim Henderson sentenced him in March to life in prison.

But several weeks after the sentencing, Henderson, 63, resigned after being accused of sexual misconduct by several unnamed women.

One of his accusers is one of the female assistant district attorneys who worked to prosecute Hashagen, 58.

The conviction was tossed on Monday due to the former judge's alleged sexual misconduct, Fox 25 reported.

Henderson has admitted to 'sexual conduct' with a prosecutor until 2018 in a written statement but has denied the relationship influenced his rulings.

'My rulings were fair and supported by the evidence and facts presented by the attorneys,' he said last month, according to The Oklahoman.

Robert Hashagen III's (left) murder conviction has been tossed out over former Oklahoma County District Judge Tim Henderson's (right) alleged sexual misconduct by several unnamed women

Hashagen was sentenced to life for the 2013 murder of his neighbor 94-year-old Evelyn Goodall (pictured)

That female assistant district attorney cross-examined two defense witnesses and gave the state's closing arguments.

Hashagen will now be retried at a later date.

The female assistant district attorney told the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI) that Henderson made inappropriate advances toward her and sexually abused her on multiple occasions between 2016 and 2018, The Oklahoman has reported.

'She did not want to engage in anything Henderson did,' an OSBI agent wrote in a request for a search warrant. 'But the longer the touching went on, the more trapped she felt - like it was too late to get out of it.'

Henderson has continued to deny that the sexual interactions were abuse, claiming that the 'consensual affair included texts, phone calls, emails and cards' and 'sexual conduct in my office, in her apartment and in hotel rooms secured by and paid for by' her, according to the report.

However, Hashagen's legal team had reportedly used the secret 'sexual relationship' to get their client a new trial.

'The integrity of the judiciary ... is very much in question here,' attorney James Lockard argued at an evidentiary hearing last month. 'We can't have faith that the verdict is a fair one.'

Defense attorney Ben Munda claims Henderson made 'completely outrageous' decisions in the case in favor of the prosecution.

'He thought it was appropriate to let in evidence that we got in a fight with our girlfriend on a school bus when we were 18 years old as somehow relevant to whether we murdered an elderly stranger in our ... 50s,' Munda said.

Hashagen was convicted for breaking into Goodall's home and assaulting her before tying her up and stealing from her home. She died from her injures three days later (Pictured: The home where Evelyn Goodall was assaulted and robbed)

Henderson presided over more than 100 cases during his time as an Oklahoma district judge. Many more of his convictions may be overturned (Pictured: Evelyn Goodall)

Investigators said Hashagen broke into Goodall's home early in the morning of July 5, 2013 and assaulted her before rummaging through her house.

The elderly woman was eventually able to crawl to the phone to call 911.

'Hurry, hurry. I'm dying,' she told an emergency dispatcher. 'Please send the police. Please hurry. I'm bleeding to death.'

A responding officer reported that Goodall was found 'completely covered in blood from her head to her feet.' She was taken to the hospital where she died of her injuries three days later.

Hashagen had previously been convicted of methamphetamine and firearm offenses and arrested on domestic abuse complaints, records show.

DNA linked him to crime scene near where he was living at the time. He also admitted to using meth around the time of the deadly home break-in.

However, the defense argued that Goodall knew Hashagen and did not provide a description that matched him. He maintains his innocence.

Henderson presided over more than 100 jury trials before resigning from his post earlier this year. Many more of his rulings could now be overturned.

The Oklahomas Court of Criminal Appeals has already ordered a hearing over Henderson's involvement with another prosecutor in a drug case last year.
The wave of coronavirus infections that is sweeping across the country has now touched the staff of Vice President Kamala Harris, whose office revealed an aide who was in contact with her has tested positive for COVID-19.

Harris aide Symone Sanders announced the news Wednesday evening, just as Harris was set to depart to Los Angeles.

The aide had staffed Harris, 57, 'throughout the day'  although Harris herself tested negative on a rapid test she took Wednesday morning.

The news comes just two days after the White House announced that President Joe Biden was also in contact with a staffer who tested positive while traveling on Air Force One Friday.

Biden and the aide spent about 30 minutes together, according to the White House.

Vice President Kamala Harris, pictured in June, has come in close contact with an aide who tested positive for the coronavirus after staffing her 'throughout' Thurdsay. Aide Symone Sanders announced the news Wednesday evening

Biden, 78, took a second PCR test Wednesday morning, with the White House announcing the negative result around 12:30 p.m.

Earlier, Biden told reporters, 'I haven't gotten the result yet,' as they exited the South Court Auditorium after he gave an update on supply chain issues.

'On Wednesday morning, a staff member who staffed the Vice President throughout the day Tuesday received a positive test result for COVID-19,' said Harris chief spokeswoman Symone Sanders in a statement.

'Yesterday, Monday and every day last week, this staff member tested negative for COVID-19. This staff member is fully vaccinated and boosted and did not experience symptoms. Others who were in close contact with this staff member are being contacted and will be advised to get tested per CDC guidance.'

President Joe Biden was in close contact with a staffer Friday who later tested positive for COVID-19. He tested negative again Wednesday in a PCR test

Meena Harris, the niece of Vice President Kamala Harris, revealed she has tested positive for COVID

The statement went out at 5:54 pm, hours after aide's positive test.

Sanders said Harris is tested on a regular basis. 'As a part of that regular testing, the Vice President received an antigen test this morning and tested negative.'

'Earlier today, after being notified of the staffers positive test, the Vice President received a PCR test and tested negative. She will be tested again on Friday then again on Monday per CDC guidance,' said Sanders.

A White House public schedule for Harris issued Tuesday night only said she would be away Tuesday night. However the latest statement said she will be gone a week.

'As CDC guidance does not require fully vaccinated people to quarantine after an exposure, the Vice President will continue with her daily schedule. This evening, she will depart Joint Base Andrews for Los Angeles where she and the Second Gentleman will remain through the New Year,' said Sanders.

News of the close contact comes hours after after Meena Harris, the niece of the vice president, revealed she has COVID and says her friend who doesn't have her booster shot has symptoms that are '10x worse.'

'I have COVID,' Meena Harris, 37, tweeted on Tuesday night. 'Based on what I know, after testing negative several times last week, either I infected my friend or she infected me. So far her symptoms are 10x worse than mine. I'm boosted. She's not. Get the booster, people.'
Australian influencer Nikki Potter says she feels 'gaslit' by confusing NSW Health policies during the holiday season.

The Sydney TikToker posted a video on Wednesday imitating a conversation with the NSW government, pointing out several baffing policies.

'I feel like I'm being gaslit by NSW Health,' she wrote.

Sydney TikToker Nikki Potter (above) posted a video on Wednesday imitating a conversation with the NSW government and wrote she felt 'gaslit' by them

Earlier this month NSW announced masks would no longer be required in several settings, including shopping centres.

Premier Dominic Perrottet also scrapped the QR check-ins for 'low risk' venues such as retail last week but kept them in place for 'high risk' settings like gyms and pubs.

On Thursday the NSW premier will announce the policy reversal following Covid crisis talks with fellow state leaders and Prime Minister Scott Morrison.

People that are not fully vaccinated are also allowed more freedoms as people looking for boosters remain confused over changing mandated waiting periods.

Nikki pointed out several contradicting and baffling policies made by the NSW government in the lead up to Christmas in her video posted to social media.

Earlier this month NSW announced masks would no longer be required in several settings, including shopping centres, and removed mandatory QR check-in codes while information around mandated vaccination-booster waiting periods remained unclear

During her 'conversation' Nikki pointed out several contradicting and baffling policies made by the NSW government in the lead up to Christmas

Nikki started off the skit by having her 'government' side thank her for getting vaxxed before telling her to get a booster - then telling her she wasn't eligible for one yet.

'Get your booster though,' the 'government' side said.

'Oh okay, yeah definitely, where can I do that?' she replied.

'For you? Oh, no way yet,' the 'government' side said.

Nikki highlighted issues in communication over booster shot waiting periods and said she wasn't comfortable with the removal of masks and check-ins right before Christmas

Nikki also pointed out that she felt uncomfortable with the removal of masks right before Christmas.

'Wait no, Christmas is this week,' she said.

'I am so happy to wear my mask, I don't want to get rid of masks.'

Response to the video was varied with some people completely on Nikki's side while others thought she was overreacting.

Response to the video was varied with some people completely on Nikki's side while others thought she was overreacting

'Literally what we've all been thinking this week,' one person wrote.

'If you are happy to do it then do it , no one says you can't wear a mask or check in, they are still there for you to use,' a commenter said.

'I am still wearing a mask and checking in everywhere. I just don't want to risk anything before the new year,' someone added.

Mr Perrottet responded to calls to bring back masks and refused to bring back a sweeping indoor mask mandate

'It's been 2 years babe, things have to change at some point and you can wear a mask and sanitise your hands at your own free will,' another person wrote.

Mr Perrottet refused to bring back a sweeping indoor mask mandate - despite many health experts recommending residents continue wearing the face coverings indoors.

The government is also looking at providing free rapid antigen tests to help curb the spread of the virus as well as relieving pressure off medical workers.




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Britain is considering giving out fourth Covid vaccines in a bid to stop the surge of Omicron cases, following the lead of Germany and Israel.

The rollout of a second set of boosters is being examined by experts on the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI).

They will weigh up the levels of immunity granted by the extra jab as well as hospitalisation figures, The Telegraph reported.

Those with weakened immune systems are already entitled to a fourth job but the elderly and other vulnerable groups could soon be included.

The fourth jab would likely come four months after the third if it gets the green light and could be available in the new year.

Professor Anthony Harnden, deputy chair of the JCVI, said: 'We need to see more data. We are in different circumstances to Israel and we need to see more data on waning immunity and vaccine effectiveness against hospitalisation.'

An Israeli health expert, who s sharing findings with the UK, said they are already seeing waning immunity from the third jab, prompting the extra round of vaccinations.

Britain is considering giving out fourth Covid vaccines in a bid to stop the surge of Omicron cases

People queue outside a Covid-19 mass vaccination center at Rabin Square in Tel Aviv

Germany has ordered millions of extra doses of Covid vaccine and intends to offer another round of boosters

The number of Omicron cases reported in the UK is increasing slower than scientists predicted. However some experts fear that the country has hit the limit of its testing capacity and that this is throttling the data

Israel announced today citizens over the age of 60 and medical teams would be eligible for a fourth Covid vaccine shot.

'The world will follow in our footsteps,' Prime Minister Naftali Bennett tweeted.

Bennett, who has sought to drum up higher Israeli turnout for vaccines, welcomed the decision as 'great news that will help us overcome the Omicron wave that is spreading around the world'.

The Israeli government moved quickly against Omicron, barring foreigners from entering on November 25 and expanding a list of high-risk countries to which its citizens should not travel to include the United States this week.

On Tuesday, an Israeli hospital reported the country's first known death of a patient with Omicron, before amending the statement to say a final laboratory investigation had determined he was infected with the Delta variant.

Soroka Medical Center said the man, in his 60s and with serious pre-existing conditions, died on Monday, two weeks after he was admitted to a COVID-19 ward.

The Health Ministry said there were at least 340 known cases of Omicron in Israel as of Tuesday.

Israel said it will share its data with the UK on fourth doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine for the over-60s, healthcare workers and those with lower immunity.

Professor Nadav Davidovitch, director of the School of Public Health at Ben Gurion University in Israel and a member of the Pandemic Expert Committee, said: 'We are seeing waning immunity, reflected in the reduction of antibodies and also in breakthrough infections, in people that got the third dose.

'It's a bit similar to the situation with the second dose several months ago. Due to this, some of us thought that those who are more than four months after their third dose ought to be vaccinated.'

But he acknowledged the UK's situation is different, having already experienced a huge wave of Omicron cases compared to Israel.

Meanwhile Germany has ordered millions of new doses after health minister Karl Lauterbach warned a fourth dose will be necessary to tackle the strain.

Lauterbach, who has thrown his support behind a vaccine mandate, has ordered 80million doses of a Biontech vaccine which targets Omicron and should arrive in Germany by May.

Germany has warned a fourth Covid vaccine will be needed to stop the spread of the contagious Omicron variant, health minister Karl Lauterbach (pictured) has warned

He has also ordered 4million doses of the newly approved vaccine Novavax - seen as more acceptable to vaccine sceptics - and 11million doses of the new Valneva shot, which is waiting for marketing authorisation.

It comes as Boris Johnson will wait until after December 25 to announce any post-Christmas Covid changes, after studies showed Omicron is milder and far less likely to cause hospitalisation than Delta - but hospitality bosses are pleading for clarity over plans for New Year's Eve.

Venues are desperate to know whether they will be allowed to open on what is a crucial day of trading, especially after weeks of devastation caused by the Omicron variant.

But sources said the Government will not make any announcements on further measures this week, meaning venues will likely only get clarity at the last minute.

Some nightclubs make as much as a tenth of their annual profits on New Year's Eve and lockdown measures could plunge more pubs, bars and restaurants into financial ruin. Wales has banned large New Year's Eve celebrations and said nightclubs must close. In Scotland, hospitality has been hampered by rules which limit serving alcohol to table service only from December 27.

The concerns come after senior SAGE scientist Neil Ferguson  who just last week warned there could be up to 5,000 daily Omicron deaths in the UK  said the country's fourth wave will be 'nothing like what we seen last year, with ICUs overflowing with patients' on the back of the new findings.

Boris Johnson will wait until after December 25 to announce any post-Christmas Covid changes, after studies showed Omicron is milder and far less likely to cause hospitalisation than Delta

Researchers at Imperial College London found Omicron is 10 per cent less likely to cause hospitalisation in someone who has never been vaccinated or previously infected with Covid than with Delta. Hospitalisation is up to 20 per cent less likely in the general population  including those who have been infected or vaccinated  and 45 per cent less likely for at least a night

University of Edinburgh researchers found the risk of being hospitalised with Omicron was 65 per cent less with Omicron than with Delta. Graph shows: The rate of hospitalisation in different age groups for Delta (green) and Omicron (red) cases in Scotland

His team at Imperial College London found that overall, Britons who catch Omicron are between 15 and 20 per cent less likely to be admitted than those who get Delta.

But the real-world analysis, of more than 300,000 people between December 1 and 14, found the chance of having to stay in the NHS overnight was even lower, with a reduced risk of between 40 and 45 per cent.

The findings are believed to have been the reason Mr Johnson pumped the brakes on tougher Christmas restrictions despite case numbers rising to record levels  with 106,122 positive tests recorded today.

But uncertainty remains over the last few days of the year, with Greater Manchester's night time economy advisor Sacha Lord saying it is critical the Government announces a decision for England as quickly as possible.

He praised the Prime Minister for recognising the importance of keeping the hospitality sector open but said it is 'in limbo' with the threat of restrictions hanging overhead.

Mr Lord said: 'Every operator wants to operate. But responsible operators say safety has to come first. So with how much planning goes into New Year's Eve the second they know what they're doing there can be no dithering around like the last few weeks, they must come out with absolute clarity, certainty and guidance.'

Mr Lord, who also founded Manchester's Warehouse Project and Park Life festival, said any closures on New Year's Eve would force people into much more contagious house parties.

Mr Lord said: 'In Wales and Scotland it shows what they think about hospitality and the night time economy.' He was echoed by the boss of the British Beer and Pub Association Emma McClarkin, who said: 'New Year's Eve and the build-up to the New Year  whether it is family meals or those wanting to toast 2022 with a pint in their hands  is a huge part of our festive trading. We have already been decimated by the Government's announcement and are desperately hoping we can cling on into the New Year and find a way to trade our way into recovery in 2022.'

Jonathan Neame, boss of Britain's oldest brewer Shepherd Neame, said: 'We hope that pubs stay open and that there are no further restrictions.'

MailOnline analysis of UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) data shows Covid cases doubled in all but one of Omicron London's 32 boroughs last week and trebled in seven

Reports have claimed ministers are watching hospitalisation numbers in the capital, with a two-week 'circuit breaker' lockdown set to be imposed if daily numbers surpass 400. London is averaging 217 admissions a day as of December 19, the latest date daily figures are available for

And Wetherspoons boss Tim Martin said the Government should not cancel New Year, adding: 'Do not follow Scotland.'

Industry body UK Hospitality said businesses in Wales are being devastated by the country's new restrictions.

Its Welsh arm's executive director David Chapman said: 'Hundreds of millions of pounds of business have been lost in the run-up to a very quiet Christmas and things will now get worse from Boxing Day.'

The reaction from hospitality bosses comes after a study found that even an unvaccinated person who has never had Covid and has no immunity, there was a 10 per cent lower risk of being hospitalised with Omicron compared to Delta.

For someone how has been recently infected, the chance of hospitalisation was slashed by 69 per cent in both vaccinated and unvaccinated people.

The finding may explain why in South Africa  where up to 70 per cent of people have immunity from prior infection but only a quarter are jabbed  is seeing daily hospitalisations stall at less than 400.

Professor Ferguson said: 'You can see in London, we are getting a lot more people hospitalised. Not for very long, probably not with very severe illness.

'And that's not a reflection of Omicron versus Delta  that was already true for Delta infections, that they're less severe than they were last year because there's a lot of immunity in the population.

'The challenge is, if there's enough of them it still poses quite a challenge to the NHS. We're not talking about anything like what we saw last year with over-flowing intensive care units and ventilator beds.'

The notoriously gloomy expert confirmed he expected the Omicron wave to be milder, with patients discharged from hospitals quicker and fewer Covid deaths, but warned there could still be significant pressure on the NHS.

He also warned that if infections are 40 per cent higher than they were with Delta then that could offset any reduction in severity.

The data came just moments after a similar study conducted in Scotland found the risk of being hospitalised with Omicron was 65 per cent less with Omicron than with Delta.

University of Edinburgh researchers said Omicron was as severe as delta they would have seen around 47 people in hospital in Scotland, yet so far there are only 15.

Meanwhile, Welsh First Minister Mark Drakeford today announced new Covid restrictions will return on Boxing Day, with large New Year's Eve parties banned and the rule of six re-imposed on pubs and restaurants.

The two-metre social distancing will return in most public settings, while hospitality venues will be limited to table service-only and customers will have to wear face masks at all times apart from when seated.

Scotland has also announced stricter guidance for after Christmas but the Prime Minister has said there is not 'enough evidence' on Omicron to justify tougher curbs yet.

The PM declared last night that Christmas can definitely go ahead 'cautiously', but warned that the Government is tracking the spread of the mutant strain hour by hour and is 'ready' to act after December 25 if necessary.
A loving wife and accomplished professor has died from asbestos-related cancer just days after pleading for Australians to 'wake up' to the dangers hidden in the home renovations craze which has taken off during the pandemic.

Gillian North, tragically passed away from mesothelioma in her Thirroul home at the age of 61 on Thursday morning, surrounded by her husband Martin North and twin sister Jocelyn Johnson.

The tireless Ms North, who had amazed palliative care workers by walking an hour a day until recently, devoted the last three years of her life to researching the dangers of asbestos to home renovators.

'Half of my heart has gone with her,' a tearful Ms Johnson told Daily Mail Australia, adding that her twin was 'incredibly positive' to the end and felt 'a calling' to try and save others from her fate.

Accomplished professor Gillian North has died from asbestos-related cancer just days after pleading for Australians to 'wake up' to the dangers hidden in the home renovations craze which has taken off during the pandemic

Gillian North (left) with her identical twin sister, Jocelyn, a Kiwi nurse on two of their recent 'bucket-list' outings south of Sydney. She died at home from asbestos-related mesothelioma on Thursday

Gillian North was 'the gutsiest, most courageous woman I know' said her twin sister Jocelyn. The twins are pictured together a week before Gill died aged 61

Ms Johnson said her sister 'astounded' palliative care workers by walking an hour a day until recently.

Her favourite memory together was a five hour walk together in New Zealand on their shared 60th birthday - while Gill was already in the grips of stage four mesothelioma.

The asbestos reforms Gill North wants to see National public health campaigns to warn about the dangers of exposure to 'legacy' asbestos.

Compulsory residential property asbestos assessments prior to sale, renovation, or lease.

Legal requirements for residential property owners to have all asbestos removed by licensed professionals.

The introduction of interest free loans (means tested) for residential property owners to support the removal of asbestos by licensed professionals.

Urgent and firm commitments to eradicate asbestos from public, commercial and residential properties across Australia. Advertisement

'I'm incredibly sad and gutted to lose her,' Ms Johnson said.

'She was the gutsiest, most courageous woman. I admired her ability to stay positive instead of focusing on herself.

'Her work gave her purpose, she told me "I feel called to do this".'

Martin North told Daily Mail Australia that Gillian managed to 'turn a pointless death into an amazing jumping off point to hopefully create change and save lives.'

He said her final hours were distressing and 'enough to make anyone who heard her fighting to breathe want to avoid that.

'Asbestos is a killer. It killed my wife.'

Mr North said he had 'lost my best friend'.

'I have had an amazing 27 years with her, she was a remarkable person in so many ways: very driven, very energetic and also amazing sense of social justice, which came through in her legal work.

'We didn't have enough years together, we were planning so much more. I'm shattered but determined to keep her legacy and her fight alive.'

Ms North's death comes just days after she is plead with renovators to pay for professionals to remove the deadly building material asbestos, instead of trying to do it themselves, which is found in up to 80 per cent of old homes across Australia.

'If I can save one life by raising awareness about this deadly material and how easy it is to die from contact with it then all my work is worth it,' she told Daily Mail Australia.

She started a charity as part of her awareness work, Asbestos Awareness Australia, and her husband Martin asked anyone who wanted to pay tribute to her Ms North should donate to it.

'It is completely preventable, if only people knew.'

She used the final months of her life to passionately push for major reforms prevent others suffering the fate she did.

A leading academic who had a career in law, accounting and at Deakin University, Ms North had written an incredible 18 research papers about asbestos dangers and reforms.

Gillian North and Martin North at her Hampstead, London, home in 1994. It was one of the home renovation projects she fears may have exposed her to asbestos

Martin North said told Daily Mail Australia that Gillian North managed to 'turn a pointless death into an amazing jumping off point to hopefully create change and save lives'

Gillian North was extremely fit and energetic up until her mesothelioma diagnosis in 2018, and even after that she amazed palliative care workers by walking up to an hour a day until recently

She and Martin North also surveyed 40,000 Australian households - finding two thirds didn't know how dangerous it is or how to recognise it.

Ms North was convinced she developed the fatal cancer after being exposed to asbestos while during home renovations in the United Kingdom 32 years ago and in Australia 25 years ago.

While working for a Japanese investment bank in the London, she renovated a house at Hampstead in 1990.

Twin sisters Gillian North (left) and Jocelyn Johnson are pictured together shortly before Gill's death from asbestos-related mesothelioma, age 61, on Thursday

After she met her husband Martin in 1995 the couple moved to Sydney, where they bought a renovated a house at Cremorne.

'I knew absolutely nothing... about the dangers of asbestos to health, took no precautions because I didn't know,' she said.

'I didn't use any professional asbestos assessments or professionals.'

Martin recalled: 'She always wanted to do it herself. She wanted the pleasure of doing it herself and seeing it coming together.'

He said watching his wife die was 'the most traumatic experience of my life'.

'I feel completely out of control, I'm watching her being hollowed out from the inside,' he said.
Three men in Brazil have been sanctioned for their alleged affiliations with al-Qaeda and having given support to the terrorist group, the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control announced Wednesday.

At least one of the individuals has been linked to a man wanted by the FBI for his roles in attacks against the United States dating back to 2013.

The Department of the Treasury said the action targets the international financing of al-Qaida.

It said all property and interests in property of the three individuals and any entities that they own in the United States or that are in the possession or control of U.S. residents must be blocked and reported to the Treasury.

Mohamed Ahmed Elsayed Ahmed Ibrahim has been sought by the FBI since 2019 for reportedly being an agent of al-Qaeda and plotting attacks against the U.S. dating back to 2013. On Wednesday, the U.S. Department of Treasury sanctioned three men in Brazil for being connected to the terror network, including one individual who has ties to Ahmed Ibrahim

Brazil's federal police force declined to comment on the U.S. statement, and said it also does not comment on whether investigations might be in progress.

One of the men was identified as Mohamed Sherif Mohamed Awadd, who according to the Department of the Treasury, arrived in Brazil in 2018 and has received wire transfers from other al-Qaida associates in the country.

Awadd, who holds dual Egyptian-Syrian citizenship, owns a furniture store in Guarulhos, a city in the Sao Paulo metropolitan area, the statement said.

The statement alleged that Awadd and Ahmad Al-Khatib, the owner of another furniture store in Guarulhos, gave technological or financial support to the terrorist group.

Al-Khatib, who holds dual Egytpian-Lebanese citizenship, is being accused of providing 'financial, material, or technological support for, or goods or services to or in support of' Mohamed Ahmed Elsayed Ahmed Ibrahim.

The FBI has been in search of Ahmed Ibrahim for reportedly being an agent of the the militant terror organization and planning attacks against the United States as early as 2013.

Mohamed Ahmed Elsayed Ahmed Ibrahim is said to be living in Brazil, according to the FBI

The Treasury linked Awadd and Al-Khatib to Ahmad Al-Maghrabi, who it said arrived in Brazil in 2015 and became al-Qaedas initial contact in the country. It gave no further details on Maghrabi's residence or livelihood and did not report anything about any alleged collusion between him and the other two.

'The activities of this Brazil-based network demonstrate that al-Qaida remains a pervasive global terrorist threat, and today's designations will help deny the group access to the formal financial system,' Treasury Undersecretary Brian E. Nelson said in the statement.

Attempts by The Associated Press to reach the Awadd and Al-Khatib by phone were unsuccessful.

Since the 9/11 terrorist attack, the U.S. government has imposed financial sanctions in different countries seeking to limit financing of terrorist groups. About 300 citizens allegedly affiliated with al-Qaida and other extremist groups have been targeted.

The terrorism designation announced Wednesday was the third U.S. action involving Brazil over the last week.

Brazilian authorities and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement announced that four individuals were arrested last Thursday for alleged involvement in online threats, hate crimes and the planning of mass casualty events.

The people belonged to neo-Nazi cells that were planning attacks in public areas, such as schools, as well as hate crimes against Jewish and black civilians, U.S. officials said in a statement. One of the perpetrators confessed he was planning to bomb a New Year Eve's celebration in Sao Paulo state, the statement said.

Last week, the U.S. Treasury imposed sanctions on people and businesses connected to drug trafficking gangs, including the Primeiro Comando da Capital (First Command of the Capital), the biggest criminal organization in Brazil.

Brazil has had an anti-terrorism law since 2016, passed before the Olympic Games held in Rio de Janeiro that year. Days before the opening ceremony, the country's federal police arrested 10 people who allegedly belonged to a cell that had professed allegiance to the extremist Islamic State group.
Women's health has been neglected for decades because of entrenched sexism and stigma in the NHS, a major Government review has concluded.

A consultation involving 100,000 British women found eight in ten believe they are not properly listened to by doctors, nurses and healthcare staff. At every stage of life, from puberty through to fertility, menopause and old age, women feel their suffering is ignored, the report found.

It follows a series of NHS scandals affecting women, including maternity care failures, the widespread use of flawed pelvic mesh implants, and the malpractice of rogue breast surgeon Ian Paterson.

Last night ministers promised to address 'decades of gender health inequality' under a Women's Health Strategy to be published in the spring. They will outlaw hymenoplasty and virginity testing, banning invasive procedures used to 'prove' young women have not had sex before marriage.

A consultation involving 100,000 British women found eight in ten believe they are not properly listened to by doctors, nurses and healthcare staff (stock image)

The Department of Health is also appointing a women's health ambassador to tackle 'highly entrenched problems within the healthcare system'.

They will address issues including a lack of mandatory training for GPs on menopause symptoms, which means many women struggle to access treatment such as Hormone Replacement Therapy. The strategy will also address the postcode lottery in IVF and find ways to improve access to fertility treatment for single women.

The report, based on responses from 100,000 women, also found evidence of 'damaging taboos and stigmas' which means women are taught to believe that debilitating symptoms and chronic pain, such as cramps linked to endometriosis, are 'normal'.

It said: 'There's a feeling services for specialities or conditions which only affect women are of lower priority.'

Maria Caulfield, minister for women's health, said: 'The responses from the call for evidence were in many ways as expected, particularly with regards to women's priorities, but in some places the revelations were shocking.

'Many of the issues raised require long-term system-wide changes, but we must start somewhere. I am proud to publish our vision for women's health. It is the first step to realising our ambition of a healthcare system which supports women's needs throughout their lives.'

Maria Caulfield, minister for women's health, said: 'The responses from the call for evidence were in many ways as expected, particularly with regards to women's priorities, but in some places the revelations were shocking'

The strategy follows a series of health fiascos, including maternity care failures linked to dozens of baby deaths at Shrewsbury and Telford Hospitals and East Kent Hospitals.

Last year an inquiry by Baroness Cumberlege found thousands of women and children were 'catastrophically' harmed by three avoidable health scandals: pelvic mesh implants, the pregnancy test drug Primodos and epilepsy treatment sodium valproate.

The government report found health inequality affects women differently through their lives.

In their twenties, they struggle mostly with gynaecological conditions such as endometriosis, while for women in their thirties it was fertility and miscarriage. Women in their 40s and 50s were most affected by poor menopause care, while those aged 60 and above said healthy aging was key.

Last night Mika Simmons, of the Ginsburg Women's Health Board  a panel of British experts aiming to tackle the gender health gap  said: 'It is incredibly exciting to see the results of this consultation.

'It is, however, just the beginning. Women's health care has been side-lined for far too long and a seismic shift now needs to happen.'
A female soldier has waived her anonymity and spoken out about her experience of being the victim an alleged rape in 2016 by a decorated Delta Force operator.

The Armed Forces has deleted all records of the operator's court-martial where the operator was cleared, while the main witness for the defense was previously found to have fatally shot a fellow soldier and mysteriously died soon after the trial, according to a report.

Erin Scanlon, 25 at the time, was a junior Army officer from suburban Phoenix who served in the artillery branch at Fort Bragg in North Carolina. She lived nearby in Fayetteville.

On September 9, 2016, she claims a friend of hers invited her to a charity event to honor fallen Green Berets at a restaurant called Mac's Speed Shop, Scanlon told Rolling Stone.

Scanlon arrived with her friend just before 10 p.m. and said Special Forces (SF) and Delta Force officers were both at the restaurant, including a motorcycle club of SF soldiers called Coast x Coast.

Cristobal Lopez Vallejo, 39 - aka Cris Valley - is the founder and CEO of the club's nonprofit and was the host of the event who was eventually charged with sexual assault and sexual battery of Scanlon.

Vallejo, then a sergeant first class with multiple combat missions in Delta Force in the Middle East, stopped Scanlon and her friend and 'tried to flex, laugh and walked away' in front of them, the friend told local police.

Scanlon described Vallejo as gregarious, spending the entire event 'going around chatting with people like a politician.' She did not know upon a meeting him, or at any point that night that he was an officer.

Erin Scanlon, 25, was a junior Army officer from suburban Phoenix who served in the artillery branch at Fort Bragg in North Carolina

Cristobal Lopez Vallejo - also known as Cris Valley - a Delta Force officer, was arrested and charged with second-degree sexual assault, among other offenses, after Scanlon alleged he raped her at a warehouse

Both of them worked at Fort Bragg, which was unknown to Scanlon for several months until the military intervened in the case

She and her friend noticed the Coast x Coast club's logo from a photo from her mentor with the Army Reserve Officers' Training Corps [ROTC] and became trusting of the entire crew, including Vallejo.

'I asked him if I could take a picture in front of their logo to send to my instructor,' she told Rolling Stone. 'He gave me his card and invited us to go to the next bar with everyone.'

The two traded a phone numbers and Scanlon joined a group of about nine people and Vallejo at an Irish pub nearby called Paddy's. At the bar, Scanlon claimed Vallejo grabbed her backside.

After midnight, Vallejo asked Scanlon to come to a place called Warehouse 13 and she agreed, believing it was another bar or club. However, it was just a warehouse, one that Scanlon called 'sketchy-looking. It turned out that Vallejo had actually rented the warehouse from a chemical company.

Scanlon and her friend, disgusted by the area, agreed not to stay longer than 20 minutes and only that long because there was food available, she said.

Scanlon claimed there were three other Delta Force soldiers and a retired bomb technician among the remaining men. The rest were women, including two Army officers, a Green Beret's widow and another woman, she said.

Scanlon called all of them 'groupies' and believed they were just there for Vallejo's attention.

Fayetteville Police Detective Paul Matrafailo interviewed an employee of the police department who said that she had once spent the night at Vallejo's apartment and agreed that women were often at the warehouse to get Vallejo's notice.

Mr. Vallejo is considered a ladies man and groupies hang out at the ware house [sic] looking for an opportunity to sleep with Mr. Vallejo.

The police department employee had to recuse herself from the case given her past ties to Vallejo.

The initial party thrown by Vallejo and his motorcycle club's nonprofit was at Mac's Speed Shop BBQ in Fayetteville

An afterparty was held at nearby Paddy's Irish Pub, also in Fayetteville. It's been described as an 'over-the-top' Irish pub

Scanlon then sent a text to a fellow soldier - a staff sergeant - she infrequently hooked up with and told her she'd be there shortly and called an Uber to get to his house, she told Rolling Stone.

She then asked to use a restroom. Vallejo offered a portable toilet, as the warehouse had no plumbing.

Scanlon was opening the door of the portable toilet when Vallejo 'ambushed' her and began kissing her, she said.

She pushed him away and told him no. Scanlon alleges that Vallejo - seven inches taller and 70 pounds heavier - put his hands up her dress, into her underwear and penetrated her with his fingers.

'He literally picked me up off the ground, and my shoes fell off,' she said.

Vallejo, Scanlon claimed, then put her on the hood of a Saab convertible and raped her without using a contraceptive. She eventually gave up fighting back, she said.

At one point, Scanlon said, the Green Beret widow witnessed what happened but claimed she had forgotten and didn't tell her lawyer until months after.

When it was over, Scanlon ran inside to get her things and found her phone blown up by both her friend and the Uber driver who was attempting to pick her up. Her friend said that Scanlon was shaking and told her 'I feel like I just got raped.'

She had to order another Uber to take her to the staff sergeant's house to spend the night.

Scanlon has since met with the likes of former Arizona Senator Martha McSally to discuss her situation

Scanlon said that the alleged assault ruined her career in the military and she eventually resigned in 2019

Vallejo texted Scanlon at 4:25 a.m.: 'How are you? Let me know when your [sic] home safe,' he wrote, adding a heart emoji and a kissing face.

'Do you realize what you did?' she replied.

Vallejo never responded.

The morning after, Scanlon went to an Army medical center for examination. The nurse who performed the rape kit reported that Scanlon was red-eyed with her makeup smeared and 'tearful.'

Her exam showed multiple small lacerations, a contusion and scratch marks on her left side and lower back from the hood of the car.

Samples taken from Scanlon's genitals and soiled underwear matched Vallejo's DNA., according to the Womack Army Medical Center's investigation.

She spoke with a friend, an Army sexual assault response coordinator and a chaplain. She still was unaware that Vallejo was in Delta Force at this time.

On September 12, 2016, Scanlon met with investigators from the base at Fort Bragg.

She claims she was told that because it occurred in Fayetteville, they couldn't help her.

A spokesperson for the Army investigations division told Rolling Stone that this isn't 'accurate.'

He said agents began a 'collateral investigation' with the city's police, but could not provide a date when it began or a reason why Scanlon felt dismissed. He also couldn't prove or disprove whether recordings taken from the September 12 session still exist.

Then-Fayetteville Police Detective Paul Matrafailo wrote in a report that he drove her to the warehouse to identify the precise location where the alleged rape happened, where Scanlon began to cry.

Paul G. Matrafailo III (pictured in 2017), 33, of the Fayetteville Police Department, who investigated the case

Matrafailo got a warrant, took samples from the vehicle, reviewed security footage and interviewed Scanlon's friend and other potential witnesses.

On September 30, Vallejo was arrested and charged with second-degree rape, second-degree sex offense and sexual battery.

It was then that Scanlon - who had known Vallejo as Cris Valley - learned Vallejo's real name and that he was an active-duty soldier.

Vallejo had joined the Army at 19 just prior to 9/11.

Vallejo has since argued that his and Scanlon's encounter was consensual and acquitted of all charged in a June 2018 court martial.

Scanlon, however, said the trauma is still with her now and has issue with the court martial, given that Vallejo was supposed to be tried in a civilian courtroom.

Vallejo was detained on a $100,000 bond. Thereafter, things moved very slowly toward a trial.

Both Scanlon and Vallejo continued living in Fayetteville and working on Fort Bragg, as it took Scanlon months to get a protective order against Vallejo, even hiding in a bathroom to avoid him at one point.

The trial wasn't ready to begin until February 2018. Just before opening arguments, military lawyers intervened

The two JAG prosecutors, Captain Joseph Morman and Major Stacey Cohen, claimed that they didn't learn until after the Army investigation that both of the parties in the case were soldiers and said this allowed them to try Vallejo themselves.

'It was very frustrating,' Scanlon said, 'that all these people had waited till the last minute, then were trying to put the decision on me, when I'm not a lawyer. I'm not a police officer. I had no idea why they were making me decide this. I defaulted to what the USASOC prosecutor and the DA would decide,' and agreed to move the case to Fort Bragg

The trial was delayed another four months to June 2018. It was then that Army began putting her through a series of five military-approved attorneys.

Some of the attorneys were eventually deployed or reassigned but ultimately, it meant Scanlon having to re-tell her story to each.

The court martial finally began June 25, 2018. No reporters attended, but an Army spokesperson claimed it was on the public docket and that 'it was not necessarily on everyone's radar.'

Not only did reporters not attend Vallejo's court martial, no transcript was kept and the Army has since deleted any recordings of the proceedings.

Vallejo maintained his innocence and while not denying the encounter happened, claimed it was consensual.

Defense attorneys grilled Scanlon on how much she had drank on the night in question and showed photos of her that night in a sleeveless dress and short skirt, as well as texts of her and her friend joking about going 'braless' and 'commando.'

Scanlon said one of the attorneys, JAG Prosecutor Kris Poppe, asked if she'd been flirting with Vallejo and that it wasn't that dark out and she could've called out to others for help if she were being assaulted.

Kris Poppe, a JAG prosecutor who worked on behalf of Vallejo during the Delta Forces officer's court martial

Poppe used scantily clad photos of Scanlon from the evening in question as evidence. Scanlon saw this as an attempt to slut shame her

Poppe's argument was that Scanlon, who had been found out to have slept with her fellow soldier, was fabricating the account to avoid getting in trouble again. However, Scanlon's superiors had no clue about the previous encounter.

Poppe argues that he wasn't slut-shaming Scanlon, just trying to get a sense of her honesty and candor and said that there were witnesses to what happened.

Scanlon spent the remainder of the court martial sequestered, unable to hear any other testimony. The Army claims this did not happen in a statement and this would have been a violation of military rules.

Matrafailo, the detective who investigated the case and led to the initial charges, was never called as a witness. Poppe allowed that this was somewhat unusual.

Matrafailo was eventually fired after facing accusations of sending inappropriate messages via social media to rape victims whose cases he worked, including Scanlon

Scanlon said it was 'shocking and inappropriate' that he would message her after working her 2016 rape case and use the tongue and wink emojis

A few months later, Matrafailo was fired after it emerged he sent inappropriate messages to women - including Scanlon - whose rape cases he had worked, including asking a victim to dress as a nurse for him.

Vallejo's defense called eight more witnesses, including the other men at the party. One of the fellow Delta Force soldiers present the night Scanlon said she was raped was Master Sergeant William 'Billy' Lavigne, a fellow motorcycle club member and a good friend of Vallejo.

The Green Beret's widow who had seen the incident testified for the defense, saying Scanlon 'was obviously enjoying it.' Poppe used this lapse in memory to question Scanlon's credibility.

The body of Master Sgt. William Lavigne II, 37, pictured above, was found in Fort Bragg on December 2. He was investigated in 2018 after fatally shooting his friend, Sgt. First Class Mark Leshikar

Scanlon claimed that she had told one of her military lawyers about the Green Beret's widow months after the incident. One of the former military-appointed lawyers - Captain Alycia Stokes - ended up testifying against Scanlon, who said she'd never told her.

Lavigne was eventually called by the defense. At the time, the master sergeant was depressed, anxious, guilt-stricken and strung out on drugs.

Three months before he was called, he fatally shot his best friend, a Green Beret named Mark Leshikar, in front of their daughters while on a binge of booze and drugs for days on end.

Lavigne was never charged, despite inconsistencies in his account of the incident.

Delta Force operator Lavigne had claimed that 33-year-old Leshikar, with whom he had been good friends, came at him with a screwdriver.

Yet he initially told cops that Leshikar had killed himself, and in another version of events, said that he could not see Leshikar's hands and would not have known if he had a screwdriver, according to Connecting Vets.

An investigating officer from the 1st Special Forces Command wrote in a memorandum that Lavigne was not credible in his retelling of the incident. However, the command still ruled that Leshikar's death was in the line of duty.

Poppe would go on to become Lavigne's attorney following Vallejo's court martial, but argues there was zero connection between the cases.

Sgt. First Class Mark Leshikar, 33, was shot dead by Lavigne in March 2018 in front of his five-year-old daughter. Cops said the shooting was justifiable despite inconsistencies in Lavigne's story. Lavigne said Leshikar came at him with a screwdriver but none was found at the scene

Timothy Dumas, the Special Forces soldier and the Army veteran both found dead at Fort Bragg near Lavigne

In the year since the death of Lavigne (pictured), no suspects have been identified and investigators have yet to present any evidence

On December 2, 2020, Lavigne, 37, was found on the North Carolina base on December 2. The body of Army veteran Timothy Dumas, 44, also lay nearby.

Both Lavigne and Dumas had long records of arrests but no prosecutions in North Carolina.

Fort Bragg said foul play is suspected in their deaths and it was being investigated as a homicide, although no weapon was found on the scene and a year later, no suspects have been identified.

'Billy, we love you and will miss you,' the Coast x Coast club posted to its Instagram page two days later. 'RIP, bro.'

Vallejo was found guilty and Scanlon quickly escorted from the courtroom.

Scanlon believes that Vallejo's status as a Delta Force officer - which was ignored by multiple outlets who previously told her story - is the reasoning for the mishandling of her case.

She said that she had no real desire to send Vallejo to prison and didn't expect him to be found guilty.

'It is a lot for a jury to make a decision like that,' she says. 'It didn't necessarily mean they didn't believe me.'

She said, however, that the ordeal hurt her Army career and she would end her time in the force when her contract was up in 2019. She has since met with the likes of former Senator Martha McSally about her ordeal.

In 2020, Scanlon filed a civil suit against the Army for their mishandling of the case, but an over 75-yaer-old Supreme Court decision that bars soldiers from recovering damages from wrongful acts by the Military stopped it.

Scanlon simply wants to know the full account of the court martial that she claims she was not allowed to participate in, but a FOIA request only gave her a trial record, which includes no transcript.

The Army claims no transcript ever existed and the recording deleted.

'It was standard practice at the time,' a spokesperson for the Army said. 'It is something that has changed now, for exactly this reason. Starting in 2019, victims who testify get a copy of the court-martial record, including audio, whether it was an acquittal or conviction.'

Scanlon was heartbroken upon this discovery.

'It was a solid case and my testimony was powerful,' she said, 'but I was this lowly lieutenant up against Delta Force and USASOC and JSOC, and all that entails. Only afterwards did I realize I didn't stand a chance.'

A North Carolina court clerk told Rolling Stone after no trace of his arraignment in Fayetteville was found that his record may have been expunged.
A treatment to reduce and potentially eliminate peanut allergies in children is set to be made available in the UK.

Children aged four to 17 will be the first in Europe to receive the licensed drug, which reduces sensitivity to the food by exposing them to a small amount of peanut allergens over several months.

The treatment, called Palforzia, reportedly costs up to 8,000 per patient per year, but will be offered at a discounted price after a deal was struck with NHS England.

Emily Pratt (centre), aged nine, has been treated for a peanut allergy through a medical trial at Evelina London Childrens Hospital. Her mother, Sophie Pratt (left), said it had changed our lives

After the drug was approved by health watchdog the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), which will publish guidance on its use in February, the NHS will have three months to make Palforzia available.

Up to one in 50 children in the UK have a peanut allergy, which can cause life-threatening anaphylactic shock when their immune system over-reacts to the food.

Professor Gillian Leng, chief executive at NICE, said: While it is rare for a peanut allergy to be fatal in the UK, the consequences of accidental exposure to peanuts can be severe, with some people needing to self-administer adrenaline and have emergency care if they are exposed to peanuts.

I am pleased that were able to recommend a treatment that could improve the quality of life for children and young people with a peanut allergy, and their carers.

Peanut allergy develops early in life, is rarely outgrown, and there is no cure.

However, British studies have shown that giving peanut butter to high-risk babies those who have eczema or are sensitive to certain foods  can more than halve their risk of developing an allergy to peanuts, if done in the first three months.

There has been a general shift in medical thinking away from avoiding peanuts at all costs to carefully building up childrens tolerance.

Palforzia takes this approach to children who already have a peanut allergy.

The drug, made by Aimmune Therapeutics UK and taken as a capsule or powder, contains gradually increasing amounts of peanut protein, increasing the bodys ability to tolerate small amounts of peanut and helping to reduce the severity of allergic reactions when exposed to it.

Children will receive a monthly dose of the drug, enabling tolerance to be carefully built over time.

Children aged four to 17 will be the first in Europe to receive the licensed drug, which reduces sensitivity to the food by exposing them to a small amount of peanut allergens over several months. Pictured, Emily Pratt, who took part in a peanut allergy trial

Emily Pratt, aged nine, has been treated for a peanut allergy through a medical trial at Evelina London Childrens Hospital.

Her mother, Sophie, said it had changed our lives, adding: Emily is free from limits and the fear that the tiniest mistake could put her life at risk.

Up to 600 children are expected to be treated this year, and 2,000 a year after that.

Professor Stephen Powis, NHS medical director, said: This pioneering treatment can be life-changing for patients and their families.

'It will reduce the fear and anxiety for patients and their families who may have been living with this allergy for years, and carrying around emergency medication just in case.
President Joe Biden criticized his administration's own handling of the coronavirus pandemic, admitting the response hasn't been 'good enough' as the Omicron variant spreads like wildfire, leading to a massive surge of cases ahead of Christmas.

Biden, 79, echoed Vice President Kamala Harris' claim that no one saw Omicron coming, but said they were always alive to the possibility of new variants.

When asked by ABC's David Muir on Wednesday how the administration had failed to see Omicron coming, Biden laughed.

'How did we get it wrong?' the president responded. 'Nobody saw it coming. Nobody in the whole world. Who saw it coming?'

President Joe Biden said in an interview that aired on ABC News Wednesday evening that his administration's response to the pandemic has not 'been good enough'

Muir replied: 'Did the administration not expect that there could be moments like this one where you'd have a highly transmissible variant around the corner?'

Biden said: 'It was possible, and it's possible there could be other variants that come along.

'That's possible.

'But what do you plan for? You plan for what you think is available.

'That is the most likely threat that exists at the time and you respond to it. And I think that that's exactly what we've done.

'And that's - for example, Omicron is spreading rapidly, but the death rates are much, much lower than they were.

'This is not March of 2020. This is a very different time that we're in now.'

Omicron first emerged in Botswana, and then spread quickly through South Africa before being found in Europe - particularly the U.K. and the Netherlands.

The new variant - the latest to be considered by the World Health Organization an official variant of concern - is scything its way through the United States, and is on track to overtake Delta.

Omicron has 30 mutations, and appears to be significantly more transmissible than Delta - which was already remarkably virulent. What is not known yet is whether Omicron is more deadly.

'Omicron only really came on the scene just before Thanksgiving. We weren't talking about Omicron six months ago,' said Biden.

'But it's just recent.

'And so we are chasing Omicron.

'But the fact of the matter is, you're chasing whatever comes on the scene that hadn't, wasn't there before, and this wasn't there this last summer for example.'

Muir pressed Biden on whether the administration had failed the American people.

'We're nearly two years into this pandemic, you're a year into the presidency. Empty shelves and no test kits in some places  three days before Christmas when it's so important. Is that good enough?' Muir asked the president, in an interview that aired on Wednesday evening.

'No, nothing's been good enough,' Biden replied.

'But look, look where we are,' he added of the progress.

'Last Christmas we were in a situation where we had significantly fewer people vaccinated, emergency rooms were filled, we had serious backups in hospitals that were causing great difficulties.

'We're in a situation now where we have 200 million people fully vaccinated. And we have more than that who have had at least one shot  and we're getting these booster shots, as well.'

Biden sat down with ABC's David Muir at the White House in an interview that aired three days before Christmas to discuss a range of issues  including the lack of testing kits around the country as COVID surges and American travel for the holidays

Asked if it was a failure of his administration, Biden replied: 'I don't think it's a failure.'

The president has been confronted with angry scenes as people wait for up to six hours to get tested for COVID-19. Some test sites in New York City have reported having to stop testing for several hours, because they have run out of tests.

Others - such as branches of the City MD clinics - have been forced to close, because they do not have enough staff to keep up with the pace of demand.

Governors across the country appear to have been caught off guard, and are now scrambling to catch up and prevent further chaos.

Biden expressed regret about not ordering the rapid, at-home tests sooner.

'I wish I had thought about ordering' 500 million at-home tests 'two months ago,' he told Muir.

Massive lines have formed around the country for Americans to receive free at-home rapid COVID testing kits ahead of the holidays. Pictured: City residents wait in line in Philadelphia for their kits

He defended, however, his upbeat message earlier in the year.

In July, Biden told the country that a corner had been turned in the fight against COVID.

He said he did not regret the comments, and stressed that it was an ongoing fight.

'How are we going to do this? Are we certainly going to be able to overcome the Delta - excuse me, the virus, COVID-19?

'The answer is: the expectation is yes, because we have the best scientists in the world.

'We move so rapidly compared to other countries.

'But we don't know, we don't know for certain, so that's why.'

Biden praised in his interview the 200 million Americans who are fully vaccinated

Cases have been surging in several hot spots, including Hawaii, Florida, Texas and New York as the Omicron variant spreads like wildfire across the country

On Tuesday, Biden announced new measures to address the prevailing coronavirus pandemic as the latest variant interrupts thousands of Americans' holiday plans.

During his remarks Tuesday - and in his interview that aired Wednesday - the president assured vaccinated Americans who test negative that they can safely celebrate Christmas with their families this year, claiming the spike in cases is not indicative of another lockdown to come.

'The docs who advise me on this are still saying if you are tested, if you know where you are in terms of having gotten your shots, there's no reason you can't get together with your family and your friends.

'And we couldn't do that last Christmas,' Biden told Muir.

Asked why there was no vaccine mandate to get on a plane, Biden said he had considered it, but ruled it out.

'It's been considered but the recommendation I've gotten, it's not necessary,' Biden said.

'Even with Omicron. That's the recommendation I got so far from the team.'

The president acknowledged during his Tuesday remarks, from the White House, that it can be hard to get an appointment for COVID testing  coughing into his hand as he made the point, as well as at another point during his remarks.

Biden snapped when asked Tuesday if it was a failure that more tests weren't available after experts who have advised the administration for months warned the nation needs a surge of kits.

'No, it's not,' he shot back.

'Because COVID is spreading so rapidly  notice it just happened almost overnight, just in the last month.'
The National Rifle Association (NRA) chief who claimed he was given free use of a yacht because his 'life was in imminent danger' allegedly used the boat for personal reasons, including his niece's wedding, during his six summer voyages in the Caribbean.

CEO Wayne LaPierre reportedly spent a week in July 2013 cruising around the Bahamas with his niece, Colleen Sterner and her now-husband, Terry, in a yacht owned by NRA contractor David McKenzie, who was also a close confidant of LaPierre's.

LaPierre, who was questioned about his use of the yacht in 2020 after being sued by New York Attorney General Letitia James, claimed his travels - which took place during the summers of 2013 to 2018 - were 'security retreats' after his life was threatened.

However, the CEO neglected to disclose how they used to boat to attend Sterner's Atlantis wedding, the New Yorker reported.

Instead, while under oath, LaPierre testified he was 'under presidential threat without presidential security' and McKenzie offered the boat as 'refuge.'

The misleading testimony could bolster James' case against the organization, which she is seeking to have dissolved and its $200million assets redistributed.

James says the NRA's top leaders had illegally diverted millions of dollars away from the charitable mission of the organization 'for personal use by senior leadership.'

LaPierre and the organization have denied all wrongdoing.

NRA CEO Wayne LaPierre (pictured in 2013) said he was given free use of a yacht because his 'life was in imminent danger'. Now officials claim he used the boat for personal reasons, including his niece's wedding, during his six summer voyages in the Caribbean

Sterner - who LaPierre and his wife, Susan, consider to be like a daughter - was wed in a 'small' and 'private' ceremony in the Bahamas on July 16, 2013. The LaPierres were among those in attendance.

The LaPierres and the Sterners are also accused of cruising around the Caribbean on McKenzie's 108-foot yacht for an undisclosed amount of time. While it is unknown how long their free voyage lasted, it was worth thousands of dollars.

According to a charity brochure obtained by the magazine, a four-night cruise on the ship - which has four staterooms, a waterslide and hydraulic swim platform - is valued at more than $75,000.

However, depute being required by both the NRA and New York state law, LaPierre failed to list 2013 voyage, as well as his other summer cruises, on the organization's internal disclosure forms for nearly a decade, AG James alleged.

He only revealed the travels in spring 2021 ahead of his scheduled testimony.

The CEO explained he did not consider the move to be 'a conflict back then' as he viewed the yacht as a 'security issue with my family, with myself.'

Despite LaPierre's alleged nondisclosure, attorney William A. Brewer III, who is representing the NRA in its legal battle with James, said in October: 'The NRA understands that Mr. LaPierre answered truthfully about his travel to and use of the yacht.Any suggestion to the contrary is reckless and misleading.'

Brewer also argued that 'in the N.R.A.'s view,' LaPierre is 'honoring all of his professional obligations to the association  operating with transparency and a commitment to good governance.'

James has also accused LaPiere of lying making misleading statements under oath about the yacht and Sterner.

CEO Wayne LaPierre spent a week in July 2013 cruising around the Bahamas with his niece, Colleen Sterner and her now-husband, Terry, in a yacht owned by NRA contractor David McKenzie, who was also a close confidant of LaPierre's (Pictured: McKenzie's yacht)

However, the CEO neglected to disclose how they used to boat to attend Sterner's Atlantis wedding. Instead, while under oath, LaPierre testified he was 'under presidential threat without presidential security' and McKenzie offered the boat as 'refuge' (Pictured: Laura and David McKenzie in 2018)

The CEO, who hired his niece in 2015 to help with the NRA's Women's Leadership Forum (WLF), testified Sterner was an 'integral employee' in the organization.

Tyler Schropp, who oversees NRA fundraising efforts argued Sterner is an 'extraordinary and valuable employee' who manages 'national events that make a positive impact on the NRA, its members, and its mission.'

He claimed Sterner played a 'leading role' in producing the WLF's 2015 summit. However, her former colleagues alleged she actually did very little work.

'I'd never met Colleen before the event started, but [Susan LaPiere] had mentioned she'd be part of the staff. She didn't work at headquarters, and she wasn't on the regular planning calls or meetings that we had. Her status was never clear to me,' a summit organizer - speaking anonymously - told the New Yorker.

Internal NRA records indicate Sterner provided 'registration support as needed' and served as the point of contact for a trap and skeet shooting activity.

She is said to have attended expensive luncheons and retreats at luxury resorts, as well as enjoy costly perks such as private jets.

LaPierre claimed his niece's employment and the expenses she accrued carried legitimate business purpose, contradicting statements from other NRA employees who said Sterner completed menial tasks and was often absent from the workplace.

James, questioning the perks afforded to Sterner, referenced an August 2016 private flight in her complaint.

The attorney general alleged LaPiere authorized the NRA to pay for an $11,000 private flight from Dallas to Nebraska, where Sterner was residing, for his niece and her husband.

When questioned about it during his testimony, LaPiere said: 'Our annual meeting was coming up down there. She was working on the Women's Leadership Forum with people in Dallas and . . . it's the advantage of the NRA to have her . . . do that work.'

He added that commercial flights to the family's 'remote corner of the state' were limited.

LaPierre, who was questioned about his use of the yacht in 2020 after being sued by New York Attorney General Letitia James (pictured in Dec. 2021), claimed his travels - which took place during the summers of 2013 to 2018 - were 'security retreats' after his life was threatened

LaPierre (pictured in Feb. 2020) and the organization have denied all wrongdoing

In January 2017, Sterner and a small WLF contingent - which included Susan LaPierre - attended the Safari Club International convention in Las Vegas.

LaPierre 'authorized a private jet to pick up' his niece's husband in Nebraska and fly him to Nevada.

He justified the expense by saying Sterner was busy 'working the entire time' she attended the convention and that her husband was needed to 'help babysit' their daughter 'because there was nobody else to do it.'

Meanwhile, other staffers allege there was 'absolutely no indication' Sterner actually worked the convention.

'Colleen was not involved in the planning of, or participation in, any event or donor visits,' one staffer said. 'If she and her husband were there, neither of them had a hand in helping coordinate donor activities, events, or soliciting items for the annual auction.'

'There were corporate-relations individuals who needed to be at events during show season and had children at home. They were never offered any enhanced accommodation, let alone traveling by private jet with their spouse and child,' the staffer added.

An NRA spokesperson, again defending the expense, responded with: 'It is common practice at the NRAand, indeed, other organizationsthat not every employee attends events and social functions as registrants or special guests.

'Some employees work behind the scenes while others work the show floor. It is clear that whoever is pushing this narrative doesn't appreciate the 'invisible hands' that often make these events successful.'

Meanwhile, LaPierre has defended the trips he, his wife and niece have taken on the NRA's dime, arguing they were vital to the organization.

'Any time I get the two of them together anywhere, there is a benefit for the NRA,' LaPierre testified.

'I mean, did they enjoy being there, yeah. I mean, on the other hand, did [the] NRA get a benefit out of them being together, yes, absolutely.'

However, NRA employees who worked with the family argued 'no staffers knew there was any WLF planning in the Bahamas.'

Another alleged any planning done in the Caribbean 'was not shared with the WLF team'.

Susan LaPierre has recently stepped down as co-chair of the WLF, while Sterner continues to work for the NRA.

In wake of this investigation, Sterner said: 'I have no idea why there is a fixation on my wedding, but it feels personally harassing.'

The NRA Board of Directors re-elected LaPierre to his position as the group's chief executive officer in October - despite the scandal over the group's financing.

The vote came as the NRA continued to face the lawsuit James filed the year prior, accusing the group's leadership of using the organization as their 'personal piggy bank' for years.

Sterner - who LaPierre and his wife, Susan, consider to be like a daughter - was wed in a 'small' and 'private' ceremony in the Bahamas on July 16, 2013. The LaPierres were among those in attendance (Pictured: Atlantis Island Resort hotel)

In wake of this investigation, Sterner said: 'I have no idea why there is a fixation on my wedding, but it feels personally harassing' (Pictured: Atlantis Paradise Resort in Nassau, Bahamas - where Sterner's wedding was held)

The suit came after the NRA filed for bankruptcy in January as part of a restructuring plan in a failed bid to leave New York in favor of Texas.

The organization claimed the move would help it escape what it called a corrupt political and regulatory environment in New York. The NRA has been incorporated in New York since 1871, although its headquarters are in Fairfax, Virginia.

In May, a federal judge denied the group's bankruptcy petition, arguing that it had been filed in bad faith, and slammed LaPierre's conduct as 'nothing less than shocking'.

The decision by US Bankruptcy Judge Harlin Hale, outlined in a 33-page ruling, marked a major blow to the NRA after the month-long bankruptcy trial, and meant the group could not use bankruptcy to reorganize in the gun-friendly Lone Star state and remain incorporated in New York.

It also cleared the way for James' lawsuit to continue through the courts.
Joe Biden's junior staff are reportedly burnt out and demoralized, with the team lacking any camaraderie and isolated from their colleagues.

White House employees told Politico that morale is low, echoing months of complaints made by staff working for Vice President Kamala Harris.

Harris has had four senior members of her team resign in recent weeks.

Biden's staff told the site on Wednesday that they too were unhappy, blaming the lack of team spirit and poor management in the midst of the pandemic.

They were particularly hurt by being excluded, they said, from holiday traditions like the pardon of the Thanksgiving turkey and tours of the White House Christmas decorations.

'It's also hypocritical and ironic that a president whose brand is built on empathy and family has staff policies that fly in the face of that brand,' one staff member told the outlet.

'It's not a good look, and it's emblematic of how this place runs.'

Joe Biden, seen on Tuesday holding a press conference to discuss COVID, is now being accused of presiding over an unhappy work place

The National Christmas Tree is seen on Wednesday in front of the White House. Staff members were angry at not being invited to the lighting ceremony

Biden is seen in January holding a meeting with senior aides and officials

They said that staff was divided among Biden's inner circle, who have been working with the 79-year-old president for decades, and those on the outside, who felt forgotten.

Several staff members said they were speaking out to Politico in the hope of raising awareness among their bosses.

They said they expect to see an exodus in January, on the anniversary of Biden taking power, when it was acceptable to move on.

Those who spoke out said the pandemic was partly to blame, but senior staff and managers had not done enough to minimize the effects.

They said there were informal happy hours and group dinners, but the efforts to build rapport had 'largely not done the trick,' Politico reported.

'A lot of the natural coordination that happens in a typically functioning White House has been lost, and there has been no proactive effort to make up for it through intentional team building,' said one White House official.

They were particularly irked by the way the Biden administration handled the usual perks of holiday parties.

The staff members were also upset at not being allowed to tour the Christmas decorations, while outsiders were

Staff members were angry at not being invited to the annual Thanksgiving turkey pardon

At the July 4 celebrations, most White House staff could only attend if they worked as unpaid volunteers staffing the event.

For the Thanksgiving turkey pardoning, the Christmas tree lighting, and the tours of Christmas decorations inside the building, attendance was doled out via a lottery system, leaving out many White House aides.

'No one expects business as usual during the pandemic, but it's beyond demoralizing, it's insulting  especially when you see DNC and Hill staff and other D.C. types get invited,' said a White House official.

'Many colleagues have brought this up to me unprompted.

'And I've had D.C. friends ask me if I wanted to grab coffee after they attended.

'Meanwhile, we work here, and most of us haven't worked here before or stepped foot into the White House.'

The White House has not commented on their claims.

At the beginning of the month, Harris was branded a 'bully' who inflicted 'constant-soul destroying criticism' on her office staff, in a damaging expose by The Washington Post.

Four of her staff members have quit in recent weeks - Symone Sanders, her spokeswoman; Ashley Etienne, Harris' communications director; Peter Velz, director of press operations, and Vince Evans, deputy director of the Office of Public Engagement and Intergovernmental Affairs.

Symone Sanders (left), Harris' senior adviser and chief spokesperson, will leave the White House by the end of the this month. Her departure comes after Ashley Etienne (right), Harris' former communications director, left last month

Two more staffers, Peter Velz (left) and Vince Evans (right), are reportedly eying exits, The Washington Post reported

The piece - a result of interviews with 18 people connected to the vice president - also alleges that she'd fail to read briefings they'd prepared, only to turn on them if she was subsequently criticized for being unprepared.

'It's clear that you're not working with somebody who is willing to do the prep and the work,' a former colleague told the Washington Post.

'With Kamala you have to put up with a constant amount of soul-destroying criticism and also her own lack of confidence.'

People familiar with the office dynamics told Politico that even more 'key members of Harris' orbit' are 'eyeing the exits' and have expressed interest in leaving less than a year into her vice presidency.

Harris' poll numbers have tanked to the high 20s, with top Democrats said to be appalled at the idea of her running for president in 2024 should Biden decide not to seek a second term.

Harris tamped down rumors of tension as she addressed Sanders' departure during a gaggle on her trip to North Carolina in mid December.

'I love Symone,' the vice president said. 'And I mean that sincerely.

'I can't wait to see what she will do next. I know that it's been three years jumping on and off planes, going around the country,' Harris continued.

Sanders joined Biden's presidential campaign in 2019.

Harris declined to answer further questions on the wave of departures.

'Well, I told you how I feel about Symone,' Harris said.

Sanders previously served as national press secretary to Bernie Sanders' campaign in 2016 and was a senior advisor to the Biden campaign.
AT&T - All employees must be vaccinated

Alaska Airlines - All US-based employees had to be vaccinated by Dec 8 and the airline offered a $200 incentive to get the shots

American Airlines - All US-based employees must be vaccinated by Jan 4 or face termination

American Express - Employees and company visitors at US offices had to be fully vaccinated by Nov 18 although remote work remained optional. When AmEx fully reopens its offices on Jan 24, all workers are expected to be vaccinated and there will not be a mandatory Covid-testing program.

Ascension Health - All employees had to be vaccinated by Nov 12, including those working remotely

Capital One - All employees had to be vaccinated before returning to work after offices reopened on Nov 2. Employees working from home could choose to remain unvaccinated and were 'supported in doing do,' as stated in a company announcement

Centene Corporation - All employees must provide proof of vaccination or undergo regular Covid-19 testing and wear masks at all times in the office

Chevron - Expatriate employees, workers traveling internationally, and employees on US-flagged ships must be vaccinated. Offshore workers in the Gulf of Mexico must be vaccinated by Nov 1

Cisco - All office workers must be vaccinated

Citigroup - All employees working in major cities had to be vaccinated by Sept 13

CNN - All employees must be vaccinated and three have already been fired for violating the policy

CVS - Pharmacists had to be vaccinated by Nov 30 and corporate workers had to be vaccinated by Oct 31, with exemptions for medical and religious reasons

Deloitte - All employees had to be vaccinated by Oct 11

Delta Air Lines - All employees must be vaccinated or pay an additional $200 per month for their company-sponsored healthcare plan

Disney - Disney announced that cast members must be fully vaccinated by Oct 22 but in November retracted the mandate after Florida Gov Ron DeSantis signed a law prohibiting companies from forcing vaccines on workers

DoorDash - All corporate employees working in person must be vaccinated

Envision Healthcare - All employees must be vaccinated by Nov 1 despite medical and religious exemptions

Equinox - New York City employees and members must be vaccinated beginning in September

Facebook - All US office workers must be vaccinated but employees will not be required to work in person until January 2022

Ford - All employees who travel for international business must be vaccinated and a mask mandate was reinstated at all facilities on Aug 3

Frontier Airlines - All employees must be vaccinated by Oct 1 or undergo weekly Covid-19 testing

General Electric - As of December the vaccine mandate has been suspended in response to a US District Court judge's decision to issue a preliminary injunction on President Biden's order demanding all federal contractors be vaccinated by Jan 18

Gilead Sciences - All US employees and contractors must be vaccinated by Oct 1 unless exempt for medical and religious reasons

Goldman Sachs - All office staff and visitors must be vaccinated and will be subjected to regular Covid-19 testing starting September 7, with no exemptions

Google - All office workers must be vaccinated

Hawaii Airlines - All employees must be vaccinated by Nov 1, but could apply for medical or religious exemptions and instead undergo regular Covid-19 testing

Hess - Employees who work in the Gulf of Mexico must be vaccinated by Nov 1

IBM - All US employees had to be vaccinated by Dec 8 - unless exemptions for medical or religious reasons - or face unpaid suspensions

JetBlue Airways - All US employees had to be vaccinated by Jan 4 unless exempt for medical or religious reasons

Johnson and Johnson - All US employees must be vaccinated by Oct 4 unless exempt for medical or religious reason

Lyft - All office workers must be vaccinated

McDonalds - All US employees, excluding those at corporate or franchise restaurants, must be vaccinated by Oct 11

MGM Resorts - Salaried office employees must be vaccinated by Oct 15 and new office employees must be vaccinated starting Aug 30. Las Vegas employees must undergo regular Covid-19 testing

Microsoft - All office workers and guests must be vaccinated by Oct 4

Moderna - All US employees must be vaccinated by October

Morgan Stanley - All employees must be vaccinated by Oct 1

Netflix - Anyone working in or visiting the company's offices must be vaccinated

Northwestern Mutual - All office workers must be vaccinated with exemptions for medical or religious reason

Norwegian Cruise Line - All crew and passengers must be vaccinated at least two weeks before boarding

Pfizer - All US employees and contractors must be vaccinated or undergo weekly Covid-19 testing

Politico - All employees must be vaccinated

Saks Fifth Avenue - All office employees must be vaccinated

Salesforce - All office workers must be vaccinated

The New York Times - All office workers must be vaccinated

The Washington Post - All employees must be vaccinated by Sept 13

TJX - Only Home and Regional Office Associates must be vaccinated by Nov 1 with medical and religious exemptions

Twitter - All office workers in San Francisco and New York must be vaccinated

Tyson Foods - All US employees must be vaccinated by Oct 1 and other staffers by Nov 1 with medical and religious exemptions

Uber - All office workers must be vaccinated

United Airlines - All US employees must be vaccinated by Oct 25 with medical and religious exemptions

UPS - All headquarters and office building employees must be vaccinated by Oct 1

Walgreens - All workers in support offices must be vaccinated by Sept 30 or undergo weekly Covid-19 testing

Walmart - All staff at its headquarters and managers traveling within the US must be vaccinated by Oct 4, with medical and religious exemptions
The number of untreated strokes is likely to rise this winter because of the Omicron variant, a charity has warned.

Potential stroke victims are delaying seeking medical attention because they are reluctant to burden the NHS and worry about catching Covid in hospital, says The Stroke Association.

The charity fears a drop in hospital admissions for strokes similar to that seen at the start of the pandemic.

The number of untreated strokes is likely to rise this winter because of the Omicron variant, a charity has warned (file image)

A survey found nearly a third of those who survived a stroke between March and June last year said they delayed seeking medical attention due to Covid.

During this period, acute stroke admissions fell 10.3 per cent in England, Wales and Northern Ireland  the equivalent of more than 2,000 admissions.

This year, the added impact of reported ambulance delays is likely to intensify feelings of being a burden on the NHS, says the charity.

Data also shows that this year more people are living with unmanaged high blood pressure and other major stroke risk factors, says the charity.

This year, the added impact of reported ambulance delays is likely to intensify feelings of being a burden on the NHS, says the charity: Pictured: Ambulance staff arrive with a patient at St Thomas' Hospital in London on December 19

Juliet Bouverie of the Stroke Association said: 'When Covid cases rise as quickly as they are doing now, that sets off alarm bells.

'We know that people get scared to go to hospital when cases rise but stroke is a life-threatening condition.

'Fear of catching Covid and feeling like a burden on the NHS stopped people calling 999 in the past.

'This is likely to be even worse this Christmas due to the news about ambulance delays.'
Some parts of the West Coast could see a white Christmas after all, as heavy snow is predicted for areas with higher elevation in the region that could pile up as high as 10 feet.

The snowy weekend storm is predicted to hit regions in close proximity to sea level, including in Washington and Oregon, as well as the central Sierra Nevada Mountains.

The upcoming wintry storm will follow heavy precipitation expected in the region between Wednesday and Thursday.

The moist Pacific Northwestern climate provides rare opportunity for snow this time of year, as the odds of such weather is between 1 to 3 percent.

Holiday travel conditions for other areas in the U.S. are expected to remain normal as warmer than usual weather is expected, particularly in the Southern region.

Wintery conditions are expected to reach the US West Coast during the upcoming holiday weekend as a mix of rain and snow are expected

Heavy precipitation is predicted in lower elevations of the region with warnings of possible flash floods and mudslides in effect

The Sierra Nevada, which translates in Spanish to 'snowy mountain range,' is no stranger to winter weather.

Road conditions during holiday travel in the region are expected to be hazardous due to the large quantity of snow predicted.

'Travel across the Sierra will be difficult to impossible at times through the holiday weekend,' the Reno weather service office said, according to CNN.

Snowy conditions are also expected toward the Intermountain West region, which includes Utah, Idaho, Colorado, Wyoming and Montana.

In addition, two feet of snow is also predicted for the mountainous regions in Washington and Oregon with elevations up to 5,000 feet.

Yosemite National Park along the Sierra Nevada Crest which is predicted to see up to 10 feet of snow this weekend

A National Weather Service announcement for Sacramento detailing the possibility of high levels of snow as well as traveling hazards

Areas with lower elevations are expected to be hit with ranging levels of precipitation.

California is expected to be hit with heavy rain, with the exception of mountainous regions, with several inches possible.

Instances of flash flooding and mudslides are also possible in lower elevation regions with about one to three inches of rain expected, according to CNN.

Despite the onslaught of wet and stormy weather, these conditions are being embraced in the Western region after experiencing a lengthy drought period.

In a seven-day span, California recently saw its average snowpack surge from just 18 percent to 98 percent, which means the total snow accumulation for this time of year is around normal.

In a seven-day span, California recently saw its average snowpack surge from just 18 percent to 98 percent, which means the total snow accumulation for this time of year is around normal

A California homeowner prepares for future rain and mudslides by creating a barrier around his home

Snowpack is snow that lies on the ground in mountainous areas. When the weather gets warmer, the snowpack melts and flows into lakes and reservoirs where it becomes an important source of freshwater.

The snowpack atop the Sierra Nevada is critical for California because it supplies around 30 percent of the states water.

While snowpack increased in California, other drought-stricken states in the West continue to experience severe water shortages, including New Mexico, Colorado, Utah, Montana, Wyoming and Nevada.

Meanwhile, atmospheric rivers are expected to hit the Northwest this weekend. They water vapor and are responsible for the supply of the substance in about half the region.

Other regions of the country are expected to see fairly normal traveling conditions

The atmospheric river is forecast to be a Category 3 in California and a 5 in Baja California, Mexico.

Conditions for the rest of the U.S. remain fairly mild with temperatures expected to be warmer than usual in the southern region.

Temperatures are expected to reach between the 70s and 80s in some regions and in the 90s closer to the Texas-Mexico border.

Cities such as Oklahoma City will peak at around 80 degrees on Christmas Eve with a projected record set for 83 degrees in Dallas, according to the Washington Post.

The effects of climate change have tampered with the possibility of a future white Christmas in some regions, as warmer weather patterns are continuing to be across the nation.

According the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 18 out of the country's largest 25 cities have seen their rate of white Christmas's drop in the last decade.
Victorians have been ordered to wear face masks in all indoor public spaces as part of major changes to the state's social distancing measures.

Beginning on Friday, face coverings will be mandatory for patrons at cafes, restaurants and pubs in a bid to stem the spread of the new Omicron Covid variant, Deputy Premier James Merlino said.

Residents attending major events with more than 30,000 spectators will also have to wear a face mask. Mr Merlino said Victorians should also now work from home if they can and urged hospitality venues to switch to a seated-only service to reduce transmission.

In a major moment for the state, Mr Merlino also ruled out introducing a further lockdown - Melbourne having suffered through a world record 262 days during the pandemic, because the state's residents have been vaccinated record numbers.

'It means that we are not considering going into lockdown and this is the commitment that we gave to the people of Victoria,' he said.

Victoria today confirmed another 2,005 new infections and ten deaths - up from the 1,503 cases recorded the day before.

Victorians have been ordered to wear face masks in all indoor public spaces from 11.59pm on Thursday night. Pictured is a commuter getting on a tram on Collins Street, Melbourne

VICTORIA'S NEW COVID-19 RULES AND ADVICE From 11.59pm Thursday: Face masks are mandatory in all indoor settings in Victoria, except private homes, for anyone aged eight or over. Face masks are required at all major events with more than 30,000 people. Victorians should work from home if they can. Hospitality venues are recommended to switch to a seated-only service. Advertisement

The announcement marks the first significant change in Covid restrictions in any state since an emergency national cabinet meeting convened on Wednesday to discuss the hyper-contagious strain.

The deputy premier said the changes were 'modest measures' that would protect the state's health system from the recent surge in infections.

'Masks have a very small individual cost for us,' Mr Merlino said. 'They have a terrific impact on transmission - that is as true for Omicron as for any variant.'

Premier Daniel Andrews did not appear at Thursday's Covid press conference but did briefly interrupt his holiday to attend Wednesday's national cabinet meeting.

There are 398 Victorians receiving care in hospital with 72 in intensive care, a small increase from 394 in hospital and 70 in ICU on Wednesday.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison this week urged states not to re-introduce mask mandates, saying Australians should by this point in the pandemic know when and when not to wear a face covering.

'Wear a mask in an indoor setting. You don't need to be forced to do it,' he said.

Shoppers walk across Collins Street in Melbourne on December 22. Covid-19 case numbers are on the increase across the state with 2,005 new infections and ten deaths reported on Thursday

'Think of Christmas Day when youre going to see elderly relatives, and wear a mask  its pretty simple.'

Mr Merlino's NSW counterpart Dominic Perrottet has refused to bring back a sweeping indoor mask mandate - despite many health experts recommending residents continue wearing the face coverings indoors.

NSW on Thursday recorded 5,715 new Covid-19 cases - a daily record - and one death just two days before Christmas.

Pictured: Victorian Chief Health Officer Brett Sutton. Deputy Premier James Merlino urged hospitality venues to switch to a seated-only service to reduce transmission

The jump in cases in NSW - which is nearly 2,000 more than the 3,763 infections reported on Wednesday - comes after a major backflip on restrictions in the state with millions once again required to check into venues via QR codes.

Premier Dominic Perrottet had last week scrapped the QR check-ins for 'low risk' venues such as retail and kept them in place for 'high risk' settings like gyms and pubs.

On Thursday the NSW premier will announce the policy reversal following Covid crisis talks with fellow state leaders and Prime Minister Scott Morrison.

Residents attending major events with more than 30,000 spectators will also have to wear a face mask. Pictured are Melbourne Demons fans during the AFL Grand Final in Perth on September 25

Melburnians pictured outside Melbourne Town Hall on December 22. NSW has meanwhile suffered its worst day of the pandemic with 5,715 new Covid-19 cases

The government is also looking at providing free rapid antigen tests to help curb the spread of the virus as well as relieving pressure off medical workers.

Australia's PCR testing sites have been overwhelmed by travellers trying to get tested before going on holiday.

Switching to rapid antigen would slash these numbers and stop testing sites being overwhelmed by the 'worried well' and delay testing for those who are feeling sick.

'People have come forward to get tested in record numbers, which is important to help keep people and the community safe, but we need to make sure our testing clinics are there for people who really need it,' Mr Perrottet said.

'Providing rapid-antigen testing kits for those who want to do the right thing will help take the pressure of our testing clinics, while giving people confidence to get on with their lives.'
Queensland's top doctor has declared that Covid needs to spread around the state after almost two years of keeping the disease out with border closures.

Chief Health Officer Dr John Gerrard said Queenslanders must build up immunity by either getting vaccinated or catching Covid - the latter which requires greater transmission.

Dr Gerrard said the spread of the Omicron variant was 'inevitable' after the state opened its borders to the rest of Australia earlier this month.

'This Omicron variant is extremely contagious, not only is the spread of this virus inevitable, it is necessary,' Dr Gerrard said.

'In order for us to go to a pandemic phase, to an endemic phase, the virus has to be widespread.

'You all have to develop immunity and there's two ways you can do that, by being vaccinated or getting infected.

'Once we've done that, once we all have degree of immunity, the virus becomes endemic, and that is what is going to happen.'

An endemic virus is one that is relatively constant in the population, like flu.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk on Tuesday announced 369 new Covid cases - a record for the state - and warned Gold Coast residents to lift the vaccination rate on the tourist strip.

The doubling in numbers follows the 186 cases announced yesterday.

Ms Palaszczuk said 33,761 tests had been conducted by Queensland Health in the past 24 hours.

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk announced another steep rise in the state's Covid numbers to 369 new cases

Vaccination rates had reached 90.1 percent of eligible Queenslanders with one dose and 85.26 percent fully vaccinated.

She urged people on the Gold Coast to get vaccinated as the tourist strip lagged behind state averages.

'I'm still worried that vaccine coverage is not high enough here on the Gold Coast, which is one of the reasons we're doing this press conference here today,' Ms Palaszczuk said.

'Across the south-east of our state, essentially every area is above 90 per cent except the Gold Coast region.

Those with a first dose of a vaccine on the Gold Coast is currently at 88.8 per cent.

'It is absolutely imperative that we drive up the vaccination rates on the Gold Coast.'

Ms Palaszczuk said there will be no change to current border arrangements and that 'the roadmap stands'.

'Our response is we have always kept Queenslanders safe and the measures in place were the measures outlined in the road map and the road map stands.

'Also, I'm concerned on the Gold Coast that we do not have the high rates of vaccination needed in a tourist destination.

'There are thousands of people coming here from New South Wales and from Victoria where the virus is rampant and they're coming to the Gold Coast and the Gold Coast is exposed because people are not vaccinated.'

Ms Palaszczuk said more than 30,000 people a day were trying to enter Queensland during the holiday period

Ms Palaszczuk said more than 30,000 people a day were trying to enter Queensland during the holiday period.

She took issue with suggestions the state should drop the PCR test requirement for entry to the state before January 1.

'It's not just Queensland, people are travelling all around the nation,' she said. 'People travelling everywhere else need a PCR test.

'It's a bit Sydney-sided at the moment.'

Dr Gerrard said more than 163 people were being managed at home in Queensland with Covid, but were 'not sick' with the virus, while 93 people were in hospital.

Only one patient is in ICU but also has other medical problems.

Dr Gerrard said there was no plan for the Queensland border to close again.

'Nothing has changed. Our roadmap is clear, we're moving forward not backward.'

A further easing of border restrictions, including dropping the requirement for the controversial PCR test within 72 hours of arrival into the state and on day five, is planned for when 90 per cent of Queenslanders are fully vaccinated under the current definition of two doses.

Ms Palaszczuk is under pressure to drop the lab test requirement for travellers after she was accused of causing long queues for testing in NSW and Victoria.

Long testing queues in NSW and Victoria had been blamed on Queensland's requirement of a PCR test for people entering the Sunshine State

A further easing of border restrictions, including dropping the requirement for the controversial PCR test within 72 hours of arrival into the state and on day five, is planned for when 90 per cent of Queenslanders are fully vaccinated

At yesterday's press conference she argued with reporters about the test requirement, claiming only 10 per cent of those queueing for tests in NSW planned to travel to Queensland.

The new cases were detected across the state, including Brisbane, Central Queensland, Gympie, Noosa, Redlands, Southern Downs, Sunshine Coast, Toowoomba, Townsville and the Whitsundays.

The state passed the 90 per cent mark of eligible residents with one dose of a Covid vaccine yesterday.

Ms Palaszczuk said the PCR test requirement would remain for now but that she would consider the use of rapid antigen tests as proof of negative Covid status after January 1.

'We are happy to get some further advice from AHPPC [Australian Health Protection Principal Committee] about rapid antigen tests.

'We're getting some further advice about how they can be administered and how you'd be able to get confirmation [of a negative result].

'If this is approved, we may be able to utilise them in the New Year from 1 January, but between now and the New Year we will require those PCR tests for people coming into our state.

'It's frustrating for people in NSW because there are so many people getting tested, because the variant, Omicron, is rampant in NSW,' she said.

'And guess what, I don't want it rampant in Queensland. I want Queenslanders to have a good, safe New Year.

Queensland Chief Health Office Dr John Gerrard said yesterday that Covid was now 'everywhere'. 'It's happening around the world, we're certainly not unique'

Prime Minister Scott Morrison said yesterday that only one-in-1000 would-be travellers was returning a positive PCR test but that they accounted for about 25 per cent of those lining up at Covid clinics.

The fear is that those testing for travel are causing those who genuinely have Covid symptoms to give up on being tested because of the delays.

The continuing rise in cases since Queensland reopened its border to visitors from interstate hotspots on December 13 prompted an extension of the state's mask mandate yesterday.

From 5am today, workers and patrons at theatres and cinemas will be required to wear masks, while staff in hospitality venues such as pubs and restaurants will also have to mask up.

Masks are already mandated in supermarkets and other retail, as well as public transport and rideshares.

'We want to keep our restaurants and our cafes and everything operating over Christmas and New Year,' she said.

Queensland relaxed quarantine requirements for double vaccinated close contacts of Covid-19 cases on Tuesday, halving the isolation period from 14 days to a week.
A 31-year-old man is facing jail after police found more than 1million in counterfeit notes stashed in suitcases in his flat.

Detectives from the Met's Specialist Crime Command raided Emil Bogdan Savastru's home in Bow, east London, in January last year.

During their search, they found a bag with hundreds of what appeared to be 50 and 200 euro notes stuffed in large cases.

Officers shared the notes with the Bank of England, who examined them and confirmed they were phoney.

Detectives from the Met's Specialist Crime Command raided Emil Bogdan Savastru's home in Bow, east London, in January last year

During their search, they found a bag with hundreds of what appeared to be 50 and 200 euro notes stuffed in large cases

Officers shared the notes with the Bank of England, who examined them and confirmed they were phoney

Later the same day, Savastru was arrested at London Heathrow Airport while waiting to board a flight to Japan after documents he left at the scene linked him to the crime.

When questioned, he refused to explain how the notes were in his possession, where he had got them from, or what he was planning to do with them.

A jury at Isleworth Crown Court this week found Savastru guilty of one count of having custody or control of a counterfeit note.

Detective Constable Andrew Payne, who led the investigation, said: 'Our proactive operation means we have been able to take a significant quantity of counterfeit notes out of circulation.

'Without a doubt, these notes would have been used to commit further crimes across the UK.

'This successful prosecution relied heavily on the close working between the Met and the Bank of England, leaving little doubt that Savastru was guilty of these offences.

'Counterfeit currency in the UK harms the economy and has a real, significant impact on businesses who take possession of it unknowingly. As this prosecution shows, we will take action against anyone engaged in this type of criminality.'

Savastru will be sentenced at the same court on February 10.
New daily COVID-19 infections have again skyrocketed across Australia's two most populous states as calls grow for booster shots to be sped up.

Additional federal payments to GPs and pharmacies of $10 per booster jab will be provided to bolster Australia's rollout as NSW and Victoria record a combined 7720 new daily infections.

'Basically, what it (the payment) does is reverses the cuts that were in place for the funding of booster doses relative to the funding of the second primary dose,' Pharmacy Guild of Australia president Trent Twomey told ABC TV on Thursday.

GPs and pharmacists will be given an extra $10 for each booster vaccine they administer

'This is not about making money. This is about putting on enough staff that have enough resources to be able to replicate what is being done in those big vaccination hubs.'

The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation has not yet made a decision about whether to shorten the gap between second and third vaccine doses from five months, to three or four.

Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese is keen for the time frame to be cut.

'Quite clearly, all the medical advice from overseas and the experience that we have is that it should be,' he told the Nine Network.

'And I am sure that ATAGI will come up with that recommendation.'

Mr Albanese also thinks Australians will inevitably be required to have a booster jab to be considered fully vaccinated, something ATAGI is also looking at.

Vaccine rollout coordinator Lieutenant General John Frewen has reassured people the country has enough booster shots, even if there are hiccups with distribution.

'There's right now more supply than the requirement,'he told ABC TV.

The country has 20 million vaccines in stock. About five million are in fridges at GPs, pharmacies and state hubs.

More than half of Australians eligible for a booster have received one.

Meanwhile, the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee has recommended strongly masks be worn indoors across the board.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison supports this but insists people don't need a mask mandate.

Mandates will remain in the remit of individual states and territories.

The AHPPC is due to report back to federal, state and territory leaders on recommended national definitions and requirements for virus contacts within a fortnight.

It's also preparing advice about the use of traditional clinic and at-home rapid antigen tests as cases continue to climb and people rush to meet pre-travel testing requirements.

The NSW government is looking at mailing households free rapid antigen tests after reporting 5715 new daily infections and one more death on Thursday.

There are also suggestions it's considering whether to make unvaccinated residents foot the bill if they require hospital treatment for COVID-19.

This has been condemned by health experts including the Royal Australasian College of General Practitioners.

'This is the whole basis of being a civil society. We do look after the most vulnerable,'' its president Karen Price told ABC radio.

Victoria recorded 2005 new daily COVID-19 infections and 10 additional deaths, while there were 26 new cases in Tasmania.

On Wednesday, both Queensland and the ACT recorded daily case highs of 186 and 58, respectively. South Australia recorded 198 new infections.
Tesla has come under fire over the quality of its vegan leather upholstery.

Drivers have complained that the electric car company isnt addressing problems with the material deforming and bubbling.

The firm uses synthetic leather which is not sourced from animals.

Tesla has come under fire over the quality of its vegan leather upholstery

Many Teslas imported into the UK are now being retrofitted with actual leather following the complaints, The Times reported.

The firm, owned by Elon Musk, claims it is not liable as the issue is not a manufacturing defect.

Owners of the electric vehicles claim they have been told the bubbling is caused by the substitute leather reacting to lotions, hair sprays, hand sanitisers and other products used on the hair and skin.

As the cars are exposed to heat a chemical reaction with these products causes the vegan upholstery to expand.

The firm, owned by Elon Musk (pictured), claims it is not liable as the issue is not a manufacturing defect

Reports suggest that the reported defects are appearing most commonly on the headrest - which costs hundreds of pounds to replace.

One member of the online forum Tesla Motors Club, under the name Gidster99, said that she was quoted more than 1,400 to fix bubbling on her seat.

Tesla is said to have advised drivers to wipe clean seats and headrests after every journey and claim they are not liable as the issue is not a manufacturing defect.
Spain will make it compulsory to wear a face mask outdoors again in a bid to contain the fast spreading Omicron variant amid a record surge in Covid-19 cases, Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said.

With nearly 80 per cent of its population vaccinated and a booster programme gathering pace, Spain was largely spared the rampant wave of infections that led several northern European countries to toughen restrictions in the autumn.

But the recent arrival of Omicron has sent numbers rocketing, with a record of around 60,000 new infections on Wednesday, though hospital admissions and intensive-care cases remain fairly low compared to previous COVID-19 waves.

Sanchez's cabinet will hold a special meeting Thursday to approve a law by decree - which does not require a debate or vote in Parliament - that will make it mandatory to wear masks outside from Christmas Eve.

Spain will make it compulsory to wear a face mask outdoors again in a bid to contain the fast spreading Omicron variant amid a record surge in Covid-19 cases

Mandatory outdoor mask-wearing is again set to take force on Christmas Eve, Pictured: People wearing face masks enjoy the Christmas lights in downtown Madrid, Spain on Wednesday

The Prime Minister also announced a raft of other measures, including an offer to deploy the armed forces to help the regions step up their vaccination rollout and put military hospital beds at their disposal if they are needed.

Sanchez said he is targeting 80 per cent of the 60-69 age group to have received booster shots by the end of next week.

Some experts and opposition parties have criticised Sanchez for not reimposing restrictions on movement to due the spread of Omicron, as other European countries such as Portugal or the Netherlands have done, but he rejected this.

'This is not March 2020 or Christmas 2020,' said Sanchez, citing the high vaccination rate of the Spanish population in contrast with those earlier stages of the pandemic when vaccines were not available.

Indoor mask-wearing was already mandatory in Spain and many Spaniards choose to cover their faces outdoors too, although the legal obligation to do so was dropped in June.

But mandatory outdoor mask-wearing is again set to take force on Christmas Eve.

Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez's cabinet will hold a special meeting Thursday to approve a law by decree - which does not require a debate or vote in Parliament - that will make it mandatory to wear masks outside from Christmas Eve

However, Sanchez said there would be numerous exceptions, such as when people are in open spaces with live-in relatives.

The Premier announced the measures at a meeting on Wednesday with the leaders of regional governments after they appealed to him to enforce national measures to stem the spread of the virus.

Spain is reporting almost 700 cases per 100,000 inhabitants over 14 days, more than double the accumulated cases before last year's Christmas holidays. The Omicron strain has soared from 5 per cent of new cases in Spain to 47 per cent within one week.

Still, vaccinations are credited with sparing many people from the virus's worst effects. While last January some 30,000 Covid-19 patients were in the hospital in Spain, now it is fewer than 8,000.

People walk along a commercial street in downtown Madrid, Spain, on Wednesday

Sanchez told the Spanish parliament that 90 per cent of the target population aged 12 and over is fully vaccinated.

He told lawmakers: 'Don't worry, families will be able to celebrate Christmas. Spain has prevailed.'

Sanchez's administration also plans to loosen rules on the type of home-testing kits pharmacies can sell and earmark 292 million euros (247 million) to beef up the struggling primary-care sector, the government said in a statement.

Spain's regions are responsible for their healthcare systems and have the power to limit indoor capacity and business hours, but most have made only non-binding recommendations to citizens.

Stark political differences between the regions complicate any broader agreement on concrete restrictions and mean local approaches to curbing infection vary widely.

Sanchez called Wednesday's meeting to try to coordinate the response to the surge in infections ahead of the Christmas break.

The northeastern region of Catalonia, whose capital is Barcelona, is poised to be the first Spanish region reinstate a nighly curfew.

It has asked the courts to authorise a series of restrictions, including a nighly 1-6 am curfew, the closure of nightclubs and limiting capacity at gyms, restaurants and theatres, from December 24 and lasting 15 days.

In the Madrid region however, the conservative government had pledged to keep the hospitality sector open over the holidays.
Dr. Monica Casper, a dean at San Diego State University

A dean at San Diego State University has described the 'Right's agenda' on Twitter as a 'stench' saying it consists of racism, unintelligence, and inequality.

'Just so we're clear on the Right's agenda: racism good, abortion bad, money good, women bad, capitalism good, sustainability bad, stupidity good, science bad, power good, equality bad, white people good, nonwhite people bad. Stench, indeed,' Dr. Monica Casper, SDSU's dean of the College of Arts and Letters, tweeted.

In other tweets, Dr. Casper wrote about the acquittal of Kenosha shooter Kyle Rittenhouse calling it a victory for 'white supremacy'.

'No mercy, no justice  white supremacy wins again,' she tweeted.

Earlier this month, she reacted to the opening arguments in the Supreme Court which is considering a Mississippi ban on abortions at 15 weeks; and could be used to reverse Roe Vs Wade.

She described the Supreme Court as consisting of: 'Two sexual predators, a white lady, and some racists walk.' She tweeted her observation adding the hashtag 'abortion is healthcare.'

A dean at San Diego State University has described the 'Right's agenda' on Twitter as a 'stench' saying it consists of racism, unintelligence, and inequality

In other tweets, Dr. Casper wrote about the acquittal of Kenosha shooter Kyle Rittenhouse calling it a victory for 'white supremacy'.

Earlier this month, she reacted to the opening arguments in the Supreme Court which is considering a Mississippi abortion ban at 15 weeks; and could be used to reverse Roe V Wade

The outspoken comments have Republicans attending San Diego State College up in arms describing her comments as 'hateful.'

'The tweets reflect the cancerous leftist ideology that has infected not just the average professor, but the upper leadership of our public universities,' Dylan Martin, a spokesperson for the California College Republicans, told CollegeFix, which first reported the tweets.

'This dishonest narrative harms students,' Martin added.

'This isn't isolated to Casper at SDSU, either; this way of thinking and this narrative is being driven by professors across the country every day.'

Casper's bio states she is 'deeply invested in the promise of sociology as a means to understand and change the world.'

Her faculty bio describes her as being focused on feminism, environmental studies, and infant mortality among other topics.

One of her specialties includes 'combating infant mortality in black communities.'

San Diego State has defended the comments made by its faculty member stating educational establishment supports her right to free speech.

'It is important to know that faculty speech is protected by both the First Amendment and academic freedom principles, which are advanced by the American Association of University Professors,' the school said in a statement.

Casper's bio states she is 'deeply invested in the promise of sociology as a means to understand and change the world.' Her faculty bio describes her as being focused on feminism, environmental studies, and infant mortality among other topics

San Diego State University, pictured, has defended the comments made by its faculty member stating educational establishment supports her right to free speech

'At SDSU, we encourage all members of our community, including our faculty, to engage in open discourse, as it is our responsibility as a public institution to uphold and protect free speech.

'We know that open dialogue may introduce conversations about topics that are uncomfortable for some.'

The school told Fox News that it did not want to violate the Constitutional rights of staff or stifle respectful debate noting how they will 'not censor professors for exercising their free speech and for sharing their perspectives and the expertise determined by their own research and scholarship' because it would violate their Constitutional rights and stifle respectful debate.

'We support the free expression of our faculty, students and staff and maintain an environment that is supportive of different perspectives and experiences,' the school said.
A California woman who punched a flight attendant in the face during a flight, chipping her teeth and bloodying her face, pleaded guilty to a federal charge Wednesday, and now could face up to 20 years in prison for the crime, authorities said.

Vyvianna Quinonez, 28, of Sacramento, entered a plea to interfering with a flight attendant face up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine., the US attorney's office said.

However, prosecutors said they probably will recommend a sentence of four months in custody and six months of home confinement, KGTV-TV reported. She will be sentenced in March in San Diego federal court.

Quinonez was on a May 23 Southwest Airlines flight from Sacramento to San Diego when a flight attendant, identified only as S.L, asked her to buckle her seatbelt, stow her tray table and wear her mask properly during the descent - all violations of federal rules and regulations.

The high-profile attack was among 5,779 incidents involving unruly passengers - with 4,156 of those for passengers refusing to wear masks - reported to the Federal Aviation Administration this year.

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Vyvianna Quinonez, 28, from California, has been convicted with federal counts of felony assault and interfering with a flight crew for allegedly attacking a Southwest flight attendant

A viral video shows a passenger identified as Quinonez punching the crew member in the face with a closed fist and pulling her hair (pictured)

A male passenger jumped between the passenger and the flight attendant to stop the assault

FAA, TSA threaten to take away the precheck privilege for anyone who's violent on flights On Tuesday, the FAA and Transportation Security Administration also announced that passengers facing fines for unruly behavior may have their TSA PreCheck privileges revoked. 'TSA has zero tolerance for the unruly behaviors, especially those involving physical assault occurring aboard aircraft,' TSA Administrator David Pekoske said in a statement. 'This partnership with FAA will help ensure the safety and security of all passengers and hold those who violate federal regulations accountable for their actions, he said. If you act out of line, you will wait in line, FAA Administrator Steve Dickson said. Advertisement

Another 300 incidents have involved intoxicated passengers, according to the FAA.

More than $1 million in fines have been doled out to unruly passenger behavior in 2021 alone.

Quinonezs admitted in her plea agreement that she was not wearing her face mask properly at the time of the incident.

Quinonez began recording the attendant on her cellphone, pushed her, then stood up and punched the woman in the face and grabbed her hair before other passengers intervened, authorities said.

The assault was recorded on another passenger's cellphone.

The plea agreement says that the flight attendant suffered three chipped teeth, two of which needed crowns, along with bruises and a cut under her left eye that needed stitches.

'The flight attendant who was assaulted was simply doing her job to ensure the safety of all passengers aboard the plane,' acting United States Attorney Randy Grossman said in the statement.

'It's inexcusable for anyone to use violence on an airplane for any reason.'

The incident marked an escalation in unruly behavior by airline passengers and led the president of the flight attendants' union to ask for more federal air marshals on planes.

Quinonez will also be barred from flying on commercial airlines for three years, according to prosecutors.

On Tuesday, the FAA and Transportation Security Administration also announced that passengers facing fines for unruly behavior may have their TSA PreCheck privileges revoked.

'If you act out of line, you will wait in line,' FAA Administrator Steve Dickson said.

The flight attendant is seen with blood streaming down her face after suffering a cut beneath her right eye that required stitches. Her left eye was bruised and swollen, and she had a bruise in the shape of fingers on her right arm

Quinonez, left, claimed self-defense. She also faces a charge of felony battery causing serious bodily injury in state court

The victim is pictured being taken away by wheelchair en route to a hospital in San Diego

Meanwhile, in September the TSA reinstated flight crew self-defense classes in response to the ongoing violence.

The FAA reports that there were more acts of violence towards flight staff in 2021 than in the entire history of record keeping, which began back in 1995.

'Since the FAA started keeping track of reports of incidents like this on board, we've had more events in 2021 than we've had in the entire history of that record keeping in aviation,' Sara Nelson, president of the AFA and a flight attendant for two decades, told ABC News.
Channel migrants could be electronically tagged upon their arrival in Britain under tough new plans to deter the dangerous crossings.

Ministers hope the proposals would help stifle the black market and help reduce the recent surge of migrants making the perilous journey to Britain on dinghies.

Under the new measures, migrants of working age would be tagged and subjected to restrictions on their movements while their applications to remain are being processed, according to The Sun.

Channel migrants could be electronically tagged upon their arrival in Britain under tough new plans to deter the dangerous crossings. Pictured: migrants arrive in Dover on Wednesday

Wednesday's crossings took the tally for 2021 to a record breaking 28,020 - more than three times the 8,500 who made the journey in 2020, according to Home Office figures

Ministers drawing up the plans believe there is no short-term solution to stop the current influx but hope the measures would reduce numbers.

The Home Office and a new Cabinet Office taskforce are behind the proposals, and they are also considering introducing curfews.

It is believed that more than a million illegal immigrants are working in Britain and fuelling the black market.

A Home Office source said the new measures are a 'low cost, high impact way to make changes quickly'.

A migrant celebrates after being intercepted by UK Border Force as they are brought into shore

At least 100 migrants, including a child wrapped in blankets and snow boots (pictured), were intercepted on Wednesday morning, despite temperatures plunging below freezing overnight

They added: 'Illegal entry isnt a punishment-free crime. Tagging will make it quicker and easier to deport those who have no right to be here.'

It comes as at least 100 migrants, including children wrapped in blankets and snow boots, were intercepted attempting to cross the Channel on Wednesday despite temperatures plunging below freezing overnight.

It took the tally for 2021 to a record breaking 28,020 - more than three times the 8,500 who made the crossing in 2020, according to Home Office figures.

The first group of around 25 people were rescued after braving the bitter chill to navigate the 21-mile Dover Strait in pitch black darkness overnight.

An RNLI crew brought them into Dungeness, Kent, on board a lifeboat shortly after 4.30am.

Migrants are seen on UK Border Force vessel HMC Speedwell, after they were picked up at sea

On board were at least two women - with one seen holding the hand of a boy aged around six.

The group stood on the shingle to be processed by Immigration Enforcement, with police officers and coastguard personnel also in attendance.

Crossings also continued back at Dover Marina, Kent, where Border Force cutter Speedwell docked at around 9.30am with a further 30 people on board.

What happens to migrants after they arrive in the UK? Migrants who have been picked up after landing or intercepted at sea are taken to a Border Force processing centre, usually near Dover Here arrivals are triaged to identify any medical needs or vulnerabilities, fed and checked to see if they have a criminal record. Adults have an initial interview before being sent to accommodation centre across Britain, paid for by UK taxpayers and provided by private contractors. The migrants are given 37.75 per week for essentials like food, clothes and toiletries while they wait for a decision on their asylum application. Kent County Council normally takes unaccompanied children into its care, although other local authorities are also involved in this programme. Other migrants might be kept in a detention centre ahead of a plan to send them back to Europe. However, just five were deported last year as ministers admitted to 'difficulties'. Advertisement

Migrants are regularly intercepted in the area, despite it being one of the world's busiest shipping lanes.

The group, all men who were wearing life jackets, were seen smiling and waving as they were brought ashore.

Pictures also showed one freezing individual wrapped in a towel while he was being pushed in a wheelchair by Border Force officers.

The Dover Lifeboat - the RNLB City of London II - then returned to harbour shortly afterwards at around 10am with another 30 migrants on board after attempting to make the crossing in a large inflatable boat.

Speedwell arrived back at Dover Marina at 10.30am with a further 20 people on board, including a tiny baby wrapped up in a blanket.

The arrivals took the total number of people to make the crossing so far in December to 1,409 in 47 boats.

That is more than six times the 211 who arrived in 16 boats throughout the same month last year.

Despite calmer conditions in the early hours, the weather at sea has turned treacherous with high winds making the already dangerous journey almost unviable.

However, there are ongoing search and rescue missions in the Channel with both large Border Force vessels Searcher and Hurricane on standby.

French authorities also prevented at least 86 people from reaching the UK in four events on Tuesday, according to the Home Office.

Small boat crossings had briefly stopped due to high winds and strong tides in recent weeks, but have since restarted due to calmer waters in the Channel.

A total of 27 people, including seven women and a seven-year-old girl, are thought to have died when their boat sank during an attempted crossing.

Dan OMahoney, Clandestine Channel Threat Commander, said: 'Last months tragedy is a devastating reminder of the dangers of Channel crossings and we are determined to work with our European and international partners to target the ruthless organised criminal gangs behind them.

'Unbelievably, these gangs continue their deadly trade with more crossings taking place today, shamelessly putting lives at risk.

A migrant is escorted past dinghies used for crossings into the Port of Dover by Border Force officials after being rescued while crossing the English Channel, in Dover

'People planning to make the journey should claim asylum in the first safe country they reach instead of risking their lives by crossing the Channel from a safe EU country.

'The Governments New Plan for Immigration will be firm on those coming here via illegal routes and fair for those using safe and legal routes. This will reduce the pull factors in the current asylum and immigration system.'

It came as the Inspectorate of Prisons and the Dover and Heathrow Independent Monitoring Boards (IMB) - made up of volunteers tasked by ministers - published their findings on migrant detention facilities visited in the last three months.

Women who said they had been raped by smugglers were 'not adequately supported' and lone children were being held with unrelated adults, the report said.

Tom Pursglove, minister for justice and tackling illegal migration, said: 'For nearly two decades the public have been crying out for the broken asylum system to be reformed and that's what this Government is delivering.

'The Nationality and Borders Bill, which was backed by a majority of 67 MPs this month, will make it a criminal offence to knowingly arrive in the UK illegally, and introduce life sentences for those who facilitate illegal entry into the country.

'The sooner the House of Lords passes the Bill in the new year, the sooner we can break the business model of the people smugglers, protect those in genuine need of asylum, and ensure the swift removal of those with no right to be here.'

Last month, Priti Patel also vowed to stop '100 per cent' of migrant crossings after online crisis talks with her French counterparts.

A joint statement released by the Home Office also said they also discussed the mounting migrant crisis in eastern Europe which Britain accused Belarus and Russia of engineering to undermine European unity.

Miss Patel and Mr Darmanin said: 'Tonight, the Home Secretary spoke to her French counterpart Gerald Darmanin to discuss the problem of small boats crossing the Channel and the operational response to it.

'Both the Home Secretary and Interior Minister agreed to strengthen operational cooperation further. More must be done to stop the dangerous crossings. They agreed to accelerate the delivery of the commitments made in the joint agreement of July 2021 to deliver on their joint determination to prevent 100 per cent of crossings and make this deadly route unviable.'
A judge has told Laurence Fox and three people he's locked in a High Court libel battle with over a Twitter spat to settle their dispute over the 'pointless exchange' out of court.

The actor is being sued by former Stonewall trustee Simon Blake, Coronation Street actress Nicola Thorp and drag artist Crystal after he referred to them as 'paedophiles' during an online row in October last year.

In turn, Mr Fox - who founded the Reclaim Party and stood as a candidate in the last London mayoral election - is counter-suing the trio over tweets accusing him of racism.

The case is currently set for trial unless the parties can resolve the dispute out of court, and a ruling on Wednesday revealed Mr Fox is 'minded to' ask for the case to be decided by a jury rather than a judge - which is now highly unusual in defamation cases.

Giving the ruling on preliminary issues, Senior Master Barbara Fontaine said the parties should 'seek to resolve this dispute by negotiation and settlement'.

Laurence Fox (pictured) and three people he is locked in a High Court libel battle with over an 'unattractive Twitter spat' have been urged by a judge to settle their dispute over the 'pointless exchange'

Giving the ruling on preliminary issues, Senior Master Barbara Fontaine said the parties should 'seek to resolve this dispute by negotiation and settlement'

Mr Fox had accused Sainsbury's of 'promoting racial segregation and discrimination' and promised to boycott the supermarket chain after it promoted Black History Month

Crystal wrote in response to Mr Fox's tweet: 'Imagine being this proud of being a racist! So cringe'

In response, Mr Fox wrote: 'Says the paedophile'

In a separate thread, Mr Fox found himself in a fiery debate with former Coronation Street actress Nicola Thorp after she said Mr Fox was 'unequivocally, publicly and undeniably a racist'

Mr Fox hit back by copying her statement but changing 'racist' for 'paedophile'

Mr Blake also weighed in, saying: ''What a mess, what a racist t***''' in comments that he later withdrew

Mr Fox said back, 'Pretty rich coming from a paedophile', prompting Mr Blake to demand he take down the tweet, which he did

She said: 'It would seem incredible to most ordinary people that the parties are prepared to spend what could amount to hundreds of thousands of pounds on such a pointless exchange.

'There are many more useful ways in which the parties, all apparently intelligent and talented people, could expend their energy and resources.

'I urge them to consider seriously how they might find a way to reach a compromise and end this dispute.'

The judge said Mr Fox's solicitors estimate his legal costs will be about 500,000 if the case is heard in two stages, and about 360,000 if it is heard in a single full trial - but this would increase to about 490,000 if it is a jury trial.

She said she has 'very serious doubts' about whether an application for a jury trial would be likely to succeed, and noted there has not been a successful application for a jury trial in a defamation case for 'several years'.

However, she said she does 'not consider it appropriate to pre-judge the outcome of such an application' and he should be given the opportunity to consider whether he wishes to request a jury trial once he has seen the claimants' defence case.

Mr Fox's legal team told the judge that depending on the defence case put forward by the three claimants, he may wish to ask for a jury trial because his 'counterclaims concern the accusation of racism in a highly charged political climate on this particular issue'.

They argued it would be 'less appropriate' for a judge to decide the case than a jury 'who will be drawn from a random cross-section of the public, so that their views would be more likely to reflect the public view'.

The judge made orders relating to case management, including that the claimants have two weeks to serve details of their claim and their defence to Mr Fox's counterclaim.

She also said Mr Fox will have to serve any application for a jury trial within a month of receiving those details.

Drag Queen Crystal - who was a contestant on the first season of hit show Ru Paul's Drag Race UK - confirmed he has filed defamation proceedings against Laurence Fox

Deputy chair of LGBT charity Stonewall Simon Blake (pictured) and Coronation Street actress Nicola Thorp are named as claimants

All three were falsely branded 'paedophiles' by Mr Fox after they called him 'racist'. Pictured: Nicola Thorp

Mr Fox called both Mr Blake former RuPaul's Drag Race contestant Crystal, whose real name is Colin Munro Seymour, 'paedophiles' in an exchange about Sainsbury's decision to celebrate Black History Month.

He used the same label against Ms Thorp in a different thread.

Mr Fox said at the time he would be boycotting Sainsbury's, accusing it of promoting 'racial segregation and discrimination'.

Mr Blake called Mr Fox a 'racist t***' but later said he regretted using such language.

Mr Fox used the launch of the manifesto for his London mayoral campaign to defend his right to call people 'paedophiles' on Twitter, citing free speech and claiming it is just a 'meaningless and baseless' insult.

When told at the launch it was he who had allegedly called the three claimants paedophiles, he replied: 'I was called a racist.'

Mr Fox added: 'Free speech. You throw meaningless and baseless insults at someone you get a meaningless and baseless insult in return.'

Mr Fox received 47,634 votes in the May ballot, putting him in sixth place and meaning he lost his deposit.
TikTok has knocked Google off the top spot as the most popular web address in the world due to a surge in popularity during the Covid pandemic.

The Chinese-owned video sharing app received more visits than Google for the first time, according to annual rankings by Cloudflare, an IT security company.

Tiktok gained the top spot in February, March and May but it was after August 10 that the app took the lead from the American site.

The surge is quite a feat given that Tiktok was ranked seventh last year behind Facebook, Microsoft, Apple, Netflix, Amazon and Google, which was ranked first.

TikTok has knocked Google off the top spot as the most popular web address in the world due to a surge in popularity during the Covid pandemic

Top 10  Most popular domains 2021 1 TikTok.com 2 Google.com 3 Facebook.com 4 Microsoft.com 5 Apple.com 6 Amazon.com 7 Netflix.com 8 YouTube.com 9 Twitter.com 10 WhatsApp.com Source: Cloudflare Advertisement

TikTok is used by more than 1 billion people worldwide on a monthly basis and provides a space for a wide range of activities.

The app is most popular among children and young people who use it to film themselves dancing and lip-syncing to chart hits.

It offers users a raft of colourful modification and editing tools including overlaying music, sound, animated stickers, filters and augmented reality (AR) for creating short videos.

While the app is most popular among youngsters, during the pandemic, Tiktok became more popular among older people.

There has been a 180 per cent increase in American users aged between 15 and 25 last year, according to data website Statista.

Tiktok ranking the most popular web address in the world comes just days after the app announced it is taking on Deliveroo with a new food delivery service called TikTok Kitchen that has menu items based on viral videos.

Set to launch in the US in March 2022, TikTok Kitchen will let customers order dishes that were originally created by TikTok users in their short video posts.

These include baked feta pasta, corn ribs and 'pasta chips'  cooked pasta shapes coated in cheese and air-fried, perfect for dipping.

TikTok Kitchen will be a 'virtual restaurant' that serves customers exclusively by delivery and pick-up from orders placed online and over the phone.

It's unclear if TikTok Kitchen will be separate from (or feature as an option within) the standard TikTok app, which lets users make clips to share with their followers.

TikTok has teamed up with Virtual Dining Concepts, an Orlando, Florida based marketing firm, for the service.
Victoria will not be sent back into lockdown despite a surge in cases linked to the hyper-contagious Omicron Covid strain, the state's deputy premier has vowed.

Victoria on Thursday confirmed another 2,005 new infections and ten deaths - up from the 1,503 cases recorded on Wednesday.

But Deputy Premier James Merlino said the state government was not considering adding to the world-record 262 days Melbourne has spent in lockdown since the pandemic began.

'Because Victorians went out and got vaccinated in record numbers, it means that we are not considering going into lockdown and this is the commitment that we gave to the people of Victoria,' he said.

Pictured: Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews with his wife Catherine. His deputy leader said the state government is not considering adding to the world-record 262 days Melbourne has spent in lockdown since the Covid pandemic began

'The promise was if you go and get vaccinated, you can enjoy Christmas and New Year with your families and loved ones and that's exactly what will happen.'

Premier Daniel Andrews has himself said there is no need to lockdown the Victorian capital for a seventh time once more than 90 per cent of the state's population has received both Covid vaccine doses.

Despite promising not to re-impose stay-at-home orders, Mr Andrews' second-in-command on Thursday ordered Victorians to wear face masks in all indoor public spaces as part of major changes to the state's social distancing measures.

Mr Merlino said from 11.59pm on Thursday face coverings would once again be mandatory for patrons at cafes, restaurants and pubs in a bid to stem the spread of the Omicron variant.

Residents attending major events with more than 30,000 spectators will also have to wear a face mask.

Mr Merlino said Victorians should also now work from home if they can and urged hospitality venues to switch to a seated-only service to reduce transmission.

The move marks the first significant change in Covid restrictions in any state since an emergency national cabinet meeting linked to the hyper-contagious strain.

The deputy premier said the changes were 'modest measures' that would protect the state's health system from the recent surge in infections.

VICTORIA'S NEW COVID-19 RULES AND ADVICE From 11.59pm Thursday: Face masks are mandatory in all indoor settings in Victoria, except private homes, for anyone aged eight or over. Face masks are required at all major events with more than 30,000 people. Victorians should work from home if they can. Hospitality venues are recommended to switch to a seated-only service. Advertisement

'Masks have a very small individual cost for us,' he said. They have a terrific impact on transmission - that is as true for Omicron as for any variant.'

Mr Andrews did not appear at Thursday's Covid press conference but did briefly interrupt his holiday to attend Wednesday's national cabinet meeting.

There are 398 Victorians receiving care in hospital with 72 in intensive care, a small increase from 394 in hospital and 70 in ICU on Wednesday.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison this week urged states not to re-introduce mask mandates, saying Australians should by this point in the pandemic know when and when not to wear a face covering.

A near-deserted Bourke Street in the Melbourne CBD on October 20. 'We are not considering going into lockdown and this is the commitment that we gave to the people of Victoria,' Deputy Premier James Merlino said

Beachgoers in St Kilda in Melbourne. Covid-19 case numbers are on the increase across the state with 2,005 new infections and ten deaths reported on Thursday

'Wear a mask in an indoor setting. You don't need to be forced to do it,' he said.

'Think of Christmas Day when you're going to see elderly relatives, and wear a mask  it's pretty simple.'

Mr Merlino's NSW counterpart Dominic Perrottet has refused to bring back a sweeping indoor mask mandate - despite many health experts recommending residents continue wearing the face coverings indoors.

Pictured: Victorian Chief Health Officer Brett Sutton. Deputy Premier James Merlino urged hospitality venues to switch to a seated-only service to reduce transmission

NSW on Thursday recorded 5,715 new Covid-19 cases - a daily record - and one death just two days before Christmas.

The jump in cases in NSW - which is nearly 2,000 more than the 3,763 infections reported on Wednesday - comes after a major backflip on restrictions in the state with millions once again required to check into venues via QR codes.

Premier Dominic Perrottet had last week scrapped the QR check-ins for 'low risk' venues such as retail and kept them in place for 'high risk' settings like gyms and pubs.

On Thursday the NSW premier will announce the policy reversal following Covid crisis talks with fellow state leaders and Prime Minister Scott Morrison.

Residents attending major events with more than 30,000 spectators will also have to wear a face mask. Pictured are Melbourne Demons fans during the AFL Grand Final in Perth on September 25

The government is also looking at providing free rapid antigen tests to help curb the spread of the virus as well as relieving pressure off medical workers.

Australia's PCR testing sites have been overwhelmed by travellers trying to get tested before going on holiday.

Melburnians pictured outside Melbourne Town Hall on December 22. NSW has meanwhile suffered its worst day of the pandemic with 5,715 new Covid-19 cases

Switching to rapid antigen would slash these numbers and stop testing sites being overwhelmed by the 'worried well' and delay testing for those who are feeling sick.

'People have come forward to get tested in record numbers, which is important to help keep people and the community safe, but we need to make sure our testing clinics are there for people who really need it,' Mr Perrottet said.

'Providing rapid-antigen testing kits for those who want to do the right thing will help take the pressure of our testing clinics, while giving people confidence to get on with their lives.'
The Army will be called in to help run makeshift Covid wards inside hospital canteens, car parks and meeting rooms if the NHS becomes overwhelmed by the Omicron variant, it has been revealed.

NHS England told health bosses of plans to create 'lots of little Nightingales' should hospitalisations surpass those of last January's peak - referencing the seven Nightingale pop-up hospitals set up in England to cope with a feared surplus of Covid patients, but which were never used on a large scale.

In a series of conference calls on Tuesday, NHS England said the makeshift wards would care for up to 100 patients.

According to the plans, reported by the Health Service Journal, they would be used to treat those who are the least sick.

Patients in a more serious or critical condition, including those requiring oxygen and ventilators, would continue to be treated in existing specialist wards.

Army medical personnel will be involved in operating the 'mini Nightingales', health bosses were told, although formal request for assistance have not yet been made.

NHS England told health bosses of plans to create 'lots of little Nightingales' should hospitalisations surpass those of last January's peak (Pictured: Ambulance staff members in the car park at the ExCeL London exhibition centre in London on April 1, 2020, after it was transformed into an NHS Nightingale Hospital)

In a series of conference calls on Tuesday, NHS England said the makeshift wards would care for up to 100 patients (Pictured: Former Health Secretary Matt Hancock is pictured at the opening of London's 4,000-bed Nightingale Hospital in April 2020)

The regional conference calls said those without clinical experience who work for local commissioning groups (CCGs), would also be roped in to the effort, reported the Times.

It comes after Sajid Javid told the Cabinet earlier this week of plans to create 'on-site Nightingales'.

The Health Secretary said they would be smaller versions of the seven pop-up Nightingale hospitals which were shut down in April this year.

The 'mini Nightingales' plan to have non-hospital staff running the makeshift wards comes as the NHS is suffering from staffing shortages.

According to the Royal College of Physicians (RCP), one in 13 doctors are currently off work due to Covid.

Sajid Javid told the Cabinet earlier this week of plans to create 'on-site Nightingales' to cope with an Omicron surge (Pictured: A Nightingale hospital in Exeter in the Sowton Industrial Estate)

London is reporting the highest number of absences, with the health body describing it as 'the worst we've seen during the pandemic' while PPE has been available.

Andrew Goddard, president of the RCP, said: 'If we had proper NHS workforce planning, taking into account current and likely future demand, I predict we would have many more thousands of doctors, nurses and other clinicians.'

A spokesperson for the NHS said: 'In light of the potential threat of Omicron, it is right that the NHS prepares for any surge in hospital admissions.

'Hospitals are already putting measures in place.

'The best thing the public can do is book their booster vaccine.'
A leading Australian pharmacist says measures such as wearing masks and getting six-monthly Covid-19 vaccinations could be a reality for many years.

Trent Twomey, National President of the Pharmacy Guild, says if modelling shows that its best for people to get a Covid jab 'every six months', then Australians should do so.

He dismissed concerns over lingering vaccine hesitancy and wearing masks, saying Australians 'just need to accept' necessary measures because 'it's pretty simple'.

Leading pharmacist Trent Twomey (pictured) has dismissed concerns over lingering vaccine hesitancy and wearing masks, saying Australians 'just need to accept' necessary measures because 'it's pretty simple'

If modelling shows that its best for people to get a Covid jab 'every six months', then Australians should do so, Mr Twomey said

Mr Twomey told Sky News he believes most Australians 'want to do the right thing' but that they were anxious to know what 'normal' life in the pandemic era looks like.

He predicted the need to wear a mask could remain 'for a long time', but that its 'not that inconvenient'.

'I think booster shots, just like your annual influenza shot [are] something we just need to accept, its [Covid-19] not going to be with us for many weeks and months, its going to be with us for many years.'

He said in order to remain 'fully vaccinated' people will have to get 'a periodic inoculation'.

He said boosters could be needed once or twice a year, depending on what conclusions experts draw from 'the data'.

'But you know what, its just something were gonna have to do. [If] we need one every six months, then you know what Australia, lets get one every six months.'

In response to a question about Anthony Albanese asking for boosters to be made available to the public four months after their second dose instead of five months, Mr Twomey said we are close to that timeframe already.

He said people can get a booster two weeks ahead of the five-month mark, at four and a half months.

He said the decision to bring forward boosters further should be up to 'experts at ATAGI ... not politicians.'

Mr Towmey claimed the delay in wait times for boosters was partly due to some people trying to get in early so they were 'right to party' on New Year's Eve

Mr Twomey dismissed concerns about wearing masks and getting boosters, saying those measures could become normal life in the Covid era

Many Australians have found no local availability for booster shots even if they are eligible, or wait times of at least a month.

Mr Towmey said high demand had slowed the rollout in some areas caused by people wanting to get jabbed so they were able to 'party on New Year's Eve'.

This demand had led to a 'spike in demand' and 'patchy availability', he said.

Some were thinking 'gee Ill try and get it now in case Im feeling a little tired and run down so Im right to party on New Years Eve', he claimed.
A 13-year-old boy has been arrested on suspicion of rape after a woman was allegedly sexually assaulted by two male suspects in a London park.

The 35-year-old woman was allegedly raped by the suspects in bushes at Winn's Common in Plumstead on Tuesday at 11pm before a dog walker managed to detain the teenager.

The man's dog bit the boy on his finger, while the second male fled the scene.

The boy was arrested on suspicion of rape and taken to hospital for a dog bite injury to his hand before being taken into custody, reports My London News.

The 35-year-old woman was allegedly raped by the suspects in bushes at Winn's Common in Plumstead on Tuesday at 11pm before a dog walker managed to detain the teenager. Pictured: The scene

A spokesperson for the Met Police told the site: 'Police were called shortly before 11pm on December 21 to Lakedale Road, SE18, to reports of a rape of a woman by two males.

'Officers attended. It was reported that a 35-year-old woman was raped by two males in bushes near to Lakedale Road SE18.

'A member of the public, who was walking his dog, disturbed the suspects and assisted in detaining one of them at the scene.

'The detained male, aged 13, was arrested on suspicion of rape and initially taken to hospital to be treated for an injury to his finger caused by a dog bite, before being taken into custody.

The Met Police said their enquiries are ongoing.
Anthony Albanese has been accused to trying to 'pressure' medical experts by calling for earlier Covid booster jabs.

Earlier this month jab advisory group ATAGI cut the timeframe between second and third doses from six to five months after data showed boosters were effective at tackling the Omicron variant.

But despite calls from state governments in Victoria and NSW for a further cut to four or even three months like in the UK, ATAGI has kept the gap at five months.

Anthony Albanese has backed mask mandates and said Australians want Governments in their lives

In a television interview on Thursday morning, the Labor leader said the timeframe 'should be' slashed so more people are eligible for a booster.

'Quite clearly, all the medical advice from overseas and the experience that we have is that it should be,' he told the Nine Network.

'And I am sure that ATAGI will come up with that recommendation.'

Victorian Acting Premier James Merlino heaped pressure on ATAGI, saying: 'The interval needs to be shortened and it needs to be shortened immediately'.

Meanwhile, Labor backbench MP Josh Burns demanded the Prime Minister 'guarantee' there was no political pressure on ATAGI to keep current settings to avoid GPs and pharmacies being swamped with extra people.

'Scott Morrison must guarantee no pressure is being placed on ATAGI to delay shortening the 3rd dose interval. Australia is becoming an outlier,' he wrote.

Health Minister Greg Hunt seized on this contradiction and accused Mr Albanese of trying to pressure the experts.

'We followed the advice of TGA and we follow the advice of ATAGI. And that's what we do,' he said.

'You have one person in Labor saying ''don't interfere with ATAGI'' and then you have the leader trying to do precisely the opposite.

A testing site at Bourke Street in Melbourne was temporarily closed on Tuesday as hundreds queued up for tests

'Utterly irresponsible. Utterly inappropriate. Utterly unworthy of somebody who wants to be a PM,' he said.

'He's effectively been called out by his own MP, Josh Burns, for pressuring ATAGI.

'Completely inappropriate, completely the wrong thing for someone to do who aspires to national leadership.'

In a press conference later on Thursday, Mr Albanese denied pressuring experts, insisting that he was only 'predicting' they would bring the timeframe forward.

The Labor leader also called for mask wearing to be mandatory after penning an opinion piece in News Corp papers that said Australians want governments in their lives to protect them from Covid.

His message was a total contrast to the view of the Prime Minister who wants governments to step back and let people take personal responsibility.

Mr Morrison wants people to wear masks inside but says they should not be fined for choosing not too, whereas Mr Albanese believes in government mandates.

'The truth is that when the rules are in place, as they are now in Queensland, what we're not seeing is mass fines being issued,' he said.

'What we're seeing overwhelmingly is people complying with the health orders, as they have.'
House Majority Whip Jim Clyburn has tested positive for COVID-19 despite having no symptoms and being fully vaccinated with a booster jab.

'Tonight, I received a positive COVID-19 diagnosis. This is a breakthrough case, and I am asymptomatic,' Clyburn, 81, tweeted Wednesday night.

The South Carolina Democrat claims it took more than 56 hours receive his positive PCR result.

Now, as he remains quarantined, the congressman is issuing a warning to Americans as more citizens are reporting breakthrough cases amid the surge of the now-dominant Omicron variant.

'America is in a new phase of this pandemic. No one is immune,' he wrote. 'I urge anyone who has not done so to protect themselves by getting vaccinated and boosted.'

House Majority Whip Jim Clyburn (pictured on Dec. 7, 2021) has tested positive for COVID-19 despite having no symptoms and being fully vaccinated with a booster

Clyburn took an at-home COVID test on Sunday in preparation for a family gathering.

'On Sunday, my entire family took at-home tests as a precaution prior to my granddaughter's wedding, which took place today,' he said Wednesday.

The rapid test was inconclusive and, 'out of an abundance of caution,' Clyburn quarantined and took a PCR test on Monday.

He claims it took more than two days to get his positive result.

Clyburn tested negative for COVID last week ahead of President Joe Biden's visit to his alma mater, South Carolina State University.

Both men attended the university's December commencement, where Biden addressed the graduates, commending their successes amid challenging pandemic times.

As he remains quarantined, Clyburn is issuing a warning to Americans as more citizens are reporting breakthrough cases amid the surge of the now-dominant Omicron variant

'Graduates, I know you've already stood to thank your parents and your families, but, you know, the fact is that: Congratulations. You earned it. You earned every bit of it,' the president said.

'I know it wasn't easy: remote learning; fearing getting sick from COVID-19 and feeling the pain for those who lost loved ones, and you know people who have lost loved ones; the uncertainty of a devastated economy; the reckoning on race not seen since the '50s and '60s.'

He continued: 'Your time here has come during a tumultuous and consequential moment in modern American history, and it has led you to graduate at a real inflection point in history.'

Biden - who took a test after an aide tested positive for COVID earlier this week - received a negative PCR result, the White House confirmed Wednesday.

The president has also already completed his three-dose vaccine series.

Clyburn is one of eight lawmakers who announced they have tested positive for COVID in recent days, including breakthrough cases for Sens. Elizabeth Warren and Cory Booker and Reps. Antonia Delgado and Jason Crow.

Clyburn (center) tested negative for COVID last week ahead of President Joe Biden's (left) visit to his alma mater, South Carolina State University (Pictured: The lawmakers with Col. Alexander Conyers as he receives his diploma during Friday's graduation ceremony)

The swift rise in infections from Omicron, first detected last month and now accounting for at least 73 percent of US cases, has caused fresh concern ahead of the Christmas holiday

Before Clyburn, Delgado, 44, of New York, was the latest to announce a breakthrough case, saying on Tuesday he has mild symptoms which he credits to being vaccinated and boosted.

'Yesterday, I tested positive for COVID-19 and am currently experiencing mild symptoms,' he said in a statement. 'I'm grateful for the protection of a safe and effective vaccine and booster and encourage all who are able to get both.'

His announcement comes after two more lawmakers announced on Tuesday they tested positive for COVID - despite being vaccinated - as Washington D.C. surpassed all other states in the nation in its coronavirus infection rate.

Democratic Rep. Barbara Lee of California and Republican Rep. Nicole Malliotakis of New York announced their diagnoses, becoming the latest positive cases since Sunday.

'This week, I received a breakthrough positive COVID-19 test result. Fortunately, I have only mild cold-like symptoms. I know it could have been much worse had I not been vaccinated and boosted,' Lee said in a statement.

'After experiencing mild symptoms and a slight fever, Congresswoman Malliotakis, who is vaccinated, tested positive for COVID-19 yesterday. She is quarantining at home and is feeling well,' her office announced.

Democratic Rep. Antonio Delgado of New York announced a breakthrough COVID case on Tuesday

Two more lawmakers tested positive for COVID - despite being vaccinated: Democratic Rep. Barbara Lee of California and Republican Rep. Nicole Malliotakis of New York

The announcements come as Washington D.C.'s COVID cases rose by 369 percent in the past week, the largest gain in the nation, as the Omicron variant spreads across the nation. The number is based on a seven-day rolling average of daily new cases per 100,000 residents.

Earlier Tuesday, Democratic Rep. Matt Cartwright of Pennsylvania, announced that he, too, tested positive for COVID.

'He tested positive on Saturday,' his Communications Director Colleen Eagen Gerrity told Times News Online. She said Cartwright, who represents an area that includes Scranton, had received two vaccine shots. It was not known if he had received a booster shot.

He is quarantining at home after experiencing flu-like symptoms.

Democrat Rep. Jason Crow of Colorado announced he tested positive for COVID-19 on Sunday night, hours after Massachusetts Senator Elizabeth Warren and New Jersey Senator Cory Booker tweeted news of their own diagnoses.

Elizabeth Warren revealed her positive diagnosis on Twitter Sunday afternoon

Warren urged others to get vaccinated amid the rise in COVID cases and the Omicron variant

The number of members of Congress who have tested positive for the virus since the start of the outbreak in 2020 has now surpassed 100, according to a list kept by PBS News Hour.

The Senate and House have each gone home for its holiday recess, avoiding the chance of more transmission between lawmakers themselves, although many lawmakers hold events with constituents while away from Washington.

Meanwhile, Americans nationwide are seeing a surge in COVID infections fueled by the Omicron variant.

The swift rise in infections from Omicron, first detected last month and now accounting for at least 73 percent of US cases, has caused fresh concern ahead of the Christmas holiday.

In the last seven days, the average number of US cases has risen 26 percent and cases are up 83 percent since the start of the month.

Biden on Tuesday laid out measures - including activating new pop-up vaccination clinics run by the Federal Emergency Management Agency and federal testing sites - aimed to combat the surge.

He pledged to assist states in battling the wave of cases by providing stockpiled resources and mobilizing 1,000 troops to aid with healthcare.

Americans nationwide are seeing a surge in COVID infections fueled by the Omicron variant

In the last seven days, the average number of US cases has risen 26 percent and cases are up 83 percent since the start of the month

The president, at the same time, offered both a warning to the unvaccinated, who he said have 'good reason to be concerned,' and reassurance that those who are inoculated can gather for the holidays despite the new variant sweeping the country.

'No this is not March of 2020,' Biden told reporters at the White House. 'Two hundred million people are fully vaccinated, we're prepared, we know more.'

Biden's remarks came after health experts said earlier this week the country would likely see record numbers of cases, hospitalizations and deaths in the weeks and months ahead.

'We are going to see a significant stress in some regions of the country on the hospital system, particularly in those areas where you have a low level of vaccination, which is one of the reasons why we continue to stress the importance of getting those unvaccinated people vaccinated,' Biden's chief medical adviser, Dr. Anthony Fauci, predicted Sunday on CNN's State of the Union.

On Wednesday, Fauci reiterated that Americans who have been vaccinated and boosted against COVID-19 can be with family over the holidays, but noted that attending large gatherings of more than 30 people is not safe, even for those who received a booster dose.

World Health Organization Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, however, called for greater caution and urged people to postpone their gatherings.
Jurors ended their third day of deliberations on Wednesday without reaching a verdict in the trial of Kimberly Potter, the former Minnesota police officer who mistook her handgun for her Taser and killed black motorist Daunte Wright.

Day three of deliberations ended like it did with days one and two - with no verdict.

The jurors deliberated until around 6 p.m. on Wednesday night as the protesters numbered about 50 people by the time Daunte's parents, Aubrey and Katie Wright, exited the Hennepin County Government Center downtown Minneapolis, Minnesota.

As they were exiting the building they were met with cheers and applause from protestors.

Jurors in the Kim Potter trial remain deadlocked on the third day of deliberations at the Hennepin County District Courthouse. Pictured Daunte Wright's father Aubrey Wright leaving the Hennepin County District Courthouse on Wednesday evening

Daunte Wright's mother Katie Bryant, left, leaving the Hennepin County District Courthouse

Potter, who is white, is charged with first- and second-degree manslaughter for accidentally shooting black motorist Daunte Wright dead during a traffic stop on April 11

Aubrey left the building surrounded by family members.

He walked a few steps and stopped with other family members to listen and greet some of the protestors.

They were shouting, 'If Daunte don't get it, shut it down,' over and over.

After a few seconds, Aubrey removed his red face mask and joined in with the crowd.

A protestor with a megaphone was yelling out, 'if Daunte don't get it,' Aubrey along with the the crowd responded with 'shut it down.'

Daunte Wright's father Aubrey Wright leaving the Hennepin County District Courthouse. As he was exiting the building he was met with cheers and applause from protestors

Daunte Wrights's brother Damik Wright is seen leaving the Hennepin County District Courthouse with his children

Damik Wright (R), brother of Daunte Wright, poses with his daughter outside the Hennepin County Government Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota

Katie Bryant, right, the mother of Daunte Wright, exits the Hennepin County Government Center in Minneapolis

A person holds sign outside Hennepin County Government Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota

Daunte Wright's father Aubrey Wright (center) joined protesters outside of the Hennepin County District Courthouse.

Protesters have been gathering in support of Daunte Wright on the third day of jury deliberation outside of the Hennepin County Government Center

He was asked if he was disappointed the jury is taking so long to decide, he said, 'after the court is over I'll have a lot to say, as of right now my lawyers have told me not to say anything, no comment.'

He then left.

The jury, which has now deliberated for about 24 hours, had submitted a question to the judge on Tuesday that suggested it was struggling to come to a consensus on whether to convict or acquit Potter on two manslaughter charges.

The panel of six men and six women did not ask any questions on Wednesday, offering no further hints on the contents of its discussions. Jurors will return to the Hennepin County Courthouse in Minneapolis on Thursday morning for a fourth day of deliberations.

Potter, 49, has pleaded not guilty to first- and second-degree manslaughter charges, which carry maximum sentences of 15 and 10 years, respectively.

Potter said she thought she was drawing her Taser when she shot Wright in the chest with her 9 mm handgun during a traffic stop on April 11.

During closing arguments, prosecutors accused Potter of a 'blunder of epic proportions' in Wright's death - but said a mistake was no defense.

Protesters write 'guilty' in the snow outside of courthouse

Former Minnesota police officer Kim Potter was seen in the courtroom on Tuesday afternoon

Judge Regina Chu has said that the jury will be released home for Christmas if no verdict is reached before then

Onn Tuesday the jury asked the judge whether they could remove the zip ties on Potter's gun to more easily examine it. Pictured: Potter's gun and taser side by side

Protesters gather alongside the family of Daunte Wright outside of the Hennepin County Government Center on Wednesday evening

Potter's attorneys countered that Wright, who was attempting to get away from officers as they sought to handcuff him for an outstanding warrant on a weapons charge, 'caused the whole incident.'

If convicted of the most serious charge, Potter, would face a sentence of about seven years under state guidelines, though prosecutors have said they will seek more.

Potter, who resigned two days after Wright's death, testified last Friday that she 'didn't want to hurt anybody' and that she was 'sorry it happened.'

The judge has ordered that the mostly white jury be sequestered during deliberations - meaning the jurors remain under the court's supervision in an undisclosed hotel and cannot return home until they have reached a verdict or the judge has determined they can't reach one.

Katie Bryant (left) the mother of Daunte Wright, arrives at the Hennepin County Government Center in Minneapolis Wednesday morning as the court awaits a verdict in the trial of former police officer Kim Potter

Daunte Wright's father Arbuey Wright walks into the Hennepin County Courthouse during the third day of jury deliberations

While it remains tense and quiet inside the courthouse, outside only a handful of demonstrators were braving the frigid Minnesota temperatures Wednesday morning

Protesters embrace each other after no verdict is announced in the trial of former Minneapolis police officer Kim Potter on the third day of deliberations

Protesters write Daunte Wright's name in the snow on the third day of jury deliberations

A protester holds a sign in support of Daunte Wright outside court

Protesters place electronic candles next to a sign demanding a conviction of former Minneapolis police officer Kim Potter

In their closing arguments on Monday morning, prosecutors said Potter acted recklessly and with 'culpable negligence' in drawing the wrong weapon, while the defense argued that Wright caused his own death by resisting arrest and attempting to flee, and that Potter was justified in using force.

Judge Regina Chu told jurors at the start of the trial that they would have time off on Christmas Eve and over the Christmas weekend. She has not indicated that she would change that plan if deliberations were ongoing.

'I think the holiday will put pressure on them to agree,' Joe Friedberg, a Minneapolis defense attorney who is not involved in the case but is following it, said on Wednesday.

Potter is white and the shooting of Wright triggered several nights of protests outside the police station in Brooklyn Center, a suburb of Minneapolis, with critics calling it another example of police brutality against Black Americans.

The incident occurred just a few miles north of where Derek Chauvin, a white former Minneapolis police officer, was at the same time standing trial in the case of George Floyd, a Black man whose 2020 death during an arrest set off racial justice protests in many U.S. cities. Chauvin was convicted of murder.

Potter said she mistakenly grabbed her gun instead of her Taser because the traffic stop devolved into 'chaos'

A protester holds up a sign depicting the differences between a gun and a Taser outside court on Wednesday

Daunte Wright's name is spelled out in the snow as people demonstrate outside the Hennepin County Government Center on December 22

Daunte Wright is pictured with his son, Daunte Jr., at his first birthday party

Former Brooklyn Center Police Officer Kim Potter testifies during her trial. Potter, who is white, is charged with first- and second-degree manslaughter in the shooting of Daunte Wright

This still image taken from from police body cam video shows Daunte Wright during a traffic stop on April 11, 2021
Furious Twitter users are trying to destroy one of Australia's top doctors after he tried to play down the impact of the fast-spreading Omicron strain.

Dr Nick Coatsworth, Australia's former deputy chief medical officer, is facing a bitter backlash online after calling for calm amid doomsday warnings over the latest Covid outbreak.

But he was branded 'a grovelling apologist for Scott Morrison and a wrong-headed public health advisor,' by Labor's shadow Defence Minister Brendan O'Connor.

He added that Dr Coatsworth was '...more dangerous than Covid conspiracy theorists and anti-vaxxers because he poses as a public health expert.'

Dr Nick Coatsworth, Australia's former deputy chief medical officer, (pictured) is facing bitter backlash online after calling for calm amid doomsday warnings over the latest Covid outbreak

The attacks come after Dr Coatsworth dismissed Doherty Institute modelling that predicted up to 200,000 cases a day next month and insists that simply 'will not happen'.

'Moving beyond the outrage, I think the modelling released without context creates a lot of fear,' Dr Coatsworth told the Today show on Thursday.

'And fear leads to people not doing things they would normally do. It's a counter productive way to manage Covid-19.'

But his comments have sparked a furious reaction online, with many demanding more airtime for more pessimistic commentators, like ABC's Dr Norman Swan.

Dr Nick Coatsworth was branded 'a grovelling apologist for Scott Morrison and a wrong headed public health advisor,' by Labor's shadow Defence Minister Brendan O'Connor (pictured)

Brendan O'Connor's tweet (pictured) added that Dr Coatsworth was '...more dangerous than Covid conspiracy theorists and anti-vaxxers because he poses as a public health expert'

One tweeted furiously after Dr Coatsworth appeared on the ABC: 'Why do you keep using Dr Nick Coatsworth to give Covid medical advice in news bulletins rather than the CMO, CHO or delegate thereof? Or the ABC resident Dr Norman Swan?'

Dr Coatsworth inflamed the passions of the left despite supporting the move to extend mask mandates in Victoria and the return of QR codes in all NSW venues.

But he stressed to viewers that early studies show Omicron is a milder strain and that vaccination is the best defence.

Dr Coatsworth says it's now time to live with the disease, despite Sydney recording 5,715 new cases on Thursday - a jump of nearly 2,000 more than the day before, and Melbourne reporting 2,005 cases - 502 more than Wednesday.

Dr Nick Coatsworth says it's now time to live with Covid, despite a worrying surge in cases (pictured , travellers queue for Covid screening at Sydney Airport on Wednesday)

'A disease that is being increasingly milder, for which, if we'll get a booster, we'll be more protected than the primary course, for which we have the best treatments we've got available for any respiratory virus,' he said.

'We're now asking the police to enforce mask mandates for retailers, not to allow people into their shops unless they've got a mask on. I think that's the question, that's the framing we have to put around this.

'It is not so much the indoor mask mandates and the QR codes, it's that we need to stop ourselves from asking for more.

'We need to hold the line and remember all those things I just said about how much better our situation is than it was in 2020.'

The top doctor also called for travel PCR tests for interstate arrivals in states such as Queensland to be abandoned to ease the strain on testing clinics (pictured, a drive-through testing station at Sydney Airport)

On Wednesday night, Dr Coatsworth clashed with The Project co-host Lisa Wilkinson over whether enough is being done to combat surging Covid cases by rejecting demands for mask mandates and ridiculing cautious doctors.

The Project host claimed it was a 'no-brainer' to reintroduce indoor face mask mandates given new modelling predicted Australia could have 200,000 new infections a day by the end of January.

But Dr Coatsworth argued the grim forecast was 'extraordinarily unlikely' and it should be up to Australians to make their own decisions about how they protected themselves.

The Canberra physician's position was buoyed hours later by a major report from South Africa, where Omicron originated, that found the new variant was 80 per cent less likely to cause hospital admission than Delta.

He doubled down on his stance the next morning.

'Do we continue along the path of government intervention or continue along the path of social responsibility?' Dr Coatsworth said.

'Maybe Omicron is not the time, maybe we need to get back into mandates but very soon we need to move into living with Covid and the social responsibility that comes with that.'

Dr Nick Coatsworth (pictured) on Thursday urged Australians to 'move beyond the outrage'

He echoed calls by Australian chief medical officer Professor Paul Kelly for travel PCR tests for interstate arrivals in states such as Queensland to be abandoned to relieve the overwhelming demand on NSW testing clinic which are under enormous strain.

'They're putting people in queues who don't need to be there and stopping us from finding there and stopping us from finding the cases,' Dr Coatsworth said.

'If we can't find people who have COVID-19, they can't be isolated and it will continue to spread within the community.'

Despite being the face of Australia's vaccine rollout, Dr Coatsworth slammed a controversial proposal considered by the NSW government to force unvaccinated patients fork out for their own medical expenses during Covid-related hospital admissions.

Dr Coatsworth's plea comes as NSW reported 5,715 new cases on Thursday (pictured, Sydneysiders at Bondi on Wednesday)

He then issued a impassioned plea for everyone to get vaccinated and the third booster shot as soon as they can.

'I think that we have a principle in Australia of universal medical care regardless of your life choices, be they ones we would take or ones we wouldn't,' he said.

'I will, as a practising doctor, continue to provide care to any patient with COVID-19 that comes in the door.

'What I would say to the unvaccinated is keep an open mind. This is a severe disease for the unvaccinated. You don't want to be that person who asks for the vaccine just before they get the tube down their throat in intensive care.'

But he did have some praise for the 'outstanding leadership of NSW government, which is looking at a proposal to mail out free at-home rapid antigen tests.

Nick Coatsworth supports some restrictions be reinstated but also believes it's also time for Australians to have some social responsibility

His calm voice has been welcomed by many online.

'Nick Coatsworth is a voice of reason amongst the shrill madness masquerading as 'expert medical opinion' these days,' posted one.

'At least Nick Coatsworth is talking sensibly,' added another. 'I reckon Nick Coatsworth would be an excellent NSW premier.'

Another posted: 'Lisa Wilkinson or Dr Nick Coatsworth? Gee, tough choice. Ill go with Nick Coatsworth every time.'

'Nick Coatsworth should be a late entrant for Australian of the Year,' tweeted another. 'At last at least someone is, even tentatively, starting to tell the truth.

'And full marks to 10 for giving him airtime, even though their interviewers not up to speed.'

Dr Coatsworth did not respond to repeated requests for comment this week.
A Christmas light show raising money for breast cancer is facing a bureaucratic nightmare from a local council after a neighbour complained.

Michael, the organiser of Grange Road Christmas Lights in Sandringham, Victoria, has been running a Christmas light display to raise funds for breast cancer.

But after one complaint from a disgruntled neighbour, Bayside Council demanded Michael draw up a full traffic management plan to including permits and contractors.

Grange Road Christmas Lights is considering its future after Bayside Council backtracked on whether the display would need permits to operate (pictured)

Bayside Council received a complaint over the Christmas lights display demanding a traffic management plan and permits from the organiser

'I had conversations with Bayside in terms of what we had planned to do, we had bollards, signage and measures we put in place to keep everyone safe,' he said.

'They were happy with that and said there was no need for permits or to shut the roads down.'

Michael is now considering the long-term viability of the Christmas light display as he now faces a mountain of paperwork involving permits and planning.

The Christmas lights display in Sandringham Victoria had been raising funds for the National Breast Cancer Foundation

'They've informed us next year there is going to be a lot of red tape and permits we'll have to jump through which is probably gonna cost us a fair bit,' he said.

'The whole thing is run as a fundraiser for the National Breast Cancer Foundation it defeats the purpose if you have to throw a whole bunch of the money back.'

The family had set up Christmas light displays in previous years but stopped when Michael's mother was diagnosed with breast cancer four years ago.

When Covid hit last year Michael, who had been working as lighting technician in events, decided to start working on a 'bigger and better' Christmas lights display.

'A lot of the lights are custom made or ordered from overseas, little are store bought,' Michael said.

He said the display has had an 'overwhelming' response from the community and that locals have been nothing but supportive.

The spectacular display had received an 'overwhelming' response from local families

The organiser is now considering the future of the display after pressure from Bayside Council

'There's quite a lot of locals coming out to see it, kids love it they come up to us when they're leaving saying "this is the best thing ever",' he said.

'It's been quite moving.'

In the mean time Michael says the display will continue running, after he reached a 'middle ground' with the council allowing him to operate until December 26.

He hopes next year he can get the council on board to provide a grant for the Christmas light display or find an organisation willing to help with the costs.

'My main focus is getting through this week and then I've got to have a serious think about the longterm viability of it,' he said.

Bayside Council told Daily Mail Australia it is working with organisers to ensure the event is a safe and enjoyable event for members of the community.

'We have also offered to assist again next year with permits and traffic management advice in advance of their annual lights show,' the council said.
The Northern Territory has detected 10 new Covid-19 cases as the number of infected travellers carrying the virus into the territory grows.

Five interstate arrivals from NSW and South Australia tested positive overnight, up from two on Wednesday and one a day earlier.

That's the highest daily number of infected travellers since the NT relaxed its Covid-19 border rules on Monday, allowing all fully vaccinated people in.

The Northern Territory has detected 10 new Covid-19 cases as the number of infected travellers carrying the virus into the territory grows (pictured, a health care worker in Darwin)

Authorities say other passengers on the travellers' flights are likely to be deemed close contacts.

Five Territorians from Tennant Creek, 510km north of Alice Springs, have also been diagnosed with the virus as a community outbreak continues to grow.

They are a woman in her 60s, a man in his 50s, a woman in her 40s, a man in his 30s and 19-year-old man from the Wuppa town camp.

All were household contacts of earlier infections and in isolation.

It brings the community cluster to 131 cases, with more expected in Indigenous communities where vaccination rates remain low.

Eleven infected people remain in hospital, with one unvaccinated woman in her 60s in intensive care.

'She is in the fight of her life,' Health Minister Natasha Fyles told reporters on Thursday.

Eleven infected people remain in hospital, with one unvaccinated woman in her 60s in intensive care (pictured, health staff at the Howard Springs quarantine facility in Darwin)

The Omicron variant has been detected in in Yulara, 450km southwest of Alice Springs next to Uluru, a popular tourist destination spot.

Two infected men in their 20s flew from Brisbane to the hotspot last week.

Meanwhile, a lockdown in Ali Curung Indigenous community, 380km north of Alice Springs, has ended but residents are required to wear face masks in public until 5pm on Wednesday.

A lockdown in Tennant Creek has been relaxed to a lockout with only fully vaccinated people who return a negative Covid-19 test permitted to leave the town.

The Omicron variant has been detected in in Yulara, 450km southwest of Alice Springs next to Uluru, a popular tourist destination spot (pictured, an aerial photo of Darwin)

People in Tennant Creek and the Barkly region are also required to wear face masks in public until 5pm on Wednesday.

A mask mandate is also in place in Alice Springs until 5pm on Christmas Eve.

The community outbreak started when an infected woman illegally entered the territory in late October.

The 21-year-old was fined for lying on her border entry form as the virus spread from Darwin to Katherine, 320km south of the territory capital, and multiple Aboriginal communities.

Police have since launched a fresh investigation into the border breach after an Aboriginal woman died from Covid-19 in early December.
Former prime minister Tony Abbott is worried Australians may never be able to enjoy life again as the pandemic makes bureaucrats addicted to power.

He made his call just hours before both NSW and Victoria introduced a series of new Covid restrictions as Omicron case numbers soar - with one state bureaucrat even warning residents to avoid 'fun' activities.

Speaking generally, Mr Abbott said governments could get so addicted to power that life Australia would no longer be as worthwhile.

'Any government that tries to protect everyone in all circumstance is a government which will end up wrapping people up in such cotton wool that none of us will have a real life,' he told Alan Jones: Direct To The People show on Facebook.

'We've always got to be careful about becoming addicted to a crisis.'

Former prime minister Tony Abbott is worried Australians may never be able to enjoy life again as the pandemic makes bureaucrats addicted to power. He made his call just hours before the top health bureaucrat in NSW called on people to avoid having fun this summer as Omicron case numbers soar

From Christmas Eve, New South Wales is reintroducing compulsory indoor mask rules for offices and public indoor settings, after new cases of the Omicron variant on Thursday surged by a new daily pandemic record of 5,715.

QR codes, masks rules revived in NSW FACE MASKS: Compulsory in offices and indoor setting outside the home from Christmas Eve QR CODES: Mandatory again at shops, pubs and cafes from Monday, December 27 Advertisement

QR codes for shops, pubs and cafes will return on December 27.

Both reintroduced rules, scrapped on December 15, will be scheduled to continue until January 27 next year, the day after Australia Day.

Dr Kerry Chant, the state's Chief Health Officer, is also discouraging people from having fun this summer.

'We are discouraging activities we know are associated with increased transmission... singing, dancing,' she said, before adding a light-hearted aside, 'things often associated with fun.'

'At this time of year we have to tell it as it is in terms of what carries risk, especially indoors.'

Mr Abbott, a former federal health minister, said too many commentators believed it was the role of government to abolish risk.

'We cannot live our live in constant fear of death,' he said.

'At some point, we have to say, "Look, this crisis is now as well managed as it is ever going to be".

Kerry Chant, the state's Chief Health Officer, announced a series of new Covid restrictions alongside Dominic Perrottet on Thursday. Similar restrictions were introduced in Victoria

'We have to put it behind us and get on with life rather than at the official level, at the governmental level, remaining in that sense of the continuous crisis because let's face it, all of us are prone to the temptations of power and as long as the crisis lasts, officialdom is exulted.'

In Victoria, face masks will from Thursday be compulsory in all public indoor spaces, including cafes, restaurants and pubs.

Holidaymakers wanting to travel to Queensland this Christmas are required to line up for hours at a Covid clinic to get a PCR test.

Across Australia, 90.9 per cent of the population aged 16 and over is fully vaccinated with the Department of Health data also showing 93.5 per cent at least double dosed in NSW.

The Omicron strain, while more infectious, isn't putting more people into hospital or causing a surge in the death rate, prompting former deputy chief medical officer Dr Nick Coatsworth to slam the hysteria about surging case numbers.

Mr Abbott is also concerned about Covid paranoid stopping Australians getting tested for cancer or getting check-ups for heart disease.

'It's pretty clear that a lot of treatments that should have been available to people have been delayed because of the focus on this particular virus as a result of the pandemic,' he said.

Between January and October this year, 11,636 people died from ischaemic heart disease, Australian Bureau of Statistics data released this week showed.

From Christmas Eve, New South Wales is reintroducing compulsory indoor mask rules for offices and public indoor settings, after new cases of the Omicron variant on Thursday surged by a new daily pandemic record of 5,715 (pictured is a woman shopping in Sydney)

By comparison, 1,744 deaths were linked to Covid.

Of those who died from Covid, 71.2 per cent of them had pre-existing chronic conditions certified on the death certificate.

The cost of lockdowns is set to be paid by future generations with Treasury's Mid-Year Economic and Fiscal Outlook showing gross government debt hitting $1.189trillion by 2024-25, making up 48.6 per cent of Australia's gross domestic product.

Mr Abbott, whose government didn't deliver a budget surplus, said the economic cost would linger.

'We will be living with the economic consequences of Covid for a very long time,' he said.
An investigation into the alleged rape of a nine-year-old girl in Sydney's north-west 41 years ago has been relaunched.

The girl was playing with friends in bushland off Randal Crescent and Richard Close, North Rocks on July 1, 1979 before she was approached by a man claiming to be a council ranger.

The man, believed to have been aged 25-30 took her further into the bushland, where he allegedly sexually assaulted her.

Police have released comfit images of what the man looked like at the time and what he may look like now, based on the vicitm's description

The incident was reported to police but no charges have ever been laid, despite extensive investigations over the last four decades.

With some help from the Facial Recognition Unit, police have released comfit images showing what the man looked at the time based on the girl's description of him and what he may look like now.

The man  as reconstructed by the victims description  is shown in the image as he would have appeared at the time, next to how police predict he would look now.

It's understood the man may have lived in the North Rocks area at the time of the incident but could have moved away since.

Anyone with information or recognises the man is urged to call Crime Stoppers.
Premier Perrottet (pictured on Thursday) has reintroduced mask mandates

NSW has re-introduced mandatory mask-wearing indoors and imposed capacity limits on restaurants and bars in a huge U-turn to tackle the Omicron Covid strain just a week after relaxing the rules.

Premier Dominic Perrottet also re-introduced QR-code check-ins, encouraged working from home and urged Aussies to only get tested if they are feeling unwell.

It was an astonishing backflip by Mr Perrottet given he has railed against mask mandates and preached personal responsibility in the past week, backed up by Prime Minister Scott Morrison.

The raft of changes follows an emergency national cabinet meeting about the more infectious Omicron variant and the state reporting a further 5,715 cases this morning.

Victoria also reintroduced indoor masks earlier today after a surge of 2,005 infections.

Due to huge testing queues across NSW, Mr Perrottet urged Aussies to only get swabbed if they are ill and said free rapid antigen tests will be available at vaccination centres, GPs and pharmacies next year.

Hospitality venues will have QR codes and a one person per two square metres rule imposed from December 27 until January 27.

Masks indoors, except at private homes, will also be mandated from Friday until January 27.

Earlier this week Mr Perrottet said he didn't want mask mandates because he wanted to treat people 'like adults' and let them decide for themselves. But he has totally backflipped on this position.

NSW new rules Masks mandated indoors, except private homes, from Friday until 27 January Hospitality venues will have a one person per two square metres rule imposed from December 27 until January 27 Working from home recommended Only get a PCR test if you are ill or directed to by NSW health Advertisement

'We believe today's changes are modest, cautious, takes a precautionary approach as we move through this holiday period to the end of January,' he said.

'The system is in a very strong position. Our ICU numbers remain low at 45. That is incredibly pleasing.

'We believe the changes that we are making today will ensure that our health system is well manned over the holiday season as we go through this next stage.

'Our number one priority is to keep people safe. We continue to open up the economy safely and are incredibly confident that New South Wales and our great people have made an enormous efforts and sacrifices over this period of time.'

Mr Perrottet said he has received health advice that the Omicron strain is 'five times less severe' than Delta but more data was needed to make sure.

Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant said 80 per cent of cases in NSW were the more infectious Omicron strain and this explains the sharp increase.

'Pulling together multiple pieces of evidence from overseas countries such as South Africa and the UK, and using some of our own emerging data, it indicates that infection with Omicron is likely to be milder than infection with Delta, with the risk of hospitalisation being around 60 to 80 per cent less than for Delta,' she said.

'But the issue is the increased transmissibility, leading to high case numbers. And the impact this is having on vulnerable settings, vulnerable people and critical workforces.'

Mr Perrottet said there are about 1,500 health workers today unable to go to work because they are sick or have to get Covid tests.

Christmas shoppers in the Sydney CBD during a rain storm on Thursday

Health Minister Brad Hazzard said too many people are getting tested even though they don't have symptoms, pushing out the testing times.

'Many people waiting hours in queues, particularly as we come into Christmas.

'We're doing everything we can to alleviate that pressure. In addition to the PCR testing, if you're unwell and those people from New South Wales... if you aren't feeling unwell, please do not get a PCR test.'

About 20 per cent of testing is for travellers leaving the state, prompting Mr Perrottet to petition other premiers to relax their entry testing requirements.

Mr Hazzard also urged vaccine advisory group ATAGI to slash the five-month gap between second and third doses to four months.

But he acknowledged this would put pressure on the GPs and pharmacies by making millions more people eligible for their booster shots, which are deemed critical to slowing the spread of Omicron.

Due to huge testing queues across NSW, Mr Perrottet urged Aussies to only get swabbed if they are ill. Pictured: Testing at Bondi in Sydney's east

NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet (right) speaks with Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant during a press conference in Sydney on Thursday

NSW Ambulance Acting Commissioner David Dutton urged residents to only called Triple Zero in emergencies amid fears paramedics will be overloaded.

'Yesterday, we answered an emergency 000 call every 24 seconds,' he said.

'If somebody is unconscious, if someone has chest pain, somebody has shortness of breath, if there are injuries as a result of a motor vehicle accident, please call emergency 000.'

'If you can't sleep, if you have a toothache, if you have a splinter, if you want to check the opening hours of testing clinic or follow-up on a COVID-19 vaccination, please do not call emergency 000.'

It comes after Australia recorded a record 8,694 cases on Thursday including 5,715 in NSW, 2,005 in Victoria, 484 in South Australia, 369 in Queensland, 85 in the ACT, 26 in Tasmania and 10 in the Northern Territory.

Victorians have also been ordered to wear face masks in all indoor public spaces as part of major changes to the state's social distancing measures.

Victoria's new Covid rules and advice From 11.59pm Thursday: Face masks are mandatory in all indoor settings in Victoria, except private homes, for anyone aged eight or over. Face masks are required at all major events with more than 30,000 people. Victorians should work from home if they can. Hospitality venues are recommended to switch to a seated-only service. Advertisement

Beginning on Friday, face coverings will be mandatory for patrons at cafes, restaurants and pubs in a bid to stem the spread of the new Omicron Corvid variant, Deputy Premier James Merlino said.

Residents attending major events with more than 30,000 spectators will also have to wear a face mask. Mr Merlino said Victorians should also now work from home if they can and urged hospitality venues to switch to a seated-only service to reduce transmission.

Mr Merlino also ruled out introducing a further lockdown, after Melbourne suffered through a world record 262 days during the pandemic, because the state's residents have been vaccinated record numbers.

'It means that we are not considering going into lockdown and this is the commitment that we gave to the people of Victoria,' he said.

The deputy premier said the changes were 'modest measures' that would protect the state's health system from the recent surge in infections.

'Masks have a very small individual cost for us,' Mr Merlino said. 'They have a terrific impact on transmission - that is as true for Omicron as for any variant.'

Premier Daniel Andrews did not appear at Thursday's Covid press conference but did briefly interrupt his holiday to attend Wednesday's national cabinet meeting.

There are 398 Victorians receiving care in hospital with 72 in intensive care, a small increase from 394 in hospital and 70 in ICU on Wednesday.

Mr Morrison this week urged states not to re-introduce mask mandates, saying Australians should by this point in the pandemic know when and when not to wear a face covering.

'Wear a mask in an indoor setting. You don't need to be forced to do it,' he said.

'Think of Christmas Day when you're going to see elderly relatives, and wear a mask  it's pretty simple.'

Shoppers walk across Collins Street in Melbourne on December 22. Covid-19 case numbers are on the increase across the state with 2,005 new infections and ten deaths reported on Thursday

The government is also looking at providing free rapid antigen tests to help curb the spread of the virus as well as relieving pressure off medical workers.

Australia's PCR testing sites have been overwhelmed by travellers trying to get tested before going on holiday.

Switching to rapid antigen would slash these numbers and stop testing sites being overwhelmed by the 'worried well' and delay testing for those who are feeling sick.

'People have come forward to get tested in record numbers, which is important to help keep people and the community safe, but we need to make sure our testing clinics are there for people who really need it,' Mr Perrottet said.

'Providing rapid-antigen testing kits for those who want to do the right thing will help take the pressure of our testing clinics, while giving people confidence to get on with their lives.'

Also on Thursday Queensland's top doctor declared that Covid needs to spread around the state after almost two years of keeping the disease out with border closures.

Chief Health Officer Dr John Gerrard said Queenslanders must build up immunity by either getting vaccinated or catching Covid - the latter which requires greater transmission.

Dr Gerrard said the spread of the Omicron variant was 'inevitable' after the state opened its borders to the rest of Australia earlier this month.

'This Omicron variant is extremely contagious, not only is the spread of this virus inevitable, it is necessary,' Dr Gerrard said.

'In order for us to go to a pandemic phase, to an endemic phase, the virus has to be widespread.

'You all have to develop immunity and there's two ways you can do that, by being vaccinated or getting infected.

'Once we've done that, once we all have degree of immunity, the virus becomes endemic, and that is what is going to happen.'

An endemic virus is one that is relatively constant in the population, like flu.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk on Tuesday announced 369 new Covid cases - a record for the state - and warned Gold Coast residents to lift the vaccination rate on the tourist strip.

The doubling in numbers follows the 186 cases announced yesterday.
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Joe Biden has promised to deliver 500 million Covid tests but hasn't even signed a contract to buy them or set up a website so that people can place orders.

'That's not a plan - it's a hope,' Jennifer Nuzzo, an epidemiologist at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, told The New York Time.

'If those tests came in January and February, that could have an impact, but if they are spread out over 10 to 12 months, I'm not sure what kind of impact it is going to have.'

It is not even known how many tests will be immediately available or how quickly they can be shipped out to American homes, according to new projections from the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation at the University of Washington.

Amazon, Walgreens and CVS this week imposed limits on how many tests each customer can buy because of the surging demand.

It comes amid warnings from US experts that the virus could infect 140 million people between January and March - 60 percent of all Americans.

America is currently averaging 148,384 daily cases, a 23 percent increase from two weeks ago, and Omicron cases have increased by 19 percent day-over-day to about 2,084.

The new variant now accounts for 73 percent of new cases in the US and pushes Europe to the brink of fresh lockdowns.

But despite the gloomy outlook, Biden - who has vowed to avoid lockdowns - can be buoyed by recent British studies showing the new variant is milder.

Imperial College London on Wednesday found that Omicron is 40 percent less likely to lead to serious illness than the Delta variant.

Another study by the University of Edinburgh suggested that the new variant could slash hospitalisations by as much as 65 percent.

Both studies underlined, however, the importance of vaccines with the Imperial study stating the risk of hospitalization for an unvaccinated person was just 10 percent lower for Omicron than with Delta.

Joe Biden announced that the government would provide 500 million free rapid at-home tests for Americans during his Tuesday speech, but the contracts to provide the tests have yet to be signed as the nation braces for a COVID surge in the coming weeks

IMPERIAL COLLEGE LONDON: Researchers at Imperial College London found Omicron is 10 per cent less likely to cause hospitalisation in someone who has never been vaccinated or previously infected with Covid than with Delta. Hospitalisation is up to 20 per cent less likely in the general population  including those who have been infected or vaccinated  and 45 per cent less likely for at least a night

UNIVERSITY OF EDINBURGH: University of Edinburgh researchers found the risk of being hospitalised with Omicron was 65 per cent less with Omicron than with Delta. Graph shows: The rate of hospitalisation in different age groups for Delta (green) and Omicron (red) cases in Scotland

Omicron sufferers are 40% less likely to be admitted to hospital than those with Delta: British study of 300,000 finds variant IS milder than feared British scientists have found that Omicron sufferers are 40 percent less likely to be admitted to hospital with serious illness than those with Delta. Scientists at Imperial College London said that Britons who catch Omicron are between 15 and 20 per cent less likely to be admitted than those who get Delta. But the real-world analysis, of more than 300,000 people between December 1 and 14, found the chance of having to stay in hospital overnight was even lower, with a reduced risk of between 40 and 45 per cent. That study came after a second analysis from Scotland on Wednesday found that the risk of being hospitalized with Omicron was 65 percent less than with Delta. The study by Imperial, one of Britain's leading universities, found that even an unvaccinated person who has never had Covid and has no immunity, there was a 10 percent lower risk of being hospitalised with Omicron compared to Delta. For someone who has been recently infected, the chance of hospitalisation was slashed by 69 per cent in both vaccinated and unvaccinated people. The finding may explain why in South Africa  where up to 70 per cent of people have immunity from prior infection but only a quarter are jabbed  is seeing daily hospitalisations stall at less than 400. Professor Neil Ferguson said: 'You can see in London, we are getting a lot more people hospitalised. Not for very long, probably not with very severe illness. 'And that's not a reflection of Omicron versus Delta  that was already true for Delta infections, that they're less severe than they were last year because there's a lot of immunity in the population. 'The challenge is, if there's enough of them it still poses quite a challenge to the NHS. We're not talking about anything like what we saw last year with over-flowing intensive care units and ventilator beds.' The notoriously gloomy expert confirmed he expected the Omicron wave to be milder, with patients discharged from hospitals quicker and fewer Covid deaths, but warned there could still be significant pressure on the National Health Service (NHS). He also warned that if infections are 40 per cent higher than they were with Delta then that could offset any reduction in severity. The data came just moments after a similar study conducted in Scotland found the risk of being hospitalised with Omicron was 65 percent less than with Delta. University of Edinburgh researchers said Omicron was as severe as Delta they would have seen around 47 people in hospital in Scotland, yet so far there are only 15. Dr Jim McMenamin, the national Covid incident director for Public Health Scotland, labeled the findings a 'qualified good news story', but said that it was 'important we don't get ahead of ourselves'. He said: 'The potentially serious impact of Omicron on a population cannot be underestimated. 'And a smaller proportion of a much greater number of cases that might ultimately require treatment can still mean a substantial number of people who may experience severe Covid infections that could lead to potential hospitalisation.' But Professor Mark Woolhouse, of the University of Edinburgh, said it was heavily caveated at the moment. The data is based on a small number of cases and didn't have much data on those most at risk, the over 65s. Advertisement

The warning comes as Dr Anthony Fauci this week urged Americans to disinvite unvaccinated people from Christmas gatherings as the fast-spreading COVID-19 Omicron variant fuels a surge in infections nationwide.

'We're dealing with a serious enough situation now that if there's an unvaccinated person, I would say, 'I'm very sorry, but not this time. Maybe another time when this is all over,'' said Fauci in an interview with MSNBC on Tuesday night.

The study by Imperial, one of Britain's leading universities, found that for someone who has been recently infected, the chance of hospitalisation was slashed by 69 per cent in both vaccinated and unvaccinated people.

The finding may explain why in South Africa  where up to 70 per cent of people have immunity from prior infection but only a quarter are jabbed  is seeing daily hospitalisations stall at less than 400.

Professor Neil Ferguson said: 'You can see in London, we are getting a lot more people hospitalised. Not for very long, probably not with very severe illness.

'And that's not a reflection of Omicron versus Delta  that was already true for Delta infections, that they're less severe than they were last year because there's a lot of immunity in the population.

'The challenge is, if there's enough of them it still poses quite a challenge to the NHS. We're not talking about anything like what we saw last year with over-flowing intensive care units and ventilator beds.'

The notoriously gloomy expert confirmed he expected the Omicron wave to be milder, with patients discharged from hospitals quicker and fewer Covid deaths, but warned there could still be significant pressure on the National Health Service (NHS).

He also warned that if infections are 40 per cent higher than they were with Delta then that could offset any reduction in severity.

The data came just moments after a similar study conducted in Scotland found the risk of being hospitalised with Omicron was 65 percent less than with Delta.

University of Edinburgh researchers said Omicron was as severe as Delta they would have seen around 47 people in hospital in Scotland, yet so far there are only 15.

Dr Jim McMenamin, the national Covid incident director for Public Health Scotland, labeled the findings a 'qualified good news story', but said that it was 'important we don't get ahead of ourselves'.

He said: 'The potentially serious impact of Omicron on a population cannot be underestimated.

'And a smaller proportion of a much greater number of cases that might ultimately require treatment can still mean a substantial number of people who may experience severe Covid infections that could lead to potential hospitalisation.'

But Professor Mark Woolhouse, of the University of Edinburgh, said it was heavily caveated at the moment. The data is based on a small number of cases and didn't have much data on those most at risk, the over 65s.

As COVID cases soar across the U.S., health experts have predicted things will get worse in 2022 as the Omicron variant is expected to cause 140 million new infections from January to March, infecting 60 percent of all Americans, the majority of which will be asymptomatic cases.

Researchers from the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation at the University of Washington updated their COVID-19 model and expect the virus to hit the US hard come January, peaking at 2.8 million new cases a day by January 28.

'We are expecting an enormous surge in infections ... so, an enormous spread of Omicron,' IHME director Dr. Chris Murray said told USA Today.

'Total infections in the U.S. we forecast are going from about 40 percent of the U.S. having been infected so far, to having in the next two to three months, 60 percent of the U.S. getting infected with Omicron.'

Despite the surge, experts believe the new infections will ultimately lead to fewer deaths and hospitalizations than the deadly Delta variant, as Omicron is believed to be a more infectious but less severe variant.

Along with the at-home testing plan, the US has bolstered its COVID testing sites across the US ahead of the holiday. Pictured, Washington DC residents waiting in line for tests on Wednesday

The warnings of colossal infections mean that Biden's testing pledge is more important than ever.

Dr. Michael Mina, another epidemiologist and former Harvard professor who previously urged for expanded test, said the government's plan would likely take two to three months distribute tests.

'Had this been started a long time ago, maybe things would be a bit different,' said Mina, who recently became the chief science officer of eMed, which distributes at-home tests.

'But this is where we are now, and we kind of have to deal with it.'

Biden's plan could also face competition from state and local governments who thought of free at-home testing first.

In Maryland, Gov. Larry Hogan announced the state was partnering with Abbott Laboratories, a major manufacturer of rapid at-home tests, to deliver 500,000 tests to residents.

Colorado also began free testing distribution in October, as did dozens of cities in Massachusetts under the state's free testing program.

Abbott Laboratories spokesman John Koval said in a statement that the company is seeing an 'unprecedented demand' for these tests and that the company was 'sending them out as fast as we can make them.'

It comes as a stark difference from when the company had to destroy millions of tests in August over low demand just before the deadly Delta surge.

Biden had come to office vowing to expand testing for Americans to curb the spread of COVID, but his administration later focused primarily on the vaccination effort,

'Testing unequivocally saves lives, and widespread testing is the key to opening up our economy again,' Biden had said in June 2020 before the administration let testing fall to the wayside.

Now the need for testing come as confirmed Omicron cased to 2,084, up from 1,781, as of Wednesday morning, but that number represents only the tiny fraction of infections that are DNA sequenced.

Deaths have stabilized, with America averaging around 1,300 deaths per day - a steady figure for the past week and down slightly from two weeks ago. Encouraging new data from a leaked British study suggests that Omicron infections are less severe than prior variants.

On Tuesday, the US recorded 172,072 new cases - down from 253,954 on Monday - and 2093 deaths in a single day. The US recorded 1,513 deaths the day earlier. Since the start of the pandemic, the US has recorded 51.2 million COVID-19 cases and 810,045 deaths.

The White House also noted that it increased other testing methods in past months, including sending out 50 million free tests to community health centers.

White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said the 500 million tests are the 'biggest purchase that we have don to date.'

'It certainly represents a significant commitment, a recognition by the president that we need to be doing more,' she said.

Psaki's comments come after she previously mocked the idea of sending out at-home tests nationwide on December 6.

'Then what happens if you  if every American has one test? How much does that cost, and then what happens after that?,' she said at the time.

Psaki was slammed by medical professionals for appearing to mock the idea. Other nations, including those in Europe and Asia, send out at-home, free tests.

'Should I have included that additional context - again and that answer is yes,' Psaki said on Tuesday. 'Going back I wish I would have done that.'

Her regret came the same day President Joe Biden announced a plan to ship 500 million COVID at-home tests to Americans in the new year and as people experience long lines and testing shortage ahead of the holiday season.

White House press secretary Jen Psaki indicated she regretted her response on sending at-home COVID tests to all Americans - her original comment was made two weeks before President Biden announced such a policy

Two weeks ago, Psaki was criticized by medical experts for mocking a reporter who questioned her about at home testing.

TRANSCRIPT OF PRESS ROOM EXCHANGE: And I have one quick question on testing. Last week, obviously, the President explained some ramp-up in testing, but there are still a lot of countries, like Germany and the UK and South Korea, that basically have massive testing, free of charge or for a nominal fee. Why can't that be done in the United States? PSAKI: Well, I would say, first, you know, we have eight tests that have been approved by the FDA here. We see that as the gold standard. Whether or not all of those tests would meet that standard is a question for the scientists and medical experts, but I don't suspect they would. Our objective is to continue to increase accessibility and decrease costs. And if you look at what we've done over the course of time, we've quadrupled the size of our testing plan, we've cut the cost significantly over the past few months, and this effort to push  to ensure  ensures you're able to get your tests refunded means 150 million Americans will be able to get free tests. Q That's kind of complicated though. Why not just make them free and give them out to  and have them available everywhere? PSAKI: Should we just send one to every American? Q Maybe. I'm just asking you  there are other countries  PSAKI: Then what  then what happens if you  if every American has one test? How much does that cost, and then what happens after that? Q I don't know. All I know is that other countries seem to be making them available for  in greater quantities, for less money. PSAKI: Well, I think we share the same objective, which is to make them less expensive and more accessible. Right? Every country is going to do that differently. And I was just noting that, again, our tests go through the FDA approval process. That's not the same process that  it doesn't work that way in every single country. But what we're working to do here is build on what we've done to date and continue to build out our testing capacity, because, Mara, we absolutely recognize that this is a key component of fighting the virus. Advertisement

NPR's Mara Liasson, on December 6th, asked the White House press secretary why the government would not simply give out the tests free of charge to everyone, as is done in countries like the UK, Germany and South Korea.

Psaki met the NPR correspondent's suggestion with apparent contempt, saying in response with a sarcastic smirk: 'should we just send one to every American?'

'Maybe,' Liasson shot back, before again trying to point out the example of other countries, only to be cut off by Psaki.

'Then what happens if every American has one test? How much does that cost, and then what happens after that?' the White House spokesperson demanded.

Liasson replied: 'I don't know. All I know is that other countries seem to be making them available...in greater quantities, for less money.'

The testy briefing room back-and-forth quickly caught the attention of doctors and public health experts, who wasted no time raking Psaki over the coals for what one commenter described as her 'terrible, flippant, wrong' response.

'Actually stunned by this response by the @PressSec @WHCOVIDResponse @WhiteHouse,' tweeted Rick Bright, CEO of the Rockefeller Foundation. 'We should remove all access barriers to rapid tests. They're too expensive, in short supply & adding extra insurance barriers isn't the answer. Yes, mail them to all Americans.'

Gregg Gonzalves, a Yale University researcher did not mince words, writing in a tweet: 'this answer was terrible, flippant, wrong. Rapid tests are hard to get, expensive & could be a key intervention in fighting #COVID19. Other countries have figured out better ways to get these tools into the hands of their citizens. Do better.'

Dr Craig Spencer, Director of Global Health in Emergency Medicine at New York-Presbyterian/Columbia University Medical Center, pointed out that the US government has already spent billions of dollars of vaccines, so 'tests should be no different.'

President Biden, meanwhile on Tuesday, tried to calm American fears about a pandemic surge just in time for Christmas.

'This is not March 2020,' he said, citing the fact that 61.5% of Americans are vaccinated and the country is better prepared.

He once again pleaded with the unvaccinated to get their shots.

He even credited former President Donald Trump, who said publicly that he got his own booster shot.

'It may be one of the few things he and I agree on,' Biden quipped.

Biden also acknowledged it can be hard to get an appointment for COVID testing  coughing into his hand as he made the point, as well as at another point during his remarks.

He spoke to Americans' frustration with yet another surge. 'We'll get through this,' he said from the State Dining Room of the White House.

He began his remarks by acknowledging 'how tired, worried and frustrated I know you are. I know how you're feeling. For many of you, this will be the first or even the second Christmas where you look across the table being an empty kitchen chair there. Tens of millions have gotten sick, all experienced upheaval in our lives.'

But he said the nation was 'tougher' than COVID, 'because we have the power of science and vaccines to prevent illness and save lives.'

Americans have been experiencing long lines and delays in getting tested for COVID ahead of the holidays

As COVID cases soar across the U.S., health experts have predicted things will get worse in 2022 as the Omicron variant is expected to cause 140 million new infections from January to March, infecting 60 percent of all Americans, the majority of which will be asymptomatic cases.

Researchers from the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation at the University of Washington updated their COVID-19 model and expect the virus to hit the US hard come January, peaking at 2.8 million new cases a day by January 28.

'We are expecting an enormous surge in infections ... so, an enormous spread of Omicron,' IHME director Dr. Chris Murray said told USA Today.

'Total infections in the U.S. we forecast are going from about 40 percent of the U.S. having been infected so far, to having in the next two to three months, 60 percent of the U.S. getting infected with Omicron.'

Despite the surge, experts believe the new infections will ultimately lead to fewer deaths and hospitalizations than the deadly Delta variant, as Omicron is believed to be a more infectious but less severe variant.

The number of daily COVID cases is expected to more than double come January, with the Omicron variant predicted to cause about 140 new cases come March 2022

Daily deaths are expected to increase as well and peak at around 2,800 deaths by mid-February. The rate is predicted to be lower than last year's winter surge

The projections showed deaths increasing from the current 1,500 a day throughout January before peaking at around 2,800 deaths a day in mid February.

It's less than the more than 3,000 daily deaths recorded in January 2021.

Because the majority of those infected won't feel sick or get tested, the researchers warned that the total infections will be underreported, predicting that only about 400,000 new cases will be reported every day as opposed to the more than a million.

Murray said that while the forecast may be pessimistic, it is within the area of possibility based on the current information scientists have on the Omicron variant, which now accounts for 73 percent of new cases in the US.

The good news, however, is that Omicron's hospitalization rate is about 90 to 96 percent lower than Delta, which rampaged through much of the US in August.

'In the past, we roughly thought that COVID was 10 times worse than flu and now we have a variant that is probably at least 10 times less severe,' Murray said. 'So, omicron will probably  be less severe than flu but much more transmissible.'

But other experts said it was too soon to make a judgment on Omicron and feared the variant might end up causing the biggest surge the U.S. has ever scene.

'With omicron, we are seeing lots of infections, we are already seeing hospitalizations and  even though it takes time to die  we are already seeing deaths,' Dr. Daniel Griffin, chief of infectious diseases at ProHealth Care and a clinical instructor of medicine at Columbia University, told USA Today.

'It will take a little more time to know for certain about any relative severity as well as cross protection for reinfection with other variants after omicron infections.'

'Nothing's been good enough': Joe Biden slams his own administration's response to COVID and lack of test kits - but claims 'nobody saw it coming' about Omicron

President Joe Biden criticized his administration's own handling of the coronavirus pandemic, admitting the response hasn't been 'good enough' as the Omicron variant spreads like wildfire, leading to a massive surge of cases ahead of Christmas.

Biden, 79, echoed Vice President Kamala Harris' claim that no one saw Omicron coming, but said they were always alive to the possibility of new variants.

When asked by ABC's David Muir on Wednesday how the administration had failed to see Omicron coming, Biden laughed.

'How did we get it wrong?' the president responded. 'Nobody saw it coming. Nobody in the whole world. Who saw it coming?'

President Joe Biden said in an interview that aired on ABC News Wednesday evening that his administration's response to the pandemic has not 'been good enough'

Muir replied: 'Did the administration not expect that there could be moments like this one where you'd have a highly transmissible variant around the corner?'

Biden said: 'It was possible, and it's possible there could be other variants that come along.

'That's possible.

'But what do you plan for? You plan for what you think is available.

'That is the most likely threat that exists at the time and you respond to it. And I think that that's exactly what we've done.

'And that's - for example, Omicron is spreading rapidly, but the death rates are much, much lower than they were.

'This is not March of 2020. This is a very different time that we're in now.'

Biden said: 'Omicron only really came on the scene just before Thanksgiving. We weren't talking about Omicron six months ago.

'But it's just recent.

'And so we are chasing Omicron.

'But the fact of the matter is, you're chasing whatever comes on the scene that hadn't, wasn't there before, and this wasn't there this last summer for example.'

Muir pressed Biden on whether the administration had failed the American people.

'We're nearly two years into this pandemic, you're a year into the presidency. Empty shelves and no test kits in some places  three days before Christmas when it's so important. Is that good enough?' Muir asked the president, in an interview that aired on Wednesday evening.

'No, nothing's been good enough,' Biden replied.

'But look, look where we are,' he added of the progress.

'Last Christmas we were in a situation where we had significantly fewer people vaccinated, emergency rooms were filled, we had serious backups in hospitals that were causing great difficulties.

'We're in a situation now where we have 200 million people fully vaccinated. And we have more than that who have had at least one shot  and we're getting these booster shots, as well.'

Biden sat down with ABC's David Muir at the White House in an interview that aired three days before Christmas to discuss a range of issues  including the lack of testing kits around the country as COVID surges and American travel for the holidays

Asked if it was a failure of his administration, Biden replied: 'I don't think it's a failure.'

He said: 'I think it's - you could argue that we should have known a year ago, six months ago, two months ago, a month ago.'

But he did express some regret about not ordering the rapid, at-home tests sooner.

'I wish I had thought about ordering' 500 million at-home tests 'two months ago,' he told Muir.

In July, Biden told the country that a corner had been turned in the fight against COVID.

He said he did not regret the comments, and stressed that it was an ongoing fight.

'How are we going to do this? Are we certainly going to be able to overcome the Delta - excuse me, the virus, COVID-19?

'The answer is: the expectation is yes, because we have the best scientists in the world.

'We move so rapidly compared to other countries.

'But we don't know, we don't know for certain, so that's why.'

On Tuesday, Biden announced new measures to address the prevailing coronavirus pandemic as the latest variant interrupts thousands of Americans' holiday plans.

During his remarks Tuesday and in his interview that aired Wednesday, the president assured vaccinated Americans who test negative that they can safely celebrate Christmas with their families this year, claiming the spike in cases is not indicative of another lockdown to come.

'The docs who advise me on this are still saying if you are tested, if you know where you are in terms of having gotten your shots, there's no reason you can't get together with your family and your friends.

'And we couldn't do that last Christmas,' Biden told Muir.

Asked why there was no vaccine mandate to get on a plane, Biden said he had considered it, but ruled it out.

'It's been considered but the recommendation I've gotten, it's not necessary,' Biden said.

'Even with omicron. That's the recommendation I got so far from the team.'

The president acknowledged during his Tuesday remarks that it can be hard to get an appointment for COVID testing  coughing into his hand as he made the point, as well as at another point during his remarks.

The administration, however, is facing backlash as a shortage of coronavirus testing kits ensued just as Omicron spread through the country and as thousands get ready to travel to see their families for Christmas this week.

The White House claims it didn't predict the Omicron variant and holiday surge.

Massive lines have formed around the country for Americans to receive free at-home rapid COVID testing kits ahead of the holidays. Pictured: City residents wait in line in Philadelphia for their kits

Biden praised in his interview the 200 million Americans who are fully vaccinated

Cases have been surging in several hot spots, including Hawaii, Florida, Texas and New York as the Omicron variant spreads like wildfire across the country

Biden snapped when asked Tuesday if it was a failure that more tests weren't available after experts who have advised the administration for months warned the nation needs a surge of kits.

'No, it's not,' he shot back. 'Because COVID is spreading so rapidly  notice it just happened almost overnight, just in the last month.'

In his July 4 speech on the South Lawn of the White House, Biden said the country was 'closer than ever' to gaining independence from COVID.

'Do you think you over-promised?' Muir asked.

'No, we were closer to ever,' Biden said. 'But, there's a lot we don't know.'
One of Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascon's top aides is being accused of threatening a local police officer who arrested him for public intoxication.

Joseph Iniguez, Gascon's chief of staff, was responding to a stop the officer made of a Tesla driven by Iniguez's fiancee on December 11 for an illegal U-turn, the LA Daily News reported.

Iniguez, according to a prosecutor, called the officer a 'f---up' and said he'd 'put him in the Brady system,' the outlet reported.

The Brady list, established by a 1963 Supreme Court ruling, adds officers who have a record of knowingly lying in a professional capacity to said list.

If an officer gets put on a list, prosecutors must notify defendants and their attorneys if they are on the Brady list. It is often used to attack an officer's credibility in court.

Joseph Iniguez, Gascon's chief of staff, was responding to a stop the officer made on a Tesla driven by Iniguez's fiancee on December 11 for an illegal U-turn

George Gascon is a progressive prosecutor who has been vocal about his belief that the criminal justice system needs to focus more on intervention and rehabilitation

Police arrested Iniguez for being under the influence and put him in jail, where he was released four hours later.

Iniguez said he and his fiance were heading home from a wedding and stopped at a restaurant where the officer came up to their vehicle. He claims he stepped out of the car to film the interaction because he was worried about his fiance.

The chief of staff filed a complaint against the arresting officer.

The Azusa Police Officers Association called the complaint frivolous and accused Iniguez of turning this into a spectacle.

'The problem is Mr. Iniguez is refusing to relay all of the facts of the incident,' union President CJ Wilkins said.

'The facts of the case will eventually be released, and when this frivolous and retaliatory complaint is complete, I am most certain the officer will be found to have been in complete compliance with the state law, and department policy.

'The officer that arrested Mr. Iniguez did so with full legal authority and without malice.'

The Azusa Police Officer's Association, a union representing the officers, said they back the arresting policeman in the case

Chief Mike Bertelsen (pictured) claims that the union does not speak for the police department or the city in a statement

No video has been released from the arrest from either the Tesla (which has a sensory system that captures video) or Iniguez's own recording.

It now becomes unclear who will actually investigate Iniguez's claim, as the district attorney's office oversees police officer misconduct.

'So he gets arrested, threatens a cop, and comes to work on Monday overseeing (justice integrity) officers,' one prosecutor said. 'Office policy requires he notify the bureau director, then be removed from that position pending an investigation which never happened.'

Alex Bastian, a special adviser to Gascon, said that potential criminal matters arising from the incident will be forwarded to the California Attorney General's Office for review to avoid a potential conflict of interest, he said.

Wilkins claims that this officer - who has not been identified - has a solid record, including several recognitions from Mothers Against Drunk Driving for reducing alcohol-related traffic collisions, Wilkins said

'The Azusa Police Officers Association stands behind the officer that made the arrest, and for doing his job, unlike the department administration,' he said. 'Mr. Iniguez and his office are quick to blame officers for wrongdoing, but they refuse to look in the mirror to put any fault on themselves when they get caught so intoxicated in public they can no longer care for their own safety.'

However, Azusa Police Chief Mike Bertelsen said in a statement that the union does not speak for the Police Department.

'The men and women of our Police Department do an outstanding job every day serving our community with honor and they have my full support,' Bertelsen said.

'The union's leaders have resisted implementation of body-worn cameras and internal affairs investigations into alleged on-duty and off-duty misconduct,' the chief added. 'I am disappointed that the union's leadership is engaging in this type of behavior at a time when they should be working with us to prevent and solve crime, fill vacancies and ensure our policies meet the expectations of our community.'

Gascon is a progressive prosecutor who has been vocal about his belief that the criminal justice system needs to focus more on intervention and rehabilitation, blasting 'tough on crime' policies as racist and a failure.

He has faced rampant criticism since assuming office last year over his progressive policies - such as allowing suspects to go free as they await their day in court.

Gascon, one of many 'woke' DAs bankrolled by billionaire Democrat donor George Soros, has survived one recall effort and faces another that was launched Monday.

In May, Gascon's opponents organized a recall effort to oust him from office.

However, despite garnering more than 200,000 signatures from LA citizens in a matter of months, the campaign fell short in October, failing to amass the needed 580,000 LA County voters needed to remove Gascon.

A recent rash of 'flash mob'-style robberies have only made matters worse for Gascon, with a second recall effort launched against the DA on Monday.

The renewed recall attempt looks to have been spurred by the string of smash-and-grab attacks, which have seen a variety of high-end retailers in the city relentlessly ransacked in recent months.
The production or use of a fake coronavirus vaccination cards is now a crime in the state of New York.

A bill was signed into law by New York Governor Kathy Hochul late on Wednesday.

It means that anyone involved in faking a COVID vaccination card will have committed a class A misdemeanor for which the punishment is one year in jail or three years probation, coupled with a $1,000 fine.

A new felony computer-tampering charge has also been established for the intentional alteration of material relating to COVID-19 vaccine records.

Its now against the law in New York state to use a fake vaccination card, according to a new bill signed by Governor Kathy Hochul late Wednesday

'We need to make sure we learn the lessons of the pandemic so we don't make the same mistakes twice,' Hochul said in a statement.

'These new laws will help us improve our response to the pandemic now, crack down on fraudulent use of vaccination records, and help us better understand the areas of improvement we need to make to our health care system so we can be even more prepared down the road.'

Although fabricating vaccination information was already a federal crime, the move gives another avenue for prosecutions to take place for those using and creating falsified immunization cards.

'It's never been more urgent that we protect this process from fraud so that the health and safety of the public isn't compromised by bad actors using fraudulent vaccination cards or passports,' State Sen. Anna Kaplan (D-Long Island), a sponsor of the bill, said.

Governor Hochul signed the legislation at a time when cases are surging nationwide

Kaplan said New York's current spike in COVID-19 infections means the ability to prosecute those involved in vaccine card fraud is particularly important.

Fraudulent vaccination cards are also a violation of federal law, and the FBI in March released a public service announcement reminding the public that it's a crime to 'replicate the unauthorized use of an official government agency's seal, specifically the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention seals.'

Counterfeit cards have for months popped up on Amazon, Etsy, eBay, Facebook, Instagram and other marketplaces.

In April, a bipartisan coalition of 47 state attorneys general sent a letter to the CEOs of Twitter, Shopify and eBay to take down ads or links selling the bogus cards.

A photo of a hand using a magnifying glass to check the authenticity of s Covid-19 vaccine card

Many of the sites have blacklisted keywords related to fake cards, but places to buy the documents are still popping up on messaging apps, chat forums and the dark web.

In July, the Department of Justice announced its first prosecution for fake vaccination proof, where a California naturopathic doctor, Juli Mazi, was charged with one count of wire fraud and one count of false statements related to health care matters.

And on August 17, a Chicago pharmacist, TangTang Zao, was arrested for selling dozens of fake vaccine cards for just $10 a pop.

'To put such a small price on the safety of our nation is not only an insult to those who are doing their part in the fight to stop COVID-19, but a federal crime with serious consequences,' said Special Agent in Charge Emmerson Buie Jr. of the FBIs Chicago Field Office.

Zao allegedly sold blank but authentic CDC vaccination cards and was charged with 12 counts of theft of government property. If convicted, he faces a sentence of 10 years in prison per count.

In August, a New Jersey woman, Jasmine Clifford, who went by @antivaxmomma on Instagram, was charged along with 14 others as part of a scheme that peddled over 250 fake vaccination cards for $200 on Instagram. For an extra $250, co-conspirator Nadayza Barkley, who worked at a New York medical clinic, would allegedly enter the buyer's name into the state's digital database for New York's digital vaccine pass.

Thousands of counterfeit vaccination cards, containing typos and misspelled words, have been seized

Three Vermont state troopers, who have since resigned, are also under FBI investigation for running a fake vaccination card scheme.

Customs and Border Protection says it has seized thousands of fake vaccination cards coming into the US over the past few months.

Also in August, the agency uncovered a shipment from Shenzen, China to Memphis containing fake vaccine cards fraught with typos and misspelled words. CBP said it was the 15th such shipment of the night, though to all different cities, and none were even concealed inside their shipment container. CBP said Memphis alone had made 121 seizures totaling 3,017 of vaccination cards.

Last month, several city employees were accused of using fake cards in order to bypass New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio's municipal vaccination mandate.

Offenders include two high-ranking NYPD cops. The pair were stripped of their shields and guns.

There are also allegations that hundreds of firefighters and sanitation workers used forged vaccination cards to evade the vaccine mandate.

Last month it was announced FDNY officials were investigating the theft of blank vaccine cards from a department vaccination site. An example vaccine card is seen in a file photo

At least 50 DSNY workers were suspended for providing fake vaccine records, and FDNY officials are investigating the theft of blank vaccine cards from department vaccination sites.

At the FDNY, a brazen scheme apparently involved the theft of blank cards from headquarters and other sites where agency's Incident Management Team had been dispensing the shot.

In a memo to firefighters, FDNY warned that forging a vaccine card to prove compliance with the policy may be a felony.

Sanitation workers have allegedly been providing fake vaccination credentials obtained from workers at CVS pharmacies in Staten Island and Brooklyn.

CVS workers reportedly submitted false data to the state that workers were receiving the one-dose Johnson & Johnson shot, but the scheme blew up because the chain is not actually distributing that brand of vaccine.

De Blasio's vaccine mandate for all city employees took effect on November 1, and has been met with stiff resistance from some quarters.
The boss of NSW Ambulance has urged Australians to save 000 calls for emergencies - not to complain they can't sleep or ask if Covid testing sites are open.

During a media conference about new Covid restrictions being introduced in NSW, including compulsory indoor masks, Acting NSW Ambulance Commissioner Dave Dutton said this holiday period was shaping up to be a busy time for paramedics.

But Mr Dutton revealed operators were being bombarded with irrelevant calls about Covid - as well as about other personal things - as he urged people to think before they call.

Acting Commissioner, Dave Dutton, from Ambulance NSW urged Australians at a press conference today to save 000 calls for emergencies (stock)

'Yesterday, we answered an emergency 000 call every 24 seconds,' he said.

'We are asking to save 000 for saving lives.'

He reiterated what classifies as an emergency situation and what does not - including sleeplessness and Covid vaccinations.

He reiterated what classifies as an emergency situation and what does not - including sleeplessness and Covid vaccination information (stock)

'I want to be clear, if somebody is unconscious if someone has chest pain, somebody has shortness of breath, if there are injuries as a result of a motor vehicle accident please call emergency 000,' he said.

'I want to be equally clear on the following points.

'If you can't sleep, if you have a toothache, if you have a splinter, if you want to check the opening hours of testing clinic, or follow-up on a COVID-19 vaccination, please do not call emergency 000.'

He said non-emergency calls to the 000 service potentially delay responses to genuine emergency situations.

The speech followed NSW Premiere Dominic Perrottet's announcement that the state would be re-introducing indoor mask rules, QR check-in codes, and social distancing rules in hospitality venues

His speech followed NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet's announcement on Thursday that the state would be re-introducing indoor mask rules, QR check-in codes, and social distancing rules in hospitality venues.

The announcement was in stark contrast of Mr Perrottet's opinions earlier this week that NSW would not go back to mandates but encourage 'personal responsibility.'

'We believe today's changes are modest, cautious, takes a precautionary approach as we move through this holiday period to the end of January,' he said.

The announcement was in stark contrast of Mr Perrottet's opinions earlier this week that NSW would not go back to mandates but encourage 'personal responsibility'

'The system is in a very strong position. Our ICU numbers remain low at 45. That is incredibly pleasing.

'We believe the changes that we are making today will ensure that our health system is well manned over the holiday season as we go through this next stage.'

Mr Perrottet has also urged Aussies to only get tested if they are unwell and said free rapid antigen tests will be available at vaccination centres, GPs and pharmacies.

Health Minister Brad Hazzard said too many people are getting tested even though they don't have symptoms.

Mr Perrottet has also urged Aussies to only get tested if they are unwell and said free rapid antigen tests will be available at vaccination centres, GPs and pharmacies

Health Minister Brad Hazzard said too many people are getting tested even though they don't have symptoms

'Many people waiting hours in queues, particularly as we come into Christmas.

'We're doing everything we can to alleviate that pressure. In addition to the PCR testing, if you're unwell and those people from New South Wales... if you aren't feeling unwell, please do not get a PCR test.'

The announcements came after Australia recorded a record 8,210 cases on Thursday including 5,715 in NSW, 2,005 in Victoria, 369 in Queensland, 85 in the ACT, 26 in Tasmania and 10 in the Northern Territory.

The announcements came after Australia recorded a record 8,210 cases on Thursday including 5,715 in NSW

Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant said 80 per cent of cases in NSW were the more infectious Omicron strain and this explains the recent sharp increase in cases

Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant said 80 per cent of cases in NSW were the more infectious Omicron strain and this explains the recent sharp increase in cases.

'Pulling together multiple pieces of evidence from overseas countries such as South Africa and the UK, and using some of our own emerging data, it indicates that infection with Omicron is likely to be milder than infection with Delta, with the risk of hospitalisation being around 60 to 80 per cent less than for Delta,' she said.

'But the issue is the increased transmissibility, leading to high case numbers. And the impact this is having on vulnerable settings, vulnerable people and critical workforces.'
The next mayor of New York City delivered a stinging rebuke on Wednesday to progressives calling for him to outlaw solitary confinement - telling them that he was determined to keep the city safe, and promising he has the knowledge to do so.

Eric Adams, who will replace Bill de Blasio on January 1, said his time as a member of the New York Police Department (NYPD) taught him about law and order.

'I wore a bulletproof vest for 22 years and protected the people of this city,' he said during a press conference.

'And when you do that, you have the right to question me on safety and public safety matters.

'I think I know a little something about this.'

Eric Adams on Wednesday said he would not back down on his policy of 'segregation' for violent prisoners - despite complaints from progressives earlier this week

A solitary confinement cell is seen at New York City's notorious Rikers Island jail

Adams, 61, on December 16 said he felt that prisons and jails should be allowed to keep using solitary confinement.

The veteran Democrat politician said he will reverse de Blasio's plans to end solitary confinement, and will send prisoners into 'segregation' from the main jail population from day one if they commit a violent act.

On December 21, a group of 30 council members wrote to him urging him to reconsider his stance.

'Solitary confinement is recognized by the UN, human rights orgs, & mental health experts to be torture,' tweeted Tiffany Caban, one of the signatories.

'Along w 29 council colleagues, I'm calling on incoming Mayor Adams to #HALTsolitary, & ensure dignity & safety for all our neighbors.

'NYC will never torture its way to safety.'

Adams, asked about the letter, was exasperated - insisting he did not promote solitary confinement, but rather felt that wardens should be allowed to segregate dangerous and violent inmates.

'I support punitive segregation,' he said.

'I am not going to be in a city where dangerous people assault innocent people; go to jail, and assault more people.

'You cannot have a jail system where someone sexually assaults a staffer, slash an inmate, and then say it's alright, I'm just going to give you an iPad and hug you and say don't do it again. No.

'If you are violent, you must be removed from population so that you don't inflict violence on other people. That's clear.'

Adams accused the 30 council members who wrote the letter of 'romanticizing' the reality inside the city's infamous prisons.

'Those who are romanticizing this issue, I'm asking them, go do a week on Rikers Island. Spend time there. Then you come out and tell me that dangerous should walk up and down and not be held accountable,' he said.

The entrance to Rikers Island - one of New York City's most violent and infamous jails

Rikers Island, with its bridge over to Queens and Manhattan in the background, has long been controversial

Jail cells are seen in the 'Enhanced Supervision Housing Unit' at Rikers Island

He said that he was angry the 30 had chosen to write an open letter rather than coming to speak to him and try and understand each others' views.

'If you want to work as a partner call me - hear my understandings and my beliefs,' he said.

'The one thing that's different from everyone who signed the letter and Eric Adams?

'I wore a bulletproof vest for 22 years and protected the people of this city.

'And when you do that, you have the right to question me on safety and public safety matters.

'I think I know a little something about this.'

Adams is taking over at a time of rising crime in New York City.

Shootings have increased both in 2020 and through November of 2021, to levels not seen since the mid-2000s, said Dermot Shea, the chief of NYPD.

Hate crimes are also up this year, led by anti-Jewish incidents.

Shea said earlier this month that the 4,144 gun arrests is the highest figure since 1995.

The number of murders decreased by 17.2 per cent, year on year, with 24 in November 2021 versus 29 in November 2020.

Overall crime rose by 3.4% year to date through November.

Adams is seen shortly before he retired from NYPD in 2006, and entered politics

Crime levels in New York City drastically spiked in 2020 and has continued to climb in 2021

New York City is currently experiencing soaring crime rates and an increase in shooting incidents not seen since the mid-2000s

As of December 6, Philadelphia had recorded 521 homicides for the year, surpassing New York's 443 and Los Angeles at 352

Adams said he was elected to protect the city - and that included inmates and staff behind bars.

'I'm going to protect my correction officers; I'm going to protect the inmates who are serving time; and I'm not going to allow violent people to do violence and think that they can do it without being held accountable,' he said.

'And we can do it in a humane fashion.'

'And if anyone wants to talk to me about that - don't write a letter.

'Call me, and speak with me. That is how we're going to resolve this.'

He said the 30 letter signatories were wanting to 'be disruptive' rather than seek solutions.

'There's a body of people that are coming into the city council that have no desire to move our city forward,' he said.

'Their desire is to be disruptive.

'What I am going to do: I'm going to ignore them. I'm going to stay committed, and undistracted.

'And I'm going to grind.

'If they like it or not - I'm the mayor.'
South Australia's COVID-19 cases have more than doubled in 24 hours, setting a record for the seventh consecutive day as the paramedics union warns the hospital system isn't coping.

SA Health reported 484 new cases on Thursday, taking the number of new infections since the state's borders opened a month ago to 1307.

Seven people are in hospital with one man in his 30s on a ventilator.

SA now has 1214 active infections, most being managed in home isolation.

South Australia's COVID-19 cases have more than doubled in 24 hours, with 484 new cases reported on Thursday

The big jump in cases came as the Ambulance Employees Association said suspected and positive coronavirus patients were kept waiting in ramped ambulances outside the Royal Adelaide Hospital overnight in further evidence of the stress on the healthcare system.

Taking to social media on Thursday, the Ambulance Employees Association said one crew was sent to three 'severely unwell' COVID-19 patients overnight.

It said two patients were ultimately transported in one ambulance while another crew eventually arrived to take the third patient.

The paramedics union has warned the hospital system isn't coping in the latest outbreak

'Treating paramedics almost ran out of oxygen, they ran out of medications,' the association said.

'They were calling for intensive care back-up with none available. Our healthcare system is not coping.'

But Premier Steven Marshall said all the patients taken to hospital were treated appropriately.

'They were triaged, they were treated within the clinically appropriate time frame,' he said.

'Our clinicians treat people in accordance to their acuity and the advice I've received is that's exactly what happened.'

Mr Marshall said of the four cases transferred to hospital overnight, three were from the same family, so it was acceptable for them to travel in the same ambulance.

Premier Steven Marshall said officials were carefully monitoring the significant increase in infections around the country and what that meant for SA

Thursday's virus tally followed 105 cases on Monday, 154 on Tuesday and 198 on Wednesday.

That put the state well over the threshold for an official COVID-19 outbreak based on local modelling released in early November.

The modelling predicted a 27 per cent chance of an outbreak, which was defined as 'averaging more than 100 cases per day over any three-day period' after borders opened on November 23.

Mr Marshall said officials were carefully monitoring the significant increase in infections around the country and what that meant for SA.

'We can now see there are many more cases than was originally envisaged,' he said.

'Our number one priority is always to keep South Australians safe, so we'll make sure we move swiftly if we need to,' he said.

However, the premier said SA would not return to statewide lockdowns or lockouts, noting that the hospitalisation rate remained low.

The increase also put increasing pressure on the government to approve the widespread rollout of rapid antigen tests, which are currently banned from general sale in SA.

Mr Marshall said approval was probably only days away with millions of kits on hand, both in government stocks and in pharmacies.
Rep. Madison Cawthorn, 26 (pictured) - the youngest member of Congress - and his wife, Cristina Bayardelle Cawthorn, 27, are divorcing after eight months of marriage

America's youngest Congress member is divorcing his wife after a mere eight months of marriage, citing his job as a lawmaker as a factor in the split.

North Carolina Republican Rep. Madison Cawthorn, 26, announced Wednesday that he and his wife, Cristina Bayardelle Cawthorn, 27, mutually made the 'enormously difficult decision' to divorce after realizing there were 'irreconcilable differences' between them.

'When Cristina and I were engaged, I was not a member of Congress. I felt called to serve and we both agreed that I should run. Our victory was unprecedented, but overnight our lives changed,' he said in a statement posted by his spokesman.

'That change has been both hectic and difficult, it's neither the pace nor the lifestyle we had planned for.'

The couple was wed on April 3, 2021 in an intimate ceremony after sharing a whirlwind romance, in which Bayardelle said she knew he 'was the one' after just months of dating.

Their wedding followed a six-month engagement during which Cawthorn was accused of making unwanted sexual advances toward more than 30 women when he attended a Christian college in Virginia for a semester in 2016.

Cawthorn announced Wednesday that he and Bayardelle (pictured together on their wedding day) mutually made the 'enormously difficult decision' to divorce after realizing there were 'irreconcilable differences' between them

He announced the divorce in a statement shared by his spokesperson

The North Carolina Republican said he and Bayardelle were 'committed to make things work' but quickly realized they were unable to balance his role as a public servant and their marriage.

'From the outset, we committed to make things work, to fight for our marriage, and seek counsel for balancing the enormity of such a transition in life,' Cawthorn explained.

'Together, we realized that balance was not attainable, and that we had irreconcilable differences between us. While it was an enormously difficult decision, Cristina and I have mutually decided to divorce. We ask for privacy as we work through this privately.'

Eight months prior, when announcing their marriage to the public, Cawthorn said marrying Bayardelle, a 27-year-old anesthesiologist assistant and CrossFit athlete, was the 'greatest honor, privilege and adventure of my life.'

The couple, who were introduced by mutual friends, went public with their engagement in October 2020.

Cawthorn (pictured with Bayardelle) cited challenges associated with his role in Congress as contributing factors to their split

The couple (pictured on their wedding day in April 2021), who were introduced by mutual friends, went public with their engagement in October 2020. They shared a whirlwind romance, in which Bayardelle said she knew he 'was the one' after just months of dating

Cawthorn, who was paralyzed in a car crash at the age of 21, previously shared how he'd never seen anyone who could do as many pull-ups as Bayardelle, noting that he spent months learning how to kneel so he could propose.

Bayardelle said they instantly 'hit it off' and she knew he 'was the one' after dating for just four months.

Cawthorn, then-25, became the youngest member of Congress in November 2020 after he defeated Democratic rival Moe Davis in a spiteful contest for North Carolina's 11th Congressional District seat.

After his victory, he tweeted: 'Cry more, Lib'.

The Republican gained regular appearances on cable news claiming that the 2020 presidential election had been stolen, and quickly became a favorite of former President Donald Trump.

He spoke at the 'Stop the Steal' rally on January 6, prior to the insurrection at the Capitol, which left five people, including police officer Brian Sicknick, dead.

The Republican gained regular appearances on cable news claiming that the 2020 presidential election had been stolen, and quickly became a favorite of former President Donald Trump (Pictured: Cawthorn and Trump together at Mar-a-Lago in March 2021)

Cawthorn (pictured in June 2020) became the youngest member of Congress in November 2020 after he defeated Democratic rival Moe Davis in a spiteful contest for North Carolina's 11th Congressional District seat

In February, it was revealed that Cawthorn's ex-classmates claimed he sexually harassed women at Patrick Henry College in northern Virginia.

The alleged victims said they were warned not to go on so-called 'fun drives' with him in his white Dodge Challenger 'because bad things happened'.

Cawthorn joined the school in fall 2016 at the age of 21 after his 2014 car accident and subsequent recovery delayed his college attendance, making him three years older than the strict Christian, conservative first-year women also attending.

More than two dozen students spoke out about his alleged mistreatment of women on the campus including four women who said they experienced first hand his alleged aggressive, misogynistic, or predatory way toward women.

One woman described sensing a 'danger warning' when she went out for a drive with Cawthorn and he started 'taking me out to the middle of nowhere' while asking questions about her purity ring.

Two resident assistants at the conservative religious college said they would warn young women to stay away from him and female students said they told each other not to end up alone with him.

The congressman denied ever acting in a sexually inappropriate way.

The allegations surfaced in a Buzzfeed investigation, with more than 30 people including 20 former students, their friends and relatives alleging they witnessed, experienced or knew of sexual harassment and misconduct by the congressman around the college campus, at his nearby house and in his car.

In February 2021, it was revealed that Cawthorn, who was paralyzed from the waist down in a 2014 car crash, allegedly gained a reputation on the Patrick Henry College campus (above) for making unwanted sexual advances toward women when he briefly attended the institution for a semester in 2016

The claims came after one woman, Katrina Krulikas (above), told World Magazine in August 2020 that Cawthorn had forcibly kissed her in 2014 when he was 19 and she was 17

In the open letter in October, more than 160 members of the Patrick Henry community accused Cawthorn of 'gross misconduct towards our female peers, public misrepresentation of his past, disorderly conduct that was against the school's student honor code, and self-admitted academic failings.'

The bombshell claims came after one woman, Katrina Krulikas, told World Magazine in August 2020 that Cawthorn had forcibly kissed her in 2014 when he was 19 and she was 17.

Krulikas, who did not attend the Christian college, claimed they were on a drive together when Cawthorn started asking if she was a virgin.

She said he pressured her to sit on his lap, tried to kiss her and when she dismissed his advances tried again by holding her face.

Cawthorn denied the allegation in September but allegedly texted Krulikas last February apologizing that he was 'over the line'.


An unvaccinated man in his 40s with underlying health conditions has died as New South Wales has recorded 5,715 new Covid-19 cases.

The man, who passed away in Westmead Hospital was recorded as the state's only Covid-related death on Thursday.

NSW Health said there were 347 Covid-19-related admissions to hospital, with 45 people in intensive care and 13 currently requiring ventilation.

The new cases numbers was a daily record for NSW during the court of the pandemic.

Victoria also recorded a large spike in infections.

The jump in cases in NSW - which is nearly 2,000 more than the 3,763 infections reported on Wednesday - comes amid a major backflip on restrictions in the state.

NSW has suffered its worst day of the pandemic with 5,715 new Covid-19 cases

Premier Dominic Perrottet had last week scrapped the QR check-ins for 'low risk' venues such as retail and kept them in place for 'high risk' settings like gyms and pubs.

On Thursday the NSW premier reintroduced mandatory mask-wearing indoors and imposed capacity limits on restaurants and bars in a huge U-turn to tackle the Omicron Covid strain just a week after relaxing the rules.

The policy reversal followed Covid crisis talks with fellow state leaders and Prime Minister Scott Morrison, and the huge rise in news cases in the state.

Despite the rapid escalation in case numbers - resulting largely from huge testing numbers among people anxious about Christmas gatherings - the numbers of hospitalizations is declining as a percentage of positive cases.

On Thursday, there were 43,856 active Covid cases across the nation and 941 in hospital - a percentage of 2.15 per cent - and 119 in intensive care - a percentage of 0.27 per cent.

That compared with a hospitalization percentage of 3.33 per cent a week ago, and an ICU percentage of 0.56 per cent.

NSW Health confirmed there are currently 347 residents with Covid-19 in hospital, with 45 in intensive care. On Wednesday there were 302 in hospital with 40 in ICU.

Victoria meanwhile recorded another 2,005 new infections on Thursday and ten deaths - up from the 1,503 cases recorded on Wednesday.

There are 398 Victorians receiving care in hospital with 72 in intensive care, a small increase from 394 in hospital and 70 in ICU on Wednesday.

Thursday marks the worst day on record since the pandemic began in NSW (pictured Sydneysiders at Coogee)

Premier Dominic Perrottet was forced to reintroduce mandatory mask-wearing indoors and imposed capacity limits on restaurants and bars in a huge U-turn to tackle the Omicron Covid strain just a week after relaxing the rules

Mr Perrottet had earlier refused to bring back a sweeping indoor mask mandate - despite many health experts recommending residents continue wearing the face coverings indoors.

The government is also looking at providing free rapid antigen tests to help curb the spread of the virus as well as relieving pressure off medical workers.

Australia's PCR testing sites have been overwhelmed by travellers trying to get tested before going on holiday.

Mr Perrottet advised the state's residents they should not get tested for Covid with PCR tests unless people feel unwell at Thursday's press conference.

'If you aren't feeling unwell, please do not get a PCR test. You're taking the place and extending the queue for someone who is unwell and sick at this time,' Mr Perrottet said the NSW Covid update on Thursday.

'We need to get those tests back as quickly as possible.'

The NSW Premier said he wanted the state to move away from a reliance on PCR tests to the more accessible rapid antigen tests in a drive to 'more personal responsibility'.

Switching to rapid antigen would slash these numbers and stop testing sites being overwhelmed by the 'worried well' and delay testing for those who are feeling sick.

'People have come forward to get tested in record numbers, which is important to help keep people and the community safe, but we need to make sure our testing clinics are there for people who really need it,' Mr Perrottet said.

Rapid antigen tests may be made free for NSW residents as the government looks to curb the spread of the virus

Victoria meanwhile suffered another 2,005 new infections on Thursday and ten deaths - up from the 1,503 cases recorded on Wednesday (pictured in Melbourne)

Huge queues of cars are seen waiting outside a Covid testing clinic in Sydney's Macquarie Park on Wednesday

'Providing rapid-antigen testing kits for those who want to do the right thing will help take the pressure of our testing clinics, while giving people confidence to get on with their lives.'

Victoria's Acting Premier James Merlino is expected to also announce changes for his state with mask mandates on the agenda, following mounting calls to bring back face coverings indoors.

The state government met on Wednesday to discuss the mandate with Mr Merlino expected to make an announcement on Thursday.

Mr Morrison has said Australians don't need to be told to wear masks, and recommended everyone continue wearing them.

'Wear a mask in an indoor setting. You don't need to be forced to do it. There's no confusion about it, just wear one,' he said.

'Think of Christmas Day when you're going to see elderly relatives, and wear a mask  it's pretty simple.'
A Kansas woman has been sentenced to 31 years and three months in prison after pleading guilty to her role in killing her boyfriend's 3-year-daughter and burying her in a shallow grave in 2020.

Jacqulyn Kirkpatrick, 34, pleaded guilty on November 3 to one count of second-degree murder, one count of abuse of a child under the age of six and two counts of interference with law enforcement.

She was arrested in July 2020 along with her boyfriend Howard Jansen III, 29, after the remains of 3-year-old Olivia Jansen were found in a wooded area, hours after Howard had falsely reported his daughter missing. Jansen is still awaiting a court date.

The toddler's remains were found showing signs of severe abuse with bruises covering her body and a cut on the back of her head, authorities said.

She was suspected of being beaten to death and an autopsy later determined that the child had suffered a brain bleed.

During a plea hearing, the prosecutor said other children in the home reportedly told investigators that Kirkpatrick pushed Olivia's head against a wall at times.

She also kept the little girl locked in a dog kennel at her home and forced her to stand in a corner for extended periods of time, prosecutors said.

Jacqulyn Kirkpatrick, 34, (left) has been sentenced to 31 years in prison for her role in killing her boyfriend Howard Jansen III's, 29, (right) 3-year-daughter in July 2020

Olivia Jansen was found dead in a shallow grave after her father reported her missing on July 10, 2020. The three-year-old died from a brain bleed and was found badly beaten

Kirkpatrick pleaded guilty and entered into a plea deal agreeing to testify against Jansen in his case, which has not been given a date yet

The above map shows roughly half a mile between Gibbs Road where Jansen said he was living with his girlfriend and daughter when the child went missing and Steele Road where a child's remains were found during a search

Kirkpatrick entered into a plea deal agreeing to testify against Jansen who is charged with first-degree murder, aggravated endangering of a child and criminal desecration in connection with his young daughter's death.

The Wyandotte County Court judge also ordered Kirkpatrick to pay $1,216.92 in restitution for Olivia's funeral costs, unless Jansen covers the cost.

The judge sentenced Kirkpatrick to the maximum sentence allowed by her plea deal.

It is unclear how many other children lived in the home and where they have been taken since Kirkpatrick and Jansen's arrests last year.

Members of Olivia's family spoke at the hearing expressing their grief for the brutal loss of their loved one. Olivia's mother was reported to be incarcerated at the time of her death but no further details have been released.

Prosecutors say that Olivia was locked in a dog kennel at her home, forced her to stand in a corner for extended periods of time, and beaten by the adults

Kirkpatrick and Jansen were arrested in July 2020 after Olivia's body was found

Police and Kansas Department for Children and Families had been contacted over concerns for Olivia's well-being before her death

Olivia was reported missing by her father his Gibbs Street home at 8:30 am on July 10, 2020, triggering an Amber Alert and massive search by multiple law enforcement agencies using drones and K9 units, police said.

Cops searching for Olivia said they found the remains half a mile away near a walking trail in a wooded area in the 3400 block of Steele Road around 5:30 pm, KCTV reported.

Officials say the father gave cops different accounts during the day about what happened to her that did not make sense.

When asked if cops suspected the father's report of the missing child was untrue from the beginning, a police spokesman told KCTV: 'Yes, very.'

Officer T.J. Tomasic said: 'We have had several stories throughout the day. None of them made very much sense.'

Family members told KCTV that they didn't understand why the father had personally gone to police headquarters to report the child was missing.

They also said Jansen and Kirkpatrick's most recent address was off Ottawa Street, so it didn't make sense that the father reported Olivia went missing from his previous home on Gibbs Road.

Police were called to the child's five times in 2020 and 21 times between January 2017 and July 2020. It is unclear which calls were directly related to Olivia

Olivia's grandparents Elisabeth Jansen and Howard Jansen II last saw her in March and said she 'was always so unhappy to go home'

The relatives said they worried over the child, prior to her disappearance, and that they were denied seeing her.

'She was always so unhappy to go home,' Olivia's grandmother Elisabeth Jansen said to KSHB last year. 'She would frown and say, 'You love me? You're not mad at me? I come back? I come back?' (sic) and I told her 'I will hurt anybody who that keeps you away from me.''

The grandmother said that encounter took place in March, the last time she ever saw Olivia. Both of Olivia's grandparents became increasingly concerned for her well-being and eventually contacted Kansas City police and Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF).

An investigator from DCF was placed on the case and made a failed attempt to check-in on Olivia but the young girl was soon found dead.

Police were called to the child's five times in 2020 and 21 times between January 2017 and July 2020, records obtained by 41 Action News show. It is unclear which calls involved Olivia.

The agency produced a 533-page case file, which was never released to the public, for a judges review on the childs interaction with the agency and the investigation into her death.

Kirkpatrick and Jansen were arrested in July 2020. His trial is still awaiting a court date.
A monument at a Hong Kong university that commemorates the 1989 Tiananmen Square massacre has been removed in the dead of night - the latest sign of an Communist authoritarian crackdown in the city state.

The 26-foot tall Pillar of Shame, which depicts 50 torn and twisted bodies piled on top of each other, was made by Danish sculptor Jens Galschiot to symbolise the lives lost during the bloody military crackdown on pro-democracy protesters in Beijing's Tiananmen Square on June 4, 1989.

Workers barricaded the monument at the University of Hong Kong late on Wednesday night. Drilling sounds and loud clanging could be heard coming from the boarded-up site, which was patrolled by guards.

The dismantling of the sculpture came days after pro-Beijing candidates scored a landslide victory in the Hong Kong legislative elections, following amendments in election laws allowed the vetting of all candidates to ensure they are so-called 'patriots' loyal to Beijing.

The 26-foot tall Pillar of Shame, which depicts 50 torn and twisted bodies piled on top of each other. It was removed in the middle of the night from the University of Hong Kong

The dismantling of the sculpture came days after pro-Beijing candidates scored a landslide victory in the Hong Kong legislative elections,

The removal also happened in the same week Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam travelled to Beijing to report on developments in the semi-autonomous Chinese city, where authorities have silenced dissent following the implementation of a sweeping national security law.

The Pillar of Shame monument became an issue in October, with the university demanding that it be removed, even as activists and rights groups protested.

Mr Galschiot offered to take it back to Denmark provided he was given legal immunity that he would not be persecuted under Hong Kong's national security law, but has not succeeded so far.

Danish sculptor Jens Galschiot created the sculpture to symbolise the lives lost during the bloody military crackdown on pro-democracy protesters in Beijing's Tiananmen Square on June 4, 1989

Each year on June 4, members of the now-defunct student union would wash the statue to commemorate the Tiananmen massacre. Pictured: The famous photograph from the massacre in which an unknown man stands alone to block a line of tanks en-route to the square

'No party has ever obtained any approval from the university to display the statue on campus, and the university has the right to take appropriate actions to handle it at any time,' the university said in a statement on Thursday.

'Latest legal advice given to the university cautioned that the continued display of the statue would pose legal risks to the university based on the Crimes Ordinance enacted under the Hong Kong colonial government.'

The university said that it had requested for the statue to be put in storage and would continue to seek legal advice on follow-up actions.

In October, the university informed the now-defunct candlelight vigil organiser, the Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements of China, it had to remove the statue following 'the latest risk assessment and legal advice.'

The organisation had said it was dissolving, citing a climate of oppression, and that it did not own the sculpture. The university was told to speak to its creator instead.

Pictured: The eight-metre-high 'Pillar of Shame' paid tribute to the victims of the Tiananmen Square crackdown in Beijing on June 4, 1989 is seen before it is set to be removed at the University of Hong Kong (HKU) in Hong Kong, China October 12, 2021

Pictured: The statue seen on June 4, 2021, to mark the anniversary of the Tiananmen Square massacre. Some estimates say the death toll was in the several thousands

When reached by The Associated Press, sculptor Mr Galschiot said he was only aware of what was happening to the sculpture on Wednesday from social media and other reports.

'We don't know exactly what happened, but I fear they destroy it,' he said. 'This is my sculpture, and it is my property.'

Mr Galschiot said that he would sue the university if necessary to protect the sculpture.

He had previously written to the university to assert his ownership of the monument, although his requests had gone largely ignored.

Over 100 pro-democracy activists have been arrested since Beijing implemented the national security law in Hong Kong. It outlaws secession, subversion, terrorism and foreign collusion to intervene in the city's affairs. Critics say it rolled back freedoms promised to Hong Kong when it was handed over to China by Britain in 1997.

The Pillar of Shame monument has been erected for over two decades, and initially stood at Hong Kong's Victoria Park before eventually being moved to the University of Hong Kong on a long-term basis.

- University students clean the Pillar of Shame, a statue by Danish artist Jens Galschiot to remember the victims of the 1989 Tiananmen crackdown in Beijing, at The University of Hong Kong (HKU) in Hong Kong on June 4, 2020

Each year on June 4, members of the now-defunct student union would wash the statue to commemorate the Tiananmen massacre.

The city, together with Macao, were previously the only places on Chinese soil where commemoration of the Tiananmen crackdown was allowed.

Over the past two years, the annual candlelight vigil in Hong Kong had been banned by authorities, who cited public risks from the coronavirus pandemic.

Some 24 activists were charged for their roles in the Tiananmen vigil last year, during which activists turned up and thousands followed, breaking past barricades in the park to sing songs and light candles despite the police ban on the event.
Western Australians will be forced to wear masks indoors and nightclubs closed after an unvaccinated Covid-infected French backpacker partied until 5am.

Snap restrictions imposed across Perth and Peel from 6pm by Premier Mark McGowan will last four days despite there being only a handful of cases in the state.

Masks must be worn indoors at all times unless in a home or during vigorous exercise, and are recommended outside when social distancing isn't possible.

High risk, large public events like music festivals will be cancelled and all nightclubs closed. All dancing will be banned, except for weddings.

The 25-year-old Frenchman arrived from Queensland on December 12 just an hour before WA shut its border to the Sunshine State at 12.01am.

Queensland was Covid-free and classed as a 'very low risk' area at the time, meaning there were minimal border controls and no testing, quarantine, or vaccination requirement.

Western Australians will be forced to wear masks indoors and nightclubs closed after an unvaccinated Covid-infected French backpacker partied until 5am

He hit two packed nightclubs in Perth's entertainment district of Northbridge on December 19, partying on their dancefloors from midnight to 5am.

The premier said 'hundreds' of people have already been contacted after potentially being exposed to the case, which experts believe is the Delta variant and not the highly-infectious Omicron strain.

'I know this is not the news we wanted to hear two days before Christmas, but unfortunately this is the reality of Covid-19,' Mr McGowan said in an emergency press conference on Thursday afternoon.

'No matter how hard our border controls, the virus can sneak into Western Australia.'

Queensland was at 12.01am on December 13 elevated to low risk, meaning 14 days quarantine was required, and days later a hard border was established.

Mr McGowan said initially authorities could not locate the Frenchman, who was camping with four friends.

'Early on, we couldn't find the backpacker. We couldn't find him. Didn't know where he was. He got his test but he'd gone off and we obviously had to track him down and we couldn't find the four campers,' the premier said.

'The four people that he was living with who were out camping. We couldn't find them.'

The man lives with four other people including his girlfriend and was tracked down on Thursday morning at an Airbnb and informed he was positive.

West Australian Premier Mark McGowan confirmed the case entered the state from Queensland after arriving from Europe

Mr McGowan said he 'doesn't know' when the man, who has Covid symptoms, arrived in Australia or how he was able to enter WA.

'He is a backpacker who went out ant went to nightclubs, bars, museums, restaurants, and it is in the hundreds. That's why we are so concerned,' the premier told reporters.

'He has been to events where there has been lots of dancing, lots of fun, lots of interaction by lots of people in close proximity. That's why we are concerned about it.

'Some people are saying we are go took far in our reaction to this because it is one case, but the venues he has been to and the length of time he has been infectious means we have to take these steps.'

However, Mr McGowan insisted Christmas Day would 'proceed as normal' for most people.

'Family lunches and get-togethers, obviously we're not going to put in a mask mandate for those,' he said.

The infected backpacker hit two packed nightclubs in Perth's entertainment district of Northbridge on December 19, partying on their dancefloors from midnight to 5am

WA now has three local cases including two people who also arrived from Queensland just before the border closed. More are expected.

The Geisha Bar in Northbridge has confirmed it has been classified as an exposure site between 12am and 3am on Sunday.

'We are working with WA Health to provide all contact registers and we are waiting on further instructions,' the venue posted on Facebook on Thursday.

A screenshot circulating on social media showed a text message sent by WA Health instructing attendees to get tested and isolate until a negative result is returned.

Perth's top gay nightclub Connections was exposed from 3am to 5am, when it closes, after the Frenchman moved on from Geisha.

Mr McGowan said health officials highly recommended mask be worn at all times, both indoors and outdoors, and all sporting events and musical festivals would be cancelled until at least Tuesday.

The Geisha Bar in Northbridge, WA (pictured) has confirmed it has been classified as an exposure site between 12am and 3am on Sunday morning

'We now need to face the potential of community transmission in Perth and Peel,' he said.

'That is why I am asking everyone to please do the right thing over this period.

'If you've been to any of the exposure sites or if you're feeling unwell, it's important to get tested.

'Clinics are in the process of being ramped up, and they will stay open tonight until 10pm.'

WA has not had cases of community transmission since June and the State border was due to reopen with the rest of Australia on February 5.

On Wednesday, Premier Mark McGowan said he would not lock down Perth if Covid cases were detected before February 5.

Instead, he said the government would consider imposing other restrictions to slow any outbreak, such as face masks indoors.
Two children have been caught red-handed trying to steal a car from outside its owner's home in broad daylight.

A witness described the scene that was caught on CCTV in Auckland as similar to a 'training exercise' about 5.30pm on Tuesday.

The two male youths tried to get into the car, then fled the suburban street and jumped into a getaway vehicle.

Two teenage boys (pictured) were caught red-handed trying to steal a car in Auckland, New Zealand this week

'I was in disbelief. I was watching it live. That's when I headed straight down the driveway,' Ian, the car's owner, told the New Zealand Herald.

'They must have caught me in their wing mirror because they were out of there pretty quickly. They wouldn't have been much older than 13 or 14.

'As they were driving away, we eye-balled each other. There were at least two others in the car as well as the two who got out and attempted to steal my car.'

Police later confirmed the getaway car was stolen, with the driver believed to be a woman aged in her 40s.

The shocked vehicle owner (pictured left) watched on in disbelief initially, before confronting the getaway driver - the youths fled the scene on foot (pictured, above right)

It is unknown how the middle-aged woman knew the handful of teenage would-be thieves.

Auckland City East Police Inspector Jim Wilson said the video was a stark reminder that thieves could strike at any time - and that the festive season was also a common time for break-ins.

He added that car thieves were often opportunistic and securing vehicles made them harder to steal.
Dominic Perrottet has dashed hopes that close contacts of Covid cases will be spared having to isolate any time soon.

As Covid cases explode across NSW, hitting 5,715 on Thursday, tens of thousands are being forced to isolate after being exposed, despite being vaccinated.

NSW Health last week loosened the rules, but many still need to wait at least until they test negative, with processing times blowing out to more than three days.

Close contacts now face spending Christmas alone as tests done today are unlikely to be cleared in time for festive family gatherings.

Even worse, the premier said there were about 1,500 health staff unable to go to work because they are sick or have to get Covid tests - putting immense pressure on the hospital system.

Mr Perrottet was asked at a media conference in Sydney 'when NSW will get to a point that if [someone has] a sniffly nose you won't be locked up for 10 days?'

Due to huge testing queues across NSW, Mr Perrottet urged Aussies to only get swabbed if they are ill. Pictured: Testing at Bondi in Sydney's east

NSW new rules Masks mandated indoors, except private homes, from Friday until 27 January Hospitality venues will have a one person per two square metres rule imposed from December 27 until January 27 Working from home recommended Only get a PCR test if you are ill or directed to by NSW health Advertisement

The premier, who has spent months urging 'personal responsibility' and railing against Covid restrictions, made no assurances the problem would get better anytime soon.

'Well that moves through 2022 as we go through the pandemic, ultimately, there will always be challenges and disruptions,' he admitted.

'As we learn more about this variant, our number one priority is keeping people safe and while the early signs are positive and incredibly encouraging, we need to make sure that we do tread with caution.

'The alternative is we close everything down.'

Vaccinated close contacts only have to isolate until they receive a negative test, with NSW Health changing the rules a week ago.

Only those who are household contacts, partners of infected patients, or attended a super-spreader event must isolate for the full seven days.

But even with the changes, businesses are still being hit hard by staff shortages and in many instances have been forced to shut down over the busy holiday period.

'This will be a challenging time as we go through 2022 with many difficulties but in the main, we are in a much stronger position,' Mr Perrottet said.

'We're staying open, but living with the virus in this interim period means there will be challenges.

'We will tailor the response. There will be inconveniences and I know people across our state are tired. It's been a tough year.'

Dominic Perrottet in a major backflip announced a raft of new restrictions to combat the surging number of Covid cases ravaging New South Wales. Pictured: Covid testing in Sydney's Bondi

NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet (right) speaks with Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant during a press conference in Sydney on Thursday

In a shocking backflip, Mr Perrottet caved pressure and reintroduced mandatory mask-wearing indoors and capacity limits on restaurants and bars just a week after relaxing the rules.

He also re-instated QR-code check-ins, encouraged working from home and urged residents to only get PCR tested if they were feeling unwell.

Due to huge testing queues across NSW, Mr Perrottet said to use rapid antigen tests instead, which cost $10 in supermarkets each now and will be available at vaccination centres, GPs, and pharmacies for free next year.

Hospitality venues will have QR codes and a one person per two square metres rule imposed from December 27 until January 27.

Masks indoors, except at private homes, will also be mandated from Friday until January 27.

Earlier this week Mr Perrottet said he didn't want mask mandates because he wanted to treat people 'like adults' and let them decide for themselves. But he has totally backflipped on this position.

Pictured: Long queues are seen as people wait to receive a Covid test at a drive through testing facility at Beecroft, in Sydney

'We believe today's changes are modest, cautious, takes a precautionary approach as we move through this holiday period to the end of January,' he said.

'The system is in a very strong position. Our ICU numbers remain low at 45. That is incredibly pleasing.'

Mr Perrottet said he received health advice that the Omicron strain is 'five times less severe' than Delta but more data was needed to make sure.

Chief health officer Kerry Chant said 80 per cent of cases in NSW were the more infectious Omicron strain and this explained the sharp increase.

'Pulling together multiple pieces of evidence from overseas countries such as South Africa and the UK, and using some of our own emerging data, it indicates that infection with Omicron is likely to be milder than infection with Delta, with the risk of hospitalisation being around 60 to 80 per cent less than for Delta,' she said.

NSW succumbed to mounting pressure re-introducing mandatory mask-wearing indoors and imposing capacity limits on restaurants and bars in a huge U-turn to tackle the Omicron Covid strain just a week after relaxing the rules. Pictured: A Covid testing queue in Sydney's Beecroft

'But the issue is the increased transmissibility, leading to high case numbers. And the impact this is having on vulnerable settings, vulnerable people and critical workforces.'

Health Minister Brad Hazzard said too many people were getting tested even though they don't have symptoms, pushing out the testing times.

'Many people waiting hours in queues, particularly as we come into Christmas,' he said.

'We're doing everything we can to alleviate that pressure. In addition to the PCR testing, if you're unwell and those people from NSW... if you aren't feeling unwell, please do not get a PCR test.'

About 20 per cent of testing is for travellers leaving the state, prompting Mr Perrottet to petition other premiers to relax their entry testing requirements.
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Furious hospitality chiefs have said they have 'no other option but to open on New Year's Eve' as they beg for clarity from Boris Johnson on Covid curbs.

Current restrictions appear to have driven people away from city centres at night. Last night, London's party capital Soho was so quiet that pubs and restaurants shut by 10pm. At the weekend, pubs, restaurants and bars suffered a 40 per cent slump in sales, while Greene King said some of its sites were down 80 per cent on pre-pandemic levels.

And in a further blow to the 'devastated' hospitality sector, around 6million adults in the UK are planning to bring in the New Year at home over Zoom.

Economists have now estimated that restrictions in place across the UK have already cost the hospitality and retail sectors 2.7billion this month.

An analysis by the Centre for Economics and Business Research has found that bars and nightclubs would lose 450million in earnings on New Year's Eve alone if they are forced to close, while Government limits on family events on December 31 could take a further 100million out of the economy.

Last night, hospitality leaders in Wales said Mark Drakeford's punitive Boxing Day restrictions 'will 'virtually close Wales' events industry'.

Business leaders in Northern Ireland branded new controls coming into force from December 26 'unacceptable and unforgivable'. And hospitality chiefs in Scotland called Nicola Sturgeon's Hogmanay clampdown 'a devastating blow' to the sector.

A survey by the Night Time Industries Association found that bars, pubs and nightclubs have already lost around half of their December income, with individual premises recording 'Covid debts' of more than 100,000. Around four in ten said they will go to the wall in less a month without financial aid, while half said more than 50 per cent of jobs are at risk.

UKHospitality chief executive Kate Nicholls said businesses's hopes of recouping losses have been 'shattered' by the measures.

'The cost of the sector having to shut down the reopen is staggering and will delay our recovery even further  inevitably costing thousands of jobs,' she added.

As the coronavirus crisis lurches into its latest dramatic phase:

Boris Johnson is today being urged to ditch the idea of New Year restrictions after studies showed the Omicron strain is milder than Delta;

Britain is considering giving out fourth Covid vaccines in a bid to stop the surge of Omicron cases, following the lead of Germany and Israel;

Millions will face travel chaos over Christmas and the New Year thanks to rail strikes, airport disruption and predictions of the busiest roads in years;

The Army will be called in to help run makeshift Covid wards inside hospital canteens, car parks and meeting rooms if the NHS becomes overwhelmed;

Covid hospitalisations in London have risen 50 per cent in a week to 301, approaching the Government's threshold of 400 for introducing lockdown.

A quiet Soho at night as many restaurants and bars ended up closing at 10pm due to low footfall in central London on Wednesday night

Tables outside restaurants in Soho, London, were empty last night at 10pm as people stayed home amid Covid-19

A quiet Soho at night as many restaurants and bars ended up closing early due to low footfall. With some closed completely not to reopen in the foreseeable future

London's usually heaving pubs and restaurants were empty last night at 10pm

Soho pavements were cleared of people by 10pm in London on Wednesday night

Researchers at Imperial College London found Omicron is 10 per cent less likely to cause hospitalisation in someone who has never been vaccinated or previously infected with Covid than with Delta. Hospitalisation is up to 20 per cent less likely in the general population  including those who have been infected or vaccinated  and 45 per cent less likely for at least a night

Glasgow Hotel cancelled its New Year's Eve celebrations and sent staff home due to the rising number of Covid infections

Advertising online was aimed at Britons who are planning on staying at home for New Year's Eve this year

Many companies have created advertising campaigns for those Britons who plan to stay home for New Year's Eve

How Covid restrictions compare across the UK Stormont ministers in Northern Ireland have unveiled new measures to help combat rising case numbers of coronavirus in the nation. On Wednesday evening, ministers agreed a series of restrictions due to come into force on Boxing Day, including the closure of nightclubs, and guidance to limit contacts with different households. Here, we look at how the measures compare in the different UK nations. - What is the situation in England? One big change which has taken place from December 22 is the rules surrounding the self-isolation period. If a person in England has tested positive or has symptoms, they can stop self-isolating after seven days instead of 10 days if they receive two negative lateral flow test results on days six and seven. Those who are unvaccinated close contacts of positive cases must still isolate for 10 days. In terms of restrictions, Prime Minister Boris Johnson has reassured people that no further curbs will be introduced in England before December 25. He has yet to announce a post-Christmas Covid strategy for England. England currently has the most relaxed rules in the UK, but a recent vote in Parliament saw some measures introduced, including Covid passes for entry into nightclubs and other venues as of December 15. This applies to indoor events with 500 or more attendees where people are likely to stand or move around, such as music venues, outdoor events with 4,000 or more attendees, such as music festivals, and any events with 10,000 or more attendees, whether indoors or outdoors, such as sports stadiums. Face coverings have also been made compulsory in most indoor public settings, as well as on public transport, and people have been told to work from home if they can. People aged 18 and over are able to get their third jabs from this week. England's guidance is that people should work from home if they can. Anyone who cannot work from home should continue to go in to work - but is encouraged to consider taking lateral flow tests regularly. - What are the rules in Wales? From December 26, groups of no more than six people will be allowed to meet in pubs, cinemas and restaurants in Wales. Licensed premises will have to offer table service only, face masks will have to be worn and contact tracing details collected and the two-metre social distancing rules are set to return in public places and workplaces. Sporting events will be played behind closed doors to help control the spread of the new Omicron variant. Nightclubs will also be closed from Boxing Day under the new rules, although the Welsh Government has announced a 120 million fund to support any businesses affected by the restrictions. Regulations will also be changed to include a requirement to work from home wherever possible. A maximum of 30 people can attend indoor events and a maximum of 50 people at outdoor events. There will be an exception for team sports, where up to 50 spectators will be able to gather in addition to those taking part. People attending weddings or civil partnership receptions or wakes are also being told to take a lateral flow test before attending. - What about Scotland? From Boxing Day, large events will have one-metre social distancing and will be limited to 100 people standing indoors, 200 people sitting indoors and 500 people outdoors. The following day, the one-metre physical distancing will be implemented between adults in all indoor hospitality and leisure settings, including pubs, bars, restaurants, cafes and other settings where food and drink is served, gyms, theatres, cinemas, bingo and snooker halls and bowling alleys. Museums, galleries and other visitor attractions also have the same rules in place. Table service is also required where alcohol is being served. Ministers at Holyrood have announced a package totalling 375 million, including 175 million of additional funding from the Treasury, to support sectors affected by the latest protective measures to combat Omicron. Since December 14, people have been asked to reduce their social contact as much as possible by meeting in groups of no more than three households. Allowing staff to work from home where possible has become a legal duty on employers. Care home visits have also been limited to two households. - What is Northern Ireland doing? Northern Ireland deputy First Minister Michelle O'Neill said nightclubs will be closed from 6am on December 26. Dancing will also be prohibited in hospitality venues, but this will not apply to weddings. While nightclubs must close, other restrictions are coming into effect on the rest of the hospitality sector. People must remain seated for table service, while table numbers will be limited to six. Ministers also agreed that sporting events can continue with no limits on capacity, while the work-from-home message is being bolstered and legislation introduced to require social distancing in offices and similar typed workplaces. Weddings are exempted from the latest measures. From December 27, the guidance is for mixing in a domestic setting to be limited to three households. Advertisement

Douglas McWilliams, the CEBR's deputy chairman, told MailOnline: 'Any decision on a further tightening of restrictions needs to balance the medical gains with the economic damage.

'On the data available at present it looks as though the potential economic damage would be a lot more serious, particularly to the hard-pressed hospitality sector, than any gain from reduced transmission of the new variant.'

Alastair Kerr, South West Regional Representative for the Campaign for Pubs, called the prospect of more restrictions 'a great worry to many in the hospitality sector'.

'We have seen many of our beloved publicans give up over the past few weeks due to the added pressure of restrictions and the lack of clear Government advice and assistance for their businesses,' he told MailOnline.

'Many publicans have also cancelled their beer & stock orders for the coming weeks as there is no certainty they will be able to open post Christmas to trade.

'The recent announcement of financial grants by the Chancellor has done very little to assure a struggling industry as for many, these grants do not go far enough to cover the festive period and barely cover rent let only business overheads.

'What our publicans need is clarity on the Governments position to relieve the great stress and anxiety that is felt by all in the hospitality sector at present.'

Care Minister Gillian Keegan told the public yesterday not to make New Year's Eve plans which they can't cancel at short notice.

She announced that 14 people have died with Omicron in the UK. However, the Government has not yet revealed any details about the supposed virus victims  including their ages, their underlying state of health, and whether or not they were vaccinated.

Wales has had the lowest Covid rate of the UK nations over the last seven days at 606 cases per 100,000 people  much lower than London's rate of 1,400 cases per 100,000.

However, Wales's daily Covid cases yesterday were almost double last week's figure with 4,662 new infections, compared to 2,431 on the same day last week.

The Welsh Government is not imposing rules on families mixing in private homes, but has issued tougher guidance which 'strongly' advises people to limit household mixing. Mr Drakeford has recommended that no more than three households mix indoors.

He said the measures are necessary because 'we are facing a very serious situation in Wales' as he piled the pressure on Mr Johnson.

Tory MPs accused Mr Drakeford of overreacting as they described the new curbs as 'disproportionate' and claimed the Labour politician had made the move because 'he wants to do something different to the UK Government just to show that he can'.

Mr Johnson hit the brakes on a Christmas lockdown in England as scientists concluded Omicron is likely to be milder than Delta, with ministers saying cases are also lower than feared.

The Prime Minister declared that Christmas can definitely go ahead 'cautiously', but warned that the Government is tracking the spread of the mutant strain hour by hour and is 'ready' to act after December 25 if necessary.

However, in a glimmer of light there are claims that the UK Health Security Agency has tentatively backed suggestions that Omicron infections tend to be less severe.

The scientists also endorsed previous findings that booster jabs offer significant protection from developing symptoms and ending up in hospital, according to Politico.

Another South African study has suggested the risk of hospitalisation is 80 per cent lower with the variant.

The evidence does not mean that the threat from the variant can be ignored, as it is so transmissible that large numbers are set to end up needing urgent care.

Government sources are adamant that it did not play a part in the decision on Christmas last night.

However, the apparent findings will be a significant boost to the Prime Minister as he weighs up whether to bring in even tougher restrictions as early as next week.

It came as The Guardian reported that the NHS could set up 'field hospitals' in hospital car parks to provide 'super surge' capacity if Omicron causes a massive spike in hospitalisations above previous peak levels.

Meanwhile hospitality bosses have called for more support from the Government.

Emma McClarkin, chief executive of the British Beer and Pub Association, told MailOnline: 'Our overwhelming hope is that we can remain open and trading over Christmas and into the New Year.

'It is a crucial time for pubs and brewers and after such a challenging year people will be desperate to ring in 2022 with a pint at their local.'

And Peter Marks, chief executive of Rekom, the UK's largest operator of late bars and clubs, told BBC Radio 4 that New Year's Eve alone is worth up to 10 per cent of its profits during an 'absolutely critical' time of year.

He said: 'We're running at 40 per cent down at a period of time which is absolutely critical for us as a business and cash flow, staring at next weekend  wondering, well, we're probably OK to Christmas now, albeit limping along, but may not even be open on New Year's Eve which is worth about 8 to 10 per cent of our annual profit.'

Retail is also being badly hit, with the New West End Company saying the number of shoppers in the London district was yesterday down 27 per cent on pre-pandemic levels.

Rishi Sunak's 1billion bailout for hospitality to help firms hit by a collapse in Christmas bookings was branded a 'dud cracker' and not even a 'sticking plaster' by hotel bosses.

The Chancellor has come forward with additional help for the hospitality and leisure sectors in England following days of urgent lobbying from MPs, firms and industry officials.

It includes one-off grants of up to 6,000 per premises for businesses in the affected sectors in England, which the Treasury expects will be administered by local authorities and to be available in the coming weeks.

Meanwhile London's streets yesterday remained nearly deserted with TomTom congestion data revealing the capital yesterday had its quietest weekday morning rush hour of the year, with a figure of 18 per cent in the 8am to 9am period.

The level for that period on a working weekday in the capital - including school holidays, but not bank holidays - has not been lower since December 31 last year when it was 8 per cent and London was under Tier 4 rules.

The congestion level represents the extra travel time for drivers on average compared to baseline uncongested conditions.

This means an 18 per cent level results in a 30-minute trip taking 5 minutes more than with no traffic.

Reacting to Mr Sunak's new support, Tim Rumney, the chief executive of Best Western Hotels in Great Britain said it 'doesn't go far enough'.

He told BBC Radio 4's PM programme: 'It's like a dud cracker on Christmas Day.

'The support is always welcome but it just doesn't go far enough to help us with the problems that we're going through at the moment with the cancellations and the impact on the finances of hotels and hospitality.

'What we would like to see is a reintroduction of the support package that was available during lockdown, so reinstatement of furlough, a commitment to extending the VAT relief beyond April 1, preferably reducing it down to 5 per cent which he saw initially, and a suspension of business rates.

'The problem that hotels and hospitality are having is cash flow. December is the most important month of the year for many businesses and it sees us through the first quarter of next year.

'A 6,000 grant really goes nowhere near protecting the cash position of our members in Best Western and of the wider hospitality industry.'

Soho was deserted last night at 10pm as Londoners stayed away from the city centre

A few people stood outside a Soho pub but the usual bustling crowds were missing

A quiet night in Soho on Wednesday night as Londoners stayed at home

Side streets were completely cleared of people in Soho, London, on Wednesday night

Chinatown in London's Soho was empty last night as London resembled a ghost town just three days before Christmas

Empty tables pictured in Soho, London, on Wedneday night at 10pm

Usually crowded pubs stood completely empty in London's Soho on Wednesday night

TomTom congestion data revealed London Wednesday had its quietest morning rush hour of the year, excluding bank holidays

What financial support is now available for firms? The Treasury has announced 1 billion of financial support for hospitality and leisure firms affected by the spread of the Omicron variant of Covid-19 in recent weeks. Here is what support is available for firms: - Hospitality and leisure grants The Treasury has allotted 683 million of funding for targeted grants for hospitality and leisure businesses in England. Businesses will be eligible for one-off grants of up to 6,000 per premises, the Government said. - Additional grants There will also be 102 million of funding made available for further grants, to be given by local authorities to other businesses affected by the pandemic. This further funding is likely to made available to areas such as retailers, suppliers and landlords of affected firms. About 200,000 businesses will be eligible for business grants which will all be administered by local authorities and will be available in the coming weeks. - Sick Pay The Government has said it will also cover the cost of statutory sick pay for Covid-related absences and medium-sized employers across the UK. This will be handed out through the reintroduction of the Government's statutory sick pay rebate scheme (SSPRS). The scheme reimburses firms with fewer than 250 employees with up to two weeks of Covid-related sick pay per employee. Firms will be eligible for the scheme from Tuesday and be able to make claims retrospectively from mid-January. - Culture recovery funding About 30 million of further funding will also be made available through the Culture Recovery Fund, enabling arts and culture organisations to access funding over the winter. - Elsewhere in the UK The Treasury announced 150 million for the devolved administrations. The funding, which will be issued in relation to the Barnett formula, will comprise about 80 million for the Scottish Government, 50 million for the Welsh Government and 25 million for the Northern Ireland Executive. - Existing measures Mr Sunak has also highlighted a number of existing financial support measures for firms. One of these is reduced business rates relief for retail, hospitality and leisure firms for the remainder of the financial year. There will also be a 50% reduction in business rates for firms in these sectors in the 2022/23 financial year. However, these reliefs will both have limited benefit for larger operators, with next year's relief capped at 110,000 per business. The Chancellor has also highlighted the rate of hospitality VAT, which at 12.5%, is lower than the 20% rate before the pandemic, although this increased from 5% in October. Pub bosses have also said that VAT support only has a limited benefit when takings are heavily reduced, and no benefit when closures take place. Advertisement

Surinder Arora, founder and chairman of the Arora Group, the largest private owner/operator of hotels in the UK, has also been left unimpressed by the package which he said would not give much help to larger companies.

He told the Today programme: 'The Government are in a tough position in a sense, they've had to decide very quickly last year whether it was furlough and business rates and VAT and other things, and sadly this time I think they seem to have taken their eye off the ball, and it is very tough.

'And I've heard a couple of other speakers mention 'sticking plaster' and other things, and it really doesn't even go as far as that.

'I really wish and hope the Government would look at this urgently and support businesses such as ours - not just smaller, medium sized businesses, but when you're talking about 5,000 or 6,000 support for a business.

'If I was just to mention one of my hotels, for example, the rateable value is nearly 6million a year. You're paying about 50p in the 1. So the business rates alone for one hotel are about 250,000 a month. Where does 6,000 take year?

'I was querying it with one of my team members last week and I was saying 'well surely we wouldn't be paying the full rate now when the business is on its knees'. And they said 'no, the way the rateable value works, sadly, they look at the turnover in the business from 2015/16'.

'Well surely that can't be right, and this is where I think the Government really have to help not just hotels but other businesses from a business rate point of view. We thought that we might get some relief from the VAT side, because we want people coming in.

The Government also intends to use taxpayers' cash to cover the cost of statutory sick pay for Covid-related absences for firms with fewer than 250 employees.

Cultural organisations in England can also access a further 30 million funding during the winter via the culture recovery fund, the Treasury said.

Mr Sunak's announcement follows crisis talks with business leaders after he cut short a Government business trip to California.

But Coral Rose, chairman of the Federation of Wholesale Distributors, told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: 'Wholesalers have not received anything with regards of business rates relief since the start of the pandemic in 2020 so we were very much looking forward to Christmas this year being the start of our recovery from 2020 and the losses that we incurred there.

'And we're now seeing that we're stocking up our warehouses to make sure that we had plenty of supply for what looked like a busy season, that we're now being left with in our warehouses.

'We bear the cost as wholesalers, we of course try and see what we can sell and clear, often at below cost. We hate to see it go to waste, but we'll give it to Feed The Community, to FareShare, to any other local communities and good causes. We don't want to throw away good food.

'The Chancellor did announce back in March the Covid Additional Relief Fund, a 1.5billion fund, where thanks to the campaigning of the FWD he specifically referenced that wholesalers should be included in the allocation of these monies by the local authorities.

'That was in March, they were only released a matter of weeks ago so we're going through the process of applying for those, and then the extra 102million Additional Restrictions Grant, it has been referenced that it should be allocated to those who supply the hospitality and leisure sectors.

'But it's a postcode lottery, we're waiting for the local authorities to allocate those monies and it's not always fairly distributed by them. We are grateful that the Chancellor has listened to our concerns, but we just want the local authorities to act quickly now.'

Businesses have seen takings plummet due to Christmas festivities being scaled back amid fear over the spread of Omicron.

Mr Johnson said of the new funding: 'With the surge in Omicron cases, people are rightly exercising more caution as they go about their lives, which is impacting our hospitality, leisure and cultural sectors at what is typically the busiest time of the year.

'That's why we're taking immediate action to help with an extra 1billion in grants to these industries and reintroducing our Statutory Sick Pay Rebate Scheme.

'I urge people across the country to please get boosted now to secure vital protection for yourselves, your loved ones and your communities.'

Mr Sunak added: 'We recognise that the spread of the Omicron variant means businesses in the hospitality and leisure sectors are facing huge uncertainty, at a crucial time.

'So we're stepping in with 1billion of support, including a new grant scheme, the reintroduction of the Statutory Sick Pay Rebate Scheme and further funding released through the culture recovery fund.'

The extra support builds on existing schemes in place to assist businesses, the Treasury said.

Tim Rumney (left), the chief executive of Best Western Hotels in Great Britain, said the support 'doesn't go far enough', while Surinder Arora (right), founder and chairman of the Arora Group, has also been left unimpressed by the package

The devolved administrations will receive around 150million of funding through the Barnett formula as part of the support announced, the department added.

This includes around 80million for the Scottish Government, 50million for the Welsh Government and 25million for the Northern Ireland Executive.

Asked why the Government is not bringing back furlough, Ms Keegan told Sky News: 'Because people are still working. I went out for a family meal yesterday you know, the pub... not every table was full but most of it was. You know people are still going out and people are still enjoying themselves, so you know we're trying to get that balance.'

The hospitality sector relies on Christmas sales for as much as a third of its yearly income and to tide it over through January and February. Critics welcomed the offer of help but argued the 6,000 grants would not be enough.

Jonathan Neame, boss of Britain's oldest brewer Shepherd Neame, said: 'We welcome the fact the Government is listening but this seems inadequate to compensate for millions of pounds of lost sales.'

Des Gunewardena, who runs the D&D restaurant chain, said 6,000 would not even cover his restaurants' Christmas decorations.

He added: 'Many of our larger restaurants lost 100,000-plus from cancellations last week. It's the same again this week and heaven knows what's going to happen to our New Year's Eve.

'So each of those businesses is facing 200,000-plus losses and has been offered 6,000 which doesn't even cover the cost of our Christmas decorations.'

The Institute of Directors said the support will be 'welcome relief' to many businesses.

Policy director Dr Roger Barker said: 'However, with the unwinding of a number of remaining support schemes at the end of Q1 2022, such as the VAT reduction for hospitality and business rates support, businesses also need the reassurance that these measures will now last for longer into 2022.'

Chief economist at the Confederation of British Industry Rain Newton-Smith said that any future lockdown measures must also be matched with further support.

She said: 'The Government must monitor the situation closely and ensure that any new restrictions go in lock-step with further targeted cashflow support.'
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As the deputy head of a Church of England primary school, Julie Morris had a wide brief.

Head of maths and religious studies, she also had responsibility for everything from safeguarding vulnerable pupils to rolling out the red carpet for a visiting bishop.

The 44-year-old would even accompany the older children on annual residential trips to an activity centre in the Lake District  abseiling, hill walking and learning about nature.

'My son would call her 'Mum' at school when he was small,' one parent would wistfully recall.

So when news broke in September that Morris, who was also a Sunday school teacher, had been accused of a string of vile sexual offences against a young girl, the whole community struggled to comprehend what they were hearing.

David Morris and Julie Morris met on a dating app. They filmed themselves raping and sexually abusing a child

While police tried to calm fears by stating that the offences were 'unrelated to her employment', the unanswered questions served only to fuel parental concerns.

Today, the depraved story of this paedophile teacher and her perverted partner  David Morris  can be told for the first time after she admitted a catalogue of child sex crimes, including two of rape.

At Liverpool Crown Court yesterday Morris was sentenced to 13 years and four months behind bars, while her 'monster' boyfriend was jailed for 16 years for 34 similar offences, including seven rapes of the same victim.

The court heard that the lovers  who had the same surname  were involved in a 'toxic' relationship in which they molested their victim and filmed the horrifying assaults for their sexual gratification.

'As a crown court judge I see many cases involving the dreadful abuse of children but every now and again we see cases the circumstances of which are almost beyond belief,' said Judge Andrew Menary QC, the Recorder of Liverpool, as he jailed them.

'This is one of those cases. Sadly it demonstrates that human depravity really knows no depths.'

Julie Morris (left), 44, and partner David Morris (right), 52, filmed themselves abusing and raping a girl aged under 13

One senior prosecutor admitted to the Daily Mail that the case had reduced her to tears and was the worst of her 20-year career.

Many of the details of what Morris and her lover did are unprintable in a family newspaper  and they doubtless make deeply uneasy reading for those who entrusted their children into her care.

It has emerged that although the victim was not a pupil, Julie Morris had taken photographs of children at the school to send to her boyfriend.

While none of the images was indecent, prosecutors claimed they were sent for her partner's sexual gratification. One showed children wearing fancy dress in a classroom, to which David Morris responded: 'Wow 3 possible 1 definite.'

The evidence gathered by police, including vast numbers of messages and videos, indicates that Julie Morris actively and willingly took part in both the grooming and abuse of their victim.

In one message, her 52-year-old partner told her that he was having 'naughty thoughts' about the girl, to which she replied: 'As long as I'm still involved baby xxx.' They also described the girl as 'our little plaything' in messages to each other.

The grooming quickly turned to acts of sexual abuse, abuse that included at least seven rapes, and which took place from May 2018 to this September, starting when the girl was just eight.

Much of it was filmed, with Morris on occasion heard giggling in the background.

Julie Morris, 44, pleaded guilty at Liverpool Crown Court to 18 offences, including two counts of rape, nine of inciting a child under the age of 13 to engage in sexual activity and two of engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child

That the couple's evil activities were halted was entirely down to chance.

In early 2020 police raided the home of a paedophile in London. Analysis of his phone revealed he and David Morris had been in contact, and had exchanged images of children. In early September detectives arrested Morris at his home in St Helens, Merseyside.

After he was released on bail, officers were tipped off the following day that Morris and his girlfriend were preparing to flee. They were arrested in his campervan with 10,000 in cash.

Soon after, the head of St George's Central Church of England Primary School in Tyldesley, near Wigan, informed parents of the 'distressing' news.

While convictions of women for paedophilia are comparatively rare, the female perpetrator often claims to have been pressurised or influenced to take part in the abuse by a male third party.

In this instance. Julie Morris told police she feared her new partner would release nude photographs he had taken of her to friends and family if she did not co-operate. But she also admitted to officers that there had been 'no direct threat' that this would actually happen.

The judge rejected her defence, saying she was an 'enthusiastic participant' in the abuse and even 'fed' her boyfriend's 'insatiable appetite' for child sex.

Julie Morris had worked at St George's Central Church of England Primary School in Wigan for 10 years

'There is no evidence in the thousands of messages between the pair that he had threatened to do this,' said Mairead Neeson, a senior crown prosecutor at the Crown Prosecution Service. 'Julie Morris was not an innocent female, coerced into carrying out the offences. She was equally as responsible as David Morris. She is 100 per cent aware of what was going on.

'She is completely involved, she knows exactly what is happening and at times she is encouraging it to take place. At no point is she saying 'stop this' or 'please don't do this'. She is a willing participant and encourages him to carry on.'

And Morris's behaviour is all the more shocking because of who she was  a veritable pillar of the local community in whose person countless people had put their trust.

A regular churchgoer, she had been worshipping at the same Methodist church in Pemberton, Wigan, for 30 years  leading prayers and services and teaching at the Sunday school.

And it was in education that she would find her career. Having gained a degree in psychology from Lancashire University, she then took a specialist maths teacher qualification from Edge Hill University in Ormskirk.

Her first teaching job was at Castle Hill St Philip's Church of England primary school in Wigan.

She then moved to St George's, another church school where she was appointed deputy in 2011.

As well as being in charge of maths and religious education, she trained to become the 'safeguarding lead' at the school.

She married a professional musician in 2003. But when he left her for another woman, devastated Morris turned to online dating app Plenty of Fish.

And it was there in July 2016 that she first met David Morris.

He had also recently left a failed relationship. A Kwik Fit mechanic, he was often seen tinkering with an old campervan outside his home in St Helens. In August 2018 he made the pages of the local newspaper after helping to raise money for a sick three-year-old boy to visit DisneyLand. By taking part in a tandem parachute jump, he raised 2,500 for the trip.

'It was amazing,' he said. 'I thought I'd be a nervous wreck, but I wasn't.' Relatives of the child say that at the time they were surprised when he offered to help because despite being described as a family friend in fact he hardly knew them.

But David Morris was no do-gooder. By then, he and his new girlfriend were already abusing their victim. From the moment they met, their relationship became 'intensely sexual', the court heard, with their 'graphic and depraved' communications leading to 'their sexual fantasies becoming a reality.'

In a cache of explicit messages running to 175,000 pages, they expressed sexual interest in each other and the victim over a period of three years.

The teacher met David Morris on Plenty of Fish and they quickly began sharing their 'graphic and depraved' fantasies

In some messages, David Morris described his fantasies about the child. He described her as a 'slut' and compared her to his girlfriend. Such was the extent of their grooming that the girl was even included in explicit group chats.

The vast majority of their exchanges are too vile to describe. The same applies to the videos which include footage of Julie Morris and the victim wearing just their knickers. Another showed the couple sitting naked on a settee giggling and encouraging the victim to smack Julie Morris on the bottom.

The abuse was eventually brought to a halt when police raided the home of the London paedophile, so discovering a link to David Morris. On September 2, Merseyside detectives executed a search warrant at his home. He was interviewed and his phone was seized after which he was bailed.

Police received a tip-off that he and his lover were planning to abscond.

When presented with the evidence both admitted what they had done. Given the material that had been filmed 'they effectively had no choice', say prosecutors.

By way of excuse, Morris told police that she had ensured that the victim had 'not been under duress or in any pain and made sure that she wanted to do the acts'.

Julie Morris (pictured) and David also set up a group chat with the victim in which they would talk about how to abuse her

Given her background it was an extraordinarily sickening claim and one described as 'breathtaking in its inappropriateness' by the judge.

'As a safeguarding lead at school she should have been trained to recognise the signs of grooming, she should have been protecting children, but she was using those techniques herself,' said a source at the centre of the investigation.

Such was the quantity of footage retrieved from David Morris it has been impossible for police to examine it all.

Instead, they concentrated on identifying the most serious offences and on making sure there were no other victims.

During an early hearing, Julie Morris was seen to break down in tears as the evidence was outlined. That display of emotion, said Miss Neeson, was in stark contrast to how she had previously behaved.

'She may be crying now, but there's no tears in the videos,' she said. 'In fact, she is giggling in them. Police described her as cold and detached in interview.

'There was a complete lack of emotional response from her.

'The descriptions of what they did are so horrific that when I had finished reading them I burst into tears.

'It's a young child whose innocence has been stolen. It is the worst case I have come across in my 20-year career.'

And she added: 'It is a shocking fall from grace from someone respected in the community who held a position of trust.'

Julie was safeguarding lead at St George's Central Church of England Primary School in Wigan. The offences are not related to her employment at the school in Wigan

Paul Becker, defending Morris, said that she had endured a difficult childhood after her parents split when she was four and her father died when she was nine.

'She felt unloved at home, was bullied at school and had a lack of self-confidence and self-belief.'

The barrister added that Morris, from Hindley in Wigan, was 'thoroughly ashamed and appalled' at what she had done.

'Due to her criminality she has lost everything, her reputation, her career and her home,' he added.

In a statement issued through Wigan Council, St George's admitted parents would be 'appalled' by the 'distressing details' of the case.

A spokesman said the school had been reassured by police that none of the photographs of pupils was indecent and no criminal offence had taken place.

'These are despicable offences and behaviour, especially from someone in a position of trust,' he added.

'We know that parents may have follow-up concerns and questions and we will make sure we address these as best we can in partnership with our police colleagues.

'Undoubtedly this has been an awful chapter in the history of the school but we now hope this close-knit school community can move forward together without being further tarnished by the despicable actions of one individual.'
Former Mossad chief Yossi Cohen (pictured) has been accused of leaking state secrets and boasting about undercover operations

The husband of a former Mossad chief's flight attendant mistress has accused him of leaking state secrets and boasting about undercover operations.

Guy Shiker has claimed ex-spy boss Yossi Cohen, 60, told him and his then-wife how he was recruited to the Israeli spy agency, how the organisation had tracked an Arab leader's doctor and that he often pretended to be an Arab tour guide as cover.

Cohen revealed he fired six division heads in a ruthless clear out of those who were not loyal to him when he became agency chief in June 2016 and described a 30-hour trip to Chad to New York which took place as then-Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was also visiting the African nation.

'He told lots of stories, including about Mossad... he's a blabbermouth. He started telling me that Mossad was "sitting" on a doctor of a well-known Arab leader,' Shiker told Channel 13's investigative program HaMakor.

Cohen allegedly revealed the top secret information during several meetings at the couple's Tel Aviv home in 2018, while he was head of Mossad. He served as director of the spy agency until June 2021.

And in signs the relationship went both ways, Shiker asked Cohen to get the agency to hire his secretary, a 23-year-old woman, and station her in Bangkok - which he did.

Guy Shiker claimed ex-spy boss Cohen, 60, told him and his then-wife how he was recruited to the Israeli spy agency, how the organisation had tracked an Arab leader's doctor and that he often pretended to be an Arab tour guide as cover

Shiker claimed Cohen told him he had fired six of Mossad's top brass after being appointed director of the organisation in June 2016.

'He told me, "When I was appointed to be Mossad chief, listen carefully, within 10 days, I fired six [top officials] because they werent loyal to the system. They werent good. They thought I was their best friend when we were equals. The moment I was appointed [I fired them], without mercy."'

Shiker also reportedly embarrassed Cohen after the deputy director of Mossad discovered he knew details of the spy chief's movement.

The report claimed the development forced Cohen to appease Shiker by agreeing to hire his personal assistant.

Cohen later sought private information about Shiker, discovering that his lover's husband had previously sought to work for Mossad. It is not clear what he did with this information.

Shiker is a financial manager in Tel Aviv and is reportedly well-known in the Israeli capital market.

Cohen described a 30-hour trip to Chad to New York which took place as then-Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu 9pictured together) was also visiting the African nation

The pair's relationship soured over Cohen's alleged affair with Shiker's wife after he was caught sending her messages calling her 'my beauty' and 'my princess'.

Shiker told the program he warned Cohen: 'You love my wife, she loves you, you're destroying a family right now'.

Shiker's ex-wife has denied having an affair with Cohen and rubbished allegations he revealed classified information to the couple, according to a statement by her lawyers.

It read: 'Our client denies the claim related to an affair with Mr. Yossi Cohen. Mr. Cohen didnt reveal to her or to Mr. Shiker any state secrets or details about the management of the organization headed by him.'

Shiker told Channel 13's investigative program HaMakor he warned Cohen: 'You love my wife, she loves you, you're destroying a family right now'

Cohen, who retired from Mossad in June 2021, is married and shares four children with his wife Aya.

Israeli officials have slammed Cohen over the allegations, describing him as 'power-crazy' and claiming that if he had been a lower-ranking official his actions would have landed him in jail.

The allegations first surfaced in June and were strongly denied by Cohen. He told Channel 13 at the time: 'There is no flight attendant, there is no close relationship, the attorney general has not contacted me [over the allegations'.
The thought of an overweight bearded man from the arctic squeezing down your chimney in the middle of the night is enough to frighten many Aussie kids - even if it is in the name of gift-giving and being jolly.

But old Saint Nick has got nothing on the terrifying Christmas crow who visits young children in the remote Indigenous community of Warmun in Western Australia's Kimberley region.

A murder of 'Wangkarnal Crows' swoop into Ngalangangpum School every year donning a dramatic black cloak and piercing white eyes with the hopes of handing out presents and scaring the life out of the town's children.

The Christmas creature, who has its roots woven into the Aboriginal Dreamtime stories, either arrives in 4WD packed to the brim with eucalypts, or in a Robinson 44 helicopter.

A murder of 'Wangkarnal Crows' (pictured) swoop into the Ngalangangpum School every year donning a dramatic black cloak and piercing white eyes with the hopes of handing out presents and scaring the life out of the town's children

The terrifying Christmas crow visits young children in the remote Indigenous community of Warmun in Western Australia's Kimberley region

'Wangkarnal is like a different way of us celebrating Christmas, with a crow instead of Santa Claus. It's good fun when he comes because when they call out the little kids' names for presents, they act all frightened,' 13-year-old Zarafina Juli told the ABC.

The story of how the Wangkarnal Crow came to be dates all the way back to the Dreamtime - way before the Christian Christmas custom of Santa.

The Gija people believe the crow once got into a feathered fight with an eagle during the Ngarranggarni, or creation time, about 65,000 years ago.

The birds lived together on a hillside alongside where Warmun's Ngalangangpum School is today, but didn't always get on.

On one occasion, the eagle hunted down a kangaroo, brought it back, and cooked it while the 'lazy crow' rested.

The eagle became furious when the crow sidled over and started pecking meat off the kangaroo.

So much so the eagle 'grabbed a coal from the fire and threw it at the crow, and that's how the crow got white eyes,' Gija woman Vanessa Thomas explained.

The Ngalangangpum School (pictured) opened up in the late 1970s, blending traditional Indigenous culture like the Dreamtime, with the Catholic doctrine missionaries had imported to the area

The Christmas creature who has its roots woven into the Aboriginal Dreamtime stories, either arrives in four-wheel drive packed to the brim with eucalypts (pictured), or in a Robinson 44 helicopter

To mark the Wangkarnal Crow's arrival (pictured) families gather at the school for a barbecue feast, live music and a junba - the art of storytelling through dance

How the crow became linked to Christmas remains a mystery, but during the 19th Century, Christian missionaries travelled to the area to preach the holiday to the Gija people.

The Ngalangangpum School opened in the late 1970s, blending traditional Indigenous culture like the Dreamtime, with the Catholic doctrine missionaries imported to the outback region.

Somewhere along the line, the Wangkarnal Crow became a focal part of this new and unique tradition.

To mark the bird's arrival families gather at the school for a barbecue feast, live music and a junba - the art of storytelling through dance.

In the midst of the festivities, the Christmas crow takes the stage to the horror and excitement of youngsters.

The Ngalangangpum School (students pictured) opened up in the late 1970s, blending traditional Indigenous culture like the Dreamtime, with the Catholic doctrine missionaries had imported to the outback region

When every child has received a gift, Wangkarnal vanishes and won't be seen for another year. Pictured: The remote town of Warmun

'Wangkarnal likes to frighten the children, but he also brings presents. When I was younger I was a bit nervous and shy when I saw Wangkarnal, but now he just makes me laugh,' Vincent Ramsay, 12, said.

When every child has received a gift, Wangkarnal vanishes and won't be seen for another year.

The bird's departure triggers a traditional dance by the Gija peopel.

'I'm not sure exactly how Wangkarnal as our Santa came about, but I just feel very happy that culture is still strong, and being passed on to our children,' Ms Thomas said.
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At least four people were injured in a massive explosion and fire at an Exxon Mobil oil refinery in Texas that police are calling a 'major industrial accident'.

Huge flames could be seen shooting out of the Baytown chemical plant and into the night sky over San Jacinto Bay at around 1am today.

Locals reported hearing 'a large boom' strong enough to shake houses and 'knock pictures off the wall'.

Fire and police services remain at the scene of the fire, which officials say is the result of a hydrotreater unit that was under repair. An Exxon spokesperson said crews were trying to bring the fire under control and that all workers had been accounted for.

It has also been confirmed that the fire has affected part of the plant's gasoline production.

The Harris County Sheriff's Office described the incident as a 'major industrial accident', with Sheriff Ed Gonzalez confirming that four contractors at the plant have been injured but were in a stable condition.

There were also no orders to evacuate or shelter-in-place.

Four people were injured when a massive fire broke out at an Exxon Mobil oil refinery in Baytown near Houston, Texas shortly after locals reported hearing an 'explosion' that 'shook houses' in the surrounding area

Fire and police services remain at the scene of the fire, which officials say is the result of a hydrotreater unit that was under repair. An Exxon spokesperson said crews were trying to bring the fire under control and performing a check on workers

The Harris County Sheriff's Office described the incident as a 'major industrial accident', with Sheriff Ed Gonzalez confirming that four contractors at the plant have been injured but were in a stable condition

The fire is said to have started in a hydrotreater unit that was being repaired by the contractors 'due to a bypass line leak'

Huge flames and clouds of smoke could be seen shooting out of the Baytown chemical plant into the night sky over San Jacinto Bay. Shocked residents in Baytown and nearby Houston took to social media to ask what had happened and whether the facility was still safe

The fire is said to have started in a hydrotreater unit that was being repaired by the contractors 'due to a bypass line leak'.

Sheriff Gonzalez added that three of the people injured in the fire were flown to hospital by LifeFlight rescue helicopter and a fourth was taken by ambulance.

Shocked residents in Baytown and nearby Houston took to social media to ask what had happened and whether the facility was still safe.

Tonja Tolleson tweeted: 'Just had big enough boom that house shook & everything inside the house rattled. Sounded like freight train connecting cars outside the house.'

Another commented: 'Explosion at Exxon! It rumbled my apartment and knocked my pictures off the wall.'

A third wrote: 'Little more than a fire, my house shook to its foundation miles away from [Exxon].'

Early this morning Exxon Mobil gave a brief update on twitter, writing: 'Around 1 a.m. on 12/23/2021, a fire occurred at our facility. At this time, emergency vehicles and smoke may be noticeable to the community.

'We are coordinating with local officials, and working to resolve the issue as soon as possible.

In a update around 7am ET, the company said: 'Our emergency response teams continue to work to extinguish the fire at our Baytown complex.

'Our first priority is people in the community and in our facilities. And monitoring continues along the fence line. Available information shows no adverse impact at this time.

'No shelter in place has been called for our community and near neighbours. We did keep regret any disruption or inconvenience that this incident may have caused the community.'

ExxonMobil have released a statement saying: 'Around 1 a.m. on 12/23/2021, a fire occurred at our facility. At this time, emergency vehicles and smoke may be noticeable to the community'

The Harris County Sheriff's Office described the incident as a 'major industrial accident', reporting some people had been injured and urging locals to avoid the area

In 2019, ExxonMobil's Baytown facility suffered a massive fire in an area of the plant that contains polypropylene material. There were reports of an explosion at the site

The 3,400-acre Baytown complex was founded 100 years ago in 1919 and includes a 561,000-barrel-a-day refinery.

This is not the first time the plant has suffered a major incident.

An explosion in 2019 is believed to have caused a massive blaze in an area of the plant that contains polypropylene material.

The incident happened at around 11.07am on July 31, with 37 people having to be treated for non-life threatening injuries, including first-degree burns.

Video footage of the terrifying fire shows bright orange flames rising from a large metal stack measuring several stories high and billowing black smoke.

Locals similarly reported that their houses and windows shook in the loud initial explosion.

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King George III called slavery 'repugnant' in an essay he wrote five decades before he signed Abolition, it has been revealed.

The monarch's arguments against trading in human life come in a 200-page manuscript called 'Of Laws relative to Government in general', written while he was under the intellectual mentorship of John Stuart, 3rd Earl of Bute.

In the mid-1750s, when George would have been a teenager, he wrote a precis to a 1748 political treatise by Montesquieu, the French jurist, saying slavery is 'equaly [sic] repugnant to the Civil Law as to the Law of Nature', The Times reports.

He also said the 'European traffic of Black slaves' was not justifiable because the 'very reasons urg'd for it', including that it would not be possible to cultivate New World colonies without them, 'will be perhaps sufficient to make us hold this practice in execration'.

The king's essay is included in the Georgian Papers Programme, a collaboration between King's College London, the Royal Collection Trust and others who aim to make historical materials relating to the Hanoverians more accessible.

The king's essay is included in the Georgian Papers Programme, a collaboration between King's College London, the Royal Collection Trust and others who aim to make historical materials relating to the Hanoverians more accessible

George, who is perhaps most well-known for going mad and losing the colonies, would in 1807 sign into law the abolition of the slave trade, but his early writing could also go some way to rehabilitating his image among some.

The king had earlier this year been in the headlines when a carving of him - flanked by two kneeling African men - was removed from the National Maritime Museum.

The bust, which is made of mahogany, was once the figurehead on the Royal George Yacht, which was built in Deptford Dockyard and launched in 1815. It had been on display at the museum for more than a decade.

The monarch's arguments against trading in human life come in a 200-page manuscript called 'Of Laws relative to Government in general', written while he was under the intellectual mentorship of John Stuart, 3rd Earl of Bute

Most recently, it made up part of an exhibition called 'The Atlantic: Slavery, Trade, Empire, Enslavement and Resistance' before it was moved to its conservation studio at a site in Kidbrooke, south east London.

In it's place, the museum installed an explanatory plaque which reads: 'For many visitors and staff, its imagery of a powerful white king with two subservient black men is a hurtful reinforcement of enduring racial stereotypes.'

Now Harvard University history professor David Armitage says that nobody in the English-speaking world, other than American Quakers, had 'so thoroughly debunked pro-slavery ideology'.

He wrote in an article in the Times Literary Supplement that the essay 'briefly placed the Prince of Wales in the vanguard of contemporary arguments against slavery and the slave trade'.
A disgruntled Finnish Tesla owner has detonated his electric vehicle - along with an effigy of Tesla founder Elon Musk - to protest the cost of a replacement battery.

Tuomas Katainen blew up his 2013 Tesla S Model 2012 with 66lbs of dynamite after its battery failed and he was faced with the 17,000 ($22,000) repair bill.

Instead of stumping up the cash, the 26-year-old contacted the local Youtubers Pommijatkat 'bomb dudes' to blow up the car - for which prices now start at 73,990 ($100,000).

Tesla and Musk have faced a wave of complaints about the cost of replacing a battery, with third party garages providing replacements for a quarter of the cost.

According to electric vehicle news website Electrek, another Tesla owner in the United States was told a battery pack replacement would cost him $22,500 (16,800) at a Tesla service centre.

Instead, he took it to an independent garage who provided a working replacement battery for $5,000 (3,762) - less than a quarter of what he was originally quoted by Tesla.

Tesla's warranty covers battery replacements if the capacity drops below 70% within 150,000 miles or eight years of purchase.

However owners of older models are being left with large repair bills from Telsa as their batteries lose power and give their cars a reduces range.

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A disgruntled Finnish Tesla owner has detonated his electric vehicle (pictured) - along with an effigy of Elon Musk - to protest the cost of a replacement battery

The Finnish Youtubers agreed to blow up Katainen's his car and even put a dummy with billionaire Tesla co-founder Musk's face inside the motor.

Footage shows the vloggers strapping his motor with sticks of dynamite before Tuomas pressed a button and blew the car to smithereens.

The car was strapped with explosives on rugged, snowy terrain in Tuomas' native Finland, with the Youtubers training high-definition cameras on the car to capture the explosion in all its glory, from as many angles as possible.

A huge fireball engulfed the motor as it was blown into tiny pieces, with the detonation being met with cheers from Tuomas and the other spectators.

In the Pommijatkat Youtube video, Tuomas said: 'When I bought that Tesla, the first 1,500 km were nice, it was an excellent car so far.

'The error code hit in, so I ordered a tow truck to take my car in a service

The Youtubers put a dummy with billionaire Tesla co-founder Musk's face (pictured) inside the motor before it combusted

Pictured: A fireball is seen in this video grab in the split second before the Tesla was blown up by its Finnish owner Tuomas Katainen and local Youtube Pommijatkat, or 'bomb dudes'

Katainen blew up his Tesla S Model 2012 with 30kg of dynamite after its battery failed and he was faced with the whopping 17,000 repair bill. Pictured: A fireball rises from the Tesla

Pictured: An aerial view of the exploding Tesla. The car's owner and other spectators can be seen in the foreground taking cover inside a bomb shelter

'The car was about a month in a Tesla dealer's workshop and finally I got a call that they can't do anything for my car, the only option is to change the whole battery cell.

'The cost would be at least Euro 20,000 [17,000] and permission for the operation has to be asked from Tesla.

'So I told them that I'm going to explode the whole car away because apparently there was no guarantee or anything.'

Before denoting the motor, he joked: 'So now we are in a point where there is bombs attached on a car and Tesla is ready to go.'

Tuomas lives in Jyvaskyla, Finland.

The Tesla S model 2012 cost between about 37,000 to 67,000 when it was released.

Pictured: Motorist Tuomas Katainen stands in-front of his soon-to-be-blown up Tesla Model S. He said he opted to detonate his vehicle rather than pay the 17,000 fee to replace the battery

Footage shows the vloggers strapping the Tesla motor with sticks of dynamite before Tuomas pressed a button and blew the car to smithereens

Musk, 50, has recently sold a slew of shares in Tesla but he remains the largest single shareholder.

Teslas and other electric vehicles have been touted as ecological alternatives to the gas-burning vehicles that use internal combustion engines.

The popularity of electric vehicles has increased over the past decade, with Tesla and Elon Musk often credited with proving the viability of battery powered cars.

However, other owners who have needed to replace their vehicle's batteries have encountered similar problems to Toumas, finding the work to be very expensive.

Safety concerns have also been raised over a number of features, including Tesla's autonomous driving features and the use of batteries.

Concerns over the batteries stem from reports of crashes involving Teslas in which the batteries have appeared - when damaged - to combust.

In one such incident in April this year in Texas, US, two men were killed when the Tesla they were travelling in crashed, igniting one of the batteries.
A mother says her family are 'living in dust' after a builder who stopped work on their extension - despite being paid 30,000 for the job.

Julie Schermer, 59, from Bilsthorpe, Nottinghamshire, says 'sometimes, I just sit in my house and cry' over the state of her property.

The work to create an extension and remove her fireplace was stopped midway through, in October.

She claims the builder, Sean Gartland, took his second instalment of 15,000 and stopped, leaving half of her bottom floor in a dilapidated state.

Mr Gartland has refuted these claims, and blamed the fuel shortage for the delay.

Julie Schermer said 'sometimes I just sit in my house and cry' after work to create an extension and remove her fireplace was stopped midway through, in October.

Sean Gartland, took his second instalment of 15,000 and stopped, leaving half of Mrs Schermer's bottom floor in a dilapidated state.

Mrs Schermer said: 'It's depressing. I've tried to get my money back, I can't live like this. I'm living in the dust.'

The 59-year-old found Mr Gartland through tradespeople site Book a Builder under New Looks Building Services.

Housing work began in July after the first payment, before progress began to slow down.

Work started in July after the first payment, before progress began to slow down.

By the end of September the extension had reached roof height, but the client was told she needed to make a second payment of 15,000 for the windows and roof tiles.

One week later, the builder took the bottom half of the fireplace out and never came back, says Mrs Schermer.

What should you do if you have a problem with building work? If you've had work done at home and there's a problem caused by the trader, you should be able to get it fixed - or get at least some of your money back. Whatever the problem is, you'll need to talk to the trader and come to an agreement. You should take up the problem with the trader who arranged the work, even if they 'sub-contracted' (passed on) all or some of it to another business. Before you do that, it's a good idea to:

Gather any paperwork and receipts

Take photos to use as evidence of the problem

Make notes about what's happened, including dates and times If you can't come to an agreement then using 'alternative dispute resolution' is a way of solving disagreements without going to court. The Citizens Advice consumer helpline is 0808 223 1133. Source: Citizens Advice Advertisement

By the end of September the extension had reached roof height, but the client was told she needed to make a second payment of 15,000 for the windows and roof tiles.

One week later, the builder took the bottom half of the fireplace out and never came back, says Mrs Schermer.

She told MailOnline: 'We've done nothing for Christmas as we have no work surface and only have a kettle.

'We've just been eating takeaways. That's it.'

Mr Gartland, who has his business listed in the Commercial Park area of Chesterfield, claims he had brought the job to a halt after suffering abuse from Mrs Schermer's family.

The 39-year-old from Derbyshire said he had been forced to delay the work due to the fuel shortage at the time, but promised he would recommence work at a later date.

'It was that time when you couldn't get diesel,' he told Nottinghamshire Live.

'The next day I said I couldn't make it but I that I could make it tomorrow. As soon as I put the phone down I started getting calls from her family threatening me.'

He added that she had never demanded a refund.

Mrs Schermer, who admitted planning permission had not been obtained for the work, refutes the claim, and says Mr Gartland had told her son he was working on another site at the time and blocked her number.

She said she felt as though she had been 'preyed upon' after moving to the UK from Holland last year.

'What he's doing is not very nice at all and he's preying on others," she said. 'I'm almost 60 now so I can't really get another mortgage.'

Her husband Martin Schermer blasted Mr Gartland as a 'cowboy builder'.

Her husband Martin Schermer blasted Mr Gartland as a 'cowboy builder'.

He added: 'He left us in a right mess and ran off with a lot of our money.

'Insurance said they are not paying out because he has no assets.

'So we are in deep sh**'.

Mrs Schermer said she is looking into ways to recover her money.

'I need the money to get the house sorted,' she said. I'm nearly 60, I'm getting on a bit.'

Trading Standards have been contacted for comment.
A human skull which is believed to have belonged to a convict onboard a prison ship around 200 years ago will now be analysed by scientists after it was found washed up on the shore of the River Thames.

Mudlarking expert Lara Maiklem, 50, had been walking along the Thames Estuary when she stumbled across the remains poking through stones in 2019.

She removed the skull and marked the spot using GPS before informing the police, the Museum of London and the local finds liaison officer.

The skull which carbon dating concluded was about 200-years-old, was due to be analysed by forensics experts in Australia but due to the Covid-19 pandemic could not be transported.

However the prisoner's skull, who has been named 'Fred' by Ms Maiklem, will now be analysed by the University of Leicester's Professor Turi King - who is also leading a project analysing Richard III's DNA.

The human skull which is believed to have belonged to a convict onboard a prison ship around 200 years ago will now be analysed by the University of Leicester's Professor Turi King

Mudlarking expert Lara Maiklem, 50, had been walking along the Thames Estuary when she spotted the bones

Ms Maiklem said carbon dating concluded that the skull was around 200-years-old

Ms Maiklem said the bones are believed to have belonged to a convict who became ill on a prison ship, otherwise known as prison hulks, and whose body was thrown overboard into the riverside mud.

The washed up skull was accompanied nearby by leg and arm bones.

Incredibly, she says similar finds are now becoming more common as the London water level rises and begins to wash away old burial places.

What were prison ships? Prison ships were used to address overcrowding in jails Prison ships, more commonly known as prison hulks, decommissioned warships which were used to house those convicted of serious and minor crimes during the 18th and 19th century. The vessels were stripped of their masts, rigging and sails and were used by the government to address overcrowding in jails. To increase London's prison capacity the government passed the 1776 'Hulks Act' and in August 1776, the Justicia, a former transportation ship, became the first prison hulk. The ships, which were directly managed and maintained by private contractors, were moored up along the Thames and Medway estuaries. They were also anchored at Portsmouth, Bermuda and Gibraltar where prisoners were put to work in the dockyards. They often held criminals awaiting transportation to penal colonies in Australia. In 1798 the hulks held more than 1,400 out of about 1,900 people waiting for transportation to Australia. Advertisement

Prison hulks were decommissioned warships which became popular in Britain during the 18th and 19th century to house those convicted of both serious and minor crimes.

The vessels were stripped of their masts, rigging and sails and were used by the government to address overcrowding in jails.

They were moored up along the Thames and Medway estuaries, as well as at Portsmouth, Bermuda and Gibraltar where prisoners were put to work in the dockyards.

They often held criminals awaiting transportation to penal colonies in Australia.

In 1798, the hulks held more than 1,400 out of about 1,900 people waiting for transportation to Australia.

Now, the human skull will be analysed by Professor King who hopes to unearth more about the prisoner.

Speaking on her find Ms Maiklem said: 'The skull was covered in barnacles and it was obvious to me that it was quite old, but the police had to come anyway.

'They told me they had an ongoing case in the area.

'It's highly likely that this skeleton has come from a prison ship moored in the area, often they were moored on the marshes around Woolwich and housed Napoleonic prisoners of war.

'These ships were just dreadful. As soon as there was any sign of disease onboard it would have spread like wildfire.

'When they died they just buried them on the nearest patch of land.

'River levels have risen by a foot so it's starting to erode these areas where they buried people.'

Ms Maiklem said the bones were initially taken to a police forensics lab in Scotland where they were dated.

She was originally contacted by a forensic scientist specialising in barnacle colonisation on human remains at Murdoch University in Perth, Australia, however due to international lockdowns and travel restrictions the skull could not be transported.

Professor King then offered to look at the skull when she heard it was stuck in the UK.

The mudlarking expert (pictured) was originally contacted by a forensic scientist specialising in barnacle colonisation on human remains at Murdoch University in Perth but the skull could not be transported due to the Covid-19 pandemic

Ms Maiklem removed the skull and marked the spot using GPS before informing the police, the Museum of London and the local finds liaison officer

The skull was found along the Thames and was accompanied nearby by leg and arm bones

The scientist is among a team of geneticists who in 2013 matched DNA from bones discovered under a car park in Leicester with living relatives of the Richard III- confirming the remains belonged to him.

Richard's remains were found in 2012 by experts who had used historic maps to trace a friary where he was rumoured to have been buried after being killed in battle.

After only three weeks of digging at the location, now a car park in Leicester, the archaeologists found the skeleton of an adult male.

It had injuries consistent with his recorded death at the Battle of Bosworth Field in 1485.

The skeleton was also found to have severe scoliosis, again backing up accepted knowledge about the monarch.

The king was famously ridiculed by Shakespeare as 'rudely stamp'd, deformed, unfinish'd'.

The Leicester remains were confirmed to be Richard in 2013 after DNA was extracted and matched with two maternal relatives of the King.

Richard's remains were then re-buried in Leicester Cathedral at a star-studded funeral after a legal challenge contesting that he should be buried in York delayed the ceremony by several months.

The Thames skull is currently at the University of Leicester awaiting full analysis.
A young mother-of-four was dragged more than 50ft and killed in a freak accident while bump starting her car which had her children in it.

Kerry Ann Bowers, 29, was crushed to death after she and her sister Georgia attempted to start the faulty vehicle atop a hill in Camborne, Cornwall.

The sisters struggled to move the car, because it was behind a speed bump and atop a hill, but eventually got its wheels moving again after a strong push.

At this time, Kerry was standing between the driver's seat and open door on the right-hand side of her Ford Galaxy, which had her children in the back seat.

But, because the 4,100lb vehicle had been perched atop a hilly stretch of road at the time, it started rolling at speed without anyone behind the steering wheel, an inquest heard on Wednesday.

As Kerry desperately tried to jump into the runaway vehicle, she screamed for help and was dragged more than 50ft down the road.

Travelling at speed, the car managed to mount a pavement and slam into a hedgerow, trapping the helpless mother between the door and the car frame.

Despite the best efforts of paramedics who rushed to save her, Kerry would later die at the scene.

Kerry Ann Bowers, 29, was crushed to death after she and her sister Georgia attempted to bump start her faulty vehicle atop a hill in Camborne, Cornwall

As Kerry (pictured above) desperately tried to jump into the runaway vehicle, she screamed for help and was dragged more than 50ft down the road

Recording a conclusion of 'accidental death', senior coroner Andrew Cox described his own experience of Kerry's 'innocuous' actions that led to her tragic death.

He said: 'I struggle to recognise that something as innocuous can have such a devastating outcome. I've done this myself on many occasions.'

On June 10, 2021, Kerry and her sister Georgia struggled to get Kerry's black Ford Galaxy started.

The vehicle's ignition appeared to not work due to an 'intermittent wiring issue', expert vehicle examiner Mark Richards later explained.

At around 2pm, Kerry and Georgia were told by their mother - who they had planned to meet at a nearby supermarket - to try a bump start, which involves pushing a car while engaging the clutch to kickstart the engine.

The inquest heard how her sister Georgia had attempted to push the Ford Galaxy herself, but struggled to move the vehicle because its front wheels were tucked behind a speed bump in the Pengegon Estate in Camborne, Cornwall.

Kerry stepped out of the driver's seat and helped push with one hand on the steering wheel as she stood between the open car door and the seat.

Georgia told the hearing in Truro that the car picked up speed and Kerry was being dragged along by the car as it mounted a pavement and struck a hedge.

She said: 'Kerry was screaming at me to jump over her and get into the seat.'

But by the time she got into the car it had crashed into a thick hedge 51 feet away and trapped Kerry between the door and the car frame.

Because the 4,100lb Ford Galaxy had been perched atop a hilly stretch of road at the time, it started rolling at speed without anyone behind the steering wheel, an inquest heard. Pictured: The scene of the crash in the Pengegon Estate, Cornwall on June 10, 2021

Georgia said: 'She kept saying she couldn't breathe, I said I couldn't do anything and was talking to her before I got the kids out of the car.

'I waved down a car and asked the driver if he could help.'

The passer-by called the emergency services and helped keep the car stationary by applying the handbrake and placing a brick under the front wheel.

Despite his quick-thinking actions, Kerry, of Connor Downs, died as a result of her injuries and was cut out through the bush by the fire and rescue service.

PC Karen Roberts, who had known Kerry from previously living next door to her mother, attended the scene at 2.08pm with PC Sarah Gough.

PC Roberts told the inquest that it 'wasn't an easy incident to attend' since she knew Kerry.

She said: 'We were called to an incident in Pengegon at 2.08. When we got there the Ford Galaxy was stationary with its end in hedgerow on the offside of the hill.

'Already in attendance was ambulance and fire crews. Sadly they told me Kerry had died, it wasn't an easy incident to attend - Kerry's mum is an old neighbour and I'd seen Kerry grow up over the years.

'When we got there everything was in hand, we didn't do anything apart from managing the scene. It was a single vehicle road traffic collision.'

The inquest also heard that there were no major faults with the car, just an intermittent wiring issue which affected the ignition.

Senior Cornwall coroner Andrew Cox said Kerry was unable to get back into the car which mounted a pavement and ploughed into a thick hedge.

He said: 'Hedgerow forced the driver's door shut and Kerry was caught in the gap and the door and was sadly asphyxiated.

Tributes paid to Kerry shortly after her death from people who knew her spoke of her kindness and how she always had a smile on her face.

Shamela Smith Williams said at the time: 'Absolutely devastated. Sleep easy beautiful girl, many memories that will forever be treasured.'

Joanna Jones added: 'How awful. Was childhood friends all the way through school. Sending so much love to her family and her dear children.'

Kirsty Tonkin described Kerry as 'a lovely girl' who would help anyone. She went onto say she couldn't believe Kerry was gone.

Kellie Bassett said: 'Absolutely devastated for the family. Sleep tight, you'll never be forgotten.'
David Cameron has claimed Boris Johnson 'has always been able to get away with things that mere mortals can't' in a thinly-veiled swipe at the Prime Minister.

Mr Cameron also said he 'never sought to avoid' important interviews and was 'always available' to the media during his time in Downing Street in another apparent dig at Mr Johnson.

The pair first met at Eton College before attending Oxford University, where they both became members of the Bullingdon Club - an exclusive male-only dining club known for its lavish banquets.

They also both became Conservative MPs in 2001, Mr Johnson for Henley and Mr Cameron for Witney, before the latter became Tory leader.

A brewing rivalry came to the fore, though, when Mr Johnson backed Vote Leave in the 2016 Brexit referendum, resulting in Mr Cameron's resignation as Prime Minister.

The former leader was speaking to Sky News' Adam Boulton for Feral Beasts, a new documentary exploring how Britain's relationship with the media has changed.

And Mr Cameron said Mr Johnson may have hired his own team of professional photographers in an attempt to 'bypass the media'.

He added: 'Well, Boris has always been able to get away with things that mere mortals can't seem to.

Boris Johnson (left), then Mayor of London, with former Prime Minister David Cameron at the lighting of the Paralympic Cauldron in Trafalgar Square, central London, in 2012

Mr Cameron was speaking to Sky News as part of new documentary Feral Beasts: Prime Ministers and the Media

'But, look, I think you shouldn't do this to bypass the media. You go on having whether it is press conferences or interviews or media events - this is important.

'And I always did. Yes, the press conferences were rather infrequent, but I never held back from going on the Today programme and coming on your show (Mr Boulton's All Out Politics).

'I mean, we were always available and keen to engage and to answer questions."

Mr Cameron added: 'The media in that way has an incredibly important role.'

When the UK left the EU at the beginning of last year, Mr Johnson's team recorded a three-minute address to the nation, as opposed to following the tradition of having speeches covered by an independent broadcaster.

The clip, though, was subsequently snubbed by several news channels.

Mr Johnson's address to the nation confirming no more Covid restrictions would be introduced in England before Christmas Day was also filmed and distributed by an in-house team.

In February last year, political reporters staged a walk-out in Downing Street in protest at attempts By Number 10 to prevent several news organisations from a Government Brexit briefing.

Senior figures from the Daily Mail, Times, Sun, BBC and Sky were among those who refused to attend the event with David Frost, Boris Johnson's then Europe advisor.

They had been invited to the technical non-political briefing by the civil servant, but organisations including the Mirror, Independent, PA Media and the Huffington Post had not.

The same month, ministers did not appear on the regular morning interview slot on BBC Radio 4's Today show.

In response to a question on Mr Cameron's request for an official Downing Street photographer being refused, but Mr Johnson being able to obtain an entire team, he said: 'Well, Boris has always been able to get away with things that mere mortals can't seem to.'

Mr Johnson and and Mr Cameron pictured together at a Conservative party election rally in Hendon, north London, in May 2015

The pair's rivalry came to the fore when Mr Johnson (left) backed Vote Leave in the 2016 Brexit referendum - leading to Mr Cameron's resignation

Mr Cameron has claimed Mr Johnson 'has always been able to get away with things that mere mortals can't seem to' in a thinly-veiled swipe at the Prime Minister

Mr Cameron spoke to Sky News' Adam Boulton for new documentary Feral Beasts, exploring the relationship between Britain and the media

And asked if a Prime Minister should always be available to the media, he added: 'Yes - look, not every day because you have got a country to run.

'But I think, you know, the important interviews - whether it is the BBC Sunday morning programme or the Today programme or Sky News, TV debates - these are important, and I never sought to avoid them.'

'I think there has been a bit of an arms race in a way. Politicians have tooled up with special advisers and the spin doctors, and the media have tooled up by even more aggressive gotcha interviews to get that magic moment.

'I think we have got to try and have a relationship still distant and confrontational by moments - but understanding that you have got legitimate questions, but we have also got a responsibility to explain what we are doing.

'And can we try and find a bit of space for those things to coexist.'

Feral Beasts: Prime Ministers and the Media, will be aired on Sky News on Thursday at 3pm and 9pm.

The interview comes following a difficult December for Mr Johnson in which he accepted responsibility for the loss of Tory stronghold North Shropshire to the Lib Dems, while 101 Tory MPs voted against the introduction of Covid certificates for nightclubs and large events in England.

Mr Johnson was told last week to get his Government back on track within the next six months following the loss in the North Shropshire by-election.

In one of the biggest by-election swings in history, the Lib Dems overturned a Tory majority in the North Shropshire constituency of almost 23,000  and won by 5,925 votes.

The decisive result, which saw Helen Morgan take the seat, was described by polling expert Sir John Curtice as a political earthquake that measured '8.5 out of ten' on the Richter scale.

The turnaround triggered a bitter day of recriminations and fresh questions over the Prime Minister's authority yesterday, with Tory MPs telling him to urgently 'get a grip' of the No 10 operation.
France today vowed to ramp up the battle over post-Brexit fishing rights as cross-Channel tensions escalate.

Europe minister Clement Beaune - known as an attack dog for Emmanuel Macron - warned that legal action over licences for French vessels to use British waters will begin in 'the very first days of January'.

The threat comes after months of wrangling over the number of boats given approval by the UK and Jersey authorities.

French fishermen claim that they are entitled to licences under the terms of the trade deal with the EU, and have staged repeated protests including blocking access to ports on the Continent.

However, Britain insists only boats that provide evidence they were using the waters before Brexit happened need to be given permission.

Europe minister Clement Beaune - known as an attack dog for Emmanuel Macron - warned that legal action over licences for French vessels to use British waters will begin in 'the very first days of January'

French fishermen claim that they are entitled to licences under the terms of the trade deal with the EU, and have staged repeated protests including blocking access to ports on the Continent (file picture)

The dispute has not subsided despite a number of extra licences being granted to French boats over recent weeks.

And Mr Beaune told France 2 television today that he expects an EU meeting on January 4 to step up the response.

He said litigation at a special tribunal put in place by the Brexit deal will start in 'the very first days of January'.

Earlier this week it emerged that French fleets had abandoned a threat to blockade Christmas goods from reaching the UK because they wanted a holiday.

Industry bosses said many skippers take time off for the festive period so they scrapped their long-standing plan to punish Britain this week by blockading ports and the Channel Tunnel.

'The protest won't happen during the festive period. It's on standby. We will look at it again at the start of January,' said Olivier Lepretre, chairman of northern France fisheries committee.

'Some of the fishermen wanted to act on the 23rd and the others wanted to protest on the 4th after the holidays. It divided people straight away.'
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These are the promising charts that highlight how the Omicron outbreak in South Africa is fading after just a month, in a promising sign that Britain's wave could be short-lived.

South Africa became ground zero for the new variant in late November and saw a meteoric rise in infections, from 670 to more than 20,000 in the space of just three weeks.

But cases appear to have peaked nationally at 26,976 on December 15, and have now fallen for the last five days in a row. Yesterday they dipped 22 per cent in a week after 21,099 were recorded.

The huge surge in infections raised fears that a deadly wave of hospitalisations would follow, but almost immediately doctors on the frontlines said patients were coming in with milder illness.

The claims were dismissed by Britain's chief medical officer Professor Chris Whitty, who claimed South Africa was benefitting from having a younger and sparser population.

But in another promising sign hospitalisations now appear to be levelling off nationally in South Africa, hovering just below 400 admissions a day  compared to a height of 2,000 when Delta took hold.

Admissions dropped yesterday by four per cent, after another 593 were recorded. Deaths are just a fraction of the levels when Delta took hold, with just 99 yesterday.

There are 50 deaths a day on average now, up only slightly on the 20 deaths a day when Omicron was first detected in the country. For comparison, at the peak of the Delta wave there were 600 deaths a day.

South African scientist Dr Michelle Groome said in a press briefing yesterday that infections are now levelling off in three of the country's nine provinces after peaking in Gauteng about a week ago.

Hospitalisations and deaths are expected to rise for another few weeks even as cases fall because of the lag between infection and severe illness.

Britain is four weeks into its Omicron outbreak, with cases now spiralling to more than 90,000 a day while hospitalisations are over 800 a day and deaths have risen above 100.

But three real-world studies published yesterday suggested that Omicron infections are milder than Delta, and are less likely to put people in hospital.

Scientists still don't know if Omicron is intrinsically milder than Delta and say built-up immunity from previous infection and prior infection is probably the more likely explanation for the reduced severity.

The above graphs show how Covid cases are falling in South Africa compared to when the Delta variant took hold. Both waves were set to begin the first time a case of the variant was reported, which was May 8 for Delta and November 25 for Omicron. It reveals that hospitalisations are also dropping earlier than they did when Delta took hold. Deaths are still rising, but this is a lagging indicator because of the time taken for someone infected with the virus to become seriously ill

Figures on South Africa's Covid cases, hospitalisation and deaths are compiled by the country's National Institute for Infectious Diseases.

Its figures show that the seven-day average for Covid cases across the country is now falling, dipping from a high of 20,791 a week ago to 17,440 yesterday.

The country is currently carrying out 58,000 swabs a day, comparable to the numbers done in early December when cases skyrocketed but down 14,000 on a week ago.

South African Covid cases fall AGAIN by 22% on last week fuelling hopes that their Omicron wave is over Daily Covid cases in South Africa have fallen again by 22 per cent compared to last week's figures, fuelling hopes that the country's Omicron wave is over. South Africa, whose scientists detected the variant, recorded 21,099 new cases in the last 24 hours, down by nearly a quarter on the 26,976 infections confirmed last Wednesday. A fifth fewer people were tested for the virus in the last 24 hours compared to the same period last week, but test positivity  the proportion of those tested who are infected  has been trending downwards for nine days. Hospitalisations have also seen a slight decline, with more than 590 people admitted to hospitals across the country, down by four per cent in a week, data from the National Institute For Communicable Diseases (NICD), revealed. But deaths  which lag two to three weeks behind the pattern seen in case numbers due to the delay in an infected person becoming seriously unwell  have risen. A further 99 Covid-related deaths were recorded on Wednesday, compared to 54 recorded a week ago. The falling case numbers come despite only 25 per cent of South Africans being double-jabbed and boosters not being dished out in the country. It raises hopes that the UK's Omicron wave will also be short-lived, with Britain also having a layer of protection in its booster programme. Advertisement

But the positivity rate  the proportion of swabs that detect the virus  is down on a week ago at 30.6 per cent, suggesting the drop in cases is real and not due to fewer tests being carried out.

Broken down by province, the seven-day average for Covid cases is now ticking down in five of the country's nine provinces.

In epicentre Gauteng it is down 60 per cent week-on-week, from 9,956 to 4,088 cases a day.

In the North West they are falling by 31 per cent week-on-week, from 1,384 to 946 cases, in Limpopo it is down by 29 per cent, from 885 to 625, in Mpumalanga it is down by 28 per cent, from 1,180 to 848, and in Free State it is down by 10.5 per cent, from 1,192 to 1,066.

South Africa's latest breakdown of Covid testing per province only goes up to December 18, obscuring whether the drops in these provinces are real or due to falls in the number of tests carried out.

Nationally the positivity rate has risen in recent days but is still down on the same time a week ago.

Around half of all swabs are carried out in epicentre Gauteng, suggesting any fall in cases across the country could be mostly due to drops in this province.

In terms of hospitalisations admissions are now dipping across the country.

Broken down by province a drop is being recorded in epicentre Gauteng, where they fell a third in a week yesterday to 392 a day.

The number of Covid patients on the country's wards is still rising, however. There wre 9,300 recordedyesterday up from 7,300 a week ago.

More patients are also in ICU and on ventilators, figures show, with 613 now being in emergency units across the country and 239 needing the machines to help them breathe.

Dr Groome said yesterday: 'All indications are that we've seen the end of the  that we've surpassed the peak of infections in Gauteng. This is encouraging and quite optimistic in terms of the decreasing trends in case numbers.

'But I think we really do need to be cognizant that people are now traveling, and there may be changes in terms of the number of people that may be testing and so some of the lower numbers may be due to the holiday season.'

The figures could be a promising sign for Britain which is now being buffetted by a wave of the Omicron variant.

Yesterday marked the first time cases had surged over 100,000 ever during the pandemic, and a 35 per cent surge on the previous week.

In Omicron epicentre London cases hit their highest level ever recorded in a single 24 hour period, after 27,799 infections were detected. This was above the previous peak set five days ago of 26,608 cases, and marked a 44 per cent surge on a week ago.

But some scientists argue that the UK's Covid cases are likely plateauing. Professor Francois Balloux, a geneticist at University College London, told The Times yesterday that Omicron cases are likely peaking.

He dismissed suggestions that it was due to testing capacity, saying that infections would have to further increase before the UK's capacity is overwhelmed.

But experts seem divided on infection numbers, with some telling MailOnline cases have peaked due to high immunity among the population and people limiting their contacts ahead of Christmas, while others say stagnant test levels are masking case increases.

Covid infections were hovering around 90,000 for the last six days before rising exceeding 100,000 today, but cases have remained static for the last week at around 1.5million.

Professor Alan McNally, an expert in microbiology and infection at the University of Birmingham, told MailOnline that the UK appears to have 'maxed out PCR testing capacity and as a result positive cases look flat'.

He said: 'Number of tests conducted has been flat for days despite all data showing Omicron is still doubling. This means to my mind we can't do any more tests per day at the moment.'

But Professor Francois Balloux, a geneticist at University College London, told MailOnline Covid cases are peaking or 'may already have done so'.

He dismissed concerns that the UK's swabbing capacity was masking true infection levels,, noting that around 10 to 15 per cent of PCR tests are positive and 'infections would have to increase dramatically, before the UK covid testing infrastructure would be overwhelmed'.

Instead, he said high vaccine uptake among is suppressing infections.

Professor Balloux said: 'Omicron is more likely to re-infect people who are immunised, but three doses of vaccine still provide good protection against infection.

'This likely explains why Omicron still circulates preferentially among young people'.
Thousands of restaurants and cafes have been shut down due to huge numbers of staff being isolated as coronavirus close contacts.

A single worker testing positive can be enough to knock out an entire shift or section of an establishment for days, if not an entire week.

Hospitality venues already hit hard by lockdowns and mass cancellations of skittish diners in the leadup to Christmas now can't even operate.

At best, colleagues of an infected worker would have to isolate until they return a negative test, which can take more than three days as clinics are overwhelmed.

A group that runs some of the Sydney's most popular restaurants, including Bondi's Icebergs, has been forced to close its landmark establishments after staff tested positive to Omicron

This is the rule for non-household contacts in NSW, but in other states they have to isolate for seven days regardless of test results.

Worst case scenario would be an outbreak among staff that would knock them out for a two weeks or more.

The Solotel Group, which owns Bondi's famous Icebergs, Surry Hills icon Goros and Woollahra's famed Chiswick, temporarily closed several venues and cancelled events due to the ongoing Covid situation.

More than 2,000 guests per day cancelled bookings at the group's bars and restaurants, and now Omicron cases among staff shut down three sites.

'It's definitely not a sustainable way to run a business. I'm not sure what the solution is,' Solotel chief executive Elliot Solomon told the Telegraph.

'I don't think anyone expected that when we reopened we'd have more Covid cases than ever.'

The Solotel Group, who own Surry Hills icon Goros, have temporarily closed several venues and cancelled events due to the ongoing Covid situation.

The group saw a single infection among staff in each of Goros, Chiswick and Chophouse, forcing the temporary closures of the restaurants.

The cases have forced colleagues and guests to isolate for as long as 72 hours due to long waiting times for test results.

Solotel is targeting January 4 as the re-opening date for the three establishments.

Chiswick's assistant manager told the outlet she hadn't met anyone who had contracted the virus until recently, but now cases were 'coming up everywhere' in the industry.

'Last week, covers were just dropping like flies,' Anna Zaganelli said. 'It went from one end to the other end. At the moment I don't really see a way out.'

Bonid Beach's iconic Icebergs cancelled its $450-per-head New Year's Day event over Covid concerns and new NSW mandates.

The group's newest venue, the Sky Bar restaurant at Shell House, has also shut temporarily, just weeks after it opened the new $14million luxury nightspot

Solotel's CEO said the wait times on PCR tests were playing a big part in the ongoing operations of venues

The group's newest venue, the Sky Bar restaurant at Shell House, also shut temporarily, just weeks after it opened the new $14 million luxury nightspot.

Mr Solomon said the wait times on PCR tests were playing a big part in the ongoing operations of venues.

Restaurant and Catering Industry Association chief executive Wes Lambert said people had become accustomed to following case numbers and were spooked as they surged in the past week.

While admitting the impact of Omicron was completely unpredictable, he said 'thousands' of bars and restaurants could be closing as a result.

'It is imperative that the NSW government considers the safest and best practices to ensure that the hospitality industry can continue to recover into 2022 and doesn't spiral into lockdown-level revenues,' he said.
A Russian oligarch whose death sparked a family feud over his 3bn fortune may have to be exhumed as his glamorous mistress seeks to prove that he fathered her baby daughter.

'Cement king' Oleg Bourlakov, 72, died of Covid in June and his wife and sister are in a legal battle over a contested will, with his vast riches and an iconic 350ft solar-powered superyacht at stake.

Courts in London and Monaco are already considering the matter.

But now Bourlakov's mistress, Sofia Shevtsova, 27, has joined the fray with a lawsuit of her own in St Petersburg seeking to prove her one-year-old daughter Nicole was his.

Sofia's action may lead to a demand to exhume his body in Canada as part of the paternity claim, say reports.

Mistress Sofia Shevtsova, 27, (pictured) has launched a lawsuit in St Petersburg to prove that 'Cement king' Oleg Bourlakov, 72, is the father of her one-year-old daughter

Sofia's lawsuit may lead to a demand to exhume Bourlakov's body in Canada, where he died of Covid, as part of the paternity claim

Bourlakov (pictured) died of Covid in June and his wife and sister are in a legal battle over a contested will, with his vast riches and an iconic 350ft solar-powered superyacht at stake

Eco-sailing pioneer who died of Covid and left behind a family in chaos... who was Oleg Bourlakov? Oleg Bourlakov was born in St Petersburg in 1949 but made his billions in post-Soviet Russia in energy and chemicals. He started off as a member of the USSR air force and was said to be a patriot and incredibly proud of serving his country. But in October 1988 he founded Integral - a co-operative that worked on patents and scientific research for chemical products. He was helped in this by his wife, who co-founded the business and was a member. Mr Bourlakov then brought in natural resources and mining firm Sovinterfrance. He invested heavily in the oil trade from 1992, as well as cement production. He took control of leading Russian national firm Novoroscement and then oil exploration company Burneftegaz. The businessman sold Novoroscement in 2007 for a staggering $1.5billion, and then Burneftegaz in 2014 for around $1billion. Yet Mr Bourlakov was perhaps best known for his passion for sailing, with him becoming a pioneer for powering his yacht with green energy. He owned the world's second largest sailing yacht, the renowned 106.7-metre Oceanco superyacht Black Pearl. It has three DynaRig carbon masts supporting a sail area of 2,900 square meters. This harnesses sail power, solar and a hybrid propulsion system the billionaire helped work on. The incredible machine can cross the Atlantic burning just 20L of fuel. In his personal life, Mr Bourlakov met his wife when they were science students and were married for 47 years. He read aerospace engineering and she got a degree in aeronautical engineering. They resided in Ukraine until 1993 before moving to the US and then to Canada in 1995. They have two daughters and six grandchildren. Mr Bourlakov was buried on July 16 in the North York district of Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Advertisement

But there may be other legal applications to dig up Bourlakov's remains to verify the cause of death, after claims his food had been spiked with arsenic.

Russian authorities were already investigating a 2018 failed assassination bid when he was targeted by gunfire in his Cadillac Escalade.

He had told state investigators he believed the incidents were linked to his divorce, according to respected business newspaper Kommersant.

Shevtsova is a graduate of one of Russia's most prestigious universities - Moscow State Institute of International Relations, known as MGIMO, the top training school for spies and diplomats, according to her social media.

She met the billionaire when she funded her studies by working at a 5-star hotel in Moscow, and then joined the flight crew of his private jet, a Bombardier Global 5000, according to Russian accounts.

The relationship is reported to have infuriated Bourlakov's Canada-based widow Loudmila, 70, the daughter of a top Soviet security apparatchik, and a divorce was underway but not completed when he died in Moscow's elite Lapino clinic in Moscow before his body was flown to Toronto for burial.

Loudmila and the couple's two daughters, Elena, 48, who lives in Canada, and London-based Veronica, 36, allege Loudmila was the victim of 'fraud on an epic scale' to swindle her out of a fair share of the fortune accrued during 47 years of marriage.

The estate includes 150 million super yacht Black Pearl named after the Pirates Of The Caribbean ship.

Bourlakov had sought to hide assets from his wife by claiming they were invested in a business partnership with his sister Vera's husband Nikolai Kazakov, it is claimed.

Loudmila had been the sole beneficiary of his will drawn up in 2004 but after his death a new will was allegedly found.

The High Court in London has been told a second handwritten will appeared leaving the entire estate including the Black Pearl yacht to the Kazakovs.

His wife and daughters are contesting the new will in court in Monaco, where Bourlakov also owned a 75 million house, arguing the document is 'a forgery and/or invalid'.

The Kazakovs dispute this in London, claiming Loudmila is illicitly seeking alleged assets from the long marriage.

Bourlakov 'contended until his death' that his estranged wife along with her daughters had 'defrauded' him and the Kazakovs 'in anticipation of the marital breakdown', argued James Willan QC, representing the Kazakovs earlier this month.

Bourlakov's Canada-based widow Loudmila and the couple's two daughters, Elena, 48, who lives in Canada, and London-based Veronica, 36, (pictured) say Loudmila was the victim of 'fraud on an epic scale'

She had gained control over assets worth billions for which she had been her husband's nominee, it was claimed.

Bourlakov had not publicly acknowledged Shevtsova's child as his before his death, according to Stanislav Danilov, lawyer for the immediate family of the deceased mogul.

'He did not state himself as the father. On the birth certificate, he does not appear as the father, there is just empty space and the plaintiff doesn't even try to hide this,' he told Forbes Russia.

Despite this, the mistress - who was 45 years younger than Bourlakov - is due to go to court in Russia seeking to establish her daughter's right for a share of the deceased magnate's fortune.

Media observers in Moscow have watched the drama unfold with wry detachment.

'How much Lyudmila Bourlakova was interested in her husband during his lifetime is difficult to judge - but in the fight for his body, she spared no effort,' reported Russian news outlet Versia.

Describing a 'funeral battle' the publication added: 'He did not keep in touch with his family.

'Oleg Bourlakov moved his wife and two daughters to Canada back in the 1990s.'

This was after 'unknown persons' tried to kidnap them.

'And in recent years, he had contacts with his wife mainly through lawyers.'

Versia said the dead billionaire's sister Vera, 66, was in touch with Bourlakov as he lay on his death bed after contracting Covid-19.

SUPERYACHT: Bourlakov's estate includes 150 million super yacht Black Pearl named after the Pirates Of The Caribbean ship

According to Versia, there was even a battle between wife and the sister as to which of them should be responsible for burying the tycoon -- and where.

In the end he was laid to rest in the North York district in Toronto, Canada.

A family statement in the wake of his death made no mention of strained relations with his wife, or the divorce proceedings she had initiated in Monaco, and hinted at foul play.

'It is with deep sorrow that the Bourlakov family confirms the death of Oleg Bourlakov who passed away on 21st June 2021 in Moscow aged 72,' it said.

'Oleg is survived by his wife Lyudmila and two daughters Veronica and Elena. The family are mourning his loss and ask for privacy at this very difficult time.'

It added: 'It is the family's sincere wish that an independent international expert establish the circumstances surrounding his death after what is believed to be a brief battle with Covid-19.'

Versia alluded to reports that three years ago when Bourlakov was in hospital traces of arsenic were found in his body.

It added: 'It is not yet known how long the body of Oleg Burlakov will be able to rest in peace in a churchyard in North America. 'Both the sister and the wife threatened to arrange an examination of the cause of his death.'

It stated that had the body remained in Russia 'the grave would already have been opened in order to dig this story further'.

An obituary issued by the family stressed Loudmila's role in amassing the family fortune.

'The Bourlakovs were married for 48 years, during which time the couple together built a considerable fortune,' it stated.

'The couple's ambition and business acumen enabled them to achieve success and build the family fortune.'

In London, Mr Justice Trower is expected to rule on whether Loudmila's deceit and conspiracy claim against the Kazakovs and others can go ahead in London.

And the legitimacy of the 2019 will is due to be settled in the Monaco courts.
A former partner at multimillion-dollar graphics design company has become the first member of the 'Proud Boys' to plead guilty to conspiracy charges in the Capitol riot.

Matthew Greene, 34, admitted conspiring with other members of the far-right group to stop Congress from certifying the Electoral College vote on January 6.

He could provide vital information in prosecuting at least 16 other members of the Proud Boys who face conspiracy charges for the deadly siege.

Greene, who was reportedly earning six figures at the time of the riot, was pictured wearing a mask and ski goggles at the front of a mob which forced its way through police barriers.

The former National Guard soldier has since disavowed the Proud Boys, saying that his 'personal beliefs and ethics do not align' with the group.

He faces just over four years in prison and a fine of up $150,000, along with about $2,000 in restitution for damage caused to the Capitol.

Matthew Greene, 34, was a partner at a multimillion-dollar graphic design company at the time of the riot. According to local reports he was making a six figure salary

Greene was pictured wearing a mask and ski goggles at the front of a mob which forced its way through police barriers

He pleaded guilty to federal charges of conspiracy and obstruction of an official proceeding and will be sentenced in March.

At the time of the riot, Greene was a partner at Happy Mushroom and making a six-figure salary, according to local reports.

The graphics design firm was taking off and had just landed a contract to do art for Disney's Star Wars series, 'The Mandalorian.'

Following news of Greene's arrest, Happy Mushroom said it was 'appalled' to learn of his extremist views and denounced him.

'We are extremely appalled to learn Mr. Greene held beliefs that are so counter to what Happy Mushroom stands for,' CEO and Creative Director Felix Jorge said.

'Since its inception, Happy Mushroom has stood for inclusivity, diversity, and respect for our country's political process and those who safeguard it. We have no tolerance for violence. We should all be coming together as a people to respect humanity.'

Prosecutors say Greene advanced past toppled police barricades and was at the front of a mob when cops began using pepper spray and other crowd-control measures.

But they don't have any evidence that Greene entered the Capitol building that day.

'After the riot, (Greene) engaged in conversations (on) encrypted messaging platforms admitting to his role in the riot, encouraging others not to give up in a fight to take back their country, and comparing the situation as it existed in the weeks following January 6 to a fourth-generation war,' prosecutors wrote in a June court filing.

More than three dozen people charged in the Capitol siege have been identified by federal authorities as Proud Boys leaders, members or associates, including at least 16 defendants charged with conspiracy.

In a key case, four group leaders were charged in March with conspiring to impede Congress' certification of President Joe Biden's electoral victory.

Proud Boys members describe themselves as a politically incorrect men's club for 'Western chauvinists.'

Its members frequently have engaged in street fights with antifascist activists at rallies and protests. Vice Media co-founder Gavin McInnes, who founded the Proud Boys in 2016, sued the Southern Poverty Law Center for labeling it as a hate group.

Police arrested the Proud Boys' top leader, Enrique Tarrio, in Washington two days before the Capitol riot and charged him with vandalizing a Black Lives Matter banner at a historic Black church during a protest in December 2020.

Tarrio, who is serving his jail sentence for that case in the District of Columbia, hasn't been charged in connection with the Capitol siege.

On the morning of January 6, Proud Boys members met at the Washington Monument and marched to the Capitol before President Donald Trump finished addressing thousands of supporters near the White House.

Greene appears in court via video link after his arrest in April

Around two hours later, just before Congress convened a joint session to certify the election results, a group of Proud Boys followed a crowd of people who breached barriers at a pedestrian entrance to the Capitol grounds, according to one of the indictments.

Several Proud Boys also entered the Capitol itself after the mob smashed windows and forced open doors, the indictment says.

Greene was wearing an earpiece connected to a handheld radio, according to prosecutors.

They said the Proud Boys arranged for members to communicate using specific frequencies on Baofeng radios.

The Chinese-made devices can be programmed for use on hundreds of frequencies, making them difficult for outsiders to eavesdrop.

In August, U.S. District Judge Timothy Kelly ordered Greene held in pretrial detention.

Prosecutors said in June that Greene 'was willing to put lessons learned in that military service to use' against the U.S.

They noted that Greene had a pistol and an unregistered AR-15 rifle in his home and that he had ordered over 2,000 rounds of ammunition and a gas mask after January 6.

'He encouraged an associate to read up on guerrilla warfare and to use the tactics used by the Taliban and to `be prepared to do uncomfortable things,'' prosecutors wrote.

Defense attorney Michael Kasmarek said in June that Greene had a 'very limited' association with the Proud Boys before January 6 and didn't have a leadership role.

Greene 'has concluded that his personal beliefs and ethics do not align with those of the Proud Boys,' and he is 'anxious to publicly disavow his brief membership in this group,' his lawyer wrote.

Supporters of US President Donald J. Trump in the Capitol Rotunda after breaching Capitol security in Washington, DC, USA, 06 January 2021

Trump supporters storm the Capitol Building following the 'Stop The Steal' rally where they assembled to protest the 2020 election results on January 6, 2021 in Washington DC

More than 700 people have been charged with federal crimes related to the riot. Over 150 of them have pleaded guilty, including at least two other defendants with Proud Boys ties.

Andrew Bennett, a Maryland man whom prosecutors described as a Proud Boys 'admirer' but not a group member, pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor offense and was sentenced in October to three months of home detention.

Micajah Jackson, an Arizona man who also pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor, was photographed walking toward the Capitol on Jan. 6 with a group of Proud Boys. However, Jackson told the FBI that he isn't affiliated with the group and doesn't support its ideology.

Other extremist group members have also been charged with conspiring to carry out a coordinated attack on the Capitol, including more than 20 people linked to the anti-government Oath Keepers.

Graydon Young, 55, of Englewood, Florida, was the first defendant to plead guilty in the Justice Department's major conspiracy case against Oath Keepers members. At least four others linked to the Oath Keepers also have pleaded guilty to riot-related charges.
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The coffin carrying the body of Ava White was decorated with touching family photographs and mourners were dressed in bright clothing today as the funeral was held for the 12-year-old schoolgirl stabbed to death following a Christmas lights switch-on in Liverpool.

Mourners gathered at Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral to remember Ava, who was taken to Alder Hey Children's Hospital after the city centre attack on November 25 at about 8.30pm and later died from 'catastrophic injuries'.

Some of those heading into the Catholic church were in tears as they arrived in the rain for the service at 10am, while others - including those carrying the coffin - wore bright clothing with pictures of Ava printed on.

Archbishop Malcolm McMahon told the congregation that Ava was a 'daredevil who brightened up the day of those present'. He said: 'There is little sadder in life than the death of a child. Grief we are experiencing today is overwhelming so my deepest sympathy and that of Catholic community goes out to Ava's family and her friends.

'Those memories will continue to live in your hearts. I'm told she would try anything... didn't fear anything that's good she won't be afraid to step into the light of God. Some of you will remember her as a daredevil who always brightened up the day of those present. Ava was loved by so many people, undoubtedly heaven will be a happier place. No doubt she will be taken in by storm.'

Applause broke out from the congregation as the coffin was brought into the church, and again later when the short, emotional service ended. Her fellow pupils from Notre Dame Catholic College were in attendance, as were some from her former school, The Trinity Catholic Primary School.

Archbishop McMahon described the funeral as 'terribly moving and emotional' but as a 'fitting tribute' to Ava. He added: 'The tragic, heart-breaking loss of Ava White brought deep shock and sadness to everyone in the city. The turnout today at the cathedral shows the unity and love that we have in Liverpool for Ava and her family. It was an incredibly moving and emotional funeral which was a fitting tribute to Ava. We continue to pray for Ava, her family, her friends, her teachers and her community.'

Following her death, Ava's father Robert Martin said the family were 'completely devastated and heartbroken'. He added: 'We would like to say thank you to everybody for their ongoing support during this devastating time.'

Mr Martin also thanked people for their 'kind messages and donations'. Hundreds of people paid tribute to her at a vigil earlier this month, and flowers and balloons were left in the city centre in her memory.

At the opening of an inquest into her death last week, senior coroner for Liverpool Andre Rebello said she was stabbed in the neck. A 14-year-old boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, has been charged with murder.

The coffin of schoolgirl Ava White arrives at Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral for funeral this morning

The coffin of Ava White, covered in family photographs, is carried into Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral this morning

The coffin of Ava White is carried into Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral for her funeral at 10am this morning

Mourners walk into Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral for the funeral of schoolgirl Ava White this morning

Flowers within the funeral cortege for schoolgirl Ava White as a service is held at Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral today

The Archbishop of Liverpool Malcolm McMahon spoke outside Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral following the funeral today

Mourners are in tears as they arrive at Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral for the funeral of Ava White this morning

Mourners arrive at Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral this morning for the funeral of 12-year-old schoolgirl Ava White

The coffin of Ava White is carried out of Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral following her funeral

Mourners arrive at Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral for the funeral of 12-year-old Ava White this morning

Mourners appear emotional as they arrive at Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral this morning for the funeral of Ava White

The coffin of Ava White is carried into Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral for her funeral at 10am this morning

The coffin of Ava White is carried into Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral for her funeral this morning

The coffin of Ava White is carried into Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral for her funeral this morning

The coffin of Ava White is carried into Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral for her funeral at 10am this morning

The coffin of Ava White is carried into Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral today after she was fatally stabbed in Liverpool

Opening the inquest on December 15, the coroner said: 'This is an investigation into the death of a young lady, Ava Martin White, who was certified as having died at Alder Hey Children's Hospital on November 25 this year.'

He said the cause of death was a stab wound to the neck. Mr Rebello told the hearing, at the Gerard Majella Courthouse in Liverpool, that Ava had been identified by her mother Leanne White.

Ava White died after being stabbed following a Christmas lights switch-on in Liverpool city centre on November 25

He said: 'Ava had attended the switching on of the lights in Liverpool town centre on November 25. At 8.33pm she was in Williamson Square.

'She then walks to Church Street, along to Church Alley, and there an incident takes place where Ava was stabbed in the neck. North West Ambulance Service paramedics attended and Ava was taken to Alder Hey.'

Mr Rebello said a youth had been charged with her murder and appeared in court. He said: 'In light of that appearance on the charge of murder I suspend this investigation.'

He asked the coroner's officer to pass his condolences to Ava's family, who were not in court for the brief hearing.

At the vigil on December 4, hundreds of people have turned out to pay their respects to Ava. Family, friends and others gathered in Church Street, close to where the incident happened, to pay tribute to her.

Hundreds of balloons, some in the shape of the letter A, were released at the start of the vigil. Many people wore hoodies with Ava's face on and others had her name written on their faces.

The Radio City tower was lit up blue in memory of the Year 8 Notre Dame Catholic College pupil. Imagine by John Lennon was performed by Astrid Smith as hundreds held up glowsticks and phones to light up the city centre.

You'll Never Walk Alone was played as was music including Hero by Mariah Carey and Where Is The Love by the Black Eyed Peas. A number of the crowd were in tears during the vigil.

The coffin of Ava White is carried into Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral for her funeral at 10am this morning

Mourners arrive at Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral for the funeral of Ava White following her death last month

The coffin of Ava White is carried into Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral for her funeral this morning

The coffin of Ava White is carried towards Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral for her funeral in the city this morning

A member of the clergy holds the order of service at Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral ahead of the funeral this morning

Mourners arrive at Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral for the funeral of Ava White following her death last month

A person displays the front page of the order of service at Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral ahead of the funeral this morning

Organiser of the event Anthony Goudie said: 'The whole city now has come together to support this vigil, it's absolutely outstanding.'

Ava White was taken to Alder Hey Children's Hospital after the attack and later died from 'catastrophic injuries'

He read a message on behalf of Ava's cousin, which said: 'I do wish that we could make more memories as we grow together but it is my time to make you as proud as we all are of you.

'I want to make you the proudest person ever. I love and I miss you so much, baby girl. It was too early for you but everything happens for a reason.'

Cllr Anna Rothery addressed the vigil and said: 'No family should ever have to go through this, but we have to take something from this.

'All these children here tonight who have turned out, you are our future, you deserve to go about your daily life knowing that you are going to be safe in this city.'

She called for the Government, council, police and other agencies to work together to eradicate knife crime. She said: 'Our children deserve better.'

On December 1, trial date was set for a 14-year-old boy charged with her murder. The defendant appeared at Liverpool Crown Court via videolink charged with murder and possession of an offensive weapon.

The teenager, who cannot be named for legal reasons, spoke only to confirm his name during the hearing, which lasted about 15 minutes.

Honorary Recorder of Liverpool Judge Andrew Menary QC said a plea and trial preparation hearing would be held on February 18 next year.

He listed the case for trial on May 16 and said the case was likely to last two to three weeks. Michael O'Brien, defending, made no application for bail and the teenager was remanded in secure accommodation.
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Nearly 1.4million people  the equivalent of one in 50  had Covid across the UK last week, official data from the country's largest surveillance study showed today.

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) Covid infection survey estimated 1.37million people were carrying the virus on any given day during the week up to December 16  an all-time record.

Despite the record number, it only marks a 24.9 per cent increase on the previous week (1.09million), defying gloomy Government modelling suggesting Omicron was doubling every two days.

The survey  based on random swabs of more than 555,000 people  covers the first full week in which the Omicron variant took off in the UK.

Broken down across nations, around 1.2million people were thought to have the virus in England, with 76,000 estimated in Scotland, 54,000 in Wales and 38,000 in Northern Ireland.

The ONS survey is regarded as the most reliable indicator of Britain's Covid pandemic because it uses random sampling rather than relying on people coming forward to be tested.

Meanwhile, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) national flu and Covid surveillance report shows cases doubled in more than a fifth of Englands local authorities during the week ending December 19.

And a separate study by King's College London scientists showed symptomatic cases 'exploded' with an estimated 144,284 new symptomatic infections per day in the week up to December 20, the most ever and a rise of up 66 per cent on the previous week.

Professor Tim Spector, the epidemiologist who runs the study, said while the high infection level was 'worrying', his study was in line with the wealth evidence showing Omicron is milder. He claimed half of everyone who had a cold last week probably has Omicron.

And separate promising data from the ONS suggests more than 95 per cent of adults now have antibodies in England, Scotland and Northern Ireland, based on blood tests of more than 27,000 people.

The proportion of people testing positive for the virus-fighting protein increased most in those aged over 65, 'likely as a result of the vaccination booster programme', statisticians said.

Antibodies are produced in response to either natural infection or vaccination and are a sign that someone has at least some immunity against the virus, particularly from severe disease.

It comes after three major studies in England, Scotland and South Africa confirmed the Omicron variant is milder, with previous infection slashing the risk of severe illness by 69 per cent.

Sajid Javid today hailed the evidence amid hopes a New Year lockdown can be avoided  despite SAGE experts warning the UK is still in the 'danger zone'.

The Health Secretary said the emerging findings on severity were 'encouraging' after Downing Street confirmed that there will be no more announcements on toughening rules until next week.

But Mr Javid stressed that the rapid spread of the variant will still pose a serious threat and huge numbers of cases would mean 'significant hospitalisations'.

Boris Johnson is leaving Britons in peace for a few days exhorting them 'to take extra care to protect yourselves and your families' during festive gatherings.

ENGLAND: The Office for National Statistics (ONS) Covid infection survey estimated 1.2million people were carrying Covid on any given day in England during the week in the week up to December 16  an all-time record

Research from King's College London scientists estimates there were a record 144,284 new cases per day in the week up to December 20, up 66 per cent on the previous week

 Slide me  UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) national flu and Covid surveillance report shows cases doubled in more than a fifth of Englands local authorities during the week ending December 19. Map shows: The percentage change in infection rates in areas across England in the weeks ending December 12 (left) and 19 (right)

Map shows: The confirmed Covid case rate per 100,000 people in areas across the UK according to official UK Health Security Agency data

Cases have increased most in adults aged between 18 and 35 (orange line), who are now seeing just under 62,000 infections per day. They have now overtaken the 0-17 year olds (blue line), who had had the highest rates since July and are seeing just over 32,000 cases daily

Infections were most prominent in London (orange line), where one in 26 people were thought to have the virus. It was followed by the South East (one in 41), East of England (one in 42) and East Midlands (one in 51)

Data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) suggests more than 95 per cent of adults now have antibodies in England, Scotland and Northern Ireland

Antibody levels were highest in people aged 65 and over, with 98.4 per cent of people in their 80s testing positive for the virus-fighting proteins

Omicron Covid IS milder, three major studies confirm Omicron is milder than Delta and far less likely to cause severe illness, three major studies in England, Scotland and South Africa have confirmed. One paper by 'Professor Lockdown' Neil Ferguson found the mutant strain was up to 45 per cent less likely to lead to hospitalisation than Delta, based on 300,000 people in England. The No10 adviser  who just last week warned there could be 5,000 daily Omicron deaths in the UK  said the fourth wave will be 'nothing like what was seen last year' on the back of the new findings. A similar study in Scotland found the risk of being hospitalised was 65 per cent less with Omicron than with Delta  but it was based on 15 hospitalised cases. University of Edinburgh researchers said Omicron was as severe as Delta they would have seen around 47 people in hospital in Scotland, yet so far there are only 15. The UK studies came after a major analysis of 160,000 infections in South Africa found an 80 per cent reduced risk of hospitalisation with the new variant compared to its predecessor. All the evidence now points to Omicron being milder than former variants, confirming claims South African doctors have made for weeks. But the researchers are still unsure if Omicron is intrinsically milder than past strains and they believe built-up natural and vaccine immunity is probably doing the heavy lifting. Professor Ferguson  dubbed Professor Lockdown for gloomy modelling that spooked ministers into restrictions  said he was 'cautiously optimistic' on the back of all three studies. But he warned that hospitals could still come under pressure this winter because any reduction in severity will be offset if infections climb to astronomical levels. Advertisement

The ONS survey found Britain's infection levels were at their highest level since records began in May 2020.

The percentage of people testing positive for Covid increased in all regions of England except the north-east, south-west and West Midlands, where the trend is uncertain.

In London, around one in 30 people was likely to test positive in the week to December 16  the highest proportion for any region.

Yorkshire and the Humber had the lowest proportion, at around one in 65.

Around one in 55 people were estimated to have had Covid In Wales, unchanged from the previous week and below the recent record high of one in 40.

In Northern Ireland, the latest estimate is one in 50 people, also unchanged from the previous week and slightly below the record high of one in 40 in mid-August.

For Scotland, the latest estimate is one in 70, up from one in 80 the previous week and below Septembers peak of one in 45.

All figures are for people in private households. Omicron had not yet become dominant across the UK at the time the swabs were collected, the ONS said.

Sarah Crofts, head of analytical outputs for the ONS Covid-19 Infection Survey said: 'Our latest results show infections in England increased in the week to 16 December, with around 1 in 45 people infected.

'Scotland also saw an increase with around 1 in 70 people infected and infections remain high in Northern Ireland and Wales, though the trend is uncertain in both.

'The percentage of cases compatible with the Omicron variant has clearly increased across the UK.

'This is most apparent in England where Omicron appears to have risen sharply, though with significant regional variations.

'We are monitoring the impact of Omicron very closely and will continue to do so over the holiday period.'

Meanwhile, the UKHSA report shows cases across England increased by 64 per cent, with more than half a million recorded across the country during the week.

Cases increased by more than 100 per cent in 33 out of the 150 authorities  22 per cent  in the country last week.

The largest growth was seen in London boroughs, with two areas  Lambeth and Wandsworth in the southwest of the city  seeing infections more than treble.

Cases grew from 922 per 100,000 to 2,827 per 100,000 in Wandsworth (207 per cent) and from 974 per 100,000 to 2,937 per 100,000 in Lambeth (201 per cent).

They were followed by Hackney (191 per cent), Tower Hamlets (183 per cent) and Islington (178 per cent).

Of the 33 areas where cases doubled, three were not in the capital: Nottingham (120 per cent), Manchester (119 per cent) and Bristol (104 per cent).

Meanwhile, infections only fell in five areas of the country. They were: Torbay (down 15 per cent), Plymouth (12 per cent), North East Lincolnshire (11 per cent) and Devon and Shropshire (both four per cent).

The ZOE study estimates the UK R rate  the amount of people an infected person passes on the virus to  to be around 1.2. It means for every ten people with Covid, 12 more will become infected.

The 144,284 figure was the largest ever recorded by the ZOE symptom-tracking study, with the previous highest coming in the week up to October 23 this year, when 92,953 infections were estimated to occur on any given day.

Professor Spector: 'The number of new symptomatic cases has exploded over the last week, making it the biggest jump in cases I've seen since we started the ZOE Covid Study.

'Whilst the figures paint a worrying picture, the good news is that our preliminary data, based on around 2,500 probable cases reported on the ZOE app suggests that Omicron is more mild that Delta.

'However, this highly transmissible variant will infect many more people before the year is out. To help us slow the spread, my advice continues to be [to] avoid gathering indoors, and, if you are meeting up with people, check everyone is free of cold symptoms, test yourself just before and get fully vaccinated.'

The number of Omicron cases reported in the UK is increasing slower than scientists predicted. However some experts fear that the country has hit the limit of its testing capacity and that this is throttling the data

Researchers at Imperial College London found Omicron is 10 per cent less likely to cause hospitalisation in someone who has never been vaccinated or previously infected with Covid than with Delta. Hospitalisation is up to 20 per cent less likely in the general population  including those who have been infected or vaccinated  and 45 per cent less likely for at least a night

University of Edinburgh researchers found the risk of being hospitalised with Omicron was 65 per cent less with Omicron than with Delta. Graph shows: The rate of hospitalisation in different age groups for Delta (green) and Omicron (red) cases in Scotland

A South African study, which has not been peer-reviewed and was published on pre-print website medRxiv , found that among the 10,547 Omicron cases identified between October 1 and November 30, 261 (2.5 per cent) were admitted to hospital. For comparison, among the 948 non-Omicron cases in the same period - almost all of which would have been Delta, which was behind 95 per cent of cases before Omicron emerged - 121 people were hospitalised (12.8 per cent). The researchers said shows that those who caught Omicron had a 80 per cent lower risk of requiring hospital care

87% of South African Omicron deaths are in the unvaccinated By Eleanor Hayward, Health Correspondent for the Daily Mail Nine in ten Omicron deaths are in unvaccinated patients, data from South Africa shows. Of the country's 309 deaths from the variant, just 40 have been in those who had received two vaccine doses. It means 87 per cent of deaths were in patients who have had only a single dose or no jabs at all. Its health officials said the death rate from the Omicron variant is 'lower than at any other point of the pandemic' while hospitalisation rates are 80 per cent lower. Just 5 per cent of hospitalised patients have died from the virus during the Omicron outbreak, compared to 24 per cent in previous waves. The figures highlight the crucial role of vaccines in preventing severe disease. The research was carried out by scientists from institutions such as the University of the Witwatersrand and were published by the National Institute for Communicable Diseases, along with a study confirming Omicron leads to milder illness. Scientists looked at data from more than 160,000 people with Covid, comparing hospitalisation rates during the Omicron wave with previous variants. After adjusting for other factors, the researchers found people with Omicron are 80 per cent less likely to be admitted to hospital. Lead author Professor Cheryl Cohen said: 'Omicron is behaving in a way that is less severe. 'Our data really suggest a positive story of a reduced severity of Omicron compared to other variants.' The study said it was too early to know if high levels of immunity from previous infection and/or vaccines were keeping hospitalisations low. Advertisement

Infections were most prominent in London, where one in 26 people were thought to have the virus. It was followed by the South East (one in 41), East of England (one in 42) and East Midlands (one in 51).

For comparison, cases were lowest in the North East, where one in 71 people were estimated to be infected on any given day. Cases have increased most in adults aged between 18 and 35, who are now seeing just under 62,000 infections per day.

They have now overtaken the 0-17 year olds, who had had the highest rates since July and are seeing just over 32,000 cases daily. Cases in 55-74 have seen an uptick in cases too, but remain low in the over 75s ahead of intergenerational mixing over Christmas.

The data  based on reports from around 840,000 weekly app users  estimated around half of all people experiencing new cold-like symptoms are likely to have symptomatic Covid.

Professor Spector said Omicron has changed the symptoms of Covid from a continuous cough, high temperature and loss of taste or smell to milder, cold-like symptoms.

He said: 'Over the past few days, we saw self-isolation rules already causing havoc for our frontline workers, so I'm pleased to see that the Government has reduced the isolation period down to seven days.

'However, what continues to shock me is the misinformation in their latest stay at home guidance about the symptoms of Covid.

'ZOE data clearly shows that the most important symptoms are no longer, a new continuous cough, a high temperature or loss of taste or smell.

'For most people, an Omicron positive case will feel much more like the common cold, starting with a sore throat, runny nose and a headache. You only need to ask a friend who has recently tested positive to find this out.

'We need to change public messaging urgently to save lives as half of people with cold-like symptoms now have Covid.'

Separate data from the ONS showed 95 per cent of adults tested positive in blood tests for Covid antibodies in the week ending December 5.

Antibody levels were highest in people aged 65 and over, with 98.4 per cent of people in their 80s testing positive for the virus-fighting proteins.

They were followed by those aged 70 to 74 (98.1 per cent), 75 to 79 (97.8 per cent) and 65 to 69 (96.7 per cent).

No age group had less than 93 per cent, with 95.6 per cent of people aged 16 to 24 testing positive for them.

Ms Crofts said: 'Our latest data show antibody levels remain high across the UK.

'We are seeing an increase in antibody levels in older age groups, probably due to the vaccination booster programme.

'The number of adults reporting that they have received three doses of a vaccine has increased rapidly since September 2021.

'Although it remains too early to see the effectiveness of the vaccinations against the Omicron variant in our data, we will continue to monitor its impact.'

The high level of antibodies in the British population adds to more positivity around the UK's Omicron situation, with Sajid Javid today hailing 'encouraging' evidence that the strain is milder than Delta amid hopes a New Year lockdown can be avoided.

However, with more critical evidence on the variant due later, ministers are once again caught between the demands of scientific and medical advisors for caution, and businesses and Tories who want to keep the economy running.

MPs and the hospitality industry are calling for early clarity on the New Year period  which could be make or break for many bars and restaurants after a wave of cancellations over recent weeks.

Scientists have cautioned that it still poses a serious threat to the NHS because it is so fast-spreading.

Professor Andrew Hayward, a SAGE member, warned this morning that the picture is unclear for elderly people and pressure on the NHS is 'just going to get worse'.

Professor Neil Ferguson  who just last week warned there could be up to 5,000 daily Omicron deaths in the UK  said the country's fourth wave will be 'nothing like what we seen last year, with ICUs overflowing with patients' on the back of the new findings.

His team at Imperial College London found that overall, Britons who catch Omicron are between 15 and 20 per cent less likely to be admitted than those who get Delta.
Vladimir Putin ramped up tensions over Ukraine yesterday by telling Nato that it could 'go to hell'.

The Kremlin supremo dismissed Western fears over an imminent invasion of its neighbour, claiming it was Moscow that required reassurances it would not be attacked.

President Putin, a former KGB agent, threatened that Russia 'can do anything at any cost' to protect itself.

UK and US defence sources remain deeply concerned about Russia's intentions, with 90,000 soldiers as well as tanks and artillery pieces positioned on its border with Ukraine.

Mr Putin blames Nato's militarisation of former Soviet states, such as Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, since the end of the Cold War for the current crisis.

At his four-hour year-ending press conference yesterday he ranted about how Lenin 'created' Ukraine with the formation of the Soviet Union, as he was staking a claim on the country.

Vladimir Putin claimed eastern Ukraine is Russian amid fears he is poised to invade the country during his annual end-of-year press conference

America has been warning for weeks that Putin appears to be readying tens of thousands of troops, tanks and artillery pieces to invade Ukraine, but the Kremlin has insisted it is merely a defence force - until now (pictured, Russian forces currently massed in border regions)

When a reporter requested an assurance Russia would not invade Ukraine, Mr Putin refused, replying instead: 'The West contributed to the further disintegration of our country in the 1990s through Nato's eastern expansion.

'Now we just want to ensure our own safety. So no, go to hell with your concerns.

'We want to ensure Russian security and we will do what we think we need to do. We can do anything at any cost.

'But we are also ready to work with any partners who are ready to work with Russia.'

Mr Putin wants the removal of British and other Nato troops from Baltic states and a legally binding guarantee Ukraine will not join the security alliance.

Foreign Secretary Liz Truss last night hit back, condemning the Kremlin's 'aggressive and inflammatory rhetoric'.

Miss Truss added: 'Nato is a defensive alliance and Ukraine continues to show commendable restraint in the face of Russian provocation and aggression.

'Russia's military build-ups on the border of Ukraine and in illegally-annexed Crimea are unacceptable.

'Any Russian incursion would be a massive strategic mistake and would be met with strength, including co-ordinated sanctions with our allies to impose a severe cost on Russia's interests and economy. The UK's support for Ukraine is unwavering.

'The only way out of the current situation for Russia is through dialogue and I welcome the fact that Russia has signalled it is willing to enter talks in January.'

US-Russian crisis talks over Ukraine are to start in Geneva next month, which Mr Putin said was 'positive' but demanded 'quick results' to avoid conflict.

If these talks fail, he appears ready to send Russian troops back into the eastern regions of Ukraine it previously invaded in 2014.

The conflict has continued since then with pro-Russian separatists involved in trench warfare against Ukrainian troops, with an estimated 15,000 military personnel and civilians losing their lives.

Russian soldiers take part in drills at the Kadamoskiy firing range in the Rostov region, near the border with Ukraine, on Wednesday

Mr Putin likened the build-up of Nato forces in countries which once belonged to the Soviet Union to Russia establishing a military presence in Canada and Mexico.

He said: 'Is it us who are putting missiles near the US borders? No, it's the US who came to our home with their missiles.

'Is it some excessive demand not to place any offensive systems near our home?

'We have clearly and precisely let them know that any further Nato expansion eastward is unacceptable. And it is you [the West] who must give us guarantees and give them immediately, and not have idle talk about it for decades.'

Mr Putin claims that at the end of the Cold War Nato assured Russia it would respect its territorial heritage and made promises not to expand the alliance into central and eastern Europe.

But many eastern European nations feared they would be absorbed back into a greater Russia or become its client states again, losing new-found freedoms.

Poland, Hungary and the Czech Republic joined Nato in 1999, followed in 2004 by Bulgaria, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia and the former Soviet republics of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania.

In subsequent years, Albania, Croatia, Montenegro and North Macedonia also joined, bringing Nato's membership to 30 nations.

Putin described Ukraine as 'historical territories' that fell outside of Russia after the collapse of the Soviet Union.

He said Donbass, a Ukrainian region on the Russian border, 'never thought of itself as anything other than part of Russia' and that he was 'forced to do something about it in 2014'.

What did Vladimir Putin say on each topic? On possible conflict with Ukraine: 'This is not our choice, we do not want this.' 'We have to think about ensuring our security prospects not just for today and next week but for the near future.' 'We just directly posed the question that there should be no further NATO movement to the east, the ball is in their court, they should answer us with something. In this regard, I would like to stress that on the whole we have seen a positive reaction so far, our American partners tell us that they are ready to start this discussion.' On NATO expansion: 'What is unclear here? Are we putting missiles next to the United States' borders? No, it is the United States that has come to us with their missiles, they are already on our doorstep.' 'The course of negotiations is not important to us, the result is important... 'Not one inch to the East,' they told us in the 90s. So what? They cheated, just brazenly tricked us! Five waves of NATO expansion and now already, please, the systems are appearing in Romania and Poland.' On Donbass: 'The future of Donbass should be determined by the people who live in Donbass... It cannot be any other way. We see our role as mediators in creating the best conditions for determining the future of the people who live in this territory.' On Russia labelling some media as foreign agents: 'We do not forbid the work of these organisations. We want organisations engaging in Russia's domestic political activity to clearly and concisely declare the sources of foreign funding for their work.' Advertisement

The remarks were some of Putin's strongest ever on the history of Ukraine and are a possible indication of just how far the Russian strongman may be willing to go.

Putin also demanded NATO provide 'guarantees' that the organisation will not expand 'further eastward' and insisted the buildup on Ukraine's border was a defence force assembled for 'security' reasons, downplaying the prospect of an invasion.

Western governments has been warning for weeks that Putin appears to be readying tens of thousands of troops, tanks and artillery pieces in a veiled threat of invasion lingering on Ukraine's eastern border.

The United States and Europe have warned Russia that it risks unprecedented sanctions should it launch a military attack on NATO ally Ukraine.

Both sides have sought to open strategic stability talks to resolve the crisis and the Russian strongman Thursday described plans to start negotiations in Geneva in the new year as 'positive' - but added: 'The ball is in their court.'

Putin today described the recent buildup of troops on Ukraine's eastern border as part of an effort to defend Russia and ethnic Russians living in the next door nation.

He said Russia had 'no choice' but to act to protect the minority portioned into Ukraine after the fall of the Soviet Union and claimed Kyiv had consigned Russians in the country to second-class citizen status.

'They are pushing Russians and the Russian-speaking population from their historical territory,' he said.

'The future of Donbass should be determined by the people who live in Donbass... It cannot be any other way. We see our role as mediators in creating the best conditions for determining the future of the people who live in this territory.'

Putin accused the West of warmongering in Ukraine by creating an 'anti-Russia, constantly beefed up with modern weapons and brainwashing the population', adding that US us 'warning us not to get in the way, or there will sanctions'.

'Now they tell us, war, war war. It seems they are preparing another operation [in Donbass] and are warning us not to get in the way, or they'll be sanctions,' he said.

'This is not our choice, we do not want this. We have to think about ensuring our security prospects not just for today and next week but for the near future.'

He said Russia cannot keep living in constant anticipation of looming security threats posed by possible deployment of Western weapons in Ukraine.

And he argued that Western weapons could encourage hawkish forces in Ukraine to attempt to regain control over Russia-backed separatist regions by force and even try to reclaim Crimea, which Russia annexed from Ukraine in 2014.

Putin has denied having plans to launch an attack but has described a NATO expansion and weapons deployment in Ukraine as a 'red line.'

Senior Kremlin and defence officials have grown increasingly insistent that the West and NATO are trampling Moscow's security red lines and encroaching dangerously close to Russia's borders.

'The course of negotiations is not important to us, the result is important... 'Not one inch to the East,' they told us in the 90s,' he said.

'So what? They cheated, just brazenly tricked us! Five waves of NATO expansion and now already, please, the systems are appearing in Romania and Poland.'

Russian paratroopers take part in training exercises near Moscow in footage released Tuesday amid fears they could be used to invade eastern Ukraine

Russian paratroopers take part in mid-winter training drill near Moscow this week

Last week, Moscow submitted draft security documents demanding that NATO deny membership to Ukraine and other former Soviet countries and roll back the alliance's military deployments in Central and Eastern Europe.

A key principle of the NATO alliance is that membership is open to any qualifying country.

The US and its allies have said they will not give Russia the kind of guarantee on Ukraine that Putin wants but American officials are conferring with European allies in advance of the Geneva talks.

Putin said that Washington's willingness to discuss Russia's security proposals to curb NATO's eastward expansion was 'positive'.

'There must not be any eastward NATO expansion... The ball is in their court. They need to provide us with some answer,' he said, but added: 'Overall we see a positive reaction.'

'US partners told us that they are ready to begin this discussion, these talks, at the very start of next year in Geneva,' Putin said, adding that representatives from both sides have been appointed.

The growing tensions peaked this week when Putin vowed that Russia would take 'appropriate retaliatory' military steps in response to what he called the West's 'aggressive stance'.

The US and its allies have said they will not give Russia the kind of guarantee on Ukraine that Putin wants but American officials are conferring with European allies in advance of the Geneva talks

In an address to defence officials, he announced that a new arsenal of hypersonic missiles that he has previously described as 'invincible' were nearing combat readiness.

But the Russian leader also suggested that any accords with Washington would be worthless since it 'easily withdraws from all international treaties'.

Putin, in power for more than two decades, was a loyal servant of the USSR and a KGB agent during the Soviet Union.

He has described its collapse three decades ago as 'the greatest geopolitical disaster of the 20th century'.

Moscow in 2014 annexed the Crimean peninsula from Ukraine in the wake of a popular uprising that ousted a pro-Putin president and sparked a conflict with separatists who won Russia's political backing.

The fighting has killed over 14,000 people and devastated Ukraine's industrial heartland, Donbas.
Only seven per cent of drinks that were reportedly spiked in the West Midlands resulted in a positive drugs test, police have said.

A report by the West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner found that spiking cases have surged in recent months due to 'heightened awareness' of the issue, with 95 offences recorded in November.

Figures also showed that spiking offences made up more than one in 10 of all crimes classed as 'violence with injury'.

However only seven per cent of them resulted in a positive drugs test, according to findings.

West Midlands Police has said it has been consulting scientists in a bid to understand spiking.

It comes amid a nationwide spiking 'epidemic' in recent months that has prompted backlash from students and nightclubs.

People take to the streets with banners following a surge in drink spiking cases in Manchester

The latest police report read: 'Only seven per cent of them resulted in a positive drugs test (albeit there may be factors such as alcohol spiking that would not necessarily indicate).

'These offences are recorded far more frequently without supporting evidence or information and there will undoubtedly be cases where over consumption played a part or a desire to not admit to taking illegal substances.'

Detective Superintendent Sean Phillips, of the force's Public Protection Unit, said: 'I want to be clear and leave people in no doubt about our response to spiking reports.

'Spiking is a serious crime and we investigate every case. I want people to talk to us if they think they've been spiked.

'Our new rapid drug test kits are proving popular with casualties and are giving people the answers they need, fast. But they're not the only tool we have. We're working closely with bars and others to improve safety and people will see that from the extra searches and ID checks.'

In the report, West Midlands Police said the launch of a new software system had led to an increase in recorded crime of four per cent.

It also said that knife crime is now recorded when someone is reportedly spotted with a knife, even if the person is never located by officers.

In October aspiring police officer Rhiannon Smith, 19, described how her pulse stopped and friends performed CPR on her for 20 minutes after she was allegedly spiked in a nightclub in Ormskirk, Lancashire.

Miss Smith, 19, said she drank three single vodka Red Bulls at Alpine Club Lodge in Ormskirk when her hearing suddenly became muffled and the room began spinning.

When she was taken home by friends she claimed they saw her lips were blue, her pulse had 'stopped' and she was only taking breaths every 20 seconds, and called 999.

Emergency responders ordered them to start 'life-saving' chest compressions, which they did for 20 minutes, before she was rushed to hospital by ambulance.

Hundreds of people take to the street in Manchester in protest amid a rise in drink spiking cases

Rhiannon Smith, 19, (left, with her friend Jennie Clegg-Gibson, 21) said she drank three single vodka Red Bulls at Alpine Club Lodge in Ormskirk, Lancashire, on October 22 when her hearing suddenly became muffled and the room began spinning

Teenager, Mia Robertson, 18, from Grimsby needed CPR after a night in October

After waking up in Southport and Formby District General A&E around 4am the next day Miss Smith said she was shocked to hear medics tell her 'she'd just drank too much' without running urine tests.

The teenager, from Rhyl, North Wales, said: 'I feel lucky to be alive. I think I'm still in denial about the whole situation and I don't think it's sunk in that it happened.

Meanwhile teenager Mia Robertson, 18, from Grimsby, needed CPR after she was allegedly spiked in Cleethorpes.

Ms Robertson told the Grimsby Live: 'We entered a club and got a drink then headed to the smoking area. Whilst I was stood there, my legs began to go numb and one of my friends had to support me.

'They sat me down and said my eyes had gone into the back of my head, at which point they carried me out.

'Apparently I was laid unconscious on the floor and they couldn't find my pulse so called an ambulance. I was given CPR then rushed to Diana Princess of Wales hospital.'

In October, women across the UK took a stand and boycotted bars and nightclubs to demand venues to do more to protect revellers from spiking.

The 'Girls Night In' movement took place in several cities over two weeks amid reports that young women were being spiked at nightclubs.

Earlier this year the Home Secretary Priti Patel demanded an urgent update from police investigating the scale of the UK's 'spiking epidemic'.

Police chiefs were also tasked by the Commons Home Affairs Committee to urgently provide more information on their assessment of the scale of the problem after reports of incidents in several parts of the country, including Nottingham, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Groups from more than 30 universities around the UK also joined an online campaign calling for the boycott of nightclubs, with campaigners seeking 'tangible' changes to make them safer, such as covers/stoppers for drinks, better training for staff and more rigorous searches of clubbers.
A care home worker was sacked after she defaced pictures of her female bosses by drawing facial hair on them, an employment tribunal heard.

Naomi Bodis vandalised publicly displayed photographs of manager Paula Craen and deputy manager Susan Jones after complaining about the quality of Christmas gift bags given to staff at Compton House care home in West Sussex.

The Hungarian wrote a note complaining that the gifts were 'cheap' and were from Aldi, not Marks & Spencer, and poured a reed oil diffuser over Mrs Craen's office, the tribunal was told.

Ms Bodis was caught after an investigation was carried out and a trustee compared the handwriting of members of staff to see who was responsible.

She then made a series of unfounded allegations against her bosses and colleagues, including that they had racially discriminated against her and called her 'mad'.

An employment tribunal dismissed the majority of her claims, including unfair dismissal, disability discrimination, race discrimination and wrongful dismissal.

Paula Crean and Susan Jones (pictured together, above) had their photographs defaced and office at Compton House Christian care home in West Sussex vandalised by former employee Naomi Bodis

Ms Bodis worked at Compton House in Lindfield, West Sussex (pictured above) as a domestic assistant and activities coordinator

Ms Bodis worked at Compton House in Lindfield, West Sussex, as a domestic assistant and activities coordinator.

The tribunal heard that from October 2018, a number of unusual incidents started to occur at the care home such as paper towels being struck down the staff lavatory, displays being damaged and information being removed.

In December 2018 it was bought to Mrs Craen's attention that the CQC reports kept in the quiet room had been soaked in water. Twice they were reprinted and twice the same thing happened.

On Christmas Day, when Ms Craen went into her office, she was met by a 'very pungent smell' after the contents of a reed diffuser oil had been spilt on her desk, keyboard, laptop and radiator.

The tribunal heard the smell was so unbearable the computer keyboard and radiator had to be replaced.

Later that month a poster addressed to staff was vandalised.

It originally read: 'Happy Christmas to all staff. Please make sure you collect your Christmas gift bags' but the poster now read 'Happy Christmas to all staff from Aldi before from M&S now change Aldi after Please make sure you collect your Christmas gift bags'.

An arrow was pointed to the name of Mrs Craen on the poster also and was believed to be criticism of the quality of the Christmas bags given to staff.

In January 2019 it came to light that photos of Mrs Craen and Mrs Jones had been defaced by drawing facial hair on the images.

The tribunal heard this 'upset' them and the photos were replaced, but were defaced again.

The Hungarian wrote a note complaining that the gifts were 'cheap' and were from Aldi, not Marks & Spencer, and poured a reed oil diffuser over Paula Craen's (pictured) office, the tribunal was told

In February 2019, a note was written on a paper towel 'you can use this luxuries in your own home' accompanied by a reed diffuser which was found outside Mrs Craen's office in a plastic carrier bag.

An investigation by the care home found Ms Bodin was 'the common denominator' in that she was on duty for all incidents.

Staff were then interviewed, when it was discovered Ms Bodin's photograph had also been defaced with a picture of a cat.

However, bosses ruled this was most likely also done by Ms Bodin to draw attention away from herself.

Samples of her handwriting also matched the notes accompanying the Christmas poster and reed diffuser.

When Ms Bodin was interviewed she alleged she overheard colleagues saying she was 'mad' and 'mentally ill'.

She also claimed she heard Mrs Craen say 'now she is married, why is she not going back in to her country Hungary and find a job there? Many foreigners coming here and make trouble' - but the care home and the tribunal dismissed her allegations as untrue.

Ms Bodin was suspended in March and was then sacked after it was ruled Ms Bodin's behaviour was 'inappropriate, the manager and deputy manager were very upset by the incidents and the employment relationship had totally broken down'.

Employment Judge Tim Smith said: 'The registered manager, who obtained an outstanding grade from CQC, was so affected that she was considering resigning... other staff were affected by the atmosphere caused by the allegations such that it was said they were walking 'on egg shells'.

'On the balance of probabilities [Ms Bodin] defaced her own photograph. It was therefore likely that she defaced the other two photographs. Her actions appeared to be a deliberate attempt to draw attention away from [her], which pointed towards guilt.

'No unusual or unexpected incidents occurred after [she] was suspended.'

Ms Bodin's claims of unfair and wrongful dismissal, as well as claims of racial and disability discrimination, were thrown out.

Her claims of failing to make reasonable adjustments were mostly dismissed, but she did win one element that she should have been made aware of the allegations against her in writing prior to the investigation.

Compensation owed to her for this, if any, will be decided at a future hearing.
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Two-thirds of new Covid hospital patients in England were actually admitted for a different ailment, MailOnline's analysis of NHS data suggests - as a growing number of studies show Omicron is much milder than Delta.

In the two weeks to December 21, hospitals in England recorded 563 new coronavirus inpatients  the majority of which are believed to be Omicron now that the variant is the country's dominant stain.

But just 197 (35 per cent) were being primarily treated for Covid, with the remaining 366 (65 per cent) only testing positive after being admitted for something else.

Experts told MailOnline it was important to distinguish between admissions primarily for Covid so that rising numbers do not spook ministers into more social restrictions or scare the public from going to hospital.

England's incidental hospital cases are being driven by London, which has become the UK's Omicron hotspot and where admissions have been rising sharply.

Just over four in 10 new Omicron hospital patients in London were admitted for a different ailment, MailOnline's analysis suggests.

There were 523 more 'Covid admissions' resulting in an overnight stay in the two weeks to December 21, after Omicron became dominant in the capital earlier this month.

Admission rates for Covid in the capital are one factor ministers are keeping an eye on before potentially pulling the trigger on more curbs because London is considered to be a few weeks ahead of the rest of the country in its Omicron outbreak.

Officials are reported to be considering a national two-week 'circuit breaker' lockdown after Christmas if London's daily admissions breach 400 this week  which would signal 'unsustainable' pressure on the NHS.

The latest data show this figure is currently just shy of this threshold, at 301 patients on Monday.

The rising number of so-called 'incidental cases' - people who are only diagnosed with the virus after going to the NHS for a different ailment - is in line with the picture in South Africa.

Studies in the epicentre Gauteng province have shown up to three-quarters of Omicron patients there were not admitted primarily for the virus.

It comes as officials warn the NHS faces its busiest ever Christmas, with bed occupancy already at 94.5 per cent up on last year  and 2,800 people a day are having to wait over half an hour in ambulances, as an increasing number of health staff go on sick leave.

A growing proportion of Covid patients in London's hospitals are actually being treated for a different ailment. Currently 25 per cent of 'Covid patients' originally went to hospital for a different reason, only later testing positive for the virus compared to 17 per cent a fortnight ago

The number of Covid patients in hospital being treated primarily for Covid is actually lower than before Omicron. So called 'incidental' Covid admissions, where someone tests positive after arriving in hospital for a different reason, have risen sharply in the past few weeks and now account for the majority of new hospital admissions

With so much stock being placed on numbers of Covid patients, there have been growing calls for the Government to distinguish between people admitted to hospital who happen to have Covid and those admitted because of Covid- to get a clearer picture of the demands the virus itself is putting on the health service.

Dr Raghib Ali, a Cambridge University clinical epidemiologist, said: 'If you've got very high prevalence of Omicron in the community then there is a higher chance anyone who comes to hospital for any reason, even people with broken legs, will have Covid.

Omicron Covid IS milder, three major studies confirm Omicron is milder than Delta and far less likely to put someone in hospital, three major studies in England, Scotland and South Africa have confirmed. One paper by 'Professor Lockdown' Neil Ferguson found the mutant strain was up to 45 per cent less likely to lead to hospitalisation than Delta, based on 300,000 people in England. The No10 adviser  who just last week warned there could be 5,000 daily Omicron deaths in the UK  said the fourth wave will be 'nothing like what was seen last year' on the back of the new findings. A similar study in Scotland found the risk of being hospitalised was 65 per cent less with Omicron than with Delta  but it was based on 15 hospitalised cases. University of Edinburgh researchers said Omicron was as severe as Delta they would have seen around 47 people in hospital in Scotland, yet so far there are only 15. The UK studies came after a major analysis of 160,000 infections in South Africa found an 80 per cent reduced risk of hospitalisation with the new variant compared to its predecessor. All the evidence now points to Omicron being milder than former variants, confirming claims South African doctors have made for weeks. But the researchers are still unsure if Omicron is intrinsically milder than past strains and they believe built-up natural and vaccine immunity is probably doing the heavy lifting. Professor Ferguson  dubbed Professor Lockdown for gloomy modelling that spooked ministers into restrictions  said he was 'cautiously optimistic' on the back of all three studies. But he warned that hospitals could still come under pressure this winter because any reduction in severity will be offset if infections climb to astronomical levels. Advertisement

'It's just feature of having so much Omicron in the community. It is essential to distinguish between admissions that are primarily for Covid and those that are not.

'It's not only helpful but in many ways essential to know the primary diagnosis and to know how many daily admissions there are for every condition  that would give us an indication of the true pressure on the NHS.'

Professor Sir David Spiegelhalter, an eminent statistician at Cambridge University, told MailOnline: 'It looks like there is an increasing number of people being admitted to hospital who turn out to have Covid, presumably the Omicron variant.

'This is perhaps inevitable with a fast-spreading variant in which the majority do not experience symptoms.

'But it means there is an extra burden on the hospitals in caring for infected patients.'

Covid-infected people put strain on hospitals because they need to be isolated, and, depending on a variety of risk factors, for example if the patient is elderly and/or frail, Covid can exacerbate health problems and later become the primary reason they remain in hospital.

And NHS officials have increasingly warned the health service is coming under increasing pressure due to Omicron, despite there being fewer Covid patients in hospital now than at the start of November.

According to NHS England data, there were 6,245 Covid patients needing hospital care on December 21. On November 1, almost four weeks before the first Omicron cases was found in the UK, this figure was 7,301.

Chief executive of NHS Providers Chris Hopson told BBC Radio 4's Today programme said overall bed occupancy, meaning not just Covid, rates are 5 per cent higher than last year, when the country was being ravaged by the Alpha variant.

'If you look at the broader picture, we are busier at this time of year than we've ever been before,' he said.

'Our bed occupancy rate is 94.5 per cent compared to last year's 89 per cent. That's a huge difference in terms of much more busy.'

Mr Hopson said around 2,800 people are having to wait more than half an hour in the back of ambulances before being admitted to hospital every day, with staff shortages worsening the strain.

'I was talking to the chief executive of London Ambulance Service yesterday who was telling me 12 per cent of his staff are currently on sick leave,' he added.

'What you can see is in places where Omicron in particular is spreading though the community you're finding significant numbers of staff are off.'

It wasn't all doom and gloom from Mr Hopson however as he added that the NHS is preparing to expand care capacity in case of a 'surge' but also said the health service should be able to manage.

'What we're trying to do is at the moment is just what we always do in the NHS, which is to prioritise care based on medical need," he said.

'We will and we are identifying places that would be needed if we really really needed to surge.'

Mr Hopson added that the NHS had handled around 40,000 simultaneous Covid hospital cases last January and would be capable of handling the current uptick in admissions, which stands at around 7,000 nationally.

'We can do this, but the issue is, we're in incredible pressure right the way across the health system,' he said.

News of NHS pressures comes along with calls for the Government to clarify its tipping point for imposing further pandemic restrictions, as new figures show the number of NHS staff absent for Covid reasons at acute trusts in London more than doubled last week.

Across England as a whole, 18,829 NHS staff at acute hospital trusts were absent due to Covid on December 19, up 54 per cent from 12,240 a week earlier and up 51 per cent from 12,508 at the start of the month, according to the data from NHS England.

Covid-19 in the UK: All of today's key data A large amount of Covid-19 data is being published today ahead of Christmas, including the latest infection levels, antibody estimates, absences for hospital staff and local vaccine take-up, along with the usual daily numbers for cases, hospital admissions and deaths. Here is a summary of the data that has been published so far: - Covid-19 antibodies Covid-19 antibody levels among adults in the UK are estimated to have reached a record high. Some 95.0% of the adult population of England is likely to have tested positive for antibodies in the week beginning November 29, along with 95.0% in Scotland, 95.3% in Northern Ireland and 93.6% in Wales, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS). These are the highest figures for all four nations since the ONS began estimating antibody levels in December 2020. There has been an increase in antibody positivity in those aged 65 years and over across the UK since early October 2021, which the ONS said was 'likely as a result of the vaccination booster programme'. The figures do not include people in hospital, care homes or other communal establishments. - Hospital staff absences A total of 3,874 NHS staff at acute hospital trusts in London were absent for Covid-19 reasons on December 19, more than double the number a week earlier (1,540) and more than three times the number at the start of the month (1,174), according to new figures from NHS England. The total includes staff who were ill with Covid-19 or who were having to self-isolate. Across England as a whole, 18,829 NHS staff at acute trusts were absent due to Covid-19 reasons on December 19, up 54% from 12,240 a week earlier and up 51% from 12,508 at the start of the month. - Ambulance handover delays One in five patients waited at least half an hour to be handed over from ambulance teams to A&E staff at hospitals in England last week. A total of 16,410 delays of 30 minutes or more were recorded across all acute trusts in the week to December 19, representing 20% of all arrivals, according to NHS England figures. This is down slightly from 23% of arrivals in the week to December 12. Some seven per cent of arrivals last week (6,124) took more than 60 minutes to be handed over to A&E teams, down from 10% in the previous week. A handover delay does not always mean a patient has waited in the ambulance. They may have been moved into an A&E department, but staff were not available to complete the handover. Analysis by the PA news agency shows that University Hospitals Birmingham reported the highest number of ambulance handover delays of more than 30 minutes in the week to December 19 (760), followed by Barking, Havering & Redbridge University Hospitals (523), North West Anglia (489), University Hospitals of Leicester (449) and University Hospitals Bristol & Weston (440). Advertisement

In London, a total of 3,874 NHS staff at acute trusts were absent for Covid reasons on December 19, more than double the number a week earlier (1,540) and more than three times the number at the start of the month (1,174).

The total includes staff who were ill with Covid or who were having to self-isolate due to being in close contact with someone, such as a family member, who has tested positive.

The figures comes as Boris Johnson faces calls to outline his post-Christmas Covid strategy for England as Northern Ireland, Wales and Scotland have already announced new restrictions to tackle the Omicron variant.

Labour called for 'more clarity' from the Government on its plans  with Lucy Powell, shadow secretary of state for digital, culture, media and sport, claiming Mr Johnson is unable to make calls on Covid data because he has 'lost authority with the public'.

Ms Powell told Sky News there is a 'feeling' that 'the Prime Minister is not actually able to take those decisions based very clearly on data because hes got his own political problems, and hes lost authority with the public in order to convey some of those messages'.

She said: 'I think what we would like to see  is more clarity around what data points the Government is looking at, where the thresholds lie within those areas that are data points, and if those thresholds are crossed, what action would then follow, or what action wouldnt follow if the data comes back in a more positive way, as it has done this morning.

'What are the sort of set of restrictions that may or may not come in depending on those data points? Because at the moment, I think a lot of people just feel like theyre really stabbing in the dark.

'If youre running a nightclub, can you stock up for New Year? If (youve) got Christmas concerts on or youre operating a theatre, if youve got some travel plans, if youve got friends and families coming to stay after Christmas  what is it people can expect based on what information?

'Were all a little bit in the dark about that.'

Earlier today, the economy minister for Wales's Labour Government said he did not think Englands position on Covid restrictions would remain the same 'for very much longer'.

Vaughan Gething told Times Radio: 'Weve doubled our package because we know that there is a direct impact from the alert level two style interventions weve had to introduce to protect the public.

'Ive met regularly with Dave Chapman (UKHospitalitys executive director for Wales) and other stakeholders over the last few days making clear the seriousness of the position were at  were actually being a bit more generous than the money thats on offer in England.

'Of course, Daves talking about England continuing to be open. Well, Im not sure thats going to be the position for very much longer.'

Mr Gething also said he thought England was 'out of step' with the other three UK nations on its Covid response.

Asked about plans in Wales to curb the spread of the virus, he told Times Radio: 'Scotland and Northern Ireland have taken relatively similar measures yesterday  its England thats out of step with the other three nations.

'Weve done this because of the clear public health advice weve got and because we are already starting to see a rise in cases.'

He added: 'We are a little more cautious certainly than England is  but thats because we think its the right call.'

It also emerged today that people who catch the Omicron variant of Covid may be less likely to end up in hospital amid rising case rates and new restrictions across the UK nations.

Two new studies suggested catching Omicron was less likely to result in severe symptoms and hospital admission than earlier Covid strains like Delta.

However, Professor Neil Ferguson, from the Imperial College London team behind one of the studies, warned Omicrons severity may be offset by the 'reduced efficacy' of vaccines to stop it being transmitted.

Recorded case rates of Covid across the UK rose above 100,000 on Wednesday for the first time since the start of the pandemic.

Ministers have stressed the Government keeping new Covid data in constant review, with health minister Gillian Keegan saying yesterday: 'There is uncertainty. We cant predict what the data is going to tell us before weve got the data.'
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Vital services across London are suffering a staffing crisis due to the Omicron variant - with NHS staff absences more than tripling this month, one in seven doctors off sick and 500 Transport for London workers absent.

The situation in the UK healthcare system is at its most critical in the capital, where absence levels are three times higher than at the start of the month - with Guy's & St Thomas' and King's College trusts particularly badly hit.

Nearly 14 per cent doctors in London are off sick, while the London Ambulance Service has had absence levels of 12 per cent - and NHS chiefs said they were already 'busier at this time of year than we've ever been before'.

But there are hopes things could improve after Ministers said people in England who receive negative lateral flow results on day six and day seven of their self-isolation period will no longer have to self-isolate for the full ten days.

Hospitals are struggling to fill rotas and there are rising concerns that other care could suffer as staff are once again redeployed to virus wards, with the biggest issues arising in the capital which is the Omicron epicentre.

The new figures come as the Covid-19 variant continues to cause a nationwide surge in cases, with recorded case rates of Covid across the UK rising above 100,000 yesterday for the first time since the start of the pandemic.

Across the UK, more than one in ten (10.5 per cent) doctors are off work and one in 24 (4.2 per cent) due to Covid. In London these figures increase to one in seven (13.9 per cent) off work and one in 13 (7.4 per cent) for Covid.

The situation is also affecting rail travel, with operators blaming coronavirus-related staff shortages for widespread cancellations during the Christmas getaway period - and Transport for London now closing a whole Tube line.

The Waterloo and City line has been shut from today until early next month so drivers can instead keep the far-busier Central line running. About 500 'non-office based' TfL staff are currently absent due to Covid.

The line, which links Waterloo station with the City, had been shut since the start of the pandemic in March 2020 due to low demand before reopening in June 2021. In 2019, it was only closed on Christmas Day and Boxing Day.

Other emergency services such as police forces have also been hit by staff absences, although the Metropolitan Police insisted it was 'continuing to provide a resilient and strong policing service to London'.

The National Police Chiefs' Council said absence rates were 'not currently impacting on our ability to provide our normal service to the public' - with current sickness levels said to be below the 8 per cent peak in January.

And Health Secretary Sajid Javid hailed 'encouraging' evidence that the Omicron strain is milder than Delta amid hopes a New Year lockdown can be avoided - despite SAGE experts warning the UK is still in the 'danger zone'.

Meanwhile the Office for National Statistics said today that an estimated 1.4 million people in the UK had Covid-19 in the week ending December 16, the highest number since comparable figures began in autumn last year.

It comes as Prime Minister Boris Johnson faces calls to outline his post-Christmas Covid strategy for England as Northern Ireland, Wales and Scotland have all announced new restrictions to tackle the Omicron variant.

Government ministers have been caught between the demands of scientific and medical advisors for caution, and businesses and Tory MPs who want to keep the economy running throughout the Christmas and New Year period.

Labour wants 'more clarity' from the Government on its plans, with shadow culture secretary Lucy Powell claiming the PM cannot make calls on Covid data because he has 'lost authority' with Britons. Medical experts said today:

Chris Hopson, chief executive of NHS Providers, said the service is preparing to expand capacity in case a 'surge' of healthcare is needed but will be able to manage increased hospital cases. He also said the NHS is facing its busiest Christmas period ever, with bed occupancy rates 5 per cent higher than last year.

Professor Paul Elliott, director of the REACT-1 programme, said the NHS could still be under huge pressure despite the possibility that the Omicron variant may cause milder disease.

Professor Andrew Hayward, from the Sage advisory group, said he does not think further Covid measures in England would mean 'the sort of prolonged periods of restrictions that we were talking about before'.

Professor Anthony Harnden, of the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI), said a decision on whether to offer jabs to all five to 11-year-olds will be 'carefully' reviewed over the following few weeks.

People walk outside St Thomas' Hospital in London today as figures released by NHS England showed that staff absences due to Covid-19 have more than tripled at acute hospital trusts in London since the start of December

Paramedics move patients into the Royal London Hospital today as the ambulance service reports a 12 per cent absence rate

A total of 3,874 NHS staff at acute hospital trusts in London were absent for Covid-19 reasons last Sunday, more than double the number a week earlier (1,540), according to new figures from NHS England.

The latest figure is also more than three times the number who were off at the start of the month (1,174)  and the totals include staff who were ill with Covid-19 or who were having to self-isolate.

What does the self-isolation rule change mean for you? The self-isolation period for people who have tested positive for coronavirus has been cut to a week in most cases. The change has been outlined in new guidance from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA). Here is an explanation of what it means: - What has changed? From Wednesday, people in England who receive negative lateral flow results on day six and day seven of their self-isolation period will no longer have to self-isolate for the full 10 days. This applies to members of the general public who are vaccinated and unvaccinated, the UKHSA said. The Government intends to amend the current coronavirus regulations to reflect the new guidance when Parliament returns, it said. Until then, people who follow the new guidance will be regarded as having a 'reasonable excuse' not to complete the full self-isolation period. Separate guidance applies to people in health and care settings. - Why has it been introduced? The UKHSA says its analysis shows isolating for seven days with two negative lateral flow tests 'has nearly the same protective effect' as isolating for 10 days without testing. It says it reflects the latest evidence on how long people transmit the virus, and will help support essential public services and supply chains as they come under pressure this winter. Dr Jenny Harries says the speed at which Omicron is spreading may pose a risk to the running of critical services, and that the new guidance will help 'break chains of transmission and minimise the impact on lives and livelihoods'. - So what does it mean if I am self-isolating with coronavirus? People who have had coronavirus confirmed by a PCR test and are self-isolating should take a lateral flow test no earlier than day six, followed by a second lateral flow test 24 hours later. If both are negative, and the person does not have a high temperature, they will be able to leave their isolation after the second test result. People who end their isolation before the 10 full days are still strongly advised to limit close contact with people outside their household, especially in higher-risk situations, work from home if they can, and limit contact with anyone at higher risk of severe illness if infected with coronavirus. - I haven't had both vaccines - can I end my isolation after seven days? The UKHSA has said the policy applies to vaccinated and unvaccinated people with coronavirus, who receive negative lateral flow results on days six and seven. However, the rules have not changed for people who are not double jabbed who are contacts of coronavirus cases. In this scenario, they must self-isolate for the full 10 days after their date of exposure to the virus. - How have people responded? With some confusion. People are still being told that they can only order lateral flow tests via the Government's website if they have not been told to self-isolate or if they do not have symptoms. The UKHSA said the information on the web page for ordering the tests will be updated shortly. - What about people in health and social care settings with coronavirus? The new isolation rules apply to care home residents, and hospital patients who have not been admitted with coronavirus, the UKHSA said. It said hospital patients admitted with coronavirus must isolate for 14 days. Health and care staff can end their isolation if they have received negative lateral flow test results on both days six and seven, and return to work from day eight as long as they do not have symptoms and continue receiving negative results between days eight and 10. Advertisement

Across England as a whole, 18,829 NHS staff at acute trusts were absent due to Covid-19 reasons on December 19, up 54e per cent from 12,240 a week earlier and up 51 per cent from 12,508 at the start of the month.

At Guy's & St Thomas' hospital trust in London, 515 staff were absent for Covid-19 reasons on December 19, up from 193 on December 12, while King's College trust reported 505 absences, up from 193.

Other hospital trusts in London with steep jumps in Covid-19-related absences include Imperial College (365 on December 19, up from 158 a week earlier), Barts (338, up from 91) and Great Ormond Street (351, up from 70).

NHS national medical director Professor Stephen Powis said: 'The NHS is on a war footing and staff are taking the fight to Omicron, by boosting hundreds of thousands of people each day, treating thousands of seriously-ill Covid patients and delivering urgent care for other conditions, all while seeing a worrying, high and rising increase in absence due to Covid.

'We are once again ramping up to deal with the rise in Covid infections and, quite rightly, staff are making every possible preparation for the uncertain challenges of Omicron, including recruiting thousands of nurses and reservists, but while we'll leave no stone unturned to get the NHS battle-ready, it remains the case that the best way to protect yourself and others is to follow guidance and to come forward and get your first, second and booster jabs.'

NHS Providers chief executive, Chris Hopson, said that due to surging coronavirus case numbers the figures could get worse before they improve.

He added: 'These figures show how Omicron is having a tangible real-time impact on a service that was already operating beyond full stretch, through increased staff absences.

'This is a big worry for trust leaders who are doing all they can to support colleagues at this very challenging time.

'Absences due to Covid-19 are up nearly 40 per cent, and with community infections surging ahead, that figure may well get worse before it gets better.'

The NHS England data also showed that one in five patients waited at least half an hour to be handed over from ambulance teams to A&E staff at hospitals in England last week.

A total of 16,410 delays of 30 minutes or more were recorded across all acute trusts in the week to December 19, representing 20 per cent of all arrivals.

This is down slightly from 23 per cent of arrivals in the week to December 12.

Some 7 per cent of arrivals last week (6,124) took more than 60 minutes to be handed over to A&E teams, down from 10 per cent in the previous week.

A handover delay does not always mean a patient has waited in the ambulance. They may have been moved into an A&E department, but staff were not available to complete the handover.

Mr Hopson told BBC Radio 4's Today programme that the NHS is facing its busiest Christmas period ever, with bed occupancy rates 5 per cent higher than last year.

He added: 'If you look at the broader picture, we are busier at this time of year than we've ever been before.

'Our bed occupancy rate is 94.5 per cent compared to last year's 89 per cent. That's a huge difference in terms of much more busy.'

On average more than half of inpatients in England (55 per cent) who were fit to be discharged each day last week did not leave hospital, NHS England said. This is broadly unchanged on the average for the previous week (54 per cent).

Mr Hopson said: 'Hospital bed occupancy remains high, and despite some improvement, ambulance handover delays are a continuing cause for deep concern, reflecting wider pressure across the system.

'It's worrying to see delayed discharges have increased again for patients who are fit to go home or to other community settings.

'The next few weeks will present a huge test for the NHS on many fronts: coping with Covid-19, handling emergencies, working on the backlog where possible, and delivering boosters.'

It comes after a survey by the Royal College of Physicians found that one in ten doctors are off sick, with around half of all the absences are directly due to staff testing positive for Covid or self-isolating.

Health leaders yesterday called for staff on maternity wards to be 'ring-fenced' so mothers and babies did not suffer as a result of staff shortages.

Covid-19 in the UK: All of today's key data A large amount of Covid-19 data is being published today ahead of Christmas, including the latest infection levels, antibody estimates, absences for hospital staff and local vaccine take-up, along with the usual daily numbers for cases, hospital admissions and deaths. Here is a summary of the data that has been published so far: - Covid-19 antibodies Covid-19 antibody levels among adults in the UK are estimated to have reached a record high. Some 95.0% of the adult population of England is likely to have tested positive for antibodies in the week beginning November 29, along with 95.0% in Scotland, 95.3% in Northern Ireland and 93.6% in Wales, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS). These are the highest figures for all four nations since the ONS began estimating antibody levels in December 2020. There has been an increase in antibody positivity in those aged 65 years and over across the UK since early October 2021, which the ONS said was 'likely as a result of the vaccination booster programme'. The figures do not include people in hospital, care homes or other communal establishments. - Hospital staff absences A total of 3,874 NHS staff at acute hospital trusts in London were absent for Covid-19 reasons on December 19, more than double the number a week earlier (1,540) and more than three times the number at the start of the month (1,174), according to new figures from NHS England. The total includes staff who were ill with Covid-19 or who were having to self-isolate. Across England as a whole, 18,829 NHS staff at acute trusts were absent due to Covid-19 reasons on December 19, up 54% from 12,240 a week earlier and up 51% from 12,508 at the start of the month. - Ambulance handover delays One in five patients waited at least half an hour to be handed over from ambulance teams to A&E staff at hospitals in England last week. A total of 16,410 delays of 30 minutes or more were recorded across all acute trusts in the week to December 19, representing 20% of all arrivals, according to NHS England figures. This is down slightly from 23% of arrivals in the week to December 12. Some seven per cent of arrivals last week (6,124) took more than 60 minutes to be handed over to A&E teams, down from 10% in the previous week. A handover delay does not always mean a patient has waited in the ambulance. They may have been moved into an A&E department, but staff were not available to complete the handover. Analysis by the PA news agency shows that University Hospitals Birmingham reported the highest number of ambulance handover delays of more than 30 minutes in the week to December 19 (760), followed by Barking, Havering & Redbridge University Hospitals (523), North West Anglia (489), University Hospitals of Leicester (449) and University Hospitals Bristol & Weston (440). Advertisement

During the first wave, routine non-Covid care, including cancer, suffered massively as the NHS focused its resources on virus patients.

Andrew Goddard, president of the Royal College of Physicians, said: 'Absence is the worst we have seen during the pandemic other than at the end of March 2020. We have a tired and demoralised workforce that has been managing the impact of the pandemic for almost two years.

'We are trying to deliver as much non-Covid care as possible and we have the usual winter rise in other respiratory conditions.'

Dr Edward Morris, president of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, said: 'Healthcare services are already facing chronic staff shortages and we are particularly concerned about the available maternity staff being redeployed.

'Maternity services are 'front door' essential services. In-patient maternity services provide care that is largely unscheduled or urgent, with workloads difficult to anticipate in advance.

'Maternity staff can't be replaced by other staff groups because of their specialist skillset and that's why protecting this workforce and ensuring services are properly resourced is crucial to sustaining maternity care.'

Gill Walton, chief executive of the Royal College of Midwives, said: 'Maternity services are buckling under the weight of demands and Covid-related staff absences that are as high as 45 per cent in some trusts.

'This is on the back of serious shortages that existed before the pandemic. Midwives, maternity support workers and their colleagues have been there for women, babies and their families throughout this pandemic, 24 hours a day, every day, and we need to keep them there.

'We have asked before, and we are asking again, for trust and board chief executives to ring-fence maternity and keep midwives, maternity support workers, obstetricians and anaesthetists where they are needed most, caring for women in maternity services.'

A Transport for London spokesman said: 'Like many businesses and organisations around the country, we are experiencing the effects of the pandemic with a number of staff ill due to Covid or self-isolating.

'Since the Government advised people to work from home, we have seen fewer customers commuting and the coming festive period will reduce ridership further.

'The Central line has remained busier than the Waterloo and City line, which is currently experiencing very low demand, so our Waterloo and City line drivers will be driving Central line trains to ensure we can continue to provide a good service where there is greater demand. As a result, services on the Waterloo & City line will be suspended on Thursday until early January.

'Customers will still have a wide range of travel options, and while we continue to do all we can to keep operating a normal service, we advise everyone to check our website and the TfL Go app before they travel as other services may be affected at short notice by staff absences.'

A National Police Chiefs' Council spokesman said: 'We continue to closely monitor absence rates within policing, which are not currently impacting on our ability to provide our normal service to the public.

'Forces have appropriate plans in place to manage the impact of the Omicron variant with good stocks of tests and PPE.

'Best use of PPE guidance has been vital in ensuring the absence rate stays within manageable levels, protecting officers when they're out and about in public.'

And a Metropolitan Police spokesman added: 'Despite the challenges of Covid-19, the Met is continuing to provide a resilient and strong policing service to London. We are not providing specific details on sickness levels.'

Meanwhile the Government is under pressure to clarify its tipping point for imposing further restrictions.

Ms Powell told Sky News today that there is a 'feeling' that 'the Prime Minister is not actually able to take those decisions based very clearly on data because he's got his own political problems, and he's lost authority with the public in order to convey some of those messages'.

Boost for New Year hopes as Sajid Javid hails 'encouraging' evidence Omicron IS milder with 40% lower chance of overnight hospital admission  but SAGE experts warn UK is still in 'danger zone' due to surging cases Sajid Javid today hailed 'encouraging' evidence that the Omicron strain is milder than Delta amid hopes a New Year lockdown can be avoided - despite SAGE experts warning the UK is still in the 'danger zone'. The Health Secretary said the emerging findings on severity were 'encouraging' after Downing Street confirmed that there will be no more announcements on toughening rules until next week. But Mr Javid stressed that the rapid spread of the variant will still pose a serious threat and huge numbers of cases would mean 'significant hospitalisations'. Boris Johnson is leaving Britons in peace for a few days exhorting them 'to take extra care to protect yourselves and your families' during festive gatherings. However, with more critical evidence on the variant due later, ministers are once again caught between the demands of scientific and medical advisors for caution, and businesses and Tories who want to keep the economy running. MPs and the hospitality industry are calling for immediate clarity that there will not be more restrictions over the New Year period - which could be make or break for many bars and restaurants after a wave of cancellations in recent weeks. Meanwhile, scientists have cautioned that Omicron still poses a serious threat to the NHS because it is so fast-spreading. Professor Andrew Hayward, a SAGE member, warned this morning that the picture is unclear for elderly people and pressure on the NHS is 'just going to get worse'. There has been speculation that Mr Johnson could stop short of a confrontation with his lockdown-sceptic MPs - and ministers - by issuing guidance rather than bringing in legal curbs. Advertisement

She said: 'I think what we would like to see ... is more clarity around what data points the Government is looking at, where the thresholds lie within those areas that are data points, and if those thresholds are crossed, what action would then follow, or what action wouldn't follow if the data comes back in a more positive way, as it has done this morning.

'What are the sort of set of restrictions that may or may not come in depending on those data points? Because at the moment, I think a lot of people just feel like they're really stabbing in the dark.

'If you're running a nightclub, can you stock up for New Year? If (you've) got Christmas concerts on or you're operating a theatre, if you've got some travel plans, if you've got friends and families coming to stay after Christmas - what is it people can expect based on what information? We're all a little bit in the dark about that.'

Earlier today, the economy minister for Wales said he did not think England's position on Covid restrictions would remain the same 'for very much longer'.

Vaughan Gething told Times Radio: 'We've doubled our package because we know that there is a direct impact from the alert level two style interventions we've had to introduce to protect the public.

'I've met regularly with Dave Chapman (UKHospitality's executive director for Wales) and other stakeholders over the last few days making clear the seriousness of the position we're at ... we're actually being a bit more generous than the money that's on offer in England.

'Of course, Dave's talking about England continuing to be open. Well, I'm not sure that's going to be the position for very much longer.'

Mr Gething also said he thought England was 'out of step' with the other three UK nations on its Covid response.

Asked about plans in Wales to curb the spread of the virus, he told Times Radio: 'Scotland and Northern Ireland have taken relatively similar measures yesterday - it's England that's out of step with the other three nations.

'We've done this because of the clear public health advice we've got and because we are already starting to see a rise in cases.'

He added: 'We are a little more cautious certainly than England is - but that's because we think it's the right call.'

It emerged on Thursday that people who catch the Omicron variant of Covid may be less likely to end up in hospital amid rising case rates and new restrictions across the UK nations.

Two new studies suggested catching Omicron was less likely to result in severe symptoms and hospital admission than earlier Covid strains like Delta.

However, Professor Neil Ferguson, from the Imperial College London team behind one of the studies, warned Omicron's severity may be offset by the 'reduced efficacy' of vaccines to stop it being transmitted.

Ministers have stressed the Government is constantly considering new Covid data, with health minister Gillian Keegan saying yesterday: 'There is uncertainty. We can't predict what the data is going to tell us before we've got the data.'
When a hardworking courier rolled up his sleeve to get the Covid jab four months ago, he had no idea a bureaucratic bungle would cost him both his livelihood and Christmas with his family.

John Goldsmith went to an Adelaide chemist in September and asked the pharmacist for his first vaccine dose.

He not only wanted to protect himself and the community, but also needed the shot to keep his job, which involves delivering packages to hospitals and vulnerable aged care homes.

But when the pharmacist checked his Medicare details, something was very wrong.

When a hardworking courier driver John Goldsmith (pictured) rolled up his sleeve to get his Covid jab, he had no idea a bureaucratic bungle would cost him his livelihood and Christmas with his family

The online portal showed Mr Goldsmith already received his first dose of Pfizer half an hour away from his home at a doctor's surgery, two weeks earlier on August 31.

Mr Goldsmith promptly told the pharmacist it was a mistake and that he had not yet received any Covid jab.

He called Medicare trying to sort out the bureaucratic stuff-up and they directed him to contact the immunisation register.

Once he was on the line to the immunisation register, he was told to speak to Medicare.

After dozens of phone calls winding up in an endless loop, he became furious and is still no closer to resolving the issue four months later.

'This is my problem - I can't get the second jab because I have not had the first jab. Yet, officially, I have had the first jab, so I can't get the first jab until it's removed from my immunisation record. Confused yet? Well, so am I,' he told Nine News.

The online portal (pictured) revealed Mr Goldsmith had already received his first dose of Pfizer half an hour away from his home at a doctor's surgery, two weeks earlier on August 31 - only that wasn't true

Unable to get the life-saving jab, he was fired from his courier job because workers have to be vaccinated.

With no choice but to try and find another gig, he's been on the hunt for other work but keeps running into the same roadblock.

Prospective employers ask him if he's vaccinated. When he explains the bizarre story they tell him: 'I can't give you a job until you are vaccinated.'

Mr Goldsmith said with no money coming in he was forced to sell his car just to put food on the table.

He now fears if he can't get the jab soon he may end up 'on the streets'.

To make his story even more heartbreaking, the Medicare blunder means he won't be able to see his family at Christmas.

Mr Goldsmith said with no money coming in he was been forced to sell his car just to put food on the table (stock image)

His nephew suffered from leukaemia and Mr Goldsmith is afraid he could potentially expose him to the virus as Omicron cases surge in the state and across Australia.

'Even if I get this miraculously wiped off the system now, and I can go and get the jab today, I still won't get to see my family because [the vaccine] takes a while to build up in your system,' he said.

'This has destroyed my life, how much more can I lose?'

Services Australia is now looking into the strange case with general manager Hank Jongen admitting 'with a vaccine rollout of this scale for millions of Australians, there is the potential for human error to occur from time to time'.

'We understand this is a challenging time for Mr Goldsmith and we're working with him to make sure his immunisation record is correct,' he said.

A GoFundMe page has been set up to help Mr Goldsmith.
Families of David Fuller's victims have slammed Sajid Javid for not replying to a letter calling for a statutory public inquiry into the mortuary monster's crimes.

A law firm wrote to the health secretary on behalf of 21 families to warn the radio silence 'increases the significant stress and anxiety that our clients are already under'.

Dean Wilson LLP previously sent a letter to the department of health and social care, copying in secretary of state Mr Javid, on December 2 but still hadn't heard back more than a fortnight later.

That was before the necrophiliac double murderer, 67, received a whole life term for his sickening offences which shocked the country.

Fuller, of Heathfield, East Sussex, filmed himself defiling the bodies of more than 100 girls and women in two mortuaries for over 12 years.

And they could finally be reported when the fiend admitted the historic 1987 Bedsit Murders of Wendy Knell, 25, and Caroline Pierce, 20, in Tunbridge Wells, Kent, last month.

While 67-year-old David Fuller (pictured) was handed a whole life sentence for the 1987 murders of Wendy Knell and Caroline Pierce, the punishment he was given for raping and sexually abusing at least 100 dead women and girls was just 12 years

Sajid Javid has been criticised for not replying to the letter, which was sent a fortnight ago

Dean Wilson LLP, who sent the new letter last week requesting a reply within a month, believes it to be in the public interest for any inquiry to look at potential offences which may have occurred before Fuller's earliest documentation of his sick crimes in 2008.

The firm wrote: 'It is important for the inquiry to establish, so far as possible, the precise period over which these offences occurred and the identities of all of the victims.'

They believe the inquiry announced in Parliament by Mr Javid on November 8 will be non-statutory and will not provide 'effective investigation' into offending which potentially stretches 31 years since Fuller started working as a hospital electrician in 1989.

That is because it may not have the power to compel witnesses to attend or have sufficient resources to conduct a comprehensive assessment.

The letter says: 'This is not what the families understood or desired.

'They believe that only a full, independent and statutory inquiry will suffice to answer the questions and issues that arise and to recommend what changes are required nationwide to prevent such evil and devastating events from happening in future.'

David Fuller's hospital pass card used to access the mortuaries where he carried out his abuse on around 100 dead bodies

A DNA breakthrough last year finally cracked one of Britains longest unsolved murder cases, identifying Fuller as the killer of Wendy Knell, (right) 25, and Caroline Pierce, 20, who were beaten, strangled and then sexually assaulted in 1987 in Tunbridge Wells

It adds: 'We also do not believe that the current inquiry that you have ordered will have the ability to effect the wide-ranging and necessary change in order to prevent these crimes from happening in the future.

'There is manifest public interest in a full and fearless inquiry that will have far-reaching national consequences in order to restore confidence in the system that exists for the storage and handling of those who have died. '

Dean Wilson LLP also questions whether it is appropriate to commission Sir Jonathan Michael, a former chief executive of three NHS trusts, to chair the independent inquiry.

Families have not received any direct contact from Sir Jonathan, Dean Wilson LLP claimed, who are keen to have a say in the inquiry's terms of reference.

The letter concludes: 'As set out above, given the seriousness of the offences being examined, and their potential scope, the families believe that only a statutory inquiry with a new chairperson will discharge the State's duty to undertake an effective investigation.

'The families we represent ask you to confirm that a statutory inquiry will now be convened and give consideration as to the appropriateness of Sir Jonathan's appointment as chair.'

The new letter was sent on Friday but there had been no response from Mr Javid or either his department by Wednesday (December 22).

A Department of Health and Social Care spokesman said: 'The independent inquiry chaired by Sir Jonathan Michael will look into the circumstances surrounding the offences committed at the hospital and their national implications.

'The inquiry will help us understand how these offences took place without detection in the trust, identify any areas where early action is necessary and consider wider national issues - including for the NHS.

'The inquiry will set out its draft terms of reference and will be informed by the experiences of families.'
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Speculation is mounting that the United States could offer people a fourth COVID vaccine shot in the coming months as the Omicron variant surges.

Israel and Germany are both on the verge of rolling out another injection, weeks after Pfizer's US-based CEO said that a fourth jab of his firm's COVID-19 vaccination would be needed sooner than a year after the first booster as he'd originally envisioned, because of the Omicron variant.

Cases caused by the super-infectious variant continue to rocket in the US, with Johns Hopkins University reporting 238,378 new cases on Thursday, and 2,204 deaths.

Pfizer CEO Albert Boula has already said that a fourth dose could be needed one year after the third booster dose, but told CNBC earlier this month that time frame may need to be shortened as the Omicron variant spreads throughout the United States.

'When we see real-world data, [that] will determine if the Omicron is well covered by the third dose and for how long,' Boula told CNBC's Squawk Box earlier this month. 'And the second point, I think we will need a fourth dose.'

He noted, however, that he believes the third booster shot 'will give very good protection.'

Other experts say a fourth jab will not solve the United States' COVID wave, even as they warn that the virus could infect 140 million people between January and March - 60 percent of all Americans.

Dr. Paul Offit, the director of vaccine education at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and a member of the FDA advisory panel on vaccines said that while a fourth shot could help inoculated Americans temporarily fend off mild cases by increasing their antibody levels, the biological defenses offered by the first two COVID shots are what allows the body to fight off severe illness, hospitalization and death.5

Preliminary data from both drug companies shows that both the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines provide about 70 per cent protection from Omicron and higher levels against earlier strains.

'Further protecting the already protected is not the problem,' Offit told the Boston Globe. 'The problem is figuring out a way to protect the unvaccinated.

'They're the ones who are coming to the hospital. They're the ones who are dying and spreading the virus.'

According to data from the Centers for Disease Control, just 72.8 percent of all eligible Americans had received their first COVID dose by Wednesday, and 61.7 percent are fully vaccinated.

And of those who are eligible for a booster shot, just 30 percent have received one.

'I don't think we can keep vaccinating people every couple months,' said Dr. Shira Doran, an infectious disease specialist at Tufts Medical Center. 'People will accept it less and less in this country because of how much mistrust there is and how hard it has been to get people to act in the first place.'

Questions remain in the United States about whether a fourth COVID vaccine will be necessary amid a surge in new infections from the Omicron surge. A nurse is seen here giving Lana Sellers a booster shot in Florida

America is currently averaging 148,384 daily cases, a 23 percent increase from two weeks ago, and Omicron cases have increased by 19 percent day-over-day to about 2,084.

The new variant now accounts for 73 percent of new cases in the US and pushes Europe to the brink of fresh lockdowns.

But despite the gloomy outlook, recent British studies show the new variant is milder.

Imperial College London on Wednesday found that Omicron is 40 percent less likely to lead to serious illness than the Delta variant.

Another study by the University of Edinburgh suggested that the new variant could slash hospitalizations by as much as 65 percent.

Both studies underlined, however, the importance of vaccines with the Imperial study stating the risk of hospitalization for an unvaccinated person was just 10 percent lower for Omicron than with Delta.

People lined up outside a Covid-19 mass vaccination center at Rabin Square in Tel Aviv

Germany has ordered millions of extra doses of Covid vaccine and intends to offer another round of boosters

IMPERIAL COLLEGE LONDON: Researchers at Imperial College London found Omicron is 10 per cent less likely to cause hospitalization in someone who has never been vaccinated or previously infected with Covid than with Delta. Hospitalization is up to 20 per cent less likely in the general population  including those who have been infected or vaccinated  and 45 per cent less likely for at least a night

But overnight, Israel announced citizens over the age of 60 and medical teams would be eligible for a fourth Covid vaccine shot, with Prime Minister Naftali Bennett tweeting: 'The world will follow in our footsteps.'

Bennett, who has sought to drum up higher Israeli turnout for vaccines, welcomed the decision as 'great news that will help us overcome the Omicron wave that is spreading around the world'.

The Israeli government moved quickly against Omicron, barring foreigners from entering on November 25 and expanding a list of high-risk countries to which its citizens should not travel to include the United States this week.

On Tuesday, an Israeli hospital reported the country's first known death of a patient with Omicron, before amending the statement to say a final laboratory investigation had determined he was infected with the Delta variant.

Soroka Medical Center said the man, in his 60s and with serious pre-existing conditions, died on Monday, two weeks after he was admitted to a COVID-19 ward.

The Health Ministry said there were at least 340 known cases of Omicron in Israel as of Tuesday.

Israel said it will share its data with the UK on fourth doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine for the over-60s, healthcare workers and those with lower immunity.

Professor Nadav Davidovitch, director of the School of Public Health at Ben Gurion University in Israel and a member of the Pandemic Expert Committee, said: 'We are seeing waning immunity, reflected in the reduction of antibodies and also in breakthrough infections, in people that got the third dose.

'It's a bit similar to the situation with the second dose several months ago. Due to this, some of us thought that those who are more than four months after their third dose ought to be vaccinated.'

Meanwhile in Germany, Health Minister Karl Lauterbach said on Wednesday that a fourth vaccination will be necessary in the fight against the coronavirus pandemic due to the more contagious Omicron variant.

He said that Germany has ordered 80million doses of the Pfizer/Biontech vaccine which targets Omicron and should arrive in Germany by May.

The country has also ordered 4million doses of the newly approved vaccine Novavax - seen as more acceptable to vaccine sceptics - and 11million doses of the new Valneva shot, which is waiting for marketing authorization.

The Novavax shots should come in January, he said, noting: 'An offensive booster campaign is our most important building block in the fight against Omicron.'

Germany has warned a fourth Covid vaccine will be needed to stop the spread of the contagious Omicron variant, health minister Karl Lauterbach (pictured) has warned

The news comes as President Joe Biden promised to deliver 500 million COVID tests to Americans - but hasn't even signed a contract to buy them or set up a website so that people can place orders.

'That's not a plan - it's a hope,' Jennifer Nuzzo, an epidemiologist at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, told The New York Time.

'If those tests came in January and February, that could have an impact, but if they are spread out over 10 to 12 months, I'm not sure what kind of impact it is going to have.'

Omicron sufferers are 40% less likely to be admitted to hospital than those with Delta: British study of 300,000 finds variant IS milder than feared British scientists have found that Omicron sufferers are 40 percent less likely to be admitted to hospital with serious illness than those with Delta. Scientists at Imperial College London said that Britons who catch Omicron are between 15 and 20 per cent less likely to be admitted than those who get Delta. But the real-world analysis, of more than 300,000 people between December 1 and 14, found the chance of having to stay in hospital overnight was even lower, with a reduced risk of between 40 and 45 per cent. That study came after a second analysis from Scotland on Wednesday found that the risk of being hospitalized with Omicron was 65 percent less than with Delta. The study by Imperial, one of Britain's leading universities, found that even an unvaccinated person who has never had Covid and has no immunity, there was a 10 percent lower risk of being hospitalised with Omicron compared to Delta. For someone who has been recently infected, the chance of hospitalisation was slashed by 69 per cent in both vaccinated and unvaccinated people. The finding may explain why in South Africa  where up to 70 per cent of people have immunity from prior infection but only a quarter are jabbed  is seeing daily hospitalisations stall at less than 400. Professor Neil Ferguson said: 'You can see in London, we are getting a lot more people hospitalised. Not for very long, probably not with very severe illness. 'And that's not a reflection of Omicron versus Delta  that was already true for Delta infections, that they're less severe than they were last year because there's a lot of immunity in the population. 'The challenge is, if there's enough of them it still poses quite a challenge to the NHS. We're not talking about anything like what we saw last year with over-flowing intensive care units and ventilator beds.' The notoriously gloomy expert confirmed he expected the Omicron wave to be milder, with patients discharged from hospitals quicker and fewer Covid deaths, but warned there could still be significant pressure on the National Health Service (NHS). He also warned that if infections are 40 per cent higher than they were with Delta then that could offset any reduction in severity. The data came just moments after a similar study conducted in Scotland found the risk of being hospitalised with Omicron was 65 percent less than with Delta. University of Edinburgh researchers said Omicron was as severe as Delta they would have seen around 47 people in hospital in Scotland, yet so far there are only 15. Dr Jim McMenamin, the national Covid incident director for Public Health Scotland, labeled the findings a 'qualified good news story', but said that it was 'important we don't get ahead of ourselves'. He said: 'The potentially serious impact of Omicron on a population cannot be underestimated. 'And a smaller proportion of a much greater number of cases that might ultimately require treatment can still mean a substantial number of people who may experience severe Covid infections that could lead to potential hospitalisation.' But Professor Mark Woolhouse, of the University of Edinburgh, said it was heavily caveated at the moment. The data is based on a small number of cases and didn't have much data on those most at risk, the over 65s. Advertisement

It is not even known how many tests will be immediately available or how quickly they can be shipped out to American homes, according to new projections from the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation at the University of Washington.

Amazon, Walgreens and CVS have already imposed limits on how many tests each customer can buy because of the surging demand.

Dr. Anthony Fauci has now urged Americans to disinvite unvaccinated people from Christmas gatherings as the fast-spreading COVID-19 Omicron variant fuels a surge in infections nationwide.

'We're dealing with a serious enough situation now that if there's an unvaccinated person, I would say, 'I'm very sorry, but not this time. Maybe another time when this is all over,'' said Fauci in an interview with MSNBC on Tuesday night.

The study by Imperial, one of Britain's leading universities, found that for someone who has been recently infected, the chance of hospitalisation was slashed by 69 per cent in both vaccinated and unvaccinated people.

The finding may explain why in South Africa  where up to 70 per cent of people have immunity from prior infection but only a quarter are jabbed  is seeing daily hospitalisations stall at less than 400.

Professor Neil Ferguson said: 'You can see in London, we are getting a lot more people hospitalised. Not for very long, probably not with very severe illness.

'And that's not a reflection of Omicron versus Delta  that was already true for Delta infections, that they're less severe than they were last year because there's a lot of immunity in the population.

'The challenge is, if there's enough of them it still poses quite a challenge to the NHS. We're not talking about anything like what we saw last year with over-flowing intensive care units and ventilator beds.'

The notoriously gloomy expert confirmed he expected the Omicron wave to be milder, with patients discharged from hospitals quicker and fewer Covid deaths, but warned there could still be significant pressure on the National Health Service (NHS).

He also warned that if infections are 40 per cent higher than they were with Delta then that could offset any reduction in severity.

The data came just moments after a similar study conducted in Scotland found the risk of being hospitalised with Omicron was 65 percent less than with Delta.

University of Edinburgh researchers said Omicron was as severe as Delta they would have seen around 47 people in hospital in Scotland, yet so far there are only 15.

Dr Jim McMenamin, the national Covid incident director for Public Health Scotland, labeled the findings a 'qualified good news story', but said that it was 'important we don't get ahead of ourselves'.

He said: 'The potentially serious impact of Omicron on a population cannot be underestimated.

'And a smaller proportion of a much greater number of cases that might ultimately require treatment can still mean a substantial number of people who may experience severe Covid infections that could lead to potential hospitalisation.'

But Professor Mark Woolhouse, of the University of Edinburgh, said it was heavily caveated at the moment. The data is based on a small number of cases and didn't have much data on those most at risk, the over 65s.

As COVID cases soar across the U.S., health experts have predicted things will get worse in 2022 as the Omicron variant is expected to cause 140 million new infections from January to March, infecting 60 percent of all Americans, the majority of which will be asymptomatic cases.

Researchers from the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation at the University of Washington updated their COVID-19 model and expect the virus to hit the US hard come January, peaking at 2.8 million new cases a day by January 28.

'We are expecting an enormous surge in infections ... so, an enormous spread of Omicron,' IHME director Dr. Chris Murray said told USA Today.

'Total infections in the U.S. we forecast are going from about 40 percent of the U.S. having been infected so far, to having in the next two to three months, 60 percent of the U.S. getting infected with Omicron.'

Despite the surge, experts believe the new infections will ultimately lead to fewer deaths and hospitalizations than the deadly Delta variant, as Omicron is believed to be a more infectious but less severe variant.
A photo of the girl who inspired Lewis Carroll's classic children's novel Alice in Wonderland has sold for 1,625 after being discovered in a 150-year-old family photo album.

The photo, which shows a stern-looking young Alice Liddell in a smart dress stood next to her younger sister Edith, was unearthed in a Scottish family's photo album from the 1860s.

The album belonged to the McCorquodale family, whose name can be traced back to Argyll in the Highlands.

The descendants of the McCorquodale's married into Princess Diana's family during the 20th century.

The album has now been bought by the Museum of Fine Arts in Houston, Texas, after a bidding war with London-based Chiswick Auctions.

A photo of the girl who inspired Lewis Carroll's classic children's novel Alice in Wonderland has been bought by the Museum of Fine Arts in Houston in Texas

The photo was unearthed in a Scottish family's photo album from the 1860s and is attributed to the 'McCorquodales', a name that originates to Argyll in the Highlands

It was valued at 600, but fetched a hammer price of 1,300, with extra fees taking the final figure to 1,625.

Carroll, who real name was Charles Dodgson, was born in Daresbury, Cheshire, in 1832 and was one of eleven children born to Rev Charles and Frances Jane Dodgson.

In 1851, he studied mathematics at Christ Church at the University of Oxford and by 1855, he was a fellow lecturing in mathematics.

He later grew close to the dean of Christ Church, Henry George Liddell, and his wife, who resided at the college with their daughter Alice.

He went on write his most famous work, Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, in 1865, before going on to write The Hunting of the Shark in 1876.

The writer often took pictures of Alice Liddell and is believed to have given his heroine the name 'Alice' in his 1865 book after the young girl - but scholars disagree about the extent to which the character was based upon her.

From 1858 to 1862, Carroll's interest in Alice Liddell also become the subject of intense gossip at Oxford, with suggestions that he had even proposed marriage.

Austin Farahar, specialist at Chiswick Auctions, said: 'Images of Alice and Edith Liddell are always very rare and very interesting to find.

The album was valued at 600, but fetched a hammer price of 1,300, with extra fees taking the final figure to 1,625. Pictured: A boy seen in the pictures poses at various stages of his childhood

Austin Farahar, specialist at Chiswick Auctions, said images of Alice and Edith Liddell are always very rare to find. Pictured: Members of the family in the album are seen posing with their horses

Pictured: Alice and Edith Liddell's names are written in the photo album which has now sold for 1,625

Lewis Carroll, who wrote Alice in Wonderland, was an early photography pioneer who grew very close to the Liddell family

Carroll wrote his most famous work, Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, in 1865

'The relationship between Carroll, the Liddell family and the wider network of 19th century scholars, artists and authors who were working at the time is fascinating.

'Carroll captured the imagination of the masses with his most famous book, Alice in Wonderland, a story he originally recited to the Liddell sisters during a boating trip in Oxford in 1862.

'To see a photograph of the girl that inspired the author is always going to appeal to a mass of both literary and photographic collectors.

'It is also notable that the album belonged to the McCorquodale family, and the descendants of the McCorquodale's married into Lady Diana Spencer's family during the 20th century.

'This album came from a large cache of new-to-market material from a private British collection that has been compiled over the last 50 years.'

The album also contains late 19th century photos of members of the British Royal family.
Premiers who make travellers get a Covid PCR test before flying in could be making their states more likely to suffer a leap in infections, experts warn.

Victoria, NSW, and the ACT are the only Australian states and territories that do not demand arrivals take a PCR within 72 hours of crossing the border.

The idea is to spot infected travellers before they even get on the plane, but Deakin University epidemiology chair Professor Catherine Bennett warned it could have the opposite effect.

There are two problems with the demand for a test, the first being they could catch Covid waiting in line at a clinic with people who were being tested as close contacts or because they had symptoms.

Then on the traveller's return home to a state with fewer Covid cases, they could acquire the virus in the time between testing and flying back.

'They are going to holiday right up until the day they leave,' Professor Bennett told News Corp.

'You end up then having a lower risk of being infected, rather than sending them to a test site with people who have a higher risk of being infected, just a couple of days before they are to leave.'

The only way the test would be close to foolproof was if travellers isolated for the last three days of their trip after the test, which none would want to do.

Professor Bennett pointed to supervised rapid antigen tests as a better option as they can be conducted moments before passengers board flights.

Professor Bennett instead pointed to supervised rapid antigen tests as a better option as they can be conducted moments before passengers board flights (pictured, passengers at Sydney Airport this week)

With scores of travellers catching flights domestically over the festive season, Covid tests proving a negative result have become mandatory across Australia (pictured, travellers arriving in Sydney)

She conceded it is not a 'perfect' test, but at the same time it presents a reading on a persons Covid status instantly.

Using rapid antigen tests instead of PCR would also reduce the enormous lines at clinics that are blowing out the time it takes to get a result to three days or more.

The Omicron strain of the virus is driving a huge surge in cases, with 5,715 in NSW, 2,005 in Victoria, and 369 in Queensland reported on Thursday.

Many travellers have been turned away from border checkpoints or at airports if they don't have the required Covid test results.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison called on Queensland, Tasmania, South Australia and Western Australia to scrap requirements for a PCR test to show a negative Covid result.

Instead, the federal government is urging those states to allow travellers to produce a rapid antigen test result to pass a border checkpoint.

The prime minister hoped allowing Australians to rely on a kit from a chemist would end hours-long queues for PCR tests at Covid clinics.

'States are the ones imposing those public health orders and they have impacts, they have consequences,' Mr Morrison said.

'We're seeing that played out for those who are having to wait too long for these tests because some states are requiring that.

'That needs to get sorted. I'd like to see that sorted as soon as possible.

On Wednesday, Prime Minister Scott Morrison called on Queensland, Tasmania, South Australia and Western Australia to scrap requirements for a PCR test to show a negative Covid result (pictured, people arriving at Hobart Airport this week)

'What Omicron means is we will see I think greater use of these rapid antigen tests.'

Chief medical officer Paul Kelly said the PCR test requirements in the smaller states were creating problems in Sydney, Melbourne, and Canberra at testing clinics.

'We are seeing in the ACT, in NSW, in Victoria - it is very, very difficult to get a test,' he said.

'If you're getting a test, you're waiting for many hours. You might not get the result for up to three days.

'This reliance on testing to travel is interfering with one of our few things we've got to decrease the caseload.'
Jetstar and Virgin airlines have caused Christmas Eve travel chaos by cancelling dozens of flights as families around Australia prepare to reunite with loved ones.

Hundreds of passengers suddenly found their plans in dire straits as they were notified late on Thursday night of the mass cancellations.

Australia's busiest route between Sydney and Melbourne is by far the worst affected with 23 flights between the two capitals cancelled on Friday.

Jetsar sent out text messages alerting passengers as late as 9pm on Thursday, when many were already in bed before early departures, with the airline's customer service line closing at 10pm.

Jetstar and Virgin Airlines have caused commuter chaos after cancelling dozens flights on Christmas Eve

The canned flights include peak hour morning and evening fares, throwing many Australians' Christmas plans into severe doubt

Virgin also made a huge number of cancellations for December 24, with 12 flights between Sydney and Melbourne cancelled.

The canned flights include early morning and evening fares, throwing many Australians' Christmas plans into disarray.

As many as 13 flights were suddenly cancelled by Jetstar on Thursday, including routes between Sydney and Brisbane, Sydney and Adelaide, and Sydney and Melbourne.

The Sydney and Melbourne route was the most heavily-affected, with seven Sydney departures and four Melbourne departures breaking hearts on Christmas Eve.

With all direct morning and afternoon flights either sold out or cancelled, passengers were mostly offered replacements that first flew the wrong direction to other cities and landed up to eight hours later than they had booked to arrive.

As many as 13 flights were suddenly cancelled by Jetstar on Thursday, including routes between Sydney and Brisbane, Sydney and Adelaide and Sydney and Melbourne

Shocked passengers shared their distress over the last minute cancellations online, with many saying their festive periods had been ruined.

'I feel like screaming. Daughter in Sydney did all the right things. Double vacc, boostered, PCR test, Qld border pass. Jetstar just cancelled her flight to Bris. No explanation,' a devastated father wrote.

'With <24hrs notice, they cancelled my flights to my family on Christmas Eve and offered no usable alternatives. Never again,' another man tweeted.

In a tepid response to the dozens of people angrily complaining via Twitter, Jetstar offered apologies and asked people to direct message their account.

'Sorry to hear that your flight was cancelled, we know how inconvenient cancelled flights can be  and we try to avoid them as much as possible,' they said in a series of replies.

Virgin Australia have also cancelled a number of flights on the eve of Christmas with 12 flights grounded between the NSW and Victorian capital

The common denominator appears to be Sydney, with skyrocketing Covid cases potentially the reason for the major airlines ruining Aussies' Christmas plans

Virgin Australia also cancelled flights on the eve of Christmas with 12 flights grounded between the NSW and Victorian capital.

There were a further nine flights cancelled between Sydney and Brisbane, and another 11 stopped between Sydney and the Gold Coast.

The common denominator appears to be Sydney, with skyrocketing Covid cases potentially the reason for the major airlines ruining Aussies' Christmas plans.

Daily Mail Australia has contacted Jetstar and Virgin Australia to explain why so many flights have been cancelled, but received no response.
The Biden administration is under increasing pressure to cut the Covid-19 infection isolation period in half - from 10 to five days - as health experts say that missing more than a week of work is turning people off to getting tested.

Currently, vaccinated Americans infected with the virus must isolate for 10 days, under Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines, a daunting prospect for workers struggling with holiday bills.

On Wednesday, UK officials trimmed the quarantine period from 10 days down to seven for those who test negative on the sixth and seventh day regardless of whether or not the infected person is vaccinated.

Losing 10 days' pay could have a dramatic effect on health care and the economy. If nurses and doctors, who are tested daily, become infected by the highly contagious, but perhaps milder Omicron variant there could be a staffing crisis, former Baltimore Health Commissioner Leana Wen told CNN.

'You don't want those individuals to have to be out of the workforce and then we have a serious shortage,' she said.

In response to the pressure, both White House chief medical advisor Dr. Anthony Fauci and Walensky said Wednesday that they would make a decision soon on cutting the quarantine period for health care workers.

On Wednesday, the US recorded a staggering 238,378 new daily infections, and 2,024 new deaths. Since the start of the pandemic, the US has recorded 51.5 million cases of COVID-19 and 812,069 deaths.

The Omicron variant now accounts for 73 percent of new cases in the US and is pushing Europe to the brink of fresh lockdowns. In hard-hit states like New York, the variant is estimated to account for more than 90 percent of cases. So far, it has been confirmed in 2,756 cases and accounts for at least one death in a man in Texas.

US experts have also warned warned that the virus could infect 140 million people between January and March - 60 percent of all Americans, according to projections by Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation at the University of Washington.

Former Baltimore Health Commissioner Leana Wen said that cutting the quarantine period will avoid a shortage in healthcare workers. In response to the pressure from the business and healthcare sector to cut isolation times, White House chief medical advisor Dr. Anthony Fauci said Wednesday that they would make a decision soon on cutting the quarantine period for health care workers

She added that workers who want to avoid personal lockdowns may avoid getting tested.

The CDC's current isolation guidelines say infected Americans should stay home alone for 10 days The CDC says isolation is used to separate people infected with COVID-19 from those who are not infected. People who are in isolation are required to stay home until it's safe for them to be around others. At home, anyone sick or infected should separate from others, stay in a specific 'sick room' or area, and use a separate bathroom if possible. To calculate the 10 full day isolation period, day zero is considered the first day of symptoms. Day one is the first full day after symptoms developed. For those who tested positive for COVID-19 without symptoms, day zero is the day the test was taken and day one is the first full day afterward. If the person develops symptoms after testing positive, the 10-day isolation period resets. Day zero is marked by the first day of symptoms, and day one is the first full day after your symptoms developed. Source: CDC Advertisement

'We want to actually incentivize people to find out that they're positive,' Wen told the network. 'What if you don't want to miss days from work? You might end up just not testing, because you don't want to find out that you're positive. And so, if cutting 10 days to five days - even if we end up missing some percentage of people who may still be infectious - you may actually get higher compliance if you get to a lower number of days needed for isolation.'

CEO of Delta Airlines Ed Bastian penned a letter on Tuesday to CDC director Rochelle Walensky asking the agency to reduce the timeframe for isolation.

'To address the potential impact of the current isolation policy safely, we propose a 5-day isolation from symptom onset for those who experience a breakthrough infection,' he wrote.

He argued that his company was essential to the country's economic health.

'With the rapid spread of the Omicron variant, the 10-day isolation for those who are fully vaccinated may significantly impact our workforce and operations,' Bastian wrote. 'Similar to healthcare, police, fire, and public transportation workforces, the Omicron surge may exacerbate shortages and create significant disruptions.'

There were 1.1 million Americans infected with the virus over the last week, according to Johns Hopkins University data, with the highly contagious Omicron variant accounting for 90 percent of those infections in New York, New Jersey and three other states with the rate doubling every two days.

Just over 72 per cent of the country is vaccinated.

Fully-vaccinated people aren't expected to quarantine after exposure unless they're showing symptoms and even if they aren't, the CDC recommends testing within five to seven days after exposure.

In response to the pressure, both Fauci and Walensky said Wednesday that they would make a decision soon on cutting the quarantine period for health care workers.

'If you get a healthcare worker who's infected and without any symptoms at all, you don't want to keep that person out of work too very long, particularly if you get a run on hospital beds and the need for healthcare personal,' Fauci told CNN's New Day.

'That's something that at least will be considered.' Fauci did not say how much he was considering cutting the isolation period by.

Delta Airlines CEO Ed Bastian (left) has asked the CDC chief Rochelle Walensky (right) to trim the isolation period for vaccinated workers who become infected with COVID-19 from ten days to five to prevent the disruption of holiday travel

CEO of Delta Airlines Ed Bastian's letter to Walensky argued that his company was essential to the country's economic health. 'With the rapid spread of the Omicron variant, the 10-day isolation for those who are fully vaccinated may significantly impact our workforce and operations,' Bastian wrote. 'Similar to healthcare, police, fire, and public transportation workforces, the Omicron surge may exacerbate shortages and create significant disruptions'

Other health experts have already recommended shorter isolation periods for those infected witht he virus.

Though it's believed to be milder, the Omicron variant also appears more contagious, meaning it could knock critical healthcare employees out of the workforce during a time of tremendous demand.

Fauci said a shortened isolation window for infected Americans could help ease the burden.

'The possibility [is] if you do have someone who's infected, rather than keeping them out for seven to 10 days, if they are without symptoms, put an N95 mask on them, make sure they have the proper PPE and they might be able to get back to work sooner than the full length of the quarantine period,' he said.

The US has recorded more than 51.5 million coronavirus cases since the start of the pandemic. On Wednesday, the country recorded 238,378 new infections

Since the start of the pandemic, 812,069 Americans have died of COVID-19. On Wednesday, 2,024 people died from the virus

The latest crush of Covid cases has hit New York particularly hard.

Dozens of restaurants and businesses across New York City are closing their doors ahead of the Christmas holiday after the Big Apple became overwhelmed by the virus.

Following SantaCon celebrations during the weekend, the city logged a record 21,908 cases - a slight increase over the previous record of 21,027 cases reported the day before - and in response, a host of eateries have closed.

At least 50 restaurants have closed across New York City's five boroughs, including Boilermaker in Manhattan's Lower East Side, whose Sippin' Santa annual holiday pop-up cocktail bar is a seasonal favorite.

Several popular Broadway plays were also thrown into major crises ahead of the holidays - Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, Hamilton, and Tina: The Tina Turner Musical, which all canceled shows due to the Covid outbreak.

Ain't Too Proud, Ms Doubtfire, Freestyle Love Supreme and Wicked also canceled upcoming performances due to positive Covid cases among actors and stagehands.

Meantime, New York City is seeing such a mad rush of people wanting to get a COVID test as that some people are waiting four days to get PCR test results back.

Popular urgent care chain CityMD says it will close 13 of its clinics on Wednesday because it simply cannot keep up with the demand for COVID tests.

The Radio City Rockettes had to cancel their winter show because of the surge in Covid-19 cases

In his Tuesday address to the nation on Omicron, President Joe Biden made an attempt to ease frustrations over the long test lines by stating the obvious to Americans already waiting in lines of up to six hours at already overwhelmed clinics: that you could find a testing site by searching 'COVID test near me' on Google.

Dr. Michael Osterholm says Americans should expect a 'viral blizzard' in coming weeks

'We have arranged for it to be easier for you to find a free COVID testing site near you on Google. Just enter 'COVID test near me' in the Google search bar and you could find a number of locations nearby where you could get tested,' he said.

Dr. Michael Osterholm, director of the University of Minnesota's Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy, told DailyMail.com on Monday that with cases snowballing, it could be time to consider slashing the CDC's current recommended 10-day isolation period for infected essential workers.

'We're going to need these people back in the workforce desperately,' Osterholm told DailyMail.com. 'The point is, we may even have at look at the cost and benefit to society, of having someone who may be infectious or low-level infectious, putting an N95 respirator on them and letting them work because that is going to still have a better outcome for patients than somebody not being there at all.

'I mean, what is it like to try to run a hospital ward with 40 patients, when you have no one there to help?'

He added that quarantine periods for others should also be reduced to seven days to keep the economy moving since the Omicron variant appears to have a shorter lifespan.

Osterholm said allowing infected essential workers back to work - equipped with protective equipment - could be necessary. Experts say upward of 30 percent of healthcare workers could become infected with Omicron, which appears to have a smaller window of infection.

'This virus is transmitting so readily that you know, many, many people in our communities will be infected, whether you're vaccinated or not,' he said.

'Now, the key feature here, though, is that if you are fully vaccinated - and I call that the three dose, vaccine approach - then your likelihood of having severe disease hospitalization or death drops dramatically. That's really important. '

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said infected patients can take the tests 24 hours apart on day six and seven of their isolation period, which if negative means they can stop quarantining.
The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result.

For public school parents around the United States, their participation in the public school system must, at this point, feel like insanity.

Public schools are shuttering again  as COVID cases rise  despite the opinions of children's health experts and the pleas of parents.

And like clockwork, teachers' unions appear to be on the side of closures.

'Were not gonna sit here and say schools should be open,' said president of the United Federation of Teachers, Michael Mulgrew, who is complaining about the lack of testing in New York City schools.

Now, in a particularly cruel bit of gaslighting, the heads of the teachers' unions are hoping that parents have been driven so crazy by the last two years that they won't remember the unions' starring role in the destruction they've wrought.

In a recent profile in the New York Times, Randi Weingarten, the president of the American Federation of Teachers, tried to sell the fiction that she didn't personally have a hand in school closures.

Columnist Michelle Goldberg, acting as her de facto press secretary, wrote:

'... those who fault Weingarten for closed schools misunderstand the role she's played over the past 20 months. Rather than championing shutdowns, she's spent much of her energy, both in public and behind the scenes, trying to get schools open.

In a recent profile in the New York Times, Randi Weingarten (above), the president of the American Federation of Teachers, tried to sell the fiction that she didn't personally have a hand in school closures.

Public schools are shuttering again  as COVID cases rise  despite the opinions of children's health experts and the pleas of parents. (Left) Eagle Academy for Young Men II in Brooklyn, PS 18 in the Bronx has temporarily closed amid new COVID outbreaks. (Right) I.S. 072 Rocco Laurie in Staten Island is another of the 11 currently shuttered NYC schools

And she's been trying, sometimes uncomfortably, to act as a mediator between desperate parents grieving their kids' interrupted educations and beleaguered teachers who feel they're being blamed for a calamity they didn't create.'

But those familiar with the timeline know that the two years of educational disruption that millions of America's kids suffered came at the hands of the unions and their leaders.

From March of 2020 until the end of the next school year, a year and a half in duration, schools in blue America subjected their students to what they euphemistically called 'distance learning.'

In reality, students were parked in front of computers on Zoom while teachers 'taught' from home.

The data shows very little actual learning took place, and kids who were trapped on Zoom will be facing severe learning loss that will follow them for a lifetime.

In mid-2020, The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), an organization devoted to kids' health, came out in favor of students returning to classrooms.

The safety and mental health implications of keeping K-12 students, who by that point we realized were overwhelmingly spared from serious illness and death from the virus, were too dire to keep them home any longer.

For kids' well-being, kids had to be back in classrooms, come hell or high-water.

But that's not what many teachers or their unions wanted, and so, kids were locked out for yet another year. The well-being of kids was sacrificed and it was unions that lit the fire.

In late June of 2020, the author of the AAP's initial guidance was interviewed in the New York Times, where he explained the rationale for the group's support for in-person learning,

'As pediatricians, many of us have recognized already the impact that having schools closed even for a couple months had on children. At the same time, a lot of us are parents. We experienced our own kids doing online learning. There really wasn't a lot of learning happening. Now we're seeing studies documenting this. Kids being home led to increases in behavioral health problems. There were reports of increased rates of abuse.

Of course, the reason they were at home was to help control the pandemic. But we know a lot more now than we did then, when schools first closed. We're still learning more every day.'

Despite skyrocketing cases, many hospitals are in good shape thanks to the mildness of the variant.

Then the teacher's unions became involved, and the tune from those in public health changed.

In May of 2021, the New York Post reported on emails obtained through a Freedom of Information Act request, revealing conversations between the Centers for Disease Control, the AFT and the White House.

The report detailed a sudden about-face that took place in the winter of 2021 that likely led to schools staying remote longer into the 2020-2021 school year.

'The American Federation of Teachers lobbied the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on, and even suggested language for, the federal agency's school-reopening guidance released in February,' read the report.

'The powerful teachers union's full-court press preceded the federal agency putting the brakes on a full re-opening of in-person classrooms'

The Post went on, "The lobbying paid off. In at least two instances, language 'suggestions' offered by the union were adopted nearly verbatim into the final text of the CDC document.

With the CDC preparing to write that schools could provide in-person instruction regardless of community spread of the virus, [AFT senior director Kelly] Trautner argued for the inclusion of a line reading 'In the event of high community-transmission results from a new variant of SARS-CoV-2, a new update of these guidelines may be necessary.'"

Do unions want to pretend to be the heroes of the story? Vocal opposition to school closures in a post-vaccine world with a mercifully mild variant is where they should begin to rewrite the narrative. (Above) AFT President Randi Weingarten share her commentary on report that indicates the Omicron infections may lead to mild illness

Now at the dawn of 2022, and the unions are trying to revise history and claim they were the ones fighting for school reopenings, not against them.

It's literally unbelievable.

And as they sell this revisionist history about their role in nationwide school closures of the recent past, they're playing dead as districts across the country close their doors all over again.

Do unions want to pretend to be the heroes of the story?

Vocal opposition to school closures in a post-vaccine world with a mercifully mild variant is where they should begin to rewrite the narrative.

Indeed, Weingarten, has already recognized the latter fact, albeit reluctantly.

'This seems like good news' tweeted the AFT president in reaction to a New York Times headline that read, 'Omicron infections do not seem as severe, leading less often to hospitalization, UK researchers report.'

Americans know who kept kids out of classrooms, and it certainly wasn't parents or neutral experts of children's health.

It's there in black and white.

New York Times education reporter Eliza Shapiro recently tweeted about a UFT threat to, 'take a different position on this entire schools have to remain open.'

Union heads spearheaded an effort to make the metrics so unreasonably unattainable that schools had to stay closed.

And now at the very end of 2021, with vaccines available to all over the age of five, they're operating out of the same playbook.

It's not Omicron to blame for closing schools in Prince George's county in Maryland or in individual districts in schools across the Northeast, in New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania.

Despite skyrocketing cases, many hospitals are in good shape thanks to the mildness of the variant.

But again  unions have seen an opening for more brinksmanship, and in New York City, they're flexing their muscles and threatening future closures.

New York Times education reporter Eliza Shapiro recently tweeted about a UFT threat to, 'take a different position on this entire schools have to remain open.'

Despite the resilience of the hospitals and the mildness of illness for most, there are at least 11 New York City schools closed, with another 35 under investigation for possible closures, according to the NYC Department of Education's daily COVID case map website, as of the writing of this article.

These are not the words or actions of people who prioritize the well-being of children and their education first and foremost.

They didn't do it in the beginning of the pandemic, and they aren't doing it at the end, either.

Next time union cronies try to rewrite history, they should first at least stop playing the villain first.
Saudi Arabia has started building its own ballistic missiles with China's help at a top secret base, US intelligence and satellite images have revealed.

It is the first time the Gulf state has managed to manufacture its own weapons of the class, though it has purchased ballistic missiles from China in the past.

The development is likely to threaten the balance of power in the Middle East cold war between Saudi Arabia and Iran and could derail negotiations to revive Tehran's 2015 nuclear deal with the US.

New satellite images dated between October 26 and November 6, 2021 show a base capable of building ballistic missiles near Dawadmi in central Saudi Arabia.

The pictures, reviewed by CNN, were described by sources familiar with the latest intelligence as the 'first unambiguous evidence' that Saudi Arabia has the capability to produce ballistic missiles.

It was not immediately clear exactly how Saudi Arabia gained access to sensitive ballistic missile technology but the report said senior US officials had been briefed on intelligence showing China had shared the information.

Satellite images have revealed that Saudi Arabia has started building its own ballistic missiles with China's help at a top secret base

The Dawadmi site, in central Saudi Arabia, which was built with Chinese help, features a 'burn pit' for the disposal of solid-propellant used in the manufacture of ballistic missiles

Saudi Arabia's development of ballistic missiles (pictured, in Iran in January 15) is likely to threaten the balance of power in the Middle East cold war between Saudi Arabia and Iran and could derail negotiations to revive Tehran's 2015 nuclear deal with the US

Experts who reviewed the images, taken by commercial imaging firm Planet, said the Dawadmi site was consistent with a missile manufacturing plant.

The site, which was built with Chinese help, features a 'burn pit' for the disposal of solid-propellant used in the manufacture of ballistic missiles.

The find was described as a 'key piece of evidence' that the facility it involved in the 'production of ballistic missiles', said Jeffrey Lewis, weapons expert and professor at the Middlebury Institute of International Studies who reviewed the images for CNN.

'Casting rocket motors results in leftover propellant, which is an explosive hazard. Solid-propellant missile production facilities often have burn pits where leftover propellant can be disposed of by burning.

'Burn operations are, therefore, a strong signature that the facility is actively casting solid rocket motors,' he said.

Two sources familiar with recent security briefings said US intelligence shows China sent several mass transfers of sensitive information to Saudi Arabia.

It was not immediately clear exactly how Saudi Arabia gained access to sensitive ballistic missile technology but the report said senior US officials had been briefed on intelligence showing China had shared the information (pictured, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman)

Reports that China was helping Saudi Arabia develop weapons were first reported in 2019 by CNN, which cited US intelligence sources.

It was not immediately clear what range or payload Saudi Arabia's missiles have, though it would appear likely they are similar to those in China's arsenal.

But in another twist, intelligence suggests Saudi Arabia has also sought sensitive ballistic missile technology from other nations, making it difficult to pinpoint the type of weapons being built in Dawadmi.

The CIA declined MailOnline requests for comment on the allegations. The Saudi Arabian and Chinese Embassies in London had not responded prior to publication.

The revelation is likely to send ripples through the Middle East where rival powers Saudi Arabia and Iran, which has its own missiles, are locked in a quasi cold war.

It is unlikely Iran or Saudi Arabia, two of the largest actors in the region, will agree to stop making missiles if the other is allowed to continue.

'While significant attention has been focused on Iran's large ballistic missile program, Saudi Arabia's development and now production of ballistic missiles has not received the same level of scrutiny,' Lewis told CNN.

'The domestic production of ballistic missiles by Saudi Arabia suggests that any diplomatic effort to control missile proliferation would need to involve other regional actors, like Saudi Arabia and Israel, that produce their own ballistic missiles.'

The revelation is likely to send ripples through the Middle East where rival powers Saudi Arabia and Iran, which has its own missiles, (pictured on January 16) are locked in a quasi cold war

Rows of missiles are stashed in an underground depot in Iran, were seen in footage broadcast by state TV in March as presenters boasted about the new so-called 'missile city'

In a wider fallout from the new intelligence, Saudi capabilities could scupper US efforts to revive the 2015 nuclear agreement with Teheran.

In November 2020, Saudi Arabia's then-foreign minister warned it would develop nuclear weapons if Iran became a nuclear power.

Adel al-Jubeir said it was 'definitely an option' for the Middle-Eastern state to develop nuclear capabilities if its rival Iran could not be stopped from making one, adding that other countries would likely do the same.

The latest revelation comes after Iran's Revolutionary Guards fired ballistic and cruise missiles on Tuesday during war games in the Gulf.

'The use of ballistic missiles by the Revolutionary Guards' navy is a new concept ... and they hit their targets with 100% precision,' Guards chief General Hossein Salami told the broadcaster.

Iran has said its ballistic missiles have a range of 2,000 km (1,200 miles) and are capable of reaching arch-foe Israel, Saudi Arabia and US bases in the region.
Sydney's New Year's Eve fireworks spectacular will go ahead as planned despite record Covid cases and new restrictions threatening to spoil the party.

Pressure mounted on Dominic Perrottet to call off the world-renown celebration as NSW diagnosed a record 5,715 coronavirus infections on Thursday.

But policymakers and health officials are still eager for the event to go ahead after a hellish year that had Sydneysiders in lockdown for more than four months.

Sydney's New Year's Eve fireworks spectacular will go ahead as planned despite record Covid cases and a raft of new restrictions

Policymakers and health officials are still eager for the event to go ahead after a hellish year that saw Sydneysiders in lockdown for over four months.

NSW reintroduced mandatory mask-wearing indoors and imposed capacity limits on restaurants and bars in a huge U-turn to tackle the Omicron Covid strain just a week after relaxing the rules.

Premier Perrottet also reinstated QR-code check-ins, encouraged working from home and urged Australians to only get tested if they are feeling unwell.

It was an astonishing backflip by Mr Perrottet given he has railed against mask mandates and preached personal responsibility in the past week, backed up by Prime Minister Scott Morrison.

However, new rules should not affect the fireworks display as masks and capacity limits only apply indoors.

But the hundreds of thousands of spectators expected to line the harbour for the fireworks display are urged to take precautions and wear face coverings and 'not mingle'.

Pressure is mounting on Dominic Perrottet (pictured) to call off the world-renown celebration as New South Wales climbed to a record 5715 infections on Thursday

Fireworks explode over the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge as New Year celebrations begin in Sydney

In fact, NSW's top doctor warned that partygoers should avoid 'fun' activities such as singing and dancing to help curb surging Covid infections over Christmas.

Chief health officer Kerry Chant discouraged close-contact activities as NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet reintroduced QR code check-ins and mandatory mask rules indoors on Thursday.

'We are discouraging activities we know are associated with increased transmission... singing, dancing, things often associated with fun,' she said.

'At this time of year we have to tell it as it is in terms of what carries the most risk, particularly in indoor environments.'

Dr Chant's warning came despite her admitting Australians were up to 80 per cent less likely to need hospital treatment if they catch the Omicron strain rather than its Delta predecessor.

NSW Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant discouraged close-contact activities 'associated with fun' such as singing and dancing on Thursday

However she said 70 per cent of the state's new cases were being found in the 10 to 39-year-old age category.

'We want to see people get out and about and socialise as we transition to living with Covid,' Dr Chant said.

'But the fact is you don't have the transmission prevention benefit from the vaccine, we are actually seeing an escalating number of cases.'

She said family gatherings over Christmas should be socially distanced and held outdoors where possible to reduce the risk of transmission.

As well as reintroducing mask mandates, Mr Perrottet also encouraged working from home and urged Aussies to only get tested if they are feeling unwell.

The move is an astonishing backflip by the state leader given he has railed against mask mandates and preached personal responsibility in the past week.

QR code check-ins and mask rules indoors are mandatory again in NSW. Pictured are Sydneysiders in party mode on December 17 in the build-up to Christmas

Victoria reintroduced indoor masks earlier on Thursday after a similar daily increase of 2,005 infections.

Amid huge testing queues across the state, Mr Perrottet urged Aussies to only get tested if they are ill and said free rapid antigen tests will be available at vaccination centres, GPs and pharmacies next year.

Hospitality venues will have a one person per two square metres rule imposed from December 27 until January 27.

Masks indoors, except at private homes, will also be mandated until January 27.

Pictured is a Sydney nightclub. Dr Chant said NSW residents should avoid 'fun' activities such as singing and dancing to help curb surging Covid infections

Earlier this week Mr Perrottet said he didn't want mask mandates because he wanted to treat people 'like adults' and let them decide for themselves.

'We believe today's changes are modest, cautious, takes a precautionary approach as we move through this holiday period to the end of January,' he said.

'The system is in a very strong position. Our ICU numbers remain low at 45. That is incredibly pleasing.

Premier Perrottet has reintroduced mask mandates

'We believe the changes that we are making today will ensure that our health system is well manned over the holiday season as we go through this next stage.

'Our number one priority is to keep people safe. We continue to open up the economy safely and are incredibly confident that New South Wales and our great people have made an enormous efforts and sacrifices over this period of time.'

Mr Perrottet said he has received health advice that the Omicron strain is 'five times less severe' than Delta but more data was needed to make sure.

Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant said 80 per cent of cases in NSW were the more infectious Omicron strain and this explains the sharp increase.

'Pulling together multiple pieces of evidence from overseas countries such as South Africa and the UK, and using some of our own emerging data, it indicates that infection with Omicron is likely to be milder than infection with Delta, with the risk of hospitalisation being around 60 to 80 per cent less than for Delta,' she said.

'But the issue is the increased transmissibility, leading to high case numbers. And the impact this is having on vulnerable settings, vulnerable people and critical workforces.'

VICTORIA AND NSW'S NEW RULES NSW From 12am Friday: Masks mandated indoors except private homes until 27 January Hospitality venues will have a one person per two square metres rule imposed from December 27 until January 27 Working from home recommended Only get PCR tested if you are ill or directed to by NSW Health Victoria From 11.59pm Thursday: Face masks are mandatory in all indoor settings in Victoria, except private homes, for anyone aged eight or over. Face masks are required at all major events with more than 30,000 people. Victorians should work from home if they can. Hospitality venues are recommended to switch to a seated-only service. Advertisement

Mr Perrottet said there are about 1,500 health workers today unable to go to work because they are sick or have to get Covid tests.

Health Minister Brad Hazzard said too many people are getting tested even though they don't have symptoms, pushing out the testing times.

'Many people waiting hours in queues, particularly as we come into Christmas.

'We're doing everything we can to alleviate that pressure. In addition to the PCR testing, if you're unwell and those people from New South Wales... if you aren't feeling unwell, please do not get a PCR test.'

About 20 per cent of testing is for travellers leaving the state, prompting Mr Perrottet to petition other premiers to relax their testing requirements.
Donald Trump said Wednesday that people unvaccinated against coronavirus are the ones getting 'very sick' as he pushed back against conservative Candace Owens by claiming all Americans should get the jab while he again took credit for its creation.

'I came up with a vaccine  with three vaccines,' Trump told the Daily Wire host, referring to the development of the Moderna, Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson vaccines while he was still president. 'All are very, very good. Came up with three of them in less than nine months. It was supposed to take five to 12 years.'

Owens interjected: 'Yet more people have died under COVID this year, by the way, under Joe Biden, then under you and more people took the vaccine this year. So people are questioning how '

But the former president interrupted Owens, assuring: 'Oh no, the vaccine work (sic), but some people aren't the ones. The ones who get very sick and go to the hospital are the ones that don't take the vaccine. But it's still their choice.'

'And if you take the vaccine, you're protected,' he continued. 'Look, the results of the vaccine are very good, and if you do get it, it's a very minor form. People aren't dying when they take the vaccine.'

So far 61.6 per cent of Americans are fully vaccinated, but that isn't stopping a holiday surge in case rates. And some states are seeing numbers of new cases exceeding any other points during the pandemic as the highly transmissible Omicron variant continues to spread across the nation.

COVID cases in the U.S. have soared by 38 per cent in the last 24 hours to 238,278 new infections as the Omicron variant continues to spread, with some states seeing cases rocket by up to 670 per cent.

Thursday's update in infection numbers from Johns Hopkins University saw diagnoses climb from 172,072 for the previous day. Deaths were also up slightly, from 2,093 yesterday to 2,204 today.

Hospitalizations sit just under 63,000, including almost 16,000 COVID patients receiving intensive care treatment, according to analysis by the New York Times. That is an 11 per cent increase on a fortnight previously, but still well below the winter 2020 peak of almost 130,000 in hospital, 30,000 of whom were in ICU.

Experts have warned that the virus could infect 140 million people between January and March - 60 percent of all Americans.

Donald Trump urged Americans to get vaccinated, arguing: 'If you take the vaccine, you're protected. Look, the results of the vaccine are very good, and if you do get it, it's a very minor form. People aren't dying when they take the vaccine'

Democrats jumped on Trump's comments to promote the vaccine. White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki tweeted: 'Just going to echo former President Trump here on the safety and efficacy of the vaccines. Merry Christmas eve eve. go get boosted'

Pushing the vaccine is one of the only issues where Trump is at odds with the majority of his base. Vaccine rates dipped over the summer, but are back on the rise as the Omicron variant spreads through the U.S.

America's biggest vaccine holdouts aren't Republicans - they're young people who think COVID only poses a risk to the elderly, new data analysis finds Americans who've avoided getting a COVID vaccine are more likely to have done so because they're young, and not because they're right wing, recent data analysis has found. Professor Anthony DiMaggio, who heads the political science department at Lehigh University, said the contrast in vaccination updates between Americans aged over 65 and under was far more marked than the difference in shot uptake between Democrats and Republicans. One of the sets of data analysis that DiMaggio analyzed, from Pew University, found that just 66 per cent of Americans aged 18 and 29 had received at least one COVID vaccine dose when polled over the summer. That was in marked contrast to the 86 per cent of people aged 65 and up. Breaking vaccination rates down by political party, 80 per cent of Republicans aged 65 and up told Pew researchers they'd received at least one dose - well above the 72 per cent national average, with just 45 per cent of Republicans aged 18 to 29 saying they'd had one or more shots when polled at the same time. A study showed that among all age groups, Democrats were more likely to be inoculated. It also reflected that inoculation rates dropped with each age bracket Research from the Mayo Clinic also found older Americans were far more likely to be vaccinated than younger people Democrats were more vaccinated overall - with 94 per cent of those aged 65 and up getting at least one jab at the time of the Pew polling. But that dropped by 13 per cent to the 81 per cent of 18-29 year-old Dems who told researchers they'd been inoculated against the virus. Data from the Mayo Clinic also shows similar discrepancies among age groups. It did not separate patients by political affiliation, but 84.6% of people aged 75 and up said they'd had the shot. The update was even higher among 65 to 74 year-olds, at 90 per cent, but plunged to just 58.4 per cent among people aged 18 to 24. Dimaggio in a Salon.com column hypothesized that those younger than 65 don't believe they're at risk of suffering Covid-related complications and thus don't feel the vaccine is necessary. Advertisement

Joe Biden's White House press secretary used Trump's comments Wednesday to promote Americans getting vaccines.

'We are grateful that the former president got the booster,' Jen Psaki said during her briefing on Thursday. 'We're also grateful that he made clear in a recent interview that they're effective and they're safe, and that's an important issue for anyone to hear.'

'This isn't a partisan issue, this is about saving lives, communicating accurate information, pushing back against inaccurate information, and in this particular case, the former president did that,' she said in rare praise of Biden's predecessor.

When asked if there's a potential partnership in the future, Psaki said: 'I don't know that we think it requires a partnership.'

'I think we believe that the former president being out there and stating what is factually accurate about the efficacy of vaccines, of getting booster which he recently did of course, is a good thing, right? And it's a good thing to have a range of voices out there - Democrats, Republicans, independents, celebrities, non-celebrities, whomever people will be listening to out in the country.'

'But certainly we would applaud, and have, the former president's comments.'

Jen Psaki, in sharing a clip of the interview, tweeted Thursday: 'Just going to echo former President Trump here on the safety and efficacy of the vaccines. Merry Christmas eve eve. go get boosted'.

Anti-Trump Republican representative, Peter Meijer, also reposted the video and wrote: 'If you haven't already, please get one of the amazing COVID vaccines. I did (vax+booster).'

'If you don't want to take my word for it,' the Michigan congressman added, 'take the word of former President Trump. He got vax and booster too. Or ask your doctor or any other trusted source (not Facebook or YouTube!)'

Trump praised the vaccine and urged people to get it, which goes against a large portion of his base, but also opposed the increasing number of mandates related to masking and vaccinations.

'Forget about the mandates, people have to have their freedom,' Trump told Owens in the interview that aired Wednesday.

'But at the same time, the vaccine is one of the greatest achievements of mankind.'

Trump, 75, said over the weekend when appearing with Bill O'Reilly in Texas that he has received his booster shot.

He has long been an advocate for people getting the vaccine, claiming it is safe and was developed under his presidency.

In rare moments, Trump has been booed by his supporters at rallies and other public appearances when he says they should get vaccinated against COVID-19.

The 45th president on Tuesday evening said he was 'very appreciative' of President Joe Biden paying tribute to his administration's efforts to create the vaccine - adding that he was 'surprised to hear it.'

Biden several hours prior had commended his predecessor for leading efforts to make the U.S. one of the first countries in the world to get a vaccine against COVID-19.

'Thanks to the prior administration and our scientific community, America is one of the first countries to get the vaccine,' Biden said Tuesday afternoon.

'Thanks to my administration and the hard work of Americans, we led a rollout that made America among the world leaders in getting shots in arms,' the president added.

Trump, who has frequently complained about not getting enough credit for his decisions in pushing the vaccine manufacture, said he was pleasantly surprised by the president's words.

'I'm very appreciative of that - I was surprised to hear it,' Trump told Fox News Digital.

Trump said he was surprised when Joe Biden praised the previous administration for its strides on getting the vaccine developed

Trump also told Fox News of Biden's comment: 'I think it was a terrific thing, and I think it makes a lot of people happy.

'I think he did something very good.

'You know, it has to be a process of healing in this country, and that will help a lot.'

The 75-year-old - who on Sunday was booed during a tour stop with former Fox News anchor Bill O'Reilly, when he confirmed he had had the booster shot - said Americans should be 'really happy' about having access to vaccines.

'When we came up with these incredible vaccines - three of them - and therapeutics, we did a tremendous job, and we should never disparage them,' Trump said.

'We should be really happy about it because we've all saved millions and millions of lives all over the world.'

Trump in May 2020 announced Operation Warp Speed (OWS) - a partnership between the Departments of Health and Human Services and Defense - aimed to help accelerate the development of a COVID-19 vaccine.

OWS has invested an estimated $18 billion, mostly in the late-stage clinical development and early manufacturing of COVID-19 vaccines, and has agreements in place to buy 455 million doses.

The scheme is by far the largest of the global efforts for development of COVID-19 vaccines.

By comparison, the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) - founded in Davos by the governments of Norway and India, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Wellcome, and the World Economic Forum - has invested $14 billion in support of the development of COVID-19 vaccines.

Their vaccines, unlike those from OWS, are intended for a global audience.

Trump in December 2020 also signed an executive order that would ensure all Americans had access to coronavirus vaccines before the U.S. government could begin aiding nations around the world.

Infection rates are massively spiking with the emergence and spread of the Omicron variant just days before Christmas

'This is a great thing that we all did,' Trump said, referring to the roll-out of the COVID-19 vaccines.

'I may have been the vehicle, but we all did this together.'

Biden and Trump spoke as COVID-19 is once again surging across the U.S., and the new Omicron variant is gaining ground.

On Tuesday cases nationwide were up 29 per cent compared to two weeks ago, and deaths were up four per cent.

In Trump's hometown of New York City, cases have surged in recent days to more than 15,000 on Monday - the highest level since at least January and about four times the number of cases recorded just one week earlier.

Hospitalizations in the city have been rising over the past month but are still at less than half the level of last winter's peak, reaching about 270 new admissions a day on Monday, according to New York State figures.

The city's mayor, Bill de Blasio, on Tuesday offered $100 for any New Yorker who have not received their booster to do so.

Trump said vaccinations and the booster were the answer.

'You have to embrace it. You don't have to do it, and there can't be mandates and all those things, but you have to embrace it,' he said.

'It's a matter of getting people out to, ideally, get the vaccine.

'If you have the mandate, the mandate will destroy people's lives - it destroys people's lives, just as the vaccine saves people.'

He added: 'I think that it's really a question of tone. It's a question of trust, and hopefully, the people that have had COVID, hopefully they will be given credit for that.'

Trump predicted that those who have already been infected with COVID-19 are 'in pretty good shape of not getting it again, or getting it in a much lighter way.'

'They probably won't catch it, but if they do get it, it's not going to be nearly as severe, and there probably won't be hospitals involved,' Trump said.

The only person in the U.S. confirmed to have died from Omicron so far is someone who had already caught COVID before.

Asked what he thought of Biden's strategy of ending travel from Southern African nations, but continuing domestic and international travel, Trump demurred.

'It is a little tough to be overly critical now, because he just thanked us for the vaccine and thanked me for what I did,' Trump said.

'You know, that's a first - so it is very tough for me to be overly critical now.

'But, you know, we did shut it down, and we were criticized by some  we weren't criticized by all.

'And ultimately, they said we did the right thing. I think we saved hundreds of thousands of lives in our country by closing it down to China and then ultimately closing it down to Europe very early.

'I think people understand that now.'
A senior executive at the country's leading authority on workplace behaviour was fired for sexual harassment after he asked a younger female colleague if she'd 'done a Basic Instinct' to try to earn a promotion.

John Woods, from London, bombarded junior employees with suggestive text messages, suggested 'sex bets' with them, and even left a pair of knickers on one woman's desk.

When challenged, the Deputy Chief Conciliator for Acas - which makes rules for how employers and employees should behave - moaned that the MeToo movement had 'changed the rules' and 'lowered the bar for sexual harassment'.

The long-serving executive was fired for gross misconduct but sued Acas for unfair dismissal - a case he has now won because his employer was found not to have followed its own rules in sacking him.

However, he will not receive compensation after an employment tribunal ruled was guilty of multiple counts of shocking sex harassment.

The hearing was told married Woods, also Head of Collective Conciliation and Arbitration at Acas, was part of the public body's senior leadership team, having worked there for nearly 40 years until he was sacked in July 2019.

In 2018, following a complaint by a junior female employee who had had a consensual sexual relationship with him, details about his 'sexually predatory behaviour' began to emerge for the first time.

Long-serving Acas executive John Woods, of Colchester, Essex, was fired for gross misconduct but sued his employer for unfair dismissal - a case he has now won because his employer was found not to have followed its own rules in sacking him

Woods, pictured above in 2016, sent suggestive messages to his peer and even once left a pair of knickers on a younger female employee's desk

An internal Acas investigation found as many as 10 women - who were up to 30 years younger than him - felt subjected to inappropriate behaviour by Woods dating back five years.

Woods said one woman had a 'nice pair of pins', placed his hand on one co-worker's thigh, invited another to his hotel room for sex during a course, and sent 'barrages' of texts with 'innuendo, compliments and kisses'.

He 'ostentatiously' returned a pair of knickers to a junior colleague, referred to in the tribunal ruling only as 'L', by placing them on her desk at work.

He asked colleague 'P' if she 'did a Basic Instinct' during a promotion interview, suggesting she had shown off her naked body in the same way seductive character Catherine Tramell - played by Sharon Stone - does in the classic thriller.

Woods suggested having 'sex bets' with another woman, E, and L, made comments about appearances, sent photos of L in a bikini to E, and was 'flirtatious' with many women.

At one point Woods asked a younger female colleague if she'd 'done a Basic Instinct' to try to win promotion, a reference to Sharon Stone's character stripping naked in the acclaimed 1992 hit film

He also sent a photograph to a co-worker of his legs while he was on holiday, joking that he was wearing her knickers, the panel heard.

Colleagues said that although they didn't realise it at first, they later felt they were being 'groomed' and 'gaslighted' by 'creepy' Woods, the tribunal was told. Women repeatedly rejected his advances and told him to 'f*** off'.

The panel in central London heard: 'There was evidence of a pattern of behaviour of Woods making approaches towards new, young female colleagues.

'He is described as being persistent and employees not being able to deal with the behaviour due to his seniority and individuals being new to the organisation.

'The investigation identified inappropriate behaviour / comments by Woods going back 5 years. There is some evidence which supports the fact that Woods is perceived as being very powerful and influential within Acas.'

One text he sent a colleague said: 'My weakness, anyway, is my fascination with changeling looks* your face alters so much, from soft, classically beautiful to*well, all sorts of things.

'Can you please return to a minimum reply time of two days in replying to my texts - if you reply at all? Give them the respect they deserve, for heaven's sake*'

In another, he told a woman she reminded him of 'girls at school' who promise to show their knickers but 'bend your fingers right back and give you Chinese burns'.

Woods, who engaged in sexual relationships with some of the women, was suspended and sacked at a disciplinary hearing for gross misconduct in 2019.

But, he moaned: 'Things have changed since the MeToo movement, I don't like it but I can understand it. It seems that the rules have changed.'

He also complained 'the MeToo campaign had lowered the bar for sexual harassment'.

The tribunal report added: 'Woods agreed that he had a flirtatious manner but did not agree that this was the same as sexual harassment.

'He also agreed that he preferred the company of women to men but was friendly and outgoing towards colleagues of both these sexes.'

Woods (pictured) is said to have moaned: 'Things have changed since the MeToo movement, I don't like it but I can understand it. It seems that the rules have changed'

Employment Judge David Khan said Woods showed no 'remorse' and breached his position of trust.

Judge Khan said: 'It is relevant that Woods was in a senior leadership role and a position of trust as well as authority. There was therefore a demonstrable pattern of harassing conduct by Woods which was directed at junior female colleagues.

'He showed no insight or remorse into the impact that his actions had on his colleagues although he acknowledged, at his appeal, that some of his colleagues could no longer work with him...

'Woods also felt that the MeToo movement had made it easier to substantiate sexual harassment complaints.'

Despite finding that Acas was within its rights to sack him, the judge found there were faults in the technicalities of its procedure as witnesses were unfairly anonymised from him and he was not given their statements.

'The steps taken by Acas in relation to anonymity went beyond its own internal and external policies and guidance', the judge said.

'I take into account the fact that Acas is responsible for the provision of codes of practice and guidance on workplace procedures and also on advising the public on their application.'

Judge Khan criticised Acas for breaking its own rules in this case and upheld Woods claim that he had been unfairly dismissed.

However, the judge ordered that he will not receive any compensation as his behaviour was deemed to be so bad that if the process had been properly followed he would have been sacked for gross misconduct anyway.

In response to the tribunal's findings, an Acas spokesperson said: 'Everyone should be treated with dignity and respect at work and Acas does not tolerate any form of bullying, harassment, discrimination or inappropriate behaviour.

'We take any allegation of misconduct and sexual harassment very seriously and we dismissed the person concerned following a disciplinary process.

'We note the tribunals judgement and are learning from this case to improve our disciplinary procedures.'
Kamala Harris has told her inner circle she would get better press coverage if she was one of her 48 white, male predecessors and has turned to Hillary Clinton for advice in the face of low approval ratings, according to a new report on Thursday.

And she has concluded she would get better treatment in the media if she were white and male like all of her predecessors, telling her allies as much.

Harris has contended with departing aides and gripes about her leadership style, amid complaints from within her circle about the difficult tasks she has been assigned, including dealing with 'root causes' of migration.

For guidance she has sought out for Clinton, who lost the 2016 election to Donald Trump, and famously once complained about a 'right wing conspiracy' against her.

The former senator from New York who served as secretary of state under Barack Obama said Harris isn't being treated equally.

'There is a double standard; it's sadly alive and well,' the told the New York Times.

'A lot of what is being used to judge her, just like it was to judge me, or the women who ran in 2020, or everybody else, is really colored by that,' she said.

Kamala Harris has told her inner circle she would get better press coverage if she was one of her 48 white, male predecessors and has turned to Hillary Clinton for advice in the face of low approval ratings, according to a new report on Thursday

Clinton's devoted parts of her post-election book, What Happened, to identifying a host of causes for her own defeat.

Among them were former FBI Director James Comey, the media for focusing on her emails, the New York Times in particular, Russian President Vladimir Putin for the hacking effort, and Sen. Bernie Sanders for his internecine attacks.

Faced with her own attacks by Republicans amid critical media coverage, Harris 'has turned to powerful confidantes, including Clinton, to help plot a path forward,' the Times reported. She hosted Clinton in her West Wing office in November, the paper reported.

The paper reported on Harris' struggles in a detailed story that does not have a quote from the vice president, who flew home to Los Angeles Wednesday as her office revealed Harris had come in close contact with an aide Tuesday who later tested positive for the coronavirus.

'Ms. Harris has privately told her allies that the news coverage of her would be different if she were any of her 48 predecessors, all of whom were white and male,' according to the account. 'She also has confided in them about the difficulties she is facing with the intractable issues in her portfolio, such as voting rights and the root causes of migration.'

If Harris is indeed complaining about the voting rights portfolio, it is an issue that President Biden has called paramount, even amid unanimous GOP opposition to Democratic efforts.

'It's the single-biggest issue,' Biden said last week, amid the apparent collapse of his Build Back Better package. 'There's nothing domestically more important.'

Harris has contended with departing aides and gripes about her leadership style, amid complaints from within her circle about the difficult tasks she has been assigned by Biden, including dealing with 'root causes' of the border crisis

Defending Harris in the piece are longtime ally Rep. Karen Bass (D-Calif.) and Transportation Sec. Pete Buttigieg, who challenged Harris and Joe Biden during the 2020 primaries.

'What the White House could've done is been clearer with the expectations of what was supposed to happen under her watch,' said Bass.

Said Buttigieg, who has drawn mostly positive coverage during his own tenure, while taking some hits in the media for his two month paternity leave after adopting twins: 'I think it's no secret that the different things she has been asked to take on are incredibly demanding, not always well understood publicly and take a lot of work as well as a lot of skill,' he said, having been tasked with selling the more popular bipartisan infrastructure bill.

'You have to do everything except one thing, which is take credit,' he said.

Harris is the first black woman to ever fill the vice presidential role, which has long been derided as a difficult job  although in recent years vice presidents have become key advisors and powers in their own right.

She has also reached out to former secretaries of state Madeleine Albright and Condoleezza Rice, as well as former German Chancellor Angela Merkel.

The article begins with an anecdote about a summer meeting where Biden was cranking up his efforts to get the support of Sen. Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.).

Instead of asking for her strategy assessment  Harris served alongside Manchin in the Senate  Biden asked her to come by and say a 'quick hello' before exiting, it says. Biden himself served 36 years in the Senate and served two terms as vice president, when he helped steer Obama legislation through the Senate.
Sen. Chris Coons became the 10th member of Congress to test positive for COVID-19 this week as the omicron variant has let to a spike in cases in Washington, D.C. and across the country.

'In recent weeks I have been tested for COVID-19 regularly, both with rapid tests and PCR tests, and last night I got bad news  I tested positive,' he tweeted Thursday. 'I have minimal symptoms so far and am optimistic I will recover well after isolating and following CDC guidelines.'

Coons, who represents Delaware, is one of the president's top allies on Capitol Hill.

He follows Reps. Jan Schakowsky and Jim Clyburn in announcing a positive COVID-19 test.

Sen. Chris Coons became the 10th member of Congress to test positive for COVID-19 this week

Washington, D.C. is seeing a dramatic spike in COVID cases as the omicron variant spreads across the United States

LAWMAKERS WHO'VE TESTED POSITIVE SINCE OMICRON OUTBREAK Sen. Elizabeth Warren Sen. Cory Booker Rep. Jason Crow Rep. Matt Cartwright Rep. Antonio Delgado Rep. Nicole Malliotakis Rep. Barbara Lee Rep. Jim Clyburn Rep. Jan Schakowsky Sen. Chris Coons Advertisement

Schakowsky tweeted Wednesday night that her husband tested positive on Friday and after several negative tests the congresswoman tested positive Tuesday night. The couple is vaccinated and boosted.

'We got tested when we felt something was off, and now we can prevent exposure to our family and loved ones. I implore you to do the same before holiday gatherings this week and next,' she wrote. 'Get tested if you feel sick or have been around someone who tests positive.'

Schakowsky's tweets came shortly after Clyburn, the No. 3 Democrat and chair of the coronavirus select committee, said he tested positive for COVID - forcing him to miss his granddaughter's wedding.

'Tonight, I received a positive COVID-19 diagnosis. This is a breakthrough case, and I am asymptomatic,' the 81-year-old House Majority Whip said.

The South Carolina Democrat said it took more than 56 hours to receive his positive PCR result.

Clyburn said he took an at-home COVID test on Sunday in preparation for a family gathering.

'On Sunday, my entire family took at-home tests as a precaution prior to my granddaughter's wedding, which took place today,' he said.

The rapid test was inconclusive and, 'out of an abundance of caution,' Clyburn quarantined and took a PCR test on Monday.

House Majority Whip Jim Clyburn (pictured on Dec. 7, 2021) has tested positive for COVID-19 despite having no symptoms and being fully vaccinated with a booster

Rep. Jan Schakowsky tweeted Wednesday night that she had tested positive for COVID-19 the night before, after her husband received a positive test on Friday

As he remains quarantined, Clyburn is issuing a warning to Americans as more citizens are reporting breakthrough cases amid the surge of the now-dominant Omicron variant

He claims it took more than two days to get his positive result.

Clyburn tested negative for COVID last week ahead of President Joe Biden's visit to his alma mater, South Carolina State University.

Both men attended the university's December commencement, where Biden addressed the graduates, commending their successes amid challenging pandemic times.

Biden was then potentially exposed to COVID on Air Force One traveling between South Carolina and Philadelphia, when an aide tested positive for the virus days later.

Biden received a negative PCR result Wednesday.

Earlier in the week, seven additional lawmakers said they had contracted COVID.

They include Sens. Elizabeth Warren and Cory Booker, as well as Reps. Jason Crow, Matt Cartwright, Antonio Delgado, Barbara Lee and Nicole Malliotakis, the lone Republican.

Delgado, 44, announced Tuesday he tested positive for COVID. He's also fully vaccinated and boosted.

Clyburn (center) tested negative for COVID last week ahead of President Joe Biden's (left) visit to his alma mater, South Carolina State University

'Yesterday, I tested positive for COVID-19 and am currently experiencing mild symptoms,' he said in a statement. 'I'm grateful for the protection of a safe and effective vaccine and booster and encourage all who are able to get both.'

Prior to that, Lee and Malliotakis announced their positive COVID tests, as Washington, D.C. surpassed all other states in the nation in its coronavirus infection rate.

'This week, I received a breakthrough positive COVID-19 test result. Fortunately, I have only mild cold-like symptoms. I know it could have been much worse had I not been vaccinated and boosted,' Lee said in a statement.

'After experiencing mild symptoms and a slight fever, Congresswoman Malliotakis, who is vaccinated, tested positive for COVID-19 yesterday. She is quarantining at home and is feeling well,' her office announced.

The announcements come as Washington D.C.'s COVID cases rose by 369 percent in the past week, the largest gain in the nation, as the Omicron variant spreads across the nation.

The number is based on a seven-day rolling average of daily new cases per 100,000 residents.

Democratic Rep. Antonio Delgado of New York announced a breakthrough COVID case on Tuesday

Democratic Rep. Barbara Lee of California (left) and Republican Rep. Nicole Malliotakis (right) of New York also tested positive for COVID-19 this week

Elizabeth Warren revealed her positive diagnosis on Twitter Sunday afternoon

Warren urged others to get vaccinated amid the rise in COVID cases and the Omicron variant

Earlier Tuesday, Cartwright of Pennsylvania, announced that he, too, tested positive for COVID.

'He tested positive on Saturday,' his Communications Director Colleen Eagen Gerrity told Times News Online.

She said Cartwright, who represents an area that includes Scranton, had received two vaccine shots.

It was not known if he had received a booster shot.

He is quarantining at home after experiencing flu-like symptoms.

Crow of Colorado announced he tested positive for COVID-19 on Sunday night, hours after Warren and Booker tweeted news of their own diagnoses.

The number of members of Congress who have tested positive for the virus since the start of the outbreak in 2020 has now surpassed 100, according to a list kept by PBS News Hour.

The Senate and House have each gone home for its holiday recess, avoiding the chance of more transmission between members, although many lawmakers hold events with constituents while away from Washington.

Meanwhile, Americans nationwide are seeing a surge in COVID infections fueled by the Omicron variant.

The swift rise in infections from Omicron, first detected last month and now accounting for at least 73 percent of US cases, has caused fresh concern ahead of the Christmas holiday.

In the last seven days, the average number of US cases has risen 26 percent and cases are up 83 percent since the start of the month.

Biden on Tuesday laid out measures - including activating new pop-up vaccination clinics run by the Federal Emergency Management Agency and federal testing sites - aimed to combat the surge.

Sen. Cory Booker, a New Jersey Democrat, announced on Sunday that he had tested positive for COVID-19

Rep. Matt Cartwright, a Pennsylvania Democrat, and Rep. Jason Crow (right), a Colorado Democrat both tested positive for COVID-19 as the omicron variant created a new surge

He pledged to assist states in battling the wave of cases by providing stockpiled resources and mobilizing 1,000 troops to aid with healthcare.

The president, at the same time, offered both a warning to the unvaccinated, who he said have 'good reason to be concerned,' and reassurance that those who are inoculated can gather for the holidays despite the new variant sweeping the country.

'No this is not March of 2020,' Biden told reporters at the White House. 'Two hundred million people are fully vaccinated, we're prepared, we know more.'

Biden's remarks came after health experts said earlier this week the country would likely see record numbers of cases, hospitalizations and deaths in the weeks and months ahead.

'We are going to see a significant stress in some regions of the country on the hospital system, particularly in those areas where you have a low level of vaccination, which is one of the reasons why we continue to stress the importance of getting those unvaccinated people vaccinated,' Biden's chief medical adviser, Dr. Anthony Fauci, predicted Sunday on CNN's State of the Union.

On Wednesday, Fauci reiterated that Americans who have been vaccinated and boosted against COVID-19 can be with family over the holidays, but noted that attending large gatherings of more than 30 people is not safe, even for those who received a booster dose.

World Health Organization Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, however, called for greater caution and urged people to postpone their gatherings.
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An adorable rare piglet has been born to Chester Zoo with a striped back as it becomes one of a few hundred of its species left.

The latest arrival, unnamed for now, is one of the Visayan warty pigs, originally from the Philippines, at the zoo.

Mother Gwen, nine, and father, Tre, 10, completed their family of five on November 16.

A real-life pig in blanket has arrived for Christmas - one of the world's rarest piglets has been born at Chester Zoo.

The Visayan warty piglet is so far unnamed and is one of around 200 in the world

The male little piggy came all the way home to mum Gwen, nine, and dad Tre, ten, to complete their family of five.

These forest-dwelling pigs are listed as critically endangered by the International Union of Conservation for Nature (IUCN).

The species has suffered a drastic population decline in the wild with 200 estimated to be left.

Agricultural expansion and logging have devastated vast amounts of their native habitat.

The pigs are also hunted for their meat and persecuted for raiding crops - making them one of the rarest wild pigs on the planet.

The species has suffered a drastic population decline in the wild. Agricultural expansion and logging have devastated vast amounts of their native habitat in the Philippines.

These forest-dwelling pigs are listed as critically endangered by the International Union of Conservation for Nature (IUCN)

Visayan warty pigs aren't just your average pig. During breeding season, males develop a long, protruding mane from their head, giving them a mohawk-like hairstyle.

Mark Brayshaw, curator of mammals at Chester Zoo, said: 'It's fantastic to see the birth of any animal, but when they're critically endangered and fighting for survival in the wild, it makes it even more special.

'Baby piglets are incredibly energetic and playful, and so the whole group will certainly be kept very busy over the coming months!

'Visayan warty pigs aren't just your average pig. During breeding season, males develop a long, protruding mane from their head, giving them a mohawk-like hairstyle.

'Both mum Gwen and dad Tre are named after punk rockers Gwen Stefani and Tre Cool as a result of this iconic look, and I'm sure it won't be long until we've decided a suitable name to follow in that tradition.

'Baby piglets are incredibly energetic and playful,' Mark Brayshaw, curator of mammals at Chester Zoo, said.

Gwen and dad Tre are named after punk rockers Gwen Stefani and Tre Cool

They are found in patches of the remaining rainforest on the Visayan islands in the central Philippines

Little is currently known about these animals in the wild and experts say that by working closely with them in the zoo, they can transfer knowledge to further support the animals in the wild

What is a Visayan warty pig? Rare species the Visayan warty piglet is little known about as few behavioural studies have occurred in the wild. The following is what researchers do know about this pig: They are found in patches of the remaining rainforest on the Visayan islands in the central Philippines

The decline of the species  almost to the point of extinction  is blamed on habitat loss and hunting

Females are pregnant for almost four months Source: Chester Zoor Advertisement

'Every piglet is a vital addition to the breeding programme and will help champion the plight of this fascinating, charismatic species.'

Chester Zoo's latest arrival is vitally important to the endangered species breeding programme.

Stuart Young, regional field programme manager for South East Asian Islands at Chester Zoo, explains: 'Working with Visayan warty pigs in the zoo gives us the opportunity to study these animals in a way we never would have been able to in the wild.

'However, the important knowledge gathered here at the zoo is then shared with our partners at the Talarak Foundation in Negros, the Philippines, and has helped with the reintroduction of 19 Visayan warty pigs back into the wild. The pigs were reintroduced to Bayawan Nature Reserve in Negros in July 2020, where the animals had been extinct for more than 10 years.

'We're absolutely delighted to reveal that the population is now thriving and 10 piglets have been born since they were rehomed.

'Although pigs can sometimes be overlooked, and don't gather the attention that other bigger mammals receive, they play a really important role in the ecosystem - which is why we must continue to prevent their extinction.'

Chester Zoo was the first zoo in the UK to care for Visayan warty pigs, a species that gets its name from three pairs of fleshy warts on the boar's face.

The breeding centre in the Philippines, and the nature reserve where the pigs were released, have recently been hit by a deadly typhoon causing damage to fences and buildings.

Chester Zoo is supporting the Talarak Foundation with repair costs, but extra funding is needed.

Females are pregnant for almost four months

Visayan warty pigs live in small social groups and communicate with squeaks, grunts and chirrups.

Chester Zoo was the first zoo in the UK to care for Visayan warty pigs, a species that gets its name from three pairs of fleshy warts on the boar's face
Francis' is known to use his annual Christmas address to take staff to task for their perceived moral and personal failings

85-year-old added that staff should not remain 'closed in their own little world' or feel they are indispensable

Pope Francis told cardinals, bishops and bureaucrats at the Vatican to 'embrace humility' in an Christmas annual message as he hit out at pride, self-interest and the 'glitter of our armour' he said was perverting spiritual lives and corrupting the church's mission.

In an address to the Curia, the Catholic Church's central bureaucracy, the 85-year-old Pope used the word 'humility' nearly 30 times as he took administrators to task for their perceived moral and personal failings.

His approach this year was however notably softer than in the past.

In an address to the Curia, as the Catholic Church's central bureaucracy is known, Pope Francis used the word 'humility' nearly 30 times as he took cardinals, bishops and bureaucrats to task

The 85-year-old said Vatican administrators should stick to a sober lifestyle as they help him serve the 1.3 billion Catholics across the world from its headquarters in the Vatican

He said the administrators, including cardinals and bishops as well as lower-level staff, should not remain 'closed in their own little world,' form cliques, or feel they are indispensable.

They should, instead, stick to a sober lifestyle as they help him serve the 1.3 billion Catholics across the world from its headquarters in the Vatican.

'Only by serving, and by seeing our work as service, can we be truly helpful to everyone. We are here - I myself before anyone else - to learn how to kneel and adore the Lord in his humility, not other lords in their empty trappings,' he told the administrators gathered in a Vatican hall.

'The moment comes in each individual's life when he or she desires to set aside the glitter of this world's glory for the fullness of an authentic life, with no further need for armour or masks,' he said.

The gathered cardinals and bishops were seen stone-faced as they listened to Francis lecture them in the Hall of Blessings, which was had been decked out in twinkling Christmas trees and lights.

The pope has used the occasion in the past to list what he called the 'illnesses' and 'diseases' of the Vatican's central bureaucracy

The pope has used the occasion in the past to list what he called the 'illnesses' and 'diseases' of the Vatican's central bureaucracy.

'The humble are those who are concerned not simply with the past but also with the future, since they know how to look ahead, to spread their branches, remembering the past with gratitude,' Francis added.

'The proud, on the other hand, simply repeat, grow rigid and enclose themselves in that repetition, feeling certain about what they know and fearful of anything new because they cannot control it.'

Despite fears over the Omicron variant of coronavirus, Francis is set to take part in five services of public worship over the Christmas period.

Despite fears over the Omicron variant of coronavirus, Francis is set to take part in five services of public worship over the Christmas period

A list published recently by the Vatican shows that Francis, who at 85 is one of the longest living pontifs, will celebrates midnight mass at St Peter's Basilica - although it will actually take place at the earlier time of 7.30pm on Christmas Eve.

Francis had last year moved the service earlier to allow people to return home before a curfew that was in effect as part of Italy's coronavirus restrictions.

He will give his traditional Christmas blessing 'urbi et orbi' (to the city and the world) speech on Christmas Day.

Other festive events include the Feast of Mary, Mother of God on December 31, and the Feast of the Epiphany on January 6.

The Vatican still checks people's temperatures as they enter St Peters Basilica, requires everyone to wear masks and has arranged seating to keep distance between the congregation.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration on Thursday authorized Merck's antiviral pill for COVID-19, after giving the go-ahead to a similar treatment from Pfizer Inc. a day earlier.

Merck's drug, molnupiravir, developed with Ridgeback Biotherapeutics, was shown to reduce hospitalizations and deaths by around 30% in a clinical trial of high-risk individuals early in the course of the illness.

The agency authorized the oral drug for the treatment of mild-to-moderate Covid in adults who are at risk for severe disease. It will also carry a warning against use during pregnancy, and women of childbearing age should use birth control during treatment.

On Wednesday, US health regulators issued emergency authorization for Pfizer's Paxlovid, a pill that is available by prescription only and should be initiated as soon as possible after diagnosis of Covid and within five days of symptom onset.

The long-awaited milestone comes as U.S. cases, hospitalizations and deaths are all rising and health officials warn of a tsunami of new infections from the Omicron variant that could overwhelm hospitals.

However, the requirement for a Covid diagnosis prior to receiving either pill is a concern for some experts, who worry it may be unrealistic for patients to get tested and obtain a prescription within the first five days of their infection.

US experts have warned that the virus could infect 140 million people between January and March - 60 percent of all Americans.

America is currently averaging 148,384 daily cases, a 23 percent increase from two weeks ago, and Omicron cases have increased by 19 percent day-over-day to about 2,084.

On Wednesday, the US recorded a staggering 238,378 new daily infections, and 2,024 new deaths. Since the start of the pandemic, the US has recorded 51.5 million cases of Covid and 812,069 deaths.

The Omicron variant now accounts for 73 percent of new cases in the US and pushes Europe to the brink of fresh lockdowns. In hard-hit states like New York, the variant is estimated to account for more than 90 percent of cases. So far, it has been confirmed in 2,756 cases and accounts for at least one death in a man in Texas.

Merck's drug, molnupiravir, developed with Ridgeback Biotherapeutics, was shown to reduce hospitalizations and deaths by around 30% in a clinical trial of high-risk individuals early in the course of the illness. The agency authorized the oral drug for the treatment of mild-to-moderate Covid in adults who are at risk for severe disease. It will also carry a warning against use during pregnancy, and women of childbearing age should use birth control during treatment

Pfizer's antiviral drug cuts the risk of hospitalization and death by 90% while Merck's pill reduces the risk by 30% Pharmaceutical companies Pfizer and Merck have both developed antiviral, oral drugs that reduce the risk of severe Covid symptoms. As oral pills, these drugs are much easier for patients to take compared to existing Covid drugs that require patients to receive treatment at a medical center. Pfizers treatment, Paxlovid, is a combination of two drugs: one stops the coronavirus from replicating in the body while the other helps the first drug remain in the body for a long period of time. In clinical trials, Pfizers drug reduced the risk of hospitalization and death for high-risk Covid patients by 90 percent. Mercks drug, molnupiravir, only reduced these risks by 30 percent. Molnupiravir also prevents the coronavirus from replicating in the body, but it uses a different biological mechanism from Paxlovid. Both pills are expected to be effective against Omicron because they dont target the coronavirus spike protein, the part of this variant thats most different from other strains. Mercks drug is more risky for women of childbearing age, particularly those who are pregnant. The FDAs label for this drug says that women should use birth control during treatment and for a few days after. In addition, some scientists are concerned that Mercks drug could cause mutations human fetuses and even spur more virulent strains of the coronavirus - because it works by inserting errors into the virus genetic code. Advertisement

Known as molnupiravir, the Merck drug will carry a warning against use during pregnancy. Women of childbearing age should use birth control during treatment and for a few days after while men should use birth control for at least three months after their final dose, the FDA said.

The restrictions were expected after an FDA advisory panel only narrowly endorsed the drug last month, warning that its use would have to be strictly tailored to patients who can benefit the most.

The Pfizer pill works differently and doesn't carry the same risks. Additionally, Pfizer's drug was roughly three times more effective in testing, reducing hospitalization and death by nearly 90% among high-risk patients, compared with 30% for Merck's.

Some experts question whether there will be much of a role for the Merck drug in the U.S.

'To the extent that there's an ample supply of Pfizer's pill, I think it won't be used,' said Dr. Gregory Poland of the Mayo Clinic, referring to the Merck drug. 'There would be no reason, given it has less efficacy and a higher risk of side effects.'

Antiviral pills, including Merck's, are expected to be effective against omicron because they dont target the spike protein where most of the variants worrisome mutations reside.

The FDA based its decision on results showing nearly 7% of patients taking the drug ended up in the hospital and one died at the end of 30 days. That compared with 10% of patients hospitalized who were taking the placebo and nine deaths.

Federal officials have agreed to purchase enough of the drug to treat 3.1 million people.

The U.S. will pay about $700 for each course of Merck's drug, which requires patients to take four pills twice a day for five days. A review by Harvard University and Kings College London estimated it costs about $18 to make each 40-pill course of treatment.

Merck's drug inserts tiny errors into the coronavirus' genetic code to slow its reproduction. That genetic effect has raised concerns that the drug could cause mutations in human fetuses and even spur more virulent strains of the virus. But FDA scientists said the variant risk is largely theoretical because people take the drug for such a short period of time.

The FDA said on Wednesday that the Pfizer drug is 'the first treatment for Covid that is in the form of a pill that is taken orally  a major step forward in the fight against this global pandemic.'

'The authorization of the Merck and Pfizer drugs provides a new tool to combat Covid at a crucial time in the pandemic as new variants emerge and promises to make antiviral treatment more accessible to patients who are at high risk for progression to severe Covid.'

On Wednesday, the US recorded a staggering 238,378 new daily infections. Since the start of the pandemic, the US has seen more than 51.5 million Covid cases

On Wednesday, the US recorded 2,024 new deaths. Since the start of the pandemic, the US has recorded 812,069 deaths

Pfizer's drug, Paxlovid, is a faster, cheaper way to treat early Covid infections, though initial supplies will be extremely limited. All of the previously authorized drugs against the disease require an IV or an injection.

Although Merck's antiviral pill has now been given approval, Pfizer's drug is all but certain to be the preferred option because of its mild side effects and superior effectiveness, including a nearly 90 percent reduction in hospitalizations and deaths among patients most likely to get severe disease.

'The efficacy is high, the side effects are low and it's oral. It checks all the boxes,' said Dr. Gregory Poland of the Mayo Clinic. 'Youre looking at a 90 percent decreased risk of hospitalization and death in a high-risk group - thats stunning.'

The Food and Drug Administration authorized Pfizer's drug for adults and children ages 12 and older with a positive Covid test and early symptoms who face the highest risks of hospitalization.

That includes older people and those with conditions like obesity and heart disease. Children eligible for the drug must weigh at least 88 pounds.

The pills from both Pfizer and Merck are expected to be effective against omicron because they dont target the spike protein where most of the variants worrisome mutations reside.

Pfizer currently has 180,000 treatment courses available worldwide, with roughly 60,000 to 70,000 allocated to the U.S. Federal health officials are expected to ration early shipments to the hardest hit parts of the country. Pfizer said the small supply is due to the manufacturing time - currently about nine months. The company says it can halve production time next year.

More than 72% of Americans have had at least one dose of a Covid vaccine

The U.S. government has agreed to purchase enough Paxlovid to treat 10 million people. Pfizer says it's on track to produce 80 million courses globally next year, under contracts with the U.K., Australia and other nations.

Health experts agree that vaccination remains the best way to protect against Covid. But with roughly 40 million American adults still unvaccinated, effective drugs will be critical to blunting the current and future waves of infection.

The U.S. is now reporting more than 140,000 new infections daily and federal officials warn that the omicron variant could send case counts soaring. Omicron has already whipped across the country to become the dominant strain, federal officials confirmed earlier this week.

Against that backdrop, experts warn that Paxlovid's initial impact could be limited.

For more than a year, biotech-engineered antibody drugs have been the go-to treatments for Covid. But they are expensive, hard to produce and require an injection or infusion, typically given at a hospital or clinic. Also, laboratory testing suggests the two leading antibody drugs used in the U.S. aren't effective against Omicron.

Pfizer's pill comes with its own challenges.

Patients will need a positive Covid test to get a prescription. And Paxlovid has only proven effective if given within five days of symptoms appearing.

With testing supplies stretched, experts worry it may be unrealistic for patients to self-diagnose, get tested, see a physician and pick up a prescription within that narrow window.

'If you go outside that window of time I fully expect the effectiveness of this drug is going to fall,' said Andrew Pekosz, a Johns Hopkins University virologist.

U.S. health regulators on Wednesday authorized the first pill against Covid, a Pfizer drug that Americans will be able to take at home. A day later, the FDA authorized Merck's antiviral drug which has shown to reduce hospitalizations by 30%

The U.S. is currently facing a dire Covid testing shortage. Americans hoping to buy rapid tests can only purchase a couple of kits at a time from major retailers - if they can find a test at all.

Meanwhile, people seeking to get PCR tests - which require processing in a lab - are facing longer wait times to get their results.

National lab network Quest Diagnostics reports a typical turnaround of one to two days on its website, but notes: 'Due to the current surge in demand for Covid PCR testing, it is possible that some customers may experience longer than normal turnaround times for non-COVID tests.'

By the time some patients receive their test results, they may be outside the window for optimal performance of Pfizer or Merck's antiviral drugs.

In addition, many people who are at highest risk for severe Covid symptoms - such as those who have chronic illnesses and those in marginalized communities - may have limited access to doctors who could prescribe the pills.

The FDA based its decision on company results from a 2,250-patient trial that showed the pill cut hospitalizations and deaths by 89 percent when given to people with mild-to-moderate Covid within three days of symptoms.

Less than 1 percent of patients taking the drug were hospitalized and none died at the end of the 30-day study period, compared with 6.5 percent of patients hospitalized in the group getting a dummy pill, which included nine deaths.

Pfizers drug is part of a decades-old family of antiviral drugs known as protease inhibitors, which revolutionized the treatment of HIV and hepatitis C. The drugs block a key enzyme which viruses need to multiply in the human body.

The U.S. will pay about $500 for each course of Pfizer's treatment, which consists of three pills taken twice a day for five days. Two of the pills are Paxlovid and the third is a different antiviral that helps boost levels of the main drug in the body.
The widow of a Colorado man who was killed in a fiery pileup crash caused by a truck driver has hit out at Kim Kardashian for demanding clemency for her husband's killer, calling the socialite a loudmouth.

Kardashian, 41, who is training to become a lawyer in California and has been active in the criminal justice reform movement, this week took to social media to call for Rogel Aguilera-Mederos' mandatory minimum sentence of 110 years in prison to be reduced over the April 2019 crash in which his brakes failed and he plowed into stalled traffic, killing four people.

But not everyone thinks that the former Keeping Up With The Kardashians star - who passed her baby bar exam on the fourth attempt- should wade into this thorny legal matter.

Kathleen Harrison, who lost her husband of 26 years, Doyle Harrison, in the collision, had some harsh words for the glamorous influencer.

'I don't think that we want our local proceedings in any state taken over by who has the loudest mouth out there, because people don't know all the details, they are running on emotion,' said the mom-of-three widow, referring to Kardashian.

Kathleen, who delivered an emotional testimony during Aguilera-Mederos' trial, says she believes the driver deserves a sentence of 20 years in prison for committing a series of missteps that resulted in the deadly crash.

The sentence sparked widespread shock and fury, prompting more than 4.8million people to sign a petition on Change.org calling on Colorado Gov Jared Polis to commute Aguilera-Mederos' sentence to time served, or grant him clemency.

Kathleen Harrison, who lost her husband of 26 year, Doyle (pictured together, left), in an April 2019 pileup crash in Colorado, has hit out at Kim Kardashian for supporting the truck driver who killed her husband

Semi-truck driver Rogel Aguilera-Mederos, 26, has been convicted of 27 counts of causing a deadly pileup crash in 2019 and sentenced last week to 110 years in prison

Aguilera-Mederos was hauling lumber in April 2019 when his breaks failed and he slammed into stalled traffic, killing four people

Kim Kardashian speaks alongside US President Donald Trump during a second chance hiring and criminal justice reform event in the East Room of the White House in Washington, DC, June 13, 2019

Kardashian, who has close to 380million followers across Instagram, Twitter and Facebook, earlier this week threw her support behind the convicted driver, tweeting: 'Colorado law really has to be changed and this is so unfair. @GovofCO is a really good person and I know he will do the right thing.'

Rogel's attorney, Leonard Martinez, told TMZ that he and his client are aware of Kardashian's support, and are grateful that the celebrity has used her considerable clout to speak out in Aguilera-Mederos' defense.

Aguilera-Mederos, 26, a Cuban immigrant, was transporting timber in the mountainous western state of Colorado in April 2019 when his brakes stopped working on a downhill stretch and he failed to use an emergency exit ramp.

Instead, the truck slammed into stalled traffic, causing a fiery 28-car pileup that killed four people and injured six others.

Doyle Harrison, 61, a married father-of-three, was in his way home from work when the crash happened. He was among four people who were killed

Prosecutors argued he should have used a runaway ramp designed for such situations. Aguilera-Mederos, for his part, said he was struggling to avoid traffic and trying to shift to slow down.

Aguilera-Mederos, who had no prior criminal history, was found guilty by a jury on 27 counts including multiple vehicular homicides, and last week a judge handed down the 110-year sentence, which he said was the mandatory minimum under Colorado law, which requires a defendant to serve consecutive, rather than concurrent, sentences.

At his December 13 sentencing, Aguilera-Mederos sobbed in court as he apologized to the victims families.

Aguilera-Mederos is a Cuban immigrant with no prior criminal history. During his sentencing on December 13, he tearfully apologized to the victims of the crash but said he was not a murderer

More than 4,8million people have signed an online petition, calling for a sentence commutation or a clemency for Aguilera-Mederos

'I am not a murderer. I am not a killer. When I look at my charges, we are talking about a murderer, which is not me,' he said. 'I have never thought about hurting anybody in my entire life.'

The chain-reaction crash killed Harrison, 61, a married dad-of-three at a longtime Jefferson County worker; 24-year-old Miguel Angel Lamas Arellano; 67-year-old William Bailey and 69-year-old Stanley Politano. Relatives of victims supported at least some prison time at his sentencing hearing.

District Court Judge Bruce Jones explained that mandatory minimum sentencing laws required consecutive sentences on 27 counts of vehicular assault, assault, reckless driving and other charges.

'I will state that if I had the discretion, it would not be my sentence,' the judge said.

Kardashian on Tuesday took to Instagram, where she has more than 270million, and posted about Aguilera-Mederos' case, arguing that its outcome was 'unfair

Kardashian, 41, who is an aspiring attorney, called on Gov Jared Polis to commute Aguilera-Mederos' sentence

Kardashian, who has used her public standing to help free more than a dozen federal prisoners, weighed it on Aguilera-Mederos' case on Instagram on Tuesday, writing in a series of posts that she 'took a deep dive in it to figure out what the situation is.'

She wrote: 'He was not drunk or under the influence; his brakes on the tractor-trailer failed.

'Another shocking and unfair part of this case is that the judge didn't want to sentence him to such a lengthy sentence.

'However, because of the mandatory minimums in Colorado, his hands were tied.

In another post, Kardashian slammed prosecutor Kayla Wildeman for boasting online about receiving this trophy made out of a brake shoe celebrating Aguilera-Mederos' conviction

'Mandatory minimums take away judicial discretion and need to end.'

Kardashian also railed against state prosecutor Kayla Wildeman, 27, for bragging about Aguilera-Mederos' conviction and showing off a trophy made out of a truck brake pad commemorating the prosecutors' 'success.'

In a Facebook post that has since been deleted, Wildeman shared a photo of the trophy with her name on it, and praised her fellow deputy DA for gifting it to her.

Colorado Governor Jared Polis is considering clemency for Aguilera-Mederos

'Get yourself a trial partner as great as Trevor Moritzky,' she gushed. ''He turned a brake shoe from a semi-truck into a memento.

'What a special gift from truly a special person.'

King, Moritzky and Wildeman's boss, said the post 'was in very poor taste and does not reflect the values of my administration.'

On Wednesday, relatives, lawmakers and supporters staged a rally at the state Capitol in Denver, demanding that Aguilera-Mederos' sentence be reduced.

His family said in a statement they do not want to minimize the loss of those killed in the crash, but are calling on Gov. Polis to 'take immediate action' to reduce the sentence for the 26-year-old man with no criminal record.

He was not under the influence of drugs or alcohol and fully cooperated with investigators, supporters said in a statement.

Polis, a Democrat, said Tuesday his office has received a clemency application and is reviewing it.

An emotional Oslaida Mederos, center, speaks to members of the media during an impromptu press conference for members of the press after a rally on the west steps of the state capitol Wednesday

People hold signs in support of Aguilera-Mederos during a rally in Denver on Wednesday

Separately, the prosecutors who pursued the initial charges against Aguilera-Mederos last Friday filed a motion for the court to consider reducing his sentence.

'As Colorado law required the imposition of the sentence in this case, the law also permits the court to reconsider its sentence in an exceptional case involving unusual and extenuating circumstances,' said the motion filed by district attorney Alexis King.

A hearing has been scheduled to discuss the reconsideration request on Monday.

In a statement Wednesday, King said the victims and their families want to be heard as the resentencing request is considered.

'Our primary concern is ensuring that they are able to share with the court how this incident has impacted their lives as the court considers the appropriate sentence and follows the process set forth in the law,' said King, who asked for patience from those seeking an immediate resolution.
Two fraudsters who laundered 70million scammed 10million from a government coronavirus support scheme while they were on bail.

Artem Terzyan, 38, from Russia and Deivis Grochiatskij, 44, from Lithuania, were jailed for 33 years for their crimes.

They headed an international criminal network which used fake companies to move money around to clean the dirty cash.

But even after they were arrested they carried on committing offences, using the bogus firms to easily claim covid support Bounce Back Loans to the tune of 10million.

They claimed up to 50,000 a time, generating over 10m in total. 3.2m of that was claimed from one UK bank alone.

PIctures of unknown associates showed them showing off huge wads of cash as part of the illicit enterprise.

Details of the con will be hugely embarrassing for Chancellor Rishi Sunak, who dreamt up the loans to try and help businesses during lockdown.

But news of the scam comes just two weeks after the MPs on the Public Accounts Committee savaged the Government's measures to stop the scheme being abused as 'too little too late'.

Labour chairwoman Meg Hillier said the Bounce Back Loan scheme 'came with colossal risks of fraud and error which are only now becoming clearer' and 17billion may never be repaid.

Artem Terzyan, 38, from Russia and Deivis Grochiatskij, 44, from Lithuania, have been jailed

An unknown associate - anonymised by the NCA here - hugs a mountain of high value notes

Wads of cash and notebook-style ledger showing details of the money laundering operation

A safe retrieved from the raid on two fraudsters' properties found this enormous safe

What was the Bounce Back Loan scheme? And what did the spending watchdog find? What was the Government's coronavirus Bounce Back Loan scheme? As well as furlough support, companies were able to claim money from the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS) and the Bounce Back Loan Scheme (BBLS), which was aimed at small companies. The pressures the Government faced to rapidly hand out Covid loans meant that banks did not carry out some standard checks before they granted the loans. BBLS provided up to 50,000 to small firms, with most cash going to companies with fewer than ten employees. The Government has underwritten 80 per cent of all CBILS loans and 100 per cent of BBLS lending  though banks will probably need to exhaust all their options before asking the taxpayer. Some lenders have already started paying to have companies reinstated on Companies House in an attempt to recover the debt. In the March Budget, Chancellor Rishi Sunak announced that 100million would be used to fund a taskforce of 1,000 investigators in HM Revenue & Customs to crack down on the misuse of the furlough and self-employment income support schemes. What did the National Audit Office find? The spending watchdog found that fraudsters stole billions through the scheme. The NAO found that the Government had acted too slowly to implement basic anti-fraud measures and that these checks were 'inadequate'. The Government knew the risks as it launched the scheme, but had to weigh them against the consequences of not getting money to businesses rapidly, the spending watchdog added. Checks to ensure that a company was not applying for more than one bounce back loan were not put in place until June 2020, a month after the scheme was launched, according to a report by the National Audit Office. By then, 61 per cent of the money that was to be lent under the scheme had already been paid out to businesses. Other counter-fraud activities did not begin until September 2020 as the Government focused on getting out the loans to support struggling companies. Auditing giant PwC, which has been hired by the Government, has estimated 7.5 per cent of loans might be lost to fraud, at a potential 3.5billion cost to the taxpayer. However, the report notes that the Government estimated fraudulent loans were worth 4.9billion, 11 per cent of the total, as of March. Advertisement

Terzyan and Grochiatskij were rumbled after a joint investigation by the National Crime Agency and Metropolitan Police Service's joint unit the Organised Crime Partnership.

Its investigation began in October 2017 when surveillance officers watched a man called Auriel Zylyfi place a large bag of cash in an Audi at a money counting house in North West London.

A month later another man, Artur Terziu, was seen handing over 40,000 to Zylyfi in the underground carpark of his flat in Hazlemere Court, Hendon. Both men were arrested and each sentenced to a year in prison.

OCP officers searched Zylyfi's flat and seized a ledger detailing money laundering transactions in excess of 7m over a four-month period.

Over the next seven months the same Audi travelled extensively around the UK, stopping briefly at lorry parks and service stations to collect cash before returning to London.

It was regularly driven to Munning House in Docklands, East London, where Terzyan and Grochiatskij both lived in flats next door to each other. On multiple occasions, OCP officers watched as large bags of cash were carried from the car and into Munning House.

Both men were also seen, along with other members of their criminal network, opening bank accounts in banks across London in the names of the various fake companies they had set up, then depositing tens of thousands of pounds into those accounts at a time.

The money would be sent from one shell company to another in a complex web of transfers, before it was sent out to international accounts held in countries including Germany, Czech Republic, U.A.E, Hong Kong, and Singapore.

On June 26, 2018, OCP officers arrested Terzyan and Grochiatskij at Munning House and searched both of their flats.

They seized multiple hand-written ledgers with Terzyan's fingerprints on, which detailed the vast sums of cash being laundered.

Also recovered from his flat was an encrypted phone, bank cards and account details of the fake companies they had set up.

Grochiatskij's computer was seized from his flat. On it, officers found details of the bank accounts the pair used for laundering and various incriminating photos of their associates handling cash in Grochiatskij's living room.

Another photo showed a safe containing a huge pile of cash. In the same photo was a notepad which had the address of a business unit at close by Waterfront Studios on Dock Road.

Investigators recovered CCTV footage which showed the two men delivering the safe to the unit on February, 2018. However, when it was searched eight months later, the money had already been removed.

Measurement of the safe's dimensions showed that the amount of cash seen in the photo could have been up to 3m.

A financial investigator analysed hundreds of bank accounts controlled by Terzyan and Grochiatskij and was able to evidence that the men had laundered a total of 36m in 2017-2018, with 16m of that coming from cash deposits.

As well as the covid scheme fraud, they continued to launder criminal cash using the same method as before while on bail.

Between June 2018 and November 2020, when the pair were arrested again, they laundered a further 34m including the 10m they generated from the BBLs.

Pictures of large amounts of cash were discovered on devices belonging to the crooks

The images of the associates of the pair were used in the case against both of them in court

Investigators think the amount of cash seen in this safe photo could have been up to 3million

The two criminals laundered money by putting dirty cash through crooked companies

Images of the bundles of notes were displayed on phones and laptops seized by police

Terzyan and Grochiatskij were each charged with two counts of money laundering, for which they were found guilty following a seven-week trial in September 2021, which can only now be reported.

Earlier this month at Kingston Crown Court, Terzyan was sentenced to 17 years in prison and Grochiatskij to 16 years.

Details can only now be released following the lifting of report restrictions that were previously in place.

On sentencing the two men, HHJ Shetty noted that their exploitation of the BBL scheme played a part in 'undermining the Government and financial institutions' and that the 'the British taxpayer will be staggered and upset that part of their hard-earned tax contributions was going into the pockets of criminals.'

Andy Tickner, from the Organised Crime Partnership, said: 'This was a painstaking and complex investigation in which the team analysed reams of financial data and transactions.

'Ultimately the case proved that these two had built a sophisticated, large-scale money laundering system which saw them transfer 70m worth of criminal cash out of the UK.

'They did so by setting up hundreds of bogus companies and utilising an international network of criminals under their control.

'To top it off, they stole over 10m from British taxpayers in what is believed to be one of the largest Bounce Back Loan frauds since the scheme was introduced in 2020.

'These men and their network played a vital role in enabling other criminals to conceal and access their illicit earnings. The removal of this service will have been a massive blow to organised criminals in the UK and globally.'

The financial investigation into the two men remains ongoing. So far, the OCP has obtained freezing orders on four bank accounts which contained around 180,000 in total. Of this, 17,000.00 has been forfeited, as it was assessed to be recoverable property.
Rep. Madison Cawthorn's soon-to-be ex-wife Cristina admitted that being married to America's youngest Congress member was 'strenuous' and the transition into the spotlight had 'unexpected' difficulties.

Still, she spoke highly of her husband in a statement given to Fox 46 shortly after he announced on Wednesday that they were divorcing just eight months after tying the knot.

'Madison is amazing  weve had an incredible journey together. Our marriage, like every marriage, has had its difficulties. The lifestyle shift into public life has been strenuous, and many aspects of the transition have been unexpected,' she said.

North Carolina Republican Cawthorn, 26, announced Wednesday that he and his wife, Cristina Bayardelle Cawthorn, 28, mutually made the 'enormously difficult decision' to divorce after realizing there were 'irreconcilable differences' between them.

Bayardelle spoke highly of her husband in a statement

Cawthorn's soon-to-be ex-wife Cristina admitted that that being married to America's youngest Congress member was 'strenuous' and the transition into the spotlight had 'unexpected' difficulties

Bayardelle is a CrossFit athlete and anesthesiologist assistant

'When Cristina and I were engaged, I was not a member of Congress. I felt called to serve and we both agreed that I should run. Our victory was unprecedented, but overnight our lives changed,' he said in a statement posted by his spokesman.

'That change has been both hectic and difficult, it's neither the pace nor the lifestyle we had planned for.'

Cawthorn shot into the spotlight as a 25-year-old firebrand who beat out former President Trump's pick for North Carolina's 11th congressional district, Lydia Bennett.

The congressman has since made headlines for trying to bring a gun aboard a plane, offering acquitted Kyle Rittenhouse a job, and most especially his scorching political rhetoric.

In August, Cawthorn promised 'bloodshed' if there were another 'stolen' presidential election. He called Jan. 6 rioters who have been arrested 'political prisoners' and spoke of efforts to 'bust them out.'

Cawthorn and Bayardelle was wed on April 3, 2021 in an intimate ceremony after sharing a whirlwind romance, in which Bayardelle said she knew he 'was the one' after just months of dating.

'I want to live in the world he creates, I just dont want to be married to someone changing the world. While we have agreed to be apart now, we still have a great friendship and theres no ill-will. Madison is a fighter  he will help save this country,' Bayardelle said in her statement on the impending divorce.

Their wedding followed a six-month engagement during which Cawthorn was accused of making unwanted sexual advances toward more than 30 women when he attended a Christian college in Virginia for a semester in 2016.

Cawthorn announced Wednesday that he and Bayardelle (pictured together on their wedding day) mutually made the 'enormously difficult decision' to divorce after realizing there were 'irreconcilable differences' between them

He announced the divorce in a statement shared by his spokesperson

The North Carolina Republican said he and Bayardelle were 'committed to make things work' but quickly realized they were unable to balance his role as a public servant and their marriage.

'From the outset, we committed to make things work, to fight for our marriage, and seek counsel for balancing the enormity of such a transition in life,' Cawthorn explained.

'Together, we realized that balance was not attainable, and that we had irreconcilable differences between us. While it was an enormously difficult decision, Cristina and I have mutually decided to divorce. We ask for privacy as we work through this privately.'

Eight months prior, when announcing their marriage to the public, Cawthorn said marrying Bayardelle, a 28-year-old anesthesiologist assistant and CrossFit athlete, was the 'greatest honor, privilege and adventure of my life.'

The couple, who were introduced by mutual friends, went public with their engagement in October 2020.

Cawthorn (pictured with Bayardelle) cited challenges associated with his role in Congress as contributing factors to their split

The couple (pictured on their wedding day in April 2021), who were introduced by mutual friends, went public with their engagement in October 2020. They shared a whirlwind romance, in which Bayardelle said she knew he 'was the one' after just months of dating

Cawthorn, who was paralyzed in a car crash at the age of 21, previously shared how he'd never seen anyone who could do as many pull-ups as Bayardelle, noting that he spent months learning how to kneel so he could propose.

Bayardelle said they instantly 'hit it off' and she knew he 'was the one' after dating for just four months.

Cawthorn, then-25, became the youngest member of Congress in November 2020 after he defeated Democratic rival Moe Davis in a spiteful contest for North Carolina's 11th Congressional District seat.

After his victory, he tweeted: 'Cry more, Lib'.

One day after Cawthorn's win, Bayardelle posted on Instagram: 'Looking forward to the future with you. Words cannot describe how proud I am of you! My fiance is the youngest congressman and going to make history. Off to DC and I couldnt be happier.'

The Republican gained regular appearances on cable news claiming that the 2020 presidential election had been stolen, and quickly became a favorite of former President Donald Trump.

He spoke at the 'Stop the Steal' rally on January 6, prior to the insurrection at the Capitol, which left five people, including police officer Brian Sicknick, dead.

The Republican gained regular appearances on cable news claiming that the 2020 presidential election had been stolen, and quickly became a favorite of former President Donald Trump (Pictured: Cawthorn and Trump together at Mar-a-Lago in March 2021)

Cawthorn (pictured in June 2020) became the youngest member of Congress in November 2020 after he defeated Democratic rival Moe Davis in a spiteful contest for North Carolina's 11th Congressional District seat

In February, it was revealed that Cawthorn's ex-classmates claimed he sexually harassed women at Patrick Henry College in northern Virginia.

The alleged victims said they were warned not to go on so-called 'fun drives' with him in his white Dodge Challenger 'because bad things happened'.

Cawthorn joined the school in fall 2016 at the age of 21 after his 2014 car accident and subsequent recovery delayed his college attendance, making him three years older than the strict Christian, conservative first-year women also attending.

More than two dozen students spoke out about his alleged mistreatment of women on the campus including four women who said they experienced first hand his alleged aggressive, misogynistic, or predatory way toward women.

One woman described sensing a 'danger warning' when she went out for a drive with Cawthorn and he started 'taking me out to the middle of nowhere' while asking questions about her purity ring.

Two resident assistants at the conservative religious college said they would warn young women to stay away from him and female students said they told each other not to end up alone with him.

The congressman denied ever acting in a sexually inappropriate way.

The allegations surfaced in a Buzzfeed investigation, with more than 30 people including 20 former students, their friends and relatives alleging they witnessed, experienced or knew of sexual harassment and misconduct by the congressman around the college campus, at his nearby house and in his car.

In February 2021, it was revealed that Cawthorn, who was paralyzed from the waist down in a 2014 car crash, allegedly gained a reputation on the Patrick Henry College campus (above) for making unwanted sexual advances toward women when he briefly attended the institution for a semester in 2016

The claims came after one woman, Katrina Krulikas (above), told World Magazine in August 2020 that Cawthorn had forcibly kissed her in 2014 when he was 19 and she was 17

In the open letter in October, more than 160 members of the Patrick Henry community accused Cawthorn of 'gross misconduct towards our female peers, public misrepresentation of his past, disorderly conduct that was against the school's student honor code, and self-admitted academic failings.'

The bombshell claims came after one woman, Katrina Krulikas, told World Magazine in August 2020 that Cawthorn had forcibly kissed her in 2014 when he was 19 and she was 17.

Krulikas, who did not attend the Christian college, claimed they were on a drive together when Cawthorn started asking if she was a virgin.

She said he pressured her to sit on his lap, tried to kiss her and when she dismissed his advances tried again by holding her face.

Cawthorn denied the allegation in September but allegedly texted Krulikas last February apologizing that he was 'over the line'.
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COVID cases in the US have soared by 38 per cent in the last 24 hours to 238,278 new infections as the Omicron variant continues to spread, with some states seeing cases rocket by up to 670%.

Thursday's update in infection numbers from Johns Hopkins University saw diagnoses climb from 172,072 for the previous day. Deaths were also up slightly, from 2,093 yesterday to 2,204 today.

Hospitalizations sit just under 63,000, including almost 16,000 COVID patients receiving intensive care treatment, according to analysis by the New York Times. That is an 11 per cent increase in two weeks, but still sits well below the winter 2020 peak of almost 130,000 Americans in hospital, 30,000 of whom were in ICU.

Multiple studies published this week have suggested Omicron is far less dangerous than Delta, with a UK Health Security Agency report from Thursday saying the mutant strain is 70 per cent less likely to cause hospitalization than Delta, and 45 per cent less likely to require an emergency room visit.

Meanwhile, multiple US states have seen 14 day infection rates soar. In Florida, cases are up 509 per cent, in Washington DC, they're up 541 per cent, and in Hawaii they've rocketed by 670 per cent.

Hawaii saw 74 new confirmed Omicron cases on Wednesday, with Florida and DC each reporting 24 cases of the mutant strain. The US has a total of 2,625 confirmed Omicron cases, according to data scraped from individual states' figures.

New York continues to have the highest number of new Omicron cases with 442 reported on Thursday, followed by Texas with 394 cases and California, with 358 new cases.

But the true Omicron total is exponentially higher, as only a small number of positive PCR tests are sequenced to identify which strain of COVID has caused a person's infection. The CDC estimates that Omicron now comprises at least 73 per cent of all infections in the United States, and up to 92 per cent in five states including New York and New Jersey.

The United Kingdom smashed its single day diagnosis rate again on Thursday, with 119,789 new infections, and hospitalizations up by 18 per cent in a week. It is a world-leader in sequencing, and has so-far identified close to 75,000 Omicron infections for a population almost five times smaller than the US.

Florida, Washington DC and Hawaii have seen COVID cases surge more than 500 percent over the past two weeks

New York, California and Texas continue to have the most number of cases in the United States

The United States logged a seven-day average coronavirus case count of 168,981 on Wednesday, surpassing a summer peak of over 165,000 infections, according to the Washington Post. While worrying, the figure still falls well short of the 249,000 average hit in January 2020.

That marks the second largest surge in cases since the pandemic began nearly two years ago as the highly contagious Omicron variant has been detected in all 50 states, as well Washington D.C. and Puerto Rico.

Officials now warn that the virus could infect 140 million people between January and March - 60 percent of all Americans, although 90 per cent of those who catch COVID are predicted to have no symptoms. Three studies published in the last day have confirmed the strain is milder than Delta, and may result in up to 80 per cent fewer hospitalizations.

Data from South Africa, where the strain was first reported, shows a huge and sudden drop in cases, suggesting Omicron may burn out very quickly. But panic over the new strain continues to prevail across much of the world, with Italy and Spain now ordering people to wear masks outdoors.

Imperial College London on Wednesday found that Omicron is 40 percent less likely to lead to serious illness than the Delta variant.

Another study by the University of Edinburgh suggested that the new variant could slash hospitalizations by as much as 65 percent, with a third South African study indicating the potential 80 per cent drop in hospitalizations.

Both British studies underlined, however, the importance of vaccines with the Imperial study stating the risk of hospitalization for an unvaccinated person was just 10 percent lower for Omicron than with Delta.

According to data from the Centers for Disease Control, just 72.8 percent of all eligible Americans had received their first COVID dose by Wednesday, and 61.7 percent are fully vaccinated.

And of those who are eligible for a booster shot, just 30 percent have received one.

On Wednesday, MSNBC medical analyst Vin Gupta raised eyebrows after suggesting it was time to prioritize hospital treatment for vaccinated patients, because those who haven't had the shot are already taking up so many beds.

'This is where it's controversial, but we need to talk about this, the bioethics of it broadly because this is not the last respiratory pandemic we're going to face,' the doctor told host Joy Reid.

'What do we do with somebody who is unvaccinated who is taking advanced ICU therapies from someone who is vaccinated in the hospital? How do we rank that priority?

On Wednesday, MSNBC medical analyst Vin Gupta, left, suggested it is time to begin looking at the bioethics of placing a lower priority on the treatment of unvaccinated people during a panel discussion on The Reid Out

He said medical professionals triage who most deserves an organ transplant and should do the same for COVID care

'We do it for organs, kidneys, livers, lungs. We say "Did you smoke, did you drink recently?" If you did you're lower on the list, even if you need it.

'We need to start thinking of that model.'

His comments came after the Reid Out host said she has run out of patience with vaccine hesitant Americans.

'I'm sort of reaching my kind of peak fatigue, mental fatigue level and I'm not even dealing with what the doctor and what you guys are dealing with in real life,' Reid told her panel of medical experts.

'But it's like I know off the top of my head, at least half a dozen people who have gotten COVID, who are vaccinated, but who got it in settings where they were around mixed groups of people who were not necessarily vaccinated.'

'The unvaccinated are spreading this thing and it's mutating, let's be frank, because of the unvaccinated,' she said before asking Gupta what he thought should be done about the Omicron variant, which is leading to an increase in breakthrough cases in those who have already gotten both doses of the COVID vaccine.

It carries mutations that are believed to enable it to more easily evade human antibodies.

In response to Reid's question, Gupta said: 'We have to move away from the paradigm of even thinking about caseloads day over day because it's overwhelming. It's psychologically depressing, it's discouraging.'

The number of daily COVID cases is expected to more than double come January, with the Omicron variant predicted to cause about 140 new cases come March 2022

Daily deaths are expected to increase as well and peak at around 2,800 deaths by mid-February. The rate is predicted to be lower than last year's winter surge

Hundreds of cars lined up at a COVID-19 testing site at Tropical Park in Miami on Tuesday as Florida saw a 509 percent increase in COVID cases

FDA authorizes Merck's at-home antiviral COVID-19 pill - a day after giving Pfizer's oral drug the go-ahead The U.S. Food and Drug Administration on Thursday authorized Merck's antiviral pill for COVID-19, after giving the go-ahead to a similar treatment from Pfizer Inc. a day earlier. Merck's drug, molnupiravir, developed with Ridgeback Biotherapeutics, was shown to reduce hospitalizations and deaths by around 30% in a clinical trial of high-risk individuals early in the course of the illness. The agency authorized the oral drug for the treatment of mild-to-moderate Covid in adults who are at risk for severe disease. It will also carry a warning against use during pregnancy, and women of childbearing age should use birth control during treatment. On Wednesday, US health regulators issued emergency authorization for Pfizer's Paxlovid, a pill that is available by prescription only and should be initiated as soon as possible after diagnosis of Covid and within five days of symptom onset. Advertisement

detected back in November, official figures show its COVID cases have fallen for the last five days in a row, dipping 21 percent in one week by Wednesday, one week after 21,099 new cases were recorded.

Over the past few days, hospitalizations also seem to be leveling off at just below 400 admissions a day - compared to a height of 2,000 when Delta took hold.

At the same time, data from South Africa suggest Omicron cases are more likely to be mild, in part thanks to protection from vaccines and previous infections.

And the study by Imperial, one of Britain's leading universities, found that for someone who has been recently infected, the chance of hospitalization was slashed by 69 per cent in both vaccinated and unvaccinated people.

The data came just moments after a similar study conducted in Scotland found the risk of being hospitalized with Omicron was 65 percent lower than with Delta.

University of Edinburgh researchers said Omicron was as severe as Delta they would have seen around 47 people in hospital in Scotland, yet so far there are only 15.

Dr Jim McMenamin, the national Covid incident director for Public Health Scotland, labeled the findings a 'qualified good news story', but said that it was 'important we don't get ahead of ourselves'.

He said: 'The potentially serious impact of Omicron on a population cannot be underestimated.

'And a smaller proportion of a much greater number of cases that might ultimately require treatment can still mean a substantial number of people who may experience severe Covid infections that could lead to potential hospitalization.'

But Professor Mark Woolhouse, of the University of Edinburgh, said it was heavily caveated at the moment. The data is based on a small number of cases and didn't have much data on those most at risk, the over 65s.

About one month since Omicron was first detected in South Africa, the country's Omicron-driven Covid wave appears to be fading, with cases falling 22% in the last week

Hospitalizations in South Africa also seem to be leveling off at just below 400 admissions a day - compared to a height of 2,000 when Delta took hold

Omicron sufferers are 40% less likely to be admitted to hospital than those with Delta: British study of 300,000 finds variant IS milder than feared British scientists have found that Omicron sufferers are 40 percent less likely to be admitted to hospital with serious illness than those with Delta. Scientists at Imperial College London said that Britons who catch Omicron are between 15 and 20 per cent less likely to be admitted than those who get Delta. But the real-world analysis, of more than 300,000 people between December 1 and 14, found the chance of having to stay in hospital overnight was even lower, with a reduced risk of between 40 and 45 per cent. That study came after a second analysis from Scotland on Wednesday found that the risk of being hospitalized with Omicron was 65 percent less than with Delta. The study by Imperial, one of Britain's leading universities, found that even an unvaccinated person who has never had Covid and has no immunity, there was a 10 percent lower risk of being hospitalized with Omicron compared to Delta. For someone who has been recently infected, the chance of hospitalization was slashed by 69 per cent in both vaccinated and unvaccinated people. Professor Neil Ferguson said: 'You can see in London, we are getting a lot more people hospitalized. Not for very long, probably not with very severe illness. 'And that's not a reflection of Omicron versus Delta  that was already true for Delta infections, that they're less severe than they were last year because there's a lot of immunity in the population. 'The challenge is, if there's enough of them it still poses quite a challenge to the NHS. We're not talking about anything like what we saw last year with over-flowing intensive care units and ventilator beds.' The notoriously gloomy expert confirmed he expected the Omicron wave to be milder, with patients discharged from hospitals quicker and fewer Covid deaths, but warned there could still be significant pressure on the National Health Service (NHS). He also warned that if infections are 40 per cent higher than they were with Delta then that could offset any reduction in severity. The data came just moments after a similar study conducted in Scotland found the risk of being hospitalized with Omicron was 65 percent less than with Delta. University of Edinburgh researchers said Omicron was as severe as Delta they would have seen around 47 people in hospital in Scotland, yet so far there are only 15. Dr Jim McMenamin, the national Covid incident director for Public Health Scotland, labeled the findings a 'qualified good news story', but said that it was 'important we don't get ahead of ourselves'. He said: 'The potentially serious impact of Omicron on a population cannot be underestimated. 'And a smaller proportion of a much greater number of cases that might ultimately require treatment can still mean a substantial number of people who may experience severe Covid infections that could lead to potential hospitalisation.' But Professor Mark Woolhouse, of the University of Edinburgh, said it was heavily caveated at the moment. The data is based on a small number of cases and didn't have much data on those most at risk, the over 65s. Advertisement

As COVID cases soar across the U.S., health experts have predicted things will get worse in 2022 as the Omicron variant is expected to cause 140 million new infections from January to March, infecting 60 percent of all Americans, the majority of which will be asymptomatic cases.

Researchers from the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation at the University of Washington updated their COVID-19 model and expect the virus to hit the US hard come January, peaking at 2.8 million new cases a day by January 28.

'We are expecting an enormous surge in infections ... so, an enormous spread of Omicron,' IHME director Dr. Chris Murray said told USA Today.

'Total infections in the U.S. we forecast are going from about 40 percent of the U.S. having been infected so far, to having in the next two to three months, 60 percent of the U.S. getting infected with Omicron.'

Despite the surge, experts believe the new infections will ultimately lead to fewer deaths and hospitalizations than the deadly Delta variant, as Omicron is believed to be a more infectious but less severe variant.

Still, Dr. Anthony Fauci has now urged Americans to disinvite unvaccinated people from Christmas gatherings as the fast-spreading COVID-19 Omicron variant fuels a surge in infections nationwide.

'We're dealing with a serious enough situation now that if there's an unvaccinated person, I would say, 'I'm very sorry, but not this time. Maybe another time when this is all over,'' said Fauci in an interview with MSNBC on Tuesday night.

President Joe Biden has also promised to deliver 500 million COVID tests to Americans - but has not yet signed a contract to buy them or set up a website so that people can place orders.

'That's not a plan - it's a hope,' Jennifer Nuzzo, an epidemiologist at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, told The New York Time .

'If those tests came in January and February, that could have an impact, but if they are spread out over 10 to 12 months, I'm not sure what kind of impact it is going to have.'

It is not even known how many tests will be immediately available or how quickly they can be shipped out to American homes, according to new projections from the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation at the University of Washington.

Amazon, Walgreens and CVS have already imposed limits on how many tests each customer can buy because of the surging demand.

The president is now reportedly also considering changing the isolation recommendations for vaccinated individuals so that they can return to work quicker after they get a breakthrough case.

At her press briefing on Monday, White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said quarantine guidance is under discussion, but Biden will defer to the government's medical experts.

'Given the spread of Omicron, given the transmissibility of Omicron, of course they're continuing to look at a range of steps,' she said.

Then on Tuesday, Fauci suggested on CNN that health care workers who test positive for COVID may be able to return in less than 10 das as long as they wear a mask and are asymptomatic, and Delta Airlines CEO Ed Bastian co-signed a letter asking Rochelle Walensky, the director of the CDC, to reconsider its isolation guidelines for the fully vaccinated, according to Bloomberg.

He wrote that even though Omicron is spreading quicker than previous variants it is 'likely less virulent.'

'To address the potential impact of the current isolation policy, we propose a five-day isolation from symptom onset for those who experience a breakthrough infection,' Bastian wrote, along with Henry Ting, the airline's chief health officer and Carlos del Rio, a professor in the Division of Infectious Diseases at Emory University who serves as a medical adviser to the company.

Some experts have already suggested the CDC's 10 day quarantine period is probably too long for vaccinated and boosted people with breakthrough cases.

'Want 100 percent assurance? Sure do 10 days,' Ashish Jha, dean of Brown University School of Public Health, tweeted recently, but noted that he advises his friends to take a rapid antigen test after five days from exposure and if it's negative it's 'reasonable to assume they're no longer contagious.'

Meanwhile in Europe, several countries announced on Thursday they are introducing new COVID restrictions , with Spain making it compulsory to wear a face mask outdoors again and Belgium banning shopping in groups of more than two.

Germany, Ireland, the Netherlands and Belgium have also re-imposed partial or full lockdowns or other social distancing measures in recent days, and Germany's health minister said he had not ruled out a full lockdown closing all but non-essential businesses.

Italy and France are now also considering further lockdown measures.
The Queen has agreed that a service of thanksgiving for the life of her late husband Prince Philip will take place in spring at Westminster Abbey, it was confirmed today.

The congregation will include family, friends, dignitaries and representatives of many charities and organisations with which the Duke of Edinburgh was associated.

Further details will be announced in the coming months, with the service likely to take place around one year after Philip's death at Windsor Castle aged 99 on April 9.

The Queen is thought to have been considering holding a national service of thanksgiving for Philip for some months, and has now rubber-stamped the plans.

Various organisations will now be approached about plans for the service, with arrangements being flexible due to the ever-changing situation with Covid-19.

A Buckingham Palace spokesman told MailOnline today: 'The Queen has agreed that a Service of Thanksgiving for the life of His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh will take place in the spring of 2022 at Westminster Abbey.'

The Queen and Prince Philip in June 2014. The Duke of Edinburgh died on April 9 aged 99

The Queen is currently preparing to spend her first Christmas without her husband at Windsor, having abandoned plans to travel to the Sandringham estate.

The 95-year-old monarch will be joined on Christmas Day by Prince Charles and Camilla in Berkshire, after Princess Anne had to drop out.

They are likely to be joined by Prince Andrew and his former wife, Sarah, Duchess of York, plus their two daughters, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie.

The Earl and Countess of Wessex are also expected to be there, with their children, James, Viscount Severn, and Lady Louise - but Anne will not be attending.

It comes after the Queen received a festive blow upon learning that her son-in-law Sir Timothy Laurence contracted Covid, meaning neither he nor Anne could join her.

The service will take place at Westminster Abbey in London in spring on a date to be confirmed

The Queen had already decided to cancel her pre-Christmas dinner at Windsor for her extended family this week as a result of rising coronavirus cases.

And on Monday it was revealed that she had also decided to scrap plans to travel to her beloved Sandringham country estate in Norfolk for Christmas.

Sources indicated that the Queen felt it was 'too difficult' for her family and staff to move between residences safely bearing in mind pleas from the Government for the public to be cautious. One said: 'Her Majesty always leads by example.'

Eight months ago on April 17, Britain fell silent in memory of the Duke of Edinburgh as a funeral marking his life of service, devotion and duty took place at Windsor.

The Queen and her family gathered to say farewell to Philip, who died peacefully and was hailed as the 'grandfather' of the country by his son Andrew.

Pallbearers carry Prince Philip's coffin for his funeral service at Windsor Castle on April 17

Covid-19 regulations reduced the scope of the service with public elements cancelled, mourners reduced from around 800 to just 30.

All guests wore face masks and sat apart, and the UK came to a halt to observe a minute's silence for the Duke who died a few months short of his 100th birthday.

The Prince of Wales and the Princess Royal led senior royals in walking behind their fathers coffin for the short distance from the castle to St Georges Chapel.

Philips coffin was carried on a custom-built Land Rover Defender hearse designed by the duke and modified over 16 years.

It was followed for part of its final journey by the Queen, who travelled in a Bentley with Lady Susan Hussey, her trusted lady-in-waiting  with both wearing facemasks.

Watching as it passed were royal mourners including the Duchess of Cornwall, Duchess of Cambridge, Countess of Wessex and her children James and Louise.

Zara and Mike Tindall, Princess Beatrice and her husband Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi, and Princess Eugenie and her husband Jack Brooksbank were also in attendance.

The Duke of Sussex and Duke of Cambridge joined the procession, separated by their cousin Peter Phillips. They were seated opposite one another in the chapel.

Cutting a solitary figure at the front of the quire, near the altar, the Queen sat apart from her children. There was a space left beside her where Philip would have sat.
A Metropolitan Police officer accused of raping a woman at a five-star London hotel will spend Christmas at home.

PC Adam Zaman, 28, denies attacking the woman while off-duty at the Andaz Hotel in Liverpool Street on October 24.

He has been suspended from his post with Scotland Yard, which he has held since 2016, and the matter has been referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct.

PC Adam Zaman denies attacking the woman while off-duty at the five-star Andaz Hotel in London on October 24 (court illustration)

Pictured: The exterior of the Andaz Hotel in Liverpool Street in the City of London

Zaman, of Romford, east London, appeared at the Old Bailey by video link from Wormwood Scrubs today.

During the hearing, Judge Mark Lucraft QC granted the defendant conditional bail.

The court heard that no trial date had yet been set for Zaman's case.

However, the judge indicated that efforts are under way to find a slot as soon as possible when the lawyers in the case are available.
A towering monument honouring an army officer killed at the Battle of Waterloo will be allowed to stay - next to signs about his slave trade past.

Protesters had demanded the memorial to Sir Thomas Picton in Carmarthen be removed in the wake of last year's Black Lives Matter protests (BLM).

Picton was the highest-ranking British officer killed at Waterloo in 1815 and was honoured with a burial at St Paul's Cathedral in London.

But he was also known to have used the slave trade to build up his considerable fortune and was nicknamed the 'Tyrant of Trinidad' for executing dozens of people during his Governorship of the Caribbean island.

Protesters had called for the obelisk-style monument to be removed, sparking the local authority to launch a residents' ballot on its future.

However Carmarthen Council says the monument will stay after votes to save it outnumbered votes to tear it down by two-to-one.

Instead, the authority says it will erect information signs around the statue documenting Picton's involvement in the slave trade.

Protesters had demanded the memorial to Sir Thomas Picton in Carmarthen be removed in the wake of last year's Black Lives Matter protests

Picton was the highest-ranking British officer killed at Waterloo in 1815 and was honoured with a burial at St Paul's Cathedral in London. But he was also known to have used the slave trade to build up his considerable fortune and was nicknamed the 'Tyrant of Trinidad' for executing dozens of people during his Governorship of the Caribbean island

The council granted itself planning permission for the boards at a meeting earlier this week.

Carmarthen town mayor Gareth John said he hoped the new information boards would offer a fair picture of Picton.

The Welsh-born officer regarded as a hero for his military heroics at Waterloo and a villain for his brutality in Trinidad Born in Haverfordwest, west Wales, Picton is still the only Welshman to be buried at St Paul's Cathedral Lieutenant-General Picton was the highest-ranking British officer killed at Waterloo, a decisive British and allied victory over Napoleon Bonaparte's Grande Armee. After his death, while launching a bayonet attack at advancing French troops, Duke of Wellington called him 'a rough foul-mouthed devil as ever lived' but 'very capable.' Born in Haverfordwest, west Wales, he is still the only Welshman to be buried at St Paul's Cathedral. Former prime minister David Lloyd George described him as one of the 'Heroes of Wales' in 1916. However, Picton was also heavily criticised, even during his lifetime, for his involvement in the slave trade. He was involved in the execution of dozens of slaves during his time as Governor of Trinidad, from 1797 to 1803. He tendered his resignation after an investigation reported some of the cruelty allegations against him. In 1806, a year before Britain abolished the importation of slaves to its colonies, Picton was also found guilty of ordering the torture of Luisa Calderon, a 14-year-old mixed-race girl. Though initially convicted, Picton later had the conviction overturned arguing that Trinidad was subject to Spanish law, which permitted the use of torture. Advertisement

He said: 'I'm looking forward to actually seeing them, and other people's reaction to them.'

Mayor John had previously celebrated the result of the vote, describing Picton is a 'war hero' who should be honoured despite his 'appalling role and actions in Trinidad'.

Ex-Mayor Alun Lenny, who represents Carmarthen Town South, had also said: 'Removing or demolishing the massive Picton Monument would have been out of the question - not to mention hugely expensive.'

Lieutenant-General Picton was the highest-ranking British officer killed at Waterloo, a decisive British and allied victory over Napoleon Bonaparte's Grande Armee.

After his death, while launching a bayonet attack at advancing French troops, Duke of Wellington called him 'a rough foul-mouthed devil as ever lived' but 'very capable.'

Born in Haverfordwest, west Wales, he is still the only Welshman to be buried at St Paul's Cathedral.

Former prime minister David Lloyd George described him as one of the 'Heroes of Wales' in 1916.

However, Picton was also heavily criticised, even during his lifetime, for his involvement in the slave trade.

He was involved in the execution of dozens of slaves during his time as Governor of Trinidad, from 1797 to 1803.

He tendered his resignation after an investigation reported some of the cruelty allegations against him.

In 1806, a year before Britain abolished the importation of slaves to its colonies, Picton was also found guilty of ordering the torture of Luisa Calderon, a 14-year-old mixed-race girl.

Though initially convicted, Picton later had the conviction overturned arguing that Trinidad was subject to Spanish law, which permitted the use of torture.

He was known to have used the slave trade to build up his considerable fortune.

Despite his controversies, he was honoured with the statue and road named after him in Carmarthen in 1888.

Amid a fiery debate over controversial statues, brought into focus by crowdfunded pressure group Topple the Racists, and following from last year's Black Lives Matter protests in the wake of George Floyd's death in the US, council chiefs decided to give residents a vote on the monument's future.

But a poll of 1,613 to 744 residents voted against demolishing the monument.

The council instead opted to erect boards around the statue. The three boards on a grass verge opposite the grade two-listed memorial.

A statue of Picton was previously removed from Cardiff City Hall after councillors claimed his 'abhorrent' behaviour as governor meant he was 'not deserving of a place in the Heroes of Wales collection'

Some of the more than 200 statues, roads and buildings iin Wales identified as bearing the names of famous Britons 'linked to the slave trade'

Some of the historic Britons identified in the Wales probe of monuments linked to slavery Francis Drake: Three streets named after him. Thomas Picton: Four monuments, five buildings and 30 streets. Lord Nelson: Seven monuments, six buildings and 18 streets. King William IV: Five buildings and seven streets. Winston Churchill: Two buildings and 13 streets. Duke of Wellington: Two monuments, 14 buildings and 32 streets. William Gladstone: Three monuments, five places, 26 streets. Robert Peel: One street. George Canning: One street. Cecil Rhodes: One street. Advertisement

A report from heritage officers about the new boards said: 'It could be argued that the actions of Sir Thomas Picton may not be widely known by all who appreciate the monument as part of their local landscape, and the monument is part of the cherished and familiar local scene, but who would not appreciate the actions of the man.'

Reacting to the council's decision, Race Council Cymru said that moving forward people will be educated and have a greater understanding of a 'controversial and complex man'.

A spokeswoman said: 'We are pleased to see that Carmarthenshire Council has consulted broadly in its consideration of what should be done with the statues, memorials and streets named after public figures associated with slavery or the British Empire.

'We greatly approve of the council's commitment to engaging with people of minority ethnic backgrounds in its consultation process.

'We support the council's decision to improve the interpretation of the Picton Monument so that it better reflects the history of this controversial man.

'The council's decision to provide fuller and more accurate information will ensure that the people of Carmarthenshire will know a more honest history of this very complex man.

'This new interpretation will be far more relevant to all the people of Britain in their rich diversity.'

It comes as a Welsh government review ordered by First Minister Mark Drakeford identified 209 monuments, buildings or street names which commemorate people who were 'directly involved' with slavery and the slave trade or opposed its abolition.

The review condemned the monuments for depicting Britons with links to the slave trade as 'heroes'. The people identified include Sir Francis Drake, Lord Nelson, the Duke of Wellington and William Gladstone.

It also described former Prime Minister Winston Churchill as a 'person of interest' who requires further examination after being 'identified' by campaigners.

Mr De'Ath said at the time of the statue being removed: 'I'm delighted. I think the way Cardiff has gone about the whole thing has been the right way. We've used democratic means to take it down.'

A statue of Picton was previously removed from Cardiff City Hall after councillors claimed his 'abhorrent' behaviour as governor meant he was 'not deserving of a place in the Heroes of Wales collection'.

Cardiff's first black mayor Dan De'Ath had called for the statue of the 'sadistic 19th Century slave-owner' to be removed in the aftermath of the statue of slave trader Edward Colston being toppled in Bristol during a Black Lives Matter march in June.

Mr De'Ath said at the time of the statue being removed: 'I'm delighted. I think the way Cardiff has gone about the whole thing has been the right way. We've used democratic means to take it down.

'Most people were incredibly supportive. They recognise the significance of the statue and what an affront it is to black people. Black lives do matter.

'It's therefore not appropriate to have such a person as Picton, who caused so much suffering and death and misery during his time as governor of Trinidad, commemorated and celebrated.

'Statues are not just about history. They are about celebrating the lives of the people they depict, and representing a certain set of values. These aren't the values, he's not the person, and these aren't the deeds we want to celebrate and recognise in Cardiff today.'

Mr De'Ath said the decision to remove the statue had 'special significance' for him due to his own family history.

'I'm not only black, but my father came from Antigua, an island in the Caribbean. He was almost certainly a descendent of slaves himself,' he said.

'It means a lot. A huge amount to me and other black people out there in the community.'

Picton's monument at St Paul's Cathedral could also be removed as part of a probe into offensive statues.

This memorial to Lieutenant-General Sir Thomas Picton, which is surrounded by angels and a lion, is one of several being reviewed as part of the 800,000 probe

His monument at St Paul's is being reviewed as part of a three-year review which has received public money from the Arts and Humanities Research Council

The memorial, which is surrounded by angels and a lion, is one of several being reviewed as part of the 800,000 probe.

The three-year review has received public money from the Arts and Humanities Research Council.

The project, entitled Pantheons: Sculpture at St Paul's Cathedral, states that it is inspired by the Black Lives Matter movement.

It compares St Paul's monuments to statues of Confederate generals in the United States.

Professor James Stevens Curl, author of the Oxford Dictionary of Architecture, said he was concerned that the investigation would lead to 'widespread destruction' and that it was wrong to judge 19th-century figures by 21st-century standards.

St Paul's said: 'The Pantheons Project is a three-year research project which should help visitors and the cathedral understand and interpret the memorials for the 21st century.'
Russian mercenaries have deployed to separatist-controlled eastern Ukraine in recent weeks to bolster defences against Ukrainian government forces as tensions between Moscow and the West rise, four sources have told Reuters new agency.

In recent weeks, Russia has moved tens of thousands of regular troops to staging posts closer to Ukraine and followed up by demanding urgent security guarantees from the West designed, Moscow says, to prevent Ukraine and other neighbouring countries being used as a base to attack it.

The West and Ukraine have for their part accused Russia of weighing a fresh attack on its southern neighbour as soon as next month, something Moscow denies.

Speaking earlier today, Vladimir Putin claimed eastern Ukraine is Russian and demanded NATO give 'security guarantees' amid fears he is poised to invade the country - but played down talk of war and said he welcomed peace talks with the US.

During his annual end-of-year press conference, Putin described Ukraine as 'historical territories' that fell outside of Russia after the Soviet Union's collapse.

Russian mercenaries have deployed to separatist-controlled eastern Ukraine in recent weeks to bolster defences against Ukrainian government forces, sources have said. Pictured: Russian soldiers take part in drills at the Kadamovskiy firing range in the Rostov region in southern Russia, Wednesday, December 22, 2021

He said Donbass, a Ukrainian region on Russia's border, 'never thought of itself as anything other than part of Russia' and that he was 'forced to do something about it in 2014'.

The remarks were some of Putin's strongest ever on the history of Ukraine and are a possible indication of just how far the Russian strongman may be willing to go.

Russia annexed the Crimean Peninsula from Ukraine in 2014 and backed pro-Russian separatists who seized a swathe of the industrial Donbass region of eastern Ukraine that same year, and continue to fight Ukrainian government forces there.

Of four sources, three described their offers from mercenary recruiters to go to Donbass. They said the recruiters did not disclose who they represented. All four sources declined to be named, citing fears for their safety.

Two of the three sources said they had accepted; the third said he had refused.

'There is a full house. They are gathering everybody with combat experience,' said one of the two who accepted.

He said he had previously fought in Ukraine and Syria for groups of Russian security contractors whose operations have been closely aligned with Russia's strategic interests. He declined to identify the contractors.

The fighter said he was planning to join up with fellow mercenaries on the Russian side of the border with the separatist-held Luhansk region in eastern Ukraine.

The Kremlin says it has nothing to do with private Russian military contractors whose operatives it describes as volunteers with no connection to the state.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said: 'It's the first we've heard of this and we don't know how reliable these assertions are.'

Peskov said there were no Russian regular forces or military advisers in eastern Ukraine and never had been, and that Moscow was not considering sending any.

Kyiv disputes that and says regular Russian army forces are present.

Alexander Ivanov, head of the Community of Officers For International Security, a non-governmental group representing Russian contractors in the Central African Republic, said he had 'not a single confirmation' that any Russian mercenary had been deployed to Ukraine.

Pictured: Russian tanks take part in a military drills at Molkino training ground in the Krasnodar region, Russia, Tuesday, December 14, 2021

Three of the sources said they were not aware of any plans for a new Russian attack on Ukraine or of preparations that would suggest one was coming.

One of the sources, a contractor who has taken part in Russian operations abroad and had already arrived in eastern Ukraine, said the deployment was for defensive purposes. The first mercenary said the same.

Another source said he was not directly involved in the deployment, but was in touch with people on the ground who were undergoing special training. He said the aim of the deployment was what he called sabotage activities to undermine stability in Ukraine.

The Donetsk People's Republic (DPR) proclaimed its independence from Ukraine in 2014 after separatist fighters took control of a slice of eastern Ukraine. Backed by Russia, its self-proclaimed status has not been recognised internationally.

Alexander Borodai, ex-prime minister of the DPR and head of the Union of Donbass Volunteers, said his organisation was not involved in the recruitment of any mercenaries for eastern Ukraine.

Members of his organisation have previously fought in Ukraine and Syria.

'If and when it's needed, we'll call people - but there has been no call for now,' said Borodai, who is also a lawmaker for Russia's ruling party, United Russia.

In this image provided by the Ukrainian Board Guard Press Office, Ukrainian border guards watch as a special vehicle digs a trench on the Ukraine-Russia border close to Sumy, Ukraine, Tuesday, Dec. 21, 2021

Separatist spokesperson Eduard Basurin said he knew nothing of any recent Russian deployments of security contractors to eastern Ukraine.

Ukraine's military intelligence service declined to comment, while the state security service did not reply to a request for comment.

In his address, Putin demanded NATO provide 'guarantees' that the organisation will not expand 'further eastward' and insisted the buildup on Ukraine's border was a defence force assembled for 'security' reasons, downplaying the prospect of an invasion.

Western governments has been warning for weeks that Putin appears to be readying tens of thousands of troops, tanks and artillery pieces in a veiled threat of invasion lingering on Ukraine's eastern border.

The United States and Europe have warned Russia that it risks unprecedented sanctions should it launch a military attack on NATO ally Ukraine.

Both sides have sought to open strategic stability talks to resolve the crisis and the Russian strongman today described plans to start negotiations in Geneva in the new year as 'positive' - but added: 'The ball is in their court.'

Vladimir Putin today claimed eastern Ukraine is Russian amid fears he is poised to invade the country during his annual end-of-year press conference

America has been warning for weeks that Putin appears to be readying tens of thousands of troops, tanks and artillery pieces to invade Ukraine, but the Kremlin has insisted it is merely a defence force - until now (pictured, Russian forces currently massed in border regions)

What did Vladimir Putin say on each topic? On possible conflict with Ukraine: 'This is not our choice, we do not want this.' 'We have to think about ensuring our security prospects not just for today and next week but for the near future.' 'We just directly posed the question that there should be no further NATO movement to the east, the ball is in their court, they should answer us with something. In this regard, I would like to stress that on the whole we have seen a positive reaction so far, our American partners tell us that they are ready to start this discussion.' On NATO expansion: 'What is unclear here? Are we putting missiles next to the United States' borders? No, it is the United States that has come to us with their missiles, they are already on our doorstep.' 'The course of negotiations is not important to us, the result is important... 'Not one inch to the East,' they told us in the 90s. So what? They cheated, just brazenly tricked us! Five waves of NATO expansion and now already, please, the systems are appearing in Romania and Poland.' On Donbass: 'The future of Donbass should be determined by the people who live in Donbass... It cannot be any other way. We see our role as mediators in creating the best conditions for determining the future of the people who live in this territory.' On Russia labelling some media as foreign agents: 'We do not forbid the work of these organisations. We want organisations engaging in Russia's domestic political activity to clearly and concisely declare the sources of foreign funding for their work.' Advertisement

Putin today described the recent buildup of troops on Ukraine's eastern border as part of an effort to defend Russia and ethnic Russians living in the next door nation.

He said Russia had 'no choice' but to act to protect the minority portioned into Ukraine after the fall of the Soviet Union and claimed Kyiv had consigned Russians in the country to second-class citizen status.

'They are pushing Russians and the Russian-speaking population from their historical territory,' he said.

'The future of Donbass should be determined by the people who live in Donbass... It cannot be any other way. We see our role as mediators in creating the best conditions for determining the future of the people who live in this territory.'

Putin accused the West of warmongering in Ukraine by creating an 'anti-Russia, constantly beefed up with modern weapons and brainwashing the population', adding that US us 'warning us not to get in the way, or there will sanctions'.

'Now they tell us, war, war war. It seems they are preparing another operation [in Donbass] and are warning us not to get in the way, or they'll be sanctions,' he said.

'This is not our choice, we do not want this. We have to think about ensuring our security prospects not just for today and next week but for the near future.'

He said Russia cannot keep living in constant anticipation of looming security threats posed by possible deployment of Western weapons in Ukraine.

'Are we putting missiles next to the United States' borders? No, it is the United States that has come to us with their missiles, they are already on our doorstep.'

And argued that Western weapons could encourage hawkish forces in Ukraine to attempt to regain control over Russia-backed separatist regions by force and even try to reclaim Crimea, which Russia annexed from Ukraine in 2014.

'The course of negotiations is not important to us, the result is important... 'Not one inch to the East,' they told us in the 90s. So what? They cheated, just brazenly tricked us! Five waves of NATO expansion and now already, please, the systems are appearing in Romania and Poland.'

Putin has denied having plans to launch an attack but has described a NATO expansion and weapons deployment in Ukraine as a 'red line.'

Senior Kremlin and defence officials have grown increasingly insistent that the West and NATO are trampling Moscow's security red lines and encroaching dangerously close to Russia's borders.

'The course of negotiations is not important to us, the result is important... 'Not one inch to the East,' they told us in the 90s,' he said.

'So what? They cheated, just brazenly tricked us! Five waves of NATO expansion and now already, please, the systems are appearing in Romania and Poland.'
'The victim suffered redness, soreness and bruising to the left side of her jaw. 'The victim is 16 years of age and has a very youthful appearance' police said

Saunders then allegedly reached into the girl's open driver's side window and punched her in the face with a closed fist, leaving her bruised

Saunders allegedly approached the victim's vehicle and yelled at her, 'What the f*** are you doing? You stupid bitch! You cut me off!'

Police said Saunders followed her to a nearby intersection, cut her off and confronted her at a red light

Police said on December 16 Saunders became 'enraged' after a teen girl cut off his Porsche 911 on Florida Avenue North in Tampa at around 10:30 pm

Hillsborough County Police charged Stephen Irvin Saunders, 47, with punching a 16-year-old girl in the jaw at a stoplight after she cut him off in traffic

A Porsche-driving investment banker from Florida has been charged with sucker-punching a teenage girl after she 'accidentally' cut him off in traffic.

Hillsborough County Police charged 47-year-old Stephen Irvin Saunders, a self-employed' investment banker, with punching a 16-year-old girl in the jaw at a stoplight after she cut him off in traffic in Tampa, according to an arrest affidavit.

Police said on December 16 Saunders became 'enraged' after a 16-year-old girl cut off his Porsche 911 on Florida Avenue North in Tampa at around 10:30 pm and followed her to a nearby intersection, cut her off and confronted her at a red light.

Hillsborough County Police charged Stephen Irvin Saunders, 47, (pictured) with punching a 16-year-old girl in the jaw at a stoplight after she cut him off in traffic

The girl identified Saunders's vehicle (pictured) because of it's distinct design- his white and black convertible Porsche 911 had '911' boldly printed on the driver's side door

'While stopped for the red light the suspect exited his vehicle and approached the victim's vehicle and yelled at her, 'What the f*** are you doing? You stupid bitch! You cut me off!'' court documents said.

Saunders, who according to court documents is 5-foot-11 and 200 pounds, then allegedly reached into the girl's open driver's side window and punched her in the face with a closed fist, leaving her bruised.

'The victim suffered redness, soreness and bruising to the left side of her jaw,' court documents said. 'The victim is 16 years of age and has a very youthful appearance.'

Police said the young girl was able to remember Saunders's vehicle because of it's distinct design- his white and black convertible Porsche 911 had '911' boldly printed on the driver's side door, and is visible on his driveway in a photo taken of his home.

Once tracked down, the girl was also able to identify the 47-year-old when presented with a photo pack that included his drivers license image.

'Based on the investigation the suspect unlawfully entered into the victim's occupied conveyance and committed a battery upon her,' court documents said.

Saunders, who was arrested on December 18, was charged with burglary of a conveyance with assault or battery, which the Hillsborough County court system's website says is a 'felony punishable by life,' Business Observer reported.

After pleading not guilty on December 20 to the road rage count he was released from the Hillsborough County jail on $15,000 bond.

Saunders' attorney Kevin Napper says that more details will be revealed about the incident.

'We'll let the court process play out, and there's more to the story. You can quote me on that,' he told Business Observer.
When Judge Regina Chu sent the jury out in the Kim Potter trial, she handed them fourteen pages of instructions.

Now, as jurors enter their fourth day of deliberations and the specter of a mistrial looms, DailyMail.com has reviewed those instructions to break down the issues at the very heart of the case.

Because after eight days of testimony, dozens of witnesses, and passionate opening and closing arguments, it all comes down to this.

And this is the law as jurors must apply it to the charges of manslaughter in the first degree and manslaughter in the Second.

To convict Potter on the first-degree charge there are five elements that jurors must agree have been proven beyond reasonable doubt.

The jury deciding Kim Potter's fate must reach a consensus on 1st and 2nd degree manslaughter charges, which carry a 15 and 10-year max sentence, respectively

Potter was charged after shooting 20-year-old black motorist Daunte Wright dead during a traffic stop in April. She claims she mistakenly grabbed her gun instead of her Taser after the situation turned 'chaotic.' Pictured: Bodycam footage of Potter aiming her gun

This image provided by the prosecution earlier in the trial shows the difference between a Taser and a Glock

Three are straightforward: that Daunte Wright died, that Potter caused his death, and that his death took place on April 11, 2021, in Hennepin County.

But two are thornier.

The first is that Wright's death was caused by Potter, 'committing the crime of reckless handling or use of firearm.'

Within the element of reckless handling or use of firearm there are, the judge has explained, two further elements that must be found.

According to Judge Chu: 'A person acts "recklessly" if, under the totality of the circumstances, she commits a conscious or intentional act in connection with the handling or use of a firearm that creates a substantial and unjustifiable risk that she is aware of and disregards.

'Second the Defendant handled or used the firearm so as to endanger the safety of another person.'

Here jurors must weigh the defense's insistence that Potter's act in drawing the gun simply cannot be considered 'conscious or intentional,' and that could not therefore be 'aware' of any risk, against the state's argument.

Katie Bryant (right) the mother of Daunte Wright, arrives at the Hennepin County Government Center in Minneapolis Thursday on the fourth day of deliberations

Daunte's father Aubrey Wright told DailyMail.com that the family is 'hoping' for a decision as he entered the courthouse Thursday

Outside, only a handful of demonstrators brave the frigid Minnesota temperatures to demand justice as jurors deliberate

For the state, the fact that Potter had the gun in her hand for six seconds before pointing, aiming and shooting is enough to render the act intentional and enough to suggest awareness of risk.

If jurors agree with the state, they must also go on to find that Potter committed this crime of reckless handling or use of a firearm, 'with such force or violence,' that, 'the death of another person or great bodily harm to another person was reasonably foreseen.'

When considering this they must think about the evidence on, 'action error' brought by the defense expert Dr Laurence Miller, a forensic psychologist.

He told jurors that a mental 'slip and capture,' meant Potter was oblivious to the fact that she had drawn a gun at all.

If jurors agree that all five of the elements have been proven beyond a reasonable doubt, then Potter is guilty. If they agree that even one has not been proven, then they must acquit her.

There are only three elements to the second-degree charge. The first and third are again the simple facts that Wright was killed and that he was killed on April 11, 2021.

The second is that Potter, 'caused the deathby culpable negligence, whereby the Defendant created an unreasonable risk and consciously took a chance of causing death or great bodily harm.

In order to convict Potter of the more serious charge of manslaughter in the first degree, jurors must agree that Potter acted 'recklessly' by committing a conscious or intentional act and handled or used the firearm so as to endanger the safety of another person'

Dash cam footage showed the struggle that broke out between the officers and Wright after jumped back into his car while they tried to apprehend him

The jury on Tuesday asked the judge whether they could remove the zip ties on Potter's gun to more easily examine it. Pictured: Potter's gun and taser side by side

Culpable negligence is defined as: 'intentional conduct that the Defendant may not have intended to be harmful but that an ordinary and reasonably prudent person would recognize as involving a strong probability of injury to others.'

It is not, the judge has noted, 'necessary for the State to prove any intent on the part of the Defendant to kill anyone.'

Jurors must decide between the defense's argument that Potter's conduct was far from 'intentional' and the state's, who claimed that the very fact that the conduct took place  and that Potter drew her gun  is enough for jurors to regard it as such.

Again, the jury must find that all the elements have been proven if they are to convict, otherwise, they must find Potter not guilty.

Judge Chu has also instructed the jury on the circumstances in which deadly and non-deadly force may be used by a police officer.

But confusingly, though the defense made much of the idea that Potter was justified in using her taser and could reasonably have used deadly force, the judge has also instructed the jury: 'Whether the Defendant's apparent decision to use a Taser was reasonable or appropriate is not a defense to the charges in the case.'

The jury has not yet asked to review any of the body-worn camera footage presented in evidence but they can do so.

They examined Potter's gun Tuesday, expressing a desire to compare its weight and size to that of her taser.

At the same time, Potter is now facing down the prospect of standing trial all over again as jurors remain deadlocked while the clock runs down.

A person holds sign outside Hennepin County Government Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota

Daunte Wright's father Aubrey Wright (center) joined protesters outside of the Hennepin County District Courthouse Wednesday night

A protester holds up a sign depicting the differences between a gun and a Taser outside court on Wednesday

A question from the jury late Tuesday afternoon gave the clearest indication yet that the high-profile trial may be heading for the chaos of a mistrial  the inevitable outcome should the jury fail to reach a unanimous verdict of guilt or acquittal.

The jury asked: 'If the jury cannot reach consensus what is the guidance about how long and what steps should be taken?'

If they fail to reach that consensus - be it down to an even split or a solitary hold-out - there would be nothing for it but to move to a mistrial.

This would not result in an acquittal for Potter. Instead, the specter of a second trial would hang over the ex-cop into the New Year when, in all likelihood, Attorney General Keith Ellison would retry this case with a new jury and, possibly, lesser charges.

For now, the most pressing question is how long will the judge let this jury deliberate?

With jurors fully sequestered, Judge Chu has told them that she will allow them to go home for Christmas should they have failed to reach a verdict ahead of the holiday.

They would then resume deliberations when Hennepin County District Court reopens on December 27.

On Wednesday, jurors ended a third day of deliberations without reaching a verdict yet again.

The jury has deliberated for about 23 hours. They resumed deliberations at 8.40am CT on Thursday.

Wright's parents, Katie Bryant and AubreyWright, were seen arriving at the Hennepin County Government Center for another day of waiting.

Bryant arrived first with her daughter and other family members. When asked if she was hoping to get a verdict today, she said: 'Yes.'

Aubrey, who arrived a few minutes later, expressed the same sentiment, telling DailyMail.com: 'We are hoping for [a decision].'
A rapist civil servant who claimed a teenager he forced to perform a sex act on him in a deserted car park was a 'friend with benefits' has been jailed for six years.

Vidul Vithlani, 27, forced his victim to give him oral sex in a west London car park on August 24, 2018, before insisting the allegations were part of her roleplay and BDSM fantasies.

The 'extremely entitled and self-obsessed' politics and international relations graduate was previously an employee of the Department for Work and Pensions, with his LinkedIn profile boasting of internships with MP John Leech and MEP William Newton Dunn.

However, he appeared at the Old Bailey on Wednesday to be sentenced for rape and sexual assault.

He waved sadly to his brother as he was jailed for six years.

Vithlani told the court he and the victim had sexted each other and discussed rough sex before they arranged to meet in his car to listen to music and smoke cannabis.

He then drove into an unknown car park before his 'sexual needs took priority over her wishes'.

Vithlani told the victim he was parking up to smoke cannabis, before raping her and driving home.

Following the incident, he then tried to organised another meeting with the victim before she reported the incident to the police.

He denied raping the victim, but a jury heard a recording of a phone call between Vithlani and the woman in which he told her: Im sorry I raped you.

Vidul Vithlani, 27, was jailed for six years for rape and sexual assault at the Old Bailey (pictured) on Wednesday

Passing sentence, Judge John Hillen told the court: 'Entitled people think the world revolves around them. And that was clear, for all your evidence was all about how terrible that case had been for you.

'How you were depressed because you had lost a year of university. You made it plain you had no interest in the victim other that to satisfy your sexual urges. When I remanded you in custody I described you as being entitled.

I used the word entitled because thats how it appeared to me and no doubt the jury. That is a word which pops up more than once in the pre-sentence report.'

The judge added that Vithlani had 'played the card of "how could you a graduate civil servant of good character bot be believed against your victim?"'

The court heard he had described the relationship between himself and the victim under the phrase 'friends with benefits'.

However, the Old Bailey was told he was 'the only one who really benefitted'.

In an impact statement, the victim told the court she now feels 'scared of most men' and 'terrified of intimacy'.

She said: 'I worry that I will never be able to trust men. I want to rebuild my life and one day have a relationship.

I honestly feel that any time I am in a situation where I am alone with a man I have to be on guard. There is always the risk of being raped again.

I have such trust issues I feel most scared of the men who are closest to me. I am terrified of intimacy with a voice saying if I say no will they actually stop. I struggle to kiss someone now without feeling that fear.

Vithlani had written a letter to the judge in which he said he wanted to be a 'constructive member of society'.

The letter read: 'I am filled with remorse and regret for my actions and behaviour.

'I am so sorry to her for the impact I have had on her life and well-being. I understand how much I have affected her mental health I pray she can move forward with her life and happiness and without fear.

'I am using this time to reflect and learn from my mistakes. I want to be a constructive member of society.'

Vithlani, Pinner, Harrow, was jailed for six years for rape. He also received a 15-month prison sentence for sexual assault, which is to be served concurrently with notification requirements continuing indefinitely.

A custody picture was not available as Vithlani was charged by postal requisition.
A father-of-five has died after being mauled to death by a dog at his family's boarding kennel business in a horror attack just a few days before Christmas.

Adam Watts, 55, died on Wednesday after he was savaged by a bulldog at Juniper Kennels and Cattery in Auchterhouse, Dundee.

It is believed one of Mr Watts' five sons witnessed the horrific scene and raised the alarm.

It is the second tragedy to hit the family in less than a decade. The boys' mother Eileen Watts also passed away in 2013, aged 46, of cancer.

Adam Watts, 55, from Dundee died on Wednesday following the attack in the middle of the day.

He had worked at the family business, Juniper Kennels and Cattery Kirkton of Auchterhouse, Angus.

Police Scotland is preparing a report into the tragic father-of-five's death

A source told the Sun: 'Adam was a kind and caring man who loved animals.

'For one of them to witness this and have to try and get help is stomach-churning.'

Wallace Vets, paid tribute on Facebook to Mr Watts.

The independent Vets in Dundee and Angus said: 'It's with huge sadness that we learn of the passing of Adam Watts, of Juniper Kennels.

'Adam was the most caring man who went over and above in his passion for caring for animals, and worked tirelessly to help give some a loving future with a new family.

'Our heartfelt thoughts and deepest sympathies go to his family and friends at this difficult time.'

A spokeswoman for Police Scotland told MailOnline: 'Officers received report of a man having been attacked by a dog in Kirkton of Auchterhouse around 1.10pm on Wednesday, December 22.

'Emergency services attended, however, the 55-year-old man was pronounced dead at the scene.

'The death is not being treated as suspicious and a report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.'

The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) is responsible for the prosecution of crime in Scotland, the investigation of sudden or suspicious deaths and complaints of criminal conduct by police officers on duty.
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Authorities in western Wisconsin are trying to sort out multiple crashes along Interstate 94, where icy conditions caused a massive pile-up on Thursday.

The State Patrol said in a statement that freezing rain early Thursday morning left the interstate between Menomonie and Black River Falls, about 25 miles south of Eau Claire, extremely icy.

WITI-TV initially reported more than 100 vehicles were involved in the chaos but State Patrol Lt. Tim Weiberg told Wisconsin Public Radio that the number was closer to 40, with 15 to 20 of those vehicles being semi-trucks.

At about 5:45 a.m., a semi-trailer apparently slid into the median near Hixton and caught fire with two cars underneath it.

Other crashes and run-offs occurred around the semi-trailer, including other trucks.

Approximately 20 people were hurt but they were all minor injuries, according to the Wisconsin State Patrol.

A passerby who happened upon the fiery crash captured the unsettling aftermath, showing a number of 18-wheelers and cars mangled and on fire as they cameraperson passes the scene on the other side of the median.

SCROLL DOWN FOR VIDEO

About 5:45 am a semi-trailer, pictured, apparently slid in the median near Hixton and caught fire with two cars underneath it

Pictured: Thursday morning's massive pile-up on Interstate 94 at mile marker 96 in Jackson County near Northfield

Pictured: Two semi-trucks, left and right, both burst into flames in Thursday morning's massive pile-up

Pictured: a portion of Thursday morning's pile-up, which consisted mostly of semi-trucks

The 20 injured passengers were transported by bus off of the highway and to a nearby safe location.

While no one was seriously hurt, the multiple crashes forced authorities to close both eastbound and westbound lanes around 6:55 a.m., just before rush hour, to allow emergency vehicles to get to the scene.

Wisconsin State Patrol Sgt. Sean Berkowitch told NBC15 that some vehicles were having trouble making it up hills in the area and were becoming stuck prior to the massive pile-up.

Meanwhile, traffic reporters in the area warned holiday travelers to avoid Interstate 94, where the pile-up occurred at mile marker 96 near Northfield, and offered alternative routes as the holiday season draws near.

'If you are traveling near here you should avoid the roads or stay off them completely. US 12 or US 53 as detours,' tweeted Andy Brovelli, an Emmy-nominated morning traffic anchor at CBS 58.

The closure was extended shortly after 9 a.m., with eastbound drivers being directed to get off the Interstate at the Hwy. 10 exit, near Osseo, and were allowed back on at the Hwy. 95 interchange, outside Hixton.

The multiple crashes forced authorities to close both eastbound and westbound lanes around 6:55 am, just before rush hour, to allow emergency vehicles to get to the scene

A scene from Thursday morning's massive pile-up, left, and traffic seen after the multiple crashes, right

Wisconsin State Patrol reported there were no fatalities and several dozen vehicles involved in Thursday's multiple crashes

Pictured: a traffic and travel advisory map of Wisconsin, with lines in red showing the traffic back-up following the massive pile-up and crashes on Thursday morning

Those coming the other way were forced to exit at Hwy. 12/27, in Black Rivers Falls, with the detour running through County Road Highway in Foster.

Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers warned drivers of the icy road conditions shortly after the multiple crashes.

'Folks, there are some dangerous road conditions out there, including in western Wisconsin where we've had accidents this morning,' Evers tweeted on Thursday around noon.

'Please be safe and take good care if you're traveling today.'
A paedophile, who now identifies as a woman, who was jailed for having group sex with an Alsatian has been sent to a men's prison because she is not legally female.

Claire Goodier - who was previously known as John and convicted of child abuse images as a man in the past - was sentenced for 20 months yesterday.

Goodier, 60, has identified as a woman for at least two years and was referred to as Claire and 'she' during her Chester Crown Court case.

But MailOnline has learnt the defendant - twice convicted of possessing indecent images of children in 2006 and 2009 - has been sent to HMP Altcourse.

It is a Category B men's private prison and Young Offender Institution situated in Liverpool.

A source told MailOnline: 'Prisoners go to whichever prison matches their legally recognised gender.

'This defendant is in a male prison, HMP Altcourse.'

The jail is where Man City star Benjamin Mendy is currently being on remand ahead of his multiple rape trial next year.

Goodier was identified in court listings under a male name but with a note added to be addressed in the hearing as Claire. A Sexual Harm Prevention Order issued is under that female identity.

The Gender Recognition Act 2004 allows people to change their legal sex and obtain a Gender Recognition certificate proving it - which is valid in prisons.

Claire Goodier, 60, has been sent to prison for 20 months for the depravity with the dog

Goodier - who was previously known as John - has a string of offences under previous name

HMP Altcourse in Liverpool where Goodier has been sent to serve the 20-month sentence

Yesterday Judge Steven Everett called Goodier's crime in taking part in the dog act with other adults as 'despicable' 'disgusting' and 'depraved' as he jailed the pervert for 20 months.

He said the defendant had been 'astonishingly lucky' to avoid previous spells behind bars after receiving suspended sentences.

Paulinus Barnes, prosecuting at Chester Crown Court on Wednesday, December 22, said the police had called to Goodier's home on July 19, 2019, to carry out a routine check due to being on the sex offenders register for life.

Officers took a laptop which contained evidence Goodier had searched the internet for bestiality content and when a full analysis of the equipment was finally completed some two years later, it emerged hidden folders contained 31 indecent images of a sex act with an Alsatian breed of dog.

Mr Barnes said: 'She admitted possession of the images.

'She said she had fantasised about it for a number of years and after talking about it with people in Northwich, was put in touch with others in Bournemouth.

The pervert was listed as John but note asked for her to be called Claire in the court hearing

'She travelled down there in December 2018 and took part in the sex act with other people and the Alsatian dog.'

On arrest on June 17 this year, police also found another pen drive in a handbag containing the same images and 3.5 grammes of cocaine.

When the sex act was committed between December 15 and 16, 2018, Goodier had also been in breach of a suspended sentence order, which had been imposed in May of that year for failing to adhere to the terms of a sexual harm prevention order.

Simon Mills, defending, said his client had always been 'frank and honest' with the probation service and although accepting the behaviour had been depraved and disgusting, called on the Judge to consider another suspended sentence.

He said: 'This incident took place some three years ago. 'The picture now is one of sporadic offending.

'This is not a case where the offending is getting more and more serious.

'She will do everything asked of her by the court and there are tentative signs of improvement in her attitude and approach.'

Goodier had also failed to comply with the terms of the sexual harm prevention order in November of last year, when she was 13 days late, blaming being in isolation due to Covid guidelines.

Judge Everett told Goodier he did agree with the probation service assessing her as being a low risk of re-offending as he sent her to prison.

He said: 'You are a long, long way from changing your life.

'You deceitfully took part in a cocaine-fuelled incident with other persons.

'Since the terrible offence took place you kept the images unashamedly for your own sexual gratification.

'In the middle of all this, you failed to comply with the terms of an order, which some might say is a minor breach, but it's not for the first time.

'Your record is appalling and it could be said you were astonishingly lucky not to go to prison previously.

'A message must go out that if you commit such disgusting behaviour then you must go to prison.'

Goodier sobbed after learning of the 20 months sentence, ten-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order and order to sign the Sex Offenders' Register.
Minnesota has drafted in the National Guard to save the state's desperate nursing homes, crippled by staffing shortages and facing new pressures amid the rapid spread of the Omicron Covid variant.

Some 400 troops without any prior nursing experience are going through rapid-fire training at community colleges before being sent to long-term care facilities.

Hospitals swamped by soaring Covid infections are in desperate need of functioning nursing homes to send patients who require long-term care - but the pandemic has put such pressure on staff that many carers have decided to quit.

Minnesota has been gripped by the Delta variant for months, reporting thousands of cases each day since early August, resulting in more than 1,400 Covid patients currently hospitalized.

A Guard member being put through his paces as the troops undergo rapid training to help out in nursing homes

Guard members pose with staff as they cram five weeks worth of nursing training into just eight days

Officers speak to troops during the nursing training

Health officials this week warned that the highly-infectious Omicron variant was now likely the dominant strain in the state.

Although it is believed to be milder than Delta, experts warn that Omicron's transmissibility could still lead to a significant number of hospitalizations.

It comes as intensive care units remain under severe pressure, with only 23 adult ICU beds and 8 children's beds available across the entire state on Wednesday.

Thirty Guard members have been working at North Ridge Health and Rehab in suburban Minneapolis for the last two weeks.

The nursing home has been crippled by an exodus of burned-out employees, forcing administrators to shutdown entire wings and limit admissions.

Pfc. Shina Vang is among the Guard members deployed to North Ridge.

It's a far cry from his usual remit which has seen the National Guard deployed across Minnesota during civil unrest after the killing of George Floyd.

'I've had protesters throw apples and water bottles at me but that doesn't compare to the challenge of giving someone a bed bath,' Private Vang told The New York Times.

A nurse puts the troops through their paces at one of the 16 community colleges that stepped up to provide emergency Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) training

Troops taking part in nursing training ahead of deployment to care homes

Among their duties, the troops have been collecting bedpans, clipping toenails and feeding residents.

Staff Sgt. Nathan Madden, 47, said the work had been humbling and made him appreciate those who care for the sick and the elderly.

Past deployments have taken him to Kuwait, Croatia and, more recently, the Minneapolis courthouse where Derek Chauvin stood trial for Floyd's murder.

'This kind of work is humbling for sure,' Sergeant Madden told the NYT.

'It's great to help out in the community, but I have older parents, so in a way this is preparing me for what I might have to do one day.'

Certified nursing assistants normally go through five weeks of training before taking exams, but the troops were given an eight-day crash course to get them into care homes as rapidly as possible.

The number of employees at North Ridge has dropped to 450 from 590 since the pandemic started.

Although, burnout and risk of Covid infection are cited as some of the reasons for quitting, most say they are not paid enough.

North Ridge and other care homes caring for mainly Medicaid patients receive around $16 per hour - that's not much more than local fast food restaurants.

Fatimate Massquoi, a nursing manager at North Ridge, said the pandemic had made the physical and mental demands of the job even harder.

'People don't know what it's like to hold the hand of someone dying alone because their family isn't allowed to be here,' she told the NYT.

'Sometimes after a patient dies, I have to go into the bathroom to cry so no one will see me because I have to stay tough.'

However, she said the National Guard's deployment had alleviated the pressure, allowing exhausted workers to take time off over Christmas.
Dramatic video captured the moment a recently hired TSA agent jumped over a conveyer belt to save a two-month-old baby who had stopped breathing while waiting to go through a security checkpoint at a New Jersey airport.

TSA agent Cecilia Morales was inside the security clearance area at Newark Liberty International Airport when she heard people screaming for help after the boy's mother noticed that he was not breathing when she lifted him from a car seat on December 9.

Morales, who is a trained emergency medical technician with 10 years of experience, first tried to instruct the mother on how to revive the boy before climbing over the conveyor belt and taking the child from the frantic mom.

The surveillance video - shot during the recent holiday travel rush - showed the distraught mother handing her son over to Morales, who then used the Heimlich maneuver to clear the child's airway.

'I saw the video afterward,' Morales said. 'It was the first time I've ever seen myself in action, saving a life. It was mind-blowing to watch. I felt that my training and experience just took over.'

TSA agent Cecilia Morales jumps over the conveyor inside the security clearance section at Newark International Airport after she heard a mother screaming for help because her son was not breathing

TSA Officer Cecilia Morales has been lauded for saving the life of a two-month-old boy who nearly choked at Newark International Airport this week.

Morales placed the baby face down over her arm and patted his back but he was still unresponsive. She tried the maneuver a second time before he started to breathe.

Morales, who was hired in October, had previously applied the Heimlich maneuver on adults and children, but never on an infant.

'She was so nervous and I knew if I didn't get over there, it wasn't going to be a good outcome,' Morales said of the boy's mother. 'I jumped over the checkpoint conveyor belt rollers and she gave me the baby. I performed the infant Heimlich maneuver on him.'

The TSA said the boy and the mother are doing well but did not what date the incident occurred.

TSA Manager Ayrana Frazier lauded the agent's quick-thinking and heroic action, especially during a time of the year when airport checkpoints are crammed with passengers traveling for the holidays.

'If Officer Morales did not utilize her critical thinking, knowledge and quick response, perhaps we could have had a terrible outcome,' Frazier said. 'In the moment Officer Morales was selfless, and her priority was to save a life. We are proud to call her one of our own.'

A mother shouts for assistance after she noticed her son was not breathing after they had been cleared through at a passenger checkpoint inside Newark International Airport
There was anger today that a paedophile primary school deputy headteacher who abused and raped a girl aged under 13 could be out of prison in just eight years.

RE teacher Julie Morris, 44, and her partner David Morris, 52, filmed themselves molesting the child under the age of 13 in a series of videos, before trying to evade police by fleeing to the Lake District in a campervan.

Julie was jailed for 13 years and David 16 years, but they are only required to serve two thirds of this behind bars before being released on licence.

Kieran Mullan, MP for Crewe and Nantwich, called the sentences 'appalling'. He told MailOnline: 'We have taken some important big steps forward, for example moving from serious criminals serving two thirds instead of half of their sentence.

'We should recognise that important change. But the harsh reality is, our justice system is still very very far off from delivering what most people would think of as justice when it comes to serious offenders.

'Child sex offences stand out. I think people that rape children should expect to spend the rest of their lives in prison. Their victims and families live with deep trauma the rest of their lives.

'To think someone might get out after less than 10 years is appalling. Sadly that is what our guidelines allow and what has been done historically.

'We have got a long way to go to see justice for victims across the board and I would encourage the public to keep telling their MPs how they feel.'

Andrew Bridgen, MP for North West Leicestershire, asked: 'How did this evil paedophile manage to rise to such a position of responsibility in our education system without being detected and exposed?'

RE teacher Julie Morris, 44, and David Morris, 52, filmed themselves abusing and raping a child under the age of 13 in a series of videos

Julie had worked at St George's Central Church of England Primary School in Wigan for 10 years

Parents at St George's Central C of E Primary School in Wigan, where Julie was in charge of safeguarding, described their 'total shock' after hearing of what the 'highly regarded' and seemingly 'lovely' teacher had done. 'It's like she had a split personality,' one said.

Julie and David - who despite sharing the same name were not married - met on Plenty of Fish after Julie's relationship with her husband of 15 years broke down due to him being unfaithful.

They soon began sharing their 'graphic and depraved' fantasies that became 'sordid' reality when they set up a group chat with the victim, which they used to discuss how they planned to abuse 'their little plaything'.

Julie sent photographs of children at her school to David. But police said photographs were not indecent, or criminal in nature, and there is no evidence that any of the children were harmed. None of the offences she has been jailed for relate to the school.

In a police interview, Julie admitted abusing the victim but claimed she had wanted to take part. Judge Andrew Menary said: 'That last statement is breathtaking in its inappropriateness.'

Summing up the case, he said: 'Every now and again you see cases, the circumstances of which are almost beyond belief. This is one of those cases. It demonstrates that human depravity really knows no depths.'

Parents express shock at teacher's 'split personality' Parents at St George's Central C of E Primary School in Wigan, where Julie Morris was in charge of safeguarding, described their 'total shock' after hearing of what the 'highly regarded' and seemingly 'lovely' teacher had done. Coleen Williams, 48, whose children attended the school, told MailOnline: 'I'm in total shock. It's like she had a split personality. 'She seemed so lovely at school but how can she be when she's done something so vile? It's sickening. She should have got a longer jail sentence.' Liz Hunter, 61, whose grandchild went to the school, said: 'It's horrifying what she has done. She is someone parents trusted to care for their children. 'I don't know who she could have done this. I feel so sorry for the poor children involved but I'm sure every parent at the school is so relieved it didn't involve any pupils.' Advertisement

Coleen Williams, 48, whose children attended St George's, told MailOnline: 'I'm in total shock. It's like she had a split personality.

'She seemed so lovely at school but how can she be when she's done something so vile? It's sickening. She should have got a longer jail sentence.'

Liz Hunter, 61, whose grandchild went to the school, said: 'It's horrifying what she has done. She is someone parents trusted to care for their children.

'I don't know who she could have done this. I feel so sorry for the poor children involved but I'm sure every parent at the school is so relieved it didn't involve any pupils.'

Yesterday, Julie Morris admitted to two counts of rape, nine of inciting a child under the age of 13 to engage in sexual activity, and two of engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child.

The teacher also admitted three counts of taking indecent images of a child, one of engaging in sexual communication with a child and one of possessing indecent images of a child. She will serve a licence period of four years after her prison sentence.

John Wyn Williams, prosecuting, said the couple met on dating app Plenty of Fish in 2016 after both had separated from their partners and the relationship 'quickly became intensely sexual'.

He said: 'The communication between them became graphic and depraved which led to some of their sexual fantasies becoming a reality.'

Mr Wyn Williams said the couple's 'sordid secret' was revealed when police found a conversation about sexual abuse of children involving David in a phone seized during a search warrant.

The raid was executed at David's address on Sandfield Road, Eccleston, St Helens, on September 2, and saw his computer and other digital equipment taken as well as his phone.

He was arrested but cautioned and released and a number of devices were seized, which showed the recordings of rape and sexual abuse, the court heard.

Mr Wyn Williams said both defendants were arrested the following day as they appeared to be trying to evade police.

'They were on their way to the Lake District in a camper van with 10,000 in their possession,' he told the court.

Parents were told of the initial reports of her offences last month in a letter from the headteacher Mark Grogan

As well as videos and images on David's phone, officers trawled through 175,000 pages of messages between the couple, revealing sexually explicit communications.

At Liverpool Crown Court, Julie  wearing glasses, a facemask and a cream cable knit jumper  entered guilty pleas to two counts of rape in addition to other charges

Mr Wyn Williams said both defendants were arrested the following day as they appeared to be trying to evade police.

He said: 'They were on their way to the Lake District in a camper van with 10,000 in their possession.'

As well as videos and images on David Morris's phone, officers trawled through 175,000 pages of messages between the couple, revealing sexually explicit communications.

In the messages, they described the victim as 'our little plaything'.

Paul Becker, defending Julie Morris, said she had 'lost everything in life', including her reputation, career and home.

He said: 'She was held in high regard prior to her offending.'

He said that when she met David Morris she was at a 'low ebb' after she discovered her husband of 15 years had been unfaithful.

In interview, Julie Morris admitted the offences but claimed the victim had wanted to take part.

Julie (pictured) and David also set up a group chat with the victim in which they would talk about how they would abuse her, the court heard

How Morris turned to Plenty of Fish lover after her husband cheated on her Julie and David Morris - who despite sharing the same name were not married - met on Plenty of Fish after Julie's relationship with her husband of 15 years broke down due to him being unfaithful. Julie, who would go on to 'lose everything in life', including her reputation, career and home, was said to have been at a 'low ebb' when she discovered the cheating and turned online to find a new partner. John Wyn Williams, prosecuting, said the couple met on the dating app in 2016 after both had separated from their partners and the relationship 'quickly became intensely sexual'. Soon after, they began sharing their 'graphic and depraved' fantasies that became 'sordid' reality when they set up a group chat with the victim, which they used to discuss how they planned to abuse 'their little plaything'. Advertisement

Judge Menary said: 'That last statement is breathtaking in its inappropriateness.'

Charles Lander, defending David Morris, said he had showed genuine remorse and was 'under no illusions' that he would be going to prison for a long time.

He said the couple's 'toxic relationship' had come to an end.

Mairead Neeson, senior prosecutor at the CPS, said the case was one of the worst she had seen in her career, adding: 'The descriptions of what they did are so horrific that when I finished reading them. I burst into tears.

'It's a young child whose innocence has been stolen.'

David, of Eccleston, St Helens, pleaded guilty at an earlier hearing to seven counts of rape, 13 counts of causing or inciting a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity, two counts of engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child, taking indecent images, of categories A, B and C, possessing and distributing indecent images, two counts of engaging in sexual communications with a child, three counts of voyeurism, possession of an extreme pornographic image and possession of a prohibited image of a child.

Julie had worked at St George's Central Church of England Primary School for 10 years.

Parents were told of the initial reports of her offences last month in a letter from the headteacher Mark Grogan.

He said: 'It is important to emphasise that the charges in relation to the alleged offences are not connected with our school.'

The head added that he realised that it 'will come as a shock for everyone within the school community'.

Reacting to the news at the time, one parent said: 'She seemed lovely at school. It's a shock.'

'Wow 3 possible, 1 definite': Paedophile's sickening reply to his teacher partner's snap of her primary school pupils wearing fancy dress - as they are jailed for total of 29 years for string of vile child sex crimes on girl aged under 13

By Tom Rawstorne and Liz Hull for the Daily Mail

As the deputy head of a Church of England primary school, Julie Morris had a wide brief.

Head of maths and religious studies, she also had responsibility for everything from safeguarding vulnerable pupils to rolling out the red carpet for a visiting bishop.

The 44-year-old would even accompany the older children on annual residential trips to an activity centre in the Lake District  abseiling, hill walking and learning about nature.

'My son would call her 'Mum' at school when he was small,' one parent would wistfully recall.

So when news broke in September that Morris, who was also a Sunday school teacher, had been accused of a string of vile sexual offences against a young girl, the whole community struggled to comprehend what they were hearing.

David Morris and Julie Morris met on a dating app. They filmed themselves raping and sexually abusing a child

While police tried to calm fears by stating that the offences were 'unrelated to her employment', the unanswered questions served only to fuel parental concerns.

Today, the depraved story of this paedophile teacher and her perverted partner  David Morris  can be told for the first time after she admitted a catalogue of child sex crimes, including two of rape.

At Liverpool Crown Court yesterday Morris was sentenced to 13 years and four months behind bars, while her 'monster' boyfriend was jailed for 16 years for 34 similar offences, including seven rapes of the same victim.

The court heard that the lovers  who had the same surname  were involved in a 'toxic' relationship in which they molested their victim and filmed the horrifying assaults for their sexual gratification.

'As a crown court judge I see many cases involving the dreadful abuse of children but every now and again we see cases the circumstances of which are almost beyond belief,' said Judge Andrew Menary QC, the Recorder of Liverpool, as he jailed them.

'This is one of those cases. Sadly it demonstrates that human depravity really knows no depths.'

One senior prosecutor admitted to the Daily Mail that the case had reduced her to tears and was the worst of her 20-year career.

Many of the details of what Morris and her lover did are unprintable in a family newspaper  and they doubtless make deeply uneasy reading for those who entrusted their children into her care.

It has emerged that although the victim was not a pupil, Julie Morris had taken photographs of children at the school to send to her boyfriend.

While none of the images was indecent, prosecutors claimed they were sent for her partner's sexual gratification. One showed children wearing fancy dress in a classroom, to which David Morris responded: 'Wow 3 possible 1 definite.'

The evidence gathered by police, including vast numbers of messages and videos, indicates that Julie Morris actively and willingly took part in both the grooming and abuse of their victim.

In one message, her 52-year-old partner told her that he was having 'naughty thoughts' about the girl, to which she replied: 'As long as I'm still involved baby xxx.' They also described the girl as 'our little plaything' in messages to each other.

The grooming quickly turned to acts of sexual abuse, abuse that included at least seven rapes, and which took place from May 2018 to this September, starting when the girl was just eight.

Much of it was filmed, with Morris on occasion heard giggling in the background.

Julie Morris, 44, pleaded guilty at Liverpool Crown Court to 18 offences, including two counts of rape, nine of inciting a child under the age of 13 to engage in sexual activity and two of engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child

That the couple's evil activities were halted was entirely down to chance.

In early 2020 police raided the home of a paedophile in London. Analysis of his phone revealed he and David Morris had been in contact, and had exchanged images of children. In early September detectives arrested Morris at his home in St Helens, Merseyside.

After he was released on bail, officers were tipped off the following day that Morris and his girlfriend were preparing to flee. They were arrested in his campervan with 10,000 in cash.

Soon after, the head of St George's Central Church of England Primary School in Tyldesley, near Wigan, informed parents of the 'distressing' news.

While convictions of women for paedophilia are comparatively rare, the female perpetrator often claims to have been pressurised or influenced to take part in the abuse by a male third party.

In this instance. Julie Morris told police she feared her new partner would release nude photographs he had taken of her to friends and family if she did not co-operate. But she also admitted to officers that there had been 'no direct threat' that this would actually happen.

The judge rejected her defence, saying she was an 'enthusiastic participant' in the abuse and even 'fed' her boyfriend's 'insatiable appetite' for child sex.

'There is no evidence in the thousands of messages between the pair that he had threatened to do this,' said Mairead Neeson, a senior crown prosecutor at the Crown Prosecution Service. 'Julie Morris was not an innocent female, coerced into carrying out the offences. She was equally as responsible as David Morris. She is 100 per cent aware of what was going on.

'She is completely involved, she knows exactly what is happening and at times she is encouraging it to take place. At no point is she saying 'stop this' or 'please don't do this'. She is a willing participant and encourages him to carry on.'

And Morris's behaviour is all the more shocking because of who she was  a veritable pillar of the local community in whose person countless people had put their trust.

A regular churchgoer, she had been worshipping at the same Methodist church in Pemberton, Wigan, for 30 years  leading prayers and services and teaching at the Sunday school.

And it was in education that she would find her career. Having gained a degree in psychology from Lancashire University, she then took a specialist maths teacher qualification from Edge Hill University in Ormskirk.

Her first teaching job was at Castle Hill St Philip's Church of England primary school in Wigan.

She then moved to St George's, another church school where she was appointed deputy in 2011.

As well as being in charge of maths and religious education, she trained to become the 'safeguarding lead' at the school.

She married a professional musician in 2003. But when he left her for another woman, devastated Morris turned to online dating app Plenty of Fish.

And it was there in July 2016 that she first met David Morris.

He had also recently left a failed relationship. A Kwik Fit mechanic, he was often seen tinkering with an old campervan outside his home in St Helens. In August 2018 he made the pages of the local newspaper after helping to raise money for a sick three-year-old boy to visit DisneyLand. By taking part in a tandem parachute jump, he raised 2,500 for the trip.

'It was amazing,' he said. 'I thought I'd be a nervous wreck, but I wasn't.' Relatives of the child say that at the time they were surprised when he offered to help because despite being described as a family friend in fact he hardly knew them.

But David Morris was no do-gooder. By then, he and his new girlfriend were already abusing their victim. From the moment they met, their relationship became 'intensely sexual', the court heard, with their 'graphic and depraved' communications leading to 'their sexual fantasies becoming a reality.'

In a cache of explicit messages running to 175,000 pages, they expressed sexual interest in each other and the victim over a period of three years.

The teacher met David Morris on Plenty of Fish and they quickly began sharing their 'graphic and depraved' fantasies

In some messages, David Morris described his fantasies about the child. He described her as a 'slut' and compared her to his girlfriend. Such was the extent of their grooming that the girl was even included in explicit group chats.

The vast majority of their exchanges are too vile to describe. The same applies to the videos which include footage of Julie Morris and the victim wearing just their knickers. Another showed the couple sitting naked on a settee giggling and encouraging the victim to smack Julie Morris on the bottom.

The abuse was eventually brought to a halt when police raided the home of the London paedophile, so discovering a link to David Morris. On September 2, Merseyside detectives executed a search warrant at his home. He was interviewed and his phone was seized after which he was bailed.

Police received a tip-off that he and his lover were planning to abscond.

When presented with the evidence both admitted what they had done. Given the material that had been filmed 'they effectively had no choice', say prosecutors.

By way of excuse, Morris told police that she had ensured that the victim had 'not been under duress or in any pain and made sure that she wanted to do the acts'.

Given her background it was an extraordinarily sickening claim and one described as 'breathtaking in its inappropriateness' by the judge.

'As a safeguarding lead at school she should have been trained to recognise the signs of grooming, she should have been protecting children, but she was using those techniques herself,' said a source at the centre of the investigation.

Such was the quantity of footage retrieved from David Morris it has been impossible for police to examine it all.

Instead, they concentrated on identifying the most serious offences and on making sure there were no other victims.

During an early hearing, Julie Morris was seen to break down in tears as the evidence was outlined. That display of emotion, said Miss Neeson, was in stark contrast to how she had previously behaved.

'She may be crying now, but there's no tears in the videos,' she said. 'In fact, she is giggling in them. Police described her as cold and detached in interview.

'There was a complete lack of emotional response from her.

'The descriptions of what they did are so horrific that when I had finished reading them I burst into tears.

'It's a young child whose innocence has been stolen. It is the worst case I have come across in my 20-year career.'

And she added: 'It is a shocking fall from grace from someone respected in the community who held a position of trust.'

Julie was safeguarding lead at St George's Central Church of England Primary School in Wigan. The offences are not related to her employment at the school in Wigan

Paul Becker, defending Morris, said that she had endured a difficult childhood after her parents split when she was four and her father died when she was nine.

'She felt unloved at home, was bullied at school and had a lack of self-confidence and self-belief.'

The barrister added that Morris, from Hindley in Wigan, was 'thoroughly ashamed and appalled' at what she had done.

'Due to her criminality she has lost everything, her reputation, her career and her home,' he added.

In a statement issued through Wigan Council, St George's admitted parents would be 'appalled' by the 'distressing details' of the case.

A spokesman said the school had been reassured by police that none of the photographs of pupils was indecent and no criminal offence had taken place.

'These are despicable offences and behaviour, especially from someone in a position of trust,' he added.

'We know that parents may have follow-up concerns and questions and we will make sure we address these as best we can in partnership with our police colleagues.

'Undoubtedly this has been an awful chapter in the history of the school but we now hope this close-knit school community can move forward together without being further tarnished by the despicable actions of one individual.'
Veteran broadcaster Jon Snow has bid farewell to viewers and said presenting Channel 4 News for 32 years has been 'the greatest privilege' of his life.

The 74-year-old journalist, the longest-serving presenter in the programme's history, is stepping back from the show after 32 years at the helm.

He will continue to work with Channel 4 on long-form projects and spend more time focusing on his charitable work.

After a 15-minute segment that concluded tonight's programme, he finished the programme by saying: 'I am nothing in this studio without the significant technical and journalistic teams that night after night ensure that Channel 4 news comes to you.

'The joy of working here is those teams and their skills - technicians and journalists - and thanks to the far-sighted government, regulators, that have given us an hour of independent news in prime time.

'Thank you to all of the people who have trusted me with their stories all over the world too, often in appalling circumstances, but most of all, I am so grateful to you at home - yes you, sitting there.

The 74-year-old journalist (pictured in the Channel 4 newsroom), the longest-serving presenter in the programme's history, is stepping back from the show after 32 years

'It's not always an easy watch. We don't always get away with it and we don't always get it right.

But your hunger to know more about the world, to hear different voices, to get closer to the truth, it's been the greatest privilege of my life to bring you the news. Thank you. Stay safe. That's Channel 4 news. Good evening.'

The camera then followed Jon as he walked through the Channel 4 studios to applause, cheers and confetti before it closed with a montage of some of his greatest moments.

The Channel 4 team also paid tribute to Jon in the credits, listing him as Voice, Mentor, Leader, Inspiration, Driving Force, Moral Compass and Friend.

It ended with a message that read: 'We're all so happy and proud to have worked with you Jon, we stand on your shoulders, thank you.'

Jon Snow has bid farewell to viewers and said presenting Channel 4 News for 32 years has been 'the greatest privilege' of his life. Pictured: Jon says goodbye on tonight's programme

Colleagues paid tribute to Jon Snow ahead of his final Channel 4 News programme tonight

During the programme, a montage of Snow's memorable career moments were played.

Scenes from Colombia, Scotland, Japan, Greenland and the US were played as well as moments from interviews including Nelson Mandela, Margaret Thatcher, Liam Gallagher, Marcus Rashford and Hillary Clinton.

In a voiceover, he was heard saying: 'I think of my job as an informant. I am absolutely fascinated by people.

'I really do love interrogating people, about the lives they live about the problems they suffer, about their hopes, their dreams.

'And I mean, that's the motivation of any journalist, to find out more about what makes the world a better or worse place.

'One does have to be wary of ones emotions and I may have been overemotional in my reporting, I dont know but I dont regret it. More than anything remain yourself.

'Keep your eyes open. Keep your ears open. And keep your emotions alive. And if youre struck by what you see, you hear or what you feel, explore it.'

Sir Trevor McDonald and Gordon Brown were among those to pay tribute to Jon in tonight's programme as well as Jamie Oliver, Nicola Sturgeon and finally Ch 4 News Editor Ben de Pear

The veteran news presenter is stepping back from the show after 32 years at the helm tonight

Tributes to Snow and his long career poured in from colleagues, fellow broadcasters and politicians both ahead of and after the show.

Channel 4 News communications director Hayley Barlow shared a photo on Twitter of Snow looking out across the newsroom.

She wrote: 'Going to be an emotional day, our last shift working together, before the Channel 4 News lights dim at 8pm.'

Snow previously said he ignored instructions not to wear bright colours when he first started at Channel 4 and wanted to make 'a bit of a splash' while on air and not appear 'aggressively boring'.

Former UK prime minister Gordon Brown said: 'Jon Snow is a British institution and will always be so.

'Jon, your charitable work is less well known but attribute to your idealism.

Jon Snow and his wife Precious Lunga at a lunch to celebrate his Bafta fellowship in May 2015

Channel 4 News presenter Jon Snow is pictured reporting from Sri Lanka in January 2016

Jon Snow reporting for Channel 4 from the Tohoku Earthquake in Japan in March 2011

Jon Snow in Haiti following the earthquake in 2010, which he also covered for Channel 4 News

Jon Snow (left) is pictured as Margaret Thatcher arrives at No 10 Downing Street to take up office as prime minister following the Conservative victory in the general election in May 1979

'You deserve all our thanks for showing us that even amidst evil and injustice in this world a better world is possible.'

It was previously announced that Snow would continue to work with Channel 4 on long-form projects and spend more time focusing on his charitable work.

Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon described him as 'one of the best journalists in the UK'.

'A top interviewer but also a very knowledgeable interview,' she said.

'But more than any of that is just an all-round human being. So I hope that leaving may give you some more time to spend here in Scotland.'

Snow's career in journalism began at LBC in 1973 before he moved to ITN in 1976, where he served as Washington correspondent and diplomatic editor.

He then became the main presenter of Channel 4 News in 1989.

Ahead of Jon Snow's final show on Thursday evening, friends and colleagues paid tribute to the journalism legend.

Channel 4 News correspondent Ciaran Jenkins shared a video of Snow performing a sea shanty that went viral on TikTok earlier this year.

He wrote on Twitter: 'The legendary @jonsnowC4 presents @Channel4News for the last time tonight. A superb journalist, unique communicator and an inspiration to so many of us.'

Referencing the lyrics of the shanty, he added: 'One day when the tonguing is done we'll take our leave and go.'

'We'll miss you so much Jon.'

ITV News presenter Lucrezia Millarini described Snow as a 'legend'.

She added: 'Wow. A constant on-screen presence in my household growing up. Then I was lucky enough to work in the same building.'

Adam Fowler, a reporter at ITV Yorkshire, described Snow's departure as the 'end of an era'.

He added: 'I've been a fan my entire career. Will be sorely missed.'
President Donald Trump's lawyers on Thursday asked the Supreme Court to overturn a ruling ordering providing the House committee probing January 6th access to White House documents.

Trump's legal move comes weeks after a panel on the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals ordered the National Archives to hand over the materials to the committee.

It now puts the constitutional challenge before the high court, where Trump nominated three of the nine sitting justices, and represents a last-ditch effort to shield the documents from the committee that has interviewed hundreds of witnesses in its effort to reconstruct the events leading up to the Capitol riot.

Earlier this month, a three-judge panel  two judges appointed by Barack Obama and one by Biden  unanimously upheld a lower court's ruling denying Trump a preliminary injunction to stop the release of records.

Trump's lawyers filed an emergency appeal to meet a deadline imposed by the lower court.

The January 6th Committee has sought records, logs, photographs, and calendars as it probes Trump's election overturn effort and the Capitol riot on the day Congress met to count the electoral votes that made Biden president.

President Donald Trump has asked the Supreme Court to block the release of records from his White House to the House Jan. 6th Committee

Trump's lawyers argue that 'both the Constitution and the Presidential Records Act give former Presidents a clear right to protect their confidential records from premature dissemination. This case presents a clear threat to that right.'

They blasted the Appeals Court ruling as 'troubling,' writing that it 'lacks any meaningful or objective limiting principle. In an increasingly partisan political climate, such records requests will become the norm regardless of what party is in power.'

The Biden Administration has not sought to withhold the documents by invoking executive privilege, citing the seriousness of the events of Jan. 6th.

If the high court takes the case, as expected, it would keep in place an administrative injunction pending the outcome.

The opinion, authored by Judge Patricia Millet, an Obama appointee, said there was 'no basis' for overturning President Joe Biden's position that he would not exercise executive privilege to keep the documents sealed.

Trump's lawyers want the high court to block the Archives from complying with the records request

The panel is conducting a broad probe of the events of Jan. 6th

Trump sued Select Committee Chairman Bennie Thompson, D-Miss., arguing against President Joe Biden's decision to waive any privilege on the documents

The unanimous order came from a three-judge panel on the U.S. Court of Appeals

The Appeals Court panel ruled with firm language knocking down Trump's legal basis.

'On the record before us, former President Trump has provided no basis for this court to override President Biden's judgment and the agreement and accommodations worked out between the Political Branches over these documents,' the panel wrote.

Millet's opinion stated the question as one of whether the court could 'override' Biden's determination at Trump's request.

Biden had determined a privilege assertion is 'not in the best interests of the United States' given the 'unique and extraordinary circumstances' of the riot.

Trump sued House Jan. 6th Committee Chairman Rep. Bennie Thompson (D-Miss.) over the requests for documents following its requests for information held at the Archives.

The Committee has been firing off subpoenas to former officials, including former White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows, who failed to comply with a subpoena to appear, and whom the House voted to hold in contempt.

It also seeks testimony from two House GOP lawmakers who communicated with Trump and Meadows.
A former Boston College student who prosecutors say drove her boyfriend to take his own life after besieging him with text messages to 'go kill yourself' pleaded guilty Thursday to involuntary manslaughter.

Inyoung You, 23, received a two-and-a-half-year suspended jail sentence and 10 years of probation after accepting a plea deal and was barred by a judge in Suffolk Superior Court from profiting from her case in any way.

You also has to perform 100 service hours during the first three years of her sentence, but she can avoid any jail time if she adheres to the terms of her probation.

Prosecutors said You sent Alexander Urtula, 22, of Cedar Grove, New Jersey, thousands of messages in the last two months of their relationship, including many urging him to 'go kill yourself.'

Prosecutors referred to her actions - which were demonstrated through 75,000 text messages - as emotional and mental abuse.

Urtula, who dated You for 18 months, died in Boston in 2019 after jumping off a parking garage roof just hours before he was supposed to graduate with a biology degree from Boston College.

Inyoung You, 23, received a two-and-a-half-year suspended jail sentence and 10 years of probation, as well as, will be required to perform 100 service hours per year for the first three years of her probation for the involuntary manslaughter of her boyfriend Alexander Urtula, 22

You and Urtula exchanged 75,000 messages throughout their relationship, including ones where You urged him to 'go kill yourself'

He reportedly never displayed any signs of wanting to commit suicide before You came into his life.

You, who fled to her native country South Korea after his death, had reportedly been tracking her boyfriend's phone to the parking garage and was allegedly there trying to stop him while he committed suicide on May 20, 2019.

'This agreement with [the] defense counsel was made in close consultation with the Urtula family. It is consistent with their desire to seek accountability and closure and to protect the legacy of Alexander, a loving son, brother, and uncle,' said District Attorney Rollins.

'They believe this is something Alexander would have wanted.'

You, who only dated Urtula for 18 months, was accused of emotional and mental abuse

Alex killed him by jumping off a parking garage roof in 2019, just hours before he was supposed to graduate from Boston College with a degree in biology

Judge Robert Ullmann encouraged You to 'make every possible effort to live your life in a way that honors the memory of Alexander Urtula.'

The judge also hoped this case will show young people that 'this type of messaging' isn't appropriate and has 'devastating consequences.'

'This type of messaging, demeaning someone when they are feeling down or even suggesting suicide can have devastating consequences,' Ullmann said in court.

When the judge asked if she would like to speak, You declined. Her lawyer Steven Kim said You was too distraught to speak, the Boston Globe reported.

Before her arraignment in November 2019 when she originally pleaded not guilty, You, through a public relations firm, released text messages suggesting she tried to stop Urtula and alerted Urtula's brother in the moments before his death.

In November 2019, a public firm, who represented You, released text messages suggesting she tried to stop Urtula (pictured)

You's lawyer said in court that his client is 'very distraught,' and deeply remorseful.

'As soon as Ms. You understood that he was trying to commit suicide, Ms. You did everything she could to prevent it, calling, texting, pleading, begging, rushing over there,' Kim said.

'Ms. You is a wonderful young woman who has deep deep remorse. This plea will allow her to move on with her life and preserves her potential to have a bright future and for the Urtula family to have closure as well.'

The family, who was supportive of the plea agreement, said they had 'no feeling' toward You.

'We bear no feelings of anger or reprisal. We believe that time will take us through in the moments we mourn and celebrate his life.'

The case was compared to that of Michelle Carter, who garnered national headlines and an HBO film. The young Massachusetts woman was sentenced to 15 months in jail after she was convicted in 2017 of involuntary manslaughter for using text messages and phone calls to encourage her boyfriend, Conrad Roy, to kill himself in 2014.

Carter was the first to be convicted of manslaughter for using her own words.

The judge, however, does not believe these two cases are similar because Carter's actions were more specific than You's.

'This is a tragic case,' the judge said. 'Frankly the statement of the Urtula family is heartbreaking. To the members of the Urtula family, I am deeply sorry for your loss and I greatly admire how youve responded to this tragedy.'

If you are experiencing thoughts of suicide call the National Suicide Hotline at 1-800-273-8255.
The oldest teenager charged with the carjacking of Democrat Representative Mary Gay Scanlon was out on bond at the time of the crime on Wednesday from stealing another car.

Josiah Brown, 19, is facing federal charges for the carjacking in Philadelphia. He already has a string of other arrests.

Along with Brown, four other teens were involved in the carjacking raning from ages 13-16  all of whom were released back to their parents.

Joe Biden called Democratic Representative Mary Gay Scanlon after she was carjacked.

'Is the president taking crime in big cities more seriously now that a Democratic member of Congress, Mary Gay Scanlon, has been carjacked at gunpoint?' Fox News' Peter Doocy asked White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki at Thursday's briefing.

'Let me first say that we're relieved that she was not injured,' Psaki replied. 'And the president called her and spoke with her this morning, as well.'

'It is absolutely unacceptable for any American, whether they're a member of Congress or not, to be victimized by crime like that,' she added.

Brown, from the president's home town of Wilmington, Delaware, is expected to face federal charges in Scanlon's carjacking, the Delaware State Police said Thursday.

Three of the other teen carjackers were boys ages 13 and 16 and a girl aged 14. They were all charged in Delaware with receiving stolen property and were each released to their guardians on $1,500 unsecured bond.

The fifth was a 15-year-old boy charged with receiving stolen property, resisting arrest and two counts of criminal mischief, according to police. He was taken to the New Castle County Detention Center on $3,500 bond.

Brown is a suspect in several other incidents over the last few years.

Most recently, an arrest warrant was issued for Brown in March 2021 after his fingerprints matched up with those connected to a string of vehicle break-ins in Chester County, Pennsylvania in late 2020.

FDR Park, where the crime occurred, is within City Councilman Kenyatta Johnson's district, who claims carjackings are happening at all times of day and that anyone is falling victim.

'Right now in the City of Philadelphia, people feel like there's a sense of lawlessness,' he said. 'At the end of the day, you see carjackings taking place during the holiday season. We see people being robbed of their Rolexes, so at the end of the day, we have to figure out how do we get ahold of this senseless violence.'

Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney said in a statement: 'It's disheartening, and quite frankly infuriating, that criminals feel emboldened to commit such a reckless crime in the middle of the day in what should be a place of tranquility and peace-one of Philadelphia's beautiful parks.'

Scanlan and Illinois State Senator Kimberly Lightfordand, both Democrats who supported police reforms in Philadelphia and Chicago respectively, were carjacked just 16 apart from each other.

White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said Thursday that President Joe Biden called Democratic Rep. Mary Gay Scanlon from Pennsylvania after she was carjacked at gunpoint Wednesday

Scanlon, 62, was robbed at gunpoint in Philadelphia's FDR Park on Wednesday afternoon after Illinois State Senator Kimberly Lightford, 53, and her husband, Eric McKennie, were also carjacked Tuesday night in a suburb 20 minutes outside of Chicago.

Law enforcement officials confirmed that FBI agents and state police have arrested five people, four males and one female, Wednesday night in connection to the theft of Scanlon's car.

Both women supported police reform policies last year following ignition of the Black Lives Matter movement. Scanlon and Lightford also co-sponsored bills in their respective offices to allow mental health specialists to be dispatched as first responders instead of police officers.

Lightford, the Illinois Black Caucus chairwoman, had also previously supported cutting police budgets in the state, with Chicago proposing to slash $59 million from their police department's budget while violent crimes soar in the Windy City.

Scanlon's incident came after Philadelphia's woke District Attorney, Larry Krasner, claimed there is not a 'crisis of lawlessness' - despite robberies skyrocketing by 27 per cent since 2020 and murders breaking an all-time record this year.

And the attack against Lightford came just two days after Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot made a U-turn and asked for federal agents to help to get the city's crime under control amid the proposed slash to the local police department.

Scanlon was the victim of a carjacking in Philadelphia Wednesday afternoon just 16 hours after another Democratic lawmaker was carjacked

Kimberly Lightford (pictured) and her husband Eric McKennie were carjacked by three masked individuals 20 minutes away from Chicago on Tuesday evening

Scanlon was walking to her parked vehicle and was approached by two men driving a dark-colored SUV, WPVI reported.

They demanded her keys and then fled in her 2017 Acura MDX with license plate LKG-8893. She had her car, purse, wallet and phone stolen but was not injured, her office confirmed.

The car was located at the Christiana Mall, in Delaware, where all five suspects were taken in to custody. Police have not said if any charges have been filed.

'I am relieved that Congresswoman Scanlon was not physically injured, and my thoughts are with her during this difficult time,' Philadelphia Police Commissioner Danielle Outlaw said in a statement.

'The PPD will continue to provide any support needed in this case and will work diligently alongside our federal partners to assist in bringing those responsible to justice.'

DailyMail.com has reached out to the Philadelphia Police Department for additional comment.

In a statement about the robbery, Scanlon's spokesperson Lauren Cox said: 'Wednesday afternoon, at around 2:45 p.m., Congresswoman Scanlon was carjacked at gunpoint in FDR Park following a meeting at that location.'

She added: 'The Congresswoman was physically unharmed. She thanks the Philadelphia Police Department for their swift response, and appreciates the efforts of both the Sergeant at Arms in D.C. and her local police department for coordinating with Philly PD to ensure her continued safety.'

The crime against Congresswoman Scanlon comes at the end of a violent year in Philadelphia under 'progressive prosecutor' Krasner, who won re-election this year.

Scanlon was robbed of her car at gunpoint in FDR Park (pictured) following a meeting there. She was walking to her parked vehicle when she two men driving a dark-colored SUV approached her, demanded her keys and fled in her 2017 Acura MDX  license plate LKG-8893

Scanlon's car was located later on Wednesday night at the Christiana Mall, in Delaware. Police arrested five suspects inside the car

Just 16 hours earlier, Illinois' Democratic State Senate Majority Leader Kimberly Lightford was the victim of carjacking Tuesday night in a Chicago suburb, police confirmed.

Lightford and her husband, Eric McKennie, were not harmed by the three masked subjects who took off in her black Mercedes-Benz SUV, said Chief of Police Thomas Mills.

'This is still an ongoing investigation but I can confirm no shots were fired by the police,' Mills said. 'The victim did hear what they believed to be gunfire.'

Lightford said in a statement: 'First and foremost, I am thankful that my husband and I are alive and physically unharmed. I am trying to process the trauma of what happened. I want to thank everyone who has offered their love and support.'

The Illinois Black Caucus chairwoman worked with Barack Obama when he was a state senator representing and in the late 1990s the two worked together to pass a racial profiling reform law.

Her run-in with armed criminals comes two days after Lightfoot pleaded with Attorney General Merrick Garland to send Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms agents to the city for six months to combat rising crime.

Lightfoot announced on Monday that she made a formal request to Garland to send ATF agents to Chicago for six months, a well as more federal prosecutors and federal marshals to help get illegal guns off the streets.

Her request comes after she proposed slashing $80 million from the Chicago Police Department budget in 2020 during 'defund the police' protests.

The proposal was later scaled back and 3.3% of the budget - or $59 million.

The incident took place about 12 miles west of Chicago, which is currently fighting a 25-year high murder rate, with 767 homicides occurring within the city so far this year.

Carjackings in the Windy City have jumped by about 32 percent through Sunday, with 1,781, up from 1,352 during the same time last year, Chicago Tribune reported

Lightford's carjacking comes two days after Mayor Lori Lightfoot (pictured) pleaded with AG Merrick Garland to send ATF agents to Chicago for six months

As of December 6, Philadelphia had recorded 521 homicides for the year, surpassing New York's 443 and Los Angeles at 352

Crime has run rampant in Philadelphia, where on December 10, a groom was robbed of his Rolex watch by armed bandits outside a wedding hall.

Cops who responded to the scene caught up with the criminals and they were officially arrested last Thursday after being linked to at least 10 other robberies since October.

Video surveillance of the incident shows the unnamed groom outside with other members of his wedding party in the Old City neighborhood when the three gun-toting criminals jumped out of a sedan and ran up to the group and demanded the newlywed turn over his pricey watch.

At least dozen large mid-tier cities across the country have already broken their annual homicide records

At least dozen large mid-tier cities across the country have already broken their annual homicide records this year

The latest crime comes after a December 10 video went viral of a groom being robbed at gunpoint outside his wedding reception in the Old City neighborhood of Philadelphia. The criminals took off with his Rolex watch

The city of brotherly love has shattered its 30-year-old record for annual murders, surpassing the much larger cities of New York and Los Angeles.

As of December 6, Philadelphia had recorded 521 homicides for the year, surpassing New York's 443 and Los Angeles at 352.

This is despite the fact that with a population of 1.5 million, Philly is less than half the size of Los Angeles and one-fifth of New York.

The grim trend follows national calls to defund police departments, and in some cities, reforms to bail rules that critics claim let dangerous offenders loose pending trial.
A Tennessee man strangled to death his neighbor's pet kangaroo after he attacked the man's wife as they tried to lure the roaming animal back to his enclosure.

The shocking incident occurred at the Fern Valley Road property owned by Hope and Chris Lea in the city of White House, about 20 miles north of Nashville, on Wednesday.

Authorities responded to the home around 5pm after reports of two people 'who had been in a battle with a male kangaroo' named Carter, according to Sumner County Sheriff Tim Bailey.

Carter's owners came home to find their other kangaroos milling around the dead animal, they told local news station WKRN.

'He didn't have nowhere to go,' Hope said. 'He was choked to death in his own space.'

Tennessee law allows people to own kangaroos, with males costing around $2,000 and females going for $3,000.

Pictured: Carter the kangaroo, who was killed by a neighbor after attacking the man's wife

Chris and Hope Lea, pictured, described it as 'like losing a family member'

'We've had Carter since he was a little nugget,' she added. 'It's like losing a family member.'

The incident began after neighbors spotted that Carter had escaped from his enclosure on the owners' property.

The neighbors called the Leas to see if they could get the kangaroo back into his normal confinement.

The Leas said they told their neighbors, who were not immediately named, that they could feed the kangaroo to lure him back to his area within the Leas' fenced-in property.

The couple also said they would be home within an hour to take care of the situation.

The woman was reportedly assaulted by the kangaroo after she and her husband entered the Leas' property in an effort to bring him back to the enclosure.

That's when the woman's husband stepped in and strangled the kangaroo, killing Carter before the Leas arrived back home.

Neither of the neighbors were seriously hurt.

The Leas own several pet kangaroos, pictured, with the younger kangaroos surrounding Carter's lifeless body after Wednesday's incident, according to the owners

The Leas said that they returned home to find their younger kangaroos surrounding Carter's lifeless body.

'I was screaming because all of the babies were standing around his dead body and I was just so upset,' Hope tearfully said.

The couple are now looking into a potential lawsuit against their neighbors over their pet kangaroo's death.

It was still unclear as of Thursday whether or not the husband responsible for killing Carter will face criminal charges.

Although Tennessee does not allow most exotic animals as pets, some native reptiles and other unregulated wildlife, are legal in the state, including sugar gliders, hedgehogs and kangaroos.

Kangaroo ownership is also legal with a permit in Washington, Idaho, Nevada, New Mexico, Texas, Illinois, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Maine and New Jersey.

In Wisconsin, West Virginia and South Carolina, a permit is not required for kangaroo ownership.
Joseph Hutchinson III, of Georgia, wil be allowed to travel to Florida for his best friend and Capitol riot co-defendant's five-day wedding, for a five-day wedding in Florida, a federal judge decided

A Capitol rioter out on bail after being charged with assaulting cops at the building on January 6 will be allowed to travel to Florida to attend his best friend and co-accused's bachelor party and wedding, a federal judge has ruled.

Joseph Hutchinson III, 25, of Albany, Georgia will head to Lakeland, Florida to attend a five day celebration for his lifelong buddy Josh Doolin, 23, who is getting married on January 4 - a day beofore the anniversary of the attack on the Capitol building.

Both men have pleaded not guilty to assaulting Capitol police officers, theft of government property, illegally being on the grounds of the federal building, violent entry and disorderly conduct. They both are released on bail with travel restrictions while they await their day in court.

Bodycam footage released by federal prosecutors shows both men storming the building, ramming police barricades and tackling officers.

Federal prosecutors opposed lifting the travel restrictions, which do not allow him to associate with his co-defendants or travel to DC, because another friend of the accused rioters, Jonathan Pollock, 21, who is currently a fugitive of justice for his role in the Capitol attack, could also be there.

Pollack is accused of assaulting federal officers with a flag pole.

However, Judge Carl Nicholas agreed to let Hutchinson drive the 308 miles from South Georgia to mid-Florida on December 30 to get his wedding suit fitted, whoop it up at a Tampa steakhouse for the bachelor party and toast his friend at the wedding. He'll also be attending the rehearsal dinner.

Joseph Hutchinson III, circled in gray, was photographed at the riot alongside Jonathan Pollock (circled in orange) and groom-to-be Josh Doolin on January 6

Josh Doolin (left), who drives a bread truck in Florida, has run afoul of the terms of his supervised release, once being absent during a home check-in and a second time when an AR-15 assault rifle was found in his home. Another co-accused, Jonathan Pollock (right) was seen at the Capitol alongside Joseph Hutchinson III and prosecutors believe he may be at the wedding. He is currently a fugitive from justice

Pollock and Hutchinson seen here ramming a police barricade during the Jan. 6 riot at the Capitol building

'As one of Mr. Doolin's best friends, Mr. Hutchinson is proud to be one of six groomsmen and a member of the wedding party,' his lawyer Timothy Saviello wrote in his request to the judge for the exemption to his home confinement conditions. 'As such, he would be included in all the traditional events celebrating the wedding.'

Saviello argued that travel restrictions had already been lifted in November so that the two men could celebrate Thanksgiving together.

Doolin, who drives a bread delivery truck, has had trouble following the rules of his supervised release.

He was absent during a random check of his home and federal official found an AR-15 rifle in his home, according to NBC.

'I had no idea that rifle was in the house or on the property," Doolin told he judge, according to the news network. 'I have everything to lose and nothing to gain. I wouldn't be foolish enough to have a [gun] on the property.'

Hutchinson (left) and Josh Doolin (with shotgun) were both arrested and charged with assault on federal officers, theft of government property, disorderly conduct and trespassing on the Capitol building. Both men have pleaded not guilty and await trial

Judge Nichols has twice denied his request for an ankle monitor to be removed.

A congressional committee is now investigating the attack on the Capitol following a rally by former President Donald Trump. Rioters have been accused of attempting to prevent the certification of the 2020 election so that Trump could remain in office.

More than 700 people have been charged with crimes related to the attack.
A manhunt has been launched for a 'knife-wielding attacker' who allegedly beat up and threatened to kill a Jewish man inside a Marks and Spencer store in north London.

Metropolitan Police have released a CCTV image of a man they want to speak to in relation to the racially aggravated assault, which occurred in West Hampstead on December 2, during the Jewish festival of Hanukkah.

The attacker is said to have told the victim, aged 20, that he was 'looking for a Jew to kill' - before following him inside the store and allegedly punching him in the head before telling him: 'I'm not going away until your dead.'

The suspect, who spoke Arabic and also had an east London accent, is described as being black and possibly of Somali ethnicity, aged between 25 and 30 and measuring between 6'0' and 6'1' in height.

The man in the CCTV image is not confirmed as being the attacker, but anyone who knows him is being urged to contact police via the 101 number.

The assailant is said to have told the victim that he wanted to 'kill my first Jew', before chasing him around the store and beating him during the terrifying ordeal.

The incident was described by Home Secretary Priti Patel as 'seriously disturbing'.

She said in a tweet: 'Seriously disturbing antisemitic incident in north London. I will remain in close contact with @metpoliceuk and @CST-UK as the investigation progresses and I would urge anyone with info to contact the police immediately.'

Metropolitan Police have released a CCTV image of a man they want to speak to in relation to the incident, which occurred in West Hampstead on December 2

Jewish community leaders have since blasted the Met for initially telling the victim they could take an hour to arrive at the scene - despite him telling officers that the attacker said he wanted to kill Jews.

The force said it receives thousands of calls each day and that the case was not deemed a high priority at first because at the time the initial call was made, the suspect had left the area.

The events began when the victim was walking past the Marks and Spencer supermarket in West Hampstead square and saw a man desecrating a four-metre high Chanukiah display, or Chanukah Menorah - which had been erected to celebrate the Jewish festival of Chanukah, also known as Hanukkah.

The assailant allegedly pulled down the display and began stomping on it while hurling anti-Semitic insults.

He then approached the victim and allegedly told him: 'You look Jewish', before adding that he was 'looking for a Jew to kill.'

He then allegedly asked threateningly: 'Are you Jewish?'

The victim, wishing to avoid a confrontation, said 'No,' to which the man allegedly replied: 'Good, I want to find a Jew to kill.'

The Jewish man entered the nearby Marks and Spencer supermarket while the attacker remained outside.

The victim was worried for the safety of other Jews and their families in the neighbourhood, which has a sizeable Jewish population.

He approached a supermarket employee, who said that the man had been in the store earlier, and decided to call the police, believing the attacker had left the immediate area.

Officers told the victim that they did not consider the case urgent enough for a priority response and would come within an hour.

The terrifying ordeal is said to have occurred inside an M&S in West Hampstead (pictured)

After a short period of time, the victim spotted the man again, outside the shop, pulling down the public Chanukiah which someone had put back up in the intervening time.

The victim also said that the man was shouting aggressively at a young woman, aged 18-25, who fled the square. He then returned to pulling the display to the ground.

Fearing for the young woman, the victim and the supermarket employee confronted the man from a ten-metre distance.

The suspect then allegedly shouted at him in response: 'I knew you were Jewish, you lied to me', before walking towards him while shouting: 'You are Jewish. I am going to kill you.'

He then reportedly said something in Arabic before allegedly declaring: 'I want to kill my first Jew.'

The victim ran back into Marks and Spencer and turned to see if the man had followed him, which he had, having put on a face mask.

As the assailant walked into the shop, he allegedly shouted at him again: 'You are Jewish.'

The attacker caught up with his target and allegedly pushed him on his chest while repeating: 'You are Jewish. I am going to kill you.'

He allegedly began attempting to hit the victim around the head as he put his arms up to block the blows.

The Jewish man pushed the man off him and told him to back away, before allegedly being told: 'I am not leaving until you are dead.'

The attacker allegedly punched the victim in the head, repeating his threat of not leaving until he was dead.

The victim ran for the checkout aisle as the attacker followed him, allegedly hurling anti-Semitic abuse and threats, in English and Arabic.

The suspect then allegedly grabbed what appeared to be a knife in his jacket pocket and said: 'I will kill you now, you Jew.'

The Jewish man ran to the back of the shop before the feared weapon was fully revealed.

The attacker is then said to have performed a slit-throat gesture at the Jewish man, before picking up the victim's jacket and bag which he had dropped during the ordeal, and calmly walking out.

Met Police were criticised by Jewish community leaders for not arriving to the scene quick enough (file photo)

A store employee and the victim both called police, who upgraded the incident and launched a manhunt.

The victim's bag and jacket were both recovered.

The attacker had a slender build and crooked teeth, and wore a dark green beanie hat, a dark puffer jacket with large pockets, dark trousers and no gloves.

Jewish community leaders have since blasted the Met for not arriving sooner.

Stephen Silverman, Director of Investigations and Enforcement at Campaign Against Antisemitism, said: 'What this victim has suffered is unspeakable, and it is only thanks to his quick thinking that he survived the ordeal without even worse injury than he endured.

'The delayed response of the police, despite the close proximity of a police station just up the road, is deeply concerning, and the result is that a man who apparently wants to kill Jews is now at liberty.

'This is the most heinous of a considerable number of anti-Semitic crimes that we have reported over the course of Chanukah.

'The sad truth is that our nation's capital is not nearly as safe as it should be for Jewish people who wish to celebrate a festival or, in this case, simply go about their daily lives.

'Unless the police and the justice system step up and ensure that anti-Semitic criminals face the full consequences of their despicable actions, this will not change.

The brazen thugs showed little worry of getting into any trouble with the police

Video footage showed the aggressors making Nazi salutes at the Jewish teenagers

'We are providing the victim with legal and other assistance. We urge the public to assist in the identification of the individual whose description has now been circulated.'

The Metropolitan Police Service said: 'Officers have carried out a number of enquiries and have today released a CCTV image of a man they need to speak with. Anyone who recognises the man is asked to call police via 101 or tweet @MetCC quoting reference CAD6588/02Dec.'

In response to criticism of its response time, it added: 'Police received a first call about this incident at 19:21hrs during which the caller told the call handler that the suspect had left the area. The caller was unable to say in which direction the suspect had gone.

'Each call to the police is graded based on the information available at the time and in this case, the suspect no longer being in the area meant it did not require the highest priority response.

'Officers are still allocated to attend non-priority calls to gather evidence and commence investigations but the target time for a response is slightly longer.

'A second call was received at 19:36hrs during which the caller confirmed the suspect had returned. The call was graded as a priority requiring an immediate response and officers were dispatched to the scene.

'The Met receives many thousands of calls every day and it is not possible for every incident to be responded to immediately. Call handlers use the information they are provided to prioritise accordingly.

'If the information changes, such as in this incident, that prioritisation can change too.'

Campaign Against Antisemitism's analysis of Home Office statistics shows that an average of over three hate crimes are directed at Jews every single day in England and Wales, with Jews more than four times likelier to be targets of hate crimes than any other faith group.

It comes after a viral video earlier this month showed a bus filled with Jewish teenagers being kicked and spat at by a group of men in central London.

They performed Nazi salutes and hurled abuse at the group, who were also celebrating Hanukkah.

If you have any information on the attack in West Hampstead, contact police on 101, quoting reference: CAD6588/02Dec, or e-mail investigations@antisemitism.org in confidence.
Police in San Antonio are frantically looking for Lina Sardr Khil, 3, who vanished from an apartment complex's playground on Monday afternoon

Police in San Antonio say their hope of finding the three-year-old girl who disappeared from an apartment complex playground three days ago is diminishing with every passing hour, despite a massive search effort and a $75,000 reward in place.

Police and FBI agents have been working around the clock to locate Lina Sardar Khil, who was last seen at the Villa Del Cabo apartments on Monday evening.

Police Chief William McManus previously said that the child vanished while her mother was away 'for a short time,' but the girl's father claimed that his daughter went missing after walking towards a nearby path while in her mother's care.

Riaz Khil said in an interview with KSAT that his family believe that Lina has been abducted, but the police chief told reporters on Wednesday that the child's disappearance is still being treated as a missing person case because they do not have descriptions of a possible suspect or a vehicle.

The Islamic Center of San Antonio is offering a $75,000 reward for any information leading to Lina's safe return.

The police chief revealed that in the first hours after Lina's disappearance, K-9 dogs picked up a scent but then lost it and have not been able to pick it up again.

San Antonio Police Chief William McManus told reporters on Wednesday that he is 'less hopeful' than before that they will be able to find Lina

McManus added that his investigators have gathered and reviewed dozens upon dozens of video recordings from doorbell and surveillance cameras, but so far they have not found anything relevant to this case.

Lina went missing sometime between 5 and 6pm on Monday, and her parents reported her missing about an hour later after failing to locate her in the apartment complex, which houses about 300 residents.

'Early on is very important,' McManus told reporters when asked about the first hours of the search. 'Unfortunately, I have to say the longer time lapses the less hopeful we become.'

Lina was last seen in the 9400 block of Fredericksburg Road after her pregnant mother allegedly stopped watching the youngster 'for a short time', according to police. The family disputes this allegation, and insist Lina was never out of her mom's sight.

Although police say they do not know whether Lina wandered away from the playground or if she was taken by someone, and they do not have a description of a possible kidnapper, the girl's family suspect foul play.

Riaz Khil, the father of the missing three-year-old, says the family believe she may have been abducted from their apartment complex in San Antonio. The child's disappearance triggered an AMBER Alert on Monday night

The father collapsed in tears while speaking about his missing daughter. Riaz said he and his pregnant wife spent hours being questioned by the FBI on Tuesday

The father said Lina was being watched by his wife at this apartment complex playground when the girl walked to a nearby path and vanished

Linas father, Riaz Sardar Khil, told San Antonio TV station KENS5 through a translator. that his wife, who is pregnant, was watching their daughter at the playground between 5 and 6pm on Monday, when the three-year-old walked over to a nearby path and suddenly vanished.

Lina's mother initially thought she may have returned to the family's apartment, but she was not there.

The family then thought Lina may have left the playground with another Afghan family but now believe she may have been abducted.

The Khil family moved to the US in 2019 from Afghanistan after fleeing from 'threats that were posed to us,' the father told the station.

'During our entire lives we have not been as saddened as we were yesterday and today,' Riaz Khil said.

The father said that the FBI questioned him and his wife for several hours on Tuesday. Riaz added that he and his wife have not eaten or slept since Lina's disappearance.

Riaz Khil did not address a claim made by San Antonio Police Chief McManus, who said that Lina went missing while her mother was away from the playground for 'a short time.'

During a press conference on Tuesday afternoon, McManus said that when the girl's mother returned, her daughter was gone. There were other children with adults at the playground at that time.

Police and FBI agents have been scouring the area around the clock in search of Lina

Although police say they do not have a description of a possible kidnapping suspect, they are investigating the case as a child abduction

The child was last seen in the 9400 block of Fredericksburg Road between 5 and 6pm Monday

McManus said Lina's family did not contact the police until about 7:15pm to report her missing.

The police chief said Lina's mother and other residents have been cooperating with the investigation.

Officers have been searching for Lina by going door-to-door to question all residents, checking cars and dumpsters, and looking for surveillance footage.

Chief McManus said his department is 'sparing no assets or resources' to find the little girl.

On Tuesday, local officials asked FBI to help with the search, given the suspicious circumstances surrounding Lina's disappearance and the length of time she's been gone.

Margaret Constantino, with the Center for Refugee Services, confirmed to KSAT that Lina's family are Afghan refugees.

On Tuesday, local officials asked FBI to help with the search, given the suspicious circumstances surrounding Lina's disappearance and the length of time she's been gone

Police are appealing to the public for help with locating Lina, who was last seen wearing a red dress, a black jacket and black shoes

San Antonio Police Chief William McManus told reporters his agency is sparing no assets to find Lina

'We will continue this until, hopefully, we find Lina but we are not stopping,' McManus said.

Lina is four-feet-tall and weighs 55lbs, with brown eyes and straight, shoulder-length brown hair tied in a ponytail. She was last seen wearing a black jacket, a red dress and black shoes.

Authorities are asking anyone who has information on Lina's whereabouts to call SAPD Missing Persons Unit at 210-207-7660.
Illinois State Senator Kimberly Lightford has opened about her 'trauma' after being carjacked at gunpoint this week, revealing that she begged the trio of armed robbers not to shoot her before her husband opened fire on the criminals and telling her to flee.

Lightford, 53, a Democrat who has been slammed by conservatives as being 'soft on crime' for seeking to defund police departments in Illinois, was not physically harmed during the incident, a portion of which was caught on a Ring camera in suburban Chicago on Tuesday.

The carjacking in Illinois took place less than a day after Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon, 62, a fellow progressive Democrat from Philadelphia, was robbed at gunpoint.

Speaking to reporters during a Christmas gift giveaway event on Thursday, Lightford said of her harrowing ordeal: Im doing much better today. I didnt realize what a traumatic event could do in an adult.

Scroll down for video

Illinois State Senator Kimberly Lightford, a Democrat, on Thursday opened up about her trauma after being carjacked at gunpoint in suburban Chicago

A Ring camera caught the carjackers fleeing in Lightford's black Mercedes Benz SUV on Tuesday night in Broadview, Illinois (pictured)

Lightford said she and her husband were dropping off a friend when they were accosted by three gunmen, who took away their car keys and valuables

Lightford and her husband, Eric McKennie, were dropping off a friend in the 2000 block of South 20th Avenue in Broadview, a town 20 minutes outside of Chicago, on Tuesday night, when she said three masked men jumped out of a Jeep Durango and approached the couples Mercedes Benz SUV, reported WGN.

The thieves brandished guns and demanded that the state senator and her husband hand over their car keys and other valuables.

I begged them not to shoot us, not to shoot my husband, or me, she said. I told them to take whatever they want. They took everything off me that I had of value.

Lightford continued: after we got the guns off of us, they separated me and husband.

The state senator said her husband then told her to run.

I ran, reluctantly, because I didnt want to leave him there, Lightford said.

She added that she was scared to be running away, saying: 'I thought for sure they were going to shoot me.'

As Lightford was fleeing, she recalled hearing shots. She said her husband, who has a conceal carry permit, exchanged gunfire with the suspects, but no one was hurt.

Police later found the couples stolen black SUV abandoned on Chicago's West Side. So far, none of the carjackers has been arrested.

In Philadelphia, law enforcement officials confirmed that FBI agents and state police have arrested five people, four males and one female, Wednesday night in connection to the theft of Congresswoman Scanlon's car.

Both women supported police reform policies last year following the Black Lives Matter movement, with both co-sponsoring a bill in their respective offices to allow mental health specialists to be dispatched as first responders instead of police officers.

Lightford, the Illinois Black Caucus chairwoman, had also previously supported cutting police budgets in the state, with Chicago proposing to slash $59 million from their police department's budget while violent crimes soar in the Windy City.

Scanlon's incident came after Philadelphia's woke District Attorney, Larry Krasner, claimed there is not a 'crisis of lawlessness' - despite robberies skyrocketing by 27 per cent since 2020 and murders breaking an all-time record this year.

And the attack against Lightford came just two days after Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot made a U-turn and asked for federal agents to help to get the city's crime under control amid the proposed slash to the local police department.

Democratic Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon was the victim of a carjacking in Philadelphia Wednesday afternoon

Kimberly Lightford (pictured) and her husband Eric McKennie were also carjacked by three masked individuals 20 minutes away from Chicago

Scanlon was walking to her parked vehicle and was approached by two men driving a dark-colored SUV, WPVI reported.

They demanded her keys and then fled in her 2017 Acura MDX with license plate LKG-8893. She had her car, purse, wallet and phone stolen but was not injured, her office confirmed.

The car was located at the Christiana Mall, in Delaware, where all five suspects were taken in to custody. Police have not said if any charges have been filed.

'I am relieved that Congresswoman Scanlon was not physically injured, and my thoughts are with her during this difficult time,' Philadelphia Police Commissioner Danielle Outlaw said in a statement.

'The PPD will continue to provide any support needed in this case and will work diligently alongside our federal partners to assist in bringing those responsible to justice.'

DailyMail.com has reached out to the Philadelphia Police Department for additional comment.

In a statement about the robbery, Scanlon's spokesperson Lauren Cox said: 'Wednesday afternoon, at around 2:45 p.m., Congresswoman Scanlon was carjacked at gunpoint in FDR Park following a meeting at that location.'

She added: 'The Congresswoman was physically unharmed. She thanks the Philadelphia Police Department for their swift response, and appreciates the efforts of both the Sergeant at Arms in D.C. and her local police department for coordinating with Philly PD to ensure her continued safety.'

The crime against Congresswoman Scanlon comes at the end of a violent year in Philadelphia under 'progressive prosecutor' Krasner, who won re-election this year.

Scanlon was robbed of her car at gunpoint in FDR Park (pictured) following a meeting there. She was walking to her parked vehicle when she two men driving a dark-colored SUV approached her, demanded her keys and fled in her 2017 Acura MDX  license plate LKG-8893

Scanlon's car was located later on Wednesday night at the Christiana Mall, in Delaware. Police arrested five suspects inside the car

Just 16 hours earlier, Lightford was the victim of carjacking Tuesday night, said Chief of Police Thomas Mills.

'This is still an ongoing investigation but I can confirm no shots were fired by the police,' Mills said. 'The victim did hear what they believed to be gunfire.'

Lightford said in a statement: 'First and foremost, I am thankful that my husband and I are alive and physically unharmed. I am trying to process the trauma of what happened. I want to thank everyone who has offered their love and support.'

The Illinois Black Caucus chairwoman worked with Barack Obama when he was a state senator representing and in the late 1990s the two worked together to pass a racial profiling reform law.

Her run-in with armed criminals comes two days after Lightfoot pleaded with Attorney General Merrick Garland to send Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms agents to the city for six months to combat rising crime.

Lightfoot announced on Monday that she made a formal request to Garland to send ATF agents to Chicago for six months, a well as more federal prosecutors and federal marshals to help get illegal guns off the streets.

Her request comes after she proposed slashing $80 million from the Chicago Police Department budget in 2020 during 'defund the police' protests.

The proposal was later scaled back and 3.3% of the budget - or $59 million.

The incident took place about 12 miles west of Chicago, which is currently fighting a 25-year high murder rate, with 767 homicides occurring within the city so far this year.

Carjackings in the Windy City have jumped by about 32 percent through Sunday, with 1,781, up from 1,352 during the same time last year, Chicago Tribune reported

Lightford's carjacking comes two days after Mayor Lori Lightfoot (pictured) pleaded with AG Merrick Garland to send ATF agents to Chicago for six months

As of December 6, Philadelphia had recorded 521 homicides for the year, surpassing New York's 443 and Los Angeles at 352

Crime has run rampant in Philadelphia, where on December 10, a groom was robbed of his Rolex watch by armed bandits outside a wedding hall.

Cops who responded to the scene caught up with the criminals and they were officially arrested last Thursday after being linked to at least 10 other robberies since October.

Video surveillance of the incident shows the unnamed groom outside with other members of his wedding party in the Old City neighborhood when the three gun-toting criminals jumped out of a sedan and ran up to the group and demanded the newlywed turn over his pricey watch.

At least dozen large mid-tier cities across the country have already broken their annual homicide records

At least dozen large mid-tier cities across the country have already broken their annual homicide records this year

The latest crime comes after a December 10 video went viral of a groom being robbed at gunpoint outside his wedding reception in the Old City neighborhood of Philadelphia. The criminals took off with his Rolex watch

The city of brotherly love has shattered its 30-year-old record for annual murders, surpassing the much larger cities of New York and Los Angeles.

As of December 6, Philadelphia had recorded 521 homicides for the year, surpassing New York's 443 and Los Angeles at 352.

This is despite the fact that with a population of 1.5 million, Philly is less than half the size of Los Angeles and one-fifth of New York.

The grim trend follows national calls to defund police departments, and in some cities, reforms to bail rules that critics claim let dangerous offenders loose pending trial.
I woke up to yet another think piece about 'The Frustrations of Kamala Harris' in The New York Times.

It is an interesting piece, worth your time, and it lays out a long list of examples of why our Vice President is failing to rise to the occasion and the opportunity of her office.

The report also explains why she is not 'the heir apparent' to the nomination for the Democratic ticket for president if President Biden decides he will not run again in 2024.

What is different about growing concerns and criticisms of Vice President Harris is that some of the harshest judgments of her shortcomings are being written most aggressively in mainstream liberal media outlets like this December 23rd edition of The New York Times.

It is no longer just commonplace for those of us on the right to find all the justifiable reasons why our Vice President is failing and seemingly embarrassing herself, and by default the administration, in the process.

Journalists and commentators on the left understand that putting 2024's eggs in the Vice President Harris basket is a recipe that will deliver Trump 2.0 (or DeSantis 1.0).

If I were Vice President Harris and was currently holding historically low approval ratings (as of December 22, the FiveThirtyEight average of polls showed 47% of the American public disapproving of the job she is doing) and had just come off a string of bad press appearances (including being spoken down to by Comedy Central host Charlamagne tha God) I would be doing some serious, aggressive and intense soul searching over my role in the Biden administration, before it is truly too late.

I would be spending my holiday season doing concentrated media prep with seasoned strategists, close confidantes and family.

Instead of any introspection on the responsibility of the actions of the Vice President and her office, the pushback from her camp is that the main reason she is getting so much criticism and has historically low approval ratings is simply because she is a woman of color.

I doubt she will be doing this from what can be gathered in the New York Times piece.

Instead of any introspection on the responsibility of the actions of the Vice President and her office, the pushback from her camp -- explaining why things have gone so badly for her so fast -- is that the main reason she is getting so much criticism and has historically low approval ratings is simply because she is a woman of color.

In fact, The New York Times reported that she explicitly stated this, 'Ms. Harris has privately told her allies that the news coverage of her would be different if she were any of her 48 predecessors, all of whom were white and male.'

I almost spit out my coffee when I read this line, although I guess I shouldn't be surprised.

This is a person who experienced a mass exodus of staff leaving her office after only one year serving.

For context, my father's chief of staff when he died, a wonderful man named Joe Donoghue, had worked for my dad for 31 years, starting as an intern at age eighteen.

Donoghue was so esteemed that The Washington Post wrote an article about how he was an institution in the Senate upon his retirement.

Many staffers who worked in my dad's office worked there for decades, many of them married fellow staffers. Many, many of them are considered family by my family and we still maintain close relationships.

It is not a foregone conclusion that staffers rotate in and out of the offices of politicians like a turnstile in a subway station.

In fact, most of the greats, including President Joe Biden, have long-time and loyal staff who stay because they are inspired by the principal, and can't imagine working anywhere else.

My sister-in-law is an advisor to Congressman Kevin McCarthy and many times we have had conversations about different politicians on Capitol Hill with a loyal staff or a huge turnover rate.

Most of the huge turnover rate people are known to have bad reputations and be lame duck politicians.

If I were Vice President Harris and was currently holding historically low approval ratings and had just come off a string of bad press appearances, I would be doing some serious, aggressive and intense soul searching over my role in the Biden administration (Above) Harris on December 17th appeared on Charlamagne Tha God's show on Comedy Central for an interview which became uncomfortably heated

Maybe it is more feasible that instead of sexism and racism, Vice President Harris simply just isn't inspiring loyalty among her staff.

As a traditional, old school, second-wave feminist, of course I want a woman to be president someday.

I don't make decisions in my life or pull the lever in the voting booth simply based on my anatomy, but, of course, I would love to see a woman in the Oval Office someday.

However, I am not willing to compromise my political ideals in a trade-off to elect a woman to higher office.

Any woman who has entered the workplace, on any level, in any field, has experienced some form of sexism or bias.

That's just the way the world works and hopefully things continue to change in many positive ways like they have in the past 17 years since I, myself, joined the workforce.

I have experienced more misogyny in corporate America than I could possibly write in a column, and all we can continue to do as women is keep pushing, moving forward, showing how valuable we are as equals and not victimize ourselves in the meantime.

That is why I find Vice President Harris' comments in the New York Times so ridiculous.

It is not that we all aren't aware of racism and sexism in the country. It is that Vice President Harris may not have been picked for Vice President if she wasn't a woman and a woman of color.

The very thing she is blaming all her problems on, is what got her invited to the party in the first place.

This is no secret. President Biden made it clear and public that he was looking for a woman to be his running mate and the Democratic Party made sure it was a woman of color.

Anyone with even the most cursory view of politics could see that Vice President Harris was not ready and lacked the raw political skills to be Vice President, and now the identity politics chickens are coming home to roost.

'He better pick a Black woman,' declared the chair of the Democratic National Committee's Black Caucus, Virgie Rollins, in August 2020.

I, for one, still would like the most qualified person in positions of high elected office.

I did not believe a woman, who dropped out of the presidential race before the Iowa caucus, and got shellacked by then-Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard in a debate for being an abject hypocrite on prison reform was that person.

Anyone with even the most cursory view of politics could see that Vice President Harris was not ready and lacked the raw political skills to be Vice President, and now the identity politics chickens are coming home to roost.

In closing, I interviewed former Congresswoman Michelle Bachmann many presidential cycles ago when she was a candidate for president and had recently won the Iowa straw poll.

I remember asking her about this subject, if she was angry that being a woman made running for president so much harder and that she had many more hurdles of sexism to cross.

I remember her saying (to paraphrase), 'Of course I would love an extra hour of sleep instead of getting up early to do my makeup while men simply have to roll out of bed before going on the campaign trail, but I'm in the arena because I am capable and I am up to the job.'

Whatever you think of Congresswoman Bachmann's politics, I have respected her ever since that answer.

We, as women, have to stop complaining and explaining when we reach positions of power.

Vice President Harris was given the job, in part, because she is a woman of color and now she is blaming all her problems on the very same thing that got her invited to the party.

It is a ridiculous catch-22, and one no one is buying it.

We can have conversations about double, even triple-standards as women but Vice President Harris is the second most powerful person on the planet, it might be productive for her to start leading from a place of power and strength instead of victimizing herself.

If she doesn't, maybe the first female president will take the lead in the future, but it won't be President Harris.
A dogwalker has credited his two dogs for helping to stop the alleged rape of a woman in a London park and detain a 13-year-old suspect at near the scene.

Sid Costello was walking his two American XL Bulldogs through Winn's Common in Plumstead on Tuesday when his dogs pulled him towards a bush because they heard a noise.

It was at that point that a 35-year-old woman fled from the bushes and claimed she had been sexually assaulted by two men.

Mr Costello, who believes the dogs disturbed the incident, said he immediately put himself and his dogs between the woman and the suspects and made as if he would let his dogs go after them.

Dog walker Sid Costello (pictured) praised his American XL bulldogs for interrupting a sexual assault in Plumstead on Tuesday night and helping to detain a 13-year-old suspect nearby

The 35-year-old woman was allegedly raped by the suspects in bushes at Winn's Common in Plumstead on Tuesday before Mr Costello managed to detain the teen. Pictured: the scene

The 29-year-old, who works for the local council, said one suspect fled the scene while the other tried to jump over a car but slipped and after a short chase was detained nearby.

With the help of his two dogs, Pablo and Menace, the suspect was detained by Mr Costello under a citizens arrest until the police arrived.

Speaking to the Evening Standard, Mr Costello said: 'I'm not a hero. They both are as far as I'm concerned.

'I love them they are my babies, I say I have three boys at home: two dogs and my son.

'They are always kissing each other. They came back home after and went to bed like nothing had ever happened.'

The suspect was arrested and taken to hospital where he was treated for a dog bite to the finger before being taken to custody.

Mr Costello added: 'It was just a scratch  if my dog had actually bitten him, he would need to have his wrist reconstructed.

'My neighbours were all egging me on to let the dogs loose on him but I knew they would be put down if they hurt him badly and I love them.'

The 29-year-old says his dogs, who have their own Instagram channel, are proof that there are no such thing as bad dogs, only bad owners.

Pictured: Pablo and Menace helped Mr Costello detain a 13-year-old rape suspect in Plumstead

A spokesperson for the Met Police said: 'Police were called shortly before 11pm on December 21 to Lakedale Road, SE18, to reports of a rape of a woman by two males.

'Officers attended. It was reported that a 35-year-old woman was raped by two males in bushes near to Lakedale Road SE18.

'A member of the public, who was walking his dog, disturbed the suspects and assisted in detaining one of them at the scene.

'The detained male, aged 13, was arrested on suspicion of rape and initially taken to hospital to be treated for an injury to his finger caused by a dog bite, before being taken into custody.'

The boy, 13, was released on bail with a date to return in mid January.

The Met Police said their enquiries are ongoing.
A British worker is missing in Afghanistan after he was reportedly seized by the Taliban and held at gunpoint.

Grant Bailey has not been seen since Saturday when he was arrested by the Islamists during a security crackdown in Kabul.

It is feared the NGO worker in his 50s is being held in one of the capital's notorious prison complexes.

Mr Bailey, who is married and from southern England, had worked in Afghanistan for years and returned in September after the Taliban seized power.

The Foreign Office is desperately trying to locate him amid increasing fears for his safety.

British worker Grant Bailey (pictured) is missing in Afghanistan after he was reportedly seized by the Taliban and held at gunpoint

He has not been seen since Saturday when he was arrested by the Islamists during a security crackdown in Kabul (file image)

A UK security source told the Daily Mirror Mr Bailey was arrested at gunpoint on Saturday.

They said: 'We were quite surprised he went back to Kabul after the Western withdrawal as the security situation there is obviously much worse.

'Added to that the Taliban government is making it very difficult for the few ex-pats working there, making it very difficult to travel.

'A lot of people are trying to get to the bottom of what has happened to him, where he is being held and under what charges.'

The Foreign Office told MailOnline: 'We are aware of the detention of a British national in Afghanistan and have been in touch with their family to support them.'

Mr Bailey, who is married and from southern England, had worked in Afghanistan for years and returned in September after the Taliban (pictured) seized power

It comes after a dozen Afghan intelligence officers who spied for British troops say they have been left to the mercy of the Taliban despite being promised safe passage to the UK.

The 11 men and one woman worked for the country's National Directorate of Security (NDS), an agency disbanded by the Taliban after they seized the capital Kabul in August.

They are among thousands of Afghans and Britons still to be evacuated from the war-torn country.

Afghan intelligence officers who spied for Britain say they have been left at the mercy of the Taliban despite being promised safe passage to the UK. The 11 men and one woman worked for Afghanistan's now disbanded National Directorate of Security (NDS), which conducted surveillance for UK forces. (Above, file image of Afghan security forces escorting suspected Taliban fighters)

It has also been claimed that RAF aircraft evacuating desperate Afghans from the region have been returning to the UK virtually empty. (File photo)

The NDS officers conducted surveillance operations for British forces - including undercover missions for MI5 and MI6 to infiltrate groups like the Taliban and Al-Qaeda - with their primary role was to unearth terrorist plots in Afghanistan or against the West.

The operatives, whose ranks range from colonel to major general, are in hiding with their families. One officer was given an 'Eagle' award from British troops for valour on his secret missions.

Human rights groups claim more than 100 former NDS officers have been executed by the Taliban since August.

Susan Mateen, from the Afghan Council of Great Britain (ACGB) which is campaigning to bring them to Britain, said the suicide bomb attack at Kabul airport on August 26 had prevented the dozen NDS officers from being flown out. They have since been told that they need to cross into Pakistan before they can be rescued.

'These 12 individuals served Britain and British counter terrorism missions loyally with many having 10 years or more of service, which in turn kept British troops safe and stopped terrorism to our shores,' said Ms Mateen. 'The British government has a duty to save them, but the UK has abandoned them to the Taliban.'

It was revealed earlier this month that the Taliban have beheaded or hanged dozens of prisoners and publicly displayed their bodies in extrajudicial killings.

A UN report said the militant group has also been recruiting child soldiers, and has been quashing women's rights since taking power in Afghanistan in August.

More than than 100 former Afghan national security forces and others have been killed since the takeover, the UN Human Rights Council heard.

Nada Al-Nashif, UN Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights, said that in addition, at least 50 suspected members of the Islamic State-Khorasan Province - an ideological foe of the Taliban - were killed by hanging and beheading.

More than than 100 former Afghan national security forces and others have been killed since the takeover, the UN Human Rights Council heard

Al-Nashif said she was deeply alarmed by continuing reports of such killings, despite a general amnesty announced by the new Taliban rulers after August 15.

At least eight Afghan activists and two journalists have been killed since August, while the UN has also documented 59 unlawful detentions and threats to their ranks, she told the council in Geneva.

Concerned nations have pledged aid to the country, which made up a large part of its economy before the Taliban took over, but many are reluctant to send funds unless the Taliban agrees to a more inclusive society.

Meanwhile, reports from Afghanistan have told harrowing stories, such as parents being forced to sell their children to survive, and droughts forcing people from their homes.

The UN has warned that more than half of Afghanistan's population faces starvation this winter, a problem compounded by the fact that many aid agencies fled the country as the government collapsed and international aid dried up.

International charity Save the Children has called on governments to make urgent exemptions to existing counter-terror and sanctions policies, to allow for the delivery of lifesaving humanitarian aid.
Five Senate Republicans on Thursday accused the Biden administration of funneling American taxpayer dollars into 'risky research' involving viruses overseas, as the Omicron variant is sending COVID-19 infections in the United States soaring again.

The group is demanding an inquiry into whether President Joe Biden's health department is funding foreign lab work using 'potentially dangerous pathogens' that could 'compromise national security.'

Senator Roger Marshall of Kansas introduced the National Biosecurity Improvement Act last week, and in a press release today explained he was driven by 'national security issues including federal agencies authorizing dangerous research with certain foreign entities.'

He's joined in the effort by Senator Marsha Blackburn of Tennessee; Senators Chuck Grassley and Joni Ernst of Iowa; and Senator Jim Inhofe of Oklahoma.

In October Marshall led another group of his GOP colleagues in trying to ban federal funding for gain-of-function research after the National Institutes of Health (NIH) gave grant money that ended up at a Wuhan lab that was reportedly using the controversial method ahead of the pandemic.

GOP Senators Chuck Grassley of Iowa and Marsha Blackburn of Tennessee are among those demanding an investigation into what kind of overseas research American taxpayers are funding

Numerous Republicans have held Biden's Chief Medical Adviser Dr. Anthony Fauci responsible for NIH's funding of gain-of-function research in Wuhan, where COVID-19 first originated, and have accused him of lying to Congress over his multiple denials.

'The COVID-19 pandemic revealed many vulnerabilities in our federal programs, but none has been more troubling than the type of dangerous research we fund and the international partners that are involved,' Marshall said Thursday.

He reiterated his call for a moratorium on gain-of-function research, adding: 'we also need our watchdog agency to look under the hood and evaluate HHS policies that could jeopardize global public health.'

The bill calls for the Government Accountability Office (GAO), an independent agency under the direction of Congress that's responsible for overseeing federal departments, to launch an investigation into the scope of federal funding for the 'enhancement of potential pandemic pathogens and related risky research.'

The senators also called for the establishment of safety guidelines and universal requirements for the federal government to fund such research.

They're also demanding to know how seriously the White House and its executive departments weigh national security when deciding what foreign research to put federal dollars into.

Republicans have accused Joe Biden's Chief Medical Adviser Anthony Fauci of knowingly allowing federal dollars to go toward gain-of-function research in Wuhan, where the coronavirus pandemic first originated. Fauci has denied these claims, but senators still want the Government Accountability Office to 'look under the hood' of where Biden's health officials are sending money

'The more we learn about the potential origins of the coronavirus pandemic, the more questions we have about the role of state actors and even our own government in researching dangerous pathogens,' Grassley said Thursday in the bill's press release.

'As we continue to investigate, Americans deserve answers on the extent to which the U.S. government engages in or funds risky research and what policies are in place to ensure it is done safely and in a way that doesnt jeopardize our national security.'

Blackburn said, 'The COVID pandemic has highlighted the need for safeguards to ensure federally-funded research does not pose a threat to national security.'

'This legislation will provide much needed oversight on how agencies evaluate risk when making decisions about federal funding to support research in other countries.'

Ernst claimed the ongoing coronavirus pandemic proved 'we need more transparency surrounding federal agencies,' also appearing to allude to the NIH-linked gain-of-function research.

'This bill will increase oversight and help ensure research is conducted safely and securely, both in the United States and overseas, to protect the safety of Iowans and all Americans,' she said.

Republicans in Congress have clashed with Fauci on multiple occasions over NIH's grant funding going toward a lab in the city where COVID-19 originated.

In 2014, the NIH gave a $3.3 million grant to EcoHealth Alliance to study bat coronaviruses. EcoHealth ended up giving $600,00 of that to the Wuhan Institute of virology.

The Wuhan lab at the center of the lab leak theory for Covid-19's origins is thought to practice gain-of-function research.

The Wall Street Journal reported in May that three researchers at the WIV fell ill with Covid-19 symptoms in November 2019 and sought hospital care, furthering the theory that the virus had originated in the lab.

Funding for gain-of-function research, the controversial practice of increasing a virus' transmissibility or lethality to study the development of new diseases, was banned under President Obama in 2014. That decision three years later was overturned by the NIH.

Fauci denied that the money from his agency ever went toward gain-of-function research.

In June, he defended the 'modest' collaboration with the Chinese lab, arguing it would be 'almost a dereliction of our duty if we didn't study this, and the only way you can study these things is you've got to go where the action is,' referencing the early-2000s SARS outbreak, which is presumed to have come from bats in China.
The White House said Thursday that the U.S. is ready to sit down with Russian emissaries amid fears of a Russian invasion of Ukraine  but under terms that are different from those outlined by Russian President Vladimir Putin.

'We've said both publicly and to the Russian government were prepared to meet in early January. We have not yet set a date or a location for those talks,' said a senior administration on a press call Thursday.

U.S. officials are using diplomacy and the threat of 'massive' sanctions in a bid to keep Russia from using the tens of thousands of soldiers it has massed on it's border with Ukraine.

Putin, in his annual year-end press conference said there were plans to meet in Geneva to discuss the situation with a U.S. delegation  though the U.S. isn't confirming the details as he described them.

Russian President Vladimir Putin demanded security guarantees from the West during a Thursday news conference but also said Russia would meet with a U.S. delegation in January

U.S. officials say they do not know whether Putin has decided to invade  as he did in 2014, when Russia seized Crimea and set off a round of U.S. and international sanctions.

'Since observing these developments in recent weeks, our approach has been, first, to align with our allies on a common assessment of Russian actions and plans, sharing as much information with them as is feasible; second, coordinate with them on steps that we will take in the aftermath of a Russian incursion, including massive sanctions support for Ukraine's ability to defend its territory and force posture adjustments in frontline NATO-Allied states,' said the official.

Putin blamed the West and NATO for provocations by admitting former Soviet states, even as it massed an estimated 100,000 troops on the border.

The Biden administration is preparing 'massive' sanctions on Russia should it invade

White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki wouldn't confirm a Geneva meeting in January as described by Putin

A handout still image took from handout video made available by the Russian Defense ministry press service on 16 December 2021 shows Russian BM-21 'Grad' a Soviet truck-mounted 122 mm multiple rocket launchers shoot during military drills near Orenburg, Russia, 16 December 2021

Russian President Vladimir Putin gestures while speaking during his annual news conference in Moscow, Russia, Thursday, Dec. 23, 2021

America has been warning for weeks that Putin appears to be readying tens of thousands of troops, tanks and artillery pieces to invade Ukraine, but the Kremlin has insisted it is merely a defence force - until now (pictured, Russian forces currently massed in border regions)

President Joe Biden (R) and Russian President Vladimir Putin meet during the U.S.-Russia summit at Villa La Grange on June 16, 2021 in Geneva, Switzerland. The U.S. says a January meeting is possible, but wouldn't specify a precise time or location

What did Vladimir Putin say on each topic? On possible conflict with Ukraine: 'This is not our choice, we do not want this.' 'We have to think about ensuring our security prospects not just for today and next week but for the near future.' 'We just directly posed the question that there should be no further NATO movement to the east, the ball is in their court, they should answer us with something. In this regard, I would like to stress that on the whole we have seen a positive reaction so far, our American partners tell us that they are ready to start this discussion.' On NATO expansion: 'What is unclear here? Are we putting missiles next to the United States' borders? No, it is the United States that has come to us with their missiles, they are already on our doorstep.' 'The course of negotiations is not important to us, the result is important... 'Not one inch to the East,' they told us in the 90s. So what? They cheated, just brazenly tricked us! Five waves of NATO expansion and now already, please, the systems are appearing in Romania and Poland.' On Donbass: 'The future of Donbass should be determined by the people who live in Donbass... It cannot be any other way. We see our role as mediators in creating the best conditions for determining the future of the people who live in this territory.' On Russia labelling some media as foreign agents: 'We do not forbid the work of these organisations. We want organisations engaging in Russia's domestic political activity to clearly and concisely declare the sources of foreign funding for their work.' Advertisement

Putin claimed the west 'brazenly tricked' Russia through its expansion. He demanded: 'You must give us guarantees, and immediately.' But he also described the U.S. reaction to security guarantees he said Russia is seeking as 'positive.'

The U.S. isn't ruling out progress, but won't signal that meeting Russia's demand of guarantees against expansion are on the table.

'We have not responded substantively to the proposals that have been made other than to say ... Clearly, there are some things that have been proposed that we will never agree to, and I think the Russians probably know that on some level. We think there are other areas where we may be able to explore what's possible.'

White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki hit back when asked about Putin's comments casting the U.S. as the aggressor.

'Well facts are a funny thing and facts make clear that the only aggression we're seeing at the border of Russia and Ukraine is the military buildup by the Russians and the bellicose rhetoric by the leader of Russia,' she said.

Russia is also asking for guarantees that NATO not conduct military exercises in Eastern Europe. NATO members include Poland, Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, Hungary, the Czech Republic, Romania, and others.

'We just directly posed the question that there should be no further NATO movement to the east. The ball is in their court, they should answer us with something,' said Putin.

Ukraine is considered a 'partner' country, and seeks to join the alliance.

Putin, in his extended remarks, described Ukraine as 'historical territories' that fell outside of Russia after the collapse of the Soviet Union. He has long spoken of seeking to rebuild the Soviet-era empire.

He said Donbass, a Ukrainian region on the Russian border, 'never thought of itself as anything other than part of Russia' and that he was 'forced to do something about it in 2014'.

He also made claims about the U.S. putting missiles in Ukraine  something U.S. officials would neither confirm or try to explain explain.

'Are we putting missiles next to the United States' borders? No, it is the United States that has come to us with their missiles, they are already on our doorstep,' he said.
More evidence is emerging that Omicron is a less severe variant after a British study found the risk of hospitalization from the hyper-contagious strain is 70 percent lower than from the Delta variant.

Britain's Health Security Agency released the findings on Thursday - the fourth study this week that has found Omicron to be milder in comparison to other iterations of the virus.

But the analysis from Britain also reveals that immunity from boosters fades more quickly against Omicron compared to Delta.

Those who received two AstraZeneca doses, plus a Pfizer or Moderna booster, have 60 percent protection against Omicron for two to weeks after the third jab.

But after ten weeks, it drops to 35 percent for Pfizer and 45 percent for Moderna.

The figures are further prompting officials in Britain to consider speeding up the rollout of a fourth jab to ward off a future surge in cases among those who have already received boosters.

COVID cases in the US have soared by 38 percent in the past 24 hours to 238,278 new infections. In some states, cases are ratcheting up by upward of 670 percent

The U.K.'s research was in line with a South African study released earlier this week that also showed Omicron sufferers were 70 percent less likely than Delta patients to wind up in the ICU or be ventilated.

It's a glimmer of encouraging news for those in the U.S., where COVID cases have soared by 38 percent in the past 24 hours to 238,278 new infections.

In some states, cases are ratcheting up by over 670 percent.

Omicron is now believed to account for 73 percent of all new American infections.

But very few positive PCR tests are sequenced to determine which variant caused the infection, meaning confirmed U.S. Omicron infections so far stand at just over 3,100 cases.

On Thursday evening, New York state smashed its daily infection record, with 38,835 new cases - 10,000 more than the previous record set just 24 hours ago.

Thursday's update in infection numbers from Johns Hopkins University saw diagnoses climb from 172,072 for the previous day. Deaths were also up slightly, from 2,093 on Wednesday to 2,204 a day later.

The map above shows the rate at which the Omicron variant is spreading throughout the US

The UK Health Security Agency's newly-released research showed that of 132 studied patients infected with Omicron, the risk of hospital admission is 'reduced' compared with Delta.

Scientists said there appears to be a biological difference between Omicron and Delta which could be behind the new variant's reduced severity.

Laboratory tests found the variant replicates better in the upper airways than in the deeper tissue of the lungs, which could be behind its greater transmissibility but lower severity.

Of those admitted to hospital in the UK, 17 had received a booster vaccine, 74 people had two doses and 27 others were not vaccinated.

US Army nurses help a ventilated COVID patient in Dearborn, Michigan on December 17

Other studies have reached similar conclusions.

Imperial College London on Wednesday found that Omicron is 40 percent less likely to lead to serious illness than the Delta variant.

Another study by the University of Edinburgh suggested that the new variant could slash hospitalizations by as much as 65 percent.

Both studies underlined, however, the importance of vaccines with the Imperial study stating the risk of hospitalization for an unvaccinated person was just 10 percent lower for Omicron than with Delta.

Imperial College London on Wednesday found that Omicron is 40 percent less likely to lead to serious illness than the Delta variant

University of Edinburgh researchers found the risk of being hospitalized with Omicron was 65 percent less with Omicron than with Delta. The above graph shows the rate of hospitalization in different age groups for Delta (green) and Omicron (red) cases in Scotland

For the week ending December 19, COVID patients took up 16,326 ICU beds throughout the U.S., while another 48,489 were occupied by hospital patients with non-COVID related ailments.

The type of variants the majority of ICU patients carried was not available.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that Omicron now comprises at least 73 percent of all infections in the U.S., and up to 92 percent in five states including New York and New Jersey.

Researchers from the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation at the University of Washington updated their COVID-19 model and expect the virus to hit the U.S. hard come January, peaking at 2.8 million new cases a day by January 28.

'We are expecting an enormous surge in infections... so, an enormous spread of Omicron,' IHME director Dr. Chris Murray said told USA Today.

'Total infections in the U.S. we forecast are going from about 40 percent of the U.S. having been infected so far, to having in the next two to three months, 60 percent of the U.S. getting infected with Omicron.'

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that Omicron now comprises at least 73 percent of all infections in the US

The United Kingdom smashed its single day diagnosis rate again on Thursday, with 119,789 new infections, and hospitalizations up by 18 percent in a week.

It is a world-leader in sequencing, and has so-far identified close to 75,000 Omicron infections for a population almost five times smaller than the US.

The United States logged a seven-day average coronavirus case count of 168,981 on Wednesday, surpassing a summer peak of over 165,000 infections, according to the Washington Post.

While worrying, the figure still falls well short of the 249,000 average hit in January 2020.

That marks the second largest surge in cases since the pandemic began nearly two years ago, as the highly contagious Omicron variant has been detected in all 50 states, as well Washington D.C. and Puerto Rico.

For the week ending December 19, COVID patients took up 16,326 ICU beds throughout the US, while another 48,489 were occupied by hospital patients with non-COVID related ailments

Not all experts are sharing optimism about the latest Omicron studies.

Epidemiologist Dr Eric Feigl-Ding, a senior fellow at the Federation of America Scientists, said the 'intrinsic' severity versus the 'observed' severity must be discussed to better understand the true order of magnitude.

'Overall, reinfection is NOT a good thing, even if milder than if never had infection before,' he tweeted.

'Reinfection can lead to #LongCovid too. And #Omicron is king of inducing reinfections while Delta not so much.'

Dr Vincent Rajkumar, a professor of medicine at the Mayo Clinic, said the studies' results could be misleading.

'Omicron may appear milder because a lot of people getting it are partially immune from prior infection or vaccine,' he tweeted.

'Intrinsic severity of Omicron is important because there are many who are still vulnerable or immunologically naive.'
New York state COVID cases have rocketed to an all-time high of 38,835 - but NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio says the Times Square ball drop will still go ahead, albeit with dramatically-reduced crowd numbers.

The cases update was shared by NY State Governor Kathy Hochul on Thursday. They smash the previous record of 28,924 infections set just one day previously. Cases are now around double of what they were a year ago, although hospitalizations are far lower.

Hochul struck an upbeat tone on Twitter after sharing the update, saying: 'Today, New York State is reporting 38,835 COVID cases. Were also seeing a record for testing  324,786 in one day.

'Thank you for taking precautions ahead of the Christmas holiday by getting tested. Millions of additional tests are on the way. Get tested. Keep each other safe.'

On Thursday de Blasio confirmed that the world-famous New Year's Eve ball drop will be happening but that the planned crowd of 58,000 spectators will be reduced down to just 15,000.

De Blasio added that spectators will not be allowed entry before 3 pm on New Year's Eve and they must provide proof of vaccination and wear face masks, despite the event being held outdoors.

The ball drop will be the final big event of his second term in office, with Eric Adams taking over from January 1.

NY Governor Kathy Hochul shared this update Thursday, as her state smashed its 24 hour-old record for one-day COVID diagnoses

She also shared how vaccination totals are continuing to rise as the Omicron variant sweeps the US

De Blasio confirmed that the New Year's Eve ball drop will be happening but the normal crowd of 58,000 spectators will be reduced down to just 15,000

At last year's ball drop, the city and the Times Square Alliance held a fully masked celebration without the huge crowds revelers are used to seeing each year

De Blasio said that spectators for the New Year's Eve ball drop will not be allowed entry before 3 pm on new year's eve and they must provide proof of vaccination and wear face masks

At last year's ball drop, the city and the Times Square Alliance held a fully masked celebration without the huge crowds revelers are used to seeing each year.

The announcement comes as NYC Covid case rates have tripled in the last week, going from 295 daily new cases for every 100,000 New Yorkers on December 12 to 956 new cases per 100,000 on December 19.

NYC's test positivity rate has also shot up in the past week, to an all-time high of 15 percent on December 19.

Such a high positivity rate indicates that more than one in ten New Yorkers tested in the city are receiving positive results.

The surge has been driven by the Omicron variant, which is the cause of more than 90 percent of new Covid cases in the New York and New Jersey region.

New Yorkers have been pictured waiting in hours-long lines for testing, though distributions of free at-home rapid tests and incoming federal testing support are providing some relief.

While the case rates continue to rise, hospitalizations have remained low in NYC - but hospital leaders are concerned about staff shortages as workers test positive.

Despite the high positivity rate, the Omicron surge has not strained NYC hospitals, as only 2.1 COVID patients per 100,000 are currently hospitalized across New York City.

'We're doing very, very well, very manageable. There's no crisis,' Michael Dowling, the CEO of Northwell Health, told CNN's John Berman on Tuesday.

He noted that there are now 460 patients in its 23 hospitals, which is less than 10 percent of its overall capacity. But at the same time last year, during COVID's second wave, the hospital system saw nearly 1,000 cases. And during the first wave, it had 3,500 patients suffering severe side effects from the virus.

Broadway has been one of the biggest victims to the surge, as multiple theaters were forced to cancel their most popular shows due to positive Covid cases among actors and stagehands.

Plays like Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, Hamilton, and MJ The Musical all cancelling upcoming shows due to the outbreak.

Dear Evan Hansen, Aladdin, Ain't Too Proud, and Skeleton Crew also shuttered performances until after Christmas due to positive Covid cases among actors and stagehands.

Regardless, Broadway League President Charlotte St. Martin said that curtains are not down on Broadway.

'We have absolutely no plans to shut down,' she told The Hollywood Reporter. 'We are paying serious attention to the protocols. The other 20 to 30 shows continue to perform because were following the protocols that we set up, and it shows theyre working.'

The cancellations of a third of performances led to a 26 percent drop in profits in a week, the New York Times reported.

On Tuesday he Broadway League, said that its theaters brought in only $22.5 million last week, down from the $30.5 million in tickets sold the previous week.

Plays like Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, Hamilton, and MJ The Musical all cancelling upcoming shows due to the outbreak

New Yorkers have been pictured waiting in hours-long lines for testing, though distributions of free at-home rapid tests and incoming federal testing support are providing some relief

People self administer Covid-19 test in Queens as Covid case rates in the city have tripled in the last week, going from 295 daily new cases for every 100,000 New Yorkers on December 12 to 956 new cases per 100,000 on December 19

A man self administers a Binax Covid-19 test at a mobile site in Queens as NYC's test positivity rate hit an all-time high of 15 percent on December 19

Pre-pandemic Broadway grossed $40.1 million in the week before Christmas in 2019.

Nation-wide COVID cases have soared by 38 per cent in the last 24 hours to 238,278 new infections as the Omicron variant continues to spread, with some states seeing cases rocket by up to 670 per cent.

Thursday's update in infection numbers from Johns Hopkins University saw diagnoses climb from 172,072 for the previous day. Deaths were also up slightly, from 2,093 yesterday to 2,204 today.

Hospitalizations sit just under 63,000, including almost 16,000 COVID patients receiving intensive care treatment, according to analysis by the New York Times. That is an 11 per cent increase on a fortnight previously, but still well below the winter 2020 peak of almost 130,000 in hospital, 30,000 of whom were in ICU.

Experts have warned that the virus could infect 140 million people between January and March - 60 percent of all Americans.

Multiple studies published this week have suggested Omicron is far less dangerous than Delta, with a UK Health Security Agency report from Thursday saying the mutant strain is 70 per cent less likely to cause hospitalization than Delta, and 45 per cent less likely to require an emergency room visit.

Meanwhile, multiple US states have seen 14 day infection rates soar. In Florida, cases are up 509 per cent, in Washington DC, they're up 541 per cent, and in Hawaii they've rocketed by 670 per cent.

Hawaii saw 74 new confirmed Omicron cases on Wednesday, with Florida and DC each reporting 24 cases of the mutant strain. The US has a total of 2,625 confirmed Omicron cases, according to data scraped from individual states' figures.

New York continues to have the highest number of new Omicron cases with 442 reported on Thursday, followed by Texas with 394 cases and California, with 358 new cases.

But the true Omicron total is exponentially higher, as only a small number of positive PCR tests are sequenced to identify which strain of COVID has caused a person's infection. The CDC estimates that Omicron now comprises at least 73 per cent of all infections in the United States, and up to 92 per cent in five states including New York and New Jersey.
President Biden signed a bill Thursday cracking down on human rights abuses in China, banning imports from the Xinjiang province unless Chinese officials can prove they were not made with forced labor.

The bipartisan legislation, the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act, passed the Senate by unanimous consent last week. It is the latest effort by the federal government in protest of what the White House has deemed a 'genocide' against millions of Uyghurs and other Muslims in China.

'The Administration will work closely with Congress to implement this bill to ensure global supply chains are free of forced labor, while simultaneously working to on-shore and third-shore key supply chains, including semiconductors and clean energy,' White House press secretary Jen Psaki said in a statement last week.

Asked Thursday at a briefing why Biden did not sign the legislation on camera, Psaki insisted the White House supports the bill, but sometimes signs legislation on camera and sometimes off.

President Biden signed a bill Thursday cracking down on human rights abuses in China , banning imports from the Xinjiang province unless Chinese officials can prove they were not made with forced labor

Chinese policemen push Uighur women who are protesting

Sen. Jeff Merkley, D-Ore., chairman of the Congressional-Executive Commission on China, said that with the bill signed, American businesses and consumers 'can buy goods without inadvertent complicity in Chinas horrific human rights abuses.'

More than 1 million Uyghurs are believed to be held in camps in the Xinjiang province, where they work as slave laborers and are allegedly often sexually abused or tortured and are forced to give up their cultural practices as part of a 're-education' campaign.

Chinese authorities say their goal is not to eliminate the Uighurs  a historically Muslim group of 13 million people  but to integrate them.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials have long had the authority to detain imports suspected of being made with slave labor, but the authority was seldom used until 2016, when a trade law loophole that exempted any goods for which domestic production did not meet demand was closed.

Use of the authority has slowly ticked up, and in fiscal year 2021 CBP had detained 967 shipments worth more than $367 million, according to the agency.

Under the new law, however, US authorities will assume all goods originating in the Xinjiang region were produced by forced labor, placing the onus on manufacturers to prove they weren't.

An Uighur woman holds her relatives' ID cards who are detained

Police detain a man during a rally in Hong Kong to show support for the Uighur minority in China

Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., a major proponent of the bill, told reporters at the Capitol last month: 'I guarantee, as I speak to you now, everyone in this building owns something that was made by a slave in Xinjiang and most people don't know that.'

Earlier this month the Biden administration announced it would take part in a diplomatic boycott of the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics due to China's human rights abuses.

Meanwhile, US chip maker Intel apologized to China after issuing a statement telling suppliers not to source products or labor from the Xinjiang region to keep forced labor out of the supply chain.

In its recently published annual letter to suppliers, Intel wrote that it was 'required to ensure that its supply chain does not use any labour or source goods or services from the Xinjiang region', following restrictions imposed by 'multiple governments.'

Following criticism from Chinese officials, Intel said its efforts to avoid using slave labor were to comply with US code, not a statement on its own beliefs.

'We apologize for the trouble caused to our respected Chinese customers, partners and the public. Intel is committed to becoming a trusted technology partner and accelerating joint development with China,' Intel said.

China's foreign ministry said 'accusations of forced labour in Xinjiang are lies concocted by anti-China American forces' aimed at hindering China's development, according to Reuters.

Psaki said of Intel's bowing to China: 'American companies should never feel the need to apologize for standing up for fundamental human rights or opposing repression. As we've said before, we call on all industries to ensure that they are not sourcing products that involve forced labor.'
New York nursing home housekeeper Khadka Pradhan, 51, has been indicted for allegedly raping an 81-year-old female resident with dementia

A nursing home housekeeper from upstate New York has been indicted for the 'heinous' rape of a female 81-year-old resident at his workplace who was suffering from dementia.

New York Attorney General Letitia James on Thursday announced the indictment of 51-year-old Khadka Pradhan, of Rochester, who previously worked at the Shore Winds Nursing Home.

Pradhan has been charged with first- and second-degree rape, first- and second-degree criminal sexual act, and endangering the welfare of an incompetent or physically disabled person in the first degree.

The charges outlined in this case are as heinous and disturbing as they come, James said in a statement. Mr. Pradhan allegedly raped an elderly woman with dementia at the nursing home where she lived  grossly violating her, other residents, and her family, who trusted that she would be safe and cared for.

As alleged in the indictment, Pradhan was working at the nursing home on Beach Avenue on September 29 when he slipped into the victims room at around 6.30am, and, through the use of forcible compulsion, sexually assaulted the mentally disabled woman.

Pradhan, a housekeeper at Shore Winds Nursing Home in Rochester, New York (picurred), was arrested in late Septembe

Pradhan was arrested that same day thanks to what Monroe County prosecutor Bill Gargan described to WHEC in October as the quick-witted action of other employees at the assisted living facility.

Pradhan was initially charged with first-degree sexual abuse and endangering the welfare of an incompetent person. He pleaded not guilty and was released after posting $10,000 bail.

Following an investigation, a Monroe County Grand Jury indicted the suspect on the upgraded charges of rape.

Pradhan will be arraigned on the new counts at a later date. If convicted as charged, he will face up to 25 years in state prison.

Following Pradhan's arrest in September, Shore Winds Nursing Home said the housekeeper was immediately suspended and banned from the facility.

Pradhan was initially charged with first-degree sexual abuse and endangering the welfare of an incompetent person. He is pictured leaving court in October

'The Shore Winds Nursing Home is fully cooperating and supporting local authorities regarding an alleged incident,' the facility's representative said in a statement at the time.

The incident in Rochester is reminiscent of the case of Nathan Sutherland, a former nurse at an Arizona long-term care facility who sexually assaulted and impregnated a 29-year-old incapacitated woman, who gave birth to a child in 2018.

Earlier this month, Sutherland was sentenced to 10 years in prison after pleading guilty to sexual assault.
An infectious disease expert says Australia may be closing in on a herd immunity as the Omicron strain of Covid spreads like wildfire.

New South Wales reported almost 6,000 cases on Thursday and numbers surged in other states across the country as the new variant rips through the population.

Now Professor Robert Booy says we may develop long-term natural immunity from Covid by catching it, as it evolves into a weaker and less lethal version.

'If you get it, you may well get a fantastic natural long and strong boost,' he told the Today show on Friday. 'We may be heading towards herd immunity.

'The virologists have been telling us that the virus tends to - doesn't definitely, but tends to - evolve to less severity.'

Infectious disease expert Professor Robert Booy (pictured) says Australia may be closing in on a herd immunity as the Omicron strain of Covid spreads like wildfire

But he warned: 'It can still put people in hospital. I don't think you have a party to get a Covid infection. Get vaccinated, get boosted, especially if you are at risk.

'Let's not have a rush on 40-year-olds getting [a booster], let's get our neighbours and friends who are at risk vaccinated first.'

Professor Booy, an infectious diseases paediatrician at Westmead Hospital and the University of Sydney, said the rising case numbers on Thursday were concerning.

'The numbers are a lot and they are disrupting people's lives, their businesses, so the numbers are serious,' he said.

New South Wales reported almost 6,000 cases on Thursday and numbers surged in other states across the country as the new variant rips through the population (pictured, Covid testing in Sydney)

'But we are getting a slow rise in hospitalisations. The impact of the big numbers this week won't be felt for another two weeks in hospitals.

'So I am concerned. There is exponential growth right now.'

He said 'one calming thing' was that the evidence so far suggested the Omicron strain was half as severe as the Delta variant.

'But if it is twice as transmissible, we are still going to get a similar number of intensive care admissions,' he warned.

'We have to be on the alert. The increase in mask mandates is correct and we have to observe social distancing and the like to keep this under better control.

'Masks are not perfect, they are part of a multi pronged approach. You have to do the other measures as well.

Professor Booy said 'one calming thing' was that the evidence so far suggested the Omicron strain was half as severe as the Delta variant but still backed wearing masks (pictured)

'Let's do all the right things, not just wear a mask but do the other right things at the same time.'

He said the new outbreak in Western Australia was a wake-up call for the state.

'I think they have been acting like they are not only in another country but on another planet,' he said. 'It is going to put their system under stress.

'We wish them all well and continue to observe the rules and, you know, I hope they don't get a massive blow out.

'We will have to wait and see.'

Professor Robert Booy says we may develop long-term natural immunity from Covid by catching it, as it evolves into a weaker and less lethal version (pictured, testing queues at a drive through clinic at Bondi Beach)

He told the show that viewers should spare a thought for all the health care workers who would have to miss out on Christmas because of the latest outbreak.

'I really want to give a shout out to all of those nurses, the intensive care doctors, who are being called back from their holidays to deal with this problem,' he said.

'They are tired and they are really worn out and they have caught COVID or they have been exposed to COVID. The system is under some stress, we can manage it.

'But we have to really thank our health care workers and our public health people.'
Julian Assange's lawyers have started the process for a Supreme Court appeal to stop the WikiLeaks founder being extradited to the US and tried on espionage charges, his fiancee has said.

Stella Moris said Assange filed an application to bring an appeal shortly after 11am on Thursday.

As his lawyers have applied to take his case to the Supreme Court, the UK's highest court, judges must now decide whether to hear the case before any appeal takes place.

Julian Assange's lawyers have started the process for a Supreme Court appeal to stop the WikiLeaks founder being extradited to the US and tried on espionage charges

Ms Moris, a lawyer and the mother of his two children, said in a statement on Thursday the High Court must first 'certify that at least one of the Supreme Court appeal grounds is a point of law of general public importance' before the application has a chance to be considered by the Supreme Court.

A decision is not expected before the third week of January, Ms Moris added.

Birnberg Peirce Solicitors, who are representing Assange, said in a statement: 'We believe serious and important issues of law of wider public importance are being raised in this application.

'They arise from the Court's judgment and its receipt and reliance on US assurances regarding the prison regimes and treatment Mr Assange is likely to face if extradited.

'Because this application is now the subject of judicial consideration, his lawyers do not propose to comment further at the moment.

'We hope and trust the High Court will grant a certificate on the questions raised as well as giving permission to appeal in order that they can thereafter be fully argued before the Supreme Court.'

Stella Moris (pictured) said Assange filed an application to bring an appeal shortly after 11am on Thursday

The application comes two weeks after Lord Chief Justice Lord Burnett, sitting with Lord Justice Holroyde, ruled that Assange should be sent to the US to face espionage charges.

The 50-year-old is wanted in the US over an alleged conspiracy to obtain and disclose national defence information following WikiLeaks' publication of hundreds of thousands of leaked documents relating to the Afghanistan and Iraq wars.

US authorities brought a High Court challenge against a January ruling by then-district judge Vanessa Baraitser that Assange should not be sent to the US, in which she cited a real and 'oppressive' risk of suicide.

After a two-day hearing in October, the High Court ruled in favour of the US Government on December 10.
Last Christmas, Waheed Sabawoon and his family were hiding in the darkened rooms of their mud-walled house overlooking Kabul, fearing the next knock at the door would be the Taliban.

It was a time of bombs and fear where the threat of revenge attacks hung over us and we wondered each time we left home if we would return, the former interpreter recalls.

Long before the Taliban overthrew the Afghan government in August, cells of fighters had been carrying out targeted assassinations of locals who had helped the West during the war.

There was uncertainty and real fear. England was a dream to hang on to  it represented hope for me and my family, and for all of us who risked our lives beside British soldiers. We feared that it might never be a reality, but we needed that dream to keep going, he says.

Last Christmas, Waheed Sabawoon and his family were hiding in the darkened rooms of their mud-walled house overlooking Kabul

Now the 30-year-old, who worked for three years with military spies and frontline troops in Helmand Province, is sipping a latte in Bristols Christmas Market, with Jingle Bells in the background. His son Naveed, four, is enjoying a hot chocolate with cream and marshmallow after a ride on the reindeer merry-go-round.

With his wife Mashita, 29, and two-year-old daughter Muska, Waheed now calls Bristol home.

The contrast is so great it is hard to believe, he says. Our dream has come true. Our first Christmas in Britain will be something we will never forget. I know that people give gifts and thanks at Christmas for what they have, and I would like to thank the British Government.

But most of all, and with all my heart, I would like to thank the Daily Mail. You never gave up on the translators. You made this possible. It is the greatest gift you could give my family.

This newspapers award-winning Betrayal of the Brave campaign has championed the case of interpreters who served alongside British forces.

Waheed worked for the highly sensitive Electronic Warfare Unit and Brigade Reconnaissance Forces between 2010 and 2013, but lost his job when a Kindle e-reader was found among his belongings.

It had been a gift from an officer but when it was found, Waheed was dismissed as for security reasons no electronic devices were allowed on base. As with others highlighted by our campaign, Waheeds case was overturned and his family were among 15,000 rescued in the summer RAF airlift from Kabul.

His family made it on to a flight just 24 hours before a suicide bomb ripped through crowds outside the airport, killing 183.

They spent nearly three months in hotels before being given a three-bedroom flat in Bristol, which they have fallen in love with. Waheed knows they are lucky. Only 4,000 have been found homes. More than 10,000 remain in hotels, their children often unable to go to school.

Farid Rahmani, his wife Fatima, 32, and children Ahmad, 13, Mohammad, 12, Beseshta, ten, Sumaya, six, Tahura, four, and Hasenat, two, are in their fifth month in a Hertfordshire hotel. Christmas has given the children insights into the country where they are building their new life, says the 37-year-old former chief interpreter for the British Embassy in Kabul.

Waheed worked for the highly sensitive Electronic Warfare Unit and Brigade Reconnaissance Forces between 2010 and 2013, but lost his job when a Kindle e-reader was found among his belongings (file photo)

Farid, who worked at the embassy for 17 years, was turned down for relocation despite being shot at in a Taliban ambush in July. He was reprieved after his story was highlighted by the Mail. Farid says his family will be forever grateful.

I know I am lucky to be alive and lucky to be in England where my family can celebrate the Christmas season. I experienced several Christmases on duty at the Embassy. But this year we are in a different land.

Everyone is excited, there is a spirit that is uplifting at this time of year, whatever your religion and beliefs. That can be seen in his childrens faces as they put up a Christmas tree in the west London flat of their aunt, Muzghan, 35, a British citizen. Theres confusion when handed crackers  they have never seen them before. One tries pulling both ends. Another wears her crown as a necklace.

Jokes are handed to Farid, who asks his girls to repeat English words after him. What do snowmen eat for lunch? Answer: Iceburgers. There is frowning as they wait for the translation, and then squeals of laughter.

Farid says: My wife was always worried, she would beg me to change my routines because of the Taliban threat. Now we have a bright new beginning. I asked my daughter if she wanted to go back to Afghanistan and she said, This is our home now.
The pressures of the winter season and the Covid pandemic have left the NHS at breaking point.

But two married doctors are getting to grips with a gruelling 40-day charity challenge to row 3,000 miles across the Atlantic to Antigua.

Charlie Fleury and Adam Baker, both 31, set off from the Canary Islands on December 12 along with nine other pairs in the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge.

They hope to use their experience to help research how ultra-endurance sporting events affect men and women differently.

Two married doctors are getting to grips with a gruelling 40-day charity challenge to row 3,000 miles across the Atlantic to Antigua

The doctors work in the accident and emergency department at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital.

They were forced to defer the trip for a year because of their commitments during the pandemic. The latest statistics show there were 30 Covid patients out of 2,556 inpatients at the hospital on December 19.

Miss Fleury said ahead of their adventure, in which they hope to raise 100,000: The Covid pandemic pushed the race back a year for us as we stepped up our work in A&E. It has been incredibly hard to keep momentum going despite being so mentally fatigued with work pressures, but what good practice to prepare for this ultra-endurance challenge.

Miss Fleury had the idea for the challenge after camping on a frozen lake in Norway as part of her masters course in extreme medicine at Exeter University.

The doctors work in the accident and emergency department at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital

She later convinced her husband to take part despite him having previously suffered from seasickness. Mr Baker said he was looking forward to pushing through our perceived mental barriers and taking on the extremes of the ocean.

He added: We will be so remote and constantly exposed to the elements. This will also enable us to look at the female and male trends in exactly the same race conditions and learn more about this area of research where there are huge gaps in real-time data.

The couple, whose previous longest row together was just five days, hope to raise cash for various organisations including Devon Air Ambulance, the RD&E charity which supports the Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Foundation Trust, the RNLI and mental health charity Mind.

Their boat  named Percy  consists of a sleeping cabin about a third of the size of a telephone box. Mr Baker and Miss Fleury have been trained in how to use the likes of a manual water pump in the event their electric pump breaks.
The families of missing campers Russell Hill and Carol Clay face an agonising wait to reclaim what remains of their bodies amid delays brought on by the festive season.

As Australians gather to celebrate Christmas with loved ones, the distraught families of the deceased will spend the day without the full closure they have been seeking.

The badly burnt remains of Ms Clay, 73, and Mr Hill, 74 were located by Victoria Police Missing Persons Squad detectives on November 30 - just days after the arrest of Gregory Lynn.

Russell Hill (pictured, right) and Carol Clay (left) are alleged by police to have been murdered during a camping trip in March 2020

Gregory Lynn, 55, (pictured) was charged with the murder of secret lovers Russell Hill, 74, and Carol Clay, 73

Footage of the search showed plain clothes officers sifting through dirt by hand as an excavator worked ahead turning the soil over and digging up the packed ground

The 55-year old man from Caroline Springs in Melbourne's west remains in custody after being charged with the couple's murders.

The bodies had been dumped in dense bushland off the Providence Spur Track, north of Dargo in the state's east, and had remained there for 20 months.

Police sources have told Daily Mail Australia the Hill and Clay families have a wait ahead before they can finally provide their loved ones with dignified burials.

DNA testing on recently deceased corpses can take a matter of hours, but analysis on older bodies becomes more complex, particularly if all that remains are bones.

Experts in the field of forensic science claim techniques are constantly changing as new methods become available and validated, but the extraction of DNA from bone material remains for now a time-consuming and laborious process.

Bones need to be cleaned and powdered to enhance access of extraction chemicals and the extraction procedure itself may take several hours or days depending on the condition of the test sample.

'I think it's a bit of a how long is a piece of string question at the moment. I can't see it progressing at speed over Christmas either,' a police source said.

While the wait through Christmas will no doubt cause further pain to those who knew and loved the campers, they will take some solace in at least knowing their bodies had been found.

Mr Hill's family were not aware that he would be spending the weekend with his lover, Ms Clay

Forensic experts made the grisly find off the Providence Spur Track north of Dargo in the state's east within dense bushland often frequented by deer hunters

Detectives believe the bodies had been dumped in the area the very day they went missing on March 20 last year.

Over that period, the rugged terrain has endured two winters, with the area prone to rain, hail, sleet, snow, frost, strong winds, low temperatures and frequent blizzards, especially during winter and spring.

Victoria Police also have the added burden of a forensic team still struggling to catch-up with a backlog of analysis brought on by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Six hard lockdowns have seen routine forensic examinations pushed back for months on end.

Mystery remains, for now, over what else police have found at the burial site.

Lynn - a former Jetstar pilot and experienced outdoors man - faces many festive seasons behind bars if found guilty.

Covid-19 - and the ongoing threat of it - is been pushing back trials for years.

It is understood Lynn is caged with some of the state's nastiest characters and was provided a 'baptism of fire' upon entry to the Melbourne Assessment Prison  the same unit where Cardinal George Pell and Bourke St killer James Gargasoulas were previously caged.

Greg Lynn is seen with his wife Melanie - who is a flight attendant with Jetstar - with the pair meeting through work

Officers endured treacherous conditions in the search for the missing campers

Footage of the search showed plain clothes officers sifting through dirt by hand as an excavator worked ahead turning the soil over and digging up the packed ground

A breakthrough in the missing campers case came when police arrested Lynn in the bush on November 22.

He had been arrested on a Monday night at a remote campsite in Arbuckle Junction, 1.5 hours south of Wonnangatta in the states east.

Detectives seized his Nissan Patrol after tracking his movements and flying into remote bushland by helicopter.

A trailer being towed by an off-road vehicle - also captured on CCTV the night the secret lovers vanished - remains missing.

Police believe it was likely sold on Gumtree.

Lynn's court appearance came just three weeks after detectives detailed their investigation progress on Channel 9's 60 Minutes.

There, Inspector Andrew Stamper revealed police had been on the hunt for the driver of a blue late 90s Nissan Patrol, which had been captured on CCTV at the top of Mount Hotham when the campers vanished on March 20 last year.

It is understood police had already placed listening devices throughout the alleged killer's vehicles and home with a view to listen to how he reacted to the media hysteria.

Lynn's lawyer Chris McLennan did not make any application for bail on behalf of the alleged killer, who was remanded in custody by Magistrate Greg McNamara until his next court appearance on May 31.

The court heard Lynn had no 'issues' that might make his time behind bars more difficult.

A brief of evidence against Lynn will not be ready until at least April 19.

Lynn faces life in prison should he be convicted of the double murder.

Ms Clay was on a romantic camping trip and had confided in her sister about the romance

The charred remains of the couples' tent were found by fellow campers a day after they vanished

For 20 months police have been investigating what happened to the two missing campers
Imagine if  perhaps fed up of being shaken and squeezed by curious recipients  Christmas presents had the habit of rising on spindly legs and trotting off elsewhere.

This is the simultaneously comic yet oddly unsettling spectacle played out in Boston Dynamic's freshly released festive video that stars their iconic robot dog, Spot.

Initially completely covered by a large, beautifully-wrapped gift box, the mechanical mutt stands up and sedately saunters offscreen  visible only via its legs as it leaves.

The surreal visuals are reinforced by a quirky version of 'Jingle Bells', although one is sure that the end message  'Happy Holidays'  is quite sincerely meant.

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Imagine if  perhaps fed up of being shaken and squeezed by curious recipients  Christmas presents had the habit of rising on spindly legs and trotting off elsewhere. This is the simultaneously comic yet oddly unsettling spectacle played out in Boston Dynamic's freshly released festive video (pictured) that stars their iconic robot dog, Spot

Initially completely covered by a large, beautifully-wrapped gift box (as pictured), the mechanical mutt stands up and saunters offscreen  visible only via its legs as it leaves

Pictured: some users were curious as to how Spot worked within the box. Others made puns

Boston Dynamics posted the bizarre little clip onto twitter yesterday.

'Happy holidays and many thanks to everyone who helped drive Spot's success this year!,' the robotics firm tweeted.

'We're excited to see where you can take our robots in 2022.'

Not everyone, however, seemed excited by to see Spot hiding in the first place.

'No, no, no camouflaged robots please,' responded Twitter user @ReaderCatMe.

'You can't pretend these are lovable robot dogs when other companies literally copied your designs and your work to make killer robots for armed forces.

'Great job,' she concluded.

While Boston Dynamics have long balked at the notion of equipping their robots with offensive weaponry  even just a paintball gun  many of their competition do not have such qualms at all.

Not everyone, however, seemed excited by to see Spot hiding in the first place. 'No, no, no camouflaged robots please,' responded Twitter user @ReaderCatMe. 'You can't pretend these are lovable robot dogs when other companies literally copied your designs and your work to make killer robots for armed forces. Great job'

Other social media users were more taken with the festive video. 'Can we please get another fun dance routine this year?' asked @shira_dinal

Other social media users were more taken with the festive video.

'This is how All Boston Dynamics Spots should be delivered!' wrote Twitter user @Oscarwi99794587.

'Can we please get another fun dance routine this year?' asked @shira_dinal.

Other posters  @isobeard and @Wonziu, specifically  noted that Spot looked like the 'Metal Gear' video game series character Snake hiding under a cardboard box to sneak his way past armed guards.
Whether it's MasterChef or The Great British Bake Off, there are many TV cookery shows where you wish you could reach through your screen and taste the delicious recipes yourself.

Now, Japanese scientists have taken a huge step towards making that a reality, with the development of a lickable TV screen.

The device is called Taste the TV (TTTV) and contains a carousel of 10 flavour canisters that can spray taste samples on to the surface of the screen.

The different flavour profiles in the canisters can then combine to create tastes similar to those being shown on screen - for example coffee or pizza.

It is an experimental technology, produced by Meiji University in Tokyo, Japan, with its developers expecting a commercial version to cost about 650 ($875).

Japanese scientists have developed a television that can be licked, allowing viewers to taste the food being prepared on a cookery show, adding a layer of immersion

The device is called Taste the TV (TTTV) and contains a carousel of 10 flavour canisters that can spray taste samples on to the surface of the screen

Whether it's MasterChef or The Great British Bake Off, there are many TV cookery shows where you wish you could reach through your screen and taste the delicious recipes yourself

HOW IT WORKS Taste the TV (TTTV) works thanks to a carousel of 10 flavour canisters. They sit inside the television and spray jets of flavour samples on to a film. This is a thin sheet of hygienic material that is fully disposable. The canisters spray in various combinations and quantities to create a taste that matches what is on TV. For example, it might mix certain flavours to conjure up a pizza or piece of milk chocolate. Advertisement

Japanese professor Homei Miyashita and 30 students have developed a range of taste prototypes, including a fork that makes food taste richer.

He said he built the TTTV prototype himself, from parts in the lab over the course of the past year, and doesn't know when a commercial version might be available.

In his version the 10 flavour canisters spray a combination of samples on to a roll of hygienic film that is placed over a flat TV screen.

In the COVID-19 era, this kind of technology can enhance the way people connect and interact with the outside world, said Meiji University professor Homei Miyashita.

'The goal is to make it possible for people to have the experience of something like eating at a restaurant on the other side of the world, even while at home,' he said.

Potential applications include distance learning for sommeliers and cooks, and tasting games and quizzes, he said.

Miyashita has also been in talks with companies about using his spray technology for applications like a device that can apply a pizza or chocolate taste to a slice of toasted bread.

Meiji student Yuki Hou, 22, demonstrated TTTV for reporters, telling the screen she wanted to taste sweet chocolate.

After a few tries, an automated voice repeated the order and flavour jets spritzed a sample onto a plastic sheet.

'It's kind of like milk chocolate,' she said. 'It's sweet like a chocolate sauce.'

The different flavour profiles in the canisters can then combine to create tastes similar to those being shown on screen - for example coffee or pizza

It is an experimental technology, produced by Meiji University in Tokyo, Japan, with its developers expecting a commercial version to cost about 650 ($875)

During another demonstration of the prototype, a video of a pizza is shown on the screen, which is then licked with the person doing the licking saying it tastes like pizza, including a rich cheese flavour.

Potential uses are endless, and could even one day help astronauts on long-duration journeys have a wider flavour combination than might be possible otherwise.

The team also suggest it could be used in the development of arcade games, geared around licking flavours and guessing the food.
The inventor of 3D-printed 'suicide capsules' is planning to create a body implant for people with dementia that would kill its user if they forget to deactivate it.

Australian euthanasia advocate Dr Philip Nitschke, also known as 'Dr Death', is a former physician and head of the voluntary euthanasia campaign Exit International.

He's already created controversy with his coffin-like 'Sarco Suicide Pods' that can be transported to 'idyllic' locations for people wanting to end their life.

The portable 3D-printed pods can be operated by users inside by pressing a button, releasing a flood of nitrogen and painlessly killing them in minutes.

Now, Dr Nitschke has shared his concept for small but lethal implants, which people could choose to have inserted into their bodies in case they develop dementia.

Like something from Black Mirror, users would have to press the button 'regularly', maybe once every day, to prevent a lethal dose of poison being administered.

If they developed dementia they would not have the capability to press the button, meaning the poison would be administered, ending their life.

But aside from concerns surrounding assisted dying, the concept could prove disastrous if a user without dementia simply forgot to press their button.

Australian euthanasia advocate Philip Nitschke (pictured), also known as 'Dr Death', is a former physician and head of the voluntary euthanasia campaign Exit International. The campaigner had his medical licence suspended in 2014 for supporting Perth man Nigel Brayley, 45, in taking his own life with the deadly drug Nembutal

A picture of the Sarco Suicide Pod, which can be operated internally and works by reducing oxygen levels

DR NITSCHKE'S LETHAL IMPLANTS Dr Nitschke's lethal implants are merely a concept - for now. They could be chosen by people prior to developing any dementia condition. Users would have to press the button 'regularly', maybe once every day, to prevent a lethal dose of poison being administered. If they developed dementia they would not have the capability to press the button, meaning the poison would be administered, ending their life. Advertisement

The people who would choose to have the implants could be perfectly healthy and younger than the age dementia conditions typically set in  around 65 (although dementia also affects people in their 30s, 40s, or 50s).

'When a person has dementia, they can nowadays quite legally in some places fill out a bit of paper 10 years ago, when they are of sound mind, saying "if I get like this, kill me",' Dr Nitschke told The Independent.

'Now, 10 years later, a doctor can come along, read the bit of paper, and even though you dont know which way is up or down, legally give you an injection and end your life. That makes a lot of people feel pretty uncomfortable, and certainly makes me feel uncomfortable.

'So what were working on here is some sort of an implant which you have to switch off every day. When youve forgotten why youre switching something off thats beeping, then you will die.

'That puts the responsibility right back onto the person and allows them to get what they want, which is that they do not want to live on as some form of vegetable, with no one prepared to end their lives.'

Dr Philip Nitschke's prototype 'Sarco' euthanasia pod is seen here being transported in Venice

The Sarco pods can be operated from the inside by its user and work by reducing internal oxygen levels

DEMENTIA FACTS Dementia is an umbrella term used to describe a category of symptoms marked by behavioural changes and gradually declining cognitive and social abilities. Alzheimer's is the most common cause of dementia, but other dementia conditions include vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia and frontotemporal dementia. Alzheimer's disease is thought to be caused by the abnormal build-up of proteins in and around brain cells. According to predictions from Alzheimer's Research UK, one million people in the country will have dementia by 2025, doubling to two million by 2050. Advertisement

Asked how the device could guard against forgetfulness, Dr Nitschke said it could beep for 'a day or two' before activating to ensure the dementia had progressed far enough.

Dr Nitschke has shared the concept merely weeks after his Sarco Suicide Pods were legalised for use in Switzerland.

Assisted suicide with unselfish motives has been legal in Switzerland since 1942, with around 1,300 people using the services of euthanasia organisations in 2020 alone.

The current method for assisted suicide in Switzerland is ingesting a pill that sends a person into a deep coma before they die.

But the problem with this is people with very advanced dementia can't choose to ingest such a capsule. The lethal implant concept would potentially solve this.

Dr Nitschke, who administered the first voluntary lethal injection in 1996, told SwissInfo.ch that the Sarco Suicide Pods can be 'towed anywhere for the death'.

He developed the machines with engineer Alexander Bannick in the Netherlands, with the aim of making it available worldwide.

Rather than looking for a 'dignified' death, Dr Nitschke says it could a 'euphoric' experience.

'What if we dared to imagine that our last day on this planet might also be one of our most exciting?' he wrote in an in-depth feature for Huffington Post.

'It can be transported wherever one chooses', Dr Nitschke explains, for example facing the Rockies or looking out over the Pacific Ocean.

Dr Nitschke had his medical licence suspended in 2014 for supporting Perth man Nigel Brayley, in taking his own life with the deadly drug Nembutal.

Dr Nitschke was de-registered by the Medical Board of Australia in the same year as a consequence of his involvement with Brayley.

After a lengthy legal battle in the NSW Supreme Court, he was granted his licence again in June 2015, but he said he was now 'too flat out' with another one of his interests  stand-up comedy  to practice medicine.
Rudolph might not be needed this year, after the Met Office revealed the Northern Lights will be particularly strong around the North Pole on Christmas Eve.

The Northern Lights are caused by charged particles from solar winds flung from our star, colliding with the Earth's magnetic field.

A huge solar storm that erupted on the Sun on Monday, December 20, could make the aurora more intense than usual, according to the UK Met Office.

It was caused by a coronal mass ejection (CME), which is an eruption of magnetically charged particles and plasma in the star's corona - the outermost layer.

The CME from Monday will hit the Earth today, and will cause intense aurora into tomorrow night, according to space weather forecasters.

Rudolph might not be needed this year, after the Met Office revealed the Northern Lights will be particularly strong around the North Pole on Christmas Eve. Stock image

A huge solar storm that erupted on the Sun on Monday, December 20, could make the aurora more intense than usual, according to the UK Met Office. Archive image

SOLAR FLARES AND CMEs A solar flare is a tremendous explosion on the Sun that happens when energy stored in 'twisted' magnetic fields (usually above sunspots) is suddenly released. In a matter of just a few minutes they heat material to many millions of degrees and produce a burst of radiation across the electromagnetic spectrum, including from radio waves to x-rays and gamma rays. Solar flares are different to 'coronal mass ejections' (CMEs), which were once thought to be initiated by solar flares. CMEs are huge bubbles of gas threaded with magnetic field lines that are ejected from the Sun over the course of several hours. Advertisement

While the Northern Lights might be beautiful, an intense CME can trigger geomagnetic storms that disrupt satellite services and even knock out power grids.

However, this eruption is not expected to cause any issues this weekend as the storm is only expected to be minor, or weak, when it hits the Earth.

The CME erupted from the Sun at 11:36 GMT on Monday, caused by a powerful solar flare that erupted from a sunspot.

'The auroral oval is likely to be slightly enhanced at high latitudes from the 22nd to 24th due to coronal hole geomagnetic activity enhancement, and the chance of a weak coronal mass ejection arriving on the 23rd,' the Met Office said.

The Sun moved into the active phase of its cycle in 2020, which has already resulted in an increase in flares and solar storms reaching the Earth.

It will peak around 2025, around the time the ESA Solar Orbiter is expected to fly within 26 million miles of our star.

The Met Office told MailOnline: 'We are seeing a gradual increase in solar activity and associated space weather.

'This is due to us moving away from solar minimum (late 2019/early 2020) and towards the next solar maximum (expected around mid-2025).

'Over the next few years we can expect increasing solar activity, with a corresponding increase in space weather events affecting Earth and the near-Earth space environment.'

In the past week alone, a number of regions have been particularly active, according to the European Space Agency Space Weather Network.

When a solar storm is particularly strong, it can cause the Northern Lights to move much further south, with an even in November visible as far south as Devon.

It is expected that there will be more intense CMEs and Solar Flares over the coming few years, as the Sun ramps up to its most energetic period.

A solar flare is an intense burst of radiation coming from the release of magnetic energy associated with sunspots (areas that appear dark on the Sun's surface).

The Northern Lights are an Aurora, caused by charged particles from solar winds flung from our star, colliding with the Earth's magnetic field. Stock image

CHRISTMAS EVE SPACE WEATHER FORECAST Solar Activity: Solar activity has been moderate over the past 24 hours, with numerous common class flares and one moderate class flare during the past 24 hours. This flare may have produced a Coronal Mass Ejection (CME) but further analysis is required if this will effect Earth. There are presently 8 analysed sunspot regions on the visible side of the Sun. The most distinctive regions are a series of three sunspot regions in the southwest quadrant. As well as this there are two large sunspot regions that have recently rotated onto the disc. All other regions appear to be small and simple, with significant flare activity unlikely, but will continue to be monitored for development. Solar Wind / Geomagnetic Activity: Solar winds have been elevated but steady throughout the past 24 hours. The total magnetic field has been weak with the important north-south component also varying weakly. Geomagnetic activity has been Quiet to Unsettled (Kp1-3). SOURCE: Met Office Space Weather Advertisement

Solar flares are different to CMEs, which were once thought to be initiated by solar flares. Both are types of solar storms.

NASA explains: 'We typically see a solar flare by the photons (or light) it releases, at most every wavelength of the spectrum.

'The primary ways we monitor flares are in x-rays and optical light. Flares are also sites where particles (electrons, protons, and heavier particles) are accelerated.

'Flares are our solar systems largest explosive events. They are seen as bright areas on the sun and they can last from minutes to hours.'

In the Earth's north, the Northern Lights is officially known as the aurora borealis and in the south it is called the aurora australis.

The Northern Lights fascinated scientists and skygazers for centuries, but the science behind it has not always been well understood.

Earth has an invisible forcefield, the magnetosphere, that protects us from dangerous charged particles from the Sun, controlled by the magnetic field.

Science expert Marty Jopson explains: 'Whilst it shelters us, it also creates one of the most impressive phenomena on Earth  the Northern Lights.'

'When the deadly solar winds meet Earth's magnetosphere, some of the charged particles get trapped, and are propelled down the Earth's magnetic field lines straight towards the poles.

'And when they reach Earth, they strike atoms and molecules in our atmosphere, releasing energy in the form of light.'

The problem is disruption to our magnetic field creates solar storms that can affect satellites in orbit, navigation systems, terrestrial power grids and data and communication networks.

'Harmful space weather has affected Earth before, but as we become increasingly reliant on systems and technologies vulnerable to the Sun's outbursts, future solar impacts could be even more disruptive,' says the European Space Agency (ESA).
The seemingly unyielding edifice that is the Matterhorn  one of the highest summits in the Alps  actually moves back and forth about once every two seconds.

This is the conclusion of researchers led from the Technical University of Munich who measured the ordinarily imperceptible vibrations of the iconic mountain.

The movements, the team explains, are stimulated by seismic energy in the Earth that has its origins in the world's oceans, earthquakes and human activity.

The Matterhorn sits on the border between Switzerland and Italy and summits at 14,692 feet (4,478 m) above sea level, overlooking the town of Zermatt.

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The seemingly unyielding edifice that is the Matterhorn (pictured)  one of the highest summits in the Alps  actually moves back and forth about once every two seconds

This is the conclusion of researchers led from the Technical University of Munich who measured the ordinarily imperceptible vibrations of the iconic mountain. Pictured: a seismometer is installed at the summit of the Matterhorn

WHAT IS THE MATTERHORN? The Matterhorn is a mountain in the Alps which sits on the border between Switzerland and Italy. It stands at an impressive 14,700 feet (4,478 m). The Matterhorn was first referred to in writing as 'Mont Cervin' in 1581, and later also as 'Monte Silvio' and 'Monte Servino'. The German name 'Matterhorn' first appears in the year 1682. Between 1865 and the end of the summer season 2011, an estimated 500 climbers died on the Matterhorn. Every year, between 300 and 400 people attempt to climb the peak with a guide; of them, about 20 fail to reach the summit. Roughly 3,500 people tackle the Matterhorn without a guide each year; some 65 per cent turn back en route, usually because of lack of fitness or an insufficient head for heights. Advertisement

From tuning forks to bridges, all objects vibrate when excited at their so-called natural frequency, which depends on their geometry and material properties.

'We wanted to know whether such resonant vibrations can also be detected on a large mountain like the Matterhorn,' said paper author and earth scientist Samuel Weber, who conducted the study while based at the Technical University of Munich.

To find out, Dr Weber and colleagues installed several seismometers on the Matterhorn, the highest of which was located just below the summit, at an altitude of 14,665 feet (4,470 meters) above sea level.

Another was positioned in the Solvay bivouac  an emergency shelter on Hornligrat, the Matterhorn's north-eastern ridge, that dates back to 1917  while a measuring station at the foot of the mountain served as a reference.

Each of the sensors in the measurement network was set up to automatically transmit its recordings of any movements back to the Swiss Seismological Service.

By analysing the seismometer readings, the researchers were able to derive the frequency and resonance of the mountain's resonance.

They found that the Matterhorn oscillates both in a northsouth direction at a frequency of 0.42 Hertz and in an eastwest direction at a similar frequency.

By speeding up the measured vibrations 80 times, the team were able to make the Matterhorn's ambient vibrations audible to the human ear  as presented in the video below. (Headphones are recommended for the very low frequency sounds.)

On average, the Matterhorn's movements were small, in the range of nanometres to micrometres, but at the summit, they were found to be up to 14 times stronger than those recorded at the the foot of the mountain.

The reason for this, the team explained, is that the summit is capable of more free motion while the foot of the mountain is fixed, rather akin to how the top of a tree sways more in the wind.

The team also found that the amplification of the ground motion further up the Matterhorn carried over to earthquakes, too  a fact, they added, which may have important implications for slope stability in the case of a strong seismic even.

'Areas of the mountain experiencing amplified ground motion are likely to be more prone to landslides, rockfall and rock damage when shaken by a strong earthquake,' said paper author and geologist Jeff Moore of the University of Utah.

One seismometer is positioned in the Solvay bivouac (pictured)  an emergency shelter on Hornligrat, the Matterhorn's north-eastern ridge, that dates back to 1917

The movements, the team explains, are stimulated by seismic energy in the Earth that has its origins in the world's oceans, earthquakes and human activity. Pictured: a seismometer is installed at the summit of the Matterhorn

Vibrations such as the team detected are not unique to the Matterhorn, with many peaks expected to move in a similar fashion, the team said.

In fact, as part of the study, researchers with the Swiss Seismological Service carried out a complementary survey of the central-Swiss peak of Grosse Mythen, a mountain that is shaped similarly to the Matterhorn but is significantly smaller.

Analysis reveals that the Grosse Mythen oscillates at a frequency some four times higher than the Matterhorn, because smaller objects vibrate at higher frequencies than larger objects.

These examples represents one of the the first time that the team have examined the vibrations of such large objects, with previous studies having focussed on small entities, such as rock formations in the Arches National Park in Utah.

'It was exciting to see that our simulation approach also works for a large mountain like the Matterhorn and that the results were confirmed by measurement data,' commented Professor Moore.

The full findings of the study were published in the journal Earth and Planetary Science Letters.

The Matterhorn  which sits on the border between Switzerland and Italy  summits at 14,692 feet (4,478 m) above sea level, overlooking the town of Zermatt
The asteroid that wiped out the dinosaurs and almost all life 66 million years ago, sparked two years of darkness on the Earth, a new study has revealed.

Soot from wildfires filled the sky and blocked out the Sun soon after the asteroid hit the planet, according to a team from the California Academy of Sciences.

The 7.5 mile-wide asteroid was travelling at 27,000 miles per hour when it slammed into what is now the Gulf of Mexico, leaving the Chicxulub crater.

The impact from the asteroid eventually led to the extinction of 75 per cent of all life on Earth, and scientists have long been studying the after effects of this impact.

In a new study, the US team discovered the main extinction trigger may have been clouds of ash and soot particles spreading through the atmosphere.

They say these clouds would have persisted for up to two years, putting large parts of the Earth in darkness, and making it hard for anything to grow or survive.

The asteroid that wiped out the dinosaurs and most life 66 million years ago sparked two years of darkness on the Earth, according to a new study

HOW THEY DETERMINED DARKNESS KILLED LIFE ON EARTH For this study astronomers looked at a extensive fossil record, the Hell Creek community, from the time of the asteroid, about 66 million years ago. They then ran a series of simulations of global darkness and how that would affect that specific community. They ran different scenarios for anything from 100 days to 800 days of total darkness caused by ash clouds. They knew before starting that about 75 per cent of species went extinct. The team discovered that about 700 days of darkness was required to cause this level of extinction. They also found that after the darkness faded, and the sunshine returned, it would take 40 years to recover. Advertisement

Life in the area surrounding the impact would have been killed instantly, but there was significantly more damage in the years following the collision.

This includes tidal waves, flooding and massive environmental change, including the spewing of particles into the atmosphere, spreading around the world.

While the Earth was shrouded in darkness, the researchers say photosynthesis - the process plants use to grow - would have failed.

This would have led to an ecosystem collapse, and even after the sunlight returned, the decline in photosynthesis would have continued for decades, the team explained in an interview with Live Science.

This atmospheric darkness was caused by pulverised rock and sulphuric acid from the crash forming as clouds in the sky, cooling global temperatures and producing acid rain - that led to wildfires starting.

This 'nuclear winter scenario', as first proposed in the 1980s, played a major part in the mass extinction explained Peter Roopnarine, study author, to Live Science.

Despite it being theorised for more than four decades, it has only been in the past decade that models have been developed to see how this darkness impacted on life.

'The common thinking now is that global wildfires would have been the main source of fine soot that would have been suspended into the upper atmosphere,' Roopnarine said.

'The concentration of soot within the first several days to weeks of the fires would have been high enough to reduce the amount of incoming sunlight to a level low enough to prevent photosynthesis.'

The team studied the impact of this long-term dark period by reconstructing the ecological communities that would have existed when the asteroid hit.

They picked 300 species that were known to come from a fossil-rich expanse known as the Hell Creek Formation, which is made of shale and sandstone in North Dakota, South Dakota, Wyoming and Montana.

Soot from wildfires filled the sky and blocked out the Sun soon after the asteroid hit the planet, according to a team from the California Academy of Sciences

They then created simulations to expose the communities to periods of darkness from 100 to 700 days to find out which interval of darkness would lead to the level of extinction we now know happened among vertebrate species.

The fossil records show about 73 per cent of vertebrate species went extinct following the impact event.

Roopnarine told Live Science the onset of the impact from the darkness would have happened quickly, reaching maximum within a few weeks.

Ecosystems could mostly recover if the darkness only lasted 150 days, but after 200 days they reached a 'critical tipping point'.

This was the point where some species went extinct and dominance among the remaining species shifted in a way that harmed the ecosystem.

When darkness lasted up to 700 days then extinctions spiked dramatically - reaching up to 81 per cent of all life, suggesting that the animals int he Hell Creek communities experienced about two years of darkness.

'Conditions varied across the globe because of atmospheric flow and temperature variation, but we estimated that the darkness could have persisted in the Hell Creek area for up to two years,' Roopnarine told Live Science.

The findings are preliminary, he explained, and only explore a single ecosystem, but suggest this could rebound across more species.

Further simulations of the Hell Creek community found that if it was dark for 700 days, it would take 40 years for conditions to rebound.

The findings were presented at the annual meeting of the American Geophysical Union (AGU).
Carnivorous animals like foxes, leopards and wolves are more susceptible to cancer than their plant-earing counterparts like antelopes and sheep, a study had found.

Researchers led from the University of Southern Denmark studied cancer incidence in more than 110,000 zoo-kept mammals from nearly 200 different species.

The findings, the team said, highlight how cancer is not just a human affliction  and may help scientists working to develop anti-cancer treatments for humans.

Carnivorous animals like foxes, leopards (pictured) and wolves are more susceptible to cancer than their plant-earing counterparts like antelopes and sheep, a study had found

Researchers led from the University of Southern Denmark studied cancer incidence in more than 110,000 zoo-kept mammals from nearly 200 different species  including bat-eared foxes (left) and red wolves (right). Their findings, the team said, highlight how cancer is not just a human affliction  and may help scientists working to develop anti-cancer treatments

POTENTIAL BENEFITS Better understanding of the levels of cancer risk and resistance across the animal kingdom, the team explained, may come with various benefits. Such, for example, may help in the quest to find new anti-cancer defences and improve cancer medicine. Developing natural, bio-mimetic cancer treatments is attractive because, unlike most cancer therapies, they would likely prove non-toxic to the patient. Advertisement

The study was undertaken by mathematician Fernando Colchero of University of Southern Denmark and his colleagues.

'Overall, our work highlights that cancer might represent a serious and significant threat to animal welfare, [one] that needs considerable scientific attention,' Professor Colchero said.

This is needed, he added, 'especially in the context of recent environmental changes caused by humans.'

In their investigation, Professor Colchero and his team analysed data on 110,148 individual, zoo-based mammals  representing a total of 191 species.

Studying animals in zoos meant that the team had a much better idea of each animal's age. This is important because cancer is an age-related illness, but the age of wild animals is often not known and difficult to estimate.

Alongside this, it is hard to estimate cancer rates and impacts in natural animal populations, as serious illnesses tend to result in untraceable deaths via either starvation or predation.

The researchers found that cancer is a ubiquitous disease that affects all mammals, but they also determined that, when it comes to cancer susceptibility, not all are at equal risk.

Specifically, the team's analysis revealed that the carnivorans  a group of mammals that, as their name suggests, are chiefly meat-eaters  are particularly prone to the disease.

In fact, more than a quarter of the clouded leopards, bat-eared foxes and red wolves in the study were found to have died from cancer.

In contrast, the ungulates  or hooved mammals, who are typically herbivorous  all appear to be highly resistant to the disease.

In their investigation, Professor Colchero and his team analysed data on 110,148 individual, zoo-based mammals  representing a total of 191 species. Pictured: cancer mortality risk across the different mammalian subgroups

Ungulates  or hooved mammals, who are typically herbivorous  all appear to be highly resistant to the disease. Pictured: sheep are examples of ungulates

According to the researchers, their results indicate that zoo-based mammals that consume animals  in particular, other mammals  are at an increased cancer risk.

This, the team suggested, may be a result of the fact that carnivores have a low microbiome diversity, the fact that they get limited physical exercise when in human care, or that they are susceptible to cancer-causing viral infections.

The full findings of the study were published in the journal Nature.
A new hovering lunar rover has been developed by scientists, who say it will be able to levitate by harnessing the moon's natural charge.

The device, which resembles a classic flying saucer, works by taking advantage of the electric field that builds up on the moon and other airless bodies like asteroids.

A team of aerospace engineers at MIT say the electric field builds up thanks to the direct exposure of their surface to solar radiation, due to a lack of atmosphere.

On the moon, the surface charge is strong enough to levitate moon dust more than 3ft above the ground in a similar way to static electricity makes hair stand on end.

The MIT team is disc-shaped and uses tiny ion beams to charge up the vehicle and boost the natural charge on the lunar surface, generating force on little power.

It's just a concept at the moment and has only been tested in simulations, rather than real world environments, but they are confident it will operate as predicted.

They hope that future missions to the moon and asteroids could deploy rovers that use ion thrusters to safely hover and manoeuvre over unknown, uneven terrain.

The device, which resembles a classic flying saucer, works by taking advantage of the electric field that builds up on the moon and other airless bodies like asteroids

HOW IT WORKS The teams levitating design relies on the use of miniature ion thrusters, called ionic-liquid ion sources. These small, microfabricated nozzles are connected to a reservoir containing ionic liquid in the form of room-temperature molten salt. When a voltage is applied, the liquids ions are charged and emitted as a beam through the nozzles with a certain force. Based on this simple model, the team predicted that a small rover, weighing about two pounds, could achieve levitation of about one cmoff the ground, on a large asteroid such as Psyche, using a 10-kilovolt ion source. To get a similar liftoff on the moon, the same rover would need a 50-kilovolt source. Advertisement

Using tiny ion beams creates an overall effect that is designed to generate a relatively large repulsive force between the vehicle and the ground.

In their first feasibility study, the team found that ion boost could be strong enough to get a 2lb vehicle on the moon, or a large asteroid such as Psyche.

'We think of using this like the Hayabusa missions that were launched by the Japanese space agency,' according to lead author Oliver Jia-Richards, a graduate student in MIT's Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics.

'That spacecraft operated around a small asteroid and deployed small rovers to its surface. Similarly, we think a future mission could send out small hovering rovers to explore the surface of the moon and other asteroids.'

The thrusters they used are known as iconic-liquid ion sources, and are small micro-fabricated nozzles connected to a reservoir containing ionic liquid.

This liquid is in the form of room-temperature molten salt, that, when a voltage is a applied, charges the liquid ions and emit a beam through the nozzles.

The work, led by Paulo Lozano, builds on previous work by the team that saw them develop ion thrusters to propel and move small satellites in space.

He decided to see if this could be applied to other research into the levitating effect of the moon's surface charge on lunar dust.

A new hovering lunar rover has been developed by scientists, who say it will be able to levitate by harnessing the moon's natural charge

He wanted to see whether 'a rover fitted with ion thrusters produce enough repulsive, electrostatic force to hover on the moon and larger asteroids?'

They started by modelling a small, disc-shaped rover with ion thrusters fitted to charge up the vehicle on its own.

Then they had the thrusters beam negatively charged ions out the front, which gave it a positive charge - similar to the positive charge on the lunar surface.

The authors discovered this was not enough to get the vehicle off the ground.

'Then we thought, what if we transfer our own charge to the surface to supplement its natural charge?' Jia-Richards explained.

Using tiny ion beams creates an overall effect that is designed to generate a relatively large repulsive force between the vehicle and the ground

HOW IT WAS TESTED To test the idea, the team initially modelled a small, disc-shaped rover with ion thrusters that charged up the vehicle alone. They modelled the thrusters to beam negatively charged ions out from the vehicle, which effectively gave the vehicle a positive charge, similar to the moons positively charged surface. But they found this was not enough to get the vehicle off the ground. Then we thought, what if we transfer our own charge to the surface to supplement its natural charge? Jia-Richards says. By pointing additional thrusters at the ground and beaming out positive ions to amplify the surfaces charge, the team reasoned that the boost could produce a bigger force against the rover, enough to levitate it off the ground. They drew up a simple mathematical model for the scenario and found that, in principle, it could work. Advertisement

They pointed other thrusters at the ground, and beamed out positive ions to amplify the charge already available on the surface.

They thought this boost would produce a larger overall force against the rover, generating enough to finally get it off the ground.

Mathematically they found that this would indeed work. It would require a small, 2lb rover on the moon, able to get about three inches off the ground.

On an asteroid like Psyche, they'd need a 10-kilovolt ion source, but to do so on the Moon they'd need 50-kilovolts.

'This kind of ionic design uses very little power to generate a lot of voltage,' Lozano said, adding 'the power needed is so small, you could do this almost for free.'

The team then created a real world example, creating a small hexagonal test vehicle that was just 60 grams in weight, and the size of the palm of an average hand.

It was given a single ion thruster pointing up and four pointing down. They then suspended the vehicle over an aluminium surface suspended on two springs.

The entire setup was placed within a vacuum chamber to simulate the airless environment of the moon and asteroids.

Using various voltages from the thrusters, they measured the resulting forces to calculate the height the vehicle could levitate on its own.

They discovered that their experiment matched their mathematical model, and believe that Psyche and the Moon could host levitating rovers in future.

'In principle, with better modeing, we could levitate to much higher heights,' Lozano said, with rovers able to work over unknown and uneven terrain.

'With a levitating rover, you don't have to worry about wheels or moving parts,' Lozano says.

'An asteroid's terrain could be totally uneven, and as long as you had a controlled mechanism to keep your rover floating, then you could go over very rough, unexplored terrain, without having to dodge the asteroid physically.'

The results appear in the Journal of Spacecraft and Rockets.
A giant reptile with a 56-feet-long body that weighed in at a whopping 40 tonnes prowled the ocean of what is now Nevada some 246 million years ago.

The creature  'Cymbospondylus youngorum'  may have been Earth's first giant creature, palaeontologists led from the Universities of Bonn have reported.

The fossil was extracted from a layer of Middle Triassic-aged rocks known as the Fossil Hill Member that outcrops in the remote Augusta Mountains.

C. youngorum is an example of an ichthyosaur, a highly-successful group of marine reptiles that first swam Earth's oceans between 25090 million years ago.

Based on the age of the newly-identified species, it appears that ichthyosaurs evolved to such a vast size in just 3 million years  far faster than whales did.

In one of life's little coincidences, the reptile's species name honours Tom and Bonda Young, owners of the Great Basin Brewery of Reno.

And one of their popular brews is 'Icky beer'  which happens to feature an ichthyosaur on its label.

A giant reptile with a 56-feet-long body that weighed in at a whopping 40 tonnes prowled the ocean of what is now Nevada some 250 million years ago. Pictured: an artist's impression of Cymbospondylus youngorum, along with some ammonites and belemnites

The creature  'Cymbospondylus youngorum'  was Earth's first giant creature, palaeontologists led from the Universities of Bonn have reported. Pictured: C. youngorum's skill alone was a whopping 6.6 feet (2 metres) long

C. YOUNGORUM STATS Order: Ichthyosauria Age: 246 million years ago Locality: Augusta Mountains, Nevada Length: 56 feet (17 metres) long Weight: 40 tonnes Head size: 6.6 feet (2 metres) long Advertisement

The study was undertaken by vertebrate palaeontologist Martin Sander of the University of Bonn and his colleagues.

'From the first skeleton discoveries in southern England and Germany over 250 years ago, these "fish-saurians" were among the first large fossil reptiles known to science, long before the dinosaurs,' Professor Sander said.

'They have captured the popular imagination ever since,' he added.

Fossil remains of C. youngorum were first unearthed in the Augusta Mountains back in 1998  specifically in the form of fragments of the creature's spine.

'The importance of the find was not immediately apparent, because only a few vertebrae were exposed on the side of the canyon,' said Professor Sander.

'However, the anatomy of the vertebrae suggested that the front end of the animal might still be hidden in the rocks,' he added.

It wasn't until the September of 2011, however, that the researchers proved this notion correct  excavating out of the rock a well-preserved (and 6.6-feet-long) fossil skull, forelimbs and chest bones from the large ichthyosaur.

According to Professor Sander, the marine reptile was certainly the largest animal ever discovered from this time period.

'As far as we know, it was even the first giant creature to ever inhabit the Earth,' the palaeontologist added.

What is most interesting about C. youngorum's size, however, is the fact that the creature emerged only 3 million years after the first ichthyosaurs evolved from their land-based predecessors, developing fins and a hydrodynamics form.

'That's an amazingly short time to grow that big,' Professor Sander explained.

It was in the September of 2011 that palaeontologists excavated out of the rocks of Nevada's Augusta Mountains a well-preserved (and 6.6-feet-long) fossil skull (pictured, with NHM Dinosaur Institute volunteer Viji Shook for scale), forelimbs and chest bones of the ichthyosaur

To find out how C. youngorum got so large, the researchers used ecosystem modelling to explore the energy flows in the local food web of the time.

'One rather unique aspect of this project is the integrative nature of our approach,' said paper author and palaeobiologist Lars Schmitz of California's Scripps College.

'After describing the anatomy of the giant skull in detail and thus understanding how this animal is related to other ichthyosaurs, we wanted to understand the significance of the new discovery in the context of the large-scale evolutionary pattern of ichthyosaur and whale body sizes.

'To do this, we needed to figure out how the fossil ecosystem preserved in the Fossil Hill Member may have functioned.'

Fossil remains of C. youngorum were first unearthed in the Augusta Mountains (pictured) back in 1998  specifically in the form of fragments of the creature's spine

Analysis suggested that the waters of Nevada were once suited to the development of such gigantism  being rich in eel-like conodonts and ammonites (relatives of squid and cuttlefish)  and may have supported a still larger ichthyosaur as well.

'To understand the functioning of this food web from ecological modelling was very exciting,' said paper author and evolutionary ecologist Eva Maria Griebeler of the University of Mainz, who led the modelling effort.

'Due to their large size and resulting energy demands, the densities of the largest ichthyosaurs from the Fossil Hill Fauna including Cymbospondylus youngorum must have been substantially lower than suggested by our field census.'

Unlike the evolution of modern whales, which rose in size slowly over their history, ichthyosaurs appear to have undergone a sudden boom, the team said.

'We assume that ichthyosaurs were also able to evolve so rapidly because they were the first larger creatures to populate the world's oceans and were exposed to less competition,' added Professor Sander.

In contrast, the development of whales was driven by the availability of various types of plankton  alongside the adoption of different feeding specialisations.

Analysis suggested that the waters of Nevada were once suited to the development of such gigantism  being rich in eel-like conodonts and ammonites (relatives of squid and cuttlefish)  and may have supported a still larger ichthyosaur as well. Pictured: an ichthyosaur fossil surrounded by the shells of ammonites, the food source that possibly fuelled their gigantism

Both ichthyosaurs and whales, however, relied on exploiting niches in the good chain in order to reach such colossal sizes.

'This discovery and the results of our study highlight how different groups of marine tetrapods evolved body sizes of epic proportions under somewhat similar circumstances, but at surprisingly different rates,' said Jorge Velez-Juarbe.

'Cymbospondylus youngorum and the rest of the Fossil Hill Fauna are a testament to the resilience of life in the oceans after the worst mass extinction in Earth's history,' the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County expert added.

'You can say this is the first big splash for tetrapods in the oceans.'

With the study complete, C. youngorum has entered into the palaeontological collections of the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, where it is presently on display to members of the public.

A facsimile of the creature's skull is also being prepared for display in the Goldfu Museum at the University of Bonn.

The full findings of the study were published in the journal Science.

The fossil was extracted from a layer of Middle Triassic-aged rocks known as the Fossil Hill Member that outcrops in the remote Augusta Mountains
Mason Greenwood is being held back at Manchester United by team-mate Marcus Rashford, according to former club defender Paul Parker.

The 20-year-old forward has started both of interim boss Ralf Rangnick's Premier League games in charge so far on the bench, with fellow England international Rashford being preferred in attack.

The 24-year-old however has still played fewer minutes than Greenwood this term despite playing alongside Cristiano Ronaldo up top, while also managing to score just twice compared to his younger team-mate's four.

Mason Greenwood is being held back at Man United Marcus Rashford, Paul Parker believes

The 24-year-old England international was again preferred in attack against Norwich

But former full-back Parker believes Greenwood should be handed a go in the near future to avoid him losing confidence, while insisting talk of him leaving - with Arsenal having been linked - could just be talk from his agent.

'He's (Rashford) holding back Mason Greenwood,' Parker told bettingexpert.

'I think Greenwood needs a run in that team. He's a young boy, and there are stories about him leaving. That might be drummed up by his agent.

'I still believe that when you have good young players, they need to play. Because otherwise they will lose their confidence.

Greenwood however has scored four goals this season compared to Rashford's two

'They will look at what they have been doing, they will be looking at what people are doing in front of them and ask themselves questions. When they start doing that, it's negative and they'll end up going backwards.

'You have to be careful of that with Greenwood. He needs not just to be coming on, he needs to start games and he needs someone to believe in him and play him regularly until the manager can see a bit of fatigue.'

Rangnick however appeared keen to work with Greenwood after seeing him net an excellent volley in United's 1-1 draw with Young Boys in the Champions League earlier this month, describing him as a 'massive talent'.

And Parker believes Greenwood deserves a run in the side under interim boss Ralf Rangnick

'I think today he also showed not only the quality because of that beautiful goal, but also the way that he set up the opportunity for Juan Mata was brilliant,' said Rangnick.

'He's a massive talent  left foot, right foot, good on the ball. Also the way that he set up the goal for Fred on Sunday, so it's about continuity.

'He has to develop physically but technically for his age he is a great player. My job is to develop him, to make an athlete out of him and if he manages to do that, he can become a regular player for this club.'
Frenkie de Jong would be the ideal replacement for Paul Pogba in Manchester United's midfield, according to John Barnes.

United have been linked with the Barcelona midfielder as they weigh up potential signings for when Pogba's contract expires next summer.

Holland international De Jong, 24, could offer the perfect blend of defensive awareness and attacking impetus in what has become a problematic area for United.

Frenkie de Jong could be a midfielder option for Manchester United to replace Paul Pogba

Pogba's contract at Old Trafford expires in the summer and he is expected to move elsewhere

John Barnes believes De Jong would be the ideal replacement for Pogba at United

Reports have suggested Barcelona would be open to a sale as they look to recoup cash after their early exit from the Champions League but United would be sure to face competition for De Jong's signature.

Former Liverpool and England midfielder Barnes, however, believes he should be top of their shopping list.

'Frenkie de Jong would be a brilliant signing for Manchester United,' he told BonusCodeBets.

'It looks like Paul Pogba is on his way out of the club so bringing in a replacement for him is very important.

'Especially if that person is a young and talented player who will get the opportunity to be one of the main players at the club.

'He has everything in terms of passing range, intensity and a great attitude. It's exactly what Manchester United needed in midfield.'

Barnes also believes De Jong coming in would be good news for another Dutchman who was supposedly the answer to United's midfield quandary but has barely played.

De Jong (right) in action for Barcelona during their draw with Sevilla on Tuesday evening

He added: 'That was their plan with Donny van de Beek but of course he's been stifled by other players in his position playing better than him.

'However, bringing De Jong in and putting him straight into the side and being trusted would be good for both Manchester United and him.'

De Jong has played 114 matches since Barcelona paid 77million to buy him from Ajax in July 2019. Reports have suggested he could now be available for as little as 47m with ailing Barca in need of the money.

Donny van de Beek has struggled to find his feet at United but De Jong could help him

Pogba, who is working his way back to fitness from a hamstring injury, is about to enter the last six months of his contract and the last opportunity for United to get any return on their 89m investment from 2016 is to sell him in January.

The France midfielder, 28, has been linked with Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain and Juventus.

United's interim manager Ralf Rangnick has already made it clear he won't make any effort to try and convince Pogba to stay if he doesn't want to play for the club.

Rangnick's side are expected to return to action on Monday with a trip to Newcastle United, having seen their last two Premier League fixtures against Brentford and Brighton postponed following a Covid outbreak in the squad.
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We previously brought you Croatia's heart-shaped island via the incredible aerial photography of Peter Rajkai.

Now we can reveal that the country's bodily-themed geology doesn't end there - because it also harbours an island that looks like a giant fingerprint from the air.

It's called Bavljenac, with the fingerprint effect created by a network of old stone walls and a distinctive oval shape, as a Google Earth picture shows.

Croatia harbours an island that looks like a giant fingerprint - Bavljenac, also known as Baljenac (pictured)

Bavljenac's fingerprint effect is created by a network of old stone walls and, as this Google Earth picture shows, a distinctive oval shape

Bavljenac, also known as Baljenac, is uninhabited and covers an area of 0.14 square km. The stone walls, if joined together, would run for 23km (14 miles).





According to the Croatian National Tourist Board, the island - found in the Adriatic Sea - was used for agriculture by farmers on neighbouring Kaprije island.

They cleared Bavljenac's harsh vegetation to make room for fig and citrus trees, as well as grapevines, building a web of stone walls to protect the crops from the wind, and to divide up the plots.

These waist-high stone walls - dating back to the 1800s - were created using a technique known as 'dry stone walling', which involves carefully stacking and interlocking rocks.

Bavljenac is uninhabited and covers an area of 0.14 square km. The stone walls, if joined together, would run for 23km (14 miles)

Bavljenac was used as an agricultural area by the inhabitants of neighbouring Kaprije island (pictured above)

The Croatian National Tourist Board describes the island as a 'sun-kissed islet, once dotted with vineyards and groves overflowing with figs and citrus scents'

Bavljenac is one of 249 islands in the Sibenik archipelago. Those who wish to visit can take a boat tour around the island, with Archipelago Tours, for example. However, these tours cannot dock on the island as there is no pier or harbour

While the fruit trees are no more, the stone walls remain and have been protected since 2018 as part of the Unesco List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

The tourist board says: They [the walls] are a witness to the times when hard work, tenacity and resilience were key to taming the harsh, yet stunning, karst landscape of the Adriatic coast.

'Bavljenac, the sun-kissed islet, once dotted with vineyards and groves overflowing with figs and citrus scents, now it is a tribute to cultural wealth and Mediterranean tranquillity waiting to be relished and rediscovered.

It's hard not to fall in love with this beautiful shot by Instagrammer Peter Rajkai, which shows privately owned Galesnjak, a rare naturally occurring heart-shaped island in the Adriatic's Pasman Canal

The fingerprint-shaped islands nearest hub is Sibenik (pictured above), a historic city in central Dalmatia

Those who wish to visit can take a boat tour around the island, with Archipelago Tours, for example. However, these tours cannot dock on the island as there is no pier or harbour.

Bavljenacs nearest hub is Sibenik, a historic city in central Dalmatia, with the island one of 249 in the Sibenik archipelago.

The heart-shaped island, meanwhile, which is privately owned and officially called Galesnjak, lies further to the north in the Adriatic's Pasman Canal. There isn't much on it, apparently, except some wild plants and a colony of rabbits.
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Boxes of decorations worth 70,000; 38,000 bottles of wine and 20 different kinds of cheese.

Luxurious cruise ship Seven Seas Splendor is embarking on her inaugural festive season at sea and Channel 5's cameras have been allowed on board for a one-hour Christmas Eve documentary that unveils behind-the-scenes secrets as the 542 crew work around the clock to ensure that the guests have a magical time.

Led by Cruise Director John Barron, the crew give the ship a stunning Christmas makeover using 70 boxes of decorations, erect three Christmas trees in the atrium and 15 trees throughout the rest of the ship. Plus, a 260ft garland is wrapped around the central staircase.

Cruise ship Seven Seas Splendor is embarking on her inaugural festive season at sea and Channel 5's cameras have been allowed on board for a one-hour Christmas Eve documentary that unveils behind-the-scenes secrets. Pictured is Cruise Director John Barron, who leads the Christmas transformation of the ship

The crew give the ship a stunning Christmas makeover using 70 boxes of decorations, erect three Christmas trees in the atrium and 15 trees throughout the rest of the ship. Plus, a 260ft garland is wrapped around the central staircase

The pantry is ramped up, too.

As well as the epic quantities of cheese and wine, during the holidays Seven Seas Splendor will stock approximately 200lbs of geese, 600lbs of turkey, 200lbs of ham, eight varieties of Christmas cookies, 1,000 portions of pumpkin pie and 200 logs of Buche de Noel. All included in the fare price.

Guests can digest it all in complete luxury.

Seven Seas Splendor is described by the cruise line that owns her, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, as 'elegant and timeless, built with the finest craftsmanship and exacting attention to detail'.

She offers the 'highest benchmark of luxury', it adds.

During the holidays Seven Seas Splendor will stock approximately 200lbs of geese, 600lbs of turkey, 200lbs of ham, eight varieties of Christmas cookies, 1,000 portions of pumpkin pie and 200 logs of Buche de Noel

Pictured here is General Manager Franck Galzy, who's one of the 542 crew helping to give passengers a trip of a lifetime

Graham Sadler, Managing Director, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, said: 'We are delighted to return to TV screens during primetime Christmas Eve on nationwide television'

After a sneak peek inside her 11,000-a-night Regent Suite  'the most exclusive residence at sea' - viewers are likely to concur.

Viewers will also see John Barron assessing various guest experiences both on and off the ship, including a visit to the beautiful private island of Grand Stirrup Cay in the Bahamas, where he will be trying his hand at paddle-boarding.

Graham Sadler, Managing Director, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, said: 'We are delighted to return to TV screens during primetime Christmas Eve on nationwide television.

Seven Seas Splendor's 11,000-a-night Regent Suite  'the most exclusive residence at sea'

A bedroom where sea-ing is believing: The breathtaking mastersuite in The Regent Suite

Seven Seas Splendor is described as 'elegant and timeless, built with the finest craftsmanship and exacting attention to detail'. Pictured is the dining area in The Regent Suite

Viewers will see John Barron assessing various guest experiences both on and off the ship, including a visit to the beautiful private island of Grand Stirrup Cay in the Bahamas, where he will be trying his hand at paddle-boarding. Pictured here is the bathroom in The Regent Suite

Soak it all in: Perks of The Regent Suite include this eye-catching wooden hot tub

'Our crew have pulled out all the stops, and decked the halls with the most beautiful decorations, to make this a truly magical Christmas voyage for our guests.

'This is a particularly special festive season for us, with Seven Seas Splendor celebrating her first Christmas at sea with guests.'

World's Most Expensive Christmas Cruise will air in the UK on Channel 5 at 8pm on December 24.

For more information on booking with Regent, visit RSSC.com or call 023 8068 2280.
Christmas Day is right around the corner and a number of Aussie celebrities and media personalities have gone all out to mark the occasion.

The likes of Rebecca Judd, Roxy Jacenko and Jules Sebastian have all opted for traditional Christmas trees in their homes, while Phoebe Burgess and Tammin Sursok took a bit of a risk with their festive decorations.

Daily Mail Australia takes a look at some of the best and worst Christmas trees this year, as 2021 comes to a close.

Rebecca Judd

From Bec Judd's (pictured) snow-draped traditional tree to Roxy Jacenko's $4,000 piece and tacky sponsored firs: The best and worst celebrity Christmas decorations revealed

WAG Rebecca, 38, installed a stunning snow-draped Christmas tree this year in her $7.3million mansion in Melbourne's Brighton.

Bec revealed the stylish fir, which appeared to be covered with fake snow, on her Instagram Story earlier this month.

Set up in her living room, the tree features large floral accents, pink, silver and gold baubles, and small fairy lights dotted throughout.

Gorgeous! WAG Rebecca, 38, installed a stunning snow-draped Christmas tree this year in her $7.3million mansion in Melbourne's Brighton

What an upgrade! Bec appeared to use a similar traditional Christmas tree last year, which is a far cry from the 'Scandi-style' branch tree she had in 2016 (pictured)

It features an array of animated character trinkets, including a golden star tree topper.

She explained her four children had a hand at decorating their tree.

'The kids did a good job at blending the cute handmade school decorations with the fancy AF ones,' she wrote in the caption.

Bec appeared to use a similar traditional Christmas tree last year, which is a far cry from the 'Scandi-style' branch tree she had in 2016.

Although her abstract tree drew criticism for its lack of festive spirit, the mother of four stood by her choice at the time.

She told 9Honey in 2018: 'We've used it every year for the last four years, and will be using it again.'

Roxy Jacenko

Showstopper: PR queen Roxy, 41, opted for an elaborate tree this year in her $6.6million Vaucluse mansion with a bespoke creation from celebrity tree stylists Dancer and Dasher

Pricey: And it doesn't come cheap, with a standard Christmas tree design package costing $4,000. Roxy has used the styling company for decorations before, but this year went for a white-themed tree with silver and red decorations and polar bear ornaments

PR queen Roxy, 41, opted for an elaborate tree this year in her $6.6million Vaucluse mansion with a bespoke creation from celebrity tree stylists Dancer and Dasher.

And it doesn't come cheap, with a standard Christmas tree design package costing about $4,000.

Roxy has used the styling company for decorations before, but this year went for a white-themed tree with silver and red decorations and polar bear ornaments.

'Christmas 2021 - this year we went with a white Christmas theme - Dancer and Dasher you are amazing,' Roxy wrote on Instagram.

Tammy Hembrow

Traditional: Fitness blogger and influencer Tammy Hembrow chose a lavish tree that was decorated by her entire family. The 27-year-old opted for a large green tree and some silver, pastel pink, green and yellow decorations, including baubles, flowers and pine cones

Fitness blogger and influencer Tammy Hembrow chose a lavish tree that was decorated by her entire family.

The 27-year-old opted for a large green tree and some silver, pastel pink, green and yellow decorations, including baubles, flowers and pine cones.

She posed with her new fiance Matt Poole and her children Wolf and Saskia in matching tartan pyjamas, revealing her extended family came over to help decorate the tree in a new family tradition.

'The most wonderful time of the year. Years ago when it was just me and the babies at home I would make my whole family come over to keep me company and help set up my Christmas tree,' Tammy wrote on Instagram.

She added: 'Now it's become a tradition that we still do every year and I love it.'

Jules Sebastian

Classic: Fashion stylist Jules, 41, who is married to Australian Idol winner Guy Sebastian, opted for a traditional green tree in their $3.1million Maroubra mansion

Giving fans a glimpse: Jules recently shared a picture of the base of their tree with their pet pooch dressed as an elf in front of it

Gorgeous: Jules shared this picture of their tree, looking gorgeous with glass angels and small ornaments

Fashion stylist Jules, 41, who is married to Australian Idol winner Guy Sebastian, opted for a traditional green tree in their $3.1million Maroubra mansion.

Jules recently shared a picture of the base of their tree with their pet pooch dressed as an elf in front of it.

'It's the extra set of legs for me!! Merry Christmas to all the fur babies who indulge their owners at this time of the year,' Jules hilariously captioned the post.

In a sponsored post for the department store Myer, Jules said she was decorating a tree in store and sticking to a 'traditional theme'.

'I'm going with a traditional theme this year of red, green and gold,' she said.

Phoebe Burgess

Sponsored: Former WAG Phoebe, 32, had a rather interesting choice of decorations on her tree this year. While the tree looked gorgeous with green and silver ornaments, she also dressed it up with some baubles from L'Occitane as part of a cringeworthy sponsored post

Ambassador: The mother of two and influencer, who is an ambassador for L'Occitane en Provence, shared a video of herself dressed in a white dress as she decorated her green tree

Former WAG Phoebe, 32, had a rather interesting choice of decorations on her tree this year.

The mother of two and influencer, who is an ambassador for L'Occitane en Provence, shared a video of herself dressed in a white dress as she decorated her green tree.

While the tree looked gorgeous with green and silver ornaments, she also dressed it up with some baubles from L'Occitane as part of a cringeworthy sponsored post.

'Christmas is 38 sleeps away and with a to-do list that seems to get longer every year, I'm getting in early with L'Occitane,' Phoebe captioned her sponsored post

Advert: She added, '2021 has knocked a lot of us down in some way or another, at one point or another... I'm going to admit, I have felt it... so why not allow ourselves to dance on into this Christmas a little early'

'Christmas is 38 sleeps away and with a to-do list that seems to get longer every year, I'm getting in early with L'Occitane,' Phoebe wrote in the caption.

She added: '2021 has knocked a lot of us down in some way or another, at one point or another... I'm going to admit, I have felt it... so why not allow ourselves to dance on into this Christmas a little early.'

Tammin Sursok

Opting for colour: Home and Away star Tammin Sursok, who recently relocated from the U.S. to Queensland with her family, recently shared a picture of her eye-catching Christmas tree

Former Home and Away star Tammin Sursok, who recently relocated from the U.S. to Queensland with her family, recently shared a picture of her eye-catching Christmas tree.

Tammin, 38, opted for an oversized silver tinsel tree, complete with green and pink baubles.

And rather than a big star on top or a Santa decoration, Tammin completed the tree with a large pink bow, which wrapped around the tree.

Tammin posed in front of her tree for a sponsored post for hair growth supplements last month.
She has been filling in for weatherman Tim Davies on the Today show over the holiday season.

And now viewers are desperate to see Scherri-Lee Biggs step into the role permanently and become Australia's favourite weather presenter.

Fans have flooded the 31-year-old's Instagram page with comments, begging her to ditch her native Perth and stay in Sydney full-time.

Don't go! Today show viewers are desperate for fill-in weather presenter Scherri-Lee Biggs (pictured) to remain on the show permanently

'Holy smokes. I'm switching to Nine,' gushed one, while another wrote: 'Sydney's gain, Perth's loss!'

Another wrote: 'You need to be the new full-time weather girl on Today show!'

However, Scherri-Lee dashed their dreams by confirming she was planning to head back to Perth once her temporary gig with Today in Sydney was up.

'I've got a few more weeks before I head back to the wild wild west,' she told a follower.

What about me? Tim Davies (pictured) is currently Today's full-time weather presenter

In another comment, she said she'd enjoyed her time on the show but admitted it had been hard work.

'It's been so much fun,' she wrote. 'Now I know why Tim Davies deserves a well earned break.'

Scherri-Lee's local fans will no doubt be excited to have her back home, with many commenting that she belongs in Perth.

'You need to be back in Perth. You're our girl!' one said.

'Have you moved from P-town @Scherri? We want you baaaccckkkk!!!' asked another.

Gone too soon: Scherri-Lee dashed fans' dreams by confirming she was planning to head back to Perth once her temporary gig with Today in Sydney was up

Scherri-Lee has been wowing viewers as the Today show's fill-in weather presenter over the holidays.

On Tuesday, the former Miss Universe Australia caught the eye in a figure-hugging pink frock and white sneakers during a live cross from Sydney's Balmain.

'I cannot believe that we've got Christmas coming up in just a week's time!' she said.

The Perth-based beauty also admitted she was missing her dog, who was back in Western Australia.
She's one of Hollywood's most celebrated stars, boasting a string of box-office hits and top-rating television programs.

But success hasn't come easily for Nicole Kidman, who at age 40 was forced to contend with ageist studio executives who wanted to throw her on the scrapheap.

Speaking to Dujour magazine this week, the 54-year-old blasted Hollywood's obsession with youthful women, insisting: 'There's a consensus in the industry that as a female actor, at about 40, you're done.'

'There's a consensus in the industry that as a female actor, at about 40, you're done': Nicole Kidman, 54, (pictured) has exposed ageist Hollywood executives after being turned away from roles for being 'past her due date'

'I never sat in a chair and heard someone say, "You're past your due date". But I've had times where you're turned down and the door is shut on you,' she added.

The Oscar winner however claimed that the culture of agism is 'definitely changing and moving' towards a more inclusive industry.

Nicole recently likened her experience of age discrimination to that of Lucille Ball, who she plays in the new Amazon series Being The Ricardos.

Sad reality: 'I never sat in a chair and heard someone say, 'You're past your due date'. But I've had times where you're turned down and the door is shut on you,' she said

'She'd been slapped down, told she wasn't good enough  and that she was too old,' Kidman said of Ball in a recent interview with Daily Mail's Baz Bamigboye.

'I can relate to Lucille Ball, where you're told: "You're past it now. You're over. I've been in this industry for decades now; and I've been 'finished" more than once,' she said.

In an interview with The Mail on Sunday's You magazine, Kidman also told of how she was forced to set up her own production company, Blossom Films, after being knocked back so many times because of her age.

New era: The Oscar winner however claimed that the culture of agism is 'definitely changing and moving' towards a more inclusive industry

'I can relate': Nicole recently likened her experience of age discrimination to that of Lucille Ball. Nicole plays Lucille Ball in the upcoming biopic Being The Ricardos, which depicts the often complicated relationship between real-life Hollywood power couple Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz, played by Javier Bardem, as they filmed their hit 1950s sitcom I Love Lucy. Here: Lucy and Desi c.1950s

'I was frustrated  as so many women are in different careers  at the idea of being told, "Well, that's it. You've passed through that period where it's all going to be fine and now you're in your 40s we're not interested as much in your storytelling or your ideas or in who you are as a woman or a person",' she said.

Her decision to launch Blossom Films paid off, as it has seen Kidman produce and star in a slew of top-rating television shows including Big Little Lies, The Undoing and Nine Perfect Strangers.

Being The Ricardos began streaming worldwide on Prime Video on December 21, 2021.

'I was frustrated': In an interview with The Mail on Sunday's You magazine, Kidman also told of how she was forced to set up her own production company, Blossom Films, after being knocked back so many times because of her age
Is Gemma Arterton hoping to be the first female 007?

I ask because the 35-year-old former Bond Girl says she only agreed to appear in Matthew Vaughn's The King's Man after he told her she'd be portraying a 007-type figure.

'He said he would love to have a female action-spy, James Bond-esque character,' says Gemma, who plays Polly Wilkins in the prequel to the Kingsman films.

Maybe she's had enough of leaving viewers shaken and stirred in raunchy outfits  and wants to be the one to carry the gun.

Is Gemma Arterton (pictured) hoping to be the first female 007?

PM's wife and her boss wooed to join the herd of Netflix hits

Carrie Johnson has had a busy year, working for an animal charity and recently becoming a mother for the second time.

But I can reveal 2022 could be a blockbuster for the Prime Minister's wife, as she has been in talks with Netflix to produce hard-hitting nature documentaries.

Shows fronted by figures such as Sir David Attenborough are smash hits on streaming sites.

And after Prince Harry and Meghan scooped an estimated 100 million-plus Netflix deal as executive producers, signing up with broadcasters is a no-brainer for public figures.

Carrie, 33, is head of communications at the Aspinall Foundation. She and her boss, Damian Aspinall, are being courted by Netflix, among others, who want them to make a programme about the elephants at Aspinall's wildlife haven.

The herd of 13 is currently at the Howletts Wild Animal Park in Kent, but is due to be relocated to Kenya in the coming months in a world-first project of its size.

A friend of Mrs Johnson tells me: 'Carrie's phone was ringing off the hook after it was announced she was working hard on the project to rewild the elephants. It's an inspiring story, and she and Damian are such charismatic and passionate people that they are the right people to tell it.'

Since the rehoming project was announced in July, Carrie has been fielding requests from national broadcasters as well as streaming giants, who want to film the quest, following the magnificent animals (which weigh 25 tonnes each) on their 4,000-mile journey to a top-secret location in their native Kenya.

Damian, son of gambling tycoon John Aspinall, and Carrie hope this will pave the way for a wider programme on the 'cruelty' of zoos.

They hope to make a show similar to the Netflix hit Seaspiracy, which made a powerful case against eating fish and became one of the top-ten most viewed shows on the streaming service worldwide.

A source close to the pair tells me: 'Carrie and Damian are the perfect pair to teach the world about the horrors of zoos. Watch this space!'

Rolling Stone Ronnie Wood gets a great deal of Satisfaction from painting, saying: 'There is no kind of therapy like the one you have from starting a picture and then seeing it through to the end.'

I can see why the 74-year-old rocker finds art so good for his mental health  especially as, I can reveal, he has raked in 600,000 in the past year selling his paintings.

Many are still up for grabs, including a flattering oil of bandmate Mick Jagger, on sale for 750.

Heavy-duty hols! Alice's 12 bags of Christmas

Judging from this picture, you would think Alice Naylor-Leyland was moving house, but it turns out the socialite was packing to visit her father for Christmas.

Alice, 35, whose company creates themed dining sets for posh social events, captioned the snap: 'Packing light again.'

Judging from this picture, you would think Alice Naylor-Leyland was moving house, but it turns out the socialite was packing to visit her father for Christmas

This is despite having 12 pieces of luggage outside her Cambridgeshire Regency mansion, Stibbington House, where she was joined by her husband, Tom, the heir to the 176 million Fitzwilliam land-owning fortune, and their three children, Billy, Nancy and Felix.

The excessive luggage prompted one pal to comment: 'I thought you were donating to charity, all those bags. Maybe you should give just one bag.'

Former Cabaret star Jane Horrocks, 57, was surprised to discover she'd been shunted to the cheap seats at the Kit Kat Club (aka London's Playhouse Theatre) to watch the latest production.

Jessie Buckley, 31, is playing Sally Bowles in the musical (a role Jane took in 1993), alongside Old Etonian Eddie Redmayne, 39.

My spy tells me Jane was told it was because Jessie doesn't like to look into the whites of the eyes of anybody who's previously played the part.

Dismal take-off for harry's travel firm

Eyebrows were raised when Prince Harry launched eco travel firm Travalyst, preaching how to holiday sustainably  after taking private jets around the globe.

I can reveal the first year of trading for the firm, set up with start-up cash from Harry and Meghan's charity Sussex Royal, has been a damp squib: it made just 11,538 in profits.

Travalyst calls for everyone to 'explore our world in a way that protects both people and places'.

Everyone but the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, it seems. They provoked outrage in 2019, when they took their fourth flight on a private jet in 11 days  on Sir Elton John's plane, no less.

Perhaps a luxury holiday firm with trips on private jets would prove more lucrative for the couple?

France has all but banned British visitors due to the Omicron variant. But celebrity chef Raymond Blanc managed to slip back to his home country to pay his respects to his mother, who died during lockdown last year at the age of 97.

'I just came back from France,' he reveals, adding: 'I was lucky to be able to go to my village, gather my family and celebrate my mum with a mass and prayers, a visit to her grave and arrange flowers on her tomb.'

The 72-year-old Michelin-starred chef, based in Oxfordshire, was heartbroken to have lost the woman who inspired him to cook.

Who took on Jude in food fight?

Working with the likes of Gwyneth Paltrow can mean having your lunchtime sandwich snatched from your hand and replaced with kale or something similarly Goop-worthy.

Jude Law (left)  who appeared opposite Gwyneth (right) in The Talented Mr Ripley  gallantly refuses to name a co-star who took over as unofficial food tsar on one film set

Jude Law  who appeared opposite Gwyneth in The Talented Mr Ripley  gallantly refuses to name a co-star who took over as unofficial food tsar on one film set.

'One actress decided that the food was very unhealthy and got it all changed to healthy gluten-free,' he recalls. 'There was this uprising because the crew wanted pie and custard.'
Former glamour model Linda Lusardi fears for women who are using Page 3's 'Eighties-equivalent' OnlyFans, confessing, 'I don't think it fits in today's society at all.'

The controversial adult site 'feels weird' to the former soap star, 63, who long since her days of glamour modelling has ventured into acting and reality TV.

And while Linda holds no regrets over her former career, branding it 'great' because she was 'young and enjoying life', she said 'it was a very different time'.

'It feels weird': Linda Lusardi, 63, gave her take on adult site OnlyFans - as the former glamour model admitted she would tell her younger self 'don't take your clothes off' (pictured 1999)

Giving her take on OnlyFans to The Sun, Linda confessed: 'It's not something I would entertain. I know that a lot of people are making a lot of money, but it just feels weird to me.'

Linda didn't hesitate noting that her remarks may sound 'hypocritical', but she worries about the prospect of subscribers getting 'obsessed' - and what happens if 'your life moves in a different direction.'

The website has caused controversy, with former Hollyoaks actress Sarah Jayne Dunn, 40, getting sacked from her role after launching her profile.

Honest; Despite the actress acknowledging her famed topless stints got her where she is today, she fears for women who are using OnlyFans (pictured 2020)

Racy: The website has caused controversy, with former Hollyoaks actress Sarah Jayne Dunn, 40, getting sacked from her role after launching her profile, (right Lottie Moss who also has it)

The former soap star is not alone - Cardi B, Blac Chyna, Lottie Moss and Kerry Katona have also shared content on the X-rated site.

Linda holds no regrets over her former career, branding it 'great' because she was 'young and enjoying life', but also said 'it was a very different time'.

'If I could speak to my 20-year-old self, Id say: "Dont take your clothes off - become an actress instead,' she admitted.

Back in the day: Linda didn't hesitate noting that her remarks may sound 'hypocritical', but she worries about the prospect of subscribers getting 'obsessed' (pictured 1982)

Looking back: The former glamour model holds no regrets over her former career, branding it 'great' because she was 'enjoying life', but 'it was a very different time' (pictured 1988)

In other talking points, the mother-of-two, whose television career has seen her star in Emmerdale and The Bill, as well as compete in reality contest Dancing On Ice, dwelled on her 'cruel and relentless' battle with Covid back in March 2020, during the first wave of the pandemic.

Her Brookside star husband Sam Kane, who is 10 years her junior, also contracted the virus, with the pair requiring hospital treatment.

Their children Lucy, 25, and Jack, 23, feared they would lose both their parents and have since had therapy to help process the situation.

Battle: In other talking points, the mother-of-two dwelled on her 'cruel and relentless' battle with Covid back in March 2020. Her Brookside star husband Sam Kane (pictured), who is 10 years her junior, also contracted the virus, with the pair requiring hospital treatment

Linda is encouraging her husband of 23 years - who she hailed as 'the best thing to ever happen to me' - to do the same.

'We all got through it and we try to not dwell on it. The thought of what could have happened is too much,' the London-born star said.

Linda is also a panto icon, and this year is appearing at the Whitley Bay Playhouse, where shell play the Wicked Queen in Snow White alongside daughter Lucy for what will be her 32nd stint.
Bella Hadid put her fashion sense on display as she stepped out in New York City on Wednesday.

The 25-year-old runway regular hit the pavement in a pair of Aime Leon Dore green and brown New Balance sneakers that complemented her camouflage pants.

The Kin Euphorics co-founder wore a black jacket and clipped her hair back.

Style icon! Bella Hadid put her fashion sense on display as she stepped out in New York City on Wednesday

The star wore a pair of black-rimmed eyewear and a dark brown face mask.

She wore dangling earrings that had a green gemstone, multiple colored rings, and beaded bracelets.

Bella - full name Isabella Khair Hadid - carried a red and white purse, as well as a white plastic bag.

Hitting her stride! The 25-year-old runway regular hit the pavement in a pair of Aime Leon Dore green and brown New Balance sneakers that complemented her camouflage pants

Looking good: Bella shared a snap of herself on Instagram on Wednesday sporting a pair of fairy wings

Pose: The star also wore an animal print hat which she paired with a dark grey jacket

Wow: Bella added to her outfit with a pair of silver earrings

The fashion forward influencer kept warm in a black jacket that had a large artwork display on the back.

The abstract image featured red, tan, green, and white colors and fraying around its perimeter.

Underneath the statement-making outerwear she rocked a collared red shirt.

Casual look: The Kin Euphorics co-founder wore a black jacket and clipped her hair back

Gigi Hadid's little sister kept her dark hair sleek as she twisted it into an imperfect chignon and secured it with a translucent hair accessory.

During her busy day the entrepreneur took to Instagram to interact with her nearly 48 million followers.

Via Stories, she posted snapshots from her perspective, with one showing her as she rode in the passenger seat of a vehicle while listening to Jay-Z.

POV: Via Instagram Stories, Bella posted snapshots from her perspective, with one showing her as she rode in the passenger seat of a vehicle while listening to Jay-Z

The media personality gave viewers an up-close look at her fashion details. She had on a pair of red and black leopard print socks.

The supermodel's face was reflected in the glossy black finish of the car's glove compartment.

Hadid was in the spirit of giving as she made a trip to the New York City Food Bank.

Another photo showed her wearing a lanyard that granted her access to Yankee Stadium, along with orange bags filled with food items.

It comes after she donated 250 gifts to kids and families just days ago.
Australian racing royalty Kate Waterhouse has released a stylish new pyjamas collection with Wanderluxe Sleepwear.

The media personality, 38, told Daily Mail Australia she worked with the brand's founder, Sherri Kiernikowski, during lockdown to create a 'fun' and 'colourful' line.

Kate, who is the daughter of legendary horse trainer Gai Waterhouse, also spoke about how she manages the juggle of being a working mother.

New project: Australian racing royalty Kate Waterhouse has released a stylish new pyjamas collection with Wanderluxe Sleepwear

'It was a fun thing to do; I did it during lockdown. I really loved the brand so I jumped at the opportunity and creative experience,' Kate said of designing the collection.

'It's something that was a bit different for me. I did it in between working and homeschooling.'

Kate opted for bright blue, pink and lilac pyjamas in her collection, with pieces ranging from camisole slip dresses ($94) to boxer sets ($179) and eye masks ($23).

Creative: 'It was a fun thing to do; I did it during lockdown. I really loved the brand so I jumped at the opportunity and creative experience,' Kate said of designing the collection

The range: Kate opted for bright blue, pink and lilac pyjamas in her collection, with pieces ranging from camisole slip dresses ($94) to boxer sets ($179) and eye masks ($23)

'I think because of the year we've had, I just wanted to have fun and colour,' she said.

Kate said designing the collection for Wanderluxe Sleepwear was the perfect fit because she is a 'pyjamas person'.

'I'm a sleepwear lover. If you're a PJ's person, you know!' she said with a laugh.

Speaking about life as a working mother, Kate, who often provides fashion commentary at the races, said she was lucky to be able to work in school hours.

Perfect fit: Kate said designing the collection for Wanderluxe Sleepwear was the perfect fit because she is a 'pyjamas person'

She also credits her husband of nine years, former NRL star Luke Ricketson, 48, with being a 'hands-on dad' to their daughters, Sophia, seven, and Grace, five.

'I do think you need to juggle. Everything is a juggle. Your kids come first - every mother would say that - their needs come first and you work your life around them,' Kate said.

'I'm lucky I can have a job where I can work in school hours, but it's always a juggle. It's what works for you: everyone has a different balance and you do what's best for your family.

'I'm lucky I have a very supportive husband who is always there if I have an evening event or race weekend. He's a very hands-on dad, which is great.'
Natasha Oakley split her time between Australia and the US prior to the pandemic.

And on Thursday, she said she felt 'deflated' after her upcoming US visa appointment in Melbourne had been cancelled 'due to circumstances beyond' the consulate's control.

On her Instagram Story, the 31-year-old swimwear designer shared a screen shot of their apology along with her caption: 'Currently not allowed to the US even as a visitor. My never ending relentless battle with Covid and US immigration.'

Immigration nightmare: Natasha Oakley was left feeling 'really deflated' after her US Visa appointment was cancelled, leaving her unable return to her second home in the States

'Every time I get close there's another road block. Really feeling delated today,' she added, asking fans for any suggestions.

In a follow up post, the Financial Review Rich Lister explained that she had been a US resident for 21 years as a green card holder.

She chose to stay in Australia for the past two years during the pandemic to be closer to family and her partner businessman, Theo Chambers.

'My never ending relentless battle': The 31-year-old Monday Swimwear founder revealed her upcoming US visa appointment in Melbourne had been cancelled 'due to circumstances beyond' the consulate's control

Home: In a follow up post the Financial Review Rich Lister explained she had been a US resident for 21 years as a green card holder. She chose to stay in Australia during the pandemic to be closer to family and her partner businessman Theo Chambers (pictured)

Natasha continued: 'When I tried to travel back to the US after 12 months I was denied at the airport and told I cannot travel as a US resident as I stayed outside of the country for more than 12 months.'

She said the issue would usually take just weeks to fix, but US embassies are closed or working with scaled back staff numbers, and appointments booked six months ahead rather than weeks.

'I gave up my green card, but still cannot travel to the US even as a tourist because I was previously a resident,' she shared.

Drama: In a follow up post, Natasha said that after months of working with her immigration lawyers, she was approved for an 01 visa and got an emergency appointment in Melbourne, which has then cancelled without explanation

Ready to travel: The swimwear mogul, who is worth $63million, said: 'I still have a home, companies, an office a team of 20 people in the US and essentially anyone can travel there except me because I am stuck in technical limbo'

Natasha said that after months of working with her immigration lawyers, she was approved for an 01 visa and got an emergency appointment in Melbourne, which was then cancelled.

The swimwear mogul, who is worth $63million, said she's been in touch with the embassy who weren't able to provide further information and told her to wait.

She wrote: 'I still have a home, companies, an office a team of 20 people in the US and essentially anyone can travel there except me because I am stuck in technical limbo and am constantly disheartened by negative outcomes that are out of my control.'

'The US has been home to me more than half of my life and I would basically be a US citizen if I didn't travel so much for work, so to think I am not allowed to step foot back in my own home, to see my friends and family is so difficult.'

Work struggles: She added, 'The US has been home to me more than half of my life and I would basically be a US citizen if I didn't travel so much for work, so to think I am not allowed to step foot back in my own home, to see my friends and family is so difficult'

Still closed: She also clarified that it was a misconception that Australia is open for visitors saying: 'No one can travel here except Australian citizens or those with exemptions. The borders are not open'

Natasha added that she kept quiet about her circumstances for a while knowing the devastating effect of Covid has had on so many people.

She also clarified that it was a misconception that Australia is open for visitors saying: 'No one can travel here except Australian citizens or those with exemptions. The borders are not open.'

'Lots of people have asked me why Devin etc isn't coming here to Australia thinking that we are open but no foreigners are allowed in,' she explained, referring to her best friend and business partner Devin Brugman.
She infamously quit the Real Housewives of Melbourne after a huge blow-up that saw her tear her castmates to shreds.

But Anjali Rao won't stray too far from the spotlight as the former CNN news anchor has now signed with celebrity agent Max Markson.

Mr Markson, who runs the Markson Sparks! PR agency, celebrated his latest signing on Thursday by sharing a screenshot of a Herald Sun article about his client.

On the books: Real Housewives of Melbourne star Anjali Rao has signed with celebrity agent Max Markson after her explosive exit from the reality series

'BREAKING! Extremely proud to announce that @the_real_anjali_rao has joined Markson Sparks for exclusive representation! Very exciting,' Mr Markson wrote.

Anjali, 47, responded to her agent's post in the comments section, writing: 'YESSSS!! Cannot wait to see what we cook up next. Let's do this!'

Anjali walked away from The Real Housewives of Melbourne last month, but not before verbally eviscerating her co-stars.

Agent: Mr Markson, who runs the Markson Sparks! PR agency, celebrated his latest signing on Thursday by sharing a screenshot of a Herald Sun article about his client

The former news anchor fired off a string of insults at her frenemies like Janet Roach and Gamble Breaux, although she did it behind their backs during a final sit-down with Kyla Kirkpatrick and Cherry Dipietrantonio.

As Kyla and Cherry begged her to reconsider and stay on the show, the acid-tongued Anjali unleashed on the other women.

She started by saying Janet was 'more toxic than Chernobyl', before stating that 'Gamble has more characters than the Chinese alphabet'.

Savage: Anjali walked away from The Real Housewives of Melbourne last month, but not before verbally eviscerating her co-stars

She added: 'I was starting to think that she was demonically possessed, but then I was like, "No, actually, Satan would take one look at you and say, 'Oops, this one's occupied.'"'

Anjali went on to call the pair 'soul suckers' before turning her attention towards fellow newbie Simone Elliott.

'You've got Janet and Gamble, insane, and Simone, inane. They're perfect for each other!' she quipped.

Toxic: She started by saying Janet was 'more toxic than Chernobyl', before stating that 'Gamble has more characters than the Chinese alphabet'

'For god's sake, a fax machine would laugh at how irrelevant Simone is!'

The award-winning journalist then blasted Gamble and Janet's finances, claiming their only claim to fame was marrying into money

'Janet and Gamble have achieved nought point nought per cent of the square root of bugger all of note in their lives,' she snapped.

Perfect match! 'You've got Janet and Gamble, insane, and Simone, inane. They're perfect for each other!' she quipped

'I don't consider pulling a couple of old rich dudes to be notable and that's all they've got,' she added.

Hours after her shock departure aired, Anjali took to Instagram to share a parting message for the rest of her castmates as she turned her back on the reality show once and for all.

Alongside a picture of the on-screen subtitles which confirmed she was leaving the franchise, Anjali wrote: 'RIP to me. I leave behind a trail of seemingly unintelligible words, a truckload of sequins, and six widows.'
Jay-Z revealed there was 'not a chance in hell' that he would participate in a rap battle against Rick Ross, after the musician said it was a 'possibility.'

'No one can stand on that stage with me,' the 23-time Grammy winner said during a Twitter Spaces conversation with Alicia Keys and music executive Rob Markman.

He continued: 'Its not a chance in hell that anyone can stand on that stage with me.'

Breaking his silence: Jay-Z revealed there was 'not a chance in hell' that he would participate in a rap battle against Rick Ross, after the musician said it was a 'possibility' (seen in 2021)

Last week, Ross, 45, claimed that the 'possibility' of a VERZUZ battle against the Young Forever rapper was in the works.

While speaking of which rapper he would prefer to rap against, he replied: 'JAY-Z Yeah! Why not?'

Ross (born William Leonard Roberts II) made the comments on The Real while promoting his new album Richer Than I Ever Been.

Challenge denied: Last week, Ross, 45, claimed that the 'possibility' of a battle against the Young Forever rapper was in the works; pictured earlier this month

This comes after Future ignited a heated Twitter debate after he declared he was 'bigger' than Jay-Z.

'In the streets im bigger then jigga. Ima run me a B up easy,' the Atlanta-born musician confidently declared to his 7M followers while referring to Jay's status as hip-hops first billionaire.

In another boastful statement Future, also known as Mr. Hendrix, writes, 'Im the only one can get YE to pull up whenever wherever..tuh', referring to Kanye Wests surprise appearance during his Rolling Loud show.

Name in the headlines all week: This comes after Future ignited a heated Twitter debate after he declared he was 'bigger' than Jay-Z; seen in August

He continued to get things off his chest on the social media platform adding, 'Everything I do legendary or it want get done. Tuh', adding, '100Ms not the goal anymore.'

The statements were met with a wide range of reactions, but certainly caused an uproar with more traditional hip-hop heads who were outraged by the comparison.

One Twitter user replied, 'Laughable. I love your music but Jigga is Hov for a reason,' referring to Jay-Z's nickname 'Hov' which is a play on the word Jehovah, meaning God in Hebrew.

Another accused the rapper of being, 'delusional'.

Ross (born William Leonard Roberts II) made the comments on The Real while promoting his new album Richer Than I Ever Been; seen last week

Los Angeles Chargers Linebacker Damon Lloyd also stepped into the debate Tweeting, 'Yall on herr saying Future catalog better than Jay-Zs? Yea Im off for the day.'

But Ciara's ex-boyfriend received some support for his claim as well. One user wrote, 'The GOAT speaks', suggesting that the rapper was the greatest of all time.

Future's statement was certainly a bold one, and while he is highly regarded for his influence on trap music and his well-known collaborations with Canadian rapper Drake, very few can stack up next to Mr. Carter's illustrious career.
It's been a great end of the year for Seven West Media with the acceptance of the company's acquisition of Prime Media Group.

Shareholders at Prime voted overwhelmingly in favour of the $131.9million dollar takeover on Thursday in a proposal that was put forward earlier in the year.

It means Seven now has no opposition in taking full control of the regional broadcaster and all of its subsidiaries.

Acquisition: Prime Media Group shareholders have voted in favour of Seven West Media takeover. Pictured: Prime7 office. Prime7 is a network owned by Prime Media Group and connected to Seven

Seven West Media said in a statement: 'Seven West Media (ASX: SWM) notes the outcome of the vote conducted today at the Extraordinary General Meeting of shareholders of Prime Media Group (ASX: PRT).'

'PRT shareholders voted in favour of the acquisition by SWM of all the business and related assets of PRT via the acquisition of Prime Television (Holdings) Pty Ltd, Seven Affiliate Sales Pty Ltd and all their subsidiaries.'

It concluded that the Prime Media Group acquisition will be completed on the 31st of December, 2021.

Done deal: Seven West Media acknowledged the shareholder vote in a statement, saying, 'Seven West Media notes the outcome of the vote conducted today at the Extraordinary General Meeting of shareholders of Prime Media Group.' Pictured: CEO James Warburton

Seven West Media Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer James Warburton had issued a statement last month about the acquisition of the regional broadcaster, noting its benefits to the Seven network.

'This proposal is an important step forward for both companies. SWM and PRT are great partners and have a long, successful relationship,' he said.

'Together, they will offer the best content for our national audience and unmatchable premium revenue opportunities for our clients.'

Proposal: SWM Chief Executive Officer, James Warburton, issued a statement last month about the acquisition of the regional broadcaster, noting its benefits to the Seven network

Mr Warburton said taking full control of Prime would give Seven a reach of more than 90 per cent of the Australian population.

'The acquisition means SWM will become Australias leading commercial premium broadcast, video and news network, with the potential to reach more than 90 per cent of Australias population each month,' he continued.

'The proposed transaction is an exciting and transformative development for advertisers and media buyers. It means we will be able to give advertisers easy and seamless access via a single platform to capital city and regional markets.'

Further reach: Warburton said the deal 'means SWM will become Australia's leading commercial premium broadcast, video and news network, with the potential to reach more than 90 per cent of Australias population each month'

It was the second attempt by Seven West Media to acquire Prime Media Group.

A previous $64million dollar proposal in 2019 broke down after it was voted against by key Prime Media shareholders Bruce Gordon and Antony Catalano.

The two businessmen now support the proposal along with a resounding 99.9 percent of Prime's shareholders.
Brett Oppenheim shared a sweet tribute to his ex Tina Louise on Instagram following their 'very recent' split after more than eight months of dating.

Less than 24 hours after revealing he called it quits with the Sugar Taco restaurant owner, 40, the real estate broker had nothing but kind words to say about his former flame.

'I am grateful for you Tina. For your love, your laugh, your smile, and for our enduring friendship,' he captioned a slideshow full of memories from their whirlwind romance, which included a helicopter ride and tropical getaway.

Amicable exes: Brett Oppenheim shared a sweet tribute to his ex Tina Louise on Instagram following their 'very recent' split after more than eight months of dating

Additionally, he called her 'the most genuine, loving and beautiful woman' he 'could have ever dreamed of...with the most breathtaking smile.'

Oppehheim concluded the post by saying he would 'always love her and be her friend.'

'Awwww you lil s**t! Love you always x ' she replied in the comment section.

Sweet: Less than 24 hours after revealing he called it quits with the Sugar Taco restaurant owner, 40, the real estate broker had nothing but kind words to say about his former flame

On Tuesday, Brett broke his silence over his breakup with Louise, just eight months after going public with their romance.

The Selling Sunset star confirmed the news when a fan asked if he 'was single' during an Instagram Story Q&A.

Just hours prior, Brett's twin brother Jason Oppenheim and his girlfriend Chrishell Stause had announced that they'd called it quits on their own months-long relationship.

Being that he'd held the Q&A session to answer real estate related questions, Brett initially appeared to be reluctant to discuss his personal life.

'I am grateful for you Tina. For your love, your laugh, your smile, and for our enduring friendship,' he captioned a slideshow full of memories from their whirlwind romance, which included a helicopter ride and tropical getaway

'OK, this question has absolutely nothing to do with real estate, but I will answer it,' he began.

'As of very recently, actually, yes,' Brett confirmed, before swiftly moving onto other questions.

Hours prior, Tina used her own Instagram to confirm rumors that had been swirling for weeks about their breakup.

Virtual announcement: The 44-year-old Selling Sunset star confirmed the news during an Instagram Story Q&A

The tattooed model, who hails from Australia but now lives in LA, said they 'remain very good friends' after ending their whirlwind romance of less than a year.

'If no boyfriend, what's your ties to Selling Sunset?' a fan asked her.

'Brett is my ex, but we remain very good friends,' she replied, sharing a throwback photo of the pair kissing on holiday together.

It comes after Tina was seen with a 'Brett' tattoo on her ring finger in October.

Recent: 'OK, this question has absolutely nothing to do with real estate, but I will answer it,' he began. 'As of very recently, actually, yes'

It's over: Hours prior, Tina used her own Instagram to confirm rumors that had been swirling for weeks about their breakup

Before that, the pair were pictured together on several occasions, including when Tina accompanied Brett on a double date with his Selling Sunset co-stars in June.

The couple joined Mary Fitzgerald and Romain Bonnet at Westlake Village Inn in LA.

Brett, who left the Oppenheim Group last year to form his own brokerage, first went Instagram official with Tina in April.

For several months last year, Tina was regularly in the headlines for her romance with TV heart-throb Brian Austin Green.

On good terms: The 40-year-old tattooed model, who hails from Australia but now lives in LA , said they 'remain very good friends' after ending their whirlwind romance of less than a year

Permanent: It comes after Tina was seen with a 'Brett' tattoo on her ring finger in October

They became an item in May 2020, shortly after the Beverly Hills, 90210 star confirmed his split from actress wife Megan Fox.

After their fling ended, Tina was pictured kissing Sean 'Diddy' Combs on a beach in Malibu but they never confirmed they were dating.

In another blow to the Selling Sunset fanbase, Brett's brother Jason regretfully announced that he and costar Chrishell Stause had decided to end their relationship.

News broke of their breakup Tuesday just five months after their romance went public, but it is thought that they were an item for a total of seven months.

Double trouble: Just hours prior, Brett's twin brother Jason Oppenheim and his girlfriend Chrishell Stause had announced that they'd called it quits on their months-long relationship

Jason originally confirmed the romance with Chrishell during an Italian holiday with their Selling Sunset co-stars over the summer.

In an Instagram post, he called her 'the most amazing girlfriend I've ever had' and said their romance was 'the happiest and most fulfilling relationship of my life.'

Jason said that their 'different wants regarding a family' were to blame.

He gushed: 'Chrishell is an exceptional human being and loving her and having her in my life is one of the best things that has ever happened to me.'

In an Instagram statement Chrishell, 40, attributed the split to 'our ideas of family ultimately not being aligned,' pointing out: 'Men have the luxury of time that women don't and that's just the way it goes.'

'I have tried to embrace the world I have found myself in and that includes being open and honest about my relationship,' her statement began.

Summer lovin': Jason has originally confirmed the romance with Chrishell during an Italian holiday with their Selling Sunset co-stars over the summer

All love: In an Instagram post, he called her 'the most amazing girlfriend I've ever had' and said their romance was 'the happiest and most fulfilling relationship of my life'

'It felt scary and terrifying knowing that it may not end in what society deems a success and what I am ultimately looking for. But after many long heartfelt talks, I am choosing to see it as a success no matter what label is attached to it publicly.'

She continued. 'Jason was and is my best friend, and other than our ideas for family ultimately not being aligned, the amount of respect and love we have for each other will not change going forward.'

Chrishell, who was once married to This Is Us beefcake Justin Hartley, added: 'Men have the luxury of time that women don't and that's just the way it goes. All of that being said, navigating this public terrain is difficult and I am just trying my best.'

Thoughtful: In an Instagram statement Chrishell, 40, attributed the split to 'our ideas of family ultimately not being aligned,' pointing out: 'Men have the luxury of time that women don't and that's just the way it goes'

The reality star claimed: 'No one would rather only speak about work related things more than me. But I understand this comes with it and I will always love and be extremely grateful for the opportunities I have been given,' she allowed.

'Although my initial reaction to a private situation was to not speak on it, sometimes it's easier to just live transparently because we only get one chance at this life. I very much hope to one day have a family and decisions I make at this point are with that goal in mind. Thank you for the kindness and support to those that understand.'

She concluded: 'And thank you Jason for the most incredible relationship and for consistently being honest with me even when it hurts.'
She is currently enjoying a sun-drenched holiday in Cabo, Mexico with her husband multimillionaire Hollywood agent husband Patrick and her family.

And Pia Whitesell stripped down to a tiny bikini to lap up the sun on Wednesday.

The former Home and Away star looked sensational in her black bikini top and ribbed lilac bottoms.

Beach babe! Home and Away star Pia Whitesell showed off her incredible figure and washboards abs in a bikini during her trip to Mexico this week

She had her long dark locks out and over her shoulders and wore a pair of sunglasses.

Pia also shared a picture of the stunning pool at the place she's staying at, which backs onto the beach.

Dreamy! Pia also shared a picture of the stunning pool at the place she's staying at, which backs onto the beach

She captioned the post with red, white and green love heart emojis, the same colours as the Mexican flag.

Her mother Angelica, brother Jesus and sister-in-law, Stephanie Loyola are also holidaying with Pia and Patrick in Cabo.

Pia relocated from Sydney to Los Angeles to be with her Hollywood agent husband Patrick Whitesell earlier this year.

Downtime: The actress and model is enjoying a relaxing break in Cabo, Mexico, with her multimillionaire Hollywood agent husband Patrick Whitesell, 56, and her family

Pia, who played police officer Kat Chapman on Aussie soap opera Home and Away from 2015 and 2018, married Patrick in May.

She announced her engagement to Patrick, the executive chairman of the Endeavor Talent Agency, on November 28 last year.

Her stunning diamond engagement ring is said to be worth around $1.9million.
Noella Bergener has an emotional breakdown in the aftermath of her husband James Bergener suddenly leaving her in Wednesday's episode of Real Housewives of Orange County.

Noella broke down in tears during a lunch with friend Nicole James, where she tearfully proclaimed her, 'life is falling apart.'

Meanwhile, Shannon Storms Beador tries to apologize to the returning Heather Dubrow - back for Season 16 after a five-year hiatus - when Heather doesn't pull any punches and straight up THREATENS Shannon.

Breakdown: Noella Bergener has an emotional breakdown in the aftermath of her husband James Bergener suddenly leaving her in Wednesday's episode of Real Housewives of Orange County

Falling apart: Noella broke down in tears during a lunch with friend Nicole James, where she tearfully proclaimed her, 'life is falling apart'

Threat: Heather doesn't pull any punches and straight up THREATENS Shannon

The episode begins with Emily Simpson telling her husband Shane that she wants to throw him a party since he passed the bar exam.

Heather Debrow comes to visit Jen Armstong at her home, bringing her a bottle of champagne as they have some mimosas.

Jen says they have a lot in common since they both have 'controlling personalities' as Jen says in confessions she thinks they're, 'kindred spirits.'

Party: The episode begins with Emily Simpson telling her husband Shane that she wants to throw him a party since he passed the bar exam

Heather and Jen: Heather Debrow comes to visit Jen Armstong at her home, bringing her a bottle of champagne as they have some mimosas

Jen tells Heather that her husband Ryne gets complaints from the moms at their school for dropping their kids off shirtless.

Heather wonders in confession if he really never wears a shirt, before they sit down to chat over drinks.

Heather asks Jen what it's like to be in the 'anti-aging world,' with Heather adding that being married to a plastic surgeon, she looks at, 'all the angles.'

Shirtless: Jen tells Heather that her husband Ryne gets complaints from the moms at their school for dropping their kids off shirtless

Anti-aging: Heather asks Jen what it's like to be in the 'anti-aging world,' with Heather adding that being married to a plastic surgeon, she looks at, 'all the angles'

Heather says, 'I feel like they look at you and they go, 'Oh, she looks great,' which Jen says is, 'literally the best compliment you could ever give me.'

'People are like, 'You haven't done anything.' And you look at 'em like, 'I've done everything in this office,'' Jen says.

Jen says there are a lot of people in Orange County who look like 'cat muppets,' adding some of them have sat in that very chair.

Compliment: Heather says, 'I feel like they look at you and they go, 'Oh, she looks great,' which Jen says is, 'literally the best compliment you could ever give me'

Cat muppets: Jen says there are a lot of people in Orange County who look like 'cat muppets,' adding some of them have sat in that very chair

Jen says that Noella was talking 'condescending' to her at the party, while Heather apologizes for everything that happened.

Heather said she talked to Gina and she apologized, but she adds that not everything has been worked out.

'The question is why does someone want to make Nicole look bad?' Heather asks.

Condescending: Jen says that Noella was talking 'condescending' to her at the party, while Heather apologizes for everything that happened

Question: 'The question is why does someone want to make Nicole look bad?' Heather asks

Heather thanks Jen for having her over, adding next time they should do it with the husbands, with Heather saying she'll get her husband to do some 'stomach curls' to match Ryne's shirtless abs.

Noela meets with Nicole James and nearly breaks down in tears, dealing with being served with divorce papers.

'Yesterday I was served with divorce papers. Today, I don't even know where he is,' Noella says in confession.

Thanks: Heather thanks Jen for having her over, adding next time they should do it with the husbands, with Heather saying she'll get her husband to do some 'stomach curls' to match Ryne's shirtless abs

Noella and Nicole: Noela meets with Nicole James and nearly breaks down in tears, dealing with being served with divorce papers

Served: 'Yesterday I was served with divorce papers. Today, I don't even know where he is,' Noella says in confession

'You know the process server came to the house yesterday when I was at cryo with Gina, and she threw my divorce papers at my mother's face,' Noella said.

She adds she needs to find her husband to 'turn back on the credit cards and make sure that rent gets paid, in order to afford my son's therapy.'

Nicole asks if she's sure that he actually left the house, and she said she was sure because he took his toothbrush.

Server: 'You know the process server came to the house yesterday when I was at cryo with Gina, and she threw my divorce papers at my mother's face,' Noella said

Credit cards: She adds she needs to find her husband to 'turn back on the credit cards and make sure that rent gets paid, in order to afford my son's therapy'

Nicole says she should call him, and Noella tries but no one answers, with Nicole saying, 'Well, he didn't block you.'

Noella breaks down again and needs Nicole to give her a hug, as she says in confession she doesn't know what 'the next step is.'

'That's a very scary place for me to be, cause I've never had a day of my life where I don't know what I'm gonna do,' Noella says.

No answer: Nicole says she should call him, and Noella tries but no one answers, with Nicole saying, 'Well, he didn't block you'

Hug: Noella breaks down again and needs Nicole to give her a hug, as she says in confession she doesn't know what 'the next step is'

Scary: 'That's a very scary place for me to be, cause I've never had a day of my life where I don't know what I'm gonna do,' Noella says

Noella takes a drink and says she doesn't know where her husband is and Nicole says she'll find it and they will work it out.

Noella says in confession that she thinks her idea of friends is very different than others, as she starts having a breakdown at the table while Nicole wants them to leave.

'I need friends, for the first time, to really show up for me,' Noella says.

Drink: Noella takes a drink and says she doesn't know where her husband is and Nicole says she'll find it and they will work it out

Show up: 'I need friends, for the first time, to really show up for me,' Noella says

She won't leave the table as she says, 'My life is falling apart. My life is falling apart,' as Nicole tells her there are a lot of people there and Nicole doesn't feel 'comfortable.'

Shannon meets with Real For Real CFO Steve as they go over packages with her daughter Stella, 17.

'My CFO suggested we hired Stella, cause nobody knows you better than Stella,' Shannon says in confession, unsure if that's a 'good or bad thing.'

Falling apart: She won't leave the table as she says, 'My life is falling apart. My life is falling apart,' as Nicole tells her there are a lot of people there and Nicole doesn't feel 'comfortable'

Shannon, Steve and Stella: Shannon meets with Real For Real CFO Steve as they go over packages with her daughter Stella, 17

'As a boss, my mom can be annoying and overbearing. Especially when she's in a bad mood. Wait, no, I don't want to make that sound like she's a bitch,' Stella says in confession.

Shannon adds she got two 'lump sums' in her divorce settlement as she wonders if she'll have to pay for Stella's college.

Gina and her boyfriend Travis have a double date with Emily and her husband Shane, with Emily saying she met with Nicole.

Stella: 'As a boss, my mom can be annoying and overbearing. Especially when she's in a bad mood. Wait, no, I don't want to make that sound like she's a bitch,' Stella says in confession

Divorce: Shannon adds she got two 'lump sums' in her divorce settlement as she wonders if she'll have to pay for Stella's college.

Double date: Gina and her boyfriend Travis have a double date with Emily and her husband Shane, with Emily saying she met with Nicole

Emily says that they're having a party for Shane passing the bar as Gina says she's excited to meet everyone's husbands.

Gina says Noella facetimed her and told her Noella's husband filed for divorce, which shocks Emily and Shane.

Emily says in confession that California law says they cannot cut off credit cards but she doesn't know how Puerto Rico laws are, since that's where he filed for divorce.

Party: Emily says that they're having a party for Shane passing the bar as Gina says she's excited to meet everyone's husbands

Divorce: Gina says Noella facetimed her and told her Noella's husband filed for divorce, which shocks Emily and Shane

They start talking about Shannon, with Emily revealing that Shannon is coming to the party, with Gina adding she hopes Shannon brings a gift.

Emily said in confession, 'I thought that Shannon and I had gotten to another level of friendship but now I feel like Shannon is always going to protect Shannon first.'

Shane asks Emily not to bring this up at the party because it could be a 'disaster.'

Gift: They start talking about Shannon, with Emily revealing that Shannon is coming to the party, with Gina adding she hopes Shannon brings a gift

Disaster: Shane asks Emily not to bring this up at the party because it could be a 'disaster'

Shannon and Stella go to see Dr. Moon, an 'energy specialist,' as Shannon tells her Stella hurt her back while playing volleyball.

'If someone can help make you feel better without loading myself or my kids up with a bunch of pills, I will sign up over and over again,' Shannon says.

The doctor tells her double hamstring weakness because her tailbone is 'tucked in.'

Dr. Moon: Shannon and Stella go to see Dr. Moon, an 'energy specialist,' as Shannon tells her Stella hurt her back while playing volleyball

Better: 'If someone can help make you feel better without loading myself or my kids up with a bunch of pills, I will sign up over and over again,' Shannon says

Stella says in confession that she is not a believer of 'holistic medicine' but she's here for her mom.

Shannon asks if she feels better but Stella says her back still hurts, though Shannon said it won't be fixed in one session.

Stella says that she sees how much stress her mother is under since she's been working for her, and Shannon says she doesn't want to stress her daughter out.

Back: Shannon asks if she feels better but Stella says her back still hurts, though Shannon said it won't be fixed in one session

Stella says in confession, 'I want my mom to be happy and I don't think she's truly there yet. Throughout her life, she's experienced so many things that she's never truly gotten over or risen above. It would make me so happy to see her in her best self and thrive.'

Noella meets with her mom Nancy, who says it was 'heartbreaking' when the process server came.

Noella said he had that 'set in motion,' while saying in confession that she is her, 'guiding light' and she is the one to, 'kind of call me back home when I'm too lost at sea.'

Happy: Stella says in confession, 'I want my mom to be happy and I don't think she's truly there yet. Throughout her life, she's experienced so many things that she's never truly gotten over or risen above. It would make me so happy to see her in her best self and thrive'

Nancy: Noella meets with her mom Nancy, who says it was 'heartbreaking' when the process server came

Set in motion: Noella said he had that 'set in motion,' while saying in confession that she is her, 'guiding light' and she is the one to, 'kind of call me back home when I'm too lost at sea.

Noella says that he's not being himself and he's 'not our James,' but Nancy says she thinks he's gone, but Noella thinks, 'he's gonna wake up, he will. I know he loves me.'

Emily is getting ready for Shane's party with her makeup artist Danielle and her friend Jodie, as Emily has some trouble fitting into her dress.

Shannon is getting ready as well when she facetimes with Noella, with Shannon saying she thinks about her every day.

Loves: Noella says that he's not being himself and he's 'not our James,' but Nancy says she thinks he's gone, but Noella thinks, 'he's gonna wake up, he will. I know he loves me'

Getting ready: Emily is getting ready for Shane's party with her makeup artist Danielle and her friend Jodie, as Emily has some trouble fitting into her dress

Every day: Shannon is getting ready as well when she facetimes with Noella, with Shannon saying she thinks about her every day

Shannon adds she wishes she got some answers, and Noella says that's been the hardest part about this whole ordeal.

Shannon asks if Noella has spoken with Heather since the party, as Shannon reads the text that Heather sent her.

Shannon says she has apologized for a lot, but now she thinks, 'I'm back at square one.'

Text: Shannon asks if Noella has spoken with Heather since the party, as Shannon reads the text that Heather sent her

Heather meets Nicole as they head over to the party with Heather's husband Terry and Nicole's boyfriend Victor.

Nicole tells Heather about her lunch with Noella, adding she thinks her situation is 'serious,' but tells Heather that Noella called her something but added she was 'having a really bad day that day.'

Still, Nicole reveals that Noella called her a 'fake b***h,' which clearly surprises Heather, as they continue their ride to the party.

Heather: Heather meets Nicole as they head over to the party with Heather's husband Terry and Nicole's boyfriend Victor

Heather says she literally met her 'three times' and they had some really nice exchanges but she was very nice to Max, as they show a flashback to Noella meeting Max saying, 'I'm a bisexual too.'

Nicole admits that Noella had a lot of drinks that day and she doesn't even think that Noella remembers that.

Guest start arriving at the party, including Shane's parents, who brings photos of his graduation ceremonies.

Parents: Guest start arriving at the party, including Shane's parents, who brings photos of his graduation ceremonies

Emily says in confession, 'Shane's mom has been waiting for Shane to pass the California bar since he graduated from law school in 2003. We have all been through so much to get to this point. We all had to come together. So this is my party and it's Pary's party. And it's a little bit of Shane's party.'

Noella arrives in white, but is concerned that they're all in white, since the last time that happened it wasn't a good time.

Heather and Terry congratulate Shane on passing the bar, as Heather meets with Noella, with Heather saying she was filled in about Noella's divorce in the car.

Confession: Emily says in confession, 'Shane's mom has been waiting for Shane to pass the California bar since he graduated from law school in 2003. We have all been through so much to get to this point. We all had to come together. So this is my party and it's Pary's party. And it's a little bit of Shane's party'

Noella: Heather and Terry congratulate Shane on passing the bar, as Heather meets with Noella, with Heather saying she was filled in about Noella's divorce in the car

She brought Noella a gift for her because she was very kind to Max, a pool sarong.

'Noella is obviously going through a very difficult time in her life. And honestly, let's not ruin two parties in a row,' Heather says in confession.

Heather talks to Emily about any potential 'blow-up' over Shannon being there, right as Shannon arrives.

Heather and Emily: Heather talks to Emily about any potential 'blow-up' over Shannon being there, right as Shannon arrives

Shannon talks to Emily about things Shannon said, and Shannon said that was after the 'promise was broken.'

Emily tells Shannon, 'The thing that bothers me is I don't, like when you met with Heather, the only adjectives you used to describe me to Heather was untrustworthy and manipulative. I thought we were friends, Shannon.'

Shannon responds, 'You know what, I didn't say those words. I didn't say those words,' as Emily says, 'So you're saying Heather's a liar?'

Shannon: Shannon talks to Emily about things Shannon said, and Shannon said that was after the 'promise was broken'

Bothers: Emily tells Shannon, 'The thing that bothers me is I don't, like when you met with Heather, the only adjectives you used to describe me to Heather was untrustworthy and manipulative. I thought we were friends, Shannon'

Emily goes to get Heather as Shannon tells her, 'Emily, all I said is you don't know that she can be trusted,' but Emily wants to know, 'But how did I get brought into it?'

Shannon insists, 'I didn't say Emily,' as Emily goes to find Heather, as Shannon thinks that's 'messed up' that she's doing that now.

Shannon brings Heather over, as Heather says she thought they weren't going to do this here.

Heather and Shannon: Shannon brings Heather over, as Heather says she thought they weren't going to do this here

Heather clarifies that Shannon said, 'they are not to be trusted. They are manipulative. That is what you said to me.'

Emily and Gina and the others talk to Noella, as Emily says in confession, 'As a woman and as a mother, I feel a lot of sympathy and I feel compassion for her, but also I feel very lucky because Shane and I have had our ups and downs and I didn't always know what was going to happen, but I knew it was my choice. And for her, she didn't have a choice. He left.'

Emiy tells Noella that, 'I want you to know when I wake up in the morning, you're the first thing I think about. And when I go to bed at night, you're the first thing I think about.'

Emily: Emiy tells Noella that, 'I want you to know when I wake up in the morning, you're the first thing I think about. And when I go to bed at night, you're the first thing I think about'

Shannon goes to talk to Heather and they find a quiet place to talk, with Shannon starting by stating, 'First of all, I'd like to say, I didn't reach out to you immediately because you didn't want to accept my apology.

'You said that to me that night, but my friendship with you means something to me, and I care about you and Terry, and I'm the dumb s**t that didn't think,' Shannon said.

'And in that - in the interim, I hurt my friend and I never wanted to do that, and I'm so, so sorry. And I hope you can accept my apology and over time forgive me. What I did was wrong. And it's not me. I don't wanna hurt people,' Shannon said, adding she wants to do 'whatever I can to make it up to you.'

Apologize: Shannon goes to talk to Heather and they find a quiet place to talk, with Shannon starting by stating, 'First of all, I'd like to say, I didn't reach out to you immediately because you didn't want to accept my apology

Dumb: 'You said that to me that night, but my friendship with you means something to me, and I care about you and Terry, and I'm the dumb s**t that didn't think,' Shannon said

When Shannon finished her piece, Heather began, 'I have heard from everyone. I feel like I have a good understanding of the facts, and nothing that you say with the details is going to change my mind about--wait. Just let me finish.'

'I think you had a huge lapse in judgment, and I'm going to say this and I'm sorry if this sounds harsh, but this is how I feel,' Heather adds, before laying down her threat.

'If you ever come after me or my family ever again, you are going to lose a lot more than just my friendship. This will cost a lot. And I'm not saying this as a threat. I'm saying it as a promise,' Heather says as the episode comes to an end.

Heard: When Shannon finished her piece, Heather began, 'I have heard from everyone. I feel like I have a good understanding of the facts, and nothing that you say with the details is going to change my mind about--wait. Just let me finish'

Huge lapse: 'I think you had a huge lapse in judgment, and I'm going to say this and I'm sorry if this sounds harsh, but this is how I feel,' Heather adds, before laying down her threat

Promise: 'If you ever come after me or my family ever again, you are going to lose a lot more than just my friendship. This will cost a lot. And I'm not saying this as a threat. I'm saying it as a promise,' Heather says as the episode comes to an end

The preview for next week's episode shows Heather and her husband Terry at the Del-Mar horse race track, celebrating after a seemingly big win.

Jen marvels over Nicole filling a Louis Vuitton suitcase with cheese, as Noella says, 'Girl, bye' to Shannon regarding Jen.

Apparently Jen finds out what Noella said, and when Jen confronts her about it, Noella says Jen is 'thirsty' as the preview comes to an end.

The Real Housewives of Orange County continues its 16th season with a new episode on Wednesday, January 5 at 9 PM ET on Bravo.
She's the fitness guru and ever-glamorous wife of celebrity trainer Jono Castano.

And on Thursday, Amy Castano gave a red hot tip on how to keep fashion items stain-free when eating a messy meal - by removing them off your body completely.

The model, 31, revealed her trick in a video shared to Instagram, where she was seen completely shirtless while slurping up a tasty soup dish in front of her followers.

That's one way to do it! On Thursday, Amy Castano gave a red hot tip on how to keep fashion items stain free when eating a messy meal - by removing them off your body completely

'I was wearing white. So I had no choice. And if you're familiar with this soup, you would know how messy it gets, so...' she said in the footage.

'What's the point in getting other clothes dirty, anyway?'

Amy herself is a popular fitness guru, boasting 541k followers on Instagram and often showcasing her impressive physique.

'I was wearing white. So I had no choice. And if you're familiar with this soup, you would know how messy it gets so...' she said in the video

Success story: Amy herself is a popular fitness guru, boasting 541k followers on Instagram and often showcasing her impressive physique

Amy and Jono - who has transformed the bodies of Rebel Wilson, Pia Whitesell, Jodi Anasta, Laura Dundovic and Hugh Sheridan - recently celebrated their three-year wedding anniversary.

The couple first met on MySpace 13 years ago, before running into one another at a nightclub and falling in love.

Jono, 29, proposed in Hawaii on Amy's birthday - and she later described the proposal as romantic and luxurious.

Long-term lovers: Amy and Jono first met on MySpace 13 years ago, before running into one another at a nightclub and falling in love

She told Husskie magazine: 'The concierge took me to the beach, the sun was setting, and I walked down these stairs and there was Jono surrounded by candles and rose petals everywhere!

'He worked with the chef at Four Seasons Maui and created a menu of all of my favourite foods for the night. It was absolutely magical.

'I was so surprised! Jono and I discuss everything, but he designed my ring and organised all of this without me knowing'.

The couple married in the Kangaroo Valley, NSW, in 2018.
Arnold Schwarzenegger was seen heading to lunch with his sons Patrick and Christopher at RD Kitchen in Brentwood on Wednesday afternoon.

The 74-year-old actor appeared ready to enjoy his afternoon with his children while making his way into the restaurant and meeting his sons.

The performer was later seen wearing an extra layer of clothing while taking a bike ride with a friend through the streets of Santa Monica.

Good company: Arnold Schwarzenegger was seen heading to lunch with his sons Patrick and Christopher at RD Kitchen in Brentwood on Wednesday afternoon

Schwarzenegger sported a fur-lined sleeveless leather jacket on top of a dark green t-shirt during his time at the restaurant.

The Terminator star contrasted a slim-fitting pair of black pants with a set of stark white sneakers.

The actor later donned a bright purple puffy jacket while heading out for a bike ride with his pal.

He notably wore a pair of tinted sunglasses while enjoying the cool coastal breeze during his outing.

Patient: The 74-year-old actor appeared ready to enjoy his afternoon with his children while making his way into the restaurant and meeting his sons

The boys: Patrick was also seen there with his newly bleached platinum blonde hair

Rolling out: The performer was later seen wearing an extra layer of clothing while taking a bike ride with a friend through the streets of Santa Monica

Schwarzenegger shares Patrick and Christopher with his former wife, Maria Shriver.

The couple was initially introduced in the late 1970s and began a relationship not long after their first meeting.

The two went on to become engaged and they made their union official during a wedding ceremony that was held in Hyannis, Massachusetts in 1986.

Proud parents: Schwarzenegger shares Patrick and Christopher with his former wife, Maria Shriver; they are seen in 2003

Schwarzenegger and Shriver eventually started a family with the birth of their eldest child, Katherine, in 1989.

They eventually expanded their family with the addition of their second daughter, Christina, in 1991.

The former couple also added Patrick and Christopher to their lives in 1993 and 1997, respectively.

Schwarzenegger and Shriver remained together for several more years before they announced that they had separated in 2011.

Separate wats: Schwarzenegger and Shriver remained together for several years before they announced that they had separated in 2011

It was eventually revealed that the former governor of California had fathered a son named Joseph with his family's housemaid, Mildred Baena.

The Daddy Day Care star went on to publicly acknowledge his affair and apologize to his family for his actions.

Schwarzenegger and Shriver decided to end their marriage, which was formally dissolved in 2017.

The performer has since developed a relationship with Joseph and is frequently seen in posts shared to his son's Instagram account.
Denzel Washington said he directed his new film A Journal For Jordan because he 'wanted to please God' with it.

The 66-year-old Academy Award winner shared the connection between his new Michael B. Jordanstarring drama and his faith in an in interview from this week with Religion News Service.

The iconic actor's film is inspired by the true story of First Sgt. Charles Monroe King, who was killed in Iraq in 2006, leaving his partner Dana Canedy to raise their young son Jordan on her own.

Putting faith on screen: Denzel Washington said he directed his new film A Journal For Jordan because he 'wanted to please God' with it in an interview with Religion News Service this week; seen December 16 in LA

Canedy, a former New York Times journalist and a Pulitzer Prize winner, originally wrote about a journal that her late fiance prepared for their son during his time in Iraq for her newspaper, before expanding it into a 2008 book, which served as the basis for the new film.

A Journal For Jordan will go into wide release starting on Christmas Day.

While speaking with Religion News, Washington admitted that he would gather his cast and crew in prayer before starting to film for the day.

'The spirit of God is throughout the film. Charles is an angel,' he said of the character played by Jordan. 'Im a believer. Danas a believer. So that was a part of every decision, hopefully, that I tried to make.

'I wanted to please God, and I wanted to please Charles, and I wanted to please Dana,' he added.

Inspired: 'The spirit of God is throughout the film. Charles is an angel,' Washington said of the character played by Jordan; still from A Journal For Jordan

True life: The film is inspired by Dana Canedy and her late fiance First Sgt. Charles Monroe King, who left a journal for his infant son after he was killed by a roadside bomb in Iraq in 2006; Canedy and her son Jordan seen on December 9 in NYC

The Tragedy Of Macbeth star also shared that he was inspired by Canedy's undying love for her late fiance.

'Its cliche to say, but Im a living witness, having gotten to know Dana,' he said. 'True love never dies. Thats what they have  not had  have.'

Canedy agreed, adding: 'Love, true love, never leaves you; if I drew my last breath today, I would still be Jordans mother and still love him.'

The actor-turned-director also shared a humorous anecdote about a line he added into the journal for the film  'Talk to the one who can do something about it'  which went over the head of the young actor playing Jordan in his film.

'That actual line I added  talk and speak to the one that can do something about it  and I was always frustrated when I was cutting the film. Because the young boy, he didnt quite understand what I was trying to say, to talk to the one [points heavenward].

'But of course, it was kind of the way God wanted because in the childs mind, talk to the one who can do something about it: Mom,' he said, as he and Canedy both burst into laughter.

Whoops! The legendary actor-turned-director joked about how the young actor playing Jordan in the film thought a line that was supposed to be about God was actually about his mother; seen in 2019 in Hollywood

Washington sounded similarly spiritual when speaking about his reasons for making A Journal For Jordan with the New York Times earlier this month.

'Im more interested in directing because Im more interested in helping others,' he explained. 'What I do, what I make, what I made  all of that  is that going to help me on the last day of my life? Its about, Who have you lifted up? Who have we made better?'

He added that, 'If you dont have a spiritual anchor youll be easily blown by the wind and youll be led to depression.'

While Washington is staying busy with his latest directorial effort, he can soon be seen on screen in Joel Coen's upcoming cinematic adaptation of Shakespeare's The Tragedy Of Macbeth.

He stars as the title character, while Frances McDormand  who is married to the director  stars as the conniving Lady Macbeth.

The film, which was shot in striking black and white, is already a hit with critics and boasts an impressive 96 percent fresh rating from reviewers surveyed by Rotten Tomatoes.

The film enters limited theatrical release on Christmas Day, followed by a streaming release on Apple TV+ on January 14.
Kaia Gerber and Austin Butler are definitely more than friends.

A source divulged to PEOPLE on Wednesday that the model, 20, and the actor, 30, 'are in fact dating' and that 'all of her 'friends think they are so adorable' together.

'It's a total step up from her last relationship and she knows it too," said the insider, who was referencing Kaia's ex Jacob Elordi, 24, who she split from last month.

They continued: 'She seems really happy. All of her friends think he's really cute.'

It's on! Kaia Gerber and Austin Butler are in fact dating' and 'all of her 'friends think they are so adorable' together, a source told PEOPLE on Wednesday

Kaia and Austin first sparked romance rumors in a series of snapshots obtained exclusively by DailyMail.com on Sunday that showed the pair looking cozy while attending a yoga class in LA.

Though their faces were concealed, the two appeared to be engaged in conversation as they strolled closely together down the sidewalk with boxes of water hydrating them after their workout.

The duo headed inside Kaia's car, where Austin took the driver's seat.

The outing came less than a month after it was revealed in mid-November that Gerber had split from Elordi after over a year of dating.

'It's a total step up from her last relationship and she knows it too," said the insider, who was referencing Kaia's ex Jacob Elordi, 24, who she split from last month; Kaia and Jacob pictured in September

They were said to have ended things on 'amicable' terms, according to an insider with Page Six.

Since the split, Kaia has since scrubbed any trace of Jacob from her social media, but the pair still appear to follow one another.

The duo only made their relationship red carpet official in September, while attending The Academy Museum Of Motion Pictures Opening Gala on the 25th.

The last time they were spotted together was November 1st, seen leaving a Halloween party in costume.

Spark: Kaia and Austin first sparked romance rumors in a series of snapshots obtained exclusively by DailyMail.com on Sunday that showed the pair looking cozy while attending a yoga class in LA

Split: The outing came less than a month after it was revealed in mid-November that Gerber had split from Elordi after over a year of dating; Jacob and Kaia pictured in September

In a recent interview with Esquire, Jacob refused to talk about Kaia when he was asked if his girlfriend had aided him in his loneliness.

'Oh, no, I don't really want to talk about my relationship,' Jacob said before changing the subject.

The interview, which was published on November 30, appeared to have been conducted before news emerged that the Aussie actor had split from Kaia.

However, he did speak highly of her while revealing how she taught him how to cope with fame during an interview with the January/February issue of Men's Health.

Shutdown: In a recent interview with Esquire , Jacob refused to talk about Kaia when he was asked if his girlfriend had aided him in his loneliness; Jacob pictured in May

'She handles herself wonderfully publicly, and I've learned so much from her about how to handle it, how to deal with it and just kind of be whatever about it, you know?' said the star.

In exclusive photos obtained by DailyMail.com, Jacob was spotted grabbing coffee with Olivia Jade in LA's trendy Silver Lake neighborhood on Sunday.

Austin was previously in a long-term relationship with actress Vanessa Hudgens, with the pair dating from 2011 to 2019.

The former couple were said to have parted ways near the end of 2019 with Austin reportedly absent from her birthday celebrations in December.

New flame? In exclusive photos obtained by DailyMail.com, Jacob was spotted grabbing coffee with Olivia Jade in LA's trendy Silver Lake neighborhood on Sunday; Olivia pictured on December 3

She told the November 2018 issue of Women's Health that she was in no rush to wed.

'I want to get married, travel, then have kids  probably in my late 30s,' she explained at the time. 'Everyone's clock is different.'

Their split was confirmed in January 2020 when a source told Us Weekly: 'Vanessa and Austin are officially broken up, and Vanessa has been telling those close to her about their breakup.'

In August, he was spotted sharing a kiss with model Lily-Rose Depp during a date in London.
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Sex And The City's eagerly-anticipated reboot And Just Like That... returned to screens on Thursday, with fans seeing the aftermath of Mr Big's shock death in the opening episodes.

Big was killed off in episode one of the series, two weeks before the actor Chris Noth was hit with allegations that he raped and sexually assaulted two women - which he vehemently denies.

Episode four of the reboot, called Some of My Best Friends, sees Carrie (Sarah Jessica Parker) putting her and Big's apartment on the market, and finds a new friend in real estate agent Seema Patel (Sarita Choudhury).

Meanwhile Miranda (Cynthia Nixon) continues to concern those around her after picking up unhealthy drinking habits.

Anticipated: Episode four of the series, called Some of My Best Friends, sees Carrie (Sarah Jessica Parker) putting her and Big's apartment on the market, and finds a new friend in real estate agent Seema Patel (Sarita Choudhury)

The show began with Carrie waking up in her old apartment as she was haunted by her and Big's marriage in their flat.

Carrie rummages through her wardrobe, reminiscing on her iconic clothing moments before hearing a strange noise coming from the kitchen.

It transpires that her old coffee machine is broken and overflowing which forces her out the house to head to the bodega for coffee.

In a moment which harked back to the original series, Carrie donned a tulle maxi skirt and a stripy T-shirt for the outing.

Memories: The show began with Carrie waking up in her old apartment as she was haunted by her and Big's marriage in their flat

Looking back: Carrie rummages through her wardrobe, reminiscing on her iconic clothing moments before hearing a strange noise coming from the kitchen.

Charlotte (Kristin Davis) meanwhile, is seen organising a dinner party with her pal Lisa (Nicole Ari Parker) who has also invited her to her husband's birthday.

In Brooklyn, Miranda is seen a little worse for wear as she brews some coffee after Che Diaz's (Sara Ramirez) comedy concert the night before.

Brady (Niall Cunningham) and his girlfriend walk in and comment that she smells like marijuana, before Miranda becomes defensive with the pair.

She's still got it: It transpires that her old coffee machine is broken and overflowing which forces her out the house to head to the bodega for coffee. In a moment which harked back to the original series, Carrie donned a tulle maxi skirt and a stripy T-shirt for the outing

Socials: Charlotte, meanwhile, is seen organising a dinner party with her pal Lisa (Nicole Ari Parker) who has also invited her to her husband's birthday

Oh dear: In Brooklyn, Miranda is seen a little worse for wear as she brews some coffee after Che Diaz's (Sara Ramirez) comedy concert the night before

Carrie then headed uptown to her apartment before heading to lunch with the girls - where she admits she putting their house up for sale.

Miranda's alcohol dependency is hinted at while they're at lunch, as she asks Carrie and Charlotte if they could get a bottle of wine.

Seema looked around the apartment and told Carrie to get rid of all of her stuff and suggested that the now removed Peloton would 'pull the space together.'

Moving on: Carrie then headed uptown to her apartment before heading to lunch with the girls - where she admits she putting their house up for sale

Awkward: Seema looked around the apartment and told Carrie to get rid of all of her stuff and suggested that the now removed Peloton would 'pull the space together'

They then head out to mid-town where Carrie asks for a cigarette from Seema.

Carrie quit smoking when she dated Aidan Shaw (John Corbett) in series three and four of the original show.

Justifying the action, Carrie said to Seema that it had been a 'rough couple of weeks.'

Back at it: They then head out to mid-town where Carrie asks for a cigarette from Seema

Good friends: Miranda, meanwhile, then has lunch with her professor Nya Wallace (Karen Pittman) where they have a heart to heart about motherhood

Miranda, meanwhile, then has lunch with her professor Nya Wallace (Karen Pittman) where they have a heart to heart about motherhood.

Nya admitted to Miranda that she felt 'relief' after her first round of IVF treatment failed.

Miranda told an anecdote about a woman who never got married nor had kids who was now a judge and said: 'There are so many nights where Id love to be a judge and go home to an empty house.'

Heart-to-heart: Nya admitted to Miranda that she felt 'relief' after her first round of IVF treatment failed

Elsewhere,Carrie has lunch with Seema after they visit an open house, where Seema shows Carrie the ropes of various dating apps

Elsewhere, Carrie has lunch with Seema after they visit an open house, where Seema shows Carrie the ropes of various dating apps.

Carrie then makes an 'insensitive' comment about Seema 'still putting herself out there' which comes back around when Seema accidentally smashed a photograph of her and Big later in the episode.

Uptown, Charlotte and Harry go to Lisa's husband's birthday party, and the pair seem a little bit awkward before Charlotte charms the crowd with her extensive knowledge of art.

Eeek: Carrie then makes an 'insensitive' comment about Seema 'still putting herself out there' which comes back around when Seema accidentally smashed a photograph of her and Big later in the episode

Out and about: Uptown, Charlotte and Harry go to Lisa's husband's birthday party, and the pair seem a little bit awkward before Charlotte charms the crowd with her extensive knowledge of art

Throughout the episode Charlotte has been trying to organise a dinner party around her pal Lisa, but then is seen scrambling as she tries to diversify her friendship group.

The dinner party never comes into fruition, though, because Lisa realised she had double booked.

It is discovered in this part of the episode that Charlotte has become a board member at the Metropolitan Museum Of Art.

Trying: Throughout the episode Charlotte has been trying to organise a dinner party around her pal Lisa, but then is seen scrambling as she tries to diversify her friendship group

Impressive: It is discovered in this part of the episode that Charlotte has become a board member at the Metropolitan Museum Of Art

Charlotte ran an art gallery back in series one, two and three of SATC before giving up her job when she got married to Trey McDougall (Kyle Machlachan).

Elsewhere in the episode, it is revealed that Stanford Blatch (Willie Garson) has moved to Tokyo to manage one of his clients who is famous on Tik Tok.

He broke the news to Carrie with a letter which was left next to her bed.

In the next scene, Carrie opened the door to Anthony Marentino (Mario Cantone) who tells her that Stanford has also asked him for a divorce.

Way back when: Charlotte ran an art gallery back in series one, two and three of SATC before giving up her job when she got married to Trey McDougall (Kyle Machlachan)

Gone: Elsewhere in the episode, it is revealed that Stanford Blatch (Willie Garson) has moved to Tokyo to manage one of his clients who is famous on Tik Tok

Anthony and Stanford wed in the infamous second film.

The episode ends with Seema and Carrie having sushi together in her apartment.

And Just Like That... comes 23 years after the original TV series debuted - and 11 years since the second movie, with Sarah, Cynthia and Kristin all returning without Kim Cattrall's Samantha Jones.

Filming started in New York City back in June, with production wrapping just weeks ago.

Photos taken from the Paris set caused quite the uproar among fans, as Carrie was spotted kissing a new character, played by Jon Tenney.

Break ups: In the next scene, Carrie opened the door to Anthony Marentino (Mario Cantone) who tells her that Stanford has also asked him for a divorce

And Just Like That: The episode ends with Seema and Carrie having sushi together in her apartment

Last week's episode saw Carrie having to deal with Big's will, where is comes out that he left $1m to his ex wife Natasha Naginsky.

Fans began wildly speculating about the marital status of Carrie and her long-time on-and-off lover Mr. Big (Chris Noth), who finally tied the knot at the end of the first Sex and the City movie.

The trailers released for the new 10-episode series seem to indicate that they're still quite the happy couple, though given their on-and-off history, it's possible they could split at some time in the series.

Still, while promoting the show night on The Late Show with Steven Colbert recently, Cynthia and Kristin essentially confirmed that they filmed 'fake scenes' to throw rabid fans off.

And Just Like That... Episode Three: Last week's episode saw Carrie having to deal with Big's will, where is comes out that he left $1m to his ex wife Natasha Naginsky

'Yes, definitely!' Kristin exclaimed, while Cynthia shook her head with a wry smile and said, 'Absolutely not.'

Colbert pointed at Kristin and said, 'I believe you,' and when Colbert asked again, Cynthia shrugged and conceded, 'It might be true.'

They didn't mention any specific scenes, so it's unclear if the Paris kissing scene with Jon Tenney was 'fake' or not.

Other returning stars include Evan Handler (Harry Goldblatt), David Eigenberg (Steve Brady), and the late Willie Garson, who filmed three episodes as Carrie's longtime friend Stanford Blatch, before passing away from pancreatic cancer in September at age 57.

And Just Like That... was created by Michael Patrick King, based on the books by Candace Bushnell.

And Just Like That... Episode Five airs in the US on HBO Max on Thursday at 12:01 a.m. PT/3:01 a.m. ET. In the UK, the show airs on NOW TV at 8am and Sky Comedy at 8am and 9am and 9pm and 10pm

Anticipated: Fans began wildly speculating about the marital status of Carrie and her long-time on-and-off lover Mr. Big (Chris Noth), who finally tied the knot at the end of the first Sex and the City movie

The latest episode comes as Chris Noth, who played Mr. Big in the hit series faces allegations that he raped and sexually assaulted two women.

The 67-year-old actor emerged in Massachusetts on Wednesday, when he spoke with a photographer to once again deny sexual assault accusations from two women, who aired their allegations in an explosive report in The Hollywood Reporter last week.

When asked for further comment on the matter, Noth simply said: 'You have my statement right? My statement is out, I rest by my statement, I'll now let the chips fall where they may. My statement is my statement, that's all I can give.'

In his statement, Noth denied any accusations that he sexually assaulted two women - although he admitted to having 'consensual encounters' with them, both of which are understood to have taken place while he was in a relationship with his wife, Tara Wilson.

After the photographer suggested that Noth is 'innocent until proven guilty', the actor replied: 'Well yeah, but you know that's the way it is', before saying he 'hopes' that he will get to spend the holidays with his wife of nine years and their two sons.

Killed off: Big was killed off in episode one of the series, two weeks before the actor Chris Noth was hit with allegations that he raped and sexually assaulted two women - which he vehemently denies

The report - which featured allegations from two women using the pseudonyms Zoe, now 40, and Lily, now 31, who claim that Noth raped them in 2004 and 2015, respectively - is said to have left the actor's wife, Tara Wilson, devastated, with sources saying that she is 'very upset' and planning to spend Christmas away from her husband, with whom she shares two sons.

Wilson and Noth share two children: Orion, 13, and Keats, 18 months.

Further speculation about the future of the couple's relationship was prompted this week when DailyMail.com published exclusive images of Wilson, 42, outside the family's home in Sherman Oaks, California, without her wedding ring on, nearly 3,000 miles away from the Berkshires property where her husband is currently staying.

In the wake of The Hollywood Reporter article, on other woman has come forward to accuse Noth of groping her, while actress Zoe Lister-Jones recalled behavior that made her describe him as a 'predator'; he has since lost a planned $12 million deal to sell his tequila brand and was fired from the series The Equalizer.

On Monday evening, the actor's Sex and the City co-stars, Sarah, Cynthia, and Kristin, issued a statement about the accusations made against him, saying: 'We are deeply saddened to hear the allegations against Chris Noth.

'We support the women who have come forward and shared their painful experiences. We know it must be a very difficult thing to do and we commend them for it.'
Jamie Laing has shared a plethora of snaps in a 'photodump' in the wake of what he calls 'the craziest five days of my life'.

Taking to Instagram on Wednesday, the Made In Chelsea star, 28, uploaded an image of his fiancee Sophie Habboo with a nasal cannula after she was rushed to hospital following a 'terrifying' health scare earlier this week.

Among the images, Jamie also posed naked in a bath strew with petals as he reflected on his week which also saw him get engaged to his co-star girlfriend.

Poorly: Jamie Laing, 28, uploaded an image of his fiancee Sophie Habboo with a nasal cannula after she was rushed to hospital following a 'terrifying' health scare earlier this week

Other snaps shared by the reality star sees him sitting at a table opening cards and hugging loved ones during dinner as he shared a snapshot of his life in the run-up to Christmas.

In addition, he uploaded a photo of the couple charging their electric car as they headed on a festive getaway, while another snap saw him showing off his 'Mr Laing' cap to match his fiancee's .

Captioning his post, he penned: 'Its safe to say this has been the craziest 5 days of my life!!!'

Ooh I say! Taking to Instagram on Wednesday, the Made In Chelsea star, also posed naked in a bath strew with petals as he reflected on his week which also saw him get engaged to his co-star girlfriend

It comes after Jamie spoke out about his new fiancee Sophie's 'terrifying' health scare, after the Made In Chelsea beauty was hospitalised earlier this week.

The newly-engaged former Made In Chelsea star, 28, revealed Sophie 'nearly died' after waking up at around 5am 'throwing up' after a weekend celebrating them getting engaged by drinking champagne and eating oysters.

Jamie said he thought she had food poisoning and insisted they hadn't drank 'extortionately' the night before, saying they fell back to sleep before Sophie woke up at 7.15am again being sick.

Busy week: Other snaps shared by the reality star sees him sitting at a table opening cards and hugging loved ones during dinner as he shared a snapshot of his life in the run-up to Christmas

Eventful: Jamie shared a plethora of snaps in a 'photodump' in the wake of what he calls 'the craziest 5 days of my life'

He told Private Parts podcast: 'I clear her up and get her to the bathroom, we go downstairs and her lips are looking a little bit blue.'

But her oxygen levels seriously dropped and her fingers and lips turned blue, with Jamie saying he was 'scared'.

The Candy Kittens founder rushed her to the hospital, which was extremely busy, and he said she was 'crying tears' into her face mask as they waited to be seen.

His and hers: In addition, he uploaded a photo of the couple charging their electric car as they headed on a festive getaway, while another snap saw him showing off his 'Mr Laing' cap to match his fiancee's

Off they go: Sophie was seen sitting in their electric car as they charged it up ahead of their drive

Drama: Captioning his post, he penned: 'Its safe to say this has been the craziest 5 days of my life!!!'

He continued: 'I've never had fear like that in my life ever, we checked her oxygen levels and it was really low.'

Jamie said they spent seven hours in hospital, when his Made In Chelsea fiancee had to be put on a drip as her oxygen levels were 'seriously low'.

He added that they are still unsure what caused her sudden bout of illness, which came just days after they got engaged.

He continued: 'It was the most intense four days I've ever had in my entire life, she was turning blue, blue lips and fingers. I was screaming in there asking if anyone could help us.'

Mystery illness: Jamie said they spent seven hours in hospital, when his Made In Chelsea fiancee had to be put on a drip as her oxygen levels were 'seriously low'

On Monday, Jamie shared a photograph of Sophie sitting in a hospital chair wearing a nasal cannula, sporting her Mrs Laing To Be cap with a pink face mask underneath her chin.

Influencer Jamie captioned his Instagram story: 'Not so well little thing but still wearing the hat,' followed by a heart and laughing emoji.

A nasal cannula is a device used to deliver supplemental oxygen or increased airflow to a person in need of respiratory help.

The Made In Chelsea stars took to their respective Instagram accounts on Saturday morning to share the happy news of their engagement with their followers, as the former heartbreaker announced he 'can't wait to spend the rest of his life' with her.

Delighted Sophie told fans: 'WE ARE GETTING MARRIED!!!!!!!!!!!! I cannot wait to spend the rest of my life with you.'

Mrs Laing To Be! Jamie said the couple are still unsure what caused Sophie's sudden bout of illness, which came just days after they got engaged (pictured)

Sophie, who was wearing a black crop top and distressed jeans, sat on the lap of her husband-to-be as she wrapped her arms around him and gave him a kiss.

Jamie shared a video of his new fiancee wearing a white 'Mrs Laing To Be' cap by Gigi & Olive as she held her hands up to her face, while appearing to hold back tears.

Sophie also shared the same adorable photos on her Instagram with a similar message.
Bobby Norris helped give out booster jabs on Wednesday after training as a volunteer vaccinator.

The TOWIE star, 35, who became a volunteer NHS worker earlier this year, was joined by co-star James Argent, 34, and Love Island's Sharon Gaffka, 25, who received her booster from Bobby.

The reality TV personality revealed that he was very happy with the turnout as people flocked to Wembley to receive their vaccines.

Helping out: TOWIE's Bobby Norris gave Love Island's Sharon Gaffka her Covid booster at Wembley Stadium's vaccine drive on Wednesday after signing up as a volunteer vaccinator

Speaking to The Sun, he said: 'The more jabs in arms we can do, the better. It doesn't matter if it's your first, your second or your booster. Just come.'

James added that he was pleased to see his longtime pal, Bobby, in action as he administered the vaccines.

He said: 'It's important that everyone makes their own decisions. I wanted to get a booster because it makes me feel safer.'

'I know it also makes my parents and grandparents happier to be around me.'

Volunteer: Bobby was also joined by co-star James Argent at the booster drive

Former Islander Sharon revealed: 'I am now triple vaccinated. My brother is a frontline worker as a nurse in the NHS and my mum is clinically vulnerable so for me it's so important that I protect my family and others around me.'

Speaking on her Instagram Story, she later added: 'One thing I didn't expect to come from today, was to get my booster by Bobby Norris!'

Sharon continued: 'I promise he's gentle guys' as Bobby proudly grinned in the background.

Former Islander Sharon detailed: 'I am now triple vaccinated. My brother is a frontline worker as a nurse in the NHS and my mum is clinically vulnerable so for me it's so important'

Surprise! Sharon added: 'One thing I didn't expect to come from today, was to get my booster by Bobby Norris!'

Sharon continued: 'I promise he's gentle guys' as Bobby proudly grinned in the background

Proud friends: Bobby, 35, who became a volunteer NHS worker earlier this year, was joined by James Argent, 34, and the pair also met up with Love Island's Joe Garratt

In February, Bobby trained up with St John Ambulance and completed his training as a Covid-19 Volunteer Vaccinator.

He announced the news on Instagram as he penned: 'Today I completed my training as a COVID-19 Volunteer Vaccinator.

'This pandemic has affected us all in one way or another and after contracting the virus myself over Christmas and finding out first hand just how awful it really is, I decided that once I was better I wanted to do whatever I could to help others.'

Proud: In February, Bobby trained up with St John Ambulance and completed his training as a Covid-19 Volunteer Vaccinator

Training: He announced the news on Instagram as he penned: 'Today I completed my training as a COVID-19 Volunteer Vaccinator

'I'm really looking forward to getting out there and doing my part in supporting the NHS in the rollout of the vaccine.'

Bobby took his training at Stansted airport Radisson Blu hotel and proudly held up his certificate to show he'd passed the course.

During his training Bobby learned how to inject the vaccine and practised injections using a silicone sponge.

Bobby previously told how he still had coronavirus symptoms three weeks after testing positive for the virus last year.
Dawn French has revealed how she was 'very jealous' of her comedy partner Jennifer Saunders following her success with popular sitcom Absolutely Fabulous.

Actress Jennifer, 63, became a household name in the ninties when she starred alongside Joanna Lumley, 75, in the BBC comedy.

Dawn - who is now hugely successful herself - said that she couldn't help but feel envious over the buzz surrounding her friend's show.

Best of friends: Dawn French has revealed how she was 'very jealous' of her comedy partner Jennifer Saunders following her success with popular sitcom Absolutely Fabulous

Jennifer enjoyed individual success in self-written sitcom, while French when on to match her mainstream popularity in rural comedy The Vicar Of Dibley.

The star, 64, added that any jealously she felt was outweighed by the happiness and love that she felt for Jennifer and her success.

At the time, the comedy duo had been set to film another series of French And Saunders when Jennifer went to film Ab Fab with Joannna.

Speaking on Rylan Clark-Neal's RyUnion podcast, she said: 'I got very conflicted about her massive success with Ab Fab you know when your sister does really well at something? 'You're like: 'Oh good for you, good for you f*** you'.

Ab fab! Actress Jennifer, 63, became a household name in the ninties when she starred alongside Joanna Lumley, 75, in the BBC comedy

She added: 'When you love somebody as much as I love Jennifer, the glee and the happiness and the pride overshadows any other stuff it does.'

The comments came after Dawn and Jennifer revealed they are reuniting for supporting roles in a new adaptation of Agatha Christie's Death On The Nile, 14-years after airing the final episode of their iconic sketch show.

The comedy duo play Mrs. Bowers and Marie Van Schuyler respectively in the forthcoming film, which has been overshadowed by the controversy surrounding principal cast-member Armie Hammer.

They will star in the legendary crime-caper after ending their hugely popular BBC show French & Saunders to focus on 'more appropriate material' in 2007, twenty years after its launch turned them into household names.

Iconic: The comments came after Dawn and Jennifer revealed they are reuniting for supporting roles in a new adaptation of Agatha Christie's Death On The Nile, 14-years after airing the final episode of their iconic sketch show

An initial trailer for Death On The Nile finds Jennifer playing wealthy American socialite and kleptomaniac van Schuyler while Dawn takes on the role of her nurse.

The characters were previously immortalised on screen for the 1978 film by Bette Davis and Dame Maggie Smith. Sir Peter Ustinov starred as Poirot.

French and Saunders last appeared on screen together in the 2016 Absolutely Fabulous movie.

Their popular sketch show ran on the BBC from 1987 until 1993 but returned for the occasional Christmas special until 2007.

Reunited: The comedy duo play Mrs. Bowers and Marie Van Schuyler respectively in the forthcoming film

Movie history: Their characters were previously immortalised on screen for the 1978 film version by the legendary Bette Davis and Dame Maggie Smith

Disney is pushing ahead with the release of Death on the Nile despite the ongoing controversy surrounding lead star Armie Hammer in the wake of his rape allegations and cannibalism scandal.

On Tuesday, the latest trailer for Kenneth Branagh's long-delayed film - that cost an estimated $90million to make - was unveiled with a new release date now set for Feb. 11.

However, movie fans were quick to react with outrage and ruthlessly mock the trailer, that appears to have gone to great lengths in the editing suite to minimize Hammer's role in the film.

Old times: French and Saunders became household names thanks to their hugely popular sketch show (pictured), which aired from 1987 to 2007
Tim Burton cut a cool figure as she stepped out to grab a cup of coffee in London's Hampstead on Thursday.

The film director, 63, kept things casual in an all black ensemble as he made his way down the street with a takeaway cup in hand.

Tim bundled up against the cool weather in a long black coat worn over a coordinating black cardigan, top and jeans.

Caffeine fix: Tim Burton cut a cool figure as she stepped out to grab a cup of coffee in London's Hampstead on Thursday

The Edward Scissorhands director finished off his look with a black hat and blue tinted sunglasses.

While he also wore a pair of reading glasses around his neck.

Tim looked in good spirits during the low-key outing as he got his caffeine fix ahead of Christmas.

It comes after Tim took time out from his busy schedule last month to enjoy a casual stroll with a mystery woman in Rome, Italy.

Out and about: The film director, 63, kept things casual in an all black ensemble as he made his way down the street with a takeaway cup in hand

The star looked cool and casual in a black ensemble, consisting of a suit jacket, jeans and trainers, teamed with a fedora hat and reflective sunglasses.

The director of 2010's Alice in Wonderland film appeared in great spirits as he enjoyed a casual stroll in the historic city with a mystery brunette and a cute dog.

Tim has also made headlines for his love life, having begun dating Helena Bonham Carter, 55, in 2001 after meeting on the set of Planet of the Apes.

That's better: Tim enjoyed a long sip of coffee in his festive cup

Cosy: Tim bundled up against the cool weather in a long black coat worn over a coordinating black cardigan, top and jeans

Style: The Edward Scissorhands director finished off his look with a black hat and blue tinted sunglasses

Downtime: The film icon enjoyed a solo outing in Hampstead as he picked up a festive cup of coffee

They share two children, son Billy Ray, 18, and daughter Nell, 13.

Helena went on to star in six of Tim's films - Big Fish, Corpse Bride, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, Alice in Wonderland and Dark Shadows.

However their romance wasn't to be, with the couple announcing their 'amicable separation' in 2014.

Tim was previously married to German artist and special effects technician Lena Gieseke from 1987 to 1991.

There he goes: Tim looked in good spirits during the low-key outing as he got his caffeine fix ahead of Christmas
James Franco has admitted it was 'hurtful' Seth Rogen said he had 'no plans to work with him in the future' after his sexual misconduct accusations came to light.

During a candid conversation, the actor, 43, said he has spoken out now as he 'doesn't want Seth or my brother or anyone to have to answer for him anymore'.

Speaking on the SiriusXM's The Jess Cagle Podcast, James said he 'absolutely loves Seth' who he worked with on films such as Pineapple Express, This is The End and The Interview.

Upset: James Franco has admitted it was 'hurtful' Seth Rogen said he had 'no plans to work with him in the future' after his sexual misconduct accusations came to light (pictured in 2014)

In January of 2018, five women told the Los Angeles Times that Franco had been sexually inappropriate or exploitative with them. One detailed how Franco removed plastic guards from actress' vulvas during a sex scene while simulating oral sex.

Two of the women, Sarah Tither-Kaplan and Toni Gaal, sued Franco in 2019, claimed that he tried to 'create a pipeline of young women who were subjected to his personal and professional sexual exploitation in the name of education' while they attended his Studio 4 acting school.

Franco settled for $2.2 million in July.

Initially, when the allegations came out in 2018, Rogen told Vulture that he would continue to work with Franco.

Hard: During a candid conversation, the actor, 43, said he has spoken out now as he 'doesn't want Seth or my brother or anyone to have to answer for him anymore' (pictured in 2017)

But in May, he publicly revised his position, telling Britain's Sunday Times that he would not.

'I also look back to that interview in 2018 where I comment that I would keep working with James, and the truth is that I have not and I do not plan to right now,' he said.

Speaking on the podcast this week, Franco said he 'absolutely loves' Rogen, whom he worked with for 20 years  but 'what he said is true, you know, we aren't working together right now and we don't have any plans to work together.'

'Of course it was hurtful, you know, in context, but I get it, you know, he had to answer for me cause I was silent,' he went on.

Longtime: Speaking on the SiriusXM's The Jess Cagle Podcast, James said he 'absolutely loves Seth' who he worked with on films such as Pineapple Express, This is The End (pictured in) and The Interview

'He had to answer for me and I don't want that. And so that's why, it's one of the main reasons I wanted to talk to you today is I just, I don't want Seth or my brother or anyone to have to answer for me anymore.'

Elsewhere in the interview James revealed he slept with students at his acting school and felt 'blind to power dynamics' because they were 'consenting adults'.

He spoke about his relationships with students and how he 'cheated on everyone' during a 20-year struggle with sex addiction, four years after he was accused of sexual misconduct.

Speaking on the podcast about his experience, James said that while teaching, he 'did sleep with students, and that was wrong'.

Throwback: The men got to know each other as co-stars on TV's Freaks and Geeks (pictured) and went on to make eight films together

He said: 'I [was] completely blind to power dynamics or anything like that, but also completely blind to people's feelings,'

James confirmed that while he did sleep with students at his acting school he thought it was 'cool' because it was 'consensual' and they were all adults.'

During the discussion, James opened up about how he struggled to stay faithful to anyone and cheated on all of his past girlfriends.

He said: 'I had girlfriends. I could never be faithful to anybody. I cheated on everyone before Isabel.'

Oh dear: In May, Rogen said he has not worked with Franco recently has does not have a plan to do so right now

Franco cited his 20-year battle with sex addiction as the main reason for his rampant adultery, an issue he's been successfully battling for the past five years.

'I was in recovery before, for substance abuse. And there were some issues that I had to deal with that were also related to addiction.

'And so I've really used my recovery background to kind of start examining this and changing who I was,' explained James.

He admitted that he also didn't think about the power dynamics at play when he pursued people he worked with, or those who attended his acting school.

'I [was] completely blind to power dynamics or anything like that, but also completely blind to people's feelings. I didn't wanna hurt people,' he said.

'I'll admit, I did sleep with students,' he said. 'Over the course of my teaching, I did sleep with students. And that was wrong.

'But, like I said, it's not why I started the school. And I wasn't the person who selected the people to be in the class. So it wasn't a master plan on my part, but yes, there were certain instances where, you know what, I was in a consensual thing with a student and I shouldn't have been.

'I suppose at the time my thing was, if it's consensual, OK. Of course I knew, I talked to other people, other teachers, yeah, it's probably not a cool thing. [But] at the time, I was not as clear-headed as I've said. So I guess it just comes down to my criteria: If this is consensual, it's cool. We're all adults,' he said.

Confession: Elsewhere in the interview James revealed he slept with students at his acting school and felt 'blind to power dynamics' because they were 'consenting adults'

When Franco was a teenager he said he was 'addicted to alcohol' and 'got sober when [he] was 17,' but his addictive behaviors would, eventually, flood into other elements of his life.

'Once I couldn't use alcohol to fill that hole, it was like, 'Oh, success, attention, this is great.' I got addicted to validation or success or whatever that is.

'Along the road of trying to get success and climb the top of that mountain, attention from women, success with women also became a huge source of validation for me. The problem with that is, as I'm sure you can guess, is that there's never enough.

'I'm just trying to fill that hole and it never gets filled,' he explained.

He described sex as 'such a powerful drug' and he, unfortunately, 'got hooked on it for 20 more years.'

James continued: 'And the insidious part of that is that I stayed sober from alcohol all that time. So, and I went to meetings all that time. I even tried to sponsor other people.

'And so in my head, it was like, 'Oh, I'm sober. I'm living a spiritual life.' Where on the side, I'm acting out now in all these other ways. And I couldn't see it.'
They made a remarkable comeback to the music scene this year, releasing their first album in 40 years.

But Bjorn Ulvaeus has revealed ABBA's current album Voyage may be their final one as he discussed the future of their music.

During an interview on Thursday's Lorraine, hosted by Andi Peters, the songwriter, 76, also spoke of the time ABBA were considered 'uncool' in the 1980's.

Sad: Bjorn Ulvaeus has revealed ABBA's current album Voyage may be their final one as he discussed the future of their music on Thursday's GMB

As they chatted about the group's big comeback to the charts, Bjorn told how it feels 'good' to be back, admitting the hysteria around the return of ABBA has been somewhat 'overwhelming', adding: 'reactions have been phenomenal'.

However, despite his words, the star hinted that the Swedish group have no plans to get back in the studio.

He explained: 'Well, I'm never gonna say never but I don't think so.

'We've had lots of fan letters of course from all over the world, asking us to make more, from Berlin and Paris and other places... but I think this is the last one.'

Stars: The band made a remarkable comeback to the music scene this year, releasing their first album in 40 years Voyage (L-R: Bjorn Ulvaeus, Agnetha Faltskog, Anni-Frid Lyngstad and Benny Andersson)

Despite this, the chart-topper told that writing their last album was 'inspiring' and that he and bandmates Agnetha Faltskog, Benny Andersson, and Anni-Frid Lyngstad 'didn't know what to expect' when they walked into the studio,

However, things soon came together when the ladies took to the mic and along came 'the unique ABBA sounds'.

Meanwhile, despite ABBA being one of the most popular bands in the world with hits including Dancing Queen, Waterloo and Mamma Mia, Bjorn told of a time that ABBA were not cool.

No way! During an interview on Thursday's Lorraine, hosted by Andi Peters, the songwriter, 76, also spoke of the time ABBA were considered 'uncool' in the 1980's

He said: 'That was at the beginning of the '80s, when people thought we were kind of uncool. But that ended by the end of the '80s and from then on, we've been cool I think!'

Elsewhere, he discussed what it's like being up for a Grammy award and facing fiece competition, with Bjorn noting 'It's fun to be nominated anyway.'

He added that his competitors including Justin Bieber and Lady Gaga are great, especially Lady Gaga as she's 'both a great artist and writer'.

We'll miss you: He said of making new music: 'Well, I'm never gonna say never but I don't think so. We've had lots of fan letters asking us to make more but I think this is the last one'

Abba, who have made a remarkable comeback to the music scene after 40 years, could rake in 'almost 1billion' from a bidding war started by three Las Vegas hotels who are desperate to secure the band's new concert show.

According to reports, MGM Resorts, Caesars Palace and Resorts World are battling it out to come up trumps and host the supergroup's Abbatar concert show, Abba Voyage.

The groundbreaking show kicks off in East London next May and insiders revealed to The Sun that it is hoped the show will move over the pond.

The quartet will appear as digitally created versions of themselves alongside a ten-piece band.

The source said: 'The dream would be for the show to move to the States after its London run and in Vegas, it's believed it could make almost 1billion.

'Plans at the moment are centred around a suggested 2024 opening which would coincide with the 50th anniversary of their Eurovision win and the release of chart-topper Waterloo.

'Abba's appeal is global and it would be a huge showcase to have this new avatar technology on the Vegas Strip.'
Simon Cowell has been forced to delay the release of his children's book series, according to a new report.

The 62-year-old music mogul and his son Eric, seven, have been writing a number of stories together but a combination of Simon's hectic schedule and the COVID-19 pandemic, have put the books on hold.

Simon announced in February 2020 that he and Eric - who he shares with partner Lauren Silverman - had been working on the project titled Wishfits.

Oh dear: Simon Cowell has been forced to delay the release of his children's book series that he wrote with his son Eric (pictured together), according to a new report

But a source has now told The Sun: 'Simon created the Wishfits brand and the books with his son Eric and it was a real passion project for them. They loved working on them together.

'He signed a deal with the publisher Hachette last year and it was supposed to release the first three books by the end of this year, with four more in the pipeline.

'Simon's busy schedule and the delays caused by coronavirus have made it impossible, though.

Family: The music mogul, 62, and Eric, seven, have been writing a number of stories together but a combination of Simon's hectic schedule and the pandemic, have put the books on hold

'The pandemic started to get really serious just before Simon announced the books and it has slowed everything down and made it a nightmare to get done.'

The insider added that Wishfits is still very much 'in the works' and it should be on shelves in 2022.

A representative for Simon has been contacted by MailOnline for a comment.

In February 2020, Simon first announced he and Eric had been working on Wishfits.

He wrote at the time: 'Hello everyone. I wanted to share something exciting my son Eric and I have been working on. I would like to introduce to you #WISHFITS. To begin with, we have announced a seven book deal with @hachettekids today.

'WISHFIT is a world where the most unusual animals exist. The WISHFITS are magical, unusual and have evolved in a weird and wonderful way, combining two different species to form hybrid animals with very distinct characteristics!

Project: Simon announced in February 2020 that he and Eric - who he shares with partner Lauren Silverman - had been working on the project titled Wishfits (pictured in 2018)

'To be able to write a series of books with my son Eric has been magical. (sic)'

The pair are also hoping to turn the books into a TV series, with Simon previously explaining: 'We came up with an idea for a children's book series called Wishfits, which are about all of these animals you combine.

'So you can have half a dog and half a snail which is called a Snog.

'So we are now writing children's books which we hope to make into a TV series.'
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Christmas is just around the corner as homes are all fixed up with garlands and mistletoe for the big day when Santa arrives.

Celebrities have gone all out this year to decorate their Christmas trees as they spend more time in their cozy quarters during lockdown during another COVID-19 surge.

From the Jenners and Kardashians to the queen of Christmas music herself - Mariah Carey - gussied up Christmas trees have been on display on social media for followers to see.

Scroll down for a chance to vote on who has the best tree this year...

Kourtney Kardashian has shown off several of her Christmas trees inside her Calabasas, California mansion that she shares with her three kids - Mason, Penelope, and Reign

Kourtney Kardashian has shown off several of her Christmas trees inside her Calabasas, California mansion that she shares with her three kids - Mason, Penelope, and Reign - as she posed in red lipstick and matching heels.

The trees are over 7 feet tall and are decorated with white lights as well as scarlet red ornaments.

Underneath are red skirts and stuffed toy reindeer with green bags over their backs.

The fiancee of rocker Travis Barker keeps at least three in the round entrance way to her mansion.

The trees are over 7 feet tall and are decorated with white lights as well as scarlet red ornaments

There is more than one tree in her mega home; here is a look at her entrance way

Kim Kardashian is a master at decorating her $60million mansion in Hidden Hills, California during the Yuletime.

The Keeping Up With The Kardashians vet, 41, likes to make it cheerful for the four children she shares with estranged husband Kanye West.

The little ones are North, Saint, Chicago and Psalm.

This year she had large trees with bright white lights in her living room with plastic reindeer nearby.

Kim Kardashian is a master at decorating her $60million mansion in Hidden Hills, California

Dazzling in a skintight white dress with silver jewelry, the star stood next to lit candles while on white carpet

The Keeping Up With The Kardashians vet, 41, likes to make it cheerful for the four children she shares with estranged husband Kanye West

This year she had large trees with bright white lights in her living room with plastic reindeer nearby

Her daughter North got into trouble earlier this month for showing off the decorations on TikTok, causing her to be banned from the app for a time being.

Kim's sister Kylie Jenner has not been much on social media since her partner Travis Scott saw 10 people die as a result of a crush at his Astroworld concert in Houston, Texas in November.

But the Kylie Cosmetics founder did manage to share a look at her tree this year.

The tree had several white lights on it but there did not seem to be too many decorations.

Kylie Jenner has not been much on social media since her partner Travis Scott saw 10 people die as a result of a crush at his Astroworld concert in Houston, Texas in November. But she did manage to share a look at her tree this year

Poll Which celebrity has the best Christmas tree? Kourtney Kardashian Kim Kardashian Kylie Jenner Bethenny Frankel Mariah Carey Nick Cannon John Legend Jessica Chastain Meghan King Lisa Vanderpump Ashley Tisdale Martha Stewart Andy Cohen Which celebrity has the best Christmas tree? Kourtney Kardashian 9 votes

Kim Kardashian 8 votes

Kylie Jenner 4 votes

Bethenny Frankel 4 votes

Mariah Carey 29 votes

Nick Cannon 4 votes

John Legend 10 votes

Jessica Chastain 8 votes

Meghan King 8 votes

Lisa Vanderpump 13 votes

Ashley Tisdale 11 votes

Martha Stewart 31 votes

Andy Cohen 28 votes Now share your opinion





Skinnygirl founder Bethenny Frankel was seen posing next to a bright pink tree.

It had fun decorations such as a birthday cake, ballerina, Mickey Mouse head, silver globe, snowman and gingerbread man.

The RHONY vet was sitting next to her daughter Bryn.

The pair, who live in New York City, are spending their holidays in Aspen, Colorado.

Mariah Carey has become the queen of Christmas music as her hit song from 1994, All I Want For Christmas, has been downloaded 1billion times this season.

So naturally the songbird would do her home up right with a massive tree.

This week the ex of Nick Cannon showed off her tree on social media when she was with her twins Moroccan and Monroe.

Also present were their two small dogs.

Meanwhile, Cannon was see in front of his tree. The TV star had on a Santa hat as well as green top and red slacks with sunglasses on.

He was posing with one of his children, named Powerful Queen, age one, who was in a dress and headband as well her mom Brittany Bell, who is Nick's ex.

The photo credit was for Jenna Artzer.

John Legend shared an image of a tree inside his house that was done up beautifully.

The olive tree had pale pink bulbs all over it as well as twinkling lights that went nicely with the butter yellow decor in the home he shares with wife, model and cookbook author Chrissy Teigen.

In front of the tree proudly stood his daughter Luna.

Bethenny Frankel was seen posing next to a bright pink tree with fun decorations. The RHONY vet was sitting next to her daughter Bryn

On the tree were fun decorations such as a birthday cake, ballerina, Mickey Mouse head, silver globe, snowman and gingerbread man

Jessica Chastain looked to be in a Christmas mood when standing by her tree.

The Eyes of Tammy Faye actress wore a red and beige outfit that made her look like a candy cane as she held up a gift.

Behind her was her glorious tree that had white, red and green ornaments on it. There was also a gold butterfly and mini Nutcracker on the tree.

Mariah Carey has become the queen of Christmas music as her hit song from 1994, All I Want For Christmas, has been downloaded 1billion times this season. So naturally the songbird would do her home up right with a massive tree

. This week the ex of Nick Cannon showed off her tree on social media when she was with her twins Moroccan and Monroe. Also present were their two small dogs

She also posted this photo where she held up an ornament of herself in a Santa suit

Meghan King, 37, looked blissful in front of her white tree that looked frosted with fake snow as white balls made their accents.

The Real Housewives Of Orange County vet had on a black top with her blonde hair down and red lipstick on as she held her three children Aspen, Hays and Hart.

Their father is Jim Edmonds whom she was wed to from 2014 until 2021.

King is now married to President Joe Biden's nephew Cuffe Biden Owens, 42.

Meanwhile, Cannon was see in front of his tree. The TV star had on a Santa hat as well as green top and red slacks with sunglasses on. He was posing with one of his children, named Powerful Queen, age one, who was in a dress and headband as well her mom Brittany Bell, his ex

Lisa Vanderpump, who used to be on the show Real Housewives Of Beverly Hills, offered a glimpse of her special tree.

The tree had pink and white balls all over for a very Los Angeles look.

The British star held up a glass of white wine as she flashed her pearly whites while her hair fell over her cream colored sweater.

John Legend shared an image of a tree inside his house that was done up beautifully. The olive tree had pale pink bulbs all over it as well as twinkling lights that went nicely with the butter yellow decor in the home he shares with wife, model and cookbook author Chrissy Teigen

Ashley Tisdale gave a glimpse of her tree.

The High School Musical actress, 36, took a snapshot of her child - Jupiter Iris French - in front of her tree at home.

The ornaments ranged from a red ball to a bird to a fireplace.

There were wrapped gifts below the tree and a green skirt.

Martha Stewart has a knack for making a home look its very best so it's not a surprise she has a supremely elegant tree.

The cookbook author posted a photo of her tree to social media this month and it's a dazzler.

Jessica Chastain looked to be in a Christmas mood when standing by her tree. The Eyes of Tammy Faye actress wore a red and beige outfit that made her look like a candy cane as she held up a gift

It may be short, but it's perfectly proportioned and full of twinkling lights, it is easily in the top 10.

Bravo star Andy Cohen had a fun tree to show off this year.

His was filled with blue lights with red, gold, pink and white balls everywhere. There were also several presents under the tree.

And in his image he smiled at the camera as he held his little son.

In his caption the Real Housewives producer noted he was in Los Angeles.

Meghan King, 37, looked blissful in front of her white tree that looked frosted with fake snow as white balls made their accents. The Real Housewives Of Orange County vet had on a black top with her blonde hair down and red lipstick on as she held her three children Aspen, Hays and Hart

Of course the best Christmas tree of all is the one located in New York City's Rockefeller Center.

In early December, tens of thousands of people flocked to watch the Rockefeller Center's Christmas tree lights get switched on in the biggest gathering on the streets of NYC since COVID-19 hit.

Mayor Bill de Blasio, Rob Speyer, Craig Melvin, Savannah Guthrie, Hoda Kotb and Al Roker lit the tree during the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony.

And the Radio City Rockettes performed in red and green outfits.

This year's Christmas tree is an 85-year-old Norway Spruce.

Lisa Vanderpump, who used to be on the show Real Housewives Of Beverly Hills, offered a glimpse of her special tree. The tree had pink and white balls all over for a very Los Angeles look

Ashley Tisdale gave a glimpse of her tree. The High School Musical actress, 36, took a snapshot of her child - Jupiter Iris French - in front of her tree at home

It arrived in New York city on November 13 after making the 140-mile trek from Elkton, Maryland.

The 2021 switch-on did not have any Covid restrictions, although police did have to temporarily close off the surrounding streets for crowd control.

This year's tree had 50,000 multicolored LED lights that were wrapped around its branches.

And the Christmas tree was affixed with a three-dimensional star, weighing nearly 900 pounds.

Martha Stewart has a knack for making a home look its very best so it's not a surprise she has a supremely elegant tree. The cookbook author posted a photo of her tree to social media this month and it's a dazzler

Bravo star Andy Cohen had a fun tree to show off this year. His was filled with blue lights with red, gold, pink and white balls everywhere. There were also several presents under the tree. And in his image he smiled at the camera as he held his little son

The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree is a large Christmas tree placed annually in Rockefeller Center, in Midtown Manhattan, New York City, United States.

The tree is put in place in mid November and lit in a public ceremony on the Wednesday evening following Thanksgiving.

The tree will be lit daily from from 6am-12am.

On Christmas Day, the Tree is lit for 24 hours and on New Years Eve it is lit from 6am to 9pm.

Of course the best Christmas tree of all is the one located in New York City's Rockefeller Center. In early December, tens of thousands of people flocked to watch the Rockefeller Center's Christmas tree lights get switched on
Four-time Emmy winner Conan O'Brien rocked a cowboy hat and a black puffer vest for a family stroll through Aspen, CO on Wednesday afternoon.

The 58-year-old comedian was joined by his wife Liza Powel, with whom he'll celebrate an impressive 20 years of marriage on January 12.

Conan originally met the 51-year-old former copywriter 'in the year 2000' when she appeared in an advertising skit for his NBC talk show, Late Night.

Yee-haw! Four-time Emmy winner Conan O'Brien rocked a cowboy hat and a black puffer vest for a family stroll through Aspen, CO on Wednesday afternoon

O'Brien was also joined for a day of shopping by his daughter Neve, but there was no sign of his 16-year-old son Beckett.

The 18-year-old Marlborough School senior - sporting a white The North Face puffer coat - has reportedly already been accepted into Yale University's class of 2026.

The Boston-born funnyman and Neve both made sure to protect themselves and others from the coronavirus by wearing face masks.

As of Thursday, there have reportedly been 2,660 new COVID-19 cases in Colorado and 31 new deaths - mostly due to the fast-spreading omicron variant.

Still going strong! The 58-year-old comedian was joined by his wife Liza Powel (L), with whom he'll celebrate an impressive 20 years of marriage on January 12

Bonding before the holidays: Conan was also joined for a day of shopping by his daughter Neve (R), but there was no sign of his 16-year-old son Beckett

Congrats! The 18-year-old Marlborough School senior - sporting a white The North Face puffer coat - has reportedly already been accepted into Yale University's class of 2026

And while 8.8M vaccine doses have been administered worldwide, there have been an eye-popping 5.3M deaths since 2020 - according to Johns Hopkins University.

The John F. Kennedy Presidential Library board member will appear in Ashton Gleckman's 10-episode docu-series Kennedy - due out fall 2022 - which is currently in post-production.

'I spoke to Conan O'Brien at his studio in Los Angeles,' the 21-year-old filmmaker and composter told Carmel Monthly Magazine back in June.

'What many people don't know about him is that he went to Harvard [University] and studied literature and history. He is a full-on historian as well as being one of the funniest guys in the world.

'Scoring is officially in motion!' The John F. Kennedy Presidential Library board member will appear in Ashton Gleckman's 10-episode docu-series Kennedy - due out fall 2022 - which is currently in post-production (pictured December 15)

The 21-year-old filmmaker and composter told Carmel Monthly Magazine in June: 'What many people don't know about him is that he went to Harvard [University] and studied literature and history. He is a full-on historian as well as being one of the funniest guys in the world. There were a lot of similarities between Conan and Kennedy'

'There were a lot of similarities between Conan and Kennedy - it was a really exciting interview.'

Conan - who's launching a weekly variety series on HBO Max in 2022 - also hosts his weekly Team Coco podcast Conan O'Brien Needs a Friend.

O'Brien - who used to write for SNL and The Simpsons - hosted late-night talk shows for nearly 28 consecutive years ending on June 24 when he taped his final episode of TBS' Conan.

Not retired yet! O'Brien - who's launching a weekly variety series on HBO Max in 2022 - also hosts his weekly Team Coco podcast Conan O'Brien Needs a Friend (pictured interviewing Quentin Tarantino on December 15)
She split from Scott Disick in September, after dating for 11 months.

And Amelia Hamlin appeared to throw shade at her 38-year-old ex boyfriend in a pointed Instagram caption she posted on Wednesday.

The 20-year-old model reflected on the year 2021, noting that it was the 'year that I completely lost my sense of self.'

Interesting statement: She split from Scott Disick in September, after dating for 11 months. And Amelia Hamlin appeared to throw shade at her ex boyfriend in a pointed Instagram caption she posted on Wednesday

Amelia shared several images and videos of herself from the past year, writing: '2021... the year of the bleached brow & dreams coming true... the year that I completely lose my sense of self... not knowing that I would reclaim it even more authentically.'

She continued: 'The year that I went to New York and never left. Thank you 2021... Thank you to everyone that made my dreams come true.. U know who u r!!! I LOVE YOU!!!!' with hearts and heart eye emojis.

Amelia shared images of her bleached brows process, which were originally done for the Richard Quinn runway show during London Fashion Week in September.

Her shade toward father of three Scott comes just days after he was seen enjoying a holiday to St.Barts with on/off fling model Bella Banos.

Former: The 20-year-old model reflected on the year 2021, noting that it was the 'year that I completely lost my sense of self;' seen with Scott over the summer

Memories: Amelia shared several images and videos of herself from the past year, writing: '2021... the year of the bleached brow & dreams coming true... the year that I completely lose my sense of self... not knowing that I would reclaim it even more authentically

Wild and free: Amelia shared a video of herself running around the city rocking her bleached eyebrows

Amelia and Scott were first linked in October 2020 when they went to Kendall Jenner's birthday party.

They made their relationship Instagram official in February while on holiday in Miami after being seen out together on multiple occasions.

In August 2021, their relationship hit a rocky patch when Scott appeared to blast his ex Kourtney Kardashian for her public PDA sessions with Travis Barker.

Striking: Another one showed Amelia rocking yellow tinted sunglasses

Unique: The star wore a ski mask for another mirror selfie

BTS: Amelia shared a behind the scenes image from a runway show

The way we were: Amelia memorable called him her 'Dream Man'

Scott allegedly set snide messages sent to her former love Younes Bendjima - who was less than pleased at the exchange - in August 2021.

The Flip It Like Disick star, who begrudgingly gave Kourtney and Travis his 'blessing' on their relationship months prior, hit out at steamy snaps of the mother of his kids and the Blink 182 star, in messages leaked by Younes on Instagram.

Younes put the Talentless designer on blast as he shared a screengrab of the alleged direct message he received, which read: 'Yo is this chick ok!????', accompanied by a DailyMail.com photo of Kourtney and Travis making out in Italy.

'Yo is this chick ok!??? Broo like what is this. In the middle of Italy,' he wrote as he sent a photo of Kourtney kissing and straddling the Blink-182 drummer on an inflatable boat.

Younes  despite being 10 years younger than Scott  exuded more maturity about his ex's happiness in the alleged private conversation as he responded back: 'Doesn't matter to me as long as she's happy PS: I ain't your bro.'

And as the duo do not follow each other on Instagram (per the screenshot) Scott would have had to go out of his way to message Younes about their shared ex's relationship.

Making it very clear that he and Scott were never on good terms, Younes continued to write: 'Keep the same energy you had about me publicly, privately.'

Kourtney dated model Younes on and off from 2016 until finally splitting in early 2018; she went on to date longtime pal Travis, 46.

Yikes: Scott allegedly set snide messages sent to her former love Younes Bendjima - who was less than pleased at the exchange - in August 2021

Travis and Kourtney got engaged in October in Santa Barbara after a whirlwind 10 month romance; their love goes strength to strength.

At the time, a source said the public embarrassment of the alleged leaked DMs led to a 'rough patch' with Amelia not happy with him, per People.

One month later, Amelia called it quits with Scott after 11 months of dating.

Amelia posted a pointed quote after their split, with fans assuming she was talking about Scott and their relationship.

She shared the quote: 'Never settle for less. Not with your job, your friends, and especially not with your heart. Continue to seek what you are looking for and do not shrink

Model behavior: Amelia shared images of her bleached brows process, which were originally done for the Richard Quinn runway show during London Fashion Week; seen September 21, 2021 in London at the Richard Quinn s/s 22 show at the Londoner Hotel in London

Close up: Amelia also shared a snap of crackers, butter and a beverage as well

Amelia is reportedly ready to date someone new, three months after their romance came to an end.

The model, who is the daughter of Lisa Rinna and Harry Hamlin, is 'not opposed to dating someone in the spotlight. And age is not a problem for her. She can date someone younger for someone older. It's not a deal-breaker,' People's source revealed Monday.

Prior to Amelia, Scott dated Sofia Richie, 23, for three years.
Big Bang Theory star Kunal Nayyar took to Instagram on Wednesday to celebrate his 10-year wedding anniversary to wife Neha Kapur.

The actor, 40, best known as the nerdy Dr. Raj Koothrappali on the popular series, posted a sweet video of the Indian beauty, 37, swaying along to the sounds of music playing in the background, along with a heartwarming message.

'We may be unconventional, but I remembered how we promised to not live our lives according to someone else's version of it,' the star began his post.

10 years! Big Bang Theory star Kunal Nayyar, 40, took to Instagram on Wednesday to celebrate his 10-year wedding anniversary to wife Neha Kapur, 37, by posting a sweet message

The English born actor continued, 'Cheers to you, champion, partner, best friend. Whatever is to come, I am lucky we have tomorrow. Happy 10th.'

Kapur can be seen giving the camera a wide smile while showing off her toned arms in a stylish spaghetti strap dress.

Mad Men actress Christina Hendricks chimed in with praise for Nayyar's wife, who is a former Miss India 2006, writing, 'What a beauty!'

Celebrating: The actor wrote, 'Cheers to you, champion, partner, best friend. Whatever is to come, I am lucky we have tomorrow. Happy 10th'

The catwalk queen and actress also celebrated the special occasion with her own post.

The 5ft10in model shared two sweet portraits of the couple and wrote a poetic message on Instagram.

'Like rivers.. we chose our own paths and come back to merge as one,' adding, 'Happy 10 my love.'

Still in love: His stunning wife also celebrated the special occasion with her own post and shared two photos of the couple together

In one of the photos the raven-haired beauty looks flawless as she's seen rocking a cheetah print blazer and sunglasses as well as a big diamond rock on her wedding finger.

While in another more artistic black and white photo Nayyar stands in front of a floor-length mirror, with Kapur standing behind him and taking the snap with her phone.

The happy couple have been married since December 2011, and had a lavish wedding ceremony in Delhi.

Artistic! The former Miss India posted a black and white portrait with her husband standing in front of a floor-length mirror, with her behind him taking the snap with her phone

The British-Indian actor gushed about meeting his wife in a 2015 interview with Vogue India.

'We saw a lot of signs that we were meant to be together,' he said.

The actor explained that he knew Kapur was the right one for him because for the first time ever he felt like he loved someone more than himself.

'I knew in the first 10 days that I'd never met anyone like this before. There was this comfort Id never felt, Id never met anyone that Id loved more than myself. And thats when I knew,' he shared.
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Michelle Rodriguez hit the white sand beach of Tulum, Mexico again on Wednesday afternoon after landing in the luxurious location several days ago.

The Fast & Furious star, 43, was showing off her very toned and lean figure as she modeled a light peach bikini while walking up the shore in a Bond girl moment reminiscent of Halle Berry's scene from 2002's 007 caper Die Another Day.

The San Antonio, Texas native was also seen with a blonde beauty who had fun playing ping pong with the Girlfight actress on the shore before having a cozy chat side-by-side on a wood lounge chair.

South of the border this December: Michelle Rodriguez hit the white sand beach of Tulum, Mexico again on Wednesday afternoon after landing in the luxurious location several days ago

In the swim: The Fast & Furious star, 43, was showing off her very toned and lean figure as she modeled a light peach bikini while walking on the shore and then going for a dip in the ocean

It is not known if the actress and the mystery woman are just friends or something more. But earlier this week they were seen with their arms wrapped around each other.

Michelle seemed to be very at ease as she swam for a while, getting her brunette hair soaking wet while burning calories.

At one point she played a game of ping pong with her female friend. They did not have a proper table and rather played over the sand.

Her inspiration: The star was enjoying a fun Bond girl moment reminiscent of Halle Berry's scene from 2002's 007 caper Die Another Day as she modeled a peach colored bikini while walking up a beach

Trying to keep her bottoms: The star pulled up her briefs after being pushed around by the strong waves

Did she find a pretty little shell? The star looked at her hand after adjusting her bikini bottoms

The ladies used hot pink and yellow paddles as they volleyed the same ball back and forth with mixed results.

Her travel companion modeled a flattering cheetah-print swimsuit, which highlighted her incredibly toned midriff.

Earlier Michelle had also been spotted with what looked to be the same companion as they held hands while taking a dip in the ocean.

This time Michelle rocked a black bikini while her female friend coordinated in a black and white bandeau bikini.

The two ladies looked to have a blast together as they frolicked in the waves and held hands while chatting throughout the day.

Pals: The movie star was also seen with a blonde beauty who had fun playing with the Girlfight actress on the shore

Let's play: At one point she played a game of ping pong with her female friend. They did not have a proper table and rather played over the sand

Ping me: The ladies used hot pink and yellow paddles as they volleyed the same ball back and forth with mixed results

Chic set: Her travel companion modeled a flattering cheetah-print swimsuit, which highlighted her incredibly toned midriff

Rodriguez, who revealed she was bisexual in 2013, has previously been romantically linked to Zac Efron, Cara Delevingne, Aleksandra Rastovic, Vin Diesel and more.

She first revealed she was bisexual in November 2013 during an interview with Out Magazine.

Two years later, she opened up about struggling to maintain long-term relationships because she is a 'lone wolf.'

'I run by myself on most things. I've got lots of really great friends, but the thought of being in a long-lasting relationship? Psh, I couldn't last more than six months with somebody,' she told Interview magazine.

Speaking of whether she wants children, at the time, Rodriguez said: 'I just want that unconditional love, the kind you get with a family member. You might get lucky enough to find that unconditional love in a friend or a lover, but it's very rare.'

'So if I ever have a kid, it'd be so that I could look in those eyes and know that this child is a piece of me and will love me the same way I love [him or her], but I think that's selfish of me,' the performer added.

Meanwhile her career is still sizzling hot.

In April she said she wants the Fast & Furious film series to crossover with Jurassic World.

The actress stars in the action series as Letty Ortiz and says she is 'all in' on a possible crossover with Jurassic World as both franchises are distributed by Universal.

Her views: Rodriguez, who revealed she was bisexual in 2013, has previously been romantically linked to Zac Efron, Cara Delevingne, Aleksandra Rastovic, Vin Diesel and more

Lone: She opened up about struggling to maintain long-term relationships because she is a 'lone wolf.' 'I run by myself on most things. I've got lots of really great friends, but the thought of being in a long-lasting relationship? Psh, I couldn't last more than six months with somebody,' she told Interview magazine.

Her future: Speaking of whether she wants children, at the time, Rodriguez said: 'I just want that unconditional love, the kind you get with a family member. You might get lucky enough to find that unconditional love in a friend or a lover, but it's very rare'

Asked about the prospect at a press conference to discuss F9, Michelle said: 'I love it, dude! I'm all in! We were talking about this yesterday. It's so funny, but I was talking about this yesterday. Because once you reach a certain pinnacle, there's nowhere to go but to a cross-brand and merge.

'It's what big corporations do with each other when they get too big, you know what I mean? You just have to brand and merge with each other.'

The Avatar actress continued: 'But the only thing standing in the way is lawyers, and studios. Because usually the brands that you're trying to merge belong to different studios or whatever.

'But if it's under the same umbrella? I don't know. I'm just saying it works.'

F9 director Justin Lin also suggested that he would be open to a crossover between the two film series.

Smoke break: After the ping pong game the two sat on a wood lounge chair where Michelle enjoyed a cigarette

He said: 'Well, I'll never say never to anything. And the fact that part of our philosophy is not ever to be boxed in or labelled... that's all I will say.'

Michelle previously revealed her happiness that a female writer had been added to the Fast & Furious franchise as she had campaigned for to get a woman included in the writer's room as she thinks it's important that the female characters 'get some love.'

She said: 'Super grateful that they were open to it. I wanted a female writer. I wanted all the females in Fast & Furious to get some love. The thing is, is that all the guys are focused on the guys, period.

'And so I just know that if I bring up a female writer and she might care a little more about the female story.'

Do you know Michelle's mystery woman? Email tips@dailymail.com
Sex and the City stand-in Heather Kristin recalled Chris Noth's 'toxic' behavior on set of the original HBO show in an updated essay published on Thursday.

Kristin, who says she stood in for Kristin Davis' character Charlotte for four seasons of the show, originally wrote about an 'alpha male actor' who was wildly offensive to female cast members in a viral essay published in February 2021.

Just last week, The Hollywood Reporter published allegations of sexual assault against the star from two women who used the pseudonyms Zoe, now 40, and Lily, now 31.

Trouble: Just last week, The Hollywood Reporter published allegations of sexual assault against Chris Noth from two women who used the pseudonyms Zoe, now 40, and Lily, now 31

Sex and the City stand-in Heather Kristin (far left with Kristin Davis) recalled Chris Noth's 'toxic' behavior on set of the original HBO show in an updated essay published on Thursday; seen on Instagram

In the report, both accusers claim that Noth had sex with them from behind in front of a mirror, with the first attack allegedly taking place in 2004, while the second reportedly occurred in 2015, three years after Noth married his wife, Tara Wilson, with whom he has two children.

Noth has vehemently denied all allegations of sexual assault, but he's admitted to having 'consensual encounters' with both of his accusers.

Kristin's original essay was titled: 'I was Charlotte's stand-in on Sex and the City. Some of the behavior I saw still shocks me'

Kristin's original essay was titled: 'I was Charlotte's stand-in on Sex and the City. Some of the behavior I saw still shocks me.'

In the new piece where she named Noth, she wrote: 'I remember his toxic behavior all too vividly.'

She added: 'The first time the 'alpha male' actor slid his hand down my back and over my butt, I flinched. I was in my mid-20s and had worked as an extra on movie sets for over a decade; I had never been manhandled. 'That's your spot, sweetie,' Noth said, inching even closer.'

After that first interaction, Kristin made a note to stay as far away from Noth as possible and out of his path while working.

'My gut said to quit that first day,' she wrote. 'Instead, I stayed too long, like staying in a bad relationship for far too many years, hoping I'd persevere and land my big break.'

She recalled another terrible memory working with Cynthia Nixon's stand-in when Noth made a remark: 'I want that one tied up, gagged and brought to my trailer.'

'My gut said to quit that first day,' she wrote. 'Instead, I stayed too long, like staying in a bad relationship for far too many years, hoping I'd persevere and land my big break' (pictured with star Sarah Jessica Parker)

She also wrote, 'When he got near me, I balled up my fists, squared my shoulders and said, "This is my and her space." He backed up, dramatically putting his hands up in the air and said, "Whoa, there, little lady!" He didn't even know my name. I clenched my jaw and didn't respond. The crew laughed. But I had had enough; I finally stood up for myself and for the other stand-in.'

The Los Angeles Police Department is not investigating Noth 'at this point' on claims that he raped a woman in his LA apartment in 2004, after she and a second accuser came forward with allegations of sexual assault against the actor.

Deadline had previously reported that the actor was indeed under investigation, citing LAPD sergeant Bruce Borihanh as saying, 'We are still looking into the nature of the report and trying to narrow down where, when and if where the report was filed.'

His 'recently retained' lawyer Andrew Brettler told Deadline that the actor has not yet been contacted by law enforcement, but that he plans to 'cooperate fully ... if anyone does reach out.'

Chris and wife Tara Wilson had their first son in 2008, got engaged in 2009, and married in Hawaii in 2012. Their second son arrived in early 2020; seen in December

Both women said that the recent publicity surrounding the Sex and the City reboot 'stirred painful memories' of their encounters with Noth and 'triggered' them to go public with their claims.

In a statement to The Hollywood Reporter, Noth admitted that he had 'consensual encounters' with the two women, but he strongly denied any accusations that he assaulted them.

'The accusations against me made by individuals I met years, even decades, ago are categorically false,' the statement reads.

'These stories couldve been from 30 years ago or 30 days ago  no always means no  that is a line I did not cross. The encounters were consensual. Its difficult not to question the timing of these stories coming out. I dont know for certain why they are surfacing now, but I do know this: I did not assault these women.'
He's set to grace television screens on Celebrity Dinner Date next week.

And Jack Fincham, 30, teased his 1.9million Instagram followers by hinting that he'd met 'the one' on the show on Instagram on Thursday.

The former Love Island star will appear on the same series as his ex Chloe Brockett, which will see the stars go on blind dates in a bid to find love.

Loved up? Jack Fincham, 30, teased his 1.9 million Instagram followers he'd met 'the one' on Instagram on Thursday ahead of his episode of Celebrity Dinner Date next week

Jack, who split from Chloe in May this year after they were first linked in 2019 following his split from Dani Dyer, wrote online: 'My episode of celebrity dinner date airs next week on Tuesday 28 December on @itvbe @itv.

'Was such fun to film and I met some lovely people dont miss it! Never know, I could of met the one.'

TOWIE star Chloe, 21, will appear on the episode ahead of Jack on 27 December, while Jack's fellow Love Island alum Georgia Steel, 23, will also feature on the mini-series.

Romance: The former Love Island star will appear on the same series as his ex Chloe Brockett, which will see the stars go on blind dates in a bid to find love

Jack's post comes after his ex Casey Ranger, who is mother to their 23-month-old daughter Blossom, accused him of not seeing their daughter for eight months.

Casey shared a lengthy Instagram post last Thursday as she responded to a recent podcast in which Jack claimed he 'really wanted to be involved' in raising his child.

Vowing to get 'her side of the story out', Casey claimed that Jack had stopped contacting her without any explanation and had not seen their daughter since April 14.

She explained: 'I feel I've worked so hard to get to the place where I'm at mentally and I wasn't even sure if I should give any of this my energy. Deep down I have nothing to prove and I'm ok with being misunderstood.

'I am ok with people passing judgements based on false narratives. I am ok with people labelling me the "bitter mum". I am ok with knowing that lies are being told about me and I am ok with being the topic of malicious gossip.

'My focus is on me, my healing, my daughter and our futures...'

Stepping out: TOWIE star Chloe is set to appear on the show following her split from Jack in May, with the couple first being linked in 2019

Detailing her experience of being trolled over her public war of words with Jack in recent months, she added: 'I have at times had to share some of the most private details about me and my life with complete strangers to then be judged and misunderstood in the hopes that people would see through the lies, the manipulation and the gaslighting.'

She then clarified: 'With regards to his relationship with Blossom, it's true - he hasn't seen her since April 14. On March 6 this year, after having zero contact with Jack for months on end, he reached out to me for the first time. Then on March 7 I invited Jack round so he could see Blossom for the first time in nine months.

'At that moment in time we were very deep in family court proceedings and I suggested we work on our friendship aside from the court and for him to be a part of Blossom's life.

'We then agreed that he would see Blossom on a weekly basis, we agreed that he would come round every Thursday and I made it clear that he was more than welcome to pop round at any time to see his daughter.

'During this time, I believed we was on the right path to him building a bond/relationship with Blossom and us building a positive friendship.'

Yet Casey claimed that Jack failed to see his daughter, penning: 'However, during the very short space of time that he was in her life (this time around) he had already let her down a couple of times and I let it go due to having a heart and this deep sense of hoping that things would work out for the better, for the sake of his and Blossom's relationship.

Her side: Speaking out: Jack's post comes after his ex Casey Ranger accused the star of not seeing his daughter in eight months, saying he needs to 'take accountability' for his absence

'But as mama who has her daughter's best interests at heart, I acknowledged it with Jack, I noted it in my mind and carried on as normal.'

Casey then claimed that Jack had invited her to his brother's birthday party but later stopped mentioning it again. She claimed that once she asked if the event was still going ahead, he then ceased all contact with her.

She alleged: 'That was the last time I heard from him and that was the last time he saw my daughter on April 14, 2021, the day he come round with his mum and his sister.

'He stopped contacting me and most importantly he stopped turning up to see his daughter with zero explanation.'

Casey stated that Jack's mother blocked her number and stated: 'I am in no way responsible for her not having a relationship with Blossom. These people really need to take accountability for their actions rather than trying to shift the blame onto me to suit their false realities.'

She concluded: 'The truth is, we all have a story, we all have our own struggles and we all have unhealed trauma. I too have my own struggles with anxiety and depression and have done for years. I too have also had my own struggles with drugs in the past.

'This is not something that I have never shared publicly and it's not because I'm ashamed, it's because it's painful and it's so far from the person who I am today.

'If I'm honest it makes me feel sad when I revisit those places because I am reminded of the lost soul that I used to be and for some reason, it really hurts. My daughter saved my life.

'One day I would like to share my struggles with you, but for now my focus is on my healing, my daughter and preparing for university x'
Helen Hunt escaped the rain in a bright yellow coat after grabbing lunch with a friend in Bel-Air.

The What Women Want actress, 58, was spotted dashing into her car, bundled up in camouflage print trousers and rain gear, after meeting with a pal on Wednesday.

Once inside, Helen removed her hoodie and black face mask as she settled behind the wheel of her car.

Raining cats and dogs! Helen Hunt escaped the rain in a bright yellow coat after grabbing lunch with a friend in Bel-Air on Wednesday

The outing comes several days after Helen showed her support for actress Zoe Lister-Jones, who called Chris Noth a 'sexual predator' after the actor was accused of rape by two women in an explosive report in The Hollywood Reporter. Noth admitted he had a 'consensual encounters' with both of the women but strongly denied any accusations he had assaulted them.

Helen, who played Noth's wife in the 2000 film Cast Away, commented on Zoe's statement with a heart emoji.

Zoe, who is known for her work on Life in Pieces, began her statement: 'Last week, my friend asked me how I felt about Mr. Big's death on And Just Like That, and I said honestly, I felt relieved,' she wrote, referring to Noth's role on Sex and the City and its spin-off.

'He asked why, and I told him it was because I couldn't separate the actor from the man, and the man is a sexual predator.

Safe and sound: Once inside, Helen removed her hoodie and black face mask as she settled behind the wheel of her car

Making her exit: Hunt dashed through the drizzle in camouflage print trousers

'My friend was alarmed at my word choice. And to be honest, so was I.

'I hadn't thought of the man in so many years, and yet there was a virility to my language that came from somewhere deep and buried.'

Lister-Jones then explained: 'In my twenties, I worked at a club in New York that Chris Noth owned and on the few occasions, he would show up, he was consistently sexually inappropriate with a fellow female promoter.'

'That same year, I was a guest star on Law and Order, and it was his first episode returning as a detective after "SATC,"'

Speaking up: The outing comes several days after Helen showed her support for actress Zoe Lister-Jones, who called Chris Noth a 'sexual predator' after the actor was accused of rape by two women in an explosive report in The Hollywood Reporter

'He was drunk on set,' she alleged in her statement, noting: 'During my interrogation scene he had a 22 ounce beer under the table that he would drink in between takes.

'In one take, he got close to me, sniffed my neck and whispered, "You smell good."

'I didn't say anything. My friend at the club never said anything. It's so rare that we do.'

'Part of being a woman in this world is taking a certain amount of pride in knowing how to handle yourself in these situations,' she continued.

'In denying their impact as a means of survival. And burying the feelings that come with the transgressions that we have been taught are simply to be expected.

'My experiences are small in comparison to the accounts of assault that have so bravely been shared today.

'Navigating predation at any level is a burden all woman have to bear. And for the most part there is no accountability and no consequence.

'Chris Noth capitalized on the fantasy that women believe Mr. Big represented,' she alleged, concluding: 'F*** Mr. Big.'

Showing her support: Helen, who played Noth's wife in the 2000 film Castaway, commented on Zoe's statement with a heart emoji

Lister-Jones guest starred on Law and Order: Criminal Intent in 2005, the first year Noth returned to the series following the original run of Sex and the City, in an episode entitled Diamond Dogs.

It was unclear which club she claims Noth was 'sexually inappropriate' at. According to Page Six, Noth co-owns The Cutting Room in Manhattan and was an investor in The Plumm, which closed in 2009.

A third woman has since come forward and accused Noth of allegedly groping her at a Manhattan restaurant in 2010 when she was 18. The unnamed 30-year-old Canadian tech executive detailed her allegations to The Daily Beast.

Noth's publicist told the outlet that the actor 'denies this as ever happening and has no idea who this woman is.'

On Thursday, a fourth woman accused Noth of sexual abuse and claimed he'd forced himself on her.

Lisa Gentile, 54, alleges she was 'sexually abused' by the actor in 2002 when she frequented Da Marino's restaurant in Manhattan, where she met Noth, and the two became acquaintances.

One night, she said in a statement, Noth went up to her apartment because he said he wanted to see where she lives, but once he was upstairs, she said, he started kissing her and forcibly pulled her against him.

He then squeezed her breasts she said, before sliding his hands under his shirt.

'I kept pushing his hands down, while he was pushing mine up...I was trying to get him to stop,' she said in a statement on Thursday, claiming he then pulled her hand towards his penis.

She said she was finally able to push him off, after which point, Gentile claims Noth got mad and started calling her a 'tease' and a 'b****.'

The next day, she said, Noth called her friend's phone and warned her that if she told another person about what happened she would be blacklisted in the industry.

Her attorney, Gloria Allred claims that the experience was 'traumatic' for Gentile, noting: 'It's had a very serious emotional impact on her.'

On Monday it emerged Noth had been fired from the CBS drama series The Equalizer and last week he was dropped by his agency, A3 Artists Agency.
The Federal Court has ordered internet service providers to ban 63 illegal streaming websites in Australia.

Justice Victor Nicholas ordered Telstra, Optus, Vocus, TPG and Vodafone, among 48 other respondents, to ban movie and TV piracy sites that 'infringe, or facilitate the infringement of, copyright in large numbers of cinematograph films'.

The action was brought on by a union of foreign-owned media, film and television companies including Netflix, Roadshow Cinemas, Disney Enterprises, Paramount Pictures, Columbia Pictures, Universal Studios and Warner Bros.

Ruling: Dozens of illegal streaming sites including 123movies have been blocked in Australia in major court decision to limit piracy

Chinese media companies Television Broadcasts and TVB were also involved.

The court action did not involve any Australian media or production companies.

The move to block illegal streaming websites such as flixtor, cipflix and various 123movies sites has already commenced.

Court move: The action was brought on by a union of foreign-owned media, film and television companies including Netflix, Roadshow Cinemas, Disney Enterprises, Paramount Pictures, Columbia Pictures, Universal Studios and Warner Bros. (stock photo)

Telcos in Australia have been given seven days by the court to block the piracy sites, all of whom have complied.

The move will effectively phase out almost every major illegal streaming website in Australia.

The action, which was led by Roadshow, has been a three-year court process by film and TV companies to prevent their content from being accessed illegally.

Justice Nicholas moved to ban the sites earlier this week after none of the piracy website operators responded to requests to join the matter.

Culprits: The move to block illegal streaming websites such as flixtor, cipflix and various 123movies sites has already commenced

He acknowledged 'reasonable efforts' had been made to 'determine the identity and address of the persons who operate the relevant websites' and to provide notice of the court proceeding and subsequent orders.

Justice Nicholas also gave the companies the opportunity to return to court if they find new sites operating under the same 'brands' as those blocked under his orders.

He asserted that if piracy sites do not respond to further legal action, then the court can waive its ban 'on papers without any oral hearing'.
Who organised a fun boat ride trip in Srisailam? Gopi Raju! Not many know of this adventurous side to Gopi!

What annoyed Raj Thakur at his daughters wedding? When a young lady called him uncle!

Where did some of our P3Ps catch the virus recently, sending them into quarantine for a few weeks? At a recent wedding, where we hear many got exposed to the nasty bug.

When one wants to eat good Hyderabadi food, the man to go to is Amer Javed. He organised a fabulous dinner at Anil and Parvathis house during their Son Anuttams wedding.

Why is Kishan Pedhapally on cloud nine? The founder of Asav Vineyards has been awarded ambassador of the year in Gold category by Spiritz Achievers awards. Apparently, this is the first time someone from Hyderabad has received this award.

Aditya Vuchi we hear is on cloud nine these days thanks to Brightcom buying out his company, Media Mint for `566 crore. The media organisation which employs more than a thousand people in the city is one of the first media corporations to be bought for such a fancy sum. Wonder how the man plans on spending his new found millions.

Our citys hoi-poloi have jetted off to exotic locations for New Years Eve, which sadly will end up being a damp squib here thanks to a ban on 31st celebrations. The Pestonjis and Sanghis are bringing in the New Year in Dubai, while other jet setters are off to Rajasthan.

Kaizad and Shagun have jetted off to Bangkok. Cherry-Siddharth Jain and Pranav-Swathi Reddy have chosen more tropical destinations like the Maldives and Singapore for a quick break. Venesh Reddy and the Sawhneys are enjoying the sun and sand in Miami.

Lifes a beach for these lucky few!

The antiques racket in the city is abuzz with news of a Buddha idol being caught by the cops in the possession of a gang of 11 members who were looking to sell the Panchaloha sculpture for several crores.

Nara Lokesh seems to be the doting husband everyone should learn from. Wishing his wife Brahamani on Twitter, with a beautiful picture of the couple, the man surely won the hearts of many of his followers. He praised his wife to the sky by being his rock solid support through good and bad times.

The party most talked is Pintos birthday bash. This gent celebrated his birthday recently and just about everyone who is important was present. A few who gate crashed were super impressed with the crowd present there.

Wicked Whisper

Word on the street is filmstars or their wives, are the most annoying chief guests. Their demands are high, they charge a packet, and even after obliging to pay what they ask for, they have so many nakras that the poor organisers are pulling their hair apart.
The annual Round-Up press meet of Hyderabad City Police by Commissioner Anjani Kumar and other police officials at Buddha Statue Hussainsagar lake in Hyderabad. (Photo: S.Surender Reddy).

Hyderabad: With the New Year just around the corner, the city police had some good news for Hyderabadis. Overall, crime in the city saw a dip for the third straight year, Hyderabad police commissioner Anjani Kumar reported on Wednesday.

The current year saw 20,012 cases in all, Anjani Kumar said, down from 22,641 in 2020, which was fewer than the 25,187 cases registered in the city in 2019.

That the city turned a little more peaceful for its people, was announced at the feet of the Lord Buddha statue in the middle of Hussainsagar, with Anjani Kumar, accompanied by senior city police officials, addressing a press conference on the Gibraltar Rock platform.

Underlining the continuous monitoring on reporting cases, and close vigil on the movement of people who previously committed crimes, and suspects, Anjani Kumar said there was a significant decrease in the occurrence of bodily and property offences. The decrease was seen in the reported cases of dacoities, culpable homicides, robberies, chain snatchings, robberies, house breaks, people posing as police officials, thefts, and other crimes.

The rate of detection of property crime by the Hyderabad city police is at 63 per cent, with a recovery rate of 54 per cent despite a 34 per cent vacancy rate. This is an achievement considering the fact that during the entire year, the city police was very busy serving people during the second wave of Covid-19, performing regular law and order duties, overseeing peaceful conduct of festivals, and public meetings, he said.

However, there was a slight increase in cases of cheating, other thefts, murder, and rape compared to 2020.

Anjani Kumar explained: This increase can be attributed to the efforts and special drives conducted by the police to create awareness among the people on sexual assault cases, and as a result, more victims started reporting the cases to police. In 90 per cent of rape cases, the accused was known to the victim and relatives.

With respect to convictions, the Hyderabad police achieved a conviction rate of 81 per cent during 2021, against 41 per cent in 2019.

On the overall decrease of crime, Anjani Kumar said initiation PD Act proceedings against 205 criminals, continuous criminal tracking, aided on this front. As many as 3,562 offenders were checked 95,388 times, 1,680 history sheeters were checked 45,352 times. At least 123 patrol cars and 251 blue colts bikes performed patrolling round the clock in three shifts, and a whopping 1,99,873 Dial 100 calls were attended to by the patrol staff.

Box: The number of cases registered during the year 2021 are 20, 012 as against 25,187 cases in 2019. In 2020, a total number of cases were 22,641.

Crime heads and cases:

2019 2020 2021 Murder of gain 3 3 7 Dacoity 13 5 11 Robbery 107 75 69 House Break 318 273 288 Other thefts 2253 1608 2042 Murder 84 64 85 Rape 281 265 328 Rioting 34 18 9 Kidnap 320 211 192 Hurts 1508 1093 1243 Cheating 1668 083 1528

Jail time

The city police succeeded in securing conviction and sentencing for long periods of time.
A health worker administers a dose of COVID-19 vaccine to a beneficiary during a mobile vaccination drive amid fear of spread of a new variant of COVID-19, in Bengaluru. (PTI Photo/Shailendra Bhojak)

TIRUPATI: Andhra Pradesh reported its second case of the Omicron variant of Covid-19 on Wednesday. Health Department officials said, a 39-year-old foreign traveller from Kenya, who arrived at Tirupati on December 12, tested positive for the new variant.

The individual first arrived on December 10 at the Chennai airport where her RT-PCR report was negative. She then reached Tirupati on Dec. 12. A second test at this airport showed her to be Covid-19 positive.

Her swab sample was sent to CCMB (Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology), Hyderabad for genome sequencing and the result declared as Omicron positive on Wednesday. She is healthy and in institutional quarantine under the close observation of the health department. Six of her family members were tested and found negative for RT-PCR, according to Director of Public Health, AP.

Health department officials said this is the second case of Omicron identified in Andhra Pradesh. So far, a total of 45 foreign travellers and 9 contacts were found Covid-19 RT-PCR positive and all the samples were sent to CCMB, Hyderabad for Genome sequencing.

The health department advised public not to be panic and believe any rumours but continue to take precautions and follow social distancing, wearing of a mask, washing hands regularly.
Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy release `Satavasantala Ghantasala' book at the camp office on Wednesday. Minister Muttamsetti Srinivasa Rao(left), Special Chief Secretary Rajat Bhargava(second from right) and Cultural Department Director R Mallikharjuna Rao(right) are also seen. (Photo by arrangement)

VIJAYAWADA: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy said Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav was one of the laudable initiatives under the visionary leadership of the Prime Minister to celebrate and commemorate the completion of 75 years of Independence.

Addressing a virtual conference at the second national committee meeting of the Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav, held by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Jagan said the programme provided an occasion to rejoice the nations glorious past, its cultural, social, economic and scientific achievements made during the admirable journey of 75 years and also to reaffirm our commitment to the nations progress.

The economic growth has not sufficiently trickled down to the poor in the country. The recently published World Inequality Report 2022 estimates that top 10 per cent and top 1 per cent of the countrys population hold 57 per cent and 22 per cent of the total national income respectively. Income inequality would result in increased rural indebtedness, lower purchasing power and reduction in rural aggregate demand. This is a serious problem that deserves immediate attention from all of us as policymakers. In the light of the fragility, the interventions must be made more impactful by identifying and effectively addressing the bottlenecks and thereby making inclusive economic growth possible, Jagan said.

The Chief Minister said, I had the privilege of felicitating the freedom fighters from the state of Andhra Pradesh. At the commencement of 'Azadi ka Amrut Mahotsav', while commemorating freedom fighters, I was immensely pleased to visit and pay my respects to Sita Mahalakshmi, the daughter of late Pingali Venkayya, at her native place, Venkayya, one of the freedom fighters was also the designer of the national Tricolour flag. The place where Pingali Venkaiah presented the Tricolour to Mahatma Gandhi in 1921, is in Vijayawada and it now houses an archaeological museum named Bapu Museum. Our government has recently renovated and rededicated this museum to the public.

The Chief Minister stated that the energy sector played a very key role in socio-economic development, as over the last 15 years, the countrys installed power generation capacity had increased from 1,27,423 MW to 3,84,116 MW. More particularly, the thermal power generation capacity has increased from 83,982 MW to 2,34,058 MW during the last 15 years, resulting in increased emissions of greenhouse gases, threatening future generations, he said.

Jagan conveyed his appreciation for the initiative of the Prime Minister, One Sun (OS), One World (OW), One Grid (OG) aiming at harnessing clean energy and contributing to sustainable economic progress. By facilitating the exchange of power from two time zones, maybe it is a dream today, but one day, considering the fact that the optical fibre is a reality, already connecting continents and transferring data, this power grid across continents is not a distant dream, specially when we have leaders like Narendra Modi at the helm of affairs, the Chief Minister said.
Hyderabad: There is no bias in giving permission for political parties to hold protests at Dharna Chowk, city police commissioner Anjani Kumar said here on Wednesday.

Keeping in mind the law and order issues, the city police impose certain curbs on rallies and other events but had allowed protests by all parties at Dharna chowk, he said.

"No lathicharge took place in the city and we have given permissions to all political parties to hold protests. Insensitive areas, we exercised more caution, though," Anjani Kumar said.

Telangana is where the police forces have plenty of facilities and grant of sufficient funds from the state government. Thousands of CCTVs help the police in detecting cases. The city police would also introduce new technologies in detecting and preventing crime, he said.

Explaining the future plans, the commissioner said the police would file charge-heets in POCSO cases within 60 days, and 90 days in rape cases, to achieve a high conviction rate. The police would also organise a special drive to prevent drug menace in the city.

The police, he said, would allow celebrations of New Year, but the people must take precautionary steps to prevent the spread of Covid-19. Some restrictions were imposed for the safety and security of people. The amusement places that organise New Year celebrations must take precautions while allowing customers.

In narcotic substances cases, Kumar said a total 246 cases were registered by the city police in 2021. "There is no place to cultivate ganja here. It is smuggled from a neighbouring state to another state via Hyderabad city. To prevent this, the city police have intensified a drive," he said.
On learning that Omicron virus was spreading, Gudem residents decided to close the doors to the village. (Representational DC Image)

Sircilla: After a case of Omicron infection was found in Gudem village, the residents have declared a self-imposed lockdown to prevent the spread of the disease. The infected persons had returned from Dubai to the village in Mustabad mandal in Rajanna Sircilla district.

The residents have decided not to venture out of their village and not to allow outsiders to enter.

The Omicron-positive individual had returned to India on December 16, and was tested at the Shamshabad airport. He was allowed to go home. He then attended amarriage in Narayanpur, Yellareddypet mandal.

On Monday he was informed that he had tested positive for the Omicron virus. Health officials accompanied by the district medical and health officer Suman Mohan Rao along with Pothgal PHC health officer Sanjeev Reddy rushed to the Gudem village and shifted the person to the TIMS hospital in Hyderabad.

They also collected the samples of his family members along with seven others and sent them to quarantine. Health officials also collected samples from 53 attendees at the wedding and sent them for testing.

The officials also identified another person who returned from the Gulf countries to Chippalpally with a person who tested positive, and quarantined him as well after sending his sample for testing. On Wednesday the officials said that his wife and mother were tested positive for the Omicron virus. On learning that Omicron virus was spreading, Gudem residents decided to close the doors to the village.
TSERC has turned down the aggregate revenue requirement (ARR) petitions submitted the two power distribution companies (discoms) as they were not accompanied by fresh tariff proposals. (PTI file photo)

Hyderabad: The Telangana State Electricity Regulatory Commission (TSERC) has turned down the aggregate revenue requirement (ARR) petitions submitted the two power distribution companies (discoms) as they were not accompanied by fresh tariff proposals.

They had filed petitions for determination of ARR for the financial years 2019-20, 20-21 and 2021-22. The orders were passed by commission chairman T. Sriranga Rao and members M.D. Manohar Raju (technical), Bandaru Krishnaiah (finance).

Both the TS Northern Power Distribution Company Limited (TSNPDCL) and TS Southern Power Distribution Company Limited (TSSPDCL) had urged the regulator to condone the delay in filing ARR petitions, and allow filing the tariff proposals at a later date.

The commission in its letter dated June 5, had addressed a letter to the licensees for filing of proposed tariff (FPT) for 2021-22. It said the commission was in receipt of the proposed ARR for FY 2021-22 but the discoms had not filed the FPT.

It noted that though there was no filing of proposed tariff rates, the ARRs for the three years would be heard for admission on December 20.

The commission heard the submissions of the discomss representatives and checked the regulation applicable in these cases. As the discoms had not filed the proposals along with FPT within the stipulated period, as there was less than 120 days for filing them for consideration, the commission said it was unable to proceed with the filing in the present form on account of non-compliance of regulation.

In these circumstances, the commission said, it deemed it appropriate to decline from entertaining the ARR petitions mainly for the reason that the time period for which they were sought had lapsed.
Chennai: The Tamil Nadu government has granted parole for Nalini Sriharan, one of the seven life term convicts in the Rajiv Gandhi assassination, the Madras High Court was informed on Thursday.

State Public Prosecutor Hassan Mohammed told this to a division bench of Justices P N Prakash and R Hemalatha, when a habeas corpus petition from S Padma, mother of Nalini, came up for further hearing today.

Recording this, the bench closed the petition.

In her petition, Padma had stated she was suffering from various illnesses and wanted her daughter to be by her bedside. In this connection she had sent several representations to the State government to grant parole for one month, but to no avail.

Former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi was assassinated on May 21, 1991 at Sriperumbudur, near here, by a suicide-bomber of the LTTE. Seven people -- Murugan, Santhan, Perarivalan, Jayakumar, Robert Payas, Ravichandran and Nalini -- are serving life term in connection with the assassination.
The US Securities and Exchange Commission has declined an effort by Apple Inc to skip a shareholder proposal asking the iPhone maker to provide greater transparency in its efforts to keep forced labour out of its supply chain.

A group of shareholders earlier this year asked Apple's board to prepare a report on how the company protects workers in its supply chain from forced labour. The request for information covered the extent to which Apple has identified suppliers and sub-suppliers that are a risk for forced labour, and how many suppliers Apple has taken action against.

In a letter from the SEC reviewed by Reuters on Wednesday, regulators denied Apple's move to block the proposal, saying that "it does not appear that the essential objectives of the proposal have been implemented" so far.

Read | China imposes sanctions on US officials over Xinjiang

The letter means that Apple will have to face a vote on the proposal at its annual shareholder meeting next year, barring a deal with the shareholders who made it.

Apple did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

American lawmakers last week passed a bill banning imports from China's Xinjiang region over concerns about forced labour.

"There's rightfully growing concern at all levels of government about the concentration camp-like conditions for Uyghurs and other Turkic Muslims living under Chinese government rule," Vicky Wyatt, campaign director for SumOfUs, a group supporting the shareholder proposal, said in a statement on Wednesday.

Apple routinely asks the SEC to skip shareholder proposals, and the requests are granted about half the time.

The SEC also denied Apple's request to skip a shareholder proposal that would give investors more information about the company's use of non-disclosure agreements.

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Several Amazon workers at two of its facilities in the US staged a pre-Christmas walkout, which is the busiest time of the year, asking for better treatment and higher wages.

Before walking out on Wednesday morning (US time), the workers handed over a petition listing their demands to the management, but didn't receive a response, reports TechCrunch.

"We have been passed over for raises. We are being overworked, even when there are sufficient people to work here," a worker at the DLN2 facility in Cicero, Chicago area, said on a livestream.

"We have not received the bonuses we were promised. There are people here who were hired as permanent workers, and then they took their badges away and made them temporary workers. They are staffing this place unsafely, making people work too fast, even though we don't have to," the Amazon worker lamented.

The workers, who work between 1:20 am and 11:50 am, are demanding a $5 per hour raise.

Amazon told TechCrunch that the current starting pay is $15.80 per hour at the two facilities that staged walkouts in Chicago.

"We respect the rights of employees to protest and recognise their legal right to do so. We are proud to offer employees leading pay, competitive benefits, and the opportunity to grow with our company," an Amazon spokesperson was quoted a saying.

Amazon workers have accused the e-commerce major of "trying to quash labour organising".

Last year, Amazonians United co-founder Jonathan Bailey filed a complaint with the US National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), stating that the company violated labour laws by retaliating against him for organising.

The e-commerce giant Amazon is facing a US government's probe into its warehouse collapse in the state of Illinois that left six people dead.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) in the US has opened an investigation into the collapse of an Amazon warehouse. The roof had collapsed after a powerful tornado hit the facility on December 10.
Vice President Kamala Harris was exposed to the coronavirus by a staff member who was close to her throughout the day Tuesday and later tested positive, Harris spokeswoman said in a statement Wednesday evening.

Harris tested negative for the coronavirus Wednesday after learning of the exposure, officials said. She will be tested again Friday and Monday, in accordance with guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Yesterday, Monday and every day last week, this staff member tested negative for Covid-19, Symone Sanders, Harris spokeswoman, said in a statement. This staff member is fully vaccinated and boosted and did not experience symptoms. Others who were in close contact with this staff member are being contacted and will be advised to get tested.

CORONAVIRUS SPECIAL COVERAGE ONLY ON DH

White House officials said Monday that President Joe Biden had also been in close contact with a staff member who later tested positive. Since the encounter, Biden has tested negative twice, including once Wednesday morning.

In both cases, the White House declined to identify the staff members who had tested positive, citing privacy rules. Officials said neither Biden nor Harris were required to quarantine or restrict their activities because both had received negative tests and neither showed symptoms.

The vice president will continue with her daily schedule, Sanders wrote. This evening, she will depart Joint Base Andrews for Los Angeles, where she and the second gentleman will remain through the New Year.

The effort to keep Biden and Harris healthy comes as the administration scrambles to confront the rapidly spreading omicron variant, and as several lawmakers have contracted Covid-19. On Wednesday night, Rep. James Clyburn, D-S.C., the No. 3 Democrat in the House, announced he had tested positive but was asymptomatic, while Rep. Jan Schakowsky, D-Ill., said she, too, had tested positive after feeling mildly ill. America is in a new phase of this pandemic, Clyburn, 81, said in a Twitter post. No one is immune."

Risk of exposure to the coronavirus has been a concern at the White House since the beginning of the pandemic. Several senior staff members to President Donald Trump became infected last year, and Trump spent several days in the hospital with the disease.

The Biden White House took more precautions. People who enter the White House are required to be vaccinated, and those who interact with Biden or Harris must be tested beforehand.

Still, Jen Psaki, the White House press secretary, became ill with Covid in October, signaling that employees are still vulnerable in the confines of the 18-acre White House complex.

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Japanese and US armed forces have drawn up a draft plan for a joint operation for a possible Taiwan emergency, Japan's Kyodo news agency said on Thursday, citing unnamed Japanese government sources, amid increased tensions between the island and China.

China claims democratically governed Taiwan as its own "sacred" territory and in the past two years has stepped up military and diplomatic pressure to assert its sovereignty claims, fuelling anger in Taipei and deep concern in Washington.

Taiwan's government says it wants peace, but will defend itself if needed.

Under the plan, the US Marine Corps will set up temporary bases on the Nansei island chain stretching from Kyushu, one of the four main islands of Japan, to Taiwan, at the initial stage of a Taiwan emergency, and will deploy troops, Kyodo said.

Japanese armed forces will provide logistical support in such areas as ammunition and fuel supplies, it said.

Japan, former colonial ruler of Taiwan, and the United States would likely reach an agreement to start formulating an official plan at a "2+2" meeting of foreign and defence ministers early next year, the news agency said.

Japanese defence ministry officials were not immediately available for comment.

In October, Japan's government signalled a more assertive position on China's aggressive posture towards self-ruled Taiwan, suggesting it would consider options and prepare for "various scenarios" while reaffirming close US ties.

Earlier this month, former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said that Japan and the United States could not stand by if China attacked Taiwan.

US officials, speaking on the condition of anonymity, have long said that given the tens of thousands of troops the US has in Japan and its proximity to Taiwan, Japan would likely have to play an important role in any Taiwan emergency.

A Pentagon spokesman said that as US President Joe Biden and his Japanese counterpart said in a March joint statement, both countries shared a commitment to peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait.

"We are committed to enhancing resiliency and interoperability between US and Japanese forces and deepening operational cooperation during peacetime and various regional contingencies," the Pentagon added.

Japan is host to major US military bases, including on the southern island of Okinawa, a short flight from Taiwan, which would be crucial for any US support during a Chinese attack.

China views democratic Taiwan as a wayward province, awaiting the day the island can be brought under its control - peacefully or militarily - with no right to state-to-state relations.

The United States, like most countries in the world, recognises China over Taiwan, in line with Beijing's "one China" policy. But Washington is the island's biggest arms supplier and ally and is obliged by law to help it defend itself.

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North Korean leader Kim Jong Un praised outgoing Chinese Ambassador Li Jinjun for helping to improve relations between Pyongyang and Beijing, state media reported on Thursday, as the envoy left office after seven years in the post.

Kim's comments were conveyed to Li by Choe Ryong Hae, a top official in the ruling Workers' Party of Korea, state news agency KCNA said. Li also met with North Korean premier Kim Tok Hun, KCNA reported.

"Kim Jong Un highly praised the ambassador for successfully assisting several DPRK-China summit meetings over the past seven years, making much effort to develop the friendly relations between the two parties and the two countries and sharing bitters and sweets with the Korean people," Choe told Li, using the initials of North Korea's official name.

Kim is very satisfied that the North Korea-China relationship has entered a "fresh heyday" under the leadership of the ruling parties in each country, Choe said.

Li asked Choe to express his gratitude to Kim and congratulated the North Korean people on "making progress in all fields of socialist construction," KCNA said.

Read | Kims decade in power: Starvation and brutal repression

China has been North Korea's only major ally since the two signed a treaty in 1961, and international sanctions imposed over Pyongyang's nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programmes have made it more dependent than ever on Beijing for trade and other support.

Since Li was appointed in 2015, relations between the two countries have seen major ups and downs.

Kim sent China-North Korea relations to a historical low by prioritising nuclear weapons and missiles development, then harshly criticising Beijing when it supported international sanctions

Starting in 2018, however, Kim managed to quickly repair ties and made his first known international trip as leader to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing. Xi later visited Pyongyang, the first by a Chinese leader in 14 years.

Li was one of a diminishing number of foreign diplomats in Pyongyang, as many embassies closed during North Korea's strict anti-pandemic lockdown that blocked the rotation of new staff or ambassadors.

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After laying eggs on a deserted Thai beach, a green sea turtle dives back into the turquoise-coloured waters of the Andaman Sea -- a welcome sight for biologists who say the absence of tourists spurred the marine animal's return.

The turtle's nesting was spotted in November by scientists. In about two months, the 100 eggs will hatch and babies will slide towards the sea, guided by the moonlight.

Pre-pandemic, millions of tourists thronged to the white sand beaches of southern Thailand, ferried to the islands by tour boats which dissuaded the skittish creatures from venturing ashore.

But with almost 20 months of Covid travel restrictions in place, several different species of sea turtles have returned to nesting around Phuket, an ultra-popular beach destination before the pandemic.

Between October 2020 and February 2021, 18 nests of leatherback turtles -- which can grow up to 400 kilograms as an adult and are the largest species of sea turtles -- were found in Phuket.

Read | In 2021, governments blew hot on 1.5C goal, colder on climate action

"Their nesting has improved in the last two years thanks to the absence of tourists, noise and light pollution," Kongkiat Kittiwatanawong, director of the Phuket Marine Biological Center, told AFP.

"We had never seen such a number in 20 years."

Although chances of survival are very low -- about one egg hatched out of 1,000 will reach adulthood -- Kongkiat said the increase in nesting is a positive sign for efforts to preserve endangered species.

A nest of the olive ridley sea turtle was also spotted -- the first time in two decades.

Other species that live in the warm waters around Thailand include leatherback, hawksbill, green and loggerhead turtles.

But as Thailand tentatively begins to reopen its doors to fully vaccinated international tourists, scientists have tempered their optimism.

"The pandemic may offer sea turtles a welcome break," Thon Thamrongnawasawat from Kasetsart University in Bangkok said.

"But they live long and are a highly migratory species. Without effective policies to protect them, we can't expect many long-term benefits to population recovery."

In Thailand -- as in many other countries -- the marine animal's future is threatened by global warming, which harms coral reefs and increases temperatures of waters.

The hotter conditions could in turn disrupt turtle species' populations: studies have shown that warmer sands where they nest leads to more female hatchlings relative to males.

Pollution is also a problem.

At the moment, plastic and discarded fishing lines and nets remain the primary cause of disease and death.

"In 56 percent of the cases, the turtles that are brought to us have ingested marine waste or become trapped in it," said Dr Patcharaporn Kaewong from the Phuket Marine Biological Center.

Currently, 58 turtles are being treated there. Some need operations, amputation or prosthetics before they are released back into the wild.

At the moment, scientists and local authorities are on high alert for nesting seaon, which runs until February.

After a female turtle lays a nest, the authorities will act quickly -- either moving them to a safe place if they are too close to the water or surrounding it with bamboo fences and security cameras.

"After hatching, we take care of the weak turtles until they are strong enough to go to the sea," Patcharaporn said.

She added that educating the public about conservation was also important.

Up until a few decades ago, eating turtle eggs was a common custom in Thailand, but gathering them was banned by the Thai government in 1982.

Illegally possessing or selling leatherback turtle eggs is now punishable by three to 15 years in prison, and carries fines of up to $50,000.

Some marine protection NGOs are also financially rewarding locals who report a nest, while technology -- like microchipping a turtle -- also plays a part in long-term monitoring.

"Thanks to satellite tracking, we have observed that they can migrate much further than we thought," Kongkiat said, adding that some have gone as far as Australia.

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The Centre on Wednesday asked eight major cities, including Bengaluru, to watch out for community transmission of the Omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2, as the number of such cases crossed the 220-mark spanning 15 states.

Delhi, Bengaluru, Bhubaneshwar, Chennai, Mumbai, Pune, Hyderabad and Kolkata were identified as cities for monitoring community transmission of the Omicron variant. Accordingly, it was decided that all RT-PCR positive samples from these cities would be sent for whole genome sequencing at designated laboratories, Sujeet K Singh, Director of the National Centre for Disease Control wrote to the states in a letter.

Health Ministry sources said the number of Omicron cases was currently at 222, with Maharashtra accounting for the most (65) followed by Delhi (54).

Also Read  Third Covid wave in India ongoing, to peak in February: Scientists

However, what is worrying the officials most is 51 such cases in seven states  Maharashtra, Gujarat, Telangana, Karnataka, Kerala, Delhi and Jammu and Kashmir  without any travel history. This gives the first signal of the Omicron's community transmission in India with the experts noting that the numbers will start rising soon.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday will review the Omicron situation with top officials. The last such review chaired by the PM was held on November 27, in which it was decided to have a relook at the opening up of international travel. The review was held a day after the World Health Organization designated the Omicron as a "variant of concern."

It's only a matter of time before there is local transmission of Omicron. We simply don't have the evidence to understand how many of such cases will need hospitalisation in India. The South African evidence suggests it could be a large wave of infections but not a large wave of hospitalisations and deaths, public health researcher Ramanan Laxminarayan, Director, Center for Disease Dynamics, Economics and Policy, Delhi, told DH.

Also Read  West Bengal issues guidelines for Covid-19 positive international arrivals

Amid a rise in Covid-19 cases and the threat of the Omicron variant, the Delhi Disaster Management Authority directed district magistrates to ensure no Christmas and New Year gathering takes place in the national capital. The authority asked the district magistrates to identify potential Covid-19 super-spreader areas ahead of Christmas and New Year celebrations. The district magistrates and deputy commissioners of police have been directed to tighten the enforcement machinery to ensure that people follow social-distancing norms and wear masks.

The Union Health Ministry on Tuesday alerted the states on Omicron's ability to spread three times faster than Delta, advising them to activate 'war rooms' and imposing curbs and restrictions if the test positivity rate in an area goes up to 10 per cent or if the occupancy of ICU and oxygen beds is 40 per cent.

Touching a six-month high, Delhi recorded 125 new Covid-19 cases in the past 24 hours, taking the tally of active cases to 624, which is the highest in the past five months.

Last week, a disease model suggested R or reproductive number would be greater than one in almost all the metros, a clear sign of the epidemic growing in urban India.

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Sticking to his party's 'Hindutva' agenda, prime minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said that cows might be a 'sin' for some people but they were 'revered' by others.

Addressing a public meeting after inaugurating a milk plant and some other developmental projects in his Lok Sabha constituency of Varanasi, Modi also took potshots at his rivals saying that they never took any interest in the development of Uttar Pradesh and instead only promoted 'mafiaraj'.

''Kuch logon ne aise halat paida kar diye hain ki hamare desh mein gaay ki baat karna, gobar dhan ki baat karna gunah ban gaya hai...gaay kuch logon ke liye gunah ho sakti hai par hamare liye woh mata hai, poojniya hai'' (some people have created a situation in the country as if talking about cows and dung is a sin....cows may be sin for some but for us it is our mother....it is revered) Modi said.

Also read: Rahul Gandhi targets Modi over mob lynching; BJP calls Rajiv Gandhi 'father of mob lynching'

Stating that India produced milk worth Rs 8.5 lakh crore, the prime minister said that more than eight-core families in the country were dependent for their livelihood on the dairy sector.

Modi also attacked his rivals for what he said was not taking any interest in the development of the state. ''Some people become angry when the double engine government (centre and UP) takes measures for the development of the state.....such people will get angrier as we take more measures for the progress of the state,'' he added.

''The word development notes there in their (rivals) dictionary...for them development means mafiaraj, promoting nepotism and grabbing lands and houses of the people,'' Modi said.

The prime minister also sought to paint his rivals as 'anti-Hindu' by saying that the latter did not like the renovation and grandeur of Kashi (the old name of Varanasi) Vishwanath Dham.

At his earlier public meetings also, Modi had invoked Baba Vishwanath (Lord Shiva), Ganga and Ram Temple.

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India on Thursday achieved a new milestone in the fight against Covid pandemic as over 60 per cent of the total eligible population is now vaccinated with both doses of vaccines, said the government.

Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya lauded public health workers, medical professionals, and citizens from all across the country for making this feat possible.

Also read: AstraZeneca vaccine booster shot effective against Omicron: Oxford lab study

"Accomplishing more new feats! Congratulations India," tweeted Mandaviya. In the same tweet, he said, "Aided by public participation & dedicated efforts of our health workers, over 60% of the eligible population fully vaccinated now."

Accomplishing more new feats! Congratulations India  Aided by public participation & dedicated efforts of our health workers, over 60% of the eligible population fully vaccinated now #SabkoVaccineMuftVaccine pic.twitter.com/cts7lR8SzA  Dr Mansukh Mandaviya (@mansukhmandviya) December 23, 2021

Meanwhile, the country's Covid-19 vaccination coverage has exceeded 139.70 crore with the administration of 70,17,671 vaccine doses in the last 24 hours as per the health ministry provisional reports till 7 a.m. on Thursday. This has been achieved through 1,47,94,783 sessions.

India on Thursday registered 7,495 fresh Covid cases and 434 deaths in a span of 24 hours. With the addition of the new deaths, the total death toll has climbed to 4,78,759.

India's active caseload is presently at 78,291. The active caseload constitutes 0.23 per cent of the country's total positive cases, which is the lowest since March 2020.

Meanwhile, the Omicron infection tally has climbed at 236 across the nation. However, out of total Omicron positives, 104 have been discharged. So far 16 states have reported Omicron infection, said the Union health ministry on Thursday.

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On a day when the stormy Winter Session of Parliament came to an end, senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor on Wednesday said to some degree, the opposition is "complicit in its own marginalisation" as by going in for disruptions, it is unable to voice its positions, but asserted that it was often left frustrated for not being allowed to raise issues.

He said his party is aware of his view that "we should not disrupt" but use Parliament as a platform for debate, and do rallies and agitations elsewhere.

Asked at an event here if the party should have an elected leader and not one who is there by bloodline, in an apparent reference to Rahul Gandhi, Tharoor said, "Frankly people who are there by bloodline can also get elected. In fact, there is very little doubt that Rahul Gandhi if he were willing to contest, he would get elected against anybody else in the Congress because the electorate of party workers has a certain sense of allegiance to the Gandhi-Nehru family for decades now which is not going to be easily overcome."

Read | Winter Session ends, Centre-Opposition acrimony on

"In Rahul's case, in all fairness he stepped aside, he even made a statement that 'it should not be me or anyone from my family', but the working committee went for Mrs (Sonia) Gandhi and pullled her out of retirement and said please lead us. So that is where we are now," he said.

"I would say that this is a phenomenon across all parties. In SP, was there any question that after Mulayam ji, it would be Akhilesh; in DMK, was there any question that after Karunaidhi, it is Stalin; in Shiv Sena after Balasahab Thackrey, it is Uddhav," he said.

Tharoor made the remarks during a discussion on his newly-launched book 'Pride, Prejudice and Punditry'. The event also offered a sneak peek into the three-day literary extravaganza 'Apeejay Kolkata Literary Festival' and was followed by the announcement of the Longlist of the seventh edition of Oxford Bookstore Book Cover Prize.

Asked about the repeated disruptions in Parliament and the space for opposition allegedly shrinking, Tharoor said, "To some degree, we are complicit in our own marginalisation, by going in for disruptions, we no longer have a choice to voice our positions for the nation to understand."

"But I recognise that mine is a minority view. I have not hidden my view and the party is very aware of my view that we should not disrupt, that we should use Parliament as a platform for debate, and do our rallies, dharnas and agitations elsewhere and on the streets," he said.

There should be a clear distinction as it used to be earlier, but for some time now our politics has become so polarised that this is now manifesting itself in the parliamentary culture as well, he said.

Citing the example of former prime minister Manmohan Singh for reaching out to the opposition, Tharoor said that is not happening anymore and even the parliamentary affairs minister "very rarely reaches out to the opposition members".

"I think it is bad for our democracy," he added.

Read | Protests in Well of the House should be stopped: Birla

Tharoor said he would like to see more days of sittings in Parliament as well as reforms in procedures of Parliament.

"For example, many western parliaments allow the opposition one day to raise what they want to raise. We do not do that. Only the government sets the agenda....So, the opposition, in its frustration, because it cannot raise issues it wants to raise are forced to go (for disruptions)," he said.

"Imagine if every day opposition had half-an-hour to raise an issue it wants ...Why cannot we have a reform like that, because the people in control do not want such a reform," he said.

To another question on whether Rahul Gandhi would spearhead the opposition charge against the BJP, he said, "Voters will decide."

"At the moment, what is very clear about the future of India is that it cannot be the BJP that is going to take us into the next decade. We are looking at a BJP that is demonstrated failure for the last seven years. Therefore, the best the opposition can produce would be the way forward," he said.

In his remarks, Tharoor also said the term G-23 was a "media creation".

He said the letter to party chief Sonia Gandhi calling for reforms was drafted by some colleagues which "23 of us happened to sign".

"There could have been more people, but due to the pandemic lockdown, 23 people could be reached. I signed it because there was nothing exceptional... The letter says Congress should democratise itself more, we should revive the parliamentary board of the party, we should have elections to the elected seats of the working committee which are currently filled by nomination, we should revive the party at the grass roots," he said.

"I did not think signing that, especially since people who were promoting it were very senior figures of the Congress party establishment, would cause as much offence as it turned out to cause. Indeed, it was seen as 23 people in rebellion and I do not think it was intended that way but has been seen that way," he said, adding that the 23 leaders never met.

Tharoor also talked about the time when he was approached by the BJP after his unsuccessful bid to become United Nations secretary general.

"When the BJP sent an envoy to talk to me in my office in New York shortly after I had stepped down from the unsuccessful race for secretary general, my answer was very simple -- 'don't you know what I have been writing...and they gave a very nice answer -- 'who agrees with everything their party stands for, does not matter, we are a meritocracy, your merit will be seen," he said.

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Several Opposition leaders, including those from the Congress and the TMC, on Thursday, condemned what they said was a "hate speech conclave" held in Haridwar recently and called for strict action against those involved.

All-India Trinamool Congress national spokesman Saket Gokhale demanded immediate action against the organisers and speakers of the Dharma Sansad held recently in Haridwar, where "hate speeches" were allegedly made against Muslims.

Gokhale lodged a complaint in this connection at the Jwalapur police station in Haridwar district, asking the Station House Officer to register an FIR within 24 hours.

At the event, several speakers allegedly made inflammatory and provocative speeches, calling for the killing of people from the minority community.

Also Read | Reconvert and pray in temples: Hindu outfit to Muslims

Held at Ved Niketan Dham in Haridwar from December 17-20, the Dharma Sansad was organised by Yati Narasimhanand Giri of the Juna Akhada, who is already under police scanner for making hate speeches and inciting violence against Muslims.

Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind chief Maulana Mahmood Madani wrote a letter to Home Minister Amit Shah, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, the National Human Rights Commission and the National Commission for Minorities, over the remarks made at the Haridwar meet, calling on them to take cognisance of the matter and prosecute the perpetrators.

Madani said, "They have posed threat to the peace and communal harmony of the country".

"I demand strong actions must be taken against organizers and speakers, he said.

The All India Professionals Congress also condemned in the strongest possible terms the "genocidal statements made by Hindutva leaders" in the "hate speech conclave" organised in the holy city of Haridwar.

Also Read | Prejudice in the time of a pandemic

Will the Union of India and other institutions remain mute spectators, the Congress wing for professionals asked.

Reacting to the remarks at the Haridwar meet, senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor said, "This is bloodcurdling stuff. Is it too much to expect? @CMuttarakhand to take action under the existing hate-speech laws?"

Congress MP Karti Chidambaram said on Twitter, "Narsinghanand Organises 3-Day Hate Speech Conclave in Haridwar... are the Faux Hindutva Nazis planning a holocaust? Will the Union of India & its institutions be a blind/mute spectator?"

Congress spokesperson Shama Mohammed said Munawar Faruqui has been relentlessly punished for alleged jokes which he didn't even crack, but there is no action against the 'Dharm Sansad' members who openly called for "genocide against Muslims in Haridwar!".

"Is India still a democracy!" she said.

Kishenganj MP of the Congress Mohammad Jawaid tweeted, "Appalled by the nature of the assembly and hate speech propagated openly in Haridwar. Such events are destroying the secular ethos of India."

He urged Home Minister Amit Shah to take serious and urgent action against the people who were involved in the "implied calls for genocide of Muslims".

Chhattisgarh minister and senior party leader T S Singhdeo said India's traditional value is -- 'Vasudhaiv Kutumbhkam - World is a Family'.

"Our Constitutional value is Secularism - Respect for all religions. Our primary Fundamental Right is Right to equality. Such bigoted thoughts & assemblies are against the foundation of India. This is criminal!" he said reacting to the remarks made at the meet.

Gaurav Pandhi, a Congress functionary, said that in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's "'New India', sponsored by Ambani & Adani, Comedians are prevented from making people laugh but Hindutwavadis are allowed to give hate speeches, calling for genocide and armed revolt against the nation".

"In Haridwar, a group of Hindutvawadis gathered giving a call for armed violence against Muslims, former PM Dr Manmohan Singh & armed revolt against India. They stressed on CREATING TERRORISTS. Meanwhile, the police, govt agencies, Modi, Amit Shah & Dalal media are fast asleep!" he said.

Congress leader Salman Soz said, "Dear Supreme Court of India: #UmarKhalid is in jail for God knows why. Meanwhile, in Haridwar, Hindutva extremists call for Muslim genocide, record it on camera and throw it in our faces."

"Is this the justice you are supposed to uphold? Act now," he said.

CPI(M), from its official Twitter handle, said, "Munawar Faruqui has been relentlessly punished for alleged jokes which he didn't even crack, but there is no action against the 'Dharm Sansad' members who openly called for genocide against Muslims in Haridwar! Is India still a democracy!".

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Delhi Chief Minister and Aam Aadmi Party national convener Arvind Kejriwal on Thursday invoked Lord Ram and his devotion to his father to slam a ruling BJP Minister in Goa, Vishwajit Rane, who has warned his father and former CM Pratapsingh Rane of defeat in the upcoming 2022 state Assembly polls.

"BJP Minister Vishwajit Rane has announced that he will contest elections against his father Pratapsingh Rane. He has announced that he will defeat his father in the elections. What is this happening in Goa? What is happening? Such is his craze for power that he has forgotten his father?" Kejriwal said in a video message on Thursday.

Also Read | Goa polls: Father, son likely to lock horns for Poriem seat

"We are Hindus, who worship Lord Ram. Ram on his father's direction left politics, suffered 14 year vanvas. This BJP MInister who calls himself a Hindu Vishwajit Rane has dared to say he will defeat his father! What kind of a government is this in Goa," Kejriwal also said.

On December 21, Health Minister Vishwajit Rane had warned his 83-year-old father Pratapsingh against contesting from the latter's bastion of Poriem Assembly constituency in North Goa, asking him to retire gracefully considering his advanced age.

While Rane is a BJP MLA from the adjoining Valpoi Assembly constituency, his father, a Congress MLA has been undefeated from the Poriem assembly constituency for the last 50 years.

Vishwajit Rane's attack on his father came on a day when the latter had announced his candidature for the Poriem seat on a Congress ticket.

Viswajit, who incidentally was elected on a Congress ticket in the 2017 state Assembly polls before joining the BJP the same year, also said that he would take on his father in Poriem and win the election by a margin of at least 10,000 votes.

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Rajya Sabha Secretariat on Thursday expressed regret over the stalemate in the Upper House over the suspension of 12 MPs during the Winter Session, blaming the shifting positions of the Opposition and the lack of agreement among parties. He added that it was wrong to say that Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu did not take the initiative to resolve it.

Rajya Sabha Secretariat claimed it was wrong to accuse the Chairman of not allowing the Opposition to raise issues and adjourning the proceedings within minutes. They said Naidu had made it clear in 2017 while assuming the office that he would be left with no option but to adjourn the House if he felt that the intention of parties was to disrupt the proceedings.

The comments came as Rajya Sabha Secretary General PC Mody held a meeting and reviewed media reports on Parliaments Winter Session, which an official statement described as factually incorrect narrative. It also said Mody was of the view that it was appropriate and even necessary to share these views with media in the wake of the negative narrative presented by some sections of the House.

Also Read | Winter Session ends, Centre-Opposition acrimony on

Responding to the statement, Congress Rajya Sabha Chief whip Jairam Ramesh said, Instead of issuing misleading press releases, Venkaiah Naidu-garu would be well advised to hold regular meetings with all parties as Chairman and not as ex-President of the BJP and I hope I will not be suspended for the Budget session next month for saying so now.

Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge on Wednesday said that he was ready to express regret on behalf of 12 suspended MPs but the government was not in agreement. He also accused Naidu of adjourning the House and not even allowing him to speak under pressure from the government.

On the suspension, a proposal had come before Naidu that Kharge would express regret on behalf of the suspended MPs on the floor of the House. But, they said, there was a question whether some parties whose MPs were among those suspended would disagree with the Leader of the Opposition after he did so.

Naidu then suggested that the best course would be to talk to all parties before expressing regret. It was also suggested that if all parties were not on board, regret could be expressed on behalf of the parties willing to do so but nothing happened thereafter, an official statement said.

Citing the precedent of the then Leader of Opposition Arun Jaitley expressing regret on behalf of 7 non-BJP MPs for unruly behaviour during the passage of the Womens Reservation Bill in 2010, Naidu also suggested that the government should move a motion to terminate suspension in case regret is expressed. The Opposition also refused to nominate members to a committee to examine the suspension of MPs, sources said.

Sources said all these showed that Naidu was actively engaged in resolving the stalemate.

However, they said there was no progress due to shifting positions of the concerned and perhaps, due to unwillingness to express regret and lack of agreement among the Opposition.

On Kharges charges on adjournment, the statement said that Naidu had made his views clear to leaders when the issue was brought before him. It is factually incorrect and misleading to suggest that the Chairman resorted to frequent adjournments during the Winter Session under some pressure. Casting such aspersions amounts to disrespecting and disregarding the institution of the Chairman of the House, it said.

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Congress on Thursday described the probe ordered by the Uttar Pradesh government into the Ayodhya land scam as an eyewash and demanded a probe by the Supreme Court, alleging that Ram Temple Trusts money is being misused by leaders of RSS-BJP and government officials.

Party General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra said that the alleged corruption by Trust members, BJP and RSS leaders and officials in the buying of land for the temple was loot and misuse of donations, even as she questioned the silence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.

She told a press conference that the buck does not stop just at the Chief Ministers door but leads to the Prime Ministers, as donations for the construction of the temple were received from across the country and they cannot escape moral responsibility.

Also Read | Land purchase in Ayodhya by bureaucrats, politicians triggers controversy; Priyanka says BJP is 'selling faith'

Priyanka cited an instance of alleged corruption and claimed that a part of a plot of land measuring 10,000 square metres was sold to the Trust for Rs 8 crore. The remaining 12,000 sq metres of the plot was first sold to Ravi Mohan Tewari for Rs two crore and within five minutes he sold it to the Trust for Rs 18.5 crore and Ayodhya Mayor Rishikesh Upadhyay and Trustee Anil Mishra were witnesses to the deal.

She said that there was a 1,300% per cent rise in land price within five minutes while Congress chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said the rise in land price was Rs 5.50 lakh per second.

Priyanka also said that the land belonging to Dalits, which are not allowed to be sold, were bought by officials for further sale.

Do you expect a district magistrate level officer can probe the Ayodhya Mayor?...No District Magistrate-level officer has the courage to probe thisThis (probe) is an eyewashThe Temple Trust was set up on the orders of the Supreme Court and we expect the Supreme Court to interveneWe do not expect any inquiry to take place and the inquiry should be done by the Supreme Court.The Supreme Court should suo motu take it, she said.

Also Read | At Nishad rally Amit Shah invokes Ayodhya

She was referring to the investigation ordered by the Uttar Pradesh government following a media report about the alleged irregular land deals in and around Ayodhya.

Claiming that the scam has hurt the faith of people who donated for the construction of the Ram Temple, Priyanka said the BJP leaders have "sold the sentiments, faith and religion" by indulging in loot and misuse of donations received for the Ram Temple.

Asked whether Congress would approach the court, she said that a decision will be taken after consultations.

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The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Wednesday filed a charge-sheet against three accused persons in a case pertaining to recovery of an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) at Bhatindi in Jammu and having alleged links with The Resistance Front (TRF) militant outfit.

On June 27, hours after two explosives-laden drones crashed into the Indian Air Force (IAF) station at Jammu airport, two people were arrested by J&K Police with an IED from the neighbouring Narwal area. The accused identified as Nadeem Ul Haq, Nadeem Ayub Rathar and Talib ur Rehman, according to the NIA probe, were under orders to carry out an IED blast at a major religious place of Jammu.

Also Read | Delimitation in J&K may not give Centre's Kashmir policy legitimacy

The NIA filed a charge-sheet against three accused in case RC-04/2021/NIA/JMU under Section 120B, 121A and 122 of IPC, Section 18, 18B, 19, 20 & 23 of UA(P) Act 1967; Section 4 & 5 of Explosive Substances Act before NIA Special Court Jammu.

The NIA said that the three accused were receiving instructions from TRF handlers via WhatsApp. All three are residents of Jammu and Kashmir.

Investigation has unearthed a larger conspiracy of recruitment and plans to activate a significant number of radicalized youth of the entire valley to target security personnel and public places to wage war against the government of India, a spokesperson of the probe agency said in a statement.

The case pertains to the recovery of IED by J&K police from Nadeem Ul Haq on June 27 near Madarsa Markaz Ul Haroof in Bhatindi, Jammu, he said. The case was initially registered by J&K Police as FIR no. 234/ 2021 at PS Bahu Fort, Jammu and was subsequently taken up for investigation by NIA on July 19.

The NIA raided dozens of places in J&K in recent months to unearth the conspiracy.

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Chief Justice of India N V Ramana expressed deep shock at the blast that occurred in Ludhiana District Court Complex on Thursday afternoon.

Expressing grave concern at the lack of adequate security in court complexes, he hoped that the law enforcing agencies pay necessary attention to ensure protection for court complexes and all the stakeholders, official sources said.

Such incidents occurring in quick succession across the country is a worrisome trend, he observed.

Justice Ramana called up Chief Justice of Punjab and Haryana High Court Justice Ravi Shankar Jha and enquired about the development. He also offered condolences to the bereaved families and wished speedy recovery of those injured, they said.

A man was killed and five others were reported to have sustained injuries during a blast at the Ludhiana court complex. Earlier this month, a low-intensity blast had rocked Rohini courts in Delhi.

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Terming the Ludhiana bomb blast incident that left one dead as the "most shocking and dastardly act", Punjab Chief Minister Charanjit Channi on Thursday said that inimical forces seeking to vitiate the peaceful atmosphere in the state would never succeed in their nefarious designs.

Condemning the incident, he said everybody knew the timing and the handiwork of those forces as the Assembly polls were drawing near and they were hell-bent upon hatching such conspiracies to disturb the hard-earned peace and harmony in the state.

"It is the need of the hour to condemn such incidents in the harshest possible words by one and all."

Directing police authorities to carry on a detailed investigation to get into the bottom of this cowardly and inhuman act, the Chief Minister reiterated his firm commitment to book the perpetrators of the heinous crime and give them exemplary punishment as a deterrent for others not to commit such crime in the future.

Channi said any such attempt to disturb the law and order situation would be dealt with sternly.

Also read: One killed in Ludhiana district court blast

Connecting the sequence of unfortunate attempts of the recent incident of sacrilege at Sri Harmandir Sahib and now the bomb blast in the Ludhiana court complex, he said all this indicates several forces are actively involved to create disturbances in the border state for their vested interests.

He said the people of Punjab must remain vigilant to curb the unholy designs of such forces threatening the very ethos of communal harmony, peace, brotherhood and amity.

Channi said the state government would soon give a befitting reply to such anti-social forces, adding these would not be allowed to create a bogey of terror to traumatise the innocent people in wake of forthcoming Assembly elections.

Police Commissioner Gurpreet Bhullar told the media that the explosion might have been executed by a human bomb.

"Though not confirmed, the person whose body is inside and is yet to be identified was either carrying the bomb or was very close to the spot, we are investigating," Bhullar said.

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A bomb went off in the district court complex here on Thursday, killing one person and injuring five others, prompting the Punjab government to declare a high alert in the state.

Police suspect that the man killed in the blast in the second-floor bathroom was trying to set off the explosive device, or may even have been a suicide bomber.

As forensic teams and specialised agencies were being summoned to the blast site, Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi expressed apprehension that the explosion might have been an attempt to create anarchy in the poll-bound state.

The Union Home Ministry has sought a detailed report from the state government as early as possible. It also wanted to be informed about the findings of the initial investigations.

The blast wrecked a wall of the bathroom, shattered window panes in adjoining rooms and broke windscreens of some cars parked below, triggering panic in the busy court complex.

Officials said the five people, including two women, were injured in the explosion were out of danger.

CM Channi, accompanied by Deputy Chief Minister Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa and minister Bharat Bhushan Ashu, visited a hospital in Ludhiana to meet the injured.

He also summoned a meeting later in the day in Chandigarh.

The blast comes days after the alleged sacrilege bids  at the Golden Temple in Amritsar and a gurdwara in Kapurthala  followed by the lynching of two men.

Over the past onths there have also been cases of drones being spotted near the Pakistan border, with authorities suspecting that they could have dropped arms or explosives.

Channi expressed fear that an attempt was being made to spread anarchy in Punjab ahead of the state assembly polls.

Our police is capable of maintaining law and order, he said."But which agencies which are trying to disturb Punjab's peace will become clear as investigations are on," he said.

Earlier, he told reporters in Chandigarh, As elections near, some anti-national and anti-state forces are trying to commit such disgusting acts, and for this the government is alert and the people should also be alert, he said.

Deputy CM Randhawa, who is also the states home minister, said some external forces could be trying to destabilise Punjab, and alluded to Pakistan. Punjab has been put on high alert, he said.

Several advocates complained of lax security arrangements at the complex, and Randhawa said more metal detectors will be installed there.

Asked if it could be a human bomb or a fidayeen suicide attack, he minister nothing can be ruled out. A DNA test will be conducted on the unidentified man found dead at the blast site, he added.

CCTV footage will also be examined, he said.

Ludhiana Police Commissioner Gurpreet Singh Bhullar said the area has been sealed and forensic teams will collect samples from the site.

Initial reports said two people were killed, but police later clarified that only one man had died.

Former chief minister Amarinder Singh said he was saddened after hearing that two people had died. PunjabPoliceInd must get to the bottom of this, he tweeted.

Shiromani Akali Dal chief Sukhbir Singh Badal expressed shock. Pb govt must focus on law & order instead of political vendetta to ensure peace & communal harmony in State, he said in a tweet.

The Aam Aadmi Party called it a conspiracy and said the Channi government had completely failed in maintaining law and order in the state.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be in Varanasi on Thursday to lay the foundation stone of Banas Dairy Kashi Sankul at Karkhiyaon.

He will also inaugurate and lay the foundation of 22 other projects.

The Prime Minister was earlier in Varanasi on December 13 to unveil the Kashi Vishwanath Dham Corridor project.

According to the official spokesman, Modi will also digitally transfer a bonus of about Rs 35 crore to the bank accounts of more than 1.7 lakh milk producers associated with the Banas Dairy.

He will lay the foundation stone for a biogas-based electricity generation plant for a Milk Producers' Cooperative Union plant in Ramnagar. It will be a key step towards making the plant energy self-sufficient.

Modi will also launch a portal and a logo dedicated to the Conformity Assessment Scheme of milk products, developed by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) with the help of the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB). The unified logo, featuring both the BIS logo and the NDDB quality mark, will simplify the certification process for the dairy sector and reassure the public about dairy product quality.

Also read: Amit Shah to address series of meetings in Uttar Pradesh

In another effort to reduce the number of land ownership issues at the grassroots level, the Prime Minister will virtually distribute the rural residential rights record, "Gharauni", under the Swamitva scheme of the Union Ministry of Panchayati Raj to over 20 lakh residents of Uttar Pradesh.

Projects in the education sector that will be inaugurated by the Prime Minister include the Union Education Ministry's Inter University Centre for Teachers Education, built at a cost of around Rs 107 crore, and a teachers' education centre at the Central Institute of Higher Tibetan Studies, built at a cost of over Rs 7 crore.

Residential flats and staff quarters at the Banaras Hindu University (BHU) and the ITI, Karaundi will also be inaugurated by Modi.

In the health sector, a project comprising a doctors' hostel, a nurses' hostel, and a shelter home, amounting to Rs 130 crore, at the Mahamana Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya Cancer Centre will be inaugurated by the Prime Minister.

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A day after Congress campaign head accused the party organization of not co-operating with him, Uttarakhand Congress president Ganesh Godiyal on Thursday said he shares the senior leader's feelings but his dissatisfaction is an organisational matter which will be sorted out in a day or two in consultation with the party high command.

The state Congress leaders will go to Delhi on Friday to meet central leaders, the PCC president said.

In a tweet in Hindi, Harish Rawat had said, "Isn't it strange that the organisational structure at most places, instead of extending a helping hand, is standing with its head turned away or playing a negative role at a time when I have to swim across the ocean of elections."

Commenting on Rawat's tweet where he had charged elements within the party with not co-operating with him and standing with their heads turned away, Godiyal said he has also been having similar feelings.

Also Read | Trouble brewing in Uttarakhand Congress, leaders called to Delhi

"I also feel this and not today but for quite some time. But my style is to give the person in question enough time to correct himself," he said endorsing the views expressed in Rawat's tweet.

The organisation is aware of this and the process to address issues raised by us has also been underway. However, if they were addressed earlier there would not have been a tweet like this, Godiyal said. "We will meet party general secretary KC Venugopal and also Rahul Gandhi if necessary and put things before them. I hope a solution will be found," he said.

Describing Harish Rawat as the tallest Congress leader from the state who has a place in the hearts of people, he said the party cannot afford to displease him. On a question he said it would be foolish on part of anyone to even think of sidelining Rawat. "A leader like him who commands the love of people and is acceptable to all is not to be found in any party in Uttarakhand," he said.

Godiyal denied there was any factionalism in the party. The entire Congress stands with Harish Rawat. There is no faction in the party," he said.

When asked about Rawat's differences with Congress incharge of party affairs in Uttarakhand, Godiyal did not give a straight answer but said taking everyone along is the responsibility of the party incharge.

Rawat and Yadav have not been on the same page on the issue of going to the polls under a collective leadership. Yadav has been saying the party will go to polls under a collective leadership as has been the party's tradition whereas Rawat has been in favour of Congress declaring its chief minister face ahead of polls.

At a conclave held on Wednesday by a private news channel Rawat had said that apart from seeing the ideology of a party voters also see the individual whose face represents it so that they can hold him accountable for promises made to people for five years.

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Amid rising concerns over the spread of Omicron variant of coronavirus, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday stressed Covid-appropriate behaviour, saying the fight against the pandemic is not over and directed officials to send teams to states with low vaccination, rising cases, and insufficient health infrastructure, to assist them in improving the situation. Stay tuned for more updates.
A fresh row has erupted over the demand for renaming Hyderabad as 'Bhagyanagar' after a Central minister said that there should be no objection to the move.

Union Minister of State for Railways, Raosaheb Danve, said on Wednesday that there should be no objection to rechristening Hyderabad as Bhagyanagar.

He justified the demand after the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) referred Hyderabad as Bhagyanagar while announcing a three-day meeting here in the first week of January 2022. The meeting is planned to review the working of affiliated organisations and preparations for the upcoming Assembly elections scheduled to take place in five states early next year.

"The Samanvay Baithak (coordination meeting) of the chief functionaries of various organisations inspired by the RSS working in different areas of social life will be held from January 5-7 at Bhagyanagar, Telangana," the RSS had tweeted on December 21.

The tweet reignited the debate on the demand to rename Hyderabad. Several BJP leaders defended the demand and pointed out that they have been using Bhagyanagar for a long time.

Ruling Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) leaders alleged that the BJP wants to do divisive politics by demanding the change of name of Hyderabad.

"Hyderabad has Ganga Jamuni Tehzeeb, but BJP wants to disturb this by raking up such issues," said TRS leader K. Krishan.

He alleged that the BJP is not bothered about development and only talks of changing the name of cities, dress or eating habits to do politics.

He recalled that BJP had also raised the demand during the elections to Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) last year.

While campaigning for GHMC polls, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath had called for changing the name of Hyderabad.

"Some people were asking me if Hyderabad can be renamed as Bhagyanagar. I said why not. I told them that we renamed Faizabad as Ayodhya and Allahabad as Prayagraj after the BJP came to power in Uttar Pradesh. Then why can't Hyderabad be renamed as Bhagyanagar," Yogi had asked.

The All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM), a key political force in Hyderabad, is strongly opposed to the demand.

AIMIM chief and Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi has said that the entire generation of those who want to rename Hyderabad will end, but even then the city's name will not change.

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Tamil Nadu on Thursday reported a massive spike in the number of people infected with Omicron variant with genomic sequencing of samples of 33 patients, including those with no travel history, confirming that they have been infected with the variant of concern.

With this, the number of Covid-19 patients detected with the Omicron variant has gone up to 34, making Tamil Nadu the third state with the highest number of cases following Delhi and Maharashtra. Of the 34 patients, 23 are admitted to the King Institute, four in Madurai, two in Tiruvannamalai, and one in Salem.

One person from Kerala has also tested positive for the Omicron variant, while three patients were discharged from the King Institute on Thursday after treatment. Briefing reporters about the fresh cases, Health Minister Ma Subramanian said that as many as 18,129 persons who returned from foreign countries, including 2,870 persons from non-risk countries, were tested on their arrival and the RT-PCR samples of 114 of them returned positive.

Also Read | Nationwide night lockdown likely, says Maharashtra Dy CM Ajit Pawar

While those from high-risk countries are subjected to compulsory RT-PCR tests, 2 per cent random sampling is done among those returning from mon-risk countries.

The State Public Health Laboratory at the Directorate of Public Health (DPH) detected S-gene dropout in 57 samples and they were sent to the Union Government for genomic analysis. As per communication from NIV, Pune, 33 samples were found to be infected with Omicron variant, Subramanian said.

Principal Secretary (Health) J Radhakrishnan said of the 33 fresh cases, 15 returned from foreign countries, 14 of their contacts, while the remaining four did not have any travel history. The samples of the four persons were sent for genomic sequencing as the SPHL detected S-gene dropout.

Also Read | Omicron is fastest spreading infectious disease known to man, says expert

Subramanian and Radhakrishnan said that the Omicron patients are either asymptomatic or have slight symptoms and appealed to the people not to panic. While there is no reason to panic, we should remember to wear a face mask and maintain physical distance. People who arent vaccinated yet should get jabbed immediately, Radhakrishnan said.

With the state reporting a massive spike in Omicron cases, Chief Minister M K Stalin has called for a meeting of medical experts on Friday to discuss the situation. Chief Secretary V Irai Anbu held a video conferencing with district collectors on Thursday to assess the situation.

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Kerala, which is known for communal harmony, has yet another story to tell - the temple offering reception to carol of a nearby church and the church offering reception to temple's festival procession.

The rituals being carried out over the last several decades is indeed strengthening the communal bonding in the region.

The Sreekrishna Swami Temple and St. George Orthodox church at Trikkannamangalam near Kottarakkara in the suburbs of Kollam district in south Kerala is sending the message of communal harmony. The temple and church are situated within a distance of around 500 metres.

This year's carol service was on last Sunday. When the carol team reached in front of the temple, the temple authorities offered a reception by lighting traditional lamps. The carol party also offered prayers in front of the temple. A large number participated in the event.

Similarly, during the temple's annual festival that happens in May, the church would offer a reception to the procession when it reaches near the church. The church also used to offer a floral umbrella for the temple festival.

The temple committee president KK Jayamohan told DH that this practice has been there for many decades. Due to Covid last year's carol and last year's and this year's temple festival could not be conducted.

Parish priest Father Spencer Koshy said that he took charge of the parish only a few months back. He came to know from the parish members about the practice of carol being offered reception at the temple. The people of the region were wholeheartedly taking part in the event.

In many parts of Kerala temples, churches and mosques are situated closely. People used to actively get involved in the festivals of all worship centres irrespective of their religion.

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In a swift operation, the Mumbai Police has arrested a Bengaluru-based youth for allegedly threatening Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackerays son and state Tourism Minister Aaditya Thackeray.

The threat to Thackeray Jr and other legislators and leaders over the past few months rocked the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly after which state Home Minister Dilip Walse-Patil assured a Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe.

We will form a state-level SIT to investigate this matter, he said referring to the threat to Aaditya.

The Mumbai Police has identified the accused as Jaisingh Bajrangsingh Rajput, who is in his mid-thirties.

The accused -- arrested by the Cyber Cell of Mumbai Police -- was described as a fan of late Bollywood actor Sushant Singh Rajput, who was found dead on June 14, 2020, at his rented duplex flat in Mount Blanc building at Bandra.

Shiv Sena MLA Sunil Prabhu raised the issue of the death threat to Aaditya Thackeray in the Assembly.

Prabhu sought to connect the matter with neighbouring Karnataka from where the accused was caught.

Minority Affairs Minister Nawab Malik of NCP claimed that he too received such threats in the past and suspects the same organisations that murdered Narendra Dabholkar and Govind Pansare are behind it.

"The manner in which Aaditya Thackeray received a threat letter, we suspect if it's connected to the organisations that murdered Narendra Dabholkar, Govind Pansare, MM Kalburgi and Gauri Lankesh. I too have received such threats. We've written for an investigation into it," Malik said.

Leader of Opposition Devendra Fadnavis said that the threat is a serious issue and needs to be politicised. I will extend all help... if need be I will travel to Karnataka and speak to Chief Minister (Basavraj Bommai), he said.

We condemn such a threat, said state Congress President and MLA Nana Patole.

Former Finance Minister Sudhir Mungantiwar of BJP said that threat to a member of legislature or anyone is a serious issue. Let there be a committee of legislators to look into the issue, he suggested.

Sushant (34) had acted in Bollywood films such as M.S. Dhoni: The Untold Story (2016), Kedarnath (2018) and Chhichhore (2019) and his death had sparked off a major political issue leading to a probe by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

On December 8, the accused had called Aaditya, however, on non-receipt of call, he sent threatening WhatsApp messages.

Thereafter, an FIR under Sections 500 (defamation), 506 (2) (if threat be to cause death or grievous hurt) of the Indian Penal Code and Section 67 (punishment for publishing or transmitting obscene material in electronic form) of the Information Technology Act was registered and investigations started.

One of the messages read, You killed Sushant Singh Rajput

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Amid a rising number of Omicron cases, Maharashtra governments Covid-19 Task Force member Dr Shashank Joshi said that it is the fastest-spreading infectious disease known to man.

Dr Joshi said that with a rapid generation time (Rt) of approximately 5, Measles doubles 15 days while the same value for Omicron is less than 5, and its doubling time 1.5 to 3 days. However, he added that it is a mild disease and has lower mortality.

In a tweet, Dr Joshi, a diabetologist and endocrinologist, said, In 60 days after 1 case: measles: 50,600 Omicron: 244,000,000.

Dr Ishwar Gilada, the Secretary General of Organised Medicine Academic Guild (OMAG), said Omicron "fortunately" doesnt create more need for oxygen, bed and ICU among infected persons and thus is least virulent and least lethal. He said it can be labelled as a Variant of Support (VOS).

Technical Advisory Group on SARS-COV-2 Virus Evolution (TAG-VE) of WHO named the B1.1.529 variant as Omicron, which is a 15th Greek alphabet, skipping Nu and Xi for particular reasons. Alpha, Beta, Gamma and Delta are other variants of concern, whereas Epsilon, Zeta, Theta, Eta, Iota, Kappa, Lambda and Mu remain Variants of Interest (VOI).

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Two recent lynchings following alleged cases of sacrilege in Punjab have raised disquieting questions at a time when the state is entering a hectic Assembly election campaign. The first incident was reported at the Golden Temple in Amritsar, where a person accused of sacrilege was lynched to death on the spot. The second case was from Kapurthala, where one person was accused of sacrilege. He was also lynched, but there is still no evidence that he had shown disrespect to the holy book or other symbols of faith, and he may have been attacked on the basis of unfounded suspicion. Some months ago, another person was beaten to death after he was falsely accused of committing a theft at a gurdwara in Gurdaspur. There have been other incidents also of instant justice being meted out to people accused of sacrilege.

Any act of sacrilege, intended to hurt the religious feelings of communities, should be condemned and strict action should be taken against those who indulge in such crimes. But the brutal killing of the persons accused of the crime was in blatant disregard of the law. Nobody has the right to administer instant physical punishment to the accused in a case of any kind. The suspected offenders should have been handed over to the police for investigation and suitable action. Many times, it has been seen that those who are accused of sacrilege are mentally disturbed persons. Even if it is a deliberate act or the result of a conspiracy, the evidence should not be destroyed by killing the person. The authorities in the Golden Temple failed to act with good sense and responsibility when the alleged sacrilege happened there. In the case of the Kapurthala incident, it is not clear whether an offence was committed at all.

The failure of the political community in Punjab to condemn the lawless killings is disturbing. Political and religious leaders have strongly denounced the alleged acts of sacrilege but have not said anything about the lynchings. Instead, the state Congress president Navjot Sidhu even called for public execution of the accused. Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi and Opposition leaders have decided that there was a conspiracy, even before any investigation has taken place. Sacrilege is a sensitive issue in Punjab and has created communal, political and social disturbances in the state. Some cases relating to acts of sacrilege that happened before the 2015 Assembly elections have not yet been solved. The occurrence of similar incidents, once again on the eve of elections, is itself a matter of concern. Politicians play with danger when they try to exploit religious sentiments and endorse lawlessness. Punjab has paid a heavy price for that in the past.
Karnataka State Congress president D K Shivakumar on Thursday said that the proposed anti-conversion law will be repealed in 2023 after the party comes to power in the state.

"I am telling you on record, including anti-conversion bill, the law prohibiting cow slaughter will also be repealed," he said.

Shivakumar further stated that the BJP is under an illusion that they are in majority.

They have forgotten that while taking oath, they had pledged that they will not work for a single community, but will work for the whole society, he said.

Hindu farmers are in trouble after the ban on cow slaughter in the state, he opined.

Also read: Citizen activists, NGOs protest against anti-conversion law in Bengaluru

"People think, Muslims are affected by the banning of cow slaughter. But, the reality is Hindu farmers used to sell aged, unwanted cows and make some money. They were paid Rs 30,000 to Rs 40,000 per cow. Now, they are in a difficult situation. No compensation is given to them," Shivakumar explained.

"As a President of the Congress party, I am telling you all these laws will be repealed when the Congress comes to power in the upcoming 2023 Assembly elections. This Anti-conversion law will affect the investments in the state. How can you invite investors by passing and implementing such laws," he questioned.

Shivakumar underlined that the Anti-conversion law will be opposed by the Congress party in Assembly and the bill will be defeated in the council, where the BJP does not have a majority.

Meanwhile, Shobha Karandlaje, Union Minister for State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare questioned why Congress is opposing Anti-conversion law in the state. "What is on your mind? Conversions should not happen in society. Let Hindus, Christians and Muslims practise their religions freely without any fears. Congress is indulging in vote bank politics. Conversions are made through 'Love jihad', this should not happen, he said.

Former Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy said that the JD(S) opposes Anti-conversion law. He said, instead, backwards and poor people's hands should be strengthened.

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At least 21 out of 60 state-run undertakings are incurring losses, Public Enterprises Minister M T B Nagaraj told the Legislative Council on Wednesday.

The loss-making companies are from the transport, irrigation, electricity supply and infrastructure sectors.

All the four road transport corporations of the State and two electricity supply companies have incurred losses. In addition, state PSUs that are under loss, include KNNL, KHDCL, KRDCL, KSTDC, KFDCL and Shri Kanteerava Studio Limited.

In his written reply to the Council, Nagaraj stated that the concerned departments are taking several measures to revive the loss-making PSUs. Some PSUs are still in the process of finalising the audit, while the question of loss does not apply to some of those firms which are totally service-oriented, he said.

The Karnataka Evaluation Authority conducts the evaluation of such enterprises and training programmes are organised to improve the efficiency of the staff of such firms, he said in his response to a question by Congress MLC Prakash K Rathod. These 60 public enterprises have 1.94 lakh employees, the minister noted.

With MysorePaper Mills (MPM) having an estimated loss of Rs 1,244 crore, its production units were stopped in 2015 itself. The government has decided that the MPM, which started in 1936, cannot be revived, and the process is on to hand over its operations to private operators on a contract basis, Industries Minister Murugesh Nirani said. He also added that forest areas under the MPM would not be handed over to private firms.

Land acquired, allotted

Nirani also said 4,607 acres of land were acquired for industrial purposes in different districts by the Karnataka Industrial Area Development Board (KIADB) in the last year.

The KIADB has allotted a total of 532.79 acres of land to 273 entrepreneurs in the last three months. For the industrial areas in Bengaluru city, the KIADB has allotted 191.07 acres of land to 67 entrepreneurs in the last two years, Nirani told the Council, in his written reply to a query by Congress MLC M Narayanaswamy.

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Centre has asked the Karnataka government to complete the construction of 2.02 crore houses under Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana- Gramin (PMAY-G), by August 15, 2022, Union Minister for Rural Development Sadhvi Niranjan Jyothi has said.

The Rural Development Ministry also set the target to complete the entire 2.95 crore houses by March, 2024. The state is expected to meet the deadline, the Minister said.

Under the PMAY-G, a total of 86,000 houses for the year 2019-20 and 1,51,715 houses for the year 2020-21 were allocated to Karnataka based on the number of available beneficiaries in the Permanent Wait List (PWL), the Minister said.

However, based on the request of the state for the surrender of targets due to the non-availability of eligible households in PWL, the Ministry approved the surrender of a target of 1.95 lakh allocated for the years 2019-20 and 2020-21. Against a revised target of 42,267 houses for Phase II, the state has sanctioned houses to 36,920 beneficiaries and 90 houses have been completed as of December 17, 2021

Against a target of 1,24,088 houses allocated to Karnataka for Phase-I (2016-17 to 2018-19) of PMAY-G, the state government has released the first installment of

assistance to 1,11,108 beneficiaries, Second installment to 1,01,218 beneficiaries.

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Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai on Thursday told the Karnataka Assembly that the group of ministers he heads on rationalising GST rates will submit its final report in January or February.

Bommai said this during a debate on the supplementary estimates worth Rs 3,577 crore that was passed in the Assembly.

"I have held two meetings of the GoM so far and I'm happy to say that I've been able to take everybody along - CPI, Congress, BJP and others. We've been successful bringing everybody on the same platform," he said, adding that he expects GST revenues to go up after the rates are rationalised.

Also Read | GST compensation to Karnataka in phases: Centre

At present, there are four slabs - 5%, 12%, 18% and 28% - under the GST. The Bommai-led GoM is reportedly discussing reducing the number of slabs by merging the 5% and 12% slabs or the 18% and 28% slabs. The GoM may also consider reviewing the list of goods and services that are currently exempted.

Bommai, who is also the finance minister, said he is in the middle of multiple challenges. "There's the post-Covid recovery that we need to focus on, then there's the threat of a new wave, then the GST compensation regime is ending and our expenditure is rising. I'm in the middle of all this," he said, adding that he wants to focus on solutions.

Laying out statistics, Bommai said Karnataka had achieved 67% of the target own-tax revenue collection by the end of November. The achievement is 71% in commercial taxes, 68% in excise, 66% in stamps & registration and 54% in motor vehicles tax.

Also Read | From scrapping retro tax law to record GST mop-up, 2021 a year of many firsts for revenue dept

"Even during Covid-19, we haven't fallen behind revenue collection," he said. "There are goods that have a higher tax potential. For example, on areca nut, we got Rs 8 crore excess GST in just one week. Like that, there are products that have been neglected and we're concentrating on them," he said.

Former Congress minister Krishna Byre Gowda warned Bommai that Karnataka is headed towards "a big disaster" financially. "Our revenue sources are drying up while expenses are rising," he said.

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Karnataka has ordered that no agricultural land measuring less than 5 guntas, or 5,445 sq ft, can get a survey number. This means such small parcels can neither be bought nor sold.

This, authorities say, will help regulate the rampant sale of very small extents of agricultural lands around urban areas that end up becoming residential plots or revenue sites.

This is a serious issue in Bengaluru and other cities where small residential layouts have come up on small agricultural lands without the required land-use conversion -- from agricultural to non-agricultural purposes.

Also read: Small industrial projects can get agri land in Karnataka

In his order, Commissioner for Survey, Settlement & Land Records Munish Moudgil has fixed the minimum extent at five guntas in all districts except Kodagu, Dakshina Kannada, Udupi and Uttara Kannada where it is three guntas.

DH had earlier reported that the government is sitting on this proposal since January 2018 to fix a minimum extent for a survey number of agricultural land.

The minimum extent will be applicable prospectively; it will not impact existing survey numbers. Also, inherited lands that are smaller than 5 guntas will be allowed. Plus, existing titleholders for lands measuring less than the minimum extent will remain valid.

The order has been issued as per Section 108 of the Karnataka Land Revenue Act, 1964, which mandates that no survey number should be created below a minimum limit fixed from time to time.

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The Karnataka Assembly passed Thursday the controversial anti-conversion bill amid protests as the ruling BJP cornered the Congress with documents to show that the proposed law was first drafted when Leader of the Opposition Siddaramaiah was the chief minister in 2016.

The Karnataka Protection of Right to Freedom of Religion Bill will now go to the Council. Once passed there, Karnataka will become the 9th state to enact the anti-conversion law.

Siddaramaiah was caught on the backfoot when Law Minister JC Madhuswamy told the Assembly that the Bill is an improved version of the one that was drafted by the Law Commission and approved when the Congress was in power. Siddaramaiah had even signed the file approving the draft to be placed in the Cabinet.

Also read: Kannada outfits call for Karnataka Bandh on December 31

A counter came at the fag end of the debate when Siddaramaiah flashed a November 2009 petition signed by some BJP-RSS personalities to the then CM B S Yediyurappa seeking an anti-conversion law.

I won't dispute the documents. It's true I signed the file. But, it was this [2009] petition that was sent to the Law Commission. Its an RSS agenda, Siddaramaiah said. The Bill drafted in 2016 is a world apart from the one you've brought.

Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai asked Siddaramaiah why the Congress acted upon an RSS petition. If it was an RSS demand - the RSS is open about its stand against religious conversion - why didn't you stop the drafting process? You wanted to go ahead because the then Virbhadra Singh government in Himachal Pradesh brought the law in 2016, he said.

The Bill was passed on a voice vote when Congress MLAs were in the Well of the House. The JD(S) also opposed the Bill, but their MLAs were not in the Well.

Earlier, Siddaramaiah said the Bill is unnecessary as the IPC has provisions to punish forced religious conversion. He also attacked the Bill for placing the burden of proof on the accused. He then cited Census data to show that the Hindu population had not decreased as it was being propagated.

On penalising "conversion by marriage", Siddaramaiah said any adult is free to marry a person of one's choice. This provision, which is also present in Gujarat's anti-conversion law, remains challenged in the Gujarat High Court, he pointed out.

Terming it a "draconian and unconstitutional" law, Siddaramaiah accused the BJP of raking up emotional issues to divert attention from relevant problems.

The Bill proposes imprisonment of 3 to 5 years with a fine of Rs 25,000 for 'forced' conversion. Converting a minor, woman or an SC/ST person will attract a jail term of 3-10 years, with a fine of Rs 50,000. Mass conversion will attract 3-10 years of jail time with a fine of up to Rs 1 lakh.

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Derry Chamber of Commerce President, Aidan O'Kane, insists the vast majority of his members are keen to make the Northern Ireland Protocol work.

The first anniversary of the NI Protocol's ratification between the United Kingdom and the European Union (EU) arrives this week  an event that has been hotly debated over the past 12 months and it's a discussion that shows no sign of ending any day soon.

Unionist politicians object to the Protocol as it place the North behind a sea border that separates them from Great Britain (GB).

Nationalist politicians, however, back it as it keeps the North's trading routes with the 27 states of the EU, especially one in particular  the Republic of Ireland.

However, it is that open trade border with the 26 counties in the south, which in turn lead to other trade routes within the EU, that has led the Derry Chamber of Commerce determined to make the Protocol work not only for Derry, but for the rest of the North as well.

Mr O'Kane said: The Chamber's view is that our members want the Protocol to work.

We didn't ask for the Protocol to be in place but, after doing a survey of all our Chamber members, eighty per cent of those respondents saying they want to make the Protocol, in its (current) form, work.

However, they recognise that the Protocol is not perfect. But how we resolve that is not by ditching it. It's not a 'lets throw the baby out with the bath water' scenario.

What we want to be able to do is recognise that there is something in place and that it's better than nothing.

If there was a willingness between the UK and the EU to work through this in a pragmatic way and to iron out some of the issues with it, then we (the North) could be left in a really good position from a Northern Ireland and a North West perspective.

Because we (Derry) are on the border and already have a really strong relationship across that border having built those pipelines and customer bases, we would be in a great position if we had all those kinks in the process or the Protocol ironed out which would leave us on the starting blocks of something really unique.

Exactly 100 years ago, Derry's business community voiced their opposition to Derry becoming part of the new Irish Free State as they feared their trade routes with Britain, then a global superpower, would be cut off or have heavy tariffs imposed on their goods.

Fast forward a century and the situation has reversed with the Republic of Ireland  backed by the economic powerhouse that is the EU  providing the best option for Derry's business community.

Mr O'Kane added: It wouldn't be 'future-looking' in terms of where our prosperity is going to come from if we were very insular in our market.

By that I'm saying, we can't just look at the UK market as our sole market and disregard a bloc of 500million people in the EU.

Losing access to that would be completely remiss of our Executive to take that stance. But from a Chamber point of view, our members recognise that trading with the EU is essential.

What we have found is that 24 per cent of businesses have actually changed their supply chains to be within Northern Ireland  and that's a good thing. That's a quarter of our businesses.

There has been issues with some goods but that has been very much on the GB side. It's like a sender-receiver-type relationship. We are the receiver and the sender just hasn't been as prepared as we have.

What we found early on is that a lot of businesses in GB were not prepared for sending and trading into Northern Ireland. Things have improved but that's taken a little bit of time.

Yes some businesses are just not trading with Northern Ireland because we're too small a market and there's too many overheads associated with it. But those numbers are relatively small.

As far as the effects on the public  unlike GB  we didn't have empty shelves, we didn't have queues at petrol stations and that's got to be welcomed.
Tributes have been paid to a local award-winning writer who has died.

Liam Campbell, described as a 'gifted writer, scholar, musician and academic,' passed away in Altnagelvin Hospital on Friday last.

His play, The White Handkerchief, is to receive its premiere in Derry next month as part of the upcoming 50th anniversary of Bloody Sunday.

The production's title is inspired by the photograph of the then Fr Edward Daly, later to be Bishop of Derry, waving a white handkerchief as one of the victims, 17-year-old Jackie Duddy, is carried from the Bogside past British troops.

The play is one of a number of events being organised by the Bloody Sunday Trust whose director, Maeve McLaughlin, described Mr Campbell as a 'genuine talented unassuming Derry man.'

She added: We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Liam Campbell.

It is particularly poignant that Liam did not get to see his work The White Handkerchief premiere as part of the 50th anniversary of Bloody Sunday.

We recently received a short except of the production which was both emotional and empowering.

Liam has left us all with this important cultural legacy.

Ms McLaughlin concluded: On behalf of the Bloody Sunday Trust and Bloody Sunday families we extend our deepest condolences to Liam's family and friends.

In a post on social media, the Playhouse said: It is with great sadness that we write that our friend Dr. Liam Campbell has passed.

A gifted writer, scholar, musician, and academic, published both creatively and academically.

A very funny man. A man with great wit and warmth, shown in character and storytelling.

A listener with great knowledge.

A man interested in, and interesting about, any topic- driven by a constant desire to contribute to and engage with artistic creativity.

As an academic he gave many talks across Europe and America on storytelling and the literature of the 20th century.

As a Tolkien scholar, he presented Christchurch College, Oxford and Wofford College, South Carolina.

He explored new evidence that the world-famous landscape and Celtic legends of the West of Ireland inspired Tolkiens masterworks The Lord of the Rings and The Silmarillion.

The photograph that inspired the title of Liam Campbell's play The White Handkerchief.

With 10 years experience working as an arts coordinator in both the community and formal education, he was inspired by the power of artistic creativity, peacebuilding and positive social change; and delivered creative arts workshops and trained other facilitators across Europe and USA.

Mr Campbell's debut full-length play The Harbinger was winner of the Greer Garson Theatre award and was shortlisted for best new play by an Irish author.

Another, The Bog Couple, enjoyed a sold out run and standing ovations at The Playhouse and Millennium Forum and his play The Monk, The Bird and The Priest was described as 'really really powerful' (BBC Radio Ulster) and 'harrowing, hard-hitting and heart-wrenching.'

His latest and final work, The White Handkerchief, which will premiere in the Guildhall and broadcast across the world, is described as 'beautiful elegy, a message of love and hope to and for our city.'

Mr Campbell was laid to rest on Wednesday in the City Cemetery following Requiem Mass in St Columba's Church, Long Tower.

He is survived by his wife Liz, sons Christopher, George and Jordan, and daughter Wendy.
Everyone loves a good Christmas movie but how much do you actually know about your favourite festive films. Test your and your family's knowledge with these 50 teasers. The answers are below.

1: Who plays Buddy in the film Elf?

2: What name do the burglars give themselves in Home Alone?

3: Who provided the voice of Ebenezer Scrooge in the 2009 animated Christmas movie, A Christmas Carol?

4: In which Christmas movie does Buddy travel from the North Pole to New York to find his father Walter Hobbs?

5: Which English actor plays the villian in the first Die Hard movie?

6: In which film does Jim Carreys character try to ruin Christmas?

7: Which 2003 film features Billy Bob Thornton as a thief who disguises himself as a department store Santa Claus?

8: In which rom-com does the character Natalie fall in love with the British prime minister, played by Hugh Grant?

9: What is the name of the child that the story focuses on in Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factor?

10: Which actor voiced several roles in The Polar Express?

11: What was Clarence the angel awarded for completing his mission in Its A Wonderful Life?

12: How much did Kevin McCallister spend on room service in Home Alone 2?

13: Tim Allen played a msn who has to take Santas place, in which film?

14: In which comedy is Clark Griswolds boss kidnapped and brought to Griswolds house?

15: Which animated 1993 film follows the misadventures of Jack Skellington, Halloweentowns pumpkin king?

16: Bill Murray plays a successful executive in which modern version of A Christmas Carol?

17: Joe Pesci stars as Harry and Daniel Stern is Marv in which comedy caper?

18: Who played Scrooge in The Muppet Christmas Carol?

19: Vince Vaughn played Santas older brother in which 2007 film?

20: Die Hard takes place on Christmas Eve in which city?

21: What is the Mogwi who is given to Billy in Gremlins?

22: Arnold Schwarzenegger and Sinbad battle it out for an action figure in which film?

23: Who starred as Kevin McCallister in Home Alone?

24: Which film sees the paths of Dan Aykroyd and Eddie Murphy cross when they become part of an elaborate bet?

25: Who is the first child to meet a sticky end in Willie Wonka and the Chocolate Factory?

26: Richard Attenborough plays Kris Kringle in which film?

27: Which film sees Kate Winslett and Cameron Diaz swap Christmas and meet new romantic partners in Jude Law and Jack Black?

28: In Its A Wonderful Life, what is the name of George Baileys guardian angel?

29: Which animated film features the song Walking In The Air?

30: In Die Hard, what is the name of the building the terrorists take over?

31: What do the Kranks decide to do instead of having a traditional Christmas in Christmas with the Kranks?

32: When the lights on the house do not work, what gets used instead in Deck the Halls?

33: In Home Alone 2, which shop do the bad guys break into on Christmas Eve?

34: Where do Brad and Kate get trapped while traveling in the film Four Chritmases?

35: Who wrote the picture book that was inspiration for the 2000 film How the Grinch Stole Christmas?

36: Which Cheers actor provided the narration for the Disney movie, Mickeys Once Upon A Christmas?

37: In the 1946 film Its a Wonderful Life, who plays George Bailey?

38: At what department store does Kris Kringle work in Miracle on 34th Street?

39: What is Father Christmas known as in The Nightmare Before Christmas?

40: Who plays the title role in the film, Willie Wonka and the Chocolate Factory?

41: What are the three rules that Billy is told he must obey in the film Gremlins?

42: What does a drunk Dan Aykroyd hide in his Santa costume in Trading Places?

43: Which Disney film do the creatures watch in the cinema in Gremlins?

44: Who narrated the film version of Dr Seuss How The Grinch Stole Christmas?

45: Perry van Shrike and Harmony Faith Lane are characters in which Christmas movie?

46: Which Irish actress plays the Pigeon Lady in Home Alone 2?

47: What job did Hugh Grant just get in the film Love Actually?

48: Who are the people who make the sweets in Willie Wonka and the Chocolate Factory?

49: In Die Hard 2, what airport is John McClaine waiting at when terrorists take over?

50: And finally, how many Home Alone movies are there?

ANSWERS

1: Will Ferrell; 2: The Wet Bandits; 3: Jim Carrey; 4: Elf; 5: Alan Rickman; 6: How The Grinch Stole Christmas; 7: Bad Santa; 8: Love Actually; 9: Charlie Bucket; 10: Tom Hanks; 11: His wings; 12: $967; 13: The Santa Clause; 14: National Lampoons Christmas Vacation; 15: The Nightmare Before Christmas; 16: Scrooged; 17: Home Alone; 18: Michael Caine; 19: Fred Claus; 20: Los Angeles; 21: Gizmo; 22: Jingle All the Way; 23: Macaulay Culkin; 24: Trading Places; 25: Augustus Gloop; 26: Miracle on 34th Street; 27: The Holiday; 28: Clarence; 29: The Snowman; 30: Nakatomi Tower; 31: A ten-day Caribbean cruise; 32: Mobile phone lights; 33: Duncans Toy Chest; 34: San Francisco Airport; 35: Dr. Seuss; 36: Kelsey Grammer; 37: James Stewart; 38: Macys; 39: Sandy Claws; 40: Gene Wilder; 41: Keep them out of light; Keep them away from water; Never feed them after midnight; 42: A smoked salmon; 43: Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs; 44: Anthony Hopkins; 45: Kiss Kiss Bang Bang; 46: Brenda Fricker; 47: Prime Minister; 48: Oompa-Loompas; 49: Washington Dulles International Airport; 50: Five (but only the first two are worth watching.
Granaghan and District Women's Group delivered 130 hot Christmas dinners to people living in and around Swatragh village at the weekend.

The gesture was made possible thanks to funding from the National Lottery's 'Awards for All' programme.

This is the second year in a row that the group have been able to organise the delivery of the three-course dinners.

On Saturday, the big-hearted volunteers visited 130 people.

Each person received soup, a turkey and ham dinner with all the trimmings, and either trifle or plum pudding.

They also were given a bottle of Shloer, a box of chocolates and a customised Christmas card with an extract from one of the celebrated Irish poet John O'Donohue's poems: 'Time to be slow' - 'This is the time to be slow, lie low to the wall until the bitter weather passes'.

The local women's group would like to thank everyone who made this initiative possible, not least all the people who play the National lottery and therefore make this funding available to community groups.
Dublin Airport is estimating that an average of 45,000 people per day will pass through its doors before Janaury 4.

That's around 850,000 between Friday, December 17 and Tuesday, January 4, 2022.

It compares to an average of 12,000 passengers per day during the Christmas season last year, and 77,000 in the same period in 2019.

Although it marks a significant increase on numbers in December 2020, the total 850,000 passengers expected to come through Dublin Airport this Christmas still marks a 42% drop from pre-pandemic numbers.

Almost 1.5 million flew in and out of the airport in 2019, before Covid-19 caused havoc for air travel.

The busiest day during the Christmas season this year is expected to be December 19th, followed closely by December 23rd.

New travel restrictions introduced for arrivals into Ireland, amid fears over the Omicron variant, have made predicting passenger numbers more difficult, Dublin Airport said in a statement.

It is expected that some passengers who have already booked will decide not to travel.

Dublin Airport has asked those who do travel this Christmas to be mindful of the Covid-19 rules.

Face masks are mandatory at Dublin Airport and must be worn when in the terminal buildings the statement said.

In addition, social distancing protocols should be observed and there are more than 1,000 hand sanitisers located throughout the Dublin Airport campus.

Anyone planning to greet passengers should arrange to meet them outside the terminal buildings.

There are new meeting points just outside Terminal 1 and at the glass walkway between the Terminal 2 car park and arrivals.

It is recommended that anyone who is collecting passengers at Dublin Airport plan and arrange pick-ups in advance.
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SEATTLE (AP)  The outgoing mayor of Seattle says she will veto City Council legislation that would have repealed the $4 an hour hazard pay boost for grocery workers that has been in place for nearly a year.

The Seattle Times reports the City Council voted 8-0 last January to approve the mandatory hazard pay during the COVID-19 pandemic. Last week, Councilmembers voted to repeal that bump.





. . .
Irish Water have announced that they have successfully completed a programme of works to replace old and damaged water mains along the Ecco Road, Dundalk.

The works, completed in conjunction with Louth County Council, saw the replacement of pipes that were prone to leaks and frequent bursts with new high density polyethylene (plastic) pipes.

The company says they hope to reduce high levels of leakage and improve the security of supply to homes and businesses in the area.

The works were carried out by GMC Utilities Ltd on behalf of Irish Water and involved the replacement of approximately 250 metres of old problematic water mains.

Speaking about the works Matt Thomson, Regional Lead with Irish Water, said:

We are proactively operating throughout Louth to track down and repair leaking pipes with our colleagues in Louth County Council.

These upgrades are part of a significant investment by Irish Water to upgrade the water network in Louth.

There was a history of bursts and supply disruptions in the Ecco Road area and successful completion of these works will reduce water interruptions and the amount of clean drinking water lost to leakage.

The installation of the new water mains and service connections will also help conserve this precious resource and improve levels of service for homes and businesses in the area.

We would like to thank customers for their patience and cooperation as we continue to deliver these vital network improvements and safeguard the water supply now and into the future.

Reflecting on the importance of the works for Dundalk, Thompson continued:

The replacement of these old pipes along Ecco Road will safeguard the water supply and have a positive impact on leakage and the daily lives of the local community.

The project will also benefit residential and business customers in the area by improving the water network performance, reducing disruptions to water supply, reducing leakage rates and unplanned outages when bursts occurred on the existing mains.

Completion of these works will also improve operational efficiencies by providing improved water network operation that will require less maintenance in the future.

Permanent road reinstatement works will now be carried out in the coming weeks following the successful completion of this project, he concluded.
What was once critiqued as an extravagant trend is fast becoming the newest traditional staple for households everywhere. And there's still time to put one together!

No matter how small, extra presents are always a good idea! Here's why the box is a great addition to your festivities:

What is a Christmas Eve box?

Essentially, its a box of goodies given on Christmas Eve. Each person in the family might have their own box, or you can create a family box, which is often cheaper, and gathers you all together.

Twas the night before Christmas when all through the house, not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse but if the kids are running riot and buzzing with excitement about the big day, its probably not very quiet, notes Wendy Miranda, customer brand ambassador for Lakeland.

Why not make it more magical with a Christmas Eve box? Find a lovely box or a hamper  you can personalise one for each child  and fill it with special treats for them to open on Christmas Eve.

What started as a small trend has now become a festive mainstay for many people in the UK, says Holly Harper, head of inspiration and new partners at notonthehighstreet. Weve seen an increase in popularity of personalised boxes over the years, and in the last week alone, searches for Christmas Eve Box have risen by over 50%.

How do you make one?

What your Christmas Eve box looks like is entirely up to you. Pop down the high street or look online and youll find plenty of ready-made options to choose from. Or you can make your own. If youre handy, you can knock some up from old pallets, you can get the kids involved and transform a cardboard box, or you can make use of an old hamper or box youve held on to  because it looked too good to throw away.

Personalisation does make them a little more special, so you can do that by decorating them. You could get crafty on cardboard or wood with good old marker pens. And if its a hamper, you could create a label, write a Christmas message on it, and tie it to the handle.

What should go inside?

Again, what you decide to put inside the box or boxes, is entirely up to you. What would you like to be gifted the night before Christmas?

You could fill it with anything, from some new festive pyjamas and a pair of cosy socks, to a new game or a DVD  and dont forget some yummy snacks to nibble on, suggests Miranda.

Harper suggests filling the reusable boxes, which can be brought out year after year, with pyjamas, a special letter from Santa and sweet treats, creating new traditions that add some extra magic to Christmas Eve night.

Matching PJs are a good gift for a family box, and available pretty much everywhere on the high street. But Christmas Eve boxes arent just for families. Make one for yourself for the perfect quiet night in  gift yourself some cosy sleepwear and a new book, or couples can create a date night gift box containing everything they need for the evening, whether thats cocoa and biscuits, Champagne and ingredients for a three-course meal, or underwear and bubble bath.

When do you unbox it?

The clue is in the name. A Christmas Eve box should be opened on Christmas Eve. It can act as a great way to get the kids to bed  if theyre well behaved all day and promise to go to sleep on time, they get to open it in the evening. But you can unbox it at any time of the day  it often depends on what you have planned and whos around.

As new traditions go, this is one we think is here to stay. Its a lovely idea, creates some magical new memories, and can cost as much or as little as you like.
 

EBRD to provide 75 million guarantee to Raiffeisen Bank in Ukraine

Innovative mechanism unlocks funding for M SMEs

Thirty per cent of the project to finance green technologies

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and Raiffeisen Bank JSC in Ukraine (Raiffeisen Bank) are strengthening their cooperation to boost the availability of funding for Ukrainian micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs).

The EBRD is providing Raiffeisen Bank with an unfunded guarantee of up to 75 million in local currency linked to the banks domestic sovereign bond portfolio. The additional risk-taking capacity freed up by the guarantee will allow Raiffeisen Bank to commit fresh funds to Ukrainian businesses, increasing its support for the real economy.

The facility is an instrument not previously available in the Ukrainian market and follows the innovative Guarantee for Growth facility that was pioneered in Albania in 2020.

Raiffeisen Banks lending under the mechanism will have a particular focus on supporting local MSMEs, which are vital to the sustainable growth of Ukraines economy. At least 30 per cent of the funds will be used to finance high-performance, sustainable technologies that can advance the countrys environmental and climate-mitigation goals and are in line with the EBRDs Green Economy Transition (GET) approach.

Matteo Patrone, EBRD Managing Director, Eastern Europe and the Caucasus, said: Together with our longstanding partner Raiffeisen, we are now expanding the Guarantee for Growth facility to a new market, Ukraine. The project will improve access to finance for MSMEs at a critical time while also encouraging investments in green technologies. I am pleased that the trust and confidence we have built with Raiffeisen enables us to innovate and benefit businesses and economies where both banks are active.

We are proud that our partnership with the EBRD supports the economy with additional volumes of funding to MSMEs and encourages entrepreneurs to explore green technology projects. The participation in this facility confirms Raiffeisen Banks commitment to Ukraine, its status as one of the biggest lender in the country, and the innovative approach to supporting its growth plans, said Oleksandr Pysaruk, CEO of Raiffeisen Bank.

As part of the project, the EBRD is working with the National Bank of Ukraine to ensure that the local prudential framework is aligned with European Union banking-sector standards. The programme complements the work of the Vienna Initiative , through which the EBRD promotes the alignment of regulatory practices with international standards in the economies where it operates.

Raiffeisen Bank is the fourth-largest bank in Ukraine in terms of total assets and the third-largest in terms of performing loans. The bank provides a range of services to 2.8 million clients countrywide. Since October 2005, it has been part of Austrian banking group Raiffeisen Bank International AG.

The EBRD is a leading institutional investor in Ukraine. To date, the Bank has invested more than 15.5 billion in 507 projects across the country, with a focus on assisting economic stabilisation, anchoring reforms, strengthening energy efficiency and energy security, and supporting agricultural and industrial projects as well as smaller businesses.
A PROPOSED mixed-use development on the Skehard Road, which included an Aldi supermarket, has been rejected by Cork City Council.

Back in April, Aldi announced that a planning application for a second store on the Skehard Road was to be submitted to Cork City Council with plans to open a 1,337sqm store in 2024.

Aldi's existing Blackrock store, located at Blackrock Hall, opened in 2008 and is one of the busiest of all its stores.

The supermarket giant stated that there would be ample parking facilities provided for customers at the new store, with 86 car parking spaces and 10 bike parking spaces, along with two electric vehicle charging points.

The new Aldi store was to be part of a mixed-use development which also included proposals for 28 residential units and a cafe.

The proposed development was to be constructed across two three-storey buildings at a site located next to Scally's SuperValu supermarket on the Skehard Road.

The site is currently occupied by a single house which was to be demolished before the two blocks were to be developed.

Block one was to contain the Aldi store and a cafe at ground floor level and 20 apartments at first and second floor levels and block two was to contain a further eight apartments.

Developers Lyonshall Ltd were to be responsible for the residential units whilst Aldi was to build the commercial element.

Rejection

However, Cork City Council has rejected the proposals.

In its decision, the council stated that the proposed development, by reason of its layout, massing, scale, height and proximity to the southern and eastern boundaries of the site would be visually obtrusive, result in overshadowing of adjoining properties and, as such, would seriously injure the residential amenities of adjoining properties and be out of character with the area.

As part of its reasoning, the council also stated that the proposed development site is considered an "out-of-centre site in accordance with the order of priority for the location of retail developments as set out in a section of the City Development Plan 2015-2021.

In this regard only in exceptional circumstances can such sites be considered, where it is demonstrated that no other sites or potential sites including vacant units are available and viable.

It is noted that there is a nearby, underutilised, Neighbourhood Centre at Avenue de Rennes where there is currently no retail provision available, the council added.
ON the 25th anniversary of the murder of Sophie Toscan du Plantier, her uncle has said her family does not hold strong hopes for justice.

Speaking from his home in France, Jean-Pierre Gazeau said that although the family understands there is currently a garda review of the case underway, they do not want to get their hopes up.

Maybe there will be new developments soon, but anyway, we do not have strong hope, because so many [times we had] information which would give us some hope and afterwards it was a big deception.

At the moment we have the kind of expectation that is in some sense neutral. We dont want to have rogue hope, Monsieur Gazeau said.

French film producer Sophie Toscan du Plantier was found beaten to death outside her holiday home in Tourmore, Schull, Co Cork, on December 23, 1996.

British journalist Ian Bailey, who soon became, in his own words, the main suspect, has always denied any involvement in Ms Toscan du Plantiers murder.

He was arrested twice, but no charges were brought, as the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) found there was insufficient evidence against him.

In 2019, Mr Bailey was tried and convicted in his absence in Paris, and was sentenced to 25 years in prison.

In 2020, the Irish High Court ruled that Mr Bailey could not be extradited to France, and the State did not appeal that finding.

The 2018 podcast West Cork helped to spark global interest in the case, and this year alone saw the release of a book, and separate documentary series on both Sky and Netflix.

Speaking to The Echo, Monsieur Gazeau said that although friends have planned a remembrance of Ms Toscan du Plantier, the family did not intend to have a special event to mark the 25th anniversary of her murder.

Sophie is always present, he said.

This will be a special time, in a terrible way, 25 years exactly after her death, but we do not want to have any special event.

We had a special event in 2008, on the scene, we spent the night, family, friends, we went to Cork, to Schull, the night December 22-23, but I think it was enough to do that only once.

Monsieur Gazeau recalled the first time he met his niece, in 1957, when he was almost 12.

I always remember this little baby when I saw her in July in Paris, she had red hair. Afterwards, I wasnt living in Paris, I was living in Lozere, in a place called Marvejols, and from time to time, Sophie was visiting us, but then my sister asked my mother to take care of Sophie.

I was a teenager, and I remember this little girl, very, very attentive to other persons, with very blue eyes, he said.

He remembered her as an adult, a creative woman who worked as a film producer, and he said he had been thinking a lot about her on a recent trip to Cameroon.

I was remembering her, because she produced a very nice documentary for the channel ARTE in France, about African art.

The documentary was well-received, he said, especially by Jacques Chirac, the then-President of France, who loved African art, and he wrote a letter of congratulations to Ms Toscan du Plantier.

Monsieur Gazeau said that while Ms Toscan du Plantiers family was critical of the Irish State for its handling of her murder, they had great affection for the people of Ireland.

Do you know Sophie was in love? Monsieur Gazeau asked, before adding: Totally in love with Ireland.

She loved Ireland, and we love Ireland.

Retired Chief Superintendent Dermot Dwyer, who investigated the case, told The Echo that he still has hopes it will be resolved.

All I can say is I felt then and now that the matter was properly investigated by the gardai at the time, Mr Dwyer said.

Its awful for the family, both now and over the years, that the matter hasnt been dealt with so that they can have some peace of mind.

Sam Bungey, who, with his wife Jennifer Forde, made the podcast West Cork, said their thoughts were with Sophies family at this time, and he appeared to criticise some sensationalist coverage.

The only thing that serves Sophie is accurate and honest reporting.

That Sophies family and friends are still left to endure the open-endedness of this investigation after 25 years is difficult to imagine, he said.

Ian Bailey outside the High Court, Dublin, after the court rejected an attempt by French authorities to extradite him for the murder of Sophie Toscan du Plantier.

Ian Bailey referred The Echo to his solicitor, Frank Buttimer, saying: Out of respect for the family, I am making no comment, and I am totally sympathetic to their plight.

Mr Buttimer reiterated that his client would not be making any comment.
THIS is the amazing story of John Judge  a story of despair, courage in abundance, elation, salvation, and eventual heartache.

He was born in Passage West to Samuel Judge and Mary King  hence the family story that a Judge did indeed marry a King!

Samuel was born in 1845 and he and Mary wed on August 14, 1869, when they were both 24, at St Marys RC Church in Passage West. Samuel was a shipwright, as was Marys father George King, so the sea was in Johns blood.

John Judge.

Born in 1873, John was the second child in a family of six. Tragically, his twin brothers, Edward and Samuel, died of illness at seven months old when John was a toddler, and another brother, George, died at birth when John was eight.

In 1907, aged 33, John Judge was a sailor on a ship called The Dundonald, a four-masted steel barque. On February 17, it set sail from Sydney, Australia, bound for Falmouth in Cornwall with a cargo of wheat.

Before the Panama Canal opened in 1914, this entailed hitching a ride east on the Roaring Forties, the strong westerly winds south of the Equator.

However, just over a fortnight into the voyage, on March 7, disaster struck when the ship was forced onto rocks in a storm and sank on the west coast of the intriguingly-named Disappointment Island.

This uninhabited island in the Indian Ocean is almost 300 miles south of New Zealands South Island, and five miles north-west of the larger, but also uninhabited, Auckland Island. It is thought to have got its name from its disappointing lack of resources, or from the fact so many ships were wrecked there.

Disappointment was an under-statement for John Judge and the 15 other survivors of The Dundonald, who managed to scale the rocks to access the island. Devastation more like.

Twelve of their colleagues had drowned, including Captain JT Thornburn and his son, James. One man, Walter Low, actually made the shore but slipped off the cliff back into the sea and was never seen again

Astonishingly, Corkman Judge and his crew-mates lived for more than seven months on the three square miles of Disappointment Island, deep into the southern hemisphere winter.

For the first three days we ate raw mollymawks (a type of albatross) until our supply of matches dried out enough to light a fire, recalled John. We managed to keep the same fire going for our stay on the island  a barren outcrop with limited supplies of timber  while constantly being bombarded by storms that struck the island.

We managed to dig into the ground and roof the hole with sod to make shelter. Our clothes and tools mainly came from salvaged materials from the wreck or from seals and the limited number of trees.

A sketch of John Judge that appeared in the Arklow News in 1908.

Sadly, their number was cut to 15 when the mate Jabez Peters died of exposure on March 25. He was buried in the sand.

The crew realised they had finite resources and were aware of a depot on nearby Auckland Island, containing food and supplies in the event of a shipwreck.

John said: All the islands had depots, except it appears for Disappointment Island, because it was felt nobody would be able to scale the rocks to gain access.

The men managed to build a coracle, a small boat, using oars from branches, but their first few attempts to sail the five miles to Auckland Island failed.

However, this Cork version of famous castaway Robinson Crusoe and his 14 Man Fridays eventually managed to escape their island prison in October.

We landed on Auckland Island and four men hiked their way through rough terrain to reach Port Ross (a natural harbour), where they located the food depot and a boat, said John.

They erected a flag at half-mast to indicate a shipwrecked crew to passing boats. Then they waited...

Their patience was rewarded on November 16, when, as luck would have it, an Antarctic scientific expedition dropped by Auckland Island. Captain John Bollons and the NZGSS Hinemoa had called into the harbour to refresh, saw the half-mast flag, and launched a boat to find the castaways.

The Hinemoa carried on with its expedition and left extra supplies and a cook to look after the castaways until its return two weeks later.

The scientists recognised the significance of the coracle the men had used to escape Disappointment Island. They asked us to bring it with us and it was later exhibited at the Canterbury Museum in Christchurch to raise money to help us get back home to Ireland, said Judge. The coracle is still on display there to this day.

The crew of The Dundonald finally got to Bluff, the southernmost town in mainland New Zealand, at the end of 1907. John then sat down on January 1, 1908, to write a letter to his mother Mary, his brother Arthur and older sister Minnie. He started off: Dear Mother, I dont know if this is going to find you dead or alive for I am only half alive and have been very unlucky.

John went on to explain how he had been on night watch on March 7 when his ship went down. I came on deck at midnight, the other watch went down below. Little did they think it would be their last sleep and they would be battling for their lives in a half-hour.

At 12.40am land loomed right up in front of us, the seas breaking mountains high on the tall cliffs. Here we were looking death straight in the face.

In ten minutes, she struck (the rocks), some of us got washed to the fore rigging after she went down. I got on the mast when I got there. I was nearly drowned, my eyes rolling in my head. I lashed myself to the mast. I was there all night, till day. To hear the shouts of the drowning was frightful amid the roars of the sea on the rocks.

I was on the forecastle head clutching the rial when she went from under my feet. I was sucked down and was washing around for a long time, swallowing the seas, a-longing for the end, when at last I caught the rigging.

I could hear and see some poor fellows for a long time, some hanging to some rope, then the water would cover them, and you could hear the cries getting weaker all the time.

At daylight, I saw one man was up on the cliffs. How he got there is a mystery. We threw him a rope and he made it fast ashore, we made the other end fast to the fore gallant yard and climbed ashore up in mid-air.

When we got ashore, we found 12 were drowned. What a queer lot we were  no boots, no coats, no caps and on an island no man had ever put foot on before.

We started eating grass or anything we could get out of the ground. We thought we came ashore here to die after all, but no, we soon found albatross and mollymawks hatching in their nests and started on them, eating them raw for some days before we found a few matches in our clothes.

We were sleeping in our wet clothes for four days before we got sun to dry them, sleeping on the surface of the ground.

After a month, we started to make holes in the ground. We got some sticks put over for a roof and some grass put over that and we found it used to keep the rain and storms off us, but it was sinful cold inside the damp walls and no covering, we lined the walls with grass.

From the skins of the birds, we made caps and socks, and after a while we got some seals and made blankets and boots and were getting on fine.

Then we lived here on this island for seven months and eight days, eating seals and putting our heads in a pool of water to drink. When you want soup, tea or coffee, it is hard that.

John went on to describe how the men built their boat.

We had a piece of canvas and got some crooked wood, lashed them together with rope we made from grass and a few rope yarns we had, then we sowed the canvas around her, and the boat was made.

The canvas we sowed with its own thread and needles made out of bones from birds.

The Corkman recalled how the food depot on Auckland Island also contained clothes and blankets. Now we had a wash and cut our hair, for we were real wild men then after seven months and a half without taking our shirts off.

Of the moment the Hinemoa was spotted, he said: Well, our thoughts then I leave for the reader to judge  we thought our eyes were deceiving us, but there she was, and we gave them three cheers and when they answered our cheers, I thought Id faint.

John and his castaways were local celebrities in Bluff. There is a band promenade at 3 oclock in our aid, he wrote. The people are taking very kindly to us. We are living here in the best hotel  I dont know who is paying...

Dear Mother, I cant write half of our hard time, but you will see all on the papers I send, concluded the dramatic missive.

******

John Judge eventually returned home by steamer to Passage West, where he worked for a while as a dock labourer and lived on Cork Street.

He married Kate Mahoney in 1909, and they lived in Liverpool for several years in the 1930s.

Tragically, John was to lose his life at sea after all  and very close to the land of his birth.

On December 5, 1939, he was working on the cargo ship SS Navasota when it was hit by a torpedo from a German submarine 50 miles west of the Fastnet Rock  37 of the 82 crew were lost and, sadly, this time John was among them. He was listed presumed drowned aged 62.

The authors wife is related to John Judge, and letters and newspaper cuttings documenting his remarkable life will be donated to the maritime museum in Passage West at the request of the Judge family.

Read More Holly Bough Podcast 2: We talk to the man behind the Diffney Quiz






Eleven students of Pondicherry University were suspended on December 17 for taking part in a protest one year ago against the varsity's decision to raise fees. The suspended students, who are also asked to pay a fine of Rs 10,000, are barred from taking admission in the varsity for the next five years. Moreover, they have also been banned from entering the varsity premises.

The letters that the students received on December 22, reads, "The recommendations of the Disciplinary Committee have been approved by the competent authority for taking action against you for participating in the protest held on 06.02.2020 in the Administrative Building of Pondicherry University."

Prior to this, a show-cause notice was sent to the concerned students in August wherein the authorities demanded an explanation for "unruly and unlawful behaviour" as students had gheraoed Vice-Chancellor Gurmeet Singh during the protest.

READ ALSO : Pondicherry University asks for 3 months to appoint Registrar, CoE. Madras HC says do it in 1 month

While hundreds were involved in the protest, the eleven suspended students were the most active participants. One of the suspended students and the president of PU Students' Council, Parichay Yadav, pointed out that a gherao is a popular form of protest and it is common for it to happen. "We gheraoed an authority so that he could listen to our demands. It was very democratic and nothing aggressive or violent happened."

The PUSC led the protest against the large-scale fee hike a year ago but then recalled it after the matter went to the Madras High Court. "We were fighting a legal battle so we had to withdraw the strike," Yadav said. The verdict in the case remains pending even now.

"This comes while the case is still going on in the Madras High Court. This is not just insensitive, it is a revenge that the university administration is taking on students for raising their voice," he said.

The Students' Federation of India has taken to the streets as of December 23, they will be protesting outside the university until it takes back the suspension order. "We will now be fighting the legal battle and holding protests against the university simultaneously. This movement is now much larger than the eleven suspended students," Yadav said.

As earlier reports by Edexlive point out, the varsity has time and again defended the fee hike by pointing out that for several years the fees in PU remained the same. The authorities argue that if there would've been a marginal increase every year, it would have not shown figures of a 200 or 300 per cent fee hike.

However, the students call the varsity's defense a sham. "We have provided them with stats and data. The fee hike was brought about without consultation with the students or students' body. These policies affect the students directly and none have been taken into consideration." The students resorted to protests last year after four rounds of meetings with the authorities led to no favourable results.

There were multiple attempts made to reach out to the Pondicherry University authorities, however, none were available for comment. This copy would be updated if the authorities respond to queries.
The tussle between Amazon and the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) has taken another turn after the company reached a nationwide settlement with the agency. Amazon has agreed to remind current and former workers across the US about their labor rights on notices posted in workplaces, and on the mobile app and website for workers. Amazon will also send a copy of the notice to email addresses it has on file for any employee who worked at its facilities between March 22nd and December 22nd.

The notice informs workers that they have the legal right to join, form or assist with a union. They can select a representative to bargain with Amazon on their behalf and "act together with other employees for your benefit and protection."

In addition, workers have more leeway to organize in company facilities. In the notice, Amazon states it will not tell them to leave a property or threaten disciplinary action "when you are exercising your right to engage in union or protected concerted activities by talking to your co-workers in exterior non-work areas during non-work time." Nor will it ask workers about union activity, or why they're speaking to co-workers, according to the notice.

It'll be easier for the NLRB to sue Amazon if the agency believes it violated the agreement. In such cases, the company agreed to let the NLRB forego an administrative hearing process, which can take a long time to complete.

This settlement agreement provides a crucial commitment from Amazon to millions of its workers across the United States that it will not interfere with their right to act collectively to improve their workplace by forming a union or taking other collective action, NLRB general counsel Jennifer Abruzzo told The New York Times. Engadget has contacted Amazon for comment.

The agreement is related to six cases brought forward by workers who complained Amazon was impeding their efforts to organize. The company previously settled NLRB cases on an individual basis, but this a broader agreement. The agreement includes references to employees, but not contractors, who make up the bulk of Amazon's delivery workforce. It's unclear whether they will be afforded the same rights and protections under the deal.

The NLRB and Amazon have been at odds in recent times. In November, the labor board ordered Amazon to rerun a union election at an Alabama warehouse. It said Amazon interfered with the process. Workers at other facilities have attempted to organize  those at a fulfillment center in New York are trying once again to unionize after failing to obtain enough signatures last time.

Amazon has long been criticized over working conditions. Lawmakers this week sought answers from the company over whether its policies contributed to the deaths of six people after a tornado struck a warehouse in Illinois. Amazon recently warned its workers that an even more demanding workload than usual during the holiday period could have a significant impact on their mental health.
Former and current warehouse workers at JFK8, Amazon's fulfillment center in Staten Island, New York, have refiled an application to hold a vote on unionization. The workers originally filed a petition with the National Labor Relations Board back in November, but they had to withdraw it after failing to gather enough signatures to be approved. This time, the organizers were reportedly able to gather over 2,500 worker signatures or half of the 5,000 people employed at the facility.

The workers are hoping to form the Amazon Labor Union, which will be an independent group that's not connected to any major national union. One of their lead organizers is Christian Smalls who led a walkout at JFK8 over the e-commerce giant's handling of COVID safety at the warehouse. Amazon fired Smalls after that, telling CNBC that he "received multiple warnings for violating social distancing guidelines." Even so, Smalls is still very much involved in the facility's renewed efforts to unionize. In an email to The Washington Post, he referenced what happened at Amazon's Bessemer warehouse, saying that "long drawn-out voting processes are controlled by the bosses who use that period to lie to, intimidate and threaten the workers into voting no for the union."

Majority of the workers at the company's Bessemer, Alabama facility voted against unionization back in April. However, the election was fraught with controversy, with the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union (RWDSU)  the union the workers were supposed to join  accusing Amazon of interfering with the elections. One of the main issues they pointed out was that the company installed the ballot box in front of the warehouse and in view of security cameras, making workers feel as if their votes were being monitored. After looking into the RWDSU's complaint, the NLRB ordered Amazon to hold another vote.

Amazon has been adamantly opposed to its workers joining unions. When the people at JFK8 first filed a petition to unionize, the e-commerce giant told Engadget in a statement:

"As a company, we dont think unions are the best answer for our employees. 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. The benefits of direct relationships between managers and employees cant be overstated  these relationships allow every employees voice to be heard, not just the voices of a select few. Weve made great progress in recent years and months in important areas like pay and safety. There are plenty of things that we can keep doing better, and that's our focus  to keep getting better every day."

The NLRB has confirmed to The Post that it received the group's petition and would be reviewing signatures over the coming days.
Vodafone has turned the first text message into a non-fungible token (NFT). It sold at a Paris auction house this week for 132,680 ($150,000) worth of Ether. The company will donate the proceeds to the United Nations Refugee Agency to support forcibly displaced people.

Just over 29 years ago, Richard Jarvis, then a director of Vodafone, received the first text message from programmer Neil Papworth. Suitably enough, given that it was sent in December, the SMS read "Merry Christmas." Although the content of the text message wasn't exactly exciting, it laid the foundation for the next several decades of communications.

The anonymous auction winner will receive a copy of the communication protocol for the SMS, as CNN notes. They'll also get a certificate of authenticity and a digital frame that displays an animation of a phone receiving the message.
In a teaser released yesterday, the John Wick Twitter account announced that we'll be seeing Lionsgate's John Wick: Chapter 4 on March 24, 2023. This is the second time the Keanu Reeves-led action franchise has pushed back its release date, reportedly due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Prior to the teaser release, John Wick: Chapter 4 was scheduled for a 2022 Memorial Day weekend release, going head-to-head with Paramount's Top Gun: Maverick. And while some have speculated that the fourth John Wick film was pushed back to avoid competing with Paramount's highly-anticipated tentpole blockbuster, Deadline has revealed that its release date was actually delayed because the film is not yet ready.

According to Deadline's sources, production on John Wick: Chapter 4 was stopped due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and still has yet to resume in Japan.

Additionally, Deadline has also been tracking the popularity race between the two films. Despite John Wick: Chapter 4 receiving little to no promotion outside of the recently released teaser, Reeves 'film still bested the heavily-marketed Tom Cruise-led Top Gun: Maverick by 90% in terms of which movie is the audience's first choice to see. Thus, there is no reason for Lionsgate to pull the release of John Wick: Chapter 4 due to competition with Top Gun: Maverick.

Regardless, both films are hotly anticipated. While we're disappointed that we're going to have to wait a whole another year to see the latest installment in the John Wick series, we're still hyped to see what intricately choreographed fights and beautiful cinematography John Wick: Chapter 4 has in store for us as it films around the world.

John Wick: Chapter 4 is set for release on March 24, 2023. Directed by Chad Stahelski, the fourth film stars Keanu Reeves, Donnie Yen, Laurence Fishburne, Bill Skarsgard, Ian McShane, and more.

For more entertainment news and commentary, check out Enstarz! We bring you the latest on your favorite celebrities, TV shows, and films.
In a recent interview with the Hollywood Reporter, British actress Jessica Henwick revealed that she was once presented with a near-impossible choice: Star in Marvel's first Asian-led superhero flick Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings or star alongside Keanu Reeves in the long-anticipated The Matrix follow-up, The Matrix Resurrections.

Needless to say at this point in time, Henwick chose The Matrix Resurrections. Now, she's opening up about why.

In the interview, Henwick discusses how she was given the chance to either do a screen test with Simu Liu for Shang-Chi or a chemistry read for The Matrix Resurrections. However, due to exclusivity clauses in both films' contracts, she could only choose one film to move forward with.

When asked what prompted her to bank on new Matrix movie, Henwick mentioned that one factor that pushed her to turn down Shang-Chi was the possibility that taking up the role of Xialing would mean that Colleen Wing, her character in Marvel's Iron Fist series, would never make it to the MCU.

And, (SPOILERS BELOW!) while Henwick's concerns are not unfounded - recently another Marvel series character, Charlie Cox's Matt Murdock (aka. Daredevil) made it into Spider-Man: No Way Home - there is still the case that Gemma Chan has made multiple appearances in Marvel works without incident. Chan has been cast as different characters in both Captain Marvel and Eternals.

Having seen both Shang-Chi and The Matrix Resurrections, Henwick's choice was a good one. As Bugs, Henwick exudes an effortless cyberpunk cool that fits the character and the film's universe. Not to mention, the opportunity to play the hacker that is the center of an epic opening fight sequence and leads both Reeve's Neo, bringing the audience back into The Matrix, is truly difficult to pass up.

This means that not only did Henwick choose a central character by playing Bugs, but by putting herself out of the running as Xialing, Henwick then allowed for Chinese actress Meng'er Zhang to take up the role, one that would eventually lead Zhang to find love on set with Yung Lee, an action designer on Shang-Chi.

So, at the end of the day, all's well that ends well.

For more entertainment news and commentary, check out Enstarz! We bring you the latest on your favorite celebrities, TV shows, and films.
European Union leaders failed to guarantee a coordinated approach to travel measures for the Christmas holiday season at their summit on Thursday (16 December), after several member states introduced unilateral measures. But they stressed boosters shots are crucial and urgent to curb the new wave of Covid-19 infections and the emergence of the more-transmissible Omicron variant. The new variant of the coronavirus, which has so far been reported in 89 countries, is spreading significantly faster than the Delta strain in countries with documented community transmission, with the number of cases doubling in 1.5 to 3 days, the World Health Organization (WHO) has said.

The Omicron variant is five times more likely to cause reinfections, a study by Imperial College London study has found, though some experts say there are still not sufficient data to draw conclusions. There is no evidence that the Omicron coronavirus variant is milder than Delta, British researchers have concluded, which casts doubt on the cautious optimism of some experts that the new strain may not be as virulent and not overwhelm healthcare systems. The study was released just as record Covid-19 cases have been reported for the third consecutive day in the UK. Across the Channel, continental Europe also braces for a new Covid-19 wave, driven by the highly mutated and transmissible new variant and fanned by socializing over the Christmas holidays. As many countries are ramping up their vaccination drives and reimposing travel restrictions and other curbs, the European Commission announced on Sunday (19 December) that EU members would get an additional 20 million doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine in the first three months of 2022.

Responding to the surge of Covid-19 cases, some EU countries have taken steps targeting the unvaccinated, while programs are also being rolled out in several nations to vaccinate young children. Germany has banned UK tourists from visiting the country as of Sunday (December 19). Germany also considers France and Denmark, along with nearly all of its direct neighbors, high-risk areas, meaning those who are not vaccinated or recovered from the virus must quarantine for 10 days after entering the country. Meanwhile, the Netherlands is back to a nationwide lockdown from yesterday (19 December). Prime Minister Mark Rutte said that the move was unavoidable because of the fifth wave caused by the Omicron variant that is bearing down on us. The French government urged people to get tested and keep Christmas gatherings small amid high infections due to Covid-19. Prime Minister Jean Castex cautioned people that in the new year the health pass will turn into a vaccine pass with more restrictions on people who are unvaccinated.
The Pound US Dollar (GBP/USD) exchange rate has climbed steadily this morning as bullish market sentiment draws support away from safe-haven assets. While UK data has printed mixed so far, GBP investors appear to be focusing on yesterdays confirmation that no new Covid restrictions will be imposed before Christmas.

At the time of writing, GBP/USD is trading at $1.3318, up 0.4% from todays opening levels.

US Dollar (USD) Exchange Rates Face Headwinds from High Risk Sentiment

The US Dollar (USD) is under pressure today as an upbeat market mood favours risk sensitive currencies. The US Treasury bond yields retreated this morning, keeping USD bulls on the defensive: US stocks futures are trading flat.

Encouraging risk-on trading, reports now suggest that the current vaccines may be more effective than first thought in fighting the Omicron variant. UK researchers analysed the likely impact of a Covid booster shot against the variant and say it could provide around 85% protection from severe illness.

Whats more, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is expected to announce later today that Omicron symptoms tend to be milder than those associated with the Delta variant.

However, the UKHSA is quick to add that for those who become seriously ill with Omicron, there is still a high risk of hospitalisation and death. Scientists added that because the transmissibility of Omicron is very high, even though it is milder infections could rocket to the point where large numbers could end up in hospital.

If this point is stressed later today, risk sentiment may weaken.

Also expected to lend some support to the US Dollar, the Federal Reserve maintain a hawkish outlook for the year ahead, forecasting at least three rate hikes in 2022.

The Feds Christopher Waller remarked on Friday that March is a live meeting for the first rate hike, adding that if we start doing some balance sheet runoff by summer, thatll take some pressure off.

Waller is advocating for a rate increase in March, starting the runoff around June, then raising rates in September and December.

Pound (GBP) Exchange Rates Firms on Restriction-Free Christmas

The Pound (GBP) is trading up against the majority of its peers today despite a mixed clutch of data this morning. Boosting GBP sentiment, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced yesterday that no new Covid restrictions would be implemented before Christmas.

Adding to Sterling upside, todays annual GDP data revealed greater economic growth than expected: 6.8% on last year.

According to Darren Morgan, Director of Economic Statistics as the Office for National Statistics (ONS), stronger data for 2020 means the economy was closer to pre-pandemic levels in the third quarter.

Meanwhile, weaker GDP on a quarterly basis has capped GBP gains: the economy grew by 1.1% in Q3 rather than the 1.3% initially estimated.

Martin Beck of the EY ITEM Club observes that supply chain problems hit growth, with consumer spending also slowing down as the Omicron variant dissuaded people from going out so much. Bethany Beckett, UK economist at Capital Economics, remarks:

Todays release indicates the economy had a bit less momentum in Q3 than we had previously thought. And, with early signs the Omicron variant has hit activity, growth is sure to have slowed further in Q4.

GBP/USD Exchange Rate Forecast: Consumer Confidence to Boost USD?

Looking ahead, the US publishes its CB consumer confidence report later this afternoon and is expected to reveal an increase from 109.5 in November to 110.8 this month. If the data prints as expected, the Greenback may enjoy tailwinds.

Meanwhile, GBP exchange rates are likely to be driven by external factors, given a lack of significant UK data later today. Cautious rhetoric around the coronavirus may dampen Sterling sentiment, alongside political uncertainty as Boris Johnson faces criticism from within his own party.
The Euro to US Dollar (EUR/USD) exchange rate is trading in a narrow range as the Omicron Covid variant continues to spread quickly, causing European nations to reinstate restrictions.

At the time of writing, the Euro US Dollar exchange rate is trading at $1.1304 with minimal market movement.

Euro (EUR) Exchange Rates Weakened by New Restriction Plans amid Rising Omicron Cases

The Euro (EUR) is muted against the US Dollar (USD) during todays session as several European nations have announced post-Christmas restrictions in a bid to stunt Omicron cases as numbers continue to rise.

Omicron is currently the dominant variant in many European countries prompting cases to skyrocket across the continent.

The World Health Organisations (WHO) European Head, Hans Kluge, has said that we can see another storm coming, and is urging everyone to get vaccinated in a bid to slow the spread of Omicron.

Spain and France are concerned about the significant increase in Omicron cases, with Spain reporting its highest level of daily cases since the beginning of the pandemic, whilst France is anxious that cases will soon surpass 100,000.

Germany, Europes largest economy, is concerned that festivities will cloud the publics ability to think in a covid-safe manner.

Germany's Chancellor, Olaf Scholz, said yesterday: Coronavirus doesn't take a Christmas break. We cannot - and must not - close our eyes to this next wave, which is beginning to loom over us.

The Euro is struggling following the announcement of these post-Christmas restrictions, as these are likely to stunt growth throughout the Eurozone and negatively impact the single currencys potential during the beginning of the new year.

US Dollar (USD) Exchange Rates Directionless due to Risk-On Sentiment

Meanwhile, the US Dollar (USD) is rangebound against the Euro (EUR) during todays session in response to the risk-on mood which is weighing on the safe haven currency.

The current Omicron situation is driving an unseasonably volatile market mood despite markets being typically quiet during the Christmas period.

USD is susceptible to a fluctuating market mood as restrictions and policies across the globe continue to evolve quickly in response to scientific research regarding the severity of the latest coronavirus strain.

US President, Joe Biden, has decided that the US will not be going into lockdown over the Christmas period however, in spite of the increasing number of cases, though has appealed to US citizens to receive their vaccination.

Biden said: If youre not fully vaccinated, you have good reason to be concerned. Your choice can be the difference between life and death.

In addition, the Greenback saw the release of the third quarters final print of GDP this afternoon. It was down from 6.7% from the previous quarter, however was up from the market forecast of 2.1% reaching 2.3% growth.

This shows that the US economy has grown more than initially expected. This is line with the upward revisions regarding personal consumption expenditures and private inventory investment.

EUR/USD Currency FX Forecast: Will Omicron Continue to Dominate EUR Movement?

Looking ahead, the Euro US Dollar exchange rate (EUR/USD) is likely to be impacted by the US data scheduled to be released throughout the rest of the weeks session as well as the ongoing Omicron situation.

The US consumer confidence for December is also scheduled to be released later in the week which is forecast to print at 110.8, slightly higher than the previous 109.5.

On the other hand, EURs potential is likely to be limited by the ever-changing Omicron situation as restrictions and policies develop parallel to infection numbers and scientific guidance.
CONTACT: Pamela D. Wilson +1 303-810-1816

Email: Inquiry_For_Pamela@pameladwilson.com

December 23, 2021, Denver CO - Caregiving expert Pamela D. Wilson calls attention to family caregivers who work and care for loved ones twenty-four hours a dayseven days a week throughout the year. The holidays can be a lonely time for caregivers and isolated older adults. Happy family gatherings, togetherness, and gift-giving or receiving are not part of everyone's life.

The duty caregivers feel links to daily care responsibilities. When loved ones have ongoing health issues or a diagnosis of memory loss, constant care needs continue to grow. In most families, a single individualusually a wife or a daughteris the primary caregiver while other family members go on with their lives.

This dedication and sense of responsibility to care for others can negatively affect health, family relationships, personal relationships, and career. Challenges arise for caregivers who are unaware that support exists to navigate family relationships, healthcare, financial and legal matters related to caring for a spouse or aging parents.

Refusals to investigate services as a result of caregivers saying they don't have time can result in harm to the caregiver's well-being as well as the quality of care provided to an aging parent or a spouse. While care refusals are commonly attributed to elderly parents refusing care or not following doctors' recommendations, caregivers can unintentionally refuse to take actions that can be beneficial for them.

The Effects of Refusals by Elderly Parents and Caregivers

Because caregivers are usually in a position of taking charge in care situations, they can prioritize their needs over the needs of aging parents. This unintentional refusal to acknowledge the wishes of aging parents results in family conflict.

On the other hand, aging parents can refuse to agree with the recommendations of children with good intentions. On this week's podcast of The Caring Generation, Pamela D Wilson talks about the effects of care refusals and the impact on health and family relationships when decisions are not shared.

To follow on the topic of shared decision-making between aging parents and their caregivers, Guest Dr. Thomas R. Radomski from the University of Pittsburgh shares research about decision-making related to taking or discontinuing medications. Dr. Radomski is an Assistant Professor of Medicine within the Division of General Internal Medicine at the University of Pittsburgh and University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. He is also a core faculty member of Pitt's Center for Pharmaceutical Policy and Prescribing.

Family and Group Caregiver Programs

Wilson supports family caregivers, groups, and corporations worldwide by offering education for caregivers about managing, planning, and navigating health and aging issues. More about Wilson's online courses for elderly care, individual elder care consultations, caregiver support, webinars, speaking engagements, and brand collaborations are on her website www.pameladwilson.com. Pamela may also be contacted at +1 303-810-1816 or through the contact Me page on her website.

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Thursday, December 23, 2021

Weekly, Dr. Judith Briles receives questions about how to get published by a traditional publisher, primarily based in New York. Of the 37 books, shes published, 18 were with New York publishers. In 2000, she crossed over to become an independent publisher.

If your goal is to publish traditionally, this episode of the AuthorU-Your Guide to Book Publishing podcast has questions for you to address and steps to take.

Takeaways include:

The #1 thing all publishers require authors to have.

Why authors must have a website.

Why authors must have a platform.

Why authors must be good writers.

Tips for proposal writing.

Tips for both fiction and nonfiction authors.

and, much more.

If you dont want you and your book to be rejected, then the AuthorU-Your Guide to Book Publishing podcast is for you. Judith Briles has lots to share in this episode of the AuthorU-Your Guide to Book Publishing podcast.

Listen in at: http://bit.ly/BookPublishingPodcast

Listen in at: http://bit.ly/iTunesAuthorPodcast

Listen in at: http://bit.ly/BookPublishingPodcastGoogle

Listen in at: http://bit.ly/BookPublishingPodcastAmazon

see all) Latest posts by Judith Briles
San Antonio hotels, restaurants and bars are busy this week with visitors and holiday revelers, but their owners are closely watching the citys rising number of COVID-19 cases and the threat posed by the omicron variant.

Frank Pakuszewski, one of the owners of Botika at the Pearl, said the restaurant hasnt seen a drop in business so far because of the new strain.

Were looking over our shoulder all the time, of course. I think its just part of doing business now, Pakuszewski said.

Botika managers have encouraged employees to get vaccinated and to stay home if they feel sick.

Kin Man Hui, San Antonio Express-News / Staff photographer

All we can do is encourage our staff to make the right choice for them, he said.

Foot traffic hasnt slowed at La Familia Cortez Restaurants, and the company continues to take safety precautions too, said Chief Operating Officer Pete Cortez.

About 80 percent of its workers are fully vaccinated and a healthy percentage of the remainder are partially vaccinated, Cortez said. They wear face masks and gloves, sanitize tables and serve silverware in individual sleeves.

We are definitely concerned, he said.

Business at Botika and the La Familia restaurants hasnt fully recovered to pre-pandemic levels. There are fewer Christmas parties and big gatherings than during the holiday season two years ago, Pakuszewski said.

Kin Man Hui, San Antonio Express-News / Staff photographer

The Cortez familys La Margarita and Pico de Gallo restaurants are closed two days during the week, and Mi Tierra hasnt yet returned to operating 24 hours a day, in part because office workers and conventioneers havent returned en masse, Cortez said.

Were still seeing leisure travel, especially the drive market, he said. Were not necessarily seeing as much of the business traffic.

At Hotel Valencia downtown, leisure visitors are booking rooms, but business from conventions and events is lagging, said Stacy Seaborn, director of sales and marketing.

And now groups have started canceling due to concerns about omicron.

Hitting the road

More than 8.8 million Texans will travel 50 miles or more from home between Dec. 23 and Jan. 2, an increase of 32 percent from last year but 8 percent below 2019, according to AAA.

The majority  8.3 million  will drive to their destinations. Demand for gas rose last week but concerns about omicron caused fluctuations in the crude oil market and pump prices are declining, AAA said.

As millions of Texans plan to hit the road to celebrate the year-end holidays, they are being greeted by the cheapest gas price average in the country, AAA Texas spokesperson Daniel Armbruster said. Prices may continue to slide as the market continues to assess the latest possible economic impact of the omicron variant.

Kin Man Hui, San Antonio Express-News / Staff photographer

On Tuesday, the city reported 458 new cases of the virus, the highest daily total since early October. The first two cases of the omicron variant in Bexar County were detected in mid-December.

As omicron spreads nationally, local health officials are urging people to get fully vaccinated, wear a mask while traveling and get tested before attending large gatherings.

On ExpressNews.com: Going somewhere this holiday? San Antonio doctor has tips for traveling amid COVID-19 omicron threat

Even though we only have documented five cases of omicron to date, we estimate that the omicron variant will be dominant here as well, said Dr. Anita Kurian, Metro Healths assistant director who oversees the departments communicable disease division. Its highly transmissible. It seems to be doubling every two days.

The coronavirus pandemic hobbled demand in industries such as hospitality and left companies in multiple sectors struggling to attract and keep workers, said Pia Orrenius, senior economist at the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas.

With the delta variant, businesses saw a lot of turnover in an already-tight labor market as employees changed careers, sought better pay or opted to stay home due to concerns about their health.

Theres a real sense that the labor shortage gets worse when COVID surges, Orrenius said.

Businesses adapting

Nearly two years into the pandemic, businesses and customers alike have largely adapted  wearing masks, ordering take-out instead of dining in and practicing social distancing.

Were not seeing these sharp fall-offs in demand, whether its eating out or hotels. The reason for that, we think, is because businesses have adapted and customers have adapted to the virus, Orrenius said. Theres been lots of coping.

Bill Lyons, who owns Casa Rio and Schilos downtown, said the River Walk and Alamo Plaza were crowded Wednesday and barges on the river were full.

It does not seem to have affected business, he said, referring to omicron. It can change tomorrow, but at this point we have not had any employees out.

Finding employees continues to be a challenge. Lyons restaurants are closed 2.5 days per week, and serving capacity is reduced due to staffing difficulties. They have raised wages and offered bonuses for vaccination and referrals, but are still struggling to attract and retain workers.

Michelle Madson, president and CEO of the San Antonio Hotel & Lodging Association, said hotels have been busy lately.

Leisure travel was looking very strong going in to the end of the year, and bookings for the holidays were very full, she said.

La Cantera Resort & Spa on the North Side hasnt lost business due to omicron, and is keeping an array of safety measures in place, said General Manager Camila Frederico.

The luxury hotel is offering flexible cancellation policies for guests affected by COVID-19 and providing sanitizing stations through the property.

We remain focused on providing a safe and clean environment for guests, visitors and our associates, Frederico said.

madison.iszler@express-news.net
Its never been easy to run a restaurant. Then 2021 came along and said, Hold my beer.

When the year began, restaurants in Texas were handcuffed to the pandemic, their dining room capacity limited by law, their livelihoods a patchwork of takeout, delivery and magical thinking. The capacity limits fell away in March, those challenges replaced and amplified by labor shortages, a Valentines weekend freeze-out and a supply chain crisis.

San Antonio restaurants stepped into that breach with determination and creativity, producing some of their best work. Here, from trucks to white tablecloths, are the 25 best dishes I tasted in and around San Antonio  25 defiant middle fingers to a year that just wouldnt quit.

Mike Sutter /Staff file photo

Blissful Burgers: The Classic vegan cheeseburger

Owners Renee Talamantes and Jacob Onofre met working at McDonalds. A vegan epiphany led them to open Blissful, where the Classic does everything a Big Mac does, except without meat. With big flavor from double Beyond Meat patties and vegan cheese, you wont miss a thing. 5714 Evers Road, 210-239-5830, blissfulburgers.net. Read the story here.

Mike Sutter /Staff file photo

Burnt Bean Co.: Brisket huevos rancheros

The years best new barbecue restaurant is also the Sunday breakfast king of South Texas, serving brisket huevos rancheros layered with crispy corn tortillas, a full slice of smoked brisket, two eggs and a ranchero sauce that any Tex-Mex joint would claim. 108 S. Austin St., Seguin, burntbeanco.com. Read the story here.

On ExpressNews.com: The 10 best restaurants on the San Antonio River Walk, ranked

Mike Sutter /Staff file photo

Comfort Cafe: Huevos rancheros

Just weeks after this nonprofit, pay-what-you-can cafe opened its second location at Los Patios, floodwaters shut down its Bandera Road location. But Comfort Cafe soldiers on with an old-school diner menu that includes huevos rancheros that are more like a Tex-Mex casserole salsa cooked right into a bed of potatoes, onions and peppers. 2015 NE Loop 410 at Los Patios, 512-575-0348, serenitystar.org/san-antonio. Read the story here.

Mike Sutter /Staff file photo

Dashi Sichuan Kitchen + Bar: Spicy & Savory Lobster

The new project from San Antonio favorite Sichuan House opened this year, flashing signs of brilliance with lush lobster sliced and lightly fried, then dressed with Sichuan peppercorns and chiles over a bed of crispy vermicelli noodles. 2895 Thousand Oaks Drive, 210-562-3343, sichuandashi.com. Read the story here.

Mike Sutter /Staff file photo

Ghost Kitchens SA: Concha burger

The pandemic gave rise to ghost kitchens, the poetic name for restaurants that exist only for takeout and delivery. San Antonios own Ghost Kitchens SA stepped up with an otherworldly burger that employs a sweet concha bun, a patty made with beef and chorizo and a dress-out of strawberry-chipotle mayo and bacon. Its also available at Gunslingers, the concepts real-world restaurant manifestation. 2015 NE Loop 410 at Los Patios, 956-238-8220, ghostkitchensa.com. Read the story here.

Mike Sutter /Staff file photo

Hello Paradise: Tom yum noodles

On a covered courtyard patio at Hello Paradise, the firepit gives a beachfront campfire vibe to Thai food , especially tangy, spicy tom yum noodles fortified with pork three ways: braised, ground and formed into meatballs. 520 E. Grayson St., 210-338-5114, helloparadisesa.com. Read the story here.

Mike Sutter /Staff file photo

J-Prime Steakhouse: Tomahawk rib-eye

If spectacle is part of your courtship plan, J-Prime is the ticket, with a posh lounge, strong cocktails and a tomahawk rib-eye with a long bone like the bleached handle of a primeval war club, a showcase of prime beef with a lush, fatty aura. 1401 N. Loop 1604 W., 210-764-1604, jprimesteakhouse.com. Read the story here.

Mike Sutter /Staff file photo

Landrace: Wagyu beef tartare

The Texas-centric new restaurant from celebrated chef Steve McHugh at the stylish Thompson San Antonio - Riverwalk hotel can go big with live-fire steaks or subtle with an elegant Wagyu beef tartare with smoked creme fraiche, caviar and a quail egg served toad-in-a-hole style. 111 Lexington Ave. at the Thompson San Antonio - Riverwalk hotel, 210-942-6026, landracetx.com. Read the story here.

Mike Sutter /Staff file photo

Little Ems Oyster Bar: East Coast oysters

This style-conscious pink-and-white bungalow in the King William Historic District features an ever-changing roster of fresh, briny East Coast oysters served by people who can recite their taste notes like sommeliers with a wine list. 1001 S. Alamo St., 210-257-0100, littleemsoysterbar.com. Read the story here.

Mike Sutter /Staff file photo

Mamas Cafe: Biscuits and gravy

The Lawton family reopened their country cafe this year with all the diner favorites intact, including dense and flaky buttermilk biscuits as big as paving stones, served with rich, peppery sausage gravy. 2442 Nacogdoches Road, 210-826-8303, mamascafesa.com. Read the story here.

Mike Sutter /Staff file photo

Masshole: Maine Style Lobster roll

Named for the particular Massachusetts brand of contrariness, Masshole turns out a Maine-style lobster roll with the barest traces of mayo, celery, tarragon and lemon that let the sweet, pearly chunks of lobster shine through. And they do it all from a food truck. Locations vary; check for updates on Facebook: Masshole Food Truck, 210-209-0495. Read the story here.

On ExpressNews.com: Top 10 veggie burgers in San Antonio

Mike Sutter /Staff file photo

Mia Marcos Pizza: The Danbo Pie

The Danbo Pie from this Selma pizza truck gets three things right: pepperoni, sauce and crust. The pepperonis the cup-and-char kind popular in the Midwest. The sauce is electric red, with a bright acidic taste as vibrant as the color suggests. And the crust is New York-style bubble-and-toast. A perfect trio. 15939 Interstate 35, Selma, 210-667-8441, Facebook: @miamarcospizza. Read the story here.

Mike Sutter /Staff file photo

Mister Diablo: Cuchillo

Mister Diablo co-founder and chef Edmundo Varela invented the cuchillo when he started his taco truck in 2019. Its a 9-inch handmade corn masa tortilla toasted and loaded with tangy pork al pastor shaved from a trompo rotisserie. Like a taco, only twice as big and twice as good. 123 Appler St., 210-449-6502, Facebook: @misterdiablotacotruck. Read the story here.

Mike Sutter /Staff file photo

Milpa: Tacos arabes

Chef Jesse Kuykendall started the Milpa taco truck  now also a restaurant near Olmos Park  as a tribute to a mom who never gives up. But Milpas also a tribute to the tacos arabes brought to Mexico by Middle Eastern immigrants, a shawarma-style roasted pork in tender slices across mini corn tortillas, dressed with cucumber and crema. 540 S. Presa St. at Amor Eterno, 210-913-6728 , Facebook: @MilpaFoodTruck. Read the story here.

Mike Sutter /Staff file photo

Mixtli: Scallops on dry ice

San Antonios best modern Mexican restaurant moved from a boxcar to a stylish new space in Southtown this year, bringing a progressive spirit and agile menu that gave rise to scallops served on dry ice, a fog-machine bowl with the scallops poached in chile-garlic butter with green apple and coconut foam, a euphoric one-bite whoa to match the show. 812 S. Alamo St., Suite 103, 210-338-0746, restaurantmixtli.com. Read the story here.

Mike Sutter /Staff file photo

Ostra at Mokara Hotel & Spa: Gulf redfish

A thorough accounting of River Walk restaurants highlighted this seafood destination at the Mokara. Especially good was a blackened Gulf redfish seared to a perfect flaky alabaster finish, served over polenta with spinach and roasted tomato. 212 W. Crockett St., 210-396-5817, omnihotels.com/hotels/san-antonio-mokara/dining/ostra. Read the story here.

Mike Sutter /Staff file photo

Paris St. PoBoys: Reef & Beef PoBoy

Jerry Mackie and his wife Shelly opened Paris St. PoBoys on Good Friday this year, spreading the poboy gospel with crusty bread from New Orleans and combinations like the Reef & Beef, a gloriously sloppy mix of roast beef and fried shrimp. 1302 Fiorella St., Castroville, 830-355-8720, Facebook: @Parisstpoboys. Read the story here.

Mike Sutter /Staff file photo

Pharm Table: Gravlax board

Pharm Table thrived in its move to Southtown this year, where a breezy patio is the perfect backdrop for a gravlax board loaded with beet-cured ora king salmon gravlax, citrus-pickled vegetables, nuts, toasted coconut and almond nut cheese. 611 S. Presa St., 210-802-1860, pharmtable.com. Read the story here.

Mike Sutter /Staff file photo

Real Real Jamaica: Red snapper escovitch

For sheer spectacle, go with red snapper escovitch at this Jamaican standout from Jamaica natives Roger Crombie and Jodi-Ann Brown. Its a whole fish fried to order, delicate and flaky against a background of pickled vegetables. 6828 San Pedro Ave., 210-858-3015, Facebook: @realrealjamaica. Read the story here.

Mike Sutter /Staff file photo

RockerDogz Gourmet Street Dogz: Thai Kickboxer Dog

The little hot dog shack from chef Kris Martinez scores big with a Thai Kickboxer Dog that looks like a graffiti wall with swirls of purple, orange and green. The flavors like a cross between a Thai salad and a Vietnamese banh mi. 3014 Roosevelt Ave., 210-277-7288, Facebook: @RockerDogz. Read the story here.

Mike Sutter /Staff file photo

Sari-Sari Filipino Restaurant Market & Bakery: Tosilog

Tosilog is a breakfast favorite among Filipinos, and nobody does it better in San Antonio than Sari-Sari, with smoky-sweet pork, garlic rice and a fried egg. 5700 Wurzbach Road, 210-647-7274, sari-sari-satx.com. Read the story here.

Mike Sutter /Staff file photo

Shiro Japanese Bistro: Sashimi tapas

Finally, San Antonio has a new sushi place worth bragging about, and those bragging rights come from plates like sashimi tapas, a showcase of chef Grey Hwangs skill, featuring thinly sliced lomi salmon with chile oil, bluefin tuna with a brilliant pickled wasabi salsa, crunchy fried hamachi collars, tangy miso barbecue albacore tuna and a silky combo of shrimp and lobster. 107 W. Jones Ave., shirossan.com. Read the story here.

Mike Sutter /Staff file photo

Tias Taco Hut: Menudo

Tias understands menudo, and here its an elegant crimson bowl spiced like a Sunday stew, fortified with a pigs foot that intermingles with neatly cut tripe. 1201 N. St. Marys St., 210-248-9533, more locations at tiastacohuttx.com. Read the story here.

Mike Sutter /Staff file photo

Tiger Wings: Tiger Cry wings

A tour of more than 20 chicken wing spots yielded a clear favorite: Tiger Cry wings served so hot, they buckled their styrofoam box, backed up by spice from chile oil shimmering like lava, set to maximum aggro by chile flakes, salt and soy, with sweetness fighting for a place at the table. 8210 Broadway, 210-309-2915, Facebook: @GoTigerWings. Read the story here.

Mike Sutter /Staff file photo

Wild Barley Kitchen Co.: Bagels

Wild Barleys oak-burning oven creates bagels with a balance of density and aromatic yeastiness, from the stick-to-your-teeth chaos of an everything bagel to the more restrained white and black sesame varieties to the all-day breath of toasted garlic. The Wild Barley truck is parked outside the space where its brick-and-mortar version is set to open early in the new year. 8403 Broadway, Facebook: @wildbarleykitchenco. Read the story here.

msutter@express-news.net | Twitter: @fedmanwalking | Instagram: @fedmanwalking
Thousands of students at all five Alamo Colleges will start the new year with a little more money in their pockets thanks to a $17 million investment in a free textbook rental program.

It will start during the spring semester and run through summer 2022. But even students enrolled in the current wintermester  three-week courses taught online during the holidays  will have free access to textbooks through a soft launch.

We need to ensure that students have and procure instructional materials, because that is also key to success, said Mike Flores, the community college districts chancellor. Many of our students were kind of utilizing the catch-as-catch-can approach.  Do I buy that book or do I use that money for something else?

And some werent enrolled at all, he said, because textbooks are part of the equation every student must calculate: Can I afford it?

With the cost of textbooks averaging $100 to $150 apiece, and even more in some cases, officials hope the program will encourage students to stay in school and will improve their academic performance.

Nicolas Flores, 19, spent about $500 on three textbooks in the fall. That was about average for a semester during his two years at Palo Alto College  except for the period when classes were remote and he had access to online books.

Flores is a kinesiology student about to enter his last semester at PAC before transferring to the University of Texas at San Antonio. He is taking mostly in-person classes again, and he welcomes the financial help with textbooks.

I had to pay for my phone bill, my car, my tuition bill, he said. This semester, as a student, I will be so relieved and Ill be able to save more money for other necessary things, like health care.

Once the program is operating at full scale, the district expects nearly all of its 65,000 students to take advantage. It will use federal emergency funds at first, but officials will have to decide how to pay for the program after the summer.

Barnes & Noble College, part of Barnes & Noble Education Inc., will take over management of Alamo Colleges bookstores in a partnership with the district to administer the program.

Required Reading: Get San Antonio education news sent directly to your inbox

Students will receive an email before the start of classes allowing them to select a physical or digital copy of textbooks and instructional materials. The rental textbooks will be issued to students through campus bookstores.

For now, the district has set aside $17 million from grants received through the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund. Chancellor Flores said the plan is to assess the cost through the pilot launch. That will help officials figure out how to fund the program beyond the summer.

The thought is that well see what the baseline is for the spring and the summer, he said. Then be able to get what the full cost will be fall, spring and summer, and work on plans to resource that, mostly institutionally, and then see if there would be a need to also provide a small fee to be able to continue at scale, long term.

The cost may vary depending on how many students choose to rent, how many rent physical versus digital textbooks, and how many make use of online materials developed by Alamo Colleges faculty and staff, known as open educational resources.

On ExpressNews.com: Alamo Colleges clears unpaid tuition balances of more than 4,300 students

A few years ago, the district formed a Universal Access Task Force to focus on these types of issues across the district, Flores said. The cost of textbooks has been part of that discussion; officials recognize that it can affect a students ability to enroll and remain in school.

In previous years, only 50 to 60 percent of students throughout Alamo Colleges were able to acquire learning materials for their classes, according to district estimates. Between the fall 2020 and spring 2021 semesters, the district had a 68 to 70 percent retention rate, Flores said.

The hope is that more students will stay in school if they know that textbooks and other materials will not be a financial burden.

Our belief is also that student success will increase because all students will have their textbooks or instructional materials, Flores said. So our thought is that students will be able to prepare. It will alleviate some of the worries that they have trying to figure out how to get access to the materials.

danya.perez@express-news.net | @DanyaPH
Texas Department of Transportation

An Amazon 18-wheeler trailer was left hanging off Interstate 35 near Morgans Wonderland on San Antonios Northeast Side after a crash Thursday morning.

Images captured on nearby highway cameras and from local television stations show the cab on the ground close to the access road. The trailer is dangling from the wall alongside highway.
A Bexar County sheriffs deputy has been indicted on an assault charge for allegedly striking a handcuffed teenager suspected of breaking into cars.

Abigail Rios, 30, a patrol deputy, turned herself in Wednesday morning after a county grand jury indicted her on a charge of assault-bodily injury and a separate count of official oppression. Both are Class A misdemeanors.

She is accused of hitting the handcuffed suspect, who was believed responsible for a series of car burglaries in a West Bexar County neighborhood on Jan. 1, 2020.

Rios was off-duty when she confronted two teenage boys she had observed rummaging through vehicles, the sheriffs office said. Rios and two other deputies took the pair into custody after a foot chase.

The sheriffs public integrity and internal affairs units conducted separate investigations into the matter. After reviewing surveillance footage from a nearby home, authorities determined that Rios had struck one of the teenagers, officials said.

Rios was released from jail Wednesday after posting $3,000 bond on each of the charges. A Class A misdemeanor is punishable by up to one year in jail and a fine up to $4,000.

Rios, an eight-year veteran of the sheriffs office, was placed on administrative leave on Jan. 27, 2020. She was served with a notice of a proposed dismissal on July 28 of this year and was placed on unpaid administrative leave, the sheriffs office said. She is appealing the dismissal.

On ExpressNews.com: Bexar grand jury declines to charge deputy who shot, killed Army veteran with PTSD

Sheriff Javier Salazar vowed to see this through to the fullest extent.

Our duty to uphold the law does not change whether we are on-duty, off-duty, or whether we think somebody is watching, Salazar said in a statement. Misconduct at any level will not be tolerated.

Rios case was among 144 felony indictments handed down by two Bexar County grand juries this week.

Luis Angel Alvarado, 21, was charged in a two-count indictment with murder and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. He is accused of fatally shooting Santos Cedillo, 31, at a Southeast Side apartment on Sept. 20 after the two men argued.

On ExpressNews.com: Police say 21-year-old shot and killed his neighbor during argument at Southeast Side apartment

San Antonio police arrested Alvarado about a month after the shooting.

According to court documents, Alvarado pointed a semi-automatic handgun at Cedillo in the parking lot of the Granada Apartments.

Cedillos wife called 911 and tried to intervene. A witness captured the confrontation on cellphone video.

Cedillo was shot multiple times, and Alvarado allegedly fled the scene.

If convicted, he faces up to life in prison.

In a separate case, Angel Gonzales, 28, is charged with murder and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon in the fatal stabbing of his brother, Isaac Aguilar, 30, on Oct. 3.

Witnesses told police Aguilar was stabbed after the brothers got into an argument at Gonzales birthday party.

On ExpressNews.com: Man accused in Southeast Side killing reportedly seen running from crime scene

Also indicted this week was Jose Rodriguez-Moreno, 36, charged with murder in the fatal shooting of Adam Hernandez, 41, in June.

Moreno also was indicted on charges of recklessly causing bodily injury to Tyrone Council in an incident in August.

If convicted, Moreno faces up to life in prison.

ezavala@express-news.net | Twitter: @elizabeth2863
A confrontation between two H-E-B shoppers in Texas  involving a gun and threats of violence over a parking space  has spawned a lawsuit.

The incident happened on Nov. 24 at the grocery chains Annaville Corpus Christi store when Rossie Dennis, 60, reportedly pointed a gun at Diane Reyes and her 6-month-old daughter. The encounter was recorded via cell phone by one of Reyes friends who was in the car.

On ExpressNews.com: Texas woman accused of threatening to shoot people over a parking space at H-E-B

At one point, Dennis threatened to shoot Reyes in the head, according to the lawsuit. Dennis was later arrested and charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.

Reyes lawsuit says she drove to the Annaville Corpus Christi H-E-B to buy groceries for Thanksgiving with two friends and her daughter. Reyes says a BMW SUV was blocking a lane in the parking lot. The BMW, driven by Dennis, did not have its turn signal on and Reyes drove around her to park in a space another vehicle had just vacated.

Corpus Christi Police Department

Immediately after Reyes parked, Dennis pulled behind her with her vehicle to block her in, according to the lawsuit. Dennis then exited her vehicle and started yelling at Reyes. She banged on the window with her hands and demanded that Reyes exit her vehicle.

Reyes became extremely alarmed and worried both for her safety and the safety of her 6 month old baby girl and friend, according to the lawsuit.

On ExpressNews: 3-year-old girls disappearance hits local Afghan community

Dennis walked back to her SUV and returned with a semi-automatic handgun equipped with a mounted laser sight, according to the lawsuit. Dennis pointed the gun at Reyes and threatened to shoot her in the head.

Dennis demanded she get out of her car and tapped the barrel of the gun on the window of Reyes car, according to the lawsuit. When Reyes called 911, Dennis went back to her SUV and fled.

Reyes lawsuit claims assault, threat of bodily injury, false imprisonment,, intentional infliction of emotional distress and negligence. Reyes is seeking an award of between $250,000 and $1 million.

Timothy.Fanning@express-news.net
San Antonio police expanded their search area Wednesday as they continued to look for missing 3-year-old Lina Sardar Khil.

Police were searching Wednesday morning in the Oakdale Street area, roughly three miles from the apartment complex where Lina was last seen Monday evening, though officials would not say what led them to that area.

Whether this is a place of interest or its a close proximity, I dont have any details about why officers picked this location to search, San Antonio Police Department spokesman Cory Schuler said. We are still at that complex actively searching there, but our footprint does expand as the investigation continues.

Police initially focused their efforts at the Villas Del Cabo apartments, at 9400 Fredricksburg Road, where Lina had disappeared from the playground inside the gated complex. Throughout the day and into the night on Tuesday, police cordoned off the 300-unit complex in the Medical Center where her family lives.

San Antonio Police Chief William McManus said a K9 unit initially picked up Linas scent near the apartment complex but later lost it.

Timothy Fanning/San Antonio Express-News

The next day, police expanded their search to the area near Oakdale Street and Loop 410 frontage road, where K9 units and officers on ATVs appeared to be searching drainage ditches.

They also enlisted support from the FBIs San Antonio Field Office, and began reviewing hours of video footage from residents personal surveillance systems and phones.

McManus said the FBI has access to resources that the SAPD lacks, such as video editing software that enables them to sharpen video footage.

Despite those efforts, officers had not had much success in their search, McManus said.

The longer the time lapses, the less hopeful we become, McManus said.

On ExpressNews.com: Police focus search for missing 3-year-old Lina Sardar Khil at apartments near USAA campus

Police are asking anyone with information about Linas disappearance to call them at 210-207-7660. She is described as being 4 feet tall and weighing 55 pounds, with brown eyes and straight, shoulder-length brown hair that was last seen in a ponytail. At the time she disappeared, she was wearing a red dress, a black jacket and black shoes.

Courtesy of the San Antonio Police Department

On Thursday, The Islamic Center of San Antonio, a nonprofit that aims to support the Muslim community, announced that the reward for information that successfully helps find Lina had grown to $85,000.

Linas disappearance has been particularly devastating for people working to help families like hers in San Antonio. Her family came to the United States from Afghanistan in 2019.

We are all very worried and broken about the situation, said Margaret Constantino, executive director of the Center for Refugee Services. We have been trying to tell everyone, especially those in the Afghan community that they need to be on high alert to try and help find her.

Linas family is among thousands of Afghan refugees in San Antonio, Constantino said, and they have been clients of the center since they arrived in the U.S.

Constantino said the Afghan community in San Antonio is close-knit and hopes to help spread the word to bring Lina home.

Police have said they are treating Linas disappearance as a missing person case because they have no evidence to suggest that she was abducted.

Linas father told KENS5 news that the family initially suspected she went somewhere with another Afghan family but now thinks she may have been abducted.

During our entire lives we have not been as saddened as we were yesterday and today, Khil said through a translator before becoming emotional.

Staff writer Timothy Fanning contributed to this article.

taylor.pettaway@express-news.net

emilie.eaton@express-news.net
After 1,300 years, a Texas A&M University professor uncovered an ancient murder in a Chinese tomb.

Qian Wang, a professor of biomedical sciences at Texas A&M, made a one of a kind discovery  that a man previously thought to be a grave robber inside a familys tomb was the victim of a heinous murder.

The discovery is documented in the journal Archaeological and Anthropological Sciences, published in October 2021. Wang was the lead author of the paper detailing the findings.

Workers in Chinas Ningxia region unearthed the ancient tomb in 2002 during the construction of a gas pipeline. Inside were the bodies of a man, woman and child who had been dead for nearly 2,000 years.

When archaeologists were excavating the tomb seven years later, they found a robbers shaft with the mystery mans remains inside. Based on radiocarbon dating inside the shaft, experts determined that the man died 700 years after the three people who were buried in the tomb.

Since then, experts believed the man was a grave robber who died while trying to loot the tomb. Grave robbers have been known to die in tombs, either from fights with other thieves or from the structures collapsing on them.

Wang pointed out that the theory about the mans criminal activity was unlikely as a grave robber wouldnt attempt to steal from a tomb that old, especially because it had showed signs of being robbed previously.

On ExpressNews.com: San Antonio experts believe theyve found original site of Alamo church

At the end of 2019, Wang began studying the remains, but his research was postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Also, because of customs issues, the bones couldnt leave China, so Wang was given a 3D scan of the remains and the tomb to examine for bone pathology and trauma. When Wang inspected the images, he discovered cuts across the mans torso and face. And one of his arms had a defensive fracture.

The 13 V-shaped marks on the remains were made from a sharp object and indicated that the man had died from injuries sustained in an assault, Wang deduced.

We carefully studied the trauma, and you could see some pretty nasty cuts on his face and skull, Wang said. Based on what we found, he died a pretty painful death.

He believes the man could have fallen or been dumped there, though the posture he was found in indicated that the man may have been killed inside the tomb. Wang said the mans left arm was extended and that his right arm was covering his face as if supporting injuries to it.

Whats interesting is that this was an older cemetery, so whoever is responsible did this intentionally to cover up the crime, Wang said. Hiding a body in a grave robbers shaft would be like hiding a leaf in the forest.

But I can speak with confidence that he is a victim, he said.

On ExpressNews.com: Incredible find: Mayan artifacts discovered by UTSA students in Belize on display at San Antonio Museum of Art

Wang was able to determine that the man was likely about 25 years old and healthy when he died.

The discovery poses more questions than answers, like who the man is, who his killer was and what the motive was for doing so.

Thats all lost to history, Wang said. But at least we were able to clear his name.

Wang is no stranger to major archaeological discoveries. He was on the team that uncovered the now-famous 1,500-year-old joint burial  with two skeletons locked in an eternal embrace  in August and that found evidence of one of the earliest people who intentionally altered the shape and/or size of their heads.

taylor.pettaway@express-news.net
A company that provides private housing for service members at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland and several other military bases has agreed to plead guilty to criminal fraud charges and pay more than $65 million to the federal government to settle allegations it defrauded the Air Force, Army and Navy.

For years, residents have complained that Balfour Beatty Communities did shoddy repairs and maintenance, or none at all, at the private base housing, which suffered from mold and other problems. Among the complaints was that housing maintenance work orders were not completed in a timely manner.

BBC, which is based in Malvern, Pa., and whose parent company, Balfour Beatty, is in the U.K., is one of the largest providers of private U.S. military housing. BBC was accused of lying to the Pentagon about performance objectives in order to collect big bonuses. Two employees, including one from the San Antonio area, pleaded guilty to criminal charges this year.

Instead of promptly repairing housing for U.S. service members as required, BBC lied about the repairs to pocket millions of dollars in performance bonuses, Deputy U.S. Attorney General Lisa Monaco said in a news release.

2 1 of 2 Billy Calzada, San Antonio Express-News / Staff Photographer Show More Show Less 2 of 2 Billy Calzada, San Antonio Express-News / Staff Photographer Show More Show Less



BBC pleaded guilty in Washington, D.C., this week to one count of major fraud against the United States. U.S. District Judge Emmet Sullivan accepted the plea and ordered BBC to pay more than $33.6 million in criminal fines and more than $31.8 million in restitution to the military. He also sentenced the company to three years probation and ordered that it be monitored for compliance for three years.

Separately, BBC entered into a settlement with the government to resolve its civil liability for $35.2 million under the federal False Claims Act. The amounts paid under the civil settlement will be credited against the amounts owed under BBCs criminal plea.

The wrongdoing that took place is completely contrary to the way the company expects its people to behave, Balfour Beatty said in a statement posted on its website. The company apologizes for the actions of communities to all its stakeholders. It has been made clear to all employees that breaches of policies, procedures or law will not be tolerated.

Balfour Beatty said it did its own review of operations and made changes to prevent this type of misconduct from occurring in the future.

This resolution is an important step in holding private military housing providers accountable to our service members and their families, said Ashley Hoff, U.S. attorney for the Western District of Texas.

According to court documents, BBC operated privatized military housing communities at 21 Air Force, 18 Navy and 16 Army bases across the U.S. in which tens of thousands of service members and their families lived.

BBC earned fees for the development and management of each housing community, from design and construction to ongoing operations and maintenance. Service members paid their living allowance, known as Basic Allowance for Housing, to BBC to live in these communities.

BBCs fees for property management and maintenance generally consisted of a base fee, paid to BBC monthly, and performance incentive fees, paid quarterly or semi-annually. Performance incentive fees were payable only upon approval from the relevant service branch.

To collect the incentive fees, BBC was required to submit to the service branches proof that it had satisfied performance objectives related to, among other things, maintenance of the communities and resident satisfaction. The service branches relied on BBCs submissions in deciding whether to approve the incentive fees.

According to court documents, from around 2013 to around 2019, BBC employees, including former community manager Stacy Cabrera of Converse and former regional manager Rick Cunefare of Glendale, Ariz., falsified information so BBCs incentive fee requests falsely reflected that the company had met performance objectives.

In reality, BBC did not meet those objectives in many of the communities. BBC employees altered or manipulated data in property management software and destroyed or falsified residents comment cards. As a result, the company was able to collect performance incentive fees that it had not earned, authorities said.

The government awarded $2.5 million in bonuses to BBC for meeting performance objectives at Lackland and four other bases and millions of dollars more at other bases, court records show. In 2019, BBC oversaw about 885 homes at Lackland.

According to court documents, there were lengthy and unnecessary delays in resolving maintenance issues, to the detriment of service members and their families. In addition, the service branches were given an inaccurate assessment of the state of BBCs military housing and were unable to assess, and potentially correct, the companys performance.

Cabrera, 47, and Cunefare, 61, pleaded guilty to fraud-related charges in April and June, respectively. They admitted that they faked reports to justify $2.5 million in incentive payments to BBC for work on military housing contracts between 2013 and 2016. They are awaiting sentencing in Washington, D.C.

guillermo.contreras@express-news.net | Twitter: @gmaninfedland
A 17-year-old boy has been indicted on capital murder charges in the shooting death of a San Antonio mother of two last year.

Aaron Jackson is the seventh suspect to be charged in the death of Jasmine Williams, 19, who was shot during an armed robbery that netted two pairs of tennis shoes, a piggy bank full of change, and the victims debit card and phone.

Jackson is one of six suspects in the case who are facing capital murder charges.

Williams two children  one 2 years old, the other five months old  were with her in her home on the Far West Side at the time of the robbery, authorities said.

On ExpressNews.com: Four San Antonians are indicted for capital murder  and theyre all teens

Williams fiance called police at 1:15 p.m. on July 14, 2020, after he found the garage door open at Williams house in the 8600 block of Limpkin Court, just west of Loop 410.

Mark Dunphy

The 51-year-old fiance, who authorities have not identified, found Williams in the bedroom, bloodied and unresponsive. Police Chief William McManus said she suffered severe head injuries. She was pronounced dead at the scene.

Previously indicted on capital murder charges in the killing were J. Mariah Pope-Williams, 17; Natalie Carrington, 18; Johntavion Sounders, 19; Alissa Weese, 22; Kyle Adam Phillips, 19; and Dorian Murphree, 22.

In September, prosecutors reduced the capital murder charge against Pope-Williams to aggravated robbery, a first degree felony, as part of a plea agreement. She is scheduled to be sentenced on that charge Jan. 4.

Capital murder is punishable by life in prison without the possibility of parole, or by the death penalty.

The District Attorneys Office has not said whether it will pursue the death penalty in any of the cases.

ezavala@express-news.net | Twitter: @elizabeth2863
We wanted Santa to come to town  not COVID-19. At the top of our wish list was a holiday free from the dark, deadly pandemic, but thats not happening.

Harris County on Monday announced its first COVID-19 death  possibly the first American death  attributed to the omicron variant. The patient who died, a man in his 50s, was unvaccinated. Just hours earlier, the county had raised its coronavirus threat level to significant.

On ExpressNews.com: First omicron-related death in U.S reportedly in Harris County

The omnicron variant has made its way here, too. The first two people in Bexar County to test positive for the omicron variant of COVID-19 were tested for the virus Nov. 27 and Dec. 7.

But its not all bad news. So far, San Antonios coronavirus threat level is mild, according to San Antonios Tuesday statistics update . And at least 81 percent of the total San Antonio population had at least one dose of the COVID vaccine and 66 percent were fully vaccinated as of Tuesday, according to the citys dashboard.

All positive news, although vaccinations  our best defense against the virus  could be higher.

On ExpressNews.com: Omicron variant of COVID-19 virus surfaces in Bexar County

No one should be in denial about COVID. We know better. And we should be encouraged, as this isnt a new enemy. We know what its capable of and what tools  especially vaccines and masks  are most effective.

President Joe Biden announced plans Tuesday that he said would help Americans prepare for rising cases driven by the new variant, including increased support for hospitals, access to free COVID-19 testing and expanded vaccination capacity. Were ready. Well get through this. As we head into the holidays, I want us to all keep the faith, Biden said.

His measures seem late, and we question if theyre enough. But what choice do we have? Americans must continue to fight. And optimism to fuel our fight against the deadly pandemic is better than any Santa visit or gift.
Charles Odum was moving slowly in congested traffic on Interstate 35, taking his two daughters and their mother to their grandmothers house when he heard someone honk at him after he tried to change lanes.

It was Brent Bible, an officer with the VIA Metropolitan Transit Police Department.

Bible pulled up next to Odum, stopped and stared at him. Odum said he looked back at the officer and flipped him off.

Bible turned on his cruiser lights. Odum, 46, exited to the access road and drove for several miles until he pulled up to the house.

Records of the Aug. 14, 2017, incident show that Bible got out of his patrol car, drew his gun and yelled at Odum to lie on the scorching ground. He refused. Two San Antonio Police Department officers arrived, then six more VIA police officers. Bible arrested Odum on a charge of evading arrest and took him to the magistrate. A county court later dismissed his case.

Making traffic stops that have nothing to do with bus riders isnt unusual at VIA.

VIAs Police Department is tasked with protecting public transit, but it has the authority to patrol anywhere in Bexar County. An analysis of its citations found that at least 70 percent of the 3,470 tickets VIA police wrote between 2016 and 2020 were for traffic or parking violations.

Citations have increased even as annual bus ridership has fallen by almost 14 million since it peaked in 2012. At the same time, the VIA Police Department has grown from 31 positions in 2012 to 59 this year, and its budget has more than doubled from $2.6 million in 2012 to $6.8 million in 2020. VIA says 42 of the 59 current positions are certified police officers.

VIA operates 528 buses today, about 100 more than in 2012. But the total miles traveled by the buses is roughly the same: 24 million miles last year.

The bus system has been chronically underfunded since its inception in 1977, financed largely by a half-cent of the 1-cent sales tax permitted by the state to pay for public transit. Other large Texas cities receive a full cent, allowing them to invest in higher-frequency routes and services such as light rail.

VIA spokeswoman Lorraine Pulido said the agency has increased its police force because customers and the community often have told the agency that safety is a top priority in VIAs 1,208-square-mile service area. By comparison, Houston Metro has 297 sworn officers to cover 1,319 square miles, served by around 1,200 buses and three light-rail lines. Records show about 25 percent of its citations are for traffic violations.

It is unclear why VIA police are making mostly nontransit traffic stops. Pulido said the police must cover VIAs entire service area and that the issuance of citations directly and indirectly impacts rider and pedestrian safety by addressing traffic violations that may otherwise go unchecked.

Jerry Lara /San Antonio Express-News

How much revenue is made from traffic citations also is unclear. The transit agency said its budget does not include a line item for the revenue.

A reporter received copies of several police reports, including Odums, and VIA released a citation log showing how it categorized police stops. But the agency sought to charge $7,800 to release police reports on all the stops between 2016 and 2020. Officials would not provide the reports for free in the public interest, which is allowed by Texas law.

In Odums case, officer Bible wrote in the incident report that when Odum threw up his hands, he was afraid that the woman sitting in the front seat was in distress, a claim Odum denied. Bible has since left VIA and is a Bexar County sheriffs deputy.

Michael Gilbert, a former corrections officer and retired professor of criminology at the University of Texas at San Antonio, said Bible should have tried to de-escalate the situation rather than make it worse.

De-escalation training is absent from the VIA Police Departments Standard Operating Procedures. But every officer must take a state-certified crisis intervention and de-escalation course at least once and complete continuing education courses required by the state, Pulido said.

Gilbert said de-escalation training can prevent violent situations. He said uniformed officers should treat people with basic dignity and not attempt to assert dominance or use coercive tactics.

The Black Lives Matter movement has placed increased emphasis on policing and how officers treat citizens, in particular minorities. More than 80 percent of VIA riders are Black or Hispanic, agency records show. But people of color made up an even larger percentage  91 percent  of all VIA citations in the last five years.

VIA police encounters

On the morning of May 5, 2018, Chris Davila was driving through downtown on her way to visit a friend when a VIA transit police cruiser turned on its lights. She pulled over but said she was confused because she thought only San Antonio police or Bexar County sheriffs deputies could make traffic stops.

When the police approached, she rolled down her window only a few inches, unsure if the two men who got out of the VIA cruiser were real police officers.

In their report, the officers said Davila repeatedly refused to open the window to provide her drivers license and proof of insurance. Davila said the officers shouted profanities and that one banged on her window.

I was really frightened and scared at that point, said Davila, 48, who is a freelance graphics designer. So I called 911.

SAPD officers arrived, and then a VIA police lieutenant showed up. He approached Davilas vehicle and asked her to explain what happened. My officers shouldnt have reacted in the way they did, Davila said he told her. The VIA officers issued three tickets, two for failing to signal and one for failing to obey a peace officer. Davila said in an interview she had used her turn signal.

Records show Davila went to court that July and paid a fine of $402.

I left that situation feeling traumatized, she said.

A number of citizens have filed written complaints about their treatment by VIA police.

Jerry Lara /San Antonio Express-News

Albert Lowe, 65, a retired nurse who lost his vision at 54 because of untreated glaucoma, was waiting Dec. 30, 2019, for the No. 4 bus to arrive at St. Marys and Martin downtown and wanted to smoke a cigarette. He asked a man waiting if it would bother him, and then he lit the cigarette.

Soon after, he heard a man behind him say, Put that cigarette out. Not knowing who was speaking, he turned around and asked, Who are you? The man yelled back, Who are you? A woman walked up behind Lowe, telling him the man was wearing a badge. It was a VIA officer.

The officer called for backup, and two more officers arrived. They told Lowe that he should know the law and that he cant smoke within 20 feet of a bus stop. Lowe again asked, Who are you? to which an officer replied, You dont need to know who we are.

Complaints released by VIA show several people claimed the transit police didnt identify themselves in encounters. The law doesnt require them to, though records show officers have been counseled for refusing to provide their name and badge number.

In Lowes case, he said he was so intimidated by the officers that he dialed 911 on his cellphone for help. He boarded the bus before SAPD officers could arrive.

If they wouldve identified themselves as VIA police and said, Well, youre too close to the bus stop, you either walk down the street or you put the cigarette out. Thats not what transpired. It was like we went from 0 to 120 in two seconds, Lowe said.

VIA employs Texas-certified police officers and third-party security guards, who provide extra support for the transit police. Security guards are usually positioned at large transit centers, such as downtowns VIA Centro Plaza, and are tasked with removing nonriders from VIAs premises.

Unarmed security guards are required to observe and report incidents to transit police; armed guards are required to intervene until VIA police arrive. U.S. Security Associates, the company that employs VIAs contracted guards, provides training for armed and unarmed guards.

VIA police and guards sometimes ride the buses to provide security.

Multiple riders have alleged that while waiting for a bus, security guards approached them and aggressively asked them to leave, accusing them of loitering. Multiple complaints accuse security guards of fabricating rules about the length of time customers can stay at a station, a rule VIA said does not exist.

One complaint verified and upheld by VIA described how two security guards watched as a fight broke out at Brooks Transit Center on the South Side. They failed to intervene and waited roughly 30 minutes to call the transit police.

Are riders any safer?

VIA security guards and transit police have been accused of harassing homeless people. A complaint verified and upheld by VIA describes how a transit officer honked and flashed his cruiser lights to make a homeless person leave a bus stop.

In 2018, a VIA rider witnessed a VIA security guard encouraging two homeless people to fight each other near Centro Plaza. When the rider pulled out her phone to start recording the guard, he threatened to take her to court if she went to the media.

In some complaints where the officers or security guards were identified, VIA responded in writing by saying the officers were counseled about their behavior.

Pulido said supervisors investigate all complaints. An officer can be fired for continuing violations of professional standards.

Though VIA has expanded its police force, some riders say they dont feel any safer riding the bus.

Lowe said he has been robbed three times while waiting for the bus, but VIA officers were never there to help. The first time he had an interaction with a VIA officer was during the smoking incident, in which he was given a ticket.

You know whats so sad about it? I called VIA and I explained to them what happened, and the people at VIA said, The only thing they shouldve told you to do, sir, was put the cigarette out. That shouldve been it.
WASHINGTON  U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz says he would run again for president in a heartbeat after losing to former President Donald Trump in 2016  and the Texas Republican says history suggests he has good odds at securing the Republican nomination the second time around.

The runner-up is almost always the next nominee, Cruz said in an interview with the Truth Gazette, a conservative outlet run by 15-year-old Brilyn Hollyhand.

DEEP DIVE: Texas AG Paxtons $2.2M voter fraud unit closed three cases in 2021

That has played out repeatedly, Cruz said, pointing to former presidents Richard Nixon and Ronald Reagan, as well as one-time GOP nominees former U.S. Sen. John McCain and U.S. Sen. Mitt Romney.

You come in with just an enormous base of support, he said. In 2016, we raised over $92 million. That was the most money any Republican has ever raised in the history of presidential primaries.

Cruz has hinted at another presidential run before. In June, he told the conservative outlet Newsmax that he was considering a 2024 run. Cruz called his 2016 run the most fun I ever had in my entire life.

Its also not the first time Cruz has alluded to Reagans failed 1976 White House bid. Cruz mentioned it in a final pep talk to dispirited campaign staffers in Houston as he ended his 2016 run.

TEXAS TAKE: Get political headlines from across the state sent directly to your inbox

But 2024 could put Cruz in a rematch with Trump, who has also been hinting he may run again. The former president would likely be considered the front-runner, as he remains popular among Republicans.

The 2016 contest between the two was particularly nasty. Trump labeled Cruz Lyin Ted, insulted his wife and suggested that his father was connected to the JFK assassination. Cruz called Trump a sniveling coward and said nominating him would be a train wreck.

But the two made up quickly. Cruz endorsed Trump for president and earlier this year led an effort in the Senate to delay certification of President Joe Bidens electoral victory.

ben.wermund@chron.com
For three decades, Maria Elena Gomez Pena has been running Elenas Cafe on a street now lined with auto body shops, barbers, mobile phone stores and a Sonic Drive-In. The single mother of two adults works seven days a week with a handful of employees who cook and serve plates of huevos rancheros with pork chop, beef fajita tacos and chicken mole to loyal customers  mainly families and construction crews from the neighborhood.

Theres no cable TV. People eat, talk and listen to Spanish-language radio stations. A few scroll through Facebook and YouTube pages on cellphones. Most pay in cash.

Like other business owners on San Antonios West Side, Gomez Pena and her customers dont have access to online ordering, touch-screen point-of-sale terminals, pay-at-the-table technology or digital receipts. Its a world apart from the restaurants just a few miles away in downtown San Antonio, a city pushing to brand itself as a tech-savvy hub for innovation.

The divide between the citys digital aspirations and Gomez Penas reality were apparent after a recent lunch rush as she collected receipts from the cash register. With no computer, Gomez Pena penned the December date on each slip of paper and stuffed them into envelopes to save for tax-filing season. After closing at 2 p.m., she ran errands to H-E-B and her bank to get ready for the next day. She blamed the hectic schedule for not leaving the time it would take to step across the digital divide by learning how to digitize her records, create a website or update social media pages.

On ExpressNews.com: Get connected: New initiative aims to close San Antonios gaping digital divide

Shes accustomed to operating the restaurant on pen and paper. But the 61-year-olds lack of digital tools put her in a financial bind through the pandemic, helping helped her realize change is necessary to keep the restaurant going long enough to pass it on to her children and, eventually, her grandchildren.

The city is growing tremendously, Gomez Pena said. I have to keep up with technology because technology is moving the economy. If you want to hire someone, you need the internet. If you want to buy something from the food suppliers, you need the internet. I need to educate myself. If I dont do that, I will never be able to grow the business.

S.A.s digital divide

Among the nations metropolitan areas, San Antonio has one of the lowest rates of internet access, with 20 percent of its 1.5 million residents lacking broadband internet access at home, according to the Census Bureau. The rate mirrors that of Texas as a whole but falls behind the national rate of 15 percent of homes without broadband subscriptions.

The lack of household internet access is particularly prevalent in the citys Hispanic and Black neighborhoods, where 1 in 4 residents dont have home broadband subscriptions, according to a 2020 study by the University of Texas at San Antonio. By comparison, only 1 in 8 white residents lack such subscriptions.

The study also showed residents have widely different access to home broadband depending on where they live. Residents in City Council Districts 1 through 5 had access rates ranging from as low as 62 percent to 77 percent, while those in Districts 6 through 19 had rates from 82 percent to 94 percent.

On ExpressNews.com: Commentary: Texas can close digital divide in higher education

Elenas Cafe is in District 5, a Hispanic West Side neighborhood with 125,593 residents. The districts annual median income is $28,952  a little more than half of Bexar Countys median of $54,000 per year. At least 38 percent of the districts residents dont have home broadband subscriptions  the lowest rate of connectivity in the city.

Ramiro Gonzalez, CEO and president of the nonprofit economic development group Prosper West San Antonio, said most of the neighborhoods businesses are Latino-owned and operate on cash. About 90 percent of them employ four or fewer workers, about half of whom dont have high school diplomas.

The small businesses arent very digital or up to date on trends, he said. But theyre very resilient.

Still, there exists a lack of basic internet access or digital literacy  the ability to use technologies. In some cases, they also lack access.

Lacking infrastructure

Some of them just dont have the hardware infrastructure in their neighborhoods, Gonzalez said. As a result, you see the poorer areas being left out of that digital infrastructure.

San Antonios West Side doesnt present the challenges of rural Texas, where distance is a hurdle to providing technology infrastructure to far-flung communities. Elenas Cafe is only a few miles from the digital hubs of the downtown area, the Pearl and Port San Antonio. But service providers may be hesitant to invest in extending service to such areas because its unclear theyd get enough subscribers to pay for the investment.

Gonzalez questioned whether business owners themselves could afford to build out the infrastructure needed  the cost yet another barrier in bringing them up to digital speed.

Theyve been operating so long without it they sort of got used to it, he said. But they dont realize until its too late and cant compete.

On ExpressNews.com: Texas goal to close digital divide: At-home broadband internet for every student

Roger Enriquez, a West Side native whos an associate professor of criminal justice at UTSA, co-authored the study, which found the digital divide affects the ability of residents to bank online, apply for jobs and apartments, and pursue educational opportunities. The lack of access bleeds into lower rates of understanding how to use computer programs like Microsoft Word and Excel or identify phishing attempts.

If theres one Elena, theres plenty, he said while visiting her restaurant. Tire shops, beauticians, landscaping, all these folks here can benefit from the use of tech.

The study found the usual reason for such shortcomings are a community far removed from digital infrastructure, he said. But in San Antonio, thats not the case.

Instead, the driver of this digital divide is the systemic social exclusion and structural opposition of marginalized communities left out in the past from opportunities and resources, the study said. This seems clearly linked to racial, socioeconomic, and geographic discrimination and the coronavirus pandemic has further exacerbated these inequalities.

Digital wall at Elenas

Amid the coronavirus pandemic in April 2020, Enriquez became executive director of UTSAs Westside Community Partnerships, which is aiming to address neighborhood challenges in the heart of San Antonios Mexican American working class community.

Two months later, Diane Sanchez, founder and CEO of local nonprofit Micro:SA, another advocate for small businesses, worked with the center to drop off flyers, in English and Spanish, offering a website link for business owners seeking help filling out applications for federal Paycheck Protection Program loans.

Gomez Pena, who rents her cafe building, recalled finding a flyer at the time she was offering to-go meals and having trouble hiring workers. She needed help filling out the loan applications  but hit a digital wall.

I couldnt do that, she said. I didnt know how to connect to the website on the internet. My skills are very limited.

Then she noticed Sanchezs phone number on the bottom of the flyer. She called, and the nonprofit head connected her with Westside Community Partnerships.

On ExpressNews.com: Commentary: Building digital bonds with students

Gomez Pena drove the half-mile to the center on Guadalupe Street near Interstate 10. There, she handed her enveloped receipts to a handful of UTSA undergraduate students called ambassadors.

They said my accountants numbers were not right, she said. I had a feeling they werent right. It was in the middle of the pandemic and the numbers didnt make sense. They projected double the amount from what we actually made.

The students showed her how to use Excel spreadsheets to organize her receipts and eventually digitize her own records. They walked her through the loan application so she could afford to pay her staff, including her adult son and her 18-year-old grandson. They suggested she buy a desktop computer or a laptop and offered to assist her with online advertising.

I wouldve closed the business if I didnt have the help, she said.

Ongoing process

Inside the Westside Community Partnerships center, UTSA students Jazmin Arroyo and Caitlyn Deleon spent much of the year helping neighborhood residents, mostly women older than 55, many of whom speak only Spanish. One needed help translating an eviction notice on her home. A man asked them to teach him how to turn on his laptop, browse the internet and create a Gmail account. Others sought assistance with online resume builders and job applications.

Small-business owners, mostly men or their wives, have frequented the center to access its on-site computers. They ask for help filling out PPP loan applications and learning how to use office programs such as Microsoft Word and Excel.

While San Antonio is pushing for tech innovation, Deleon said, the West Side neighborhoods residents are just focusing on the basic foundations technology  your email, your phone, maybe your basic laptop.

San Antonio is making advances, but this area is getting left behind, Arroyo said.

Enriquez, a former defense lawyer, likened the experience of West Side business owners adopting tech to that of inmates being released after years in prison.

On ExpressNews.com: Commentary: Together, community easing digital divide

We assume that incarcerated people were connected to their communities in the first place, but these folks didnt have access to such options, he said. Now were dealing with a lot of structural tech issues here on the West Side. Its not just about devices and connectivity. Its about them getting integrated into the digital framework and fabric, the interconnected city paradigm.

He added: Its not a lightning strike and people go full on digital. They see the utility of it and then adapt to the technology. Its an ongoing process of help.

He continues to ask Gomez Pena to buy a laptop and begin using Excel to help organize her receipts. But what may come easy for some can be difficult for others, he said  especially those with pandemic-shortened incomes where every dollar counts.

We can say its a few thousand dollars, he said. But its a few thousand dollars.

Small steps are sure steps

At Elenas, Gomez Pena ended another shift and sat down in one of the cafes booths. She sighed with relief as she recalled how PPP loans helped her get through the past year.

But now there are more challenges as prices rise amid short supplies. Pointing out the broken lights, delayed paint job and roof in need of repair at her rented building, she was preparing to meet Sanchez to discuss seeking financing that would let her find a building of her own  hopefully in her West Side neighborhood.

Im tired, Gomez Pena said. At this point, technology is very difficult for me to understand. Im ready to pass on the business to the next generation.

On ExpressNews.com: Commentary: A better way to bridge San Antonios digital divide

She paused and folded her hands. Then she told herself out loud that she needed to learn Excel.

Small steps are sure steps, she said.

Her grandson walked over and handed her his cellphone, showing newly posted images of the restaurant on social media pages. Gomez Pena smiled as she thumbed through photographs of her customers favorite dishes.

eric.killelea@express-news.net
The yellow label of Shiner Bock beer is one of those corporate signifiers thats become an unofficial emblem for the state of Texas along with the orange Whataburger roof, the jaunty red lettering of the H-E-B logo and, of course, the eager Buc-ees beaver.

But at supermarkets across the Lone Star State and beyond, Shiner labels now come in many colors. Theres the black label of Bohemian Black Lager, a schwarzbier, and the white-and-purple label of Weisse N Easy, a wheat beer. There is the mistletoe-decorated label of Shiners seasonal Holiday Cheer. And like so many other beverage companies, Shiner now offers hard seltzer in a rainbow of flavors.

Its Matt Pechmans job to make sure Shiner stays on the leading edge of trends in the beverage industry. He is the chief marketing officer for the San Antonio-based The Gambrinus Company, which handles marketing for Shiner.

In beer, consumers have come not only to expect but to demand a lot more new products from their favorite breweries, he said. Consumers today are less brand-loyal than they ever have been. If youre fortunate enough to have consumer love and loyalty, those consumers are expecting their favorite brands to deliver on their expectations, their desires.

Gambrinus was founded and is led by CEO Carlos Alvarez, who also owns the Spoetzl Brewery in Shiner, about 90 miles east of San Antonio. All Shiner beer has been made there since it was founded by German-born Kosmos Spoetzl in 1909. Alvarez brought new life to the Shiner brand after buying the brewery almost out of bankruptcy in 1989, Pechman said.

Before joining Gambrinus in 2020, Pechman worked on marketing for other beverage brands such as Deep Eddy Vodka in Austin. He recently met for an interview to discuss trends in the beer industry, Shiners growth outside Texas and the seltzer craze. The following has been edited for brevity and clarity.

Q: Why do todays consumers expect more innovation?

A: If you go back one generation and look at consumers, they would have had a favorite beer that they would ask for every time they went out, or they would look for every time they went shopping at the supermarket. And rarely would they depart from that beer. That type of brand loyalty, I think, across almost any consumer good, is kind of gone.

The older sort of millennial generation and through to younger millennials and even now Gen Z, theyve grown up with almost infinite choice, right? And thats extended toward their purchase preferences.

It makes it a lot more interesting and a lot more challenging for brands to cut through all of those different options and get consumers to choose you. In craft beer, consumers are oftentimes on a treasure hunt. They want something thats new, they want something thats interesting, they want something that perhaps other people havent seen before or thats hard to find  to take that unicorn that they just found and put it on social media and be able to share that with their friends.

Q: Tell me about how you come up with new products.

A: Its really me and my team starting from either a consumer insight, something weve learned about consumer behavior, or it could be a category insight. Have we identified an opportunity for us to play in, based on whats happening with the category? Hard seltzer would be a great example. Or a competitive insight: We see something that one of our competitors is doing that is either having success, and we want to investigate that space, or that we think might potentially be a threat that we would like to address through innovation.

Those insights could come from anywhere. It could come from someone on our team walking through a grocery store or spending time in a bar or restaurant. Or it could come through formal research, from being out in market and talking to our salespeople.

Q: Do you have a geographic strategy?

A: Absolutely. We do a little under 70 percent of our total volume here in Texas, which isnt surprising. This is our backyard. And we are absolutely focused on Texas. But a lot of our growth and a lot of the opportunity is coming outside of Texas. Even when were absolutely killing it in Texas, because were on such a big base were looking at mid-single-digit growth rates, whereas if you look at other markets in the U.S., some of those markets might be growing 15, 20-plus percent. If you look five, 10 years down the road we certainly see a massive opportunity to continue to grow outside of Texas.

Were going to grow in a way thats true to our brand roots. You know, Shiner is unique in craft beer right now in that we are a fully-independent family-owned company. Every drop of Shiner is brewed in Shiner, Texas. Were never going to want to lose that authenticity.

Q: How do you attract customers outside Texas?

A: Whether its in Texas or outside of Texas, our goal is to recruit the next generation of Shiner consumers. These are your younger legal-drinking-age consumers: Right now its those younger millennials and the leading edge of Gen Z that are over 21. Its kind of the kiss of death if those consumers are viewing Shiner as their dads beer or, God forbid, their grandfathers beer.

As were looking to recruit that next generation, theres a huge opportunity with having this brand appeal more to multicultural consumers. Its incredibly important here in Texas, right? You know, were the second most diverse state in the country. We know that over 25 percent of our consumers are multicultural  specifically, Mexican-American consumers. Historically, this brand hasnt done a lot to bring those consumers in so thats going to be a focus for us as we look forward over the next few years. We have some products coming out in 2022 that will really be focusing on multicultural consumers.

Finally, craft beer tends to be skewed a little bit towards male consumers. Theres this huge opportunity with women consumers, but theres not too many brands out there in craft that are speaking to them. We want Shiner to be on the front end of that and weve started to address that with some of our new product offerings. We have some brands out there like our Shiner Light Blonde, like Sea Salt & Lime, like Weisse N Easy, like Ruby Redbird that are hugely flavorful but tend to have non-traditional beer flavors.

Were proudly, unabashedly, Texan. We want to lean into everything that we think is great about this state. If you talk to consumers about what they think of when they think of Texas  and we know this because we did it  theyll tell us: Texans are neighborly; theyre friendly, fun; theyre opinionated, of course. We love good food, were quirky, were weird, but were also polite, were easygoing, were loyal, were approachable. If you ask consumers what Shiner stands for, a lot of those same words come out. Were talking to the consumers that share those same values. Call them spiritual Texans.

Q: Where do you find those shared values?

A: Illinois is one of our big markets. Wisconsin is strong for us; Minnesota, Indiana, Iowa, and then the states that are closer in  Oklahoma is our third-biggest market behind Texas and Louisiana.

Q: Its become a joke that everyone has a seltzer. Why are they so popular?

A: I think what captivated consumers is you have a light, easy-to-drink, in many cases boldly flavored product that tastes really good. And its 100 calories, very little sugar, very little carbs. Whereas you have a margarita and that thing could contain 600 calories.

We were very cautious about entering the category. We know its not something thats in Shiners wheelhouse historically, but clearly its something that our consumers were asking for. Ultimately, thats the reason we did it. We did a lot of research on it. We saw that in other markets youve got these two big market leaders that are out there and then youve got a few other big players like your Bud Lights and your Coronas and now your Topo Chico. Theres been a pretty nice niche there for a regional self-serve player that does things a little differently, and we thought that could be us in Texas.

Q: What other trends are you looking at?

A: Theres obviously a lot of categories that are huge within beer that Shiner hasnt traditionally played within. You know, were not strong in IPA and IPA is over 40 percent of total craft beer in the U.S. So were really excited next year to be entering IPA in a way that consumers absolutely will not expect from Shiner. This Shiner offering is hugely different than anything weve done in the past. In fact, consumers almost wont recognize it as a Shiner product  the Shiner is pretty recessive on the packaging.

I think that the lines between beer, wine and spirits are increasingly being blurred. When I started my career, there were pretty specific These are spirits occasions, these are beer occasions, these are wine occasions. Instead of bringing a beer can to an occasion, like youre having beers at the lake, now you can have a spirits-based cocktail or a can of wine.

Q: With all this diversity of product, is there a risk the original Shiner could get lost?

A: Its certainly a risk, and its something that is forefront in our minds. We know that Shiner Bock is our flagship, and we know that going back to our founding in 1909, Shiner is a beer company. We want to make sure that were continuing to grow that flagship.

Thats our first order of business, always, prior to focusing on our other priorities like Shiner Light Blonde or Sea Salt & Lime. Bock is always going to be the flagship, and that will remain our focus as we bolster that up with our faster-growing brands. Its really about having a very clear vision and portfolio strategy behind overall Shiner  but never losing sight of what got us here, which is Shiner Bock.
NEWS FLASH





Air Serbia has announced that Duncan Naysmith has decided to step down from his post as the company's Chief Commercial Officer after four years and will pursue a new career opportunity with another airline. He will be replaced from January 1, 2022 by the airlines current General Manager for Commercial and Strategy Jiri Marek (pictured). Mr Marek brings more than twenty years of airline management experience. During the last thirteen years he has held senior roles within multiple carriers. The Chairman of the Air Serbia Supervisory Board, Branislav Pejcic, said, On behalf of the Supervisory Board, I extend my personal thanks to Duncan Naysmith, who had been navigating the company through a successful transformation program enabling Air Serbia's growth in 2019. Unfortunately, this outstanding direction had been disrupted by the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic. I appreciate his dedication, effort and leadership during the current pandemic, steering Air Serbia through unprecedented turbulent times. He added, Jiri Marek had been leading network expansion and commercial transformation, delivering record breaking results at the end of 2019, which included the handling of 2.8 million passengers, continued by double digit growth during the first two months of 2020. Air Serbia has been continuously outperforming aviation industry averages ever since the pandemic hit and has promptly reacted to new market opportunities. He is an experienced leader and has the complete confidence of the Board to lead the business throughout its recovery and development phase. Mr Marek becomes Air Serbias third CEO since the airline's relaunch in 2013, following Dane Kondic and Duncan Naysmith.
Brent N. Clarke/Brent N. Clarke/Invision/AP

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP)  Home Alone actor Devin Ratray surrendered to authorities in Oklahoma on Wednesday after he was accused of assaulting his girlfriend, police said.

Ratray, who played older brother Buzz McAllister in the 1990 Christmas movie, was released from jail shortly after his booking on two domestic assault and battery complaints, police said.
BEIJING (AP)  China plunged a city of 13 million people into lockdown on Thursday to stamp out an increase in coronavirus infections, as the country doubles down on its zero tolerance policy just weeks before it is set to host the Winter Olympics.

The restrictions in the northeastern city of Xian took effect at midnight Wednesday, with no word on when they might be lifted. They are some of the harshest since China imposed a strict lockdown last year on more than 11 million people in and around the city of Wuhan, where the coronavirus was first detected in late 2019.

One person from each household will be allowed out every two days to buy household necessities, a government order said. Other family members were required to stay at home, although the rule was not being rigorously enforced, according to social media posts. People who happened to be staying in hotels became stuck.

There was no word on whether the new cases were of the recently identified omicron variant that appears more contagious and is driving surges in many parts of the world  or the previous version, delta. China has reported just seven omicron cases so far, but none in Xi'an.

Though the latest outbreak is 1,000 kilometers (about 620 miles) southwest of the Olympic host city of Beijing, any sign that the pandemic might be worsening in China will raise questions about whether and how it will manage to welcome thousands of athletes, officials and journalists when the Games open in just weeks on Feb. 4.

On the one hand, there is a tremendous amount of national pride and investment riding on the Olympics and few would want a cancellation, postponement or dramatic reimagining at this late stage. On the other, Chinese authorities have adopted draconian measures throughout the pandemic under their policy of seeking to stamp out every last case  and it's hard to see how welcoming so many people from abroad will square with that strategy.

That zero tolerance policy, which has led to frequent lockdowns, universal masking and mass testing, has not been entirely successful. It has resulted in massive disruptions to travel and trade, but Beijing credits it with largely containing the spread of the virus. Overall, China has reported 4,636 deaths and 100,644 cases of COVID-19.

Xian  the capital of Shaanxi province, famed for its imperial relics, as well as a major center of industry  reported another 63 locally transmitted cases on Thursday, pushing the citys total to at least 211 over the past week.

China has also been dealing with a substantial coronavirus outbreak in several cities in the eastern province of Zhejiang near Shanghai, although isolation measures there have been more narrowly targeted.

We are not receiving any new guests, and no present guests are allowed to leave the hotel," said a receptionist at the Hanting Hotel in Xian, who only gave her surname, Li.

Staff and guests are required to be tested every two days, Li said. There will be an impact on our business, and we have no idea how long it will last.

The owner of a local bookshop said he had closed 10 days before, fearing the worsening of the epidemic situation."

I am now staying at home watching television." said the owner, who gave only his surname, Xiao.

Movement outside his compound requires permission from the local neighborhood committee, he said. I think the situation will get better eventually, and I dont worry at all because we have the government behind us, Xiao said.

___

This story has been corrected to show that Beijing is northeast of Xi'an, not west.
MINNEAPOLIS (AP)  A white suburban Minneapolis police officer has been found guilty of first-degree and second-degree manslaughter in the death of Daunte Wright, a Black man.

Kim Potter said she meant to use her Taser to try to stop the 20-year-old Wright from fleeing during an April 11 traffic stop but accidentally grabbed her gun instead.

Here's a look at the charges and potential penalties:

THE CHARGES

First-degree manslaughter in this case means prosecutors alleged that Potter caused Wright's death while committing a misdemeanor  the reckless handling or use of a firearm so as to endanger the safety of another with such force and violence that death or great bodily harm to any person was reasonably foreseeable.

The second-degree manslaughter charge alleged that she caused his death by her culpable negligence," meaning that Potter caused an unreasonable risk and consciously took a chance of causing death or great bodily harm to Wright, while using or possessing a firearm.

Neither charge required prosecutors to prove Potter intended to kill Wright, and they pointed that out to the jury during opening statements.

Defense attorney Paul Engh seemed to push against that during his opening, telling the jury that Potter didn't know she was holding a gun when she fired, adding: It's not just shooting somebody, that's not the crime. It's being consciously aware of some kind of fact.

The attorney generals office added the first-degree manslaughter charge after it took over the case, though it fell short of the murder charge that Wright's family and activists wanted.

POTENTIAL PENALTIES

The maximum for first-degree manslaughter is 15 years; for second-degree, it's 10 years. But Minnesota judges follow sentencing guidelines that normally call for less  just over seven years for first-degree, and four years for second-degree.

Under Minnesota law, defendants are sentenced only on the most serious conviction if multiple counts involve the same act and the same victim.

Prosecutors have said they will seek a longer sentence due to aggravating factors, which is what they did in former Minneapolis Officer Derek Chauvin's murder trial for killing George Floyd.

The longest sentences that could conceivably stick on appeal are double the top of the guidelines range. But that's more than the statutory maximum of 15 years for first-degree manslaughter, so 15 years would be the cap for Potter if she's convicted. The realistic maximum on the lesser charge would be 9 1/2 years.

Presuming good behavior, Minnesota offenders typically serve two-thirds of their time in prison and one-third on supervised release.

RECENT PRECEDENTS

The judge in Chauvin's case sentenced him to 22 1/2 years for second-degree unintentional murder. The presumptive sentence was 12 1/2 years. But Judge Peter Cahill found several aggravating factors, including that Chauvin abused his position of authority and treated Floyd with particular cruelty, and that several children witnessed the crime live. He also said Chauvin knew that kneeling on Floyd's neck was dangerous.

More recently, Judge Kathryn Quaintance resentenced former Minneapolis Officer Mohamed Noor to four years and nine months in prison for second-degree manslaughter in the shooting death of Justine Damond Ruszczyk, which was at the top of the guidelines' range. She said she did so because Noor shot across the nose of his partner and endangered others. She couldn't sentence him to more because prosecutors did not request an upward departure from the sentencing guidelines.

Quaintance originally sentenced Noor to 12 1/2 years for third-degree murder, which was what the guidelines called for, but the Minnesota Supreme Court later clarified the definition of third-degree murder and sent the case back for resentencing only on the manslaughter charge.

___

Find the APs full coverage of the Daunte Wright case at: https://apnews.com/hub/death-of-daunte-wright
FAIRFIELD  Officials are warning residents to take precautions as the number of COVID-19 cases rise in town.

In a update video posted Wednesday afternoon, First Selectwoman Brenda Kupchick urged residents to wear masks and get vaccinated. She said some residents are looking for the town to take a stronger stand on a mask mandate, adding she is in constant consultation with state and local health officials.

I understand that people feel a little bit more comfort... if we had a mandate in place, she said. However, we do have things we didnt have when we had the mandate in place before.

There is widespread access to vaccines and a majority of the community is signing up for booster vaccinations, Kupchick said, noting she also recommends that residents follow U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines.

According to state data, Fairfield saw 403 new cases from Nov. 28 to Dec. 11, and has a rate of 46.4 cases per 100,000 people. State data also reports approximately 70 percent of Fairfield residents have been fully vaccinated.

If you are unvaccinated, you should be wearing a mask when in public, she said. I would encourage those who are unvaccinated to, please, get vaccinated.

Kupchick said she is vaccinated and got her booster shot and still wears her mask when indoors, and advised residents do the same. She said the majority of new cases she has heard of from contact tracers are happening from gatherings inside peoples houses.

So please, be careful. Pay attention. Talk to the people who are coming to your house if youre going to be gathering together without masks, she said. If you dont feel well, and you cant get a test, its probably a good idea for you to stay away from other people so we are not spreading this around.

Health Department Director Sands Cleary said Fairfield is experiencing a significant peak of COVID-19 activity, in line with the rest of the region.

The number of cases that were seeing right now is close to the highest that weve seen during the entire pandemic, he said.

Cleary said hospitalizations are not increasing to the same level as previous waves. He said the COVID-19 omicron variant does not appear to cause severe illness, but it does appear to be more transmissible and better able to evade immunity.

Being vaccinated, still, is one of the best steps that you can take to prevent severe illness, he said. We are seeing the most severe cases, currently, among those who are unvaccinated.

Cleary said the town is likely to see an increase in cases, as well as breakthrough cases, over the next few weeks. With that, he said, residents are more likely to need to isolate and quarantine.

In a statement Wednesday morning, Fairfields Superintendent of Schools Mike Cummings said officials would look at concerns about the spread of coronavrius over the break but added that as of today, we are keeping current mitigation protocols.

Cleary later reiterated residents should get vaccinated or their booster shots, get tested if they have symptoms and stay home if they are sick.

Everyone should wear a mask when they are indoors, especially the unvaccinated, he said. The current CDC recommendation is that everyone wear masks indoor. The current state requirement is that everybody who is unvaccinated is required to wear a mask inside. He are in a high transmission category... and we want people to take that seriously.

Kupchick said she is asking for people to wear masks in the community, adding she does not want to mandate their use.

joshua.labella@hearstmediact.com
DETROIT (AP)  Under pressure from U.S. auto safety regulators, Tesla has agreed to stop allowing video games to be played on center touch screens while its vehicles are moving.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says the company will send out a software update over the Internet so the function called Passenger Play will be locked and won't work while vehicles are in motion.

The move comes one day after the agency announced it would open a formal investigation into distracted driving concerns about Tesla's video games, some of which could be played while cars are being driven.

An agency spokeswoman says in a statement Thursday that the change came after regulators discussed concerns about the system with Tesla. The first update went out Wednesday as part of Tesla's holiday software release, and the rest of the vehicles should get it today.

The statement says NHTSA regularly talks about infotainment screens with all automakers. A message was left Thursday seeking comment from Tesla, which has disbanded its media relations department.

The agency says its investigation of Tesla's feature will continue even with the update. It was not clear whether NHTSA would require Tesla to do a formal recall with the update. In the past the agency has asked Tesla why it should not be required to do recalls with safety-related software updates.

The Vehicle Safety Act prohibits manufacturers from selling vehicles with defects posing unreasonable risks to safety, including technologies that distract drivers from driving safely, NHTSAs statement said. The agency said it assesses how manufacturers identify and guard against distraction hazards due to misuse or intended use of screens and other convenience technology.

The agency announced Wednesday that it would formally investigate Teslas screens after an owner from the Portland, Oregon, area filed a complaint when he discovered that a driver could play games while the cars are moving.

The agency said that the Passenger Play feature could distract the driver and increase the risk of a crash.

The probe covers about 580,000 Tesla Models S, X, Y and 3 from the 2017 through 2022 model years.

In documents detailing the investigation, NHTSA said Passenger Play has been available since December 2020. Before that, enabling gameplay was only possible when its vehicles were in park.

The NHTSA documents do not list any crashes or injuries caused by the problem.

Tesla owner Vince Patton, 59, filed the complaint last month after discovering the gaming feature could be played by drivers. Patton, who loves his car and says he has nothing against Tesla, worries that drivers will play games and become dangerously distracted. Somebodys going to get killed, he said. Its absolutely insane.

NHTSA already is investigating why Teslas Autopilot partially automated driving system keeps crashing into stopped emergency vehicles. Its also looking into the performance of Teslas Full Self-Driving software after getting a complaint that it nearly caused a crash.

Tesla says neither system can drive vehicles and that drivers must pay attention and be ready to intervene at all times.
GREAT FALLS, MONT.  For Charles Lee in Room 609 at Benefis Health System, the road home to Malta and back to good health will require extra help for his lungs.

He, like many COVID-19 patients, will need supplemental oxygen  a demand that is creating a worldwide shortage.

Before the pandemic, Benefis Community Care employees had an average of 4.5 home oxygen setups a week. A typical setup includes an oxygen concentrator and eight tanks.

During the week of Oct. 17, the number of setups reached a new high of 29. Thats more than six times the paperwork and more than six times the equipment to deliver for this home healthcare and medical supplies division of Benefis.

Angela Roselli, a Benefis respiratory therapist who specializes in helping hospital patients transition to home oxygen, stopped by Lees room for tests to determine whether he was ready to go home and to talk over how to continue his care there. Shes taken on the work of three people with the sudden demand for home oxygen.

Lee, 61, hadnt been hospitalized a day in his life, he told Roselli. Then his wife started developing COVID-19 symptoms. Then so did he.

Many COVID-19 patients are surprised how quickly they go from good health to struggling to breathe, Roselli said. They havent smoked, they havent had pneumonia before, theyre not elderly  and yet here they are.

Lees wife was hospitalized in Malta, population 2,000, but Lee went home after an X-ray showed his lungs were still clear. He used a nebulizer, a device that delivers medicine as a mist, and he rested.

Then his oxygen saturation level dropped to 70% (healthy is 90%-100%). His severe COVID pneumonia had pushed him into hypoxemia, which can result in confusion, dizziness, wheezing, and even brain/heart/organ problems like strokes.

Lee called his son, who with his sister got an ambulance out to Lees house, and then Benefis Mercy Flight flew Lee to Great Falls, 203 miles from home, for more intensive treatment.

The care here has been unbelievable, he said. For everything theyre going through, theyre doing a great job.

Lee was first treated in the Benefis COVID Unit, and when he was no longer contagious and had recovered enough, he moved to a general hospital room. That meant the addition of a roommate, the result of the hospitals census remaining over 100% all fall.

Lee does his part to recover. He walks as much as he could manage in his room and faithfully does deep breathing exercises with his incentive spirometer.

After more than two weeks in the hospital, Lee is optimistic.

I think I havent felt this good in months, he said.

Roselli conducts rest and exercise tests to make sure patients can keep their blood oxygen levels up without the hospitals higher flow of oxygen into their lungs.

There are so many patients who need assessed that all the respiratory therapists work together to get them home as fast as we can, Roselli said.

Lee started his test by removing his tubing. He needed to keep his oxygen saturation at 88% or better. At rest, his saturation held. Within a few steps down the hall, however, he dropped to 87%. His heart rate shot up as the organ works hard to make up for the low oxygen levels. Some COVID-19 patients get dizzy just walking in their rooms or even just sitting up. Roselli hooked him up to portable oxygen, and they waited for it to take effect before walking back to his room.

Everything about this disease is crazy, Roselli told Lee.

Benefis Community Care had to invest in additional oxygen cylinders and oxygen concentrators to take care of nearly 1,000 patients now on home oxygen. Both are difficult to come by because of backlogs and price increases. Benefis Community Cares distributor used to come weekly to fill cylinders and take the empties back. Now that has to be done almost daily.

For rural and out-of-state patients, coordinating care after hospitalization can be complex. The patient needs to know how to work the equipment, needs enough oxygen to reach home, and then needs a company to keep them stocked. Benefis Community Care doesnt reach Malta, so Roselli must coordinate with a national company with an office in Havre.

Roselli has set up patients in their 20s to 90s with home oxygen. Self-pay for a month of oxygen runs about $400.

For Lee, his oxygen need remained just high enough that the doctor nixed going home for two more days. He yearned for home, but hes also grateful to have that chance. More than 2,400 Montanans, among them 24 people from Phillips County, have lost their lives to COVID-19.
The dairy supply chain must deliver positive price messages in 2022 that fully reflect tightening supplies and soaring costs, NFU Scotland has said.

Next year will also see NFU Scotland press Defra and work with other UK farming unions to make the statutory Milk Purchasing Code and new dairy contracts a reality.

Progress on both price and contracts are essential if dairy farmer numbers are to stabilise, industry groups say.

AHDB released their October 2021 producer figures based on the number of levy-paying farmers and only 8,000 herds remain in Britain with 310 dairy farmers having quit in the past 12 months.

This is against the backdrop that Scotland now has only 836 herds, and this figure may reduce further when the Scottish Dairy Cattle Association release their end-of-year figures soon.

The recent dairy report from Kite Consultancy named Project Reset stressed that input cost price rises in the dairy industry are rampant from primary farm level through to dairy processors.

NFU Scotland said it was "unreasonable to expect that these costs should be sucked up by processors and farmers".

The union's vice president Andrew Connon said: "Feed, fertiliser, fuel, and labour costs are escalating at an alarming rate of knots.

While we welcome the fact that milk prices have increased across the board in the last few weeks of 2021, the reality is that on farm costs have matched and, in some cases, outstripped these increases.

We have consistently stated that the supply chain from consumer to cow must change. A fair on-shelf price for milk will deliver for all including the retailer, processor, and primary producer.

Tightening supplies also support the drive for milk prices to be closer to 40p per litre than 30p. AHDB report that GB milk deliveries are now running 3.6% below the same week last year  equivalent to 1.21 million litres.

"With spot milk currently trading at above 45p per litre, the signals are clearly there for all to see."

This is not a situation unique to GB. Dairy markets in the EU-27 have seen strong price increases in recent months, as limited growth in milk supplies has constrained production of most dairy products.

On statutory milk contracts, the UK government and devolved administrations have published their response to last years consultation seeking views from dairy farmers and processors about how contracts and relationships could be improved.

Defra are now working towards a UK Milk Purchasing Code, which will be made by regulation using the powers under section 29 of the Agriculture Act 2020.

Commenting on NFU Scotlands commitment to driving this forward, Mr Connon said: Our milk committee subgroup for contracts continues to spend a huge amount of time on this, working in conjunction with stakeholders including Defra and Scottish Government.

"Our collaboration with the other farming Unions ensures we keep moving forward with the ambition to get this to a favourable position for all.

The introduction of well-considered, appropriate legislation regarding dairy contracts between dairy farmers and milk buyers is essential."
Walkers accessing Scotland's farms and rural estates for recreation over Christmas and New Year are being asked to take care as the clear up operation from Storm Arwen continues.

Although the full damage is still being assessed from the storm in late-November, it is estimated that more than 8 million trees were damaged, accounting for between 1 and 1.5 million cubic metres for woodland and forestry across Scotland.

With more people expecting to be out walking on estates over the festive period, farmers and land managers have urged those visiting to take care and follow signage and guidance when out and about around woodland areas.

Sarah-Jane Laing, chief executive at Scottish Land & Estates, said: The severe impact of Storm Arwen is still being felt across rural Scotland and in many places, it will be months before estates can fully address the issues of trees that have fallen.

"Whilst there will be some local knowledge of where damage has occurred, it is especially important for all walkers  especially those travelling from further afield  to follow signage that should have been erected and take care not to access locations which may have been closed off."

She encouraged visitors to familiarise themselves with the Scottish Outdoor Access Code, which provides guidance to estates and members of the public.

Ms Jane Laing added: Estates are delighted to have visitors enjoying their walks at Christmas but it is important that everyone keeps safe when doing so."

The Borders and East Lothian into Galloway and Aberdeenshire, through Angus and into Perthshire, were amongst the worst hit areas.

Doune Estate, which is part of Moray Estates and is located in the Perthshire village of Doune near Stirling, is one of the estates that has spent time on the clear up operation.

Damaged areas of forestry remain on the property whilst staff and contractors, with the help of the local community, focussed on addressing tree damage at the award winning local nature reserve, Doune Ponds.

The estate suffered extensive tree damage as a result of the storm whipping around the hills and channelling fingers of NE storm winds over the top of Braco and smashing into trees in low lying areas.

In total, around 60 hectares came down across the estate as well as numerous individual trees along field margins, properties, roads and well used paths.

Rory McLeod, Doune estate manager for Moray Estates, said the damage to woodland and commercial forestry on the estate would take considerable time to rectify.

"After initially assessing the damage and planning how to move forward, were then relying on our skilled staff, and contractors who are in demand across the country, to deal with fallen trees against a backdrop of winter weather," he said.

We have had to target our resources to deal with certain areas first, including the local nature reserve where the footfall is greatest, but it is important that walkers take notice of the guidance that is in place."

He added: As an estate, we highly value providing accessible paths and recreation opportunities for walkers to enjoy and have worked with the community to achieve that.

"We know many estates across the country are facing the same issues following Storm Arwen and whilst no one should be put off their winter walk, wed ask for patience and care when visiting.
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Samantha Lockwood treated the Bollywood fans with some pictures from her meet up with Hrithik Roshan. Samantha herself is a renowned American actor who has starred in movies like Shoot the Hero and Hawaii Five-0.

On Wednesday, she treated her Instagram family with three pictures from the meet. Hrithik looked dashing as he sported a pair of black pants with a white T-shirt, whereas Samantha looked cheerful in a colourful ensemble.

The pictures showed them holding up Shaka signs, one where she flexed her biceps and another where Hrithik and Samantha were lost in deep conversation.

She captioned the pictures, "Fun to meet this actor who also comes from a movie family, loves action and Hawaii  superstar @hrithikroshan."

Hrithik Roshan is prepping for his movies which are gearing up for release soon. He recently wrapped up his one month shoot for Vikram Vedha, a Hindi remake of a Tamil movie with the same name. It will also star Saif Ali Khan alongside Hrithik. Another movie with Deepika Padukone titled Fighter is slated to hit the cinemas on Republic Day 2023.

All Hrithik Roshan fans cannot contain their excitement with this thrilling line of movies.
Richa Chadha and Ali Fazal have been dating for a while now and the latest rumour doing the rounds is that the couple is set to tie the knot in March next year. A source close to the actors has told a leading news portal that Ali Fazal and Richa Chadha have decided to hold a summer wedding in 2022. According to media reports, the two will celebrate their wedding in Mumbai and Delhi and that it will be attended by close family and friends.





Ali Fazal and Richa Chadha supposedly met on the sets of Fukrey in 2012 and formed a close friendship that turned into something more. The couple also has a production house together which is called Pushing Buttons Studio. Rumour has it that the two were all set to tie the knot in April last year but had to postpone the date due to the ongoing pandemic.


Boney Kapoor took to social media to share his excitement on meeting his first crush. It was none other than Sharmila Tagore. He shared a picture with the evergreen superstar, while he looks starstruck wearing a black hoodie in the click. Sharmila Tagore looks as elegant as ever in a printed kurti. The picture got lots of likes and comments but the most noticeable was his youngest daughter, Khushi Kapoors comment. She liked the post and commented, Everyones dream woman.. Kashmir ki kali forever.

Sharmila Tagore has been living near Delhi since the pandemic began, where she has been hosting family and friends at regular intervals. She also celebrated her birthday with Soha Ali Khan and her daughter Inaaya, Kareena Kapoor and Saif Ali Khan along with their children. Ibrahim Ali Khan was also seen at the Pataudi Palace.
VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / December 22, 2021 / Sativa Wellness Group Inc. (CSE:SWEL) ("Sativa Wellness" or the "Company") announced today certain management share compensation arrangements and amendments that have been approved by the Board of Directors with a view to both incentivizing and aligning management and shareholder Interests.

Firstly, following an administrative error, it has been necessary to cancel and reissue the options and warrants announced on 12 July 2021. As a result, Marc Howells, Chief Executive Officer, has had options reissued in respect of 1,447,173 common shares of the Company, under an EMI Option Agreement entered into on 20 December 2021. These options vest immediately, have an exercise price of C$0.065 per Sativa Wellness common share, being the prevailing market price on issue, and are valid for 5 years.

In addition, a consultant to the Company has had warrants reissued in respect of 1,447,173 common shares of the Company, that vest immediately, have an exercise price of C$0.065 and are valid for 3 years.

Management Incentive Plan ("MIP")

In addition, 32,222,222 G shares in the Company's subsidiary, Goodbody Botanicals ("G Shares"), convertible into 10,796,700 common shares of the Company, have been acquired by certain directors of the Company.

The G Shares relate to the MIP, as detailed in Company's Scheme Document dated 22 July 2020, and have been reallocated from previous G shareholders. There is no change in the total number of issued G Shares.

Marc Howells, Chief Executive Officer, has acquired 30,000,000 G Shares, convertible into 10,052,100 common shares of the Company at C$0.00433 per Sativa Wellness common share for a remaining term of 5 years.

Further, the Company announces that Anne Tew, Chief Finance Officer, has acquired 2,222,222 G shares, convertible into 744,600 common shares of the Company at C$0.00433 per Sativa Wellness common share for a remaining term of 5 years.

The Company has a total of 36,903,461 options including G shares and 49,317,379 warrants outstanding.

The Directors of the Company accept responsibility for the contents of this announcement.

On behalf of the Board of Directors,

Marc Howells Chief Executive Officer Sativa Wellness Group Inc. +44 (0) 20 7971 1255 enquiries@sativawellnessgroup.com www.sativawellnessgroup.com Anne Tew Chief Financial Officer Sativa Wellness Group Inc. +44 (0) 20 7971 1255 enquiries@sativawellnessgroup.com www.sativawellnessgroup.com

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Market Regulator (as defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This news 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 Sativa'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" "plan is" 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", "will be achieved" or "shortly".

Although Sativa 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 news release are made as of the date of this press release, and Sativa 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.

SOURCE: Sativa Wellness Group Inc.

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/679220/Sativa-Wellness-Group-Announces-Management-Share-Compensation-Arrangements
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - December 22, 2021) - MJ Innovation Capital Corp. (TSXV: MSMJ.P) ("MJ") and SPARQ Systems Inc. ("SPARQ") are pleased to announce the closing of the previously announced brokered private placement (the "Offering") of subscription receipts (the "Subscription Receipts") of SPARQ. Pursuant to the Offering, SPARQ issued an aggregate of 20,000,000 Subscription Receipts at a price of $0.50 per Subscription Receipt (the "Issue Price") for gross proceeds of $10,000,000. Echelon Capital Markets (the "Agent") acted as agent and sole bookrunner for the Offering.

Summary of the Offering

The Offering was completed in connection with a series of transactions that will result in a reverse takeover of MJ by the shareholders of SPARQ (the "Transaction"). The Transaction will constitute MJ's "Qualifying Transaction" as such term is defined in Policy 2.4 of the Corporate Finance Manual of the TSX Venture Exchange (the "TSXV"). Further details of the Transaction were previously announced on June 10, 2021 and September 15, 2021. References herein to the "Resulting Issuer" refer to MJ following the completion of the Transaction.

An aggregate of 20,000,000 Subscription Receipts were issued in connection with the Offering. Each Subscription Receipt, shall entitle the holder thereof to receive, upon the satisfaction or waiver (to the extent such waiver is permitted) of certain escrow release conditions (the "Escrow Release Conditions") prior to the Escrow Release Deadline (as defined below), including all conditions precedent to the Transaction being satisfied, and without payment of additional consideration therefor, one unit of SPARQ (each, a "SPARQ Unit"). Each SPARQ Unit shall consist of one (1) common share in the capital of SPARQ (each, a "SPARQ Share") and one (1) common share purchase warrant (each, a "SPARQ Warrant") with each such SPARQ Warrant entitling the holder thereof to acquire one (1) additional SPARQ Share at a price of $0.75 per share for a period of 24 months from the date the Escrow Release Conditions are satisfied. On completion of the Transaction, each SPARQ Share and SPARQ Warrant underlying the Subscription Receipts will be converted into one (1) common share in the capital of the Resulting Issuer (each, a "Resulting Issuer Share") and one (1) common share purchase warrant (each, a "Resulting Issuer Warrant"), all in accordance with the terms of the definitive agreement dated June 10, 2021 (as amended on September 14, 2021 and November 26, 2021) between SPARQ and MJ. Upon completion of the Transaction, the Resulting Issuer Shares will trade under the symbol SPRQ. An application has been made to the TSXV to list the Resulting Issuer Warrants.

In connection with the Offering, the Agent is entitled to receive a cash fee (the "Agent's Commission") in the amount equal to (i) 3.5% of the aggregate gross proceeds of the Offering from purchasers on the president's list, including an additional 3.5% of the aggregate gross proceeds of the Offering from purchasers on the president's list whose subscriptions are settled through members of the selling group; and (ii) 7.0% of the aggregate gross proceeds of the Offering in respect of all other purchasers and compensation options (the "Compensation Options") to purchase an aggregate of number of SPARQ Units equal to (i) 3.5% of the aggregate number of Subscription Receipts sold to purchasers on the president's list, including an additional 3.5% of the number of Subscription Receipts sold purchasers on the president's list whose subscriptions are settled through members of the selling group; and (ii) 7.0% of the aggregate number of Subscription Receipts sold to all other purchasers. Each Compensation Option will be exercisable to acquire one SPARQ Unit at the Issue Price for a period of 24 months from the date the Escrow Release Conditions are satisfied. Upon completion of the Transaction, each holder of Compensation Options will receive Resulting Issuer Shares and Resulting Issuer Warrants in lieu of SPARQ Shares and SPARQ Warrants upon exercise of the Compensation Options, including the payment therefor. Resulting Issuer Warrants will expire 24 months following the date the Escrow Release Conditions are satisfied. On the closing of the Offering, the Agent received payment of 50% of the Agent's Commission and was issued all of the Compensation Options. The remaining 50% of the Agent's Commission will be paid to the Agent upon satisfaction or waiver (to the extent such waiver is permitted) of the Escrow Release Conditions.

The gross proceeds of the Offering (less an amount equal to 50% of the Agent's Commission, and all of the reasonable costs and expenses of the Agent in connection with the Offering) have been deposited in escrow with the subscription receipt agent until the satisfaction or waiver (to the extent such waiver is permitted) of the Escrow Release Conditions, including all conditions precedent to the Transaction.

In the event that the Escrow Release Conditions have not been satisfied or waived (to the extent such waiver is permitted) by April 20, 2022, or such other date as SPARQ and the Agent may determine pursuant to the subscription receipt agreement (the "Escrow Release Deadline"), or SPARQ advises the Agent or announces to the public that it does not intend to satisfy the Escrow Release Conditions, or that the Transaction has been terminated in accordance with the terms of the definitive agreement between the MJ and SPARQ, the aggregate issue price of the Subscription Receipts together with any earned interest shall be returned to the applicable holders of the Subscription Receipts (net of any applicable withholding taxes), and such Subscription Receipts shall be automatically cancelled and be of no further force and effect.

All Subscription Receipts issued in connection with the Offering are subject to a statutory hold period in accordance with Canadian securities laws. Following completion of the Transaction, the Resulting Issuer Shares and Resulting Issuer Warrants received upon the exchange of the SPARQ Shares and SPARQ Warrants underlying the Subscription Receipts will not be subject to a statutory hold period in Canada.

The proceeds of the Offering are anticipated to be used principally for product development, increasing manufacturing capacity, and general working capital purposes.

ABOUT SPARQ

SPARQ was incorporated on June 16, 2009 pursuant to the provisions of Business Corporations Act (Ontario). SPARQ's head office is located at 945 Princess Street, Kingston, Ontario, K7L 0E9. SPARQ originated from the advanced research conducted at ePOWER, the Centre for Energy and Power Electronics Research at Queen's University in Kingston, Ontario, Canada. SPARQ was founded at Queen's University in 2009 by Canada Research Chair in Power Electronics, Dr. Praveen Jain, Fellow of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers and the Royal Society of Canada.

SPARQ designs and manufactures next generation single-phase microinverters for residential and commercial solar electric applications. SPARQ has developed a proprietary photovoltaic ("PV") solution called the Quad; the Quad inverter optimizes four PV modules with a single microinverter, simplifying design and installation, and lowering cost for solar power installations when compared to existing market offerings.

SPARQ's operations are located in Ontario.

ABOUT MJ INNOVATION CAPITAL CORP.

MJ is a capital pool company created pursuant to the policies of the TSXV. It does not own any assets, other than cash or cash equivalents and its rights under the definitive agreement dated June 10, 2021 with SPARQ. The principal business of MJ is to identify and evaluate opportunities for the acquisition of an interest in assets or businesses and, once identified and evaluated, to negotiate an acquisition or participation subject to acceptance by the TSXV so as to complete a qualifying transaction in accordance with the policies of the TSXV.

CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This news release contains statements that constitute "forward-looking statements." Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause MJ's actual results, performance or achievements, or developments to differ materially from the anticipated results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally, but not always, identified by the words "expects," "plans," "anticipates," "believes," "intends," "estimates," "projects," "potential" and similar expressions, or that events or conditions "will," "would," "may," "could" or "should" occur.

Forward-looking statements in this document include, among others, statements relating to expectations regarding the completion of the Transaction (including all required approvals) and other statements that are not historical facts. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause our actual results, performance or achievements, or other future events, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors and risks include, among others: (a) that there is no assurance that the parties hereto will obtain the requisite director, shareholder and regulatory approvals for the Transaction; (b) following completion of the Transaction, the Resulting Issuer may require additional financing from time to time in order to continue its operations which may not be available when needed or on acceptable terms and conditions acceptable; (c) domestic and foreign laws and regulations could adversely affect the Resulting Issuer's business and results of operations; (d) a drop in retail pricing of electricity from utilities providers or other renewable energy sources or improved distribution of electricity could negatively impact the Resulting Issuer's business; (e) the stock markets have experienced volatility that often has been unrelated to the performance of companies and these fluctuations may adversely affect the price of the Resulting Issuer's securities, regardless of its operating performance; and (f) the impacts of COVID-19.

The forward-looking information contained in this news release represents the expectations of MJ as of the date of this news release and, accordingly, is subject to change after such date. Readers should not place undue importance on forward-looking information and should not rely upon this information as of any other date. MJ undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements in the event that management's beliefs, estimates or opinions, or other factors, should change.

This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any of the securities in the United States. The securities have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act") or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to U.S. Persons unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws or an exemption from such registration is available.

Completion of the Transaction is subject to a number of conditions, including but not limited to, TSXV acceptance and, if applicable pursuant to TSXV requirements, majority of the minority shareholder approval. Where applicable, the Transaction cannot close until the required shareholder approval is obtained. There can be no assurance that the Transaction will be completed as proposed or at all.

Investors are cautioned that, except as disclosed in the filing statement to be prepared in connection with the Transaction, any information released or received with respect to the Transaction may not be accurate or complete and should not be relied upon. Trading in the securities of a capital pool company should be considered highly speculative.

The TSXV has in no way passed upon the merits of the Transaction and has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this press release and accepts no responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

All information contained in this news release with respect to SPARQ and MJ was supplied by the parties respectively, for inclusion herein, without independent review by the other party, and each party and its directors and officers have relied on the other party for any information concerning the other party.

For more information, please contact:

MJ Innovation Capital Corp.

Bryan Van Engelen

Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and Director

Telephone: 226.750.9914

SPARQ Systems Inc.

Dr. Praveen Jain

Chief Executive Officer

Email: pjain@sparqsys.com

Tel: 343.477.1158

Not for distribution to United States newswire services or for release

publication, distribution or dissemination directly, or indirectly, in whole or in part, in or into the United States.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/108383




TOKYO, Dec 23, 2021 - (JCN Newswire) - Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Thermal Systems, Ltd. (MHI Thermal Systems), a part of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) Group, has won the Energy Conservation Center, Japan Chairman's Award in "Best Practice Category" at the 2021 Energy Conservation Grand Prize sponsored by the Energy Conservation Center, Japan (ECCJ), with support from Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI). This award was presented for measures relating to energy savings from a factory heating and cooling system utilizing an aquifer(1) thermal energy storage (ATES) system. The use of underground water stored in aquifers as a source of heat for heating and cooling systems is highly regarded for its energy conservation potential, environmental performance, and other benefits. This is the first time MHI Thermal Systems has received an award in Best Practices Category.The initiative recognized with this reward is the introduction of an ATES system that takes advantage of the unutilized energy of 700kw in geothermal heat for the heating and cooling system at the MHI Thermal Systems Kobe Works, located on the grounds of the MHI Kobe Shipyard & Machinery Works in Hyogo Prefecture. This system provides efficient use of energy by allowing for the cyclical use of heat across seasons, utilizing the cold exhaust from heating during the wintertime for air conditioning during the summer, and warm exhaust from air conditioning during the summertime for heating during the winter. In addition, the reduction in heat emissions into the atmosphere, an underground heat balance of zero for the full year period, and other benefits, contribute to cutting CO2 emissions, alleviating the heat island effect, and preventing global warming.Additional energy-saving measures adopted for the ATES system include the use of a high-performance inverter centrifugal heat pump(2) with low-GWP(3) refrigerant, adoption of an optimal control system, introduction of visualization systems to assess energy usage and heat source well performance, and utilization of initial year operating data for long-term operation from the second year and beyond. As a result, compared to a gas absorption cold/hot water heater with similar capacity, this system provides a reduction in annual primary energy consumption equivalent to 46.5kL in crude oil per annum (reduction rate of 49.9%), and CO2 reductions of 109.1 tonnes per annum (reduction rate of 65.3%).The ECCJ Energy Conservation Grand Prize were established in 2011 to raise awareness of energy conservation, promote related activities and initiatives, and contribute to the widespread adoption of energy-efficient products and practices. The annual awards program recognizes outstanding energy-saving initiatives at businesses or workplaces that serve as examples for other companies, or outstanding energy-saving products and business models.MHI Thermal Systems, encouraged by this award, will continue to develop technologies and products that further contribute to energy conservation. In addition, by drawing on the collective technological capabilities realized through synergies generated from its wide-ranging business domain, including the thermal engineering business to enhance energy efficiency in many types of production plants, the large-scale refrigerator business for cooling large spaces, and the air conditioning business to create a wide range of comfortable spaces, as well as the transport refrigerating systems business essential to cold chains, and the automotive air-conditioning business, MHI Thermal Systems will focus on achieving optimal thermal solutions to meet the varied needs of customers.(1) An aquifer is an underground layer composed of gravel or other materials. Because the groundwater stored in this layer is cooler than the ambient temperature in summer and warmer in winter, it is considered unutilized temperature difference energy with high utility value as a heat source.(2) The use of warm water specifications based on the ETI-Z Series of centrifugal chillers for air conditioners manufactured by MHI Thermal Systems allows for switching between heating and cooling modes. See the following press release for more information on the ETI-Z Series.https://www.mhi.com/news/1506101900.html(3) Global Warming Potential (GWP) is a coefficient, with CO2 fixed at a GWP of 1.0. Smaller values indicate greater environmental performance.Source: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.Copyright 2021 JCN Newswire . All rights reserved.
BEIRUT, Dec. 23, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Monty Mobile, a leading innovative telecom solutions provider, intervened to save the Gambian Mobile Operator, Comium, holding it from a permanent close down.

After thorough negotiations and mediations, Monty Mobile achieved a healthy and peaceful financial and legal reconciliation between Comium and the Gambian authorities. It has finalized a full debt restructuring in addition to a settlement of all unresolved fees for both years 2020 and 2021, along with safeguarding a source of living for more than 150 families.

Comium will proceed its operations under Monty Mobile's investment expertise and consultancy proficiency. Monty Mobile aims to upgrade Comium's existing network with groundbreaking technology by providing subscribers with advanced products and solutions, paving the way towards 5G networks technology. This step will support the progress of Monty Mobile's mission towards integration of the world's community integration.

Will Monty Mobile succeed in this substantial transformation? We will watch its journey closely for updates.

About Monty Mobile

Headquartered in the UK with 11 international offices covering more than 120 countries and a member of Monty Holding Group, Monty Mobile is a global leading VAS & telecom solutions provider and an international SMS wholesale intermediary hub. Since 1998, Monty Mobile strives to provide the best innovative technology by extending its portfolio towards a wide range of Fintech, Data Monetization, IoT and Mobile Advertising solutions. Monty Mobile has grown into a key regional player in the telecommunications business, supporting above 500 mobile operators and service providers around the world. Dedication to innovation positioned Monty Mobile as a driving market force with groundbreaking in-house customized state-of-the-art telecom solutions, professional customer service and a long-lasting thirst for improvement.

Visit www.montymobile.com for more information.

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1714504/Monty_Mobile.jpg
LONDON, Dec. 23, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- DeFinity, an institutional digital asset ECN and DeFi marketplace for fiat FX, Cryptocurrencies and Central Bank Digital Currencies, partners with Cobalt, a market infrastructure provider focused on re-engineering the institutional FX and digital asset markets to facilitate real-time clearing, settlement and dynamic risk and credit management.

Manu Choudhary, CEO and Co-founder of DeFinity, said, "Currently digital assets are at the identical point of evolution that Fiat FX was in the 1980's with large bid/offer spreads, an absence of standardisation, insufficient segregation of duties, combined with inefficient and fragmented liquidity, which introduces far greater operational and systemic risk for participants. The partnership provides an enterprise solution for digital assets to interact with traditional FX counterparties with roles throughout the execution lifecycle - custody, execution, clearing, and settlement - clearly defined. Our vision is to establish DeFinity as a leading electronic communication network (ECN) delivering sustainable and non-fragmented digital asset liquidity to market participants is hugely enhanced by our partnership with Cobalt, not only because of their revolutionary clearing infrastructure, but due to the fact that some of the world's largest banks and funds are already clients and investors. The asset custody or credit intermediation functions are kept at arms-length with trustworthy counterparties as inspired by the best practices of the global currency markets."

Darren Coote, CEO of Cobalt, added, "A significant number of financial institutions are eager to capitalise on the cryptocurrency expansion, but the lack of institutional-grade infrastructure limits investment opportunities. The prevailing settlement process is extremely manual, open to significant risks, and not adequate for institutional trading. Cobalt is one of the only firms providing critical market infrastructure in both digital assets and FX and our partnership with DeFinity will help to distribute our post trade solution to a broader demographic of institutional traders."

The combined technology of both companies will enable clients to leverage the processes of capital markets for digital asset trading, creating a secure technical infrastructure by maintaining the legal confirmation of each transaction. DeFinity will allow institutional investors to retain independent custody pre-trade while providing a consolidated view of fiat and digital asset positions.

Michael Siwek, Chief Revenue Officer and co-founder of DeFinity Markets, concluded, "Institutional clients are excited to use our infrastructure to transact, record and settle trades efficiently utilising our proprietary blockchain to increase transparency and TCA capabilities, therefore boosting investor confidence materially."

DeFinity and Cobalt are also jointly collaborating on further products and services, with shared synergies across a number of areas of innovation.

About DeFinity

DeFinity is a financial technology firm powered and owned by DMALINK and WeOwn. DeFinity is an institutional digital asset ECN and DeFi marketplace for fiat Foreign Exchange, Cryptocurrencies and Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDC). In addition to the digital asset ECN, DeFinity is a layer-2 protocol and decentralised exchange solution with a focus on interoperability, utilising existing blockchain frameworks such as WeOwn, Ethereum, Polkadot, Binance Smart Chain and Cardano. Harnessing the power of decentralisation within a strong regulatory framework, the firm is specifically geared towards the future support of central bank digital currencies and decentralised financial services for FX clearing.

For more information contact:



press@definity.network

+44 (0) 20 3290 6580

About Cobalt

Cobalt is driving the transformation of the FX and Digital Asset markets by building an institutional grade infrastructure platform fit for today's high-speed electronic markets.

By creating a single standardised version of each transaction and managing collateral and credit in real-time, Cobalt enables all market participants to connect and automate their post-trade functions including confirmations, trade netting, and the management of collateral and credit relationships.

Cobalt's high availability, high throughput, Tier 1 secure platform enables the markets' leading participants to cut costs, reduce counterparty risk, and increase trading to 24/7.

www.cobaltdl.com

contact@cobaltdl.com
PERTH, AUSTRALIA / ACCESSWIRE / December 22, 2021 / DigitalX Limited (ASX:DCC)(OTCQB:DGGXF) ('DigitalX' or 'the Company') is pleased to announce that after an extensive executive search process it has appointed highly experienced finance industry executive Lisa Wade as Chief Executive Officer.

HIGHLIGHTS

Lisa Wade, former Head of Digital Innovation and Sustainability at National Australia Bank, appointed new Chief Executive Officer

Lisa has over 30 years' experience in finance and financial markets and has a strong background in blockchain project development

Appointment positions DigitalX with a team and leadership capable of executing its next phase of growth and development

Lisa was recently recognised as 'Gender & Diversity Leader of the Year' at the 2021 Australian Blockchain Industry Awards

Ms Wade has nearly 30 years of finance and financial markets experience working in organisations such as Citigroup, Bendigo Bank and most recently as Head of Digital Innovation and Sustainability at National Australia Bank (NAB).

She has a strong background in blockchain project development, having recently lead the Project Atom Central Bank Digital Currency project (CBDC), a collaborative research project between the Reserve Bank of Australia, CBA and Perpetual, and Project Carbon, a global strategic alliance tokenising voluntary carbon credits with Latu, CIBC, Natwest and NAB.

Ms Wade also has a strong background in funds management. Prior to her current role, she gained extensive experience managing investment portfolios with the Clean Energy Fund and the ESCOR Group. She has also been a Director at Citigroup where she specialised in arbitrage and derivatives. Ms Wade is an experienced trader with an in-depth understanding of pricing and investing in derivatives and financial products. In her role as Head of Community Assets at Bendigo Bank, Lisa specialised in developing financial structures to facilitate the acceleration of impact investment, including co-founding the Bright Energy fund, an early stage investment in Future Super and co-creating RARI, Australia's first responsible investment ETF.

Ms Wade is also a Non-Executive Director of Blockchain Australia, the peak blockchain industry body in Australia.

She is expected to commence in her role after serving her notice period related to her existing role.

Mr Toby Hicks, Chair of DigitalX, commented:

"Following a thorough search and assessment process, we are very proud to confirm the appointment of Lisa Wade as the new Chief Executive Officer of DigitalX. Lisa is a highly experienced and knowledgeable individual who has impressed the Board with her passion and knowledge for both financial markets and Blockchain technologies and opportunities. Out of a pool of outstanding candidates, we are pleased that Lisa has wanted to come on Board and lead DigitalX as it continues to execute its business plan based around our three business units of funds management, Blockchain ventures and development of distributed ledger technologies."

Ms Lisa Wade, Incoming CEO of DigitalX, commented:

"I am truly excited to join DigitalX, they have built the foundations and team to lead Australia and the world in the transition to blockchain as a mainstream part of finance, and to be a leader in this new and fast-moving financial future that blockchain creates. I am looking forward to working with the great team and building on this foundation together to grow the Company's opportunities and value for shareholders."

CONTACT

Investor Enquiries

DigitalX Limited

Jonathon Carley

Acting Chief Operating Officer & Chief Financial Officer

E: investors@digitalx.com

Media Enquiries

GRA Partners

Luke Forrestal

Director, Financial Communications

T: +61 411 479 144

E: luke.forrestal@grapartners.com.au

SOURCE: Digitalx Ltd.

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/679244/DigitalX-Appoints-New-Chief-Executive-Officer
Toyota City, Japan, Dec 23, 2021 - (JCN Newswire) - Toyota Motor Corporation (Toyota) announced today that it will expand sales of the "C+pod" ultra-compact battery electric vehicle (BEV) to all corporate and municipal customers, and now the general public as well, from December 23. The vehicle was launched for select corporate and municipal customers in December last year. All vehicles will be offered via lease contracts(1), starting from Toyota vehicle dealers and Toyota Rental & Lease Agencies throughout Japan(2).The C+pod is an environmentally-friendly two-seater BEV. Smaller than a minivehicle, it has been designed as a mobility option for a diverse group of daily users who frequently travel short distances with few passengers. This might include young, single new drivers, or older individuals who may be nervous about driving.It has been well received by customers who have used it, especially for its ease of handling, environmental friendliness, and full range of safety and security features despite its ultra-compact body. We are now ready to deliver the C+pod to a wider range of customers, so we have decided to expand the sales target to all customers nationwide.The lease agreement enables casual C+pod use while also ensuring comprehensive vehicle collection with proactive 3R (reduce, re-use, recycle) initiatives for the onboard batteries. This is part of Toyota's goal of achieving a carbon neutral mobility society.Toyota will continue to offer a diverse mobility lineup, including the C+pod and C+walk T(3), to provide safe and secure mobility matched to the needs of customers no matter their stage of life or ability, from new daily drivers to the older drivers, and wheelchair users.(1) Price plans vary according to dealer. Please contact your local dealer or Toyota Rental & Lease Agency.(2) Not available at some dealers.(3) Launched in October 2021. An easy-to-use three-wheel BEV that can be driven while standing.Source: Toyota Motor CorporationCopyright 2021 JCN Newswire . All rights reserved.

Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann.
LONDON (dpa-AFX) - International Public Partnerships Limited (INPP.L) has agreed to acquire a small portfolio of UK PPP investments comprising initially interests in Townlands Community Hospital in Henley, Eltham Community Hospital and minority interests in the Building Schools for the Future projects STaG 1 and 2. The interests will be acquired from an affiliate of the company's Investment Adviser, Amber Infrastructure, for 3.1 million pounds. INPP noted that investment in minority interests in a further five BSF schemes from the same portfolio, representing up to 3.0 million pounds of additional investment, will be made by it in the coming months. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann.
LONDON (dpa-AFX) - Balfour Beatty Communities, U.S. subsidiary of Balfour Beatty plc (BBY.L), has pleaded guilty and agreed to pay more than $65 million in fines and restitution for defrauding U.S. Military. Balfour Beatty Communities, one of the largest providers of privatized military housing to the U.S. Armed Forces, said it reached a resolution with the U.S. Department of Justice. The resolution resolves the DOJ's criminal and civil investigations into specific performance incentive fees improperly claimed by Communities between 2013 and 2019 related to maintenance work at certain United States military housing installations. As per the terms of the resolution, the company's subsidiary has pleaded guilty to one count of fraud and has agreed to the appointment of an independent compliance monitor for a three-year period. Balfour Beatty Communities will pay a total resolution amount of $65.4 million comprising about $33.6 million in penalties and $31.8 million in restitution. Balfour Beatty Communities also entered into a False Claims Act settlement with the United States to resolve its civil liability for $35.2 million. The amounts paid under the civil settlement will be credited against the amounts owed under Balfour Beatty Communities' criminal plea. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann.
December 23, 2021

U.S. Oil & Gas Plc.

("US Oil" or the "Company")

Update

U.S. Oil & Gas Plc, ("USOIL" or the "Company"), the oil and gas exploration company with assets in Nevada, makes the following announcement:

Leases

Although the Hot Creek Valley leases appraised for drilling Eblana-7, -8 and -13 wells are set to expire in Q1 2022, the Board believes that sufficient time remains to drill a well or wells if permits are awarded soon. Currently, the Company is exploring with the Bureau of Land Management the possibility of suspending and extending leases given the disruptions and uncertainties of the last year. However, whether or not sufficient funding can be raised to drill before the relevant leases expire remains uncertain.

Funding

Currently, the Company is actively engaged in seeking the necessary investment to drill at least one well, and efforts will continue through Q1 2022. Meantime, the Company does not intend to solicit funds solely for day-to-day overheads. Instead, the Board has resolved to implement, from December 31 2021, a plan that includes curtailing the Company's operations by reducing equipment holdings, storage facilities and other overheads, including personnel costs. As part of this effort, salaries, including directors' remuneration, will be cut by 80%. Core corporate activities, including audit, regulatory and legal functions will continue.

Strategy

The Board's strategy is to position the Company to take advantage of any positive developments and opportunities arising in the longer term. The Board has carefully considered the Company's options in the event that funds are not raised soon enough to enable drilling on the leases set to expire in early 2022. Although those leases will expire if oil is not produced in paying quantities, other prospective leases will still be held by the Company.

Leases held include 52,046 acres impacted by a court-ordered suspension of operations on federal leases in Wyoming, Utah and Nevada, as previously reported. This suspension may in time be lifted and allow operations to continue. In addition, the Company holds two leases totalling 1,223 acres, considered highly prospective, that are not constrained by the court order and that do not expire until 2030. Given the required funding, the Company would engage in exploring those leases to appraise prospects for drilling. In the short term, however, all efforts are being directed to raising the necessary funds to drill at least one well before the leases of current interest expire.



FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

The statements in this communication reflect the current thinking of the Board and the Company's present plans. The Company reserves the right to alter plans in the light of developing knowledge and circumstances. Shareholders' attention is drawn to the note below concerning Forward-looking Statements.

This press release contains certain "forward-looking statements" and "forward-looking information". Forward-looking statements and forward-looking information include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to: business plans and strategies of US Oil and Gas; operating or technical difficulties in connection with drilling or development activities; availability and costs associated with inputs and labour; drilling and exploration costs; the speculative nature of oil exploration and development; diminishing quantities or quality of reserves; synergies and financial impact of completed acquisitions; the benefits of the acquisitions and the development potential of properties of US Oil and Gas; the future price of oil; supply and demand for oil; the estimation of reserves; the realization of reserve estimates; costs of production and projections of costs; success of exploration activities; capital expenditure programs and the timing and method of financing thereof; the ability of US Oil and Gas to achieve drilling success consistent with management's expectations; net present values of future net revenues from reserves; expected levels of royalty rates, operating costs, general and administrative costs, costs of services and other costs and expenses; expectations regarding the ability to raise capital and to add to reserves through acquisitions, assessments of the value of acquisitions and exploration and development programs; geological, technical, drilling and processing problems; treatment under governmental regulatory regimes and tax laws.

All statements other than statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements

THE DIRECTORS OF THE COMPANY ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE CONTENTS OF THIS ANNOUNCEMENT

Neither this announcement nor the information contained herein constitutes an offer or solicitation by U.S. Oil and Gas Plc for the purchase or sale of any securities nor does it constitute a solicitation to any person in any jurisdiction where solicitation would be unlawful.



For further information contact:

Brian McDonnell, Chief Executive Officer +353 (1) 631 9022

About U.S. Oil & Gas:

U.S. Oil & Gas plc is an oil and gas exploration company with a strategy to identify and acquire oil and gas assets in the early phase of the upstream life-cycle and mature them. The Company's main asset is in Nye County, Nevada where it holds the entire share capital of US-based company, Major Oil International LLC ("Major Oil"). Major Oil has acquired rights to exploration and development acreage in Hot Creek Valley, Nye County, adjacent to the oil and gas rich Railroad Valley area of Nevada, both of which are part of the Sevier Thrust of central Nevada and western Utah, USA.

For further information please refer to our website at: www.usoilandgas.us
MELBOURNE (dpa-AFX) - BHP Group Plc (BHP.AX, BLT.L, BBL, BHP) Thursday said its unit BHP Lonsdale Investments Pty Ltd has terminated the support agreement between BHP Lonsdale, its subsidiary BHP Western Mining Resources International Pty Ltd and Noront Resources Ltd. (NOT.TO). The agreement was related to Noront's support of BHP Lonsdale's C$0.75 per share offer to acquire Noront. In accordance with the terms of the support deal, Noront has made a C$17.78 million termination payment to BHP WMR. On December 21, BHP Lonsdale had announced that it will not increase or extend its offer for Noront Resources. The company then said it do not see adequate long-term value for BHP shareholders to support an increase in BHP's offer in order to match the C$1.10 per share proposal from Wyloo Metals Pty Ltd. The Noront board of directors has determined that the proposal from Wyloo Metals to acquire Noront for C$1.10 in cash per share is a superior proposal under the support agreement between Noront and BHP, and that BHP Lonsdale has a right to match Wyloo's proposal. BHP Lonsdale then determined it will not match Wyloo's proposal. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann.
LONDON (dpa-AFX) - AstraZeneca (AZN.L, AZN) said, according to a study performed independently by investigators at the University of Oxford, the company's Vaxzevria significantly boosted levels of antibodies against the Omicron SARS-CoV-2 variant following a third dose booster. Sera obtained from individuals one month after receiving the third dose booster vaccination neutralised the Omicron variant to levels that were broadly similar to those observed one month after the second dose against the Delta variant, the company said. Professor Sir John Bell, Regius Professor of Medicine, University of Oxford, UK, said: 'These results support the use of third dose boosters as part of national vaccine strategies, especially to limit the spread of variants of concern, including Omicron.' The company also noted that data from another laboratory study support Vaxzevria's effect against Omicron, with individuals vaccinated with two doses of Vaxzevria retaining neutralising activity against Omicron, although a decrease was seen compared to the original strain. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann.


CANBERA (dpa-AFX) - The Australian and NZ dollars climbed against their major opponents in the Asian session on Thursday, as Asian shares followed Wall Street higher amid indications that the Omicron variant is less severe than the delta version.



Research from Imperial College London indicated that the risk of hospitalization for patients infected with the Omicron variant is 40% to 45% lower than Delta cases.



A study in South Africa found that the omicron variant appeared to have a less severe impact than the earlier variants and there is a reduced risk of hospitalizations than in previous waves.



The White House said that Democrats will continue negotiations with Senator Joe Manchin on the Build Back Better Act with a vote planned in early 2022.



President Joe Biden insisted that he wanted to 'get something done' on the plan targeting social benefits and climate change.



Data from the Reserve Bank of Australia showed that Australia private sector credit rose 0.9 percent on month in November - accelerating from 0.5 percent in October.



On a yearly basis, credit spiked 6.6 percent, rising from 5.7 percent in the previous month.



The aussie rose to 0.7220 against the greenback and 82.47 against the yen, off its early lows of 0.7196 and 82.09, respectively. The aussie is poised to find resistance around 0.74 against the greenback and 84.00 against the yen.



The aussie rebounded to 1.5703 against the euro, from a low of 1.5757 set at 9:15 pm ET. On the upside, 1.54 is seen as its next likely resistance level.



The aussie firmed to more than a 2-month high of 1.0603 against the kiwi in early deals and held steady thereafter. At yesterday's trading close, the pair was quoted at 1.0585.



The aussie reached as high as 0.9271 against the loonie at 7 pm ET and held steady in subsequent trading. The pair had closed yesterday' deals at 0.9256.



The kiwi touched 1-week highs of 0.6827 against the greenback and 1.6594 against the euro, up from its previous lows of 0.6795 and 1.6686, respectively. The kiwi is seen finding resistance around 1.64 against the euro and 0.70 against the greenback.



The kiwi touched near a 4-week high of 78.00 against the yen, up from a low of 77.56 seen at 9:15 pm ET. If the kiwi rises further, 79.00 is likely seen as its next resistance level.



Looking ahead, Canada GDP data for October, U.S. weekly jobless claims for the week ended December 18, University of Michigan's final consumer sentiment index for December, durable goods orders, new home sales and personal income and spending data, all for November, are due out in the New York session.



Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

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Ambient Photonics has developed solar cells that can be used by internet-of-things (IoT) and smart home device companies. It has now secured funds from the U.S. government to build a factory in the United States.U.S.-based technology company Ambient Photonics has been awarded a $162 million loan guarantee by the U.S. Department of Energy (DoE) for the construction of a low-light solar cell production facility. "We have not yet made a public announcement of the location for either our first or second factory," the company's CEO and founder Bates Marshall told pv magazine. "But we can disclose ...

Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann.
WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - French stocks were moving higher on Thursday after new studies indicated the Omicron variant poses a lower risk of severe disease and hospitalization than the Delta variant. However, the World Health Organization said it's too early to draw conclusions on its severity. Closer home, Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi said that he had fulfilled much of the government's agenda and would be willing to become head of state when the position falls free early next year. The benchmark CAC 40 was up 13 points, or 0.2 percent, at 7,064 after rising 1.2 percent the previous day. A slew of U.S. economic data is scheduled to be released later in the day, including reports on weekly jobless claims, durable goods orders, personal income and spending, and new home sales as traders look to get a head start on the Christmas weekend. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann.
The "Construction in Italy Key Trends and Opportunities to 2025 (Q3 2021)" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

The construction industry in Italy is forecasted to rebound and grow by 15.7% in real terms in 2021, following a decline of 6.3% in 2020. The country was placed under a partial lockdown in the first quarter of 2021; in the second quarter of this year, however, most restrictions were lifted, given that almost all the regions have been marked under the low-risk category. This was reflected in the latest construction value-add data which showed a year-on-year (Y-o-Y) expansion of 54.9% in Q2 2021.

While the Italian construction industry is expected to rebound strongly, following a difficult 2020 for the industry, a downside risk for the industry's outlook arises from the recent price pressures in the Eurozone, driven by shortages in raw materials. However, the government is set to receive EUR191.5 billion (US$233 billion) in total under the EU Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF), which is part of the NextGenerationEU plan. In August 2021, the European Commission disbursed EUR24.9 billion (US$30.3 billion) to Italy in pre-financing, equivalent to 13% of the country's grant and loan allocation under the RRF.

Over the remainder of the forecast period, the industry is expected to register an annual average growth of 2% between 2022-2025, supported by investments in housing, healthcare, transport, energy and tourism infrastructure projects. As part of the Health Mission plan under the National Recovery and Resilience Plan, the government plans to invest EUR15.6 billion (US$19 billion), while under the Infrastructure Operational Plan, the government plans to invest EUR5.3 billion (US$6.2 billion) during the period of 2019-2025. The government's focus on reducing carbon emissions in the country, and support for renovating buildings to make them more energy efficient, will also support industry growth over the forecast period.

The Construction in Italy Key Trends and Opportunities to 2025 (Q3 2021) report provides detailed market analysis, information and insights into the Italian construction industry, including

The Italian construction industry's growth prospects by market, project type and construction activity

Critical insight into the impact of industry trends and issues, as well as an analysis of key risks and opportunities in the Italian construction industry

Analysis of the mega-project pipeline, focusing on development stages and participants, in addition to listings of major projects in the pipeline.

Scope

This report provides a comprehensive analysis of the construction industry in Italy. It provides

Historical (2016-2020) and forecast (2021-2025) valuations of the construction industry in Italy, featuring details of key growth drivers.

Segmentation by sector (commercial, industrial, infrastructure, energy and utilities, institutional and residential) and by sub-sector

Analysis of the mega-project pipeline, including breakdowns by development stage across all sectors, and projected spending on projects in the existing pipeline.

Listings of major projects, in addition to details of leading contractors and consultants

Key Topics Covered:

1 Executive Summary

2 Construction Industry: At-a-Glance

3 Context

3.1 Economic Performance

3.2 Political Environment and Policy

3.3 Demographics

3.4 COVID-19 Status

3.5 Risk Profile

4 Construction Outlook

5 Key Industry Participants

5.1 Contractors

5.2 Consultants

6 Construction Market Data

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/gux04b

About ResearchAndMarkets.com

ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211223005168/en/

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NEW BRUNSWICK (dpa-AFX) - Prevention is always better than cure. The year 2021 saw the global rollout of vaccines being accelerated for the prevention of a new disease. Yes, a disease that has been dominating the headlines since 2020 - Covid-19.



It's no surprise that the Covid-19 vaccines find a place in the list of top-selling pharmaceuticals. In this article, we will walk you through the top 10 drugs based on this year's first nine months' data.



#1. Comirnaty



BioNTech SE (BNTX)/Pfizer Inc.'s(PFE) Comirnaty, a vaccine for preventing COVID-19, which has been available since last December, has emerged as the best-seller.



The vaccine generated global sales of $24.3 billion for the first nine months of 2021, and is expected to rake in sales of about $36 billion for full year 2021.



Comirnaty, a messenger RNA (mRNA) based vaccine is approved as a 2-dose series for prevention of COVID-19 in individuals 16 years of age and older. Under Emergency Use Authorization, the vaccine is authorized as a 2-dose primary series to individuals 12 through 15 years of age, as a third primary series dose to individuals 12 years of age and older who are immunocompromised, and as a single booster dose for individuals 16 and 17 years of age at least six months after completion of primary vaccination.



#2. Humira



AbbVie Inc.'s (ABBV) Humira, which is used to treat many inflammatory conditions in adults, recorded global sales of $15.36 billion in the first nine months of 2021. The drug generated sales of $19.8 billion worldwide for full year 2020.



As the first fully human monoclonal antibody to receive FDA approval in December 2002, Humira is indicated for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, Crohn's disease, psoriasis, juvenile idiopathic arthritis, ulcerative colitis, hidradenitis suppurativa, and uveitis.



Humira appeared on the list of world's best-selling drug for the first time in 2012 and was retaining the top spot till 2020.



A total of 6 biosimilars to Humira have been already been approved in the U.S. They are yet to be launched and will be entering the market beginning late January 2023.



Meanwhile, yet another company by the name Alvotech, based in Iceland, has also sought FDA approval for its biosimilar version of Humira. AbbVie has been claiming that Alvotech stole trade secrets related to Humira. However, this case was dismissed by a federal judge in Illinois in October of this year. Now, AbbVie has requested the US International Trade Commission to investigate the alleged trade secret theft.



#3. Keytruda



Merck & Co. Inc's (MRK) Keytruda, with global sales of $12.6 billion for the first nine months of 2021, comes third on the list. The drug's worldwide sales for full year 2020 were $14.4 billion.



Keytruda, which is the first programmed death receptor-1 (PD-1)-blocking antibody to be approved is indicated for a variety of cancers. This cancer drug received its first FDA approval in 2014 for advanced melanoma and since then has expanded its label to include over 15 indications.



The patent on Keytruda is said to expire in 2028.



#4. Spikevax



Moderna Inc.'s (MRNA) Spikevax, a vaccine to prevent COVID-19, brought in sales of $10.7 billion for the nine months ended Sep.30, 2021. Sales of the vaccine are expected to be in the range of $15 billion and $18 billion for full year 2021.



Spikevax is also an mRNA Vaccine just like BioNTech/Pfizer's Comirnaty. But Spikevax is yet to get full FDA approval. It is currently authorized for emergency use as a two-dose primary series for individuals 18 years of age and older, as a third primary series dose for individuals 18 years of age and older who are immunocompromised, and as a single booster dose for individuals 18 years of age and older at least six months after completing a primary series of the vaccine.



The FDA is reviewing the Biologics License Application for Spikevax and a decision is expected in April 2022.



#5. Revlimid



Bristol-Myers Squibb Co.'s (BMY) Revlimid had worldwide sales of $9.49 billion for the first nine months of 2021. The drug, which generated $12.1 billion in annual sales in 2020, was ranked as the fourth-best-selling drug in the world in 2020.



Revlimid has been in the market since 2006 and is indicated for myelodysplastic syndrome, multiple myeloma, lymphoma, follicular lymphoma.



The earliest licensed entry of any generic Revlimid in the U.S. is March 2022, according to the company.



#6. Eliquis



Eliquis, developed by Bristol-Myers Squibb Co. (BMY) and Pfizer Inc. (PFE), has dropped 3 places to the 6th position with $8.09 billion in sales for the first nine months of 2021. The drug had clinched the third spot in 2020, generating global annual sales of $14.1 billion.



Approved to lower the risk of strokes and blood clots in people with an irregular heartbeat known as atrial fibrillation, Eliquis has patent protection at least until 2028, although generic versions of the drug have already secured tentative FDA approvals.



#7. Imbruvica



Imbruvica, jointly developed and commercialized by Johnson & Johnson's Janssen Biotech Inc., and Pharmacyclics LLC, an AbbVie company, generated global sales of $7.33 billion for the first nine months of 2021.



The drug is used to treat mantle cell lymphoma, marginal zone lymphoma, Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, and small lymphocytic lymphoma.



Since its launch in 2013, Imbruvica's sales have increased significantly. In 2020, annual sales of Imbruvica were $9.44 billion and it was ranked sixth in the list of top-sellers.



#8. Eylea



Eylea, developed by Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc (REGN) and German drug giant Bayer, saw total sales of $6.90 billion for the nine months ended Sep.30, 2021. The drug rang up annual sales of $7.91 billion in 2020, occupying the 5th spot.



Indicated for the treatment of macular degeneration, macular edema, and diabetic retinopathy, Eylea is poised to lose patent protection in 2023 in the U.S.



#9. Stelara



Stelara, developed by Johnson & Johnson's (JNJ) Janssen Biotech Inc, generated global sales of $6.80 billion for the first nine months of 2021. The drug, which is approved for the treatment of plaque psoriasis, active psoriatic arthritis, active Crohn's disease, and active ulcerative colitis, was launched in the market in 2009, and it hit the blockbuster status in 2012, reporting sales of $1.02 billion that year.



With expanded indications, sales of Stelara have gained momentum, and in 2020, the drug had clocked annual sales of $7.70 billion.



The U.S. patent on Stelara is scheduled to expire in September 2023, and development of biosimilar versions of the drug has already been undertaken by some companies.



#10. Biktarvy



Gilead Sciences Inc.'s (GILD) Biktarvy had total sales of $6.09 billion for the first nine months of 2021.



Biktarvy, which is indicated for the treatment of HIV, was launched in the market in February 2018, and it generated annual sales of $1.18 billion that year. With increasing treatment demand and net price, sales of this HIV drug have significantly increased over the years.



With annual sales of $7.26 billion, Biktarvy was occupying the ninth spot in 2020.



A generic version of Biktarvy, named Taffic, was launched in December 2019 in India and it is marketed and distributed by Hetero Healthcare there. No generic equivalents of the drug have been approved in the U.S.



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NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / December 23, 2021 / Charge Enterprises Inc. (OTC PINK:CRGE), ("Charge"), consisting of a portfolio of global businesses with the vision of connecting people everywhere with communications and electric-vehicle charging ("EV") infrastructure, today announced that it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire BW Electrical Services LLC ("BWES"), an electrical contracting services firm specializing in commercial projects with a focus on ground-up construction.

The acquisition agreement provides that Charge will acquire all of the equity intersts in BWES for $18 million of cash and Charge common stock.

Founded in 2006, BWES is an industry leader in the state of New Jersey for design-build, electrical installations. BWES has captured a niche market, providing electrical contracting and telecommunications services to the New Jersey commercial and industrial construction market to support communities and deliver ground-up construction projects. Due to their reputable process-driven expertise in electrical installations, BWES has been entrusted with high-profile projects such as the New Jersey State House restoration, and esteemed academic institutions including Rutgers University, and the New Jersey K-12 school system.

This acquisition is expected to broaden Charge's infrastructure offering by utilizing BWES's master electricians, its proven standardized processes and its established commercial expertise in EV charging infrastructure. The combination exemplifies Charge's strategy to make EV charging more accessible to a wider population, thereby reducing perceived range anxiety as passenger transportation moves towards reducing harmful carbon emissions.

"This is an exciting time for Charge Enterprises. The BWES's acquisition adds scale to Charge's EV charging infrastructure deployment by boosting our number of qualified master electricians and adding greater value, expertise and greater bandwidth to serve our growing client portfolio," said Andrew Fox, Chairman and CEO of Charge. "We look forward to continuing the charge forward with BWES to fulfill the tremendous demand for EV charging infrastructure across the nation as we work towards meeting the demands of the electrification revolution."

"Charge's business ethos closely aligns with the way BWES has always approached business, with an emphasis on reliability and fairness, making this an especially exciting opportunity for us," said Michael Wojtowicz, Founder and CEO of BWES. "There isn't a project in our future that has provisions for new parking that doesn't have an EV charging ecosystem integrated in forward planning, and joining with Charge will help satisfy this pent-up demand for EV charging infrastructure as the country moves into the next phase of the EV revolution."

The anticipated close of the acquisition is on or about December 27, 2021.

About Charge Enterprises Inc.

Our Telecommunications Division

Our Telecommunications division ("Telecommunications") has provided termination of both voice and data to Carriers and Mobile Network Operators (MNO's) globally for over two decades and we will selectively add profitable products and services to this long-established business.

Our Infrastructure Division

Our Infrastructure division ("Infrastructure") has a primary focus on two fast growing sectors: EV charging, and Telecommunications Network 5G, including cell tower, small cell, and in-building applications. Solutions for these two sectors include: Design and Engineering, Equipment specification and sourcing, Installation, Data & software solutions, and Service and Maintenance.

Our Investment Division

Our Investment division ("Investment") focuses on opportunities related to our global portfolio to expand our vision's impact. We aim to invest in opportunities that would complement our two operating divisions in addition to marketable securities, including money markets funds and other listed securities. Our Investment division provides services aimed at offsetting the overall cost of capital.

We offer our Investment services through our wholly-owned subsidiary, Charge Investments ("CI").

To find out more: https://www.charge.enterprises/

About BW Electrical Services

BW Electrical Services provides electrical contracting services for commercial businesses in New Jersey. The company was founded by a licensed master electrician in 2006 to build a network of qualified electricians to help grow communities. BWES has a team of approximately 74, including approximately 60 International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) unionized personnel depoloyed on various projects.

Notice Regarding Forward-Looking Information

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements reflect current expectations or beliefs regarding future events or Charge's future performance. Often, but not always, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as "plans", "expects", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "continues", "forecasts", "projects", "predicts", "intends", "anticipates", "targets" or "believes", or variations of, or the negatives of, such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "should", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved. All forward-looking statements, including those herein, are qualified by this cautionary statement.

Although Charge believes that the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements involve risks and uncertainties, and actual results may differ materially from any future results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such risks and uncertainties include the business plans and strategies of Charge, Charge's future business development, market acceptance of electric vehicles, Charge's ability to generate profits and positive cash flow, changes in government regulations and government incentives, subsidies, or other favorable government policies, and other risks discussed in Charge's filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Readers are cautioned that the foregoing list of risks and uncertainties is not exhaustive of the factors that may affect forward-looking statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements in this press release speak only as of the date of this press release or as of the date or dates specified in such statements. For more information on Charge, investors are encouraged to review Charge's public filings on OTC Market at https://www.otcmarkets.com/stock/CRGE/overview. Charge disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, other than as required by law.

Media Contact:

Steve Keyes (248) 952-7022

Steve.keyes@centigrade.com

Contact:

LHA Investor Relations

Carolyn Capaccio, CFA

ccapaccio@lhai.com

212.838.3777

SOURCE: Charge Enterprises Inc.

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/679237/Charge-Enterprises-Signs-Definitive-Agreement-to-Acquire-BW-Electrical-Services-LLC-to-Expand-Its-Infrastructure-Division
VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / December 23, 2021 / Graphite One Inc. (TSXV:GPH)(OTCQX:GPHOF)("Graphite One" or the "Company") is pleased to provide the Company's 2021 year in review. It has been a momentous year for Graphite One as the Company continues to rapidly advance the largest known and highest-grade graphite deposit in the United States.

"Despite the challenges of COVID on the business climate and all aspects of operations, Graphite One raised more than CA$30 million in capital, completed a successful drill program to confirm the Company's projections of a long mine life based on drilling just 20% of the projected trend of the graphite mineralization, and continued to progress R&D efforts on multiple advanced graphite materials that will serve essential renewable energy and technology sectors," said Anthony Huston, Graphite One's CEO. "Additionally, the surge in graphite demand in the EV and energy storage sectors, coupled with new U.S. Government strategic focus on Critical Mineral development in the comprehensive infrastructure package, plus concern over materials supply chain disruptions is a strong signal that momentum is shifting in a way that perfectly aligns with Graphite One's objectives of being an integrated supply chain solution for advanced graphite materials."

Commenting on recent Tesla statements on EV supply chains, Mr. Huston added: "Elon Musk said recently there is currently no graphite anode production in the U.S. He's right - and our goal at Graphite One is to change that.

I agree with Jim Farley, the CEO of Ford Motor Co., who recently said: 'We have to bring battery production here, but the supply chain has to go all the way to the mines. Are we going to import lithium and pull cobalt from nation-states that have child labour and all sorts of corruption, or are we all going to get serious about mining? We have to solve these things, and we don't have much time.'"

As Graphite One anticipates it is on track to complete its Pre-Feasibility Study ("PFS") in Q1 2022, the Company reports progress along the following fronts:

2021 Financing

From January 1, 2021 to date, total gross proceeds from three financings plus the exercise of options, warrants and broker warrants 1 totaled CA$30.2 million.

2021 Drill Program

In the Company's 2021 Drill Program, a total of 2,052 meters were drilled, including 1,695 meters of HQ core drilling and 357 meters of sonic drilling. 2 Results are expected to be released in Q1 2022 when data analysis is completed. The drill program will generate additional information to update the resource model and provide technical data now expected to be available in time to be included in the PFS.

With exploration to date on only 20% of the projected trend of graphite mineralization supporting the potential for a long mine life, the Graphite Creek deposit continues to show potential to be an essential long-life component of the graphite supply chain.

While all required drilling for the PFS is completed, the Graphite Creek deposit remains open at depth and along strike both east and west. "Given the demand growth every end-user mentions to me, and their concerns about surety of supply," said Mr. Huston, "we're putting a priority on demonstrating that Graphite Creek is a robust, low-risk source for graphite far into the 21st Century." The Company expects to initiate the Project's Feasibility Study in Q1 2022 including plans to conduct a 2022 drill program focused on infill drilling and step-out drilling with the aim of increasing this long-life resource.

Advanced Materials R&D Pipeline

During 2021, further progress was seen in materials development in the anode space as well as other markets for advanced graphite material.

"With the World Bank and International Energy Agency (IEA) 3 projecting graphite demand to rise by 25 times between 2020 and 2040 (IEA) or more than 490% from 2020 to 2050 (World Bank) 4 -- and new efforts to simultaneously build out energy storage systems underway, multiple uses of the same renewable battery technologies are beginning to compete for the same material supply," Mr. Huston noted. ""As a result, global graphite shortfalls initially projected for 2024 or 2025 are now predicted to begin as early as 2022." 5

Battery-Grade Anode

Graphite One's technology development partner, American Energy Technologies Co. of Arlington Heights, Illinois ("AETC") continues its work on developing battery anode-ready grade materials from the PFS concentrate sample it received from Graphite One in June 2021.

Graphite Foam Fire Suppressant

Against the backdrop of a 2020 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) requirement to phase out Aqueous Film Forming Foams (AFFF) by 2024, and with commercially available PFAS-free foam (PFF) products not meeting MIL spec MIL-F-24385F, Graphite One and AETC have worked with NAVAIR's Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division ("NAWCWD") at China Lake, California, to pursue PFS-level validation of technology based on use of expandable +80 mesh graphite from Graphite Creek - formulated into a pigment component - to extinguish Class B fuel fires.

Tests conducted in December 2021 by a team of firefighting professionals at NAWCWD/China Lake showed that the foam formulation containing Graphite Creek material can extinguish Class B fires in accordance with Mil spec standards.

With AFFF and PFF soon unavailable for use in aircraft emergencies involving Class B fires at military installations or airports, this represents a possible near-term commercialization opportunity.

Graphite One Synthetic Diamond R&D

R&D work with the +100-mesh fraction of purified Graphite Creek PFS material successfully produced synthetic diamonds suitable for use in cutting tool applications including hard surface coatings in drill bits, cutting and grinding discs, tips of metalworking tooling and other instruments designed for increased abrasion wear.

After successful production of synthetic diamond dust, the Graphite One PFS material was used to synthesize a gemstone-quality crystal, and ultimately - doped with boron and nitrogen - to synthesize blue diamonds, which have an increased hardness and engineered semiconductor properties.

In a subsequent study, this blue diamond was sliced via laser and polished to a surface roughness radius of 2 nm to form substrates for the synthesis of cultured semiconductor grade diamonds. A Scanning Electron Microscopy image of the plate made from Graphite One's PFS flake is shown below.

Graphite One is currently working with partners including Stanford University, Texas Tech University, Defense Logistics Agency, U.S. Navy and others to establish several targeted technology demonstration projects with academia, industry, and the U.S. Government to test the properties of synthetic diamonds generated from Graphite Creek flake precursor in mechanical, semiconductor, thermal management, and sensor applications.

Graphite One Graphene Material Produced by Yale and Emory Universities

Graphite One submitted samples of its +50 mesh PFS material for evaluation as a precursor to make graphene with intended use in advanced water purification technologies. R&D teams at Yale University and Emory University are currently involved in making graphene from Graphite One's PFS flake. One of the graphene samples generated from the Graphite One material is depicted by Transmission Electron Microscopy below.

"Our advanced graphite material work is driven by Graphite One's commitment to serve the broad range of tech material applications that depend on graphite engineered to exacting specifications," said Mr. Huston. "Battery grade anode material for EVs and lithium-ion batteries will be the core of our commercial value, but we know that there is even more graphite can do to meet urgent demand in sectors ranging from environmentally-safe fire suppression to transformational technologies in the semiconductor sector and the new world of graphene. Each one of these product lines underscores the value of Graphite One's integrated supply chain solution - as well as our belief in the mission of our Company to provide the tech materials that drive global ingenuity."

Grant of Options

The Company announces that the board of directors has approved an incentive stock option grant to directors, officers and consultants of the Company of an aggregate of 3,387,429 options of Graphite One ("Options") in accordance with the Company's shareholder approved stock option plan. Each Option is exercisable at a price of $1.39 per share, all vesting immediately and expiring on December 22, 2026. All Options are subject to a restricted period that expires four months and a day following the date of issuance.

Upon the granting of the Options described above, Graphite One will have 8,352,429 Options outstanding, which represents approximately 9.8% of the 85,524,287 common shares of the Company currently outstanding. Graphite One's stock option plan limits the issuance of Options to no more than 10% of the outstanding common shares.

About Graphite One Inc.

GRAPHITE ONE INC. (TSXV:GPH)(OTCQX:GPHOF) continues to develop its Graphite One Project (the "Project"), whereby the Company could potentially become an American producer of high grade Coated Spherical Graphite ("CSG") that is integrated with a domestic graphite resource. The Project is proposed as a vertically integrated enterprise to mine, process and manufacture high grade CSG primarily for the lithium-ion electric vehicle battery market. As set forth in the Company's Preliminary Economic Assessment, potential graphite mineralization mined from the Company's Graphite Creek Property, is expected to be processed into concentrate at a graphite processing plant. The proposed processing plant would be located on the Graphite Creek Property situated on the Seward Peninsula about 60 kilometers north of Nome, Alaska. CSG and other value-added graphite products, would likely be manufactured from the concentrate at the Company's proposed graphite product manufacturing facility, the location of which is the subject of further study and analysis. The Company intends to make a production decision on the Project once a feasibility study is completed.

On Behalf of the Board of Directors

"Anthony Huston" (signed)

For more information on Graphite One Inc., please visit the Company's website, www.GraphiteOneInc.com or contact:

Anthony Huston

CEO, President & Director

Tel: (604) 889-4251

Email: AHuston@GraphiteOneInc.com

Investor Relations Contact

Tel: (604) 684-6730

GPH@kincommunications.com

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

This release includes certain statements that may be deemed to be forward-looking statements. All statements in this release, other than statements of historical facts, including the timing and completion of the Pre-Feasibility Study, timing of the Feasibility Study, receipt of regulatory approvals, implementation of a more established shipment program, exploration drilling, exploitation activities, future production, establishment of a processing plant, completion of a 2022 drill program, success of R&D efforts on multiple advanced graphite materials, and events or developments that the Company expects, are forward-looking statements. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include market prices, exploitation and exploration successes, continuity of mineralization, uncertainties related to the ability to obtain necessary permits, licenses and title and delays due to third party opposition, changes in government policies regarding mining and natural resource exploration and exploitation, and continued availability of capital and financing, and general economic, market or business conditions. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on this forward-looking information, which is given as of the date it is expressed in this press release, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking information, except as required by applicable securities laws. For more information on the Company, investors should review the Company's continuous disclosure filings that are available at www.sedar.com.

[1] See press releases - "Graphite One Announces Closing CA$10 million in Financings and Awarding of Options" (February 23, 2021), "Graphite One Announces Closing of $10.23 Million in Private Placement Offering" (August 12, 2021) and "Graphite One Announces Closing of Second Tranche of $998,000 in Private Placement Offering" (September 24, 2021).

[2] See press release - "Graphite One Completes 2021 Field Program at 100% Owned Graphite Creek Deposit, Alaska (October 13, 2021).

[3] https://www.iea.org/reports/the-role-of-critical-minerals-in-clean-energy-transitions/mineral-requirements-for-clean-energy-transitions

[4] https://pubdocs.worldbank.org/en/961711588875536384/Minerals-for-Climate-Action-The-Mineral-Intensity-of-the-Clean-Energy-Transition.pdf

[5] https://money.usnews.com/investing/news/articles/2021-12-15/china-ev-battery-makers-grapple-with-graphite-squeeze SOURCE: Graphite One Inc.

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/679233/Graphite-One-2021-Year-in-Review-Completed-Financing-Totaling-30-Million-Continues-to-Rapidly-Advance-the-Largest-Known-Highest-Grade-Graphite-Deposit-in-the-United-States
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - December 23, 2021) - Plurilock Security Inc. (TSXV: PLUR) (OTCQB: PLCKF) and related subsidiaries ("Plurilock" or the "Company"), an identity-centric cybersecurity solutions provider for workforces, announced today that its wholly owned subsidiary, Aurora Systems Consulting, Inc. ("Aurora"), has received a US$272,000 order from the U.S. Department of the Interior as part of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's (NASA) Solution for Enterprise-Wide Procurement (SEWP) program, a U.S. Government-Wide Acquisition Contract Vehicle (GWAC).

The U.S. Department of the Interior manages the country's natural resources and cultural heritage, including stewardship of public lands.1 The order is part of the SEWP V program and aligns with Plurilock's stated goal of expanding within the government vertical. All contracts and orders announced by Plurilock and its subsidiaries since April 2021, including the latest order, represent a combined total of roughly US$13.61 million in sales.

To combat the growing cyber threat, organizations are expected to spend $170.4 billion on cybersecurity by 2022.2 As part of that projected increase in cybersecurity spending, it is critical that organizations work with skilled cybersecurity and IT support vendors.

Under the terms of the purchase order, Aurora will provide the U.S. Department of the Interior with hardware and maintenance support.

About SEWP

The SEWP V program, launched by NASA in 2015, is the leading information technology (IT) contract vehicle, with government agencies spending $7.9 billion in fiscal 2020.3 Estimates anticipate that agencies will utilize SEWP V for $8.8 billion in contracted spending in fiscal 2021.4 The contract vehicle provides Plurilock with the opportunity to access downstream customers in the government sector.

About Plurilock

PlurilockTM provides identity-centric cybersecurity for today's workforces. The Plurilock family of companies enables organizations to operate safely and securely while reducing cybersecurity friction. Plurilock offers world-class IT and cybersecurity solutions through its Solutions Division, paired with proprietary, AI-driven and cloud-friendly security through its Technology Division. Together, the Plurilock family of companies delivers persistent identity assurance with unmatched ease of use.

For more information, visit https://www.plurilock.com or contact:

Ian L. Paterson

Chief Executive Officer

ian@plurilock.com

416.800.1566

Roland Sartorius

Chief Financial Officer

roland.sartorius@plurilock.com

Prit Singh

Investor Relations

prit.singh@plurilock.com

905.510.7636

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release may contain certain forward-looking statements and forward-looking information (collectively, "forward-looking statements") related to future events or Plurilock's future business, operations, and financial performance and condition. Forward-looking statements normally contain words like "will", "intend", "anticipate", "could", "should", "may", "might", "expect", "estimate", "forecast", "plan", "potential", "project", "assume", "contemplate", "believe", "shall", "scheduled", and similar terms. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance, actions, or developments and are based on expectations, assumptions, and other factors that management currently believes are relevant, reasonable, and appropriate in the circumstances. Although management believes that the forward-looking statements herein are reasonable, actual results could be substantially different due to the risks and uncertainties associated with and inherent to Plurilock's business. Additional material risks and uncertainties applicable to the forward-looking statements herein include, without limitation, the impact of general economic conditions, the success of the Company in obtaining new or extended contracts or orders; the Company's ability to maintain existing customers or develop new customers; the Company's ability to successfully integrate acquisitions of other businesses and/or companies or to realize on the anticipated benefits thereof; and unforeseen events, developments, or factors causing any of the aforesaid expectations, assumptions, and other factors ultimately being inaccurate or irrelevant. This list is not exhaustive of the factors that may affect the Company's forward-looking statements. Many of these factors are beyond the control of Plurilock. All forward-looking statements included in this press release are expressly qualified in their entirety by these cautionary statements. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are made as at the date hereof, and Plurilock undertakes no obligation to update publicly or to revise any of the included forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as may be required by applicable securities laws. Risks and uncertainties about the Company's business are more fully discussed under the heading "Risk Factors" in its most recent Annual Information Form. They are otherwise disclosed in its filings with securities regulatory authorities available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

https://www.doi.gov/about https://www.fortinet.com/resources/cyberglossary/cybersecurity-statistics https://gov-acq.com/contracts/nasa-sewp-v-contract/ https://about.bgov.com/news/this-is-it-sewp-v-is-the-top-it-vehicle-in-fiscal-2020/

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/108381


WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - A White House staff member who was in close contact with Vice President Kamala Harris was found to have infected with coronavirus later, the White House announced.



The White House did not reveal the identity of the aide, who staffed the Vice President throughout the day Tuesday.



The staff, who was regularly being tested every day, had been returning negative results for Covid-19. On Wednesday morning, the staff member received a positive test result.



The infected person is fully vaccinated and boosted and did not experience symptoms, Senior Advisor and Chief Spokesperson for Vice President Symone Sanders said in a statement.



As part of the regular testing, Kamala Harris received an antigen test Wednesday morning, and tested negative.



But following the confirmation of the White House aide's infection, the Vice President was subjected to a PCR test, which is considered more accurate than rapid tests, and tested negative.



She will be tested again on Friday and on Monday next week as per CDC guidance.



Sanders made it clear that as CDC guidance does not require fully vaccinated people to quarantine after an exposure, the Vice President will continue with her daily schedule.



'Others who were in close contact with this staff member are being contacted and will be advised to get tested per CDC guidance,' she added.



On Wednesday evening, Kamala Harris left Joint Base Andrews for Los Angeles. She and her husband, Second Gentleman Douglas Emhoff, will celebrate Christmas at their Brentwood home and remain there through the New Year.



A White House staff member who was in close contact with President Joe Biden last week was found to have infected with the virus.



The unnamed aide on Friday spent approximately 30 minutes close to the President on Air Force One, on the way from Orangeburg, South Carolina to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.



Following the confirmation of the White House aide's infection, the President was subjected to a PCR test and tested negative.



Biden's scheduled programs went ahead unabated.



Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

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Dieppe, New Brunswick--(Newsfile Corp. - December 23, 2021) - Colibri Resource Corporation (TSXV: CBI) ("Colibri" or the "Company") is pleased to report on the progress of exploration at the Evelyn Gold Project ("Evelyn") located in the Caborca Gold Belt, northwestern Sonora. On December 18, the Company paused its Phase I drill program for the holidays at Evelyn after having competed 3,122 metres in 22 holes. Colibri also reports the results of geological mapping and outcrop sampling recently completed at Evelyn which includes a grab sample which returned an assay result of 27.10 grams per tonne ("g/t") Au from the El Sahuaro Target area.

DRILL PROGRAM 2021

Colibri commenced drilling at the Evelyn Gold Project on November 8 and paused drilling on December 18 for the 2021 holiday season after having completed a total of 3,122 metres of Reverse Circulation ("RC") drilling in 22 holes. The drilling was completed as part of Phase I of a fully funded - two phase 10,000 metre drill program.

Phase I drilling has been planned to evaluate areas of anomalous and higher-grade Au assay results from surface and trench exposures coincident with magnetic gradients and lineaments and with structures identified through geological mapping. Phase I drilling to date has been completed at selected targets within the El Sahuaro and Cerro target areas. The Company will resume Phase I drilling at the El Sahuaro and Cerro Rojo targets, as well as other prioritized targets on the property in January, upon receipt and interpretation drill assay results.

FIELD WORK UPDATE

Recent geological mapping at the Evelyn Gold Project has included determining the distribution of a Proterozoic metamorphic unit at El Sahuaro target area. Previous sampling of the unit has returned values of 44.9 g/t Au, 39.6 g/t Au, 24 g/t Au, 9.84 g/t Au, 5.58 g/t Au, and 3.0 g/t Au. The Company interprets the occurrence and distribution of the metamorphic unit to be an important component in the geological/exploration model for Au mineralization on the property. Recent geological mapping has further refined and expanded the known extents of the unit and newly received sampling has returned multiple values greater than 1 g/t Au and includes a sample with an assay value of 27.1 g/t Au (see figure 1). The current and previous higher-grade samples are from narrow veins hosted by the metamorphic unit. Samples characterized by disseminated pyrite from the area are consistently anomalous and the Company's drill program will be evaluating this target for bulk mineable mineralization characterized by higher grade veins and veinlets within pyrite bearing lower grade host rocks. Continued mapping in the Cerro Rojo target area, aimed at following up and delineating potentially mineralized structures interpreted from previous mapping and sampling in conjunction with interpretation of airborne magnetic results, has returned results of 2.08 g/t Au and 2.13 g/t Au (see figure 2).





Figure 1: Lithology & Samples Map at El Sahuaro

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/4269/108399_c9e69ed6049feaf8_001full.jpg





Figure 2: Samples on Topography in western Cerro Rojo Area

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/4269/108399_c9e69ed6049feaf8_002full.jpg





EVELYN GEOLOGY AND EXPLORATION

The Evelyn Gold Project is an Orogenic-type gold target located in the Caborca Gold Belt of northwestern Sonora. The property is located approximately 25 kilometres ("km") east of La Herradura, Mexico's largest open pit gold mine, which produced 425,288 ounces of gold in 2020 at an average grade of 0.77 grams per tonnes ("g/t") Au and is also approximately 9 km northeast of the Noche Buena mine which produced 87,988 ounces Au at an average grade of 0.52 g/t Au in 2020. The setting and style of mineralization at Evelyn is similar to that reported from La Herradura and Noche Buena. Higher grade mineralization on the Evelyn property consists of quartz veins and veinlets, ranging from 2 - 3 centimeters up to 1.5 m hosted by fault and fracture zones with minor oxidized pyrite, iron oxide, copper bearing oxide and carbonate minerals, and locally minor to trace amounts of galena, chalcopyrite, and sphalerite. Alteration of the host rocks includes iron bearing carbonate minerals, quartz, sericite, and chlorite. Lower grade mineralization is associated with altered volcanic rocks containing minor amounts of oxidized sulfide. Mineralization is hosted dominantly by Jurassic volcanic rocks consisting of andesite and rhyolite.

The exploration model being developed by the Company relates the mineralization consisting of higher-grade veins and veinlets hosted by altered and sulphide bearing lower grade metamorphic and volcanic rocks, to north-northeast trending stratigraphy and layer-parallel fault zones and southeast striking, moderately southwest dipping fault zones.

Qualified Person

Jamie Lavigne, P. Geo and a Director for Colibri is a Qualified Person as defined in NI 43-101 and has reviewed and approved the technical information in this press release.

ABOUT COLIBRI RESOURCE CORPORATION:

Colibri is a Canadian-based mineral exploration company listed on the TSX-V (CBI) and is focused on acquiring and exploring prospective gold & silver properties in Mexico. The Company has six exploration projects of which five currently have exploration programs being executed 2021 and 2022. (1) The flagship Evelyn Gold Project is 100% owned and explored by Colibri, (2) the Pilar Gold & Silver Project (optioned to Tocvan Ventures (CSE: TOC), (3) the El Mezquite Gold & Silver Project , (4) the Jackie Gold & Silver Project, and (5) the Diamante Gold & Silver Project. 3,4,and 5 are subject to earn-in agreements by Silver Spruce Resources (TSXV: SSE).

For more information about all Company projects please visit: www.colibriresource.com.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Notice Regarding Forward-Looking Statements:

This news release contains "forward-looking statements". Statements in this press release which are not purely historical are forward-looking statements and include any statements regarding beliefs, plans, expectations or intentions regarding the future. Actual results could differ from those projected in any forward-looking statements due to numerous factors. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this news release, and the Company assumes no obligation to update the forward-looking statements, or to update the reasons why actual results could differ from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Although the Company believes that the plans, expectations and intentions contained in this press release are reasonable, there can be no assurance that they will prove to be accurate.

For information contact: Ronald J. Goguen, President, Chairperson and Director, Tel: (506) 383-4274, rongoguen@colibriresource.com

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/108399
Not for distribution to U.S. Newswire Services or for dissemination in the United States. Any failure to comply with this restriction may constitute a violation of U.S. Securities laws.

TORONTO, ON / ACCESSWIRE / December 23, 2021 / Novamind Inc. (CSE:NM)(OTCQB:NVMDF)(FSE:HN2) ("Novamind" or the "Company"), a leading mental health company specialized in psychedelic medicine, has signed a definitive agreement (the "Agreement") to acquire Arizona-based Foundations for Change, PLC ("Foundations"), a mental health practice specialized in ketamine-assisted psychotherapy, from its sole stockholder, Jeff Edelman, (the "Seller"). The transaction (the "Transaction") is subject to regulatory approvals and is expected to close in January 2022.

Opened in 2017 by Jeff Edelman, Foundations currently operates one outpatient mental health clinic in Peoria, Arizona with an annual revenue run rate in excess of US$800,000 and owns a second, larger location in Phoenix that is scheduled to open in early 2022. Foundations will temporarily operate as "Foundations for Change by Novamind" until the Company completes its recently announced rebrand. Mr. Edelman will continue in a leadership capacity as Medical Director for both clinics. Mr. Edelman is double board-certified Family Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and a Child and Adolescent Psychiatric-Mental Health Clinical Nurse Specialist. As a former military combat veteran, who served in the US Army 55th Medical Co. Combat Stress Control unit, Mr. Edelman has special expertise in treating military veterans and first responders who struggle with stress and trauma.

Under the terms of the Agreement, Novamind will acquire Foundations for a combination of cash, common shares in the capital of the Company ("Shares") and assumed debt, as described below.

Within 30 days of closing the Transaction (the "Closing Date"), Novamind will pay to the Seller US$100,000 in cash, less certain trade and other accounts payable related to the business of Foundations at the Closing Date. Additionally, subject to the Seller's continued employment by the Company, the Company will pay to the Seller three cash payments of US$50,000 within 60 days of the following three anniversaries of the Closing Date.

Additionally, subject to the Seller's continued employment by the Company, the Company will issue to the Seller an aggregate of US$150,000 payable by way of the issuance of Shares, as follows:

US$50,000 of Shares on the first anniversary of the Closing Date and issued to the Seller within 60 days of such date, to be issued at a price per Share equal to the five-day volume-weighted average trading price of the Shares on the Canadian Securities Exchange (the "CSE") (or if the Company is not listed on the CSE then, such other stock exchange on which the Shares are listed and where a majority of the trading volume occurs) (the "5-Day VWAP") calculated from the first anniversary of the Closing Date; US$50,000 of Shares on the second anniversary of the Closing Date and issued to the Seller within 60 days of such date, to be issued at a price per Share equal to the 5-Day VWAP calculated from the second anniversary of the Closing Date; and US$50,000 of Shares earned on the third anniversary of the Closing Date and issued to the Seller within 60 days of such date, to be issued at a price per Share equal to the 5-Day VWAP calculated from the third anniversary of the Closing Date.

In connection with Transaction, the Company will enter into agreements with certain holders of debt of Foundations (the "Debtholders"), pursuant to which it will issue an aggregate of US$158,110 of Shares to certain Debtholders at a deemed price per share equal to the 5-Day VWAP calculated from the date of the Agreement, to be issued on the Closing Date, and an aggregate of US$345,184 in cash, in consideration for the settlement of debts owing by Foundations to the Debtholders. Additionally, Foundations will possess approximately US$333,625 of permitted indebtedness as at the Closing Date.

The Shares issued pursuant to the Agreement will be subject to a statutory hold period in accordance with applicable Canadian securities laws and the policies of the CSE.

About Novamind

Novamind is a leading mental health company enabling safe access to psychedelic medicine through a network of clinics and clinical research sites. Novamind provides ketamine-assisted psychotherapy and other novel treatments through its network of integrative mental health clinics and operates a full-service contract research organization specialized in clinical trials and evidence-based research for psychedelic medicine. For more information on how Novamind is enhancing mental wellness and guiding people through their entire healing journey, visit novamind.ca.



Contact Information

Novamind

Yaron Conforti, CEO and Director

Telephone: +1 (647) 953 9512

Samantha DeLenardo, VP, Communications

Email: media@novamind.ca

Investor Relations

Email: IR@novamind.ca

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains forward-looking statements. All statements other than statements of historical fact included in this release are forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the Company's expectations including the risks detailed from time to time in the Company's public disclosure. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking information. Forward-looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as of the date of this news release and the Company will update or revise publicly any of the included forward-looking statements as expressly required by applicable laws.

Cautionary Statement

None of the securities to be issued pursuant to the Transaction have been or will be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or any state securities laws, and any securities issued pursuant to the Transaction are anticipated to be issued in reliance upon available exemptions from such registration requirements. This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities.

SOURCE: Novamind Inc.

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/675625/Novamind-Signs-Definitive-Agreement-to-Acquire-Arizona-based-Clinics
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - December 23, 2021) - Mundoro Capital Inc. (TSXV: MUN) (OTCQB: MUNMF) (www.mundoro.com) ("Mundoro" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the establishment of a generative alliance (the "Generative Alliance") between Mundoro and Vale Exploration Canada Inc. ("Vale"), a subsidiary of Vale S.A., focused on generation of new projects with high potential to host porphyry copper and related metals deposits within Arizona and New Mexico, located in the south western United States. Mundoro and Vale have entered into an indicative Term-Sheet in November 2021 and expect to enter into a definitive agreement in Q1-2022.

In addition to the Generative Alliance, Mundoro and Vale have entered into a definitive Option Agreement in December 2021 for a property focused on copper porphyry exploration in Arizona according to the commercial earn-in terms identified below.

Teo Dechev, CEO and President commented: "We are delighted to establish this generative strategy with Vale in search for new copper projects in the Laramide Belt in the southwest USA. The Company's generative strategy in the Laramide Belt will be focused on porphyry and related copper systems similar to our focus for these deposit styles in the Western Tethyan Belt of Eastern Europe. Since our business has focused on the generative approach of directly staking and partnering with mining companies, Mundoro has completed six deals with companies such as JOGMEC, Vale, Freeport, and First Quantum, on various properties in our portfolio in the Western Tethyan in Eastern Europe.

Partner funded work programs along with our generative efforts have invested over C$30 million of expenditures which brings value to our stakeholders at the community level of where these funds are invested, to our partners and to our shareholders.

This strategic expansion to broaden our exploration to an additional important copper district in advance of increasing copper demand and continued supply constraint fundamentals provides further opportunity for our mining partners and shareholders seeking exposure to copper assets through a well-structured junior resource company. We look forward to the next two years of generative exploration in the southwest USA with Vale."

Commercial Terms Highlights (all dollar amounts in USD). Under the terms of the Generative Alliance, which has an initial term of two years, Vale will annually sole-fund the generative work performed by MUN within the Area of Interest ("AOI") that consists of the states of Arizona and New Mexico. Mundoro will be the operator of the exploration activities while Vale sole funds the Work Program and Budget in order to identify projects suitable for designation as Designated Projects. All generative exploration activities will be guided by a Technical Committee consisting of two members from each company. Mundoro will earn a Management Fee to operate the Generative Alliance. Each Designated Project will be covered by a separate option agreement pursuant to which Vale can acquire 100% of the Designated Project through: (i) sole-funding exploration expenditures during the option period, being up to US$1,500,000 over two years or US$2,500,000 over three years, (ii) make property payments during the option period of up to US$500,000 over the three years, (iii) upon completion of the option exercise, make cash payments to Mundoro which combined equate to US$9,000,000 over four milestones starting at an initial resources statement for the Designated Project and ending with receipt of permits and licenses necessary to commence construction, and (iv) as part of the option exercise, grant to Mundoro of a 2% NSR on the Designated Project, which includes annual advance royalty payments of US$200,000 through to commercial production.

Follow our weekly updates on: LinkedIn and Twitter: @Mundoro

Mundoro Capital Inc. www.mundoro.com

Mundoro is a Canadian listed royalty generator company with a portfolio of projects focused on base and precious metals that generate royalties and near-term mineral revenue. To drive value for shareholders, Mundoro has generated a portfolio of mineral projects primarily focused on copper and gold in two mineral belts: Western Tethyan belt in eastern Europe and Laramide belt in the southwest USA. Value generated from our mineral properties is through near term revenues from various forms of payments from partners and long term through the generated royalties.

Caution Concerning Forward-Looking Statements

This News Release contains forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking words such as "will", "expect", "intend", "plan", "estimate", "anticipate", "believe" or "continue" or similar words or the negative thereof, and include the following: completion of earn-in expenditures, options and completion of a definitive agreement by the parties. The material assumptions that were applied in making the forward-looking statements in this News Release include expectations as to the mineral potential of the Company's projects, the Company's future strategy and business plan and execution of the Company's existing plans. We caution readers of this News Release not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements contained in this News Release, as there can be no assurance that they will occur and they are subject to a number of uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. These factors include general economic and market conditions, exploration results, commodity prices, changes in law, regulatory processes, the status of Mundoro's assets and financial condition, actions of competitors and the ability to implement business strategies and pursue business opportunities. The forward-looking statements contained in this News Release are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. The forward-looking statements included in this News Release are made as of the date of this News Release and the Board undertakes no obligation to publicly update such forward-looking statements, except as required by law. Shareholders are cautioned that all forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties and for a more detailed discussion of such risks and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements, refer to the Company's filings with the Canadian securities regulators available on www.sedar.com.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Teo Dechev,

Chief Executive Officer, President and Director

+1-604-669-8055

info@mundoro.com

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/108367
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - December 23, 2021) - Aumento Capital IX Corp. (TSXV: AUIX.P) ("AUIX") and Pluribus Technologies Inc. ("Pluribus") are pleased to announce that AUIX has received conditional acceptance from the TSX Venture Exchange (the "TSXV") to complete its previously announced qualifying transaction (the "Transaction") with Pluribus. In connection with the Transaction, AUIX intends to change its name to "Pluribus Technologies Corp." (the "Resulting Issuer") and, assuming all conditions are satisfied, it is anticipated that the common shares of the Resulting Issuer will commence trading on the TSXV in the near future under the symbol "PLRB".

The completion of the Transaction remains subject to final acceptance by the TSXV and fulfillment certain conditions, including, among other things, the filing on SEDAR of a filing statement (the "Filing Statement") in respect of the Transaction, which will include, among other things, the audited financial statements of Pluribus for the year ended December 31, 2020 and the interim unaudited financial statements of Pluribus as at September 30, 2021, together with comparatives, as well as pro forma financial statements. Readers are strongly encouraged to review the Filing Statement for full details on the Transaction.

"Listing on the TSXV will be an important milestone to Pluribus Technologies and a testament to the hard work of our entire team." said Richard Adair, CEO of Pluribus. "Upon listing, we will continue with our strategy of acquiring small, profitable software companies and working with these entrepreneurs to take their business to the next level."

Further details regarding the Transaction and the Financing are set out in AUIX's news releases dated July 26, 2021, December 2, 2021 and December 3, 2021.

About Pluribus Technologies Inc.

Pluribus is a technology company that acquires small, profitable business-to-business software companies at reasonable prices in a range of verticals and industries. Pluribus provides experienced sales and marketing resources, strategic partnerships and enabling technologies including automation, self-service and artificial intelligence/machine learning to create new revenue streams and enable companies to grow into significant organizations in their respective markets.

About Aumento Capital IX Corp.

AUIX is a CPC governed by the policies of the TSXV. AUIX's principal business is the identification and evaluation of assets or businesses with a view to complete a Qualifying Transaction. Investors are cautioned that trading in the securities of a CPC should be considered highly speculative.

For more information, please contact:

From Pluribus Technologies Inc.

investorrelations@pluribustechnologies.com

https://www.pluribustechnologies.com/

From AUIX

Paul Pathak, Director

ppathak@chitizpathak.com

(416) 644-9964

Cautionary Note

Trading in the common shares of AUIX is presently halted and is expected to remain halted pending closing of the Transaction. While halted, the common shares of AUIX may only trade upon TSXV approval and the filing of required materials with the TSXV as contemplated by TSXV policy.

Forward-Looking Information

Although AUIX believes, in light of the experience of its officers and directors, current conditions and expected future developments and other factors that have been considered appropriate that the expectations reflected in this forward-looking information are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on them because AUIX can give no assurance that they will prove to be correct. When used in this press release, the words "estimate", "project", "belief", "anticipate", "intend", "expect", "plan", "predict", "may" or "should" and the negative of these words or such variations thereon or comparable terminology are intended to identify forward-looking statements and information. The forward-looking statements and information in this press release include information relating to the business plans of AUIX and Pluribus, Pluribus management's expectation on the growth and performance of its acquisitions, the completion of the Transaction (including TSXV final acceptance of the Transaction), the listing of Resulting Issuer Shares on the TSXV, filing of the Filing Statement, the use of net proceeds from the Financing and Pluribus' abilities to acquire small profitable software companies at reasonable prices create new revenue streams and enable acquired companies to grow. Such statements and information reflect the current view of AUIX and/or Pluribus, respectively. Risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated in those forward-looking statements and information.

By their nature, forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause our actual results, performance or achievements, or other future events, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. The forward-looking information contained in this press release represents the expectations of AUIX as of the date of this press release and, accordingly, is subject to change after such date. Readers should not place undue importance on forward-looking information and should not rely upon this information as of any other date. AUIX does not undertake to update this information at any particular time except as required in accordance with applicable laws.

Neither the TSXV nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSXV) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release.

NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR RELEASE, PUBLICATION, DISTRIBUTION OR DISSEMINATION DIRECTLY, OR INDIRECTLY, IN WHOLE OR IN PART, IN OR INTO THE UNITED STATES.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/108384
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - December 23, 2021) - Japan Gold Corp. (TSXV: JG) (OTCQB: JGLDF) ("Japan Gold" or the "Company") is pleased to provide an update on Company activities at year end. Japan Gold's most productive year has been 2021, notwithstanding the global COVID 19 pandemic. The Company has operated successfully without any health and safety issues. The dedicated Japan Gold team has been committed to excellence and has surpassed Company expectations with the volume and quality of work completed across all elements of the business, and this is a credit to all involved.

Japan Gold is well funded to continue to advance its 2022 Barrick Alliance work programs with an initial approved USD $4 million from Barrick Gold Corporation ("Barrick"). With internal capital from the July 2021 CAD $17 million equity financing, the Company is also well positioned to advance its two independently held projects.

Highlights:

Barrick Alliance Workshop held in November 2021 has refined areas of interest from work programs completed to date

Barrick Alliance portfolio further expanded to cover more prospective ground with the acceptance of two new areas of prospecting rights

Barrick Alliance portfolio increased 42% since formation in February 2020

Ryuo Prospect: 11 drill holes completed with assay results and data interpretation due in February 2022

Barrick Alliance

Vancouver Workshop

The Barrick Alliance was formed in February 2020 (see February 24, 2020 news release). Barrick has solely funded an initial evaluation of 29 projects from the Japan Gold portfolio. Regional scale geochemical sampling programs along with geophysical gravity surveys have been completed and interpreted over the majority of the portfolio. An in-person technical workshop with Barrick and Japan Gold representatives was held in Vancouver during the last week of November 2021 to discuss the data collected and refine areas of interest. Following over a month of workshop preparation including data compilation and analysis, the 3-day workshop included 18 participants (16 in person) from 7 countries. The program was very comprehensive as the workshop discussed, in great detail, the large Barrick Alliance portfolio across the five major gold provinces of Japan.

The information reviewed indicates numerous areas of interest with coincident anomalous geochemistry and alteration, and supporting gravity defined structure. The footprints of well-preserved hydrothermal alteration systems, which potentially host large epithermal vein deposits, are being delineated. Interpretations completed to date are now narrowing down the focus of ongoing exploration programs with the goal of defining priority areas for follow-up and Barrick Alliance advancement.

The evaluation of the Barrick Alliance portfolio is an ongoing process, and several additional virtual sessions are planned for January and February 2022 in order to refine the rating and ranking of the various regions and the camps or prospects within those regions. Once conclusions are reached, the Company will make an announcement.

Following the Barrick Alliance workshop, Joel Holliday EVP Exploration for Barrick said, "The hydrothermal provinces of Japan have the potential to host world class deposits and have received limited exploration focus in recent times. The Barrick and Japan Gold teams are excited to see the results from the initial screening programmes begin to highlight the areas for more focussed follow up work which will begin in 2022."

Barrick Alliance Increases Portfolio

Japan Gold has expanded the Kanehana and Buho Projects on the island of Hokkaido with the acceptance by the Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry ("METI") of 26 new prospecting rights applications covering 83 sq km (Figure 1 & 2). These expanded areas are included in the Barrick Alliance.

Since commencement of the Barrick Alliance in February 2020, the Barrick Alliance portfolio has increased by 42 % as part of a strategy to expand coverage based on the identification of key prospectivity indicators, throughout the gold provinces of Japan.

Kanehana Project Expansion

Located on the west side of the Ikutahara Project in north Hokkaido, the Kanehana Project covers favorable Miocene-age rhyolite graben-fill volcanics and sediments which host at least eight historical mines and workings (Figure 1). The new applications at Kanehana are positioned to cover potential en echelon extensions north and south of the historical Yahagi Gold Mine where three 'blind' epithermal quartz veins were discovered in 1934 by an exploration adit developed below silicified rhyolite. Approximately 2,250 ounces of gold and more than 32,000 ounces of silver were produced during two periods of mining at Yahagi between 1934 and 19511, and the Company believes there is potential for more vein discoveries at depth along the prospective graben-margin faults. Fifteen new prospecting rights, comprising of 4,916 hectares were lodged to cover these prospective areas.

Buho Project Expansion

The Buho Project is located on the southern margin of the Akaigawa caldera in the Sapporo-Iwanai mineral district of southwest Hokkaido (Figure 2). The district is host to over 65 metallic mineral deposits including the epithermal vein deposits: Chitose (736,000 oz Au @ 14.5 g/t); Tiene (352,000 oz Au @ 7.5 g/t); and Shizukari (256,000 oz Au @ 7 g/t) 2. The historical workings at Buho were previously explored by the Austpac/Nishio Iwai Joint Venture between 1988 and 1992. Mapping, geochemical sampling and CSAMT surveying culminated in five drill holes, drill hole DDH-B1 intersected a quartz- adularia vein 140 m below exposed sinters giving a result of: 3.5 m @ 22.0 g/t Au and 42.0 g/t Ag, including 0.9 m @ 73 g/t Au and 65 g/t Ag3.

Eleven new prospecting rights comprising 3,383 hectares were lodged to cover prospective strike extensions to the northwest, and southeast of the Buho Project adjacent to the Todoroki Mine which produced more than 190,000 ounces of gold1.

Ryuo Prospect Drilling Program

On May 26, 2021, Japan Gold commenced drilling at the Ryuo Mine prospect located within the Ikutahara Project in the Kitami Region of northeast Hokkaido, Japan. The Ikutahara Project is 100% held by Japan Gold and is not included in the Barrick Alliance. Newmont Corporation has a right of first refusal to become a joint venture partner on this project (and the Ohra-Takamine Project in Kyushu) and this right combined with the Newmont 10% equity holding in Japan Gold has led to their active participation in the technical committee which guides the exploration of the Ikutahara and Ohra-Takamine Projects.

The Ryuo Mine operated before the Second World War and workings were developed on up to six levels on two veins, the Jinja and Shouei veins. Workings on the main Jinja vein were developed over an approximate 75 m vertical extent before the government imposed mine closure in 1943. Underground sampling carried out in the 1950's at the Jinja vein workings, revealed zones of high-grade gold mineralization including one vein sampled over a strike length of 72 m returning average grades of 40.8 g/t Au and 193 g/t Ag with an average vein width approximately 0.5 m.

A number of peripheral veins were also mined along a 1 km long, open ended zone of alteration and mineralization.

11 Drill Holes Completed

On September 14, 2021, Japan Gold announced high grade gold-silver intercepts from the first three drill holes at the Ryuo prospect. The Company has subsequently completed a further 8 drill holes, using 3 of Japan Gold's in-house diamond core drill rigs and drilling team (Figure 3). Samples from the additional 8 drill holes have been cut, sampled and dispatched to the ALS laboratory in North Vancouver for assay. Results from these 8 drill holes are anticipated in February 2022.

The Ikutahara Project also hosts the Kitami Region's third largest gold mine, the historic Kitano-o Mine along with numerous other historical mines and workings that the Company is in the process of advancing.

Stock Option Grant

Japan Gold announces that the Board of Directors of the Company has approved the granting of 6,090,000 stock options (the "Options") to certain directors, officers, employees and consultants of the Company. The Options are exercisable at a price of $0.35 per share for a period of 5 years from the date of grant.

On behalf of the Board of Japan Gold Corp.

"John Proust"

Chairman & CEO

References

1Gold Mines of Japan, 1989. The Mining & Materials Processing Institute of Japan.

2Garwin, Hall, Watanabe, 2005. Tectonic Setting, Geology, and Gold and Copper Mineralization in Cenozoic Magmatic Arcs of Southeast Asia and the West Pacific, Economic Geology 100th Anniversary Volume pp. 891-930.

3Austpac Gold NL. Company Reports, 1988 to 1994.

Qualified Person

The technical information in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Japan Gold's Vice President of Exploration and Country Manager, Andrew Rowe, BAppSc, FAusIMM, FSEG, who is a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101.

Note: The Company's compilation of underground sampling data at Ryuo has been based on data published by the MMAJ and the Company has not resampled the underground workings or re-assayed samples. The MMAJ report does not refer to QA/QC protocols followed historically.

About Japan Gold Corp.

Japan Gold Corp. is a Canadian mineral exploration company focused solely on gold exploration across the three largest islands of Japan: Hokkaido, Honshu and Kyushu. The Company has a country-wide alliance with Barrick Gold Corporation to jointly explore, develop and mine certain gold mineral properties and mining projects. The Company holds a portfolio of 31 gold projects which cover areas with known gold occurrences, a history of mining and are prospective for high-grade epithermal gold mineralization. Japan Gold's leadership team represent decades of resource industry and business experience, and the Company has recruited geologists, drillers and technical advisors with experience exploring and operating in Japan. More information is available at www.japangold.com or by email at info@japangold.com

For further information please contact:

John Proust

Chairman & CEO

Phone: 778-725-1491

Email: jproust@japangold.com

Website: www.japangold.com

Cautionary Note

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as such term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This news release contains forward-looking statements relating to expected or anticipated future events and anticipated results related to future partnerships and the Company's 2021 gold exploration program. These statements are forward-looking in nature and, as a result, are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that include, but are not limited to, general economic, market and business conditions; competition for qualified staff; the regulatory process and actions; technical issues; new legislation; potential delays or changes in plans; working in a new political jurisdiction; results of exploration; the timing and granting of prospecting rights; the Company's ability to execute and implement future plans, arrange or conclude a joint-venture or partnership; and the occurrence of unexpected events. Actual results achieved may differ from the information provided herein and, consequently, readers are advised not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information. The forward-looking information contained herein speaks only as of the date of this News Release. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise forward-looking information or to explain any material difference between such and subsequent actual events, except as required by applicable laws.





Figure 1: Kanehana Project, north Hokkaido with historical mines and workings.

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Figure 2: Buho Project southwest Hokkaido, new applications and historical mines and workings

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Figure 3: Ryuo Prospect alteration map with historic workings, three drill holes completed with results released: IKDD21-001-003, and eight additional drill holes completed with results pending: IKDD21-004-011.

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

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To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/108394
WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - First-time claims for U.S. unemployment benefits came in flat in the week ended December 18th, according to a report released by the Labor Department on Thursday. The Labor Department said initial jobless claims were unchanged from the previous week's revised level of 205,000. Economists had expected jobless claims to edge down to 205,000 from the 206,000 originally reported for the previous week. Meanwhile, the report showed the less volatile four-week moving average edged up to 206,250, an increase of 2,750 from the previous week's revised average of 203,500. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann.
Options Technology, the leading provider of managed services to the global Capital Markets, presented a cheque for 6,000 to Northern Ireland Children's Hospice to help fund Horizon House and the Community Nursing teams over Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211223005274/en/

Options Technology, the leading provider of managed services to the global Capital Markets, presented a cheque for 6,000 to Northern Ireland Children's Hospice to help fund Horizon House and the Community Nursing teams over Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. The Hospice provides specialist end-of-life care, home care, supported short breaks, and support to children with life-limiting and life-threatening illnesses at their Horizon House facility and through their Community Nursing team. It costs over 1,000 to provide 24 hours of care for one child at Horizon House. (Photo: Business Wire)

The Hospice provides specialist end-of-life care, home care, supported short breaks, and support to children with life-limiting and life-threatening illnesses at their Horizon House facility and through their Community Nursing team. It costs over 1,000 to provide 24 hours of care for one child at Horizon House.

Options, a global company with offices in eight key financial cities worldwide, first opened in Belfast in 2014. From their Belfast headquarters, the team has worked with Northern Ireland Hospice over a number of years, having taken part in their fundraising activities such as their Christmas Toy Appeal.

Options' President and Chief Executive Officer, Danny Moore, said, "We first became involved with the Children's Hospice in early 2019, and thoroughly enjoy working with this fantastic group of individuals who deliver such valuable support to families in difficult circumstances across Northern Ireland. Shortly before the pandemic, the team took part in the Hospice's Christmas Toy Appeal, and while we would have loved to donate toys again this year, this wasn't possible due to Covid concerns. We are still keen supporters of the Hospice and decided we would cover their running costs for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day."

Mary McCall, Director of Commercial and Brand Development at Northern Ireland Hospice, added, "We are delighted to receive this donation from Options Technology. Due to ongoing COVID concerns and restrictions, 2021 has been a difficult year in the charity and fundraising sectors. It is only through the generous support from businesses like Options Technology that we can continue to provide care for families across Northern Ireland. We depend on donations like these to continue to provide specialist palliative care to children and infants with life-limiting and life-threatening conditions on a daily basis."

Today's news comes as the latest in a series of developments for Options, including the creation of 150 jobs in Belfast following the recent acquisition of ACTIV Financial, expansion into Canada with the Toronto Office Opening, and Thanksgiving donation to the Mourne Mountains Rescue Team.

About Options (www.options-it.com):

Options Technology is the No. 1 provider of IT infrastructure to global Capital Markets firms, supporting their operations and ecosystems.

Founded in 1993, the firm began life as a hedge fund technology services provider. Today, the company provides high-performance managed trading infrastructure and cloud-enabled managed services to over 200 firms globally, providing an agile, scalable platform in an Investment Bank-grade Cybersecurity wrapper.

Options clients include the leading global investment banks, hedge funds, funds of funds, proprietary trading firms, market makers, broker/dealers, private equity houses and exchanges. With offices in 8 key cities; New York, Toronto, Chicago, London, Belfast, Hong Kong, Singapore and New Zealand, Options are well placed to service their customers both on-site and remotely.

In 2019, Options secured a significant growth investment from Abry Partners, a Boston-based sector-focused private equity firm. This investment has enabled Options to considerably accelerate its growth strategy to invest further in its technology platform and expand its reach in key financial centres globally.

Options has been named among the UK's leading growth companies in the 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018 and 2017 Sunday Times HSBC International Track 200 league table.

For more on Options, please visit www.options-it.com follow us on Twitter at @Options_ITand visit our LinkedIn page

About Abry Partners (www.abry.com)

Abry is one of the most experienced and successful sector-focused private equity investment firms in North America. Since its founding in 1989, the firm has completed over $82 billion of leveraged transactions and other private equity or preferred equity placements. Currently, the firm manages over $5.0 billion of capital across their active funds.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211223005274/en/

Contacts:

Page McLaughlin

Email: page.mclaughlin@options-it.com
The first year of the project dubbed "Euphoria European production of fruit and vegetables: a guarantee of quality and well-being" has just ended with a long promotion campaign in Switzerland. For 161 days, European excellence in fruit and vegetables was promoted to Swiss consumers, enhanced by a comprehensive training program for industry players.

For this year's campaign, the activities were carried out in Switzerland and Norway.

The curtain has fallen on the first year of the project dubbed "Euphoria European production of fruit and vegetables: a guarantee of quality and well-being", implemented with the contribution of the European Union and aimed at promoting EU fruit and vegetable excellence among end consumers and industry players in Switzerland and Norway.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211222005333/en/

(Photo: Enjoy Good Food)

On 1 February 2020, twelve months of communication, information and promotional activities began, which, although hindered by the health, logistical and human difficulties surrounding the Covid pandemic, nevertheless managed to achieve their goal. Swiss and Norwegian consumers were won over by the initiatives designed to optimally present the products in both target countries.

In Switzerland, excellent results were achieved in two phases over 161 campaign days. The first phase took place in autumn 2020 at the Engrosmarkt and Viadukt in Zurich and at the Markthalle in Basel. The second, more prestigious phase was held a year later, again at the Engrosmarkt, and mainly with the participation of eight branches of the Swiss luxury chain, Globus.

In parallel with the promotional activities, training events for industry players were held in Switzerland. Importers, distributors, restaurant and large-scale catering operators, the e-commerce sector, platforms and supply organizations for wholesale distribution, cash carry retailers, markets and small outlets were given the opportunity to discover the excellence of the European fruit and vegetable sector through explanations given by highly qualified staff.

In Norway, on the other hand, we enjoyed 84 action days during the warm weeks of July and August 2021 in the branches of the Smak AV Italia chain and in the Mathallen in Oslo.

The very first training sessions took place online and, like the face-to-face meetings in the following months, they counted on the participation of qualified staff. These included, for example, buyers and category managers from Bama-Gruppen AS, the largest distributor of fruit and vegetables in Norway, and from Sana Bona AS, a Norwegian distributor specializing in the organic sector, whose customers include Coop Norge.

But that's not all: 2022 will usher in activities planned for the second year, which include holding more promotional days to inform the end consumer, as well as other training and educational events for industry players from both countries.

For up-to-date information on the Euphoria project's activities, please visit the website https://enjoygoodfood.eu/ or the project's social media profiles:

Facebook Switzerland: https://www.facebook.com/EnjoyGoodFood.ch/

Instagram Switzerland: https://www.instagram.com/enjoygoodfood.ch/

Facebook Norway: https://www.facebook.com/EnjoyGoodFood.no/

Instagram Norway: https://www.instagram.com/enjoygoodfood.no/

The original source-language text of this announcement is the official, authoritative version. Translations are provided as an accommodation only, and should be cross-referenced with the source-language text, which is the only version of the text intended to have legal effect.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211222005333/en/

Contacts:

Roberto D'Amico

roberto.damico@grapho.cx
BEDFORD, NS / ACCESSWIRE / December 23, 2021 / NSGold Corporation (TSXV:NSX) ("NSGold") is pleased to announce that it has entered into a binding acquisition agreement dated December 22, 2021 (the "Acquisition Agreement") and related agreements with 13611647 Canada Limited (the "Purchaser"), a newly-incorporated wholly-owned subsidiary of Atlantic Mining NS Inc. ("Atlantic"), whereby Atlantic will acquire all of the issued and outstanding shares of NSGold at a price of $0.40 per share in cash. The transaction will be effected by way of an amalgamation of NSGold and the Purchaser under the Canada Business Corporations Act (the "Amalgamation") to form an amalgamated corporation ("Amalco"). Under the Amalgamation, each issued and outstanding common share of NSGold will be exchanged for one redeemable preferred share of Amalco, which will immediately be redeemed for $0.40 cash per share. The total consideration is approximately $7.9 million. Atlantic is a subsidiary of St. Barbara Limited (ASX: SBM).

The Amalgamation is subject to approval by NSGold shareholders. NSGold has called a special meeting of shareholders, to be held at NSGold's head office in Bedford, Nova Scotia on February 15, 2022, to vote on the Amalgamation. NSGold will mail a detailed management information circular to shareholders shortly after the record date of January 11, 2022 for the special meeting. Subject to shareholders approving the Amalgamation by a vote of at least two-thirds of the votes cast by shareholders present in person or represented by proxy and entitled to vote, the Amalgamation is expected to take effect shortly after the special shareholders' meeting. As a result, shareholders will cease to hold shares of NSGold. Upon completion of the transaction, it is expected that NSGold will be delisted from the TSX Venture Exchange.

Van Hoof Industrial Holdings Ltd., a company controlled by Mr. Johannes H.C. van Hoof, Chairman, President, Chief Executive Officer and a director of NSGold, which owns 8,554,827 common shares of NSGold, and the three other directors of NSGold, who own an aggregate of 367,101 common shares, representing in the aggregate 8,921,928 shares or 50.54% of the outstanding shares of NSGold, have entered into Support and Voting Agreements with the Purchaser under which they have each agreed irrevocably to support and vote their shares in favour of the Amalgamation. Under the Support and Voting Agreements, Van Hoof Industrial Holdings and the three directors have agreed, among other things, not to take any action which may in any way adversely affect the success of the Amalgamation.

The Board of Directors of NSGold, after consultation with its financial and legal advisors, unanimously approved entering into the Acquisition Agreement. In doing so, the Board of Directors determined that the Amalgamation is fair to the shareholders of NSGold and in the best interests of NSGold, and authorized the submission of the Amalgamation to shareholders for their approval at the special meeting to be held on February 15, 2022.

In making its determination, the Board of Directors considered, among other things, an opinion from IBK Capital Corp. to the effect that, as of December 22, 2021 and based upon and subject to the limitations, assumptions and qualifications contained therein, the consideration of $0.40 cash per share to be received by the shareholders in the Amalgamation is fair, from a financial point of view, to the shareholders. The Board of Directors unanimously recommends that shareholders vote for the special resolution.

The Acquisition Agreement contains customary deal-protection provisions in favor of NSGold for a transaction of this kind. The Purchaser and NSGold are at arm's-length. NSGold will file a copy of the Acquisition Agreement and related agreements on SEDAR. In addition to shareholder approval, the Amalgamation is subject to NSGold obtaining required regulatory approvals and satisfaction of certain conditions set out in the Acquisition Agreement.

Fasken Martineau DuMoulin LLP is acting as legal counsel to NSGold in connection with the Amalgamation.

About NSGold

NSGold's core asset is the 100% owned Mooseland Gold Property located in Halifax County, Nova Scotia. The Mooseland Property is located approximately 13 kilometers from the Moose River Consolidated Gold Mine.

For further information, please contact:

Hans van Hoof

CEO, NSGold Corporation

hans.vanhoof@nsgoldcorp.com

Glenn Holmes

CFO, NSGold Corporation

glenn.holmes@nsgoldcorp.com

Cautionary Statement:

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains statements that may constitute "forward-looking information" or "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking information and statements may include, among others, statements regarding the future plans, costs, objectives or performance of NSGold Corporation ("NSGold"), or the assumptions underlying any of the foregoing. In this news release, words such as "may", "would", "could", "will", "likely", "believe", "expect", "anticipate", "intend", "plan", "estimate" and similar words and the negative form thereof are used to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements should not be read as guarantees of future performance or results, and will not necessarily be accurate indications of whether, or the times at or by which, such future performance will be achieved. In particular, completion of the proposed Amalgamation is subject to numerous conditions, termination rights and other risks and uncertainties, including the ability of NSGold to satisfy closing conditions for the Amalgamation, which includes shareholder approval. Accordingly, there can be no assurance that the proposed Amalgamation will occur, or that it will occur on the timetable or on the terms and conditions contemplated. Forward-looking statements and information are based on information available at the time and/or management's good-faith belief with respect to future events and are subject to known or unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other unpredictable factors, many of which are beyond NSGold's control. These risks, uncertainties and assumptions include, but are not limited to, those described under "Risks and Uncertainties" in NSGold's Management's Discussion and Analysis for the year ended December 31, 2020, which is available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com, and could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those projected in any forward-looking statements. NSGold does not intend, nor does NSGold undertake any obligation, to update or revise any forward-looking information or statements contained in this news release to reflect subsequent information, events or circumstances or otherwise, except if required by applicable laws.

SOURCE: NSGold Corporation

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/679292/NSGold-Signs-Definitive-Agreement-for-Sale-of-the-Company-for-040-Cash-Per-Share
Sirius Plastik has acquired all outstanding shares of PIA Akrilik from Plaskolite Inc. ("Plaskolite"), North America's largest manufacturer of engineering thermoplastic sheet and profile products. Established in 2013 as a joint venture between Plaskolite and the Ceker family, PIA Akrilik is the leading Turkish manufacturer of cast acrylic sheets and exports its products to 34 countries.

Sirius Plastik is owned by the Ceker family, who is also the main shareholder of Isik Plastik, the leading Turkish manufacturer of plastic engineering thermoplastic sheet products. Isik Plastic became publicly traded on Istanbul's stock exchange in January 2021, with nearly 20% of Borsa Istanbul's 2 million investors participating in Isik Plastic's public offering.

Abdullah Ceker, Partner at Sirius Plastik, said, "Following this acquisition, we plan to make additional investments that will further strengthen PIA Akrilik's capital structure. PIA Akrilik stands out for its exceptional product quality and service, and we look forward to supporting its growth into a regional leader in cast acrylic sheet production."

PIA Akrilik sells its products under the Castplas brand. It manufactures cast acrylic sheets for a variety of end markets and uses, including advertising, indoor outdoor decoration, bathtubs, sound barriers, TV screen protectors, airplane and helicopter windows, aquariums, lighting, and display stands. PIA Acrylic operates a 26,376 m production facility in the 2nd Organized Industrial Zone of Malatya, where it has an annual production capacity of 7,500 tons.

About Sirius Plastik

Founded in 2013 by the Ceker family, Sirius Plastik Sanayi ve Ticaret Limited Sirketi is the special purpose vehicle which was established to hold Pia Akrilik shares.

About PIA Akrilik

Founded in 2013 as a joint venture between Plaskolite and the Ceker family, PIA Akrilik is the leading Turkish manufacturer of cast acrylic sheets in Turkey. PIA Akrilik sells its products under the Castplas brand. It manufactures cast acrylic sheets for a variety of end markets and uses, including advertising, indoor outdoor decoration, bathtubs, sound barriers, TV screen protectors, airplane and helicopter windows, aquariums, lighting, and display stands.

About Plaskolite

Founded in 1950 in Columbus, Ohio, by Donald G. Dunn and family, Plaskolite, LLC is the leading North American manufacturer of engineering thermoplastic products. Plaskolite is owned by Pritzker Private Capital along with the Dunn family, management and other co-investors. Plaskolite's customized products are used in a wide variety of applications, including windows, doors, lighting, signs, point-of-purchase displays, transportation, security and bath products. Plaskolite serves a diverse customer base including distributors, OEMs and retailers. For more information, please visit https://plaskolite.com/.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211223005293/en/

Contacts:

Media

Abernathy MacGregor

Dan Scorpio Kyla MacLennan

(646) 899-8118 (646) 939-3062

dps@abmac.com kam@abmac.com
LONDON, Dec. 23, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Mphasis, (BSE: 526299) (NSE: MPHASIS), an Information Technology (IT) solutions provider specialising in cloud and cognitive services, in 2020 announced a deal with the Specialty Broking Segment of The Ardonagh Group ("Ardonagh") - the UK's largest independent insurance intermediary, to transform how they engage with clients, colleagues, carriers and regulators. This project entailed digital transformation, data, automation and managing back- office Operations.

Expanding on this, in 2021, Mphasis and Ardonagh agreed to set up a shared services entity to service middle and back-office functions, while applying digital transformation. To execute on this, Mphasis and Ardonagh, today signed a Business Venture Agreement wherein, Mphasis acquires 51% in Mrald Limited, a company incorporated and registered in England and Wales, with 49% of the equity remaining with Ardonagh. Mrald's inaugural service is Application Development and Maintenance (ADM) functions, with the aim to expansion in two areas:

Insurance operations and technology capabilities; and

New clients across the Ardonagh and 3rd party clients in the insurance intermediate market.

Mrald's mission is to deliver innovation combined with operational, technological, and service excellence. Mrald is focused on enhancing broker - client relationships through data-driven insights while allowing brokers to scale for increased client engagement. Benefits to clients include:

Enhanced end customer experience and cost-efficiency.

Best practices in systems, processes, management, offices, and work from home; and

Reduced costs of operations by realising real economies of scale.

Mphasis holds a majority share (51%) with both operating control and full economic interest, as well as bringing their existing offshore expertise to constitute an extended global outsourcing & transformation proposition and capability that can be harnessed to personalise and to meet individual UK customer needs.

"In Mphasis, we have found a partner with capital, expertise, and assets to accelerate our focus on enhancing our digital broking capabilities. This expansion of our existing and long-term relationship is an important step forward in accelerating our shared ambitions. said David Ross, Chief Executive Officer, Ardonagh Group.

"Having successfully executed at least half a dozen similar transformational partnerships in this industry, we are confident of building a service model for the future and ensuring a 'client-first' approach. Enhancing Broker-Client relationship and experience powered by data driven insights is core to AG. We have been working with AG since 2016 to strengthen their servicing, infrastructure, and client engagement platform. We are excited to elevate our relationship to support future growth by helping augment their operating agility, flexibility and jointly create a service delivery model for the future," said Nitin Rakesh, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, Mphasis. He added, "This also opens up opportunities for the business venture to attract and service other clients in this space. The global insurance brokers market is expected to grow from $88.16 billion in 2020 to $113.99 billion in 2025*. Together with AG's leadership, we believe we are uniquely positioned to take advantage of the high potential Insurance Intermediary market".

* Source: Research and Markets, 2021

Safe Harbor:

Certain statements in this release concerning our future growth prospects are forward-looking statements, which involve a number of risks, and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in such forward-looking statements. The risks and uncertainties relating to these statements include, but are not limited to, risks and uncertainties regarding fluctuations in our earnings, revenue and profits, our ability to generate and manage growth, intense competition in IT services, wage increases in India, our ability to attract and retain highly skilled professionals, our ability to manage our international operations, reduced demand for technology in our key focus areas, withdrawal of fiscal governmental incentives, political instability, war, legal restrictions on raising capital or acquiring companies, and general economic conditions affecting our business and industry. We may, from time to time, make additional written and oral forward-looking statements. We do not undertake to update any forward-looking statement that may be made from time to time by us or on our behalf.

About Mphasis

Mphasis (BSE: 526299; NSE: MPHASIS), applies next-generation technology to help enterprises transform businesses globally. Customer centricity is foundational to Mphasis and is reflected in Mphasis' Front2Back Transformation approach. Front2Back uses the exponential power of cloud and cognitive to provide hyper-personalized (C=X2C2 TM=1) digital experiences to clients and their end customers. Mphasis' Service Transformation approach helps 'shrink the core' through the application of digital technologies across legacy environments within an enterprise, enabling businesses to stay ahead in a changing world. Mphasis' core reference architectures and tools, speed and innovation with domain expertise and specialization are key to building strong relationships with marquee clients. Click here to know more.

THE ARDONAGH GROUP

The Ardonagh Group is the UK's largest independent insurance broker with global reach. We are a network of over 100 locations across the UK and Ireland and a workforce of over 7000 people. Formed in 2017 and following a series of acquisitions in 2018, Ardonagh today brings together best-in-class brands including Autonet, Arachas, Bishopsgate, Bravo Group, Carole Nash, Geo Underwriting, Price Forbes, Swinton, Towergate and URIS. Our understanding of the communities we serve, together with our scale and breadth, allows us to work with our insurer partners to deliver solutions that meet our customer needs.

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ADVERTISEMENT. This announcement is an advertisement for the purposes of Regulation (EU) 2017/1129, as amended (the "Prospectus Regulation") relating to the intention of Iveco Group N.V. ("IVG") to proceed with the proposed first admission to listing and trading of all of the common shares of IVG on the regulated market of Euronext Milan (the "Admission"). This announcement does not constitute or form part of a prospectus within the meaning of the Prospectus Regulation and has not been reviewed nor approved by any regulatory or supervisory authority in any jurisdiction, including any member state of the European Economic Area (each, an "EEA Member"), the United Kingdom and the United States. This announcement is for information purposes only and is not intended to constitute, and should not be construed as, an offer by or invitation by or on behalf of, IVG, CNH Industrial N.V ("CNH Industrial"), any of their advisors or any representative of IVG or CNH Industrial or any of their advisors, to purchase any securities or an offer to sell or issue, or the solicitation to buy securities by any person in any jurisdiction, including any EEA Member, the United Kingdom or the United States. The approval of the Prospectus (as defined below) by the Netherlands Authority for the Financial Markets (AutoriteitFinancieleMarkten, the "AFM") should not be understood as an endorsement of the quality of the Shares (as defined below) and IVG. Potential investors should read the Prospectus before making an investment decision in order to fully understand the potential risks and rewards associated with the decision to invest in the Shares





London, December 23, 2021

CNH Industrial N.V. ("CNHI") (NYSE: CNH / MTA: CNH) announces that its shareholders' meeting, held today, approved the proposal to allow the demerger of Iveco Group business from CNH Industrial. This proposal was approved by an overwhelming majority (with more than 99% of the votes cast in favor of the transaction).

Following today's approval by shareholders and receipt of the final regulatory clearances over the course of the current month, CNH Industrial expects to complete the demerger on December 31, with the effective date on January 1, 2022.

Admission to listing and to trading of Iveco Group N.V. common shares on Euronext Milan will be subject to further announcements.

CNH Industrial shareholders are entitled to receive one Iveco Group common share for every five CNH Industrial common shares held at close of business on the record date for allocation, January 4, 2022. The outstanding CNH Industrial common shares will be quoted ex-allocation from January 3, 2022 on both Euronext Milan and NYSE. Additional details regarding the settlement mechanics related to the allotment of the Iveco Group shares can be found at: www.cnhindustrial.com/en-us/investor_relations/Pages/demerger_documents.aspx

Today the shareholders of CNH Industrial also approved the appointment of two new non-executive directors, Ms. Catia Bastioli and Ms. Asa Tamsons, who will replace Mr. Tufan Erginbilgic and Mr. Lorenzo Simonelli).

CNH IndustrialN.V.

Sign up for corporate news alerts from the CNH Industrial Newsroom:

bit.ly/media-cnhindustrial-subscribe

Contacts:

Corporate Communications

Email: mediarelations@cnhind.com

Investor Relations

Email: investor.relations@cnhind.com

DISCLAIMER

This announcement does not constitute a prospectus within the meaning of Regulation (EU) 2017/1129 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 14 June 2017 on the prospectus to be published when securities are offered to the public or admitted to trading on a regulated market, as amended (the "Prospectus Regulation"), and shares in Iveco Group N.V. will be allotted in circumstances that do not constitute "an offer to the public" within the meaning of the Prospectus Regulation. This announcement is not intended for distribution in jurisdictions that require prior regulatory review and authorization to distribute an announcement of this nature.

The release, publication or distribution of this announcement in certain jurisdictions may be restricted by law and therefore persons in such jurisdictions into which they are released, published or distributed, should inform themselves about, and observe, such restrictions.

This announcement is an advertisement and not a prospectus within the meaning of Regulation (EU) 2017/1129 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 14 June 2017 on the prospectus to be published when securities are offered to the public or admitted to trading on a regulated market, as amended (the "Prospectus Regulation"). With respect to the member States of the European Economic Area, no action has been undertaken or will be undertaken to make an offer to the public of the securities referred to herein requiring a publication of a prospectus in any relevant member State. As a result, the securities may not and will not be offered in any relevant member State except pursuant to a prospectus approved by the relevant market authorities in that member State or in accordance with the exemptions set forth in Article 3(2) of the Prospectus Regulation, if they have been implemented in that relevant member State, or under any other circumstances which do not require the publication of a prospectus pursuant to Article 3 of the Prospectus Regulation and/or to applicable regulations of that relevant member State. This announcement is not intended to constitute, and should not be construed as, an offer by or invitation by or on behalf of, the Company, CNH Industrial, any of its advisors or any representative of the Company or CNH Industrial or any of their advisors, to purchase any securities or an offer to sell or issue, or the solicitation to buy securities by any person in any jurisdiction, including any EEA Member, the United Kingdom or the United States.

The securities referred to herein may not be offered or sold in the United States of America absent registration or an applicable exemption from registration under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended. The Company and CNH Industrial do not intend to register all or any portion of the offering of the securities in the United States of America or to conduct a public offering of the securities in the United States of America.

This announcement does not constitute an offer of securities to the public in the United Kingdom. This announcement is being distributed to and is directed only at (i) persons who are outside the United Kingdom or (ii) persons who are investment professionals within the meaning of Article 19(5) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005 (the "Order") and (iii) high net worth entities, and other persons to whom it may lawfully be communicated, falling within Article 49(2)(a) to (d) of the Order (all such persons together being referred to as "Relevant Persons"). Any investment activity to which this announcement relates will only be available to and will only be engaged with, Relevant Persons. Any person who is not a Relevant Person should not act or rely on this document or any of its contents.

This announcement may include statements, including with respect to CNH Industrial's and the Company's financial condition, results of operations, business, strategy, plans and outlook, including the impact of certain transactions. These forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology, including the terms "believes", "estimates", "anticipates", "expects", "intends", "plans", "targets", "may", "will" or "should" or, in each case, their negative or other variations or comparable terminology. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this announcement. Although CNH Industrial and the Company believe that such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties because they relate to events and depend on circumstances that may or may not occur in the future. Such forward-looking statements are included for illustrative purposes only. Actual results may differ materially from the forward-looking statements as a result of a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which are outside CNH Industrial and the Company's control. CNH Industrial and the Company expressly disclaim any intention or obligation to provide, update or revise any forward-looking statements in this announcement to reflect any change in expectations or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which these forward-looking statements are based.

The price and value of securities may go up as well as down. Persons needing advice should contact a professional adviser. Information in this announcement or any of the documents relating to the Admission and the Demerger cannot be relied upon as a guide to future performance.

The Company may decide not to go ahead with the Admission and CNH Industrial may decide not to go ahead with the Demerger and there is therefore no guarantee that the Admission and the Demerger will occur. You should not base your financial decision on this announcement. Acquiring investments to which this announcement relates may expose an investor to a significant risk of losing all of the amount invested.

Attachment
Specializing in retail investor omnichannel outreach, Public Yield Capital announced its acquisition of a Chicago-based Investor Relations technology platform to advance its investor marketing and support capital raise efforts of early-stage, pre-IPO and publicly-listed companies.

Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - December 23, 2021) - Public Yield Capital ("PYC" or the "Company") announced its recent acquisition of a Chicago-based Investor Relations firm's platform specializing in retail investor omnichannel outreach. The acquisition of its technology and investor outreach solution will accelerate Public Yield Capital's mission to connect and nurture relations with thousands of retail investors and support the capital raise of privately-held and public corporations.

"Retail investors are fundamental participants of a capital raise for equity crowdfunding campaigns, and play a crucial role in building the market value of securities and the overall stock market. While traditional IR firms mostly target high-net-worth individuals, brokers, and institutional investors, Public Yield Capital specializes in reaching hundreds and thousands of retail investors and harnessing their collective potential to support funding and drive stock value," said Spiros Bakopanos, CEO and President of PYC.

With inbound and outbound calling, chats, and direct messaging, the Investor Relations Calling Desk provides proactive, high volume, systematic, and compliant communications with shareholders and retail investors. Leveraging the latest communication technologies, PYC takes a data-driven approach to maximize efficiency with direct investor communications.

This powerful Investor Relations Calling Desk solution can be utilized by pre-IPO and public clients with small or no IR teams. The IR Calling Desk is also available for startups and investor relations firms, as it is designed to work within the existing company infrastructure and complement current practices while streamlining investor communication efforts for clients.

Learn more about the Investor Relations Calling Desk solution at https://www.publicyield.capital/solutions/investor-relations-calling-desk

Public Yield Capital

Public Yield Capital is a leading investor marketing partner specializing in Capital Markets, equity crowdfunding, and Regulation A+. Public Yield Capital offers investor marketing, corporate communications, and investor technology solutions to support innovative companies in positioning their investment opportunities, increasing corporate and stock awareness, and raising capital. Public Yield Capital is disrupting the retail investment landscape by helping companies build networks and leverage the power of retail investors using innovative digital marketing tactics.

For Media inquiries or further information, please contact:

Spiros Bakopanos

Public Yield Capital Inc.

CEO & President

spiros@publicyield.capital

www.publicyield.capital

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/108408




Delhi, India, Dec 23, 2021 - (ACN Newswire) - World FinTech Summit - KSA which took place on 6 December 2021, attracted some of the prominent voices in the FinTech space such as Ihab Hawari Chief Information Technology Officer, Aljabr Holding; Yahia Kafi, CFO, ALJ Enterprises; Ali Alomran, Financial Technology Expert; Faisal Alyousef, Chief Business Officer, Saudi Financial Technology - Alinma Bank; and Loredana Matei; Founder, Finsight.news to name a few.More than 200 FinTech experts, business leaders, industry experts, innovators, government officials, and startups from around the world attended the summit, which featured informative keynotes and networking sessions where they shared ground-breaking insights into FinTech industry and future strategies.The show covered key topics such as The FinTech and banking landscape in KSA, the New language of FinTech World: API's, Convergence between FinTech and other sectors, Convergence between FinTech and other sectors and much more.Ben Lloyd, Head of Digital Product, Banque Saudi Fransi discussed at length The FinTech and banking landscape in KSA. He stated that, "With the changing banking model as a result of open banking we see other organizations use this as an opportunity to start API services and banking as a service."Dr Makoto Shibata, Head of Finolab, Chief Community Officer, FINOLAB Inc. in his keynote spoke about how Covid-19 has speeded up digital transformation and has changed the relationship between banking and customers. He also discussed how existing business should improve their existing business to improve efficiency or reduce costs.He further stated that, "FinTech was thought to be disruptive but we saw that more collaborations happening between startups and financial institutions and this collaboration between them would be the main driver for improvement."World FinTech Summit - KSA also saw an engaging panel discussion on the topic' Convergence between FinTech and other sectors' which was moderated by Shadi Dawi, Chief Program Director, TECHx Media.The panellist discussed how FinTech has not only continued to innovate in the banking and financial sphere but have also moved to advise and guide companies from all sectors in their digitization processes.The panellists included Hesham Saad Al Ghamdi, Group Chief Data and Analytics Officer, Abdul Latif Jameel; Essam Fawzy, Senior Program Manager, FinTech Consultant, Saudi British Bank; Bader Alswailem; Chief Executive Officer, Yanal Finance Company; and Anuscha Iqbal, CEO, Spotii.According to Mithun Shetty, CEO, Trescon, "To stay ahead financial institutions who are unable to adapt and make improvements in their operations will be left behind in this new wave of technological innovation." He further added that "FinTech isn't merely a term that refers to the convergence of technology and finance. In the future FinTech will determine the direction of the next wave of changes in the market. Financial institutions must make some reforms to achieve success."The show was hosted on the virtual events platform Vmeets which helped the participants to network and conduct business in an interactive and immersive virtual environment. Participants were also able to engage with speakers in Q&A sessions and network with solution providers in virtual exhibition booths, private consultation rooms and private networking rooms.World FinTech Summit - KSA was officially sponsored by Silver Sponsor - Spotii and Bronze Sponsor - Sary Technologies.About World FinTech Summit - KSAWorld FinTech Summit is a thought-leadership-driven, business-focused, global series of events that takes place in strategic locations across the world.As part of the world tour, the inaugural edition in KSA is virtually gathering pre-qualified CFOs, CEOs, CTOs, Heads of Business Transformation, Chief Digital Officers, Heads of Innovation and International finance experts from the industry.The summit features exciting keynotes, enterprise use-case presentations, product showcase, panel discussions and tech talks to discuss the latest challenges for the sector arising out of the pandemic situation. Witness next-gen financial solutions from global leaders and explore their relevance and impact on your organisation.About TresconTrescon is a global business events and consulting firm that provides a wide range of business services to a diversified client base that includes corporations, governments and individuals. Trescon is specialized in producing highly focused B2B events that connect businesses with opportunities through conferences, roadshows, expos, demand generation, investor connect and consulting services.For further details, please contact:Karthik, Marketing Lead, Tresconmarketing@tresconglobal.comSource: tresconCopyright 2021 ACN Newswire . All rights reserved.
Mesmerizing Photographs of "New Adventure" T hrilled Audiences in the UK and Taiwan

BREA, Calif., Dec. 23, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- ViewSonic[i], a leading global provider of visual solutions, concluded the ColorPro Award 2021 Global Photography Contest exhibitions in London, UK, and Taipei, Taiwan. The top winning photos selected from 6500 entries, centered on the theme "New Adventure", were displayed through ViewSonic's advanced visual solutions. The exhibitions advanced the possibilities of arts through visual technology, giving the visitors a memorable experience of the artistry and stories behind the photos in different forms.

"Inspiring creativity and innovation is the vision of ViewSonic ColorPro. Therefore, we have always been providing intuitive tools with high color performance to assist the creators to turn their ideas into reality," said Oscar Lin, General Manager of the Monitor Business Unit at ViewSonic. "Through the ColorPro Award, we work with our partners to form an ecosystem for all creators to exchange their extraordinary ideas and artwork in this global network."

The three-day ColorPro Award exhibitions were opened to the public in the UK and Taiwan, with exclusive workshops and ColorPro Talks to interact with photography professionals. The events offered an opportunity for people to meet and engage in in-depth conversations with photography masters and creative industry leaders, stimulating more interaction among creators, and literally making art more accessible.

Located in the heart of London, UK, the first exhibition illustrated how technology can visualize art with the utmost precision. The exhibition employed 32 displays from the ColorPro VP68a series and VP2756-4K to showcase the winning photos in digital format. When stepping into the exhibition, visitors met the breathtaking photos presented with vibrant colors on the displays while surrounded by traditional red brick walls, giving a sense of tradition versus innovation that cemented the exhibition's theme: "New Adventure".

To provide a platform for all enthusiastic photographers and creators, the workshop in the UK was co-hosted with UK Shooters, a photography community, to give tips and tricks on photography editing. Throughout the session, 36 photographers gathered to edit photos and unleash their creative potential with the VP2756-4K monitors on hand.

At the Taiwan exhibition, ViewSonic fused art, technology, and nature seamlessly. The hybrid exhibition displayed the Top 100 photos not only by print, but also through an array of ViewSonic's visual solutions - projectors, monitors, and ViewBoard interactive displays. At the end of the exhibition journey, visitors were able to participate in a self-exploration quiz to discover their own version of "Adventure" to the corresponding artwork on the ColorPro monitors. In the exhibition, colorful lighting effects were projected onto the surroundings and photo descriptions were casted, which enhanced and complemented the artworks immensely.

The ColorPro Talks in Taiwan featured renowned photographers and professional creators to deliver speeches and share in-depth insights on the theme "News Adventure". Some of the prominent speakers specialize in natural landscapes, while others are experts in film, digital, and aerial photography.

The Top 100 photos can be viewed here. For more information on the campaign, please visit ViewSonic's YouTube channel, and ViewSonic UK's YouTube channel.

About ViewSonic

Founded in California, ViewSonic is a leading global provider of visual solutions and conducts business in over 100 countries worldwide. As an innovator and visionary, ViewSonic is committed to providing comprehensive hardware and software solutions that include monitors, projectors, digital signage, ViewBoard interactive displays, and myViewBoard software ecosystem. With over 30 years of expertise in visual displays, ViewSonic has established a strong position for delivering innovative and reliable solutions for education, enterprise, consumer, and professional markets and helping customers "See the Difference." To find out more about ViewSonic, please visit www.viewsonic.com.

This news release contains forward-looking statements that reflect the Company's expectations with regard to future events. Actual events could differ significantly from those anticipated in this document. Program, pricing, specifications, and availability are subject to change without notice. ViewSonic and the ViewSonic trademarks are trademarks or registered trademarks of ViewSonic Corporation in the United States and/or other countries. All other corporate names and trademarks stated herein are the property of their respective companies.

[i] The Contest is hosted and sponsored by ViewSonic International Corp., located in New Taipei City, Taiwan. ViewSonic International Corp. is a subsidiary of ViewSonic Corp. located in California, USA.

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London, UK, Dec 20, 2021 - (ACN Newswire) - The East India Company announces the 2022 Una & the Lion limited-edition gold and silver coin collection, the latest release in its celebrated annual series.A Modern Retelling of a Legendary StoryUna, the beautiful princess on a quest to rescue her parents from a dragon.The Lion, her faithful companion, protecting her from harm.Discover how their ancient legend has been retold with a modern twist, for today's coin collector. Each year, The East India Company's celebrated Una & the Lion series invites the world's great coin designers to reimagine the ancient legend with a fresh, contemporary twist.Explore the poise and power of the 2022 Una & the Lion design, by Glyn Davies.The East India Company's Gold and Silver annual coin series of Una & the Lion designs builds on the famous Engraver, William Wyon's legacy. Inspired by the history and symbolism of the heroic pair, each year their legend is reinterpreted with a modern twist for today's collector. Minted to our highest quality proof finish, this collection of gold and silver coins is presented in extremely low issue limits, making each annual edition one of the most exceptional, beautiful, and sought-after coin designs in the world.The StoryThe East India Company is proud to present the latest issue in our celebrated 'Una & the Lion' series. Each year one of the world's great coin designers reimagines this ancient legend to give the story of heroic Una and her devoted companion The Lion a fresh, contemporary twist.The 2022 Una & the Lion has been created by designer Glyn Davies. His elegant, determined Una and the powerful but poised lion sit facing each other, staring deeply into each other's eyes as they ponder their next move, seeming to communicate their thoughts, hopes and fears through their held gaze. His modern retelling of this ancient bond captures all the grace, courage, and trust of the original story of this brave princess and the mighty beast at her side.The legend of Una & the Lion dates back to the 16th Century and Edmund Spencer's epic poem The Faerie Queene, a classic work of medieval English literature. At over 36,000 lines long, its six books contain one of the longest poems in the English language, each book telling stories of different knights on their various quests to prove or demonstrate their particular virtues. As a whole, it is believed to be an allegory of the life and achievements of Queen Elizabeth I, but it is in Book One where we meet the heroic figure of Una.Una is a beautiful princess on a quest to save her mother and father from a cruel dragon who has imprisoned them in a tower. To help her defeat the dragon, she searches for the Redcrosse knight, whose destiny is to become St. George, the patron saint of England.While on her journey Una enters a dark secluded wood, where she encounters a fierce lion who launches an attack on her. However, before he is able to leap upon his prey his initial rage is replaced by wonder, his anger subdued as he is instantly captivated by Una's beauty and innocence. Instead of tearing her to pieces, he kisses her weary feet and licks her hands. He becomes her strong guard and faithful companion, forever by her side, filling her with courage and protecting her from harm.The Lyon would not leave her desolate, but with her went along, as a strong gard Of her chast person, and a faithfull mate Of her sad troubles and misfortunes hard:Still when she slept, he kept both watch and ward, And when she wakt, he waited diligent, With humble service to her will prepard:More than 200 years after The Faerie Queene was first published, the theme of Una representing a strong female monarch harnessing the power of a mighty beast was translated into a coin design. The 1839 five-pound piece was produced to mark the first anniversary of the coronation of Queen Victoria, and featured a bold neoclassical design by William Wyon.The East India Company Collection's annual series of Una & the Lion designs builds on Wyon's legacy. Inspired by the history and symbolism of the heroic pair, each year their legend is reinterpreted with a modern twist for today's collector.Minted to our highest quality proof finish, this collection of gold and silver coins is presented in extremely low issue limits, making each annual edition one of the most exceptional, beautiful and sought-after coin designs in the world.Collectors are invited to view the limited-edition 2022 Una & the Lion gold and silver proof coins by visiting https://www.theeastindiacompany.com/bullion/Additional information, specifications and images are available from the Press & Marketing Department of The East India Company by contacting the Press department at: press@theeastindiacompany.comSource: The East India CompanyCopyright 2021 ACN Newswire . All rights reserved.
BRUSSELS (dpa-AFX) - The Switzerland stock market closed on a firm note on Thursday, extending recent gains, amid easing worries about the Omicron variant of the coronavirus. Separate studies have indicated the new strain poses a lower risk of severe disease and hospitalization than the Delta variant. However, the World Health Organization and some experts have cautioned that it is too early to draw conclusions on the Omicron variant's severity. The benchmak SMI ended with a gain of 71.42 points or 0.56% at 12,785.32, after scaling a low of 12,695.59 and a high of 12,787.96 intraday. ABB climbed 2.1%. Shares of Swiss building materials firm Holcim rallied 1.86% after the company said it has signed an agreement to acquire Malarkey Roofing Products, a company in the U.S. residential roofing market. Credit Suisse and UBS Group moved up 1.85% and 1.61%, respectively. Swiss Re, SGS, Richemont, Alcon and Zurich Insurance Group gained 1 to 1.4%. Swiss Life Holding, Geberit, Novartis and Partners Group ended higher by 0.8 to 1%. Swisscom and Sika closed modestly higher, while Logitech and Roche Holding ended lower by 0.8% and 0.5%, respectively. Among the stocks in the Swiss Mid Price Index, Dufry, Adecco, Schindler Holding, Schindler Ps and SIG Combibloc gained 2.2 to 2.8%. Julius Baer, Lindt & Spruengli, Helvetia and Sonova also ended notably higher. Temenos Group ended nearly 1% up. AMS shed about 0.9%, while PSP Swiss Property and Tecan Group closed with modest losses. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann.


SANTA CLARA (dpa-AFX) - American chip maker Intel Corp. (INTC) on Thursday offered an apology in China after the company's letter asking suppliers not to take products or labor from the Xinjiang region came under severe criticism.



In an annual letter sent to suppliers in December, the company said that it has been 'required to ensure that its supply chain does not use any labor or source goods or services from the Xinjiang region', following restrictions imposed by 'multiple governments'.



The letter comes in the backdrop of the United States accusing China of multiple human rights abuses in the Xinjiang province, which is home to China's predominantly Muslim Uyghurs. The abuses include forced labor. Beijing has time and again denied these claims.



The Intel letter was published on the company website and in several languages. It led to widespread criticism in China from the state media and social media platforms, who called for a boycott.



In a Chinese statement on Thursday on its official WeChat and Weibo accounts, Intel said that its commitment to avoid supply chains from Xinjiang was an expression of compliance with U.S. law, rather than a statement of its position on the issue. The company said, 'We apologize for the trouble caused to our respected Chinese customers, partners and the public. Intel is committed to becoming a trusted technology partner and accelerating joint development with China.'



Many other big multinationals have also faced pressure over their plans to comply with sanctions related to Xinjiang even while working in China, which is a large market and supply base.



Many users on China's counterpart to Twitter, Weibo, felt that Intel's apology was an attempt at protecting sales in China, with one saying 'a mistake is a mistake! Retract the statement about Xinjiang!'



Intel, which has 10,000 employees in the country, said in its apology that it 'respected the sensitivity of the issue in China.'



Commenting on the issue, China's foreign ministry said 'accusations of forced labor in Xinjiang are lies concocted by anti-China American forces aimed at destabilizing China and hindering its development. We note the statement and hope the relevant company will respect facts and tell right from wrong.'



Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

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VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / December 23, 2021 / Searchlight Resources Inc. ("Searchlight" or the "Company") (TSXV:SCLT)(OTC PINK:CNYCF)(FSE:2CC2) is pleased to announce that it has closed the second and final tranche of a private placement of flow-through and non-flow-through units (the "Private Placement") as previously announced by press release on November 24th, 2021

In this tranche the Company issued 3,507,500 units at a price of $0.08 per unit (the "Unit") for aggregate proceeds of $280,600. Each Unit consists of one common share and one-half of one common share purchase warrant (the "Warrant"). Each Warrant will entitle the holder to purchase one additional common share of the Company at an exercise price of $0.12 per common share for a period of 2 years from the date of issue.

The Company also issued 2,150,000 flow-through ("FT") units at a price of $0.10 per unit (the "FT Unit") for aggregate proceeds of $215,000. Each FT Unit consists of one flow-through common share and one-half of one common share purchase warrant (the "FT Warrant"). Each FT Warrant will entitle the holder to purchase one additional common share of the Company at an exercise price of $0.15 per common share for a period of 2 years from the date of issue. FT shares will entitle the holder to receive the tax benefits applicable to flow-through shares, in accordance with provisions of the Income Tax Act (Canada).

The Company expects to incur cash commissions and finders' fees of $34,594 and 401,800 broker warrants exercisable on the same terms and conditions as the warrants issued to investors, which will expire 2 years from the date of closing. All the securities issued are subject to a four-month hold period from the date of closing.

Searchlight intends to use the proceeds of the Private Placement to fund exploration expenditures on its portfolio of mineral properties and for general working capital.

About Searchlight Resources Inc.

Searchlight Resources Inc. (TSXV:SCLT; US:CYNCF; FSE 2CC2) is a Canadian mineral exploration and development company focused on Saskatchewan, Canada, which has been ranked as the top location for mining investment in Canada by the Fraser Institute. Exploration focus is on gold, uranium and battery minerals throughout the Province,

On behalf of the Board of Directors,

"Stephen Wallace"

Stephen Wallace, President, CEO and Director

SEARCHLIGHT RESOURCES INC.

For further information, visit the Company's website at www.searchlightresources.com or contact:

Searchlight Resources Inc.

Alf Stewart, VP Corporate Development

(604) 331-9326

info@searchlightresources.com

Forward-Looking Statements

Information set forth in this news release contains forward-looking statements that are based on assumptions as of the date of this news release. These statements reflect management's current estimates, beliefs, intentions and expectations. They are not guarantees of future performance. The Company cautions that all forward-looking statements are inherently uncertain and that actual performance may be affected by a number of material factors, many of which are beyond the Company's control. Such factors include, among other things: risks and uncertainties relating to the Company's limited operating history and the need to comply with environmental and governmental regulations. Accordingly, actual and future events, conditions and results may differ materially from the estimates, beliefs, intentions and expectations expressed or implied in the forward-looking information. Except as required under applicable securities legislation, the Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise forward-looking information.

NEITHER TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER (AS THAT TERM IS DEFINED IN THE POLICIES OF THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE) ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE.

SOURCE: Searchlight Resources Inc.

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/679385/Searchlight-Resources-Closes-Second-Tranche-of-Private-Placement-Financing
WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - Crude oil futures extended gains to a third straight day amid hopes about outlook for energy demand as concerns about Omicron variant of the coronavirus faded a bit. Separate studies have indicated the new strain poses a lower risk of severe disease and hospitalization than the Delta variant. However, the World Health Organization and some experts have cautioned that it is too early to draw conclusions on the Omicron variant's severity. Oil prices had moved higher on Wednesday after data showed a larger than expected drop in U.S. crude inventories in the week ended December 18. West Texas Intermediate Crude oil futures for February ended higher by $1.03 or about 1.4% at $73.79 a barrel. Brent crude futures are trading at $76.64 a barrel, gaining $1.36 or 1.81%. Today is the last trading day of this week. U.S. markets are closed tomorrow in observation of Saturday's Christmas holiday. Data released by the Energy Information Administration on Wednesday showed that crude inventories in the U.S. fell by 4.72 million barrels last week, nearly two times the expected drop. According to a report released by Baker Hughes today, the number of active drilling rigs in the U.S. rose by 7 to 586 this week. Gas rigs rose by 1 in the week. On the Covid-19 front, Novavax Inc's Covid-19 vaccine is effective in generating an immune response against the Omicron variant, early data published on Wednesday showed. Other Covid-19 vaccine manufacturers, including Pfizer Inc. and Moderna Inc., also reported increased immune responses to Omicron. Moderna CEO Stephane Bancel said earlier this week that the vaccine manufacturer does not expect any problems in developing a booster shot to protect against the Omicron variant. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann.
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - December 23, 2021) - Eric Sprott announces that today, 2176423 Ontario Ltd., a corporation which is beneficially owned by him, sold 26,835,089 common shares (shares) of Resource Capital Gold Corp., through a share purchase agreement, to Jeff Kennedy, at $0.00001 per share for total consideration of $268.35. 2176423 Ontario sold the Resource Capital shares pursuant to a partial revocation by the Ontario Securities Commission of a previous cease trade order against Resource Capital.

Mr. Sprott no longer beneficially owns or controls any securities of Resource Capital. Prior to this disposition, Mr. Sprott beneficially owned and controlled 26,835,089 shares representing approximately 15.4% of the outstanding shares.

Mr. Kennedy now beneficially owns 26,835,089 shares representing approximately 15.4% of the outstanding shares. Prior to this acquisition, Mr. Kennedy did not own or control any securities of Resource Capital.

Mr. Sprott and Mr. Kennedy are not joint actors for the purposes of Canadian early warning requirements.

Mr. Kennedy has long-term view of the investment and may acquire additional securities of the Company including on the open market or through private acquisitions or sell the securities including on the open market or through private dispositions in the future depending on market conditions, reformulation of plans and/or other relevant factors.

Resource Capital is located at 666 Burrard Street, Unit 500, Vancouver, BC V6C 3P6. A copy of 2176423 Ontario's and Mr. Kennedy's early warning report will appear on Resource Capital's profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com and may also be obtained by calling Mr. Sprott's and Mr. Kennedy's offices at (416) 362-3294 (200 Bay Street, Suite 2600, Royal Bank Plaza, South Tower, Toronto, Ontario M5J 2J1).

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/108441
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - December 23, 2021) - Eric Sprott announces that today, 2176423 Ontario Ltd., a corporation which is beneficially owned by him, sold 5,000,000 common shares (shares) of Northern Sphere Mining Corp., through a share purchase agreement, to Jeff Kennedy, at $0.00001 per share for total consideration of $50.00. 2176423 Ontario sold the Northern Sphere shares pursuant to a partial revocation by the Ontario Securities Commission of a previous cease trade order against Northern Sphere.

Mr. Sprott no longer beneficially owns or controls any securities of Northern Sphere. Prior to this disposition, Mr. Sprott beneficially owned and controlled 5,000,000 shares representing approximately 14.6% of the outstanding shares.

Mr. Kennedy now beneficially owns 5,000,000 shares representing approximately 14.6% of the outstanding shares. Prior to this acquisition, Mr. Kennedy did not own or control any securities of Northern Sphere.

Mr. Sprott and Mr. Kennedy are not joint actors for the purposes of Canadian early warning requirements.

Mr. Kennedy has long-term view of the investment and may acquire additional securities of the Company including on the open market or through private acquisitions or sell the securities including on the open market or through private dispositions in the future depending on market conditions, reformulation of plans and/or other relevant factors.

Northern Sphere is located at 217 Queen Street West, Suite 401, Toronto, ON M5V 0R2. A copy of 2176423 Ontario's and Mr. Kennedy's early warning report will appear on Northern Sphere's profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com and may also be obtained by calling Mr. Sprott's and Mr. Kennedy's offices at (416) 362-3294 (200 Bay Street, Suite 2600, Royal Bank Plaza, South Tower, Toronto, Ontario M5J 2J1).

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/108437
THIS NEWS RELEASE IS INTENDED FOR DISTRIBUTION IN CANADA ONLY AND IS NOT INTENDED FOR DISTRIUTION TO UNITED STATES NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES

Eat Well Investment Group Inc. (CSE: EWG) (US:EWGFF) (FSE: 6BC0) ("Eat Well" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has closed the best-efforts brokered private placement previously announced on November 25, 2021 for gross proceeds to the Company of $4,839,800.50. Pursuant to the Offering, the Company issued 8,799,637 Special Warrants ("Special Warrants") of the Company at a price of $0.55 per Special Warrant (the "Offering Price"). Research Capital Corporation (the "Lead Agent") acted as the lead agent and sole bookrunner, on behalf of a syndicate of agents, including Beacon Securities Limited and Echelon Wealth Partners Inc. (collectively, the "Agents"), in connection with the Offering. Concurrently with the Offering, the Company completed a non-brokered private placement of Special Warrants to U.S.-based investors for gross proceeds of $260,199.50. The aggregate gross proceeds to the Company from the Offering and the non-brokered private placement are approximately $5,100,000.

Each Special Warrant is exercisable, for no additional consideration at the option of the holder, into one unit of the Company (each, a "Unit") with each Unit being comprised of one common share of the Company (a "Common Share") and one-half of one Common Share purchase warrant (each whole warrant, a "Warrant"). Each Warrant entitles the holder thereof to acquire one Common Share (each, a "Warrant Share") at a price of $0.75 per Warrant Share, for a period of 36 months following the closing of the Offering.

The Company is pleased to have received a lead order from Stratagem Capital Corporation, a publicly traded company with an objective for continued growth through investments in resource exploration and development, mining, energy production and agricultural protein products.

The Company intends to use the net proceeds of the Offerings for M&A and general working capital.

The Company will use reasonable commercial efforts to prepare and file with each of the securities regulatory authorities in each of the provinces of Canada (except Quebec) in which the of Special Warrants are sold (the "Jurisdictions") and obtain a receipt for, a preliminary short form prospectus and a final short form prospectus (the "Final Prospectus"), qualifying the distribution of the Units underlying the Special Warrants, in compliance with applicable securities law.

In the event that the Company has not received a receipt for the Final Prospectus within 90 days following the Closing, each unexercised Special Warrant will thereafter entitle the holder thereof to receive upon the exercise thereof, at no additional consideration, one-and-one-tenth (1.10) Unit (instead of one Unit); and thereafter, at the end of any additional thirty (30) day period prior to the Qualification Date (as defined below), each Special Warrant will be exercisable for an additional 0.02 of a Unit.

All unexercised Special Warrants will automatically be exercised on the date (the "Qualification Date") that is the earlier of (i) four (4) months and a day following Closing of the Offering, and (ii) as soon as reasonably practicable, and no later than the 3rd business day after, a receipt is issued for the Final Prospectus.

The Agents received an aggregate cash fee equal to 7.0% of the gross proceeds from the Offering (subject to a reduced 3.5% cash fee in respect of subscribers on a president's list (the "President's List")). In addition, the Company granted the Agents non-transferable compensation warrants (the "Compensation Warrants") equal to 7.0% of the total number of Special Warrants under the Offering (subject to a reduced rate of 3.5% in respect of subscribers on the President's List). Each Compensation Warrant entitles the holder thereof to purchase one Unit (a "Compensation Warrant Unit") at an exercise price per Compensation Warrant Unit equal to the issue price of the Special Warrants for a period of 36 months following the closing of the Offering.

The Offering remains subject to final acceptance by the Canadian Securities Exchange (the "CSE

For further details of the Offering, see the Company's November 25, 2021 news release, which is available on the Company's profile at www.sedar.com.

This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any of the securities described in this news release in the United States or any other jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. Such 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, accordingly, may not be offered or sold in the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, "U.S. persons" (as those terms are defined in Regulation S under the U.S. Securities Act) absent registration or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements of the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws.

About Eat Well Group

Eat Well Group is a publicly-traded investment company primarily focused on high-growth companies in the agribusiness, food tech, plant-based and ESG (environmental, social and governance) sectors. Eat Well Group's management team has an extensive record of sourcing, financing and building successful companies across a broad range of industries and maintains a current investment mandate on the health/wellness industry. The team has financed and invested in early-stage venture companies for greater than 25 years, resulting in unparalleled access to deal flow and the ability to construct a portfolio of opportunistic investments intended to generate superior risk-adjusted returns.

Disclaimer for Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains certain forward-looking information and forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable Canadian and United States securities legislation (collectively "forward-looking statements"). Forward-looking information are often, but not always, identified by the use of words such as "seek," "anticipate," "believe," "plan," "estimate," "expect," "likely" and "intend" and statements that an event or result "may," "will," "should," "could" or "might" occur or be achieved and other similar expressions. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, the intended use of proceeds of the Offering and the filing of a qualifying prospectus to qualify the securities underlying the Special Warrants. Such forward-looking statements should not be unduly relied upon. Forward-looking information is based on assumptions that may prove to be incorrect. The Company considers these assumptions to be reasonable in the circumstances. However, forward-looking information is subject to business and economic risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results of operations to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking information. For more information on the Company, its investee companies and the risks and challenges of their businesses, investors should review their annual filings that are available at www.sedar.com.

The Canadian Securities Exchange has neither approved nor disapproved the information contained herein and does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211223005451/en/

Contacts:

Eat Well Investment Group Inc.

Marc Aneed, CEO

ir@eatwellgroup.com

www.eatwellgroup.com
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - December 23, 2021) - Loon Energy Corporation (TSXV: LNE) (the "Company" or "Loon") and Optimind Pharma Inc. ("Optimind") have entered into an amending agreement to the definitive acquisition agreement announced on November 30, 2021 with respect to the reverse takeover transaction between Loon and Optimind (the "Transaction"). The amending agreement provides for the following:

Loon will complete a share consolidation on the basis of one (1) new share for such number of old shares which shall result in 8,150,000 Loon common shares being issued and outstanding following the consolidation, which has been increased from the previous 7,500,000 Loon common shares. The concurrent financing will now be a minimum of $500,000 and a maximum of $750,000 comprised of subscription receipts that are automatically exchangeable for convertible debentures of the resulting issuer which will have the following terms: (i) matures 18 months from commencement of trading of the Resulting Issuer Shares on the CSE; (ii) 10% interest per annum and payable on maturity; (iii) convertible at $0.20 per unit, with each unit comprised of one share and 0.6 warrant, with each full warrant exercisable into a share at $0.40 per share for two years from the issue date of the convertible debenture; and, (iv) forced conversion of the convertible debenture if the shares close higher than $0.40 per share for 10 consecutive trading days. Optimind shall have a minimum of $1,750,000 in cash on closing of the Transaction.

Completion of the Transaction is subject to a number of conditions, including but not limited to, acceptance of the CSE and TSXV. There can be no assurance that the Transaction will be completed as proposed or at all. The TSXV has in no way passed upon the merits of the proposed Transaction and has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this press release.

This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any of the securities in the United States. The securities have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act") or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to or for the account or benefit of U.S. Persons unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws or an exemption from such registration is available.

About Optimind Pharma

Optimind pharma is a Canadian pharmaceutical company in the psychedelics space with two key business verticals 1) Clinic Model: Optimind has developed a clinic based business model for psychedelic assisted psychotherapy for the treatment of depression, anxiety, and PTSD. 2) Partnership with First Nations: Optimind has set up a joint venture with Manitari Pharma, an Indigenous owned pharmaceutical company, to help bring awareness to the benefits of psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy and advocate for federal approvals to treat depression and anxiety which remains a disproportionately large issue for the indigenous community. Manitari Pharma corporation operates under the guidance of the Navigator Program which ensures the fair treatment of Indigenous business relations. The company has a 1,300 square foot facility and bonded excise warehouse on six acres of land in Kanesatake by the Ottawa River and as part of the joint venture, has applied for psilocybin dealer's license with Health Canada.

For further information, please contact:

Loon Energy Corporation

Harvey McKenzie, Chief Financial Officer

Email: hhhmckenzie@outlook.com

Telephone: 416-400-8003

Optimind Pharma Inc.

For more information, visit: www.optimindpharma.com

Contact information: Tomas Sipos, CEO of Optimind Pharma - tdsipos@gmail.com

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements and forward-looking information (collectively, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Any statements that are contained in this press release that are not statements of historical fact may be deemed to be forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are often identified by terms such as "may", "should", "anticipate", "will", "estimates", "believes", "intends" "expects" and similar expressions which are intended to identify forward-looking statements. More particularly and without limitation, this press release contains forward looking statements concerning the Transaction, the consolidation, the Concurrent Financing, the expected composition of the board of directors of the Company upon completion of the Transaction, the completion and timing of the application to the CSE in respect of the Transaction, the ability of the Company and Optimind to meet the conditions of the Transaction in the required timeframes, and obtaining the necessary exemptions and approvals from the TSXV and CSE or other regulatory bodies. The Company cautions that all forward-looking statements are inherently uncertain, and that actual performance may be affected by a number of material factors, assumptions and expectations, many of which are beyond the control of the Company and Optimind, including expectations and assumptions concerning the Company, Optimind, the Transaction, the timely receipt of all required shareholder and regulatory approvals (as applicable), including the acceptance of the TSXV and the CSE, the satisfaction of other closing conditions in accordance with the terms of the Definitive Agreement. The reader is cautioned that assumptions used in the preparation of any forward-looking statements may prove to be incorrect. Events or circumstances may cause actual results to differ materially from those predicted as a result of numerous known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of the Company. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements. Such information, although considered reasonable by management at the time of preparation, may prove to be incorrect and actual results may differ materially from those anticipated. Forward-looking statements contained in this press release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are made as of the date of this press release, and the Company does not undertake any obligation to update publicly or to revise any of the included forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as expressly required by securities law.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

THIS NEWS RELEASE IS NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWSWIRE SERVICES FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/108410
Thunder Bay, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - December 23, 2021) - Metals Creek Resources Corp. (TSXV: MEK) (OTCQB: MCREF) (FRA:M1C1) (the "Company" or Metals Creek) is pleased to announce that the company has closed a non-brokered private placement of flow-through units (the "Private Placement").

The company has raised aggregate proceeds of $1,009,140 by issuing 4,587,000 flow-through units at 22 cents per unit, with each flow-through unit consisting of one flow-through common share and one common share purchase warrant. Each warrant will entitle the holder to purchase one non-flow-through share of at an exercise price of $0.30 for 36 months from the date of issuance. Issuer will have the option to accelerate warrant expiration, 30 days from notice date, if common shares trade at or above $0.45 for 60 consecutive trading days. All securities issued pursuant to the Financing are subject to a four-month and one day hold period. No cash finders' fees or finders' warrants were paid in connection with this financing. The flow-through shares entitle holders to receive the tax benefits applicable to flow-through shares, in accordance with provisions of the Income Tax Act (Canada).

Alexander (Sandy) Stares, states, "We are delighted to have Cordillera Minerals 2021 Flow-Through Limited Partnership participate in this financing. Proceeds from this financing will be used to further advance the Companies two flagship properties, the Ogden Gold Project and the Dona Lake Gold Project."

About Metals Creek Resources Corp.

Metals Creek Resources Corp. is a junior exploration company incorporated under the laws of the Province of Ontario, is a reporting issuer in Alberta, British Columbia and Ontario, and has its common shares listed for trading on the Exchange under the symbol "MEK". Metals Creek has earned a 50% interest in the Ogden Gold Property from Newmont Corporation, including the former Naybob Gold mine, located 6 km south of Timmins, Ontario and has an 8 km strike length of the prolific Porcupine-Destor Fault (P-DF). In addition, Metals Creek has signed an agreement with Newmont Corporation, where Metals Creek can earn a 100% interest in the past producing Dona Lake Gold Project in the Pickle Lake Mining District of Ontario.

Metals Creek also has multiple quality projects available for option in Ontario and Newfoundland which can be viewed on the Company's website. Parties interested in seeking more information about properties available for option can contact the Company at the number below.

Additional information concerning the Company is contained in documents filed by the Company with securities regulators, available under its profile at www.sedar.com.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Alexander (Sandy) Stares, President and CEO

Metals Creek Resources Corp

telephone: (709)-256-6060

fax: (709)-256-6061

email: astares@metalscreek.com

MetalsCreek.com

Twitter.com/MetalsCreekRes

Facebook.com/MetalsCreek

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/108449
Natuzzi S.p.A. (NYSE: NTZ) ("Natuzzi" or the "Company" and, together with its subsidiaries, the "Group") announced today the resignation of its Chief Financial Officer, Mr. Vittorio Notarpietro, to pursue other opportunities outside the Global Furniture Industry. The effective date of Mr. Notarpietro's resignation, which is still under determination, is expected to occur within the second half of January 2022.

The Company has already commenced an active search for a new Chief Financial Officer and is committed to find a profile that can continue to support the Group's retail and brand transformation currently ongoing.

The Company and Mr. Notarpietro have agreed that Mr. Notarpietro will continue to act as the Company's Chief Financial Officer until the effective date of his resignation in order to ensure an orderly transition. The Company will provide details of the interim organizational structure of its accounting and finance department to be effective immediately upon the effective date of Mr. Notarpietro's resignation once such date has been determined and is disclosed.

The Company thanks Mr. Notarpietro for his invaluable service and contributions over 20 years of employment with the Company and wishes him all the best in his future endeavors.

About Natuzzi S.p.A.

Founded in 1959 by Pasquale Natuzzi, Natuzzi S.p.A. is one of the most renowned brands in the production and distribution of design and luxury furniture. With a global retail network of 616 mono-brand stores and 567 galleries as of September 30, 2021, Natuzzi distributes its collections worldwide. Natuzzi products embed the finest spirit of Italian design and the unique craftmanship details of the "Made in Italy", where a predominant part of its production takes place. Natuzzi has been listed on the New York Stock Exchange since May 13, 1993. Always committed to social responsibility and environmental sustainability, Natuzzi S.p.A. is ISO 9001 and 14001 certified (Quality and Environment), ISO 45001 certified (Safety on the Workplace) and FSC certified (Forest Stewardship Council).

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211223005431/en/

Contacts:

Natuzzi Investor Relations

Piero Direnzo tel. +39.080.8820.812 pdirenzo@natuzzi.com



Natuzzi Corporate Communication

Vito Basile (Press Office) tel. +39.080.8820.676 vbasile@natuzzi.com
MONTREAL, QC / ACCESSWIRE / December 23, 2021 / Vior Inc. ("Vior" or the "Corporation"), (TSXV:VIO)(FRANKFURT: VL51) is pleased to announce that it has completed the closing of a non-brokered private placement by issuing a total of 1,724,519 Quebec flow-through common shares at $0.29 per share and 1,253,335 National flow-through common shares at $0.24 per share, for total gross proceeds of $800,910. The securities issued in the private placement are subject to a restricted hold period of four (4) months and a day, expiring on April 23, 2022.

Vior will use the private placement proceeds to fund exploration work on its Quebec properties, primarily at its flagship Belleterre gold project, located in the Abitibi-Temiscamingue region.

The Insiders' participation for $100,800 is exempt from the formal valuation and minority shareholder approval requirements provided under Regulation 61-101 respecting Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("Regulation 61-101") in accordance with Sections 5.5(a) and 5.7(1)(a) of Regulation 61-101. The exemption is based on the fact that neither the fair market value of the private placement, nor the consideration paid by such Insiders exceeds 25% of the market capitalization of the Corporation.

In connection with the private placement, Vior paid cash finder's fees of $27,007 and issued non-transferable compensation warrants entitling the finder to acquire 77,586 common shares of Vior at a price of $0.29 per share until December 22, 2023. These finders were arm's length third parties of Vior.

Upon closing of the closing of the private placement, there are now 81,249,749 common shares of Vior issued and outstanding. The private placement was carried out pursuant to prospectus exemptions of applicable securities laws and is subject to final approval by the TSX Venture Exchange.

Mark Fedosiewich, President and CEO, comments: "We are pleased to report that excellent progress is being made with our inaugural drill program at our flagship Belleterre gold project. We will be providing our shareholders and friends with our President's Letter in the first days of January to highlight our accomplishments in 2021 along with our exciting plans for 2022.

The Vior Team extends to all of its shareholders and friends its Best Wishes for the Holiday Season and a Healthy, Happy and Prosperous 2022!"

About Vior

Vior is a hybrid junior mining exploration company based in Quebec, whose Corporate strategy is to generate, explore and develop high-quality projects in proven and favourable mining jurisdictions in North America. Through the years, Vior's management and technical teams have demonstrated their ability to discover several gold deposits and many high-quality mineral prospects.

For further information, please contact:

Mark Fedosiewich

President and CEO

Tel.: 613-898-5052

mfedosiewich@vior.ca

Laurent Eustache

Executive Vice-President

Tel.: 514-442-7707

leustache@vior.ca

Web Site: www.vior.ca

SEDAR: Vior Inc

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains forward-looking statements. All statements, other than of historical facts, that address activities, events or developments that the Corporation believes, expects or anticipates will or may occur in the future including, without limitation, the planned exploration program on the Belleterre project, the expected positive exploration results, the timing of the exploration results, the ability of the Corporation to continue with the exploration program, the availability of the required funds to continue with the exploration and the approval from the Ministere de l'energie et des ressources naturelles ("MERN") of the request for abandonment of the two mining concessions filed by 9293-0122 Quebec Inc. are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are generally identifiable by use of the words "will", "should", "continue", "expect", "anticipate", "estimate", "believe", "intend", "to earn", "to have', "plan" and "project" or the negative of these words or other variations on these words or comparable terminology. Forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the Corporation's ability to control or predict, that may cause the actual results of the Corporation to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from current expectations include, among other things, failure to meet expected, estimated or planned exploration expenditures, the possibility that future exploration results will not be consistent with the Corporation's expectations, general business and economic conditions, changes in world gold markets, sufficient labour and equipment being available, changes in laws and permitting requirements, unanticipated weather changes, title disputes and claims, environmental risks, the refusal by the MERN to approve the request for abandonment of the two mining concessions held by 9293-0122 Quebec Inc. as well as those risks identified in the Corporation's annual Management's Discussion and Analysis. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should assumptions underlying the forward-looking statements prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described and accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Although the Corporation has attempted to identify important risks, uncertainties and factors that could cause actual results to differ materially, there may be others that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. The Corporation does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update these forward-looking statements except as otherwise required by applicable law.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its regulation services provider (as that term is defined in the Policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

SOURCE: Vior, Inc.

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/679438/Vior-Announces-Closing-of-Private-Placement
Sequel, a San Francisco, CA-based startup engineering health and wellness experiences for women starting with a leakage-preventing tampon, raised $5m in seed funding.

MaC VC, Pear Accelerator, Long Journey Ventures, Ulu Ventures, Graph Ventures and other strategic angels, including Cyan Banister and Nurx CEO Varsha Rao, contributed to this round.

The company intends to use the funds to bring its first novel product to market.

Led by Greta Meyer, CEO, and Amanda Calabrese, COO, both Stanford product design engineering students and elite athletes, Sequel is engineering health and wellness experiences for women starting with a leakage-preventing tampon that relies on a proprietary, fluid-mechanically-efficient design.

With two granted patents and three patents pending, the companys proprietary spiral design absorbs fluid evenly and wont leak before its full.

The team spent a year in research and development to invent their new-and-improved tampon. They tested the product on the bench and with early beta testers, and built out an all-new manufacturing method. They are preparing to submit for FDA clearance in the new year and take the product to market in 2022. Sequel is also working with star gymnast, artist and activist, Katelyn Ohashi as a creative advisor.

FinSMEs

23/12/2021
Linn County has released details of its latest mass vaccination effort, which will be coordinated at the Linn County Fair & Expo Center in Albany. The large clinics will resume on Jan. 4.

The need to resume large-scale vaccinations  both for initial doses and boosters  has been emphasized by both the Oregon Health Authority and Linn County Public Health as a way of avoiding a surge of COVID-19 cases brought on by the omicron variant.

With the arrival of the omicron variant of COVID-19, commissioners Roger Nyquist, Sherrie Sprenger and Will Tucker directed Public Health Director Todd Noble and Fair & Expo Center manager Randy Porter to develop a plan that focuses on where and when large-scale vaccination clinics can be held, a county news release says.

The county put a plan together to hold mass clinics at the fairgrounds, 3700 Knox Butte Road, for three weeks in January. The dates of the clinics are Jan. 4 through Jan. 7, Jan. 10 through Jan. 14, and Jan. 17 through Jan. 19. Each days event will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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All three brands of the coronavirus vaccine will be available. No appointment is needed and folks can come to secure first, second or third-dose booster shots.

The OHA and federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention both say that it doesnt matter which dose you receive for a booster  Pfizer recipients can receive a Moderna booster and vice versa. Johnson & Johnson recipients, however, are encouraged to get boosted with another brand because its believed that immunity wanes faster for the single-dose vaccine.

People are eligible for a booster dose six months after their second dose, or two months after their J&J shot. Booster doses are not available for people younger than 16. Linn County says it will not have doses for children ages 5-11.

Benton County will also be holding vaccine clinics in the coming weeks.

The Corvallis Boys & Girls Club, 1112 NW Circle Blvd, will be hosting a pediatric vaccination clinic from 2 to 6 p.m. Jan. 9 and Jan. 30. Doses are only available to people aged 5 to 17.

There will also be a pediatric vaccine clinic at Cheldelin Middle School, 987 NE Conifer Blvd. in Corvallis, on Jan. 14 and Feb. 4. The clinics run from 3 to 7 p.m. both days and is only providing Pfizer vaccines to eligible individuals who are 17 years old or younger.

Philomath High School will host a pediatric clinic from 4 to 7:30 p.m. Jan. 10 and Jan. 31. The high school is at 2054 Applegate St.

The Alsea School at 301 S. Third St. will host a vaccination clinic from 4 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Jan. 11 and Feb. 1. The clinic is for anyone 5 or older.

Finally, Monroe High School, 365 N. Fifth St., will host a clinic for those aged 5 or older from 3 to 7:30 p.m. Jan. 12 and Feb. 2.

Appointments are not necessary at any of these clinics and vaccines are free. You do not need proof of insurance to receive a vaccine.

Troy Shinn covers healthcare, natural resources and Linn County government. He can be reached at 541-812-6114 or troy.shinn@lee.net. He can be found on Twitter at @troydshinn.

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Oregon is poised to receive nearly $45 million from the Federal Emergency Management Administration to help repair power lines and clear debris thats left over from the 2020 Labor Day fires.

The announcement came from Oregons two U.S. Senators, Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley, in a news release this week.

Damaged power lines and widespread debris continues to stall the recovery of Santiam Canyon from the devastating Labor Day wildfires, Merkley said in a statement. I am pleased that federal funding will help address these concerns for Oregon families and move the region one step closer towards full recovery. I will continue to advocate for federal resources that boost our wildfire resiliency and help prevent future disasters from taking place.

The Oregon Department of Transportation will receive $44.68 million for commercial property debris removal. The agency has already spent millions clearing fallen trees and cleaning other debris, particularly along state highways. Initial estimates by ODOT peg the total cost of cleanup at $622 million.

The wildfires damaged more than 1,500 commercial properties in Detroit, Gates, Lyons, Mehama and Mill City. These structures include commercial mobile home parks, rental properties, recreational vehicle parks and other local businesses.

Consumers Power Inc., which services the Santiam Canyon, will receive the other $4.68 million from FEMA for repairs to power lines damaged in the fires. This includes replacing wooden poles with fiberglass, replacing damaged transformers and undergrounding power lines where applicable. Undergrounding means putting the live wires below ground rather than hanging from poles above ground.

Damaged wires hanging from poles can increase the risk of a fires spread, or even lead to new fires. The news of this extra federal money comes after a class-action lawsuit was filed against PacifiCorp, the utility company that owns Pacific Power, by tenants of more than 2,500 properties damaged by the fires.

The lawsuit alleges that the utility companys lines started several of the fires that damaged properties in September 2020 and that the company was negligent in its duty to prevent further property damage.

An investigation, paid for by the parties suing the company, alleged earlier this year that the company failed to maintain vegetation around their power lines and failed to act fast to the extreme weather conditions that exacerbated the fires spread.

PacifiCorp denies wrongdoing and attributed hazardous weather conditions for why the fires spread so quickly. Winds were clocked at 106 mph during the worst of the storms that contributed to the conflagration, from Sept. 7 through Sept. 10, 2020.

Troy Shinn covers healthcare, natural resources and Linn County government. He can be reached at 541-812-6114 or troy.shinn@lee.net. He can be found on Twitter at @troydshinn.

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Anita Sullivan combines her love for wholesome, delicious desserts with her passion for writing in Nutritious Desserts: Poems & Recipes.

Sullivan lives in the mid-Willamette Valley and, in addition to writing poetry and baking desserts, has operated her own piano-tuning business for nearly 30 years. She earned a Master of Fine Arts degree in poetry from Pacific Lutheran University.

The 28-page book includes 11 recipes and nine poems. Sullivan emphasizes that it is possible to enjoy delectable desserts without putting on the pounds and feeling guilty about it.

Therefore, the desserts in this slim volume  despite being actual food, designed to add to the meal instead of canceling it out  are so delicious that you cant help but lapse into euphoria when you ingest them, she writes.

The recipes are not your run-of-the-mill cookie and cake variety, but rather eye-catching, like Maine silk pie, tahini chocolate chip cookies, tofu chocolate cake and apricot pie, to name a few.

Her recipes are not for everybody  you have to be willing to close your eyes and take a lick of faith into these culinary creations. While some might turn up their nose at the thought of a tofu mousse, Sullivan challenges her readers to trust the process and try something new.

All of the ingredients she uses are organic and minimally processed. She describes her recipes as a starting place and encourages people to put their own spin on things.

Her poetry is at times nostalgic, other times silly, and sometimes both. One thing thats clear is her love for food and her unique perspective on baking. The way she earnestly describes simple foods such as bananas and applesauce shows how she thinks of these ingredients as much more than kitchen staples.

Sullivans book is available for purchase at Grass Roots Books & Music in Corvallis.

Joanna Mann covers education for Mid-Valley Media. She can be contacted at 541-812-6076 or Joanna.Mann@lee.net. Follow her on Twitter via @joanna_mann_.

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MINNEAPOLIS (AP)  Jurors on Thursday convicted a suburban Minneapolis police officer of two manslaughter charges in the killing of Daunte Wright, a Black motorist she shot during a traffic stop after she said she confused her gun for her Taser.

The mostly white jury deliberated for about four days before finding former Brooklyn Center officer Kim Potter guilty of first-degree and second-degree manslaughter. Potter, 49, faces about seven years in prison on the most serious count under the state's sentencing guidelines, but prosecutors said they would seek a longer term.

Judge Regina Chu ordered Potter taken into custody and held without bail and scheduled her to be sentenced on Feb. 18.

Potter, who testified that she "didn't want to hurt anybody," looked down without showing any visible reaction when the verdicts were read. As Chu thanked the jury, Potter made the sign of the cross.

Potter's attorneys argued against her being held with no bail, saying she was not going to commit another crime or go anywhere.

"Her remorse and regret for the incident is overwhelming," Potter attorney Paul Engh argued. "She's not a danger to the public whatsoever."

Chu rejected their arguments.

"I cannot treat this case any differently than any other case," she said.

Potter, who is white, shot and killed the 20-year-old Wright during an April 11 traffic stop in Brooklyn Center as she and other officers were trying to arrest him on an outstanding warrant for a weapons possession charge. The shooting happened at a time of high tension in the area, with former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin standing trial just miles away for the killing of George Floyd. Potter resigned two days later.

Jurors saw video of the shooting that was captured by police body cameras and dashcams. It showed Potter and an officer she was training, Anthony Luckey, pull over Wright for having expired license plate tags and an air freshener hanging from his rear-view mirror. During the stop, Luckey discovered there was a warrant for Wright's arrest for not appearing in court on the weapons possession charge, and he, Potter and another officer went to take Wright into custody.

Wright obeyed Luckey's order to get out of his car, but as Luckey tried to handcuff him, Wright pulled away and got back in. As Luckey held onto Wright, Potter said "I'll tase ya." The video then shows Potter holding her gun in her right hand and pointing it at Wright. Again, Potter said, "I'll tase you," and then two seconds later: "Taser, Taser, Taser." One second later, she fired a single bullet into Wright's chest.

"(Expletive)! I just shot him. ... I grabbed the wrong (expletive) gun," Potter said. A minute later, she said: "I'm going to go to prison."

In sometimes tearful testimony, Potter told jurors that she was "sorry it happened." She said the traffic stop "just went chaotic" and that she shouted her warning about the Taser after she saw a look of fear on the face of Sgt. Mychal Johnson, who was leaning into the passenger-side door of Wright's car. She also told jurors that she doesn't remember what she said or everything that happened after the shooting, as much of her memory of those moments "is missing."

Potter's lawyers argued that she made a mistake by drawing her gun instead of her Taser. But they also said she would have been justified in using deadly force if she had meant to because Johnson was at risk of being dragged.

Prosecutors sought to raise doubts about Potter's testimony that she decided to act after seeing fear on Johnson's face. Prosecutor Erin Eldridge, in cross-examination, pointed out that in an interview with a defense expert Potter said she didn't know why she decided to draw her Taser. During her closing argument, Eldridge also replayed Potter's body-camera video that she said never gave a clear view of Johnson's face during the key moments.

Eldridge also downplayed testimony from some other officers who described Potter as a good person or said they saw nothing wrong in her actions: "The defendant has found herself in trouble and her police family has her back."

Prosecutors also got Potter to agree that she didn't plan to use deadly force. They said Potter, an experienced officer with extensive training in Taser use and use of deadly force, acted recklessly and betrayed the badge.

For first-degree manslaughter, prosecutors had to prove that Potter caused Wright's death while committing a misdemeanor  in this case, the "reckless handling or use of a firearm so as to endanger the safety of another with such force and violence that death or great bodily harm to any person was reasonably foreseeable."

The second-degree manslaughter charge required prosecutors to prove that Potter caused Wright's death "by her culpable negligence," meaning she "caused an unreasonable risk and consciously took a chance of causing death or great bodily harm" to Wright while using or possessing a firearm.

Under Minnesota law, defendants are sentenced only on the most serious conviction if multiple counts involve the same act and the same victim. Prosecutors had said they would seek to prove aggravating factors that merit what's called an upward departure from sentencing guidelines. In Potter's case, they alleged that her actions were a danger to others, including her fellow officers, to Wright's passenger and to the couple whose car was struck by Wright's after the shooting. They also alleged she abused her authority as a police officer.

The maximum for 1st-degree manslaughter is 15 years.

___

Bauer reported from Madison, Wisconsin.

___

Find the AP's full coverage of the Daunte Wright case: https://apnews.com/hub/death-of-daunte-wright

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Sydney, Dec. 15, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Just released, this edition of BuddeComm report outlines the latest developments and key trends in the telecoms markets. - https://www.budde.com.au/Research/Benin-Telecoms-Mobile-and-Broadband-Statistics-and-Analyses/?utm_source=GNW





These networks also account for most voice calls and data traffic.



MTN Benin and Moovhave operated a duopoly in the mobile sector since 2018, when other players in the market failed. Following the end of one of these, Libercom (once a subsidiary of Benin Telecoms), the government transferred the former assets of Benin Telecoms Infrastructures to the state-owned infrastructure company SBIN.



In early 2020, the government directed that SBIN should enter the mobile sector, partly making up for the loss of Libercom. The move redefined the role of SBIN within a restructured telecom market. A process to offer fourth new licence was started in mid-2021. The new network operator must have experience in telecoms and must also be independent of MTN Group and Etisalat/Maroc Telecom, the owners of the current active MNOs.



Key developments:



Sonatel granted five-year contract to manage the infrastructure provider SBIN and develop mobile services;



Government initiates process to licence a new MNO, secures $40 million loan to begin a fibre network project covering four departments;



Government launches a national interoperability platform for its smart government (Smart Gouv) program;



MTN Benin extends managed services partnership with Ericsson;



Orange commissions new connection from the ACE submarine cable, connecting Benin with Tenerife;



Report update includes the regulators market data to June 2021, telcos operating data to Q3 2021, Telecom Maturity Index charts and analyses, assessment of the global impact of covid-19 on the telecoms sector, recent market developments.






English French

Voltalia (Euronext Paris, ISIN code: FR0011995588), an international player in renewable energies, and CNES (Centre National d'Etudes Spatiales), the landowner of the Guiana Space Centre, have announced the launch of a photovoltaic power plant project.

Voltalia has won the tender launched by the French space agency CNES to build a 5-hectare photovoltaic park with a capacity of 4.2 megawatts at the Kourou space base.

CNES is financing the construction of the plant, which will cost 5 million and benefit from the French Recovery Plan. The solar power plant is expected to be operational by June 2023.

The project is part of a larger green program of the Kourou space base, which will eventually include two photovoltaic farms and two biomass plants to supply green electricity and cooling for the Guiana Space Center (CSG). The CSG's goal is to be 90% powered by renewable energy by 2030. These projects will enable it to make only marginal of the Guiana EDF network, which currently consumes about 15% of annual electricity production. In total, these investments will reduce CSG's electricity bill by 25%.

The CSG energy transition plan also includes the renovation and construction of more efficient buildings, as well as the greening of propellants used by launchers.

The Guiana Space Center is demonstrating its strong commitment to the energy transition, to optimizing its consumption and to pursuing an ambitious low-carbon path. We are very proud to support the CSG and to contribute our know-how and skills to the construction of this forward-looking photovoltaic plant, said Sebastien Clerc, CEO of Voltalia.

More information about the Guiana Space Center

The Guiana Space Center (CSG), Europe's spaceport, has been operational since 1968 and is funded by the 22 member states of the European Space Agency (ESA). Located in French Guiana, CSG is the launch pad for Ariane 5, Soyuz and Vega rockets. The CSG's energy transition is part of the process of modernizing its facilities to remain competitive, reliable, flexible and responsive, and to accommodate new vehicles: Ariane 6, Vega-C, future reusable launchers and micro-launchers.

www.centrespatialguyanais.fr

About CNES

CNES (Centre National d'Etudes Spatiales) is the public establishment in charge of proposing French space policy to the government and implementing it within Europe. It designs and launches satellites and invents the space systems of tomorrow, and promotes the emergence of new services that are useful in everyday life.

CNES, created in 1961, is at the origin of major space projects, launchers and satellites, and is the natural interlocutor of the industry to push innovation. CNES has nearly 2,400 employees, men and women who are passionate about space, which opens up infinite fields of application and innovation, and is active in five areas: Ariane, science, observation, telecommunications and defense. CNES is a major player in technological innovation, economic development and industrial policy in France. It also forges scientific partnerships and is involved in numerous international cooperative ventures. France, represented by CNES, is one of the main contributors to the European Space Agency (ESA).CNES is the landowner of the Guiana Space Center (CSG), Europe's spaceport, and has a twofold mission: to maintain it in operational condition and to modernize its facilities for the arrival of Ariane 6, Vega-C and future vehicles. At CSG, CNES is in charge of overall coordination of operations at the launch pad, satellite reception, launcher tracking and protection of people, property and the environment.

About Voltalia (www.voltalia.com)

Voltalia is an international player in the renewable energy sector. The Group produces and sells electricity generated from wind, solar, hydraulic, biomass and storage facilities that it owns and operates. Voltalia has generating capacity in operation and under construction of more than 1.7 GW and a portfolio of projects under development representing total capacity of 10.7 GW.

Voltalia is also a service provider and supports its investor clients in renewable energy projects during all phases, from design to operation and maintenance.

As a pioneer in the corporate market, Voltalia provides a global offer to private companies, ranging from the supply of green electricity and energy efficiency services to the local production of their own electricity.

The Group has more than 1,230 employees and is present in 20 countries on 3 continents and is able to act worldwide on behalf of its clients.

Voltalia is listed on the regulated market of Euronext Paris, compartment B (FR0011995588  VLTSA) and is part of the Enternext Tech 40 and CAC Mid & Small indices. The Group is also included in the Gaia-Index, an index for socially responsible midcaps

Voltalia

Loan Duong, Directrice Communication & IR Investor Relations : invest@voltalia.com

T. +33 (0)7 63 79 60 20

l.duong@voltalia.com

Attachment
SYDNEY, Australia, Dec. 22, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- We are advised by MODA DAO that journalists and other readers should disregard the news release, MODA DAO Partners With Filecoin to Bring 2000 Years' Worth of Music Streaming to the Blockchain issued December 16, 2021, over GlobeNewswire.
English Japanese

TOKYO, Dec. 23, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Amazon Web Services (AWS) and global consulting firm, Slalom, today announced Japans first AWS | Slalom Launch Center (launch center) to help maximize value, align priorities, and accelerate outcomes for Japanese organizations by accelerating their cloud migration and modernizing their IT services.



In December 2019, AWS and Slalom announced a multi-year, global, Strategic Collaboration Agreement (SCA) to establish Launch Centers around the world. This Japanese Launch Center is the first in a non-English speaking country and joins locations in Atlanta, Chicago, Seattle and Australia. It strengthens Slaloms existing relationship as an AWS Premier Consulting Partner globally.

The Launch Center uniquely combines AWS Professional Services, a global team of AWS experts who help customers reach their desired outcomes with the cloud, with Slaloms business transformation, software engineering, and analytics capabilities to help customers achieve optimized, cloud-based operating models.

The Launch Center will provide a variety of offerings, including expediting customer migration to AWS, and a customized approach to help organizations drive productivity, improve customer experience, and leverage data and analytics. This model enables customers to reap the benefits of working directly with experts in a secure, immersive, and collaborative environment that drives a culture of innovation and learning as they derive the benefits from moving to the cloud.

A physical office location will be unveiled in Tokyo next year, with the Launch Center operating virtually to customers across the country for now due to COVID-19 workplace restrictions in Japan. Slalom launched in Japan earlier this year, a move that will bring 250 new jobs to the region over the next two years. The company aims to help local businesses with digital transformation and technology solutions, specializing in areas such as business transformation, cloud architecture, product engineering, data modernization, and analytics.

Slalom Japan Country Managing Director, Ko Asami said: While Japan is adopting cloud platform, only a handful of organizations benefit from structural transformation of their core businesses. The recently published DX Report 2.1 by the Ministry of Economy which describes the future of digital industry and the direction of organization transformation that highlights 'adopting digital capabilities to create value with connecting the eco system and customers'. Combining AWS's advanced cloud platform with Slalom's digital native capability and experience provides Japanese companies with 'competitive' digital transformation.

AWS Head of Partner Success Asia Pacific and Japan, Corrie Briscoe said: Enterprises are looking to achieve their target business outcomes faster by transitioning to a modern, optimized, cloud-based model. This Launch Center will help local organizations to quickly transition their infrastructure, workforce, processes, and applications to the cloud, in a unique and immersive environment. Through this joint collaboration, our aim is to equip organizations with the tools to make the transition to the cloud, with the confidence of having Slaloms proven consulting and technical skills and AWSs leading cloud services and migration experience supporting them. We are pleased to expand our relationship with Slalom and collaborate to transform Japanese organizations as they modernize their systems, increase efficiency, and drive innovation leveraging AWS.

About Slalom:

Slalom is a global consulting firm focused on strategy, technology, and business transformation. In 41 markets around the world, Slalom's teams have autonomy to move fast and do what's right. They are backed by regional innovation hubs, a global culture of collaboration, and partnerships with the world's top technology providers. Founded in 2001 and headquartered in Seattle, Slalom has organically grown to over 11,000 employees. Slalom has been named one of Fortune's 100 Best Companies to Work For six years running and is regularly recognized by employees as a best place to work. Learn more at slalom.com.

Slalom

press@slalom.com
NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO UNITED STATES NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES



VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Dec. 22, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ExGen Resources Inc. (TSX.V: EXG; OTC: BXXRF) (ExGen, the Company) is pleased to provide an update in respect of the DOK property optioned by Mountain Boy Minerals Ltd. (TSX.V: MTB) (Mountain Boy) in May 2021. Under the terms of the option agreement Mountain Boy may earn a 60% interest in the DOK copper-gold porphyry property located approximately 40 kilometres southwest of Telegraph Creek, in northwest British Columbia, Canada. The DOK Property consists of approximately 10,669 hectares, and forms part of Mountain Boys Telegraph project.



The Telegraph project (24,494-hectare/244 square kilometre) is located in BCs Golden Triangle, in the vicinity of several large porphyry deposits including Galore Creek (Teck - Newmont), Schaft Creek (Teck - Copper Fox), Big Red (Libero Copper and Gold), Saddle and Saddle North (Newmont) and the operating Red Chris copper-gold mine (Newcrest - Imperial Metals).

The following program highlights were provided by Mountain Boy:

Collected 69 surface rock samples

Collected 157 soil samples

Collected 80 drill core samples from DOK2014-01 for SWIR analysis by Farhad Bouzari at MDRU. The samples will be further analysed and included in the TGI-6 study by Chris Lawley at the GSC

The Phase I work was based out of Telegraph Creek; crew flew to site daily.

The Phase 2 2 work based out of Glenora; crew flew to site daily

Work focused initially at evaluating the 2014 drilling and on the Main Zone, followed by more reconnaissance work further afield.

Mountain Boy noted:

Highlights from exploration on the DOK option of the Telegraph Project include 9 high grade copper samples, all above 0.6% copper and assaying up to 17.95% copper, 199 grams per tonne silver, and 314 ppb gold, taken from the southeastern portion of the optioned ground. This area is considered a new highly prospective showing on the project. The new showing occurs immediately eastern of a known soil geochemical anomaly, referred to as the Red Creek anomaly.

Two samples taken from the DOK Main showing returned favourable values, the first sample assayed 0.47% copper with 634 grams per tonne silver, 247 ppb gold, 24.6% lead and 25.7% zinc. The second sample assayed 5.58% copper, 56.9 grams per tonne silver, 2.37 grams per tonne gold.

A single sample taken from the Red Creek Zone assayed 1.41 % coper, 156 grams per tonne silver, and 105 ppb gold.

A sample taken on the ridge to the southeast of the DOK Main, towards the Red Creek zone assayed 0.75% copper, 1.314 grams per tonne gold and 12.6 grams per tonne silver.

Sample line DOK-L1 is a contoured soil line to the southeast of the DOK Main soil grid which resulted in a copper and gold in soil anomaly that extends over 300 metres and yielded two samples highly anomalous in copper, including 1.41% and 0.14% copper.

Two contour soil lines (DOK-L3 and DOK-L4) were collected in the Red Creek basin, immediately east of the historic copper and gold soil geochemistry grid. These two lines extend the known anomaly 175 metres to the northeast. This extension yielded gold in soils values up to 1905 ppb and copper in soils up to 2.01%. Samples that assayed over 500 ppm copper occur over 200 metres of the contour line L3. From lines L3 and L4, 43 of 78 samples grade over 250 ppm copper. The newly discovered zone, defined by the 9 high grade copper surface samples occurs 550 metres east of the furthest east soil anomaly in the Red Creek basin.

These results, integrated with historic results, continue to enhance the porphyry copper-gold potential of this extensive property.

Work next field season will focus on testing identified targets and is also expected to generate new gold-copper targets in this large and fertile mineralized system.

2021 Field Program

The initial objective of field work was to ground-truth a number of the historic showings and to evaluate the 2014 drill core. During the second phase of exploration, the field crew re-visited areas of interest and explored new parts of the property.

The findings from field work further confirm the presence of a large copper-gold porphyry system and outlined new prospective areas for further exploration.

Much of the historic work was centered on the DOK Main Zone. A significant new discovery, approximately three kilometres southeast of the DOK Main Zone, produced 19 surface samples that assayed 0.5% copper and greater. The new zone is traceable over 400 meters and assayed up to 17.9% copper (sample E075465). This new zone straddles what historically would have been two separate claim blocks and is on the margin of a known soil geochemistry anomaly in steep terrain. Table 1 below includes the highlights from surface samples and Figure 1 is a map showing the copper assays from the 2021 surface samples.

A second new zone of interest was discovered a kilometer from the above-mentioned zone, along the same south easterly trend. This zone also yielded several samples over 1% copper.

During the first phase of field work, in addition to mapping and prospecting, samples from the 2014 drill core and surface samples were selected for more detailed analysis. An analytical technique known as short wave near infrared (SWIR) was applied by Dr. Farhad Bouzari from MDRU (Mineral Deposits Research Unit, at the University of British Columbia). The objective of this analysis is to identify the alteration minerals present and characterize the style of mineralization. Initial results from the SWIR analysis confirm the presence of porphyry-style alteration and suggest that multiple hydrothermal systems have altered and mineralized the

On-going Work

Samples from the Telegraph project (80 drill core and 43 surface samples) have been included in a Federal Government funded research program known as a Targeted Geoscience Initiative (TGI-6). Dr. Christopher Lawley is a gold metallogenist and geochemist who has been working with the Geological Survey of Canada (GSC) since 2012. Last summer, the Targeted Geoscience Initiative (TGI) program was renewed with a particular focus on critical raw materials.

Research will focus initially on the concentrations of Re, Bi, Te, Se, and PGE in porphyry and epithermal mineral systems in the Golden Triangle, which remain poorly understood because of their complexity and the superposition of many mineralizing events. Copper is included in this study as it is also defined as a critical metal. This research is being conducted in collaboration with the British Columbia Geological Survey and at MDRU UBC. Preliminary results from this are anticipated in the new year.

This research has practical applications in identifying ore controls and ore guides, which helps efficiently target ongoing exploration.

Additional samples collected in the second phase of exploration are being sent in for SWIR analysis. Results and interpretation of these data will be integrated with the other available data (geochemistry, geophysics, radiometric) to help evolve understanding of the mineralization. Maps and data can be viewed at: https://mountainboyminerals.ca/news-releases/mountain-boy-confirms-porphyry-copper-gold-mineralization-finds-high-grade-copper-on-the-telegraph-project-in-bcs-golden/

Jason Riley, CEO of ExGen commented: We are very encouraged by this round of results from Mountain Boy on their Telegraph project. The DOK property, which we optioned to Mountain Boy in May of 2021 comprises 43.6%. ExGen has always been optimistic about the exploration opportunity that the DOK property presents. We look forward to the resumption of exploration in 2022, the testing of already identified targets, and the identification of new gold-copper targets within this large system.

QUALITY ASSURANCE AND QUALITY CONTROL PROTOCOLS

Rock and soil samples were analyzed by MSALABS, Vancouver, an ISO 17025 and ISO 9001 accredited laboratory.

QUALIFIED PERSON

Kieran Downes, Ph.D., P. Geo., a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101, has reviewed and verified the technical information provided in this release.

ABOUT EXGEN RESOURCES INC.

ExGen, formerly Boxxer Gold Corp, is a project accelerator that seeks to fund exploration and development of our projects through joint ventures and partnership agreements. This approach significantly reduces the technical and financial risks for ExGen, while maintaining the upside exposure to new discoveries and potential cash flow. The company intends to build a diverse portfolio of projects across exploration stages and various commodity groups. ExGen currently has 6 projects in Canada and the US.

For more information on ExGen please contact ExGen Resources Inc.

Jason Tong

Chief Financial Officer

Email: jason@catapultgroup.ca

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Forward-Looking Information: This news release contains certain forward-looking information. All statements included herein, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking information and such information involves various risks and uncertainties. There can be no assurance that such information will prove to be accurate, and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such information. In particular, this news release contains forward-looking information in relation to: the observations made on surface rock and soil samples on the DOK Project; the further exploration and development of the DOK Project; the exploration strategy of the DOK Project, including the exploration program, drilling, mine development, and permitting. There can be no assurance that such information will prove to be accurate, and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such information. There can be no assurance that the exploration of the DOK Project will be completed, and if exploration is completed, that such exploration will result in economic results. In the forward looking information contained in this news release, ExGen has made numerous assumptions, based upon practices and methodologies which are consistent with the mineral industry. In addition, ExGen has assumed: the continued market acceptance of its joint venture partnership model; the ability of ExGen and its partners to raise future equity financing, if needed, at prices acceptable to ExGen or its partners; ExGen's current and initial understanding and analysis of the DOK Project; the ability of ExGen or third parties to discover viable exploration targets and the results of exploration on the DOK Project; the ability of MTB to explore and develop the DOK Project; the cost of exploration, including sampling, drilling and assaying, on the DOK Project, and the ability of MTB to fund these costs; the ability of MTB to access the DOK Project and possible weather interruptions, and ExGen's general and administrative costs remaining sustainable. While, ExGen considers these assumptions to be reasonable, these assumptions are inherently subject to significant uncertainties and contingencies. Additionally, there are known and unknown risk factors which could cause ExGen's observations, actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking information contained herein. Known risk factors include, among others: the possibility that the analytical results from future core sampling does not return significant grades of copper, gold, silver, or any other molybdenum by-products; uncertainties relating to interpretation of drill results and the geology; continuity and grade of mineralization; there is no certainty that the ongoing work programs will result in significant or successful exploration of the DOK Project or development of the DOK Project into a producing mine; uncertainty as to the actual results of exploration and development or operational activities; uncertainty as to the availability and terms of future financing; uncertainty as to timely availability of permits and other governmental approvals; ExGen may not be able to comply with its ongoing obligations regarding its properties; the early stage development of ExGen and its projects, and in particular, the DOK Project; general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties; capital market conditions and market prices for securities, junior market securities and mining exploration company securities; commodity prices, in particular copper, gold, silver, and zinc prices; competition; changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined; accidents and other risks inherent in the mining industry; lack of insurance; delay or failure to receive board or regulatory approvals; changes in legislation, including environmental legislation, affecting ExGen; conclusions of economic evaluations; and lack of qualified, skilled labour or loss of key individuals. A description of additional assumptions and risk factors used to develop such forward-looking information that may cause actual results to differ materially from forward-looking information can be found in ExGen's disclosure documents on the SEDAR website at www.sedar.com. Although ExGen has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. ExGen does not undertake to update any forward looking information except in accordance with applicable securities laws.
Boca Raton, United States, Dec. 22, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- In this rapidly evolving digital age, buyers invariably start their search online when they look to buy products and services. Most of them will check out the companys Website for more information about the products and services. They will form a first impression about the company in less than a few seconds. The companies must ensure that the visitors impression is favorable.

When it comes to search engine marketing, Google dominates the organic and paid search activity in the US and globally. Similarly, Facebook is arguably the most popular platform for advertising on social media channels. However, companies running paid digital campaigns are likely to have a budget. So, they need to continuously optimize their campaigns to maximize their returns within that budget. While attracting more visitors to the Website is excellent, it should not be the core focus of the marketing campaigns. The end goal isnt to increase the advertising budget to get more visitors to land on your Website and hope some will convert. The end goal of digital marketing strategies is to get more customers progressing through and closing at the end of the funnel.

For businesses, their time is best spent serving their clients rather than worrying about their websites design and usability issues and constant optimization of their Ad campaigns. NoCave Media, a digital marketing agency based out of Boca Raton, FL, is determined to help clients through professionally designed websites focused on behavioral science to drive conversion and sales.

NoCave Media has developed websites for small, medium, and large businesses across the globe. They are a trusted advisor to a wide range of clients in various industries, including eCommerce, finance, medical, insurance, healthcare, consumer products, software development, retail, etc.

The company has a growing list of clients who love their services and have shared positive reviews and testimonials about their experience.

NoCave Media is one of a kind. They have great aesthetic and technical expertise. And they helped us bring our brand to life. The value that they deliver is hard to come by nowadays. I am excited that they now play an integral role in my business. says Vic Phillips / CEO Care Remote (USA).

Im delighted with their work, which I highly recommend. The NoCave Media team has been responsible for the visual development of my Website and optimizing it for conversions. And its working! My conversion rate has increased, and my abandoned carts have decreased by almost 47%. Alex Taylor / CMO The Truffle (UK).

NoCave Media specializes in crafting tailored web design and marketing strategies based on the business requirements of its clients. Their experienced team realizes that when it comes to implementing digital marketing strategies for their clients, the One Size Fits All approach doesnt work.

NoCave Media is committed to the success of their clients, and they are continually improving their systems and technology to keep up with the latest in web programming and website development.

Most businesses fail to optimize their Website to increase conversion opportunities, either due to lack of technical know-how or lack of data needed to help make informed decisions on where to focus their marketing efforts. They continue to compromise on their conversion rate, which means they are leaving a lot of money on the table, says Alex Akins from NoCave Media. We saw this as an opportunity to help businesses increase sales and grow their business. We understand this niche inside out. Our team has the experience and expertise to craft customized marketing strategies based on our clients specific business requirements.

Gone are the days when a simple website would be sufficient for a business to have an online presence and drive sales. In todays fiercely competitive market, client acquisition processes have become highly complex and sophisticated. Companies need to bring up their marketing game by becoming customer-centric and understanding how they interact with the Website.

About NoCave Media

NoCave Media is a digital marketing company of digital nomads with web programming, design, and marketing backgrounds.

Their expertise includes the development of e-commerce websites with a focus on neuromarketing. This means they focus on designing and programming stunning websites and using behavioral science principles and neuromarketing in their designs to increase conversions and purchases on the websites they develop.

That is what sets them apart from other companies in the market. They integrate programming, design, and behavioral science to create beautiful and optimized websites to generate more conversions and get more sales.

The companys website design work has won several awards, proving that their strategy of integrating Design and Behavioral Marketing is adequate for their clients and the websites they create for them. These are some of the awards they have won:

-Digital Marketers Of The Year | TITAN Business Awards

-Best Of Category |Agency| Horizon Interactive Awards

-Best Landing/Microsite |Vega Digital Awards

-Best Homepage Design | Vega Digital Awards

-Best Ecommerce Website | Muse Creative Awards

For more information about NoCave Media and other inquiries, send an email or reach out via their Website.

Media Contact

Company Name: NoCave Media

Contact Person: Alex Akins

Website: https://nocavemedia.com
ROTTERDAM, The Netherlands (23 December 2021)  IMCD N.V. (IMCD or the Company), a leading distributor of speciality chemicals and ingredients, today announces that it has successfully signed an agreement to acquire 100% of the shares of Polychem Handelsges.m.b.H. (POLYchem), a leading provider of chemical raw materials and additives in Austria and Southeast Europe.

The acquisition of POLYchem provides us an excellent platform to better serve customers and partners throughout Southeast Europe (SEE). Besides broadening our global network of technical centres by establishing the first laboratory in this region, it provides us the opportunity for further regional development in SEE emerging markets, said Johann Milchram, Managing Director IMCD Southeast Europe.

Established in 1978, POLYchem started trading raw materials, machinery, and additives for the GRP industry. Their diverse product offering and expanded coverage across Southeast Europe has made them a distribution partner to leading speciality chemical manufacturers in the region. In 2020, they generated a revenue of approximately EUR 25 million and they add 65 employees to the IMCD Southeast Europe team.

The coatings and construction industry in Southeast Europe shows an increasing demand for more performance-driven sustainable solutions and formulations. This acquisition of POLYchem strengthens IMCDs position to realise these opportunities for our local customers and global partners, said Frank Schneider Business Group Director, IMCD Coatings & Construction.

With more than 40 years of trading experience in the coatings and construction, as well as in the composite industries, POLYchem has become one of the leading companies in Austria and Southeast Europe. We are confident that our company's journey as part of IMCDs global network will boost our capabilities to better serve our customers and suppliers. Our excellent product knowledge, market know-how, and the relationships we have built with our customers, perfectly align with IMCD business approach, commented Alfred Fuchs, Owner and Managing Director POLYchem. With technical experts located in this laboratory in Markt Allhau, Austria, we will also be able to offer customers in-depth local market insight and state-of-the-art application knowledge, concluded Fuchs.



The closing of the transaction is subject to customary regulatory review and is expected to take place during the first quarter of 2022.

Attached, please find the full press release in pdf format, the official photo, and the photo caption.

Attachments
English French





Louvain-La-Neuve, Belgium, December 23, 2021  IBA (Ion Beam Applications S.A., EURONEXT), the world leader in particle accelerator technology and the worlds leading provider of proton therapy solutions for the treatment of cancer, today announces a new contract for the installation of a ProteusONE1 proton therapy solution with Proton International Arkansas LLC  a joint venture formed by Proton International, the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS), Baptist Health, and Arkansas Childrens.

The solution will be installed in the three-story Radiation Oncology Center, which is under construction and part of the UAMS Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute. The ProteusONE system will be equipped with Pencil Beam Scanning (PBS), Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT), hand pendant for easy patient positioning and a fully integrated quality assurance (QA) hardware and software package from IBA Dosimetry America, Inc. The contract includes a long-term operation and maintenance agreement to be provided by IBA, with Proton International LLC expecting to start treating patients by 2023.

The typical end-user price for a ProteusONE system with a 10-year maintenance contract usually ranges between USD 40-50 million. IBA has received the first payment and will start recognizing revenue in 2021.

Olivier Legrain, Chief Executive Officer of IBA, commented: We are pleased to sign this new contract with Proton International Arkansas LLC, bringing accelerated access to proton therapy to cancer patients in Arkansas. The US is of key strategic importance for our business and this latest contract reinforces our leading position in this market, being our 7th ProteusONE system and 19th proton therapy system sold in the country overall. We look forward to supporting the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Baptist Health, and Arkansas Childrens in their mission of bringing this much needed technology to the state and are pleased to welcome them to IBA Campus2, the largest community of proton therapy experts.

UAMS is excited to be partnering with IBA and to be bringing this advanced technology to patients in Arkansas, making it easier for those in need to access this highly effective treatment, said UAMS Chancellor Cam Patterson, M.D., MBA. This is part of our continued commitment to improving the health and well-being of all Arkansans.

This collaboration enables children in Arkansas to gain access to this life-saving therapy close to home, said Marcy Doderer, President and CEO of Arkansas Childrens. We are proud to work on this exciting initiative that provides the most advanced care and improves quality of life for the children and families we serve.

Ensuring the best care for patients and responding to the changing health needs of the local community of Arkansas are central to Baptist Healths mission, a value that is truly reinforced by this partnership and the delivery of such an innovative technology for the treatment of cancer. said Troy Wells, President and Chief Executive Officer of Baptist Health.

Chris Chandler, Chief Executive Officer of Proton International, said, Following the successful completion of two projects with IBA in Royal Oak, and in the Netherlands, the Proton International team is pleased to be working with our partners in Arkansas to bring this important technology to its citizens and the surrounding region.

***Ends***

About IBA

IBA (Ion Beam Applications S.A.) is the world leader in particle accelerator technology. The company is the leading supplier of equipment and services in the field of proton therapy, considered to be the most advanced form of radiation therapy available today. IBA is also a leading player in the fields of industrial sterilization, radiopharmaceuticals and dosimetry. The company, based in Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium, employs approximately 1,500 people worldwide. IBA is a certified B Corporation (B Corp) meeting the highest standards of verified social and environmental performance.

IBA is listed on the pan-European stock exchange EURONEXT (IBA: Reuters IBAB.BR and Bloomberg IBAB.BB).

More information can be found at: www.iba-worldwide.com

About Baptist Health

For 100 years, Baptist Health has delivered All Our Best in health care through Christian compassion and innovative services. Baptist Health is Arkansas most comprehensive health care organization with more than 250 points of access that include 11 hospitals; urgent care centers; a senior living community; over 100 primary and specialty care clinics; a college with studies in nursing and allied health; a graduate residency program; and access to virtual care anytime, anywhere. It is also the largest private not-for-profit health care organization based in Arkansas, providing care through the support of approximately 11,000 employees, groundbreaking treatments, renowned physicians and community outreach programs. For more information about Baptist Health, visit www.baptist-health.com , call Baptist Health HealthLine at 1-888-BAPTIST or download the myBaptistHealth app. Find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.

About UAMS

UAMS is the states only health sciences university, with colleges of Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy, Health Professions and Public Health; a graduate school; hospital; a main campus in Little Rock; a Northwest Arkansas regional campus in Fayetteville; a statewide network of regional campuses; and seven institutes: the Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute, Jackson T. Stephens Spine & Neurosciences Institute, Harvey & Bernice Jones Eye Institute, Psychiatric Research Institute, Donald W. Reynolds Institute on Aging, Translational Research Institute and Institute for Digital Health & Innovation. UAMS includes UAMS Health, a statewide health system that encompasses all of UAMS clinical enterprise including its hospital, regional clinics and clinics it operates or staffs in cooperation with other providers. UAMS is the only adult Level 1 trauma center in the state. U.S. News & World Report recognized UAMS Medical Center as a Best Hospital for 2021-22; ranked its ear, nose and throat program among the top 50 nationwide for the third year; and named five areas as high performing  colon cancer surgery, diabetes, hip replacement, knee replacement and stroke. Forbes magazine ranked UAMS as seventh in the nation on its Best Employers for Diversity list. UAMS also ranked in the top 30% nationwide on Forbes Best Employers for Women list and was the only Arkansas employer included. UAMS has 2,876 students, 898 medical residents and six dental residents. It is the states largest public employer with more than 10,000 employees, including 1,200 physicians who provide care to patients at UAMS, its regional campuses, Arkansas Childrens, the VA Medical Center and Baptist Health. Visit www.uams.edu or www.uamshealth.com .

About Arkansas Childrens

Arkansas Children's, Inc. is the only healthcare system in the state solely dedicated to caring for Arkansas' more than 700,000 children. The private, non-profit organization includes two pediatric hospitals, a pediatric research institute and USDA nutrition center, a philanthropic foundation, a nursery alliance, statewide clinics, and many education and outreach programs  all focused on fulfilling a promise to define and deliver unprecedented child health. Arkansas Childrens Hospital (ACH) is a 336-bed, Magnet-recognized facility in Little Rock operating the states only Level I pediatric trauma center; the state's only burn center; the state's only Level IV neonatal intensive care unit; the state's only pediatric intensive care unit; the states only pediatric surgery program with Level 1 verification from the American College of Surgeons (ACS); the states only magnetoencephalography (MEG) system for neurosurgical planning and cutting-edge research; and the state's only nationally recognized pediatric transport program. Additionally, ACH is nationally ranked by U.S. News & World Report in four pediatric subspecialties (20202021): Cardiology & Heart Surgery, Nephrology, Pulmonology and Urology. ACH is one of only five hospitals in the nation that have achieved Magnet Status, ACS Level 1 verification and a Beacon award from the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses. Arkansas Childrens Northwest (ACNW), the first and only pediatric hospital in the Northwest Arkansas region, is a level IV pediatric trauma center. ACNW operates a 24-bed inpatient unit; a surgical unit with five operating rooms; outpatient clinics offering over 20 subspecialties; diagnostic services; imaging capabilities; occupational therapy services; and Northwest Arkansas' only pediatric emergency department, equipped with 30 exam rooms. Generous philanthropic and volunteer engagement has sustained Arkansas Children's since it began as an orphanage in 1912, and today ensures the system can deliver on its promise of unprecedented child health. To learn more, visit archildrens.org.

ABOUT PROTON INTERNATIONAL

Proton International, www.protonintl.com , has an experienced team dedicated to bringing proton therapy to patients. The company works with hospitals and physician groups to develop one- and two-room proton therapy facilities on a turnkey basis. The PI team has developed and operated multiple centers and is currently active on several projects.

Proton International completed proton centers at William Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak, Michigan University Medical Center in Groningen, The Netherlands, University of Alabama Birmingham and Delray Beach, Florida; where the centers are currently treating patients. The company has several additional centers under design and construction. PIs business model ensures that projects are completed on time, on budget, and within the scope and needs of the institution. Services include business planning, organizational structure, financing, building design and construction, installation and commissioning, equipment, staff training, and more.

CONTACTS

Soumya Chandramouli

Chief Financial Officer

+32 10 475 890

Investorrelations@iba-group.com

Olivier Lechien

Corporate Communication Director

+32 10 475 890

communication@iba-group.com

Consilium Strategic Communications

Amber Fennell, Angela Gray, Lucy Featherstone

+44 (0) 20 3709 5700

IBA@consilium-comms.com







1 ProteusONE is a brand name of Proteus 235

2 Connect on Campus-iba.com to join the largest community of proton therapy experts





Attachment
Pune, India, Dec. 23, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The global cranes market size is expected to reach USD 45.80 billion by 2027, exhibiting a CAGR of 4.1% between 2020 and 2027. The escalating construction industry and technological advancements will contribute positively to the growth of the market, states Fortune Business Insights in a report, titled Cranes Market Size, Share & COVID-19 Impact Analysis, By Product Type (Mobile, Fixed, Marine), By End-User Industry (Construction, Mining, Industrial, Oil & Gas, Others) and Regional Forecast, 2020-2027. The market size stood at USD 33.84 billion in 2019.

The coronavirus incident has brought the world to an unexpected halt. We understand that this health disaster has negatively impacted various sectors across the globe. Rising support from governments and several companies can help in the fight against this highly infectious virus. There are some industries that are struggling and some are thriving. More or less, nearly every sector is estimated to be impacted by this pandemic.

We are making endless efforts to uplift businesses in this crucial need of the hour. Our expertise and experience can offer enormous benefits to help regain during this global pandemic.

Click here to get the short-term and long-term impact of COVID-19 on this Market.



Please visit: https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/industry-reports/cranes-market-101168





Top companies in the cranes market are:

SANY GROUP (China)

Konecranes (Finland)

Manitowoc Company, Inc. (U.S.)

Tadano Ltd (Japan)

Komatsu Ltd (Japan)

Terex Corporation (U.S.)

Liebherr Group (Germany)

Hitachi Construction Machinery Europe NV (The Netherlands)

Demag Cranes & Components GmbH (Germany)

Zoomlion Heavy Industry Science and Technology Co., Ltd (China)

XCMG Group (china)

Caterpillar (U.S.)

GORBEL INC. (U.S.)

Street Crane Company Limited (U.K.)

PALFINGER AG (Austria)

ZPMC (China)

Certex (U.K.)

Cargotec (Finland)

BUCKNER HEAVYLIFT CRANES, LLC (U.S.)

Pelloby Ltd. (U.K.)





Report Scope & Segmentation

Report Coverage Details Forecast Period 2020 to 2027 Forecast Period 2020 to 2027 CAGR 4.1% 2027 Value Projection USD 45.80 Billion Base Year 2019 Market Size in 2019 USD 33.84 Billion Historical Data for 2016 to 2018 No. of Pages 140 Segments covered Size, Share, Forecast, Geography





Request a Sample Copy of Report: https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/enquiry/request-sample-pdf/cranes-market-101168





The report on the cranes market includes:

In-depth analysis of the market

Insightful data about competitors

Leading regions in the industry

Crucial facts about dominant regions

Well-analyzed study of COVID-19

Latest developments

Regional Analysis :

Flourishing Construction Industry to Stimulate Revenue in Asia Pacific

The market in Asia Pacific is predicted to lead the global market during the forecast period owing to the increasing infrastructure projects in the developing nations. For instance, in 2018, The National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) of China has sanctioned 27 infrastructure projects of approximately USD 219.43 billion. The market in North America is expected to hold a significant rate owing to the improving mining industry in the U.S. For instance, The Manitowoc Company, Inc. introduced all-terrain cranes Grove GMK4090. It has 51 m, six-section mega form boom that utilizes Groves Twin-Lock pinning system. The market in Europe is expected to account for a substantial share owing to the rapid development in the region.





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Market Driver :

Hefty Investment in Construction and Infrastructure Sector to Augment Growth

The enormous investment in the construction of residential & commercial buildings by governments will spur opportunities for the market during the forecast period. The rapid urbanization is expected to uplift the market potential. The increasing emphasis on green eco-friendly infrastructure development will propel the market. Moreover, the growing demand for cranes in & gas, mining, automotive industries will aid the expansion of the market in the foreseeable future. Besides, the development of smart factories can further promote the growth of the market in the near future.

Sudden Pause on Construction Activities to Impact Business Amid Coronavirus

The lockdown has resulted in a massive loss for the manufacturing and construction industries. The decline in crane production has negatively impacted the market during coronavirus. The delayed operations of oil & gas, construction, mining, and automotive industries will consequently aggravate this market. Moreover, the massive fall in the revenue of numerous industries will directly impact the businesses. Thus, impeding the growth of the market. Besides, the unavailability of laborers in the construction industry will dampen the growth of the market.







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Key Development :

September, 2019: Liebherr Group, a Swiss multinational equipment manufacturer based in Bulle announced the launch of LTM 1230 5.1 mobile cranes with a 75-meter telescopic boom that is utilized to erect 70 meters electricity pylons.

Major Table of Contents:

Introduction Definition, By Segment Research Methodology/Approach Data Sources

Executive Summary

Market Dynamics Macro and Micro Economic Indicators Drivers, Restraints, Opportunities and Trends Impact of COVID-19 on Automatic Labelling Machine Market Short-term Impact Long-term Impact

Competition Landscape Business Strategies Adopted by Key Players Consolidated SWOT Analysis of Key Players Global Market Share Analysis and Matrix, 2019

Key Cranes Market Insights and Analysis, By Segments

Global Cranes Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast (Quantitative Data), By Segments, 2016-2027 By Product Type (Value) Mobile Fixed Marine By End-User Industry (Value) Construction Mining Industrial Oil & Gas Others By Geography (Value) North America Europe Asia Pacific Middle East and Africa Latin America

North America Cranes Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast (Quantitative Data), By Segments, 2016-2027 By Product Type (Value) Mobile Fixed Marine By End-User Industry (Value) Construction Mining Industrial Oil & Gas Others By Country (Value) United States Canada



TOC Continued!





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Semiconductor Manufacturing Equipment Market Size , Share & Industry Analysis, By Equipment Type (Front-end Equipment, Back-end Equipment), By Dimension (2D, 2.5D, 3D), By Application (Semiconductor Fabrication Plant/Foundry, Semiconductor Electronics Manufacturing, Test Home) and Regional Forecast, 2019-2026

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December 23, 2021

Amsterdam, the Netherlands  On June 14, 2021, Royal Philips (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHIA) subsidiary, Philips Respironics, initiated a voluntary recall notification* for certain sleep and respiratory care products to address potential health risks related to the polyester-based polyurethane (PE-PUR) sound abatement foam in these devices. Since then, together with certified testing laboratories and other qualified third-party experts, Philips Respironics has been conducting a comprehensive test and research program on the PE-PUR foam to better assess and scope potential patient health risks related to possible emission of particulates from degraded foam and certain volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Philips Respironics is now providing an update on part of this test and research program. Specifically, this update covers the test results and assessment to date of the VOC emissions of the first-generation DreamStation devices. The first-generation DreamStation devices represent the majority of the registered affected devices. Additional testing is ongoing.**

Review of this assessment by an outside medical panel and Philips Respironics has determined that exposure to the level of VOCs identified to date for the first-generation DreamStation devices is not typically anticipated to result in long-term health consequences for patients.

The update on these findings is intended to inform healthcare providers of the most recent data, but the overall guidance for physicians and patients in the recall notification remains unchanged at this time.

At the time the recall notification was issued, Philips Respironics relied on an initial, limited data set and toxicological risk assessment. Since then, using ISO 18562 guidance, VOC toxicological risk assessments were performed by certified testing laboratories and a qualified third-party expert based on the initial and new VOC testing performed to date. Philips Respironics has made this data available to the FDA and other competent authorities and is in the process of sharing this data with healthcare providers and patients.

It is important to note that the tested DreamStation devices were not exposed to ozone cleaning, in accordance with the instructions for use. Additionally, this new assessment is limited to the evaluation of VOCs for first-generation DreamStation devices, and does not evaluate the risks of potential foam particulates or cover other devices affected by the recall. Further health risk assessments are ongoing.**

Comprehensive particulate testing and analyses are now expected to be completed in the second quarter of 2022, as testing protocols in compliance with the full extent of the relevant ISO standards for all affected product platforms require long lead times of multiple months. Philips Respironics will continue to provide updates on findings from these assessments.

Additional information

For more information on the recall notification,* as well as instructions for customers, patients and physicians, affected parties may contact their local Philips representative or visit www.philips.com/SRC-update. The content of this press release is intended to inform healthcare providers of the most recent data, but the overall guidance for physicians and patients in the recall notification remains unchanged at this time.

* Voluntary recall notification in the U.S. / field safety notice outside the U.S.

** The ongoing test and the research program includes: Assessment of the health risks associated with VOC emission of the CPAP, BiPAP and Mechanical Ventilator devices affected by the recall notification; assessment of the health risks associated with possible degraded foam particulates for all affected devices; assessment of the health risks associated with exposure of the devices to repeated ozone cleaning.

For further media information, please contact:

Steve Klink

Philips Global Press Office

Tel.: +31 6 10888824

E-mail: steve.klink@philips.com

Derya Guzel

Philips Investor Relations

Tel.: +31 20 59 77055

E-mail: derya.guzel@philips.com



About Royal Philips

Royal Philips (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHIA) is a leading health technology company focused on improving people's health and well-being, and enabling better outcomes across the health continuum  from healthy living and prevention, to diagnosis, treatment and home care. Philips leverages advanced technology and deep clinical and consumer insights to deliver integrated solutions. Headquartered in the Netherlands, the company is a leader in diagnostic imaging, image-guided therapy, patient monitoring and health informatics, as well as in consumer health and home care. Philips generated 2020 sales of EUR 17.3 billion and employs approximately 78,000 employees with sales and services in more than 100 countries. News about Philips can be found at www.philips.com/newscenter.

Forward-looking statements

This statement contains certain forward-looking statements with respect to the financial condition, results of operations and business of Philips and certain of the plans and objectives of Philips with respect to these items. Examples of forward-looking statements include statements made about the strategy, estimates of sales growth, future EBITA, future developments in Philips organic business and the completion of acquisitions and divestments. By their nature, these statements involve risk and uncertainty because they relate to future events and circumstances and there are many factors that could cause actual results and developments to differ materially from those expressed or implied by these statements.
Pune, India, Dec. 23, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The global well intervention market is set to gain traction from the increasing demand for energy and the rising investments in the subsea oil & gas industry. This information is published by Fortune Business Insights in a new report, titled, Well Intervention Market Size, Share & COVID-19 Impact Analysis, By Type (Light Intervention, Medium Intervention, and Heavy Intervention), By Service (Logging & Bottom Hole Survey, Tubing/Packer Failure & Repair, Stimulation, Remedial Cementing, Zonal Isolation, Sand Control, Artificial Lift, Fishing, Reperforation, Others), By Application (Onshore and Offshore), and Regional Forecasts, 2020-2027. The report further states that the well intervention market size was USD 8.43 billion in 2019 and is projected to reach USD 10.64 billion by 2027, exhibiting a CAGR of 6.1% during the forecast period.

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A list of all the well intervention providers operating in the global market:

Schlumberger (Texas, US)

Baker Hughes (Texas, US)

Halliburton (Texas, US)

Weatherford (Texas, US)

National Oilwell Varco (Texas, US)

HELIX ESG (Texas, US)

Oceaneering International, Inc. (Texas, US)

Expro Group (Reading, United Kingdom)

Hunting Energy Services (Texas, US)

Deepwell AS (Avaldsnes, Norway)

Welltec (Allerd Municipality, Denmark)

TechnipFMC (London, United Kingdom)

C&J Energy Services, Inc. (Texas, US)

Superior Energy Services, Inc. (Texas, US)

Altus Intervention (Stavanger, Rogaland)

Report Scope & Segmentation -

Report Coverage Details Forecast Period 2020-2027 Forecast Period 2020 to 2027 CAGR 6.1 % 2027 Value Projection USD 10.64 Billion Base Year 2018 Market Size in 2019 USD 8.43 Billion Historical Data for 2015-2017 No. of Pages 120 Segments covered Service; Application; Regional Growth Drivers Increasing Discoveries in Oil & Gas Industry to Boost Growth.

Surging Initiatives to Increase Production from Aging Wells will Propel Growth.



Pitfalls & Challenges Increasing Focus on Renewable Energy & Stringent Regulations for Protecting Environment to Hamper Growth





COVID-19: Shutdown of Oil & Gas Companies Worldwide May Hinder Growth

The COVID-19 pandemic has compelled several oil & gas companies to shut down their manufacturing facilities owing to the complete lockdown and social distancing measures. At the same time, the pandemic has created the Russia/Saudi price war. It has made it more difficult for companies to establish a flexible business model. Our skilled analysts have developed an elaborate report to help you better understand the current scenario of the market. They have implemented certain vital methodologies to develop the best strategies for surging sales of well intervention systems.

To get to know more about the short-term and long-term impact of COVID-19 on this market, please visit: https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/industry-reports/well-intervention-market-100070

What Does This Report Contain?

Elaborate data about the segments in the market.

Historical, present, and estimated sizes of the market.

Profiles of prominent players and their crucial strategies.

In-depth analysis of the growth drivers, dynamics, and hindrances.

Drivers & Restraints-

Rising Number of Oil & Gas Discoveries to Augment Growth

The number of oil & gas discoveries in oilfield reserves is increasing day by day. Coupled with this, the ongoing technological advancements to boost production outputs from oil wells would contribute to the well intervention market growth in the coming years. As per our estimation, oil prices may surge significantly in the near future. This would aid independent exploration & gas production companies to invest hefty amounts in oil & gas exploration activities. However, nowadays, companies are shifting towards renewable energy sources for generating power. This factor may obstruct the demand for well intervention systems.

Segment-

Light Intervention Segment to Hold Largest Share Backed by Cost-effectiveness

Based on type, the light intervention segment earned 59.9% in terms of well intervention market share in 2019. This growth is attributable to its cost-effective nature. It is likely to hold the largest share throughout the forthcoming years.

Regional Analysis-

Increasing Number of Aging Wells to Favor Growth in Asia Pacific

Geographically, in 2019, North America procured USD 3.24 billion in terms of revenue. The huge potential for exploring oilfields, as well as the increasing number of oil & gas discoveries in the region would propel growth. In April 2019, for instance, Shell successfully discovered oil at the Blacktip prospect. It is located in the deepwater of the U.S. Gulf of Mexico.

Asia Pacific, on the other hand, is set to hold the second-largest share stoked by the increasing capital expenditure (CAPEX) by various countries to secure the rising energy demand in future. Also, the surging number of old wells is set to boost the demand for well intervention systems in the region.





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Competitive Landscape-

Key Players Focus on Gaining New Orders to Compete in Market

The market is fragmented with the presence of numerous organizations operating across the globe. Most of them are trying to gain a competitive edge by obtaining new orders for delivering prominent firms their in-house well-intervention systems. Below are two latest industry developments:

February 2020 : Oceaneering International, Inc. bagged a new contract from BP p.l.c. to deliver riserless light well intervention (RLWI) services in Blocks 18 & 31, Angola. These would support a multi-well campaign designed to include tree change-outs, well stimulations, and mechanical well interventions.

: Oceaneering International, Inc. bagged a new contract from BP p.l.c. to deliver riserless light well intervention (RLWI) services in Blocks 18 & 31, Angola. These would support a multi-well campaign designed to include tree change-outs, well stimulations, and mechanical well interventions. July 2019: TIOS awarded a new contract to Altus Intervention AS. It would enable the latter to offer wireline services across three light well intervention vessels, namely, Island Wellserver, Island Frontier, and Island Constructor.

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Table Of Content

Introduction Research Scope Market Segmentation Research Methodology Definitions and Assumptions

Executive Summary

Market Dynamics Market Drivers Market Restraints Market Opportunities

Key Insights Key Emerging Trends  For Major Countries Latest Technological Advancement Regulatory Landscape Industry SWOT Analysis Porters Five Forces Analysis

Qualitative Analysis  Impact of COVID-19 Impact of COVID-19 on the Well Intervention Market Steps Taken by the Government to Overcome the Impact Key Developments by Industry Players in Response to COVID-19 Potential Opportunities and Challenges due to COVID-19 Outbreak

Global Well Intervention Market Analysis (USD Billion), Insights and Forecast, 2016-2027 Key Findings / Summary Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast  By Type Light Intervention Medium Intervention Heavy Intervention Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast  By Application Onshore Offshore Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast  By Service Logging & Bottom Hole Survey Tubing/Packer Failure & Repair Stimulation Remedial Cementing Zonal Isolation Sand Control Artificial Lift Fishing Re-Perforation Others Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast  By Region North America Latin America Europe Asia Pacific Middle East and Africa

North America Well Intervention Market Analysis (USD Billion), Insights and Forecast, 2016-2027 Key Findings / Summary Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast  By Type Light Intervention Medium Intervention Heavy Intervention



TOC Continued!





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Carbon Capture and Sequestration Market Size, Share & COVID-19 Impact Analysis, By End-Use (Enhanced Oil Recovery {EOR} and Dedicated Storage & Treatment), By Capture Source (Chemicals, Natural Gas Processing, Power Generation, Fertilizers Production, and Others), and Regional Forecast, 2021-2028

Saudi Arabia Offshore Support Vessel (OSV) Market Size, Share & COVID-19 Impact Analysis, By Vessel Type (Anchor Handling Tug Supply Vessel (AHTS), Platform Supply Vessel (PSV), Crew Vessel, Tug Boats, and Others), By Water Depth (Shallow Water, Deep Water, and Ultra-Deep Water), By Application (Oil & Gas, Offshore Wind, Offshore Desalination Plant, Patrolling, Research & Surveying, and Others), and National Forecast, 2021-2028

Russia Oilfield Services Market Size, Share & COVID-19 Impact Analysis, By Type (Equipment Rental, Field Operations, Analytical Services), By Services (Geophysical, Drilling, Completion, and Workover, Production, Processing, and Separation), By Application (Onshore, Offshore), and Russia Forecast, 2021-2028

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Fortune Business Insights delivers accurate data and innovative corporate analysis, helping organizations of all sizes make appropriate decisions. We tailor novel solutions for our clients, assisting them to address various challenges distinct to their businesses. Our aim is to empower them with holistic market intelligence, providing a granular overview of the market they are operating in.

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Pune, India, Dec. 23, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The global programmable logic controller market size is expected to experience substantial growth during the forecast period. This growth is attributable to the increasing adoption of automation in several industrial applications and the growing focus on energy consumption that is likely to drive the demand for advanced programmable logic controller systems. This information is published by Fortune Business Insights in its upcoming report, titled, Programmable Logic Controller Market size, share & industry analysis, By Type (Modular PLC, Compact PLC, Rack PLC), By Industry (Automotive, Chemical & Petrochemical, Paper & Pulp, Energy & Utilities, Food & Beverages, Oil & Gas, Others) and Regional Forecast 2021-2028.

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The global pandemic, COVID-19, has resulted in several economies facing unprecedented loss. Owing to the lockdown announced by the government agencies globally, several manufacturing facilities have been at a standstill with limited operational activities. However, a collective effort from the government and the industries to bring the economy back is expected to boost the market growth during the forecast period.

Programmable logic controller is a type of system that aids in efficient monitoring of the state of input devices and further makes decisions to control the state of the output devices across industries. There are several advantages of adopting this system in industrial operations such as easy programing and rugged design to withstand high temperature, noise, and humidity.

What does the Report Include?

The Programmable Logic Controller Market report includes a detailed analysis of several factors such as the key drivers and restraints that will impact growth. Additionally, the report provides insights into the regional analysis that covers different regions, contributing to the growth of the market. It includes the competitive landscape that involves the leading companies and the adoption of strategies by them to introduce new products, announce partnerships, and collaboration that will further contribute to the market growth. Moreover, the research analyst has adopted several research methodologies such as PORTERs Five Point Analysis to obtain information about the current trends and industry developments that will drive the market growth during the forecast period.

Click here to get the short-term and long-term impact of COVID-19 on this Programmable Logic Controller Market.

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DRIVING FACTORS

Increasing Adoption of Automation Solutions to Feed Market Growth

According to the report by the BBC News, it is estimated that around 20 million jobs will be turning towards automation by 2030. The increasing adoption of automation across end-user industries is likely to surge the demand for advanced programmable logic controller systems across the globe. Moreover, the growing focus on energy consumption is propelling the manufacturers to automate work processes that leads to increased productivity and lesser downtime. Therefore, these factors play a significant role in contributing to the global programmable logic controller market growth in the forthcoming years.

REGIONAL INSIGHTS

North America to Remain Dominant; High Adoption of Automation across End-User Industries to Propel Growth

Among all the regions, North America is expected to remain dominant and hold the highest position in the global programmable logic controller market during the forecast period. This dominance is attributable to the increasing adoption of automation services across several end-user industries to facilitate business processes in the region between 2021 and 2028.

Europe, on the other hand, is anticipated to hold the second position in the market backed by the rising pharmaceuticals, energy & utilities, and automotive industries that propel the demand for advanced programmable logic controller systems in the region.

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COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

Partnership between Prominent Companies to Brighten Their Market Positions

The global programmable logic controller market is experiencing a healthy competition between major companies that are striving to maintain a stronghold. These companies are partnering with other companies to develop advanced programmable logic controller systems. Furthermore, the adoption of inorganic and organic strategies by other key players to maintain their dominance is anticipated to favor the market growth in the forthcoming years.

Industry Development:

March 2020  ABB Ltd. announced its partnership with B&R Industrial Automation to launch programmable logic controller solutions for a fully integrated machine-centric robotics. The partnership further aims at offering complete software and hardware solutions for sensing & analytics, control, actuation, robotics, and electrification.

List of the Companies Profiled in the Global Market for Programmable Logic Controller:

Rockwell Automation

ABB Ltd.

Omron Corporation

Siemens AG

Panasonic Corporation

Toshiba Corporation

Mitsubishi Electric Corporation

Delta Electronics

Schneider Electric SE

Honeywell Corporation

Beckhoff Automation

Hitachi Ltd.

General Electric Co.

KEYENCE

Fuji Electric

Eaton Corporation

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Fortune Business Insights delivers accurate data and innovative corporate analysis, helping organizations of all sizes make appropriate decisions. We tailor novel solutions for our clients, assisting them to address various challenges distinct to their businesses. Our aim is to empower them with holistic market intelligence, providing a granular overview of the market they are operating in.

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Los Angeles, Dec. 23, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Michael Janiaks mission is to help founders, disruptors, and visionaries build their brands identities and eCommerce experiences, fully realizing their vision and connecting with customers in ways that resonate.

Listen to the complete interview of Michael Janiak with Adam Torres on Mission Matters Marketing Podcast.

How did the Pattern journey begin?

Janiak shares that he was interested in drawing as a kid, and that instinct grew into a love of graphic design when he was first exposed to it through skateboarding and snowboarding. In high school, he joined a graphic design program where he first learned PhotoShop, and after that, there was no turning back..

That was kind of where the passion for design and visual languagebeing able to shape peoples feelings or perception of something with artthats really where that happened to me, he says.

A 3rd generation American with an entrepreneurial streak, he says a passion for building businesses was passed down through his family. Today, hes been working in design for over 20 years with time spent in New York, Los Angeles, San Diego and the San Francisco Bay Area. Over time, his deep experience in digital marketing, campaigns, print design, corporate branding and eCommerce led to a business partnership with Pattern co-founder Isaac Newton.

What Pattern does for its clients

Patterns service offerings focus on user experience and visual design for eCommerce, which primarily involves designing websites and apps. The agency also specializes in brand identity, from logo design and naming to a host of related offerings. Over the past couple of years, Janiak notes, Pattern has worked with an exciting range of startups and celebrities including brands launched by beauty influencers like Jaclyn Hill and Jeffree Star and cultural icons like Jonathan Van Ness from Queer Eye. They also recently designed the digital brand and e-commerce experience for musician Ariana Grandes new beauty brand, r.e.m. beauty.

On working with founders

For founders wishing to grow their brands, Janiak suggests focusing on making products that people appreciate. Rather than overdoing anything, he says, brands should ask customers what theyre looking for and respond in kind. As for working with founders, he says trust is key and can take time to build. Theres an art to visualizing a founders ideas through design, giving them what they want and making it the best possible version of itself. That process can be iterative, he notes, and when executed well, can result in something above and beyond the founders initial hopes and expectations.

Whats next for Pattern?

The past year brought with it a wave of accolades for Pattern, including a Webby nomination and an eCommerce agency category win at the Shopify Commerce Awards.

Looking ahead, Janiak says Pattern will keep offering and evolving its knowledge of brand identity, eCommerce experience design and product & platform design, along with scaling into new offerings related to UX and UI design for web3, NFTs, and the metaverse. The team plans to continue growing in size while focusing on eCommerce apps and branding, with an eye toward working with more startups as well as established brands.

To learn more, visit https://www.thisispattern.com/.

Media Communications

Inquiries: adamtorres@missionmatters.com

Publicist for Adam Torres and Mission Matters Media KISS PR Brand Story PressWire.

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For more details, visit Kisspr.com. KISS PR Digital PR & Marketing powers the Mission Matters Business podcast with brand storytelling. T: 972.437.8942



Attachment
ROME, Dec. 23, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Luiss continues to climb the famous ranking, which comprises 956 universities worldwide, and is among the Top 30 most sustainable universities.

The University has reached the 22nd position worldwide, compared to 43rd in 2020, confirming itself as the second University worldwide, and the first in Italy, in the "Energy and Climate Change" category.

Throughout its four departments of Economics and Finance, Business and Management, Law and Political Science, Luiss offers an innovative educational approach that is gaining increasing international recognition.

This is also reflected in the QS World University Rankings, which named it among the top 50 universities for Politics and International Studies.

Its global reputation is also demonstrated in the impressive community of alumni who work across the world in different sectors, as well as its student population, which is made up of 85 nationalities.

The core faculty comes from fifteen different countries and is a dynamic mix of academic professors and practitioners such as executives, diplomats, and representatives from public administration.

This physical uniqueness is being interpreted virtually to offer a humanistic approach to the digital era of education. The University launched a series of online programs with a new ethos, described as "on-live". Dean Prencipe says the programs revolutionise online learning, differentiating themselves from usual online courses. As an example, the on-live experience will not be in isolation but rather team-based and student-centred.

For more information:

LaPresse SpA Communication and Press Office Director

Barbara Sanicola - barbara.sanicola@lapresse.it

+39 02 26305578 M +39 333 3905243

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/9da945e5-5ffe-4cb7-821b-2b5f2f8826c5

The photo is also available at Newscom, www.newscom.com, and via AP PhotoExpress.
New York, Dec. 23, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Reportlinker.com announces the release of the report "Collaborative Robot Market - Growth, Trends, COVID-19 Impact, and Forecasts (2021 - 2026)" - https://www.reportlinker.com/p06192786/?utm_source=GNW

The declining cost and the high return on investment offered by the robots are expected to impact the market positively.



Key Highlights

The industries using robots face constant pressure to reduce operating costs while increasing productivity and maintaining the required quality levels. For instance, in March 2020, Yaskawa launched the HC20XP Human-Collaborative Robot. It features precise hand-guided teaching for the fast implementation of a robot system. The new 20 kg payload collaborative robot is suited for applications where the robots are needed to work with or in close proximity to humans safely. The industrys first IP67-rated collaborative robot is equipped for continuous use in damp or splash-prone environments.

The collaborative robots in the market are also becoming more affordable, easier to use, and less complex for training purposes. This will primarily offer multiple options to organizations, which will increase the drive and the demand for these robots. Collaborative robots enable industries of all sizes and scales to stay competitive as these robots use the latest sensors, plug-and-play technologies, and automatic robot programming from CAD data.

Companies are adopting these robots to increase efficiency in their process. For instance, Tomenson Machine Works adopted automation for its pin stamping application primarily to improve profitability, quality, and worker satisfaction. The company adopted an OnRobot RG6 gripper and Universal Robots UR3 cobot arm, which can handle dozens of part sizes and is being used for potential applications such as deburring, machine tending, and packaging.

Furthermore, vendors in the market are also active in mergers and acquisitions. For instance, in Apr 2020, HAHN Group, an automation firm, acquired DAHL Automation, a robotics integrator that focuses on collaborative robot arms. With this acquisition, the company will expand its presence in intralogistics and autonomous mobile robots.

As the world is continuously fighting the rapid spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, robotics and automation are playing a very crucial role in helping to safeguard the people and in processing the supplies that people need as they are shifting towards remote working and home learning. The robots are helping in disinfecting the hospitals. Autonomous deliveries from the robots are bringing the supplies to people as they are adopting social distancing. Moreover, automated workstations are speeding up the work of pharmaceutical companies.



Key Market Trends



Increasing Demand for Automation in Various Industrial Processes will Drive the Market



Automation solutions can drive down the cost of deliveries dramatically. Supported by this are the robot innovations that are taking place, allowing the enterprises in various industries to operate autonomously, with augmented human capability and capacity.

Longer training and onboarding, increasing benefits and compensation rates, and labor shortages are significant factors driving the deployment. More and more warehousing, distribution, and fulfillment facilities are investing in automated solutions. As technology improves and the applications become wider and more flexible, robotics is being adopted by a more significant number of manufacturing operations across regions.

Robots play a crucial role in industrial automation, with many core operations in industries being managed by them. Robots can take up complicated, repetitive tasks with accuracy, even in hazardous environments. For this very reason, they have been employed in manufacturing units across most industries. According to a study by UiPath, over 88% of organizations believe that automation will accelerate human achievement and be effective when it complements humans.

Industrial robots used in the automotive industry are more efficient and utilized cost-effectively due to their new speed, accuracy, precision, flexibility, and agility. The complexity of manufacturing passenger cars has increased over the past ten years. This has led to automation solutions robots usage for a substantial proportion of the production processes these days.



North America to Hold a Significant Market Share



The North American region is among the leading innovators and pioneers in terms of the adoption of robotics and is one of the largest markets. The primary reason for the growth of the market is the increasing adoption of these collaborative robots across numerous industries.

Moreover, there has been significant adoption of robotic surgery in the United States. The annual procedure volume for robotic surgery is greater than 5,00,000 in the United States. In order to build brand image and competitive advantage, robotic surgery has become the most rapidly adopted medical device over the past two decades. This is likely to fuel the need for robots in the medical and healthcare sector in the region.

The primary driver for the growth of robots in the region is the manufacturing industries in the United States that are currently under the ongoing trend to automate their production processes to strengthen the US industries in domestic and international markets.

The government in the region is also encouraging the adoption of robotics by taking initiatives to support the development of modern technologies in the robotics market. For instance, the US Federal Government has commenced a program called the National Robotics Initiative (NRI) to bolster the capabilities of building domestic robots in the country and encourage research activities in the field.

The increasing investments by the National Science Foundation (NSF) are also augmenting the collaborative robot market in the region. To support novel technologies like robotics, the NSF invested USD 700,000 to USD 1 million in 21 projects in three-year durations. The NSF program proliferates collaborations with industries to assess lab-created technologies.



Competitive Landscape



The collaborative robot market is moderately competitive, and companies focus on innovation to remain competitive in the market. Furthermore, acquisitions and collaboration of large companies with startups are expected. Some of the recent developments in the market are:



March 2021- OMRON Industrial Automation Europe signed a distribution agreement with OnRobot, a Danish manufacturer of collaborative robot applications. This will allow OMRON to offer OnRobots products, wholly integrated with the OMRON TM cobot, to customers in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA).

May 2021- Epson Robots announced the launch of its first virtual expo, Automate Boldly, a virtual experience that will provide manufacturers with a broad range of factory automation solutions through informative keynote presentations, technology sessions, and product demonstrations.



Additional Benefits:



The market estimate (ME) sheet in Excel format

3 months of analyst support

Read the full report: https://www.reportlinker.com/p06192786/?utm_source=GNW



About Reportlinker

ReportLinker is an award-winning market research solution. Reportlinker finds and organizes the latest industry data so you get all the market research you need - instantly, in one place.



__________________________
LONDON, Dec. 23, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The International Lithium Association (ILiA), a new not-for-profit trade body representing the global lithium industry, is delighted to welcome Albemarle Corporation as a founding Core Member. Albemarle is one of the industry leaders in lithium and lithium derivatives, and one of the few vertically integrated suppliers with several resources and conversion facilities across the globe.

The Association is based in London, UK. Core members currently extract and convert lithium. Membership of ILiA is open to the entire lithium supply chain, from producers, refiners, and battery materials producers to OEMs and recyclers.

Founding Chairman Mr. Anand Sheth stated, "On behalf of the Founding Members, we welcome one of the oldest and largest lithium producers globally, Albemarle Corporation to ILiA. Their in-depth knowledge, experience and expertise will further strengthen the Association's vision and mission. With resources on three continents and production facilities in North and South America, Europe, China and Australia, Albemarle truly adds value to the global voice of the lithium industry."

ILiA was formed earlier this year by leading lithium producers to support the industry during a time of unprecedented market growth. Driven by growth in electric vehicle production, demand for lithium is forecast to increase by almost six times in the period to 2040 according to Wood Mackenzie. Faced with rapid growth, change and attention, lithium producers saw an urgent need for the industry to form an association that could efficiently and effectively address common challenges, such as promoting a sustainable lithium supply chain.

With a history that extends back to 1887, today Albemarle is a leading global producer of lithium, bromine and catalyst solutions.

Ms. Ellen Lenny-Pessagno, Vice President Government and Community Affairs and Albemarle's delegate to ILiA stated, "Albemarle is pleased to join ILiA as it will support our goal of actively pursuing a sustainable approach to managing a diverse global footprint of world-class resources and enabling a safer and more sustainable future. Lithium is key to a cleaner, greener environment and this decade is critical to the growth of the lithium supply chain, so now is the time to help form a globally representative industry association. Albemarle is pleased to join other lithium producers and participants in developing a sustainable lithium supply chain."

Roland Chavasse, Secretary General of ILiA, explained that Albemarle's membership of ILiA means the Association now represents more than 70% of global lithium production. The other five founding Core Members of ILiA are SQM, Ganfeng Lithium, AMG Brazil, Orocobre and Pilbara Minerals. The Association also currently has 12 founding Associate Members including representatives from new lithium mining projects (Rio Tinto), battery materials companies (BASF), battery manufacturers (SVOLT), and engineering companies (Hatch).

Further details are available from Roland Chavasse at www.lithium.org or email info@lithium.org.

Related Images











Image 1: International Lithium Association (ILiA)





The new trade body for the lithium industry.









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Dublin, Dec. 23, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Application (Stationary, Portable, Transportation), By Region (Europe, North America, Asia Pacific), And Segment Forecasts, 2021-2028" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.



The global solid oxide fuel cell market size is expected to reach USD 4.0 billion by 2028. The market is expected to expand at a CAGR of 42.2% from 2021 to 2028.

Growing expenditure in infrastructure and industry development is anticipated to have a positive impact on the global solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) market over the projected period. Installers and system providers usually hold stock of significant equipment in the inventory.

However, manufacturers face bottlenecks and shortages due to limited production in countries severely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Furthermore, upcoming SOFC-based large-scale projects are expected to witness delays in commissioning due to disruptions in the supply chain and halting of on-site construction activities.



The rising awareness about alternative sources of energy is one of the major factors encouraging market growth. Increasing carbon emission levels is a global issue, and government authorities worldwide are supporting technological advancements to tackle the issue by providing research funding and drafting supportive policies and plans.

The global SOFC market is highly competitive owing to the ongoing technological advancements developed by the existing vendors and new entrants. Market players are concentrating on strengthening their relations with system installers due to their strong local presence and close ties with clients, which, in turn, is likely to help enhance geographical presence.



Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Market Report Highlights

In terms of revenue, the stationary segment accounted for a prominent share in the market in 2020

It is projected to expand further at the fastest CAGR over the forecast period. Transportation is predicted to be the second-largest application segment by 2028

In 2020, North America accounted for over 45% of the global revenue share and will expand further at a significant CAGR from 2021 to 2028

Germany led the Europe regional market with a revenue share of more than 67% in 2020

Government funding and aggressive mergers and acquisitions between companies for alternative energy technologies contribute to heavy investments in Europe

Key Topics Covered:

Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Market Variables, Trends & Scope

Market Lineage Outlook

Global Fuel Cell Market Outlook

Penetration and Growth Prospect Mapping

Industry Value Chain Analysis

Technology Overview

Regulatory Framework

Market Dynamics

Market Driver Analysis

Market Restraint Analysis

Market Opportunities Analysis

Business Environment Analysis: Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Market

Industry Analysis - Porter's

Supplier Power

Buyer power

Threat of substitutes

Threat of new entrants

Competitive rivalry

PESTEL Analysis

Political Landscape

Economic Landscape

Social Landscape

Technological Landscape

Environmental Landscape

Legal Landscape

Impact of COVID on Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Market

Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Market: Application Estimates & Trend Analysis

Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Market: Regional Estimates & Trend Analysis

Competitive Analysis

Companies Mentioned

Bloom Energy

Mitsubishi Power Ltd.

Cummins Inc.

Ceres

General Electric

FuelCell Energy Inc.

Ningbo SOFCMAN Energy

KYOCERA Corporation

AVL

Watt Fuel Cell Corporation

NGK SPARK PLUG CO., LTD.

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/i2d4yo
ELKHART, Ind., Dec. 23, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ITR Concession Company (ITRCC) is launching a network of smart parking signage for freight and truck drivers who depend on the Indiana Toll Road. Through a mix of sensors and cameras, the dynamic signage will provide commercial drivers an approximate count of the available parking spaces along the roadway, creating a safer and more efficient travel experience.

As a critical link between the Midwest and Northeast, the Toll Road serves commercial drivers every day. The long-haul nature of these trips creates a dependency on parking and rest areas, and an accurate count of available parking spots saves valuable time while also decreasing driver fatigue. To better serve these customers, ITRCC has deployed smart parking across the roadway. These dynamic boards detail the number of available parking spaces in the three nearest facilities, allowing for on-the-fly adjustments of trip plans.

"Our goal is to give commercial drivers the opportunity to plan their trips more accurately," said Rick Fedder, ITRCC's COO. "The information will assist in reducing congestion at our parking facilities while also empowering drivers to make quality choices about when, and where, they choose to rest."

The signage was deployed by eX Technology serving as the prime contractor, who previously helped develop a high-speed fiber corridor along the Toll Road. Their system utilizes a mix of cameras and sensors to accurately track the number of available parking spaces while distributing that data across signage 157 miles. Parking space availability is also transmitted through Truck Specialized Parking Services' (TSPS) Osprey platform, which populates up-to-date parking availability through web, iOS, and Android applications.

About the Indiana Toll Road

In operation since 1956, the Indiana Toll Road stretches 157 miles across the northernmost part of Indiana from Ohio to the Illinois state line, linking Chicago with the largest cities on the eastern seaboard. The Indiana Toll Road - managed by ITR Concession Company LLC (ITRCC) - and its nearly 300 employees are proud to operate a safe and efficient roadway while providing high-quality customer service to serve thousands of patrons every day. ITRCC is indirectly owned by IFM Investors, which is a uniquely structured global fund manager with a strong track record as a responsible steward of some of the world's biggest transportation infrastructure assets.

Media Contact: Bill McCall

Director of Communications

ITR Concession Company LLC

Direct: 574-651-2415

bmccall@indianatollroad.org



Related Images











Image 1: Smart Truck Parking Sign





Smart Truck Parking sign on the Indiana Toll Road









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MAYFIELD, Ky., Dec. 23, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Homes and Hope for Kentucky Inc., operating under the umbrella of Rotary International and the non-profit Mayfield Rotary Foundation, has set a goal to build new homes for 100 Mayfield residents who lost everything from a historic category F4 tornado that decimated the city on Dec. 10. The fund has just launched with seed money of $100,000 from an anonymous donor, but millions of dollars are still needed in order to get the job done.

"We know we can't bring back our historic main street, the courthouse, or the beautiful old churches - all destroyed in this storm. But we can bring new homes and new hope to people who've lost everything right before Christmas." Heather Nesler, Co-chair

Homes and Hope for Kentucky

190 mile-an-hour winds leveled large swaths of Mayfield, Kentucky, killing more than two dozen people and hospitalizing many others. Property damage is equally devastating: 250 homes and businesses were destroyed and another 370 have major damage. The downtown core is unrecognizable - a major blow to a town with a median household income only half that of the national average.

Many agencies and organizations are on the ground providing immediate food, water, supplies, and short-term shelter. Homes and Hope for Kentucky (HHK) has a different mission: to assure the long-term recovery and sustainability of this small southwestern Kentucky community, population 10,000.

"We know we can't bring back our historic main street, the courthouse, or the beautiful old churches, all destroyed in this storm. But we can bring new homes and new hope to people who've lost everything right before Christmas," said Homes and Hope for Kentucky Co-Chair, Heather Nesler.

To that end, HHK is partnering with charitable volunteer organizations like Mennonite Disaster Service, a faith-based initiative headquartered in Pennsylvania that has been repairing and rebuilding homes in disaster zones for more than 70 years. Specifically geared to assist families with little or no insurance (and therefore no ability to rebuild on their own), the fund is appealing to the general public, nationwide, to send tax-deductible donations to help pay for the cost of essential household appliances and building materials. Mennonite Disaster Service, a network of self-funded volunteers, will provide free labor in a model that has helped other communities recover from natural disasters - such as the victims of catastrophic flooding in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia and those who lived through a nightmare as a major hurricane ravaged the Texas coast.

"Mennonite Disaster Service seeks to help those with unmet needs - the vulnerable in the communities who, without help, are unlikely to ever get home. We realize that the magnitude of this disaster can overwhelm most anyone, yet working together with local, state and national partners, we all can make a difference together," said MDS Executive Director Kevin King.

Mennonite Disaster Service has already been on the ground inspecting the area and will begin cleanup on Dec. 27. Other volunteer charitable organizations are expected to join MDS in their own cleanup and construction efforts in the weeks to come. With so much devastation and winter underway, there is no time to waste.

Contributions may be made directly to Homes and Hope for Kentucky, Inc. at www.HomesandHopeforKY.com. All donations are 100% tax deductible.

Pro bono PR services are being provided by Impact Communications, Inc., a professional marketing communications firm based in Leawood, Kansas. "We get it," said Impact Communications CEO Marie Swift. "It's a horrific thing to consider that something could happen to any of us - especially those of us who live in tornado alley."

ABOUT HOMES AND HOPE FOR KENTUCKY, INC.

Homes and Hope for Kentucky, Inc. (HHK) is a directed fund, operating under the umbrella of the Mayfield Rotary Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. HHK, which was formed in direct response to the devastating tornadoes of Dec. 10, 2021, is being led by an all-volunteer Board of Directors made up of local civic, government and business leaders, most of whom are Mayfield natives. Co-Chairs are Heather Nesler, Associate VP of Employee Benefits at Peel & Holland Insurance, Mayfield, KY, and Joseph Orr, retired 3-star general, US Army, now a Mayfield resident. All donations to HHK are fully tax-deductible and will help provide the essential household appliances and building materials needed to build new homes for those hit the hardest by the catastrophic tornados in Mayfield, Kentucky. Learn more and/or donate at www.HomesandHopeforKY.com.

ABOUT MENNONITE DISASTER SERVICE

Mennonite Disaster Service (MDS) is a faith-based initiative that has been repairing and rebuilding homes in disaster zones since 1952. MDS sponsors 4,000 self-sustaining volunteers who focus on the clean-up, repair and rebuilding of homes of those most directly impacted by natural disaster. They are currently involved in about 20 ongoing rebuilding projects around the United States and Canada. Learn more at www.mds.org.

Media Contact:

Grace Vogelzang

Impact Communications, Inc.

913-649-5009 Office

425-532-6338 Mobile

GraceVogelzang@ImpactCommunications.org

Related Images











Image 1: Homes and Hope for Kentucky to Build New Homes for Tornado Victims in Mayfield





All labor to be donated, but tax-deductible donations are needed to reach goal of 100 new homes for stricken families









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MISSISSAUGA, Ontario, Dec. 23, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Society of Professional Engineers and Associates (SPEA) was shocked to receive a December 21st letter from Candu Energy Inc., notifying the union that it was no longer allowed to communicate with its members via the company email system. "This heavy handed action by SNC-Lavalin is the equivalent of delivering a lump of coal to employees just before the holidays," said Mark Chudak, President of SPEA. Since the advent of electronic communications such as email, SPEA has freely communicated with its members who work for Candu Energy (a wholly owned subsidiary of SNC-Lavalin) on their corporate communications system.



"SNC-Lavalin is taking unprecedented action in the midst of labour negotiations," remarked Michelle Duncan, Staff Representative for SPEA. "They said they wanted amicable negotiations, but this turned out to be more of a false face that belied their real intentions. Even during the 2012 strike, the company did not restrict SPEA's ability to communicate with its members."

SPEA is currently in negotiations with SNC-Lavalin/Candu Energy. The contracts are set to expire on December 31st. The company is embarking on a nuclear renaissance, powered by efforts to decarbonize the economy with clean energy derived from nuclear power. SNC-Lavalin was recently awarded a contract to support the continued refurbishment of nuclear reactors at Bruce Power, extending their operating lives.

The Society of Professional Engineers and Associates is an independent union representing engineers, scientists, technical and administrative staff, who work for Candu Energy Inc. - Nuclear division of SNC-Lavalin (formerly Atomic Energy of Canada Limited (AECL) Candu division) in Mississauga, Ontario and abroad (excluding AECL Chalk River Laboratories). Formed in 1974, SPEA is one of the oldest professional unions in Canada.



For more information contact:



Michelle Duncan, Staff Representative

Tel: 416-427-3525

Email: michelle.duncan@spea.ca
SAN FRANCISCO, Dec. 23, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- DragonFlySM is a one-of-its-kind tech tool addressing the real struggles of managing business operations and keeping the customers pleased. The recently-launched software has created a huge buzz owing to its high functionality quotient in streamlining operations, boosting customer service, and growing its business. The founder Michael Eskenasy talks with us about DragonFlySM (dragonflysm.com), how he conceptualized the online platform and designed it with the help of his technology partner Zapbuild.

What made you conceptualize DragonFlySM?

When I was younger, my father owned a small telecom services business. I would often want to spend time with him, but he was constantly busy doing billing, inventory, bid creation, and other activities that didn't seem important to me at the time but were the ins and outs of running a business. We didn't spend as much time together as I wanted to when I was younger, but it made an impression on me.

Moving on with life, I worked in the field as a service technician. And later, I was brought into the Walt Disney Company as part of their service management team. While using their workflow automation software, I wondered, "why doesn't everyone use this system?" And then I saw the price tag and the multi-million dollar implementation. Over time I understood what could be possible for small businesses.

Why is DragonFlySM important in today's market?

We want to make a difference in how service management companies do business. So we focused on finding the synergies between processes and making them as simple as possible so companies can spend their time on value-adding activities instead of what they have to do to keep their business operating.

I haven't seen a tool in the market that has this goal and vision. There are some great tools in the market - however, they don't look at future growth and scaling opportunities; they tell the business they need to run a specific way. So I created this system for small service businesses; the idea is to make their business operations smooth and streamlined so they can focus and run their business the way they want.

How is DragonFlySM better than other field service management software?

That's because we provide customized solutions and a system that will never stop growing. We want to go beyond what happens in the field and start working in the back office with accounting, recruiting, and onboarding. DragonFlySM will allow service businesses to manage their entire back office with one solution that doesn't break the bank. And we want to keep building and making the system more valuable. For now, we are focusing on working with business owners to solve real problems that come from owning a field service business.

What has been the most crucial factor in DragonFlySM's success?

My passion for the success of small businesses and our technical association with Zapbuild (zapbuild.com) have been the two most significant factors. I have ideas of what I want to build, and I have my opinions, but I don't have the technical foresight to get into specific details. Zapbuild sees the vision I am going for, and their team shapes it as an ideal solution without me needing to be involved in every aspect.

For more information on DragonFlySM's services visit https://www.dragonflysm.com/ or email michael@dragonflysm.com

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Dublin, Dec. 23, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Global Base Metals Directory 2022" directory has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

The Global Base Metals Directory contains detailed and up to date company information for 3,000+ miners, producers and traders of Aluminium, downstream Aluminium, Copper, Lead, Nickel, Tin and Zinc markets. Wherever you sit in the base metals supply chain, this directory is an essential business too!

The Global Base Metals Directory has been completely re-researched. Each company, old and new, has been contacted individually to ensure the information contained in the new edition is accurate and up-to-date.

Contact and Company Information

Company profiles include:

Core data: Full contact details, year established, number of employees, exports markets, end user industries and accreditations

Products: Capacity and output numbers

Facilities: Mines (ores/minerals mined, reserves, output) and plants (equipment type and technology supplier, size and capacity)

Expansion plans: New mines, new plants and modernisation projects covered

Finance data: Ownership details, Revenue and Net Profit

You will be able to:

Search for companies by metal, region, location, company type, job title or type of equipment.

Export your results to Excel.

Save time and reduce your costs.

Identify new sales opportunities in minutes

Plan your business trips

Create high quality, accurate and targeted prospect lists

Improve targeted spend of your sales budget.

This is the ultimate resource to all the players in the base metals markets

For more information about this directory visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/31yuxw

About ResearchAndMarkets.com

ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends.
Staten Island, NY, Dec. 23, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Thanks to the overwhelming generosity of Americans across the country, the Tunnel to Towers Foundation is honored to announce the mortgage on the home of fallen SEAL Team 8 Commander Brian Bourgeois has been paid in full.

The outpouring of support for this fallen hero enabled the Foundation to pay off the mortgage in less than 10 days and make an extra $100,000 donation to the family.

Commander Bourgeois passed away on December 7, 2021, when he succumbed to injuries sustained during a training exercise in Norfolk, Virginia.

At the time of his death, he was serving as the Commanding Officer of SEAL Team 8. Commander Bourgeois leaves behind his wife Megan, and their five children.

Shortly after hearing of Bourgeois passing, Tunnel to Towers Chairman and CEO Frank Siller called on all Americans to come together to ensure Commander Bourgeois' family can stay in their home without the burden of a mortgage. He promised to deliver a mortgage payoff notice before Christmas.

Today, Siller announced that promise has been kept.

I know there is nothing that can fill the hole that Brians sudden and tragic loss left behind. I hope Megan and their five children can find some peace knowing the home they shared is now theirs forever and they will never have to worry about making another mortgage payment, said Tunnel to Towers Chairman and CEO Frank Siller, who added, I want to thank all of the people across the country who chipped in to make this happen. Together weve let Megan and her children know that they are not alone and that this country will never forget Brians service and sacrifice.

The Tunnel to Towers Foundation Gold Star Family Home Program honors the legacy of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice while serving our country by providing the surviving spouses and young children with mortgage payoffs or mortgage-free homes.

For more information on how the Foundation is making a difference in the lives of these American heroes who have made the ultimate sacrifice please go to T2T.org.

About the Tunnel to Towers Foundation

The Tunnel to Towers Foundation is dedicated to honoring the sacrifice of FDNY Firefighter Stephen Siller, who laid down his life to save others on September 11, 2001. For 20 years the Foundation has supported our nations first responders, veterans, and their families by providing these heroes and the families they leave behind with mortgage-free homes. For more about the Tunnel to Towers Foundation and its commitment to DO GOOD, please visit T2T.org.

Follow Tunnel to Towers on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram at @Tunnel2Towers.

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English French Italian

EssilorLuxottica and GrandVision enter into an agreement

with ORIG BENE, a member of MPG Austria, for the sale

of stores in the Netherlands and Belgium

Charenton-le-Pont, France, Schiphol, the Netherlands and Graz, Austria (23 December 2021  7.30 pm)  EssilorLuxottica, GrandVision and the Optic Retail International Group BENE, a member of MPG Austria (ORIG/MPG), announced today that they have entered into an agreement for ORIG/MPG to acquire 142 EyeWish stores in the Netherlands and 35 GrandOptical stores in Belgium. This follows the commitments agreed upon with the European Commission on 23 March 2021, as part of the acquisition of GrandVision by EssilorLuxottica.

The agreement between EssilorLuxottica, GrandVision and ORIG/MPG also provides for transitional agreements to support the business continuity of the divested perimeters following the implementation of the transaction.

Completion of the transaction among EssilorLuxottica, GrandVision and ORIG/MPG is subject to the approval of the European Commission, as part of the commitments procedure. The transaction is expected to close in the first quarter of 2022.

Advisors to EssilorLuxottica and GrandVision: Mediobanca - Banca di Credito Finanziario and Lazard acted as financial advisors, Sullivan & Cromwell and Stibbe served as M&A legal advisors, BonelliErede as antitrust advisor and IG&H and Deloitte Finance as carve-out advisors. Additionally, De Brauw Blackstone Westbroek continued to support GrandVision as legal advisor.

Advisors to ORIG/MPG: mk05 as M&A and financial advisor, Loyens & Loeff as M&A legal counsel and MPG as due diligence and commercial support.

About EssilorLuxottica

EssilorLuxottica is a global leader in the design, manufacture and distribution of ophthalmic lenses, frames and sunglasses. Formed in 2018, its mission is to help people around the world to see more, be more and live life to its fullest by addressing their evolving vision needs and personal style aspirations. The Company brings together the complementary expertise of two industry pioneers, one in advanced lens technology and the other in the craftsmanship of iconic eyewear, to set new industry standards for vision care and the consumer experience around it. Influential eyewear brands including Ray-Ban and Oakley, lens technology brands including Varilux and Transitions, and world-class retail brands including Sunglass Hut, LensCrafters and since 1st July (via a majority interest) - GrandVision are part of the EssilorLuxottica family. In 2020, EssilorLuxottica had over 140,000 employees and consolidated revenues of Euro 14.4 billion. The EssilorLuxottica share trades on the Euronext Paris market and is included in the Euro Stoxx 50 and CAC 40 indices. Codes and symbols: ISIN: FR0000121667; Reuters: ESLX.PA; Bloomberg: EL:FP. For more information, please visit www.essilorluxottica.com .

About GrandVision

GrandVision, part of the EssilorLuxottica group, is a global leader in optical retailing, delivering high quality and affordable eye care to more and more customers around the world. The high-quality eye care offered by GrandVision includes a wide range of services provided by its vision experts. Our products include prescription glasses including frames and lenses, contact lenses and contact lens care products, as well as sunglasses both plain and with prescription lenses. These products are offered through leading optical retail banners which operate in more than 40 countries across Europe, the Americas, the Middle East and Asia. GrandVision serves its customers in over 7,200 stores and with more than 39,000 employees, proving every day that in EYE CARE, WE CARE MORE. Since March 2021, GrandVision is a participant of the United Nations Global Compact and we adhere to our principle-based approach to responsible business. For more information, please visit www.grandvision.com

About ORIG BENE/MPG

ORIG BENE was founded by the Dr. Michael Pachleitner private foundation and the Raiffeisen Invest Private Equity group as co-investors for the purpose of promoting international growth in the optical market. MPG, headquartered in Graz, is  as a part of the Dr. Michael Pachleitner private foundation - an internationally active manufacturer and wholesaler of products for the eyewear industry with over 30 years of experience. It has subsidiaries in five countries, and operates a design and development site in Austria, a lens production facility in Germany, a logistics centre in the Czech Republic and sales offices in Austria, Germany, France and Hong Kong. The company owns a number of internationally known brands, including the iconic brand Robert La Roche, and also fashion licensed brands. It also collaborates with other companies, primarily with Red Bull and Davidoff. MPG currently exports to over 70 countries and employs more than 1,500 people. With the brand Hallmann, MPG is also represented in the optics and acoustics retail market. Hallmann has grown to 110 shops in Germany and Denmark in the last 4 years. The expansion of the retail branch is an essential part of MPG's strategy.

CONTACTS

EssilorLuxottica GrandVision

Giorgio Iannella - Head of Investor Relations Annia Ballesteros  Investor Relations Director

e-mail: ir@essilorluxottica.com e-mail: annia.balesteros@grandvision.com

Marco Catalani - Head of Corporate Communications Carola Okhuijsen  Head of Corporate Communications

e-mail: media@essilorluxottica.com e-mail: carola.okhuijsen@grandvision.com

ORIG/MPG

Marcel Norbart

e-mail: mn@mpg-eyewear.com

Attachment
NEWBURGH, N.Y., Dec. 23, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ES Bancshares, Inc. (the Company) (OTCQX: ESBS), the bank holding company for Empire State Bank (the Bank), today announced that the Bank has entered into a definitive agreement to sell its branch office located at 68 North Plank Road, Newburgh, New York (the Branch) to Wallkill Valley Federal Savings and Loan Association (Wallkill Valley). Pursuant to the Agreement, the Bank has agreed to sell approximately $9 million in loans and other assets and approximately $67 million in customer deposits affiliated with the Branch.



Philip Guarnieri, Chief Executive Officer of the Company and the Bank, said, We are taking this step as a part of our strategy to focus our operations on the economically dynamic Boroughs of Brooklyn, Staten Island, Queens and the surrounding areas. This transaction will be immediately accretive to our stockholders. With the sale of the Newburgh office, we are relocating our main office and corporate headquarters to Staten Island but will also retain certain back office operations in Newburgh.

Subject to customary closing conditions, including the receipt of all necessary regulatory approvals, the Branch sale is expected to be completed during the second quarter of 2022.

Luse Gorman, PC provided legal counsel to ES Bancshares and Empire State Bank and MacVean, Lewis, Sherwin & McDermott provided legal counsel to Wallkill Valley. FinPro Capital Advisors, Inc. provided financial advisory services to ES Bancshares and Piper Sandler & Co. provided financial advisory services to Wallkill Valley.

About ES Bancshares, Inc. and Empire State Bank

ES Bancshares, Inc. is the bank holding company for Empire State Bank which offers a wide range of financial services through its branch office network in Newburgh, Brooklyn and Staten Island, New York. For more information about Empire State Bank, please visit www.esbna.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws. These statements are not historical facts; rather, they are statements based on the Companys and Banks current expectations regarding its business strategies and their intended results and its future performance. Forward-looking statements are preceded by terms such as expects, believes, anticipates, intends and similar expressions. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance. Numerous risks and uncertainties could cause or contribute to the Companys actual results, performance and achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Factors that may cause or contribute to these differences include, without limitation, general economic conditions, including changes in market interest rates and changes in monetary and fiscal policies of the federal government; legislative and regulatory changes; the ability to obtain required regulatory approvals in a timely manner; and uncertainties related to the economy in our market area as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. Because of the risks and uncertainties inherent in forward-looking statements, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on them, whether included in this press release or made elsewhere from time to time by the Company or on its behalf. The Company assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements except as may be required by applicable law or regulation.
San Antonio, TX, Dec. 23, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- U.S. Global Investors, Inc. announces that six of the mutual funds it manages will pay 2021 income dividend and/or capital gains distributions.

The record date is December 22, 2021, the ex-dividend date is December 23, 2021, and the payable date is December 27, 2021.

Shareholders should be aware that the distributions of dividends and/or capital gains will reduce each funds net asset value (NAV) by the amount of the distribution. Market activity may also impact a funds NAV on the ex-dividend date, so the total change in a funds NAV may be more or less than its distribution.

Shareholders with automatic reinvestment will receive their distribution in the form of additional shares at the closing prices on December 23, 2021, while others will receive their distribution by check. The distributions do not affect the funds total return.

The following is a list of the per share distribution amounts by fund.

Fund Income dividend per share Short-term capital gains per share Long-term capital gains per share China Region Fund (USCOX) - $0.538823 $0.741454 Emerging Europe Fund (EUROX) $0.056237 - - Global Resources Fund (PSPFX) $1.072804 - - Gold and Precious Metals Fund (USERX) $0.251015 - - Global Luxury Goods Fund (USLUX) $0.206617 $2.850441 $0.368011 World Precious Minerals Fund (UNWPX) $1.851030 - -

Fund distributions are not directly correlated with short-term fund performance. This information is not intended as tax advice. Investors should consult a tax advisor with questions regarding their individual tax liability.

Please consider carefully a funds investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses. For this and other important information, obtain a fund prospectus by visiting www.usfunds.com or by calling 1-800-US-FUNDS (1-800-873-8637). Read it carefully before investing. Foreside Fund Services, LLC, Distributor. U.S. Global Investors is the investment adviser.

All opinions expressed and data provided are subject to change without notice. Some of these opinions may not be appropriate to every investor. There is no guarantee that the funds will declare dividends in the future or that, if declared, will remain at current levels or increase over time.

Stock markets can be volatile and share prices can fluctuate in response to sector-related and other risks as described in the fund prospectus. Foreign and emerging market investing involves special risks such as currency fluctuation and less public disclosure, as well as economic and political risk. By investing in a specific geographic region, a regional funds returns and share price may be more volatile than those of a less concentrated portfolio. The Emerging Europe Fund invests more than 25% of its investments in companies principally engaged in the oil & gas or banking industries. The risk of concentrating investments in this group of industries will make the fund more susceptible to risk in these industries than funds which do not concentrate their investments in an industry and may make the funds performance more volatile.
Waukesha, WI (53187)

Today

Overcast. A few flurries or snow showers possible. High 13F. Winds WNW at 10 to 20 mph..

Tonight

Bitterly cold. Partly cloudy skies. Low -4F. Winds WNW at 10 to 15 mph.
The Green River City Council approved a lease agreement with JS Construction to develop two tracts of the former Lincoln High School property into residential housing.

The council approved the bid for $70,000 for the B and C tracts of land Tuesday night.

According to Council documents, the city only received the bid from JS Construction during a bid opening Nov. 10.

The property was originally bid in 2017 for $100,000, but the builder working the project, New Peak, was unable to develop the two tracts, which resulted in the land being taken back by the city. The purchase agreement outlines...
Green River Police Department reports for Dec. 11

At 7:47 p.m., officers responded to a report of an individual causing a disturbance and assaulting an individual at the Buckn Bar. The individual left prior to officer arrival, but during the attempt to locate the individual the individual returned to the bar. Officers located the individual who was acting disorderly and was intoxicated. Officers placed Michael Medved, 38, of Green River, under arrest for alleged public intoxication and interference with peace officer. Officers transported Medved to the Sweetwater County Detention Center...
As the Board of County Commissioners continues to look for ways to save revenue and make county services more efficient, Commissioners Roy Lloyd and Mary Thoman have turned their attention to the Sweetwater County Fire Department, questioning if it can be reevaluated to ensure it is functioning as efficiently as possible.

Fire Warden Mike Bournazian spoke at this weeks commissioner meeting, defending the need for the fire department and his work to continually make it more efficient over the past several years.

We are a wildland fire department, that is our primary purpose, Bourn...
Eva May Bunch, 94, passed away December 16, 2021 at the Mission at Castle Rock Rehabilitation Center in Green River, WY. She was a former resident of Rock Springs but spent most of her life in Colorado, returning to Rock Springs recently.

Eva was born April 30, 1927 in Collbran, Colorado, the daughter of Berger and Signe Linn Anderson. She attended schools in Colorado and graduated from Collbran Union High School with the class of 1945.

She married Ivan Bunch March 3, 1946 in Collbran, CO. He preceded her in death.

Eva was a member of the Eastern Star and also a member of Rebekah. She l...
Starting in the new year, cancer survivors in Sweetwater County will have a new resource  a Cancer Survivorship Support Group.

We currently in Sweetwater County do not have an active cancer support group, Kelly Sugihara, a grant manager for Wyoming Cancer Research Services, explained. My job is to increase cancer screening rights and help cancer survivors throughout my region.

Sugihara wanted to create a local support group, not only because it fit with her professional mission, but also because the need is personal for her.

I am a cancer survivor as well, and so its...
After 26 years at U.S. Bank in Green River, Angela Shutran is ready for the next steps in her career.

Im taking the leap, Shutran said.

Shutran has been working as the Assistant Vice President at U.S. Bank, managing the Green River branch and acting as Hub Manager over the Green River, Rock Springs, Evanston and Park City branches. Now she has accepted a new position for the bank as a data governance analyst.

A data governance analyst helps organizations maintain best practices regarding their information, security, and integrity, Shutran explained. In this position I w...
After 2020 became a year of racial reckoning with the public killing of George Floyd and the protests of injustices against Black people, 2021 offered what can best be described as a follow-up year  a continuation of some familiar story threads with other new ones emerging.

Derek Chauvin, the former police officer who killed Floyd, was convicted of murder. Three men in Georgia were convicted in the killing of Ahmaud Arbury. A white gunman in Atlanta killed eight people, six of Asian descent. The movement to identify and reckon with structural racism rolled forward. And as local and state governments grappled with the removal of statues of racist historical figures, local school boards fought over how to teach the uneasy history of racism in the United States.

Against this backdrop, AP's Race and Ethnicity team tried to capture the story both in sweep and in painstaking detail. Here, some AP journalists from that team involved in the coverage reflect on some of the year's stories and how journalism handles the coverage of race.

KAT STAFFORD, AP national investigative race writer:

I feel as if 2021 was really a continuation of everything that we dealt with in 2020. Race is still the story. It is still that constant through line to a lot of the issues that we have been covering. ... This country right now is at a place where people are demanding that we talk more frankly about the role of structural and systemic racism and how that has led to all of these inequities that really cross over into every single beat that we cover here at AP. So thats been what Ive been reflecting on  how racism is at the forefront of all of these issues. And its not going away anytime soon.

Journalists of color for decades in this country have been trying to bring race and coverage of inequity to the forefront, but its been a struggle. I dont think thats a secret. And I think that there are still struggles in terms of how to make sure that coverage is equitable, how to make sure that we are centering these voices from communities that have been ignored for so long.

I wrote a story this year about the amount of grief that Black Americans in particular are feeling because of the constant stream of Black Americans dying at the hands of police but also the toll of the dead that weve seen from the pandemic. So paying attention to grief and how people are grappling with all these issues that are impacting them right now. I would also say climate change. I think that looking forward, were all in some way or another going to be climate reporters because this is a topic that intersects race and inequity  and intersects every single beat that we cover. So I think when we saw the hurricane earlier this year, there was a lot of talk about is this yet another example of how climate and environmental issues are going to have a disparate toll on communities of color.

I firmly believe that race coverage is not a standalone topic. Its not a special interest topic, right? This is the through line in all of the coverage areas that we have in AP as well as other news organizations. So I think we as journalists right now in this moment really need to think about how we can dig deeper. How can we go beyond the breaking news headlines, and really tell robust stories and create robust coverage that moves the conversation forward, but again, you know, stick with the facts and report the truth? I think that is really one of the most important issues facing journalism right now.

TERRY TANG, AP Race & Ethnicity reporter:

What kind of sticks out in my mind is the Gabby Petito case, how it brought back around that whole conversation about missing white woman syndrome. And are we as one of multiple news organizations doing enough to cover the nonwhite victims in those kinds of cases? Thats something that I was sort of re examining. Im glad that I got to help out on the story about that issue, where a few of us went out and tried to find family members of missing persons of color and give them a chance to speak. So I was grateful to be able to do that, and give a couple of families a platform. So thats something that Im going to try to remember in the future is how can we address those gaps so its not just the white high-income person whos getting attention.

People think that its kind of out of the ordinary when somebody who comes from the middle class or higher goes missing mysteriously like that, and especially on something like being able to afford to take a cross-country road trip. Thats more a luxury. Whereas people of color who go missing are probably not always from the middle class and theyre not doing something glamorous-sounding like taking a road trip. And they dont have a smartphone or have a presence and leave a trail on social media.

___

I think initially, after the shootings, there was an overwhelming wave of support for the Asian American experience right now in the age of COVID. And you know, it did matter that there were a lot of people who were not Asian speaking out. And yes, it was nice, for a while to see all these people  not Asian as well  who were you know, using the #StopAAPIHate or #StopAsianHate hashtags. And to degree you know, it was nice to see certain companies, corporations, and even small businesses echo those sentiments. But, of course, like anything, I feel like its kind of petered out somewhat. I mean, even as recently as this month theres an elderly man in Chicago who was shot and killed very viciously in the Chinatown neighborhood there. And I only see outrage among Asian American social media channels or independent Asian American social media platforms like Instagram accounts, Twitter accounts where their mission is to just go and pull out like all Asian American news. But I dont see much outrage beyond that.

___

As dark and harrowing as some of the news has been, you know, theres been some positive things too. I mean, at the same time that all this is happening, there were a lot of Asian Americans who were really happy by the increase in on-screen representation and also as a chance to escape the darkness of real life. Like, I have to say, Shang-Chi, the Marvel movie, to some people its just a comic-book movie but for a lot of people it was a big step in representation in media. ... For a lot of people to see someone who looks like them up on the big screen, being the action hero, was important, although I think were also ready to see more roles outside of martial arts roles, even if they are very fleshed out and three dimensional.

I will say that one of maybe my favorite stories of 2021 was the new Asian American muppet on Sesame Street. Growing up watching Sesame Street, I never thought Id write a story about an Asian American muppet.

ANDALE GROSS, AP Race & Ethnicity editor and team leader:

One thing we will obviously keep an eye on going into this next year is those issues that we know are going to be at the forefront, whether its voting rights, particularly with the Black and Latino vote, but obviously other groups as well; whether its looking at law enforcement in have things changed? Are there some signs of reform? Is there any kind of indication or signaling therell be some progress?

And then of course we will be looking closely at hate crimes, continue to look at health and also looking at education, because another issue that came up this year was the teaching of history, particularly history around slavery, and how the groups of people who make up America came to be here in America. There's push and pull about whether to tell the story particularly to young people, or to protect them from some aspects of it. That push and pull with education is going to continue to be something we see in the next year, particularly as you have local school board races and things like that.

Were definitely talking about race more, and its definitely more front and center than it has been in decades past. Where we really need to improve is everybody kind of settling down and putting aside their perspective on the race situation and then hearing it from other peoples perspectives and assessing all sides. Theres so much emotion on both sides. Obviously, theres more than two sides, but on all these different ends of it theres so much emotion involved. Thats when things just become more agitated, and politicized and even more divisive. Its messy. Its complicated. But I think people are now more willing to at least address it.

___

For a full overview of the events that shaped 2021, A Year That Changed Us: 12 Months in 150 Photos, a collection of AP photos and journalists recollections, is available now: https://www.ap.org/books/a-year-that-changed-us
Connecticut teachers are considering in earnest whether in-person classes and activities should be scaled back amid rising COVID cases.

The state has made its position on remote learning clear, with officials stating that students learn better in school buildings. And while early data has shown thats true, some educators have called for increased mitigation efforts.

At least one of the states largest school districts made the choice on Monday to cancel non-academics like student assemblies and concerts, while in other communities teachers have concerns the uptick could impact classes after winter break.

Kate Dias, president of the Connecticut Education Association, the states largest teachers union, said the present marks the first time theyve had a serious consideration of remote instruction this school year, though she predicted a shift remains unlikely.

Is this a time for remote? said Dias. The problem is that we dont really know.

Its not a casual choice that we make, Dias added. Only in a really urgent situation do we want to go remote.

An estimated 400 educators were reported positive cases to the state last week, according to early state data that is preliminary and subject to change.

The week prior, Connecticut reported 444 new cases, including 114 not fully vaccinated staff  who are required to test to circumvent the states teacher vaccine mandate. The count was more than three times the number since less than a month prior.

Everybodys feeling a little bit of a pause, a little bit more concern with the newest variant spreading so quickly, Dias said. Hearst Connecticut reported last week omicron could become the dominant COVID-19 variant in the state by months end.

Some educators have reconsidered Screen and Stay, loosened quarantine protocols keeping symptom-free kids exposed to COVID in school, Dias said, and increased COVID-19 testing. The state would need to approve any local shift to remote, and she said teachers would need enough notice to make it happen well.

On Monday, Hartford Public Schools canceled all student assemblies and concerts before winter break as a health and safety precaution, Superintendent Leslie Torres-Rodriguez wrote in a letter to families and staff. The district stopped short of a full shift to remote learning.

I think its a last-resort option for everyone, said John Tusch, a high school computer science teacher in the district. Every teacher I know wants to be in a room with kids  every age, every subject. But Im also a fully vaccinated teacher who, masked and everything, got COVID.

Tusch is a long-term member of Educators for Excellence, whose mission is to highlight teacher perspectives in education decisions. He recognized learning loss as an unavoidable byproduct of remote instructions and stressed, if we have to be remote, to be remote for as short a period as is safe and possible.

Elsewhere in the state, teachers also have concerns about current mitigation strategies and the possibility of rising cases following the holidays.

Things are not good, Erin Daly, a Danbury elementary school teacher and president of the local teachers union, wrote in a text to a Hearst Connecticut Media reporter. Our teachers are limping along to try and make it to the winter break due to severe staffing shortages, increased responsibilities, and the uptick of student and staff COVID cases.

Daly said the rate at which the virus is spreading and breakthrough cases among vaccinated teachers is causing a great deal of reignited trepidation and anxiety for everyones health and safety. She added that teachers are worried the situation could worsen over winter break, potentially impacting back-to-school in January.

Dennis Petrino, a sixth-grade science teacher in Brookfield and president of the local teachers union, has had several colleagues test positive for COVID-19 this year. Student cases have been on the rise, too, leading the district to pause Screen and Stay this month.

The concern that I am hearing is the numbers are just going to keep going up, Petrino said.

He added teachers approach him with concerns every day, asking what will happen if the cases continue to rise and whether the schools will revert back to different procedures and protocols. So far, there is no indication that Brookfield will revert to remote options.

Dias noted a shift this stage in the pandemic as education leaders continue to navigate an ebb and flow of COVID-19 case counts.

Its not so much getting through, she said. Its learning to live with this, and the variants.

Staff writer Currie Engel contributed to this report.
DAVENPORT, Iowa (AP)  Davenport's 81-year-old Centennial Bridge across the Mississippi River creaks under the weight of tens of thousands of cars and trucks every day. Rust shows through its chipped silver paint, exposing the steel that needs replacing.

This city's aging landmark is among more than 1,000 structurally deficient bridges in the area. The tally gives Iowa's 2nd congressional district the dubious distinction of having the second-most troubled bridges in the country.

So, it struck some Iowans as strange when the district's Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks voted against a bill that would pour more than $100 million in federal money to repair and replace bridges into southwest Iowa. Miller-Meeks objected to majority Democrats' handling of the bill, never mentioning its contents, a common refrain from the minority that overwhelmingly opposed it.

If anyone in Iowa was surprised that the Republican would oppose money for a glaring local priority, few in Washington were. Strategists and onetime party leaders note it's become so common for lawmakers to prioritize their party's line over district needs that it's hardly mentioned.

The old all-politics-are-local axiom has been significantly eclipsed by one that says all politics are national, said Tom Kahn, a 33-year Capitol Hill staff veteran who teaches congressional strategy at American University.

Democrats are banking on voter backlash to this trend. As they press to push through a $2 trillion spending package, following the $1 trillion infrastructure bill, they're hoping voters punish lawmakers like Miller-Meeks for opposing major new investments in health care, climate change mitigation and child care.

But even vulnerable lawmakers like Miller-Meeks  who was elected in 2020 with a winning margin of just six votes  don't appear worried about paying a price.

In New Mexico, Rep. Yvette Herrell, a GOP freshman, voted against the infrastructure bill and its $100 million per state for improving broadband internet access. A quarter of the homes in Herrells rural district lacked internet as of 2019.

In California's Central Valley, Rep. David Valadao could have told families of 194,000 children he supported expanding a middle-to-lower-income child tax credit in the Biden administrations $2 trillion sweeping spending bill. Valadao's agricultural-heavy district has more children whose parents fit the requirements for the monthly $300 per child than that of any Republican targeted by Democrats. Valadao voted against the bill, which passed the House and is now stalled in the Senate after Sen. Joe Manchin stunned fellow Democrats by announcing last weekend that he would not support the bill as is.

Miller-Meeks office did not respond to several requests to discuss her vote.

In her written statement issued publicly after the vote, she said she would have supported an infrastructure bill that was not tied to the larger spending package, as Democrats for months worked to move them in tandem.

I will not support a bill that is directly tied to a multi-trillion dollar reckless tax and spend package, she said in the statement.

Miller-Meeks and others are offering the procedural explanation, when really they are following the national trend of party loyalty, demonstrating the shift from the time-honored politics of bringing home the bacon, GOP observers said.

Thats a company line, as I would call it. Ive seen that by others, said former New York Rep. Tom Reynolds, a former chairman of the National Republican Congressional Committee. Things have changed. It used to be I brought back a number of things for my district.

Now it's, I held firm against the opposition.

Thats due in part to former President Donald Trumps still-heavy sway over the Republican Party. Trump called for party primary challenges for the 13 GOP House members who backed the infrastructure bill.

Defectors were blasted as traitors and socialists by some House GOP colleagues, such as right-wing Georgia Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene. Michigan Republican Rep. Fred Upton received a voicemail wishing death to him, his family and staff.

Theres probably still room for people who are making their cases on local issues, said John Ashbrook, a former aide to Sen. Mitch McConnell, the Senate Republican leader. But there is so much national pressure shaping your image if youre a House member. Your fate is in the hands of the national mood.

Miller-Meek had previously asked for money to improve Mississippi River infrastructure. She was among 38 House members from Mississippi River states who wrote to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers on Dec. 9 asking it to prioritize $2.5 billion for modernizing locks and dams.

The American Road and Transportation Builders Association diagnosed 1,064 of the bridges  20%  in Iowa's agricultural and industrial 2nd district as structurally deficient. That is, provisionally safe but with chronic repair needs.

Two of them, including Davenport's Centennial, cross the Mississippi in the Quad Cities, a mid-sized, industrial metro area of about 475,000 people. The bridges lace Davenport and Bettendorf, Iowa, and Rock Island and Moline, Illinois, a national crossroads of river, rail and highway commerce struggling to maintain its status as a farm machinery hub.

Behind Centennial as the most traveled structurally deficient bridge is the 50-year-old Mississippi crossing on Interstate 280, a Davenport bypass that links to Interstate 80, one of the nations busiest freight routes.

Paul Rumler, president of the Quad Cities Chamber of Commerce, lobbied Miller-Meeks to support the infrastructure bill. Commerce slows dramatically during the annual repairs on multiple bridges, he said.

In June, the Interstate 280 bridge and the 55-year-old Interstate 80 bridge up river near Davenport were partially closed for repair, pushing westbound traffic back into Illinois for miles.

Having a long-term predictable federal infusion of funding is helpful so that we can get out of this day-to-day maintenance and think about long-term needs, Rumler said. And the Quad Cities is certainly one of those places that has long-term needs.

Planners are eyeing a new Mississippi River bridge at Interstate 80, a 3,000-mile femoral artery linking metro New York with San Francisco.

Aaron Tennant owns trucking and shipping companies on both the Iowa and Illinois sides of the Mississippi. This month, after six years under construction, a new bridge opened connecting the town of Bettendorf, Iowa, and Moline, Illinois, on Interstate 74. But last summer's delays cost Tennant productivity. It frustrated commuters and added extra stress to older bridges such as Centennial.

The Republican, who describes himself as very conservative, says he voted for Trump twice, knows Miller-Meeks well and that she's done a good job. But he doesn't understand why she voted against the infrastructure bill.

While the larger social spending package troubles" him a bit, Infrastructure funding is unique because thats one piece I dont mind having money spent on because it directly creates jobs."

Tennant said he would have to have a conversation with the congresswoman to understand her position better.
GREENWICH  Either smiling or screaming, children had the chance to get their picture taken with Santa at Sam Bridge Nursery & Greenhouses in Greenwich.

Sam Bridge is hosting the Greenwich Reindeer Festival, where children and pets can get photos with Santa in his sleigh and marvel at three live reindeer outside. The month-long event was produced by TMK Event Marketing in coordination with Sam Bridge and sponsored by Jenny Allen Compass and Greenwich Pediatric Dental Group.
WARM SPRINGS, Ore. (AP)  Erland Suppah Jr. doesnt trust what comes out of his faucet.

Each week, Suppah and his girlfriend haul a half-dozen large jugs of water from a distribution center run by the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs to their apartment for everything from drinking to cooking to brushing their teeth for their family of five. Its the only way they feel safe after countless boil-water notices and weekslong shutoffs on a reservation struggling with bursting pipes, failing pressure valves and a geriatric water treatment plant.

About the only thing this water is good for is cleaning my floor and flushing down the toilet, Suppah said of the tap water in the community 100 miles (160 kilometers) southeast of Portland. Thats it.

In other, more remote tribal communities across the country, running water and indoor plumbing have never been a reality.

Now, theres a glimmer of hope in the form of a massive infrastructure bill signed last month that White House officials say represents the largest single infusion of money into Indian Country. It includes $3.5 billion for the federal Indian Health Service, which provides health care to more than 2 million Native Americans and Alaska Natives, plus pots of money through other federal agencies for water projects.

Tribal leaders say the funding, while welcome, wont make up for decades of neglect from the U.S. government, which has a responsibility to tribes under treaties and other acts to ensure access to clean water. A list of sanitation deficiencies kept by the Indian Health Service has more than 1,500 projects, including wells, septic systems, water storage tanks and pipelines. Some projects would address water contamination from uranium or arsenic.

About 3,300 homes in more than 30 rural Alaska communities lack indoor plumbing, according to a 2020 report. On the Navajo Nation, the largest Native American reservation, about one-third of the 175,000 residents are without running water.

Residents in these places haul water for basic tasks such as washing and cooking, sometimes driving long distances to reach communal water stations. Instead of indoor bathrooms, many use outhouses or lined pails called honey buckets that they drag outside to empty. Some shower or do laundry at community sites known as washeterias, but the equipment can be unreliable and the fees expensive.

You look at two billionaires competing to fly into outer space, yet were trying to get basic necessities in villages of interior Alaska, said PJ Simon, a former chairman of an Alaska Native nonprofit corporation called the Tanana Chiefs Conference.

Many more tribal communities have indoor plumbing but woefully inadequate facilities and delivery systems riddled with aging pipes.

The coronavirus pandemic, which disproportionately hit Indian Country, further underscored the stark disparities in access to running water and sewage systems.

In Warm Springs, the water crisis has overlapped with COVID-19.

During a worldwide pandemic, weve had a boil-water notice. How are we supposed to wash our hands? How are we supposed to sanitize our homes to disinfect, to keep our community members safe? How can we do that ... when our water isnt even clean? said Dorothea Thurby, who oversees the distribution of free water to tribal members and food boxes to those who are quarantined.

A 2019 report by a pair of nonprofit groups, U.S. Water Alliance and Dig Deep, found Native American homes are 19 times more likely than white households to lack full plumbing. And federal officials note tribal members without indoor toilets or running water are at increased risk of respiratory tract, skin and gastrointestinal infections.

On the Navajo Nation, Eloise Sullivan uses an outhouse and often drives before dawn to beat the crowd at a water-filling station near the Arizona-Utah border to get water for the five people in her household. They use about 850 gallons (3,200 liters) a week, she estimated.

Sullivan, 56, doesnt mind hauling water, but for the younger generation, its like, Do we have to do that?

Its kind of like a big issue for them, she said.

She once asked local officials what it would cost to run a water line from the closest source about 2 miles (3.2 kilometers) away. She said she was told $25,000 and never pursued it.

Libby Washburn, special assistant to President Joe Biden on Native American affairs, recently told tribes the infrastructure bill included enough money to complete all the projects on the Indian Health Service list. The agency said its consulting with tribes and wont make allocation decisions before that process is over.

Until now, tribes and outside organizations have worked to address needs with their own funding, donations or federal money, including pandemic relief.

If you live without running water, you understand the importance and the connection you have with it, deep down as a person, as a human being, said Burrell Jones, who sets up water systems and delivers water around Dilkon, Arizona, with Dig Deeps Navajo Water Project. You cant exist without water.

Andrew Marks recently moved back to Tanana, a community of about 190 people in Alaskas interior. He initially relied on a washeteria but found the equipment unreliable. He now has running water and plumbing where he lives but hauls water for family members who dont.

I believe if we had more people with water, more people connected to the grid, it would drastically improve their life, he said.

In Oregon, tribal officials have handed out about 3 million gallons (11 million liters) of water  almost all of it donated  from a decommissioned elementary school on the reservation. A steady stream of residents pick up a combined 600 gallons (2,270 liters) of water a day from the building. Former classrooms overflow with 5-gallon (19-liter) containers and cases of bottled water.

The infrastructure bill brought joy to my heart because now it gives me hope  hope that its going to be repaired, said Dan Martinez, the tribes emergency manager, who expects to receive federal funds to replace underground pipes and address the 40-year-old treatment plant.

If you came to work one day and someone said, Hey, you need to go and find water for a community of 6,000 people. ... I mean, where do you start?

The money wont provide immediate relief. Funding to the Indian Health Service is supposed to be distributed over five years. There is no deadline for its use, and projects will take time to complete once started. The money wont cover operation and maintenance of the systems, a point tribes have criticized.

In Warm Springs, tribal members dont pay for their water, and proposals to charge for it are deeply unpopular. That provides little incentive for tribal members to conserve water and raises questions about how new infrastructure will be maintained.

There are some Natives who say  and I believe this myself  How do you sell something you never owned? The Creator has given it to us, said Martinez, a tribal member.

Building out infrastructure in remote areas can be onerous, too. Most roads on the Navajo Nation are unpaved and become muddy and deeply rutted after big storms.

In Alaska, winter temperatures can fall well below zero, and construction seasons are short. Having enough people in a small community who are trained on the specifics of a water system so they can maintain it also can be a challenge, said Kaitlin Mattos, an assistant professor at Fort Lewis College in Colorado who worked on a 2020 report on water infrastructure in Alaska.

Every bit of funding that is allocated is going to help some family, some household, which is wonderful, she said. Whether its enough to help every single household, I think, remains to be seen.

___

Fonseca reported from Flagstaff, Arizona. Bohrer reported from Juneau, Alaska.
MOSCOW (AP)  Russian President Vladimir Putin urged the West on Thursday to immediately meet Russia's demand for security guarantees precluding NATO's expansion to Ukraine, saying the U.S. is on the threshold of our home.

Speaking during a marathon annual news conference, the Russian leader welcomed talks with the U.S., which he said are set to start in Geneva next month, as a positive move, but warned that Moscow expects the discussion to produce quick results.

We have clearly and precisely let them know that any further NATO expansion eastward is unacceptable, Putin said.

Last week, Moscow submitted draft security documents demanding that NATO deny membership to Ukraine and other former Soviet countries and roll back the alliances military deployments in Central and Eastern Europe. A key principle of the alliance is that membership is open to any qualifying country.

Is it us who are putting missiles near the U.S. borders?" Putin said angrily. "No, its the U.S. who came to our home with its missiles, it's already on the threshold of our home. Is it some excessive demand not to place any strike weapons systems near our home?

Moscow presented its demand amid soaring tensions over a Russian troop buildup near Ukraine that has stoked fears of a possible invasion. U.S. President Joe Biden warned Putin in a video call earlier this month that Russia will face severe consequences if it attacks Ukraine.

Russia has denied plans to launch an attack but has described a NATO expansion and weapons deployment in Ukraine as a red line.

Asked Thursday if he could provide a guarantee that Russia will not invade Ukraine, Putin snapped in response: It's you who must give us guarantees and give them immediately, now, and not have idle talk about it for decades."

How would the Americans respond if we put our missiles on the U.S. borders with Canada or Mexico?" he exclaimed.

The U.S. and its allies have said they wont give Russia the kind of guarantee on Ukraine that Putin wants. American officials are conferring with European allies in advance of the Geneva talks.

The Russian leader charged during his news conference that the West had swindled, blatantly cheated Moscow by offering verbal pledges in the 1990s not to expand NATO's presence east and then enlarging to incorporate former Soviet bloc countries in Central and Eastern Europe and the ex-Soviet republics in the Baltics.

They said they wouldnt expand, and then they did expand, he said. They said there would be equal guarantees for all, but there is no equal security. It seems to me sometimes that we live in different worlds.

Poland, Hungary and the Czech Republic joined NATO in 1999, followed in 2004 by Bulgaria, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia and the former Soviet republics of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. In subsequent years, Albania, Croatia, Montenegro and North Macedonia also joined, bringing NATOs membership to 30 nations.

It's not us who threaten anyone," Putin said. "Is it us who came to the U.S. or British borders or somewhere else? No, they have come to us, and now they say that Ukraine will be in NATO. Or they will just put bases and strike weapons there on a bilateral basis.

He accused the West of trying to make Ukraine anti-Russia, constantly beefed up with modern weapons and brainwashing the population.

Russia cant keep living in anticipation of looming security threats posed by possible deployment of Western weapons in Ukraine, Putin said.

Should Russia live constantly looking back at what's going on and what new weapon systems are put there? he exclaimed. We need to think about ensuring our security.

He argued that Western weapons could encourage hawkish forces in Ukraine to attempt to regain control over Russia-backed separatist regions by force and even try to reclaim Crimea, which Russia annexed from Ukraine in 2014.

The Russian leader claimed that Western expressions of concern about an alleged Russian invasion could be a prelude to a possible attempt by Ukraine to launch an offensive against the rebels in the east following two botched attempts in the past.

There is an impression that they are preparing a third military operation and warning us not to meddle, he said.

Ukrainian officials have denied any intention to launch an offensive against the separatists. Ukraines Foreign Ministry spokesman Oleg Nikolenko said Thursday that Putins claim about Kyiv preparing a military operation is untrue.

White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said that the only aggression at the border of Russia and Ukraine is the military buildup by the Russians and the bellicose rhetoric from the leader of Russia.

British Foreign Secretary Liz Truss also insisted that NATO is a defensive alliance and Ukraine continues to show commendable restraint in the face of Russian provocation and aggression.

Any Russian incursion would be a massive strategic mistake and would be met with strength, including coordinated sanctions with our allies to impose a severe cost on Russias interests and economy, Truss said.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken discussed the situation around Ukraine with Truss and they agreed on the importance of reinforcing coordinated support amongst allies and partners to impose consequences and costs for further Russian aggression towards Ukraine, State Department spokesman Ned Price said.

A senior White House official speaking on condition of anonymity said Thursday the U.S. was prepared to increase support to Ukraine to help it defend its territory and would reassure NATO allies of any change in posture in addition to economic sanctions if Russia invades its neighbor.

Shortly after annexing the Crimea, Moscow cast its support behind a separatist rebellion in Ukraines east. The fighting over more than seven years has killed more than 14,000 people and devastated Ukraines industrial heartland, known as the Donbas.

Putin's news conference lasted nearly four hours and also covered a range of domestic issues. He dismissed criticism of Russia designating scores of critical media and activists as foreign agents, a pejorative label that entails additional government scrutiny and is intended to undermine the credibility of designees.

Asked about his top political foe, imprisoned opposition leader Alexei Navalny, Putin again rejected allegations that Russian authorities were behind Navalny's poisoning with a nerve agent last year.

The Russian leader also dismissed arguments that Moscow was hoarding gas amid the EU energy crunch to press for a quick approval of the newly-built Nord Stream 2 pipeline, saying that Russia's Gazprom gas giant has even overfulfilled its obligations under long-term contracts.

Putin, who is set to attend the Winter Olympics in China early next year, also criticized the U.S. political boycott of the Beijing Games, describing it as a mistake and part of efforts by Washington to contain China's growing might.

___

Colleen Long and Benjamin Fox in Washington, Jill Lawless in London and Yuras Karmanau in Kyiv, Ukraine, contributed to this report.
WASHINGTON (AP)  As Russia was working to subvert U.S. elections and sow discord among Americans, Congress directed the creation of an intelligence center to lead efforts to stop interference by foreign adversaries. But two years later, that center still is not close to opening.

Experts and intelligence officials broadly agree the proposed Foreign Malign Influence Center is a good idea. The U.S. has lacked a cohesive strategy to fight influence operations, they say, with not enough coordination among national security agencies. Adversaries that tried to interfere in the last two presidential elections continue to bombard Americans with disinformation and conspiracy theories at a time of peril for democracy in the U.S. and around the world.

But the intelligence community and Congress remain divided over the center's mission, budget and size, according to current and former officials. While separate efforts to counter interference continue, a person identified this year as a potential director has since been assigned elsewhere and the center likely will not open anytime soon.

It really is just giving a gift to Russia and China and others who clearly have their sights set not only on the midterm elections but on ongoing campaigns to destabilize American society, said David Salvo, deputy director of the Alliance for Securing Democracy and a senior fellow at the German Marshall Fund.

The nation's top intelligence official had advocated for the center before taking office. Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines last year co-chaired a German Marshall Fund task force supporting it. In a statement, spokeswoman Nicole de Haay said the director's office "is focused on creating a center to facilitate and integrate the Intelligence Communitys efforts to address foreign malign influence.

But some lawmakers are concerned about further expanding the mission of the Office of the Director of National Intelligence. ODNI was originally envisioned as a small coordinating body to address the intelligence-sharing failures preceding the Sept. 11 attacks. It has several centers that critics say are well-meaning attempts to solve problems but end up causing unnecessary duplication.

Senate Intelligence Committee Chairman Mark Warner said that while he supports the center, there were legitimate questions about how large such an organization should be and even about where it would fit" with existing government efforts to fight foreign interference.

We want to be sure that this center enhances those efforts rather than duplicating them or miring them in unnecessary bureaucracy, the Virginia Democrat said in a statement. I dont have any real doubt that we will ultimately stand the center up in the relatively near future, but we need to be sure we get it right.

It's unclear who would lead the center. Separately, there is also a vacancy for a new election threats executive after the previous executive, Shelby Pierson, ended her term and returned to another intelligence post. Pierson had been in the spotlight last year after giving lawmakers a closed-door briefing on Russia's efforts to intervene in the 2020 election in favor of former President Donald Trump. That angered Trump, who berated the then-director of national intelligence and later replaced him. Trump has promoted falsehoods about elections and pushed Republicans to follow his lead.

Experts on democracy have long warned that what the government refers to as malign influence is a national security threat. Social media has helped make disinformation a cheap and powerful tactic for adversaries who can push false or altered stories, videos and images, and amplify falsehoods already circulating among Americans to promote their own interests and create chaos.

U.S. and other Western authorities have accused Russia of spreading disinformation about the coronavirus and vaccines, stealing data from local and state election servers, and pushing false stories intended to exploit divisions over race and civil rights. Intelligence agencies have found that Russia used influence operations to interfere with the 2016 presidential election in favor of Trump's campaign and conducted operations in Trump's favor in 2020.

The U.S. assessed China ultimately did not interfere in the 2020 election, but Beijing has been accused of promoting false theories about the COVID-19 pandemic and trying to sway businesses and all levels of government. Iran was accused of sponsoring emails intended to intimidate Democratic-leaning voters into supporting Trump.

Experts say the new center can warn Americans about interference and produce better information for policymakers. While the FBI, the National Security Agency and several other government agencies have long worked on foreign interference, we are not organized in a way where we are building a coherent threat picture, said Jessica Brandt, an expert on foreign interference and disinformation at the Brookings Institution.

But there are risks in the intelligence community ramping up its monitoring of what Americans see and read. The FBI and NSA have been accused of unlawfully spying on Americans. That history contributes to many Americans' distrust of the intelligence community, as do Trump's attacks on intelligence professionals and what he has derided as the deep state.

Opponents note the U.S. also has a history of covert interference in other countries and has helped overthrow governments seen as anti-American. A column published by the Kremlin-backed RT.com alleged the proposed center is just official cover for American intelligence interference in domestic politics.

The intelligence community also risks being seen as political or infringing on First Amendment rights if it takes the same untruths spread by Americans and labels them as foreign interference when they're spread by an adversary.

The center is going to have to figure out this enormous challenge to convey threats to American elections, American democracy, at a time when there seem to be two completely different realities, said Salvo of the German Marshall Fund.

Congress authorized the center in late 2019 and directed ODNI to create it. Several people who worked in intelligence matters at that time, speaking on condition of anonymity to describe confidential discussions, say they didn't know of any effort by the Trump White House to stop the center. Instead, leaders within ODNI disagreed on how to structure the new center or whether it should be a virtual center" without an office.

According to one of the people, William Evanina, the former chief of ODNI's counterintelligence center, offered to take the malign influence center under his authority, but the office ultimately did not choose that option. Evanina declined to comment.

After President Joe Biden took office, ODNI presented a plan for a small center with a few dozen staff members to the intelligence and appropriations committees in the House and Senate. But even as Congress required the center's creation, key lawmakers from both parties have expressed concerns about the plan.

A proposal to fund the center this summer failed and it is unlikely to be completed while the government is operating with temporary funding. The center may now be included if a full spending plan is approved in early 2022.

Suzanne Spaulding, an election security expert at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, called for the U.S. government to act quickly.

Time is not on our side, Spaulding said. Disinformation is a national security threat and should be treated with the urgency that a national security threat engenders.
We've been used to Samsung releasing two separate versions of its flagship smartphones, with some markets getting a Snapdragon chipset inside, and others settling for an Exynos. Which markets get which is something that sometimes changes, but other than that, this has been a pretty predictable development for the past few years.

Now it seems like Samsung is looking to adopt the same strategy for one of its best selling mid-rangers. The upcoming Galaxy A53 will succeed the A52/A52s and A51, which were all Samsung's best selling mid-rangers. And the A53 is allegedly going to be offered in two versions, with two different chipsets, just like the flagship S series.

Samsung Galaxy A53 leaked renders

The source clarifies that this isn't a confusion stemming from there being both 4G and 5G iterations of the A53 - apparently there's only going to be an A53 5G. In some markets, like the US, this may show up with a new Exynos SoC (possibly marketed as Exynos 1200 upon launch). Over there the A53 will have the model number SM-A536U. There's also going to be an SM-A536B for Europe, and an SM-A536E for the Middle East, North Africa, and a number of Asian markets, including India. These models may have differing chipsets.

We're assuming this might be connected to the now never-ending chip crisis, with Samsung trying to source as many SoCs for its top seller as possible. The Galaxy A53 is expected to become official in March, perhaps alongside the Galaxy A33 and A73. The A53 will have a 64 MP main camera and a 5,000 mAh battery. It will be offered in white, black, blue, and orange.

Source (in Dutch) | Image source
Pixel owners have noticed that Google has taken its time to push out the December Feature Drop update for Pixels and now we can speculate the possible reason for this. Meanwhile, Google has confirmed that it has had to disable two Pixel-exclusive features following the December update on Google Pixel phones.

Google has confirmed on a Google Support forum that it has had to disable Hold For Me and Call Screen features from the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro until a major bug from the December update has been addressed.

In light of a bug in the December Android update, we are disabling Hold for Me and Call Screening on Pixel 6 devices running on Android S December QPR release (e.g. SQ1D.211205.016.A4) (follow below instructions to identify Android build for your phone) until we fix the underlying problems. Thanks for those of you who reported this issue.

Google hasnt explained what bug has caused it to disable one of our favorite Pixel features. In any case, the Google employee explains that the issue is actively being worked on, though no timeframe has been given. You can tap the Subscribe button at the bottom of the post at the Source link to stay updated on the status of these bugs.

Source
Start the new year with adventures as Guam Boonie Stompers Inc. takes hikers on some difficult and very difficult treks in January. At the end of the month, though, theres a hike for beginners and families with children.

Hikers should provide their own transportation, and children must be accompanied by a responsible adult. Note that weather conditions can make the hikes more difficult than described.

No reservations are required. To join, meet at 9 a.m. behind the center court of Chamorro Village in Hagatna.

The cost is $5 for hikers over 17. If you complete 10 hikes, you get a free Boonie Stomp T-shirt.

For more information, go to facebook.com/GuamBoonieStompersInc or call (671) 787-4238.

Jan. 1: Maguagua Falls, very medium/difficult, 4 hours for 2.5 miles

Experience a unique waterfall in central Guam, where hikers will get to relax and enjoy the views of Maguagua Valley.

Bring: 3 liters of water, hiking shoes, gloves, sunscreen, sunglasses, insect repellent, lunch and camera.

Special conditions: Sword grass, steep slopes and rope climbing.

Jan. 8: Sinisa/Lower Sigua Falls, very difficult, 6 hours for 6.8 miles

Hike over the hills and through a gorge to see World War II tanks and two waterfalls.

Bring: 4 liters water, hiking shoes, gloves, sunscreen, sunglasses, insect repellent, lunch and camera.

Special conditions: Rope climbing, steep slopes, slippery muds and walking in water.

Jan. 15: Inalahan Falls, difficult, 5 hours for 7 miles

Hike over the hills of southeastern of Guam to the best waterfalls in the Western Pacific.

Bring: 3 liters water, hiking boots, gloves, sunscreen, sunglasses, insect repellent, lunch and camera.

Special conditions: Long walk, steep slopes, mud and optional rope climbing.

Jan. 22: Ghost Cave/Maemong Falls, difficult, 5 hours for 4 miles

Trek through rivers in central Guam to see amazing rare rock formations.

Bring: 2 liters water, hiking shoes, sunscreen, sunglasses, insect repellent, lunch and camera.

Special conditions: River walking, moderate slopes and sword grass.

Jan. 29: Tarzan Falls, medium, 3 hours for 1.5 miles

This hike is great for families and beginners as this is a fairly short trail with lots of water fun.

Bring: 2 liters water, hiking shoes, gloves, sunscreen, sunglasses, insect repellent, lunch and camera.

Special conditions: Muddy trail, several hills up and down and slippery rocks.
Get in the holiday spirit with us as we admire the many beautiful Christmas trees in our community! Folks showed up for our Christmas Tree Contest with displays that ran the gamut from classic to creative, and came in all sorts of shapes, sizes and materials.

Trees this year were full of unique touches, featuring sunflowers, beloved Christmas characters, tropical flowers, teddy bears, and even a tree made of bamboo sourced from the jungle. One enterprising young man, 4-year-old Christian Re Taga, was selected as a winner for his kid-sized tree decorated with Happy Meal toys.

All are beautiful in their own way, and the love and care taken with each is evident in the details  and in the smiles on the faces of a few family members included in the photos.

We received roughly 120 entries and are thrilled to announce the seven winners who will receive one $100 gift card from one of our partners:

Smart Town

: Mona Taga

MedPharm

: Joann Augustin

Geek Out

: Terese Mendiola

The Vault GU

: Josephine Perez Blas

Micropac

: Annjessica Ramos

Tony Romas

: Vivian Estrem

Goodyear Tire Center

: Ronald Abrenilla

The winning trees are printed in the paper today for all to enjoy, and a gallery of additional submissions is available to view online and on Pages 38 and 39.

Enjoy a peek into one of many ways Christmas cheer is alive and well this year in Guam, and take notes for your own tree decor next year!




Haiti - Politic : 14,127 Haitians repatriated by 5 countries in 3 months





Since 19 September 2021, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in Haiti has provided reception and postanival assistance to 14,127 returnees (source : collected by IOM on site) arriving from the United States, Mexico, Cuba, The Bahamas and Turks and Caicos Islands.



Most migrants retumed from the United States and assisted by IOM were residing in Chile or Brazil prior to starting their joumey towards the U.S., with several child retumees bom in these countries. Other returnees had migrated more recently. particularly at routes by sea, motivated by various factors such as lack of income or job opportunities, insufficient access to basic services for them and their family, the 14 August earthquake that affected the southem departments of Haiti, insecurity, and political instability.



September 19 to 30, 2021: 6,510 Haitians repatriated

Males: 3,410; Women: 1704; Boys: 688; Girls : 708



October 1 to 31, 2021: 4,730 Haitians repatriated

Males: 3,394; Women: 872; Boys: 277; Girls : 187



November 1 to 30: 1,128 Haitians repatriated

Male: 668; Women: 308; Boys: 80; Girls: 79



December 1 to 19: 1,857 Haitians repatriated

Males: 1,079; Women: 528; Boys: 115; Girls : 135



From United States 10,776 migrants have been returned, 2,239 in Cap-Haitien, 8,537 in Port-au-Prince, reparted in 101 flights, including 24 in Cap-Haitien and 77 in Port-au-Prince, 56% from returned was men, 26% women, 9% boys and 9% girls.



L'OIM note for Mexico 5 movements and 375 returnees, for the Bahamas 11 movements and 1,163 returnees, for Turks and Caicos Islands 8 movements and 142 returnees, for Cuba 11 movements and 1,362 returnees and for 3 movements intercepted at sea by the US Coast Guard and 406 returnees



The OIM assistance consisted in :



Food ans beverage during the registration process



75 USD cash (boat), 100 - 120 USD cash (plane) unconditional and multipurpose



One hygiene kit per persone, including dignity items and items for babies



Phones ar disposal to contact relatives upon arrival



First aid and refferal for medical assistance



Psycological support ans counselling services



Family reunification of unaccompanied children in collaboration with IBESR



The possibility to talk to a legal interne



HL/ S/ HaitiLibre






















Haiti - News : Zapping...





Scandal of theft and embezzlement of ONI property

Four people have been arrested in connection with the scandal of thefts and the misappropriation of the property of the National Identification Office (ONI), announced the Commissioner of the Government of Port-au-Prince, Jacques Lafontant. Over 100 solar panels, at least 20 motorcycles and two generators were stolen from ONI. These materials have already been located, said the head of the criminal prosecution. He informs that the former managing director Jude Jacques Elibert is once again invited to the public prosecutor's office on January 10 https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-35544-haiti-news-zapping.html



Cap-Haitien : National funeral, angry families

The absence of Prime Minister ai, Ariel Henry at the national funeral Tuesday, December 21, of the explosion of a tanker truck on December 14 https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-35489-haiti-flash-the-toll-of-the-tragedy-in-cap-haitien-strongly-increase-and-stands-at-134-victims.html which left 90 dead and the exposure of only 4 coffins out of the 25 announced by the Town Hall, in addition to the lack of psychological and financial assistance to families promised by the Government, angered the families of the victims.



NOTICE : The Embassy of Haiti in Canada closed

The Embassy of Haiti in Canada is informing the Haitian community and the general public that its premises will be closed this Thursday, December 23, 2021 for the end of the year festivities. Activities will resume face-to-face or remotely according to Public Health Canada alerts related to the evolution of the pandemic, Wednesday, January 5, 2022 at 9:00 a.m.



France : The novelist and poet Guy Regis Jr., Officer of the Order of Arts and Letters

The French Ministry of Culture distinguished the novelist and poet Guy Regis Junior and appointed him an Officer of the Order of Arts and Letters (the 2nd highest rank before "Commander"). A distinction which rewards people who have distinguished themselves in the artistic and literary field or by the contribution to the influence they have made to the influence of the Arts and Letters in France.



Wishes, the P.M. receives the media bosses

On Wednesday PM Henry received at the Official Residence the media bosses and representatives of the country's journalists' association for an exchange of greetings on the occasion of the end-of-year celebrations, taking the opportunity to reiterate the commitment of his Government to respect freedom of the press.



Rebu does not believe in the escape of hostages

Former Colonel Himmler Rebu, qualifies as "a joke" the statements of "Christian Aid Ministries" which affirms that the 12 hostages escaped https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-35529-haiti-flash-the-400-mawozo-gang-did-not-release-the-12-hostages-they-escaped.html . He believes that these statements are part of a psychological warfare strategy of "make believe".



HL/ HaitiLibre


















By William Schwartz | Published on 2021/12/22

A very pointless opening ten minutes offers almost no new information as we watch last episode's conclusion from Soo-ho's point of view. Soo-ho was doing spy stuff, got chased into the girl's dormitory by South Korean agents, and Head Mother Pi rather comically refuses to cooperate with them even slightly due to the lack of a warrant. It's unclear whether Head Mother Pi sympathizes with Soo-ho's plight.

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This is because Soo-ho is presumably a pro-democracy protestor, or if she just hates being told what to do by anyone if they're not following the rules. The critical irony behind that entire premise is the main interesting idea "Snowdrop" has going for it. Soo-ho does indeed appear to be a North Korean spy. But the National Intelligence Service has such a notorious reputation for labeling literally any pro-democracy protestor a North Korean spy that no one believes them.

It occurs neither to Team Leader Lee (played by Jang Seung-jo) nor his main spotlighted subordinate Agent Jang (played by Jung Yoo-jin) that by barging in and waving their guns around they look considerably more dangerous than the alleged terrorist they claim to be trying to arrest. While that whole situation sounds like farce, it doesn't really play like one on-screen. Everything about the illegal ransacking of the dormitory is played for dead serious tension.

I thought there was going to be a silly explanation for the blood in the sauna yet it was just straightforward drama. This even happens in more slapstick scenes, with Yeong-ro's senior roommate Hye-ryeong (played by Jung Shin-hye) playing the shrieking victim in regards to an agent staring at her impromptu hiding space. I like how our at times shrill and annoying leading ladies put this to good effect to try and intimidate the National Intelligence Service agents into giving up their search.

But the novelty wears thin once the agents finally do leave, and we're left with spooky ghost stories and purloined food as the backdrop to Yeong-ro and Soo-ho's burgeoning love story. We still know almost nothing about Soo-ho, or even Yeong-ro for that matter, as their motivation is underdeveloped compared to the gigantic cast of politically aligned characters I'm still having trouble keeping track of. Well, the music is at least really good. I like how we actually get to hear entire songs. It really sets the mood for the music of the era, even if this aspect comes at the expense of robust editing.

Review by William Schwartz

___________

"Snowdrop" is directed by Jo Hyeon-tak, written by Yoo Hyeon-mi, and features Jung Hae-in, Jisoo, Yoon Se-ah, Kim Hye-yoon, Jung Shin-hye, Kim Mi-soo. Broadcasting information in Korea: 2021/12/18~Now airing, Sat, Sun 22:30 on Disney Plus, jTBC.
from U.S. Small Business Administration

Administrator Isabella Casillas Guzman, head of the U.S. Small Business Administration, visited New Haven and Hartford, Connecticut, to meet with small business owners and to promote how the recently passed bipartisan infrastructure law will bring communities together to build a better America. Administrator Guzman kicked off her visit with New Haven Mayor Justin Elicker at Atticus Book Store and Cafe and later met with Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont at Meriden Sewage Treatment Plant.

It was a privilege to see firsthand the grit, resilience, and fortitude of Connecticuts small business owners and workers as we work to Build a Better America, Guzman said. Under President (Joe) Bidens leadership, the bipartisan infrastructure law is set to deliver historic new investments in Americas economy and our most critical systems, creating more contracting opportunities for our entrepreneurs. My thanks to Gov. Lamont and his team for simplifying access to procurement so more Connecticut small and disadvantaged businesses can stand ready to help build Americas next great economyone that creates more good jobs and lifts up more families and communities.

After breakfast with Mayor Elicker, the administrator stopped by the historic Shubert Theater, a Shuttered Venue Operators Grant recipient. While there, she met with Anthony McDonald, Shubert Theatre CEO, and toured the facility to see how SBAs economic relief funding helped the venue save jobs and weather the pandemic.

Guzman also toured a series of New Haven pizza spots throughout the day, including Modern Apizza, Frank Pepe Pizzeria, and Sallys Apizza. She met with owners and staff at each restaurant to hear about their experience during the height of the pandemic and to discuss the SBAs impact on the recovery of Americas small businesses.

To conclude her trip to Connecticut, the Administrator met with Lamont, where they discussed the implementation of the infrastructure bill in Connecticut, how SBA programs have assisted the states economic growth and the benefits of Bidens Build Back Better Act.

Cabinet-level officials are traveling the country to discuss how the historic provisions of the infrastructure bill will bring communities together and equitably invest in our countrys infrastructure and significantly improve the lives of the American people.

The trip marks Guzmans first visit to Connecticut since her confirmation. Since June, Guzman has visited 21 states and U.S. territories, including Puerto Rico.

About the U.S. Small Business Administration

The U.S. Small Business Administration makes the American dream of business ownership a reality. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow or expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit http://www.sba.gov .
#PublicSchoolProud Despite the many challenges brought on by the pandemic, so many of my colleagues in the Department operated outside of their comfort zones, rallied to learn new methods and technology, and supported each other, students and parents throughout this journey. My sons teachers and administrators created a positive experience and developed relationships both online and inperson. Everyone worked tirelessly behind the scenes to make the students' experience as awesome and safe as possible. I am #PublicSchoolProud of my colleagues and extend my deepest appreciation and gratitude to all teachers, administrators and staff for their dedication, resiliency and heart.  Jade Takehiro is a budget specialist in the Office of Fiscal Services. Jade is also a Hilo High School alumni and parent of an eighth grader at Niu Valley Middle School.

Despite the many challenges brought on by the pandemic, so many of my colleagues in the Department operated outside of their comfort zones, rallied to learn new methods and technology, and supported each other, students and parents throughout this journey. My sons teachers and administrators created a positive experience and developed relationships both online and inperson. Everyone worked tirelessly behind the scenes to make the students' experience as awesome and safe as possible. I am #PublicSchoolProud of my colleagues and extend my deepest appreciation and gratitude to all teachers, administrators and staff for their dedication, resiliency and heart. Both my children attend Waikiki Elementary and we couldn't be happier. The school leadership and staff handled COVID remarkably, and my kids remained engaged throughout distance learning last school year because their teachers worked as a team, were simply marvelous educators, and communicated with us families so well. I can't say enough about what the great communication meant to us  the teachers reached out, made themselves available, and talked to us like true partners. It allowed us to see what an excellent school it is. I am honored to be able to support our schools from the State Office level. We are definitely #PublicSchoolProud. Wimmie Wong Lui is a budget specialist with the Office of Fiscal Services, and a grateful parent of two children who attend Waikiki Elementary. Mahalo and a hui hou: Congratulations to Kathy Dimino on her retirement Our sincerest mahalo goes to Kathy Dimino as she retires from the Baldwin-Kekaulike-Maui Complex Area Superintendent position after a devoted 32 years of service to the Department. We deeply admire the passion, commitment, and care she dedicated to our keiki and wish her all the best.



We extend a warm welcome to Jamie Yap as he assumes the complex area superintendent role for the BKM district. Jamie started his HIDOE career 40 years ago as a teacher. Hes served as principal of Maui High School since 2017 and was the long-time principal of Maui Waena Intermediate School before that. It has been an honor to serve our Hawaii community over the last 30 years. I am grateful for our educators and the work they do to ensure that our students have the opportunities to participate in high-level educational activities. Over these past couple of years, our educators have worked even harder to support our students through the pandemic and I appreciate all they have done. My hope is that the Department continues to focus on student success when working with our state and community partners, remembering that we all want the same outcome for our kids.

 Kathy Dimino COVID-19 Health and Safety Guidance With winter break starting next week, please be advised that the Department's COVID-19 Health and Safety Guidance for School Year 2021-22 has been updated. To ensure you're looking at the latest version, the lower left corner of the cover should say: Rev. Dec. 15, 2021.



Warmest wishes for a safe and joyful holiday season! HAWAII STATE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION Keith Hayashi Interim Superintendent Phyllis Unebasami

Deputy Superintendent ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENTS Heidi Armstrong Student Support Services Sean Bacon Interim Talent Management Brian Hallett Fiscal Services Randall Tanaka Facilities and Operations Christine Shaw Acting Information Technology Services Cara Tanimura Interim Strategy, Innovation and Performance Teri Ushijima Interim Curriculum and Instructional Design Hoohaaheo PUBLIC SCHOOL PROUD Nanea Kalani Executive Editor Chanel Honda Managing Editor Sara Miyazono

Creative Director CONNECT WITH US  HawaiiPublicSchools.org 1390 Miller St. Honolulu, HI 96813 | Phone: (808) 784-6200 | Fax: (808) 586-3234

Email: doeinfo@k12.hi.us What makes you #PublicSchoolProud? This email was sent to all HIDOE staff.


With the beginning of 2021, the political forces in NE, Syria, SDC, AANES, fought politically and diplomatically at home and abroad, seeking formal recognition of AANES, and expanding diplomatic and political relations in the Middle East, the world and Europe.

During 2021, political forces in NE, Syria held dozens of meetings at home and abroad, as well as opening offices and representations abroad.

In this Dossier, we will highlight the most prominent political and diplomatic activities at home and abroad:

Openness to the Outside

The Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria, and Syrian Democratic Council, SDC, have conducted numerous visits to European, American and Russian countries, thus driving the political process and making progress on the settlement of the Syrian crisis in accordance with international decisions. combating terrorism and supporting AANES areas, ways of establishing lasting security and stability, as well as Turkish state crimes in the occupied areas.

The meetings with the Russian side also addressed the importance of dialogue between SDC and the Damascus Government, with a view to reaching agreements that respond to the legitimate aspirations of all Syrian citizens and take into account the regional characteristics and the ethnic and cultural pluralism of Syrian society.

Its meetings with America revolved around developments in the region, ways to resolve the Syrian crisis and the need for support for AANES in order to consolidate stability in the region. With the French side, the administrative situation in NE, Syria and the importance of the democratic experience and its future developments within a united and democratic Syria were discussed.

The most important of these visits are:

July 1 - A delegation from the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria meets with the Swedish Minister of Foreign Affairs, Anna Linda, at the ministry's headquarters in the Swedish capital, Stockholm.

Meeting with Macron

July 19 - A high-level delegation from the Autonomous Administration and the Syrian Democratic Council, SDC met with French President Emmanuel Macron at the Elysee Palace. The delegation included the President of the Executive Board of the Syrian Democratic Council, Ilham Ahmed, the co-chair of the Executive Council of the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria, Berivan Khaled, and the co-chair of the Executive Council of the Civil Administration in Deir ez-Zor Ghassan Al-Youssef.

September 15 - A delegation from the Syrian Democratic Council meets with the Russian President's Special Envoy to the Middle East and Africa, Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov, in Moscow.

September 22 - A delegation from the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria meets, according to an official invitation, with the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Danish government's advisor and foreign relations official, the Syrian file official in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the humanitarian ambassador in the ministry.

September 25 - A delegation from the Syrian Democratic Council and the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria meets with representatives of the Russian Foreign Ministry headed by Mikhail Bogdanov, in the Russian capital.

July 25 - The delegation of the Syrian Democratic Council and the Autonomous Administration meets with the US administration and members of the US Senate.

October 19 - The representation of the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria in Sweden meets with the official for diplomatic relations of the ruling Socialist Party in Sweden and a member of public relations in the Swedish Parliament Andersch Ostbery.

November 20 - At the invitation of the Swedish Foreign Ministry, the Autonomous Administration meets with the official in charge of the Syrian file, Consul Per Orinos. And with the President of the International Organization of Ulf Palme Anna Sodertrom, and in charge of the Middle East file, and the head of the Swedish Kurdish Support Organization and a former member of the Stockholm municipality.

Political recognition of AANES

In a step that is the first of its kind, the Catalan parliament voted, on October 20, by a majority, on a draft resolution politically recognizing the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria.

December 11 - A delegation from the Syrian Democratic Council meets with the Swedish Minister of Foreign Affairs, Anna Linde, in the capital, Stockholm.

December 12 - A delegation from the Syrian Democratic Council meets with the Finnish Foreign Minister, Pekka Haavisto, at the Foreign Ministry building in the capital, Helsinki.

Organizational Steps

Among the organizational steps, to complement the project to open offices and representations abroad, and in a step to develop relations between the AANES and the Government and people of Switzerland, the AANES opened, on 9 August, a representation in Geneva at an official ceremony.

5 July - In the Austrian capital, Vienna, a representation of the Syrian Democratic Council was opened with the participation of representatives of Syrian political parties and forces.

Internally:

At the internal level, many Western and Arab delegations visited NE, Syria, and during the visits, they talked about the attacks of the Turkish occupation, the crimes committed against the people of NE, Syria, the Turkish occupation state's blocking of the water of the Euphrates and Tigris rivers, and the importance of supporting the Autonomous Administration in political, economic and security terms. Humanitarianism, and the importance of the AANES model in managing cities and regions in north and east Syria.

During those visits, the dialogue with the Damascus Government and the political process was also discussed, affirming the continuation of military and political support for the region, and working by various means to support efforts aimed at developing a political solution to the conflict in Syria. And the repercussions of closing the Tel Kocher crossing, and UN Resolution 2,254. The situation of the refugees, IDPs and the threats launched by the Turkish occupation against NE, Syria.

During those visits, which took place from the beginning of 2021 until December 6, the Autonomous Administration handed over a total of 256 children, 64 women from ISIS families, to their countries according to two official documents, in addition to handing over 10 Yazidi children to their mothers.

The most prominent of these visits:

January 11 - A French delegation headed by the former French ambassador to Damascus, Eric Chevalier, visits the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria.

March 10 - US Deputy Special Envoy to Syria David Brownstein meets with the Department of Foreign Relations in the Autonomous Administration in Qamishlo.

April 18 - An Official Russian delegation arrived in Qamishlo, headed by Anna Kuznetsova, Head of the Children's Rights Commission of the President of Russia.

May 4 - A Danish delegation headed by Mr. Christopher Vivek, and the official in charge of the Syria file in the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, William Bo Pedersen, senior advisor and in charge of relief and humanitarian aid in the ministry, arrived at the headquarters of the Department of Foreign Relations.

May 16 - A delegation from the US State Department headed by Deputy Secretary of State Joey Hood, accompanied by Special Envoy for Syria Amy Katrona and Director of the National Security Council for Iraq and Syria at the White House Zahra Bell, visited NE, Syria and held two separate meetings with the Syrian Democratic Forces SDF, and the Syrian Council Democracy, SDC, on the one hand, and with the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria and the Civil Council in Raqqa on the other.

May 25- The head of the French Daniel Mitrand Waqf Foundation, the responsible for the follow-up of Middle East affairs in the Paris City Council, and the head of the (URD) organization arrived at the headquarters of the Department of Foreign Relations in Qamishlo.

June 5 - An official Dutch delegation headed by the Dutch special envoy for the Syrian file Emil de Bond, Dirk Jan Neuwenhuis and Director of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for Consular Affairs visited the headquarters of the Department of Foreign Relations in Qamishlo.

June 22 - A delegation from Catalonia visits the Executive Council of the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria.

July 3 - The Commissioner for Children's Rights of the President of the Russian Federation, Larisa Nikolaevna, visited the headquarters of the Department of Foreign Relations in Qamishlo.

July 14 - A Finnish delegation headed by Ambassador Jose Tanner, Finland's envoy to the United Nations and special envoy to Syria, arrived in the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria.

July 15 - A Belgian delegation headed by Ambassador Eric de Moynck, responsible for the Syrian file, and a representative of the Belgian Foreign Ministry visits the headquarters of the Department of Foreign Relations of the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria.

July 31- The Albanian ambassador to Lebanon, Syria and Jordan and the Director of the Office of Combating Terrorism and Extremism in the Albanian Security Service visited the Department of Foreign Relations in Qamishlo city.

August 11- A Palestinian delegation visited the Department of Foreign Relations of the Autonomous Administration.

September 5 - A delegation from the Swedish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, headed by Ambassador Frederic Florent, visited the Department of Foreign Relations of the Autonomous Administration in North and East Syria.

September 9 - The Department of Foreign Relations in the Autonomous Administration received a delegation from the Kingdom of Sweden headed by Ambassador Fredrik Florn from the Department of Consular Affairs and Civil Law in Sweden.

September 23- Ambassador Barry Gilder, the Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Syria and Lebanon to South Africa, paid an official visit to NE, Syria.

September 28 - A French delegation visits the External Relations Department of the Autonomous Administration.

1 October - Barrister at the Paris Bar and Representative of the National Consultative Committee on Human Rights (CNCDH) Simon Forman, the lawyer with the Rouen Bar and the Representative of the National Council of Trade Unions, (CNB), Richard Seidlow, the lawyer at the Paris Bar, and the Secretary-General For the non-governmental organization, Lawyers Without Borders France (ASF FRANCE), Matthew Pagard, and French Member of Parliament Hebert Julien Laverire, a visit to the Department of Foreign Relations in the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria.

October 6 - The Department of Foreign Relations received two German and Danish delegations.

October 9- The Department of Foreign Relations received a member of the Belgian Federal Parliament and the Chairman of the Group of Friends of the Iraqi Parliament, Georges Dalmagni.

October 18 - A British delegation headed by the British Special Envoy to Syria Jonathan Hargreves arrived in NE, Syria.

October 21 - A delegation from the Kingdom of Sweden visited NE, Syria

November 1 - A French delegation headed by French Parliament member Hubert Julien and a number of lawyers from the Paris Bar Association visited the headquarters of the Department of Foreign Relations.

20 German medical delegation, including doctors and specialists in operations, emergency and physiotherapy, visited NE, Syria.

November 15 - The Charge d'Affairs of the Somali Embassy in Damascus visited NE, Syria.

November 22 - A Norwegian delegation visited NE, Syria.

November 29- The Department of Foreign Relations received Ambassador Barry Gilder, the Extraordinary Commissioner in Syria and Lebanon for the State of South Africa.

December 6 - The Department of Foreign Relations received a delegation from the Swiss Foreign Ministry.

Activities and Events

The year 2021 was not without activities, events and forums, which shed light on several important issues such as the Turkish occupation state's blocking of the Euphrates and Tigris rivers, the dilemma of ISIS mercenaries, and the development of the Autonomous Administration.

With the beginning of 2021, the Syrian Democratic Council organized a series of seminars on the occupation of Afrin, "agenda, strategies of resistance" under the slogan "Afrin the resistance... is steadfast, Afrin remains and the occupiers are leaving" in Aleppo on January 25, and in al-Shahba on 27.

On February 20, the Rojava Center for Strategic Studies organized a forum for "Kurdish Differences - Kurdish Facts and Solutions", in Afrin Hall in Qamishlo city, amid a large participation of Kurdish political party officials, Kurdish community figures, intellectuals and human rights defenders.

From August 19 to December 7, the Syrian Democratic Council, SDC, organized six seminars under the title (The Intellectual and Prospects for a Political Solution) in Qamishlo on August 19, in Deirk on August 21, in Hasakah on October 2, and in Raqqa on November 16 And in Manbij on December 4 and in Kobani on December 7. Those seminars focused on the role of intellectuals in resolving political crises and their role in the political process in Syria, and the tasks of the intellectual in making an effort to curb the ideas that overturn human thought.

On September 27, the activities of the International Water Forum were launched in North and East Syria, on the current water situation in the region, and the conditions witnessed by the scarcity of water sources and their submission to the will of the political states that control their sources, and continued for two consecutive days in the city of Hasakah.

The main objective of the forum was "to shed light on international charters, laws and agreements on water, draw attention to regional politics and the war on water resources monopolization and exploitation in political and economic disputes, and to present and discuss risks and challenges related to the issue of water security and achieving security and sustainable water development."

On May 27, the Human Rights Defense Initiative, sponsored by the German human rights organization (medico international) and the organization fight for humanity, organized the founding meeting of the platform for ISIS victims in NE, Syria in the Afrin hall in Qamishlo city, the platform aims to represent the voice of the victims of ISIS mercenaries and hold the mercenaries accountable for the heinous crimes they committed against the many victims and missing persons, in addition to enabling the victims (survivors of ISIS mercenaries) to play a leading role in formulating meaningful transitional justice around their rights to effective and genuine remedies and just reparation.

July 18 - Activists launched a "hashtag" campaign on virtual websites calling for international recognition of the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria. Thousands of politicians, intellectuals and international personalities participated in the campaign, which ranked first on virtual communication sites.

August 22- A group of politicians, intellectuals, journalists, activists and academics from the Afrin region launched an initiative called (The National Initiative for Afrin), in the German city of Bonn, with the aim of stopping the war of extermination being committed against the Kurdish people in Afrin.

July 15 - The Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria formed a committee consisting of 30 members from the political, social, cultural, legal and clan elites in order to reformulate the social contract for North and East Syria. The committee held its general meeting from December 11-13 to discuss the draft contract, and the expanded committee for drafting the social contract for north and east Syria ended its meeting after completing the discussion and amendment of 30% of the draft.

December 13 - At the invitation of the Preparatory Committee for the Conference of "Democratic Forces and Personalities" and in cooperation with the "Ulf Palma International Foundation", a consultative meeting was held in the Swedish capital, Stockholm, which brought together representatives of Syrian political parties and personalities; To discuss mechanisms for framing the democratic opposition and building national consensus to find a political solution in Syria.

T/S

ANHA
In charge of the Media Office of the Syrian Democratic Forces, Ferhad Shami was interviewed by ANHA on the latest developments taking place in Tal Tamr and Zarghan districts where mercenaries sought to occupy the village of Um al-Keif some 6 km to the Tam Tamr town but as Shami put it 'no advance was made on the ground'.

The attacks led to four civilian martyrdoms and other seven injuries including three children.

In an earlier statement released by Syrian Democratic Forces it was noted forces were standing up to attacks in line with the right to self defense. Two mercenaries were killed in Um al-Keif.

Shami told ANHA' ''at least 200 mortars and shells dropped on the two villages of Asadiye and Rabi'at, dependent on Darbassiye and Sere Kaniye.

Enemy sought to advance but it was repelled with fierce resistance by fighters of the Military Council and the attempt was thwarted. Shelling resulted in four martyrdoms all civilians. The Sere Kaniye Tal Tamr road and Derdara, Um al-Keif, Tal Cuma', Tal Garabet and Tal Shanan all underwent artillery shelling that was followed by a ground offensive.

Shami went on to say '' Turkish state circulated fake news. Rojava was under blockade, these attacks were planned in Astana meeting. There have been some compromise reached on the region. This comes in line as some powers that echo Turkish dreams announced they won't accept the current situation in NES adding it will increase attempts.

Whether by Turki9sh attacks or within provocations made against our region they have activities and recruitment of agents and installing cells specifically from the part of the Damascus government and the Turkish state.

Regarding Russian position Shami said '' Russians say they are against these attacks but they and guarantors states lift no finger. No steps were taken and the Damascus government did not stand up to attacks up to date.

L..A

ANHA
CawthWatch: Splitsville

U.S. Rep. Madison Cawthorn, the 26-year-old Hendersonville native who has achieved national prominence for his Trump-supporting views as a freshman member of Congress, announced Tuesday that he and his wife, Cristina Bayardelle Cawthorn, are divorcing.

Cawthorn, who married last April, said in a statement released by his spokesman that the whirlwind of Washington had proved to be more than the marriage could stand.

"When my wife Cristina and I were engaged, I was not a member of Congress," he said. "I felt called to serve and we both agreed that I should run. Our victory was unprecedented. But overnight, our lives changed. That change has been both hectic and difficult, it's neither the pace nor the lifestyle we had planned for. From then outset, we committed to making things work, to fight for our marriage and seek counsel for the enormity of such a transition in life. Together, we realized that balance was not attainable, and that we had irreconcilable differences between us. While it was an enormously difficult decision, Cristina and I have mutually decided to divorce."
Back in 2018, public adjuster Francine Fox noticed that during a conversation with one of her clients, Marvin Erickson, was frustrated and upset. A Vietnam veteran with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, Erickson opened up to her that before Christmas, his family had visited and one of his grandkids was sick. Because he has an immunodeficiency disorder, he could have gotten very sick. "I wish there was a way to remind people that I have a compromised immune system."

Fox told him she knew of many others with immunodeficiency disorders, including her husband, Bruce, who has an extremely rare lymphoma.

"...
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Thousands attended the 84-year-old's funeral in the ancient Jewish cemetery in Hebron.

Rabbi Waldman was born in Petah Tikva in 1937 to Rabbi Yoel and Dina Waldman. In 1940, his family moved to the United States, where, as a teenager, he studied with the Rosh Yeshiva of Chaim Berlin in Flatbush, Rabbi Yitzchak Hutner, and...
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The optics couldnt have been better for Bennett. Upon arrival on Sunday, he was greeted by an honor guard and UAE Foreign Minister Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Israeli and Emirati flags stood i...
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During an extended committee debate on Thursday, Repub...
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There, they chanted BBC, where the proof? BBC, tell the truth in response to an on-air report during Chanukah about an attack on a bus full of Jewish teens in Central London. In its coverage of the event, according to Campaign Against Antisemitism, the BCC reported that racial slurs against Muslims were made by young riders.

This incident is one of many i...
The map of Israeli targets published by "The Tehran Times" includes nearly every populated part of the country, Source: www.mehrnews.com.

(Israel Hayom via JNS) - "An intensification of Israeli military threats against Iran seems to suggest that the Zionist regime has forgotten that Iran is more than capable of hitting them from anywhere," began an article published Tuesday in the Tehran Times, a newspaper identified with the Iranian regime.

The article ran under the headline "Just One Wrong Move!" and featured a "map of Israeli targets," which showed nearly every populated community in the country labeled with a red dot.

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Rabbi Shlomo Litvin, co-director of Chabad of the Bluegrass, embraces a resident in one of Kentucky's hard-hit areas after a series of tornadoes decimated homes and other buildings in parts of the state, December 2021.

(JNS) - The last time Rabbi Shlomo Litvin, co-director of Chabad of the Bluegrass, had been in Hopkinsville, Ky., he was joined by thousands of other people to see a total eclipse.

He returned to the area on Monday to find a much-changed landscape after a massive tornado ripped through the western part of the state on Dec. 10, rendering much of it temporarily uninhabitable. The tornado was one of a series of others that struck six Midwestern states on Dec. 10.

"The kindness they had shown to tourists during the eclipse was overwhelming, and to come back now and see the devastation was heart...
Stetson University spent the last four years growing its Jewish community. As shared before, Stetson now offers a Jewish studies minor, Kosher grab and go food on campus, and a thriving Jewish community at Stetson University Hillel. This investment in the Jewish community has led to an increase in enrollment, and our recognition as a university of choice among Jewish high school juniors and seniors can be seen in our ever-growing Jewish enrollment.

We know that the Jewish community has invested in Stetson, and we want to continue to invest back in the Jewish community, said Sam Fried...
Israeli soldiers guard as Palestinians wait to harvest olives outside the Yetma village, south of the West Bank city of Nablus, Oct. 8, 2018.

(JTA) - Violent attacks against Palestinians in the West Bank are nothing new. But the phenomenon has reached alarming new level of frequency this year.

Violent attacks perpetrated by settlers against Palestinians in the West Bank exceeding last year's attacks by nearly 50 percent, according to a report by The Times of Israel.

In 2021, there have been 397 attacks so far, compared to 272 in 2020, The Times of Israel reported based on data from the Shin Bet, Israel's domestic security agency. According to a report in Haaretz, there have been 135 stone throwing incidents targeting Palestinians...
UK lawmaker apologizes for evoking Nazi Germany in debate over COVID measures

By Cnaan Liphshiz

(JTA)  A lawmaker from the United Kingdoms Conservative Party apologized for evoking Nazi Germany while criticizing restrictive measures meant to stop the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Marcus Fysh, a former business executive who entered parliament in 2015 as a representative of the Yeovil constituency in western Britain, made the apology in an op-ed published Monday in the Jewish Chronicle.

I am sorry that during debate about the current Covid impositions being proposed I put forward...
B(JNS)  The Oct. 9, 1982, Palestinian terrorist attack on the Great Synagogue of Rome, in which two-year-old Stefano Gaj Tache was killed, and the blood of 37 others who were wounded flowed on the stones of the building that should have been the safest refuge for Jews in the Italian capital, was a double slap in the face  not only by the murderers, but by those who didnt lift a finger to defend their victims.

According to a front-page story in the left-leaning Italian daily, Il Riformista, Italian authorities had been warned that an attack against Jews or Israelis was being plann...
(JNS)  On an average day in December 2015, Rabbi Reuven Biermacher finished teaching Torah to his students in Aish Yeshivas Spanish program in the Old City of Jerusalem. He walked out of the building and through the Jaffa Gate. While on his way home to his family, he was suddenly attacked by two terrorists who stabbed him repeatedly. He was evacuated to the hospital, where he succumbed to his wounds. This month marks the sixth yahrzeit, the anniversary of his death.

I wish that we lived in a world where this tragedy was a unique, solitary event, but we know that there have been many...
(JNS)  The loudest Israeli message to the Biden administration was sounded by Defense Minister Benny Gantz during his appearance last week at the Israeli-American National Council Summit in Hollywood, Fla. Gantz said that he had notified his counterparts in the U.S. government that he had ordered the Israel Defense Forces to prepare for a strike on Irans nuclear facilities.

This is far from the first indication that Israel is stepping up preparations for acting on its own to prevent Iran from attaining the status of a nuclear power. But for Gantz to come out and openly speak of ID...
With the passing of Sunny Mandell zl the Orlando Jewish community has lost one of its most significant matriarchs.

I would guess that the vast majority of Jews living in Orlando today did not know Sunny. For sure, most never met her. I wish that they had the experience of knowing and working with this unique and wonderful person.

Sunny was the first woman to chair the Major Gifts Committee of the Federations campaign. She was the first woman overall Campaign chair, and she was Federation president from 1981 to 1983.

Sunnys commitment to the Jewish Community (locally and in Israel)...
(JNS)  ADL national director and CEO Jonathan Greenblatt deserves credit. On Dec. 7, he posted two tweets. He urged CAIR to condemn their San Francisco Bay area executive director Zahra Billoo for her textbook vile, #antisemitic, conspiracy-laden garbage attacking the mainstream U.S. Jewish community and sounding like a white supremacist. Unsurprisingly, CAIR stood by Billoo. They condemned Greenblatt instead.

Days later on Dec. 12, Greenblatt expanded, tweeting about Billoos classic conspiratorial antisemitism, noting that Billoos speech was part of a long ca...
Press Release

23 December 2021

With employees continuing to return to offices, ongoing vaccination progress and the reopening of many international borders, the time would seem to be ripe for the return of business travel.

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Yet, even before the news of the omicron variant in recent days, there continued to be negative sentiments about the return of this segment, whereas pandemic-era leisure travel sentiments remain buoyant.

Results from a November STR survey of 600 global travelers indicates that more consumers are less likely to travel for overnight business post-pandemic: 44% in November 2021 versus 39% in July 2021. Additionally, net propensity to travel, which is the difference between those more likely and less likely to travel, was down 30% in November 2021 after coming in down 27% in July 2021.

Analysis of business travel sentiments across different age groups reveals only a slightly less negative sentiment among younger business travelers compared with those in older age groups. The narrowing sentiment highlights that the views of younger and older audiences are converging. This may be due to increased confidence in traveling among older audiences because of vaccine success as well as decreased confidence among younger travelers, who are typically less risk-averse  possibly due to fears of long-haul COVID-19, which is reported to be more prevalent in younger people.

Photo: STR

Ultimately it is the business, not the employee, that will decide when business travel returns. Businesses have enjoyed significant cost savings over the past 20 months with reduced travel expenses, while still generally being able to deliver products and services, which has greatly benefited their bottom lines. Additionally, corporate policies and concerns of corporate legal departments about duty of care if an employee contracts COVID-19 while traveling have curtailed some business travel.

Compounding this negative sentiment toward business travel are attitudes regarding business travel more generally. When asked whether travel for business purposes will return to pre-pandemic levels, more than half disagreed. On the positive side, there is a small segment that is optimistic, with more than one-quarter of business travelers agreeing that travel for business purposes will return to levels experience before the pandemic.

Photo: STR

New Opportunities: 'Work-cations' and 'Collaboration Travel'

A phenomenon that gained momentum during the pandemic and one that may offer some positive news for the travel industry is the work-cation. There was positive sentiment about the concept of being able to work while traveling among business travelers surveyed. Almost one-third (30%) of business travelers stated they would be more interested in a work-cation compared with pre-pandemic times, resulting in a net positive interest score of 6%. Among younger business travelers, interest was more than twice as high with a net positive of 16%.

Photo: STR

While the work-cation will not come close to replacing traditional business travel, it is one of many new opportunities that could be pursued as the world adjusts to new ways of doing business.

Another opportunity for increased business travel may come from the need to bring together remote-working teams for regular on-site, in-person meetings to strategize, collaborate and set goals. With more and more employees working remote, the need for collaboration travel will continue to increase, helping to fill hotels with a new version of business travel.

Where business travel ends up remains to be seen. With so much of the employed population having been confined for months working from home and countless online meetings, the hope is that traveling to meet and interact with colleagues and clients again will resume in new forms and with renewed vigor. We will continue to explore hypotheses and trends in further COVID-19 traveler trends research and blog posts.

NOTE: This research was undertaken in early November 2021 before the omicron variant emerged. As a result, respondents views do not represent the newest situation around COVID-19.
Press Release

23 December 2021

Borealis Hotel Group has appointed Cycas Hospitality to open Europes first Motto by Hilton property

The Motto Rotterdam Blaak will be Cycass first Hilton hotel

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Two of Europes leading hotel companies, Borealis Hotel Group and Cycas Hospitality, have this week announced a strategic partnership to open and operate new, branded hotels across Europe.

The first phase of the collaboration was revealed this week with the signing of a hotel management agreement for Cycas to operate the 108-room Motto by Hilton Rotterdam Blaak, as well as a second, new hotel that will be announced in early 2022.

Set to open mid-2022, the Rotterdam hotel  a converted, former bank  represents the first Motto by Hilton to open in the Netherlands, as well as the urban lifestyle brands European debut.

The Motto brand prides itself on offering guests a launch pad to the most desirable urban locations to help them connect with the neighbourhood culture. The hotels central Rotterdam location, just 350m from Rotterdam Blaak metro station, 1.4km from Rotterdam Centraal Station and 8km from the airport, will ensure easy access to the citys main attractions.

Its versatile social spaces and innovative food & beverage offerings are expected to appeal to a wide range of travellers, including the groups market. Design highlights include a light-flooded, glazed atrium, providing guests spaces to meet, drink, work and relax.

Bart van de Kamp, CEO and Founder of Borealis Hotel Group, said: I am delighted to announce this partnership with Cycas Hospitality. At Borealis we set the bar for our hotels and operators very high. Under Matts leadership, Ive watched Cycas transform from a niche, extended-stay operator into an impressive, full-service pan-European hotel company. Cycas shares our international perspective and our values of hard work, high standards and fun, and we look forward to working together on this as well as future deals.

Matt Luscombe, CEO of Cycas Hospitality, said:I have known and admired Bart for more than ten years. He is a phenomenal developer and hotelier, and hes established an outstanding team at Borealis. We are honoured to be supporting Borealis with the next phase of their growth in 2022, and are very excited that this will include Cycass first Hilton-branded hotel.
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Opinion Article

23 December 2021

The Spring of 2021 brought great optimism to the hospitality industry as vaccination rates in the US and across the world continued to rise and infections, hospitalizations, and deaths continued to fall. It seemed that the Covid 19, while not completely behind us, was in the process of being resolved.

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Optimistically, people were discussing would Covid 19 be essentially eradicated like polio and small pox or would it be managed like the flu with yearly shots. As the summer of 2021 wound down, however, Covid 19's Delta, and other variants, kicked off a new wave of infections, hospitalizations, and tragically, deaths. One thing clear from the data was that while those vaccinated were not completely immune, they were significantly less likely to suffer an infection, hospitalization, or death.

In fact, according to the NY Times, the vaccinated made up 2% or fewer of the hospitalizations and deaths in 24 and 23 states respectively. Moreover, the vaccinated made up 4% or more of hospitalizations and deaths in only three and two states respectively. Clearly, there is a significant difference in how Covid 19's Delta, and other variants, affected the vaccinated and unvaccinated. Consequently, employers / business leaders are faced with a difficult decision: should their companies require employees, guests, venders, and others who enter property to be vaccinated?

While there are a number of issues surrounding the vaccine, at the end of the day, there are two overriding issues: (1) can the employer require vaccinations; and (2) should it. With regard to the first question, it is simply a legal question. Employers need to know if they are expressly prohibited from requiring vaccines and, if not express, are there risks? The second question is much more complex. Employers / Leaders are attempting to manage safety, their business' viability, politics, employee morale, publicity. Obviously, with all of these factors affecting this decision, there is no definitive answer.

In this article, we first examine the legal environment with respect to vaccination requirements. Specifically, we first provide an overview of common law and overriding regulations that could affect vaccination polices. Next, we examine, in detail, the requirements to accommodate religion and disability under both public accommodations and employment discrimination law. Lastly, we make a plea to employers to require the vaccine.

The Common Law & Guests

There are no express statutory prohibitions on businesses' ability to require vaccinations for guests. There are, however, common law principles that warrant exploration. Under general common law principles, hotel operators have a duty to provide a room for anyone seeking accommodations. There are, however, well established exceptions to this general rule. Specifically, hotel operators may refuse service to people who are: "criminals, intoxicated, disorderly, unclean (not bathed) and unkempt, or suffering from a communicable disease." (Cournoyer, Marshall, and Morris: Hotel, Restaurant, and Travel Law 7th edition. Thomson, Delmar Learning (2008) pages 330-331).

There is not a lot of case law on the application of the Common Law with regards to people. We found a 1966 case, Commonwealth v. Guy (1966 Pa. Dist. & Cnty Dec. 173) which cited: In Raider v. Dixie Inn , 198 Ky. 152, 248 S. W. 229 (1923), where the court stated that: "It appears, therefore, fully settled that an innkeeper may lawfully refuse to entertain objectionable characters, if to do so is calculated to injure his business or to place himself, business, or other guests in a hazardous, uncomfortable, or dangerous situation

The question, of course, is whether common law claims should deter a hotel owner or operator from requiring vaccinations from their guests. We contend no. First, Covid 19 is a communicable disease and thus, there is a strong argument that refusing to accommodate those who are not vaccinated is in accordance with the common law. Second, the damages are speculative at best and, most likely, extremely low.

In Harber v Auberge Des Fourgeres, Inc., 338 N.Y.S. 356 (App. Div. 1972) the Court held that while an inn or restaurant could refuse to serve a guest for reasonable cause, it also set a standard that that that punitive damages are only available if the guest is humiliated. Relying on Harber, in Alenick v Plaza Operating Partners, the Court held that there are no punitive damages if the guest who were turned away were not humiliated in the process.

Thus, as long as the property makes it very clear on all channels that it requires vaccinations, we see no real concern for common law violations because: (1) refusing to accommodate a non-vaccinated person should not violate the common law; and (2) as long the property does not humiliate the non-accommodated would be guest, the damages would limited to the loss (i.e. the cost of the replacement hotel)  too speculative and too low of an expected return for plaintiffs' lawyers.

Discrimination Law

There are two "protected classes" that are of concern when it comes to vaccinations: religion and disability. These classes seem they similar, but there are major differences. We examine each, separately, below:

Religion

Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (as amended) prohibits discrimination against religion and requires the employer to accommodate employees' religious requirements as long as it is not an undue hardship. Two questions arise from these requirements: what is religion and what is an undue hardship. Again, we address each separately.

In order to be protected for their religion, employees do not have to practice a traditional or well accepted religion. Instead, employees must have a "sincerely held belief" in their religion. Thus, those who claim to be devout members of well accepted religions (e.g. Catholicism, Judaism, Islam) could be found to be not protected because the belief is not sincere, while the "Church of Body Modification" has been accepted.

We advise employers to not contest the tenants of the religion in question because courts have been very liberal in accepting what employees define as their religions. Employers can argue that the employee does not follow the tenants, but again, this is an argument that courts have shied away from as they seemingly have not wanted to be in the business of defining religion and labeling people observant or not. This does not mean, however, that religious accommodations are a burden to employers  in fact they are not.

In Trans World Airlines, Inc. v. Hardison, (432 U.S. 63 (1977)) an employee, Larry Hardison, was a Jehovah Witness who, in order to observe his sabbath, could not work on from sundown Friday to Sundown Saturday. Because he was a person on the collectively bargained seniority list, Hardison would have had to work Saturdays "when a fellow employee went on vacation." Since it was limited to "covering" for a vacationing employee, there were few instances when this would occur.

At a recent conference, David Ritter, partner at Barnes and Thornburg in Chicago, reported that the total cost would have been under $200 to pay for another employee to cover for Hardison. In dismissing the case and finding that that the employer did not have to accommodate Hardison, the Court held: To require TWA to bear more than a de minimis cost in order to give Hardison Saturdays off is an undue hardship. The de minimis standard has been the law since 1977! Importantly, in Patterson v. Walgreens Co., (140 S. Ct. 685 (2020)) the employee sought Supreme Court review on the de minimis standard. The Court, in a 9-0 decision, refused to review the de minimis standard.

Justice Alito did write a concurring opinion arguing against the standard. No other justice joined Justice Alito's concurrence arguably solidifying the law. This does not mean, of course, that the Court would never entertain addressing this argument, but any plaintiffs'' lawyer would have to take a huge leap of faith by taking a case that will take many years and hundreds of thousands of dollars' worth of time in the hope that the Supreme Court will take the case (only a year or two after it rejected the issue), that four other justices will join Alito, and that the new standard, whatever that may be, will require the employers to accommodation employees who refuse to be vaccinated for religious reasons. This is a bet that very few, if any, plaintiffs' lawyers will take.

We conclude that there is limited risk to refusing to accommodate employees who refuse to be vaccinated and, without a legal requirement, contend that there may be more of a risk to accommodating than not accommodating. A guest or a co-worker who gets sick could argue that they were unreasonable exposed to the virus because the employer went well beyond the legal requirements of religious accommodation.

The ADA

The ADA uses the same words as religion  employers must provide reasonable accommodation that are not an undue hardship. In practice, however, these words are applied incredibly differently. Indeed, the accommodation under the ADA does not employ the de minimis standard. Instead, the undue hardship, in most judicial opinions, is seen as a question as to whether the employer can afford the accommodation (e.g. building a ramp, putting in an air filtration system).

Obviously, TWA could have afforded $200 and thus, under the ADA Hardison's request would have been an undue hardship. There are, however, several other aspects of the ADA which make it unlikely that an employer would have to accommodate an employee under the ADA.

Courts have consistently held that the undue hardship is only the second standard that needs to be analyzed. First, the court will determine if the accommodation is "reasonable." In Vande Zande v. Wis. Dep't of Admin, (44 F.3d 538 (7th Cir. 1995)) the United States Court of Appeals for the 7th Circuit held that in order to determine reasonableness, the court needs to weigh the costs to the employer against the benefits to society of letting the disabled employee work in the chosen field. In that case, the Court held that the $150 to lower a sink so that a wheel chaired employee could use the kitchen sink as opposed to the nearby bathroom sink to wash her coffee cup was unreasonable eve n though the state could obviously afford it.

In vaccination cases, the costs to the employer would be that other employees could refuse to work, guests could refuse to come to the property, and an entire business model of advertising a safe environment would be lost. That seems to be more of a cost than $150. Of course, the benefit allows the non-vaccinated to work, which is more of benefit than a more convenient sink. Still, we believe that a court will have a very difficult time finding, from a societal standpoint, that the benefits to the employee/society outweigh the costs to the employer. Moreover, if other employees and guests refuse to come onto property, the employer can argue undue hardship too!

Unreasonable accommodation and undue hardship are not, however, employers' only arguments. Unlike religion, when it comes to the ADA, being protected is not an easy hurdle to jump. Courts consistently reject employees' contentions that they are disabled as defined the law. A disability is a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities (being regarded as such or having a record of such). Real effects, not labels are determinative. Thus, a diagnosis is not sufficient and instead, the affliction must interfere with major life activities.

In addition, having a family member at home who is compromised is NOT a disability and employers do not have accommodate employees because of family members' disabilities or illnesses. Being allegoric to one ingredient in the vaccine, without any other symptom, would not constitute a disability unless courts decide that getting the vaccine or working in vaccine required workplace constitutes a major life activity. This would be huge leap and would contradict 30 years of ADA jurisprudence.

Not being disabled is not the only argument for employers. In order to be protected, employees must be able to perform the essential functions of the job. Plaintiffs' lawyers would have to prove that being vaccinated is NOT an essential function of the job. Thus, employees would have to convince the courts that mitigating the risk of infecting co-workers and guests with a deadly disease is not essential. The slope of this argument is incredibly slippery. Would this mean that employers would be forced to employ individuals with other communicable diseases? Would courts really hold that employers must allow employees with communicable diseases to interact with co-workers and guests? Does that mean that employers would be forced to allow people with, for example, measles, mumps, TB, on the job even if their disease would expose others to risk? It's a huge leap and would, again, go against 30 years of jurisprudence.

What Should Employers Do

Covid 19 has damaged the hotel industry more than other disruption in history. While the government has vaccine requirement constraints (protections set forth in the Constitution that don't apply to private and employers), private hotels have very few, if any, limitations on their ability to require vaccinations. Indeed, the requirement for employers with 100 or more employees to be vaccinated is the subject of litigation over if it is government overreach  a legal argument that would not affect private employers). Not only is it good business and good for your employers, requiring the vaccination is good for society. The entire planet needs to get this virus behind us. At this point, the best way to do this is to ensure that as many as people as possible are vaccinated. If people can not work, travel, go to restaurants unless they are vaccinated, they will, in all likelihood, take the vaccine. One need look no further than New York City and other municipalities that have required vaccines. After New York City required vaccinations for city employees, the rates rose for police officers and other public servants rose significantly. A rise in vaccinations can only help get the virus under control world-wide.

Some employers will argue that the current labor shortage prevents them from implementing a vaccine requirement. Will this cause some employees to quit? Probably. Should this fear drive the decision? This analysis, however, begs the question of why there is a labor shortage. The extra unemployment has run out and schools are open. It could be that people simply do not want to work in hospitality. It could also be that many employees simply do not want to spend their entire day, in mask, interacting with guests and co-workers who are not vaccinated? We believe an all vaccinated property be an employee draw and make the property a "workplace of choice."

*Editor's Note: The opinions expressed within this article are solely the author's and do not reflect the opinions and beliefs of HotelExecutive or its affiliates. Readers should use their own best judgement in deciding on using untested vaccinations.
Melissa Ward Aguilar / Melissa Ward Aguilar

Franklin Barbecue, a staple of the Texas barbecue scene, announced on social media it was closing for the rest of the week because it lacked sufficient staff after multiple employees tested positive for COVID-19.

In an Instagram post Monday night, the craft barbecue establishment said it hoped to have enough healthy staff to reopen next Tuesday.
A year before Ana Sorias mother, Leonor Arenas, passed away, she told her daughter: Mija, you need to learn how to make tamales, because one day Im going to be gone.

At the time, Soria joked that she would be around forever. In the summer of 2015, she found out her mother had a bacterial infection that spread to her organs. One week later, she died.

Arenas made tamales her entire life. She is the inspiration behind Mommas Tamales, which Soria has grown from a part-time business selling at farmers markets to a storefront she opened in Bellaire last year. The loss of her mother devastated her  she still tears up when she talks about her  but making tamales became a form of therapy.

I felt great, she said. I felt like Im alive again.

Soria, 49, moved to the Alief area of Houston when she was 6 years old from Michoacan, Mexico. Her parents worked in restaurants, including Brisket Bar-B-Q in Bellaire.

Soria took a different path at first. She had worked in a doctors office since she was 19 until she was furloughed at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. At that point, Mommas Tamales had already been a side hustle for a few months. She decided to dive into it full-time.

Mommas Tamales started as a booth at farmers markets, first in Missouri City. Her son, Louis Flores, the business brains of the operation, was persistent with Urban Harvest Farmers Market, which has a long waitlist for vendors. After not hearing back, he showed up at the market one Saturday and fed his mothers tamales to director Tyler Horne himself. Horne was immediately sold, and Mommas Tamales filled one of the prized vendor slots.

Making her tamales in a rented commercial kitchen, Soria made a name for herself and gradually expanded to markets in Fulshear, Bridgeland, Tomball, Richmond and Braeswood.

In December 2020, she opened her first brick and mortar in Bellaire (5214 Cedar), where all the tamale-making now takes place and where she sells dozens and half-dozens to-go. A framed picture of her and her mother sits on the counter by the register.

Arenas gave Sorias tamales her approval before she passed away. Knowing her daughters competitive nature, she declared she would never be able to make tamales as good as hers. Soria rose to the challenge.

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After some trial and error, Arenas finally gave her daughters tamales her blessing. But the ultimate test would be Sorias brother: If he didnt recognize that theyre not his mothers tamales, they would pass the test. He didnt, and so they did.

Several years later, Soria is settled in her new shop in Bellaire; her mothers old boss at Brisket Bar-B-Q helped her find it and built the kitchen for her.

A few days before Christmas this year, a small team is working hard to fulfill orders  its peak tamale season. Sisters Maria and Sofia Juanta scoop just the right amount of masa from a big vat and spread it onto corn husks, adding shredded chicken and salsa before folding the tamale.

As they repeat this process, Sorias nephew, Tito Soria, is blending salsa in a corner, and periodically checking on the big steamer pots for tamale doneness. Everything is made from scratch and by hand, with ingredients from the Houston Farmers Market on Airline.

Around this time of year, the team at Mommas Tamales makes about 200 dozen  or 2,400  tamales a day.

Soria says her pork tamales are the most popular, which she slow-cooks in-house and smothers with guajillo chile salsa. The chicken and smoked brisket and cheese are close seconds. She also sells a few vegetarian and vegan options with black bean, spinach and jalapeno.

Soria tests new flavors and combinations regularly, distributing her creations to friends and family, who she knows will give her honest feedback. Shes currently perfecting her mothers mole recipe to offer mole tamales at the shop.

And in the new year, Houstonians may see more of Sorias tamales around town. She is in the process of applying for a license that would let her wholesale to other restaurants and retail shops.

As her tamale footprint grows, Soria says shes carrying on her mothers legacy.

emma.balter@chron.com
A group of Hidden Lakes neighbors recently shared some holiday cheer with a beloved Clear Creek Independent School District crossing guard.

The families surprised Lillian Closs, who manages traffic at the corner of Bishops Bridge and South Shore Boulevard, Dec. 16 with $3,500 raised through a GoFundMe page.

We want to recognize Ms. Lillian because she is amazing.  My kids make me roll down the windows so they can say hi. She waves at everybody with so much enthusiasm, Clear Creek ISD parent Andi Fabling said. Were really hoping we can brighten her day half as much as shes brightened ours.

Closs has worked as a crossing guard for the district for six years.

Im overwhelmed, and I dont deserve any of this, Closs said. I never thought I would have this kind of impact. I remember how stressful it was for me, getting two kids ready for school, and if I had just been able to see smiling face, maybe my days could have gone better. Im hoping and praying my mom in heaven is proud of me and I did something right and is proud of me now because you guys are proud of me.

Learn more at https://bit.ly/3GYokuU.

High school students bring first-graders imaginations to life

Fashion design students at Clear Springs High School recently teamed up with first-graders from Campbell Elementary and Bauerschlag Elementary schools for a special assignment.

As part of the Monster Project, the elementary students were asked to design and illustrate a creature on paper. The high school students then used the skills they were learning in class to construct and sew the monsters.

What I love about it is that it is really multidimensional, said Megan Edlefsen, family and consumer sciences teacher at Clear Springs. It gives my students a chance to practice their hand-sewing skills, and it gives the first-graders the opportunity to flex their art skills and do some designing with their monsters.

Once the projects were complete, the high school students surprised their younger partners with finished monsters.

My monster has super strength, super speed and also chaos control. He has all of the powers that I have, Bauerschlag student Connor Linscomb said while holding his completed monster. Thank you for making me this gift.

The project became more than just a sewing and art assignment, Edlefsen said.

Our students were so disconnected from everything, so I really wanted to do everything I could to help them connect with other people, Edlefsen said. They are improving their sewing skills, but they are also improving their social-emotional skills.

Learn more at https://bit.ly/3pgrHYj.

District unveils updated website

Clear Creek Independent School District recently revealed a redesigned website at www.ccisd.net.

After a survey of community members, the district streamlined the sites navigation, installed a Find it Fast feature and gave campus pages a makeover.

Visit https://bit.ly/3ph31Pb for a brief video tour of the new site. The district also will guide users through the site during two live webinars Jan. 12. Register at

https://bit.ly/32k5pMt.

UHCL students study of food sustainability includes trip overseas

Ten University of Houston-Clear Lake students are about to travel more than 8,000 miles to learn how citizens of a small country on the Arabian Peninsula are working to achieve a healthy and sustainable food future.

Oman has demonstrated innovation in food security and environmental sustainability, said Maria Curtis, associate professor of anthropology and cross-cultural studies and one of three faculty members leading the Jan. 3 trip.

Its a very cosmopolitan place, particularly the capital city of Muscat, she said. Our group will be visiting many farms and markets, speaking to farmers and trying different foods all over the country.

The trip also will be an opportunity to learn more about conservation from the Islamic or Arab perspective, said Kathy Garland, senior lecturer of environmental management in UHCLs College of Business and another of the trips co-leaders.

Its fascinating to me, because I teach sustainability and resilience here. Im looking forward to going to a place where that isnt controversial, she said. Conservation and a sustainability mindset are facts of life in Oman. They are as excited to have us come as we are to go there, and learn about how to contribute to what theyre trying to do and how to engage the public around these issues. We struggle with that in the U.S. and in Texas.

The trips third faculty co-leader, assistant professor of psychology Georgina Moreno, will be examining methods of recruiting Latin American and Hispanic students to study abroad programs.

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College appoints news academic, career adviser

Galveston College recently named Doreen Bridges grant navigator for its Quickstart+ program.

The position assists students in connecting their academic, personal and professional goals to achieve employment. Bridges also will be available to speak with community organizations, corporations and church groups about the free training program.

Funded with a Foundational Skills for Construction Career Pathways Grant, the 8-week Quickstart+ programs are designed to help individuals find entry-level jobs in the HVAC and electrical industries. For information, visit gc.edu/continuing-education/cefree or contact Bridges, dbridges@gc.edu.

Area hospital expands

Houston Physicians Hospital has opened two floors of its three-story expansion at 333 N. Texas Ave. in Webster.

The new floors include four operating rooms, a procedure room equipped for minor surgeries and a compounding pharmacy. An expanded Joint Solutions Center Clinic and new observation unit with 12 private patient rooms is planned for early 2022. Learn more at www.houstonphysicianshospital.com.
COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP)  A jury on Wednesday rejected civil rights violations alleged by a man who accused officers in Ohio's capital city of using improper force when they arrested him more than four years ago.

Lawyers for Timothy Davis said Columbus police officers verbally abused, punched, and kicked Davis as well as pulled out his hair and stripped him naked from the waist down during the September 2017 arrest.
WHITEVILLE, La. (AP)  An online fundraiser had brought in $561,617 as of Wednesday  more than its $500,000 goal  for a Louisiana family that lost three children in a wrong-way crash on Interstate 49.

The money was donated to the Simmons family following the Friday night wreck in St. Landry Parish that claimed the lives of three siblings and critically injured two others in the vehicle.

Louisiana state troopers said a pickup truck driven by John Lundy, 54, of Dallas, Georgia, hit their SUV near Whiteville. Lundy, the only occupant in the truck, was pronounced dead at the scene.

About 12,000 people had contributed to the GoFundMe drive in smaller increments of $20 or $100 to as much as $10,000, news outlets reported.

Katie Simmons DeRouen, the older sister of the victims, told The Advocate she started the fundraiser as a way to make the situation even .000000001% better for her parents in the very dark days to come. Her mother, Dawn Simmons, was injured in the crash and was in critical condition.

The outpouring of love and support is just astonishing, DeRouen wrote in a Tuesday post on Facebook. I am in awe of how God is showing up during this storm. My mom is so worried about returning to work  of course  and I was trying to explain to her that she REALLY wont have to worry about that for a long time. She just kept asking if it  the GoFundMe  was real. Guys, just LOOK at how amazing this campaign is. It brings me to tears because my momma deserves the WORLD, and I know that she will be able to have at least one less thing to stress about.

John Dalton Rohr, a photographer and former Mississippi State University track and cross country competitor, was listed as a Top Donor. He used his social media presence to encourage others to give to the online campaign in a post Sunday.

Rohr and his brother were one of the first cars to stop and help, calling 911 as they approached the wreck. Theyve lost friends in car accidents, so they wanted to help how they could, even after they returned home.

No one should have to go through such tragedy and heartbreak, Rohr told The Advertiser. I wish there was more I could do or could have done. Money and words cant bring loved ones back, but its my wish that they find peace during this dark time.

Investigators took toxicology samples from Lundy and Lindy Rae Simmons, who was driving the SUV with the family members. Results are still pending and the crash remains under investigation, Trooper Thomas Gossen, spokesperson for Louisiana State Police, said.

DeRouen said she was at a Christmas party when she got the call Friday that her mom and three youngest siblings had been involved in a wreck. She rushed to three hospitals in an effort to locate her family. Instead of providing comfort, however, she was tasked with identifying bodies.

Twenty-year-old Lindy Rae Simmons, 17-year-old Christopher Simmons and 15-year-old Kamryn Simmons were dead. Christopher Simmons 16-year-old girlfriend, Marissa Darby, was also in the vehicle and suffered critical injuries.

DeRouen is the second born of nine. Her father, Ray Simmons, retired from Cleco a few weeks ago, and Dawn Simmons worked as a mail carrier before the crash.

We went from our big family of nine kids to six kids in the blink of an eye, DeRouen said. I dont know how we will ever move on or recover from this.

Dawn Simmons suffered numerous injuries in the wreck, including a bleeding spleen, punctured lung, two broken ankles, a broken leg and broken wrists. A doctor told the family she would not be able to walk like normal for about a year because of the severity of the bone fractures, the family said.

On Tuesday, DeRouen said her mom is doing well and is completely herself.
OMAHA, Neb. (AP)  A Nebraska man will spend the rest of his life in prison for sex trafficking a 15-year-old girl.

The Omaha World-Herald reports that 57-year-old William J. Quinn of Oxford was sentenced to 177 1/2 to 304 years in prison on Wednesday by a judge in Furnas County. He isn't eligible for parole until serving at least half of the minimum sentence.
MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP)  A Tennessee judge has found a woman guilty of stabbing four of her children to death in 2016.

Criminal Court Judge James Lammey Jr. rejected Shanynthia Gardner's insanity defense in the deaths of the children, who ranged in age from 4 years to 5 months. Another child, who was 7 at the time, escaped to a neighbor's home for help, the Shelby County district attorney's office said.
An employee of a southeast Houston washateria is charged after shooting at a trespasser Tuesday afternoon.

Robert M. Le, 31, works at the Fuqua Washateria located at the 11000 block of Fuqua Street, and is charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.

Houston Police say Le attempted to remove the victim, Corey Laine, from the premises for trespassing and as Laine attempted to run, he knocked over and inured Les mother. As he continued to run off, Le fired shots at Laine and struck him in the abdomen and shoulder, according to the police.

Laine, 25, was transported to a nearby hospital and is expected to survive, police say.

He has not been charged in the incident.

Le stayed on the scene with police to answer questions, where he was later arrested and charged.

Court records show he posted the bond of $40,000.
It was hard to escape the word omicron this week as the highly transmissible variant tightened its grip on the globe. As COVID-19 cases skyrocketed in Houston and around the country, the Chronicle asked health experts for the latest on the new strain, how quickly boosters take effect and whether vaccine brand matters.

The simple answer is: Any vaccine is better than no vaccine at all.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention investigated 43 of the earliest cases of COVID-19 attributed to the omicron variant in the United States. It found the majority  almost 80 percent  were breakthrough infections. Some had recently traveled abroad. The most commonly reported symptoms were cough, fatigue and runny nose.

On HoustonChronicle.com: Are Houston doctors canceling their holiday plans due to the omicron variant? We asked them.

Of those 43 early omicron cases reported in late November and early December, 34 occurred in fully vaccinated people. The agency did not publicly disclose which vaccine brands its small sample group had received. One vaccinated patient was hospitalized for two days; no deaths were reported.

The prevalence of omicron breakthrough cases could force lawmakers to reconsider what it means to be fully vaccinated.

CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky told CNBC Monday her agency is reviewing whether to require a booster dose in order for a person to be considered fully inoculated against COVID. Current guidelines define full vaccination as two does of either the Moderna or Pfizer vaccines or one dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine.

The drugmakers behind Pfizer and Moderna have said their booster shots raise antibody levels enough to provide sufficient protection against omicron; lawmakers are awaiting more information.

What we do know about the omicron variant thats got over 50 mutations and because of those mutations, just being vaccinated with two doses may not be enough, Walensky said.

Everyone over 18 is being encouraged to get a booster if they are eligible. Scientists have known for months that Pfizer and Moderna do a better job preventing COVID complications, and last week the CDC said it has a clinical preference for the the two mRNA vaccine brands over the single-dose J&J.

Pfizer and Moderna are like the Coke and Pepsi of COVID vaccines, said Dr. Linda Yancey, an infectious diease specialist at Memorial Hermann. The mRNA shots use the same simple, elegant technology to deliver protection, Yancey said, while the Johnson & Johnson vaccine is like Sprite. Its single dose shot provides good, but slightly inferior, protection, she said.

How long does it take for a booster to take effect?

It takes between one and two weeks to receive the full benefit of a booster dose, said Dr. Wesley Long, medical director of diagnostic microbiology at Houston Methodist. The immune systems response ramps up within days, and seems to offer benefits faster than the initial shots.

The good news is that anyone who receives a booster shot around Christmas will start to experience its protective power by New Years.

The omicron wave could peak by the middle of January, rendering boosters all the more essential, doctors said. Like last year, the holidays will undoubtedly accelerate the spread of COVID. Unlike last year, however, the nation is better equipped to prevent infections and fight those that occur.

Health experts encouraged eligible adults and kids to be inoculated against influenza in addition to COVID. While flu vaccination rates have never been high, doctors said the need is acute as cooler temperatures prevail. Unlike COVID, flu is especially deadly for toddlers and infants.

Flu infections typically arrive with body aches, chills, headaches and fatigue. Quick tests can distinguish the familiar wintertime scourge from COVID or other respiratory illnesses.

Is omicron more contagious than the flu?

Researchers use a figure known as the rate of transmission to gauge how likely an infected person is to spread their illness to others. That rate for the average seasonal flu is about 1.28, meaning each infected person can be expected to spread the virus to slightly more than one other person. Thats about how contagious the Spanish flu of 1918 was, according to the CDCs National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases.

On HoustonChronicle.com: First omicron cases detected in Houston kids, including those under 5, says Texas Children's Hospital

By contrast, scientists with the United Kingdoms Health Security Agency reported last week a rate of transmission of 3.7 for omicron, a figure Scientific American called disturbingly high. That number could help explain why infections across the globe are doubling every few days.

Houstons rate of transmission is currently sitting at 1.58, more than doubled since early December. That means each infected Houstonian likely spreads the virus to one or two others. That could rise further when Texas Medical Center releases updated figures after the Christmas holiday.

All strains of COVID, including omicron, are much more contagious than the flu, said Yancey, of Memorial Hermann.

Omicron is about as transmissible as the chicken pox, but not quite at the same level of contagion as the measles, the infectious disease doctor said. Each new variant to emerge edges closer to measles territory, she said. Both measles and COVID spread through respiratory droplets, not surface touching.

The speed of contagion is important primarily because it means omicron will sicken more people at faster rates, with the potential to fill hospitals and overwhelm health care workers. The omicron variant accounted for 73 percent of new infections in the United States last week, the CDC reported, up 13 percent the prior week to overtake delta as the nations dominant strain.

Do I need to upgrade my mask?

As omicron continues is rapid ascent, masks are more important than ever for preventing transmission in public or private settings where people share air with others.

The best mask isnt necessarily the fanciest or the most expensive  its the one you can tolerate without touching your face, said Long, of Houston Methodist.

If you get an N95 that doesnt fit well and you are fidgeting, then that is not as good as a disposable surgical mask or cloth mask that fits your face well, he said.

nora.mishanec@chron.com
Houston has surpassed 300,000 COVID-19 cases, just days after the highly contagious omicron variant leapfrogged delta to become the dominant viral strain circulating in the region and around the United States.

The staggering milestone reached Thursday, when the Houston Health Department reported 2,397 new cases for a cumulative total of 302,460, underscores the virus ability to evade all attempts at containment nearly two years into a pandemic few predicted would be this persistent or deadly.

Twenty-one months ago I never imagined our cases would get anywhere close to this big, said Dr. David Persse, the citys chief medical officer. If you had told me 300,000, I would have politely told you, I think youre crazy.

COVID HELP DESK: Which vaccine offers the best protection against omicron?

Yet the easily transmitted omicron variant, first detected last month in South Africa, appears poised to sweep the Houston area and is already fueling outbreaks and scuttling holiday plans across the region.

The timing is just terrible, said Dr. Randall Olsen, medical director of the Molecular Diagnostics Laboratory at Houston Methodist Hospital, where the emergency department and hospital beds were filling up with new COVID patients Thursday afternoon.

More than 90 percent of Houston Methodists symptomatic patients have the omicron variant, putting the new strain on track to eclipse delta by years end. And for the first time, more than half of those seeking COVID tests at the hospital are testing positive.

While omicron does appear more likely to cause breakthrough infections in fully vaccinated people with waning immunity, Olsen said all evidence suggests hospitalizations and deaths are still far more likely to occur among the unvaccinated, who make up about 40 percent of Houstons population.

If people had gotten vaccinated, we wouldnt be going through this, Jonathan Harris said Thursday evening as he departed dinner with his husband at the River Oaks Shopping Center.

Like many Houston residents, Harris is frustrated with the slow pace of vaccine uptake in Texas. As a gay man who survived the HIV-AIDS epidemic, he has already spent much of his life living in fear of a deadly viral menace and doesnt understand those who are reluctant to take precautions against COVID.

Im a point where Im three-times vaccinated, I adhere to the rules, I eat outside, I wear a mask, he said. I cant not live my life anymore.

It can be hard to conceptualize 300,000 unique infections. It is more than twice the population of Sugar Land and slightly less than that of Corpus Christi. And it is almost certainly an undercount, as many people are asymptomatic or dont seek testing.

To capture the real rate of infection, city health workers have visited Houston neighborhoods throughout the pandemic, collecting blood samples for antibody testing. They found between 20 and 25 percent of Houston residents  as many as 1 in 4  carry the antibodies that indicate a previous COVID infection. Their findings put the citys actual COVID case count closer to half a million people, Persse said.

Its a lot of suffering, the health director said.

Its a reality even veteran virologists didnt see coming on Mar. 4, 2020, the day health officials learned a Fort Bend man, who had recently returned from an Egyptian river cruise, tested positive for COVID to become the first confirmed case in the Houston area. Epidemiologists later found dozens of people in Harris County whose COVID symptoms started as early as Feb. 10.

As of Thursday, 4,955 people have died of COVID in the nine-county Houston area, a scale of death on par with losing the entire population of Hunters Creek Village.

I never, never imagined it was going to last this long, Olsen said. Nor did I imagine we would have this many cases. I know that mutations can occur, but I didnt anticipate mutations were going to be such a major factor in keeping the pandemic going.

On HoustonChronicle.com: Are Houston doctors canceling their holiday plans due to the omicron variant? We asked them.

Fresh COVID surges abound: Harris County reported more than 2,800 new cases on Wednesday, the largest single-day tally since deltas late-summer peak. On Monday, the day omicron overtook delta, Fort Bend County reported a spike of more than 1,150 new infections, putting it on par with the worst of last years post-holiday crush.

Public health officials say omicron is almost certainly behind the recent surges. On Monday, Harris County reported the first omicron-related casualty  believed to be the first such death in the nation  in a 50-something year old man who officials say was not vaccinated.

Early indications suggest omicron will hit hospitals hard and fast. COVID hospitalizations in the Houston region are already up 50 percent from a week ago.

I am really concerned about the burden our hospitals may face over next weeks and their ability to respond, Persse said.

The crush of infections has sent many scrambling for tests and booster shots ahead of the holiday. Pharmacies are struggling to keep COVID-19 home tests on their shelves.

When Jacob Massoletti caught COVID two weeks ago, test appointments and rapid kits were plentiful. But on Thursday, the Montrose resident struck out in his search for a test that would enable him to attend Christmas festivities with his family. Hed searched online for tests within a 10-mile radius of his house. Finding nothing, he set out on his fixed-speed road bike to the nearest Walgreens.

Theyre just wiped out, he said.

Massoletti planned to ask a family member living in Brazoria County to search for a test, thinking perhaps they would have better luck outside densely populated Houston. Still nursing a full-chested cough, he said he didnt feel comfortable being around others until he could be certain he was recovered from a mild case that became straight-up miserable when he caught food poisoning midway through.

It was pretty wretched, he said.

Outside a nearby Kroger, Houston resident Varun Sablok said he was hoping to be tested in time for New Years revelry with friends. Now Sablok didnt know if hed be able to find any options. And with omicrons ferocious speed of contagion, he was not optimistic about the turnaround time.

I might have caught it by the time I get my results back, he said.

nora.mishanec@chron.com

twitter.com/nmishanec
A federal judge has sentenced a convicted terrorist from the Houston area to 12 years in prison, a stiffer punishment than what a prior jurist imposed after the man convinced a high school friend in 2014 to join the Islamic State. The friend later died and his body was never recovered.

Asher Abid Khan, 27, of Spring, was handed his third and harshest sentence since a 2017 agreement in which he pleaded guilty to providing material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization.

The 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in May ordered that Khan be sentenced again after concluding that U.S. District Judge Lynn H. Hughes was biased in originally deciding that Khan spend 18 months behind bars  a sentence that departed from punishments for defendants who also joined ISIS overseas.

The sentencing was disappointing to Khans defense team, which had asked District Judge Charles R. Eskridge for a five-year sentence instead. The mans tearful friends and family had filled a federal courtroom in Houston to support him.

Im sorry that the number is much higher than what we argued for, lawyer David Adler told Khans supporters outside the courtroom.

Eskridge stated that anything less than 12 years would not send the appropriate message in regard to legislative condemnation of terrorism and those who engage in terrorist acts.

Khan, who listened on in an orange jumpsuit, will face 15 years of supervised release after the sentence ends, the judge ruled.

Eskridge said he ultimately decided on the 12-year sentence because of Khans actions in 2014, when he recruited Sixto Ramiro Garcia, a high school friend, to meet him in Turkey and cross the Syrian border to join the terrorist organization.

Khans family, however, convinced him to leave Turkey because his mother was gravely ill. He handed Garcia money to continue his trek to Syria and join the insurgents. Prosecutors said that Khans plan to go to Syria happened amid widely-publicized beheadings, including that of U.S. journalist David Foley.

This is the ISIS that Khan attempted to join, Assistant U.S. Attorney Alamdar Hamdani said.

Garcia made it to Syria and one of his last messages stated that he found the insurgents.

After that, nothing is heard. We have learned since that Garcia died, probably while fighting for ISIS, Hamdani continued.

Adler countered that Khan fell for Islamic State propaganda and dismissed alarming news reports about ISIS violence.

Khan succumbed to ISIS recruitment efforts, Adler said. In hindsight, its absurd. He looks at his messages and hes astonished at how stupid he was.

Khan had a moment to address Eskridge about his involvement with the Islamic State and nervously said he once believed that a caliphate was the only way to stablize Syria and Iraq  and that that notion was false. He felt drawn to the terrorist groups message because he was living in Australia at the time and felt depressed and isolated.

I forwarded that propaganda to Sixto and encouraged him, Khan said. I cringe and cant believe how close minded it was. The worst feeling is that there is nothing I can do to change what I did.

The judge recognized Khans significant efforts to rehabilitate himself, such as cooperating with government investigations and speaking out against terrorist propaganda, and said that those factors did not go unnoticed. He also graduated recently from the University of Houston with an engineering degree.

This does not mean that your life is over, the judge said. It doesnt mean you cant live a productive meaningful life wherever you are.

Members of Garcias family, including his mother, sat opposite from where Khans supporters gathered.

Eskridge read a sealed letter from the mother during the proceedings.

We want justice for Sixto, he read, adding that she lamented about no closure, no body and no idea when his last day was on earth. The mother declined to comment after the sentencing.

Adler asked that Khan be imprisoned close to Houston so his family  his parents and brothers  can visit him.

nicole.hensley@chron.com
Authorities on Thursday were trying to determine the cause of an early-morning fire at the Exxon Mobil refinery in Baytown that left four people injured and officials monitoring the air.

The cause of the fire, which started around 1 a.m. and was extinguished eight hours later, remained unclear as fire investigators waited for the completion of air monitoring to ensure it was physically safe to be at the scene and conduct their investigation, said Rachel Neutzler of the Harris County Fire Marshals Office.

Exxon Mobil in a statement said that available information showed no adverse air quality monitoring impact to the community or personnel on site. The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality said there were no detectable odors.

We are coordinating with authorities as appropriate, and all findings will be incorporated in our continuing effort to enhance our safety performance, Exxon spokeswoman Julie King said in an email. We deeply regret any disruption or inconvenience that this incident caused to the community.

Exxon said the fire occurred at the companys unit for hydrodesulfurization, a chemical process used to remove sulfur from natural gas and refined petroleum products.

Four people were taken to hospitals  three by helicopter and one by ambulance  with injuries that included flash burns and a broken leg, authorities said. All were reported in stable condition.

Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez said initial reports indicated some type of explosion occurred inside the plant. Exxon did not mention an explosion in its statement.

Neutzler said determining whether an explosion had occurred will be part of the probe. Investigators had conducted interviews but still needed to canvass the scene. She said the investigation can potentially help prevent similar incidents in the future.

We do these with hopes that the industry will learn from it, that we will learn from it, she said.

Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo expressed gratitude for the first responders.

The workers who were injured are in my heart as we all wish for a prompt recovery, Hidalgo said in a tweet Thursday morning.

Patrick De Haan, GasBuddys head of petroleum analysis, said it was too early to know how the incident could affect gasoline production and prices.

Exxons Baytown refinery is the fourth largest nationally, with a processing capacity of 560,500 barrels of crude per day as of Jan. 1, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.

This is a large facility but I do NOT believe this will cause a large spike in (prices) at this time, De Haan said on Twitter.

Thursdays incident was not the first at Exxons 3,400-acre Baytown complex, some 25 miles east of Houston.

In July 2019, a fire at Exxons Olefins Plant wounded 37 people and darkened the sky with smoke. It was one of a string of industrial accidents at Houston-area plants that year.

In March, a federal judge imposed a $14.25 million penalty on Exxon for violating the federal Clean Air Act at its Baytown refinery over a period of eight years.

Exxons Baytown facility has a long history of environmental violations that put peoples health at risk, Luke Metzger, executive director of Environment Texas, said in a statement. This is the second major industrial disaster at Baytown in the past three years. Texas needs to hold Exxon accountable for the dangerous conditions at the Baytown refinery and chemical complex that caused this unnecessary disaster.

Exxon said community members could receive more information about the fire by calling 1-800-241-9010.

The refinery began operating in 1920, according to its website. The complex has approximately 2,168 employees, plus an average of nearly 2,400 personnel under contract.

Andrea Leinfelder contributed to this report.

alejandro.serrano@chron.com

paul.takahashi@chron.com
Texas Department of Public Safety

The pilot of a small plane and a paraglider who died Tuesday after a midair collision near Fulshear have been identified, officials said.

Robert Gruss, 35, a San Antonio flight instructor, was piloting the single-engine Cessna 208 that collided with paraglider Kenneth Tuttle, 51, of Fulshear, officials with Fort Bend County's medical examiner's office said Thursday.
Retired Auxiliary Bishop George Sheltz served at six parishes throughout his career as a Houston-area pastor and is credited with leaving every one better than he found it. Now, the church community is mourning the loss of the bishop, who died Tuesday. He was 75.

There is real sadness for us at the death of Bishop Sheltz, said Cardinal Daniel DiNardo, the archbishop for Galveston-Houston. He was such a kind and generous man, a faithful priest. Whenever I asked him to do anything, he always said yes and did so cheerfully. He was a great model of a diocesan priest, conscientious. He mirrored Christ very much.

Sheltz was born in Houston on April 20, 1946, and dedicated his life to serving the city through the church. He was a proud graduate of St. Thomas High School and attended the University of St. Thomas and St. Marys Seminary. He was ordained to the priesthood by Bishop John Morkovsky in 1971.

Sheltz was known as a priest who could be counted on to keep a church steady in turbulent times, according to Father Tom Rafferty, vicar of clergy at the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston. Its why he was sent to serve at those six Houston-area parishes throughout his career in the archdiocese.

His last role as a pastor was at St. Anthony of Padua Church in The Woodlands, where he served between 1999 and 2007, before he left the parish to take on a variety of administrative roles for the archdiocese. By the time he retired in June this year, he was the second in command to DiNardo.

Sheltzs role as a high-ranking archdiocese leader brought him in close proximity to the revitalized attention nationwide on allegations of child sex abuse at the hands of clergy. He was there as law enforcement combed the archdiocese headquarters for evidence related to convicted priest Manuel La Rosa-Lopez. He also handled letters from a woman who accused former vicar general Frank Rossi of forming an inappropriate relationship with her. Houston police investigated a sexual assault allegation against Rossi, but a Harris County grand jury declined to indict him.

He came face to face with an allegation of his own when a woman accused him of molesting her as a girl in 1971, according to an anonymous letter sent in 2019 to church officials. The archdiocese dismissed the allegation as false and a form of blackmail to keep a transferred priest in his clergy assignment.

Sheltz filled in for DiNardo as the cardinal recovered from a stroke. During that time, he handled an allegation against a dismissed priest, Jesus Suarez, accused of raping and impregnating a girl in South America.

Rafferty, the vicar of clergy, who took over for Sheltz at St. Anthony of Padua, said Sheltz was instrumental in making that church the thriving parish it is today.

Archbishop (Joseph) Fiorenza would call him and say, Theres a parish that has great opportunities and some challenges, and he would send Father George to serve at these parishes, and every place that he left would be set up for success. I experienced that firsthand at St. Anthony of Padua, and I so much benefited from his good work and insight, Rafferty said.

Rafferty remembers Sheltz as a holy but happy priest who loved working with the teenagers at St. Thomas High School, where Rafferty first met Sheltz as a student. Sheltz would eventually recommend Rafferty as his successor at St. Anthony of Padua and continued to mentor the younger priest after he left.

He knew when there was time to be serious, and he did that very well, and he also knew when there was time to have fun, Rafferty said. He had confidence in me, and that meant a lot to me  he would give me constructive criticism, but it was always smart and charitable. He was a brother priest, not just a boss.

He leaves behind a sister and many nieces and nephews, whom he loved dearly, Rafferty said.

A visitation will be held at 6 p.m. Dec. 30 at the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, followed by a vigil for the deceased. A funeral Mass is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. Dec. 31 at the cathedral, with DiNardo serving as the main celebrant and Father Jeffrey Bame preaching. Burial will be at Forest Park Lawndale cemetery.

Nicole Hensley contributed to this report.

sam.kelly@chron.com
Party isnt the right word, although there were cookies on this chilly December night, and ornaments and a white artificial Christmas tree that towered over the scene. Even ceremony seems too proper and too final. Vigil is probably the only word that comes close to explaining the 27-year-old tradition of Crime Stoppers of Houston to host the parents of murdered children and other surviving family members of homicide victims. The event gives them a chance to hang an ornament of their loved ones image in a ritual that is about many things at once  mourning the dead, honoring lost lives, and finding community in unimaginable grief.

To an observer who hasnt known the pain these families have endured, a festive tree with branches sagging under the weight of more than 150 ornaments with portraits of endearing smiles, dimpled cheeks and shining eyes snuffed out by violence can seem haunting. But to the families, the collection of mini monuments on public display at the Crime Stoppers building downtown is proof, and reassurance, that theyre not suffering alone.

The magnitude of the violent crime wave touching virtually every corner of Houston and Harris County cuts deeper than any statistics, charts, or criminology theory can convey. We see the headlines, we hear the tragic details. But we rarely stop to think about the grandmother who wont wrap tamales in the kitchen with her sisters this year or the little brother who wont unwrap his shiny new toy on Christmas morning.

When Marisol Ramos hung a decoration with a picture of her brother, Ramon Jr.  arms folded self-assuredly in a pink button-down, a mustache framing his warm smile  her eyes scanned up to the branch above where a photo of Martha Medina dangled from a white ribbon.

I recognized her from the news, Ramos said. You see the ornament and its like, Oh I remember that story, because there are so many stories on the news right now about people getting killed.

The circumstances surrounding the deaths of Ramon Ramos Jr., 32, and Martha Medina, 71, are eerily similar, not only for their randomness but the failures of the criminal justice system that contributed to them.

Ramon, an architect with the Harris County Department of Engineering, was struck and killed by a drunk driver on the North Loop on Christmas Eve of 2020. This year, on the morning of Sept. 23, Martha had just picked up breakfast at a McDonalds on the east side, when someone snatched her purse, then drove over her body in a black Impala, killing her. Both of the alleged perpetrators had criminal records and had been out on bond. The woman charged with striking Ramon was wanted on several felony warrants. The man charged with killing Martha was out on bond in connection to a previous capital murder charge in 2019. He was initially jailed on that charge but posted his $150,000 bond three months later.

Sitting at a table together, Ana, Ramons mother, clenched the hand of Lourdes, Marthas daughter, as she tearfully recounted her sons warmth and generous spirit. A blue mask with Ramons airbrushed portrait adorned her face.

He was a very good son, always taking care of me and my husband and our family. He loved helping people, Ana said.

Lourdes Medina spoke proudly about the work ethic and values her mother Martha instilled in her. She worked two jobs to support her family and doted on her children, even as adults. Marthas last moments were spent picking up breakfast for Lourdes.

Our community, like many across this country, has been shaken by incessant sickness and death during this pandemic. But Houstons epidemic of rising homicides and violence is maddening because many of the causes are man-made: the massive backlog of criminal cases clogging Harris County courts, the changing attitudes of some elected judges who seem to think that criminal justice reform and safety cant coexist. They can. They must. There has to be a way to respect defendants rights and also to prevent the truly dangerous from committing more crimes.

Every day, we watch the morbid tallies climb: 467 homicides to date, a 19 percent increase from last year. Whats much harder, and just as vital, is confronting the devastating toll on families, on neighbors, on communities whose losses are so much more profoundly felt in this holiday season marked by joyous togetherness.

Their vigil must be our vigil. Remember the victims, support these families, urge those in power to do everything possible to stop the senseless violence engulfing our city. Let the smiling portraits dangling from the Crime Stoppers Christmas tree remind us of the value of human life.
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Hudson, NY (12534)

Today

Mostly cloudy skies. High 36F. Winds NNW at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

Cloudy with periods of snow after midnight. Low around 25F. Winds light and variable. Chance of snow 80%. Snowfall around one inch.
Over the course of about a month, Hoosac Valley High School students wrote letters to all 360 students at the elementary school. These letters were delivered on Wednesday, the last school day before the holiday break.

Hoosac Valley High Students Deliver Holiday Letters to Elementary School

ADAMS, Mass.  Hoosac Valley Elementary School's 360 pupils were brought holiday cheer on Wednesday when 20 Hoosac Valley High School students delivered every child a handwritten letter for the holidays.

"We had a group of high school students reach out to us and ask if they could handwrite letters to every single student from pre-K to third grade," said Erin Beaulac, principal of Hoosac Valley Elementary. "They wanted to wish them well for the holidays and to send some happy notes to all of our students here at the school."

The high school students delivered the letters Wednesday morning, the last school day before the holiday break. Kaylea Nocher, a teacher at the high school, said writing the letters allowed the students to bring the elementary school kids kindness during the holiday season.

"I think a small act of kindness can go a really long way," she said. "I think all of these high schoolers, not just the seniors but everyone involved, they were able to see how kindness is spread without an incentive."

Nocher said there were no awards for writing letters or delivering them. The reward, she said, was bringing happiness and holiday greetings to the children at the elementary school.

"They're not doing this for a pizza party or a free class period," she said. "They really just did it from the kindness of their hearts."

It took about a month for the high school students to write the 360 letters. Natalie Pompi, one of the 20 students who delivered letters on Wednesday, said they would write letters whenever they had a chance to.

"Whenever we had free time, Kaylea would be walking around, all the teachers had copies of the paper," she said. "And it said for 'This year for the holidays, I wish for you,' and then we drew them a little picture and a note. And then whenever we had free time or a free period, we'd grab one, make one and then it just piled up like that."

Another high school student, Lucas Waterman, said all of the kids, none of whom knew they were getting letters that day, were overjoyed.

"They loved it," he said. "some of their faces, you could see this just made their whole Christmas. It was pretty nice to see."

The event, Pompi said, brought holiday cheer to the high school students just as much as it did to the elementary school students.

"Walking in and giving them a letter and then having them be so comfortable to just come up to you be like, 'This is my name, this is what I have,'" she said. "That's just really special, especially in the holiday times."

After the high school students reached out to her about the letters, Beaulac said they worked with Colleen Byrd, principal of Hoosac Valley High School to help organize the delivery. All three of the district's schools, Beaulac explained, have been trying to work more closely with one another, which helped to make this event possible.

"We're really trying to unify all the schools," she said. "And an activity like this, while it seems small, is really powerful."

Beaulac said everyone at the elementary school, students and faculty alike, were grateful for the letters.

"The teachers were coming up to me saying how appreciative they were for all of you for making these cards individually and how the students were reacting to them," she said. "They were really feeling loved and its just that extra something this holiday season. So you all made a difference."
Journalism and media freedom in the Pacific is under threat and faces many challenges  some new, some old. Media workers face legal threats from governments demanding disclosure of sources and from expensive-to-defend defamation and libel claims made by the rich and powerful. In many countries journalists are targets for politicians and influential people with power, who have been exposed for corruption, inappropriate behavior and conflicts of interest. Deaths threats and physical violence fuelled by online content are not uncommon responses from extremists loyal to the politician or cause.

Despite the intimidation, media workers in the Pacific continue to gather and provide timely, credible, verifiable and factual information to allow citizens to make informed decisions about important events. These events include extreme weather conditions, climate change, environmental impacts of development projects, elections, health issues, disease and pandemics such as Covid-19. Without media workers gathering and providing trusted information from credible sources, Pacific communities are at risk from chaos driven by the constant flood of disinformation
The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), in partnership with the United Nations Educational, Scientific, Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), has launched its Defend Media Freedom  Pacific Media Kit, which shares information and resources for the continued advocacy of press freedom across the Pacific.

The media kit comes at the culmination of the IFJ and UNESCOs project titled Building the Capacity of Media Associations to Assess Regulatory Environments and Strengthen Professional Journalism in the Pacific, which began with national assessments of the media regulatory environment in early 2020 by journalist associations in Fiji, Samoa, Solomon Islands and Vanuatu.

The assessments were followed by locally led and driven pilot programs in the four countries from July to November 2020. The findings and resources developed as a result of these programs have been included in the new regional media kit, to enable stronger advocacy and solidarity across the Pacific.

The project was run by the IFJ in conjunction with its regional partners, including the Fijian Media Association, Journalists Association of (Western) Samoa, Samoa Alliance of Media Practitioners for Development, Media Association blong Vanuatu and the Media Association of Solomon Islands.

The kit includes shareable content, social media tiles, communication guidelines and branding guides and examples of possible campaigns.

The IFJ, and its regional partners and affiliates, are committed to media freedom and encourage media workers in the Pacific to support, promote and strengthen the Pacific environment for media freedom and encourage the development of ethical, community media.

The issue of whistleblowing is highlighted in the kit, following a campaign run by the Fijian Media Association, which states that the protection of whistleblowers from prosecution is essential to increase the possibility of uncovering and resolving corruption.

The IFJ said: This media kit is an important resource to encourage the continued defence of media freedom in the Pacific. Sharing information, tools and content from across the project will enable stronger advocacy and journalist solidarity in the region. The IFJ thanks UNESCO for its support of journalists in the Pacific from 2020-2021.
Before we say goodbye to a challenging year, it is time to remember some of our great achievements over the last 12 months, which wouldn't have been possible without the amazing support of our members.

2021 was marked by the devastating assault on Afghan journalists and particularly on women, following the takeover of Kabul by the Taliban. We are especially proud of the unions and associations of journalists that dedicated immense time and effort to helping our Afghan colleagues. Although much remains to be done to provide asylum and security to our brothers and sisters, the solidarity from our affiliates across the world has been remarkable and we could never have achieved what we did without them.

Our fight against impunity has brought some successful victories this year. Key among them are recognition by national tribunals of the role governments in some countries, including Colombia, have played in attacking journalists; the jailing of journalists' killers in Nepal and our collaboration with human rights lawyers to submit a legal case to the International Criminal Court on the systematic targeting of Palestinian journalists by the Israeli government.

We are proud of our 2021 publications highlighting the state of press freedom across the world, including our yearly review of the killings and imprisonments of journalists, a new fully documented report on China's interference in world media narratives and a report on the impact of the Covid 19 pandemic on news reporting in South Asia. Important progress has also been made with a number of high level agreements reached by our affiliates including the signing of the first collective agreement in Tunisia, and a rise of agreements covering online media.

In pursuit of our fight for gender equality we launched a world survey on equal pay and raised awareness on discrimination against women journalists in world sporting events. We also continued to document and denounce abuses of all kinds against our female colleagues.

As press freedom watchdogs, we continued our work monitoring and denouncing press freedom violations across the world. In Europe for instance, together with the EFJ, we submitted 74 alerts to the Council of Europes platform for the safety of journalists. We provided special support to the founder of WikiLeaks, Julian Assange, whose extradition to the US would be a devastating blow to freedom of expression and democracy. We have also been cooperating with the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights to combat mass surveillance and the use of software such as Pegasus, which pose a devastating threat to press freedom.

We have focused heavily on ethical journalism and the need to report fairly on climate change, migration and women, through our workshops and training courses. We have also continued strengthening journalists' security skills and reinforcing unions organising strategies from the Balkans to Latin America.

Finally, we welcome a new rise in International Press Card holders. We are proud that the IFJ family continues to grow and that our values continue to be widely shared.

2022 will be the year of our World Congress in Oman, our first congress to take place in the Middle East. It will be another year of challenges, and we look forward to working with you to address them.
Sayed Rashed Kashefi, a reporter with the Kabul Times and Rasa TV, was allegedly beaten and detained for over six hours while covering a fight at an aid distribution site in Kabuls 5th district. The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and its Afghanistan affiliate, the Afghan Independent Journalists Association (AIJA), condemn the journalists detention and urge the Taliban authorities to swiftly investigate the incident.

On December 11, Abdul Matin Rahimzai, director of the Taliban administered Kabul Directorate of Refugee Affairs, and his bodyguards, interrupted Kashefi as he filmed a scuffle between one bodyguard and several female aid recipients.

Kashefis hands were tied and he was taken to the office of the Directorate of Refugee Affairs, where he was interrogated about the motive of the recording.

Rahimzai allegedly slapped the journalist on his face during the inquiry and confiscated both his smartphone and voice recorder used to document the incident. A bodyguard then handcuffed Kashefi and detained him for approximately six hours before his release.

According to Kashefi, Rahimzais bodyguard struck him on his back several times with a pipe. The journalist suffered wounds from the beating, according to photos posted by the Afghanistan Journalists Centre on Twitter.

Once the AIJA learned of the incident, it lobbied for Kashefis immediate release and the return of the confiscated recording devices, however, these have not been returned.

Afghanistans media landscape is increasingly fraught, as attacks against journalists and media workers, financial stress and harsh media restrictions increase following the Talibans takeover in mid-August. As many as 257 media outlets have shuttered since the Taliban gained control and, according to research conducted by the Afghanistan National Journalists Union (ANJU), at least 67% of journalists and media workers have been rendered jobless.

The AIJA said: The AIJA believes that the manner in which journalist Kashefi was dealt with, investigated, beaten up, and detained by the Kabul Chief of Refugee Affairs wasan illegal act. Therefore, we call on the Afghan government officials to punish the perpetrators and other cases of violence against journalists, in order to strengthen freedom of expression and prevent violence against journalists.

The IFJ said: Instances of intimidation, detention and attacks on journalists and media workers continue to increase since the solidification of the Taliban regime. The IFJ urges the Taliban to thoroughly investigate the incident and ensure that its members cease their attacks on journalists, allowing the media to function independently.
Dailekh District Court has sentenced three people convicted of the murder of Dailekh based journalist, Dekendra Raj Thapa, to life imprisonment. The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and its Nepal affiliate, the Federation of Nepali Journalists (FNJ) welcome the courts order and urge Nepali authorities to expedite the justice process of other pending cases.

On December 12, the Dailekh court sentenced Bam Bahadur Khadka (aka. Arun), Keshav Khadka and Bam Bahadur Khadka to life imprisonment, or 20 years, for the murder of journalist Dekendra Raj Thapa 17 years ago. District Judge Dandapani Lamichhane also jailed Bhakti Ram Lamichhane for three years, for assisting the murderers in concealing the journalists body.

Killed journalists Dekendra Thapa, a Dailekh district reporter for state broadcaster Radio Nepal, was kidnapped on August 11, 2004, by cadres of the Communist Party of Nepal  Maoist (CPN-M). He was tortured and buried alive in Naumule of the Dailekh district 45 days after his kidnapping.

The investigation into Thapas death did not begin until the signing of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (PCA) by the Nepal government and the then rebel CPN-M in November 21, 2006. Following continuous advocacy by the FNJ, Nepals National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) and the Informal Sector Service Centre (INSEC), Thapas body was exhumed for DNA testing from Naumule Rural Municipality on July 28, 2008, despite opposition from CPN-M.

On August 28, 2008, Thapas wife Laxmi Thapa lodged a First Information Report (FIR) at Dailekh police station seeking justice for the murder of her husband. The case was halted for a few days in January, 2013, after then Attorney General, Mukti Pradhan, instructed local police and prosecutors not to take the case forward. The case was recommenced on January 16, 2013, when the Supreme Court ordered the then Prime Minister, Baburam Bhattarai, and then Attorney General Pradhan not to intervene the matter.

On December 7, 2014, the Dailekh District Court ordered the arrest of nine suspects for their involvement in Thapas murder. Six of the nine accused, Laxi Ram Gharti Magar, Bir Bahadur KC, Nirak Bahadur Gharti Magar, Harilal Pun Magar and Jay Bahadur Shahi,had already been in custody since January 1, 2013, while the remaining three absconded.

More than 35 journalists were killed during Nepals 10 yearlong Maoist insurgency period, between 1996 and 2006.

FNJ president, Bipul Pokhrel, said: "FNJ is relieved to hear that journalist Dekendra Thapa's murderers have been held accountable for their crime. This judgement is an important step towards ending impunity on crime against journalists. We hope it will set a clear precedent for the arbitration of crimes perpetrated against journalists.

The IFJ said: The courts verdict in Thapas case is a promising step towards addressing the long-entrenched issue of impunity for crimes against journalists in Nepal. The IFJ urges the Nepali authorities to continue their investigations and make much needed progress with other cases that have remained unresolved for so long.
Keegan Caldwell has been convicted, by his count, of six felonies. But after a long history of legal and personal challenges, he went on to build one of America's fastest-growing businesses--now with a nascent program that aims to help other budding entrepreneurs who are incarcerated. "I know what it's like to be locked away," he says.

Caldwell struggled with a narcotics addiction for about a decade, starting in his teen years, and eventually became homeless, cut off from friends and family. But one cold evening in Michigan, he finally sought treatment, and got into a recovery program. In part to get some distance from his past, he went back to school, finishing college and pursuing a PhD in chemistry at George Washington University--a path that would later lead him to his entrepreneurial career.

At GW, while investigating career options outside of academia for people with PhDs, he found out that patent agents don't need law degrees to help people get patents; they just need to pass what's called the patent bar and have a technical background. It sparked his interest, which was cemented with an internship at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. In 2016, after passing the patent bar, he started Boston-based Caldwell Intellectual Property Law.

Caldwell's company aids clients' efforts to develop and monetize patents, from licensing to manufacturing deals to their use as leverage with investors. The firm was ranked No. 349 on the Inc. 5000 in 2021, and the coverage in Inc. led prison inmates to write to ask about pro bono work. One in particular, Thomas Alston, felt special. "What I saw was someone who was an entrepreneur," Caldwell says. "And we're really good at helping entrepreneurs." He decided to assist Alston through the long, expensive process of obtaining a patent and monetizing it--potentially worth hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars in billable hours--entirely for free.

Alston is serving 324 months for conspiracy to distribute cocaine and money laundering, in a federal correctional institution in Berlin, New Hampshire. He says he's hopeful that his invention, a high-tech pill dispenser, could make home health care easier for people with elderly family members. "I'm just trying to make the world a better place," he says.

Caldwell and the patent process

Caldwell says his firm tailors patents with business in mind, by finding licensing or acquisition opportunities, as well as developing robust patent portfolios for clients looking to go public. The company has a staff of about 40, a combination of technical experts and patent agents and attorneys.

Applying for and receiving a patent takes about two years on average, according to the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. While it's possible to get free help to obtain a patent (such as through the USPTO's pro bono program), that is probably not as common as it is in other areas of the law, says Nicole D. Galli, managing member of Philadelphia-based ND Galli Law, which focuses on intellectual property law. That's likely because of the relatively low numbers of patent agents and attorneys, as well as the cost: Even after the application process, enforcing a patent can run into the millions of dollars, she says.

A remarkable turnaround story

Caldwell served in the Marines until 2001. After he left, his drug problems quickly spiraled. He was arrested multiple times, some for selling drugs to finance his habit, and became homeless for a period in 2005. Finally, he checked himself into a treatment center, while he had a felony warrant out for stealing opiates from an emergency room in 2003, plus a few other charges. "I was like a wanted person in the newspaper," he says.

After two months in treatment, Caldwell turned himself in for some of the charges and appeared in court in March 2006. Instead of sending him to prison, the judge decided to let Caldwell plead guilty to certain charges and enter the county's Drug Treatment Court Program, where among other requirements he would get tested regularly. "Sadly, I think part of why I didn't go to prison is I was a decent-looking white kid," he says. "I think I got kinda lucky."

Following that stroke of luck, he went back to school, staying on his sister's couch while he applied to colleges. Later, after getting his PhD and while studying for the patent bar, Caldwell worked in the IP group of a law firm. He felt like he was being underpaid there, and a client said if Caldwell struck out on his own, they would follow him. While starting his business, Caldwell finished up a separate program of study that enabled him to pass the regular bar exam without going to law school, which made him a full-fledged patent attorney.

Within a year, Caldwell says, his firm helped sell 13 of the client's patents and a portion of their company for $129 million. It spoke to a frustration he had long held with the patent business. "I felt like we were just getting people's patents and then these patents were just collecting dust," he says. He wanted to help people accomplish their business goals.

An invention that helps the elderly (and their caregivers)

Alston had been in trouble before, in the early 1990s for assault with a deadly weapon and, later, two other drug-related charges. He says his involvement with drug distribution stemmed from money problems. With five kids, minimum-wage jobs weren't covering his expenses. He was in and out of the drug trade until he was caught with roughly $400,000, he says, in 2011.

Throughout this time, he was living in Sanford, North Carolina, close to his children and grandmother, who suffered from cancer. He would go to her house most days to sort and help her take her pills. He thought, wouldn't it be useful if there were a device that could help him make sure she took them? "The idea stuck with me when I got incarcerated," he says. When a friend in the prison gave him a copy of Inc., he read about Caldwell and reached out.

Alston had taken drawing classes in high school and had experience making car parts and building houses, so he leaned on those skills to sketch out the invention. There are different versions of the device, but generally, after the pills are loaded into separate tubes, it dispenses each medication on the correct schedule. The machine also provides video monitoring, so you can watch a loved one take their pills. When the medication runs out, the network-enabled machine can alert a pharmacy or care provider.

If the invention is successful, Alston plans to use the proceeds to take care of his five grandchildren, help his daughter buy a house, and invest for his post-prison life. He's filing for clemency based on his good record--without it, he will be in prison until 2034, when he will be 64 years old. "I have moved on past that life," Alston says of his prior career, and focuses his time and energy these days coming up with new business ideas and other inventions, or reading about stocks.

Caldwell's firm has done about $25,000 of work on Alston's behalf so far, writing and filing an application to the patent office. He says he expects to get a response from the USPTO in nine months, which unfortunately could be just the beginning. So while his firm is involved in a range of charitable efforts, it seems likely that helping Alston will dwarf them all.
Eleven months ago, Tim Cook sat confidently behind his desk at Apple headquarters in Cupertino, California, preparing to give a speech. His talk would be delivered virtually in connection with International Data Privacy Day in Brussels, but it would be a shot heard around the world.

A shot taken directly at Facebook.

Shortly before that speech, Facebook had taken out full-page ads in several major newspapers attacking changes in Apple's new privacy policy, also known as App Tracking Transparency (ATT).

ATT gives Apple users the option to opt out of tracking from apps that they don't want. Facebook claims that those changes inhibited Facebook's ability to help small businesses reach their target customers.

Interestingly, Cook's speech didn't mention Facebook by name. But the target was clear.

"Technology does not need vast troves of personal data stitched together across dozens of websites and apps in order to succeed," Cook stated. "If a business is built on misleading users on data exploitation, on choices that are no choices at all, then it does not deserve our praise. It deserves reform."

He continued: "A social dilemma cannot be allowed to become a social catastrophe."

Apple's move proved devastating to Facebook. According to Financial Times, one respected consultant estimated that Facebook may have lost as much as $8.3 billion in just two quarters as a direct result of Apple's policy changes.

But did Apple's move really initiate the end of Facebook? After all, Facebook still has billions of users, and it made $29 billion in profit in 2020.

Interestingly, though, Mark Zuckerberg has acknowledged that the future is moving away from Facebook. It's one reason the company is turning the page on a new chapter, changing its focus from Facebook to Meta, a new parent company that will focus on building for the metaverse, the world of virtual reality.

"The metaverse is the next frontier in connecting people, just like social networking was when we got started," Zuckerberg shared in his most recent founder's letter. "Over time, I hope we are seen as a metaverse company, and I want to anchor our work and our identity on what we're building toward."

Undoubtedly, Zuckerberg and company have been planning this switch in focus for years. But Apple's privacy changes likely accelerated those plans, providing added impetus and a feeling of "now is the time."

The problem, of course, is that Facebook is Meta, and Meta is Facebook. The same issues that plague the social media giant will likely transfer to the potential metaverse giant: the virtual hornet's nest of privacy and tracking questions, the poor relationship with Apple, and the bad reputation Facebook has built over the years.

The fact that Apple's and Meta's philosophies are so diametrically opposed make one thing clear: There is a war in tech, and it will play out for years to come.

This also leaves us with fascinating questions:

Will Apple be victorious in its quest to give people the option for more privacy?

Or will people's willingness to share personal data increase, as they see doing so allows Meta to build a virtual universe that is more customized to their tastes?
The natural resources company on Wednesday said it plans to raise upto Rs 1,000 crore through non-convertible debentures (NCDs).

Vedanta proposes to offer rated, secured, redeemable, non-cumulative, non-convertible debentures aggregating upto Rs 1,000 crore in one or more tranches.

The board will meet on 27 December 2021 to consider the proposal, the company said in a filing.

The above issuance is pursuant to the board of directors resolutions passed at their meeting held on 7 May 2019, and 3 October 2020.

Vedanta, a subsidiary of Vedanta Resources, is one of the worlds leading oil & gas and metals company with significant operations in oil & gas, zinc, lead, silver, copper, iron ore, steel, and aluminium & power across India, South Africa and Namibia.

On a consolidated basis, Vedanta reported attributable net profit of Rs 4,615 crore in Q2 September 2021, steeply higher than Rs 824 crore in Q2 September 2020. Net sales rose 44% to Rs 30,048 crore in Q2 FY22 over Q2 FY21.

Shares of Vedanta were up 0.88% to Rs 345.

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Iraq's once-celebrated Mosul museum and its 2,500-year-old treasures, which were destroyed by Jihadists, are being given a second life thanks to restoration efforts backed by French experts.

Ancient artefacts in the museum were smashed into little pieces when Islamic State group fighters seized the northern city of Mosul in 2014 and made it their seat of power for three years.

"We must separate all the fragments... Its like a puzzle, you try to retrieve the pieces that tell the same story," restoration worker Daniel Ibled, commissioned by Frances famous Louvre museum, which is supporting Iraqi museum employees, told news agency AFP.

AFP

"Little by little, you manage to recreate the full set."

Scars of destruction

When the ISIL jihadists were in control, they filmed themselves taking hammers to pre-Islamic treasures they deemed heretical, proudly advertising their rampage in a video published in February 2015.

The largest and heaviest artefacts were destroyed for the sake of their propaganda, but smaller pieces were sold on black markets the world over.

The scars of their destruction remain today.

On the ground floor of the museum, the twisted iron bars of the foundation poke through a gaping hole.

In other rooms, stones of various sizes are scattered, some bearing etchings of animal paws or wings. Others show inscriptions in cuneiform script.

The smallest of these fragments - no bigger than a fist - are lined up on a table, and experts are hard at work sorting through them.

AFP

For now, their efforts are focused on a winged lion from the city of Nimrud, the jewel of the Assyrian empire, two "lamassu" - winged bulls with human heads - and the base of the throne of King Ashurnasirpal II.

Some pieces are held together by elastic bands or small metallic rings.

One year after Iraqi troops recaptured Mosul in 2017, the museum received an urgent grant in a bid to restore it to its former glory.

After delays due to the coronavirus pandemic, museum director Zaid Ghazi Saadallah said he hopes the restoration works will be finished within five years.

For more on news and current affairs from around the world please visit Indiatimes News.
Cries of anger have spilled beyond Oting, swelling in towns and cities across Nagaland. Since the deaths of 14 civilians. Civilians and a soldier were killed in a series of attacks in the northeastern state of Nagaland.

Twelve men, most of them coal miners, were from Oting village. The violence, among the deadliest to hit the state in recent years, sparked national anger and headlines  and left Oting reeling with shock and grief. Take a look:
With the recent rise in Omicron cases, Delhi has banned all gatherings to celebrate Christmas and New Year, according to a report on NDTV.

The Delhi Disaster Management Authority prohibited such gatherings.

Delhi has recorded 57 Omicron cases as of now. India's tally is 213.

PTI

India's COVID reached 347,58,481 today after 6317 new cases were reported.

The last 24 hours have seen 318 and the total fatality count has climbed to 4.78 lakh.

WHO said Omicron is spreading faster than Delta and even those vaccinated are being infected.

South Africa's noticeable drop in new COVID-19 cases in recent days may signal that the country's dramatic omicron-driven surge has passed its peak, medical experts say, a PTI report said.

PTI

Daily virus case counts are notoriously unreliable, as they can be affected by uneven testing, reporting delays and other fluctuations. But they are offering one tantalising hint  far from conclusive yet that omicron infection may recede quickly after a ferocious spike.

The drop in new cases nationally combined with the sustained drop in new cases seen here in Gauteng province, which for weeks has been the center of this wave, indicates that we are past the peak," Marta Nunes, senior researcher at the Vaccines and Infectious Diseases Analytics department of the University of Witwatersrand said while speaking to AP.


Many times, users on social media platforms find themselves locked out of their accounts. After wondering if they Tweeted something inflammatory, or posted an offensive Instagram caption, turns out sometimes the error is from the company's end.

If you're not an influencer or famous, social media companies can effectively suspend your account without offering a good chance of redressal. For instance, a woman named Thea-Mai Baumann who ran an Instagram account "@metaverse" was suspended for impersonation after Facebook became Meta.

iStock

To help people like Baumann, a "robot lawyer" is now available for help. Called "DoNotPay", the lawyer offers automated legal services. Its new feature is about getting social media accounts unbanned, Engadget reported.

Better than customer service

Included in DoNoPay's monthly subscription (which costs $36/2708), the service offers users an alternative to sending e-mails to various companies to raise concerns. After understanding what has happened to a user, DoNotPay sends a letter to the social media company in question, or more specifically, that company's legal department.

DoNotPay's CEO Joshua Browder told Engadget that "these platforms prioritize legal cases." When one writes to customer service, companies may not take user concerns seriously. But by directly approaching legal departments, the company is stirred into action.

Cleartwo.co.uk

Also read: AI-Fuelled Xenobots Are Capable Of Reproduction: But What Is Their Purpose?

DoNotPay's robot lawyer also helps you create a legal backing for getting your account unbanned on social media platforms. In addition, the letter also carries a deadline for the company to respond. DoNotPay's services work on a range of platforms - Instagram, PayPal, Twitter, Snapchat, Uber, Tinder, YouTube, and even Twitch.

This service would not be of any help to those who were banned from a certain platform for violation of its terms. For those wrongfully terminated from a service, the chances of getting back your account with help from DoNotPay are 20 per cent.

Unsplash

Also read: 4-Wheeled Robot Can Carry Delicate Payloads, Even Babies, Fully Autonomously

Do you think DoNotPay would be helpful for those wrongfully suspended? Let us know in the comments below. For more in the world of tech and science, keep reading Indiatimes.com.

Citation

How a robot lawyer could help you get unbanned from social media. (2021). Engadget.
We all know it takes around 24 hours for Earth to complete one whole rotation on its axis, however, a UK National Physical Laboratory scientist in a conversation with Discover Magazine warns that Earth is now spinning faster than it did half a century ago.

NASA

Also Read: Earth's Magnetic Field Has A Life Cycle of 200 Million Years, Scientists Find

Each day on Earth consists of 86,400 seconds, but this isn't exactly all the time. Sometimes, over the course of a year the speed increases or decreases, resulting in the addition of a second or two, more or less.



This is affected by various factors -- the core of the planet, the oceans, the pull of the moon as well as the atmosphere.

To accurately measure time, scientists made use of atomic clocks that kept time based on how electrons in caesium atoms fall from a high-energy, excited state back to normal. Atomic clocks arent affected by external changes like temperature shifts like regular clocks.

However, over the years, scientists noticed that even the most accurate atomic clocks were shifting from the actual time it took for Earth to complete the rotation.

According to Judah Levine, a physicist in the time and frequency division of the National Institute of Standards and Technology, to prevent this difference from becoming too big, in 1972, scientists decided to add leap seconds to atomic clocks.

They work similarly to leap days -- they tack to the end of the month of February every four years to make up for the difference that it takes 365.25 days for Earth to complete a revolution. However, leap years are unpredictable.

Unsplash

Also Read: Earth's Rotation Slowed Down For Oxygen To Increase And Life To Evolve, Says Study

The timing is observed by the International Earth Rotation and Reference Systems Service. They do this by sending laser beams to satellites to measure their movements, along with other methods. If they sense the difference of a second off sync, scientists around the world stop the atomic clocks for exactly one second at 11:59:59 PM on June 30 or December 31 to allow the astronomical clock to get back in the race, resulting in a leap second.



Leap seconds have been added every few years. Sadly they've not been as regular due to the rather irregular rotation of our planet with unpredictable slowing or speeding up.

However, over the years, Earths rotational slowdown has seen further slowing down without really giving a need to add a leap second, since 2016. Also, our planet is spinning faster than it has in half a century and scientists dont really have any explanation for this phenomenon.

UK National Physical Laboratory scientist, Peter Whibberley warns the current trajectory could lead to the need for something called a negative leap second where we would need to remove a second instead of adding one to the atomic timescale to bring it back in sync.

He adds that this isnt really as simple as adding a leap second, There's never been a negative leap second before and the concern is that software that would have to handle that has never been tested operationally before.

Unsplash

Also Read: Scientists Want To Shorten 1 Minute To 59 Seconds, As Earth's Spinning Faster

Researchers added that the continuous nature of time is the backbone of the internet. If it wont be steady, itll fall apart. Removing or adding even a second, trips the whole system, causing gaps in smooth flowing data.



Moreover, even in the financial industry where each transaction has its own timestamp, it would face a potential problem if, for instance, 23:59:59 second repeats itself.

But he feels its not that big of a deal as in total, it would only add around like a minute over 100 years.
Landing a government job is quite an achievement. So, understandably, passing this exam is literally everyone's dream. People try all sorts of things to pass these government exams- including cheating.

However, a government exam candidate went to some extra lengths to really pass the exam. According to the report, an aspirant of the Uttar Pradesh sub-Inspector examination hid a high-tech Bluetooth wireless device inside a wig along with minuscule headphones inside his ears. But unfortunately, the man got caught.

Twitter

A video of the same was shared by IPS officer Rupin Sharma. In the footage, it is clearly visible how the authorities are trying to extract the device from his wig. What was more surprising was that the wireless headphones being used by the man were so minuscule that even he could not take them out. However, after the interrogation, he admitted having them in both ears.

The video was shared by the Twitter user and IPS officer Rupin Sharma he called the cheating hack very impressive. "Uttar Pradesh mein Sub-Inspector ke exam mein cheating ke shaandar jugaad (Great hacks to cheat during Uttar Pradesh sub-inspector exam)," he wrote.

The examiners came to know about this hidden secret after the metal detector started beeping around the candidate's head. This is when they realise that something fishy is definitely going on.

The video got a lot of attention on the internet and has gone viral. While many raised concerns about how the youth is pushed to take desperate and extreme measures to secure a government job. Others are asking the government to hire the man, owing to his creativity.

If there was a Nobel prize for cheating, this guy would be amongst the front runners.  Maneesh  (@winsplit) December 21, 2021

If there was a Nobel prize for cheating, this guy would be amongst the front runners.  Maneesh  (@winsplit) December 21, 2021

Sirjee,

Height of Unemployment and Desperateness To Get Job Somehow is Forcing these candidates for such action.I am sure this is merely TRAINING VIDEO as candidate seems of high age and quite calm and matured.

Pls confirm my thoughts    () (@rakesh1963) December 21, 2021

A very sad commentary on opportunities for career in this country ...if aspirants think of using such methods ... https://t.co/AJDl0XBu02  Unmesh Batwal (@aniuni) December 21, 2021





The guy who built the wig should be hired by the NTRO and this chap could be a field agent.



Gotta appreciate the creativity. https://t.co/AKzQxLL86m  Sanjay Mehta  (@sanjaymehta) December 22, 2021



This isn't the first time a government exam candidate has been caught with an innovative way to cheat in the exam. Very recently, five people were arrested in Rajasthan for allegedly selling Bluetooth device-fitted 'chappals' worth Rs 6 lakh to candidates appearing in the teachers' recruitment exam, REET.

The candidate had a device inside his ear and someone from outside the exam hall was helping him cheat. Not just that, the slippers were made in a way that an entire phone could fit inside it.



There is no dearth of creativity in our country even when it comes to cheating strategically.

For the latest from trending stories, click here
The world's biggest and largest lottery worth 2 billion prizes are out today. The 2billion prize pool in the draw is known as El Gordo and it takes place at 4 pm in Spain (3 pm UK time).

The draw is being held annually since the year 1812. The top prize called El Gordo or The Fat One will be paying out about 570 million to those with the winning numbers  and many other prizes pay out the rest.

Ladbible

While there are big individual prizes to be won, Spains Christmas lottery takes the prize for the biggest overall pot.



The lottery is very popular with British ex-pats bidding to be in with a chance of sharing an eye-watering prize pot. The lottery is so popular that people queue up for hours even days just to grab their 15 tickets from the most popular vendors.

Some buy them for themselves or as gifts for others. Work colleagues, relatives or friends also pool money to buy them, with their eyes set on sharing the prizes.

Twitter

The lottery has had some very exciting stories. Just a couple of years back, a Spanish TV presenter discovered shed won the Sorteo Extraordinario de Navidad live on air while she was reading out the results.

Natalia Escudero, a reporter for RTVE, celebrated on the telly surrounded by strangers as she discovered that she had bagged a tenth of the prize money - getting her 5,000 euros (4,260/$5,540) back in 2019.

According to El Espanol, she told the camera: "Hey, I have a tenth, that this is no joke, that I do many events. When I came here I bought one," before adding: "Tomorrow I don't go. Natalia, I don't work tomorrow." Yeah, fair enough - I think I'd treat myself to a day off, too.

RTVE

After this, she completely started celebrating with the crowd and started cheering with the rest of them. The video even went viral when the announcement came out.

Well, can't wait to have a lottery like this in India and well... win it. Wishful thinking!

For the latest from trending, click here
Indian Foreign Secretary Harsh V. Shringla handed over 1 million doses of 'Made in India' vaccines to representatives of the Myanmar Red Cross Society to support the people of Myanmar, including those along the India-Myanmar border, in their fight against COVID, on Dec. 22. (ANI photo)
Microsoft is upgrading the feedback system for its Visual Studio IDE, but the changes mean that users of older versions of the application will no longer be able to submit feedback.

The Send Feedback options in the Help menu and Feedback Center are being upgraded, the company said. The new system will make it easier for Microsoft engineering teams to track, organize, and transfer tickets. But in order to continue submitting feedback, Visual Studio users must be on version 16.7 or any LTSC (Long-Term Servicing Channel) service release from after April 2021.

The following Visual Studio versions will no longer support the Send Feedback options:

15.9.0-15.9.34

16.4.0-16.4.20

16.5.0-16.6.X

Microsoft said in a blog post on December 16 that it was hard to decide not to support certain versions of the IDE, but it was the right decision because of the increase in scalability and productivity that the new system offers. Users can update their IDE by going to docs.microsoft.com.

Microsoft also encourages Visual Studio users to provide feedback via the Developer Community. The company also receives feedback via Twitter, YouTube, and the Visual Studio Blog, as well as at conferences and online events.

The most recent major production release of Visual Studio was Visual Studio 2022, unveiled November 8.
CHARLESTON, S.C. (AP)A plan to build a $1.1 billion seawall around much of downtown Charleston is leaning toward relying on concrete structures, although many would like to see the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers include less-intrusive solutions such as living shorelines and enhanced marshes.

The Post and Courier of Charleston obtained public comments through a Freedom of Information Act request. Those comments show residents, nonprofit groups and even the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources all want more natural characteristics included.

I am seriously concerned that a more naturalistic approach was not the result of this study, one resident wrote in September.

The 8-mile (12.8-kilometer) project would include a wall rising 8 feet (2.5 meters) above tidal flood levels. The plan includes dozens of gates that would close and block off roads, streams and walkways when a storm approaches. Pumps would push out water when the gates close.

Jaclyn Pennoyer, a spokesperson for the Corps Charleston District, wrote in an email that the agency considered three nature-based protections for the citybuilding living shorelines of oyster reefs, adding sediment to existing marshes and uncovering long-filled tidal creeks.

But none of these options would protect Charleston against hurricane surge of several feet, she wrote. Thats the Corps mandate for protection. Some oyster reefs are included in the most recent version of the plan. But they would parallel stretches of the surge wall, not replace it.

Reefs, enhanced marshes or improved creeks as stand-alone perimeter protection do NOT appreciably reduce the risk of damages from coastal storm surge, Pennoyer wrote. Additional nature-based solutions could be included and funded by the City of Charleston to address rainfall and tidal flooding.

Western Carolina University Professor Robert Young said its true that a reef would be drowned by a strong storm surge. But he said said greener strategies would add environmental benefits. And he said storm surge isnt the only challenge to Charleston. Rising sea levels are already causing more frequent but less severe tidal flooding.

Its better to create sort of a multi-layered approach to gray infrastructure than it is to just build a dang seawall, Young said.

Living shorelines work best at protecting the edge of a marsh or high ground from erosion. South Carolina is now letting landowners install their own versions to protect property or marsh.

In recent years, researchers have started purposefully placing oyster shells and other products to shield marsh, said Peter Kingsley-Smith, a senior marine scientist with the state Department of Natural Resources. Bags of shells, cement castles, logs of coconut fiber and even crab traps have all been tried, Kingsley-Smith told the newspaper.

These methods can preserve marsh grasses, which are important wildlife habitats and absorb carbon gases.

The Coastal Conservation League commissioned an alternative Charleston plan that proposes oyster reefs to slow down waves, earthen levees and engineered wetlands in different sections of the city.

Outgoing executive director Laura Cantral acknowledged thats not enough to stop storm surge. But she argues the wall would work better with those features.

The Corps mandate is to address storm surge, we get that, she said. We also believe many of these nature-based solutions make the overall objective of the wall  more effective.

One issue is that the Corps calculates a cost-benefit ratio to determine which projects are worth paying for. It doesnt account for benefits from greener options, said Natalie Snider of the Environmental Defense Fund. Congress told the Corps to consider incorporating these elements into plans in 2018 and 2020, she said.

Weve just seen the Corps be slow on the uptake of really developing and relying on these features, Snider said.

The cost-benefit ratio for the Charleston project as now designed is more than 10 to 1, making it one of the most attractive for the federal government to fund in the Southeast.

About the photo: Flood waters reflect East Battery as a king tide rolls into the historic Battery causing flooding in Charleston, S.C. Sunday, Nov. 15, 2020. Charleston has remained relatively unscathed this hurricane season. That means more time to mull a $1.75 billion proposal by the Army Corps of Engineers that features a sea wall along the citys peninsula to protect it from deadly storm surge during hurricanes. (AP Photo/Mic Smith)

Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Do I need to wash my turkey before cooking it?

Rinsing turkey (or chicken or meat) is a definite no as this can spread food poisoning bugs around your kitchen.

Water that splashes from rinsing a turkey can spread its germs up to a metre (or an arms length) around your sink.

That means that bacteria can mingle with ready to eat foods, kitchen utensils like chopping boards and anything else that's in the vicinity.

Proper cooking of your turkey will kill any food poisoning bacteria.

Do stuffed turkeys cook in the same time as unstuffed?

You need to give stuffed turkeys more cooking time.

For stuffed turkeys cooked in a fan oven, you should allow extra cooking time as safefood research has shown that when a turkey is stuffed in the body cavity, it is the centre of the stuffing that is slowest to cook.

With stuffed turkeys, it is essential you check the stuffing itself is piping hot all the way through, as well as making sure the meat at the thickest part of the breast is cooked thoroughly before serving.

Try not to overstuff the turkey; use a maximum of 10% of the weight of the bird in stuffing for example no more than 500g of stuffing for a 5kg turkey.

Will a bigger turkey taste better?

I advise only to buy the turkey you need to avoid unnecessary food waste.

If youre unsure, ask your butcher and think about how many people youre cooking for (children eat less than adults) and whether you want any leftovers.

For 4-6 people, a 3-4kg turkey should do o For 6-8 people, a 4-5kg turkey should do o For 8-10 people, a 5-6 kg turkey should do

My turkey is not defrosted - can I cook it from frozen?

Give yourself enough time to defrost your turkey.

For a frozen turkey or any frozen poultry, the safest and recommended way to defrost it is to place it on a dish or tray on the bottom shelf of your fridge. Remember to allow 24 hours for every 4-5 pounds/1.8-2.2kg.

Give yourself plenty of time; it can take up to 3 days to fully defrost a frozen 7.5kg/15lb turkey, so you may need to take it out to defrost on December 22nd.

Youll know its fully defrosted when:

the body is soft

the legs can be moved and

there are no ice crystals inside the cavity

Once thoroughly defrosted, a previously frozen turkey cooks the same way as a fresh turkey

How do I make sure my turkey is cooked perfectly?

Dont leave your turkey cooking time to chance! Raw poultry and meat can contain germs like Salmonella and Campylobacter and its important to cook these foods thoroughly.

Preheat your oven to 180C (Fan Assisted) and cover the turkey with tinfoil during cooking as this helps it to cook more evenly and gives a more juicy product.

The turkey should be basted every hour during cooking. (The tin foil can be removed for the last half hour to finally brown the skin). You can find cooking times for your turkey size at www.safefood.net.

I have never carved a turkey. Where do I start?

Remember, do not rush to carve the stuffed cooked turkey straight out of the oven. One way of making sure that the stuffing is properly cooked, without risking overcooking the meat, is to remove the turkey from the oven when the meat is fully cooked and leave it to rest for 30 minutes, loosely covered in tinfoil.

How do I store my leftovers?

If freezing leftover meat or poultry, wrap well and make sure it is stored in a suitable container for freezing. Freeze cooked meat for no more than 6 months approx. This is for quality rather than safety Dos and Donts of re-heating!

Remember, if food is already cooked  only reheat food once. When reheating food, ensure it is piping hot all the way throughout.
It will be a quiet Christmas spent among family for most people this weekend, but for one famous Late Late Toy Show duo, this year will be more special than ever before.

Tom Cullen (10) and his maternal grandmother Pat Corcoran (88), fondly known as Nanny Pat, stole the hearts of the nation in 2019, when Pat surprised Tom during his appearance on the Late Late Toy Show. Even Ryan Tubridy got a pre-pandemic hug from the grandmother of four and dubbed Tom his new favourite person. The presenter was also given a specially hand-knit jumper courtesy of the Co Leitrim natives.

Countless invites and requests for local events came tumbling into the Carrick-On-Shannon homes of the pair afterwards, including the opportunity to turn on the Christmas lights in their town in 2019 and a makeover for Pat on RTEs Today Show.

There were a lot of little knock-on things that came from it. They turned on the lights and presented prizes for competitions and went to the secondary school in Carrick-On-Shannon, a few different things locally. It was just lovely, says Toms mother Ursula.

However, just as they started to enjoy their newfound fame, the pandemic hit.

It was very lonely

Tom Cullen has been saving up to get his grandmother Pat Corcoran a tablet for Christmas.

Last years series of lockdowns were especially tough for Pat, who lives on her own about 2km away from Toms family.

It was very lonely. It was very isolating at the start and scary too, she says.

As the weeks went by, she would relish the visits Tom and his sister Catherine (16) would make to her window.

During the very first lockdown, we were only able to see her through the window which we were lucky to be able to do. It was hard for Nanny though because she would always invite us in for a cup of tea and she couldnt, Tom says.

When we could go back in again at the start we would sit in the sitting room while Nanny stayed in the kitchen with masks on which was hard because we couldnt give her a hug when we were leaving like normal.

However, there were plenty of hugs once they were allowed to embrace again after the family got their Covid-19 vaccinations.

I was delighted to see them, Pat says. There werent enough hugs to go around.

New technology

Tom Cullen set up Skype for his grandmother Pat Corcoran over lockdown. He was shocked to see her tune in for an interview for The Late Late Show via the platform earlier this year.

Pat has two other grandchildren, Jim (19) and Frank (15), who live with her son in England. The family stays connected via Skype, which Tom set up for his grandmother.

Were all very close. I see them when they come over and I talk to them on Skype or ring them on the phone, Tom says.

I kept in touch with Nanny on Skype during lockdown as well and An Post sent out those little postcards during lockdown that we were able to send to each other too. Skype is great but theres nothing like seeing her face to face.

The pair were delighted when they were able to go back to their usual routine earlier this year.

I go to Nanny after school on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays. We sit down and have our dinner and then we do a bit of knitting and then I do my homework, Tom says.

Nanny also pretends its her homework when she helps Tom with his sums. She says its good for her head too, adds Ursula.

Knitting is one of Tom and Pats favourite activities to do together, as well as playing games and doing jigsaws. Viewers of the Late Late Toy Show may even recall the jigsaw Tom had made from a photograph of his beloved grandmother.

I was trying to knit a scarf for my friend recently but it didnt work out because it wasnt long enough, Tom says.

His grandmother, who is very modest about her own knitting, has been working on Aran-style cardigans and jumpers for her family for Christmas.

Im not too bad at all, Pat says with a laugh. Its just lovely to have a visitor when Tom comes over.

Festive planning

Nanny Pat Corcoran pictured at home in Carrick On Shannon, Co. Leitrim. The proud grandmother stayed in touch with her family via Skype over lockdown.

When we chat, the fourth class pupil is counting down his last few days in class before Christmas break. Hes looking forward to spending the weekend with his grandmother, who will be going to the Cullen household for Christmas dinner and Stephen's Day.

Im saving up to buy her a tablet but we might compromise on that. She might give me a few bob toward it, Tom says, laughing.

His own wish list is even more pragmatic. Im hoping to get a cow from Santa.

On Stephens Day, the family will get ready to carry out their favourite longstanding tradition, commonly referred to as the wren.

We normally go out and sing and dance and well get a bit of money, says Tom, who was introduced to the tradition by his mother.

Its great fun, Tom will dress up as an old woman and his sister will dress up as an old man and no one will recognise them. Its great craic, she says.

The entire family is close, as Pat was with her three siblings growing up in Co Leitrim.

Well spend New Years together as well. Were very lucky. Lockdown was so tough so were excited for this Christmas, Tom says.

To help others keep in touch with their loved ones over the holidays, Pat has teamed up with the Vodafone Ireland Foundation, Active Retirement Ireland, and ALONE to promote a new online learning platform for those aged over 65 called Hi Digital.

It is easy to become isolated during these difficult times and being able to connect with my family and friends online has made a huge difference, she says.

Getting better with technology can seem like a big hill to climb but learning skills bit by bit has helped me and, of course, my family is always here to support me whenever they can.
Signs made with love and excited hands were held aloft for family returning home for Christmas at Cork Airport, many coming back for the first time in years.

Ciara Murray waited with her family for her son Rian and his wife Kerry, who have not been home in eight long years.

Rians return is the highlight of Christmas for his young sisters.

Theyre not even talking about Santa Claus. Its all about their brother coming home, Ms Murray said.

Its very exciting. They havent been home in eight years so it will be great to see them."

Michael Ryan was greeted at the airport by his family and a five-week-old puppy.

It is his first time home from Melbourne in almost four years.

Michael Ryan from Glanmire being welcomed home at Cork Airport from Auckland after four years by his sister, Kathleen, and mother, Breda.

Covid prevented a return trip any sooner.

I didnt expect it to take quite so long but we made it here eventually and its great to be back, Mr Ryan said.

Its been a long road. Theres been a big human toll to everything. But Im just very grateful to have gotten here eventually and Im so excited to see the family again.

Eoin Shiel returned home from New Zealand for the first time in three years.

As New Zealand has closed its borders for most international travel, his return is open-ended.

Eoin Shiel from Bishopstown welcomed home at Cork Airport father, John, and mother, Marian.

Its pretty good [to be back] except for the weather! Its very nice to see my parents and its going to be nice to see my family. Im looking forward to seeing my granny and granddad, he said.

But there were not only tears of joy at Cork Airport.

Jim Healys son-in-law was turned away from Luton airport and he had to return alone to his home in Bedford without his wife and child.

Mr Healys daughter, Rose Mahmoud, and her son Oisin, were allowed to board the plane on their Irish passports. But Luton airport declined to accept her husbands EU travel card or his Bangladeshi passport and would not take their marriage certificate into account, Mrs Mahmoud said.

My mums unwell, Mrs Mahmoud said. This might be her last Christmas and she said the only thing she wanted was to spend time with her grandson and for us all to be together.

Jim Healy welcomes his two-year-old grandson Oisin at Cork Airport upon arrival from the UK. Oisin has only ever seen his grandad previously on Facetime.

Well try to get my husband on another flight but we already had to get a loan to pay for this, it was 800 just for the flights.

We were told Ireland no longer accepts EU travel cards but I saw no mention of that on any website.

He had to return on the train to Bedford alone and in tears.

Visibly upset, Mr Healy said: My wife has cancer. Shes only seen her grandson once for a few hours because she was in hospital when they came to visit over the summer. Now my son-in-law has been turned away from the airport. She wanted us all to be together.
Burma Myanmar Civil Servant Murdered in Rakhine State

General Administration Department clerk Ko Hsan Htay Naing was found dead with his throat slit.

A General Administration Department (GAD) clerk was murdered with his throat slit in Rakhine State, western Myanmar.

Ko Hsan Htay Naing, 26, was found dead, at Maungdaws jetty on Thursday, according to Ko Chit Htoo Khine, chairman of the Maungdaw-based charity, Compassion Network.

We found his body this morning at the jetty. His throat had been slit and his face was swollen. We sent the body to the hospital, he told The Irrawaddy.

The victim was originally assigned to Myint Lutt town in Maungdaw, but he had been working at Maungdaw Township GAD following the mass exodus of Rohingya into Bangladesh over the past few years.

Residents fear communal violence will break out between Buddhist and Muslim communities because of the murder, said U Maung Ohn, a former state parliamentarian and Maungdaw resident.

People fear conflicts will break out. Everyone is watching. It is unknown why he was killed. The authorities said they are searching for suspects, he told The Irrawaddy.

On Tuesday, harvested rice was set on fire in paddy fields in Kan Nwar, a Muslim village in Buthidaung Township, Maungdaw District.

There have been a number of arson attacks on harvested paddy and machinery in several Rakhine villages near Muslim villages in Kyaukphyu, Kyauktaw and Mrauk-U townships since early December. In some villages, cattle  which are often still used to work farmland  had their legs cut.

Following a spate of incidents, the ethnically Rakhine Arakan Army said on Dec. 17 that it fears a group is trying to cause tensions.



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Burma Myanmar Junta Police Arrest Muslim Teen After Civil Servants Murder

Maungdaw in 2016. / The Irrawaddy

Following the killing of a General Administration Department clerk at Maungdaw Township in northern Rakhine State, a Muslim teenager has been arrested with evidence, according to U Hla Thein, the regimes Rakhine State Administration Council spokesman.

We arrested a Muslim teenager from Maungdaw town. He is 14. We found the victims phone and a bloodstained cloth from him. He broke the SIM card from the victims phone. We believe his two older brothers were also involved in the murder. The investigation is ongoing, U Hla Thein, who is also the states junta-appointed advocate general, told The Irrawaddy.

The police are searching for the two other suspects, he added.

The Maungdaw police and district administrator were unavailable for comment.

Ko Hsan Htay Naing, 26, was found dead with his throat slit at Maungdaws jetty on Thursday.

Maungdaw was one of the flashpoints of communal violence between Buddhist Rakhine and Muslim communities since 2012 and the murder prompted fears of further violence.

On Tuesday, harvested rice was set on fire in paddy fields in Kan Nwar, a Muslim village in Buthidaung Township, Maungdaw District.

There have been a number of arson attacks on harvested paddy and machinery in several Rakhine villages near Muslim villages in Kyaukphyu, Kyauktaw and Mrauk-U townships since early December. In some villages, cattle  which are often still used to work farmland  had their legs cut.



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Myanmar Junta Pushing China to Restart Stalled Infrastructure Projects

Myanmar Civil Servant Murdered in Rakhine State

Senior Junta Commander Sent to Lead Offensive in Restive Southeastern Myanmar
Burma Myanmar Junta Pushing China to Restart Stalled Infrastructure Projects

Anti-regime protesters in February urged Chinas President Xi Jinping not to recognize Myanmars military regime and to stand with the people of the country, amid a wave of anti-China sentiment following the coup.

Faced with record lows of foreign direct investment, Myanmars military regime is pushing China to restart several stalled infrastructure projects, including railways, ports and power projects, and to accelerate bilateral cooperation over the coming months.

In a joint statement issued on Wednesday, the juntas Ministry of Information and Ministry of Investment and Foreign Economic Relations said that Myanmar enjoys a special paukphaw or kinship with Beijing after 71 years of bilateral ties.

Claiming that normalcy is returning to Myanmar, the junta said in its statement that the implementation of several joint projects with China is a major priority for Myanmar, following the disruptions caused by the pandemic and recent social unrest.

However, Beijing remains wary about resuming full cooperation with Myanmar after the widespread anti-China protests that followed the regimes February 1 coup, and subsequent attacks on Chinese-owned factories in Yangon.

Myanmar has been in political, social and economic turmoil since the coup, with a majority of the countrys population rejecting the military takeover and rebelling against the regimes rule through both civil disobedience and armed resistance. Since the coup, the junta has killed more than 1,300 people, while over 11,000 have been detained, according to the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners, a rights group which monitors deaths and arrests.

Foreign direct investment dried up after the coup, including for existing projects, with western countries imposing sanctions on the regime. The World Bank has projected that Myanmars economic growth is set to shrink by 18 per cent this year, as military rule hammers what was previously one of Southeast Asias fastest-growing economies.

The juntas joint statement claimed that the regime has improved security and provided assistance to Chinese-owned factories that were attacked by civilian resistance fighters. It also said that such attacks have declined sharply, so the regime is confident that the situation for Chinas investments in Myanmar will soon improve.

The juntas governing body, the State Administration Council chaired by coup leader Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, has reviewed and revised bilateral economic projects to prioritize its plans for economic recovery, as Myanmar prepares for a new election scheduled to be held by August 2023, the statement added.

To further improve bilateral cooperation with China, the junta said it would pilot accepting Chinas currency, the Renminbi, as an official settlement currency for border trade starting next year.

Myanmar Government will do its best to protect all foreign direct investments, including those from the PRC. We also look forward to increased border trade through RMB-kyat settlement, the junta-appointed Minister of Investment and Foreign Economic Relations, U Aung Naing Oo, said in the statement.

In May, Snr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing reassured Beijing that his regime will protect foreign-funded enterprises in the country, including Chinese ones, amid the chaos caused by his coup.

We will protect all foreign-funded enterprises [in the country], he told Hong Kong-based Phoenix Television, adding that Myanmar people are not anti-China.

Snr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing has attempted to calm Beijings concerns about its economic interests, following growing anger towards China among Myanmar people due to Beijings perceived support for the military regime.

In his interview with the Beijing-supporting Phoenix Television, Snr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing said that attacks on China-backed factories are not a result of anti-China sentiment in Myanmar, saying instead that the political situation is to blame.

But Chinese officials are still concerned about the possibility of future attacks and the impact on public sentiment in Myanmar if the junta restarts the projects.

However, China is ready to resume development and Infrastructure projects if and when stability returns to the country. In the past months, Chinese teams have conducted field surveys on several projects in Myanmar.



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Burma Myanmar Regime Airstrikes Break International Law: NUG

Military helicopters and junta troops in Sagaing Region on October 28. / Thalashwemyay Facebook

Myanmars military regime is being accused of breaching the Geneva Convention and International Humanitarian Law by repeatedly using its air force to attack civilian targets across the country.

By Dec. 22, the junta used its air force, including helicopters and fighter jets, to indiscriminately attack civilians, Peoples Defense Forces (PDFs) and ethnic armed groups in almost 20 townships in Sagaing, Magwe and Tanintharyi regions and Kachin, Chin, Shan and Kayah states, according to U Aung Myo Min, the human rights minister in the shadow National Unity Government and other sources.

During the junta airstrikes, civilians and resistance fighters were killed and several thousand civilians fled homes. Thousands of civilian homes have been burned down in regime raids.

U Aung Myo Min posted on Facebook on Wednesday that the regime is murdering from the skies.

Airstrikes on civilian targets is prohibited under both domestic and international law. It is breaching international humanitarian law, said the civilian minister.

Airstrikes on civilians are also prohibited under the 1977 Geneva Convention, which the then junta ratified in 1992.

Aerial bombardment to terrorize civilian populations, destroy or damage private property or injure non-combatants is prohibited by the 1923 Hague Rules of Air Warfare.

Regime airstrikes have targeted civilians in villages in Magwe and Sagaing regions in recent days.

On Monday, the regime used five helicopters against Yay Myat village in Ye-U Township, Sagaing.

The junta medias only reported a ground attack on the village. The report said: The security forces raided the village in response to a tipoff by villagers that the KIA [Kachin Independence Army], extremist members of the NLD [National League for Democracy] and so-called PDF terrorists were meeting in the village to plan terror attacks.

It claimed six people were killed, arms and ammunition were seized and PDF troops torched houses.

However, villagers said their houses were burned in the airstrikes and 500 villagers from Yay Myat and nearby villages fled their homes.

Last Friday, two helicopters attacked Hnan Khar village in Gangaw Township, Magwe Region, with machine guns, while around 100 junta troops were airlifted in to raid the village in five transit helicopters, according to residents.

A military fighter jet circled the village, said Gangaw PDF. The airstrike came while regional PDFs were meeting to discuss action to stop illegal logging and drug dealing, Gangaw PDFs leader told The Irrawaddy.

Seven civilians and two PDF fighters were confirmed dead and around 3,500 villagers fled homes while several hundred remained trapped in the village, a resident said.

Two of the Hnan Khar villagers were shot in the head after being detained and tied up by regime soldiers. The two were seized while working in their fields and tending cattle outside the village.

Three others were also detained.

Photos show the village being hit by helicopters.

In early December, the regime forces used a Russian-made Mi-35 helicopter to attack PDFs in Tabayin Township, Sagaing Region.

Due to airstrikes and shelling by the junta, around 2,000 civilians from 10 villages fled their homes while six villagers were killed by regime forces after being detained.

In late November, the junta used five helicopters to attack civilian targets and deploy reinforcements at Nyaung Hla village in Tabayin.

The helicopters attacked everyone they could see, a villager told The Irrawaddy, killing two civilians and wounding three others. Around 30,000 residents from approximately 15 villages fled homes. Houses, crops and motorbikes were destroyed.

It is clear that besides launching airstrikes, the regime forces are deliberately forcing civilians to leave their homes by destroying whole villages and their food, posted U Aung Myo Min.

Without being attacked, they have opened fire on houses and running civilians.

Myanmars junta atrocities continue, including detaining, torturing and killing civilians, using civilians as human shields, shelling residential areas, looting and burning houses, and acts of sexual violence, especially in Magwe and Sagaing regions and Chin, Shan and Kayah states where the PDFs are most active.

The Special Advisory Council for Myanmar, a group of prominent former United Nations human rights observers, said on Dec. 14 that the junta should be designated as a terrorist organization for its extreme acts of criminal violence against civilians.



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Burma New Conviction Pushes Sentence to 80 Years for Jailed Chief Minister of Myanmars Karen State

Ousted Karen State Chief Minister Nan Khin Htwe Myint (center) is seen at the National League for Democracy's second party congress at the Myanmar Convention Centre on June 23, 2018.

Myanmars military regime has sentenced ousted Karen State Chief Minister Daw Nan Khin Htwe Myint to an additional three years in prison. The deposed minister, 67, has now been sentenced to a total of 80 years.

On Wednesday, the prison court in Hpa-an, the capital of Karen State, handed down the sentence under Article 130(a) of the Penal Code, which relates to violations of certain provisions in the 2008 military-drafted Constitution and Acts of Parliament, according to a source close to the court.

Daw Nan Khin Htwe Myint, who is also on the Central Executive Committee of the National League for Democracy, was already serving 77 years for incitement and five alleged corruption charges.

Following the militarys coup on Feb. 1 she was briefly detained and released. She was rearrested a week later, however, after posting a video online in which she called on soldiers to defend the people and unite with the general public.

The charge under Article 130(a) was added in December. The deposed chief minister has been denied her right to legal representation, the source said.

Her family is unable to see her, and their prison visits are limited to delivering things to the prison.

They have not had a chance to seek her consent to appoint a lawyer to represent her, as they havent been able to meet, said the source, who spoke on condition of anonymity.

Also, we dont know about her health condition; we heard she is not well, the source added.

The military seized power from the countrys democratically elected civilian government on Feb. 1, alleging fraud in the 2020 general election, which was deemed free and fair by observers at home and abroad.

As part of its efforts to justify its action, the junta in July revoked the 2020 election result, claiming the poll was not free and fair and not in compliance with the constitution and the law.

The junta always seeks to portray the 2020 election as marred by fraud. So they bring such charges against former cabinet members including [state and regional] chief ministers and ministers, said an advocate who also spoke on condition of anonymity.



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Lieutenant General Aung Soe.

Military tensions remain high in Lay Kay Kaw in Karen States Myawaddy Township, following a raid by 200 junta soldiers on December 15 aimed at flushing out the democracy activists, striking civil servants and civilian resistance groups who have taken refuge in the new town since the juntas February 1 coup.

The clashes between the Myanmar military and ethnic armed group the Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA) and Peoples Defense Forces (PDF) resulted in thousands of local residents fleeing the area for nearby Thailand.

Dubbed the peace town, Lay Kay Kaw was established in February 2015 with support from Japans Nippon Foundation to house returning refugees from Thailand and internally displaced persons along the Myanmar-Thai border, as part of the peace process between the Karen National Union (KNU) and the then quasi-civilian government led by U Thein Sein.

Now the fighting has spread from Lay Kay Kaw to surrounding areas and into neighboring Kawkareik Township. Increasing numbers of locals have sought shelter in Thailand, as the junta has used artillery to shell civilian targets.

After the KNLA and resistance groups inflicted heavy casualties on junta forces, the military regime has sent its commander of the Bureau of Special Operations, Lieutenant General Aung Soe, to lead the offensive.

On Sunday, Thai troops fired warning shots into Myanmar after junta artillery fired on the Thai side of the Moei River, which marks the border between Myanmar and Thailand, and also lodged a complaint with the joint Township Border Committee comprised of Thai and Myanmar members.

The KNU has warned of a high possibility of junta airstrikes on civilians and has urged the international community to establish a no-fly zone near the border by seeking an emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council. Fighting lessened on Wednesday.

Lt-Gen Aung Soe is now commanding operations in Lay Kay Kaw for the military regime. He is currently the head of the Bureau of Special Operations 4, which oversees operations under the Myanmar militarys Coastal Command and South Eastern Command.

A former deputy home affairs minister, Lt-Gen Aung Soe reportedly has close ties with Air Force chief General Maung Maung Kyaw, who was his classmate in the 26th intake of the Defense Services Academy.

Lt-Gen Aung Soes wife, Daw Swe Swe Myint, was born in the Kachin State capital Myitkyina and the couple have three sons, who have business interests in construction and pharmaceutical supplies.

Despite his high rank, Lt-Gen Aung Soe has little operational experience, said one former army officer, because he has never served as a deputy battalion commander, a position which involves commanding ground troops and executing tactical operations.

After he became a deputy battalion commander, he was sent to attend a training course in Pakistan. So he has not carried out military operations, said the officer, who defected from the military after the coup.

Moreover, Lt-Gen Aung Soe became a regional commander without having served as a colonel or as a general staff officer in regional commands or division headquarters. Those positions involve supervising military operations and tactical planning. Lt-Gen Aung Soe did, however, serve as chief instructor at the Defense Services Academy in his capacity as a colonel.

He then became the commander of Division 33 based in Sagaing Region, before being appointed as the commandant of the Defense Services Technological Academy. He was then promoted to the rank of major general and, in 2010, became the commander of the North Eastern Command, based in Lashio, which oversees operations in restive northern Shan State.

When clashes broke out in February 2015 between the Myanmar military and the ethnic Kokang armed group the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA), led by Peng Jiasheng, in Kokang Special Region in northern Shan State, the military suffered heavy casualties. Lt-Gen Aung Soe was still serving as the chief of North Eastern Command then, and China lodged complaints after Myanmar military artillery and airstrikes landed on the Chinese side of the Myanmar-China border.

Subsequently, he was removed from being North Eastern Command chief and appointed deputy home affairs minister in U Thein Seins government. Normally, outstanding regional commanders are promoted to Lieutenant General and appointed head of the Bureau of Special Operations or Chief of Staff.

However, Lt-Gen Aung Soe had served as a major while U Thein Sein was the commander of the Golden Triangle Region Command in eastern Shan State. He also served under deputy military chief Vice Senior General Soe Win when he was serving as the commandant of the Officer Training School (OTS) in Ba Htoo, a garrison town in southern Shan State.

After the National League for Democracy (NLD) came to power in 2016, Lt-Gen Aung Soe continued to serve as deputy home affairs minister. He remained in that position until March 2018, when he was promoted to Lieutenant General and became the head of the Bureau of Special Operations 4.

Promoting an officer and recalling him to active service after he has been transferred to the civilian administration is quite rare in Myanmars military, according to former army officers.

When he was serving as a deputy home affairs minister, the home affair minister and two deputy ministers rarely reported to the military chief. Only he presented reports to the military chief. Perhaps thats why the commander in chief has fallen for him, said a Union level officer who served in U Thein Seins government.

While serving as deputy home affairs minister, Lt-Gen Aung Soe reportedly had good ties with lawmakers including those from the NLD. And he also knows the KNU leaders from participating in previous peace talks with them.

Earlier this year, in January, he mediated between the Myanmar military and the military-backed Border Guard Force, which is now fighting with the military against civilian resistance groups, when disputes erupted between the two sides over the China-backed Shwe Kokko new city project in Karen State.

Currently, the Myanmar military is at war with the MNDAA in northern Shan State, as well as with the KNLA, the armed wing of the KNU, and various other ethnic armed forces and PDFs in Chin, Kayah and Karen states and Sagaing and Magwe regions.

It will be interesting to see how Lt-Gen Aung Soe will lead junta troops in the fight against the KNLA, the oldest armed group in Myanmar, while the majority of Myanmar people are increasingly supporting the ethnic armed groups and PDFs who are fighting the Myanmar military.



You may also like these stories:

New Conviction Pushes Sentence to 80 Years for Jailed Chief Minister of Myanmars Karen State

Myanmar Junta Jails Ousted NLD Deputy Parliament Speaker

Five Civilians Tortured to Death by Myanmar Regime
Returning to the office is something many more people have done since lockdowns ended, but which devices are unpatched and unprotected from not being used for months? Cyber security has never been more important, with Aaron Bugal, Global Solutions Engineer at Sophos, telling us all we need to know.

As I write this a few days out from Christmas 2021, Australians and people around the world have endured multiple lockdowns and plenty of remote working, but even though we face the spectre of Omicron, hybrid work from the office, home and other remote working locations will continue throughout 2022 and beyond.

Getting back to the office is one thing, with a lot of computers and other office devices likely needing a raft of patches, updates and upgrades to regain security - and to stay secure.

Global cyber criminals have become incredibly emboldened over the course of the pandemic, staging ever more ransomware attacks via zero day vulnerabilities, lurking inside of networks for days or weeks, copying and exfiltrating a companys important data, including IP, financial data, databases and more, before encrypting it all - including backups - with ransomware, and then threatening extortion if ransoms arent paid by leaking that data across the Internet.

The Log4J vulnerability has also emerged in the past couple of weeks, causing havoc for IT departments needing to patch many systems and software, with those hard-working folk working overtime to set things right before the Christmas holidays, lest they spend all that holiday time with systems, rather than spouses, siblings, children and family.

So, to learn more about the threats facing the inevitable return to the office, even if only on a part-time basis as the COVID chaos continues, and all those devices that need patching and more, Aaron Bugal, Global Solutions Engineer at Sophos, rejoined us at iTWireTV for a great video interview.

We also spoke with Sophos A/NZ MD, John Donovan, about the 2022 Sophos Threat Report, in another fascinating video interview which you can see here.

However, the interview with Aaron is embedded directly below, after which is a summary of the topics we spoke about, so please watch - and read on!

I started by introducing Aaron, welcoming him back to the program, and asked him what he has been up to for the past year since our interview in late 2020 as we discussed the then newly-released 2021 Sophos Threat Report.





Noting that COVID has kept us all on our toes, first with the Delta lockdowns from earlier this year, through to the new Omicron threat (which thankfully appears to be having only mild repercussions), we discussed the cybersecurity implications of returning to the office, particularly with people bringing devices back and the hybrid workplace many will operate in.





Aaron then explained the threats that have evolved over the past twelve months we need to know about, and which Sophos has had a hand in detecting and defeating.

I asked Aaron about being passwordless, and whether that was any closer to becoming a reality.





Aaron shared what Sophos is working on now, and what keeps him up at night as cybercriminals get ever sneakier and smarter.





We noted that Id soon be speaking with Sophos A/NZ MD John Donovan about the 2022 Threat Report, so without stealing his thunder, was there anything else we needed to know about Sophos as we head into 2022?





Aaron then shared great advice learned over the last twelve months since we last spoke, and his final message for iTWire viewers and readers, and to his current and future customers and partners.

So, to learn more about cyber security as we head back to the office and do even more hybrid working than ever before, please watch the video interview above!
Finnish telecommunications vendor Nokia has deployed its artificial intelligence-powered Scene Analytics technology for a proof of concept to Genk, Belgium to quantify the level of noise pollution along one of the citys high streets.

City authorities want to address the health and safety concerns of residents and visitors enduring excessive noise from modified exhaust systems on cars, motorbikes, and other vehicles travelling on the Stalenstraat.

Nokia is working with technology partners to integrate a proof-of-concept solution that leverages data from microphones and installed cameras, used as IoT sensors along the road.

Nokia explains how the solution works. If an approaching vehicle exceeds the pre-determined threshold, the street deployed microphones and cameras begin recording. Nokia Scene Analytics adds intelligence to the event data transmitted from the sensors using a decibel-powered algorithm for audio analysis and automated number plate recognition (ANPR).

This information is sent to authorities who receive quantified observations and orientations in order to make informed decisions on if' and 'how they will address the issue.

Genk embraces technology that improves the lives of its residents and visitors. The data collected by Nokias AI-powered platform will automatically analyse patterns of noise and traffic allowing us to understand with quantifiable results the concerns of residents and visitors. This will help us put plans in place to address the issues of loud vehicles in the city and make it a safer and more peaceful place for everyone within the city limits, comments Genk mayor Wim Dries.

By integrating the Nokia Scene Analytics platform alongside third-party solutions and additional IoT sensors, it offers smart cities and connected industries an open, flexible, and scalable solution which they can use to address a variety of challenges, concludes Nokia vice president of government and cities Suparno Banerjee.

This first appeared in the subscription newsletter CommsWire on 16 December 2021.
The update to Account Lifecycle Manager (ALM) provides a centralised, policy-based approach to the discovery, provisioning and management of service accounts for Microsoft Azure, Amazon Web Services and Google Cloud Platform.

"Increasingly, automation and rapid development have given rise to a wide variety of service accounts used by cloud and hybrid applications and we're going to see their use expand in numbers and complexity," said ThycoticCentrify senior vice president of product management Jon Kuhn.

"Account Lifecycle Manager gives teams the ability to ensure consistent security policies, account governance and multi-platform reporting."

ALM features include discovery of unmanaged accounts, policy-based provisioning of new accounts, the application of new policies to existing accounts, account approval workflows, alerts and audit reports, aond out of the box integrations with ThycoticCentrify Secret Server and third-party ticketing systems such as ServiceNow.

A free 30-day trial of ALM is available.
Rob Joyce: "If you're a heavy gamer or someone who uses their mobile phone for watching HD movies or tethering, then 5G is going to give you a much better experience."

A Nokia official in the Oceania region says he is satisfied with the uptake of 5G in Australia, pointing out that about 80% of the smartphones sold in the country are now 5G-capable.

Robert Joyce, chief technology officer for Nokia Oceania, told iTWire in response to queries that the affordability factor was not affecting take-up.

He added that in some cases operators allowed all 5G handsets on the 5G network since many operators' 4G/5G tariffs were the same.

"For example, even a pre-pay SIM in a 5G handset can connect to Vodafone Australia's 5G network," he said.

Joyce has been in the mobile telecommunications field for more than 25 years and headed Radio Access Technologies for Qatar's Ooredoo Group before joining Nokia.

He was responsible for setting up the globe's first 5G commercial network at Ooredoo Qatar in May 2018 and holds a doctorate from the University of Leeds, with the topic of his research being self-organising heterogeneous networks.

Joyce said the incentive to take up 5G depended on the user. "I can't comment on the individual tariffs of the operators, but 5G is certainly faster than 4G, so I guess it depends on what you use your mobile phone for, as to whether you'd get more value from a 5G phone and associated subscription," he said.

"If you're a heavy gamer or someone who uses their mobile phone for watching HD movies or tethering, then 5G is going to give you a much better experience. A recent study undertaken by one of the big crowd sourced companies suggests 5G users have an average throughput experience that's five to ten times faster than 4G.

"Currently, the 5G networks in Australia are demonstrating peak downlink rates of over 5Gbps per second and represent some of the fastest networks in the world. Nokia provides network equipment/solutions to all three of the mobile operators here in Australia and we've set a number of 5G world records with them."

A recent survey by Ookla, the company behind the popular Speedtest app, suggests however that 5G speeds have slowed down at the global level.

"Over the past year from Q3 2020 to Q3 2021, the median global 5G download speed fell to 166.13 Mbps, down from 206.22 Mbps in Q3 2020," the survey noted. "Median upload speed over 5G also slowed to 21.08 Mbps (from 29.52 Mbps) during the same period."

About industry use cases for 5G, Joyce noted that Australian mobile operators provided 5G coverage to more than 80% of population. "They do this by deploying 5G across multiple frequency bands including the 700, 850 and 900MHz bands that propagate much further than the higher bands such as the 3.5GHz band also used for 5G," he said.

"Nokia recently demonstrated the effectiveness of the 700MHz band for 5G with TPG Telecom when we set a 5G range record of 148km between 5G handsets in a cell in Rural Queensland. It is this wide area coverage that will enable many of the 5G use cases we see being of value to Australian industries such as mining, oil and gas and transport. These physical industries need wide area, ultra low latency, robust coverage, exactly what 5G in the 700MHz band provides."

Thus far, Australia had been 5G use in enhanced mobile broadband and fixed wireless access, he said. "eMBB is effectively an enhanced 5G service to a smartphone, enabling a higher data rate, lower latency and all the benefits I mentioned.

"And FWA is providing a fixed internet connection over 5G rather than the fixed line. In Australia, Optus and Nokia together launched Australia's first FWA service using Nokia's 5G fast mile FWA Gateway. This product has proven to be so good it is now the number one selling 5G FWA Gateway globally.

"In future, Nokia thinks virtual reality and augmented reality will be some of the new killer apps as we see manufacturers start to produce smart glasses and other wearables that support VR and or AR."

Joyce said it was a common misconception that one needed 5G mmWave for ultra-low latency. "While 5G mmWave and the massive bandwidths available within these bands will enable both low latency and super-fast data rates of 20Gbps and beyond, low latencies can actually be better provided by the legacy Frequency Division Duplex bands (FDD) like 700, 1800 and 2100MHz," he said.

"This is because at 3.5GHz and mmWave, 5G is Time Division Duplex (TDD) based and this means that there can be a delay between the uplink and downlink transmissions. In FDD, this delay does not occur as we have simultaneous uplink and downlink transmission and therefore in theory FDD can support a lower latency than TDD.

"Of course, there's a bit more to it than that, like Frame Structure and time slot duration, but future versions of the 3GPP standard will deliver low latencies across all 5G bands, not just the mmWave band."

He said recently Nokia and its partners had been awarded over $3 million of government funding to investigate new and exciting 5G use cases.

"The first of these projects is the 5G Connected Cobots project we're doing with UTS at the recently opened Nokia 5G Future Lab at UTS Tech Park, Sydney. This project will demonstrate how we can control Collaborative Robots (Cobots) connected over the 5G network ...with the brain of the Cobot actually running on a Nokia Edge Cloud rather than on the Cobot itself.

"The second project we're involved with is the creation of the National 5G Industrial Incubation Lab with the South Australian Government in Lot 14, Adelaide. This lab will be aimed at demonstrating the use of 5G within industry and we'll initially be looking at connected airports, connected trains and power grid inspection/control using 5G. We're now three months into both projects so it's still in the early stage as we set up the labs, but we look forward to sharing the results of these projects as they become available."

Joyce said with regard to the Open RAN Policy Coalition, it would be fair to say that Nokia was taking the lead in development of the technology for the project.

A communications expert, Henry Kressel, recently listed the following as issues for ORAN:

The cost of implementing networks with elements from diverse customers and relying on open-sourced software as the glue may be more costly and troublesome than installing an integrated product suite from one proven vendor.

Maintaining and upgrading such a O-RAN heterogeneous network will require costly internal carrier resources, and hence may be costlier to maintain than current equipment.

The idea that such heterogeneous networks are more secure is an unproven assumption that has been challenged by a recent study in Germany.

Asked about these hurdles, Joyce said: "Yes, that is an interesting point of view and security remains a key concern in O-RAN networks. That said, we see many of our customers progressing rapidly with O-RAN trials, including some in Germany that we are fully supporting, and we look forward to supporting our customers in the months and years to come should they decide to move to more open RAN architectures."

As to whether these issues meant Open RAN was another pie in the sky project, Joyce did not agree. "We're already seeing different methods of network deployments taking place. Take Rakuten in Japan and DISH in the US: while neither of these networks can be classed as being official O-RAN compliant, both companies are pushing the boundaries of how operators may deploy their RAN, transport and core networks in the future," he replied.

"At Nokia we know we can't predict the future, but certainly being open and involved with all possibilities sets us in the best position to support our customers whatever network architecture becomes the norm in the not too distant future."
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.
One Doctor group litigation The lawsuit against Envision Healthcare will test Californias restrictions on corporate medical practice bans.

The team of physicians of the American Academy of Emergency Medicine believes that Envisions emergency department contract with Placentia-Linda Hospital violated state law because it took too much decision-making power from doctors  something that state law tried to prevent  and changed it. Placed in Envision, owned by private equity firms Kravis, Kohlberg, and Roberts.

AAEM-PGs chief medical officer, Dr. Robert McNamara, said that the lawsuit was designed to test Envisions use of the so-called frontier professional association, which they claimed was an employing entity.

We believe that Envision is responsible, and we will be able to prove that the professional association structure is just a scam that hinders the practice of medical law companies, he said.

In a complaint filed in a California court on Monday, the organization of doctors stated that after Envision gained practice, it had deeply and universally controlled the medical practice of doctors, weakening their independence and violating the law. For example, the lawsuit states that Envision decides how many doctors to hire, which doctors to hire, their salaries and work schedules. The complaint alleges that it also controls advertisements for doctor vacancies, terms of employment, staffing levels and patient visits.

Envision said it would not comment on pending litigation. KKR Acquired the company for $9.9 billion in 2018.

In states with drug bans such as California, hospitals and other companies that have physician groups build them as a basis for compliance with the law. For example, Sutter Health owns Palo Alto Medical Foundation.

Richard Schaeffler, professor of health economics and public policy at the University of California, Berkeley, said: Its everywhere in the state; you can find it everywhere.

Scheffler said that Envision is trying to do something similar, but it is a private equity company, not a non-profit medical system. He said that the former must make money for its investors, so the court will have to decide whether Envisions workaround will push the restrictions too far.

This may be a landmark case, he said. This is the first major resistance.

Paul Giancola is a partner of Snell & Wilmer in Phoenix. He has been engaged in the corporate practice of pharmaceutical transactions. He believes that there should be no difference whether the corporate entity is a private equity or a non-profit organization, although there may be some differences in California law.

Giancola said such arrangements may be helpful because they allow doctors to focus on patient care rather than operational purposes such as reimbursement and benefits. However, if they interfere with patient care, such as asking them to see a certain number of patients within a certain time frame, that is a problem. Even so, these contracts are not different from the hospitals practice guidelines, for example, this may indicate that all patients over 65 years of age with certain diseases receive CT scans.

You always see this kind of tension. Whether you are employed by a hospital, a company, or a practice group, people have different models of practice. They try to make recommendations that people can follow. It makes sense, Giancora said. .

AAEM-PG does not require monetary compensation. Instead, it asked the court to prevent Envision from continuing to practice in the state under its current structure, which allegedly included exclusive medical groups, restrictive covenants in doctor contracts, payment of consideration for acquisition of emergency room contracts, and staffing and billing. Contract control.

The complaint alleges that Envision provided consideration to the hospital in exchange for an exclusive emergency department contract. In this case, the complaint alleges that it provided anesthesia services and inpatient services to hospital owner Tenet Healthcare in hospitals across the country, but did not receive subsidies in exchange for Tenet to grant it an exclusive emergency department contract. Subsidies are allowances provided by hospitals to doctors in certain hospitals to encourage them to practice in hospitals. It is said that the principle of profitability was agreed. The company did not respond to a request for comment.

The plaintiff was informed and believed that this rebate program was one of its standard methods for obtaining new contracts and maintaining existing contracts, the complaint stated.

AAEM-PG used to have a contract with a physician company who previously practiced at Placentia-Linda Hospital, but when the hospital decided to cooperate with Envision, the contract was cancelled. McNamara said that this lawsuit is not about reinstatement in the hospital.

We are not doing this to return to Placentia-Linda, he said. We are trying to get the court to enforce the patient protection measures inherent in Californias prohibition on corporate medical practice. It all depends on who controls the patients care.

Tim Greaney, a visiting professor at the University of California Hastings School of Law, said the complaint exposed widespread concerns about how the company handled California law. He said this includes the question of whether Envisions contract would prevent the doctor group from establishing contacts with multiple hospitals, which would restrict competition.

For years, I have been wondering how these controlled professional companies can thrive and get away with it, I think, because I know its common, Greeney said.
After Tesla CEO Elon Musk criticized web3, former Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey sparked a debate about web3. Dorsey warned of the risks of centralization, emphasizing that web3 is owned by venture capitalists (VC) and hidden under the premise of decentralization. Dorsey wrote: When we can all commit to things that have a chance to solve real problems, I am worried about seeing theindustry distracted under false excuses.

Jack Dorsey said that Web3 is owned by VCs and told Elon Musk Its between A and Z

Jack Dorsey and Tesla CEO Elon Musk raised concerns about web3 this week.Dorsey warn Monday: You dont haveweb3. VC and their LP will do this. It will never escape their encouragement. It is ultimately a centralized entity with different labels. Know what you are doing. 

His comment was made after Musks tweet a day ago statement web3 now seems more like a marketing buzzword than reality. The Tesla boss further tweeted and asked: Has anyone seen web3? I cant find it. Dorsey Replied: Its between a and z.

Although Dorsey did not specify which company he was referring to, many people on Twitter speculated that he was referring to the venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz (also known as A16z), which has been vigorously promoting web3. As the largest investor in this field, we understand web3, but we also understand public services, the A16z website said.

Some people and Dorsey are skeptical of venture capital companies. Cory Klippsten, founder of Swan Bitcoin, commented: Jack knows exactly the large-scale scam A16z is implementing. Another Twitter user described: This tweet quoted Silicon Valley giant venture capital firm A16z (Andreessen Horowitz). Suspicious crypto projects funded. They are creating tokens like Solana, then using their endless capital to market them, soaring market value, and then throwing these tokens to unsuspecting people.

Web3 and Twitter

Balaji Srinivasan, the general partner of A16z and the CTO of the cryptocurrency exchange Coinbase, disagrees with Dorseys views and uses Twitter as an example.he wrote: Twitter was originally an agreement, the free speech wing of the Free Speech Party. Then corporate and political incentives led to de-platformization and censorship. Web3 offers better possibilities, not guarantees.

Dorsey replied: Its all fake. Twitter was originally a company. From day one, it has corporate incentives. It is trying to offset these through Bluesky, and it will do so. He details Explain:

Web3 has the same corporate incentives, but hides it under decentralization. It is actually a different upper limit table structure.

Former CEO of Twitter, current CEO of Block Inc. (former Square Inc.) clarify On Tuesday, he had nothing to do with web3 and was never interested in it, although some news articles suggested otherwise. He wrote on Twitter: I have nothing to do withweb3. The Wall Street Journal and others need names and photos to generate clicks. 

The fierce debate about Web3 ensued

Many people joined discussions about web3 on Twitter in response to Dorseys tweets.Some people agree with Dorsey, including Alex Thorn, head of Firmwide Research at Galaxy Digital, who Tweet:

Jack is right, many web3 projects have ownership issues.

Thorn continued: This is very obvious in the newer L1 chains, where the supply is much more concentrated than in the ICO era chain (not to mention Bitcoin). It is difficult to see how the supply (and governance) of these tokens changes over time Decentralized as time goes by.

Alexander Leishman, CEO of River Financial, wrote: Jack understands. Web3 will continue to make people a lot of money, but dont deceive yourself.

However, some people disagree with Dorsey to some extent. The Winklevoss twins, the founders of the cryptocurrency exchange Gemini, also joined the conversation.Taylor Winklevos Point out Dorsey sold his first tweet as a non-fungible token (NFT) for more than $2.9 million. Brought to you by web3, he wrote. His brother Cameron Winklevoss, famous:

If web2 allows you to own your own data and privacy, then web2 allows you to own your own data and privacy. At least there is a chance for Web3.

A16z partner Chris Dixon believes: In web3, all code, data, and ownership are open source. Read it and decide for yourself. Venture capital (including A16z) has very little.

I am very worried to see this industry distracted under false excuses

Dorsey explain In another tweet: When we can all work on things that have a chance to solve real problems, I worry about seeing theindustry distracted under false pretexts. He emphasized that venture investment is the problem. not human.

Ajit Tripathi, Head of CFA and Institutional Operations at Aave, commented:

Jack pointed out the risks we should admit. This may not be what we want to hear, but the economic centralization risk of major web3 assets is very real.

Dorsey replied, Exactly.

According to Dorsey, he was subsequently blocked on Twitter by Marc Andreessen, co-founder of Andreessen Horowitz, who is now a huge investor in web3 startups.Former Twitter boss wrote:

I was officially banned from using web3.

Do you agree with Jack Dorsey and Elon Musk about web3? Please let us know in the comments section below.

Kevin Helms As a student of Austrian economics, Kevin discovered Bitcoin in 2011 and has been an evangelist ever since. His interests lie in Bitcoin security, open source systems, network effects, and the intersection of economics and cryptography.











Image Source: Shutterstock, Pixabay, Wikimedia Commons

Disclaimer: This article is for reference only. It is not a direct offer or invitation to buy or sell, nor is it a recommendation or endorsement of any product, service or company. Bitcoin Network Does not provide investment, tax, legal or accounting advice. The company or the author is not directly or indirectly responsible for any damage or loss caused or claimed to be caused by using or relying on any content, goods or services mentioned in this article.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), in cooperation with Citibank, Sony and Japanese law enforcement agencies, has taken action to return more than $154 million in funds allegedly stolen from subsidiaries of the Tokyo-based Sony Group. The U.S. Department of Justice explained in detail: As a result of this coordinated effort, investigators obtained theprivate key needed to access the Bitcoin address.

Citibank and Sony helped FBI seize $180 million worth of Bitcoin

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) announced this week that the U.S. has filed a civil forfeiture lawsuit to return more than $154 million in funds allegedly stolen from a subsidiary of the Tokyo-based Sony Group Corporation.

The FBI and Japanese law enforcement agencies investigated the case with the strong assistance of Sony and Citibank, and the announcement added:

As a result of this coordinated effort, investigators obtained the private key needed to access the Bitcoin address.

Rei Ishii of Tokyo Sony Life Insurance Company allegedly misappropriated $154 million in May and transferred the funds to an account controlled by a bank in La Jolla, California. He then quickly converted these funds into more than 3,879 bitcoins worth more than 180 million U.S. dollars today.

At the current price of Bitcoin, this pile of Bitcoin It is worth nearly 188 million U.S. dollars.

The Ministry of Justice explained that according to the FBI investigation, these funds were confiscated by law enforcement on December 1, 2021, and detailed:

The law enforcement agency was able to track the transfer of bitcoins and determined that approximately 3,879.16 bitcoins (representing the proceeds of stolen funds from a Sony Life subsidiary) had been transferred to a specific bitcoin address and then transferred to an offline cryptocurrency cold wallet.

All bitcoins that can be traced back to the theft have been recovered and kept intact. Ishii is under criminal charges in Japan, the Ministry of Justice pointed out. The FBIs technical expertise was able to trace the subjects encrypted wallet and confiscated the funds.

Acting U.S. Attorney Randy Grossman said: We intend to return the stolen funds to the victims of this bold theft.

What do you think of this case? Please let us know in the comments section below.

Kevin Helms As a student of Austrian economics, Kevin discovered Bitcoin in 2011 and has been an evangelist ever since. His interests lie in Bitcoin security, open source systems, network effects, and the intersection of economics and cryptography.











Image Source: Shutterstock, Pixabay, Wikimedia Commons

Disclaimer: This article is for reference only. It is not a direct offer or invitation to buy or sell, nor is it a recommendation or endorsement of any product, service or company. Bitcoin Network Does not provide investment, tax, legal or accounting advice. The company or the author is not directly or indirectly responsible for any damage or loss caused or claimed to be caused by using or relying on any content, goods or services mentioned in this article.
LifePoint Health and Kindred Health closed their trade A new company was formed on Thursday, consisting of 61 long-term acute care hospitals in Kindred and 18 community hospitals in LifePoint.

ScionHealth expects annual revenue of approximately US$3.5 billion and is independently operated by former LifePoint and Kindred executives and a new board of directors. Executives said that Kindred CEO Benjamin Breier left the company after the transaction was completed, but the company does not expect significant unemployment or service line integration.

LifePoint CEO David Deere told Modern Healthcare that it makes the most sense to split the two companies with the resources they have, adding that the transaction will not affect LifePoints long-term partnership. Starting Scion will enable our two companies to more fully respond to the needs of patients.

LifePoint, with annual revenue of approximately US$9 billion, will take over Kindreds rehabilitation and behavioral health businesses, as well as most of its acute rehabilitation departments, outpatient centers, and post-acute facilities. It now has approximately 65 community hospitals, 30 behavioral health and rehabilitation hospitals, 15 other hospitals under construction, 170 outpatient and post-emergency facilities, and 50,000 employees. Before the transaction, LifePoint had 84 hospitals, 85 emergency and outpatient facilities, and 48,000 employees.

The 18 hospitals sold by LifePoint are mainly located in the smaller markets of for-profit hospital chains. The two companies said that under the leadership of Louisville, Kentucky-based ScionHealth, these hospitals will receive more tailored attention in service line development and clinician recruitment.

Rob Jay, CEO of ScionHealth and former Executive Vice President of LifePoint Integrated Operations, said that ScionHealths long-term care hospitals and community hospitals are not close to each other and will not directly refer patients.

One of the unique aspects of this is the infrastructure and corporate support center in Louisville, he said. This will allow us to quickly grow and integrate different parts of the business instead of starting new things.

Executives said that LifePoint and ScionHealth will sign a transition service agreement to ensure that the new company receives labor, IT, billing, legal, and other types of support for a period of time after the transaction. The financial details of the transaction and the earnings of the private company were not disclosed.

Dier said that LifePoint and Kindred have complied with all Federal Trade Commission requirements and pointed out that there is no market overlap between the two companies. The statutory waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Act has expired, but the FTC can still challenge the transaction after it is completed.

Although regulators are more critical of horizontal transactions, such as when hospitals buy other hospitals, vertical integration (such as the combination of emergency and post-emergency facilities) is usually less scrutinized.

The FTC is revising its vertical merger guidelines, although Antitrust experts are skeptical The update will block the proposed transaction.

Private Equity Company Support LifePoint and Kindred.Apollo Global Management get LifePoint was acquired for USD 5.6 billion in 2018, and TPG Capital partnered with Wales, Carson, Anderson and Stowe with HumanaBuy In 2017, Kindred separated the long-term care and home healthcare businesses for US$4.1 billion.Centaur Recommend to buy In April of this year, Kindred acquired the remaining shares of Kindreds Family Health Division for US$5.7 billion.
The Hallyu world and KPop fans are surprised after Ok Taecyeon's agency confirmed that he is dating a non-celebrity girlfriend.

In 2020, a series of photos spread like wildfire after the 2PM member was spotted on a date at a ranch in Pyeongchang, Gangwon Province in South Korea, sparking a frenzy on the internet.

His label, 51K, finally addressed the rumors and revealed that the "Save Me" star is in a romantic relationship.

However, the management did not disclose any information regarding Ok Taecyeon's girlfriend, adding, "We are cautious about saying anything as this is his personal privacy and his girlfriend is not a celebrity."

Is Ok Taecyeon Still Dating His Non-Showbiz Girlfriend?

On the other hand, the actor also addressed the issue and released his own statement on social media. Over Ok Taecyeon's Instagram, the South Korean heartthrob shared his thoughts regarding the dating rumors.

He began his statement by apologizing to his fans who were "surprised and disappointed by the sudden news."

Moreover, he promised to do his best, whether in music or acting.

"I know very well that many people are worried about me. That's why I want to say that I will continue to do my best as an actor and as a member of 2PM, just as I've done until now, so please keep watching over me," he said.

Lastly, he expressed his heartfelt gratitude to his fans for "cheering me on despite the fact that I am lacking in many ways."

A year after the news was confirmed, it appears that the "Vincenzo" star is still in the same relationship as there were no rumors about break up or whatsoever.

Moreover, the couple seems to be very private about their relationship as the actor doesn't post any details about his personal life.

Who is Ok Taecyeon's Girlfriend?

Following the news about his relationship, multiple outlets gathered information regarding Ok Taecyeon's girlfriend.

Based on various reports, she is three years younger than the 2PM member, making her 29-years-old this year.

Apart from it, the woman is reportedly working as an ordinary office worker; however, there were no details about the company and even the department she is currently in.

IN CASE YOU MISSED: Ok Taecyeon Net Worth 2021: This is How the 'Vincenzo' Star Made his Millions

Interestingly, media outlets pointed out that they started seeing each other in 2017 and dating for over three years.

In addition, an industry insider previously revealed that the actor continued to express his feelings for his girlfriend while serving in the military.

"They enjoyed their dating life just like any other couple would while the male is in the base camp. Just like how he casually shared his first relationship news since his debut, he has been meeting her quite seriously. Their relationship is healthy," said the insider, as obtained by Hype.

Ok Taecyeon's New Drama

From relationship to career, all is well for the 32-year-old heartthrob as he is currently appearing in tvN's historical Kdrama "Secret Royal Inspector & Joy."

Playing the role of Ra Yi Eon, Ok Taecyeon stars alongside Kim Hye Yoon as Kim Jo Yi.

KDramastars owns this article

Written by Geca Wills
KLAMATH CO., Ore. - A head on collision in Klamath County on Wednesday resulted in the death of one person and serious injuries for five others. The crash happened at 5:30 pm on highway 97 near the Klamath Marsh, north of Chiloquin.

According to police, a silver Honda Odyssey was traveling northbound when it lost control becuase of icy conditions. It was driven by 33 year old Yuriel Lucatero Campos of San Ysidro, California. The Honda crossed into oncoming lanes and was hit head on by a Semi-truck being driven by Christopher Lucio of Tulare, California.

The Honda driver, Campos, and four of her passengers were taken to Sky Lakes Medical center. A fifth passenger was fatally injured in the crash. The semi-truck driver was not hurt in the crash.

Highway 97 was restricted to one lane for six hours.
Cars with U.S. license plates enter Canada at the Stanstead, Quebec, border crossing as seen from Derby Line, Vt., Monday Aug. 9, 2021. Monday's reopening of the Canada-U.S. land border is sparking a mixed reaction among Canadian business leaders. THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP-Wilson Ring
Quebec Premier Francois Legault arrives at a news conference in Montreal, on Thursday, Dec. 16, 2021. Premier Francois Legault is expected to address the province later today and may announce new restrictions as COVID-19 cases continue to surge in Quebec. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Paul Chiasson
Kenosha County completed several projects in 2021 that represent a significant investment in public infrastructure  the reconstruction of Highway S in Somers, the creation of the Honors Plaza at Veterans Memorial Park in Wheatland and Randall and the restoration of another segment of the Pike River in Petrifying Springs Park.

The completion of these improvements was ranked by the Kenosha News staff as number 9 in a list of top 10 local stories of 2021.

Highway S

The transformation of 3.6 miles of Highway S from a two-lane rural highway into a four-lane, divided highway from Interstate 94 East Frontage Road to Highway 31 was the largest highway project in Kenosha County history. It created a new western gateway into Somers and will support ongoing industrial development and private investment in the area.

The economic development thats going to spin off of this is going to be massive, and there is already much activity in this area because of the work that the Village and Town of Somers have done, Kenosha County Executive Jim Kreuser said.

Local, county and state officials marked the completion of the project in November, noting state and federal funding was secured to offset the cost of the $21 million project. A federal award covered 80 percent of the cost of the eastern stretch of the project between highways H and 31.

Other improvements included the addition of turn lanes at major intersections, new traffic signals, drainage enhancements, and the construction of an off-street, multiuse path for bicyclists and pedestrians.

Honor Plaza dedication

More than 100 veterans, community members and military dignitaries gathered in October for the dedication of the Honor Plaza at Kenosha County Veterans Memorial Park in Randall.

This memorial is meant to be a living memorial, one that people from Kenosha and all around our country will come to reflect, to learn, to express their gratitude and to remember our veterans, keynote speaker Navy Vice-Admiral (ret.) Dirk Debbink (ret.) said at the ceremony.

Debbink painted a picture of retired veterans strolling, hand-in-hand with their children and grandchildren, at the new Honor Plaza and flag walk at the park, 36290 Bassett Road. The walk features flags from each of the branches of military, including the new Space Force.

The Honor Plaza is the first memorial installment in the western acquisition area of the park. The entire 300-plus-acre park, which also stretches into Wheatland) also includes 45-acre Freedom Lake, reclaimed prairies, wetlands and remnant oak savannas.

In addition to the flag walk and ceremonial lawn, work completed this year includes the parkway leading to it and the addition of three more miles of multi-use trail. Development was partially funded through a Wisconsin Department of Resources Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program grant.

Future phases include plans for educational installments on various conflicts and a series of pavilions located throughout the park to pay tribute to each branch of the military.

Pike River Restoration

October also marked the completion of the Phase 2 of the Pike River Restoration Project.

State, county, local officials and residents gathered to celebrate the restoration of a 3,280-foot stretch of the river within Petrifying Springs Park in Somers.

The Phase II work, which built on Phase I improvements completed in 2018, included the planting of native vegetation on 4.83 acres of the river bank habitat within the central section of the park.

Approximately three-quarters of a mile of new trails were developed to allow the general public to gain recreational access to the Pike River corridor in that area, including for fishing and non-motorized watercraft.

A $1 million grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency EPA/Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, along with $350,000 from the Fund for Lake Michigan and $50,000 from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources helped cover the cost.

In addition, revenue from the Petrifying Springs Biergarten and Boundless Adventures Outdoor Adventure Park in Bristol were used.

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The Bishwa Ijtema meaning global congregation is an annual gathering of millions of Muslims in Tongi, by the banks of the Turag river, just north of Dhaka, in Bangladesh. Bangladesh is predominantly a Muslim nation. This yearly BI is one of the largest peaceful gatherings in the world. The Ijtema is a prayer meeting spread over three days, usually in January during which attending devotees perform daily prayers while listening to scholars reciting and explaining verses from the Quran. The BI is now the second-largest Islamic gathering after the Hajj to Mecca in Saudi Arabia. The Ijtema is considered a demonstration of Muslim unity, solidarity, mutual love and respect, and an opportunity to reiterate their commitment to Islamic values.

With over 21 million people, Dhaka is considered the most densely populated city in the world. Millions live by the railroad tracks. During Ijtema swarms of people ride the trains, many on top of the crowded trains as trains go to and from the Turag river. A constant stream of trains roar through the city during Ijtema sending people who live near the tracks, scattering off the tracks to wait for the danger to pass.

Mostly joyous young men are seen atop the trains, carrying flags and uniting spiritually during this amazing yearly event. Locals are seen living their lives near the tracks, many are from villages outside of Dhaka who come to the city in the thousands each day in search of a better life. Merchants sell their goods, children play, life goes on. For many, a few pieces of tin and tarp assembled along the railway tracks provide a place to call home. Incessant noise and danger are permanent features in their lives as their homes rock to the movement of trains going by while children are held near.

Due to the overpopulation of Dhaka, and hour-long traffic stoppages, the train is an essential mode of transport for city dwellers. Bishwa Ijtema is a time when the trains run frequently, carrying millions of locals and devotees to pray in peace.

Glenn Mark Losack is a psychiatrist and author of The Bonds We Share: Images of Humanity, 40 Years Around the Globe.

Image credit: Glenn Mark Losack
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Introduction and background

As an emergency department medical director and physician, a busy emergency department can be a thing of beauty to me. We work hard to set up systems that will provide the care our patients need. Despite our best efforts, almost daily, variables occur that throw the system into chaos and lead to inefficiency. The COVID-19 pandemic unveiled and exacerbated many challenges that affect our ability to provide the best care for our patients. Those issues are real and must be addressed. What I aim to do in this text is to outline what we face as health care professionals, then discuss solutions that could be introduced based on the theories of operations management as well as managerial accounting.

Challenges to efficiency

When developing a staffing grid for the emergency department, we study patient arrival patterns. We schedule physicians, nurses and support staff in a layered fashion where hopefully our greatest number of workers present will align with the busiest times of the day. The allocation of staffing resources is not generous but is sufficient. All personnel can easily be at 100% utilization depending on the number of patients present and their immediate diagnostic and treatment requirements. Given that workforce absenteeism occurs daily, it is rare that the staff is not totally occupied throughout their shift.

Additionally, many hospitals are dealing with severe nursing staffing shortages which have been made worse during the pandemic. As a result, the ED waiting room is usually a bottleneck to patient care. Patients end up waiting to be seen, as the necessary capacity does not exist to meet surges in patient arrivals and demand for noncritical medical services.

In addition to capacity challenges, the rate of arrival of patients, as well as the resources needed to service those patients, are highly variable and unpredictable. Prior to the pandemic, nationwide, emergency department volumes were higher than they are currently. Once the pandemic occurred and stay at home orders went into effect, lower acuity patients almost overnight ceased coming to the hospital. Due to the stay-at-home orders, patient volumes immediately dropped up to 50% at some hospitals and have persisted as such. Despite the decrease in patient volumes, staff utilization did not decrease; it increased. I will explain how in the next section.

The goal

This immediate drop in patient volumes directly threatens hospitals that operate on a for-profit basis. As discussed in the famous operations management novel, The Goal, the purpose of businesses, including hospitals, is to make money. Throughput is the rate at which money is generated by the system through the sale of medical services to patients. Operational expense includes direct staffing hours of physicians, nurses and hospital technicians. Operational expense could also include the purchase of supplies needed to serve patients as well as overhead expenses.

Inventory can broadly be thought of like all the things invested within the hospital that will be sold. CT and MRI scanners are purchased to sell imaging services to patients. Operating suites are built to sell surgical services to patients. Laboratories are built to analyze body fluid samples; hospitals charge for those services. The hospital itself is an investment that was built to facilitate the sale of medical services. When the hospital is operating efficiently, the hospital can profit from services rendered and most importantly, patients can receive high-quality medical care.

The goal in peril

The pandemic caused a direct threat to the goal of selling medical services while providing needed medical care. As patient volumes immediately declined due to stay-at-home orders, health care corporations responded by decreasing their operating expenses. Hospitals are usually only profitable when large volumes of patients are being serviced.

With patient arrivals being the main revenue driver, hospital corporations decreased staffing hours to protect their profit projections. Given the similar actions of hospital corporations across the country, hospitals seem to view direct labor hours as one of their main cost drivers; and may even assign their overhead costs directly as a portion to direct labor.

In any business, including hospitals, when revenue decreases and fixed costs remain high, if overhead expense is assigned as a proportion to direct labor hours, with a decrease in direct labor, this will lead to an increase in overhead expense. The overall cost of services will then become more expensive, causing hospitals to cut more operating expenses (staffing). Unfortunately, this undermines their ability to drive throughput.

With less staff, it is harder to serve the patients that do arrive at the hospital. This will lead to longer wait times, possible decreases in the quality of care received, and ultimately patients choosing to go to other hospitals, which decreases hospital profit. In Managerial Accounting, this situation is referred to as a death spiral. If not managed properly, some hospitals may be forced to close or forced to discontinue certain services offered to patients.

During the earlier days of the pandemic, some U.S. hospital corporations realized the error in cutting direct staffing hours of nurses. By decreasing the number of staff within hospitals, it pushes the staff that does work to always be at 100% utilization. When this situation persists, the overall hospital system has no ability to respond to increases in the demand for hospital services. During the delta-variant surge a few months ago, many hospitals nationally found themselves without the ability to increase their capacity at the time when it was most needed. What resulted was that patients waited, patient health outcomes were put at risk, and hospitals were not able to drive throughput. Hospital administrators lost focus of the goal when they dramatically decreased staffing.

Some respond, some cannot

The COVID pandemic exacerbated inequities that exist within our hospital system. Richer hospitals in more affluent areas that serve patients with more robust health insurance packages were able to respond and pay a much higher premium to obtain the needed staffing to expand capacity. Right now, a nurse can easily make 3-4 times more than usual by accepting a lucrative travel nursing contract to work at a facility with more financial resources. Hospitals that serve poorer areas are unable to compete for the needed staffing resources. This has happened all over the country during the pandemic and is still ongoing.

Adjustments needed

The national nursing shortage has created a capacity crisis in many U.S. hospitals, particularly in poorer areas. The goal of a hospital is to help patients, but this is accomplished through maximizing our ability to drive throughput. If U.S. hospitals care to decrease wait times, decrease queues, and increase the perception of the quality of care given, capacity must be increased. Given the increased operating expense required to obtain the needed staffing resources to expand capacity, I propose federal assistance be given to support U.S. health care and the patients we serve.

Federal grants could be given to support the operating expenses needed to hire qualified nurses and other support staff. The EMTALA mandate requires all U.S. hospitals that accept Medicare and Medicaid to perform medical screening exams and to provide stabilizing care to all patients regardless of their ability to pay. Given that mandate, the federal government must do more to protect U.S. hospitals as many are facing the harsh financial realities caused by the pandemic.

Last month, President Biden signed his $1.2 trillion dollar infrastructure legislation into law. I have not read anywhere online that his spending package does anything to address the staffing and capacity issues affecting U.S. hospitals. If true, this is unfortunate, and the federal government must act soon to address the concerns of patients and the health care industry.

Another suggestion for addressing the capacity issues hospitals face is for the federal government to help import nurses from abroad to come work in the U.S. There is a precedent for recruiting foreign nurses. Since the 1960s, many nurses have been recruited from the Philippines to work in the United States to address staffing and capacity issues. Given the severe current shortage of nurses in the U.S. and the projection that this situation will worsen over the next 20 years, we must revisit this solution to support our hospitals and our patients.

Conclusion

The U.S. health care industry has large challenges that can be overcome if we remember why our systems and services exist. We are here to help patients, and we must obtain the needed staffing capacity to drive throughput so patients can receive the care they need. Our system will cease to exist if hospitals are forced to close or begin to limit services offered due to financial concerns. As stated in the title of this paper, the goal is in peril. However, by remembering and instituting key principles from operations, accounting, and with federal assistance, we can overcome the challenges worsened by the pandemic and build a resilient health care system that will be in place in this country for years to come.

Vincent Roddy is an emergency physician.

Image credit: Shutterstock.com
EUGENE, Ore  A Eugene man is in Lane County Jail on charges related to a fatal crash east of Walton in September.

The crash killed Sarah Susman, 25, of Springfield, a Western Lane Ambulance employee.

Shane McVay, 64, is being held on charges of first-degree manslaughter, driving under the influence of intoxicants and recklessly endangering. He was arraigned Thursday afternoon and his next court appearance is Jan. 31.

McVay was driving a Kenworth log truck east of Walton on Sept. 20, when his eastbound loaded trailer tipped over and struck Susmans westbound Toyota Prius. Susman sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene of the crash.

Oregon State Police said at the time that they were investigating the possibility that McVay was under the influence of alcohol when the crash occurred.

The loaded log truck trailer also struck a Dodge Ram towing a boat, operated by Randall Tokich, 70, of Eugene. The Dodge Ram struck an eastbound Ford Mustang driven by Jordyn Tippett, 20, of Coquille. Tippett and McVay were both transported to Riverbend hospital with injuries. Tokich had minor injuries.
President Michael D. Higgins and the Taoiseach have expressed their sadness at the passing of prolific poet, Thomas Kinsella, 93.

The Dublin-born poet received international acclaim for works including The Tain, Mirror In February and Butchers Dozen, which was written about Bloody Sunday.

His poetry was a fixture in the curriculum for Irelands Leaving Cert students.

Having spent many years in the United States teaching poetry at universities, Kinsella was awarded the Freedom of Dublin city in 2007.

Deeply saddened at the passing of one of the greats of Irish poetry Thomas Kinsella. Generations of students first discovered his work in Soundings. My own favourite is Mirror In February He work captured the spirit of an age, and a lifelong love affair with Dublin.  Micheal Martin (@MichealMartinTD) December 22, 2021

President Michael D Higgins called him one of Irelands finest poets.

All those with a love of Irish poetry and culture will be saddened to have learned today of the death of Thomas Kinsella, one of Irelands finest poets, he said.

His reputation at home and abroad was one of being of a school that sought an excellence that did not know borders.

In addition to his rich contribution to the school syllabus for generations of students, where he once held a rare distinction as being a living poet on the syllabus, Thomas Kinsellas work retained a fierce urgency and relevance for readers throughout life.

Taoiseach Micheal Martin also paid tribute and stated, Deeply saddened at the passing of one of the greats of Irish poetry Thomas Kinsella."

Generations of students first discovered his work in Soundings.

My own favourite is Mirror In February

Very sorry to hear of the death of Thomas Kinsella, Freeman of the City of Dublin. His pride in his home city of Dublin shone through his poetry and I extend my sympathies to his family. The Dublin flags on the Mansion House and City Hall will fly at half-mast as mark of respect pic.twitter.com/gCbEkt9Hdt  Lord Mayor of Dublin (@LordMayorDublin) December 22, 2021

Mr Martin said Kinsellas work captured the spirit of an age, and a lifelong love affair with Dublin.

Lord Mayor of Dublin Alison Gilliland expressed her condolences.

I was very sorry to hear of the death of Thomas Kinsella and I would like to extend my sympathies to his daughters Sarah and Mary, his son John, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and his many friends and colleagues, she said.

Like many other Irish people of a certain age, I was introduced to the words of Thomas Kinsella through the Leaving Cert curriculum and his poetry Mirror in February and Another September.

The Dublin flags on the Mansion House and City Hall are to be flown at half-mast to mark Kinsellas death.
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Officials from Korea's security and foreign affairs-related ministries hold a joint press conference at the Inter-Korean Dialogue Office in Seoul, Thursday, to give a briefing on the government's policies on diplomacy, security and North Korea for next year. From left are Yeo Seung-bae, the deputy minister for political affairs at the foreign ministry, Yoo Dong-joon, a senior official at the defense ministry, and Vice Unification Minister Choi Young-jun. Yonhap



By Kang Seung-woo



South Korea reaffirmed its position, Thursday, to continue strengthening its strategic partnership with China, as part of its efforts to gain Beijing's support for North Korean nuclear talks, despite the U.S.' continuing pressure on Seoul to join its anti-China campaign.



Amid the intensifying strategic competition between the U.S. and China, South Korea finds itself caught between a long-standing security relationship and an economic behemoth. Thus, Seoul has refrained from picking a side through maintaining a difficult balancing act.



However, the Moon Jae-in administration is currently showing signs of backing China more firmly to gain leverage in its peace initiative of declaring an end to the Korean War and consequently reviving the stalled North Korean nuclear negotiations.



As a result, the South Korean government is considering sending its officials to the upcoming Beijing Winter Olympics in February although the Joe Biden administration is rallying its allies and partners to boycott the sporting event diplomatically by not sending an official delegation.



"The South Korean government's stance is that we hope that a relay of the Olympic Games from PyeongChang in 2018, to Tokyo in 2021, to Beijing in 2022 will contribute to peace and prosperity in Northeast Asia and the world, and help improve inter-Korean relations," Deputy Minister for Political Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Yeo Seung-bae said during a joint press conference with representatives of the unification and defense ministries regarding next year's foreign policy report to President Moon.



Although he added that South Korea has not made any decision about sending a government delegation to Beijing, a senior official of the unification ministry also said that the Korean government had played the role of the host country of the previous Winter Olympics, indicating that Seoul is likely to take part in the Beijing Games.



On the occasion of the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations between South Korea and China next year, the foreign ministry official said that the government was set to bolster bilateral ties with China into a more mature, future-oriented, strategic and cooperative relationship.



"Earlier this year, President Moon and Chinese President Xi Jinping declared 2021 to 2022 as the South Korea-China year of cultural exchange, and we are preparing for relevant projects. In addition, the Committee for Future-Oriented Development of Korea-China Relations is also working to release its report about a vision for future cooperation between the two countries," Yeo said.



The government also reaffirmed its decision to push for the proposed declaration of a formal end to the 1950-53 Korean War to help bring Pyongyang back to a dialogue.



However, since Moon's proposal of the declaration in September, it has been called into question over its sustainability, given that the President's term is scheduled to end in May, and the opposition party stands against the initiative.



"Issues regarding building peace on the Korean Peninsula, denuclearizing the peninsula and improving inter-Korean ties should reach across the aisles," the unification ministry official said.



"We are set to pave the way for South Korea to resolve those issues regardless of what kind of government is installed."






Korean Air, Korea's national flag carrier, said Thursday it will secure 557.8 billion won ($470 million) through a property sale as part of its efforts to improve its financial status amid a prolonged COVID-19 pandemic.







On Friday, Korean Air will sign a deal to sell its land and building at Songhyeon-dong in central Seoul to the public housing developer Korea Land and Housing Corp. (LH), the company said in a regulatory filing.







LH will exchange the Songhyeon-dong site with real estate of the Seoul Medical Center, which is owned by the Seoul Metropolitan Government, it said.







The asset sale is expected to help relieve the country's biggest carrier's financial difficulties due to the pandemic.







In February last year, Korean Air announced its plans to sell its idle property in Seoul and non-core assets amid growing uncertainties in the pandemic-hit airline industry.







Korean Air purchased the Songhyeon-dong site from Samsung Life Insurance in 2009 and planned to develop a cultural complex.







But the development project faced multiple hurdles, such as building height restrictions and cultural asset preservation rules, as the land is located near the presidential office of Cheong Wa Dae and Gyeongbok Palace, one of the country's most valuable cultural assets.







In August last year, Korean Air signed a deal to sell its in-flight catering and duty-free business to local private equity fund Hahn & Company for 990.6 billion won in its fund-raising efforts.







In March this year, Korean Air raised 3.3 trillion won in a share sale for its acquisition of smaller local rival Asiana Airlines.







As of Nov. 16, the company received approvals from six countries  Vietnam, Thailand, Turkey, Taiwan, Malaysia and the Philippines  for the integration while awaiting the go-ahead from eight countries  Korea, China, Japan, Britain, Australia, Singapore, the European Union and the United States.







Korean Air, currently the world's 18th largest airline by fleet, will become Asiana's biggest shareholder with a 63.9 percent stake if the acquisition is completed.







The nation's two full-service carriers account for a combined 40 percent of passenger and cargo slots at Incheon International Airport, South Korea's main gateway, below the level that constitutes a monopoly.







Korean Air said it aims to launch a merged entity with Asiana in 2024 after completing a takeover process by next year, vowing to streamline their routes and reduce maintenance costs. (Yonhap)


By Shlomo Ben-Ami





TEL AVIV  In 1977, Israel's then-deputy prime minister, Yigael Yadin, asked Egyptian President Anwar el-Sadat, who was then on his historic trip to Jerusalem, why the Egyptian army had not proceeded to the Sinai passes during the 1973 Yom Kippur War. "You have nuclear arms, haven't you heard," was Sadat's reply.



Of course, Israel's nuclear capabilities were the stuff of rumor. To this day, Israel has never officially confirmed the existence of a nuclear program. Yet Israel's worst-kept secret has long shaped the region's politics, including by deterring Israel's enemies. But can it deter Iran?



In 1967, David Ben-Gurion, Israel's first prime minister, and Shimon Peres, who would later serve as both prime minister and president, argued for Israel to test a primitive nuclear device, in order to deter an Egyptian attack. At the time, Israel was virtually on its own in a hostile neighborhood. France  which had previously been its main arms supplier  had recently deserted it, and Israel had not yet achieved its current strategic intimacy with the United States.



Ben-Gurion's position reflected his view that Israel was an intrinsically fragile entity surrounded by mortal enemies with which war was inadvisable absent the backing of a major foreign power.



Then-Prime Minister Levi Eshkol, Deputy Prime Minister Yigal Allon, and Chief of Staff Yitzhak Rabin  all principled opponents of nuclearization in the Middle East  recognized the country's precarious position but resisted the temptation to demonstrate a nuclear capability. When, during the dark days of the 1973 Yom Kippur war, Defense Minister Moshe Dayan revived the proposal, Israel's leaders again resisted the temptation to flaunt  let alone deploy  nuclear weapons.



Nearly a half-century later, Israel has fewer enemies in the region, having made peace with several of its neighbors. But it has gained a powerful new one in Iran, since that country's 1979 Islamic Revolution. And some are arguing that in order to deter Iran from pursuing its nuclear program, Israel should abandon its policy of "nuclear opacity."



But if Israel announces its capabilities, and Iran persists in its nuclear drive anyway, would Israel really mount a nuclear response against what is clearly a strategic challenge but certainly not an existential threat? Moreover, Israel's acknowledgement of its nuclear arsenal might lend legitimacy to Iran's own quest for nuclear weapons and encourage other regional powers, such as Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey, to follow suit.



The risks are apocalyptic. The kind of mutual deterrence that existed during the Cold War, or even today in the binary India-Pakistan conflict, would not work in the Middle East, a dysfunctional region where non-state actors and unstable regimes abound.



Iran has been dogged in its nuclear efforts. It has endured years of crippling economic sanctions, ultra-sophisticated Israeli cyber warfare against its strategic infrastructure, assassinations of its nuclear scientists, and attacks on its military targets across the Middle East.



Yet Iran is now closer than ever to mastering the full nuclear fuel cycle. Moreover, it has managed to maintain its proxy armies throughout the Middle East, and to extend its strategic influence from Yemen through Iraq and Syria to Lebanon.



Israel's "Begin doctrine"  a counter-proliferation policy focused on using preemptive strikes to halt potential enemies' development of weapons of mass destruction  will not stop Iran. A decade ago, Israel spent billions of dollars on preparations for a massive strike on Iran's nuclear installations. But that strike never materialized.



Israeli air strikes did destroy Iraq's Osirak nuclear reactor in 1981 and a similar installation in Syria in 2007. But those were surgical operations. Using air strikes to destroy Iran's well-dispersed, well-camouflaged, and well-protected nuclear installations is unrealistic, and the effort would almost certainly lead to a major war.



While Israel's military capabilities are unmatched by any other Middle Eastern power, it would still face serious threats. Iran would certainly respond to an attack on its nuclear installations by retaliating against Israeli targets, and perhaps against the countries that allowed Israel to use their airspace to reach Iran.



Meanwhile, Iran's Lebanese proxy, Hezbollah, would begin to deploy its 150,000 missiles and rockets, which can reach every corner of Israel. Israel's vulnerable home front, and possibly some of its vital infrastructure, would be hit hard before its air force neutralized Hezbollah  likely razing Lebanon in the process.



An international agreement is probably Israel's  and the world's  best hope for preventing Iran from becoming a nuclear power. But while that is precisely what negotiators are currently attempting to achieve in Vienna, Iran has taken a tough bargaining position.



That is not entirely unjustified. After all, it was the United States (with Israel's complicity) that withdrew unilaterally from the 2015 nuclear agreement, even though Iran had not violated its obligations. And Europe failed to keep its promise to help Iran bypass the sanctions the U.S. subsequently reimposed. Furthermore, Iran's interlocutors in Vienna  the countries that are preaching against proliferation  are mostly nuclear powers themselves.



This perceived hypocrisy likely reinforces Iranian leaders' belief that the real danger lies in not developing nuclear weapons. If Ukraine had not surrendered its Soviet-era nuclear arsenal (then the world's third largest) in 1994, in exchange for American assurances that Russia would respect its sovereignty, it might still have Crimea, and it might not be watching with concern as Russian troops mass on its border. Likewise, a nuclear-armed Iraq would not have been attacked by the U.S. and its allies in 2003, whereas North Korea's nuclear capabilities have kept it immune.



With this in mind, Iran's leaders might be thinking like Pakistani Prime Minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto was 50 years ago. Pakistanis, Bhutto declared, would "eat grass, even go hungry" if that is what it took to develop their own nuclear bomb.



The talks in Vienna can still lead to an agreement. But, with Iran's leaders largely convinced that a nuclear weapon is their best protection, the only durable way to prevent Iran from mastering the enrichment cycle and, ultimately, building an operational nuclear weapon probably lies in regime change.



This was the position of key intelligence authorities in Israel a generation ago, when Iran's nuclear program was still in its infancy. Given how resilient the Islamic Republic has proven to be, it seems that the world may well eventually have to tolerate an Iranian nuclear bomb, just as it has learned to live with the Indian and Pakistani arsenals.





Shlomo Ben-Ami, a former Israeli foreign minister, is the author of the forthcoming book "Prophets without Honor: The 2000 Camp David Summit and the End of the Two-State Solution (Oxford University Press, 2022)." This article was distributed by Project Syndicate (www.project-syndicate.org).


Kendallville, IN (46755)

Today

Overcast. A few flurries or snow showers possible. High 16F. Winds W at 10 to 15 mph..

Tonight

Cloudy skies. A few flurries or snow showers possible. Low 11F. Winds W at 10 to 15 mph.
ROCHESTER  A quiet neighborhood in western Racine County was shaken Jan. 22 by an episode of gun violence that left three people dead inside their home.

Three dead in Rochester were father, mother and son who lived in the home The Racine County Sheriff's Office has confirmed that three people found dead Friday in a home on the 400 block of North State Street in Rochester were the couple and their son who lived in the home.

Racine County Sheriff Christopher Schmaling called it "a very sad, tragic and unfortunate day," after officers went inside the house at 400 N. State St.

Found dead were Matthew Vinz, 30, and his parents, Terrence Vinz, 65, and Debra Meagher, 62. Investigators determined that Matthew Vinz shot both of his parents to death, then turned the gun on himself after police arrived that morning.

The sound of gunfire inside the house forced police into a defensive posture, and the neighborhood was virtually locked down for several hours.

When officers finally ventured inside, the parents were found dead inside the garage, and Vinz was dead in the basement.

It was a bloody scene that shocked the community.

Those who knew Matthew Vinz said he had been a troubled individual for a long time. Leading up to the murder-suicide, the COVID-19 pandemic had kept him out of jail in ways that did not become clear for several months.

Family members described Vinz as a drug abuser who got into trouble with the law many times, only to see his parents bail him out of jail.

Both parents had their own past drug abuse issues. The couple had divorced many years earlier, although they continued to live under the same roof in Rochester, joined by their adult son.

When the COVID-19 pandemic created public health concerns in congested incarceration facilities, Vinz was able to remain free and to continue living with his parents, who eventually grew distrustful and worried about their son.

At Gooseberries Fresh Food Market in Burlington, where she worked, Debra Meagher alerted co-workers. As police put it later: "If she wasn't at work, it was because of her son."

An extended family member even called the Racine County Sheriff's Office in April 2020 with a warning that Vinz represented a threat to his parents. But with no record of violence in his criminal history, law enforcement officers did not act on the tip.

New incidents of drug possession and shoplifting put Vinz in police custody again just weeks before his final violent outburst. Again, he managed to stay out of jail.

After his deadly rampage ended Jan. 22, those who knew Vinz could only shake their heads in sorrow over the devastation that he had unleashed.

He left a suicide note, but investigators refused to release it.

"We all knew he was violent," one family member said. "We didn't think it was going to be this extreme."

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Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], December 23 (ANI/Mediawire): We've all gone out of our way to impress our crush at some point in our lives, but rarely have we discovered our real passion/talent during this course.

Actor Harsh Beniwal, who will soon be seen in MX Player's college drama - Campus Diaries, took to his social media to share with his fans how he discovered his acting talent.

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Posting a picture from his college days, Harsh shared a small incident that changed his life. What started as a medium for an icebreaker with his then crush, ended in a realization of his potential and the 'beginning of his quest and thirst for this art - acting' - wrote Harsh in the caption. Without any prior knowledge or interest in acting, he took part in an audition for the college theatre society and prepared a monologue from 'Haider' for the same. All this, just to interact with his then crush who was also auditioning for the same play. He didn't really get any attention from the girl but nailed the audition and received a thunderous applause.

His co-stars from the series also dropped-in with some hilarious reactions on the comments section. Here's what they said:

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Ritvik Sahore commented on Harsh Beniwal's saying, "Hahaha bhai maine bhi college mei ek ladki ki wajah se guitar play karna shuru kiya tha! Ladki tohmili nahi but I fell in love with music"

Saloni Gaur commented on the post and said, "Hahaha maine bhi college mei audition diya tha par hostel ke curfew timings ne saare plans barbad kar diye"

Saloni Patel said, "Although mein sirf padhai kar rahi thi kyunki mujhe top ka engineer bana tha but jab college fest hota hai.. Those were the days man.. I was stupid to still not realise that the stage, music, dancing, acting was my calling! But college kept reminding me that. And of course the friends I made were a complete blessing."

Srishti Ganguli shared emojis on the post and expressed her emotions.

Does this post seem relatable to you? Who from your college does this group of 5 friends remind you off?

Here's the link to Harsh Beniwal's post: https://www.instagram.com/p/CXvAzjfrXPF/?utm_medium=copy_link

For the unversed, Campus Diaries is the latest MX Original Series, that is set to launch on 7th January 2022, starring Harsh Beniwal, Ritvik Sahore, Saloni Gaur and Salonie Patel. But this one is so-not-your-regular-college-drama because it goes beyond the routine masti and dosti plots that quintessential youth dramas portray and tackles relevant yet lesser discussed issues like ragging, one sided love stories, rampant drug abuse and toxic relationships that mould your personality and ready you to face the real world.

The trailer of the show was released last week, and it certainly has all the ingredients to keep you entertained.

In case you missed it, you can watch the trailer here - https://bit.ly/CampusDiaries_Trailer

This story is provided by Mediawire. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of this article. (ANI/Mediawire)

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New Delhi (India), December 23 (ANI/PNN): The Delhi based Legal Ed-Tech is World's Largest and most Reputed Online Legal Education Company with over 7500 learners learning live and 14200 enrolments from across the globe.

The startup is focussed on creating online legal training, enabling geo-arbitrage of legal talent and access to justice.

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The company currently offers a total of 64 courses ranging from master's degree programs from international universities, upskilling programs that enable international talent arbitrage and employability programs through certified courses backed by MEPSC, a Sector Skill Council set up by National Skill Development Corporation.

The startup has garnered global attention, with learners from 20 countries, including the USA, England, the Philippines, Australia, Nigeria, Singapore and more.

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LawSikho also runs the prestigious iPleaders blog, which explains legal issues in simple English and Hindi and boasts of over 5 million page views and 2.3 million active users per month as of December 2021.

LawSikho has worked with international universities like Texas A&M University, Webster University, Swiss School of Management, Warsaw Management University, UNIES Business School and Limburg Graduate School of Business to launch unique courses that enable global legal knowledge transfer through online courses.

LawSikho specialises in international placements & remote work jobs. Over 160 LawSikho learners are working in remote jobs with organisations and lawyers based in the US, UK, Switzerland, Belgium, Qatar and UAE. The biggest package received to date by a LawSikho learner is $36,000 per year from a Swiss employer.

LawSikho also empowers the learners to become successful freelancers on international platforms like Upwork, Fiverr and others. Over 600 lawyers and law students have begun their remote freelancing journey with LawSikho.

Some LawSikho learners are looking for internships and jobs with domestic law firms. Alumni from LawSikho are working in all of India's top law firms as well, though since the pandemic of global remote work has been a bigger draw. The startup has entered into an understanding with over 450 organisations to provide legal talent.

LawSikho is also fast emerging as a leader in the Legal testprep space with very successful courses related to Judiciary, UGC NET(law), SEBI Law Officer and other exams.

During the pandemic, LawSikho organised over 500 free live webinars attended by more than 120,000 lawyers and law students from all over the world. The speakers included judges of the Supreme Court of India and various High Courts, international jurists, senior advocates, partners of international and national law firms, toppers of various competitive exams, and many upcoming young lawyers.

LawSikho is well known for organising live free Bootcamp attended live by over 5000 lawyers and Law students.

Ramanuj Mukherjee, Co-Founder and CEO at LawSikho, said, "We are constantly innovating and working on introducing technology and content that bridge skill gaps as well as discovery gaps for remote work in the legal domain. The market right now is fast-moving and exciting, and we have a long way to go."

This story is provided by PNN. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of this article. (ANI/PNN)

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Guwahati (Assam) [India], December 23 (ANI): In a breakthrough in their long-standing inter-state boundary disputes between Assam and Meghalaya, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and his Meghalaya counterpart Conrad K. Sangma on Wednesday held a meeting and decided to resolve the issues on or before January 15.

"Meeting was held at a political level with the Assam counterpart on the border issue taking the 6 areas of differences for Phase I discussions. We have made considerable positive progress through our joint dialogue & hope to arrive at an amicable solution shortly," Conrad Sangma tweeted.

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After the meeting, Meghalaya Deputy CM Prestone Tynsong said, "It was a very productive and good meeting. The CMs have decided to make an announcement on or before January 15."

"There are disputes in six areas and I am sure that we will be able to find a solution in at least some areas," he added.

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"Our regional committees have submitted their reports and we are working towards a final agreement on many disputed border areas," Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma said.

"Our regional committees have submitted their reports and we are working towards a final agreement on many disputed border areas. I am confident that gradually we will be able to resolve all-long pending border issues with Meghalaya and other neighbouring states," Himanta Biswa tweeted.

"We have been continuously striving to resolve border issues with our neighbours. As part of our effort, held a meeting with my Meghalaya counterpart @SangmaConrad along with Deputy CM Meghalaya Shri Prestone Tynsong and several ministers and senior officers of both states," he added.

Earlier on December 21, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu had met on the issue of border realignment and alignment between two states. (ANI)

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Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], December 23 (ANI): The "Shakti Bill", seeking to provide stricter punishments for crimes against women, has been passed by the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly on Thursday.

The bill was introduced by State Home Minister Dilip Walse Patil in the assembly today. The Assembly passed the bill unanimously as it was supported by the Opposition parties.

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Now, the Bill will be introduced in the Council and will send for the approval of the Governor followed by the President's assent after its passage.

Last year on December 14, the Maharashtra government tabled the Shakti Bill, pertaining to the prevention of incidents of violence and atrocities against women and children in the state. (ANI)

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Haridwar (Uttarakhand) [India], December 23 (ANI): A day after he made a veiled attack on the Congress leadership ahead of assembly polls in Uttarakhand over "lack of cooperation" from the state unit, party leader and former Chief Minister Harish Rawat spoke of his being a party loyalist who was devoted to welfare of the state.

Interacting with the media in Haridwar, Rawat refused to comment on the apparent tussle in the party unit. "Kadam kadam badhae jaa, Congress ke geet gae jaa. Zingadi hai Uttarakhand ke vaaste Uttarakhand par lutae jaa (Keep on marching forward, sing praises of the Congress, life is for Uttarkhand, devote it to Uttarakhand)," he said in his cryptic reply as he used lines of Hindi song.

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Rawat, who left for Delhi to meet party leadership, met his supporters in Haridwar at an event and paid tributes to former Prime Minister Chaudhary Charan Singh on his birth anniversary.

Rawat had on Wednesday made a veiled attack in tweets on the Congress leadership ahead of assembly polls in the state stating that the "nominees of those whose directions one has to swim (in the electoral battle) are tying my hands and feet".

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In his cryptic tweets, Rawat has also expressed anguish at factionalism in the state unit saying there was "non-cooperation" from the party organisation in the state at most places and that thought has been crossing his mind that "it is time to rest".

Rawat, a member of the Congress Working Committee, is seen as the party's face for the elections in Uttarakhand.

Rawat had also expressed faith that Lord Kedarnath will provide him guidance in the new year."Isn't it strange, one has to swim in the sea in the form of the forthcoming electoral battle, instead of cooperation, the organisational structure at most places is turning its face away or is playing a negative role," Rawat said in his tweet.

"There are many crocodiles of the ruling dispensation. On whose directions one has to swim, their nominees are tying my hands and feet," he added.

Rawat also cited lines associated with Gita."And then quietly in a corner of mind, a voice is erupting, 'na denyam, na palaynam' (one who does not bow, does not flee). Perhaps the new year will show the way. I have faith that Lord Kedarnath will will provide me guidane in this situation," he said.

Capt Amarinder Singh, who resigned as Punjab Chief Minister earlier this year and floated his own party, took a dig at Harish Rawat over his tweets."You reap what you sow! All the best for your future endeavours (if there are any) @harishrawatcmukji," he said in a tweet.

Congress leader Manish Tewari also took a swipe at Harish Rawat, who was AICC incharge of both Punjab and Assam, over the way matters were being held in poll-bound Uttarakhand. "FIRST ASSAM THEN PUNJAB NOW UTTRAKHAND.....BHOG POORA HI PAUN GAYE KASAR NA RAHE JAWE KOI," Tewari said in his tweet. Tewari's tweet was also seen as a veiled reference to the party leadership's handling of affairs in different states. Rawat had resigned as Assam incharge of Congress after the party's poor performance in the 2019 Lok Sabha polls. (ANI)

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New Delhi, Dec 23 (PTI) The discretion to condone delay in filing suits has to be exercised judiciously and if courts start condoning delay where no sufficient cause is made out, then that would amount to violation of statutory principles and showing utter disregard to legislature, the Supreme Court has said.

A bench of justices M R Shah and B V Nagarathna said the object for fixing time limit for litigation is based on public policy fixing a lifespan for legal remedy for the purpose of general welfare.

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The object of time limit is meant to see that the parties do not resort to dilatory tactics but avail their legal remedies promptly, it said.

"The discretion to condone the delay has to be exercised judiciously based on facts and circumstances of each case. It is further observed that the expression 'sufficient cause' cannot be liberally interpreted if negligence, inaction or lack of bona fides is attributed to the party.

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"It is further observed that even though limitation may harshly affect rights of a party but it has to be applied with all its rigour when prescribed by statute," the bench said in a recent order.

Condonation of delay is usually applied for the delay in filing suits or applications in the courts across the country.

Each statue gives a time limit within which any suit, appeal or application is to be filed under them to the courts or respective authorities. The time limit prescribed is known as the limitation period of the suit or appeal.

The apex court observed that in case a party has acted with negligence, lack of bona fides or there is inaction then there cannot be any justified ground for condoning the delay even by imposing conditions.

"It is observed that each application for condonation of delay has to be decided within the framework laid down by this court.

"It is further observed that if courts start condoning delay where no sufficient cause is made out by imposing conditions then that would amount to violation of statutory principles and showing utter disregard to legislature," the bench said.

The observations came on an appeal filed against an order of Andhra Pradesh high court has condoned a huge delay of 1011 days in preferring the second appeal.

The top court quashed this judgement and said the high court is not at all justified in exercising its discretion to condone such a huge delay.

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New Delhi, Dec 23 (PTI) The Indian Army on Thursday launched a new messaging application called ASIGMA for in-house communication.

ASIGMA, which stands for Army Secure IndiGeneous Messaging Application, has been developed entirely in-house by a team of officers of the Corps of Signals, an official statement said.

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"The new application is being deployed on the Army's internal network as a replacement of Army Wide Area Network (AWAN) messaging application which has been in service for the past 15 years," the Army said.

ASIGMA has been fielded on Army-owned hardware and lends itself to lifetime support with future upgrades, it said.

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The bespoke messaging application meets all futuristic user requirements and boasts of an enhanced user experience, the statement mentioned.

ASIGMA has a variety of contemporary features, including multi-level security, message prioritisation and tracking, dynamic global address book and various options to meet the Army's requirements, it noted.

"This future ready messaging application will meet real time data transfer and messaging requirements of the Army, especially in the backdrop of current geo political security environment and is in line with the government of India's Make in India initiative," the statement said.

The Indian Army has braced automation in a major way, especially after the COVID-19 outbreak, and is taking substantial steps towards paperless functioning, it said.

"ASIGMA will further boost these efforts and will add to the host of other applications already being employed by the Army over its captive pan Army network," it added.

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Srinagar, Dec 23 (PTI) Security forces on Thursday arrested two overground workers of Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) in Budgam district of Jammu and Kashmir, police said.

"Acting on specific inputs, police, army and the CRPF apprehended two terrorist associates linked with proscribed terrorist outfit LeT from Magam area of Budgam," a police spokesman said.

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He said the arrested persons were identified as Mohammad Shafi Ganai and Zahoor Ahmad Chopan. Incriminating materials were recovered from their possession.

During preliminary investigation, it was revealed that the arrested persons were in touch with LeT commanders and involved in providing logistics, shelter as well as transportation to the terrorists, he said.

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An FIR has been registered at Khag police station and further investigation is under process, the spokesperson added.

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By Rajnish Singh

New Delhi [India], December 23 (ANI): Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Thursday conducted a high-level meeting on the security situation in Jammu and Kashmir in the wake of recent targeted killings reported from the region, sources said.

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Union Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla chaired the meeting here at his North Block office with the top brass of Police and Intelligence agencies personnel as well as senior Home Ministry officials responsible to look after security scenarios in Jammu and Kashmir.

In the meeting that was held in the first half of the day and lasted for over an hour, the Home Secretary is learnt to have discussed the current security scenario in the Valley where several targeted attacks by terrorists on Jammu and Kashmir Police (JKP) personnel, armed forces, and civilians were reported.

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The meeting was both in physical and digital mode and Directors General of various Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) and their representatives, Jammu and Kashmir Director General of Police (DGP) Dilbag Singh and senior officials in Intelligence Bureau (IB) took part in the meeting both via video conferencing and physically.

It is learnt that the functioning of the newly created State Investigation Agency (SIA) in Jammu and Kashmir on the lines of the National Investigation Agency (NIA) was taken up in the meeting. The SAI is a nodal agency Jammu and Kashmir for coordinating with the NIA and other Central agencies "to take measures as may be necessary for speedy and effective investigation and prosecution of militancy-related cases".

Besides, various issues related to modernization of Police Stations and Police Posts and misuse of certain prisons by the terrorists were also discussed.

The meeting comes in the wake of recent attacks on civilians, Jammu and Kashmir Police and security personnel in the union territory.

In the recent one, terrorists on Wednesday shot dead a civilian and injured a policeman in two separate incidents within minutes in Kashmir valley. While the civilian was gunned down in the Nawakadal locality of the city, a police assistant sub-inspector (ASI) was injured in the Bijbehara area of south Kashmir's Anantnag district.

Earlier this month, three personnel of Jammu and Kashmir Police died and 11 were injured after two terrorists attacked a police bus near a police camp at Zewan on the outskirts of Srinagar. In the incident, the terrorists had opened fire on the bus in the high-security area that houses several camps of various security forces. It was the second major terror attack in the Kashmir Valley after the recent spate of targeted attacks on migrant workers and members of the minority communities.

Earlier, two policemen were killed as terrorists opened fire at a police team in Kashmir's Bandipora district.

October saw 41 killings in militancy-related incidents, including 20 terrorists, nine soldiers and 12 civilians. (ANI)

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New Delhi [India], December 23 (ANI): Amid the emergence and spread of the Omicron variant of COVID-19, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will hold a meeting to review the pandemic situation in the country on Thursday, said sources.

According to the Ministry, 213 cases of Omicron variant of coronavirus have been reported in the country so far. Out of this, Delhi topped the list with 57 confirmed cases followed by Maharashtra (54 cases) and Telangana (24 cases).

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Meanwhile, Union Health Ministry on Tuesday alerted States and Union Territories about the new COVID-19 variant, Omicron, and said that based on current scientific evidence, Omicron is at least three times more transmissible than the Delta variant.

The ministry further added that greater foresight, data analysis, dynamic decision making and strict and prompt containment action is required at the local and district level.

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With the administration of 57,05,039 vaccine doses in the last 24 hours, India's COVID-19 vaccination coverage has exceeded 138.96 crores. (ANI)

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New Delhi [India], December 23 (ANI): Pralay, a quasi ballistic surface to surface missile, has been successfully tested for the second time in the last 24 hours from Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Island in Odhisa, Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) informed on Thursday.

This is for the first time in history that consecutive flight tests of a ballistic missile have been conducted successfully on two consecutive days.

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"The flight test was successful and has met all the mission objectives. This launch proves the system in both the configurations of the missile," DRDO said.

"In today's launch, Pralay missile was tested for heavier payload and different range to prove the the precision and lethality of the weapon," it added.

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The launch was monitored by all the range sensors and instruments including Telemetry, Radar and Electro-Optic Tracking System deployed across the eastern coast and the down range ships positioned near the impact point.

The Pralay conventional quasi ballistic missile, which can hit targets between 150 to 500 kms, was tested for a different range and different configurations today. It met all the parameters during the test fire, Government officials informed.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated DRDO and associated teams for this consecutive successful development flight trial.

Secretary DD R&D and Chairman DRDO, Dr G Satheesh Reddy appreciated the associated team and said that with this successful flight test of Pralay, the country has proved strong design and development capabilities in Defence R&D.

According to sources, 'Pralay' is a quasi ballistic surface to surface missile. The advanced missile has been developed in a way to able to defeat interceptor missiles. It has the ability to change its path after covering certain range mid-air.

Yesterday, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully conducted the maiden flight test of indigenously developed surface-to-surface missile 'Pralay', from Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Island off the coast of Odisha.

The Ministry of Defence, in a press release, said, "The mission has met all its objectives. The new missile followed the desired quasi ballistic trajectory and reached the designated target with high degree accuracy, validating the control, guidance and mission algorithms."

All the sub-systems performed satisfactorily. All the sensors deployed near the impact point across the eastern coast, including the downrange ships, tracked the missile trajectory and captured all the events.

The ministry also informed that the Missile is powered by a solid-propellant rocket motor and many new technologies. The missile has a range of 150-500 kilometres and can be launched from a mobile launcher. The missile guidance system includes a state-of-the-art navigation system and integrated avionics. (ANI)

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Kerala, December 19: Two murders of senior political functionaries from SDPI and BJP have rocked Kerala's Alappuzha, forcing the local administration to impose Section 144 in the district.

In two separate incidents, Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI) state secretary KS Shaan was allegedly attacked and murdered in Kerala's Alappuzha on Saturday night. This was followed by a separate incident in which BJP OBC morcha state secretary Renjith Sreenivasan was killed at his house by unidentified people early on Sunday morning in Alappuzha. Uttar Pradesh: Khaps Oppose Centres Decision to Raise Eligibility Age of Women For Marriage to 21 Years, To Hold Panchayat Soon.

According to the police, Shaan was on a two-wheeler when a gang in a car attacked him on Saturday night. SDPI has alleged that RSS workers are behind this attack. Within 12 hours after Shaan's murder, BJP OBC morcha state secretary Renjith Sreenivasan was killed at his house by unidentified people early on Sunday morning in Alappuzha. Further investigation is underway. West Bengal Youth BJP Leader Mithun Ghosh Shot Dead in Dinajpur, Party Points Fingers at Trinamool Congress.

Meanwhile, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan condemned the two alleged murders, informed the Chief Minister's Office on Sunday. Sharply reacting to the killings in the Kerala district, BJP National General Secretary CT Ravi on Sunday accused the CPI(M)-led Kerala government of "turning 'God's Own Country' into Jihadis Paradise". Earlier, an RSS worker S Sanjith was hacked to death allegedly by the workers of the Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI), the political wing of the PFI, on November 15.
Chennai, Dec 23 (PTI) Carborundum Universal Ltd, the Murugappa Group firm on Thursday said its step-down subsidiary in Germany, CUMI GmbH has emerged as the successful bidder to acquire the main assets of the AWUKO Abrasives Wandmacher GmbH and Company, Germany -- a 120 year old leader in leather and wood applications.

CUMI GmbH has entered into an entered into an Asset Purchase Agreement with the Insolvency Administrator of AWUKO Abrasives following the insolvency proceedings in AWUKO which commenced recently. CUMI has been selected as the successful bidder in a competitive bidding process for the assets of AWUKO which includes land and building, plant and machinery, fixed assets, leased assets, brands and trademarks, a company statement said.

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"The estimated purchase price is Euro 6.01 million excluding the compensation cost to be agreed with the Works Council and other costs, if any with the insolvency administrator," the statement said.

"AWUKO is a 120-year old brand in coated abrasives business. AWUKO is a market leader in leather and wood applications with strong presence in metal and lacquer applications. The acquisition is in line with CUMI's aggressive inorganic growth plans", CUMI Director-finance and strategy, Sridharan Rangarajan said.

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The asset purchase deal would be subject to completion of negotiations with the Works Council, the statement said. "Acquiring the assets of AWUKO fits in well with CUMI's expansion plans in Europe. CUMI will gain access to the Coated Abrasives capacity of 10 million square metres, global distribution base and an experienced process and application engineering team", CUMI, managing director, N Ananthaseshan said. "Significant cross learning is possible as CUMI also operates two Coated Abrasive Makers in India. CUMI will be able to provide critical raw materials to AWUKO from its operations in India and Russia", he said. Rangarajan said, "with our expertise and experience in turning around the performance of stressed assets we intend to enhance our international offerings in coated abrasives products."

CUMI would benefit with the access to varied technology and leveraging opportunity for each other's brands, he added.

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Chandigarh, Dec 23 (PTI) The Punjab cabinet on Thursday gave its approval for coming out with a one-time settlement scheme for chronic defaulters of dues of principal cost of industrial plots located in the state. The industrial plots were developed by the Punjab Small Industries and Export Corporation (PSIEC) or Punjab Infotech.

A decision to this effect was taken during a cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi here in the evening, an official statement said.

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Under this scheme, defaulter allottees have been given an opportunity to clear their long outstanding dues towards PSIEC or Punjab Infotech after availing waiver of 100 per cent component of penal interest and 25 per cent component of normal interest due or maximum up to the current reserve price of the plot (after adjusting already paid amount), as may be chosen by the plot holder.

Plot holders would be required to deposit their dues under this scheme on or before March 31, 2022.

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The cabinet also gave approval to extend the one-time settlement (OTS) scheme for restoration, transfer, and conversion to freehold of industrial plots or sheds in industrial estates developed by the industry department.

The cabinet also approved setting up the Punjab State General Category Commission for unreserved classes.

This commission would go a long way to safeguard the interests of the unreserved classes besides effective implementation of various welfare schemes for the benefit of the poor belonging to the general category.

Notably, this decision has been taken by the cabinet after acceding to long standing demand of employees belonging to general categories (unreserved classes) that their interests are not being protected and had requested the state government to constitute the General Category Commission on the pattern of Gujarat.

Besides, the cabinet gave a go ahead for exemption of motor vehicle tax for stage carriage buses (big and mini buses) and contract carriage vehicles less than 16 seater, thus providing some relief to the transport sector in the wake of huge loss suffered by it amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Meanwhile, the Punjab cabinet accorded approval for setting up of Geeta Adhyayan and Sanatani Granth Institute at Jagat Guru Nanak Dev Punjab State Open University, Patiala to carry out teaching and research into the wisdom and belief of these faiths.

"This Centre will promote a considerate attitude towards the other's spiritual, religious, ethnic and metaphysical perspectives, principles and customs," it said.

To promote art, heritage and culture as well as connecting to the people through film, television and OTT platforms, the cabinet gave its assent for setting up of Film and Television Development Council (FTDC) in the state. Meanwhile, the chief minister met the Punjab governor on Thursday evening and raised the issue of 12 bills, passed by the Punjab assembly, requiring his assent.

Channi, while talking to reporters, said one of the bills pertained to regularisation of 36,000 contractual employees.

These 12 bills have not been sent back by the governor yet, said Channi.

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Maiduguri (Nigeria), Dec 23 (AP) Explosions killed several people Thursday in northeastern Nigeria ahead of a visit by President Muhammadu Buhari to the restive region, witnesses said.

The attacks took place in Maiduguri, the city where Islamic militants first launched an insurgency against the government more than a decade ago.

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Nigerian authorities did not release a casualty toll. Witnesses told The Associated Press that several civilians had died, including a teenage girl. They spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of retribution.

While there was no immediate claim of responsibility, suspicion fell on the Islamic State West Africa Province, also known as ISWAP.

Also Read | Greece Cancels Christmas Events, Brings Back Mask Mandate in View of Omicron Variant.

Shortly after the explosions rattled the city, Buhari arrived to meet with the nation's security heads and government officials in Borno.

Although Nigerian troops in the northeast have scored some gains against the rebels since the death of ISWAP leader Abu Musab al-Barnawi earlier this year, the group continues to infiltrate local communities and target security forces in ambushes.

In a statement Tuesday, the group claimed killing at least 20 members of a pro-Nigerian army militia in the town of Kilangar in Borno state. (AP)

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Dublin [Ireland], December 23 (ANI/Sputnik): Northern Ireland will impose restrictions the day after Christmas to curb spread of the Omicron coronavirus strain, which now accounts for over 40 per cent of COVID-19 infections in the country, Deputy First Minister of Northern Ireland Michelle O'Neill said.

"The Executive has taken decision to protect people and protect the health service over the coming days and weeks," O'Neill said in a video posted on her Twitter account on Wednesday.

Also Read | Australian Astronomers Capture Black Hole Eruption at the Centre of Galaxy Centaurus A.

The deputy minister told reporters that nightclubs would be closed and indoor dancing would not be allowed from 6 a.m. on December 26. Moreover, all indoor standing events will be prohibited.

In addition, starting December 27, only residents of a maximum of three households will be allowed to gather together. Guests will also be required to be seated with a maximum of six people, or 10 people from a single household at a table.

Also Read | Australia: New South Wales Reports 5,715 New Cases of COVID-19 in Past 24 Hours.

Citizens are also recommended to work from home and to maintain a two-meter social distance.

The deputy minister said the decision would help keep infection rates down and relieve the pressure put on healthcare workers and emergency services.

The measures may be revised on December 30, O'Neill said. Currently, the Irish authorities are closely monitoring the situation.

The United Kingdom has faced a surge in COVID-19 cases ahead of Christmas. The country has been breaking records for several days in the number of registered infections. The total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases with the Omicron strain has exceeded 74,000. The Ministry of Health has predicted that the number of Omicron infections in the country may exceed a million by the end of December.

On December 8, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced that the country would move to the so-called plan B. The British are now encouraged to work from home whenever possible and required to wear a face covering. In addition, a COVID-19 pass confirming vaccination is now mandatory for visiting crowded places. Daily testing is required for those who may have come into contact with carriers of the coronavirus. (ANI/Sputnik)

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Ramallah, Dec 23 (AP) Israeli troops shot and killed a Palestinian man who opened fire at them from a passing vehicle in the occupied West Bank late Wednesday, Israeli officials said.

The Palestinian Health Ministry confirmed the death of Muhammad Issa Abbas, 26, saying he had been shot in the back near the al-Amari refugee camp in Ramallah.

Also Read | China's Economic Growth Will Slow Sharply in 2022, Says World Bank.

The ministry gave no further details.

The Israeli military said it had been searching for Palestinian suspects who approached a nearby Jewish settlement when soldiers came under fire from a passing vehicle. It said the troops returned fire and hit the assailant.

Also Read | UK Reports Single-Day Rise of 1,06,122 COVID-19 Cases for First Time Since Pandemic Began.

The military said dozens of Palestinian residents then surrounded the troops, who used unspecified "riot dispersal means" to clear out the crowd. No further casualties were reported.

The shooting came amid a recent jump in Israeli-Palestinian violence in the West Bank and east Jerusalem.

Late Tuesday, Israeli troops killed a man who allegedly attempted to carry out a car-ramming attack in the northern West Bank. Last Thursday, a Palestinian gunman killed an Israeli man near an unauthorised West Bank settlement outpost. (AP)

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Milan, Dec 24 (AP) An archaeological dig in Sicily has uncovered traces of a lost World War II American heavy bomber shot down in 1943, and possible human remains that could lead to identification of five airmen whose bodies were never recovered.

The six-week dig that ended this week was carried out by a team from the Pentagon's Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency, which locates and identifies missing US military personnel around the world.

Also Read | US FDA Authorizes Emergency Use of Merck's Molnupiravir COVID-19 Oral Antiviral Pills.

The site near Sciacca was identified in 2017 by investigators using historical records and metal detectors.

This year's dig uncovered wreckage "consistent only to a B-25 aircraft", said archaeologist Clive Vella, the scientific director of the expedition, contributing to hopes that any confirmed remains would be linked to the missing crew.

Also Read | Greece Cancels Christmas Events, Brings Back Mask Mandate in View of Omicron Variant.

"We owe (their) families accurate answers,'' Vella told the Associated Press Thursday.

The North American B-25 Mitchell heavy bomber with a crew of six was one of 52 air losses with missing personnel in the area during WW 2, mostly during 1943 as the Allies pushed into southeastern Sicily.

It was shot down as it targeted a camouflaged German airstrip amid olive groves and pastureland on July 10, 1943. A German military report documented the crash of a US aircraft about two km (just over a mile) from the Sciacca airport, Vella said.

One crew member was located immediately and buried in the town's cemetery. The body was claimed in 1944 by US military officials, but the other five airmen remained missing.

In the intervening decades, the crash site "like most others in the Mediterranean region, was scavenged for metal, the land restored to its original use", Vella said. "The scars of a crash were mostly gone."

The evidence, which includes possible human bones as well as potential remnants of the aircraft, has been transported to a laboratory in the US for examination.

Worldwide, there are more than 81,600 missing US military personnel, including 72,350 from World War 2, 7,550 from the Korean War and 1,584 from the Vietnam War. Over 41,000 of the total are presumed lost at sea. (AP)

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Cairo, Dec 23 (AP) A prominent Egyptian human rights activist was released Thursday after serving her sentence on charges of spreading false news and insulting a police officer, her lawyer and family said.

Sanaa Seif, who hails from a renowned family of activists, had been behind bars since June 2020. She was convicted in March 2021 of broadcasting what authorities said were fake news and rumours about health conditions and the spread of the coronavirus in Egyptian prisons.

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Mona Seif, her sister and also a prominent human rights advocate, posted photographs of Sanaa on social media showing her smiling and walking with friends upon her release.

The development comes after an Egyptian court on Monday sentenced the Seif sisters' brother, Alaa Abdel-Fattah, to five years on charges of spreading false news.

Also Read | Greece Cancels Christmas Events, Brings Back Mask Mandate in View of Omicron Variant.

Abdel-Fattah was first sentenced in 2014 on charges of taking part in an unauthorised protest and allegedly assaulting a police officer. He was released in 2019 after serving a five-year term but was rearrested again later that year, in a crackdown that followed anti-government protests.

Sanaa Seif was arrested while she and other family members were at the public prosecutor's office to file a complaint about an attack against them outside Cairo's Tora prison complex. The family had been going daily to the prison, hoping to receive a letter from imprisoned Abdel-Fattah.

In a separate case in 2016, Seif was convicted of insulting a government employee and was sentenced to six months. After that, she served 15 months of a three-year sentence for demonstrating against a law banning public gatherings. She was pardoned early in that case.

The siblings' father, Ahmed Seif al-Islam, was a renowned human rights lawyer who died in 2014. Their mother, Leila Soueif, is a mathematician and a prominent advocate for academic independence. Their aunt is Ahdaf Soueif, an award-winning novelist. (AP)

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Madrid, Dec 23 (AP) Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez is convening a special Cabinet meeting Thursday to pass a law by decree that makes it mandatory to wear masks outdoors, amid a record surge in COVID-19 cases.

Sanchez announced at a meeting with the leaders of regional governments Wednesday that he was consenting to their appeals to extend mask-wearing rules, his office said. A decree-law does not require a debate and vote in parliament before taking effect.

Also Read | China's Economic Growth Will Slow Sharply in 2022, Says World Bank.

He also announced a raft of other measures, including an offer to deploy the armed forces to help the regions step up their vaccination rollout and put military hospital beds at their disposal if they are needed.

Sanchez said he is targeting 80 per cent of the 60-69 age group to have received booster shots by the end of next week, among other goals.

Also Read | UK Reports Single-Day Rise of 1,06,122 COVID-19 Cases for First Time Since Pandemic Began.

Also, COVID-19 tests for professional use will temporarily be placed on sale at pharmacies, amid a reported shortage of tests, and medical teams will be reinforced with retired staff and specialists who earned their qualifications outside the European Union.

Furthermore, fully vaccinated people won't need to quarantine if they have been in contact with an infected person - a measure that seemed to be aimed at avoiding the shortages of essential personnel.

Spain on Tuesday officially recorded almost 50,000 new cases of coronavirus. That's higher than last January, when a surge placed the national health system under severe strain.

Spain is reporting almost 700 cases per 100,000 inhabitants over 14 days, more than double the accumulated cases before last year's Christmas holidays. The omicron strain has soared from 5 per cent of new cases in Spain to 47 per cent within one week.

Still, vaccinations are credited with sparing many people from the virus's worst effects. While last January some 30,000 COVID-19 patients were in the hospital in Spain, now it's fewer than 8,000.

Sanchez told the Spanish parliament Wednesday that 90 per cent of the target population 12 and over is fully vaccinated.

He told lawmakers, "Don't worry, families will be able to celebrate Christmas. Spain has prevailed." (AP)

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Madrid [Spain], December 23 (ANI/ Sputnik): The wearing of masks on the streets will again become mandatory in Spain, the government said.

The relevant document will be adopted at a meeting of the Council of Ministers on Thursday, the cabinet said.

Also Read | China's Economic Growth Will Slow Sharply in 2022, Says World Bank.

Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez announced the cabinet's plans at a meeting of the heads of autonomous communities.

The obligatory wearing of masks on the streets was canceled at the end of June, but they remained obligatory in all closed public places.

Also Read | UK Reports Single-Day Rise of 1,06,122 COVID-19 Cases for First Time Since Pandemic Began.

Spain is already experiencing its sixth wave of COVID-19. Despite vaccination (90 percent of the population), the growth of infections continues - 695 per 100,000 residents in two weeks; more than 27,000 new cases were detected over the past day. (ANI/ Sputnik)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Washington, Dec 23 (AP) The White House downplayed a statement by the US Secret Service that nearly USD 100 billion at minimum has been stolen from COVID-19 relief programs, saying Wednesday that the estimate is based on old reports.

White House press secretary Jen Psaki, when asked to comment on the figure, said, "There is no new research, data or analysis of fraud here."

Also Read | China's Economic Growth Will Slow Sharply in 2022, Says World Bank.

The Secret Service told The Associated Press on Tuesday that the estimate is based on Secret Service cases and data from the Labor Department and the Small Business Administration.

An agency spokesperson said Wednesday that they were not amending a statement on their website, but did add a clarifying note to explain the figure is based on reports from the Labor Department and the Small Business Administration and that the Secret Service was not producing a new report.

Also Read | UK Reports Single-Day Rise of 1,06,122 COVID-19 Cases for First Time Since Pandemic Began.

"There isn't a correction to be made, we just explicitly posted on the release's webpage the same info we discussed yesterday," Justine Whelan, a spokesperson for the Secret Service, wrote in an email Wednesday.

Psaki said, "There was just an adding up" of two old reports of well-known challenges involving small business loans and unemployment insurance payments. "It's also important to note that even those two older analyses combined payments that include mistakes in over and under payments but it was a reference to two older IG reports."

The Secret Service didn't include COVID-19 fraud cases prosecuted by the Justice Department in its estimate Tuesday.

The COVID-19 relief programs were set up to help businesses and people who lost their jobs due to the pandemic.

Roy Dotson, the new national pandemic fraud recovery coordinator for the Secret Service, discussed the fraud in an interview Tuesday. While roughly 3 per cent of the USD 3.4 trillion dispersed, the amount stolen from pandemic benefits programs shows the sheer size of the pot is enticing to the criminals," Dotson said.

Most of that figure comes from unemployment fraud. The Labor Department reported about USD 87 billion in unemployment benefits could have been paid improperly, with a significant portion attributable to fraud.

The Secret Service said it has seized more than USD 1.2 billion while investigating unemployment insurance and loan fraud and has returned more than USD 2.3 billion of fraudulently obtained funds by working with financial partners and states to reverse transactions. The Secret Service says it has more than 900 active criminal investigations into pandemic fraud, with cases in every state, and 100 people have been arrested so far.

The Justice Department said last week that its fraud section had prosecuted over 150 defendants in more than 95 criminal cases and had seized over USD 75 million in cash proceeds derived from fraudulently obtained Paycheck Protection Program funds, as well as numerous real estate properties and luxury items purchased with the proceeds.

One of the best-known programs created through the March 2020 CARES Act, PPP offered low-interest, forgivable loans to small businesses struggling to meet payroll and other expenses during pandemic-related shutdowns.

The Pandemic Response Accountability Committee brings together agents from its 22 member inspectors general to investigate fraud involving a variety of programs, including the PPP. They have led or participated in pandemic fraud investigations leading to 818 arrests, 1,134 indictments, and 391 convictions, the committee said Tuesday.

Law enforcement early in the pandemic focused on fraud related to personal protective equipment, the Secret Service said. Authorities have now prioritized the exploitation of pandemic-related relief because the federal funding through the CARES Act attracted the attention of individuals and organized criminal networks worldwide.

Dotson, who is the Secret Service's assistant special agent in charge of the agency's field office in Jacksonville, Florida, said that while they can't stop fraud, they can prosecute those that need to be prosecuted and recover as much fraudulent pandemic funds as they can. (AP)

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- India supports #UNSC resolution to grant exemption from sanctions for humanitarian assistance to #Afghanistan



- Adds that disbursement be non-discriminatory & accessible to all, irrespective of ethnicity, religion, political belief (1/2)@ambtstirumurti pic.twitter.com/Bf2Wo3g44W DD News (@DDNewslive) December 22, 2021

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Washington, December 23: With Omicron becoming the dominant variant of Covid in the US, accounting for over 73 per cent cases, new modeling data shows that the highly transmissible new strain will cause 140 million new infections from January to March, infecting 60 per cent of all Americans, the majority of which will be asymptomatic cases.

According to researchers at the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation at the University of Washington, while infection will surge, it will have fewer hospitalisations and deaths compared to the Delta variant, USA Today reported. The findings showed that the Covid cases may peak in late-January at about 2.8 million new daily infections. Omicron in US: First Death Due to New COVID-19 Variant Omicron, an Unvaccinated Man From Texas.

"We are expecting an enormous surge in infections ... so, an enormous spread of omicron," IHME director Dr Chris Murray was quoted as saying. "Total infections in the US we forecast are going from about 40 per cent of the US having been infected so far, to having in the next 2 to 3 months, 60 per cent of the US getting infected with Omicron," he added.

While meta-analyses have suggested previous variants cause about 40 per cent of cases to be asymptomatic, Murray said more than 90 per cent of people infected with omicron may never show symptoms. As a result, only about 400,000 cases may be reported, as most Americans infected with the virus won't feel sick and may never get tested, the report said.

At the peak of last year's winter surge in January, the country was reporting a little over 250,000 new cases per day. The country has reported about 51 million confirmed cases since the pandemic began, according to Johns Hopkins data.

On the other hand, the world may see approximately 3 billion new infections in the next two months with peak transmission occurring in mid-January at more than 35 million new cases per day, the models showed.

Murray noted that the forecast may be pessimistic, but other health experts say it is within the realm of possibility based on the early, incomplete information on Omicron.

"Sure, this a potential outcome," Julie Swann, professor at North Carolina State University who studies pandemic modeling and health systems was quoted as saying. "How certain am I that this is the outcome? Not certain at all."

While infections are expected to skyrocket, the IHME model shows hospitalisations and deaths will be about the same. Researchers found the infection-hospitalisation rate of Omicron is about 90 per cent to 96 per cent lower than delta, and the infection-fatality rate is about 97 per cent to 99 per cent lower.

"In the past, we roughly thought that Covid was 10 times worse than flu and now we have a variant that is probably at least 10 times less severe," Murray said. "So, Omicron will probably a be less severe than flu but much more transmissible."

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Dec 23, 2021 02:25 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
The United States Army has developed a COVID vaccine that may provide protection against all COVID variants, with the vaccine already completed phase 1 trials.

An Army spokesperson said that the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research has developed a 24-sided object, wherein it attached different protein spikes from COVID variants, according to a Fox News report.

The spokesperson said that researchers have yet to test the vaccine against the omicron variant despite completing phase 1 trials.

In early 2020, researchers received a sample and focused efforts on developing a vaccine that would work against possible variants. They got the initial results almost two years later, which looked promising.

April 2021 marked the start of phase 1 human trials, and scientists hailed the early data as encouraging. Final phase 1 study results will be published once the analysis has been completed.

Dr. Kayvon Modjarrad, director of the Emerging Infectious Diseases Branch at WRAIR said that the vaccine developed in the army stands out in the COVID vaccine landscape.

Modjarrad said that the COVID spike protein on a multi-faceted nanoparticle may stimulate immunity in such a way that translates into significantly wider protection.

The army-developed Spike Ferritin Nanoparticle COVID vaccine in early 2020. SpFN remains unclear if it will be a single or multiple-shot vaccine.

Modjarrad said that it is very exciting to get to this point for their entire team, as well as for the Army.

READ NEXT: Needle-Free COVID Vaccine Starts Trial; New Development Could Ensure Protection Against Future COVID Variants

Army Developed a COVID Vaccine

Walter Reed is working with an unnamed industry partner for the next distribution of the rollout, according to a Daily Mail report.

The statement from Walter Reed officials said that scientists from WRAIR remain encouraged by the early data from preclinical studies.

The statement continued that they are testing against variant ongoing in a neutralization assay in the laboratory.

Modjarrad said that the vaccine has yet to undergo second and third trials, according to a New York Post report.

Meanwhile, WRAIR will also be testing how the new vaccine interacts with people who were previously vaccinated or previously infected with the virus.

Modjarrad said that they still need to evaluate the new COVID vaccine in the real-world setting and try to understand how it performs in a much larger number of individuals.

Omicron Variant in The United States

The omicron variant spreads even faster as compared to other COVID strains and now accounts for nearly three-quarters of new infections in the U.S. last week.

With this in mind, U.S. President Joe Biden announced on Tuesday that the government would provide 500 million free rapid home testing kits.

Biden also announced that the federal government would boost vaccination efforts amid the fast-spreading omicron variant.

Meanwhile, Dr. Anthony Fauci said that the variant was spreading at a "truly unprecedented" rate.

Biden said that the situation is not the same as in March 2020, adding that the country is prepared and knows more, according to a BBC News report.

Biden said that if people are not yet fully vaccinated, they have reason to be concerned.

READ MORE: Dr. Anthony Fauci Says Early Data Show COVID Variant Omicron Less Dangerous As Compared to Delta; South African Travel Ban to Be Reviewed

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by Mary Webber

WATCH: Army's Vaccine Could Protect Against All Coronavirus Variants - from Forbes Breaking News






President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris both tested negative for COVID-19 on Wednesday after they were exposed to their staffers who tested positive.

The test results were confirmed by officials from the White House, saying that the executives as well as First Lady Jill Biden and Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff were in "close contact" with a staffer who tested positive for COVID, Fox News reported.

"It is in the public's interest to know if any of the four principals (President, Vice President First Lady, and Second Gentleman,) are considered to have been in close contact with a White House official who subsequently tested positive for COVID-19 shortly after that contact," the White House statement reads.

The statement furthered that the White House medical unit considered Biden and Harris' exposure "close contact" following the guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

READ NEXT: VP Kamala Harris Visits Hospital for "Routine" Medical Examination After Meeting With COVID Infected Politicians

VP Kamala Harris Tested Negative for COVID After PCR Test

Kamala Harris' aide tested positive for COVID on Wednesday morning.

The White House said that Harris was with the staffer throughout Tuesday. However, the officials noted that the aide did not test positive on Monday and yesterday, as well as every day last week. Furthermore, authorities also noted that the staff member who tested positive on Wednesday was fully vaccinated and boosted and did not exhibit symptoms.

Upon learning the positive test result of the staffer, White House underscored that the vice president underwent PCR testing where she tested negative. The officials then said that Harris will be tested again on Friday and Monday, in line with the CDC guidance.

The officials also revealed that Harris was regularly tested for COVID and that the PCR test she received today was part of her "regular testing."

After testing negative for the disease, Harris will reportedly continue her daily schedule. She will then depart to California later today, and remain in the state through the New year.

Pres. Joe Biden's COVID Test Result

Aside from Kamala Harris, President Joe Biden also tested negative for COVID-19 on Wednesday, after he was in close contact with a White House staffer who tested positive.

White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said on Monday that the staffer "who does not regularly have contact" with Biden tested positive three days after the aide spent about 30 minutes with the chief executive on Air Force One.

Biden and the COVID positive staffer were in close contact from Orange, South Carolina to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Harris and Biden's COVID exposure came as the omicron variant gradually becomes a major variant infecting people across the U.S., now making up 73 percent of all new COVID cases in the nation.

In Washington D.C., officials report a seven-day average of 360 new cases per 100,000 residents.

READ NEXT: Army Announces Development of COVID Vaccine That Fights Against All COVID Variants

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written By: Joshua Summers

WATCH: Biden COVID Scare - From ABC News
A federal judge in Florida has blocked Michael Flynn's request for a temporary restraining order to stop subpoenas from the House Select Committee leading the Capitol riot probe.

The judge's decision now forces Flynn to testify and produce documents required in the investigation, according to an NBC News report.

U.S. District Court Judge Mary Scriven based her decision on two reasons, including a lack of urgency.

Scriven said that the select committee has postponed Flynn's deposition to a "date to be determined." However, the select committee's subpoena noted that he should produce the documents it requested by November 23.

The judge also said that Flynn's lawyers failed to follow the right procedure for such requests as federal rules require someone seeking a temporary restraining order to notify the other party.

In the case of Flynn, it was House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and the select committee. It should also say why the notice should not be required.

The judge said that Flynn's lawyers' failure to do either was an omission significant to his motion.

READ NEXT: Michael Flynn Files Restraining Order Against House Speaker Nany Pelosi and Complaint Against House Select Committee to Block Subpoena on Capitol Riot Probe

Michael Flynn's Case Against The Select Committee

Flynn's lawsuit was one of the many trying to impede the select committee's investigation on what took place on January 6.

The former head of the Defense Intelligence Agency intended to assert his Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination, according to an Axios report.

Flynn's lawsuit noted that he has raised significant Constitutional and practical concerns that preclude his compliance with the subpoena without clarifying the scope and terms of the select committee.

Flynn also claimed that the committee does not have authority to conduct business as it is not a "duly constituted select committee."

The select committee issued a subpoena to Flynn in November, seeking testimony and documents about a "command center" at Washington's Willard Hotel.

The said command center was set up to plan efforts to deny U.S. President Joe Biden his 2020 election victory, according to The Guardian report.

Former President Donald Trump was urged by Flynn to deploy the military to overturn the results while giving speeches to plant doubts about the vote.

Flynn was also previously charged as part of former special counsel Robert Mueller's investigation into Russian influence on the 2016 presidential election won by Trump.

The retired Army general pleaded guilty to lying to the Federal Bureau of Investigation about discussions he had with Russia's ambassador in 2017.

The former president then later pardoned him.

Capitol Riot Probe

The select committee also issued subpoenas for testimony and records to two former Trump aides who met with the former president before the attack.

The aides are named Robert "Bobby" Peede Jr. and Max Miller. They reportedly met with Trump in his private dining room off the Oval Office on January 4 to talk about speakers and other aspects of a rally Trump attended, according to a CNBC report.

Trump had urged supporters to fight against the confirmation of Biden's victory, while also falsely claiming that he was the victim of widespread ballot fraud in several swing states.

READ MORE: Pres. Joe Biden Says Capitol Riot a 'Violent Attempt' by 'Extremists' and 'Terrorists' to Hold Power at All Costs

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Mary Webber

WATCH: Michael Flynn Sues Jan. 6 Committee To Avoid Complying With Subpoenas - from NBC News






As world leaders turn to address their concerns and respond with the environment, Costa Rica President Carlos Alvarado Quesada shines the most as the tropical country he leads showed off amazing credentials during the COP26 this year.

President Alvarado Quesada showed how Costa Rica pays respect to the environment, as he highlighted several achievements their country achieved, prompting several personalities such as Prince William, Prime Minister Boris Johnson, and Jeff Bezos wanting to speak with the country's president, The Guardian reported.

Costa Rican officials are routinely found in international leadership positions when it comes to environmental response from Christiana Figueres, who became the head of the UN Climate Convention and Paris Agreement in 2015; to Carlos Manuel Rodriguez who became the chief executive of the Global Environment Facility.

READ NEXT: Rio Tinto's Argentina Lithium Project Acquisition to Cost $825 Million! Purchase Comes as Battery Chemical is In-Demand

Costa Rica Environmental Triumphs

In the recent COP26, world leaders made stopping deforestation their commitment. However, Costa Rica is the only tropical country that successfully halted and reversed deforestation.

According to an organization known as Good News Network, Costa Rica utilized the program called Payment for Environmental Service (PES), a strategy that values the country's forest.

Under this program, Costa Rica's forest was treated as a utility company, wherein their government is paying for the service and processes provided by the forest.

In this method, farmers who can chop down trees to plant crops will be paid to keep the trees intact.

Every year, the Costa Rican Forest Fund collects $33 million which is used to make sure that the forests sitting on privately owned lands are taken care of. Furthermore, $500 million was also paid to landowners and farmers over the years so that 2.4 million acres of rainforests are taken care of, and incentivize seven million new trees.

PES was able to overturn the deforestation, and in 2020, 60 percent of Costa Rica is forested once again.

In October, Costa Rica was among the winners of the Earth shot prize for PES, as the policy also led to an ecotourism boom.

Despite winning against deforestation, President Alvarado Quesada does not want to end his term by only battling deforestation, contending that their country is "green - but not blue" enough. He then announced in COP26 that his country will be involved in a "vast new marine-protected" area.

Costa Rica President Warns COP26 Attendees About Making Them a 'Blue Print' in Battling Deforestation

In the recent COP26, world leaders agreed that halting deforestation will be a part of the multi-million dollar package to tackle human-caused greenhouse gas emissions.

Presidents from Brazil, China, and the U.S. pledged to commit to COP26 held in Glasgow to protect vast areas, such as forests from the eastern Siberian taiga to those located in the Congo Basin.

However, the Costa Rican president said that his country's example in battling deforestation should not be taken as a model for other countries to follow.

"The Costa Rican example ought not to be taken literally. Take whatever is good that we have, but also adapt it locally," President Carlos Alvarado Quesada said in the event.

Aside from tackling deforestation, world leaders from more than 120 countries also committed to cutting greenhouse gas emissions during the event.

READ NEXT: Guatemala President Alejandro Giammattei Rips Biden Admin After Joe Biden Did Not Invite Him to the International Democracy Summit

This article is owned By Latin Post.

Written By: Joshua Summers

WATCH: Reclaiming the Forests of Costa Rica - From Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations
President Joe Biden on Wednesday said he intended on running for reelection when ABC's John Muir asked him in an interview regarding his plans for the 2024 presidential election.

However, Biden noted that while he plans to run again, he will leave it up to "fate" and his "health, "Daily Mail reported.

"If I'm in the health I'm in now... I'm in good health. Then, in fact, I would run again," Biden said.

The 79-year-old president is the oldest person in history to be elected as U.S. president. Biden noted that he is a great "respecter of fate" and that fate has intervened in his life many times.

Biden further noted that it would "increase the prospect" of him running if former president Donald Trump would be the Republican nominee for the next presidential election.

The White House has repeatedly said Biden is eyeing reelection in 2024 that has been a point of uncertainty due to his age. He would be 81 in the next presidential election.

Trump's communication director Taylor Budowich told Daily Mail that no one has done more to make "the case for Trump 2024" than Biden.

Budowich said Biden's policies were destroying the nation, and "if he did not run, his entire party would be left holding the pieces of his abject failure."

He added that the contrast between Trump's America First and the Democrats' America Last has never been more evident.

READ NEXT: Donald Trump Claims His Camp Will "Be Very Angry" if He Does Not Run as President in 2024; Warned Can't Trust Elections Because Dems "Cheat Like Hell"

White House on Joe Biden's Plan to Run in 2024 Presidential Election

Last week, Vice President Kamala Harris told Wall Street Journal that she does not even think about Joe Biden running in 2024 or talk to him about it.

When asked about it by reporters, White House deputy press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said she could not speak about the vice president and the president's conversation.

Jean-Pierre said she could only say what White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki has said and what the president has said himself that he is planning to run for reelection, The Hill reported.

Psaki also confirmed in November that Biden intended to run for reelection in 2024.

Joe Biden vs. Donald Trump

Donald Trump has not definitively said whether he will be vying for the presidency once again in 2024. However, he implied in several interviews and rallies since leaving the White House that he would like to take a chance again.

Trump noted that he wants to wait until after the 2022 midterm elections to officially announce anything related to another White House bid.

The poll found 60 percent of Democrats want Biden to run for reelection, while 69 percent of Republicans want Trump to make another bid at the presidency, according to another The Hill report.

Biden has been receiving declining approval ratings, but he has remained the Democratic favorite in polls to run again in 2024.

However, Trump's former attorney Michael Cohen believes that Donald Trump will not be making an attempt to enter the White House office again.

Cohen said the former president's "fragile ego" cannot stand to be considered a two-time loser, The Guardian reported.

Cohen has completed his three-year prison and home confinement sentence for his role in illegal hush-money payments to women to help Trump's 2016 campaign and lie to Congress about a project in Russian.

READ MORE: Donald Trump Dismisses Claims That Former First Lady Melania Trump Refuses to Go Back to the White House if He Becomes President Again in 2024

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Mary Webber

WATCH: ABC Exclusive: Biden on Running for Reelection - From ABC News






Holidays are just around the corner, and every household is getting busy putting up decorations and preparing the traditions observed by their families.

White Elephants, drinking eggnogs, and displaying a mistletoe and Christmas tree are among the traditions observed in the U.S. Like in the U.S., holiday traditions are also observed in other parts of the globe, such as Latin America.

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Holiday Traditions in Latin America

Latin Americans are known for being festive and being all-out when it comes to celebrations. This is why countries in this region exhibit magnificent traditions which can be considered eye candy for foreigners who visit their place during the most wonderful time of the year.

As the Spanish colonized most Latin American countries in the early times, many of the holiday traditions in the region are connected to Roman Catholic beliefs.

Since pandemic restricts people from traveling to different countries, here are some of the Latin American holiday traditions celebrated by the Latinx communities.

Las Posadas

Translated "Inns" in English language, Las Posadas is one of the Holiday traditions celebrated in Mexico, Honduras, Guatemala, and parts of the southwestern U.S.

Las Posadas reenacts the journey of Mary and Joseph's pilgrimage before Jesus Christ was born in a manger. For nine nights beginning December 16, people dressed as Mary and Joseph led groups of Christians through cities and towns.

On the ninth and final night of Las Posadas, festivities and fireworks are held, and in some places, the last day would be concluded with a midnight Christmas mass.

Fireworks

Usually, fireworks are used and displayed during New Year. But in El Salvador, it's not Christmas eve without dazzling illuminations in the skies.

During Christmas eve, families in El Salvador gather to light up sparklers, fountains, and roman candles. Sleeping kids, who could be awakened from the loud noises, are not a problem during this time, as children in the country stay up late to open their Christmas presents.

Novena de Natividad

Some countries in Latin America, especially in Ecuador and Colombia, also engage in a nine-day novena before Christmas. Called Novena de Natividad, this custom singing around the Nativity scene starts on December 16. It has a specific structure of song and prayer that devoted Christians followed.

Horseradish Festival

Every December 23, people in Oaxaca, Mexico gather in the main square to celebrate Horseradish Festival. During this event, oversized radishes are carved into shapes. The radishes usually displayed nativity scenes, images of Oaxacan folklore, and even political caricature.

The celebration dates back to 1897 when then-mayor Francisco Vasconcelos took a marketing gimmick in an area known for its colorful wood carving and began a formal radish-carving competition.

Parrandas

In Puerto Rico and Cuba, parrandas is a more intense version of Las Posadas in Mexico and Guatemala.

In this holiday tradition, Puerto Ricans carry different musical instruments, play music, and sing at someone's doorstep in the evening or wee hours of the morning until the host lets them in.

In Cuba, parrandas are organized carnival-like festivals with lights, music, floats, and fireworks displays.

READ MORE: Gifts That Your Child Will Love and Learn From

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Joshua Summers

WATCH: Tour through Latin America: Christmas Edition - From Latin America Alliance
An capital investment has led a 7 million investment round in Aubren, a Portlaoise based design and manufacturing business of air solutions.

The investment by BGF (Business Growth Fund), which claims to be Irelands largest growth capital investor, will see new members appointed to the board of the Laois firm which is developing a new facility in Portlaoise.

Aubren, which employs 82 people in Portlaoise, is an engineering business that designs, makes and delivers air management products. The firm currently operates at the IDA Business Park off Portlaoise's Mountrath Road but is moving to a new 5,700 sq ft J17 National Enterprise Park, Togher just off the M7 in Portlaoise.

Aubrey Nuzum, founder and CEO of Aubren said of the multi-million deal.

The past ten years has been a very exciting time for Aubren. We have positioned the company exclusively into market sectors which are expected to experience very high growth. We have an industry envied technical and operations team, and now is the time, with the benefits of advice and experience to be shared with the company by Pat, Paul and the larger BGF organization, to move confidently forward and expand our operations in Portlaoise, he said.

End clients include companies in sectors such as: data centres, telecom infrastructure, medical facilities and pharma manufacturing facilities. A statement says Aubren works with many companies in these sectors to help reduce the energy consumed in their plants.



Aubren was founded in 2010 when current CEO Aubrey Nuzum, purchased the Irish subsidiary of German company ebm-papst one of the worlds largest producers of fan technology, and with whom Aubren still maintains a close business relationship. Mr. Nuzum will retain the majority interest in the company and continue to lead the management team.

The engineering team is led by Technical Director, Dr John Tynan, and Operations Director, Raymond OConnor.

Aubren has drawn together an experienced Board of Directors to oversee its next stage of growth. Joining Aubrey Nuzum on the Board will be Raymond OConnor (Operations Director), Mary Ahearne (Financial Controller), Joe Higgins (BGF), Pat Beirne and Paul Lynch as non-Executive Chairperson. Valerie McGrane, also of BGF Dublin, will join the Board as an observer.Joe Higgins of BGF said: Aubren is an exciting business with strong management and huge potential. We are delighted to invest alongside Pat and Paul in order to help Aubrey and his team realise their potentialPaul Lynch, incoming Chairperson said: I am delighted to join the company as Chairperson and very much look forward to working with Aubrey and his talented management team and assist them in delivering on Aubrens potential. The business is very well positioned with some exciting growth opportunities ahead.

The investment round is also supported by Pat Beirne and Mr Lynch who are both investing in their personal capacities. Pat Beirne is founder and managing director of plastics business Mergon.

A statement said Mr Lynch is an experienced senior executive and Director. Previously, as CFO, Lynch led the IPO of Applegreen PLC and he currently serves as non-executive Director of Mincon Group plc. Lynch will serve as non-executive Chairperson of the company.

The transaction is subject to regulatory approval.

BGF says only takes minority equity positions in businesses with investments typically providing finance to drive growth plans within investee companies.



BGF in Ireland is supported by the Ireland Strategic Investment Fund (ISIF) and the three main banks (AIB, Bank of Ireland and Ulster Bank).

BGF, established in 2011 as the Business Growth Fund, is an investment company that provides growth capital for small and mid-sized businesses in the UK and Ireland. From a network of 16 offices in the UK and Ireland, the company has invested about 2.5 billion in more than 300 small and mid-sized companies.



This is the firth equity investment made by the BGF in 2020 and the eleventh since it began operations in Ireland in late 2017. Other Irish companies in which BGF has invested include air quality monitoring company Ambisence, and medical products company Croom Medical.

BGF has invested approx 65 million in growing Irish businesses so far. It says it makes equity investments in selected companies (typically of between 1 million and 10 million) with further funding available in subsequent rounds. In contrast to most private equity businesses, BGF only takes minority positions in companies.

It says it aims to provide long-term support (known as patient capital) to the investee companys existing management and shareholders to help them grow their businesses.

BGF has made the following investments in Ireland to date

December 2021 - Aubren (design and manufacturer of ail solutions for mission critical applications)

November 2021 - Tigers Childcare (childcare provider)

October 2021 - Ostoform (medical devices)

August 2021 Ambisense (environmental analytics business)

January 2021 Vasorum (medical devices)

October 2020 - Croom Medical (designing and manufacturing precision components for the medical device industry)

June 2020 - Action24 (monitored alarm systems for homes and businesses)

June 2020 - Edgescan (cybersecurity specialists)

December 2019 - Team Accessories Limited (maintenance, repair and overhaul of a wide variety of aviation engines and airframes for international airlines)

March 2019 - Winterbrook (residential construction)

January 2019 - Brindley Healthcare (nursing homes)
The Irish Prison Service has announced that 70 prisoners will be granted varying periods of temporary release this Christmas under the Criminal Justice Act 1960.

The move was confirmed on December 23 in a statement in which the IPS said this figure represents less than 2% of the overall prisoner population.

The corresponding numbers released for Christmas in 2018, 2019 and 2020 were 137, 113 and 37 respectively.

"While the figure for temporary release this Christmas has increased compared to 2020, it is important to note the overall figure remains low compared to previous years. The ongoing Covid-19 restrictions have impacted on the overall number of prisoners applying for Christmas temporary release for a number of reasons," said a statement.

These include a reduced number in custody leading to a reduced pool of eligible prisoners; reduced numbers of applications as some prisoners not wishing to avail of Christmas temporary release due to the risk of contracting Covid-19 whilst in the community.

The IPS added: "Many of the prisoners being released are nearing the end of their sentences and the overriding concern when considering the applications is the safety of the public and the concerns of victims. The important issues around the sensitivities of victims has also been carefully taken into account and additional specific conditions will also apply in relation to

registered victim liaison cases.

"Furthermore, all registered victims with the Irish Prison Service Victim Liaison Service will be informed in the cases where prisoners are receiving Christmas Temporary Release. In addition to compassionate and humane considerations, other criteria taken into account include the nature and gravity of the offence, length of sentence served to date, prior record on temporary release, behaviour while in custody and previous criminal history," it said.

The IPS said the periods of release vary from a few hours up to 7 nights. The IPS said all releases are subject to stringent conditions and any offender who breaks these conditions may be arrested and returned immediately to prison by the Gardai.

The service does not give a breakdown on where the prisoners to benefit this are are in jail.
Laois Offlay Gardai have uncovered a big cannabis factory after patrolling officers stopped a van.

Garda HQ issued a statement after the illegal herb growhouse was discovered with another in the pipeline.

"Gardai from the Tullamore Drugs Unit and Tullamore Detective Unit conducted a surveillance operation on Wednesday morning, December, 22 and seized drugs worth in excess of 110,400 in the course of the operation.

"As part of Operation Tara and ongoing investigations targeting the sale and supply of drugs in Tullamore, Gardai stopped and searched a van in Clara and 33 cannabis plants with an estimated street value of 26,400 were located in the rear of the van.

"The driver and passenger of the van, both males aged in their early 30s, were arrested at the scene and were detained under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984 at Tullamore and Birr Garda Stations.

"A follow-up search was conducted at a house in Tullamore, Co Offaly and during the course of this search a growhouse was discovered under construction. A second search was conducted at an apartment in Tullamore where 105 cannabis plants were located with an estimated street value of 84,000," said the statement.

Gardai added that all drugs will now be sent for analysis while the two men have been since charged in relation to the seizure and to appear before a special sitting of Tullamore District Court on Thursday.
A verdict has been given in an appeal case taken by the HSE against fire conditions in a Laois community hospital renovation.

St Vincent's Community Nursing Unit in Mountmellick is set to undergo a multi million renovation, to make it compliant with HQUA standards.

Laois County Council had approved the planning application for a Fire Safety Certificate, but had imposed conditions such as water sprinkler systems, extra lifts and room capacity limits that the Health Service Executive did not consider necessary.

FCC Fire Cert Ltd took an appeal case to An Bord Pleanala on behalf of the HSE, and this December 2021 the state planning authority gave its verdict.

An Bord Pleanala has overturned two of the conditions related to sprinklers and lifts.

The council had stipulated that sprinklers should be installed throughout the works, but the HSE contended that they are not needed in the entrance area and on bedroom corridors because the fire risk is very low because of other measures taken such as fire doors and non combustible materials.

Laois County Council had also requested the installation of at least two evacuation/escape lifts for patients on their hospital beds, on the upper floor, sufficiently remote from each other to ensure there was always a fire escape route.

However FCC said that the floors are served by staircases that are wide enough for mattresses, and that the rooms have access to alternative routes of escape to alternative adjacent fire compartments, until patients could be carried downstairs by fire crews.

The Bord Pleanala upheld the appeal on both measures.

However they refused to lift the condition that signs are needed on the wall of rooms that can fit 20 people, limiting the number of people to 20 people. The FCC had said this sign would take away from the "homeliness" of room used for gatherings on occasions like Christmas.

St Vincent's CNU in Mountmellick is the HSE's largest such unit in Laois with some 80 beds. It is to be expanded in a 23 million investment by 130 beds, in three phases.
The Laois Integration Network today has launched of a campaign about diversity in Ireland, known as the Anti-Rumours project.

This Anti-Rumours Project, which was first designed by Barcelona in 2010, is now an EU wide project.

The Laois Network says the project aims to dispel the widespread myths and misconceptions around the topic of immigration and migrant integration by providing evidence-based answers and utilising social networks to spread the message of the campaign.

The campaign was first rolled out in Limerick in 2014 by migrant support organisation Doras and now Laois Integration Network Laois has designed a survey which focuses specifically on Laois.

Karen McHugh is the Chairperson of Laois Integration Network. She encouraged all the people of Laois to complete the survey.

"We want the people of Laois to tell us their views about immigration and migration integration. We passionately believe in Laois Integration Network that it is only through active listening, effective two-way communications and integration that it will be possible for people throughout Laois to feel part of the Laois community.

"This survey will help us ascertain the current views of people living in Laois about immigration and migrant integration and dispel any myths with evidence based answers," said Ms McHugh.

The survey can be accessed on all social media Laois Integration Network pages, including Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

People can also complete the survey by accessing this LINK.
Communities and individuals who depend on community employment schemes are facing new changes in the coming year which a Laois Minister says will be of benefit.

Sean Fleming TD, Minister of State at the Department of Finance said he was pleased with the major reforms of Community Employment (CE) and Rural Social Scheme (RSS) from which he claimed Laois would "benefit substantially".

He outlined the key changes approved by the Government in relation to these schemes are as follows:

Participants over 60 can now remain on CE and RSS until retirement.

The number of people being referred from the Department of Social Protection to Community Employment and Rural Social Schemes will be dramatically increased in 2022.

There is new flexibility to allow Community Employment Schemes retain their current participant until replacements are found.

"These changes will reduce vacancies and protect vital services in the community," said Minister Fleming.

He continued: "Everybody knows the great work carried out by the participants on these schemes overseen by their supervisors and the local committees. These schemes are involved extensively in looking after local amenities management, environmental projects, arts and culture, sports, childcare, tidy towns, health related services, meals on wheels, drug rehabilitation schemes and a variety of other local valuable projects.

"I am pleased that these reforms have been approved and will come into operation immediately. Not only will this be of benefit for people on these schemes but it will also be of major assistance to local communities who rely on these schemes.

"This is a good move for participants and from a social and community point of view and everybody is a winner with these new reforms," said the Laois Offaly Fianna Fail TD.

The Department says the purpose of CE is two-fold; to support long-term unemployed people to gain work experience and train to assist them in finding employment opportunities in the open labour market whilst also providing vital services in local communities.

Some 850 CE schemes deliver a wide range of key community services, particularly in disadvantaged and rural areas. There are over 19,000 people availing of CE, with a budget of 340 million this year.

The RSS is an income support scheme that provides part-time employment opportunities for underemployed farmers who receive specific social welfare payments. There are almost 3,000 people availing of RSS at present, with a budget of 52 million for 2021.

The changes were announced on December 21 by the Minister for Social Protection, Heather Humphreys TD, and Minister of State, Joe OBrien TD.

The changes which were approved by Government include:

Age rules: The age from which participants can remain on CE until reaching pension age is now lowered to 60 years, (down from 62 years). This rule will also now apply in respect of people aged 60 and over on the Rural Social Scheme.

Vacancies: A CE participant whose term has expired will be allowed remain on their scheme until a replacement participant is found. This will reduce the impact of vacancies on the scheme and ensure vital community services are maintained.

Referrals: Improvements are also being introduced to increase and strengthen the process of referring unemployed candidates to CE schemes. In future, a minimum of 40% of unemployed people referred to schemes by the departments Intreo offices will be offered an opportunity to take up places on schemes. Local Intreo offices will work closely with local schemes in implementing this new rule to ensure people are referred to placements which are suitable to their skill-set.

Baseline Year: The so-called baseline year will be updated from 2007 to 2014 and will continue to be updated on a yearly basis to remain at 7 years behind the current calendar year. This means that time spent on CE before the baseline year will not count towards the maximum time a participant can spend on CE. This will give CE participants who remain unemployed further opportunities to participate on CE and enable them to continue to contribute to providing essential local services in their community.
The following deaths have occurred in the wider Leitrim area:

Patsy Byrne, Formerly Teeboy, Corlough, Cavan



Naylor Court, Rossmore Road West, Ellesmere Port, Cheshire. Patsy passed away peacefully in the loving care of her daughters Tracey and Sarah. Predeceased by her parents Patrick and Sarah Byrne and her sister Sarah Patricia. She will be sadly missed and fondly remembered with love and affection by her daughters Tracey, Bradford and Sarah, Ellesmere Port, Cheshire, her brother Aidan (and his wife Patricia), Bray, her sisters Ann Marie, Castlenock, Dublin & Angela (and her husband Peter) Ballinaglera, Co. Leitrim and by her loving grandchildren Mia, Reece, Ella and Emily and her many relatives and friends. Funeral arrangements later.

Brendan Kelly, Keadue, Roscommon



Brendan Kelly, Keadue, Boyle, Co. Roscommon, December 22nd 2021, passed away suddenly following a short illness, borne with dignity, in the care of the staff at Sligo University Hospital. Pre-deceased by his parents Timothy and Margaret, brothers Padraig and Francis (Frank), sisters Sheila and Rita, Brendan will be sadly missed by his loving wife Mary and his five children Declan, Deirdre, Lorraine, Orlagh and Ciaran, sons-in-law Guan, Joe and Nathan, Ciarans partner Sinead, his cherished grandchildren Eve, Joshua, Ethan and Lillian, sister Nuala, sister-in-law Ann, brother-in-law Thomas, nephews, nieces, extended family, former teaching colleagues, past pupils, his many friends and neighbours. Reposing at Shivnans Funeral Home, Ballyfarnon today Thursday from 6 pm, concluding with prayers at 8pm. (walk through only please). Removal to the Church of The Nativity of the B.V. M. Keadue, on Friday morning, arriving for Mass of Christian Burial at 12 noon. Interment afterwards in Kilronan Cemetery. Funeral Mass will be available to view on Kilronan Parish Facebook page. In compliance with current guidelines, you are requested to please follow rules regarding church number (Church is restricted to 50% capacity) wearing of face masks, sanitising hands is essential, refrain from handshaking, also adhere strictly to Social Distancing on all occasions, in Funeral Home and outside, on route to Church and cemetery, vicinity of Church and cemetery. Please keep everyone safe.

May they all Rest in Peace
One lucky Lotto punter is almost 800,000 richer, having matched 5 plus the bonus number in the National Lottery draw just days before Christmas.

The record-breaking 19,060,800 Lotto jackpot remains up for grabs again after Wednesday nights jackpot draw continued to roll without a winner.

According to the National Lottery, over 159,000 players across Ireland won prizes in Wednesday nights Lotto and Lotto Plus games including a Dublin player who became the biggest winner of the night after winning a 799,664 prize.



As no additional funds were added to the jackpot as it remains capped, the funds that would usually go to the jackpot were instead distributed to the next prize tier at which there was a winner and in last nights draw, this was the Match 5+Bonus category.

The National Lottery are encouraging players in the North County Dublin village of Garristown to check their tickets carefully after a player matched five numbers and the bonus to win 799,664.



The lucky winner purchased their winning Quick Pick ticket on the day of the draw at Goughs family run store in the centre of Garristown village in North County Dublin.



Trisha Gough, owner of Goughs store, was overjoyed to hear that one of her customers won the life-altering prize in Wednesday nights Lotto draw,

"We have a long running joke in the store and in the village that we were due a big Lotto win after our neighbours in the Naul won the 175 million EuroMillions jackpot a few years back!

"Its not the 19 million jackpot but its still a life changing sum for somebody in the village and honestly we are so happy for one of our lucky customers. It will be a day of celebration and excitement in the entire village today," she said.



The winning numbers in last nights (Wednesday 22nd December) draw were: 02, 05, 13, 22, 36, 43 and the bonus was 03.



The Dublin winner who enjoyed a boosted prize fund due to the capped Lotto jackpot on Wednesday night is yet to make contact with the National Lottery.

The Lotto Match 5 + Bonus winner, who now has a ticket worth 799,664 is advised to sign the back of their ticket and keep it safe.

They should make contact with the prize claims team on 1800 666 222 or email claims@lottery.ie and arrangements will be made for them to claim their prize.



Meanwhile, another Kerry player won big in Wednesday nights Lotto draw after they won the top prize of 250,000 in the Lotto Plus 2 draw.

The National Lottery has confirmed that a notification to the users online account and a separate email has now been sent to the lucky Kerry ticket holder.

The online winner should also make contact with the prize claims team/



The winning numbers in the Lotto Plus 2 draw for Wednesday 22nd December were: 09, 11, 14, 15, 25, 36 and the bonus was 34.


The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have sent their best wishes to supporters in a message featuring the first publicly-released photograph of their baby daughter Lilibet.

The card shows Harry and Meghan smiling at Lilibet as the duchess holds her aloft, while their son Archie sits on his fathers knee.

The couple wishes supporters happy holidays in the card, which was sent through the Archewell charity they co-founded in 2020.

A message alongside the photo reads: This year, 2021, we welcomed our daughter, Lilibet, to the world.

Archie made us a Mama and a Papa, and Lili made us a family.

Harry and Meghan said they had made donations on your behalf to several organisations that honour and protect families  from those being relocated from Afghanistan, to American families in need of paid parental leave.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex recently visited Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst in New Jersey (Lee Morgan/Archewell/PA)

The organisations include Team Rubicon, Welcome.US, Human First Coalition, Humanity Crew, Paid Leave For All, PL+US and Marshall Plan for Moms.

The couple wish supporters a happy holiday season and a prosperous new year, from our family to yours, though they do not reference Christmas in the card.

Harry and Meghan met with Team Rubicon, a disaster relief charity staffed by veteran volunteers, earlier in the year during a visit to Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst.

They visited Task Force Liberty, home to 10,000 Afghan refugees being housed at the US military base.

As part of their visit, the couple led a class of children learning English in singing Head, Shoulders, Knees And Toes, which they described as a favourite of two-year-old Archie.

A spokesperson for Archewell said the couples donation will support resettlement sites like Task Force Liberty across the country.

Welcome.US chief executive Nazanin Ash said: Welcome.US is mobilising an all-country response to support our new Afghan neighbours, and we are honoured to receive support from Archewell Foundation and Prince Harry and Meghan, The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, in this effort.

With this generous gift, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex will not only help thousands of Afghan families as they rebuild their lives, but will also create opportunities for all of us to unite through compassionate service and common purpose.
FINE Gael has said comments made by local councillor Olivia OSullivan on social media are unacceptable.

But the party has declined to add if any further action will be taken against her.

Two historic Tweets, which came to light over the weekend, saw the Caherdavin councillor use language which are considered slurs against an ethnic minority group.

After these posts  from almost a decade ago  came to light, Cllr OSullivan confirmed she had removed the two Tweets, describing them as wrong and disrespectful.

I apologise for this and regret any hurt or offence caused, she added.

The controversy arose after the Tweets were highlighted and re-shared by one individual, and subsequently were also published by others, generating heated reaction on social media.

Sinn Fein TD Maurice Quinlivan said he is appalled at the comments, and has called on Cllr O'Sullivan to resign from the board of management at Thomond Community College.

Both Mr Quinlivan and Cllr O'Sullivan attended its forerunner school, St Nessan's.

She has no place on its board of management and should resign that position immediately pending whatever action, if any, Fine Gael will take, added the Limerick City TD.

Mr Quinlivan stopped short of expanding on the issue on Monday, saying its a matter for the Fine Gael party.

A number of people on social media had tagged the Fine Gael leader and Tanaiste Leo Varadkar, as well as the party's official account and have called on her to resign from the party.

When contacted for comment by the Limerick Leader, a party spokesperson said: As per our social media house rules, Fine Gael expects our public representatives to be respectful at all times. Such posts, prior to Cllr OSullivan entering public life was and is unacceptable.
RYANAIR has temporarily cut its flights out of Shannon Airport amid a decline in bookings it has blamed on fresh Covid-19 restrictions.

From the week commencing January 9 until the end of the month, the budget carrier has reduced the frequency of several services to Britain.

It comes as it announces it is doubling its yearly loss estimate to between 250m and 450m with the downturn causing the airline to cut its schedule in the opening month of 2022 by 33%.

This has impacted Shannon, with the airline suspending its newly re-established route to Londons Luton airport, which up to now had operated Wednesday, Fridays, Sundays and Mondays.

Elsewhere, the airlines twice-weekly services to Birmingham and Edinburgh from Shannon have also been put on ice. Two other services between Shannon and London are also being cut back as a result of Ryanairs move to reduce its schedule.

Shannon to London Gatwick will not operate on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, while the service to Londons Stansted airport will not fly Tuesdays and Wednesdays, according to the companys web site.

It means that on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, only Aer Lingus will provide a link between Shannon and the British capital through its Heathrow service.

All Ryanairs flights are advertised to return to a normal schedule in February, but the carrier has declined to rule out further cuts.

These schedules will be revisited in January as more scientific information becomes available on the Omicron variant, its impact on hospitalisations, European population and/or travel restrictions in February or March, the firm said.

It added the new Omicron Covid-19 variant and government travel restrictions across Europe have notably weakened close-in Christmas and New Year bookings.
REGENERON have donated 25,000 to five Limerick charities to help make Christmas a little brighter for those in need.

Overt the last week, the company have donated more than 7,000 items of food and household goods to the charities for distribution to seniors, single adults, families and children.

Regeneron worked with Focus Ireland, the Mid-West Simon Community, Novas Ireland, the Peter McVerry Trust and the Redemptorists to develop a shopping list and then purchased essential items including food and paper goods.

The Peter McVerry Trust will distribute supplies to more than 200 people and Novas Ireland will use the donations to provide meals for over 100 residents.

Focus Ireland will distribute the donated goods to the people they serve across the Mid-West and the Mid-West Simon Community distributed the donated goods at their Christmas Food Bank attended by more than 700 of their community clients.

The Redemptorists will include the donated goods in some of the 6,000 hampers they provide to those in need each year as part of their Christmas Hamper Appeal programme.

Niall OLeary, Senior Vice President and Site Head, Regeneron Ireland Industrial Operations and Product Supply said: Focus Ireland, Novas, the Peter McVerry Trust, Mid-West Simon Community Center and the Redemptorists do so much good for so many in our community.

"It is our privilege to support these organisations and we hope Regenerons donations will help them reach more people who need assistance this Christmas.

Sinead Flynn, The Peter McVerry Trust thanked the Regeneron team for their kind donation.

She said: "Each person that we work with receives their own support plan to put food on the table and have household supplies while they move onto the next chapter in their lives.

"These necessities are provided by Peter McVerry Trust through generous and kind donations from individuals and organisations like Regeneron.

"We are incredibly grateful to the Regeneron team for your consistent support to help people leave homelessness behind them for good.

Eileen Hoffler from the Redemptorists said: Our focus is on food however we have been keenly aware of the need for such household and personal items.

"Our budget does not allow us to supply them on any great scale therefore the Regeneron donation has been really helpful and very much appreciated.
A LIMERICK woman has praised the work of the Irish Community Air Ambulance after they came to her rescue when she was attacked and seriously injured by a cow.

Noelle OBrien was walking in a field between her own home and her in-laws house when the incident happened in 2019.

The Galbally woman was walking with her friend along with their young children when the cow knocked Noelle to the ground.

She received serious injuries but her four-month-old son Paudie, who was harnessed to her chest at the time, miraculously escaped injury.

Noelle said they had walked in the field many times before but on that day the group were unknowingly walking towards the newborn calf of the cow.

She said: I saw the cow coming towards us and I tried to shove her off, she backed off but then she went for me. She hit me on the side with her head so I shouted at the kids to get in under the electric fence. Then the cow hit me again and I ended up on the ground.

She backed off and I managed to get up, then she hit from behind but I just managed to get in behind the wire and I hit her with the wire so she went away then.

The mother-of-three managed to get her son Ollie and daughter Andie to safety along with little Paudie, however, she suffered serious injuries.

She explained: My mother-in-law brought the kids in and the ambulance was called, the air ambulance was there within 15 or 20 minutes. They brought me to Limerick (UHL) and we were there in less than 10 minutes. I got immediate care and scans there.

The charity-funded Irish Community Air Ambulance, which launched in 2019, has attended a number of incidents in Galbally since the service was first launched.

https://www.limerickleader.ie/news/local-news/663680/limerick-community-helps-save-lives-by-raising-28k-for-emergency-air-ambulance-service.html

I was there (in hospital) for a week and after I came home I had more pain so I went back in and another scan showed I had damaged two vessels in my liver.

Noelle then travelled to Cork University Hospital where she underwent surgery to stop the bleeding. It took her a year to recover and the incident left her with several broken ribs and severe internal bleeding.

She said the crew of the air ambulance, which is based at Rathcoole in North Cork, saved her life and earlier this month she was reunited with Advanced Paramedic James Ward who treated her on the day.

It was emotional to see him. You never want to think what would have happened if they weren't there. Their service is invaluable. They were so calm and they are so good at what they do.

Noelle met the crew from the day of her accident at their base with the reunion filmed for Ear to The Ground.

Ahead of the broadcast, Micheal Sheridan, CEO of Irish Community Air Ambulance, said: Were delighted to feature on Ear to the Ground this Christmas. It was wonderful to welcome Noelle to the base and to see her doing so well. We work closely with the National Ambulance Service and our crews respond to serious incidents and medical emergencies every day of the year, including Christmas Day, often in rural and isolated areas."

Mr Sheridan added that serious traumas on farms account for a significant amount of our taskings every year. "Weve responded to almost 80 farming and equestrian incidents so far in 2021 which is an increase on 2020. Each mission costs an average of 3,500 all of which has to be raised or donated. I hope the Ear to the Ground episode will give viewers an insight into what we do every day, how we bring hope to people when they need it most and encourage the general public to support us this Christmas and during 2022.

The episode will be broadcast this Thursday on RTE One television at 7pm.
A group of Irish medics have been prescribing themselves poetry, amid the stresses and strains of working at the front line of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Dr Stephen Hatton first thought about starting a poetry society in the depths of winter 2020, as cases began to soar.

It was a dark and wet winter, Dr Hatton, who works at St Jamess Hospital in Dublin, said.

Going to work every day was pretty grey, there was a lot of sickness. This was before the vaccine and it was quite a sad time for the country and the world, but personally for me as well.

I found great respite and relief in literature and poetry. I found the stuff that I was reading motivated me every day to keep going and keep trying.

I thought, maybe that would be of benefit to other people I worked with. And I put the idea together and maybe for about three months there were regular weekly meetings and just myself in attendance, Dr Hatton joked.

Eventually, people came out of the woodwork and started joining the society and it became what it is today.

The group is called the St Jamess Hospital Poets and Players Society, the first and only poetry society in any Irish hospital.

As regularly as they can, amid the ever-changing Covid-19 situation, the group of healthcare workers gather together to discuss, read and perform some of their own poetry.

Get-togethers have included visits to the Museum of Literature Ireland and the Irish Museum of Modern Art (IMMA), as well as what Dr Hatton called a Poets and Players Society Post-It, Poetry and Pizza Party.

We wrote poems on post-its and stuck them around the staff rest area, he said.

The young doctor, who counts Robert Frost as his favourite poet, said it was only recently that he realised the extent of his passion for rhyme and metre.

I actually had If by Rudyard Kipling scribbled in the back of my school journal and would read it most days really, he said.

But I never recognised that that was an interest in literature or poetry. Funnily enough, even through college, I never really recognised that I would always, always find a new poem every couple of weeks that would mean something to me.

Only really now since Covid-19 have I realised how much it means to me to feel something that someone else has thought about or written down.

The group had planned an event showcasing their own work at IMMA, but rising Covid-19 cases and the advent of new restrictions has put paid to the idea for now.

Instead, the focus has turned to putting together a poetry pamphlet to give to patients.

The themes hopefully being reassurance, calmness, hopefulness  those sorts of like pleasant themes that might bring solace to people who are sick in hospital, particularly around winter, Dr Hatton added.

Hospitals are very difficult places to be in at the best of times, but they can be particularly chaotic in winter.

Recent months have already proved difficult for patients and medics alike at St Jamess Hospital, amid intense pressure on the Irish health system.

Myself and my close colleagues are exhausted, Dr Hatton said.

And there wasnt anything left in the tank this time last Christmas. And then we endured a terrible lockdown and increasing burden on healthcare through last winter. And now to be returned to those days, its kind of like Groundhog Day.

Theres lots of uncertainty and its hard to feel positive when youre facing such uncertainty.
LONDON : A major bet on India as a growth market for low-carbon projects just propelled a UK fund to the top of this years ESG rankings.

The Stewart Investors India Subcontinent Sustainability fund, which is domiciled in Britain but manages its 442 million pounds ($592 million) of client money from Singapore, returned 31.2% in the year through November according to Morningstar Inc. data. Thats better than any other UK fund using environmental, social and governance investing strategies over the same period, according to Morningstar classifications.

India has a smaller carbon footprint than Europe and the U.S. and is on track to increase investments in infrastructure and manufacturing, according to an analysis provided by Stewart Investors, which oversees a total of $25 billion. That outlook includes significant spending on renewable energy and low-carbon technologies, it said.

According to Sashi Reddy, one of the co-managers of the fund, the economic climate in India means that well positioned companies stand to benefit disproportionately," as the country invests in a future that will rely more on renewable energy and less on coal and other fossil fuels.

The biggest holding in the Stewart Investors fund is Tube Investments. The metals company, which makes bikes and is now exploring the market for electric scooters, is owned by Murugappa Group. The fund, which doubled in size during the past year, also has stakes in Aavas Financiers Ltd., a lender to small businesses and consumers, as well as CG Power and Industrial Solutions Ltd., a power-generation designer that was bought last year by Tube Investments.

Indias finance industry has started channeling more funds to clean-energy projects than to coal-based ones. But an ESG bet on India still brings with it a lot of unknowns. The country remains the worlds second-biggest producer of coal, and its government has yet to figure out how to finance the transition to climate neutrality.

Indias efforts to move toward a greener future made headlines this year. The country used the COP26 climate summit in Scotland to unveil plans to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2070. Though later than the 2050 deadline the United Nations has touted as crucial, the goal is still compatible with what scientists say is needed to avoid catastrophic global warming.

The Stewart Investors fund is among the few top-performing ESG vehicles to post robust results without relying on tech stocks. At least half the U.Ks 20 top-returning sustainable funds managing more than 200 million pounds in 2021 had large positions in one or more of the technology behemoths -- Microsoft Corp., Amazon.com Inc, Apple Inc. or Google parent Alphabet Inc., according to Morningstar and corporate fact sheets. In the U.S., ESG funds relied heavily on Tesla Inc., Alphabet, Apple, Amazon and Nvidia Corp.

The dominance of big tech in funds claiming to pursue ESG strategies has attracted considerable debate. Companies such as Alphabet and Microsoft have been vocal about their low carbon footprint, but other issues including governance, labor conditions and data privacy have made headlines that have prompted some, including Stewart Investors, to question their ESG credentials.

Fund managers that include tech stocks in their ESG strategies say theyre guided by the industrys seemingly low carbon footprint. The 1.6 billion-pound Schroders Sustainable Multi Factor Equity fund, delivered a 21.5% return in the 12 months through November, powered by Apple, Alphabet, Amazon, Microsoft and Facebook Inc.

Ashley Lester, head of systematic investments at Schroders, says that a clear quantitative demonstration of the funds sustainability is that its carbon footprint has been less than half of its benchmark since inception."

Another U.K. asset manager thats performed well by relying on tech stocks for its ESG strategy is M&G Plc, whose Global Sustain Paris Aligned fund has about 14% of its assets devoted to Apple and Alphabet. It returned 20.3% through November.

Our holdings in these companies are subject to ESG analysis and engagement on issues such as corporate governance, water management and greenhouse-gas emissions reduction," said Ben Constable-Maxwell, head of impact and sustainable investing at M&G. Each investment undergoes further deep-dive ESG analysis and an assessment of alignment with the Paris climate goals in addition to a dedicated climate engagement program," he said.

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India voted in favour of UNSC resolution to grant exemptions from sanctions on humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan.

"India voted in favour of #UNSC resolution to grant exemption from sanctions for humanitarian assistance to #Afghanistan," tweeted India's Permanent Mission to the United Nations.

Further, India's Permanent Representative to United Nations Ambassador T.S. Tirumurti mentioned in his speech that aid and assistance should be provided to the most vulnerable section of the Afghanistan society focussing on women and children.

"Aid should be allowed irrespective of the ethnicity and religion," he said.

"India has been providing humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan for the last two decades," he added.

Further, Ambassador T.S. Tirumurti also welcomed UNSC resolution to review the assistance program after one year.

India is also ready to work with other nations in the region in providing assistance to Afghanistan.

Ambassador also highlighted that the resolution has noted the Taliban's commitment that it will not allow its soil to be used for terrorism designated under UNSC resolution 2593.

This story has been published from a wire agency feed without modifications to the text. Only the headline has been changed.

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Omicron cases in Tamil Nadu jumped to 34 on Thursday but all of them, except the first case, are "asymptomatic" and have responded well to the treatment.

State health minister Ma Subramanian said among those infected with a new variant of Covid-19 is the state's first case, who travelled from Nigeria via Doha. All the samples of Omicron patients have been sent to the Centre.

"All 34 (including the first case) are asymptomatic and have giddiness and sore throat and are doing well," he said, reported PTI. He said they are under observation and could turn negative in the days to come.

India has recorded 236 cases of the Omicron variant of coronavirus across 16 states and UTs so far out of which 104 people have recovered or migrated, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Thursday.

Maharashtra has recorded the maximum of 65 cases of the Omicron variant followed by Delhi at 64, Telangana 24, Karnataka 19, Rajasthan 21 and Kerala 15.

The ministry data updated at 8 am also showed that India recorded 7,495 new coronavirus infections taking the total tally of cases to 3,47,65,976, while the active cases increased to 78,291.

The death toll has climbed to 4,78,759 with 434 fresh fatalities, the data stated.

Amid the spread of the Omicron Covid variant, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will hold a meeting to review the pandemic situation in the country today.

Also read: Amid Omicron spread, PM Modi to hold Covid-19 review meeting today

With agency inputs

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Tony Leung Chiu-wai will follow up his turn as the controversial patriarch Wenwu in Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings with a lead role in Bona Film Groups next patriotic juggernaut: the World War II-era spy thriller Anonymous, which just wrapped shooting this week.

The movie is the third installment of Bonas China Victory Trilogy, a series intended as a gift to the Communist Party for its centenary, given that this year marks its 100th anniversary. Post-production is currently underway and an August 2022 release date is expected. It was first announced in June at the Shanghai International Film Festival.

The first pic in the trilogy is Chinese Doctors, which celebrates China overcoming COVID-19 in the early days of the pandemic. It grossed $197 million starting in July. The second film, Korean war saga The Battle at Lake Changjin, is the highest-grossing movie in the world this year and Chinas top performing title of all time. It debuted on Sept. 30 and is still in local theaters, where it has grossed $904 million (RMB576 billion) so far.

Confusingly, Lake Changjin itself has a sequel called Water Gate Bridge that is not itself part of the Victory trilogy. It is also expected next year.

Anonymous will star Leung alongside Wang Yibo, Zhou Xun, and Wang Chuanjun. It is written and directed by Cheng Er, best known as the helmer of the thrillers Lethal Hostage (2012) and The Wasted Times (2016).

More than 90% of people who have indicated they want to watch the film on the platform Maoyan so far are women.

The production released stylized black-and-white photos of Leung skulking through set in a dapper suit reminiscent of his iconic appearance in Wong Kar-wais In the Mood for Love.

This time, however, hell be in the mood for patriotism, as the film series is intended as an ode to the progress China has made under the Communist Partys leadership.

The story is set between November 1937 and August 1945, beginning the day after Japans attack on Pearl Harbor, when the Wang Jingwei regime  the government of Japans puppet state in eastern China  also declared war on Britain and the U.S., and symbolically occupied Shanghai.

With the full-scale outbreak of the Pacific War, the situation for Chinas war of resistance was therefore completely changed, the production says, stating the film tells the story of underground workers who risked their lives and hot blood to send intelligence and defend the motherland.

Shang-Chi was never released in China, in large part due to the racist history behind Tony Leungs character Wenwu in the original comics, which was not repeated in the film. It grossed $432 million worldwide from other territories.

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SANG-E-ATASH, Afghanistan (AP)  Fed by rain and snowmelt from mountains, this valley nestled among northwestern Afghanistans jagged peaks was once fertile. But the climate has changed in the last few decades, locals say, leaving the earth barren and its people struggling to survive.

Many have fled, heading to neighboring Iran or living in abject poverty in camps for the displaced within Afghanistan as repeated droughts parch the land and shrivel pastures.

I remember from my childhood ... there was a lot of snow in the winters, in spring we had a lot of rain," said 53-year-old Abdul Ghani, a local community leader in the village of Sang-e-Atash, in the hard-struck province of Badghis.

"But since a few years ago there has been drought, there is no snow, there is much less rain. It is not even possible to get one bowl of water from drainpipes to use, he said, as he observed the Red Crescent Society handing out emergency winter food supplies to farmers whose crops have completely failed.

The severe drought, now in its second year, has dramatically worsened the already desperate situation in the country. Battered by four decades of war, Afghans have also had to contend with the coronavirus pandemic and an economy in freefall following the freezing of international funding after the Taliban seized power in mid-August amid a chaotic withdrawal of U.S. and NATO troops. Millions cant feed themselves, and aid groups warn of rising malnutrition and a humanitarian catastrophe.

For many families in the Sang-e-Atash area, the Red Crescent aid is their only lifeline for the harsh winter. The organizations regional head for western Afghanistan, Mustafa Nabikhil, said 558 families had received the food over three days: flour, rice, beans, cooking oil, sugar, salt, tea and high-calorie, vitamin-fortified biscuits.

Badghiss farmers are particularly vulnerable as the region lacks an irrigation system, leaving them dependent on the weather, Nabikhil said.

If it rains, they will eat. If it doesnt, they wont. Their desperation is palpable.

There is no solution, we are just destroyed, said Ghani. We cant go anywhere, to a foreign country, we have no money, we have nothing. In the end we must dig our graves and die.

Necephor Mghendi, head of Afghanistan Delegation of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, said drought is leading to worrying food shortages, with around 22.8 million people  more than 55% of Afghanistans population  experiencing high levels of acute food shortages.

Severe drought has affected more than 60% of the countrys provinces, he said, but there is no single province not affected since some are facing serious or moderate drought.

If urgent measures are not taken, there will be a catastrophic humanitarian situation, he said. "It is arguably the worst humanitarian crisis in the world at the moment, and the saddest part is that early action and prompt action could have prevented it from escalating.

For many, conditions are already catastrophic.

We have nothing, said 45-year-old Juma Gul, one of the many people displaced by drought sitting in a Red Crescent mobile health clinic just outside the Badghis provincial capital of Qala-e-Now. With nine children and a husband unable to find work, her family was surviving on loans from shopkeepers. But even those have dried up, she said.

Sometimes we find food and sometimes not. We eat only dry bread and green tea. We cant buy flour or rice, its too expensive.

In the village of Hachka outside Qala-e-Now, farmer Abdul Haqim surveyed his barren field, the icy wind sweeping across the fissures of cracked earth. It used to grow wheat and sustain his family of 18. Now, there is nothing.

There is no rain, there is drought, he said. Many people in his village, including three of his adult sons, have left for Iran and hes considering sending a fourth, although the boy is only 12. Its the only way his family can survive.

My friend, people are leaving this region. Some people even leave their children (behind) and go, he said.

Experts predict climate change will make droughts even more frequent and severe. They have been ringing the alarm bell over Afghanistan for years.

Climate change in Afghanistan is not an uncertain, potential future risk but a very real, present threat - whose impacts have already been felt by millions of farmers and pastoralists across the country, said a 2016 report by the World Food Program, United Nations Environment Program and Afghanistans National Environmental Protection Agency. The current drought is the worst in decades.

The effect of climate change and global warming in Afghanistan is very clear in multiple ways, said Assem Mayar, a water resource management expert and PhD candidate at the University of Stuttgart. Over the last two decades, 14% of the countrys glaciers have melted, he said, while the frequency of drought has doubled compared to the last decades of the 20th century.

Flood frequency and severity has also increased, while there has been a shift from snow in the early winter to rain in the spring. This disrupts the water balance in the country as snow, by its very nature, remains for longer than rainwater, which runs out of the country in 2-14 days, Mayar explained. Afghanistan also lacks water reservoirs, which are 10 times smaller than those of neighboring countries.

The previous government drew up a drought risk management strategy, Mayar said, but with the change of government in August, everything has stopped.

Deputy Minister for Water Mujib ur Rahman Omar said at a news conference Wednesday that the government had a policy for managing the drought, including projects to build irrigation canals, dams and check dams  small, sometimes temporary dams in waterways  in Badghis province.

Our technical and experienced colleagues are busy in this, he said, adding that all projects depended on the availability of budgets.

The new deputy governor of Badghis, Taliban special forces fighter Mohibullah Asad, is well aware of the severity of the problem.

The drought is obvious all over Afghanistan, and it has a greater negative impact on Badghis province, he recently told the AP in the regional governors building in Qala-e-Now, flanked by an entourage of Taliban fighters.

Although drought has been a problem for years, he said, this year it was particularly severe, affecting about 80-85% of the local population.

His administration was meeting frequently with aid organizations, Asad said, adding that the government itself had no funds to deal with the situation as the previous government had left nothing.

Mayar, the water management expert, said humanitarian investment should focus on small- and medium-scale water projects to reduce the effects of drought.

The international community should not restrict climate and natural disaster-related funds due to sanctions, he said. Because climate change continues its effects on Afghanistan.

___

Abdul Qahar Afghan in Sang-e-Atash, Afghanistan and Rahim Faiez in Islamabad, Pakistan contributed.

___

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BRUSSELS (AP)  The European Union on Wednesday launched legal action against Poland over recent decisions by one of the countrys top courts which have raised troubling questions about the 27-nation blocs legal order.

In October, Polands constitutional court ruled that Polish laws have supremacy over those of the EU in areas where they conflict. When countries join the EU, as Poland did in 2004, they must bring their laws into line with the blocs regulations. The European Court of Justice is the supreme arbiter of those rules.

In launching its legal action, the EUs executive branch, the European Commission, said that it sees two constitutional tribunal decisions this year as expressly challenging the primacy of EU law. The commission also raised doubts about the courts legitimacy.

Announcing the move, Economy Commissioner Paolo Gentiloni said the rulings are in breach of the general principles of autonomy, primacy, effectiveness and uniform application of Union law and the binding effect of rulings of the Court of Justice of the European Union.

Gentiloni said the commission, which proposes EU laws and supervises the way they are applied, considers that the Polish court no longer meets the requirements of an independent and impartial tribunal established by law as required by the (EU) treaty.

The European Union is a community of values and of law and the rights of Europeans under the treaties must be protected, no matter where they live in the union, he told reporters.

The legal action is just the latest in a series of confrontations between Brussels and the right-wing government in Warsaw over the state of the countrys justice system, rule of law standards and media freedoms.

Earlier this year, the commission sought fines to force Warsaw to improve the way the Supreme Court works and suspend new laws said to endanger judicial independence. The ECJ ordered Poland to pay $1.2 million a day to prevent serious and irreparable harm to EU legal order and values.

Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki rejected the commission's objections, and notably that Brussels would question the constitutional courts independence.

Morawiecki said the court "not only fulfils all independence criteria, but it is a Constitutional Tribunal that stands guard of the constitution and ensures that it remains the highest law of the Republic of Poland, according to Polish news agency PAP.

Polish Justice Minister Zbigniew Ziobro said the step would help transform the EU into a federal state in which nation states have less sovereignty, something Poland's ruling party strongly opposes.

The logic of todays position of the European Commission is obvious. It is about incapacitating the Polish state and Polish democracy, Ziobro said.

Still, critics of Polands government hope the ruling can be effective in halting the erosion of democratic norms. Aside from seeking to impose political control over the courts, in part by suspending judges, Poland's right-wing ruling party is also seeking to silence an independent television broadcaster.

The first step of the legal action involves the commission sending a letter of formal notice requesting a reaction and information from Poland. Warsaw is required to reply in detail within two months. Countries that fail to comply with EU court rulings can face hefty fines and possibly a loss of voting rights.

John Morijn, a law professor at the University of Groningen in the Netherlands, welcomed the commission action.

He told The Associated Press that it clarifies that Poland's constitutional court, which has become now a political body, threatens some basic EU principles. He said it means the tribunal should no longer be considered a real court and that Polish citizens right to a fair trial is under threat.

Michal Wawrykiewicz, a lawyer with Free Courts, a Polish initiative working to preserve judicial independence, said the move was extremely important.

While it did not come as a surprise, he said, it would block the effectiveness" of the constitutional court's actions and be an excellent instrument that lower Polish courts could use to ignore its rulings.

___

Vanessa Gera reported from Warsaw.
The U.S. Border Patrol announced that a pair of stash houses in Laredo were shut down this week.

The stash houses were located within a mile of each other on Corpus Christi Street and Comanche Loop in central Laredo. The busts occurred on Dec. 20 and 21.
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

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Longford's hospitality sector is likely to shut down completely after Christmas amid fears a Covid-19 Omicron variant tsunami is imminent.

Gerry Lynn, chairperson of Longford Vintner's Association, delivered the gloomy assessment this week as dozens of bars and restaurants started their first full week of shortened opening hours.

Mr Lynn, who runs Edgeworthstown based establishment, The Sportsman's Inn, said while he was opposed to the reintroduction of Level 5 measures, the signs looked ominous.

It is what it is, he said, in reflecting on last Friday's government announement to close all hospitality sectors of the economy at 8pm.

As much as I don't want to see it (lockdown), now is the time to bring in a circuit breaker when the schools are closed.

The local Vintners chief remained sharply critical of Taosieach Micheal Martin's address to the country last week, claiming the measures were akin to being back to the 9 meal type strategy of last year.

He also hinted at how the newly enforced guidelines imposed on bars and restaurants would likely re-ignite anxieties of a rise in house parties.

Where do they think people are going to go after 5, 6, 7 or 8pm at night? he asked.

They are not going to go home to their beds that's for sure."

Mr Lynn's concerns over possible tighter restrictions being rolled out come after Tanaiste Leo Varadkar conceded on Monday more stringent controls could not be ruled out.

The Edgeworthstown publican said the measures put forward in a letter issued by chief medical officer Dr Tony Holohan to Health Minister Stephen Donnelly was simply not workable for an industry which has been beset by 18 months of stop-start restrictions.

"I know we are in the middle of a pandemic, but some of the stuff they are coming out with is baffling," he said.

"They (government) might as well close us down completely if they go through with it."

They were comments which were endorsed by fellow Longford publican Andy Byrne.

The local businessman said despite heightened fears over the Omicron variant, hospitality operators were effectively being left in "limbo" by the increasing uncertainty over possible further restrictions.

"I know our health service is in crisis and they are under pressure, but I would rather they (government) do one thing or the other," he said.

"In my opinion they should reintroduce the CRSS (COVID Restrictions Support Scheme) to affected businesses and close us down altogether.

"The situation we are left in is virtually impossible to manage and not financially viable to stay open."

Mr Byrne also said the unease felt by pub owners went far beyond licensed premises generally and would likely impact hairdressers, salons and other hospitality providers who may struggle to withstand any further curfew measures being imposed on them.

It was a similarly sobering analysis from many of Longford's restauranteurs who spoke of the utter devastation a return to reduced business hours would invariably bring.

"Absolutely, it would be (devastating)," replied Lisa Vocella of Longford town Italian restaurant Vocella's.

"We just want to know where we stand as we are kind of in limbo at the minute. We are allowed to be open, but then they (government) are telling people to cut back on going out."

Ms Vocella said the growing public message for patrons to stay at home and reduce socialisation levels has already led to around two thirds of the local eatery's Christmas parties being cancelled.

"It's very hard to staff and stock a place at this time of year. This time last year when we were in lockdown we were allowed to reopen and though we knew we were going back (into lockdown) at least there was a bit of a buzz around, but this year it's different."

That scepticism over the well documented recommendations were mirrored by Longford Fine Gael Senator Micheal Carrigy.

In keeping with mounting talk of a backlash among Government backbenches and among some ministers to the 5pm curfew on hospitality, Senator Carrigy described the measures as "draconian" and a "step too far".

He said: "We have vaccine certs for indoor hospitality. What we need to do is rigorously enforce them and allow these businesses to continue to trade."
Longford band Cronin will be sharing the stage with Bono at this year's Busk for Simon, which will be streamed on YouTube on Christmas Eve at 9pm.

Until Covid turned the world upside down, every Christmas Eve for over a decade Ireland's finest musical talents busked on Grafton Street to raise funds for the Simon Community.

Last year, the busk took place on the last Late Late Show of the year. Cronin took part in last year's televised event and this year were asked by Glen Hansard if they would take part again.

This year's event was recorded in the hallowed surrounds of St Patrick's Cathedral last Sunday and Monday. Over the two days Cronin's Johnny and Michael Cronin, Brian Murphy and Fiachra Milner performed Dirty Old Town with their long time friend and collaborator Shane McGowan, in what was his first public performance since he broke his knee. They were also part of what Johnny described as the choir of buskers, who accompanied Bono while he sang the Joshua Tree classic, Running To Stand Still.

Johnny said that it was an honour to take part in the event for Ireland's largest homeless charity alongside some of the country's most talented musicians, which included The Frames, Damien Rice, Lisa O'Neill, Dermot Kennedy and Brendan Begley.

After two years of attending little or no gigs, Johnny said that it was a real treat being able to hear live performances again, especially in an environment like St Patrick's Cathedral.

It was kind of a like a Later With Jools Holland, one minute you'd have Damien Rice and Ronan O Snodaigh and Glen Hansard singing in harmony, next you'd have Lisa O'Neill singing in her beautiful Cavan tone. Then next you'd have Peadar O Riada up playing the organ that his father Sean would have played. It was amazing.

However, the standout moment for Johnny was providing backing for Bono while he sang Running To Stand Still.

It was an apt song for homelessness and he got everyone singing Hallelujah at the end of the song. That was one of the musical highlights.

I was obsessed with U2 [growing up]. We left Ireland when I was 14 and we were so proud of U2. When you are in America or Australia or England, they'd make you proud to be Irish. They are far bigger in those countries than at home. I grew up listening to Rattle and Hum and The Joshua Tree. They are one of the reasons why we play, he said.

The busk will be streamed on YouTube at 9pm on Christmas Eve.
The family of a teenager who died by suicide is encouraging the people of Longford and afar to help raise awareness about bullying and its consequences.

Eden Heaslip's family is collaborating with the SmileForMe initiative on a car sticker campaign which they hope will bring bullying to the forefront of people's minds.

After a concert in his memory was postponed, the campaign was suggested due to Eden's love of cars and has now rocketed in popularity.

It's like a factory at home trying to cut up all the stickers, Eden's sister, Chloe, told the Longford Leader. The reaction has been amazing [with] support all around the country, they're going everywhere.

According to Chloe, the stickers are circulating in Galway, Dublin and Donegal, as well as Longford and farther afield in New York, Australia and Holland.

She said, I think a lot of people think it doesn't happen nowadays. The whole reason we've done interviews is to get people to talk and not just to say 'Are you being bullied?' but 'Are you bullying someone?



Just to say it out in the open, even if someone said, 'You know what, my actions weren't nice there, I should've done that differently. I'm going to apologise and won't do it again', that's kind of breaking the cycle, because it needs to be broken.

Founder of SmileForMe, Leanne Coyle, said the stickers  which feature the phrase 'Be buddies, not bullies' - are a reminder that bullying is everywhere. She said, The message is very universal.



She said, Keeping Eden's memory going and who he was going is so important. If the Longford people and the shops got behind it, it would just be phenomenal.

Chloe and her family are raising awareness any way they can, with her brother Finn hosting a 'Shave, Wax or Dye' fundraiser resulting in thirty Cavan locals dying their hair and raising 15,000.

She said, Even my cousin's grandad, who's in his eighties, dyed his hair last weekend. It's not just young people, it's older people as well who recognise something has to be done.

The family hopes legislation will be enacted to introduce serious penalties for people who bully, and particularly for bullies whose actions result in suicide.

Chloe has been in contact with a number of politicians and although she described the process as slow, she said, I won't stop until there's something. It's not right the actions people are doing and getting away with.

It's happening to everybody and all we need is for people to stand up and say 'This is not on'.

[The stickers are] only five euro, that's the price of a bag of chips and a can of coke, or a pint. We want to help people, it's not just about our family, it's about the people of Ireland.

Her father, Raymond, has suggested using the proceeds to set up a confidential phone line or text line to report bullying, as young people often turn to social media or the internet rather than approaching teachers or other responsible adults.

Chloe said, If it helps one person, that's all we want, for people not to go through what we're going through.

The stickers are currently available at ROR Tractor Parts and St Christopher's in Longford.
Taoiseach Micheal Martin has given a positive update on Ireland's Covid-19 booster vaccine campaign.

The rollout has been ramped up in the last couple of weeks given fears over the spread of the Omicron variant and the Taoiseach said there was a "phenomenal effort" in that rollout on Wednesday.

109,000 vaccine doses were administered in Ireland on Wednesday, including 106,000 boosters.

"Thats 303,000 vaccines in just three days," Micheal Martin said.

"Weve now administered 1.87m boosters and third doses. Thanks again to the Irish public and all our vaccinators this Christmas."

Phenomenal effort in our vaccine rollout yesterday with 109,000 doses given out - including 106,000 boosters



Thats 303,000 vaccines in just 3 days



Weve now administered 1.87m boosters and third doses



Thanks again to the Irish public and all our vaccinators this Christmas.  Micheal Martin (@MichealMartinTD) December 23, 2021

Ireland is on track to have two million people boosted before Christmas day with the younger cohorts to receive clarity this week on when they will get their third jab.

A number of studies in the UK have suggested Omicron is almost two-thirds less likely to land a positive case in hospital than Delta but it appears the new variant is 5.5 times more transmissible than the previous strain.

HSE Chief Paul Reid has said, however, that the Omicron variant will pose a significant challenge to an already stretched health system.

Mr Reid issued a warning on Wednesday ahead of what he called another surreal festive period.

We are actually heading into January next year with a much higher level of demand on our resources, on our healthcare, across the board.

The health chief warned that healthcare workers are apprehensive, anxious and understandably, probably fearful of what they will head into again in the January period.

With days to go until Christmas, and tough new restrictions already in place, Mr Reid appealed to people to follow the public health advice.

We all need to sustain both joy & hope in these uncertain times with #Omicron. The public's response to the booster programme brings this. 109,000 vaccines administered yesterday (106K boosters), 303,000 in 3 days this week so far. 1.87M boosters & 3rd doses now done. @HSELive  Paul Reid (@paulreiddublin) December 23, 2021

According to the latest figures, 53% of people in hospital with Covid-19 are not fully vaccinated.

Latest figures on Thursday show that the number of patients in hospital with Covid-19 has fallen below 400 for the first time since October.

Mr Reid also said that 54% of those in intensive had not been vaccinated.
Is your van or van fleet due for renewal, but you can't source new vans?

OReilly & Sons on the Dublin Road in Longford have new vans available for delivery in early 2022, including the all-new Interstar and Primastar.

All Light Commercial models will be eligible for Nissan Van Plan  an innovative business leasing offer which has everything included from just 99 per week  including all routine servicing, tyres, motor tax, CVRT costs and replacement van during routine servicing.

No shortage of 221 cars

OReilly and Sons is Irelands newest Nissan franchise  and has recently announced that theres no shortage of new Nissan vehicles. New cars or vans will be available for delivery early in 2022. To celebrate their new franchise, OReillys are offering a free service plan to anyone who orders a new Nissan before December 24.

All-electric vehicles continue to gain popularity, with the zero-emission Nissan Leaf billed to be one of the biggest sellers in the electric car market for next year. The Leaf is available on PCP/HP finance with 0% interest from 58 a week. OReilly and Sons are offering a free home charger and service plan to anyone who purchases a 221 Leaf.

Other popular models available for delivery in January are the Micra, Qashqai and Juke  all available now for pre-order.

Visit OReilly and Sons on the Dublin Road in Longford, call them on 043-3346321 or visit their website at www.oreillyandsons.ie

*Sponsored Content
(Alliance News) - NewRiver REIT PLC on Thursday said it has completed the sale of the Poole Retail Park in Dorset for GBP58.0 million, via a joint venture between the real estate investment trust and investment firm Bravo Strategies III LLC.

The retail park was acquired in October 2019 by the joint venture for GBP44.7 million, meaning that the current sale price is 30% higher than the purchase price.

The Poole facility comprises of 14 units offering a total of 208,000 square feet of retail space to tenants including John Lewis Partnership, Boots UK Ltd and Next PLC's Home unit. It was previously owned by LS Poole Retail Ltd.

Since ownership and as the asset manager, NewRiver has agreed new leases with existing occupiers and introduced Bensons for Beds to the park as a tenant on a ten-year lease.

"This disposal demonstrates the strong returns that can be generated from our experienced asset management platform through capital partnerships. In a short space of time we have completed numerous leasing transactions at the Retail Park which have improved the customer offer and supported the asset's income and valuation. We are delighted to have secured such good pricing on this disposal which demonstrates the inherent liquidity in our portfolio," said Chief Executive Allan Lockhart.

Shares in NewRiver REIT were up 1.8% at 87.57 pence on Thursday in London.

By Dayo Laniyan; dayolaniyan@alliancenews.com

Copyright 2021 Alliance News Limited. All Rights Reserved.
(Alliance News) - Balfour Beatty PLC on Thursday said US subsidiary Balfour Beatty Communities has agreed on a resolution with the US Department of Justice, for which the subsidiary will pay a total of USD65.4 million.

The decision resolves the DoJ's criminal and civil investigations into performance incentive fees that were improperly claimed by the subsidiary between 2013 and 2019, related to maintenance work at certain US military housing installations.

Communities has pleaded guilty to one count of fraud and has agreed to the appointment of an independent compliance monitor for a period of three-years.

The USD65.4 million resolution comprises USD33.6 million in penalties and USD31.8 million in restitution. The Communities subsidiary had cooperated fully with the investigation.

Shares in the London-based infrastructure construction company were up 2.7% at 262.58 pence on Thursday in London.

Since 2019, Balfour Beatty has made several changes to the Communities subsidiary to prevent such events happening again, including the restructuring of the management team and appointment of several key executives, including a chief compliance officer.

"The company apologises for the actions of Communities to all its stakeholders. It has been made clear to all employees that breaches of policies, procedures, or law will not be tolerated. Communities welcomes the appointment of the independent compliance monitor and looks forward to a constructive engagement," Balfour Beatty said.

By Dayo Laniyan; dayolaniyan@alliancenews.com

Copyright 2021 Alliance News Limited. All Rights Reserved.
(Alliance News) - The following is a round-up of updates by London-listed companies, issued on Wednesday and not separately reported by Alliance News:







Mercia Asset Management PLC - Henley-in-Arden, England-based investment company - Investment portfolio company Intechnica Group Ltd completes GBP8.5 million funding round to accelerate its growth in both the UK and US markets. Mercia invests a further GBP1.2 million from its own balance sheet, alongside a GBP5.0 million investment by the Mercia advised-managed Northern VCTs and GBP2.3 million from existing private investors and Rupert Cook, the recently appointed non-executive chair of Intechnica's cybersecurity business, Netacea. Following this investment, Mercia holds a 24.4% fully diluted direct equity stake in Intechnica Group, with the Northern VCTs holding a further 10.6% fully diluted equity stake. Intechnica first became a direct balance sheet investment in 2017 via a GBP3.8million investment.







Duke Royalty Ltd - royalty finance company - Makes follow-on investment of EUR2.5 million into existing royalty partner Step Investments Ltd. Step is the holding company for a range of interests in the private education, advertising and hospitality sectors. Funds will be used in part to facilitate the purchase of an 85% equity interest in Adtower Ltd, an Irish firm in the digital out of home advertising sector. Follow-on investment increases Duke's total investment in Step to EUR9.6 million.







Gresham House Strategic PLC - investor in smaller UK public companies - Changes name to Rockwood Realisation PLC. Agrees in early November for a managed wind-down over a 24-month period. Gresham House Strategic was forced into drawing up the run-off plan by largest shareholder and erstwhile investment manager Gresham House PLC after a public falling out between the two companies. New investment manager Harwood Capital commits to managing the Gresham House Strategic portfolio for no fee during the management wind-down period.







Aquila European Renewables Income Fund PLC - renewable energy infrastructure investor - Investment adviser negotiates additional power purchase agreement for its 100%-owned solar PV project located in Spain, Albeniz. The project is currently under construction, with completion expected by the first quarter of 2022. The additional PPA has a term of five years, with a baseload structure and increases Albeniz total P50 production hedging to 80% from 60%.







BP Marsh & Partners PLC - investor in early stage financial services businesses - Sells stake in investee company Walsingham Motor Insurance Ltd, a London-based managing general agency, which specialises in UK Courier and Taxi fleet motor insurance. Sells 41% stake for GBP4.6 million cash, as well as offloading 20% stake in Walsingham Holdings Ltd, resulting in total proceeds of GBP4.8 million alongside the repayment of GBP300,000 in loans. BP Marsh Finance Director and nominee director on the board of WMIL, Jon Newman, says: "The sale of our stake in WMIL at an IRR of 22% is another example of BP Marsh being able to identify niche opportunities to back successful management teams and to successfully realise value for our shareholders. This demonstrates the benefits of our investment process which has proven successful over a number of years."







Anexo Group PLC - Liverpool-based credit hire and legal services provider - Pleased by decision by High Court of Justice regarding the class action against Volkswagen AG. The judge found against the application by VW to strike out the class action claim against them. Anexo Executive Chair Alan Sellers says: "The board is pleased that the High Court has ruled VW's attempt to strike out the deceit element of the claims against it to be without merit. This follows the ruling against them last year. It is now incumbent on VW to acknowledge its responsibility in this matter and agree a settlement with all those affected by its actions, as it has done in many other jurisdictions. We continue to investigate the pursuit of similar claims against other manufacturers. These have the potential to be of significant value to claimants and to the group."

In April 2020, court ruled that VW subverted key air pollution tests by using special software to reduce emissions of nitrous oxides under test conditions. VW was refused leave to appeal against this judgment, but instead brought an action to have a significant element of the class action struck out. This has now been dismissed.







Impact Healthcare REIT PLC - real estate investment trust focused on healthcare properties - Agrees GBP75 million of new long-term debt provided by two large UK insurance companies. Will issue GBP75 million of senior secured notes, comprising two tranches with a weighted average coupon of 2.967%, and a weighted average maturity of 14 years. Notes GBP37 million of notes will mature in December 2035 at a fixed coupon of 2.932%, while other GBP38 million of notes, at a fixed coupon of 3.002%, will mature in June 2035.







Rutherford Health PLC - Hereford, England-based cancer care centre provider - Plans withdrawal of its securities from admission to trading on the AQSE Growth Market. "The directors unanimously believe that the cancellation is in the best interest of the company and its shareholders," company says. Listed on AQSE in February 2019. Blames regulatory burden, management time and considerable costs associated with listing as well as limited trading in shares for reasons behind delisting. Will hold shareholder meeting on January 25 to vote on issue.







Physiomics PLC - oncology consultant based in Oxford - Wins further contract by existing client Numab Therapeutics. "Building on the relationship that was first announced in May this year, a second contract has now been signed relating to a further Numab programme. The project is expected to be completed in the first half of 2022," company says.







McBride PLC - Manchester-based cleaning and hygiene product manufacturer - Notes banking partners waived December 2021 covenant tests. As part of agreement, agrees to maintain liquidity of at least GBP40 million, noting it holds a "strong" liquidity position as of mid-December of about GBP80 million. Will not pay dividends until it is in compliance with its existing covenants. Is working with its banking partners to agree the June 2022 covenants ahead of announcing its interim results for the 6 months ending December 31. "We are fully appreciative of the ongoing support that the banking group are giving to the Group through this period of uncertainty caused by the rapid and unprecedented rise in input costs and the ongoing macroeconomic supply chain challenges," company says.







Itaconix PLC - London-based functional polymers company - Secures first customer order in a new potentially major application for its Itaconix DSP 2K polymer. New customer is an unnamed European supplier to companies that produce materials for the fashion and related industries. "Although this is a small order for initial production for end customer sampling, this new application validates the opportunity for our plant-based polymers to set new standards for performance and sustainability in an emerging generation of consumer products," Chief Executive John Shaw says.







Oracle Power PLC - natural resources and power project developer - Continues to push forward with exploration campaigns at both Jundee East and Northern Zone in Western Australia. Jundee maiden drill campaign is to confirm the presence of a previously unrecognised greenstone belt proximal to Northern Star's Jundee gold mine. At Northern Zone, assays results from the first phase of drilling are now being finalised by ALS Global and company expects to receive the results in late December or early January for internal processing and analysis. Initial reports from the laboratory are "very encouraging".







Europa Oil & Gas Holdings PLC - exploration and production company focussed on Morocco and Ireland - Notes Baker Hughes and CausewayGT agree to collaborate on geothermal energy projects and technology development at West Firsby. The release states that, if the project is successful, it "will prove the operational ability to extract and use geothermal heat throughout Europe". Europa has previously signed MOU with Causeway Geothermal (NI) Ltd to carry out geothermal studies to assess the potential of West Firsby as a test site for sustainable, clean geothermal energy systems. Europa Chief Executive Simon Oddie says he is "excited" that Baker Hughes and CausewayGT have agreed to collaborate on West Firsby oilfield.







Advance Energy PLC - upstream oil and gas company - Drilling of the Buffalo-10 well, offshore Timor-Leste, expected to start within one week. The estimated time to drill and complete the well is around 35 days. Chief Executive Leslie Peterkin says: "As previously noted, the drilling of this well is transformational to Advance Energy, representing a material value catalyst for the company and our shareholders, and we are excited to report today's operational milestone. We look forward to providing further updates as the drilling program progresses."







Longboat Energy PLC - North Sea-focused exploration firm - Signs rig contract for the drilling of the Copernicus exploration well. Copernicus, which sits on PL 1017, will be drilled using the Deepsea Yantai and is expected to be drilled between June and September 2022. The prospect lies on the Utgard High in the Voring Basin region of the Norwegian Sea and the prospect is a combination trap with mapped stratigraphic pinch out down-dip and a small structural component at the apex. Chief Executive Helge Hammer says: "I am pleased that we have now secured a rig for the Copernicus prospect which will be the seventh well in our programme. We are entering an active period of drilling with each of the four 2022 wells having the potential to create very significant shareholder value."







Capital Ltd - mining services in Africa - Says Tanzanian subsidiary company, CMS (Tanzania) Ltd, has been successfully awarded a surface production drilling contract with Johannesburg-listed AngloGold Ashanti Ltd for its Geita gold mine in Tanzania. The production drilling contract started in December and is anticipated to generate revenue of USD33 million over the contract term. The three-year contract will utilise five rigs from the existing fleet, together with the acquisition of one new rig during 2022, to continue provision of blast hole drilling services at the Geita mine, bringing the total number of rigs operating on site to 25.







Touchstone Exploration Inc - Calgary, Canada-based upstream oil and gas company - Enters amended and restated loan agreement with its Trinidad based lender providing for a USD10 million increase in the principal balance to USD30 million. Currently has USD15 million of the loan principal balance drawn and anticipates withdrawing the remaining USD15 million available balance prior to the end of 2021. Loan is for seven years, terminating on June 15, 2027.







Chariot Ltd - Africa-focused transitional energy company - Nets 29.3 million valid acceptances from over-subscribed open offer, raising gross proceeds of USD2.0 million. Proceeds will go towards re-entering the Anchois-1 discovery well, finalise negotiations on gas sales agreements and fund a fund a feasibility work programme on a green hydrogen project in Mauritania.







Rockfire Resources PLC - gold and base metal exploration company - Says diamond drilling programme at 100%-owned Copperhead porphyry project in North Queensland, Australia expands copper system. Notes hole BCH002 is mineralised with visible copper veins for most of its length, with two distinct zones identified in the hole. The length of the drill hole has returned 357 metre grading 0.11% copper equivalent, with the drill hole finishing with visible copper in veins. A peak assay of 1.06% copper equivalent was encountered. "Weather conditions have prevented the drill rig moving to Plateau prior to the Christmas/New Year period, but management remains confident that this drilling will commence early in the New Year," company adds.







Asiamet Resources Ltd - developing copper-gold deposits in Indonesia - Finds "further exceptional" high grade gold-silver and polymetallic assay results from ongoing resource expansion drilling at the BKZ deposit on its 100% owned KSK CoW in Central Kalimantan, Indonesia. Notes recent results are highest grade results ever reported at project. From hole BKZ33550-05, reports 13.5 metres at 15% zinc, 6.5% lead, 0.78% copper, 123 grams per tonne silver and 0.24 grams per tonne gold from 98.5 metres. From hole BKZ33700-08, reports 9 metres at 3.67% zinc, 2.78% lead, 0.75% copper, 69 grams per tonne silver and 0.15 grams per tonne gold from 177.5 metres. Executive Chair Tony Manini says results "exceptional".







URU Metals Ltd - exploration and development firm - Agrees CAD950,000 loan, about USD739,000, with Chief Executive John Zorbas. Notes no interest is due from the company, it is unsecured and no fee is payable to Zorbas. The loan is repayable upon 30 days notice.







Caracal Gold PLC - gold producer with operations in East Africa - Says reverse circulation and diamond drilling programmes on the mining and prospecting licenses at its flagship Kilimapesa gold mine in Kenya are now underway with resource and exploration drilling advancing. First assay results from the drilling programme are expected in late first quarter 2022. Chief Executive Robbie McCrae says company "excited" by progress at project.







By Paul McGowan; paulmcgowan@alliancenews.com

Copyright 2021 Alliance News Limited. All Rights Reserved.
LUSAKA, Dec 23 (Reuters) - Zambia will introduce COVID-19

booster vaccines as it battles the respiratory disease which has

infected over 200,000 people and killed more than 3,000, Health

Minister Sylvia Masebo said on Thursday.

The southern African nation also plans to start vaccinating

children agred 12-17, who until now have not been elegible for

the COVID-19 jab, Masebo said at a media briefing.

"Zambia will begin to administer the booster vaccines for

COVID-19 commencing on 27th December, 2021," Masebo said.

Masebo said primary vaccination, currently below 15% of the

eligible population, would however remain a priority as Zambia

seeks to raise its coverage to 70% by June next year.

Zambia was now battling a fourth wave of COVID-19, Masebo

said, and more cases of the Omicron variant continued to be

detected.

The booster vaccines would be administered to adults above

18 years and priority would be given to health workers and later

those with health conditions that made them vulnerable.

The booster vaccines would later be made avaialble to those

who had been fully vaccinated and were willing to take another

jab to enhance or restore their immunity, Masebo said.

Those who took AstraZeneca, Sinopharm, Pfizer

and Moderna could take a booster six months

after full vaccination while Johnson & Johnson

receipients could take it after two months.

Masebo said the government was concerned about the rapidly

spreading community infection, including children below the age

of 18, who had not been spared from severe disease and death.

"The council of ministers resolved that Zambia will begin to

administer the Pfizer vaccine, which has been found to be safe

and effective in children 12 years and upward," Masebo said.

Most people now being treated with severe disease had not

been vaccinated against COVID-19, Masebo said.

(Reporting by Chris Mfula; Editing by Giles Elgood)
LEI: 213800FLQUB9J289RU66

16 December 2021

BATM Advanced Communications Limited

("BATM" or "the Group")

First sales of rapid COVID-19 at-home test in Russia

RAPiDgen is the first self-testing COVID-19 test to receive Russian government approval

BATM (LSE: BVC; TASE: BVC), a leading provider of real-time technologies for networking solutions and medical laboratory systems, announces that it has commenced sales of its RAPiDgen SARS-CoV-2 antigen test, which is an easy-to-use rapid test for at-home use, in Russia. It was the first self-testing COVID-19 test to be approved by the Russian public health authorities.

The Group has commenced shipping its first order, worth 250k, which is scheduled to complete in December. The Group expects to receive further orders, of a greater value, in 2022. The test is being sold via pharmacy outlets and ecommerce platforms.

The approval of RAPiDgen for sale followed rigorous testing by the Russian public health authorities and comparison with the polymerase chain reaction ("PCR") tests in use in Russia. RAPiDgen was the first COVID-19 test to be approved for at-home use in Russia and was chosen because of its accuracy and easy-to-use design. It remains one of only three self-testing tests approved for use in Russia and is the only test that has a one-step process with no liquid handling involved.

The RAPiDgen SARS-CoV-2 Ag, which gives results in 10 minutes, uses the lateral flow method. The test has been developed by the Group's Adaltis subsidiary and Gamidor Diagnostics. It is being marketed under the Adaltis brand.

Dr Zvi Marom, CEO of BATM, said: "We are delighted to have received further validation of the high quality of our rapid test when evaluated by teams of experts and compared with PCR tests, which are regarded as the 'gold standard'. We believe our test is the most accurate and easy-to-use test for at-home use in Russia, which represents a substantial market opportunity. The strength of our rapid test is also demonstrated by its use by clients in Israel that have very exacting standards and where early, precise detection of COVID-19 in employees is crucial. We are increasing the production capacity for RAPiDgen, which, in combination with our Adaltis portfolio of other COVID-19 tests, has a vital role to play in managing the pandemic as it continues to evolve."

Further details on the test, including an animated demonstration, can be found here: https://rapidgen.net/

Enquiries:
Download Image: Web

Call for Entry: No Entry Fee

National Juried Exhibition

Lycoming College Downtown Art Gallery

The Lycoming College Art Gallery, located in downtown Williamsport, Pennsylvania, is seeking submissions for their National Juried Exhibition, opening March 4, 2022. We are interested in all types of work, especially those that address contemporary issues and concerns, use traditional materials in unusual ways, explore non-traditional processes, and/or challenge our communitys point of view.

This exhibition will be juried and curated by students in our upcoming class, Museum Studies: Histories and Practices, and administered by Erin L. McCutcheon, PhD (Assistant Professor of Art History, Lycoming College) and Rose Hodges (Director, Lycoming College Art Gallery). For more information on the gallery, visit: https://www.lycoming.edu/art/gallery/

ELIGIBILITY

Professional artists as well as student artists are encouraged to enter. Entries must represent original works of art. All themes will be considered for exhibition. There is no size restriction, other than what can fit through our gallery doors. There is no restriction governing date of completion.

MEDIA

All media (2D and 3D) will be accepted including video. Please follow the submission guidelines below.

NO ENTRY FEE

SUBMISSION MATERIALS

Artist Bio (100 words)

Artist Statement (200 words)

CV with preferred method of contact

Digital image (jpg-format) or video link per submitted artwork.

Image list including the following for each submitted work: title, media, size, date, value (must include value for insurance purposes even if the work is not for sale)

Send entries to: lycocampusartgallery@lycoming.edu

Email Subject Line: 2022JuriedExhibition_LastName

A maximum of five works per artist will be accepted. Lycoming College Gallery will retain the submitted images of accepted artwork and reserves the right to use the images in publications and gallery publicity. Beyond such use, the artist retains full copyright of exhibited work.

Still images should be sent as jpegs and be at least 1000px at their widest dimension, but not exceed 2MB each. Please label each image with <Lastname>.<Number>

For video work please link directly to online or downloadable content that does not require a login, password or membership to view. These may be in the form of Youtube, Vimeo, or personal websites. Links to video entries must remain valid and active through the notification of jury results.

IMPORTANT DATES

2/1 (Midnight) Submission Deadline

2/11 Notifications of Results

2/24 Latest date for artwork arrival

3/4 Opening reception 5-8pm

4/2 Last day of show

Artwork will be shipped within a week after the show ends.

SHIPPING AND RETURN OF ARTWORK

All work accepted for the exhibition must arrive ready to install. Works not gallery ready, or not exhibiting good craftsmanship, may be eliminated from the final exhibition. Accepted work that differs significantly from the entry images or suffers from poor presentation choices, will be disqualified. Please note that professional level presentation and craftsmanship is a requirement. Work may be hand delivered or shipped. Shipped works must be sent in an easily reusable container/packaging with return shipping prepaid. All work must arrive at the gallery by the specified date (see calendar above). Accepted work will remain on display for the duration of the exhibition. Artists are responsible for all shipping costs to and from the gallery.

Ship Accepted Work To:

Lycoming College

Art Department

National Juried Exhibition

One College Place

Williamsport, PA 17701

SALES

Lycoming College does not take a commission for works sold at their galleries. If a work is not for sale please indicate with NFS value in appropriate space on the consignment sheet. Lycoming College will put potential collectors in touch with the respective artists but will not negotiate sales.

Questions can be directed to Erin L. McCutcheon at mccutcheon@lycoming.edu
MANISTEE COUNTY  This year's annual Shop with a Hometown Hero event was slightly different than the one in 2020 and it definitely varied from the traditional style of the event that pairs kids with local law enforcement and other first responders for a Christmas gift shopping excursion.

Brian Gutowski, Manistee County sheriff, said Meijer donated $5,000 toward the event this year but the method to the shopping was changed due to the pandemic.

They had been discouraged from doing in person shopping events which we understand because of COVID, Gutowski said. Because it was really difficult to get all the families together at one time like in the (Manistee Catholic Central School) parking lot like last year.

The Hometown Heroes had 23 families from a list submitted by Echo His Love. The nonprofit serves homeless and low-income people in Manistee and Benzie counties.

They have a direct connection with those in need in the community so they were able to obtain the families (listed) for us to shop for, Gutowski said.

Then the families that participated were divided into groups with corresponding agencies assigned to visit each family.

For instance, Filer Township Fire Department got five families, (were told) how many kids they have, what ages they were, what the phone number and stuff (was) so they can contact them (asking) whats on your list, what can we get for you, Gutowski said.

The first responders then went out to do shopping individually as opposed to as a group. They wrapped and delivered the gifts on their own time.

Its not an organized all-at-once type of event like weve had in the past, he said.

The Filer Township Fire Department, Little River Band of Ottawa Indians Public Safety Department, Manistee City Police Department, Manistee City Fire Department, Manistee County Sheriffs Office, Michigan State Police, Oaks Correctional Facility and Onekama Township Fire Department each participated in the event.

Women from the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians also made a tray of holiday cookies for each family that were delivered with the gifts, and each family also received a bag of food from Meijer.

Gutowski thanked Meijer for the donations and the support it gives to the community each year.

The event is one that many first responders say they look forward to as a way of bonding with the children in their community.

Thats the thing that everybody really enjoys is being able to connect with the youngsters and go out there shopping and have that experience, Gutowski said. This is an event that we always look forward to and were hoping to get back to our more traditional in-person shopping (next time).
Saregama Music released its latest song on Wednesday, titled Madhuban, which features Sunny Leone. Its sung by Kanika Kapoor and Arindam Chakraborty. Well, its touted as the party anthem of 2021 and 2022 by the makers and its based on Madhuban Mein Radhika Naache by Mohammad Rafi in the 1960 movie Kohinoor.

As per the PR handout, Sunny Leone said in a statement, I have been lucky that the audience has loved all my songs in which I have also showcased my dancing and this one kicks it up a notch. Madhuban has got immense love from the fans on social media. Its great to be a part of a song that will bid adieu to 2021 in style and welcome 2022 with a bang.

Sunny has made the song look so beautiful. Singing this song was so much fun. Its high on energy and a super dance number. I am so glad about the response the song has already received, Kanika Kapoor added.

Heres the song:

As the song is based on the Hindu Gods Lord Krishna and Devi Radha Ma, people are not okay with the sensuous moves of Sunny Leone in the song. The song portrays the love Krishna and Radha had for each other. People will not tolerate Bollywood mocking the Hindu religion again and again. They think Bollywood does it because Hindus are the soft targets and this time they will not let the music makers defame Hindu Gods.

One of the Twitter users wrote, Everybody should Report this song for defaming Devi Radha Nobody has the right to denigrate her love for Lord Krishna. We Hindus will not tolerate such denigration. @TwitterIndia remove this song immediately. They are reporting the song on YouTube and want the social media platforms to ban it.

Here are the reactions:

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People are in no mood to spare Sunny Leone for this. What do you have to say about this fiasco? Let us know in the comments section below.



On the work front, Sunny Leone will soon start shooting for MTV Splitsvillas upcoming season. She will also be seen in Shero, which marks her Kollywood debut.
Oscar-nominated actor James Franco, who is known for his performances in the Spider-Man franchise, 127 Hours among other films, has opened up for the first time, around four years after being accused of sexual misconduct by five women at his acting school (now-defunct). He has now admitted sleeping with students of his acting school while teaching and "that was wrong".

Revealing the same recently, in SiriusXMs The Jesse Cagle podcast, the 43-year-old actor also shared that he struggled with a sex addiction and is working continuously to improve his behaviour. Reportedly, he had developed a sex addiction after becoming sober from an alcohol addiction, developed at a young age.

According to Reuters, in the podcast, he said, "I suppose at the time, my thinking was if its consensual, OK. At the time I was not clearheaded adding that he was not running the acting school for that purpose.

Talking about his sex addiction, during the podcast, James shared that it became worse with time. "Its (sex) such a powerful drug. I got hooked on it for 20 more years. The insidious part of that is that I stayed sober from alcohol all that time, the actor further said.

Since 2016, the Rise of the Planet of the Apes star has been recovering from sex addiction and is changing who he was.

Now, since he does not want to hurt people, James revealed that he has been working upon himself ever since the allegations were leveled against him.

For the unversed, in October 2019, two ex-students had filed a civil suit against the actor accusing him of exploiting aspiring actors at his acting school. Franco had initially denied the allegations, however, later agreed to settle the suit filed against him by paying $2.2 million.

On the film front, he made his acting debut with Never Been Kissed in 1999 and went on to feature in various memorable films. In 2011, he co-hosted the Oscar Awards and got nominated at the 2012 ceremony in the Best Actor category for his performance in 127 Hours.
If I were to choose alternate careers for people in the industry, besides suggesting Karan Johar become an official match-maker and Ranveer Singh, a stylist, I would most definitely also suggest actress Kangana Ranaut become a journalist, because either way that woman knows how to break headlines. And this time around she did so by directly attacking 'those in power'.

Yet again in the news with another controversy, Manikarnika actress Kangana Ranaut turned up to the Khar police station in Mumbai today morning in connection with the FIR that was lodged against her for her remarks about the farmers protest.

 ANI

Being the unapologetic and unabashed person she is, when the farmers came together to protest against the farmers' laws passed in September 2020, the actress didn't shy away from giving her two cents.



In fact, she gave more than just her two cents, for she passed rather controversial and allegedly provoking remarks about the protests. Which in turn, invited an FIR against her for being insensitive.

The actress was supposed to show up for questioning at the police station on the 22nd of December, however, she could not make it. Instead, the actress showed up at the Khar police station today dressed in a floral saree.

 Kangana Ranaut

However, what really caught attention was not so much as her appearance at the station, but what came after - a post on social media.



Taking to her Instagram account, Kangana Ranaut posted a story with a caption that read, Another day, another visit to the police station. Hundreds of politically motivated FIR and hours of questioning."

 Kangana Ranaut

The actress went on to take a direct dig at those in power as she said, This country continues to ill-treat and devalue nationalists and if you love your nation, you are on your own against a very powerful enemy. Those in power would prioritise vote banks and for that, they can encourage terrorism. So it's a lonely road and guess what? It's alright #jaihind.



The FIR, in question, was filed by a Sikh organisation that claimed that Kangana, through her Instagram post, had portrayed the farmers' protest on Delhi borders as a Khalistani movement This is also not the only FIR against the actress till now.

Meanwhile, on the work front, Kangana Ranaut has a line-up of films like Tejas, Dhaakad and Sita: The Incarnation.
In todays episode of things that hurt more than a breakup, here is a man who stood for contested in the Gujarat Panchayat elections and lost terribly.

However, thats not the sad part.

The sad part of the story is that he just got one vote, when he had 12 voters in his family itself.

 iStock

A man named Santosh Halpati had stood in the village elections for the post of the Sarpanch in the Chhawla village of Vapi district in Gujarat.



Even if he did not expect to win with flying colours, he most definitely would have expected at least 12 votes since there were that many people in his own family who were eligible to vote.

However, he was deeply hurt and shocked when the results of the poll came out.

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He found out that he had just got one vote. Hold your sympathies just yet. Wait till you hear who the one vote is from.



Its his own.

Not a single person in the village or his family voted for him and the only vote he got was his own. Thats gotta hurt.

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He was apparently so hurt from his family not voting for him that he broke down at the poll centre itself.



He said while he doesnt mind the rest of the villagers not voting for him, he didnt expect his own family to do him wrong like that.

The fact that not a single person in his family had confidence and trust in him was really disheartening for him.

 India Today

Elections for 8,686 village panchayats in Gujarat were held on Sunday and results for 6,481 villages were declared last night. Elections come and go, Santosh told India Today. "But I got just one vote.. even my family did not vote for me," he added.



 Prime Video

Santoshs family of 12 members, including his wife, apparently either didnt vote or went against him and voted for other candidates. In either case, it is truly heartbreaking.


State of Michigan secures additional federal team to assist Mercy Health Muskegon with staffing

Teams at Beaumont Hospital - Dearborn, Spectrum Health in Grand Rapids and Covenant HealthCare in Saginaw extended for an additional 30 days

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Dec. 22, 2021

CONTACT: Lynn Sutfin, 517-241-2112

LANSING, Mich. - Today, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) announced that the federal government has granted Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's request for additional staffing assistance at a fourth Michigan hospital, Mercy Health Muskegon. Under the agreement, the federal government will send a 17-person medical team to support Mercy Health's doctors and nurses as they treat COVID-19 and other patients.

"As the Omicron variant quickly becomes the dominant strain of COVID-19 across the United States, I am grateful to our federal partners for their continued support that is providing much-needed relief to Michigan's hospitals and health care personnel," said Governor Whitmer. "Michigan's health care heroes have been on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic for over 18 months, and I am again asking Michiganders to take steps to help reduce the strain on our hospital systems. First, get vaccinated and if you are eligible, get your booster, to help keep you out of the hospital. If you plan on traveling for the holidays or attending an indoor gathering, please get tested beforehand and stay home if you're sick. Take these actions to keep yourself and your loved ones safe."

"We continue to be grateful that our federal partners are supporting the dedicated health care staff in our state as they work to care for Michiganders during this latest surge of COVID-19," said Elizabeth Hertel, Michigan Department of Health and Human Services director. "The pandemic continues to take a tremendous toll on our health care workers and we are pleading with all Michiganders to do their part to support our state's health care workers by getting vaccinated, wearing a mask in public indoor settings regardless of vaccination status, social distancing and staying home and getting tested regularly."

The additional staffing team will include registered nurses, a doctor and other health care workers. The team will begin treating patients Dec. 30 and provide support for the next 30 days. They will assist with providing monoclonal antibody treatment in addition to other support duties. Three additional teams were announced earlier this month and have begun providing support at Beaumont Hospital - Dearborn, Spectrum Health in Grand Rapids and Covenant HealthCare in Saginaw. MDHHS was notified by our federal partners that these three teams will be extended for another 30 days.

"We are very grateful for the additional support from the state and federal levels to provide essential support for our care staff as they are in the midst of this fourth surge in Michigan," said Gary Allore, president of Mercy Health Muskegon. "COVID-19 has put our frontline staff under the most extreme conditions, but their unwavering commitment to the safety and health of all members of our community holds true. We need everyone's collective help to emerge out of this pandemic together."

Michiganders are being asked to carefully consider where they seek health care. A primary care office, virtual visit or urgent care may be the best choice as hospital and emergency departments are experiencing high demand. However, for emergency conditions such as stroke symptoms, chest pain, difficulty breathing, significant injury or uncontrolled bleeding, Michiganders should still seek emergency care.

The federal staffing teams come as Michigan hospitals strain due to a spike in COVID-19 patients, the vast majority of whom are unvaccinated. In October, unvaccinated people had 4.3 times the risk of testing positive for COVID-19 and 13.2 times the risk of dying from COVID-19 than people who were fully vaccinated.

From Jan. 3 - Dec. 15, 2021, people who were unvaccinated or not fully vaccinated represented: 85.1% of COVID-19 cases, 88.1% of hospitalizations and 85.5% of deaths.

As of Dec. 20, 3,944 Michiganders are hospitalized for COVID-19.

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Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson's statement on calls for further review of the 2020 election

Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson's statement on calls for further review of the 2020 election

DECEMBER 21, 2021



"Michigan election professionals carried out more than 250 audits across the state, including a hand count of every ballot cast for president in Antrim County, and every one of those nonpartisan audits, as well as numerous court cases across the state and nation, and a report by the Republican-led State Senate Oversight Committee, have affirmed the accuracy and integrity of the 2020 election.



Yet calls persist from those who have been lied to and taken advantage of by partisan state legislators, national figures, and others for unofficial, illegitimate reviews of the election results. These elites who lie about 2020 without a shred of evidence, who fail to speak the truth, are fueled by opportunism and cowardice. Over a year into this grift their goal is now clear. They no longer want only to change the outcome of the 2020 election, but to also undermine citizens' faith in our democracy and dissuade them from being engaged and informed voters in future elections. This small group of grifters and wealthy supporters is pursuing a political strategy that threatens the survival of our democracy, and our nation.



Regardless of whether the petition language delivered today is part of this strategy, we are proud that the Bureau of Elections staff will process it in a nonpartisan and unbiased manner, as they would any other submission. And ultimately, the response to the escalating and unabated efforts to undo our nation's democracy must come from the people. Citizens across our state and nation must demonstrate the profound power of self-government by exercising their rights within it, calling on their elected leaders to speak the truth, holding partisan politicians accountable at the ballot box, and demanding their will and their vote be protected. And everyone is encouraged to review the audit analysis and report my office released earlier this year, speak directly with their local election officials about the safeguards and secure protocols in place to ensure the integrity of our elections, and volunteer to serve as election workers to protect our democracy and ensure it prevails."

For media questions, contact

Tracy Wimmer at 517-281-1876.

We welcome questions and comments at the Contact the Secretary of State page.

Customers may call the Department of State Information Center to

speak to a customer-service representative at 888-SOS-MICH (767-6424).
2021 Accomplishments Countdown: Roads and Bridges

2021 Accomplishments Countdown: Roads and Bridges

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

December 22, 2021

Contact: press@michigan.gov

2021 Accomplishments Countdown: Roads and Bridges

Governor Whitmer counts down to 2022 by highlighting administration's progress on 10 kitchen-table issues that makes a difference in people's lives

LANSING, Mich. - The Whitmer-Gilchrist administration is counting down the last 10 days of 2021 by celebrating Michigan's progress on 10 fundamental kitchen-table issues. Today we kick off the countdown by celebrating progress Michigan has made on rebuilding Michigan's roads and bridges.

"This year, we continued fixing the damn roads and bridges with the right mix of materials to keep Michiganders safe," said Governor Gretchen Whitmer. "In the state that put the world on wheels, every family deserves access to roads that get them where they need to go without blowing an axle or cracking a windshield. I am committed to making lasting investments in infrastructure in state budgets and with my Rebuilding Michigan plan to keep moving dirt and connect our communities, families, and small businesses."

"At MDOT, we are very grateful for the governor's firm commitment to fixing our state's transportation infrastructure and to the safety of the traveling public and road workers," said Paul C. Ajegba, Director of the Michigan Department of Transportation. "The Rebuilding Michigan program has already led to record investment in our state's roads and bridges and the year ahead promises even more."

Getting Things Done

Governor Whitmer is rebuilding Michigan's roads and bridges and creating tens of thousands of good-paying construction jobs. She launched the Rebuilding Michigan Plan, a five-year, $3.5 billion investment in our highways and bridges without an increase at the pump. Over 20 projects supporting 22,800 good-paying construction jobs are already underway. She secured funding to repair or replace nearly 100 local bridges in the latest bipartisan budget. She also continued Michigan's partnership around the Gordie Howe International Bridge, a key trade corridor between Michigan and Canada that has already created 2,500 good-paying jobs for Michiganders. The cones and barrels at hundreds of sites statewide demonstrate that Governor Whitmer is fixing our crumbling roads and bridges so that people can go to work and get home safely, parents can drive their kids to school without blowing an axle, and businesses can get their goods where they need to go.

Key Numbers

Governor Whitmer has invested nearly $4.75 billion to repair, replace, or rehabilitate 13,198 lane miles of road and 903 bridges.

In this year's bipartisan budget, she invested $196 million to repair or replace nearly 100 local bridges in serious or critical condition, creating 2,500 jobs.

Governor Whitmer's five-year, $3.5 billion Rebuilding Michigan bond plan to build up state highways and bridges without an increase at the pump is underway is underway, with construction underway on I-496 , I-94 , and other projects. These projects are supporting approximately 22,800 construction jobs and an additional 21,700 jobs in other industries.

Looking Ahead

In 2022, MDOT will make significant improvements on heavily traveled corridors across the state, funded through the governor's Rebuilding Michigan bonding program. Among some highlights:

A $300 million investment in I-275 in western Wayne County. Work began in 2021 and in 2022, contractors will rebuild southbound lanes from 5 Mile Road to Northline.

The busy commuter and commercial I-69 corridor near Flint will benefit from continued work on a $100 million project to rebuild the freeway between Fenton Road and M-54.

In Ingham County, major work continues on an $82 million rebuilding of the vital I-496 freeway, which feeds state government offices and many Lansing businesses. Contractors will rebuild the freeway from Lansing Road to the Grand River.

In Kent County, work begins on a state investment of $60 million to rebuild I-196 over the Grand River west of Grand Rapids. The project includes replacement of bridges.

Intermodal facility

Because transportation includes more than freeways, we look forward to significant design and engineering work on a new intermodal station in the New Center area of Detroit. A $10 million federal grant award in late 2021 will make it possible for MDOT to advance the estimated $57 million project that will enhance the experience and connections for Amtrak and Greyhound, Indian Trails, and Barons Bus users as well as spawn commercial development in the area.

Additional Roads and Bridges accomplishments can be found here.

"2021 was the first in what we expect to be many years of increased investment in Michigan's roads and bridges," said Operating Engineers 324 Business Manager Douglas Stockwell. "This is the investment that we have needed for a long time, and we can already see the fruits of this attention. In every corner of our state, roads and bridges are being rebuilt safely, efficiently, and effectively. These projects not only make communities better for families and business, they put skilled professionals, like the members of Operating Engineers 324, to work while providing opportunities for the next generation to gain the training and experience that leads to lifelong, rewarding careers."

"Our economy depends on transportation: whether for tourism, mining, or manufacturing, our roads bring business, visitors, and jobs. Investments in our transportation infrastructure are critical to the U.P. keeping us safely connected to the rest of the state and country," said Sarah Lucas, CEO, Lake Superior Community Partnership. "We're excited about the impact these resources will have on our region, and we're looking forward to working with the governor on this and other economic development initiatives in 2022."

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The Pioneer is looking back at its Top 10 news stories of 2021. This is No. 8...

BIG RAPIDS  The 2020 Census results yielded new insight into Michigans population demographics and shed new light on the makeup of the Big Rapids area.

Mecosta County saw population differences since 2010, with the new census reporting a 7.2% decrease in population. The total population in the county in 2010 was 42,798 and recorded a loss of 3,084 residents for a count of 39,714 in 2020.

The city of Big Rapids saw a major decrease in population, with a recorded 27% decrease in residents since 2010. The total population in the city in 2010 was 10,601, and the city saw a loss of 2,874 for a total of 7,727 residents in 2020.

Osceola County also saw decreases in population numbers, with results reporting a 2.71% decrease since 2010. The total population in the county in 2010 was 23,528 and it lost 637 residents for a total count of 22,891 in 2020.

Mecosta County reported a large percentage of its residents on the older side in the 2020 Census, with 79.9% of the population aged 18 or older, and 20.1%. Mecosta County is also on the lower side of the diversity index at 19.7%, and Osceola County sits lower at 14.1%.

Results also revealed that Michigan's overall state population grew by 2% in the last decade, The first data released showed that the state population as of April 1, 2020, was at 10,077,331  up from the 2010 count of 9,883,640.

Nationwide, the diversity of the U.S. has increased, with results showing that the "Two or More Races" population, also referred to as the multiracial population, has changed considerably since 2010.

The multiracial population was measured at 9 million people in 2010 and is now 33.8 million people in 2020, a 276% increase. The in combination multiracial populations for all race groups accounted for most of the overall changes in each racial category.

All of the racial groups alone or in combination groups experienced increases. The "Some Other Race" alone or in combination group at 49.9 million increased 129%, surpassing the Black or African American population at 46.9 million as the second-largest race alone or the in-combination group.

Results also showed changes in age population growth differences. The 2020 Census showed that the adult, age 18 and older, population group grew 10.1% to 258.3 million people over the decade.

Seventy-two U.S. metro areas lost population from the 2010 Census to the 2020 Census. Data released also revealed that the population of U.S. metro areas grew by 9% from 2010 to 2020, resulting in 86% of the population living in U.S. metro areas in 2020, compared to 85% in 2010.

Additionally, concern over lower Census numbers has had Big Rapids city officials considering the possibility of conducting a Special Census.

A Special Census is a basic enumeration of population, housing units, group quarters and transitory locations conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau at the request of a governmental unit.

Local officials frequently request a Special Census when there has been a significant population change in their community.

Big Rapids Mayor Fred Guenther said his main concern is the city budget for the next three years, deciding whether to budget as if the city will get the money or as if they will not get it.

If approved for a Special Census, the city will be responsible for the entire cost, which he estimated to be around $150,000. Some of those monies could be made up for with American Rescue Plan Act funding the city will receive.

He said the city is estimated to receive $1,084,680 over two annual payments of $542,340. The city received the first installment in October. The four categories are Public Health and Economic Impact; Premium Pay; Revenue Loss; and Investment in Infrastructure.

The Census will be releasing additional information as they verify data through June 2022.
MANISTEE COUNTY  Throughout the nation, more than 300 school districts are entering into a lawsuit against Juul Labs which alleges the e-cigarette maker fraudulently and intentionally marketed their products to children.

The lawsuit seeks monetary compensation for damages incurred by schools as a result of the "vaping epidemic" created as a result.

Locally, Bear Lake, Kaleva Norman Dickson and Manistee Area Public Schools are joining the lawsuit.

"Basically, a California law firm (Frantz Law Group) has decided to go after Juul and other vaping products, saying that it's been marketed to kids and it has cost the school districts a lot of money over the years, having to deal with vaping in school," said Jakob Veith, superintendent of Bear Lake and KND, during a Bear Lake school board meeting. "There are issues that come from suspensions that cost the district money, and now there's education that is involved with trying to prevent vaping, and there are vape detectors and things like that we could possibly install."

In 2019, Several California school districts sued Juul Labs and other vaping manufacturers in a California federal court. On Oct. 2, 2019, the United States Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation issued an order transferring cases to the Northern District of California for coordinated or consolidated pretrial proceedings before Judge William H. Orrick.

The actions in the litigation involve allegations that Juul has marketed its nicotine delivery products in a manner designed to attract minors, that the products' marketing misrepresents or omits that the products are more potent and addictive than cigarettes, that Juul products are defective and unreasonably dangerous due to their attractiveness to minors, and that Juul Labs promotes nicotine addiction. The actions include putative class actions, actions on behalf of school districts and other governmental entities, and individual personal injury cases.

Howard Vaas, MAPS business manager, said entering the lawsuit poses no financial risk to the district.

"Michigan schools through Thrun (Law Firm) were asked if they would like to participate back in June. ... There's no cost to the district to participate," he said. "... If they're not successful there'll be no fees to the school district. If they are successful, our fees will come out of what we get as part of the settlement. There's no risk to it. It's an opportunity for the school district to get in at no cost."

Frantz Law Group will receive 25% of any recovery. Thrun will receive 25% of that 25% for referring a client, or 35% for both referring a client and assisting with a litigation questionnaire.

Should the court find in favor of the schools, each district will receive an individualized payment based on their specific damages incurred and cost of recovery. Therefore, the districts involved had to fill out a survey to demonstrate how heavily their schools were impacted.

"I will do a three-hour questionnaire, survey thing where I'm giving some of our data about past occurrences, what we would like to do for the future and things like that," Veith said. "No names or anything like that (will be included) in that information."

Thrun Law Firm is not co-counsel in the litigation. The firm's role is limited to referring clients to Frantz Law Group and assisting with the litigation questionnaire upon request.

In the lawsuit, the monetary compensation is separated into past and future damages.

Past damages would include lost state aid as a result of vaping suspensions and expulsions, as well as money spent on things like vape detectors.

Stoneman said MAPS has had to utilize district resources in order to prevent vaping on school grounds.

"We have dedicated paraprofessionals monitoring our bathrooms and making sure it's a safe and vape-free environment, so we have incurred a cost for this," he said.

For future damages, the focus would be on obtaining compensation for schools to handle vaping issues without having to take money out of their general fund. This would include things like staff to supervise students, counselors in middle schools and high schools to assist students with the social and emotional issues related to nicotine addiction and educational programs on the harms of vaping.

"They say a district our size could win up to $200,000, and then they will take their percentages from there  which will be healthy," Veith told the KND school board. "... But still, it could be over $100,000 when we're done, and we can use that money first off to cover expenses that have occurred due to vaping that's already happened. There have been suspensions, there have been expulsions, there have been lots of things. We can use that for vape detectors, we can use that for more education and things like that."

Shelly VanVoorst, director of CASMAN Academy, said in an email CASMAN opted not to join the lawsuit.

Onekama superintendent Gina Hagen could not be reached for comment by as of Tuesday afternoon.
Daniel Craigs final run as the iconic James Bond in No Time to Die has received rave reviews from audiences and critics since its release in October.

The character James Bond was created in 1953 by writer Ian Fleming. He has become an international phenomenon featured in twelve novels, 25 movies, television series, comic strips and video games. Check our online catalog for future availability of the newest addition to the franchise.

 007: For Our Eyes Only (DVD) is a documentary focusing on the actors and movie sets that made James Bond so memorable.

 The Complete James Bond Movie Encyclopedia is the handbook to all things Bond. It features information on locales, gadgets and actors  along with intriguing facts.

 The Man With the Golden Touch: How the Bond Films Conquered the World by Sinclair McKay looks at how the franchise owned by Eon Productions, has managed to keep James Bond on top with only a few missteps.

 The Manistee County Library owns Playaway versions of Doctor No: a James Bond Adventure by Ian Fleming. In this story, Bond travels to the Caribbean in search of a missing secret service team.

 Goldfinger features a crooked card game, a beautiful woman, and a criminal mastermind determined to beat James Bond. These titles are also available on DVD.

 Other Bond movies available are From Russia With Love (DVD) which finds James Bond assisting in a defection while avoiding assassins determined to seek revenge for the death of their agent at Bonds hand.

 Casino Royale 7 (DVD) sees Bond reaching 007 status. His first mission in Uganda doesnt go as planned, and he chooses to investigate on his own to complete his mission.

 Never Say Never Again (DVD) is based on the Fleming novel, Thunderball. In this movie, Bond is brought in to locate nuclear weapons stolen by his nemesis, Spectre.

 In the film, Quantum of Solace (DVD) James Bond teams up with Camille Montes, both intent on avenging the death of a loved one.

 Spectre (DVD) takes Bond to Mexico City and Rome, where he meets the widow of a known criminal and discovers the criminal organization Spectre is back in action trying to launch a network to control criminal activities worldwide.

 Teens who enjoy the Bond franchise might want to check out the Young James Bond series by Charlie Higson.

 Set in 1933, James Bond encounters enemies and adventures during his first year at Eton College in Silverfin. There are four additional titles in the series, Blood Fever, Double or Die, Hurricane Gold and By Royal Command, taking James on adventures that set him up for life as an M-I6 agent.

Additional titles are available through MeLCat, which is linked online at manisteelibrary.org. Our hours of operation are shortened over the holidays. We look forward to your visit.
After the Coleman Community School bond failed in August, school leaders are considering if they will go for another one.

It hasnt been determined, said Coleman Community School Superintendent Jennifer McCormack on Tuesday regarding if they will attempt a bond in 2022.

She said school officials held two community meetings over the summer and another two recently on Nov. 30 and Dec. 16. McCormack said these meetings included parents of students and other residents. They have also sent out 2,500 surveys to community members in the district.

She encourages people if they havent sent the Bond Proposal Community Follow-up Survey back in, to please do so or put them in a drop box outside the board of education office. Or, it is available at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdxHpSq89enV4LNt76S5mNul5l1oF9OshN9eDJePH9pi-8P9w/viewform to be filled out online.

McCormack said in the beginning of 2022, the board and district facilities committee will review the surveys along with the information compiled from the meetings.

This will help them start to determine the next step, McCormack said.

During the community meetings, McCormack said people had great thoughts. She said people also had a difference in opinions. Yet, there was great communication.

In addition to asking the community during the meetings what they felt are the school districts needs, the Coleman Community Board of Education President Lorie Fox asked community members what they would support.

On Aug. 3, voters shot down a 3.85 mills bond proposal, with 467 voting for it and 1,021 opting against it.

According to Fox, who is also a district teacher, the bond would have aided in replacing aging infrastructure that desperately needed updating.

The district has been a good steward of our funds, but we can no longer continue to address issues with band-aids, Fox wrote prior to the Aug. 3 vote. All students and staff deserve the best learning environments. Our school buildings should be shining stars in our community.

Fox further said if passed, the elevated funds would have delivered improvements to the elementary and junior/senior high school.

This included a large-scale renovation for the 46-year-old junior/senior high school. Adding an arts wing, including new band and choir rooms and a large auditorium. She said the current auditorium is not conducive to large events. The makeover would have also included updating classrooms.

In addition, Fox said the elementary would get a kitchen/cafeteria renovation that would include a fully functional kitchen in the elementary. The addition would have eliminated having to transport food to the school from the junior/senior high. If the bond passed, the elementary gym floor would have been replaced.

Fox explained prior to the bond vote that the district had .35 mills falling off and the 3.85 being sought would have brought the schools total mills to 7.2.

Once the surveys are in, McCormack said there will probably be two more community meetings to discuss the findings along with how the district will proceed.
On December 16, 2021, Gregory Prill of Elkton passed away peacefully in his sleep at the age of 62.

Greg was a member of the Elkton Lions Club branch since 1986. According to those who knew him, he defined himself by the clubs motto of servitude, even when not participating in the clubs many drives and food pantries.

No matter what would happen, if someone needed anything, hed do it, said Gregs younger brother Marty Prill. He would give to everyone before hed give to himself.

Whenever the club held a food pantry, Greg would load up his car with the extras they had left and deliver to those in town who couldnt make it, especially single-parent families.

Even with his own car dealership, he was generous. When Greg was in business, he donated to charities. However, according to his brother, if the business had a bad year, he would donate out of pocket.

He was also in the habit of stopping by for coffee throughout the community.

If you had a coffee pot in Elkton, there was a good chance you saw Greg, said Kurt Damrow, the primary organizer for Elkton Lions Club food distributions.

Gregs coffee visits were symptomatic of his love of people. He loved interacting and being with people, talking, joking and teasing. His sunny attitude and sense of humor seemed to brighten up a downer or tense situation.

Greg was one of those people...he was the type of guy, who could make a person smile no matter how bad they felt, Marty said. When he walked in a room, you knew he was there. You just felt good about yourself.

And Greg continued to help others even as he battled with long-term health issues. He was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia in 2014 and continued struggling with it even after a successful stem cell transplant. His family thanks his anonymous stem cell donor, who gave him a second lease on life, as well as the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute and the local physicians and friends who cared for him for seven years.

I watched him when he was diagnosed with leukemia, Marty said. And I saw him fight. You wouldnt find a stronger person.

Greg was a man defined by what he could do for others. Family, friends, and the community meant everything to him and he always showed it with his time, effort, and disposition, even in the midst of illness.

He was a real friend to the community, Damrow said. Hes gonna be missed.

Greg will be deeply missed by many people, including his daughter Carey (Prill) Wendt, and his son-in-law Steven Wendt of Cary, Illinois; his son Bradley Prill of Mount Pleasant; his brothers Douglas Prill of Kinde, Lloyd Prill of Filion, and Marty (Carrie) Prill of Bad Axe; his niece Ashley Prill of Hinesville, Georgia; his nephews Zachary Prill of Sterling, Illinois, and Nicholas Prill of Bad Axe; and his granddaughters Aneliese Prill of Kodak, Tennessee, and Joanna Wendt of Cary, Illinois.

He was preceded in death by his parents Martin and Therese (Bouverette) Prill, his brothers Dennis Allen Prill and Stephen John Prill, and his sister Monica Ann Prill.

Per Gregs wishes, cremation has already taken place and a private graveside service will be held at a later date.
A Michigan photographer has made it her mission to capture the extraordinary bond between people and their aging pets before it's too late.

Located in Dearborn, photographer Julia Earhart offers free end-of-life photoshoots to people dealing with the anticipated loss of a pet, allowing dog owners to remember and celebrate their senior or terminally ill furry family members through portraits.

Earhart has always loved photography and animals, showing this devotion by sponsoring senior pets and supporting animal rescues, people.com reported.

"My dad bought me my first camera and would take me up to the local nature center to capture images of wildlife," Earhart said. "I really began picking up my photography when the world shut down as there was nothing else to do at the time. I started photographing friends and family, and it turns out, people actually really enjoyed my photos."

During the end-of-life pet sessions, she captures dog owners and their pets as they enjoy their favorite activities together and snuggle up in meaningful spaces with their treasured toys, blankets and treats as well as any other sentimental objects.

Earhart was inspired by how much pets give to people in terms of love and emotional support.

She started the free photo sessions after a friend reached out to her asking to be photographed with her 8-year-old Labrador mix Cudi, who was dying of cancer.

Photo provided/Julia Earhart

"It was a pretty easy yes for me to agree to the shoot," Earhart said. "I know that she recently endured high medical expenses for her dog when he went through surgery and his medications, so I did not want to charge her. She was extremely thankful. After seeing her reaction when she received her photos, I knew I wanted to offer this to others."

Photo provided/Julia Earhart

After sharing the images and the service on a local Facebook page called Downriver and Friends, others took interest.

"I only expected to reach 5-10 people," Earhart said. "However, the local news saw it, and it has been spreading around the media!"

With the increased interest in Earhart's service, she's had to limit the number of shoots.

"Between my full-time job, being a part-time dance instructor for children and my regular photography schedule, scheduling has been a challenge, to say the least," Earhart said. "At this time, my plan is to take on five free end-of-life shoots a month on a first-come, first-serve basis. If you would like to be guaranteed a slot on my schedule, you can request an appointment for a paid shoot at a discounted rate."

If Earhart's schedule allows, she plans to schedule more shoots.

"At this time this is all I can do if I want to continue doing my standard photography packages as well.," she continued. "If you have any questions, don't hesitate to reach out through my request section."

Photo provided/Julia Earhart

Photo provided/Julia Earhart

"I really hope Im making a difference," Earhart said.

If you have a pet that will be crossing over the rainbow bridge, visit Earhart's official website to schedule a shoot.
DETROIT (AP)  The parents of a teenager charged with killing four students at a Michigan high school didn't anticipate that he would commit violence and are devastated like others in the community, a lawyer said Wednesday in requesting that they be granted a lower bond.

James and Jennifer Crumbley are charged with involuntary manslaughter and have been jailed on $500,000 bond since their arrest on Dec. 4. They're accused of making a gun accessible to Ethan Crumbley and failing to pull him out of school when summoned about his writings before the shooting on Nov. 30.

Defense attorney Shannon Smith acknowledged that Jennifer Crumbley sent a text message to her son that day, telling him don't do it. But Smith said it was a plea for him to not kill himself after the shooting at Oxford High School had already occurred and the gun was missing from home.

Ethan Crumbley, 15, is charged as an adult with murder and other crimes.

The Crumbleys, like every parent and community member, are devastated by the school shooting, Smith and co-counsel Mariell Lehman said in a court filing. The last thing they expected was that a school shooting would take place, or that their son would be responsible.

Smith asked that their bond be lowered to $100,000. She said they would wear an electronic monitor if released from jail.

Oakland County prosecutor Karen McDonald has said she would oppose a lower bond. The Crumbleys were arrested at a Detroit art studio, hours after charges were announced on Dec. 3 and they failed to appear in court.

Smith said they had planned to appear the next day at a different court handling Saturday arraignments and were not trying to flee.

It is clear from the media appearances by Ms. McDonald that this case is one she takes very personally, was filed out of anger and filed in an effort to send a message to gun owners, Smith said of the charges against the parents.

A judge is not expected to consider the new bond request until Jan. 7.

___

Follow Ed White at http://twitter.com/edwritez
5 1 of 5 Haddam Volunteer Fire Company / Contributed Show More Show Less 2 of 5 Haddam Volunteer Fire Company / Contributed Show More Show Less 3 of 5 4 of 5 Haddam Volunteer Fire Company / Contributed Show More Show Less 5 of 5









HADDAM  A driver was taken to the hospital after crashing into a utility pole Wednesday afternoon, according to fire officials.

Shortly after 3 p.m., Haddam volunteer firefighters responded to a one-vehicle crash on Parker Hill Road South with reported wires down and possible entrapment, officials said.
MIDDLETOWN  Local officials gathered at the city-owned small business incubator facility in the North End Wednesday to herald a $2.5 million grant-in-aid from the State Bond Commission.

The money will allow the R. M. Keating Historical Enterprise Park at 180 Johnson St. to be remediated and upgraded to support more startup businesses interested in moving there.

It formerly housed the Remington Rand typewriter company, and Keating Wheel Co. bicycle manufacturer. Originally built between 1896 and 1897, the factory has also been home to an automobile manufacturer and, later, during the Cold War, a missile parts builder.

Six tenants will soon move into the building, Director of Economic and Community Development Joseph Samolis said. The grant will pay for structural components, such as plumbing, electrical, HVAC, elevators and stairwells.

Samolis estimates that another six spaces could be built on the lower floor of the building using state funds.

The building is now occupied by gyms, Spoke & Spy Cider, The Whey Station food truck, Forest City Brewing, Stubborn Beauty Brewing Co., a self-defense center, landscaping service and many other firms.

Leases for new tenants have either been approved or will go to council members for consideration, Samolis said. They include a weight-lifting club, marketing firm and barbecue restaurant.

Spoke & Spy will move from its current location in the facility to a larger area, and Forest City Brewing plans to expand into the cider area. A host of fledgling companies have thrived at the facility, and growth is encouraged, officials said.

The projects second phase is underway, according to Mayor Ben Florsheim.

Now that we have had some successful businesses start up here, we need to make sure that we continue the work, finish the building, that we work on all these empty spaces, and get more private-sector investment, more people through the door, and continue to build this out, he said.

In August, U.S. Rep. Rosa DeLauro, D-Conn., toured the facility to announce $1 million in federal funding for the propertys revitalization.

This year we have twice as much reason to be excited, the mayor said. The real beauty of this project is that every dollar that we spend at the city level, the state level and the federal level  all of those public dollars  are going to be reinvested in the future, Florsheim said.

When the project is finished, the mayor said, these investments will pay dividends for taxpayers by allowing more such developments.

Its an investment in economic development and job creation in Middlesex County, Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz said.

These grants are very competitive, she added. There were a lot of other worthy projects that were being advocated for. This one won because it is revitalizing.

It also rose to the top of grant considerations because the incubator building focuses on equity, the lieutenant governor said.

Half of Connecticut residents are employed by small businesses. People of color, women-owned businesses suffered a lot during the pandemic, and the state wanted to invest its funding in a place where small, women- and minority-owned businesses would have the opportunity to succeed and thrive.

Middletown is a strong hotbed of entrepreneurship, state Sen. Matthew Lesser, D-Middletown, told those in attendance.

His colleague, state Rep. Quentin Phipps, D-Middletown, has made the project a priority in the House, Lesser said.

It really took an entire village to be able to celebrate this day, Phipps said. Two and a half million dollars is a heck of a lot of money. This is about environmental cleanup, this is about increasing space in order to have more jobs, this is about manufacturing, this is about  to be frank  really good beer.

Common Council Majority Leader Gene Nocera is pleased the Keating building has such potential.

I cant help but think that the initiatives that surround this project make this all the more important. Our community is invested in our people, our students, our seniors, and diversity, and our university. This is just another piece of that big, big puzzle that makes me so proud, he said.

Local officials are willing to take the first leap of faith in the visions of entrepreneurs who occupy the building, the majority leader added.

Small Business Express funding and Womens Business Development Council equity match grants are also part of the bond package, said Bysiewicz, who encourages people to apply for assistance.
HARTFORD  A federal jury found a man from Jamaica guilty of drug trafficking, identify fraud and money laundering Wednesday, according to federal prosecutors.

Oniel Wilks, 42, a citizen of Jamaica, supplied large amounts of drugs to a man, Louie McDowell, while living in California and using a false identity, according to the office of Leonard Boyle, the acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut.

In November 2018, members of the FBIs Bridgeport Safe Streets Task Force arrested several people, including McDowell, who were distributing large amounts of heroin, fentanyl and crack cocaine in Bridgeport, Boyles office said.

Wilks was removed from the U.S. to Jamaica in February 2014. He then illegally reentered the country and stole a persons identity to get a Florida drivers license in 2015 and a U.S. passport in 2016. Investigators said Wilks used the passport to travel overseas to Japan and Thailand, according to Boyles office.

In April 2019, law enforcement stopped Wilks in southern California. At the time he was using a stolen identity and had about five kilograms of suspected cocaine in the car, Boyles office said.

As investigators looked into Wilks drug trafficking activities, investigators seized a package in July 2019 that was being mailed from California to Connecticut that contained six kilograms of cocaine, Boyles office said.

Wilks was arrested in August 2019 and has been detained since. After his arrest, officers searched two residences and a car connected to Wilks and found about four kilograms of fentanyl, false IDs, items used to process and package narcotics and more than $160,000 in cash, according to Boyles office.

Wilks trial began Dec. 13 and the jury found him guilty Wednesday of one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent ot distribute one kilogram or more of heroin, five kilograms or more of cocaine and 400 grams or more of fentanyl, as well as one count of making a false statement in a passport application, one count of aggravated identity theft and one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering.

Wilks is scheduled to be sentenced March 16. He faces a mandatory minimum prison sentence of 12 years, and could get a life sentence, Boyles office said.

Officers are also taking Wilks 2014 Dodge Ram truck, a 2019 Toyota Rav4, a 2017 Acura MDX, diamonds valued at more than $50,000, a $12,000 watch and about $180,000 from his bank account.

McDowell has pleaded guilty and awaits sentencing.

liz.hardaway@hearst.com
DOBSON, N.C. (AP)  Four people have been charged after a woman was kidnapped, stabbed and burned, a North Carolina sheriff's office said.

On Dec. 1, deputies with the Surry County Sheriffs Office responded to a report of an assault and found a 45-year-old woman with a stab wound to her lower legs, the sheriffs office said in a news release. Detectives also determined that she had been kidnapped and burned with a metal object.
BERLIN (AP)  Germany's health minister said Thursday that he expects a surge in coronavirus cases around New Year's and people will likely need a fourth vaccine shot to maintain the best immune response against COVID-19.

Shortly later the national disease control center said the country has now recorded its first death of someone with the new omicron variant.

Health Minister Karl Lauterbach told public radio network WDR 2 that Germany hasn't yet seen a big, rapid wave of new infections from omicron like some other European countries.

That will change around New Year and in the first week of January, Lauterbach said.

The national disease control center, the Robert Koch Institute, said that 3,198 COVID-19 cases in Germany were attributed to omicron as of Wednesday, a 25% increase compared with the previous day. It also said that one person with omicron has now died, though it gave no details other than to say that the person was aged between 60 and 79.

The government is urging Germans to limit their contacts over the holiday period and to get vaccinated, including with booster shots if they've already had their initial vaccines. .

Official figures show 70.7% of the population have received a full course of vaccine, while 35% have had boosters.

Demonstrations against new pandemic restrictions and a planned universal vaccine mandate have flared up in Germany over the past weeks.

Police said about 5,000 protesters gathered in the center of Munich late Wednesday, with some participants attacking officers. Eleven people were detained.

Prosecutors in Bavaria state said Thursday that authorities are investigating two doctors on suspicion they provided false vaccination certificates to people who were unwilling to get shots against COVID-19, and administered diluted vaccines to other patients without their knowledge.

Officials have written to advise almost 1,000 people in the Passau region to get tested for antibodies to determine whether or not they were properly vaccinated.

___

Follow APs coverage of the coronavirus pandemic: https://apnews.com/hub/coronavirus-pandemic
BRISTOL  Police arrested a man Wednesday who was wanted on 13 warrants after stealing and trespassing at a supermarket in Bristol several times.

The man, 39-year-old Edgardo Lugo-Serrano, allegedly trespassed and stole items from the Price Chopper supermarket on Farmington Avenue multiple times this past month. Police said Lugo-Serrano has no current address.

Police said Lugo-Serrano would go into the grocery store, fill a reusable shopping bag with meat and seafood and leave the store without paying.

Bristol police wanted Lugo-Serrano on 13 warrants. He also had eight failure-to-appear warrants from previous court cases.

While conducting surveillance at the store, police caught Lugo-Serrano stealing frozen shrimp at the Price Chopper a little before 8 a.m. Wednesday. Police said he was uncooperative and struggled with uniformed officers.

At one point, Lugo-Serrano fled on foot, but police were able to catch him after a chase in the parking lot.

Lugo-Serrano was then taken to an area hospital for medical care. There, he slipped out of his handcuff, which was attached to a hospital bed, and attempted to escape, police said.

Officers again caught him on foot, police said Wednesday.

Lugo-Serrano is being held on 14 charges, which consist of multiple larcenies and trespassing charges, as well as failures to appear in court for previous arrests.

After the incident Wednesday, Lugo-Serrano was also charged with escaping from custody, interfering with police, second-degree breach of peace, first-degree criminal trespass and sixth-degree larceny. He was held on a $300,000 bond.

The other bonds for the additional cases added up to about $60,000, police said.

liz.hardaway@hearst.com
MIAMI (AP)  Police in South Florida announced Thursday that they have arrested a real estate agent suspected of hunting homeless people.

Willy Suarez Maceo, 25, was initially jailed early Thursday morning on a trespassing charge, and Interim Miami Police Chief Manuel Morales said during a news conference that they were planning to charge him with a count of murder and a count of attempted murder.

Maceo is suspected in two shootings that occurred Tuesday night about two hours apart, police said. One victim survived, but the other didn't. Detectives said video surveillance footage placed Maceos car at one of the attacks, and then ballistics testing showed the same gun was used in both attacks.

Investigators were also working to connect Maceo to a shooting from October, officials said.

Jail and court records didn't list an attorney for Maceo.
Ben Lambert / Hearst Connecticut Media

HAMDEN  A Meriden woman admitted embezzling more than $400,000 over several years while employed as an office manager for a local property management company, according to federal prosecutors.

Crystal Klatt, 36, of Meriden, waived her right to be indicted and pleaded guilty Tuesday before Judge Janet C. Hall in New Haven to wire fraud, stemming from what prosecutors called an embezzlement scheme.
HONG KONG (AP)  A monument at a Hong Kong university that commemorates the 1989 Tiananmen Square massacre was removed by workers early Thursday over the objections of its creator from Denmark.

The 8-meter (26-foot) tall Pillar of Shame, which depicts 50 torn and twisted bodies piled on top of each other, was made by Danish sculptor Jens Galschit to symbolize the lives lost during the bloody military crackdown on pro-democracy protesters in Beijings Tiananmen Square on June 4, 1989.

Workers barricaded the monument at the University of Hong Kong late Wednesday night. Drilling sounds and loud clanging could be heard coming from the boarded-up site, which was patrolled by guards.

The dismantling of the sculpture came days after pro-Beijing candidates scored a landslide victory in the Hong Kong legislative elections, after amendments in election laws allowed the vetting of all candidates to ensure that they are patriots loyal to Beijing.

The removal also happened in the same week that Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam traveled to Beijing to report on developments in the semi-autonomous Chinese city, where authorities have silenced dissent following the implementation of a sweeping national security law that appeared to target much of the pro-democracy movement following mass protests in 2019.

The Pillar of Shame monument became an issue in October, with the university demanding that it be removed, even as activists and rights groups protested. Galschit offered to take it back to Denmark provided he was given legal immunity that he won't be persecuted under Hong Kong's national security law, but has not succeeded so far.

No party has ever obtained any approval from the university to display the statue on campus, and the university has the right to take appropriate actions to handle it at any time, the university said in a statement Thursday.

Latest legal advice given to the university cautioned that the continued display of the statue would pose legal risks to the university based on the Crimes Ordinance enacted under the Hong Kong colonial government."

The university said that it had requested for the statue to be put in storage and would continue to seek legal advice on follow-up actions.

In October, the university informed the now-defunct candlelight vigil organizer, the Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements of China, that it had to remove the statue following the latest risk assessment and legal advice.

The organization had said that it was dissolving, citing a climate of oppression, and that it did not own the sculpture. The university was told to speak to its creator instead.

When reached by The Associated Press, sculptor Galschit said he was only aware of what was happening to the sculpture Wednesday from social media and other reports.

We dont know exactly what happened, but I fear they destroy it, he said. This is my sculpture, and it is my property.

Galschit said that he would sue the university if necessary to protect the sculpture.

He had previously written to the university to assert his ownership of the monument, although his requests had gone largely ignored.

Over 100 pro-democracy activists have been arrested since Beijing implemented the national security law in Hong Kong. It outlaws secession, subversion, terrorism and foreign collusion to intervene in the citys affairs. Critics say it rolled back freedoms promised to Hong Kong when it was handed over to China by Britain in 1997.

The Pillar of Shame monument has been erected for over two decades, and initially stood at Hong Kongs Victoria Park before eventually being moved to the University of Hong Kong on a long-term basis.

Each year on June 4, members of the now-defunct student union would wash the statue to commemorate the Tiananmen massacre. The city, together with Macao, were previously the only places on Chinese soil where commemoration of the Tiananmen crackdown was allowed.

Over the past two years, the annual candlelight vigil in Hong Kong had been banned by authorities, who cited public risks from the coronavirus pandemic.

Some 24 activists were charged for their roles in the Tiananmen vigil last year, during which activists turned up and thousands followed, breaking past barricades in the park to sing songs and light candles despite the police ban on the event.
DENVER (AP)  The man known as the Unabomber has been transferred to a federal prison medical facility in North Carolina after spending the past two decades in a federal Supermax prison in Colorado for a series of bombings targeting scientists.

Theodore Ted Kaczynski, 79, was moved to the U.S. Bureau of Prison's FMC Butner medical center in eastern North Carolina on Dec. 14, according to bureau spokesperson Donald Murphy. Murphy declined to disclose any details of Kaczynski's medical condition or the reason for his transfer.

Kaczynski is serving life without the possibility of parole following his 1996 arrest at the primitive cabin where he was living in western Montana. He pleaded guilty to setting 16 explosions that killed three people and injured 23 others in various parts of the country between 1978 and 1995.

The Federal Medical Center Butner, in North Carolinas Granville County just northeast of Durham, offers medical services for prisoners including oncology, surgery, neurodiagnostics and dialysis, according to the Bureau of Prisons. It opened an advanced care unit and a hospice unit in 2010.

Butner has 771 inmates, according to the prison bureau, and has been home to notable offenders including John Hinckley Jr., who was evaluated there after shooting President Ronald Reagan and Bernard Madoff, the infamous architect of a massive Ponzi scheme who died at the North Carolina facility earlier this year.

In November, the former Oklahoma zookeeper known as Tiger King Joe Exotic was transferred to the facility after a cancer diagnosis, his attorney said. Joe Exotic, whose real name is Joseph Maldonado-Passage, had been convicted for trying to hire someone to kill an animal rights activist and for violating federal wildlife laws.

The deadly homemade bombs that the vengeful Kaczynski sent by mail  including an altitude-triggered explosion that went off as planned on an American Airlines flight  changed the way Americans sent packages and boarded airplanes.

A 1995 threat to blow up a plane out of Los Angeles before the end of the July 4 weekend threw air travel and mail delivery into chaos. The Unabomber later claimed it was a prank.

The Harvard-trained mathematician had railed against the effects of advanced technology and led authorities on the nations longest and costliest manhunt. The FBI dubbed him the Unabomber because his early targets seemed to be universities and airlines.

In September 1995, The Washington Post in conjunction with The New York Times published his anti-technology manifesto, Industrial Society and Its Future. The manifesto was printed at the urging of federal authorities, after the bomber said he would desist from terrorism if a national publication published his treatise.

The treatise led his brother David and Davids wife, Linda Patrik, to recognize his writing and turn him in to the FBI.

Authorities in April 1996 found Kaczynski outside Lincoln, Montana, in a 10-by-14-foot (3-by-4-meter) plywood and tarpaper cabin where he'd been living since the 1970s. It was filled with journals, a coded diary, explosive ingredients and two completed bombs.

Kaczynski hated the idea of being viewed as mentally ill and during his trial tried to fire his attorneys when they wanted to mount an insanity defense. He eventually pleaded guilty rather than let his attorneys proceed.

In his personal journals released at trial by the government at the request of the victims families, Kaczynski described his motive as simply personal revenge."

"I often had fantasies of killing the kind of people I hated - i.e., government officials, police, computer scientists, the rowdy type of college students who left their beer cans in the arboretum, etc., etc., etc., he wrote.

Kaczynski killed computer rental store owner Hugh Scrutton, advertising executive Thomas Mosser and timber industry lobbyist Gilbert Murray. California geneticist Charles Epstein and Yale University computer expert David Gelernter were maimed by bombs two days apart in June 1993.
How to use the mindat.org media viewer

Click/touch this help panel to close it.

Welcome to the mindat.org media viewer. Here is a quick guide to some of the options available to you. Different controls are available depending on the type of media being shown (photo, video, animation, 3d image)

Controls - all media types

Zoom in and out of media using your mousewheel or with a two-finger 'resize' action on a touch device.

Use the mouse or your finger to drag the image or the view area of the image around the screen.

< and > at the left and right hand side of the screen move forwards and backwards for the other images associated with the media you selected. Usually this is used for previous/next photo in a gallery, in an article or in search results. Keyboard shortcuts: use shift + the left and right arrow keys.

< and > in the bottom center are used for switching between the photos of the same specimen. Keyboard shortcuts: use the left and right arrow keys.

> in the bottom center, raises the information box giving details and further options for the media, < at the top of this box then hides it. Keyboard shortcuts: use the up and down arrow keys.

? opens this help window. Keyboard shortcuts: use the H key or the ? key.

Other keyboard shortcuts:

1 Fit image to screen 2 Fill screen with image 5 Display at full resolution < Make background darker > Make background lighter space Hide/dim titles and buttons

Scalebar

If the field of view (FOV) is specified for the photo, the scalebar appears in the left bottom corner of the viewer. The scalebar is draggable and resizeable. Drag the right edge to resize it. Double click will reset the scalebar to it's default size and position. If the scalebar is in default position, double click will make it circular.

Controls - Video

Video files have a standard set of video controls: - Reset to start, - Skip back, - Play, - Pause, - Skip forwards. Keyboard shortcuts: You can stop/start video play with the P key.

Controls - Animation (Spin Rotation)

Animation (usually 360 degree spin rotations) have their own controls: - enable spin mode. Note that while images are loading this option will not be available but will be automatically activated when the animation has loaded. Once active you can spin the image/change the animation by moving your mouse or finger on the image left/right or by pressing the [ or ] keys.

The button switches to move mode so that you can use your mouse/fingers to move the image around the screen as with other media types.

The button, or the P key will start playing the animation directly, you can interrupt this by using the mouse or finger on the image to regain manual movement control.

Controls - 3D Stereoscopic images

If a stereoscopic 3D image is opened in the viewer, the 3D button appears in the bottom right corner giving access to "3D settings" menu. The 3D images can be viewed in several ways:

- without any special equipment using cross-eyed or parallel-eyed method

- with stereoscope

- with anaglyph glasses.

- on a suitable 3D TV or monitor (passive 3D system)

For details about 3D refer to: Mindat manuals: Mindat Media Viewer: 3D

To enable/disable 3D stereo display of a compatible stereo pair image press the 3 key. If the left/right images are reversed on your display (this often happens in full-screen mode) press the 4 key to reverse them.

Controls - photo comparison mode

If a photo with activated comparison mode is opened in the viewer, the button appears in the bottom right corner giving access to "Comparison mode settings" menu.

Several layouts are supported: slider and side by-side comparison with up to 6 photos shown synchronously on the screen. On each of the compared photos a view selector is placed, e.g.: Longwave UV . It shows the name of currently selected view and allows to select a view for each placeholder.

Summary of all keyboard shortcuts
Most of the Blue Jays offseason focus has been on obtaining starting pitching, with Travis Shaw standing out as the most significant addition to the position player mix. However, Toronto has also looked into some major upgrades to the everyday lineup, as Sportsnet.cas Shi Davidi reports that the Jays had interest in Didi Gregorius before the free agent signed with Philadelphia. In terms of players still potentially available, the Jays have also checked in with the Indians about a trade for Francisco Lindor.

It might be fair to characterize the Jays interest in Lindor as perhaps due diligence at this point. As Davidi put it, any sane front office would naturally ask Cleveland about an All-Star player who has been the subject of trade rumors for months. It doesnt appear as though a Lindor trade (with the Jays or anyone) is happening any time soon, as both Indians president of baseball operations Chris Antonetti and manager Terry Francona have each recently indicated that Lindor isnt being shopped. While things could still change on that front, of course, the possibility of a Lindor deal decreased when the Tribe dealt Corey Kluber to the Rangers, thus lessening Clevelands payroll commitments for the 2020 season.

The multi-positional ability of young shortstop Bo Bichette and, in particular, incumbent second baseman Cavan Biggio factored into Torontos pursuits. Both players expressed a willingness to change positions if it helps the team, and Biggio might end up playing a super-utility role regardless of who else the Jays might add.

Interestingly, Bichette wouldnt have been changing positions had Gregorius been signed, as the Jays planned to use Gregorius as a second baseman. GM Ross Atkins and president Mark Shapiro gave Bichette a heads-up about the Gregorius pursuit, with Bichette saying, It was presented to me as, Were going after Didi, dont worry, weve already told him youre our shortstop. Id imagine thats probably a reason why he didnt come here.

After also receiving interest from such teams as the Brewers, Giants, and Reds, Gregorius signed a one-year, $14MM contract with the Phillies to become their new regular shortstop. (Gregorius himself displaced an incumbent shortstop in Jean Segura, who will now handle second base duties in Philadelphia.) Torontos plan to deploy Gregorius at second base both indicates the clubs confidence in Bichettes ability to handle the shortstop position and also some likely trepidation about Gregorius defensive ability going forward. After coming back from Tommy John surgery in the fall of 2018, Gregorius glovework drew dire grades from the Defensive Runs Saved (-11) and infield outs above average (-13) metrics.
23.12.2021 LISTEN

Organiser of Bhim Concert, Stonebwoy has described performance of the only gospel musician billed for the show, Empress Gifty as amazing.

According to him, the Ghanaian gospel heavyweight, Empress Gifty last night thrilled thousands with her electrifying performance.

Stonebwoy invited Empress Gifty to his waiting area to express gratitude for gracing the event and leaving lasting memories.

Empress Gifty who was the only gospel artiste on the bill gave a good account of her ministry with an irresistible live band performance which got many awed.

The gospel minister, clad in Bhim Nation branded outfit took her turn on the stage with a slow raggae rendition of No Jesus, No Life song.

She then switched to her Fefeefe song, which got the whole auditorium singing along.

The icing on the cake was the short praises to wrap up her performance, an act that took patrons to another level.

Her striking performance received many applause from patrons and some industry players.

According them, it was a good strategy to win souls for christ at such event, and a good statement for gospel music.

Empress Gifty is out with her new song dubbed 'Eye Woa', which is currently making waves in the country.

Watch excerpts of Empress Gifty's performance below
22.12.2021 LISTEN

Newmont Ghana Gold Limited says it is injecting $300,000 annually towards cross-community development initiatives" to further drive infrastructural projects in its host communities in Ahafo.

This is in addition to the Newmont Ahafo Development Foundation (NADeF) through which the company, since its operations in July 2007, commits $1.00 per ounce of gold mined and 1% of its annual pre-tax profit to undertake various projects in its ten host communities as part of its corporate social responsibility.

Beyond these contributions that weve been making, were committed to add $300,000.00 annually to help the communities drive cross-community projects, Samuel Osei, Head of Communications and External Relations of Newmont Ahafo said at a meeting with the media in Sunyani recently.

He explained that even though each community was entitled to a share of NADeF to roll-out its own project, it was also imperative for two or more communities to embark on joint projects which would inure to their mutual benefit.

Cross-community projects are projects that would be own by all the communities and so this additional $300,000.00 per year go to support that, he added.

Beyond that we have also allocated 40% of NADeF Endowment Fund to undertake extra cross-community projects and 30% to complete all on-going projects.

Mr. Osei also announced that Newmont has secured EPA permit to begin its Ahafo North mining project as the companys Board of Directors has already approved nearly $800 million for its smooth take-off soon.

The Ahafo North project is Newmonts third investment in Ghana after the Ahafo South and the Akyem mines. The project is part of the Normandy concession secured by Newmont in 2002. Now were ready to roll with the Ahafo North project, which is going to be a fresh mine that were building from the scratch.

According to him, the project would present opportunities for employment, investment and several others to the people of the area and beyond.

He also said about 168 construction workers mostly from the host communities will be engaged during the construction stage of the project while some 550 permanent staff also stand to be employed by the mine.

He noted that the Ghana Highway Authority is leading discussions at the newly formed Highway Diversion Consultative Committee to fine-tune modalities for the diversion of the main Sunyani-Kumasi highway at Terchire.

On how the company have had to cope with covid-19, he said a lot of the staff have been working from their homes as a way of decongesting various offices

First of all, we ensured that we reduced exposure by letting our employees who could work from home do so and so a very significant number of our employees have been working from home for a very long time. This created space in our offices so we had to rearrange the seating of our people to ensure that there wasnt a constant interaction among ourselves.

He added that all meetings are now held on the virtual space as against the traditional way of meeting on a one-on-one basis.

Mr. Osei further said the company in collaboration with KCCR has built a PCR laboratory to expedite covid-19 tests in the companys operational areas in Akyem and Ahafo at the cost of about Gh.c 2,000,000.00.
The Deputy Public Relations Officer for the Ministry of Education and an ardent member of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), Yaw Opoku Mensah, has suggested that the partys agenda to break the traditional 8-year rule of political parties in the country goes beyond party colors, and deemed it a civic responsibility on every Ghanaian.

According to him, the Akuffo-Addo led administration has done a lot to improve the lives of Ghanaians in just five years of being in office, compared to the eight years tenure of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) under former President Mahama.

He believes such developments are evident in the standard of living of Ghanaians in areas such as education, health, and the construction of quality infrastructure along the width and breadth of the country. For all these improvements, it is only right Ghanaians give the President his due berries by uplifting the break the 8 agenda irrespective of their political affiliations.

Speaking during a panel discussion on Happy98.9 FMs Epa Hoa Daben political show, he told Don Kwabena Prah, The development and transformation of most developed nations is as a result of the continuation of a certain government with a set agenda that has brought the country that far. The whole world has seen the current state of Ghana. Where we took it up from and how far we have brought the country. Now when we talk of breaking the 8, we dont just see it as a party slogan but it has become a civic responsibility on us all.

Irrespective of your political colors, you have to see it as aduty as a responsible citizen to help the government go ahead with its developmental projects. When these projects are done and you feel its time to change government, we can allow others to take the wheel. We all have to agree on this, because that is the only way we can lead Ghana to the promise land. Where we are stand now, were just focused on progress and we need the NPP to steer the affairs of the country for as long as they can to be able to put in place their visionary projects.

To him, the contentious and yet to be approved 2022 budget is the best to have ever been brought to the floor of Parliament. The best ever budget that has resourced the education sector is the 2022 budget. I have never seen that in the history of the countrys governance. Looking at the content of the budget and what is being practiced, should we change our handiwork, then unless we go back to schooling. What weve lost since 1957, the things weve borrowed, should we have seen the dream before, the narrative would have been totally different now.

The PRO further indicated that, the recent mayhem that occurred on the floor of Parliament on Monday, December 22, is as a result of the Minority caucus failure to look at the bigger picture of the proposed e-levy.

He also stated that, the opposition NDC are self-centered and only interested in serving their agenda, which is to discredit the NPP government instead of serving the interest of Ghanaians. Dont sit somewhere and just conjure stuff just because a policy does not favor your interest. They should just rethink and if they were to be in power being given this abuse, how would they feel? All this nuisance in Parliament is just because someone wants to become President again by all means, but they are not looking at the bigger picture that these projects by government are just for the countrys benefit. Were just playing politics with our lives, he added.

---happyghana
23.12.2021 LISTEN

I am a citizen. Im not an ordinary spectator. I have a civil right to speak my mind on issues of my country.

You have the right to skip my write-up. You read at your own cost. Insult will not be tolerated. Skip and scroll on if you intend to politicize my views.

HISTORY

In 1979, Some Ghanaians in their ignorance lined up on the streets of Accra urging rampaging soldiers on to let the blood flow.

Indeed blood flowed. We know more of the blood of the generals but little is said of the many civilians who disappeared and the many women who were brutally abused by these senseless monsters in military uniform.

When Ghanaians were chanting for blood to flow, little did they know that the house cleaning exercise will reach their very homes. They least suspected that their wives, daughters and mothers would be stripped naked and lashed in their private parts in the full glare of the public.

The then Junior Jesus and his weed smoking men made sub humans of Ghanaiansour innocent women being the main victims. The same man who supervised the dehumanizing of Ghanaian women later paraded himself as the champion of women rights in this country.

For close to two decades, Ghana endured under a tyrant who had the charisma of satan himself. Wives lost husbands. Children lost their fathers. Our industrialists fled this country. Our noble men were reduced to nothing. Ghana endured low-lives sprouting to prominence and rubbing their blood gotten prominence in our faces.

Forty something years on and what do I hear on our radios, a call for uprising and military takeover?

I dont understand why a harmless prophecy of two prophets landed them in cells to show them where power lies and yet a journalist with a massive influenctial platform was simply invited and released by the police the same day he called for insurrection in this country.

Prophecy is not treasonable. Calling for soldiers and the people to rise is dangerous and tantamount to treason!

The youth of this country are calling for something that will ruin the very lives they are seeking to build.

In a democracy, you can always wait for at most four years to change the government if you dont like them. In an autocracy and soldier power, you are a dead dog to seek any governmental change.

Our mouths as a people can bring ruins upon us. We can with our own mouths destroy our nation. Let us watch how we call for certain things in this country.

Those of us who saw the dark days of the revolution do not wish to see such days even in our dreams. Indeed, families that were wrecked and shattered by the atrocities perpetrated by the devilish saviors want to regard the whole episode as some bad dream. They want to see that dark history as just imagination yet they endured it and many are still enduring the horrors the revolution unleashed on them.

People were tortured. And this is not far fetched in our history. Even a simple love affair landed Jentu Selasie in the military guardroom at the seat of government for an identification haircut. A special haircut with broken bottles.

If you dont know ask soldiers what they think of civilians. They think you (the civilians) are not disciplined. When they have power, their first job is to straighten you up. They will drill your life with slaps to kick indiscipline out of your life.

In this country, men were made by soldiers to make love to dirt. Red hot pins were inserted in the genitalia of men in this country. Business women were raped, tortured and killed.

Those who jubilated were those who economically benefited from the plight of those who faced gross injustice.

Worthy of note is that all the people who suffered under this satanic regime were not tried. They were not given any hearing talkless of a fair one. People were killed for mere suspicion.

POLITICIANS OF TODAY

Our parliament is sadly playing into the hands of soldiers one more time. On two occasions, soldiers have entered the floor of parliament to bring orderthere may not be a third time.

Imagine the childish behavior of people who Ghanaians endured the scorching sun to line up at the polling stations to vote for. Adults who are meant to learn what consensus building is all about throwing punches at each other. Indeed what is happening in our parliament is a total disrespect and disregard for Ghanaians. It is absurd to watch these disgraceful entities call themselves honorables when they living dishonorably.

The IGP should arrest the MPs caught on video perpetrating violence. In fact what happened in parliament disrupted national peace not just public peace. If ordinary people can be arrested for fighting openly, it will be gross injustice and misapplication of the law if these lawmakers are not made to face the full rights of the law. They must pay for damages to public property and pay for invading our television sets with their violence.

Our politicians owe us respect. They owe us some dignity. They must be made accountable.

A hungry eighteen year old boy was jailed in this country for stealing just plantain. Our MPs were never interrogated for taking double salaries. Credence is being given to the fact that we are not all equal under the law. The law as it is was made to protect some few!!!!

Im using this means to urge Ghanaians to go to their nearest police stations and report their members of parliament to be arrested for causing nuisance and disturbing public peace. They need to be arrested and put before court then we can believe in the rule of law.

A mere apology is not enough. These 275 people have taken us for granted for far too long. They get paid with our taxes. The only time consensus is reached effortlessly is when there is a proposal to milk the National purse.

Ghana belong to all Ghanaians. The selective justice must stop.

If IGP could arrest prophets for harmlessly prophesying, he must as a matter of urgency arrest the journalist who called for insurrection in this country.

If ordinary people can be arrested for causing nuisance, our MPs should be arrested for the same. Violence of any kind is a crime.

E-LEVY

With all due respect, this levy does not make sense.

Yes, the tax web needs to be widened. E-Levy is not the way to go. In my mind, it will even amount to double taxation of the corporate worker who is taxed and will be taxed again for simple mobile money transactions.

It is only a fool who refuses to change his mind. The government should as a matter of curtesy and respect to Ghanaians scrap this as soon as possible.

If toll booths have outlived their usefulness, let us look to alternatives for motorists and road users to pay for the use of our roads. The road-worth fee can be marginally increased so that those using vehicles pay.

I support the taxation of the churches, shrines and mosques. As long as these houses embarks on business, they should pay taxes. Even Jesus paid taxes.

The artisans must be made to pay taxes. Government should stop burdening the few in our country and make sure that every citizens lives up to their civil responsibility. There is something called citizens tax, my generation know it as lampo, every Ghanaian must be made to pay.

When the taxes are paid, it must as well be put to good use for it is disheartening to see our monies being used to fly side-chicks and side-gangs for luxurious holidays.

THE CITIZENS

We can only fix our country when we have fixed our general attitude.

Our attitude to work stinks.

Most Ghanaians are fundamentally dishonest. Most Ghanaians are wicked. Ghanaians by their wicked attitudes have collapsed many businesses. We need to fix our attitude.

Civil servants must sit up. Most civil servants are lazy and bluntly wicked. They must sit up and help in building our nation.

Stop littering our streets and expect the government to do the sweeping. Keep your own corner clean.

Let us all fix our corners. Collectively, we can fix the country.

The church must eschew greed and wickedness. Christian leaders must be compassionate enough to be part of the nation building effort. Let us use our influence to change lives not to milk unsuspecting congregants.

Ghana can work if only you and I are willing to work.

I am a Ghanaian citizen.

I am a husband.

I am a father to many children.

I just spoke my mind.

Remain blessed.

Barimah Kofi Asare Kyei-Baffour
22.12.2021 LISTEN

An NDC activist, Mr. Issifu Seidu Kudus Gbeadese who is publicly known for his prowess in writing on National issues, has intimated that the visit to the private residence of former President John Dramani Mahama by Mr. Gabby Otchere Darko is not an ordinary one.

He said this in a statement issued and copied to Modernghana News' Savannah Regional reporter, Ezekiel Abdul Aziz.

According to him, he suspect Gabby's visit was meant to first and foremost patronize the former President and to also set him up against the "unrelenting supporters across the country who have now seen the hero in him" and are ever ready to sacrifice everything the bid to support his come back.

"I suspect it was meant first and foremost to patronize you and set you up against the unrelenting supporters across the country who have now seen the hero in you and are ever ready to sacrifice everything in the bid to support your come back", he said in reaction John Mahama's Facebook post.

He continued, "in the midst of the heat, every capitalist will seek refuge and patronize his victims just to survive, that is exactly what Gabby is doing".

Find the full statement below:

A VISIT BY GABBY TO PRESIDENT MAHAMA AT HIS PRIVATE RESIDENCE: THE BAD SIDE OF STATESMANSHIP.

By Issifu Seidu Kudus Gbeadese

(Youth Imam from Laribanga)

0244198031

Your Excellency, the incoming President of Ghana in 2025, President John Dramani Mahama,

I bring you seasons greetings from my lonely cave in the Laribanga mountains. As the youngest Imam in Ghana, I can assure you of my prayers and unwavering loyalty at all times.

Daddy, I have been one of the ardent defenders of your disposition on political matters anytime some of our people question the political sense of you playing safe and gentle when the facts of some cases and the circumstances that generated same dont demand that you display any of the aforementioned personality of yours. I do so not because I am a blind supporter but because I can gauge your sense of judgment on such matters.

There is no contestation as to the outstanding statesman you are. In addition to this, you are someone who has experienced almost all the layers of political leadership and representation in Ghana. So, when you speak or take a position on any national matter, it mostly takes a third eye to evaluate its essence or otherwise. That is not to say you are immune from making mistakes in your judgements or positions on issues. You are human and by nature we expect you not to be infallible.

Daddy, I just read from your Facebook wall where you tried to summarize what actually transpired when Gabby mischievously visited you at your private residence. With all due respect Your Excellency, I am not a happy person and I know many of your admirers, some of who are NPP members are equally not happy with you. Gabby of all creatures at your PRIVATE RESIDENCE? Wow!

I read from some astute political jingoists who make the case that, anytime ones action need a further explanation to make sense to people who ordinarily ought to understand on the face of it, then its better to opt not to take that action. This is Ghana, where the media is set to engage in issue-centering and agenda setting than to investigate and report from an informed central position.

In this game of politics and especially the kind of political environment Nana Addo and his NPP have created, it is very safe and better not to act than to act and later explain and justify your action. Nana Addo and his team of crony capitalists have succeeded in poisoning the political environment with mistrust to the extent that brothers and closed friends cannot trust each other any longer once they share different political persuasions.

To them, what matters is to make political profit out of every situation including the killer Covid. So, to the extent that their political interest is at stake, they dont care about the immediate consequences of their action to ensure they get what they want. They can kill, they can maim, they can exile, they can paralyze the dreams of innocent and render thousands jobless, useless and homeless, just to achieve a single political objective.

Your Excellency, the visit of Gabby wasnt ordinary. I suspect it was meant to first and foremost patronize you and set you up against the unrelenting supporters across the country who have now seen the hero in you and are ever ready to sacrifice everything in the bid to support your come back. In the midst of the heat, every capitalist will seek refuge and patronize his victims just to survive. That is exactly what Gabby is doing.

Your Excellency, in what capacity did Gabby visit you and in what capacity did you have to receive him in no less a place than your private residence? Even a stillborn in Ghana knows who Gabby is and what hes capable of doing. I know you have security detail around you, but to the extent that these same group of people could set someone to kill you in church when you had the state security apparatus at your disposal as President, should inform you about what they can do this time that they have everything in this country at their behest.

I like to quote from Aseidu Nketia who opined some time ago that, when you dine with the devil, you do so with a long spoon. It is obvious that it is in political theories and the idealist world that the adage we dont have enemies in politics but political opponents fester and can make meaning. In my world where political realism plays 100 against zero, I believe that out of every 10 political opponents (whether intra or inter), about 8 to 9 of them will wish me dead, paralyzed, weak, unemployed, homeless or mad. And someone who would wish you dead or can maim you in order to gain political advantage is not an opponent but an enemy. This is the reality in the contemporary world of politics especially in Ghana under Nana Addo, the cousin of Gabby.

The media reports which skewed the import of the visit and the twists and turns about its relationship with the deadly E-LEVY are not borne out of coincidences but something which was crafted, stage-managed and well executed to feed into the grand agenda of getting the NDC and you, President Mahama, in the bracket of those to be blamed for the E-LEVY. They want to share the blame and make useless the action of the NDC minority in Parliament on Monday, to get the killer e-levy crushed into insignificant proportions.

Your Excellency, when your government decided to call all stakeholders to Senchi for a national conversation around a national policy/agenda, the NPP as a party led by Gabbys cousin openly refused to attend.

Gabby in the past attacked your person and likened you to a maniac. When you lost in 2016 and a meeting was convened at the instance of the Ashantehene to take a decision in respect an residence for you, Nana Addo, Gabby and their NPP betrayed the trust and acted deaf when they issue came up for clarification. In fact, you were practically thrown out of your residence with drones monitoring how you pack your luggage back to BOLE. They lied that the Vice President was sleeping outside because you decided not to vacate the official residence for him, but in the end, it was the Senior Minister who packed into that residence. These are the people who now want a meeting with you to discuss some so called issues in a so called NATIONAL INTEREST. These are people you now entertain around you? Remember how bomb-throwing came to be part of our political history and learn some lessons from same. Dont trust them!

Gabby is one of the wily persons in the NPP who many people would wish to be charged and prosecuted for some scandals that happened in this government, including but not limited to PDS scandal, the Agyapa heist and many others where his invincible octopus hands were seen manipulating and purportedly cooking deals. This is a guy who cannot still see you, Mahama as someone fit to rule Ghana as he intimated in the past with very strong language on his social media handles. Such a person in this critical times is seen around same Mahama when the masses dont want to see his face. Isnt that annoying?

Daddy, I know we cannot change the personality God has given you, but you can at least do something about things that can hurt people who will die to make you happy. It should not be about you, your orientation and belief systems, but about the masses who hinge their hopes and dreams on you. Majority of the people are patiently waiting, working and praying for your come back. All what most of these people want you to do when you eventually win power is, to prosecute some of the officials in this government who are the architects of the naked thievery and loaded corruption; the name of Gabby cannot escape the list. The people want to see a hard-hearted person in you who is ready and willing to execute the above duty. You need to let them know you have a soft heart as a statesman but you can be hard when it comes to some issues. All these begin with your actions now.

I know you want to exude the father figure in you to prove that you can unite this country beyond its current politically polarized state, but in doing so, you dont have to make the grievous mistake of letting it into your belief system that it takes a father for all figure to run Ghana on the oasis of peace and unity. Let everyone stay where they belong, enough of this thing call NATIONAL INTEREST. After all, the President said they have majority in Parliament, so no need for consensus building.

I wish you Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year in advance. My love and loyalty for you are still intact.
22.12.2021 LISTEN

It has come to my attention that the Health Care Workers at the Kotoka International Airport are intentionally delaying visitors to Ghana at the airport by reading false coronavirus tests, The alleged visitors and nationals who tested positive were asked to quarantine for 14 days. The strange thing about this deception and delays is that many of the travelers have taken the vaccines already in the United States and Europe. How is it possible for those who have been immunized against COVID-19 continue to test positive? This is medically inconsistent. What these medical officials who give false test readings don't realize is that it paints a bad and a negative picture of Ghana to would-be travelers and investors to the country from Europe and the United States.

What do the medical team stand to gain by offering false COVID-19 test readings at the arrivals at the airport? The insensitive Health Care Workers have to realize that some of the travelers to the country have limited leave of absence at the places of work in Europe and the United States. An intentional delay by this health care workers can cost the livelihood of some of these travelers to Ghana. Therefore, I am writing to the government of Ghana to address this situation before it gets out of hand. Immediate attention to redress the situation is urgently needed.

NB: I have been informed that due to the accelerated rate at which the Omicron Variant is spreading, the Health Workers have begun to extort money from travelers especially, non-citizens of Ghana. The person in change of the Healthcare workers must muster courage and stop the practice in its trail.

Kennedy A. Adarkwa, Ph.D.
A Tunisian court sentenced in absentia exiled former president Moncef Marzouki, a fierce critic of the power grab by current leader Kais Saied, to four years in prison, a judicial source said Wednesday.

The source was not able to clarify on what charge Marzouki, 76, was convicted by the court of first instance in the capital Tunis.

His lawyer, Lamia Khemiri, told AFP that Marzouki had not received any summons to court and she also did not know why he was convicted.

Local media said he was found guilty of "undermining the security of the state from abroad" and of having caused "diplomatic harm".

Saied has said Marzouki is among the "enemies of Tunisia", and asked the courts to investigate statements he had made, as well as to withdraw his diplomatic passport.

A Tunisian judge last month issued an arrest warrant for the former president.

During an early October demonstration in Paris, Marzouki, in a reference to Saied, called on the French government to "reject all support for this regime and this man who plotted against the revolution and abolished the constitution".

On July 25 Tunisia's Saied sacked the government and began to seize sweeping powers after months of political and economic crisis.

Since then, Marzouki has used regular television appearances and social media to launch withering broadsides against Saied, whom he has called a "dictator".

Tunisia was the birthplace of the Arab Spring revolts a decade ago and became the only democracy to emerge from that movement.

A human rights activist who was imprisoned then exiled under Tunisia's former dictator Zine El Abidine Ben Ali, Marzouki returned home and was elected president for three years following the 2011 revolution.

He shared power with the Islamist-inspired Ennahdha party, a move which drew criticism.

Ennahdha was also the largest party in the parliament suspended by Saied.

The president last week extended the months-long suspension until new elections in December 2022, while calling for a July referendum on constitutional reforms.
The Minority Chief Whip, Muntaka Mubarak, is appealing to Members of Parliament to find amicable and civilised ways of resolving their differences in the house instead of fighting.

He insists Ghanaians wont the august house seriously if these acts are not stopped.

A decision of the First Deputy Speaker to take leave of the Speaker's chair for the Second Deputy Speaker to take charge, allegedly to enable him to participate in voting occasioned disagreement from the Minority, and a subsequent tussle over the Speaker's sitting area ensued.

The brawl saw dozens of the opposition parliamentarians exchange fisticuffs with their colleagues on the majority side, while some officials of parliament tried to protect the Speaker's seat and the mace of parliament from being attacked.

But calm returned moments after, before the Second Deputy Speaker, Andrew Asiamah, adjourned the sitting.

However, the Asawase MP, speaking on the incident on Citi TVs current affairs programme, The Point of View on Wednesday, December 22, 2021, described it as unfortunate and sad.

It is just too unfortunate and very sad that these things keep happening in the house, and we keep coming and apologizing and yet, we keep repeating the same behaviour and actions and I don't know whether Ghanaians would take our apology seriously and whatever we do.

The Majority Leader, Osei Kyei Mensah-Bonsu had earlier condemned the fighting in the house.

He described the development as embarrassing and shameful.

Addressing the media on Tuesday, December 21, 2021, Osei Kyei Mensah-Bonsu said parliament and parliamentarians must apologize for the incident.

I think this is a very shameful and embarrassing moment for us in parliament. I think all of us in parliament must be bowing down our heads in shame for this gross dereliction of responsibility, and we must apologize for the people we represent in parliament, he said.

citinewsroom
Member of Parliament for Bawku Central, Mahama Ayariga, has petitioned the Bank of Ghana Governor to investigate the Board Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Amalgamated Trust (GAT) over their alleged plan to offload the trusts shares to third parties.

Mr. Ayariga in his petition argued that Albert Essien and Eric Otoo were coordinating with the Ministry of Finance and the Second Deputy Governor of BoG to implement the transaction.

The Finance Minister through its agents at GAT and SEC is in the process of offloading GAT shares to its third party nominees without giving an opportunity to original Ghanaian shareholders to buy same. This questionable conduct must be investigated by BoG and halted immediately or BoG will be seen as complicit if it is ultimately proven to be fraudulent and this will expose the bank to grave liability.

He said GAT, under the leadership of the two, had also engaged in various questionable transactions that had weakened the corporate governance capacity of some banks, thus rendering them vulnerable in the financial sector.

GAT engaged the various banks at sometime in 2019 when the banks urgently needed capital injection to meet the new BoG recapitalization requirement.

Though some of the banks were, prior to the closing of the transaction, described as a solvent, well-governed and well managed, these banks were forced by circumstances of having to meet the BoGs minimum capital requirement within the stipulated time frame to accept the offer from GAT.

Mr. Ayariga said the Minority will not hesitate to take legal action against the Securities Exchange Commission (SEC), GAT, and BoG if his claims are not investigated.

The GAT, which is made up of some private pension funds in the country was put in place to support five banks that were unable to meet the GHc400 million capital requirement but were solvent.

The five banks were: ADB, NIB, merged Omni/Bank Sahel Sahara, Universal Merchant Bank, and Prudential Bank.

citinewsroom
The Ghana Medical Association (GMA), is asking government to either regulate or restrict social activities during the yuletide to avoid a potentially deadly fourth wave of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The GMA says this should be done as a matter of urgency.

It made the call in a statement issued on Wednesday, December 22, 2021.

GMA also asked the Ghana Police Service, all Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDA's) as well as the Ghana Tourism Authority to strictly enforce all COVID-19 protocols at all events and celebrations.

The GMA also calls on the central government, the Ghana Police Service, all Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDA's) as well as the Ghana Tourism Authority to strictly enforce all COVID-19 protocols at all events and celebrations (and bring all offenders to book without fear or favour) to prevent a potentially deadly fourth wave of COVID-19 in the country.

As a matter of urgency, social activities such as parties, nightclubs, church services, market activities, funerals, and other mass gatherings of such nature should be regulated or restricted.

It also added that Failure to do this may have dire consequences for all of us come the year 2022.

Meanwhile, it also asked Ghanaians to take advantage of the government's inoculation drive to get vaccinated.

All Ghanaians should take advantage of the Ghana Health Service and for that matter government's drive to vaccinate all Ghanaians of age 15 years and above. What is Ghana Health Service doing?

The Ghana Health Service, GHS, also in a bid to prevent a fourth wave of COVID-19 has revised the existing safety protocols for events during the festive season.

GHS wants event organisers to include health officials in the planning stages of their events.

The Director-General of the GHS, Dr. Patrick Kuma-Aboagye, explained that this is to ensure that there's strict compliance with the safety protocols.

The capacity for indoor events must not go beyond 25% of the existing capacity of that facility to ensure social distancing. We all know the indoor area is where the spread is highest.

We have also made our teams ready that all those organising events should invite the team to come and assist them in the setting to make sure it is safe, and all other COVID-19 protocols should be observed.

citinewsroom
The opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) has attributed the happenings in the eighth Parliament to the law of karma catching up with the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) for allegedly scheming with the Electoral Commission (EC) to steal the verdict of the people during the December 2020 general elections.

According to the NDC, what is happening in Parliament under the watchful eyes of the sitting President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo is the price the party has to pay for the atrocities it committed against the good people of Ghana during the last elections.

The NDC is of the view that under the current president who is also the Commander-in-Chief of the Ghana Armed Forces, eight innocent voters lost their lives because of security heavy-handedness during the last elections.

The NDC further explained that It is the first time in the history of elections that people who set out to exercise their civic duties were killed by security operatives.

The National Organizer of the NDC, Joshua Akamba made this revelation in an interview with Iddrissu Awudu, host of the Ghana Yensom morning show on Accra 100.5 FM.

He said this is the price the NPP in government subtly has to pay for after conniving with the EC; led by its Chairperson, Madam Jean Mensah to change election results six times in favour of the sitting president.

According to him, what is happening in the eighth Parliament is a result of the atrocities the NPP committed against the good people of Ghana in the last elections.

Commenting on the purported meeting between a cousin of the President, Gabby Asare Otchere-Darko, and former President John Dramani Mahama at his private residence in Accra, he questioned the locus of the presidents cousin on matters of national interest.

As a party, we have always believed that it is the likes of Gabby Otchere-Darko who are ruling the country with the president sitting aloof in the coziness of the Jubilee House, he said.

He added that Mr Otchere-Darkos meeting with Mr Mahama confirms their suspicion that Mr Otchere-Darko is a defacto president.

Classfmonline.com
23.12.2021 LISTEN

The National House of Chiefs has appealed to Members of Parliament to exercise maximum restraint in discussing national issues, condemning Mondays brawl in the House.

President of the House Ogyeahohoo Yaw Gyebi I laments that what happened in Parliament on Monday has desecrated all chiefs as well as the good people of Ghana.

It is just unfortunate that in recent times our parliamentarians decide to exchange blows on the floor of the House, the Paramount Chief of Sefwi Anhwiaso Traditional Area said.

He was speaking at the end-of-year General Meeting of the House in Kumasi on Wednesday, December 22.

This thing does not affect only the parliamentarians but affects Nananom and the good people of this country.

The brawl erupted in Parliament after the First Deputy Speaker, Joseph Osei-Owusu, stated that he was going to cast his vote as Member of Parliament for Bekwai Constituency on whether or not the Electronic Transfer Levy Bill was to be considered by plenary under a certifcate of urgency.

Mr Osei-Owusu was presiding over proceedings in the absence of Speaker Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin , whose whereabouts was questioned by the Majority .

The brawl left proceedings adjourned to the following day, Tuesday, December 21. That day did not also see the Bill considered by plenary as the Meeting was adjourned sine die.

Ogyeahohoo Yaw Gyebi I urged the MPs to resort to dialogue from hence in tackling matters of national interest.

 want to use this platform to urge our parliamentarians from both sides of the House to exercise restraint and resort to dialogue and engagement on broad national issues to arrive at consensus.

He later added: We believe they are all responsible people and that is why we call them Honourables and they should always jaw-jaw instead of turning the floor of the House to an arena of boxing.

3news.com
The Ghana Health Service (GHS) has instructed that all event organizers who intend to organize various in-door events as part of the celebration of the yuletide to desist from doing so as Covid-19 numbers keep rising.

According to GHS, this is one of the measures to help curb the rapid spread of the Covid-19 pandemic as people head to celebrate Christmas.

The GHS is further urging all event organizers to take steps to have all such in-door events halted or organised outdoor.

The GHS said this was the outcome of a meeting held with the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) and some event organizers for all events to be organized outdoors to limit the spread of the disease during the festivities.

The Director of Public Health at Ghana Health Service (GHS), Dr. Asiedu Bekoe told Iddrissu Awudu, host of the Ghana Yensom morning show on Accra 100.5 FM on Thursday, December 23, 2021, that the decision to halt all in-door events as well as some church events were part of the measures to contain the spread of the deadly Coronavirus pandemic, especially during the yuletide.

He explained that all events must be held outdoors to help save the rising numbers of Covid-19 situations.

He noted that Ghanas case count over the past three weeks has been rising due to the discovery of the new variant.

Our case count which hitherto was 10 a day is now rising to 20 to 30 cases a day at the airport, he said.

He explained that this is so because more people are traveling as part of Christmas festivities and the disease moves and spreads faster when people travel.

He took the opportunity to appeal to Ghanaians to avail themselves of the Covid-19 jabs adding that it is safer to take the jab than not to take it.

Classfmonline.com
Malagasy President Andry Rajoelina declared a national day of mourning Thursday to commemorate 85 people killed in a shipwreck off the country's coast on Monday.

All of the country's flags are being flown at half-mast "in memory of the victims of the sinking of the Francia boat at Soanierana Ivongo," the Madagascar-Tribune wrote.

Maritime authorities said 138 people were on the 12-foot-long boat carrying cargo which sank, adding that only 50 people had been rescued. Five children are among the 85 lives claimed.

The remains are being repatriated from the island to the commune of Soanierana Ivongo, where a mass will be held later Monday.

The wooden vessel, a cargo boat not authorised to carry passengers, had set off from the village of Antseraka for Soanierana-Ivongo, about 100 kilometres to the south.

After suffering an apparent engine failure, the boat was driven by waves onto a reef, where it took on water, according to Adrien Fabrice Ratsimbazafy of the River and Maritime Port Agency.

Seasonal workers

Alban Menavolo, the mayor of Soanierana-Ivongo, said personal belongings, identity cards and money had been recovered by rescue teams.

"Most of the passengers were seasonal workers, from the countryside," he said.

"They had gone to harvest cloves ... and were returning to their families with the money they had earned for the end-of-year festivities."

Cloves rank alongside vanilla as Madagascar's signature species, and the harvest seasons usually runs from October to late December.

The distance between Antseraka and Soanierana-Ivongo can be covered in less than three hours by boat, compared with more than eight by road, residents said.

Jocelyne Kalou, who manages the Le Fumet hotel at Soanierana-Ivongo, said the local graveyard was "too small to accommodate all the bodies. They are being sent to villages in the surrounding area."

Alban Menavolo said he had helped to take 39 bodies by truck to the village, and that he had known some of them.

Helicopter crash

Within hours of the disaster, a police helicopter that had set off from the capital Antananarivo with police minister Serge Gelle onboard to help with search and rescue crashed at sea.

Gelle and an officer were thrown out of the craft and survived by swimming for nearly 12 hours to reach land.

They were found separately on Tuesday morning by locals on the beach at Mahambo, around 75 kilometres from the port city of Toamasina.

Two gendarmes, including the pilot, remain missing. A second helicopter carrying Prime Minister Christian Ntsay and Defence Minister Richard Rakotonirina landed safely after taking part in the operation.

(with Wires)
The family of 34-year-old Simon Yindoog Nawak, suspected to be one of the three armed robbers who took part in the murder of two police officers at Zuarungu has said the Ghana Police Service gunned down an innocent person who could not have been part of the robbery.

In a statement signed by the Sheaga Youth Leaders, Augustine Mmi-oni Guure and Zinekena Solomon T.T.B, the Assembly Member for Gorogo/Pusunamoogo Electoral Area, Roland Noah Basahmah and the Presiding Member, Talensi District Gaare/Gbane Electoral Area, John Nabwomya Millim, the group explained that the deceased was unarmed and did not resist arrest.

They alleged that the police used brute force in executing the operation.

The youth leaders explained that the police should have been mindful and operated on the basis that everyone is innocent until proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction.

Earlier, The Ghana Police Service has said it has gunned down one of the robbers suspected to have shot and killed two police officers in Zuarungu in the Bolgatanga East District of the Upper East Region.

In a statement on the Service's Facebook page, it said a special Anti-Robbery squad, assisted by the Upper East Regional Police Command through an intelligence-led special anti-robbery operation at Kpatia in the Talensi District has gunned down suspect Laayaame Simon alias Yendu aged 34 years, one of the three suspected armed robbers who callously murdered two Police officers at Zuarungu in the Upper East Region. A special targeted intelligence-led operation is being carried to get the rest of the suspects arrested.

Please read the full statement below:

THE UNLAWFUL KILLING OF 'SIMON YINDOOG NAWAK' A YOUTH OF SHEAGA IN THE TALENSI DISTRICT OF THE UPPER EAST REGION.

Chiefs and people of Talensi, the media, our gallant youth and women, ladies and gentlemen, the toad is said to like water but not when the water is boiling beyond its adjustable temperature, is the reason why we are all hot and boiling. The cause of our grief is the police who are paid with our taxes to protect us, rather deem it prudent in killing us with such impunity. We are today mourning our dear brother Simon Nawak Yindoog who was murdered by the police on Saturday the 18th December 2021 at neighbouring community Kpatia. This is very disheartening, inhumane and a vivid disregard of law and order which they are supposed to enforce.

No wonder the adage that Whatever that is eating the vegetable leaf is right behind it.

The police must be reminded that, ''you're in accordance to the constitution mandated to protect lives and property not the vice versa''.

The innocent man killed is known to everyone in the community and beyond as a very humble soul, peacemaker and the breadwinner of his extended family. He has no criminal record of any form to the best of our knowledge and we challenge anyone including the killers to provide contrary evidence to this fact.

If the intel we have gathered is true that the police want to link his murder to the recent killing of the two police officers at the market square in Zuarungu on the 15th December last week is anything to go by, we want to state emphatically without any equivocation that the gentleman was on duty at work based on the records of the mining company, Earl Mining Group.

Assuming without admitting that in any case there's a lead intelligence linking him to the culprits of such an ungodly act, why will you not rather apprehend him alive to aid you to arrest the remaining perpetrators?

You the police should have wanted him alive more than any other person if that weird logic which has no evidentiary backing but just a rumour is assumed.

We read malice (intentional killing) in the shooting as nothing at all proof that the act was professional or legal.

We conclude on your (police) actions have been intentional because:

1. The Innocent man was unarmed.

2. He didn't resist arrest.

3. He was not at the time involved in committing any crime making reference to the criminal art 1960 act (29), be it in the form of violence stipulated in section 197, Riot in section 198, Rioting with weapons also enshrined in section 199 or provocation of Riot in section 200.

We have finally come to terms with the philosophy of Thomas Jefferson that If a law is unjust, a man is not only right to disobey it, he is obligated to do so

Enough is enough!

Having said so, let it be on record that this is not the first time the police have been treating youth and people from this part of the district with such impunity and we will have to resist their brutalities, oppression/suppression if the leadership of the police command fails to address our grievances sooner.

Our country Ghana has an adversarial criminal justice system in which the offender is presumed innocent until proven guilty. However, most offenders brought to the attention of the police are accompanied by persons who caught them in the act, which tends to eliminate the element of suspicion.

Making allusion to this legal system pursuant to the 1992 constitution, can the police officer who shot and killed Mr Simon Nawak Yindoog pontificate why we should not regard this as a targeted killing? Of course it is.

Let us remind the police of the rights of every citizen who finds themselves in their grips including the Innocent brother you brutally murdered;

1. You are presumed innocent upon arrest until you are proven to be guilty.

2. You must be told of your offence in the language you speak on arrest.

3. You have a right to be treated courteously by the Police even when you have been arrested.

4. You have the right to refuse a search of your premises without a warrant calmly and politely.

5. Unless you resist arrest unnecessarily, the Police don't have the right to use any violence at all in effecting your arrest.

6. You have a right to ask for a lawyer of your choice.

7 You have a right to be brought before court within 48 hours of your arrest unless you are sooner released.

8. You have a right to institute legal proceedings against the police when you are kept longer.

9. You have a right (if you decide to speak) to make your statement in the presence of an independent witness.

10. You have a right to write a statement yourself if you can write.

11. You have the right to speak in any language of your choice if you can't write, and the Police must have an interpreter.

12 Whatever you say and whatever is recorded must be read over and explained to you in a language you speak and understand.

13. You must agree to the wording of the final document of your statement before you sign it.

14. Remember you are not a prisoner while in custody and therefore you cannot be made to do any form of forced labour.

15. You have a right not to make any statement at the Police Station until you talk to a lawyer (preferably your lawyer) or are brought before the court.

Friends from the media, Can you imagine that all these aforementioned rules that govern the police in exercising their duty in the apprehension of a suspect were vehemently/catastrophically not adhered to?

If we may ask, under what conditions do you think we the troubled and victims of their lawlessness and brutalities should be law-abiding?

 Lex injusta non-est lex meaning An unjust law is no law at all' St. Augustine. It's our expression of natural law, acknowledging that authority is not legitimate unless it is good, fairly right and just.

We are resolved to know the following;

1. What crime did he commit?

2. Was he found in a security zone that was out of bond for citizens and a civilian for that matter?

3. Has he gotten any criminal record that makes him a wanted fugitive?

4. Has his right to freedom of movement taken away?

If the questions are not answered in the affirmative, we can confidently conclude that his human rights have been infringed upon.

By virtue of this, we demand the following to be acted upon immediately to curb the tragic situation;

1. Government to constitute an independent investigation committee to probe into the killing by making sure that community opinion leaders must form part of the constituted committee.

2. The family of the bereaved especially his children and the widows must be taken care of by way of compensation for life.

3. The police must halt the impunity foisted/exploited on youth and people of Talensi.

4. The police must halt the unlawful brutalities meted on us law-abiding citizens.

5. The IGP must with immediate effect call his men to order on these excesses; extortions of money from riders, brutalities of youth, unlawful search of people homes etc.

Thank you.

Hon. Michael Zoogah, Assembly Member  Sheaga Electoral Area

Tel: 0244071373 / 0202430253

Augustine Mmi-oni Guure, Youth Leader

Tel: 0244806654

Zinekena Solomon T.T. B, Youth Leader

Tel: 0246180297

Hon. Roland Noah Basahmah, Assembly Member  Gorogo/Pusunamoogo Electoral Area

Tel: 0246686645

Hon. John Nabwomya Millim, Assembly Member  Gaare/Gbane Electoral Area (Presiding Member Talensi District)

Tel: 0243271149

DGN online
The Police have succeeded in arresting two suspected car thieves in Bolgatanga in the Upper East Region after an operation with the Special Anti-Robbery Squad.

The suspects, Mbabila Gideon, and Castro Permadok were apprehended on Wednesday, December 22, 2021, following an intelligence-led operation by the security agency.

The suspects were involved in attacking and snatching a Honda and a V-5 Apsonic motorbike from some residents in the Bolgatanga Municipality on December 18, 2021.

During Police interrogation, the two suspects admitted their complicity in the robbery with one other only known as L.K, currently on the run and in possession of the motorbikes together with a locally manufactured pistol which they used for their robbery expeditions.

The two suspects who have been identified by their victims are currently in Police custody assisting the investigations to arrest their accomplice, L.K.

In a statement from the Ghana Police Service today confirming the arrest, it has assured the general public that it remains determined to arrest and prosecute criminal elements in communities for the peace and safety of all.
A regional military force supporting Mozambican troops fighting jihadists in the north of the country said two rebel bases had been seized and 14 militants killed this week as part of an ongoing offensive.

Two bases near Chai, in the district of Macomia in Cabo Delgado province, have been captured in the operation, which began on November 22, the SADC Mission in Mozambique (SAMIM) said in a statement.

On Sunday and Monday, "14 terrorists were killed whilst eight women, three children and two elderly males believed to have been abducted by the terrorists were rescued," it said.

"The number of terrorists killed from the start of the offensive to date stands at 23," it added.

The SAMIM forces have suffered one fatality and two injured, while the Mozambican army has suffered two dead and four injured, it said.

Cabo Delgado, a gas-rich province bordering Tanzania, has been gripped by attacks by Islamic State-linked militants since 2017. By Kun TIAN (AFP)

Cabo Delgado, a gas-rich province bordering Tanzania, has been gripped by attacks by Islamic State-linked militants since 2017.

At least 3,500 people have died and around 820,000 have fled their homes.

Atrocities include massacres, beheadings, the torching of homes and mass abductions, especially of girls.

Since July, more than 3,000 troops have been deployed from Rwanda and the 16-nation Southern African Development Community (SADC) to help the beleaguered Mozambican army.

On Tuesday, the Mozambican army said a rebel base had been stormed on Sunday and 10 insurgents had been killed.

South African National Defence Force (SANDF) members carry a coffin containing Corporal Tebogo Radebe, who died in Mozambique. By Phill Magakoe (AFP)

South Africa on Tuesday identified the SAMIM fatality as one of its troops, Corporal Tebogo Radebe, 31.

A coffin draped in South Africa's national flag arrived on Thursday at an air base near the capital Pretoria, an AFP journalist saw.
Israel has marked the first anniversary of its US-sponsored resumption of diplomatic relations with Morocco. While the US says the fledgling friendship "widens the circle of peace" in the region, not everybody is celebrating.

During a video conference, the three countries' foreign ministers, Nasser Bourita, Yair Lapid and Antony Blinken, welcomed a partnership aimed at establishing what the US Secretary of State called "an achievement that has deepened ties, partnerships and avenues to pursue shared goals".

Bourita said Rabat was committed to help achieve "a lasting peace in the region".

Morocco renewed official relations with Israel in December last year, two decades after it cut ties when the second Palestinian intifada, or uprising, began.

Abraham Accords

The rapprochement was part of a string of normalisation deals between Israel and four Muslim countries, Bahrain, Morocco, the UAE and Sudan, brokered by the administration of then US president Donald Trump and known as the Abraham Accords.

The deal infuriated the Palestinians as it went against the longstanding Arab consensus opposing normalisation until Israel agrees to a comprehensive and lasting peace.

On Wednesday, Blinken hailed "a positive step for the region as we aim to widen the circle of peace".

"The United States is committed to supporting and expanding the Abraham Accords. We'd look forward to seeing your liaison offices becoming embassies in the near future," he said.

Western Sahara

Bourita also accepted an invitation from Lapid to visit Israel "as soon as possible".

On the Israeli-Palestinian conflict he reiterated Morocco's support for a two-state solution.

A pro-Palestinian coalition of far-left militants and Islamists had called for sit-ins in several cities to protest the accord anniversary but authorities in Rabat forbade it. Turnout was modest elsewhere, according to videos on social media.

Despite pro-Palestinian sympathies in Morocco, the renewal of relations with Israel did not spark major protest, as Washington at the same time recognised the kingdom's sovereignty over the disputed Western Sahara.

Morocco controls most of Western Sahara and considers the former Spanish colony part of its sovereign territory, while neighbouring Algeria backs the Polisario Front independence movement.

Defence cooperation

Morocco and Israel had earlier on established diplomatic relations in the early 1990s following the Oslo Accords between Israel and Palestine, but ties were suspended after the Second Intifada, the Palestinian's uprising against Israel, that started in September 2000.

After re-estblishment of relations last year, normalisation is proceeding fast.

Israeli Defence Minister Benny Gantz made an unprecedented visit last month that saw the signing of a security pact which angered Algeria and the Palestinians.

A memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed in Rabat during the trip, which according to an Israeli defence spokesperson lays down a "solid security cooperation framework" that allows for increased cooperation in areas of intelligence, industrial collaboration, military training and more."

Regional media have since reported on Moroccan acquisition of Israeli defence technology.

Israel's Economy and Industry Minister Orna Barbivai is also expected to visit early next year, media in the kingdom have reported.

Meanwhile, Algeria, which supports Western Sahara, has cut diplomatic ties with Morocco in August, citing "hostile actions", a charge Rabat has denied.

(With AFP)
The presidential advisor on health, Dr. Nsiah Asare has disclosed that government would be compelled to commence a compulsory approach to the ongoing vaccination exercise if things get worse.

Despite a significant decrease in the number of active Covid-19 cases in the country in the first few weeks of December, the numbers have shockingly surged raising the alarm on the need for government to step up the fight against the deadly virus.

Speaking to Asaase Radio in an interview on Thursday, December 23, 2021, Dr. Nsiah Asare who advises President Akufo-Addo on health has disclosed that if it comes a time where hospitals in the country are choked and unable to accommodate infected people, then it will be forced to vaccinate the public compulsorily.

The Health Minister has already invoked the Public Health Act, but we have not come out publicly to say that we are going to compulsory vaccinate anybody. We are trying to vaccinate as many people as much as possible, using all sorts of ways that we are using to convince the people.

When the need be, because if for example, a lot of people are getting sick and the hospitals are very choked, and people are dying, I dont think any government will sit down and watch that to happen, Dr. Nsiah Asare shared.

In the last 24 hours, the Ghana Health Service has confirmed that Ghanas active Covid-19 case count has surged to over 3,000.

Ghanaians are advised to endeavour to adhere strictly to all Covid-19 protocols at all times to stop the possibility of infection and spread of the deadly virus.
23.12.2021 LISTEN

When Sokoto state Government broke out the news that bandits attacked, shot at a bus conveying travelers and burnt alive over twenty passengers, my heart bled for the victims. This is barbaric, pathetic, inhuman and most condemnable act of wickedness. I became angry, disoriented and prayed to Almighty God, who has power over all things to expose, destroy and punish the perpetrators of the dastardly act and have mercy on the soul of the deceased.

On that fateful day, I expected a public outcry against that despicable crime against humanity. Nigerians from all walks of life spoke in unison against the indiscriminate killings of innocent people by bandits and kidnappers and the worrying escalation of the crime wave across the country. The bandits have are emboldened, despised everyone and have for long crossed the line. We are at a point where terrorists have the audacity to commit heinous crimes at will. They pillaged many villages in the North and enforced taxes on the people.

Bello Turji, Dogo Gide, Sani Jalingo (alias Baleri), Dan Karami and other kidnap and bandit kingpins are the de facto rulers of many villages and towns in North Western Nigeria. The Gobir Community Development Association (GCDA) wrote in a letter to the President of Nigeria that Sabon Birni, Goronyo and Isa LGAs in Sokoto State and Shinkafi LGA in Zamfara State are now under the firm control of Turji. The atrocity and inhumanity of kidnappers and bandits know no bounds. They are dangerous and pitiless creatures masquerading as men. They kill, maim and rape the women abductees and they take delight in the suffering of their victims.

So Nigerians were happy with the gallantry of General commanding Officer (GOC) of 8th Division of Nigerian Army Headquarters Sokoto, Major General Uwem Bassey, who led a military operation that destroyed the camp of notorious bandit leader, Bello Turji and killed several bandits who have been terrorizing the people of Sokoto, Zamfara, Katsina, Kaduna and Niger states.

Last weeks successful operation against the terrorist Bello Turji who was reported to have bragged and boasted about his ability to fight and defeat the military is a victory not only to the military who eliminated the terrorists and burnt down their camp, or the local Yan sa Kai who gave useful information to the soldiers, it was a victory to Nigeria and all lovers of peace.

Before the empty threats of Bello Turji, and his accomplice in crime, Baleri, the soulless devil who prides himself as the kidnapper of students in Kaduna state, the man who bragged of killing 7 out of every 10 abductees in his captivity to prove to the government that he meant business, there lived in Zamfara state a deadly bandit by name Buharin Daji. It was Buharin Daji Who played God and threatened to kill any farmer who attempted to cultivate the farm in Zamfara state. Buharin Daji did not live to see the next rainfall. One of his lieutenants, the equally notorious kidnapper-cum-bandit, Dogo Gide ended his life.

The debate going on about the faith and tribe of marauding bandits and kidnappers is needless. They are neither Muslims nor Christians. Their religion is violence. Violence is their work tool and raw material. They were born and bred in the jungle. This explains the reason they apply Jungle justice to their hapless and helpless victims. They are a horde of wicked and heartless animals disguised as men. They do not respect or show compassion to children, women or the aged. Their existence poses a serious threat to humanity as a whole. They are our most common enemies that we must fight and subdue in order to survive.

The combined force of military, police and Yan Sa Kai should not relent on their onslaught on all those who do not respect the sanctity of life. General Bassey has opened our eyes. Well judge commanders by their courage and ability to lead the troops to the camp of the bandits in the bush.

Mercy is not in the dictionary of people who kidnap, rape, maim and kill innocent people for ransom. They do not know mercy not to talk of showing a modicum of it to the victims under their captivity. The only language they understand is carnage and wanton destruction.

The life for the life, and the eye for the eye, and the nose for the nose, and the ear for the ear, and the tooth for the tooth, and for wounds retaliation prescribed by Islam offers one of the best solutions to this seemingly unending quandary. Bandits, kidnappers and other criminal elements who kill us or endanger our lives are our common enemies. Each member of the society therefore has a special role to play in fighting the war against terrorism.

Saleh Bature wrote in this piece from Limpopo street, Maitama Abuja. Bature is reachable at [email protected]
The World Health Organization has revealed that every year, an estimated 15 million babies are born preterm (before 37 completed weeks of gestation) accounting for about one in 10 of all babies born worldwide.

According to Dr. Kwadwo Anim, Executive Director AGA Health Foundation, though the Hospital has enough human resources to deal with preterm cases in Obuasi, it lacks the required equipment to complement the efforts of their medical experts.

He said it is always a worrying sight for them when parents have to transport their Preterm babies to the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital for referrals. He has therefore called on stakeholders to put their shoulders to the wheel and set up a Neo-natal Intensive Care Unit ( NICU) at the AGA health Foundation to deal with the alarming cases of Premature births in Obuasi.

Babies who are born prematurely are admitted to Neonatal Intensive Care Units popularly referred to as NICU. There, they receive delicate care and attention to help them develop fully in a healthy and controlled environment.

Speaking at a durbar organized by the Hospital in Obuasi to mark World Prematurity Day, the Senior Manager Sustainability, Anglogold Ashanti Emmanuel Baidoo said access to quality healthcare features prominently in the Social Management Plan of Anglogold Ashanti.

He noted that the company has rolled up certain health intervention programs to take care of the health needs of the people in its operational area.

Touching on the theme for this years celebration Zero Separation, Act now! Keep parents and babies born too soon together, Mr. Baidoo said it is important to reach out to all diverse groups as far as healthcare delivery is concerned to promote inclusive Healthcare. This he said, is essential in dealing with cases of premature births.

He revealed that Anglogold Ashanti has decided to team up with the Health Directorates in both the Obuasi East and Municipal Assemblies to see how best they can improve new born care in Obuasi to take the burden of the mother.

AGA TO SUPPORT THE SETTING UP OF NICU IN OBUASI

Emmanuel Baidoo also disclosed that Anglogold Ashanti views it as business imperative to put up a Neo-natal Intensive Care Unit at the AGA Health Foundation. He indicated that the company will facilitate the process in due course.

The Obuasi East District Health Director Dolphine Gborgblorvor added her voice to the need to have a special Unit dedicated for Preterm babies in Obuasi. He stressed that though AGA Health Foundation is doing its best to give the best treatment to preterm babies, having a Neo-natal Intensive Care Unit will improve the survival rate of preterm babies.

He lauded the Management of AGA Health Foundation for their resolve to put up the Special Care Unit at the facility.

Nana Amonimaa Dede, Adansihemaa also lauded Anglogold Ashanti for its efforts to improve the healthcare needs of the people of Obuasi.

She appealed to mothers of preterm babies to be bold and courageous and offer the best of care to their children to ensure they survive.

WORLD PREMATURITY DAY

World Prematurity Day is observed on 17 November each year to raise awareness of preterm birth and the concerns of preterm babies and their families worldwide. Approximately 15 million babies are born preterm each year, accounting for about one in 10 of all babies born worldwide

On World Prematurity Day, 17 November, Stakeholders raise awareness of the challenges and the burden of preterm birth. This day was initiated by EFCNI and European parent organizations in 2008 and joined by the US organization March of Dimes, the African organization LittleBigSouls, and the Australian National Premmie Foundation in 2010, to honor the 15 million babies that are born preterm every year, worldwide.
23.12.2021 LISTEN

The strategic transformation of public institutions in Ghana is arguably the most daunting leadership task for government appointees and leadership hierarchy in general. Short of existential threats to their personal interests, it is difficult to imagine why leaders would even contemplate any far-reaching innovative ideas that would vigorously transform the institutions for which they are appointed to head within a specific timeframe.

Undoubtedly, leadership crisis has over the years thrived in Ghana because quite often, politicians who would move mountains to earn their slot for all the top hierarchy positions (especially during elections), suddenly tend to relax in the delivery of their mandate as soon as their appointment is confirmed. No wonder work ethics across public institutions have remained business as usual despite the periodic shuffling of institutional heads.

In spite of this, one area where Mr Sammi Awuku, the National Organizer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) has over the years distinguished himself extraordinarily to the admiration of many, is his exceptional leadership performance at all the offices where he served.

Indeed, Mr Awuku through his performance, has proven to be a shining example of transformational leadership in Ghana and hardly goes unnoticed when the names of self-motivated and Influential Young Ghanaians are mentioned. Incidentally, he has consistently featured in the top five (5) of such rankings organised by the reputed rating establishment - Avance Media. Prior to this, he had been named amongst top 50 rising African stars by the Paris-based Africa Report Magazine in 2014. In fact, the list is uncountable.

From the ruling party office where he served as the Deputy Communication Director of the NPP, his data- driven submissions and effective communication skills on radio and TV were very instrumental in shaping the minds of the Ghanaian youth to embrace the NPPs policies and programs. Having effectively championed the partys political strategy in opposition, promoting the NPP as the party with the best policies with generational impact, and offering hope to the youth, it was obvious that he would later be elevated to a higher national executive position.

Upon his election as the National Youth Organiser, Sammi Awuku played a vital role in mobilizing the Ghanian youth for change, leading to NPP's massive victory in 2016. He effectively helped to rebrand the party and sought to ensure that the party becomes attractive at all times.

With the youth at the centre stage of his strategy, he helped to champion the NPPs vision effectively. His leadership credentials were ultimately put to test in the 2018 national executive elections where his resounding victory (wining with tens of thousands of vote beyond his immediate competitor) confirmed that he is truly an exceptional asset in Ghanas political framework in whom the people trust.

Indeed, the President of Ghana, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo must have been well informed when he appointed Sammy Awuku, as the current Board Chairman of the Youth Employment Agency (YEA) after winning the 2020 elections successfully.

Moreover, as the youngest Director General of the National Lottery Authority (NLA) in Ghanas history, his appointment a few months ago, has brought a new direction and his first 100 days in office were recorded as a period of fulfilled promises. It is an established fact that his appointment has immediately helped to revive the NLA to an unimaginable dimension and he is well celebrated for this feast. He has been lauded for introducing urgent reforms which resolved problems such as the non-availability of payrolls and the usual non-payment of big wins which were major concerns for the lotto business. Ultimately his presence has energized and revived the dying spirit of the NLA staff at a time most needed.

Today, Sammy Awuku is extremely admired by many for his strong passion and genuine commitment towards NPP party faithful, democratic governance, youth empowerment and public sector reform; making him an influential role model and a symbol of hope for the Ghanaian youth.

It is my fervent prayer that he will continue to excel in all spheres of human endeavour and continue to stand out as the catalyst for public sector reforms in Ghana.
23.12.2021 LISTEN

Member of Parliament for Gomoa Central who is also the Deputy Minister for Interior, Hon. Naana Eyiah has donated a number of medical tools and equipment to the Gomoa Central District Directorate of the Ghana Health Service to enhance their operations.

The items running into thousands of Ghana Cedis were meant for distribution to all the Health Facilities in the Gomoa Central District, especially to equip the newly constructed CHPS Zone Compound at Gomoa Esikuma.

At a ceremony to hand over the items at Gomoa Obuasi last Wednesday, Hon. Naana Eyiah disclosed that the NPP Government led by His Excellency Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo would continue to address the health needs of Ghanaians.

She noted that government through the Ministry of Health and other donor agencies were committed to ensuring accessibility to health facilities in every locality in the country adding every Ghanaian should have easy access to quality healthcare delivery.

According to the Gomoa Central lawmaker, the donation was part of her annual routine of ensuring that tools and equipment were supplied to the District Directorate to revamp health facilities and also motivate the various staff.

Hon. Naana Eyiah mentioned items such as laptop and desktop computers, conference and office furniture, office cabinets, wound treatment equipment, sets of laboratory equipment, a generator and swivel chairs among others.

"In the wake of this covid-19 situation, let us celebrate the occasion in modest to avoid infections. I want to urge events Organizers during the festivities to include covid-19 safety protocols in their Programmes and activities. We are not in the normal times," Hon. Naana Eyiah cautioned.

The Gomoa Central District Chief Executive, Hon Benjamin Kojo Otoo lauded Hon. Naana Eyiah for her timely support to the needs of the people especially in the areas of healthcare delivery.

"Am extremely grateful to our Member of Parliament for this donation to the District Health Directorate to boost their services to the people. I call it a timely intervention because hitherto, the Directorate had to move around before getting the system running, it delay the particular facility to operate full-time.

"Hon. Naana Eyiah is making sure that every CHPS compound is fully equipped before it is handed over to the Ghana Health Service. Something which unprecedented in history. I will like to make passionate appeal to authorities to ensure that they carry out culture of maintenance to sustain the equipment to last longer than expected," he stated.

The DCE lamented over the lack of proper maintenance of the buildings and government's properties leading to huge sum of money wasted for repair and maintenance. "We should all come together to protect Government's properties," he posited.

On Christmas and new year festivities, Hon. Benjamin Kojo Otoo advised celebrants to be extra careful in their celebrations bearing in mind that Covid-19 still exist.

The DCE encouraged Ghanaians especially those in the Gomoa Central District to take their vaccination adding there were enough vaccines at the various to vaccinate them.

"So far so good, we have not recorded any incident with regards to Covid-19 vaccinations. Records available indicates that the people are willingly getting the jab," he stressed.

The Gomoa Central District Director of the Ghana Health Service, Mr. George Bempah expressed his gratitude to the Member of Parliament, Hon. Naana Eyiah and the DCE, Hon Benjamin Kojo Otoo for the donation.

He pledged that the tools and equipment would be put to judicious use to the benefit of the people in and around the various health facilities in the Gomoa Central District.

Mr. George Bempah made a passionate appeal to the Ministry of Health to post more health personnel to the Gomoa Central District to beef up their operations.

In attendance were Deputy Director of Nursing Services, Madam Christiana Instiful, District Nutrition Officer, Miss Richlove Ama Nyarkoh-Koomson, Heads of Finance and Administration, Annette Tekyi Arhin and Stella B. Otoo respectively.

Others include the Gomoa Central Constituency Chairman of the NPP Alhaji Omar Adam and his Constituency Executives.
Ghanaian fashionista, Richard Brown, affectionately called 'Osebo the Zaaraman' has donated to the widows and orphans in Suhum and its environs.

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of 24/7 boutique on Saturday and Sunday put smiles on the faces of the have-nots.

On Saturday, December 18, he met about 102 widows from Suhum and its environs at the Suhum Community Centre to donate bags of rice, oil, tin tomatoes, and tins of mackerel among others.

In addition, he refreshed them with jollof rice and drinks.

On the following day, Sunday, December 19, Osebo together with his daughter and son, went to the Suhum Orphanage home to throw a party for the orphans.

Speaking to this reporter, he said, extending a helping hand to the needy makes him happy, adding that he went with his children for them to emulate the gesture of giving.

Osebo who said he learnt this gesture of giving from his Godfather, Apostle Kwadwo Safo Kantanka of Christo Asafo urged those who are well-to-do to reach out to widows and orphans this Christmas season.

The beneficiaries expressed their appreciation to the fashionista for the gesture and asked for God's blessings for him.
The third General Assembly meeting of the Second Session of the Tano South Municipal Assembly has been held at Bechem, the Municipal capital.

The meeting which held at Tano South Municipal Assemblys Conference Hall saw dignitaries like Mr. Collins Offinam Takyi, the MCE for Tano South, Hon. Asare Antwi, the Presiding Member for Tano South Municipal Assembly, Mr. Anthony Owusu- Amoako, Municipal coordinating Director, the Security Agencies, Assembly Members, Heads of Department and Nananom.

In an opening address, Hon. Asare Antwi, the Presiding Member of the Assembly Hon. Asare Antwi welcomed all participants to the meeting and encouraged them to continue to avail themselves anytime they are called upon to attend a meeting.

Dignitaries and some of the Assembly members at the meeting

He commended all stakeholders who collectively and individually have rendered their selfless support to make Tano South Municipal Assembly achieves its target goals despite the outbreak of covid -19.

Hon. Asare Antwi said the mandate of the assembly requires that Assembly Members meet periodically to discuss issues to develop the Municipality. He charged them to contribute their quota to ensure the success of the meeting.

He said, with regards to Public Relations and complaint committee (PRCC) of the Assembly, Hon. Asare urged Assembly Members to continue to inform their community members about the functionality of the said committee.

Hon. Asare Antwi, Presiding Member of the Assembly giving his welcomed address

He thanked government through the Ahafo Regional Minister, Hon. George Boakye for the delivery of motorbikes to the Assembly Members.

In his address, the Municipal Chief Executive for Tano South Hon. Collins Offinam Takyei stated that section 18 of the Local Government Act 2016 (ACT 936) and the model standing orders for the Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) mandates stakeholders to deliberate on issues affecting the development of the Municipality.

He noted that the Tano South Municipal Assembly is required to exercise political and administrative authority in formulating programme and strategies for the effective mobilization and usage of resources.

The Municipal Chief Executive for Tano South Hon. Collins Offinam Takyei giving his keynote address

He indicated that the Assembly has taken steps to form a Revenue Taskforce to support revenue collectors for the mobilization of revenue to ensure the Assembly is able to execute its core mandates effectively.

On the security situation in the Municipality, he indicated that the Municipality has recorded a peaceful atmosphere as the result of interventions put in place by the Municipal Security Committee.

He urged the Hon. Members, Head of Department and Nananom in the Municipality to support Ghana National Fire Service to educate the general public on causes and effects fire outbreak.

On Health, he informed members to educate the family members to go for the COVID-19 vaccination.

He stated that the sanitation in the region is improving gradually but urged management to do all it can to address the sanitary issues confronting the Municipality.

Hon. George Boakye, the Ahafo Regional Minister, addressing the House

He hinted that government in collaboration with Zoomlion has established Waste Management Plant at Goaso to address the sanitary issues.

Hon. George Boakye, the Ahafo Regional Minister, who grace the occasion commended Assembly members, heads of department and Nananom for supporting the Municipal Chief Executive to implement the governments policies and programmes to improve the living standards of the people.
The Sunyani Central Rotary Club has handed over a 6-unit Junior High School block with ancillary facilities to be used as a community school at Adadease Junction in the Tain district of the Bono region.

The facilities included a library stocked with books, mechanized borehole, staff common room, furniture, urinal and toilet and a transformer to provide the school with electricity to create an enabling environment for teaching and learning.

In a brief ceremony to hand over the school, Mr. Johnson Tsagli-Awor Mawuli, president of the Sunyani Central Rotary Club thanked the chief of the community for donating a parcel of land for the project.

He appealed to the government to post qualified and dedicated teachers to man the school and provide them with logistics to ensure quality service delivery.

On her part, the District Chief Executive (DCE), Dr. Mrs. Lucy Acheampong expressed gratitude to the Rotary Club for their numerous projects in the district.

She pledged government commitment to create an enabling environment for their operations. The DCE assured the community of doing her best to laise with authorities responsible for the rural electricity project to get the nearby communities connected for electricity.

Mr. Richard Akossah -Addo, the District Director of Education admonished parents in the area to take their wards education serious.

He said the Ghana Education Service would make sure that qualified teachers are posted to the school. He further gave the assurance that adequate teaching and learning materials would be provided to ensure the smooth running of the school.

The Assemblyman for the area Mr. Sampson Kyere who could not hide his joy said with the completion of the school, their wards can now have access to Junior High School education since their children and that of the nearby communities had to trek for a long distance to access Junior High School education, a situation which compels some of them to drop out from school.
Raj Mruthyunjayappa, President a India, Anthology Inc.

23.12.2021 LISTEN

The National Education Policy (NEP), aimed at the holistic development of Indian education system, will need constant and vital interventions from the EdTech industry to achieve its objective of ensuring high-quality and accessible education across the country. For the policy to achieve desired results, development of digital infrastructure will be essential, especially keeping in mind the need to have a multi-disciplinary approach. Few key objectives as defined include recognizing, identifying, and strengthening the unique capabilities of each student and promoting their holistic development in both academic and non-academic spheres. Flexibility for learners to choose their learning trajectories and programs, and thereby choose their paths as per their talents and interests, life skills such as communication, teamwork, cooperation, and resilience are few other significant objectives. While these tend to be seen as process and pedagogy change, larger point of leveraging technology to enable this transformation should not be missed out.

There is tremendous scope of EdTech solutions to help schools, colleges and universities fast-track digital learning and technology adoption across various functions such as teaching, learning, assessments and overall operations. The NEP has been initiated at a critical juncture with classes being conducted virtually or phygitally, a combination of physical and digital, due to the pandemic, where teaching methodologies and techniques need to be re-imagined. One of the central principles steering the education system will be the extensive use of technology in teaching and learning, removing language barriers, educational planning and management,

Higher education institutions have been encouraged to set up start-up incubation centres along with technology development cells to cultivate a culture of research. Significantly, the policy talks about the creation of the National Education Technology Forum (NETF), to enable exchange of ideas to enhance learning methods. Increased usage of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools is also recommended. The policy further looks to create awareness on various facets of disruptive technologies that address crucial issues like data protection.

One major challenge that the higher education institutions face today is lack of developmental and scalable infrastructure. At present, Indias higher education enrolment, calculated in terms of Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER), stands at a dismal 26%. The government is looking to revamp existing structures to meet the demand of modern higher education facilities with the help of public-private partnerships. The investments should be directed towards creating an adequate technology infrastructure for higher education institutions which will result in educational parity to students across geographies.

NEP has stated that the plan is to bring every aspect of higher education, whether it is academic, technical, or vocational, and every type of education out of silos. Attempts are also being made to keep the administrative layers to a minimum and ensure more coordination among them. However, over-centralization is leading to certain challenges. In recent decades, a form of policy discourse has developed in which the dominant opinion holds that the state cannot be expected to pay for the education of all. Correspondingly, there has been a lack of development of educational infrastructure to meet the rapidly increasing demand for higher education. In response to the widening gap between the demand and supply for education, successive governments have pushed through measures that have largely allowed for greater penetration of private capital in higher education, and its corollary, the persistent decline in per-capita allocation of governments funds towards education. Consequently, private colleges and universities have grown in number and there has been a rapid expansion of the open and distance learning (ODL) education options. This challenge is encouraging an increase in the number of online education and pushing the universities to go online. Such universities will have to adopt and rely on EdTech solutions by digitising student enrolment, student services, career counselling, alumni etc.

Circumstances have driven us to believe virtual classrooms are acceptable for of schooling for those with access to technology. Hence it is important the HEIs gear up towards digital and technology solutions to continue uninterrupted classes and meet the demands of the student community. Further, NEP encourages industry-academia collaboration to mitigate the skill gap and to ensure employability by enabling the students to be industry-ready, highlighting the importance and relevance of introducing EdTech solutions in the Indian education space. When universities and industries work together, it often leads to high quality research and innovative solutions and also reduces costs. To facilitate all this, a common EdTech platform may need to be created to foster new relationships and forge new ties and alliances.

Raj Mruthyunjayappa, President  India, Anthology Inc.
The people of the Sheaga community in the Talensi District of the Upper East Region claim one Simon Yindoog Nawak who was gunned down by police on Saturday in relation to the murder of the two police officers at Zuarungu by armed robbers is innocent.

They claim he (Simon Yindoog Nawak) has no criminal record challenging anyone including the police to provide any evidence.

In a statement issued by the youth and some Assemblymembers of the area led by Hon. Michael Zoogah, Assembly Member for Sheaga Electoral Area noted that records from the mining company, Earl Mining Group where Simon Yindoog Nawak worked shows he was on duty at the time the murder of the two policemen took place in Zuarungu.

"If the Intel we have gathered is true that the police want to link his murder to the recent killing of the two police officers at the market square in Zuarungu on the 15th December last week is anything to go by, we want to state emphatically without any equivocation that the gentleman was on duty at work based on the records of the mining company, Earl Mining Group.

"Assuming without admitting that in any case there's a lead intelligence linking him to the culprits of such an ungodly act, why will you not rather apprehend him alive to aide you arrest the remaining perpetrators?

"You the police should have wanted him alive more than any other person if that weird logic which has no evidentiary backing but just a rumor is assumed," the statement noted.

Below is the full statement:

PRESS CONFERENCE

THE UNLAWFUL KILLING OF 'SIMON YINDOOG NAWAK' A YOUTH OF SHEAGA IN THE TALENSI DISTRICT OF THE UPPER EAST REGION.

Chiefs and people of Talensi, the media, our gallant youth and women, ladies and gentlemen, the toad is said to like water but not when the water is boiling beyond its adjustable temperature, is the reason why we are all hot and boiling. The cause of our grief is the police who are paid with our taxes to protect us, rather deem it prudent in killing us with such impunity. We are today mourning our dear brother Simon Nawak Yindoog who was murdered by the police on Saturday the 18th December 2021 at neighboring community Kpatia. This is very disheartening, inhumane and a vivid disregard of law and order which they are supposed to enforce.

No wander the adage that" Whatever that is eating the vegetable leaf is right behind it".

The police must be reminded that, youre in accordance to the constitution mandated to protect live and property not the vice versa.

The Innocent man killed is known to everyone in the community and beyond as a very humble soul, peace maker and the bread winner of his extended family. He has no criminal record of any form to the best of our knowledge and we challenge anyone including the killers to provide contrary evidence to this fact.

If the Intel we have gathered is true that the police want to link his murder to the recent killing of the two police officers at the market square in Zuarungu on the 15th December last week is anything to go by, we want to state emphatically without any equivocation that the gentleman was on duty at work based on the records of the mining company, Earl Mining Group.

Assuming without admitting that in any case there's a lead intelligence linking him to the culprits of such an ungodly act, why will you not rather apprehend him alive to aide you arrest the remaining perpetrators?

You the police should have wanted him alive more than any other person if that weird logic which has no evidentiary backing but just a rumor is assumed.

We read malice (intentional killing) in the shooting as nothing at all proofs that the act was professional or legal.

We conclude on your (police) actions been intentional because,

The Innocent man was unarmed. He didn't resist arrest. He was not at the time involved in committing any crime making reference to the criminal art 1960 act (29), be it in the form of violence stipulated in section 197, Riot in section 198, Rioting with weapons also enshrined in section 199 or provocation of Riot in section 200.

We have finally come to terms with the philosophy of Thomas Jefferson that If a law is unjust, a man is not only right to disobey it, he is obligated to do so"

Enough is enough!

Having said so, let it be on record that this is not the first time the police have been treating youth and people from this part of the district with such impunity and we will have to resist their brutalities, oppression/suppression if leadership of the police command fails to address our grievances sooner.

Our country Ghana has an adversarial criminal justice system in which the offender is presumed innocent until proven guilty. However, most offenders brought to the attention of the police are accompanied by persons who caught them in the act, which tends to eliminate the element of suspicion.

Making allusion to this legal system pursuant to the 1992 constitution, can the police officer who shot and killed Mr Simon Nawak Yindoog pontificate why we should not regard this as a target killing? Of course it is.

Let us remind the police of the rights of every citizen who finds themselves in their grips including the Innocent brother you brutally murdered;

You are presumed innocent upon arrest until you are proven to be guilty. You must be told of your offence in the language you speak on arrest. You have a right to be treated courteously by the Police even when you have been arrested. You have the right to refuse a search of your premises without a warrant calmly and politely. Unless you resist arrest unnecessarily, the Police dont have the right to use any violence at all in effecting your arrest. You have a right to ask for a lawyer of your choice.

7 You have a right to be brought before court within 48 hours of your arrest unless you are sooner released.

You have a right to institute legal proceedings against the police when you are kept longer.

You have a right (if you decide to speak) to make your statement in the presence of an independent witness.

You have a right to write a statement yourself if you can write.

You have the right to speak in any language of your choice if you cant write, and the Police must have an interpreter.

12 Whatever you say and whatever is recorded must be read over and explained to you in a language you speak and understand.

You must agree to the wording of the final document of your statement before you sign it.

Remember you are not a prisoner while in custody and therefore you cannot be made to do any form of forced labour.

You have a right not to make any statement at the Police Station until you talk to a lawyer (preferably your lawyer) or are brought before the court.

Friends from the media, Can you imagine that all these aforementioned rules that govern the police in exercising their duty in the apprehension of a suspect were vehemently/catastrophically not adhered to?

If we may ask, under what conditions do you think we the troubled and victims of their lawlessness and brutalities should be law abiding?

" Lex injusta non est lex" meaning An unjust law is no law at all' St. Augustine. It's our expression of natural law, acknowledging that authority is not legitimate unless it is good, fairly right and just.

We are resolved to knowing the following;

What crime did he commit? Was he found in a security zone that was out of bond for citizens and a civilian for that matter? Has he gotten any criminal record which makes him a wanted fugitive? Has his right to freedom of movement taken away?

If the questions are not answered in affirmative, we can confidently conclude that his human rights have been infringed upon.

By virtue of this, we demand the following to be acted upon immediately to curb the tragic situation;

Government to constitute an independent investigation committee to probe into the killing by making sure that community opinion leaders must form part of the constituted committee. The family of the bereaved especially his children and the widows must be taken care of by way of compensation for life. The police must halt the impunity foisted/exploited on youth and people of Talensi. The police must halt the unlawful brutalities meted on us law abiding citizens. The IGP must with immediate effect call his men to order on these excesses; extortions of money from riders, brutalities of youth, unlawful search of people homes etc.

Thank you.

Hon. Michael Zoogah, Assembly Member  Sheaga Electoral Area

Tel: 0244071373 / 0202430253

Augustine Mmi-oni Guure, Youth Leader

Tel: 0244806654

Zinekena Solomon T.T. B, Youth Leader

Tel: 0246180297

Hon. Roland Naoh Basahmah, Assembly Member  Gorogo/Pusunamoogo Electoral Area

Tel: 0246686645

Hon. John Nabwomya Millim, Assembly Member  Gaare/Gbane Electoral Area (Presiding Member Talensi District)

Tel: 0243271149
The idea to create sustainable opportunities by training young ones and creating the next future leaders in technology was addressed in a 4-hour long stakeholders workshop, concluding the first phase of the Coding Education for Ghana program, through The Coding Caravan in October and November 2021.

Background and Objective

Technology education and skills development should not be the preserve of a few in society. It must be democratized, revolutionized, and accessible by all. 21st century skills have become a necessity for survival in this age as innovation and emerging technologies are on the rise and at a faster rate. As the purpose of every education system is to make capable graduates to fit and function effectively in their environment, these skills have become inevitable. The main objective of the program is to build teachers and trainers capacity to support Ghanas coding education, and to impart that knowledge, unearthing creativity in children by learning to code. Also, to improve local partners capacity of implementing hands-on coding projects, to promote and strengthen coding education in Ghana. Thus, the program seeks to develop a modular framework to integrate art and visual programming into the Ghanaian educational context, to ignite or enhance the development of digital skills. This can be achieved by fostering closer collaboration among education providers, policymakers, and other relevant stakeholders in the field of ICT in Ghana, with private sector organizations, such as IIPGH.

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Driving an emerging technology-focused capacity-building program to prepare the next generation for entrepreneurship, and new job requirements in todays fast-moving technological world, the Institute of ICT Professionals Ghana (IIPGH) together with its partner, Code for Afrika, from Leipzig, Germany, has embarked on Coding Education for Ghana program. The program aims to strengthen computer science education in Ghana through coding and enhance computational thinking skills in children since these skills are considered valuable in the 21st century. Skills such as creativity and innovation skills, digital fluency and literacy skills, collaboration and communication skills, exploration and problem-solving skills, critical thinking, and analysis skills, are considered essential for all learners irrespective of their fields of interest. The project, developed and tested, offer a simple and motivating introduction to computer programming for children (from 8 years) - conveys basic programming concepts, introduce computational thinking, and show the creative potential of programming. This program rode on the back of The Coding Caravan launched in August 2021.

Why Learn about Coding

In our digitized world coding is becoming an integral part of literacy. To understand and change our digital world, which is increasingly determined by algorithms, one needs at least basic programming skills. Learning to program is no longer just for computer specialists and software developers - in many countries, programming is becoming a mandatory part of school education. In more professions, and social fields, programming skills are becoming a prerequisite.

The Coding Caravan (TCC)

Given the opportunity and exposure, every child has brilliance. As the skill of the future, it is necessary to introduce coding to every child, strengthening the basics from an early start. Building the youthful population and huge human resource asset of Ghana and Africa, skills development training, particularly in the technology-related fields needs to be introduced early in their formative years before they are out of school. The first phase of the Coding Education for Ghana program had "The Coding Caravan" in three locations: Kasoa, Takoradi, Koforidua, and ended with a stakeholders workshop in Accra. The Coding Caravan introduces coding basics to young ones, aiming at implementing creative ideas - as one can create computer games, interactive animations and graphics, and many other applications. It offers all children and beginners an easy and playful introduction to programming.

With no prior programming knowledge required, participants can learn to code using software such as Codeit!, practicalizing digital design and creative coding, and 3D printing.

Tutors during the caravan took turns in each session teaching participants practically and playfully to code. With assistants, teaching and learning are made easy as the assistants are seen going round to help students to follow the lead tutor in an instructional method. The Coding Caravan carries along on all roadshows over 150 (one hundred and fifty) laptops, well charged to be able to stay up when faced with electricity challenges. The caravan also makes available its 3D printers to print and showcase 3D designs from creative coding.

Kasoa Coding Caravan

The Coding Caravan in Kasoa coincided with the celebration of the International Day of the Girl Child. 11th October is celebrated worldwide as the International Day of the Girl Child. A special day to recognize and empower girls. The caravan decided to celebrate this day in a community to introduce coding to girls in Kasoa. Golden Pride International School was the host for the day, and other students from adjoining schools in the community were allowed to participate in the program. About one hundred and ten (110) girls in two batches were introduced to coding and other digital skills.

Takoradi Coding Caravan

Takoradi was the second of three locations planned for this Coding Education for Ghana program. On October 22, 2021, the caravan arrived in Takoradi scheduled for a 2-day workshop for two schools, namely Rev. Grant Methodist JHS, and St Anthony of Padua Catholic School. With great enthusiasm and testimonies, both schools expressed more interest in this program, hoping to have more regular exposure to coding concepts and development. At Rev. Grant Methodist JHS, we had over 100 (One hundred) students participating in the program, while St Anthony of Padua Catholic School offered a bit over 150 (One hundred and fifty) students, between ages 8 and 15. This was a very revealing moment for St Anthony of Padua Catholic School especially, as they have already been preparing for a technology competition.

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Koforidua Coding Caravan

The last location was on the 6th of November, in Koforidua, at Aspire Educational Complex where over 150 (One hundred and fifty) students participated in 3 sessions. The first and second sessions had students from Aspire Educational Complex, while the third session of 50 students came from other selected public schools in the community (Okrase Methodist Basic School, and Edwisu Mile 50 MA School). Just as many others, these students were inspired to learn to code, exhibiting their creativity, confidence, and interests.

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Stakeholders Workshop

The Coding Education for Ghana program was climaxed with a stakeholders workshop, which invited all participating schools in the Coding Caravan. Representatives from the three locations of the caravan (Kasoa, Takoradi, Koforidua) were present. Other participants from the maiden TCC in partnership with IT Consortium were also present from three locations in Accra (Oksart Place, Kwame Nkrumah Circle; Alpha Beta School, Dansoman; Shield International School, Adenta), and one location in Ho, Volta Region, Ho-Dome RC Primary/JHS School Complex. A representative from the Council for Technical and Vocational Educational Training (CTVET) participated in the workshop, as well as the President of Academic City University College, Prof. Fred McBagonluri.

The workshop which took place on the 29th of November 2021, at the Fiesta Royale Hotel, Accra, brought together relevant stakeholders to evaluate the pilot coding programs in schools/communities and to formulate implementation strategies for its sustainability. The workshop lasted 4 hours with a presentation of the concept note of the coding education program, and group round table discussions. All three groups made valuable evaluations, and strategies for sustainability, out of which all suggestions will be fine-tuned for implementation.

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Learning to code is a lifelong activity. The Institute of ICT Professionals Ghana as a confident organization in capacity building encourages students, parents, educators, and administrators to take a keen interest and sign up for this skill development program to prepare young people for the future of work. Corporate, Civil Society organizations and government agencies are invited to collaborate with the Institute, and its partner Code for Afrika, to promote coding in communities (both urban and rural) across the country, to drive the message of ICT practical skills development for young people. Other platform developers/providers are also encouraged to come along to make their platforms available for coding and other skills development programs. The future can be bright if we make a conscious effort in preparing our young ones.

Author: Richard Kafui Amanfu  (Director of Operations, Institute of ICT Professionals, Ghana)

For comments, contact [email protected] or Mobile: +233244357006
Residents of Akorabuokrom in the Atwima Mponua District of the Ashanti region have threatened to kill twenty-five Anyinawusu town folks in retaliation to the death of their five people.

They warned that if government and the Ghana Police Service failed to bring the perpetrators to justice after lynching the innocent illegal miners at Anyinawusu there will be bloodshed.

The five were killed by the youth on Thursday, December 16, 2021, in the evening, for suspecting them to be armed robberies in the community.

Five out of six suspected robbers who lost their lives were identified by two drivers who were robbed few days ago.

One managed to escape after the youth stormed the chief palace where they were kept safe from the attacks from the youth.

The threats were made on Thursday, December 23, 2021, during the burial of the five lynched persons at Akorabuokrom in the Atwima Mponua.

Speaking to this reporter, the residents said the police seriousness in the investigation of the case is slow, though the police have arrested two suspects.

They also cannot fathom why any top government official has not visited them since the incident, as done in the case of Ejura, Asawasi and Denkyira-Obuase.

We are giving the government after the Christmas celebration to appear before us to assure us of justice to the perpetrators, or we will kill five times of them (Anyinawusu town folks) for killing five of our people.

Are we not humans or Ghanaians, are the people of Ejura, Asawasi and Denkyira-Obuase more human than us. Why is it that no top government official has visited us after the incident as done in those mentioned towns? they quiz.
Advocacy group, Caritas Ghana on Thursday, December 23, 2021, had a media launch for its project on Strengthening Border Security (SBS) targeted at helping over 5,000 helpless persons who are victims of illegal migration.

The project titled, Strengthening Actions for Enabling Border Security for Human Mobility" commenced this year in November and is expected to run through next year to September 2023.

Caritas Ghana, a development agency of the Ghana Catholic Bishops' Conference is spearheading the project with support from the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD) and SBS Ghana with financing from the European Union.

Leading the short event of the media launch of the project today in Accra, Mr. Samuel Zan Akologo, Executive Secretary at Caritas Ghana stressed that although migration is a security issue, it must not be left to security agencies alone.

He bemoaned that in a country where borders are porous, making it easy for illegal migration to occur, other challenges including misinformation makes it difficult to curb illegal migration.

Migration is definitely a security issue but it must not necessarily be addressed by security measures alone. We have learned that many other factors account for irregular migration ranging from poverty, climate factors, and others. What we need to do is look at more integrated approaches, look at innovative approaches, to lead to new forms of collaboration.

We also need to work towards policy reforms and change the mindset of the public by creating needed awareness to make people know and believe that you can stay in this country and be successful. No one is stopping immigration but if you are doing it you do it from an informed position, Mr. Samuel Zan Akologo indicated.

On his part, Deputy Comptroller-General for the Ghana Immigration Service, Laud Ofori Affrifrah assured Caritas Ghana that his outfit is ready to collaborate in every possible way to ensure the project becomes a success.

He said, The Ghana Immigration Service will collaborate with you in the implementation of this project. In what we have launched today, in the wider picture of the SBS project, it all has to do with promoting the security of the country. The Ghana government alone cannot do it. Everybody has a stake and we must all come together to help.

Speaking at the launch, ICMDP Project Manager for Africa, Mr. Marco Bordignon applauded Caritas Ghana for taking the step to address irregular migration.

He said his outfit is confident that after the 24 months period, new ways of dealing with the challenges confronting border security and irregular migration will be unearthed for the benefit of the country.

Let me congratulate Caritas Ghana for this very important project. There is a need for better communication engagement between Civil Society, local communities, and the security agencies. There is also the need for awareness creation on the consequences of irregular migration. The project initiated by Caritas Ghana will address these needs, Mr. Marco Bordignon stressed.

Through the project, Caritas Ghana according to one of its coordinators, Sr. Regina Ignatia Aflah aims to increase community knowledge on the dangers and consequences of illegal migration and how to seek support.

It will also focus on strengthening partnerships between border security agencies and stakeholders within the country and across the West African region, increased theoretical and technical knowledge of over 2,000 border security officials on early detection and capture of perpetrators, as well as strict enforcement of migration policies by Government law enforcement agencies to safeguard the human rights and dignity of the vulnerable people.

More on Caritas Ghanas SBS project in Ghana:

The project will target more than 5,000 helpless persons who are victims of illegal migration, this include (women, children, men, youth, especially the unemployed).

The project will be carried out in nine (9) regions namely; Central, Ahafo, Northern, Greater Accra, Oti, Upper West, Upper East, Volta, and Western Region.

The project actions will cover community awareness campaigns, stakeholders knowledge sharing activities, capacity building targeting border security officials, emergency Services, among Others.

SBS Project beneficiaries:

The project will work with the following beneficiaries to promote community participation and ownership of project interventions. The final direct beneficiaries include:

Prospective and Returnee Migrants: The project will directly impact 2,000 prospective migrants and 200 returnee migrants from selected communities within the nine (9) regions in Ghana.

Rescued-trafficked victims and survivors: Approximately 100 Victims of child and adult trafficking will be directly positively affected by the project.

Affected communities of migrants:

SBS Project Collaborations:

The project will strategically collaborate with International Agencies such as UNHCR, UNHRC, UN Migration, IOM Ghana to build knowledge-sharing synergies to leverage the experience and expertise of these humanitarian international organisations to prevent duplication of interventions, increase and deepen beneficiary reach.

Collaborations with Government Agencies:

Caritas Ghana will work with key government partners to fulfill their mandates including the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) & Ghana Maritime Authority (GMA), Ministry of Interior & Ghana Police Service, Office of the Attorney General and Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Government Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies, and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat.
Member of Parliament for the Kwadaso constituency Dr. Kingsley Nyarko, has indicated that recent reports that suggested his other colleagues who followed the Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia to the NPP national delegate conference did not entirely absolutely mean they supported him.

He believes such reports are attempts to put his integrity at risk.

He outrightly believes bloggers and journalists have wrongly interpreted his statement and his intent during an interview with Happy99.9 FMs Don Kwabena Prah.

He cautions Ghanaians and other party activists to disregard such stories on social media as he deems them as attempts to destroy his integrity.

Dr. Nyarko argued that bloggers would go the extra mile to ensure they get more people on their websites in order to generate more revenue.

During an interview with Don Kwabena Prah on Happy98.9 FMs Epa Hoa Daben political show, the Kwadaso MP set the record straight.

He said, Ive seen some stories on various websites and social media and almost everywhere, that indicated that, I said my fellow colleagues who were seen behind our Vice President did not mean they support his run for flagbearership. I never said that and I dont know why someone or a blogger would conjure such stories. Its not fair to when stories are written out of context. Such reports are just wrong. Myself Ive replayed the interview and I treat everyone to do same. I wasnt even there at the time the veep arrived so I didnt even know the people behind him as the reports indicated. I again want to put on record that I never said that.

According to him, such stories have a great chance of causing lots of damage to people's reputations.
The National Democratic Congress (NDC) 2020 Parliamentary candidate for Bortianor-Ngleshie Amanfro, Alexander Akuoko, has described the MP for the Fomena Constituency, Andrew Asiamah as an unprincipled man who does not deserve to be a legislator.

He shared that Andrew Asiamah has discarded the interest of the people of Fomena to side with the ruling government which wishes to burden Ghanaians by imposing on them the 1.75% e-levy.

The politician noted that parliament is equally sized between the two major opposition parties with one independent candidate, Andrew Asiamah who pledged to ensure balance in the house but is doing otherwise.

I am surprised about his stance because there was a reason God made sure there was an independent candidate in parliament. The vote on the e-levy presents an opportunity for the independent candidate to fight for the interest of Ghana. At any point in time he is a deciding factor on any issue that goes on in parliament and if he had maintained a neutral stance we wouldnt have been at an impasse.

But cowardly because he fears the NPP, he sided with them and I think his constituents must take note of this and when he contests for the position as MP again they should vote against him. He is not truthful to his constituents who saved him from the disgrace of the NPP, he told Happy98.9FMs Don Kwabena Prah on the Epa Hoa Daben political talk show.

Parliamentary proceedings were adjourned in the early hours of Tuesday when the pursuit of a resolution as to whether the Electronic Transaction Levy should be considered under a certificate of urgency or not was characterized by chaos.

The decision of the First Deputy Speaker to take leave of the Speakers chair for the Second Deputy Speaker to take charge to enable him to participate in voting occasioned disagreement from the Minority, and a subsequent tussle over the Speakers sitting area ensued.

The brawl saw dozens of the opposition parliamentarians exchange fisticuffs with their colleagues on the majority side while some officials of parliament tried to protect the Speakers seat and the mace of parliament from being attacked.

---happyghana.com
Member of Parliament (MP) for the Kwadaso Constituency in the Ashanti Region, Dr. Kingsley Nyarko has stressed that the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin seems to have lost control of the noble house.

Although he does not expect the Speaker to be neutral, he argues Speaker Bagbin has ceded control to the opposition, National Democratic Congress (NDC), a party he belongs to.

I love and respect Speaker Bagbin and I am pained by what I am about to say but his actions and inactions do not help parliament and I believe his control over the house is weak, he disclosed in an interview with Don Kwabena Prah on Happy98.9FMs Epa Hoa Daben political talk show.

The politician added, I will not expect Speaker Bagbin to be neutral because he is from the opposition and they helped put him in his current position. Although he cannot be neutral, I expect him to be impartial and show he represents both the NPP and NDC, hence the interest of Ghanaians.

Admitting the Speaker may be facing intense pressure from the NDC to do things their way, he urged Speaker Bagbin to be firm as he will largely suffer any disgrace which befalls government.

The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin was absent from Monday, December 20, 2021 sitting to consider the Electronic Communications Tax, (E-Levy) proposed by the government in its 2022 budget, under a certificate of urgency.

Members of the majority caucus have alleged Speaker Bagbins absence was part of a grand scheme by the Minority Caucus to frustrate the e-levy which the minority has also labelled as baseless.

The house was thrown into chaos amidst fisticuffs during a vote on the e-levy bill.

The free-for-all brawl started after the Minority tried stopping Mr Osei-Owusu, who was presiding over the business of the house, from going onto the floor to take part in the vote.

---happyghana.com
23.12.2021 LISTEN

A Ghanaian Citizen, Henry Osei-Akoto, has applied to the High Court seeking a review of government's announced protocols on Covid-19, describing them as unlawful and unreasonable.

Last week, the Ghana Health Service and the Ghana Airport Company jointly issued what they described as Updated Covid-19 Guidelines for Kotoka International Airport, in which they directed persons traveling into the country through the Airport to be fully vaccinated before arrival or be returned to their points of embarkation.

The directives also threatened a $3,500 fine against airlines that brought in unvaccinated passengers to the Kotoka International Airport.

Mr. Osei-Akoto in his application to the High Court argues that the directives are mandatory by their very nature and constitute restrictions on the freedom of movement of all persons desiring to travel into the country.

He also argues that these directives, together with those announced by President Akufo-Addo are not predicated on any law in force, and are as such unlawful.

He is thus asking the Court to declare the directives as unlawful and to quash the same.

Mr. Akoto Osei is demanding the following reliefs:

A declaration that the impugned directives of the respondents breach the provisions of Article 21 (1)(g) of the 1992 Constitution of Ghana

A declaration that the impugned directives of the respondents breach the provisions of Article 23 of the 1992 Constitution of the Republic of Ghana

A declaration that the impugned directives of the respondents violate section 2 (1) of the Imposition of Restrictions Act, 2020 (ACT 1012) and Sections 21, 22 and 30 of the Public Health Act, 2012 (ACT 851) and therefore illegal

A declaration that the impugned directives of the respondents contravene the guidelines of the Food and Drugs Authority, Ghana on the administration of Emergency Use Authorised medical products and same are unreasonable

A declaration that the impugned directives of the respondents contravene medical ethics and best practices that govern COVID-19 vaccine administration.

An order of Certiorari to bring before this honourable court the impugned directives of the respondents to be quashed as having been made without any constitutional or legal and/or reasonable basis whatsoever.

The National Communications Officer of the National Democratic Congress, NDC, Sammy Gyamfi, and three other persons, recently sued the Attorney General and the Ghana Health Service (GHS) over the government's mandatory covid-19 vaccination policy.

Mr. Gyamfi together with three other applicants in a suit, argued that the governments policy has no legal backing.

---
23.12.2021 LISTEN

Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has said the Bank of Ghana (BoG) will soon start gold purchase programme from the small-scale mining sector.

He said after series of discussions, the Central Bank agreed to start this programme, which would be the first of its kind in the country intended to boost the country's gold reserves.

Vice President Bawumia made this known at the maiden edition of the Responsible Small-Scale Mining Awards in Accra.

The Vice President described the mining awards as a historic occasion, which was intended to recognise small-scale miners who had complied with the mining regulations and safety requirements.

"Most often, our problem solving turns to focus more on chasing and punishing wrongdoers and not recognising and rewarding those who do right and this is what makes this award different.

" The award recognises players in small Scale Mining sector who despite the temptation to join the wrongdoing bandwagon, have decided to stay within the relevant regulatory framework for the country and to operate responsibly," Dr Bawumia explained.

He said the small-scale mining sector had contributed immensely to Ghana, making her the leading gold producer in Africa.

"As we all know, Ghana's gold production has increased significantly over the past few decades making it the leading gold producer in Africa. The contribution of Small-Scale Mining to this trend is commendable.

Currently, it is estimated that the Small-Scale Mining contributes about 35% to the country's gold production

Dr Bawumia cautioned that regardless of the many advantages of Small-Scale Mining brought to the economy, if not done responsibly, it could damage the environment.

He, therefore, called on the miners to mine responsibly to help save the environment and the country's natural resources.

The Vice President commended the efforts of the Sector Minister, Mr Samuel Abu Jinapor and his two Deputies for their leadership

He noted that the Minister, upon his assumption, had brought a renewed approach to the process of ending galamsey through diverse initiatives.

He cited how Mr Jinapor made a passionate plea for the 3% withholding tax being paid by gold producers to be slashed down to 1.5%.

He went on to applaud the organisers of the programme for working tirelessly to achieve a great feat.

He also congratulated the winners of the various categories of Awards, saying that the award should be a motivator to other Miners to do better at their jobs and also keep the environment safe.

The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Mr Samuel Abu Jinapor, in his welcome remarks, expressed his profound gratitude to the Vice President and Chief of Staff for gracing the event with their presence.

He also thanked the leadership and members of the Ghana National Association of Small-Scale Miners for partnering with the Ministry to institute the awards scheme.

The Minister said in the coming year, the Ministry, would continue to pursue measures to restore sanity in the small-scale mining industry.

The Minister noted that the Community Mining Scheme remained one of the surest ways of tackling illegal mining and being a model for all small-scale mining operations.

Mr Jinapor gave the assurance that the Ministry would ramp up efforts to weed out recalcitrant, illegal miners out of the industry, while encouraging and supporting genuine legal miners.

"We will never relent on this effort, and, God willing, and with your support, we shall realise the vision of President Akufo-Addo by constructing, here in Ghana, a viable, sustainable, orderly and environmentally-sound small scale mining industry. Together we can, and let us get this done," he stressed.

Mr Godwin Armah, General Secretary of the Ghana National Association of Small Scale Miners, congratulated the awardees saying " Your victory is a symbol of the true reflection of our work and telling the whole world that Ghana is on course to revitalise the Small- Scale Mining Sector.

GNA
Ranking Member of the Finance Committee of Parliament, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson has been dragged to court for causing financial loss to the State in the purchase of ambulances.

The former Deputy Minister of Finance during the erstwhile John Dramani Mahama administration will stand trial next year alongside two others.

During the period he served, Mr. Ato Forson is said to have executed a contract by the Government of Ghana to purchase some 200 ambulances for the National Ambulance Service.

Although a medium-term loan facility of 15.8 million was granted for the 200 ambulances, only 10 were shipped to Ghana in 2014.

A post-delivery inspection of the first batch of 10 ambulances revealed that same were without any medical equipment in them.

Other fundamental defects included defects on the body of the vehicles and the patient compartment of the ambulances, parts of the writ reads.

From the information gathered, Dr. Ato Forson and the two other persons will be charged on five counts including willfully causing financial loss to the state.

One of the two, Sylvester Anemana has been charged for abetment of crime namely wilfully causing financial loss to the state contrary to Sections 20(1) and 179A(3)(a) of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 and breaching the Public Procurement Act.

The other person, Richard Jakpa is on a charge of wilfully causing financial loss to the state by intentionally causing vehicles purporting to be ambulances to be supplied to the Republic of Ghana by Big Sea General Trading Ltd of Dubai without due cause.
The Koforidua Two Streams Business Centre of Asa Savings and Loans Limited has supported the Koforidua School for the Deaf in the Eastern Region on December 20.

The company donated student beds and dining hall benches to improve the wellbeing of students in the school.

Bernard Buabeng, the Branch Manager of the Koforidua Two Streams Business Centre said the donation forms part of the company's Corporate Social Responsibility.

He said the donation will help build trust among its clients and the general public as a company that cares about the wellbeing of the people in areas it operates.

He noted that the items will also help mitigate the challenges the school faces due to the inadequate beds and dining hall benches.

"It helps to channel the resources that the school would have been used in purchasing the beds and dining hall benches to other equally important areas that they are lacking to lessen the difficulties the school is facing," Bernard Buabeng intimated.

According to him, the CSR program is not only organised in Koforidua two streams business centre but across other operational areas of Asa Savings and Loans Limited.
Ethiopian authorities should immediately and unconditionally release journalist Ermias Tasfaye and all other members of the press detained for their work, the Committee to Protect Journalists said today.

Ermias November arrest was made public in a statement by his employer on December 14 and follows the Ethiopian governments crackdown on journalists following its November 2 declaration of a state of emergency amid the countrys year-long civil war.

CPJ has documented the arrests of at least 14 other journalists during this period, most of whom have not been brought to court.

Ermias Tasfaye and all the other journalists arrested in Ethiopia belong in the newsroom, keeping the public informed, and not languishing behind bars, said CPJ Sub-Saharan Africa Representative Muthoki Mumo. Authorities should immediately release all journalists detained in Ethiopia for their work, stop using the state of emergency as an excuse to arrest members of the media, and allow the press to report the ongoing war without intimidation.

On November 3, police arrested Ermias at his office in Burayu, a town in Ethiopias Oromia region, and have since detained him without filing charges or disclosing any allegations against him, according to a statement posted on Twitter by his employer, the privately owned news and commentary website Ethiopia Insight, as well as a person familiar with the case who spoke to CPJ on condition of anonymity, citing fear of reprisal.

The Ethiopia Insight statement said that the outlet believed Ermias was detained at the Wereda One Police Station in Burayu under the terms countrys state of emergency declaration, which was issued one day before his arrest.

The person familiar with the case said they believed Ermias was targeted for arrest due to his journalistic work. Ermias was not included on CPJs 2021 census of journalists imprisoned for their work as of December 1, as his case had not been made public at the time.

Ermias was previously detained by police in Burayu for several hours on June 17, 2021, though he was not charged with a crime and he was not told why he had been detained, according to a brief shared with CPJ by Ethiopia Insight.

Ermias had reported on Ethiopias elections, in which he highlighted political suppression and asymmetrical application of electoral codes, and critically reviewed Prime Minister Abiy Ahmeds political record in Oromia.

When CPJ called Oromia regional state police commissioner Arasa Merdasa for comment, he said he was not aware of Ermias detention and promised to investigate the matter. He did not answer CPJs subsequent calls or immediately respond to an additional request for comment sent via text message.

When CPJ repeatedly called federal police spokesperson Jeylan Abdi in November and early December, he said that journalists detained in Ethiopia were held for breaching the countrys laws, and not for their work. Jeylan did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Ermias case sent via messaging app.
Mr Wilson Agbanyo, the Kadjebi District Chief Executive (DCE) has warned that the law will descend heavily on people aiding foreigners to acquire the Ghana Card in the district.

He said the cards were for Ghanaians only and therefore a criminal act to aid foreigners to get onto the National Identification Authority (NIA) database.

Mr Agbanyo said information reaching his office indicated that foreigners, especially Togolese with support of some recalcitrant residents of the District thronged the NIA District Office daily to register for Ghana Card.

He warned those unpatriotic citizens who were vouching for these foreigners to cease or else the long arm of the law deals with them.

Mr Agbanyo gave this warning at the third session of the Kadjebi District Assembly at Kadjebi in the Oti Region.

The DCE said at one of such instances, a potential registrant, who was picked by the security agencies and interrogated, confessed being a Togolese and was repatriated.

He cautioned the perpetrators and the conspirators to stop the act since false vouching attracts 250 penalty units or 2 years imprisonment or both when found guilty.

The DCE appealed to the people and Assembly members to be vigilant and support the exercise to fruition.

The Kadjebi District Office of the NIA has as at December 16, 2021, registered and enrolled 227 applicants, 204 applicants vouched, 196 Cards printed, 203 Cards issued while 4 Cards have been Rejected Due to Affix (RDA).

Old cards in custody before the start of the Office operation was 1,724 with additional 37 new cards from NIA Headquarters as at November 11, 2021, totaling 1,761.

The directorate has four staff; one District Registration Officer, one Assistant Administrative Officer, one Assistant Registration Officer, and one Assistant Technical Enrollment Officer.

Incessant network failure, lack of office space, and lack of accommodation for staff are some of the challenges confronting the Office.

GNA
To promote 'Ease of Living' as well as 'Ease of Doing Business', the Centre has reduced more than 25,000 compliances. The figure was furnished by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry after the valedictory session of the "National Workshop on the next phase of reforms to reduce Compliance Burden" which was held here.

Addressing the session, the Minister of Commerce and Industry, Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution and Textiles Piyush Goyal said India's compliance systems for citizens must be based on the basis of trust, while calling for a focus on initiatives which can reduce the compliance burden to provide timely delivery of services.

Goyal said that infinite possibilities in technology should aid the Centre's initiatives and not just further complicate the system. He also stressed the need for indigenous solutions to problems facing the country. "The Minister asked policy makers to consider the wide disparity in income, literacy level and the gaps in infrastructure, especially connectivity, while planning the delivery of services, especially if technology is involved," the ministry said in a statement.

Goyal spoke of the need to combine various services like the 'Digi locker' and the 'National Single Window System', so that repetitive processes are rationalised, gaps are bridged and redundancies are eliminated when it comes to applying for approvals and permissions.

Additionally, he called for the creation of a single identification number for businesses and individuals by merging the several identification numbers that exist presently, such as 'Aadhaar', 'PAN', 'TAN' so that delivery of services becomes smoother and faster.

"He also called for promotion of self- attestation, self- certification and self- regulation. He added that it is high time that compliance systems were built on trusting the integrity of the citizens," the statement added.

Disclaimer: Information, facts or opinions expressed in this news article are presented as sourced from IANS and do not reflect views of Moneylife and hence Moneylife is not responsible or liable for the same. As a source and news provider, IANS is responsible for accuracy, completeness, suitability and validity of any information in this article.
On 20th December, the wire agency IANS put out a sensational report which suggested that yet another diamantaire, like Nirav Modi, had squirreled away a whopping Rs6,710 crore from IDBI Bank. This was based on an advertisement published by the Bank on 19th December (see picture) with the photograph of eight promoter-directors of Sanghavi Exports International Pvt Ltd, proclaiming them, the company and 12 other related persons and entities as wilful defaulters.

The Bank rushed to clarifyin a statutory filing no lessthat the default was, in fact, just Rs16.72 crore of principal outstanding and the news report contained factual inaccuracies. It turns out that the Banks claim itself had factual inaccuracies or half-truths. So, a second correction was made, in a corrigendum advertisement on 21st December, where the Bank said the amount outstanding was Rs67.13 crore . IANS, in its follow-up story, points out that there is no mention any more of a sum of US$161,088 as amount outstanding, which figured in the first advertisement.

A wilful defaulter is one who does not pay back loans and is suspected to have diverted funds. It is punishable with imprisonment, but no big businessman has ever been punished so far. My feedback indicates that Sanghavi Exports is undoubtedly a defaulter and its annual accounts indicate a diversion of bank loans to group entities. One of the promoters, based in Surat, was also arrogant enough to email an outright denial and threat of legal action against the news agency. While holding no brief for Sanghavi Exports or any other defaulter, it is important to examine this case, to understand how public sector banks (PSBs) follow different recovery tactics against smaller borrowers vis-a-vis large wilful defaulters.

IDBIs Antecedents

The problem with IDBI Bank began at inception when it was wrongly classified as a private bank, despite its public sector parentage of a development finance institution and all the baggage that came with it. Axis Bank (then UTI Bank) had similar antecedents but was fortunate to get a great start under the leadership of the no-nonsense Dr PJ Nayak. IDBI Bank, on the other hand, lurched from one controversy to another. The turning point was in 2013 when United Western Bank was merged with it and the Bank never recovered from that operation. Since then, it has been propped up with bailouts by the exchequer in the form of repeated recapitalisation. Finally, Life Insurance Corporation (LIC) was asked to start pumping in capital and it now holds 51% of the Bank.

A PTI report of 22 December 2019 quoted finance minister (FM) Nirmala Sitharaman saying Rs21,157 crore had been infused into IDBI Bank since 2015. She further said, after we came back to power, LIC infused Rs21,624 crore. Together, this adds up to a stupendous Rs42,781 crore , to bring it out of prompt corrective action (PCA) that is ordered by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to keep failing banks afloat.

(IPO) by LIC. The finance ministrys future plans for this Bank are more relevant to us because this entire mess will, eventually, land in the laps of retail investors (either directly or through mutual funds) through a mega initial public offering (IPO) by LIC.

As part of the governments disinvestment plan, LIC was to make a mega IPO, which would have helped compensate for the big bailout of IDBI Bank and others. FM Nirmala Sitharaman also announced that she proposes to sell the governments 46.5% stake in IDBI Bank to private, retail and institutional investors through the stock exchange. This would have allowed the government to recover the money it had infused to bailout out the Bank. This was proposed in February 2020. Two years down the line, neither of the plans has materialised, while the capital market has turned turbulent and the silly-season of crazy IPO valuations may also be coming to an end.

After being forced to roll back farm laws, the government also appears to have turned cautious about ramming through a Bill for privatisation of PSBs, titled the Banking Laws (Amendment) Bill 2021. If IDBI Bank gives the government an exit with LIC remaining a 51% owner and no change in accountability and transparency, then retail investors (either directly or through institutional investment) would bear the risk and pay the price of all the Banks lapses. Ideally, IDBI Banks outrageous typo, and the processes leading to it, need to be questioned. Unfortunately, the only questions so far have come from union leaders and a few opposition politicians.

Big vs Small Defaulters

In the context of Sanghavi Exports, it is important to contrast how the Bank has treated this firm and how it deals with large defaulters. The advertisement with photographs and details of the Sanghavi family was aimed at publicly humiliating them. Would IDBI Bank have done this, if the loan outstanding was actually Rs6,710 crore? Have you ever seen any of the mug shots and public notices about really big defaulters? On the contrary, banks across the board zealously refuse to part with any information on defaults above Rs100 crore to the point that they also stonewall Right to Information (RTI) queries, despite an explicit order from the Supreme Court.

The case of C Sivasankaran and IDBI Banks eagerness to settle the Rs5,000 crore default of this notorious promoter is the best example of its policy of different strokes for different folks. As reported by us in June this year ( NCLT Grills IDBI Bank over Settlement with Siva Industries: Report ), the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) bench of Chennai had grilled IDBI Bank for the alacrity with which it wanted to accept a 95% haircut and a one-time settlement of just Rs323 crore. Importantly, this had been declared a fraud account, which is a step worse than being a wilful defaulter.

The lop-sided recovery process and favoured treatment to large defaulters is also clear from the fact that Videocon Industries was never classified as a wilful defaulter, in complete violation of RBI guidelines. The oil and consumer products group had an admitted outstanding debt of Rs64,838 crore and banks want to give it away to the Vedanta group at a 95.85% haircut

A top banker tells me, this happens because banks tend to genuflect before large defaulters, while squeezing and humiliating small borrowers. Another view is that they are fully complicit with the loot. A 15th December press release of the income-tax (I-T) department indicates that asset reconstruction companies (ARCs) are also a part of the crooked cabal.

The I-T statement said that raids across 60 premises of the four ARCs had uncovered an unholy nexus where assets purchased by ARCs far below the value of collateral securities, are sold back to the borrowers after layering them through a maze of shell / dummy concerns. ARCs were complicit to the point where one of them was caught maintaining a separate set of accounts for these dubious transactions. Allegations of a nexus between a bank and ARC were also made in the case of a Jaisalmer hotel, Garh Rajwada, which made headlines when the magistrate over-zealously ordered the arrest of State Bank of Indias former chairman, Pratip Chaudhuri, for such an undervalued transaction by an ARC, where he is the chairman. The combined outcome of such genuflection and complicity was tabulated by the All India Bank Employees Association (AIBEA) as part of the protest against bank privatisation.

Things will begin to change only when banks are made to treat every corporate default with far more seriousness and equity. The IDBI Bank episode shows we are far away from it.
April 16, 2018

Syria - Pentagon Hides Attack Failure - 70+ Cruise Missiles Shot Down

The U.S. military seems to hide that its attack on Syria last Saturday largely failed. We checked the numbers and sources and said so in our weekly review published yesterday. This post is extending yesterday's analysis.

The U.S. attack on Saturday was launched as revenge for an alleged 'chemical attack' by the Syrian government forces against the then 'rebel' held Damascus suburb Douma. The alleged 'chemical attack' never happened but was theater staged by the 'rebels' and their supporters after some people suffocated in a collapsed building.

There is a very large discrepancy between the Russian Ministry of Defense report of the strike as well as other sources and the description in the Pentagon briefing on the strike. According to the Pentagon only three places related to a nonexistent Syrian chemical weapon program were targeted:

This combined military strike was directed against three distinct Syrian chemical weapons program targets.

...

We are confident that all of our missiles reached their targets.

...

In summary, in a powerful show of allied unity, we deployed 105 weapons against three targets.

One hundred and five weapons against three targets would be a remarkable overkill. Just consider that the U.S. Tomahawk and JASSM cruise missiles and the British Skalp EG cruise missiles used in these attacks carry 450 kilogram (~1,000 pounds) of high explosives each. Did the U.S. military really plan to use 15 metric tons of high explosives against each target. That would be enough to blow up a whole town.

The U.S. claims it sent 76 cruise missiles against the non-hardened, non-defended Barzeh research center. This was a small two story building complex and had just recently been declared free of chemical weapons and weapon research by the OPCW.



Barzeh Research center before and after - bigger

Sure, the facility is destroyed. But by 34 tons of high explosives? Or by maybe 2 tons?

The Barzeh center was a civilian facility next to a densely populated suburb of Damascus. It was concerned with agricultural and medical research, not with chemical weapons. The U.S. certainly knew that from the recent OPCW report. The U.S. claim that it was a chemical weapons facility is ridiculous as it would (hopefully) never consider attacking a real chemical weapons facility in the middle of a civilian population center. That would be mass murder and a serious war crime.

The Pentagon also claims it hit two undefended military storage facilities near the Lebanese border. It says that those three were the only targets of its attack.

But on April 12, two days before the strikes, CNBC reported that the Pentagon planned to attack eight targets:

[A] source, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, told CNBC the U.S. was considering striking eight potential targets. Those targets include two Syrian airfields, a research center and a chemical weapons facility.

The strikes commenced on April 14 between about 1:00 and 2:30 UTC, 4.00am to 5:30am local time in Damascus. At 7:00am local time (4:00 UTC) journalist Danny Makki reported from Damascus:

Danny Makki @Dannymakkisyria - 4:06 UTC - 14 Apr 2018 Thread: Heres how the U.S led strikes on #Syria developed from here in the Capital #Damascus in the early hours of this morning At around 4.30 Damascus time I awoke to initial large sounds of over 10 rocket attacks, it immediately was clear from the types of missile being heard that it was a Western Attack conducted by the #U.S #France & #U.K The strikes were heard clearly in all parts of the Capital and continued on and off for a duration of 50 minutes, Syrian state media reported the strikes but didnt provide information as to the locations All In all over 50 different strikes were heard or reported in different locations around #Damascus The strikes had targeted a number of military sites across Damascus and further north in #Syria reportedly in #Hama & #Homs Barzeh research facility which sits on the Eastern stretch of #Damascus was hit by numerous missiles #Jamraya was reportedly hit as well, from my current location which is quite close to the site its clear something big was hit in Western #Damascus , the last barrage shook the neighborhood im In to the core Mezzeh Military airport was reportedly struck as well (...) A research facility in #Masyaf was reportedly attacked as well Also, a number of sources in #Homs have reported strikes with additional information that Russia air defenses participated in countering the strikes in #Homs A string of other locations have been cited as being targeted by U.S led strikes, its not clear at the moment, but it seems this attack was limited to a number of locations

...

It seems clear that Mr. Makki refers to more than three attacked sites.

Another source, Wael al Russi, also reported some eight targets including the coordinates of some.

The Syrian opposition outlet SOHR in Britain, which works from local sources, reports a multitude of targets:

[T]he Trio Coalition the USA, Britain and France, .. targeted .. the scientific research centers in Jamraya north of Damascus, and Barzeh in the north-west of the capital Damascus, arsenals of the 4th Division and the Republic Guards in the area of Al-Mazza Military Airbase, the arsenals of Al-Kiswah area in the southern countryside of the capital, and the scientific research center in the outskirts of Homs city, where the missiles fired on the latter position, fell away from the target, also violent explosions heard in the Eastern Qalamoun, while no missiles fell on Al-Dumayr and Al-Naseriyah Military Airbases.

Those are 8 targeted places or installations.

SOHR also reports that more than 65 of the 105 missiles failed to hit their targets:

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights managed to monitored interception by the regime forces to tens of missiles which targeted their positions and military bases in the Syrian territory, where several intersected sources confirmed to the Syrian Observatory, that the number missiles that were downed, exceeded 65 missiles, of the total number of missiles fired by the Trio Coalition, while the air and rocket strikes, caused great material damage, while no information about casualties was reported yet.

The report of the Russian Ministry of Defense quoted below is consistent with the multitude of independent sources quoted above. The Russian briefing (video with English subtitles) was held at noon Damascus time, hours before the Pentagon issued its report. It mentions 103 cruise missiles against eight targets:



Target map from the Russian briefing - bigger

In total, 71 cruise missiles have been intercepted.

...

Four missiles targeted the Damascus International Airport; 12 missiles  the Al-Dumayr airdrome, all the missiles have been shot down. 18 missiles targeted the Blai airdrome, all the missiles shot down. 12 missiles targeted the Shayrat air base, all the missiles shot down. Air bases were not affected by the strike. Five out of nine missiles were shot down targeting the unoccupied Mazzeh airdrome. Thirteen out of sixteen missiles were shot down targeting the Homs airdrome. There are no heavy destructions. In total 30 missiles targeted facilities near Barzah and Jaramana. Seven of them have been shot down.

Another Russian military briefing (Ru) (added: English transcript) given today claims the following success numbers for each type of air-defense systems the Syrian army used. It lists the numbers of cruise missiles shot down by each versus the number targeted:

Pantsir - 23 hits with 25 engagements,

Buk-M2 - 24 of 29,

Osa - 5 of 13,

S-125 - 5 of 13,

Strela-10 - 3 of 5,

Kvadrat - 11 of 21,

S-200 - 0 hits with 8 launched missiles.

Pantsir and Buk-M2 are new systems, the Osa, S-125, Strela, Kvadrat and S-200 are Soviet era systems, some of which might have been partially upgraded.

Some 'expert' claims that the high number of hits the Russians assert are impossible as the systems would be overwhelmed with such a large attack. The 'expert' obviously didn't consider the relevant facts:

Eight geographically distinct places were targeted. The research lab had no short-range point-defense but was only covered by the older medium-range area-defense systems S-125 and S-200. The attacked storage areas had no point-defense. The military airports all had point-defense systems especially the impressive new Pantsir-1S (video) of which Syria recently received 40 units.

At least two Pansir-1S are stationed near each Syrian military airport. Each Pantsir has 12 missiles ready to fire and two machine cannons with 700 shots each.

Cruise missiles, developed from the German V-1 (vid) used in World War II, are small compared to fighter planes. But they fly relatively straight, slow and low. They are easy targets for any newer point-defense systems.

Therefore the number of eliminated cruise missiles the Russians and others claim have been downed is completely plausible.

Had the Russian air-defense area around its bases in Latakia been attacked, the excellent electronic warfare systems of the Russian military would have provided an additional layer of defense. These systems can divert cruise missiles from their path by messing up their electronic systems. The Syrian army has, to my best knowledge, no such capabilities.

The Pentagon had planned to hit eight targets in Syria two of which were research labs. Six airports or storage areas were targeted according to the Russian and other reports.

The Pentagon reports no strike on Syrian airports but claims to have launched a way too high number of cruise missiles for each of the claimed three targets it hit. Its claim that 76 missiles were used against Barzeh alone is ridiculous. The generals just added up all the failed and downed cruise missiles targeted at the well defended airfields and attributed them to Barzeh.

At least three other sources confirm the Russian version of events. The Pentagon is lying. The attack was a U.S. attempt to disable the Syrian air force by destroying its airports. It failed miserably and the Pentagon is hiding this failure by claiming that all its cruise missiles hit the undefended targets some of its missiles reached.

The Russian briefing today (Ru) (added: English transcript) puts the finger into that wound. Will any of U.S. media follow up on it?

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Previous Moon of Alabama posts on the 'chemical attack' in Douma and its consequences.

Posted by b on April 16, 2018 at 19:36 UTC | Permalink

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December 23, 2021

Open Thread 2021-100

News & views ...

Posted by b on December 23, 2021 at 17:15 UTC | Permalink

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December 23, 2021

U.S. Navy Acknowledges Russian Weapon Superiority

Adding to the tenor of yesterday's piece

What Russia Says About Its Not-An-Ultimatum Demands To The U.S. And NATO

is a sign that the U.S. finally recognizes and acknowledges the overwhelming superiority of new Russian weapons like the hypersonic Tsirkon (Zircon) missiles.

Russia has several Corvette/Frigate sized warships in the Admiral Gorshov class with about 5,000 long tons each. They are designated Project 22350. More are these on order. They cost about $120 to $150 $500* million each.

Next to excellent air and missile defenses and electronic warfare capabilities each of these ships has 16 to 32 Vertical Launch System (VLS) cells from which they can fire hypersonic anti-ship and/or land attack missiles.

The U.S. standard navy vessels are the Arleigh Burke class destroyers with about 9,000 long tons. There are currently 69 of them in service with each costing about $1.8 billion.

The Burkes have 96 VLS cells each from which they can fire Tomahawk cruise missiles against land or sea targets. The U.S. has no hypersonic missiles. (Ballistic missiles are supersonic but usually not used for such purposes.) Tomahawks fly at subsonic speed and are no longer up to date. When the U.S. attacked Syria in 2018 with a launch of a total of 103 cruise missiles against 8 targets 71 of those missiles were shot down by air and missile defenses or diverted by electronic means. Only 32 missiles, less than a third, reached their targets.

Hypersonic missiles allow the attacker to overcome the missile defenses any target can currently come up with. That leads to, as Andrei Martyanov teaches in his books, to an overwhelming salvo superiority for the side that has hypersonics:

The result of such calculations is well expressed in a quote from Admiral Turner who Martyanov cites: "It isn't the number of keels, or size of ships that count. It is the capacity to do what might be decisive in some particular situation."

Finally some folks at the U.S. Navy Postgraduate School in Monterey have also done the appropriate math. Here are their results (pg 57):

The literature review section describes the manner in which [Tomahawk Land Attack Missile (TLAM)] cruise missiles must be launched in salvos as large as 16 missiles to defeat a target with active defense. Due to its exceptional speed, maneuverability, and low flight path, a single hypersonic glide body missile is likely to be able to overcome an active defensive system that could defeat even a salvo attack of TLAMs. An Arleigh Burke-class destroyer is equipped with 96 TLAMs, or six salvo attacks of 16 missiles each. This means that a vessel equipped with 12 hypersonic missiles can attack as many actively defended targets as two Arleigh Burke-class destroyers firing 16-missile salvos. 12 [All-Up-Rounds (AURs)] was chosen as the highest rating for this attribute because it represents the offensive equivalent of two entire vessels in the scenario where an actively defended target is being attacked.

One Russian Admiral Gorshov class corvette of some 5,000 tons with 16 hypersonic missiles and costing some $150 $500 million has MORE firepower than two U.S. Arleigh Burke class destroyers with 9,000 tons each, 192 missiles and costing a total of some $3.2 billions.

Its not just me, Andrei Martyanov or Russian diplomats claiming that but postgraduate folks paid by the U.S. Navy.

The results of hypersonic missiles against enemies with no hypersonic capabilities are truly impressive. That quite obvious fact is only now sinking in with U.S. subject experts:

Fascinating study. A Navy fleet planner posits how 1 ship with 12 CPS hypersonic missiles may have the same striking power as 2 Arleigh Burke destroyers with 192 Tomahawks.

Patrick Armstrong, a former military analyst in service with the Canadian diplomatic corps, recently listed a number of measures Russia could take to press for a U.S. sign-off of its Not-An-Utimatum draft treaties. I would like to draw your attention to this one:

I believe (suspect/guess) that the Russian Armed Forces have the capability to blind Aegis-equipped ships. Moscow could do so in public in a way that cannot be denied. Without Aegis, the US surface navy is just targets. Objection: this is a war-winning secret and should not be lightly used. Unless, of course, the Russian Armed Forces have something even more effective.

Burke class destroyers are equipped with the Aegis integrated naval weapons system. If Russia can disable it by blinding its sensors, which I have also reason to believe to be true, Russia does not even need hypersonics to kill those ships. In a conflict with Russia or its allies the premier U.S. Navy ships are just useless metal-hulls destined to sink to the ground of the ocean the happen to float on.

By the way - Russia does not depend on just a handful of Gorshov class corvettes. Its Yasen class submarines can also fire Tsirkons. It also has supersonic Onyx anti-ship missiles that can be fired from various surface ship classes, submarines or from land based launchers as well as the hypersonic Kh-47M2 Kinzhal anti-ship missiles that can be launched from fighter jets or bombers.

When the U.S. or Britain send ships into the Baltic or Black Sea it is solely for propaganda purpose. If a real conflict with Russia breaks out those will be killed within minutes.

And its not just the U.S. Navy that can not take on Russia. Scott Ritter is a former Marines intelligence officer and UN inspector:

Scott Ritter @RealScottRitter - 18:09 UTC  22 Dec 2021 An open challenge to the US Armyon a moments notice (not of your choosing) deploy two heavy brigades to the NTC within one week, ready on arrival to conduct intense combined arms exercises lasting a month. Not going to happen. What makes anyone think we matter in Europe? My point is the US is but a shadow of its former strength when it comes to projecting ground combat power in Europe. The one Armor BCT we have on rotation isnt enough. Neither is the second Armored BCT weve prepositioned equipment for in Poland.

Sending a handful of U.S. bombers to Romania is also propaganda targeting the 'western' public and not a real challenge to Russia's air defenses. In a real conflict they would hardly be able to take off before being hit.

Russia has achieved military supremacy over U.S. and NATO forces and not only in Europe. That is why it can make demands and why it can have expect that these will be fulfilled. The 'or else' behind these not-an-ultimatum demands is too obvious for those in the known.

Now is the time for the pundits and the public they preach to to recognize that.

---

*The $150m was my mistake. It was for a different ship. $500 million (Rs4,000 crore) was the sales price mentioned in some Indian paper about the possible purchase of a Admiral Gorshov class frigate. Russia will likely pay much less than that.

Posted by b on December 23, 2021 at 9:41 UTC | Permalink

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A new nonprofit the Literacy Coalition of the Permian Basin has launched its first initiative with a partnership with the West Texas Food Bank. On Thursday, the nonprofit distributed childrens books, during the food banks distribution of food, to families with children.

Executive director of the Literacy Coalition of the Permian Basin, John Trischitti III talked about the important partnership with the WTFB going forward.

The goal is to distribute books to kids whose families are picking up food boxes for Christmas time, he said. We know there is a direct correlation between low literacy and food insecurity. Through the generosity of DiamondBack Energy that donated to the cause.

He added that reading is the fundamental building block upon which all other essential skills are built.

Without reading, math scores decline, workforce development and job creation are low, he said. If we can address literacy as a social need, we know that literacy is also an educational issue, but we want people to start focusing on how literacy can help with social issues.

The coalition started in July, and this is one of the first initiatives by the nonprofit. Currently, the organization is raising money to develop programs to reach out to the entire Permian Basin and address literacy needs.

The West Texas Food Bank is such an important partner because they have the infrastructure already established, not only in Midland and Odessa but in Pecos, Presidio and the further rural areas we are wanting to reach as well, he said.

Six hundred (600) books were distributed in Midland and in Pecos at the Crockett Middle School pantry in Pecos. Books were distributed in Spanish and English including Lets Play, Vamos! Let's Go to the Market and Presiona Aqui.

Want to connect? Visit the Literacy Coalition of the Permian Basin at https://literacypb.org/ See More Collapse

West Texas Food Bank Director of Marketing and Communications, Craig Stoker said the food bank is excited to partner with the new nonprofit.

Not only are these families taking home food but theyre getting reading material and books for their kiddos so they can remain engaged during the holidays, he said.

The nonprofit has also commissioned a large study for the Permian Basin. The study will break down literacy rates county by county to help distribute resources accordingly. The nonprofit will focus on adult and family literacy.

We really want to move the needle from a social standpoint, he said. We want to collaborate with organizations doing social services already and supplement with books while they are getting needs taken care of.
SARAJEVO, Bosnia-Herzegovina (AP)  Bosnian officials and religious leaders on Wednesday denounced suggestions voiced by Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban and his spokesman that the integration of Bosnia into the European Union will be challenging because of its large Muslim population.

Orbans spokesman Zoltan Kovacs has tweeted that the challenge with Bosnia is how to integrate a country with 2 million Muslims.

During his long speech on Tuesday in Budapest, right-wing populist Orban said Hungary supports Bosnias EU bid, adding that as an EU member, Hungary had to mobilize a lot of energy to overcome the enlargement fatigue that has taken hold of the European Union.

I am doing my best to convince Europes great leaders that the Balkans may be further away from them than from Hungary, but how we manage the security of a state in which 2 million Muslims live is a key issue for their security too.

Reaction in Bosnia was sharp, with some Bosniak parties asking for a ban on Orbans planned official visit to Sarajevo and the head of the Islamic community, Grand Mufti Husein Kavazovic, calling his statement xenophobic and racist.

If such ideologies become the basis on which the policies of a united Europe are based, then it takes us back to the times when the European unity was to be build on similar fascist, Nazi, violent and genocidal ideologies that led to the Holocaust and other horrific crimes, he said in a statement.

The Bosniak member of the countrys tripartite presidency, Sefik Dzaferovic, called Orbans statement shameful and rude.

It is not a challenge for the EU to integrate 2 million (Bosnian) Muslims, because we are an indigenous European people who have always lived here and we are Europeans, he said.

Bosnia, which is made up of Bosniaks, Serbs and Croats, is going through its gravest political crisis since the end of the civil war in the 1990s. With tacit support from Russia and Serbia, Bosnian Serbs are threatening to form their own army, judiciary and tax authority, reviving fears of another bloody breakup of the Balkan country.

During his speech on Tuesday, Orban also said Hungary wouldn't support EU sanctions against Bosnian Serb leader Milorad Dodik as threatened by Germany and some other member states because of his separatist stands.

Sarajevo has lost its nerve, it is attacking everyone -- Serbia, Croatia, Slovenia, now Hungary. Not to mention Russia, Dodik said Wednesday, referring to support he has allegedly received from those countries.

Orban has been known for his anti-migration policies, claiming Muslim migrants are the greatest threat to Europes Christian values. He has also been supporting quick accession of Serbia into the EU despite the increasingly autocratic policies of his ally, Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic.

More than 100,000 people were killed and millions were left homeless during the 1992-95 war in Bosnia when Bosnian Serbs tried to create ethnically pure territories in order to join them with neighboring Serbia.

___

Associated Press writers Dusan Stojanovic in Belgrade, Serbia, and Justin Spike in Budapest, Hungary, contributed to this report.
The hunt is on for Elon Musk's new home. The Tesla CEO is reportedly on a hush-hush to buy a private mega-mansion somewhere in Austin, according to a new report by the Wall Street Journal. This is quite different from the public persona Musk has crafted in recent months, during which he claimed to sell off most of his possessions to live in a $50,000 Boca Chica rental house.

Though he reportedly has registered to vote in Cameron County, near Boca Chica and the Space X headquarters, it's always been assumed that Musk would eventually land in Austin. Earlier this year, his company Tesla moved its headquarters from Silicon Valley to East Austin. It's possible that he's been here even longer considering Musk and his then-partner Grimes also both tweeted about being in Austin and without power during February's deadly winter storm.

Details on exactly where, when, and if he's buying property remain unknown, which seems to be de rigueur when dealing with Musk. What has been confirmed by the WSJ is that the eccentric billionaire has been staying in a West Austin mansion owned by Ken Howery, a fellow billionaire and co-founder of PayPal Holdings. Howery most recently served as the U.S. ambassador to Sweden under the Trump administration.

"Since his term ended," the WSJ writes, "Mr. Howery has been traveling the world, including chasing tornadoes and other extreme weather events as a hobby, people who know him say."

Because Howery is out chasing tornadoes with Helen Hunt and friends, it's left his massive mansion on the Colorado River free for Musk to tweet and troll and do whatever it is he does.

Maja Hitij /TNS

According to a host of insiders who spoke to the WSJ on condition of anonymity, Musk has toured a handful of properties, and has expressed interest in buying the custom-built home of Kendra Scott, the Austin-based jewelry designer and one of America's wealthiest self-made women.

Scott is amenable to selling her abode, according to the Journal, but Musk has failed to show up to "several" appointments.Whether or not Scott was left bejeweled and waiting patiently for Musk was not disclosed, but it paints a rather vivid picture.

And so the quest to find his "trophy property" continues, and Musk and co. have reportedly tapped a series of high-end Austin realtors to help find it. Only problem is  it might not exist.

"His personal financial advisers have sent a slew of requirements to brokers, including a desire for a large expanse of land that is currently unavailable in properties on the market," writes the WSJ.

It hasn't stopped Austinites from gossiping that Musk, who is among the richest people to ever walk the planet, is their new neighbor. Engel & Volkers owner Michele Turnquist, of the biggest players in high-end luxury real estate in the Capital City, was on the receiving end of the gossip this year when she sold a $39 million property, the most expensive listing ever in Austin. According to the WSJ, rumors swirled that the buyer was the Tesla CEO, though they were not true.

"Ive had five people tell me, 'You know, Elon bought your listing,'" Ms. Turnquist tells the WSJ. "I tell them that if Elon bought my listing, I wouldnt know."

We may never know where Musk ends up, and we'd be willing to bet that most Austinites don't really care.
SAN FRANCISCO (AP)  California State University, the nations largest four-year-public university, said Wednesday that it will require students, faculty and staff at its 23 campuses to get COVID-19 booster shots for the spring semester amid concerns about the highly contagious omicron variant.

The mandate, which allows for medical and religious exemptions, requires the boosters by Feb. 28, or six months after the final dose of vaccination.

Individual campuses can impose earlier deadlines, the university said in a statement, adding it was still negotiating the requirement with labor unions.

Vaccination, including a booster when eligible, remains our most effective strategy against infection and severe disease, CSU Chancellor Joseph I. Castro said in the statement. This is particularly important in light of the rapid rise of cases of COVID-19 throughout the state and nation as the omicron variant spreads.

California State University has about 485,000 students and 55,000 faculty and staff.

The announcement comes a day after the University of California announced a similar mandate for its 10 campuses, saying that a COVID-19 booster shot is required under the existing UC policy that says students and staff must keep their vaccination status up to date.

UC Chancellor Michael Drake outlined the policy in a letter to chancellors Tuesday. Several UC campuses have announced that classes will begin remotely at the start of the new term, including UCLA, UC Irvine, UC Santa Cruz and UC San Diego. The delays of in-person classes range from one to two weeks, which campuses say will allow them to conduct extensive testing and reduce the risk of spreading illness after the winter recess.

Colleges across the country are bracing for the worst when students return from winter break and many see boosters as their best hope. More than 30 colleges have issued booster shot requirements in recent weeks, and others say theyre thinking about it. The list includes large universities like Boston University, NYU, the University of Chicago, Michigan State University, the University of Oregon and dozens of smaller liberal arts and Ivy League campuses.

Much about the omicron coronavirus variant remains unknown, including whether it causes more or less severe illness. Scientists say omicron spreads even easier than other coronavirus strains, including delta. Early studies suggest the vaccinated will need a booster shot for the best chance at preventing an omicron infection but even without the extra dose, vaccination still should offer strong protection against severe illness and death.

California has so far fared far better than many other states. Gov. Gavin Newsom said Wednesday that California has the lowest test positivity rate in the country, with 3.3% of COVID-19 tests coming back positive. But cases are surging as the more-transmissible omicron variant spreads through the state. New cases have nearly doubled from 5,400 last week to nearly 11,000 this week, he said during a news conference.
MINNEAPOLIS (AP)  A jury pushed through its third day of deliberations with no verdict Wednesday at the trial of a suburban Minneapolis police officer who shot and killed Black motorist Daunte Wright.

The court reported no questions from the jury at Kim Potter's trial, a day after jurors asked Judge Regina Chu what to do if they couldn't agree and she told them to continue deliberating. They got the case about midday Monday.

Potter, who is white, said she meant to use her Taser on Wright rather than her gun. She is charged with first- and second-degree manslaughter. If convicted of the most serious charge, Potter, 49, would face a sentence of about seven years under state guidelines, though prosecutors have said they will seek more.

The judge has ordered that the mostly white jury be sequestered during deliberations  meaning the jurors remain under the courts supervision in an undisclosed hotel and cannot return home until they have reached a verdict or the judge has determined they cant reach one.

However, Chu told jurors at the start of the trial that they would have time off on Christmas Eve and over the Christmas weekend. She has not indicated that she would change that plan if deliberations were ongoing.

I think the holiday will put pressure on them to agree, Joe Friedberg, a Minneapolis defense attorney who is not involved in the case but is following it, said Wednesday.

Jurors had also asked Chu on Tuesday if they could handle the officer's handgun, and she said yes. Prosecutors had told jurors they would be able to handle both Potter's gun and Taser, but the gun arrived in the jury room secured into an evidence box with zip ties.

During closing arguments, prosecutors accused Potter of a blunder of epic proportions in Wright's death in an April 11 traffic stop  but said a mistake was no defense.

Potter's attorneys countered that Wright, who was attempting to get away from officers as they sought to handcuff him for an outstanding warrant on a weapons charge, caused the whole incident.

Wright's death set off angry protests in Brooklyn Center just as nearby Minneapolis was on edge over Derek Chauvin's trial in George Floyd's death.

Potter, who resigned two days after Wright's death, testified Friday that she didnt want to hurt anybody and that she was sorry it happened."

Chu told jurors that the state doesnt have to prove Potter tried to kill Wright.

The judge said for first-degree manslaughter, prosecutors must prove that Potter caused Wrights death while committing the crime of reckless handling of a firearm. This means they must prove that she committed a conscious or intentional act while handling or using a firearm that creates a substantial or unjustifiable risk that she was aware of and disregarded, and that she endangered safety.

For second-degree manslaughter, prosecutors must prove she acted with culpable negligence, meaning she consciously took a chance of causing death or great bodily harm.

___

Bauer reported from Madison, Wisconsin. Associated Press writer Kathleen Foody in Chicago contributed to this story.

___

Find the APs full coverage of the Daunte Wright case: https://apnews.com/hub/death-of-daunte-wright
NEW YORK (AP)  A Chicago banker should spend at least four years in prison after he was convicted of delivering $16 million in loans to Paul Manafort in a bid for power in the administration of ex-President Donald Trump, prosecutors said Wednesday.

Stephen Calk is set to be sentenced Feb. 7 for his conviction in July on financial institution bribery and conspiracy charges in Manhattan federal court.

Calks lawyers in a sentencing submission in early December argued for a noncustodial sentence for Calk, saying he has led a thoroughly decent and law-abiding life.

But prosecutors said Calk deserved a sentence of 51 months to 63 months in prison because he corruptly abused his position as chairman and chief executive of The Federal Savings Bank and caused the bank to make $16 million in unsound loans to Manafort in exchange for Manafort's help gaining political power.

They added: The Government respectfully submits that the focus of sentencing should rest on his crimes, which would merit serious punishment regardless of the defendants character. But it is also true that the defendant exaggerates his claimed good deeds and sterling character.

During a three-week trial, prosecutors said Calk played a pivotal role in getting approval for a $9.5 million real estate construction loan and another $6.5 million loan so Manafort could finish construction on a Brooklyn condominium and avoid foreclosure.

Defense lawyers argued that Calk could not have won approval for the loans without the banks loan committee and underwriters agreeing to the terms. And they noted that the loans were obtained at a time when Manafort was considered wealthy and successful and had not yet been criminally charged.

Prosecutors also elicited evidence at trial to show that Manafort helped Calk get an interview for a job in the Trump administration, although he was never hired. Although Calk had hoped to become Secretary of the Army, he eventually interviewed for other positions because that post had already been filled, Antony Scaramucci testified at the trial.

Early in the trial, Scaramucci, who had worked on Trump's presidential transition team, testified that he never would have enabled Calk to get the interview for the administration post if he had known that Calk was helping Manafort to get millions of dollars in loans for his real estate ventures.

Manafort served as Trumps campaign manager for a key stretch from June to early August 2016.

Manafort lost his position in Trumps campaign over his ties to Ukraine. Special counsel Robert Muellers Russia investigation led to his criminal conviction and a sentence of over seven years in prison for financial crimes related to his political consulting work in Ukraine. In December 2020, Trump pardoned him.
ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. (AP)  As New Jersey races to grab the leading role in offshore wind energy projects on the U.S. East Coast, a commonly heard criticism is that people don't want to see the structures on the horizon when they're at the beach.

On Wednesday, New Jersey energy and environmental regulators addressed those concerns, saying the farther away from the shoreline the turbines go, the more expensive the electricity they generate will be.

During an interview with reporters from several media outlets, the state's environmental protection commissioner, Shawn LaTourette, said the roughly 15-mile distance from shore envisioned for the state's early projects is not set in stone.

The approach is not offshore wind at all costs, said LaTourette. We must ensure balance. If that means turbines being arrayed in a different way or at a different distance, then that's what it means. It is not a fait accompli.

But Joseph Fiordaliso, president of the state Board of Public Utilities, cautioned that even though his board has the power to require the turbines to be placed farther offshore, cost is an important part of the equation in locating them.

This energy has to be transmitted back on shore, he said. The farther we go out, the more expensive it's going to be to get that energy onshore. That certainly is a consideration.

Most of the turbines proposed for the three offshore wind projects approved thus far in New Jersey will be located about 15 miles from the coast, he said.

They are not going to be visual pollution, he said. Probably most people won't be able to see them.

In past presentations, government and wind industry officials have said the turbines may or may not be visible from the shoreline, depending in part on weather conditions.

But several shore communities including Ocean City, perhaps the center of opposition to offshore wind projects thus far, say today's turbines are much larger than those proposed in the past, and much more likely to be seen from shore.

We don't believe them when they say they're all going to be 15 miles offshore, said Suzanne Hornick, a leader of Protect Our Coast-NJ. The lease area is closer than that, and we know they will fill up that whole lease area. It could be as close as eight miles.

The group also cites environmental and financial concerns in opposing the projects.

Thus far, New Jersey has approved three offshore wind energy projects: two by Danish wind developer Orsted, and one by Atlantic Shores.

Those three projects combined aim to provide enough electricity to power over 1.6 million homes. New Jersey has set a goal of generating 100% of its energy from clean sources by 2050, and plans to solicit additional wind energy projects every two years until at least 2028.

The next round of applications should happen in the second half of 2022, BPU officials said.

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Follow Wayne Parry on Twitter at @WayneParryAC
Nearly two years into a global pandemic and a year past a deadly coup attempt, its easy to feel worn down by the churn of news. But if you know where to look, theres also a lot to be hopeful about too.

Here are a few villains that shaped 2021 for the worse  and a few heroes worth rooting for.

Villain: The Republican Party

On Jan. 6, right-wing insurrectionists  with the support of the Trump White House and a few members of Congress stormed the Capitol with the goal of overturning the 2020 presidential election.

Rather than reject this violent fringe, the Republican Party embraced their extremist values, ostracizing party leaders who refused to fall in line and purging election officials all over the country. This has resulted in a party that runs on xenophobia, disinformation and racism.

In Congress, meanwhile, Republicans have unanimously opposed paid leave, universal pre-K, immigration reform, and fairer prescription drug pricing, among other proposals that would benefit working families.

Villain: Corporate Democrats

Republicans arent the only ones standing in the way of Bidens promise to build back better. A few corporate Democrats  namely senators Joe Manchin of West Virginia and Kyrsten Sinema of Arizona  are also to blame.

Whether its Manchin denouncing Medicaid expansion from the aft of his $250,000 houseboat or Sinema fighting to preserve a beloved tax loophole favored by her hedge fund donors, some corporate Democrats are working just as hard as Republicans to block policies that would help ordinary people.

Villain: Billionaires

In another year marked by a global pandemic and deepening inequality, one group has made out like gangbusters: billionaires.

According to my colleagues at the Institute for Policy Studies, the $2.1 trillion wealth gain enjoyed by U.S. billionaires during the pandemic could pay for 60% of Bidens original $3.5 trillion Build Back Better agenda.

Whos the largest pandemic profiteer? TIME magazines very own Person of the Year, Tesla CEO Elon Musk. Musks personal wealth has increased by a staggering 700 percent since March 2020, even as hes flouted pandemic restrictions and endangered his own workers.

Feeling discouraged? Here are some heroes who made 2021 a bit brighter.

Hero: Poor Peoples Campaign

Politicians standing in the way of popular policies need to be held accountable, and thats where the Poor Peoples Campaign comes in.

Throughout 2021, this nationwide movement of poor, low-wage workers has staged Moral Mondays, bringing directly affected people from Manchins home state of West Virginia to Washington, D.C., where dozens have been arrested for civil disobedience. Theyre demanding that members of Congress listen to the voices of the people, not lobbyists.

As the Rev. William Barber, co-chair of the Poor Peoples Campaign, said in December: For too long we have heard promises during campaigns that sound like theyre going to lift up the people, and then once people get elected they disappear  because somebody, somewhere has got some deep pockets and says its not possible. Well, we refuse to accept the crisis of possibility.

Hero: Workers

As Striketober turned into Strikesgiving, we now find ourselves in the midst of Strikemas.

While politicians in Washington bickered over infrastructure, jobs and the social safety net, thousands of unionized workers across the heartland went on strike in 2021 to get their fair share directly.

From John Deere workers in Kansas to steelworkers in Ohio and graduate students in New York, workers are rising up against greedy bosses, poverty wages, long hours and dangerous working conditions.

The pandemic  and the strike wave it inspired  has created a ripple effect of new union organizing as well. Most notably, workers at Starbucks locations in Buffalo, New York, recently voted to unionize the first location in the companys history.

Hero: Peoples Vaccine Alliance

To finally end this pandemic and prevent future variants, we have to make sure every human being on earth has the chance to get vaccinated.

The Peoples Vaccine Alliance has fought bravely to put global public health, not pharmaceutical profits, at the center of the global response to COVID-19. Pressure like this got the Biden administration to support a waiver for vaccine patents, which could make affordable generic vaccines available, and to send hundreds of millions of doses overseas.

Who knows what trials the year to come will bring? But whenever you feel overwhelmed by bad news, take a deep breath, remember these heroes, and find your own part to play.
Explosions kill several in northeast Nigeria, witnesses say

Explosions kill several in northeast Nigeria, witnesses say View Photo

MAIDUGURI, Nigeria (AP)  Explosions killed several people Thursday in northeastern Nigeria ahead of a visit by President Muhammadu Buhari to the restive region, witnesses said.

The attacks took place in Maiduguri, the city where Islamic militants first launched an insurgency against the government more than a decade ago.

Nigerian authorities did not release a casualty toll. Witnesses told The Associated Press that several civilians had died, including a teenage girl. They spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of retribution.

While there was no immediate claim of responsibility, suspicion fell on the Islamic State West Africa Province, also known as ISWAP.

Shortly after the explosions rattled the city, Buhari arrived to meet with the nations security heads and government officials in Borno.

Although Nigerian troops in the northeast have scored some gains against the rebels since the death of ISWAP leader Abu Musab al-Barnawi earlier this year, the group continues to infiltrate local communities and target security forces in ambushes.

In a statement Tuesday, the group claimed killing at least 20 members of a pro-Nigerian army militia in the town of Kilangar in Borno state.

By HARUNA UMAR

Associated Press
Hungarys PM denounced in Bosnia for anti-Muslim rhetoric View Photo

SARAJEVO, Bosnia-Herzegovina (AP)  Bosnian officials and religious leaders on Wednesday denounced suggestions voiced by Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban and his spokesman that the integration of Bosnia into the European Union will be challenging because of its large Muslim population.

Orbans spokesman Zoltan Kovacs has tweeted that the challenge with Bosnia is how to integrate a country with 2 million Muslims.

During his long speech on Tuesday in Budapest, right-wing populist Orban said Hungary supports Bosnias EU bid, adding that as an EU member, Hungary had to mobilize a lot of energy to overcome the enlargement fatigue that has taken hold of the European Union.

I am doing my best to convince Europes great leaders that the Balkans may be further away from them than from Hungary, but how we manage the security of a state in which 2 million Muslims live is a key issue for their security too.

Reaction in Bosnia was sharp, with some Bosniak parties asking for a ban on Orbans planned official visit to Sarajevo and the head of the Islamic community, Grand Mufti Husein Kavazovic, calling his statement xenophobic and racist.

If such ideologies become the basis on which the policies of a united Europe are based, then it takes us back to the times when the European unity was to be build on similar fascist, Nazi, violent and genocidal ideologies that led to the Holocaust and other horrific crimes, he said in a statement.

The Bosniak member of the countrys tripartite presidency, Sefik Dzaferovic, called Orbans statement shameful and rude.

It is not a challenge for the EU to integrate 2 million (Bosnian) Muslims, because we are an indigenous European people who have always lived here and we are Europeans, he said.

Bosnia, which is made up of Bosniaks, Serbs and Croats, is going through its gravest political crisis since the end of the civil war in the 1990s. With tacit support from Russia and Serbia, Bosnian Serbs are threatening to form their own army, judiciary and tax authority, reviving fears of another bloody breakup of the Balkan country.

During his speech on Tuesday, Orban also said Hungary wouldnt support EU sanctions against Bosnian Serb leader Milorad Dodik as threatened by Germany and some other member states because of his separatist stands.

Sarajevo has lost its nerve, it is attacking everyone  Serbia, Croatia, Slovenia, now Hungary. Not to mention Russia, Dodik said Wednesday, referring to support he has allegedly received from those countries.

Orban has been known for his anti-migration policies, claiming Muslim migrants are the greatest threat to Europes Christian values. He has also been supporting quick accession of Serbia into the EU despite the increasingly autocratic policies of his ally, Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic.

More than 100,000 people were killed and millions were left homeless during the 1992-95 war in Bosnia when Bosnian Serbs tried to create ethnically pure territories in order to join them with neighboring Serbia.

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Associated Press writers Dusan Stojanovic in Belgrade, Serbia, and Justin Spike in Budapest, Hungary, contributed to this report.

By AMER COHADZIC

Associated Press
Soulsbyville, CA  The Soulsbyville School Board held a special meeting last night, a week after voting to no longer enforce state masking and vaccine requirements, and reduce the quarantine measures, come January 3rd.

The board broke into closed session to discuss a single item, significant exposure to litigation from unknown potential cases. It was in response to the earlier resolution.

Soulsbyville Superintendent Jeff Winfield confirms that no new action was taken by the board last night. It was a closed session, so he did not provide any additional comments.

Clarke Broadcasting reached out to some local school and health leaders who indicated that it could potentially be a somewhat challenging road ahead for the district.

Days before last nights meeting the Tuolumne Joint Powers Authority, which provides group insurance coverage to 21 school districts in four counties (Tuolumne, Calaveras, Alpine and Amador) voted to deny Soulsbyville School District any funding related to claims, costs or lawsuits directly related to their COVID resolution.

The JPA Executive Director, Norma Wallace, adds, Furthermore, the Soulsbyville Schools membership in the JPA will be reevaluated and recommended for revocation of JPA membership if the resolution is not rescinded before January 3, 2022.

Going against the state mandates could create challenges for the district to receive insurance, as using a JPA allows districts to collectively come together and reduce overall costs. Wallace says the final JPA vote was 18 in favor and one abstention.

Dr. Eric Sergienko, Interim Tuolumne County Public Health Officer, says he spoke at the JPA meeting and highlighted both the public health and legal foundations for requiring masks and implementing quarantine measures.

In response to the Soulsbyville Boards action, the California Department of Public Health also directed Clarke Broadcasting to a letter written by State Public Health Officer, Dr. Tomas Aragon, in August.

It reads in bold print, Schools Face Substantial Legal, Financial, and Other Risks if They Do Not Follow the Mandatory Universal Masking Directive.

It adds, In light of the overwhelming evidence detailed above about the risks to students of not implementing the universal masking requirement, schools and school leaders involved in that decision could face significant financial liability if a student or staff member contracts COVID-19 in the absence of universal masking being enforced. Similar liability would exist if the refusal to implement the mask requirement causes a staff member to contract COVID-19.

The resolution by Soulsbyville, approved 4-1 last week, noted that the board is elected to represent the students, and by extension, their families. You can read the full resolution by clicking here.

We reported earlier that a strong majority of parents at the school are opposed to masks and various vaccine directives.

83-percent of parent respondents in a district survey say they infrequently to never mask their children in public and do not believe that masks should be required. 11-percent reported being somewhere in the middle and 5-percent always have their kids mask in public and feel they should be required.

66-percent said they would not send their children to public school next year if vaccines are mandatory, 20-percent said they would, and 14-percent were unsure.

A survey of teachers showed that 53-percent support a vaccine mandate for all staff, 42-percent are opposed and five-percent have no opinion. 46-percent of the teachers support mandatory vaccinations for students, 42-percent are opposed and 12-percent have no opinion.

It is not immediately clear where the issue goes from here, or if there will be any additional actions by the board ahead of January 3.

Story Update: Soulsbyville Board Narrowly Votes To Rescind COVID Resolution
EXPLAINER: What caused Amazons outage? Will there be more? View Photo

Robotic vacuum cleaners wouldnt start. Doorbell cameras stopped watching for package thieves, though some of those deliveries were canceled anyway. Netflix and Disney movies got interrupted and The Associated Press had trouble publishing the news.

A major outage in Amazons cloud computing network on Dec. 7 severely disrupted services at a wide range of U.S. companies for hours, raising questions about the vulnerability of the internet and its concentration in the hands of a few firms.

That uncertainty was underscored Wednesday when Amazon reported another outage that, while much shorter and less disruptive that the Dec. 7 problem, still created problems for many of its cloud customers. On a status dashboard for the service, Amazon reported that a power failure in one of its data centers had disrupted customers whose tasks ran on its servers.

Power was restored after about 45 minutes, although the company said some customers continued to experience problems almost 12 hours following the outage. Hardware failures in the affected data center forced some Amazon customers to restart their cloud-based systems entirely.

HOW DID IT HAPPEN?

Amazon has still said nothing about what, exactly, went wrong in the early December outage. The company limited its communications at the time to terse technical explanations on an Amazon Web Services dashboard and a brief statement delivered via spokesperson Richard Rocha that acknowledged the outage had affected Amazons own warehouse and delivery operations but said the company was working to resolve the issue as quickly as possible. It didnt immediately respond to further questions Wednesday.

The incident at Amazon Web Services mostly affected the eastern U.S., but still impacted everything from airline reservations and auto dealerships to payment apps and video streaming services to Amazons own massive e-commerce operation.

WHAT IS AWS?

Amazon Web Services is a cloud-service operation  it stores its customers data, runs their online activities and more  and a huge profit center for Amazon. It holds roughly 40% of the $64 billion global cloud infrastructure market, a larger share than its closest rivals Microsoft, Alibaba and Google, combined, according to research firm Gartner.

It was formerly run by Amazon CEO Andy Jassy, who succeeded founder Jeff Bezos in July.

TOO MANY EGGS IN ONE BASKET?

Some cybersecurity experts have warned for years about the potentially ugly consequences of allowing a handful of big tech companies to dominate key internet operations.

The latest AWS outage is a prime example of the danger of centralized network infrastructure, said Sean OBrien, a visiting lecturer in cybersecurity at Yale Law School. Though most people browsing the internet or using an app dont know it, Amazon is baked into most of the apps and websites they use each day. OBrien said its important to build a new network model that resembles the peer-to-peer roots of the early internet. Big outages have already knocked huge swaths of the world offline, as happened during an October Facebook incident.

Even under the current model, companies do have some options to split their services between different cloud providers, although it can be complicated, or to at least make sure they can move their services to a different region run by the same provider. Tuesdays outage mostly affected Amazons US East 1 region.

Which means if you had critical systems only available in that region, you were in trouble, said Servaas Verbiest, lead cloud evangelist at Sungard Availability Services. If you heavily embraced the AWS ecosystem and are locked into using solely their services and functions, you must ensure you balance your workloads between regions.

HASNT THIS HAPPENED BEFORE?

Yes. The last major AWS outage was in November 2020. There have been been numerous other disruptive and lengthy internet outages involving other providers. In June, the behind-the-scenes content distributor Fastly suffered a failure that briefly took down dozens of major internet sites including CNN, The New York Times and Britains government home page. Another that month affected provider Akamai during peak business hours in Asia in June.

In the October outage, Facebook  now known as Meta Platforms  blamed a faulty configuration change for an hours-long worldwide outage that took down Instagram and WhatsApp in addition to its titular platform.

WHAT ABOUT THE GOVERNMENT?

It was unclear how, or whether, Tuesdays outage affected governments, but many of them also rely on Amazon and its rivals.

Among the most influential organizations to rethink its approach of depending on a single cloud provider was the Pentagon, which in July canceled a disputed cloud-computing contract with Microsoft that could eventually have been worth $10 billion. It will instead pursue a deal with both Microsoft and Amazon and possibly other cloud service providers such as Google, Oracle and IBM.

The National Security Agency earlier this year awarded Amazon a contract with a potential estimated value of $10 billion to be the sole manager of the NSAs own migration to cloud computing. The contract is known by its agency code name Wild and Stormy. The General Accountability Office in October sustained a bid protest by Microsoft, finding that certain parts of the NSAs decision were unreasonable, although the full decision is classified.



AP writer Nomaan Merchant contributed to this report.

By MATT OBRIEN and FRANK BAJAK

AP Technology Writers
Unabomber Ted Kaczynski moved to prison medical facility View Photo

DENVER (AP)  The man known as the Unabomber has been transferred to a federal prison medical facility in North Carolina after spending the past two decades in a federal Supermax prison in Colorado for a series of bombings targeting scientists.

Theodore Ted Kaczynski, 79, was moved to the U.S. Bureau of Prisons FMC Butner medical center in eastern North Carolina on Dec. 14, according to bureau spokesperson Donald Murphy. Murphy declined to disclose any details of Kaczynskis medical condition or the reason for his transfer.

Kaczynski is serving life without the possibility of parole following his 1996 arrest at the primitive cabin where he was living in western Montana. He pleaded guilty to setting 16 explosions that killed three people and injured 23 others in various parts of the country between 1978 and 1995.

The Federal Medical Center Butner, in North Carolinas Granville County just northeast of Durham, offers medical services for prisoners including oncology, surgery, neurodiagnostics and dialysis, according to the Bureau of Prisons. It opened an advanced care unit and a hospice unit in 2010.

Butner has 771 inmates, according to the prison bureau, and has been home to notable offenders including John Hinckley Jr., who was evaluated there after shooting President Ronald Reagan and Bernard Madoff, the infamous architect of a massive Ponzi scheme who died at the North Carolina facility earlier this year.

In November, the former Oklahoma zookeeper known as Tiger King Joe Exotic was transferred to the facility after a cancer diagnosis, his attorney said. Joe Exotic, whose real name is Joseph Maldonado-Passage, had been convicted for trying to hire someone to kill an animal rights activist and for violating federal wildlife laws.

The deadly homemade bombs that the vengeful Kaczynski sent by mail  including an altitude-triggered explosion that went off as planned on an American Airlines flight  changed the way Americans sent packages and boarded airplanes.

A 1995 threat to blow up a plane out of Los Angeles before the end of the July 4 weekend threw air travel and mail delivery into chaos. The Unabomber later claimed it was a prank.

The Harvard-trained mathematician had railed against the effects of advanced technology and led authorities on the nations longest and costliest manhunt. The FBI dubbed him the Unabomber because his early targets seemed to be universities and airlines.

In September 1995, The Washington Post in conjunction with The New York Times published his anti-technology manifesto, Industrial Society and Its Future. The manifesto was printed at the urging of federal authorities, after the bomber said he would desist from terrorism if a national publication published his treatise.

The treatise led his brother David and Davids wife, Linda Patrik, to recognize his writing and turn him in to the FBI.

Authorities in April 1996 found Kaczynski outside Lincoln, Montana, in a 10-by-14-foot (3-by-4-meter) plywood and tarpaper cabin where hed been living since the 1970s. It was filled with journals, a coded diary, explosive ingredients and two completed bombs.

Kaczynski hated the idea of being viewed as mentally ill and during his trial tried to fire his attorneys when they wanted to mount an insanity defense. He eventually pleaded guilty rather than let his attorneys proceed.

In his personal journals released at trial by the government at the request of the victims families, Kaczynski described his motive as simply personal revenge.

I often had fantasies of killing the kind of people I hated  i.e., government officials, police, computer scientists, the rowdy type of college students who left their beer cans in the arboretum, etc., etc., etc., he wrote.

Kaczynski killed computer rental store owner Hugh Scrutton, advertising executive Thomas Mosser and timber industry lobbyist Gilbert Murray. California geneticist Charles Epstein and Yale University computer expert David Gelernter were maimed by bombs two days apart in June 1993.

By JAMES ANDERSON and MATTHEW BROWN

Associated Press
Amazon settles with NLRB to give workers power to organize View Photo

NEW YORK (AP)  Under pressure to improve worker rights, Amazon has reached a settlement with the National Labor Relations Board to allow its employees to freely organize  and without retaliation.

According to the settlement, the online behemoth Amazon said it would reach out to its warehouse workers  former and current  via email who were on the job anytime from March 22 to now to notify them of their organizing rights. The settlement outlines that Amazon workers, which number 750,000 in the U.S., have more room to organize within the buildings. For example, Amazon pledged it will not threaten workers with discipline or call the police when they are engaging in union activity in exterior non-work areas during non-work time.

According to the terms of the settlement, the labor board will be able to more easily sue Amazon without going through a laborious process of administrative hearings  if it found that the online company reneged on its agreement.

Whether a company has 10 employees or a million employees, it must abide by the National Labor Relations Act, said NLRB General Counsel Jennifer Abruzzo, in a statement. This settlement agreement provides a crucial commitment from Amazon to millions of its workers across the United States that it will not interfere with their right to act collectively to improve their workplace by forming a union or taking other collective action.

She added that working people should know that the National Labor Relations Board will vigorously seek to ensure Amazons compliance with the settlement and continue to defend the labor rights of all workers.

Amazon.com Inc., based in Seattle, couldnt be reached immediately for comment.

Kent Wong, the director of the UCLA Labor Center, called the settlement unprecedented and said it represents a sea change in attitude at Amazon, which is known to deploy fierce measures against union activity at its warehouses.

Amazon has been very consistent in holding a strong anti-union position,  Wong said. This opens up a new opportunities for unionization there as well as at other companies.

Wong noted that the settlement comes as Amazon, the nations second-largest private employer after Walmart, is on a hiring binge while facing organizing efforts at warehouses in Alabama and New York.

In November, the labor board ordered a new union election for Amazon workers in Bessemer, Alabama, based on objections to the first vote that took place in April. The move was a blow to Amazon, which spent about a year aggressively campaigning for the Bessemer warehouse workers to reject the union, which they ultimately did by a wide margin. The board had not yet determined the date for the second election, and it hasnt determined whether it will be conducted in person or by mail.

The campaign is being spearheaded by the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union.

Meanwhile, on Wednesday, the Amazon Labor Union, an independent group representing workers in New Yorks Staten Island borough, refiled its petition for a union election. The group of workers withdrew its first petition in mid-November to hold a vote to unionize after falling behind the adequate number of workers pledging support. Former Amazon employee Christian Smalls is organizing the effort in Staten Island without the help of a national sponsor.

The organizing drive is also happening during a moment of reckoning across Corporate America as the pandemic and ensuing labor shortage has given employees more leverage to fight for better working conditions and pay. Workers have staged strikes at Kelloggs U.S. cereal plants and at Deere & Co., while workers at a Starbucks in Buffalo, New York, recently voted to unionize, a first at the coffee chains 50-year history.

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Follow Anne DInnocenzio: http://twitter.com/ADInnocenzio

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This story has been corrected to show that Starbucks workers did not strike but instead voted to join a union.

By ANNE DINNOCENZIO

The Associated Press
Los Angeles (AP)  In one of the last scenes of Insecure, Issa, Molly, Kelli and Tiffany are having a girls night-in when one of them gets a little emotional and they all come in for a hug.

Kelli, played by Natasha Rothwell, bursts into tears and shouts, The f- Im crying for?!

Rothwell was in character, but she knew it was one of their last hugs before the hit show that changed her life wrapped for good.

That scene is only good because she was vulnerable enough to go there and then that let all the women to engage in such a way, said Amy Aniobi, who directed the episode, and was the head writer and executive producer of Insecure. That moment is so real and its because of Natasha. Shes a powerhouse.

As the Insecure chapter of Rothwells life comes to a close, shes writing many more. In The White Lotus, Rothwell stood out among an ensemble cast who all put in stellar performances. Rothwell wrote a romantic comedy with herself in mind to play the lead, and she sealed a major deal with ABC Signature to develop new projects for television. She also began filming the secretive, big budget Wonka in London alongside Timothee Chalamet, Olivia Colman and Sally Hawkins.

All of that in one year.

Its crazy, Rothwell recently told The Associated Press on a video chat from London. I could not have predicted this moment or what Insecure has done to bring me to this moment. I used to sort of like, roll my eyes every time Taylor Swift was all, Aw shucks, really, me? And now I get it because I feel that way constantly.

She's particularly excited about a show she's writing and starring in as part of the deal with ABC/Disney. Its one of the things thats been in my heart for some time," she said.

The show will be the culmination of everything Rothwell learned on Insecure as a writer, actor, producer and for the first time this past year, director.

Part of that means creating an inclusive writers room, opportunities for female directors, and representing all people, including those with disabilities and the LGBTQ community. Rothwell also wants the show to bring attention to the issues she cares most about, like bodily autonomy and voting.

Ever since Rothwell got a platform, she's been using it to talk about injustice and express her disgust with certain politicians. That includes tweeting You are trash to Donald Trump daily during his presidency. (Her new target is George Gov. Brian Kemp, whom she now tweets, You are trash, daily.)

She calls the tweets a daily meditation for me to remind myself that this is not normal.

There's so many issues ... The list seems endless and daunting," she said. "Sometimes all I can do is fire off a tweet. Other times I have more energy and resources where Im just like, lacing up my boots, grabbing my sign and like, Where we marching?"

Shining a light on disenfranchisement, police brutality and other issues is important to Rothwell as a Black woman in the world.

I was actually at lunch the other day and, you know, had a bit of racism done to me, she said, adding that the experience happened at a London restaurant. If he knew who I was, maybe my experience would be different, but even that is disgusting  where you need to be a person of color of note for me to give deference versus youre a human and youre just trying to order food."

It's part of the reason she dreams of starring in a rom-com, so that audiences can see a curvy Black woman be the center of her own story  without those qualities being plot points.

All women of color, I think, oftentimes in rom-coms, are the prop, theyre the best friend, theyre the nurse, theyre the wise, sage person thats going to tell you how to find your love, she said. And so to put out a plus-size woman of color at the center of the story is important."

It's not something she could find on screen growing up, instead having to perform mental gymnastics to project herself onto all the thin, white protagonists.

If I had I seen plus-size rom coms growing up, I would have felt entitled to love, she said. And that sounds sadder than I think I mean it to ... but I want to be able to create a rom-com where the gymnastics for the viewing audience that look like me isnt so technical.

For now, Rothwell is focused on her project with ABC/Disney and two others at HBO, and of course, filming Wonka," a prequel to the 1971 classic Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory starring Gene Wilder.

Its a massive, massive, massive production. Its the biggest production Ive ever been a part of, she said. I went to dance rehearsal the other day, I thought it was going to be six people. It was 75. So its those kind of adjustments Im making like, Oh, this is big.

As an Anglophile, Rothwell said she's been geeking out to work with some of her heroes, including Rowan Atkinson (Mr. Bean) and Jim Carter ("Downton Abbey"). And then there's Chalamet.

Hes just like, this ball of energy whos like, awesome and cool, said Rothwell, who's 41. It makes me feel cooler just by proximity. Im just like, Thats a cool, thats a hip dude. I feel like my grandmother right now.

Rothwell is also just trying to live in the moment. Otherwise, she said she gets overwhelmed.

Im just really, really sort of trying to white knuckle the present, she said. But yeah, Ive got a lot of fun stuff cooking.
(Jimmy Kelly, a Hale County Sheriffs Department deputy, is seeking the office of Hale County Commissioner Precinct 4.)

Hello. My name is Jimmy Kelly and I am a candidate for Commissioner Precinct 4. I am married and have three children and one granddaughter.

Julie, my wife, works at the Hale County Sheriff Department. Mindy Steele, my oldest daughter, is attending the nursing program at South Plains College here. Shayna, works in home health in Lubbock and Hagen is a fourth grader at Hillcrest Elementary. We are members of First Baptist Church and members of the Living Water of Emmaus Community.

I feel that I am most qualified for the position of commissioner because I possess people skills, business management skills and mechanical skills.

I have knowledge of all county agencies and their purposes. I understand the 911 mapping. I will able to work with voters in reaching solutions to problems. I possess the ability to investigate all different avenues to see that the taxpayers money and time are well spent.

People skills: I believe this skill is really important. A commissioner needs to be approachable and friendly. Someone that a voter or employee can talk to. Over the last 12 years as a deputy sheriff, I have developed strong people skills in dealing with the public. This is in all aspects from investigations to helping someone with mechanical problems.

I believe a commissioner needs to be available and willing to serve the public in a manner that will reflect positively to the citizens of Hale County and be willing to make a difference.

Business management skills also are very important. I learned growing up on the family farm in the Happy Union area that money was tight more times than readily available. I assisted my father on the family farm finances and I understand budgets and how to figure them.

I learned while growing up on the farm that since money was tight, you sometimes had to work on your own equipment. We built our own barns and changed our own oil. I can work on most equipment and understand how it works. I attended welding school and graduated valedictorian of the class. I can read blueprints and can do all types of welding.

I believe a commissioner should have a wide range of knowledge in mechanical and construction applications to help save money.

I have knowledge of all county agencies. At one time or another, I have dealt with all of the county agencies. There are many capable people in these departments and they take pride in their jobs.

A commissioner should know all of these employees and department heads and have an understanding of their departments and job functions.

As a taxpayer, I want my tax money spent wisely not only for maintaining the county roads, but at the courthouse, sheriffs department, Special Services, rural EMS and fire departments.

The taxpayers time should be wisely considered by offering prompt and courteous service.

This is just a sample of my beliefs and skills and I would be honored to serve as the next commissioner of Precinct 4. I will appreciate your vote and support.
NEW YORK (AP)  Former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo won't face criminal charges after a female state trooper said she felt completely violated by his unwanted touching at an event at Belmont Park in September 2019, a Long Island prosecutor said Thursday.

Acting Nassau County District Attorney Joyce Smith said in a statement that an investigation found the allegations against Cuomo credible, deeply troubling but not criminal under New York law.

Smith opened the investigation after details of the encounter appeared in Attorney General Letitia James' August report on sexual harassment allegations against Cuomo. The report chronicled accusations from 11 women and led to Cuomo's resignation from office, though he has attacked the findings as biased and inaccurate.

Cuomo's spokesperson Rich Azzopardi, in a statement released Thursday afternoon, said Cuomo didn't recall touching the trooper.

Azzopardi said it was common for the former governor to acknowledge a trooper who would hold the door open for him. Azzopardi didn't respond to a question about whether Cuomo would acknowledge troopers by touching them.

As he has said many times, Gov. Cuomo did not remember touching the trooper, but said that it was a common custom for him to acknowledge the presence of a trooper  male or female  holding a door as he walked past them," Azzopardi said. "This was only meant to be an acknowledgment of their presence and nothing more.

James' report found that Cuomo sexually harassed at least 11 women in violation of federal and state civil rights law. But she said pursuing potential criminal penalties would be up to prosecutors.

According to the report, the trooper said Cuomo ran the palm of his left hand across her abdomen, to her belly button and then to her right hip, where she kept her gun, while she held a door open for him as he left an event at Belmont Park on Sept. 23, 2019.

Cuomo was at the state-owned racetrack, home to the last leg of horse racings Triple Crown, to break ground on a new arena for the NHL's New York Islanders. The arena, adjacent to the track's main grandstand and paddock, opened last month.

The trooper, a member of Cuomo's security detail, told James' investigators that Cuomo's conduct at the event made her feel completely violated because to me, like thats between my chest and my privates.

James' report said that although the trooper was upset by Cuomo's unwanted touching, she did not feel she could do anything about it.

Im a trooper, newly assigned to the travel team. Do I want to make waves? No, she said, according to the report. Ive heard horror stories about people getting kicked off the detail or transferred over like little things. ... I had no plans to report it.

The trooper told James investigators that what happened at Belmont Park was just one of many instances of Cuomos flirtatious and creepy behavior toward her.

One time, in an elevator, he traced his finger from her neck to her back, she said. Another time, he asked to kiss her in the driveway outside his Mount Kisco home and proceeded to peck her cheek, she said.

I remember just freezing, being  in the back of my head, Im like, oh, how do I say no politely? she told investigators.

The Nassau County investigation was limited to the encounter at Belmont Park, which is on the county's border with New York City. Authorities in other parts of the state have been looking into other allegations in James' report.

In October, the Albany County sheriff's office filed a misdemeanor groping complaint against Cuomo, but a week later the district attorney asked a judge for more time to evaluate the evidence.

The D.A. said that the sheriff's one-page criminal complaint, based on allegations from a woman who said Cuomo slid his hand up her blouse and grabbed her breast at the governor's mansion in late 2020, was potentially defective."

At the prosecutor's request, a court delayed Cuomo's scheduled arraignment until Jan. 7.

Following the release of James' report, the U.S. Department of Justice launched a civil inquiry in August into sexual harassment claims made against Cuomo. The exact nature of the inquiry and its current status is unclear.

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Associated Press writers Michael Balsamo and Marina Villeneuve contributed to this report. Follow Michael Sisak on Twitter at twitter.com/mikesisak
NEW YORK (AP)  In Joel and Ethan Coens Inside Llewyn Davis, Oscar Isaacs folk musician is trying to make it on his own, without his longtime partner. He travels to Chicago to audition for Bud Grossman, who gives the damning judgment: People need time to get to know you, he says, "buy you as a solo act.

The Tragedy of Macbeth, Joel Coens first time directing without his brother, is going much better for him than it did for Llewyn.

An intoxicatingly expressionist Shakespeare adaptation dense in fog and shadow, Coen's Macbeth is a solo debut from a filmmaker whose visual virtuosity has never been so starkly drawn in sound and fury. The movie has been hailed as one of the finest film Macbeths  a legacy including Orson Welles powerhouse interpretation and Akira Kurosawas feverishly atmospheric Throne of Blood -- and an unexpected detour from a filmmaking life previously always defined by brotherhood.

I spent 40 years looking over at Ethan after each shot or looking at him if there was a problem. And, so, I missed him because that wasnt there, Coen said in a recent interview. On the other hand, Fran was there as a producer bringing a different skill set that was in some ways absent from things wed done earlier -- especially in the context of this particular movie because of her experience in the theater.

The Tragedy of Macbeth (in theaters Saturday, streaming Jan. 14 on Apple TV+) stars Denzel Washington as Macbeth and Francis McDormand as Lady Macbeth. The project was driven partly by McDormand, who had longed to do the play with her husband directing, possibly on the stage. Coen eventually relented, but he could only imagine it as a film -- stripped down and stylized, abstracted in black and white and composed in a nearly square academy-ratio frame.

The ambition was to do it very much as a movie in terms of embracing what the medium gives you stylistically and psychologically and formally, but trying not to lose the essence of the play-ness of the piece of literature, Coen says. From the very beginning, we werent interested in doing a realistic version of the play. We werent interested in a rent-a-castle version.

As much as the film is a departure for Coen, The Tragedy of Macbeth isn't really a solo act. Along with working with actors like McDormand, Washington and Kathryn Hunter (a stunning witch), the film was built through collaborations with cinematographer Bruno Delbonnel and production designer Stefan Dechant.

Coen and Delbonnel, who shot Inside Llewyn Davis and the Coens previous film, The Ballad of Buster Scruggs, first met almost three years ago, spending a week in a Swiss hotel going over ideas and references. In that conversation and others, they grasped at things like Edward Gordon Craigs stylized early 20th century stage design, Carl Dryers The Passion of Joan of Arc, Hiroshi Sugimotos chiaroscuro photographs and Charles Laughtons The Night of the Hunter.

Some of the intense conversation that Coen might normally have exchanged with his brother, he had with Delbonnel, poring over sketches and taking contemplative cigarette breaks. Their connection, Delbonnel says, is in questioning everything.

Joel and Ethan were always questioning whether it was the right way to do something. There is no right way, but the right way for the movie, says Delbonnel. We both think Kurosawa was a genius.

As much as the hurly burly of the Coen brothers movies might seem distant from Shakespearean tragedy, their films are crowded with schemers seized by misguided ambitions -- just usually more farcical ones. Its not a terribly far leap from Fargo," where foul was also fair, to Macbeth, or even from McDormands opportunistic personal trainer, Linda Litzke, in Burn After Reading," to Lady Macbeth.

There are echoes of things weve done in the past in this play, Coen says. One of the reasons Ive always loved the play is how Shakespeare anticipated or prefigured these tropes of 20th century crime fiction, this idea of a couple plotting a murder. While theyre not comically hapless or characters weve explored in that context in other movies, they nevertheless lose control of the situation.

Coens Macbeth comes from a more mature perspective than is typical to the Scottish play. McDormand and Washington are both in their 60s; their Macbeths are making a last stab at the throne. There are parallels for the filmmakers, too.

Weve been around for a while and we have ideas," Delbonnel. "There are things we like, things we dont like. And thats it.

Coen grants his own ambition has lessened; hes grown more prudent in what hes willing to make. His nearly annual output with Ethan -- they made No Country for Old Men, Burn After Reading, A Serious Man and True Grit in a four-year span -- now seems a little insane to him. The process of shooting Macbeth, which was shut down two-thirds of the way through due to the pandemic, is also not something he cares to repeat.

As you get older, you get a lot more particular, says Coen, laughing. Its a different relationship to work. Its more relaxed, in a good way.

For Coen, less is increasingly more, particularly in the minimalistic The Tragedy of Macbeth. He and Delbonnel storyboarded heavily to find the right level of abstraction. Coen didnt want a castle but the idea of a castle, says Dechant.

Realism has never been the Coens style  Joel quotes Hitchcock: My movies arent a slice of life. Theyre a slice of cake"  but in Macbeth, he pushed further into a more heightened, theatrical movie realm. One setting was invented: a startling, dreamlike crossroads  fatalism in Coen-land distilled down to a fork-in-the-road thats every bit as serious as Anton Chigurhs coin flip in No Country.

On sparse soundstages, Dechant built sets shaped to the light, crafting spaces out of the characters psychology.

By being woven into the text, the sets were their own thing, says Dechant. "The room where the apparitions appear the second time, the rafters, that exists totally for the psychological caldron thats holding Macbeth. I dont know what that room is. I dont know what it exists for. But it exists for that scene.

Coen doesn't shut the door on he and Ethan working together again.

Who knows what will happen in the future?" he says. "With Ethan and I, when we started off working, we never said for how long or is this a permanent thing. We dont interrogate each others decisions in that respect.

But it's also clear that their riffing process  the constant refining, considering and questioning  is one that still excites and consumes Coen, even if it's with other collaborators.

Our process was never really prescribed," says Coen. "It was never Youre doing this and Im doing that. It was always: Were both doing everything and whoevers closest to the person asking the question answers the question. Thats essentially what directing a movie is: Answering a lot of questions."

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Follow AP Film Writer Jake Coyle on Twitter at: http://twitter.com/jakecoyleAP
His hair is graying. His nerves are fraying. Denzel Washingtons Macbeth is a man quite literally running out of time  even before he meets those witches.

At 66, Washington is certainly at the older end of the spectrum of conceivable Macbeths. But it makes wonderful sense: In Joel Coens brilliantly imagined, brilliantly executed The Tragedy of Macbeth, we confront a man who knows in his bones  his aching bones  that the witches prophecy has given him his last chance to be what wants, no, deserves! King of Scotland.

For an actor of Washingtons unique skill set, not to mention facility with Shakespearean verse, Macbeth at any age would be right, frankly. But theres something wonderful about the fact that it took this long, with all the experience and seasoning Washington now brings to bear. Still, this isnt simply a matter of an actor meeting a role at the right time.

No matter how cursed or unlucky the so-called Scottish play is in theater lore, the stars seem to be aligned here. First, the movie stars: As Lady Macbeth, Frances McDormand is a perfect partner to Washington in age (64) and every other way, adding her signature clear-eyed urgency  and a few legendarily icy stares  to an often caricatured role. And boy, do these two look right together. Maybe its true, as somebody said, that the Macbeths have the only good marriage in Shakespeare  though the bar is not high. (Those teenagers Romeo and Juliet had a very short one.)

Completing the dream trio is director Coen (McDormands husband, in his first solo outing without brother Ethan), creating an austere and chilling yet gorgeous and stylish cinematic universe. Its a world in black and white and gray, full of fog, shadows and mist  a chiaroscuro vision that seems half real, half fantasy.

Designer Stefan Dechants set, built onto sound stages, is populated by Brutalist-type structures, high walls, long corridors and tall staircases and dirt paths outside. The key sensation is emptiness: There seems barely a prop around except for swords, doing their vicious work. It feels vaguely medieval but unconnected to a specific period  and thankfully not 2021, either. Most strikingly, Coen and superb cinematographer Bruno Delbonnel present a film literally wrapped in a box, in what they call an academy-ratio square frame.

As befits the bard's briefest tragedy (albeit with a long list of murders most foul), Coens film clocks in well under two hours. We begin, as we should, with the three witches, and the ominous fair is foul, and foul is fair line  meaning all is not what it seems, an understatement of Shakespearean proportions. In a terrific creative decision, Coen gives us only one actor, the wonderful veteran Kathryn Hunter, as a shape-shifting contortionist who morphs at will into three identical figures.

Despite a few judicious cuts, the language is preserved and the story is, of course, the same: After the witches prophesize that Macbeth will become king, he decides, propelled by the tough-love urgings of his wife (When you durst do it, THEN you were a man) to hasten the process by murdering much-loved King Duncan (Brendan Gleeson, excellent).

Washingtons Macbeth, who often speaks in a soft voice  even a whisper  is racked with indecision beforehand. But what if we fail, he asks. We fail? his wife replies, but in McDormands reading, its essentially, Look at us, what the heck do we have to lose? (Dont answer that, folks.)

And so the bloody cycle begins. This Macbeth is, as always, about politics, power, and the corrosive effects of ambition. It is not, however, about sociopaths. It feels more about mediocrity  and the desperation that brings  than monstrosity.

Theres much acting talent here beyond the leads. Corey Hawkins, a standout in pretty much anything he does, is a dashing presence as noble Macduff, who has the distinction of killing Macbeth (this swordfight doesn't disappoint) once he apprises him that he was untimely ripped from his mothers womb  very bad news if you're Macbeth. As Macduffs doomed wife, Moses Ingram makes much of her one scene.

Washington, whos played Shakespeare onstage numerous times ( and onscreen in 1993 ) recently said that its where I started, and where I want to finish. As a student at Fordham University, he played Othello, a role he prepared for by listening to recordings of Laurence Olivier in the library.

When he speaks of finishing, one hopes he isnt referring to anytime soon. After all, King Lear awaits  right, Mr. Washington?

But as for his Macbeth, its McDormand who perhaps said it best when asked recently about casting the role. You dont make lists for a generations Macbeth, she said. One is born, and then they play it.

Sounds about right.

The Tragedy of Macbeth, an A24/Apple release, has been rated R by the Motion Picture Association of America for violence. Running time: 105 minutes. Four stars out of four.

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MPAA definition of R: Restricted. Under 17 not permitted without a parent or adult guardian.

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Follow AP National Writer Jocelyn Noveck on Twitter: www.twitter.com/JocelynNoveckAP
Whether youve been naughty or nice, hes coming.

As we approach the home stretch before Christmas Eve, children all over the world who observe the holiday are minding their Ps and Qs. To help you know when Santa is coming to your neighborhood (and subsequently when to make sure the kids are asleep, dreaming of sugar plums), there are many tracking services that will begin offering updates on Dec. 24.

It all started with a misprint in a department store ad in 1955 when children called the Continental Air Defense Command in Colorado looking to talk to Santa. Since then, NORAD has made sure to keep up with the movements of the red suited elf and his reindeer. In addition to its website that provides up to date information, the organization has launched a mobile app and is active on most popular social media platforms.

An easily accessible way to track Santa is available through Google. All December long, the site features a variety of online games, puzzles and holiday features like an online yule log. You can even design your own elf as you watch the countdown to the start of Santas annual journey.

Using state of the art technology, you can follow along with precise updates of Santas location around the globe. It can even keep you updated on how many presents he has delivered. The tracker will be going online at 5 a.m. EST on Dec. 24. The app is also available from the Apple and Google app stores.

Santa Update provides a way to stay in contact with the big man himself. With updates around the year, Santa Update isnt limited to just Christmas Eve. Through the service, you can email, call or text him with updates on your Christmas list. Make sure to tune in on the morning of Christmas Eve though to hear the start of the live radio broadcast that features reporters around the globe and even a reporter who follows Santas sleigh in real time.
BURLINGTON, Vt. (AP)  A television producer has pleaded not guilty Wednesday to charges in connection with paying a Nevada woman to bring her 9-year-old daughter to Vermont to engage in illegal sexual activity at a Ludlow ski house.

John Griffin, 44, of Stamford, Connecticut, appeared in federal court in Burlington to plead not guilty to three counts of enticement. Court records say Griffin did not oppose a request by prosecutors that he be detained.

The detention request said Griffin is, charged with a crime involving the sexual assault of a nine-year old child that carries a 10-year mandatory minimum sentence upon conviction.

In court documents, prosecutors described Griffin as a wealthy man who has tried to deceive, delete, and spend his way out of being held accountable. The documents also say Griffin also has a history of mental illness and substance abuse.

On Dec. 9, a Vermont grand jury handed down a three-count indictment against Griffin. He was arrested in Connecticut on Dec. 10.

Griffins Vermont attorney David Kirby declined to comment on Wednesday.

A motion for detention filed by prosecutors ahead of Wednesday's arraignment says that in a Sept. 2, 2020 interview with FBI agents, Griffin said he met the 9-year-olds mother on a sex-themed website.

He said he paid for the woman and her daughter to fly to Boston in July 2020. He picked them up at the airport and drove them to his Ludlow ski house. He admitted to witnessing the child perform sex acts with her mother.

Griffin said the activity was the mother's idea, but that was contradicted by the contents of Griffins chat communications with the girls mother and other parents of minor girls that were discovered later, the court documents say.

The girl told investigators that Griffin sexually assaulted her while she was in Vermont and addressed her using derogatory terms, the court documents say.

Griffin also apparently attempted to pay off a potential witness, another relative of the 9-year-old girl, by making an electronic transfer to that relative of $4,000, the motion for detention says.

Griffin worked for CNN but has been fired since being arrested, the network said Wednesday.

On Dec. 11, the day after Griffin's arrest, CNN reported that he had worked at the network for about eight years.

The charges against Mr. Griffin are deeply disturbing, said an unnamed CNN spokesperson quoted in the story.
An anonymous donor gave a $100,000 donation to the Salvation Army to benefit Hale County.

Those associated with the Salvation Army Plainview are calling the donor, who wishes not to reveal themselves, the organizations anonymous angel.

The funding will be used to support the Plainview chapters social services programs like providing food, rental assistance, utility assistance, temporary shelter, clothing, furniture and transportation assistance.

The same donor gave a $100,000 donation last year, as well.

Gifts such as these are treasured reminders about how deeply people throughout the South Plains care for the needs of one another, said Major David Worthy in a statement provided on a news release from the Salvation Army Texas South Plains chapter.

There are 11 Salvation Army units across the South Plains, including Plainviews chapter, which covers Hale County.

A representative of the Plainview chapter who called The Herald and later shared the news release about the donation on Thursday said the chapter is very thankful.

The donation comes just days before the Christmas holiday as the local chapter worked to do what it could to meet a Red Kettle campaign goal of $25,000 (it had raised $21,391.97 by Monday, Dec. 20).

This particular donor wishes not to be recognized  they simply desire to be a conduit to changed lives and restored hope for those who need it most, Worthys statement reads.

Olivia Hernandez, on behalf of the Plainview Salvation Army, said the local chapter is very thankful for the most generous gift.

"He is a true angel for us here in Hale County," she noted.
Units that are less than 70% vaccinated will continue to require masks for both the inmate and volunteer. Units at or above 70% will not require masks, though wearing them is still encouraged.
FRANKFURT, Germany (AP)  The pipeline is built and being filled with natural gas. But Russias Nord Stream 2 faces a rocky road before any gas flows to Germany, with its new leaders adopting a more skeptical tone toward the project and tensions ratcheting up over Russias troop buildup at the Ukrainian border.

The pipeline opposed by Ukraine, Poland and the U.S. awaits approval from Germany and the European Union to bypass other countries and start bringing natural gas directly to Europe. The continent is struggling with a shortage that has sent prices surging, fueling inflation and raising fears about what would come next if gas supplies become critically low.

The U.S. has stressed targeting Nord Stream 2 as a way to counter any new Russian military move against Ukraine, and the project already faces legal and bureaucratic hurdles. As European and U.S. leaders confer on how to deal with Russia's pressure on Ukraine, persistent political objections  particularly from EU members like Poland  add another challenge to one of Russian President Vladimir Putin's key projects.

Former German Chancellor Angela Merkel backed the pipeline, and the country's new leader, Olaf Scholz, did so as her finance minister. But his new government took a more distanced tone after the Greens party joined the governing coalition. The Greens' campaign position was that the fossil fuel pipeline doesn't help fight global warming and undermines strategic EU interests.

New German Vice Chancellor Robert Habeck and Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock have said the project doesnt meet EU anti-monopoly regulations.

Nord Stream 2 was a geopolitical mistake, Habeck recently told the newspaper Frankfurter Allgemeine Sonntagszeitung. The question is open if it will be able to start operating, adding that further aggression meant nothing is off the table.

Officials have not said what sanctions or other tools might be used on top of existing U.S. sanctions against ships connected to the project.

As chancellor, Scholz has been cautious in his comments, and its not clear if hes willing to go as far as U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who has said it's very unlikely that gas will flow if Russia renewed its aggression" toward Ukraine.

Pressed on whether an invasion would halt the pipeline, deputy German government spokesman Wolfgang Buechner said Nord Stream 2 is an undertaking of a private business that is largely completed and that regulatory approval has no political dimension. He stressed that military aggression would have high costs and sanctions," without saying what those might be.

Scholz "never makes things completely clear, said Stefan Meister, an expert on Russian energy policy at the German Council on Foreign Relations. So I am not sure under which conditions he would really agree to stop the pipeline."

Still, Meister said, there was a new tone, a new rhetoric from the new German government.

The pipeline would double the volume of gas pumped by Russian-controlled gas giant Gazprom directly to Germany, adding to a similar pipeline under the Baltic Sea and circumventing existing links through Poland and Ukraine. Gazprom argues it would allow more reliable long-term supply and help save billions in transit fees paid to Poland and Ukraine. Gazprom says the pipeline is part of its role as a long-term supplier of affordable energy to Europe, which is heavily dependent on natural gas imports.

Pipeline critics say it increases Russias leverage over Europe, pits member states against each other and deprives Ukraine of key financial support. Europe also went into winter with scant gas reserves that have sent prices soaring to eight times what they were at the start of the year, with Putin using the crunch to underline his push for final approval of the project.

Gazprom didn't sell gas above its long-term contracts this summer, further increasing unease about Russian motives. Analysts say existing pipelines have enough capacity for Gazprom to have sent more, but it filled domestic reserves first.

For now, the approval process for the pipeline is on hold. German regulators say they can only approve a company formed there, so the Swiss-based Nord Stream 2, owned by a Gazprom subsidiary, is creating a German arm. A decision wont come in the first half of 2022. The European Union's executive commission then must review the project.

Analysts say those decisions are legal, bureaucratic ones not subject to politics.

Critics say Nord Stream 2 doesn't meet an EU requirement to separate the gas supplier from the pipeline operator to prevent a monopoly that could hurt competition and mean higher prices for consumers.

Nord Stream said it undertakes all necessary efforts to ensure compliance with applicable rules and regulations" and has permits by the four EU countries it passes through.

Even if the pipeline clears regulators, it's not necessarily in the clear because of Polands opposition. EU members can sue in the European Court of Justice if they disagree with regulators, said Alan Riley, senior fellow at the Atlantic Council and a lawyer specializing in European antitrust and energy issues. EU anti-monopoly rules could bring years of litigation, even a ruling temporarily halting pipeline operations until the case is decided.

This could go on for some time, Riley said. Final approval is not a slam-dunk by any means.

Konstantin Kosachev, a deputy speaker of the upper house of Russian parliament, deplored the artificial obstacles against quickly launching Nord Stream 2. While some argue that Europe has grown more dependent on Russian gas, the country has met all its obligations, he said.

The opponents of gas projects by Russia and the EU nations fear not that Russian supplies would fail, but just the opposite, that all problems would be solved, leaving no opportunity to accuse Moscow of harboring ill intentions or using energy as a weapon, Kosachev said.

Ukrainian energy company Naftogaz accused Russia's Gazprom in an EU complaint of abusing its dominant position on the European gas market. The company alleged in a statement Wednesday that Gazprom aimed to create an artificial deficit of gas" to pressure Europe into approving Nord Stream 2.

But Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov noted that Germany has treated the pipeline as a purely commercial project and voiced hope that the certification process would steer clear of politics.

We just need to be patient, Peskov said in televised remarks, adding that the pipelines operator stands ready to meet German regulators demands. We hope that the project will be certified once the regulator completes its work.

Even if it never starts, Nord Stream 2 has been worth it for the Kremlin's geopolitical goals because it has sowed division among EU members and between Germany, the EU and the U.S., said Meister of the German Council on Foreign Relations.

Without being online, the pipeline has already repaid the Kremlin, he said. Politics and security always trump the economy in Russia.

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Associated Press journalist Yuras Karmanau contributed from Kyiv, Ukraine.
JAKARTA, Indonesia (AP)  On a dirt path, forked yellow tongue darting from its mouth, a member of the worlds largest lizard species lazes on an island in eastern Indonesias Komodo National Park as tourists snap photos. And about 18 miles (30 kilometers) away on another park island that harbors Komodo dragons, trees have been removed and concrete poured for new tourist facilities that have aroused the ire of residents and environmental activists.

The construction is part of an ambitious Indonesian initiative that has generated tensions between a government that wants to develop natural attractions for luxury tourism and conservationists who fear habitat for the endangered Komodo dragon will be irreparably harmed. United Nations officials have also voiced concerns about potential tourism impacts on this unique wildlife-rich park.

Encompassing about 850 square miles (2,200 square kilometers) of land and marine area, Komodo National Park was established in 1980 to help protect the famed dragons. Indonesia's Ministry of Environment and Forestry estimates around 3,000 of the reptiles live there today, along with manatee-like dugongs, sea turtles, whales and more than a thousand species of tropical fish.

Because of its biodiversity and beauty, the park became a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization World Heritage Site in 1991. And it's one of Indonesia's crown jewels for tourism, typically drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors from around the world each year.

For years the government has been trying to figure out how to best capitalize on the park, most recently designating it part of the countrys 10 New Balis initiative  an effort to draw more tourists, as the island of Bali did before border restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic.

We are embarking into a new era of tourism in Indonesia based on nature and culture, focusing on sustainability and quality tourism, Indonesian Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy Sandiaga Uno told The Associated Press.

Part of that multimillion dollar tourism development is a project on Rinca Island, where more than one-third of the parks dragons are estimated to live on generally hot and dry terrain. The construction includes an expanded ranger station, viewing platform, boat dock, toilets and other infrastructure.

The project worries local environmental activists and residents within park boundaries who say their livelihoods as tour guides, boat drivers and souvenir sellers depend on the draw of the area's natural beauty.

When we talk about the development in the conservation area, we have to think ... whether this is a wisely considered economic effect for the local people  or the environmental effect, said Gregorius Afioma, a member of the local non-governmental organization Sun Spirit for Justice and Peace. The situation now is like collective suicide.

We think that this kind of business will eventually kill others businesses and even themselves because they destroyed the environment," Afioma said, adding that local residents also fear they won't get construction jobs for the luxury tourist destination the Indonesian government is promoting.

UNESCO  the United Nations body that designates World Heritage Site status  has also raised concerns about development in the park.

The state party did not inform us, as required by the operational guidelines, said Guy Debonnet, chief of the body's natural heritage unit. This is definitely a project of concern, because we feel that the impacts on the universal value (of the park) have not been properly evaluated.

During a meeting in July, UNESCO expressed other concerns, such as the projects reduction of the park's wilderness zone to one-third the previous area, addition of tourism concessions within the property, lack of an adequate environmental impact assessment, and a target to dramatically increase visitors.

Third-party information transmitted to the State Party indicates that a target of 500,000 annual visitors for the property has been proposed, which is more than double the pre-COVID-19 pandemic visitor numbers," said a report from the meeting. This raises the question of how this tourism model fits (Indonesias) vision of moving away from mass tourism to more sustainable approaches.

At UNESCOs request, the country submitted more information about the project. But after reviewing it, the U.N. agency requested in October 2020 that Indonesia not proceed with any tourism infrastructure project that may affect the Outstanding Universal Value of the property prior to a review of the relevant environmental impact assessment" by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.

IUCN is an international, non-governmental organization that provides UNESCO's World Heritage Committee with technical evaluations of natural heritage properties.

After multiple attempts to get permission from government authorities, The Associated Press was unable to gain access to the construction site, which has been closed to the public for months. But satellite imagery shows construction continued after UNESCO requested the project be paused. The government did not respond to an email last week seeking comment.

As of Dec. 6, UNESCO still had not received the requested revised assessment, said Debonnet, the world heritage unit chief.

The Indonesian government also granted at least two business permits in Komodo National Park, including for projects on Rinca, Komodo and Padar islands, according to an email to the AP from Shana Fatina, president director at the Labuan Bajo Flores Tourism Authority, which helps coordinate government tourism efforts.

Some experts fear tourism expansion in the park could lead to disturbance of Komodo dragon habitat.

The predatory lizards, which can reach a length of 10 feet (3 meters) and more than 300 pounds (135 kilograms), were recently moved from vulnerable to endangered status on the IUCN list of threatened species. The organization cited the impacts of climate change and deterioration of the dragons habitat  including human encroachment  as reasons for the change.

Unless carefully managed, tourism projects could have a big impact, not just from the number of people disturbing the behavior of the dragons and disturbing their prey, but also how much freshwater is being siphoned off, said Bryan Fry, an associate professor at the School of Biological Sciences at the University of Queensland in Australia. That could dramatically impact the very delicate balance of these islands.

The opening date for the new Rinca Island facilities has yet to be announced. UNESCO's Debonnet said it is engaged in talks with Indonesian officials to arrange a monitoring mission to assess the impact of ongoing development on the park and review its state of conservation.

And while World Heritage sites are usually discussed by the UNESCO committee on two-year cycles, Komodo National Park will be discussed in 2022, said Debonnet. That is kind of an indication that we see there is some urgency in this issue, he said.

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Follow Victoria Milko on Twitter: @thevmilko

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The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institutes Department of Science Education. The AP is solely responsible for all content.
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James Franco has addressed the sexual misconduct allegations against him for the first time, a few months after he settled a lawsuit for $2.2 million that alleged that he and his associates coerced acting students into performing sexually explicit scenes on camera.

The actor broke his silence on SiriusXMs The Jess Cagle podcast, where he discussed the allegations and his history with addiction.

In 2018, there were some complaints about me and an article about me. And at that moment I just thought, Im gonna be quiet. Im gonna pause. [It] did not seem like the right time to say anything. There were people that were upset with me and I needed to listen, Franco said.

In January 2018, five women accused Franco of inappropriate and sexually exploitative behavior while four of them were students at his acting school Studio 4, which was soon closed. Two of the students filed a lawsuit in 2019 alleging that classes existed mainly to create a way for Franco and his associates to take advantage of young women. In June 2021, Franco paid $2,235,000 as a settlement, with $894,000 going to the named plaintiffs and $1,341,000 going into a common fund for the rest of the members of the lawsuit.

Franco said that hes been working on himself in the wake of the allegations, and he underwent treatment for substance abuse that helped his addiction issues.

Ive just been doing a lot of work and I guess Im pretty confident in saying four years? I was in recovery before for substance abuse, he said. There were some issues that I had to deal with that were also related to addiction. And so Ive really used my recovery background to kind of start examining this and changing who I was.

Franco also addressed Seth Rogens previous comments that he has no plans to work with his former collaborator, saying that Rogens statement was accurate and that Franco didnt want Rogen or anyone else to have to answer for his actions.

See clips from Francos interview below.

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Joan Didion, the author revered for her coolly dispassionate essays and novels such as Play It as It Lays, has died, her publisher confirmed to The New York Times on Wednesday. She was 87. Knopf executive Paul Bogaards said the cause was Parkinsons Disease.

Along with her late husband John Gregory Dunne, Didion co-wrote screenplays for the films True Confessions, A Star Is Born, The Panic in Needle Park and Up Close and Personal.

It was the 1968 essay collection Slouching Towards Bethlehem and 1970 novel Play It as It Lays, which she also adapted for a 1972 film, that secured her reputation as a sharp-eyed observer of the culture and people of California and beyond.

Another essay collection, 1979s The White Album, assembled from her pieces in Esquire and other magazines, took on subjects that defined the era such as Charles Manson and the Doors, further cementing her place as one of the foremost chroniclers of the tumultuous 60s and 70s.

With lines like We forget all too soon the things we thought we could never forget and her famous assessment of Californias Santa Anas, The wind shows us how close to the edge we are, Didion conjured up truths about writing, living and dying in plain but musical language.

Her nephew, director and actor Griffin Dunne, released a Netflix documentary about his aunt, titled Joan Didion: The Center Will Not Hold, in 2017.

The 1972 film version of Play It As It Lays starred Tuesday Weld as a B-movie actress who drives the streets of L.A. compulsively after her husband forces her to have an illegal abortion. Though the novel was widely admired, the film was less well received, although Weld netted a Golden Globe nomination.

Dunne and Didion helped update the screenplay for the 1976 version of A Star Is Born, which was a hit with Barbra Streisand starring. Didion also collaborated with her husband to adapt his novel True Confessions as a 1981 film directed by Ulu Grosbard and starring Robert De Niro and Robert Duvall; the story was partially based on the Black Dahlia murder case.

The couple also collaborated on the screenplay adaptation for Al Pacino-starrer The Panic in Needle Park and on the screenplay of the 1996 drama Up Close & Personal, based on the story of news anchor Jessica Savitch. Dunne later wrote about their difficult experiences working on Up Close & Personal in the book Monster: Living Off the Big Screen.

In the 1980s, she began ranging farther afield, writing about politics in Salvador and Miami, about Cuban expatriates. My only advantage as a reporter is that I am so physically small, so temperamentally unobtrusive and so neurotically inarticulate that people tend to forget that my presence runs counter to their best interests, she once explained about her fly-on-the-wall approach that yielded such choice observations.

Later in life, she drew acclaim for The Year of Magical Thinking, written after Dunne died in 2003. The memoir of grief was adapted as a Broadway play starring Vanessa Redgrave.

Her other novels included A Book of Common Prayer, which at one time was planned as a film with Christina Hendricks and Allison Janney, Democracy, The Last Thing He Wanted and nonfiction books After Henry, Political Fictions, Where I Was From and Blue Nights. Her last books included South and West: From a Notebook, published in 2017 and based on her earlier unpublished notebooks and 2021s Let Me Tell You What I Mean, a collection of essays from 1968 to 2000.

Born in Sacramento, Calif., Didion received a summer internship at Vogue after graduating from UC Berkeley, during which time she wrote her first novel Run River, set in the rural Sacramento Delta of her childhood. While at Vogue she met Dunne, at the time a writer for Time magazine, and married him in 1964. She began writing for publications including the Saturday Evening Post and New York Times magazine, collecting the essays in Slouching Towards Bethlehem.

Her adopted daughter Quintana Roo, who had suffered from alcoholism and mental health issues, died at the age of 31 after several health crises. After living in Los Angeles from the late 60s to the late 80s, she and Dunne returned to New York, where she continued living after his death.

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Michael Keaton is dusting off his signature cape and cowl for Batgirl, the upcoming HBO Max superhero film.

The actor is expected to reprise his role as Bruce Wayne a.k.a. Batman, the character he originated in Tim Burtons 1989 film. He will star alongside Leslie Grace, whos playing the lead role. Batgirls real identity is Barbara Gordon, the daughter of Gotham police commissioner Jim Gordon.

As previously announced, J.K. Simmons is returning to portray Jim Gordon after first playing the character in Zack Snyders Justice League. Brendan Fraser is playing the villainous Firefly, a sociopath with a passion for pyrotechnics.

Batgirl doesnt have an exact release date, though the film is scheduled to debut on HBO Max in 2022. In the same year, Keaton will be seen as the Caped Crusader in the upcoming Warner Bros. adventure The Flash. The film, also featuring Ben Affleck as Batman and starring Ezra Miller as the title hero, is slated to land in theaters on Nov. 4, 2022.

Its been 30 years since Keaton first donned the Batsuit, and in that time, he says he has been intrigued by the prospect of revisiting his iconic role.

Just because I was curious didnt mean I wanted to do it, he clarified on the latest episode of Varietys Award Circuit podcast. So it took a long time, frankly Im not just gonna say Ill do it. It has to be good. And there has to be a reason.

Batgirl is currently in production in London. Bad Boys for Life filmmakers Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah will direct the film for Warner Bros. Christina Hodson (Bumblebee, The Flash) is writing the screenplay.

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Orange slug-like creature

DeAnn Fisher Kiser and her hiking Facebook friends are having a tough time identifying what she calls a mysterious slug-like creature she saw along Austin's Walnut Creek Trail on Sunday.

In early January, DeAnn Fisher Kiser and her hiking Facebook friends were having a tough time identifying what she called a mysterious slug-like bug she saw along Austin's Walnut Creek Trail.

She said the orange slimy, rubbery creature was about 10 inches long and nearly 2 inches wide. Kiser said some of her friends joked that it was a Cheeto puff or a carrot but were left stumped.

The Texas Parks and Wildlife staff said it was an imperial moth in its pre-pupal stage, which is the inactive period in the development process of metamorphic insects. TPWD said the insect doesn't usually start pupation until late fall but added the warm winter may have caused its early sighting.
Federal regulators Wednesday authorized the first easy-to-take pill to treat covid-19, a five-day regimen developed by Pfizer that will help refill the nation's medicine cabinet even as the omicron variant has thwarted most other options.

Tens of thousands of pill packs of Pfizer's Paxlovid are sitting in a Pfizer warehouse in Memphis, ready to be loaded onto trucks and planes in anticipation of the green light from the Food and Drug Administration. But as omicron cases skyrocket nationwide, doctors are expected to quickly burn through that initial supply of Paxlovid, which has shown to be 89% effective at keeping high-risk patients from developing severe illness when given within three days of symptoms starting.

Antiviral pills have been highly anticipated as a potential turning point in the pandemic, a new class of drugs that will help transform life-threatening covid-19 infections into a nuisance. But instead of reinforcing a growing arsenal of drugs, the pills are now urgently needed to help replace workhorse treatments that have for more than a year helped keep sick people out of hospitals but have been knocked out by omicron.

The fast-spreading variant is resistant to two key drugs from a different class of medicines known as monoclonal antibodies that have been the backbone of treatments, leaving only a third antibody drug, sotrovimab, that is in severe shortage. Paxlovid - and another antiviral pill from Merck also expected to be authorized shortly - will be used to fill the gaps. A newly authorized monoclonal antibody from AstraZeneca, used to prevent infections in people who don't respond to vaccines, may also remain effective against omicron.

"There's no question that it appears we're in a canoe that is about to go over a significant waterfall," said Bruce Farber, chief of infectious diseases at Northwell Health, a New York health care system that includes 22 hospitals. Farber said that in November and December, requests for monoclonal antibody treatments reached 200 or more per day, but by the end of the week, Northwell will run out of doses.

The Pfizer pill could help meet some of that demand, but it is estimated there will be enough medication through the end of the year for only 180,000 patients. With coronavirus cases in the United States projected to potentially hit 1 million per day, those pills could be used up quickly, even though they are authorized only for people 12 and older at high risk of severe covid-19 because of age or underlying medical conditions.

Pfizer has been working to scale up to produce 120 million pill packs in 2022, but those doses won't be available all at once. Mike McDermott, Pfizer's president of global supply, said the current goal is to have about 30 million treatments available by the middle of next year, but the company is looking for ways to speed up and increase production.

The United States has made an advance purchase of 10 million packs of Paxlovid and about 3.1 million treatment courses of the Merck drug, molnupiravir.

McDermott said thousands of people are working on Paxlovid but that the complex chemistry involved in creating the active pharmaceutical ingredient in the pill means a production run for a batch takes about six to eight months from start to finish. The company creates the active ingredient in giant 10,000- and 20,000-liter tanks, and the process takes a succession of steps, many of which require five to 10 days, with quality checks in between.

"We have experience at this scale, this is not unusual for us. The urgency is unusual, for sure," McDermott said. He drew a parallel to auto racing, in which pit crews and materials are in place at pit stops to make sure no minutes are lost.

Six months ago, when Pfizer started making Paxlovid before knowing whether it would prove successful, the production goal was to churn out 20 million pill packs in 2022. When the first clinical results showed the drug drastically cut the risk of death or hospitalization by close to 90%, the company bumped up production to 50 million pill packs. Two weeks later, McDermott said, production was increased to 80 million. When the emergency authorization was announced, Pfizer increased that to 120 million packs.

Each pill pack will contain 30 tablets to be taken over five days, so Pfizer is working furiously to produce 3.6 billion tablets next year. The company is leveraging existing infrastructure in Ireland and Germany to make the key ingredient in the pill and to create the tablets, as well as working with contractors. Pfizer has entered into licensing agreements to allow other companies to produce the pills for lower-income countries.

Much of the excitement about the pills stems from their ease of use. The monoclonal antibodies that have been pillars of treatment require intravenous infusions or injections. Pills taken at home would be far simpler.

But Paxlovid must be given shortly after symptoms develop, so the treatment will depend on people getting tested and receiving results quickly - a potential bottleneck as the omicron surge has created a shortages of rapid tests. The clinical trial testing the medicine showed that if given within five days, the drug reduced the risk of hospitalization and death by 88% in people with a risk factor for severe disease, including age or underlying medical conditions.

Paxlovid is a combination of two drugs, one called nirmatrelvir that was designed to interfere with an enzyme the coronavirus uses to make copies of itself. The other drug, ritonavir, is an antiviral that slows down the body's metabolism of the other medication. Ritonavir can react with other commonly taken medications, so the drug's use will have to be managed by physicians and pharmacists.

Ralph Madeb, co-chief medical officer at New York Community Hospital, said antiviral pills could be "revolutionary" but noted their limitations. Because they have to be given early in infection, they are just one part of the treatment tool kit. And they are arriving as hospitals are battling for more tools.

Madeb said that this week, he requested 900 doses of sotrovimab, the antibody that remains effective against omicron. That would be enough, he says, for nine days.

"Demand right now is just infinite," Madeb said. "It's something I've never seen before."
Former U.S. senator and Virginia governor Charles Robb and his wife, Lynda Robb, a daughter of the late President Lyndon Johnson, were injured when a large blaze broke out at their Virginia home late Tuesday night, their family said.

Charles Robb, 82, was treated for smoke inhalation and released from a hospital, while Lynda Robb, 77, remains hospitalized, having suffered second-degree burns from her wrist to her elbow and smoke inhalation, said Luci Baines Johnson, the sister of Lynda Robb.

Johnson said both are expected to survive.

"The facts are they are still with us," Johnson said. "They are both extraordinarily strong and accomplished people. They have spent 54 years together. My heart is shattered for them."

Firefighters were sent to the scene in McLean, Va., around 11:30 p.m. in response to multiple 911 calls, said Bill Delaney, a Fairfax County fire department spokesman. The massive blaze in the 600 block of Chain Bridge Road could be seen across the Potomac River in Maryland and Washington, D.C.

Johnson said her sister was in the library of the home on the ground floor when the fire began, while Charles Robb was working in the basement. Johnson said it is unclear what sparked the blaze, but authorities are exploring whether the origin might have been electrical.

Johnson said her sister became aware of the fire first and made her way to her husband in the basement to warn him.

"It sounds to me like she was pretty heroic in finding him and getting out," Johnson said.

Photographs showed fire raging on what appeared to be both floors of at least part of the house. The photographs showed fire within the house, just behind an entrance portico that includes rectangular brick or stone columns supporting a hipped roof.

"It was a very large house, and a significant portion of the house was engulfed in flames," Delaney said.

When firefighters arrived, they found one occupant of the home outside, Delaney said. Firefighters went inside and helped a second occupant out of the home, before both were transported to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

It took roughly 60 firefighters from three counties about 1 hours to control the fire. Crews remained on the scene Wednesday morning dousing hot spots.

On Wednesday morning, a neighbor, Pamela Wright, said firefighters were swarming the scene of the home.

"There's debris everywhere," Wright said. "In our driveway, there are big burned chunks of what look like insulation."

Fairfax County fire investigators were still trying to determine a cause of the fire. Their investigation could take weeks. Delaney said an estimate of the cost of the damage was still being prepared. It was unclear whether the home would be a total loss.

It was assessed at $3.4 million in 2021 and sits on a 2.1-acre lot, according to Fairfax County records.

Delaney said investigators had yet to uncover any indications of arson or foul play. The Fairfax County police said they were not part of the investigation of the fire.

Properties on that stretch of Chain Bridge Road have been highly valued. In 2013, a report in The Washington Post's Reliable Source column said property there, where the late Sen. Edward Kennedy, D-Mass., had lived on six acres, was on the market for $45 million.

The report called the site a "posh address" with millionaire neighbors.

- - -

The Washington Post's Dana Hedgpeth contributed to this report.
Courtesy of SAPD

Popular gossip blogger Perez Hilton is aiding in the search of Lina Sardar Khil, the 3-year-old who vanished from a San Antonio playground on Monday. Hilton, real name Mario Armando Lavandeira Jr., published a blog on his popular website PerezHilton.com signal boosting the efforts to find the child.

Hilton cited information from the San Antonio Police Department which said the girl could be in "grave, immediate danger." As of this write, there have been no significant updates in the case, according to previous MySA reporting.
By Lambert Strether of Corrente.

Readers, I will be running open threads from tomorrow (Christmas Eve) to the first business day of the New Year, January 3. Ill still run Bird Song of the Day, the plant, a Covid chart (probably US cases), and possibly a conversation started or too. If my brain were a Corsi box, I would definitely need to change the grey and gunked-up filters that processing the zeitgeist has given me. I need a breather.

I also plan to do a little refocusing on structure. In production, I always do the Politics section last, exactly because its my favorite, but that means in practice I give it short shrift. So I plan to beef that up, and triage some other stuff. This is important because I expect 2022 to be a doozy. If you have comments on refocusing you can mail me at the address given in contact information near the plant. Happy Holidays, Seasons Greetings, Io, Saturnalia, etc. lambert

Bird Song of the Day

Another migratory bird. From the Media Notes: Flight calls from 10 pairs, engaging in chasing behavior and feet-clutching/spiralling; some nests were noted in the southern field. From Behaviors: Courtship, Display, or Copulation, Flight Song, Flying. Very Lurtsema-like!

* * *

#COVID19

Vaccination by region:

Either exhortations arent working, or there are data problems. Or both.

61.7% of the US is fully (doubly) vaccinated (CDC data, such as it is, as of December 22. The stately 0.1% rise per day returns. We have broken the important 61% psychological barrier! Mediocre by world standards, being just below Hungary, and just above Turkey in the Financial Times league tables as of this Monday).

Case count by United States regions:

Hearing toward vertical. I have added an anti-triumphalist Fauci Line. I wrote: As happened in 2020, I would expect a second, higher peak, from Omicron if for no other reason. Here we are.

At a minimum, the official narrative that Covid is behind us, or that the pandemic will be over by January (Gottlieb), or I know some people seem to not want to give up on the wonderful pandemic, but you know what? Its over (Bill Maher) is clearly problematic. (This chart is a seven-day average, so changes in direction only show up when a train is really rolling.)

One of the sources of the idea that Covid is on the way out, I would speculate, is the CDCs modeling hub (whose projections also seem to have been used to justify school re-opening). Here is the current version of the chart from the CDC modeling hub, which aggregates the results of eight models in four scenarios, with the last run (Round 9) having taken place on 2021-08-30, and plots current case data (black dotted line) against the aggregated model predictions (grey area), including the average of the aggregated model predictions (black line). I have helpfully highlighted the case data discussed above:

Case data (black dotted line) has been within the tolerance of the models; it does not conform to the models average (black line), but has stayed within aggregated predictions (the grey area).

I wrote: Its too early to say Dammit, CDC, your models were broken; but its not too soon to consider the possibility that they might be. The case data still looks like its trying to break out of the grey area. We shall see. The case data has now broken out of the grey area (see at Oopsie!). Since the models are aggregated conventional wisdom, its not fair to call them propaganda, exactly. Nevertheless. conventional wisdom is looking a little shaky, and anybody who relied on them to predict that we would be back to normal by early next year should be taking another look at their assumptions. And this is  I assume  before Omicron!

MWRA (Boston-area) wastewater detection:

I wrote: Well see if gets choppy again, or not. Yes, weve got some choppiness (!).

The Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA) service area includes 43 municipalities in and around Boston, including not only multiple school systems but several large universities. Since Boston is so very education-heavy, then, I think it could be a good leading indicator for Covid spread in schools generally.

From CDC: Community Profile Report (PDF), Rapid Riser counties:

Ventura and Los Angeles now red. Boston to New York bad. More flecks of red in the South. Maine better Weird flare-ups, like flying coals in a forest fire. They land, catch, but  one hopes  sputter out.

The previous release:

Hospitalization (CDC Community Profile):

This is the part of the tsunami where the water moves far away from the beach. I have helpfully highlighted the states where the trend arrow points up in yellow, and where it is vertical, in orange. (Note trend, whether up or down, is marked by the arrow, at top. Admissions are presented in the graph, at the bottom. So its possible to have an upward trend, but from a very low baseline.)

Death rate (Our World in Data):

Total: 833,029 830,990 . At this rate, I dont think well hit the million mark by New Years. NOT UPDATED:

Excess deaths (total, not only from Covid):

Hard to believe we have no excess deaths now, but very fortunate if so. (CDC explains there are data lags).

Covid cases in historic variant sources, with additions from the Brain Trust:

Gauteng goes to the beach or up-country; the UK goes to the pub. This is a log scale. Sorry for the kerfuffle at the left. No matter how I tinker, it doesnt go away.

Politics

But what is government itself, but the greatest of all reflections on human nature? James Madison, Federalist 51

They had one weapon left and both knew it: treachery. Frank Herbert, Dune

They had learned nothing, and forgotten nothing. Charles Maurice de Talleyrand-Perigord

Biden Administration

Sanders and the Squad Knew Manchin Couldnt Be Trusted [John Nichols, The Nation]. Manchin couldnt be trusted. The right strategy was to build a grassroots movement in West Virginia to pressure him to do the right thing, as the Rev. William Barber II and the Poor Peoples Campaign proposed. Barberlike Sanders and the Squadrecognized, even if top Democrats did not, that it was going to take more than backroom negotiations to move Manchin.  Really? First, who would build the movement? The NGOs, so its doomed. Second, any such movement needs to be organic to West Virginia. Third, the timetable is off. The legislative calendar is slow, but building a movement is even slower. The Democrats Are Trying To Lose [David Sirota, The Daily Poster]. On the one hand, we see congressional Democrats casting themselves as the heroes of a West Wing episode, rightly screaming about all the web of connections between the January 6th rioters, right-wing news outlets, and top Trump officials, who appear to have been entertaining plans for an actual coup. On the other hand, we see Democrats fully leaning into a likely 2022 disaster. They are going far beyond merely refusing to give Americans an affirmative reason to vote for them; in sabotaging their own purported agenda, they seem to be deliberately trying to lose to the very fascists they claim to oppose, going out of their way to insult and harm as many voters as possible before their likely collapse.  Its hard to think of a historical parallel for this level of idiocy.

Democrats en Deshabille

Lambert here: Obviously, the Democrat Party is a rotting corpse that cant bury itself. Why is that? First, the Democrat Party is the political expression of the class power of PMC, their base (lucidly explained by Thomas Frank in Listen, Liberal!). It follows that the Democrat Party is as unreformable as the PMC is unreformable ; if the Democrat Party did not exist, the PMC would have to invent it. If the Democrat Party fails to govern, thats because the PMC lacks the capability to govern . (PMC modulo class expatriates, of course.) Second, all the working parts of the Party reinforce each other. Leave aside characterizing the relationships between elements of the Party (ka-ching, but not entirely) those elements comprise a network  a Flex Net? An iron octagon?  of funders, vendors, apparatchiks, electeds, NGOs, and miscellaneous mercenaries, with assets in the press and the intelligence community. (Note that voters do not appear within this structure. Thats because, unlike say UK Labour or DSA, the Democrat Party is not a membership organization. Dull normals may identify with the Democrat Party, but they cannot join it, except as apparatchiks at whatever level.) Whatever, if anything, that is to replace the Democrat Party needs to demonstrate the operational capability to contend with all this. Sadly, I see nothing of the requisite scale and scope on the horizon, though I would love to be wrong. (If Sanders had leaped nimbly from the electoral train to the strike wave train after losing in 2020, instead of that weak charity sh*t he went with, things might be different today. I am not sure that was in him to do, and Im not sure he had the staff to do it, although I believe such a pivot to a war of movement would have been very popular with his small donors. What a shame the app wasnt two-way.) Ah well, nevertheless. For an example of the class power that the PMC can wield, look no further than RussiaGate. All the working parts of the Democrat Party fired on all cylinders to cripple an elected President; it was very effective, and went on for years. Now imagine that the same Party had worked, during Covid, to create an alternative narrative  see Ferguson et al., supra, to see what such a narrative might have looked like, and with the unions (especially teachers) involved. At the very least, the Biden Administration would have had a plan, and the ground prepared for it. At the best, a parallel government (Gene Sharp #198) would have emerged, ready to take power in 2020. Instead, all we got was [genuflects] Tony Fauci. And Cuomo and Newsom butchering their respective Blue States, of course. The difference? With RussiaGate, Democrats were preventing governance. In my alternative scenario, they would have been preparing for it. And while were at it: Think of the lefts programs, and lay them against the PMCs interests. (1) Free College, even community college. Could devalue PMC credentials. Na ga happen. (2) MedicareForAll. Ends jobs guarantee for means-testing gatekeepers in government, profit-through-denial-of-care gatekeepers in the health insurance business, not to mention opposition from some medical guilds. Na ga happen. (3) Ending the empire (and reining in the national security state). The lights would go out all over Fairfax and Loudon counties. Na ga happen. These are all excellent policy goals. But lets be clear that its not only billionaires who oppose them. Showing the PMCs inability to govern, as a class they seem unable to expand their scope of operations into new fields. Consider the possibilities of the Swiss Cheese Model. Layered defenses include extensive testing, contact tracing, ventilation systems (not merely blue collar HVAC work, but design and evaluation), and quarantines. If we look at each layer as a jobs guarantee for credentialed professionals and managers, like ObamaCare, the opportunities are tremendous (and thats before we get to all the training and consulting). And yet the PMC hasnt advocated for this model at all. Instead, we get authoritarian followership (Fauci) and a totalizing and tribalizing faith in an extremely risky vax-only solution. Why? Its almost as if theyre acting against their own self-interest, and I dont pretend to understand it. And Im not the only one whos puzzled. Even if you already did suspend the filibuster for specific reasons in the past and would now for SC nominees. It has razor-thin margins yet can still pass massive spending bills. Invoking Manchin or Sinema doesn't really explain the puzzle; it just re-describes it.  corey robin (@CoreyRobin) December 2, 2021 A second example of the PMCs inability to govern comes under the rubric of our democracy. Of the various components of the Democrat party, NGOs, miscellaneous mercenaries, assets in the press, and the intelligence community all believe  or at least repeat vociferously  that our democracy is under threat, whether from election integrity issues, or from fascism. But other components  funders, vendors, apparatchiks, and electeds  dont believe this at all. On election integrity, HR 1 has not passed. Gerrymandering continues apace (also a sign that Republicans take their politics much more seriously than Democrats do). On fascism, I suppose we have Pelosis January 6 Commission. But nothing unlawful took place, or we would have Merrick Garlands January Investigation. The combination of hysterical yammering from some Democrats and blithe indifference from others is extremely unsettling. (This leaves aside the question of whether Democrats, as a party, have the standing to whinge about either the erosion of democracy or the imminence of fascism. I say no.) Of course, there is a solution to the problems with our democracy: Prediction Democrats will solve the problem of minoritarian tyranny by losing the popular vote. https://t.co/hdw4IxTu2b  Alice in Winter (@AliceFromQueens) November 18, 2021 It is said, I believe by Thomas Frank, that the Democrats are the Party of Betrayal. Certainly the Build Back Better debacle provides many examples of combinatorial betrayal. Manchin betrayed Biden (by lying to Biden at his house). Biden betrayed everybody (by believing, I am persuaded, and acting as if he had Manchins vote in his pocket*). Schumer betrayed everybody (by keeping Manchins written request a secret). Pelosi betrayed Jayapal (by splitting BIF and BBB into two bills and by relying on Republican votes). The Democrat leadership betrayed the Progressive Caucus (by explicitly and verbally making the face-to-face promise that BBB would be passed, and then not delivering). And, though this is harsh, Sanders betrayed his voters with his 2020 turn toward electoralism (by personally liking Biden, and relying on his deal-making ability, now shown to be a sham). I dont think the Squad betrayed anybody, unless you regard participating in the process as a betrayal, so theres that. NOTE * I believe Bidens top line was Manchins from the beginning, and nowhere near Sanders. * * * Lets Go Manchin [Eoin Higgins, The Flashpoint]. Democrats could deal with this problem by enforcing party discipline, but they appear unwilling to use their power. Its past time they start fighting back.  The notion of party discipline is alien to theDemocrat Party institutionally; see above. Its comprised of funders, vendors, apparatchiks, electeds, NGOs, and miscellaneous mercenaries, with assets in the press and the intelligence community. You dont discipline a structure like that; herding cats is indeed an appropriate metaphor. The Democrat Party hive mind* may in fact come to a collective decision  as it did when declaring a state of exception during RussiaGate  but thats not at all the same thing as party discipline as a whip among the electeds might conceive it (and not even then, really; look at Sinema). Recall that the Democrat Party is not a membership organization; you cant pay yearly dues of twenty bucks and get a party card, as you could with the Labour Party in the UK. There, its theoretically possible to enforce party discipline by revoking membership. But not in the United States. Higgins article is an enormous category error. NOTE * Hive mind is a sloppy concept that I should replace. Who doesnt love a cop? Incoming Mayor @ericadamsfornyc assailed members of @NYCCouncil for sending letter asking him to reverse position on solitary confinement: "I wore a bullet proof vest for 22 years and protected the people of this city. When you do that, then you have the right to question me" https://t.co/wFA6AwIWsN pic.twitter.com/PMz6L08tCx  Gloria Pazmino (@GloriaPazmino) December 21, 2021

Republican Funhouse

McConnell to Manchin: Wed Love to Have You, Joe [New York Times].  Worth a shot! Virginia Governor-Elect Taps Former MUFG Americas CEO as Finance Chief [Bloomberg]. Virginia Governor-elect Glenn Youngkin named Stephen Cummings a former president and CEO of Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group in the Americas as the states secretary of finance. In February, Cummings announced that he was retiring from the company. MUFG has the biggest overseas operations among Japanese banks, with offices and subsidiaries in more than 50 countries. Cummings oversaw the banks sprawling businesses in the Americas, including MUFG Union Bank and MUFG Securities Americas. Lowering taxes and restoring fiscal responsibility in Richmond is a primary focus of our Day One Game Plan, and Steves experience and expertise will help make sure we deliver real results for Virginians, Youngkin said in an emailed statement Wednesday.  Presidential timber? I think if Youngkin were really Presidential material  as opposed to heavyweights like Abbott or DeSantis or Romney  the photographer would have managed to get a halo effect round Youngkins head (or Youngkins staff would have carefully created the opportunity). Former MUFG Americas head tapped as next Va. finance sec [Virginia Business]. Cummings has a long resume in the area of investment banking, having also served as managing director and chairman of UBS American investment banking branch, Wachovia Corp.s global head of corporate and investment banking, and chairman and CEO of Bowles Hollowell Conner & Co. A graduate of Columbia Business School and Maines Colby College, Cummings was the first non-Japanese CEO for Mitsubishis American market upon his hiring in 2015, and he oversaw the U.S. businesses held by the Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ, as well as serving as a member of MUFG Union Banks board of directors. He has been based in New York.

Trump Legacy

Ugh: Wow. https://t.co/8EaVOA2TbL pic.twitter.com/e82C51ZCqQ  Mattathias Schwartz (@Schwartzesque) December 21, 2021 This doesnt look good. On the other hand, as the cases chart shows, the Biden administration has done a pretty good job on Let er rip, albeit with a different set of people in charge. So I fail to get all huffy and excited. Am I jaded? NSFW! Assholes: A Theory of Donald Trump [Philosophers Magazine]. From 2016, still germane. James begins the work by recapping the definition of the asshole he developed in his first book. On this view, the asshole has three essential features: First, he  James notes that assholes are mostly men  allows himself special advantages in social relationships in a systematic way; second, he is motivated by an entrenched (and mistaken) sense of entitlement; and third, he is immunized against the complaints of other people. Although James presents these as three separate yet equal features of the asshole, the entrenched sense of entitlement seems to be the causal mechanism behind the assholes systematic privileging of himself as well as his immunity to the criticisms of others. So understood, an asshole might simply be someone with an entrenched sense of entitlement. Although there are good reasons for thinking that Trump is an asshole so defined, two aspects of James analysis seem to conflict with this generally agreed upon premise. First, despite the common term ass, ass-clowns and assholes appear to be distinct and mutually exclusive types. Whereas the assholes immunity to criticism implies that he has little concern for the opinion of others, the ass-clown seeks the affection of others and so seems to lack the assholes innate sense that he is something special. Second, James eventually backpedals on his promise  implicit in the title  to offer a theory of Donald Trump. Because Trump is so many things  showman, bullshitter, racist, sexist, civically oblivious, authoritarian, demagogue  James concludes that there is no real Trump. But if there is no real Trump, Trump cannot really be an asshole. In contrast, the various aspects of Trumps person that James identifies seem to be explained by a single fact: he really is an asshole!

Stats Watch

Employment Situation: United States Initial Jobless Claims [Trading Economics]. The number of Americans filing new claims for unemployment benefits remained unchanged from last weeks upwardly revised level at 205 thousand in the week that ended December 18th, in line with market expectations and remaining below pre-pandemic levels.

Personal Income: United States Personal Income [Trading Economics]. Personal income in the United States increased 0.4 percent from a month earlier in November 2021, following a 0.5 percent growth in October and matching market expectations as most companies increased wages to attract and keep workers and in spite of waning federal stimulus. Wages and salaries rose 0.5 percent, slowing from a 0.8 percent gain in October while personal income receipts on assets grew 0.3 percent also slowing from 0.8 percent a month earlier.

Personal Consumption: United States Personal Consumption Expenditure Price Index [Trading Economics]. The personal consumption expenditure price index in the US increased 5.7 percent from a year earlier in November, the most in 39 years, reflecting increases in both goods and services. Energy prices were up 34 percent while food prices increased 5.6 percent. Excluding food and energy, the index was up 4.7 percent.

Consumer Sentiment: United States Michigan Consumer Sentiment [Trading Economics]. The University of Michigans consumer sentiment for the US rose to 70.6 in December of 2021, from 67.4 last month and above preliminary estimates of 70.4 points.

Durable Goods: United States Durable Goods Orders [Trading Economics]. New orders for US manufactured durable goods rose 2.5 percent month-over-month in November of 2021, extending gains from a revised 0.1 percent increase in October and compared to market expectations of a 1.6 percent increase.

* * *

Manufacturing: U.S. FAA backs inspections, strengthening key part for Boeing 777-200 engines [Reuters]. The FAA issued three proposed airworthiness directives, a move that will allow Boeing 777-200 airplanes equipped with PW4000 engines to return to service as soon as early 2022. A fan blade failure prompted an engine to fail on a United Airlines (UAL.O) 777-200 bound for Honolulu after takeoff from Denver on Feb. 20. The incident showered debris over nearby cities, but no one was injured and the plane safely returned to the airport. The FAA said it was calling for strengthening engine cowlings, enhanced engine fan-blade inspection and inspection of other systems and components. The directives will require corrective action based on inspection results. 

The Bezzle: The Purdue Bankruptcy Didnt Work [Bloomberg]. The value of Purdue/Knoa is perhaps a couple of billion dollars, several orders of magnitude less than the claims against it. As a general matter, this is sometimes a thing that happens: Sometimes there is a company, and it makes a product, and people like the product and buy it and it generates profits, and then the product turns out to do some huge harm, and the harm is many times greater than the profits, and someone else bears the loss. The companys existence was a net negative: It generated some good and much more bad, and handing the good parts of the company over to the victims of the bad stuff cannot come close to compensating them. But there is also a more specific problem here, which is that the Sackler family extracted many billions of dollars of profits from Purdue over the years in the form of dividends, and if they hand over Purdue to its creditors (1) the creditors will not get very much out of it but (2) the Sacklers will remain very rich.  So whats the issue?

The Bezzle: NHTSA probing Tesla after reports that drivers can play video games in motion [ABC]. U.S. traffic safety regulators have launched a formal probe into certain Tesla vehicles after reports emerged that drivers can play video games on the cars touchscreen while in motion. A spokesperson for the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration confirmed to ABC News on Wednesday that the agency has opened a preliminary evaluation into certain Tesla vehicles, including the Model 3, S, X and Y, that were produced between 2017 and 2022. The investigation seeks to evaluate the driver distraction potential of Tesla Passenger Play, the spokesperson told ABC News in a statement.  Teslas just incorrigible.

Tech: Tasty TV: Japanese professor creates flavourful screen [Reuters].  No.

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Todays Fear & Greed Index: 42 Fear (previous close: 35 Fear) [CNN]. One week ago: 31 (Fear). (0 is Extreme Fear; 100 is Extreme Greed). Last updated Dec 23 at 12:45pm.

The Biosphere

Could crushed rocks absorb enough carbon to curb global warming? [National Geographic]. The goal of ocean alkalinity enhancement is to accelerate the carbon-absorbing weathering of rock, which naturally occurs as rainfall washes over land into waterways and eventually the ocean. Similar action happens through the gradual erosion of coastlines through wave action. Its continuously happening, says Ulf Riebesell, a marine biologist at GEOMAR Helmholtz Center for Ocean Research in Kiel, Germany, who is leading the EU-funded team of 35 researchers. The rock reacts with water, and during that reaction takes up CO2 from the atmosphere. The question is, can we significantly speed up that natural process? Thats what were simulating. Its a voyage into the unknown, says Riebesell. Theres so much we dont yet know. But whats certain is that alkalinity enhancement has enormous potential. And we need to test it now, because were running out of time to save the planet.'

Seaweed discovery could help slow methane emissions [Al Mayadeen]. A Canadian farmer by the name of Joe Dorgan, who produces and distributes seaweed, stumbled upon a fresh discovery that may help reduce the impact of methane on global warming around the world. The seaweeds he harvested were previously used for livestock feed and as a fertilizer. According to CBS, Dorgan sent samples to Dalhousie University in Nova Scotia to test for organic certification. Through that, it was discovered that the high uptake of natural vitamins and minerals in seaweed drove up reproduction and milk production in cows. Dorgan then knew that seaweed would be healthy for cows, but research revealed an unintended consequence: seaweed made cows less gassy.

Beaver Dams Mean No Love Lost for Canadas Emblematic Animal [New York Times]. Some communities in Alberta offer bounties on beavers tails. A mayor in Quebec has called for them to be eradicated. Fingers of blame frequently point their way, rightly or wrongly, for highway washouts, including some with fatal consequences. Farmers look on with despair as their land vanishes beneath a beaver pond. For the second time in the past 15 years, Colleen Watson watched this summer as beavers flooded a 100-acre woodlot in the Atlantic province of New Brunswick that her grandfather, a blacksmith, took as payment from a customer during the Great Depression. I love to see the nature, right? You can watch it do its thing, Mrs. Watson said in a tone more of exasperation than anger with the animal. The hate is what its done to my property.   I think we should give priority to the beavers and compensate humans as needed.

Species richness stabilizes productivity via asynchrony and drought-tolerance diversity in a large-scale tree biodiversity experiment [Science]. Tree species richness improved community stability by increasing asynchrony. That is, at higher species richness, interannual variation in productivity among tree species buffered the community against stress-related productivity declines. This effect was positively related to variation in stomatal control and resistance-acquisition strategies among species, but not to the community-weighted means of these trait syndromes. The identified mechanisms by which tree species richness stabilizes forest productivity emphasize the importance of diverse, mixed-species forests to adapt to climate change.

Two Red Hill spills could be linked with one much larger than reported [Hawaii News]. The fuel should not sit on top of our aquifer while the Navy tries to figure out what is going wrong and what it can do to fix it, said Wade Hargrove, Deputy Attorney General.  Wowsers, good thinking, US Navy.

Health Care

US population growth at lowest rate in pandemics 1st year [Associated Press].  Good job!

Beneath a Covid Vaccine Debacle, 30 Years of Government Culpability [New York Times].  Until. Operation Warp Speed.

Class Warfare

State efforts to curb porch theft has another potential victim: delivery workers [Fast Company]. Through interviews with 17 delivery drivers on various delivery platforms including Amazon Flex, Uber Eats, Instacart, Shipt, and DoorDash as part of a project on worker surveillance, we found that fear of being blamed for stolen or lost packages is universal. Drivers believe that, if a customer accuses them of stealing, the company will take the customers word over their own. As one Amazon Flex driver told us, No matter what, its the drivers fault. Thats Amazons philosophy, its the drivers fault [and] the driver will get in trouble for it. This concern is not unfounded as retail companies have long treated employees with almost presumptive suspicion of theft, to the extent that they maintain a database of workers who have been suspected (but not convicted) of theft. This database is a permanent record that follows workers and can lock them out of future employment.  Has anyone ever seen a good study on porch theft? Or is it just a marketing ploy for Amazon Ring?

No, Large-Scale Societies Dont Need Massive Inequalities (interview) [Jacobin]. On The Dawn of Everything by the late David Graeber and David Wengrow. Wengrow: There was an important paper published last year in the Journal of Human Evolution that went back and looked at the demographic realities of modern hunter-gatherer societies in Australia, Africa, and elsewhere. It found that their families were a bit like our families, where your blood relatives are often people you cannot get along with at all. And youll go to extraordinary lengths to move away and distance yourself from them. Their families were a bit like our families, where your blood relatives are often people you cannot get along with at all. [Merry Xmas!] But hunter-gatherers had sophisticated ways of doing this. They set up hospitality systems spanning continents so that, far from living in small-scale societies, they had a social world where you could potentially interact with many thousands of people. In reality, you wouldnt do that. But those relationships existed in the same way that youll never meet most Americans but all of you still call yourselves American. Theyre what Ben Anderson termed imaginary communities.'  One more goddamned book to read

News of the Wired

Mr. Hi Hat:

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Contact information for plants: Readers, feel free to contact me at lambert [UNDERSCORE] strether [DOT] corrente [AT] yahoo [DOT] com, to (a) find out how to send me a check if you are allergic to PayPal and (b) to find out how to send me images of plants. Vegetables are fine! Fungi and coral are deemed to be honorary plants! If you want your handle to appear as a credit, please place it at the start of your mail in parentheses: (thus). Otherwise, I will anonymize by using your initials. See the previous Water Cooler (with plant) here. Todays plant (SC):

SC writes:

The attached photo is a shipment of six young Camellia sinesis  Tea  that arrived yesterday from a nursery called Camellia Forest. The plants are not fully unpacked in this photo, which shows the careful attention of the shipper. I am impressed with the good condition of the plants in spite of the primitive and inexpensive means employed to protect them in transit. The variety, Korea, is claimed to tolerate Winter outdoors to Zone 7a. In colder climes, there are some limitations on where they can be planted with respect to local shade; apparently morning sun exposure is not good for them. I tried to grow tea at home about 20 years ago and all the plants were eaten by grazers, probably rabbits. My thumbs have changed from a deep brown to a pale green hue over that interval and Im trying again this year. Containers on benches may preserve these plants until they are large and tough enough to survive the rabbits. My original thought back then was that I could simply, at need, take mature leaves from the shrubs and brew up hot tea, a neat form of edible landscaping. Im less ignorant these days and Ive learned that thats not how tea works. One is supposed to harvest from new growth and then process the leaves for storage. That sounds like a bit of a headache, but the plants are still neat landscape features and if I am still here when they are large enough for harvest, a few years from now, well see whether my enthusiasm has waned. And if tea brewed from fresh mature leaves is not too harsh or otherwise undesirable, I may revert to the original low-effort harvest concept.

A wonderful project!

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Readers: Water Cooler is a standalone entity not covered by the recently concluded and  thank you!  successful annual NC fundraiser. So if you see a link you especially like, or an item you wouldnt see anywhere else, please do not hesitate to express your appreciation in tangible form. Remember, a tip jar is for tipping! Regular positive feedback both makes me feel good and lets me know Im on the right track with coverage. When I get no donations for five or ten days I get worried. More tangibly, a constant trickle of donations helps me with expenses, and I factor in that trickle when setting fundraising goals:









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If you hate PayPal, you can email me at lambert [UNDERSCORE] strether [DOT] corrente [AT] yahoo [DOT] com, and I will give you directions on how to send a check. Thank you!
Yves here. So much for decarbonizing. King Coal is still on his throne.

By Felicity Bradstock, a freelance writer specialixing in Energy and Finance. Originally published at OilPrice

Coal has experienced a dramatic rebound this year, with production levels set to hit an all-time high in 2021.

The surge in demand is largely due to the faster-than-expected global economic recovery following the Covid-19 pandemic.

China and India are the worlds two largest coal producers, making up two-thirds of global coal demand.

Coal production is set to hit an all-time high according to the International Energy Agency (IEA) despite the curbing of production across several countries and aims for decarbonization following COP26. Coal demand has continued to increase through 2021 mainly due to the needs of large Asian countries that still rely on the fossil fuel, as well as gas shortages forcing European states to shift back to coal. Coal has experienced a dramatic rebound this year, with production levels set to hit an all-time high in 2021 and demand levels to peak in 2022. Even after worldwide power generation from coal started falling in 2019 and 2020, as many countries shifted away from the energy source, it is expected to rise by around 9 percent this year to reach 10,350 terawatt-hours.

The surge in demand is largely due to the faster-than-expected global economic recovery following the Covid-19 pandemic. Throughout 2020, demand for coal, oil, and gas dropped significantly as countries around the world imposed restrictions on movement. Many organizations saw this as the moment to push for a transition away from fossil fuels to renewable alternatives. However, as the energy demand has risen in 2021, some countries have found it hard to produce enough oil and gas, leading to shortages. Surging fossil fuel prices have also pushed consumers back to coal, which is more competitively priced.

IEA Executive Director, Fatih Birol, voiced his concerns about the trend, Coal is the single largest source of global carbon emissions, and this years historically high level of coal power generation is a worrying sign of how far off track the world is in its efforts to put emissions into decline towards net zero.

One of the main problems with coal production is that it doesnt just release carbon emissions into the atmosphere but also sulfur dioxide, particulates, and nitrogen oxides. In fact, many view coal as the dirtiest fossil fuel, which explains why many governments are pushing policies to end coal production in favor of cleaner energy sources.

This may come as a surprise considering the recent participation of many state powers in the COP26 climate summit, which resolidified the Paris Agreements aim to curb fossil fuel production as part of a plan to decarbonize. But two of the worlds most populous countries, China and India, still rely heavily on coal to meet their energy needs. In fact, both decided upon a last-minute change of language in an agreement on fossil fuel from the phase out of coal to a phase down.

China and India are the worlds two largest coal producers, making up two-thirds of global coal demand. Although the two countries have committed to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2060 and 2070 respectively, their heavy reliance on coal makes many of their climate aims appear unrealistic. For example, while China announced it would no longer be investing in the construction of new coal plants overseas earlier this year, it is still pursuing plans to build 60 domestic coal plants.

And now it appears that even countries that are already undertaking strategies to phase coal out have experienced a hike in demand this year. Mainly due to low wind volumes and a hike in energy demand, Germany has had to rely on coal and nuclear power for electricity generation throughout 2021. This meant the contribution of coal and nuclear power for energy production reached 40 percent this year, compared to 35 percent in 2020, with renewables accounting for 41 percent compared to 44 percent last year. At present, Germany is planning to end nuclear power production by the end of 2022 and phase out coal by 2030.

Even the U.K., which pledged to end coal production a year earlier than anticipated by 2024, had to fire up coal plants in September to meet electricity demand in the face of gas shortages and surging prices. During this time, coal contributed 3 percent of national power, rather than the average 2.2 percent. This was following a landmark period of time in which the U.K. run coal-free for three days in August.

But many believe that a significant injection of private investment is needed to speed up the phasing out of coal, otherwise, it would already be done. Naturally, companies running coal plants dont want to shut up shop before theyve achieved their full potential, even if their operations present a threat to the environment. Unless governments can offer financial incentives for them to stop production, states will require private investment to make this happen. The potential for coal mines to be converted into geothermal energy plants and others for renewable energy uses could provide the opportunity needed to encourage this type of investment. However, without these incentives, coal companies will likely continue operations so long as demand remains high and their leases stay active.
Remember how we were told that one of the reasons mRNA vaccines were so snazzy that it would be a snap to roll out new versions to tackle Covid variantseven if getting them approved, manufactured and distributed might lead to delays.

Even though Pfizer and then other vaccine-makers said they could have a booster targeting Omicron out in three months or so, the Administration is talking down the possibility of one. That seems odd in that:

2 vaccine doses barely create a dent against Omicron, and previous infection, according to initial Imperial College data didnt either (although some other studies suggest prior infection could blunt severity; the jury is still out on many important Omicron questions) There is good evidence that a booster of the current vaccines reduces the odds of severe outcomes, but not to the same degree as against earlier variants. However, its not as clear even against the original variants whether a booster produces as long-lived immunity as the first shots did; it may be shorter, even before you get to how it behaves against Omicron. Israel is launching its fourth round of booster shots only five months after offering boosters to the highest-risk populations. In other words, given that some, perhaps many, members of the public wont be happy about a more than twice a year vaccination regime, if one is to stay current, another reason to back an Omicron-specific booster is it might last longer against Omicron than the current vaccines, which were developed against the wild type virus.

Now one might reasonably say that the vaccine-makers didnt rouse themselves to create a Delta version. One reason was that Delta overlapped with the older variants a bit before becoming dominant. Second is that the performance of the original vaccines didnt fall as much in reducing risk of hospitalizations and death as it appears to when boosted for Omicron. Sadly the vaccines did do more to reduce contagion of the wild type virus than Delta, but that change doesnt get much mention.

But as far as I can tell, the idea of developing a new vaccine targeting Delta wasnt even seriously entertained. Our GM described an additional issue which I never saw mentioned in the press: the Delta variations were orthogonal to some other variants. So while the original vaccine was pretty effective against wild type and Delta and the orthogonal variants, one aimed at Delta would not do much to combat the orthogonal variants. So it made sense to stick with the original vaccine as a reasonable good enough for all current seasons compromise.

But as we know, Omicron is fabulously different. So its disconcerting to see what sure looks like official reducing of expectations regarding getting an Omicron booster around March, as Pfizer and now others have indicated. From Top regulator says need for Omicron vaccine depends on staying power of variant in STAT:

Whether Americans will need additional vaccines specifically tailored to the rapidly spreading Omicron variant of the coronavirus may depend on how long it circulates in the United States, a top regulator told STAT in an interview Wednesday. If it turns out that Omicron is the new variant that actually things settle into, well then of course we will probably need an Omicron-specific vaccine, said Peter Marks, the Food and Drug Administrations top vaccine regulator. On the other hand, if this is just a variant thats passing through and we get [a new variant] in a month or two, we wont need that. Marks added that Omicron is a very, very fast-moving virus that could pass across this country within a matter of a few weeks, and that he does not know for sure whether Omicron-specific jabs will be needed. All three manufacturers with vaccines authorized in the United States  Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson  are currently readying Omicron-specific vaccines. Pfizer has said it could begin delivering its Omicron-specific vaccine by March, pending FDA approval.

Huh? Unless you assume Omicron will be displaced by yet another variant, even those who were boosted will need a new shot in 5-6 months. And even assuming perfect compliance, 75% odds of not getting a serious infection falls to 42% if you play that game three times, as in go 15-18 months under an Omicron regime. While if an Omicron booster lowers the odds of serious infection by 90%, the risk of getting a bod case over the same time period with perfect compliance is 73%. And to the degree the risk reduction is higher than 90%, the better the long-term odds.

And you dont have to go far into the article to see that our suspicion, that this messaging reflected an Administration preference, looks correct, particularly when contrasted with the fact that the vaccine-makers are moving ahead with Omicron products:

The Biden administration has signaled that it plans to fight the spread of Omicron through existing booster shots, which were not formulated specifically for Omicron. Early data suggest that the booster shots from Moderna and Pfizer significantly enhance protection against the Omicron variant Anthony Fauci, the head of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and the chief medical adviser of the Biden Covid-19 response, has expressed doubts about the need for Omicron-specific shots.

Even if you wonder about the wisdom of having to get repeatedly jabbed with Covid vaccines, the risk/return tradeoff is clearly better, all other things being equal, with a more effective vaccine. So if you are going to use mRNA vaccines to combat Omicron, that argues for a sure-to-be-more-potent Omicron booster against Omicron rather than a less ooomphy one designed to beat the wild type variant.

GM confirmed our downbeat take:

Two possibilities here, not mutually exclusive, in fact they may well be part of the same scenario 1. They are expecting it to just burn through the population in the next 3 months so there is no point developing a new vaccine 2. The next variant will not be derived from Omicron. Which is highly likely given the experience so far  no dominant variant has come from the previous dominant variant so far, it has all been going back to B.1. This has to change at some point  there will not be surviving ghost B.1 lineages forever  but given how long it apparently takes for a variant to be cooked up, I would expect the next one, if it is not a B.1.X again, to derive from Alpha, Beta, Gamma, P.1, or some of the others. And it will be different from both Delta and Omicron. So they be waiting for the next one which they expect to be something entirely different again. That does not make epidemiological sense  you want people to develop as broad immunity as possible so if you give them an Omicron vaccine, that will prepare them better for future variants than another WT booster. But it makes sense from a corporate point of view  there is not going to be demand for Omicron vaccines once Omicron has passed. And it makes sense from narrative control point of view  the moment they start giving variant-specific vaccines, the expectation will be that the same will be done for future variants too. And we are only now going to be seeing real diversification. Then you have three problems: First, you need to actually deliver on that expectation, which will be logistically impossible if you have to revaccinate every 3-4 months. Second, this exposes the insanity and complete bankruptcy of the whole vaccines-only approach. So you must not go there unless you absolutely have to. Third, a key goal has been to get people accustomed to the idea that they will be endlessly reinfect and if you condition them to expect variant-specific vaccines, then you move away from accomplishing it. The long-term objective is for people to be happy with their annual natural booster whether vaccinated or not. But at some point there will be no choice. Note that the SARS-2 vaccine does not work at all on SARS-1, not even for severe disease (this has been tested in mouse models and the vaccinated mice die just as quickly and as often as the unvaccinated ones upon SARS-CoV-1 challenge). The antigenic distance between the Wuhan WT and Omicron is a third of that between Wuhan WT and SARS-CoV-1, and there is much more divergent stuff out there (e.g. SHC014). So plenty of room for further escape and evolution. P.S. I forgot to mention another cross-protection measurement  a SARS-1 vaccine does not work tall on WIV-1, another one of those SARS-type coronaviruses that people were studying in the pre-pandemic days

Weve backed ourselves into a collective corner with the vax vax vax approach and little to no focus on treatments and non-pharmaceutical interventions or eradication. And the fact that US life expectancy fell by 1.8 years in 2020 due to Covid ought to be treated as an outrage and a call to (much better) action. Instead, the collective reaction seems to be a shrug.
My position with Nashville Post has evolved since 2000 when I began work with the now-defunct The City Paper. TCP became a Post sister pub in 2008 (when I began some Post work) and folded in 2013. I have worked mainly with the Post since late 2011.

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(Natural News) The Australian Capital Territory (ACT) has reimposed mask mandates a few days before Christmas. The move comes as New South Wales (NSW) faces a surge in Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) cases driven by the omicron variant.

Originally repealed on Nov. 12, Canberra made face masks mandatory again, with the order taking effect on 11:59 p.m. of Dec. 21. Masks are now required in all indoor settings in the Australian capital, including retail establishments, hospitality venues, aged care facilities, workplaces and public transport.

The reinstated rules will remain in place in the ACT throughout the Christmas and New Year period. Health authorities in Canberra will then review it further in January 2022 if they ought to be extended or not. (Related: Australians furious over mask mandates for the holiday season.)

Officials noted that face masks can only be removed in three instances: while doing vigorous exercise, when communicating with someone who is hearing-impaired and when eating or drinking.

Aside from the mask mandates, visitor limits were reintroduced at aged care facilities in Canberra. Residents of aged care homes will be restricted to five visitors per day and at any one time. Visitors for end-of-life visits are exempted from this rule, with no daily limit imposed on them.

Wearing a mask indoors is a small price to pay to keep your family and friends safe. In addition to wearing a mask indoors, we all have a responsibility to continue our COVID-safe behaviors, practice physical distancing and [maintain] good hygiene, said ACT Deputy Chief Minister Yvette Berry.

ACT Health Minister Rachel Stephen-Smith added that reinstating mandatory mask wearing indoors is a sensible step to mitigate the risks posed by [the] omicron [variant.] We will continue to monitor the situation over the holiday period, listen to the health advice and respond further if needed.

NSW urged to reinstate mask mandates

The mask mandate in Canberra comes as the omicron variant spread throughout Australia. The federal capital recorded 16 new COVID-19 infections on Dec. 21, Half of the ACTs 124 active infections have been caused by the omicron variant.

In the past week, we have seen a significant increase in case numbers in the ACT. Around half of our active cases have been confirmed as [being caused by] the omicron variant, Berry said.

The ACT constitutes a small enclave in the larger NSW area, and is home to the countrys federal government. NSW recorded 3,057 new COVID-19 infections on Dec. 21, the highest spike in daily infections for the entire Australia. This spike has contributed to growing pressure on the surrounding NSW to reinstate indoor mask mandates  just a week after they were scrapped.

Federal Chief Medical Officer Paul Kelly wrote to premiers and chief ministers of Australias different states and territories, recommending that face coverings should be mandated in all indoor settings. ACT Chief Health Officer Dr. Kerryn Coleman agreed with Kellys recommendation and defended Canberras Dec. 21 mandate.

The unexpected emergence at this time of omicron is posing an increasing risk to our community, and this is why we are introducing these measures. This is a common sense step. We have been here before and I dont consider this too onerous for us to take to slow the transmission of omicron, she said.

Coleman added: I know this has been a long year for everyone and this is not the news we wanted to be sharing so close to Christmas.

However, NSW officials said they are still considering whether or not to reinstate the mask mandates.

The states Premier Dominic Perrotet said: We are taking a balanced and proportionate response that is completely focused on keeping people safe, while at the same time opening up our economy and ensuring that people are able to work and provide for their families. (Related: Top NSW doctor wants to bring back COVID restrictions as cases continue to soar in highly vaccinated Australia.)

Perrotet exhorted New South Welshmen to live with the virus. There will always be new variants of this virus. The pandemic is not going away. We need to learn to live alongside it, he said.

Watch the footage of an NSW business owner arrested for refusing to enforce the mask mandate in her establishment.

This video is from the ZGoldenReport channel on Brighteon.com.

MedicalTyranny.com has more about mask mandates making a return in Australia amid the spread of the omicron variant.

Sources include:

DailyMail.co.uk

ABC.net.au

Brighteon.com
(Natural News) Harvard University professor Charles Lieber has finally been convicted for taking money from the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and funneling nanotechnology secrets to Wuhan bioweapons research.

According to reports, Lieber lied about his ties to a China-run recruitment program. He also made false statements to authorities, filed false tax returns and failed to report a Chinese bank account he had.

Lieber is also a nanotech expert who was involved in developing neurological interfacing and payload carbon nanotubes. There is speculation that his technological expertise was used to engineer the so-called vaccines for the Wuhan coronavirus (Covid-19), as well as the 5G technology that links up to them.

In 2011, Lieber agreed to become a strategic scientist at the Wuhan University of Technology (WUT). Through this connection, Lieber participated in a Chinese recruitment drive called the Thousand Talents Program.

Prosecutors say China uses that program to recruit foreign researchers to share their knowledge with the country, reported Yahoo News. Participation is not a crime, but prosecutors contend Lieber, 62, lied to authorities inquiring about his involvement.

Watch the Dec. 22, 2021, episode of the Health Rangers Situation Update below to learn more about this saga:

Lieber received direct cash payments from Wuhan

Defense lawyer Marc Mukasey says that prosecutors mangled evidence against Lieber and lacked key documents to support their claims. They also allegedly relied too heavily on a confused FBI interview with Lieber following his arrest.

During the six-day trial and nearly three hours of jury deliberations, Lieber, who currently has cancer, reportedly sat emotionless, even as the verdict was announced.

We respect the verdict and will keep up the fight, Mukasey added.

In January 2020, Lieber was charged as part of a Department of Justice (DoJ) China Initiative, which was launched during the Trump administration to counter suspected Chinese economic espionage and research theft.

The Biden regime has since carried on the China Initiative, though the DoJ is now saying that it is reviewing its approach to the program.

According to prosecutors, Lieber lied about his role in the Thousand Talents Program to both the Department of Defense (DoD) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH), which awarded him $15 million in research grants.

During his interview with FBI agents immediately following his arrest, Lieber said he was younger and stupid at the time when he linked up with the Wuhan university. He says he thought the collaborations would help boost his recognition in the scientific world.

As part of the setup, Lieber received $50,000 per month from the WUT, along with $158,000 in living expenses. He was paid in cash and the deposits were made to a Chinese bank account that he did not report.

Lieber told the FBI that he was paid between $50,000 and $100,000 in cash, and that at one time his Chinese bank account contained $200,000.

However, on his 2013 and 2014 income tax returns, Lieber never reported any of this. For a full two years, he failed to report the bank account at all.

Harvards worried about their grads supporting Trump while current employees spy for China? wrote one commenter at Natural News at the time when Lieber was first arrested.

Hopefully well eventually get to the bottom of the Covid-19 false flag, wrote another.

Over at Brighteon, a commenter expressed confusion over why the deep state, which is pushing the plandemic and vaccine on everyone would prosecute one of their own for doing this? Perhaps Lieber is one of the sacrificial goats in this whole saga?

Im a little confused, wrote yet another. Didnt all this start under the Obama administration over in the Research Triangle (North Carolina)?

More related news can be found at Pandemic.news.

Sources for this article include:

Yahoo.com

NaturalNews.com

Brighteon.com
(Natural News) Six sex traffickers were arrested this week for running a Queens-based sex trafficking ring which trafficked young women and children from Mexico into the US. One of those indicted in Brooklyn federal court was a Putnam County police officer who was protecting, not the children, but the child sex traffickers  in exchange for sex.

(Article by Matt Agorist republished from TheFreeThoughtProject.com)

Wayne Peiffer, a Village of Brewster police officer, has been helping human traffickers smuggle in children and younger women from Mexico for years. The sadistic human smuggling scheme has been in operation for nearly two decades since at least 2002, according to the US Attorneys Office for the Eastern District of New York.

According to the indictment, Peiffer protected the child sex trafficking ring in exchange for sex with the victims. For years, Peiffer helped the ring avoid arrests, tipped them off to stings, and allowed them to abuse children and young women by exploiting the trust in his badge.

According to the complaint, in exchange for the protection, Peiffer had his way with the trafficking victims, even bringing them to the police station where he would rape them.

For more than eight years, Peiffer allegedly directed members of the Cid-Hernandez Sex Trafficking Organization and the Godinez Prostitution Business to deliver women to him, including at the BPD police station, so that he could engage in sexual activity with the women at no cost to Peiffer. In exchange, Peiffer provided the Cid-Hernandez Sex Trafficking Organization and the Godinez Prostitution Business protection from arrest, including by advanced warning of law enforcement operations and intervening to prevent arrest.

The individuals named in the indictment were part of an elaborate network of conspirators that used deception and coercion to sell dreams of a better life in the United States to young and impressionable women, who arrived only to be forced into a miserable life of torment, sexual abuse and prostitution at the hands of their captors, stated HSI Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Ricky J. Patel. The criminal organization also allegedly retained the services of a corrupt cop, who betrayed the badge and the people that he swore to protect by being complicit in these deplorable acts and accepting payments in sexual favors.

Sadly, many victims of sex trafficking have similar stories of police officers protecting their captors.

TFTP covered a shocking report from the Hawaii State Commission on the Status of Women that painted a disturbing picture of law enforcement and their role in sex trafficking. The report found that instead of preventing child and adult sex trafficking, many police officers are participating in it.

The report is titled Sex Trafficking in Hawaii: The Stories of Survivors, which detailed the testimonials from multiple victims. One particularly disturbing part of the report was the fact that almost half of all the victims interviewed reported that police officers participated in their abuse and victimization.

The corruption of members of the criminal justice system reported by the participants in the study was pervasive in their stories of being prostituted, the report noted.

The report found that the average age of those being trafficked is just 14-years-old, showing how early the abuse began.

One of the victims interviewed, who wished to remain anonymous for obvious reasons explained that the same people that are charging you for prostitution are the people turning around and buying it from you.

While the idea that police officers are abusing victims of sex trafficking may seem outlandish to some, it should come as no surprise to those whove been paying attention.

Police officers using their power to exploit human trafficking victims is a common thread among many cases. On multiple occasions, the Free Thought Project has reported interviews of former child sex trafficking victims whove all noted that they had nowhere to go as police and high-level politicians all participated in the abuse.

In case after case, the Free Thought Project reports on horrifying instances of child sex rings that were allowed to go on for decades because politicians  including heads of states  policemen, clergy, and others were all in on the sick game.

Read more at: TheFreeThoughtProject.com
(Natural News) A recent study conducted by Swedish researchers has found that mRNA Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccines weaken a persons immune system and increase their likelihood of developing cancer.

Researchers from Umea University in northeastern Sweden found that the SARS-CoV-2 full-length spike protein travels through the body of a person infected with the virus and suppresses his adaptive immunity.

Unlike innate immune responses, the adaptive responses are highly specific to the particular pathogen that induced them. They can also provide long-lasting protection. A person who recovers from measles, for example, is protected for life against measles by the adaptive immune system, wrote the study authors.

Clinical trial data involving COVID-19 vaccines previously found that the vaccines impair the production of white blood cells, a critical component of the bodys immune system. This investigation found a significant decrease in lymphocytes in people who have taken Pfizers mRNA COVID-19 vaccine.

Lymphocytes, like T cells and B cells, are types of white blood cells and are important parts of the immune system.

The fact that the Swedish researchers reported a loss of immune function associated with the invasion of the spike protein into the cell nucleus, combined with previous clinical trial data that found transient reductions in the number of white blood cells, may explain reports of increased COVID infections shortly after vaccination, wrote Lyn Redwood for Childrens Health Defense.

Immune suppression by the vaccines can lead to cancer

Clinical epidemiological data shows that the immunosuppressive effects of the mRNA COVID-19 vaccines can significantly increase a persons risk of getting cancer.

Lymphocytes, especially the T cells, are well recognized for the significant role they play in preventing cancer by their ability to attack and kill cancer cells before they spread.

The data shows that people injected with the mRNA vaccine can experience a temporary immune suppression or immune dysregulation that can last a week or even longer. Other research shows that the mRNA vaccines can reprogram adaptive and innate immune responses.

In particular, the vaccines downregulate the TLR4 pathway, which is known to play a crucial role in the immune systems response to infections and cancer cells. (Related: THE VACCINE-CANCER ATROCITY: Like clockwork, most vaccinated Americans will lose immune function by Christmas and start growing accelerated CANCER tumors that will kill them over the next ten years.)

This combination of factors means that if a vaccinated person has a tumor somewhere in his or her body  known or unknown  or if they have a predisposition to some type of cancer, a state of immune suppression or dysregulation induced by the vaccine could potentially trigger the sudden growth of the tumor or tumors in the weeks following vaccination.

The current scientific consensus is that the vaccines themselves do not contain any carcinogenic substances, but this claim needs to be properly investigated. The extent of the vaccine-induced tumor growth is also currently uncertain.

But the conclusions of the studies are supported by real-world evidence proving that there are already several thousand reports of vaccine-caused cancer.

Back in August, clinical pathologist Dr. Ryan Cole described a significant increase in certain types of cancer  including breast, ovarian, endometrial, prostate and pancreatic  since the beginning of the mass vaccination campaign in the United States.

More recently, German pathologists noted the sudden growth of tumors caused by post-vaccine immune dysregulation.

Listen to this Situation Update episode of the Health Ranger Report, a podcast by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, as he talks about how the COVID-19 swab tests have been found to contain alarming levels of ethylene oxide. This is a toxic gas used to sterilize medical equipment that can increase a persons risk of developing cancerous tumors.

This video is from the Health Ranger Report channel on Brighteon.com.

Learn more about the adverse effects of COVID-19 vaccines at Vaccines.news.

Sources include:

ChildrensHealthDefense.org

SWPRS.org

Brighteon.com
(Natural News) New Zealand has announced stricter measures for travelers as Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern decided to push back quarantine-free entry into the country until the end of February.

The new measures include a 10-day quarantine in managed isolation rooms, three days more than the previous seven-day self-isolation period. A Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) test is now required for travelers 48 hours before departing, instead of the usual 72 hours.

Under the original plan, fully vaccinated New Zealanders returning home from neighboring Australia would be allowed to self-isolate starting Jan. 17, 2022. With the new measures, many returning home for the holidays have delayed their reunion plans.

Chris Hipkins, the countrys COVID-19 response minister, defended the measures as necessary to protect New Zealanders from the threat of the omicron variant. Waiting until the end of February [2022] will increase New Zealands overall protection and slow omicrons eventual spread, he said.

Theres no doubt this is disappointing and will upset many holiday plans, but its important to set these changes out clearly today so [people] can have time to consider those plans. (Related: RESISTANCE IS FUTILE: New Zealand extends repressive COVID-19 lockdown to give government more time to vaccinate entire country.)

Following the announcement of the new protocols, spaces for hotel quarantine have quickly ran out  with tens of thousands of travelers having to fight for a room. Airlines have blocked travelers without a managed isolation and quarantine (MIQ) booking from boarding flights bound to New Zealand.

The New Zealand government canceled the latest batch of MIQ hotel rooms due to become available on Dec. 21, adding that the next batch will be available on Jan. 6, 2022. It said in an announcement posted online: We need to carefully manage capacity as more travelers spend longer [periods] in MIQ. This reduces available rooms in MIQ [for travelers].

The countrys flag carrier Air New Zealand also canceled several scheduled flights. A travel advisory for the airline read: Non-MIQ travel back to New Zealand for [citizens] in Australia will be delayed until the end of February and to the end of March for [those] further abroad. This means quarantine-free flights from Australia to New Zealand between Jan. 17 and Feb. 28, 2022 will be canceled, and a limited number of quarantine services will be released.

Returning home frowned upon, but joining orgies isnt

During the early days of the Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, New Zealand gained the worlds admiration for its quick response, which resulted in its zero-COVID status. However, the disease has recently entered the country  with 28 new COVID-19 cases recorded on Dec. 21. As of writing, omicron was reported to be behind 22 active COVID-19 cases in the country.

Despite this, Ardern announced in early December that intimate liaisons of up to 25 people would be permitted under a traffic light system. The prime minister confirmed this during a Dec. 3 interview on the evening news program Seven Sharp.

She told program hosts Hilary Barry and Jeremy Wells: I can confirm that Tinder liaisons have reopened. Its not strictly embedded in the traffic light system but  it is a given, up to 25 [persons] actually, in a red area.

Ardern appeared slightly uncomfortable as she shared this news to the program hosts, avoiding eye contact with the camera and laughing to herself. (Related: Covid-crazed Leader of New Zealand Jacinda Ardern announces that 25-person sex orgies can now resume safely.)

New Zealands traffic light system puts areas under three categories: Red, orange and green. Stringent health measures are in place in red areas, while those in orange have slightly relaxed restrictions. Majority of businesses are open under the green category, the most relaxed among the tiers.

Here is a video of Ardern confirming the resumption of Tinder liaisons with more than 25 participants.

This video is from the Real Free News channel on Brighteon.com.

MedicalFascism.news has more articles about New Zealands draconian COVID restrictions.

Sources include:

DailyMail.co.uk

SimpleFlying.com

TheFreeThoughtProject.com

Brighteon.com
(Natural News) Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak data from highly vaccinated Denmark suggests that the post-vaccine omicron variant is just being used as a cover for the failure of the vaccines.

The Danish government has been publishing extremely detailed daily data about COVID-19 infections and hospitalizations in the country. This includes information identifying the cases as caused by the original strain or by post-vaccine variants like delta and omicron.

According to the data, most new COVID-19 cases in Denmark occur in people who are vaccinated or have received booster doses. This is true for cases caused by the post-vaccine omicron variant and by the other variants.

Seventy-six percent of people in Denmark with non-omicron COVID-19 infections are fully vaccinated, while 90 percent of people with omicron infections are fully vaccinated.

Furthermore, of the nearly 600 people in Denmark currently hospitalized due to COVID-19, only 25 of them were hospitalized because of the omicron variant. Danish health authorities have refused to provide an exact number of omicron patients that are under intensive care, saying only that it is fewer than five. (Related: MISINFORMATION CENTRAL: Fake Denmark study and its reviews suggest if you already beat COVID naturally you STILL need clot shots.)

The data also shows that people infected with the omicron variant are significantly less likely to be hospitalized than those who were infected with the original strain or with post-vaccine variants. This is in line with what South African health authorities have been saying about omicron.

Danish health authorities have logged a record-breaking 13,558 new COVID-19 infections in the last 24 hours, with a majority of them being caused by omicron. But daily hospital admissions and deaths are far below the levels seen at the same time last year.

Danish government using omicron to push for more restrictions

Despite the data proving that Danish people should not fear omicron, this has not stopped the government from using the sudden influx of cases to reinstate lockdown measures.

The left-wing government of Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen announced new COVID-19 restrictions that went into effect on Sunday, Dec. 19.

Public venues like museums, movie theaters, concert halls, amusement parks and art galleries have been forced to shut down. All other stores that are smaller than 2,000 square meters (21,528 square feet), including restaurants, must limit the number of patrons allowed in their premises at any given time. Additionally, restaurants are now required to close by 11 p.m.

The Danish government is also advising people to restrict the number of people they meet over the holidays. It is also encouraging public and private companies to force employees to work from home as much as possible.

Frederiksen made it clear when she announced the new restrictions on Friday that this is not a full-fledged lockdown, but a partial one that is still necessary to contain the spread of COVID-19 in the highly vaccinated nation.

Our goal is still to keep as large sections of society open as possible, she said. We need to curb activity. We all need to limit our social contacts.

It would be irresponsible not to recommend new restrictions, said Director General Dr. Soeren Brostroem of the Danish Health Authority.

These restrictions will be added to Denmarks current mandate for everyone to wear face masks on public transportation and in shops. The government is also considering extending this mask mandate to include everybody inside places of worship and educational institutions.

Last year, Denmark was one of the first countries in Europe to shut down schools and non-critical government offices. It was also one of the first countries to impose limits on social gatherings.

In September, the government declared that the COVID-19 outbreak in Denmark was no longer to be considered a socially critical disease, claiming that the countrys high rate of vaccination helped it get to that point. Now, as more cases are reported despite the vaccination rate, it is clear that the COVID-19 vaccines did not protect the country against outbreaks.

According to the latest data, 80 percent of all Danes over the age of five are fully vaccinated. Eighty-four percent of people in the same age group have received at least one dose of the vaccine, and around 35 percent have received booster doses.

Listen to this episode of the Health Ranger Report, a podcast by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, as he talks about how the post-vaccine omicron variant will be used to justify more COVID-19 lockdowns. These renewed restrictions will bring about economic disasters such as shortages and supply chain failures.

This video is from the Health Ranger Report channel on Brighteon.com.

Learn the truth about omicron at Infections.news.

Sources include:

GlobalResearch.ca

Reuters.com

NewsWeek.com

NYTimes.com

Brighteon.com
(Natural News) Data from Pfizers confidential report disproved the official Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine narrative peddled by governments and Big Pharma that the vaccine is safe and effective at preventing severe illnesses. The report confirmed what numerous medical doctors and scientists have been saying about the devastating consequences of being injected with the mRNA vaccine.

Pfizers confidential report detailed the impacts of the vaccine on mortality and morbidity. The company was fully aware that the mRNA vaccine could cause a wave of serious health problems and deaths; its decision to push through with marketing the vaccine is tantamount to a crime against humanity.

Pfizer knew from the beginning that it was creating a killer vaccine. There had been no attempts made by governments so far to call for its withdrawal.

In February 2021, Pfizer already received over 1,200 reports of deaths caused by their vaccine and thousands more adverse events, including spontaneous abortions and cardiac disorders.

Pfizer vaccine will kill 117 children for every child it saves

When it comes to vaccinations, the number needed to vaccinate (NNTV) to prevent a single case, hospitalization, ICU admission or death is a standard way to measure its effectiveness. But the NNTV to prevent a single case is not very meaningful, considering that most people  children in particular  recover on their own.

In fact, a risk-benefit model shows that 5,248 children aged 5 to 11 will be killed by the Pfizers mRNA vaccine to save 45 children from dying of coronavirus. Thats equivalent to killing 117 children to save one.

However, NNTV is still important because it enables policymakers to evaluate tradeoffs between new drugs, a different existing drug or doing nothing. Big Pharma companies like Pfizer hate talking about NNTV when it comes to COVID-19 vaccines because the NNTV is so ridiculously high, it could not pass any honest risk-to-benefit analysis.

Ronald Brown, a health economist from Canada, estimated that the NNTV to prevent a single case is from 88 to 142.

This is quite optimistic as others calculated that the NNTV to prevent a single case is at 256. Using large data sets, German and Dutch researchers calculated the NNTV to be between 200 and 700 for the mRNA shot marketed by Pfizer. They went further and figured that the NNTV to prevent one death from COVID is  between 9,000 and 100,000 (95 percent confidence interval), with 16,000 as a point estimate.

With the NNTV to prevent a single case already so high and with significant adverse events from the vaccine averaging 15 percent nationwide, Pfizer and the Food and Drug Administration do not dare calculate these numbers.

Big Tech seems to be helping them on this front. Former New York Times investigative reporter Alex Berenson received a lifetime ban from Twitter for posting about bad outcomes in Pfizer clinical trials.

Estimating NNTV in children ages 5 to 11

For kids, the NNTV will likely even be higher as children ages five to 11 are at extremely low risk of death from COVID-19 in the first place.

In a meta-analysis combining data from five studies, it was found that the median infection fatality rate of children ages 0-19 is only 0.0027 percent, and even lower for children ages five to 11. Depending on the study one looks at, COVID-19 is slightly less dangerous or roughly equivalent to flu in children. (Related: FDA to authorize Pfizers deadly COVID-19 vaccine boosters for all adults, despite accelerating post-vaccine deaths.)

By Pfizers own admission, there was zero hospitalization, ICU admissions or deaths in the treatment control group of 2,300 children in the five to 11 age range. Thus, the NNTV in order to prevent a single ICU admission or death  according to the companys own data  is infinity.

Meaning, you could vaccinate every child in this age range and not prevent a single hospitalization, ICU admission or death.

Watch the video below to know why we should not let Big Government and Big Pharma vaccinate our children.

This video is from Tammy Cuthbert Garcia channel on Brighteon.com.

For more news about experimental jabs and their devastating side effects, visit Vaccines.news.

Sources include:

GlobalResearch.ca

DailyExpose.uk

Brighteon.com
(Natural News) Billionaire tech giant and CEO of Tesla and SpaceX Elon Musk recently said that wokeness and political correctness are the biggest threats to modern civilization.

Musk, the wealthiest man in the world, made these comments recently during an appearance on the podcast of conservative satirical news website The Babylon Bee.

Wokeness basically wants to make comedy illegal, said Musk. Do we want a humorless society that is simply rife with condemnation and hate, basically? It should be okay to be humorous.

At its heart, wokeness is divisive, exclusionary and hateful. It basically gives mean people  a shield to be mean and cruel, armored in false virtue.

Musk also talked about comedian Dave Chappelle, who faced extreme backlash over his recent Netflix special, The Closer, because he spoke openly about his views on transgender people and his experiences with a comedian who identified as trans. Critics called Chappelle transphobic for his comments and proceeded to gather supporters in an attempt to get the comedian canceled. In one instance, they even tried to prevent Chappelles old high school from honoring his achievements.

According to Musk, given the penchant of left-wing comedians to prioritize cancel culture and their woke agenda the day will come when they will have nobody else to cancel but themselves.

During the interview, Musk also criticized The Babylon Bees main rival, The Onion, another popular satirical news website. Musk said he used to be a huge fan of The Onion until it became politically correct.

Its gone the SNL [Saturday Night Live] direction, sort of leftist, he said. It will not really make fun of anything on the left. He pointed out that both The Onion and Saturday Night Live have heavily leaned left-wing in recent years and have introduced a lot of no-fly zones, or topics that they will refuse to cover or make jokes about.

I used to be a huge fan of SNL, but  I think they have some good stuff, but many, if not most SNL episodes, are kind of a moral lecture on why we are bad human beings instead of comedy, he said. They will beat on Ted Cruz 17,000 times and youre like, Ok, we get it.'

Musk added that he believes The Onion used to be fairer and more even-handed with the topics it satirized until it was infected by the woke mind virus, which he said is a very prevalent kind of mind virus and one that represented arguably one of the biggest threats to modern civilization.

Musk takes swipes at mainstream media, California Democrats

At the beginning of his interview with The Babylon Bee, Musk lamented the fact that California is no longer the land of opportunity it used to be. He said it has now become the land of over-regulation, over-litigation and scorn.

His interviewers agreed and said Californias Democratic leaders and left-wing policies have transformed it into the state it now is.

Gavin Newsom is U-Haul salesman of the year, joked Musk. This was referring to Californias supply chain crisis and the lack of available truck drivers to deliver goods out of the states heavily congested ports. It has led to more business owners renting and purchasing U-Haul trucks to get and deliver their own goods.

In a different part of the interview, one of the interviewers from The Babylon Bee joked that he could be on a real news organization like mainstream media outlet CNN instead of spending an hour with them. Musk laughed and said he wasnt perverted enough to be on CNN.

This is a clear reference to the recent firings of anchor Chris Cuomo and a senior producer who was arrested by the FBI for allegedly paying the mother of a nine-year-old to engage in illicit sexual acts with the child. (Related: My boy Chris: Social media posts reveal CNNs alleged pedo was close friends with Chris Cuomo.)

Watch this episode of InfoWars as Alex Jones delves deep into Musks comments regarding wokeness, political correctness and how they threaten modern civilization.

Watch more InfoWars videos on the shows official channel on Brighteon.com.

PoliticalCorrectness.news has the latest news about wokeness, political correctness and the woke mob.

Sources include:

InfoWars.com

ABCNews4.com

RepublicWorld.com
(Natural News) Facebook recently censored an article featuring an interview with a former Chinese virologist about the origins of the Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19). The whistleblower presented evidence that the virus really came from a lab.

Dr. Li-Meng Yan escaped to the United States after facing threats for talking about the origins of the virus in China. Last week, a publication shared an interview with Yan, who claims to have evidence that the virus was created in a research lab in Wuhan, China. She said that the virus was created with the approval of Chinas Peoples Liberation Army.

The article has been flagged by Facebook as having partly false information, and the social media website is not allowing it to be shared. In at least one case, Facebook removed the post entirely and left a message in its place, indicating a partly false status.

The post was fact-checked by Science Feedback, a self-claimed independent fact-checker that continues to propagate the lie that the virus causing COVID-19 most likely evolved in natural wildlife populations before spreading to humans. (Related: Big tech censorship collusion continues as Facebook follows Twitters lead and squelches interview with rogue Chinese scientist who says COVID-19 was engineered in a lab.)

This statement is contrary to Yans, who said: The virus actually does not come from nature. It came from the lab, the lab controlled by the Chinese Communist Party government and its military. The Chinese government has developed a novel bioweapon.

Partly false, missing context, says Facebook

In a recent update, however, Facebook feedback changed its rating from partly false to missing context. The social media site noted that their reviews dont dispute the conclusions made by public health authorities and the U.S. government, specifically with regard to how the coronavirus began to infect humans remaining unclear.

Yan also shared that documents from the Chinese military support her claims, adding that she was warned not to go public with her findings. Be silent, dont cross a red line. If not, you will [disappear], her supervisor at the University of Hong Kong told her early last year.

When the publication reached out to Facebook about the story, they blamed it instead on the fact-checker, stating: Just as all fact-checks, if you wish to issue a correction or dispute a rating, we ask that you please contact the fact-checking organization directly. Third-party fact-checkers apply their ratings independently from Facebook and are responsible for responding to appeals.

They also pointed to the Help Center to provide more information about the process.

This is not the first time that Yan was censored on social media. In September 2020, Twitter made the same move as Facebook when it suspended the scientists account after she exposed that the virus was created in a lab and was intentionally released.

Yan and other researchers posted a preprint of their study, which shows the virus was engineered in a laboratory and not a result of natural evolution.

This particular conspiracy around deliberate release from a laboratory has been doing the rounds throughout the pandemic. It has been rebutted several times already, said senior research fellow Michael Head, from the University of Southampton.

Ultimately, it could be damaging to public health if reported uncritically without looking at the wider evidence. If people are exposed to and then believe conspiracy theories, this will likely have a negative impact on efforts to keep COVID-19 cases low and thus there will be more death and illness than there needs to be.

Governments have not ruled out the real origins of COVID-19

Despite various claims about the origin of COVID-19, there is no settled agreement on that point. U.S. President Joe Biden, for instance, hasnt ruled out the true origins of the disease and has tasked the intelligence community with the responsibility of finding out the full story. However, the 90-day investigation remained inconclusive.

Bidens chief medical adviser and director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Anthony Fauci, came under fire from the members of Congress for funding the gain of function research at the Wuhan virology lab.

As early as February 2020, Fauci and other public-health officials played a pivotal role in shaping the views of key scientists whose published papers and public statements contributed to the shutting down of the legitimate discussion regarding the laboratory, which may have ignited the pandemic.

Just this week, Harvard University scientists told members of Parliament in the U.K. that it is reasonable that the virus could have been genetically engineered. Yan is not alone in her claims regarding the origin of the pandemic, but she remained brave enough to speak out despite Facebook and Twitter opting to censor her.

Listen to commentary related to this type of censorship from the video below:

The above video was taken from Z Golden Report, which airs on Brighteon.tv.

Read more about the ongoing issues regarding the Wuhan coronavirus at Pandemic.news.

Sources include:

ReclaimTheNet.org

TheHill.com

DailySignal.com
(Natural News) From October 2-4, 2020, the American Institute for Economic Research hosted a small conference for scientists to discuss the Covid-19 lockdowns. Just four days later, Dr. Francis Collins, the retiring Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), would call the three of the scientists in attendance fringe epidemiologists, in a directive he sent to Anthony Fauci and other senior staff of his agency. They were fringe epidemiologists because they had the temerity to ask whether the lockdowns of 2020 were effective. Those three, Martin Kulldorff of Harvard, Sunetra Gupta of Oxford, and Jay Bhattacharya of Stanford were simply doing what any good scientist would do: They were following the evidence.

(Article by Phillip W. Magness & James R. Harrigan republished from AIER.org)

They wrote the Great Barrington Declaration [GBD] as they parted company at AIER, posting it for all to see.

So why was Dr. Collins so intent on impugning these three scientists? Its hard to know exactly, mostly because any scientist worth his salt should have been happy to see further research being done. That is, after all, how ignorance is replaced by knowledge. But Collins was clearly in no mood to replace his own possible ignorance with any kind of knowledge. He was pretty sure he knew all he had to know; and this is one of the most dangerous positions a scientist can take.

In an email obtained by AIER through a Freedom of Information Act request, Collins told Anthony Fauci, CCing Lawrence Tabak, Deputy Ethics Counselor at NIH, that he wanted a quick and devastating published take down (sic) of the Great Barrington Declarations premises.

One wonders why he would CC the Deputy Ethics Counselor on this, given the trouble these people seem to have with ethics, but here they were in October of 2020. Fauci wrote that same night to let Collins know that there was already a devastating take down of the Great Barrington Declarationin that august scientific publication Wired.

Francis, Fauci wrote, I am pasting in below a piece from Wired that debunks [the GBD]. There, science reporter Matt Reynolds told us there was no scientific divide over herd immunity, but thats not the funny part. The funny part came when Reynolds declared quite confidently that we no longer had anything to worry about, as lockdowns were  as of October 2020  a thing of the past.

The problem [with the GBD] is that we arent in lockdown, Reynolds explained. [I]ts hard to find people who are advocating for a return to the lockdown we saw in March. When the Great Barrington Declaration authors declare their opposition to lockdowns, they are quite literally arguing with the past.

This Fauci-endorsed passage may be one of the worst takes of the entire pandemic. Less than a month later, lockdowns came roaring back with a vengeance.

Fauci wrote to Collins again the next day, this time referencing a breathless op-ed by Gregg Gonsalves, a public health professor at Yale, in The Nation. And here we arrive at yet another funny part. Gonsalves article was not exactly a critique of the Great Barrington Declaration. Instead, Gonsalves went after Martin Kulldorff, who in an interview with the leftist magazine Jacobin quite reasonably pointed out that the lockdowns hurt the poor more than most talking heads were willing to admit. Gonsalvess grievance was that by interviewing Kulldorff, Jacobin had broken the lockdown solidarity of other far-left websites including the Nation and the Boston Review.

By October 10, the lines were well drawn, and Fauci thrust himself into the middle of the media hootenanny that was clearly emerging. Collins emailed again to boast about calling the three scientists fringe in the Washington Post, although he told Fauci that their ongoing campaign to take down the GBD will not be appreciated in the W[hite] H[house]. The White House, Fauci retorted, was too busy with other things to worry about the GBD. There was an election to deal with, after all.

As the bedfellows became more strange, Gregg Gonsalves wrote directly to Collins, thanking him for his undiplomatic approach. For his part, Gonsalves became ever more hostile and profane, in his remarks on the GBD. This f*****g Great Barrington Declaration is like a bad rash that wont go away, Gonsalves tweeted, shortly before reaching out to Collins. A day earlier, the Yale professor also began promoting unhinged conspiracy theories about the GBD and AIER that traced to the blog of a former 9/11 Truther movement activist.

Some of the emails between Collins and Fauci sent in response to AIERs FOIA request have been redacted, but surrounding context makes it pretty clear that they were looking for a way to impugn the GBD further if it came up at the White House Covid Task Force meeting on October 16. That morning, Fauci emailed Deborah Birx, the White House Coronavirus Response Coordinator. He pressed the need for her to oppose the GBD, and set the stage for an attack on Scott Atlas, who was the most friendly champion of the GBD on the Task Force.

Fauci, it turns out, had to miss the October 16 task force meeting, though he likely breathed a sigh of relief when Collins emailed him two days later. Atlas did not take part in the [task force] meeting on Friday, Collins wrote, and the Great Barrington Declaration did not come up. Another partially-redacted email hints that Fauci celebrated this outcome. Atlass opposition to the lockdown faction on the task force is driving Deb [Birx] crazy, he continued.

Fauci and Collins were not done, though, in their campaign to take down the GBD scientists.

Our story picks up again in earnest on November 2, when Faucis chief of staff Greg Folkers replied to an email that was not made public in pursuance to AIERs FOIA request. It seems pretty clear, though, that Fauci asked Folkers for a list of sources that would allow him to argue effectively against the GBD. The emails subject line references a previous correspondence from Fauci as discussed, noting that Folkers had highlighted the three i found most useful (sic).

Multiple sources, and particularly Scott Atlass recently-published account of his time on the task force, have noted that Fauci often relies on aides to curate lists of sources in advance of his many media appearances. He seldom reads the scientific literature on Covid-19 himself, and instead arrives at meetings with staff-prepared talking points. It appears that Folkers email was an answer to one such request for talking points to attack the GBD scientists.

Note that Fauci frequently portrays himself as a staunch defender of science who stays above the political divide and remains outside of partisan debates. In light of that, you might expect that Folkers response to Faucis request would yield a small sample of scientific analysis on the logic behind lockdowns, even if only in a format bullet pointed by his staff. But youd be wrong. Folkers sent Fauci a list of seven political op-eds and articles opposing the GBD from popular media outlets.

So yeah. Science.

Read more at: AIER.org
(Natural News) Maternal and fetal specialist Dr. James Thorp revealed the medical tyranny in his profession to lawyer and Brighteon.TV host Tom Renz. The St. Louis-based physician said during the Dec. 21 episode of Lawfare with Tom Renz that medical boards are threatening doctors that do not stick to the approved narrative.

Renz said of his guest: Theres only a handful of them that have the courage to truly speak out. Dr. Thorp takes care of women and babies, or at least he tries to the best of his ability  despite a lot of people sticking their noses into his and his patients business.

Thorp described the medical extremism he has experienced under medical authorities such as the Federation of State Medical Boards (FSMB) and the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS). Were talking about an organization that controls the credentials of every physician in the U.S., he said.

Its like an echo chamber there, because youre hearing the talking points last year also mentioned by the mainstream media. Every single one of those [medical] boards came up and said If you dare misinterpret our data or spread misinformation, we will destroy your life, your career and your family.'

Thorp stood up to the medical boards despite being scared of the potential consequences.

Were all scared to death  and Ill include myself  [because] well be stripped of everything we worked for. But Im the only physician that has come out and challenged the board. Its unethical, immoral, illegal and unconstitutional. I will not stand and die, [and] they are not going to pull this off. Theres a lot of other physicians out there that are speaking against these organizations that I call cartels.

Renz agreed, saying: If they come after you or attack your license, I hope you take a very strong and aggressive stance on it. Were dealing with a number of doctors who are being attacked. Theyre doing it illegally and wrongfully, in my opinion.

The Lawfare host also has a message for corrupt medical board members. Bad faith means you know that what youre saying is untrue and youre doing it anyways. You cant, in bad faith, come after someone and attack something that they have a legal property interest in  such as [a medical] license. For them to come after it in bad faith opens these board members up for personal lawsuits against them in probably all states.

You want to do this in bad faith? You do it to someone thats my client, and Im suing you personally, Renz added.

Thorp advises against COVID-19 vaccine for pregnant women

The physician warned of the dangers that come with injecting pregnant women with the Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine. Theres absolutely zero safety data for the vaccine and pregnancy, he told Renz. (Related: STUDY: Covid vaccines kill nine out of 10 babies in first trimester of pregnancy.)

Thorp mentioned the presence of lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) containing SARS-CoV-2 messenger RNA (mRNA) in the vaccines, particularly those from Pfizer and Moderna.

Some of [the LNPs] might stay in the deltoid, but the rest is dispersed throughout the entire body. [They] cross the blood-brain barrier and [are] exposed to every cell. [The LNPs] cross the placenta [where] every single cell in the baby, including the babys brain, is exposed.

The death of a vaccinated elderly man attested to Thorps findings of the vaccine spreading beyond the injection site.

Back in June 2021, German researchers revealed that the 86-year-old man, who received one dose of Pfizers mRNA vaccine, had SARS-CoV-2 mRNA in different organs after an autopsy. His brain, lungs, kidney and heart were overrun with spike proteins from the vaccine that multiplied in his body and eventually killed him. (Related: Viral mRNA found in organs of deceased man vaccinated for COVID-19.)

He added that based on his conversations with experts, the vaccines have caused fetal malformations in children, permanently damaging them for life.

Thorp posted three questions regarding COVID-19 vaccination and pregnancy.

No. 1: Is the vaccination effective in pregnancy? No. With zero safety data, the vaccination has never proven to be effective in pregnancy. No. 2: Is vaccination safe in pregnancy? Absolutely not. Mothers [face a] two-fold increase of risk of death in infants. No. 3: Assuming this was a thing, is it necessary? No, its not necessary.

He concluded: Pregnancy is the most successful transplant, if you will, because a woman is carrying a baby inside her body  in her fetus. That is a completely separate human being. The immune system of the mother has to adjust in order to allow the child to grow.

Watch the full Dec. 21 episode of Lawfare with Tom Renz at the video below. Tune in to Lawfare with Tom Renz every Tuesday from 11:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Brighteon.TV.

MedicalTyranny.com has more about medical boards oppressing doctors who refuse to stick to the COVID narrative.

Sources include:

Brighteon.com

NaturalHealth365.com
(Natural News) According to an announcement linked below, the US military is rolling out a Spike Ferritin Nanoparticle COVID vaccine (SpFN) that they claim protects users against all strains of coronavirus. If the claim is true, the vaccine might work almost as good as a persons own immune system, which means that the US military has managed to create a vaccine that works almost as good as doing nothing at all.

Government spending on parade.

The announcement, published at Army.mil, explains:

Scientists in WRAIRs Emerging Infectious Diseases Branch (EIDB) developed the SpFN nanoparticle vaccine, based on a ferritin platform, as part of a forward-thinking pan-SARS strategy that aims to address the current pandemic and acts as a first line of defense against variants of concern and similar viruses that could emerge in the future.

In this context, pan means it works on everything. This is supposed to be a universal vaccine that treats all variants, now and in the future.

If true, this would make Pfizer and Moderna vaccines obsolete. Not that either one of those is actually a legitimate vaccine in the first place, of course. It has been clear from the very start that the purpose of Pfizer and Moderna vaccines was never to build immunity but rather to destroy immunity by hijacking the body and forcing it to manufacture spike protein nanoparticles  which are bioweapons.

From the announcement:

Pre-clinical studies published today in Science Translational Medicine indicate that the SpFN vaccine protects non-human primates from disease caused by the original strain of SARS-CoV-2 and induces highly-potent and broadly-neutralizing antibody responses against major SARS-CoV-2 variants

This is good news. If it works on non-human primates, they can administer it to Nancy Pelosi and whatever creatures are currently running the Pentagon itself.

On a serious note, however, the human body already has amazing nanotechnology that fights EVERY pathogen its called the immune system. And it works better than anything the military can possibly come up with. How do you activate the immune system to function better? Vitamin D.

The neat thing about vitamin D is that its dirt cheap, widely available and has a huge margin of safety for everyday use. It also helps the body regulate normal cell division, blood sugar, neurological function, kidney function and much more. Vitamin D is the single most affordable and effective nutritional intervention currently known to humankind, yet nobody in the Pentagon or the government  not Biden and not even Trump  will dare advocate for vitamin D because it isnt owned by Big Pharma.

Vitamin D cant turn pharma CEO creeps into overnight billionaires, in other words, so it gets almost zero mention in the corporate-controlled media. We cover vitamin D, of course, with hundreds of news stories. Check out VitaminD.news

They arent trying to save soldiers; theyre trying to exterminate them

Given that the Pentagon is now run by treasonous Marxists and communists who hate America, we can only conclude that this new SpFN synthetic biology vaccine technology is a more advanced kill switch to achieve the mass murder of active duty soldiers.

It will probably kill them slowly, over a few years, in order to avoid the mass deaths showing up in the short-term human trials the Army claims to be running. As we have already covered extensively, the spike protein nanoparticles from mRNA vaccines enter cell nuclei and suppress the NHEJ mechanism that repairs double strand breaks (DSBs) in chromosomes, caused by ionizing radiation. NHEJ stands for Non-Homologous End Joining and it is the primary DNA repair mechanism that maintains genetic integrity across all carbon-based lifeforms (including plants). Without NHEJ functioning, a person loses genetic integrity, resulting in mutations, cancer, inability to repair tissue, inability to generate red blood cells, infertility and so on.

Theres no doubt that the Army team working on this synthetic spike protein isnt testing its ability to suppress NHEJ. Why do they care when theres zero liability for the military when hundreds of thousands of soldiers die from cancer over the next decade?

Its all part of decimating the military in preparation for an invasion by China

Sadly, under the control of lunatic left-wing generals, the US military has shifted from defending America to destroying it. This is all driven by communist China, of course, which has ordered treasonous generals to mass murder US soldiers, clearing the way for a Chinese PLA invasion of the continental United States.

The vaccines are simply the weapon system to exterminate enough active duty soldiers so that Americas defenses will be largely nullified. Once that is accomplished, the invasion begins. This is how China coerced America into killing off its own active duty military soldiers before the invasion. Classic Sun Tzu, Art of War: The war is won or lost before it even begins, by reshaping the battlefield.

This isnt a conspiracy theory; its the publicly stated military posture of China and its top generals who have repeatedly called for invading and occupying America in order to acquire the farmland needed to keep Chinas population alive. (China cannot produce enough food domestically and must currently import food from all over the world.)

Watch my extensive interviews with JR Nyquist if youre interested in learning the truth about Chinas plans to conquer America. Here are a few:

Operation Warp Speed is actually an operation to exterminate Americans

Dont forget that President Trump launched Operation Warp Speed and bragged about using the US military to distribute and administer vaccines. That plan is still in place, and it almost certainly means the military will be invoked to go door-to-door, forcibly injecting people with death shots at gunpoint.

If you dont think that day is coming, you are an oblivious idiot. Every single thing youre seeing happen right now is something I publicly predicted years in advance: The medical kidnapping, forced quarantine centers, vaccine passports, mask mandates, medical censorship and all of it.

People like myself, Alex Jones and a few others have a near-perfect track record of calling all this in advance. What was considered a conspiracy theory five years ago is now a public reality.

All they need now is the release of a far more aggressive bioweapon followed by mass media hysteria and a call to silence or imprison all anti-vaxxers. In 2022, look for a new state of emergency to be declared, followed by an attempt at nationwide gun confiscation and gunpoint vaccine enforcement anywhere they can get away with it.

They likely wont be able to pull it off in rural areas and in red states like Texas and Florida, but theyll try it in New York, California, Colorado, New Jersey and other blue states. Anyone who goes along with it will likely be dead within a decade. The covid death camps will be ramped up across blue states, and exterminations will be under way well before the end of 2022.

Its a depopulation program, after all. Those who volunteer to be depopulated shall get their wish via the spike protein nanoparticle injections.

First rule of survival: Dont inject yourself with biological weapons

Learn more in todays uncensored Situation Update podcast:

Brighteon.com/9aea7c60-3448-463e-9330-76b00b2359f1

Learn more each day at the HR Report channel on Brighteon.com:

https://www.brighteon.com/channels/hrreport
GREENWICH  With a three-digit increase in new cases of COVID-19 across the Greenwich Public Schools, the superintendent announced the difficult decision had been made for Greenwich High School to start its December recess immediately.

The decision was in collaboration with health advisers, said the email sent by Superintendent Toni Jones to all GPS staff and families on Tuesday evening.

She cited a sharp rise in COVID positive cases as well as a shortage of non-teaching staff members, including custodians. According to the districts online COVID-19 tracker, there are seven cases among non-teaching staff members and four cases among service providers.

Since Monday, the district as a whole has reported 114 cases, many of those from GHS students and staff, Jones said Tuesday evening. The districts online COVID-19 tracker reports that there are 70 active cases at Greenwich High.

GHS will be the only school officially starting the December recess on Wednesday, she said. The District will continue to monitor all of our other buildings. We do not take this decision lightly, as we know how important it is for families who rely on our schools to be open.

In the email, Jones reminded parents that remote learning is not an option this year, per legislative action taken last year.

There were numerous attempts made over the past two days to gain permission from the Connecticut State Department of Education or governor to allow us the decision-making power to be remote so that the days would count instructionally if needed, Jones said. However, as of Tuesday evening, nothing has been granted. The two days missed for GHS will need to be made up at the end of the calendar school year unless there is some sort of action taken at the state level.

Greenwich High will be open from 9 a.m. to noon Wednesday for students and staff members who would like to get items they left at school, she said.

All after school activities and practices are canceled for Wednesday and Thursday as well, Jones said.

All other schools will be open on Wednesday and on Thursday, with early dismissal on Thursday for the last day of classes for 2021. Students and staff are slated to return to class on Jan. 3.

On Tuesday morning, the Greenwich Public Schools had hit another record as it reported 96 new cases of COVID-19, with 171 active cases impacting every school building in the district, according to the districts online tracker.

That number only increased as the day went on, totaling up to the 114 new cases that Jones reported Tuesday evening.

The school district had set a record last Friday, with 64 new cases, according to the tracker. The 96 cases as of Tuesday morning was the most new cases reported by the school district in a biweekly update since the pandemic began in March 2020.

A total of 399 cases of COVID-19 have been reported among students, teachers and other staff since classes started on Sept. 1 in Greenwich, according to the tracker. The spike in the local public schools reflects the growing number of cases seen across the state and the nation.

That brings the total for December so far to 245 cases of COVID-19 among students and staff, the largest one-month total in GPS this school year.

The 171 active cases is up from 104 active cases reported of COVID-19, with cases reported in every school building and the most at Greenwich High, according to the tracker.

All 15 school buildings are impacted by active cases of COVID-19: with 70 actives cases at Greenwich High; 15 at North Mianus; 13 at Central Middle; 11 at Riverside; 10 at Cos Cob; nine at Eastern Middle; eight at North Street; seven at Old Greenwich; six each at Glenville and Western Middle; five each at New Lebanon and Parkway; four at Julian Curtiss; and two each at Hamilton Avenue and the International School at Dundee.

Staff working at multiple schools are counted toward each schools total.

The district did not provide weekly totals for types of transmission  in school vs. family or activity vs. unknown, which usually listed.

As an explanation, there is a note that says: Please note that some details have been temporarily omitted to this tracker to allow time for the healthcare team to update their records.

Students were the largest affected group, with 149 reported among the 171 active cases in the district. The district also reported 11 cases among teachers, seven cases among non-teaching staff members and four cases among service providers, the district said.

Since the start of the school year, a total of 63 families in the district have reported multiple cases of COVID-19 affecting 138 individuals, according to the tracker.

The district says it updates the online tracker every Tuesday and Friday to keep the community informed on the pandemic. The district reported 65 cases in November, 29 cases in October and 58 cases in September.

For the 2020-21 school year, a total of 700 cases of COVID-19 were reported across the Greenwich school district.
Pastors Debra Sutter, left, and Michael Crosby with the tree Wednesday at First Mennonite Church in Urbana. The ornaments, which were given to them by the previous church at that location, designate Christian symbols through the years.
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).
Vaccine hesitancy is an endemic feature when discussing disease prevention and has long been an issue for seasonal influenza during the 2009 H1N1 pandemic.

Emerging research, published in the past decade has suggested that vaccine hesitancy has been increasing in recent years across the world, even among healthcare workers.

Social movements of public health vaccine opposition have become increasingly bigger and contributed to the increase in the percentage of the population, predominantly in the EU and USA, who have refused vaccination efforts in recent years.

Image Credit: Billion Photos/Shutterstock.com

What is vaccine hesitancy?

Vaccine hesitancy is defined as adelay in acceptance or refusal of safe vaccines despite availability of vaccine services by the World Health Organisation.

Causes of vaccine hesitancy are complex and related to several context-specific factors that change according to location and time and concerning different vaccines.

It is also influenced by sociodemographic contexts. According to the WHOs vaccine hesitancy model, the determinants of vaccine hesitancy are influenced by issues such as complacency, convenience, confidence.

Vaccine hesitancy contributes significantly to decreased rates of vaccination among populations and is a key challenge for public health in terms of containing infectious diseases and in pandemic prevention.

In 2019, the World Health Organisation named vaccine hesitancy among the top ten threats to global health.

Vaccine hesitancy has become increasingly relevant with the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly as combating the pandemic is hinged on high rates of vaccine uptake This is especially difficult in individualistic societies, where resistance to vaccination is particularly prevalent. To inform policymakers and produce successful intervention measures, it is necessary to understand the factors that contribute to vaccine hesitancy.

Vaccine hesitancy in the context of COVID-19

Following the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic in early 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) began a global campaign of prevention, early diagnosis, and treatment of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The development of a vaccine was considered as the unequivocal key factor that could completely resolve the COVID-19 pandemic.

Read more about the COVID-19 vaccines here

On December 11, 2020, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued the first emergency use authorization (EUA) for a vaccine for the prevention of COVID-19 in individuals over the age of 16. This EUA allowed the rollout of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine to be distributed in the EU as the first in the world.

How common is vaccine hesitancy?

Although there is no standardized tool available to measure rates of vaccine hesitancy, there have been several cross-sectional surveys conducted over the past two decades that have measured vaccine concerns using several sampling methods.

It is important to note that because of the lack of standardization, the ability to compare data over time and space is not possible. Surveys illustrate the highly context-specific factors that determine the respondents' data.

Surveys in 2021 revealed that between 50% and 60% of respondents worldwide would be willing to receive a COVID-19 vaccine, with wide variations across countries. The UK Household Longitudinal survey asked 12,035 participants (November 2020) how likely or unlikely would you be to take the vaccine? and responses varied according to ethnic background.

It was found that people of black ethnicity (72%), South Asians (42%), and mixed ethnicities (32%) show demonstrably higher rates of hesitancy compared to the overall response rate of 18%. Along with distinct differences between ethnic groups, there are increased rates of hesitancy amongst those living in deprived areas.

Similarly, vaccine hesitancy is greater among women, younger age groups, and people with a lower level of education. The data from this survey follows historical trends in the UK of decreased uptake of influenza, shingles, rotavirus, and pneumococcal vaccines among socioeconomically disadvantaged groups.

Moreover, vaccine hesitancy among healthcare workers is considered to be concerning due to their greater exposure to infections acquired in healthcare settings. This issue is particularly exacerbated in healthcare workers of ethnic minority backgrounds, who also comprise a high proportion of National Health Service (NHS) workers in the UK.

According to data from an NHS trust foundation, there are lower rates of COVID-19 vaccination in ethnic minority healthcare workers (70.9% in White workers versus 58.5% in South Asian and 36.8% in Black workers).

What are the causes of vaccine hesitancy?

The most salient factors related to vaccine hesitancy are structural and include:

Healthcare and socioeconomic inequalities and inequities

Lack of effective public health messaging

Unethical research involving ethnic minority groups as well as structural racism

Social disadvantages i.e., lower levels of education and access to high quality, accurate information

The growing spread of misinformation, disinformation, conspiracy theories, and rumors through online platforms

Barriers to access ability, including vaccine delivery time, location, and cost related to socio-economic inequalities and marginalization

A historically notable cause of vaccine hesitancy is the Wakefield study conducted in the UK which suggested a direct link between the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine and autism. This study has subsequently been disproven several times.

This resulted in widespread vaccine hesitancy and negative effects, one of which is the erosion of confidence in the safety of vaccines (in particular, the MMR vaccine), leading to marked decreased uptake in vaccination, and an outbreak of measles in the UK, as well as in some parts of Europe and the USA.

Effects of vaccine hesitancy

Vaccine hesitancy is known to harm vaccine demand, which in turn affects uptake and the level of coverage needed to contain outbreaks and control the spread of vaccine-preventable diseases. Vaccine hesitancy therefore directly impacts the success and effectiveness of immunization programs.

Vaccine hesitancy poses a danger to individuals and their dependents as well as society at large. Vaccine hesitancy reduces the level at which immunization coverage is maintained. Vaccine coverage is also needed so that its protection can be extended to those too young (new-borns), or too ill (e.g., immunocompromised individuals) to receive the vaccine themselves. This is called herd immunity.

The level of coverage required for head immunity in a community is usually high, for example, to prevent an outbreak of measles it is estimated to be at a coverage of 95%. If vaccine uptake is below this threshold for an extended period, an outbreak of measles is at high risk in the community.

In addition to the effects of the Wakefield study, another example of the effective vaccine hesitancy is illustrated by a fivefold increase in the incidence of polio in cases in Nigeria between 2002 and 2006. This resulted from a boycott of the oral polio vaccine due to the rumors and distrust of the government.

Due to the global scale of the challenger vaccine hesitancy, WHO recommended that it or its proxies should be constantly monitored; however, this requires the development of tools needed to detect and measure vaccine hesitancy.

References:

Robertson E, Reeve KS, Niedzwiedz CL, et al. Predictors of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in the UK household longitudinal study. Brain Behav Immun. doi:10.1016/j.bbi.2021.03.008.

Salmon DA, Dudley MZ, Glanz JM, Omer SB. (2015) Vaccine Hesitancy: Causes, Consequences, and a Call to Action. Am J Prev Med. doi:10.1016/j.amepre.2015.06.009.

Oduwole EO, Pienaar ED, Mahomed H, et al. (2019) Current tools available for investigating vaccine hesitancy: a scoping review protocol. BMJ Open. doi:10.1136/bmjopen-2019-033245.

The Pharmaceutical Journal. How to address vaccine hesitancy. Available at: https://pharmaceutical-journal.com/article/ld/how-to-address-vaccine-hesitancy. Accessed October 2021.

Troiano G, Nardi A. (2021) Vaccine hesitancy in the era of COVID-19. Public Health. doi:10.1016/j.puhe.2021.02.025.

Further Reading
A new study, published today by the University of Birmingham and UCL, adds further evidence to the importance of a booster vaccine for both carers and care home residents as they are encouraged to Get Boosted Now.

The Vivaldi study investigates the immune responses of staff and residents in long-term care homes who received a Pfizer booster vaccine. The results show up to a 12.3 fold increase in antibody response in residents without prior infection following their booster, reducing their risk of severe COVID-19 infections.

Where operationally viable, NHS England has requested vaccination centres offer priority access for frontline staff, including unpaid carers and social care staff, which includes access to queue management and priority lines. This makes it as easy as possible for anyone who is receiving or giving care, whether paid or unpaid, to get their booster this winter.

Staff may be asked to show a valid ID for priority access. Unpaid carers can use a letter issued to the care sector as proof of ID. Sites are also making reasonable adjustments for pregnant women, the clinically vulnerable, including those with learning disabilities and autism and Severe Mental Illness, as well as for their carers.

Minister for Care, Gillian Keegan said:

Our fantastic social care workforce have shown time and time again during this pandemic the lengths they will go to deliver high-quality care in the most challenging circumstances - showing true dedication and professionalism - and I can't thank them enough for all their hard work. We are calling on them to step up once again to come forward and protect themselves and those around them by getting boosted now, giving those they care for maximum protection over the winter. We're all in this together - please play your part."

The study assessed the original COVID-19 strain and the Delta variant. Data published by the UK Health Security Agency shows vaccine effectiveness against symptomatic infection is substantially reduced against Omicron with just two doses over time, but a third dose boosts protection back up to over 70%.

99% of older-adult care homes have now been visited to offer booster vaccinations to residents and staff. The final 1% will be visited by 24 December subject to no further COVID-19 outbreak within those care homes. However uptake is lower amongst staff with only 34% of staff and 30% of staff in younger adult care homes having taken up the offer mid-December and all are asked to come forward as soon as possible.

Appointments continue to be available over the festive period and every eligible adult can now book their jab online. Given some sites remain busy, the NHS is encouraging people to book to guarantee their slot.

The government recently announced 388 million of funding up to 31 March 2022, to support the care sector to put in place infection prevention and control measures over the winter period, including to increase COVID-19 and flu vaccine uptake among staff.

More than two thirds of people aged 18 and over and who are eligible have now received a booster, with over 29 million boosters administered.

Vaccination sites have been asked to operate 12 hours a day, seven days a week wherever possible and in every community there should be slots available at least 16 hours a day - with some sites extending to 24-hour operation to make it easier for people who work shift patterns.
When it comes to studying lungs, humans take up all the air, but it turns out scientists have a lot to learn from lizards.

A new study from Princeton University shows how the brown anole lizard solves one of nature's most complex problems -; breathing -; with ultimate simplicity. Whereas human lungs develop over months and years into baroque tree-like structures, the anole lung develops in just a few days into crude lobes covered with bulbous protuberances. These gourd-like structures, while far less refined, allow the lizard to exchange oxygen for waste gases just as human lungs do. And because they grow quickly by leveraging simple mechanical processes, anole lungs provide new inspiration for engineers designing advanced biotechnologies.

Our group is really interested in understanding lung development for engineering purposes. If we understand how lungs build themselves, then perhaps we can take advantage of the mechanisms mother nature uses to regenerate or engineer tissues." Celeste Nelson, the Wilke Family Professor in Bioengineering and study's principal investigator

While avian and mammalian lungs develop great complexity through endless branching and complicated biochemical signaling, the brown anole lung forms its relatively modest complexity through a mechanical process the authors likened to a mesh stress ball -; the common toy found in desk drawers and DIY videos. The study, published Dec. 22 in the journal Science Advances, is the first ever to look at the development of a reptile lung, according to the researchers.

The anole lung starts a few days into development as a hollow, elongated membrane surrounded by a uniform layer of smooth muscle. During development the lung cells secrete fluid, and as they do so the inner membrane slowly inflates and thins like a balloon. The pressure pushes against the smooth muscle, causing it to tighten and spread apart into fiber bundles that ultimately form a honeycomb-shaped mesh. Fluid pressure continues pushing the stretchy membrane outward, bulging through the gaps in the sinewy mesh and forming fluid-filled bulbs that cover the lung. Those bulges create lots of surface area where the gas exchange occurs. And that's it. The whole process takes less than two days and is complete within the first week of incubation. After the lizard hatches, air comes in at the top of the lung, swirls around the cavities, and then flows back out.

For engineers looking to crib nature's short cuts on behalf of human health, this speed and simplicity make for a radical new design paradigm. The study also breaks new ground for scientists to study reptile development in far greater detail.

When Nelson first started studying chicken lungs in the late 2000s, the conventional wisdom held "that chicken lungs were the same as mouse lungs were the same as human lungs," Nelson said. "And that's not true."

Eager to unsettle those assumptions, she guided her team to ask fundamental questions about how the lungs of different classes of vertebrates build themselves. "The architecture of the bird lung is just so incredibly different from that of the mammalian lung," Nelson said. For example, instead of a diaphragm, birds have air sacs embedded throughout their bodies that act as bellows.

To adapt the exquisite complexity of avian lungs for tools that could benefit human health, Nelson believed science needed to go even deeper. Nature had solved the gas-exchange problem with two radically different systems. How were they linked? And might there not be other systems, too? This led her team back in evolutionary time in search of a common origin. And there sat the reptile, doing what reptiles do so well: hiding in plain sight.

When Michael Palmer joined the lab as a graduate student, he took up the challenge of organizing this study -; quite literally -; from the ground up. Alligators proved too ornery. Green anoles refused to breed. After years of preliminary work, Palmer took a trip to Florida to capture wild brown anoles in late 2019. He and his colleague traipsed through the mud of a suburban park, turning over rocks and leaves along the edge of the woods. They used traps made of dental floss to capture around a dozen individuals and place them each in their own miniature vivarium. They then drove the animals from north Florida back to Princeton, where the University's veterinarians and animal resources staff helped the team establish a permanent anole facility.

That's when Palmer started looking at the eggs to map the organisms' lung development. Working with Andrej Kosmrlj, an assistant professor of mechanical and aerospace engineering, as well as graduate student Anvitha Sudhakar, Palmer used his observations to build a computational model of the lung and understand its physics.

"We were curious if we could learn anything about the basics of lung development from studying such a simple lung," said Palmer, who earned his Ph.D. in chemical and biological engineering earlier this year. He had seen evidence that smooth muscle played a sculpting role in other systems, but in this study he was able to observe how that worked directly.

"The lizard lung develops using a very physical mechanism," Palmer said. "A cascade of pressure-induced tensions and pressure-induced buckling." In less than two days, the organ goes from flat balloon to fully formed lung. And the process is simple enough that Palmer could use his computational model to build a working replica in the lab. While the engineered system didn't match the living system's full complexity, it got close.

The researchers cast the membrane using a silicone material called Ecoflex, commonly used in the film industry for makeup and special effects. They then encased that silicone with 3D printed muscle cells to create the same kinds of corrugations in the inflated silicone that Palmer had found in the living organ. They met technical barriers that limited their creation's verisimilitude, but in the end it was uncannily similar to the living organ.

Those humble backyard lizards had inspired a new kind of artificial lung and a framework that engineers can refine toward unknowable future ends.

"Different organisms have different organ structures, and that's beautiful, and we can learn a lot from it," Nelson said. "If we appreciate that there's a lot of biodiversity that we can't see, and we try to take advantage of it, then we as engineers will have more tools to tackle some of the major challenges that face society."
Since the onset of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, which is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), several genetically distinct variants of SARS-CoV-2 have emerged that are more transmissible and virulent than the initial SARS-CoV-2 strain.

Study: Context-specific emergence and growth of the SARS-CoV-2 Delta variant. Image Credit: Lightspring / Shutterstock.com

Background

In May 2021, the emergence of a new SARS-CoV-2 variant of concern (VOC) known as the Delta variant was announced by the World Health Organisation (WHO). The SARS-CoV-2 Delta variant was first detected in India during September 2020 and quickly became the dominant circulating strain by the Spring of 2021 in many countries around the world.

The Delta variant consists of 30 mutations in the genome that are associated with its increased transmissibility, immune evasion, and higher rates of hospitalization. Three significant mutations observed in the Delta variant include the P681R mutation in the furin cleavage site, L452R mutation in the receptor-binding domain (RBD), and the nucleocapsid mutation R203M.

By the time the Delta variant became the dominant circulating strain in the United Kingdom in May 2021, it was present in a heterogeneous landscape of prior immunity from infection and vaccination, as well as non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs).

A new study published on the preprint server medRxiv* examined SARS-CoV-2 genomes that were collected from several random samples during community-based COVID-19 testing in England between March 12 and June 15, 2021. In doing so, the researchers were interested in evaluating the effectiveness of policies that were implemented during this time to reduce international importations and how they contributed to the transmission dynamics of the Delta variant in England. The study also investigated the growth of the Delta variant in both England and the United States (U.S.).

About the study

The current study involved a collection of International (non-U.K.) sequences from GISAID, which were then combined with English sequences as of September 2021. Phylogenetic analyses were carried out to provide an overview of the global expansion of the Delta variant.

A wide range of data was collected for the study that included state-level incidence data from India, incidence data from England, travel history data, COVID-19 case count and vaccination data of the U.K., U.K. population data, state-level COVID-19 case count data of U.S., U.S. states population-level immunity, state-level population data from the U.S., global population data, as well as aggregated and anonymized human mobility data.

Finally, estimated importation intensity (EII), estimated exportation intensity (EEI), and estimated local human mobility intensity values were calculated.

Study findings

The results indicated that out of all the international introductions of the Delta variant to England, approximately half originated from India. The majority of the Delta genomes could be traced back to having been introduced before the implementation of mandatory hotel quarantine for people arriving from India.

The EII of the Delta variant to England from India increased significantly in April 2021, following an increase in Delta cases in India, and remained high until May 2021. However, after May 2021, importations from other countries aside from India led to a dominated importation of Delta cases in England.

Emergence and rapid geographic expansion of Delta: a) time-calibrated phylogenetic reconstruction of Delta based on 1,000 sequences subsampled from 93,649 sequences from 100 countries (52,992 from England). The tree was split in 3 subtrees (n=28,783, 28,715, and 36,151 sequences) prior to full analysis. The roots of these 3 subtrees, and of lineage AY.4 are labeled. Lineage colors represent the inferred countries and/or regions where transmission occurred. b) Number of sequenced cases of Delta per week in India, England, and the rest of the world. c) Time-varying proportion of sequenced reported positive cases in India and England (solid lines, n = 52,992 sequences are from England, corresponding to 84% of all sequences from the UK) and the proportion of sequenced cases classified as Delta in India and England (dashed lines).

Although hotel quarantine policies were implemented, several additional factors contributed to the onward transmission of this variant within England. For example, a separate terminal for arrivals from mandatory quarantine countries was not opened at airports in the U.K. until June 1, 202. Furthermore, individuals could become infectious and transmit the infection after leaving quarantine, individuals could infect others through connecting flights, and exemptions to hotel quarantine existed.

The results reported that the importations of the Delta variant increased due to the relaxation of social distancing regulations in England. Several lineages of Delta were found to circulate in England such as lineage I, which was sampled mostly in Greater Manchester and Lancashire, lineage II, which was distributed in North West England, lineage III in Greater London and the South East, and lineage V in Bedfordshire.

Delta growth rates were also found to vary across different locations and weeks in England due to heterogeneous levels of mobility and mixing, both local and regional, as well as higher international importations. However, vaccination rates had no major role in the local variation in Delta growth rates in England. In the case of the United States, where levels of immunity through infection and vaccination varied, higher baseline local immunity levels were found to be associated with a higher overall growth of Delta.

Introductions and regional dynamics of Delta transmission lineages. a) Number of independent introductions per UTLA in England based on continuous phylogeographic analysis of all Delta transmission lineages with >5 sequences. b) Trends in aggregate human mobility and the number of virus lineage movements among postcode districts. Letters denote stages of lockdown easing: A (2021- 03-08) schools reopen and limited mixing between households outdoors permitted; B (2021-03-29) Stay at home directive lifted, more outdoor mixing allowed (up to six people from two households; C (2021- 04-12) non-essential retail re-opened, outdoor dining permitted, holiday lets and campsites re-open; D (2021-05-17) indoor hospitality opens, indoor mixing permitted. c) Proportion of virus lineage movements between postcodes >25 km apart: y-axis denotes the proportion of movements that are less than or equal to the value on the x-axis. This is shown for movements before lockdown easing on 12th April (blue), between 12th April and 17th May (yellow) and after 17th May (red). d) Virus lineage movements inferred by continuous phylogeographic analysis for four large transmission lineages (see transmission lineages IV-VII in Extended Data Fig. 5). Direction of lineage movement is anti-clockwise, and dots represent the start and end points of movement, coloured by inferred date. The size and inferred TMRCA of each lineage is shown below each map.

Conclusions

The current study, therefore, demonstrates that higher Delta growth rates were positively associated with levels of local mixing in England, as well as levels of population immunity and vaccination in the United States. However, the existence or magnitude of NPIs must be maintained in order to provide relief to the healthcare burden of the Delta variant.

Further research must be carried out to assess the factors that are conducive to the spread of SARS-CoV-2 variants in particular contexts so that appropriate responses could be planned promptly and appropriately.

*Important notice

medRxiv publishes preliminary scientific reports that are not peer-reviewed and, therefore, should not be regarded as conclusive, guide clinical practice/health-related behavior, or treated as established information.
A newly discovered species of antibiotic-resistant bacteria has been named after the academic institute where it was identified  the John Innes Centre.

Enterococcus innesii, was discovered by researchers investigating the gut microbiome of the Greater Wax Moth, Galleria mellonella. The moth is a pest of beehives and because it has a similar immune system to mammals is used as a scientific model to simulate the human gut.

Postgraduate researcher Harriet Gooch who discovered the new bacteria said: "It was a bit of a surprise because I wasn't expecting to find a new species. Once I realised this was a new species of Enterococcus it made sense to name it after the research institute where I work."

Researchers were working to isolate bacterial strains from colonies found in the digestive tracts of moth larvae. Harriet explains, "We were looking at what species were in the gut and what role they might be playing; it was known that the gut of Galleria mellonella larvae was generally dominated by enterococci but not always the same species. I wanted to see what bacteria were in the gut of the larvae I was using and what relevant genes they might have."

Comparative whole-genome sequencing, coupled with observation of traits such as growth and metabolism, revealed the strain was an entirely new species within the Enterococcus genus.

Enterococcus innesii joins 59 species of enterococci already known to science, 14 of them discovered in the past five years.

Enterococci commonly cause hospital-acquired infections including two species, E. gallinarum and E. casseliflavus, which are closely related to E. innesii.

This discovery could have a significant research impact because experiments reveal that Enterococcus innesii has a gene that confers resistance to the antibiotic vancomycin, which may be unique to this species. Understanding how this gene is regulated may help future research into how the bacterium evolves resistance to antibiotics.

We have found that E. innesii carries a gene that makes the bacterium resistant to the antibiotic vancomycin. This same gene has also been found in other species of Enterococcus that have been associated with human infections. This highlights the importance of 'hunting' for antibiotic resistance genes in a broader range of enterococci including those from environmental and animal sources." Dr Raymond Kiu, Quadram Institute

Vancomycin resistance is a growing issue when it comes to hospital-acquired Enterococcus infections. The research team say the new species may be a cause of hospital- acquired infections as it has genetic similarity to infective bacteria previously studied in the human gut.

Further work will focus on exploring how Galleria larvae and this new species along with other enterococci behave as commensals - biological relationships in which one party benefits but with no harm to the other.

This research is a collaboration between the John Innes Centre, Quadram Institute Bioscience, and Technical University of Munich.
Owen Loney's surprise bill resulted from an emergency appendectomy in 2019 at a Richmond, Virginia, hospital.

Insurance covered most of the cost of the hospital stay, he said. He didn't pay much attention to a bill he received from Commonwealth Anesthesia Associates and expected his insurance to cover it. A few months ago, he got a notice that Commonwealth was suing him in Richmond General District Court for $1,870 for putting him under during the surgery, court records show.

"Wow, seriously?" the 30-year-old information technology manager recalled thinking after getting the court summons. Loney didn't have that kind of money at hand. His plan was to try to negotiate down the amount or "take out another credit card to pay for it."

Loney's is a classic, notorious type of surprise bill that Congress and activists have worked for years to eliminate: an out-of-network charge not covered by insurance even though the patient had an emergency procedure or sought care at an in-network hospital thinking insurance would cover most charges.

Commonwealth said it was in-network for Loney's insurer, UnitedHealthcare. But the insurer rejected the anesthesiology charge because it said his primary care doctor was out of network, claims records show.

The federal No Surprises Act, passed at the end of 2020, has been hailed by consumer advocates for prohibiting such practices. Starting Jan. 1, medical companies in most cases cannot bill patients more than in-network amounts for any emergency treatment or out-of-network care delivered at an in-network hospital.

But as much as the legislation is designed to protect millions of patients from unexpected financial consequences, it will hardly spare all consumers from medical billing surprises.

"It's great that there will be surprise billing protections  but you're still going to see lawsuits," said Zack Cooper, an economist and associate professor at the Yale School of Public Health. "This is by no means going to get rid of all of the problems with billing."

The law will kick in too late for Loney and many others saddled with surprise out-of-network bills in states that don't already ban the practice.

"It doesn't prohibit surprise bills that are happening now in states that don't have protections" against them, said Erin Fuse Brown, a law professor at Georgia State University who studies hospital billing. "And it doesn't prohibit collection activity for surprise bills that arose prior to January."

Virginia's surprise-bill protection law took effect only this year and doesn't apply to self-insured employer health plans, which cover a large portion of residents.

The federal legislation also does nothing to reduce another kind of unpleasant, often surprising bill  large, out-of-pocket payments for in-network medical care that many Americans can't afford and might not have realized they were incurring.

Two substantial changes in recent years shifted more risk to patients. Employers and other payers narrowed their provider networks to exclude certain high-cost hospitals and doctors, making them out of network for more patients. They also drastically increased deductibles  the amount patients must pay each year before insurance starts contributing.

The No Surprises Act addresses the first change. It does nothing to address the second.

For a snapshot of the past and future of surprise and disputed medical bills, KHN examined Commonwealth's lawsuits against patients in central Virginia and attended court hearings where patients contested their bills.

"The whole thing with insurance not covering my bills is a headache," said Melissa Perez-Obregon, a Richmond-area dance teacher whom Commonwealth sued for $1,287 over services she received during the 2019 birth of her daughter, according to court records. Her insurance paid most but not all of a $5,950 anesthesia charge, billing records show.

"I'm a teacher," she said, standing in the lobby at Chesterfield County General District Court. "I don't have this kind of extra money."

Commonwealth is one of the more active creditors seeking judgments in the Richmond area, court records show. From 2019 through 2021, it filed nearly 1,500 cases against patients claiming money owed for treatment, according to the KHN analysis of court filings.

In numerous cases, it initiated garnishment proceedings, in which creditors seize a portion of patients' wages.

Describing itself as "the largest private anesthesiology practice in Central Virginia," Commonwealth said it employs more than 100 clinicians who care for roughly 55,000 patients a year in hospitals and surgery centers, mostly in the Richmond area.

Commonwealth said more than 99% of the patients it treats are members of insurance plans it accepts. It garnishes wages only as a "last resort" and only if the patient has the ability to pay, Michael Williams, Commonwealth's practice administrator, said in a written statement.

"Over the past three years we have filed suit to collect from just over 1% of our patients," mostly for money owed for in-network deductibles or coinsurance, Williams said. Nearly half the bills are settled before the court date, he said.

Gwendolyn Peters, 67, said she was shocked to receive a court summons this summer. Commonwealth was suing her for $1,000 for anesthesia during a lumpectomy for breast cancer in 2019, according to court records.

"This is the first time I have ever been in this situation," she said, sitting in the Chesterfield court with half a dozen other Commonwealth defendants.

Because patients typically have little or no control over who puts them under, Brown said, anesthesiologists face less risk to their businesses and reputations than other medical specialists do in using aggressive collections tactics.

The specialty is often "one of the worst offenders because they don't depend on their reputation to get patients," she said. "They're not going to lose business because they engage in these really aggressive practices that ruin their patients' finances."

The average annual deductible for single-person coverage from job-based insurance has soared from $303 to $1,434 in the past 15 years, according to KFF. Deductibles for family coverage in many cases exceed $4,000 a year. Coinsurance  the patients responsibility after the deductible is met  can add thousands of additional dollars in expenses.

That means millions of patients are essentially uninsured for care that might cost them a substantial portion of their income. Surveys have repeatedly found that many consumers say they would have trouble paying an unexpected bill of even a few hundred dollars.

Loney's insurer, UnitedHealthcare, agreed to pay the bill from Commonwealth for his emergency appendectomy after being contacted by KHN and saying it "updated" information on the claim. Otherwise, Loney said, he couldn't have paid it without borrowing money.

In Richmond-area courthouses, hearings for Commonwealth lawsuits take place every few months. A lawyer for the anesthesiology practice attends, sometimes making payment arrangements with patients. Many defendants don't show up, which often means they lose the case and might be subject to garnishment.

Commonwealth sued retiree Ronda Grimes, 66, for $1,442 for anesthesia claims her insurance didn't cover after a 2019 surgery, billing and legal records filed in Richmond General District Court show.

"That's a lot of money, especially when you have health insurance," she said.

New research by Cooper and colleagues examining court cases in Wisconsin shows that medical lawsuits are disproportionately filed against people of color and people living in low-income communities.

"Physicians are entitled to get paid like everyone else for their services," Cooper said. But unaffordable, out-of-pocket medical costs are "a systemic issue. And this systemic issue generally falls on the backs of the most vulnerable in our population."

For uninsured patients, Commonwealth matches any financial assistance given by the hospital and will be "enhancing" its financial assistance program in 2022, Williams said.

Two of the nine people being sued by Commonwealth and interviewed by KHN at courthouse hearings were Hispanic. Four were Black.

One was Darnetta Jefferson, 61, who underwent a double mastectomy in early 2020 and came to court wearing a cancer-survivor shirt. Commonwealth sued her for $836 it said she owed in coinsurance for anesthesia she was given during the surgery. Commonwealth's lawyer agreed to drop the lawsuit if she agreed to pay $25 a month toward the balance until it's paid, she said.

"If I ever have some extra money to pay it off someday, I will," said Jefferson, who worked at Ukrop's supermarket for many years before her cancer forced her to go on disability. "But right now, my circumstances are not looking good.

Although she is living on a reduced income, her rent just went up again, said Jefferson, who also survived lung cancer diagnosed in 2009. Rent now runs close to $1,000 a month.

Paying Commonwealth's bill in monthly $25 increments, she said, means "it's going to be a long way to go."
One by one, the nurses taking care of actress Judi Evans at Riverside Community Hospital kept calling out sick.

Patients were coughing as staffers wheeled the maskless soap opera star around the California hospital while treating her for injuries from a horseback fall in May 2020, Evans said.

She remembered they took her to a room to remove blood from her compressed lung where another maskless patient was also getting his lung drained. He was crying out that he didn't want to die of covid.

No one had told her to wear a mask, she said. "It didn't cross my mind, as I'm in a hospital where you're supposed to be safe."

Then, about a week into her hospital stay, she tested positive for covid-19. It left the 57-year-old hospitalized for a month, staring down more than $1 million in bills for treatment costs and suffering from debilitating long-haul symptoms, she said.

Hospitals, like Riverside, with high rates of covid patients who didn't have the diagnosis when they were admitted have rarely been held accountable due to multiple gaps in government oversight, a KHN investigation has found.

While a federal reporting system closely tracks hospital-acquired infections for MRSA and other bugs, it doesn't publicly report covid caught in individual hospitals.

Medicare officials, tapped by Congress decades ago to ensure quality care in hospitals, also discovered a gaping hole in their authority as covid spread through the nation. They could not force private accreditors  which almost 90% of hospitals pay for oversight  to do targeted infection-control inspections. That means Riverside and nearly 4,200 other hospitals did not receive those specific covid-focused inspections, according to a government watchdog report, even though Medicare asked accreditors to do them in March 2020.

Seema Verma, former chief of Medicare and Medicaid under President Donald Trump, said government inspectors went into nearly every nursing home last year. That the same couldn't be done for hospitals reveals a problem. "We didn't have the authority," she told KHN. "This is something to be corrected."

KHN previously reported that at least 10,000 patients nationwide were diagnosed with covid in hospitals last year after being admitted for something else  a sure undercount of the infection's spread inside hospitals, since that data analysis primarily includes Medicare patients 65 and older.

Nationally, 1.7% of Medicare inpatients were documented as having covid diagnosed after being admitted for another condition, according to data from April through September 2020 that hospitals reported to Medicare. CDIMD, a Nashville-based consulting and data analytics company, analyzed the data for KHN.

At Riverside Community Hospital, 4% of the covid Medicare patients were diagnosed after admission  more than double the national average. At 38 other hospitals, that rate was 5% or higher. All those hospitals are approved by private accreditors, and 29 of them hold "The Gold Seal of Approval" from their accreditor.

To be sure, the data has limitations: It represents a difficult time in the pandemic, when protective gear and tests were scarce and vaccines were not yet available. And it could include community-acquired cases that were slow to show up. But hospital-employed medical coders decide whether a case of covid was present on admission based on doctors' notes, and are trained to query doctors if its unclear. Some institutions fared better than others  while the American public was left in the dark.

Spurred by serious complaints, federal inspectors found infection-control issues in few of those 38 hospitals last year. In Michigan, inspectors reported that one hospital "failed to provide and maintain a sanitary environment resulting in the potential for the spread of infectious disease to 151 served by the facility." In Rhode Island, inspectors found a hospital "failed to have an effective hospital-wide program for the surveillance and prevention" of covid.

KHN was able to find federal inspection reports documenting infection-control issues for eight of those 38 hospitals. The other 30 hospitals around the country, from Alabama to Arizona, had no publicly available federal records of infection-control problems in 2020.

KHN found that even when state inspectors in California assessed hospitals with high rates of covid diagnosed after admission, they identified few shortcomings.

The American public thinks someone is watching over them," said Lisa McGiffert, co-founder of the Patient Safety Action Network, an advocacy group. "Generally they think someone's in charge and going to make sure bad things don't happen. Our oversight system in our country is so broken and so untrustworthy.

The data shows that the problem has deadly consequences: About a fifth of the Medicare covid patients who were diagnosed after admission died. And it was costly as well. In California alone, the total hospital charges for such patients from April through December last year was over $845 million, according to an analysis done for KHN by the California Department of Health Care Access and Information.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has pledged funding for increased infection-control efforts  but that money is not focused on tracking covid's spread in hospitals. Instead, it will spend $2.1 billion partly to support an existing tracking system for hospital-acquired pathogens such as MRSA and C. diff.

The CDC does not currently track hospital-acquired covid, nor does it plan to do so with the additional funding. That tracking is done by another part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, according to Dr. Arjun Srinivasan, associate director for the CDC's health care-associated infection-prevention programs. But it's not made public on a hospital-by-hospital basis. HHS officials did not respond to questions.

Hospital Oversight Under Scrutiny Play

The scene at Riverside

In March 2020, Evans was alarmed by nonstop TV footage of covid deaths, so she and her husband locked down. They hadn't been going out much, anyway, since losing their only child at the end of 2019 to another public health crisis  fentanyl.

At the time, concerns about covid were mounting among the staff at Riverside Community Hospital, a for-profit HCA Healthcare facility.

The hospital's highly protective N95 masks had been pulled off the supply room shelves and put in a central office, according to Monique Hernandez, a shop steward for her union, Service Employees International Union Local 121RN. Only nurses who had patients getting aerosol-generating procedures such as intubation  which were believed at the time to spread the virus  could get one, she said.

She said that practice left the nurses on her unit with a difficult choice: either say you had a patient undergoing such procedures or risk getting sick.

Nurse unions were early adopters of the notion  now widely accepted  that covid is spread by minuscule particles that can linger in the air. Studies since have matched the genetic fingerprint of the virus to show that covid has spread among workers or patients wearing surgical masks instead of more protective masks like N95s.

On April 22, 2020, Hernandez and other nurses joined a silent protest outside the hospital where they held up signs saying "PPE Over Profit." By that time, the hospital had several staff clusters of infection, according to Hernandez, and she was tired of caregivers being at risk.

In a statement, Riverside spokesperson David Maxfield said the hospital's top priority has been to protect staff "so they can best care for our patients."

"Any suggestion otherwise ignores the extensive work, planning and training we have done to ensure the delivery of high-quality care during this pandemic," he said.

In mid-May, Judi Evans' husband coaxed her into going horseback riding  one of the few things that brought her joy after her son's death. On her second day back in the saddle, she was thrown from her horse. She broke her collarbone and seven ribs, and her lung was compressed. She was taken to Riverside Community Hospital.

There, many of her nurses wore masks they had previously used, Evans recalled. Other staffers came in without any masks at all, she said. A few days in, she said, one of the doctors told her it's crazy that the hospital was testing her for MRSA and other hospital infections but not covid.

Maxfield said that the hospital began enforcing a universal mask mandate for staff and visitors on March 31, 2020, and, "in line with CDC, patients were and are advised to wear masks when outside their room if tolerated." He stressed "safety of our patients and colleagues has been our top priority."

After about a week in the hospital, Evans said, she spiked a fever and begged for a covid test. It was positive. There is no way to know for certain where or how she got infected but she believes it was at Riverside. Covid infections can take two to 14 days from exposure to show symptoms like a fever, with the average being four to five days. According to CDC guidance, infection onset that occurs two days or more after admission could be "hospital-associated."

Doctors told her they might have to amputate her legs when they began to swell uncontrollably, she said.

"It was like being in a horror film  one of those where everything that could go wrong does go wrong," Evans said.

She left with over $1 million in bills from a month-long stay  and her legs, thankfully. She said she still suffers from long-covid symptoms and is haunted by the screams of fellow patients in the covid ward.

By the end of that year, Riverside Community Hospital would report that 58 of its 1,649 covid patients were diagnosed with the virus after admission, according to state data that covers all payers from April to December.

That's nearly three times as high as the California average for covid cases not present on admission, according to the analysis for KHN by California health data officials.

"Based on contact tracing, outlined by the CDC and other infectious disease experts, there is no evidence to suggest the risk of transmission at our hospital is different than what you would find at other hospitals," Maxfield said.

A lawsuit filed in August by the SEIU-United Healthcare Workers West on behalf of the daughter of a hospital lab assistant who died of covid and other hospital staffers says the hospital forced employees to work without adequate protective gear and while sick and "highly contagious."

The hospital "created an unnecessarily dangerous work environment," the lawsuit claims, "which in turn has created dangerous conditions for patients" and a "public nuisance."

Attorneys for Riverside Community Hospital are fighting the ongoing lawsuit. "This lawsuit is an attempt for the union to gain publicity, and we have filed a motion to end it," said Maxfield, the hospital spokesperson.

The hospital's lawyers have said the plaintiffs got covid during a spike in local cases and are only speculating that they contracted the virus at the hospital, according to records filed in Riverside County Superior Court.

They also said in legal filings that the court should not step into the place of "government agencies who oversee healthcare and workplace safety" and "handled the response to the pandemic."

'A shortcoming in the oversight system'

Decades ago, Congress tasked Medicare with ensuring safe, quality care in U.S. hospitals by building in routine government inspections. However, hospitals can opt to pay up to tens of thousands of dollars per year to nongovernmental accreditors entrusted by CMS to certify the hospitals as safe. So 90% do just that.

But these accrediting agencies  including the Joint Commission, which certified Riverside  are private organizations. Thus they are not required to follow CMS' directives, including the request in a March 20 memo urging the accrediting agencies to execute targeted infection-control surveys aimed at preparing hospitals for covid's onslaught.

And so they didn't send staffers to survey hospitals for the specialized infection-control inspections in 2020, according to a June 2021 Health and Human Services Office of the Inspector General report.

Riverside, despite allegations of lax practices, holds The Gold Seal of Approval from the Joint Commission, which last inspected the hospital on-site in May 2018 before going in on Nov. 19 this year.

The inspector general's office urged CMS to pursue the authority to require special surveys in a health emergency  lest it lose control of its mission to keep hospitals safe.

"CMS could not ensure that accredited hospitals would continue to provide quality care and operate safely during the COVID-19 emergency," and could not ensure it going forward, the report said.

"We're telling CMS to do their job," the report's author, Assistant Regional Inspector General Calvin Jones, said in an interview. "The covid experience really showed a shortcoming in the oversight system."

CMS spokesperson Raymond Thorn said the agency agrees with the report's recommendation and will work on a regulation after the public health emergency ends.

Accrediting agencies, however, pushed back on the inspector general's findings. Among them: DNV Healthcare USA Inc. Its director of accreditation, Troy McCann, said there was not a gap in oversight. Although he said travel restrictions limited accreditors ability to fly across state lines, his group continued its annual reviews after May 2020 and incorporated the special focus on infection control into them. "We have a strong emphasis, always, on safety, infection control and emergency preparedness, which has left our hospitals stronger," McCann said.

Angela FitzSimmons, spokesperson for the Accreditation Commission for Health Care, said that the accrediting organization's surveys typically focus on infection control, and the group worked during the pandemic to prioritize hospitals with prior issues in the area of infection prevention.

"We did not deem it necessary to add random surveys that would occur at a cost to the hospital without just cause," FitzSimmons said.

Maureen Lyons, a spokesperson for the Joint Commission, told KHN that, after evaluating CMS guidance, the nonprofit group decided it would incorporate the infection-control surveys into its surveys done every three years and, in the meantime, provide hospitals with the latest federal guidance on covid.

"Hospitals were operating in extremis. Thus, we collaborated closely with CMS to determine optimal strategies during this time of emergency," she said.

The Joint Commission cited safety issues for its inspectors, who travel to the hospitals and need proper protective equipment that was running low at the time, as part of the reason for its decision.

Verma, the CMS administrator at the time, pushed back on accreditors' travel safety concerns, saying that "narrative doesn't quite fit because the state and CMS surveyors were going into nursing homes."

Though Verma cautioned that hospitals were overwhelmed by the crush of covid patients, "doing these inspections may have helped hospitals bolster their infection-control practices," she said. "Without these surveys, we really have no way of knowing."

'Immediate jeopardy'

Medicare inspectors can go into a privately accredited hospital after they get a serious complaint. They found alarming circumstances when they visited some of the hospitals with high rates of covid diagnosed after a patient was admitted for another concern last year.

At Levindale Hebrew Geriatric Center and Hospital in Baltimore, the July 2020 inspection report says "systemic failures left the hospital and all of its patients, staff, and visitors vulnerable to harm and possible death from COVID-19."

In response, hospital spokesperson Sharon Boston said that "we have seen a large decrease in the spread of the virus at Levindale."

Inspectors had declared a state of "immediate jeopardy" after they investigated a complaint and discovered an outbreak that began in April and continued through the beginning of July, with more than 120 patients and employees infected with covid. And in a unit for those with Alzheimers and other conditions, 20% of the 55 patients who had covid died.

The hospital moved patients whose roommates tested positive for covid to other shared rooms, "potentially exposing their new roommate," the inspection report said. Boston said that was an "isolated" incident and the situation was corrected the next day, with new policies put in place.

The Medicare data analyzed exclusively for KHN shows that 52 of Levindale's 64 covid hospital patients, or 81%, were diagnosed with covid after admission from April to September 2020. Boston cited different numbers over a different time period: Of 67 covid patients, 64 had what she called "hospital-acquired" covid from March to June 2020. That would be nearly 96%.

The hospital shares space with a nursing home, though, so KHN did not group it with the general short-term acute-care hospitals as part of the analysis. Levindale's last Joint Commission on-site survey was in December 2018, resulting in The Gold Seal of Approval. It had not had its once-every-three-years survey as of Dec. 10, 2021, according to the Joint Commission's tracking.

Boston said Levindale "quickly addressed" the issues that Medicare inspectors cited, increasing patient testing and more recently mandating staff vaccines. Since December 2020, Boston said, the facility has not had a covid patient die.

At the state level, hospital inspectors in California found few problems to cite even at hospitals where 5% or more patients were diagnosed with covid after they were admitted for another concern. Fifty-three complaints about such hospitals went to the Department of Public Health from April until the end of 2020. Only three of those complaints resulted in a finding of deficiency that facility was expected to fix.

CDPH did not respond to requests for comment.

A new chapter

Things are better now at Riverside Community Hospital, Hernandez said. She is pleased with the current safety practices, including more protective gear and HEPA filters for covid patients' rooms. For Hernandez, though, it all comes too late now.

"We laugh at it," she said, "but it hurts your soul."

Evans said she was able to negotiate her $1 million-plus hospital bills down to roughly $70,000.

Her covid aftereffects have been ongoing  she said she stopped gasping for air and reaching for her at-home oxygen tank only a few months ago. She still hasn't been able to return to work full time, she said.

For the past year, her husband would wake up in the middle of the night to check whether her oxygen levels were dipping. Terrified of losing her, he'd slip an oxygen mask on her face, she said.

"I would walk 1,000 miles to go to another hospital," Evans said, if she could do it all over again. "I would never step foot in that hospital again."

Methodology

KHN requested custom analyses of Medicare, California and Florida inpatient hospital data to examine the number of covid-19 cases diagnosed after a patient's admission.

The Medicare and Medicare Advantage data, which includes patients who are 65 and older, is from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services' Medicare Provider Analysis and Review (MedPAR) file and was analyzed by CDIMD, a Nashville-based medical code consulting and data analytics firm. The data is from April 1 through Sept. 30, 2020. The data for the fourth quarter of 2020 was not yet available.

The data shows the number of inpatient Medicare hospital stays in the U.S., including the number of people diagnosed with covid-19 and the number of admissions for which the covid diagnosis was not "present on admission." CMS considers some medical conditions that are not "present on admission" to be hospital-acquired, according to the agency. The data is for general acute-care hospitals, which may include a psychiatric floor, and not for other hospitals such as those in the Department of Veterans Affairs system or stand-alone psychiatric hospitals.

KHN requested a similar analysis from California's Department of Health Care Access and Information of its hospital inpatient data. That data was from April 1 through Dec. 31, 2020, and covered patients of all ages and payer types and, in general, private psychiatric and long-term acute-care hospitals. Etienne Pracht, a University of South Florida researcher, provided the number of Florida covid patients who did not have the virus upon hospital admission for all ages and payer types at general and psychiatric hospitals from April 1 through Dec. 31, 2020. KHN subtracted the number of Medicare patients in the MedPAR data from the Florida and California datasets so they would not be counted twice.

To calculate the rate of hospitalized Medicare patients who tested positive for covid  and died  KHN relied on the MedPAR data for April through September. That data includes records for 6,629 seniors, 1,409 of whom, or 21%, died. California data for all ages and payer types from April through December shows a similar rate: Of 2,115 diagnosed with covid-19 after hospital admission, 435, or 21%, died. The MedPAR data was also used to calculate the national rate of 1.7%, with 6,629 of 394,939 covid patients diagnosed with the virus whose infections were deemed not present on admission, according to the CDIMD analysis of data that hospitals report to Medicare. It was also used to calculate which entities licensed as short-term acute care hospitals had 5% or more of their covid cases diagnosed within the hospital. As stated in the story, Levindale Hebrew Geriatric Center and Hospital in Baltimore was not included in that list of 38 because it shares space with a nursing home and had fewer than 500 total discharges.

Data that hospitals submit to Medicare on whether an inpatient hospital diagnosis was "present on admission" is used by Medicare for payment determinations and is intended to incentivize hospitals to prevent infections during hospital care. The federal Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality also uses the data to "assist in identifying quality of care issues."

Whether covid-19 is acquired in a hospital or in the community is measured in different ways. Some nations assume the virus is hospital-acquired if it is diagnosed seven or more days after admission, while U.S. data counts cases only after 14 days.

Hospitals' medical coders who examined patient records for the data analyzed for this KHN report focus on each physician's admission, progress and discharge notes to determine whether covid was "present on admission." They do not have a set number of days they look for and are trained to query physicians if the case is unclear, according to Sue Bowman, senior director of coding policy and compliance at the American Health Information Management Association.

KHN tallied the cases in which covid-19 was logged in the data as not "present on admission" to the hospital. Some covid cases are coded as "U" for having insufficient documentation to make a determination. Since Medicare and AHRQ consider the "U" to be an "N" (or not present on admission) for the purposes of payment decisions and quality indicators, KHN chose to count those cases in the grand total.

In 409 of 6,629 Medicare cases and in 70 of 2,185 California cases, the "present on admission" indicator was "U." The Florida data did not include patients whose "present on admission" indicator was "U." Medical coders have another code, "W," for "clinically undetermined" cases, which consider a condition present on admission for billing or quality measures. Medical coders use the "U" (leaning toward "not present on admission") and "W" (leaning toward "present on admission") when there is some uncertainty about the case. KHN did not count "W" cases.

The Medicare MedPAR data includes about 2,500 U.S. hospitals that had at least a dozen covid-19 cases from April through September 2020. Of those, 1,070 reported no cases of covid diagnosed after admission for other conditions in the Medicare records. Data was suppressed due to privacy reasons for about 1,300 hospitals that had between one and 11 of such covid cases. There were 126 hospitals reporting 12 or more cases of covid that were "not present on admission" or unknown. For those, we divided the number of cases diagnosed after admission by the total number of patients with covid to arrive at the rate, as is standard in health care.

Inspection and accreditation analysis

To evaluate which of the 38 hospitals detailed above had federal inspection reports documenting infection-control issues, KHN searched CMS' publicly available "2567" reports, which detail deficiencies for each hospital for 2020. For surveys listed online as "not available," KHN requested and obtained them from CMS. KHN further asked CMS to double-check the remaining hospitals for any inspection reports that werent posted online. KHN also checked the Association of Health Care Journalists' database http://www.hospitalinspections.org/ for each of the 38 hospitals for any additional reports, as well as CMS' Quality, Certification and Oversight Reports site.

To check that each of these hospitals was accredited, KHN looked up each hospital using a site run by the Joint Commission and reached out to the accreditors DNV Healthcare USA Inc. and the Accreditation Commission for Health Care.

To tabulate infection-control complaints for hospitals at the state level in California, KHN used data available through the California Department of Public Health's Cal Health Find Database. KHN searched the database for the hospitals that had higher than 5% of covid patients being diagnosed after admission, according to the California data, and tallied all complaints and deficiencies found involving infection control from April to December 2020.
The Omicron variant of concern (VOC) of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) rapidly rose to dominance in South Africa after its initial reporting at the end of November 2021, and triggered a fourth wave of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

Study: Early assessment of the clinical severity of the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant in South Africa. Image Credit: Fit Ztudio/Shutterstock

A recent preprint on the medRxiv* server examines the proportion of Omicron infection and the risk of severe disease with this variant. The investigators used S gene target failure SGTF) on the Thermo Fisher Scientific TaqPath COVID-19 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) as a proxy for the presence of the Omicron variant.

Background

South Africa is now experiencing its fourth wave of COVID-19, the first being driven by the wildtype virus, the second by the Beta VOC and the third by the Delta VOC. The Network for Genomics Surveillance of South Africa (NGS-SA) reported the Omicron VOC for the first time on November 24, 2021, using samples collected from patients on November 14, 2021. This was accompanied by a fourth surge in cases in Gauteng Province, where the variant was first detected.

This was marked by an increase in the number of samples with SGTF. Soon after, other provinces began to report SGTF and increased numbers of infections. In approximately three weeks, Omicron was being detected around the world, in 87 countries, many of them reporting community transmission.

The Omicron VOC has multiple mutations that are often associated with predicted immune escape and increased infectivity. This includes some found in the C.1.1, Beta and Delta, but also as many as 22 other mutations, deletions, and insertions unique to this variant. The 69-70 spike gene deletion, also seen in the Alpha VOC, is associated with SGTF on this platform.

The public health strategy dealing with this outbreak depends heavily on data availability. The current study aimed to examine the severity of disease due to the Omicron variant.

What did the study show?

The researchers used DATCOV-Gen4, a prospective monitoring network that connects genomic data with epidemiologic and clinical data from hospitalized cases, to allow severity assessment. This included over 160,000 cases of COVID-19 with over 38,000 of them being tested using TaqPath PCR, yielding almost 30,000 SGTF infections.

In these patients, the S gene target was undetectable, with the cycle threshold (Ct) being 30 or less for the ORF1ab or Nucleocapsid (N) gene targets.

While only 3% of COVID-19 infections were SGTF, early in October, by early December, it had gone up to 98% - from week 39 to week 48. After adjusting for hospitalization-associated factors, it was found that SGTF infections were at 80% lower odds of being hospitalized than non-SGTF cases. When factors related to disease severity were matched, SGTF and non-SGTF cases were found to have the same odds for severe disease occurring during the same time period.

Conversely, the risk of severe disease was 70% less for SGTF compared to Delta VOC infections. The Ct value was markedly lower, at 24, during the early Omicron period, compared to 27 in the early Delta wave. This could be due to higher viral loads in those infected with Omicron.

Other risk factors included age: those between 50-59 years, and 60 years or more, had twice or four times the odds of severe disease, while those 13-18 years old had 80% lower odds of severe disease, compared to those aged 19-24 years. Any co-existing illness increased the odds by three times.

The hospitalization data from DATCoV also confirms that when known outcomes are measured, two-thirds of hospitalized patients during the early part of the third wave had severe disease vs one-third of admissions during the first part of the fourth wave. This could be either due to the nature of the variant, or because by this time, a large proportion of the population had markers of adaptive immunity, elicited by natural infection or by vaccination, or by both  hybrid immunity.

In fact, 60%-70% of the population had signs of prior infection with the virus, after the Delta wave ended. By December 9, 2021, single- or double-dose vaccination had also extended to cover two-thirds of those aged 60 years or more, 61% aged 50-59 years, about half of those between 35-49 years, and ~30% of young adults (18-34 years).

The completely vaccinated population at this point included 58% and 55% of those aged 60 years or more, and 50-59 years, respectively, while for adults aged 35-49 and 18-34 years, the fully vaccinated percentage was 43% and 24%, respectively.

Implications

The high population immunity probably interacted with lower virulence to reduce disease severity. The major contribution may have come from population immunity, judging by the gross difference in severity between those who contracted non-SGTF (Omicron) infection vs those who had SGTF infection over the same period. This immunity might have come from either vaccination or natural infection.

The researchers found it difficult to compensate for the impact of prior immunity on the severity outcomes because vaccination data was incomplete, and most reinfections escaped undetected. The study had its limitations, with probably underestimated SGTF infection data. The proxy method is likely to have captured the vast majority of Omicron accurately, but ongoing sequencing will pick up any faults. Thus, the analysis indicates that the proportion of severe cases remained unchanged over successive waves.

Early analyses indicate a reduced risk of hospital admission and a reduced risk of severe disease among SGTF-infected individuals when compared to earlier Delta-infected individuals.

The underlying reason appears to be a high level of vaccine- and/or infection-induced immunity that protects against severe disease.

These are early data and findings may change as the epidemic progresses, and with additional follow-up time for the more recently diagnosed SGTF-infected individuals.

*Important notice

medRxiv publishes preliminary scientific reports that are not peer-reviewed and, therefore, should not be regarded as conclusive, guide clinical practice/health-related behavior, or treated as established information.
Del-Kar Pharmacy in the North Lawndale neighborhood has had a front-row seat to history. Martin Luther King Jr. bought his daily newspaper there when he lived in Chicago in the late 1960s. The Black Panthers' local headquarters was a block away, and the pharmacy shared a building with the Conservative Vice Lords, a notorious street gang whose members still check in on owner-pharmacist Edwin Muldrow today.

When King's assassination sparked riots in Chicago in 1968, the white-owned pharmacies in the area were ransacked. Muldrow's father went to check on the pharmacy only to be told by the Vice Lords he had nothing to worry about.

"'Go home,'" Muldrow said they told his father. "'We're not gonna let anybody touch you.'"

For nearly 60 years, the small drugstore has survived by building deep roots in the community, selling medicine, food and electronics in a neighborhood largely ignored by the large drugstore chains. Del-Kar is bucking a trend that has undermined numerous other pharmacies in Chicago and other U.S. cities. Although chain pharmacies are pulling out of many urban areas, sometimes citing rioting or theft, Muldrow isn't quitting.

"Once you respect the community, the neighborhood looks out for you," said Muldrow, 51, who started working as a pharmacist at Del-Kar in 1992. "They know that you're here and you're doing something positive."

Like other community pharmacists nationwide, Muldrow has seen private insurers steer his customers toward their own allied chain, mail-order and specialty pharmacies. Urban independent pharmacies, particularly those in low-income Black and Latino communities, have been more likely to close than chain drugstores.

And pharmacies of all kinds in these communities, chain and independent, face a tough economic situation: They often have a disproportionately high share of customers enrolled in Medicaid or Medicare, which pay lower rates than private insurance.

"There's really no financial incentive for pharmacies to open and stay open in minority neighborhoods," said Dima Qato, a University of Southern California pharmacy professor.

According to a recent analysis she worked on, Black and Latino neighborhoods accounted for a third of pharmacy openings in Chicago from 2015 to 2020 but more than half of closures. As a result, the prevalence of pharmacy deserts increased from 33% of majority-Black census tracts to 45% and from 9% of majority-Latino tracts to 14%.

"Pharmacies are choosing to open in areas that already have pharmacies, in part because those are also the areas that have higher incomes and insurances that provide higher pharmacy reimbursement rates," said Jenny Guadamuz, a University of Southern California health disparities researcher who led the study.

Muldrow said insurance often pays less for a medication than it costs him to acquire it. For example, he might be reimbursed $400 for an Advair inhaler that costs him $600.

"The profession is not what it used to be," he said. "The profitability has been snatched."

Average dispensing fees, set by insurance plans and intended to cover Muldrow's overhead and salary, have plummeted from about $3 per prescription 30 years ago to as little as 10 cents, he said. He once sold medical supplies like lift chairs and oxygen tanks. But since Medicare implemented new fraud safeguards requiring accreditation, he said, he would have to pay $1,500 to $2,000 a year to continue receiving Medicare reimbursement.

"Now you have elderly people in the neighborhood that can't come and get stuff," Muldrow said. "They have to go to the hospital. They got to go through the mail."

Muldrow keeps his store open by supplementing the meager payments he gets for filling prescriptions with other income. "The secret to our success here is that we own the property," Muldrow said. "If I was paying $3,000, $4,000 or more a month rent, I would have been wiped out."

Muldrow had job offers from multiple chain drugstores when he graduated from pharmacy school but chose to work for his father. "'The only way I can repay you for giving me the opportunity to go to school is to come down here and work and continue what you started,'" he recalled telling him.

Chicago has encouraged pharmacies to locate in underserved areas  with little success. Qato pointed to a CVS branch that in 2010 received nearly $1 million in incentives to open in East Garfield Park. A nearby independent drugstore quickly closed, and the CVS shut its doors several years later, creating a pharmacy desert.

Illinois launched a program in 2019 to subsidize pharmacies in underserved urban and rural areas. But, Qato said, the program doesn't adequately target neighborhoods at risk of becoming pharmacy deserts and excludes large chain pharmacies, which may be the only drugstores remaining in a neighborhood.

A year into the program, she said, only three of 80 eligible pharmacies in Chicago have received funds. Muldrow said he hadn't heard of the program.

Some business strategies create de facto deserts. Late last year, the health insurer Aetna, owned by CVS Health, began preventing its Medicaid patients in Illinois from filling prescriptions at Walgreens pharmacies. As a result, some patients could no longer use the closest drugstore.

Dr. Thomas Huggett, a family physician at the Lawndale Christian Health Center on the West Side of Chicago, said some of his patients had trouble getting their medications in the first month of the new policy. One patient, who was homeless and had been diagnosed with severe mental illness, couldn't get his prescription filled. Another had to take two buses to get his injectable antipsychotic medication. A third patient couldn't get Suboxone, a treatment for opioid addiction.

"In the middle of one of the hotter spots in the country for opioid overdoses on the West Side of Chicago, it's hard to imagine how anybody could justify it," Huggett said.

In urban areas, Illinois regulations require prescription insurance plans to have at least one in-network pharmacy within a 15-mile radius or a 15-minute drive of their enrollees. But that can be too far to be practical for many customers, Huggett said.

"The majority of patients who have Medicaid have Medicaid because they are poor, and they generally don't have cars," Huggett said. "Looking at the maps, it is just so stark to see. The CVSs are intentionally avoiding black areas of Chicago."

CVS spokesperson Mike DeAngelis said that about half of CVS stores nationwide are in areas that rank high on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Social Vulnerability Index, which tracks poverty, lack of vehicle access and crowded housing, among other factors.

"Maintaining access to pharmacy services in underserved communities is an important factor we consider when making store closure decisions," DeAngelis said in an email. "Other factors include local market dynamics, population shifts, a community's store density, and ensuring there are other geographic access points to meet the needs of the community."

James Spidle, a 66-year-old veteran with serious heart problems, walks a mile using a cane to catch a bus in the Washington Heights neighborhood, about 13 miles south of Del-Kar, to pick up his prescriptions from a Walmart.

"I do the walk back and forth as a stress test," he said. "If I don't have any chest pains, I keep going."

A closer option, a Walgreens, closed in 2016. A sign on the door directed customers to another branch that was a mile away in a more affluent neighborhood and had a grocery store pharmacy across the street.

The Endeleo Institute, the community development arm of Trinity United Church of Christ, has tried to fill the gap, using church vans to drive people to the nearest pharmacies. Melvin Thompson, its executive director, listed four other chain pharmacies that had closed within a three-mile radius of the Walgreens that shuttered in Washington Heights.

"Here we are in the midst of a pandemic, and we're losing even more of these vital services in communities that can't afford to lose," he said. "It's citywide, but it just seems to be relegated to Black and brown communities."

Walgreens officials did not answer questions about how the company decides to close stores, but said that in metro Chicago about 99% of Chicagoans live within 2 miles of one of their stores. Walgreens spokesperson Kris Lathan said the company allocated $35 million to reopen 80 stores in Chicago damaged during the civil unrest after the murder of George Floyd in 2020.

"All but two of those locations have reopened," she said. "The remaining two will open in the first half of 2022."

Democratic state Rep. La Shawn Ford said pharmacy closures represent a loss of health care access for the community. "The pharmacy is not just a place to pick up medicine, it's a surrounding of health care," he said. "Who's going to talk to that person when they get their medicine mail-delivered?"

It can also be a lifeline in other ways. During the pandemic, when indoor dining was shut down, Muldrow set up an outdoor grill and served burgers, tacos and other food. That showed him how much the neighborhood needed him  and for a lot more than medications. He is planning an expansion, to include a bodega with a juice bar and restaurant.

Muldrow was also reminded that the community is there for him in return. Last year, during the civil unrest, several businesses near Del-Kar were destroyed. But, in an echo of 1968, his shop emerged unscathed.

"I didnt have any worries. I slept real good," Muldrow said. "The brothers over here on Lawndale, they watched over me. If you know the people, the people look out for you."
Thought Leaders Professor Diego Cuadros Director, Health Geography and Disease Modeling University of Cincinnati

Despite millions of people living with HIV in Africa, not everyone has access to adequate healthcare. In this interview, we speak to Professor Diego Cuadros who recently mapped access to HIV care in Africa.

Please could you introduce yourself and tell us what inspired your latest research into HIV care?

My name is Diego Cuadros and I am an Assistant Professor of Health Geography, and the director of the Health Geography and Disease Modeling Laboratory at the University of Cincinnati, U.S. I hold a bachelors degree in biology from the National University of Colombia, and a Ph.D. in Biology from the University of Kentucky.

My research focuses on spatial epidemiology and mathematical modeling of chronic and infectious diseases, with a particular focus on the HIV epidemic in Africa, but I also study other diseases like malaria, leishmaniasis, tuberculosis, diabetes, and COVID-19.

I started working on the HIV epidemic in Africa during my Ph.D. For my Ph.D. dissertation research, I was interested in understanding the epidemiological implications of co-infections in individuals living with HIV in Africa and estimating the population-level impact of co-infections with parasitic diseases like malaria. After completing my Ph.D. in 2012 I moved to Qatar for my postdoctoral stance at the Weill Cornel Medicine in Qatar.

During that time, I started becoming interested in the application of spatial statistics methods and geospatial techniques to understand the spatial structure of diseases, and to identify the spatial drivers of the geographical distribution of a disease.

In 2015 I moved to South Africa to continue working on implementing geospatial methods to better understand the HIV epidemic in Africa. Then, I joined the University of Cincinnati in 2016 and continued using disease mapping and geospatial techniques to Identify vulnerable populations at high risk of the disease, and also to map vulnerable underserved populations that are lacking adequate health care.

Substantial progress has been done to tackle the HIV epidemic in Africa, particularly thanks to the implementation of antiretroviral therapy (ART) boosted by the ambitious global 90-90-90 strategy. However, the success of such ambitious plans strongly depends on that no one is left behind. Therefore, the inclusion of hard-to-reach populations living in remote rural areas characterized by poor access to adequate treatment and care on these targets becomes a key approach for the success of the global strategy.

In our lab, we recognize the usefulness of geospatial methods for identifying and localizing these hard-to-reach vulnerable populations. Such information becomes a key element for the development and implementation of strategic programs that include these underserved populations.

Image Credit: Maxim Ermolenko/Shutterstock.com

Despite many efforts to increase the number of individuals diagnosed with HIV in Africa who are receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART), many people are still not receiving this. Why is this?

HIV prevalence and incidence are extremely high in the Africa region despite a lot of efforts focused on Africa for several decades. Still, a large number of people living with HIV (PLHV) in Africa are lacking adequate treatment and care, particularly access to antiretroviral therapy (ART) due to limited health-related resources, such as financial/economic funding, national infrastructure to access to health with transportation, and even human resources.

Despite substantial efforts from international organizations and donors, resources to confront the epidemic are limited, and thus strategic spending is needed. Allocative efficiency spending has been shown to be successful strategies taking into account budget constraints and maximizing benefits in terms of reducing HIV incidence and mortality. However, more efforts are needed to identify and target vulnerable populations in need of care. These underserved populations can be located in areas suffering a high burden of the disease in pockets of transmission that are key targets for the control of the epidemic.

We think most people with PLHIV live in urban areas or near urban areas, and most of the healthcare facilities in Africa are concentrated in those areas. But according to our results, about 8 million people with HIV live in rural areas and for the most part, movement is very difficult.

As a result, these hard-to-reach populations living in rural communities with poor access to care might not be receiving adequate ART coverage, in which enrolment but also retainment to treatment is compromised by several barriers including easy access to care products and long-distance to access care.

In your latest research, you discovered that in sub-Saharan Africa 7 million people with HIV live more than 10 minutes away from health care services, and 1.5 million live more than 60 minutes away from a healthcare facility. How did you carry out this research and why are these findings so important?

In this study using different geospatial methods, we analyzed data previously generated for the spatial distribution of PLHIV for the entire continent along with data about the minimum travel time needed to reach the nearest facility using motorized or non-motorized vehicles.

For the travel time, the speed of human movement is assumed as the motorized movement along roadways, railways, and on water. Using this information, we geolocated and mapped the PLHV located more than 10, 30, and 60 minutes from the nearest health care facility in Africa. We then calculated the density of PLHV in these travel time zones from the nearest health care facility. These underserved zones were mapped to illustrate the location of underserved communities where health care services cannot be accessed within appropriate travel time.

The identification of these underserved vulnerable populations becomes a key factor to meet global ART coverage targets. Strategic programs can include this information for the development and implementation of interventions targeting these underserved vulnerable communities.

Moreover, although our results illustrate the accessibility from health care for PLHIV, these maps also capture the state of the health care system in general and the access to care for HIV services but also for other diseases including COVID-19.

Our maps are based on accessibility to the nearest health care facility, thus the underserved areas identified for PLHIV can also be linked to underserved areas for the entire community in general. Some distance-related restrictions in African regions affect not only PLHIV but also the entire community facing barriers to adequate access to care within these underserved communities, such as women, elder people/ children, or disabilities. Thus, our maps could represent the significance of accessibility to the general community as much as for PLHIV.

Image Credit: Kim et al., 2021, PLOS ONE

What impact do these statistics have on not only the person suffering from HIV in getting access to quality care but also on healthcare facilities?

Disease maps like the ones presented in our study are powerful tools for the identification of vulnerable communities lacking adequate access to care. These maps identify areas where underserved communities potentially experiencing micorepidemics reside.

In order to meet global UNAIDS targets, the identification and prioritization of these underserved rural communities become a key to reaching the goal of epidemic control. The identified underserved areas are indicators of the challenge faced by PLHIV in accessing health services in SSA, a situation that is likely worsened by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Our analyses provide geospatial insights towards the global target for 2025 by examining whether the current allocation of health facilities is sufficiently accessible to PLHIV in SSA, and how many PLHIV are underserved due to spatial heterogeneities of health care services.

What more needs to be done by policymakers and Governments in ensuring more people have access to ART in Africa? What impacts would this have?

One of the first key steps is to identify the communities that are lacking adequate access to care. The maps developed in our study can generate valuable information for the location of these areas where the communities with the highest needs are located and where resources need to be allocated to enhance access to care for these vulnerable communities. However, accessibility in rural areas is a challenging issue in many African countries.

The geography is very difficult, and the infrastructure is deficient. Two of the intuitive solutions could be improving the road system or expanding public transit to improve access to health. Many African countries have attempted these ways to improve their health accessibility in rural areas with financial support from international organizations and the Global Found. However, Africas geographical character could be a physical barrier in some Africa rural areas.

Some villages have a few people within a large area so that constructing infrastructure is a financial burden to the government. In order to overcome this issue, decentralization and task shifting have been promoted as essential components of health care scale-up. The decentralization strategy by for example mobile health care units is suggested to reduce the travel time to healthcare by expanding patients choice from physicians in hospitals to lower-level professionals in primary health care facilities.

Thus, people who are challenged to access hospitals for treatment due to a limited number of hospitals within their threshold distance could access health care with shortened travel distance. This strategy has already worked in some countries in Africa, such as Malawi and South Africa, by increasing the percentages of attending hospitals for care and shortening the average travel distance to the hospital since the strategy started.

Are there any other alternatives that could be implemented to improve access to healthcare?

The limited infrastructure in several settings in Africa generates an important challenge for adequate access to health care, particularly in remote rural areas. Our study showed that even these remote rural communities are suffering a substantial burden of the disease and many PLHIV in need of care reside in these remote rural areas.

Enhancing access to care would be essential not only for including these hard-to-reach populations into ART programs but also for treating and controlling other chronic diseases associated with HIV. To cover geographically marginalized populations with clinical care, innovative targeting of health care services is required, including decentralization of HIV care.

African countries are facing a considerable shortage of hospitals and health workers, with more than 60% of countries having extreme shortages. To overcome this challenge, although most studies for HIV intervention have focused on hospitals, decentralization and task shifting have been promoted as essential components of HIV treatment and care scale-up.

The decentralization strategy seeks to reduce the travel distance of patients for improving access to care and retention in care, by expanding patients choice from physicians in hospitals to lower-level professionals in primary health care facilities for their ART initiation and HIV management and treatment. Thus, decentralization promotes health care accessibility of patients living in regions with a limited number of hospitals, which is beneficial to people in low socioeconomic strata, and health care mobile units could be a useful strategy aimed to provide care to these remote rural communities.

Image Credit: Adam Jan Figel/Shutterstock.com

Do you hope that with continued awareness of unequal access to healthcare, more will be done to help people living in underserved rural communities?

As the World Health Organization and UNAIDS emphasize the importance of treatment and care for all PLHIV, geospatial estimates of the location of underserved areas and PLHIV provide important information about the number of people who are lacking adequate health services. The presence of large underserved areas is a potential indicator of the heterogeneous distribution of the health care resources in a country.

Furthermore, largely underserved areas with high densities of PLHIV indicate not only longer travel times but also an insufficient number of hospitals and health care facilities. Our study has noted the role of underserved areas as a potential source of HIV transmission, which suggests that targeted strategies to underserved areas could reduce not only the incidence of HIV but also other infectious diseases, such as COVID-19.

These findings can contribute to developing cost-effective policies for interventions aimed at underserved areas. Further attention should be given to the development and implementation of tailored intervention programs in areas identified as underserved for PLHIV.

What are the next steps in your research into HIV and healthcare access?

Access to the nearest health care facility is one of the most important measures for HIV treatment success but expanding health care in underserved communities could improve not just HIV response but the response to the COVID-19 pandemic and other public health issues as well. However, the massive global health crisis of COVID-19 has presented enormous challenges for the adequate access to health care for PLHIV including regular health care services along with the disruption of many of the mobile strategies over the past two years.

Unquestionably, the pandemic has substantially disrupted HIV services and care. As a result, it is expected that health outcomes linked to HIV have worsened during this past year in Africa. It would be very important to evaluate these impacts and assess alternative strategies aimed to alleviate these health disruptions, particularly in the underserved communities identified in our study.

Where can readers find more information?

Weiss D, Nelson A, Vargas-Ruiz C, Gligoric K, Bavadekar S, Gabrilovich E, et al. Global maps of travel time to healthcare facilities. Nature Medicine. 2020:14.

Ouma PO, Maina J, Thuranira PN, Macharia PM, Alegana VA, English M, et al. Access to emergency hospital care provided by the public sector in sub-Saharan Africa in 2015: a geocoded inventory and spatial analysis. The Lancet Global Health. 2018;6(3):e342e50.

Hulland E, Wiens K, Shirude S, Morgan J, Bertozzi-Villa A, Farag T, et al. Travel time to health facilities in areas of outbreak potential: maps for guiding local preparedness and response. BMC medicine. 2019;17(1):116.

Dwyer-Lindgren L, Cork MA, Sligar A, Steuben KM, Wilson KF, Provost NR, et al. Mapping HIV prevalence in sub-Saharan Africa between 2000 and 2017. Nature. 2019;570(7760):18993

Kim, H., Tanser, F., Tomita, A., Vandormael, A., & Cuadros, D. F. (2021). Beyond HIV prevalence: identifying people living with HIV within underserved areas in South Africa. BMJ global health, 6(4), e004089.

Cuadros, D. F., Li, J., Branscum, A. J., Akullian, A., Jia, P., Mziray, E. N., & Tanser, F. (2017). Mapping the spatial variability of HIV infection in Sub-Saharan Africa: Effective information for localized HIV prevention and control. Scientific reports, 7(1), 1-11.

About Professor Diego Cuadros

I am an Assistant Professor of Health Geography and the director of the Health Geography and Disease Modeling lab at the University of Cincinnati. My research interest focuses on exploring the variation in HIV infectious spread generated by geospatial cofactors, and how this variation would help us to better understand the natural history of HIV and epidemic typology with emphasis on sub-Saharan Africa.

My research is conducted through mathematical and statistical analyses focusing on measuring the effect of on the HIV epidemic of population-level variations generated by the structure heterogeneous distributions of risk factors.
The UK donated over 4 million doses of the University of Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine, made by Oxford Bio-medica in Oxford and packaged in Wrexham, North Wales, to Bangladesh through the COVAX vaccine sharing mechanism.

Bangladesh's fight against the coronavirus pandemic, and the country's economic recovery, will be reinforced by this donation from the UK.The vaccine consignment arrived in Bangladesh on 13 December. While welcoming the donation, the British High Commissioner HE Robert Chatterton Dickson said:

We welcome the arrival of over 4 million doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine from the UK to Bangladesh. Like the rest of the world the UK and Bangladesh have experienced difficult times because of the pandemic. And we are both in it together in building back better, safer, greener. This vaccine donation by the UK is a powerful demonstration of Brit Bangla Bondhon between two countries. The UK will do everything we can to support Bangladesh to save lives and defeat the pandemic."

On the afternoon of 15 December, Mr. Zahid Maleque, MP, Honourable Minister, Bangladesh Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, received the donations officially in an event held at the Bangladesh government's guest house Padma. Japanese Ambassador to Bangladesh HE Ito Naoki, UNICEF Representative to Bangladesh, Mr. Sheldon Yett, and senior officials from the government of Bangladesh were present at the event.

At the G7 this year, the UK committed to donate 100 million doses by June 2022. 80% of those UK doses will be distributed through the COVAX facility.

The UK has been at the forefront of the global response to COVID-19, including through investing 90 million to support the development of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine. Over half a billion doses of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine have been delivered at a non-profit price globally, with two-thirds going to lower and middle-income countries.

The UK also kick-started efforts to establish COVAX in 2020, providing a total of 548 million to fund vaccines for lower income countries. The scheme has delivered more than 152 million vaccine doses to over 137 countries and territories, including in 83 lower-middle income countries. 65% of the initial vaccine doses have been Oxford-AstraZeneca. COVAX aims to deliver 1.8 billion vaccines to lower-income countries around the world by early 2022.

More information
The Omicron variant of concern of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) was reported on November 24, 2021, from a sample collected on November 9, 2021, in Gauteng Province of South Africa (SA).Simultaneously, there was a sudden rise in cases from this province. This rapidly spread to the other provinces, forming the fourth wave of COVID-19 in the country.

A new preprint on the medRxiv* server examines the impact of this variant on hospitalizations among children in South Africa.

Background

Pediatric SARS-CoV-2 infections in South Africa, and elsewhere in the world, have been largely asymptomatic or mild, but some have developed more severe symptoms. Largely, however, children have been spared during the first three waves.

However, from the middle of November 2021, Tshwane district, an urbanized part of Gauteng Province, began to report higher rates of pediatric COVID-19. This district has a population density of over 500 people/sq. km, and home to over 3.5 million people. Largely uninsured, the people are served by nine general hospitals and four specialized hospitals, as well as private hospitals that cater mostly to the ~25% who are insured.

Altogether, data from over 40 hospitals were gathered for the current study on pediatric COVID-19 during the fourth wave in SA. It makes use of testing data, genomic sequencing data, hospitalization data and pediatric COVID-19 admission data. The DATCOV surveillance system keeps tabs on hospital admissions from all the public and private sector hospitals in Tshwane, and this data, supplemented by clinical data, was also mined.

What did the study show?

Any person who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 infection and was then admitted to hospital was counted for hospitalization. The researchers found that COVID-19 case numbers went up rapidly from week 45 of the year, beginning November 7, 2021. This was 8 weeks from the end of the third wave, in week 37.

By December 11, COVID-19-positive cases had crossed 202,000 and included over 36,000 admissions and over 7,000 deaths. From October 31 to December 11, 2021, there were ~6,300 cases among children, with over 2,000 each occurring in children 10-14 and 15-19 years old, 1,200 in children 5-9 years old, and 870 in children younger than 5 years.

This represented a sudden rise in cases, reflecting a rise in testing numbers, as expected during any wave. The fourth wave showed the most rapid rise of all, with test positivity rising to over 40% within a period of days.

Genomic sequencing was performed on 75 specimens of COVID-19-positive patients between November 7 and November 29, 2021, with all but one returning the presence of the Omicron VOC, indicating that the current wave was driven by this variant, the earliest such sample in this district having been collected on 12 November.

Interestingly, overall hospitalization rates decreased during the fourth wave, even as overall admissions increased. Even at the peak, the cumulative numbers were lower than in any previous wave. The exception was with pediatric hospitalizations.

While there were 2,550 admissions due to COVID-19 in the study period of six weeks, one fifth of the infections occurred in children below 19 years, coinciding with the COVID-19 testing and test positivity increase, during week 46. This rise was seen in both private and public sector hospitals, though the former saw a much larger proportion despite serving a much smaller segment. Admissions waned, including pediatric hospitalizations, during the last week, week 45, from December 5-11, 2021.

During the fourth wave, pediatric hospitalizations rose ahead of adult admissions, especially among children under 5 years. This surprising reversal of earlier trends confirmed clinical impressions that pediatric infections had risen unexpectedly before adult admissions began to increase with the Omicron-driven surge.

The mean age of pediatric admissions was 4 years, and over a third occurred in infancy while more than 60% occurred in the under-5 age group. Fever and cough were reported in almost half and over 40% of cases, respectively, while a quarter reported vomiting and difficulty in breathing. One in five had diarrhea and seizures, respectively.

Other than four children, who had other diagnoses requiring prolonged hospitalization, all pediatric admissions were released within two weeks. These four had burns, malnutrition, or tuberculosis.

Over 60% of admissions in the pediatric age group had no underlying chronic conditions, and of those who had, none was found to be a common risk factor. About 44% of hospitalized children were admitted with COVID-19, with the infection being a contributory factor or incidental to the admission illness in less than one in five, and 38%, respectively. There were no cases of multi-system Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C) during this time.

Standard care was given to most children, with a quarter being put on oxygen. Three children required high-flow oxygen and 6% (seven children) were on ventilation for neonatal sepsis and other infectious conditions. Only one child was thought to have COVID-19 pneumonia requiring ventilation, a baby who had been born prematurely with bronchopulmonary dysplasia and new-onset pneumonia without other identified infectious causes.

Four deaths occurred during this period, all in children aged 0-10 years with complex illnesses. Three of these occurred soon after presentation with non-COVID-19 reasons requiring admission, and one of neonatal sepsis, with no deaths occurring primarily due to COVID-19.

None of the children were known to be vaccinated, and among the parents with vaccination data, 92% were vaccinated.

Implications

Children aged less than 19 years experienced a quick surge in test positivity for COVID-19 and hospitalizations in Tshwane district, Gauteng, with the Omicron rising to dominance over the Delta variant and spreading rapidly at community level from the middle of November 2021. Omicron evades antibodies elicited by earlier variants, spreads more rapidly, is more infective, and causes more breakthrough infections and reinfections.

Most children in SA are unvaccinated, and among adults, at the beginning of the outbreak, just over a quarter had been fully vaccinated, and less than a third partially vaccinated. Boosters were not being given. The patchy vaccination data makes it hard to confirm or rule out protection via natural infection or because of vaccinated adults living among the unvaccinated.

The fourth wave started from a low-test positivity rate which shot up rapidly. Pediatric admissions surged from the middle of November, before adult hospitalizations began to increase, and reached much higher rates than with any of the three earlier waves. This led to some pressure on pediatric COVID-19 hospital bed capacity, along with staff shortages due to isolation and quarantine protocols.

The highly infectious nature of the variant was obvious from the high-test positivity rates, but almost four in ten pediatric COVID-19 diagnoses were incidental. Most other respiratory viruses began to show the more common seasonal patterns from November 2021, including influenza A, rhinovirus, and adenovirus, despite the presence of Omicron.

The reasons for the high and early spread of Omicron in children could be due to the rapid generation time, low pediatric vaccination rates, immune evasion characteristics, and less frequent mask use in children compared to adults, while the school closures may have prevented the normal acquisition of immunity to other common childhood pathogens such as the flu.

Reassuringly, over 90% of children hospitalized with COVID-19 required normal care and 85% had been discharged by the time the paper was written. Most children stayed only a few days, three on average. A few children presented with seizures that could not be ascribed to simple febrile seizures, being outside the typical age group; this may have been due to COVID-19-associated encephalitis.

The absence of MIS-C does not imply that this complication was absent, since it is known to occur late in the course of the illness, mostly during convalescence.

Further studies will be required to tease out the mechanisms responsible for the greater transmission of Omicron among younger individuals. It is interesting that seropositivity among adults for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies, induced by vaccination or prior infection, or both, stood at 65-80% in October 2021, vs 50% among children. With low-level immunity among children, Omicron can spread rapidly in this niche population.

Conversely, with high immunity among adults, Omicrons immune-evasion properties are more apparent in its ability to cause reinfections and breakthrough infections.

Although our initial experiences in this fourth wave do not suggest that there is increased severity of COVID-19 disease amongst hospitalized children, infections and hospitalisations will be monitored in the district and updates provided. To date, the data have been reassuring.

*Important notice

medRxiv publishes preliminary scientific reports that are not peer-reviewed and, therefore, should not be regarded as conclusive, guide clinical practice/health-related behavior, or treated as established information.
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has posed many unprecedented challenges to all countries in the world.

This pandemic has been caused by the rapid outbreak of the severe acute respiratory coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus. Countries in Southeast Asia (SEA) were able to manage and mitigate the first wave in 2020 but were caught in the crisis after the emergence of the Delta variant in 2021. This was despite the fact that many of these countries introduced non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPI) besides vaccination programs.

The linkage between public health interventions and epidemic dynamics is relatively under-researched.

In a current study, published on the medRxiv* preprint server, researchers adopted a prospective space-time scan method to conduct spatiotemporal analysis at the district level in the seven selected countries in SEA from June 2021 to October 2021.

Background

Similar to many countries, the countries in SEA were severely affected by the outbreak of COVID-19, in terms of trade, tourism, and health care systems. These countries made strong efforts to resurrect their economies in 2021 but were once again severely affected by the Delta variant wave.

The Delta variant has been estimated to be 2-4 times more transmissible than the original strain and, since April 2021, has been responsible for an exponential rise in the number of cases in SEA. Owing to the massive economic impact of COVID-19, many SEA countries have been thinking about adjusting their public health intervention policies and living with the virus. Therefore, monitoring outbreaks and identifying the space-time clusters of infection has become crucial for the governments of these countries.

Spatio-temporal analysis has been widely used in research of COVID-19 propagation to provide public health authorities with important information to help mitigate the crisis. Within the suite of methods, space-time scan is one of the most popular methods used to identify spatiotemporal clusters in a particular region. During the first wave, this method was applied to individual countries in SEA, thereby, ignoring the propagation patterns and progression characteristics with coordinated interventions at the regional level.

A new study

Researchers focussed on seven countries in SEA, namely, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, and Brunei. They used district-scale daily confirmed cases of these countries from June 2021 to October 2021 to identify the active and emerging clusters of the disease outbreaks. During the Delta variant outbreak, the dynamics of interventions implemented by different countries could cause fluctuations in transmission. Scientists stated that such diverse policies could help explain the progression and transmission of the Delta variant of SARS-CoV-2.

Findings

It was observed that during the early phase of the study period (June to August 2021), most districts in Malaysia and the Philippines, the capital and its surrounding areas in Thailand, Vietnam, and Indonesia exhibited a high risk of COVID-19 transmission. Space-time clusters of districts changed with the dynamics of policies introduced by each country after August. Indonesia implemented continuous restrictions and was able to reduce the risk of the epidemic. However, other regions, such as Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, and the Philippines remained at high risk of transmission, because of different degrees of relaxation.

Scientists stated that continuous strict restrictions were crucial for epidemic control. This is especially true for regions with weak public health systems and relatively low vaccination rates. The current study is the first to explore the space-time progression of the Delta variant outbreak in SEA. It is also the first to summarize the potential linkage between the epidemic dynamics and diverse public health interventions. Researchers highlighted that the space-time scan could be used continuously to monitor the dynamics of the pandemic, and timely adjust the potential gaps in domestic public health policies. This could aid in preventing further deterioration of the pandemic situation.

Limitations

The current study provides some novel insights, but there are some limitations as well, mostly in the COVID-19 data. There are twelve countries in the SEA region, but only seven provided data at the primary administrative district level. This prevented the authors from studying the complete propagation in SEA. Further, more granular data, such as those at the city, county, or block level, could help reveal more specific and detailed patterns.

In fact, the lack of better data has also acted as a constraint for earlier studies. Researchers have strongly advocated that public health authorities should disclose more representative and reliable data as insufficient knowledge of the dynamics of the disease could lead to misguided responses to the pandemic. Future studies should explore the potential correlation between environmental inequality and COVID-19, which could provide some novel insights regarding resource allocation and regional prevention.

*Important notice

medRxiv publishes preliminary scientific reports that are not peer-reviewed and, therefore, should not be regarded as conclusive, guide clinical practice/health-related behavior, or treated as established information.
(Newser)  Update: Taylor Energy will pay $43 million in civil penalties and damages over the longest-running oil spill in US history. The Department of Justice on Wednesday announced the settlement with the Louisiana-based company, which ceased production in 2008, the New York Times reports. Oil and gas has been seeping into the Gulf of Mexico since 2004; the company maintains 16 damaged undersea wells are too dangerous to cap, but an outside contractor's containment system is now believed to be capturing most of the oil that continues to leak each day. The settlement caps a yearslong legal battle, and will end with Taylor Energy's liquidation and any remaining assets being turned over to the federal government. Our original story from June 26, 2019, follows:

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Two NOAA scientists were asked why the federal government waited 14 years to conduct a study of an oil spill that started in the Gulf of Mexico in 2004. They didn't know, reports the Washington Post, but as the ones asked to do the study they could put a figure on what's still pouring out of the site all this time later: as many as 4,578 gallons daily. The oil platform was located in an underwater canyon some 12 miles from Louisiana and leased by the Taylor Energy Companywhich claims just 3 gallons are seeping out daily. Monster waves churned up by Hurricane Ivan on Sept. 15, 2004, triggered an undersea mudslide that took down the platform and more than two dozen well pipes, which were buried in more than 100 feet of sediment. Taylor Energy claims the oil is seeping out of the oil-soaked sediment.

The report commissioned by the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement found the oil is coming from a number of wells. The AP explains nine wells were capped by Taylor Energy, but the company has maintained it's more environmentally prudent to leave 16 of them buried than try to cap them. Gizmodo puts the new numbers in context, reporting they make for a cumulative spill of 25 million gallons; the Deepwater Horizon Spill was more than six times bigger, at 168 million gallons. The Weather Channel reports news of the former spill only publicly emerged in 2010, as scientists discovered it while looking into the latter spill; no coastal environmental damage has been reported. The researchers relied on sonar and a newly developed "bubblometer" to measure the leakage. (Taylor Energy is fighting a federal order to stop that leakage.)
(Newser)  Update: California woman Vyvianna Quinonez has admitted attacking a Southwest flight attendant earlier this year and is likely to face prison timeplus a long ban from flying. The Sacramento resident pleaded guilty in federal court Wednesday to interfering with a flight attendant, NBC San Diego reports. According to a Department of Justice release, the attendant was hospitalized with injuries including three chipped teeth and a cut that required stitches. Quinonez will be sentenced in March. Prosecutors are expected to recommend four months in prison, plus six months of home confinement, restitution payments, and a three-year ban on flying on commercial airlines. Our story from Sept. 3 follows:

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A California woman is facing two felony charges after allegedly punching a flight attendant, who was left bloodied with three broken teeth. Vyvianna Quinonez of Antelope is charged with assault resulting in serious bodily injury and interfering with a flight crewwhich could mean up to 20 years in prison following a Southwest Airlines flight from Sacramento to San Diego on May 23. Around the time of landing, the flight attendant, identified as "SL," had instructed Quinonez, 28, to "fasten her seat belt and stow her tray table" and to "wear her face mask properly," the charging document reads, per the Sacramento Bee.

Quinonez refused, then pushed the woman, according to the document. A video filmed by another passenger, obtained by the Bee in May, then shows a woman police identified as Quinonezwith a mask covering her mouth but not her nosestanding and throwing several punches, striking the flight attendant on the cheek. A man then jumped between the two women as blood was seen streaming from a cut below the flight attendant's eye. The cut required four stitches, according to the filing. It adds three of the woman's teeth were chipped, two of which had to be replaced with crowns.

The passenger who filmed the video and shared it with law enforcement told the Bee the pair had been arguing throughout the flight. She described the flight attendant as "very rude and unprofessional" and said she'd heard the passenger tell the flight attendant not to touch her three times, per KTXL. Her video begins with a woman seated next to Quinonez telling the flight attendant, "We are gonna sue you." Escorted off the plane and then banned from the airline, Quinonez told authorities she'd acted in self-defense. She's to appear in San Diego court on Sept. 17. She's also facing charges in state court, where she's to appear Sept. 10, per the AP. (Read more assault stories.)
(Newser)  With the Winter Olympics in Beijing scheduled to start in less than six weeks and the omicron variant spreading incredibly quickly in much of the world, China is pushing hard to maintain its zero COVID policy. In the northern city of Xi'an, around 13 million people are now under a very strict lockdown, with one person per household allowed to leave the home every two days to buy essential goods, the BBC reports. Authorities announced Wednesday that the indefinite lockdown would go into effect at midnight. Most transport to and from the city has been suspended and checkpoints have been installed on highways. High school and college classes have been shifted online and all indoor gatherings have been suspended.

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The measures are some of the strictest China has put in place since the early 2020 lockdown in Wuhan, where the virus was first detected, the AP reports. City officials said Wednesday that more than 140 cases had been detected in Xi'an since Dec. 9including 52 of the 57 cases reported nationwide Tuesdayand numerous cases in other cities had been traced back to Xi'an, the Wall Street Journal reports. Later in the day, officials said mass testing in Xi'an had detected another 127 cases. Officials say the Xi'an cases are the delta variant, not omicron.

"Currently, the situation of pandemic prevention and control remains complicated and grim," a city official said when announcing the lockdown. So far, only seven omicron cases have been detected in China, but officials are already urging people to avoid travel over the Chinese New Year period for the third year in a row. In southern China, a city of 200,000 people was locked down Wednesday after a single COVID case was detected, the Washington Post reports. All residents of Dongxing, which sits on the border with Vietnam, were ordered to quarantine at home and the entry of people and goods was banned. (Read more COVID-19 stories.)
(Newser)  Update: Police say five arrests have been made in connection with the carjacking of a House Democrat in Philadelphia Wednesday. Delaware State Police said in a statement that the suspects were taken into custody around 9pm after they were found in Rep. Mary Gay Scanlon's stolen 2017 Acura MDX in the parking lot of a Newark shopping center, NBC reports. The arrests came around six hours after Scanlon was carjacked at gunpoint after leaving a meeting. Lauren Cox, Scanlon's communication director, said the congresswoman was returning to her vehicle after a meeting when two armed men demanded her car keys and her purse, reports the Philadelphia Inquirer. Our story from Wednesday follows:

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A congresswoman was robbed of her vehicle at gunpoint Wednesday in a South Philadelphia park. Democratic Rep. Mary Gay Scanlon was walking to her parked SUV after an afternoon meeting, a spokesperson said, when two armed men drove up. They demanded her keys, WPVI reports, then drove away with Scanlon's 2017 Acura MDX. In the Acura were her personal cellphone, government cellphone, purse, and identification. Scanlon was physically unharmed, per NBC News.

The spokeswoman said Scanlon was grateful to Philadelphia police and the Sergeant at Arms at the Capitol for their coordination "to ensure her continued safety." Scanlon is in her second term representing parts of South Philadelphia and nearby areas in Pennsylvania. Philadelphia's mayor issued a statement decrying the crime. "It's disheartening, and quite frankly infuriating, that criminals feel emboldened to commit such a reckless crime in the middle of the day in what should be a place of tranquility and peace," said Mayor Jim Kenney. (Read more carjacking stories.)
(Newser)  The House committee investigating the Jan. 6 Capitol riot has told a House member it wants to speak to him. The committee told Republican Rep. Jim Jordan, an outspoken conservative Trump ally, that it is seeking his "voluntary cooperation" in an appearance before the panel early next month, the Guardian reports. The panel told the Ohio lawmaker that it wants to discuss his communications with Donald Trump on the day of the riot, reports Reuters. "Despite the urgent requests that the President speak and instruct the rioters to leave, President Trump did not make such a statement for multiple hours," the panel wrote in its letter to Jordan.

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The letter said the panel wants to discuss the communications "in detail," along with "any communications you had on January 5th or 6th with those in the Willard War Room, the Trump legal team, White House personnel or others involved in organizing or planning the actions and strategies for January 6th." CNN notes that Jordan was one of the five Republicans originally selected by House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy to be on the committee, but McCarthy pulled all five picks after House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said Jordan and Rep. Jim Banks could damage the "integrity of the investigation."

Jordan, who supported Trump's election fraud claims in the weeks before the riot, is the second serving Republican congressman the panel has asked to speak to. Rep. Scott Perry was asked to speak to the committee and provide documents, including his communications with Trump, but he rejected the request Tuesday, MSNBC reports. The Pennsylvania lawmaker tweeted that the "entity is illegitimate, and not duly constituted under the rules of the US House of Representatives." Jordan is widely expected to reject the request as well, which could potentially lead to subpoenas and an unprecedented legal battle. (Read more Jim Jordan stories.)
(Newser)  A monument at a Hong Kong university that was the best-known public remembrance of the Tiananmen Square massacre on Chinese soil was dismantled and removed in the early hours of Thursday, wiping out the city's last place of public commemoration of the bloody 1989 crackdown. For some at the University of Hong Kong, the move reflected the erosion of the relative freedoms they have enjoyed compared to mainland China, the AP report. The 26-foot-tall Pillar of Shame, which depicts 50 torn and twisted bodies piled on top of each other, was made by Danish sculptor Jens Galschioet to symbolize the lives lost during the military crackdown on pro-democracy protesters in Beijings Tiananmen Square on June 4, 1989.

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Billy Kwok, a University of Hong Kong student, said the Pillar of Shame has been treated as part of the university by many who studied there. It had been standing at the university for more than two decades. "Its the symbol of whether (there is still) ... freedom of speech in Hong Kong," he said after the sculpture was taken away. The university said it had asked that the sculpture be put in storage because it could pose "legal risks." Each year on June 4, members of the now-defunct student union would wash the statue to commemorate the massacre. Authorities have banned annual Tiananmen candlelight vigils for two consecutive years and shut down a private museum documenting the crackdown.

Galschioet said he has been promised a spot for the sculpture in a park across from the Chinese Embassy in Washington, DC, and was also offered places in Norway, Canada, and Taiwan. "Grave desecration is also very frowned upon in China, but thats really what it is. It is almost a sacred monument," the sculptor said. "It is a sculpture for those who died." The dismantling of the sculpture came days after pro-Beijing candidates scored a landslide victory in Hong Kong legislative elections, following amendments to election laws allowing the vetting of candidates to ensure they are "patriots" loyal to Beijing. With many opposition lawmakers either banned from running or behind bars, turnout was low.

(Read more Hong Kong stories.)
(Newser)  "Not all heroes wear capes" is the astute observation by Essence on the latest story out of Oklahoma. That's where 11-year-old Davyon Johnson is receiving praise for saving not one, but two people in one day earlier this month. CNN reports that Davyon's busy day of heroism on Dec. 9 began while he was in class at the 6th and 7th Grade Academy in Muskogee. Principal Latricia Dawkins tells the Enid News & Eagle that one of Davyon's classmates was trying to loosen the cap on a water bottle with his teeth when the cap fell into his mouth and down his throat. The choking boy stumbled into Davyon's classroom, which happened to be a lucky turn of events.

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That's because Davyon leaped to his feet and performed the Heimlich maneuver on the struggling student. "From the account of the witnesses, when he did it the bottle cap popped out," Dawkins says. Davyon could have called it a day at that point, but later that evening, he saw a house that was on fire and an elderly woman with a walker trying to escape it. "I thought, 'She's not moving fast enough,' so I ran across the street ... and helped her," he tells KOTV.

Davyon says he learned the Heimlich maneuver from watching a YouTube video. "He has always indicated that he wants to be an EMT," Dawkins tells the Enid News, which notes Davyon's uncle is one. "So he got to put that desire into action and immediately saved that young man." As for helping the elderly woman, he says he just wanted to be a "good citizen." The Muskogee Public Schools Board of Education honored Davyon last week, with the local police department and sheriff's office making him an honorary member of their forces. As for what his mother thinks about all the commotion surrounding her son, she tells the Enid News: "I'm just a proud mom." (Read more hero stories.)
(Newser)  In one of his lesser-known moves, then-President Trump signed a law in 2018 banning cockfighting in all US territories, 11 years after Louisiana became the final state to ban the practice. On Wednesday, a federal appeals court ruled against Guam businessman Sedfrey Linsangan, who argued the ban was unconstitutional because "gamefowl competition" was part of his culture, AP reports. The court said cockfighting isn't a fundamental right for people in Guam or any other US jurisdiction. "Linsangans evidence of cockfighting as a cultural practice both predating and outside of American history does not show that cockfighting is objectively deeply rooted in our Nations tradition," the 9th US Circuit Court of Appeals panel said.

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"Various US jurisdictions have restricted or prohibited animal fighting, including cockfighting, for centuries," the panel said. A similar challenge to the law from cockfighting interests in Puerto Rico was rejected by the Supreme Court in October. The ruling comes days before New Year's Day cockfight derbies in Guam, but a spokeswoman for Gov. Leon Guerrero says it will be up to federal authorities to enforce the ban, the Guam Daily Post reports. Recent changes to the island's animal cruelty laws recognized cockfighting as a cultural practice.

Wayne Pacelle, president of the Animal Wellness Action group, wrote to the governor Wednesday, asking her to tell cockfight organizers that "law enforcement personnel will be present to maintain the peace and discourage any illegal acts of animal cruelty." "As a legal jurisdiction of the United States, Guam cannot whimsically opt-out of US laws that forbid animal cruelty," Pacelle wrote, per the Pacific News Center. He added: "Congress has determined that cockfighting is barbaric and inhumane and the federal courts have said the US has the authority to take this action. Case closed." (Last year, police in California seized thousands of cockfighting roosters.)
(Newser)  If Russian soldiers on the border with Ukraine move on the country, it's not Russia's fault. So said Russian President Vladimir Putin at an end-of-year news conference on Thursday, as a reported 100,000 Russian troops amassed near the Ukrainian border. Putin said Russia had only agreed to tolerate Ukraine's possession of territory seen as historically part of Russia, given to the country after the breakup of the Soviet Union, if Ukraine remained neutral, per the New York Times. He added Russia couldn't tolerate foreign militariesmeaning the US-led NATO alliancemoving in. "They are creating on this territory an anti-Russia, with the constant sending over of contemporary weapons, brainwashing the population," Putin said. "Now, they tell us, 'war, war, war.'"

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"The impression is they are planning" a military operation "and we are warned in advance, 'Don't get involved, don't meddle, don't defend these people,'" Putin continued, per the Times. Yet "it was the United States that came with its missiles to our home, to the doorstep of our home. And you demand from me some guarantees. You should give us guarantees," he said. "Are we supposed to always look behind our shoulder and wait?" he added, per the Washington Post. Russian diplomats laid out a list of demands last week, including a pledge from NATO that it won't expand east, establish military bases in former Soviet countries, or admit new members. Ukraine has long wanted to join. NATO has already refused some of the demands.

Putin said it was a good sign that the US has agreed to hold talks with Russia on the security concerns in Geneva in the new year. Two days earlier, however, he expressed wariness about US guarantees, noting the country "easily withdraws from all international treaties that for one reason or another become uninteresting to them," per AFP. He also noted Russia would take "appropriate retaliatory military-technical measures" in response to the West's "obviously aggressive stance." Indeed, "we have every right to do so," he said. He added Russia is "extremely concerned" about US missile deployments in Poland and Romania, claiming, "If US and NATO missile systems appear in Ukraine, then their approach time to Moscow will be reduced to seven or 10 minutes." (Read more Russia stories.)
(Newser)  Joan Didion, the revered author and essayist whose precise social and personal commentary in such classics as The White Album and The Year of Magical Thinking made her a uniquely clear-eyed critic of turbulent times, has died at age 87. Didion's publisher Penguin Random House announced the author's death on Thursday. She died of complications from Parkinson's disease, per the AP. Along with Tom Wolfe, Nora Ephron, and Gay Talese, Didion reigned in the pantheon of "New Journalists" who emerged in the 1960s and wedded literary style to nonfiction reporting.

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Tiny and frail even as a young woman, with large, sad eyes often hidden behind sunglasses and a soft, deliberate style of speaking, she was a novelist, playwright, and essayist who once observed that "I am so physically small, so temperamentally unobtrusive, and so neurotically inarticulate that people tend to forget that my presence runs counter to their best interests." Or, as she more famously put it: "Writers are always selling somebody out." Slouching Towards Bethlehem, The White Album, and other books became essential collections of literary journalism, with notable writings including her takedown of Hollywood politics in Good Citizens.

Didion was equally unsparing about her own struggles. She was diagnosed in her 30s with multiple sclerosis and around the same time suffered a breakdown and checked into a psychiatric clinic in Santa Monica, California, that diagnosed her worldview as "fundamentally pessimistic, fatalistic, and depressive." In her 70s, she reported on personal tragedy in the heartbreaking 2005 work, The Year of Magical Thinking, a narrative formed out of the chaos of grief that followed the death of her husband and writing partner, John Gregory Dunne. It won a National Book Award, and she adapted it as a one-woman Broadway play that starred Vanessa Redgrave.

Dunne had collapsed in 2003 at their table and died of a heart attack even as their daughter, Quintana Roo Dunne Michael, was gravely ill in a hospital. The memoir was a best-seller and a near-instant standard, the kind of work people would instinctively reach for after losing a loved one. Didion said she thought of the work as a testament of a specific time; tragically, Magical Thinking became dated in one sense shortly after it was published. Quintana died during the summer of 2005 at age 39 of acute pancreatitis. Didion wrote of her daughters death in 2011's Blue Nights.

(Read more Joan Didion stories.)
(Newser)  The evidence that it would help is not overwhelming, but Israel nevertheless is considering approving a fourth dose of COVID-19 vaccine after receiving an expert panel's recommendation. Israel has moved quickly on getting its population vaccinated and was an early adopter on third doses of vaccine. With the omicron variant spreading fast, the nation's health experts want to maintain its rapid response, the New York Times reports. "The price will be higher if we don't vaccinate," the head of the expert advisory panel said Wednesday. "We don't have a lot of time to make decisions."

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The panel's reasoning is based on the fact that coronavirus immunity began to fade a few months after people received the third dose of vaccine. The panel said that if there's a pause before administering a fourth round, it might not come in time to protect the most vulnerable in the population. The decision is up to the Health Ministry. Prime Minister Naftali Bennett supports another dose, and the health minister said distribution could start by Sunday. Germany's health minister said Thursday that his nation probably will go to a fourth round in the next year, once it sees how the third dose's protection holds up.

The World Health Organization's director-general is among those skeptical of ordering up more shots, per an analysis in the Jerusalem Post. "No country can boost its way out of the pandemic," said Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, who also has urged holding up on boosters until poor nations have vaccine. Moving to a fourth dose this quickly after the third, Maayan Jaffe-Hoffman writes in the Post, reflects the failure of other strategies against COVID-19. "Just because we led with the third dose does not mean that there should be a fourth dose with no scientific basis," said the head of a coronavirus ward in Jerusalem. (The latest studies suggest that omicron results in milder cases than delta.)
Fairbanks, AK (99707)

Today

Cloudy early, becoming mostly sunny this afternoon. Morning high of -9F with temps falling to near -20. Winds light and variable..

Tonight

Clear to partly cloudy. Low -31F. Winds light and variable.
Alaska Public Health Centers, including Fairbanks Public Health Center, are offering two free rapid tests per family. An employee of the Fairbanks Public Health Center confirmed that tests are available, saying all people need to do is wear a mask and stop in. Ana Ramirez/TNS
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TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune  www.newsofbahrain.com

His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, received more messages of congratulations royal family members, ministers, and senior government as well as private sector key officials following the successful launch of the first joint Bahraini-Emirati satellite Light-1 on Tuesday.

They also expressed their pride in His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, National Security Advisor, Commander of the Royal Guard, and Secretary-General of the Supreme Defence Council, and his achievements in various scientific fields to raise the Kingdoms status at all levels.

The joint nanosatellite Light-1 successfully arrived at the International Space Station (ISS).

It was carried aboard a Falcon 9 rocket which launched the SpaceX CRS-24 commercial resupply mission from the Kennedy Space Centre in Florida, US, at 1:06 pm Tuesday, in Bahrain (2:06 UAE time).

The nanosatellite was built and designed in collaboration between the UAE Space Agency and Bahrains National Space Science Agency (NSSA).

The project was executed at Khalifa University and New York University Abu Dhabi.

After reaching its orbit around Earth, Light-1 will monitor and study terrestrial gamma-ray flashes from thunderstorms and cumulus clouds.

It will be the first study of its kind in the region.
TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune  www.newsofbahrain.com

Al Salam Bank announced its sponsorship of the event held in celebration of Bahraini Womens Day under the slogan Bahraini Women in National Development ...

A Journey of Advancement in a Giving Country, coinciding with the 20th anniversary of the Supreme Council for Womens establishment.

During the event, Her Royal Highness Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa, Wife of His Majesty the King and President of the Supreme Council for Women, inaugurated the Bahraini Womens Monument Impact or Athar, followed by an introductory film to showcase the most important objectives of this edifice.

The council also issued a documentary book to celebrate this prestigious occasion, accompanied by a brief visual presentation, and a documentary film entitled The Supreme Council for Women After Twenty Year ...

Recommendations: From Implementation to Measuring Impact.

Government entities and official sponsors who supported the activities hosted in celebration of Bahraini Womens Day 2021 were also honoured during the event.
TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune  www.newsofbahrain.com

Many top-class international brands have shown interest to occupy spaces at Moda Mall, according to a senior executive.

Chris Gibson, Deputy General Manager for Savills at BWTC and MODA Mall, said 2022 is a year of great hopes with many plans in the pipeline for the mall. 2021 has been a year of consolidation. We are encouraged by the footfall and the quality of customers coming in.

Many of the brands consider MODA Mall as the best destination and best location for its customers, be it the esteemed Bahraini customers or those coming from Saudi Arabia, other GCC countries or cruise ships. We have high hopes and big plans in place for the coming year.

More international brands are going to come. We are also delighted with the addition of prestigious F&B brands such as Nomad opening early next year. We are really happy by the number of brands that are committed to the Mall going forward, Mr Chris pointed out.

In the spirit of the festive season and to commemorate the Kingdoms Golden Jubilee MODA Mall, Bahrains high-end shopping destination, is giving away a prestigious Aston Martin Vantage as part of its Shop and Win campaign starting from 5th December 2021 - 31st January 2022. MODA Mall has teamed up with Adamas Motors, the official dealer for Aston Martin in the Kingdom.

This year is a unique year marking the 50th anniversary of the Kingdom of Bahrains independence, as such, it required a special prize to reward our shoppers for their continuous support.

The Aston Martin Vantage is an iconic British Marque, a truly remarkable piece of engineering that has featured in several James Bond movies.

MODA Mall has been a part of the Kingdoms history for over three decades, and on this occasion, we would like to extend our thanks to His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the King of the Kingdom of Bahrain and His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister for fostering an economic environment where international and local brands can thrive, Mr Chris said.

For every BD30 spent at MODA Malls refined retail outlets, shoppers are given one entry into the Golden Jubilee draw.

Customers will need to scan the QR code available at MODA Mall or click the link on the website to register, enter their details and upload their receipts.

The Grand Prize draw for Aston Martin will take place on 3rd February 2022 and will be overseen by the Ministry of Industry and Commerce and Tourism (MOICT).
DT News: Does the ministry have any plans to benefit from or recycle the excavated rainwater?

Eng. Khalaf: The storm water is usually discharged in the sea and other areas. We had attempted to inject it in the under- ground water in a couple of sites across the Kingdom. But recycling also is only done if strict rules are followed. The Supreme Council for the Environment had some environ- mental reservations in regards to this process as they had some concerns over water pollution suspicions, hence the processes were stopped and further discussions are in progress. But, we utilise it in irrigation purposes.

We have more work and effort to be implemented in the field of rainwater drainage and recycling. Yet, we have managed to considerably reduce the negative effects of this issue on the public by taking the necessary precautionary measures and procedures ahead of the rainy season.

The ministry has offered more tenders to provide tanks and containers to excavate the excessive water from roads and public areas. We have also upgraded the vacuum tankers and provided them with additional pumps to accelerate the process of excavating the water, thats in addition to installing pumps at vital areas and roads to move the water to open areas and ensure that the daily life isnt affected.

DT News: What are the main challenges the ministry is facing in tackling the rainwater flooding issue?

Eng. Khalaf: One of the biggest challenges we face during the rainy seasons is the uncivil behaviour of some people who remove the covers of sewage manholes and allow the rainwa- ter to enter and mix with the sewerage network.

This is a grave matter as such behaviour disrupts and dam- ages the networks. The rainwater, with all its sediments, damages the pumps and other equipment of the sewerage network. This results in the rebound of the sewerage inside homes and other facilities. Such cases were reported recently, as the pumps were damaged and unable to move the sewer- age to the treatment plant. We repeatedly warn the public

of the dangerous effects of such behaviours by raising more awareness on the matter through different platforms.

Its noteworthy that we have also fulfilled all the requests that were received by municipal councils from citizens this year to install rainwater roof coatings to prevent any leakages inside homes, especially those belonging to the limited and medium income citizens.
Egypt inspired by Bahrain progress and key role in regional peace, stability and prosperity

Egypt inspired by Bahrain progress and key role in regional peace, stability and prosperity

Agencies | Cairo

The Daily Tribune  www.newsofbahrain.com

Egyptian House of Representatives Speaker Dr Hanafi El- Gebali has commended His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifas royal vision in developing the Kingdom of Bahrain and promoting regional peace, stability and prosperity.

Senate Speaker Abdel Wahab Abdel Razek also expressed his deep admiration for Bahrains progress and development under HM the Kings prosperous era.

This came as Representatives Council Speaker Fawzia bint Abdullah Zainal and her accompanying delegation were met by the two top Egyptian legislators at the parliament headquarters in Cairo yesterday.

Speaker El-Gebali praised HM the King's keenness to support joint Arab work, as well as the advanced level of relations between Bahrain and Egypt, thanks to the wise leadership of His Majesty and Egyptian President Abdelfattah El-Sisi.

He also lauded the keenness of Bahrains Representatives Council and Egypts House of Representatives to bolster cooperation between the two countries, mainly in the parliamentary field.

Speaker Zainal underlined deep-rooted fraternal ties and advanced cooperation between both countries in all fields.

She pointed out the steady growth of bilateral relations, thanks to the care and support of the leadership.

Zainal also lauded the pivotal role of Egypt in supporting Arab and Islamic issues and fostering peace and security in the region and the world.

Wise political approach

Senate Speaker Razek stressed that HM the Kings wise political approach has enhanced Bahrains humanitarian and global status and civilised projects and initiatives, at the Arab and international levels.

The Senate Speaker praised the depth of the relations that bring together the Egyptian and Bahraini peoples and the steady and distinguished progress of their cooperation.

He stressed his support for activating the role of the parliament towards achieving the goals, aspirations and hopes of the two peoples, wishing the Kingdom further progress and prosperity.

Zainal hailed the strong relations and wide cooperation binding the two countries as well as their effective coordination regarding all issues and the latest regional and international developments.
Prices of household foods, such as flour products and cooking oil, are set to spike in Japan from early next year.

The price hikes stem from rising ingredient prices, following a global surge in demand after economic recovery from the coronavirus crisis, as well as from climbing logistics costs.

With companies unable to find ways to offset the high costs, some products have already seen prices raised, hitting consumers.

Yamazaki Baking Co. plans to raise the shipping price of its bread and pastries by an average of 7.3% from Jan. 1 next year. Nisshin Foods Inc., a unit of Nisshin Seifun Group Inc., will raise the prices of wheat flour products by around 3% to 6% and mixed flour products by around 4% to 6% from Jan. 4.

The moves come after the government in October revised up the prices at which imported wheat is sold to the private sector by 19% from six months before.

International wheat prices have skyrocketed on strong demand from China, dealing a blow to Japan  which relies on imports for 90% of its wheat.

Some food makers will also raise prices of noodles as a result.

For cooking oil, J-Oil Mills Inc. plans to raise the prices of rapeseed oil products by at least 40 per kilogram from Feb. 1. Cooking oil prices were already raised four times in 2021.

The production of rapeseed has decreased due to a drought in Canada, a major producer.

The climbing prices also reflect growing demand for vegetable oil, not only for food but also for use as a biofuel in decarbonization efforts.
Nearly two years after liquor giant Diageo decamped from Norwalk for New York City and Stamford, a major new tenant plans to occupy the vacated space in The Towers in late 2022.

The Financial Accounting Foundation plans to move its headquarters next fall to 801 Main Ave., across the way from its current location in the Merritt 7 Office Park in Norwalk. Founded in Stamford in 1972, the Financial Accounting Foundation has called Norwalk home for more than three decades.

Operating as a nonprofit, the Financial Accounting Foundation oversees the Financial Accounting Standards Board and Government Accounting Standards Board, which are supported by industry fees. The combined organizations revenue totaled $60 million in 2020.

The Norwalk headquarters operation totals about 160 people, according to a spokesperson, who said the Financial Accounting Foundation elected to stay in Norwalk after considering more than 15 possible locations in Fairfield County and Westchester County.

Led for a decade by Teresa Polley, the Financial Accounting Foundation installed a new executive director last year in John Auchincloss, a Weston resident who was general counsel under Polley.

The Financial Accounting Standards Board will occupy nearly 80,000 square feet of space at 801 Main, one of three buildings in The Towers complex just north of the Merritt Parkway.

Building & Land Technology, which owns The Towers, recently completed The Curb apartment complex on Glover Avenue and is laying the groundwork for the larger North Seven development that could add as many as 11 new buildings.

The state Department of Transportation is building a new Merritt 7 station on the Metro-North Danbury branch that will include a pedestrian footbridge to the Merritt 7 Office Park.

The Financial Accounting Foundation becomes the second major Merritt 7 tenant in the past few years to move to The Towers complex that includes 801 Main, along with FactSet, which offers platforms for financial market research and analysis.

FactSet took over much of Xeroxs former headquarters at 45 Glover Ave., after the office equipment giant relocated to 201 Merritt 7 in 2017. Heavy equipment manufacturer Terex moved its own headquarters last year to 45 Glover from Westport.

Frontier Communications recently reupped at 401 Merritt 7, which it shares with the Financial Accounting Foundation and several other tenants. Besides Xerox and Frontier, other Merritt 7 tenants include data backup provider Datto, Hearst Connecticut Media Group, soda brand Reeds and convention host Reed Exhibitions.

Includes prior reporting by Abigail Brone and Paul Schott.

Alex.Soule@scni.com; 203-842-2545; @casoulman
Robotic vacuum cleaners wouldn't start. Doorbell cameras stopped watching for package thieves, though some of those deliveries were canceled anyway. Netflix and Disney movies got interrupted and The Associated Press had trouble publishing the news.

A major outage in Amazons cloud computing network on Dec. 7 severely disrupted services at a wide range of U.S. companies for hours, raising questions about the vulnerability of the internet and its concentration in the hands of a few firms.

That uncertainty was underscored Wednesday when Amazon reported another outage that, while much shorter and less disruptive that the Dec. 7 problem, still created problems for many of its cloud customers. On a status dashboard for the service, Amazon reported that a power failure in one of its data centers had disrupted customers whose tasks ran on its servers.

Power was restored after about 45 minutes, although the company said some customers continued to experience problems almost 12 hours following the outage. Hardware failures in the affected data center forced some Amazon customers to restart their cloud-based systems entirely.

HOW DID IT HAPPEN?

Amazon has still said nothing about what, exactly, went wrong in the early December outage. The company limited its communications at the time to terse technical explanations on an Amazon Web Services dashboard and a brief statement delivered via spokesperson Richard Rocha that acknowledged the outage had affected Amazons own warehouse and delivery operations but said the company was working to resolve the issue as quickly as possible. It didn't immediately respond to further questions Wednesday.

The incident at Amazon Web Services mostly affected the eastern U.S., but still impacted everything from airline reservations and auto dealerships to payment apps and video streaming services to Amazons own massive e-commerce operation.

WHAT IS AWS?

Amazon Web Services is a cloud-service operation  it stores its customers' data, runs their online activities and more  and a huge profit center for Amazon. It holds roughly 40% of the $64 billion global cloud infrastructure market, a larger share than its closest rivals Microsoft, Alibaba and Google, combined, according to research firm Gartner.

It was formerly run by Amazon CEO Andy Jassy, who succeeded founder Jeff Bezos in July.

TOO MANY EGGS IN ONE BASKET?

Some cybersecurity experts have warned for years about the potentially ugly consequences of allowing a handful of big tech companies to dominate key internet operations.

The latest AWS outage is a prime example of the danger of centralized network infrastructure," said Sean O'Brien, a visiting lecturer in cybersecurity at Yale Law School. Though most people browsing the internet or using an app dont know it, Amazon is baked into most of the apps and websites they use each day." O'Brien said it's important to build a new network model that resembles the peer-to-peer roots of the early internet. Big outages have already knocked huge swaths of the world offline, as happened during an October Facebook incident.

Even under the current model, companies do have some options to split their services between different cloud providers, although it can be complicated, or to at least make sure they can move their services to a different region run by the same provider. Tuesday's outage mostly affected Amazon's US East 1" region.

Which means if you had critical systems only available in that region, you were in trouble," said Servaas Verbiest, lead cloud evangelist at Sungard Availability Services. If you heavily embraced the AWS ecosystem and are locked into using solely their services and functions, you must ensure you balance your workloads between regions."

HASN'T THIS HAPPENED BEFORE?

Yes. The last major AWS outage was in November 2020. There have been been numerous other disruptive and lengthy internet outages involving other providers. In June, the behind-the-scenes content distributor Fastly suffered a failure that briefly took down dozens of major internet sites including CNN, The New York Times and Britains government home page. Another that month affected provider Akamai during peak business hours in Asia in June.

In the October outage, Facebook  now known as Meta Platforms  blamed a faulty configuration change for an hours-long worldwide outage that took down Instagram and WhatsApp in addition to its titular platform.

WHAT ABOUT THE GOVERNMENT?

It was unclear how, or whether, Tuesday's outage affected governments, but many of them also rely on Amazon and its rivals.

Among the most influential organizations to rethink its approach of depending on a single cloud provider was the Pentagon, which in July canceled a disputed cloud-computing contract with Microsoft that could eventually have been worth $10 billion. It will instead pursue a deal with both Microsoft and Amazon and possibly other cloud service providers such as Google, Oracle and IBM.

The National Security Agency earlier this year awarded Amazon a contract with a potential estimated value of $10 billion to be the sole manager of the NSAs own migration to cloud computing. The contract is known by its agency code name Wild and Stormy. The General Accountability Office in October sustained a bid protest by Microsoft, finding that certain parts of the NSAs decision were unreasonable, although the full decision is classified.



AP writer Nomaan Merchant contributed to this report.
H John Voorhees III / Hearst Connecticut Media

BETHEL  With local COVID-19 infections on the rise, First Selectman Matt Knickerbocker announced Thursday that mask-wearing will again be required inside all municipal buildings in town,

Our community is experiencing a very significant increase in COVID-19 infections, he said. Due to this rapid surge, we are once again asking visitors to all town-owned buildings to wear masks when in public areas and when meeting with staff.
BROOKFIELD  Drama is an apt name for a graphic novel that is causing a stir in Brookfield Public Schools this month.

A parent who took issue with the age-appropriateness of the childrens book, which was located in the Huckleberry Hill Elementary School library, has appealed their request for its removal to the Board of Education, which will make a final decision in the new year.

While the board has protocols for assessing books used in classroom instruction, it has never dealt with a challenge against a library book. Members discussed the issue and next steps at a Dec. 15 regular meeting.

Drama is a 2012 graphic novel by cartoonist Raina Telgemeier that follows a middle schooler named Callie as she works on a school theater production. The plot includes a same-sex on-stage kiss, and a character who is openly gay.

Scholastic says the book is intended for children ages 10 through 14.

Board members reported that the parent thought the material was not age-appropriate for the elementary school. The parent brought the issue to the librarian, who reviewed and approved the books circulation. The parent appealed that decision to the principal, who formed a committee that also approved its circulation. Finally, the parent appealed both decisions to the superintendents office. At that point, the issue was turned over to the school board.

Last week, the board decided to keep the book in circulation until a final decision was made. This was in keeping with standard practice from the American Library Association and the districts own policy for challenged books, board member Rosa Fernandes said.

It presumes that theres something wrong with the book and it also sets a very dangerous precedent that parents can get approved materials pulled from shelves, last years board chairman Fernandes, explained. It was pretty clear that the majority of us really wanted to keep the book on the shelf while the review was underway.

Newly-elected Chairman Bob Belden said that while a decision is being made, the parent can opt out of allowing their child to check that book out from the library.

While Drama has received numerous accolades from the New York Times, Washington Post, NPR, and Publishers Weekly, including winning the Stonewall Book Award, it has also received flack for its inclusion of LGBTQ+ themes. It has been banned in Texas several times.

The Drama book was purchased for the Huckleberry collection in 2012. In the nine years that this book has been in the HHES library collection I am not aware of any prior complaint regarding this text, Superintendent John Barile wrote in an email to Hearst Connecticut.

He added that it is critical that any organization have policies and protocols in places which are in alignment with applicable law to process the fundamental organizational work along with navigating the various complex challenges that may arise.

So far, the districts policy committee has approved language from the existing protocol for challenged classroom instruction material, and their recommendation for this new protocol will go before the board. Once the protocol is approved, the CAPE subcommittee will meet, read the book, and evaluate it in its entirety before voting on a recommendation. The groups recommendation whether to keep or remove the book from the Huckleberry Hill library will then head back to the board for final approval.

Were just getting reorganized as a board after the election, Belden, said.

He expects the board to begin discussions in January or February.

Brookfields books

This is the first major book challenge Brookfield has seen in a decade.

In 2011, residents and a school board member asked for the removal of Toni Morrisons The Bluest Eye from a high school honors English class curriculum. They claimed the book  which is a Pulitzer Prize winning book taught in high schools across the country contained pornographic scenes, and were worried about the age-appropriateness of the content. The book includes sexual and violent content.

The Bluest Eye and Drama frequently hit the American Library Associations top 10 most challenged books of the year. In 2014, 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019, Drama made the list, alongside titles like Harry Potter, To Kill a Mockingbird and The Hate U Give.

In 2020, most book challenges occurred at public libraries, while just 15 percent stemmed from school libraries, according to the American Library Association. One out of every two challenges came from a parent, while just 1 percent came from students themselves. The most common complaint included the phrase LGBTQIA+.

On her website, the books author, Raina Telgemeier, writes that when Drama first started showing up on the Banned Books List, I had a lot of people asking if I wanted to make a statement. I always say that my statement is the book. My viewpoint is its better to live in a world where we love and accept each other than one where we dont!

Barile said he was not working at Brookfield during The Bluest Eye controversy.

National controversies

Jeff Trexler, interim director of the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund, said that if you have Shakespeare and Plato in your libraries, you should be able to include a book like Drama.

Those texts also include sexual content, and Plato even talks about seducing young boys, he said.

If youre a school district, youre going to have to be very, very careful about it, he said of removing a book like Drama.

The organization is a non-political non-profit started in 1986 to protect the First Amendment rights of comics creators, publishers, and retailers.

Trexler said that books with graphics and pictures tend come under more censorship than traditional texts because of visual depictions.

Were seeing these books being challenged nationwide, he said of Drama and other graphic novels depicting gender fluidity or LGBTQ+ themes. At times, the books are challenged for their content, other times because of the nature of a graphic novel style and the physical representation of the text.

In his view, it is imperative that the board reads the book in its entirety  which the district plans to do and makes sure the protocol it creates has strong legal footing. Otherwise, the district could face legal challenges which can be lengthy and expensive, he said.

Personally, I am against censorship in that way, said Fernandes. I think there are difficult and unique situations that are represented in books and its not our job to shelter our children from those topics but rather to have discussions about them.

Fernandes said she would be evaluating the book through the lens of whether it met the selection criteria for Huckleberry Hill.

Im not going to evaluate the book based on is there an uncomfortable topic that is discussed.
AUSTIN, Texas (AP)  A Texas board that had unanimously supported a posthumous pardon for George Floyd over a 2004 drug arrest in Houston backpedaled in an announcement Thursday, saying procedural errors" were found in their recommendation months after leaving the decision to Republican Gov. Greg Abbott.

The unusual reversal was announced by Abbott's office two days before Christmas, around the time he typically doles out his annual pardons.

The withdrawn endorsement was met with outrage from a public defender who submitted the pardon application for Floyd, who spent much of his life in Houston before his death in 2020 under the knee of a white Minneapolis police officer. Allison Mathis, an attorney in Houston, accused the two-term governor of playing politics ahead of Texas' March GOP primary elections as he faces challengers from the far right.

Floyd's name was withdrawn along with two dozen other clemency recommendations that had been submitted by the Texas Board of Pardon and Paroles. In a letter dated Dec. 16 but not released publicly until now, the board told Abbott that it had identified unexplained departures from its process of issuing pardons and needed to reconsider more than a third of the 67 clemency recommendations it sent to Abbott this year, including the one for Floyd.

In October, the board had unanimously recommended that Floyd become just the second person in Texas since 2010 to receive a posthumous pardon from the governor.

As a result of the Boards withdrawal of the recommendation concerning George Floyd, Governor Abbott did not have the opportunity to consider it, Abbott spokeswoman Renae Eze said in a statement.

Mathis called the last-minute reversal a ridiculous farce." She said the board  which is stocked with Abbott appointees  did not make her aware of any issues prior to the announcement from the governor's office.

It really strains credibility for them to say now that it's out of compliance, after the board has already voted on it, she said.

Floyd grew up and was laid to rest in Houston. In June, former Minneapolis police Officer Derek Chauvin was sentenced to 22 1/2 years in prison for Floyd's murder, which led to a national reckoning in the U.S. over race and policing.

Pardons restore the rights of the convicted and forgive them in the eyes of the law. But in Floyds case, his family and supporters said a posthumous pardon in Texas would show a commitment to accountability.

In February 2004, Floyd was arrested in Houston for selling $10 worth of crack in a police sting, and later pleaded guilty to a drug charge and served 10 months in prison. But the global spotlight on the death of Floyd in police custody 16 years later is not why prosecutors revisited his Houston case. Instead, it was prompted by a deadly Houston drug raid in 2019 that involved the same officer who arrested Floyd.

Prosecutors say that officer, Gerald Goines, lied to obtain the search warrant for the raid that killed a husband and wife. Goines, who is no longer on the Houston force and faces murder charges, has denied wrongdoing. More than 160 drug convictions tied to him over the years have since been dismissed by prosecutors due to concerns about his casework.

David Gutierrez, chairman of Texas' parole board, said in the letter to Abbott that he ordered a review after the board had recommended more clemency recommendations this year than at any point in two decades. He did not specify how Floyd's recommendation skirted the usual procedures, instead only broadly pointing to several sets of rules that Gutierrez said the board did not follow.

A number listed for Gutierrez was not answered Thursday.

For months, Abbott gave no indication whether he would grant the pardon in the months since the parole board put the recommendation on his desk. The prolonged silence raised questions by Mathis and others over whether political calculations were at play in Abbott's decision. His office has not respond to those charges.

Abbott attended Floyd's memorial service last year in Houston, where he met with the family and floated the idea of a "George Floyd Act" that would take aim at police brutality. But when the Texas Legislature convened months later, Abbott was silent over policing reforms pushed by Democrats and made police funding a priority.

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Find APs full coverage of the death of George Floyd at: https://apnews.com/hub/death-of-george-floyd
John Raoux/AP

ORLANDO (AP)  Universal Orlando is reinstating its mask requirements beginning Christmas Eve as COVID-19 cases are surging as a result of the omicron variant.

Daily cases of coronavirus have quadrupled in the past week in the state of Florida, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Hospitalizations have increased by 12%, the CDC says.
Delhi reported 125 new COVID-19 cases in the past 24 hours, the biggest single-day spike in the last six months.

In view of rising COVID-19 Omicron cases, Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) issued orders to all District Magistrates and District Deputy Commissioners of Police to ensure that no cultural event, gatherings, and congregations are taking place for celebrating Christmas or New Year in Delhi.

The DDMA has also issued orders to enforce the No Mask, No Entry rule at shops and workplaces.

The statement advised the residents to follow COVID-19 appropriate behaviour.

Meanwhile, Delhi reported 125 new COVID-19 cases in the past 24 hours, the biggest single-day spike in the last six months. On June 22 this year, 134 Covid cases were reported in Delhi.

As per Delhis health bulletin on Wednesday, the positivity rate remained 0.20 per cent for the third consecutive day.

Delhi Health Minister Satyendar Jain on Wednesday had informed that 52 Omicron cases have been reported in the metropolis so far. Of these 17 patients have been discharged and the rest are admitted to other hospitals, he added.
According to three government officials published by Reuters, the facility, which produces iPhone 12 models, would be closed for a week.

After employees protested a food poisoning incident, Apple supplier Foxconns manufacturing plant on the outskirts of Chennai will be closed for a week. According to three government officials published by Reuters, the facility, which produces iPhone 12 models, would be closed for a week. The plant seemed vacant on Tuesday, with only a few cars parked outside.

According to Reuters, the factory has been closed since Saturday and will remain closed till Sunday, according to a senior health official at Tamil Nadus directorate of industrial safety and health. As per the report, no employees were present at the site, which was monitored by guards and security personnel.

Following protests about food poisoning at a unit, the Superintendent of Police in Kancheepuram imposed a five-day break at the plant. The Thiruvallur district administration stated in a statement that there was an outbreak of acute diarrhoeal disease reported among the Foxconn employees. According to the report, 256 workers were treated as out-patients and 159 were admitted to the hospital, with 155 of them having since been discharged.

In the matter, many protesters were arrested on Monday for obstructing a major highway in the area. Meanwhile, Sattai Durai Murugan, a YouTuber, was also detained for disseminating fake information on Foxconn manufacturing workers in Tamil Nadu. The Youtuber claimed that poison in their cuisine had made women employees sick. Women make up the majority of Foxconns workforce in India.

This is the second incidence of discontent at Foxconn involving an Apple supplier facility in India in a year, according to sources. Thousands of contract employees at a Wistron Corp plant destroyed equipment and cars in December of last year. The demonstrators claimed non-payment of salaries and caused $60 million in damages.
While the situation in Afghanistan is in flux, the expectations of the international community vis-a-vis Afghanistan were set out clearly in Security Council Resolution 2593.

Concerned over the fact that half the population of Afghanistan are facing acute food insecurity, Ambassador of India to the UN TS Tirumurti on Wednesday (local time) said that India has supported the UNSC resolution to grant exemption from sanctions for humanitarian assistance to the troubled country.

The humanitarian situation in Afghanistan is dire. We have seen reports that suggest that over half the population are facing crisis or emergency levels of acute food insecurity, urgent humanitarian assistance is required to meet the basic food needs of the people, and most of the country is going below the poverty threshold, Tirumurti said at a UN Security Council.

He noted that the winter is already upon us. It is important that assistance be scaled up urgently and unhindered access be provided to the UN and other agencies. In this context, India has supported the call of the international community that access to humanitarian assistance for Afghanistan should be direct and without any hindrance.

Humanitarian assistance should be based on the principles of neutrality, impartiality, and independence and disbursement of the aid should be non-discriminatory and accessible to all, irrespective of ethnicity, religion or political belief. In particular, the assistance should reach the most vulnerable first  including women, children and minorities, he added.

Tirumurti further said that at the same time, this Council should equally exercise its oversight on the delivery of assistance as well as guard against any possible diversion of funds. This is essential since any diversion or misuse can be counter-productive. In this regard, we welcome the provision in the resolution which calls for a review of the implementation of the humanitarian carve out after one year.

Over the last two decades, India has contributed significantly to the development of Afghanistan. We have just airlifted half a million doses of vaccines and 1.6 metric tonnes of life-saving medicines. We are also in the process of sending more medicines and food grains. India is ready to deliver urgent humanitarian aid consisting of food grains and medicines to the people of Afghanistan. We remain steadfast in our commitment towards humanitarian assistance to the people of Afghanistan, Tirumurti said.

We call on the international community and countries in the region to come together, rising above partisan interests. As the largest regional development partner of Afghanistan, India is willing to coordinate with other stakeholders to work towards enabling the expeditious provision of much-needed assistance to the people of Afghanistan, Tirumurti stated.

While the situation in Afghanistan is in flux, the expectations of the international community vis-a-vis Afghanistan were set out clearly in Security Council Resolution 2593.

The Resolution lays down the requirements in terms of the fight against terrorism, where it has noted the commitment of the Taliban not to allow the use of Afghan soil for terrorism, including from terrorists and terrorist groups designated under Resolution 1267. It also laid down the expectations of the international community in terms of an inclusive and representative political set up with participation of diverse political-ethnic groups in the country, and the importance of upholding human rights including those of women, children and minorities, Tirumurti said.

Going forward, even as we cater to the immediate humanitarian needs of the people of Afghanistan, our approach to Afghanistan will be guided by the commitments expected from resolution 2593, and our long-standing friendship with the people of Afghanistan, he added.
Punjab Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi has assured the people of Punjab that he is reaching the blast site shortly and the guilty would not be spared.

An explosion has been reported at the district court complex in Ludhiana on Thursday. Gurpreet Singh Bhular, Commissioner of Police, said that the blast incident took place at the Ludhianas District Court Complex at around 12:30 pm today. The blast took place at the second floor of the complex. 2 people have been confirmed dead and at least 4 people are feared injured. As bomb squad and teams of NIA & Forensics rush to the blast site, the area has been cordoned off.

Punjab Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi has tweeted that he is saddened over the news of blast at Ludhiana court complex. He also assured the people of Punjab that he is reaching the blast site shortly and the guilty would not be spared. He added that anybody trying to disturb the peace and harmony of the state would be taken to task. Meanwhile, Channi visited the hospital on Thursday to meet people who got injured in the explosion. He had earlier said that some anti-national elements doing such acts as Punjab Assembly polls are nearing and those trying to disturb peace and harmony of state will not be spared.

Former Chief Minister of Punjab Capt. Amarinder Singh called for probe into the matter and tweeted that he is saddened to know about the demise of 2 individuals and is praying for the recovery of those injured. He added that Punjab Police must get to the bottom of this.

Saddened over the news of blast at Ludhiana court complex. I'm reaching the blast site shortly and I assure the people of the state that the guilty would not be spared. Anybody trying to disturb the peace and harmony of the state, will be taken to task  Charanjit S Channi (@CHARANJITCHANNI) December 23, 2021

Disturbing news of a blast at Ludhiana court complex. Saddened to know about the demise of 2 individuals, Praying for the recovery of those injured. @PunjabPoliceInd must get to the bottom of this.  Capt.Amarinder Singh (@capt_amarinder) December 23, 2021

Meanwhile, the Union home ministry has sought report from Punjab on the blast. Top state officials have also spoken to top state officials. The blast comes at a time when the Punjab assembly elections are just around the corner.
ORANGE  While children are enjoying their holiday recess, the custodial staff at town schools will be hard at work thoroughly cleaning the buildings as part of mitigating the risks of COVID-19.

The holiday recess thorough cleaning, as Superintendent of Schools Vince Scarpetti called it, includes power-washing restrooms, sanitizing high-touch surfaces, scrubbing and buffing floors, deep cleaning of carpets and opening windows - which Scarpetti said might be the most important of all.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, COVID-19 is spread mainly in three ways: breathing in air when close to an infected person who is exhaling small droplets and particles that contain the virus; having such droplets and particles that contain virus land on the eyes, nose or mouth, especially through splashes and sprays such as from a cough or sneeze; and touching the eyes, nose or mouth with hands that have the virus on them.

Scarpetti noted to the Board of Education recently that COVID-19 cases increased  as expected  after the Thanksgiving holiday, and that they could find updated numbers on the COVID dashboard on the Board of Education website.

The numbers are updated every Friday and as of Dec. 17, according to the dashboard, there were 13 staff and students throughout the elementary schools who were confirmed positive, include three at Mary L. Tracy, six at Peck Place, two at Race Brook and two at Turkey Hill.

In addition, there were 36 staff and students districtwide in quarantine because of close contact with those confirmed cases.

In answer to a board members question, Scarpetti said there was no plan to go to remote learning unless there is a severe situation of COVID hitting throughout a school.

Scarpetti thanked parents for contacting nurses at the slightest hint of illness in their child.
MOORHEAD, Minn. (AP)  Seven members of an immigrant family from Honduras whose bodies were found inside a Minnesota home last weekend died of apparently accidental carbon monoxide poisoning, authorities said Wednesday.

Relatives of the family discovered the victims Saturday night in a home in south Moorhead when they went to check on them after not hearing from them. Police are still working on a time frame of the deaths but said the three children who lived there were not in school on Friday.

Officials with the Ramsey County Medical Examiner's Office in St. Paul examined blood samples to determine cause of death. Those tests showed a lethal level of carbon monoxide, authorities said.

Police Chief Shannon Monroe said the carbon monoxide came from either the home's furnace or a van in the garage. Technicians couldn't find a defect in the furnace that would have sent carbon monoxide into the home. Moore said further tests were being done to determine whether the victims had hydrogen cyanide in their blood, which would point to the van, and those tests might take up to eight weeks.

Investigators found that a carbon monoxide detector in the garage had been removed and replaced with a smoke-only detector. Monroe said the van had a half-tank of gas and a dead battery. The chief said that in cases of intentional carbon monoxide exposure, vehicles are usually found with empty gas tanks.

Theres no indication of any kind of criminal activity, Monroe said. Unless we find something else yet later in the investigation, right now its pointing toward some type of accidental situation.

The family members were identified earlier as Belin Hernandez, 37; Marleny Pinto, 34; Eldor Hernandez Castillo, 32; Mariela Guzman Pinto, 19; Breylin Hernandez, 16; Mike Hernandez, 7, and Marbely Hernandez, 5. They all lived together, police said.

Belin Hernandez and Marleny Pinto were the parents of Breylin, Mike and Marbely; Eldor Hernandez Castillo was Belin's brother; and Mariela Gusman Pinto was Marleny's niece, family members said.

The two-story twin home, which authorities said was between 5 and 7 years old, did not have a basement and all the bedrooms were upstairs. The furnace was in a separate room inside the garage.

Monroe said the victims were wearing light clothing, indicating the heat had been working. By the time first responders arrived, the temperature was 54 degrees (12 degrees Celsius) in the house and only the furnace fan was on.

Five of the victims were found in their beds. Belin Hernandez and Marleny Pinto were on the floor in the bedroom area.

It would appear to us possibly that the parents were still awake when this happened, Monroe said.

Residents in the adjoining unit had no signs of carbon monoxide sickness, police said.

Family members who gathered at the house Monday to share stories described their loved ones as happy people who were relieved to get away from turmoil in Honduras. They had been in the United States between three and eight years, a family translator said.

They love this community, Monroe said of the surviving family members. They are very pleased with the outpouring of support theyve seen so far. Just know that these are terrific members of our community and this is a huge and tragic loss at a holiday season.

Moorhead is on the Minnesota border next to Fargo, North Dakota, in a metropolitan area of about 230,000 people.
A Connecticut doctor has launched an online petition, asking Gov. Ned Lamont to institute a statewide mask mandate among other restrictions.

Mark Siegel, a pulmonary and critical care physician at Yale New Haven Health, started the petition that specifically asks the governor to institute a mask mandate in all indoor venues; require restaurants to confirm proof of vaccination from customers; and take all necessary steps to minimize disease spread by opening windows and doors and continuing outdoor dining as the weather allows.

As of Wednesday afternoon, 190 people had signed the petition.

While Siegel works for Yale New Haven Health, he stressed that he does not represent either Yale New Haven Hospital or the school of medicine.

I'm just a physician with concerns, he said in an interview on Wednesday. Our concern has always been that the governor may not be hearing what the physicians are thinking directly. I think I felt a need to make sure that he understands the nature of our concerns.

Lamonts spokesman, Max Reiss, said the response from the state has been an evolution.

Were in a very different place than we were in December 2020. Were in a different phase of the pandemic, as well. We believe there are different things that work today than worked 20 months ago, Reiss said. With each variant, weve seen different struggles and different responses.

Siegel said he sent a letter to Lamont, suggesting mandates, and actually met with the governor, along with some colleagues, earlier in the pandemic. And while he said Lamont did appear to take his concerns seriously, Siegel said, I think that there's always been a part of him that seems to want to just get businesses up and going again.

I think the failure to be explicit about expectations and to impose mandates on masks sends the message to people that masks aren't really that important, he said.

Siegel said hed like to see a policy like the one in New York City, where proof of vaccination is required to eat indoors at a restaurant.

While my understanding is that the governor is interested in developing this app for people to show their vaccinated status, I don't see any will to require that places demand proof of vaccination, he said.

Lamont referenced New Yorks vaccination requirement during a Monday press conference.

I like to do things that work, Lamont said. New York and New Jersey are ground zero for omicron right now. You can't stop what may be happening there with a lot of additional restrictions and mandates.

Siegel said hes not in favor of forcing restaurants to close, but he said rising case rates and hospitalizations require stronger measures to mitigate the spread of COVID.

The state said Wednesday there are 821 people in Connecticut hospitals with a coronavirus infection. Since Tuesday, 3,366 new COVID infections were discovered among 37,678 tests for a 8.93 percent positivity rate  one of the highest in recent weeks.

With the positivity rate nearing 9 percent each of the day two days, the states seven-day average has reached 7.78 percent, which is the highest since broad testing efforts were established several months into the pandemic.

I think that the assumption that demanding vaccination is going to hurt business isn't self-evidently true, Siegel said. There are a lot of people who won't go to restaurants because they know that other customers might not be vaccinated. I actually believe that people would be more willing to go to restaurants if they knew that there was a vaccine mandate, because they would feel safer doing so.

Instead of issuing sweeping mandates, Reiss said the state has allowed businesses and local municipalities the leeway to do what they believe is necessary to limit the spread of COVID-19.

It only makes sense to put in restrictions if you can effectively enforce them, he said. You can only have rules if youre able to enforce those rules.

Local municipalities have begun to reinstate mandates. Stamford, for example, announced this week that masks would be required at all indoor establishments. Trumbull has a similar rule.

Lamont said restaurants, and local municipalities know their customers and residents.

I gave a lot of discretion to our restaurants and stores because they know their customers the best, the governor said Monday. I can pass a lot of laws and mandates and restrictions, but they're only effective when people follow it so that's why I like to give that local discretion. They know their populations the best and they're the ones responsible for enforcing it.

That town-by-town approach is Siegels primary worry.

I think that what I am most concerned about is the muddled message. I would love to see the governor get up there and say to the state of Connecticut that we all need to pull together, he said. He needs to do more than say, I trust people to do the right thing. I think he should be very explicit about what the expectations are.

Siegels ultimate goal with his petition is to see the governor issue a clear set of rules for everyone  statewide.

Specifically, Siegel would like a stronger stance on vaccination, masking, availability of coronavirus tests, and clarity on issues like indoor dining: That includes dining indoors with people outside your family when vaccination status is unknown, he said.

I just have not heard a strong definitive statement from the governor that describes what we need to do to preserve the health of this state, he said.

When asked if his petition was coming from a place of exhaustion as a pulmonologist in the midst of a pandemic, he said yes.

A lot of my colleagues in health care express it as exhaustion, he said. I see it more as a sense of frustration, knowing that we know how to prevent the deadly virus from spreading, and yet we're not doing everything in our power to keep it from happening.
With the COVID-19 omicron variant sweeping Connecticut and the country, some cities and towns are going back to earlier pandemic precautions, including a mask mandate.

On Dec. 21, Connecticut's positivity rate reached almost 9 percent, which Gov. Ned Lamont called "staggering." Lamont acknowledged there may be questions about why the infection rate is so high considering the high rate of vaccinations in Connecticut. However, he cautioned: You are not really vaccinated until youve got your third shot, especially for folks 35, 45 and above.
Viktoria Sundqvist / Hearst Connecticut Media

NEW HAVEN  A city man has been sentenced to more than two years in federal prison for illegally having guns, according to prosecutors.

Quayshon Sharpe, 28, was sentenced Wednesday by Judge Vanessa L. Bryant in Hartford to 26 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release.
WASHINGTON (AP)  The Marine Corps discharged 66 Marines in the past week for refusing to get the coronavirus vaccine as mandated by the military, outpacing the other services at discipline related to the shots.

The latest Corps actions, which came as COVID-19 cases surged across the country as a result of the omicron variant, brought the total number of Marines booted out of the service for vaccine refusal to 169.

The speed with which the disease transmits among individuals has increased risk to our Marines and the Marine Corps mission," the Marine Corps said in a statement, even as the percentage of those at least partially vaccinated remained at 95%, the same as last week.

The infection rise also hit close to the Defense Department's No. 2 leader. The Pentagon announced Thursday that seven staff members who traveled with Deputy Defense Secretary Kathleen Hicks last week to Hawaii, California and Nebraska have tested positive for the virus. Hicks and members of her personal staff have so far tested negative.

Hicks' trip included stops at U.S. Naval Amphibious Base Coronado in San Diego and U.S. Strategic Command in Omaha. She also visited the Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility in Hawaii and met with families who have been affected by fuel contamination in drinking water at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam.

The department said the tests showing the positive results were taken at the conclusion of the trip and that contact tracing is now going on at all the bases, hotels and other facilities Hicks visited.

The United States is seeing an average of 149,000 infections a day, as omicron appears to spread up to three times faster than the delta variant.

Officials say the vaccines, particularly with the boosters, beef up protections against more severe illnesses. And the Pentagon has ordered all service members  active duty, National Guard and Reserves  to get the vaccine, saying it is critical to maintaining the health and readiness of the force.

Already this week, the Pentagon said 1,000 active duty troops will be deployed to states to help shore up beleaguered health care workers.

The Marine Corps has been the most aggressive in discharging troops who refuse the vaccine. And it also has denied all religious requests for vaccine exemptions that have been processed. As of Thursday, 3,080 of the 3,192 requests received  or more than 96%  have been processed and rejected.

The Marine vaccination rate is the lowest among the military services. The Army, Navy and Air Force all have nearly or more than 98% who have gotten at least one shot.
NEW CITY, N.Y. (AP)  A former jail guard in the New York City suburbs has pleaded guilty to charges stemming from allegations he exposed his genitals to a female inmate.

Former Rockland County correctional officer John Kezek, 35, pleaded guilty Wednesday to official misconduct and tampering with public records.
NORTH HAVEN  A 14-year-old was arrested Tuesday in connection with an email threat of violence at Aces Mill Road School earlier this month, according to police.

The arrest comes on the heels of other recent arrests of Connecticut teens sharing threats against schools. Last week, a nationwide trend of school violence threats spread on social media  originating on TikTok, according to authorities.

The email, sent on Dec. 4, threatened violence at the school on Dec. 6. Officers and detectives started tracing the origins of the email and quickly developed a suspect, police said.

The suspect, who was a student, was not allowed to return to school and enhanced safety measures and added police personnel were present on the morning of Dec. 6, police said.

The investigation continued and the 14-year-old girl was arrested on Tuesday.

During this investigation, police said, authorities also responded to complaints of an Instagram account that was concerning to parents and school staff at North Haven Public Schools. The account was similar to one that had made direct threats of violence to a neighboring school. Police said investigators believed it to be a copycat account, intended to invoke fear.

Police said while the account had not posted a message, it was causing disruption and concern among students, parents and the Board of Education. Investigators identified the person who created the account, a 13-year-old girl.

It was determined criminal charges would not be appropriate considering the lack of a direct threat, coupled with information gathered during the investigation/interview, police said in a statement.

The department stressed that these incidents occurred as threats were rising against Connecticut schools.

We want to remind everyone that the North Haven Police Department takes any threat to our students and staff seriously, and will work with the BOE and other local partners to identify those responsible while ensuring the safety and security of our students and staff, police said.
Hearst Connecticut Media / Tara O'Neill

NEW HAVEN  Police are investigating a report of two people shot on Grand Avenue.

A section of Grand Avenue, between Jefferson and Hamilton streets, is closed at this time, according to New Haven Police Officer Scott Shumway.
EAST HAVEN  Authorities are seeking witnesses to a deadly crash that shut down Route 80 for several hours Thursday morning.

Capt. Joseph M. Murgo said the crash was reported shortly after 4 a.m. on Route 80  Foxon Road  between River Road and North High Street. Police units shut down the road to investigate.

Murgo said later Thursday that a driver headed east on Foxon Road lost control of her vehicle near John and Marias Restaurant at 280 Foxon Road and hit the sign of the business.

He said arriving fire crews extricated the driver from her vehicle and began life-saving measures. Murgo said medics rushed the victim to Yale New Haven Hospital, where she died from her injuries.

The road closure lasted about two hours and impacted school bus routes and vehicles trying to get to East Haven High School and Deer Run School, Murgo said.

The road reopened around 9 a.m., police said.

We will not be releasing the name of the operator until we are confident next of kin have been notified, Murgo said. We would like to send our deepest condolences to the family of the victim of this accident.

Any witnesses are asked to contact Detective Jon Trinh at jtrinh@easthavenpolice.com or 203-468-3831.
NEW YORK (AP)  President Joe Biden promised to distribute hundreds of millions of free COVID-19 tests and to open more testing sites to fight surging infections, but the stepped-up efforts will not come in time for people who want to find out if they are infected before the holidays.

Americans have been searching drugstores for scarce home tests or waiting hours in chilly temperatures at testing facilities across the country.

Not everyone can take three hours off work to get tested, but it feels like its the only thing we have the power to do, said Jordan Thomas, who waited nearly four hours for a test this week in the Brooklyn borough of New York City.

In Atlanta, drugstores ran out of home tests, and police shut down testing sites as traffic backed up a half-mile or more. A drive-thru testing site in Columbia, South Carolina, that for months had quicker lines than some nearby Chick-fil-A restaurants had waits of an hour or more days before Christmas. Workers warned that results could take longer than the typical 24 to 36 hours.

Fueling the surging demand for tests is a mix of factors, including families seeking to keep holiday gatherings safe and people needing to prove they are virus-free for travel, work or school. Adding to the pressure is the extra-contagious omicron variant, which has a multiplying effect on the number of people seeking tests after being exposed to an infected person.

In the United States, infections average around 149,000 a day, up from 75,000 a day at the start of November.

The rise in infections is pretty dramatic, said Gigi Gronvall, a senior scholar at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health who has tracked COVID-19 testing efforts during the pandemic.

Testing can help ensure safety at gatherings, even if people do not have symptoms and were not exposed to the virus, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Take a test before you gather, the agencys director, Dr. Rochelle Walensky, said this week as omicron led to spiking cases ahead of the holidays.

But efforts to follow that guidance and to meet the requirements of some employers and schools have strained testing capacity in many places.

Detjon Bushgjokaj was among hundreds of people seeking a test in Everett, Massachusetts, just north of Boston. He waited about 90 minutes after his 6-year-old daughter, who has not been vaccinated yet, tested positive after falling ill with a fever.

As soon as my wife called, I left work and came right here. I work with a lot of people and in different places so I needed to make sure, said Bushgjokaj, who is vaccinated. He said his daughters illness has added uncertainty to their holiday break.

In New York City, drugstores posted signs alerting customers that they sold out of tests. Lines wrapped around blocks at some testing sites, with some saying results could take three to four days.

For next-day results, one site listed a price of $150. For results in two hours, the price was $389.

Though the technology to process PCR lab tests takes less than a day, testing sites and labs face staffing struggles like many other businesses, said Mara Aspinall, who teaches biomedical diagnostics at Arizona State University and is on the board of OraSure, a COVID-19 test maker.

Manufacturers are working to increase supplies. Abbott said it's seeing unprecedented demand" for its popular BinaxNOW tests and that it plans to expand production to 70 million tests in January, up from more than 50 million this month. The company said it can further boost production in coming months.

In the meantime, Walgreens said its limiting people to four boxes per purchase in stores and online. CVS said its limiting people to six kits per purchase.

In New York City, officials planned to hand out rapid home tests to people facing long waits at testing sites to help ease demand. But the city is having trouble securing the tests as well.

Biden announced Tuesday that the federal government would for the first time start mailing 500 million free rapid tests directly to Americans in January. Details have not yet been released, but officials say people will be able to use a new website to order their tests, which will be mailed to them at no charge.

The government will use the Defense Production Act to help manufacture more tests. New federal testing sites will also be set up, starting this week in New York.

The changes come after public health experts for months urged U.S. officials to make testing more accessible, pointing to countries such as the United Kingdom and Germany, which have distributed billions of tests to the public and recommended people test themselves twice a week.

Experts say the latest efforts still will not be enough for all Americans to test at that rate. The U.S. would need 2.3 billion tests per month for everyone 12 and older to do that, according to the nonprofit Kaiser Family Foundation.

The availability of tests varies around the country.

At a city-run childrens day camp in Fort Collins, Colorado, boxes of rapid tests were available for free this week. Staffers told parents to take as many as they needed.

Still, demand for testing is only set to increase after the holidays, when people will want to know if their travels and gatherings resulted in infections, noted Dr. Marcus Plescia, chief medical officer for the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials.

And high demand will likely to persist far into 2022 as people look to resume the activities they gave up during the pandemic, Aspinall said.

The pandemic fatigue has moved into, I want to do what I want, when I want. And tests provide that knowledge and power, she said.

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Collins reported from Columbia, South Carolina. Associated Press writers Matthew Perrone in Washington, Philip Marcelo in Boston, Mike Sisak in New York and Mead Gruver in Fort Collins, Colorado, contributed to this report.

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The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institutes Department of Science Education. The AP is solely responsible for all content.
LOS ANGELES (AP)  Heavy overnight rains in Northern California left two people dead in a submerged car as authorities on Thursday ordered evacuations for a fire-scarred Southern California canyon area because of possible mud and debris flows.

Firefighters in Millbrae, just south of San Francisco, rescued two people who had climbed atop a vehicle at a flooded underpass. But they weren't able to reach people in a fully submerged car, San Mateo County sheriffs Det. Javier Acosta said.

In the Sierra Nevada, an evacuation warning was issued for about 150 homes downstream of Twain Harte Lake Dam after cracks were found in granite that adjoins the manmade part of the 36-foot-high (11-meter) structure. Authorities began releasing some water, but the dam didn't seem in any immediate danger, Tuolomne County sheriff's Sgt. Nicco Sandelin said.

The precautions for Southern California came as precipitation that had mostly been falling in Northern California this week spread throughout the state. Heavy rain was falling Thursday night in the southern part of the state.

Earlier, firefighters used a litter basket to rescue a man stranded on a bridge pillar above the flowing Los Angeles River.

The National Weather Service issued an advisory for minor flooding of roadways and low-lying areas in counties around San Francisco Bay and an avalanche warning was posted for eastern Sierra Nevada backcountry areas in Mono and Inyo counties.

Tire chains were required on several major routes through the Sierra, and flooding closed a stretch of coastal Highway 1 in San Luis Obispo County and a section of U.S. 101 in Santa Barbara County.

Forecasters issued a flood watch for areas east and southeast of Los Angeles starting Thursday evening because of possible heavy overnight rain fed by an atmospheric river, a long plume of moisture from the Pacific Ocean.

An evacuation order was issued by Orange County authorities for three canyons near a wildfire burn scar where rain last week unleashed muddy torrents.

Warnings urging voluntary evacuation were issued by San Bernardino County authorities for a half-dozen mountain areas.

Periods of rain and snow were predicted for California through Christmas and into next week. Snow levels in the north could drop to 1,000 feet (300 meters) or lower by Sunday, forecasters said, warning holiday travelers to be ready.

Foothill locations that do not normally receive snow should prepare for winter conditions, especially from Sunday morning through Tuesday morning, the Sacramento weather office said.
In a handwritten complaint, former death row inmate Richard Reynolds is claiming the state Department of Correction is retaliating against him for winning a federal lawsuit that changed the living conditions of inmates who were being held in isolation under special circumstances.

In two separate state lawsuits, Reynolds contends that MacDougall-Walker Correctional Institution Warden Kristine Barone and the DOC confiscated about $2,300 of his possessions he claims were allowed at the states supermax prison Northern Correctional Institution, which closed in June.

The DOC claims the items were not purchased at the prison commissary so they are considered unauthorized, according to documents filed with the lawsuits.

But Reynolds, who was originally sentenced to death and is now serving a life sentence for the 1992 killing of a Waterbury police officer, said he was allowed to purchase the merchandise outside of the prisons commissary and keep items under an agreement with the former warden of Northern CI.

Gov. Ned Lamont announced in February that the state would close Northern CI, the states super maximum prison. By that point, there were less than 100 inmates housed at the facility, including those being held in special circumstances.

In 2012, the legislature repealed the death penalty prospectively, leaving Reynolds and 10 other men on death row under a new classification if their sentences were transferred to life without parole.

To get the death penalty repealed, legislators agreed that the men on death row would be housed under special circumstances, which amounted to the same harsh conditions and isolation that they were incarcerated under while awaiting the death penalty even if their sentences were changed to life imprisonment without parole, according to a March decision issued by the Second Circuit Court of Appeals.

Reynolds challenged the special circumstances designation in federal court in 2016, claiming two other inmates who were on death row had been moved to MacDougall-Walker CI to join the general population. Under the special circumstances designation, Reynolds was allowed two hours of recreation time each day and had to change cells every 90 days. He was also subject to two cell searches a week, spent the bulk of his day in isolation in a one-man cell and couldnt have physical contact with visitors, federal documents stated.

A U.S. District Court judge sided with Reynolds, calling the terms of his incarceration unconstitutional. The DOC and state officials appealed the decision, but lost a second time in March, court records show. The state decided to drop any further appeals, paving the way for Reynolds and everyone else left in the special circumstances status at Northern CI to be transferred to the general population.

Reynolds is claiming in the lawsuits filed in September and October against Barone and DOC Commissioner Angel Quiros that the agency is now retaliating against him by keeping his possessions.

Years later, Im moved from the level 5 supermax with my property to MacDougalls (Correctional Institution) level 4 due to my winning my lawsuit against the DOC, which led to Northerns closing and all of (the inmates in) special circumstances leaving as well and Im being told my property is unauthorized and that they didnt come from the commissary, Reynolds said in the handwritten lawsuit he filed against Barone. To lose my property again is troubling, stressful and wrong. This stinks of retaliation.

The Office of the Attorney General, which is representing Barone and Quiros, declined to comment, citing the pending litigation.

By 2010, Reynolds discovered several of his items, including dozens of CDs, had disappeared from storage while he was housed at Northern CI as a death row inmate, according to the lawsuit.

Reynolds went through the proper channels to get the case investigated, he said in the lawsuit. But Reynolds said in the lawsuit that it wasnt until Deputy Warden William Mulligan, who later became warden of the prison, stepped in and confirmed that his items had either been stolen or discarded.

The 2021 lawsuits claim that Reynolds and Mulligan, who is now a DOC administrator, came to an agreement that he could re-purchase the missing items outside of the commissary with his own funds and money from his family, court documents stated. He also was allowed to purchase other items, including a television, video gaming boxes, video games and Air Jordan sneakers under the agreement, court documents stated.

The lawsuit gives no reason why Reynolds would choose an outside vendor to purchase the items. However, DOC officials confirmed that items purchased through the prison commissary can be marked up by as much as 30 percent.

The lawsuit provides several documents showing that Mulligan had signed off in 2015 and 2016 on the property, which was kept in storage at Northern. There is also a March 25 document listing the items and noting they are unauthorized.

The property was moved to MacDougall-Walker CI along with Reynolds in late March. But since then he has not been allowed to possess the items, he said in the new lawsuits.

Reynolds has asked for an injunction to prevent the DOC from destroying or discarding his property while the lawsuits are pending.

The petitioner asks the court to order the defendant to stop their retaliation against him for previous lawsuits and return all of his electronics, footwear, clothing he had at Northern, that was clearly authorized, Reynolds said in the lawsuit.

A Superior Court Judge will hold a virtual hearing on the case on Feb. 2.
It took many years for me to realize Christmas miracles arent just the stuff of Its a Wonderful Life or A Christmas Carol. Theyre not reserved for only George Bailey and Ebenezer Scrooge. Theyre for all of us.

At this time of year, there are small miracles and big miracles. Friends reconcile, people struggling to pay their bills get what they need, families facing insurmountable problems suddenly find a solution. And even tragedy can become an occasion to see the good in people.

Let me tell you a story about the darkest Christmas of my life.

In 2002, we had one of the worst family feuds imaginable. My father and I had a bitter argument about my mothers medical treatment. She had Alzheimers and was dying of cancer, and every day, her condition got worse.

I was so angry at him that I stopped going there for dinner on Sunday afternoons with our daughters.

And even though Christmas was a week away, I had no intention of visiting  thats how resentful I was because I was convinced I was right. My wife lectured me and said, We have to go give them their gifts.

On Christmas Eve, we had planned to drive to New Hampshire for the holiday, and as much as I didnt want to stop by and see my parents, I knew I had to.

When we arrived, my daughters hugged their grandparents, and my wife placed the presents under the tree. I kissed my mother but walked past my father and went into the kitchen.

A few minutes later, the unexpected happened. He came out and sat beside me.

How are you, Son? he asked.

OK, I said without looking up.

Then, he asked me about work and the kids, and while we talked, my anger melted away, and a heavy weight was lifted from my heart.

When we were leaving, he said, I love you, Son. I answered, I love you, too, and in that moment, I was suddenly set free of that oppressive resentment.

It was snowing hard when we got to New Hampshire, so we lit the wood stove, decorated the tree and tried to enjoy a pleasant evening. But peace can be a rare commodity for us, and at one point our daughter, who had prepared the seven fishes, put the lobster in the microwave to heat it up. Who knew that would make it taste like a Michelin tire? Needless to say, a fight erupted.

To escape, I went into the bedroom and fell into a deep sleep, but around 11, someone was pounding on the door. When I opened it, my daughter Dana was standing there, crying.

Grandpa died! she sobbed.

The shock was overwhelming. My first thought was You really destroyed this Christmas, God. Then, I wondered, What are we going to do?

Weve all suffered the agonizing loss of a loved one, and its something you think youll never survive. Sometimes its so sudden that it takes away your breath and drains you of hope.

Only days later, after the funeral, after we figured out arrangements for my mother, after the shock and grief were starting to subside, did I learn the whole story about that tragic Christmas Eve.

My parents had a wonderful dinner with my sisters and then went to see my nephews Christmas pageant. It was the first time my father had been to church in years. When they were driving him home, he said he was tired so he put his head on the seat and closed his eyes. But he didnt wake up. An ambulance rushed him to the hospital, but they couldnt revive him.

At midnight, my younger sister was sitting alone in the empty waiting room, and a young minister walked through. He sat down beside her and asked why she was there.

My father died, she told him.

He paused a moment and then said, What a wonderful gift to celebrate Christmas in Heaven.

It was a wonderful gift. And so was the gift I received. It was the gift of forgiveness.

To this day, I still think about how tormented my life would have been if my father died without our reconciling and I was forced to carry that anger and guilt with me for the rest of my days.

If someone in your life needs forgiveness, reach out this Christmas. Its the time of year to heal old wounds.

And have a joyful Christmas.

Former Stamford Advocate and Greenwich Time Editor Joe Pisani can be reached at joefpisani@yahoo.com.
The founder of Salvation Ministry, Pastor David Ibiyeomie has urged worshipers in his church not to show lackadaisical attitude towards payi...





The founder of Salvation Ministry, Pastor David Ibiyeomie has urged worshipers in his church not to show lackadaisical attitude towards paying their tithes during the festive season.





Speaking during a sermon at the churchs headquarters in Port Harcourt, the popular Christian clergy explained that the payment of tithe guarantees protection of life.





Pastor Ibiyeomie urged members to desist from giving excuses for not paying tithe following expenses at the yuletide.





He said, the first thing tithing does is to preserve your Life and not the money, tithing is what preserves you, let us find out who is the devourer from Gods Word  1st Peter 5:8, The Devourer is the Devil, so the first thing tithing does is to stop Satan from attacking your life.





This festive season and beyond please be careful not to tamper with your tithe. Many people this time do tamper with their tithe, they will say I want to buy headgear, I have to travel, I have to buy shoe, I have to buy my suit, so you will see them cutting corners, they will go on to say that as I was going, the motor caught fire, my Child is in the hospital, all manners of story, then they say: with all the prayers of protection.





The real question to ask yourself is that with all the money I stole from God.





So, do not make God look like a magician please pay your tithe. Every money that comes to you, please pay your tithe, pay all.
The Lagos state government has condemned the attempt by the Shangisha Landlords Association to demolish houses in Magodo estate phase two....

The Lagos state government has condemned the attempt by the Shangisha Landlords Association to demolish houses in Magodo estate phase two.

Some police officers, said to have been accompanied by hoodlums, arrived at the estate with bulldozers on Tuesday evening.

The hoodlums marked some houses in the estate with an inscription which reads ID/795/88 possession taken today 21/12/2021 by court order in what appeared to be a move to demolish the marked houses.

But members of the Magodo Residents Association (MRA) locked up the gates leading to the exit and entry points of the estate in a bid to resist what they described as forceful takeover.

Following the intervention of the Lagos government, the police officers withdrew and normalcy returned to the estate on Wednesday afternoon.

Speaking on the development in a statement on Thursday, Moyosore Onigbanjo, attorney-general of Lagos, said the case dates back to the demolition of properties at Shangisha village between 1984 and 1985, after which a supreme court verdict ordered the state to give the Shangisha landlords 549 plots of land as a matter of first priority.

Onigbanjo, however, said the verdict of the supreme court only relates to allocation and not possession of any land.

He said the state, between 2012 and 2015, made a proposal to re-allocate land to the judgement creditors at Magotho residential scheme within the Badagry axis, but Adebayo Adeyiga, chairman of the Shangisha Landlords Association, rejected the states offer, while majority of the judgement creditors accepted it.

The attorney-general said another round of settlement was initiated in 2016 with an offer of re-allocation at Ibeju Lekki area, but Adeyiga also rejected the proposal.

Subsequent to the rejection, the state government has been in dialogue with the majority of the judgment creditors from 2019 with a view to reach a concession towards implementing the judgment, the statement reads.

Noteworthy also is the pending application for interlocutory injunction dated 1st December 2020 before the court of appeal in appeal no. CA/L/1005A/2018 seeking an order restraining Chief Adebayo Adeyiga and others (including their agents, servants, privies or howsoever called, particularly the police) from entering into, giving direction, taking possession or in any manner disturbing the quiet enjoyment of property owners in Magodo Residential Area Scheme.

The Lagos state government has equally observed that the execution was carried out by unknown bailiffs as the sheriffs of the High Court of Lagos, where the judgment emanated, were not responsible for the purported execution carried out on the 21st December 2021 at Magodo.

The purported execution is therefore contrary to Order 8 Rule 17 of the Supreme Court Rules 2014 and Section 37 of the Enforcement of Judgment and Orders Part iii of the Sherriff and Civil Process Act, LFN, 2004.

The Judgment before the supreme court was not in respect of declaration of title and the supreme court did not in any way grant title to land to the judgment creditors.

The judgment creditors had no claim for possession and none was granted as no survey plan was tendered before the Court. The judgment is not affixed to any land anywhere and only declared that the judgment creditors are entitled to allocation of land from the state government.

Onigbanjo added that the state will prosecute all those involved in the invasion of the estate.

The state government is therefore dismayed by the action of Chief Adebayo Adeyiga (one of the Judgment Creditors) who misled the Nigeria Police in attempting execution of the Judgment, notwithstanding the pending appeal against the issuance of warrant of possession by the then Chief Judge of Lagos State on 16th March 2017, he said.

The state government enjoins the general public to remain calm, especially residents of Magodo Residential Area, while investigation into the unwarranted incident is being carried out with a view to prosecuting any person found culpable.

The Lagos state government has high regard for the rule of law and will protect the interests of all parties.
Rabi Shinkafi, commissioner for women and children affairs in Zamfara, has resigned her appointment and taken up a job in Imo state. ...

Rabi Shinkafi, commissioner for women and children affairs in Zamfara, has resigned her appointment and taken up a job in Imo state.

Shinkafi disclosed the development on Thursday in an interview with NAN in Gusau, the Zamfara capital.

There had been speculations on social media about the reason for her resignation, as she was appointed as commissioner in Zamfara in November 2021.

She, however, said the speculations about her resignation on social media are completely false, adding that it is the work of mischief makers.

Shinkafi said Hope Uzodimma, governor of Imo, and his Zamfara counterpart, Bello Matawalle, who are both members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), have discussed the development.

She also said her relationship with Matawalle and his wife is cordial, adding that they were involved in her decision to move to Imo.

I resigned my appointment as commissioner in Zamfara to enable me to pick another appointment as commissioner in Imo, she said.

I am immensely grateful to governor Bello Matawalle and his wife, hajiya Aisha Matawalle, for their kindness to me and for giving me the opportunity to serve Zamfara in different capacities.

All the speculations on social media about my resignation are completely false; it was just the work of mischief-makers.

I have a perfect and cordial relationship with the governor and his wife. I consider them as my family and they were in the picture of my going to Imo.

Both governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo and Matawalle discussed it as fellow All Progressives Congress governors and as friends too.
Watertown, NY (13601)

Today

Cloudy with snow. High 28F. Winds W at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of snow 100%. Snow accumulating 1 to 3 inches..

Tonight

Snow this evening will give way to lingering snow showers late. Low 19F. Winds light and variable. Chance of snow 60%. 1 to 3 inches of snow expected. Heavier amounts in persistent snowbands.
Someones praying / someones praying

someones pain / someones brain

someones praying

The whispers multiply and fade in and out, snaking like fragments of a dream. A rattle shakes. Sugar cane leaves sway in the breeze. A cry pierces the incantation  high, sharp, cracking as it grows more pained. Keening, the soprano voice soars above the plantation grounds, as high as the old live oaks overhead. The camera slowly pans underneath, looking up into the fractal forms against the sky. Silent vestiges of the past, the oaks stand witness.

We saw it all, they seem to say. We saw everything.

Three large video screens display Dawoud Bey's triptych "Evergreen" in a museum gallery.

This ghostly meditation is "Evergreen," a triptych video installation by photographer Dawoud Bey in collaboration with vocalist and composer Imani Uzuri. The enveloping work is on view at The Historic New Orleans Collection as part of the citywide art exhibition Prospect.5: "Yesterday We Said Tomorrow."

Bey, a native of Queens, New York, and a current Chicagoan, is a longtime star of the art world, known for his reverent depictions of Black life in America. "Evergreen" and "In This Here Place," a photographic complement to the video installation, are his first major projects inspired by and shown in New Orleans, and he has trained his lens on four former plantations in the River Parishes.

"Evergreen," full of saturated color and named for the plantation where it was filmed, is projected at one end of the Tricentennial Wings Scovern Gallery, while the rest of the space is occupied by the large-format black-and-white photographs that make up "In This Here Place."

For me, first of all, the work is a kind of deep witnessing, Bey said. Its about being in these places, and being there and wanting to visualize them in a way that makes them engaging.

That engagement, Bey said, is deeply tied to the history of those sites  what they represent to not only Black America but all America. Were talking about the foundation of the economic structure of this country, he said.

In the center of the foreground stands the vine-covered trunk of a live oak tree. Behind it is a small wooden shack with a corrugated metal roof.

Bey opted not to depict the big house at any of the sites, nor did he capture people in the images. Rather, he provides long, lingering glances at the natural surroundings and dwellings formerly inhabited by enslaved people, always from a respectful remove but close enough to see the grain of the wood steps and the detailed shadows across their cladding.

He dwelled on Evergreen in particular because it is the only plantation in the Deep South that features multiple original, extant slave cabins  22 of them, spread out over the grounds.

Evergreen is the most undisturbed plantation landscape in the country, Bey said. The other plantations I photographed  theyre constructed largely in concern for a visitor experience that can be completed in a half-hour. Evergreen, on the other hand, remains exactly as it has been since it was built.

Theres a presence that you feel when youre at Evergreen that is undeniable. There is a spirit that clings to that site more heavily than any of the other sites.

A narrow irrigation ditch that reflects the sky bisects a photograph and stretches to a vanishing at the horizon, perhaps 200 or 300 yards away. The ditch is lined on both sides with an expanse of tall grass, then a solid line of trees.

Beys photographs also take the viewer through sugar cane fields and swamps, filling the entire frame with a historically informed sense of place.

Scale  the large-format photographs, each one several feet in width and height, set against black walls and low lighting  was an important consideration.

If you stand very close to them, it kind of shuts out the rest of the world, Bey said. It becomes more experience-driven than just about that object of the photograph.  Scale, for me, is about creating a very particular and intentional kind of relationship between the viewer and the narrative thats enveloped in the vision.

The narratives of the plantation past are very complex, and they cannot be defined solely by the anguish and horror of slavery, Bey said. Resistance is also a part of the landscape of the plantation, along with the history of the vibrant musical culture that comes out of the plantation  those songs and inspiration, aspiration and resistance.

Uzuri, in her score for "Evergreen," incorporates an array of elements of Black musical culture: gourd shakers, hand claps and leg pats, spirituals, opera and prayer.

My intention is to provoke a conversation about that history that leads to conversation about the complexities of those narratives and how those narratives are very much a part of the contemporary moment, Bey said.

Or, as I like to say, history explains everything. There are no mysteries. History explains everything.

Editor's note: This story originally appeared as a post on The Historic New Orleans Collections First Draft blog. Visit hnoc.org/firstdraft to read more and view additional photos.

This article appears in the winter 2022 issue of THNOC Quarterly.
Theresa Calvin and three of her family members sat in their car in the parking lot of New Orleans Mahalia Jackson Theater on Thursday. Theyd been waiting in a line that stretched out of Louis Armstrong Park and onto Basin Street for almost an hour, and were still dozens of cars away from the tents where National Guard troops were administering coronavirus tests.

Calvin was among many rushing to get tested across Louisiana amid a new wave of coronavirus infections and exposures due to the omicron variant.

Like many others, Calvin said she and her family had gotten vaccinated, worn masks, limited indoor gatherings and abided by other pandemic precautions over the past two years, actions that paid off as they seemed to make it through without an infection. But earlier this week she came down with what she said felt like a cold after she, her mother and two daughters had been exposed to someone who was infected.

We tried to do what we were supposed to and at the end of it  maybe this isnt the end of it  here we go, she said.

The scramble for testing by Calvin and other Louisianans on Thursday came as residents prepared for holiday gatherings, got notified of potential COVID exposures and worried about a new surge that has arrived just as it seemed things were finally getting back to normal.

Tests were in short supply. Responding to a shortage of at-home tests at pharmacies  which persisted into Thursday  New Orleans this week launched a last-minute effort to distribute kits at fire stations and libraries. In both cases, stockpiles of thousands of kits were snapped up in hours.

Earlier this week, President Joe Biden announced a plan to distribute 500 million free COVID tests, but officials haven't released additional details and the first tests aren't expected to be mailed until January.

Dr. Katherine Baumgarten, Ochsner Healths medical director of infection control and prevention, urged people to use home tests if they can get them.

If you are having symptoms, no matter how mild they area, stay home and seek testing, Baumgarten said. We want to be sure people can get those tests and stay home as opposed to going out and about and spreading germs to other people.

Baumgarten also urged Louisianans to consider holding Christmas outdoors and to wear masks whether indoors or outdoors.

The good news is we are in the South. We are going to have a warmer Christmas. So rather than congregating inside people can congregate outside, Baumgarten said.

On Thursday, the state health department reported 2,167 new confirmed coronavirus cases. That brings the weekly total to 8,152, more than 5.6 times as many cases as were reported a month ago.

Loyola to require COVID booster shots before students return, Tulane pushing back semester start Loyola University will require all students to get the COVID vaccine booster before returning to campus for the spring semester, officials ann

So far, New Orleans and Jefferson Parish have been at the center of the growing fifth wave of the pandemic in the state. However, it isn't clear whether that is simply a matter of more people in those parishes getting tested for the virus  which is needed to confirm a new case  or if the current wave has not yet reached other areas of Louisiana.

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Hospitalizations have also been rising, though not at the same explosive pace as earlier waves. About 306 people across the state were hospitalized with the coronavirus on Wednesday, compared to about 189 a month ago.

In Baton Rouge, Mark Armstrong, chief communications officer with Mayor Sharon Weston Broome's office, said that COVID testing is still widely available locally.

We need people to really think about getting tested, especially coming out of Christmas, he said.

Armstrong said a mask mandate would be reinstated in Baton Rouge city-parish government buildings starting Tuesday. He said people should continue to be cautious.

We are hopeful since we are hearing from other places that this variant is less severe, but we dont want people to treat it less seriously because it can be passed around to people who are most vulnerable, he said.

The first omicron case in Louisiana was discovered just weeks ago. But by last week, the strain made up about 85% of new cases in the state, according to the Department of Health. Nationwide, omicron is believed to be responsible for about 73% of cases, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

First fire stations, then libraries run out of COVID test giveaways due to 'enormous' demand The New Orleans Health Department relaunched a coronavirus at-home test giveaway on Wednesday at local libraries, after a distribution at four

Some studies in Europe have indicated that the omicron variant may be milder than other versions of the virus, but it also appears to be more transmissible and better at evading the protection provided by earlier infections and some vaccines. That has led to increased calls for vaccinations and booster shots, which still appear to prevent severe infections.

The new strain is also causing a re-evaluation of treatment options. Late on Thursday, the state health department announced it was pausing monoclonal antibody treatments after the federal government paused its allocations of the treatments to states until it gets more data from the CDC on whether they are effective.

A third monoclonal antibody treatment, known as sotrovimab, appears to remain effective against the new strain, according to the Department of Health. However, that is currently in limited supply  there are only 228 doses in Louisiana  and officials do not expect another shipment until January.

+10 Long lines for tests, outbreaks closing businesses, cases rising: Looks like a fifth wave, experts say Coronavirus cases are once again surging in Louisiana, in what health experts say is likely the beginning of a fifth wave of the disease fuele

At the Mahalia Jackson testing site, Daniel Carlton sat in a car just a few spots ahead of the Calvin family. He was waiting to get tested after finding out that the host of a party he had attended tested positive for the virus.

Carlton said he wasn't worried for himself, but rather for those he would see at a series of gatherings over the holiday weekend.

"I'm not scared about getting infected or dying, but I'm terrified of spreading it to people," he said.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Dr. Martin Luther King Charter School, which was facing a possible non-renewal of its operating agreement with the Orleans Parish School Board, will remain open, NOLA Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Henderson Lewis told the Orleans Parish School Board this month.

Lewis told board members he will grant the Lower 9th Ward school a three year contingent charter contract renewal. That recommendation came a month after the districts other charters that were up for renewal learned their fate. Officials said that was in part due to problems identified with employee background checks at the school and alleged special education violations detailed in a warning the district issued this fall.

Last week, Orleans Parish school district Chief Accountability Officer Litouri Smith said the problems with legally required background checks at the school had been remedied.

The more serious issue was the special education warning. In a November letter, the district alleged that special education students did not receive the services they should have, that the school did not consider special external education evaluations that parents commissioned for their children, and that the school did not take jurisdiction of special education transfers and begin providing them services within the required time period. The letter outlined six steps the school must take by Dec. 10.

Lewis didnt specify whether all of those requirements had been met, but stated in his superintendents report that he would grant the three-year contingent renewal. Schools with that type of renewal generally have to work more closely with the district so it can oversee any areas where the school may be struggling.

King enrolls almost 1,000 students in kindergarten through 12th grade. The schools latest state rating in 2019, prior to the pandemic disrupting standardized testing, was a D.

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The board also voted recently to allow the Delores Taylor Arthur School for Young Men to expand its high school to 8th grade.

The district has generally asked schools to be either kindergarten through eighth grade (having several K-5 and K-6 schools expand to eighth grade), or high school. But the district faces an enrollment shortage and Lewis and his staff have said that could lead to charter school closures or consolidations.

Sarah Vandergraff, legal and policy director for the Louisiana Association of Public Charter Schools, said this would help the school fill seats and make the school more competitive with private schools. Local private high schools often start enrolling in the 8th grade, she said.

We realize we will have a bubble of kids that will be in 8th grade, Lewis said, noting the expansion will help alleviate that.

I want to be clear today that the purpose in this moment here is to deal with the downsizing of our district  It will help a new school that is trying to grow but also help the district in this moment, Lewis said.
Loyola University will require all students to get the COVID vaccine booster before returning to campus for the spring semester, officials announced Thursday.

Tulane University, meanwhile, announced that it was pushing the start of its spring semester back one week, from Jan. 18 to Jan. 25, in response to the recent surge in cases.

Loyola classes begin Jan. 18. Law school classes begin Jan. 10. Students must show a negative COVID test before returning to campus as well. Students who are not yet booster eligible are not required to show proof of that vaccination until they hit the six-month mark.

Omicron cases peaked at Loyola with 138 active cases at the end of the 2021 fall semester. Contact tracing revealed spread through residential and social interaction, officials said.

Health Department estimates almost 85% of Louisiana covid cases are omicron variant Nearly 85% of the new coronavirus cases reported in Louisiana last week were the fast-spreading omicron variant, according to new estimates fr

Nearly 85% of the new coronavirus cases reported in Louisiana last week were the omicron variant, according to new estimates from the Louisiana Department of Health.

Loyola students may email covid@loyno.edu to access vaccines on campus, or visit NOLA Ready or call 211 to find a vaccine site nearby.

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Loyola's vaccine mandate comes as colleges nationwide reinstate mask mandates, close campus early or delay spring semester start dates. Tulane, for instance, reinstated its mask requirement on Dec. 10.

Pushing the start of the spring semester back a week will give Tulane more time to put proper precautions in place for when students return, the university said.

Tulane's coronavirus dashboard currently lists 736 active cases, including 685 students. The seven-day average positivity rate is 9% for the Tulane community.

Information from other area universities was not immediately available Thursday.

Jeff Adelson and Faimon Roberts contributed to this report.
A man was found shot and killed Wednesday night in Central City, the New Orleans Police Department said.

Officers were summoned at 8:29 p.m. to the intersection of Washington and Loyola avenues, where they said the victim was declared dead.

The Police Department did not immediately release more details.
Four men have been jailed in the slaying of a Louisiana Army National Guard member who was shot and killed in his Terrytown home.

Myron Lee, Matthew Smith, Isaiah White, all 20, and Kewayne Edwards, 21, were booked with first-degree murder, according to the Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office.

The men are accused in the death of Jemond Cador, 21. The arrests were welcome news for Cador's mother and father, who don't know why their son was killed.

"He was a loving person. He wouldnt harm anyone," said Monique Cador, 43.

Jemond Cador was shot Dec. 6 at his apartment in the 200 block of Wright Avenue in Terrytown, according to the Sheriff's Office. Deputies arrived after someone reported hearing gunfire in the apartment complex.

+3 3rd suspect arrested in slaying of man shot while riding motorcycle near Westwego Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office detectives have arrested a third suspect in the slaying of an Algiers man who was fatally shot while he rode

As the deputies checked the area, they noticed a second-floor apartment with an open door that appeared to have been kicked in, according to authorities.

Jemond Cador was lying wounded inside on the floor. He was taken to the hospital where a doctor pronounced him dead, authorities said.

Lee was the first suspect taken into custody on Dec. 15. White and Edwards were arrested Friday, and Smith was taken into custody Monday.

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The Sheriff's Office did not comment on the investigation or the suspected motive in the homicide.

Jemond Cador's relatives said he didn't have any problems with anyone. He just wasn't that kind of person.

"He loved skateboarding, and he loved to read Harry Potter books," Monique Cador said.

Jemond Cador was a "Potter-head" with an encyclopedic knowledge of the wizarding word and anime, another passion, according this father, Miguel Quillens Jr., 44.

"He was my bookworm. He loved reading big novels," Quillens said.

A avid gamer, Jemond Cador was also quite computer savvy, according to his parents.

Born and raised in New Orleans, he eventually attended West Jefferson High School, graduating in 2018, his mother said. Jemond Cador then joined the National Guard and had recently returned from deployment in Texas.

"He had this special little smile that everybody loved," Monique Cador said. "He was happy all the time."

Recalling Jemond Cador's sweet goofy nature, his parents can't fathom why his life came to such a violent end.

"It's just crazy," Monique Cador said.
Taylor Energy Co. has agreed to pay $475 million to settle litigation with the federal government over the 17-year leak of crude oil  the longest in U.S. history  from its hurricane-destroyed production platform 20 miles off the mouth of the Mississippi River.

According to a proposed consent decree filed Wednesday in U.S. District Court in New Orleans, the company will transfer to the Interior Department a $432.5 million trust fund that it set up to pay for capping and plugging the 28 wells, decommissioning what's left of the platform and cleaning up any soils contaminated by the leak. The company has also agreed to pay more than $43 million in civil penalties, federal costs for removing the platform and wells and expenses for restoring or replacing natural resources such as wildlife, fisheries or wetlands contaminated by oil. Louisiana is a co-trustee with the federal government in overseeing the money to restore natural resources.

The proposed settlement signals the end of Taylor Energy, a company founded in 1979 by Patrick Taylor, the independent oil executive known for his efforts to create the now state-funded Taylor Opportunity Program for Students, or TOPS. The program provides college scholarships to thousands of Louisiana students.

The drawn-out compliance process illustrates not only the difficulty of stopping underwater oil leaks but also the determination of an independent oil company with deep pockets and the shifting priorities of a federal government that changed parties three times in 17 years.

Taylor died in 2004, only a few weeks after Hurricane Ivan destroyed the platform in the Gulf of Mexico. In the ensuing years, his company sold its other oil and gas assets, retaining only the failed wells and the cleanup response trust fund. The company is controlled by Taylors widow, renowned New Orleans philanthropist Phyllis Taylor.

Phyllis Taylor company representatives did not respond Wednesday to a request for comment on the settlement.

+2 Taylor Energy spill contained after 14 years: Coast Guard A long-running oil leak 11 miles south of the Louisiana shoreline is finally being contained, according to the U.S. Coast Guard. More than 30,

The settlement, which is subject to public comment for 40 days, requires Taylor Energy to drop its lawsuits against the federal government, including a challenge to the Coast Guards decision to install a spill containment system over the well site. The containment system collects oil that continues to leak from some unplugged wells.

It also requires the company to drop its challenge to the Coast Guards denial of Taylors request for $353 million, which would have been reimbursement for the companys spending on fighting the leak and plugging the wells.

Further, the settlement resolves all federal claims on the company. And when Taylor Energy sells its remaining assets after the settlement, the proceeds will go to the federal government, according to the Justice Department. The company will be allowed to hold onto enough money to pay for operations until the liquidation is complete.

Taylor Energy platform wells Taylor Energy's oil production platform in the Gulf of Mexico before and after Hurricane Ivan destroyed the structure.

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According to the consent decree, the remaining company assets after paying the fines could equal $16 million.

Offshore operators cannot allow oil to spill into our nations waters, said Assistant Attorney General Todd Kim, of the Justice Departments Environment and Natural Resources Division, which has been overseeing federal litigation against Taylor. If an oil spill occurs, the responsible party must cooperate with the government to timely address the problem and pay for the cleanup. Holding offshore operators to account is vital to protecting our environment and ensuring a level industry playing field.

For the last three years, the Coast Guard, along with our federal partners, have committed to the challenging mission of containing and removing more than 800,000 gallons of oil discharging into the Gulf of Mexico, said Capt. Will Watson, commander of the Coast Guards New Orleans Sector. Containment and removal operations continue to this day.

Taylor Energy platform before Hurricane Ivan Taylor Energy's MC-20 Saratoga oil platform standing in the Gulf of Mexico before Hurricane Ivan destroyed it in 2004.

The companys platform, known as MC-20 Saratoga, was destroyed when Hurricane Ivan triggered an underwater mudslide that severed the legs of the 550-foot-tall structure and buried many of the wells it served. Over the years, Taylor plugged some wells and installed three containment domes. In 2008, Taylor set aside $666.3 million in the trust fund, which, with Interior Department approval, reimbursed the company for some of its expenses in plugging nine of the wells.

But miles-long oil slicks and sheens were sighted almost daily on the surface of the water around the platform site. The Coast Guard took control of the site in 2019, after a government study estimated it was still spewing as much as 29,000 gallons of oil every day.

The Coast Guard hired Belle Chasse marine contractor Couvillion Group to oversee cleanup, and the company has been trying to eliminate the oil flow since then. Couvillion designed and installed a containment system for the remains of the platform. It captures the oil, which is then taken to shore to be processed and sold at a discounted rate.

Oil containment system An oil containment system, shown in purple, designed by the Couvillion Group of Belle Chasse has recovered hundreds of thousands of gallons of

Taylor sued Couvillion, too, alleging the contractor was unqualified for the job and was given too much leeway by the Coast Guard to charge more than $40 million for the work. In July, a federal judge in New Orleans dismissed that suit.

"Now that Taylor has stopped their 'intimidation by litigation' and the government is in control, this calamity will soon come to an end!!," Timmy Couvillion, chief executive of Couvillion Group, said Wednesday.

+10 How a Louisiana engineer's invention protects the Gulf from a 'volcano' spewing oil Timmy Couvillion knew the leak from the toppled Taylor Energy oil platform was bad. For 15 years, the platforms damaged wells had sent up an 

According to the consent decree, if money remains from the trust or fines after the cleanup and natural resource improvements are completed, it will be turned over to the federal Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund. And Taylor and its affiliated entities will not be liable for any costs beyond the money listed in the settlement.
Louisianas population shrank by more than 27,000 in the year ended July 1, the fifth biggest decline among U.S. states, as deaths rose and births dwindled due to the coronavirus pandemic and tens of thousands of more residents left the state than moved in, according to new Census Bureau estimates.

The decline marks the fourth time in five years the state has lost residents and is the largest one-year decline since nearly 275,000 people were forced out of the state during Hurricane Katrina.

The new estimates, released this week, track closely with trends that the Census Bureau said added up to the weakest annual growth the country has seen since its founding. The U.S. as a whole gained fewer than 393,000 people, a growth rate of about 0.1%.

They are also the first look at the ravages of both the pandemic and the serious storms of the 2020 hurricane season on Louisianas population. The once-a-decade census, which began releasing data in August, dates its headcount to April 1, 2020, when the pandemic was still in its infancy and hurricane season had not yet arrived.

+2 Census 2020: South Louisiana parishes grew, while northern and rural parishes decline What little growth occurred in Louisiana over the past decade was disproportionately focused in cities and suburbs in the southern half of the

That count put the states population at 4,657,757, a modest increase of about 2.7% over the course of a decade. But the new estimates  based on birth and death records and information about where people have moved  shrank that figure by 5,000 people by July and by another 27,620 in the following twelve months.

The only states that lost more people in the same time frame were New York, California, Illinois and Massachusetts, all of which are far larger than Louisiana.

In some ways, the decline is unsurprising: the state lost population in three of the last four years, largely due to the fact that a far higher number of people were moving out of the state than into it. But the decrease is more than 3 times the loss in any recent year.

While fast-growing southern states like Georgia, Texas and Florida continue to attract residents due to their expanding state economies, Louisiana has been struggling to maintain its population for years.

Before 2020, it had been able to rely on births handily outpacing deaths to keep its population from shrinking dramatically as people move out of the state.

That changed during the pandemic, as births dropped and deaths rose sharply. At the same time, jobs in Louisiana's tourism industry dried up and many states with low or no income tax fought to attract remote workers. The state's energy industry has struggled over the past five years and took a further hit during COVID as oil and gas demand fell.

Meanwhile, researchers say that the ravages brought by Hurricane Laura on the Lake Charles area may have prompted more people to leave.

The outmigration is a continuation of a several year trend but the fact that births are declining and deaths are increasing is much more worrisome, said Allison Plyer, chief demographer for the New Orleans-based Data Center, which tracks population changes.

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The number of deaths recorded in Louisiana has been creeping up since 2010, when there were about 40,800, and Census Bureau officials put the total at about 46,000 in both 2018 and 2019. But that surged higher from 2020 to 2021, when an estimated 55,300 people died in the state.

+2 Census 2020: Who lives in the New Orleans metro now? Data show more diverse population The New Orleans region continued over the last decade to rebound from population losses related to Hurricane Katrina, with the seven-parish ar

Deaths attributed to the coronavirus during that time period accounted for about 7,500 of the nearly 9,000 counted in the latest figures. The additional deaths come as other causes of death have also risen since the coronavirus first appeared, a trend experts have said is due to a lack of ability to get treatment in an overwhelmed healthcare system and other causes, including a spike in drug overdoses.

At the same time, the state recorded only about 56,000 births over the past year, nearly 2,500 fewer than two years before.

That meant births outpaced deaths by only about 600 people over the course of the year, which demographers refer to as the states natural increase. In the past decade, the states population has increased by an average of 18,500 people per year because there were more births than deaths. And even though the birthrate has fallen in recent years, there have always been at least 12,000 more people being born than dying annually.

Plyer said the dramatic shift was likely a result of the pandemic and one that could have long-term ramifications.

What we know about disasters is they accelerate pre-existing trends. When and if the pandemic is resolved, we may see some rebound in the natural increase but it probably will continue to be a smaller and smaller portion of our population increase over time, she said.

Equally concerning was what appears to be a rise in the number of people leaving the state. Roughly 30,000 more people moved to another state than came to Louisiana from somewhere else in the U.S. from July 2020 to July 2021, according to the Census Bureau estimates. Thats a rise over 2019, when the state lost 26,000 people to other states.

Its not clear how much of that loss is due to Laura, which devastated the Lake Charles area last summer. The Census Bureau does not expect it will have parish-level estimates, which would provide a window into such movement, until the spring.

Census data, coming Thursday, may not be much to count on in storm-hit Lake Charles LAKE CHARLES  Its one of the most pressing questions facing the Lake Charles area after the recent run of storm devastation: How many people

The state did gain about 2,700 people due to immigration from other countries over the course of the year, roughly in line with the numbers it has seen since 2017.

The number one people move from one region to another is work opportunities and although an increasing number of professionals are able to work remotely the vast majority of workers are still connected to locations and so economic growth will continue to be important for population growth, Plyer said.
New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell gave nearly everyone great news when she announced that Mardi Gras would be back. Of course, Mardi Gras never left. Its always on the calendar. Its just that we missed parades this year.

Well, parades will be back in 2022, with shorter routes and some route changes. I could hear the sighs of relief and the figurative jumps for joy. I heard some rumblings of disgust from businesses on streets that the parades will bypass. But, hey, weve got parades.

We cant cancel or postpone Mardi Gras, but we can be smarter about Carnival season.

As Rudy Rona continues to find ways to rock our world, its the omicron virus variant that we have to worry about as we anticipate a, gulp, fifth surge. Just when we thought we were starting to come out of this thing, U.S. Rep. Troy Carter, D-New Orleans, canceled his annual Christmas party, just to be safe.

A Christmas and holiday season without some events we expect is unsettling but necessary. Not everyone is invited to everything, but Carnival season is full of non-parade events. We need to pay attention. For safety reasons. And because these events, like parades, provide hundreds of jobs.

According to Victor Andrews, one of the paper's resident Carnival experts, there are more than 30 balls with queens, more than 300 maids, more than 120 princesses and junior princesses and like roles, about 120 pages and more than 50 dukes. Many of these young people have parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins who want to see them as a part of krewe or organization royalty at their respective events. And thats just with the best-known krewes and organizations. There are a host of groups of 20 or so members that also have events.

Thats a lot of carefully created, fitted and tailored outfits. Thats a lot of food and drinks. Thats a lot of official photographer and videographer work. Thats a lot of ballrooms, event spaces rented for a night or an afternoon. Thats a lot of fine restaurant dining.

The Krewe of Zulu has several hundred members and some of the largest and most extravagant events. And they have lots of them.

There are more than 20 events between Kings Day and Feb. 25, and more as Mardi Gras approaches. There are character flag raising, character krewe and maid parties. The Zulu king and Zulu queen have a party. Lots of people attend Lundi Gras out by the Mississippi River.

The big event is the annual Zulu ball. Its huge.

Some groups have dozens, scores, even hundreds attend their events. Zulu has dozens, scores, hundreds and then thousands.

Lots of people make a lot of money as Zulu generates what some estimate to be a $20 million economic impact, as participants buy gowns, suits, tuxedos, shoes, table set-ups for their guests, rooms for more private before and after socializing. Cant wear the same thing to different events. Thats a lot of changing from day to day.

Zulu president Elroy James told me Zulu has seen as many as 25,000 attend the ball and hes worked with members to trim it back to something like 17,000. Thats still big. James said Zulu has encouraged members to get fully vaccinated, and ball guests will have to show proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test. The event features major music acts and a dance floor that seems to bounce.

Zulu may have more events than other large krewes like Bacchus, Endymion and Rex. But lots of these groups spend long hours at close quarters.

Its great to have parades with COVID safety protocols. But Im concerned about the rising omicron variant. Zulu and other groups have some tough decisions to make. Cancel or postpone after getting through the fifth surge. Or proceed with super-duper precautions to make partygoers comfortable enough to want to attend and to avoid being a super spreader event.

Zulu made national news early in the pandemic as the group lost several members to COVID when there were no vaccines. We dont know where they got infected, but it was after the last full Carnival season in 2020. I want to go to some of the events with friends. I want to attend the Zulu ball. But with the omicron surge, I dont know that I will.

Im praying that Zulu and other groups consider the possibilities and make smart decisions.
Reportedly, Samsung has delayed the Galaxy Unpacked and launch dates for the Galaxy S22 series. A separate leak has revealed a Galaxy S22 series marketing poster that seemingly debunked the idea that Samsung will release its premier smartphone as the Galaxy S22 Note.

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Last month, Jon Prosser claimed that the Galaxy S22 series would be pre-orderable from February 8, 2022. Supposedly, the devices were set to ship on February 18, with Samsung opening pre-orders the same day as its Galaxy Unpacked launch event. Incidentally, the Galaxy S21 FE should arrive roughly a month earlier.

Allegedly, Samsung has shifted its dates around from those listed above. Prosser now states that pre-orders will begin on February 9 and adds that the Galaxy S22 series will not be generally available until February 25. The leaker cites 'a pretty significant supply chain issue' as the reason for the delays.

Separately, LetsGoDigital has revealed a leaked marketing poster for the Galaxy S22 series. According to the website, the poster shows the Galaxy S22 Plus and the Galaxy S22 Ultra, not the Galaxy S22 Note. The image also implies that the smartphone has a ToF sensor, along with three rear-facing cameras.
First official details of the upcoming Lenovo Legion Y700 gaming tablet have been shared on Chinese social media. The 8.8-inch tablet could be an ideal Android alternative to the iPad Mini in a form factor that makes it easy to wield during intense gaming sessions. The Legion Y700 tablet may sport a Snapdragon 8 series SoC.

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Lenovo appears to be attempting to fill something of a gap in the market for smaller premium Android tablets. While many recent Android-based tablet releases, such as the decent Xiaomi Pad 5 (11-inch), have gone for large displays to try to rival the Apple iPad and iPad Pro devices, it seems fewer OEMs have been interested in tackling the market where the nifty 8.3-inch iPad Mini 6 resides. However, Lenovo is addressing that situation with its Legion Y700 gaming tablet, which will appeal to those who want a device that bridges the size gap between smartphones and large slates.

Details of the 8.8-inch Legion Y700 have started emerging via Weibo, with Lenovo offering up some of the key display specs and also providing an official look at the tablet in the form of a promo render. Starting with the screen specifications, the 8.8-inch display will offer gamers a 2560x1600 resolution and 100% DCI-P3 color-space coverage. Furious gaming moments will be aided by the 120 Hz screen refresh rate and the 240 Hz touch-sampling rate. Considering these specs, one would expect a high-end chip to be in charge of processing duties, possibly in the form of a Snapdragon 888.

As for looks, the Lenovo Legion Y700 is shaping up to be unsurprisingly sharp. The rear of the device in the marketing poster (see below) is metallic silver with a single camera lens joined by a flash in a tidy oval housing. While the bezels at the side (landscape view) look sufficiently substantial, no doubt to hold camera and audio equipment, the top and bottom bezels in this particular shot are narrow enough to make sure the maximum screen real estate is on offer for gameplay on the Legion Y700. Price and release date are yet to be confirmed, although the tablet may only be headed for the Chinese market.

Buy the Apple iPad Mini 6 on Amazon
The Indiana Department of Health said this will be the last daily update of COVID-19 data until Monday due to state agencies being closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, as well as the usual lack of weekend updates.

In the meantime, state and local health officials are urging Hoosiers to protect themselves from COVID-19 by getting vaccinated as soon as possible and getting a COVID-19 vaccine booster shot when they are eligible.

The free COVID-19 vaccine is available to anyone 5 and older at more than 1,400 pharmacies, health clinics and hospitals across the state  often without an appointment. A full list of COVID-19 vaccine sites is available online at ourshot.in.gov.

Since the start of the pandemic, unvaccinated Hoosiers have accounted for 97.3% of COVID-19 infections, 99.95% of COVID-19 hospitalizations and 99.97% of COVID-19 deaths, according to the Indiana Department of Health.

At the same time, more 3.53 million Hoosiers have gotten vaccinated against COVID-19 since the vaccine first became available a little more than a year ago.
HAMMOND  Hammond Machine Works is undergoing a major expansion that will bring more jobs and investment to north Lake County.

The precision machining and metal fabrication company broke ground Wednesday on a 12,500-square-foot building that will be connected to its current one at 5047 Columbia Ave. in north Hammond.

Founded in 1908, the company that mainly serves the rail industry will invest $4 million in the project.

"We're putting in a fiber-optic laser," President Peter Nau said. "We'll be able to burn, to cut shaped parts out of plate. We're going to pull in some of our outsourcing to better serve our customers. This is the world's fastest, they say."

Hammond Machine Works will be able to burn up to an inch-and-a-quarter plate into all sorts of shapes. It's fully automated with plate storage.

"It's hands-free and fully automated," Nau said. "It has a monotower so you can store your plate in a big tower and call out what plate thickness and material you want and then it will automatically come down and feed into the machine."

The laser will help Hammond Machine Works diversify its customer base, to include sectors like valves, packaging and steel mills.
Its crunch time  the holidays are upon us and you have yet to pick out a gift for a loved one.

Good news: There are plenty of spots throughout Northwest Indiana that offer last-minute gifts to pick up on your way to an office party or family get-together.

Local finds

At Blue Pear Mercantile in downtown Crown Point, owner Robert Radzinski says easy last-minute gifts include a wide variety of ornaments ($5 and up, facebook.com/bluepearmercantile) that can match any decor, as well as candles ($5 to $45) in favorite scents.

Our notebooks and journals ($10 and up) sell really well during the holidays and can be paired with our gift pencils ($5 and up), Radzinski said.

Other options the decor store carries include mens grooming products, tea accessories and several soaps and lotions, he says.

For some holiday spirits, Wise Guys Liquors in Valparaiso, Hobart, Merrillville and Chesterton have a number of options perfect to grab-and-go. Whether its individual bottles of wine, beer or spirits or holiday gift sets, theres a wide selection.
HAMMOND  The much-postponed trial for the estranged husband of a Gary city councilwoman has fallen victim to the latest COVID-19 resurgence.

U.S. District Court Judge Philip P. Simon has canceled the January start date for a jury to hear charges of illicit drug trafficking against 46-year-old Teddia Teddy Caldwell.

Caldwell and his co-defendants, 30-year-old Devonte Lil Bro Hodge, 28-year-old Devontae Martin and 28-year-old Taquan Boonie Clarke, all of Gary will now be tried later this summer.

Simon granted this latest delay at the request of John Maksimovich, one of Caldwells attorneys.

Maksimovich argued the new pandemic wave raised concerns about the safety of the four defendants, their attorneys, the courts staff and jurors who were scheduled to gather next month in a courtroom for what is estimated to be a three week trial.

The judge has reset the case to begin the week of Aug. 22, 2022.

Caldwell, the estranged husband of Gary Councilwoman Linda Barnes-Caldwell, is accused of directing his co-defendants to sell heroin and crack cocaine between June 2016 and February 2018.
HAMMOND  Hammond Police Sgt. Dominic Stabolito died Tuesday following a difficult battle with cancer, the Hammond Fraternal Order of Police has announced.

"We are heartbroken and feel an immense loss as a department and FOP," the organization said. "Our hearts and prayers go out to the Stabolito family and those who love Dominic."

Stabolito joined the police department as a dispatcher in 1996 and was hired as an officer on December 23, 1999, according to Hammond police Lt. Steve Kellogg.

He was promoted to sergeant in 2014 and was an integral part of the departments crime scene investigation unit, Kellogg said.

"Our hearts and prayers go out to the Stabolito family and those who love Dominic," he said on behalf of the department.

"We are heartbroken as there are no words for the sadness we feel as a department," Kellogg said.

Visitation dates will be held 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday and 10 a.m. to noon Wednesday at the Solan Pruzin Funeral Home at 12 Kennedy Ave. in Schererville.

His funeral services will be held at noon Wednesday at the same funeral home.
The case, which had been set for a nine-day trial beginning Jan. 5, is now scheduled for April 26 or nearly six years from the date Jones is accused of injuring his then-7-month-old son.

The case has been delayed numerous times over the years, including this past summer at the request of Vouga and Barnes, who said they needed more time after having take over the case Jan. 4 from one attorney who died in 2019 and another who was disbarred just last year.

Jones, who now is living and working in Florida, is charged with felony counts of battery resulting in serious bodily injury to a person less than 14 years of age and two counts of neglect of a dependent resulting in serious injury.

A doctor at the Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago said the child suffered "the worst brain injury I have ever seen," according to court documents. The doctors determined the injuries were consistent with being shaken and must have occurred during the time he was in the care of Curtis when his former wife and the boy's mother was at her overnight nursing job on July 24, 2016.

Jones left the Porter County Sheriff's Department in October 2005.
Students remain subject to arbitrary, irrational and unscientific rules regarding face masks, contact tracing and quarantines, measures that serve no legitimate purpose at this stage beyond fostering an endless state of emergency on K-12 students, teachers and staff, the suit alleges.

The suit alleges the Lake Central School Board made policy on student masking without public input from parents.

Crown Point attorney D. Eric Neff, who filed the suit on behalf of the families couldnt be reached Wednesday for comment on the suits transfer to federal court.

Crown Point attorney Michael D. Sears, who represents school officials, declined comment Wednesday.

Superintendent Larry Veracco said last month the schools mask mandate reduces the spread of the disease and follows the most current guidance from the Indiana Department of Health.

Indiana University Northwest Associate Professor Micah Pollak, who tracks public health data, said last month similar suits in other states have been dismissed in the face of rising infections and deaths.
School Board President David Warne supported the resolution, saying the "fairly consistent" number of districtwide COVID cases over the past two months and the low 2% cap gave him "peace of mind."

Cases on the rise

Executive Order 21-32, which lasts until Jan. 1 2022, states all K-12 facilities must adhere to COVID-19 control measures laid out by the Indiana Department of Health. The measures include a mandatory quarantine for all "asymptomatic individuals, unless fully vaccinated or recovered from a COVID-19 infection within the past 90 days, who are identified as a close contact of a COVID-19 case." A close contact is defined as "any individual within 6 feet of an infected person ... for a total of 15 minutes or more within a 24-hour period." There is one exception to the close contact definition, for K-12 classmates where both the infected student and the exposed students are masked.

Crown Point parent Micah Pollak said the district's protocol, which does not require close contacts to quarantine, masked or not, is district leadership "making up their own rules."
A new ordinance seeking an ARPA appropriation for broadband infrastructure improvements to city hall was referred to committee with a public hearing scheduled for Jan. 11.

Once the city learned Gary would receive ARPA funds, Prince said, a task force was created to develop a well-thought-out spending plan to benefit nearly every segment of the community impacted by the pandemic.

In the past, Godwin has voiced frustrations with the ARPA spending proposal, saying council members asked to be involved in the creation of the proposal, but they were not invited to a meeting until August. On Sept. 16, the council unanimously voted to send the $40 million ARPA spending plan back to committee. Godwin said the creation of the plan "wasn't collaborative at all."
Did the staff get notified? asked Councilwoman Deb Podgorski, who chairs the councils Budget Committee.

Rivas responded, They will now.

Dont you think it would be a good idea, as weve been talking about this for months, to at least let them know about it? asked Podgorski.

It was still being worked out, how it was going to be done, Rivas said. Theres been a lot of thought to it. Theres been a lot of different scenarios, and she didnt want to give out misinformation.

Rivas said letting employees know sooner would have interrupted the workflow in the clerk-treasurers office, especially for the payroll clerk. Do you understand what happens when that kind of communication goes out? Her phone blows up and rings constantly.

Ed Maher, spokesman for International Union of Operating Engineers Local 150, which represents some city employees, reacted Wednesday to Tuesdays council meeting.
Worries about polling places opening late because of a power failure or other problems would be eased, too. Voters could simply go elsewhere to vote instead of waiting to see if the power comes back on or giving up entirely.

Simpson said the county paid $2 million for new election equipment in 2019 that is capable of serving vote centers. Using the machines to their fullest potential is good business, he said.

Sundae Schoon, director of the Elections and Registration Office, said although the number of polling places would be reduced from 63 to 44, the polling places would be more conveniently located. Putting polling places in high-traffic areas and reducing redundancy lessens confusion.

Under the current system, she said, You might have a polling location across the street, but your actual polling location is four miles away because of how precinct boundaries are drawn.

With a vote center, Simpson said, I can stop on my way to work. I have to be there at 7. I can pull in at 6:05 and vote on my way to work as one scenario.

Students already registered to vote would be able to just walk down the hallway to vote while still at school.
The three generations of women were all wearing festive holiday hats while they worked.

"We volunteer a lot," Tiona said of herself, mom and grandmother.

Gore said it's her first year volunteering for The Salvation Army but not the first time volunteering.

"I do it to give back to people. Whenever we can, we lend a helping hand," Gore said.

Volunteer Cory Sabados works in Munster and lives in Orland Hills, Illinois, but came to assist giving out bags of toys on Wednesday.

"I like to give back to the community," Sabados said.

In addition to providing toys, The Salvation Army also helps assist an additional 150 households with food boxes and gift cards to purchase a turkey or ham, Feldman said.

"Because we never turn away someone in need, we have hundreds of additional new toys for families who missed the deadline to register for the Angel Tree," Feldman said.

Toys for anyone who missed the signup or missed coming to the center on Tuesday and Wednesday can come on Thursday for pickup, Feldman said.
You can also ring in 2022 at CD & Me in Frankfort where your $95 ticket includes dinner, premium bar, a champagne toast at midnight and music by Latin Satin Soul.

Staying in

If you prefer to spend the evening at home, you can still make the celebration special whether youre entertaining or just spending it with family.

Fratellos Cafe & Deli in Tinley Park is a great place to do some shopping for your New Years Eve celebration. Pick up some pizza set-ups and create your own pies. It makes a limited number of the kits each day, so order. Each kit is $18.99 and includes three 12-inch crusts, sauce, cheese, sausage and pepperoni. It also has monster pretzels that come with dipping cheese and salsa and are a fun snack for a night just like this. Be sure to also pick up some of its popular cannoli and eclairs to finish 2021 on a sweet note.

Brookhaven Marketplace in Mokena has a number of catering options from hot and cold sharables to classics including fried chicken to ethnic specialties. Wow your guests with an ethnic buffet of sushi, potato pancakes, gyros, pierogi, stuffed cabbage, pastas or cheese blintzes.
One December day, around the time I turned 5, my mother sat me down and gently informed me that there was no Santa Claus; shed decided to become a Jehovahs Witness, she explained, and we wouldnt be celebrating Christmas anymore. I dont recall being especially troubled by this bombshell at the time, and skipping out on holiday celebrations became my childhood norm.

But as a new parent, many Decembers later, I found myself thinking about my moms revelation constantly. Christmas was approaching and, though Id imagined celebrating with my own kids, I was at a loss. I had no family traditions to fall back on. How exactly were you supposed to do Santa Claus?

I earnestly canvassed my circle of mom friends. What precisely were you supposed to tell kids about the big man in red, and when? Did Santa bring all the toys, or just the really big statement presents? I spent hours on Etsy perusing handmade ornaments. If I ordered those adorable, extortionately-priced needle-felted Christmas mice, would I feel like the kind of mother who intuitively understood how to spin a web of comfort and joy? Or would it be obvious to my kids that I was just making it all up as we went?

By the time my second child was a toddler, my anxiety about being outed as a Christmas amateur had subsided slightly; little kids are rigid traditionalists, and mine loved our cobbled-together rituals. But in its place, another concern emerged: Even if I somehow managed to pull off the whole Santa business without a hitch, was there something a little odd about my eagerness to lie to my children?
Zachary Kallenborn, who studies drone warfare, terrorism and weapons of mass destruction at the University of Maryland, said the report suggested that for the first time, a weapons systems with artificial intelligence capability operated autonomously to find and attack humans.

Whats clear is this drone was used in the conflict, said Mr. Kallenborn, who wrote about the report in the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists. Whats not clear is whether the drone was allowed to select its target autonomously and whether the drone, while acting autonomously, harmed anyone. The U.N. report heavily implies, but does not state, that it did.

But Ulrike Franke, a senior policy fellow at the European Council on Foreign Relations, said that the report does not say how independently the drone acted, how much human oversight or control there was over it, and what specific impact it had in the conflict.

Should we talk more about autonomy in weapon systems? Definitely, Ms. Franke said in an email. Does this instance in Libya appear to be a groundbreaking, novel moment in this discussion? Not really.

She noted that the report stated the Kargu-2 and other loitering munitions attacked convoys and retreating fighters. Loitering munitions, which are simpler autonomous weapons that are designed to hover on their own in an area before crashing into a target, have been used in several other conflicts, Ms. Franke said.

What is not new is the presence of loitering munition, she said. What is also not new is the observation that these systems are quite autonomous. How autonomous is difficult to ascertain  and autonomy is ill-defined anyway  but we know that several manufacturers of loitering munition claim that their systems can act autonomously.

The report indicates that the race to regulate these weapons is being lost, a potentially catastrophic development, said James Dawes, a professor at Macalester College in St. Paul, Minn., who has written about autonomous weapons.
The groups debut album, The Age of Consent (1984), was as forthright as the two singles. The album sleeve listed the minimum age for lawful homosexual relationships between men in European countries, an effort to underscore that the age in Britain at the time, 21, was higher than it was almost everywhere else. The sleeve also included a phone number for a gay legal advice line.

Mr. Bronski said the trio didnt start out as a political or social statement.

We were just writing songs that spoke about our lives at the time, he told the magazine Gay Times in 2018. We had no idea Smalltown Boy would resonate with so many people.

But when they began doing live performances in 1983, he told The Associated Press in 1986, the audience reaction helped them realize that they had struck a chord.

We had all these people coming backstage saying, I think its great youve been so honest about it, he said.

That same audience reaction landed the group a contract with London Records in early 1984. Mr. Bronski was on keyboards, as was Mr. Steinbachek; Mr. Somervilles distinctive falsetto vocals were the groups signature.

Warren Whaley, an electronic music composer based in Los Angeles and half of the synth-pop duo the Dollhouse, struck up a running correspondence with Mr. Bronski when he wrote to him after Mr. Steinbacheks death in 2016.
THURSDAY PUZZLE  Stephen McCarthy made his New York Times Crossword debut in May and followed that up with another puzzle in August. Both were Sunday puzzles, the building of which typically requires the kind of fortitude seen in people like Tenzing Norgay, simply because there is so much to them.

With this puzzle, Mr. McCarthy moves into the somewhat less backbreaking  or at least shorter  work of a weekday grid. It might not be the trickiest Thursday puzzle youve ever solved, but the theme is tight and the solving is very pleasant.

Welcome to the Thursday club, Mr. McCarthy.

Tricky Clues

22A. If you were around in the 1980s, you probably saw the Australian tourism boards Come and say gday television ad campaign starring the actor Paul Hogan, about two years before he would come to global prominence as the star of the Crocodile Dundee film franchise.
Three separate teams of scientists on two continents have found that Omicron infections more often result in mild illness than earlier variants of the coronavirus, offering hope that the current surge may not be quite as catastrophic as feared despite skyrocketing caseloads.

The researchers examined Omicrons course through populations in South Africa, Scotland and England. The results in each setting, while still preliminary, all suggested that the variant was less likely to send people in hospitals.

Given that this is everywhere and given that its going to be so transmissible, anything that would lower severity is going to be better, said Natalie Dean, a biostatistician at Emory University in Atlanta.

Since the discovery of the Omicron variant in southern Africa in November, scientists have struggled to learn whether it causes more severe illness compared with other variants  and if so, in whom.
The poet John Berryman wrote of Macbeth that no other Shakespearean tragedy is so desolate, and this desolation is conveyed to us through the fantastic imagination of its hero. The universe of the play  a haunted, violent patch of ground called Scotland  is as dark and scary as any place in literature or horror movies. This has less to do with the resident witches than with a wholesale inversion of moral order. Fair is foul and foul is fair. Trust is an invitation to treachery. Love can be a criminal pact or a motive for revenge. Power is untempered by mercy.

Macbeth himself, a nobleman who takes the Scottish throne after murdering the king he had bravely served, embodies this nihilism as he is destroyed by it. The evil he does  ordering the slaughter of innocents and the death of his closest comrade  is horrific even by the standard of Shakespeares tragedies. And yet, Berryman marvels, he does not lose the audiences or readers sympathy. As Macbeths crimes escalate, his suffering increases and that fantastic imagination grows ever more complex and inventive. His inevitable death promises punishment for his transgressions and relief from his torment. It also can leave the audience feeling strangely bereft.

The director Joel Coens crackling, dagger-sharp screen adaptation of the play  called by its full title, The Tragedy of Macbeth  conjures a landscape of appropriate desolation, a world of deep shadows and stark negative space. People wander in empty stone corridors or across blasted heaths, surveyed at crooked angles or from above to emphasize their alienation from one another. The strings of Carter Burwells score sometimes sound like birds of prey, and literal crows disrupt the somber, boxy frames with bursts of nightmarish cacophony.
The jurors in the Ghislaine Maxwell sex-trafficking trial were sent home by the judge on Wednesday after a second full day of deliberating without reaching a verdict.

The jurys departure followed a quiet day in the Manhattan courtroom where the trial is being held. Defense lawyers and prosecutors largely stayed away while reporters, sketch artists and court security officers wandered in and out.

It was not until about 3:45 p.m. that the jury sent its first note of the day to the judge, Alison J. Nathan, requesting that copies of testimony by two of Ms. Maxwells accusers and a third government witness be provided to them in a binder.

The jurys nearly daylong silence was impossible to read, but Ms. Maxwells lawyers, and the defendant herself, seemed chipper as they entered court in the late afternoon to hear from the judge. Two of Ms. Maxwells lawyers gave each other a high-five.
A Proud Boys member who was among the first to cross the police line at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6 pleaded guilty on Wednesday and agreed to cooperate with the government  potentially against other members of the far-right extremist group, the authorities said.

The defendant, Matthew Greene, 34, of Syracuse, N.Y., was most likely the first member of the Proud Boys, a group that describes itself as Western chauvinists, to plead guilty to charges stemming from the riot, his lawyer, Michael Kasmarek, said on Wednesday.

Mr. Greene was among the first wave to rush up the Capitol steps after the police line was breached, the U.S. Attorneys Office for the District of Columbia said in a statement on Wednesday. After he came down the stairs, he moved police barricades, prosecutors said. His lawyer maintains that he never entered the Capitol building.

Mr. Greene and other Proud Boys members had agreed before the siege to communicate through programmable radios, prosecutors said. They were intentionally dressed in clothing that concealed their membership as Proud Boys, the statement said.
WASHINGTON  Vice President Kamala Harris was exposed to the coronavirus by a staff member who was close to her throughout the day on Tuesday and later tested positive, the vice presidents spokeswoman said in a statement on Wednesday evening.

Ms. Harris tested negative for the coronavirus on Wednesday after learning of the exposure, officials said. She will be tested again on Friday and on Monday, in accordance with guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Yesterday, Monday and every day last week, this staff member tested negative for Covid-19, Symone D. Sanders, the vice presidents spokeswoman, said in a statement. This staff member is fully vaccinated and boosted and did not experience symptoms. Others who were in close contact with this staff member are being contacted and will be advised to get tested.

White House officials said on Monday that President Biden had also been in close contact with a staff member who later tested positive. Since the encounter, Mr. Biden has tested negative twice, including once on Wednesday morning.
WASHINGTON  The Supreme Court said on Wednesday evening that it would hold a special hearing next month to assess the legality of two initiatives at the heart of the Biden administrations efforts to address the coronavirus in the workplace.

The court said it would move with exceptional speed on the two measures, a vaccine-or-testing mandate aimed at large employers and a vaccination requirement for certain health care workers, setting the cases for argument on Friday, Jan. 7. The justices had not been scheduled to return to the bench until the following Monday.

Both sets of cases had been on what critics call the courts shadow docket, in which the court decides emergency applications, sometimes on matters of great consequence, without full briefing and argument. The courts decision to hear arguments on the applications may have been a response to mounting criticism of that practice.

The more sweeping of the two measures, directed at businesses with 100 or more employees, would affect more than 84 million workers and is central to the administrations efforts to address the pandemic. The administration estimated that the measure would cause 22 million people to get vaccinated and prevent 250,000 hospitalizations.
Ms. Yellen sat for her currency signing in March, meeting with the Bureau of Engraving and Printing director, Leonard Olijar, and providing her official signature for printing on the new 2021 series of paper currency. At the time, the Treasury Department said in a statement that it would reveal her signature in the coming weeks. Nine months later, Ms. Yellens signature is nowhere to be seen on Americas bank notes, depriving the first woman to be Treasury secretary of one of the jobs prized perks.

It is a little odd, said Franklin Noll, the president of the Treasury Historical Association.

Previous Treasury secretaries have had their signatures added to money, a process which takes several months, within their first year on the job.

The delay owes to the slow pace of White House nominations across the federal government, including at the Treasury Department. By tradition, the treasurer must also sign the money along with the secretary, and both signatures are engraved on plates, printed and submitted to the Federal Reserve, which determines what currency will be added to circulation.

Since the Treasury secretary has the ultimate say over currency design, in theory Ms. Yellen could do away with the tradition and incorporate her signature right away.

The treasurer post, which oversees the Bureau of Engraving and Printing and the U.S. Mint, does not require Senate confirmation. But even if Mr. Biden appointed someone before year-end, it could take until mid-2022 before the new series of notes was in circulation.
A landslide on Wednesday at a jade mine in northern Myanmar killed one person and left more than 70 others missing, according to a civil society group and local media reports.

The disaster, in the Hpakant area of Kachin State, occurred around 4 a.m. local time, when dozens of people were swept into a lake by mining waste, an official at the Kachin Network Development Foundation said.

Authorities arrived at the site around 7 a.m. and are conducting the search, Dashi Naw Lawn, an official at the civil society group, said by telephone.

Myanmar produces 90 percent of the worlds jade, and Hpakant is the center of the countrys secretive jade industry, where, rights groups say, mining firms with links to military officials and ethnic armed groups make billions of dollars a year.
If Miranda was the white lady buffoon in Episode 1, it is Charlottes turn in Episode 4.

Despite being a classic Rules girl and a master of playing hard-to-get (I invented that game, she once declared in the original Sex and the City), all that self-discipline Charlotte once reserved to pique men's interest goes out the window when Lisa Todd Wexley says she is free for dinner on Thursday night  just two days away. Charlotte drops everything, even canceling Harrys colonoscopy for the next morning, to throw an impromptu dinner party at her house.

(Cant Harry just book his own colonoscopy?)

Charlotte desperately wants to morph L.T.W. from a mom friend into a real friend  a distinction actual moms, like me, will relate to. But it occurs to Charlotte that at the soiree shes about to host, L.T.W. and her husband, Herbert (Christopher Jackson), will be the only Black people in attendance.

Horrified that it will appear as if she and Harry have no Black friends (they dont), she makes it her mission to recruit at least one fringe friend of color to invite. Just as she gets a bite from a fellow P.T.O. mom, L.T.W. abruptly backs out.

But she and Harry still attend Herberts birthday party at L.T.W.s house, and in a twist, theyre the sole white couple there. Charlotte has come prepared, having forced a cram session about contemporary Black authors on herself and Harry. Its all for naught, though, when Charlotte walks in and immediately mistakes one of L.T.W.s guests for a different Black woman they both know.
In her junior year at the University of California, Berkeley, where she earned a bachelors degree in English in 1956, Ms. Didion submitted an early draft of a short story to Mademoiselle and won a spot as guest fiction editor for the magazine. The following year she won an essay contest sponsored by Vogue. Turning down a trip to Paris, the top prize, she went straight to work at the magazine, where her prose underwent a rigorous if idiosyncratic schooling as she advanced from writing promotional copy to becoming an associate features editor. In an eight-line caption everything had to work, every word, every comma, she later said.

By the early 1960s Ms. Didion was writing for Vogue, Mademoiselle and National Review, often on topics like Jealousy: Is It a Curable Illness? At the same time, she published a well-received first novel, Run, River (1963), about the unraveling of a Sacramento family. Although not as lean as her subsequent fiction, it introduced the preoccupations that governed her later novels  violence, dread, the sickening sense that the world was spinning out of control  and acquainted readers with the Didion woman, described by Michiko Kakutani in The New York Times Magazine as the forlorn resident of a clearly personal wasteland, wandering along highways or through countries in an effort to blot out the pain of consciousness.

In 1964, she married John Gregory Dunne, a writer at Time with whom she had been friends for several years. They moved to California and started writing screenplays. They also adopted a daughter, Quintana Roo, taking her name from the Mexican state, which they had chanced upon while looking at a map.

In time they became a bicoastal glamour couple, with one foot in Hollywood and the other in Manhattans literary salons. Mr. Dunne died of a heart attack at 71 in 2003. Two years later, Quintana Roo Dunne died of pancreatitis and septic shock at 39. Ms. Didion wrote about her husbands death and her daughters illness in The Year of Magical Thinking (2005), which won the 2005 National Book Award for nonfiction and was adapted for the Broadway stage in 2007 in a one-woman production starring Vanessa Redgrave. Ms. Didion took up the subject of her daughters death in her 2011 memoir, Blue Nights.
Thomas Kinsella, an Irish poet and translator whose quest for coherence and meaning in a dark and precarious world engendered a body of work likened to the prose of James Joyce for its sense of place, died on Wednesday in Dublin. He was 93.

His death, in a hospital, was confirmed by the Rom Massey & Sons funeral home.

In his early days, Mr. Kinsella was feted as what one critic called probably the most accomplished, fluent and ambitious poet of his generation. Later, though, Mr. Kinsella came to occupy an ambivalent position in the Irish canon: central but somehow marginalized, honored but insecure, like a dethroned god, said David Wheatley, a fellow Irish poet.

Mr. Kinsellas work was frequently described as difficult, inviting  or forcing  the reader to complete what Mr. Kinsella regarded as a central process of his poetry. A poem, whatever else it is, is an act of communication, involving an audience, he said in 2004. Communication is central  an audience completing an act of communication.

The scholar Arthur E. McGuinness complained in an article in 1987, A poem by Kinsella seems almost deliberately inaccessible, almost as if the poet wanted to keep the nonserious reader out.
The risks here for older people are frightening: A rate of 0.45 percent, for instance, translates into roughly a 1 in 220 chance of death for a vaccinated 75-year-old woman who contracts Covid. If the risks remain near these levels with Omicron, they could lead to tens of thousands of U.S. deaths, and many more hospitalizations.

Encouragingly, there are reasons to believe that Omicrons death rate may be lower. Three new studies released yesterday suggested that Omicron causes milder illness on average than earlier versions of the virus. I would guess that the mortality risk with Omicron is much smaller than with earlier variants, Dr. George Rutherford of the University of California, San Francisco, told me yesterday.

One reassuring comparison is to a normal seasonal flu. The average death rate among Americans over age 65 who contract the flu has ranged between 1 in 75 and 1 in 160 in recent years, according to the C.D.C. Pre-Omicron versions of Covid, in other words, seem to present risks of a similar order of magnitude to vaccinated people as a typical flu. Some years, a flu infection may be more dangerous.

With Omicron, I think the risk is not super high for relatively healthy and boosted people in their 70s, Janet Baseman, an epidemiologist at the University of Washington, told me. I think its moderate at most.

Still, Baseman and other experts recommend vigilance, for several reasons. First, the flu kills tens of thousands of Americans a year, and we should probably pay more attention to it. (After declining last year during social distancing, flu infections are rising again now, as these Times charts show.)

Second, Omicron is so contagious that it has the potential to swamp hospitals and cause many otherwise preventable deaths even if only a small share of infections are severe. Were not at a place to treat this as a cold, Azra Ghani of Imperial College London said.

Baseman said that if she were in her 70s, her primary worry would be getting moderately ill, needing standard medical care and not being able to get it at an overwhelmed hospital. Dr. Aaron Richterman of the University of Pennsylvania told me, There is a strong rationale for reasonable efforts to mitigate transmission, particularly over the next four weeks.
Israel weighs approving a fourth vaccine dose

Israels Health Ministry was weighing on Thursday whether to approve a fourth Covid vaccine dose to try to contain the fast-spreading Omicron variant after experts recommended it, saying they believed the country had to act.

Though there is not much scientific data, the pandemic response advisers concluded that the potential benefits outweighed the risks, pointing to signs of waning immunity a few months after the third shot and arguing that a delay in additional vaccine doses might prove too late to protect those most at risk.

If the Health Ministry approves the panels recommendation, Israel could start administering fourth doses as soon as Sunday for at-risk groups: those over age 60, the immuno-compromised and health care workers. The panel did not recommend a fourth dose for the general population. Top officials supported the move.

The price will be higher if we dont vaccinate, Dr. Boaz Lev, the head of the advisory panel, said at a news conference late Wednesday. Describing the spread of Omicron as a kind of tsunami or tornado, he said, We dont have a lot of time to make decisions.
SEATTLE  Amazon, which faces mounting scrutiny over worker rights, agreed to let its warehouse employees more easily organize in the workplace as part of a nationwide settlement with the National Labor Relations Board this month.

Under the settlement, made final on Wednesday, Amazon said it would email past and current warehouse workers  likely more than one million people  with notifications of their rights and give them greater flexibility to organize in its buildings. The agreement also makes it easier and faster for the N.L.R.B., which investigates claims of unfair labor practices, to sue Amazon if it believes the company violated the terms.

Amazon has previously settled individual cases with the labor agency, but the new settlements national scope and its concessions to organizing go further than any previous agreement.

Because of Amazons sheer size  more than 750,000 people work in its operations in the United States alone  the agency said the settlement would reach one of the largest groups of workers in its history. The tech giant also agreed to terms that would let the N.L.R.B. bypass an administrative hearing process, a lengthy and cumbersome undertaking, if the agency found that the company had not abided by the settlement.
In a Northern California school district, the superintendent is taking shifts as a lunchroom monitor. In Louisville, Ky., nonprofit groups are losing social workers to better-paying jobs at Walmart and McDonalds. And in Rhode Island, child welfare organizations are turning away families from early-intervention programs because they are short of personnel.

The nationwide labor shortage in recent months has led to delayed shipments, long waits at restaurants and other frustrations for customers and employers alike. But many for-profit businesses have been able to overcome their staffing difficulties, at least in part, by offering higher wages to attract workers.

For many nonprofit and public-sector employers, however, raising pay isnt an option, at least without persuading state legislators to approve budget increases or voters to approve higher taxes. That is leading to a wave of departures and rising vacancy rates as their salaries fall further behind their for-profit counterparts. And it is in some cases making it difficult for them to deliver the services they exist to provide.

Weve lost our ability to be competitive, said Carrie Miranda, executive director of Looking Upwards, a nonprofit in Middletown, R.I., that works with adults and children with intellectual and developmental disabilities and other health care needs. When a new person comes to the door, I cant say yes to them, and they desperately need the services.
Intel apologized on Thursday after a letter in which the chip maker said it would avoid products and labor from Xinjiang set off an outcry on Chinese social media, making it the latest American company caught between the worlds two largest economies.

The chip maker apologized to its Chinese customers, partners and the public in a Chinese-language statement on Weibo, the popular social media site. The company said that the letter, which had been sent to suppliers, was an effort at expressing its compliance with United States sanctions against Xinjiang, rather than a political stance.

China has pushed back against accusations of forced labor in Xinjiang, and Intels letter made the chip maker a target of widespread condemnation. Intel bites the hand that feeds it, read a headline of one commentary in a nationalist newspaper. A celebrity dropped the brand.

Intel is the latest example of a multinational firm that has found itself in the middle of rising tensions between China and the United States. In this case, Intel has struggled to balance compliance with United States sanctions against Xinjiang, where hundreds of thousands of minorities have been interned, and Chinese nationalist sentiment.
Given that health care workers are tested frequently, are largely vaccinated, and must be masked, the chances of causing a significant amount of infections seem very low if isolation periods are shortened, said Dr. Bob Wachter, chairman of the department of medicine at the University of California, San Francisco.

The consequences of keeping them out of the work force are massive when you think about the impact on health, he added. U.C.S.F. also is weighing whether to reduce the isolation period to five days for workers: I dont know if five days saves us, but its better than seven and better than 10.

Dr. Jha stressed, though, that more research is needed to definitively answer questions regarding how long a person with an Omicron infection may remain infectious. The variant is far more contagious than previous versions of the coronavirus.

The pandemic has exacerbated labor shortages that plague both hospitals and nursing homes: Nurses, aides and other workers have suffered extensive burnout and many have left the field for more lucrative work. Just this week, President Biden said that 1,000 military medical professionals would be deployed to help hospitals, and the National Guard is already working in some nursing homes and hospitals to address understaffing in several states.

Getting medical staff back to work sooner is the aim of several policy changes at hospitals that are reporting higher caseloads. Along with a shorter time frame for isolation, the policies include requirements regarding testing, vaccination status and symptoms.

Hospitals welcomed the revised guidelines. Todays announcement from the C.D.C. will allow health care workers to safely return to caring for patients sooner, which will help to alleviate the severe work force shortage crisis facing hospitals across the country, said Nancy Foster, vice president of quality and patient safety policy for the American Hospital Association.

In New York State, which has reported a seven-day average of more than 4,600 hospitalizations as Omicron cases soar, major hospitals recently changed isolation protocols for vaccinated employees.
NEW HOPE, Minn.  Pfc. Shina Vang and his fellow soldiers in the Minnesota National Guard have had an exceptionally busy year. They helped process Afghan refugees fleeing Kabul for the United States, provided security at American military bases across the Horn of Africa and stood sentinel in Washington, D.C., following the Jan. 6 attacks on the U.S. Capitol.

They also deployed across Minnesota during the civil unrest prompted by the police killings of George Floyd in Minneapolis and Daunte Wright in nearby Brooklyn Center.

But none of those experiences prepared Private Vang and his fellow Guard members for their latest deployment: collecting bedpans, clipping toenails and feeding residents at North Ridge Health and Rehab, a sprawling nursing home in suburban Minneapolis that is the largest in the state.

Ive had protesters throw apples and water bottles at me but that doesnt compare to the challenge of giving someone a bed bath, Private Vang said.
Jordan Canedy is a wide-eyed baby with excellent lungs at the start of A Journal for Jordan. At the movies end, hes becoming a young man, one with traits that his soldier father, Charles Monroe King, had hoped for when he began writing a yet-to-be-born Jordan advice in a notebook while stationed in Iraq.

In 2006, while on patrol in Baghdad, First Sgt. King was killed by a roadside bomb. Dana Canedy, Kings fiance and the mother of their infant son, was then a senior editor at The New York Times. Her 2007 article From Father to Son, Last Words to Live By, led to her to write the elegant book about love, loss and legacy upon which this movie is based, and with which it shares its title.

So dont be fooled by that touching title: The journal, in which Canedy added her own stories to Kings writing, is as much the work of a grieving mother driven to make sure her son knows the love story that brought him into the world as it is a devoted fathers guide to decency and manhood.
Movies love to menace Earth. Its human nature. In some of the most plausible doomsday flicks  Meteor, Deep Impact and Armageddon  a big space rock threatens annihilation. Usually, if not always happily, someone finally comes to the rescue, though that isnt the case in the 1951 film When Worlds Collide. Before it makes good on its title, this shocker rockets survivalists on an ark to colonize another planet, which is more or less what Elon Musk has talked about with Space X.

The director Adam McKay is not in the mood for nihilistic flights of fancy. Our planet is too dear and its future too terrifying, as the accelerated pace of species extinction and global deforestation underscore. But humanity isnt interested in saving Earth, never mind itself, as the recent Glasgow climate summit reminded us. Were too numb, dumb, powerless and indifferent, too busy fighting trivial battles. So McKay has made Dont Look Up, a very angry, deeply anguished comedy freak out about how we are blowing it, hurtling toward oblivion. Hes sweetened the bummer setup with plenty of yuks  good, bad, indifferent  but if you weep, it may not be from laughing.

Maybe bring hankies, though dont look for speeches about climate change and global warming. Rather than directly confronting the existential horror of our environmental catastrophe, McKay has taken an allegorical approach in Dont Look Up with a world-destroying comet. Oh sure, on its website, NASAs Planetary Defense Coordination Office (yes, its real) isnt worried about near-Earth objects, as theyre called: No known asteroid larger than 140 meters in size has a significant chance to hit Earth for the next 100 years. Whew. But no matter. The planet is on fire, and so is McKay, whos embraced his inner Roland Emmerich (2012) with a fury by lobbing a great big joke at us.

That joke is definitely on us or soon will be in Dont Look Up, which follows a studiously curated ragtag collection of scientists, politicians, military types, journalists and miscellaneous others who face  or dont  the threat of a rapidly approaching comet. I heard theres an asteroid or a comet or something that you dont like the looks of, a visibly bored president of the United States (Meryl Streep) says to some anxious scientists who have been granted an imperial audience. The scientists really dont like what theyve seen but the president has other things on her mind, including upcoming elections and the friendly perv shes trying to get placed on the Supreme Court.
World-building usually refers to how the makers of science fiction and fantasy construct their domains, populating them with imaginary creatures and allegorical meanings. But among living filmmakers, the most prodigious world builder might be Pedro Almodovar. Plenty of directors have a style. Almodovar conjures a cosmos  a domain of bright colors, piercing music (often by Alberto Iglesias) and swirling melodrama. If youve visited in the past, you will be eager to return.

This isnt to say that Almodovaria, as I sometimes think of it, is a realm entirely apart from the drab planet where most of us live. Its a version of Spain (most of the time), informed by that countrys aesthetic and literary traditions, a legacy that encompasses the perverse whimsy of Surrealism and the openhearted pathos of flamenco. Parallel Mothers, Almodovars new feature, adds an element that he had previously avoided: the legacy of the Spanish Civil War and the nearly 40 years of dictatorship that followed.

At first, the war seems like an unlikely, poignant entry point into a uniquely Almodovarian swirl of present-day romantic complication and domestic anguish. Janis (Penelope Cruz, never better) is a photographer shooting a very handsome forensic anthropologist for a magazine spread. His name is Arturo (Israel Elejalde), and his grim specialty is examining the remains of Francos victims, many of whom were buried in unmarked mass graves. One of those graves is in Janiss hometown. Her great-grandfather was part of a group of men taken from their homes early in the war and never seen again. She asks Arturo if he can help in the investigation.
History is likely to regard the de Blasio legacy through the narrower aperture of his achievements, but current dispensers of judgment are caught in the broader and more immediate grip of his affect. There are few more powerful indicators of just how problematic his style has been than an October Siena College poll in which respondents were asked to choose among five potential Democratic candidates for governor and picked Andrew M. Cuomo  two months after he had resigned amid a barrage of sexual harassment allegations  over Bill de Blasio, nearly three to one. (Gov. Kathy Hochul led the field.)

There is no doubt that Mr. de Blasio has been an equal-opportunity alienator. In 2015, during the second year of his first term, as his approval ratings were falling, he managed to turn off the Harlem clerical establishment and the event publicist Peggy Siegal over the course of a few days. Ms. Siegal had complained to The Wall Street Journal that Mr. de Blasio had disdain for the striving successful New Yorkers. It was still two years before the mayor would even visit the High Line in Chelsea, the creation of which had been an initiative of the downtown elite.

Six years ago, the Rev. Calvin O. Butts III convened Black leaders to talk about what they believed was the mayors waning enthusiasm for police reform. Mr. de Blasio had come to office with a great deal of support from Black voters, but as the reverend put it then, he demonstrated such confidence in that backing that he behaved as if he didnt need the clergy, the ministers. Defying the first rule of love and politics, he couldnt make people feel as if they really mattered.

Despite capturing the Black vote in two election cycles, by the time of the George Floyd protests last year, affections appeared to be in decline. Showing up at a memorial in Cadman Plaza in Brooklyn, Mr. de Blasio was booed. (Recently, a friend suggested that I Google de Blasio and booed, and it was this way that I learned that he was also heckled this past summer at the Nathans Famous hot dog-eating contest in Coney Island, where he was wearing a hat shaped like a frankfurter.)
A young man shot and killed by New York City police officers in Brooklyn on Monday was mentally ill and had previously encountered police officers during a suicide attempt, according to his family and the police.

Eudes Pierre, 26, from Crown Heights, was shot 10 times and killed when he lunged at officers with a kitchen knife early on Monday morning, near the Utica Avenue subway station on Eastern Parkway, the police said.

My son was a good kid, Marguerite Jolivert, Mr. Pierres mother, said at a news conference on Wednesday. He was sick. He had mental disease. He didnt deserve to be killed like an animal.

Image Eudes Pierre

Mr. Pierre is the latest person to be killed by the police while in the throes of a mental health episode  deaths that activists and law enforcement experts alike say underscore the need for alternative responses to mental health crises, which police officers are often unequipped to handle.
Covid-19 is surging in New York Citys homeless shelters, prompting some to call on the citys mayor to move people to hotels to keep the fast-spreading Omicron variant from overwhelming crowded shelters.

On Thursday, the city reported that there had been 187 new cases in the past week among the 46,000 residents of the main shelter system, more than double the 82 the week before and more than quintuple the 36 cases reported for the last week of November.

The city did not say how many of those 187 cases were in the barrackslike congregate shelters that house 12,000 people who often sleep upward of 20 to a room.

But the operator of one such shelter said on Thursday that in recent days, 14 out of 200 residents, or 7 percent, had tested positive and that most residents had not been tested at all in the last two weeks. At least four workers at that shelter, out of about 40, had also tested positive, said the operator, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because the city forbids shelters to talk to reporters without clearance.
A New York State Police trooper shot and killed a young man in the small upstate village of Unadilla on Wednesday night after the man confronted the officer with a knife, the police said.

Mark A. Beilby, 24, had repeatedly refused to drop the knife and had advanced at the trooper, whom authorities did not identify, the State Police said. The trooper, responding to a 911 call, had entered Mr. Beilbys home in response to reports of a domestic dispute. After the trooper shot him, Mr. Beilby was transported to two separate medical centers but died.

On Thursday, Attorney General Letitia Jamess office said it would investigate the shooting, as required by law in cases of officer-involved killings.

In a news conference on Thursday, Major Jeffrey VanAuken of State Police Troop C said that Mr. Beilby had been shot in his apartment after confronting the trooper, who was not injured.
The citys tracing system for school cases, known as the situation room, is also buckling under the rapid rise in infections among staff and students, educators and union officials said.

In interviews, public health experts, union officials and educators said the relative success of New Yorks school reopening so far has made it even more crucial that parents and educators not lose confidence in reopening at this stage of the pandemic.

They also agreed that Mr. Adams would have to take action to avoid the kind of outbreak that the school system has avoided since it first partially reopened in the fall of 2020.

Its on everyones radar that something needs to be done, said Mark Cannizzaro, president of the citys principals union. This is an opportunity for the new administration. Theyre going to instill a heck of a lot of confidence in people if they put procedures in place that run smoothly.

Michael Mulgrew, president of the United Federation of Teachers, warned Mr. Adams on Wednesday that the union might change its support for keeping schools open if in-school testing was not increased.

New York has already implemented a vaccine mandate for all adults working in city schools, and masks are required for students and staff members. Omicron is extremely contagious, even among vaccinated people.

Large urban school districts across the country are wrestling with how to reopen schools in January. But New York City, the district currently most threatened by the new variant, will see its entire municipal government change the weekend before break ends.
The trooper told investigators that Mr. Cuomo had begun to flirt with her shortly after they first met. He later spoke with senior members of his security staff about having her join his protective detail, a coveted assignment. She was subsequently transferred to the detail even though she lacked the experience typically required for such a position, investigators found.

She told investigators that on the day at Belmont Park, in Elmont, N.Y., Mr. Cuomo had run the palm of his left hand across her stomach and that when his hand reached her navel, she pushed it back toward her right hip, where her gun was holstered.

I felt, like, completely violated because to me, like, thats between my chest and my privates, which, you know, if he was a little bit north or a little bit south, its not good, she told investigators.

A senior State Police investigator fully corroborated the female troopers account of the episode, according to the attorney generals report. He told investigators that he had asked the trooper whether she wanted to take any action and that she had declined for fear of retribution.

The female trooper told the attorney generals investigators that Mr. Cuomo had acted inappropriately toward her on other occasions, including once suggesting that she go upstairs with him for a private tour of the Executive Mansion.

His behavior came off as creepy, she said.

Ms. Smith, the Nassau County prosecutor, said in her statement that it was important to note that our investigation was limited to alleged conduct at Belmont and that prosecutors in other jurisdictions continue to review other allegations of misconduct by Mr. Cuomo.

One of those jurisdictions is Albany County, where Mr. Cuomo, a Democrat who was in his third term when he resigned, is scheduled to be arraigned on Jan. 7 on a criminal complaint charging him with a misdemeanor sex crime.
The mayors legacy is complicated, experts say. In brief: Police stops are down. Officers on patrol now have body cameras, as do detectives, sergeants and lieutenants who work on the streets. But 70 percent of public schools remain segregated. The number of single adults living in shelters has jumped 65 percent. And buses are crawling along at eight miles per hour, the same as when he took office.

His signature accomplishment was universal prekindergarten, a popular program that could serve as a national model. De Blasio has also cited the poverty rate, which had declined to roughly 18 percent in 2019  before the coronavirus pandemic disrupted the citys economy  from 20.5 percent in 2013.

De Blasios campaign for mayor that year was built around a tale of two cities  the inequality that increasingly divided New York along the fault lines of fabulous wealth and grinding poverty. My colleagues Emma G. Fitzsimmons and Jeffery C. Mays write that not only did the poverty rate drop on his watch, but the city also built affordable housing.

Still, the pandemic, which continues to vex officials at every level, was nothing short of catastrophic for poor New Yorkers. And the mayor himself has said his greatest shortcoming was how he handled the homelessness crisis.

Allies like Bertha Lewis  the president of the Black Institute and a key figure in helping de Blasio win support among progressives in 2013  wanted him to use the all-out strategy that made prekindergarten a reality to address other issues. They say now that he often seemed unwilling to risk the political capital needed to do so. He waited until late in his second term to phase out the gifted and talented program for elementary schools and to open supervised drug injection sites.
Some of Jesus questions were rhetorical; others were meant to challenge or even provoke. In some cases, Jesus used questions to parry attacks by religious authorities who set traps for him. In others, he used questions to enter more fully into the lives of others and to help people look at the state of their hearts. He asked people about their fears and their faith. Jesus used questions to free a woman caught in adultery from condemnation and to inquire whether people considered him to be the Messiah. He probed deeply into questions not many had asked before him, like For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?

Jesus liked to turn the tables on his interlocutors, especially those who were in the business of asking questions themselves. In Luke, an expert in the law asked Jesus, Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life? His reply took the form of not one question but two: What is written in the law? and How do you read it? But thats hardly the end of the exchange. Were told that this person wanted to justify himself; Jesus moved the conversation to a very different plane, from the abstract to the personal. When the lawyer asked, Who is my neighbor? Jesus asked what it meant to him to be a good neighbor. By the end of this cross-examination, Jesus had led his interlocutor  first through his questioning and then via the parable of the good Samaritan  to acknowledge that the person who is a good neighbor is the one who shows mercy. It is an astonishing interaction.

As for his use of parables, in Jesus Through Middle Eastern Eyes the theologian Kenneth Bailey wrote, Jesus created meaning like a dramatist and a poet rather than like a philosopher. The author refers to Jesus as a metaphorical theologian whose primary method of creating meaning was through metaphor, simile, parable and dramatic action rather than through logic and reasoning.

Jesus, when asked by his disciples in Matthew 13 why he spoke in parables, indicated that it was to reveal the truth to some and to hide the truth from others. He was willing to disclose the truth to those who were sincere but wanted to conceal it from people not willing to honestly wrestle with its meaning. Jesus also clearly understood the power of stories to make his words more memorable by making them more personal.

Arguments may form our opinions, but stories form our loves, Cherie Harder, the president of the Trinity Forum, told me. She added, Stories ask us to enter another world  which usually has the result of broadening or disrupting our own.
A common question is how accurate these tests really are. The data is now clear, including from my own research, that these tests are excellent at detecting people who are contagious. However, these tests do not always pick up the very earliest stages of an infection, before people develop symptoms, or the later stages of an infection, when symptoms have passed. But its important to understand that these very early and very late stages are when people are far less likely to be infectious and able to spread the virus to others.

Wide availability is, in itself, a useful tool. In Britain, these tests are cheap; they can be performed by anyone anywhere; and they give a result within 30 minutes. That can be useful for getting infectious people away from the rest of the community, especially when used frequently. If other countries want rapid testing to work as a pandemic tool, these tests have to be similarly inexpensive and accessible.

So why is there still such rampant transmission of coronavirus in Britain, given that every person in the country has unlimited access to these tests?

Because rapid tests are excellent at confirming when a person is in a contagious stage of infection, but dont perform well at identifying people in the very early stages of an infection, how they are used is incredibly important. People in Britain are encouraged to use these tests up to 24 hours before doing an activity. But having a negative rapid test does not necessarily mean that you are not infected with coronavirus. A negative test means you do not have levels of the virus that make you infectious at the very moment you took the test. This can change in a matter of hours if someone is in the early stages of an infection. Thats why you should not rely on a negative rapid test for a weeks worth of events.

Thats also why these tests should not be used as a green light to act as if you definitely dont have Covid. Unfortunately, this detail has been largely lost in the British authorities messaging, which has often been contradictory or confusing. A negative rapid test result doesnt mean you should forgo face masks altogether and stop exercising caution in crowded spaces. It can make activities much safer, but not completely safe from infection risk.
The legal path to investigate the leaders of the coup attempt is clear. The criminal code prohibits inciting an insurrection or giving aid or comfort to those who do, as well as conspiracy to forcibly prevent, hinder or delay the execution of any law of the United States. The code also makes it a crime to corruptly impede any official proceeding or deprive citizens of their constitutional right to vote.

Based purely on what we know today from news reports and the steady stream of revelations coming from the House select committee looking into the attack, the attorney general has a powerful justification for a robust and forceful investigation into the former president and his inner circle. As White House chief of staff, Mark Meadows was intimately involved in the effort to overturn the election. He traveled to Georgia last December, where he apparently laid the groundwork for the phone call in which the president pressured Georgias secretary of state, Brad Raffensperger, to find 11,780 votes. Representative Jim Jordan of Ohio reportedly promoted a scheme to pressure Vice President Mike Pence to reject duly certified Joe Biden electors. And from their war room at the Willard Hotel, several members of the presidents inner circle hatched the legal strategy to overturn the results of the election.

Mr. Trump himself sat back for three hours while his chief of staff was barraged with messages from members of Congress and Fox News hosts pleading with him to have the president call off the armed mob whose violent passion he had inflamed. That evidence, on its own, may not be enough to convict Mr. Trump, but it is certainly enough to require a criminal investigation.

And yet there are no signs, at least in media reports, that the attorney general is building a case against these individuals  no interviews with top administration officials, no reports of attempts to persuade the foot soldiers to turn on the people who incited them to violence. By this point in the Russia investigation, the special counsel Robert Mueller had indicted Paul Manafort and Rick Gates and secured the cooperation of George Papadopoulos after charging him with lying to the F.B.I. The media was reporting that the special counsels team had conducted or scheduled interviews with Mr. Trumps aides Stephen Miller and Mr. Bannon, as well as Attorney General Jeff Sessions.

Of course, there is no way to know for sure whether Mr. Garlands Department of Justice is investigating the leaders of the attack behind closed doors. Justice Department policy does not permit announcing investigations, absent exceptional circumstances. Mr. Garland, unlike his predecessor William Barr, plays by the book, keeping quiet about investigations until charges are filed. But the first of the rioters to plead guilty began cooperating with the Justice Department back in April. If prosecutors have been using their cooperation to investigate the top officials and operatives responsible for the siege of the Capitol and our democracy, there would likely be significant confirmation in the media by now.
About 246 million years ago, a sea lizard with a skull the size of a grand piano died in the ancient ocean that is now Nevada. It was an ichthyosaur, and its body was most likely the size of a modern sperm whale.

Although ichthyosaurs and whales are separated by a few hundred million years, they have a lot in common. Both descend from lineages of animals that returned to the sea after stints on land. Both evolved giant bodies that made them the largest creatures in the seas when they lived. Both birthed live young.

But it took whales 45 million years of living in the ocean to evolve their most giant body sizes. This new species of giant ichthyosaur appeared only three million years after the first ichthyosaurs took to the seas, suggesting the sea lizards evolved big bodies at a breakneck speed. This early giant lived before small dinosaurs were common on land; the terrestrial world would not see a giant this size for about 40 million more years, with the emergence of sauropods in the Jurassic.

A group of scientists describe the new ichthyosaur, which they named Cymbospondylus youngorum, and reconstructed its food webs in a paper published on Thursday in the journal Science.
From a helicopter, it can be hard to spot a polar bear against the frozen tundra. So when the polar bear biologist Jon Aars heads out for his annual research trips, he scans the landscape for flashes of movement or subtle variations in color  the slightly yellowish hue of the bears fur set off against the white snow.

Also, very often, you see the footprints before you see the bear, Dr. Aars said. And the bear is usually where the footprints stop.

Dr. Aars is one in a long line of polar bear researchers at the Norwegian Polar Institute, which has an outpost on Svalbard, an Arctic archipelago. Since 1987, the institutes scientists have staged annual field trips into the icy wilderness to find and study Svalbards polar bears.
(Its also worth noting that the C.D.C. uses the term quarantine for when you may have been exposed to the virus and may or may not have been infected, whereas isolation is when you have been infected with the virus, even if you dont have symptoms, though people tend to use them interchangeably in conversation.)

Even with the body aches, sweats, fever and cough, the symptoms seem more manageable, and come without the anxiety she felt the first time around. Last time I didnt know what was going to happen to me or how bad it would get, she said. Now that shes vaccinated, she feels fairly confident that she will have a few days of flu symptoms, and then will be fine.

One of the vital lessons she learned when her boyfriend had Covid was the importance of reaching out to other people in self-isolation  not a hard task since multiple friends tested positive after attending the same holiday party.

We are all going to find a topic we are passionate about in the world and do a five- to 10-minute presentation on Zoom, she said. We are also making a calendar for our friend who is turning 30: Everyone has to do a sexy photo shoot at home.

And  perhaps most important  she now knows to look at the positive side of having all this time to herself, even though shes under the weather. I am going to take some time to just sleep, which I havent been able to do in a long time, she said.
But Cinderella (Briga Heelan) isnt happy, and becomes even less so after she learns that her Prince Charming (Justin Guarini) is being paid for his services while she isnt. Then Cinderella meets the Notorious O.F.G. (thats Original Fairy Godmother, comically played by Brooke Dillman), who comes all the way from the mystical land of Flatbush, Brooklyn, to give poor Cin a copy of The Feminine Mystique. Suddenly enlightened by feminist theory, Cinderella leads her fellow princesses in protest, demanding that they be allowed to write their own stories.

The audience cheered at the more clever pairings of popular Spears songs with important plot points, like an unfaithful prince singing Oops!  I Did It Again or Cinderellas evil stepmother singing Toxic.

But as I watched the show, I wondered: Who is the target audience for this? So many Broadway shows are aimed at a general audience, and similarly, Once Upon a One More Time seems to want to appeal to both children and adults. The fairy tale premise (nodding to shows like Into the Woods and Shrek) and the earnest sermonizing seem to point to an audience of kids. But the lines of dialogue about microaggressions (the Narrator warns Cinderella about being difficult, getting hysterical and using a shrill voice, all of which made the audience gasp), along with some mild sex jokes, are clearly aimed at knowing adults. Plus, call me conventional, but I doubt a childrens show would include a song called Work Bitch. In aiming for a Broadway stage, Once Upon a One More Time still seems to be figuring out what its prospective audience would look like.

With its blatant messaging about female empowerment and revisionist approach, not unlike two recent Broadway musicals  Six and Diana, both of which recast famous women from history as self-possessed and self-reliant feminist icons  Once Upon a One More Time reflects the broad strokes of modern-day feminism but shies away from anything too hefty or complex. That includes the pink-pigtailed elephant in the room: Spears herself, who has documented what she has called years of exploitation in her quest to end her conservatorship. So particularly the Britney faithful will most likely be disappointed to find the pop star absent from a show largely based on the products of her career.
Before the pandemic, when Mary Calliste, 32, traveled, she would try to hit as many tourist attractions as she could. But in early December, Ms. Calliste, who works in the financial services industry out of Plainfield, N.J., went to Guatemala and stayed at an eco-friendly hotel called Lush Atitlan. There, she ate vegan meals, walked around the natural reserve and listened to music.

And loved it.

From now on, she said, I see myself incorporating a lot more of my needs into my travel instead of what I can see.

As the pandemic lingers into its third calendar year, its probably not surprising that travelers are increasingly looking to their vacations to work on their mental and physical wellness. In a recent American Express survey, 76 percent of respondents said they wanted to spend more on travel that improves their well-being, and 55 percent said they would be willing to pay extra for these services or activities.

That has hotels ramping up their wellness offerings, from outfitting rooms with Peloton exercise bikes to adding programs that address mental health. Hilton has created a program called Five Feet to Fitness, which includes an interactive kiosk with fitness tutorials and a gyms worth of equipment in some rooms.
On Christmas Eve of 1999, the foursome made turkey sandwiches and packed them in brown paper bags along with candy and fruit. The next morning, before a single present was unwrapped, they piled into their car and headed to a park in Santa Monica that supported unhoused residents.

Vanessa said she initially felt some anxiety that passing out the lunches benefited her family more than actually helping people. But between kind interactions with park residents and the fact that no meals were left over, she felt satisfied by the small gesture.

We were enamored with it and thought that it was really such a good idea, Vanessa, 63, said. And so we kept doing it.

The Benyas story doesnt end there. When Vanessa emailed me in response to my query about Golden State holiday traditions, I was struck by two things: her familys ritual and how it has morphed and endured through times of tragedy.

Ill let Vanessa take it from here:

Our tradition has continued for 20 Christmases and the sequence never wavers: get up, load the lunches, don the Santa hats, queue the music and go. Hunter and Phoebe added their own flair along the way including loud Christmas music and frothy holiday drinks.
Emergency medical workers were at the scene of a major industrial accident at an Exxon Mobil plant in Texas where at least four people were injured on Thursday morning, the authorities said.

A fire broke out around 1 a.m. local time at a refinery in Baytown, about 25 miles east of Houston, Exxon Mobil said in a statement on Twitter.

At this time, emergency vehicles and smoke may be noticeable to the community, the company said, adding that it was working closely with local officials to resolve the issue as soon as possible.

Four people were injured, the company said. Three were taken by Life Flight, an air ambulance service, and one by ambulance, Sheriff Ed Gonzalez of Harris County said on Twitter.
This is actually outrageous, she said. I expected an up or a down vote. I did not expect this kind of misconduct.

Posthumous pardons are vanishingly rare in Texas. Only one was issued in recent memory, more than a decade ago.

Mr. Floyd was arrested in Houston in February 2004, accused of selling $10 worth of crack in a police sting. He later pleaded guilty in a case that hinged on the word of a narcotics officer who has since been accused of falsifying evidence and making false statements in other cases.

In October, the state parole board recommended a pardon for Mr. Floyd, a Black man whose murder by a white Minneapolis police officer last year touched off nationwide protests over policing and fueled a movement to address racism.

In a letter to Mr. Abbotts general counsel explaining the withdrawal, dated Dec. 16, the boards presiding officer, David G. Gutierrez, said the panel had sent Mr. Abbott 67 clemency recommendations this year, which he called an unusually high number, not seen in almost two decades.

Mr. Gutierrez said he had instructed staff members to examine the panels practices and procedures in an effort to explain this aberration.

The examination revealed that the board made a number of unexplained departures from its own rules in issuing many of its recommendations, Mr. Gutierrez wrote.
Incidents in which police officers mistakenly fired their guns when they meant to draw their Tasers have not been common, but there have been several in recent years.

In 2018, a rookie Kansas police officer mistakenly shot a man who was fighting with a fellow officer. In 2019, a police officer in Pennsylvania shouted Taser! before shooting an unarmed man in the torso. And in one of the most publicized cases, a white police officer with the Bay Area Rapid Transit agency said he had meant to fire his Taser when he fatally shot Oscar Grant III, who was Black, as Mr. Grant was lying facedown on the train platform on New Years Day in 2009.

In April, The New York Times reported that of 15 cases of so-called weapon confusion in the last two decades, a third of the officers were indicted, and three officers were found guilty, including the only two cases in which people were killed.

In Kimberly Potters trial, one of the prosecutions expert witnesses testified that he was aware of fewer than 20 instances of what is called weapons confusion between a Taser and a gun since 2001.
For others, the steady rise in cases has not dampened their resolve to be together with family, or do the things they have always done at the holidays.

I am not extremely worried other than trying to wear a mask when I go to stores and go out, said Alice Broughton, 80, an artist in Basehor, Kan. I dont really want to stop my life. When youre 80, how many years do you have left, you know? You dont want to stop doing the things that are most important to you.

Researchers are still unsure how severe the effects of the Omicron variant will be, weeks after the variant was identified in southern Africa. Three separate studies, in which researchers looked at populations in South Africa, Scotland and England, suggest that, more often than previous variants, Omicron results in mild illness and is less likely to put people in hospitals.

But for older Americans in particular, the uncertainty has been enough to cause worry.

Just before the Omicron variant began to spread, Barbara Karagosian, of Agoura Hills, Calif., was beginning to feel safe  or safe-ish, she said.

That sense of relief from the pandemic danger was then replaced by a sinking feeling, even though she and her husband  both in their 70s  are vaccinated and boosted.

I feel a sense of dread if I get it because Im older, Ms. Karagosian said. I have some mild lung issues. Am I doomed if I get it?
Ms. Scanlon had been walking to her car when she was approached by two people, the Philadelphia police said in a statement. They were armed and demanded the keys to Ms. Scanlons car, the police said. She handed over her keys, and then one of the attackers drove off in the car while the other got in an S.U.V. and followed the stolen car, the police said.

I am relieved that Congresswoman Scanlon was not physically injured, and my thoughts are with her during this difficult time, Philadelphias police commissioner, Danielle Outlaw, said in the statement. The P.P.D. will continue to provide any support needed in this case and will work diligently alongside our federal partners to assist in bringing those responsible to justice.

Ms. Outlaw said the Federal Bureau of Investigation had taken the lead in the investigation. The F.B.I. confirmed that its Philadelphia Violent Crimes Task Force was working with the police on the investigation but did not provide additional details.

The Delaware State Police said that the five suspects were all from Wilmington, Del. One of them, Josiah Brown, 19, who the State Police said in a statement had been involved in the armed carjacking, was in the custody of the F.B.I. for formal charging. The others, ages 13, 14, 15 and 16, were charged with receiving stolen property. The 15-year-old also was charged with resisting arrest and criminal mischief, the state police said.

As of Sunday, there had been nearly 2,300 gunpoint robberies in Philadelphia in 2021, an increase of 28 percent compared with the same period last year, when there were 1,775, according to police data. The number of gunpoint robberies in 2020, the first year of the coronavirus pandemic, was unusually low. In the five previous years, 2,163 to 2,885 gunpoint robberies were reported annually in the city, according to police data.
Instead, he said he chose to quit the case because under the totality of the circumstances, the fact that the F.B.I. will likely have a significant role in this case raises the prospect that an average citizen could, knowing all of the facts, reasonably question my impartiality.

The colonel also canceled the next hearing in the case, scheduled for Jan. 4 to 7, which was to address, in part, potential reconsideration of rulings by a previous judge who sought employment at the Justice Department while presiding in the case but had not disclosed it.

Defense lawyers in the case on Monday called on Colonel Zimmerman to quit and to vacate rulings he had made since being assigned to the case in September 2020. He rejected that portion of the request, saying he would still be paid by the Marine Corps while assigned to any external agency and did not seek employment at the F.B.I.

Image Abd al-Hadi al-Iraqi at Guantanamo Bay, in a photograph provided by his lawyers. He was arraigned in 2014.

In 2014, when Mr. Hadi was arraigned, the case was expected to be one of Guantanamos more straightforward battlefield cases and go more swiftly to trial than the joint death-penalty trial of five men who are accused of plotting the Sept. 11 attacks. That case has been mired in pretrial proceedings for nearly a decade.

For starters, it is a noncapital prosecution, meaning the defense team for Mr. Hadi, who says his true name is Nashwan al-Tamir, was entitled to fewer resources and possibly less evidence. In addition, the C.I.A. held him from his capture in Turkey in 2006 to his transfer to Guantanamo Bay in April 2007, a shorter time incommunicado than most of the prisons other high-value detainees.

But the case still has no trial date and is in pretrial proceedings, in part because of health issues. All public hearings were postponed during the first 500 or so days of the pandemic. Colonel Zimmerman presided remotely in some classified sessions during that time, and he presided in his first public hearing at Guantanamo Bay in July.
WASHINGTON  The president needed the senator from West Virginia on his side, but he wasnt sure he needed his vice president to get him there.

It was summertime, and President Biden was under immense pressure to win the support of Senator Joe Manchin III, whose decisive vote in a 50-50 chamber made him the presidents most delicate negotiating partner. Mr. Biden had invited Mr. Manchin to the Oval Office to privately make the case for his marquee domestic policy legislation. Just before Mr. Manchin arrived, he turned to Vice President Kamala Harris.

What he needed from her was not strategy or advice. He needed her to only say a quick hello, which she did before turning on her heel and leaving the room for another meeting.

The moment, described as an exchange of brief pleasantries by a senior White House official and confirmed by two other people who were briefed on it, was a vivid reminder of the complexity of the job held by Ms. Harris: While most presidents promise their vice presidents access and influence, at the end of the day, power and responsibility are not shared equally, and Mr. Biden does not always feel a need for input from Ms. Harris as he navigates some of his most important relationships.
The number one thing we can do is real time actionable intelligence that says, The Russians are coming over the berm, said Evelyn Farkas, who served as deputy assistant secretary of defense for Russia, Ukraine and Eurasia in the Obama administration. We tell them, and they use that to target the Russians.

She said that weve been nervous about that in the past.

One potential problem with providing actionable intelligence, American officials acknowledge, is that it could lead Ukraine to strike first  the sort of scenario Western officials believe that Mr. Putin has been trying to sell to the Russian public.

This summer, Mr. Putin argued in an article that Russians and Ukrainians were one people and said that the formation of a Ukrainian state hostile to Moscow was comparable in its consequences to the use of weapons of mass destruction against us.

He has continuously painted the Ukrainian government as the aggressor, backed by the West. But if Russian tanks are moving over the border, and Ukraine targets them, it will be hard for Mr. Putin to make that argument. Russian disinformation campaigns have attacked the Ukrainian government and accused President Volodymyr Zelensky of creating a humanitarian crisis in the countrys east, where Ukrainian government forces have been battling Russian-led separatists for years, Western officials said.

Last Friday, Mr. Putin codified what he has long been saying to American and European officials in meetings, demanding that the United States and its allies halt all military activity in Eastern Europe and Central Asia in a Cold War-like security arrangement. That the demand came when Russian troops were at Ukraines border explicitly linked the deployment to a possible invasion, American officials said.

American and NATO officials privately dismissed the main demands of the Russian proposal, which came in the form of a draft treaty suggesting that NATO should offer written guarantees that it would not expand farther east toward Russia and halt all military activities in the former Soviet republics.

But the United States also set up talks with Moscow, for January, during which officials said they would tackle the range of complaints detailed by Russia. On Wednesday, Gen. Mark Milley, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, spoke with his Russian counterpart, Gen. Valery Gerasimov. Ukraine has sought NATO membership for years  a move that would enrage Russia  but despite the delay, the United States has balked at taking Ukraines accession off the table.
The attack escalated from there, as captured on video by another passenger.

Ms. Quinonez, who was sitting in an aisle seat, stood up and punched the flight attendant in the face multiple times, according to the video. She also grabbed the flight attendants hair before the woman was able to move back up the aisle. Several passengers grabbed at Ms. Quinonezs clothes to try to stop her, prosecutors said.

A man then jumped in between Ms. Quinonez and the flight attendant, prosecutors said.

Hey, you better sit down, he said in the video, using an expletive.

Ms. Quinonez responded, but it was not clear in the video what she said. Her mask had not been covering her nose, but she pulled it up.

Dont you dare touch a flight attendant like that, the man said in the video.

The flight attendant was covering her face as blood streamed from beneath her left eye, according to the video. She walked away into the galley as multiple passengers yelled at Ms. Quinonez. A child is here, one woman said, referring to a boy sitting in the row in front of Ms. Quinonez.

Prosecutors said the flight attendant was taken to a hospital with injuries that included a swollen eye, a bruised arm and a cut under her eye that had to be stitched. They said she also had three chipped teeth, two of which had to be replaced with crowns.
Congress is examining an assault on our Constitution and democratic institutions provoked and fanned by those sworn to protect them, and the conduct under investigation extends far beyond typical deliberations concerning the proper discharge of the presidents constitutional responsibilities, wrote Dana A. Remus, the White House counsel. The constitutional protections of executive privilege should not be used to shield, from Congress or the public, information that reflects a clear and apparent effort to subvert the Constitution itself.

If the court follows its usual practices, it will rule on Mr. Trumps application in the coming weeks. A decision refusing to block release of the records would effectively end the case. Should the court agree to consider Mr. Trumps appeal, the justices would typically hear arguments in the spring and issue a decision by late June.

In their own filing on Thursday, lawyers for the House committee said they would respond next week to both Mr. Trumps application to temporarily block release of the records and his request that the court hear his appeal. They asked the justices for expedited consideration of the case.

Mr. Trump had sued to block release of the documents, saying that the House committee had no valid legislative reason to seek them.

Judge Tanya S. Chutkan, of the Federal District Court in Washington, ruled against Mr. Trump. A unanimous three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia affirmed that ruling.

Judge Patricia A. Millett, writing for the panel, acknowledged that former presidents have the right to invoke executive privilege. But she said the privilege is not absolute even when it asserted by a sitting president.

In 1974, for instance, the Supreme Court unanimously ruled that President Richard M. Nixon had to comply with a trial subpoena seeking tapes of his conversations in the Oval Office, rejecting his claims of executive privilege.
WASHINGTON  As the Biden administration tries to stanch yet another wave of the coronavirus pandemic, senior White House officials have also been considering a proposal to ensure the nation is better prepared for the next infectious disease outbreak.

Key to the plan is the creation of a taxpayer-funded vaccine hub where experienced drug makers would partner with the government, reliably churning out millions of doses under federal oversight.

The proposal is partly a response to a searing failure by a once obscure Maryland biotech firm, Emergent BioSolutions. While Pfizer and Moderna had spectacular success producing vaccines, the government entrusted the manufacturing of two of the other leading candidates to Emergent, which was forced to toss tens of millions of doses of Johnson & Johnsons vaccine and to quit producing the AstraZeneca vaccine because of serious quality problems that ultimately led the Biden administration to cancel its contract.

The governments partnership with Emergent, which cost taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars over the past decade, was supposed to be a pillar of the nations pandemic preparedness. Instead, it proved to be the culmination of 30 years of frustrations.
The authorities in Hong Kong on Thursday removed a statue that memorialized those killed in the 1989 government massacre of pro-democracy demonstrators in Beijing, the latest crackdown on political dissent in the Chinese territory.

The 26-foot copper statue, known as the Pillar of Shame, was created by the Danish sculptor Jens Galschiot in 1996 and shows a pile of naked corpses arranged into what looks like a ghastly obelisk. It commemorates the June 4, 1989, massacre of pro-democracy students and workers around Tiananmen Square by the Chinese government.

The Tiananmen massacre is among the most delicate topics in Chinese politics and has been largely erased from history on the Chinese mainland. But for more than two decades, Mr. Galschiots statue was a symbol of the pro-democracy movement in a territory that enjoyed freedoms unimaginable in the mainland.
Chinese social media sites have echoed for days with a question that has been met with silence by Communist Party officials: Where is Li Tiantian?

Ms. Li, an outspoken but previously little known teacher at a rural school in Hunan Province, southern China, disappeared after telling friends that police officers had forced their way into her home and were taking her to a psychiatric hospital. She told them the authorities had accused her of violating the bounds of officially acceptable comment on social media.

In recent weeks, Ms. Li had publicly sympathized with a teacher in Shanghai who was hounded online and fired after saying that there should be more rigorous study of Chinas official death count for the Nanjing massacre, the Japanese Armys murder of residents of that city in 1937.

Ive been targeted by public security, Ms. Li said in one message to Cui Junjie, a friend who has galvanized support for Ms. Li on the internet. Mr. Cui shared screenshots of Ms. Lis messages with The New York Times.
TORONTO  The Federal Court of Canada approved a multi-billion-dollar legal settlement that requires the government to take swifter action to clean up contaminated drinking water on Indigenous reserves and to compensate First Nations for the decades they have gone without access to clean water.

Under the settlement, released by the court late Wednesday, the government will commit to spend at least 6 billion Canadian dollars over nine years to fund water infrastructure and operations on hundreds of reserves, and will pay 1.5 billion dollars in damages to about 140,000 Indigenous people.

In a year that has seen the discoveries of hundreds of unmarked graves of Indigenous children on the grounds of former residential schools, the approval of the settlement is another episode in Canadas reckoning with the vestiges of colonialism.

Since 1977, the government has been promising to provide Indigenous reserves with water and wastewater systems equal to those enjoyed by most Canadians, but has fallen short of the goal and, in March, missed a deadline imposed by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
They had a good time making fun of us, said Mr. Pellegrino, adding that if the party had acted the same in a local trattoria, they would have gotten a kick in the behind.

Informed of the accusation of rudeness, Ms. DeRuiter was appalled. The attempts by the chefs of Bros to blame their clientele for the quality of the service received, she wrote in an email, is the antithesis of what makes a good restaurant.

Misunderstood masterpiece or lousy meal, a richly deserved excoriation or hatchet job, what is clear is that Mr. Pellegrino had unexpectedly emerged as the ultimate caricature of the self-obsessed haute cuisine chef. Even more than his Michelin star, that marks how far he has come.

Mr. Pellegrino lives with Ms. Poti in nearby Scorrano, where he was born and raised and where the authorities recently disbanded city hall for its mafia infiltration. His father had problems with the law, he said, and his mother prepared typical dishes like horse meat in the kitchen of the family farm and agritourism hotel, where he rode horses with his two little brothers. She told them that one would be a cop, the other a crook. He insisted he would be a chef with a chain of restaurants.

Mr. Pellegrino said that culinary dream helped him avoid the criminality that captured many of his friends, but so did the discipline he learned playing rugby. Bros restaurant now has its own Bros Rugby Club, which brings local players into the kitchen and the restaurants foreign interns and staff, sometimes apparently unwillingly, into the gym and onto the pitch.

Team spirit, he said.

At 16, Mr. Pellegrino followed his mother to work in a restaurant in the resort town of Otranto. When he slept in she dragged him by his ear, boxed from rugby, reprimanding finish what you start. He stuck with cooking, but at 18 fell out with his parents after totaling their Fiat. Worried he had fallen in with the wrong crowd, he decided to stake out on his own.

Like a samurai, he said.

He sent a Facebook message to Ilario Vinciguerra, a noted chef outside Milan, pleading for a spot in the kitchen.
At least 11 people died in the southern Aegean Sea on Thursday after a boat carrying migrants struck an islet, the Greek authorities said, the second deadly episode of people-smuggling off Greeces shores this week.

About 90 people were left stranded after Thursdays crash of the migrant boat into the rocky islet off the Greek island of Antikythera, officials said.

The authorities, alerted to the accident when the migrants called the 112 European emergency number, sent two vessels and a helicopter to the scene. But dark and windy conditions hindered the rescue effort, leaving unclear when the migrants could be pulled from the islet to safety.

Elsewhere in the Aegean, rescue teams searched to no avail for additional survivors from the wreck late Tuesday of a migrant boat off the island of Folegandros that left at least three people dead and dozens unaccounted for. Thirteen people survived that crash.
JERUSALEM  Israel is considering whether to approve a fourth Covid-19 vaccine dose for vulnerable people to contain the fast-spreading Omicron variant, despite debate among scientists and a lack of evidence either for or against another booster.

The panel of experts advising the Israeli government on the pandemic recognized that uncertainty, but on Tuesday it recommended giving a fourth dose, concluding that the potential benefits outweighed the risks. It pointed to signs of waning immunity a few months after the third shot, and said that any delay in additional doses might prove too late to protect those most at risk.

But some scientists warned that the plan could backfire, because too many shots might cause a sort of immune system fatigue, compromising the bodys ability to fight the coronavirus. A few members of the governments advisory panel raised that concern with respect to the elderly, according to a written summary of the discussion obtained by The New York Times.

Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, has made clear he supports a fourth shot, and Health Minister Nitzan Horowitz has suggested that a new round of boosters could get underway by Sunday. But by Thursday evening, the health ministry had not acted on the advice, and a senior ministry official said it was waiting for more data from other countries.
Israels Health Ministry was weighing on Thursday whether to approve giving people a fourth Covid-19 vaccine dose to try to contain the fast-spreading Omicron variant, after the experts who recommended it said they believed they had to act even before much scientific data was available to support another booster.

Despite the uncertainty, the pandemic response panel advising Israels government concluded that the potential benefits outweighed the risks, pointing to signs of waning immunity a few months after the third shot. They said that any delay in additional vaccines might prove too late to protect those most at risk.

If the Health Ministry approves the panels recommendation  which could happen as early as Thursday  Israel would be well ahead of other nations in administering a fourth dose. Health Minister Nitzan Horowitz has suggested that a new round of boosters could get underway by Sunday.

The price will be higher if we dont vaccinate, Dr. Boaz Lev, the head of the advisory panel, said at a news conference late Wednesday. Describing the spread of Omicron as a kind of tsunami or tornado, he added, We dont have a lot of time to make decisions.
Mr. Lapid also said his government  a diverse coalition of right-wingers, leftists and centrists like himself  was much more focused on internal issues like protecting Israeli democratic institutions and safeguarding the Israeli economy than on finding a solution to the Palestinian question.

He underscored Israels opposition to American efforts to reopen a U.S. consulate to the Palestinians in Jerusalem, which was closed under the Trump administration. Mr. Lapid said reopening the consulate would constitute a challenge to Israeli sovereignty in Jerusalem, which Israel sees as its indivisible capital; Palestinians hope it will one day be divided, with the eastern part forming the capital of a Palestinian state.

Israelis have vigorously debated whether to support the negotiations with Iran, which resumed in Vienna earlier this month, or to urge the United States and Europe to abandon the effort. When he was still prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu opposed the Obama administration as it forged the nuclear pact  taking the remarkable step of lobbying against it in Congress  and in 2018 pushed Mr. Trump to abandon it.

Iran had largely complied with the agreement while it was in place, keeping its enrichment of nuclear fuel within the required levels, and under the inspection of the International Atomic Energy Agency. In recent times, as Irans enrichment levels have reached new heights and inspectors have been banned, a number of former Israeli military and intelligence officials have said they now think they were better off with the treaty in place.

Mr. Lapid appeared to be trying to close the gap with the United States.

The majority of Israelis, including the opposition, felt that the J.C.P.O.A. was not a good enough deal, he said, referring to the nuclear pact by its formal name, the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action. That was in part because of its sunset provisions on enrichment activities, he said, which would allow Iran to produce as much nuclear material as it wanted beginning in 2030.

Mr. Lapid declined to comment on the Israeli sabotage efforts, but said that whatever is happening to Irans nuclear facilities has nothing to do with the negotiations. The only thing I can say to you is that Israel has said many times: We have the right to protect ourselves from the biggest existential threats.
As people in wealthy nations snap up booster shots amid the rapid spread of the Omicron variant, the World Health Organizations leader warned that universal access to extra doses in highly inoculated countries could worsen global vaccine inequality and prolong the pandemic.

That imbalance, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the W.H.O.s director-general, said on Wednesday, will give the virus more opportunity to spread and mutate.

Its important to remember, he said, that the vast majority of hospitalizations and deaths are in unvaccinated people, not unboosted people. Later, he added: No country can boost its way out of the pandemic.

Since Covid vaccines were developed about a year ago, rich countries have had greater access to them despite global efforts to shrink that disparity. About 73 percent of shots that have gone into arms worldwide have been administered in high- and upper-middle-income countries, according to a New York Times tracker. Only 0.9 percent of doses have been administered in low-income countries.
A consensus will eventually emerge. But here is what some health experts had to say as another year of living with the pandemic was nearing a close.

What is the official definition of fully vaccinated?

For now, U.S. health officials say you are fully vaccinated two weeks after your second shot of a two-dose vaccine like Pfizers or Modernas or after a single-dose vaccine like Johnson & Johnsons.

In January, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said it not would expand that definition to include a booster shot, though people with boosters would now be referred to as up to date on the inoculations.

At a White House press briefing on Dec. 15, Dr. Rochelle Walensky, the C.D.C. director, said the agency was continuing to follow the science around Omicron before it decided to expand the definition. However, the agency does recommend that people get booster shots.

So does Dr. Anthony S. Fauci, the nations top infectious disease expert, who said at the same press briefing, If you are unvaccinated, get vaccinated. And particularly in the arena of Omicron, if you are fully vaccinated, get your booster shot.
Michael K. Williams believed he would die young. By 25, he had a drug habit and had stolen a couple of cars, and though he wouldnt label himself a bad boy, he said of his early 20s, I had a way of always finding myself in trouble. In a bar in Queens on his 25th birthday, an argument escalated to the point where a man spat a razor blade out of his mouth and sliced Williamss face, leaving the scar that would become his unmistakable signature.

That Williams could have retaliated and didnt matters. I opted out, he told The Hollywood Reporter in 2011. I knew that I did not want blood on my hands. And I honestly believe that because I let it go ... its why people look at this and see a thing of beauty. He continued, Had I taken the other route, I think it would have made me ugly  from the inside. It might also have led him down the paths of many of the characters he played, men whose lives were often ruined by the inability to resist the brutality and violence that defined their worlds.

But in Williamss case, the scar that split his face in half led to unexpected opportunities. Raised by a strict Bahamian mother in Brooklyns Vanderveer Estates, he loved to dance. He went from getting down in N.Y.C. house clubs to touring with Missy Elliott, Madonna and George Michael, and choreographing Crystal Waterss 1994 hit 100% Pure Love. Williams danced like the last drink being poured into a glass, both urgent and unbelievably graceful, more in control than any man has a right to be. And then when Tupac Shakur saw Williamss face in a grainy Polaroid on some production companys wall a few months later, the scar that at one time threatened to ruin his life catapulted him into a career as a thespian.

After Williams appeared alongside Shakur in the 1996 film Bullet, his career took off. By 1999, hed secured a role alongside Nicolas Cage in Martin Scorseses Bringing Out the Dead and had filmed a guest spot on Law & Order. And then, because getting steady work as a Black actor is effectively as difficult as being drafted by an N.B.A. team, casting directors stopped calling Williams. It would be two more years before he was cast in an episode of The Sopranos. By then, Williams was back in Brooklyn, working at his mothers day care center and struggling to make rent.

Then one day, while posting up in his apartment with a cousin, staring at a television on mute, Williams watched a slightly younger version of himself walk across the screen. Maybe its not over, he thought. After borrowing money from his mother to produce portfolios of his past work, Williams began auditioning again and waited for a call.

Williams as Omar in The Wire. Paul Schiraldi/HBO

The role that followed  Omar in The Wire, a gay Black man who wielded a shotgun against his enemies  gave visibility to a form of Black masculinity rarely seen on TV. Omars coming was both a warning and an admission: There are some of us who walk in this world unafraid of who we are. In one role, he managed to be a Black Robin Hood, a tender friend and lover and a ruthless avenger with a sardonic wit that challenged ideas of what is permissible in the lives of Black men on the screen. In doing so, he became the litany of us. The charisma and bravery of Michael K. Williams the actor allowed him to make the most fearless character on The Wire also the most vulnerable. The actor Wendell Pierce, who played Detective William Moreland, known as Bunk, on The Wire, said that Williams has opened up a window to a world of men that we pass by or dont know about. More than portraying these men, Williamss genius lay in his willingness to inhabit the lives that could have been his.

That he did it all the while grappling with his own battle with drugs is a wonder. Having a habit is a hell of a thing. Many of us have struggled with drugs and alcohol, or know family members or friends or co-workers who have; Williams was not immune. Maybe he showed such sensitivity on the screen because he knew how precarious it all was. On the job, Williams would say that he always kept his mess at shoe level, but he also showed a willingness to talk publicly about that mess: addiction, sexual abuse, homelessness. That he was willing to portray men grappling with the very disasters he knew so well allowed him to turn his art into something groundbreaking. Omar and the roles that came afterward display the complexity and artistry of Michael K. Williams, who knew that among Black men, even in the same community, even in the same house, even in the same body, Blackness is not one or 1,000 things.

But it came at a cost. To play Lovecraft Country s Montrose Freeman, whose character lived through the Tulsa race riots, Williams had to go to dark places of his own childhood to understand what this atrocity and its aftermath did to Montrose. In that moment, I went home to the projects [where I grew up] in East Flatbush, Brooklyn, and remembered all the violence and the anger and the missed opportunities and the potential and the innocence lost and stolen. While playing Freddy Knight in The Night Of, Williams got a glimpse of what his nephew, Dominic Dupont, experienced over his more than 20 years in prison. That weighed on me, the actor recalled. Such roles, in addition to playing Bobby McCray in Ava DuVernays When They See Us, and producing the documentary about juveniles in prison Raised in the System, suggested what would have been Williamss next act. This Hollywood thing that you see me in, Im passing through. Speaking at an event on criminal-justice issues, Williams said, I believe this is where my passion, my purpose is supposed to be.

Williams was a man of many gifts, and his art was a levee against what addiction could do to him. Maybe that levee broke. Im hesitant to say it, to suggest that how he died is how he lived. But those whove witnessed him bust a move remember the joy with which this man danced. During the last year of his life, there was a video that went viral: He danced in a New York City park with each of his limbs seemingly in a different borough. More than any character he played, those flying limbs and that joy were Michael K. Williams.

Reginald Dwayne Betts is a poet, lawyer and contributing writer for the magazine. He is a 2021 MacArthur fellow.
Happy almost New Year, everybody! Wow, not terrible to be getting past 2021, is it? But politically speaking, there were a number of moments that were at least  intriguing.

Lets see how many of them you remember:
Not long after the pandemic arrived in New York, Brandon Tarbert faced the decision of whether to leave the city for good.

One option was San Francisco, where his company was headquartered. He researched sea-level rise information on the noaa.gov website to learn how climate change might affect the area. But the Bay Area also carried too much risk of wildfires and earthquakes.

That sounds like doom-and-gloom planning, but homeowners have to think about these things, said Mr. Tarbert, 39, who works in renewable energy.

And he wasnt especially enthusiastic about leaving New York. There are few other places that have such an eclectic mix of food, art and nightlife, he said. Besides, his girlfriend, Angie Tennant, 32, an actor who specializes in androgynous roles, was tethered to the area.

[Did you recently buy or rent a home in the New York metro area? We want to hear from you. Email: thehunt@nytimes.com]

Mx. Tennant had recently moved into Mr. Tarberts home on Flatbush Avenue, in Ditmas Park, Brooklyn, from her apartment in Washington Heights, almost an hour and a half away by public transit. It felt like a long-distance relationship, she said.

The Flatbush apartment, a three-bedroom atop a nail salon and a hair-braiding place, was plagued by nonstop traffic noise that made it tough to sleep. The rent was $2,600 for 1,200 square feet, with a terrace big enough for a picnic table. But Mr. Tarbert, who works remotely, was eager to buy a home. (Mx. Tennant, a gig worker whose income is far less, would pay a share of the monthly cost.)

With a budget of up to $600,000, the couple began the hunt last year, focusing on neighborhoods they liked in Brooklyn  and in northern New Jersey, which intrigued Mr. Tarbert when it appeared in his online searches, because costs and taxes were so much lower. Also, a friend from his Peace Corps days lived there.

They needed sufficient work-from-home space. Brandon has what we have termed the megatron, with three different monitors, a laptop and an electric desk that raises and lowers, Mx. Tennant said.

They didnt want to relinquish outdoor space, and central air-conditioning was a must. Central air is more efficient than window units, Mr. Tarbert said. One of the downsides of living in an older city is that its not efficient. I couldnt afford a brand-new building, but I could afford a medium-age building.

Among their options:
The Omicron variant, which is now dominant in the United States and spreading faster than any variant yet, has already pushed daily coronavirus case counts higher than the peak of the recent Delta wave. By most estimates, the country is in for a significant winter surge.

Although there are early positive signs out of South Africa and Britain that Omicron infections more often result in mild illness than previous variants, officials are warning that the new variant could swiftly overtax the health care system and bring significant disease to many communities.

Omicron is spreading fast.

The highly transmissible variant is causing near-vertical case growth in multiple U.S. cities, with figures doubling about every two to three days. Officials expect it to break records. The all-time high for average daily cases was 251,232, set in January. By some estimates, the United States could reach one million cases a day, even before the end of the year.

Washington, D.C. Washington, D.C. 50 100 150 cases per 100,000 OMICRON IS DOMINANT New York City New York, N.Y. 50 100 150 cases per 100,000 Chicago Cook County, Ill. 50 100 150 cases per 100,000 New Orleans Orleans Parish, La. 50 100 150 cases per 100,000 Miami Miami-Dade County, Fla. 50 100 150 cases per 100,000 Houston Harris County, Texas 50 100 150 cases per 100,000 Sources: New York Times database of reports from state and local health agencies, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Note: The period of Omicron dominance is approximate and based on best available data.

While Omicrons speed now speaks for itself, scientists are still racing to understand its threat. Preliminary studies out of Scotland and England suggest that infections from the variant could be milder, but scientists caution that Omicron infections must be observed in the U.S. population before drawing conclusions.

Even if these early results hold and Omicron does cause mostly mild illness, the sheer magnitude of cases it causes could still escalate hospitalizations at a time when many medical centers are already full.

When we have millions and millions and millions of people, all sick, all together at one time, it doesnt take a large percentage of those people to topple over the hospitals, said Dr. Hallie Prescott, associate professor of internal medicine at the University of Michigan.

Hospitals are already strained.

Hospitals across the country are close to brimming, their care wards filled with patients who have been ill with Delta or delayed treatments for so long during the pandemic that they now need critical care. About one in 10 hospital service areas, scattered all over the United States, have had their intensive care units at more than 90 percent capacity in recent weeks.

Where I.C.U.s Are Stretched to Capacity Hospital service area occupancy in the three weeks ending Dec. 16 90-95% full More than 95% full Wash. Maine Mont. N.D. Ore. Vt. Minn. N.H. Idaho Wis. S.D. Mass. N.Y. Conn. R.I. Mich. Wyo. Pa. Iowa N.J. Neb. Nev. Ohio Md. Del. Ind. Ill. Utah Calif. W.V. Colo. Va. Mo. Kan. Ky. N.C. Tenn. Okla. Ariz. Ark. S.C. N.M. Ga. Ala. Miss. Texas La. Fla. Alaska Hawaii 90-95% full More than 95% full Wash. Maine Mont. N.D. Vt. Ore. Minn. N.H. Idaho Mass. Wis. S.D. N.Y. Conn. Mich. Wyo. R.I. Pa. Iowa N.J. Neb. Nev. Md. Ohio Ind. Ill. Del. Utah Calif. W.V. Colo. Va. Mo. Kan. Ky. N.C. Tenn. Okla. Ariz. Ark. S.C. N.M. Ga. Ala. Miss. Texas La. Fla. Alaska Hawaii 90-95% full More than 95% full Wash. Maine Mont. N.D. Vt. Ore. Minn. N.H. Idaho N.Y. Mass. Wis. S.D. Mich. Wyo. Conn. R.I. Pa. Iowa N.J. Neb. Nev. Ohio Md. Ind. Ill. Utah Calif. W.V. Colo. Del. Va. Mo. Kan. Ky. N.C. Tenn. Okla. Ariz. Ark. S.C. N.M. Ga. Ala. Miss. Texas La. Fla. Alaska Hawaii Source: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

We have patients who are waiting in the emergency department for I.C.U. care, so we are providing I.C.U. care in the emergency department, said Dr. Dani Hackner, chief clinical officer of the Southcoast Hospital Group in southeastern Massachusetts, which has postponed elective surgeries to relieve pressure on its medical centers.

I do think the coming month is going to be a very tough month, he added.

Hospital administrators say that their nurses and doctors are overwhelmed and exhausted, and that staffing shortages are making matters worse. Several states, including Massachusetts, have called on the National Guard to provide extra support, and President Biden recently announced he would direct more military personnel to assist overtaxed hospitals.

Not enough people are boosted, or vaccinated at all.

Public health experts are worried that the millions of unvaccinated or not-yet-boosted Americans are now vulnerable as Omicron spreads. The variant is thought to evade immunity from both vaccination and prior infection, but early research suggests that a booster provides the best protection against infection. And vaccination, even without the booster, is expected to maintain strong protection against hospitalization and death.

Percent of people who are Name Fully vaccinated Boosted U.S. total 61.6% 18.7% Vermont 76.8% 35.4% Maine 75.3% 30.7% Rhode Island 75.9% 28.9% Minnesota 65% 28.1% Connecticut 74.2% 25.9% Massachusetts 74.1% 25.8% Wisconsin 61.6% 25.5% Colorado 65.7% 25% Northern Mariana Islands 75.4% 24.7% Maryland 70% 24.2% New Mexico 65.8% 24.2% Iowa 58.6% 24.2% Oregon 66.1% 24.1% Washington 67.5% 23.7% Virginia 67.6% 22.5% Illinois 64% 22.5% Nebraska 59.4% 22.4% Michigan 56.4% 22% New Jersey 70% 21.6% New York 71.2% 20.9% Ohio 54.9% 20.8% Delaware 63.8% 20.7% Montana 53.7% 20.4% Puerto Rico 76.6% 19.9% California 65.6% 19.8% Pennsylvania 63.4% 18.9% Guam 75% 18.5% Alaska 56% 18.5% Florida 63% 18.3% South Dakota 56.6% 18.3% North Dakota 52.2% 18.2% Palau 74.8% 17.8% Kentucky 53.9% 17.8% Kansas 56.6% 17.5% Indiana 51.8% 17% Missouri 52.8% 16.8% Idaho 46.1% 16.8% Tennessee 51.1% 16.7% Washington, D.C. 67% 16.4% Wyoming 47.2% 16.1% Utah 58.3% 16% Arizona 56.6% 15.7% South Carolina 52.8% 15.2% Nevada 56.1% 15% Oklahoma 53.1% 14.8% Texas 56.6% 14.6% Arkansas 50.9% 14.6% Louisiana 50% 14% West Virginia 71.6% 13% Georgia 50.6% 12.9% Mississippi 48% 11.9% Alabama 47.3% 11.9% Hawaii 63.1% 11% North Carolina 56.3% 10.6% U.S. Virgin Islands 50.3% 10.1% American Samoa 67.5% 7% New Hampshire 66.5% 6.6% Micronesia 42.1% 3.5% Marshall Islands 29.4% 1.4% Show all Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Note: C.D.C. figures may be different from rates shared by states because of reporting issues. For example, C.D.C. has noted that boosters can be misclassified as first doses, which may overcount first doses.

Across the United States, nearly 62 percent of all people have been fully vaccinated and about 19 percent have received an additional booster dose, though not everyone is eligible yet. The coverage rates vary widely by state, with some of the lowest levels found in the South. The United States overall lags behind many other nations, in part because of vaccine hesitancy.

Booster rates are also low because the rollout is just getting started: Adults and teens have been eligible for only a few weeks, and some adults are not aware that the additional shots are strongly recommended.

The Biden administration this week again emphasized the importance of being vaccinated or boosted as the most powerful tool against Omicron. Still, researchers say there is significant uncertainty about what Omicron will bring in the coming weeks.

The truth is that we could be looking at a Category 5 hurricane or a tropical storm, said Julie Swann, a professor of industrial and systems engineering at North Carolina State University who was an adviser to the C.D.C. during the 2009 H1N1 pandemic. But we have to prepare for the possibility of that Category 5 hurricane.
At first light the next morning, Mujib nervously left the home of his parents, who had decided to stay in Kabul, to join the rest of the team at the airport. He took with him the only food he could find  40 loaves of bread from the one bakery in the neighborhood that had opened. As crowds began streaming into the airport, Mujib slipped in among them. Some carried a change of clothes folded into shawls, others carried backpacks. One little girl simply carried a pair of shoes. Mujib found the Times families, but the group had grown. That morning, our group was joined by more than 100 others from other Western news outlets, looking for help and direction. All morning, Mujib and his colleagues tried to negotiate with the Marines to let the group cross to the military side of the airport, where planes were still able to land and take off. But in the growing chaos our unwieldy band managed only to move from the airport parking lot, which was no longer safe, to the base of a tower guarded by the Marines on the edge of the runway. There, our group waited in the scorching sun. Times officials in New York were on the phone with top officials in Washington, who said they would help get our group to the military side of the airport. And T.M., from a run-down room in a bunkhouse in Qatar, was in contact with the Army and Marines at the Kabul airport, who assured him they would do what they could.

But their assurances could not change the reality at the gate  even putting senior military leaders from U.S. Central Command on the line with the Marines at the airport wasnt helping. The only people the Marines would wave through to the military side were people with Western passports. One young Afghan woman, in tears, begged the Marines to let her cross. What passport do you have? a Marine asked. She opened her passport to show a visa to the United States. I was supposed to fly for my studies, but now there are no flights, she said. But your passport says The Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, the Marine said, smacking the documents cover. Crouched on the ground near the tower where the Marines kept guard, the children in our group were fading from dehydration, and panic was etched in the faces of their parents.

The Marines would not let us in, but some tried to help. One exhausted Marine dragged himself to the control towers slim shade. When asked for water, he walked back to talk to one of his commanders, but the man just threw up his arms. The young Marine kept walking, and 10 minutes later quietly reappeared with eight bottles of water. Pretend this didnt come from me, he said, and walked away.

For almost the entire afternoon, the runway was flooded with waves of people hoping to reach the military side of the airport. Helicopters thundered overhead, and occasional gunfire rang out from the ground as American Marines and Turkish soldiers tried to control the crowd. But as the hours passed, the crowds stopped fearing the bullets, knowing that the soldiers would not shoot directly at them.

When the crowd saw that there were no flights, people started going wild, seizing any piece of the airport they could grab  mattresses, buckets, even empty water bottles. Our group tried to hold on to a corner of the airfield, building a makeshift boundary around us from rolls of barbed wire, even as we worked to be moved to the secure side of the airport. We knew spending a second night at the airport would be dangerous, not just because we lacked water and food, but also because the mob had run out of things to loot. A few men lingered, eyeing our group as we tried to keep together. The main avenue of communication was a WhatsApp group, with Mujib exchanging quick voice or text messages with U.S. military and civilian officials at the airport, with Times leaders across the world, and with T.M. in Qatar. Mujib became increasingly certain that if we couldnt make it to the military side by 5 p.m., everyone would have to disperse to find food, water and protection at home. The children were getting too weak. The Marines suggested that we try to cut through the crowd and walk to their side in a single file, which was impossible  we would be rushed by thousands.

As we waited for some operation that might clear part of the crowd, the Taliban made our choice easier, in a way: They came to clear everyone away, including us. This was the first time many of our people had come face to face with the Taliban. It was chaos and crying as the fighters fired into the air and started beating people to get them moving.

We are moving toward the Marines, Mujib wrote, warning the Marines and Times leaders on the joint WhatsApp group as the gunfire continued and the Taliban kept throwing everything they had at the crowd. We have no other choice.

We reached the edge of the crowd, trying to keep our group together  and trying our best to keep others away. We were about 400 yards away from the column of Marines who could usher us to the military side. But we were engulfed by people who would rush right along with us if we moved. So we devised another plan: We all sat in a circle, and moved two little girls who were dressed in bright red to the front of our group. They were the only visual way to quickly distinguish our group from thousands of others. The Marines said they would begin an operation to push back the crowd on each side of us, and we would move forward through the opening.

Helicopters dipped low over the runway, but the crowd didnt even budge. When the Marines moved toward the mass of people, the crowd did the opposite of what could have helped us: Instead of backing up, they pushed toward the Marines. And then, just as we were trying to figure out whether to try to push our way through, the Taliban cut right into the middle of our line. The fighters started pushing, swinging clubs and rifle butts into us. Automatic weapon fire hammered out right beside us as the Taliban began firing into the air. The crowd erupted into random motion. Our colleagues fell to the ground, family members and children were trampled, screaming in terror and pain. One of our longtime bureau drivers, Farid Rahimi, went down with a broken arm as he tried to help keep the stampede away. Even some of the children bore deep bruises.

Its a mass stampede  we are leaving, we are leaving, Mujib told the WhatsApp group in an audio message, his voice hoarse with thirst and exhaustion. We got beaten by the Taliban  they came in the middle and they started beating everyone.

FATIMA FAIZI, TIMES REPORTERThe Taliban just came out of nowhere, it felt like. My mom had bruises on her back, and my sister was beat up. And the fighters were just shooting everywhere. In that moment, I could see it so clearly, what it would look like when they shot me, shot my family.

Our escape from the airport was almost as hazardous as being there: As thousands of people were being driven out, thousands of others were packed outside at the roundabout trying to push their way in. In the chaos of the two crowds pushing against each other, almost all of our suitcases were lost  bags packed with critical belongings for people who were fleeing their homes and country. As family members began finding each other and trying to make it home, a cry of alarm went out over the group chat: Abdul Salim and Hafiza Samadis teenage sons were still missing. Please! Please! Abdul Salim, a longtime staff member, said in a voice note. I dont know what to do. Can anyone help? Frantic calls to Taliban checkpoint guards yielded nothing  the crowds were too big, and lights were out in the neighborhoods around the airport. Hours passed, and Hafiza, the boys mother, became convinced they had been shot. But they had not been. Separated from their family and each other, each boy found a way to straggle home on his own. The oldest, Seyar, 17, made it to a school where the watchman knew his father. A cousin was eventually able to bring him home. Sohail, 14, had a harder time. After being chased away by the Taliban, he searched for a long time before finding a white-bearded taxi driver who was willing to take him home without paying up front.

For a few hours, we also feared that one of our reporters, Najim Rahim, had been detained by the Taliban in the airport chaos. In fact, he had fought them off and been taken by the Marines to the secure side of the airport, and then put on a transport bound for Qatar.

We had made it out of the airport alive. But the airport had become close to impossible to get into directly.

The next morning, T.M. boarded a U.S. military transport plane in Qatar and flew back to the Kabul airport. We needed someone there on the military side dealing directly with American forces. Christina Goldbaum stayed behind in Qatar to help in coordinating with American and Qatari officials there, and to help find Najim in the chaos of the U.S.-run refugee camps.

T.M.I had to get back. We had left too soon, and left our people and Mujib behind to face the crowds and the Taliban on the tarmac on Monday. We couldnt do it that way again, and I came back to the military side of the airport as a liaison, trying to find help for our families from machinery that was already running at 130 percent in an effort to get thousands of foreigners, diplomats and service members out of the country in a hurry.
Fierce Government Relations has picked up German luxury fashion brand Hugo Boss for DC work on international sourcing and supply chain matters.

Hugo Boss is among companies targeted by activists for the use of cotton imported from Chinas Xinjiang region.

The US has charged China with carrying out a policy of genocide against Xinjiangs Uyghur Muslims.

Hugo Boss says it does not purchase any goods originating in the Xinjiang region from direct suppliers."

It has posted Californias supply chain disclosure agreement on its website that requires every direct supplier to sign and acknowledge the Hugo Boss social standards which include provisions on the prohibition of trafficking and slavery.

Fierce has an eight-member team repping Hugo Boss that includes special assistants to president George W. Bush (Kirk Blalock and Kirsten Chadwick), legislative director to Sen. Lindsey Graham (Aleix Jarvis), and chief of staff to Sen. Mitch McConnell (Billy Piper).
Part of a consignment of drugs discovered in parcels during a search by Revenue officers in Dublin this week were destined for an address in Offaly.

As part of routine operations, Revenue officers examining parcels at premises in Dublin seized 8.9 kgs of herbal cannabis and 17 grams of MDMA, with an estimated value of almost 180,000.

The illegal drugs were discovered with the assistance of detector dog Bailey, concealed in parcels that originated in the US, Canada, Spain and the Netherlands and were labelled as tea, books, bedding, textiles and wigs. The parcels were destined for addresses in Counties Dublin, Louth, Laois, Offaly, Waterford and Cork.

Separately yesterday, as part of routine operations, Revenue officers examining parcels at a premises in Athlone seized illegal drugs worth over 300,000 including almost 5kgs of ketamine, 3.4kgs of Chloromethcathinone (CMC) crystals and 1.25 litres of Gamma-Hydroxybutyrate (GHB).

The illegal drugs originated in the Netherlands and were destined for addresses in Northern Ireland, Meath and Dublin.

Investigations into both seizures are ongoing.

These seizures are part of Revenue's ongoing operations targeting the importation of illegal drugs. If businesses or members of the public have any information regarding smuggling, they can contact Revenue in confidence on Confidential Phone Number 1800 295 295.
Colaiste Phobal in Roscrea are the only secondary school in Ireland to have contributed to the transformative Hygiene Bank project.

Pictured above are Nicola from planet A in Wicklow, with Fr. Lorcan Kenny from Colaiste Phobal, receiving gifts for the Hygiene Bank from all the staff and students. Many thanks to all who donated to this worthy cause. Colaiste Phobal were the only secondary school in the country to donate to them, which speaks volumes for the school and community.

The Hygiene Bank's story started in the UK with the film I Daniel Blake' by Ken Loach, a moving and harrowing film that exposes the harsh realities of those in our society who fall through the cracks. It portrays a place in which empathy has little place and no allowance is made for the chaos of everyday life.

In Ireland, 640,000 people are at risk of poverty based on their income. Food poverty and the reliance on food parcels and Meals on Wheels is on the rise and this has been exacerbated by Covid-19. The rise in food poverty indicates the rise in hygiene poverty as well. When choices have to be made between feeding the family and buying new essential hygiene products, food is always a priority.

In 2019, the first Hygiene Bank Ireland project was set up in Dublin to deliver public donations of toiletries to local charities who support disadvantaged communities. Large donations of toiletries arent common, so sometimes organisations dont have the ability to support their communities with the hygiene products needed. With the onset of the pandemic, staying clean has been more important than ever, putting even more pressure on families in financial difficulty.

Buying the basics like period products, shampoo, toothpaste or deodorant when we need them is something most of us take for granted. For many on a low-income however, these essential products have become out of reach luxuries. Illness, disability, family breakdown or loss of a job can leave people destitute, and these unforeseen events can happen to anyone.

We all make financial choices, but for those living in poverty these choices can be extremely stark. Mothers are increasingly prioritising feeding their family over buying hygiene products while teens and young adults prefer to go hungry to save themselves the humiliation of showing up at college or work with greasy hair and smelling of body odour.

Sadly, hygiene poverty comes with a social stigma that affects all areas of life, work, school and relationships. We know that a lack of access to hygiene products impacts confidence, self-esteem and prospects in those who are most vulnerable. People miss out on employment and promotion opportunities. Women find themselves housebound because they cant afford period products, children skip school because they don't have clean uniform or PE kit.

Since 2019, The Hygiene Bank Dublin has grown into a national organisation - The Hygiene Bank Ireland - with projects in seven counties, supporting 36 organisations, and thousands of individuals with over 20,000kg of toiletries. We are still growing, with new volunteers joining us each month, all united by the shared passion for tackling the injustice of hygiene poverty.
The operators of Melbourne's COVID-19-ravaged St Basil's nursing home will have to give evidence to an inquest despite their argument it could incriminate them.
New Zealand Herald 27 Dec 2021

This story was one of NZ Herald Lifestyle's top stories for 2021 One dad's attempt at pandemic humour has seriously backfired after..
As the year ends, 30-year-old pastor Patrick Donohoe singles out one cool part of COVID: you cant avoid the hard conversations that Australians love to avoid.
"I think Senator Manchin changes his mind from time to time on this, which is his prerogative," Democratic Sen. Michael Bennet told Insider.
Police have described the behavior of protesters at the unofficial rally as "aggressive." They said 11 demonstrators were arrested and 14 criminal incidents were reported.
At least one officer was injured and 11 demonstrators were arrested in an unofficial rally in Munich as police described the behavior of protesters as "aggressive."
More than 100,000 COVID-19 cases have been detected in the UK on a single day  a record since the pandemic began.
All frontline police officers will be armed with Tasers following a $214 million funding announcement from the state government.

Brisbane Times 22 Dec 2021
Actor James Franco has admitted to sleeping with students from an acting school he previously ran - nearly four years after accusations of sexual misconduct were made against him.
New Zealand Herald 24 Dec 2021

A monument at a Hong Kong university that was the best-known public remembrance of the Tiananmen Square massacre on Chinese soil..
Russia doesn't want conflict with the Ukraine but Western powers must provide Moscow with "unconditional security" guarantees, President Vladimir Putin says.
In his annual press conference, Russian President Vladimir Putin said he does not want conflict with Ukraine and claimed he has seen a "positive" response from the US to its security proposals.
The German foreign minister said more needs to be done to help Afghanistan in the wake of the Taliban takeover. Some 15,000 people which Germany vowed to take in are still stranded there.
Two new British studies provide some early hints that the omicron variant of the coronavirus may be milder than the delta version.



Scientists stress that even if the findings of these early studies hold up, any reductions in severity need to be weighed against the fact omicron spreads much faster than delta and is more able to evade vaccines. Sheer numbers of infections could still overwhelm hospitals.



Still, the new studies released Wednesday seem to bolster earlier research that suggests omicron may not be as harmful as the delta variant, said Manuel Ascano Jr., a Vanderbilt University biochemist who studies viruses.



Cautious optimism is perhaps the best way to look at this, he said.



An analysis from the Imperial College London COVID-19 response team estimated hospitalization risks for omicron cases in England, finding people infected with the variant are around 20% less likely to go to the hospital at all than those infected with the delta variant, and 40% less likely to be hospitalized for a night or more.



That analysis included all cases of COVID-19 confirmed by PCR tests in England in the first half of December in which the variant could be identified: 56,000 cases of omicron and 269,000 cases of delta.



A separate study out of Scotland, by scientists at the University of Edinburgh and other experts, suggested the risk of hospitalization was two-thirds less with omicron than delta. But that study pointed out that the nearly 24,000 omicron cases in Scotland were predominantly among younger adults ages 20-39. Younger people are much less likely to develop severe cases of COVID-19.



This national investigation is one of the first to show that Omicron is less likely to result in COVID-19 hospitalization than Delta, researchers wrote. While the findings are early...
Oneindia 24 Dec 2021

As the cases of the Omicron variant of the SARS-COV2 virus are on the rise in the country, the state of Uttar Pradesh has imposed a..
Hong Kong (AFP) Dec 22, 2021



Most Asian markets rose Wednesday, extending a global rally after their latest sell-off as investors assess the impact of the fast-spreading Omicron variant. The year-and-a-half-long rally across markets has petered out in recent weeks on fears about the new Covid variant and government measures to contain it, which come just as central banks begin to remove the vast financial support put in
Newsy 22 Dec 2021

Watch VideoJust as Americans and Europeans were eagerly awaiting their most normal holiday season in a couple of years, the omicron..
The deaths of Robert Witt, 87, and Diane Witt, 75, who were found Monday night, are not considered suspicious.



#aliciawitt #robertwitt #dianewitt
Russia is not preparing a military invasion of Ukraine, its ambassador to the European Union was quoted as saying on Thursday, after Moscow unnerved the West with a massive troop build-up on its...



#troopbuildup #envoy
A monument at a Hong Kong university that commemorates the 1989 Tiananmen Square massacre was removed by workers early Thursday. Workers had erected barricades around the monument late Wednesday.
Hong Kong's oldest university removed a statue commemorating the deadly 1989 crackdown on Tiananmen Square democracy protesters on Thursday, the latest step in China's campaign to silence dissent in its southern city.
Covid-19 variants have been incorrectly associated with South Africa, consequently damaging the country's brand reputation, Minister of Tourism Lindiwe Sisulu is told.
SeattlePI.com 22 Dec 2021

MOSCOW (AP)  Russian and U.S. negotiators will sit down for talks early next year to discuss Moscow's demand for Western..
SBS 04 Jan 2022

A former leader of the Hong Kong Alliance, Chow Hang-tung was convicted a second time for inciting people in Hong Kong to..
The German music technology company CUGATE AG, headed by H. Memo Rhein, publishes CURADIO, a new type of platform for online radios: https://curadio.cugate.com After many years of development, the Berlin media and technology company CUGATE AG presents the online radio platform CURADIO as a beta version today. A new and innovative interface enables users to discover new radio stations around the world. Using the digital barcode technology developed by CUGATE AG 
SEOUL, South Korea (AP)  North Korea on Friday commemorated the 10th anniversary of former leader Kim Jong Ils death with calls for greater public loyalty toward his son and current leader Kim Jong Un, who is struggling to navigate the country out of deepening pandemic-related hardships.

In his 10 years at the helm of North Korea since his fathers death, Kim Jong Un, 37, has secured the same absolute power enjoyed by Kim Jong Il and Kim Il Sung, the current leaders grandfather and state founder. Despite massive economic shocks caused by draconian anti-virus measures and long-dormant diplomacy with the United States, North Korea shows no signs of political instability and few outside experts question Kims grip on power.

But the long-term stability of Kim Jong Uns rule could still be questioned if he fails to work out steps to address the ongoing difficulties and improve public livelihoods, some observers say.

At midday Friday, as a siren blared for three minutes, North Koreans fell silent and bowed in respect for Kim Jong Il. Cars, trains and ships blew their horns, national flags were lowered to half-staff and masses of people climbed Pyongyangs Mansu Hill to lay flowers and bow before giant statues of Kim Jong Il and Kim Il Sung.

During an outdoor ceremony, senior North Korean official Choe Ryong Hae called Kim Jong Il the parent of our people who built up the potentials for the Norths military and economic might. Under Kim Jong Un, Choe said North Korea's strategic status has been boosted and urged the public to "faithfully uphold his leadership.

The North's main Rodong Sinmun newspaper published articles venerating Kim Jong Il and calling for greater unity behind Kim Jong Un.

In an apparent echo of official propaganda, Pyongyang citizen Won Jong Rim also told the Associated Press Television News that our great general (Kim Jong Il) went through so much hardship, pushing his way along such an arduous path, to build a paradise here, achieving what the people want.

On previous anniversaries, Kim Jong Un paid respect at a mausoleum where the embalmed bodies of his father and grandfather lie in state. But state media didn't say whether he went there this year too.

Kim Jong Ils 17-year rule was overshadowed by a famine in the 1990s that killed hundreds of thousands of people and international isolation over his nuclear ambitions. North Koreas economy had reported a slight yet gradual growth for the first several years of Kim Jong Un's rule. But the coronavirus pandemic, mismanagement and U.N. sanctions following Kim's nuclear and missile tests have taken their toll.

North Koreas trade with China, its biggest trading partner and an economic pipeline, shrank by about 80% last year before it plunged again by two-thirds in the first nine months of this year. Last year, the Norths economy suffered its biggest contraction since 1997 while its grain production also dropped to its lowest level since Kim took office, according to South Korean government estimates.

Kim refuses to return to talks with Washington and Seoul. He has called for building a stronger, self-reliant economy while keeping tough virus restrictions including two years of border shutdowns. Analysts say Kim fears that his countrys broken public health system could not afford a major virus outbreak  though he maintains a questionable claim that North Korea is coronavirus-free.

Unless North Korea accepts offers for denuclearization talks with the U.S., it cannot stay away from powerful international sanctions. Without international cooperation, North Korea must continue to seal off its borders due to concerns about the spread of COVID-19. And this is a North Korean dilemma, analyst Cheong Seong-Chang at the private Sejong Institute in South Korea said in a recent paper.

The Norths advancing nuclear arsenal is the core of Kims rule, and hes called it a powerful treasured sword that thwarts potential U.S. aggressions.

During his 10-year rule, North Korea has performed 62 rounds of ballistic missile tests, which are banned by multiple U.N. Security Council resolutions, according to Seouls Unification Ministry. The number is compared to an estimated nine rounds of tests during Kim Il Sungs 46-year rule, and 22 rounds during Kim Jong Ils 17-year rule. Four of the Norths six nuclear tests and its three intercontinental ballistic missile launches all occurred under Kim Jong Uns rule.

North Korea marked the 10-year memorial of Kim Jong Il with public ceremonies and state propaganda. More significant will be Kim Jong Uns attempt, after a decade in power, to map out a credible path for post-pandemic diplomacy and economic recovery, said Leif-Eric Easley, a professor at Ewha University in Seoul.
The following list includes recent reports from the Midland County Sheriffs Office and the Midland Police Department. Compiled by reporter Andrew Mullin.

Sunday, Dec. 19

9:09 p.m.  Officers responded to a vehicle crash involving a driver operating while intoxicated in the area of Hampshire Street and West Meadowbrook Drive.

8:19 p.m.  Deputies responded to a Greendale Township residence reference stolen property. The deputies spoke to the owner, a 30-year-old Greendale Township male, who stated someone broke into his house and garage and stole $4,230 worth of property. This incident is under investigation.

8:13 p.m.  Officers responded to a two-vehicle injury crash on South Saginaw Road.

7:22 p.m.  Deputies were dispatched to a Lincoln Township location for a suspicious situation. There were reports of loud vehicle driving in the area of storage units. The deputies patrolled the area but were unable to locate the vehicle.

3:01 p.m.  Officers responded to a three-vehicle crash in the area of Eastman Avenue and North Saginaw Road.

1:12 p.m.  Officers responded to a two-vehicle crash in the area of Rodd and East Hines streets.

11:55 a.m.  Officers responded to a two-vehicle crash on Joe Mann Boulevard.

3:16 a.m.  Deputies contacted a 41-year-old Lee Township male who said he took an excessive amount of medication in attempts to commit suicide. The male was transported to MyMichigan Medical Center for a mental petition and medical treatment.

2:34 a.m.  Officers responded to a driver operating while intoxicated in the area of Rodd Street and South Saginaw Road.
Since the COVID-19 pandemic first struck our community, weve all been saddened by the illness and death caused by this devastating virus, but Im continually heartened by the strength and perseverance of the people I have the privilege of representing in the Michigan House of Representatives.

Thank you.

These days, the simple act of showing up for work is greatly appreciated, with labor shortages weakening just about every sector of Michigans economy. You keep our grocery stores and restaurants open, our factories producing every-day essentials, and the services our community relies upon operating.

Thank you to teachers whove dealt with challenges wed never have imagined two years ago, learning how to connect with and educate students remotely, and now that in-person instruction has returned, juggling COVID protocols with their regular classroom duties. Having talked with parents, students, and teachers in Bay and Midland counties, I know its been difficult. The record-high, $17 billion investment in Michigan schools approved by the Legislature this academic year  coupled with about $4 billion in federal COVID relief  will help provide the resources teachers need to persevere and continue helping their students succeed.

Thank you too to the health care heroes who work to keep us healthy under extremely stressful conditions. Each day, they head to work to care for and help save the lives of our family, friends, and neighbors  all while chronically short-staffed and facing incredible demands. Recently, I supported a $300 million plan passed by the House to recruit, train and retain more health care workers. Hopefully, this plan is signed into law to give our frontline health care professionals the increased assistance they desperately need.

On behalf of families and business owners in our community, thank you to law enforcement officers who put themselves in harms way to keep us safe. Its a difficult and sometimes in todays society a thankless job, made all the harder by COVID. Im fighting for a $368.5 million plan recently approved by the House to bring in reinforcements and provide the support they need to combat crime and protect our communities.

In addition to the challenges weve faced from COVID, thanks to the thousands of you who pitched in to help those whose suffering was compounded by the devastating dam failures that gutted thousands of homes, including the entire village of Sanford. The last six months, Ive championed a $250 million infrastructure appropriation, unanimously approved by the state Senate and soon to be acted on by the House, specifically to repair dams in Midland County.

This past year, weve stood together and helped each other in countless ways, and more help is on the way. Thank you for the honor of serving and representing you in Lansing, and God grant us an even brighter year in 2022. From my family to yours, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

Rep. Annette Glenn represents the 98th District in the Michigan House of Representatives.
Photo: (Photo : Tim Boyle/Getty Images)

A Pennsylvania mother has gone viral on TikTok for sharing that she found out about her cheating husband because she saw his new baby announcement in the local newspaper.

Ami Addison, who works as an ER nurse, revealed that her discovery of her husband's infidelity happened just days before they were celebrating their 10th year wedding anniversary. The mom claimed that she knew it was her husband because he had a very unusual name.

So, Addison probe further and checked the hospital's website since the facility usually posts photos of new babies. At that time of their marriage, birth announcements, including in newspapers, were also very common.

Read Also: Former History Teacher and Self-confessed 'Homewrecker' Shares Tips on Spotting a Cheating Husband

From her probing, Addison learned that her husband didn't just have a new baby. He also has a daughter, who was roughly over a year old, with the same woman. It turned out that her husband has been living with a second family and it now made sense to her when he would spend overtime at work, especially on Thursdays.

Dad Denies Everything

Addison claimed that she packed up her stuff, as well as the things of their three kids, in a car and drove to a hotel. She then tried to find out more about the woman and was planning to confront them at her house. When she saw that her husband's car was there, Addison decided to go back to home and pack her husband's stuff and then dumped these at the woman's house. She claimed that she also left an anniversary card among his things.

Then the mom returned to the hotel and waited for her husband's call. He denied everything even though she told him that she saw the birth announcement as well as the pictures from the hospital's website. After finally admitting that he has been seeing the other woman for five years, who was very aware he's married, Addison's husband wanted his wife and three kids back in their house. Their marriage ended in a bitter divorce in court that went for over a year with Addison seeking a restraining order against her ex-husband.

The mom, however, is now in a new relationship years after that heartbreaking divorce. She claimed that she didn't know about her husband's affair because she was mostly working the nightshift at the hospital.

Mom Saw Cheating Husband Kissing His GF

Meanwhile, another mom claimed that she discovered her cheating husband thanks to the video camera he installed in the front door of their house. The woman shared that her husband didn't join them on a recent family trip because he claimed to be coming down with something.

However, when his wife and their kids left the house, he apparently had his mistress over and she saw the proof in the security camera. It showed her husband giving the other woman a deep kiss without realizing that he never shut down the video by the door.

The mom shared the clip on her TikTok video and said that her husband is no longer living in their house. Her video has been seen more than five million times and she said that she is planning to end their marriage.

Related Article: Identical Birthmark on Friend's New Baby Tips Off Wife to Husband's Cheating
Photo: (Photo : David Paul Morris/Getty Images)

Since 2017, California Sen. Bob Wieckowski has been working to pass a bill that will require all food packaging to have a proper label disclosing the types of artificial food dyes used in the ingredients to warn parents about what they buy for their kids.



Now, the senator is hoping that his bill on proper labels would be passed in 2022 so that it is implemented in 2023, amid growing concerns that artificial food dyes greatly impact the behavior of children.

Wieckowski clarified that his proposal is "not a ban on food dyes" but he has been baffled as to why these ingredients are kept from consumers' knowledge like a secret. Wieckowski believes that parents need to be educated and empowered on this crucial nutritional choice for the kids, given that there have been countless studies connecting the children's challenging behaviors to these artificial ingredients.

Read Also: Healthy Eating Tips for the Holidays if Diabetes Runs in the Family

What's Wrong with Artificial Food Dyes?

Like the senator, scientist Lisa Lefferts of the Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) has been calling on the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to ban or revoke artificial food dyes because of its risk in children for years. She said that food dyes have no nutritional value but these are mainly used to make food look more palatable for the kids who are still choosy when it comes to what they eat.

Sheela Sathyanarayana of the Seattle Children's Research Institute said that food dyes contain many additives like sugar, which explains why it could affect a child's behavior. In their studies, children who were not exposed to food with artificial ingredients tend to present less anger, irritability, aggressiveness, moodiness and impulsivity.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, one study in Australia showed that parents who cut foods with common artificial dye ingredients like Blue 1, Yellow 5 or Yellow 6 reported a 75 percent improvement in their kids' behavior and attention. Basically, food coloring is considered junk food and doctors advise avoiding its ingestion as much as possible.

Why No Ban from the FDA

"I think if American consumers understood that food dyes can really wreak havoc on children, they might not be so attached to having them," Lefferts said. So, the scientist has been hoping that Wieckowski's bill will become a big deal.

However, according to NBC News, U.S. hasn't been quick to ban or at least limit artificial food dyes despite decades of studies of its harm in kids. In 2016, the FDA used a different approach by just partially banning some additives that may cause cancer despite urging from the CSPI.

The agency refused to ban food dyes or food coloring because they said the evidence against it are inconclusive. Some of the studies indicate that not all kids are sensitive to food dyes but children with ADHD tend to exhibit more negative reactions.

Unfortunately for parents, dyes are found in almost all foods loved by children, such as juices, ice creams, jello snacks, boxed dinners or breakfast cereals. Since it cannot be avoided, medical experts advised cutting foods with so much color load to less than 100 milligrams a day.

Related Article: FDA Orders Owlet to Stop Sale of Its Smart Sock Baby Monitor
WEDNESDAY, Dec. 22, 2021 (HealthDay News) -- The U.S. Food and Drug Administration on Wednesday approved the emergency use of Pfizer's new antiviral pill Paxlovid in people who are at high risk for severe COVID-19. It's the first approved treatment for COVID-19 meant to be taken at home.

"Today's authorization introduces the first treatment for COVID-19 that is in the form of a pill that is taken orally  a major step forward in the fight against this global pandemic," Dr. Patrizia Cavazzoni, director of the FDA's Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, said in an agency news release. "This authorization provides a new tool to combat COVID-19 at a crucial time in the pandemic as new variants emerge."

Pfizer first asked for emergency authorization in mid-November, and later announced stunning final trial results on the power of Paxlovid to guard against severe COVID-19. In that trial, the pill, taken for five days, slashed a person's odds for hospitalization and death by nearly 90% in high-risk people. Paxlovid should be taken within three to five days of symptom onset, the FDA said.

"Today's authorization of Paxlovid represents another tremendous example of how science will help us ultimately defeat this pandemic, which, even two years in, continues to disrupt and devastate lives across the world," Pfizer Chairman and CEO Albert Bourla said in a company statement. "This breakthrough therapy, which has been shown to significantly reduce hospitalizations and deaths and can be taken at home, will change the way we treat COVID-19, and hopefully help reduce some of the significant pressures facing our health care and hospital systems."

One infectious diseases expert welcomed the news.

"Paxlovid's approval is a major milestone that marks another step towards making COVID-19 a much more manageable infection," said Dr. Amesh Adalja, a senior scholar at the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security, in Baltimore. "An oral pill that can cut hospitalizations and deaths by 90% is pathbreaking. There are two key issues, however, that remain: it will be scarce in the coming weeks, and its optimal use requires prompt diagnosis, which can be difficult with the continual testing problems that plague us."

At the time of the trial results, Bourla stressed the importance of adding another weapon to the COVID-fighting arsenal.

"This news provides further corroboration that our oral antiviral candidate, if authorized or approved, could have a meaningful impact on the lives of many, as the data further support the efficacy of Paxlovid in reducing hospitalization and death, and show a substantial decrease in viral load. This underscores the treatment candidate's potential to save the lives of patients around the world," Bourla said in a company statement released Dec. 14 with the trial results. "Emerging variants of concern, like Omicron, have exacerbated the need for accessible treatment options for those who contract the virus, and we are confident that, if authorized or approved, this potential treatment could be a critical tool to help quell the pandemic."

Pfizer also delivered some good news about people who are at low risk for severe COVID-19 at that point: In an early analysis, a second, ongoing study that tested whether Paxlovid eased COVID-19 symptoms faster in people who are not considered high-risk found no benefit for symptom relief. But those who took the pill regimen saw the amount of virus in their bodies plummet, and the pill reduced the already low risk for hospitalization and death. That study included those who were vaccinated and had at least one risk factor for severe COVID-19.

Paxlovid is a combination of a new molecule developed specifically to disable SARS-CoV-2 and ritonavir, an HIV medication that helps slow the breakdown of the coronavirus-specific molecule.

The drug does have some limitations. Ritonavir can interact with many commonly taken medicines, and those risks may need to be managed by physicians and pharmacists, the FDA said.

Possible side effects of Paxlovid include impaired sense of taste, diarrhea, high blood pressure and muscle aches, the FDA said. Using Paxlovid in people with uncontrolled or undiagnosed HIV infection may trigger HIV-1 drug resistance. Ritonavir can cause liver damage, so caution should be used when giving Paxlovid to patients with liver conditions, the agency added.

Paxlovid is also not recommended in patients with severe kidney impairment. In patients with moderate kidney impairment, a reduced Paxlovid dose is needed, the FDA said.

More information

Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for more on COVID treatments.





SOURCES: U.S. Food and Drug Administration, news release, Dec. 22, 2021; Pfizer, statements, Dec. 14, 2021 and Dec. 22, 2021; Amesh Adalja, MD, senior scholar, Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security, Baltimore
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It's being reported today in Korea that Jahwa Electronics will set up an 'Apple Parts Factory' in Gumi City, Gyeongsangbuk-do, South Korea. It will produce camera parts for the iPhone 14, which will be released in the new year. This is the first time that Samsung Electronics' camera parts supplier enters Apple's supply chain, except for Samsung Electro-Mechanics.

As of yesterday, Jahwa Electronics took over an idle factory in Gumi and is converting it into a production line for Apple parts. It utilizes an existing factory rather than building a new one in order to begin the production as early as possible.

Jahwa Electronics' Gumi plant will produce 'Optical Image Stabilizer' (OIS) for the iPhone 14. Gumi was chosen because LG Innotek's camera module production base is located there. Many of the smartphone camera modules for Apple are made at LG Innotek's Gumi plant. If Jahwa Electronics supplies OIS parts to LG Innotek, LG Innotek is expected to supply the final camera module to Apple.

OIS compensates for hand shake and aids to capture the subject clearly. It is mainly installed in the iPhone telephoto camera module. Shaking is more noticeable when zooming in on a distant subject. The role of OIS has become even more important as the iPhone 14 has more than four times the number of camera pixels compared to its predecessor.

Building a factory dedicated to Apple implies that a significant amount of parts supply contracts have been signed. When Apple makes a deal with a new parts company, Apple requires build its own production facility. This seems that Apple was deeply involved in the location and scale of the plant.

Apple visited Jahwa Electronics' Cheongju factory this June for due diligence.
In March 2020 Patently Apple posted a report titled "China sells Muslim minority workers to Factories making U.S. Products for Apple, Nike, Adidas and others." In July 2020, Apple denied that one of their Chinese suppliers were using Uighur slave labor. In November 2020, the Washington Post claimed that Apple was lobbying against a U.S. bill aimed at stopping forced labor in China which highlighted the clash between its business imperatives and its official stance on human rights. Although Apple continued to deny that a supplier of theirs was using slave labor, in March 2021 we posted a report titled "Apple cuts off China's OFilm over using Uyghur slave labor" proving the reports were right all along. Then came another damming report by The Information in May that seven Apple suppliers were accused of using force labor from Xinjiang where it's populated by mostly Uyghurs.

Today we're learning that Apple and Microsoft suppliers have been exposed in Australia's anti-slavery law. Kitto, the Sydney-based director of Be Slavery Free, a non-profit organization stated in a Bloomberg report that 'Its not if theyve got slavery, its when they find it. Its that pervasive, almost every business has a risk of slavery in their supply chains.'

A ground-breaking program launched in Australia is making it easier for activists like Kitto  along with governments and investors  to track the harsh, slave-like conditions that afflict some 40 million people around the world, the vast majority of them in Asia.

Under laws that came into force in 2019, companies and investors generating more than A$100 million ($71 million) in revenue must detail how theyre managing the risk of slavery in their supply chains, and are required to upload their reports into a publicly accessible database. Firms must also outline the steps theyve taken to fix any issues, a requirement that goes beyond laws in the U.K. or France, and is being studied by nations including the U.S. as a potential template for action."

The report specifically pointed to Microsoft reporting 46 'major slavery-related issues, including fees paid by suppliers to recruiters, while Apple uncovered seven metal smelters or refiners that didnt meet the companys sourcing requirements.

Further, the report pointed to Apple closely monitoring plans to fix issues found in metal smelters and refiners within its supply chain. If those plans are delayed, the iPhone maker will use its leverage to speed up remediation, or terminate applicable business relationships.

(Click on image to Enlarge)

Typically in the realm of governments and activists, obligations to respect human rights are shifting to businesses and fund managers as they profit from increasingly complex global supply chains that may exploit labor. Infractions can include putting workers into servitude by confiscating their passports or making them pay recruitment fees. Of the worlds enslaved workers, one in four are children. These employees contribute to products generating about $150 billion in profits a year, according to the International Labor Organization. For more on this, read the full Bloomberg report.

Apple cutting off OFilm due to using slave labor after they continually denied it in public no doubt dinged their credibility. Especially after The Information months later pointed to several other Apple suppliers were involved in slave labor.

Yet there's equally no denying that Apple is making a corporate effort to Combat Human Trafficking and Slavery in their business and Supply Chain, which is one of the most disturbing issues of our time.
With the holiday season in full swing, theres nothing better than giving back to the community. Thats why PCWorld teamed up with Travis Peacock from Shellback Tech to surprise a disabled veteran with a free, custom PC build. The PC parts were anonymously donated by a longtime fan and community member, then personally assembled by Adam Patrick Murray, PCWorlds lead video director. But the most rewarding part about this whole process was the Zoom call to the lucky veteran, as his reaction was worth its weight in gold.

You can watch the whole thing in the video below. Read on to learn more about the donated parts, the non-profit that gave us a helping hand, and much more.

It started a couple of months ago when a fan of PCWorld and The Full Nerd podcast offered to anonymously donate PC parts to someone in need. Its an incredibly kind gesture and the folks here at PCWorld were absolutely thrilled to participate. Given how difficult it is to currently acquire graphic cards and other computing parts due to supply chain issues, we wanted to help out in whatever way we could. Not only were were the PC components donated, so were most of the peripherals (mouse, keyboard, monitor, etc) to get the lucky recipient up and running. A big thanks also goes to Creative for providing a high-end DAC (digital-to-analog converter), a mic, and a webcam.

Adam Murray / PCWorld

The person who donated the parts wanted a PC that could handle 1440p gaming and some streaming. For the overall aesthetic, the idea was a futuristic-looking monochrome build. Its sleek, modern, and definitely eye-catching. As for the internals, the PC is armed with an AMD Ryzen 7 5800X processor and a Gigabyte Vision RTX 3070 graphics card. Its also packing two RAM sticks with 32GB of memory, a 360mm AIO liquid cooler, two M.2 NVMe drives totaling 3TB of SSD storage, and a 4TB hard drive. One of the M.2 NVMe SSDs was provided by the folks at Crucial, so thanks to them for that. All of these parts are housed inside a white Be Quiet Silent Base 802. Its spacious enough inside to allow for upgrading and the case itself keeps everything both quiet and cool. For a full parts list of the PC, head over to PCPartPicker.

With the PC built, we turned to Shellback Tech for help. Honestly? We couldnt think of a better charity to link up with. Founded by Travis Peacock, a disabled Iraq veteran, Shellback Tech is a 501c3 non-profit that builds and donates custom gaming and streaming PCs to disabled veterans and first responders. The aim is to provide an outlet for disabled people who are struggling with their mental and physical health. The charity also gives away desks, monitors, chairs, and other peripherals. Its a worthwhile cause, thats for sure.

So, whos the lucky recipient? Drum roll please. We gifted the custom gaming PC to Sam Burt, a disabled veteran who served in the navy with Peacock. We called him on Zoom pretending to interview him about Shellback Tech. Sneaky, I know. But when we informed Burt that the swanky PC in the background was in fact his, he began tearing up. His reaction made it all worth it. PCWorld is so honored to have been a part of this process and no ones more deserving than Burt.

Happy holidays!
Vice President Alhaji Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia says in conjunction with the Bank of Ghana (BoG), government is going to start a deliberate gold purchase programme which will target purchasing gold from the Small Scale Mining sector.



He stated that after series of deliberations, the Bank of Ghana has been persuaded to start this programme which is going to be the first of its kind in history, adding that the programme when started, will be a boost for the Small Scale Mining sector as purchases made will build the countrys gold reserves.



He made this known at the maiden edition of the Responsible Small Scale Mining Awards held at Alisa Hotel on Wednesday 22nd December, 2021.



The Vice president described the Mining award ceremony as a historic occasion which he is very proud to be a part of.



He opined that he sees the award to be something peculiar because all too often, our problem solving turns to focus more on chasing and punishing wrong doers and not recognising and rewarding those who do right and this is what makes this award different.



The award recognises players in small Scale Mining sector who despite the temptation to join the wrong doing bandwagon, have decided to stay within the relevant regulatory framework for the country and to operate responsibly, he explained.



He further stated a number of ways that Ghana has benefited from Small Scale Mining over the years, touting that he believes Small Scale Mining has contributed immensely to Ghana becoming the leading Gold producer in Africa.



 As we all know, Ghanas Gold production has increased significantly over the past few decades making it the leading Gold producer in Africa. The contribution of Small Scale Mining to this trend is commendable. Currently, it is estimated that the Small Scale Mining contributes about 35% to Ghanas total Gold production and 35% is huge.



He added We have also persuaded the Bank of Ghana and they have also accepted to start a gold purchase programme , for the first time in the history, a deliberate gold purchase programme targeting purchasing gold from small scale mining sector.



This is going to be a boost for the small scale mining sector when the Bank of Ghana comes in to buy some of your outputs to build the countrys gold reserves.



Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia however cautioned that regardless of the many advantages of Small Scale Mining, if the act is not done responsibly, it can and will damage the environment.



He, therefore called on the Miners to Mine responsibly to help save the environment and the countrys natural resources.



The Vice President commended highly the efforts of the Minister, Hon. Samuel A. Jinapor and his two Deputy Ministers for their leadership of the natural resources sector.



He added that the Minister has since his assumption of office brought a renewed approach to the process of ending galamsey through diverse initiatives. He sighted an example of how the Minister made a passionate plea for the 3% withholding tax being paid by Gold producers to be slashed down to 1.5%.



He went on to applaud the organisers of the programme for working tirelessly to achieve such a great feet for the mining sector and for Ghana.



He also employed the opportunity to congratulate the winners of the various categories of Awards, saying that the award should be a motivator to other Miners to do better at their jobs and also keep the environment safe while at it.



The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources Hon. Samuel A. Jinapor in his welcome address, expressed his profound gratitude to the Vice President of the Republic and to the Chief of Staff for taking time off their very busy schedule to honour his invitation and for all the support.



He also sent out his appreciation to leadership and members of the Ghana National Association of Small-Scale Miners (GNASSM) for partnering with the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, to institute this all-important award scheme and for their tremendous support of Governments quest to sanitise the small-scale mining industry.



The Minister also disclosed that in the coming year, the Ministry, will continue to pursue measures that are necessary to restore sanity into the small-scale mining industry.



In furtherance of this, he said they have already engaged ADB Bank to establish a Minerals Development Unit at the Bank, which is to provide financial support to small scale miners. Adding that the initiative, is expected to roll out early next year.



The Minister intimated that as Community Mining Scheme remains one of the surest ways of tackling illegal mining, they will continue to promote the Community Mining Scheme to serve as a model for all small-scale mining operations.



Hon. Jinapor gave the assurance that the Ministry will ramp up their regulatory efforts and continue to partner with the leadership of the Ghana National Association of Small Scale Miners to weed out recalcitrant, illegal miners out of the industry, whilst encouraging and supporting genuine legal miners who have regard for our national environment.



We will never relent on this effort, and, God willing, and with your support, we shall realise the vision of President Akufo-Addo by constructing, here in Ghana, a viable, sustainable, orderly and environmentally-sound small scale mining industry. Together we can, and let us get this done He concluded.



Mr. Godwin Armah, General Secretary of the Ghana National Association of Small Scale Miners (GNASSM) added his words congratulations to the awardees saying  Your victory is a symbol of the true reflection of our work and telling the whole world that Ghana is on course to revitalise the Small Scale Mining sector



He thanked the organisers of the programme and advised miners that acquiring mining licences for their operations alone will not keep them in the industry but rather compliance to the legal framework is what will sustain their businesses in the future.



Also in attendance at this colourful event was the Hon. Chief of Staff, Madam Akosua Osei-Opare, captains and players in the mining sector, parliamentarians and among others.









Source: 3news.com









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Two suspected armed robbers are on the wanted list of the Ghana Police Service for killing a mobile money merchant at his residence in Konongo in the Ashanti Region on Tuesday (21 December).



The Ashanti Regional Police Command has in a statement said it is on a special targeted intelligence-led manhunt for the two suspects.



The statement said the two suspects trailed the deceased from an ATM to his house around 9pm and made away with an unspecified amount of money after shooting him.



Earlier, the Police in Konongo had advised all mobile money merchants to close their businesses early as a measure against targeted armed robbery activities.









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The Head Pastor of the Family Chapel International Rev. Dr. Victor Osei has issued a stern directive to his church members to take their COVID 19 Vaccinations before the year 2022 or be ready to worship outside the churchs auditorium.



Addressing his congregation, the respected clergyman announced that from next year, anyone entering the auditorium will have to show their Vaccination cards to gain access.



Carry your vaccination cards because from next year we will inspect them. If you dont have your card, you will sit outside, he warned.



The president has not given this directive but I am the president of Family Chapel. I will inspect the cards, he added.



Rev. Victor Osei described as unfounded myths about the vaccines being an ungodly infusion.



He referred to the sad passing of Marcus Lamb, CEO and founder of the conservative Christian Daystar Television Network who died of COVID at the age of 64 after using his station to preach against the taking of jabs.



Taking a swipe at critics, he queried whether any of the church members ever died after taking the 6 childhood killer disease vaccines which were also produced under the direction of whites.



His directive comes on the back of the Ghana Health Services increased vaccination drive in the month of December which has been named Ghanas COVID 19 Vaccination Month.



In his latest COVID-19 presidential updates to the nation, President Akufo-Addo further admonished the country to dispel the myths and misinformation and turn out in their numbers to help the country achieve Herd Immunity.



Source: Ghana/Kasapafmonline.com/ Ivan Heathcote  Fumador





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Source: kasapafmonline.com









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Pope Francis on Thursday accepted the resignation of prominent African Cardinal Peter Kodwo Appiah Turkson as prefect of the Vatican Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development.



Cardinal Turkson, seen by many as a candidate to become the first African pope in about 1,500 years, offered his resignation again last week, following an automatic procedural offer at the end of his term in August.



He is a key adviser to Pope Francis on climate change and social justice and the acceptance of his resignation as prefect of the Vatican Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development is part of a rare shake-up of an entire Vatican office.



The Vatican said on Thursday (December 23, 2021) that Cardinal Peter Turkson, was leaving the large department, officially known as the Dicastery for Integral Human Development. All other superiors also had offered their resignations.



The department was formed in 2016 to merge four offices that dealt with issues such as peace, justice, migration, and charities. It was plagued by management problems and turf wars from the start, Vatican sources said.



The Vatican has not commented on the timing of Turkson's departure or the claims of dysfunction in his department. However, the 75-year-old Canadian Jesuit Cardinal Michael Czerny has been named as the interim head of the dicastery pending the appointment of new leadership.



Last week Reuters reported that one source had told the news agency that Cardinal Turkson had told some staff he was "fed up".



Turkson, seen by some as a candidate to become the first African pope in about 1,500 years, offered his resignation again last week, following an automatic procedural offer at the end of his term in August. One source said he had told some staff he was "fed up".



Turkson, 73, from Ghana, represented the Vatican at high-profile international venues such as the World Economic Forum at Davos.



His departure leaves the Vatican with no African heading a major department, following the retirement of Cardinal Robert Sarah of Guinea earlier this year.



A senior Vatican source said the pope was expected to give Turkson another top Vatican job.



The department underwent an external review headed by Cardinal Blase Cupich of Chicago at the pope's request earlier this year.



The shake-up follows two high-level departures from the department over the summer, one because of retirement and another sudden and unexplained.



Turkson will be eligible until he turns 80 to enter a conclave of cardinals to elect the next pope after Francis dies or retires, according to Church rules.



The Catholic Church had several popes of north African origin early in its history, the last in the 5th century.



The Vatican said the department would be run on an interim basis by Cardinal Michael Czerny, an immigration specialist, and Sister Alessandra Smerilli, an economist.



Both were already members of the department.

Source: Daily Graphic









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Proceedings in Parliament towards the passage of the Electronic Transaction Bill, 2021 Monday night came to an abrupt end when a scuffle broke out between some Minority Members of Parliament (MP) and their colleagues from the Majority, leading to the failure of the House to approve the controversial bill.

The chaos, which defined greater part of proceedings in the House, came after the Minority vehemently challenged the decision by the House to consider the e-levy bill under a certificate of urgency following the recommendation by the Finance Committee for the House to do so.



Again, the decision by the First Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Mr Joseph Osei-Owusu, to exercise his original vote during a division also escalated the confusion and disorder in the House.



Mr Osei-Owusu had announced that once a division had been called for by the Minority, he reserved the right to exercise his vote as an MP for Bekwai.



The agitated Minority MPs, who shouted on top of their voices and banged their hands on the table to register unwillingness to condone any illegality, contended that per Order 109 (3), a Deputy Speaker or any other member presiding shall not retain his original vote while presiding.



Counting



With the First Deputy Speakers insistence to ignore them, about 15 Minority MPs advanced from their seats towards the table, where the Clerks sat and were seen warning Mr Osei-Owusu to refrain from taking part in the counting process.



When the counting started at 10:55 p.m., the First Deputy Speaker announced for the Second Deputy Speaker to assume the chair and he left his seat to go and exercise his vote, angry Minority MPs rushed towards where the Speaker sat.





Fortunately, the timely intervention by some Majority MPs and security details in the House stopped the Speaker from being molested as he was escorted outside the Chamber, resulting in fisticuffs among some Majority and Minority MPs close to the Speakers seat.



The maze was quickly whisked away as disorder and confusion became the order of the day in the Chamber, and security personnel from Parliament were called in to restore law and order at about 11.55 p.m.



Outside the Chamber, quite a number of armed military and police men, who had also been called in to help calm matters, were also seen on the precinct of Parliament ready to be ordered to go into the Chamber once the confusion got out of hand.



Why the confusion?



The ensuing confrontation came soon after the Minister of Finance had moved the motion on e-levy bill be adopted by the House and it had been seconded.



But the Minority sought the leave of the Second Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Mr Andrew Asiamah Amoako, who was then presiding, to arrest the process of suspending Standing Order 80 (1) for the purposes of doing away with the notice of 48 hours.



Order 80(1) requires that no motion shall be debated until at least 48 hours have elapsed between the date on which notice of the motion is given and the date on which the motion is moved.





The National Democratic Congress (NDC) MP for Bawku Central, Mr Mahama Ayariga, contended that Articles 106 (13) and 103 (1) and Order 192, 197 and 191 made it inappropriate for the House to suspend the Standing Orders for the bill to be taken through a certificate of urgency.



He said the point at which a bill was determined to be of an urgent nature was before its introduction in the House but the Finance Minister, at the point where he was laying the bill introducing, did not pray Parliament to consider it under certificate of urgency.



Backing his argument with the Votes and Proceedings of Thursday, December 16, 2021, he said the bill was referred to Finance Committee as a non-urgent bill.



He argued that it was only when the Finance Minister appeared before the committee that he made an application to the committee to allow the bill to be considered under a certificate of urgency.



And so the committee cannot, on its own at its meeting, arrogate to itself the power to make a determination as to the urgency or otherwise of the bill, and recommended to the House to consider the bill under a certificate of urgency.



So, Mr Speaker, I rise to object to the consideration of this bill under a certificate of urgency on the basis of the on the Orders that I have sighted, and I urge this House to reject the motion on the grounds that it is a clear violation on the Constitution and the Standing Order of this House, he prayed.



Dismissal



Giving a ruling on Mr Ayarigas application, the Second Deputy Speaker dismissed the application on grounds that constitutional provisions and Standing Orders 119 were clear on such matters.



He said it was not within the power of the Speaker to determine that a particular referral to be urgent but it was the committee that should determine that a referral was of urgent nature for a bill go through all the processes of approval without a publication.



On that understanding, I think honourable member for Bawku Central your arrest can never be taken on board; so, we would go ahead with procedural motion, he said.



When he subsequently put the question of those in favour and against of the procedural motion, there was almost equal Ayes and Nos but the Speaker pronounced the Ayes as having it, causing uproar by the Minority.



Muntaka on Division



The Speakers decision on the voice vote prompted the Minority Chief Whip, Mr Mohammed-Mubarak Muntaka, to rise to challenge Speakers decision, using Orders 113 and 114. He therefore called for a division of votes.



But, the Deputy Majority Leader, Mr Alexander Afenyo-Markin, said while it was within the right of Mr Muntaka to call for a division, the application was rather too late in the day.



You do not wait for Mr Speaker to finish his ruling and then when we are making progress you try to invoke the rules to frustrate government business.



Mr Speaker, what you are trying to do is not to genuinely invoke a rule for the purposes of ensuring fairness but you are invoking this rule to obstruct Parliament and frustrate business and this must not be countenanced as we have to make progress, he prayed.



Division



Before calling for the division, the Second Speaker suspended the House briefly to the displeasure of the Minority members who shouted, sang and banged their hands on tables as the House descended into more disorder.



When the sitting resumed, the First Deputy Speaker, who took the chair, said having adopted the bill to be taken under a certificate of urgency, it was not necessary for it to have come under 108 (1).



To settle matters on Minority challenging the Second Deputy Speakers decision on the voice vote, Mr Osei-Owusu put to a question that all those in favour of suspending the Standing Order requiring 48-hour rule for the bill to say Ayes and those against to say NO.



I think the Ayes have it, he announced, but the Minority Chief Whip, Mr Muntaka, based on Order 114, once again challenged the Speakers decision on the voice vote and called for division.



Heeding, the First Deputy Speaker, Mr Osei-Owusu directed the Clerks at the Table to clear the lobby for the House to start with a division, instructing ministers who were not members of the House not to return to the House.



Ahead of the voice vote, he told the House that he would exercise his original vote since he was a member of the House to the dismay of the Minority.



Contravention of practice



But the NDC MP for Bolgatanga East, Dr Dominic Ayine, drew Mr Osei-Owusus attention to Order 109 (3) which states that a Deputy Speaker or any other member presiding shall not retain his original vote while presiding.



He said at the commencement of public business and the resumption after suspension, Mr Osei-Owusu, as the First Deputy Speaker, took the chair as the Deputy Speaker and in the words of Order 109 (3), you are not entitled to an original vote.



And because you are not entitled to an original vote as the person presiding, it will be contrary to the practices, conventions of Parliament for you to hand over your seat and come down to engage in voting.



The reason why practice of the Orders and the Constitution did not give the person presiding a casting vote is because they wanted to prevent a situation where you descend into the fray while you are presiding. So, I am pleading with you to stick to the rules and respect the Orders of this House, he pleaded.



Rebuttal



In a sharp rebuttal, Mr Afenyo-Markin said Dr Ayine, in mounting an application, relied solely on the Standing Orders of Parliament, and therefore contended there was no such constitutional provision that denied a Deputy Speaker of his original vote.



Where there is the Constitution, which is the fundamental law, any Standing Order cannot stand in the way of the Constitution; so that argument he made did not survive.



In our Constitution, it is only the Speaker who is prohibited because that Speaker is not a member of Parliament, he said.









Source: Graphiconline.com









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Dr Stephen Amoah, the Member of Parliament for Nhyiaeso has said the police have tarnished his hard-earned reputation.



Earlier this month, the Ghana Police Service (GPS) announced the arrest of the Member of Parliament for flouting road traffic regulations.



Dr Amoah was arrested during a police operation around the Airport bypass to arrest drivers of V8 vehicles who were not complying with the Road Traffic Regulations.



According to a statement from the police, Dr Amoah and some V8 drivers were arrested for the offences of careless driving, dangerous driving and causing road obstruction among others.



However, speaking on Asaase Radio (December, 20), Dr Amoah said he believes the police have realized that the treatment meted out to him was not right, leading to the damage of his reputation.



It is unfortunate that theyve tarnished my reputation, and they know that what they did to me was not right and that the whole thing was blown out of proportion.



Stephen Amoah further noted that he has not yet considered the option of taking legal action against the police.





Source: asaaseradio.com









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Majority Leader in Parliament, Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, has apologised to Ghanaians on behalf of Members of Parliament (MPs) for the melee that ensued on the floor of the House on Monday night during deliberations on the Electronic Transfer Levy Bill, 2021.



It is a very shameful and embarrassing moment for us in Parliament. And I think all of us must be bowing our heads down in shame for this gross deliration of responsibility and we must apologise to the people that we represent in Parliament, Mr Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu stated at a press briefing on Tuesday in Accra.



He, however, expressed his disapproval over the way the First Deputy Speaker Joseph Osei-Owusu was unceremoniously called upon to preside even though he was not feeling well, adding that, it was the reason why he sat in briefly and he had to excuse himself.



Giving his rendition of accounts that led to the fisticuffs, he said the First Deputy speaker assumed the chair upon resumption from a break and during a vote by division had wanted to go take his medication, to the distaste of the minority.



I dont know of any constitutional provision or any standing orders that prohibit a Deputy Speaker, presiding from participating in the vote. There is no such provision he said.



He urged members of Parliament to resist the urge of always getting physical and should rather have the emotional intelligence to deliberate on issues.



He also explained that proceedings on Monday which were supposed to start at 1000 hours was delayed, as the Finance Committee was programmed to have a meeting at 1000 hours for us to be able to have a sitting at about 1200 hours.



Subsequently, we got to know that the Minority was having a meeting and so the finance committee then elected to have their meeting at 1200 hours he said.



Based on the happenings, he said he engaged the Speaker to have the Committee sit and finalise its work and have it printed and distributed to members with the proceedings proposed to start at 1500 hours.



But when we went for the meeting, the meeting lasted from 1200 hours to beyond 1600 hours, he added.



Touching on the E-Levy Bill, Mr Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu said the adjournment of the House to January 18, 2021 was necessary to enable the Finance Minister to hold further consultations with stakeholders.



If we take an adjournment, it would allow cooler heads to come back to this House and we can then come back to continue the transaction of business in a much more civil environment.











Source: GNA









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Russian President, Vladimir Putin has warned he is willing to take 'military measures' in response to 'unfriendly' Western action in Ukraine.



Giving the warning during a meeting at the defence ministry on Tuesday December 20, Putin said Russia will 'react toughly to unfriendly steps' and stressed 'that we have every right to do so'.



Referring to a Western bid to bolster Ukraine with weapons and military training, the Russian leader said; In the event that the clearly aggressive line of our Western colleagues continues, we will take adequate retaliatory military-technical measures, and react toughly to unfriendly steps.



And, I want to emphasise, we have every right to do so, we have every right to take actions designed to ensure the security and sovereignty of Russia.



Around 175,000 Russian combat forces are expected to be near Ukraines borders by January and pro-Russian separatists are attacking Ukraine troops daily. On the frontline in Donbas, Ukraine, Russian troops have been building up in support of pro-Russian separatists in the Donetsk and Luhansk region.



Putin denies any Russian involvement in the region but it is feared he will use the conflict to justify an incursion deeper into Ukraine, threatening to bring war to Europes borders.



Dmitry Kiselyov, a media mogul known as Putin's mouthpiece also threatened to 'put a gun to America's head' if NATO forces are stationed in Ukraine and warned the alliance to back off 'otherwise, everyone will be turned into radioactive ash.'



Putin who also warned countries against taking America at its word, added; 'We need long-term legally binding guarantees.



'The United States easily withdraws from all international treaties that for one reason or another become uninteresting to them,' he added.



'What is going on, this tension that builds up in Europe, it is their fault, At each step Russia had to respond somehow.



'At each step the situation got worse and worse, degraded and degraded. And today we are in the situation when we need to decide something.'



Russia 'cannot allow' the West to put its weapons so close to Moscow, he added. 'If this infrastructure moves, if the US and NATO missile systems appear in Ukraine, then their flight time to Moscow will be reduced to 7-10 minutes, and with the deployment of hypersonic weapons - to five,' Putin said.



The Kremlin had also said that high-level talks between the US and Russia are underway over the list of demands, but said no agreements have yet been reached. The White House has said it will consult with NATO allies over the demands, but it was willing to make no promises.



Asked about those demands by the BBC on Monday December 20, Mr Kiselyov responded: 'If Ukraine ever joins NATO or if NATO develops military infrastructure there, we will hold a gun to America's head. We have the military capability.'



Russia is 'one hundred per cent' willing to use force to defend its red lines, Mr Kiselyov added, saying that it is a 'matter of life or death' for his country.



He also warned of the risk of a repeat of the Cuban Missile Crisis if NATO deploys missiles in regions where they can quickly strike Moscow. Kiselyov said;



'It would be good to harmonise our interests and not put Russia in a position where missiles could reach us in four minutes.



'Russia is ready to create a comparable, analogous threat, by deploying its weapons close to decision-making centres.



'But we are suggesting a way of avoiding this, of not creating threats. Otherwise, everyone will be turned into radioactive ash.'









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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Former President John Mahama has revealed the details of a meeting he held with Mr Gabby Asare Otchere Darko, a leading member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP).



According to the former President, the discussions on Tuesday, December 21, 2021) focused on the desire of Ghanaians to see the two major political parties working together for the interest of the nation.



Mr Mahama in Facebook post, however, stressed that at no time was there any discussion specifically about President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo requiring his intervention in the impasse on the E-levy.



Read his entire post below;



President Akufo-Addo did not seek my intervention on the E-Levy impasse.

I received Mr. Gabby Otchere Darko, at his request, at my residence on Tuesday 21st December, 2021

Among issues we discussed was the desire of Ghanaians to see the two major political parties working together for the interest of the nation

We discussed, also, how dialogue can be deployed to ensure Parliamentary issues are agreed consensually before coming on the floor to avoid what happened recently in the House.

We further discussed opening channels of communication between the leaders of the two parties including a possible meeting with the President at a future date.

At no time was there any discussion specifically about the President requiring my intervention in the impasse on the E-levy.









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The Attorney-General (A-G) and Minister of Justice, Mr Godfred Yeboah Dame, has commended his team of attorneys for their support in helping to avoid and overturn a series of judgment debts that could have caused the state millions of Ghana cedis.



He said he was ushered into office with a huge judgment debt of $170 million waiting for him, which was reported in January this year, a time when there was no A-G in office. However, with the support of his team of attorneys, his office worked to overturn and avoid many of the judgment debts.



Mr Dame made the commendation at the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols of the Office of the A-G and Minister of Justice in Accra last Tuesday.



The minister was reflecting on the work of his outfit and some of the successes chalked up since he assumed office this year.



We put our act together and won the PDS action and the Eni action against the A-G, and avoided many judgment debts; we counted our victories as the year rode on, he added. Explaining the rationale behind his frequent visits to Norway, he said he was litigating in a court in Norway.



He announced that just last Friday, his office received good news that the Oslo District Court had dismissed an action instituted against the government in respect of the processes for the acquisition of an Embassy building in Norway (read the details in yesterdays edition of the Daily Graphic).



The success stories, Mr Dame said, warranted the need for his outfit to be thankful to God for how far he had brought the ministry.



He also commended the Legislative Drafting Division for living up to its mandate by delivering numerous laws which would go a long way to reform the criminal justice system and help the government in the fight against corruption, particularly the Code of Conduct for Public Officers Bill, which had already undergone stakeholder consultations.



He further expressed gratitude to the Criminal Division for living up to its side of the bargain through the prosecution of cases to help stamp out crime and eradicate corruption.



Interventions



The A-G explained that when he assumed office, the ministry was inundated with severe challenges, such as the acquisition of computers and desks for his officers.



But, he said, through an urgent appeal to the Cabinet, which saw the President directing the Finance Ministry to deliver support to his outfit, all those problems were swiftly attended to.



He added that 89 vehicles procured by the government would be delivered to the various regional offices and agencies of his outfit.



Mr Dame commended the Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo-led administration for its tremendous support to the Office of the Attorney-General and Ministry of Justice.

If there is any government that has demonstrated any support for the office of the A-G, it is the government of Nana Akufo-Addo, he added.





Ceremony



The Festival of Nine Lessons, which lasted two hours, thrilled dignitaries and selected people from all walks of life.



The night was not for legal jargons, which are typical of State Attorneys in the prosecution of cases, but a night for rejoicing, reflection and thanksgiving.



State Attorneys, judges and key persoalities, including the Vice-President, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia; the Chief Justice, Justice Kwasi Anin Yeboah; a Deputy A-G, Mr Alfred Tuah-Yeboah, among others, read Bible verses, each of which was followed by melodious Christmas carols and Gospel songs.

Source: graphiconline.com









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Descripcion

Excellent opportunity to keep growing as a Senior Strategic Marketing (Prescription Drugs) profile within a International Pharmaceutical Company

Client Details

International Pharmaceutical Company

Description

The main responsibilities will be to follow, evaluate and propose a global marketing strategy both from a medium and long-term international strategy for the Allergy area.

Once the corresponding strategic business plans is approved, the candidate will follow and support that the different agreed milestones are achieved.

Candidate will be involved in other important areas for the future of the company such as Internationalisation.

Work with "out licensing" / new distribution networks, in order to increase the company's turnover.

Candidate will also be involved in key areas of the company with important impact in the company Finances.

For instance, coordinate the demand plans to optimise the service level and inventory, coordinating manufacturing planning and sales and marketing groups.

Main Functions:



Create a Business cockpit (Dashboard) to monitor the performance of our products in the different markets (Global: SEL/CNE).



Contribute to the business and financial evaluation of the potential License-in proposals received in the company.



Contribute to the business and financial evaluation of the potential candidates to distribute the company products in different countries (License-out).



Obtain the information of the different territories within the company (SEL, CNE)



Synthesise all relevant information of the markets, main competitors and customers and be and active contributor to help the countries to better define the most appropriate Actions to reach the goals.



Be informed and be fully updated about the most relevant new information of the AoR.



Be aware of the opportunities (license-in and license-out) within AoR



Be an active contributor to the company Globalisation within the AoR.



Monitor the Budget assigned to the AoR/product and follow up the rolling forecast accuracy monitored by the Brand Managers.



Be an active contributor of a ComOps Committee wich will monitor the performance evolution of the different Business within the company.



Profile



University Degree.



MBA or Business studies will be valued.



Fluent in English, and Spanish.



At least 8 years' experience in senior strategic marketing and sales positions in the pharmaceutical and / or medical devices industries.



Experience in the therapeutical area will be valued.



Used to work in matrix organisations and in multicultural teams.



International experience



Strategic global mindset.



Project Management skills



Team work by a cross fertilisation mindset (synergies across all AoR members)



Autonomy.



Focus on Results.



Analytical thinking and synthetic skills.



Job Offer
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Smoked chicken with Hoppin John, catfish and shrimp stew, pork chops with red rice and stewed chicken with grits were on Saint Stephen native Marcus Middletons menu at the Tek Cyear uh de Root Festival at Commonhouse Aleworks on Nov. 4.

The Peculiar Pig Farm pork chop was an ode to Middletons mentor, BJ Dennis, and the other dishes are what you can expect to find at Keonis Low Country Diaspora, a pop-up-turned-food-trailer that will set up shop in Moncks Corner in January.

After graduating from the Culinary Institute of Charleston in 2014, Middleton worked at The Ordinary, Swig & Swine and Cypress before launching a personal catering company called Middleton Made Cuisines.

Middleton would cook for private events and pop-up throughout Charleston at places like Cuttys in the Cannonborough-Elliotborough neighborhood of downtown Charleston.

That grew into the food trailer, and the food trailer was going to be an ode to my father, Middleton said, describing Keonis.

According to Middleton, his father Johnny was stationed in Hawaii while serving in the Army. Johnny Middleton always said that if he opened a restaurant he would call it Keonis, which is the Hawaiian way to say the name John.

Middleton will realize his fathers dream when the Keonis food trailer hosts its grand opening in the parking lot of Genes Jewelry & Pawn on Jan. 15. Moving forward, Middleton will serve Southern fare at this location Thursdays through Sundays each week.

Its a refined Southern approach, Middleton said. I definitely like to keep it Lowcountry. Gullah-Geechee inspired as well.
Pawleys Island will reduce its police department by one officer when officer Traci Milligan retires in March and reduce the number of hours of police coverage to save money for beach renoushment.
COLUMBIA  State House lawmakers released an alternate proposed set of congressional lines making Republican U.S. Rep. Nancy Mace's 1st Congressional District safer for a Republican to win  a stark reversal from a previous plan that left the Lowcountry seat more competitive.

Released days before Christmas and one week before the House Redistricting Committee meets to debate the maps, the new proposal aligns closely with a plan released by the Senate that would keep the 6th Congressional District held by Democratic U.S. Rep. Jim Clyburn as a majority-Black district.

The overall effect of the Dec. 22 proposal would be improving reelection odds for a Republican in the 1st District.

While the lines between the proposals are vastly different for several seats, the differences have the potential to sway an election outcome only for the Charleston-based district, where victory in the past two congressional races came down to fewer than 2 percentage points.

While the district would retain more conservative-leaning coastal communities in Charleston County  including Mount Pleasant and the tip of the peninsula  the latest proposal would shift more Democratic-leaning areas like West Ashley into Clyburn's district.

Under the House's first proposal, North Charleston is the only part of Charleston County that Clyburn kept.

The plan was immediately assailed by groups opposed to gerrymandering attempts.

I had concerns all along about whether they intended to go forward with a map with a competitive Congressional District One, and they did not, Lynn Teague, director of the League of Women Voters, told The Post and Courier.

"I was certain that they were going to pull a bait and switch," she added. "And that's what they've done. For all the problems with the first map, the new map is much worse."

Under the Houses initial proposal, the Republicans advantage in the 1st District would have sat at roughly 1.7 percent, which would align with recent electoral margins in the district.

As the GOP incumbent, Maces projected advantage under the alternative map would improve to nearly 14 points. Clyburn's district would have a slight majority of Black residents, at 50.5 percent, instead of slightly less than half in the House's first plan.

Members of the House Redistricting Committee did not immediately return a request for comment Dec. 22.

The Houses alternative proposal mirrors a Senate plan released days before Thanksgiving that was highly criticized as drawn on racial and partisan lines to heavily favor Republican incumbents.

It actually represents less change to the overall look of the current voting maps statewide, as Mace's district would retain the coastlines of Beaufort and Colleton counties, while poor counties along the state's lower border with Georgia would stay in Clyburn's district. His gerrymandered district would continue to stretch from the ocean to Columbia, while U.S. Rep. Joe Wilson's 2nd District would still split Richland County with Clyburn.

The House's initial proposal brought Wilson's district all the way down the western border from Lexington County, where he lives, to include Allendale, Hampton and Jasper counties, as well as all of Beaufort County and part of Colleton.

Wilson praised the plan in a statement to The Post and Courier.

I am grateful for the release today of the Congressional House Staff Plan Alternative 1 map, Wilson wrote. Staff Alternative 1 accepts the compactness of the State Senate Congressional Map.

Critics of the new House map included Democratic gubernatorial candidate Joe Cunningham of Charleston, who called it "an insult to every voter in South Carolina."

In a Twitter thread Dec. 22, Cunningham  who represented the 1st District for one term before Mace flipped it back to red  characterized the Republican-led effort as a partisan strategy to rig elections against Democrats by reducing competition, all within a timeline too tight for voters to offer public input.

Lawmakers already face one lawsuit over the pace of their congressional redistricting plans, with groups including the NAACP and ACLU arguing the process was moving too slowly.

Legislators contend the tight timeline was unavoidable due to the pandemic, which pushed back the whole process by several months. They didn't get census data until mid-August.

Why do Columbia politicians (and incumbent members of Congress) fear competition so much? Cunningham, a leading critic of the process, wrote. If their ideas are so good, why rig our elections to make it impossible for them to lose? This is a map that will help elect the most extreme voices in our society. And thats the goal.

Cunningham has been pushing to keep Charleston County whole within the 1st District.

Last week, Cunningham told House members their first plan was an improvement over the Senate's but said it fell short by continuing to separate out North Charleston.

Mace argued the latest lines actually benefit the Lowcountry by keeping the district largely the same. In the House's first proposal, Charleston County would be the only coastal county in District 1, which would newly stretch into upper Colleton and Berkeley counties.

This issue is up to the state Legislature to determine," Mace wrote in a statement to the newspaper. "I personally believe all district maps across the state should preserve as best they can the constituents they currently serve to ensure continuity of constituent services."

She also specifically disagreed that there's anything wrong with splitting Charleston County, saying "Charleston also benefits from having a member of Congress from both parties because it doesnt matter whos in majority, both sides are represented.
Highway Patrol Division Investigators were able to locate a family member of the woman just hours after the incident, according to Police Officer Berlyn Savella, GPD acting spokesperson.

Police are still investigating the factors that led to the incident.

At around 4:20 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 23, patrol officers from Tumon-Tamuning Precinct responded to a call reporting the crash along Route 1 Marine Corps Drive Northbound by Dos Amantes Plaza in Upper Tumon.
By contrast with Peggy Noonan, to take a prominent example, Gerard Baker provides an unillusioned assessment of President Biden and Vice President Harris in his Wall Street Journal column Biden Emerges as Progressive Governments Mr. Bad Example. There is no false hope, no sentimentality, no uplift, no gush or mush in his evaluation:

Its not too harsh a judgment to say that this is a man who has risen to the top of American public life without a trace of accomplishment. When youve been in national politics for almost 50 years, you ought to have achieved something, if only by accident. But this journeyman politician, when he wasnt getting almost all the big issues wrong, was largely a bystander. He is now a husk of a leader, a dangerously debilitated figure, who oscillates between displays of vacuous incoherence and weird, angry outbursts, like a confused old man at the wrong bus stop.

Meanwhile, a heartbeat and a spine-chilling cackle away from the presidency, is another living rebuke to the idea that government is virtuous and wise. Vice President Kamala Harris has demonstrated, evidently to the alarm of much of her own staff, that she is simply another of Mr. Bidens many mistakesperhaps the biggest one yet. It is a dismaying state of affairs that we must all pray nightly for the continued health of an inept president to avert the calamity of a worse one.
Rep. Mary Gay Scanlon represents Pennsylvanias fifth congressional district. She was elected in 2018, as part of the wave that voter dissatisfaction with Donald Trump produced. The district encompasses part of South Philadelphia and a chunk of the citys suburbs including all of Delaware County.

Today, Scanlon was carjacked at gunpoint at a park in Philadelphia. The crime occurred around 2:45 p.m.  thus in broad daylight. Scanlon complied with the demand that she turn over the keys to her Acura, and therefore was not harmed by the two carjackers, according to her spokesperson.

Scanlon thanked the Philadelphia police department for its swift response to the carjacking and for its efforts to ensure her continued safety.

Scanlon is no friend of the police, though. In 2020, she backed legislation to ban federal police officers from using chokeholds. That legislation would also have banned no-knock warrants in drug cases and made it it easier to penalize police for misconduct by lowering legal standards for pursuit of criminal and civil penalties against cops.

Scanlon hoped to capitalize on the protesting and rioting that followed the death of George Floyd. She told reporters that she and her colleagues felt emboldened by weeks of nationwide protest  and public sympathy for those protests  to push for stronger reform bills than they might be able to achieve otherwise.

Sympathy for the anti-cop movement has diminished sharply due to Americas crime wave, in which carjacking plays a substantial part. Carjacking like Scanlon experienced today.

Scanlon is also backing the Mental Health Justice Act being pushed by hard-left Democrats like Elizabeth Warren, Cory Booker, and Ayanna Pressley. According to this account, the legislation would make it easier for state and local governments to defund the police by instead funding mental health services and empowering them to respond to emergency calls instead of armed officers.

Today, though, Scanlon turned to and thanked the police, not mental health professionals.

Fortunately, the police department is funded sufficiently to assist her. But thanks to the efforts of the movement Scanlon plays a prominent role in, Philadelphia is experiencing a police staffing shortage due to budget cuts. Thus, the department might struggle to respond to and investigate crimes in which the victims lack Scanlons clout.

Nor is it clear that the average victim of crime in Philadelphia will see the perpetrator prosecuted even if he is caught. Prosecutions have fallen dramatically in Philadelphia under Soros-backed prosecutor Larry Krasner. According to this source, 65 percent of gun charges have been dismissed or withdrawn this year.

As a result of anti-cop, pro-criminal policies, the city suffered a 30-year homicide high in 2020. And so far this year, homicides are up more than 24 percent from that high, while shootings have increased more than 25 percent.

Fortunately, Scanlon wasnt shot. However, if she had resisted the criminals who stole her car, or maybe even failed to comply quickly enough, she might well have been.

Its too early for me to speculate about Scanlons prospects for reelection next year, particularly given the recent redistricting in Pennsylvania. However, crime is almost certain to be a major issue in any district in or near Philadelphia.

Scanlons giddiness following 2020 BLM protests had probably already turned to concern about the effect of the crime wave on her political fortunes. If not, I imagine it will after today.
For failing to appear in court and stalling an order, a magistrates court in Lagos State has declared Olarenwaju Saheed, popularly known as Jago, the estranged lover of a popular Yoruba actress, Ronke Odusanya, wanted.

The magistrate, M.O Tanilola, said Jago is wanted over his failure to appear in court which has made it difficult to execute a court order.

Ms Odusanya and Jago are in court for several reasons including the welfare of their daughter, Oluwafifehanmi, whom they welcomed in 2019.

In February, Mr Saheed, through his lawyer, requested the court to order a DNA test to ascertain the paternity of the child, on the grounds of suspicion of infidelity.

The actress agreed to the request through her lawyer on the condition that the DNA fees and other bills be footed by Jago.

The judge, Ms Tanimola, ordered the paternity test to be conducted at an undisclosed hospital on Lagos Island and the results be sent directly to the court.

However, months after the court order, Mr Saheed has refused to show up for the test, or appear in court, thereby delaying the court process.

In her ruling dated December 15, the judge issued a bench warrant against Mr Saheed and declared him wanted.

She thereafter adjourned the matter till February 9, 2022, for the hearing of the application.

Background

In December 2020, both parties were enmeshed in a messy separation scandal that was broken by a popular Instagram gossip blog.

Among other things, the blog alleged that the famous actress ruined the father of her child, financially by making him sell off his assets to fulfill her luxurious desires.

Responding to the allegations, the movie star said in a post on her Instagram page that the rumours were untrue but she had chosen to remain calm as the truth would eventually reveal itself.

While my silence will be taken for cowardice, I will be calm because the truth always reveals itself. I can defend myself but I wont want my daughter to grow up reading such irritating and fact-less information. The court of social media has always been myopic and manipulative.

Remember you did not make me, you cannot break me. Bank statements can reveal who has been receiving money from who and for what. Investigate before publishing. For the platform used for peddling such absurdity, seeds sown will surely germinate, she said.

Odusanya, 47, made her acting debut in the 2001 Yoruba film, Baba Ologba.

Also a cross-over actress, she has featured in several Nigerian films.
President Muhammadu Buhari Thursday in Maiduguri, Borno State, urged troops of Operation Hadin Kai to remain steadfast as they go into the final phase of the campaign against insurgency and other forms of criminalities.

The president, who addressed the troops at the Airforce Base in Maiduguri, said the entire nation remains grateful for the gallantry displayed in ensuring gradual return of peace to the North East, while condoling with families that have lost loved ones, and the wounded.

I urge you also to stay focused to achieve our strategic end-state which is the defeat of all adversaries and restoration of an economically viable North East Geo-political Zone and other parts of the Country where Nigerians are free to go about their activities without fear or harassment, he said.

President Buhari assured families of soldiers who paid the supreme price for the nation and the injured that the Federal Government will cater for their needs, recognizing their sacrifices for all Nigerians.

I am delighted to be with you today and to convey my gratitude and that of the entire nation to you all, as you continuously strive to secure our dear country.

Your career is like no other because it is a conscious commitment and preparedness to give your best for the sake of others.

I am therefore here on behalf of a grateful nation to thank and commend you for your service and sacrifices.

Let me start by commiserating with you all on the unfortunate loss of Brigadier General Dzarma Zirkushu and other personnel of 25 and 28 Task Force Brigades, who died on 13 November 2021.

I do this mindful of the fact that we have lost others in this Theatre of Operation as well as other operational areas across the country.

We pray for the repose of their souls and for the Almighty God to comfort the families that they left behind. The people of Borno State and indeed the entire country owe a debt of gratitude to our serving men in uniform for the huge sacrifices in the pursuit of peace, he said.

According to President Buhari, the government would continue to ensure that the widows and children of fallen heroes were well catered for, to help them fully realize their potentials.

The president noted that the response exhibited across the theatre had shown extraordinary resilience and steadfastness in the face of adversity.

That is the spirit, tenacity and resolve that the Nigerian Armed Forces is known for. Well done.

Our country, just like all the others in the Sahel region, is faced with several security challenges that are largely characterized by the violent activities of non-state actors. This has necessitated several interventions aimed at ensuring the security of persons and property across the numerous hot spots.

Further improvements in the security situation in Operation Hadin Kai have led to a corresponding rise in the confidence of our people who are now returning in significant numbers to their homes.

Further to the reorganizations in the military leadership, concerted efforts are being made to improve your equipment holding. I am aware that you have started receiving some of the platforms procured by our administration while others would be received in the weeks ahead, the President added.

While noting threats posed by criminals through the employment of Improvised Explosive Devices, he said substantial resources have also been directed at procuring equipment for explosive ordnance disposal.

According to President Buhari, similar attention is being given to Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance Assets.

These measures and the platforms being received would accord you the necessary reach, fire power and protection to project force across the Theatre and bring the fight to a logical and successful end.

President Buhari told the troops that at the onset of the administration he emphasized the need to rejuvenate the Multinational Joint Task Force, which was in realization of the fluid and transnational nature of current threats and their propensity to hibernate in neighbouring countries.

I therefore urge you to continue to further strengthen your cooperation with the militaries of the other countries under the auspices of the Multinational Joint Task Force in order to further optimize the mutual gains for our respective national security.

As we step up the military efforts, our administration has remained conscious of the efficacy of the employments of other lines of effort in our drive to ensuring the return of lasting peace to the North East Region.

The North East Development Commission continues to make giant strides at improving the economic and social welfare of Nigerians in the region.

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I am also happy with the increased level of cooperation between the good people of Borno State, other stakeholders and the security agencies. I urge you to continue to cooperate with other security agencies with a view to ensuring a full return to normalcy.

He assured that the administration would continue to work with all well-meaning stakeholders including friendly nations, civil society organizations as well as other credible non-governmental organizations to bring peace to all troubled areas across the nation.

President Buhari expressed deep appreciation to the Government of Borno State for its continuous cooperation with the Federal Government in multiple spheres.

Adding, This has been critical to the furtherance of our mutual efforts at restoring peace to the State.

I particularly commend Your Excellency, Governor Babagana Umara Zulum, for your untiring commitment and cherished collaboration with my administration for the overall good of the people of Borno. Yours is a good example of the inherent benefits that are accruable from conscious positive interaction between the Federal Government and states.

He also commended the Minister of Defence as well as the Chief of Defence Staff, Service Chiefs and the heads of all other security agencies for forging a common front of collaboration and cooperation which continues to enhance operations.

It was gratifying to observe some of these examples of collaboration during the Research and Development Exhibition at the recently concluded Chief of Army Staffs Annual Conference and the launch of locally constructed Seaward Defence Ship at the Naval Dockyard.

I urge you all to stay the course towards ensuring that we become self-sufficient in the production of our defence equipment in no distant future.

To my dear troops, as your Commander in Chief, I am mindful of your selfless sacrifices which in some cases have entailed paying the supreme price. The nation owes you a debt of gratitude for your commitment, dedication and unalloyed loyalty to the Constitution of the Federal Government of Nigeria.

Our Government will continue to work with your respective heads to ensure that your welfare receives priority attention and that our wounded comrades are given the best medical care possible, the President assured.

The President said the manpower challenges which have limited the rotation of some units from the Theatre would be addressed by concerted efforts to increase recruitment and ensure that the remaining units due for rotation were relieved as soon as practicable.

Femi Adesina

Special Adviser to the President

(Media & Publicity)

December 23, 2021
The World Health Organisation (WHO) on Wednesday warned that blanket COVID-19 vaccine booster programmes could prolong the pandemic and increase inequity.

WHO Director-General, Tedros Ghebreyesus, gave the warning at the last news briefing for the year at the agencys headquarters in Geneva.

No country can boost its way out of the pandemic.

And boosters cannot be seen as a ticket to go ahead with planned celebrations, without the need for other precautions, he said.

The WHO Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on Immunisation (SAGE) has issued interim guidance on booster doses, expressing concern that mass programmes for countries that can afford them, will exacerbate vaccine inequity.

Currently, around 20 per cent of all vaccine doses administered are being given as boosters or additional doses.

Blanket booster programmes are likely to prolong the pandemic, rather than ending it, by diverting supply to countries that already have high levels of vaccination coverage, giving the virus more opportunity to spread and mutate, Ghebreyesus said.

He stressed that the priority must be on supporting countries to vaccinate 40 per cent of their populations as quickly as possible, and 70 per cent by the middle of 2022.

Its important to remember that the vast majority of hospitalisations and deaths are in unvaccinated people, not un-boosted people, he said.

And we must be very clear that the vaccines we have, remain effective against both the Delta and Omicron variants.

The WHO chief reported that while some countries were now rolling out blanket programmes  for a third, or even fourth shot, in the case of Israel  only half of WHOs 194 Member States have been able to inoculate 40 per cent of their populations due to distortions in global supply.

Enough vaccines were administered globally in 2021, he said.

Therefore, every country could have reached the target by September, if doses had been distributed equitably through global solidarity mechanism COVAX and its African Union counterpart, AVAT.

Were encouraged that supply is improving, he said, adding that Today, COVAX shipped its 800 millionth vaccine dose. Half of those doses have been shipped in the past three months.

He again urged countries and manufacturers to prioritise COVAX and AVAT, and to work together to support nations furthest behind.

While WHO projections show sufficient supply to vaccinate the entire global adult population by the first quarter of 2022, and to give boosters to high-risk populations, only later in the year will supply be sufficient for extensive use of boosters in all adults.

Reflecting on the past year, Ghebreyesus reported that more people died from COVID-19 in 2021 than from HIV, malaria and tuberculosis combined, in 2020.

Coronavirus killed 3.5 million people this year, and continues to claim some 50,000 lives each week.

He said although vaccines undoubtedly saved many lives, inequitable sharing of doses resulted in many deaths.

As we approach a new year, we must all learn the painful lessons this year taught us. 2022 must be the end of the COVID-19 pandemic. But it must also be the beginning of something else  a new era of solidarity.

New guidelines

New WHO guidance recommends that health workers use either a respirator or medical mask, in addition to other personal protective equipment (PPE), when entering the room of a patient with suspected or confirmed COVID-19.

Respirators, which includes masks known as N95, FFP2 and others, should especially be worn in settings with poor ventilation.

As many health workers across the world are unable to access these items, WHO is urging manufacturers and countries to scale up production, procurement and distribution of both respirators and medical masks.

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The director-general said all health workers must have all the tools they need to do their jobs, which includes training, PPE, a safe work environment, and vaccines.

Its frankly difficult to understand how a year since the first vaccines were administered, three in four health workers in Africa remain unvaccinated, he said. (NAN)
Taiwo Aweda was just 16 years old when she was married off to Lawal Ahmed. She got pregnant one year into her senior secondary education at Ilogbo Government Secondary School, situated in Ojo Local Government Area of Lagos State.

I met my husband when I was in JSS 3 after which I got pregnant for him a year after I got into SS1, she told PREMIUM TIMES.

In August 2019, Ms Aweda, then a pregnant teenager, was pressured by her parents to move in with her husbands family, who were living in Imude, a community in the heart of Ojo Local Government Area of the state.

She told PREMIUM TIMES that the union, which lasted barely a year, kicked off after an introduction ceremony attended by a few representatives from both families.

We got married when I was just four months pregnant, she said.

The ceremony was attended by a few people from both my mother and fathers side. Same with him, he came with representatives from both families.

After she gave birth to her daughter Aishat, Ms Aweda said, she was subjected to maltreatment in her husbands family house. This, according to her, impacted her health as she experienced severe pain in her lower abdomen, raising suspicion of gastric ulcers.

During my stay at my in-laws family house, I was mistreated a lot, especially his mother. Also, I was barely fed despite the fact that I just had my baby. As a result of that, I was always having stomach pain and I visited a nearby pharmacy where I was treated for ulcers.

A time came when my mother came visiting. She saw how lean I was and how I was being treated, she went back home to inform my dad; that was when my dad said I should come back home. And said I will only go back to my husbands house when his family is ready to complete the entire wedding ceremony, she narrated.

It is over a year since the sanction by Ms Awedas father and no one from her husbands family has made efforts to complete the marriage rites. Yet, she takes her 2-year-old Aishat to her husbands familys house every weekend.

Ms Aweda, now 19, has resorted to working as a sales representative at a building material shop to assist her five siblings, her daughter, painter dad and trader mother.

From her N20,000 monthly salary, she has also been able to register for tutorial classes to aid her educational preparation, in a bid to further her education.

For Ms Aweda, the day starts at 5:00 a.m. After domestic chores, she has 2-year-old Aishat to drop off at the creche, a job to resume to and tutorials to attend in the evening.

Being a single mother is stressful but Ms Aweda said she is coping despite her hectic schedule.

Happily married at 16

Unlike Ms Aweda who dropped out of school to tie the nuptial knot, Abidat Omidiji, 20, completed her secondary education and got married at the age of 16 years in Imude.

Mrs Omidiji said she is happily married with two children. She said her union with her husband was solemnised according to the Islamic rites.

Mrs Omidiji, who does not know her husband, Abeebs age, described him as a very caring and loving husband who had established a shop for her where she sells footwear for both genders.

She said she met Abeeb during her junior years at Ilogbo-Elegba Junior Grammar School, a government-owned school in Ojo Local Government Area.

I got married at the age of 16 years old, the same year I completed my secondary school education and my vocational training in tailoring sometime in 2018.

Hes a plumber working here in the Imude community in Ojo LGA. And he has been very nice and caring to me and a good father to his children. He established a shop for me, where I sell shoes for both males and females also in this Imude community.

Asked if she plans to further her education, she said it is a decision to be made subject to Mr Omidijis approval.

On my education, I would still love to go back to school, to complete my education only if my husband permits. If he says yes, I would, and if he says no, I wouldnt, she said.

Prevalence of Child Bride in Imude Community

Located on the outskirts of Ajangbadi after Shibiri, Imude is a developing community with a river that flows from Ojo through Igbede.

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Child marriage is said to be prevalent in Imude. According to Bella Foundation for Child and Maternal Care (BEFCAM), which referenced government records at Imude Maternity and Healthcare Centre, out of every 10 women that visit the health facility for antenatal clinic and delivery, four are young girls between the ages of 12 and 17 years.

A 2019 Focus Group Discussions (FGD) survey conducted by the non-governmental organisation revealed that four out of every ten girls marry before the age of 17 at Imude, thus preventing the girls from further education or acquiring skills that can empower them economically.

Speaking to PREMIUM TIMES, the groups programme manager, Bella Akhagba, said girls in Imude, between the age of 15 and 17 years, are getting married as a result of unwanted pregnancy, poverty or due to cultural factors.

We as a foundation we have been able to identify and train survivals of child marriage. And these girls were also trained as advocates against child marriage through advocacy skills, Ms Akhagha, whose organisation is based in Ojo Local Government Area, said.

We also gave them skills in soap making, hand sanitisers to empower them financially to sustain themselves and their families.

She noted that the groups advocacy birthed the drafting of a bye-law against child marriage in Ojo LGA that awaits passage into law.

The major challenge we are having is that most of these girls do not want to come out because of shame and stigmatisation associated with them getting married at an early age.

Also, the majority of them want to establish a small scale business and the ones that want to return to school have made efforts by rewriting their WAEC but the challenge is funding to empower these girls.

Rita Amaocha, a matron at Imude Maternity Health Centre and an advocate against child marriage, buttressed Mrs Akhagbas point, adding that teenagers account for 40 per cent of the antenatal visits to her centre.

In this maternity home, I do a record of about 40 per cent of antenatal visits for teenagers. I have recorded girls in the age group of 13,15 and 17 years. There are too many.

And when you tell them these girls are not mature, and they need attention they will divert themselves to a traditional medical centre. One in question is a girl of 16 years that we managed.After her delivery, I referred her to a general hospital, only for her to end up in a church where she died.

She explained that many of them end up with complications such as symphysis, symphysiotomy, and severe anaemia.

Both Ms Akhagba and Ms Amaocha want the government to ensure the laws against child marriage are domesticated at all levels across the country.

Child marriage: A public health concern

Child marriage remains a public health and developmental concern in Nigeria. The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) defines child marriage as any marriage where at least one of the parties is under 18 years of age.

According to a 2018 UNICEF report, more than one-third of girls in Nigeria are married off before their 18th birthday, thus placing the nation among countries with the highest number of child brides in Africa.

The practice is also illegal, according to the Child Rights Act, which was passed in 2003 and pegged the age of marriage at 18 years old.

About 18 years after the passage, only 27 of Nigerias 36 states have domesticated the law. Other states yet to adopt the law are majorly Northern states like Kano, Katsina, Jigawa, Zamfara, Bauchi, Yobe, Gombe, Borno and Adamawa, Kebbi, Zamfara, Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Yobe.

Experts say there is a strong link between Child Early Forced Marriage (CEFM) prevalence and endemic poverty, poor education outcomes, school dropout rates, and poor access to basic social, economic and healthcare services.

Maryam Uwais, a special adviser to President Muhammadu Buhari on social investment and founder of the Isa Wali Empowerment Initiative, said child marriage is prevalent in many of the communities where poverty is endemic.

Parents, and fathers especially, actually benefit from the dowry and extras that their daughters suitor contributes to the family of the girl child, she said in a report published on Jihadwatch.

Although believed to be more rampant in the north, a 2021 report by Save the Children International, highlighted the prevalence of child marriage in southwestern states where the Child Rights Act has been domesticated.

The report, titled The State of the Nigerian Girl Report: The Diagnosis of Child Marriage and Girls Education in Nigeria, says 11 per cent of girls dropped out of school to get married in southwest Lagos State. While seven per cent of those who dropped out of school to get married received a primary school certification, seven per cent received a secondary school certificate.

Bad parenting, reason for high number of child marriage

Ariyo Baba-Bose, the Chairman of Imude Local Community Development Area (LCDA) blamed bad parenting for the prevalence of the menace in the community.

It is a very big issue, and a serious matter, the parents have to make up their mind to ensure that their children do what is right. Not all of us can afford to send all our children to higher institutions but primary and secondary education.

When we bring up children that we cannot train and cater for, what do we expect, you have no control over such children, It starts from the home. And the great blame goes to the parents. If what you can afford is two children why not accept that and be content with it.

While the community leader said he is not against learning a vocation, he encouraged parents to make plans for their childrens education.

To solve this issue of child marriage, everybody, including parents stakeholders must first be willing to work against it. And not the government alone, he stated.

The Obi of Imude community, Aguedu Clement, insisted that poverty as a cause cannot be ruled out.

Poverty also contributed a lot to the situation. When you look at the homes in our society, you will see a family of ten living in just a one-room apartment. There are some kinds of things you do not have to exhibit in front of children, for them to be seeing it when they are too early. There are inevitable things in life, Mr Clement said.

Parents should prioritise training their children, Victoria Bolujoko, an activist and politician at the Ojo LGA said, urging parents to look beyond money

On the government side, they need to organise seminars for parents to let them know the importance of training their children because its when the child can take care of him/herself they can now take care of the parent, she further stated.

Not only Imude

The outlawed practice is not only rampant in the Imude area of Lagos, PREMIUM TIMES findings revealed.

Hauwau Ahmed was forcefully married off by her father at age 13 but the union was called off when she was 17.

She said her three-year-old marriage was called off before the traditional leader, Sarkin Kabiru of Ebutemeta Adekunle, after her father alleged that the estranged husband was not a Nigerian but from Gabon.

Ms Ahmed, a trader at Idi-Araba Surulere, who is now 47, was born in the Maroko Obalende area of Lagos. She recalled that the divorce happened during a clash in the state between Yorubas and Hausas.

I got married in Yaba Adekunle Lagos State, at the age of 13 and I have given birth to 9 children. I had one child from my first marriage.

I can say I didnt like my first marriage because I was forcefully married, Ms Ahmed said, explaining that her first marriage at a young age caused severe troubles for her both medically and emotionally because it fueled disaffection at her subsequent marriage.

Though I was happy when I divorced my first husband at a young age, even though he was a good man to me, and very handsome. Hes Fulani from Kebbi state, but I later heard hes not Nigerian, and that caused a lot of controversies and led to our divorce. But I didnt like him without any reason, and I can say that the experience of hatred affected my other two marriages.

However, due to the fragility of her reproductive organs being a teenager, she experienced a cut during childbirth.

A girl at the age of 13 cannot give birth so in most cases they end up having difficulties during childbirth. I remember during my first child delivery I had a terrible cut because I was too young to have a baby at the age of 13, she said.

A woman may end up dead due to complications such as Vesicovaginal Fistula, she added.

Vesicovaginal fistula, or VVF, is an abnormal fistulous tract extending between the bladder (vesica) and the vagina that allows the continuous involuntary discharge of urine into the vaginal vault.

I am calling upon parents if you love your child your girl child do not give her away for marriage at a young age. This issue is a serious issue because it affects the girls life like a wildfire.

Marrying off your child at the age of 13 is not a good thing but marrying off your child at a mature age let me say 18 is better but 12 or 13 is a terrible idea so I am calling on the parents to please and now their girl child grows before giving them out for marriage, Ms Ahmed said.

Activist calls for abolishment

Toyin Taiwo-Ojo, a lawyer and womens rights advocate, said child marriage is not justifiable and age-long cultural and religious practices permitting it should be abolished.

Yes, it may be more common in some places than others but that does not mean it doesnt exist nationwide, she said giving examples of different communities across the country where child marriage is common.

Many of them, practising this heinous act, hinge it on tradition and practice of the Prophet Muhammad, she reiterated.

If we go back in time, this was a time child marriage was prevalent, all over the world, even in Europe. Many Islamic nations have now, like the rest of the world, departed from this absurd practice and have placed the age of marriage at 18 years, she said.

This is because medicine has discovered that when ladies less than 18 years bear children, there are often medical complications. In fact, it is said that the best age of reproduction is between the ages of 18 and 35 years old.

Government, Citizens, NGOs should work together

Lai Olurode, a professor at the Sociology Department of the University of Lagos called on the governments, not-for-profit organisations and other concerned citizens to work together by either adopting the children exposed to becoming child brides or providing them with skills.

This, he said, would prevent the children from becoming a burden to society.

I would say we would have to intensify the advocacy to discourage people from marrying early. The bottom line is that people should learn how to bring to the world the number of children they can take care of.

The don spoke on the social impact on girls who go into early marriage.

They can even have all sorts of complications during their reproductive lives. The child mortality rate for children who are married at an early age can be high because they cannot afford to eat good food. And do not forget life only begins during pregnancy.

They may not be able to afford good food during pregnancy. they may be lean and not be able to withstand many months of pregnancy, he said.

Lagos Authorities React

When contacted, the Director Child Department, Ministry of Youth and Social Development of Lagos State, Olubukayo Odukoya, in an interview with PREMIUM TIMES, highlighted the efforts of the state government in solving the menace of child brides despite the Lagos Child Rights Law 2007, which prohibits child marriage.

Ms Odukoya said the state is working with a network of other ministries including the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Justice, and the Office of the Public Defendants (OPD) in collaboration to help solve the problem.

We have the Child Protection Unit of the Ministry of Youth and Social Development that responds and prevents every form of abuse in the state, she said.

Early marriage is a form of abuse and we (Lagos) are working in collaboration with all other agencies, as you know that child protection issues cannot be done by one ministry, she said.

According to the official, whenever a case of child marriage is identified, the state government ensures such a child is kept in protective custody for further investigations.

She said the ministry also works directly with the Directorate of Public Prosecution (DPP) to ensure prosecution of culpable persons.

Many of the children do not come out to speak, she said, as one of the challenges her office faces.

Ms Odukoya urged members of the public to report cases of abuse and child marriage to the state government.

If anyone finds anybody that is being abused, such a case can be reported to our various social service offices in all the local government areas of the state so we can take appropriate actions.

And we also have the child protection network, which is an organised non-governmental organisation that also prevent and respond to cases of abuse and child marriage in the state.

Whenever we identify an abuse, what we normally do is to ensure that we put the child in protective custody for further interrogations.

We have seen cases of early marriage that have been reported. And we as a state ensure we speak to the parents and families to know why that has been done. And how we can rescue the child.

Then we have social workers in all school, those children when getting to school they report to their teachers and if any teacher identifies a child that is abused in any form, we have hotlines: 09077333426, and 08172457792 that can be reported so that action can be taken.

We also create awareness by going across schools to ensure that these children speak out. Most of the children dont speak out but we encourage them to speak out whenever they are in danger and try to let them know that this is where they can call and report to this office so action can be taken.

Asked about the actions taken on parents, the official said, Anybody that is found guilty, we normally do, we work with the Ministry of Justice, and we work directly with the Directorate of Public Prosecution DPP which we refer to and they handle the justice aspect of the matter.

And what we normally do when there is an issue of poverty, we refer them to the ministry of women affairs is in charge of vocational training. And try to empower them by giving them skills and providing them with start-up kits to start up.

Support for this story was provided by the Media and Gender Project of Premium Times Centre for Investigative Journalism (PTCIJ) #CREATESAFESPACES
Maiduguri international airport about one hour before the arrival of President Muhammadu Buhari to Borno State on an official visit. At least five people have been confirmed dead as multiple bombs landed around theabout one hour before the arrival of President Muhammadu Buhari to Borno State on an official visit.

The bombs believed to have been fired from outside the town began to land on different locations around the airport at about 10:45 a.m.

Witnesses and security sources familiar with the development confirmed that at least five motorized explosives landed in mostly residential areas, killing and injuring many civilians.

A source who spoke to PREMIUM TIMES on the phone said one of the bombs landed in Ayafe suburb of Ngomari, killing four persons including a 16 years old girl.

Other bombs landed in Ajilari Cross, Moromti and at the Legacy Housing estate in Bulumkutu, the source said.

Movement of people has been restricted in Maiduguri ahead of the visit of President Muhammadu Buhari who is visiting to commission projects in the state.

An operative of the Civilian-JTF, Malam Saad, who is the commander of Sector 9, confirmed to journalists on the phone that about four people were affected by the explosion.

Yusuf Ibrahim, a resident of Bulunkutu, said two teenage girls have been killed: one at Ayafe and one at Ajilari Cross.

The president finally landed at the Maiduguri International airport at about 11:40 a.m.

Details later
More than 70 travellers have been reportedly abducted along the Kaduna-Birnin Gwari road in Kaduna State.

According to Channels Television, the incident occurred around Udawa village after Buruku in Chikun Local Government Area of the state on Wednesday.

A witness account said the vehicles conveying the travellers, mainly traders, were attacked by gunmen suspected to be bandits in their large number.

While witnesses said the travellers, who were later taken into the forest were more than 70, the state police command said 48 were later rescued.

The spokesperson of the command, Mohammed Jalige, said the operatives of the Buruku Divisional Police station, who were escorting passengers along the road, came under attack by an unspecified number of gunmen, who opened fire on the moving vehicles.

He explained that the police operatives successfully repelled the attack through superior firepower, before rescuing 48 of the passengers.

According to him, there was no casualty on the part of the police operatives and the attackers, adding that the rescued victims were in good health and later continued their journey.

Banditry attacks, especially on highways, have become commonplace in Kaduna State, where terror groups kidnap, kill and steal from innocent citizens.

Other states suffering from similar attacks are Zamfara, Sokoto, Katsina in the North-west region and Niger in the North-central.

The attacks have continued despite the heavy deployment of security personnel to the region.

With the attacks, Nigeria is now perceived as a county under siege.

Aside from insurgency, virtually all parts of the country currently battle one form of insecurity or the other, with various crimes going on, largely unabated.

While the North-central is also plagued by bandits and criminal herders who operate in parts of Kogi, Benue and Nassarawa, the North-east is still fighting a decade-long battle war with Boko-Haram and other insurgency groups, such as ISWAP.
President Muhammadu Buhari has arrived in Maiduguri as part of a one-day official visit to Borno.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the presidential jet on Thursday landed at the Nigerian Air Force wing of the Maiduguri International Airport at about 11.45 a.m.

The president was received by Governor Babagana Zulum, his deputy, Usman Kadafur, members of national and state houses of assembly, and some top government officials.

Other dignitaries that received the president were the Chief of Army Staff, Farouq Yahaya and Christopher Musa, the theatre commander of Operation Lafiya Dole, heads of security agencies, community and religious leaders.

Babakura Abba-Jatau, the Borno cmmissioner of information, said that Borno Governor Babagana Zulum was honoured to welcome the president.

He said that during the visit, Mr President will commission the Muhammadu Indimi Centre for Distance Learning and an International Conference

Centre, both of which were elegantly built for the University of Maiduguri.

Mr President will also commission three of the numerous landmark projects executed by the administration of Professor Babagana Umara Zulum in two years.

The projects include Bornos first flyover with upper and lower lanes at the old Customs Round about 10-kilometer dualize Maiduguri-Muna road and a new Mega Secondary School in Kushari in Maiduguri.

The good people of Borno State are always excited to welcome and host President Muhammadu Buhari.

According to him, the visit of the president was in recognition of open affection and love for Borno which is demonstrated in his relentless and sincere commitment to the fight against insurgency in spite of challenges in the midst of many victories.

(NAN)
While millions of Nigerians are in the mood for Christmas celebrations, Aderemi Olufemi, a civil servant in Ondo State, is in a battle for his life.

Doctors say he has cancer of the bladder and would need N5 million for a radiation operation if he must live.

He has been on three pints of blood per week for over six months and has had chemotherapy.

A series of abdominal CT scans had also been carried out.

In spite of the interventions, Mr Olufemis situation has only worsened as it was discovered the cancer was not responding to the chemotherapy.

The Akure-born patient was advised by medical experts who had been treating him at the University of Medical Sciences Teaching Hospital, Akure, and Ondo to go for a radiation operation.

According to him, he had already spent M3.5 million, which was all his savings, and had not improved.

His situation is now worsened by the realisation he could no longer raise any money since he had expended all he had.

His newest challenge is to raise N5 million urgently, which is the cost of a radiation operation as quickly as possible.

The radiation is expected to be carried out in a private hospital in the country, as public institutions available do not have functional facilities.

I want to appeal to all Nigerians to help me so that I wont die, he said.

I have spent more than N3.5m on this ailment, but I dont have money anymore to continue the treatment and go for the radiation operation.

My wife had been to UCH and some other private hospitals. So, they gave estimation of what the operation would take.

Mr Olufemis bank account details are 0034116617 GTBank. He can also be reached on his mobile lines: 07036321927, (His wifes 08168946842).

His wife, Ibidun Olufemi, told PREMIUM TIMES that the inability to raise the amount has kept her husband at home after they were discharged from the hospital.

As I speak to you, his PCV is 16 percent and we have been buying blood to keep him going, she lamented.

She said each round of radiation would cost around N1million and the doctors advised that her husband would need at least three radiations.

Mr Olufemi is a civil servant, who works at the Ministry of Lands. His office has been notified about his predicament. According to his wife, promises have been made from his office, no help had come at the moment.

Mrs Olufemi also revealed that her husband had been suffering from the disease for the last 18 months.

We have spent everything we have, sold our land, but we are yet to find solution, she added.

She noted that the leadership of the church they attend, Cherubim and Seraphim, had been supportive and had already made donations to the treatment.
As many friends and families consider whether to celebrate Christmas together, World Health Organisation (WHO) issued a reminder on Wednesday that anyone who ignores COVID-19 is perpetuating it.

WHO Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean region, Ahmed Al-Mandhari, in his message said the pandemic was far from over.

Citing the latest modelling data, Al-Mandhari said that 22 countries and territories in the region would probably see more than 17 million cases and over 314,000 deaths by the end of the year.

In spite of the holiday season, failure to apply the established public health and social measures could cause alarming surges in the number of COVID-19 cases and related deaths, he said.

While the Omicron variant has already been found in 14 countries across the Middle East and eastern Mediterranean region, more research is needed before its impact on existing vaccines, diagnosis and treatment, is fully understood, the WHO Regional Director explained.

COVID-19 will continue to evolve in the months to come; simply because the virus continues to mutate.

This is what viruses do: they change as they circulate, he said.

He underscored that following COVID-19 prevention guidelines is the only way we can stop the virus from spreadingnow more than ever.

Mr Al-Mandhari explained why everyone needs to stick to the guidelines: First, the winter season has been characterised by spikes of cases and deaths.

Second, the holiday season with gatherings of friends and families. Third, the arrival of Omicron, which has the capacity to become a dominant variant in a matter of weeks wherever it emerges.

I must also remind you that increasing levels of social mixing provide the virus with the highest opportunity to spread, he said

Although everyone is tired of hearing about COVID-19 and its restrictions, we need to face an undeniable factthe virus is still very much present among us, he added.

WHOs top official in Europe, Hans Kluge, also issued a statement against the backdrop of rising Omicron cases, revealing that last week, Europe and central Asia saw 27,000 additional COVID-19 deaths and 2.6 million new cases.

Although infections stem predominantly from the Delta variant, since its identification 27 days ago, Omicron has been detected in at least 38 of the 53 Member States in WHOs European Region.

We can see another storm coming  Omicron is becoming, or already has become, dominant in several countries, including in Denmark, Portugal and the United Kingdom, where its numbers are doubling every 1.5 to three days, generating previously unseen transmission rates, he said.

This variant can evade previous immunity in people  so it can still infect those who have had COVID-19 in the past, those who are unvaccinated, and those who were vaccinated many months ago.

Furthermore, those who have recovered from COVID-19 are three-to-five times more likely to be re-infected with Omicron, compared to Delta.

On a positive note, early evidence supports the assumption that COVID-19 vaccines continue to do their job and save lives.

Because the virus has been transmitted mostly among adults in their 20s and 30s, spreading in social and workplace gatherings, Mr Kluge, noted three things that we need to do urgently.

Protect ourselves through vaccination, prevent further infections, and prepare health systems for a surge in cases.

He insisted on the importance of scaling up vaccines for everyone: If you are unvaccinated  get the jab. If you have had COVID-19 in the past  get the jab. If you are due a booster  get the jab.

Mr Kluge said that vaccinations should go forward along with other infection-prevention measures, such as avoiding crowded, closed, and confined spaces; keeping physical distances; washing hands; and wearing a mask.

Governments and authorities need to prepare our response systems for a significant surge, he underscored.

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According to him, testing and tracing capacities must be increased, health and frontline workers supported hospitals prepared for a surge,

None of our tools are made redundant by Omicron. All are as relevant as before, and we know what to do, he said. (NAN)
The Osun State government has suspended a secondary school teacher, Akiyemi Philip, for allegedly insulting Governor Gboyega Oyetola on social media.

Mr Philip allegedly abused the governor on issues concerning the political wrangling currently rocking the All Progressive Congress in the state.

The APC had been factionalised in the state; while a group is loyal to the governor, the other is loyal to his predecessor and current minister of interior, Rauf Aregbesola.

Until his suspension, Mr Philip taught Physics at Masifa Community Grammar School in the Ejigbo area of the state.

Critical

Checks on his social media page showed that he has been critical of the state government, tilting his tent toward the former speaker and the splinter group of the party, The Osun Progressives.

On his Facebook page, he wrote, Elegbeleye and His Team That Conducted Osun APC Congresses Has Been Appointed to Conduct Osun APC Primary As Usual, Iwaloye 2022: Good Morning Progressive Family.

Dont Give A Betrayed Second Term, The Battle of 2006-2010 Should Be A Lesson For The Present. Ex/Former As Case May Be Await You Soon! No Retreat; No Surrender, to mention a few posts.

Wielding the stick

Earlier, on December 8, the government through the ministry of education had issued a query to the accused teacher to explain why disciplinary actions should not be taken against him over his posts.

In his response, a copy of which we saw, Mr Philip said that he didnt abuse the governor as he has been a staunch loyalist of the government.

He explained that his posts on social media never disrespected the state government or the governor.

He said, I was employed as a physics teacher presently at Masifa Community Grammar School, Masifa, where I always discharged my statutory obligations as expected, ranging from teaching of students as schedules on the timetable and all statutory records are updated from time to time and well kept.

I have never, and will never insult the personality of Mr Governor and his government. In fact, in January, 2019 during the court case between Mr. Governor and Senator Nurudeen Ademola Adeleke after the election at the election petition tribunal, Abuja.

I was one of 14 witnesses that were randomly selected across the state then. The duo of Hon. Oladejo Kazeem and my humble self were the last two witnesses who gave evidence in favour of Mr. Governor before the tribunal at Federal High Court, Apo-Abuja.

Despite my fundamental human right and entitlement to my opinion on social media, none of my postings and comments are neither abusive nor provocative against state Government and Mr. Governor.

I am highly committed to what I am employed for as a physics teacher and I vow to discharge my best to promote sound education in the state.

Not satisfied

But not satisfied with his explanations, the government through the Ministry of Education/Osun West Education District Office suspended him indefinitely.

In his letter of suspension, the government accused the teacher of being more focused on partisan politics than his teaching duties as a civil servant.

Your unpatriotic behaviour, abusive and provocative postings and comments on social media are against the Civil Service rule.

Unless contacted beforehand, you are not permitted to enter the school premises.

Reported by colleagues

Contacted, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Education, Jamiu Olawumi, said the teacher was reported by his colleagues over his attitude and unchecked involvement in politics.

Mr Olawumi also noted that the embattled teacher was not sacked but suspended.

His case emanated from his colleagues who in their petition expressed worries over his involvement in party activism which they said was affecting his primary assignmentteaching.

He was queried by the school principal. But the query aggravated his misdemeanour daring nobody could punish him even according to General Order. However, before he would become a bad influence the case was reported to Tutor General who further investigated him and found him culpable.

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He employs uncouth language on the person of Mr Governor without caution with a lot of false claims. We really allowed due process before sending him on suspension. He was not sacked.
The Abuja #EndSARS panel probing allegations of human rights violations perpetrated by the defunct Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) and other units of the Nigerian police, on Thursday, awarded N146 million to victims of gross rights violations.

The Executive Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Tony Ojukwu, at the ceremony where the awards were announced on Thursday, said the monies were a symbolic gesture in assuaging the feelings of victims of the infringements.

At the emotionally charged ceremony, the deceased victims families and survivors of rights abuses received dummy cheques as a mark of the awards.

The actual cheques are to be issued to them later.

PREMIUM TIMES had reported that the NHRC, which set up the federal governments panel of enquiry on police brutality in Abuja, said in March this year that 44 of the petitions submitted were about enforcement of judgments awarding damages against the police for rights violations.

The commission added that 20 of the petitions considered in just one day had a total of N575.8 million in judgment debts against the police.

The compensations in the judgments, according to the commission, were awarded in cases bordering on extrajudicial killing, unlawful arrest and detention, cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment and torture, alleged enforced disappearance, confiscation of property, among others.

Victims relatives weep

A Port Harcourt-based petitioner, Victoria Agori, could not hold back tears during the ceremony, when her family was awarded N15 million compensation for the murder of her son, Daniel, by SARS operatives.

In a brief interview with our correspondent shortly after the event, on Thursday, the heartbroken mother appealed to the Inspector-General of Police to order the release of her sons remains for burial.

Daniel Agori was killed by defunct SARS personnel in May 2019, in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

We also seek the order of the panel for the immediate release of the corpse of Daniel Agori for proper burial.

We further pray for the order of the panel for compensation of one billion naira, Mrs Agori who was accompanied by her husband, Princewill Agori, had urged the panel.

Similarly, the family of Angela Igwetu, a corps member, who was killed by a police officer in Abuja, received N10 million compensation.

Twenty-three-year-old Ms Igwetu was shot by a police officer identified as Benedict Peters around Ceddi Plaza, in the central area of Abuja, on July 4, 2018, the day she was meant to conclude her national service.

Her sister, Chinenye Igwetu, who petitioned the #EndSARS panel in Abuja, said she was shot while returning home from where she had gone to celebrate her successful completion of the scheme with her colleagues.

Representing her family for the award programme on Thursday, Chinenye said There is no amount of money that can bring closure to Angelas tragic killing, as her eyes welled in tears.

She called for the swift prosecution of the alleged killer cop, Mr Peters.

I want justice for my sister. I want my family to be compensated, even though no amount of money can bring my sister back, Chinenye had told the panel.

Another survivor who received compensations was Kingsley Kalu who got N5 million for the loss of a limb to the shooting by the police in Akwa Ibom State.

Also, Festus Idehens family received N15 million compensation for the killing of their son by the police.

In all, 20 victims families and survivors were compensated for various forms of police brutality and outright killings by armed operatives.

There cant be impunity in Nigeria forever

While presenting the symbolic dummy cheques on Thursday, Mr Ojukwu, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), said there must be an end to gross human rights violations in the country.

There cannot be impunity in this country forever. We are holding this ceremony to underline the fact that there must be accountability for human rights violations, and if there is a violation, there must be a remedy, he said.

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The NHRC boss attributed the various conflicts plaguing Nigeria to issues of human rights violations and injustice that have not been settled over the years.

Today marks one of the days where we have begun the journey to restore the dignity of man; to underline the universal declaration of human rights, which says we are all born in dignity and in rights, Mr Ojukwu said in an impassioned tone.

He restated the commissions willingness to bring succour to Nigerians; to provide remedy where their rights have been violated and in that way, we can contribute to reducing conflict in the society.

Panel cash-strapped, adjourns indefinitely

The Secretary to the panel, Hilary Ogbonna, enumerated several challenges that militated against the panels mandate.

He said funding remained a huge challenge to the effective working of the panel, a revelation that confirms PREMIUM TIMES earlier reported this year about how inadequate funding crippled the panels proceedings for several months.

Funding to support the panels logistics and operations; to support the work of panel members and secretariat staff as well as payment of compensation to victims in concluded petitions, remains a challenge.

He itemised operational challenges with the police in terms of lack of records and serial disobedience to the panels orders, which frustrated its work.

What happens to the remaining 143 petitions? Mr Ogbonna wondered about the fate of the pending complaints that must be adjudicated upon by the panel.

As a result, the panel adjourned indefinitely as NHRC will continue to seek funds to administer the panel and to compensate victims.

There will be no more sitting until funding comes, the panel secretary said.
The regulatory agencies investigating the November 5 oil spill at Oil Mining Lease (OML) 29 at Nembe Bayelsa on Thursday attributed the spillage to sabotage.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that the accident polluted the Santa Barbra River and Nembe Creeks.

NAN also reported that the Joint Investigative Visit (JIV) to ascertain the cause, volume and impacted areas resumed on Wednesday following a visit by the Minister of State for Environment, Sharon Ikeazor.

The JIV is a statutory probe that follows every reported leak incident.

The JIV is usually convened by the operator of the leak facility and it comprises representatives of the oil firm, affected communities, regulators and state Ministry of Environment.

Representatives of the National Oil Spills Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) and the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) told reporters after the visit that they traced the leak to sabotage.

Ismail Baba-Ahmed, NOSDRAs representative on the JIV, said based on his experience in fluid mechanics and interactions with wellhead experts who plugged the leak, only vandalism could have caused the spill.

He said the threading on the wellhead casing from where the valve was removed was not worn out, a development that suggests that the leak was not caused by pressure.

Adetoyibo Adeyemi of NUPRC agreed with NOSDRA that physical examination of the failed wellhead indicated that the pressure from the oil well was not sufficient enough to blow it.

Enai Reuben, head of Pollution Control, Bayelsa Ministry of Environment, however, told reporters that the inspection was inconclusive because the JIV team could not see the exact point of the leak.

Mr Reuben said it would, therefore, be inaccurate to draw a conclusion on the cause of the spill.

It will be inaccurate to draw a conclusion without seeing the leak point. In an investigation it is called evidence-based conclusion, he said.

He wondered why the wellhead could not be preserved for evaluation after the leak was stopped.

NAN reported that the leak, which was reported on November 5, was plugged on December 8, while 16,280 barrels of crude and crude sediments were recovered from the incident site.

(NAN)
The Zamfara Commissioner for Women and Children Affairs, Rabi Shinkafi, has resigned her appointment to take up another commissionership appointment in Imo.

I resigned my appointment as commissioner in Zamfara to enable me to pick another appointment as commissioner in Imo, Ms Shinkafi told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Gusau, the Zamfara Statevcapital, on Thursday.

I am immensely grateful to Gov. Bello Matawalle and his Wife, Hajiya Aisha Matawalle, for their kindness to me and for giving me the opportunity to serve Zamfara in different capacities.

All the speculations in the social media about my resignation are completely false; it was just work of mischief makers, she said.

I have a perfect and cordial relationship with the governor and his wife. I consider them as my family and they were in the picture of my going to Imo.

Both Governors Hope Uzodinma of Imo and Matawalle (of Zamfara) discussed it as fellow All Progressives Congress governors and as friends too, Ms Shinkafi added.

(NAN)
The Katsina Police Command says it has arrested a 45-year-old man, Sani Mamuda, for allegedly supplying arms and ammunition to bandits in Katsina and Zamfara States.

The Katsina Police Public Relations Officer (PRO), Gambo Isa, disclosed this while parading the suspects on Thursday at the police headquarters in Katsina.

According to him, the suspect was arrested on Wednesday morning on his way to Zamfara to deliver two AK-47 rifles and two magazines loaded with 42 rounds of 7.62 mm live ammunition to bandits.

Mr Isa, a superintendent of police, further explained that the suspect concealed the weapons underneath the seat of the motorcycle he was riding to Zamfara state.

On Dec. 22, 2021, at about 7:30 pm, based on credible intelligence, DPO Kurfi Division and team accosted Mamuda of Birnin Magaji Local Government Area (LGA) of Zamfara State.

Mamuda, a notorious bandit and arms dealer who specializes in supplying weapons to bandits in the forests of Katsina and Zamfara states, was arrested along Kurfi-Batsari road while on transit from Katsina State to Zamfara State.

Other items allegedly found on Mamuda were 12,000 CFR; N49,500; one Techno handset and two Airtel SIM cards.

Mamuda confessed to have bought the two rifles at Mashi forest from one Masaidu and one Abdullahi, who are now at large, Mr Isa said.

The police spokesperson said an investigation had already begun on the suspect, and that the suspect will be arraigned before a competent court after its completion.

The suspect, while responding to questions, confessed that he was taking the weapons to some bandits in Zamfara State.

Mr Mamuda said he used to make a profit ranging between N50,000 and N80,000 on each rifle sold.

He added, The urge to make ends meet made me go into the business about two years ago. I only supply weapons to bandits. I have never killed people with these weapons. (NAN)
The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the final forfeiture of 60 buildings illegally acquired by a former Deputy Commandant of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC), Adenike Ishola Bintu, to the Federal Government of Nigeria.

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) had applied for the final forfeiture of the 60 buildings and a 9.6-hectare plot of land, both located at Sabon-Lugbe South-West Extension, Airport Road, Abuja.

ICPCs spokesperson, Azuka Ogugua, who disclosed this in a statement on Thursday, said the assets were alleged to have been acquired by Ms Bintu through corrupt means.

ICPCs case

ICPCs lawyer, John-Paul Okwor, told the court that the commission was relying on Section 48 (1) (2) and (3) of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000, which empowered it applied to the court for the forfeiture of assets corruptly acquired by individuals.

The commission had argued before the court that the former NSCDC official set up a private company, Faith Winners Victory Properties Limited, through which she was said to have fraudulently sold plots of land to unsuspecting members of the public.

The court heard that Ms Bintu claimed that the land, which she used to dupe over 1,000 people that subscribed into the estate business, was owned in partnership with NSCDC.

However, the subscribers, who had made several payments running into millions of naira, were neither allocated plots of land nor had their funds returned to them by Ms Bintu and her company.

ICPC also argued in court that Ms Bintu, whom it claimed had jumped bail and is now a fugitive, did not enter into any partnership with NSCDC to build estates for members of the public, as she alleged.

Defence

She told the court in her argument that ICPC had no powers to prosecute civil cases and that sections 6 and 48 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000, relied upon by the commission had been repealed by the 2003 amended version of the law. She, therefore, prayed for the case to be struck out.

Ruling

The judge, O.A Egwuata, in his ruling, dismissed her arguments for lack of merit.

He then ruled that all the 60 buildings and the 9.6 hectares of land situated at Sabon-Lugbe South-West Extension, Airport Road, Abuja, listed by ICPC be forfeited to the federal government.
Overall, this is power to the people. Let the people take centerstage in our politics please. And still talking about rules, when Nigeria adopted Option A4 for the 1993 elections, we saw the results. It was out there in the sun. And it was very democratic In the interest of our own future, let us invite the sun. For according to the holy books, that was perhaps the first thing created by God himself. Let there be light. Direct primaries and electronic voting please, thank you.

I read the presidents reply to the National Assembly (NA), on his refusal to sign the Electoral Amendment Bill as proposed, especially the part where the NA felt that political parties should conduct direct primaries. By direct primaries, it is meant that in choosing flagbearers of political parties, all party members should be involved, as against the current scenario  especially in the two large parties  where the selection process is often mired in secrecy and hijacked by a small coterie of powerful principalities and powers who sit on the necks of these political parties at every level of society. It could be inferred that the result of the internal governance of those parties, including the cultures which have overtaken them  especially the secrecy in adopting candidates  is what has translated into the bigger wreckage that Nigeria is today, 22 years after our hope-filled return to democracy. Indeed, it is a fact that a political party can only translate its culture into the leadership of a country if it gets the chance to lead. Therefore, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), being a party that led mostly in the years of boom, became used to sharing booty, hence corruption thrived. The All Progressives Congress (APC), being a special purpose vehicle of strange bedfellows, has also unleashed the dysfunctionality in the partys structure on the whole of Nigeria.

The presidents reply was saddening, for its skullduggery. The presidency would want us to believe that the expenditure on parties would be too much if they were required to conduct direct primaries. Also, that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) would spend too much on supervising primaries. The president also believes that it will be against democracy to dictate to political parties how to select their flagbearers. Furthermore, he mentioned the security situation in the country (a shameful excuse indeed, given that the security buck stops at his desk). This security excuse is at the same level as those folks (especially governors), who tried to whip up COVID-19 as an excuse to continue with the status quo, as if we shall live with the fear of COVID-19 for the rest of our lives.

The part that tips me over is his conclusion that small parties cannot afford direct primaries. Small parties? Since when did General Buhari care about small parties? Since when did anyone in PDP or APC care about small parties? Did they not gang together to smother small parties in their cots just last year, 2020? Did they care that by the action they pressurised INEC to take, ultra vires the constitution of the Federal Republic and in obvious impunity by which INEC said to those parties: go to court if you dont like it  in mockery of our judicial system, they unleashed the innocent energies of young people who were trying to make their own ways politically, culminating in #EndSARS, and the Indegenous People of Biafra (IPOB), and Sunday Igboho? Now, they wish to use the ghosts of small parties as a crutch to escape what is essentially a call for transparency? And indeed, let me inform them that some of us who formed small parties saw this far and beyond, way back five years ago or more, and so we instituted direct primaries as part of our constitution  even the election of party officials, using Option A4 (open ballot, where people queue behind their candidates). We could afford it. It was not a big deal and we had no complaints. It was all about organising ourselves, and the core principle which we strove to institute was transparency. For transparency, we believed that any cost was well worth it. Why? When you start to do things in secret, you open the door wide open for speculations, accusations, bribery and corruption, fractionalisation, backbiting, cultism, and what have you. The non-embrace of transparency by these older folks is the reason why we are here today. In our small parties, we hoped that our transparent culture will permeate the entire system. The old folks saw that we may change the status quo over time, and so caused INEC to wield the sledgehammer. The old folks in APC and PDP want Nigeria to be exactly how it is  never better. And this is a message to Nigerians at large.

With regards to whether the idea of instituting direct primaries for all parties is democratic, of course it is. Our democracy is based on laws. We have chosen some and rejected others, from the options that we present in a democracy. Some of what we have codified into laws could as well be called undemocratic. Our people just like to rabble rouse when it suits them. Is the banning of small parties after one incomplete round of elections not undemocratic?

They say that the best disinfectant in the world is the sun. Yes; this same sun that we take for granted on a daily basis. It took the coming of COVID-19 for some of our big men to realise that theyve been killing themselves by sitting inside airconditioning all day, all night and depriving themselves of vital vitamin D. But the sun is there for good reason  in excess, and free for us here in Nigeria as others in the world rue their fates in winter. The sun is also there, to illuminate, to simplify, to demystify, to make plain. There is indeed another saying that is apt for this purpose. It goes: an age was called Dark, not because the sun refused to shine, but because people REFUSED to see it. It is therefore most unfortunate that our Mai Gaskiya (the truth-teller) has consistently lined up behind darkness since he became president in 2015, and the results are there to see. Analysts say Buhari has always, will always step down any Bill that pushes for electoral reforms. But with the darkness that we have embraced in this country comes crime, and decay, and terrorism, and the looting dry of a society. And indeed, these evils drag along other evils, leaving the people in so much pain, misery, and confusion. One would have hoped that anything that promotes transparency, even at a great cost, will be supported by the man who says he is holy and clean.

With regards to whether the idea of instituting direct primaries for all parties is democratic, of course it is. Our democracy is based on laws. We have chosen some and rejected others, from the options that we present in a democracy. Some of what we have codified into laws could as well be called undemocratic. Our people just like to rabble rouse when it suits them. Is the banning of small parties after one incomplete round of elections not undemocratic? Did civil society organisations (CSOs) not join forces with government and even the main opposition, which is not an opposition, PDP, to enact that injustice? Why not just allow anyone form any political party, even without going through INEC, after all the constitution guarantees freedom of association? In Ghana, they have members of parliament, like in a parliamentary system of government, but they still vote for a popular president, like in a presidential system of government. Ditto in Kenya, France, and many other countries around the world. They did not come here for validation. They did not have to read it from some Olevel textbook on Government. And those countries are plodding ahead. Perhaps what we should be asking ourselves is why we are so twisted as a people? When did we become like this; that nothing works straight and any idea that may afford us some level of progress, through transparency and doing things properly in spite of ourselves, is summarily shot down?

Choosing direct primaries is therefore just one of the choices we may take, and it is indeed necessary, given how we have turned out as a people. It has nothing to do with the fundamentals of democracy, after all it is even more about the right of the PEOPLE to choose their own leaders from the ground-up. The idea also promotes the involvement of the people in political parties, not this current situation where most people are disinterested, except when to collect chicken change, while the few stakeholders who own the parties  and by extension the soul of this country  do anything they like. Part of what they do is to impose on the people absolute neer-do-wells, touts, thugs, criminals, and to summarily substitute the names of anyone who falls out of their favour. If Nigerians are serious about democracy, this direct primary issue should be pursued to a logical conclusion, alongside the electronic voting proposal. Direct primaries will not be perfect at all. It can be manipulated, but we will see a few wins here and there, and then it gets better. Electronic voting too can be summarily hijacked by the tweaking of a few algorithms from the back-end. But for a corruption-ridden system like ours, these innovations are worthwhile.

Direct primaries is the only way to begin a gradual cleansing  sorry exorcising  of our politics from the many demons that have held it down. Rather than lodge delegates in hotels and commence the process of dollar competition, let whoever wishes to bribe start looking for all party members wherever they may live. They will get tired, and hopefully the politics will regain some sense of objectivity.

The question now becomes; how do we make any progress in this country? Politically and otherwise. Of course, we neednt be reminded just how intricately woven the politics of a society is to its economy. In the presidents reply, when he cited the cost, he is just chasing kobos and hemorrhaging nairas. We shouldnt be sparing expense in fixing our politics, so that our economy may take flight. My thinking is that direct primaries is the only way by which truly popular candidates may sometimes emerge, even if they are disfavoured by those moneybags who have constituted themselves into principalities and idols to be worshipped. Direct primaries is the only way to begin a gradual cleansing  sorry exorcising  of our politics from the many demons that have held it down. Rather than lodge delegates in hotels and commence the process of dollar competition, let whoever wishes to bribe start looking for all party members wherever they may live. They will get tired, and hopefully the politics will regain some sense of objectivity. And if they can indeed give dollars to all party members, perhaps that could be written down as a transfer of wealth from the rich to the poor  income redistribution.

Overall, this is power to the people. Let the people take centerstage in our politics please. And still talking about rules, when Nigeria adopted Option A4 for the 1993 elections, we saw the results. It was out there in the sun. And it was very democratic. The National Assembly has the right to tweak the constitution, by a majority vote, and to override the president, even in electoral matters. We are refusing to grow. We sometimes talk of true federalism and all that jazz, which equates to copying what America is doing verbatim. But do we know that in the same USA, when their democracy started and for several decades after, the first runner up in a presidential election became the Vice President, irrespective of the political party he belongs? Is that democratic enough for us? Did they come here to ask us for approval? Or are we saying we are truly inferior beings? In the interest of our own future, let us invite the sun. For according to the holy books, that was perhaps the first thing created by God himself. Let there be light. Direct primaries and electronic voting please, thank you.

Tope Fasua, an economist, author, blogger, entrepreneur, and recent presidential candidate of the Abundant Nigeria Renewal Party (ANRP), can be reached through topsyfash@yahoo.com.
Truth is, except in Buharis fantasy, nothing in this Electoral Bill threatens his legacy. And Im ashamed to say this: that a man who was not once, not twice, and not even three times a victim of electoral fraud, should shirk the opportunity to make things better when he can and should. Hes just about to hand his presidency over to the PDP on a platter.

After four weeks of delay, confusion and indecisiveness, President Muhammadu Buhari finally refused on Monday to sign the Electoral Amendment Bill, citing a raft of reasons which took him so long to improvise, you could clearly guess he wanted the cup to pass over him.

But every leader must, at some point, face their demon. President Olusegun Obasanjo was in a similar position 20 years ago, when he refused to sign the NDDC Bill on the grounds of a disagreement with the National Assembly over what percentage of statutory allocation the Commission should get.

While he proposed 10 per cent and a reduction of the annual budget of the oil and gas companies from three to 1.5 per cent, the National Assembly wanted a 15 per cent statutory allocation to NDDC and three per cent from the companies. In the end, the former president was overridden by a National Assembly with his own party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), in majority.

In spite of the huffing and puffing by the current All Progressives Congress (APC)-dominated National Assembly, its improbable they would muster the will  or even the numbers  to override Buhari.

Whats the sticking point in the Electoral Amendment Bill? There are a few, but the obvious one is the provision in the bill for mandatory direct primaries by the political parties. Under the law, the parties may choose their candidates through direct or indirect primaries  or even by voodoo executed in the coven of some party godfathers. This latter option is elegantly called consensus.

Things fell apart between members of the National Assembly, who want a statutory end to the indirect primaries because they say its undemocratic and largely liable to manipulation, and governors who say mandating primaries for parties is undemocratic and expensive.

The governors have captured the president and, against the public mood, his refusal to assent to the bill was full of excuses that hide the truth in plain sight. Its a shocking Christmas present from a man who after being a victim of a shambolic electoral process that thwarted his election three times, vowed after his success at his fourth attempt, to leave a legacy of free, fair and transparent elections.

If Buharis refusal was a PDP curse, then theyve gotten him. And if its a trap by insiders in his party with a vested interest in his failure, thats even worse as they have failed to give him even a fig leafs shred of argument to cover his weak and naked excuses.

How could Buhari say he withheld assent because of cost, for example? Cost to who? The parties, and not the government, are responsible for primaries. Even though the parties have made it a bazaar of sorts, which is precisely what governors want because they hold the wallet, it is not the governments business to pay for or organise party primaries.

The argument about security did not make sense either. If anything, its not only an indictment of Buhari who was voted principally to secure the country. It also hints that the president is leaving such a deplorable legacy of insecurity; he does not even see things getting better long after he is gone!

Rank and file members who are truly fed up with eating out of the hands of governors should organise themselves and put their money, time and talent where their mouth is, to wrest the parties from governors and take back control. Its not Buharis job to save the parties.

And in case he was talking about the cost of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) conducting the primaries, he said nothing about what the current cost is, never mind the expected revised cost.

It is regrettable that a president interested in making a serious argument for not assenting to a vital public legislation, did not have the courage to show the public what INECs actual feedback on cost was, weeks after he claimed seeking the commissions advice on the matter.

And hes right about something, though. The parties, including his own, have dubious membership registers. So, how can we be afraid of something we dont even know, something were not sure of. Conjecture is not evidence.

The argument about security did not make sense either. If anything, its not only an indictment of Buhari who was voted principally to secure the country. It also hints that the president is leaving such a deplorable legacy of insecurity; he does not even see things getting better long after he is gone!

Thats a blow to the reputation of a man in whom so much hope was placed for a more stable and secure country six years ago. And yet he makes the argument so casually that he cannot even see that he is undermining himself.

Thats not all. Buhari said he was withholding assent because to sign the bill in its current form would infringe the right of choice of citizens and the political parties. Citizens, he said, specifically party members, should be free to choose their candidates anyway they want. Why put them in a straitjacket? Also, the parties, under their present titles, have greater discretion of choice and should not be tempted with any other option that might lead to needless litigations.

That sounds really seductive, the sort of argument a philanderer espouses before he finds his next victim: it wont hurt, trust me  its for your good! But it ends in premium tears. To pretend that the current system is a voters carte blanche is to be disingenuous. Choice is already circumscribed by the constitution and the Electoral Act, and the latter permits selection through one of three means  direct or indirect primaries or voodoo.

The strongest argument for mandating only direct primaries is that it vests the decision for the selection of candidates in the rank and file. And why not, if they are prepared to invest in the system and if CSOs are also prepared to help build a culture of volunteerism to strengthen the democratic culture?

The Electoral Amendment Bill is more than direct primaries. There are also provisions in it to cap election spending further, toughen the penalties for vote-buying and validate the use of biometrics and electronic transmission of results. There have been suggestions that it is this last bit about biometrics and transmission of results that Buhari doesnt want, and not necessarily direct primaries.

Even though a number of National Assembly members who favour direct primaries do so out of spite for state governors, the system offers far greater guarantee of transparency and fair competition than does the current muddle.

But the emptiness of Buharis argument does not end with its self-serving pretension that it seeks to defend voters rights. It also claims that it wants to save smaller parties from the logistical nightmare of direct primaries. Well, this Salvation Army is coming rather late.

If Buhari was interested in saving smaller parties, he would have sponsored a bill that dismantles the current system which insists that whether by hook or crook, parties must have offices in every local government and every state, for national spread. Who needs that? That is what is killing smaller parties and making even the bigger ones wrecking balls.

One of Nigerias brightest lawyers, Jiti Ogunye, made this point in his intervention on why the National Assembly should override the president; its a must read. To make it even worse, there is a provision in the electoral law that disqualifies parties that fail to meet a certain threshold at elections from registration! Is Buhari not aware? Or does he just prefer the sport of attacking the ringworm, while the leprosy festers?

Isnt it a shame for a man who covets a legacy of electoral reforms that even this contentious bill is not an executive bill? Yet, Buhari is happy to be led by the nose by a minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, who obviously is in cahoots with some governors to bend the system (in Kebbi, his home State, and nationwide), to his personal advantage. Apart from chewing the microphone, what has Buhari done, in concrete terms, in the last six years, to promote electoral transparency and internal party democracy?

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Im amused by the nonsense from quislings in the ruling APC, who say that a National Assembly veto must be prevented to save Buharis legacy from stain. Really? Are they serious? Cant they see that the party itself is in grave danger, going for years without a chairman, a national convention, a board, or anything whatsoever on which it can stand as a party, beyond the first quarter of next year? If the lawmakers love Buhari and if they love their party, they must save the president by a veto.

If they dont, the fallout would swell disenchantment among swathes of already disenchanted members in the rickety ruling party who would, in turn, be obliged to leave the empty shell for Buhari and his remnants. Heads or tails, the governors will be alright; but Buhari will be miserable in retirement.

The Electoral Amendment Bill is more than direct primaries. There are also provisions in it to cap election spending further, toughen the penalties for vote-buying and validate the use of biometrics and electronic transmission of results. There have been suggestions that it is this last bit about biometrics and transmission of results that Buhari doesnt want, and not necessarily direct primaries.

Truth is, except in Buharis fantasy, nothing in this Electoral Bill threatens his legacy. And Im ashamed to say this: that a man who was not once, not twice, and not even three times a victim of electoral fraud, should shirk the opportunity to make things better when he can and should. Hes just about to hand his presidency over to the PDP on a platter.

Azu Ishiekwene is Editor-in-Chief of LEADERSHIP.
I repeat: I have myself argued the case for direct party primaries but as an address to the parties themselves. I would now qualify that call with a proviso: when necessary. Political parties, as voluntary associations, should be the judge of when to use consensus, direct or indirect primaries to choose their candidate. The efforts and scarce resources of the Federal Government are better channelled towards the eradication of the withering effect of money in our politics

The news dominating the headlines now is President Buharis refusal of assent to the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill 2021. While the bill includes other important provisions aimed at patching up our admittedly rageddy electoral process  electronic transmission of results, for instance  it is the proposition of direct party primaries that constitutes the big bone of contention. It is as clear from the presidents letter to the National Assembly giving his reasons for withholding assent as in the torrent of reactions by citizens and civil society organisations (CSOs). The president is concerned about the financial, security and legal consequences of signing the bill into law. He thinks that direct party primaries would infringe on the rights of Nigerians to participate in governance and democracy, ironically the very thing that patriots and CSOs insist the bill will promote! In his words, the amendment as proposed is a violation of the underlying spirit of democracy, which is characterised by freedom of choices (sic) of which political party membership is a voluntary exercise of the constitutional right of freedom of association.

And this also is my point of disagreement with those who have pilloried the president and urged the National Assembly to override his veto by way of a two-thirds majority vote. As it happens, however, many of the presidents critics are not only friends and comrades in the struggle for democracy during the long years of military dictatorship, several, like myself, even being jailed for our pains, but also CSOs, the constituency that I served for two decades in the heyday of military tyranny as a student and human rights activist. Take, for instance, the well-reasoned argument of my good friend, right from our days in the National Association of Nigerian Students (when there was a body properly called by that name), Samuel Big Sam Adegboruwa (SAN). Not an easy task disagreeing with him, but differ I must, not in the form or even substance of his argument  it being legalistic in the main  but in the spirit of what democracy truly enjoins on us. In other words, what makes it possible for both President Buhari and Adegboruwa to lay claim to the same motive: democracy, freedom of association and popular participation in choosing those to govern us.

But more than a worry over disagreement with fellow-travellers is the fact that mine has been among the many voices clamouring for electoral reforms  see, for example The Time for Genuine Electoral Reform is NOW! April 27, 2016, and, also, Why APC Must Enact Change by Jettisoning Indirect Rule, September 13, 2018. So, then, how do I now differ from the prevailing sentiment? In a small but crucial way. I will explain. It will be noticed that the subject of the first article is a general call for electoral reform  including the need to curb the costly timidity or connivance of the Supreme Court in substituting its opinions for the will of the people in electoral matters, with the 2008 report of the Justice Uwais panel as immediate point of reference, while the second article is a direct appeal to the All Progressives Congress (APC), of which Ive been a member since 2014. And it turns on the narrow issue of freedom of association, a dispassionate discussion of which, I believe, will make President Buhari, whatever motive may be attributed to him by his critics, closer to its letter and spirit than might be readily admitted. We must be instinctively suspicious of power, but I think we must also be ready to concede when a valid argument is made in support of an official action, even when we are opposed to it.

I differ from the view that party primaries be made legally mandatory because that would be a clawback from the full purport of the constitutional guarantee of freedom of association. Political parties may loom large and enjoy enormous prestige, especially where they produce presidents, prime ministers, governors and legislators, but in reality, they are just like any other association of citizens formed for any number of causes, power or governance among them. Crucially, they are voluntary associations. Moreover, they are not agencies formed by or for the government, which would make it necessary to regulate every aspect of their activities by law. This, in a nutshell, is what the president poignantly pointed out in his letter to parliament, even when so much on the defensive that he could not forward it until deadline day. Amending the electoral law to prescribe direct primaries as the one and only means by which political parties can choose their candidates is, the president argues, a violation of the underlying spirit of democracy, which is characterised by freedom of choices. Then he added the clincher: Political party membership is a voluntary exercise of the constitutional right to freedom of association, stating the obvious, that millions of Nigerians are not card-carrying members of any political party.

It seems to me that the almost total condemnation of President Buharis withholding of assent to mandatory direct party primaries is borne of a nervous anxiety over the fate of our admittedly shabby democracy. Given the trauma of military terror constantly triggered by the stark perversions of elections at every level, our very souls cry out for a modicum of respect for the will of the people, starting with the process of nomination of candidates where parties seem to control all the aces.

I have no doubt that those who think that President Buharis refusal of assent is entirely driven by partisan and selfish reasons would not argue the contrary view. They cant be heard to say that political parties are not voluntary associations of individuals with a partisan view of society and governance, for which they seek power in order to actualise it. As a result of their crucial role within the framework of electoral democracy, however, certain conditions must be prescribed for their registration and participation in the electoral process. And by and large, the extant electoral act supplemented by any guidelines that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) issues in exercise of its powers, sufficiently take care of that need. That political parties are not the fons et origo, the source and origin, or beginning and end of democracy can be seen in the fact that independent candidates can and ought to also be able to seek the mandate of the people. So, then, what amendment should be proposed for them  that direct primaries be conducted by INEC for all individuals who indicate their intention to run for political office, at which all the relevant constituents, not members of any political party, would vote?

I make the last point, of course, only for the sake of argument but, essentially speaking, parties should be free to choose their candidates through consensus or, failing that, direct or indirect primaries. If they sideline their members  we must always be reminded that it is an internal affair of the party  they run the risk of angering them and the ensuing discord and disenchantment could prove disastrous to their hope of winning the election at stake. They should know that rival parties would only be too happy to exploit any disaffection caused by disenfranchising their members. That, in my view, is enough reason for the leaders of the parties to be very cautious in choosing the option for selecting their candidates. It is true that a coincidence of the lure of office, as a sure means to power and affluence on the part of politicians, and grinding poverty and deep alienation from government, on the part of the masses of the people, has led to the enthronement of money as the arbiter of all of our elections, and that consequently this in-built check to the subversion of party members participation in choosing candidates has little or no effect. Nevertheless, laws should never be enacted to void the vital civic obligation of responsibility. Part of our problem is over-legislation: just see how voluminous our constitution is yet how frivolous our regard for it, how ineffective it is as our foundational document of nation-building!

The solution lies in returning power to the people, or put another way, in empowering the people to shun the vicious effect of money in our elections, and in inculcating the value and true spirit of democracy, not in the vain hope that legislating every aspect of our lives will abate the evil. Again, President Buhari points out the obvious. The higher the stakes  and they cant get higher than our numerous parties conducting direct primaries across the length and breadth of the country  the ever greater the amounts of money that would be needed by the parties to organise them and to fund INECs supervision in thousands of locations. And this gives even greater advantage to the money-bags, who invariably are the incumbents: the president, governors, senators and representatives, ministers and other high political appointees running for elective office, state legislators and local government chairpersons. Or the challenger with a godfather or for whom money is no object. Just how would direct primaries prevent a poverty-stricken electorate from selling their votes to the highest bidder? My experience of being universally hailed twice over as head and shoulders above my opponents and yet being told to my face, But you dont have money tells me we are better off with the strict prosecution of electoral offences, especially vote-buying. Just three months ago, I was asked by my party and I gladly agreed to enter the race to fill a vacant seat in the Delta State House of Assembly. I lost because the rival party, which has controlled the power and purse of the State since 1999, threw open the treasury to buy votes as its only hope of winning. And win they did, offering an average of four to five thousand naira for a vote, even ten thousand naira in some instances! I reported in my reflections, Of Bye-elections and the Isoko South Constituency 1 BUY-election, September 23, how a mother voted against her sons and my party, APC, because PDP is where the money is: obe yo igho ro, she had said as a matter of fact; franchise be damned! Indeed, at the rate we are going, a goat might very well win an election if sponsored by any of the major parties ready to outbid its rivals. A hyperbole, I agree, but dont bet against it.

It seems to me that the almost total condemnation of President Buharis withholding of assent to mandatory direct party primaries is borne of a nervous anxiety over the fate of our shabby democracy. Given the trauma of military terror constantly triggered by the stark perversions of elections at every level, our very souls cry out for a modicum of respect for the will of the people, starting with the process of nomination of candidates where parties seem to control all the aces. Why leave our fate in their hands, if they wont practice the internal democracy that they loudly proclaim in their constitutions and manifestoes, when we can compel them by law to be democrats? But can we? Can we legislate the internalisation of the ethos of democracy? I think that the presidents letter shows some of the ways that we give ourselves false assurances of popular participation in an era of money-bag politics.

I am more inclined to agree with Femi Falana (SAN), but on a slightly different ground: that the National Assembly strike out the provision in the bill for mandatory direct primaries, since section 87 of the Electoral Act allows direct or indirect primaries, and pass the entirety of the rest of the amendment bill. Since the president did not adduce any other reason for withholding his assent, it goes without saying that we would then not throw out the baby with the bath water.

And this nervous anxiety manifests itself in how ready we are to overlook the blurring of boundaries and to condone or even call for the desecration of first principles, while at the same time constantly lamenting that ours is a federation in name only. Because we have lost faith in our ability to organise and compel action for the common good, we look to law as our saviour, a deus ex machina that would enthrone democracy by magically doing away with the win-at-all-cost mentality of electoral office seekers and the corrupted will of an impoverished people. It is why, for instance, INEC has to conduct governorship elections and why we want it to also handle local government elections. Yet, the problem of state independent electoral commissions being mere agents of the state governors and their parties can be dealt with by guaranteeing their independence. One way of doing so is to free them of the control of sitting governors by making their budgets appropriated first line charges. Their autonomy would be further ensured with their members drawn from each registered party (which must pass the test of viability and continued registration after an election), civil society organisations and the bar and bench, the chairperson of the commission to be elected from among the members. This formula, by the way, can also be used to constitute INEC, and the Justice Uwais panel made a gesture towards the same goal. But rather than advocate for this or any other means of ensuring the autonomy and credibility of state electoral commissions, we settle for the easy option of calling in the Federal Government through INEC to further erode the idea of federalism. Even worse, all the states elect their governors on the same day, except for the disruption caused by the courts, leading to a few states now having to elect their governors on the effective dates of the determining electoral petition judgements. The constant, however, is the role of the federal behemoth.

Which brings me to the thrust of Adegboruwas earnest criticism of President Buharis refusal of assent and urging of the National Assembly to override it: that mandatory direct primaries do not violate the constitutions of the political parties, given the constitutional and statutory duty of INEC to register parties in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution which, needless to say, are superior to any validly enacted law, never mind that mere party constitutions are not legal documents in the first place. Unimpeachable argument, but this ignores the question of the extent, scope and implications of the fundamental principle and right to freedom of association. It also elides the related issue of the overreaching nature of the military-imposed 1999 Constitution. In another context, I know that Adegboruwa would be even more eloquent about how the 1999 Constitution tells a lie against itself by claiming it is we the people who enacted and gave it unto ourselves, and point to how it enables the centre to arrogate to itself virtually every significant right and power of government in the exclusive legislative list, thereby making the states nothing more than glorified administrative units of an imperious centre, the lethal effects of which we see in our unitary state passing off as a federation. Why the Constitution even sets up state governments, when the obverse ought to be the case  the states setting up the Federal Government  and provides for the manner of election of its executives and legislators. The unending agitation for a sovereign national conference is caused precisely by the need to draw up a constitution that accords with not only the letter but, more important, the spirit of democracy, especially in a clamorous multi-ethnic nation such as Nigeria.

I repeat: I have myself argued the case for direct party primaries but as an address to the parties themselves. I would now qualify that call with a proviso: when necessary. Political parties, as voluntary associations, should be the judge of when to use consensus, direct or indirect primaries to choose their candidate. The efforts and scarce resources of the Federal Government are better channelled towards the eradication of the withering effect of money in our politics; in particular, of vote buying at polling units on election day. Yet, direct primaries are only one aspect of the amendment bill. I consider electronic transmission of results from polling units far more crucial to the fate of our fledgeling democracy. To that extent, I am more inclined to agree with Femi Falana (SAN), but on a slightly different ground: that the National Assembly strike out the provision in the bill for mandatory direct primaries, since section 87 of the Electoral Act allows direct or indirect primaries, and pass the entirety of the rest of the amendment bill. Since the president did not adduce any other reason for withholding his assent, it goes without saying that we would then not throw out the baby with the bath water.

Ogaga Ifowodo is a lawyer, scholar, poet, public commentator and principal partner at Remedium Law Partners. He was the APC candidate in the September 11 Delta State House of Assembly bye-election.
Nigerias President Muhammadu Buhari spoke in a reassuring tone Thursday while addressing troops in Maiduguri, hours after terrorists attacked the vicinity of the airport where the president was expected to land in the Borno capital.

PREMIUM TIMES reported how multiple bomb explosions rocked communities around the Maiduguri airport Thursday morning. The bombs began to land on different locations around the airport at about 10:45 a.m.

President Buharis plane landed at the Maiduguri airport at about 11:40 a.m.

At least five civilians died in the explosions. Security sources told PREMIUM TIMES that the attackers used grenades and locally improvised explosives for the attack. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack although Boko Haram and the ISWAP are very active in Borno State.

It is not clear if the attacks were meant to target the president or just to embarrass him by firing at the vicinity about an hour before he arrived at the airport. However, in his speech hours after the attacks, the president sounded unperturbed.

The president was received at the airport by Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum, his deputy, the army chief and other top security and political functionaries in the state.

During his visit to the state, Mr Buhari visited the Airforce Base in Maiduguri where he addressed troops of Operation Hadin Kai who are leading the war against the terrorists in the North-east.

Mr Buhari told the troops to remain steadfast as they go into the final phase of the campaign against insurgency and other forms of criminalities, his spokesperson, Femi Adesina, said in a statement Thursday evening.

I urge you also to stay focused to achieve our strategic end-state which is the defeat of all adversaries and restoration of an economically viable North East Geo-political Zone and other parts of the country where Nigerians are free to go about their activities without fear or harassment, the president was quoted as saying.

The statement did not say if Mr Buhari spoke specifically about Thursdays bomb explosions.

Read the full statement below.

WERE IN FINAL PHASE OF CAMPAIGN AGAINST INSURGENCY AND OTHER FORMS OF CRIMINALITIESPRESIDENT BUHARI

President Muhammadu Buhari Thursday in Maiduguri, Borno State, urged troops of Operation Hadin Kai to remain steadfast as they go into the final phase of the campaign against insurgency and other forms of criminalities.

The President, who addressed the troops at the Airforce Base in Maiduguri, said the entire nation remains grateful for the gallantry displayed in ensuring gradual return of peace to the North East, while condoling with families that have lost loved ones, and the wounded.

I urge you also to stay focused to achieve our strategic end-state which is the defeat of all adversaries and restoration of an economically viable North East Geo-political Zone and other parts of the Country where Nigerians are free to go about their activities without fear or harassment, he said.

President Buhari assured families of soldiers who paid the supreme price for the nation and the injured that the federal government will cater for their needs, recognising their sacrifices for all Nigerians.

I am delighted to be with you today and to convey my gratitude and that of the entire nation to you all, as you continuously strive to secure our dear country.

Your career is like no other because it is a conscious commitment and preparedness to give your best for the sake of others.

I am therefore here on behalf of a grateful nation to thank and commend you for your service and sacrifices.

Let me start by commiserating with you all on the unfortunate loss of Brigadier General Dzarma Zirkushu and other personnel of 25 and 28 Task Force Brigades, who died on 13 November 2021.

I do this mindful of the fact that we have lost others in this Theatre of Operation as well as other operational areas across the country.

We pray for the repose of their souls and for the Almighty God to comfort the families that they left behind. The people of Borno State and indeed the entire country owe a debt of gratitude to our serving men in uniform for the huge sacrifices in the pursuit of peace, he said.

According to President Buhari, the government would continue to ensure that the widows and children of fallen heroes were well catered for, to help them fully realize their potentials.

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The president noted that the response exhibited across the theatre had shown extraordinary resilience and steadfastness in the face of adversity.

That is the spirit, tenacity and resolve that the Nigerian Armed Forces is known for. Well done.

Our country, just like all the others in the Sahel region, is faced with several security challenges that are largely characterized by the violent activities of non-state actors. This has necessitated several interventions aimed at ensuring the security of persons and property across the numerous hot spots.

Further improvements in the security situation in Operation Hadin Kai have led to a corresponding rise in the confidence of our people who are now returning in significant numbers to their homes.

Further to the reorganizations in the military leadership, concerted efforts are being made to improve your equipment holding. I am aware that you have started receiving some of the platforms procured by our administration while others would be received in the weeks ahead, the President added.

While noting threats posed by criminals through the employment of Improvised Explosive Devices, he said substantial resources have also been directed at procuring equipment for explosive ordnance disposal.

According to President Buhari, similar attention is being given to Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance Assets.

These measures and the platforms being received would accord you the necessary reach, firepower and protection to project force across the Theatre and bring the fight to a logical and successful end.

President Buhari told the troops that at the onset of the administration, he emphasised the need to rejuvenate the Multinational Joint Task Force, which was in realization of the fluid and transnational nature of current threats and their propensity to hibernate in neighbouring countries.

I, therefore, urge you to continue to further strengthen your cooperation with the militaries of the other countries under the auspices of the Multinational Joint Task Force in order to further optimize the mutual gains for our respective national security.

As we step up the military efforts, our administration has remained conscious of the efficacy of the employments of other lines of effort in our drive to ensuring the return of lasting peace to the North East Region.

The North East Development Commission continues to make giant strides at improving the economic and social welfare of Nigerians in the region.

I am also happy with the increased level of cooperation between the good people of Borno State, other stakeholders and the security agencies. I urge you to continue to cooperate with other security agencies with a view to ensuring a full return to normalcy.

He assured that the administration would continue to work with all well-meaning stakeholders including friendly nations, civil society organizations as well as other credible non-governmental organizations to bring peace to all troubled areas across the nation.

President Buhari expressed deep appreciation to the Government of Borno State for its continuous cooperation with the Federal Government in multiple spheres.

Adding, This has been critical to the furtherance of our mutual efforts at restoring peace to the State.

I particularly commend Your Excellency, Governor Babagana Umara Zulum, for your untiring commitment and cherished collaboration with my administration for the overall good of the people of Borno. Yours is a good example of the inherent benefits that are accruable from conscious positive interaction between the Federal Government and states.

He also commended the Minister of Defence as well as the Chief of Defence Staff, Service Chiefs and the heads of all other security agencies for forging a common front of collaboration and cooperation which continues to enhance operations.

It was gratifying to observe some of these examples of collaboration during the Research and Development Exhibition at the recently concluded Chief of Army Staffs Annual Conference and the launch of locally constructed Seaward Defence Ship at the Naval Dockyard.

I urge you all to stay the course towards ensuring that we become self-sufficient in the production of our defence equipment in no distant future.

To my dear troops, as your Commander in Chief, I am mindful of your selfless sacrifices which in some cases have entailed paying the supreme price. The nation owes you a debt of gratitude for your commitment, dedication and unalloyed loyalty to the Constitution of the Federal Government of Nigeria.

Our Government will continue to work with your respective heads to ensure that your welfare receives priority attention and that our wounded comrades are given the best medical care possible, the president assured.

The President said the manpower challenges which have limited the rotation of some units from the Theatre would be addressed by concerted efforts to increase recruitment and ensure that the remaining units due for rotation were relieved as soon as practicable.

Femi Adesina

Special Adviser to the President

(Media & Publicity)
The Defence Headquarters says troops of Operation Whirl Stroke operating in Benue, Nasarawa and Taraba, arrested 16 migrant bandits from Niger Republic.

It said the bandits were arrested in different operations across the North Central.

The Acting Director, Defence Media Operations,. Bernard Onyeuko, a brigadier-general, disclosed this while giving update on military operations across the country between December 9 and 23, on Thursday, in Abuja.

Mr Onyeuko said that troops executed several operations at Tine-Nune village in Mbatin Council Ward and Tse Yorbee town in Ukum Local Government Area, Ojapa community and Edumoga forest in Okpokwu Local Government Area and along MakurdiKula road in Benue.

He added that other operations were executed at Ugya forest in Toto LGA of Nasarawa, at the period with commendable results.

He said that 12 criminals were neutralised, while 26 criminal elements including 16 migrant bandits from Niger Republic were arrested.

He added that 16 different types of arms and 61 different calibres of ammunition were recovered, while 13 kidnapped civilians were rescued during the operations.

Under Operation Safe Haven, Mr Onyeuko disclosed that troops successfully repelled bandits attacks and arrested child traffickers, cattle rustlers, kidnappers as well as bandits and robbers in parts of Plateau, Bauchi and Kaduna States.

He said that 15 criminal elements were arrested while 12 kidnapped civilians were rescued as well as recovery of 118 livestock, 18 assorted arms and 112 different calibers of ammunition.

According to him, some of the operations were executed at Maraban Foron village in Barkin Ladi LGA, Ganawuri and Chiri Danto villages in Riyom local government area as well as Utan village in Jos North local government area, Plateau.

Other locations were Boto area in Tafawa Balewa Local Government Area of Bauchi state; Gidan Waya town and Angwan Magaji village in Jamaa local government area of Kaduna state.

In addition, troops within the period, held peace and security meetings with critical stakeholders as non-kinetic means of tackling insecurity.

Some of these meetings were held at; the Force Headquarters of Operation WHIRL STROKE in Makurdi and Lau LGA in Taraba.

Issues discussed at the meeting centered on how to find lasting solutions to the security challenges in the North Central Zone, he said.

Under Operation Thunder Strike/Whirl Punch, troops neutralised four bandits arrested six criminals as well as recovered assorted arms and ammunition in Niger at the period.

(NAN)
Governor Ben Ayade declared on Thursday in Calabar that he would not privatise any of the 34 Cross River-owned companies.

Mr Ayade told reporters that while privatising the companies was the right thing to do, it was not politically correct.

Few weeks back, Cross River conducted a referendum on the governors plan to privatise the companies, but the majority of Cross River people antagonised the plan.

According to Mr Ayade, his desire to privatise the companies was borne of a positive intention though the decision became unpopular.

The government has no business running a business, but I have to concede to the wishes of the people not because it is right but because it is politically correct.

There is a Privatisation Act of 2007 that empowers the state to carry out such action but it was necessary to seek the opinion of the people.

This is so that it would not be said that I have sold the companies to myself or to my friends.

In the interim, a management team will oversee the companies while ensuring that they are not just functional but viable for the state, he said.

Mr Ayade also called on the people of Cross River to take advantage of the companies to create wealth for themselves by partnering.

He noted that as a littoral state with so much natural resources and good climate, Cross River has no business being poor.

I took over a state that is basically a civil service state happy with dancing on the streets during Christmas in the name of carnivals which does not really yield much to the state.

Experience has shown that the money we spend on hosting the carnival is far more than whatever comes into the state after it.

Unfortunately, it is difficult for many people to see the big dreams of the governor as they prefer the filling of potholes, planting grasses, hosting carnivals and paying salaries, he said.

Mr Ayade added that if the state is to grow, it must go beyond just being a civil service state with the salary mentality.

(NAN)
The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) said it recorded more than 70 cases of human trafficking in Abia State, Nigerias South-east, in six months.

NAPTIP Coordinator in the state, Nkemdirim Okafor, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Umuahia.

She said the 70 cases were recorded between June and December this year when the agency started its operations in the state.

According to Mrs Okafor, there are 27 victims whose cases are being handled, while six suspects are awaiting trial.

She said the victims were mostly girls and women who were sexually exploited.

There were also cases of sales of babies, incest, labour exploitation and illegal adoption, she said.

Mrs Okafor said the suspects have been moved to the agencys Enugu Zonal Command for prosecution since the Abia office has no detention facility at the moment.

She decried the high incidence of human trafficking in the state, describing Abia as an endemic and transit state.

She said the incidence of sale of babies was particularly high in Abia, especially in Aba, the states commercial capital.

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Mrs Okafor said the agency has received a report on children between the ages of 12 years and 13 years being nurtured for the purpose of bearing children that would eventually be sold.

She said the command was following up on all the cases to ensure that human trafficking was curbed in Abia.

We have been very busy doing our sensitisation, making sure that people know that NAPTIP is in Abia.

However, we have lack of accommodation as our major challenge as we are currently operating from an event centre.

We are praying that the Abia State Government will help us with space to accommodate our victims, suspects and staff, Mrs Okafor said.

(NAN)
There was unrest at Magodo Phase 2 estate in Lagos, on Tuesday, when dozens of police officers and officers of the Shangisha Landlord Association invaded the estate to execute a court judgment.

According to witness accounts, the police officers and members of Shangisha Landlord Association came with bulldozers in an attempt to pull down properties within the estate.

They marked some houses in the estate with the inscription ID/795/88 possession taken today 21/12/2021 by court order.

The officials said they were acting on a Supreme Court judgment that mandated the Lagos State government to give back 549 plots to the original owners of the area, the Shangisha Landlords Association.

In reaction, Magodo residents trooped out in large numbers, locked the gate to resist the invasion of the officers.

This led to panic in the neighbourhood, which grounded vehicular and human activities.

Court judgment

According to the Chairman, Shangisha Landlord Association, Adebayo Adeyiga, the crisis over parcels of land in Magodo Phase 2 estate started in 1984 through 1986, when the state government forcefully took parcels of land belonging to the association.

Mr Adeyiga said the lands were taken under disguise with claims that they will be used for the construction of an international standard hospital.

We the landlords were forcefully evicted from the land in dispute. The government went ahead to pull down all our houses, and took the entire area which was not what they had asked for in the first place.

After pulling down of our houses, we were embarrassed to find out that the Lagos state government involved had converted the land for their personal interest, allotting the said land in plots to their friends and cronies, and some of high and mighty people in the society including some judges in the Lagos judiciary and members of the former state executives, Mr Adeyiga said.

He added that the association approached the Lagos State government, armed with facts of the fraudulent allotment, and it was resolved that members would be given plots of land from the then new scheme known as Magodo scheme 2.

It was when they failed to do so, that we were forced to sue the Lagos State government through the executive officers sometimes in June 1988 in suits ID/795/88. Chief Adebayo Adeyiga and six (6) others versus military governor of Lagos State and four(4) others in Lagos State high court, Ikeja.

While the case was going on, the Lagos State government refused or neglected to obey the court order to maintain status quo, rather they and their cronies intensified construction activities. This forced us to apply for an interlocutory injunction which was granted by the late Justice A. L. Balogun on October 19, 1992.

By this ruling of the courts, it was expected that the Lagos State government and the Association would respect the court of land and refrain from allotting or further development on the land, pending the determination of the substantive suit, but they refused,  he said.

The Chairman said on May 17, 1993, the governor of Lagos State, Michael Otedola, gave an executive order for the release of our land to its owner, but this was not complied to by officials.

He said succour came when the trial court, in 1993, gave a mandatory injunction order for the state to allocate 549 plots on the land in dispute to the association.

However, the Lagos state government appealed the judgment in 1994.

Mr Adeyiga alleged that state officials attempted to eliminate him by sending thugs, who beat him with his wife, wounded and threw him down from his one-story building.

He said the action cost him permanent disability and complete damage to his eyes, adding that other members of the association were attacked.

The state government lost the appeal in the matter, as the appellate court upheld the judgment of the lower court against the state.

Dissatisfied with judgment at the appeal court, the Lagos state government took the matter to the Supreme Court, where the court also affirmed the judgment of the lower courts on February 10, 2012.

Following the judgment of the Supreme Court, Mr Adeyiga said their lawyer wrote the former Chief Judge of Lagos state, Ayotunde Phillips, on the need to sign the writ of possession to enable them execute the judgment but she refused.

We had no choice but to petition the former Chief Justice of Nigeria and chairman of the National Judicial Council, Chief Justice Honorable Mariam Aloma Mukhtar who queried Justice Phillips concerning the matter. Surprisingly, Honorable Justice Ayotunde Phillips refused to answer the query until she retired in 2014, he said.

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Mr Adeyiga said another letter was written to Chief Judge of Lagos state, Olufunmilayo Atilade, who also refused to discharge her responsibility in the enforcement of the judgment.

Based on all the above facts, we humbly stated that we have by all means done and exhausted what is expected of law-abiding citizens of the nation by following due process in this matter but the government of Lagos state has not deemed it necessary to obey court orders.

On March 1, 2016, the Supreme Court sitting on the matter again voiced its displeasure over the failure of the Lagos state government and the Chief Justice of Lagos state to execute its judgment. The Lagos State Attorney General Mr. Adeniji Kassim was specifically warned of the dangers of refusing to carry out the order of the Supreme Court, he said.

He said Mrs Atilade was ordered to sign the writ of possession for the recovery of 549 plots of land in Magodo scheme II area within a specified period and she signed on March 16, 2017.

The process of execution of the writ had been completed by the Court Sheriff as shown in the correspondence between the Deputy Sheriff and the Police (AIG Zone 2 office) on the request for police assistance. Thereafter the writ was assigned by the Deputy Sheriff to the Sheriffs for execution.

Mr Adeyiga said a date was fixed by all parties involved for the execution, only for the writ to be withdrawn by one Mr Ojo of the Execution Department on the instructions of Mrs Atilade.

The Chairman said they wrote another petition to the NJC on how Mrs Atilade and the state attorney-general, Mr Kassim, were frustrating the process of execution of the writ.

Our fears were later confirmed when a ruling to set aside the execution of the writ was given by Honorable Justice R. Adebiyi even though the association was not served with any process on the case.

The Association forwarded another petition to the NJC against the Justice Raliatu Adebiyi for setting aside the writ of possession which was sign by the retired Honorable justice Olufunmilayo Atilade on the directive of the NJC and which had been assigned by the Sheriff for execution.

Mr Adeyiga said after the tussle which lasted for over 37 years, the association resolved to execute the Supreme courts judgement which is the final court.

When PREMIUM TIMES contacted Gbenga Omotosho, the commissioner for information in the state, he said the state is aware of the judgment.

Why will we not be aware, we are a party to the case, he said.

Efforts to reach the Magodo Residents Association on the matter were unsuccessful.

Nosa Ebomoyi, an executive in the residents association, said he would refer this reporter to the spokesperson of the association. He was unable to do so as of the time of filing this report.
This solar power plant is located in Sundarganj, Rangpur District, on the banks of the river Teesta. Extreme humidity is a major consideration affecting this plant's efficient operation. Sungrow, anticipating this challenge, provided the 1500V 3.125 MW central inverter, one of the most popular central inverters around the world, which successfully supplied many significant utility-scale projects in comparable climates. The 3.125MW central inverter boasts high IP65 standard, and thus guarantees efficient and unimpaired power generationeven in river Teesta region of 90% humidity. Besides, Sungrow's localized service team provides the high-quality service throughout the construction and commission procedure.

Guaranteed by Sungrow's tailored solutions and services, this plant will deliver grid connection in April, 2022 and by then will annually generate 395GWh clean electricity, offsetting around 316 thousand tons of CO2, power over 200,000 households and provide more than 1200 employment opportunities for Bangladeshis.

SP Sharma, Vice President of Rays Power Infra, expressed that: "We greatly appreciate your efficiency in providing best products and after sales services. We are going ahead with Sungrow for our 200MW Bangladesh project. we acknowledge and appreciate your services and look forward to have such excellence in future as well."

Pawan Sharma, Director of Rays Power Infra, stated that: "We are happy to announce that we have selected Sungrow for our 200MW Bangladesh project which is biggest project in Bangladesh. This collaboration will definitely achieve our common goal to promote cleaner, greener, and better environmental conditions globally."

"Sungrow now occupies about 65% market share in Bangladesh, and it also was recently rewarded the 2021 Bangladesh Solar Week Leadership Award. Sungrow has been cooperating with reliable partners like Rays Power Infra, and previous projects prove successful. This 280 MW DC contract further enhances the mutual partnership between the two companies, and opens broader prospect for future cooperation", said Mr. Sunil Badesra, International Director, Sungrow.

On the recent COP26, Bangladesh's Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina made a commitment to having 2.3 GW of solar power by 2030. The government also targets to generate 40% of the country's total electricity by 2050 from renewables. Alongside its roadmap to cleaner energy mix, Sungrow is ready to offer its high-quality and comprehensive solutions with more innovative products and dedicated services, and keep seeking more opportunities in this emerging market to help realize the rapidly emerging nation's commitment to the world.

About Sungrow

Sungrow Power Supply Co., Ltd. ("Sungrow") is the world's most bankable inverter brand with over 182 GW installed worldwide as of June 2021. Founded in 1997 by University Professor Cao Renxian, Sungrow is a leader in the research and development of solar inverters with the largest dedicated R&D team in the industry and a broad product portfolio offering PV inverter solutions and energy storage systems for utility-scale, commercial & industrial, and residential applications, as well as internationally recognized floating PV plant solutions. With a strong 24-year track record in the PV space, Sungrow products power installations in over 150 countries. Learn more about Sungrow by visiting: www.sungrowpower.com.

About Rays Power Infra

Rays Power Infra is one pioneer in Solar park regime & a player in Solar EPC services, catering to the increasing demand in India. It has significantly contributed National Solar Mission.

SOURCE Sungrow Power Supply Co., Ltd.
DUBLIN, Dec. 23, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Global Fire Alarm Equipment Market Outlook, 2026 by Application, by Region and by Product Type" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

Global Fire Alarm Market Outlook, 2026 provides an in-depth market analysis of the Global Fire Alarm industry. This report covers the detailed insights of the equipment based on product category- Conventional Fire Alarm Panels, Addressable Control Panels, and others.

It also includes insights along with the value analysis of the fire alarm market. The report also mentions the competition of leading companies that are involved in the manufacturing of fire detection equipment. The report is classified into 5 regions and 19 countries, along with their local rules & trends.

The market is expected to show a YOY of 14.41% in the year 2021 and by the end of the forecasted period, the overall market is to cross a value of USD 6176 Million.



The conventional fire alarm system uses one or more circuits that are connected to parallel-connected wired sensors. One end of the device is wire connected, while another is connected to the control panel. The conventional fire alarm segment led the market, with the main advantage of these being cost-effective for the smaller space.

On the other hand, in an addressable fire alarm system, all the fire and smoke detection devices are connected as well as the central control monitoring center. The information directs the response team to allocate their efforts immediately. The addressable control panel is likely to be growing with an anticipated CAGR of 5.55%.



The use of fire alarms is high in the commercial segment when compared to industrial and residential applications. The commercial segment in 2020 was at a value of more than USD 1600 Million.

Through the forecasted period, the application of fire bells in residences is to grow with an anticipated CAGR of 5.09%, which is expected to be slightly more than the commercial application segment.



The global market is led by North America which encountered a historic CAGR of 1.16%.

The sound & frequencies of the fire alarm differ across the region. In North American countries, this device is known as the horns, and the tone is either continuous or set to a code. Whereas, in Europe, it sounds more like a siren with an alternating frequency. The sounders can be set to certain frequencies and tones, depending on the country and manufacturer of the device.

By the end of the forecasted period, Latin America, along with Middle East & Africa is to contribute to nearly 15% of the share. The prominent players in the global market are targeting more towards their expansion in Asia and Latin America.

The local players focus on launching newer products to meet the growing local consumer needs. In addition, the leaders in the market are acquiring and collaborating with top companies in the market to enhance their offerings in the market and expand their customer base.



Major companies mentioned in the report: Gentex Corporation, HOCHIKI Corporation, Napco Security Technologies, Inc., Nittan Company, Ltd., Halma plc, Robert Bosch GmbH, Honeywell International, Inc., Siemens Building Technologies



CONSIDERED IN THE REPORT

Geography: Global

Base year: 2020

Historical year: 2015

Forecasted year: 2026

REGIONS COVERED:

North America

Europe

Asia Pacific

Latin America

Middle East & Africa

ASPECTS COVERED IN THE REPORT

Market Size by Value for the period (2015-2026F)

Market Share by Product Type (Conventional fire alarm panels, Addressable control panels, and Others)

Market Share by Application (Commercial, Industrial, Residential)

Market Share by Region

Market Share by Country

This report would help you answer the following questions:

1. What is the market size and forecast of the Global Fire Alarm Market?

2. What are the inhibiting factors and impact of COVID-19 shaping the Global Fire Alarm Market during the forecast period?

3. Which region outstands in the Global Fire Alarm Market?

4. Which are the segments to invest in over the forecast period in the Global Fire Alarm Market?

5. What is the competitive strategic window for opportunities in the Global Fire Alarm Market?

6. What are the technology trends and regulatory frameworks in the Global Fire Alarm Market?

7. What are the major companies in the Global Fire Alarm Market?



Companies Mentioned

Gentex Corporation

HOCHIKI Corporation

Napco Security Technologies Inc.

Nittan Company Ltd.

Halma plc

Robert Bosch GmbH

Honeywell International Inc.

Siemens Building Technologies

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/160pow

Media Contact:

Research and Markets

Laura Wood, Senior Manager

[email protected]



For E.S.T Office Hours Call +1-917-300-0470

For U.S./CAN Toll Free Call +1-800-526-8630

For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900



U.S. Fax: 646-607-1904

Fax (outside U.S.): +353-1-481-1716

SOURCE Research and Markets
SAN JOSE, Calif., Dec. 23, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Automation Anywhere , a global leader in robotic process automation (RPA), today announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire cloud pioneer FortressIQ, a leading process discovery and mining company based in San Francisco.

Combining FortressIQ with Automation Anywhere will usher in a new era of intelligent automation by enabling organizations to accelerate automation initiatives and transform in a digital-first world.



"The Fortress IQ team are the pioneers of process intelligence, making this a perfect match," said Mihir Shukla, CEO and Co-Founder, Automation Anywhere. "Together, Automation Anywhere and FortressIQ will reshape the future of automation, changing the way our customers automate, adapt, and accelerate as they pursue digital transformation initiatives. I'm thrilled to welcome FortressIQ to the Automation Anywhere family once the transaction closes."

"Automation Anywhere is a global leader of the RPA revolution, and nearly two decades later, is reimagining automation to be cloud-native, intelligent, and designed for every person in every company," said Pankaj Chowdry, CEO and Founder, FortressIQ. "We share a vision to deliver and automate at scale, as well as share common values to help customers succeed on a trusted platform. This will change the industry, and I'm excited about what we can automate next."

Building the Automated Company, Together

Demand for robotic process automation has skyrocketed as the pandemic endures and companies look for new ways to streamline business processes. Process intelligence, as part of RPA, is essential, helping companies identify, map, and analyze the multi-dimensional processes that extend across hundreds of applications and hundreds of thousands of employees.

With the acquisition of FortressIQ, Automation Anywhere will advance its AI-powered, cloud-native Automation 360 platform with process discovery, intelligence, and optimization that can scale to any system or application across any vertical. The new capabilities offer built-in intelligence that provides fast, accurate visibility on which processes can and should be automated.

"Today, organizations are focusing on improving cycle times and overall operating performance to ensure that inefficiency does not get in the way of successful transformation," said Maureen Fleming, Program Vice President, IDC Intelligent Process Automation Research. "Tools aimed at providing insights about where a process and its individual tasks are holding back overall operating performance are becoming the de facto starting point for automation and improvement projects. Integrating process insights with automation planning and development speeds up time to value while improving the accuracy and completeness of the resulting automation."

Automating low-value, manual tasks can free up time and resources that can then be used by organizations to adapt to changing business conditions. Automation Anywhere customers have collectively implemented nearly 3 million automations, with leading companies deploying tens of thousands of bots throughout their organizations, primarily in the cloud.

Interact with Automation Anywhere:

Visit our website: www.automationanywhere.com

Check out our monthly webinar series: https://www.automationanywhere.com/rpa-webinars

Follow us on Twitter: @AutomationAnywh

Explore with us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/automation_anywhere/

Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/automation-anywhere

About Automation Anywhere

Automation Anywhere is the world's #1 cloud automation platform, delivering intelligent RPA solutions globally across all industries to automate end-to-end business processes, for the fastest path to enterprise transformation. The company offers the world's only cloud-native platform combining RPA, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and analytics to automate repetitive tasks and build enterprise agility, freeing up humans to pivot to the next big idea, build deeper customer relationships and drive business growth. For additional information, visit www.automationanywhere.com.



Automation Anywhere and Automation 360 are trademarks/service marks or registered trademarks/service marks of Automation Anywhere, Inc. in the United States and other countries.

SOURCE Automation Anywhere

Related Links

http://www.automationanywhere.com


PITTSFIELD, Mass., Dec. 23, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The approximately 60 nurses and healthcare professionals of the Berkshire Visiting Nurses Association have voted overwhelmingly to form a union and join the Massachusetts Nurses Association, empowering them to speak up together and secure lasting improvements that will benefit patients, BVNA clinicians, and the community.

The BVNA registered nurses, and physical, occupational and speech therapists will be represented by the MNA following an election overseen by the National Labor Relations Board. Berkshire VNA is owned by Berkshire Health Systems, which also owns Berkshire Medical Center where the MNA represents approximately 900 registered nurses. The election took place from December 1 to December 21. Vote counting on December 22 by NLRB officials was observed via Zoom by BVNA nurses and healthcare professionals and representatives of the agency. BVNA clinicians voted 73 percent to join the MNA.

The successful election by BVNA nurses and healthcare professionals builds on other recent organizing victories by MNA nurses and health professionals, including at Milford Regional Medical Center and the VNA of Boston. The growing interest among frontline caregivers in forming unions with their colleagues has been driven by unsafe patient care and working conditions created by our profit-driven healthcare system and made worse by the COVID-19 pandemic. The common experiences of uncertainty, danger and moral injury exacerbated by the pandemic have empowered nurses and healthcare professionals to stand together and fight on behalf their patients and each other.

"Home care has always been difficult and demanding of healthcare providers. When the pandemic hit, those difficulties were escalated and we were stretched beyond what we could have ever imagined," said Sarah Roberts, a registered nurse and member of the organizing committee at Berkshire VNA. "Our patients' needs, and what they required for safe and effective care  which we have always strived to achieve and surpass  took a heavy toll on our own mental health and wellbeing as nurses and healthcare professionals. Now that we have formed our union at BVNA, we look forward to working collaboratively with leadership to address some of the long-standing issues found in home healthcare, provide the best home healthcare experience to our patients, and a positive work environment for all of our coworkers."

"When nurses and healthcare professionals join together, patients are the biggest beneficiaries," said Tamaryn Clowdus, physical therapist and member of the organizing committee at Berkshire VNA. "At BVNA, we now have a legally protected seat at the table with management to improve our practice and address issues impacting patients under our care."

"When the pandemic hit, the complexity and risk of our work and the need to properly support nurses and healthcare professionals so we can care for patients was amplified," said Emma Mattison, RN, and member of the organizing committee at Berkshire VNA. "Now that we have formed our union at BVNA, we can help build a strong and satisfied workforce and make positive change for our patients and our community."

The Berkshire VNA nurses and healthcare professionals filed an election petition with the NLRB on October 7 after the agency refused to voluntarily recognize their union and after experiencing increasingly challenging working conditions and unpredictable benefits and staff support systems that have negatively impacted morale and their ability to provide the best possible care to patients.

Established in 1901, the Berkshire VNA provides comprehensive care to patients of all ages who are recovering from an illness or hospitalization in their own home. The medical needs of Berkshire VNA patients are varied and complex and may include, among other things, post-surgical conditions such as total hip or total knee replacements; stroke; Parkinson's Disease; Multiple Sclerosis; Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS); cardiopulmonary conditions; amputations; and post-trauma care (breaks, fractures).

In recent years, many hospital-based services for patients have shifted to in-home services, making VNAs and their caregivers an essential and ever-expanding part of the healthcare system. Hospitals now move patients back home faster than before as doing so reduces costs and opens in-hospital beds. This has led to a dramatic increase in the size of the region's at-home patient population as well as in the complexity of those patients.

BVNA nurses and healthcare professionals are planning to move quickly to negotiate their first contract with the agency. They have already begun the process of gathering feedback from each other to develop contract proposals that will address the unique needs of BVNA clinicians and their patients.

The MNA is the largest union and professional organization of nurses and healthcare professionals in Massachusetts. It represents 23,000 members in healthcare facilities across the state, including nurses at 70 percent of the Commonwealth's acute care hospitals. The MNA is led by a board of directors that is directly elected by its membership and consists of frontline nurses and other healthcare professionals.

MassNurses.org  Facebook.com/MassNurses  Twitter.com/MassNurses Instagram.com/MassNurses

Founded in 1903, the Massachusetts Nurses Association is the largest union of registered nurses in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Its 23,000 members advance the nursing profession by fostering high standards of nursing practice, promoting the economic and general welfare of nurses in the workplace, projecting a positive and realistic view of nursing, and by lobbying the Legislature and regulatory agencies on health care issues affecting nurses and the public.

SOURCE Massachusetts Nurses Association
KANSAS CITY, Mo., Dec. 23, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Incisive Consultants, a healthcare IT digital transformation and optimization consulting firm, announced today that Corey Kosch will be joining as Chief Revenue Officer. In his new role, Kosch will focus on optimization and diversification of services, oversee partnerships, and lead Incisive's new Intrapreneur Program.

As a former Epic Systems employee, Corey planted his roots in healthcare IT as a manager in the Revenue Cycle Implementation Team at Epic. There, he quickly established himself as an expert and thrived, eventually making the decision several years later to join the Best in KLAS, Epic consulting firm Sagacious Consultants. Corey helped Sagacious develop their Strategic Revenue practice and played an integral role in helping guide the firm through acquisition by Accenture in 2015.

Corey Kosch, Chief Revenue Officer at Incisive Consultants

Before joining Incisive, Kosch held the role of Senior Manager while at Accenture where he helped lead the Provider Revenue Cycle practice and was responsible for increasing revenue and developing practice offerings and assets for the organization.

"Corey has such a unique background that fully captures both the technical and the operational components of our industry" said Chris Blackerby, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer. "He chose to get his MBA while leading Strategic Revenue for us at Sagacious, which I thought was extremely impressive, which has now led him to be an incredibly valuable addition to Incisive."

"It's great to be back with such an amazing group. I am thrilled to take on the challenges that are to come and to help grow a firm that wants to support both healthcare organizations and consultants. We're in an excellent position to help healthcare organizations achieve their strategic goals through optimization of their technology platforms. Additionally, I am really looking forward to leading our new Intrapreneur Program that offers a growth platform for individuals who want to take their unique service ideas to market" says Kosch.

About Incisive Consultants

Based out of Kansas City, Incisive was founded in 2018 and focuses on providing consulting services and resources to guide healthcare providers through the digital transformation of their healthcare services. They provide solutions focused on patient engagement, revenue cycle transformation, operational optimization, and staff augmentation through the full lifecycle of an EHR implementation. Minority owned and highly praised by both expert consultants and healthcare organizations for their high-quality service and dynamic company culture, Incisive is rapidly making their new mark on the evolving industry.

Related Links

www.incisive-consultants.com

View Incisive on LinkedIn

View Corey Kosch on LinkedIn

View Chris Blackerby on LinkedIn

Media Contact:

Chris Blackerby

573-673-4549

[email protected]

SOURCE Incisive Consultants
Gage expands retail footprint to 11 dispensaries throughout Michigan

DETROIT, Dec. 23, 2021 /PRNewswire/ - Gage Growth Corp. ("Gage" or the "Company") (CSE: GAGE) (OTCQX: GAEGF), a leading high-quality cannabis premium brand and operator in Michigan, today announced the grand opening of its second dispensary in Kalamazoo. Gage Kalamazoo Stadium will begin serving medical and adult-use customers on Thursday, December 23rd at 9am with a soft opening.

The Company's 11th dispensary in Michigan, located at 3825 Stadium Drive, is the second Gage storefront to open in Kalamazoo. In March this year, Gage opened COOKIES Kalamazoo through its exclusive licensing partnership with the international cannabis lifestyle brand founded by rapper and entrepreneur Berner. At Gage's latest retail location, patients and adult-use customers will have access to Gage's diverse selection of high-quality cannabis products, including exclusive strains of flower, pre-rolls, edibles, concentrates, accessories, and apparel, including those from California rapper Berner's Cookies brand.

Gage Kalamazoo Stadium will host a special grand opening weekend on January 7th and 8th, offering several promotions and events, including an opportunity to win a vacation and a brand activation featuring Jam Master Jay's cannabis company. As part of the Company's ongoing commitment to creating a more inclusive cannabis business community, Gage will also donate a portion of its grand opening sales to the Canna Social Equity Fund, a non-profit organization affiliated with the State and Internal Revenue Service dedicated to funding comprehensive community development projects.

"Gage is proud to expand its reach in one of the most attractive cannabis markets in Michigan," said Fabian Monaco, CEO of Gage. "We look forward to bringing our portfolio of nationally-recognized brands, as well as our approachable retail experiences, to both new and returning customers in Kalamazoo."

About Gage Growth Corp.

Gage Growth Corp. is innovating and curating the highest quality cannabis experiences possible for cannabis consumers in the state of Michigan and bringing internationally renowned brands to market. Through years of progressive industry experience, the firm's founding partners have successfully built and grown operations with federal and state licenses, including cultivation, processing and retail locations. Gage's portfolio includes city and state approvals for 19 "Class C" cultivation licenses, three processing licenses and 17 provisioning centers (dispensaries).

For more information about Gage Growth Corp., visit www.gagecannabis.com or www.gageinvestors.com.

Instagram: @gagemichigan

Facebook: @gageusa

Twitter: @gagecannabisco

Caution Regarding Cannabis Operations in the United States

Investors should note that there are significant legal restrictions and regulations that govern the cannabis industry in the United States. While legal in certain states, cannabis remains a Schedule I drug under the U.S. Controlled Substances Act, making it illegal under federal law in the United States to, among other things, cultivate, distribute or possess cannabis. Financial transactions involving proceeds generated by, or intended to promote, cannabis-related business activities in the United States may form the basis for prosecution under applicable U.S. federal money laundering legislation.

Explanatory Note Regarding the Company's Operations

References in this news release to the Company and its operations and portfolio are inclusive of the operations and assets of certain licensed cannabis operators that operate under the Gage brand pursuant to contractual arrangements with the Company. For additional information, please refer to the Company's long form prospectus dated March 26, 2021 and other disclosure documents available on the Company's profile at www.sedar.com.

Forward Looking Information

This news release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking information contained in this press release may be identified by the use of words such as, "may", "would", "could", "will", "likely", "expect", "anticipate", "believe, "intend", "plan", "forecast", "project", "estimate", "outlook" and other similar expressions, and include statements with respect to future growth and the opening of the Kalamazoo Stadium storefront. Forward-looking information is not a guarantee of future performance and is based upon a number of estimates and assumptions of management in light of management's experience and perception of trends, current conditions and expected developments, as well as other factors relevant in the circumstances, including assumptions in respect of current and future market conditions, the current and future regulatory environment; and the availability of licenses, approvals and permits.

Although the Company believes that the expectations and assumptions on which such forward-looking information is based are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking information because the Company can give no assurance that they will prove to be correct. Actual results and developments may differ materially from those contemplated by these statements. Forward-looking information is subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking information including, but not limited to, those risks disclosed in the Company's most recently filed management's discussion and analysis and other disclosure documents available on the Company's profile at www.sedar.com. The statements in this press release are made as of the date of this release. The Company disclaims any intent or obligation to update any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise, other than as required by applicable securities laws.

SOURCE Gage Cannabis Co.
WASHINGTON, Dec. 23, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Leading Cyber Risk and DevSecOps firm, Hunter Strategy, will continue its support to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), Office of the Director (OD) under Digital Management Inc (DMI) Sub-Contract. Hunter Strategy will continue its delivery of premier Cyber Modernization strategies and solutions for OD. Previously, Hunter Strategy provided a range of cyber expertise to OD around Industrial Control Systems (ICS), Risk Management, and Third-Party Supply Chain Risk.

As the agency evolves to become more agile in its existing Cyber capabilities, Hunter Strategy will support OD's design and application of cross-cutting Zero-Trust tactics as part of its Defense in Depth strategy.

"Given the revolutionary role and global impact NIH played in combatting COVID-19, we are fully committed to delivering advanced security solutions to help protect and defend against cyber risk," said Kevin Belanga, Hunter Strategy's Chief Strategy Officer. "Our technical understanding of complex cyber challenges coupled with recognized service performance in the Information Technology (IT) and Operational Technology (OT) space will be of great benefit to NIH as they evolves their capabilities to respond to public health needs," he added.

About Hunter Strategy

Headquartered in Washington DC's Cathedral Heights neighborhood, Hunter Strategy is a Small Business Administration (SBA) HUBZone certified small business that offers strategic DevSecOps, cyber risk management, and Agile software engineering solutions to federal agencies, Fortune 1000 companies, and emerging technology firms. For more information, please visit www.hunterstrategy.net.

Contact: [email protected]

SOURCE Hunter Strategy
FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., Dec. 23, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Hyundai Motor America and its Kentucky dealers, including Gates Hyundai in Richmond and Swope Hyundai in Elizabethtown, today announced donations of $100,000 to Feeding America, Kentucky's Heartland (FAKH) and $50,000 to the American Red Cross to support Western Kentucky communities devastated by the December 10 tornadoes.

"Hyundai and its dealers are proud to stand with the people of Kentucky as they work to rebuild their homes and communities after these devastating tornadoes," said Jose Munoz, president and CEO, Hyundai Motor North America.

The funds for Feeding America, Kentucky's Heartland will be used to provide food to communities across 24 Kentucky counties.

"This will be a very long recovery process for the families and communities who sustained devastating damage during this natural disaster," said Jamie Sizemore, FAKH executive director. "The food insecurity rate was already high in Kentucky and now families and seniors affected by this storm must pick up the pieces and make hard choices. We are grateful for partners like Hyundai that will help FAKH not only put food on their table but provide hope as they rebuild their lives."

The funds for the Red Cross will be used for ongoing relief efforts, including supporting people staying in emergency shelters and other temporary accommodations, such as state park lodges and hotel rooms. With the help of partners like Hyundai Motor America, the Red Cross has served more than 36,600 meals and snacks, distributed more than 21,000 relief items, and provided more than 4,100 individual care contacts.

Hyundai Motor America

Hyundai Motor America focuses on 'Progress for Humanity' and smart mobility solutions. Hyundai offers U.S. consumers a technology-rich lineup of cars, SUVs, and electrified vehicles. Our 820 dealers sold more than 620,000 vehicles in the U.S. in 2020, and nearly half were built at Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama. For more information, visit www.HyundaiNews.com. For more information, visit www.HyundaiNews.com.

Hyundai Motor America on Twitter | YouTube | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn

SOURCE Hyundai Motor America
LAS VEGAS and SEOUL, South Korea, Dec. 22, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Hyundai Motor Company will take the stage at CES 2022, to present its future vision for robotics and the metaverse under the main theme of 'Expanding Human Reach'. The company's CES press event to be held from 3:00-3:45 p.m. PST on Jan. 4, 2022, at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center, 2F Oceanside D. The event will also be livestreamed via the company's YouTube channel ( Link ).

At CES 2022, Hyundai Motor will communicate how the company's robotics business will drive the paradigm shift towards future mobility, going beyond the traditional means of transportation and fulfilling mankind's aspiration for unlimited freedom of movement.

Under the main theme of 'Expanding Human Reach', Hyundai Motor will share its vision of how robotics will complete the metaverse by connecting the virtual world with reality as a medium, and eventually overcome the physical limitations of movement regarding time and space.

Hyundai Motor will also showcase its new PnD (Plug & Drive) robotic module platform under the new concept of Mobility of Things (MoT), which aims for the provision of mobility in everything  from traditionally inanimate objects to even community spaces.

CES 2022 visitors will be able to experience the company's exhibition booth that will show how mobility in the real world can be advanced with robots and offer a glimpse of the future robotics society, which will enable transportation between the virtual and real world.

The company will also exhibit its robot product lineup, including the recently revealed Mobile Eccentric Droid (MobED) as well as Boston Dynamics' Spot and AtlasTM. Robotics demonstrations and dance performance programs will also be presented at Hyundai Motor's exhibition booth at the Las Vegas Convention Center, West Hall #5818, from Jan. 5-8.

For more information about Hyundai Motor and its products, please visit: http://globalpr.hyundai.com

SOURCE Hyundai Motor Company
WASHINGTON, Dec. 23, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, U.S. Conference of Mayors (USCM) President Dayton (OH) Mayor Nan Whaley announced the formation of a new Conference Task Force on Electric Vehicles, reflecting the rising importance of EVs in mayors' plans for modernizing transportation systems. The Task Force will focus on approaches to accelerate the transition to vehicle electrification and build out the infrastructure needed to support EVs. The Task Force will be a part of USCM's Council on Metro Economies and the New American City, and it will be chaired by the mayors of Oklahoma City (OK), Youngstown (OH), and Austin (TX).

"The transportation systems of the future will be built around electric vehicles, and now is the time to make a major leap forward," said Mayor Whaley. "This Task Force comes at a critical time, and it builds upon the local leadership mayors across the country have shown in the transition to EVs. With the private sector making new investments in this technology, we must take advantage of the opportunity to reimagine our infrastructure and how we move people and products around our cities. This effort will have a lasting impact on our country and our planet, and I'm proud of the role mayors continue to play."

The Task Force will engage with the private sector and leaders across all levels of government to promote best practices and advocate for public policy solutions to help expedite this historic shift in the U.S. transportation system to zero emissions vehicles. It will track and report publicly on the progress that American cities are making. More information about this effort will be shared at USCM's Winter Meeting in January.

"Mayors have been driving toward electrification for a long time, and now we're seeing support from other levels of government and major automakers," said USCM CEO and Executive Director Tom Cochran. "This Task Force will help make sure there is a coherent strategy across the public and private sectors. I'm grateful to these mayors for leading this effort and look forward to discussing it more at our Winter Meeting in January."

"My community is not immune to the growth in electric vehicle use, and our state is soon expected to be the home of a new manufacturer," said Oklahoma City (OK) Mayor David Holt. "It's important that we're all thinking about what the future may hold regarding this issue, and of course the U.S. Conference of Mayors is always the place that is helping cities do that. I'm honored to be asked to co-chair this effort and look forward to the discussions ahead."

"The future must focus on the diversification and transition of industries if we are going to be competitive," said Youngstown (OH) Mayor Jamael Tito Brown. "We can no longer afford to talk in theory about when the electric vehicle opportunity will come. The industry is here, and we must be ready. Electric Vehicles will require a completely different focus to ensure that the next generations are ready to tackle this industry and technology head on."

"Austin is proud to be a pioneer with the early development of electric vehicle infrastructure and I am excited to co-chair a critically important task force to accelerate this opportunity nationally," said Austin (TX) Mayor Steve Adler. "More and more electric vehicles are appearing on our streets and automakers are moving to make only electric fleets. As cities prepare to receive funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Package to make electric vehicles more accessible, Mayors will play a vital role in building the infrastructure needed to encourage and speed the transition and implementation."

About the United States Conference of Mayors -- The U.S. Conference of Mayors is the official nonpartisan organization of cities with populations of 30,000 or more. There are more than 1,400 such cities in the country today, and each city is represented in the Conference by its chief elected official, the mayor. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.

SOURCE U.S. Conference of Mayors

Related Links

www.usmayors.org


December 21 online auction attracted 9,950 bidders from 58 countries to compete for 2,600+ items



CHEHALIS, Wash., Dec. 23, 2021 /PRNewswire/ - Ritchie Bros. has just completed its largest-ever auction in Chehalis, WA, selling 2,600+ equipment items and trucks for 500+ owners and generating US$41+ million in gross transaction value.

The December 21, 2021 online auction attracted 9,950 bidders from 58 countries, which is a 27% increase year over year and a new record for the Chehalis site. Approximately 95% of the assets in the auction were purchased by U.S. buyers, including 33% sold to buyers from Washington State. The remaining 5% was sold to international buyers from as far away as France, Honduras, and Vietnam. Leading up to the auction, Ritchie Bros. saw a 44% increase in online equipment views, while pageviews were up 18% year over year.

"We've had a fantastic year in the Pacific Northwest with strong pricing across all our marketplaces and have capped it off with our largest Chehalis auction ever," said Griffin Squires, Regional Sales Manager, Ritchie Bros. "Transportation and excavation equipment continues to bring record prices. We also saw strong returns for a fantastic forestry package we signed up early. It's a seller's market right now, so I encourage anyone with surplus equipment to contact us today."

Equipment in the December online Chehalis auction was sold from four locations, including satellite yards in Spokane, WA; and Wasilla, AK; and an owner's property in Billings. MT. Highlights included 140+ truck tractors, 75+ excavators, 40+ loaders, 35 dozers, and moreall items were sold without minimum bids or reserve prices.

"We would like to thank all the customers who participated in our auctions and marketplaces in 2021," added Mr. Squires. "For any last-minute end-of-year purchases, I encourage you to check out our Marketplace-E and Ritchie List platforms today. We will be back with our next Chehalis auction in March 2022!"

5 Big Sellers from the December Chehalis event:

2018 Peterson 5710D tracked horizontal grinder  US$795,000

2020 Vermeer WC2500TX tracked chipper  US$340,000

2011 Caterpillar 988H wheel loader  US$305,000

2015 Aspen HHT/RL tri-axle removable gooseneck 75-ton lowboy  US$275,000

2019 Caterpillar 330 hydraulic excavator  US$260,000

2021 Pacific Northwest Marketplace-E sales highlights:

2015 Caterpillar 390FL excavator  US$435,000  sold July 2021

 sold 2006 Potain tower crane  US$375,000  sold November 2021

 sold 2016 Volvo L350F wheel loader  US$270,000  sold November 2021

 sold 2004 Gomaco Commander III concrete paving equipment  US$315,000  sold February 2021

 sold 2016 Ponsse C50 logging processor  US$270,000  sold June 2021

AUCTION QUICK FACTS: CHEHALIS, WA (DECEMBER 21, 2021)

Gross Transaction Value (GTV): US$41+ million

Total Registered Bidders: 9,950

Total Number of Lots: 2,600+

Total Number of Consignors: 500+

About Ritchie Bros.:

Established in 1958, Ritchie Bros. (NYSE and TSX: RBA) is a global asset management and disposition company, offering customers end-to-end solutions for buying and selling used heavy equipment, trucks and other assets. Operating in a number of sectors, including construction, transportation, agriculture, energy, mining, and forestry, the company's selling channels include: Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers, the world's largest industrial auctioneer offering live auction events with online bidding; IronPlanet, an online marketplace with weekly featured auctions and providing the exclusive IronClad Assurance equipment condition certification; Marketplace-E, a controlled marketplace offering multiple price and timing options; Ritchie List, a self-serve listing service for North America; Mascus, a leading European online equipment listing service; Ritchie Bros. Private Treaty, offering privately negotiated sales; and sector-specific solutions GovPlanet, TruckPlanet, and Kruse Energy. The Company's suite of solutions also includes Ritchie Bros. Asset Solutions and Rouse Services LLC, which together provides a complete end-to-end asset management, data-driven intelligence and performance benchmarking system; SmartEquip, an innovative technology platform that supports customers' management of the equipment lifecycle and integrates parts procurement with both OEMs and dealers; plus equipment financing and leasing through Ritchie Bros. Financial Services. For more information about Ritchie Bros., visit RitchieBros.com.

Photos and video for embedding in media stories are available at rbauction.com/media.

SOURCE Ritchie Bros.
LONDON, Dec. 23, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The Ardonagh Group today announces that it has agreed to acquire MDS Group, a leading insurance broker and risk management advisor across the Portuguese-speaking world and Europe.

Headquartered in Porto, Portugal, MDS has offices in Brazil, where it is the country's largest independent broker, as well as Angola, Mozambique, Spain, and Malta. It is the only Portuguese Lloyd's Broker.

MDS employs 900 colleagues and recorded revenue of 74.8 million (65 million[1]) in the 12 months to 30 June 2021. MDS manages over 500 million in insurance premiums for 1.2 million private and corporate clients each year.

Ardonagh intends to fund the acquisition with a combination of equity and debt. MDS will be acquired by Ardonagh Overseas Investments Ltd and operate as part of Ardonagh Global Partners.

In addition to its core broking operations, spanning property & casualty, health, retail and wholesale, MDS operates Highdome PCC in Malta, offering sophisticated alternative solutions to the traditional insurance market including captive and reinsurance solutions to large clients. Completing MDS' offering is Risk Consulting Group (RCG), a multinational risk management consultancy.

MDS is also the founding member and a shareholder of Brokerslink, a network of brokers and speciality risk and consulting firms operating in 122 countries.

Upon completion, Ardonagh Global Partners will acquire 100% of the issued shares of MDS from its two shareholders, Sonae Group and IPLF Holding. The management team led by MDS Group Global CEO Jose Manuel Fonseca will remain with the business and continue to lead an expansive growth plan in all of the MDS territories.

Jose Manuel Fonseca commented: "Having considered our future very carefully, we saw in The Ardonagh Group and its leadership a perfect match for our vision and growth ambitions. We are incredibly excited to be joining forces with a global independent group with Ardonagh's scale and dynamic culture. With access to Ardonagh's considerable resource and capital, we look forward to accelerating our organic and inorganic growth plans."

Ardonagh Global Partners was launched in January 2021 to invest in best-in-class businesses and management teams around the world and in turn support their growth ambitions.

Ardonagh Global Partners CEO Des O'Connor commented: "It is a great privilege to partner with a distinguished and high-profile broking platform such as MDS. Jose Manuel together with his experienced and high calibre management team have developed a world class reputation for client service, innovation and professionalism, delivering outstanding service to their clients for over 30 years.

"MDS intends to continue taking full advantage of the fast growing and evolving Portuguese and Brazilian insurance markets and economies. The business is ideally placed to support a broad range of clients to protect against a constantly changing risk environment, and to bring on board other culturally and strategically aligned independent brokers in the geographies in which it operates."

Ardonagh Group CEO David Ross said: "We launched Ardonagh Global Partners at the start of the year to offer a home for businesses and management teams across the globe which want to plug into our commercial capabilities and resources, whilst maintaining the client service and culture that made them successful in the first place. We welcome Jose Manuel Fonseca and his global colleagues as an embodiment of just that and look forward to helping bring more products, connectivity and buying power to their clients."

Completion of the acquisition is subject to regulatory approval.

Notes to Editors

THE ARDONAGH GROUP

The Ardonagh Group is the UK's largest independent insurance distribution platform and a top 20 broker globally. We are a collection of best-in-class entrepreneurial and specialist brands with a network of more 100 locations and a combined workforce of more than 8,000 people. Across our portfolio, we offer a highly diversified range of insurance-related products and services across the full insurance value chain in the UK, Ireland and broader international markets. From complex multinational corporations to individuals purchasing personal insurance policies, our understanding of the communities we serve, together with our scale and breadth, allows us to work with our insurer partners to deliver a broad range of product and risk solutions that meet customer needs. For more information, visit our website: www.ardonagh.com

For more information, please contact: [email protected]

MDS Group

MDS is a multinational group doing business as an insurance and reinsurance broker and risk consultancy, with a presence in over 125 countries. MDS is a market leader in Portugal, one of the largest players in Brazil and Angola, and maintains a direct presence in Mozambique, Spain, Malta, and Switzerland. Through Brokerslink, a global brokerage firm founded by the group which relies on 21,000 insurance professionals, it addresses customers' needs across multiple geographies and sectors.

The group includes MDS RE, a reinsurance specialist doing business in Europe, America and Africa, and RCG  Risk Consulting Group, a leading firm in risk analysis, loss control, business continuity plans and enterprise risk management. Through HighDome, a Protected Cell Company (PCC), MDS offers risk transfer solutions that function as an alternative to the traditional insurance market. MDS also works with benefits management and flexible benefits through the companies 838 Solucoes (Brazil) and Coverflex (Portugal).

[1] Constant budget FX EUR:GBP 1.15

SOURCE Ardonagh Group

Related Links

https://www.ardonagh.com/


ROLLING MEADOWS, Ill., Dec. 23, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. today announced the acquisition of Franklin, Tennesseebased Five Points Benefits Solutions, LLC. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Founded in 2011, Five Points is an employee benefits consultant and premier regional provider of ancillary benefits, such as life, disability, dental and vision coverages, to public-sector clients throughout Tennessee, as well as in Georgia and Kentucky. Marisa Combs Smith, Wes Dozier and their associates will continue to operate from their current location under the direction of Jerry Roberts, head of Gallagher's Heartland Region employee benefits consulting and brokerage operations.

"Five Points is a growing business with strong leadership and production talent that will expand Gallagher's public sector benefit offerings in Tennessee and across the Heartland region," said J. Patrick Gallagher, Jr., Chairman, President and CEO. "I am delighted to welcome Marisa, Wes and their associates to Gallagher."

Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. (NYSE:AJG), a global insurance brokerage, risk management and consulting services firm, is headquartered in Rolling Meadows, Illinois. The company has operations in 68 countries and offers client service capabilities in more than 150 countries around the world through a network of correspondent brokers and consultants.

Investors: Ray Iardella Media: Linda J. Collins VP - Investor Relations VP- Corporate Communications 630-285-3661/ [email protected] 630-285-4009/ [email protected]

SOURCE Arthur J. Gallagher & Co.
ATLANTA, Dec. 23, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- In 2021, the cryptocurrency market captured mainstream interest and saw skyrocketing demand from consumers and retailers. The crypto ATM industry was no different. The number of global ATMs grew by 155% and more than doubled in the U.S. to 27,000. As the world's largest and fastest growing cryptocurrency ATM company, Bitcoin Depot was at the forefront of this explosive growth. Today Bitcoin Depot reflects on one of the company's fastest growing years yet, including the news, milestones and developments and a closer look at what 2022 may bring.

2021 Highlights

The increasing importance of Bitcoin has resulted in an exciting 2021 for Bitcoin Depot. We've celebrated our five-year anniversary, tripled our kiosk count, launched a secure app and crypto wallet, and moving up 746 spots on the Inc. 5000 list to #357. Some other highlights include:

An exclusive long-term and international partnership with Circle K

Surpassing more than 6,500 crypto ATMs across the U.S. and Canada

Gaining market share in the U.S. and solidifying our position as the No. 1 crypto ATM operator in the world

"If anything, 2021 has shown us that Bitcoin is not a short-lived trend but something that is here to stay," said Brandon Mintz, President & CEO at Bitcoin Depot. "The crypto ATM industry continues to grow at a rapid pace with estimates that the market will hit $3.55 billion by 2030. We're definitely seeing that usage and continued growth in our business with tremendous expansion throughout 2021."

Highlights by Month

In 2021, Bitcoin Depot formed new partnerships, was recognized as a top company to work for and participated in one of the biggest Bitcoin events in history. By offering dozens of cryptos at our ATMs, as well as a secure mobile app and crypto wallet, we've continued to meet our goal of making access to financial services and crypto easier. Below are just some of the highlights.

January

Teamed up with Genmega to power next-gen Bitcoin ATMs for retail

March

Surpassed 2,000 crypto ATMs and continued to excel with international expansion

April

Named a top place to work by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Recognized by Startup Weekly as one of the 2021 Financial Services & Insurance Companies to Watch

June

Participated in Bitcoin 2021, the biggest Bitcoin event in history with a sold-out crowd of 12,000 attendees

Brandon Mintz , President & CEO of Bitcoin Depot, named an Entrepreneur of The Year 2021 Southeast Award finalist

July

Established an exclusive international and long-term partnership with Circle K  one of the world's leading convenience and fuel retailers

August

Launched a secure mobile app, an easier way for users to manage their crypto

September

Recognized as One of America's Fastest-Growing Private Companies on Inc. 5000 List for the second consecutive year

Continued business growth momentum with a new milestone, surpassing 5,000 Bitcoin Depot ATMs across North America

November

Honored by University of Georgia Alumni Association on its 2022 Bulldog 100 as a fast-growing business

December

Surpassed 6,000 crypto ATMs and continued business growth

Looking Ahead to 2022

After a successful 2021, we anticipate Bitcoin adoption rates will continue to rise and become even more mainstream as an accepted asset class in 2022. The market will continue to mature, driving the need for more innovative solutions that are easy and seamless to use. As witnessed by Bitcoin Depot's partnership with Circle K, crypto ATMs will continue to expand into retail environments such as restaurants, bars and convenience stores, diversifying cryptocurrency's customer base. And two-way crypto ATMs, which allow the purchase and selling of Bitcoin, will continue to thrive to meet consumer demand.

"As we observe trends, we can see that some years from now, Bitcoin will be one of the most valuable assets," said Mintz. "Retailers are becoming major access points, and advocates, of cryptocurrency by hosting Bitcoin Depot ATMs. This is creating a larger network of access points. It may seem radical now but think of a world where you can buy and sell actual goods using cryptocurrency. That's the projection for what's next."

To learn more about Bitcoin Depot or to find a full list of cryptocurrency ATM locations, visit www.bitcoindepot.com.

About Bitcoin Depot

Bitcoin Depot is the fastest growing multi-cryptocurrency ATM company in the world. It was founded in 2016 and is based in Atlanta, Georgia. The company's mission is to provide the most secure, convenient, and fastest cryptocurrency transaction, ultimately Bringing Cryptocurrency to the Masses. Through a strong network of thousands of crypto ATMs, Bitcoin Depot enables users to buy Bitcoin, Litecoin, and Ethereum instantly. Learn more on their website, as well as on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Media contact:

Wendi Sheridan

215-630-5287

[email protected]

SOURCE Bitcoin Depot
LOS ANGELES, Dec. 23, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Browne George Ross O'Brien Annaguey & Ellis LLP (BGR) secured a major victory last week in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California, successfully clearing Dr. Mirali Zarrabi on all 33 felony counts regarding a $355 million insurance fraud scheme on the 1-800-GET-THIN Lap-Band surgery business.

Dr. Zarrabi, a pulmonologist, was the sole defendant acquitted of all charges in what appears to be the lengthiest federal trial conducted nationwide during the pandemic. BGR partner Thomas P. O'Brien tried the case alongside partners Ivy A. Wang and Jennie Wang VonCannon and associates Luke Fiedler, Matthew O. Kussman, and Nour Hamida.

"The complexity of the matter and length of the trial were significant challenges, but our client, Dr. Zarrabi, is extremely pleased with the outcome and so are we," said O'Brien, lead counsel and former U.S. Attorney for the Central District of California. "It's not often a defendant with so many charges is acquitted on all of them, but the jury did its job and reviewed the evidence properly."

Federal prosecutors argued at trial that the 1-800-GET-THIN network had fraudulently submitted roughly $355 million in insurance claims for coverage of Lap-Band surgeries, a type of weight loss surgery. According to prosecutors, GET THIN scheduled patients for medically unnecessary sleep studies and then falsified the results to show that the patients had obstructive sleep apnea, often a trigger for insurance coverage of Lap-Band surgery. Dr. Zarrabi, an independent contractor of GET THIN, was accused of failing to review the falsified sleep study results, but the BGR team successfully demonstrated to the jury that the government's chief cooperating witness, Charles Klasky, falsified the results after Dr. Zarrabi had performed his sleep study reviews.

The trial spanned close to three months, which was one of the longest federal criminal cases in district history.

O'Brien previously led the prosecutor's office from 2007 to 2009, after being appointed by President George W. Bush. O'Brien tried the case with Wang and VonCannon, his former Assistant U.S. Attorneys. Wang, a veteran of fraud trials and recipient of the Executive Office for United States Attorneys Director's Award, left the U.S. Attorney's office to join BGR in 2018. VonCannon, former Deputy Chief of the Cyber and Intellectual Property Crimes Section, left the U.S. Attorney's office to join BGR in 2019.

Media coverage of the firm's success in the matter can be found in Law360, the Daily Journal, and the Los Angeles Times.

About Browne George Ross O'Brien Annaguey & Ellis LLP:

BGR is recognized as one of the top litigation and trial firms in the country. Whether plaintiff or defendant, individual, Fortune 500 corporation or entrepreneur, clients call upon BGR when seeking litigation counsel of the highest quality, creativity, dedication, and ethics. With the recent opening of BGR's Washington, D.C. office, the firm will soon be rebranded as Ellis George Cipollone O'Brien Annaguey LLP.

CONTACT:

Gloria Pak

[email protected]

310-274-7100

SOURCE Browne George Ross OBrien Annaguey & Ellis LLP
Encouraged by the positive momentum for this significant partnership, on Thursday, December 16, 2021, China General Chamber of Commerce  USA (CGCC-USA) and the American Chamber of Commerce in China (AmCham China) was honored to successfully organize the "Tackling Climate Change Together: U.S.-China Business Dialogue" webinar. This was the first of the joint event series to be co-organized by the two organizations, exploring how the global business community can create a positive trajectory for U.S.-China climate collaboration.

Over 100 member companies of both Chambers attended and had the opportunity to hear from Alan BEEBE, President of AmCham China, and Chen XU, Chairman of CGCC-USA, President & CEO of Bank of China USA, on the business sector's role and responsibilities in the bilateral collaboration on climate action.

Mr. Beebe recognized the significance of this meaningful event, expressing that "it is a privilege to discuss one of the few potential areas of U.S.-China cooperation with our counterparts at CGCC-USA. Climate change is agnostic to politics and borders, but it is time sensitive. The private sector should play a role in U.S.-China climate collaboration." Mr. Xu echoed his words on the CGCC-AmCham partnership and further indicated that "global partnerships are the only viable solution to critical climate issues, and it is of the utmost importance for the U.S. and China to create a collective agenda on environmental protection and a new green economy that will benefit all citizens of both countries and the globe."

Following the remarks, Mr. Beebe moderated a panel of business executives including Linhua GUAN, CEO of Surge Energy America, Yongqing (Judy) ZHANG, Vice President of Corporate Affairs at PepsiCo, and Xiaojun (Dennis) HUANG, Executive Vice President at Bank of China USA. The dialogue emphasized opportunities in light of COP26 for U.S.-China partnerships and global collaboration, with a focus on the importance of gradual transitions to green finance, renewable energy and investments in neglected areas of green technology. The panelists responded to questions from the audience on concrete actions and best practices that the private sector can take to make the most of the current international momentum around climate action.

The urgency to solve climate change and the magnitude of its impact call for global and inclusive solutions, as well as a deeper and wider participation of the business sector in a wider socio-economic development manner. With climate issues being one of the many potential areas of cooperation between the two countries, Chamber representatives and speakers said they remain optimistic about the prospects of the U.S.-China relationship and economic exchanges. Both the CGCC 2021 Business Survey Report on Chinese Enterprises in the U.S. and the AmCham 2021 China Business Climate Survey Report showed that companies are confident and committed to cooperation between the U.S. and Chinese markets, and are optimistic about a mutually beneficial, stable, equitable, and sustainable relationship over the long term.

As an old Chinese saying goes, "long and difficult as the journey may be, sustained actions will take us to the destination" (). Striving towards the shared mission to create value, generate economic growth, and enhance cooperation between the U.S. and Chinese business communities, speakers at the event said they were encouraged by the candid, constructive, substantive, and productive meeting between Presidents Biden and Xi.

Successfully kicking off their joint event series, both organizations hope to continue being the bridge connecting business exchanges and cooperation between the U.S. and China, as well as to foster continued dialogue between the leaders and business communities of the two countries.

About CGCC

Founded in 2005, China General Chamber of Commerce  USA ("CGCC") has been recognized as the largest and most impactful non-profit organization representing Chinese enterprises in the U.S. As an independent, non-partisan, non-governmental chamber of commerce, CGCC provides a broad range of programs, services, and resources to over a thousand multinational members across the U.S., with a mission to create value, generate economic growth, and enhance cooperation between the U.S. and Chinese business communities.

About CGCC Foundation

Established in 2014, CGCC Foundation is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization. The mission of CGCC Foundation is to deepen mutual understanding and cooperation between the United States and China through research, public charity and engagement in economic, cultural and social exchanges.

SOURCE China General Chamber of Commerce - USA
The white paper titled "Hong Kong: Democratic Progress Under the Framework of One Country, Two Systems" released by China yesterday further reveals the real picture of Hong Kong's political development. It shows that it was the Communist Party of China and the Chinese government that steer the course for the development of democracy in Hong Kong and support this endeavor.

As we all know, before returning to China in 1997, Hong Kong was under British colonial rule for a long time. It was not until Hong Kong's return that citizens became the masters of their own affairs for the first time and began to enjoy genuine democracy and a high degree of autonomy.

When the "one country, two systems" policy was proposed back in the early 1980s, the Chinese government had already drawn up a blueprint for democracy in Hong Kong for after its return to the motherland. In addition, China stipulated the goal of dual universal suffrage in the Basic Law of the HKSAR, which was not included in the Sino-British Joint Declaration. Since Hong Kong's return to China, the central government has taken three significant steps to advance the system of democracy in Hong Kong. All of these demonstrate that it is the motherland that created and advances Hong Kong's democratic system.

In recent years, some local forces initiated a series of actions to create chaos in Hong Kong. Due to the 2019 turmoil, the House Committee of the Sixth Legislative Council was unable to function for more than eight months in the 2019-2020 legislative session. As a result, a total of 14 bills could not be scrutinized and followed up in time, and bills dealing with matters such as improving welfare for local residents and vulnerable communities failed to pass.

The Chinese government took important measures to cease the violence and chaos, and restored order in Hong Kong. Then by making elections more broadly representative, politically inclusive, ensuring balanced participation, guaranteeing fair competition, and focusing on candidates' policy agendas and capabilities, the Chinese government also pushed for Hong Kong to shift from Western-style democracy to a democracy that suits the region and with its own characteristics. All of these demonstrate that it is the motherland that restored and upheld democracy in Hong Kong.

The course of development of Hong Kong's democracy has strongly demonstrated that the Communist Party of China and the Chinese government have always firmly supported Hong Kong in developing a democracy with its own characteristics. I believe with the implementation of a series of major measures, such as the Law of the People's Republic of China on Safeguarding National Security in the HKSAR and the principle of "patriots governing Hong Kong," the region is embracing a better future with improved governance.

China Mosaic

http://www.china.org.cn/video/node_7230027.htm

Who is the creator and defender of Hong Kong's democracy? http://www.china.org.cn/video/2021-12/21/content_77944481.htm

SOURCE China.org.cn
DUBLIN, Dec. 23, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The "China Testing, Inspection, and Certification Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Service Type (Testing, Inspection, Certification), By Sourcing Type (In-house, Outsourced), By Application, and Segment Forecasts, 2021-2028" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

China's testing, inspection, and certification market size is anticipated to reach USD 64.9 billion by 2028. The market is anticipated to expand at a CAGR of 7.1% from 2021 to 2028.

The high standards of living of Chinese citizens and increased focus of customers on quality and safety of food products and consumer goods such as toys, personal care & beauty products, and electrical and electronic appliances are driving the growth of the China testing, inspection, and certification (TIC) market.

Furthermore, an increase in outsourcing of testing, inspection, and certification services by prominent companies operating in the manufacturing, automotive, and consumer goods application areas is projected to boost the growth of the market in China.



Furthermore, the TIC market is expected to grow at a faster pace in China owing to government investments in the transportation and energy sectors as well as the construction industry.

The Chinese government has introduced favorable policies for international players to establish their foothold in the country to achieve progressive liberalization. The domestic players capture a majority share of the market in several Chinese provinces. The government has encouraged foreign investments by lifting the barriers for international TIC providers to enter and operate in the Mainland marketplace.



Previously, most companies in China conducted their testing, inspection, and certification operations in-house. However, with the growing acceptance of the China Compulsory Certification (CCC), a greater emphasis is placed on the need for strict regulatory standards and certifications and this has led to an increase in outsourcing activities of TIC in China due to cost benefits.

This growing trend of outsourcing TIC services is anticipated to further drive the growth of the market over the forecast period due to the increased accessibility of the domestic market for international players and the provision of cost-effective solutions by the TIC service providers.



China Testing, Inspection, And Certification Market Report Highlights

The Chinese TIC market is witnessing considerable growth owing to an increasing number of investments from international incumbents.

The inspection service segment is expected to expand at the highest CAGR of 8.1% over the forecast period.

TIC forms an integral part of the infrastructure and transportation sectors in China and hence, the growth of the two sectors is expected to drive the demand for testing inspection, and certification activities.

Key Topics Covered:

Market Variables, Trends & Scope

Market Segmentation & Scope

Penetration & Growth Prospect Mapping

Market Dynamics

Market driver analysis

Growing opportunities for international players in domestic TIC outsourcing market

Strict implementation of testing, inspection & certification regulations

Surging capital investments in infrastructure, transport, energy production sectors

Market restraint analysis

Difference in Chinese and International Standards

Challenging local business practices for MNC's

Industry Analysis - Porter's

Supplier Power

Buyer Power

Substitution Threat

Threat from new entrant

Competitive rivalry

PEST Analysis

Political and Legal Landscape

Environmental Landscape

Social Landscape

Technology Landscape

China TICs Market - Value Chain Analysis

Competitor Analysis & Vendor Landscape - China

List of Key Participants, 2020 (International and Local)

International Players

Local and National Players

Other NoTable Players

Key Regulations for China TIC market

China Compulsory Certification mark (CCC)

Sector-wise List of Regulation for China TIC Market

ISO Standards in China

International Accreditation Bodies in China

Chinese ISO Certification Bodies with International Accreditation

China TIC: Service Outlook

China TIC: Sourcing Type Outlook

China TIC: Application Outlook

Companies Mentioned

AsureQuality Limited

Bureau Veritas SA

DEKRA SE

DNV GL Group AS

Intertek Group PLC

Lloyd's Register Group Limited

SGS S.A.

TUV Rheinland AG Group

Underwriters Laboratories Inc.

Asia Quality Focus

HQTS Group Ltd

InTouch Services Ltd.

Beijing Veritell

China Inspection Co., Ltd.

Centre Testing International

China Certification & Inspection Group (CCIC)

Asia Quality Control

V-Trust

TUV SUD

TUV Nord

American Bureau of Shipping (ABS)

Hartford Steam Boiler (HSB)

Larsen & Toubro

Asia Inspection

China Building Material Test & Certification Group Co. Ltd

China Special Equipment Inspection and Research Institute (CSEI)

China Classification Society (CCS)

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/mxl6mh

Media Contact:

Research and Markets

Laura Wood, Senior Manager

[email protected]



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Fax (outside U.S.): +353-1-481-1716

SOURCE Research and Markets

Related Links

http://www.researchandmarkets.com


THUNDER BAY, ON, Dec. 23, 2021 /PRNewswire/ - Clean Air Metals Inc. ("Clean Air Metals" or the "Company") (TSXV: AIR) (FRA: CKU) (OTCQB: CLRMF) announces that it has filed its condensed consolidated interim financial statements and management's discussion and analysis for the nine-month period ended October 31, 2021, available for viewing on www.sedar.com .

Q3 Financial Highlights

Total assets as at October 31, 2021 of $36,713,683

of Total cash as at October 31, 2021 of $4,597,966

of Working capital as at October 31, 2021 of $1,909,343

of Shareholder's equity as at October 31, 2021 of $31,107,210

During the nine-month period ended October 31, 2021 as previously reported, the Company:

Continued with a planned 45,000m diamond drill program in 2021 with two drills at the Thunder Bay North project, with a focus on systematic step-outs between resource centers within the Escape Lake Deposit to add to the 505,369 oz palladium equivalent (PdEq) indicated mineral resource at 3.67g/t PdEq in 4,286,220 tonnes, published on January 20, 2021 .

diamond drill program in 2021 with two drills at the Thunder Bay North project, with a focus on systematic step-outs between resource centers within the Escape Lake Deposit to add to the 505,369 oz palladium equivalent (PdEq) indicated mineral resource at 3.67g/t PdEq in 4,286,220 tonnes, published on . Conducted additional resource delineation drilling at the adjacent Current Lake deposit, building on the indicated mineral resource of 1,328,789 oz PdEq at an average grade of 3.44 g/t PdEq in 11,999,177 tonnes, defined in the mineral resource update dated January 20, 2020 .

. Continued with metallurgical studies as a precursor to smelter offtake analysis and underground mine modelling as key inputs into a Preliminary Economic Assessment of the Current Lake Deposit scheduled for completion and disclosure in Q4/2021.

Mineral resource estimates for both the Escape and Current deposits are reported pursuant to the January 20, 2021 NI 43-101 Technical Report and Mineral Resource Estimate for the Thunder Bay North Project, Thunder Bay, Ontario, prepared by Nordmin Engineering Ltd. with QP Glen Kuntz, P.Geo, as posted to SEDAR on March 4, 2021.

Financial Summary













For the three months ended For the nine months ended

October 31, 2021 October 31, 2020 October 31, 2021 October 31, 2020









Operating Expenses $ 1,056,915 $ 620,791 $ 3,045,788 $ 3,144,889









Net Income (Loss) and

Comprehensive Income (Loss) (43,617) (608,334) (885,959) (898,235)









Earnings (Loss) per share 

Basic and Diluted $ (0.00) $ (0.00) $ (0.01) $ (0.01)





















October 31, 2021 January 31, 2021













Total Assets $ 36,713,683 $ 27,146,884













Total Liabilities 5,606,473 3,923,352













Total Shareholders' Equity $ 31,107,210 $ 23,223,532





Full details of the financial reports and operating results for the nine-month period ended October 31, 2021 are described in the Company's condensed consolidated interim financial statements with accompanying notes and related Management's Discussion and Analysis, available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.

COVID Policy

Clean Air Metals continued to apply COVID-19 avoidance and personal protection measures for its geological staff, drilling contractor and service suppliers during the third quarter and has had zero occurrences of COVID-related illness year to date. Personnel are required to maintain physical distance, use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), self-monitor and self-isolate or elect to work from home. Management had previously eliminated plans for a camp setup to service a planned diamond drill campaign on the Escape Lake Project. The Company is aware of Thunder Bay Health Unit guidelines that provide for "mandatory" self-isolation for returning overseas.

Mineral Exploration and Development has been deemed an essential service in the Province of Ontario (http://www.netnewsledger.com/2020/03/23/ontario-covid-19-business-allowed-to-remain-open-list-march-23-2020/).

The Company has procured the services of a locally staffed and serviced diamond drilling contractor to complete the diamond drilling programs.

Qualified Person

Mr. Geoff Heggie, P.Geo. a Qualified Person under National Instrument 43-101 and Exploration Manager of the Company, has reviewed and approved all technical information in this press release.

Social Engagement

Clean Air Metals Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiary Panoramic PGMs (Canada) Ltd. acknowledge that the Thunder Bay North Project is on the traditional territories of the Fort William First Nation, Red Rock First Nation and Biinjitiwabik Zaaging Anishinabek. The parties together are the Cooperating Participants in a Memorandum of Agreement dated January 9, 2021.

The Company appreciates the opportunity to work in these territories and remains committed to the recognition and respect of those who have lived, traveled, and gathered on the lands since time immemorial. Clean Air Metals is committed to stewarding Indigenous heritage and remains committed to building, fostering and encouraging a respectful relationship with First Nations, Metis, and Inuit peoples based upon principles of mutual trust, respect, reciprocity and collaboration in the spirit of reconciliation.

About Clean Air Metals Inc.

Clean Air Metals' flagship asset is the 100% owned, high grade Thunder Bay North Project, a platinum, palladium, copper, nickel project located near the City of Thunder Bay, Ontario and the Lac des Iles Mine owned by Impala Platinum. The Thunder Bay North Project hosts the twin magma conduit bodies which host Current Lake and Escape Lake deposits forming the basis for a positive preliminary economic assessment around a ramp access underground mine reported December 1, 2021. Executive Chairman Jim Gallagher and CEO Abraham Drost lead an experienced team of geologists and engineers who are using the Norilsk magma conduit stratigraphic and mineral deposit model to guide ongoing exploration and development studies at Thunder Bay North. As the former CEO of North American Palladium Ltd. which owned the Lac des Iles Mine prior to the sale to Impala Platinum in December 2019, Jim Gallagher and team are credited with the mine turnaround and creation of significant value for shareholders.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

"Abraham Drost"

Abraham Drost, Chief Executive Officer of Clean Air Metals Inc.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Cautionary Note

The information contained herein contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. Forward-looking statements relate to information that is based on assumptions of management, forecasts of future results, and estimates of amounts not yet determinable. Any statements that express predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions or future events or performance are not statements of historical fact and may be "forward-looking statements." Forward-looking statements are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties which could cause actual events or results to differ from those reflected in the forward-looking statements, including, without limitation: political and regulatory risks associated with mining and exploration; risks related to the maintenance of stock exchange listings; risks related to environmental regulation and liability; the potential for delays in exploration

or development activities or the completion of feasibility studies; the uncertainty of profitability; risks and uncertainties relating to the interpretation of drill results, the geology, grade and continuity of mineral deposits; risks related to the inherent uncertainty of cost estimates and the potential for unexpected costs and expenses; results of technical studies, benchmark reports, and the possibility that future exploration, development or mining results will not be consistent with the Company's expectations; risks related to commodity price fluctuations; and other risks and uncertainties related to the Company's prospects, properties and business detailed elsewhere in the Company's disclosure record. Should one or more of these risks and uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described in forward-looking statements. Investors are cautioned against attributing undue

certainty to forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date hereof and the Company does not assume any obligation to update or revise them to reflect new events or circumstances, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. Actual events or results could differ materially from the Company's expectations or projections.

SOURCE Clean Air Metals Inc.
WASHINGTON, Dec. 23, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) Chair Alexander Hoehn-Saric and U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-23) announced today five awardees of a grant program aimed at preventing pool and spa drownings, as well as drain entrapments. The state and local governments were selected by CPSC to receive more than $1.3 million in Pool Safely Grant Program (PSGP) grant funds. This funding will provide state and local governments with assistance for education, training, and enforcement of pool safety requirements that are intended to save lives and prevent serious injuries.

FY 2022 Pool Safely Grant Program Awards

Jurisdictions State Award Amount Florida Department of Health Florida $363,749 Virginia Department Of Health Virginia $51,850 County of Stanislaus California $320,000 County of Los Angeles California $400,000 County of Tulare California $173,095.92

"Drowning remains the number one cause of death for children ages one to four," said CPSC Chair Alexander Hoehn-Saric. "These grant funds are an essential element in our work to protect children, by providing lifesaving safety information to communities, and helping these communities enforce pool safety requirements."

"I have long been a passionate advocate for pool and spa safety, and that will not stop. We must do more to stop these preventable tragedies, and these grants are one of the key steps we can take to help save more children's lives," said Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz. "My goal is to reduce child drownings across the country, and we can do it by teaching children to swim, ensuring pools have the right safety equipment, and educating parents on the critical importance of supervising children in and near the water."

The Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act (VGB Act), which Rep. Wasserman Schultz authored and led, was passed by Congress and signed into law by President George W. Bush in December 2007. The VGB Act authorizes the PSGP, which provides state and local governments with assistance for education, training, and enforcement of pool safety requirements.

CPSC's website www.PoolSafely.gov has more information on the Pool Safely Grant program and the VGB Act as well as free, downloadable educational materials available to the public.

About the U.S. CPSC

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is charged with protecting the public from unreasonable risks of injury or death associated with the use of thousands of types of consumer products. Deaths, injuries, and property damage from consumer product incidents cost the nation more than $1 trillion annually. CPSC's work to ensure the safety of consumer products has contributed to a decline in the rate of injuries associated with consumer products for nearly 50 years.

Federal law bars any person from selling products subject to a publicly announced voluntary recall by a manufacturer or a mandatory recall ordered by the Commission.

For lifesaving information:

- Visit CPSC.gov.

- Sign up to receive our e-mail alerts.

- Follow us on Facebook, Instagram @USCPSC and Twitter @USCPSC.

- Report a dangerous product or a product-related injury on www.SaferProducts.gov.

- Call CPSC's Hotline at 800-638-2772 (TTY 301-595-7054).

- Contact a media specialist.

Release Number: 22-041

SOURCE U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
LONDON, Dec. 23, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Flagship cryptocurrency Bitcoin (BTCUSD) has made gains over the festive season for the last five years according to stocks, shares and cryptocurrency website ADVFN.

Investors looking for trading opportunities during the so-called 'Crimbo limbo', when traditional equity markets are either closed for trading or experiencing a festive lull, will find plenty of action in the cryptocurrency markets. Last Christmas, Bitcoin rose from $23,746.97 to $36,873.42 between December 24th and January 6th, 2021  marking a 55% increase. Number two cryptocurrency Ethereum (ETHUSD) trumped this, almost doubling in value (up 96%) in the same 14-day period, climbing from $613.08 to $1,204.72. [1]

Bitcoin hit an all-time intraday high of $20,089 on December 17, 2017, and subsequently traded as low as $3186 during December 2018. However, despite this fall over the year, the crypto experienced an increase of 26% between Christmas Eve 2017 and Epiphany 2018, spiking from $13,925.80 to $17,527. Ethereum once again eclipsed this with a 50% rise ($694.15 to $1,041.68).

The Christmas period of 2019-2020 (December 24th-January 6th) saw Bitcoin make - by crypto standards - a modest gain of 7.5%. Ethereum meanwhile advanced 13% in the same timeframe increasing from $127.59 to $144.37.

"Any investor or trader finding themselves bored over the Christmas period and looking for a bit of market craziness will certainly find it in the crypto market; a market that never sleeps," said Clem Chambers, CEO of ADVFN. "It's a wild ride and certainly not for the fainthearted. As we've seen with Bitcoin again this year, what goes up often comes down, with swings of 20% or more not unusual for the 'blue crypts,' and even bigger fluctuations for other coins. For a longer-term strategy, if you believe crypto has a great future, as I do, then dollar cost averaging is one way to go."

Investors can monitor all the latest news and price action for cryptocurrencies and DeFi tokens on ADVFN's award-winning cryptocurrency platform[2] https://uk.advfn.com/cryptocurrency

For further information, please email: [email protected]

About ADVFN

ADVFN ( www.advfn.com ) is an award-winning global stocks , shares and crypto information website providing market-leading financial tools and data to private investors around the world.

Offering real-time share prices, news feeds, charting, portfolio management, monitor lists, financials (fundamentals), data from global stock exchanges, Level 2 and some of the most active financial bulletin boards in the world (and much more), the site is the destination of choice for day traders and retail investors.

Established in the last quarter of 1999, ADVFN ( LSE:AFN ) was floated on the London Stock Exchange's AIM market in March 2000. The site currently has approximately 36 million users worldwide and a billion page impressions a year. On July 5th, 2021, in a trading update, the Company announced its intention to commence paying dividends.

Originally a UK-based site, the company currently operates in the US, UK, Brazil, Japan and Dubai.

ADVFN has a joint venture in Brazil, a country in which ADVFN has a geographic and language targeted website. This is in addition to its US, French, German, Italian, Canadian, Japanese, Indian, Mexican and Filipino ADVFN financial sites.

In 2006 ADVFN acquired InvestorsHub.com , a leading online investment community website in the North American market.

ADVFN bought AllIPO, an online IPO trading platform, as well as stock brokerages TSCTrade and Throgmorton Street Capital in July 2009.

[1] Data is taken from 'close' price on December 24th and close on January 6th

[2] Winner of 'Cryptocurrency Platform Provider of the Year' in the MoneyAge Awards 2020 and 2021

SOURCE ADVFN Plc

Related Links

www.advfn.com


NEW YORK, Dec. 23, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Cybint, the software-as-a-service arm of ThriveDX (TDX), a global digital education giant formerly known as HackerU, announces a major expansion in the U.S. through a series of partnerships with more than a dozen colleges and universities secured throughout 2021. By bringing its cybersecurity bootcamp to learners of all backgrounds and education levels, it has made future-proof digital skills more accessible to the U.S. population amid a larger nation-wide legislative push for a more inclusive and tech-oriented education in the country. Rebranding the bootcamp to Impact in the wake of Cybint's acquisition by ThriveDX in August 2021, the company showcases its commitment to making a difference for the modern workforce.

Earlier this year, U.S. President Joe Biden named cybersecurity a "core national security challenge", and his administration has since taken action to invest in training future cybersecurity professionals. The Build Back Better Act intends to bolster underserved communities by investing in community colleges, Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs), and minority-serving institutions (MSIs). If passed, the act will build capacity, modernize research infrastructure, and provide financial aid to low-income students, including a $550 increase in the Pell Grant for more than 5 million students enrolled in public, private, and non-profit colleges. The Act also plans to invest $400 million in the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Agency (CISA), with $100 million devoted to enhancing cybersecurity awareness, training, and workforce development efforts. "My Administration is marshalling a whole-of-nation effort to confront cyber threats," President Biden said. As with most such efforts, it will take more than government involvement to achieve meaningful results.

By partnering with community colleges and universities, TDX, through Cybint, contributes further to cybersecurity workforce development, helping to bridge the lingering skills gap and talent shortage also in underrepresented communities. Its network of partners delivers an award-winning cybersecurity bootcamp online to learners of all levels, introducing them to the core concepts, tools, and skills required for protecting networks and devices. The intensive hands-on training, which taps into a rich interactive exercise library simulating real-life incident response scenarios, arms students with the skills they need to succeed for entry-level jobs in the field, and helps keep cyber jobs in the community.

In 2021, Cybint teamed up with multiple higher education partners across the U.S., including community colleges such as: Loras College, College of Eastern Idaho, Northeast Community College in Nebraska, Lincoln Land Community College, South Arkansas Community College, Manchester Community College, Ozarks Technical Community College, Central Texas College, and more.

"The Lincoln Land Community College's (LLCC) core mission is to grant its community the knowledge and skills it needs to thrive," says Brenda Elliott, Director for Work-Based Learning at LLCC. "This makes Cybint's excellent cybersecurity bootcamp a great addition to our programs, as the field is set to remain in high demand for years to come."

"Creating impact through cybersecurity education and digital transformation has been our vision since inception," says Roy Zur, Founder and CEO of Cybint. "The persistent talent gap in the sector renders IT security teams unable to face the threat with enough hands on deck. By partnering with us, excellent education institutions can help mend this gap, while also granting their learners a pathway into a high-paying and in-demand professional field."

About Cybint (Soon to be called ThriveDX SaaS)

ThriveDX SaaS, formerly known as Cybint Solutions, is the software as a service arm of ThriveDX, the global education company committed to transforming lives through digital skills training and solutions. ThriveDX SaaS partners with organizations and educational institutions to offer a diverse set of learning and security solutions, including career-accelerated bootcamps and security training for enterprise. Our team is comprised of military-trained cyber experts, industry veterans, and educators united under the vision of creating a safer digital world through education, training, and collaboration.

For more information, visit https://www.cybintsolutions.com/

SOURCE Cybint
WENATCHEE, Wash., Dec. 23, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- A devastated 5-year-old boy who lives in Turkey is told by his teacher that Santa Claus is dead. His desperate mom posts a plea for a "Santa" somewhere to somehow help her disillusioned son. A Santa in the Pacific Northwest who has dedicated his life to embodying the spirit of Santa (St. Nicholas) responds and give the boy a reason to believe again.

Dan aka Santa

Dan Barrett, aka Santa, has dedicated his life to embodying the spirit of Santa (St. Nicholas) for over a decade. He does this whether he is wearing the suit or not. Dan spends his time as an off-duty Santa helping people in crisis, from every age group and across cultures. Dan embodies the true spirit of St. Nicolas, who was a Bishop in Myra, Turkey during the 3rd and 4th Century A.D. and whose name means "victory for the people." Saint Nicholas is renowned for dropping bags of gold anonymously through a window as a dowry to help a poor dad save his three daughters from being forced into prostitution. This compassionate act, among many others, made Saint Nicholas notable as one who helped those in vulnerable positions.

Recently, Dan was made aware of a young boy in Turkey, who had been told by his schoolteacher that, "Santa was dead and didn't exist." Of course, the young lad was devastated, but because of his mother's plea on social media, Santa Dan wasted no time responding with a personal video to restore hope and childlike faith in the boy to believe, despite the teacher's message.

To Dan's delight, the boy and his mother sent a video message back, thanking Santa and assuring him that the boy's belief in Santa was restored. The mother said, "Thank you for the beautiful message to my son. It is tough to keep the Christmas magic alive, but your video message has him totally transfixed with Christmas cheer. We are now in full Christmas mode and counting down the days until Santa arrives. We are both happy to share this message!" Santa Dan and the young boy have since exchanged a few heartwarming messages, and the magic of Christmas continues, renewing hope in hearts at a time when the world so desperately needs it.

Dan Barrett and his wife Nancy live in Wenatchee, Washington and stay busy operating their small business, Class with a Glass, an art studio that teaches painting classes and brings cheer to their community. Dan and Nancy have dedicated their lives to serving others, helping the vulnerable in their communities, and working for multiple non-profit organizations to help those in need. Dan has been donning the red suit and bringing holiday cheer to families for over a decade, traveling from California to Florida, to NYC and back to his home state of Washington. It was especially memorable that this year, Santa Dan was at the Class with a Glass studio in Wenatchee, WA and visiting with kids from his local community.

Link to Article in The Wenatchee World Dec 22nd

https://www.wenatcheeworld.com/news/local/in-the-red-suit-a-reflection-of-15-years-as-santa-claus-for-a-wenatchee/article_83a1d632-634e-11ec-a889-b3823c7fdd43.html

Here a link to a podcast interview with Dan by a reporter who had dinner with him after a full day of work as Santa in a mall in 2019.

https://lnns.co/UFaeKVBDSRv

Video Links for Santa and Kaya exchanges video messages on Facebook messenger below:

https://www.facebook.com/messenger_media/?thread_id=100001914176735&attachment_id=1049013615890652&message_id=mid.%24cAABa860ZgE2D3CWM5V9quBEVhIOI

https://www.facebook.com/messenger_media/?thread_id=100001914176735&attachment_id=701182101286290&message_id=mid.%24cAABa860ZgE2D3CPCqV9qt5530HAU

https://www.facebook.com/messenger_media/?thread_id=100001914176735&attachment_id=1042684533179570&message_id=mid.%24cAABa860ZgE2D3CXWkl9quCOJnhfc

For more information, and additional details on the how the story unfolded, please contact Dan Barrett.

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 530-604-0283

Press Release author David Charlson

[email protected]

970-744-0165

SOURCE Dan Barrett
TUCSON, Ariz., Dec. 23, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- On Dec 20, Doctors for Disaster Preparedness filed an amicus brief with the U.S. Supreme Court in the biggest energy case in a decade, West Virginia v. EPA, No. 20-1530. DDP urges the Court to end the interference with affordable energy by the Environmental Protection Agency, which was never authorized by Congress.

The question presented in the brief is whether an administrative agency can unilaterally issue rules so far-reaching as to reshape the nation's electricity grids and "decarbonize" any sector of the economy, with virtually no limit.

"Misuse of science for an agenda of political control is dangerous, and the sort of tyranny by factionalism that the Constitution safeguards against," DDP argues. The faction of climate change activists seeks broad control of our entire energy sector without authorization by Congress.

"If current trends continue, a handful of unelected bureaucrats could virtually prohibit use of the combustion engine, and average Americans will become dependent on government allowance of electric charging stations in order to merely travel from point A to B." Americans would also be dependent on government for access to heating, refrigeration, and lighting, the brief notes.

"Today there is no greater factional 'zeal', as James Madison put it, than the demand for increased government control over energy under a theory of a cataclysmic man-made climate change," DDP argues, urging the Court to "embrace the Constitution and affirm that Congress exists to deal with such factions."

Under EPA's expansive interpretation of the Clean Air Act, it could control the lives of more than 300 million Americans under the guise of improving air quality. It is unlikely that even Congress has such power, DDP notes, and "it would be unconstitutional for Congress to delegate such sweeping power to an unaccountable administrator."

"Continued unfettered delegation to administrative agencies leaves a cavernous hole in the constitutionally balanced structure of checks and balances because agencies are prone to be arbitrary and unaccountable," DDP writes.

Allowing the administrative state to overstep these boundaries is perilous to liberty, states DDP.

Doctors for Disaster Preparedness is a group of independent scientists founded in 1984.

Contact: Andrew Schlafly, [email protected], or Jane M. Orient, M.D., (520) 323-3110, [email protected]

SOURCE Doctors for Disaster Preparedness
MINNEAPOLIS, Dec. 22, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- A variety of jobs expose people to formaldehyde, a strong-smelling gas used in manufacturing wood and chemical products, plastics and in other applications. A new study suggests that long-term exposure to formaldehyde during work may be associated with cognitive impairment later on. The research is published in the December 22, 2021, online issue of Neurology, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology.

"We know that exposure to formaldehyde has been linked to certain cancers, and our results suggest that exposure to low amounts of formaldehyde also may be associated with lower level of cognitive functioning," said study author Noemie Letellier, PhD, of the University of Montpellier in France. "People whose work exposes them to formaldehyde may want to take precautions, and companies may want to look at ways to reduce workers' exposure to the hazardous chemical."

The study looked at 75,322 people in France with an average age of 58. Of those, 8%, or 6,026, were exposed to formaldehyde during their working life. Their occupations included nurses, caregivers, medical technicians, workers in the textile, chemistry and metal industries, carpenters and cleaners.

Lifetime formaldehyde exposure was calculated with a tool used to estimate a person's exposure to potential health hazards in different occupations. People were split into three equal groups according to their years of exposure to formaldehyde; low was considered six or fewer years, medium was seven to 21 years, and high was 22 or more years. Participants were also split into three groups according to their cumulative exposure, which is the total amount of formaldehyde a person is exposed to over their lifetime based on the probability, intensity and frequency of exposure.

Cognitive function was measured using seven common tests of word recall, memory, attention, reasoning and other thinking skills, to assess each domain and to come up with a global cognitive score.

After adjusting for age, sex, education and other factors, researchers found people who were exposed to formaldehyde on the job had, on average, a 17% higher risk of having thinking and memory problems compared to those who were not exposed. This was true in every type of cognitive function the researchers tested.

For example, one of the cognitive tests is to match symbols to numbers according to a key located on the top of the page. The subject copies the symbol into spaces below a row of numbers. In this study, the maximum possible score was 135. The group not exposed to formaldehyde had an average score of 66, compared to an average score of 63 in the group that was exposed to formaldehyde.

Workers who were exposed to formaldehyde for 22 years or longer had a 21% higher risk of global cognitive impairment compared to those who were never exposed. Workers with the highest cumulative exposure to formaldehyde had a 19% greater risk on average of having cognitive impairment compared to those who had not been exposed.

"The use of formaldehyde has decreased over the last few decades; however, our results highlight the fact that there are still thousands of people whose work exposes them to the chemical, and they may face the risk of cognitive impairment later because of it," Letellier said.

The study does not prove that exposure to formaldehyde causes cognitive impairment, it only shows an association.

A limitation of the study is that it did not include self-employed or agricultural workers.

The study was supported by the French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety.

Learn more about brain health at BrainandLife.org, home of the American Academy of Neurology's free patient and caregiver magazine focused on the intersection of neurologic disease and brain health. Follow Brain & Life on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

When posting to social media channels about this research, we encourage you to use the hashtags #Neurology and #AANscience.

The American Academy of Neurology is the world's largest association of neurologists and neuroscience professionals, with over 36,000 members. The AAN is dedicated to promoting the highest quality patient-centered neurologic care. A neurologist is a doctor with specialized training in diagnosing, treating and managing disorders of the brain and nervous system such as Alzheimer's disease, stroke, migraine, multiple sclerosis, concussion, Parkinson's disease and epilepsy.

For more information about the American Academy of Neurology, visit AAN.com or find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube.

SOURCE Neurology
Topanga Re issued two tranches of notes as part of the offering, $100 million of Series 2021-1 Class A Notes and $60 million of Series 2021-1 Class B Notes. The Class A Notes offer four years of per-occurrence protection and the Class B Notes offer two years of annual aggregate protection. Both Classes provide protection against the perils of U.S. named storms, earthquakes, severe weather and fire.

"Farmers is pleased to access the capital markets via this catastrophe bond issuance which allows us to diversify our capital sources by distributing different levels of risk," said Thomas Noh, chief financial officer of Farmers Insurance Exchange. "Obtaining multi-year collateralized capacity from Topanga Re is an important addition to our risk management strategy."

Swiss Re Capital Markets and TigerRisk Capital Markets & Advisory acted as joint structuring agents. Swiss Re Capital Markets acted as sole bookrunner and TigerRisk Capital Markets & Advisory as co-manager.

"Swiss Re is proud to have advised Farmers in structuring and placing its first-ever catastrophe bond. Investors welcomed the innovative subrogation extension mechanism as it better aligns potential ILS recoveries with those of traditional reinsurance. This innovation was essential to allow Farmers to efficiently complement its per-occurrence and aggregate reinsurance programs with an ILS issuance," said Jean-Louis Monnier, head of retro & ILS structuring at Swiss Re Capital Markets.

Added, Philipp Kusche, global head of ILS and capital solutions at TigerRisk Capital Markets & Advisory, "TigerRisk is delighted to have supported Farmers in its inaugural catastrophe bond transaction expanding their risk transfer options further. We were pleased to advise in the establishment of Topanga Re which provides Farmers comprehensive reinsurance coverage on a per-occurrence and aggregate basis."

About Farmers Insurance

"Farmers Insurance" and "Farmers" are tradenames for a group of insurers providing insurance for automobiles, homes and small businesses and a wide range of other insurance and financial services products. For more information about Farmers Insurance, visit Farmers.com, follow on Twitter @WeAreFarmers, Instagram @ThisIsFarmers or follow on Facebook.com/FarmersInsurance.

About Swiss Re Capital Markets

In the US, securities products and services are offered through Swiss Re Capital Markets Corporation, a registered broker dealer and a member of FINRA and SIPC. In the European Union, securities products and services are offered through Swiss Re Capital Markets Limited and Swiss Re Capital Markets Europe S.A. Swiss Re Capital Markets Limited is authorized and regulated in the UK by the Financial Conduct Authority. Swiss Re Capital Markets Europe S.A is authorized and supervised in Luxembourg by the Commission de Surveillance du Secteur Financier and the Commissariat aux Assurances and benefits from a passport into certain Member States of the European Union pursuant to the Markets in Financial Instruments Directive 2004/39/EC. Swiss Re Capital Markets Corporation, Swiss Re Capital Markets Limited and Swiss Re Capital Markets Europe S.A, together "Swiss Re Capital Markets", are wholly owned subsidiaries of Swiss Re Ltd.

About TigerRisk

TigerRisk Partners LLC is a leading risk, capital and strategic advisor to the insurance and reinsurance industries founded in 2008. TigerRisk Capital Markets & Advisory (TCMA), a broker dealer registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, a member of FINRA and a member of SIPC, is a wholly owned subsidiary providing clients strategic advice on mergers, acquisitions, and capital markets products and transactions. Headquartered in Stamford, CT, TigerRisk has offices in Stamford, New York, Bermuda, London, Hong Kong, Minneapolis, Chicago, and Raleigh. For more information, visit www.TigerRisk.com.

# # #

Contact: External Communications

Farmers Insurance

818-965-0007

[email protected]

SOURCE Farmers Insurance
LOS ANGELES, Dec. 23, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Luxury fashion and beauty influencer Victoria Barbara has been hand selected and chosen by Anna Wintour to join the prestigious community of Vogue 100! Vogue 100 is the coveted US based Vogue magazine list of people in the fashion industry. Vogue.com describes Vogue 100 as a "curated list of distinctive creative voices from around the globe, encompassing actors, artists, musicians, athletes, stylists and activists."

Vogue 100 honoree Victoria Barbara with Anna Wintour at Vogue hosted event at Roll & Hill in NYC on December 8. Photo credit: Daniel Edward Suchnik Victoria Barbara at Dior Medallion event in Miami during Art Basel Week. Photo credit: Owen Kolasinski

"To be chosen by Anna Wintour is the most incredible honor I could have ever dreamt of. It is such an inspiration to be amongst such an amazing group of creative artists. Anna is my greatest female role model; I learned everything about fashion and female empowerment from studying her over the years. I also have learned so much from her strength, strong sense of boundaries, and how decisive she is," said Victoria

Anna Wintour and Vogue 100 hosted a festive breakfast with Matches Fashion on December 8 at Roll & Hill in NYC for all of the honorees. Victoria wore Maison Valentino in pink from the festive ACT collection, which Anna expressed how much she loved the look. The group of Vogue 100 discussed new ideas, fashion trends, and collections over breakfast.

Being an orphan as a young child, Victoria struggled to find the proper role model. Over the years, she stumbled upon Vogue magazine and the legendary editor-in-chief, Anna Wintour, and she immediately knew she found her mentor and inspiration. Victoria learned as much as she could about Anna Wintour, on her style, how she rocks fashion, how she carries herself with such grace, and integrated it into who she has become today.

Victoria is a one-woman production team and handles every aspect of her image and her content by herself, from hair and makeup to photography, lighting, production, editing, and styling. Victoria is a creative director of her own brand and it is no surprise that the iconic fashionista caught the eye of Vogue Magazine.

Victoria has put together curated content for her followers for years and feels fulfilled to give back to the younger generation of girls the way Anna gave to her. Victoria has a unique, chic style and believes you do not need to show so much skin to be desirable.

Victoria has collaborated with luxury brands, including Chanel, YSL, Givenchy, Valentino, Fendi, Prada, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Christian Dior, Tom Ford, Celine, and Alexander McQueen, among many others. Victoria has over 1 million active followers on Instagram ( @officialvictoriabarbara ), with an overall reach of 150k (average story post reach is 100k, average post reach is 55.9k) and an engagement of 25.5k.

Victoria is a long time attendee of all fashion weeks all over the world. This year, she will be attending Couture Week with Vogue, as well as Paris Fashion Week, London Fashion Week, New York Fashion Week, Alta Moda Show in Venice, Italy, Milan Fashion Week, and CFDA Awards. Going to the shows this year as a Vogue 100, Victoria will have the opportunity to meet face-to face her favorite designers of all the couture fashion shows she attends.

Victoria is available for any interviews. Hi-res images available upon request. Thanks!

Media contact:

Davina Khoramian

[email protected]

305.864.3434

SOURCE Victoria Barbara
WESTON, Fla., Dec. 23, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The Flex Seal Family of Products is spreading some global holiday cheer by combining forces with the United States Air Force for their annual Operation Christmas Drop. The Drop is the Department of Defense's longest-running humanitarian airlift operation, and this year marks their 70th Anniversary. Based in Guam, it assists nearly 20,000 people across 55 separate islands in the South-Eastern Pacific. The Flex Seal team donated 400 rolls of Flex Tape and 400 one-pound tubs of Flex Paste.

Flex Seal being packed for Operation Christmas Drop. Photo by Operation Christmas Drop

"It is important to us as a company to give back during the holidays, and we're proud to support the Department of Defense and US Air Force's Operation Christmas Drop efforts to bring essential products to those who need it most," said Phil Swift, CEO, Inventor, and Spokesman for The Flex Seal Family of Products.

"Flex Seal was the number one requested product this year," said Matthew Carrowan, Operation Christmas Drop President. "The islanders use it to repair their canoes, roofs of homes, and community buildings. With this donation, they now have more than enough product for these types of quick emergency fixes throughout the year. It means a lot to have Flex Seal support us with this year's Drop. The islanders receiving bundles say it's like all the birthdays and holidays wrapped into one."

Carrowan initially reached out to the Flex Team for help ordering product to include in the boxes. The Flex Seal Family came through and surprised them by doubling the request. Their contribution filled a record number of 200 bundles.

The bundles were filled with essential items like non-perishable food, fishing nets, tarps, and now Flex Seal Products.

About The Flex Seal Family of Products

Swift Response, LLC is the distributor and marketer of The Flex Seal Family of Products. Founded in 2011, the company provides a variety of DIY home repair and maintenance products specializing in waterproofing, adhesive, bonding and sealing.

Press Contact: [email protected]

SOURCE The Flex Seal Family of Products
CHICAGO, Dec. 23, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Flexpoint Ford, a private equity investment firm specializing in the financial services and healthcare industries, announced today several key promotions across the firm.

Benjamin Blum , who focuses on investments in our Asset Opportunities Fund, has been promoted to Managing Director

, who focuses on investments in our Asset Opportunities Fund, has been promoted to Managing Director Stephane Essama , who is a member of our financial services private equity team, has been promoted to Principal

, who is a member of our financial services private equity team, has been promoted to Principal Elliot Lauzen , who is a member of our healthcare private equity team, has been promoted to Principal

"We are excited to announce the promotions of these talented investment professionals. As Flexpoint grows in size and scope, continuing to develop our world class team of experienced investors is important to the long-term success of the firm," said Don Edwards, CEO and Founder of Flexpoint Ford. "These promotions reflect the important contributions that these individuals have made to the performance of the firm, as well as the impact they will have on Flexpoint in the future."

Benjamin Blum joined the Flexpoint Ford's asset opportunities team in 2016 as a Vice President. He has played an instrumental role in the development of Flexpoint Ford's asset opportunities investment strategy, leading a number of investments across financial services subsectors and assets. Prior to joining Flexpoint, Ben was a Vice President at Morgan Stanley in the Fixed Income Division. He received a B.S.B.A. in finance, summa cum laude, from Washington University in St Louis.

Stephane Essama joined the Flexpoint Ford financial services team in 2018 as a Vice President. He is currently involved in several Flexpoint portfolio companies, including AFH Financial Group. Prior to joining Flexpoint, Stephane worked for Goldman Sachs, Kirkland & Ellis and DRW Trading Group. He received a B.S. in Aeronautics and Astronautics from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, a J.D. from the University of Pennsylvania Law School, and an M.B.A. from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania.

Elliot Lauzen joined the Flexpoint Ford healthcare team in 2017 as a Vice President. He is currently involved in several Flexpoint portfolio companies in the healthcare sector, including YPrime. Prior to joining Flexpoint, Elliot worked for Altaris Capital Partners and William Blair. He received an A.B. with honors in biology from Harvard University and an M.S. in biomedical engineering from the University of Southern California.

About Flexpoint Ford, LLC

Flexpoint Ford is a private equity investment firm with offices in Chicago and New York that has approximately $5.5 billion of assets under management and specializes in privately negotiated investments in the financial services and healthcare industries. Since the firm's formation in 2005, Flexpoint Ford has completed investments across a broad range of investment sizes, structures and asset classes. For more information about Flexpoint Ford, please visit www.flexpointford.com.

Media Contact:

Prosek Partners on behalf of Flexpoint Ford

[email protected]

SOURCE Flexpoint Ford
SHANGHAI, Dec. 23, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Four Seasons Education (Cayman) Inc. ("Four Seasons Education" or the "Company") (NYSE: FEDU), a leading Shanghai-based education company, today provided updates on the Company's business operations following the recent regulatory developments relating to after-school tutoring services, including the Opinions on Further Alleviating the Burden of Homework and After-School Tutoring for Students in Compulsory Education, published in July 2021 by the General Office of the CPC Central Committee and the General Office of the State Council (the "Opinion") and the related implementation rules, regulations and measures promulgated by competent authorities.

As part of its efforts to fully comply with the Opinion and applicable rules, regulations and measures, the Company plans to cease offering tutoring services related to academic subjects to students from kindergarten through grade nine ("K-9 Academic AST Services") in mainland China by the end of 2021. The Company expects that the cessation will have a substantial adverse impact on the Company's revenues for the fiscal year ending February 28, 2022 and subsequent periods. In the fiscal year ended February 28, 2021, the Company generated a substantial majority of its revenues from K-9 Academic AST Services.

Building on its strong curriculum development capabilities, exceptional educational resources and a team well-versed in the high quality education content, the Company will continue to operate and develop its non- K-9 Academic AST Services business, and will further explore other opportunities to provide educational services in accordance with relevant rules and regulations.

The Company is committed to fully complying with the policy directives in the Opinion and any related implementation rules, regulations and measures adopted by the central and local governments of China. The Company will continue to seek guidance from and work constructively with the government authorities in connection with the cessation of its K-9 Academic AST Services, as well as other compliance efforts. The Company will continue developing and improving its services and update its shareholders as appropriate.

Safe Harbor Statement

This press release contains statements of a forward-looking nature. These statements, including the statements relating to the Company's future financial and operating results, are made under the "safe harbor" provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. You can identify these forward-looking statements by terminology such as "will," "expects," "believes," "anticipates," "intends," "estimates" and similar statements. Among other things, management's quotations and the Business Outlook section contain forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties and are based on current expectations, assumptions, estimates and projections about the Company and the industry. Potential risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, those relating to its ability to attract new students and improve students' comprehensive performance, PRC regulations and policies relating to the education industry in China, general economic conditions in China, and the Company's ability to meet the standards necessary to maintain listing of its ADSs on the NYSE or other stock exchanges, including its ability to cure any non-compliance with the NYSE's continued listing criteria. All information provided in this press release is as of the date hereof, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent occurring events or circumstances, or changes in its expectations, except as may be required by law. Although the Company believes that the expectations expressed in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, it cannot assure you that its expectations will turn out to be correct, and investors are cautioned that actual results may differ materially from the anticipated results. Further information regarding risks and uncertainties faced by the Company is included in the Company's filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including its annual reports on Form 20-F.

About Four Seasons Education (Cayman) Inc.

Four Seasons Education (Cayman) Inc. is a leading Shanghai-based education company dedicated to providing comprehensive educational services. The Company's vision is to unlock students' intellectual potential through high quality and effective education that can profoundly benefit students. The Company's proprietary educational service offerings are designed to cultivate students' interests and enhance their cognitive and logical thinking abilities. The Company's faculty is led by a group of experienced senior educators, including recognized scholars and award-winning teachers. Over the years, the quality of the Company's educational services has been demonstrated by its student outstanding performance.

For investor and media inquiries, please contact:

In China:

Four Seasons Education (Cayman) Inc.

Olivia Li

Tel: +86 (21) 6317-6678

E-mail: [email protected]

The Piacente Group, Inc.

Jenny Cai

Tel: +86-10-6508-0677

E-mail: [email protected]

In the United States:

The Piacente Group, Inc.

Brandi Piacente

Tel: +1-212-481-2050

E-mail: [email protected]

SOURCE Four Seasons Education Inc.
Download our free sample report today to get a detailed understanding of the major forces driving this market across geographies.

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Key HVAC Equipment Sourcing and Procurement Report Highlights:

Market growth 2020-2024: USD 23 Billion Growth momentum & CAGR: Accelerate at a CAGR of 3.49% Top Pricing Models: Pay-as-you-go pricing, and value-based pricing Key consumer countries: North America , Europe , and APAC Supplier Selection Criteria: Technical specifications, Operational requirements, Acceptance criteria, and Evaluation criteria Top Suppliers: Lennox International Inc., Melrose Industries PLC, and Danfoss AS.

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Insights into buyer strategies and tactical negotiation levers:

Several strategic and tactical negotiation levers are explained in the report to help buyers achieve the best prices for the HVAC Equipment market. The report also aids buyers with relevant HVAC Equipment pricing levels, pros, and cons of prevalent pricing models such as pay-as-you-go pricing, and value-based pricing, category management strategies and best practices to fulfil their category objectives.

For more insights on buyer strategies and tactical negotiation levers, www.spendedge.com/report/hvac-equipment-sourcing-and-procurement-intelligence-report

Key Drivers and Trends Fueling Market Growth:

The pressure from substitutes and a moderate level of threat from new entrants has resulted in the low bargaining power of suppliers.

Price forecasts are beneficial in purchase planning, especially when supplemented by the constant monitoring of price influencing factors.

Identify favorable opportunities in HVAC Equipment TCO (total cost of ownership).

Expected changes in price forecast and factors driving the current and future price changes.

Identify pricing models that offer the most rewarding opportunities.

To know more about various other market drivers, trends and challenges.

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Table of Content

Executive Summary

Market Insights

Category Pricing Insights

Cost-saving Opportunities

Best Practices

Category Ecosystem

Category Management Strategy

Category Management Enablers

Suppliers Selection

Suppliers under Coverage

US Market Insights

Category scope

Appendix

About SpendEdge:

SpendEdge shares your passion for driving sourcing and procurement excellence. We are the preferred procurement market intelligence partner for 120+ Fortune 500 firms and other leading companies across numerous industries. Our strength lies in delivering, real-time procurement market intelligence reports and solutions.

Contacts

SpendEdge

Anirban Choudhury

Marketing Manager

Ph No: +1 (872) 206-9340

https://www.spendedge.com/contact-us

SOURCE SpendEdge
DUBLIN, Dec. 23, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Machine Condition Monitoring Market - Growth, Trends, COVID-19 Impact, and Forecasts (2021-2026)" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

The Global Machine Condition Monitoring Market was valued at USD 3,092.2 million in 2020, and it is projected to be worth USD 5,246.8 million by 2026, registering a CAGR of 9.4% during the forecast period of 2021-2026. All businesses across the world having crucial assets for manufacturing goods and services have been experiencing a rapid decline in revenue due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Industry Highlights

Operational equipment is responsive to many types of errors and faults, and it is, therefore, important to monitor minor and major changes in equipment by measuring parameters, such as vibration, temperature, voltage, current, pressure, flow, and many more.

This significance has pushed various verticals to take extra effort to protect their machinery. The main benefit of fault identification using condition monitoring includes; allowing personnel to take remedial action to avoid or reduce repair costs and increase machinery safety, thus increasing human safety.

The usage of predictive maintenance techniques in factories is expected to reduce the downtime by up to 50% and save between 10 to 40% on equipment maintenance expenses. Predictive Maintenance with reliance on condition monitoring offers measurement and analysis of physical characteristics, such as visual inspection, sound, temperature, or vibration.

Industries with well-maintained and reliable equipment are expected to be the ones that will be better positioned to respond to upcoming rise in demand of goods and services. Those companies that are using predictive maintenance in order to prepare for the recovery are expected to profit.

Multiple companies that have been shut down due to the recent COVID-19 outbreak need to adopt a condition monitoring equipment solution in place to prevent any failure of machinery when the operations resume and ensure any safety related concerns.

Industries with well-maintained and reliable equipment are expected to be the ones that will be better positioned to respond to upcoming rise in demand for goods and services. Those companies that are using predictive maintenance to prepare for the recovery are expected to profit.

However, the short-term investment is required and the equipment for condition monitoring is very expensive. Moreover, the sensors of condition monitoring may not survive depending upon the environment and the machine exhibits unpredictable maintenance periods. Such factors challenges the market growth.

Key Market Trends

Automotive Transportation to Witness Significant Growth

Europe to Occupy a Significant Share

Competitive Landscape

Machine Condition Monitoring Market is moderately competitive with no firm having a very large market share. The companies enter into strategic partnerships to gain market power and market dominance.

March 2021 - Emerson Electric launched Rosemount 4390 series corrosion and erosion monitoring wireless transmitters with digital capabilities and integration with Plantweb Digital ecosystem.

Key Topics Covered



1 INTRODUCTION

1.1 Scope of the Study

1.2 Study Assumptions



2 RESEARCH APPROACH AND METHODOLOGY



3 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY



4 MARKET INSIGHTS

4.1 Market Overview

4.2 Industry Value Chain Analysis

4.3 Industry Attractiveness Porters Five Force Analysis

4.4 Impact of COVID-19 on the Market



5 MARKET DYNAMICS

5.1 Market Drivers

5.1.1 Increasing Equipment Performance and Productivity through Predictive Maintenance

5.1.2 Rising Predictive Maintenance Requirements

5.1.3 Industry 4.0 and Emerging Industrial Applications across Manufacturing and Process Industries

5.2 Market Challenges

5.2.1 Cost Implications in Line with Retrofits

5.2.2 Global Macroeconomic and Geopolitical Factors



6 MARKET SEGMENTATION

6.1 Machine Condition Monitoring

6.1.1 Type

6.1.1.1 Hardware

6.1.1.1.1 Vibration Condition Monitoring Equipment

6.1.1.1.2 Thermography Equipment

6.1.1.1.3 Lubricating Oil Analysis

6.1.1.1.4 Ultrasound Emission Monitoring

6.1.1.1.5 Other Types

6.1.1.2 Software

6.1.1.3 Services

6.1.1.3.1 Remote Monitoring Services

6.1.1.3.2 Instrumentation Maintenance Services

6.1.1.3.3 Machinery Diagnostics Services

6.2 Vibration Monitoring Equipment

6.2.1 End User Industry

6.2.1.1 Oil and Gas

6.2.1.2 Power Generation

6.2.1.3 Process and Manufacturing

6.2.1.4 Aerospace and Defense

6.2.1.5 Automotive and Transportation

6.2.1.6 Other End-user Industries (Marine, Mining, Metal, etc.)

6.2.2 Geography

6.2.2.1 North America

6.2.2.1.1 United States

6.2.2.1.2 Canada

6.2.2.2 Europe

6.2.2.2.1 Germany

6.2.2.2.2 United Kingdom

6.2.2.2.3 France

6.2.2.2.4 Rest of Europe

6.2.2.3 Asia Pacific

6.2.2.3.1 China

6.2.2.3.2 Japan

6.2.2.3.3 India

6.2.2.3.4 Rest of Asia Pacific

6.2.2.4 Rest of the World

6.2.3 Vendor Market Share Analysis

6.3 Thermography Equipment

6.3.1 End User Vertical

6.3.1.1 Oil and Gas

6.3.1.2 Power Generation

6.3.1.3 Process and Manufacturing

6.3.1.4 Aerospace and Defense

6.3.1.5 Automotive and Transportation

6.3.1.6 Other End-user Verticals (Marine, Mining, Metal, etc.)

6.3.2 Geography

6.3.2.1 North America

6.3.2.1.1 United States

6.3.2.1.2 Canada

6.3.2.2 Europe

6.3.2.2.1 Germany

6.3.2.2.2 United Kingdom

6.3.2.2.3 France

6.3.2.2.4 Rest of Europe (Eastern Europe and Other Western European Countries)

6.3.2.3 Asia Pacific

6.3.2.3.1 China

6.3.2.3.2 Japan

6.3.2.3.3 India

6.3.2.3.4 Rest of Asia Pacific

6.3.2.4 Rest of the World (Latin America and Middle East and Africa)

6.3.3 Vendor Market Share Analysis

6.4 Lubricating Oil Analysis Equipment

6.4.1 End User Vertical

6.4.1.1 Oil and Gas

6.4.1.2 Power Generation

6.4.1.3 Process and Manufacturing

6.4.1.4 Aerospace and Defense

6.4.1.5 Automotive and Transportation

6.4.1.6 Other End-user Verticals (Marine, Mining, Metal, etc.)

6.4.2 Geography

6.4.2.1 North America

6.4.2.1.1 United States

6.4.2.1.2 Canada

6.4.2.2 Europe

6.4.2.2.1 Germany

6.4.2.2.2 United Kingdom

6.4.2.2.3 France

6.4.2.2.4 Rest of Europe

6.4.2.3 Asia Pacific

6.4.2.3.1 China

6.4.2.3.2 Japan

6.4.2.3.3 India

6.4.2.3.4 Rest of Asia Pacific

6.4.2.4 Rest of the World (Latin America and Middle East and Africa)

6.4.3 Vendor Market Share Analysis



7 COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

7.1 Company Profiles

7.1.1 Meggitt Sensing Systems (Meggitt PLC)

7.1.2 Rockwell Automation Inc.

7.1.3 GE Bently Nevada

7.1.4 Emerson Electric Co.

7.1.5 SKF AB

7.1.6 Bruel & Kjaer Vibro

7.1.7 FLIR Systems Inc.

7.1.8 Fluke Corporation

7.1.9 Nippon Avionics Co. Ltd.

7.1.10 Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc.

7.1.11 Perkin Elmer Inc.

7.1.12 AMETEK Spectro Scientific

7.1.13 Parker Kittiwake (PARKER HANNIFIN CORP.)

7.1.14 Gastops Ltd.



8 INVESTMENT ANALYSIS



9 FUTURE OF THE MARKET

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/sf91un

Media Contact:

Research and Markets

Laura Wood, Senior Manager

[email protected]



For E.S.T Office Hours Call +1-917-300-0470

For U.S./CAN Toll Free Call +1-800-526-8630

For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900



U.S. Fax: 646-607-1904

Fax (outside U.S.): +353-1-481-1716

SOURCE Research and Markets
Moran interviewed many there including Congressman Byron Donalds, receiving his support to take the OppScore survey. GOUSA sponsored "It's a Wonderful Nation" by Republicans for National Renewal , where Moran shared the stage with Rep. Louie Gomert, Blake Masters and others, followed by the "Grand Young Party" event.

In short, this first-of-its-kind scoring system stands with the American people on the issues that matter to them most. Movies receive Rotten Tomatoes ratings. Businesses receive Yelp ratings. Now, politicians will finally receive their ratings as well. All 535 Congressional seats are targeted.

Moran, who ran for Congress in Massachusetts in 2020, saw the rampant corruption, fraud and self-serving interests of the majority in Congress first-hand. He decided to re-launch GOUSA with a team of dedicated patriots who share the belief that the purpose of government is to work for the people to secure the blessings of Liberty and Opportunity for All - not to transfer more power, wealth and control to our corrupt political establishment elites.

GOUSA recently scored Virginia gubernatorial candidates Glenn Youngkin and Terry McAuliffe this past fall. At the time, McAuliffe was comfortably ahead of Younkin in the polls. After receiving his rating, which was heavily promoted by GOUSA, Younkin easily bested McAuliffe with a strong Pro-Opportunity OppScore of +4.2/5 vs. McAuliffe's Anti-Opportunity OppScore of (negative) -1.6/5  and went on to win the race. This was this first major race where the OppScore has been fully tested, showing the validity, impact and effectiveness of the rating system.

The OppScore ranges from negative 5.0 points (extreme Anti-Opportunity) to +5.0 points (strong Pro-Opportunity). In GOUSA's view, all politicians should achieve an OppScore of at least +3.0 points to be elected or remain in office. The OppScore system was made possible by a generous in-kind contribution by GOUSA Member Jonathan Linowes at Parkerhill Technology Corp. Learn more at: https://go-usa.us/endorse-the-oppscore and www.GO-USA.us

For further information, contact:

Margie Kinder, Director of Communications, GOUSA

703.962.0315

[email protected]

SOURCE Grand Opportunity USA
SAN FRANCISCO, Dec. 23, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Hagens Berman urges Desktop Metal, Inc. (NYSE: DM) investors with significant losses to submit your losses now.

Class Period: Mar. 15, 2021  Nov. 15, 2021

Lead Plaintiff Deadline: Feb. 22, 2022

Visit: www.hbsslaw.com/investor-fraud/DM

Contact An Attorney Now: [email protected]

844-916-0895

Desktop Metal, Inc. (DM) Securities Class Action:

The complaint alleges that Defendants made false and misleading statements concerning Desktop Metal's widely touted $300 million acquisition of EnvisionTEC, which closed on Feb. 16, 2021.

Specifically, Defendants misrepresented and concealed: (1) that there were deficiencies in EnvisionTEC's manufacturing and product compliance practices and procedures; (2) that the foregoing deficiencies presented a material risk to the commercialization of EnvisionTEC's products; and (3) that, as a result of the foregoing, Defendants' positive statements about the Company's business, operations, and prospects were materially misleading and/or lacked a reasonable basis

The truth began to emerge on Nov. 8, 2021, when Desktop Metal disclosed that it was conducting an internal investigation into certain matters, including "manufacturing and product compliance practices and procedures with respect to a subset of its photopolymer equipment and materials at its EnvisionTEC US LLC facility." The Company also stated that EnvisionTEC's founder and CEO (Ali El Siblani) had resigned.

Then, on Nov. 15, 2021, the Company announced that, as of Nov. 12, 2021, based on compliance issues with certain shipments of EnvisionTEC's Flexera dental resins and its PCA4000 curing box, the Company would notify the FDA.

These events sent the price of Desktop Metal shares sharply lower.

"We're focused on investors' losses and proving Desktop Metal lied about the benefits of the EnvisionTEC acquisition," said Reed Kathrein, the Hagens Berman partner leading the investigation.

If you invested in Desktop Metal and have significant losses, or have knowledge that may assist the firm's investigation, click here to discuss your legal rights with Hagens Berman.

Whistleblowers: Persons with non-public information regarding Desktop Metal should consider their options to help in the investigation or take advantage of the SEC Whistleblower program. Under the new program, whistleblowers who provide original information may receive rewards totaling up to 30 percent of any successful recovery made by the SEC. For more information, call Reed Kathrein at 844-916-0895 or email [email protected].

About Hagens Berman

Hagens Berman is a national law firm with eight offices in eight cities around the country and over eighty attorneys. The firm represents investors, whistleblowers, workers and consumers in complex litigation. More about the firm and its successes is located at hbsslaw.com. For the latest news visit our newsroom or follow us on Twitter at @classactionlaw .

Contact:

Reed Kathrein, 844-916-0895

SOURCE Hagens Berman Sobol Shapiro LLP
"We are thrilled to announce that in the 22 nd year of the PINKTOBER campaign we were able break our fundraising records to continue in our steadfast support of breast cancer awareness and research," said Jon Lucas, Chief Operating Officer of Hard Rock International. "It's amazing to watch our company divisions come together and put their hearts into fundraising efforts. We hope that in addition to raising money we're also able to amplify the message of courage and hope among fighters, survivors and their loved ones."

"Despite the unprecedented challenges we faced in 2020, the American Cancer Society continued to advance our mission to save lives, celebrate lives, and lead the fight for a world without cancer  in every community, for all people," said Senior Executive Vice President, Field Operations, Brant Woodward. "We are so appreciative of Hard Rock and their continued support of our work to care for people facing breast cancer. Thanks to supporters like Hard Rock, there are more than 3.8 million breast cancer survivors in the United States today. "

At participating Hard Rock Cafes, $1 from every limited-time PINKTOBER burger sold went towards the cause amounting to more than $60,000. The three PINKTOBER burgers - the Mushroom & Bourbon Onion Burger, the Ultimate "Pub" Burger, and the Blue Cheese & Bacon Burger - were so well-received that they will be added to the permanent menu in January 2022.

Sales from this year's PINKTOBER-themed Hard Rock t-shirt and newly designed PINKTOBER pin raised more than $35,000. Additionally, players on Hard Rock Digital's free "Hard Rock Social Casino" game determined how much was donated in honor of PINKTOBER. The more players spun, the more the donation amount increased for a total of $10,000 raised benefitting the American Cancer Society.

On a local level, several Hard Rock properties around the world supported community driven events:

The American Cancer Society recognized the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City as the number one fundraising group in the country raising close to $125,000

The Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa was once again the Pink Premier Sponsor for their local Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Raymond James Stadium at the amount of $50,000

The Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida , along with two of its in-state sister properties, hosted a Real Men Wear Pink Event with all proceeds benefitting the American Cancer Society

, along with two of its in-state sister properties, hosted a Real Men Wear Pink Event with all proceeds benefitting the American Cancer Society The Hard Rock Hotel Desaru Coast in Malaysia hosted a Pinktober Takes the Stage event and rewarded five brave survivors with all-inclusive stays to the hotel

hosted a Pinktober Takes the Stage event and rewarded five brave survivors with all-inclusive stays to the hotel The Hard Rock Hotel Sacramento donated $50,000 to the Gweke's Caring for Women Foundation, hosted pink swag giveaways every Wednesday in October, and served pink food and beverage items throughout the month

to the Gweke's Caring for Women Foundation, hosted pink swag giveaways every Wednesday in October, and served pink food and beverage items throughout the month Hard Rock team members worldwide contributed personal time and donations through their pay checks, as well as other fundraising initiatives

Hard Rock continues to live out its mottos of "Love All  Serve All" and "Take Time To Be Kind" with its annual support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, with the goal of lending a hand to the people and communities that need it most.

For more information about the Hard Rock brand, visit www.hardrock.com/pinktober. Imagery and video of Hard Rock's Pinktober participation can be found here.

About Hard Rock Heals Foundation:

The Hard Rock Heals Foundation is a registered 501(c)(3) charitable organization and oversees all philanthropic outreach for Hard Rock International. Music is energy; it stirs emotion, inspires, connects, and restores. The Hard Rock Heals Foundation exists to improve lives through the power of music. Since its inception in 1971, Hard Rock International has brought people together through the power of music. We have developed partnerships with artists ranging from emerging to iconic in support of charitable efforts around the world. The Hard Rock Heals Foundation provides grants and assistance to individuals whose goal is to heal through the power of music. Partnerships with like-minded, music-centric organizations allow Hard Rock Heals Foundation the opportunity to improve lives and promote wellness.

About Hard Rock:

Hard Rock International (HRI) is one of the most globally recognized companies with venues in 68 countries spanning 241 locations that include owned/licensed or managed Hotels, Casinos, Rock Shops, Live Performance Venues and Cafes. HRI also launched a joint venture named Hard Rock Digital in 2020, an online sportsbook, retail sportsbook and internet gaming platform. Beginning with an Eric Clapton guitar, Hard Rock owns the world's largest and most valuable collection of authentic music memorabilia at more than 86,000 pieces, which are displayed at its locations around the globe. In 2021, Hard Rock was awarded the Top Employer in the Travel & Leisure, Gaming, and Entertainment Industry by Forbes, designated as a U.S. Best Managed Company by Deloitte Private and The Wall Street Journal and named the top performing hotel brand in J.D. Power's North America Hotel Guest Satisfaction Study for the third consecutive year. In 2020, Hard Rock was honored as one of Forbes Magazine's Best Employers for Diversity and a Top Employer for Women. Hard Rock Hotels & Casinos also received first place ranking in the 2020 Casino Gaming Executive Satisfaction Survey conducted by Bristol Associates Inc. and Spectrum Gaming Group. Hard Rock destinations are located in international gateway cities, including its two most successful flagship properties in Florida and home to the world's first Guitar Hotel in South Florida, Global Gaming's 2020 Property of the Year. The brand is owned by HRI parent entity The Seminole Tribe of Florida. For more information on Hard Rock International, visit www.hardrock.com or shop.hardrock.com.

SOURCE Hard Rock International
DUBLIN, Dec. 23, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Social Credit Market by Physical and Cyber Infrastructure (Sensors, Cameras,Biometrics, Computer Vision), Software (Machine Learning, Data Analytics,APIs), Use Cases, Applications, Industry Verticals, and Regions 2021 - 2026" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

This is the only report of its type to assess market opportunities for infrastructure support of the social credit market. The report evaluates market drivers, use cases, and consequential impacts/implications (anticipated and likely unanticipated) for social credit market implementation and operation.

The report also evaluates some of the leading companies that are anticipated to drive social credit market evolution. This report includes detailed quantitative analysis driven by market needs with forecasting for all major infrastructure elements from 2021 to 2026.

Select Report Findings:

The COVID-19 pandemic has facilitated substantial interest in citizen monitoring solutions

Infrastructure to support social credit systems represents a $16.1B global opportunity by 2026

global opportunity by 2026 Cameras and other optical equipment for social credit systems will reach $723M globally by 2026

globally by 2026 Advanced computing will be used in conjunction with AI to provide nearly flawless identification and tracking

Various forms of biometrics will be used for identity verification as well as verifying the presence/location of people

Starting as tangential to public safety and homeland security, the social credit market becomes mainstream by2026

Social credit systems represent the ability to identify (mostly people but also some "things") and track activities for purposes of grading behaviors and applying "social credit" scoring. A given grading/scoring methodology depends largely on social credit system objectives and metrics.

However, most systems will have socially acceptable behaviour at their core. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity as a combination of government, companies, and society as a whole must determine "good", "bad", and "marginal" behavior within the social credit market.

Beginning as a trend largely orthogonal to public safety and homeland security concerns, the market for social credit system infrastructure will ultimately become a mainstream component of both business and public policy.

This means that systems will ultimately be used for a variety of commerce and lifestyle-related issues ranging from risk assessment (access to credit, financing fees, insurance, etc.) to accessibility within public places such as concerts, sporting events, and other assemblies. High social scoring individuals within the social credit market will be granted preferred access to both real and digital assets.

Social credit system infrastructure includes analogue and digital surveillance, Internet-enabled devices like smartphones, wearable devices, security systems, sensor-enabled physical objects, and surveillance devices that use biometrics and computer vision. Technologies include broadband wireless (WiFi, LTE, and 5G), IoT, AI algorithms, and big data analytics platforms, processes, and procedures.

While each of these systems has market value individually, and are deployed separately for various purposes, it is the convergence of these otherwise disparate technologies that will facilitate value within the social credit market. For example, combined AI and IoT systems will be leveraged to identify important events that require immediate action versus those that are merely archived.

It is important to note that there is great overlap between the technologies used for social credit systems and other solutions such as public safety, homeland security, and smart cities applications of many types including smart transportation (highways and surface streets, parking, autonomous vehicles, etc.), intelligent buildings, environmental monitoring (light, temperature, pressure, etc.). Many of these infrastructure elements are already planned for smart city implementations and will, therefore, be multi-purposed including support of the social credit market.

In terms of physical infrastructure, social credit systems will rely upon various forms of equipment and platforms including sensors, biometrics, cameras, and other optical devices, computer vision systems, and other advanced computing platforms.

Cyberinfrastructure includes platforms, devices, and software to support data processing and correlation with identity information, which shall leverage AI, IoT, and advanced data analytics. The main purpose for all the aforementioned infrastructure elements is to capture data, which must be stored and acted upon as appropriate.

At the heart of social credit, systems are large-scale data repositories that may store virtually any type of data that may be correlated to or associated with citizens and businesses in terms of both identity and behaviors.

This includes raw observational data as well as listings (white, grey, red, and black) and meta-data to tie together data elements and allow for ease of information queries. Without the use of AI and big data technology, it would be problematic to implement social credit market systems in a meaningful way as massive amounts of disparate data must be correlated.

Key Topics Covered:

1.0 Executive Summary

2.0 Introduction

2.1 Social Credit Market Drivers

2.2 Social Credit Systems

2.2.1 Business Frameworks: FICO Scores vs. Social Credit Scoring

2.2.2 Social Frameworks supporting Commercial Rating Systems

2.3 Social Credit System Structure

2.3.1 Social Credit System Infrastructure

2.3.2 Reputation Databases

2.3.2.1 Whitelists

2.3.2.2 Gray Listing

2.3.2.3 Blacklists and Red Lists

2.4 Ethical and Social Implications of Social Credit Systems

2.4.1 Implications for Citizens

2.4.2 Implications for Business

2.4.3 Implications for National Economies and Economic Systems

2.4.4 Concerns about Autocracy and Government Overreach

2.4.5 The Impact of Rewards and Penalties

2.4.6 The Need for Transparency

2.5 Social Credit Market SWOT Analysis

3.0 Social Credit System Technologies and Applications

3.1 Infrastructure Technologies

3.2 Data Collection, Structuring and Analytics

3.3 Machine Learning and AI APIs

3.4 Gamification in Social Credit Systems

3.5 Social Credit Market Use Cases/Drivers

3.5.1 Surveillance and Monitoring for Security and Public Safety

3.5.2 Reducing the Crime and Punishment Cycle

3.5.3 Overall Social Governance and Public Policy Planning

3.5.4 Improving Overall Societal Trust, Security, and Public Safety

3.5.5 With Social Benefits come Associated Restrictions

3.5.6 Enterprise Planning and Customer Relationship Management

3.6 Social Credit Market Deployment Assessment

3.6.1 Comparing China to the United States

3.6.2 Other Countries

3.7 Blockchain and Social Credit Systems

3.8 IoT, Smart Cities, and Cloud-based Deployment

4.0 Company Analysis

4.1 Alibaba

4.2 Tencent

4.3 Baidu

4.4 Amazon

4.5 Facebook

4.6 Google

4.7 China Rapid Finance

4.8 Points

4.9 Apple

4.10 IBM

4.11 NEC

4.12 NEXT Biometrics

4.13 Aratek

4.14 Neurotechnology

4.15 Deep Vision AI

4.16 Netradyne

4.17 Texas Instruments

4.18 STMicroelectronics

4.19 NXM Semiconductors

4.20 Broadcom Limited (Avago)

4.21 Robert Bosch GmbH

4.22 Infineon Technologies

4.23 Analog Devices

4.24 Omron corporation

4.25 ACTi

4.26 Axis

4.27 Bosch Security Systems

4.28 Canon

4.29 Cisco

4.30 Honeywell

4.31 Logitech

4.32 Panasonic

4.33 Samsung

4.34 Sony

4.35 Toshiba

4.36 Knightscope

4.37 NVidia

5.0 Social Credit Systems Market Analysis and Forecasts

5.1 Global Social Credit System Market 2021 - 2026

5.1.1 Total Social Credit System Market Value Globally 2021 - 2026

5.1.2 Social Credit System Market by Technology 2021 - 2026

5.1.2.1 Social Credit System Market by Infrastructure Type 2021 - 2026

5.1.2.2 Social Credit System Market by Software Type 2021 - 2026

5.1.2.3 Social Credit System Market by Service Type 2021 - 2026

5.1.2.3.1 Social Credit System Market by Managed Services 2021 - 2026

5.1.2.3.2 Social Credit System Market by Professional Services Type 2021 - 2026

5.1.3 Social Credit System Market by Application 2021 - 2026

5.1.4 Social Credit System Market by Industry Vertical 2021 - 2026

5.2 Regional Outlook for Social Credit Systems 2021 - 2026

5.2.1 Social Credit System Market by Region 2021 - 2026

5.2.2 Social Credit System in Asia Pacific Market 2021 - 2026

5.2.3 Social Credit System in North America Market 2021 - 2026

5.2.4 Social Credit System in Europe Market 2021 - 2026

5.2.5 Social Credit System in Latin America Market 2021 - 2026

5.2.6 Social Credit System in the Middle East and Africa Market 2021 - 2026

6.0 Conclusions and Recommendations

7.0 Appendix: Social Credit Market Supporting Technologies

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/xhvyw1

Media Contact:

Research and Markets

Laura Wood, Senior Manager

[email protected]



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SOURCE Research and Markets

Related Links

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All children received a dental kit and other necessities, along with gifts from their wish list, which meant a lot for these deserving kids who are facing homelessness.

The Dallas Mavericks and Jefferson Dental & Orthodontics have partnered since 2019, and this is their third Cookies with Santa event together.

"The Dallas Mavericks partnership with Jefferson Dental & Orthodontics is a natural fit, as we are both dedicated to serving our community. We're very proud to team up with Jefferson, for the third year in a row, to put on this year's Cookies with Santa event. It's a fun way to make Christmas a lot brighter for 50 deserving children."  Ryan Mackey, Senior Vice President of Corporate Sponsorships at the Dallas Mavericks

"This event is definitely one of the highlights of our entire year. Seeing the joy on these children's faces as they interact with the players, mascots, and Santa is very heartwarming. By providing them with not only what they want for Christmas, but also what they need, we're making a positive impact in their lives during a special time. This is directly aligned with our brand purpose: "our care changes peoples' lives." We're proud to partner with the Dallas Mavericks to continue to serve our community." -- Adam Arnette, Chief Marketing Officer of Jefferson Dental & Orthodontics

ABOUT JEFFERSON DENTAL & ORTHODONTICS:

Since opening their first office in 1967, the Jefferson Dental & Orthodontics team has stayed true to their founding value - "our care changes people's lives." From the founding office in Dallas' Oak Cliff area to the newest additions in Oklahoma, Jefferson serves the ever-changing communities that they call home. Though it has evolved over the past several decades, Jefferson's dedication to delivering affordable general, specialty, cosmetic, and orthodontic services has not. With a commitment to quality and affordability, Jefferson Dental & Orthodontics is the dental provider and educator of choice for thousands of families every year. Learn how Jefferson Dental & Orthodontics can give you a Reason to Smile at jeffersondental.com .

ABOUT MAVS CARE: The Dallas Mavericks strive to be champions on the court and in the community. We are dedicated to building a stronger community through educational programs, health and wellness initiatives, environmental efforts, support for military veterans and first responders, racial equity and social justice programs, and grants to nonprofit organizations. Through our community programs and the Mavs Foundation, we are changing lives in North Texas and have impacted thousands of children, families and communities. Learn more at Mavs.com/Community @mavsoffcourt.

ABOUT VOGEL ALCOVE: Vogel Alcove is a 501c3 nonprofit agency which provides therapeutic early childhood services, school-age programs and family support services for homeless children ages six weeks to 12 years old, and their families. Since 1987, the agency has served more than 16,000 Dallas-area homeless children. We're on a mission to help young children, and their families, overcome the lasting and traumatic effects of homelessness. It is our vision that every child in our community has a home, a self-sufficient family and a foundation for success in school and life.

ABOUT KIDS-U: Kids-U is an apartment-based organization providing on-site programs to children and their families living in low-income apartment communities. Our on-site programming provides hands-on tutoring in math, language arts and reading, along with programs that create healthy lifestyles, food security, character development, and build self-esteem. Beyond providing educational support to our students, our overall method and strategy is to look at the whole child.

SOURCE Jefferson Dental & Orthodontics

Related Links

https://www.jeffersondentalclinics.com/


KANAZAWA, Japan, Dec. 23, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- In a study recently published in the journal Biomaterials, researchers from Kanazawa University use a niche type of microscopy to characterize hostile colon cancer cells

Colon cancer is a highly fatal and metastatic (fast-spreading) form of cancer. To formulate better therapies, oncologists must truly understand the nature of metastatic tumors. Current atomic force microscopy (AFM) techniques that are relied upon to visualize nanoscale images of colon tumors often damage the tissues, thereby yielding an inaccurate depiction. A research group spearheaded by Masanobu Oshima and Shinji Watanabe at Kanazawa university has utilized a novel form of microscopy to now bridge this gap.

Colon cancer stems from various genetic mutations found in cells. Some of these mutations result in more aggressive tumors that spread to distant organs. To first understand the physical manifestations of these metastatic mutants, the team employed different types of mouse colon cells: a healthy group, a benign tumor group, and a metastatic tumor group (Fig. 1 top). However, when a standard electron microscope was used to capture these cells, no discernable differences were found between the groups. Thus, high-speed scanning ion conductance microscopy (HS-SICM) was subsequently adopted.

HS-SICM showed that the metastatic tumor cells had peculiar ridges on their periphery (Fig. 1 middle). In fact, these ridges seemed to appear and disappear when viewed in real-time. These cells also showed a considerable roughness on their surface accompanied by fluctuations in surface volume, suggesting that the cells were potentially changing shape. Now, metastatic tumors are generally known to be soft in nature. Therefore, the softness, or elasticity, of these mutant cells was examined next using HS-SICM. As expected, highly metastatic cells showed elastic properties (Fig. 1 bottom). These physical characteristics combined were indicative of cells with migratory and invasive abilities.

Next, the team found a high correlation between the physical properties (volume change, surface roughness and elasticity) and the genetic sequences of cells in the metastatic tumor group (Fig. 2). The physical changes observed in these cells could thereby be attributed to their genetic alterations. Finally, similar observations using HS-SICM were attempted in human colon cancer cells. The cells were first chemically treated to induce malignancy and emulate the metastatic mouse mutant cells. Indeed, these cells proceeded to show increased surface roughness, volume changes, and elasticity after treatment. HSSICM proved to be a useful tool in human studies too.

"HS-SICM analysis is useful for clarifying the genotype regulated physical properties and their role in malignant progression, in addition to predicting the metastatic potential of cancer cells," conclude the researchers. A combination of the physical and genetic characteristics of colon cancer cells is imperative in identifying the nature of tumors and determining the subsequent course of treatment.

Background

High-speed scanning ion conductance microscopy (HS-SICM): Microscopy techniques like atomic force microscopy (AFM) or scanning electron microscopy (SEM) are traditionally used to provide nanoscale images of biomolecules. However, these techniques come with a set of challenges. AFM often ends up damaging delicate tissues and SEM requires chemical treatment of tissues which impacts their structure.

However, HS-SICM depicts the topography of cells and biomolecules without physically touching the samples. It involves the use of a sharp glass tip connected to a detector. An electrical signal flows between a solution and the glass tip. However, when glass tip approaches the cells or biomolecules close, electrical signal flows change. Such changes in electrical signals are then measured by the detector, which are in turn indicative of the surface topography of cells.

HS-SICM thus allows for real-time structural measurement of cells without making direct contact with them or requiring any additional chemical treatment.

Reference

Dong Wang, Linhao Sun, Satoru Okuda, Daisuke Yamamoto, Mizuho Nakayama, Hiroko Oshima, Hideyuki Saito, Yuta Kouyama, Koshi Mimori, Toshio Ando, Shinji Watanabe, Masanobu Oshima. Nano-scale physical properties characteristic to metastatic intestinal cancer cells identified by high-speed scanning ion conductance microscope. Biomaterials, 2021.

DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2021.121256

Image

https://nanolsi.kanazawa-u.ac.jp/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Fig1.jpg

Figure 1. Top. A graphical representation of colon normal and cancer cells with define genetic mutations (i.e., A, K, T, P, F), showing their invasion deeper into healthy intestinal tissue and subsequent migration into the liver.

Middle. HS-SICM topography images show characteristic micro-ridge structures on the highly metastatic AKTP and AKTPF cell surface, while microvilli are observed on AK, AKF and AKT cells. (arrow heads)

Bottom. HS-SICM shows the difference in elasticity, or softness (red coloration), between the highly metastatic mutant cancer cells and the less invasive mutant as well as normal cells. License type: CC-BY

https://nanolsi.kanazawa-u.ac.jp/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Fig2.jpg

Figure 2. Correlation of the physical properties detected by HS-SICM and genetic mutation patterns of colon cancer cells. License type: CC-BY

Contact

Hiroe Yoneda

Vice Director of Public Affairs

WPI Nano Life Science Institute (WPI-NanoLSI)

Kanazawa University

Kakuma-machi, Kanazawa 920-1192, Japan

Email: [email protected]

Tel: +81 (76) 234-4550

About Nano Life Science Institute (WPI-NanoLSI)

https://nanolsi.kanazawa-u.ac.jp/en/

Nano Life Science Institute (NanoLSI), Kanazawa University is a research center established in 2017 as part of the World Premier International Research Center Initiative of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology. The objective of this initiative is to form world-tier research centers. NanoLSI combines the foremost knowledge of bio-scanning probe microscopy to establish 'nano-endoscopic techniques' to directly image, analyze, and manipulate biomolecules for insights into mechanisms governing life phenomena such as diseases.

About Kanazawa University

http://www.kanazawa-u.ac.jp/e/

As the leading comprehensive university on the Sea of Japan coast, Kanazawa University has contributed greatly to higher education and academic research in Japan since it was founded in 1949. The University has three colleges and 17 schools offering courses in subjects that include medicine, computer engineering, and humanities.

The University is located on the coast of the Sea of Japan in Kanazawa  a city rich in history and culture. The city of Kanazawa has a highly respected intellectual profile since the time of the fiefdom (1598-1867). Kanazawa University is divided into two main campuses: Kakuma and Takaramachi for its approximately 10,200 students including 600 from overseas.

SOURCE Kanazawa University
TORONTO, Dec. 23, 2021 /PRNewswire/ - Liquid Meta Capital Holdings Ltd. (NEO: LIQD) ("Liquid Meta" or the "Company"), a decentralized finance infrastructure and technology company, today announced the appointment of Stephen Harper and Tom Kang to the Company's Board of Directors.

"I am very pleased to welcome Stephen and Tom to our Board of Directors," said Jonathan Wiesblatt, CEO. "Both Stephen and Tom have many decades of strong financial acumen, leadership in both public and private corporations and tremendous experience building and scaling companies. Both Stephen and Tom's addition to our Board of Directors will be invaluable as we continue to expand our liquidity mining operation and utilize the cash flow to build critical applications and protocols to monetize the transition to DeFi."

Mr. Harper brings over 35 years of experience as an investor, a capital markets executive and fund manager. He sits on the boards of BGC Europe Holdings LP, one of the world's largest interdealer brokers, and Copper Street Capital, an alternative investment firm. He is the former CEO of Saguenay Strathmore Capital, an alternative investment management firm. Previously, he held various senior positions at Bankers Trust, first in Toronto as a founding member of its derivative business, and then in London as COO of the global business. He started his career in corporate finance at Wood Gundy. Mr. Harper commented, "I have seen first-hand two significant innovations in the financial markets  first the derivatives revolution and then the hedge fund impact on asset management. DeFi has the potential to transform the financial industry even more significantly. I look forward to working with Liquid Meta to be an early leader in in the DeFi market."

Mr. Kang is the CEO of Allied Inventors, a fund that focuses on patents and start-ups. He was previously CEO of KTB Financial Group, President of Asia for Fortress Investment Group, CEO of Kang & Company, CEO of Seoul Securities and Managing Director at BT Wolfensohn. Mr. Kang started his career as a venture capitalist at James D. Wolfensohn Inc. He is or has been a board member of CurvaFix, OSB Savings Bank, SK Holdings, KB Financial Group and Bloomberg Asia-Pacific Advisory Board. Mr. Kang commented, "I am very excited to join Liquid Meta's Board as the Company continues to develop technology for the DeFi market. I look forward to contributing my experience to Liquid Meta as it seeks to benefit from the rapid changes in the financial industry."

About Liquid Meta

Liquid Meta is a decentralized finance infrastructure and technology company that is powering the next generation of open-access protocols and applications. The Company is creating the bridge between traditional and decentralized finance while ushering in a new era of financial infrastructure that benefits anyone, anywhere.

To learn more visit: Website | LinkedIn | Twitter

Cautionary Notice

Neo Exchange has not reviewed or approved this press release for the adequacy or accuracy of its contents.

Notice Regarding Forward-Looking Information:

This news release contains "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" (collectively, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of the applicable Canadian securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements and are based on expectations, estimates and projections as at the date of this news release. Any statement that involves discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions, future events or performance (often but not always using phrases such as "expects", or "does not expect", "is expected", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", "plans", "budget", "scheduled", "forecasts", "estimates", "believes" or "intends" or variations of such words and phrases or stating that certain actions, events or results "may" or "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken to occur or be achieved) are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking statements.

Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of Liquid Meta to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements are described under the caption "Risks and Uncertainties" in the Company's Filing Statement dated as of December 17, 2021 which is available for view on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. Forward-looking statements contained herein are made as of the date of this press release and Liquid Meta disclaims, other than as required by law, any obligation to update any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, results, future events, circumstances, or if management's estimates or opinions should change, or otherwise. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, the reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.

Liquid Meta's operations could be significantly adversely affected by the effects of a widespread global outbreak of a contagious disease, including the recent outbreak of illness caused by COVID-19. It is not possible to accurately predict the impact COVID-19 will have on operations and the ability of others to meet their obligations, including uncertainties relating to the ultimate geographic spread of the virus, the severity of the disease, the duration of the outbreak, and the length of travel and quarantine restrictions imposed by governments of affected countries. In addition, a significant outbreak of contagious diseases in the human population could result in a widespread health crisis that could adversely affect the economies and financial markets of many countries, resulting in an economic downturn that could further affect operations and the ability to finance its operations.

SOURCE Liquid Meta Capital Holdings Ltd
CHONGQING, China, Dec. 23, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Luye Pharma Group today released the encouraging top-line results from a Phase II clinical trial of its new antidepressant, Ansofaxine Hydrochloride Extended-Release Tablets (LY03005), at the 19th National Psychiatry Conference of the Chinese Medical Association.

In general, LY03005 demonstrated a comprehensive antidepressant efficacy as well as a good safety profile and tolerance based on the initial results of the Phase II clinical trial. In particular, no significant adverse events were found related to sexual function or weight change, and no significant increase of somnolence was observed.

LY03005 is a New Chemical Entity (NCE) with a novel acting mechanism. It is a potential Serotonin-Norepinephrine-Dopamine Reuptake Inhibitor (SNDRI/TRI). The drug has completed Phase I to Phase III clinical trials and is currently in the New Drug Application (NDA) phase in China.

The top-line results released this time are from a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled Phase II study designed to preliminarily evaluate the efficacy and safety of LY03005 in treating Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and explore the optimal dosing. 260 MDD patients were enrolled in the study and randomly assigned to receive the treatment with LY03005 (at doses of 40 mg, 80 mg, 120 mg, and 160 mg) or a placebo for 6 weeks. The main findings are as follows:

LY03005 reached the primary endpoint, showing a good response rate and remission rate.

Primary endpoint results show that the change of the 17-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D17) total score from the baseline displayed a difference of statistical significance (P<0.05) for all dosing groups of LY03005 compared with the placebo after the 6-week treatment.

For the secondary endpoints, LY03005 was superior to the placebo for all dosing groups in terms of both the change of the total score on the MontgomeryAsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) from the baseline and the change of the CGI-I score after the 6-week treatment, displaying a difference of statistical significance (P<0.05 and P<0.1 respectively); LY03005 was superior to the placebo for the dosing groups of 40 mg, 80 mg, and 160 mg in terms of the change of the CGI-S score, displaying a difference of statistical significance (P<0.05); in addition, the response rate (the reduction of MADRS total score from the baseline 50%) of LY03005 based on MADRS for the 80 mg and 160 mg dosing groups was 68% and 71% respectively, and the remission rate (MADRS total score 12) of these two dosing groups based on MADRS was 60% and 56% respectively, also displaying a difference of statistical significance (P<0.1).

LY03005 showed potential for improving symptoms such as anxiety and cognitive disorders

For the secondary endpoints, LY03005 was superior to the placebo for the dosing groups of 40 mg, 80 mg, and 160 mg in terms of the total HAM-A score, the HAM-A Somatic Anxiety Factor score, and the HAM-D17 Anxiety/Somatization Factor score, displaying a difference of statistical significance (P<0.1). In addition, the HAM-A Psychic Anxiety Factor score and the HAM-D17 Cognitive Dysfunction Factor score demonstrated a trend of declining from the baseline for all dosing groups.

LY03005 showed a good safety profile and tolerance, with no significant adverse effects on sexual functioning, weight, or sleep

The safety data shows: 1) LY03005 demonstrated a good safety profile and tolerance, and most of the adverse events were mild or moderate with a short duration, seldom resulting in the termination of treatment; 2) there was no significant difference between LY03005 and the placebo in terms of the Arizona Sexual Experiences Scale (ASEX) score, and no sexual dysfunction as an adverse event was found in the study; 3) only three cases of weight change were determined to be related to or possibly related to the drug used in the study, and all of the three cases were mild or moderate, showing recovery at the end of treatment; 4) LY03005 was similar to the placebo in terms of the incidence of somnolence.

A complete recovery for patients is only possible when the drug used for treating them is safe and tolerable with a comprehensive antidepressant efficacy

"The clinical performance demonstrated by LY03005 shows that it helps to improve patients' depressive symptoms and functional impairments, leading to a full recovery," said Professor Zhang Hongyan from the Peking University Sixth Hospital, who was the principal investigator during the Phase II clinical trial of LY03005. "The good safety profile of the drug makes it easier for patients to receive a standard treatment throughout the course, to help them get back to normal faster."

The main clinical manifestations of depression include core symptoms such as a depressive mood and lack of energy as well as concomitant symptoms such as cognitive and sexual impairments. Many patients would see improvements of their core symptoms after receiving a treatment with antidepressants, but their remaining concomitant symptoms may still impair their social functioning or even lead to the relapse of depression. "The treatment of depression should try to completely eliminate all the symptoms, including affective, somatic and cognitive symptoms, and address the improvement of patients' quality of life and the recovery of their social functioning, so as to achieve a stable and complete recovery in its real sense," added Professor Zhang.

In addition, poor patient compliance is another important factor affecting the prognosis of depression. The safety and tolerance of a drug have a considerable bearing on patients' willingness to receive treatment with the drug. Quite a few patients discontinued treatment due to intolerance, and some of them even refused to receive treatment from the very beginning, with the outcomes being significantly compromised. Addressing common adverse reactions to a drug, such as sexual dysfunction, weight increase, cognitive impairment, sedation or fatigue, is the key to increasing treatment compliance1.

"Developed as a 5-HT/NE/DA TRI, LY03005 is designed to address the unmet needs of patients, including the impairment of social functioning and drug intolerance in long-term use," said Dr. Tian Jingwei, Vice President of Non-Clinical Research at Luye Pharma Group, who is also head of the LY03005 project team. "Based on various studies that have been completed, we've validated many clinical benefits of the drug to patients. In the future, we'll conduct more clinical trials to further unleash its therapeutic potential and help depressive patients get back to normal as soon as possible."

In addition to China, LY03005 is also undergoing NDA phase in the U.S., and has completed Phase I clinical trials in Japan.

About Ansofaxine Hydrochloride Extended-Release Tablets (LY03005)

LY03005 is a Class 1 New Chemical Drug in China developed by Luye Pharma Group on its New Therapeutic Entity (NTE)/New Chemical Entity (NCE) platform for the treatment of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). In vitro and ex vivo studies as well as in vivo brain microdialysis have validated that LY03005 is a Serotonin-Norepinephrine-Dopamine Reuptake Inhibitor (SNDRI/TRI).

LY03005 inhibits the reuptake of serotonin (5-HT), norepinephrine (NE) and dopamine (DA) by binding to the serotonin transporter (SERT), the norepinephrine transporter (NET), and the dopamine transporter (DAT). After oral administration, the drug and its metabolite O-desmethylvenlafaxine (ODV) will be selectively distributed in the hypothalamus with a similar concentration, to exhibit the activity of a SNDRI. A study of the acting mechanism of LY03005 has been published in the global academic journal Frontiers in Pharmacology.

About Luye Pharma Group

Luye Pharma Group is an international pharmaceutical company dedicated to the R&D, manufacturing and sale of innovative medications. The company has established R&D centers in China, the U.S. and Europe, with a robust pipeline of over 30 drug candidates in China and more than 10 drug candidates in other international markets. Along with a number of new drugs and new formulations in the central nervous system and oncology therapeutic areas under study in the U.S. Europe and Japan, Luye Pharma has reached high-level international standards in novel drug delivery technologies including microspheres, liposomes, and transdermal drug delivery systems, as well as actively making strategic developments in the fields of biological antibodies, cell therapies and gene therapies, among others.

Luye Pharma is developing a global supply chain of 8 manufacturing sites with over 30 production lines in total, establishing GMP quality management and international standard control systems. With more than 30 products covering the central nervous system, oncology, cardiovascular, metabolism and other therapeutic areas, business is conducted in over 80 countries and regions around the world, including the largest pharmaceutical markets - China, the U.S., Europe and Japan, as well as in fast growing emerging markets.

Reference: 1. Li L, Ma X, et al. The guideline of depression prevention and treatment in China. 2. Beijing: Chinese Medical Multimedia Press; 2015. 106-107

SOURCE Luye Pharma Group
"Reaching the ambitious goal of global decarbonization by 2050 will require the innovation of American companies like Monolith and the resources of like-minded organizations like the Department of Energy," said Rob Hanson, Co-founder and C.E.O., Monolith. "Monolith was founded with the belief that private sector companies could develop the innovation needed to help lead the clean energy transition, while also creating high-paying green jobs and strengthening our nation's supply chain. "

"The Title XVII Innovative Energy Loan Guarantee Program's purpose is to recognize and support technology that reduces emissions and supports a clean energy future," said Department of Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm. "Advanced, clean production technology like Monolith's are the types of impactful projects that support not just sustainability, but economic growth and clean energy jobs for the American people."

Monolith cleanly produces essential materials utilized by a wide variety of industries including hydrogen, ammonia and carbon black. Carbon black is a material found in many everyday products but is perhaps most commonly known for its use in tires. Leading tire manufacturers including Goodyear and Michelin expressed their support for the D.O.E.'s conditional approval and Monolith's technology.

"As the only U.S.-headquartered tire manufacturer, it's especially rewarding to be at the connection point of significant U.S. innovation with Monolith and the commitment of the Department of Energy to sustainable outcomes," said Richard J. Kramer, chairman, chief executive officer and president, The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company. "We are excited to work with Monolith to reduce our carbon footprint and further our use of alternative materials as we continue to deliver industry-leading products."

According to Alexis Garcin, chairman and president of Michelin North America, Inc.,

"Promoting the mobility of people and goods while protecting our planet requires investments in innovative and sustainable solutions. Partnering with organizations like Monolith, with the support of the Department of Energy, is the latest example of how we at Michelin intend to further accelerate toward our goal of a 100% sustainable tire by 2050 for a better life in motion."

In addition to carbon black, Monolith's innovative methane pyrolysis process creates cost-effective clean hydrogen. As the world builds a roadmap to decarbonization, the energy density of clean hydrogen fuel has been recognized as one of the critical paths to creating a green world. Shipping, aviation, long-haul trucking, energy storage and clean steel production are areas with the potential to rely on clean hydrogen fuel. Monolith also expects to use much of the clean hydrogen produced from its Olive Creek expansion for the production of cleanly made ammonia that will be distributed in the U.S. Corn belt to help feed a growing national and world population.

"As the leader in wind and solar energy, and as an investor in Monolith, NextEra Energy Resources is encouraged by the U.S. Department of Energy's conditional approval of Monolith's loan application," said John Ketchum, president and chief executive officer, NextEra Energy Resources. "Monolith's clean hydrogen production process is powered by locally-produced renewable electricity and represents a significant advancement to support cost-effective decarbonization of multiple sectors of the U.S. economy."

Title XVII of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (42 U.S.C. Sec. 16511, et. seq.) provides authority for the D.O.E. to guarantee loans for projects that "avoid, reduce, or sequester air pollutants or anthropogenic emissions of greenhouse gases; and employ new or significantly improved technologies as compared to commercial technologies in service in the United States at the time the guarantee is issued." Current conventional processes to create carbon black release large amounts of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. Through Monolith's methane pyrolysis technology, the company is able to prevent an estimated 2.3 tons of CO2 from being released for every ton of carbon black produced. With its production of cleanly made hydrogen, carbon black and ammonia, Monolith expects that its Olive Creek expansion will prevent one million tons of greenhouse gas emissions from entering the atmosphere each year compared to traditional manufacturing processes. While this conditional commitment demonstrates DOE's intent to finance the project, several steps remain, and certain conditions must be satisfied before a final loan guarantee is issued.

Monolith's expansion is expected to generate significant economic development, starting with approximately 1,000 jobs to support facility expansion. Once completed, the facility will generate around 260 direct and 600 indirect, high-paying, highly skilled, green energy jobs to support its operations.

Upon issuance, the amount provided by the D.O.E. would be a 20-year loan, which Monolith is expected to repay with interest at a rate reflective of the current market. Monolith expects to utilize the loan to help fund the company's Olive Creek plant expansion. Once completed, Monolith's expanded Olive Creek plant is expected to be the largest carbon black production facility in the United States, producing an estimated 194,000 metric tons per year. The construction of this innovative facility is expected to be performed by Kiewit, one of North America's largest and most respected engineering and construction organizations.

"We're excited to bring our engineering, procurement and construction experience and skilled people to the Olive Creek plant expansion project, which will help Monolith commercialize a new, innovative technology to produce cost-effective, clean hydrogen and materials," said Rick Lanoha, president and CEO of Kiewit Corporation. "Kiewit is a Nebraska company, so providing EPC services and jobs to a significant project in this state is important to us. We're fully committed to safely delivering this important, sustainable project to help Monolith meet global demand."

Hanson added, "This loan, which comes after several years of due diligence, further supports what our customers, employees, investors and strategic partners already know: Monolith's pyrolysis technology will play a vital role in the energy transition. We are honored to have reached this significant milestone on our path toward helping the world to decarbonize, and we are appreciative of the confidence shown by the Department of Energy and Secretary Granholm."

Monolith, which was founded in 2012, developed a process technology that uses 100% renewable energy to convert natural gas into clean hydrogen and carbon black. The company is currently operating its first commercial-scale production facility in Hallam, Nebraska, and has offices and R&D facilities in Lincoln, NE; San Carlos, CA; Denver, CO and Kansas City, MO.

About Monolith

Monolith is a nextgeneration hydrogen and clean materials company that uses 100% renewable and carbon-free energy as part of a proprietary process to convert conventional and renewable natural gas to carbon black and hydrogen in an environmentally advantaged manner. Monolith is backed by Azimuth Capital Management, Cornell Capital L.L.C., Imperative Ventures, Warburg Pincus, Perry Creek Capital, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries America, SK Inc. and NextEra Energy Resources Inc. For more information on Monolith, visit www.monolith-corp.com.

SOURCE Monolith
WASHINGTON, Dec. 23, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- NASA's research focus on sustainable aviation will get some big help from teams of university faculty and students recently selected to participate in the agency's University Leadership Initiative (ULI).

ULI gives the academic community an opportunity to support NASA's aeronautical research goals and provide students with valuable experience in solving real-world technical challenges.

"Aviation of the future has to be climate friendly to keep the world flying, and a great way to do that is to allow tomorrow's top minds to begin making contributions to these goals while still in school," said Koushik Datta, ULI project manager.

Three of the four teams are working toward lowering or eliminating aircraft emissions, with each team approaching the problem from a slightly different perspective. The fourth team's autonomy research is in support of NASA's Advanced Air Mobility campaign.

Another key ULI goal is for students to gain experience in leading a multidisciplinary team made up of partners from other universities and industry, including student populations who are underrepresented or have not applied their skills to aviation problems.

"A diverse research team enables more voices to be heard, and more creative ideas to be explored," said Datta.

A total of four teams were selected for final negotiations that could lead to awards of up to $31.5 million during the next five years.

The four teams and their research topics are:

University of Central Florida

The team will explore using liquid ammonia  a non-traditional source  as fuel for a jet engine and generating electricity from the engine's exhaust heat, reducing emissions, and saving on fuel. Team members include Georgia Tech, Purdue University, Boeing, GE Research, ANSYS, Southwest Research Institute, and the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority.

Florida State University

The team will consider how hybrid hydrogen-electric power generation could be combined with fuel cell technology to lower emissions. Team members include Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, University at Buffalo, University of Kentucky, Georgia Tech, Raytheon, Boeing, and Advanced Magnet Lab.

Georgia Institute of Technology

The team will turn its attention to sustainable aviation challenges related to a jet engine's combustor but in this case the engine is powering a commercial supersonic transport. Team members include Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Virginia Tech, Spelman College, Missouri University of Science and Technology, General Electric, and Aerodyne Research Incorporated.

University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign

The team aims to deliver trustworthy autonomy tools to help Advanced Air Mobility aircraft fly safely through complex airspace, typical of dense urban environments. Team members include Georgia Tech, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, North Carolina A&T State University, University of Nevada at Reno, Lockheed Martin, and Sierra Nevada Corporation.

This is the fifth time a set of teams have been selected to participate in ULI. Six teams were selected earlier in 2021, five teams were chosen in 2020, three teams were announced in 2019, and five teams were selected for the inaugural initiative in 2017.

An official notice for the next request for proposals is expected to be posted online in March 2022.

For more information about NASA's aeronautics research, visit:

https://www.nasa.gov/aero

SOURCE NASA
FARMERS BRANCH, Texas, Dec. 23, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Planet Home Lending, LLC has added a new Farmers Branch, Texas, team, its fifth in the state. The team will be run by Branch Manager Leeland Bissett (NMLS #1170311).

"Planet Home Lending is a great fit for Farmers Branch because we offer the loans local consumers need to reach their goals of homeownership," said Michael Dubeck, CEO and President of Planet Financial Group, LLC. "This team is especially skilled at helping first-time and first-generation homebuyers."

Planet Home Lending offers various loan products that are popular in the area, Bissett said. "Farmers Branch is a competitive market with most homes receiving several offers. To help position borrowers to buy a home, we work with people where they are and with their given circumstances to find a loan that works for them."

Along with local expertise, Planet Home Lending offers a personal digital mortgage assistant, which consumers can use to apply for a home loan via their mobile device from anywhere. Borrowers and real estate agents (with the borrowers' permission) can track loan progress 24/7, reach out to ask their loan officer questions and submit paperwork electronically to reduce reliance on paper.

Another way Planet Home Lending supports a healthy environment is through a tree-planting partnership with the National Forest Foundation. In 2021, the company has sponsored the planting of up to 100,000 trees to help restore national forests.

About Planet Home Lending, LLC

Planet Home Lending, LLC, (NMLS #17720) is a national mortgage lender and servicer delivering exceptional customer experiences to American homeowners and homebuyers. Offering affordable home loans backed by Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, VA, FHA, USDA and private funders, it fulfills homeownership dreams for people in 47 states, D.C. and Puerto Rico. Planet Home Lending is an Equal Housing Lender. For more information about Planet Home Lending, LLC, please visit https://planethomelending.com.

Press Contacts:

Dona DeZube Charlyne H. McWilliams Vice President, Communications for Planet Home Lending, LLC Media Contact Planet Home Lending, LLC [email protected] [email protected] (443) 263-2832 (301) 933-5567

SOURCE Planet Home Lending
LOS ANGELES, Dec. 23, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The California Supreme Court reversed an appellate panel ruling that would have created a loophole making it easier for local governments to avoid scrutiny of assessments for business improvement districts by requiring property owners to detail the basis for their challenges at a public hearing.

In a precedent-setting decision, the state's high court found in favor of Hill RHF Partners L.P. (Hill RHF), represented by the Los Angeles-based civil litigation firm Reuben, Raucher & Blum . Hill RHF's litigation stems from a dispute over the validity of business improvement district assessments imposed on Hill RHF under the California constitution.

The California Court of Appeal previously held that, although it had voted against the assessments, Hill RHF had failed to raise its objections at an appropriate public hearing, which represented a failure to exhaust its administrative remedies. Accordingly, the panel refused to consider the merits of Hill RHF's objections.

Reversing this ruling in a unanimous opinion authored by Chief Justice Tani Cantil-Sakauye, the state's Supreme Court found that while public comments must be received, the statutory scheme does not require that they actually need not be resolved by the City Council. This was fatal to the claim that administrative exhaustion applied.

"Unless there is clear legislative direction to the contrary, a process proffered as an administrative remedy does not have to be exhausted when its dispute resolution procedures are so meager that it cannot fairly be regarded as a remedy at all," wrote Cantil-Sakauye.

The case now will go back down to the Court of Appeal for a hearing on the substance of Hill RHF's initial challenge. Stephen L. Raucher, an attorney at Reuben, Raucher & Blum leading the petitioner's case, said he was pleased with the court's thoughtful analysis of the administrative exhaustion doctrine.

"The Court's decision recognizes reality: that a City Council meeting is not an appropriate forum to adjudicate the complicated issues that arise in connection with assessments like this. Nor is an additional administrative exhaustion obstacle consistent with the stated purpose of the original initiative, which was to make it harder for local governments to impose assessments," said Raucher. "The ruling will benefit not only non-profits like Retirement Housing Foundation, but all commercial property owners concerned about paying these kinds of assessments.

Reuben Raucher & Blum has earned widespread recognition as a boutique litigation firm representing a broad spectrum of clients. The firm has an outstanding track record in resolving complex disputes for its clients through mediation and other settlement methods, but also has obtained multi-million dollar verdicts, as well as total vindication and recovery of attorney's fees when representing the defense.

SOURCE Reuben Raucher & Blum
As momentum for real estate competition grows, REX joins tech firms in urging Commerce Secretary to take action. Tweet this

The tech letter on competition comes on the heels of testimony last week at a United States Senate hearing on consumer protection, where real estate was a focal point. Notre Dame Law Professor Roger Alford testified that "the residential real estate market is dominated by a consortium of real estate cooperatives that enforce a series of mandatory rules that keep prices high and reduce innovation." Alford singled out REX as a broker delivering consumer-friendly commissions to homebuyers and sellers.

During the same hearing, Diana Moss, President of the American Antitrust Institute, mentioned several companies, including Zillow, as having "all the same features as the big business digital ecosystems," such as Google and Facebook. "We worry," Moss continued, "about these companies because they are really rife with what we call market failures and economics." A full video of the Senate hearing can be found here.

"Competition is the one thing both sides in Washington can agree on. During a U.S. Senate hearing into the practices of big tech, the President of the American Antitrust Institute testified that policymakers should be concerned not just about Google and Facebook, but also Zillow. As we look towards 2022, it appears lawmakers and regulators will continue to focus on competition, access to digital markets, and innovation. Real estate consumers will benefit from all of this," said Michel Toth, Senior Vice President and General Counsel for REX.

The tech companies who signed the letter have asked to meet with Secretary Raimondo to discuss competition issue during the week of January 10, 2022.

For media inquiries: contact Colin Maynard at [email protected].

ABOUT REX

REX, headquartered in Austin, Texas, is a real estate tech company resetting the traditional real estate market nationwide. When buying a REX home - or any home on the market in the U.S. purchased through REX - consumers have the peace of mind knowing they are finding residential real estate for less and saving time thanks to our groundbreaking technology. REX has emerged as the national leader in real estate reform since founding the company in 2016 with the goal of eliminating fees, growing the U.S. real estate market, and saving Americans billions of dollars each year. REX also works as a partner in the global fight against housing insecurity. Learn more about REX's online platform, integrated services, and business model at rexhomes.com. Also visit newsroom.rexhomes.com for the latest press releases, podcasts, market analysis, digital real estate data, and information about the company and leadership team.

SOURCE REX
NEW YORK, Dec. 22, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Levi & Korsinsky announces it has commenced an investigation of Sonida Senior Living, Inc. (NYSE: SNDA) concerning possible breaches of fiduciary duty. To obtain additional information, go to:

https://www.zlk.com/compensation2/sonida-senior-living-inc-information-request-form

or contact Joseph E. Levi, Esq. either via email at [email protected] or by telephone at (212) 363-7500. There is no cost or obligation to you.

Levi & Korsinsky is a nationally recognized firm with offices in New York, Connecticut, California, and Washington D.C. The firm's attorneys have extensive expertise in prosecuting securities litigation involving financial fraud, representing investors throughout the nation in securities lawsuits and have recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for aggrieved shareholders. For more information, please feel free to contact any of the attorneys listed below. Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.

Levi & Korsinsky, LLP

Joseph E. Levi, Esq.

55 Broadway, 10th Floor

New York, NY 10006

[email protected]

Tel: (212) 363-7500

Fax: (212) 363-7171

www.zlk.com

SOURCE Levi & Korsinsky, LLP

Related Links

http://www.zlk.com


On Wednesday, December 22 nd , City of Miami Mayor Francis Suarez, LLF Co-Founder and Board Member Charlie Venturi, LLF Executive Director Jonathan Babicka, and Managing Partner of Magic City Innovation District - Little Haiti Neil Fairman hosted a check presentation ceremony at the marquee Magic City sign in Magic City's Innovation District - Little Haiti to honor Mr. Zangrillo's generous $100,000 donation.

Mr. Zangrillo is the founder, chairman, and CEO of Miami-headquartered private investment firm Dragon Global and major investor in Miami's Magic City Innovation District - Little Haiti as well as an active member of the Miami business and philanthropic communities through his investments in emerging neighborhoods in Miami and efforts of the Zangrillo Family Foundation.

The funds raised at the Hearts & Stars Gala 2021: Riviera Maya event will go towards supporting Little Lighthouse Foundation's "Do Good Feel Good" program, which benefits hundreds of children in the South Florida area to overcome educational, financial and medical hardships. The "Do Good Feel Good" program includes numerous initiatives such as: Craft Night, Activity Hour, Move & Groove and Beauty All Around at the Lotus House Women's Shelter, Fit Club at Big Brothers Big Sisters, Adopt A Meal at Ronald McDonald House, Story Hour at Chapman Partnership, Mindful Hour at Miami Bridge, Homework Helpers and Just For Kicks at Motivational Edge and DGFG Media at Breakthrough Miami.

"We are thrilled to have the support of Mr. Zangrillo and the other donors who are so vested in the developing Miami communities, including Little Haiti, that our programs serve," said Robert Sena, Co-Founder of LLF.

"Miami community members stepping up to help other community members is what the Little Lighthouse Foundation is all about. Such generous and inspiring donations from Robert Zangrillo and others show that Miami citizens care about one another and help those in need," said Miami Mayor Francis Suarez.

Robert Zangrillo shared, "The LLF is a special volunteer organization with broad reach that meaningfully impacts children throughout Miami and southern Florida. Their 2021 gala demonstrated that when we all come together for a cause we can make a difference. I am thrilled to have helped them with this record breaking $850,000 fundraise."

Neil Fairman added, "We are glad the LLF selected the Magic City Innovation District - Little Haiti to host this year's Hearts & Stars Gala. We congratulate them for bringing the community together for such a respected event and we stand committed to supporting them and other organizations that benefit our communities."

ABOUT THE HEARTS & STARS GALA 2021: Riviera Maya

Kelly Blanco & Johnny Archer hosted the LLF's Hearts & Stars Gala 2021: Riviera Maya with a special performance by Flo Rida at Space Park Miami, located in Miami's Magic City Innovation District - Little Haiti. 1,500 people gathered at the black-tie event, which raised $850,000.

ABOUT THE LITTLE LIGHTHOUSE FOUNDATION

Founded in 2010, LLF is a registered 501(c)(3), nonprofit organization that assists underserved children and their families throughout South Florida. LLF has over 20 proprietary programs with 33 partner facilities, including, but not limited to, homeless shelters, hospitals, and youth centers. To learn how you can #DoGoodFeelGood with LLF, visit www.TheLittleLighthouse.org or follow LLF on Instagram @LLFoundation.

ABOUT ROBERT ZANGRILLO

Mr. Zangrillo, the founder, chairman, and CEO of Miami-headquartered private investment firm Dragon Global is a top venture capital and real estate investor and recognized member of the Miami business community. Mr. Zangrillo has also led investments in emerging neighborhoods in Miami, including the Magic City Innovation District - Little Haiti. He is an active philanthropist through the Robert L. Zangrillo Family Foundation.

ABOUT MAGIC CITY INNOVATION DISTRICT - LITTLE HAITI

Magic City Innovation District  - Little Haiti ("MCID) is an innovation district focused on technology, sustainability, health and wellness and art and culture. MCID is revitalizing the Little Haiti and Little River neighborhoods to create a world-class destination. It will provide Miami a walkable, campus-like neighborhood where individuals from all demographic backgrounds can enjoy a quality life and re-write history on how communities live, work, play, and learn together. MCID will serve as a new model for future innovation districts and real estate development worldwide.

For press inquiries please contact: Carma Connected Gaby Gandarillas [email protected] (305) 338-5176

SOURCE Little Lighthouse Foundation
The OIAA determined the property, located east of Haven Avenue, north of Jurupa Avenue, south of Airport Drive and west of Carnegie Avenue, is unsuited for typical airport use, making it surplus to the airport's aviation/aeronautical needs. (See accompanying ONT aerial photo showing surplus property to be leased.)

"We are pleased and proud to move forward with the first of several major real estate transactions to monetize vacant property since the airport was transferred to local control in November 2016," said Alan D. Wapner, Mayor pro Tem of the City of Ontario and President of the OIAA Board of Commissioners.

"As envisioned in the OIAA strategic business plan, the ongoing revenue stream will help ONT fund vital safety, security and infrastructure projects while keeping airport costs to airlines low. As a result, ONT will become even more attractive for airlines to inaugurate and increase flight schedules."

CanAm Ontario LLC, a venture formed by San Antonio, TX-based USAA Real Estate Company and McDonald Property Group of Newport Beach, CA, will develop the vacant property for industrial use in compliance with the Airport Compatibility Plan required under State Law.

Steven Ames, Managing Director-Investments, USAA Real Estate Company, sounded a note of optimism following the Board's action.

"USAA is excited to enter into another large-scale industrial project in the Inland Empire with McDonald Property Group. Given our long track record of success with McDonald, it is our vision that the Ontario International Airport project will continue in that tradition and become one of the most prominent industrial/logistics developments in the region," Ames said.

CanAm Ontario was selected following a competitive process which began with 17 bidders managed by CBRE Group, Inc., a global leader in real estate services and investment headquartered in Los Angeles.

The deal calls for a non-refundable $10 million deposit to OIAA. After allowing time for CanAm Ontario to obtain local jurisdictional entitlement and environmental approvals, rental revenue to the OIAA will start at $25 million in the first year, increasing in five-year increments, resulting in revenue of $90.6 per year in the final five years. The net present value of the agreement is $625 million.

"The air carriers at Ontario support efforts that keep operating costs low, which benefits anyone who uses the airport," said Trey Hettinger, Chair of the ONT Airline Affairs Committee representing the Signatory passenger and cargo airlines operating at ONT. "This is an example of the Authority's continued efforts to provide funding for airport improvements while reducing airline costs".

Airport officials noted that special consideration was given to ensure the transaction complies with applicable federal laws and Federal Aviation Administration policies and provide lease revenue exceeding fair market value as determined by three independent appraisals. Federal law requires that revenues generated by the airport be used for airport purposes.

About Ontario International Airport

Ontario International Airport (ONT) is the fastest growing airport in the United States, according to Global Traveler, a leading publication for frequent fliers. Located in the Inland Empire, ONT is approximately 35 miles east of downtown Los Angeles in the center of Southern California. It is a full-service airport which, before the coronavirus pandemic, offered nonstop commercial jet service to 26 major airports in the U.S., Mexico, Central America and Taiwan. More information is available at www.flyOntario.com. Follow @flyONT on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram

About the Ontario International Airport Authority (OIAA)

The OIAA was formed in August 2012 by a Joint Powers Agreement between the City of Ontario and the County of San Bernardino to provide overall direction for the management, operations, development and marketing of ONT for the benefit of the Southern California economy and the residents of the airport's four-county catchment area. OIAA Commissioners are Ontario Mayor Pro Tem Alan D. Wapner (President), Retired Riverside Mayor Ronald O. Loveridge (Vice President), Ontario City Council Member Jim W. Bowman (Secretary), San Bernardino County Supervisor Curt Hagman (Commissioner) and retired business executive Julia Gouw (Commissioner).

About USAA Real Estate (Lessee under OIAA Ground Lease)

With approximately $30 billion in assets under management and 11 global offices, USAA Real Estate is an industry leader in acquiring, developing, financing and managing the highest quality real estate assets in North America and Europe. The mission of USAA Real Estate is to serve the financial interests of its investor clients by strengthening the profitability and diversity of the USAA investment portfolio, which includes multifamily, industrial, office and hotel properties, as well as e-commerce logistics and distribution centers, media production facilities and data centers. Aligned with a series of strategic partnerships cultivated over decades of co-investment, USAA Real Estate engages with preeminent sector leaders demonstrating proven domain expertise in a shared drive to achieve superior, risk-adjusted returns. Visit www.usrealco.com for more information.

About McDonald Property Group (Developer for USAA)

McDonald Property Group has recently developed for USAA more than 3 million square-feet of warehouse fulfillment developments in the Inland Empire. Over the past 25 years, McDonald Property Group and its affiliates have developed over 12 million square-feet in Southern California. A significant number of these institutional quality projects are located all within the City of Ontario which total over 4 million square-feet on 250 acres, including Thoroughbred Business Park, its signature master planned 2 million square-feet, 11-building park. For more information, visit www.mcdonaldpropertygroup.com.

OIAA Media Contact:

Steve Lambert (909) 841-7527 [email protected]

SOURCE Ontario International Airport

Related Links

www.flyontario.com


LONDON, Dec. 23, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Long-term shareholders CIFF Capital UK LP and The Children's Investment Master Fund, acting by their investment manager TCI Fund Management Limited (CIFF Capital UK LP, The Children's Investment Master Fund and TCI Fund Management Limited, together, "TCI"), today commented on the CEO search process at Canadian National Railway Company (TSX:CNR)(NYSE:CNI) ("CN" or the "Company") and reiterated the urgent need for change on the CN Board of Directors.

The full statement from TCI follows:

"Given the CN Board's history of failed CEO appointments, it is not a surprise to us that the Board has failed once again to attract the best candidate for the role.

The Board is conflicted, which makes the current selection process flawed and unreliable. A CEO needs to be certain that he or she will have the unwavering support of the Board, and currently that cannot be guaranteed.

If CN shareholders elect the four independent candidates nominated by TCI at the Special Meeting they can be confident the Board will conduct a fair CEO selection process and be able to offer the new CEO stable and durable support.

The need for change on the CN Board has never been more apparent and TCI remains fully committed to bringing much-needed railroad experience to the Board for the benefit of all CN shareholders.

Gil Lamphere, Rob Knight, Allison Landry and Paul Miller also remain committed to standing for election at the Special Meeting and working with the rest of the Board to appoint the best CEO for CN.

The appointment of the new CEO should therefore be delayed until after the Special Meeting so shareholders can vote on who should conduct the vitally important search for a CEO who can initiate an operational transformation which will pave the way for future growth.

The four independent and highly-skilled nominees have vast railroad experience and knowledge, and they share a common and very achievable goal: to create a much-needed culture of operational excellence at CN, which is essential if the Company is to reach its full potential.

A new, high-quality board with extensive railroad experience and expertise will help ensure CN is put on the right track to the benefit of the Canadian and US economies, shippers, employees and shareholders."

More information on the independent, highly-skilled board candidates can be found at www.CNBackOnTrack.com.

About TCI Fund Management

Founded in 2003 by Sir Christopher Hohn, TCI Fund Management Limited, the investment manager of CIFF Capital UK LP and The Children's Investment Master Fund, is a value-oriented, fundamental investor which invests globally in strong businesses with sustainable competitive advantages. Using a private equity approach, TCI Fund Management Limited conducts deep fundamental research, constructively engages with management and adopts a long-term investment horizon. For more information on TCI Fund Management Limited and its ESG policy, visit www.tcifund.com/ESG. TCI Fund Management Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

Disclosures

TCI has been a CN shareholder since 2018. TCI currently owns more than 5% of the shares outstanding (valued at US$4.3 billion) and is committed to the long-term success of CN.

Contacts

Kingsdale Advisors:

Ian Robertson

President, Canada

Direct: 416-867-2333

Cell: 647-621-2646

Email: [email protected]

Hyunjoo Kim

Director, Communications, Marketing & Digital Strategy

Direct: 416-867-2357

Cell: 416-899-6463

Email: [email protected]

TCI Media Contacts:

ASC Advisors, New York

Steve Bruce: [email protected]

Taylor Ingraham: [email protected]

203-992-1230

Information in Support of Public Broadcast Solicitation

Shareholders are not being asked at this time to execute a proxy in favour of TCI's nominees for election to the Board or any other resolutions set forth in TCI's requisition for a special meeting of shareholders ("the Special Meeting") which has been scheduled for March 22, 2022.. In connection with the Special Meeting, TCI has filed a preliminary information circular dated September 27, 2021 (the "Circular") and expects to issue a supplement thereto or amendment and restatement thereof (the "Final TCI Circular") containing further disclosure concerning TCI's proposals, together with additional details concerning the completion and return of forms of proxy and voting information forms ("VIFs") to be provided by TCI for use at the Special Meeting.

This press release and any solicitation made by TCI in advance of the Special Meeting is, or will be, as applicable, made by TCI and not by or on behalf of the management of CN.

Shareholders of CN are not being asked at this time to execute proxies in favour of TCI's nominees (in respect of the Special Meeting) or any other resolution set forth in the requisition. TCI intends to make its solicitation primarily by mail, but proxies may also be solicited personally by telephone, email or other electronic means, as well as by newspaper or other media advertising or in person, by TCI, certain of its members, partners, directors, officers and employees, TCI's nominees or TCI's agents, including Kingsdale Advisors, who has been retained by TCI as its strategic shareholder advisor and proxy solicitation agent. Pursuant to the agreement between Kingsdale Advisors and TCI Fund Management Limited, Kingsdale Advisors will receive a fee of up to $3.5 million, plus customary fees for each call to or from shareholders of CN, and will be reimbursed for certain out-of-pocket expenses, with all such costs to be borne by TCI. In addition, TCI may solicit proxies in reliance upon the public broadcast exemption to the solicitation requirements under applicable Canadian corporate and securities laws, by way of public broadcast, including press release, speech or publication, and in any other manner permitted under applicable Canadian laws. Any members, partners, directors, officers or employees of TCI and their affiliates or other persons who solicit proxies on behalf of TCI will do so for no additional compensation. The costs incurred in the preparation and mailing of the Circular and the Final TCI Circular, and the solicitation of proxies by TCI will be borne by TCI, provided that, subject to applicable law, TCI may seek reimbursement from CN of TCI's out-of-pocket expenses, including proxy solicitation expenses and legal fees, incurred in connection with a successful reconstitution of the Board.

A registered shareholder of CN who has given a proxy may revoke the proxy at any time prior to use by:

(a) depositing an instrument or act in writing revoking the proxy, executed or, in Quebec, signed by such registered shareholder or by his, her or its personal representative authorized in writing or by electronic signature or, if the registered shareholder is a corporation, by an officer or attorney thereof properly authorized, either: (i) at the registered office of CN at any time up to and including the last business day preceding the day of the Special Meeting or any postponement(s) or adjournment(s) thereof, at 935, rue de La Gauchetiere ouest, Montreal, Quebec, Canada, H3B 2M9; or (ii) with the chairman of the Special Meeting prior to commencement of the Special Meeting on the day of the Special Meeting or any postponement(s) or adjournment(s) thereof; or

(b) revoking the proxy in any other manner permitted by law.

A non-registered shareholder may revoke a form of proxy or VIF given to an intermediary or Broadridge Investor Communications (or any such other service company) at any time by submitting another properly completed form of proxy or VIF, as the latest form of proxy or VIF will automatically revoke any previous one already submitted, or by written notice to the intermediary in accordance with the instructions given to the non-registered shareholder by its intermediary.

Based on information provided to TCI by each respective nominee, none of TCI's nominees, nor any of their associates or affiliates, has had any material interest, direct or indirect, in any transaction since the commencement of CN's most recently completed financial year or in any proposed transaction which has materially affected or would materially affect CN or any of its subsidiaries.

Based on information provided to TCI by each respective nominee, none of TCI nor any member, partner, director or officer of TCI, nor any of TCI's nominees, nor any associates or affiliates of the foregoing, has any material interest, direct or indirect, by way of beneficial ownership of securities or otherwise, in the matters currently known to be acted upon at the Special Meeting, other than in respect of TCI's ownership, control or direction of an aggregate of 36,699,825 common shares of CN, and the removal of certain incumbent directors and the election of the nominees as directors of CN.

CN's registered office address is 935, rue de La Gauchetiere ouest, Montreal, Quebec, Canada, H3B 2M9. A copy of the Circular which contains the information required in respect of each of TCI's nominees may be obtained on CN's SEDAR profile at www.sedar.com.

SOURCE TCI Fund Management Limited
DUBLIN, Dec. 23, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Drug Eluting Implants Market - Forecasts from 2021 to 2026" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

The global drug-eluting implants market is expected to reach US$8.483 billion by the end of 2026, increasing from US$6.050 billion in 2019, growing at a CAGR of 6.28% during the forecast period.

Drug-eluting implants induce healing effects. This effect is achieved by the controlled release of active pharmaceutical ingredients (API) into the surrounding tissue.

These implants carry drugs for on-site drug delivery which helps in improving the effectiveness of the treatment, minimizes side effects or damage to the healthy tissues.

The drug-eluting implants offer several advantages over conventional oral or parenteral drug delivery methods. These implants are proving to be a game-changer technology in the field of healthcare, especially with the arrival of Drug-Eluting Stents (DES).



The drug-eluting implants can be used for a variety of treatments such as diabetes management, contraception, HIV/AIDS prevention, chronic pain management, cardiology, oncology, and central nervous system health.

The key drivers of the market are the growing adoption of these devices by the patients and the increasing expenditure in the field of research and development, globally. In addition, the increase in the geriatric population worldwide is furthering projected to support the market growth.

According to the United Nations, in 2019, the geriatric population was 703 million persons, nationwide. The number of older persons is projected to double to 1.5 billion in 2050, this will fuel the market growth during the forecast period as the geriatric population is more likely to require drug-eluting implants.

Furthermore, drug-eluting implants are being actively adopted by diabetic patients, across the globe. More than 170 million people suffer from diabetes. This number has been continuously on the rise which in turn will drive the market growth of drug-eluting implants in the next few years.

Also, drug-eluting implants are playing a crucial role in cancer management which is further expected to spur market growth. The drug-eluting implants present a compelling parenteral route of administration for cancer chemotherapy. They have the potential for being minimally invasive and have image-guided placement, which is making them increasingly popular in chemotherapy, globally.



Recent Developments.



In June 2021, Glaukos Corporation announced that it has cleared the enrollment in Phase 3 clinical program for its iDose TR sustained release travoprost implant.



In June 2021, Elute, Inc., announced that the first clinical trial authorization by the FDA for the use of antibiotic eluting bone void filler products.



In March 2021, The Merck Group has announced the results from the Phase 1 trial evaluating investigational islatravir subdermal implant for the prevention of HIV-1 Infection at CROI 2021.



Geographically, North America and Europe held a dominant market share in 2019 due to the rapidly increasing adoption of drug-eluting implants in the region. Further, the Asia Pacific region is projected to grow at a significant rate during the forecast period owing to the increasing geriatric population and the spurring number of diabetic and cancer patients in the region.



Growth Factors.

Increasing diabetic patients.

The continuous surge in the number of diabetic patients worldwide is expected to contribute majorly towards the market growth of the drug-eluting implants market during the next few years as the drug-eluting implants are being increasingly used in the treatment of diabetic patients due to their healing properties.

According to the International Diabetes Federation, people with diabetes in the age group 20-79 years were 4, 63,000 which is estimated to reach 7, 00,002 by 2045. The rise in number will increase the demand and adoption of drug-eluting implants in the market.

Rise in cancer incidence.

The rapidly increasing cancer patients are expected to accelerate the demand for drug-eluting implants during the forecast period. Drug-eluting implants are used in the chemotherapy treatment given to cancer patients, globally. According to the American Cancer Society, in the United States, in 2020, there were an estimated 1.8 million new cancer cases diagnosed and 606,520 cancer deaths in the country. The increasing cancer incidence will spur the market growth in the years to come as the number of chemotherapy sessions across the globe will rapidly rise, which, in turn, will support the market growth.



COVID-19 Impact On Drug-Eluting Implants Market.



The Covid-19 pandemic moderately impacted the drug-eluting implants market as due to the nationwide lockdown restrictions; many patients deferred their ongoing treatments to avoid public places which hampered the market growth. However, the patients who required the treatment on an urgent basis did go forward with the treatment kept the market growth stable. Also, diabetic patients regularly use drug-eluting implants in their diabetes treatment which balanced the market growth during the novel pandemic.



Competitive Insights.

Prominent/major key market players in the Global Drug-Eluting Implants Market include iVascular, ProMed Pharma, LLC, Johnson & Johnson, Boston Scientific Corporation, The Merck Group, Medtronic, Inc., Biosensors International Group, Abbott Laboratories, Elixir Medical Corporation, and Siemens Healthcare.

The players in the Global Drug-Eluting Implants Market are implementing various growth strategies to gain a competitive advantage over their competitors in this market. For Instance, in May 2021, iVascular has received CE mark approval for its balloon-expandable covered stent, iCover, which can adapt to any vessel due to its high flexibility and post-expansion capacity. In March 2019, ProMed Pharma and DSM Biomedical announced a business development partnership focused on polymeric drug delivery.



The collaboration is expected to combine ProMed's micro molding and extrusion capabilities along with DSM's biomedical polyurethanes, polyurethaneureas, and bioerodible amino-acid-based polyesteramides. Major market players in the market have been covered along with their relative competitive strategies in this report and the report mentions recent deals and investments of different market players over the last few years.

The company profiles section details the business overview, financial performance (public companies) for the past few years, key products and services being offered along with the recent deals and investments of these important players in the global drug-eluting implants market.



Companies Mentioned

iVascular

ProMed Pharma, LLC

Johnson & Johnson

Boston Scientific Corporation

The Merck Group

Medtronic, Inc.

Biosensors International Group

Abbott Laboratories

Elixir Medical Corporation

Siemens Healthcare

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/qrqved

Media Contact:

Research and Markets

Laura Wood, Senior Manager

[email protected]



For E.S.T Office Hours Call +1-917-300-0470

For U.S./CAN Toll Free Call +1-800-526-8630

For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900



U.S. Fax: 646-607-1907

Fax (outside U.S.): +353-1-481-1716

SOURCE Research and Markets

Related Links

http://www.researchandmarkets.com


STOCKHOLM, Dec. 23, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The Medical Products Agency in Sweden has agreed to be reference member state for Moberg Pharma AB's registration application for MOB-015 (nail fungus treatment). The company will submit the registration application in Europe through the decentralized process, and market approval is expected in 2023.

Moberg Pharma will submit a full application, which offers the possibility of data exclusivity in Europe for up to 10 years following market approval. Moberg Pharma has been ready to submit the registration application as soon as the authority can receive it. Due to limited resources and many parallel ongoing applications, the Swedish Medical Products Agency has now announced that the application can be submitted in March 2022. The company's goal remains unchanged, to receive its first market approval and launch MOB-015 in 2023.

"We are advancing toward the company's goal to register a new and improved nail fungus drug. The need for a treatment alternative that can truly cure the nail infection is great, which means that MOB-015 can achieve a unique position through its high antifungal effect," says Anna Ljung, CEO of Moberg Pharma AB.

CONTACT:

For additional information, please contact:

Anna Ljung, CEO, telephone: +46 707 66 60 30, e-mail: [email protected]

About this information

This information is information that Moberg Pharma AB is obliged to make public pursuant to the EU Market Abuse Regulation. The information was submitted for publication, through the agency of the contact persons set out above, at 8.00 a.m. CET on December 23, 2021.

This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com

https://news.cision.com/moberg-pharma/r/the-medical-products-agency-in-sweden-will-be-reference-member-state-for-moberg-pharma-s-european-re,c3477705

The following files are available for download:

https://mb.cision.com/Main/1662/3477705/1514041.pdf The Medical Products Agency in Sweden will be reference member state for Moberg Pharmaas European registration application

SOURCE Moberg Pharma
President Paul Pastorek said, "We are very pleased to welcome the National Sheriffs' Association to the UAGC family." Tweet this

Sheriffs' departments work to serve and protect citizens all around this country every day. The new partnership with UAGC provides a flexible online model and class format conducive to the scheduling demands that go along with working in this vital profession. Coursework can be completed from any location and students are afforded the opportunity to take classes that accommodate their lifestyle and schedule. Students can leverage their employer-sponsored tuition program to start or complete a degree through courses that, depending on the degree level, last five or six weeks which enable them to study at the times that work best for them.

The program is managed by Zovio Employer Solutions (ZES), which is an important service provided by Zovio. Zovio Employer Solutions helps more than 1,300 companies and organizations across the country optimize usage of their corporate tuition assistance programs in partnership with the University of Arizona Global Campus. This includes full tuition grants and reduced tuition programs through the University of Arizona Global Campus.

"Zovio has and will continue to work strategically with UAGC to explore new pathways to support student success," said Zovio's CEO Randy Hendricks. "In partnership with the University of Arizona Global Campus, Zovio Employer Solutions looks to educate and serve more students, including adult learners seeking to reskill and upskill. We look forward to serving the National Sheriffs' Association."

About University of Arizona Global Campus

The University of Arizona Global Campus ("Global Campus" or "UAGC") is an independent university that is operated in affiliation with the University of Arizona. Global Campus is designed to provide flexible opportunities for working students from diverse backgrounds who seek to gain knowledge and skills that will help them to achieve their life and career goals. Global Campus is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) and is one of the nation's most innovative online universities with approximately 35,000 students. UAGC offers more than 50 degrees at the associate, bachelor's, master's and doctoral levels. For more information visit uagc.edu.

About Zovio

Zovio (Nasdaq: ZVO) is an education technology services company that partners with higher education institutions and employers to deliver innovative, personalized solutions to help learners and leaders achieve their aspirations. The Zovio network, including Fullstack Academy and TutorMe, leverages its core strengths to solve priority market needs through education technology services. Using proprietary advanced data analytics, Zovio identifies the most meaningful ways to enhance the learner experience and deliver strong outcomes for higher education institutions, employers, and learners. Zovio's purpose is to help everyone be in a class of their own. For more information, visit www.zovio.com.

SOURCE University of Arizona Global Campus
DUBLIN, Dec. 23, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Global Integration Platform as a Service Market with COVID-19 Impact Analysis, by Service Type (API Management, B2B Integration, Data Integration), Deployment Model (Public and Private Cloud), Organization Size, Vertical and Region - Forecast to 2026" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

The Integration Platform as a Service (IPaaS) market size is expected to grow from USD 3.7 billion in 2021 to USD 13.9 billion by 2026, at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 30.3% during the forecast period.

The growing adoption of hybrid and multi-cloud infrastructure, exponentially increasing cloud real-time monitoring services, and need for business agility, faster deployment, and scalability are a few factors driving the growth of the iPaaS market.

Adoption of application integration has become critical in order to improve business efficiency, enhance scalability, and reduce IT costs

Application integration is an integration framework which forms middleware, a collection of technologies and services to enable the integration of systems and applications across an enterprise. Small and large organizations implement application integration as it has become a mission-critical priority to connect different applications and support application collaboration across the enterprise to improve the overall business efficiency, enhance scalability, and reduce IT costs. MuleSoft, Oracle, IBM, and Informatica are some of the major players offering application integration services.

Private cloud deployment enables an enterprise to have more control over their server, infrastructure and systems according to business requirements

Private cloud is a secure cloud-based environment that offers a high level of security, enabling end users to store and process critical data within the firewall of an enterprise. This deployment model enables an enterprise to have more control over the server, infrastructure, and systems that can be configured as per the business requirements. The private cloud deployment model reduces the risks, security issues, and the regulatory hurdles associated with the cloud. Private cloud is popular among enterprises that want a secure and reliable environment to store mission-critical data. The security concerns associated with storage are addressed through secure access of a Virtual Private Network (VPN) or by providing the physical location within the enterprise firewall system. In industries such as healthcare and pharmaceutical, transfer of data to the cloud would mean violation of norms, and hence, private cloud is preferred. Though private cloud provides highly secured, central storage, and authorized access, it does not deliver short-term economies that the public cloud does.

Large Enterprises are choosing iPaaS due to ease of operations and enhanced scalability

The intensely competitive market scenario has encouraged SMEs to invest in iPaaS solutions to reach their desired target audience. The traction of iPaaS solutions in large enterprises is said to be higher than SMEs. This is due to their ability to adapt as well as leverage the benefits of advanced technologies. The ever-increasing amount of data drives the need to invest in IT infrastructure. The mentioned factors allow enterprises to provide a solution through real-time access of data to the employees. Large enterprises are adopting iPaaS solutions to enhance the operational efficiency of their businesses across regions. They are expected to invest significantly to implement suitable iPaaS service types, which would enable enterprises to save on infrastructure costs, improve business functioning, and sustain in intense competition.

The recent advancements in technology are revolutionizing the point of sale and supply for retail and consumer goods industry; thus, creating new opportunities and avenues for revenue and growth.

The retail and consumer goods industry has emerged as one of the most dynamic and fast-paced industries in terms of the adoption of advanced technologies. Thus, iPaaS technology will quickly be adopted during the forecast period as the premier way to integrate software as its benefits to retailers and consumers become more well known. Recent advancements in technology are revolutionizing the points of sale (POS) and supply, creating new opportunities and avenues for revenue and growth.

North America to dominate the iPaaS market in 2021

North America is one of the most technologically advanced regions in the world. It comprises the US and Canada and accounts for the largest share of the global edge computing market due to the early adoption of the by the US markets. North American enterprises are the early adopters of cutting-edge technologies, such as cloud, AI, ML, and big data analytics. The region has sustainable and well-established economies, which increasingly invest in R&D activities to develop new technologies. Along with large enterprises, the adoption of iPaaS by mid-sized and small enterprises has also contributed to the growth of the market in North America.

The presence of most key vendors of iPaaS solutions has contributed to the market growth in the region. Vendors such as Informatica, Boomi, Oracle, MuleSoft, Jitterbit, SnapLogic, IBM, Workato, and Microsoft, along with several startups in the region, offer iPaaS solutions to cater to customers' requirements. The high adoption of the mobile workforce and cloud technology is driving the North American market growth. North America is the most mature market in the cloud integration services market as most large enterprises are located in this region.

The US contributes the maximum share in the iPaaS market. There are various factors driving the adoption of iPaaS in this region such as diversification of services being delivered and shift of focus from SaaS to cloud services for infrastructure & platforms. Another factor is the increasing need to integrate data and processes between the public cloud and on-premises applications. The US government developed the Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program (FedRAMP), which provides a standardized approach to security assessment, authorization, and continuous monitoring for cloud products and services. The market has been steadily showing positive trends in the region as several companies and industries are adopting cloud integration services and solutions at various levels as part of their business strategy to sustain in the market and increase their productivity.

Key Topics Covered:

1 Introduction

2 Research Methodology

3 Executive Summary

4 Premium Insights

4.1 Brief Overview of the Integration Platform as a Service Market

4.2 Market, by Service Type, 2021 Vs. 2026

4.3 Market, by Deployment Model, 2021 Vs. 2026

4.4 Market, by Organization Size, 2021 Vs. 2026

4.5 Market, by Vertical, 2021 Vs. 2026

4.6 Integration Platform as a Service Market Investment Scenario

5 Market Overview and Industry Trends

5.1 Introduction

5.2 Market Dynamics

5.2.1 Drivers

5.2.1.1 Growing Adoption of Hybrid and Multi-Cloud Infrastructure

5.2.1.2 Exponentially Increasing Cloud Real-Time Monitoring Services

5.2.1.3 Need for Business Agility, Faster Deployment, and Scalability

5.2.2 Restraints

5.2.2.1 Interoperability Issues

5.2.2.2 High Initial Investments

5.2.3 Opportunities

5.2.3.1 Growing Demand Among Enterprises to Streamline Business Processes

5.2.3.2 Accelerate Hybrid Cloud and Big Data Integration of Enterprises

5.2.4 Challenges

5.2.4.1 Intense Competition Among Major Vendors

5.2.4.2 Usage of Enterprise Service Bus (Esb) Technology as an Alternative

5.3 COVID-19-Driven Market Dynamics

5.3.1 Drivers and Opportunities

5.3.2 Restraints and Challenges

5.4 Case Study Analysis

5.4.1 Case Study 1: Berklee Brings Harmony to Connected Student Management

5.4.2 Case Study 2: Braskem Enhances Petrochemical Factory Efficiency

5.4.3 Case Study 3: Nsw Health Pathology Efficiently Integrates Healthcare Data to Deliver a Better Patient Experience

5.4.4 Case Study 4: Altus Financial Uses Enterprise Automation to Ensure Data Integrity

5.4.5 Case Study 5: Integrating Fun with Cruising

5.5 Ecosystem

5.6 Value Chain Analysis

5.7 Pricing Analysis

5.8 Patent Analysis

5.9 Technology Analysis

5.9.1 Cloud Computing

5.9.2 Ai/Ml

5.9.3 Big Data

5.9.4 Iot

5.9.5 Blockchain

5.10 Porter's Five Forces Analysis

5.10.1 Threat of New Entrants

5.10.2 Threat of Substitutes

5.10.3 Bargaining Power of Suppliers

5.10.4 Bargaining Power of Buyers

5.10.5 Intensity of Competitive Rivalry

5.11 Regulations

5.11.1 North America

5.11.2 Europe

5.11.3 Asia-Pacific

5.11.4 Middle East and Africa

5.11.5 Latin America

6 Integration Platform as a Service Market, by Service Type

6.1 Introduction

6.1.1 Service Type: Market Drivers

6.1.2 Service Type: COVID-19 Impact

6.2 Api Management

6.3 B2B Integration

6.4 Data Integration

6.5 Cloud Integration

6.6 Application Integration

6.7 Other Services (Edi Integration, Cloud Service Orchestration)

7 Integration Platform as a Service Market, by Deployment Model

7.1 Introduction

7.1.1 Deployment Model: Market Drivers

7.1.2 Deployment Model: COVID-19 Impact

7.2 Public Cloud

7.3 Private Cloud

8 Integration Platform as a Service Market, by Organization Size

8.1 Introduction

8.1.1 Organization Size: Market Drivers

8.1.2 Organization Size: COVID-19 Impact

8.2 Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises

8.3 Large Enterprises

9 Integration Platform as a Service Market, by Vertical

9.1 Introduction

9.1.1 Vertical: Market Drivers

9.1.2 Vertical: COVID-19 Impact

9.2 Banking, Financial Services, and Insurance

9.3 Energy and Utilities

9.4 Government and Public Sector

9.5 Healthcare and Life Sciences

9.6 Manufacturing

9.7 Retail and Consumer Goods

9.8 Telecommunications

9.9 Others

10 Geographic Analysis

11 Competitive Landscape

11.1 Introduction

11.2 Market Share of Top Vendors

11.3 Historical Revenue Analysis of Top Vendors

11.4 Key Market Developments

11.4.1 New Launches

11.4.2 Deals

11.4.3 Others

11.5 Company Evaluation Quadrant

11.5.1 Stars

11.5.2 Emerging Leaders

11.5.3 Pervasive Players

11.5.4 Participants

11.6 Sme Evaluation Quadrant

11.6.1 Responsive Vendors

11.6.2 Progressive Vendors

11.6.3 Dynamic Vendors

11.6.4 Participants

12 Company Profiles

12.1 Introduction

12.2 Informatica

12.3 Boomi

12.4 Sap

12.5 Oracle

12.6 Mulesoft

12.7 Jitterbit

12.8 Workato

12.9 Snaplogic

12.10 Software Ag

12.11 Ibm

12.12 Microsoft

12.13 Tibco

12.14 Celigo

12.15 Zapier

12.16 Syncari

12.17 Actian Corporation

12.18 Elastic.Io

12.19 Tray.Io

12.2 Talend

12.21 Flowgear

13 Adjacent/Related Markets

14 Appendix

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/ngu47m

Media Contact:

Research and Markets

Laura Wood, Senior Manager

[email protected]



For E.S.T Office Hours Call +1-917-300-0470

For U.S./CAN Toll Free Call +1-800-526-8630

For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900



U.S. Fax: 646-607-1904

Fax (outside U.S.): +353-1-481-1716

SOURCE Research and Markets

Related Links

http://www.researchandmarkets.com


GS Labs, a leading provider of COVID-19 rapid tests across the United States, last week provided about 22 percent of all the COVID-19 antigen tests performed in Minnesota. The lab performed rapid tests on about 13,500 Twin Cities residents with 1,187 people testing positive. That positivity rate of 9 percent represents about one out of every 11 patients testing positive, a rate that has been constant since the late October Halloween holiday.

"Right now, the Twin Cities has been in a sustained COVID-19 surge for nearly two months, with a positivity rate of between 9 and 11 percent each week on our rapid tests," said Dr. Darin Jackson, GS Labs Medical Director. "That's being driven by the Delta variant, which continues to dominate in Minnesota. If you go back to June and July, we were seeing positive rates in the 1 to 2 percent range. Then Delta hit Minnesota  and hit the state hard."

Jackson noted that the state Department of Health has indicated the Omicron variant is present in Minnesota. Federal health officials indicated this week that Omicron now accounts for about three-quarters of infections across the U.S.

"That's something the medical community will continue to monitor," said Dr. Jackson. "We know Omicron is on people's minds, because we have experienced a 30 percent increase in testing this week here in Minnesota."

Despite the heightened need for testing over the holidays, GS Labs continues to have ample testing capacity at its seven testing sites in the Twin Cities area, including in Shakopee, Eagan, Minnetonka, Blaine, Bloomington, Woodbury and Maplewood. Each site is open for extended hours during the holidays and can handle at least 1,000 rapid tests each day. Results are typically available on the same day, usually within 20 minutes of the completion of the test.

For people with symptoms or who have been potentially exposed to COVID-19, testing is available at no cost to them if they have health insurance, because your insurer is obligated to pay GS Labs' cash price under applicable law. For those without health insurance, GS Labs' rapid test cost of $380 applies. Appointments must be made online prior to arrival.

If you are going to a holiday gathering in the Twin Cities area, there are steps you can take to be safer around others  including getting a rapid test 1 to 3 days beforehand to determine your COVID-19 status. Other safety measures include:

Wear a well-fitting mask over your nose and mouth if you are in public indoor settings if you are not fully vaccinated.

Given the sustained surge in the region, we recommend that even fully vaccinated people should wear a mask in public indoor settings.

Remember, outdoors is safer than indoors.

Avoid crowded, poorly ventilated spaces.

Avoid shouting and singing, especially in indoor spaces.

If you are sick or have symptoms, don't host or attend a gathering.

Also consider getting a COVID-19 test 3 to 5 days after you return home from your trip.

Even if your test is negative, it's wise to reduce non-essential activities for a full 7 days

after travel.

"Holidays are incredibly important for families, and we understand that," said Dr. Jackson. "No one wants to be a Scrooge. If you are going to celebrate in a group, understand that no amount of protection is absolutely perfect, but these steps can reduce the risk of getting infected and help you and your family celebrate the holidays more safely."

SOURCE GS Labs
NEW YORK, Dec. 23, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The world's largest peer-to-peer car sharing marketplace, Turo, announced today that Governor Kathy Hochul signed SB 6715 into law, bringing peer-to-peer car sharing one step closer to New York. The bill, sponsored by Senator Neil Breslin, would expand transportation options and provide economic opportunities for New Yorkers seeking to generate income from their cars.

"Frankly, this couldn't come at a better time. Consumers want the safety of the private space that cars offer and New Yorkers have been saddled with the worst traditional car rental experience in the country," said Turo CEO, Andre Haddad . "We applaud Governor Hochul and members of the New York legislature for supporting consumer choice and innovation by enacting this law, and we look forward to working with regulatory agencies to bring peer-to-peer car sharing to the Empire State."

SB 6715 provides a regulatory framework for peer-to-peer car sharing operations in New York. New York is the only state in the country where peer-to-peer car sharing is unavailable  making New Yorkers and New York tourism especially vulnerable to the current rental car shortage and mobility limitations. This past June, New York lawmakers worked together to pass SB 6715 and sent it to the governor's desk for signature.

"Car sharing promises to be an important new part of our economy as it taps into our technological resources, and I believe it will further serve New York's transportation needs," said Governor Hochul in a bill approval memo on December 22.

This law builds on the momentum of 10 other states that enacted laws just this year that define this distinct industry and indicate the growing acceptance of peer-to-peer car sharing among state governments across the country, bringing the number of laws supporting peer-to-peer car sharing to over 20.

In 2021, Turo appointed Kim Jabal, former CFO at Unity Technologies, to the company's Board of Directors where she will serve as the company's Audit Committee Chairwoman. Earlier this year Turo announced the appointment of Charles Fisher as the company's CFO, leading the company's finance, investor relations and accounting functions. On Earth Day this year, Turo became the first peer-to-peer car sharing marketplace to launch a carbon neutrality initiative to offset 100 percent of its estimated global carbon emissions generated by trips.

About Turo

Turo is the world's largest car sharing marketplace where you can book any car you want, wherever you want it, from a vibrant community of trusted hosts across the US, Canada, and the UK. Whether you're flying in from afar or looking for a car down the street, searching for a rugged truck or something smooth and swanky, guests can take the wheel of the perfect car for any occasion, while hosts can take the wheel of their futures by building an accessible, flexible, and scalable car sharing business from the ground up.

To learn more about Turo, please visit www.turo.com .

SOURCE Turo
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According to the recent market study by Technavio, the Self-service Kiosk Market Share in Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals Industry is expected to increase by USD 2.97 billion from 2020 to 2025, with an accelerated CAGR of 6%. The report provides a detailed analysis of drivers & opportunities, top winning strategies, competitive scenario, future market trends, market size & estimations, and major investment pockets.

North America will register the highest growth rate of 41% among the other regions. US and Canada are the key markets for self-service kiosk. Moreover, market growth in North America will be faster than the growth of the market in other regions.

Download FREE Sample: for more additional information about the key countries in North America

Vendor Insights-

The self-service kiosk market is fragmented and the vendors are deploying organic and inorganic growth strategies to compete in the market.

Aksor SAS - In December 2020, Acrelec, a subsidiary of Aksor, announced the launch of QTimer 2.0 with EnGage, a solution that helps in reducing the average drive-thru time by 30 seconds through the display of real-time drive-thru information.

Find additional highlights on the vendors and their product offerings. Download Free Sample Report

Regional Market Outlook

The self-service kiosk market in North America is expected to garner significant business opportunities for the vendors during the forecast period. US and Canada are the key markets for self-service kiosks in North America. Market growth in this region will be faster than the growth of the market in the European and South American regions.

Customers in North America have always been at the forefront in terms of the adoption of new technologies, which has led to the growing implementation of self-service kiosks in the region. This will facilitate the self-service kiosk market growth in North America over the forecast period.

Download our FREE sample report for more key highlights on the regional market share of most of the above-mentioned countries.

Latest Drivers & Trends Driving the Market-

Self-service Kiosk Market Driver:

Increasing adoption of contactless payment:



One of the key factors driving growth in the self-service kiosk market is the increasing adoption of contactless payment. Contactless payment is a payment method through which customers can purchase products via credit cards, debit cards, or NFC-enabled devices such as smartphones and smartwatches. Contactless payment provides customers with a fast, convenient, and secure way to complete transactions. It also helps merchants improve the in-store payment experience by reducing the time taken to make payments and, eventually, the waiting time. The rise in the use of contactless payments, contactless cards, and mobile payments is expected to drive the demand for self-service kiosks.



One of the key factors driving growth in the self-service kiosk market is the increasing adoption of contactless payment. Contactless payment is a payment method through which customers can purchase products via credit cards, debit cards, or NFC-enabled devices such as smartphones and smartwatches. Contactless payment provides customers with a fast, convenient, and secure way to complete transactions. It also helps merchants improve the in-store payment experience by reducing the time taken to make payments and, eventually, the waiting time. The rise in the use of contactless payments, contactless cards, and mobile payments is expected to drive the demand for self-service kiosks. Self-service Kiosk Market Trend:

Growing focus on smart retail stores:



The growing focus on smart retail stores is another major factor supporting the self-service kiosk market share growth. A smart store is a type of brick-and-mortar retail establishment that uses smart technologies such as smart carts, smart mirrors, and others. Self-service kiosks are deployed in smart stores for self-checkout services without any human interaction. The emergence of smart stores will increase the need for self-checkout services. Such services enable customers to skip long queues as the entire transaction can be completed with the help of a card payment module integrated into self-service kiosks. Thus, the emergence of smart stores will increase the adoption of self-service kiosks during the forecast period.

Find additional information about various other market Drivers & Trends mentioned in our FREE sample report.

Here are Some Similar Topics-

Interactive Kiosk Market by End-user and Geography - Forecast and Analysis 2021-2025: The interactive kiosk market has the potential to grow by USD 6.44 billion during 2021-2025, and the market's growth momentum will accelerate at a CAGR of 4.91%. Download Exclusive Free Sample Report

Global Interactive Display Market: This report also offers information on several prominent vendors including NEC, Panasonic, Planar Systems, Sharp, Smart Technologies. Download Exclusive Free Sample Report

Self-service Kiosk Market Scope Report Coverage Details Page number 120 Base year 2020 Forecast period 2021-2025 Growth momentum & CAGR Accelerate at a CAGR of 6% Market growth 2021-2025 $ 2.97 billion Market structure Fragmented YoY growth (%) 4.36 Regional analysis North America, Europe, APAC, MEA, and South America Performing market contribution North America at 41% Key consumer countries US, China, Canada, UK, Germany, and UAE Competitive landscape Leading companies, competitive strategies, consumer engagement scope Companies profiled Aksor SAS, Bollore SA, Diebold Nixdorf Inc., Embross, Meridian Kiosks, NCR Corp., Olea Kiosks Inc., Posiflex Technology Inc. , Thales Group, and VeriFone Inc. 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 forecast period, Customization purview If our report has not included the data that you are looking for, you can reach out to our analysts and get segments customized.

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SOURCE Technavio
This acquisition will enable Vejii to expand its offerings to include B2B wholesale distribution through grocery and foodservice channels for plant-based brands through VEDGEco.com.

VANCOUVER, BC, Dec. 23, 2021 /PRNewswire/ - Vejii Holdings Ltd. (CSE: VEJI) ("Vejii" or the "Company"), a North American online marketplace for plant-based and sustainable products, is pleased to announce that it has entered into a share purchase agreement (the "Purchase Agreement") to acquire VEDGEco USA Inc. ("VEDGEco"), a leading online business-to-business ("B2B") wholesale platform for plant-based products.

"VEDGEco launched as one of the first online wholesale platforms dedicated to providing restaurants and independent grocers with a large selection of high-quality plant-based options," said Kory Zelickson, CEO of Vejii. "This meant that small business owners could at last gain access to a large selection of plant-based products and ingredients without the requirements that typical larger national distributors have in place, such as large minimum order sizes."

Pursuant to the terms of the Purchase Agreement, the Company will acquire 100% of the issued and outstanding shares (the "Purchased Shares") of VEDGEco (the "Transaction") from the shareholders of VEDGEco (the "Vendors"). The total purchase price for the Purchased Shares will be US$6,250,000, payable as follows: (a) on the date of the closing of the Transaction (the "Closing"), the Company will issue such number of common shares of the Company (each, a "Common Share") with a deemed value of $3,500,000 (the "Consideration Shares") to the Vendors, as determined based on a price per Consideration Share of the greater of (i) C$0.35 per Consideration Share and (ii) the closing price of the Common Shares on the Canadian Securities Exchange on the date immediately preceding the announcement by the Company of the Transaction, converted into United States dollars at the Bank of Canada exchange rate on such date; and (b) earn-out payments up to a maximum of US$2,750,000, payable in Common Shares (the "Earn-Out Shares"), priced in the context of the market, to be issued to the Vendors upon VEDGEco meeting certain milestones as more particularly set out in the Purchase Agreement.

The Consideration Shares and the Earn-Out Shares issued under the Purchase Agreement are subject to a statutory hold period of four months and one day, restrictions on transfer under applicable United States ("U.S.") securities laws and a contractual lock-up as set out in the Purchase Agreement (the "Voluntary Lock Up"). Subject to compliance with applicable securities laws, 12.5% of the Consideration Shares and the Earn-Out Shares will be released from the Voluntary Lock Up on a quarterly basis for a period of 24 months from the date of issuance.

VEDGEco's key personnel are expected to continue to run the operations of VEDGEco following closing of the Transaction. The Transaction is expected to close on or around December 31, 2021. Closing of the Transaction is subject to customary closing conditions.

The Transaction will significantly augment Vejii's offering of plant-based brands, which have, to date, through ShopVejii.com and VeganEssentials.com, leveraged Vejii's platform for sales, marketing and order fulfillment and distribution across the U.S. and Canada via Vejii Fulfillment Services.

"We heard consistently from the brands that we serve that they were seeking to make the leap from e-commerce, to grocery and foodservice distribution. This could mean shipping samples, managing broker relationships, or gaining access to those restaurants and grocers not served by the larger wholesalers," added Zelickson. "We already work with our brand partners on a business-to-consumer ("B2C") strategy through our marketplace, but now we can also help our brand partners get access to distribution in local restaurants and grocers, expanding Vejii's capabilities from just B2C to also include B2B and food service."

"I built VEDGEco out of a necessity, given the limited plant-based options available in the small and local grocers and restaurants where I live in Kailua, Hawaii," said Trevor Hitch, CEO of VEDGEco. "Most of us are likely to have our first experience trying new plant-based products at a restaurant before purchasing those items to enjoy at home. With VEDGEco, our mission is to make plant-based options more broadly available by making them accessible to thousands of local restaurants across America. This access gives owners the ability to test products on their menu through our easy-to-use platform, without the need for long-term commitments or high, minimum order volumes. Owners can then see what works for their customer base and then return to re-order or test new options."

The Transaction is expected to drive synergies across purchasing, customer service, technology, and logistics for Vejii and VEDGEco. Vejii will also be able to leverage VEDGEco's existing facilities in Hawaii, Northern California and Georgia, while providing VEDGEco with access to its facilities in Texas, Wisconsin, and its soon-to-be operational third-party logistics operation in Southern California.

"The acquisition of VEDGEco will allow us to add a new revenue stream while increasing our buying power and margins with large brands, and also adding tremendous value for the brands on our platform." said Darren Gill, COO of Vejii "As restaurants and grocers expand their plant-based offerings, we will be strategically positioned to serve them while helping plant-based brands scale their businesses by offering those brands access to national distribution through the VEDGEco wholesale platform."

In addition to providing VEDGEco's existing offering of wholesale plant-based products, Vejii will now have the ability to significantly expand VEDGEco's product selection by leveraging its existing case-lot purchasing and expanding the range of products on its platform through VEDGEco. VEDGEco operates its distribution centers from Hawaii and California, which will further expand Vejii's distribution network, reducing shipping costs and expanding the Company's offering of regionalized same-day delivery.

About VEDGEco USA Inc.

Headquartered in Kailua Hawaii, and launched in 2020 VEDGEco, the first nationwide plant-based foodservice distributor, helps restaurants go vegan by offering a selection of uncompromisingly delicious plant-based options that are easy to prepare. With a goal of bringing the freedom of food choice to all restaurants and businesses, VEDGEco distributes plant-based products in bulk to the restaurant and wholesale food industry, as well as to consumers across the U.S.

Carrying a carefully curated selection of the best plant-based meat, dairy, and egg alternatives, VEDGEco ships frozen and in recyclable and compostable packaging to reduce our carbon footprint.

For more information, visit VEDGEco.com

About Vejii Holdings Inc.

Headquartered in Kelowna B.C, Vejii is a unified digital marketplace and fulfillment platform featuring thousands of plant-based and sustainable-living products from a growing list of hundreds of vendors. The platform offers an easy-to-use, omnichannel experience for both vendors and buyers, leveraging big data and artificial intelligence to elegantly connect brands with a targeted consumer base, both organically and through specialized marketing programs. Dynamic fulfillment services empower brands to offer tier-one service, with ongoing engagement being driven through features like smart lists, subscription programs, reordering functions, sampling programs, and more.

The Company also owns and operates U.S.-based Veg Essentials LLC ("Vegan Essentials"), which operates VeganEssentials.com. A staple of the plant-based community, Vegan Essentials was established in 1997 and contributes more than 20 years of consumer insight, data, and buying power. VeganEssentials.com was awarded best online vegan store from 2005-2018, as well as best online vegan grocer from 2018-2021 by VegNews Magazine.

For more information, visit VejiiHoldings.com

VejiiHoldings.com

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS:

Kory Zelickson, Director and CEO

Find Vejii on Social Media: on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn

No securities regulatory authority has either approved or disapproved of the contents of this news release.

This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any securities of Vejii in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. The Consideration Shares and the Earn-Out Shares 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. Accordingly, the Consideration Shares and the Earn-Out Shares may not be offered or sold within the U.S. or to U.S. persons (as defined in Regulation S under the U.S. Securities Act) unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws, or pursuant to exemptions from the registration requirements of the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws.

CAUTION REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This press release contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws with respect to the Company. These forward-looking statements generally are identified by words such as "believe," "project," "expect," "anticipate," "estimate," "intend," "strategy," "future," "opportunity," "plan," "may," "should," "will," "would," and similar expressions. Forward-looking statements in this press release include statements relating: (i) the Transaction and the timing for its completion; (ii) the satisfaction of closing conditions; and (iii) the expected effects of the Transaction for the Company and VEDGEco, including the expected expansion of Vejii's offerings to include B2B wholesale distribution through VEDGEco.com, the expectation that key personnel of VEDGEco will remain with the Company, the expected augmentation of Vejii's offering of plant-based brands, the expected synergies across purchasing, customer service, technology and logistics for Vejii and VEDGEco, the expected leveraging of VEDGEco's existing facilities, the expected access of VEDGEco to Vejii's facilities, including to Vejii's planned third-party logistics operation in San Diego, California, the expected addition of a new revenue stream, the expected increase of Vejii's buying power and margins, the expected addition of value to brands on Vejii's platform, the expected strategic positioning of Vejii to serve restaurants, grocers and plant-based brands, the expected expansion of VEDGEco's product selection, the expected expansion of Vejii's distribution network, the expected reduction of shipping costs and the expected expansion of Vejii's offering of regionalized same-day delivery. Although the Company believes that the expectations and assumptions on which such forward-looking statements and information are based are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on the forward- looking statements and information because the Company can give no assurance that they will prove to be correct. Since forward-looking statements and information address future events and conditions, by their very nature they involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Many factors could cause actual future events to differ materially from the forward-looking statements in this press release including, without limitation, that the Company may not be able to complete the Transactions on the terms expected or at all, that the Transaction may not have the expected effects on the Company and/or on VEDGEco and other factors beyond the Company's control. Readers are cautioned that the foregoing list of factors is not exhaustive. The forward-looking statements included in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. The forward-looking statements and information contained in this news release are made as of the date hereof and the Company undertakes no obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking statements or information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, unless so required by applicable laws.

SOURCE Vejii Holdings Ltd.
"Inspiring creativity and innovation is the vision of ViewSonic ColorPro. Therefore, we have always been providing intuitive tools with high color performance to assist the creators to turn their ideas into reality," said Oscar Lin, General Manager of the Monitor Business Unit at ViewSonic. "Through the ColorPro Award, we work with our partners to form an ecosystem for all creators to exchange their extraordinary ideas and artwork in this global network."

The three-day ColorPro Award exhibitions were opened to the public in the UK and Taiwan, with exclusive workshops and ColorPro Talks to interact with photography professionals. The events offered an opportunity for people to meet and engage in in-depth conversations with photography masters and creative industry leaders, stimulating more interaction among creators, and literally making art more accessible.

Located in the heart of London, UK, the first exhibition illustrated how technology can visualize art with the utmost precision. The exhibition employed 32 displays from the ColorPro VP68a series and VP2756-4K to showcase the winning photos in digital format. When stepping into the exhibition, visitors met the breathtaking photos presented with vibrant colors on the displays while surrounded by traditional red brick walls, giving a sense of tradition versus innovation that cemented the exhibition's theme: "New Adventure".

To provide a platform for all enthusiastic photographers and creators, the workshop in the UK was co-hosted with UK Shooters, a photography community, to give tips and tricks on photography editing. Throughout the session, 36 photographers gathered to edit photos and unleash their creative potential with the VP2756-4K monitors on hand.

At the Taiwan exhibition, ViewSonic fused art, technology, and nature seamlessly. The hybrid exhibition displayed the Top 100 photos not only by print, but also through an array of ViewSonic's visual solutions - projectors, monitors, and ViewBoard interactive displays. At the end of the exhibition journey, visitors were able to participate in a self-exploration quiz to discover their own version of "Adventure" to the corresponding artwork on the ColorPro monitors. In the exhibition, colorful lighting effects were projected onto the surroundings and photo descriptions were casted, which enhanced and complemented the artworks immensely.

The ColorPro Talks in Taiwan featured renowned photographers and professional creators to deliver speeches and share in-depth insights on the theme "News Adventure". Some of the prominent speakers specialize in natural landscapes, while others are experts in film, digital, and aerial photography.

The Top 100 photos can be viewed here. For more information on the campaign, please visit ViewSonic's YouTube channel, and ViewSonic UK's YouTube channel.

About ViewSonic

Founded in California, ViewSonic is a leading global provider of visual solutions and conducts business in over 100 countries worldwide. As an innovator and visionary, ViewSonic is committed to providing comprehensive hardware and software solutions that include monitors, projectors, digital signage, ViewBoard interactive displays, and myViewBoard software ecosystem. With over 30 years of expertise in visual displays, ViewSonic has established a strong position for delivering innovative and reliable solutions for education, enterprise, consumer, and professional markets and helping customers "See the Difference." To find out more about ViewSonic, please visit www.viewsonic.com.

This news release contains forward-looking statements that reflect the Company's expectations with regard to future events. Actual events could differ significantly from those anticipated in this document. Program, pricing, specifications, and availability are subject to change without notice. ViewSonic and the ViewSonic trademarks are trademarks or registered trademarks of ViewSonic Corporation in the United States and/or other countries. All other corporate names and trademarks stated herein are the property of their respective companies.

[i] The Contest is hosted and sponsored by ViewSonic International Corp., located in New Taipei City, Taiwan. ViewSonic International Corp. is a subsidiary of ViewSonic Corp. located in California, USA.

SOURCE ViewSonic
VANCOUVER, BC, Dec. 23, 2021 /PRNewswire/ - Wildpack Beverage Inc. (TSXV: CANS) (OTC: WLDPF) ("Wildpack" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the launch of its dedicated in-house printing production line for can labels and sleeves. This new, dedicated line is located in the Company's Las Vegas Facility and has the capacity to meet projected internal 2022 decorating demand across Wildpack's existing network of 6 facilities across the USA and anticipated future expansion.

"We pride ourselves on being customer centric and offering economies of scale to middle market beverage brands. As a result of customer demand, we made the strategic decision to commission this production line. Integrating this production capability adds immediate value to our customers by reducing vendors, simplifying operations, and reduce lead times, one of the key problems Wildpack's strategy solves," added Chuck Zadlo, Chief Operations Officer at Wildpack Beverage.

Since its inception, Wildpack has offered fully integrated co-packing or a la carte services to meet the needs of middle market beverage brands once they have reached the stage of production. Wildpack's state-of-the-art Las Vegas facility houses the HP digital printers used in the production of can labels and sleeves with customer printing commencing on yesterday, December 21, 2021. Wildpack's printing production is expected to result in an increase in gross revenue of $2.875M in 2022.

Chris Sumpter, Digital Press Manager at Wildpack, commented, "With this added capability, Wildpack is in a position to offer all components of the co-packing process, printing, decorating, filling, and packing integrated into one-stop. As customers continue to demand all-in-one services, Wildpack will pursue the strategic integration of production verticals. Bringing printing services in-house allows Wildpack better tracking and controls for our quality assurance targets and ESG goals as we pursue scalable alternatives for renewable label production."

Per: "Mitch Barnard"

Mitch Barnard

Chief Executive Officer and Director

Advisors

Stifel GMP is financial advisor to Wildpack Beverage Inc., Fasken Martineau DuMoulin LLP is its legal advisor.

Visit our investor website at:

https://investor.wildpackbev.com

About Wildpack

Wildpack is engaged in beverage manufacturing and packaging, operating in the middle market by providing sustainable aluminum can filling and decorating services to brands throughout the United States. Wildpack currently operates indirectly through its wholly owned subsidiaries and out of facilities in Baltimore, Maryland, Atlanta, Georgia, Longmont, Colorado, Sacramento, California and Las Vegas, Nevada with a focus on digital innovation and green ready-to-drink packaging. Wildpack commenced trading on May 19, 2021 on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol "CANS.V".

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release may contain "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws, including, without limitation, the anticipated revenue in connection therewith. Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by management, are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties, and contingencies. These statements generally can be identified by the use of forward-looking words such as "may", "should", "will", "could", "intend", "estimate", "plan", "anticipate", "expect", "believe" or "continue", or the negative thereof or similar variations. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause future results, performance or achievements to be materially different from the estimated future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by those forward-looking statements and the forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance. Wildpack's statements expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties, and conditions, many of which are outside of Wildpack's control, and undue reliance should not be placed on such statements. Forward-looking statements are qualified in their entirety by the inherent risks and uncertainties related to Wildpack's business, including: that Wildpack's assumptions in making forward-looking statements may prove to be incorrect; the inability to actualize the anticipated benefits of the implementation of Wildpack's in-house printing production line; and adverse market conditions. Except as required by securities law, Wildpack does not assume any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, events or otherwise.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

SOURCE Wildpack Beverage Inc.
SINGAPORE, Dec. 23, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Singapore Space & Technology Limited (SSTL) announces the second year of its partnership with the World Bank Group, to organize a Digital Earth Partnership Technology Challenge focused on the measurement and analysis of extreme urban heat. The challenge aims to improve our understanding of the Urban Heat Island (UHI) Effect and its impact on East Asian communities.

Like the rest of the world, Asia is getting warmer due to climate change. The UHI effect, which is caused mainly by the modification of land surfaces due to urbanisation, is exacerbating this trend. The removal of trees and other green spaces to make way for buildings and roads, the addition of heat-absorbing materials, and waste heat from energy use in buildings and transportation are adding to the already rising ambient temperature. This is a growing problem in the region as it results in reduced productivity, worse education and health outcomes, and greater energy requirements for cooling, leading to more carbon emissions. Heat waves in cities also correlate with increased crime, conflict, domestic violence, and poorer mental health. Extreme heat disproportionately impacts poor or otherwise marginalized communities and is a particular problem for the region's developing countries.

To address these challenges, the World Bank has embarked on the EAP Regional Extreme Urban Heat Study to better assess the impacts of extreme heat exposure in the region and to inform city-level strategies to mitigate and adapt to such negative impacts. To support this study, Singapore Space & Technology and the World Bank are launching an Innovation Challenge to source satellite and other technologies to better measure temperatures in cities and analyse the strength of the UHI effect in the region.

"At Singapore Space & Technology, our mission, as an NGO, is to harness and advance space technologies to benefit communities and humanity. Global climate change in cities is worsened by the urban heat island effect and in particular, our communities are being disproportionately impacted, leading to even higher rates of air pollution, poorer water quality and associated risks to human health. I'm grateful to the participation of organizations joining hands with us in this meaningful work that can benefit generations to come." said Lynette Tan, Chief Executive of SSTL.

"At the World Bank, we are increasingly concerned about the impact of extreme urban heat resulting from climate change. The trend is exacerbated in cities around Asia due to the Urban Heat Island effect and creates a growing threat to our twin goals of ending extreme poverty and creating shared prosperity. By providing more accurate measurement and understanding of urban heat, this challenge will help inform evidence-based policies to both mitigate and adapt to this growing problem." said Francis Ghesquiere, Practice Manager of the World Bank's East Asia & Pacific (EAP) II Urban and Disaster Risk Management team.

Participating teams will get access to technical experts from the World Bank who specialise in studying the impact of climate change on communities through workshops and clinic sessions and will have the opportunity to explore new use cases of their technology and data processing capabilities.

Participating teams should submit a full technical proposal of their proposed technical solution, methodology and sources of data to tackle the challenge statement. The deadline for the proposals is 25 February 2022. The World Bank and Singapore Space & Technology will jointly evaluate the proposals and select the winning proposal to be implemented in collaboration with the World Bank.

The award is sponsored by the Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and Recovery (GFDRR) Digital Earth Partnership. The winner of the challenge will receive the "Digital Earth Partnership Technology Award" with prize money of S$25K, and the opportunity to present their findings at the 2022 Global Understanding Risk Forum and other Fora.

The Digital Earth Partnership Technology Challenge on Urban Heat 2022 was officially launched on 3 December 2021 at the Understanding Risk Asia Forum and registrations will close on 31 December 2021: https://www.space.org.sg/digital-earth-partnership-technology-challenge/

About Singapore Space and Technology Limited (SSTL)

Established in 2007, Singapore Space and Technology Ltd (SSTL) is Asia's leading pioneer space organisation to harness and advance space technologies to benefit people, enterprises and the planet. SSTL connects the different players in the region's growing space sector to government agencies in the region, B2B and B2C technology companies and non-government agencies. The focus is to accelerate the adoption and commercialisation of space-related innovations, and to cultivate space talent ahead of the curve.

About World Bank Group

The World Bank Group is one of the world's largest sources of funding and knowledge for developing countries. Its five institutions share a commitment to reducing poverty, increasing shared prosperity, and promoting sustainable development.

About Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and Recovery (GFDRR)

Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and Recovery (GFDRR) is a global partnership that helps developing countries better understand and reduce their vulnerabilities to natural hazards and adapt to climate change. Working with more than 400 local, national, regional, and international partners, GFDRR provides grant financing, technical assistance, training and knowledge sharing activities to mainstream disaster and climate risk management in policies and strategies. Managed by the World Bank, GFDRR is supported by 34 countries and 9 international organizations.

SOURCE Singapore Space and Technology Limited
ENGLEWOOD, Colo., Dec. 23, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- WOW! Internet, Cable & Phone (NYSE: WOW), a leading broadband services provider, was named one of Denver's Best and Brightest Companies to Work For for the second consecutive year by the National Association for Business Resources (NABR). WOW! secured the regional award in Denver last year as one of the area's inaugural recipients and recently received national recognition as a 2021 Best and Brightest Company to Work For in the Nation , winning the award for the eighth time and fourth consecutive year.

The Best and Brightest Companies to Work For award is given to companies, like WOW!, that demonstrate dedication to maintaining an excellent employee culture, pioneering innovative and thoughtful human resource practices and going above and beyond to positively impact the lives of employees.

As part of its focus on recognizing the value of its people, the company recently awarded shares of WOW! stock to all employees. This benefit is just the latest example of WOW!'s dedication to its workforce. WOW! is committed to continuously providing career development opportunities, offering competitive wages and benefit packages, as well as instilling and promoting a company culture of respect and excellence, values aligned closely with its core mission.

"It's an honor to receive this award for the second time in Denver, where WOW! is headquartered," said David Brunick, chief human resources officer of WOW!. "We're incredibly proud of our Denver employees' unwavering commitment to providing excellent service to customers and their constant dedication to embodying WOW!'s core values every day."

One of 17 companies receiving this recognition in Denver, WOW! was evaluated across the following categories: employee achievement and recognition, communication and shared vision, diversity and inclusion, employee enrichment, engagement and retention, work-life balance, compensation and benefits, community initiatives and strategic-company performance. WOW! has continuously demonstrated that its leadership and human resources practices positively impact the professional development and well-being of all of the company's employees.

In response to the ongoing challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic, WOW! has remained committed to ensuring employee safety. Since the initial height of the pandemic, WOW! has made significant strides in nimbly navigating the future of work by implementing new procedures for virtual and remote work that allow all workers to feel safe and secure, while maximizing efficiency.

"As the Covid-19 pandemic continues to reshape the workplace, our employees have shown incredible strength in adapting to these changes while continuing to provide exceptional service to our customers," said Teresa Elder, CEO of WOW!. "Our record of achievement as a Best and Brightest Company demonstrates WOW!'s success in creating an excellent workplace in Denver, across local markets and on a national level, a record that we strive to uphold."

To learn more about WOW!, please visit www.wowway.com .

About WOW! Internet, Cable & Phone

WOW! is one of the nation's leading broadband providers, with an efficient, high-performing network that passes 1.9 million residential, business and wholesale consumers. WOW! provides services in 14 markets, primarily in the Midwest and Southeast, including Michigan, Alabama, Tennessee, South Carolina, Florida and Georgia. With an expansive portfolio of advanced services, including high-speed Internet services, cable TV, phone, business data, voice, and cloud services, the company is dedicated to providing outstanding service at affordable prices. WOW! also serves as a leader in exceptional human resources practices, having been recognized eight times by the National Association for Business Resources as a Best & Brightest Company to Work For, winning the award for the last four consecutive years. Visit wowway.com for more information.

About the Best and Brightest Programs

The Best and Brightest Companies to Work For competition identifies and honors organizations that display a commitment to excellence in operations and employee enrichment that lead to increased productivity and financial performance. This competition scores potential winners based on regional data of company performance and a set standard across the nation. This national program celebrates those companies that are making better business, creating richer lives and building a stronger community as a whole. There are numerous regional celebrations throughout the country such as Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Detroit, Grand Rapids, Houston, Milwaukee, San Diego and San Francisco.

SOURCE WideOpenWest, Inc.
CUPERTINO, Calif., Dec. 23, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Zepp Health Corp. (NYSE: ZEPP) today announced that it will host an event to share thoughts among industry leaders on the current state and path forward in the use of data in healthcare from smart wearable devices. Speakers will include:

Zepp Health Chairman & CEO providing industry perspective

International Data Corporation (IDC) providing global perspective

The U.S. Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS) providing IT perspective

The U.S. Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC) providing regulatory perspective

Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Stanford University Sleep Lab and Peking University each providing research perspective

The event will begin at 8:00a.m. Pacific Time on January 5, 2022, as a LinkedIn Live event. Following initial statements from the speakers, question and answer sessions will follow, including both planned questions as well as questions from listeners. To RSVP, you will need to first register for a Linkedin account, follow Zepp Health's company page (linkedin.com/company/zepp-health) and then click the event page pinned to the top or use the following link:

https://www.linkedin.com/events/wearablesdatainhealthcare-astat6874396874909069312/?lipi=urn%3Ali%3Apage%3Acompanies_company_index%3B430c8f1e-d737-492e-9c7b-10a5acee68ea

Once you accept the invite to an Online Event on LinkedIn, you'll be listed as an attendee on the Event page. You'll receive an in-app notification on LinkedIn as the Event is about to start and you can click View Event to be directed to the live streaming. The page will ask you for reconfirmation and you can click Open Link to be redirected to the website which is hosting the Event.

About Zepp Health Corporation (NYSE: ZEPP)

Zepp Health is a leading global developer of smart health technology, whose mission is to connect health with technology. Since its inception in 2013, Zepp Health has developed a platform of proprietary technology including AI chips, biometric sensors, data algorithms and operating systems, which drive a broadening line of smart health devices for consumers, data analytics services for population health, and industrial medical technology for diagnostics and care delivery. Zepp Health is one of the largest global developers of smart wearable health and consumer fitness devices, shipping 46 million units in 2020. Zepp Health Corp. is based in Hefei, China, with U.S. operations, Zepp Health USA, based in Cupertino, Calif.

Zepp Health inquiries:

Media:

Hayward Wong

Tel: +1 646-623-6728

[email protected]

Investors:

In the United States:

Brad Samson

Tel: +1 714-955-3951, [email protected]

In China:

Grace Zhang, [email protected]

SOURCE Zepp Health Corp.

Related Links

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United Nations, Dec 23 : Abdulla Shahid, president of the 76th session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA), has said that he has tested positive for Covid-19 and is self-isolating.

"I have tested positive for COVID19 today. I am isolating at home with mild symptoms," Shahid tweeted.

"I was privileged to have been fully vaccinated including a booster. My prayers are with the millions suffering from Covid and the billions without access to vaccine! I Stand for #VaccineEquity," read the tweet.

Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Sydney, Dec 23 : Astronomers from Curtin University, as part of an international team, have produced the most comprehensive images of the nearest active black hole to earth.

The discovery, published in the Nature Astronomy journal and released to the public on Thursday, took a deep dive into the black hole at the center of the galaxy Centaurus A, about 12 million light-years away, reported Xinhua news agency.

Despite being galaxies far away, the erupting black hole extended across a length equal to 16 moons placed side by side in the night sky. However, it is not visible to the naked eye.

The images were created using the Murchison Widefield Array (MWA) telescope in outback Western Australia, which is able to detect and image emitted radio waves.

"These radio waves come from material being sucked into the supermassive black hole in the middle of the galaxy," said lead author on the study Benjamin McKinley from the Curtin University node of the International Centre for Radio Astronomy Research (ICRAR).

As the black hole that possesses 55 million times the mass of the sun erupts, it feeds on gas and ejects material at near light speed, which causes "radio bubbles" to expand outwards.

"It forms a disc around the black hole, and as the matter gets ripped apart going close to the black hole, powerful jets form on either side of the disc, ejecting most of the material back out into space, to distances of probably more than a million light-years," said McKinley.

McKinley said this is why the images appear brighter in the center, as energy is dissipated as particles are shot out and settle.

He said the shape it forms, two connected ovals, is likely the result of particles being re-accelerated by a strong magnetic field.

The research and imaging were made possible by the MWA which Curtin University operates on behalf of ICRAR.

"The MWA is a precursor for the Square Kilometre Array, a global initiative to build the world's largest radio telescopes in Western Australia and South Africa," said MWA director Steven Tingay.
Chennai, Dec 23 : The students of Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IITM), one of the oldest IITs in the country, had got 310 higher placement offers in 2021 as compared to 2020, said a senior official.

The number of campus placement offers from corporates to students for the academic year 2021-22 stands at 1,327 as compared to 1,017 during the previous year, Prof. C.S. Shankar Ram, Advisor (Placement), IIT-Madras told IANS.

According to him, companies involved in core engineering and technology, software, information technology, research and development, analytics and consulting had made the placement offers.

Academic course wise 394 B.Tech. students got the offers followed by dual degree programmes (315), M.Tech (223), M.A. (11), M.Sc (3), M.S.(105) and Ph.D (15).

Ram declined to share the names of the companies -- domestic and international- that made the offers. He also declined to share the pay package range offered by the hiring companies saying that it will be released later.

Interestingly, students of other IITs like IIT-Bombay, IIT-Delhi, IIT-Ropar, IIT-Kharagpur have got mega pay offers from domestic and international companies.
Lucknow, Dec 23 : Union Home Minister Amit Shah is embarking on a statewide tour of Uttar Pradesh from Friday to give momentum to the party's election campaign.

Shah is expected to address public meetings at nearly 21 different locations and each public meeting will be attended by party workers and supporters from the surrounding seven Assembly constituencies.

In this way, he will be covering around 140 Assembly seats in his tour.

The BJP plans to put Shah on the forefront of organisational strategy even as Prime Minister Narendra Modi goes on a spree to lay foundation stones or launch developmental projects in the state.

Sources said the party plans to bring supporters from Dalit and OBC dominated constituencies at the Shah's public meetings.

The move attains political significance in the backdrop of BJP mobilising the non-Yadav OBC to counter an aggressive Samajwadi Party president, Akhilesh Yadav who has been emerging as the main challenger to the ruling BJP.

During his campaign, Shah is also scheduled to hold special meetings with the party functionaries in different districts to assess the ground level political situation.

This comes close on the heels of the recent booth level functions which the party had organised to set its organisational machinery into motion and reinforce its cadre strength.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
Belagavi : , Dec 23 (IANS) All arrangements have been made for 'The Belagavi Udyoga Mela' (Hybrid Job Fair) scheduled to be held at KLS Gogte Institute of Technology on Thursday in the bordering town of Karnataka.

The occasion also coincides with the launch of the "Job for All" initiative taken up in collaboration with the Department of IT/ BT, Karnataka Digital Economy Mission (KDEM), and Skill Development.

Based on the response, it has been planned to conduct a Job Fair once again in the third week of January in Belagavi.

As many as 71 companies are participating in the fair, out of which 57 companies will be physically present and 14 through virtual mode to fill 4500 plus openings for BE/Diploma/ITI completed candidates.

A total of 3,954 candidates have registered on the 'skill connect' portal, and 600 plus candidates have sent resumes through the mail. Voice texts have been sent to the registered candidates on Wednesday to come to the venue at 8 a.m. and bus facilities have been made at the bus stations and railway stations to bring employment seekers to the venue.

IEC (Information, Education, Communication) promotion has been made using various channels including posters, banners, pamphlets, voice messages, text messages, newspaper ads, news channel scrolling, and all digital material have been sent to local MLAs and MPs to promote in their groups.

Each registered candidate has been given the choice of three companies to attend the interview. 100 trained volunteers will be at the venue to provide information and guide the candidates about attending the interview.

With regard to the candidates who will not be selected, the companies have been asked to mention the reasons for rejection. Based on the analyses of these reasons the skill gaps will be identified and relevant training will be imparted to the respective candidates to fill the gap and will be helped to get placement in future attempts which is the main agenda of the "Job for all" programme, according to Ashwath Narayan, minister for IT and BT, Skill Development and Higher Education.

Naandi Foundation of Mahindra and Mahindra will be signing an MoU to provide training in python and Digital Marketing and soft skills for 30,000 rural girl students free of cost as part of the initiative.

The event will also witness Quess Corp., one of the largest staffing companies in the country, signing a binding agreement with Karnataka Skill Development Corporation (KSDC) to provide 25,000 placements for the candidates.
Chennai, Dec 23 : In a major development in the Kodanad murder and heist case of April 2017, V.K. Sasikala's nephew and Managing Director of Jaya news channel Vivek Jayaraman has been quizzed by the Nilgiris police, sources said on Thursday.

The DMK government had reopened the case.

He was questioned on Wednesday by a special police team from 1.40 p.m. till 5 p.m. in presence of his advocate.

This is the first time, a person close to Sasikala's family is being questioned in the case. Highly placed sources in Nilgiris police told IANS that Vivek Jayaraman was questioned after the manager of Kodanad estate Natarajan during his questioning had said that Vivek was looking after the affairs of the estate since the incident of heist and murder.

Kodanad estate, a 900-acre property in the Nilgiris district, belonged to late Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa and her aide V.K. Sasikala. This was the summer home of the former Chief Minister.

On April 23, 2017, after the passing away of Jayalalithaa and Sasikala behind the bars at Bengaluru in a disproportionate asset case, robbers barged into the estate bungalow and murdered a security guard Om Bahadhur and grievously injured another, Krishna Thapa.

The prosecution case was that a group of people led by the former driver of Jayalalithaa, C . Kanagaraj, along with 11 other men, entered the bungalow on April 23, 2017 at 10.30 pm and attacked the security guards in which Krishna Thapa was injured and Om Bahadhur killed.

It was alleged that Kanagaraj had told another gang member K.V. Sayan from Kerala that Rs 200 crore was stashed in the estate bungalow but the gang could get only 10 expensive watches and a crystal rhino that was worth Rs 42,000.

Five days after the heist, Kanagaraj who hails from former Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami's village, died in an accident. The same day, a lorry rammed into the car in which K.V. Sayan and his family were travelling at Palakkad in Kerala killing his wife and daughter while Sayan escaped with minor injuries.

The Computer operator of the estate, Dhinesh Kumar was found hanging at his residence on July 3, 2017 months after the heist and murder at the Kodanad bungalow.

After the DMK government assumed office, the case was reopened and 81 people were quizzed and three accused, Deepu, Santhosh Swami and M.S. Satheeshan had filed a petition before the Madras High Court to question Sasikala in the case.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, had during the run-up to the 2021 Assembly elections publicly stated that the Kodanad estate case would be reopened and the real perpetrators of the crime booked.

The AIADMK had after the case being reopened retorted that the DMK government was trying to settle scores with the party using the Kodanad estate case and was trying to frame former Chief Minister, Edappadi K Palaniswami in the case.
New Delhi, Dec 23 : Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) government has clamped a ban on Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM) leader Manzoor Ahmed Pashteen's entry and speech in the territorial jurisdiction of the region.

The PoK government's move drew instant criticism from a former information minister belonging to opposition Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), Dawn reported.

According to a notification issued by the home department, the ban was imposed on Pashteen with immediate effect under section 5 of the Maintenance of Public Order Act, 1985, for three months.

Pashteen was invited by a faction of National Students Federation to address its convention in Kotli on December 25 as the chief guest, the report said.

Earlier in the day, at a press conference in Kotli, some activists of an obscure organisation by the name of Tehreek-i-Jawanan-Kashmir called upon the government to ban the entry of Pashteen "to arrest propagation of India-sponsored narratives in the territory".

However, on social media many activists criticised the government's embargo on freedom of speech and expression.

"We condemn the PTI government in strong words for banning Manzoor Pashteen's entry and speech. Imposing restrictions on freedom of expression and speech is a fascist practice. Manzoor Pashteen! We are ashamed," tweeted Mushtaq Minhas, the former information minister and member of the PML-N organising committee, the report said.

"Manzoor Pashteen is the voice of millions of people. Restricting his entry is the worst step. Notwithstanding political differences (with Mr Pashteen) we condemn such cowardly steps...," tweeted Nasira Khan Sudhozai, a PML-N activist.

(Sanjeev Sharma can be reached at Sanjeev.s@ians.in)
Tehran, Dec 23 : Iran reported four new cases of the Omicron variant of Covid-19 in the past 24 hours, taking its overall tally of the new strain to eight.

On Wednesday, it reported 2,103 new Covid cases, taking the country's total infections to 6,177,885. The pandemic has claimed 44 lives, taking the death toll to 131,211, an update by Iran's Ministry of Health and Medical Education said.

A total of 6,016,324 people have recovered from the disease or been discharged from hospitals across the country, while 2,821 remained in intensive care units, Xinhua news agency reported citing the ministry's update.

As many as 59,313,976 Iranians have received their first jab, and 50,744,197 received their second, till Wednesday. Meanwhile, 4,593,787 people in the country have received their booster doses.

The report added that 41,082,066 tests have, so far, been carried out across the country.

on Sunday, Iran said it detected the first case of the Omicron variant in a traveller who returned from the UAE.
Srinagar, Dec 23 : A major tragedy was averted after a joint team of the police, CRPF and the army detected and defused a 5kg IED (Improvised Explosive Device) in South Kashmir's Pulwama district on Thursday, officials said.

Officials said that they acted on a specific input about the IED planted on the Neva Srinagar road and started an operation. The IED was defused by the bomb disposal squad on the spot, added the officials.

"Pulwama Police averted major tragedy. Acting on specific information Pulwama Police along with 50 RR & 183 BN CRPF found an IED of approx. 5kg assembled in a container planted on Newa Srinagar road. However, BD squad of Police & Army destroyed it on spot," police said in a tweet.

A case has been registered and police have started the investigation.
Bhopal, Dec 23 : As many as 85 tigers, including 32 cubs, have died in the past four years due to various reasons in wildlife habitats of Madhya Pradesh, the government has informed the state Assembly.

State forest minister Kunwar Vijay Shah gave this information in a written reply to a question by Congress legislator from Jabalpur (East) Lakhan Ghanghoriya.

The Congress MLA had sought to know how many tigers died in the state in four years from 2018-19 to 2021-22.

The MLA had also sought information about how many big cats had escaped from various reserves, to which Shah said that the movement of the tigers through various forest corridors is a natural process in search for food, partners, better habitat and new territory.

"State government spent Rs 28,306.70 lakh on the conservation, security and monitoring of the big cats during 2018-19, while this amount was Rs 22,049.98 lakh in 2019-20. In 2020-21 and 2021-22, Rs 26,427.86 lakh and Rs 12,882.82 lakh have been spent on this work respectively," Minister told the house.

The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) reports suggested that a total 202 tigers were reported to have died between 2012 and 2020 in Madhya Pradesh. The data available on the NTCA website said that 38 tigers died in the state between January and December this year so far.

Madhya Pradesh had regained the tag of tiger state in the 2018 census for being home to 526 big cats, two more than Karnataka.

Earlier, the MP had lost this tag to Karnataka in the all-India tiger estimation exercise for 2010, primarily due to alleged poaching in the Panna Tiger Reserve.
Hyderabad, Dec 23 : Maoists gunned down a former sarpanch in Telangana's Mulugu district, branding him a police informer.

The body of Korasa Ramesh (33), who was kidnapped by Maoists three days ago, was found near Kottapalli area on the Telangana-Chhattisgarh border on Wednesday.

According to police, the former sarpanch and a worker of Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) from K. Kondapur village in Venkatapur mandal of Mulugu district was kidnapped by Maoists when he had gone to the neighbouring state for some work.

Ramesh, who has been residing in Eturnagaram for some time, had gone to Bheemaram in Chhattisgarh district along with a friend on his motorcycle on December 20. The duo had travelled through Chirla area in Bhadradri Kothagudem district.

His family later learnt that unidentified people took them to discuss some matter. However, with no further information the family was worried about his safety. On Wednesday, the body of Ramesh was found in the area where he was kidnapped.

Locals who saw the body informed Ramesh's family. The injuries on the body indicate that he was shot in the mouth. Police believe that he was shot dead on Wednesday.

The person who was kidnapped along with Ramesh has been reportedly released.

Police registered a case and took up investigation.

Maoists left a letter on Ramesh's body, saying he was punished for acting as an informer for the police. According to the letter in the name of Communist Party of India (Maoist) Venkatapuram-Vajedu Area Committee secretary Shanta, Venkatapuram Sub-Inspector J. Tirupati had turned Ramesh into an informer.

The Maoist outfit alleged that Ramesh was supplying them goods wanted by them but the police tried to track them down with the help of mobile phone signals. They also alleged that Ramesh supplied them milk laced with poison which resulted in death of one Maoist while some others took ill. The ultras said Ramesh was paid Rs 2 lakh and he confessed to the 'crime' in a 'people's court', which sentenced him to death.
Chennai, Dec 23 : The University of Madras will constitute an inquiry committee on Thursday to probe into the scam related to persons not registered with the university writing the degree examinations.

The university syndicate will meet on Thursday and an inquiry committee will be subsequently constituted, sources said.

According to University sources, an initial inquiry conducted has revealed that 116 people, who were not registered as students with the Institute of Distance Education, had taken the examination and they were about to receive the degrees.

It may be recollected that the University Grants Commission (UGC) had in 2019 allowed all those who had registered since 1980-81 to complete their course by writing the arrear examinations.

The candidates would be awarded degrees or diploma based on the examination they have taken and the number of papers cleared. The candidates were allowed to take the examinations twice, in December 2019 and in May 2020 which were delayed due to Covid-19 pandemic.

The delayed examinations were held in December 2020 and candidates were allowed to write the examinations from their homes.

As the university collected fees online several dubious candidates had paid the exam fee and exam registration numbers were generated for them also.

University officials feel that the study centres had manually registered the candidates and those who were registered would only be able to pay the examination fees and with the exams being conducted online, it became easy for study centres to include unregistered candidates.

Madras University Controller of Examination, K. Pandian while speaking to IANS said, "There were anomalies when we started preparing the degree certificates and this seems to be the fault of the study centres. They enroll students and provide numbers."
Belagavi : , Dec 23 (IANS) Karnataka State Congress president D.K. Shivakumar on Thursday said that the proposed anti-conversion lawwill be repealed in 2023, after the party comes to power in the state.

"I am telling you on record, including Anti-conversion bill, the law prohibiting cow slaughter will also be repealed," he said.

Shivakumar further stated that the BJP is under an illusion that they are in majority.

They have forgotten that while taking oath, they had pledged that they will not work for a single community, but will work for the whole society, he said.

Hindu farmers are in trouble after banning the cow slaughter in the state, he opined.

"People think, Muslims are affected by the banning of cow slaughter. But, the reality is Hindu farmers used to sell aged, unwanted cows and make some money. They were paid Rs 30,000 to Rs 40,000 per cow. Now, they are in a difficult situation. No compensation is given to them," Shivakumar explained.

"As a President of the Congress party, I am telling you all these laws will be repealed when the Congress comes to power in the upcoming 2023 Assembly elections. This Anti-conversion law will affect the investments in the state. How can you invite investors by passing and implementing such laws," he questioned.

Shivakumar underlined that the Anti-conversion law will be opposed by the Congress party in Assembly and the bill will be defeated in the council, where the BJP does not have a majority.

Meanwhile, Shobha Karandlaje, Union Minister for State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare questioned why Congress is opposing Anti-conversion law in the state. "What is on your mind? Conversions should not happen in society. Let Hindus, Christians and Muslims practise their religions freely without any fears. Congress is indulging in vote bank politics. Conversions are made through 'Love jihad', this should not happen, he said.

Former Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy said that the JD(S) opposes Anti-conversion law. He said, instead, backwards and poor people's hands should be strengthened.
December 23 : After their grand wedding in Rajasthan and honeymoon in Maldives, Katrina Kaif and Vicky Kaushal have resumed work. While recently Vicky left for Indore to resume shootings, Katrina has also returned to the sets.

Photos of Katrina at the set are doing the rounds on social media. In the photos, the Sooryavanshi actress can be seen in conversation with filmmaker Sriram Raghavan of Andhadhun fame. Reportedly, Katrina will start shooting for Sriram Raghavans Merry Christmas, even before she resumes Tiger 3 shooting with Salman Khan.

In October, it was reported that Sriram Raghavan will bring together Katrina Kaif and Vijay Sethupathi onscreen for the first time for Merry Christmas. It was reported back then that the film was delayed, and the film set that was erected at Mumbai's Film City was pulled down.

Helmed by Sriram Raghavan, Merry Christmas is an edge-of-the-seat thriller and is backed by Ramesh Taurani under his banner Tips. Reportedly, the 90-minutes-long film will be shot over just 30 days. Earlier, it was reported that Sriram Raghavan wanted to cast Salman Khan in Merry Christmas. The actor and the director also had discussions over the script. But Salman and his team politely refused as it was too small a film for the superstar.

Meanwhile, Sriram Raghavan also has Ekkis in the pipeline starring Varun Dhawan. The film is expected to go on floors in February next year. It is a story of 21-year-old Second Lieutenant Arun Kheterpal, who showed extreme bravery during fierce and unrelenting attacks by the Pakistani army. Arun Khetarpal was also honoured with Param Vir Chakra, posthumously.

Katrina, on the other hand, has Tiger 3 and Farhan Akhtars road trip film Jee Le Zara, which also stars Priyanka Chopra and Alia Bhatt.

After returning from their honeymoon, Vicky Kaushal and Katrina Kaif shifted to their new house in Juhu. They also did a puja ceremony, which was attended by Vickys parents.
New Delhi, Dec 23 : With an eye on the upcoming Assembly polls in Goa and Manipur, the BJP minority morcha has decided to celebrate Christmas across the country this year.

Christians play an important and deciding role in Manipur and Goa.

As per the plan, the BJP minority morcha will organise 'Christmas milan' at each block from Kashmir to Kanyakumari and Goa to Manipur. Through the celebrations, the BJP minority morcha will try to reach out to the community and win their support.

BJP minority morcha national president Jamal Siddiqui told IANS that Christmas is celebrated across the country and by organising a Christmas celebration the party is practising the existing ethos of India where all the festivals are celebrated together.

"Workers of minority morcha will organise Christmas celebrations at their respective blocks with community participation. We have started celebrating festivities with people's participation across the country. In future, the BJP minority morcha will continue to celebrate all the festivals of the country with people. Celebrating festivals is part of our Indian culture and we are just following it," Siddiqui said.

Siddiqui also stated that while celebrating Christmas, the BJP minority morcha workers will also celebrate 'Good Governance Day' on the occasion of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee's birth anniversary. All the state units have been asked to ensure Christmas celebration at block level and distribute gifts to children.

In November, the BJP minority morcha had celebrated 'Diwali' on a large-scale across the country. It is learnt that the BJP central leadership has asked the minority morcha to celebrate the festivals across the country and with special focus in poll-bound Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Manipur, Goa and Uttarakhand.

"We are celebrating all the festivals of all the religions and communities to send a strong message of social unity and Prime Minister Narendra Modi's motto of 'Sabka saath, sabka vikas, sabka vishwas and sabka prayas'," national media in-charge of BJP minority morcha, Syed Yasir Jilani said.

The Assembly elections in Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Goa and Manipur will be held in February-March next year.
Patna, Dec 23 : After Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM), Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) has decided to contest Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections alone.

The decision was taken at a high-level meeting headed by national president Chirag Paswan in New Delhi on Wednesday evening.

"The LJP will contest the election without any alliance with other political parties. It will contest on all 403 seats," said Chandan Singh, Bihar state spokesperson of the party.

"During the meeting, Mani Shankar Pandey, state president of UP along with members of all executive Committee at district level of Uttar Pradesh were present. They have unanimously decided to go it alone and challenge the ruling BJP and Samajwadi party," Singh said.

In 2020 Bihar Assembly elections, LJP had contested on all 243 seats but managed to win only one. Following the dismal performance, other senior leaders, including current union minister Pashupati Kumar Paras, MP Prince Raj Paswan, Bahubali leader Surajbhan Singh and others criticised the policies of Chirag Paswan and later split the party.

Though parties like LJP (Ram Vilas) or HAM are considered as parties of Dalit communities in Bihar, they would not have status more than "vote katwa" in Uttar Pradesh.

The political experts believe that these parties are ideal for BJP which is considered as party of upper castes in Uttar Pradesh. The presence of LJP(Ram Vilas) and HAM will cut the votes of Samajwadi Party, Bahujan Samaj Party and Congress, which are dependent on Yadav, Muslim and Dalit voters.

Chandan Singh claimed that the party has organisational structure and strength in every district of Uttar Pradesh and is capable of contesting the election on its own.
Los Angeles, Dec 23 : Sally Ann Howes, who began her acting career as a child and was best known for starring in 'Chitty Chitty Bang Bang' opposite Dick Van Dyke, passed away aged 91.

Howes died on December 19.

Her death was confirmed by her nephew, Toby Howes, who tweeted: "I can also confirm the passing of my beloved Aunty Sally Ann Howes who died peacefully in her sleep yesterday. My brother & I thought Sally Ann might hold on until the Christmas screening of 'Chitty Chitty Bang Bang' as this would have greatly appealed to her mischievous side." 'Chitty Chitty Bang Bang' is often broadcast on Christmas Day in the UK, reports variety.com.

In a career that spanned five decades, Howes racked up 40 film and television credits, having spent the latter half of her career focusing on the theatre, including a part in Stephen Sondheim's 'A Little Night Music' at the New York City Opera in 1990.

Born in London to actors Bobby Howes and Patricia Malone, Howes spent much of her childhood at the family's home in Hertfordshire when London was evacuated during World War II.

At the age of 12 she made her screen debut in 1943 film 'Thursday's Child', after being recommended by a casting agent friend of her father's.

The film, about a schoolgirl who becomes a successful child actor, was in many ways prophetic, launching Howes' film career.

She was soon contracted by Ealing Studios, where she starred in films including 'Dead of Night' opposite Michael Redgrave.

Howes went on to land parts alongside Derek Bond and Cedric Hardwicke in the screen adaptation of Charles Dickens' 'Nicholas Nickleby', and in 'The History of Mr Polly', where she played John Mills' love interest.

In the 1950s Howes, a soprano, traded the big screen for the boards and focused on the theatre, which she once described as a 'drug'.

She was particularly enamoured with musical theatre, although she would continue to make the occasional television show and film appearance, including in 'The Fifth Column' with Richard Burton.

In London's West End she starred alongside her father in Lerner and Loewe musical 'Paint Your Wagon' for an 18-month run before making her Broadway debut in 1958 as Eliza Doolitle in 'My Fair Lady', which earned her a Life magazine cover profile and turned her into a household name.

Howes was taking the role over from Julie Andrews, not an easy task given Andrews' star power at the time, and 'The Sound of Music' actor would go on to have a distant hand in shaping Howes' career.

After Howes was nominated for a Tony award for her performance in Lerner and Loewe's 'Brigadoon' at the New York City Opera in 1962 (becoming in the process the first artiste to be nominated for starring in a revival), the show was made into a television series, with Howes reprising her role as Fiona.

That's where legendary producer Albert 'Cubby' Broccoli, the man behind the big-screen adaptation of James Bond, reportedly first noticed her.

He was apparently hoping to emulate Disney's 'Mary Poppins', which had come out in 1964 and starred Andrews, by making a musical adaptation of Bond writer Ian Fleming's children's novel 'Chitty Chitty Bang Bang'.

After Andrews turned down the part of Truly Scrumptious, Howes stepped in, playing opposite Dick Van Dyke in the film, which was directed by Ken Hughes from a screenplay he co-wrote with Roald Dahl.

While Howes could sing, she was apparently less comfortable dancing and required a "crash course" of lessons before taking on the part in the Edwardian-set movie about a magical car.

Although it has now achieved cult status, the film was not an instant success, and Howes spent the remainder of her career focusing on the theatre, with occasional forays into film and television.

Her last on-screen appearance was in the limited series 'Secrets' in 1992.

Howes is survived by one son.
Bhopal, Dec 23 : A war of words broke out between the ruling BJP and the Opposition Congress in the State Assembly on Thursday after former chief minister and the Leader of Opposition Kamal Nath accused the state Election Commission of issuing confusing notifications regarding the reservation for Other Backward Classes (OBCs) in Panchayat elections in the state.

As the proceedings of the Assembly began, Nath raised the OBC reservation issue and asked the government to clear its stance. "Ever since the Supreme Court's order came, the state election commission has been issuing different notifications at different times which are creating confusion. I would request the government to clear its stand on the OBC reservation issue," Nath said.

In response, state Home Minister Narottam Mishra, who is also Parliamentary Affairs Minister, said that the government has filed a petition in the Supreme Court and a date for hearing on the matter will be fixed by the court soon. After Mishra's statement, MLAs of the Congress accused the Shivraj Singh Chouhan government of being anti-OBC. This led to a chaos prompting Speaker Girish Gautam to adjourn the Assembly for 15 minutes.

Since the first day of the winter session of the Assembly (December 20), both the ruling (BJP) and the Opposition (Congress) have been accusing each other of being anti-OBC.

Earlier on Tuesday, Chouhan had stated that the state government should explore legal options against the Supreme Court's December 17 order that stayed polling on all OBC-reserved seats. The ruling follows a similar order by the apex court for the Maharashtra municipal elections.

Chouhan and Nath were arguing over the apex court staying the election on seats reserved for OBC candidates and directed the state election commission to re-notify these as general seats.

The top court passed the order while hearing a plea challenging the Madhya Pradesh High Court's order that accepted an application challenging the validity of the Madhya Pradesh Panchayat Raj and Gram Swaraj (Amendment) Ordinance, 2021 related to reservation and delimitation in MP but refused to stay the elections to the panchayat polls.

The ordinance promulgated on November 21 by the state government had annulled the last rotation on reservation, and decided that the elections would be conducted as per the delimitation and rotation exercise carried out in 2014 by the then BJP government. Reserved seats are rotated among SCs, STs and women every five years, and the last time this happened was in 2019, when the Nath-led Congress government was in power for 15 months.

IANS pd/shb/
Chandigarh, Dec 23 : At least two people were feared killed and several injured on Thursday in a blast at the district court complex in Punjab's Ludhiana city.

However, there is no official confirmation about the casualties in the blast that occurred in a toilet on the third floor in the old building around 12.25 p.m.

It badly damaged the roof and walls of the toilet.

Police officials reached the spot and started an investigation.
New Delhi, Dec 23 : More than 13 million people in the Chinese city of Xi'an have been ordered to stay at home as authorities attempt to tackle a Covid outbreak there, BBC reported.

The northern city has recorded 143 infections since December 9.

Under the new restrictions announced on Wednesday, only one person per household is allowed to leave home every two days to buy essential goods, the report said.

China has a strict zero-Covid strategy, using mass testing and lockdown to stop outbreaks.

The country is on high alert for Covid as it gears up to host the 2022 Winter Olympics in February.

Residents of Xi'an, known for its Terracotta Warriors, are not allowed to leave the city unless they have extenuating circumstances and approval from officials to do so, the report added. The restrictions came into effect at midnight on Thursday local time.

Millions of tests have been conducted in Shaanxi province, where Xi'an is located.

Long-distance bus stations have already closed and checkpoints have been installed on motorways into the city. A large number of flights from Xi'an's airport have been cancelled.

Non-essential businesses have closed and local government employees have been told to work from home, the report added.

Last weekend authorities had already closed indoor facilities such as bars, gyms and cinemas as a precaution, according to state-run Global Times.

Officials say the outbreak is the Delta variant of Covid and have not mentioned Omicron.

State media have been reporting this week that Xi'an is facing a "dual epidemic" as there have been "several reported cases of haemorrhagic fever, a natural epidemic disease with a high fatality rate".
Pune : , Dec 23 (IANS) Making a plea for ordinary policy holders, the Shiv Sena's Bhartiya Kamgar Sena (BKS) on Thursday called upon Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman "not to move ahead with the LIC IPO" till the IDBI Bank Ltd's recently exposed issues are completely rectified.

In a letter to Sitharaman, the BKS General Secretary Dr Raghunath Kuchik - accorded a Minister of State rank - has drawn her attention to the "IDBI blunder" about one of its alleged wilful defaulters, a diamantaire group, Sanghavi Exports International Pvt Ltd.

He said that in a span of 72 hours, the IDBI Bank Ltd came out with 3 different amounts of alleged wilful default of loans by the diamantaire group which has created confusion for the Reserve Bank of India, the IDBI Bank's account holders and also the LIC whose IPO is soon to come.

"Please ask the concerned authorities and RBI officials to do a proper investigation in the interest of the common man, crores of account holders and LIC policy holders, Central government and LIC involvement (as) upcoming IPO on board are at stake," pointed out Dr Kuchik, who is Chairman, Maharashtra Minimum Wages Board.

"We certainly do not wish to have a repetition of the Nirav Modi and Mehul Choksi case (that) happened with the Punjab National Bank a couple of years back," the BKS leader cautioned Sitharaman.

He cited how the IDBI Bank Ltd had given out three figures of outstanding loan dues from the diamantaire group - which was first highlighted by IANS (Dec 20).

"Once again, I request you to look into the matter on priority and instruct the authorities not to move ahead with the LIC IPO unless this IDBI Bank issue is completely rectified as per the RBI policy," Dr Kuchik said.

The BKS missive came hours after the powerful All India Bank Officers Association (AIBOA) General Secretary S Nagarajan wrote to the RBI Governor how bank officers are "seriously disturbed" over the recent revelations, as the Centre and LIC own 97 per cent of the IDBI Bank Ltd.

"The contradictory stand by IDBI Bank Ltd before various authorities is certainly intriguing and requires reporting of factual position to the public at large who are directly or indirectly involved in the share market operations," urged Nagarajan.

Mumbai-based AIBOA leader Vishwas Utagi on Thursday said that the IDBI Bank's latest annual report (FY 2020-2021) has stated that out of its total NPA of Rs 36,212 crore, a big chunk of Rs 13,392 crore is concentrated in only top 4 accounts.

"Who are these top 4 willful defaulters, from which sector and since when? Considering the ongoing crisis of confidence, will the Madam Finance Minister, RBI Governor and LIC Chairman order the IDBI Bank to come clean and enlighten the general public on them," Utagi demanded.

Nevertheless, IDBI Bank Ltd sources insist that the goof-up in the public notice (Dec 19) was a genuine error, though a contrary impression of a 'scam' was created in the public after the regulatory filing (Dec 20) followed by a fresh public notice (Dec 21), but claim that remedial measures are being initiated.
New Delhi, Dec 23 : In a significant development for the law relating to the aviation industry a bench of the English Court of Appeal, headed by the Master of the Rolls Sir Geoffrey Voss, has found in favour of Air India Ltd in a contested dispute with a passenger after a District Judge originally found against them.

By winning its case, Air India has prevented a serious blow to the international airline industry, which is already suffering from the disruption caused by Covid-19.

This is also one of the first cases where the English Courts have been asked to determine EU law post-Brexit.

The dispute centered on the applicability of EU compensation regulations for a single booking, where only one leg of the booking - the only one within EU/UK jurisdiction - was delayed. In this case, the third leg of the passenger's flight departed from Heathrow late, resulting in delays in her final arrival at her destination.

The Court of Appeal after a full hearing held in favour of Air India Ltd, stating that previous European Court of Justice case law reaffirmed the 'single-unit' principle for a multiple-leg journey made under the same booking.

Air India successfully argued that there was no reason why this principle should not be applied to this case, in circumstances where the Claimant's journey originated from a non-UK/non-EU destination. They acknowledged the principle of passenger protection, but this principle did not mean that passengers should be entitled to compensation in every circumstance.

Article 3(1) (a) of the EU Regulation was a territorial gateway to compensation and it should not be undermined by the principle of passenger protection. The passenger could not "have their cake and eat it".

Daniel Powell of Zaiwalla & Co, Air India's solicitors, commented: "What is significant about this decision is that this is one of the first cases where the Court of Appeal has been asked to determine EU law post-Brexit." "The intention of ECJ judges when making their decisions was discussed at the hearing, and the Court of Appeal chose to not interpret these principles differently in the post-Brexit era. This is despite an Attorney General commentary being released in October, which stated in its discussion that just because a passenger's journey originated from a non-EU/UK destination, this does not necessarily mean that they are not entitled to compensation." "Had the Claimant succeeded in their appeal, airlines could have expected myriad further claims against them, with a potentially substantial economic impact being felt across an industry already reeling from the Covid-19 pandemic."
Chandigarh, Dec 23 : At least two people were dead and five received injuries in an explosion in the district court complex of Ludhiana city in Punjab. Chief Minister Charanjit Channi is reaching the spot to assess the situation.

The court complex is located close to the district Commissioner's office.

The explosion took place in the washroom on the second floor at around 12.2 p.m., said the police.

Not many people were present at the time of the explosion owing to strike by lawyers. One of the injured has been identified as advocate R.S. Mand.

The area has been cordoned off by the police and the court premise was vacated.

The intensity of the blast was so huge that it damaged nearby walls and shattered window glasses.

Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi said he would reach Ludhiana soon.

"There has been a blast in Ludhiana. I have wrapped up a meeting and will be heading to Ludhiana soon," Channi was quoted as saying.

He said the guilty won't be spared. He said since elections in the state are near and the government is on alert regarding such incidents.

Former Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh said the police must get to the bottom of the case. "Disturbing news of a blast at Ludhiana court complex. Saddened to know about the demise of two individuals. Praying for the recovery of those injured. Punjab Police must get to the bottom of this," Amarinder Singh tweeted.

-- Except for the title, this story has not been edited by Prokerala team and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed
New Delhi, Dec 23 : The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Thursday provisionally attached "Lottery king" Santiago Martin's immovable assets worth Rs 19.59 crore in connection with a lottery scam.

It had earlier attached properties worth Rs 258 crore of the businessman. With the present attachment, total attachment in the case has reached to Rs 277.59 crore.

According to an ED official, the attached properties consist of various immoveable properties in the form of vacant lands located in Tamil Nadu.

Earlier, it was Anti-Corruption Bureau Kochi and the federal probe agency CBI which had filed a chargesheet against the accused under sections 120-B, 420 read with sections 4(d), 4(f), 7 (3), 9 of Lotteries (Regulation) Act, and 3 (5), 4 (5) of lotteries regulation rules, 2010. Later, the ED also initiated the money laundering probe against the accused.

It was mentioned in the charge sheet that the accused Santiago cheated the Sikkim Government to the tune of Rs 4,500 crore. The accused caused this huge loss to the government through the sale of Sikkim lotteries in Kerala.

The money was allegedly distributed among 72 persons, including Sikkim Government officials, with the help of 15 middlemen.

During the course of investigation, the federal probe agency found that the partners of Ms. M.J. Associates, Santiago Martin and N. Jayamurugan, made unlawful gain with a corresponding loss to the Sikkim government to the tune of over Rs 900 crore on account of inflating the Prize Winning Tickets claim for the period between 2009 and 2010, which was nothing but proceeds of crime.

Santiago Martin, his companies and others had invested the parts of the proceeds of crime generated from lottery business in immovable properties through more than 40 companies, which were incorporated in the name of their family members and other associates to project the same as untainted properties.

Santiago Martin, his companies Ms. Future Gaming and Hotel Services Pvt. Ltd., Martin Builders Pvt. Ltd., Daison Land and Development Pvt. Ltd. acquired immovable properties worth Rs 19.59 crore from the loans and advances given by Santiago Martin and his family members.

The ED official said that they are further probing the matter.
New Delhi, Dec 23 : A video showing two young men walking barefoot on hot embers to prove their innocence has gone viral on social media in Pakistan.

The footage is from Sanjawi tehsil, Ziarat district in Balochistan province and the two men appear to have been accused of stealing equipment, Friday Times reported.

Authorities in the district have started an investigation into the incident. According to Assistant Commissioner of Sanjawi, Hassan Anwar, this event took place five days ago in Sira Khezi area near Sanjawi, about 60 km from Ziarat.

The two parties who organised this extraordinary ritual are described as having reached 'mutual consensus' to resolve their dispute in this manner, the report said.

One of the men subjected to the ordeal, Gul Zaman, claims that two weeks earlier, some tractors, batteries and generators were stolen from his employers.

When he informed the owners, they instead accused Gul Zaman and another employee Mohammad Raza of the theft, while also inflicting violence on them.

The two men were told that the only way to prove their innocence was to walk across hot embers barefoot, the report said.

The video shows the two men taking turns to walk across a pit, some 10 to 12 ft long, filled with hot embers. Having succeeded in walking across it, they were apparently acquitted: since those present believed that there were no burns or blisters on their feet. Video footage shows them being embraced and garlanded after their ordeal, the report added.

Such a ritualised trial by fire includes an invocation of the Holy Quran and the hot embers are 'asked' not to burn the feet of those who are innocent. If a person undergoing the trial gets blistered feet from the ordeal, they are considered guilty of the crime that they stood accused of. Making their way across the pit 'unharmed' leads to a verdict of innocence, the report said.

The man who organised the ritual, a local named Saifuddin, claims that this event was necessary to avoid violence between the two parties to the dispute. Whereas the owners of the stolen equipment wanted to register a case for theft against the two men, the latter themselves wanted to sue for detention and kidnap.

Saifuddin claims that he organised the ordeal after local authorities including the Levies force did not help with resolving the dispute. He also claims to have informed the district administration as well as the Levies that he was about to proceed with the ritual - without objections from these quarters. In Saifuddin's version of events, he was asked by both parties to the dispute to resolve it in a traditional 'tribal' manner.

The Levies police have denied involvement, rejecting claims that the rival cases were brought to them or that their permission was sought in organising the ritual. Moreover, the Assistant Commissioner of Sanjawi also took the view that the district administration were not informed of the jirga which decided upon this ordeal for the two men, the report said.

While no action has yet been taken against the jirga, the District Commissioner of Ziarat has ordered an investigation into whether or not the police had colluded in the ritual.

(Sanjeev Sharma can be reached at Sanjeev.s@ians.in)
New Delhi, Dec 23 : The problem with minorities in Pakistan has been accentuating day by day as the Pakistani society fails to realise the relevance of security for the minorities and the government is not keen to come forward in this regard.

The Pakistani Christian community has been one of the worst affected in this regard. The small Pakistani Christian community abroad is helpless in dealing with the issue and their activities are restricted to holding protestsabroad drawing the attention of the local government at their place of residence and the Pakistani government to look into the matter seriously.

In this connection, on Dec 10 a group of Pakistani origin Dutch Christian protested in the Hague in front of Pakistani mission demanding action on those responsible for maltreatment of the Christian community in Pakistan and demanded a quick resolution for their protection. The protesters carried banners and posters with slogans demanding justice in the cases of minority.

The Protesters condemned the recent incidents of lynching of Sri Lankan national, abduction, rape, forcible conversion and marriage of Christian minor girls in Pakistan, fabrication of false blasphemy cases and demanded legislation for protection of minorities.

The petitioners demanded the need for a quick federal legislation & enforcement of law to stop forced conversion and marriages of the girls of the Christian, Hindu and other communities. According to reports prepared by the protesters the percentage of unreported cases of forced conversions is much higher. Many of these minor girls can be seen marrying their so-called abductors who, in most cases are many years older than them.

Moreover, the girls and their families fail to get justice because of their poverty, influence of extremist religious and political leaders, corruption and mishandling by the investigators and the judiciary. They also demanded that the need of the hour is to save and secure Pakistanis more than ten million non-Muslim population who are represented with the white colour on the national flag and play active role in the development of Pakistan.

The petitioners demanded that Pakistani parliament and government should act swiftly to frame and enforce a law of federal jurisdiction with severe punishments and fines to stop this heinous crime against humanity. This should include the following provisions:

Every girl (even a boy or a transgender) should be considered as a minor before their eighteenth birthday.

They should not be allowed to change their belief or get married before the age of eighteen.

Any effort to convince/convert a minor should be considered as a crime against the state of Pakistan. Any person/authority/institution/ establishment, converting or trying to convert a minor, should be punished; regardless of their social/religious or political status. Each one of such criminals should receive a minimum sentence of 10 and maximum of 25 years of imprisonment and Pk Rs ten million (Pk Rs 1,000,000) of fine.

Convincing a minor to run away from home should be considered as a crime against the state and should be punished with a minimum sentence of 10 and maximum of 25 years imprisonment and Pk Rs ten million (Pk Rs 1,000,000) of fine.

Rape of a minor (girl/boy/transgender) should be considered as a very serious crime against the state and the society. Rapist of a minor should be punished with a minimum sentence of 25 years and maximum of death penalty along with a fine of Pk Rs ten million (Pk Rs 10,000,000).

Conversion to Islam and marriage before 18 years of a non-Muslim, should strictly be forbidden by law and should not be taken as an excuse to marry or have sexual relation with a minor.

Any minor, reported as missing, abducted, run away, converted or married, should be recovered as soon as possible. Such recovered individual should not be sent to "Dar-ul-Aman" but immediately be returned to their respective families.

Departmental actions should be initiated against any police official not registering the FIR of a minor reported as missing or abducted. Such officers should face charges of abstraction of justice and face demotions or termination from active service.

A person wishing to convert to Islam, and/or wanting to marry a Muslim boy or girl, should only be able do so by appearing before a civil or a district and session judge with undeniable, documented proof of their required age i.e. 18 years by birth certificate or FRC by NADRA.

The Blasphemy Law
London, Dec 23 : Hot on the heels of Israel, Germany has announced the roll out of a fourth Covid booster to tackle the new vaccine evading Omicron variant of coronavirus. Britain is also mulling for the fourth dose, as cases mount.

German Health Minister Karl Lauterbach on Wednesday warned that a fourth dose will be necessary to tackle Omicron, Daily Mail reported.

The country has ordered millions of new doses of an omicron-specific vaccine on order from BioNTech. However, delivery is not expected to take place until April or May.

Currently Moderna's Covid vaccine is used in the booster campaign, Lauterbach said, adding that Germany had also ordered 4 million doses of the new Novavax jab, and 11 million doses of the new Valneva shot, which is waiting for marketing authorisation.

According to Germany's Robert Koch Institute (RKI) for disease control chief, the Omicron variant would be the dominant form of the virus by mid-January, Dw.com reported.

Lothar Wieler said that an infection wave of "unseen momentum" threatens to overwhelm the healthcare system in Germany.

"In the past few days, the number of cases has been declining, but unfortunately, this is not a sign of easing," Wieler was quoted as saying during a press conference in Berlin.

"We need to get the still very high case numbers down. Christmas must not be the spark that lights the Omicron fire," he added.

Germany reported 45,659 new coronavirus cases on Wednesday, 5,642 fewer than a week ago, while the death toll rose by 510.

Following the lead of Germany and Israel, the UK's Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) is also considering the rollout of a second set of boosters.

The experts at JCVI will weigh up the levels of immunity granted by the extra jab as well as hospitalisation figures, The Telegraph reported.

While people with weakened immune systems are already entitled to a fourth job, this may be extended to the elderly and other vulnerable groups.

The fourth jab would likely come four months after the third if it gets the green light and could be available in the new year, the report said.

"We need to see more data. We are in different circumstances to Israel and we need to see more data on waning immunity and vaccine effectiveness against hospitalisation," Professor Anthony Harnden, deputy chair of the JCVI, was quoted as saying.

The UK reported more than 100,000 new daily infections for the first time on Wednesday.

Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Thiruvananthapuram, Dec 23 : President Ram Nath Kovind on Thursday said he loves visiting Kerala as it displays India at its cultural and harmonious best.

Kovind, who is on a four-day visit to the state, said: "Kerala displays India at its cultural and harmonious best. It has attracted people from all parts of the world, absorbed different cultures and religions while maintaining its distinct features.

"The people of Kerala have earned respect and goodwill in the rest of India and in different parts of the world. The enterprising members of the Indian diaspora from Kerala have not only been sending large amounts of remittances home but also kept the prestige of India very high in the lands they have adopted as their work-places." He said this after unveiling the statue of Late P.N. Panicker-- the pioneer of learning, literacy and library movements-- in the capital city.

"I love visiting Kerala also because this state fills me with energy which it derives from its bountiful blessings of Mother Nature. I recall that our former Prime Minister Late Atal Bihari Vajpayee, whose birth anniversary falls on December 25, had chosen this land to welcome the new millennium. During the five days he spent in Kumarakom on the banks of the Vembanad lake, both the poet and the thinker in him were inspired. He penned a series of musings, in which he wrote, "nature's silent beauty provides a perfect setting here for contemplation," In God's own country, it is indeed a special privilege to be in the abode of Lord Vishnu - Thiruvananthapuram," said Kovind.

He went on to add that the service sector professionals from Kerala, especially the nurses and doctors are highly respected and relied upon by people everywhere.

"Recently, when the Covid-pandemic affected the entire world, nurses and doctors from Kerala were among the most visible Covid-warriors in India, the middle-east and so many other regions on the globe. The people of Kerala enhance the pride of India," added Kovind.
New Delhi, Dec 23 : The Delhi High Court would hear on January 25, the plea of Bollywood actress and environmentalist Juhi Chawla challenging its earlier order which dismissed her lawsuit against the setting up of 5G wireless networks in the country.

Observing that there is no urgency in the matter, a Division Bench comprising Justices Vipin Sanghi and Jasmeet Singh said the board is very heavy today and the hearing will take time.

Further, the matter was posted for January 25, 2022, after vacation.

The High Court in June had dismissed the lawsuit by Chawla and others against the setting up of 5G wireless networks in the country citing health hazards due to the technology. The court had slapped a cost of Rs 20 lakh on the petitioners. Justice Midha had described the plea as "defective", "abuse of process of law" and filed for "gaining publicity".

Presently, in the plea challenging the earlier court order, the petitioner contended that the suit can only be dismissed once it has been allowed to be registered as a suit by the Court.

The plea filed by Chawla, Veeresh Malik, and Teena Vachani claimed that 5G wireless technology can be a potential threat to provoke irreversible and serious effects on humans and it could also permanently damage the earth's ecosystems.

It contended that to levels of RF radiation that are 10x to 100x times greater than the existing levels, and no living species on the planet would be able to survive round-the-clock exposure.

On June 2, the High Court had also questioned Chawla as to why she had directly filed a suit against setting up of 5G wireless networks without making any representation to the department concerned in the government, and insisted the plaintiffs, Chawla and two others, should have gone to the government first.

The High Court had also expressed dissatisfaction at Chawla sharing the link of virtual hearing on her social media account.

The hearing of Chawla's suit was disturbed by unknown persons who were singing Bollywood songs of films in which she had acted. The court directed the Delhi Police to identify the people and proceed against them under the law.
Lucknow, Dec 23 : Bahujan Samaj Party president Mayawati has sought Supreme Court intervention in the alleged land scam in Ayodhya.

"It is a serious matter since the names of influential people, including bureaucrats, have emerged in the scam. The Supreme Court should take note of it and the Centre must order a high-level probe. The matter concerns the faith and sentiments of crores of people. A committee of retired judges should be set up to probe the matter," she said while talking to reporters here on Thursday.

The state government has already set up an inquiry into the alleged scam.

On the phone taping allegation levelled by Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav, Mayawati said, "When Congress was in power it indulged in similar tactics and now the BJP is doing the same." However, the BSP president supported Prime Minister Narendra Modi's decision to link voter ID with Aadhaar card.

Mayawati said that she supports the Bill linking voter ID with Aadhaar card since it would check bogus voting.

Mayawati has held a meeting with the office-bearers from all 75 districts in the state in which she reiterated that the BSP would not enter into any alliance and would contest the Assembly polls on its own.
Kochi, Dec 23 : The Kerala High Court on Thursday observed that there was no reason to suspect any foul play in the ongoing investigation against the infamous fake antique dealer Monson Mavunkal's case.

Justice Devan Ramachandran made this remark while hearing the various agencies probing the case.

The counsel for the state pointed out to the court that a dozen cases have been registered against Mavunkal and the probe team was doing its job in all its earnestness.

In between, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) informed the court that the Crime Branch has not responded to its demand asking for documents related to the case, to which the State's counsel replied that the probe agency has and will respond to all things that have been asked for and will be mentioned in the report also.

It was after hearing all the parties, the court opined that the probe in the case is going according to the way it should be going.

Mavunkal, by now has become a household name on account of his fake antique collections and with every passing day after his arrest by the Crime Branch from his home-cum-museum in the last week of September after victims approached Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, complaining that they were swindled of Rs 10 crore by this "master fraud" who managed to even take the top Kerala Police officials for a ride.

Mavunkal sought to impress his high-profile guests by showcasing antiques in his collection which he claimed included the "staff of Moses" and "two of the 30 silver coins that were taken by Judas to cheat Jesus Christ".

Police said that he had showcased these "rare" items -- a throne said to be used by Tipu Sultan, as well as a huge collection of old Qurans, Bibles (Old Testament and New Testament), and old handwritten copies of Bhagavad Gita.

Mavunkal used to bring several VIPs to his palatial residence, a part of which was converted into museum to house his 'precious' antiques.
Lucknow, Dec 23 : After Prime Minister Narendra Modi asked mayors of various states to celebrate their cities, UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has directed officials to chalk out plans to compile the rich history of villages and cities in the state.

According to a government spokesperson, in a bid to document the rich mythological, historical and cultural history of cities and village panchayats in the state, the chief minister has sought compilation of data in this connection.

"Every village, every city has its own story of settlement, and it should be written down," the spokesperson said.

Further, the Chief Minister has directed the Rural and Urban development departments to chalk out plans to celebrate 'Gram Diwas' and 'Nagar Diwas' respectively on lines of Uttar Pradesh Day, the spokesperson added.
Varanasi : , Dec 23 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday once again appealed to farmers to adopt natural farming and also called for strengthening the dairy sector.

The Prime Minister, who was in Varanasi to inaugurate the Banas Dairy Kashi Sankul at Karkhiyaon, said that natural farming required less inputs, gave better output and was more beneficial because it earned higher returns.

"This method will make farming 'atmanirbhar'. Those working in startups should also explore possibilities for this," he stated.

Talking about the dairy sector, he said that the cow is our mother and held in high esteem. Those who ridicule this concept should know that India produces milk worth Rs 8.5 lakh crore every year which is more than the production of wheat or rice.

He said that in villages, cows were a sign of prosperity.

"We need to strengthen the dairy sector. The Banas Kashi Sankul will benefit dairy farmers from several adjoining districts. The dairy plant will also have a bio-gas plant that will take care of its power needs. The dairy farmers will now be able to sell cow dung for the bio-gas plant at a good price," he said.

The Prime Minister said that milk committees and collection centres would be set up and certification of purity would also be done.

"Now the sweets of Banaras will taste sweeter - whether it is lassi or chhena sweets or 'malaiyo' in winter. The dairy plant will enhance the taste of Banaras," he added.

He will also inaugurate and lay the foundation of 22 other projects.

The Prime Minister was in Varanasi earlier on December 13 to unveil the Kashi Vishwanath Dham Corridor project.

According to the official spokesperson, Modi will also digitally transfer a bonus of about Rs 35 crore to the bank accounts of more than 1.7 lakh milk producers associated with the Banas Dairy.

The Prime Minister said that the double engine governments had ensured double development, and this was obviously unacceptable to 'some people' whose politics was based on 'mafiawad', parivarwad' and 'jaatiwad'.

Earlier, the Prime Minister launched a portal and a logo dedicated to the Conformity Assessment Scheme of milk products, developed by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) with the help of the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB).

The unified logo, featuring both the BIS logo and the NDDB quality mark, will simplify the certification process for the dairy sector and reassure the public about dairy product quality.

In another effort to reduce the number of land ownership issues at the grassroots level, the Prime Minister also virtually distributed the rural residential rights record, "Gharauni", under the Swamitva scheme of the Union Ministry of Panchayati Raj to over 20 lakh residents of Uttar Pradesh.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
Lucknow, Dec 23 : The Uttar Pradesh Chief Secretary has been directed by the National Green Tribunal (NGT) to monitor the measures taken by the state agencies in curbing pollution in the Yamuna.

The NGT said that the steps taken so far were inadequate.

Constituted by the tribunal for monitoring compliance of environmental norms in UP, the committee headed by Justice SVS Rathore, former Judge of the Allahabad High Court at Lucknow, had filed its report on December 15.

It recommended further action to prevent discharge of untreated sewage effluents in the drains connecting river Yamuna which is a major cause for the deteriorating water quality.

The committee further stated that the state authorities must ensure availability of necessary funds. The Mathura Vrindavan Development Authority (MVDA) has to undertake plantation drives and also take steps to clear encroachments. The grievance of the applicant about discharge in Akroor drain needs to be also looked into.

Akash Vashishtha, counsel for the petitioners, Acharya Damodar Shastri and Vijay Kishore Goswami, argued that the situation of the Kosi drain that carries the entire industrial discharge of Kosi town into Yamuna in Vrindavan was not correctly reflected in the Oversight Committee's Report.

"The report observes that there was no water in the drain at the time of inspection. The correct position is that it remains perpetually filled with untreated effluents and sewage," the petitioners claimed.

The recommendations given by the committee stated that the concerned authority may be directed to ensure that the bio/phyto remediation works are done properly to maintain the water quality within the limits, as the quality of water in downstream is poorer than that of upstream indicating clearly that the drains falling in river Yamuna in this span are the cause for polluting the water.
Beijing, Dec 23 : Chinese tech giant Huawei has launched 'Watch D' smartwatch made up of a custom-made high hardness aviation aluminium with improved durability and scratch resistance.

Recognising over 70 exercises, the Watch D offers features including heart rate monitoring, sleep tracking, and the ECG and blood pressure features we mentioned previously.

Heart rate detection will be done through an eight-channel high-sensitivity optical sensor, reports GizmoChina.

The smartwatch features a squarish 1.64-inch display and has an HD resolution providing 326 PPI retina-level clarity.

On the app, users can monitor their results for improvements. The feature seems to be similar to the one available in the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4.

A micropump with a size equal to a dime and with a compression capability of 40kPa has been fitted inside, allowing accurate 40mmHg to 230mmHg blood pressure measurement.

As per the website, "of course, such a smartwatch will never replace a real BP monitor but it works and can give you an idea about your health and condition. It can be for quick or everyday use".

It will go on sale in China on 25 December 2021 and cost 2988 Yuan.
New Delhi, Dec 23 : With the government once again failing to table the (much-expected) Cryptocurrency and Regulation of Official Digital Currency Bill, 2021, in the Winter Session of Parliament, former Finance Secretary Subhash Chandra Garg said on Thursday that he had no confidence in the ability of government to figure out the complexities of this new crypto phenomenon.

"I expressed serious doubts when the government had expressed its intent to present the bill, about the introduction of the crypto-assets/currencies bill in the Winter Session of Parliament. I am, therefore, not surprised to see the present situation where there is zero clarity over what is the Bill," Garg told IANS.

This was the second time that the Crypto Bill 2021 was listed on the Parliament's agenda but did not see the light of the day. It was also deferred during the Budget Session of Parliament in February this year.

Garg, a pioneer in formulating policies around crypto, headed the inter-ministerial committee (IMC) that drafted the cryptocurrency bill entitled "Banning of Cryptocurrency and Regulation of Official Digital Currency Bill, 2019".

According to him, the government has been buffeted by two forces in this matter.

First, "the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), believing that crypto-technology and businesses are only in the currency business, has been constantly hammering the government to ban the crypto-currencies and statutorily empower RBI to issue digital bank-notes," said Garg.

"The crypto-currency exchanges, applying the force from the other side, want the government to treat crypto-currencies as assets and statutorily create a regulatory mechanism for the same," he added.

The government seems to be caught up in this crypto storm unable to make up its mind, he noted.

Adding to the government's problems are several critical issues spawned by this new crypto technology phenomenon.

More than addressing the issue of legitimising cryptocurrencies in India in the upcoming bill, the government is now facing deeper challenges like crypto being potentially misused for hawala and money laundering, investments worth billions of dollars escaping to abroad and capital gains tax being avoided by the trade exchanges as well as investors.

With an estimated 15 to 20 million crypto investors, and no clarity on the size of the Indian crypto market, a blanket ban is set to shake up the entire crypto ecosystem and affect millions who have put in their hard-earned money into various crypto trading exchanges.
Sydney, Dec 23 : Authorities in the Australian state of New South Wales (NSW) have reintroduced a mask mandate following repeated calls amid the state's surging Omicron wave.

From midnight Thursday, masks would be made mandatory in all indoor public spaces across the state until January 27, Xinhua news agency reported.

Indoor density limits have also been reintroduced across the state, with all indoor hospitality venues only permitted to have one person per two square metres.

Health restrictions had previously eased in NSW on December 15. Since then, authorities have emphasised "personal responsibility" and resisted a return to mandates.

NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet said on Thursday the biggest prompt to reintroduce the health measures was the impact on healthcare workers, not the number of hospitalisations and people in intensive care.

"What we're seeing at the moment is that many of our health workers, around 1,500 just today, are either sick or unable through testing requirements to be able to come into work," he said.

As of Thursday, 347 people in NSW have been admitted to hospital with Covid, up from 302 reported on Wednesday, and 45 required intensive care, up from 40.

The premier also urged citizens to seek a Covid test only if they needed one, citing the overwhelming of the state's testing facilities.

NSW saw its highest ever daily increase on Thursday with 5,715 new Covid cases, an increase of more than 50 per cent from Wednesday's 3,763 cases. In the last one week the state has recorded over 21,000 cases.
Hyderabad, Dec 23 : Rich tributes were paid to former Prime Minister P. V. Narasimha Rao on his death anniversary on Thursday.

Telangana Governor Tamilisai Soundararajan, state ministers, family members of Narasimha Rao and leaders of various political parties paid floral tributes to the late leader at PV Gnana Bhoomi on the banks of Hussain Sagar lake here.

Speaking on the occasion, the governor recalled the services rendered by Narasimha Rao to the nation. She said the former Prime Minister was an erudite scholar, a statesman and an administrator par excellence.

Home Minister Mahmood Ali, Animal Husbandry Minister T. Srinivas Yadav and Excise Minister Srinivas Goud, Narasimha Rao's daughter and Telangana Legislative Council member Sri Vani and leaders of ruling Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) paid tributes to the former Prime Minister.

Srinivas Yadav remembered the contributions of Narasimha Rao in strengthening the country. He said the late leader's services were not recognised. The minister said the central government did not give him the honour which he deserved as the architect of economic reforms.

Srinivas Yadav recalled that the TRS government conducted year-long centenary celebrations as a befitting tribute to PV, as the former PM was popularly known.

Senior Congress leader V. Hanumantha Rao, BJP leader K. Laxman and others also paid floral tributes.

Hailing from Vangara in Karimnagar district (now in Telangana), PV was India's first and only Telugu Prime Minister. He also had the distinction of being the first Prime Minister outside the Nehru-Gandhi dynasty to complete a full five-year term.

PV, who also served as the Chief Minister of undivided Andhra Pradesh and as a Central minister, was known as a scholar, statesman, a polyglot and an author.

PV, who was elected to the Parliament in 1972, held several cabinet posts under Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi including Foreign Minister from 1980 to 1984.

Described as "political Chanakya' by many, PV managed to complete the full term despite being just short of a majority in Parliament.
December 23 : Actress Pooja Bhatt has been vocal about struggling with alcohol addiction and now as the diva celebrates her fifth year sober, pens a heartfelt note to inspire others get motivated and quit the bad habit, if need be.

Pooja stopped drinking five year, and today celebrated her fifth sober birthday. She took to her social media profile and wrote, Sober is the new sexy! Five years sober today. Gratitude. Humility. Liberty. @jayeshshethofficial #sobrietyrocks #fiveyearssober #soberisthenewsexy #soberisthenewblack #onedayatatime #onestepatatime #gratitude #humility #liberty #love

Apart from being sober, Pooja also made her comeback to with a web-series titled Bombay Begums. The Netflix release was created by Alankrita Shrivastava.

The series featured Pooja Bhatt, Shahana Goswami, Amruta Subhash and Plabita Borthakur in the lead roles, it explored the lives of five ambitious women from various walks of life navigating through their dreams, desires and disappointments, from boardrooms to societys margins, in modern-day Mumbai.

Pooja will come make her comeback to silver-screen as well with Chup  Revenge Of Artist, also starring Sunny Deol, Dulquer Salmaan and Sherya Dhanwantary, helmed by R Balki.
December 23 : Kangana Ranaut on Thursday visited the Khar police station in Mumbai and recorded her statement related to an FIR lodged against her for her alleged derogatory remarks on social media against the farmers protests. The actress was supposed to appear before the police on Wednesday.

After she returned from the police station, the actress took to her Instagram stories and wrote that the country still devalues nationalists. Kangana shared a picture of herself as she reached the Khar police station in Mumbai today. The actor can be seen in a saree with pearl jewellery, but without a mask. Along with the picture, she wrote, Another day another visit to police station hundreds of politically motivated FIRs and hours and questioning 

Image Source: Instagram/kanganaranaut Kangana Ranaut shared a post

In a separate post, the actress shared another picture from her visit to the police station and wrote, This country continues to ill treat and devalue nationalists and if you love your nation you are on your own against a very powerful enemy. Those in power would prioritise vote banks and for that they can even encourage terrorism so its a lonely road and guess what its alright #jaihind.

Image Source: Instagram/kanganaranaut Kangana shared a picture from her visit to the police station

Earlier this month, the Panga actress had moved the Bombay High Court to quash the FIR against her for allegedly hurting the sentiments of the Sikh community.

Kangana Ranaut faces the FIR filed by Amarjeetsingh Sandhu along with leaders of Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC) and Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD). The FIR was registered at the Khar police station last month following the complaint by the Sikh organisation. The police had earlier issued her a notice to question her, but her counsel told the Bombay High Court that she would appear on December 22, which she failed and appeared a day later. Mumbai police had told the Bombay High Court that they will not arrest the actress till January 25, 2022 over her social media post controversy.

Meanwhile, on the work front, Kangana Ranaut is currently busy with Tiku Weds Sheru, starring Nawazuddin Siddiqui and Avneet Kaur. The actress is producing the film, which marks her maiden production venture. Talking about her acting projects, Kangana has Tejas and Dhaakad lined up for release next year. In Tejas, Kangana will be seen as an Air Force Pilot, while in Dhaakad, she plays the role of Agent Agni.
Abuja, Dec 23 : The Nigerian government has destroyed over 1 million doses of Covid-19 vaccines withdrawn from across the country after being identified as having a short shelf life, the media reported.

The National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), which coordinates vaccination in the country, and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control monitored the exercise at a dumpsite in a suburb of Abuja, the Nigerian capital on Wednesday, Xinhua news agency reported.

Nigeria, the most populous African country, took the decision to join other African nations which earlier destroyed doses of Covid-19 vaccines for the same reason, to boost the confidence of Nigerian citizens in the ongoing vaccination programme nationwide, Faisal Shuaib, head of the NPHCDA, was quoted as saying at the dumpsite.

"We withdrew about 1,066,214, doses of expired AstraZeneca vaccine from across the country," he said, noting that the doses of vaccine might still be potent before the Nigerian health authorities took the decision to withdraw them.

According to the Nigerian health authorities, the manufacturers of those doses of vaccine offered to extend the shelf life but it was declined by the Nigerian government.

"The work that we do is the work that requires trust. It is a sacred trust that has been bestowed on us by the generality of Nigerians," Shuaib said. "A few months ago, when these vaccines were offered to us, we knew that they had a short shelf life. But we were living in an environment where the supply of Covid-19 vaccines was very scarce." The senior public health official said Nigeria still had such short shelf-life vaccines which pose a lot of challenges to the country.

More than 10 million people have been vaccinated so far against Covid-19 in Nigeria, according to Shuaib.

According to media reports in early December, over 1 million Covid-19 vaccines are estimated to have expired in Nigeria in November without being used. And the expired doses were made by AstraZeneca and delivered from Europe.

Nigeria's Health Ministry responded quickly and acknowledged some of the vaccine doses which were given by donors had residual shelf lives.

Health Minister Osagie Ehanire explained in a statement that the vaccines which were received in form of donations through international vaccine sharing scheme COVAX and its African counterpart AVAT facility had residual shelf lives, leaving the country with "a limited period to facilitate distribution and usage".

AVAT, or the African Vaccine Acquisition Trust, which has been launched by the African Union, aims to secure vaccine doses to complement initiatives such as COVAX, the global vaccine equity mechanism, and attain a target immunisation of 60 per cent of Africa's population.

Ehanire said the vaccines that expired had been withdrawn and will be destroyed.

The minister said the dilemma is not typical for Nigeria, but a situation many low- and medium-income countries find themselves in. He urged donors "to begin the process early enough and create a well-oiled pathway for prompt shipment and distribution through the COVAX and AVAT facilities, to reduce risk of expiration".
December 23 : Bombay High Court has stayed the proceedings in a criminal defamation suit filed against the lead actor of Gangubai Kathiawadi, Alia Bhatt, its director Sanjay Leela Bhansali, and authors of the book Mafia Queens of Mumbai, S Hussain Zaidi and Jane Borges, in connection with the upcoming film.

In August, the High Court had granted interim stay in the defamation proceeding, which has been extended by the single bench of Justice S K Shinde. In its order, the court said, The issue deserves attention since the right to raise grievances against defamation is limited to family members or close relatives, hence it was important for Mr. Shah to prove he was one of them.

Earlier this year, one Babuji Shah, who claimed to be the adopted son of Gangubai Kathiawadi, had filed a complaint against Alia, Bhansali and his production house. In March, a metropolitan magistrate issued summons against the actress and the director of the film.

Gangubai Kathiawadi is a biographical crime drama film helmed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali and produced by Jayantilal Gada and Bhansali. Besides Alia, the film features Vijay Raaz, Indira Tiwari and Seema Pahwa among others. Ajay Devgn and Emraan Hashmi will also be seen in extended cameos. The film revolves around the life of Ganga, who became Gangubai, a madame in the red light area of Kamathipura. The film is loosely based on a true story in the book Mafia Queens of Mumbai written by Hussain Zaidi. Gangubai Kathiawadi will have its world premiere at 72nd Berlin International Film Festival in February next year. It will release in cinemas on February 18, 2022.

Babuji Shah had alleged in his complaint that The Mafia Queens of Mumbai have some sections which are defamatory and will tarnish his mother's reputation while infringing upon her right to privacy.

Following the complaint, Alia, Bhansali, and the authors named in the complaint moved the High Court against the summons issued against them by the magistrate court.
Mumbai, Dec 23 : Actress Nora Fatehi has presented a blend of diverse cultures and styles from different parts of Africa in her latest song 'Dance Meri Rani'.

Along with popular authentic Afro dance moves hailing from countries like Nigeria, Senegal, and Ghana, Nora has also paid attention to getting the look right as she dons ash blonde light brown curly hair for one of the looks in the song.

Nora said: "Growing up, I was surrounded by beautiful African women, be it my family members, my friends, my mother, who were blessed with beautiful curly Afro-like hair. I was always in awe of the variety of beauty we have in Africa from different shades of skin tones to different textures of hair." She said she has always wanted to celebrate that as an artiste.

"For years I've seen international artistes beautifully represent African hair styles, fashion and dance in various content across the globe. The African in me always wanted to celebrate Afro beauty and Afro dance on a big scale through my art! With 'Dance Meri Rani' I knew this was my chance to do just that." Talking about the fierce look, Nora said: "My looks in the song are a blend of African elements from the diamonte headpiece that gives an Egyptian touch, to the dance moves that stay true to Afro dance styles that come from different parts of Africa and are widely popular amongst the dancers globally, to the beautiful curly hair, that was both a new look for my audience and a form of representation and celebration." "My mother and my sister both have beautiful curly hair, in fact my mom growing up was famous for her honey brown curly Afro, which prompted me to put together the look for 'Dance Meri Rani'.

Nora says she as an artiste has always looked forward to presenting something new and interesting to the audience, so when she saw an opportunity to offer a cross-cultural amalgamation, celebrating the ethnicities of both the regions and representing the different "standards of beauty I made sure I took it".

She said: "I feel really proud to be celebrating African beauty in all different forms, in one single look." "'Dance meri Rani' is a visual treat packed with energetic Afro dance mixed with African beauty on Afro music performed by an African girl (myself) I feel proud! Indian culture is widely celebrated globally, being a Moroccan, I've seen it first hand in Africa, so I thought why not celebrate African culture in India as well."

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
Imran Khan cannot make up his mind about the purpose of the recently held 17th Extraordinary Session of OIC held in Islamabad. During his address to the attendees, he said that it was a 'humanitarian duty' of the world that they help Afghanistan with aid, yet in his second breath he claimed that it was a 'religious duty' of Muslims to help Afghanistan.

Dr Amjad Ayub Mirza Imran Khan cannot make up his mind about the purpose of the recently held 17th Extraordinary Session of OIC held in Islamabad. During his address to the attendees, he said that it was a 'humanitarian duty' of the world that they help Afghanistan with aid, yet in his second breath he claimed that it was a 'religious duty' of Muslims to help Afghanistan.

He said that "no country has suffered as much as Afghanistan". Imran Khan conveniently ignored the fact that the troubles in Afghanistan were concocted in Pakistan. Was it not in order to create the so called 'strategic depth' against India that the Pakistani military ruler General Muhammed Zia Ul Haq (1977-88) began to arm Afghan War Lords against the left wing government of Noor Muhammed Taraki in 1978? And is it not true that for a fist full of dollars the military generals transformed Pakistan into a front line state for western imperialism and China whose only purpose was to bog down the Soviets who had come to defend the Afghan Saur Revolution?

What about the millions of Afghan jihadi, then called the Mujahedeen, trained, armed and then sent into Afghanistan to conduct a civil war in that country?

Imran Khan sheds crocodile tears over the misery that the Afghan people face today blaming it on the previous "corrupt" governments and ignored the fact that today Afghanistan was under the yoke of the most brutal, anti-civilization, drug dealers and smugglers in the form of the Afghan Taliban who have come to power after ousting an elected government and who have since been trampling upon human rights, depriving the ethnic groups of any political representation and failing to stop the export of terrorism by the Afghan based Tehreek e Taliban Pakistan into Khan's own country.

Not all what he said seemed untrue. For instance, Imran Khan said that "if the world does not act this will be the biggest man made (read Pakistan made) crisis". Pleading to the OIC to help Afghanistan, Imran Khan said that it was their religious duty, and that it was "a question of...40 million human beings" yet in Pakistan Occupied Jammu Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan (PoJK, PoGB) 6 million of my people are currently suffering from hunger and face starvation due to lack of Wheat, water and electricity. Already we have spent half of the winter in darkness and food shortage. What about us? Are majority of our people in the PoJK and PoGB not 'Muslims' or human beings? Khan sahib passionately talks about drought in Afghanistan leading to a food crisis but conveniently forgets that it is his own government that has reduced the quota of Wheat for PoGB by 20 thousand bags a month and all Atta depots in the PoJK have been shut down due to lack of flour.

One feels amazed at Imran Khan's desperation in seeking help for his Taliban brothers when he protests against preconditions the world community has set for the Taliban to comply with before they qualify for world recognition.

He said that the preconditions that unless the Taliban have an inclusive government, human rights, women rights, and disallow terrorism from their soil are met the humanitarian aid will not flow and their foreign reserves will not be allowed to or their banking system will not be allowed to function, should not stop the world from aiding the Taliban government! He said that the Taliban foreign minister had categorically said that they wanted to comply with the (above said) three conditions.

Well, as the IOC meeting was in session in Islamabad Afghan Taliban were attacking Pakistan army at the Pak-Afghan border between Chaman in Balochistan and Nangarhar province in Afghanistan. The Taliban held the Pakistan military personnel at gun point and dug up the barbed wire fence laid by Pakistan over the Durand Line claiming that they did not recognise the border between the two countries.

In 1893 Sir Mortimer Durand had sketched the border between British India and Afghanistan and an agreement was signed between himself and the Afghan ruler Abdul Rahman Khan.

According to the agreement, the border was to be recognised by both parties for 100 years. Hence, since 1993 the Durand line agreement stands null and void. The Taliban who took the barbed wire with them have warned that if another attempt to seal the border is made they will not refrain from using force to exert their will.

Similarly, at the time when the OIC was deliberating about humanitarian aid for Afghanistan, the host country was busy constructing concrete bunkers within the 500 meters' buffer zone at the Line of Control between India and Pakistan. It was a shameful attempt by the Pakistan military to provoke India to respond to this breach of mutual agreement by opening fire.

Imran Khan might have thought that once India responds with live ammunition the OIC meeting would become an India bashing event helping him to drag in the so called and fabricated Kashmir issue.

It did not happen. Indian border security force used a megaphone instead and kept warning the Pakistani army to refrain and stop the illegal maneuver.

Imran Khan is a person who will go to any length to procure monetary benefit and in the end Pakistan did manage to get the OIC to agree to set up a Trust Fund for Afghanistan.

This will surely be a kitty from which Pakistan will also draw the much need cash for running of its own administration. Khan's crocodile tears shed at the OIC did not go in vain after all.

( is an author and a human rights activist from Mirpur in PoJK. He currently lives in exile in the UK)
Agartala, Dec 23 : The Tripura University, a central varsity, is keen to introduce diploma courses in Japanese, Korean, Nepali and Manipuri Languages from the next academic session, officials said on Thursday.

Joint Registrar M. M. Reang said that the academic council of the University recently decided to start one-year diploma courses in Japanese, Korean, Nepali and Manipuri languages and to open Post-Graduate Departments and Diploma Courses on National Security Studies, Social Work and Manipuri dance.

"After getting the approval of the University Grants Commission and the Union Education Ministry, the new courses and Departments would start," Reang told IANS.

At present the Tripura University teaches diploma and degree courses in tribal "Kokborok" language.

He said that currently six Bangladeshi students are studying in the central university, set up in 2007.

The Joint Registrar said that Bangladesh High Commissioner in India Muhammad Imran and Agartala-based Assistant High Commissioner Muhammad Zubaid Hussain on Wednesday interacted with Tripura University Vice-Chancellor Prof Ganga Prasad Prasain and other senior officials of the university.
New Delhi, Dec 23 : Former Mossad and intelligence officials have lambasted the former head of Israel's spy agency, Yossi Cohen, following an explosive investigative report that said he had revealed state secrets to a flight attendant with whom he was having an affair, as well as to her then-husband, Times of Israel reported.

In comments reported on Wednesday, a day after the Channel 13 report, one of the former officials described Cohen as "power-crazy" and argued that his actions would have landed a lower-ranking official in jail, the report said.

However, right-wing pundits and social media users in Israel have seemed to rally behind Cohen, rejecting the allegations in a similar fashion to how they have supported Cohen's close associate, former Israel prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the report added.

Channel 13's HaMakor investigative program reported on Tuesday that the affair began in late 2018 and saw Cohen brag to the couple about various secret details from the spy agency's operations around the world, as well as provide them with information on his global travels, the report said.

"He told lots of stories, including about Mossad," Guy Shiker, a well-known figure in Israeli capital markets, and former husband of the flight attendant, who was not named, told the program. "He's a blabbermouth." Shiker said Cohen had told them in detail how he was recruited to the Mossad, how he had discovered the whereabouts of the doctor of an Arab leader, and other classified details, the report said.

According to the report, Shiker had been informed about Cohen's global movements as Mossad chief, including a long flight from Chad to the US after Netanyahu visited the African country as part of warming ties. A separate incident, which reportedly embarrassed Cohen with the top Mossad brass, involved Shiker's discovery of Cohen's movements being reported to the spy chief's deputy.
Patna, Dec 23 : A large number of Brahmins on Thursday assembled outside the official residence of former Bihar chief minister Jitan Ram Manjhi and perfomed a 'Satyanarayan Puja.' This comes as a retaliation to Manjhi's expletive against the community.

They also attempted to enter his residence but were prevented by the police on duty.

"Jitan Ram Manjhi had said that Brahmins cannot eat food in the houses of Dalits. We have assembled here to be fed with his hands," said Yesh Raj, a member of Brahmin community.

"We have organised a Satyanarayan Puja (Worshiping Lord Vishnu) near to his residence and asked Manjhi ji to come here, serve us food and offer "Dakshina" which a Brahmin is entitled to, after any Puja comes under Hindu community," he added.

"We are the followers of eternal religion. Over the years, Jitan Ram Manjhi has been giving statements against Hindu Gods and Goddesses. He has spoken against Lord Rama, Hunumana, etc. We worship every God and Goddess apart from Satyanarayan Puja today. It's up to him to respect us," said Surendra Nath Jha, another member of the community.

It is not the Brahmins, but people like Manjhi who are dividing the society. They create differences among people.

"He has been doing politics in Bihar based on caste and community. He claims to be a leader of Dalit community. If he is giving statements against Brahmins, that means he is asking Dalits to stay away from Brahmins," Jha said.

Another member Himanshu Pandey said: "Jitan Ram Manjhi belongs to a caste (Mushar) which used to eat mouse. If he or any person of his caste serves us the meat, we will not have it. Since Brahmins used to eat Chura (made of boiled paddy) and curd, we will definitely eat the same if he provides us. We want to request Manjhi ji to first serve proper food. We cannot eat mouse." Jitan Ram Manjhi, while addressing his community here on December 19, had made a derogatory remark against Brahmins. He said: "Brahmins used to perform Satya Narayan Puja for our community but do not have food with us. Instead of food, they demand money from us." After coming under fire for his utterances, Jitan Ram Manjhi apologised for his comment. He said that he is against "Brahminism" not against the "Brahmins." The Brahaminism ideology advocate untouchability phenomenon in society. They believe that Dalits are untouchables, he added.
Johannesburg, Dec 23 : India top-order Test batter Cheteshwar Pujara has expressed confidence that his team has the capacity to win a series in South Africa. He added that his experience of touring South Africa and Australia will come handy in the upcoming Test series, starting from December 26 in Centurion.

Citing the past performances of India in Australia and England, Pujara said in an interview to bcci.tv, "I think having done well in England and Australia will make a big difference in this squad's confidence and self-belief that we can win overseas, we can win in any conditions and with our bowling and batting line-up, I am very confident that we have the capacity to win a series in South Africa." Pujara felt that the current Indian batting order can tackle pace, bounce and lateral movement on South African pitches. "Pace and bounce is there, lateral movement is also there. Facing fast bowlers is a big challenge when we go out of India. I feel that this is a much more balanced batting lineup and I think we will be able to handle South Africa's bowling attack. With out preparation, I am confident we will put up a good show." The 33-year-old, who hasn't scored a Test century since January 2019 and has got two half-centuries in the last ten innings, thinks that the experience of playing in South Africa will keep him in good stead. "When I came here in 2011, Dale Steyn and Morne Morkel were at their peak. I visited again in 2013 and 2017, so I understood what is expected. With experience you learn so many things, I feel you start believing in your preparation and don't need to change too much." "Because of my tours in South Africa and Australia, I know the conditions little better than what I had seen in the past. So, with the experience, I know how to prepare, what kind of shots one needs to play and what shots have to be avoided. You get a little clearer with your preparation and mindset." Talking about the preparation since landing in the Rainbow Nation on December 16, Pujara lauded the support staff for the same. "We have the best support staff and most of the players have played in South Africa in the past. It is an experienced side and we know what is expected out of our team. In terms of preparation, all of us are ready and know what is expected. Most of the teams play well in their home conditions and same is the case with the South African team. They have a very good bowling attack and facing them has been challenging." The 33-year-old signed off by saying that the Irene Country Lodge, where the Indian team is staying in a bio-secure bubble, has been the best bubble he has ever been in. "This is the best bubble I have been a part of, where you can just move around freely and you can get fresh air. There is a lot of space to go around, that helps in your mental preparation as you are much more relaxed and you are in an environment where you are close to the nature."
Mumbai, Dec 23 : A Bengaluru-based man has been arrested for allegedly threatening Maharashtra Tourism Minister Aditya Thackeray, son of Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray, police said on Thursday.

The accused has been identified as Jaisingh Rajput, 34 and a self-proclaimed fan of the late Bollywood actor Sushant Singh Rajput, who was found dead in his Bandra home on June 14, 2020.

Moving swiftly, a Mumbai Police Cyber Cell team picked up Rajput from Bengaluru on December 18 and then brought here on a transit remand. He has been sent to police custody for 3 days.

According to police, he had called Thackeray Jr. at least thrice but when the minister did not respond, on December 8, he sent him an abusive and threatening WhatsApp message.

Doling out abuses in the message, Rajput blamed him for the "murder" of the late actor, saying - "Youkilled Sushant Singh Rajput", and made the death threats to Minister Thackeray.

Taking serious cognizance as the issue figured in the Maharashtra legislature on Thursday, Home Minister Dilip Walse-Patil said that a state-level Special Investigation Team will be formed to probe the matter.

When the matter came up in the assembly, Minority Affairs Minister Nawab Malik also got up and said that he had also received several such threats in the past and suspected the involvement of the same group that had murdered rationalists like Dr. Narendra Dabholkar and Govind Pansare.

"The way in which Aditya Thackeray has been threatened, we suspect whether it is linked with the same organisations that killed Dabholkar and Pansare. We have already demanded an investigation into this," Malik said.

Leader of Opposition Devendra Fadnavis supported the demand and sought a probe into such incidents of threats to ministers of the ruling Maha Vikas Aghadi.

Meanwhile, Rajput has been booked under various sections of the Indian Penal Code and IT Act, and further investigations are underway.
Beijing, Dec 23 : Smartphone brand Huawei has unveiled a clamshell-style folding smartphone -- P50 Pocket -- that comes with a circular, 1-inch external display for quick access to notifications and widgets.

The device has been launched in China, though US sanctions (which mean Huawei can't use key tech like Google's Android OS) mean the P50 Pocket won't make any impact in the West, The Verge reported on Thursday.

The company teased the handset earlier this month with a photoshoot focused on the P50 Pocket Premium Edition that appeared in Harper's Bazaar China. This version of the device was created with Dutch designer Iris van Herpen.

P50 Pocket has a gold or silver finish and a 3D pattern on the exterior surface that's typical of van Herpen's work, resembling feathers or leaves. It is Huawei's third foldable phone, but it is first to use a clamshell design, the report said.

When unfolded, the Pocket's OLED screen is 6.9-inches in size, with a 21:9 ratio and 120Hz refresh rate.

The device weighs 190 grams and is just 7.2mm thick. It has a Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 4G SoC, a 4,000mAh battery, and runs Huawei's Harmony OS 2.

The P50 Pocket's main camera array has a 40MP main sensor, 13MP wide angle lens and 32MP "super spectrum" lens. There's a hole-punch camera built into the main display, but Huawei notes that the phone's foldable design makes it more convenient to use the main camera for taking selfies.
Delhi/Chennai, Dec 23 : Member of Parliament from South Chennai, Thamizhachi Thangapandian met Union Environment Minister, Bhupender Yadav at his office in New Delhi on Thursday and petitioned him for sanctioning accord to the Pallikaranai marshland restoration project.

Member of Parliament from Madurai, Su Venkatesan was also present during the meeting. This was announced by Thamizhachi Thangapandian through a press statement.

She informed the Union Minister on the importance of Pallikaranai Marshland and said that it was a wetland and is most critical ecosystem of the country.

The project, Improved Resilience of Urban Ecosystem to Climate Change (IRUCC) is an important environmental project for the Restoration of Pallikarani Marshland in Chennai. The MP said that the project was submitted under the International Green Climate Fund and envisages preventing further degradation of the marshland.

The South Chennai MP said that the proposal was forwarded to the Ministry of Environment by the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD).

Thamizhachi Thangapandian, according to the statement, explained to the minister on the importance of Pallikaranai Marshland in improving the groundwater levels of the region by collecting excess floodwater. She said that a study has revealed a total loss of $38.11 million worth of ecosystem benefit due to the destruction of the marshland.

Thamizhachi Thangapandian requested the Union Minister for Environment, Forests and Climate Change, Bhupender Yadav to approve the project at the earliest as degradation of Pallikaranai Marshland would lead to a major change in groundwater situation in the city and also degradation of environment affecting the people of the local region.
Patna, Dec 23 : A man named as an accused in a murder case was gunned down by an unidentified person on Thursday at a court in Bihar's Gaya district, the police said.

Babu Dhobi was arrested earlier this month along with his aide Terel Yadav for their alleged involvement in a murder case, Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) PN Sahu said.

"The officials of Gaya jail had taken them to the district court for the hearing of this case. When they came to the court premises, a person who was already present there opened fire on them. Babu Dhobi received gunshot injuries on the chest and died on the spot," Sahu said.

After attacking Dhobi, the yet to be identified attacker also chased Yadav but he managed to escape amid all the chaos. The attacker also fled the spot.

"We are scanning the CCTV footage of the court premises to identify the assailant," the DSP said.

"Babu Dhobi and Terel Yadav are active members of local gang. They were involved in a gang war near Vishnu Pad cremation ground and killed a member of other gang in broad daylight early this month. The murder inside district court premises is a revenge killing," the police officers added.
New Delhi, Dec 23 : General Ajmal Omar Shinwari, spokesman for the armed forces of the former Republic of Afghanistan, said there was an alert in August that the intelligence of the neighbouring country (read Pakistan) had hatched a plot to assassinate then Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani, Taand News reported.

Shinwari disclosed this for the first time in a televised interview on the fall of the regime.

He revealed in an interview that five days before the fall of the regime (Sunday, August 15), at a meeting of the National Security Council, information about a plot to assassinate President Ghani was leaked and shared with security official, the report said.

According to him, it was said at the meeting that the intelligence of the neighbouring country (read Pakistan) had hatched a plot to assassinate President Ghani, the report said.

Ajmal Shinwari also said that no document was presented at the meeting regarding this information, but it was said that the lives of some members of the government leadership besides the President were in danger.

In the interview, the former security and defence spokesman accused the President and other high-ranking officials and politicians outside the government of playing their part in the fall of the Republic.

However, he stressed that on the day of the fall of the Republic, the Ministers of Interior and National Defense and the Director General of National Security were in their offices until 5:30 p.m.

According to the former military spokesman, the Presidential Palace was evacuated on the same day and the President left the country, after which the leaders of the security and defence sectors left their office, the report said.

Ajmal Shinwari also said that the military leadership should have taken over the reins of the country after the political turmoil like other countries and prevented the fall.

The former Afghan general acknowledged that senior members of the security and defence forces were appointed on the basis of bias, corruption and injustice, and that these appointments had dire consequence, the report said.

Shinwari made the remarks after ousted President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani said in a video message after leaving Afghanistan: "Citizens of a neighbouring country, along with the Taliban, were returning to the palace after my departure." The Taliban have denied any involvement in the plot to assassinate Ghani and his entourage.
New Delhi, Dec 23 : AstraZeneca's Vaxzevria [Recombinant] significantly boosted levels of antibodies against the Omicron SARS-CoV-2 variant following a third dose booster, according to data from a new laboratory study.

Neutralisation titres for Omicron were boosted following a third dose with Vaxzevria compared to titres after a second dose.

The levels seen after the third dose booster were higher than the neutralising antibodies found in individuals who had been previously infected with and recovered naturally from Covid-19 (Alpha, Beta, Delta variants and original strain).

Sera obtained from individuals one month after receiving the third dose booster vaccination neutralised the Omicron variant to levels that were broadly similar to those observed one month after the second dose against the Delta variant.

Two doses of Vaxzevria have been associated with protection against the Delta variant in real world studies.

The study analysed blood samples taken from individuals infected with Covid-19; those who had been vaccinated with a two-dose schedule and a third dose booster; and those who had reported previous infection from other Covid-19 variants of concern. The study included samples from 41 individuals who had received three doses of Vaxzevria.

The study was performed independently by investigators at the University of Oxford and the findings were posted online on the bioRxiv pre print server.

Professor Sir John Bell, Regius Professor of Medicine, University of Oxford, UK and one of the study investigators, said: "It is very encouraging to see that current vaccines have the potential to protect against Omicron following a third dose booster. These results support the use of third dose boosters as part of national vaccine strategies, especially to limit the spread of variants of concern, including Omicron." Sir Mene Pangalos, Executive Vice President, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca said: "Vaxzevria plays an important role in vaccination programmes around the world and these data give us confidence that the vaccine should be given as a third dose booster. It is also important to look beyond antibodies to better understand how vaccines offer protection against Omicron. As we better understand Omicron, we believe we will find that T-cell response provides durable protection against severe disease and hospitalisations." Data from another laboratory study support Vaxzevria's effect against Omicron, with individuals vaccinated with two doses of Vaxzevria retaining neutralising activity against Omicron, although a decrease was seen compared to the original strain.

In other studies, Vaxzevria has been shown to generate a diverse and durable T-cell response to multiple variants resulting in a broader response than antibodies alone, which could contribute to protection against Covid-19.

AstraZeneca is collecting real world evidence evaluating the effectiveness against the Omicron variant with academic groups in the southern African region. AstraZeneca is also analysing blood samples from participants in the Company's Phase II/III trial to evaluate neutralising activity when given as a third dose booster against Omicron for both Vaxzevria and its investigational next generation Covid vaccine, AZD2816. Data from these studies are expected soon.

Currently available data against variants of concern, excluding Omicron, support the use of a third booster with Vaxzevria as part of a homologous or heterologous schedule.

A sub analysis from the COV001 and COV002 trials demonstrated that a third dose of Vaxzevria given at least six months after a second dose boosted antibody levels six-fold and maintained T cell response.

A third dose also resulted in higher neutralising activity against the Alpha, Beta, and Delta variants, compared with a two-dose regimen. In the trial, the third dose of Vaxzevria was less reactogenic than the first dose.

In addition, the COV-BOOST trial showed that a third dose booster of Vaxzevria induced significantly higher immune responses compared with controls against the Delta variant and original strain following a primary vaccine series of Vaxzevria or Pfizer BioNtech.
Jammu, Dec 23 : Jammu and Kashmir Apni Party decided on Thursday to take out a silent protest march on December 29 against the delimitation commission draft proposals.

Apni Party held a meeting on Thursday that focused on the proposals of the delimitation commission.

Syed Altaf Bukhari, president of the party, told a media conference that Apni Party has outrightly rejected the proposals of the delimitation commission demanding that the commission should revisit the draft.

Bukhari said Apni Party leadership unanimously takes exception to the Delimitation proposal that essentially deviates from the procedures as mandated by the Constitution of India.

He asserted that the Party is of the opinion that the report has been framed in such a manner that suits only one political party.

"Apni Party has a clear stand on this report that defeats the very idea of a secular India. Both the divisions of Jammu and Kashmir have always complemented each other while such arbitrary edicts are aimed to disturb the harmony in J&K. Apni Party will never allow these schemes to succeed", Bukhari said.

He said that Apni Party urges the Prime Minister and Union Home Minister to intervene in this matter of concern and ensure that the Commission's report is based on facts and merit that resonate with scientific approach.

Besides, Bukhari said that the party will take out a peaceful protest on December 29 that will register the dissent against this objectionable move.

"Our party leaders will take out a peaceful march on December 29 wearing black masks which will signify that the voices of the people of Jammu and Kashmir have been silenced. Even the fourth estate is not being allowed to speak lucidly", he said.
New Delhi, Dec 23 : Even five years after demonetisation, curbing the circulation of counterfeit currency in India seems to have remained a distant dream.

India got a breather for just one year post demonetisation, during which there were very few reports of circulation of fake Indian currency notes (FICN). But after a year's of halt, India's western neighbour continued with its nefarious designs to destabilise the country's economy by pumping in fake currency.

The anti-terror unit of Delhi Police -- the Special Cell -- said that since last about four years, many syndicates have again cropped up and started smuggling and circulating FICN in India.

Notably, counterfeiting of currency notes is an offence under the Indian Penal Code. Further, production, smuggling or circulation of high-quality fake Indian paper currency, coin or any other material has been made a terrorist act under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967.

As India's western border is heavily guarded, Pakistan is now using other routes to infiltrate counterfeit money from two neighbouring countries with which India shares its borders.

A Special Cell official told IANS that from the investigation of various cases of big seizures of FICN in Kathmandu (Nepal), Bangladesh and in India after demonetisation, it has been strongly suspected that big consignment of FICN are first brought to Nepal and Bangladesh from Pakistan through Gulf countries by air.

From there, the counterfeit money is smuggled into India through the porous international borders of Nepal and Bangladesh by the the members of global FICN syndicates. Their counterparts and contacts in India further supply the FICN to different parts of the country through a pre-existing network of FICN.

Pertinently, a Memorandum of Understanding has also been signed between India and Bangladesh to prevent counter-smuggling and circulation of fake currency notes.

Training programmes are conducted for the officers of Bangladesh and Nepal Police to develop their competence in the areas of detection, investigation and effective prosecution of cases relating to fake currency.

The major challenge is that the recovered fake currencies are of such fine quality, that it is difficult to distinguish them from the original ones by the naked eye, as the notes have almost similar security features as that of the real currency in terms of texture, fine quality of paper, colour, security thread and watermarks.

The information shared by the Special Cell came in the wake of the arrest of two West Bengal natives who were involved in the circulation of fake currency. It was learnt that both the arrested persons had already supplied FICN amounting to more than Rs 2 crore in the national capital during the past two years.

But what are the steps taken by the Indian government to tackle this menace? Union Minister of State for Home Affairs, Nityanand Rai, had informed the Parliament during the Monsoon Session that a Terror Funding and Fake Currency Cell (TFFC) has been constituted under the National Investigation agency (NIA) to conduct a focused investigation into terror funding and fake currency cases.

He had said that security at the international borders has been strengthened by using new surveillance technologies, deploying additional manpower for round-the-clock surveillance, establishing observation posts along the international borders, erection of border fencing and intensive patrolling.

The maximum punishment for offences related to fake currency is up to life imprisonment.

(The writer can be contacted at ujwal.j@ians.in)
New Delhi, Dec 23 : A day after party veteran and Uttarakhand campaign committee chief Harish Rawat targeted the Congress for not giving him a "free hand", General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Thursday spoke to the former Union Minister to pacify him, sources said.

On Wednesday, in a series of tweets, Rawat had said that "it's time to rest, it has been enough." "Is this not strange? When we have to swim in the sea of election, the party organisation should extend supporting hand, but has rather turned its face the other way and is playing a negative role. I have to swim in the sea where the ruling party has released many crocodiles and my hands and legs are tied.

"Sometimes it feels that I have worked too much and now it's time to rest. I am in dilemma, the new year may show me a way, and Lord Kedarnath will show a path to me," the former Uttarakahd Chief Minister said.

According to sources in the know of things, Rawat is upset over the ticket distribution and that he wants more say in the party affairs.

The Congress has not declared Rawat as the chief ministerial candidate which is the prime demand of his supporters.

Rawat is scheduled to meet former Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Friday.

Meanwhile, some leaders -- Pradeep Tamta, Rajya Sabha MP, and Harish Dhami, an MLA, have come out in Rawat's support.

The Uttarakhand Congress is mired with groupism with Preetam Singh leading a group while former state unit president Kishore Upadhyay has his own group, apart from the Rawat camp.

Rawat, however, has maintained silence since posting the tweets on Wednesday.

The anti-Rawat camp led by Preetam Singh and Upadhyay has told the party leadership not to announce a CM face prior to the polls, and this has upset Rawat who wants a fair share in the ticket distribution.

Sources said that the state leaders have been called to Delhi .

Uttarakhand Congress president Ganesh Gondiyal, Preetam Singh, CLP leader, and others will meet Devender Yadav, the state in-charge to apprise him about the affairs of the party.

Rawat was the in-charge of the party's Punjab affairs when Amarinder Singh was removed from the position of Chief Minister.

His new barb is expected to create trouble for the party in Uttarakhand as it does not have a face apart from Rawat who has a pan-state presence, after the demise of Narayan Datt Tiwari and Indira Hridayesh.
Mumbai, Dec 23 : Ayushmann Khurrana, who was recently seen in 'Chandigarh Kare Aashiqui', feels that cinema can bring about a change in society and that he has tried to contribute towards the cause of inclusivity and equality through his work in films.

Talking about the purpose of cinema, the actor mentions, "I have always believed that cinema can serve a purpose to better society and I hope that such films have done their bit to affect change. I have played a small hand in harbouring a sentiment of equality among my countrymen because I have to credit my visionary filmmakers and script writers for doing the brunt of the work because it is their vision that has triggered the winds of change." In his opinion, a society gets reflected in its films and stories, the actor says, "Progressive films can only be made in a progressive society and the response that 'Chandigarh Kare Aashiqui' is getting is tantamount to the fact that people want to see more and more disruptive content." He thanks his audience for accepting his stories with open arms, "I am thankful to people for being open-minded to see films about a gay couple on screen in 'Shubh Mangal Zyada Saavdhan' and also about a cis-het man and a trans-woman's love story in 'Chandigarh Kare Aashiqui'".

He adds, "When we set out to make 'Chandigarh Kare Aashiqui', our aim was to start an important conversation on inclusivity and equality in India." "It is amazing to see that the film has engaged the nation, is entertaining people and also delivering a powerful message. This shows they are recognising the need for gender parity and inclusivity," he concludes.

Ayushmann will be next seen in Anubhav Sinha's 'Anek' which would mark their second collaboration after 'Article 15', Anubhuti Kashyap's 'Doctor G' and 'Action Hero' directed by debutant Anirudh Iyer.
Washington, Dec 23 : Despite facing several delays due to the Covid-19 pandemic in the last year, NASA had its busiest year of development yet in 2021.

The US space agency in 2021 made history on Mars, continued to make progress on its Artemis plans for the Moon, tested new technologies for a supersonic aircraft, finalised launch preparations for the next-generation space telescope, and much more -- all while safely operating under the shadow of the pandemic.

"At NASA, we turn science fiction into science fact, and we do it daily. From continuing to launch astronauts to the International Space Station (ISS) from American soil to landing the Perseverance rover on Mars and logging the first flight on another planet, 2021 was a banner year for the world's premier space agency and all of humanity," NASA Administrator Bill Nelson said in a statement.

"Next year, NASA will accomplish more daring feats with new discoveries and technological advancements, especially as our Artemis I mission paves the way for future crewed missions to the Moon -- and beyond," Nelson added.

Among the many science accomplishments for the year, NASA continued preparations to launch the James Webb Space Telescope on December 25 from French Guiana, successfully landed the Perseverance rover on the surface of Mars, and piloted the Ingenuity Mars Helicopter -- the first powered, controlled flight on another planet.

Webb is the agency's final launch this year, and was preceded by several other scientific missions launches, including the cosmic X-ray studying Imaging X-ray Polarimetry Explorer (IXPE), the asteroid-studying Lucy spacecraft, the world's first planetary defense test mission - the Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART) - and two CubeSat missions.

NASA welcomed back to Earth the first two sets of commercial crew astronauts to complete expedition missions aboard the ISS and launched Crew-3 to the orbiting laboratory. During the Crew-2 mission, astronauts spent a US record-setting 199 days in orbit, surpassing the 168 days set by Crew-1 mission earlier this year.

This was the 21st continuous year of human presence aboard the ISS, and the busiest yet, the space agency said.

The agency also advanced plans to explore more of the Moon through Artemis, pledging to send the first woman and first person of colour to the lunar surface. To pave the way for future lunar missions with crew, NASA completed stacking of its Space Launch System (SLS) rocket, with its Orion spacecraft for the Artemis I mission.

Artemis I -- an uncrewed flight test of NASA's powerful SLS rocket and Orion spacecraft -- will travel around the Moon in March or April 2022.

In addition, NASA also picked SpaceX to continue the development and demonstration of the first commercial human lunar lander.

This year, the Biden-Harris Administration tapped NASA to join the White House Climate Task Force. The agency also released a climate action plan aimed at averting mission impacts due to climate change.

NASA launched the Sustainable Flight National Partnership, teaming up with industry, academia, and other government agencies to achieve net-zero carbon emissions from aviation by 2050. NASA also continues to validate unique airframe design technologies that will one day allow future supersonic planes to fly quietly.

In 2021, NASA took action to roll out aviation technology to more airports to help save time for passengers, pushing the boundaries of making aeronautics more green and more efficient.

The space agency also advanced technology for exploration, with new concepts that can drive exploration of the Moon, Mars, and beyond - and benefit people here on Earth.
Hyderabad, Dec 23 : Chief Justice of India N.V. Ramana said here on Thursday that he is deeply shocked to hear about the news of explosion that rocked the Ludhiana District Court Complex in Punjab. The blast on Thursday left two persons dead, while at least four persons have been reported injured.

Expressing grave concern at the lack of adequate security in court complexes, Justice Ramana hoped that the law enforcing agencies will pay necessary attention to ensure protection for the court complexes and all the stake holders. Such incidents occurring in quick succession across the country is a worrisome trend, he observed.

Justice Ramana, who is in Hyderabad, called up the Chief Justice of Punjab and Haryana High Court, Justice Ravi Shankar Jha, and enquired about the development.

Justice Ramana offered condolences to members of the bereaved families, and wished speedy recovery of the injured victims.
Bengaluru, Dec 23 : A total of 12 new cases of Omicron variant have been confirmed in Karnataka, taking the state's tally to 31, Health Minister K. Sudhakar said on Thursday.

The Omicron positive patients have returned from Ghana, Nigeria, Switzerland, Denmark, and UK, while some Bengaluru residents have also tested positive for the variant.

The local infectees are two women, aged 20 and 54, and a 56-year-old man. A 27 year-old-male patient in Mangaluru has come from Ghana, while four persons, including a woman, who have come to Bengaluru from the UK, have tested positive. Another patient, a 49-year-old woman, arrived from Denmark.

An 11-year-old girl returning from the UK, a 59-year-old woman returning from Nigeria, and a 9-year-old girl returning from Switzerland have tested also positive for Omicron, Sudhakar said.

Health Department officials said that all infected persons are being treated at designated hospitals.

The flats and residences of Omicron positive patients have been sealed and the primary and secondary contacts of these patients are tracked and tested.

With Christmas and New Year around the corner, Health Department officials are worried and say it is going to be a challenging situation for the government.

Meanwhile, the Health Department has announced that Karnataka has fully vaccinated 75 per cent of its adult population. Bengaluru Urban, excluding the BBMP area, has become the first district in the state to achieve 100 per cent second dose coverage.
Thiruvananthapuram, Dec 23 : The Omicron tally in Kerala has gone up to 29, after five new cases of the Covid variant were reported, state Health Minister Veena George said on Thursday.

She said the new cases include four who arrived through the Kochi international airport from various countries, while the fifth case was reported at Kozhikode, from a passenger who reached the state from the Bengaluru airport.

"Of these cases, 17 arrived from high risk countries, 10 were from low risk countries and two were primary contacts of those who came from abroad. All the above patients are under proper health care and are in good condition," said George.

She issued a warning to all that even with Christmas and New Year round the corner, there should be extra caution and all the Covid protocols should be strictly observed.
Have the relations between India and Indonesia, the two largest democracies and emerging powers in Asia, matured to their full potential, or is it work half in progress? The answer is both yes and no! Over the years, both governments apparently have made conscious efforts to enhance cooperation and give real substance to it. Defence and security cooperation are in place.

In 2018, bilateral relations were elevated to "Comprehensive Strategic Cooperation" which added heft to the building momentum. Cooperation in the field of human resource development, education, science and technology have also been given some attention. However, the potential for trade between the two countries remains severely under tapped. New trade links have been relatively slow to develop and Indian investments in Indonesia have been minimal. Is there a lack of will on the part of both governments or there are some structural weaknesses that account for the glass half-full? Two elements, among others, are crucial in the understanding and analysis of relations between two countries - one is a pull factor and the other is the presence of a critical elite in both countries, who would be batting for widening and deepening their relationships. Except in the case of Singapore and Vietnam, we have not been able to build that critical elite in other Southeast Asian countries, despite our historical and cultural links for centuries. The third is the cultural moorings and their behaviour attributes of each other's decision-makers. Indians, by and large are direct in their communication behaviour, whereas the Southeast Asians are subtle and sometimes inscrutable. Success or failure in diplomacy lies in acquiring the skill in understanding the cultural moorings of the targeted audience. The evolving and the future relationship between India and Indonesia have to be situated within these elements.

What pulls a country towards the other, based on their perceived interests, or the tangible benefits they can derive from the relationship, is the most important driving force. That pull factor was palpable most prominently in the late 1940s and early 1950s, when Indonesia and India needed each other and their interests fully converged. Indonesia badly needed the support of New Delhi in the most difficult period of their nationalist struggle against the Dutch, both material and for support at the United Nations for international recognition of the nascent state. Nehru needed the support of President Sukarno for projecting his non-aligned world view and his leadership into the international arena.

That golden period of our relationship and bonhomie didn't last long. By the time Bandung came, that camaraderie disappeared and we began to drift apart in different directions, particularly during the last days of Sukarno. Even while the relationship became normal during Suharto years, complexities of international relations together with a lack of major economic stakes in each other did not add much substance to it, despite all declarations of usual diplomatic niceties. This is not to undermine the relationship that has grown in multiple areas over the years till date, but only to stress the missing pull factor that drove us closer to each other in the earlier years, notwithstanding the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and joint military exercises, including the recent CORPAT exercises.

To be fair, India and Indonesia do not converge on all important issues of their national interests with their geo-political focus sometimes different. India is an Indian Ocean-centric power, Jakarta's focus is more on the Pacific. For many years, until the coming of President Jokowi, the Indian Ocean had a minor place in Indonesia's military doctrine. Securing Malacca Straits from external intrusion and patrolling it with Malaysia and Singapore was important, but it was over-zealous in restricting it to themselves.

Despite broad hints from New Delhi for participation in the joint patrol, Jakarta did not show any inclination to agree. Jokowi's concept of 'poros maritim dunia' (Global Maritime Fulcrum-GMF) does highlight the importance of Indonesia as the meeting point of Indian and the Pacific Oceans, but it was focussed more to develop and improve the country's inter-island connectivity to derive full benefits of its archipelagic nature. GMF is more geo-economic than geo-political Our threat perceptions also vary, more specifically in regard to China. For us, China is an existential threat and an aggressor that constantly encroaches on our territories. For Jakarta, Beijing, undoubtedly is an occasional trouble-maker by encroaching on its EEZ in the Natunas and engaging in fishing and unless the latter is cautious in the Natunas and understands the "points of sensitivity," the fish-rich waters may turn into a flashpoint. In December 2019, China sparked a major maritime confrontation with Indonesia when dozens of Chinese fishing vessels, along with a coast guard escort, entered Natuna waters. Indonesia responded by summoning China's ambassador and dispatching warships and F-16 fighter jets to patrol the region. The following month Indonesian President Joko Widodo declared there would be "no compromise" on Indonesia's territorial sovereignty, and demonstrated his point two days later by visiting the islands.

The creeping incursions have continued even after that, but in spite of the irritation caused by Beijing's actions, both try to maintain their relations within manageable proportion so that Jakarta does not reach the threshold and look for joining the United States, Japan, Australia and India in their "Quad" grouping.

The QUAD has been perceived in ASEAN as a bid to counter China's growing military and economic might in the Indo-Pacific region, and therefore none have shown any inclination so far to join it. Even while adopting a hedging and soft-balancing strategy vis-A -vis China to secure its territorial sovereignty by building closer cooperation with like-minded countries, including India and strengthening its defence capacities and capabilities, Jakarta tries hard to ensure that Beijing does not get provoked. Indonesia's critical response to the recent formation of AUKUS have to be viewed within that context.

More importantly, Jakarta's economic stakes in China are quite significant. Beijing is not only its largest trading partner, but also the fact that unlike India its trade balance is quite low. The total value of the trade in 2020 reached almost US$79 billion. Exports to China reached US$ 37.4 billion. Meanwhile, the value of imports in the same year reached around 41 billion. China ranks second largest foreign investor in Indonesia with investment realization reaching 4.8 billion in 2020 from 4.7 billion in 2019. It is all due to the BRI projects, which includes the construction of airports in Sulawesi and the Jakarta-Bandung high speed railway. The two could not only contribute in Indonesia's efforts to solve its current account deficit, but also help develop its infrastructure that improves connectivity and reduces transportation and logistical costs.

Such dependence on China has its own costs, no doubt, but the tangible benefits derived from Indonesia's economic linkages with China outweighs those costs. For another reason, Jakarta remains beholden to Beijing for increasing the latter's imports of Crude Palm Oil (CPO) from the former, when it was banned in several countries due to a campaign in Europe and tariff barriers in India.

In comparison, India's trade with Indonesia, although growing fast recently, still pales into insignificance. Indonesia is eying a US$50 billion bilateral trade deal with India by 2025, as the figure has already reached US$ 20 billion last year. Jakarta is keen on enhancing trade and investment ties with India in the area of information technology, health and pharmaceuticals, agro products, automotive components, and tourism related projects. Jakarta sees India as a good investment destination and looking at a comprehensive economic partnership for the mutual benefit of the two countries.

It is these projected flourishing of economic interactions and the resultant development of a mutual stake for each other lies the prospect of maturing of cooperation and synergy in other areas, namely political and strategic. The Comprehensive Strategic Partnership will only then assume greater meaning and substance. For the realisation of some of the expectations and projections, India herself needs to work hard to grow at a much faster rate and become at least a 5 trillion economy, if not more, by 2030. Once that happens, Jakarta will again be pulled towards New Delhi based on a commitment towards democratic values and an open, inclusive rule-based regional order in contrast to China's hegemonic one. Glass will remain half-full till that time.

(Baladas Ghoshal is a former Professor and Chair in Southeast Asian Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi. Views expressed are personal and exclusive to India Narrative) (The content is being carried under an arrangement with indianarrative.com) --indianarrative
London, Dec 23 : Children aged 5 to 11 are three times more at risk of Covid infections as compared to the general population of England, according to a new study.

The study, by Imperial College London, showed that an estimated 4.47 per cent of primary school-aged children had the virus within the period of the study in contrast with 1.41 per cent across the country overall, The Guardian reported.

The researchers, together with market research company Ipsos Mori, analysed data from 97,000 volunteers in England to examine national Covid-19 levels between November 23 and December 14.

The results showed that infections decreased by 40 per cent or more in 12-17-year-olds and those aged 65 and above, reflecting the impact of the vaccination programme. At the same time, the cases increased in adults aged 18-54, and have remained relatively stable in primary school-aged children.

The study showed that the prevalence in children aged 12 to 17 years more than halved from 5.35 per cent to 2.31 per cent. As of December 14, 76.6 per cent children at ages 12 to 17 years had received at least one vaccine dose.

"We estimated that vaccine effectiveness against infection was 57.9 per cent in this age group," wrote Prof Paul Elliott, from the college's School of Public Health, in the paper.

In addition, the prevalence of swab positivity in adults aged 65 years and over fell by over 40 per cent from 0.84 per cent to 0.48 per cent and for those aged 75 years and over it fell by two-thirds from 0.63 per cent to 0.21 per cent.

At these ages a high proportion of participants (more than 90 per cent) had received a third vaccine dose.

"We estimated that adults having received a third vaccine dose had a three- to four-fold lower risk of testing positive compared to those who had received two doses," Eliot said.

"A large fall in swab positivity from among 12 to 17 year olds, most of whom have been vaccinated, contrasts with the continuing high prevalence among 5 to 11 year olds who have largely not been vaccinated," he noted.

The study also showed large falls in swab positivity among people aged 65 years and over, the vast majority of whom have had a third (booster) vaccine dose, reinforcing the importance of the vaccine and booster campaign.

The findings also projected that the rapidly spreading Omicron variant will become the dominant strain across the country more than three times faster than Delta overtook Alpha.

However, the speed of the vaccine rollout to secondary school-aged children and the booster rollout among adults may have helped to curb infection rates among other age groups, researchers said.
New Delhi, Dec 23: With the deepening of Sri Lankas foreign exchange crisis, India could look at coming out with a currency swap mechanism to keep bilateral trade and investments going. According to sources, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has already held discussions on such an arrangement. The arrangement would come as a "big relief" to Indian exporters.

The mechanism could entail a swap of a particular amount of money pegged with the US dollar. For example, if the swap mechanism is decided for a sum of $100 million, then the RBI will provide Indian rupees to Colombo that is equivalent to the said amount while it will receive Sri Lankan currency in lieu of it.

The arrangement will allow Indian exporters to continue supplying goods to the island nation as they would get paid in rupee. Indian importers sourcing goods from Colombo, on the other hand, will make the payment in Sri Lankan currency. Now, considering at the end of a specified period of the arrangement, India has Sri Lankan currency left with it, the Indian investors can use that for investing in the island nation.

"This will help both countries continue with the required trade and investments even as Sri Lanka's forex reserves are depleting," a person familiar with the development told India Narrative.

India is Sri Lanka's second largest trading partner after China.

Sri Lanka's foreign exchange reserves further dropped to $1,587 million in November 2021 - the lowest since May 2009. In October, Sri Lanka's forex reserves stood at $2,269.2 million recorded in October. The country's forex reserves are just enough to cater to a month's imports.

The crisis has also prompted Colombo to offer incentives to Sri Lankans living overseas to expand their remittances. The country's central bank said on December 1 that it "has decided to pay an incentive of Rs. 8.00 per US dollar for workers' remittances, in addition to the existing incentive of Rs.2.00" under the "Incentive Scheme on Inward Workers' Remittances." Earlier, Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa declared a state of emergency after sharp fall in its currency and surge in food prices, triggered by a near erosion of foreign exchange reserves.

(The content is being carried under an arrangement with indianarrative.com) --indianarrative
Guwahati, Dec 23 : A total of 67 cadres of the banned Dimasa National Liberation Army (DNLA) militant outfit surrendered to the Assam government on Thursday and deposited a large cache of arms and ammunition, officials said.

The DNLA militants laid down their arms and ammunition before Additional Director General of Police, Special Branch, Hiren Nath and Karbi Anglong Autonomous District Council Chief Executive Member, Tuliram Ronghang during a ceremony held at Dhansiripar in Karbi Anglong district.

Assam Chief Minister Himanata Biswa Sarma welcoming the extremists into the mainstream, tweeted: "Committing themselves to the dream of Hon PM & Hon HM of progressive and peaceful Assam, I am glad to share that 67 cadres of DNLA laid down weapons today at Dhansiripar, Karbi Anglong".

The DNLA extremists have deposited two AK 47 rifles, nine pistols, nine locally made improvised guns, and over 300 cartridges.

The DNLA had announced a ceasefire in September and then 46 cadres of the group had surrendered on November 13.

DNLA leaders Ithika Diphusa and Musrang Dimasa said that soon 50 more cadres of the outfit would surrender in Cachar district.

The DNLA, which was formed in 2018 to demand a sovereign and independent Dimasa nation, reportedly carried out extortion and abduction activities in Dima Hasao and the adjoining Karbi Anglong districts. The Dima Hasao district, formerly North Cachar District, one of Assam's three hill districts, was earlier a hotbed of militant activities, but in the recent years, has not seen any major extremist violence.
Panaji, Dec 23 : The Congress on Thursday accused Goa's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party of raking religious issues ahead of the 2022 Assembly polls, with its state chief Girish Chodankar alleging that the BJP rakes religious sentiments only when it is staring at electoral defeat.

"The BJP has accepted its defeat in Goa because when the BJP feels it is losing, they start remembering gods, religion, and temples. The CM has made a statement about building temples. Build temples, but for ten years. they spoke nothing about temples, they do it just before elections, when their frustrations rise," he said.

"The Goa CM has raised the temple issue, because the BJP is desperate. They know they are losing, they have seen the people's sentiment," he added.

Chief Minister Pramod Sawant at a government function on December 21, said that there was a need to rebuild temples which were destroyed by the Portuguese during the colonial regime.

"There are other temples which need to be re-established. In the 60th year of Liberation, we have to start rebuilding temples destroyed by the Portuguese. I do not ask for anything. I request you for the strength to preserve Hindu and temple culture and re-establish those temples and culture," he had said.

"The Portuguese started destroying temples. In 1560, the deity Manguesh was moved from Cortalim (South Goa village) to this place (Mangueshi village) by our ancestors. I thank them for it. God and religion are very important to us," he had added.

In wake of Sawant's statement, Chodankar said that the BJP's belief in Hindu gods and religion is awakened only ahead of elections.

"The BJP does not believe in Hindu religion and Hindu gods. They only think about Hindu gods and temples during elections," he said.
Shillong, Dec 23 : Meghalaya Assembly Speaker Metbah Lyngdoh on Thursday recognised the merger of 12 Congress members with the Trinamool Congress (TMC), a month after the legislators led by former Chief Minister Mukul Sangma switched their alliance. The Speaker also rejected a petition by the Congress to disqualify the lawmakers.

"After examining in detail all the 12 petitions filed by the petitioner M. Ampareen Lyngdoh -- a Congress MLA, and the comments received from all the 12 respondents, under the 10th Schedule to the Constitution does not attract disqualification," the Speaker said in his order.

Another notification issued by Andrew Simons, Commissioner and Secretary of the Meghalaya Assembly, said the Speaker recognised all the 12 individuals as TMC members.

Congress leader Ampareen Lyngdoh had earlier said they have decided to support the National Peoples' Party (NPP)-led Meghalaya Democratic Alliance (MDA) government on the aspect of governance in the greater interest of the people of Meghalaya.

"The Congress Legislature Party (CLP) has decided to focus on all the important agenda together with the government in the interest of the people," CLP leader Lyngdoh had said, adding that they had communicated their decision to the Chief Minister last week.

The BJP, along with two MLAs, and several other local parties are the partners of Meghalaya's MDA government headed by Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma, who is also the president of the NPP, the dominant party of the MDA government.

With the latest development in the northeastern state, the Trinamool Congress has now officially got legislators in Meghalaya after West Bengal, where the party is in power since 2011.

TMC sources said that the party supremo and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, and the party's national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee would visit Meghalaya after Christmas (December 25).

After this year's West Bengal assembly election success, Mamata Banerjee has been trying to expand her party's footprint beyond Bengal.
Guwahati, Dec 23 : The Assam Assembly on Thursday passed the Assam Cattle Preservation (Amendment) Bill, 2021 to curb smuggling and illegal trade of cattle to Bangladesh.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma assured the members that there would be no curb on cattle rearing for farming purposes, adding that the government is trying to restrict transportation of catle to the districts along Bangladesh border to stop cross-border smuggling.

"We are trying to put an end to indiscriminate cow slaughter in the state," said Sarma.

The Chief Minister said that those involved in illegal cattle trade and smuggling would be punished.

"The government is also trying to increase milk production in the state," Sarma added.

The Assam Cattle Preservation (Amendment) Bill, 2021 was tabled on the opening day of the ongoing Winter Session of the Assembly by Industry and Commerce Minister Chandra Mohan Patowary, seeking to amend the Assam Cattle Preservation Act, 2021 to allow inter-district transportation of cattle for agricultural and animal husbandry purposes, except in eight districts bordering Bangladesh and Bhutan.

The BJP government had enacted the law to preserve and prevent illegal trade of cattle by passing the original Bill on August 31, triggering a controversy in the state.

The Act seeks to "ensure strict implementation of the penal provisions of the Act", streamline the investigation procedure and it has the provision that with the permission of the court, auction would be conducted for the seized vehicles, boats, vessels etc. which are found to be carrying the cattle.

Any breach of the provisions of the new law entails imprisonment of up to eight years and a fine of up to Rs 5 lakh.

At the tine, the leaders of the opposition Congress, the All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF) and the CPI-M had separately said that the BJP government brought the cattle law without any discussion with the opposition parties.

They also said that the ruling party brought the law without studying the issue properly.

Smuggling of cows and other cattle to Bangladesh is rampant in the five states of West Bengal, Tripura, Meghalaya, Mizoram and Assam, which share 4,096 km borders with the neighbouring country. Large portions of the borders are unvenced and riverine.
Hyderabad, Dec 23 : After completion of the first phase of campus placements, and waiting for the second phase to begin, the mood at Indian Institute of Technology, Hyderabad (IIT-H), is definitely upbeat. Despite the uncertainties of a world that is yet to come to terms with the Covid pandemic, the relatively young premier technology institute, garnered its highest placements tally since its inception in 2008.

In the first phase of campus placements that were held in the first week of December, IIT-H witnessed 466 offers, including 34 international offers, made from 104 companies. The recruiters that made a beeline for IIT-H this year include Flipkart, Indeed, Infurnia, JP Morgan, Meesho, Microsoft NTT AT, Newzera, Silicon Labs, Suzuki Motor Corp, TSMC, and Zomato.

Compensation packages making the rounds in the first phase ranged from an average of Rs 23 lakh, to this year's highest annual package of Rs 65 lakh.

While around 650 students have registered for placements across departments in 2021-22, a total of 210 companies have registered for participating in the campus placements. In comparison, only 195 companies had registered for the whole of 2020-21.

Expressing delight on their best placements season so far, Prof. BS Murty, Director, IIT-Hyderabad, said: "We believe in creating industry-ready talent pool and I am confident that the measures being taken for the past one year will certainly fetch the appropriate dream jobs for the students. The various initiatives taken in the last two years like Semester-long Internship for B.Tech, Interdisciplinary M.Tech, industry lectures, industry-defined M.Tech projects and so on, have started yielding results and we will continuously improvise on it." The first graduating batch of interdisciplinary M.Tech programmes like M.Tech in Smart Mobility has seen a 100 per cent placement in the first phase of the placement process. Several India-based startups and companies are among the top recruiters this year, with as many as 10 start-ups making 36 offers this year.

Prof. C Krishna Mohan, Dean (Public & Corporate Relations) said: "We have revamped the placement office at IIT-Hyderabad to Office of Career Services two years back with the sole objective to take care of overall career development of the students including the counselling to decide the appropriate career. A targeted goal is conducive to achieving, as evident from this year's placements." In view of the circumstances brought about by the pandemic, the entire process was held online with students attending job interviews from their respective homes across the country.

Dr. Abhinav Kumar, Faculty In-Charge (Office of Career Services), said: "The OCS student team has been working hard supported continuously by our OCS staff. Even during these pandemic times, we are glad to see the placement season at IIT-H has started on a positive note." A positive trend was evident in the case of international offers also, this year.

Compared to 30 offers from 8 companies in 2020-21, during the current placement year, 34 international offers have already been received from seven companies across 2 countries, namely Japan and Taiwan. More international offers are expected in phase-2 which begins in January 2022. As a relatively new institution, IIT-H has been looking at ways and means of standing out of the crowd.

"Each IIT is uniquely placed in terms of its industry interactions and placements. For example, IIT-H has a unique relationship of research, collaboration and career opportunities with Japan. This relationship is further strengthened with an increasing number of Japanese companies regularly visiting the IIT-H campus for internship and placements. One of its kind Japan Day, organised by IIT-H is a unique testament to this bond. Of the 34 international offers received in phase 1, the majority are from Japan," Dr. Abhinav Kumar elaborated.

One of the eight new IITs established by the Central government in 2008, IIT-H has emerged as a leading academic institution with a strong research focus.

It currently has 245 full-time faculty, 3,871 students, around 200 state-of-the-art laboratories, and five research and entrepreneurship.
Hyderabad, Dec 23 : The Telangana High Court on Thursday directed the state government to impose restrictions on public gatherings during festivals and New Year celebrations in view of Omicron.

The court asked the government to issue orders within three days to curb public gatherings during Christmas, New Year celebrations and Sankranthi.

A division bench of Chief Justice Satish Chandra Sharma and Justice N. Tukaramji gave the directions while hearing petitions about Covid-19 situation.

The petitioners brought to the court's notice that cases of Omicron, the new variant of Covid-19, are on the rise in the state. They also submitted that during official functions, political programmes and celebrations, basic precautionary measures like wearing of masks are not being followed. They also told the court that in the coming days, there will be more public gatherings for festivals and New Year celebrations.

Responding to these submissions, the court asked the government to take necessary steps to prevent large public gatherings. It pointed out that states like Delhi and Maharashtra have already imposed the restrictions.

The court also suggested that the authorities conduct Covid-19 tests on the state borders and at railway and bus stations to check the spread of Omicron.

The state government was directed to implement the guidelines issued by the Centre on December 21.

The court orders came a day after Telangana reported a spike in Omicron cases. As many as 14 new Omicron cases were reported on Wednesday, pushing the state's tally to 38.

Meanwhile, Director of Public Health Dr G. Srinivasa Rao said no Omicron cases were reported on Thursday. Six of the passengers from "at risk" countries tested positive for Covid-19 and their samples were sent for genome sequencing to find out if they were infected by the new variant or not.

Results of genome sequencing reports of 10 cases were awaited.

A total of 10,029 passengers arrived at Hyderabad Airport from 10 "at risk" countries since December 1. Of them, 648 arrived on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, 177 new Covid cases were reported in the state on Wednesday, pushing the cumulative tally to 6,80,251. One person succumbed to the infection, taking the death toll to 4,018.

A total of 190 cases recovered during the last 24 hours taking the recovery rate to 98.88 per cent. Health officials said 3,596 cases are under treatment/isolation.
Chennai, Dec 23 : Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin on Thursday launched the 'Meendum Manjappai' campaign aimed at creating awareness on the usage of cloth bags instead of single-use plastic bags.

The campaign is being organised by the state pollution control board.

The Tamil Nadu government has taken a policy decision after Stalin assumed office as Chief Minister to promote use of cloth bags for shopping, and to stop the usage of plastic bags.

The state pollution control board is conducting an exhibition of items that can be used as alternative to plastic bags.

The programme was inaugurated at Kalaivanar Arangam on Wallajah road.

In his inaugural address, Stalin said: "The environmental problem is the greatest problem faced by the mankind, and a cloth bag is perfect for the environment." He also called upon the people to reduce the use of plastics, and to try and replace plastic with clothes.

The programme was also attended by Tamil Nadu Environment and Climate Change Minister Meyyanathan, Forest Minister Ramachandran, senior ministers, MPs, and MLAs.

The campaign aims at reducing the single-use plastic that causes damage to the environment.

The Tamil Nadu government has already banned 14 types of plastic materials.

Rajesh Mukundarajan, an environmentalist, and director of Erode Advocacy Group, an organisation for environmental conservation, told IANS: "The state government entering this awareness campaign is a welcome sign and the Chief Minister himself taking the initiative will give a clear message to the people of the state." The pollution control board officials have recently conducted raids at illegal plastic bag-making units after appealing to the people to provide inputs on such illegal plastic bag-making units that are manufactured in residential areas.
Patna, Dec 23 : After purportedly drinking of lakhs of litres of confiscated liquor, rats of Bihar have been blamed for an expensive diagnostic machine at a hospital in the state's Jahanabad district going kaput.

The officials of the referral hospital at Makhdumpur claimed that rats have chewed through an x-ray machine worth Rs 22 lakh.

The incident came to light after opposition Rashtriya Janata Dal MLA Satish Kumar inspected the hospital on Thursday after he was informed that the machine was destroyed by rats.

"We have learnt that a large number of patients are being asked to do x-ray outside the hospital. Being a local MLA, I went there for the inspection of the hospital. The medical superintendent of referal hospital Makhdumpur said that the x-ray machine is not functional as it was bitten through by rats," he said.

Following the incident, the MLA demanded the arrest of the real "rats" or the "corrupt officials" of the hospital.

Blaming rats for various things going missing or defunct is not a new thing. In fact, Bihar police and civil administrations of various districts had filed an affidavit before the court in May 2017, saying that lakh of litres of liquor, seized by police and kept at various police stations in Bihar, had been consumed by rats.

Following those affidavits, RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav had sought the identification of "those rats", or corrupt officials, that are drinking liquor.

Following the latest incident, RJD spokesperson Ritu Jaiswal said: "Rats (corrupt officials) are biting the chair of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. This government will fall soon." However, the ruling Janata Dal-United's chief spokesperson Neeraj Kumar said: "RJD should not play games... This government will complete the tenure of 5 years."
Mumbai, Dec 23 : The Reserve Bank of India on Thursday extended card tokenisation deadline by six months till June 30, 2022, from the earlier deadline of December 31, 2021.

"The timeline for storing of CoF (card-on-file) data is extended by six months, i.e., till June 30, 2022; post this, such data shall be purged," it said in a notification.

"In addition to tokenisation, industry stakeholders may devise alternate mechanism(s) to handle any use case or post-transaction activity that currently involves or requires storage of CoF data by entities other than card issuers and card networks." The RBI's card tokenisation guidelines mandated replacing the actual card data with encrypted digital tokens, which are then used to facilitate and authenticate transactions.

The devaluation of sensitive card details would have alleviated risk and reduced vulnerability of sensitive data. However, industry bodies urged the RBI to extend card tokenisation deadline beyond December 31, 2021.

The Merchant Payments Alliance of India (MPAI) and the Alliance of Digital India Foundation (ADIF) had recently urged the central bank to extend the CoF tokenisation deadline of December 31 for merchants.

Citing several operational challenges that will hinder the transition to the token-based payments ecosystem, the industry bodies voiced their concerns over industry readiness on the RBI directive on card-on-file tokenisation.

The MPAI and ADIF said that 'ecosystem readiness' is a sequential process of going live with stable API (application programming interface) documentation for tokenised transactions. The digital payments ecosystem is a long way from consumer-ready solutions and unless regulated entities are compliant, merchants will not be able to successfully process tokenised transactions, they said in the joint letter.
Srinagar, Dec 23 : Two terrorist associates, linked with proscribed terror outfit LeT, were arrested in Jammu and Kashmir's Budgam and incriminating materials recovered from their possession, officials said on Thursday.

Police said acting on specific input, a joint team of Budgam police, the army's 2 RR and the CRPF apprehended two terrorist associates from Magam area of Budgam.

They have been identified as Mohammad Shafi Ganai, resident of Kawoosa Khalisa and Zahoor Ahmad Chopan, resident of Mamoosa Pattan. Incriminating materials were recovered from their possession.

"During the preliminary investigation, it was revealed that both the arrested terrorist associates were in touch with LeT commanders and were involved in providing logistics, shelter as well as transportation to the terrorists of proscribed terror outfit LeT operating in areas of Kawoosa, Razwen, Rathsun, Mazhama, Pinjoora, Kunzar, Mamoosa areas," police said.

Police have registered an FIR and further investigation is under process.
Hyderabad, Dec 23 : A fresh row has erupted over the demand for renaming Hyderabad as 'Bhagyanagar' after a Central minister said that there should be no objection to the move.

Union Minister of State for Railways, Raosaheb Danve, said on Wednesday that there should be no objection to rechristening Hyderabad as Bhagyanagar.

He justified the demand after the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) referred Hyderabad as Bhagyanagar while announcing a three-day meeting here in the first week of January 2022. The meeting is planned to review the working of affiliated organisations and preparations for the upcoming Assembly elections scheduled to take place in five states early next year.

"The Samanvay Baithak (coordination meeting) of the chief functionaries of various organisations inspired by the RSS working in different areas of social life will be held from January 5-7 at Bhagyanagar, Telangana," the RSS had tweeted on December 21.

The tweet reignited the debate on the demand to rename Hyderabad. Several BJP leaders defended the demand and pointed out that they have been using Bhagyanagar for a long time.

Ruling Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) leaders alleged that the BJP wants to do divisive politics by demanding the change of name of Hyderabad.

"Hyderabad has Ganga Jamuni Tehzeeb, but BJP wants to disturb this by raking up such issues," said TRS leader K. Krishan.

He alleged that the BJP is not bothered about development and only talks of changing the name of cities, dress or eating habits to do politics.

He recalled that BJP had also raised the demand during the elections to Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) last year.

While campaigning for GHMC polls, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath had called for changing the name of Hyderabad.

"Some people were asking me if Hyderabad can be renamed as Bhagyanagar. I said why not. I told them that we renamed Faizabad as Ayodhya and Allahabad as Prayagraj after the BJP came to power in Uttar Pradesh. Then why can't Hyderabad be renamed as Bhagyanagar," Yogi had asked.

The All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM), a key political force in Hyderabad, is strongly opposed to the demand.

AIMIM chief and Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi has said that the entire generation of those who want to rename Hyderabad will end, but even then the city's name will not change.
Srinagar, Dec 23 : A senior engineer of the Jammu and Kashmir's Rural Development Department (RDD) was arrested while accepting a bribe in Ramban district on Thursday, the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) said.

An ACB statement said it received a complaint that RDD Executive Engineer Madan Lal was demanding bribe of Rs 5,000 for releasing the complainant's payments for the work done under Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) programme.

"On receipt of the complaint a discreet verification was conducted by ACB and on the basis of findings of the enquiry officer, prima facie offences under section 7 of the Prevention of Corruption Act 1988 (as amended in 2018) was found made out against the alleged accused.

"Accordingly, case FIR was registered under section 7 of the PC Act 1988 (as amended in 2018).

"During the course of investigation, a trap team was constituted, which laid a successful trap and caught the accused red-handed while demanding and accepting bribe of Rs 4,000 from the complainant," it said.

The accused was arrested on the spot by ACB team, and later, searches were also conducted at the office premises/residence of the accused, the ACB statement said, adding that further investigations were on.
New Delhi, Dec 23 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi, chairing a high-level meeting on Thursday to review the public health response measures for containing and managing Covid-19 and strengthening health infrastructure including availability of drugs and oxygen cylinders amid the growing Omicron scare, called for prompt and effective contact tracing, ramping up of testing, and accelerating vaccination.

He was briefed about the emerging scenario globally driven by the new variant, with an overview of surge in cases in countries having high vaccination coverage and presence of Omicron variant. He was also apprised of the technical brief and priority actions recommended by the WHO in the context.

A snapshot of the status of Covid-19 and its Omicron variant in the country, including states reporting a higher number of cases, districts reporting higher positivity, and higher number of clusters was presented to him. He was also briefed about the actions taken when the first advisory of the Health Ministry was shared with the states.

The PM directed the officials to maintain a high level of vigil and alertness at all levels. He directed the Centre to work in close coordination with the states to support their efforts of public health measures of containment and management under the 'Whole of Government' approach.

"The strategy of the Centre for proactive, focussed, collaborative and cooperative fight against the pandemic should guide all our future actions," he said.

"In view of the new variant, we should be 'satark' (alert) and 'saavdhan' (cautious). The fight against the pandemic is not over and the need for continued adherence to Covid safe behaviour is of paramount importance even today," he stressed.

The PM directed the officials to ensure that the health systems in the states, beginning from the district level, are strengthened to meet any challenge posed by the new variant. It is important for states to ensure that the oxygen supply equipments are installed and fully functional, he said.

He also told the officials to work with the states on a regular basis and review the status of preparedness of various components of health infrastructure including training and capacity building of human resources, timely availability of ambulances, readiness of states to operationalise Covid facilities for institutional quarantining, and effective and supervised monitoring of those in home isolation.

Heightened and close monitoring of emerging clusters and hotspots through and active, prompt and effective surveillance should continue, he stated. He directed for sending a good number of positive samples for genome sequencing to INSACOG labs in a prompt manner, while accelerating the testing to ensure quick identification of cases for timely containment and treatment.

The PM said that teams should be sent to the states with low vaccination, rising cases, and insufficient health infrastructure to assist them improve the situation.

Apprised that more than 88 per cent of the eligible population is administered the first dose of Covid-19 vaccine and more than 60 per cent the second dose, he said that states need to ensure that the eligible population is fully vaccinated and to proceed to meet the target in a saturation mode.
New Delhi, Dec 23 : A 47-year-old man from Bihar was arrested by the Delhi Police's Economic Offence Wing for cheating women victims, in connivance with other co-accused, of over Rs 2 crore.

The accused, identified as Manish Singh, a native of Siwan district, duped people on the pretext of paying higher rate of interest on monthly basis and persuaded them to invest in Multi Level Marketing (MLM) schemes.

Joint Commissioner of Police, Economic Offences Wing, Chhaya Sharma said the present case was registered under sections 420, 406 and 120B of the Indian Penal Code on the complaint of several victims.

The complainants alleged that Manish Singh and others induced them to invest in MLM schemes and after some time, neither paid the interest nor returned the invested amount.

During investigation, it was established that the accused persons collected an amount from the housewives in Rohini area at large. There were a total of 39 investors and the amount involved was more than Rs 2 crore.

The DCP said accused Singh and his associates were involved in running committees in Rohini area wherein they used to pay regular return for a few months, and then, stop.

They targeted only women, especially housewives, who easily succumbed to their promises of higher returns.

"They also knew that most of the ladies had savings which were concealed from their family members. As a result, many ladies did not even approach police as they feared backlash from their family members. The accused used this fear," the DCP said.

Nabbing the culprit was difficult as he was absconding and not residing at his rented residence, however, a breakthrough happened when it was learnt that a package was about to get delivered on the locked address but the courier company refused to deliver it on that address.

"With the help of the courier company, Manish Singh was arrested when he came to take delivery at his locked residence," the police said, adding efforts are on to nab other accused in the case.
Hyderabad, Dec 23 : The Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) has approved hydroxyurea for treatment of Sickle Cell Anaemia.

The CSIR-Sickle Cell Anaemia (CSIR-SCA) Mission, coordinated by the CSIR-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CSIR-CCMB) with the help of Cipla, one of the manufacturers of hydroxyurea and with active support from CSIR-IIIM, had approached the DCGI for approval.

A committee of experts constituted by Central Drug Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) critically evaluated the proposal and approved marketing of hydroxyurea for treatment for SCA, subject to Post-marketing Surveillance, said the CCMB on Thursday.

The approval currently legalises the drug to be used at standard doses for treatment of SCA. It also sets up a stage for designing various formulations of smaller dose sizes that promise higher compliance rates in SCA children and may even lead to syrup-based formulations, the CCMB said.

"This is a landmark achievement for the sickle cell anaemia community. This adds to the advantages of identifying the patients through a targeted screening programme. While one of the major focuses of the screening programme is to avoid birth of affected children through genetic and social counselling, this approval provides comprehensive treatment to the identified patients. The message now needs to reach clinicians across the country so that they can use hydroxyurea regularly for their patients," said Dr Giriraj R Chandak, Chief Scientist at CSIR-CCMB and Mission Director, leading the CSIR-SCA Mission.

SCA is a common genetic disorder among Indians affecting the red blood cells. It is transmitted by parents who carry a defective beta globin gene without suffering themselves. Close to 0.4 per cent of the population suffers from the disease while 10 per cent people are carriers who lead to birth of new SCA patients.

The disease is well-known in tribal populations as well as prevalent in general populations in states like Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Odisha. The disease starts early in life, and the affected children have persistent pain, low amount of haemoglobin (anaemia), low energy, reduced growth plus other abnormalities and multiple episodes of frequent severe pain better known as vaso-occlusive crisis.

Like most of the genetic disorders, SCA has no cure but has symptomatic treatments for pain, anaemia, and vaso-occlusive crisis. One of the rather inexpensive drugs, hydroxyurea, largely used as an anti-cancer agent is also used in SCA treatment without any formal approval. The commercially available hydroxyurea formulations are made with its anti-cancer role in mind, and hence, are of big quantity size (minimum 500 mg).

SCA children are typically of low weight, and consequently, their dosage size needs to be much smaller. Given the fixed and larger size of currently commercially available Hydroxyurea capsules, it is difficult to give the correct doses to SCA patients. Although there is robust response to hydroxyurea therapy, the complexity and cumbersome nature of disbursing the right dose leads to low compliance and sometimes unpredictable response.

Under CSIR-Sickle Cell Anaemia (CSIR-SCA) Mission with 6 CSIR labs and 3 Government hospitals in Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, and Maharashtra, scientists and clinicians are trying to address various lacunae in SCA diagnosis and disease management. The focus is on identifying the patients through population-based screening in states with high disease prevalence and helping the family with proper treatment and preventing the disease in the next generation. One of the major objectives of the Mission has been obtaining approval for use of hydroxyurea for treatment of SCA.
Bhopal, Dec 23 : The Madhya Pradesh government has decided to impose a night curfew between 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. across the state Thursday onwards amid a growing fear of a possible third Covid-19 wave following the detection of the new Omicron variant -- cases of which have been reported in some states including the neighbouring Gujarat and Maharashtra.

In an announcement on late Thursday evening, Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said: "We can impose curfew during night hours (between 11 p.m. to 5 a.m.) If needed, some more measures will be implemented." "Omicron has reached 16 states and people are coming from these states. The possibility cannot be ruled out that cases of this variant will come in Madhya Pradesh. Omicron spreads very quickly," Chouhan added.

The move is as an attempt to minimise the spread of new Covid cases in Madhya Pradesh at a time when some other states have witnessed a marginal surge in new cases, including the new Omicron variant.

Though reports suggest that the number of daily cases has started increasing in Madhya Pradesh and several samples of new cases have been sent to Delhi for testing, the state is yet to officially report any Omicron cases.

The Madhya Pradesh government lifted all Covid-19 restrictions on November 17, permitting all activities including social, political, religious etc.

As per the data, as many as 30 new cases of Covid have been detected in the last 24 hours in Madhya Pradesh.

The Chief Minister said that the state needs to be alert and prevent the third wave of Covid-19.

He appealed to the people to take measures to ensure that the infection does not spread. He also urged the people to follow measures like wearing a mask, not leaving the house unnecessarily, and getting vaccinated.

"If someone gets infected in his house and there is no place of isolation, he will be admitted to the hospital," he said, adding: "We had already decided that if children go to the school, classes will function at 50 per cent capacity," he said.
Belagavi : , Dec 23 (IANS) The Karnataka Assembly on Thursday passed the Anti-conversion Bill amid uproar by the Opposition during the ongoing Winter Session of the Asembly. The day was reserved for discussion on the Bill.

"The Anti-conversion Bill is Constitutional and pro-people," Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai said while speaking to mediapersons at the Suvarna Soudha here.

"Instead of presenting their views on the Bill, the Opposition leaders chose to make political speeches. In fact, the preparations for bringing the Bill was made during the earlier Congress regime itself. Former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah himself had agreed to present the Bill before the state cabinet after it was scrutinised by the law department. Doesn't it amount to his consent to the Bill," Bommai asked.

"The Bill is especially pro-SC, ST and poor segments of the society. It would help in the protection of all the communities and uphold their dignity. The state government is very clear in implementing the Bill. The government is opposed to conversion by exploiting poverty and offering allurements like employment and education," Bommai said.

The Congress leaders are opposing the same Bill now in the Assembly, which shows the dual policy of the party, Bommai said.

"The draft Bill was not prepared by former Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa. He had just referred a request in this regard to the Law Commission. It was the Congress government which prepared the draft Bill after getting a report from the Law Commission. Congress leaders who supported the draft Bill then are now opposing it only because of vote bank politics," Bommai said.

However, the Congress party said that it would rollback the Bill when it comes to power.

The Protection of Right to Freedom of Religion Bill, 2021, popularly known as Anti-conversion Bill proposes protection of right to freedom of religion and prohibition of unlawful conversion from one religion to another by misrepresentation, force, undue influence, coercion, allurement or by any fraudulent means and for the matters connected therewith or incidental thereto.

"No person shall convert or attempt to convert, either directly or otherwise, any other person from one religion to another by use or practice of force, undue influence, coercion, allurement or by any fraudulent means or by any other means or promise of marriage, nor shall any person abet or conspire such conversion," the Bill says.

According to new law, any converted person, his parents, brother, sister or any other person who is related to him by blood, marriage or adoption or in any form associated or colleague may lodge a complaint of such conversion which contravenes the provisions, the offence is made to be non-bailable and cognizable.

The bill proposes declaration before conversion of religion and also pre-report about conversion. The declaration of post conversion of religion is also proposed. If any institution violates the Act, imprisonment of up to three to five years with a fine of Rs 25,000 is proposed. If the victim is a minor, the imprisonment is extended up to 10 years.
Hyderabad, Dec 23 : The police in Hyderabad arrested three drug peddlers and seized 183 grams of cocaine and 44 ecstasy pills on Thursday.

Cyberabad Police Commissioner Stephen Ravindra said acting on credible information, Special Operations Team (SOT) Madhapur arrested the accused and seized the drugs worth over Rs 26 lakh.

The police apprehended two men -- Rameshwara Sravan Kumar and Gorentla Charan Teja at Gachibowli under the limits of Raidurgam police station and recovered two grams of cocaine.

Based on the information obtained from them, the police traced the drug supplier Mohammed Ashraf Baig, residing in Tolichowki area in the city. He was taken into custody along with 181 grams of cocaine and 44 ecstasy tablets.

Police learnt that Baig was procuring huge quantity of cocaine from the main drug supplier Zude, a Nigerian, from Goa state in view of New Year celebrations. The main organiser and drug supplier Zude is absconding.

A total of 183 packets of cocaine (one gram) in each packet, ecstasy pills and three mobile phones were seized from the accused.

SOT teams of Cyberabad and NDPS Cell are on constant lookout for drug peddlers and consumers, and have developed various sources and informants to curb the menace of drugs and other psychotropic substances.

Police have stepped up the vigil on suspected drug peddlers in view of the New Year celebrations.

The police commissioner said during 2021 Cyberabad police so far registered 202 cases and arrested 419 accused. Drugs and other psychotropic substances seized include 1,770 kg ganja, 124 ganja plants, 14 ganja pills, 8.55 litres of Hashish oil (weed oil), 116 grams of MDMA and 200 grams of Opium.
New Delhi, Dec 23 : Eleven parliamentarians - six from the Lok Sabha and five from the Rajya Sabha - were awarded the annual Parliamentarians' Group for Children Awards, in a virtual ceremony on Thursday.

The Parliamentarians' Group of Children (PGC) is a platform that convenes, informs and engages MPs on issues of children's rights, and the award recognises the work of MPs who have contributed significantly towards improving the lives of children in India through legislative and constituency level action.

The recipients from the Lok Sabha are Rahul Ramesh Shewale (Shiv Sena), Vishnu Dayal Ram, and Sudhakar Tukaram Shrangre (both BJP), Geetha Viswanath Vanga and Goddeti Madhavi (both YSR Congress Party) and S. Jothimani (Congress).

Those from the uper house are Tiruchi Siva (DMK), Dr Amee Yajnik (Congress), Dr Ashok Bajpai (BJP), Ravindra Kumar Kanakmedala (TDP) and Dr Fauzia Khan (NCP).

PGC Chairperson Gaurav Gogoi, convenors Vandana Chavan and Dr. Heena Gavit, UNICEF India Representative Yasumasa Kimura attended the virtual event.

"As parliamentarians, we can make an impact by not just highlighting children-related issues but also working towards fulfilling their rights. Today, children are exceptionally aware about their rights and as parliamentarians we must give their opinions a greater importance," Gogoi said, urged the parliamentarians to include children from their constituencies in the policymaking process.

"This will go a long way in increasing the children's social and political awareness as well as provide a platform for them to present their ideas, demands and concerns to us. Going ahead, we must put our more sincere energies in working towards the same," he added.

Kimura said that it has been a difficult and challenging year of the pandemic, especially for children. Social economic recovery in pandemic times must be child centric and Parliamentarians are uniquely placed to take these issues to the Parliament for highest level discussion and policy action, he said.

"Children rely on your support to take India forward to the next level," he added.
New Delhi, Dec 24 : The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Thursday chargesheeted four Khalistan Tiger Force Operative in connection with the case of targeted killing of 'Dera Saccha Sauda' follower Manohar Lal.

The chargesheet was filed before a special NIA court in Mohali under sections 120B, 109, 201 and 302 of IPC, sections 16, 17, 18, 18B, 20 and 23 of Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, and section 25 (1A), 25 (6), 25 (7) and 27 Arms Act against.

Those who are chargesheeted by NIA are Kamaljeet Sharma alias Kamal, Ram Singh alias Sona, Arshdeep Singh alias Arsh and Hardeep Singh Nijjar. The NIA officials said that Nijjar and Arsh are presently living in Canada.

Initially, in November 2020 a case was filed with Dyalpura Police Station of Punjab in connection with the targeted killing of Dera Saccha Sauda follower Manohar Lal by two persons identified as accused Kamaljeet Sharma and Ram Singh alias Sona. Later on the case was transferred to NIA to further probe the matter.

NIA found in the probe that accused Hardeep Singh Nijjar, self-styled chief of Khalistan Tiger Force (KTF), a designated terrorist, along with his associate Arshdeep Singh alias Arash had formed a gang and recruited gangsters Kamaljeet Sharma, Ram Singh and others.

He chose the Punjab based people. After recruiting them, the persons were given task go threaten and extorting money from Punjab based businessmen.

Later they indulged in target killing of the persons to disturb the communal harmony in Punjab. The NIA collected evidences against the accused. After making a foolproof chargesheet they filed it before the concerned court.

Further investigation in the case is continued.
Now that we have demystified the California bar exam, our mission is to help as many people as possible to pass without surrendering their sanity, says Forte Bar Prep co-founder Sarah Schimmel.

Each year, after studying day and night for eight to ten weeks, approximately 10,000 burned-out law school graduates take the California bar exam, hoping theyve prepared well enough to pass the two-day test that will determine their future as an attorney. Forte Bar Prep has launched a concise, comprehensive, and strategic system for gaining mastery over the intimidating essay portion of the bar exam, which most test takers fear as a larger-than-life obstacle. Additionally, Forte Bar Prep offers four extensive and unique study schedules, customized for test takers across the spectrum of study habits, enabling users to maximize their time and competency from day one. Now available to the public, Forte Bar Prep will help thousands of people to successfully clear the final hurdle that stands between them and their license to practice law.

Forte Bar Preps signature feature is its revolutionary templates for all 16 California essay subjects, with each presented in three easily digestible versions with diminishing page counts. With the guesswork eliminated, all Forte Bar Prep users need to do is memorize. Another valuable benefit in using these templates is that they clearly identify the issues that are tested at high frequency on the bar exam. Further, Forte Bar Prep is designed to be used as either a stand-alone system or as a supplement to traditional bar prep products, but at a fraction of the cost of packages typically offered by the Big Three bar prep companies.

During beta testing beginning in 2019, on both the July and February exams, first-time takers using the Forte Bar Prep system had an impressive 91% pass rate, while repeat takers were at 100%. By comparison, during the most recent California Bar Exam in July 2021, first-time takers who did not use Forte passed at a rate of 70.5% and repeat takers without the Forte system passed at just 18.7%. (Source: http://www.calbar.ca.gov)

Forte Bar Prep was created in 2019 by two Pepperdine Caruso School of Law grads, Dina Ovsepian and Sarah Schimmel, while they studied for the California bar exam. We purchased just about every bar prep product available, but immediately realized that what we needed most didnt exist, says Dina Ovsepian, co-founder of Forte Bar Prep, Inc. Thats why we developed Forte, our own innovative study system that helped us pass the first time.

Today, Dina and I are licensed attorneys, but we remember what it was like to study for the bar exam, says Sarah Schimmel, co-founder of Forte Bar Prep, Inc. Now that we have demystified the California bar exam, our mission is to help as many people as possible to pass without surrendering their sanity.

The Forte Bar Prep  system is now available for purchase online at http://www.fortebarprep.com.
Continental Battery Co is extremely excited to gain the expertise and excellence of Battery Systems and their company entities, customers, and supply partners. Brad Streelman, along with his key leadership, has built an incredible company and I am truly excited to partner with them.

Continental Battery Company is proud to welcome a partnership with Battery Systems into their growing brands of product and service. Together this new alliance will bring the premier service footprint in the United States for Battery Distribution. The pairing of two industry veterans, who share mutual values of customer care and service excellence, strengthens the goal of delivering the highest quality and largest assortment of batteries and accessories through industry leading diversity of channels and customers throughout the country.

Battery Systems got its start in 1955 in Southern California, when Harry Streelman, nicknamed Deadcell Harry, started the business as an early rebuilder of batteries. Harry Streelmans sons carried the business forward and advanced the Battery Systems presence to over 30 locations by 1990. Over the next 20+ years, the Battery Systems footprint continued to expand as the company entered new markets, advanced their product line into other sectors, added key acquisitions, all while remaining true to its roots of Auto, Commercial, Deep Cycle, and Marine. Today, the company has distribution in all 50 states with over 100 locations with unmatched capabilities.

Brad Streelman, Rick Campbell, and Keith Tougas will be joining the Continental Leadership team helping to steer the direction of the new company. The immediate future looks like business as usual, with the new company transitioning in 2022.

Continental Battery Co is extremely excited to gain the expertise and excellence of Battery Systems and their company entities, customers, and supply partners. Brad Streelman, along with his key leadership, has built an incredible company and I am truly excited to partner with them. Their proven track record speaks for itself. The collaboration of our two strong companies will empower customers and employees to move forward into a highly successful future. On a personal note, thank you to Brad, Keith, and Rick especially for trusting in me and Continental and I look forward to working with you every day. Partnering with a company like BSI, accelerates the Continental plan of growth, giving us unparalleled national reach, and the most diverse battery company in the market noted Eric Royse, CEO, Continental Battery Company.

Brad Streelman, Owner of Battery Systems, had this to add. Our top priorities have always been, taking care of our employees, servicing our customers, and growing our business. We feel that by merging with Continental Battery, we will be better positioned to achieve all three. It is an opportunity too good to pass up. We are excited about this new partnership and pleased to have found an opportunity to expand our presence with a community-focused business partner like Continental Battery Company.

About Battery Systems

Founded in 1955, Battery Systems today has over 100 locations with distribution in all 50 states. Battery Systems has expanded into a wide range of batteries  with applications from hearing aids to helicopters and uninterruptible power supply to submarines. Battery Systems combines old and new, serving customers essential battery needs while finding new ways and new technologies to better serve their customers. Learn more about Battery Systems here https://www.batterysystems.net/.

About Continental Battery Company

A renowned battery distributor since 1932, Continental Battery Company remains committed to the principles and ethics upon which it was founded. Expanding to more than 100 branches, Continental now has a distribution network of more than 30,000 dealer locations. Continental Battery Company global headquarters are located at 8585 N. Stemmons Freeway, Dallas, Texas, 75247 less than two miles from the original location where they started out 89 years ago. For more information, visit https://www.continentalbatterycompany.com/.
Set for a new marketing campaign, Kim Lookes published book titled KintaFreedom Fighter: The Legend Begins (published by Balboa Press AU in February 2019) presents an exciting fantasy novel in a planned series about a teenager who sets out on a twisting, turning, coming-of-age journey where she matures into a courageous warrior determined to seek freedom and justice for all.

Seventeen-year-old Kinta is an innocent young woman enjoying an idyllic life in her seaside village  until the high priestess, Vylaine, suddenly becomes aware of Kinta and her mothers special powers. They have no choice but to embark on a desperate journey to escape the clutches of evil tyranny, leaving all their lives hanging perilously in the balance.

Along the way, Kinta meets an unlikely friend who joins her on her travels and helps her transition from an awkward teenager to a confident young woman as well as to discover her true destiny and first love. As the family stands resolute in the daunting face of seemingly hopeless adversity, they refuse to buckle under immense pressure or risk compromising their values until peace is restored to their land. But will they be successful in their mission or die trying?

This book allows the reader to be immersed in the storyline and to associate with the characters. Emancipated women will relate to the struggles faced by Kinta in being recognized as capable in a primarily male domain, Looke says. When asked what he wants readers to take away from the book, he answers, A sense of empowerment to always follow your dreams, regardless of circumstance. For more details about the book, please visit https://www.balboapress.com/en-au/bookstore/bookdetails/780595-kintafreedom-fighter

KintaFreedom Fighter: The Legend Begins

By Kim Looke

Softcover | 6 x 9in | 336 pages | ISBN 9781504316682

E-Book | 336 pages | ISBN 9781504316699

Available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble

About the Author

Kim Looke grew up in a sleepy little West Australian wheat belt town. After eventually leaving home to join the Royal Australian Air Force, he completed a trade apprenticeship in avionics and served 26 years, retiring in December 1993. He and his wife, Joan, now reside in South East Queensland.

Balboa Press Australia is a division of Hay House, Inc., a leading provider in publishing products that specialise in self-help and the mind, body and spirit genre. Through an alliance with the worldwide self-publishing leader Author Solutions, LLC, authors benefit from the leadership of Hay House Publishing and the speed-to-market advantages of the Author Solutions self-publishing model. For more information or to start publishing today, visit balboapress.com.au or call 1-800-844-925.
This is an incredibly exciting milestone in our clinical trial. We believe it is possible for a one-and-done therapy to make a person living with HIV permanently immune to HIV, and this recent data increases our optimism that we are on track. -AGT CEO Jeff Galvin

American Gene Technologies (AGT), a clinical-stage biotechnology company working to cure HIV, announced that it has reached two important milestones for its HIV cure program.

All three patients achieved engraftment of the genetically modified cell product, AGT103-T, and avoided rejection of the infused cells. In addition, patient samples were challenged to determine if their HIV-specific response remained active. All three products demonstrated an active response. These two studies confirm that the patients retained an appropriate concentration of the product and indicate AGT103-T should be able to create an effective immune response against HIV in the absence of antiretroviral treatment (ART).

This is an incredibly exciting milestone in our clinical trial, said AGT CEO Jeff Galvin. We demonstrated our theory in pre-clinical tests in cell models, and published encouraging data in Molecular Therapy Magazine. Now were seeing blood markers in trial participants that indicate parallel data in vivo.

This augments the safety data already established in the human trial with initial objective markers of efficacy in the participants blood tests. The probative data is still to come in treatment withdrawal studies, which are planned to begin in the first half of 2022. AGT continues to hope to see a functionally cured patient by next summer that durably suppresses their HIV without the use of antiretroviral therapy (ART). The company remains optimistic that its work may allow people living with HIV to go off ART without fear of developing AIDS or infecting others, and without the risk of reinfection.

Our goal is to return people living with HIV to a normal life without the side effects of ART, and having no further consequences of their HIV infection, added Galvin. We believe it is possible for a one-and-done therapy to make a person living with HIV permanently immune to HIV, and this recent data increases our optimism that we are on track.

Phase 1 Trial Background



Overview: Designated the RePAIR trial (Restore Potent Antiviral Immune Responses, NCT04561258), AGTs first-in-human study for AGT103-T is currently underway at trial sites in the Maryland / Washington, D.C. area. Participants in the Phase 1 trial receive a single infusion of their own HIV-specific CD4 T cells after those cells are enriched and genetically modified to resist infection. Without any observed negative or adverse events, the DSMB has allowed the trial to continue without adjustments or delays.

Focus: The primary endpoints of RePAIR are safety and efficacy. Testing related to secondary endpoints evaluates responses to treatment, including changes in the immune response to HIV.

Participant Criteria: Participants range in age from 18 to 60 and include males and females. Participants have been diagnosed with HIV for at least three years and must have taken HIV antiretroviral medication for more than two years prior to enrollment. Participants cannot be pregnant and must be available to attend 17 study visits over a 10-month period. Anticipated completion of treatments in the Phase 1 study is Q2 2022, although final data and long-term monitoring will continue. The Phase 1 study will include 18 participants. (The recruitment status of the Phase 1 RePAIR clinical trial, along with information on the trial sites, can be found on the official ClinicalTrials.gov website.)

Timeframe: Participants treated with AGT103-T are followed for 6 months in this safety study before enrolling in an FDA-mandated, 15-year, long-term follow up (required for all gene therapy trials). The first infusion occurred in May 2021, the second in August 2021, the third in September 2021, and the fourth and fifth in November 2021. Two more are scheduled for January 2022. AGT is also submitting a modification to the protocol with the intention of starting a treatment withdrawal study in March 2022.

About HIV

According to UNAIDS, approximately 37.7 million people worldwide live with HIV/AIDS. In the United States, government statistics show 1.2 million people have HIV and estimate that 34,800 Americans were newly infected with HIV in 2019. Across the globe, UNAIDS estimates that approximately 1.5 million individuals were newly infected with HIV in 2020. The Washington D.C./Baltimore area is often cited as a hot spot for HIV, with Washington, D.C., having the highest rate of infection at nearly 46 cases per 100,000 population and Baltimore City having rates of 17 cases per 100,000. Maryland also ranks sixth among U.S. states and territories in HIV diagnosis rates, with more than 900 new cases in 2019 alone, according to the Maryland Department of Health.

Since the late 1980s, antiretroviral drugs have restored quality of life to persons living with HIV and, in some cases, have even been used to prevent new infections. However, no approved treatment has demonstrated the ability to cure HIV. AGT is committed to addressing this unmet medical need.

About AGT103-T

AGT103-T is a genetically modified cell product made from a person's own cells. AGT's unique approach focuses on permanently repairing the key immune system damage caused by HIV. AGTs goal is to develop a cell and gene therapy capable of repairing the immune system so it will provide natural control over HIV replication.

About American Gene Technologies

AGT is a gene and cell therapy company with a proprietary gene-delivery platform for rapid development of cell and gene therapies to cure infectious diseases, cancers, and inherited disorders. AGT's mission is to transform people's lives through genetic medicines that rid the body of disease. AGT has been granted four patents for the technology used to make AGT103-T and 11 patents for its unique immuno-oncology approach to stimulate gamma-delta () T cells to destroy a variety of solid tumors. The company has developed a synthetic gene for treating Phenylketonuria (PKU), a debilitating inherited disease. AGT's treatment for PKU has been granted Orphan Drug Designation by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and it is expected to reach the clinic in 2022.

Video: https://youtu.be/fiA2s7JCkJ8
Charlottetown drivers looking for a new set of winter tires for their Honda can buy them online at the lowest price guaranteed at Capital Honda's Honda Tire Source.

With winter already here, it's always a good idea to buy a good set of winter tires in order to drive safely on snow-covered roads. Prince Edward Island drivers who wish to buy a new set of winter tires for their Honda vehicles can now look forward to buying them at the lowest price at Charlottetown's Capital Honda dealership.

The capital's premier Honda dealership is promoting a "lowest price guarantee" for Honda tires on its online Tire Source shop and invites interested customers to make the most of the offer while it lasts.

The Tire Source page can be found under the drop-down menu under the Service menu at the top of the dealership's website, capitalhonda.com.

Interested customers can source a tire for their Honda or any other make by providing basic details about their vehicle on Capital Honda's Tire Source page. Upon clicking the "find tires" option, they will need to select the year of manufacture of their vehicle, followed by the make, and finally, the model. Once all the vehicle information has been filled out, the Tire Source will automatically come with a list of compatible tires that fit the vehicle.

The Tire Source shop at Capital Honda offers tires for vehicles from 1995 to the latest 2022 model years and from all the leading tire manufacturers, including Goodyear, Hankook, Pirelli, Michelin, Toyo Tires, Yokohama, Continental, BF Goodrich, and Firestone, among others.

Drivers who are interested in getting a quote on a new set of tires they are interested in can get a quote by clicking on the "Add to quote" button before buying.

Capital Honda also offers tire replacement services, and interested customers can schedule a tire replacement service on the dealership's website by choosing the "Schedule Service" option under the Service drop-down menu.

For more information, customers can write an email to parts@capitalhonda.com or call the parts department at 902 566 1101. Interested customers may also visit the Capital Honda dealership located at 40 Lower Malpeque Road.
Our employees are the champions behind our success and as we continue to build a global team of diverse Cybereasoners where everyone feels welcome, our strength comes from all of us, exactly as we are," said Lior Div, CEO and Co-founder, Cybereason.

Cybereason, the XDR company, today announced it has been named to Battery Ventures 5th Annual list of Highest-Rated Cloud-Computing Companies To Work For, a ranking of the top 25 privately held cloud companies. Companies were chosen based on high employee satisfaction, culture, rating of senior leadership, performance and ability to attract and retain talent. Cybereason is one of the fastest growing companies doubling its employee base over the past 12 months.

A key driver of growth at Cybereason is due to its strong culture rooted in diversity and compelling values. In the early days of the company, CEO and Co-founder Lior Div created the UBU initiative (you be you), a core value where each person can unlock their full potential when they work somewhere that truly accepts them for who they are. This value is still at the heart of the company, enabling employees to come to work as their best selves. Today, the UBU initiative has taken on more significance given the continued global pandemic and variety of social issues making headlines. A never give up attitude and willingness to constantly evolve are equally important core values at Cybereason.

Cybereason is a private cloud company doing it right, creating and sustaining a high level of employee satisfaction, and strong corporate culture, in this unprecedented 'Great Resignation' era. We identified Cybereason as a standout company, as measured by employee feedback provided on Glassdoor, said Neeraj Agrawal, General Partner, Battery Ventures.

Our employees are the champions behind our success and as we continue to build a global team of diverse Cybereasoners where everyone feels welcome, our strength comes from all of us, exactly as we are. Battery Ventures designating Cybereason as a top ranked private company to work for in 2021 gives me great pride. In the face of a second challenging year brought on by the global pandemic their never-give-up attitude as Defenders is the reason we continue to grow at a record-setting pace, said Div.

About Cybereason

Cybereason is the XDR company, partnering with Defenders to end attacks at the endpoint, in the cloud and across the entire enterprise ecosystem. Only the AI-driven Cybereason XDR Platform provides planetary scale data ingestion, operation-centric detection and predictive response that is undefeated against modern ransomware and advanced attack techniques. The Cybereason MalOp engine instantly delivers context-rich attack intelligence across every affected device, user and system with unparalleled speed and accuracy. Cybereason is a privately held international company headquartered in Boston with customers in more than 40 countries.

Learn more: https://www.cybereason.com/

Follow us: Blog | Twitter | Facebook

Media Contact:

Bill Keeler

Senior Director, Global Public Relations

Cybereason

bill.keeler@cybereason.com

(929) 259-3261
Heirs' property or tangled title property has received increasing attention from the media and public agencies and elected officials in the wake of major disasters, particularly in the southeastern U.S., as they can complicate recovery. They have also been identified as a driver of the racial wealth divide in the U.S.

The AAEA session taking place at the 2022 ASSA Annual Meeting, Effects of Land Property Rights: Cases from Three Continents, brings three papers from three different continents to highlight the effects of the lack of land property rights. The first paper looks at heirs' property rights issues in the United States. In this paper, the authors from the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta highlight a likelihood of land loss due to the precarity of shared ownership structure. They take Jacksonville, Florida, as a case to demonstrate how lack of property rights affects the family, neighborhood, and the broader urban region. In the second paper, the authors from the World Bank explore the lack of land property rights on land inheritance in Malawi. They find that having long-term land rights of bequest and sale significantly impacts investment and cash crop adoption. Finally, in the third paper, the authors find that land titling reduces land abandonment by enhancing land property rights, especially in an unsecured property rights scenario.



Heirs Property in an Urban Context

Sarah Stein, Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta

Ann Carpenter, Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta

Investment Impacts of Gendered Land Rights in Customary Tenure Systems: Substantive and Methodological Insights from Malawi

Klaus Deininger, World Bank

Fang Xia, University of International Business and Economics

Talip Kilic, World Bank

Heather Moylan, World Bank

Influence of the Land Titling Policy on Land Abandonment in China

Kai Liu, Zhongkai University of Agriculture and Engineering

Mingzhong Luo, South China Agricultural University

Krishna Paudel, USDA Economic Research Service

Wenjue Zhu, Guangdong University of Foreign Language

If you are interested in viewing the virtual session on Friday, January 7, 2022 from 10:00 am  12:00 pm Eastern, please contact Allison Ware in the AAEA Business Office.

ABOUT AAEA: Established in 1910, the Agricultural & Applied Economics Association (AAEA) is the leading professional association for agricultural and applied economists, with 2,500 members in more than 60 countries. Members of the AAEA work in academic or government institutions as well as in industry and not-for-profit organizations, and engage in a variety of research, teaching, and outreach activities in the areas of agriculture, the environment, food, health, and international development. The AAEA publishes two journals, the American Journal of Agricultural Economics and Applied Economic Perspectives & Policy, as well as the online magazine Choices and the online open access publication series Applied Economics Teaching Resources. To learn more, visit http://www.aaea.org.
Brandilyn Y. Dumas, a Real Estate shareholder in global law firm Greenberg Traurig LLPs New York office, has been recognized on Crains New York 2022 Notable Women in Law list.

In addition to their long hours representing everyone from executives at Fortune 500 companies to immigrants seeking asylum, our honorees this year shored up morale among their colleagues during the pandemic and found ways to keep business going in the face of turmoil, according to the publication.

Dumas dedication to raising the next generation remains central to her external activities. She is a board member for the Harlem Link Charter School, a Pre-K to 5th Grade public school that offers a high-quality educational choice to families in Harlem; a selection panelist for New York University Law Schools AnBryce Scholarship program; and a trustee for the Winchester Thurston School. Dumas is also a member of Greenberg Traurigs African American affinity network which seeks to elevate diversity, equity and inclusion in the workplace and is committed to drive change, fight injustice and advocate for justice and served as one of two assigning attorneys for the firms largest summer associate program.

Dumas focuses her practice on commercial real estate transactions, including acquisitions and dispositions, financing, joint ventures, and development, with respect to a variety of assets, including shopping centers, office buildings, hotels and resorts, multi-use developments, industrial properties, and multi-family developments.

About Greenberg Traurigs Womens Initiative: Greenberg Traurig is committed to its women lawyers success, which includes a firmwide womens affinity group encompassing recruiting, retention, and business development. The firm regularly collaborates with like-minded organizations to address these issues on a broader scale in a variety of industries and communities. Greenberg Traurig also takes thoughtful action to address issues such as maintaining a healthy work-life balance, breaking the glass ceiling, mentoring, creating and maintaining healthy lifestyles, and giving back to the community. Twitter: @GTLawWomen

About Greenberg Traurig: Greenberg Traurig, LLP (GT) has approximately 2300 attorneys in 40 locations in the United States, Latin America, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. GT has been recognized for its philanthropic giving, diversity, and innovation, and is consistently among the largest firms in the U.S. on the Law360 400 and among the Top 25 on the Am Law Global 100. The firm is net carbon neutral with respect to its office energy usage and Mansfield Rule 4.0 Certified Plus. Web: http://www.gtlaw.com
This holiday season, used car buyers in St. Augustine can get exclusive dealer discounts on pre-owned vehicles at their local Hyundai of St. Augustine dealership.

With Christmas still a couple of days away, it seems like Santa Claus has arrived a bit early to St. Augustine, especially for those who are looking to buy a pre-owned car this holiday season. The citys foremost Hyundai dealer, Hyundai of St. Augustine, is offering attractive dealer discounts on almost all the vehicles in its pre-owned inventory and invites interested parties to check out its extensive pre-owned vehicles inventory.

The Hyundai of St. Augustine dealership sells brand-new Hyundai vehicles, including the latest 2022 models. Apart from this, the dealership also houses over 140 well-maintained used cars in its pre-owned inventory from all the major car brands and over 37 Hyundai-certified pre-owned vehicles.

The Hyundai dealership is currently offering exclusive dealer discounts on various pre-owned models, ranging from $500 up to $8,000 on some models.

Interested buyers can check out the online pre-owned vehicles inventory page by visiting the dealership website, http://www.hyundaiofstaugustine.com, and clicking on the pre-owned option on the website navigation menu bar.

The online pre-owned vehicles inventory allows customers to filter the pre-owned vehicles by price, mileage, fuel economy, color, year, make, model, trim, and various other filters of their choice. Customers can also sort the vehicles in the order of their preference with options like date listed, price - lowest to highest, and so on.

The Hyundai of St. Augustine dealership also provides an option to buy from home online and get the vehicle delivered to the customer.

Interested parties can learn more about the dealer discounts by visiting http://www.hyundaiofstaugustine.com. Hyundai of St. Augustine can be contacted at 904 567-7175. The dealership is located at 2898 US 1 South for those who would like to visit in person.
iTrip Vacations 2021 team "Working with the HVMI team, it is clear they share iTrip's core values of integrity, respect and client interest first, and we look forward to a lasting partnership."

iTrip Vacations, a short-term rental property management company with more than 3,000 homes, announced that select rental properties will be available on Homes & Villas by Marriott International (HVMI) starting December 20, 2021.

Launched in May 2019, Homes & Villas by Marriott International is a curated and growing collection of 50,000+ premium and luxury whole home rentals located in 500+ prime destinations around the world. Leveraging Marriott Internationals decades of delivering exceptional hospitality experience, each home is professionally managed and meets the companys design, cleanliness, safety, and amenity standards. It is also the only home rental offering to participate in the award-winning travel program Marriott Bonvoy, enabling members to earn and redeem points for all stays.

Homes & Villas by Marriott International will feature iTrip Vacations homes in approximately 100 cities across North America, including beach destinations, urban cities and mountain towns. iTrip manages short-term rentals across the U.S. and in Canada.

Before being added to the Homes & Villas by Marriott International portfolio, iTrip Vacations rental properties were audited and reviewed by Marriott International to meet the companys high standards for regulation, design and amenities.

We are pleased to be part of a select group of properties handpicked by Marriott to be listed on their HVMI platform, said Steve Caron, iTrip Vacations GM/CEO. As a franchisor of short-term rental property management companies, iTrip shares in Marriotts strong commitment to high consumer standards of cleanliness and well-maintained properties that will maximize the consumers overall positive experience. Working with the HVMI team, it is clear they share our core values of integrity, respect and client interest first, and we look forward to a lasting partnership.

Hallmarks of Homes & Villas by Marriott service, which will be adopted by iTrip Vacations include:



Support from a local property manager who lives in the area

24/7 support and check-in

High speed Wi-Fi

Premium bed linens and towels

Premium bath amenities

Child-friendly items upon request, such as highchairs and travel cribs

Homes & Villas by Marriott International marks Marriott Internationals entrance into the home rental space. The curated selection of homes aims to connect travelers to thousands of rental properties around the world and sets the stage for guests most treasured travel moments - home-cooked dinners with extended family, lawn games in the backyard or celebrating a milestone birthday with family and friends. Connect with @HomesandVillasbyMarriott on Instagram and Facebook, or visit http://www.homes-and-villas.marriott.com.

About iTrip Vacations

iTrip Vacations is a national leader in short-term rental property management. iTrip provides full-service rental property management programs to more than 85 franchise destinations in North America, while enhancing experiences through affordable highly curated, luxury accommodations and custom programs.
The 2022 Hyundai Sonata SEL is Now Available at James Hodge Hyundai

Hyundai enthusiasts can now rejoice as James Hodge Hyundai in Muskogee, Oklahoma has added the 2022 Hyundai Sonata SEL to its inventory. The dealership has always enjoyed a reputation for housing an eclectic range of Hyundai models that customers can choose from, with the 2022 Sonata SEL being one of the more recent additions. Interested shoppers can head over to the dealership's official website to find more information on the model's availability. They can also calculate their payments and check their buying power ahead of the purchase.

The 2022 Hyundai Sonata SEL, with its bold body style and a plethora of technology features, makes for an excellent investment in a sedan. The sedan boasts of a 2.5-liter, MPI/GDI, four-cylinder engine that makes 191 horsepower. Thus, with the 2022 Sonata SEL, customers can enjoy a seamless ride and navigate the road ahead of them with ease and confidence.

James Hodge Hyundai offers several special offers and incentives on their Hyundai models that shoppers can look up. People interested in a test drive of the 2022 Hyundai Sonata SEL can visit the dealership at 1330 North Main Street, Muskogee, Oklahoma, 74401 or call (833) 331-0067 for a quick chat with the representatives.
Be Prepared! What Would You Do?: A Guide Using the ABCs through the Bible to Be Ready in Social Situations before They Happen: an encouraging exploration of choices, consequences, and following ones faith. Be Prepared! What Would You Do?: A Guide Using the ABCs through the Bible to Be Ready in Social Situations before They Happen is the creation of published author Kim B. Braley, a passionate writer with an AS degree from Florence-Darlington Technical College and a BS from Coker University.

Braley shares, Be Prepared! What Would You Do? is a follow-up book to The ABCs to Live a Happy, Healthy Christian Life from the Bible. It is intended for children eight to twelve years old. In this book are several scenarios about choices young children are faced with. This guide gives you a chance to determine what you will do before you are presented with a dilemma. If you are firm in your belief, then you wont have any difficulty planning beforehand and making the correct choice.

Published by Christian Faith Publishing, Kim B. Braleys new book will engage the imagination and open opportunities to discuss key Christian ideals with pre-teens.

Braley presents a thoughtful and encouraging ABC work that will encourage and motivate readers to make appropriate choices.

Consumers can purchase Be Prepared! What Would You Do?: A Guide Using the ABCs through the Bible to Be Ready in Social Situations before They Happen at traditional brick & mortar bookstores, or online at Amazon.com, Apple iTunes store, or Barnes and Noble.

For additional information or inquiries about Be Prepared! What Would You Do?: A Guide Using the ABCs through the Bible to Be Ready in Social Situations before They Happen, contact the Christian Faith Publishing media department at 866-554-0919.
Law Office of Blumenthal Nordrehaug Bhowmik De Blouw LLP For more information about the class action lawsuit against D.R. Horton, Inc., call (800) 568-8020 to speak to an experienced California employment attorney today.

The Los Angeles employment law attorneys, at Blumenthal Nordrehaug Bhowmik De Blouw LLP, filed a class action lawsuit against D.R. Horton, Inc., alleging the company violated the California Labor Code. The lawsuit against D.R. Horton, Inc. is currently pending in the Los Angeles County Superior Court, Case No. 21STCV43762. To read a copy of the Complaint, please click here.

According to the lawsuit filed, D.R. Horton, Inc. 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.

D.R. Horton, Inc. allegedly failed to fully relieve Plaintiff and other California Class Members for their legally required thirty (30) minute meals breaks. Employees were also allegedly required, from time to time, to work in excess of four (4) hours without being provided the legally required ten (10) minute rest periods. The California Supreme Court defines off-duty rest periods as time during which an employee is relieved from all work related duties and free from employer control.

For more information about the class action lawsuit against D.R. Horton, Inc., 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.
Dying to Tell You: The Sermon on the Cross: Seeking to Know Christ in His Crucifixion and the Gospel Contained in the Seven Sayings of Jesus from Calvary: a thought-provoking discussion of key biblical teachings and how they relate to the final words of Christ. Dying to Tell You: The Sermon on the Cross: Seeking to Know Christ in His Crucifixion and the Gospel Contained in the Seven Sayings of Jesus from Calvary is the creation of published author Michael Hunter, a loving husband, dedicated father, and former police officer and retired Lieutenant Colonel from the U.S. Army where, among other assignments, he served as a Military Attache. Hunter carries a masters degree in international relations from Boston University.

Hunter shares, Jesus tells us that if one desires to be his disciple, they must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me (Mark 8:34). But what does it mean to take up your cross, and how can we do this? The apostle Paul said that he desired to know nothingexcept Jesus Christ and him crucified (1 Corinthians 2:2) and elsewhere even claimed to have been crucified with Christ (Galatians 2:20). How can one join Paul and know Jesus in his Crucifixion?

The answer is to take Jesus at his word. From the cross, Jesus spoke seven times. These sayings summarize the gospel and explain how we can know him in his Crucifixion. On the cross, Jesus was literally Dying to Tell You how his death fulfilled Gods eternal plan for our redemption.

Unlike other studies of the last sayings of Jesus from the cross, Dying to Tell You takes a new approach and views the sayings together as a whole, revealing how together they form the foundation to understanding the gospel of Jesus. Originally motivated to seek a resolution to the dilemma of which saying is the last (both Luke and John appear to report the last saying), Dying to Tell You establishes a new order for the sayings based on a detailed examination and integration of the four Crucifixion narratives contained in the Gospels. While each saying is individually examined, rather than handling them as isolated statements, Dying to Tell You demonstrates how these sayings comprise the final message of Jesus, his sermon on the cross.

Along the way, Dying to Tell You also provides assurance that the Bible can be trusted and is a historically accurate resource; demonstrates that the cross is the centerpiece of redemptive history; and illustrates how Jesus and the Crucifixion serve to fulfill the scriptures and provide for the salvation of mankind.

Dying to Tell You is nothing less than one disciples spiritual awakening and quest to know Jesus Christ and him crucified through the sayings he made from the cross and gospel they proclaim.

Published by Christian Faith Publishing, Michael Hunters new book will engage and encourage believers who seek a deeper connection to Gods word.

Hunter shares an articulate and reflective interpretation of Christs final moments, sayings, and what mankind is meant to do with the information imparted in those final messages.

Consumers can purchase Dying to Tell You: The Sermon on the Cross: Seeking to Know Christ in His Crucifixion and the Gospel Contained in the Seven Sayings of Jesus from Calvary at traditional brick & mortar bookstores, or online at Amazon.com, Apple iTunes store, or Barnes and Noble.

For additional information or inquiries about Dying to Tell You: The Sermon on the Cross: Seeking to Know Christ in His Crucifixion and the Gospel Contained in the Seven Sayings of Jesus from Calvary, contact the Christian Faith Publishing media department at 866-554-0919.
According to the National World War II Museum, on September 16, 1940, the United States instituted the Selective Training and Service Act of 1940, which required all men between the ages of 21 and 45 to register for the draft. This was the first peacetime draft in United States' history. Those who were selected from the draft lottery were required to serve at least one year in the armed forces. Once the U.S. entered World War II, draft terms extended through the duration of the fighting. By the end of the war in 1945, 50 million men between 18 and 45 had registered for the draft and 10 million had been inducted in the military.

During his childhood, C.D. Griffith lived on his familys Indiana farm in the Eel River bottoms where he worked the land, hunted, and fished, never venturing further than 25 miles from home. But all of that changed during his senior year of high school when he was drafted into the U.S. Army. In March 1943, with a brief stop at Fort Benjamin Harrison in Indianapolis, 18-year-old C. D. headed on a train to Camp White in Medford, Oregon, with a final stop in Japan.

My Senior Trip: 1943-1945 Camp White to Japan Letters Home (published by Archway Publishing) is a collection of original, unedited letters penned to Griffiths family in which he details his experiences as a soldier serving his country in a faraway land. His letters contain vivid descriptions of what he learned in camp and witnessed in the Pacific while bravely battling the enemy as a member of the Greatest Generation.

My Senior Trip: 1943-1945 Camp White to Japan Letters Home shares the original letters of a World War II soldier that provide a fascinating glimpse into his experiences while serving his country overseas. For more details about the book, please visit https://www.archwaypublishing.com/en/bookstore/bookdetails/829999-my-senior-trip

My Senior Trip: 1943-1945 Camp White to Japan Letters Home

By C.D. Griffith

Softcover | 8.25 x 11in | 160 pages | ISBN 9781665712828

E-Book | 160 pages | ISBN 9781665712835

Available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble

About the Author

C. D. Griffith was drafted during his senior year of high school in Coalmont, Indiana. He joined the army on March 2, 1943, one month prior to his high school graduation.

Simon & Schuster, a company with nearly ninety years of publishing experience, has teamed up with Author Solutions, LLC, the worldwide leader in self-publishing, to create Archway Publishing. With unique resources to support books of all kind, Archway Publishing offers a specialized approach to help every author reach his or her desired audience. For more information, visit archwaypublishing.com or call 844-669-3957.
Thanks to our close working relationship with the ready-mix concrete supplier, we were able to quickly implement an optimal concrete waterproofing solution.

The initial phase of construction of the 99 West Paces Ferry project in Atlanta, Georgia (USA) was completed in December 2021 as its first residents moved in. PENETRON ADMIX SB was specified as a reliable concrete waterproofing solution that adds substantial durability to the developments below-grade structures.

Designed by Ziegler Cooper Architects, the $271 million 99 West Paces Ferry project is one of the largest mixed-use developments ever realized in the upscale Buckhead Village of Atlanta. It comprises over 500 multifamily residential apartments and over 16,000 ft2 of commercial space. The first phase of construction saw the completion of 339 multifamily units and 7,600 ft2 of commercial space along West Paces Ferry Road, a major artery in the Buckhead area. The second phase of the project, set for completion in 2023, focuses on the frontage along Paces Ferry Place and will add another 186 multifamily units.

Ensuring Long-Term Durability

With a project of this size, the engineers at JLB Partners Southeast emphasized the need for long-term durability of all the below-grade structures, explains Christopher Chen, Director of The Penetron Group.

The high groundwater level at the construction site required a robust waterproofing solution for the below-grade concrete structures. Thomas Concrete, the projects ready-mix concrete supplier, added PENETRON ADMIX SB to the concrete mix for the foundation slabs, the below-grade perimeter walls, and the elevator pits. PENECRETE MORTAR, a crystalline waterproofing mortar, was used to seal the tie-holes along the perimeter walls and elevator pits.

Efficient and Economical

Added during the batching phase and unaffected by climactic conditions, PENETRON ADMIX SB is one of the worlds most efficient and economic permeability-reducing concrete admixtures for hydrostatic conditions (PRAH), as defined by the American Concrete Institute (ACI). PENETRON ADMIX SB-treated concrete is protected against a range of factors that cause concrete deterioration: freeze-thaw cycles, corrosion, and alkali silica reactions (ASR), all while blocking moisture penetration caused by hydrostatic pressure.

"Thanks to our close working relationship with the ready-mix concrete supplier, we were able to quickly implement an optimal concrete waterproofing solution, adds Christopher Chen.

The Penetron Group is a leading manufacturer of specialty construction products for concrete waterproofing, concrete repairs, and floor preparation systems. The Group operates through a global network, offering support to the design and construction community through its regional offices, representatives, and distribution channels.

For more information on Penetron crystalline technology solutions, please visit http://www.penetron.com, email: CRDept@penetron.com or contact our Corporate Relations Department at 631-941-9700.
You Are Blessed: A Bedtime Blessings Book: a lovely reminder of the many blessings found in the world. You Are Blessed: A Bedtime Blessings Book is the creation of published author Rebecca Backer, a loving wife, a mother of five, and a grandmother of six who lives on a family farm in New Jersey.

Backer shares, Magical childhood memories are made at bedtime. You Are Blessed: A Bedtime Blessings Book is a wonderful addition to your childs bedtime routine.

The precious pictures throughout this book of baby animals drifting off to sleep will delight. From puppies to kittens, lions to lambs, your child will see that all babies must close their eyes and go to sleep, and the sweet words of Jesuss blessings will surround them in Gods love. A perfect way to say good night.

Published by Christian Faith Publishing, Rebecca Backers new book is a charming bedtime tale that encourages a sense of faith.

Backer offers readers a series of vibrant illustrations alongside a moving narrative in hopes of inspiring young readers in their faith.

Consumers can purchase You Are Blessed: A Bedtime Blessings Book at traditional brick & mortar bookstores, or online at Amazon.com, Apple iTunes store, or Barnes and Noble.

For additional information or inquiries about You Are Blessed: A Bedtime Blessings Book, contact the Christian Faith Publishing media department at 866-554-0919.


Boak & Sons puts quality over quantity into each exterior contracting project we execute, said Sam Boak. Carlisle challenges our employees every time we install their products to be the best of the best, and we deliver. "

Boak & Sons, Inc. is a residential and commercial exterior contracting company that specializes in roofing, siding, gutters and insulation. Based in Youngstown, Ohio, the business serves customers from Cleveland to Pittsburgh with anything from small repairs to full replacements and installation and everything in between. One of the top manufacturers of quality commercial roofing materials in the world, Carlisle SynTec Systems, has once again awarded Boak & Sons with the Carlisle Perfection Award.

Carlisle Syntec is a leading manufacturer of single-ply roofing materials and supplies roofing companies across the country with their products. To be eligible for the Carlisle Perfection Award, contractors must have a seven-year track record of exceptional installation quality as well as outstanding warranty claim performance. They also need to have completed a minimum amount of warranted work and number of jobs per year. This award is given to the top 5% of all applicators in the United States and Canada, and this is the sixth Carlisle Perfection Award that Boak & Sons has qualified as a recipient.

Its a pleasure to acknowledge and thank contractors who are committed to top-quality workmanship, said Carlisles Vice President of Marketing, Mike DuCharme. Perfection Award winners demonstrate their dedication to excellence on every installation, and Boak & Son, Inc. exemplifies this mindset.

Sam Boak, president and founder of Boak & Sons, Inc., started the business back in 1974 while he was still in high school. The company grew quickly and expanded into other departments, and is now one of the leading exterior contractors in the Northeast Ohio and Western Pennsylvania. The Carlisle Perfection award exemplifies their skills in commercial roofing services.

Boak & Sons puts quality over quantity into each exterior contracting project we execute, said Sam Boak. Carlisle challenges our employees every time we install their products to be the best of the best, and we deliver. This is a prestigious award we are proud to have earned, along with numerous ESP awards, the Carlisle Hall of Fame 500 Award and the Carlisle Perfection Council Award. Receiving this award is something I hope my employees are extremely proud of because it is well deserved, especially after everything our community has been through over the past couple of years.

About Boak & Sons:

Boak & Sons, Inc. was founded by Sam Boak in 1974 as an insulation contractor. With the high energy costs of the 70's, Boak & Sons expanded early on into the roofing business. They offered economical roof installations through cutting edge technology and equipment, allowing customers to recoup even more in energy savings. Today, Boak & Sons is a residential and commercial contractor for roofing, insulation, sheet metal, siding, and gutters. Based in Youngstown, Ohio, the company serves customers in surrounding areas from Cleveland, Akron, and Canton to Cranberry and Pittsburgh. For more information on Boak & Sons, visit their website at: https://www.boakandsons.com/
Sarpinos Pizzeria provides millions of customers with local, real Italian flavor with their various menu items. The company is proud to announce the launch of their newest location in Olathe, Kansas this December.

Sarpinos Pizzeria provides millions of customers with local, real Italian flavor with their various menu items. The company is proud to announce the launch of their newest location in Olathe, Kansas this December. Kansas residents can learn more about the new location here.

The people of Olathe, Kansas can look forward to mouthwatering Italian food with free delivery. Sarpinos Pizzeria is open late so customers can enjoy a quality meal whenever it fits their unique schedule. Sarpinos Pizzeria is much more than a typical pizza shop. The company recently launched a line of vegan products that include Beyond Meat chicken tenders, vegan pasta dishes with Daiya Mozzarella cheese, an array of vegan pizzas, sandwiches, and so much more.

Sarpinos Pizzeria currently serves authentic Italian dishes to customers across seven states. With close to fifty stores, Sarpinos continues to expand to help provide delicious dishes to as many people as possible. Franchising opportunities have exploded in recent years.

Several exclusive territories are still available for franchising. Interested candidates are invited to visit the Sarpinos franchise website at http://www.sarpinosfranchise.com for more information on the investment, ongoing support structure, and other benefits included in the franchise package. These deals come with the rights to proprietary recipes that make Sarpinos special.

The company is currently looking for employees for the Olathe location. Ideal candidates are passionate about food, have a strong work ethic and are looking to positively contribute to a great organization.

About Sarpinos

Sarpinos Pizzeria is a food delivery concept offering large regular and plant-based menus. Italian-inspired pizzas, calzones, sandwiches, pastas, salads, and more are available for carryout or delivery. Sarpino's uses only top-quality ingredients and makes almost everything from scratch daily. Sarpino's  real Italian flavor made with love and care. To find a Sarpinos location near you, visit the website at http://www.gosarpinos.com. For more information on this pizza franchise opportunity, visit http://www.sarpinosfranchise.com.
American Securities will work alongside the SOLV Energy team to advance solar energy in the U.S. and support the companys rapid growth.

SOLV Energy LLC, a premier Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) and Operations and Maintenance (O&M) services provider for the solar industry in North America, announced today that it has completed its acquisition by affiliates of American Securities LLC, a leading U.S. private equity firm.

Formerly known in the industry as Swinerton Renewable Energy (SRE) and SOLV, Inc., the acquisition brings together two of the largest solar EPC and O&M portfolios under the SOLV Energy name. SOLV Energy has built over 9 GW of solar capacity and manages 8 GW of renewable assets across 26 states. The management team and employees of SRE and SOLV, Inc. have transitioned to SOLV Energy, and continue to deliver best-in-class services going forward.

Together as SOLV Energy, our EPC and O&M groups will provide comprehensive turnkey solutions across the entire project lifespan, said George Hershman, President of SOLV Energy. We look forward to partnering with American Securities as we work to accelerate the growth of solar and storage infrastructure in the U.S.

We have strong conviction that SOLV Energy will build on its legacy of excellence by continuing to exceed its customers highest standards. We are thrilled to have the opportunity to work alongside George and the SOLV Energy team to advance solar energy in the U.S. and support the companys rapid growth, commented Kevin Penn, a Managing Director of American Securities. SOLV Energys success boils down to the hard work, persistence, and ingenuity of the companys people. We are excited by the great potential of the partnership between our two organizations, added Michael Sand, also a Managing Director of American Securities.

Lazard served as exclusive financial advisor to Swinerton Incorporated and Farella Braun + Martel LLP served as legal counsel to Swinerton Incorporated for this transaction. Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP acted as legal counsel to American Securities.

About SOLV Energy

SOLV Energy offers engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) and operations and maintenance (O&M) services for solar photovoltaic plants throughout North America. We believe that good energy has a ripple effect. Thats why we only take on projects that provide cleaner power, better jobs, greater education and a brighter future for our communities. Backed by a powerful legacy, weve branched out to focus solely on renewable energy initiatives. Recognized as an industry-leading solar contractor and O&M services provider, our team was ranked the #1 solar contractor in the United States by Solar Power World and Wiki-Solar in 2021.

solvenergy.com

About American Securities

Based in New York with an office in Shanghai, American Securities is a leading U.S. private equity firm that invests in market-leading North American companies with annual revenues generally ranging from $200 million to $2 billion. American Securities and its affiliates have more than $25 billion under management.

american-securities.com


The 2022 Toyota Sequoia is Available at Toyota of Lompoc

Toyota of Lompoc has welcomed the 2022 Toyota Sequoia among several other Toyota vehicles for the 2022 model year. The latest Toyota models sell out fast owing to their popularity and high demand. Customers are, therefore, advised to check the inventory before heading over to the dealership to make a purchase. More details about the 2022 Sequoia can be found on the dealerships official website that interested shoppers could browse through.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia, with a cargo area that is one of the largest in the class, and a decent off-road capability, makes for a great investment in an SUV. It is one of the most popular choices for families looking for a reliable big SUV with the credibility of Toyota. Available in six trim levelsSR5, TRD Sport, Limited, Nightshade Special Edition, TRD Pro, and Platinumthe 2022 Sequoia is powered by a standard 5.7-liter, V8 engine that makes 381 horsepower and 401 pound-feet of torque. Therefore, with the 2022 Toyota Sequoia, you can enjoy a seamless ride and navigate the road ahead of you with ease.

Toyota of Lompoc also offers various specials and incentives on different Toyota models that customers might want to check to make their purchase more frugal. The dealership is located at 203 East Ocean Avenue, Lompoc, California 93436. Shoppers could also call (805) 736-1295 to learn more about the 2022 Sequoia or schedule a test drive of their favorite Toyota vehicle.
Forever in Love with an Alcohol Abuser: Finding Peace, Joy, and Prosperity: a heartfelt and encouraging discussion of how one can heal from the negative effects of life with an alcoholic. Forever in Love with an Alcohol Abuser: Finding Peace, Joy, and Prosperity is the creation of published author Tina Angel, a dedicated wife, loving mother, and grandmother who resides in Northern British Columbia.

Angel shares, Globally, it is estimated that 107 to 240 million people abuse alcohol to varying degrees. Even if only one person is affected by an alcohol abuser, that leaves 107 to 240 million people battling fear, anxiety, anger, hopelessness, physical and mental abuse, depression, bitterness, and stress caused by a relationship with an alcoholic. People who are in relationships with alcohol abusers often do not know that there is a guaranteed way to overcome the debilitating trap of the enemy, who not only is setting up traps for the alcohol abuser, but he is also causing the loved one to be deceived into believing things will never change and get better.

God did not create His children to live in poverty, mental anguish, or spiritual defeat. It is time to make the decision to follow Christ and live a victorious life. This book will show you how you can live in peace, joy, and have prosperity even if you choose to remain living with the alcohol abuser. You will discover that you can dream and live again.

Your breakthrough into a confident, strong, wise, and maturing Christian requires work and determination; and the steps to lead you to freedom are found in this book. God is no respecter of persons; what He did for the author of this book, He will do for you. Let this book launch you into a life of freedom that you may never have had or imagined having before.

This book will also be a valuable asset for those living with or loving someone who has another addiction, such as drugs, overeating, pornography, sexual promiscuity, or is a workaholic.

Published by Christian Faith Publishing, Tina Angels new book will encourage readers dealing with the ramifications of addiction.

Angel shares in hopes of helping others overcome similar circumstances to what she has personally experienced.

Consumers can purchase Forever in Love with an Alcohol Abuser: Finding Peace, Joy, and Prosperity at traditional brick & mortar bookstores, or online at Amazon.com, Apple iTunes store, or Barnes and Noble.

For additional information or inquiries about Forever in Love with an Alcohol Abuser: Finding Peace, Joy, and Prosperity, contact the Christian Faith Publishing media department at 866-554-0919.
From Lizzies Lips to Gods Ears: an energetic and exciting adventure of faith. From Lizzies Lips to Gods Ears is the creation of published author Waynette R. Cox, a United States Army Reserve veteran who attended Lincoln University to earn a bachelors degree in science.

Cox shares, From Lizzies Lips to Gods Ears is a short story about a twelve-year-old girl who is funny, charming, and very intelligent. Most importantly, Lizzie knows the power of prayer and also knows the Bible. She trusts God in everything. Come along on this adventure that will forever change the way you see this young ladys view of how trusting the Word and having faith will bring her neighborhood and her whole community together!

While Lizzie does experience some challenges of her own, things can only get better for this God-fearing, spiritual, loving earth angel. May the audience find laughter and peace and an everlasting friendship with this beautiful young girl. Enjoy this quick read and see how Lizzie thinks the world should be!

Published by Christian Faith Publishing, Waynette R. Coxs new book will engage the imagination of juvenile readers of any background.

Cox shares a hopeful and entertaining tale of friendship, faith, and Gods unending love for creation.

Consumers can purchase From Lizzies Lips to Gods Ears at traditional brick & mortar bookstores, or online at Amazon.com, Apple iTunes store, or Barnes and Noble.

For additional information or inquiries about From Lizzies Lips to Gods Ears, contact the Christian Faith Publishing media department at 866-554-0919.
The Wall Street Journals Mansion Global magazine tapped WRJ Designs Klaus Baer and Rush Jenkins for design expertise on recent luxury mountain trends (kitchen PC: Eric Piasecki). Jenkins and Baer marry luxury with natural materials to reflect the mountainous region that they call home.

Following the recent surge of home buyers in the Rocky Mountain West, Mansion Global, the premier luxury real estate and lifestyle brand included in the Wall Street Journal, interviewed Rush Jenkins and Klaus Baer, co-owners of Jackson Hole interior design firm WRJ Design, for their take on how the migration is shaping regional design trends. The magazines winter 2021 issue highlights stories of city dwellers Heading for the Hills, seeking more space and scenery in the mountains, and interviews the design duo, citing WRJs widespread acclaim for creating luxurious yet comfortable spaces reflecting the scenic region and its laid-back, albeit active lifestyle.

Raised in nearby Idaho, Jenkins has always turned to nature for inspiration, and Baer has roots in Georgias Blue Ridge Mountains. In 2010, the partners succumbed to the lure of the Teton Mountains, relocating their growing design firm from Manhattan to Jackson, Wyoming. That history gives them a special understanding of the current urge to escape urban life that has driven an explosion of interest in Jackson Hole real estate. To connect to nature does something to you spiritually, Jenkins tells Mansion Global. Youre connecting to that essence of who you are, and that is hard to find today. Thats why its a huge draw to many people.

Jenkins shares with Mansion Global how the mix of WRJ clients has shifted since the pandemic, with more clients making Jackson their primary home rather than just a vacation escape. Consequently, they are investing in their mountain houses at a different level, spending more on furnishings, and housing art and wine collections there, as well as garaging more cars  perhaps creating a compound including guest cabins for visiting friends and family. The interest is in truly creating spaces that inspire, energize and relax, filled with meaningful pieces. Another pandemic effect: more work-from-home options. In the past, we may have designed an office, but clients are requesting a desk in every bedroom, Jenkins says, while Baer emphasizes the desire for elevated technology. With all the Zoom meetings and streaming involved, they need to have the bandwidth, he says.

More importantly though, people are relocating to the area to have a good time and enjoy doing the things they love outdoors  and also indoors  bringing a rush of home amenities. Great mudrooms  are required here, Baer tells Mansion Global, citing the large amount of gear that accompanies the outdoor lifestyle. Jenkins agrees: Were seeing larger recreation rooms to house skis and equipment because more friends are coming from cities to stay with them for longer periods. People stay two, three, or six months, and their kids stay longer than a couple of weeks.

One slopeside Jackson Hole homes spectacular mudroom, designed by WRJ Design with JLF Architects and featured in the Mansion Global article, includes a fireplace to warm ski boots and chic, durable benches, with bins for equipment beneath a room-long window seat, and luxurious touches like shearling rugs atop a radiant-heated stone floor. Rooms for outdoor gear are balanced by spaces dedicated to indoor fun, prompting a rise in game rooms with pool tables, ping pong and card tables, for example  including a game room and custom wet bar featured in an exclusive Architectural Digest online tour of a WRJ-designed Jackson Hole remodel that AD calls a perfectly updated cabin. Weve seen a separate weight room or gym, treatment room for massage, yoga studio, a wet bar detached next to the pool, and plunge pools, Baer adds.

Another trend WRJ notes is the desire for extravagant kitchens with high-end appliances from Gaggenau to Miele, pizza ovens, and luxurious materials for countertops, cabinetry and seating, as well as artful light fixtures. Notable in the kitchens  and throughout home interiors  is the desire to reflect the natural environment, which is something WRJ Design has mastered and thoughtfully imparts in every home, consistently bringing a harmonious connection to the remarkable landscape that surrounds them.

That connection to nature can be reflected in an interiors color palette and carefully layered textures  or it can be literal, as when WRJ worked with a homeowner and builder to turn a 700-pound boulder, excavated from the homesite, into a unique organic stone sink in the powder room of one Jackson Hole home. Artisans crafted the basin and hung the stone with steel supports on a salvaged wood accent wall, where it appears to defy gravity.

In late 2019, Jenkins and Baers book Natural Elegance: Luxurious Mountain Living (Vendome Press) came out, featuring their nature-inspired, sophisticated yet comfortable interiors. The timing of the book now seems prescient given the flood of newcomers to the area since its debut who embrace the WRJ Design approach to mountain homes, combining clean-lined European design and a subtle color palette drawn from surrounding nature with one-of-a-kind antiques, the work of regional artists and artisans, and richly layered natural textures including linen, leather, hair on hide and cashmere. Ultimately, as Mansion Global puts it, Jenkins and Baer marry luxury with natural materials to reflect the mountainous region that they call home.

About WRJ Design:

Headquartered in Jackson, Wyoming, WRJ Design imparts the special serenity of its local Teton landscape to interior designs in Jackson Hole and across the country. WRJ began out of a passion for great design by Rush Jenkins and Klaus Baer, who create experiences and environments through inspired design. The team provides homeowners timeless reflections of their collections by combining the work of regional artisans with finely crafted European furnishings and accessories, and historically rich one-of-a-kind pieces curated from around the world. Three-time Mountain Living Home of the Year winners, WRJ has been featured widely in media including Architectural Digest and House Beautiful, as well as their popular book, Natural Elegance: Luxurious Mountain Living (2019, Vendome). For more information visit wrjdesign.com and follow @wrjdesign on Instagram.
Five days before the ministers of agriculture representing the worlds largest economies met in Florence, Italy, for a G20 summit, a group of young Italian wine professionals held a symposium of their own. AGIVI, the Association of Young Italian Wine Entrepreneurs, hosted the convention on Sept. 12, 2021, at the same citys Palazzo Vecchio, to discuss some of the most pressing questions about the future of Italian wine. How would wine fit into the global drive toward sustainability, also a G20 focus? And, more broadly, how could the up-and-coming generation in the industry reach young wine lovers in an increasingly competitive global marketplace?

Young people think, plan and work in a green mindset, said Violante Gardini Cinelli Colombini, president of AGIVI, which is a branch of the national UIV (Unione Italiana Vini) and export sales manager of Casato Prime Donne winery in Montalcino. From the vineyard to the cellar, ranging from the choice of packaging to that of transport to the services offered in the company, the initiatives of the new generations are increasingly developed from a sustainable perspective, with specific actions aimed at achieving objectives that are as respectful of the environment as possible.

According to a survey made on the AGIVI members, 94% believe sustainability provides a decisive competitive edge, with nearly 70% choosing suppliers based in part on the sustainability of their proposals. Another survey presented at the convention found that 70% of millennial wine tourists would be more likely to visit wineries with ethical labor practices, and 70% favored companies that helped disadvantaged communities. Canned wines, carbon emissions and pesticide alternatives have also been hot topics in AGIVIs ongoing dialogue about sustainability.

While AGIVI has been exploring environmental and social initiatives, its members have also been navigating new technologies in viticulture and sales, along with new platforms, customers and tasteswhile preserving the heritage that has long made Italian wine unique. In 2021, AGIVI members gathered to exchange knowledge in regions like Umbria and Trentino; they contributed to social media webinars, and panels and tastings at Vinitaly and in New York. Along the way, they discussed creative enotourism, labeling and transparency tools like QR codes, and distribution platforms like e-commerce.

Our job is very challenging, we never stop learning and the wine industry is in continuous development, explained Emanuele Rocca, export sales manager of Rocca Vini, which includes estates in Piedmont and Puglia. Rocca cited the cultivation of new and forgotten varieties, waste reduction in production and packaging, the embrace of e-commerce and social media, an enhanced cellar door experience, and expansion into lesser-known regions like Salento (the heel of Italys boot) as new ways the company is carrying on the family tradition of innovation. Our grandpa didnt teach us to ride a bike but taught us interesting wine secrets, said Rocca. Among younger drinkers, Rocca notices a movement toward lower-alcohol wines and, most encouraging, an increased interest in wine education.

Im optimistic, said Rocca, because I see the young generations focus on the quality of the product.

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The program: European quality wines: taste the difference is a project financed by the European Union and managed by Unione Italiana Vini and PRODECA for the promotion of PDO and PGI European wines abroad in China and US. In order to achieve this objective, the TTD.EU program will organize wine seminars, workshops and b2b meetings both in these countries and in Spain and Italy, inviting wine professionals to join study trips to Europe. The program, realized in the span of three years (2021-2023) aims at creating awareness about European quality wines, in particular Italian and Spanish, which share a long tradition and a high standard of quality.

The beneficiaries: Unione Italiana Vini is the oldest and most commissioned Association of the Italian wine market. It represents cooperative, private and agricultural wine-companies, bottlers, consortia, associations and wine-making machines or wine cellars / laboratory manufacturers, located throughout the Italian territory. Promotora de Exportaciones Catalanas (PRODECA) is a public company established in 1986 and part of the Ministry of Climate Action, Food and Rural Agenda of the Government of Catalonia. It supports the agri-food sector and its companies with the knowledge, tools and experience to increase their products in Catalunya and worldwide.
Joan Didion, one of the most widely respected journalists and writers of the latter half of 20th century, has died due to complications from Parkinsons disease. She was 87.

Didion was a pioneer of what was initially called new journalism, a narrative style that relied on the storytelling techniques of fiction -- with distinctive protagonists, antagonists, and plot arcs -- than typical documentary journalism. Throughout her career, Didion published a total of 19 books, including the essay collections Slouching Toward Bethlehem (1968) and the White Album (1979), which chronicled the cultural upheavals of the 1960s and 70s; the novels, including the bestsellers A Book of Common Prayer (1977) and Play It as It Lays (1970); and the memoir The Year of Magical Thinking, about the aftermath of the sudden death of her husband, John Gregory Dunne, which won the 2005 National Book Award for nonfiction. Didion and Dunnes daughter, Quintana Roo, died two years later of severe pancreatitis, prompting a second memoir, Blue Nights, published in 2011.

Didion was born in Sacramento, Calif., on December 5, 1934. She graduated with a degree from in English from University of California Berkeley in 1956, before winning a writing contest that landed her a job at Vogue magazine in New York City, which launched her career. Her first book, the novel Run River, was published in 1963.

She cast her acerbic eye on a wide range of topics, from city life in Los Angeles and New York, to life the of Cuban immigrants in Miami, to the rise of a range of various social movements, including feminism, the sexual revolution, and civil rights.

She was also a scriptwriter, having collaborated with her husband on numerous screenplays, including The Panic in Needle Park (1971), Play It As It Lays (1972), which was Didions second novel, A Star Is Born (1976), and Up Close and Personal (1996).

Over the course of her career, Didion was the recipient of numerous awards. In 2005, she was awarded the American Academy of Arts and Letters Gold Medal in Belles Letters and Criticism. In 2007, she was awarded the National Book Foundations Medal for Distinguished Contribution to American Letters. A portion of National Book Foundation citation read: An incisive observer of American politics and culture for more than forty-five years, Didions distinctive blend of spare, elegant prose and fierce intelligence has earned her books a place in the canon of American literature as well as the admiration of generations of writers and journalists. In 2013, she was presented with a National Medal of Arts and Humanities award by President Barack Obama, as well as the PEN Center USAs Lifetime Achievement Award.

Joan was a brilliant observer and listener, a wise and subtle teller of truths about our present and future, said Shelley Wanger, Didions editor at Knopf. She was fierce and fearless in her reporting. Her writing is timeless and powerful, and her prose has influenced millions.

In writing about her last book, Let Me Tell You What I Mean, a collection of essays published earlier this year, the New York Times, called Didion, an articulate witness to the most stubborn and intractable truths of our time."

Reflecting on her work following the publication of Blue Nights, Didion, then 76, was asked by PW how she defined herself. Was she primarily a wife, a mother, a writer? Didion says she knew she was a good wife; she wasn't sure what kind of mother she was. I used to say I was a writer, but its less up front now. Maybe because it didnt help me. Writing about morality and culture was like pushing the stone uphill again. You write about X political events and nothing happens. That doesnt push you to write again.

Knopf closed its announcement of Didions death with a quote from The Year of Magical Thinking. It reads: We are not idealized wild things. We are imperfect mortal beings, aware of that mortality even as we push it away, failed by our very complication, so wired that when we mourn our losses we also mourn, for better or for worse, ourselves. As we were. As we are no longer. As we will one day not be at all.

A chronicle of PW's reviews of Didion's books is available here.
By Elizabeth Kwiatkowski, 12/22/2021



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Elizabeth Kwiatkowski is Associate Editor of Reality TV World and has been covering the reality TV genre for more than a decade.

star Jason Hitch 's sister, Shannon Speagle, is urging everyone to get vaccinated against the COVID-19 coronavirus that took her brother's life.Jason, who starred on Season 2 of TLC's with his now ex-wife Cassia Tavares , died at age 45 in the ICU of a Florida hospital on December 14 after battling COVID-19.Shannon told TMZ that Jason was not unvaccinated amid the still-ongoing coronavirus pandemic and had considered himself an anti-vaxxer.Shannon expressed how she's devastated about her brother's sudden and tragic passing, and so she is trying to convince everyone to protect themselves from the virus as best as possible, which would mean three COVID vaccine shots -- two doses followed by a booster.Shannon, who is vaccinated, said her brother had assumed he'd be able to fight the virus quickly and easily because he was a healthy and fairly young individual.Jason had allegedly even sent his sister misinformation about the vaccine supposedly not being effective, which resulted in a disagreement between the siblings.Shannon told the website that during her final conversation with Jason, she begged him to get vaccinated because he had been planning to visit her and her children.Jason had allegedly refused to get vaccinated and decided to instead just not to visit his family, and then he became ill.Shannon initially didn't want to call Jason when he had contracted COVID because she said she didn't want it to seem like she was rubbing it in his face, but once the former reality TV star was hospitalized with a severe case, she flew to Florida to be by his side.Once Shannon and Jason reunited, Jason had already been sedated and put on a ventilator, TMZ reported.Shannon recalled it being the worst sight she's ever seen, and then Jason died last week while she was by his bedside.Shannon told TMZ that she loved her brother deeply and the situation ended up being the worst "I told you so" moment she could ever imagine. She is now trying to prevent another family from going through the same pain.Cassia also admitted on social media last week she was "shocked" by Jason's death."It's always sad when someone you spent part of your life with stops breathing," Cassia wrote December 15 on her Instagram Stories."I guess one could never be prepared for that. I wasn't, today. When I started receiving messages, I thought it was a joke. I'm shocked. My condolences to his family and friends. Rest In Peace, Jason."After news broke of Jason's death, TLC told E! News in a statement, "We are saddened to hear about the passing of Jason Hitch and send our sincere condolences to his family and friends at this time."Jason was a 38-year-old from Spring Hill, FL, when he appeared on .Jason pursued love with Cassia on when she was a 23-year-old from Curitiba, Brazil.The couple originally met on Facebook while Cassia was in an online relationship with Jason's friend.Once that relationship ended, Jason and Cassia sparked up a romance and then she arrived in America on a K-1 visa.Cassia relocated to the United States and moved in with her boyfriend and his father, but she and Jason separated in 2017.In early 2018, Jason filed for divorce amid accusations of domestic violence, but he reportedly withdrew the petition in March 2018.Jason tried to make his marriage work after dismissing the petition, but the pair failed to work out their issues.Jason therefore filed for divorce again in September 2018.Jason had opened up to RadarOnline that year about his decision to officially part ways with his Season 2 co-star and partner in life, saying their relationship lacked a "good foundation.""A successful relationship is communication, physical attraction and doing whatever it takes," Jason told the website at the time."Right now it's time to go in different directions. I think we'll remain friends. She knows I have her best interests at heart."Jason had said the divorce was mutual and "uncontested," adding "there will be no alimony payments" and there was "no fighting over anything."Jason had insisted, however, that Cassia married him for love and that she never used him for a green card to live in the United States."She did not come here just to become an American citizen," Jason had argued in light of critics. "She had a good life in Brazil. She was about to finish college. She didn't have to marry me."Jason was later deployed by the Army in January 2019, but he said the deployment was not a factor in his divorce.Jason and Cassia's divorce was reportedly quickly finalized about a month after he had filed in October 2018.Want more spoilers or couples updates? Click here to visit our homepage!
Adrienne Banfield-Norris is celebrating 31 years of clean living.

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Banfield-Norris, 68, who hosts the Facebook Watch series Red Table Talk with her daughter, actress Jada Pinkett Smith , and granddaughter Willow Smith , marked the anniversary of her sobriety in a video Wednesday on Instagram.

"Be still. Be present. 31 years clean, one day at a time," Banfield-Norris captioned the post.

In the video, Banfield-Norris reflected on how she "spent so many years in that insanity of active addiction." She said she ultimately decided to "surrender" to the reality of her situation.

"That surrender was a struggle," Banfield-Norris said. "But it was the surrender that was the beginning of the change in my life."

Comedian Lala Milan and Sheree Zampino, the ex-wife of Smith's husband, Will Smith , were among those to voice their support for Banfield-Norris in the comments.

"You are EVERYTHING! Congrats my girl," Milan wrote.

"Wow Gam! I'm grateful for your surrender! You are so loved and necessary in my journey - thank you!" Zampino said.

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Banfield-Norris previously discussed her struggle with a heroin addiction during an episode of Red Table Talk in 2018, saying she "abused drugs for over 20 years."

"It's difficult to talk about something that is gonna go out in the world," Banfield-Norris said at the time.

"I couldn't hide the unmanageability of my life, and the emotional damage and the spiritual damage I did to myself and her," she added, with Smith by her side. "That was devastating."

Banfield-Norris, Smith and Willow Smith have hosted Red Table Talk since 2018.

Smith has two children, Willow and son Jaden, with Will Smith. Will Smith also has a son, Trey, with Zampino.
Television and radio personality Martha Quinn will host a new iHeartRadio show.

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The former MTV VJ, 62, will launch The Martha Quinn Show in January 2022, iHeartMedia announced in a press release Thursday.

The Martha Quinn Show is a midday show that will broadcast across more than 35 iHeartMedia stations, including stations in San Francisco, Seattle, Minneapolis, St. Louis and more.

Quinn will bring "her signature positivity and her love of all things music" to the show, which will feature the segments Martha's Mixtape, Totally Awesome News, Martha's Wellness Shot and more.

"Martha has such a genuine and uplifting personality and she constantly brings excitement and positivity to listeners," iHeartMedia president of the national programming group Tom Poleman said. "She has an unmatched ability to connect with her audience, not to mention an amazing playlist filled with the songs she helped make famous through the years. We know that listeners across the country will fall in love with Martha Quinn, just as audiences everywhere have for decades."

Quinn joined iHeartMedia in 2016 as the host of The Martha Quinn Morning Show, which airs on KOSF in San Francisco.

"For over five years, I've been bowled over by the passion and support of our San Francisco listeners," she said. "And now I get to bond with music fans all across the country, what an honor! A million thanks to the awesome team at iHeartMedia."

Quinn came to fame as an MTV VJ in the 1980s and left the network in 1992.
By Elizabeth Kwiatkowski, 12/23/2021



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Elizabeth Kwiatkowski is Associate Editor of Reality TV World and has been covering the reality TV genre for more than a decade.

alum Greg Grippo has revealed he felt a sense of desperation after Katie Thurston 's season wrapped filming and thought there was a chance they'd get back together.Greg, 28, professed his love to Katie and then unexpectedly dumped her after hometown dates on 's seventeenth season because Katie wouldn't give him the validation or reassurance he needed to feel ready to propose marriage in just a short week or two.Katie ultimately accepted a marriage proposal from her winner Blake Moynes during filming, but Greg was apparently left in the dark about how Katie's journey to find love ended until he could read spoilers online and/or watch the finale air in August on ABC."I like to think on my end the feelings that we had were real, but I just truly believe that she had stronger feelings for Blake, who ended up getting engaged to her after. I mean, I was even calling producers after [I quit], I was DMing, like, [ co-host] Kaitlyn Bristowe -- nobody was answering me," Greg recalled on a recent episode of the "We Met at Acme" podcast."But I was like, 'Is she with him? Did they end up together? Is she coming back to New Jersey?' I was calling producers left and right."Greg went on to admit, "I was also telling my family, I'm like, 'Guys, I think there's a better chance than not [we get back together] because let me tell you, it's like very real between us and I think they could give me a call and she's either going to come to New Jersey or I'll go back to New Mexico. I don't care what it takes.'"When asked to explain the reason why he had left prematurely, Greg replied, "It felt, like, a little too scripted and felt like, 'Alright, we need to play by [the rules].'""I had no problem going into the Fantasy Suite and there being two other guys there. I wasn't looking for the show to end. I wasn't at all. I wanted us to communicate on a mutual level in those moments," he shared.Greg said he understood it was "tough" for Katie at the time considering she had two other relationships blossoming, but he noted, "For me, I just wanted that mutual love... On , there are steps to it, and I understand that, but this is also the rest of my life.""And if this is going to be the person I marry," he continued, "I want it to be completely real. And, like, yeah, I want to show my family after and be like, 'Look that we accomplished, look at what we went through.'""That damn dating show" is "one of the hardest things" to "make it out of the mud with someone," according to Greg.Greg revealed Katie had agreed to move to New York if the pair ended up together since family is so important to Greg and he wouldn't want to leave his mother. That's when he apparently became very invested in star."It was a really tough decision to leave. It was one of the hardest things I've ever had to, you know, choose for myself. It was tough, especially after hearing everyone saying like, 'Oh, I was acting or I ran away when it got too serious,'" Greg explained."I mean, for me, I'm like, 'What if she said I love you back, guys?' Like, I couldn't leave then, you know? I would have known then, 'This is gonna be my wife,' I wouldn't have left. You can't leave [then]."Greg said that after "emptying" his heart to Katie, he put all of his cards on the table and showed his hand."I said, 'This is us.' I just wanted a little crumb. I feel, for us, we just weren't on the same page, and I think that was very telling about where we were headed in the future. So I think that was the right move for me," Greg said looking back on the breakup.Greg emerged as a very polarizing suitor during and after Season 17 of the ABC reality series.Greg essentially scolded Katie for treating him like "a number" and being more focused on the show and giving out roses than on their "real" relationship.Many fans and members of Bachelor Nation accused Greg of emotionally manipulating Katie and making her feel like she was in the wrong because his ego had been bruised Katie also accused Greg of "gaslighting" her during their tense breakup conversation and being "a liar" and an actor on Katie and Greg faced each other on : After the Final Rose amid the drama and exchanged a few jabs, but the broadcast ended with each individual uncomfortably -- and seemingly insincerely -- wishing the other person all the best.Greg later apologized in the press for how he had acted like an immature "ass" and "petulant child" and treated Katie."When the whole gaslighting thing came out, I didn't leave my bed for 10 days. My family was really worried about me. I was in a really dark spot. I just felt like nobody was going through what I was going through in that moment... I felt like I couldn't even be seen after that for a while," Greg admitted."I was so embarrassed [and] ashamed... I felt like people were tossing around that word [gaslighting], and here I am truly trying to understand what people were trying to say like, you know, 'really manipulating her mindset' -- and that's the furthest thing from what I was trying to do."Greg acknowledged while he definitely "wasn't communicating properly at all," he believes he would have been manipulating Katie more if he has stayed on the show following their emotional conversation outdoors.Now that Greg knows what gaslighting is, he added, "Not even a sliver of my intention was to gaslight her at all."Some Greg fans, however, had lashed out at Katie at the time for allegedly bullying, harassing and "publicly ripping" Greg "to shreds" when he had just been trying to express his real feelings on .Katie tweeted in September that she had spoken to Greg "privately" after the show ended and the former couple "moved on."Katie thought she had found her perfect match in Blake, a Canadian wildlife manager, but the couple announced they had decided to split and end their engagement in late October after struggling with long-distance, frequent fighting and different love languages.Katie then went public with her new romance with John Hersey , a San Diego bartender who had been eliminated during Week 2 of Katie's season, a few weeks later.Greg confirmed on the podcast that if Katie became single again and called him, he wouldn't be interested in reviving their relationship."That chapter's closed," Greg insisted. "I don't mean that in any harsh way. But just, I'm just at another point in my life. And I don't think we're right for each other anyway."Interested in more The Bachelor news? Join our The Bachelor Facebook Group
FILE - Tom Hanks speaks at the Governors Awards on Oct. 27, 2019, in Los Angeles. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has decided to postpone the Governors Awards, which were set to be held in Los Angeles on Jan 15. New plans for the untelevised but always star-studded event which hands out honorary Oscars will come at a later date, an academy spokesperson said Wednesday, Dec. 22, 2021.
A section of Route 5 in Bellows Falls, near Granger Street, was closed off during the morning commute after a two-vehicle head-on crash on Monday, Jan. 3, 2022. According to an early report, an SUV crossed over the double-yellow, striking a commercial vehicle, but the Bellows Falls Police De
FILE - Natasha Rothwell, a cast member in "The White Lotus," poses at the premiere of the HBO limited series, Wednesday, July 7, 2021, at the Bel Air Bay Club in Los Angeles. As the Insecure chapter of Natasha Rothwells life comes to a close, shes writing many more. In The White Lotus, Rothwell stood out among an ensemble cast who all put in stellar performances.
With Brattleboro voting overwhelmingly to become part of the international Charter for Compassion, the Reformer and The Commons have agreed to publish a Compassion Story of the Month. This is the 54th. Submissions, from Brattleboro area residents, for future publication, not to exceed 650 words, should be emailed to: compassionstory@gmail.com or mailed to: Compassion Story of the Month, PO Box 50, Marlboro, VT 05344. Please include your name, address, phone number and email address. Earlier submitted stories will automatically be considered in subsequent months.
A U.S. Postal Service vehicle enters the Post Office branch at 108 Elm St. in Bennington on Aug. 25. In a letter sent Thursday to Postmaster Louis DeJoy, U.S. Sens. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., and U.S. Rep. Peter Welch, D-Vt., on Thursday sent a letter to Postmaster General Louis DeJoy, demanding action for mail woes in Vermont.
NEW YORK (AP)  Revelers will still ring in the new year in New York's Times Square next week, there just won't be as many of them as usual under new restrictions announced Thursday as the city grapples with a spike in COVID-19 cases.

Viewing areas that normally accommodate about 58,000 people will be limited to about 15,000 to allow for more distancing, and everyone in attendance must show proof of vaccination and wear a mask, Mayor Bill de Blasio said in a news release announcing the changes.

There is a lot to celebrate and these additional safety measures will keep the fully vaccinated crowd safe and healthy as we ring in the New Year," de Blasio said, noting the city's success in getting residents vaccinated while also keeping businesses open.

The added precautions for New Year's Eve in Times Square were spurred by the rapid spread of the omicron variant in the Big Apple, where lines for testing have snaked around blocks in recent days.

On Wednesday, the city set yet another one-day testing record with 22,808 new cases, though a true comparison to the number of cases during the initial COVID-19 surge in spring 2020 is impossible because tests were very limited at the time.

Because of vaccinations, hospitalizations and deaths from the current surge are far fewer than at the pandemics height.

The new wave of cases has led to the cancellation of concerts, sporting events and Broadway shows, but de Blasio has shown a strong preference for having the annual Times Square ball drop go on as planned  the last major event of his eight-year tenure, which ends Jan. 1.

Little more than a month ago, de Blasio gleefully announced that a fully vaccinated crowd of hundreds of thousands of people would be back at the iconic celebration  donning goofy 2022-themed glasses and watching a crystal-clad ball drop at midnight  after it was limited last year to small groups of essential workers.

But that was before omicron caught fire, forcing city officials and event organizers to rethink just how many people they wanted to squeeze into the bright, billboard-lined tourist haven known to some as the Crossroads of the World.

On Tuesday, the Fox network gave its verdict, pulling the plug on a planned live broadcast from the New Year's Eve event. Other networks plan to air the festivities, including Dick Clarks New Years Rockin Eve on ABC, the stalwart now hosted by Ryan Seacrest.

De Blasio said along with Thursday's announcement that the city is monitoring the COVID-19 situation and could impose additional precautions if needed. Among the other changes announced Thursday, revelers won't be allowed into viewing areas until 3 p.m., much later than in past years.

On New Year's Eve last year, Times Square was mostly empty, with Jennifer Lopez and other artists performing behind police barricades. After vaccines became widely available in the U.S., the city allowed crowds back to the Macys Fourth of July fireworks, the Macys Thanksgiving Parade and other events.

New York is the best place in the world to celebrate New Years Eve and now it will be one of the safest against COVID as well, Mayor-elect Eric Adams said in a written statement endorsing the new precautions. New Yorkers and visitors alike can now enjoy Times Square and the rest of our city as we ring in 2022.

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Associated Press writer Jennifer Peltz contributed to this report.
TUNIS, Tunisia (AP)  A Tunisian court has sentenced former President Moncef Marzouki in absentia to four years in prison for undermining the external security of the state, according to the state TAP news agency.

Marzouki had urged France to end its support for Tunisia, calling current President Kais Saied a dictator.
JACKSON, Miss. (AP)  The mayor of Mississippi's capital has tested positive for COVID-19.

Jackson Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba confirmed Wednesday his second test, a PCR test, came back positive. He initially tested positive Tuesday on a home test, which he took as a matter of routine, a city spokesperson said.

Lumumba said hes a little bit fatigued but has no other symptoms, news outlets reported. Doctors have asked him to isolate and rest for the next several days. He is under quarantine at home, city officials said.

The mayor is fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and has received a booster shot.

It was not known Tuesday whether Lumumba tested positive for a COVID-19 variant. The COVID-19 omicron variant accounts for nearly three-fourths of all new cases in the country. In Mississippi, the first omicron case was detected earlier in December.

State Epidemiologist Paul Byers has said two omicron cases have been identified in Mississippi, and others are under investigation, The Clarion Ledger reported.

Its kind of a slow burn as we move through the holidays so far, Byers said.

Byers said the best protection people can get is through vaccination, and encouraged those who have been vaccinated to receive a booster. Wearing masks and avoiding indoor holiday gatherings can help slow transmission of the virus, he said.
Hearst Connecticut Media file photo / Hearst Connecticut Media

WESTPORT  More police than usual are watching over two Westport schools Wednesday afternoon after a school administrator saw a person making idle threats, according to a school official.

Earlier in the day, an administrator with Kings Highway Elementary School saw a person walking on Post Road exhibiting erratic behavior and making idle threats, according to Superintendent of Schools Thomas Scarice.
TORRINGTON  The state Bond Commission recently approved $4 million for TCB Connecticut to build a community center and do renovations at Northside Terraces, an apartment complex.

The Northside Terraces is an apartment complex located in Torrington. The funding will be used to finance the construction of a community center on the property, as well as renovations for the existing buildings. The money allocated to TCB Connecticut, Inc. is a loan for programs under the Housing Trust Fund.
TORRINGTON  By the end of the day Thursday, more than 65 families were loaded up with gifts for Christmas, thanks to the generosity of people in Torrington.

Robin King, a FISH of Northwest Connecticut staff member, spent the last few weeks at a secret location  a warehouse in the city  sorting and organizing donated toys and other presents for 68 families who signed up for holiday help. King said families were coming to the warehouse Thursday morning to pick up their gifts.

FISH runs a homeless shelter and food pantry, and provides assistance to individuals and families.

Weve already given out quite a few gifts, and more people are coming today, King said. Some families have been adopted (by a person or a group) and then we have the Angel Tree (where names are taken by volunteers to fill their wish lists). We just want to make sure all the kids get the same amount of stuff.

Families with four or more children were expected to receive gifts. Ive got some families with six kids, and some with seven, King said. Id say the average size is four kids.

Donations also came from the Connecticut State Police and Torrington Fire Departments toy drives, which began right after Thanksgiving.

Deidre Houlihan DiCara, executive director of FISH, said the Christmas season is her busiest, and that she wouldnt be able to do her job without all the help. In her annual year-end Report Card, a newsletter that details the many events held in 2021 to support FISH, DiCara said that in spite of the ongoing pandemic, we have never missed a beat.

We love to share that we have been blessed with many angels and heroes who have miraculously appeared during the pandemic, she said.

Some of the most recent donors included Our Lady of Hope Church in Harwinton and Salisbury Congregational Church, Todd Bailey from Peoples United Bank, the Litchfield County Womens Network, the Litchfield County Chapter of the Greater Hartford Association of Realtors, Lowes, Center Congregational Church, and George Noujaim, owner of Noujaims Bistro in Winsted. These are just some of the many people and groups that provided their time, food and gifts to FISH for the holiday season.

Theres such a variety of groups from Torrington and other towns in the area, DiCara said. It reflects the way people really reached out to us to help.

Salisbury Congregational Church, for example, joined FISH for its annual Rally Day to End Homelessness and Hunger in Northwest Connecticut, which included a daylong coat giveaway at St. Peter Church hall.

Salisbury church members delivered five carloads of coats for the giveaway, and helped us bring them in and get them sorted, DiCara said. I also want to give a shout-out to Todd Bailey and Jake from Peoples United Bank  they held food drives for Thanksgiving and Christmas, and the amount of donations was just wonderful.

Noujaim, she said, remains a steadfast supporter of FISH, and continues to deliver meals to the shelter on a regular basis. George is one of our greatest angels, DiCara said.

Not all the donors were adults, she said.

A big part of the holidays here at FISH is when I invite friends to bake homemade cookies for our folks at the shelter, she said. When I started here, I baked cookies. ... Now I have a whole group of people who bring homemade cookies to us. For the second year, Annie, Tommy and Addie Perreault baked cookies with their grandma, Jody Lambert, and delivered them to us. Its become a tradition for them.

For information about FISH, go to www.facebook.com/fishnwct or call 860-482-7300.
J. Scott Applewhite/AP

WASHINGTON (AP)  North Carolina Rep. Madison Cawthorn and his wife, Cristina Bayardelle, are divorcing after about a year of marriage, citing the difficulty of balancing the enormity of transitioning to a congressman's life, according to a statement tweeted Wednesday by Cawthorns spokesperson.

The 26-year-old ally of former President Donald Trump became the youngest member of Congress last year after his election to the vacant 11th District seat previously held by Mark Meadows. Cawthorn announced last month he will run in a new congressional district, a seat that is friendlier to Republicans.
NEW CANAAN  The school district, East School staff and its families are coping with the loss of a popular kindergarten teacher, Claudia Palladino Monaco, 43, who died on Dec. 16 after enduring a battle with cancer.

A native to the area, Monaco attended New Canaan Schools growing up and eventually returned to her home district as a teacher of kindergarten at East School where she remained for ten years.

Superintendent Bryan Luizzi wrote an email to parents on Monday saying it was with a very heavy heart, he had to announce the death of Monaco. She was a part of our New Canaan School Community for many years, as a proud student and NCHS alumna, volunteer, intern, student teacher and, ultimately, as a beloved kindergarten teacher.

Monaco is survived by her husband of 18 years, Anthony, and three children, Marco, 11, Luigi, 9, and Sofia, 6.

Her passing is a tremendous loss to the town. More importantly, it is a devastating loss for her family. I pray for Claudias little kids, said Town Council member Mike Mauro said. (It is) so painful.

Monaco was a true Connecticut lifer. The mother of three young children was born in Norwalk, graduated in 1997 from New Canaan High School, earned an undergraduate degree from the University of Connecticut and finally her masters in education from Sacred Heart University. She also taught religious education at St. Aloysius Church in New Canaan.

Claudia shared her love and good-nature with everyone around her, and her strength has been an inspiration to us all, Luizzi said. Her warmth, positivity and smile will always be fondly remembered, especially by her students, their families and her many colleagues and friends.

I only met her a few times but they were memorable because I was struck how she radiated genuine positivity and warmth, Mauro said. She represented whats best about New Canaan.

Though educators will be consoling each other, we will not be discussing this sad news in our classrooms, Luizzi wrote. Sharing such information is best done with parents at home, so they can listen to and help their child understand this sad news.

I know such news can be difficult to process with children, Luizzi said as he attached advice from the National Institute of Health in his email. Many of us knew Claudia personally, and I urge you to take some time for yourself as well.

In the information attached in the letter, the National Institute of Health recommended listening to childrens emotions.

If we permit children to talk to us about death, then we can give them needed information, prepare them for a crisis, and help them when they are upset, the advice states.

Administrators, counselors and others were onsite Monday to help support our faculty and staff in whatever ways are needed, Luizzi said. We will do everything we can to support our school community, including helping faculty and staff feel comfort by keeping to a regular schedule and familiar routines throughout the day.

Monacos funeral was at Hoyt Funeral Home, 199 Main St, New Canaan, on Sunday, Dec. 19, and a mass of Christian burial was held on Monday at St. Aloysius Church. She was buried at St. Johns Cemetery in Norwalk.

Claudias caring spirit and generous heart could be felt by anyone she met. She had a special gift of not only seeing the good in people but bringing out the best in them as well, her obituary says.

Luizzi beckoned the New Canaan School community, which he called a strong and loving one, to join him in finding strength in the knowledge that we will be together in sympathy and support for Monacos family and for each other.
Who will be teaching Black and Latino history classes? The question came quickly to those charged with developing the new course for Connecticuts high schools.

This question we asked all the way back in 2019-2020 doing our focus groups, said Michelle Lebrun-Griffin, a consultant with the State Education Resource Center of Connecticut, which was designated by the state legislature to develop and implement the program.

More than 50 high schools across the state are field testing the cultural studies course this year before the state mandates all high schools offer the elective course next fall. Some teachers are bringing their lived experience to the class while others are learning right along with their students.

Im very upfront with what I know and what I dont know, and what I have experienced and what I havent experienced. I find that transparency extremely helpful in teaching the course and having an open mind, said Cecile St. Jean, a white social studies teacher at P-TECH Norwalk.

Lisa Breen, a Spanish teacher at the CREC Greater Hartford Academy of the Arts High School, called the history course a complete game changer. The integrated magnet arts high school is using an interdisciplinary approach and collaborating with other subjects such as the arts, media studies, and the language department.

This course is groundbreaking, said Breen, who is African American. Its content brings Black and Latino communities together, exposing truths that all students (of every race) need to learn, reflect and synthesize.

Lebrun-Griffin and fellow SERC consultant Nitza Diaz-Candelo recognized early that Connecticut has a high prevalence of white teachers, and it was more than likely a white instructor would be teaching the new class. Only about 10 percent of all educators in the Connecticut are non-white, according to state data.

The two sensed some initial uncertainty from teachers but said all of them had the desire to teach the course from the start.

It wasnt that they had to teach the course because no one else could. Teachers wanted to be a part of this. They wanted to be a part of the initial implementation and didnt want to wait the year, Lebrun-Griffin said.

Old Saybrook Public Schools had little choice but to have a white teacher pilot its Black and Latino history course. Despite efforts to recruit Black and Latino teachers, 97% of the staff in the district identifies as white. The course is being co-taught at the high school by a social studies teacher and the librarian, with support from a bilingual teacher.

The feedback Ive has been positive. The course is fully enrolled, said Amity Goss, director of curriculum, instruction and assessment for Old Saybrook Public Schools said this week. The district plans to keep the course an elective class.

Superintendent Kevin Smith of Wilton Public Schools, which is not part of the initial field study for the course, said he would feel comfortable with any member of the Wilton High School social studies department teaching the Black and Latino history class next year.

They are all state certified to teach social studies and would be well-prepared to instruct in this course, Smith said.

In an early focus group with students, SERC asked younger participants whether the teachers race would make a difference. They got a split response, but early feedback from students currently enrolled in the course shows they are more interested in the information that they are receiving than the person who is delivering it.

This class helps me learn about the hidden history of my ancestors and helps me understand myself as a person. It incorporates two big parts of who I am, said Lavinnia Nazareth, a junior at Westbrook High School, who identifies as half Black and Latina.

P-TECH Norwalk juniors Chance Teel and Julian Rivera both recently said they were encouraged to take the class by their parents.

My culture, yes its a U.S. territory, but its not really talked about in U.S. history, said Rivera, who has a Puerto Rican background. I wanted to dive a little deeper. ... I thought learning more about my background could help me in the future.

SERC is providing ongoing professional development to build the current course and help schools implement it for next year. Teachers are learning from experts and scholars on course topics and receiving a bevy of primary documents that they can use to build their lessons in lieu of textbooks.

Some students at the Greater Hartford Academy of the Arts High School have taken what theyve learned from the class and applied it to projects outside the classroom. They have submitted paintings, poems and other artwork to the city of Hartfords project highlighting the accomplishment of African Americans using the 13th Amendment and the Emancipation Proclamation.

Next, the students will collaborate with the schools Spanish department and the Advocacy to Legacy nonprofit to explore Hartford region sites, such as the Puerto Rican Heritage Walk in the city, Parkville Market, and other sites to create an empowering illustrated anthology of current voices, said Ron Cannada, who teaches the focused history course at the magnet high school.

Race is obviously discussed, Cannada said of the course, however the driving force of the curriculum is how students can develop unity and cohesiveness in their own multicultural communities and everyday life as informed responsible citizens.

emily.morgan@hearstmediact.com
A massive whale shark, known as the world's largest fish, got entangled in the shore fishing net of some fishermen on the Tantadi beach in Andhra Pradesh's Visakhapatnam on Wednesday. The two-tonne filter-feeding carpet shark was released and guided back to the sea by forest department officials, said District Forest Officer (DFO), Anant Shankar.

"The instructions from the DFO were simple- guide the whale shark to safety, sparing no efforts or expenses, said Shankar "What ensued were herculean efforts, both physical and mental, with tremendous coordination and collaboration by the forest department, fishermen, and wildlife conservationists, to guide this 2-tonne fish back into the ocean alive. And it was a success. The whale shark successfully swam back into the depths of the ocean," he added.

The forest official said that the shark's pictures were shared with the Maldives Whale Shark research program for identification as it can help officials better understand the movements and territories of the gentle giants.

Watch the Whale Shark swim back in the waters

After the incident, the fishermen in the region were being advised and requested to approach the forest department for the rescue and safe release of sea creatures.

"The fishermen will be given compensation in case of any damages to their fishing nets for release of Whale sharks in case the whale sharks get entangled in their fishing nets," said Anant Shankar.

Image: ANI
The Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) has sought more data from the Serum Institute of India over its application seeking the emergency use authorization of novel coronavirus vaccine Covovax. SII had forwarded an application to DCGI in October this year to get permission for market authorisation of Covovax for restricted use in emergency situations.

According to official sources of PTI, DCGI noted that the vaccine is a technology transfer of the Novovax vaccine and sought approval status of the application with regulatory authorities in the origin country.

"The apex drug regulator has also asked the SII to provide details on Matrix component used in the vaccine," the source added.

Along with its application, the SII had submitted interim safety and immunogenicity data of phase two and phase three clinical trials in India as well as interim phase three trials data conducted in the US and the UK.

Recently, the Centre had allowed the Pune-based firm to export two crore doses of Covovax to Indonesia. The DCGI had permitted SII to manufacture and stock COVID vaccine Covovax on May 17.

Covovax gets WHO approval

The World Health Organisation had last week granted emergency use approval to SII produced Covovax. WHO said that NVC-CoV2373 was accessed under the Emergency Use Listing (EUL) based on the data on efficacy, quality, safety, a risk management plan and other things. The public health body said that Covovax is part of the COVAX facility portfolio which will help vaccinate more people in low-income nations.

WHO's Dr Mariangela Simao said 41 of the low-income countries have still not been able to vaccinate 10% of their population. "98 countries have not reached 40%," she added.

In April 2020, US biochemical firm Novovax had announced a license agreement with Adar Poonawalla-led SII for the manufacturing and commercialisation of its COVID vaccine candidate in low and middle-income nations and India.

Covovax efficacy rate and dosage

Covovax, which is the Indian version of Novovax, is a two-dose vaccine that should be given 21 days apart. In the clinical trials, the Novovax vaccine showed an overall efficacy of 89.7%. It showed 96.4% efficacy against severe to mild cases.

(Image: Adar_Poonawala/Twitter/Shutterstock)
Locals in Jammu took to the streets and protested against the terrorist attacks that took place on Wednesday in the Union Territory's Srinagar. In the terrorist attack, one civilian was killed and a policeman was martyred. Protest visuals showed people demanding stringent action against Pakistan-backed terrorist groups in the Union Territory. Apart from the locals, the Congress unit in Jammu and Kashmir too has condemned the terrorist attacks.

#BREAKING | Protests in Jammu over terror attacks; Protestors demand stringent action against terrorists



Watch #LIVE here - https://t.co/aPPzyhl1dj pic.twitter.com/Q0YQPH5rX2  Republic (@republic) December 23, 2021

"In Kashmir, terrorists are carrying out targeted killings and they attacked twice yesterday. One civilian and a police officer ASI Mohammed Ashraf was killed. We condemn this and urge," said Congress leader Ashwani Handa

Apart from the Congress leader, Jammu and Kashmir BJP chief Ravinder Raina also condemned the attack and slammed Pakistani terrorists. Raina stated that due to the ongoing development in Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan and terrorists are frustrated. He claimed that the terrorists are killing innocents on orders from Pakistan.

"Pakistan-backed terrorist outfits are frustrated because of the development which is why they are plotting these attacks. They are targeting innocent civilians and cannot see the brotherhood in Kashmir," said Ravinder Raina

Raina has affirmed that the Indian Army, Jammu and Kashmir police and the brave soldiers of the paramilitary force have tackled terrorism in the valley. He maintained that the terrorist attacks are nefarious designs of Pakistan. The J&K BJP chief has assured that the Indian armed forces will eliminate the terrorists

Terrorists strike twice in 1 hour; TRF claims responsibility

Terrorists carried out attacks in less than 60 minutes on Wednesday. The first attack was reported around 6 PM. Terrorists fired upon a property dealer in the Eidgah area of downtown Srinagar. The property dealer identified as Rouf Ahmad Khan, a resident of Mirjanpora, was grievously injured and was rushed to a nearby hospital. Moments thereafter, at around 6:30 PM, another terror attack took place in Bijbejara.

This time a police officer identified as ASI Mohd Ashraf was shot, and was also rushed to the hospital. Both the victims succumbed to their injuries while undergoing treatment, confirmed the Jammu and Kashmir police. Meanwhile, the Inter-Services Intelligence-designated The Resistance Front (TRF) has taken the responsibility for both the attacks. TRF has come into the broader spotlight recently after it claimed multiple killings of civilians belonging to the minority communities recently.
In a new low, even graveyards are not being spared by Pakistan-sponsored terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir. In a joint operation on Thursday, Jammu and Kashmir Police, CRPF and Indian Army recovered and destroyed an improvised explosive device (IED) in a local graveyard in Pulwama.

Acting on a specific intelligence input that terrorists have planted an IED on the New-Srinagar road in the Wanpora area, a search operation was initiated by security forces. During the searches, the IED was recovered near the graveyard.

Speaking to Republic Media Network, Colonel Deepak Dondiyal said, "For the past few days, we were receiving information regarding the use of IEDs by militants to target security forces. Last evening we got input and a joint operation was launched by 183 battalion CRPF, Jammu and Kashmir Police and 50 RR of the Indian Army. We located the suspicious object. The BD (bomb disposal) squad was called and it was destroyed here."

He added, "IED has been a preferred tool of terror by militants because of the peculiarity of being a standard tool of terror, easy to assemble, easy to carry and easy to plant. This is my militants and anti-national elements prefer the use of IEDs. In Kashmir, particularly in Pulwama, few IEDs have been recovered."

Police personnel told PTI that a case has been registered and an investigation has been launched. He added that due to the timely action a "major tragedy has been averted."

Bhatindi IED recovery: NIA files chargesheet against 3 J&K residents

In another development, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has filed a chargesheet against three J&K residents for having links with Pakistan-based terror outfit -The Resistance Front (TRF) in relation to the IED recovery case at Bhatindi.

The chargesheeted accused- Nadeem Ayoub Rather, Nadeem Ul Haq, and Talib Ur Rehman - were receiving instruction from TRF terrorists via WhatsApp. "Investigation has unearthed a larger conspiracy of recruitment and plans to activate a significant number of radicalised youth of the entire valley to target security personnel and public places to wage war against the government of India," NIA said.

The accused have been booked under several sections of the Indian Penal Code, the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act 1967 and the Explosive Substances Act.

Image: Republic
The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has informed that there is going to be a wet spell over Western Himalayan Region till December 29 and over the plains of northwest India from December 26 to 29 along with abatement of Cold Wave Conditions from northwest and central India.

Cold Wave and Cold Day (IMD predictions) :

Cold Wave Conditions prevailed in some parts over Odisha and in isolated pockets over Punjab, West Uttar Pradesh, East Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Vidarbha and Telangana.

Cold Day Conditions prevailed in isolated pockets over Madhya Pradesh.

Minimum Temperatures: Hissar (Haryana) reported lowest minimum temperature of 3.0C over the plains of the country.

Wet spell over Western Himalayan Region & plains of Northwest India (IMD prediction):

Under the influence of a Western Disturbance as a cyclonic circulation over north Pakistan & neighbourhood at lower tropospheric levels, isolated rainfall/snowfall very likely over Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, Gilgit-Baltistan & Muzaffarabad and Himachal Pradesh on 22nd & 23rd December.

Thereafter, two Western Disturbances in quick succession, the 1st from 24th and 2nd from 26th December are very likely to influence northwest India. Under their influence;

Light isolated to scattered rainfall/snowfall very likely over Western Himalayan Region on 24th & 25th and light isolated rainfall over northern parts of Punjab & Haryana during same period.

Thereafter under the influence of intense fresh Western Disturbance from 26th; precipitation activity is very likely to increase further over northwest India with Light/moderate scattered to widespread rainfall/snowfall over Western Himalayan Region during 26th to 29th December with possibility of isolated heavy falls over Kashmir region and Himachal Pradesh on 27th December.

Light/moderate isolated to scattered rainfall is also likely over Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh and Delhi, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan during 26th to 29th and over Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Bihar and Jharkhand during 27th to 29th December, 2021.

Abatement of Cold Wave Conditions from Northwest & Central India (IMD prediction):
Filing a petition in the Delhi High Court on Wednesday, Amazon has sought clarification on the scope of the Enforcement Directorate's investigation into alleged foreign exchange violations by the company in view of its 2019 deal to acquire a 49% stake in the Future Coupons Private Limited. Also, Amazon has alleged that ED has been asking for confidential information related to the company's business.

Through the writ petition, it said that the ED has been expanding its scope of investigations by seeking privileged and confidential legal advice and thus such requests are not relevant to the agency's probe into the Future-Amazon deal. The e-commerce giant also noted that such information goes against the accepted judicial norms. Along with that, the company has also asked sought Delhi HC's advice on the summons being sent to the company executives who were not connected or aware of the Future-Amazon transactions.

Notably, Amazon had received a number of summons by the Enforcement Directorate in connection with its deal with the Future Group in November.

Amazon-Future Group case

The dispute between Amazon and Future Group is centered around three commercial agreements signed between the two. The issue surfaced after the Kishore Biyani-led group in August 2020 agreed to sell its assets to Mukesh Ambani's Reliance Retail on a slump sale basis for Rs 24,500 crude. However, objecting to its sell-off plans, Amazon had accused Future Group of breaching its 2019 investment pact.

The 2019 investment pact was the one in which Amazon made an investment of Rs 1,400 crore in the Future Coupons and further stated that it could sell its assets to restricted parties. However, Future Group sold its assets to Reliance, Amazon dragged Kishore Biyani and his companies, Future Coupons and Future Retail to arbitration in the Singapore International Arbitration Centre as well as in the Indian courts.

Image: PTI/Unsplash
In a crackdown on fake currency racket, two suppliers in the international syndicate of Circulation of Fake Indian Currency Notes (FICN) were arrested in the national capital on December 23. Sources have informed that fake notes worth Rs 8 crores being routed in India from Bangladesh was recovered by authorities. "Both have supplied fake notes worth Rs 8 crores in Delhi in the last two years," DCP Special Cell-Delhi Jasmeet Singh told ANI.

Further, the Delhi Police informed that perpetrators were residing in the national capital for over two years and had channelled the fake currency notes for various unlawful purposes. The investigation is underway to unearth the syndicate. "The two accused had hatched a criminal conspiracy for procuring and circulating fake Indian currency notes to use the same as genuine Indian currency for unlawful gains," Singh added.

NIA Special Court in Kolkata jails 2 for smuggling fake Indian currency notes

In another incident, a special NIA court in Kolkata on Wednesday jailed two persons for smuggling fake Indian currency notes. Santosh Mondal, 25, and Pintu Mondal, 20, of West Bengal's Malda district were sentenced to five years and six months of rigorous imprisonment by the court, an official of the premier investigation agency said. They have also been fined Rs 40,000, the NIA official said.

The case was originally registered in January 2018 in Malda. The NIA took up the investigation after re-registering the case following the seizure of fake Indian currency notes having a face value of Rs 4,62,000 in the denomination of Rs 2,000 from Santosh, the official said.

Image: ANI
The Gujarat Police disclosed on Wednesday that no slogans in favour of Pakistan were prima facie raised during the rally of a candidate who won the village panchayat election in Kutch district contrary to the claims made on social media.

A police officer said that a probe will be conducted and action will be taken against the people who spread the misinformation that some people shouted 'Pakistan Zindabad' during the victory rally of Reenaben Radhubhai Kothiwad, soon after the election result was declared in Dudhai village on Tuesday.

On December 21, Gujarat Home Minister Harsh Sanghavi had cited this video and directed Kutch (East) SP and Border Range IG to take immediate action. The video had gone viral on social media with accompanying messages claiming that a group of people raised pro-Pakistan slogans during the victory procession of the woman candidate.

"Reenaben Radhubhai Kothiwad won the election as the woman sarpanch of Dudhai village, results of which were declared on Tuesday. In her victory rally, her supporters shouted 'Radhubhai zindabad' twice. However, some people misrepresented the video to claim that people shouted 'Pakistan zindabad," Superintendent of Police (Kutch East), Mayur Patil told reporters.

Police to initiate action against journalist for spreading misinformation

Patil said if the video clip is listened to carefully, after eight seconds people are heard shouting 'Radhubhai zindabad' twice. Patil said an investigation will be launched against people who twisted the words to spread misinformation.

"We will issue a warning to the journalist who shared this video on Twitter without proper verification. We will also write to the organisation he is working for," the SP said.

Home Minister Sanghavi had said that a proper investigation was being conducted in the incident of slogan-shouting (at the rally) after the poll result in Kutch. "We are taking action with all seriousness. I assure you that all those who are involved in shouting the slogan will be arrested," he had said.

Sanghavi also cited another viral video of a locality in Surat, saying a family living there was being harassed by some persons "despite the imposition of the Disturbed Areas Act". This matter is also being investigated, he said.
A suspected cattle smuggler was shot dead by BSF at the India-Bangladesh border in West Bengal's Coochbehar district in the early hours of Thursday, police said.

The BSF opened fire on a group of 15-20 suspected cattle smugglers around 2.30 am in Kashimghat in Gitaldah border outpost area of Dinhata after they tried to snatch the INSAS rifles from the security personnel, police said.

A BSF spokesperson in Guwahati said a suspected smuggler was shot at and sent to the hospital with bullet wounds.

The area is in the jurisdiction of the BSF Guwahati Frontier.

"The firing injured Lutpar Rahaman, a resident of Gitaldaha block II. He was shifted to the hospital by BSF, where he died. Rahman is a known cattle smuggler of the area," a senior police officer of Coochbehar district said.

"A BSF personnel was also injured in the scuffle," he said.

The BSF used a pump-action gun to intercept the smugglers, but as a scuffle broke out, they tried to snatch the INSAS rifles from the personnel, following which the forces fired six rounds in self defence, the officer said.

On Wednesday, a Bangladeshi national was killed when BSF personnel fired to thwart a narcotics smuggling bid along the International Border in the state's Malda district, a senior officer said.

(Disclaimer: This story is auto-generated from a syndicated feed; only the image & headline may have been reworked by www.republicworld.com)
Based on the evidence that it contains a large number of mutations, the World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the new Omicron COVID-19 variant as a Variant of Concern. While researchers continue to find more about the complexity, contagiousness, and severity of the Omicron variant, it is important that people get immunised against the Coronavirus, and follow safety measures, including the use of masks, to prevent the deadly virus from spreading rapidly.

While the Omicron variant, as per preliminary research, appears to be less severe than the Delta COVID variant, the World Health Organization has warned that it should not be dismissed as "mild." This information will be updated as and when more research is made available.

Symptoms of new Omicron variant of Covid-19

It's important to remember that all COVID-19 forms, especially the Delta form, which is still widespread around the world, can cause serious disease or death, which is why preventing the virus's spread and minimising the risk of infection are critical. While several cases of the Omicron variant has been asymptomatic, here are some symptoms - as listed by the WHO - associated with the Coronavirus and the new Omicron variant:

Fatigue,

Muscular or body aches,

Headache,

Sore throat,

Congestion or runny nose,

Nausea or vomiting, and

Diarrhoea, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Infections with no symptoms are also very prevalent.

Apart from these, scientists and researchers are examining whether new symptoms caused by the Omicron variant includes a loss in appetite. As Omicron is a Variant of Concern, WHO recommends that countries improve case surveillance and sequencing, share genome sequences on publicly accessible databases such as GISAID, report initial cases or clusters to WHO, and conduct field investigations and laboratory assessments to better understand if Omicron has different transmission or disease characteristics, or has an impact on vaccine effectiveness.

(Image: Unsplash)
China's homegrown developed Z-10 attack helicopter is equipped with the latest modern technology that has the capability to handle at least six tanks, infantry and other choppers, PLA revealed on Monday. Citing the reports of China Central Television (CCTV), Global Times, said that the People's Liberation Army (PLA) has commissioned the Z-10 in large numbers in recent years. The report said that the Chinese government has recently inducted an aerial assault brigade affiliated with the 83rd Group Army.

While speaking to CCTV, Zhang Zhengfei, an ace pilot at the brigade, said that the indigenous helicopter has a range of 1,120 km and has four external hardpoints that can carry air-to-ground and air-to-air missiles. Also, the chopper is equipped with rockets and a 23-millimetre calibre revolver gun.

Further, the ace pilot revealed the helicopter can be armed with up to 16 anti-tank missiles, four 7-barrel multiple rocket launchers or two 32-barrel multiple rocket launchers according to the requirements of the mission. The giant flying machine can hit vehicles and tanks with the latest missile technology while rockets and guns can be used against infantry targets, according to the pilot's description provided to the CCTV. "When attacking a hostile tank group, the Z-10 will usually carry eight air-to-ground missiles and two multiple rocket launchers," Zhang told CCTV. Further, he explained that the missile has an accuracy of 85% and each Z-10 sortie can at least destroy six enemy tanks.

Specially designed helmet can show all key parameters and battlefield dynamics

"A standard group of four Z-10s can carry 32 anti-tank missiles, eight 57 millimetre calibre multiple rocket launchers and four guns, and this is enough to wipe out three tank companies, CCTV quoted PLA pilot as saying. Moreover, the ace pilot wears a specially designed helmet that has a display and can show all key parameters and battlefield dynamics directly onto the visor. The pilot can even use the helmet to aim, as the weapons will point to wherever the pilot is looking through the helmet, according to the CCTV report. The pilot also revealed that the highly advanced helicopter was also used when performing exercises near the island of Taiwan in October this year.

Image: Twitter/@PSFAERO/AP
Dozens of anti-vaccine protesters on Wednesday gathered in downtown Barcelona, rallying against the Spanish government's decision to impose a face mask mandate outdoors as COVID-19 cases soar in Spain.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez is convening a special cabinet meeting Thursday to pass a law by decree that will make it mandatory to wear masks outdoors, amid a record surge in cases.

He also announced a raft of other measures, including an offer to deploy the armed forces to help the regions step up their vaccination rollout and put military hospital beds at their disposal if they are needed.

Sanchez said he is targeting 80% of the 60-69 age group to have received booster shots by the end of next week, among other goals.

Spain on Tuesday officially recorded almost 50,000 new cases of coronavirus.

That's higher than last January, when a surge placed the national health system under severe strain.

Spain is reporting almost 700 cases per 100,000 inhabitants over 14 days, more than double the accumulated cases before last year's Christmas holidays.

The omicron variant of the virus has soared from 5% of new cases in Spain to 47% within one week.

(Disclaimer: This story is auto-generated from a syndicated feed; only the image & headline may have been reworked by www.republicworld.com)
After the emergence of the Omicron variant of COVID-19, demand for boosters across the world has witnessed a rise. In a key development, taxis in Greece have started delivering booster shots to increase the protection against coronavirus before the new strain starts affecting them, according to AP. Health authorities in Greece have enhanced their campaign to administer booster doses of vaccine to elderly people and people with disabilities at home.

Health workers have started the distribution of vaccine shots in municipal vans. Doctors even go on foot to vaccinate people who are old or with disabilities. Health workers in a commissioned cab reached the house of a 74-year-old woman, recovering from a lumbar fracture to give her booster dose against COVID-19. Eleni Louka, a 74-year-old woman, told The Associated Press that she would have gone to the vaccination centre to get vaccinated, however, she is unable to reach the vaccination site due to terrible pain. In order to get people vaccinated against COVID-19, the government has announced that from mid-January, people aged above 60 years need to pay a monthly fine of 100-euro if they do not get vaccinated or receive their booster shot.

Need to vaccinate people: Evgenia Papadima

Evgenia Papadima, who administered the vaccine dose to Eleni Louka, informed that people with disabilities might be among the most vulnerable to COVID-19. Papadima mentioned that they need to vaccinate people as the Omicron variant is emerging and further added that they have been able to contact 100 people with the booster program. With omicron coming, weve got to get people vaccinated and for people who have to remain at home, weve got a solution for them, Papadima said as per AP. Papadima added, Weve reached about 100 people with our (local) booster program, so were very pleased.

COVID-19 situation in Greece

As per the AP report, only two-thirds of the population in Greece have received both the doses of vaccine against COVID-19. Around 30% of the people in the country have received their booster dose. According to Worldometer statistics, as on 23 December, Greece has reported 1049936 COVID-19. The number of fatalities reported due to coronavirus is 20,126 and 974,846 people have recovered from the virus.

(Inputs from AP)
The prosecutors who have been fighting for the justice of at least 298 people killed in the plane shooting demanded life imprisonment for four suspects. During a court hearing on Wednesday, the Netherlands prosecutors said the accused had given a deep and irreversible suffering to relatives of the 298 people killed. The Prosecutors noted that the four recklessly used a Russian missile to bring down the passenger jet, killing all 298 passengers and crew. Notably, the prosecutors were demanding life sentences for four suspects who were allegedly the main accused in the downing of Malaysia Airlines flight MH17. The plane which was on its way from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur had crashed on July 17, 2014, in Ukraine.

"The downing of MH17 with a Buk missile brutally ended the lives of all 298 people on board. Incredibly deep and irreversible suffering has been caused to the next of kin, AP quoted Public prosecutor Manon Ridderbeks as saying during the court hours.

Meanwhile, Prosecutors told the court that the four accused-- Russians Igor Girkin, Sergey Dubinsky and Igor Pulatov as well as Ukrainian Leonid Kharchenko-- were separatist rebels fighting against the Ukrainian government forces in 2014. According to the prosecutor, they formed a group and intentionally brought down Ukrainian planes using a missile system. Prosecutor Thijs Berger told judges that its irrelevant that the suspects wanted to shoot down military and not civilian aircraft that had nearly 300 passengers on board.

Legally speaking they were ordinary citizens, they were not allowed to commit any violence, he said.

Still a long way for justice in the MH17 crash case

The prosecutors concluded that the plane was shot down by a Buk missile belonging to the Russian 53rd Anti Aircraft Missile Brigade that was driven to the launch location "by orders of and under the guidance of the suspects." Meanwhile, the relatives who came to the court to counter the claims of the suspect told AP that they were happy with the evidence produced by the attorney during the Wednesday hearing. But added that with prosecution arguments and the deliberation of judges still to come, and the possibility for appeals, justice still felt a long way off. We just started coming in the right direction ... but the outcome will be in the future, he said outside court.

With inputs from AP

Image: AP/Pixabay
The Omicron variant is responsible for 10-15% of new positive COVID cases in the Netherlands, according to Jaap van Dissel, chairman of the country's outbreak control committee. The number of positive COVID cases continues to double every 2.5 days, according to the scientist, Dutch Broadcasting Foundation reported.

The Netherlands declared on Sunday that a lockdown would be implemented until January 14 to stop the spread of the Omicron variant. Bars, restaurants, cafes, cinemas, museums, theatres, gyms, and stores that do not offer necessary products have all been closed. Despite the fact that over 65% of the population is properly vaccinated, the country has seen a spike in positive COVID cases.

Despite a lockdown, Dissel believes that strain on the country's healthcare system will increase in the coming weeks. There is no solid evidence that the new coronavirus strain is less likely to produce infection as severe as earlier strains, according to Dissel.

Dutch Broadcasting Foundation reported, during a parliamentary briefing, the scientist stated that, "Even amid a lockdown, we can expect 100 to 150 hospitalisations a day, assuming that the Omicron strain will provoke the same number of hospitalisations as the Delta variant."

Netherlands imposed new regulations for third-nation travellers

Following the government's countrywide lockdown enforced earlier this week due to the Omicron variant, the Dutch authorities have issued additional arrival criteria for third-country nationals. Beginning December 22, all arrivals from third countries, regardless of vaccination status, must submit a pre-departure test, according to an official press release. Additionally, immigrants with a vaccine or recovery certificate from very high-risk locations are needed to quarantine for 10 days upon arrival, with the option to stop the quarantine on the fifth day if a negative test result is presented.

All travellers from the age of 12 years from outside the EU/Schengen need to provide a negative COVID-19 test result for travel to the Netherlands. This needs to be a NAAT/PCR test with the sample taken a maximum of 48 hours before departure or an antigen test with the sample taken a maximum of 24 hours before departure. This includes travellers with proof of vaccination or recovery, the press release stated.

Travellers who have returned from places where a virus variation has tested positive for Coronavirus, as well as those who live with them and all other contacts, must self-quarantine for 10 days. Furthermore, regardless of their quarantine duty, the Dutch authorities advise travellers to complete the declaration form.

According to data from the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), there have been 151 positive cases of the Omicron variant in the Netherlands to date. Furthermore, according to World Health Organization (WHO), 99,949 positive COVID cases were reported in the country in the last week, with 357 deaths.

(With inputs from agencies)

(Image: AP)
Pope Francis met an Afghan family in the Vatican, who he had met in a refugee camp during his visit to Greece. He has also helped them to resettle in Italy as the youngest child of the family needed medical care, according to AP. The Vatican has not identified the family and also did not reveal the details of health care needs which the Afghan child needed. Pope Francis on Sunday, December 5, had visited the Greek island of Lesbos to meet migrants at a refugee camp.

Pope Francis meets Afghan family

Pope Francis on Wednesday, 22 December, met the Afghan refugee family at the end of his general audience. Francis called upon European countries to share the responsibility and welcome migrants. He told the European countries to open the door of the heart. Pope Francis called upon European countries by saying, All you need to do is open a door. The door of the heart. Lets not miss doing it this Christmas, as per AP.

During his visit to Cyprus and Greece from December 2 to 6, Pope Francis met with refugees at a camp in Lesbos. During his visit, Francis came to know that a one and half year old Afghan boy needed health care. The Vatican has not revealed the details regarding the medical care which was required by the boy and even did not identify the family. The Vatican is working with the Rome based charity, SantEgidio charity, which has helped in bringing the first dozen asylum-seekers from Cyprus.

Pope Francis welcomes refugees from Cyprus

The group of refugees who arrived from Cyprus were received by Pope Francis in the Vaticans Apostolic Palace on Friday, 17 December, reported Vatican News. Francis welcomed the refugees and listened to their stories on his birthday. The people also told him about their journeys from Congo to Brazzaville. As per the Vatican News report, the refugees greeted Pope Francis with a picture showing the migrants crossing the Mediterranean. The group of nearly 10 refugees arrived in Italy with the community of SantEgidio. The Holy Father will support the refugees and SantEgidio will take care of their integration in Italy.

(Inputs from AP)

(Image: AP)
Libya's election commission on Wednesday proposed a new election date of Jan. 24 after the country's long-awaited presidential vote, which was scheduled to take place in two days' time, was called off.

A parliamentary committee said it had become impossible to hold the election on Friday, in a major blow to international efforts to end a decade of chaos in the country.

The vote had faced many challenges, including disputes over the laws governing the elections and occasional infighting among armed groups.

Other obstacles include a long-running rift between the countrys east and west, and the presence of thousands of foreign fighters and troops.

Lawmaker Jibril Ouhaida said a report from the election commission on the situation would be discussed in the House of Representatives in a session on Monday.

After that, lawmakers will decide whether the House will be able to overcome the obstacles faced by the commission and hold the vote in January.

(Disclaimer: This story is auto-generated from a syndicated feed; only the image & headline may have been reworked by www.republicworld.com)
Following an uproar on social media, a popular bakery in Pakistan is investigating the incident wherein its employee allegedly refused to write Merry Christmas on a cake purchased by a customer. According to Dawn, Delizia Bakery in Karachi clarified that it does not discriminate on the basis of religion. It said that they were now investigating the matter after the customer, Celestia Naseem Khan, posted on Facebook that when she bought a cake from the bakerys Defence Housing Society branch, an employee refused to write Merry Christmas on the cake.

According to the social media post, Celestia said that the worker told her that he was not allowed to write Merry Christmas as he had been given an order from the kitchen. Celestia said that the bakery was so against the minorities and their religion that they could not even make money from such occasions. Very disappointed from Delizia for their unethical and unprofessional behaviour, she wrote.

Following the incident, several social media users expressed their shock and anger. However, in response, Delizias management said that the incident clearly was an act of an individual. The bakery said that it doesnt discriminate on the basis of religion or creed. At the moment we are taking action against him (the employee). It was done in an individual capacity and is not company policy, the bakery said as quoted by Dawn.

Dismissals might be the course of action, says Delizia

The bakery went on to state that employees may have refused to write Merry Christmas due to a lack of education and awareness. Senior management at Delizia separately said that there is nothing wrong with wishing someone a Merry Christmas. The official expressed sorrow at the incident and said that the company now plans on releasing a statement on social media soon to address the incident and clarify its stance.

Meanwhile, it is to mention that this is not the first time that a Delizia employee refused to write Merry Christmas on the cake. According to Dawn, back in 2018, a woman was denied a cake with Merry Christmas written on it and told that it was based on company instructions. The official said that following that incident there were dismissals and that might be the course of action this time as well.

(Image: Rep/Unsplash)
Singapore, Dec 23 (PTI) A radicalised former Bangladeshi construction worker - detained by Singaporean authorities last year - is facing upto 15 charges related to terror financing after he was found transferring money to terrorist organisations based in strife-torn Syria, according to a media report on Thursday.

Ahmed Faysal, 27, allegedly made the money transfer through several transactions, via gift-giving payment sites such as JustGiving, the TODAY newspaper reported quoting judicial documents.

Faysal is accused of knowing that the money would benefit Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, an active Sunni Islamist militant group involved in the Syrian Civil War. The group is also fighting to establish an Islamic caliphate in Syria.

A parallel investigation by the Singapore Polices Commercial Affairs Department found that between February and August of 2020, Faysal allegedly transferred up to SGD 891 (USD 654) on 15 occasions, through online platforms JustGiving, Heroic Hearts Organisation, and GiveBrite.

In a press statement on Thursday, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) said Faysal, who was under detention order, faces 15 charges under Singapores Terrorism (Suppression of Financing) Act.

Faysal has worked in the construction sector here since early 2017. In 2018, he was radicalised and started following terrorist group Islamic State of Iraq and Syria's (ISIS) and their goal of establishing an Islamic caliphate in Syria, the MHA said.

In mid 2019, he switched allegiances to Hayat Tahrir al-Sham which is designated as a terrorist entity under the United Nations Security Council resolutions relating to the prevention and suppression of terrorism and terrorist financing.

If convicted and jailed, the detention order against Faysal will be cancelled and he will serve the court sentence imposed. He would also be held separately from other inmates to prevent him from spreading his radical ideas, the MHA added.

Faysal was arrested under the Internal Security Act in November last year for investigations into terrorism-related activities and issued with an order of detention. On Thursday, the court heard via video conference that Faysal intended to plead guilty during a hearing on February 16 next year.

Those convicted of providing property and services for terrorist purposes can be jailed for up to 10 years or fined up to SGD 500,000 (USD 367,000), or punished with both.

The MHA pointed out that those wishing to donate to humanitarian causes should check with the Singapore government's 'Charity Portal' to ensure their donations are being used for genuine causes.

Terrorism and terrorism financing are grave threats to domestic and international security, and global action is required to deprive terrorist groups of funding and materials," the ministry said.

"Singapore is part of this global effort and is strongly committed to combating terrorism financing, regardless of whether the monies are used to facilitate terrorist acts locally or abroad," TODAY quoted the Ministry as saying. PTI GS IND AKJ IND

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Owing to lack of performance and degrading functionality, aircraft purchased from China in 2014 have now turned into a liability for Nepal. Following this Nepal Airlines has considered "dry lease" its six Beijing-made airplanes, a year after grounding them as they were more trouble than they were worth. The aircraft, brought on loan has also pushed the Himalayan nation into a vicious cycle of a debt trap, as the operators were unable to utilise due to their heavy maintenance charges, the HK Post reported.

"Out of the two options recommended by the Finance Ministry- dry lease or outright sale- Nepal Airlines will try the first one," Dim Prasad Poudel, Managing Director (MD) of Nepal Airlines told the Kathmandu Post.

A committee has been set to determine the lease rate, following which they are expected to submit a report within a week, the MD informed. The report will then be presented before the board for a go-ahead. On the board's approval, prospective bidders (national and international) will offer their deals. "If there are no takers, we will go for sale. Both options seem difficult, but we don't have an alternative," Poudel added. It is pertinent to mention that "dry lease" means the owner will provide the bidding company only the aircraft, without the pilot or the crew, The Kathmandu Post reported, citing Nepal Airlines officials.

Chinese-made planes are liability for Nepal

The decision comes after Nepal Airlines had reiterated their stance on Chinese-made planes, stating that the aircraft, including two Xian MA60s and four Harbin Y12s, were causing heavy losses ever since they were brought between 2014-2018. Obtained on loan, the carrier since then has been struggling to make payments at an annual interest of 1.5% and service charge, along with management expenses amounting to 0.4% of the overall loan amount withdrawn by the Nepal Finance Ministry. It is to be noted that the planes are owned by the Finance Ministry and operated by Nepal Airlines, due to which the ministry charges the carrier an 8% annual interest in the disbursed loan.

Stating that the deal with China was the carrier's "worst decision", a Nepal Airlines board member disclosed to HK Post that the Y12 aircraft has long been questioned for its functionality and performance. The deal took place in 2012, following which the aircraft was brought to Nepal subsequently in 2014, 2017 and 2018 with which it received two gifts (one MA60 and one Y12) two years later. The deal was pushed despite Nepal's incapacity to carry out major maintenance work and lack of trained staff and crew/engineers.

Nepal was forced to acquire the Chinese aircraft

The HK Post claimed that Nepal was forced to acquire the aircraft even after an inspection committee from Bangladesh deemed the aircraft "not suitable." Meanwhile, the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC) has notified Nepal Airlines to clear all debts accrued on the purchase of spare parts pre and post-installation. As of now, serious questions have been raised about the post-sales durability of the "White Elephants" to whichever country acquires them, the HK Post reported.

(Image: ANI/PTI/Unsplash)
Amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and concerns over the Omicron variant, no country can boost their way out, said the World Health Organization (WHO) Chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus in Geneva during his final press briefing for the year. According to a press release, Tedros on Wednesday expressed concern over the upcoming festive celebrations and said that COVID vaccine booster shots can not be seen as a ticket to go ahead. It is to mention that his remarks come after several countries, including the US and Israel, have pushed ahead with booster doses even with coronavirus cases surging after the discovery of Omicron strain last month.

"No country can boost its way out of the [#COVID19] pandemic.

And boosters cannot be seen as a ticket to go ahead with planned celebrations, without the need for other precautions."-@DrTedros  World Health Organization (WHO) (@WHO) December 22, 2021

In his press briefing, Tedros noted that currently around 20% of all vaccine doses administered are being given as boosters or additional doses. He said that blanket COVID-19 vaccine booster programmes could prolong the pandemic and increase inquiry. He even went on to stress that the priority must be on supporting nations to vaccinate 40% of their populations as quickly as possible, and 70% by the middle of next year.

Blanket booster programmes are likely to prolong the pandemic, rather than ending it, by diverting supply to countries that already have high levels of vaccination coverage, giving the virus more opportunity to spread and mutate, said Tedros.

Its important to remember that the vast majority of hospitalisations and deaths are in unvaccinated people, not un-boosted people. And we must be very clear that the vaccines we have, remain effective against both the Delta and Omicron variants, he added.

Further, the WHO chief reported that some countries, like Israel, are now rolling out blanket programmes even though half of WHOs 194 Member States have been able to inoculate 40% of their populations due to distortions in global supply. Enough vaccines were administered globally in 2021, Tedros said, adding that every nation could have reached the target by September if doses had been distributed equitably. He yet again urged countries and manufacturers to prioritise COVAX and its African Union counterpart, AVAT, and to work together to support countries furthest behind.

WHO's 'Solidarity Trial Vaccines' initiative

During the press briefing, the WHO head informed that the UN health body is co-sponsoring the next generation of vaccines through the "Solidarity Trial Vaccines". Tedros said that the new vaccine was intended to ensure greater protection against VOCs (Variant of concerns) with longer duration of protection and to assess vaccines that can be given without needles. He added that all countries are invited for the trial even as the research teams in Colombia, Mali and the Philippines have already begun recruiting volunteers.

"2022 must be the end of the #COVID19 pandemic. But it must also be the beginning of something else  a new era of solidarity, he said. "We must leave 2021 behind with sorrow, and look forward to 2022 in hope. On that note, I would like to wish all who celebrate it a very #MerryChristmas, he added.

(Image: AP/Pixabay/Shutterstock)




Russia's economy was much faster to mobilize against the coronavirus pandemic than other countries, Russian President Vladimir Putin said Thursday.

"(Our economy) was quicker to mobilize against such shocks than many other developed economies in the world," Putin said at his annual news conference for journalists Thursday.

"Our economy downturn equaled 3 percent, which is much lower than in many leading economies around the world, and we recovered much quicker than other countries," he added.

The Russian president attended the news conference with some 500 journalists from Russia and abroad in person.

The conference comes amid soaring tensions over a Russian troop buildup near Ukraine that has stoked fears of a possible invasion.

IMAGE: AP

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The Russian Foreign Ministry's Commissioner for Human Rights Grigory Lukyantsev stated that the humanitarian situation in the Middle East and North Africa remained dire and by accepting the refugees, the West should accept responsibility. He stated that they should not lose sight of the migrant issue, which has resulted in this humanitarian situation. He further stated that the fundamental reason for all of this is the West interfering in the Middle East and North Africa, instability of the political situation, the political regime, meddling in internal matters, and regional destabilization.

As per the reports of Sputnik, the Russian diplomat claimed that migration had emerged as people want to reach the countries that contributed to the destabilisation of the situation in their own country. He then asked the countries who created this situation to share the 'burden,' and be responsible for resolving this problem.

Poland breaking human rights accords

The envoy went on to accuse Poland of breaking human rights accords, bringing to the attention to complaints lodged against Warsaw, Lithuania, and Latvia for not allowing the refugees in their countries, according to Sputnik. He stated that Polish law enforcement agencies and Polish military forces are harsh against the refugees which have led to deprivation and that Poland is violating the provisions of international treaties.

He also blamed the lack of discussion between the European Union and Belarus for the deteriorating refugee crisis stating that resolving the problem without direct contact is impossible, according to Sputnik. He emphasised that because of the absence of communication, it is difficult to forecast how the situation would develop. When migrants from the Middle East and North Africa began arriving in Belarus this summer in an attempt to enter the European Union via the Belarus-Poland border, the tension between, the West and Misk intensified.

West and Minsk tensions

West and Minsk tensions heightened when Poland stopped the refugees from entering by erecting barbed wire and Polish Border Guard used tear gas on them, according to Sputnik. Since the beginning of the crisis, more than a dozen migrants have died at the border, and thousands more are stranded in temporary camps. Belarus has been accused by officials from Poland and the European Union of deliberately allowing migrants in their country who want to cross the border and enter EU countries.
Thirty years after the Soviet Union's collapse, one of its former Republics, Tajikistan, is trying to find its new identity and leave the communist past behind.

A Central Asian country bordering Afghanistan, China, Uzbekistan, and Kyrgyzstan, it had its modern borders formed at the beginning of the last century when the Soviet leadership declared Tajikistan a fully-fledged Soviet Republic.

Dushanbe, a small village on the crossroads and famous for its large markets, was chosen as the new capital.

Prominent Soviet architects worked in Tajikistan for decades, building administrative and residential buildings that would shape the city's identity for years.

But after the Soviet Union collapsed, Tajikistan became a sovereign state for the first time in a thousand years and aimed to build its own identity.

The process was delayed due to the civil war that erupted after independence and lasted for five years.

When peace was regained, President Emomali Rahmon started rebuilding the capital, demolishing old Soviet residential and administrative buildings and constructing high-rise towers and new national monuments.

But when the Mayakovsky Theatre and the former headquarters of the Tajik Communist Party was demolished there was a public outcry, with demands to preserve the historic buildings, even though the new general plan of the city, updated in 2016, needed space for new administrative buildings.

The chief architect of Dushanbe, Kosim Usmondza, said the government couldn't preserve these buildings because the city, whose territory is limited by surrounding mountains, needed space for new parliament and government residences.

The new status of the state's capital obliged the city to make radical changes, according to the head of the Union of Architects of Tajikistan, Bahrom Yusupov, who supervised the construction of a new Ministry of Communications in the city centre.

The 30-storey building replaces the city's main post office, built in 1936, and will be the highest building in Dushanbe.

Despite the demolition of residential buildings and the construction of modern high-rises, some residents are enjoying the city's transformation.

Historian Gafur Shermatov says Dushanbe's population has changed over the past decades, with one-third fleeing the city after the Soviet Union collapse and rural residents migrating to the capital.

The transformation of the city's population has left Dushanbe without supporters of Soviet architecture and most of its current residents know little about its heritage, says Shermatov.

Since the general plan of the city was updated in 2017, more than 500 buildings have been constructed.

Although the government established a list of historical buildings that would be preserved, including the parliament building, most of the Soviet buildings constructed in 1940 will be demolished due to their age and "lack of historical value", says Usmondza.

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The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) on Wednesday welcomed the UN Security Council's (UNSC) decision to adopt a US-led resolution to allow an exemption to the sanctions provision established by resolution 1988 (2011). The decision will facilitate the delivery of urgent humanitarian aid to millions of Afghans, who are in dire need of life-saving aid, despite restrictions on the Taliban (under UN sanctions for terrorism). Taking to Twitter on Wednesday, UNAMA also urged Afghan DFA & international community. "to accelerate necessary next steps to support needs & rights of Afghan people, including the broader, underlying, economic crisis impacting society."

It is pertinent to mention that on Wednesday, 15 members of the UNSC unanimously adopted Resolution 2615 (2021), under Chapter VII of the Charter of the UN, proposed by the US Treasury Department. The resolution issued three general licences earlier in the day to allow the continued flow of life-saving humanitarian aid to Afghanistan. "These licences expand upon existing authorisations for the provision (in Resolution 2255 (2015) of humanitarian assistance and other activities that support basic human needs and enable broader support for the Afghan people consistent with Resolution 2615 (2021) adopted by the UN Security Council," US State Secretary Antony Blinken said in a statement, as quoted by ANI.

We welcome UNSC decision today facilitating delivery of urgent humanitarian help to millions in need. UN urges Afghan DFA & Int'l Comm. to accelerate necessary next steps to support needs & rights of Afghan people, inc. the broader, underlying, economic crisis impacting society. pic.twitter.com/cijAnvpbff  UNAMA News (@UNAMAnews) December 22, 2021

UNAMA Secretary-general welcomes UNSC decision

Additionally, UNAMA Secretary-general Deborah Lyons also welcomed the UNSC decision in a series of Twitter posts, saying that the ruling reiterated -- "We are united in support of Afghan people." "This milestone decision will enable urgently needed humanitarian action to save lives and livelihoods in Afghanistan. It is evidence of how seriously the Member States take the shocking levels of need and suffering in the country," she said.

Great move forward by US government, particularly US treasury and OFAC, with new General Licenses and guidance that allow expanded humanitarian support to afghan people. UN and humanitarian partners will now be able to assist those in need with wider scope/coverage. Well done!  Deborah Lyons (@DeborahLyonsUN) December 22, 2021

Noting that some 160 national and international humanitarian organisations are providing critical food and health assistance in Afghanistan, as well as education, water and sanitation, and support to agriculture, she added that the ramping up of efforts will ensure assistance to nearly 22 million people in 2022. "This humanitarian exception will allow organisations to implement the work we have planned, and it will give legal assurances to the financial institutions and commercial actors we rely on to engage with humanitarian operators," she highlighted. Stressing that all must unite to preserve the dignity of Afghans, she highlighted that the impact of the assistance also depends on the cooperation of the de facto authorities in the country and on the flexibility of the funding that UNAMA receives.

(Image: @DeborahLyonsUN/Twitter/AP)
In a telephonic conversation on Wednesday, United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken and European Union High Representative for Foreign Affairs Josep Borrell underscored shared concerns about escalating political pressure and economic coercion by the People's Republic of China (PRC) against Lithuania. Taking to Twitter, Blinken highlighted that both the leaders continue to operate maintaining close coordination on shared US-EU challenges, ensuring solidarity with Lithuania in the face of China's coercive behaviour since the EU nation allowed the opening of de facto Taiwan Representative Office in Vilnius, which Beijing labelled as an "extremely egregious act". A press statement released by US State Department spokesperson Ned Price, following the telephonic discussion, further confirmed that the top diplomats also "committed to working together to strengthen economic resilience".

Great to speak with @JosepBorrellF to continue our close coordination on shared U.S.-EU challenges, including deterring Russian aggression against Ukraine and bolstering Lithuania against PRC economic coercion.  Secretary Antony Blinken (@SecBlinken) December 22, 2021

The diplomats also emphasised the need for coordinated action to support Ukraines sovereignty and territorial integrity. Additionally, they reaffirmed that any further Russian military aggression against Ukraine would have "massive consequences" for the Russian Federation. "The Secretary and the High Representative affirmed their continued commitment to strengthen the U.S.-EU partnership and work together to confront shared challenges," Price said in his statement.

In their call today, @SecBlinken and @JosepBorrellF affirmed their continued commitment to strengthening U.S.-EU ties and confronting shared challenges. https://t.co/xEycupVqAa  Ned Price (@StateDeptSpox) December 22, 2021

China intensifies response against Lithuania

Since early December, strife between China and Lithuania took intense turns after Vilnius temporarily evacuated its top diplomatic office in Beijing, citing security concerns. This came days after Lithuania expanded diplomatic relations with Taiwan, largely infuriating Beijing. Meanwhile, Lithuanian companies were already bearing the brunt of the deteriorating relationship between the two nations with unofficial economic measures, causing large-scale confusion, China Observers reported. The companies based in the EU nation have been essentially in limbo, especially exporters as they are struggling to clear their goods through Chinese customs.

Meanwhile, China has dismissed Vilnius' claims over security concerns for Lithuanian diplomats in the mainland, saying that "such allegations are groundless." Speaking at a press briefing last Thursday (Dec. 17), Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Webin accused Lithuania of vacating Beijing on "groundless fabrications out of thin air." Highlighting that China has always attached high attention to protecting the premises and personnel of foreign diplomatic missions and ensuring their normal operations, Webin added that Lithuania's move has undermined the bilateral ties between both countries. As of now, in what has been dubbed as a "moderate" response to Lithuania, for openly creating a "false impression" of 'One China Policy', by China Observers, Beijing has suspended the issuance of visas in Lithuania.

(Image: AP)
The US, the European Union, France, the UK and a number of other nations on Wednesday warned Russia of severe cost in case it advances on Ukraine. During a UN Security Council (UNSC) session, a total of 36 UN member states noted that the UN Charter prohibits the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any State. In a statement, nations including, Australia, Canada, Czech Republic, Estonia, Italy, Latvia, Norway, Poland and Ukraine, warned that any further military aggression against Ukraine would have massive consequences and a severe cost in response.

The statement, issued following a Russian-organised informal meeting of the UNSC on national minorities and glorification of Nazism in the Baltic states and Ukraine, read, The timing of this Arria-formula meeting is especially troubling, coming against the backdrop of Russian military build-up on the Crimean Peninsula and on Ukraines borders.

The nations said that they regretted the Kremlins misuse of the racism issue and xenophobia in a UN meeting in a bid to distort history for its own political purposes and to promote disinformation against Ukraine. The statement added that this is a deliberate attempt by Russia yet again to divert the global communitys attention from the soaring tensions on the Ukrainian border, its violations of international law, abuses of human rights and fundamental freedoms.

Russia-Ukraine border tensions

Therefore, the countries called on Moscow to stop its alleged disinformation campaign against Kyiv, lower tensions around it and immediately withdraw its troops that it has purportedly stationed at the Ukrainian border. It is to mention that Russia is accused of deploying forces near the Ukrainian border in alleged preparation for an invasion. Even though Moscow has repeatedly denied the accusations, US and Ukrainian officials have repeatedly raised concern over the Russian military build-up near the border. However, Kremlin has insisted that Ukraine and its supporters from the West were making the claims to cover up their own allegedly aggressive designs.

According to the US intelligence inputs, around 70,000 Russian troops are pressed near the Ukraine border by Putin and the forces have reportedly made all preparations to "invade Ukraine" next year. In response, POTUS Joe Biden, during a video call with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin, warned of "severe repercussions" if Moscow tries to invade Ukraine or try to destabilise the incumbent government. Earlier this month, during the G7 meeting in the UK, the US and other members of the group also echoed to exert pressure on Russia against any possible action that could hamper the existence of Ukraine. The group had even tabled a proposal to impose economic sanctions on Moscow.

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The first seven cases of the omicron variant were confirmed in Venezuela by President Nicolas Maduro at a televised government event.

The cases, detected in Caracas and two other states, came from passengers who arrived from Panama, Dominican Republic and Spain, according to information read by Maduro on state TV.

"It is unavoidable. It had already arrived in Colombia a week ago. It had already arrived in Brazil two weeks ago, to Mexico," Maduro said.

The omicron cases detected came after the Venezuelan government eased Covid-19 quarantine restrictions for the entire months of November and December, making room for holiday celebrations.

Maduro also said that Venezuela has its lowest numbers of Covid-19 infections.

"During the worst time (of infections) in the United States and in all Europe, Venezuela has its lowest numbers (of Covid-19 infections)," Maduro said.

Amid the optimism shown for the low case numbers in the country, the Venezuelan president also warned people to take care and be conscious of the Omicron variant and its possible spread.

"We are going to share Christmas, the joy, the toast, the food, but we are going to share the care as a family, to take care of each other. The omicron is here and it's more contagious," Maduro said.

(Disclaimer: This story is auto-generated from a syndicated feed; only the image & headline may have been reworked by www.republicworld.com)
On Sunday, multiple explosions were heard inside the US military camp in Syria's At-Tanf area, close to the Iraqi border in Homs Province, Sputnik reported citing Syrian state TV. However, the US military is yet to make any statement regarding the incident. Since 2016, American forces have occupied the desert base, which is located along the M2 Baghdad-Damascus highway. It was used to train US-backed rebel forces fighting President Bashar al-Assad's administration at the time. Last month, The New York Times reported that the base was also attacked by "suicide drones" in October. The report claimed that Tehran was behind the strike.

It is pertinent to mention here that a multiple rocket attack took place on the largest American airbase in eastern Syria on November 23, reported Tehran Times. The attack on the US base in Syria came just days after the American media reported that pro-Iranian forces carried out a drone attack on an American base, also in Syria, as a response to Israeli airstrikes on the Arab Republic. Meanwhile, the White House reportedly believed that the attack on Al Tanf military base in Syria was "deliberate and coordinated" and that the US reserved the right to respond.

US dispatches two military convoys to Syria

Meanwhile, on November 28, the United States dispatched a large convoy of trucks carrying forces, arms and logistic supplies to Syrias northeastern province of Al-Hasakah from Iraqi territory, reported Sputnik citing SANA news agency. The report stated that the convoy consisted of around 100 trucks moving in two columns. The first convoy had roughly 60 trucks, while the second had around 40. They entered Syria through the al-Waleed crossing, which is located in Iraq. Both convoys were reportedly protected by a number of armoured vehicles.

Image: AP/PTI
The Chinese Communist Party (CCP)officially atheist and traditionally hostile toward religion and related rituals, particularly what it calls "foreign" beliefshas stepped up pressure on China's faithful with a new decree that forbids online religious activity without government permission. From March 1, 2022, sermons and ceremonies by monasteries, churches and individuals will require special licenses. The policy flows from a religious work conference this month at which CCP chief Xi Jinping called for tighter state control over religious affairs and further sinicization of faiths to bring them in line with party policies.
Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen on Thursday affirmed his intention to visit Myanmar in January, rejecting widespread criticism that his trip will strengthen the military junta now ruling the country and confer legitimacy on leader Min Aung Hlaing.

Hun Sen will make his Jan. 7 to 8 visit as chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, the 10-nation regional bloc. Myanmar has been excluded from ASEAN top-level meetings over the juntas refusal to allow bloc representatives to meet with jailed opposition leaders.

Addressing foreign critics, Hun Sen noted that other countries have not yet broken diplomatic relations with Myanmar.

So why cant I go there myself? he said. I have an ambassador there, and Myanmar has an embassy of its own in Phnom Penh. There is nothing wrong with my trip to Myanmar.

Myanmar is still a member of ASEAN and should not be cut off from the rest of the bloc, he said.

ASEAN will not function if it has only nine members, he said.

Speaking to RFA, Bo Hla Tint  ambassador to ASEAN from the foreign ministry of Myanmars shadow National Unity Government  expressed concern over Hun Sens coming visit, saying the Cambodian prime minister may be confusing his role as leader of his own country with his role as ASEAN chairman.

So if he goes as the new chairman of ASEAN, as he said he will, he cant invite Min Aung Hlaing to any leadership summit or to any other events involving senior leaders. This is the current stand of ASEAN, as everyone knows, he said.

[Hun Sen] has to listen to the voice of the people of Myanmar and to the voice of the legitimate representatives of the people of Myanmar if he wants to end the violence and restore democracy there, Bo Hla Tint said.

Former Cambodian lawmaker Um San An, a member of the now-banned Cambodia National Rescue Party, said that a visit to Myanmar by Hun Sen  who has ruled Cambodia for more than 35 years  will only strengthen that countrys military rulers.

And though foreign countries have not closed their embassies in Myanmar, many have suspended diplomatic relations.

They have also cut off aid, frozen the assets of Myanmars military officials, and imposed sanctions on the military regime, Um San An said.

U.S. and European Union officials will also attend ASEAN meetings only if Myanmar representatives are not present, he said.

Countries keeping embassies in Myanmar may now be watching for a change in the countrys political direction, said professor of political science and commentator Em Sovannara.

They want to maintain their relationships and wait to see if the regime will change to democracy. Embassies can also help with humanitarian assistance and support for other activities for the people of Myanmar, he said.

If Hun Sen really wants to help resolve Myanmars political crisis, he must insist on meeting with Myanmars former leader Aung San Suu Kyi, now jailed for four years by the junta on charges widely seen as politically motivated, Sovannara said.

Myanmars military overthrew the democratically elected government of Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyis National League for Democracy on Feb. 1, saying voter fraud had led to the partys landslide victory in the countrys November 2020 election.

The junta has yet to provide evidence for its claims and has violently suppressed nationwide protests calling for a return to civilian rule, killing 1,365 people and arresting 8,200 over the last 10 months, according to the Bangkok-based Assistance Association for Political Prisoners.

Reported by RFAs Khmer Service. Translated by Sok Ry Sum. Written in English by Richard Finney.
Traders say trucks carrying goods are waiting for weeks in lines backed up for miles.

Vehicles approaching the border with China in northern Shan states Muse township are sprayed with disinfectant to prevent the spread of COVID-19, in an undated photo.

Exporters from Myanmar, Laos and Vietnam are in dire straits after China recently shut down its borders to prevent the spread of COVID-19, leading to long lines of trucks laden with merchandise now in danger of spoiling.

China has placed tight restrictions on its borders and ports to block COVID-19 from entering the country after several small towns on its periphery suffered outbreaks over the past three months.

On Wednesday, Chinese state media reported that authorities in Dongxing city, in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region across the border from Vietnam, had ordered residents to stay home and postponed the clearing of cargo through its port of entry after discovering a domestically transmitted case of COVID-19 during routine testing. The report said that exports and imports of urgent cargo should be planned properly to avoid loss from waiting, although it was not immediately clear when customs, which were suspended on Tuesday, would resume.

Speaking to RFAs Myanmar Service, traders from Myanmar said that exporters are facing significant losses at the border as China once again ratchets up the restrictions, less than a month after trade restarted following a five-month closure due to COVID-19.

For example, only Chinese trucks are allowed to cross the border, causing lengthy delays as goods are unloaded and transferred on the Myanmar side of the border.

Trading during COVID times is very difficult. I must get tested and must spray [the goods and trucks], causing delays. And with the changes in their customs processing system, it takes even longer, said Sai Khin Maung, vice-chairman of the Fruit and Vegetable Commodity Exchange in northern Shan states Muse township.

As for our farmers, the whole process is a mess. It took about 10 days [for their produce] to reach the other side. Delays at the Chinese customs checkpoints have led to a situation where some goods were taking up to 20 days to reach their destinations.

Min Thein, vice-chairman of the Muse Border Rice Commodity Exchange, said the system has caused more unnecessary expenses and that problems are often negotiated between traders and border authorities on a case-by-case basis, rather than according to official regulations.

Normal trading should be carried out in accordance with the border trade laws. But now, the new rules are costing us more, he said.

As prices rise, it hurts [our exporters]. Even then, the goods already at the border must move forward, otherwise produce will rot. So, our traders are paying taxes according to their rules and regulations.

China mostly buys agricultural products and goods from Myanmar, while Myanmar traders import machinery and consumer goods from China. Myanmar border traders told RFA they are concerned about long-term trade imbalances.

A regular meeting between Myanmar traders and border trade officials yesterday discussed the issues in the two countries commodity exchange systems, traders said.

Zaw Min Tun, the spokesman for Myanmars junta, recently said that Sino-Myanmar trade had been hampered by COVID-19, calling Chinas regulations very strict.

In the 2019-2020 fiscal year, trade with China through the Muse border alone amounted to U.S. $4.9 billion. That figure dropped to around U.S. $4 billion the following year due to border closures, according to the junta's Ministry of Commerce.

A lot near the Boten border gate in Laos' Luang Namtha province where hundreds of trucks are parked while waiting to enter China, Dec. 4, 2021. RFA Twenty-kilometer line of trucks

Traders in Laos have not fared much better amid the Chinese border clampdown. A Lao transport official at the Boten-Mohan International Border Checkpoint told RFAs Lao Service on condition of anonymity that hundreds of Lao trucks transporting goods to China are now waiting to cross because Chinese authorities have vastly reduced the number that can enter each day.

Chinese border authorities allow more than 300 Chinese trucks to enter Laos every day but allow only 100 Lao trucks to go to China, he said. Now, there is a 20-kilometer (12.5-mile) line of Lao trucks waiting for their turn to enter China at the border.

Authorities in Laos Luang Namtha province issued a decree on Dec. 17 banning all trucks from the Boten border checkpoint until further notice because there are too many vehicles waiting at the border. An exception was made for trucks carrying agricultural products, which can continue to travel to the border until Dec. 26.

A rubber trader in Phongsaly province, adjacent to Luang Namtha, told RFA that the Boten border checkpoint had been reduced to total chaos.

Only one window or one lane are open at the checkpoint for Lao trucks to go through, said the trader, who also declined to be named.

The authorities wont allow many trucks to enter China. Most of the trucks are getting stuck and blocked. All the trucks with agricultural products are now rushing to the border because they want to beat the deadline.

Lieut. Col. Latsavang Pachittham, chief of the Traffic Police Department of Luang Namtha Province, recently told state media that Chinese authorities should, at the very least, accept their own freight from Laos to relieve congestion.

Most agricultural products destined for China are produced by Chinese investors here in Laos, Latsavang Pachittham said.

During the first ten months of 2021, Laos exported some U.S. $800 million worth of minerals, rubber, and other agricultural products to China despite the COVID-19 pandemic.

Traders buy lychees in Vietnam's Bac Giang province. AFP Photo Dependent on the Chinese side

In Vietnam, where the city of Mong Cai in Lang Son province sits across the border from Chinas Dongxing city, heavy trucks loaded with goods formed long lines on both sides of the checkpoint as the announcement that customs had closed until further notice was made on Wednesday.

Over the past few weeks, thousands of Vietnamese trucks full of agricultural products have been stuck at border, causing the goods to spoil.

Vietnamese authorities have attributed the congestion to Chinas tightening of COVID-19 management and control. However, experts said the issue existed prior to the pandemic.

Speaking to RFAs Vietnamese Service, a driver who transports agri-products said that he and other truckers are extremely concerned that their cargo will rot, as many had been waiting at the border since Dec. 17.

I heard that a lot of the mangos and jackfruits have already rotted, he said.

In a recent interview with Vietnamese state media, a truck driver transporting 45 tons of mangos to China from the southern province of Tien Giang said that he had been waiting for customs clearance at a border gate between Vietnams Lang Son province and Chinas Guangxi province for two weeks.

On Dec. 14, a representative from the Vietnamese Ministry of Industry and Trade told the media that the ministry had been working closely with related northern localities, particularly Lang Son province, to monitor import-export activities. He said the goal is to take timely measures to create favorable conditions for the customs clearance of Vietnamese exports, especially agri-products.

Vietnams total turnover of agricultural and seafood exports to China reached U.S. $8.1 billion in 2020, accounting for 16.6% of total exports to China. Although China has been one of Vietnams largest export markets for many years, Vietnamese enterprises and traders still face many risks, including low export prices, while selling their products to China.

Le Dang Doanh, former director general of Vietnams Central Institue of Economic Management, told RFA that China has been adjusting its import policies.

China is now changing to official importation [from border trade], which means they require detailed declaration on the origin and cultivating conditions of the crops and other information. Official exports often bring about higher prices and stable contracts, he said.

Its a pity that although Vietnam has made some progress in this regard, it has not met all of Chinas requirements yet. China is now cutting down its imports via unofficial channels, therefore, Vietnams agricultural exports are facing difficulties.

Despite delivering a revenue of billions of dollars, Vietnams agricultural exports to China have seen unstable growth. In addition, most of Vietnamese exports are raw products which bring about low added value.

Professor Vo Tong Xuan, a leading agricultural expert who is also a former dean of An Giang University, noted that Vietnamese farmers and companies still rely on Vietnamese and Chinese traders to export their goods.

It means that we still export our products via unoffical channels, he said. As a result, we are very much dependent on the Chinese side.

Reported by Myanmar Service, Lao Service and Vietnamese Service. Translated by Khin Maung Nyane, Max Avary and An Nguyen. Written in English by Joshua Lipes.
The move comes after prosecution of Tiananmen massacre vigil organizers under a draconian national security law.

Workers remove a part of the Pillar of Shame memorial to victims of the 1989 Tiananmen Square massacre in Beijing from the University of Hong Kong, Dec. 23, 2021.

Security guards at the University of Hong Kong placed the area around the Pillar of Shame statue on lockdown on Thursday, blocking the view of the monument to the 1989 Tiananmen massacre victims and preventing anyone from approaching the area, as its creator said it had been demolished.

The move came after the university authorities said the statue was being removed "based on external legal advice and risk assessment for the best interest of the University."

It was apparently taken down and dismantled in the early hours of Thursday, while students were on a break.

Danish sculptor Jens Galschit, who created the monument, said he was "shocked" that the authorities were removing it.

"The Pillar of Shame is getting demolished right now in Hong Kong," Galschit said via his Twitter account. "The sculpture has been covered and is heavily guarded so that no students can document what is going on. This is happening in the middle of the night in Hong Kong."

Galschit, who has previously said he is taking legal advice over the University's disposal of his personal property, also forwarded a news release from the Hong Kong Committee in Norway, condemning the move.

"This action is the latest in a series of attempts by the Hong Kong authorities to erase public memory of the massacre in Hong Kong," the statement said, pointing to the forced closure of a museum commemorating the 1989 student-led protest movement, and of the bloody assault on unarmed civilians by the People's Liberation Army (PLA) that ended it.

"The Hong Kong Committee in Norway condemns the authorities' attempts to ... falsify the story of a peaceful uprising in support of democracy and freedom in China," it said.

Exiled former pro-democracy lawmaker Nathan Law tweeted: "The #PillarOfShame is removed, while memory lives. We must remember what happened on June 4th, 1989. #TiananmenMassacre"

The Pillar of Shame was first unveiled at a now-banned candlelight vigil commemorating the victims at Victoria Park on June 4, 1997, weeks before the city was handed back to China.

It has been at the University of Hong Kong since 1998, where students have cleaned and repainted it to mark the massacre anniversary every year.

The university said in its statement that no group had ever obtained approval to display it on campus, however.

"Latest legal advice given to the University cautioned that the continued display of the statue would pose legal risks to the University based on the Crimes Ordinance enacted under the Hong Kong colonial government," it said, adding that the sculpture will be "put in storage."

The statue was placed on the university campus by the now disbanded Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Democratic Patriotic Movements of China, which had it on loan from Galschit.

The 32-year-old Alliance now stands accused of acting as the agent of a foreign power, with leaders Chow Hang-tung, Albert Ho, and Lee Cheuk-yan arrested on suspicion of "incitement to subvert state power," and the group's assets frozen.

The Pillar of Shame memorial to victims of the 1989 Tiananmen Square massacre in Beijing is shown at the University of Hong Kong in a May 2021 photo. AFP





Many groups disband

The group is the latest in string of civil society groups to disband following investigation by national security police under the national security law that took effect from July 1, 2020.

The annual Tiananmen vigils the Alliance hosted on June 4 often attracted more than 100,000 people, but the gatherings have been banned since 2020, with the authorities citing coronavirus restrictions.

Chinas Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office has accused the organization of inciting hostility and hatred against the CCP and the central government.

Beijing imposed a draconian national security law on Hong Kong from July 1, 2020, ushering in an ongoing crackdown on political opposition and public dissent.

The law forms part of Beijing's claims that recent waves of popular protest for greater democracy and against the erosion of Hong Kong's promised freedoms were instigated by hostile foreign powers intent on undermining CCP rule and destroying social stability in Hong Kong.

Jimmy Lai and several senior journalists at the now-defunct Apple Daily face charges of "collusion with foreign forces" under the law, after the paper called in editorials for sanctions against Chinese and Hong Kong officials.



Translated and edited by Luisetta Mudie.
Residents are told to stay home, with some saying the city could be 'the next Wuhan.'

Security guards walk through an area under lockdown in Xi'an on Dec. 22, 2021. (Photo by AFP)

A staff member running out to pick up food from a residential area that is under lockdown due to the COVID-19 outbreak in Xi'an on Dec. 22, 2021. (Photo by AFP)

A resident undergoes a nucleic acid test for the COVID-19 in Xian on Dec. 23, 2021. (Photo by AFP)

A security guard checks a persons information at the entrance to a residential area that is under restrictions following a recent COVID-19 outbreak in Xian, in China's northern Shaanxi province on Dec. 23, 2021. (AFP)

Authorities in the northern Chinese city of Xi'an have placed the city of 13 million under lockdown, amid a sharp rise in the number of COVID-19 cases and fears over a recent outbreak of epidemic hemorrhagic fever, local residents told RFA.

A resident of Xi'an's Xixian New District surnamed Wang said her community had been placed under lockdown on Wednesday evening.

"I am guessing that the latest wave of cases in Xi'an must be higher than the original wave in Wuhan," Wang told RFA, saying there are rumors that the city is going to be "the next Wuhan."

"No hemorrhagic fever was found in Wuhan [in early 2020], but Xi'an is now faced with a double epidemic," she said. "Everyone in China is paying attention to Xi'an right now," she said.

The move comes after dozens of COVID-19 cases were reported by authorities in Xi'an over several consecutive days, with mass PCR testing already under way across the city.

However, the city has also seen a growing number of hemorrhagic fever cases in recent weeks, according to media controlled by the ruling Chinese Communist Party (CCP).

The Global Times, which has close ties to CCP mouthpiece the People's Daily, quoted a medical staff member at the infection unit of the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University as saying that the hospital had admitted a patient with non-life-threatening hemorrhagic fever in the past few days.

"Hemorrhagic fever is a common infectious disease in northern China," the paper said. "Starting from October every year, some areas of Shaanxi [of which Xi'an is the provincial capital] enter the high incidence season of hemorrhagic fever."

The disease, also known as epidemic hemorrhagic fever, is caused by hantavirus, with rodents as the main source of infection, it said.

Wang said some restrictions were already in place ahead of Thursday's lockdown, as China pursues a zero-COVID strategy ahead of the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing.

"What I'm really worried about this time around is that we don't know how long this lockdown will go on for; there's the question of getting hold of supplies," she said. "Even if we can get them, the prices will go up."

Spot checks for compliance

City authorities have told people to stay home and order deliveries of food and other essentials, or to delegate a single person to go out and buy groceries every other day.

Anyone needing to leave their homes will require special certification from local residential committees, who will carry out spot checks to ensure residents are complying with the new restrictions, officials told a news conference on Wednesday.

The news prompted chaotic scenes across retail outlets in the city, as people scrambled to stock up on supplies, leaving their cars and motorbikes parked anyhow in the streets.

Public transportation hubs have been shut down, with more than 85 percent of flights in and out of Xi'an grounded, according to the flight tracker service VariFlight late on Wednesday.

A manager at a Holiday Inn hotel in Xi'an said nobody has been allowed in or out of the premises since midnight, and that it's currently unclear how long the lockdown will last.

"We're no longer accepting reservations, and no one will be allowed in or out after midnight," the manager said. "We have no way to guarantee that we can feed all our guests, so we are telling them to cancel."

"It's for disease control and prevention."

He said all employees who can go home have already done so, with some guests laying in stores of instant noodles to last them through the lockdown.

A staff member who answered the phone at the Xi'an Epidemic Control and Prevention Center said they had no information about the duration of the lockdown.

"Not yet, no," the staff member said. "I have no way to answer your question in the absence of any specific instructions."

He added: "We just implement policy; we don't make it."

A local resident who gave only the surname Liu said there is now no public transportation operating in Xi'an, and all the restaurants in his neighborhood have shut down.

"The moment they put you under lockdown, you have no freedom," he said. "The restaurants have all been shut down to protect residents, but if there's no food, then we can't live."

"This is the government doing this ... all the people can do is try to do our own thing without being a burden on society," he said.

New cases of COVID-19 have also been confirmed in the eastern province of Zhejiang, the southern province of Guangdong, the northern port city of Tianjin, Shanghai, and the northeastern province of Liaoning in recent days.



Translated and edited by Luisetta Mudie.
If we say something wrong, we could get killed, says a resident of Kalay.

More than two dozen Myanmar civilians died at the hands of militias supporting and opposing the countrys military rulers by mid-December, the highest number recorded in a single month since the junta took control of the government in a Feb. 1 coup, observers and rights activists said.

Many of those who died between Dec. 1-17 were believed to be informers for the other side. Some lost their lives during massacres in Sagaing and Mandalay regions and in northern Shan state, where the strongest opposition to the junta exists.

Myanmar has been in a state of turmoil since the military seized power from the elected government in a Feb 1 coup. Regime forces have killed 1,365 civilians and arrested 11,148 since February, mostly during nonviolent protests against the coup, according to the Bangkok-based Assistance Association for Political Prisoners.

The latest tally of civilian deaths at the hands of militias include eight villagers taken from their homes in Sagaings Shwebo township by unknown gunmen, handcuffed and hanged outside their village on Dec. 9, residents said.

The military junta said that the villagers had been killed by members of a local branch of the Peoples Defense Force (PDF), the armed wing of the National Unity Government, which says it is the legitimate government of Myanmar.

But residents told RFA that the villagers were killed by the military-affiliated Pyu Saw Htee militia, not by PDF members.

Kayjay, a resident of Shwebo, said it was clear from the scene of the massacre that the killings were not the work of the local PDF. Prior to the coup, residents who were members of countrys two main political parties  the National League for Democracy, known colloquially as the Reds, and the military-backed Union Solidarity and Development Party, referred to as the Greens  were able to live together despite political differences, he said. But the situation now has changed.

There has been a complete split between the Greens who support the junta dictators and the Reds who support democracy for the people, Kanjay said. After the split, there were killings carried out by whoever had the first opportunity.

Boh Naga, the PDF leader in Sagaings Pale township, justified killing civilians who operate as dalan, or informers, for the junta.

Sometimes you have to get rid of a few in order to serve the majority, he said. Some are killing others out of selfish interests. Some are weeding out a few for the good of the many. In such a situation, we need to get rid of a few in order to benefit the masses.

In November, junta forces killed and injured residents and torched homes in Kalays Inchun village in Sagaing, locals said.

Pyu Saw Htee informants in Kalay identified PDF members and sympathizers who were then pursued and killed by police and soldiers, the sources said. Members of the PDF meanwhile have also killed ward and village administrators in Kalay who were said to be informants to the junta, locals said.

Civilians believe there is no rule of law and that the military can easily kill people without consequence, said Maung, a Kalay resident.

At present, there are no laws here. It is lawless, he said. We all have to exercise great care in our speech and actions. If we say something wrong, we could get killed.

A video of a massacre of 10 people by junta soldiers who set up camp near Done Taw village in Sagaings Salingyi township went viral on social media on Dec 7.

Village residents have confirmed the incident. The junta has denied the allegation.

The government said on Dec. 17 that a man and four women were killed by PDF groups in Dauntgyi village in Sagaings Taze township. Junta spokesman Maj. Gen. Zaw Min Tun said those killed were ordinary people, not informants for the military. He denied the Pyu Saw Htees existence.

Ordinary people and people who do not support the [PDF] are often killed, he said. There are allegations that the army did the killings after they had killed each other. The allegations about Pyu Saw Htee were not true. There is no such group called Pyu Saw Htee.

Other civilians killed include Arkar Phyo and his wife, Chan Mya Nyein, who were shot dead while riding a motorbike on Dec. 12 in front of a hospital in Chanmya Tharzi township in Mandalay region.

According to CCTV footage, the two were shot at close range. The junta blamed the local PDF for the killings and said that some members had been arrested within 24 hours after the incident.

Dr. Wint Wint Myaing, director of the Kutkai Township Peoples Hospital in northern Shan state, was shot dead by gunmen on Dec. 14 between the townships ward No. 7 and Naung Cho village. The junta said it was the work of an insurgent group but did not say which one.

Ye Tun, a political analyst and former lower house lawmaker from Hsipaw township in Shan state, said the security situation in the country has devolved into chaos.

We cannot live together anymore now, he told RFA. Its as if neither side no longer trusts the other. In the current situation, if he has the chance, he will kill me first or the other way around. So this is very dangerous.

Reported by RFAs Myanmar Service. Translated by Khin Maung Nyane. Written in English by Roseanne Gerin.
MINSK -- Aleh Hruzdzilovich, a correspondent of RFE/RL's Belarus Service, has been seized and held by masked men who broke into his home in Minsk, a human rights organization reports in the latest crackdown on independent media in the authoritarian Eastern European state.

No other information was immediately available following the December 23 report from the Minsk-based Vyasna (Spring) rights group.

The action marks an intensification of a clampdown on independent media and civil society sparked by an uprising against authoritarian ruler Alyaksandr Lukashenka's claim that he won a presidential election last year that the opposition says was rigged.

The report of Hruzdzilovichs abduction comes as Belarus' Interior Ministry on December 23 added RFE/RL's Belarusian Service, known locally as Radio Svaboda, to its registry of extremist organizations, a move condemned by RFE/RL President Jamie Fly.

Fly also condemned the reported attack on Hruzdzilovich, saying that he was among "hostages taken by this lawless regime, not criminals. Factual reporting is not an extremist activity, and journalism is not a crime.

Hruzdzilovich and another RFE/RL correspondent, Ina Studzinskaya, were released from jail in late July, 10 days after their arrest as part of Lukashenka's clampdown on the media.

When they were released on July 26, Hruzdzilovich and Studzinskaya said they were informed that they remain suspects in an unspecified criminal case.

Studzinskaya had been on a hunger strike for nine days and Hruzdzilovich for three days to protest against their arrest. Another RFE/RL correspondent, Ales Dashchynski, was released on July 23.

The three journalists were arrested among other independent journalists on July 16 after police and security forces searched their apartments and offices, including RFE/RL's offices in Minsk.

RFE/RL had condemned the arrests of the journalists as "the latest searing testimony to the desperation of Alyaksandr Lukashenka."

Belarusian authorities have moved to shut down independent media outlets and more than 50 nongovernmental organizations in the wake of mass protests after the disputed election. The opposition and the West say Svyatlana Tsikhanouskaya won the vote and accuse Lukashenka of falsifying the result to give him a sixth consecutive term in power.

Meanwhile, a jailed freelance journalist who has worked for RFE/RLs Belarus Service is facing unspecified criminal charges, his relatives told RFE/RL on December 23.

Andrey Kuznechyk was not released from jail last week even though a second consecutive jail term he was handed on a controversial hooliganism charge had ended.

His relatives told RFE/RL that they were officially informed that the journalist will be transferred from the notorious Akrestsina detention center, where many inmates have said they were tortured, to another detention center in Minsk as a criminal case on unspecified charges had been launched against him.

Kuznechyk was initially sentenced to 10 days in jail on November 26 after a trial in which he refused to accept the guilty verdict.
MINSK -- A jailed freelance journalist who has worked for RFE/RLs Belarus Service, is facing unspecified criminal charges, his relatives told RFE/RL on December 23.

Andrey Kuznechyk was not released from jail last week even though his second consecutive jail term he was handed on a controversial hooliganism charge ended.

His relatives told RFE/RL that they were officially informed that the journalist will be transferred from the notorious Akrestsina detention center, where many inmates have said they were tortured, to another detention center in Minsk as a criminal case on unspecified charges had been launched against him.

Kuznechyk was initially sentenced to 10 days in jail on November 26 after a trial in which he refused to accept the guilty verdict.

On December 6, when his sentence ended, he was not released and handed another 10-day jail term, also on a hooliganism charge.

Kuznechyks relatives told RFE/RL at the time that the journalist continues to maintain his innocence.

RFE/RL President Jamie Fly has said the extension of Kuznechyks sentence "on absurdly fabricated charges" should be considered a crime in itself.

"Andreys state-sponsored kidnapping continues, all in furtherance of the Lukashenka regimes efforts to block independent information from reaching the Belarusian people. Andrey should be allowed to return to his family immediately," Fly said in a statement on December 6, referring to authoritarian ruler Alyaksandr Lukashenka.

On December 23, Fly again condemned the Belarusian government's actions against a free media and stated that Kuznechyk was among "hostages taken by this lawless regime, not criminals. Factual reporting is not an extremist activity, and journalism is not a crime.

Kuznechyk went for a bike ride on November 25 and returned accompanied by four men dressed in civilian clothes, according to his wife, Alesya Rak.

The men, who did not show any identification, then searched their apartment, Rak said, only avoiding the rooms of their two young children.

Kuznechyk was then led away by the group, who did not give a reason for his detention.

Tensions have been running high in Belarus since Lukashenka, in power since 1994, was declared the winner of a presidential election in August 2020 that opponents and the West say was rigged.

Many Western nations have since refused to recognize Lukashenka as the legitimate leader of Belarus, leaving him more reliant than ever on Russia, which analysts say is using his weakened position to strengthen its hold over its smaller neighbor.

Tens of thousands of people have been detained, and human rights activists say more than 800 people are now in jail as political prisoners.

Independent media and opposition social media channels have been targeted as well.
U.S. President Joe Biden signed legislation on December 23 that will ban imports from China's Xinjiang region in the latest measure to punish Beijing over its treatment of China's Muslim Uyghur minority and other groups.

The legislation bars all goods from Xinjiang, labeling products as being made from forced labor. The Chinese government has established a network of detention camps for Uyghurs and other Muslims in the northwestern region.

Xinjiang supplies much of the world's materials for solar panels, but the United States and many rights groups have alleged that Beijing is carrying out genocide there.

China denies abuses in Xinjiang and has engaged in a series of tit-for-tat measures against Washington in reaction to the allegations.

China insists camps in the region are "vocational education centers" designed to help people avoid the influence of terrorism.

Washington has also announced a diplomatic boycott of the upcoming Winter Olympics. Several other countries have joined in the boycott, which does not have an impact on sending athletes to the event.

Based on reporting on Reuters
Iran has agreed to accept Ceylon tea in exchange for some $251 million in oil debt from the South Asian island nation of Sri Lanka, Iranian media report.

Alireza Peyman-Pak, the head of Iran's Trade Promotion Organization, said on December 23 that "in recent negotiations, we reached a written deal to reimburse Iran's debt and interest on it in the form of a monthly shipment of tea produced in Sri Lanka."

According to Iranian media, Peyman-Pak said a deal was reached in which Sri Lanka will export tea to Iran every month "to settle a $251 million debt for Iranian oil supplied to Sri Lanka nine years ago."

Sri Lanka, an island nation of some 22 million people, was formerly known as Ceylon.

Peyman-Pak said the deal will save Iran from having to use scarce hard currency to pay for imports of the widely consumed product.

Iran has been hit hard since the United States pulled out of the 2015 Iran nuclear deal and began reimposing crippling financial sanctions against Tehran.

Sri Lankan Plantation Industries Minister Ramesh Pathirana emphasized that the arrangement will not violate international sanctions as tea is exempt due to it being categorized as a food item.

Iranian banks that have been blacklisted under U.S. sanctions will not be involved in the transaction, he added.

Sir Lanka has also been experiencing severe financial difficulties, including a severe shortage of foreign currency. National reserves have declined to just $1.6 billion, leaving the government hard-pressed to meet payments for oil and food imports.

Based on reporting by AFP, Reuters, Colombo Gazette, and dpa
NUR-SULTAN -- The upper chamber of Kazakhs parliament has approved a bill on abolishing the death penalty in the Central Asian nation.

The Senate's December 23 approval of the bill comes almost a year after President Qasym-Zhomart Toqaev signed off on parliamentary ratification of a UN human rights protocol aimed at abolishing the death penalty worldwide.

Kazakhstan instituted an indefinite moratorium on capital punishment in 2004 but retained the death penalty for terrorism-related offenses, including plotting an assassination of the nation's first President Nursultan Nazarbaev.

In 2016, the death penalty was imposed on a man who was convicted of a mass shooting in Almaty.

Ruslan Kulekbaev had been the only person on death row in Kazakhstan.

Kazakhstan's lower chamber, the Mazhilis, approved the bill on December 8.

Russia, Belarus, and Tajikistan are now the only three countries in Europe and Central Asia that havent signed or ratified the UN's Second Optional Protocol To The International Covenant On Civil And Political Rights. Belarus is the only country in the region that still carries out executions.
From physical attacks to online abuse and legislative setbacks, the LBGT community in Central and Eastern Europe had little to cheer about in 2021.

Populist governments in Poland, Hungary, and elsewhere were able to exploit frustrations and fears, some stoked by church leaders, some by the grinding COVID-19 pandemic, to push through anti-LGBT legislation.

It was, however, part of a wider trend over a wider swath of Europe, argues Evelyne Paradis, executive director of the European branch of the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association (ILGA-Europe).

"Poland and Hungary are not anomalies. In the past year, we've seen increased political repression against LGBT people, a stark rise in socioeconomic hardship, and the spreading of LGBT-phobic hatred on the streets and online across the region," Paradis told RFE/RL in e-mailed comments.

Low points of the year included an attack on a LGBT community center in the Bulgarian capital, Sofia, led by a far-right leader who ran in the country's presidential election; a new law in Hungary banning information in schools deemed to promote homosexuality and gender change; and several so-called "LGBT-ideology free zones" continued to operate in Poland.

Much outrage was directed at the new Hungarian legislation, which critics say equates homosexuality with pedophilia, but which Budapest and its nationalist Prime Minister Viktor Orban argued would protect children and families. EU leaders condemned the new Hungarian legislation with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen calling it a "shame." But nearly all the leaders of former communist Eastern Europe refused to sign a letter condemning the Hungarian law.

It highlighted a wider rift across the continent, with some analysts arguing an "Eastern European Union" is emerging based on positions that contradict fundamental EU values such as the rule of law, human rights, media rights, and LGBT rights.

"I think that the whole attitude of this alignment is very anti-European. It shows signs of an establishment of some sort of a new Iron Curtain," said Marko Milosavljevic, a professor of journalism and media policy at the University of Ljubljana, in comments to Reuters back in July.

From LGBT Leaders To Laggards

It wasn't so long ago that things were different. At the time of the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989, Central and Eastern Europe was generally welcoming to LGBT people.

Going back even further, many countries in the region were at the vanguard of advancing such rights, at least on paper.

"In the former East Bloc, these countries were really progressive towards LGBT rights. Poland, for instance, decriminalized homosexuality in 1932, which was really early," said Agnieszka Koscianska, a visiting professor at the Oxford School of Global and Area Studies, in an interview with RFE/RL.

Hungary decriminalized homosexuality in 1961 as did then-Czechoslovakia. Bulgaria followed suit seven years later in 1968. Other countries lagged behind. In Romania, the last person imprisoned for being gay walked free in 1998. Three years later in 2001, the country decriminalized homosexuality while harmonizing its laws with the EU to gain membership. Yugoslavia began chipping away at its anti-homosexual laws. However, homosexuality remained illegal in Serbia and Kosovo until 1994, in Macedonia until 1996, and in Bosnia-Herzegovina until 1998.

Attitude Gap

People in Western and Eastern Europe differ in attitudes to the LGBT community, polling numbers show.

A majority of those polled in all Western European countries support same-sex marriage, according to polling data from the Pew Research Center. In nearly all Eastern European countries -- with the exception of the Czech Republic -- the majority oppose it.

The divide widens the further one moves west to east, said Jacob Poushter, Pew's associate director for global attitudes research.

"Support for the position that homosexuality should be accepted by society is quite high in Western Europe. So, in Germany the figure is 86 percent, in the Netherlands it's even higher at 92 percent, in Spain it's 89 percent. But once you pass the dividing line, on the other side of the former Iron Curtain, those numbers begin to drop very sharply and get even lower as you go into Russia," Poushter told RFE/RL in an interview.

According to 2020 data presented by Poushter, 47 percent of people in Poland and 49 percent of people in Hungary say homosexuality should be accepted. In Bulgaria, that figure drops to 32 percent. In Russia, it's 14 percent. Even in the more liberal Czech Republic the figure is only 59 percent.

Anti-LGBT, Anti-Vaxxers, Cut From The Same Cloth?

While general attitudes may diverge, anti-LGBT sentiments are often associated with nationalist and the far-right movement in both Eastern and Western Europe, explained Heleen Touquet, chair of European values at the University of Antwerp.

"Members of far-right parties and movements have expressed conservative, heteronormative, and binary views of gender and sexuality that seriously limit the self-expression and freedom of LGBT people and people who challenge what are seen as traditional gender norms and norms of the family. This is something that the far right in Western Europe has in common with politicians like [Slovenian Prime Minister] Janez Jansa, [Hungarian Prime Minister] Viktor Orban, and the [ruling] PiS (Law and Justice party) in Poland," Touquet told RFE/RL.

In Bulgaria, Boyan Rasate, a notorious far-right figure who also unsuccessfully ran in the country's November presidential election, was accused of leading an attack in Sofia on October 30 on the Rainbow Hug, a gathering place for the LGBT community.

"I started shouting, 'No!' to stop them from coming in," explained Gloriya Filipova, the group's project coordinator. "[Rasate] hit me and just kept coming. Everyone else followed him in," Filipova told RFE/RL's Bulgarian Service.

Negative Messaging Fanned By Russia

Perhaps not as toxic, but hostile LGBT attitudes are not limited to the fringes of Eastern Europe's political classes.

In July, 17 of the EU's 27 leaders penned an open letter criticizing Hungary's new legislation. Estonia, Lithuania, and Latvia were the only former communist countries to sign it.

Among other things, the changes to the Hungarian Constitution in December 2020 altered the definition of families to exclude transgender and other LGBT individuals, defining the basis of the family as "marriage and the parent-child relationship." It declared that "the mother is a woman and the father is a man."

Milos Zeman, the president of the relatively liberal Czech Republic, told CNN local affiliate CNN Prima earlier this year that transgender people "truly disgust" him.

The LGBT community is increasingly finding itself being targeted by populist politicians, Dunja Mijatovic, the human rights commissioner of the Council of Europe, wrote in August.

"Scapegoating LGBTI minorities has become a tactic applied by ultraconservative and nationalist politicians posing as defenders of so-called "traditional values" to strengthen their base and gain or stay in power. I have observed that stigmatization of LGBTI people is particularly pronounced in the run-up to elections and votes," Mijatovic said.

"Negative public discourse by politicians" has impacted social attitudes toward LGBT people, a survey by the EU's Fundamental Rights Agency's (FRA) found in 2020.

"Too many LGBTI people continue to live in the shadows, afraid of being ridiculed, discriminated. or even attacked, FRA Director Michael O'Flaherty said.

In Central and Eastern Europe, Russia may be stoking some of this sentiment, argued Accept Association Executive Director Teodora Ion Rotaru, whose LGBT rights group organizes Bucharest's annual pride festival.

"We see in the media and social media a significant amount of Russian meddling and dissemination of fake-news, aimed to incite conflict. We have seen this most clearly with the anti-vax movement, which, of course, overlaps with the anti-LGBT rights and anti-gender movements in terms of people and resources," Rotaru told RFE/RL.

"We should realize that security experts already see this type of behavior as part of a hybrid war that Russia is waging on the EU, by attacking our core European values -- freedom, democracy, the rule of law, and equality," she added.

Staunchly conservative governments in Central and Eastern Europe are not only stoking anti-LGBT attitudes but complicating efforts to protect LGBT people as well.

In October, EU justice ministers failed to adopt a common position on the EU strategy for the rights of the child when Poland and Hungary vetoed references to LGBT content.

"There's an almost complete standstill on LGBTI rights and equality in the EU and Europe, which is extremely worrying especially at such a critical time for LGBTI communities. The movement that is attacking women's rights, LGBTI rights, sexual and reproductive rights has become a lot more present, resourced, and active across Europe," Paradis warned. "In some countries there's a real regression, and rights that had been recognized are now being challenged."
SKOPJE -- North Macedonia's Prime Minister Zoran Zaev formally resigned on December 23, weeks after he announced plans to step down following his party's defeat in municipal elections.

The country's lawmakers formally ratified Zaev's resignation a day after he sent a letter to parliament, paving the way for his exit.

Earlier this month, Zaev's governing Social Democratic Party (SDSM) selected Deputy Finance Minister Dimitar Kovachevski to succeed him as its leader, and he is expected to be the partys nominee to become the next prime minister as well.

Zaev had announced the move after a poor showing by the SDSM in local elections in October. Last month, he stepped down as head of the party.

President Stevo Pendarovski will now have 10 days to hand the mandate to form a new government to the SDSM-led coalition, which controls a majority in the 120-member parliament.

The SDSM leader would then have 20 days to form a government that has the backing of lawmakers to face challenges from both the coronavirus pandemic and an energy crisis.

In his letter of resignation distributed to media, Zaev said "it would be politically irresponsible and unjustified...to continue to lead the country along the Euro-Atlantic path."

He said he believed that another prime minister from the SDSM "could achieve that in a better way."

During an address to parliament on December 22, Pendarovski praised Zaevs resignation as a democratically-minded act.

He does this even though his party is in power, the president said.

Zaev served as prime minister from May 2017 to January 2020 and again since August 2020.

He oversaw the resolution of his countrys long-standing dispute with Greece over the name Macedonia. Zaev oversaw a 2018 referendum that changed the countrys name to North Macedonia, paving the way to advance its European Union accession bid.

However, Bulgaria objects to that because of disputes over history and linguistics.

He also secured North Macedonias membership in NATO in March 2020.

In the wake of the Social Democrats defeat in the October local elections, the opposition has called for early national legislative elections.

North Macedonia is currently expected to hold such elections in 2024.
Russian President Vladimir Putins message to the United States, NATO, and Kyiv at his annual press conference could arguably be summed up like this:

Happy Holidays -- and after that, well see.

The choreographed, nearly four-hour event on December 23 came with attention riveted on Russias military buildup near Ukraines borders and its calls for sweeping security guarantees from Washington and the Western alliance -- as well as the implicit threat to invade its neighbor again if its demands are not satisfied soon.

In a remark that seemed designed to allay concerns that a Russian offensive could be imminent, Putin said that Russia has so far seen a positive reaction to what Moscow calls its proposals.

In fact, they are demands for radical changes to the security infrastructure erected in Central and Eastern Europe since the demise of the U.S.S.R. in 1991 and the end of communism in the region. U.S. officials have already said that some of these demands are unacceptable.

Our U.S. partners told us that they are ready to begin this discussion, these talks, at the very start of next year, Putin said. I hope thats how it will all play out.

This was a 180-degree reversal of what the deputy foreign minister in charge of U.S. ties had said about the Western response less than a week ago, so the signal seemed to be that diplomacy would now come to the fore.

Putin "seemed to be hedging a little bit on the aggressive posture he had been taking before by expressing some optimism about talks with the U.S. next month," William Courtney, a former director for Russia, Ukraine, and Eurasia at the White House National Security Council who earlier took part in negotiations with the Soviet Union on defense, told RFE/RL after the news conference.

I wouldn't be surprised if there were some debate in the Kremlin now, or among political elites, about the wisdom of starting their war, said Courtney, who is now an analyst at RAND Corporation, a Washington think tank. Certainly, from an economic perspective, his economic advisers must be telling him that the consequences for their conduct could be devastating.

'Give Us Guarantees!'

At the same time, Putin seemed determined to tell audiences at home and abroad that Moscow would not wait long -- at all -- for concrete action to allay what it says are its security concerns.

You should give us guarantees. You! And without any delay! Now! Putin said, referring to the West in response to a question from Britains Sky News.

Seeking to dismiss the notion that the military buildup could be a bluff or that Moscow might be satisfied simply to hold talks, he said that Russias actions will depend not on how the talks go, but on the unconditional provision of security for Russia.

And he reiterated one of Moscows main demands, saying: We have clearly and precisely let them know that any further NATO expansion eastward is unacceptable.

Thats a position that Western officials, in turn, say is unacceptable because Russia cannot have a veto over NATO membership for Ukraine or any other country.

Lest anyone think the agreement for talks means the Kremlin is softening its demands or its stance toward Kyiv and NATO, Putin hammered hard on those issues. He repeated baseless or unsubstantiated arguments -- including the suggestion that the West wants to use Ukraine as a staging ground to dismantle Russia -- in harsh terms.

At least twice, he made remarks that directly questioned Ukraines right to be a sovereign state, something he has done in the past.

And he angrily lashed out with one of the central claims that have underpinned Russias demands, asserting that NATO duped Moscow in the 1990s into thinking that it would not take in former Warsaw Pact nations or former Soviet republics.

Keeping Pressure On Kyiv?

Putin also repeated his criticism of the government of Volodymyr Zelenskiy, Ukraines democratically elected president. And he repeated his groundless claim that the downfall of Viktor Yanukovych, the Moscow-friendly president who fled Ukraine in 2014 after months of pro-European protests in Kyiv, was the result of a bloody coup detat backed by the West.

The point may have been to keep up the pressure on Kyiv and the West while at the same time signaling that Moscow hopes for progress at the talks.

Whether that hope is genuine has been a matter of debate among political analysts, some of whom suspect that Russia plans to use its proposals and the negotiations on them as a pretext for military action against Ukraine.

Others believe that the buildup of some 100,000 troops near Ukraines borders and in Russian-controlled Crimea is more likely to be a lever to get at least part of what it wants from Kyiv and the West.

I don't think we've reached or even approached quite the point of no return in terms of a possible new Russian offensive against Ukraine, John Herbst, a former U.S. ambassador to Ukraine, said at on December 22.

I don't have any doubt that Putin can turn his policy around on a dime, if he feels the need to, said Herbst, who is now at the Atlantic Council in Washington. Putin is playing for the concessions he will get from us by threatening.

Putin traditionally holds his annual news conference in December. In this case, the timing seemed to suit the purposes of the Russian leader, who frequently uses rhetoric about ostensible external threats to rally support and draw attention away from problems at home.

Putin began by taking several questions about the economy, as he often does, and as usual a few journalists asked about the quality-of-life problems that plague Russia 30 years after the Soviet Union collapsed and 22 years after he first became president.

There were also the customary softballs such as which Russian city he would rather live in, not including Moscow or St. Petersburg. (His response, essentially: St. Petersburg, his hometown.)

But at least three of the 35-plus questions focused on the situation surrounding Ukraine.

Provocative Comments

That country has been the subject of numerous provocative comments from Putin, comments that have led to mounting concerns about his intentions. Moscow has controlled Ukraines Crimea region and supported separatists who hold parts of two eastern provinces since 2014.

And while repeating tendentious claims about Ukraine, NATO, and the West, Putin also rehashed long-standing positions on issues such as the poisoning and imprisonment of Kremlin foe Aleksei Navalny, the broader clampdown on civil society and dissent that has escalated dramatically over the past year.

He also touched on, and brushed off, new revelations about torture behind bars in Russia, and the still-unsolved assassinations of investigative journalist Anna Politikovskaya in 2006 and opposition politician Boris Nemtsov in 2015.

Without evidence, he made several suggestions that critics have dismissed as disingenuous or false in the past: that Kremlin opponents like Navalny are pawns in foreign plots to damage Russia from within; that prison torture isno worse than in Western countries; that the state has done everything it can to bring justice in the politically charged killings; and that Russias treatment of individuals and groups deemed foreign agents is less oppressive than in Western countries such as the United States and Britain.

RFE/RL correspondents Todd Prince, Mike Eckel, and Merhat Sharipzhan contributed to this report.
A court in Moscow has extended the pretrial detention of the former leader of a regional organization for jailed opposition activist Aleksei Navalny in Bashkortostan.

The Basmanny district court ruled of December 23 that Lilia Chanysheva must stay in pretrial detention at least until April 9, 2022.

Chanysheva's lawyer Vladimir Voronin said the ruling will be appealed.

The 39-yer-old activist was arrested on extremism charges in Bashkortostan's capital, Ufa, on November 22, and later transferred to Moscow, where she was ordered to stay until at least January 9.

Chanysheva headed the local unit of Navalny's network of regional campaign groups until his team disbanded them after a Moscow prosecutor went to court to have them branded extremist.

A court later accepted the prosecutor's claim, and labeled the national network extremist, effectively outlawing them.

Voronin said at the time that his client's arrest was the first of its kind since the movement was banned. The charges appear to be retroactive since the organization she worked for disbanded before it had been legally classified as extremist, he said.

Navalny himself has been in prison since February, while several of his associates have been charged with establishing an extremist group. Many of his associates have fled the country.

Several former activists who worked for Navalny's groups fled the country shortly before and after Chanysheva's arrest.

Based on reporting by TASS and Interfax
MOSCOW -- The Moscow City Court started hearings on a prosecutor's request to shut down one of Russia's oldest rights watchdogs, the Memorial Human Rights Center.

Some 25 journalists were allowed to follow the December 23 hearing from a special room outside the courtroom.

Memorial is being represented at the hearing. by lawyers Mikhail Biryukov, Ilya Novikov, Maria Eismont, Grigory Vaipan, Anastasia Garina, Tatyana Glushkova, Tamilla Imanova, Natalya Morozova, and Natalya Sekretaryova.

Last month, Moscow prosecutors asked the court to shut down the center, while the Prosecutor-Generals Office around the same time asked the Supreme Court to liquidate the umbrella organization, Memorial International, under which the Memorial Human Rights Center and several other activist groups operate.

Prosecutors have explained their moves by saying the two organizations have "repeatedly violated" Russia's controversial law on "foreign agents," which is increasingly being used by officials to shutter civil society and stifle independent media in the country.

A prosecutor at the December 23 hearing reiterated the accusations, saying that Memorial Human Rights Center "should be shut down," adding that "the absence of the foreign agent label on its materials may lead to the formation of a negative image of the country and cause depression among citizens."

The Supreme Court started hearings into the Prosecutor-General's request to shut down Memorial International in November.

Rights activists say there are no legal grounds to liquidate the organization, which has been devoted since the late 1980s to researching and memorializing the crimes of the Soviet Union, as well as to promoting human rights in Russia and former Soviet republics. They say the Prosecutor-Generals demand to shut down Memorial International is "a politically motivated decision."

Memorial has characterized the actions of the Russian authorities as "political pressure" and countered that "there are no legal grounds for liquidation."

Russias so-called foreign agent legislation was adopted in 2012 and has been modified repeatedly. It requires nongovernmental organizations that receive foreign assistance, and that the government deems to be engaged in political activity to be registered, to identify themselves as foreign agents, and to submit to audits.

Later modifications of the law targeted foreign-funded media, including RFE/RLs Russian Service, six other RFE/RL Russian-language news services, and Current Time.

On December 15, the European Parliament adopted a resolution condemning persecution and politically motivated attempts of the Russian authorities to liquidate the two veteran human rights groups.
President Vladimir Putin has demanded that the West provide Russia with security guarantees immediately amid spiraling tensions involving a massive deployment of Russian troops toward Ukraine.

Speaking at his annual news conference on December 23, Putin responded testily to a reporters question about Russias intentions, listing off a litany of grievances about Ukraine and about NATO.

He also referred to a list of demands that Russian officials released publicly earlier this month which essentially call for a restructuring of European security and NATO's policies.

You should give us guarantees. You! And without any delay! Now! he said, responding to a question by a reporter from British broadcaster Sky News.

U.S. officials have said publicly that they were willing to hold talks on the Russian demands. Privately, however, officials in Washington and elsewhere have said some of the demands are either unworkable, impossible, or fundamentally contrary to Western values.

Putin repeated past Kremlin assertions that the United States had placed missile systems on Russias border.

He appeared to be referring to the anti-missile Aegis Ashore systems that the United States has deployed to NATO allies Romania and Poland in recent years. Washington has insisted that the systems are needed to defend Europe against threats from Irans missiles, and are ineffective against Russias arsenal.

Were we the ones who placed missiles next to the U.S. borders? Putin said, responding to another question. No. It is the U.S. with its missiles who came to our home and are on the threshold of our home. ... Is it an unusual demand? Do not place any more assault systems next to our home? What is unusual about it?

Responding to an earlier question, Putin appeared to give a positive signal regarding proposed upcoming talks between Russia, the United States, and possibly other Western allies.

U.S. and Russian diplomats are tentatively scheduled to meet for new talks, reportedly in Geneva, sometime after the New Year.

We have so far seen a positive reaction, he said. Our U.S. partners told us that they are ready to begin this discussion, these talks, at the very start of next year.

I hope thats how it will all play out, he said.

The news conference is one of three carefully orchestrated, nationally televised public events that Putin holds almost every year as part of an effort to showcase his dominance of Russias political life.

Many observers were watching this years event for clues as to the Kremlins intentions on Ukraine and the prospect of war -- a subject that has dominated headlines in the West for weeks now.

In recent weeks, the United States, NATO, and Kyiv have raised the alarm over around 100,000 Russian troops deployed near the border with Ukraine and in the Russian-occupied Crimean Peninsula.

U.S. officials have said Moscow is planning for a possible military offensive that, if it happens, could come within weeks.

But the topic of Ukraine or a possible new war was the focus of just three questions over the course of the event, which concluded just short of four hours, with around 40 questions asked in all, mostly by Russian journalists.

The Russian demands, released publicly on December 17, call for prohibiting NATO from expanding further to the east and leaving Ukraine and several other countries as buffer states with limited sovereignty when it comes to military affairs.

The demands amount to a drastic restructuring of the post-Cold War order in Europe.

Putin has said he does not want a war but has been adamant that if new fighting breaks out, it will be the fault of Kyiv and the West.

During the news conference, he also repeated past accusations against Ukraine, asserting that Kyiv was preparing a new military offensive in the eastern regions where war has been ongoing for more than seven years now.

"Now they tell us, war, war, war. It seems they are preparing another operation [in Donbas] and are warning us not to get in the way, or there'll be sanctions," Putin said. He also accused the West of creating an "anti-Russia" sentiment in Ukraine by arming it and "brainwashing the population."

"We are doing our best to established good-neighborly ties with Ukraine. But it is impossible to do so with the current leadership. People in Ukraine who wants to work with us are facing pressure or even being killed, he said.

Ukraine has been a fixation of Putin and other Kremlin officials since at least 2014, if not for years prior. In 2014, street protests that had gripped Kyiv for months erupted in violence, culminating in the ouster of Ukraines pro-Russia president.

In the aftermath, Russia annexed Ukraines Crimean Peninsula, and fomented war in eastern Ukraine. Since then, relations between Kyiv and Moscow have been outright hostile, though trade still continues between the two, and there is little outright enmity between Ukrainians and Russians themselves.

In July, the Kremlin published an article authored by Putin that all but questioned Ukraines existence as a sovereign country.

Asked about Crimea, Putin tried to draw a parallel with U.S. history.

How about territorial questions between Mexico and the United States? Who did California used to belong to? And Texas? You forget, dont you? Putin said. Nobody remembers that the way they recall Crimea. But we also try not to recall how Ukraine was created. Who created Ukraine? Vladimir Lenin created Ukraine when he established the Soviet Union."

The bulk of the questions that Putin fielded concerned domestic worries such as the cost of living, waste and rubbish management policies, and municipal issues like water and electricity.

Because of pandemic restrictions, journalists were being required to submit three negative PCR tests in order to enter the hall. Organizers also set up disinfection tunnels -- an unproven technology that sprays individuals with a disinfectant as they walk through.

Earlier in the news conference, Putin extolled his government's efforts in fighting the COVID-19 pandemic, and bolstering the countrys economic growth.

Like many countries, Russia has struggled to get its COVID-19 infections under control -- an effort that has been hampered by widespread vaccine hesitancy.

Less than 50 percent of the countrys 146 million people have been fully vaccinated so far, even though Russia was the first in the world to approve and release a coronavirus vaccine a year ago. As of December 23, Russia has reported 10.2 million cases, and 300,000 deaths, according to the national coronavirus information center.

"After facing the coronavirus infection's challenges and the necessary restrictions caused by it in the economy, as well as in the social sphere, our economy, turned out to be more mobilized and better prepared for such shocks than the world's other developed economies, he said.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has used an annual press event to up the ante over fears he is about to order an invasion of Ukraine. He said it was a "positive" signal that the United States had agreed to talks on security issues, but said: "Our actions will not depend on how the talks go, but on unconditional guarantees for Russia's security." Russia has massed military forces on its borders with Ukraine, prompting Western leaders to warn Moscow that it would pay a heavy price if it invades.
Russia is not preparing a military invasion of Ukraine, its ambassador to the European Union was quoted as saying on December 23 as Russias top diplomat said talks will be held early next year on Moscows security proposals.



Vladimir Chizhov said Russia wanted to support Russian-speaking people living in other countries, but he added that Moscow never said it wanted to use military means for this.



"Russia is not planning an attack against any country. I can assure you that no Russian troops are currently preparing for an invasion of Ukraine," Chizhov told the German newspaper Die Welt in an interview.



The Kremlin has amassed about 100,000 combat-ready troops near eastern Ukraine, alarming Ukraine, NATO, and the United States and its European partners. Moscow has previously rejected Western concerns about the troop buildup, saying it's free to deploy forces wherever necessary on its territory.



Earlier on December 22 in Moscow, Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said that Russian and U.S. negotiators early next year will discuss Moscow's security proposals, which include a demand for an end to NATOs eastward expansion and limitations on the alliances military activity in Eastern Europe.

Russia will also start separate talks with NATO in January, Lavrov said, adding that separate negotiations led by the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) will also be held.



Lavrov hailed Washingtons business-like approach that helped quickly agree on parameters of the future talks.



We dont want a war, Lavrov said on December 22 in an interview with Russian RT television. We dont want to take the path of confrontation. But we will firmly ensure our security using the means we consider necessary.



Lavrovs interview followed comments made earlier by Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs Karen Donfried, who said the United States and Russia would likely hold bilateral talks to discuss Moscows security proposals next month.



Donfried said NATO would also discuss inviting Russia for talks on its proposals, and the OSCE was working out how it wants to engage Russia.



The U.S. already has said it won't give Russia the kind of guarantee on NATO expansion it seeks. In the meantime, the American side is conferring with its European allies.



U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken discussed Ukraine on December 22 with Josep Borrell, the EU's high representative for foreign affairs and security policy.



They emphasized the need for coordinated action to support Ukraines sovereignty and territorial integrity and reaffirmed that any further Russian military aggression against Ukraine would have massive consequences for the Russian Federation, State Department spokesman Ned Price said.

With reporting by AP, Reuters, and Die Welt
WASHINGTON -- The United States has sought to deter Russia from invading Ukraine, saying such an action would lead to punishing Western sanctions while forcing NATO to increase military aid to Kyiv and put more forces closer to Moscow.

If Russia goes ahead with what may be under way, we and our allies are prepared to impose severe costs that would damage Russia's economy and bring about exactly what it says it does not want -- more NATO capabilities, not less, closer to Russia, not further away, a senior U.S. administration official said in a briefing on December 23.

Russia has massed about 100,000 combat-ready troops near its border with Ukraine in what the United States has called a possible prelude to an invasion, something the Kremlin denies it is contemplating.

The military buildup may be an attempt to pressure Ukraine and the West to agree to Moscows recently publicized demands for sweeping security guarantees, analysts have said. Those demands include an end to NATOs eastward expansion and cooperation with former Soviet states currently not part of the alliance, such as Ukraine and Georgia.

The senior administration official said the United States was ready to engage in talks with Russia in early January regarding its demand for security guarantees -- including bilaterally as well as through NATO and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE)..

However, the official reiterated that some of Russias demands are unacceptable. The official also said that any dialogue must be based on reciprocity and that the West will raise its own concerns about Russian actions.

Russias demands essentially call for a "sphere of influence" for Moscow in its near abroad, including veto power over the foreign policy choices of its neighbors. Ukraine and Georgia have said they want to join NATO to protect themselves from possible Russian aggression.

The senior U.S. official laid out principles for the talks that are diametrically opposed to those demands.

Our view is that negotiations should start from the baseline  which underscore territorial integrity, borders not being changed by force, and respect for the sovereignty and sovereign decision-making of countries, the official said.

The official said no concrete date or location has been agreed to yet on the U.S.-Russia talks.

Earlier in the day, Russian President Vladimir Putin said the meeting would be held in Geneva next month.

During his annual conference with journalists on December 23, Putin demanded that the West provide Russia with security guarantees without any delay.

He also repeated past Kremlin assertions that the United States had placed missile systems on Russias border.

The senior U.S. official declined to speculate about what missiles Putin was referring to.

The U.S. official also declined to comment on what type of military aid the West would give to Ukraine and what kind of sanctions it would impose on Russia in the event of an invasion, saying it preferred to negotiate behind closed doors.

We don't plan to negotiate in public. It does not strike us as constructive or a way that progress has been made in such diplomatic conversations in the past, the official said.
The U.S. Navy says two of its patrol ships seized a cargo of illicit weapons from a stateless fishing vessel encountered in the North Arabian Sea that the navy said originated in Iran.

The vessel transited international waters along a route historically used to traffic weapons unlawfully to the Huthis in Yemen," the U.S. Navys 5th Fleet said in a statement on December 22.

The shipment consisted of approximately 1,400 AK-47 assault rifles and 226,600 rounds of ammunition, the fleet said.

The seizure took place on December 20 during flag verification boarding in accordance with customary international law, the statement said. U.S. naval forces sank the vessel after removing the crew and illicit cargo.

Direct or indirect supply, sale or transfer of weapons to the Huthi movement violates UN Security Council resolutions and U.S. sanctions.

The vessel's five crew members, who identified themselves as Yemeni nationals, will be returned to Yemen, the statement said.

Yemen's internationally recognized government has been fighting the Iran-aligned Huthis in Yemen for some seven years as part of a coalition backed by Saudi Arabia.

Based on reporting by Reuters
Western powers condemned Moscow for providing material support for the Russia-backed Vagner Group that has deployed mercenary fighters in the troubled West African nation of Mali.

Canada, Germany, France, and Britain -- which are involved in the fight against an Islamist insurgency in Mali -- and 11 other countries on December 23 said in a joint statement that they "firmly condemn the deployment of mercenary troops on Malian territory."

Western nations have previously raised concerns and implemented sanctions against the Vagner Group following its involvement in conflicts in Syria, Libya, the Central African Republic, and in eastern Ukraine.

They have warned Mali against deploying the group's forces, saying a reported deal between the country and the private military contractor would divert money away from efforts to fight terrorism and could ultimately destabilize the region.

The United States did not sign the statement, but the U.S. State Department on December 15 said Vagner Group forces will not bring peace to Mali, but rather will destabilize the country further."

The declaration by the 15 Western powers on December 23 was one of the first major statements to acknowledge that the deployment of mercenary fighters had begun.

The statement did not say if the presence of the Vagner Group could eventually lead the countries to pull their own forces out of Mali.

"This deployment can only further deteriorate the security situation in West Africa, lead to an aggravation of the human rights situation in Mali [and] threaten the agreement for peace and reconciliation in Mali," the 15 powers said.

The statement said they "deeply regret" the decision by Malis leaders to use "already scarce public funds" to pay mercenaries instead of using the funds to bolster the country's owned armed forces.

"We are aware of the involvement of the Russian Federation government in providing material support to the deployment of the Vagner Group in Mali and call on Russia to revert to a responsible and constructive behavior in the region."

Mali has struggled against the Islamic extremist insurgency for the past decade.

Extremists were forced from power in the country's north with the help of a French-led military operation that began in 2013.

However, the rebels regrouped in the desert and began launching attacks on the Malian army and its allies.

France now has some 5,000 troops in the region, but plans to lower that number to 2,500-3,000 by 2023.

In June, Colonel Assimi Goita seized power and was sworn in as president of a transitional government in Mali after carrying out his second coup in nine months.

Facing increasing isolation from the international community, his government has scheduled elections for February, but there are fears they will be delayed or canceled.

U.S. State Department spokesman Ned Price earlier this month described the United States as alarmed by the potential deployment of Vagner Group forces in Mali under a deal that reportedly would cost $10 million a month.

His statement noted that Yevgeniy Prigozhin, a Russian businessman and close associate of President Vladimir Putin who is believed to run the Vagner Group, is sanctioned by the United States, Britain, and the European Union in connection with his dealings with the Russian Federation's Ministry of Defense and his efforts to subvert U.S. democratic processes.

Putin has said the Vagner Group does not represent the Russian state and is not paid by it. He has also said private military contractors have the right to work and pursue their interests anywhere in the world as long as they do not break Russian law.

With reporting by AFP and AP
For the 20th consecutive year, West Warwick has been designated as a Tree City USA community. Jack Lancellotta, executive director of the West Warwick Jaycees Alumni Association; Ron Holloway, chair of the Jaycee arboretum project; Fred Gil, director of public works in West Warwick; Jeff Caldwell, assistant director of public works; and Lou Allard, urban and community forestry program coordinator for the RIDEM Division of Forest Environment, are pictured above during a recent town council meeting. Pictured in back: West Warwick Town Manager Mark Knott; David Gosselin, council president; Maribeth Williamson, council vice president; and councilor Mark Bourget.


By Chris Devonshire-Ellis

Distance between Alaska & Russia is just 55km

The agreement between Russia and the United States on Alaska must be declared invalid, Russian political scientist Yuri Gorodnenko has stated, due to Washington repeatedly violating the provisions of the Convention on the Assignment of Alaska.

The deal on the transfer of the peninsula took place in 1867, and the International Treaty was equated to the constitution, but the United States did not honor specific agreements made as part of the deal.

Gorodnenko says the US had promised former Russian nationals based in Alaska guarantees of the enjoyment of freedom, property rights and the practice of their faith. But after a short time, all Russian-language schools were closed, and teachers were punished for educating Russian-speaking children.

In 1927, the US authorities proclamated the American Orthodox Church in Alaska, as opposed to the Russian Orthodox Church and gave the American Church  considered schismatic by Russia the ability to introduce religious changes considered sinful by the Russian Orthodox Church.

Gorodnenko states that The descendants of the inhabitants of Russian Alaska are discriminated against. The territory transferred to the United States has not developed. This means that the treaty between the US and Russia should be considered invalid. Russian Alaska is subject to return.

Washington paid U$7.2 million for the peninsula, or about U$130 million at the current exchange rate. However, the terms for doing so have not been fully met.

While the prospect of Alaska returning to Russia remains relatively small, Gorodnenkos point is one that is being taken with increasing frequency overseas as many nations state that American promises and commitments have proven unreliable  NATOs statements to Gorbachev over Ukraine and Georgia, and the promised development of Afghanistan being just two. Russia meanwhile has been increasing its military buildup in the Russian Arctic, with cities such as Anchorage just 1,000km from the Russian mainland, and the distance across the Bering Strait just 88km.

Happy Christmas in Russian is Schastlivogo Rozhdestva in case anyone wishes to prepare for a quick invasion.

Related Reading
During the first summit of the Alliance of Rabbis in Islamic States (ARIS) in Turkey, rabbis of more than 10 countries came together under the auspices and hospitality of Chief Rabbinate of Turkey and the Administration of the Turkish Jewish Community. The guests including the Russian Chief Rabbi Berel Lazar with the participation of other leading officials, met under the auspices of the Chief Rabbi of Turkey Rabbi Isak Haleva to talk about the Jewish life in the Islamic world.

The Alliance of Rabbis in Islamic States, established in 2019, aims to enrich the Jewish life in the Islamic world, through the rabbis in 14 countries. The meeting took place with the participation of rabbis and chief rabbis representing more than 100,000 Jews on land so vast as from Kazakhstan to Azerbaijan, from Uganda to Nigeria.

During the ARIS Summit, based upon the thought that normalization of the relations between Jews and Muslims is in line with the global strategic interest, interreligious relations, historical and deep relations among Jews and Muslims were discussed.

The Chairman of ARIS, Rabbi Mendy Chitrik described the meeting as "A historic summit where rabbis recommit to helping each other to fulfill their social responsibilities" and added, "We are the most admirable example of the peace and tolerance among the Muslims and Jews living in the Muslim world."

The rabbis of Morocco and Tunisia, who could not attend the historic meeting personally due to the pandemic restrictions in their countries, also sent their greetings and participated in the meeting online.

The group traveling to Ankara on Wednesday, December 22nd, was accepted by President Tayyip Erdogan. For the reception in the Presidential Palace where the Turkish Jewish Community attended to with a large delegation as well as all the foreign chief rabbis and rabbis, Minister of Culture and Tourism Mehmet Nuri Ersoy, Presidential Communications Director Fahrettin Altun, and Presidency Spokesperson Ibrahim Kalin were also present.
A plan to build 125 condominiums, a food market, a drive-though drug store and other retail shops in Carlsbads Bressi Ranch neighborhood was approved this week by the Carlsbad City Council before a standing-room only crowd.

The council voted 4-1 to OK the Uptown Bressi project Tuesday night after listening to 38 public speakers point out its merits and flaws. Almost three-quarters of the speakers asked for approval, saying the city needs more affordable housing and nearby places to shop in the Bressi Ranch community.

Shea Homes representative Kevin McCook said the company has been meeting with Bressi Ranch residents for three years to gather their opinions during the development of the project, which will be built on 17.7 acres along Palomar Airport Road.

A proposal five years ago by different developer to build 450 apartments and no commercial buildings on the vacant site died quickly after about 150 residents at a community meeting said it was far too many homes for the property.

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Sheas condos will sell at prices beginning in the $600,000 range, McCook said. That would be well below the cost of single-family homes in Bressi Ranch, which average more than $1 million. Also, 20 percent of the Uptown Bressi condos would be reserved for low-income buyers.

Its a place where residents can live, work and shop, McCook said. That idea has been a key part of the Bressi Ranch plan since the City Council approved a master plan for the 585-acre community east of El Camino Real in 2002.

Tenants of the Uptown Bressi commercial center are expected to include a BevMo liquor store, a drive-through CVS pharmacy, a Whole Foods market, and more, though no leases have been signed. The site is across Gateway Road from the Bressi Village shopping center, which includes a Trader Joes, a Stater Brothers, some restaurants, offices and other businesses.

Councilwoman Cori Schumacher, who voted against the project, said she objected to it largely because it places residential units on land originally zoned as light industrial in the communitys master plan and the citys General Plan. However, supporters of the project said the community has changed since those plans were approved, and Carlsbad now needs housing and a convenient commercial center more than it needs additional industrial jobs in Bressi Ranch.

For example, Mayor Matt Hall said, ViaSat is expanding its nearby Carlsbad headquarters and plans to add 2,000 to 2,500 jobs, and there are plenty of other industrial jobs.

This is a trade, Hall said, adding that it meets the needs of the community.

A greater concern is the projects location near the Palomar-McClellan Airport and the busy intersection of Palomar Airport Road and El Fuerte Street, Hall said. He worries that people will buy the condos and then a few years later complain about airport noise.

However, other council members said airport noise should not be a concern.

People need to think when they buy a home, said Councilman Mark Packard. The airport was there first.

Some people objected to the additional traffic the project would bring, but city staff said the mix of jobs, shops and homes will help reduce how far neighborhood residents must travel for goods and services.


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Note: Bay Briefing is off on Christmas Eve and will return to your inboxes on Monday.

Good morning, Bay Area. Its Thursday, Dec. 23, and San Francisco has finally set a date for the Central Subways opening to the public. Heres what you need to know to start your day.

Where the crackdown stands

When San Francisco Mayor London Breed declared a state of emergency in the Tenderloin, she said too many people are dying in this city.

Heres what the data showed: About 60% of reported drug crimes in 2021 in San Francisco happened in the neighborhood, a disproportionate rate compared with the 4% of city residents living within its boundaries.

No one on the San Francisco Board of Supervisors denies theres a public health crisis on the citys streets. But most oppose Breeds plan to put more police on patrol to deal with it. And now theyre deliberating whether to fund more services for help at the cost of their stances on policing.

Reporter Mallory Moench explains how likely San Francisco supervisors are to vote on Breeds plan, while data reporter Susie Neilson breaks down the drug incident data comparing the Tenderloin to the rest of the city.

Coronavirus updates

Bronte Wittpenn/The Chronicle

 Planning an at-home COVID test before the holidays? Here are the answers to your frequently asked questions about omicron and rapid testing.

 New York has emerged as the omicron variant epicenter. Heres how the states cases compare to Californias coronavirus infection rate.

 More than half of the states cases are omicron, according to Gov. Gavin Newsom. The recent surge in virus cases prompted the governor to announce mandatory booster shots by Feb. 1 for health care workers, plus a school testing program for every K-12 student enrolled at a public institution.

What to eat

Santiago Mejia/The Chronicle

Dont sweat the Christmas feast  you still have a little time to order takeout or make reservations at some Bay Area restaurants for holiday meals. Our Christmas 2021 restaurant guide has the latest on whats open and available this weekend.

And if you dont feel like cooking next week, why not try a restaurant from our lists of the best? We have a list of the best restaurants in the region, plus more specific recommendations for the best East Bay eateries, top splurge restaurants and outstanding outdoor dining options.

 In other food news: San Francisco restaurants Zuni Cafe and Cassava are among the first restaurants in the country to mandate booster shots for indoor dining.

Around the Bay

TICD

 Breaking ground: Mega housing developments are coming to San Francisco in 2022. Heres a look at the thousands of units being built across the city.

 Crime news: Two people have been arrested in the fatal shooting of former police officer and TV security guard Kevin Nishita.

 Calls for help: Why has Oakland scrambled to field 911 calls recently?

 Creating trash? The amount of plastic waste created by retail giant Amazon skyrocketed by 29% during the pandemic, according to a new report.

 Big issues broken down: From limiting recalls to reforming the school board, here are the major measures San Franciscans will vote on next year.

 Yall thirsty for riders: Bay Area transit agencies arent holding back on social media, using memes to cajole people into riding again. Plus: The long-awaited Central Subway is nearly done. Heres when Muni says itll open.

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.

 Season of Sharing: She was facing a rent increase. A fund shed heard of as a Chronicle reader helped her stay in affordable housing.

Photos of the year

Yalonda M. James/The Chronicle

Our talented photographers bring The Chronicle to life, telling incredible stories through their lenses. As part of our annual year-end look back, three staffers vocalized the thoughts behind each shot.

 There was chanting, and there was dancing and there was drumming, photographer Yalonda M. James said of an Oakland vigil for those killed in Atlanta during a mass shooting. It went from this somber event to joy and celebration. I love that. I love that despite all of this hate, all this violence that was occurring in the Asian community, these folks got together and said, Were still here; were strong; we're resilient.

Carlos Avila Gonzalez/The Chronicle

 I had just been out there a few years ago when it was about to overflow, photographer Carlos Avila Gonzalez said of this image of Lake Oroville, when we had so much water that it was actually a danger to overflowing, and not only that, but also to breaking the dam apart. So to see it at that level was really, really dramatic.

Jessica Christian/The Chronicle

 It was a lot of resilience, a lot of maturity there, photographer Jessica Christian said of the first day of in-person learning at Garfield Elementary School in Oakland. ... And I was also feeling that kind of relief alongside them while they were stepping back into a classroom, like, Wow, this is really heartwarming and exciting to see, like a real-time change.

Bay Briefing is written by Gwendolyn Wu and sent to readers email inboxes on weekday mornings. Sign up for the newsletter here, and contact the writer at gwendolyn.wu@sfchronicle.com.
Placer County Sheriff's Office

A single-engine Cessna 172 plane crashed on top of a Placer County home Wednesday afternoon, sending the pilot to the hospital for treatment of undisclosed injuries, sheriffs officials said.

Placer County sheriffs officials responded around 3 p.m. to a report of suspicious circumstances on the 3000 block of Miracle Drive in Auburn and found a plane on top of a residence, authorities said. Federal Aviation Administration officials told The Chronicle in a statement that the crash occurred near Auburn Municipal Airport, and that only the pilot was aboard at the time of the crash.
Snowfall hasnt covered San Francisco in more than 45 years  unless you happen to live near the Fire Department station at 2501 25th St.

The San Francisco Fire Department Bureau of Equipment has been covering its front sidewalk (and a couple of nearby cars) in snow for the past week, delighting surprised neighbors and winning a firehouse decoration contest that returned to the city last year after a 70-year hiatus.

I got off work late, got home around 7 (p.m.), and it was snowing, said Mona Marks, who has lived across the street from the station for 15 years. Now all the kids are coming out. Its been a hard year. Its good to hear laughter out here.

The contest originally ran from 1948 to 1950 and was extremely popular, with creative touches including one station that borrowed live animals from a nearby slaughterhouse. But the tradition ended bitterly, after San Franciscans voted down a firefighter cost-of-living raise in 1951.

The contest was reborn in 2020, after SFFD officials saw a Chronicle history column about the earlier contest. Judges declared the three winners Thursday afternoon, with $6,000 in prize money going to their favorite charities.

Station 38 in Pacific Heights won second place. The station won last years contest with its own snow day, and for 2021 added lights in the trees up and down the block. Station 19 near Stonestown Galleria came in third, filled with giant toy soldiers and a throne for Santa visits  recycled from the nearby mall. Stations 8, 18 and 39 were runners up.

2 1 of 2 Peter Hartlaub/The Chronicle Show More Show Less 2 of 2 Don Feria / Special to The Chronicle Show More Show Less



Visit SFChronicle.com for an interactive guide to participating stations, which includes photos of each station and a map. Lights will remain up through next week.

The Bureau of Equipment, which provides emergency repairs for the department, is in an old brick building that predates the first contest, with a classic 1930s fire engine inside that was already a neighborhood favorite.

The snow was mostly foam upon closer look, generated from a machine above the garage and a large fan. But during a Wednesday night block party, children romped through foot-high banks, making snow angels and chasing each other with handfuls of the powder.

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.

This kind of thing really brings some joy to everyone. And if you go around the city and look at these stations youll see how much effort was put into it, said Fire Chief Jeanine Nicholson, who toured the stations Wednesday. Fun for the public, fun for the department. We can all use a little fun right now.

Peter Hartlaub/The Chronicle

The winning stations split the $6,000 from contest sponsor San Francisco Fire Credit Union between the San Francisco Firefighters Cancer Prevention Foundation, San Francisco Firefighters Toy Program, St. Judes Childrens Research Hospital and La Casa de las Madres.

Decorating ended Dec. 17 with finalists chosen by judges including Nicholson, representatives from Mission High School Fire & EMS, the San Francisco Fire Credit Union, National First Responder Fund, employee group Los Bomberos and Chronicle arts and culture columnist Tony Bravo. A celebrity judge  comedian and Rescue Me actor Adam Ferrara  chose the winners.

Peter Hartlaub is The San Francisco Chronicles culture critic. Email: phartlaub@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @PeterHartlaub
Once upon a time, the last-minute scramble before the holidays involved finding an Elsa doll or a Sony PlayStation.

This year the elusive, must-find item is a COVID-19 test either an at-home kit or an in-person appointment.

Its like a grim version of searching for the popular toy, said Lauren Fong of Richmond on Thursday, as she waited outside the El Cerrito office of Contra Costa Supervisor John Gioia hoping to get an at-home test kit for her parents who were coming to visit. I looked online at CVS and Walgreens; they were all out of stock.

Gioias office distributed test kits from the county health services department for free this week. It went through 3,000 in a couple of days. On Thursday morning a steady stream of test-seekers were leaving their names and contact information in case it procured more.

People are desperate to test, said Gioia, as he texted in search of additional kits. They cant find them anywhere.

Residents who did arrive in time to get a kit said it saved their holidays because theyll be able to gather, Gioia said.

As the highly contagious omicron variant collides with peoples plans to see loved ones over the holidays, scores of Bay Area residents are embarking on hunts for tests. The Centers for Disease Control recommends that people self-test before gathering indoors with anyone from other households.

Add to that folks who developed winter sniffles and need to rule out whether they have COVID, and the competition to get tests is fierce.

We want to be safe but we cant get one anywhere, said Harriet Johnson of Albany, speaking outside Gioias office. Her two daughters and their husbands are visiting for the holidays. We have six people and were all vaccinated but there seem to be so many people getting breakthrough cases, and my husband is immunocompromised.

Walgreens and CVS locations were besieged. Both drugstore chains said they were limiting how many home testing kits each customer could buy.

At an Albany CVS, an employee who declined to be identified said the store gets a weekly shipment of at-home test kits on Wednesday mornings. There was a line outside as soon as the store opened at 8 a.m. this Wednesday and they quickly sold out, she said.

Other locations of the drugstores said they didnt know when theyd get more tests. The stores websites werent always reliable indicators of availability, many consumers noticed.

Beth Stanley, an admin for the San Francisco COVID-19 Vaccine Help Facebook group, spent recent days ordering as many tests as possible to give away, turning up 30.

I tried to give them away for free, but most people wanted to pay cost, she said. I had an advantage in that I had the time to stalk various websites. I was happy to do that to help my neighbors get tests. I didnt know anyone that I gave a test to.

Julie Greenfield of Castro Valley sought out test kits in anticipation of a small birthday gathering for her sister Wendy. She found one at her local CVS, while her sister came up empty-handed at Rite Aid and Walgreens in San Jose. Another friend was able to get a few packs through a pharmacist she knows.

Its pretty skimpy pickings out there and it helps if you know someone, Greenfield said.

People eager to visit with family over the holidays got scant comfort from President Bidens plan to provide 500 million at-home COVID tests  in January. Biden himself admitted that he regrets not acting sooner.

I wish I had thought about ordering a half a billion (tests) two months ago, Biden said on ABC News on Wednesday.

In-person testing is being, well, tested by the demand.

We have seen an increase in testing demand in the last week and we have deployed multiple testing platforms to be prepared to meet the demand of the Omicron surge, a Kaiser Permanente spokesperson said in an email.

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.

Some health departments that had been offering walk-in tests without appointments said they could no longer do so.

Due to a sharp increase in demand this week, appointments are now required at Contra Costa Health Services community COVID-19 testing locations in Richmond and San Ramon, the health service said in a press release on Thursday.

The department said it had distributed 14,000 home test kits through community groups, supervisors offices and testing sites. It expects another 14,000 kits next week.

For those who do get tested, a negative result can create a false sense of security, some health care experts warned.

Its not enough just to be vaccinated and tested, said Dr. Lee Riley, professor chair of the Division of Infectious Disease and Vaccinology at UC Berkeleys School of Public Health. The tests dont pick up latent infections; if they are done before the incubation period they may be negative. Testing twice over a 24-hour period, or several days in a row is more effective than a single time, he said.

Just because you test once and it is negative, does not guarantee you wont become positive later, he said.

A forthcoming Belgian study shows that people can have high levels of the coronavirus during the first two days after being infected, even while their antigen tests results are negative. Anyone exposed to a person with COVID should not rely on early test results, the researchers said.

A negative antigen test should not replace self-isolation when the chance of developing the disease is high, such as during the first seven days following a high-risk contact, said Emmanuel Andre, a microbiologist at KU Leuven, which conducted the research with a university hospital and a microelectronics think-tank, according to Reuters.

Even with negative tests, Riley said, people getting together with friends and relatives still need to make sure they wear masks and practice social distancing.

Carolyn Said is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: csaid@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @csaid
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP)  Nations around the world are lurching into lockdown, steeling themselves for a brutal surge as the omicron variant spreads like wildfire.

But in Dubai, Donna Sese is bracing for a very different surge: countless restaurant bookings and meter-long drink bills.

Were back and busy like the way things used to be, said Sese, manager of the Yalumba restaurant at the five-star Le Meridien hotel, where devotees of Dubais Friday brunch pay $250 for lavish spreads with free-flowing Clicquot Champagne.

The globalized city-state appears to be in the midst of a boom season, spurred on by one of the worlds highest vaccination rates and government steps to lure businesses and de-escalate tensions with regional rivals.

Maskless debauchery has returned to dance floors. Brunch-goers are drinking with abandon. Home-buyers are flooding the market. Tourists are snapping up hotel suites. Expat millionaires are moving to the emirate. Coronavirus infections, although now making a comeback, remain below past peaks.

The Dubai government did not respond to request for comment.

It's deja vu for those recalling the rush of December last year in Dubai, when the city courted tourists and influencers fleeing coronavirus lockdowns and wintry weather elsewhere. The open-door policy let revelers sate their pent-up desire to go out on New Year's Eve but infections soon rocketed to unseen heights, and hospitals filled up with COVID-19 patients.

A year later, mass vaccination has left Dubai feeling like its off the hook. There have been vanishingly few virus hospitalizations and deaths  even as the global spread of omicron threatens a new surge. Daily infections surpassed 1,000 on Thursday after lows of under 100 for weeks.

While many Western countries have seen inoculation rates plateau, the UAE reports 99% of all of those eligible for vaccines  anyone over 12  has received at least one dose.

Some have received five.

In the global vaccine scramble, the UAE relied initially on a shot made by Sinopharm, a state-backed Chinese company. Even as the nation's vaccination rate soared, infections rose  as did concerns over Sinopharm's insufficient antibody response.

Now, Sinopharm is no longer an option in Dubai. Those who received both doses, including the emirate's legions of low-paid foreign laborers, also have opted for double vaccination with Pfizer-BioNTech. The government offers Pfizer boosters to all adults.

Months of trepidation have given way to unburdened excitement. Encouraged by widespread inoculation and record-low mortgage rates, more properties were sold in Dubai in November than in any other month in the last eight years, according to website Property Finder.

Sales prices have surged past pre-pandemic levels. Until June, prices were climbing 2.5% month on month, with wild appreciations in the luxury segment.

Market analysts have attributed the hot streak to a pause in villa construction and influx of Western European, Chinese and Indian financiers drawn to glittery Dubais open offices, high vaccination and low tax rates.

A giant cryptocurrency conference in October drew dozens of young millionaires who paid cash upfront for beach villas, real estate agents said.

You can go to restaurants. Theres no debate about remote working. This is not the case in Europe where it's still locking down, said Christophe De Rassenfosse, the chief product officer of Property Finder, about why he moved his family from Brussels to Dubai in October. You dont necessarily have a huge percentage of elderly people which occupies the hospitals.

The government has promoted plans to make the sheikhdom more attractive to foreign investors and visitors, with new 10-year visas, retirement and freelance options and reforms to the country's Islamic legal code.

In its latest move as competition heats up with neighboring Saudi Arabia, the UAE will change its work week from Sunday-Thursday to Monday-Friday in January to align with the West.

The rebound is apparent in the city's full hotels, clogged roads and raucous nightclubs.

Hotel occupancy in Dubai exceeded 90% in mid-November, according to data firm STR. Long-haul carrier Emirates estimated over 1.1 million passengers would squeeze through its Dubai terminal ahead of the holidays.

Traffic during the first week of December surpassed 2019 levels, according to navigation company TomTom. Taxis have been missing from many street corners, with fleet owners that downsized operations during the pandemic citing shortages amid unprecedented demand.

Overall sales of alcohol by volume in the UAE rose to 117.5 million liters (31 million gallons) this year, up some 7.8% sold the year before, according to market research firm Euromonitor.

The growth has even extended to business with the UAE's long-time rivals  Turkey and Iran.

Politics had poisoned trade between the powerhouses in past years. But in a recent flurry of diplomacy across the Middle East, UAEs de factor leader met Turkey's president in Ankara, and a top Emirati national security advisor visited Tehran.

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From March to September 2021, Iran's imports from the UAE spiked 70% to $5.4 billion, according to Iranian government figures. Emirati imports will hit levels unseen since America imposed crushing sanctions on Iran in 2018 by the year's end.

Trade between the UAE and Turkey also jumped over 100% to $7.2 billion during the first half of this year, reported the official Emirati WAM news agency.

Iranian and Turkish business leaders in Dubai say the detente has eased restrictions on their licenses and visas.

Turkish business expert Fatma Nilgun Emrem of Tamimi Consulting has been inundated with requests from Turkish beauty salons, retailers and restaurants seeking to set up shop in Dubai.

The policies and perspectives of the UAE are changing, she said.

Hossein Asrar Haghighi, board member of the Iran-UAE Business Council, similarly described a relaxing" of trade regulations on Iranians and growing number of Iranian businessmen who secured the UAE's 10-year golden visas.

The combination of Dubai getting out of COVID, reduction of regional tensions and new moves to attract businesses, it's a pretty good environment, said Gregory Gause, a scholar of the region at Texas A&M University. But Dubai doesn't control what goes on around it.

A collapse of ongoing talks in Vienna to revive Tehran's nuclear deal may inflame Mideast tensions. When the world's fair packs up and leaves Dubai next year, industries may suffer from overcapacity, warned James Swanston, an economist at Capital Economics.

And the rapid spread of omicron may soon spoil Dubais party.

But for now, optimism reigns.

The money has returned, said Saeed Zakari, a captain at Dubai's creek who plies the Persian Gulf in a dhow packed with appliances bound for Iran.

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Associated Press writer Amir Vahdat in Tehran, Iran contributed to this report.
DENVER (AP)  Relatives, lawmakers and other supporters of a trucker sentenced to 110 years in prison after an explosive brake-failure crash that left four people dead rallied in Denver on Wednesday to plead for clemency.

Supporters of Rogel Aguilera-Mederos say the sentence is deeply unjust and truck drivers around the country have taken up his cause, using hashtags like #NoTrucksToColorado and #NoTrucksColorado.

Speaking at the rally at the state Capitol, Leonard Martinez, one of the lawyers representing Aguilera-Mederos, said the injustice of such long sentences needs to be addressed, both by reforming sentencing laws but also looking at the actions of prosecutors and judges.

This fight is not just for him but for all, he said.

The Colorado judge has said mandatory-minimum sentencing laws forced him to impose the long prison term after Aguilera-Mederos was convicted of vehicular homicide and other charges.

His family said in a statement they do not want to minimize the loss of those killed in the crash, but are calling on Gov. Jared Polis to take immediate action to reduce the sentence for the 26-year-old man with no criminal record. He was not under the influence of drugs or alcohol and fully cooperated with investigators, supporters said in a statement. More than 4.7 million people have signed an online petition asking for a commutation.

Polis, a Democrat, said Tuesday he is reviewing a clemency application.

Prosecutors asked for a reconsideration of the sentence after the outcry. But they also noted the driver declined plea deal negotiations and said the convictions recognize harm caused to crash victims.

A hearing has been scheduled to discuss the reconsideration request on Monday.

In a statement Wednesday, District Attorney Alexis King said the victims and their families want to be heard as the resentencing request is considered.

Our primary concern is ensuring that they are able to share with the court how this incident has impacted their lives as the court considers the appropriate sentence and follows the process set forth in the law, said King, who asked for patience from those seeking an immediate resolution.

Aguilera-Mederos trial attorney, James Colgan, said Wednesday that King, who inherited the case from her predecessor, could have dropped some of the charges against him if she wanted a different sentence to be reached, given the states laws.

Colgan said he is open to having either the governor or the judge decide a new, fair sentence. He declined to say what that might be.

When theres tragedy on both sides, theres got to be a happy medium, because ruining someones life isnt going to make life better for the victims, said Colgan.

Aguilera-Mederos testified that he was hauling lumber when the brakes on his semitrailer failed as he was descending a steep grade of Interstate 70 in the Rocky Mountain foothills in spring 2019. His truck plowed into vehicles that had slowed because of another wreck outside Denver, setting off a chain-reaction wreck and a fireball that consumed vehicles and melted parts of the highway.

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He wept as he apologized to the victims families at his Dec. 13 sentencing.

I am not a murderer. I am not a killer. When I look at my charges, we are talking about a murderer, which is not me, he said. I have never thought about hurting anybody in my entire life.

Prosecutors argued he should have used a runaway ramp designed for such situations. Aguilera-Mederos, for his part, said he was struggling to avoid traffic and trying to shift to slow down.

District Court Judge Bruce Jones said at sentencing that mandatory minimum sentencing laws required consecutive sentences on 27 counts of vehicular assault, assault, reckless driving and other charges. I will state that if I had the discretion, it would not be my sentence, the judge said.

The crash killed 24-year-old Miguel Angel Lamas Arellano, 67-year-old William Bailey, 61-year-old Doyle Harrison and 69-year-old Stanley Politano. Relatives of victims supported at least some prison time at his sentencing hearing.

Baileys wife, Gage Evans, told The New York Times the drivers sentence shouldnt be commuted but said lawmakers should instead examine the sentencing laws.

This person should spend some time in prison and think about his actions, Evans said, adding she and other victims relatives object to a public narrative that Aguilera-Mederos is a victim. We are truly the victims, she said.
As families around the country prepare for their holiday dinner, many may want to know how the animals they plan to consume were raised. Was the Christmas ham from a pig that spent most of its life in a gestation cage, a metal enclosure so tight that the animal cannot turn around? Or, was the hen that laid the eggs for their eggnog jammed into a battery cage that restricts her ability to fully open her wings?

Fortunately, with Californias Proposition 12 set to go into effect New Years Day, improving the lives of a million pigs and 40 million egg-laying hens every year, we can increasingly be sure that the answers to those questions will be no.

Passed in 2018, Prop. 12 phases out the use of battery cages, gestation crates and veal crates within California and prohibits the sale of products from these unethical practices. Because California consumes about 15% of the nations pork and 12% of its eggs and veal, Prop. 12 will force out-of-state pork and egg producers to abide by the law if they want to continue selling in the Golden State.

While an important step in improving the conditions of livestock and farm workers, Prop. 12 still works within a system that gives power to a few major companies at the expense of consumers, farm workers and millions of farm animals. That power structure needs to change.

American opinion is increasingly shifting against the cruel, factory farm systems used to raise animals like egg-laying hens, pigs and calves. According to a 2020 national poll conducted on behalf of the American SPCA by Lake Research Partners, 89% of respondents indicated that they were concerned about industrial animal agriculture, citing animal welfare, worker safety and/or public health risks. In addition to California, 13 other states have also passed laws banning extreme confinement, which prevents farm animals from stretching their limbs or even turning around.

But even as measures like Prop. 12 force industrial agriculture to change some of the ways it raises livestock, they miss a key industrial farming practice that must be specifically addressed to enact systemic change: concentrated animal feeding operations.

These industrialized livestock operations where more than 1,000 beef cattle, 700 dairy cows, 2,500 swine weighing more than 55 pounds, 125,000 broiler chickens or 82,000 egg-laying hens or pullets are confined on a site for more than 45 days during the year. According to 2018 data from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, there are 20,382 of these operations in the United States. California has 1,083 of them, the fifth highest number of any state after Iowa, Minnesota, North Carolina and Nebraska. Californias Central Valley is a hub of industrial dairy and beef operations, where hundreds of thousands of cows are confined. These operations pollute waterways, degrade air quality and are disproportionately located in economically disadvantaged communities of color. Both dairy and beef cattle production significantly contribute to the states greenhouse gas emissions, with manure management and methane emissions from cattle representing two-thirds of agricultural emissions. Recognizing these kinds of impacts, several other states have introduced bills to ban the construction of concentrated feeding operations, although none of them have passed yet.

Advocates of these bills should expect a fight.

A handful of multinational corporations control most of our food supply, to the detriment of animals, farmers, rural communities and the environment. These agricultural monoliths, that care only about cost and efficiency, trap farmers in unfair contracts that limit their ability to make welfare improvements like switching to cageless and crate-free systems. Under these contracts, farmers dont actually own the animals they raise but must cover the costs of feeding and housing them until theyre ready to go to market, after which farmers receive only a percentage of the profit. The median net farm income for a pig farmer in 2019 was $19,318. In contrast, Smithfield Foods parent company reported profits of almost $1.4 billion.

Industrial animal agriculture is staunchly ignoring growing demands for change. The National Pork Producers Council and its allies continue to pursue failed legal challenges to Prop. 12 while warning of bacon shortages and price hikes caused, at least in part, by its own refusal to eliminate gestation crates. Iowas U.S. senators, representing the top pork producing state, recently introduced federal legislation to stop California from enforcing Prop. 12.

To achieve the change thats so desperately needed, we must give the power back to farmers, consumers and affected communities to determine how our food is produced. One tool is the Farm System Reform Act. Introduced in Congress by New Jersey Sen. Cory Booker and Rep. Ro Khanna of Fremont, the act would place a moratorium on the construction of large concentrated feeding operations and phase them out by 2040. It also provides $10 billion annually to help farmers pay off debts and afford improvements like transitioning to pasture-based systems or to leave animal agriculture entirely to grow food crops. In addition, the bill strengthens laws to provide fair treatment of farmers and enables communities to hold industrial producers responsible for the damage they cause.

As Prop. 12 goes into effect next year, there is reason to be hopeful for the creation of a farming system that provides better lives for animals, supports farmers and local economies, and protects the environment. But working within our current consolidated system wont be enough. Federal legislation is the essential next step to ensuring a better and more just farming system.

Daisy Freund is vice president of farm animal welfare at the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
SACRAMENTO - The COVID-19 pandemic drove far more consumers to shop online, and marine scientists say that shift in behavior has created dramatically more plastic waste that will likely wind up harming the ocean and environment.

A new report from Oceana, a wildlife advocacy group, estimates that the amount of plastic waste created by retail giant Amazon skyrocketed by 29% last year, compared with 2019 data.

The e-commerce site generated 599 million pounds of plastic packaging worldwide in 2020, according to the report. That includes padded envelopes, bubble wrap, air pillows and plastic-lined paper envelopes  various types of plastic film.

Most plastic film packaging cannot be recycled in curbside bins because it is a low-grade material with little reuse value, so it inevitably winds up in landfills or pollutes the environment.

Amazon disputes the findings of the report, which the company alleges overestimates how often it uses plastic to ship items. But Oceanas conclusions could help revive a policy fight at the state Capitol.

State Assembly Member Laura Friedman, D-Glendale (Los Angeles County), said the report underscores why she plans to reintroduce legislation next year that would force large online retailers that do business in the state to stop using some common types of single-use plastic packaging that arent recyclable or compostable.

We see it in our environment everywhere, Friedman said. You cant go anywhere in the planet without seeing plastic. Were failing miserably.

Last session, the Assembly shot down AB1371, Friedmans measure that would have required e-commerce sites to ditch packaging designed to be used once and tossed in the trash, such as padded envelopes and polystyrene peanuts.

The measure died because about two dozen Democrats in the Assembly opposed the bill or did not vote amid pressure from industry groups, which said nixing such packaging could result in damaged items.

Oceanas report concludes that plastic waste from e-commerce sites is exacerbating a pollution problem devastating the worlds oceans. Numerous studies show that marine mammals, sea turtles and seabirds regularly ingest or become entangled in plastic waste  and film packing is among the most deadly forms.

The Oceana report estimates that about 23.5 million pounds of the plastic packaging from Amazon ended up in oceans, rivers and lakes around the world last year.

Matt Littlejohn, Oceanas senior vice president for strategic initiatives, said the group focused on Amazon in its report because the company, as the worlds largest retailer outside of China, could set a better example.

Theyre really defining more and more how we all buy stuff, he said. Amazon has the opportunity to change how things are packaged.

An Amazon spokesperson said while it shares Oceanas desire to protect marine ecosystems, the groups estimates are seriously flawed. The company said it has increased, in some cases doubling, the amount of recycled plastic it uses for its packaging in North America this year.

Amazon is making rapid progress in reducing or removing single-use plastics from packaging materials around the world, Amazons spokesperson said in an email.

Littlejohn said Oceanas report was created using data about the overall market share of e-commerce companies in the worlds largest online shopping markets, along with data from the packaging industry.

He said the group repeatedly asked Amazon to share its internal data on plastic use but was rebuffed. He added, We would love to use their data, but they have not publicly released that.

Environmentalists have long pushed for retailers to reduce their waste footprint by switching to reusable containers or packaging that can be easily recycled, such as containers made out of paper or biodegradable materials.

Amazon has already switched to reusable shipping containers for much of its operations in India, and the company recently pledged to get rid of most of the plastic packaging it uses in Germany.

Regardless of what the company does, California voters could soon force Amazon and other large companies to take a similar approach here.

Environmentalists gathered enough signatures to put a plastic waste initiative on the November 2022 ballot. The measure would require manufacturers to make all plastic packaging recyclable or compostable by 2030.

Dustin Gardiner is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: dustin.gardiner@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @dustingardiner
Lake Tahoe has come one big step closer to seeing a new luxury casino-resort on its North Shore.

On Thursday, Southern California real estate investment firm EKN Development Group closed an $18 million deal to buy a beachfront property in Tahoe Vista currently occupied by Beesleys Cottages, a cluster of rustic cabins with lakefront views near the Nevada border. Its the final piece of a puzzle that EKN has been putting together since 2007, when it was awarded permit approvals for its resort project.

People dont realize that, in Lake Tahoe, its extremely difficult to get access to the lake. Thats why we bought this property, Ebbie Nakhjavani, President & CEO of EKN Development Group, told The Chronicle.

In September, EKN purchased the Biltmore Lodge & Casino at Crystal Bay, a 75-year-old casino-hotel a stones throw from the cottage property, just over the Nevada border, for $56.8 million.

EKN plans to demolish both the casino and cottages and erect a new casino and 120-room hotel, plus 80 condominiums, retail space and a beach club, as well as a wedding and event venue, across both properties. The company plans to break ground in May 2022 and hopes to open in 2025, Nakhjavani said.

Nakhjavani wants to attract a marquee hotel brand and provide guests and residents with access to the lake, boats, restaurants, ski shuttles and more through a 24/7 concierge service.

It will be very exclusive and all-inclusive, he said.

He also hopes the development can cater to non-guest visitors who want to shop, eat or grab a drink at a proposed rooftop bar overlooking the lake.

Nakhjavani lives in Newport Beach and has skied Tahoe for 40 years, he said.

EKNs portfolio includes hotels and shopping malls across California and in Las Vegas, most of which are located in urban areas. This will be its first foray into the Tahoe region.

Gregory Thomas is The Chronicles editor of lifestyle & outdoors. Email: gthomas@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @GregRThomas
NEW YORK (AP)  Under pressure to improve worker rights, Amazon has reached a settlement with the National Labor Relations Board to allow its employees to freely organize  and without retaliation.

According to the settlement, the online behemoth Amazon said it would reach out to its warehouse workers  former and current  via email who were on the job anytime from March 22 to now to notify them of their organizing rights. The settlement outlines that Amazon workers, which number 750,000 in the U.S., have more room to organize within the buildings. For example, Amazon pledged it will not threaten workers with discipline or call the police when they are engaging in union activity in exterior non-work areas during non-work time.

According to the terms of the settlement, the labor board will be able to more easily sue Amazon without going through a laborious process of administrative hearings  if it found that the online company reneged on its agreement.

Whether a company has 10 employees or a million employees, it must abide by the National Labor Relations Act," said NLRB General Counsel Jennifer Abruzzo, in a statement. This settlement agreement provides a crucial commitment from Amazon to millions of its workers across the United States that it will not interfere with their right to act collectively to improve their workplace by forming a union or taking other collective action.

She added that "working people should know that the National Labor Relations Board will vigorously seek to ensure Amazons compliance with the settlement and continue to defend the labor rights of all workers.

Amazon.com Inc., based in Seattle, couldn't be reached immediately for comment.

Kent Wong, the director of the UCLA Labor Center, called the settlement unprecedented" and said it represents a sea change in attitude at Amazon, which is known to deploy fierce measures against union activity at its warehouses.

Amazon has been very consistent in holding a strong anti-union position,  Wong said. This opens up a new opportunities for unionization there as well as at other companies."

Wong noted that the settlement comes as Amazon, the nation's second-largest private employer after Walmart, is on a hiring binge while facing organizing efforts at warehouses in Alabama and New York.

In November, the labor board ordered a new union election for Amazon workers in Bessemer, Alabama, based on objections to the first vote that took place in April. The move was a blow to Amazon, which spent about a year aggressively campaigning for the Bessemer warehouse workers to reject the union, which they ultimately did by a wide margin. The board had not yet determined the date for the second election, and it hasnt determined whether it will be conducted in person or by mail.

The campaign is being spearheaded by the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union.

Meanwhile, on Wednesday, the Amazon Labor Union, an independent group representing workers in New York's Staten Island borough, refiled its petition for a union election. The group of workers withdrew its first petition in mid-November to hold a vote to unionize after falling behind the adequate number of workers pledging support. Former Amazon employee Christian Smalls is organizing the effort in Staten Island without the help of a national sponsor.

The organizing drive is also happening during a moment of reckoning across Corporate America as the pandemic and ensuing labor shortage has given employees more leverage to fight for better working conditions and pay. Workers have staged strikes at Kelloggs U.S. cereal plants and at Deere & Co., while workers at a Starbucks in Buffalo, New York, recently voted to unionize, a first at the coffee chain's 50-year history.

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Follow Anne DInnocenzio: http://twitter.com/ADInnocenzio

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This story has been corrected to show that Starbucks workers did not strike but instead voted to join a union.
Stocks that traded heavily or had substantial price changes Thursday:

Scientific Games Corp., up $5.57 to $67.75.

The company withdrew its offer to buy the remaining 19% of SciPlay that it does not currently own.

Stitch Fix Inc., up $1.47 to $19.74.

Working Capital Advisors disclosed a purchase of more stock in the online clothing styling service.

Quidel Corp., down $28.85 to $137.39.

The medical diagnostics company is buying Ortho Clinical Diagnostics.

Crocs Inc., down $16.25 to $123.53.

The footwear company is buying Hey Dude for $2.5 billion in a cash-and-stock deal.

JD.com Inc., down $5.10 to $68.65.

Tencent Holdings is cutting its stake in the Chinese e-commerce company.

United Parcel Service Inc., up $3.75 to $212.19.

The package delivery service and its peers gained ground as the holiday shopping season and shipping crunch nears its end.

DXC Technology Co., up 61 cents to $32.57.

Ness Technologies is reportedly buying the information technology and consulting company's unit in Israel.

Valero Energy Corp., up 43 cents to $71.73.

Oil prices rose and helped send energy stocks higher.
Earlier this week we reported on a frightening accident on Mount Baldy in the Cucamonga Wilderness that resulted in a hiker being airlifted out after sliding 900 feet down a frozen "ice chute."

That hiker, Jeaffreson Guevara, is happily recovering without life-threatening injuries, but it's now been revealed that three other men met a similar fate in just one week.

In a fortuitous turn of events, one hiker who fell from the notorious Icehouse Saddle trail this week was able to call for help when he found a cell phone belonging to another hiker who fell 5 days earlier.

Matthew Jaurequi and a friend were hiking the trail on Tuesday when they encountered a thick patch of ice, the sheriff's department said in a statement: "Jaurequi lost his footing and began to slide. Jaurequi's friend attempted to grab Jaurequi and they both slid approximately 150 feet down the mountain." After a "precipitous descent" stopped by holding onto a tree, the hikers realized they had lost their phones. They had no way to call for help until they found a phone in the snow nearby that was at 1% battery life, reports the LA Times.

After making a 911 call, Jaurequi was airlifted to safety while his friend hiked out, the statement says.

The phone belonged to Nicholas Ardoin, a hiker who was airlifted from the mountain by the busy Fontana Station rescue crew on Dec. 16.

"The ground was icy, hard packed and the rescuer had to set up anchors to proceed with the rescue operation," the San Bernardino County Sheriffs Department Aviation said in a statement on the Ardoin incident. "Once secured, the rescuer and hoist operator worked together to get Nicholas out from underneath the trees and hoisted him to the helicopter, all while the pilot kept the helicopter in a hover for an extended amount of time."

Footage of that rescue (soundtracked with Greta Van Fleet's "Safari Song,") was shared on Instagram by the department.

The fourth hiker to need rescuing from Mount Baldy over the seven-day period was identified as Patrick Murphy by the sheriff's department. Murphy slid 100 feet down the icy mountainside on Dec. 18 and was hoisted out from a height of 145 feet by air medic Tom Gallant.

"The trail turns into a little ice chute, Doug Brimmer, a deputy pilot with the sheriffs department who helped with the rescues, told the LA Times. So youre walking on the trail one minute. Next minute, youre sliding down the mountain.

"The San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department would like to remind the public about the dangers of hiking in hazardous conditions such as steep, rugged, mountainous terrain covered with snow and ice," the department said in a statement. "Without crampons (a specific type of traction device for ice climbing) and an ice axe, along with the proper training to use this equipment, this type of activity can lead to serious injury or death."
MILAN (AP)  An archaeological dig in Sicily has uncovered traces of a lost World War II American heavy bomber shot down in 1943, and possible human remains that could lead to identification of five airmen whose bodies were never recovered.

The six-week dig that ended this week was carried out by a team from the Pentagons Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency, which locates and identifies missing U.S. military personnel around the world.

The site near Sciacca was identified in 2017 by investigators using historical records and metal detectors.

This year's dig uncovered wreckage consistent only to a B-25 aircraft, said archaeologist Clive Vella, the scientific director of the expedition, contributing to hopes that any confirmed remains would be linked to the missing crew.

We owe (their) families accurate answers, Vella told the Associated Press Thursday.

The North American B-25 Mitchell heavy bomber with a crew of six was one of 52 air losses with missing personnel in the area during WWII, mostly during 1943 as the Allies pushed into southeastern Sicily.

It was shot down as it targeted a camouflaged German airstrip amid olive groves and pastureland on July 10, 1943. A German military report documented the crash of a U.S. aircraft about two kilometers (just over a mile) from the Sciacca airport, Vella said.

One crew member was located immediately and buried in the towns cemetery. The body was claimed in 1944 by U.S. military officials, but the other five airmen remained missing.

In the intervening decades, the crash site like most others in the Mediterranean region, was scavenged for metal, the land restored to its original use, Vella said. The scars of a crash were mostly gone.

The evidence, which includes possible human bones as well as potential remnants of the aircraft, has been transported to a laboratory in the U.S. for examination.

Worldwide, there are more than 81,600 missing U.S. military personnel, including 72,350 from World War II, 7,550 from the Korean War and 1,584 from the Vietnam War. Over 41,000 of the total are presumed lost at sea.
It's been well-documented that allies of Vice President Kamala Harris are frustrated with how she has been utilized and treated by the Biden administration.

In November, CNN reported that Harris' team believes Biden's team hasn't provided enough support while giving her tasks that put her in "no-win political situation[s]." Now, some of Harris' allies are dropping their anonymity and going on the record critiquing the administration's treatment of the vice president.

In a New York Times story published Thursday, two Harris allies  prominent San Francisco Democratic donor Mark Buell and, more notably, Rep. Karen Bass, who was in consideration for the vice president job herself  openly aired their frustrations.

I think she was an enormous help to the ticket during the campaign, Buell told the Times. I would like to see her employed in the same way, now that theyre implementing their objectives or goals.

Bass' quote was a bit more biting.

What the White House couldve done is been clearer with the expectations of what was supposed to happen under her watch, she said of the tasks they've assigned her, which include the fraught issue of an influx of migrants arriving at the southern border.

Harris' public remarks on the topic have drawn intense scrutiny, though given the complexity of the situation and Harris' limited power to pull actual policy levers, many believe she's been treated unfairly.

I think its no secret that the different things she has been asked to take on are incredibly demanding, not always well understood publicly and take a lot of work as well as a lot of skill, said Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, who is rumored to be a potential rival to Harris in a future Democratic presidential primary.

The New York Times story also reports that Harris has sought the advice of former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and has told allies she believes media coverage of her would be different if she were a white male. You can read the full story from the New York Times.
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (AP)  Two one-time members of an Alabama police department were charged with sex crimes in an alleged assault on a woman, news outlets reported.

Former West Blocton Police Chief Brian Keith Whatley and Craig Baird Arnold, who served as a reserve officer with the West Blocton Police Department, were booked into the Tuscaloosa County Jail on Tuesday, police said.
THE BACKGROUND: For Afghanistan, 2021 was punctuated by the chaos of a U.S. withdrawal and an uncertain next chapter. The Taliban, who were unseated as the country's rulers by a U.S.-led coalition after the 9/11 attacks 20 years ago, could not be stopped by a collapsing Afghan military and Western-backed government that fled. They quickly took power back in mid-August  asked, The Associated Press has revealed, by former President Hamid Karzai to help keep Kabul from falling into chaos and deadly violence.

Four months into Taliban rule, Afghanistan is facing a looming economic meltdown and humanitarian catastrophe. Billions of dollars worth of the countrys assets abroad, mostly in the U.S., have been frozen and international funding to the country has ceased.

The world is waiting before extending any formal recognition to the new rulers in Kabul, wary the Taliban could impose a similarly harsh regime as when they were in power 20 years ago  despite their assurances to the contrary.

The Taliban urge patience but some signs are worrisome: For instance, girls are not allowed to attend high school in most provinces, and though women have returned to their jobs in much of the health care sector, many female civil servants have been barred from coming to work.

However, security has improved under the Taliban, following their crackdown on crime, and humanitarian organizations say they can now reach parts of the country that were previously no-go areas.

Here, Associated Press reporters who covered the Taliban's lightning sweep across the country and the subsequent fallout reflect on the story and their own experiences.

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KATHY GANNON, news director, Afghanistan and Pakistan:

This last year has been a particularly tumultuous one. It began really with the announcement by President (Joe) Biden that the last of the U.S. soldiers and NATOs soldiers would leave Afghanistan, but Im not sure that anyone thought that it would result in such chaos and such real misery for so many. ... Even Afghan President Ashraf Ghani, I think, was really taken by surprise that the Americans were leaving, that NATO would leave. I dont think that he ever felt that they would actually. And certainly we talked at the time to many people within the army, people within the government who were really surprised at the announcement. Even though the U.S. had been talking to the Taliban, had negotiated the agreement, had said that as of May 1st, they would begin this withdrawal, there really was a belief among many Afghans that it would not happen.

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Even before the Taliban took power, in 2018 there was a Gallup survey, and it showed that barely 2% of the population had any faith in their future in the next five years. And that was years before the Taliban took power. So the groundwork was already there. People were very frustrated. The poverty level was quite high already. There were very few jobs for people. People felt really discouraged with the future of their country.

So then when the Americans were leaving and then embassies were announcing they were going to close, it was almost like a snowball, gaining, gaining momentum. Rumors spread on social media that said, the Americans will take anybody who shows up at the airport. Just arrive. You dont even need to have your national papers. Well, for many Afghans, I think this was seen as their opportunity for a better life. Their opportunity to go to America, to go to the West, to have a future that they really had not seen as being a possibility in their own country even before the Taliban arrived.

And then, with the arrival of the Taliban, of course, there was tremendous apprehension and tremendous fear, particularly among the young generation who had not been there when the Taliban last ruled between 1996 and 2001. So I think that that all of that led to this massive surge toward the airport in Kabul, and no one was prepared for it.

And for me, in many ways, that really was a bit of an indictment of the last 20 years, that there was such a lack of hope and faith in the future. And the civil society, on whom so much faith had been put, seemed to be the first ones to make this rush to the airport because they feared for their lives, they feared for the future. They feared for the future of their children.

So that really contributed to that chaos in those iconic images of young men rushing the C-17 aircraft, hanging on to the wheels, trying to get into the aircraft. All of this uncertainty and fear contributed to that. And really the last 20 years, that didnt give them much hope for the future.

But I want to say there was no evidence  from when the Taliban last ruled  that there would be widespread retribution killings. Sadly, though, revenge killings have been a hallmark of every regime change in Afghanistan. There were scores of retribution killings when the Taliban were overthrown in 2001 by U.S.-backed Afghan allies, and human rights groups have reported upward of 80 revenge killings, particularly of former military people, by the returning Taliban rulers. However, until now there has been no evidence of systematic retribution.

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The fact that the Taliban are here and that the world seems surprised seems a little bit in and of itself surprising, given that there were two years of negotiations with the Taliban, with the plan that at the end of these negotiations, there would be an agreement that would include them in power. And I think the future is still a mystery. The jury is still out on whether the Taliban will make good on some of their promises to guarantee education for girls. Whether they will open up their ranks, whether they will include more people. And I think that there still is not a clear picture of what that will look like. But what there is a clear picture of is that Afghans are desperate for help. The U.N. has said that 98% of Afghans by the end of this year will be in desperate need, and its still not clear that the world is ready to rise up to the occasion.

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FAZEL RAHMAN, senior television producer, Afghanistan:

The biggest surprising and shocking moment for me this year came in the middle of night: Gunmen knocked on the AP bureau's door, looking for us and they were threatening us with death. But we were very, very lucky. Fortunately, they were not able to harm anyone. We don't know who they were. The Talibans spokesman Suhail Shaheen was notified right away about these people knocking at the AP door. Taliban officials within two days had come to the office, and after looking around, assured our AP people no one would or should enter our premises without our permission. Should anyone do that we were told to call the officials. We have certainly been cautious, but we have not had Taliban or others unlawfully enter our premises.

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As an Afghan, I see my people losing their hopes. They lost the achievements of 20 years, two decades, overnight. You know, my daughter cannot go to school. My boys are leaving the house, and she is not able to.

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Unfortunately, because the Taliban came to power again, you know its very difficult for them to leave again, at least for a short time. The good thing is, we have winter ahead of us, which is not usually a fighting time in Afghanistan. And I think we have chances of negotiation.

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For a full overview of the events that shaped 2021, A Year That Changed Us: 12 Months in 150 Photos, a collection of AP photos and journalists recollections, is available now: https://www.ap.org/books/a-year-that-changed-us
ANDOVER, Kan. (AP)  A man is hospitalized in serious but stable condition after being shot by a police officer in the Butler County town of Andover.

The Kansas Bureau of Investigation is investigating the shooting that happened around 11 p.m. Wednesday after a resident reported a suspicious person inside a self-storage facility.
SEYMOUR, Conn. (AP)  An arrest has been made in a Connecticut hit-and-run crash that killed an 81-year-old married couple as they were leaving a funeral home Dec. 10, police said Thursday.

The Town of Seymour Police Department said it also located the vehicle involved in the crash.
BRUSSELS (AP)  The Belgian government tentatively committed itself Thursday to phasing out the country's existing nuclear power plants by 2025 while using gas as a bridge toward sustainable energy sources and possible new-technology nuclear options later.

Under a complicated compromise agreement reached after all-night negotiations, an assessment will be made of whether Belgium's energy security can be assured if all seven nuclear plants are shut down. A definitive decision is expected to be made in March.

It would not be smart not to have a safety net, Prime Minister Alexander De Croo said, indicating that two plants could remain open, if need be.

While the government is pushing for the elimination of nuclear plans built with 20th-century technology, it also committed to invest in research for small modular nuclear reactors.

We say goodbye to the old nuclear reactors and look to nuclear energy of the future, said De Croo.

A political commitment to phase out nuclear energy dates back to 2003, but successive Belgian governments have waffled to seal the deal. The anti-nuclear Greens are part of the current governing coalition and insistent on seeing action taken.

Nuclear plants release few pollutants into the air, which have made them an option as nations around the world seek clean energy to meet climate change targets. However, their construction and demolition produce large amounts of greenhouse gases.

Opponents have for decades cited the challenges involved with processing long-lived radioactive waste to lobby against new plants. Climate activists also say that relying on nuclear power risks slowing the rollout of renewable energy sources.

Belgiums ambivalence toward nuclear energy is reflected in a broader European Union debate that has pitted Germany against France.

The 27-nation bloc is expected to decide before the end of the year whether to include nuclear-generated energy among the economic activities that qualify for sustainable investment, a decision with far-reaching consequences for energy provisions in the bloc.

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Frank Jordans contributed from Berlin.
RALEIGH, N.C. (AP)  A North Carolina congressman has filed a federal lawsuit to demand more transparency from state Supreme Court and Court of Appeals judges whose votes this month prompted the state to push back its 2022 primary by 10 weeks.

The complaint U.S. Rep. Dan Bishop, a Charlotte-area Republican, announced Wednesday night and filed earlier in the day criticizes a string of private court decisions, arguing three private votes run counter to a well-established tradition of public access to the votes of individual justices and judges in the decisions of these courts.

Its breathtaking hypocrisy: judges require legislators to draw maps, debate maps, and vote on new maps in public, Bishop said in a news release. But they rule on them in the deepest, darkest recesses of the court system. No matter which side of the issue youre on, every North Carolinian has a right to this information and everyone should demand transparency from our judges. There are no grounds whatsoever for our courts to operate in secret.

On Dec. 6, a three-judge appeals court panel voted minutes before candidate filing was set to begin to suspend filing for U.S. House and North Carolina General Assembly races. The court told state and local elections officials not to begin accepting candidates for those seats, prompting the state Board of Elections to turn away from the State Fairground in Raleigh several candidates for office, including U.S. Rep. Alma Adams, a Democrat who traveled from Charlotte to file her paperwork.

But later that night, a vote of the majority of judges on the 15-person Court of Appeals reversed the panel's decision and allowed candidate filing to resume.

In both decisions, the judges used a lesser-known conference process where they are free to discuss the issues at hand privately and then announce a ruling publicly without providing a tally of how the vote went or which judge voted in which direction.

On Dec. 8, the state Supreme Court suspended candidate filing and ordered the 2022 primary election to be delayed by 10 weeks from March 8 to May 17 as lower courts examined whether the GOP-drawn legislative and congressional maps were unlawfully drawn for pure partisan gain and to dilute the voting power of racial minorities.

Bishop believes Democrats and Republicans alike should demand transparency for all three decisions and said he is particularly interested to know the vote of Jimmy Ervin, a Democratic justice on the state Supreme Court who filed for office before possibly voting shortly thereafter to halt candidate filing.

The high court's order did not disclose how each of the seven justices voted. The signature written on the decision was illegible and appeared over the words For the Court.

In his lawsuit, Bishop notes that Amy Funderburk, clerk of the state Supreme Court, told him by email that Justice Tamara Barringer, a registered Republican, signed the order postponing the election. Bishop claims that neither Barringer nor any other Supreme Court worker responded to his request for a breakdown of how the seven justices voted.

Bishop, who accuses the high court and Court of Appeals of depriving him of his First Amendment rights, is also asking the courts to pay his attorneys' fees for this case.

The First Amendment-protected interest will retain no significant value unless the deprivation of access is remedied almost immediately and in any event well prior to the general election 2022, Bishop wrote in the suit.

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Follow Anderson on Twitter at https://twitter.com/BryanRAnderson.

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Anderson 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.
HONOLULU (AP)  A U.S. appeals court ruling Wednesday affirmed a ban against cockfighting in U.S. territories.

A panel of 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals judges ruled against a Guam businessman whose 2019 lawsuit argued the ban was unconstitutional. Sedfrey Linsangan said in his lawsuit that gamefowl raising and competition is part of his culture, custom and tradition."

In 2018, former President Donald Trump signed a law banning all animal fighting in U.S. territories. The law took effect in 2019. Prior to the law, cockfighting had been illegal in the 50 states but not U.S. territories.

Linsangan appealed after a U.S. judge in Guam denied his motion for a preliminary injunction against the prohibition.

Linsangan didn't immediately respond to a text message from The Associated Press seeking comment on the latest ruling.

Attorneys representing the United States in the case didn't immediately respond to an email from the AP.

The ruling said Linsangan failed to show that cockfighting is a fundamental right.

Linsangans evidence of cockfighting as a cultural practice both predating and outside of American history does not show that cockfighting is objectively deeply rooted in our Nations tradition," the ruling said.

The U.S. Supreme Court in October turned away a challenge to the federal law brought by individuals and organizations that argued Congress exceeded its power in applying the ban to Puerto Rico. They noted that cockfighting is deeply ingrained in the islands history, tradition and culture.

The Animal Wellness Action said it hailed the ruling because it came days before Guam cockfighting derbies advertised for New Year's Day.

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This story has been corrected to show that the animal welfare group that hailed the ruling is Animal Wellness Action.
FALL RIVER, Mass. (AP)  A man shot and killed by a police officer in Fall River last month was armed with a knife and tried to stab another officer in the head and neck area, investigators said.

The report released Wednesday by Bristol District Attorney Thomas Quinn IIIs office into the Nov. 22 shooting of Anthony Harden, 30, concluded that police were justified in opening fire.

The use of force was consistent with the law of self-defense and/or the defense of others, the report said, and as a result there is no basis to conclude that either officer committed a crime.

The officers  one male and one female  went to Harden's home to investigate reports that he had assaulted his girlfriend two days earlier.

When they tried to arrest him, he suddenly and violently attacked the male officer with a knife, according to the report. The female officer then shot Harden twice in his left side, the report said. The names of the officers were not included.

Harden's brother, Eric Mack, told the The Herald News there are inconsistencies in where on his body Harden was shot.

It said he was shot in his left upper chest, and that is completely inconsistent with their first story, where in a search warrant it said he was shot in the oblique and lower abdomen, Mack said.
OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP)  The Washington Department of Corrections has been fined $60,000 for failing to enforce COVID-19 protective measures at the Stafford Creek Corrections Center in Aberdeen.

The state Department of Labor & Industries said in a news release Wednesday that the agency began an investigation and inspection after a correctional officer tested positive for COVID-19 in June and died.

The agency said that was one of three deaths among corrections staffers there who had tested positive for COVID-19.

Corrections data shows four Washington corrections officers have died after contracting the virus with the fourth being a Monroe Correctional Complex employee.

Department of Corrections Secretary Cheryl Strange said she has called for a review of Stafford Creeks safety culture, The Seattle Times reported.

We care deeply about the safety of staff and incarcerated persons and this compliance issue  is troubling, Strange said in prepared remarks.

Since the inspection, the agency has stepped up mask and physical distancing enforcement and taken other measures to separate personnel, according to Labor and Industries.

In an email Wednesday, a Corrections spokesperson said six disciplinary investigations had been opened at Stafford Creek for workers allegedly failing to follow coronavirus regulations.

The agency has taken disciplinary action against two staffers so far for not following COVID-19 measures, according to spokesperson Rachel Ericson.

Labor and Industries fined the correctional facility $9,000 in June for mask use and social distancing violations.
KLAMATH FALLS, Ore. (AP)  A former narcotics detective and current reserve officer was arrested this week after a drug task force found about 1,200 illegal marijuana plants growing on his property in southern Oregon.

Klamath County District Attorney Eve Costello said Peter Michael Shepherd, 63, faces felony charges of unlawful manufacture of marijuana and engaging in a financial transaction in property derived from unlawful activity, The Herald and News reported.

Eric Smith, 41, who is accused of leasing Shepherds property east of Klamath Falls to grow the marijuana without permits, was also arrested Tuesday at Malin City Hall by the Klamath County Sheriffs Office. Smith faces the same charges as Shepherd.

It wasnt immediately known if the men have lawyers to comment on their behalf.

Shepherd ran for Klamath County Sheriff in 2012 and worked for the Sheriffs Office from 1990 to 2004 as a patrol officer and narcotics detective, among other positions. Since 2007, he has worked part-time for the Malin Police Department.

Ron Broussard, Malin police chief, said he put Shepherd on leave on Tuesday.

The Klamath County Sheriffs Office and Basin Interagency Narcotics Enforcement Team visited Shepherd's rural property on Sept. 16 after receiving a tip alleging illegal activity there. Shepherd said plants growing at the location were part of a licensed hemp operation managed by Smith, documents said.

Investigators say there was no permit and the plants were not hemp.

Oregon State Police Sergeant Cliff Barden, who is also the BINET supervisor, said the property was leased to Smith, who was not licensed to grow hemp or marijuana at the location.

Barden said the grower, Smith, had a legal permit to grow hemp elsewhere.

According to police, Shepherd said Smith was growing legal hemp on the property while fully licensed and in legal compliance. However, Barden said Shepherd did not check for documentation.

After test results conducted by the Oregon State Police showed the plants were marijuana, Shepherd and Smith were indicted by a grand jury, according to Costello.

Local law enforcement has been struggling to get a handle on illegal marijuana operations in southern Oregon. Last week, the Oregon Legislature dedicated $25 million to help law enforcement agencies and community organizations pay for the costs of dealing with thousands of industrial-scale, illegal pot farms.
HONG KONG (AP)  It happened in the dead of night. Workers at the University of Hong Kong put up barriers that largely blocked their activity from view and, over the next several hours, took down the towering "Pillar of Shame" and carted it away early Thursday in a container truck.

The 8-meter (26-foot) -tall sculpture, which was taken away in parts, remembered the victims of China's 1989 crackdown on pro-democracy protests at Beijing's Tiananmen Square. Its removal is testament to the ruling Communist Party's efforts to erase the bloody events of that day from the public consciousness. It also comes as the party snuffs out democratic challenges in Hong Kong to its rule. Together they signal the different future that lies ahead for the city of 7.4 million people.

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WHAT IS THE PILLAR OF SHAME?

There is more than one Pillar of Shame, It is a series of works by Danish sculptor Jens Galschioet, all the same height and typically made of bronze, copper and concrete. They have been erected in Hong Kong, Mexico and Brazil, and are designed to remind people of events to ensure they don't happen again. The one in Hong Kong, which marks the Tiananmen crackdown, depicts a mass of torn and twisted bodies in a tall pile. Galschioet has said the bodies symbolize the devaluation of the individual, and the sculpture expresses the pain and despair of what happened. It was erected in Hong Kong in 1997 during an annual candlelight vigil to commemorate the event. The text at the base of the sculpture reads, The old cannot kill the young in English and Chinese. Later, the Pillar of Shame was exhibited at several universities in the city before being placed at the University of Hong Kong on a long-term basis.

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WHY WAS THE SCULPTURE IMPORTANT?

China's Communist Party has worked hard to scrub the June 4, 1989, Tiananmen crackdown from history on the mainland. Authorities don't allow any memorial and even whisk dissidents out of town so they cant organize any commemoration around the anniversary. There is no mention of it in the media and the day passes like any other. Hong Kong, because it has greater freedoms than mainland China, together with Macao were the only places in the country that openly remembered those who died when the government sent in troops to end the protest. Until 2019, a massive outdoor candlelight vigil was held every year on the anniversary. Hong Kong authorities have banned the annual vigil for the last two years, citing COVID-19 risks. They have arrested the organizers of the vigil under a tough national security law enacted last year, driving the leaders to disband their group. They have seized materials from a temporary exhibit on Tiananmen that it had set up every year. Through it all, the Pillar of Shame remained standing on the Hong Kong University campus. Now it is gone too.

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TIANANMEN 1989 AND HONG KONG 2021

The Tiananmen massacre, in which hundreds and possibly thousands were killed, was a pivotal moment at which a divided Communist Party leadership decided to suppress the democracy movement rather than allow it to grow. In the ensuing years, the party experimented with allowing villagers to vote for their local representatives, but it has maintained its monopoly on power and only those who are loyal to it are allowed to hold office. Hong Kong was a British colony and not part of China in 1989. After its return to China in 1997, it was given partial democracy, with some of its legislature but not the city's leader chosen by popular vote. Demands for greater democracy sparked massive protests in 2014 and 2019. Demonstrators and police clashed violently in 2019, and Beijing responded by imposing the national security law in 2020, which has largely silenced political opposition, and revamping Hong Kong's election system this year to ensure that only patriots can run for office. The first election under the new system, held Sunday, returned an overwhelmingly pro-Beijing legislature. The party says it has restored stability. It also has ensured it remains in control.

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WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

Galschioet, the artist, wants the sculpture displayed somewhere else. He said he has offers to display it across from the Chinese Embassy in Washington, D.C., as well as in Norway, Canada and Taiwan. The University of Hong Kong has not said what it plans to do with the work, which it has put in storage, and said it would seek legal advice on next steps. Galschioet has said he will pursue legal action if necessary to get it back.

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Moritsugu reported from Beijing.
SEATTLE (AP)  Initiative promoter Tim Eyman, who earlier this year was found liable for years of violations of Washingtons campaign finance laws and owes the state more than $5 million, is facing the court-ordered sale of his assets.

Eyman is required to make monthly $10,000 payments to pay down his fine and other fees. He has missed his last four monthly payments.

The Seattle Times reports a U.S. bankruptcy judge last week found Eyman in default and ordered his bankruptcy case shifted from Chapter 11 to Chapter 7. Chapter 7 means the court appoints a trustee who will be responsible for selling Eymans assets and distributing the proceeds to his debtors, primarily the state of Washington.

Eyman filed for bankruptcy three years ago, saying at the time that Attorney General Bob Fergusons lawsuit against him, accusing him of the campaign finance violations, had crippled his finances.

Ferguson first sued Eyman in 2017, accusing him of enriching himself through myriad violations of the states campaign finance laws.

Earlier this year, a Thurston County judge found Eyman liable, fined him $2.6 million and barred him from controlling the finances of political committees in the future.

Eyman, in total, owes nearly $5.4 million to the state, a sum that includes $2.9 million that he was ordered to pay to cover the states attorney fees and costs over the nearly four-year lawsuit.

Under the terms of his bankruptcy payment plan, if he goes into default, Eymans full debt becomes immediately due and begins accruing interest at a rate of 12% annually.

After paying more than $500,000 towards his legal obligations, Eyman chose to stop making his required monthly payments, Ferguson said in a statement. Eyman committed egregious campaign finance violations  there must be accountability."

Eyman said he is absolutely committed to appealing the AGs ridiculously unconstitutional restrictions so what hes doing to me and my family never happens to anyone else ever again.

The process has already been the punishment, Eyman said in a statement. The last 9 years of investigation and litigation has cost me everything Ive ever earned in my lifetime."

Eyman has spent decades running initiatives to lower taxes and advance conservative policies in Washington.
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP)  A Missouri law forbidding local police from enforcing federal gun laws is hampering efforts to protect the public, federal authorities say.

A blistering court brief filed Tuesday by the U.S. Department of Justice outlines multiple examples. The brief said that after an Independence police officer was killed in a shootout in September, state law enforcement initially refused routine federal assistance in tracing the murder weapon, The Kansas City Star reported.

The Justice Department says the Missouri state crime lab, operated by the Highway Patrol, also is refusing to process evidence that would help federal firearms prosecutions.

The Missouri Information and Analysis Center, also under the Highway Patrol, no longer cooperates with federal agencies investigating federal firearms offenses. And the Highway Patrol, along with many other agencies, have suspended joint efforts to enforce federal firearms laws.

The Justice Department's brief comes in an ongoing lawsuit challenging the state gun law, filed by St. Louis City, St. Louis County and Jackson County.

A Cole County court's decision upholding the law is being appealed to the Missouri Supreme Court.

The brief says the law poses a clear and substantial threat to public safety" and has seriously impaired the federal governments ability to combat violent crime in Missouri.

The law declares invalid many federal gun regulations that dont have an equivalent in Missouri law. These include statutes covering weapons registration and tracking, and possession of firearms by some domestic violence offenders.

Local departments are barred from enforcing them, or risk being sued for $50,000 by private citizens who believe their Second Amendment rights have been violated.

Police are also prohibited from giving material aid and support to federal agents and prosecutors in enforcing those invalid laws against law-abiding citizens  defined as those who Missouri law permits to have a gun.

The Justice Department, Democrats and other critics of the law, signed in June by Republican Gov. Mike Parson, say its blatantly unconstitutional. The brief appears to include the most extreme examples to date of the measures toll on law enforcement.

It says the law is not only damaging valuable institutional relationships for enforcing firearms laws, but also increasing dangers in the field across a broad array of law enforcement operations.

A Highway Patrol spokesman declined to comment, citing pending litigation.

A spokeswoman for Parson didnt immediately comment. Republican Missouri Attorney General Eric Schmitts office, which is representing the state in the challenge to the gun law, hasnt yet filed a brief in the appeal.
NICE, France (AP)  France on Thursday condemned the Malian transitional authorities' decision to allow the deployment of the Wagner Group, and accused Moscow of funding the private military company's use of mercenaries in the West African country.

We are aware of the involvement of the Russian government in providing material support to the deployment of the Wagner group in Mali, the French foreign ministry said in an emailed statement. It called on Russia to revert to a responsible and constructive behavior in West Africa.

Mali has struggled to contain an Islamic extremist insurgency since 2012. Extremist rebels were forced from power in the country's northern cities with the help of a French-led military operation, but they regrouped in the desert and began launching attacks on the Malian army and its allies.

In June, Col. Assimi Goita was sworn in as president of a transitional Malian government after carrying out his second coup in nine months. Mali faces increasing isolation from the international community over the juntas power grab. Elections are due to be held in February, but there are fears they will be delayed.

We deeply regret the choice of the Malian transitional authorities to use already scarce public funds to pay foreign mercenaries instead of supporting the Malian Armed Forces, the French statement said.

The Wagner Group has been accused by western governments and United Nations experts of human rights abuses in the Central African Republic and involvement in the conflict in Libya. France and Germany have both objected to the presence of its mercenaries in Mali.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has said that the company has a legitimate right to be in the West African nation because it was invited by the transitional government, and he has insisted that the Russian government is not involved.

French troops have been present in Mali since 2013, when they intervened to force the Islamic extremists from power in the countrys north. That operation was later extended to other countries in an effort to stabilize the broader Sahel region that includes Chad, Niger, Burkina Faso and Mauretania.

In July, President Emmanuel Macron announced a drawdown of French troops in the Sahel force by early 2022 amid growing political instability in Mali and despite continued devastating attacks by Islamic militants in the region.

Hundreds have died this year alone of massacres targeting villages on the border of Niger and Mali.

France has said that Malian forces are ready to take over the heavy lifting in northern Mali but Macron promised his African partners after a meeting in July that his country will continue to help fight groups linked to Al-Qaida and the Islamic State group.

Along with France, the United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, Portugal, Romania and other European Union countries joined in the condemnation of the mercenaries' deployment to Mali.
BERLIN (AP)  Police have launched a manhunt for a 56-year-old German who went on the run this week after losing his final appeal of a murder conviction for the killing of a teenage girl in 1993.

German news agency dpa on Thursday quoted a spokeswoman for police in the western city of Muenster as saying they had received numerous tips on the man's possible whereabouts but so far none had led to them to the fugitive.
BERLIN (AP)  Germany's new foreign minister pledged Thursday to speed up efforts to get thousands of former local employees and other endangered people out of Afghanistan, four months after the country's military airlift ended.

Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock said that more than 15,000 people whom Germany had promised to take in remain in Afghanistan, and around 135 German citizens are still in the country. She insisted that they have not been forgotten.
The Connecticut State Supreme Court has again tapped law professor Nathaniel Persily to help redraw the states congressional district lines after a legislative commission couldnt reach a bipartisan agreement and missed its deadline earlier this week.

Persily, who is a law professor at Stanford University and formerly at Columbia University, the University of Pennsylvania and other institutions, is an expert on election law. He served as the court appointed expert or special master in 2011 during the last reapportionment process when Connecticut lawmakers also couldnt reach a deal on congressional district boundaries.

His appointment comes after Democratic and Republican legislative leaders failed to come up with a new congressional map by Tuesday at noon, despite reaching bipartisan agreements on how to change state legislative districts and accommodate population shifts.

House Speaker Matt Ritter, D-Hartford, said Tuesday the lawmakers had faced external pressures to redraw the congressional lines in a certain way.

This is bigger than Connecticut. It has national implications, potentially. And so, I think for a lot of us, were hearing from people down in Washington about what they think, and I think theres a lot less appetite for agreement, given the level of stress and toxicity in that environment, he said. I think both sides feel it.

Senate Minority Leader Kevin Kelly, R-Stratford, however, blamed the states all-Democratic congressional delegation for the process falling apart, accusing the five U.S. House members of wanting to retain safe districts.

Persily has also served as a court-appointed expert to craft congressional or legislative redistricting plans in Maryland, Georgia, New York, North Carolina and Pennsylvania, according to his Stanford Law School biography.

In a notice released Thursday afternoon, the Connecticut Supreme Court announced its appointment of Persily and said he is empowered and charged with the duty to prepare and recommend to the Court a report, including a proposed congressional redistricting map for the state of Connecticut that the court can ultimately adopt.

He will hold proceedings from Dec. 28 through Jan. 11, the notice said. Interested parties will have until the close of business on Jan. 4 to submit any proposed redistricting maps, supporting documentation, data and briefs. Persily is then required to hold a virtual hearing, where interested parties or the public can testify.

Persily is ultimately required to submit his plan to the court on or before Jan. 18. The court will then accept submissions up until Jan. 24 and a hearing before the court is planned for Jan. 27. The court is expected to file its redistricting plan with the Office of the Secretary of the State by Feb. 15.

Despite Persilys appointment, the court on Thursday encouraged the state legislators to continue working on a compromise plan, noting that the justices maintain hope that action by the commission will be forthcoming.

If they end up reaching a consensus, the lawmakers are instructed to inform the court and submit their plan to the justices and Persily for consideration.

The Connecticut Supreme Court included some instructions for Persily in its notice on Thursday. For example, he must modify the existing congressional districts only to the extent reasonably required to make sure they're as equal in population as practicable," are comprised of contiguous territory and comply with the Voting Rights Act of 1965 and any other applicable federal law.

Persily is also not allowed to consider where the incumbent members of Congress live or other political data, including party registration statistics or election returns.
INDIANAPOLIS (AP)  An Indiana agency quietly launched a worker training program aimed at high-tech fields amid uncertainty about the effort eight months after it was pumped up with $75 million in federal COVID-19 relief money.

Legislators gave the state agency little direction on how to develop or run the Accelerate Indiana program as they scrambled to allocate Indianas share of the cash.

Now, the once-wealthy entrepreneur who pushed the program is at odds with how it is taking shape and insists the state should model its program after a nonprofit group he started with the same concept of giving interest-free loans aimed at helping workers obtain short-term training certifications to advance their careers.

Eight of the 47 training courses approved as of late November are provided by Eleven Fifty Academy, a nonprofit organization created by Indiana tech executive Scott Jones. Other approved programs are with Ivy Tech Community College and Vincennes University, Hoosier Occupational Training Services, C1 Truck Driver Training in Indianapolis and Community Health Networks Visionary Health Group, according to INvestEd, the states college loan agency overseeing Accelerate Indiana.

Jones, who made millions from selling an early voicemail system and has started several companies, told The Associated Press that parameters set by INvestEd are prohibitive," however, and could stymie student and training provider participation.

His main qualm is with the $7,500 student loan cap workers can get to earn credentials in fields like logistics, construction and IT. Jones' proposal to legislators set loan limits at $10,000, which he maintains is needed by training providers to meet the 75% student graduation rate and 65% job placement rate required by lawmakers.

But the legislation establishing the fund did not specify loan cap limitations. It sketches out a program under which participants enroll in courses such as computer programing, manufacturing, health care, logistics and aviation that take up to six months to complete and result in graduates finding jobs that pay at least 20% more than what they had earned. Recipients would repay the interest-free loans in installments based on their new monthly income.

Jones said INvestEd's decision to shave the loan cap takes away from historic legislation" that holds training providers accountable for high rates of student success upon entering the workforce.

Here is another quasi-government agency not doing what was intended and messing up the model, said Jones, who has been credited by lawmakers with brainstorming and advocating the idea behind the program. Theyve strayed from this legislation that I carried for two and a half years.

Bill Wozniak, INvestEds vice president of marketing, maintained that the cap established by the agency was carefully considered" and decided by fiscal, postsecondary education and workforce development officials.

The statute is silent on income share agreement amounts, Wozniak told the AP, adding that most certificate programs across Indiana fall under $7,500, and that the cap was intended to remain below the annual tuition cost at state universities.

He also noted that the nonprofit has worked for months to create criteria and vet programs to ensure that each results in higher-paying jobs  a strict requirement from lawmakers. After training, if a participants income doesnt increase  or stays below $42,500 annually  they wont have to repay the loan.

Jones' contention with the student loan scheme began earlier this year after the Career Accelerator Fund he launched in 2019 as a nonprofit pilot program was not turned over to the state as he had intended. That was instead used by legislators as a model, and Jones remains disjointed from the state-run program.

Jones, who has been a high-profile tech businessman in Indiana since the 1990s, told Indianapolis Monthly in a profile story that he has largely lost a $400 million fortune, blaming it on failed business ventures and a nasty divorce.

He says his nonprofit now focuses on assisting students to attend his Eleven Fifty Academy, a separate organization that trains students for tech-oriented careers. The fund holds roughly $10 million garnered from sources, including the Lilly Endowment, PricewaterhouseCoopers and JP Morgan Chase. The cities of Gary, Fort Wayne, Evansville and others have also made contributions.

Its a real deal  and it exists with a whole lot less constraints than what has come out of Accelerate Indiana so far, Jones said.

Training programs approved by Accelerate from the Eleven Fifty Academy cover cybersecurity, secure networking and software and web development.

Courses from other training providers include CDL truck driver training, CNC machine operator programs, cloud systems administrator education, professional medical coder certification and credentials for certified production technicians.

As of late November, no loans have been issued, although the online application portal is open, Wozniak said.

None of the $75 million appropriation from federal COVID-19 relief funding has been drawn upon from the state, either, Wozniak said. INvestEd has instead borne the administrative costs of internal staff work and external legal counsel.

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Casey 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.
TEHRAN, Iran (AP)  Iraq's foreign minister on Thursday called for direct negotiations between Iran and the United States, Iranian media reported, a rare appeal just days before world powers are set to resume talks over the tattered nuclear accord in Vienna.

Fuad Hussein spoke at a news conference after meeting his Iranian counterpart in Tehran, stressing that heightened tension between Iran and the U.S.  Baghdad's two powerful allies  directly affects his country's stability.

While Iraq remains a pillar of Washington's security policy in the region, Iranian-backed militias wield extensive power in the country.

Any opening in Tehran-Washington relations will positively impact Iraqs internal situation from political, economic and security perspectives, Hussein said.

"We think it's time for direct talks between Tehran and Washington so that the two countries reach a common understanding not only on the nuclear issue but also on sanctions imposed on Iran, he said.

Tehran's 2015 atomic deal with world powers granted Iran sanctions relief in exchange for curbs on its nuclear program. Three years ago, America under then-President Donald Trump withdrew from the accord. In response, Iran has stepped up its nuclear program and is now spinning a stock of uranium enriched to 60% purity  a short technical step from weapons-grade levels.

Tehran has struck a hard line in negotiations since conservative President Ebrahim Raisi came into office. Consternation is building among European nations at the negotiating table in the Austrian capital. The parties to the landmark deal will resume their efforts on Monday, the European Union said.

Iran has refused to speak directly to American officials in the rounds of talks since the U.S. abandoned the accord.

Hussein also touched on the hasty evacuation and sudden death of Iran's top diplomat in war-torn Yemen, Hassan Irloo, whom Washington has identified as a member of Iran's powerful paramilitary Revolutionary Guard. He said the U.S. cooperated with Saudi Arabia and Iran to transfer Irloo on an Iraqi plane from Yemen to Tehran, where Iranian authorities said he died of COVID-19.

There was no immediate comment from Washington on its reported assistance. Yemen's Houthi rebels had sought permission for his transfer from Saudi Arabia, which maintains an air blockade on Yemen's capital of Sanaa.

Speaking alongside Hussein, Iran's Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian repeated calls for the U.S. to lift sanctions before Iran walks back its nuclear advances.

We say it out loud that if you want your concerns over Irans peaceful nuclear issue to be removed, then all of the nuclear deal-related sanctions must be removed, he said, addressing the West.

Amirabdollahian also noted that Baghdad-brokered talks between Iran and its long-time Sunni rival Saudi Arabia have continued.

We will attend the upcoming round of talks (with Saudi Arabia) in Baghdad, he said, thanking Hussein and Iraq's prime minister for their support.

He said that three Iranian diplomats had been granted visas to be stationed in the Saudi city of Jiddah at the 57-member Organization of Islamic Cooperation, a body of Muslim nations. Saudi authorities did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the matter.

Saudi Arabia severed its diplomatic ties with Iran in 2016 after protesters attacked the Sunni kingdom's embassy in Tehran in response to its execution of a prominent Shiite cleric. The powerhouses support opposite sides of Yemen's spiraling conflict and remain at war for influence across the region.

Baghdad has played a visible role in trying to cool tensions between the rivals.
Is the COVID-19 vaccine safe for children?

Yes, U.S. regulators authorized Pfizers vaccine for younger children after millions of 12- to 17-year-olds already safely got the shot, the only one available for children in the country.

More than 5 million children ages 5 to 11 have gotten a first dose since early November, and government safety monitoring has not uncovered any surprise problems.

This age group gets kid-size doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, a third of the amount used to vaccinate everyone 12 or older. The Food and Drug Administration cleared the shots based on a study showing the kid-size doses were 91% effective at preventing symptomatic COVID-19. The 5- to 11-year-olds developed virus-fighting antibodies as strong as those of teens and young adults who got regular doses, with similar or fewer annoying reactions such as sore arms, fever or achiness.

The FDA assessed the safety of the kid-size doses in 3,100 vaccinated youngsters. Regulators deemed that enough data, considering the trove of safety information from hundreds of millions of larger doses given to adults and teens worldwide.

Very rarely, teens and young adults given the Pfizer vaccine or a similar one made by Moderna experience a serious side effect, heart inflammation, or what doctors call myocarditis. Its mostly in young men or teen boys, and usually after the second dose. They tend to recover quickly, and after intense scrutiny U.S. health authorities concluded the vaccines benefits outweigh that small risk.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is looking into a handful of reports of heart inflammation, mostly mild and brief, among 5- to 11-year-olds since vaccinations of that age group began.

To put the risk in context, COVID-19 also causes heart inflammation, often a more severe kind, said Dr. Matthew Oster, a pediatric cardiologist at Emory University. It also sometimes occurs in children who get a multisystem inflammatory syndrome after a coronavirus infection.

Before the pandemic, doctors regularly diagnosed heart inflammation caused by bacterial or viral infections or medications, again mostly in teen boys and young men. Oster said one theory is that testosterone and puberty play a role, which is partly why many experts expect any vaccine-related risk would be lower for younger kids getting a smaller dose.

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The AP is answering your questions about the coronavirus in this series. Submit them at: FactCheck@AP.org. Read more here:

Can your pet get COVID-19?

How will the world decide when the pandemic is over?

How can I protect myself from the new omicron variant?
WARSAW, Poland (AP)  Poland's justice minister on Thursday asked his nation's constitutional court to rule on whether a new European Union rule linking funding to respect for rule of law is in line with the Polish constitution.

Zbigniew Ziobro told a news conference that he was convinced the new rule was totally incompatible with Polands constitution.

It is the latest move in an ongoing conflict pitting Poland's nationalist government against the European Commission, whose role is to enforce the rules and values of the 27-member union.

Poland's government has been taking steps since 2015 to impose greater control over the country's courts. The EU says the changes amount to an erosion of judicial independence, therefore undermining the democratic values of the union.

The conflict is becoming costly for Poland, with millions of euros in pandemic relief funds being withheld over rule of law violations.

Meanwhile, the EU top court is reviewing the new rule that will allow funds to be withheld over democratic backsliding. The EU court is due to rule on the rule of law mechanism next year.

Ziobro's step comes a day after the EU Commission launched legal action against Poland over recent decisions by the constitutional court which have raised questions about the blocs legal order. In October, for instance, Polands constitutional court ruled that Polish laws have supremacy over those of the EU in areas where they conflict. When countries join the EU, as Poland did in 2004, they must bring their laws into line with the blocs regulations. The European Court of Justice is the supreme arbiter of those rules.

The commission also raised doubts about the courts legitimacy.

John Morijn, a law professor at the University of Groningen in the Netherlands, said Ziobro's move will be of no consequence under EU law, particularly since the Commission on Wednesday made part of its complaint the point that in its view the Polish Constitutional Tribunal is not legally a court, so what will come out will not be a judgment.

He said it appeared to be above all a political move showing the EU that Warsaw is unimpressed by their pressure, but one which also will make it harder for Poland and the Commission to solve their conflict through dialogue.
KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP)  Police in Kansas City, Kansas, are searching for a suspect or suspects in the fatal shooting of a juvenile.

The shooting happened Wednesday night. Officers called to the scene found a male juvenile with what police called apparent gunshot wounds. He was pronounced dead. Police did not disclose the juvenile's name or age.
TOPEKA, Kan. (AP)  Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly spent 18 months sparring with Kansas legislative Republicans over COVID-19 measures. In the early days of the pandemic she imposed and then extended a stay-at-home order, issued a brief statewide mask mandate and tried to limit in-person worship services  all while meeting growls of GOP protest.

Then in November, two days after Republican Glenn Youngkin defeated Democrat Terry McAuliffe to become governor of reliably blue Virginia, Kelly expressed her first opposition to Democratic President Joe Bidens vaccine mandates. A couple weeks later, she signed a bill aimed at helping Kansas workers resist vaccine mandates, a proposal that even the GOP-friendly Kansas Chamber of Commerce opposed.

As Democrats shook their heads, Kellys moves signaled her efforts to appeal to moderate Republican and GOP-leaning independent voters who she will need to win a tough reelection race in a heavily Republican state next year.

Like Democratic governors in Michigan and Wisconsin, Kelly will try to win a second term against midterm political headwinds blowing in Republicans favor. But shes trying it in a state former President Donald Trump carried twice and where Republicans, energized in opposition to Bidens vaccine mandates, look likely to avoid a serious primary fight.

Her attempt to stake out ground in the political center has irritated some fellow Democrats in the short term. But others argue the tactic could work for her if she also hammers home a message that Kansas now has a stable budget and its public schools are considered fully funded.

"What Democrats need to remember is that shes doing that to try to win reelection," said Mike Swenson, who has worked as a Democratic strategist and consultant in the Kansas City area for over four decades.

He added: We can appeal to the moderates  absolutely.

Kelly said throughout the pandemic that she would follow science in addressing it. But Republican lawmakers used their legislative supermajorities to force her to accept more local control over decisions about requiring masks and restricting businesses  a move that allowed many communities to reject recommendations from public health officials. She weathered their criticism for making prison inmates an early priority for vaccines.

And so she surprised some Democrats and liberal activists by publicly questioning Biden's vaccine mandates and quickly signing Republicans' bill. The new law provides unemployment benefits if workers lose jobs for refusing shots and allows them to claim religious exemptions, no questions asked.

Also, to some Democrats, she seemed closer to Republican leaders: Multiple Democratic lawmakers said they learned of her plans to sign the bill from GOP colleagues' gloating texts.

Its a huge, huge gamble, said Christopher Reeves, a Kansas City-area consultant and former Democratic National Committee member.

She signed the measure less than a week after the state health department's head abruptly resigned. Dr. Lee Norman was visible early in the coronavirus pandemic, appearing with Kelly at news conferences, often wearing a white lab coat. Internal emails showed an internal conflict this past summer over pandemic messaging, and Norman also recently said Kelly's administration ousted him because of COVID-19 politics.

Kelly positioning herself in the political center on vaccines contrasts with her strong support for abortion access and LGBTQ rights.

Kelly said during a recent Associated Press interview that her decision-making isn't driven by what voters its going to keep in my camp. She cited major bipartisan legislation on school funding and transportation funding as examples of her approach.

Its the only way to govern and govern well, she said.

Even as Kelly and GOP lawmakers sparred early in the pandemic, she praised Trump's response to outbreaks in meatpacking plants enough that he later said she was doing a fantastic job in handling the pandemic.

Environmental issues provide another example of appealing to Republican-minded voters. Her administration resisted Biden administration efforts to preserve the lesser prairie chickens habitat, which raises concerns that agriculture and energy production will be restricted. Kellys administration has also been skeptical of Bidens push to preserve 30% of the nations land by 2030, which critics call a land grab.

In addition, after forming a racial justice commission after the Minnesota killing of George Floyd last year, she didn't intervene this year when its proposals stalled in the Legislature.

And on Wednesday, Kelly proposed giving a one-time $250 rebate to every Kansas resident who filed a state income tax return last year, with $500 going to married couples who file jointly. The move came after Kelly vetoed three GOP proposals for permanent income tax cuts in three years, calling those measures fiscally irresponsible.

Its just the reality of being a Democratic governor in Kansas, said Bob Beatty, a Washburn University of Topeka political scientist. You have to be in the middle and sometimes you have to be in the middle-right.

While Democrats haven't won a U.S. Senate race in Kansas in nearly 90 years, they've been successful in trading the governor's office back and forth with Republicans over the past half-century.

Swenson said the formula is simple: Run up votes in the state's 10 most populous counties and avoid losing the other 95 by too much. Kelly essentially followed that path to victory in 2018.

It also helped Kelly in 2018 that her GOP foe was polarizing conservative Trump ally Kris Kobach, whose take-no-prisoners style alienated moderate voters. Kelly's expected Republican opponent next year is Derek Schmidt, the state's three-term attorney general.

Schmidt is running as an anti-abortion, small-government attorney general, but in the mold of Kansas Republicans like former U.S. Sen. Pat Roberts and the late Bob Dole  pragmatic enough to avoid alienating moderates.

Kelly prepared for 2022 by hiring a reelection campaign manager who in 2020 led Democrats' successful effort to flip a Republican congressional seat in Georgia. Shelbi Dantic was also the deputy campaign manager in Montana for U.S. Sen. Jon Tester when he was narrowly reelected in 2018.

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Follow John Hanna on Twitter: https://twitter.com/apjdhanna
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP)  Police in Kansas City, Missouri, are investigating two more killings, bringing the yearly total to 154.

Police say a man was killed around 11 p.m. Wednesday in an altercation outside of an apartment building on East Linwood. The victim was cut or otherwise injured, according to a police spokesman. He was taken to a hospital where he was pronounced dead.
MINNEAPOLIS (AP)  Kim Potter, a former police officer in Brooklyn Center, Minnesota, was convicted of manslaughter Thursday in the April 11 shooting death of 20-year-old Daunte Wright, a Black motorist. Here are some key moments in the case:

April 11  Police in Brooklyn Center, a Minneapolis suburb, stop a car driven by driven by Wright at around 2 p.m. Police say when they tried to arrest Wright on an outstanding warrant, he reentered his car and tried to drive away, and an officer shot him. News of the shooting sparks angry protests, including outside the city's police station. Not far away in downtown Minneapolis, former Minneapolis Officer Derek Chauvin is standing trial in George Floyd's killing.

April 12  The officer who shot Wright is identified as 26-year veteran Kim Potter. Chief Tim Gannon says he believes Potter meant to use her Taser, and plays her body-camera footage at a news conference that shows her shouting I'll tase you! Taser! Taser! Taser!" Hundredds of protesters defy curfew to gather outside the city police station for a second night. Police use gas and flash-bang grenades to try to drive them away. Mayor Mike Elliott calls for Potter to be fired.

April 13  Potter resigns. Gannon resigns. Elliott and the City Council fire the city manager, who has oversight of police. Hundreds of protesters face off with police again at nightfall outside police headquarters, where National Guard soldiers join officers in riot gear.

April 14  Potter is charged with second-degree manslaughter. Several hundred demonstrators again clash with police outside headquarters.

April 15  Wrights family and some community members call for more serious charges against Potter. Hundreds of protesters again confront police at headquarters, with some tying air fresheners to fencing as a critique of one of the reasons officers were said to have stopped Wrights car. A criminal complaint said officers stopped Wrights car for having an air freshener obscuring the windshield and for expired tags.

April 16  A federal judge issues a restraining order prohibiting police from arresting journalists or using force against them after some say they were harassed and assaulted by officers. Demonstrators protest again outside police headquarters.

April 17  Protests continue.

April 18  Two National Guard members report being fired upon as they patrolled a neighborhood in Minneapolis.

April 22  A funeral service is held for Wright in Minneapolis, with the Rev. Al Sharpton decrying the stench of racism" and police brutality in Minnesota. Meanwhile, activists demonstrate outside the home of the county prosecutor handling Potter's case to demand murder charges.

May 15  The Brooklyn Center City Council passes a resolution to create new divisions of unarmed civilian employees to handle non-moving traffic violations and respond to mental health crises.

May 21  Attorney General Keith Ellison announces that his office will prosecute Potter, after Washington County Attorney Pete Orput returned the case to Hennepin County.

Sept. 2  Ellison adds a first-degree manslaughter charge against Potter.

Sept. 28  Brooklyn Center says police have been instructed to release people cited for low-level crimes and to only take them into custody if required by law.

Nov. 30  Jury selection begins in Potter's trial.

Dec. 8  Opening statements are made and the first witnesses testify at the trial.

Dec. 17  Potter testifies that she didnt want to hurt anybody the day she shot Wright, saying she shouted a warning about using her Taser on Wright after she saw fear in a fellow officers face. She says she was sorry it happened.

Dec. 20  Closing arguments are made and the jury begins deliberating.

Dec. 23  Potter is convicted of both counts of manslaughter and led from the courtroom in handcuffs. Potter is scheduled to be sentenced Feb. 18.

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Find the APs full coverage of the Daunte Wright case: https://apnews.com/hub/death-of-daunte-wright
HONG KONG (AP)  A monument at a Hong Kong university that was the best-known public remembrance of the Tiananmen Square massacre on Chinese soil was removed early Thursday, wiping out one of the city's last remaining places of public commemoration of the bloody 1989 crackdown.

For some at the University of Hong Kong, the move reflected the erosion of the relative freedoms they have enjoyed compared to mainland China.

The 8-meter (26-foot) -tall Pillar of Shame, which depicts 50 torn and twisted bodies piled on top of each other, was made by Danish sculptor Jens Galschioet to symbolize the lives lost during the military crackdown on pro-democracy protesters in Beijings Tiananmen Square on June 4, 1989.

They are sending a signal to the students that it is over with the (Hong Kong) democracy movement and that it is over with free speech in Hong Kong, Galschioet said of the monument's removal.

The university said it asked that the sculpture, which had been standing on its campus for more than two decades, be put in storage because it could pose legal risks."

No party has ever obtained any approval from the university to display the statue on campus, and the university has the right to take appropriate actions to handle it at any time, it said in a statement after its removal.

Each year on June 4, members of the now-defunct student union would wash the statue to commemorate the massacre. The city, together with Macao, were the only places on Chinese soil where commemorations of the crackdown were allowed.

Authorities have banned annual Tiananmen candlelight vigils for two consecutive years and shut down a private museum documenting the crackdown. The group that organized the annual vigil and ran the museum, the Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements of China, has since disbanded, with some of its key members behind bars.

The dismantling of the sculpture came days after pro-Beijing candidates scored a landslide victory in Hong Kong legislative elections, following amendments to election laws allowing the vetting of candidates to ensure they are patriots loyal to Beijing.

Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam traveled to Beijing this week to report on developments in the semi-autonomous Chinese city, where authorities have silenced dissent following Beijing's imposition of a sweeping national security law that appeared to target much of the pro-democracy movement following mass protests in 2019.

The Pillar of Shame became an issue in October, when activists and rights groups opposed a university demand that it be removed following the latest risk assessment and legal advice. Galschioet offered to take it back to Denmark provided he would not be prosecuted under the national security law, but has not succeeded so far.

Galschioet said he has been promised a spot for the sculpture in a park across from the Chinese Embassy in Washington, D.C., and was also offered places in Norway, Canada and Taiwan.

He compared the removal of the sculpture to driving a tank through Arlington Cemetery, a burial ground for American war veterans.

Grave desecration is also very frowned upon in China, but thats really what it is. It is almost a sacred monument, he told The Associated Press. It is a a sculpture for those who died.

Danish Foreign Minister Jeppe Kofod said its removal was another worrying development in Hong Kong.

The Danish government cannot decide which art other countries universities choose to exhibit. But for me and the government, the right to speak peacefully -- through speech, art or other means -- is a completely fundamental right for all people. This is also true in Hong Kong, he said.

Billy Kwok, a University of Hong Kong student, said the Pillar of Shame has been treated as part of the university by many who studied there.

Its the symbol of whether (there is still) ... freedom of speech in Hong Kong, he said.

An employee at the university, Morgan Chan, said its removal "doesnt mean that history will be erased, and removing the pillar doesnt mean people wont learn about the history.

Wang Luyao, a student, had a more mixed reaction.

To me, because I am from mainland China, perhaps my understanding of the Pillar of Shame is not as deep as the locals or students from Hong Kong and it is not that significant to me, Wang said.

For me, its like a landmark which provides an approach to understanding. For the University of Hong Kong, it should also be considered a landmark.

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Associated Press writer Jan M. Olsen in Copenhagen contributed to this report.

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This story has been corrected to show that the monument was one of the last few remaining places of commemoration.
BELVIDERE, Ill. (AP)  A 24-year-old man arrested for a parole violation was identified Wednesday as a person of interest in the weekend slayings of a man and two young sons in northern Illinois.

The Huntley man had spent part of Sunday with Andrew Hintt, 31, and the boys, Benjamin, 7, and Sebastian, 5, the Belvidere police department said.

The man was interviewed by police and was being held at the Boone County jail. Separately, police seized evidence from a house in Huntley.

The bodies of Hintt and the boys were found at Hintt's Belvidere home Sunday night. Belvidere is about 70 miles (110 kilometers) northwest of Chicago.

More than 50 people gathered outside the home Tuesday night to pray.

I cant tell you it's not going to hurt. It's going to hurt for a while," the Rev. David Smith of First Assembly of God Church told the family. "But look around and remember: In the moment that it hurt the most, these people came out here to be beside you.

Hintt's aunt, Theresa Eileen, said he operated his own meat truck.

He spoiled the heck out of his kids, Eileen told the Rockford Register Star. He would take them everywhere. He brought the boys their own (electric) dirt bikes. He taught them how to ride.

Hintt and his fiancee were the parents of five children, though Benjamin and Sebastian lived with other relatives in the area. Eileen said Hintt regularly saw them.
LABELLE, Fla. (AP)  Florida sheriffs deputies have arrested a man in connection with the slaying of a transgender woman whose body was found more than two years ago in her burning car.

The Hendry County Sheriffs Office said Marcus Lynell Thompson, 35, is charged with being an accessory after the fact to first-degree murder and arson in the killing of 23-year-old Bee Love Slater.
ARKANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP)  Authorities in southern Kansas are investigating after a man was shot to death at a fishing lake.

The Cowley County Sheriff's Office received a 911 call just after 6 p.m. Wednesday reporting a shooting at Cowley State Fishing Lake. After a search of nearly two hours, deputies found 37-year-old Joel Leon-Santos of Arkansas City, who had been shot. The coroner pronounced him dead at the scene.
NEWPORT, N.H. (AP)  A man has been sentenced to three to six years in state prison after pleading guilty to setting fire to a New Hampshire diner in July.

Police had said the man kicked out the bottom window of the Daddypops Tumble Diner in Claremont the night of July 29, poured gasoline on or around the building and caused a fire or explosion. The diner was not open at the time.
BISMARCK, N.D. (AP)  A jury has awarded a North Dakota man and two oil field companies associated with him almost $4 million in a legal dispute.

The Bismarck Tribune reported that Southwest Judicial District Judge William Herauf signed the final order in the case on Tuesday. The jury ruled in favor of Shawn Kluver, Seven Star Holdings and Little Knife Disposal in October.
QUINCY, Mich. (AP)  A man who defied state orders and kept his restaurant open last year during the pandemic, partly to pay medical bills, has died of complications from COVID-19.

John Parney, 62, operated the Quincy Diner in Quincy in southern Michigan.

He was admitted to a hospital with COVID-19 in September, went home but quickly developed significant health problems that put him back in the hospital, according to a GoFundMe page.

Parney died Dec. 14, according to his obituary.

He kept the restaurant open in December 2020 in violation of orders from the Michigan health department, which was trying to reduce the spread of COVID-19 by banning dine-in business.

My wifes fighting stage-four colon cancer, Parney said at the time. We depend on this restaurant to help subsidize billing and all of that. My employees need that. Of course, if Id have stayed closed much longer, Id have lost the business.

Employees wore masks and customers were spread out.

Were doing all the stuff were supposed to do, other than the fact that my doors are open, Parney said.

Parney wasn't vaccinated against COVID-19 but had pledged during his illness to get a shot because the battle, at that point, was worse than any training he endured in the military, his family said.
OSSEO, Wis. (AP)  Authorities in western Wisconsin are trying to sort out a massive crash on Interstate 94.

WITI-TV reported the crash occurred Thursday morning in Jackson County south of Osseo. More than 100 vehicles were involved.
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP)  Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham has signed emergency legislation to tweak New Mexico's new law on medical malpractice to head off a possible loss of insurance coverage for some health care providers.

Lujan Grisham's office said she signed the legislation Wednesday and appreciated that the Legislature acted on the issue during a recent special session on redistricting and pandemic relief.
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP)  New Mexicos largest electric provider is appealing a recent decision by state regulators to reject a proposal to transfer its shares in a coal-fired power plant that supplies customers in New Mexico and Arizona to a Navajo energy company.

The Public Regulation Commission voted earlier this month against the proposal, saying Public Service Co. of New Mexico didnt specify how the lost power would be replaced. Commissioners also had concerns about investments that the utility sought to recover through bonds that would be paid back by customers.
BENI, Congo (AP)  A small passenger plane with five people aboard crashed in eastern Congo on Thursday, and authorities said there were no survivors.

Three passengers and two crew members were aboard the Malu Aviation plane that had left the city of Goma en route to Shabunda in South Kivu province.
GLOBE, Ariz. (AP)  An Arizona couple who drove through floodwaters in 2019, resulting in the deaths of their two children and niece, are pleading guilty to charges rather than face a trial.

Daniel and Lacey Rawlings entered into plea agreements Monday, according to the Gila County attorney's office.

Daniel Rawlings will plead guilty to three counts of manslaughter and seven counts of child abuse. Lacey Rawlings will plead guilty to child abuse, one count for every child in the vehicle at the time. Under her agreement, she will be on supervised probation for four years.

The Rawlings were scheduled to go on trial next March in Gila County Superior Court, the clerks office said. Now, they will be sentenced on Jan. 27.

Daniel Rawlings' attorney, Bruce Griffen, said Wednesday that the Rawlings were willing to forego the trial when plea negotiations with prosecutors led to the possibility they could be sentenced to probation.

They have surviving children that they are responsible for, so their eggs are all in one basket hoping they can stay on a probationary disposition so they can be there for their children, Griffen said.

Had they been found guilty at trial, Griffen said the Rawlings would have been given mandatory prison sentences.

A message left with an assistant to Lacey Rawlings attorney was not immediately returned Thursday.

The couple, along with seven other family members, were riding a military-style truck near Tonto Basin, about 90 miles (145 kilometers) northeast of Phoenix, on Nov. 29, 2019. A major storm had brought 2 inches (5 centimeters) of rain to the area. Despite barricades and signs indicating the crossing was closed, they attempted to traverse Tonto Creek.

The truck ended up stuck. The couple and four other children were able to climb out and be rescued by helicopter. Their 6-year-old daughter, Willa, 5-year-old son, Colby, and 5-year-old niece, Austin, remained in the vehicle, which got swept away.

The bodies of Colby and Austin were found the next day. Willa's body was recovered two weeks later 20 miles (32 kilometers) from where she went missing.

Their deaths spurred the award last year of a $21 million federal grant to Gila County to build a bridge over Tonto Creek. Eight people have died trying to cross the creek during flooding since 1995, state lawmakers said.
BOSTON (AP)  Prosecutors have dropped the murder case against a Boston man who spent nearly two decades behind bars in the shooting death of his cousin based on new revelations of police and prosecution misconduct.

Suffolk District Attorney Rachael Rollins in a court filing Wednesday dismissed the indictment against Shaun Jenkins that stemmed from the 2001 murder of Stephen Jenkins in the city's Dorchester neighborhood, The Boston Globe reported.
CHICAGO (AP)  Federal prosecutors are seeking a one-year prison sentence for a former Chicago alderman who pleaded guilty to spending cash from a political fund he controlled on personal expenses.

A court memo filed Wednesday shows that U.S. attorneys want Ricardo Munoz  a former six-term 22nd Ward alderman  to be sentenced to one year and a day in prison. He is expected to be sentenced Jan. 5.
PORTAGE, Ind. (AP)  Local government employees in an Indiana city will have to wait until next year to get their last paycheck for 2021.

Portage officials said they can't cover payroll on Dec. 31. The money won't be available until Jan. 3, the (Northwest Indiana) Times reported.
ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP)  A group of Republican legislators and voters filed a lawsuit Thursday to block implementation of Maryland's new congressional map, arguing that it's an extreme example of Democratic gerrymandering.

A group called Fair Maps Maryland filed the lawsuit in Annapolis on behalf of plaintiffs including Republican delegates Kathryn Szeliga and Christopher Adams. The suit says the new maps approved earlier this month by the state legislature violate the state constitution by creating an unfair advantage for Democrats.
CLAYTON, Mo. (AP)  St. Louis-area health officials said Thursday that the highly transmissible omicron variant of the coronavirus appears to be fueling a surge in cases, and urged the public to avoid travel and gatherings.

The community is not as safe as it was a month ago, and you should consider that as you plan your activities," the St. Louis County health department said in a news release that encouraged vaccinations, booster shots and masking.

The county recorded 774 new COVID-19 cases on Wednesday, the largest one-day total since early January. Another 593 new cases were recorded Tuesday.

The recent surge has driven the average daily count of new cases to 398, a 15.6% increase over the past week and a count well into the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's high transmission threshold, the news release said.

The state's first confirmed case of omicron was detected earlier this month in a St. Louis resident. The variant also has been detected in low levels in wastewater samples collected this month at treatment facilities in Jackson County and St. Joseph. The next wastewater report is due Friday.

So far, the variant accounts for fewer than 1% of samples sequenced in Missouri, said state health department spokeswoman Lisa Cox.

We assume it is here in our communities, and prevalence of Omicron among samples being sequenced is highly likely in the coming days and weeks  its just not showing up yet," Cox said.

St. Louis County officials said in the release that they believe it's spreading there because of the sharp increase in new cases." There is now so much demand for testing that appointments are required.

COVID-19 hospitalizations are also on the rise statewide, topping more than 2,000 this week, state data shows. That's twice as many as in early November, but still well below peak hospitalization levels from last winter and the delta-driven summer surge.

Steve Edwards, the CEO of CoxHealth in Springfield, tweeted this week that 95% of the patients are unvaccinated and none of them had a booster.

Holiday gatherings will drive spread," he said, urging vaccinations. Stay safe, we continue to lose patients who falsely believed their immune system was strong enough.

North Kansas City Hospital, which has seen its cases quadruple since last month, announced Friday that it was canceling in-person classes starting Jan. 3 in an effort to protect the community.

Dr. James Stewart, the hospitals chief medical officer, said in a call with reporters last week that the hospital could beat its previous peak if the rise continues at the same pace.

We are short on beds, he said. We are short on staff, and its going to be tough.

Even as cases rise, many communities have been dropping mask requirements. The Springfield school district, which is the largest in the state, was the latest, announcing Wednesday that its mask mandate would end immediately. The district had planned to remove its mask mandate sometime in January, but said that state Attorney General Eric Schmitts legal threats forced its timeline to move up, the Springfield News-Leader reported.

Schmitt, a Republican, tweeted that the decision was a huge win for Springfield students. The district, however, said masks would still be strongly encouraged.
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP)  A Rhode Island man charged with fatally shooting another man during a robbery at a Providence laundromat in October has pleaded not guilty and is being held without bail, according to court records.

Johan Quinones, 22, was arraigned Tuesday on first-degree murder and firearms charges, according to a statement Thursday from the attorney general's office.
BERLIN (AP)  Negotiators from Iran and five world powers that are trying to revive a tattered 2015 nuclear deal will resume talks in Vienna next week, the European Union said Thursday.

The talks were adjourned nearly a week ago after a round marked by tensions over new demands from Tehran. They are chaired by EU diplomat Enrique Mora.

The EU said participants from Britain, France, Germany, China, Russia and Iran will resume their efforts on Monday. They had been interrupted to allow Iran's chief negotiator to return home for consultations.

The United States has participated indirectly in the ongoing talks because it withdrew from the accord in 2018 under then-President Donald Trump. President Joe Biden has signaled that he wants to rejoin the deal.

The accord was meant to rein in Irans nuclear program in return for loosened economic sanctions.

Following the U.S. decision to withdraw from the deal and reimpose sanctions on Iran, Tehran has ramped up its nuclear program again by enriching uranium well beyond the thresholds allowed by the agreement.

Iran has also restricted monitors from the U.N.'s atomic watchdog agency from accessing its nuclear facilities, raising concerns about what the country is doing out of view.

Diplomats from the three European countries involved said after the talks adjourned last week that negotiators in Vienna are rapidly reaching the end of the road. They have expressed frustration with Tehran's new demands in recent weeks but pointed to some technical progress so far.

Russian delegate to the talks Mikhail Ulyanov acknowledged on Twitter that usually it isnt popular to engage in serious business between Christmas and the new year.

But he said that in this particular case this is an indication that all negotiators dont want to (waste) time, and aim at speediest restoration of the nuclear deal.
SEATTLE (AP)  Port Blakely Companies, a family-owned company with timber operations in the U.S. and New Zealand, has returned 2 miles (3.2 kilometers) of waterfront and 125 acres (51 hectares) of tidelands on Little Skookum Inlet in Mason County to the Squaxin Island Tribe, at no cost.

The return of the tideland property is part of a growing Land Back movement, in which landowners are returning property lost by tribes when white settlers arrived and began colonizing the landscapes where Indigenous people had lived and thrived for thousands of years.

The return of the shoreline restores the tribes direct access to Puget Sound, and some of the most productive shellfish beds in the region  the very reasons the tribe had made the land and water home.

In a separate transaction, the tribe also reached agreement with Port Blakely to acquire about 875 acres (354 hectares) of upland forest in its ancestral lands for an undisclosed sum.

The so-called Kamilche property was acquired by Port Blakely following the signing of the 1854 Medicine Creek Treaty 167 years ago, almost to the day of the announcement of the land transactions.

In the social justice reckoning after the murder of George Floyd, it was obvious giving the shoreline back was the right thing to do, Mike Warjone, president of Port Blakely, U.S. Forestry, told The Seattle Times.

A mere spoken land acknowledgment, recognizing tribal presence and stewardship, is not enough, Warjone said.

Just an acknowledgment about the place would ring hollow if the only owner of record was still around, and the people it was stolen from were alive and well, and right up the street. The obvious thing to do was simply give it back.

Frankly I feel a little like, why didnt we think of this earlier?  Its about time.

Kris Peters, chairman of the Squaxin Island Tribe, said the tribe has no plans for development of the property, which will be cherished for ceremonial use.

Peters said the tribe has long had a good relationship with Port Blakely, and the Warjone family that runs the five-generation family business. They carry themselves with compassion and dignity.

It is hard to put into words what it feels like to have back land that the tribe never regarded as theirs, or anyones, but rather a gift to steward on behalf of future generations, Peters said.

Families lived on these lands collectively, and never overtaxed the resources, he noted, sustained for thousands of years off abundant lands and waters. For our ancestors, truly these lands, these waters, these animals, these trees, everything was sacred to them, those arent just words, Peters said.

Todays Squaxin Island tribal members are the descendants of those same maritime families, who lived and prospered along the shores of the southernmost inlets of the Salish Sea for centuries uncounted.

It is a difficult thing to put into words, when we talk about our connection to the land. People look at it as a cliche, it is not, Peters said.

Peters said he, and other tribal members, are eager to practice ceremony once more on the sea-swept beach their ancestors knew.

I cant wait to drum, and sing, and dance out on those beaches, just like our people did hundreds, and thousands of years ago, Peters said. To me it is a very spiritual thing; it fills my heart.
Dave Fravel and his wife invited several relatives to their Cape Cod home for Christmas to share food, gifts and the togetherness theyve longed for during the lonely days of the pandemic. They were also looking forward to a holiday sightseeing trip to New York City.

But the coronavirus spoiled all those plans. With cases surging in their state of Massachusetts and the super-infectious omicron variant racing around the world, they feared spreading the virus even before Fravels 18-year-old son, Colin, came down with COVID-19.

Rich England has been there before. In the summer, when the delta variant was surging, he said no to a Christmastime vacation with his parents and sisters family to London and Scotland. But he, his wife and 2-year-old daughter are keeping plans for a four-day trip from their home in Alexandria, Virginia, to Miami on Dec. 31.

The safest thing to do would be to say OMG, we have to cancel, he said. But theres a lot of letters in the Greek alphabet  theres going to be variants after omicron. You cant just respond to every single variant by shutting down.

For the second year in a row, the ever-morphing virus presents would-be revelers with a difficult choice: cancel holiday gatherings and trips or figure out ways to forge ahead as safely as possible. Many health experts are begging people not to let down their guard.

World Health Organization Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus put it starkly this week when he said that "an event canceled is better than a life canceled.

But pandemic fatigue is real. And while travel restrictions in some places have forced cancellations, many governments have been reluctant to order more lockdowns, leaving decisions about who to see and where to go increasingly in the hands of individuals.

Complicating matters is the mystery that surrounds omicron. Scientists now know it spreads fast  perhaps up to three times faster than the delta variant. It also seems to be better at evading vaccines, although boosters rev up protection, particularly against hospitalization and death. But a crucial question remains: Does omicron cause less severe illness than delta? Some research suggests that it does, but the studies are preliminary.

Even if it is milder, omicron could still overwhelm hospitals because of the sheer number of infections. That makes it difficult to know how far to turn down the dial on the festive season.

In the United States, infections average around 149,000 a day, and officials announced this week that omicron dethroned delta as the dominant variant. In Britain, where an omicron-fueled surge is seen as a harbinger for many other European countries, daily cases topped 100,000 for the first time on Tuesday. France, Spain and Italy are also seeing infection spikes.

Fravel and his wife, Sue Malomo, who are both software developers and have six children between them, are worried about omicron and delta. Fravel, 51, said they nixed their trip to New York City because the thought of being in those big crowds didnt seem to make a whole lot of sense.

Neither did having lots of people at their house. Typically, 20 to 25 people filter through between Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. But this year, only the kids will come and not all at the same time.

Right now, the plan is everyones just kind of staying put in smaller circles or doing FaceTime, Fravel said.

England, an energy lobbyist, also weighed his options  and decided a trip could be made. He and his wife both got booster shots, which reassures him, though his daughter is too young for the vaccine.

We picked Miami in part because we would be able to eat exclusively outdoors and then spend time on the beach and at the pool, he said. But even he is still hedging: As of Tuesday evening, they were 80/20 going.

Colombia native Julieta Aranguren has already begun her trip. The 18-year-old was on a stopover in Madrid on Wednesday on her way to Dubai, where she planned to spend time with relatives. She spent thousands of dollars on flights and hotels  booked nine months ago  so she said that she didnt consider canceling.

But she still faces the unknown. Her group plans to go shopping, dine out and visit the World Expo in Dubai, so it would be no fun at all if there were more restrictions, Aranguren said.

It's still unclear which path most people will take. Ryanair, Europes biggest airline, lowered its forecast for the number of passengers for December from 11 million to 10 million, chief executive Michael OLeary told the Guardian last week.

Several airlines in the United States remain fairly upbeat.

For the period from Dec. 17 through Jan. 3, Delta Air Lines says it expects to fly about 8 million people, more than double last years holiday season but short of the 9.3 million passengers in 2019. American Airlines plans about 5,000 daily flights between Dec. 19 and Jan. 1, up from 3,700 at the same time last year. But there were a lot more  6,300  during the 2019 holidays.

Both airlines noted that international travel was the most affected by the omicron variant.

That rings true for Alex Wong. The freelance journalist and radio producer in Toronto canceled a mid-December flight to New York that would have been his first trip since the pandemic began. He worried about being stuck in quarantine upon his return, which would leave him unable to see his family during the holidays.

Feels like I made the right decision and feel better by the day, he said in a text message. Hes getting a booster shot on Wednesday and seeing his parents, who live nearby, this weekend.

That is the sort of balanced calculation many experts recommend.

Matthew Binnicker, director of clinical virology at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, said people should consider taking a rapid test for COVID-19 on the day of a gathering or, better yet, a more accurate PCR test 24 hours in advance. But experts warn that tests are not a firewall against infection.

Its a good idea to kind of rethink big plans of travel or getting together in large groups, he said.

Small groups of less than 10 people can gather in safety if they ensure that everyone is vaccinated, wear masks indoors and encourage people most vulnerable to severe disease to stay home. Other experts suggest opening windows to improve ventilation and staying outdoors as much as possible.

To me, the holidays are a time to think about others. This is often expressed through gift giving, charitable donations or volunteering, Binnicker said. But this year, theres another excellent way to think of others, and thats to take precautions to stop the spread of COVID-19 and influenza.

___

Associated Press writers Mae Anderson in Nashville, Tennessee, Aritz Parra in Madrid, Emily Schultheis in Vienna and Kelvin Chan in London contributed to this report.

___

The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institutes Department of Science Education. The AP is solely responsible for all content.
RAPID CITY, S.D. (AP)  Native American tribes across the Great Plains are hoping that a decisive legal victory will shift federal officials' attention to their struggle to obtain quality health care.

The Rapid City Tribune reported Wednesday that the U.S. Justice Department has dropped an appeal of a federal judge's 2020 ruling that the Indian Health Service must provide adequate health care to the South Dakota-based Rosebud Sioux Tribe as part of a treaty dating back to 1868.
RIO DE JANEIRO (AP)  The U.S. Treasury on Wednesday designated three men in Brazil as being affiliated with al-Qaida and having given support to the terrorist group.

The Treasury said the action targets the international financing of al-Qaida. It said all property and interests in property of the three men and any entities that they own in the United States or that are in the possession or control of U.S. residents must be blocked and reported to the Treasury.

Brazils federal police force declined to comment on the U.S. statement, and said it also does not comment on whether investigations might be in progress

The Treasury Department's statement identified one of the men as Mohamed Sherif Mohamed Awadd, who it said arrived in Brazil in 2018 and has received wire transfers from other al-Qaida associates in the country. Awadd owns a furniture store in Guarulhos, a city in the Sao Paulo metropolitan area, the statement said.

The statement alleged that Awadd and Ahmad Al-Khatib, the owner of another furniture store in Guarulhos, gave technological or financial support to the terrorist group.

Attempts by The Associated Press to reach the two men by phone were unsuccessful.

The Treasury linked the two men to Ahmad Al-Maghrabi, who it said arrived in Brazil in 2015 and became al-Qaedas contact in the country. It gave no further details on Maghrabi's residence or livelihood and did not report anything about any alleged collusion between him and the other two.

The activities of this Brazil-based network demonstrate that al-Qaida remains a pervasive global terrorist threat, and todays designations will help deny the group access to the formal financial system, Treasury Undersecretary Brian E. Nelson said in the statement.

Since the 9/11 terrorist attack, the U.S. government has imposed financial sanctions in different countries seeking to limit financing of terrorist groups. About 300 citizens allegedly affiliated with al-Qaida and other extremist groups have been targeted.

The terrorism designation announced Wednesday was the third U.S. action involving Brazil over the last week.

Brazilian authorities and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement announced that four individuals were arrested last Thursday for alleged involvement in online threats, hate crimes and the planning of mass casualty events.

The people belonged to neo-Nazi cells that were planning attacks in public areas, such as schools, as well as hate crimes against Jewish and black civilians, U.S. officials said in a statement. One of the perpetrators confessed he was planning to bomb a New Year Eves celebration in Sao Paulo state, the statement said.

Last week, the U.S. Treasury imposed sanctions on people and businesses connected to drug trafficking gangs, including the biggest criminal organization in Brazil, known as the PCC. The is meant to target any foreign person engaged in drug trafficking activities, regardless of whether they are linked to a specific kingpin or cartel, the Treasury said.

In 2019, the FBI said it was looking for an Egyptian in Brazil, Mohamed Ahmed Elsayed Ahmed Ibrahim, on suspicion of acting as an al-Qaida agent and facilitator for attacks on the United States since 2013.

Brazilian media reported then that Mohamed had entered the country in 2018 and was authorized to live in Brazil.

Brazil has had an anti-terrorism law since 2016, passed before the Olympic Games held in Rio de Janeiro that year. Days before the opening ceremony, the countrys federal police arrested 10 people who allegedly belonged to a cell that had professed allegiance to the extremist Islamic State group.

____ Associated Press writer Mauricio Savarese in Sao Paulo contributed to this report.
By Olivia Wynkoop

Bay City News Foundation

Marin County public health officials predict a surge in cases of COVID-19's omicron variant, a week after the first case was detected in the county.

The county saw its highest amount of cases in one day since Jan 13., 2021 on Tuesday -- 112 new cases despite a high vaccination rate throughout Marin.

Dr. Matt Willis, Marin County public health officer, said the county is transitioning to Omicron variant taking over as the dominant strain, similar to the effects it had on Northern Europe and the Eastern United States.

"Given the detection in Marin wastewater last week, increased number of confirmed cases regionally, yesterday's spike in cases, and the emerging national data, we should assume new cases are most likely due to Omicron," Willis said in a statement.

Due to its highly infectious nature, the omicron variant could pose as a risk during the holiday season with social gatherings and busy retail settings, said the county.

"This holiday season, the Omicron variant is an invisible, uninvited guest that may crash your holiday gathering," said Dr. Lisa Santora in a statement. "A holiday gift to yourself and your loved ones is to not let your guard down when engaging in activities outside of your home."

Public health officials recommend Marin residents to get their booster shots, as fully vaccinated people are still catching COVID-19, wear a mask, get tested and stay home if sick.

More information on COVID-19 can be found on Marin County Public Health's coronavirus webpage.

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By Misato Nakayama

Peninsula Press

It was 4:30 p.m., on a Thursday in November. As the sky was dimming, the tour of Japantown San Jose began.

A group of ten began walking along N. Fifth Street where the San Jose Buddhist Church sits. They looked up at their smartphones in the air and gazed into the two-dimensional space projected on the screen.

In contrast to the quiet streetscape in the real world, the town on the screen was decorated with augmented reality (AR) arts in glittering colors and showed immigrants from China, Japan, and the Philippines.

"Here's a place where exclusion against different ethnic groups happened in the past," the tour guide slowly started to explain.

Hidden Histories Project

This is part of the Hidden Histories project that the Japanese American Museum of San Jose has been organizing.

Community leaders Susan Hayase and Tom Izu spearheaded the project to tell the untold stories of the 130-year history of San Jose's Japantown.

Participants of the tour can install the free mobile app on their smartphone or tablets and watch nine AR art installations shown on the streets while walking through Japantown.

The AR art installations were created by local artists related to Japantown in San Jose.

A young artist discovering the untold family history

This year marks the 80th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor, which later led first-and second-generation Japanese Americans to the internment camps. The number of people who experienced such tumultuous times is decreasing every year.

"Once they're gone, their stories are gone too," said Maylea Saito, one of the local artists who joined the Hidden Histories project.

Saito is half of the third-generation Japanese American and second-generation Chinese Taiwanese American. Her father and his family experienced the internment camp in Heart Mountain, Wyoming, during WWII.

San Jose's Japantown is her father's hometown. Saito used to visit her grandmother and aunt often when she was young. However, they rarely talked about their experience at the internment camp as well as the history and tradition of Japanese Americans.

"When growing up, I felt definitely disconnected from my Japanese American heritage," said Saito.

Yet it was not until she was in her early twenties when she took an ethnic studies program at college. When she visited the Japanese American Museum on a field trip, she recognized the camp's name where her father and his family were interned on a part of the exhibit.

"That's what made me really curious about everything because I knew the name of the camp and that's about it," Saito said.

Saito joined the Hidden Histories project to learn more about Japantown and her connection to it.

She chose a place for her AR art showcase to Amy's Beauty Salon where her aunt, Amy Okazaki, ran for over 40 years.

She created a floating cloud of Tanzaku, which are colored tags that people write out wishes on during the Tanabata, or the star festival, traditionally held during the summer in Japan. According to legend, it celebrates the once-yearly meeting of the stars called Vega and Altair to renew their ancient bond of love on July 7.

On each of the tags shown in AR, Saito illustrated questions that she had when reflecting on her family's experiences growing up in Japantown, such as "What stories do you wish to see passed on?" "What do you wish to leave in the past?" and "How do the two different generations connect through the arts they create?"

Sharing history against anti-Asian hate

The Hidden Histories project, which launched, came out at the time when a string of hate crimes against Asians and Asian Americans occurred.

"The wave of anti-Asian hate during the pandemic stirred up a lot of strong emotions including anger, sadness, and fear," Saito reflected.

"It got me really thinking about what having 'Asian Pride' meant, and how often times studying our history and relationships with other communities is left out of that conversation," said Saito.

During the emotionally difficult times, the project turned out to mean more than discovering the family history for her.

"I do believe one solution to stopping hate is for all of us to be able to see each other's full humanity. This is done through listening, reflecting, and sharing personal stories, emotions, and history," Saito explained.

History of San Jose's Japantown

San Jose's Japantown has been home to a variety of immigrant communities, who had faced exclusionary policies and violations of civil liberties in the 130-year history.

It was originally Chinatown. However, the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 barred Chinese immigrants from entering the U.S. As an alternative to Chinese labors, Japanese immigrants started to move to the U.S. and found refuge in Chinatown. They worked as farmers by renting existing farmland from white owners. Since the mid-1920s, Filipino immigrants also became settled in Japantown.

As WWII broke out, then-President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed Executive Order 9066 which authorized the incarceration of 120,000 Japanese Americans on February 17, 1942. Japanese Americans were forcibly moved to 10 desolate internment camps including Topaz, Utah, from 1942 to 1945.

At the internment camps, the adults were given a questionnaire asking them if they would serve in the military and they would swear allegiance to the U.S. After Japanese Americans signed the loyalty questionnaire, they were placed in segregated units including the 442nd Regimental Combat Team from the mainland and Hawaii.

To prove their loyalty and national identity to Americans, the team made their motto "Go for broke." The 442nd team was known for breaking through the Gothic Line of Nazis protecting Germany from the rest of Europe.

Despite they had to sell or abandon all their property before moving to the camps, San Jose's Japantown remains as the only Japantown that was the same exact location as prior to WWII.

It was built again on a foundation of family-owned businesses, which makes the community unique nowadays.

The current generations of Japanese Americans like Saito are awake to the importance of passing down this unique history.

"I feel the cultural pride in that we were able to overcome the situation. Through the generations, the current generations are wanting to make sure that this history doesn't repeat itself," said Saito.

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By Eli Wolfe

San Jose Spotlight

Climate advocates and conservationists are praising Santa Clara County lawmakers for creating protections for one of the last green open spaces in the South Bay.

The Board of Supervisors voted last week to drastically limit development in Coyote Valley, preserving it for open space and agriculture and helping the region achieve climate change goals.

"I commit to working with our environmental partners to fairly compensate landlords for their land, then protecting that land with a permanent conservation easement, and selling that land to farmers with few resources," Supervisor Cindy Chavez said in a statement.

The board established a maximum lot coverage of 7,500 square feet per acre for non-agricultural structures and will only permit new single-family homes on agricultural lots of more than five acres if they support farming activities. Supervisors directed staff to return in the spring with recommendations for how to create additional incentives and resources for small-scale farmers in the valley.

The county's vote aligns with a similar step taken by San Jose in November to rezone 314 acres of Coyote Valley south of the city from industrial use to agricultural and open space. In 2019, the city approved $46 million to preserve 937 acres of Coyote Valley's northern area.

Coyote Valley is considered one of the last undeveloped valley floors in California and is one of the only natural connections remaining between the Santa Cruz and Diablo mountain ranges. The valley is a vital source of drinking water for parts of the South Bay, and it reduces flooding in places like San Jose by absorbing rainwater.

Evolution of Coyote Valley

For decades, Coyote Valley was viewed as a future site for sprawling housing development and commercial operations, including tech campuses and industrial warehouses. Agricultural land has declined by 45 percent over the last two decades.

"We're losing it not all in one go--we're losing it as death by a thousand cuts," Andrea MacKenzie, general manager for Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority, told San Jose Spotlight.

The Open Space Authority and other organizations have already purchased land in the valley to set aside for conservation and agriculture. In November, the authority purchased 60 acres; earlier this year, the Peninsula Open Space Trust purchased 331 acres for more than $16 million. A coalition of groups paid $18 million for the 1,861-acre Tilton Ranch last year.

"What's exciting about this action is both the city and county are saying it's important to have a greenbelt and to maintain it," Eli Zigas, food and agriculture policy director at SPUR, told San Jose Spotlight. "And that we don't want to pave everything between San Jose and Morgan Hill."

The board's decision to safeguard farmland could shake things up for small-scale agricultural producers.

"The primary challenge to them is not whether they reach markets for their products... it's whether they can have access to land," Cayce Hill, executive director of community farm organization Veggielution, told San Jose Spotlight. "In particular with organic agriculture, having secure access to land is critical."

There are still uncertainties about how agriculture and conservation spaces will intermix. Shani Kleinhaus, advocate for the Santa Clara Valley Audubon Society, said an endangered species--the tricolored blackbird--breeds in fields, including wheat and other staple crops. The group already has a program to pay farmers to delay harvests until baby birds have a chance to mature and leave the nest, and they'd like to see this expand.

"These are the kinds of programs we'd like to see in Coyote Valley--something that can help the farmers or ranchers or people who work the land, but also help wildlife recover," Kleinhaus told San Jose Spotlight.

Some residents spoke out against the preservation proposal. Owners of plant nurseries raised concerns about the rezoning potentially limiting their operations. Some property owners also spoke out against protecting agriculture at the expense of development.

"Agriculture, specifically in the Coyote Valley, no longer works economically for most landowners," said Roger Costa, a landowner, adding the area represents less than 15 percent of total agricultural output in Santa Clara County. "Please don't sacrifice private Coyote Valley landowner interests on the altar of open space by only allowing agricultural zoning for privately held properties."

The protections erected for Coyote Valley are novel not just in California, MacKenzie said. She believes the basic framework could be applied in other places, or at least used as inspiration by other jurisdictions to set aside undeveloped land for conservation and farming.

"Farther south in the county, (the) Morgan Hill and Gilroy areas still have a tremendous amount of prime farmland," she said. "It's really important that we not sprawl out onto that land."

Copyright  2021 Bay City News, Inc. All rights reserved. Republication, rebroadcast or redistribution without the express written consent of Bay City News, Inc. is prohibited. Bay City News is a 24/7 news service covering the greater Bay Area.

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Marin County public health officials predict a surge in cases of COVID-19's omicron variant, a week after the first case was detected in the county.

The county saw its highest amount of cases in one day Tuesday since Jan 13., 2021 -- 112 new cases despite a high vaccination rate throughout Marin.

Dr. Matt Willis, Marin County public health officer, said the county is transitioning to Omicron variant taking over as the dominant strain, similar to the effects it had on Northern Europe and the Eastern United States.

Two people have been arrested in connection with the death of Kevin Nishita, the security guard shot while he was protecting a KRON 4 news crew last month in Oakland, police said Wednesday.

"We feel strongly we have identified a third suspect as well," Oakland Police Chief LeRonne Armstrong said in a video released by police Wednesday.

Law enforcement officers are seeking that third suspect now, Armstrong said.

Nishita was shot early in the afternoon of Nov. 24 in the 300 block of 14th Street.

A federal grand jury in San Francisco added wire fraud to the list of charges pending against Joseph Sullivan, former chief security officer at Uber, for his role in the alleged cover-up of the 2016 hack of user and driver records.

The 52-year-old Sullivan, of Palo Alto, was previously charged with obstruction of justice and misprision of a felony in connection with the alleged attempted cover-up of the incident, according to a news release issued Wednesday by Acting United States Attorney Stephanie M. Hinds and FBI Special Agent in Charge Craig D. Fair.

The Santa Rosa City Council this week decided on a plan to appoint a new council member after Councilmember Jack Tibbetts announced his resignation earlier this month.

The city will begin accepting applications on Jan. 5 for people vying to serve District 3 in the eastern end of Santa Rosa.

Tibbetts on Dec. 14 announced his resignation effective this past Tuesday, citing a desire to spend more time with his family. The person chosen to replace him will serve through December 2022 and the seat is up for general election in November.

With the Cantonese language program at City College of San Francisco facing elimination due to budget cuts, a City College trustee on Wednesday announced a proposal to save the program -- which he said is essential for the city's historic Chinese community.

For the upcoming spring semester, City College will only offer one Cantonese class.

According to City College board Trustee Alan Wong, because the program doesn't offer a certificate, it's likely to be cut as community colleges receive funding partially based on success outcomes measured by degrees and certificates.

California State University faculty, students and staff will be required to receive a COVID-19 booster vaccine to use university facilities during the spring 2022 term, the CSU chancellor's office said Wednesday.

Students and staff will be required to get a booster vaccine dose by Feb. 28, 2022, or six months after they receive the last dose of their initial vaccine series, whichever comes later.

The policy will also allow individual campuses to require booster vaccinations earlier than the Feb. 28 deadline, according to the chancellor's office.

The San Francisco Gay Men's chorus cancelled the rest of their "Home for the Holidays" performances after chorus members tested positive for COVID-19, the organization announced on Wednesday.

SFGMC said they've continuously tested their members and required vaccines to perform throughout December.

Upon detection, the organization decided to cancel the performances meant to take place at Castro Theatre on Dec. 24.

Walnut Creek police are trying to track down the people involved in the sideshow early Saturday morning at the downtown intersection of Olympic Boulevard and Locust Street that caused $11,000 worth of damage to city streets and sidewalks.

Chief Jamie Knox told the City Council on Tuesday night he expects warrants to be issued, allowing police to impound involved vehicles.

"We do not take this crime lightly at all," Knox said. "It's a serious offense and a lot of damage was done to our city and we will prosecute suspects to the fullest extent of the law."

At a Nov. 4 roundtable with the Peninsula Press, San Jose Mayor Sam Liccardo presented a novel, and possibly controversial, idea: using empty jail cells in the Santa Clara County Jail to detain methamphetamine addicts who commit a misdemeanor.

The proposal is part of Liccardo's "Compassionate San Jose" plan to addresses the city's homelessness crisis. A memorandum presented to the City Council on Sept. 22 said a detention facility would serve individuals who commit minor criminal offenses, such as vandalism, while "under the influence of methamphetamine or another stimulant or psychoactive substance" and pose "a safety or crime risk that makes the person inappropriate for voluntary detention in the County's Mission Street Recovery Center/Sobering Center."

Kelly Tasker, a grandmother at the age of 44, battled homelessness for nearly a decade.

Through the help of the Compassion Center in Gilroy, Tasker found her first permanent apartment that would have given her a chance to get help with her chronic illness and lift her partner off the streets.

But for Tasker, along with 249 others who lived on the streets of Silicon Valley, help and assistance came too late. Tasker died in October -- days away from moving into her apartment and escaping homelessness for good, said Francesca Paist, a case manager at the Compassion Center.

Gilroy police arrested a 20-year-old Morgan Hill man suspected of killing a man Nov. 24 in a shooting that also injured another man.

Following an investigation, police arrested Nicholas Jose Carrillo IV at his residence Wednesday in the 18000 block of Hale Avenue in Morgan Hill on suspicion of three felonies: murder, attempted murder and assault with a firearm.

The National Weather Service's forecast for the San Francisco Bay Area calls for intermittent rain Thursday. Daytime highs will range from the mid to upper 50s with overnight lows in the upper 40s to lower 50s.

Intermittent periods of light to moderate rain will continue through the holiday weekend.

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San Francisco is Americas creative city. We think different, push the envelope and are always wondering, How can we make this better? Home-grown businesses like Levi Strauss and Salesforce have been redefining industries for more than a century, while nonprofits like the Sierra Club and Kiva have catalyzed social movements and changed our national discourse.



However, one vitally important sector  public education  has never tapped into and benefited from this rich heritage. Now is the time to change that.



San Francisco public schools are in crisis. They have lost thousands of students in the past several years and are facing a looming budget deficit of $125 million. Among the 15 most populous American cities, San Francisco was the only one that failed to return middle or high school students to some level of in-person instruction during the 2020-21 school year.



We could improve our schools with some modest changes. The three school board members facing recall could be replaced by more responsible and effective members appointed by the mayor. A charter amendment to make the school board appointed rather than elected would also likely lead to members focusing more on the nuts and bolts of running good schools rather than political posturing.

But now, when so many are dissatisfied, is the time to think bigger. Now is the time to ask, How can we make our schools better not just by a little, but by a lot? We propose a new path forward for our school system based on what some education scholars call the portfolio model.

Today, the San Francisco Unified School District Board of Education serves two functions: It both determines which schools are made available to families, and it operates those schools. This results in a fundamental conflict of interest. Because the board owns the system through its control of hiring and budgets, it has an incentive to defend or hide poor performance.

Creating and running great schools is hard. Success requires effective and consistent leadership, excellent teaching, coherent curriculum and trust among teachers, parents and administrators. SFUSD, as currently designed, is not built for success in this sense. Rather, school board members focus on pleasing the interest groups that got them elected, including teachers unions and political activists. Children and families suffer as educators fail to get the support they need and large inequities persist.

In the portfolio model, the function of determining which schools can operate in the community is separated from the function of operating schools. A new, elected entity called the Civic Education Council (CEC) is responsible for the first function, while the second function is devolved to the schools themselves, or nonprofit organizations seeking to operate schools.

In this model, every school operates like a charter school, with full control over its programming, curriculum, personnel and budget. The CEC is responsible for determining which nonprofits can operate which schools, based on a continuous study of community needs and school performance. The CEC can consider parent and student satisfaction as well as data such as test scores and graduation rates. In addition, the CEC would operate an open school choice system and provide other services desired by schools.

In New Orleans, where the portfolio model reigns supreme, nonprofits operate 76 schools. Some operators are affiliated with national organizations, such as the Knowledge is Power Program, but most are homegrown. Two thirds of schools are part of a network. All are governed by boards of directors that must be composed mostly of local residents and be representative of the population of the city.

Here in San Francisco, initially, nearly all schools under the CEC would be part of SFUSD, but over time new operators would enter the fray. Teachers and administrators at SFUSD schools could band together with local civic and business leaders to form nonprofits and bid for schools. Well-regarded charter schools, such as the New School of San Francisco, might propose to take on new schools and thereby become a local network. Innovative private schools such as Alta Vista School might put in a bid to run a public school.

The transition would be undertaken over perhaps a decade as district schools gradually spun out into independent nonprofits or into school networks. San Francisco, filled with innovators, would likely see dozens of compelling proposals from different operators.

There is no one-size-fits-all solution to the needs of diverse students, families and communities. The portfolio model allows a menu of successful school designs to develop organically, responding to what works in practice, not to the dictates of a single district office.

Of course, not all of these new schools would be effective. When schools perform poorly, the CEC would step in to find a new, better operator for that school. The CEC could also champion causes that matter to all school operators, such as increased funding.



San Franciscos public schools can be engines of opportunity and the envy of cities the world over. We already have everything needed to make this happen: the creative, entrepreneurial spirit of San Franciscans. Weve tapped into this before to create art, found businesses and innovate technologies. Now, lets bring it to bear to benefit our children.

Bill Jackson and Jay Donde are founding members of the San Francisco Briones Society, a forum for center-right conservatives, independents, and moderates.
Before he landed in Hollywood, the actor Zach Galifianakiswho appeared in "The Hangover" trilogy and was nominated for an Emmy for his role in "Baskets"grew up in Wilkesboro, NC.

His three-bedroom childhood home is now listed for $199,900 with Teresa Overcash of Realty One Group.

Built in 1950, the house has been on the market since August, when it debuted with an asking price of $230,000. It last sold in 2008, for $175,000.

The listing notes that its rare to find a one-level home in the community. A buyer will also reap the benefit of numerous recent updates, which include a new roof, to be installed at the sellers expense.

A fireplace in the living room and built-ins throughout add cozy charm. Appliances are included in the sale price, and the kitchen features an open concept with bar-height seating and an adorable breakfast nook.

The home also comes equipped with central heating and air conditioning. A sunroom and spacious yard should appeal to those with a green thumb.

Overcash attended high school with Galifianakis.

He has always been a super funny and very nice guy, she says. We (in Wilkesboro) are all super proud of his success and wish him continued success in the future.

Exterior of home in Wilkesboro, NC Realtor.com

Living room Realtor.com

Dining room Realtor.com

Kitchen Realtor.com

Kitchen Realtor.com

Sunroom Realtor.com

One of the bedrooms Realtor.com

Built-in shelving Realtor.com

The actor's parents bought the 2,000-square-foot home in the Forest Hills neighborhood in the mid-1970s, and then they built another home in the same subdivision, says Overcash. He was still young at that time, around 8 or 10 years old.

This is a highly desirable subdivision that is in the city limits of Wilkesboro, she adds, and close to schools, shopping, amenities. This home is also within walking distance to the local park and Main Street.

Whats drawing buyers to Wilkesboro? The town of 3,687 people is in the northeast corner of North Carolina, 85 miles north of Charlotte.

Every year, in late April, music fans flock to the town for MerleFest, a festival founded by the late musician Eddy Merle "Doc" Watson that is a fundraiser for Wilkes Community College.

Ski slopes are within a half-hours drive, and locals enjoy four very beautiful and distinct seasons, says Overcash.

Our market is still strong for homes under $500,000, says Overcash. We are a very small town at heart, and people come here to get away from the hustle and bustleand because our crime rate and taxes are lowbut we're still convenient to larger cities.

The post Listed for $200K, Zach Galifianakis' Childhood Home Is No Laughing Matter appeared first on Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com.
"The Matrix Resurrections" was a long time coming. The previous film in the iconic sci-fi series, "The Matrix Revolutions," came out in 2003 and the trilogy was complete, or so fans thought.

After years of rumors it was officially announced in August 2019 that the fourth film was being released, with Lana Wachowski as sole director. It was also revealed that it would be largely shot in San Francisco.

Later that year, San Franciscans going about their day were given a sneak peek of some insane stunts being shot in the Financial District. We now know that it was not stunt doubles, but actors Keanu Reeves and Carrie-Anne Moss themselves, who were tethered to a network of safety wires, running and leaping from the roof of 44 Montgomery.

The filming in San Francisco took place across the city in late 2019 and early 2020. Douglas Dresser, supervising location manager on the film, told SFGATE that they finished just in the nick of time. "I remember one day when we were shooting, in Golden Gate Park, and I saw that cruise ship that was just circling," he said. "And we saw it sitting there, and we went, 'Hmm, I wonder if this is really going to be a big deal.'"

Two long years later, the national premiere was held at San Francisco's historic Castro Theatre, and the movie is now streaming on HBO Max.

San Francisco does indeed play a starring, albeit dystopian, role in the movie, and no one was more proud of that fact than mayor London Breed. When The Matrix came to film in San Francisco, Lana Wachowski made a commitment to this city and made a commitment to do more, Breed said at the premiere.

She didn't mention that she herself has a cameo in the film as "Calliope."

Here are the San Francisco streets and buildings that appear in the movie, in which Reeves' Neo and Moss' Trinity dive down the rabbit hole again. (Minor spoilers for the film follow, of course.)

Warner Brothers

An opening shot shows the city skyline  the Bay Bridge, the Transamerica Pyramid, Salesforce Tower and 555 California can all be seen through the haze  behind a cul-de-sac at 1001 Vallejo St., a house that plays a significant role in the story. Dresser told SFGATE that the house was particularly unique: "It's an incredible position in the city, and it's kind of at the center of the heart and the juiciness of the city from a geographic standpoint. The way it's perched up on that hill is just unbelievable."

Warner Brothers

This shot of Reeves' Thomas Anderson (now a superstar San Francisco video game developer) with a duck on his head in a fancy bathtub was shot inside a condo at 181 Fremont St., a block east of the Salesforce Tower. The movie also shows Anderson looking out from the condo at a murmuration of starlings over the Bay Bridge.

"Where would he live? If he's the CEO for this company, he'd have this nice, fancy condo that would probably overlook the bay," Dresser said. "We tried to make certain things like that make sense."

In a Matrix simulation where they only vaguely recognize one another, Anderson (aka Neo) and Tiffany (aka Trinity) unexpectedly reunite at a fictional cafe called Simulatte in downtown San Francisco. The Joe & the Juice on 235 Montgomery Street received a moderate makeover for the movie, and fans spotted Reeves walking out of the coffee shop during filming last February. The cafe is also at the center of the final showdown between Neo and The Analyst, which culminates in a car chase across the city.

That car chase narrowly dodges a cable car as it races along Montgomery and Pine streets, where the Academy of Art University and the Pacific Coast Stock Exchange whizz by in a frenzied blur.

"When you get to jump a motorcycle down a street in Chinatown, or do a rolling intermittent traffic stop of the Bay Bridge, this is all fantastic, iconic San Francisco locations that we were able to showcase in a way that really was amazing," Dresser said. "It was so much fun."

Early on in the movie, you might catch a glimpse of a neon sign shaped like an ice cream cone  no doubt a nod to Project Ice Cream, the films working title. Businesses throughout the Financial District received notices last year that production would begin there not long after Reeves was seen enjoying an ice cream cone on the curb outside of a Baskin-Robbins on Blanding Avenue in Alameda.

Warner Brothers

Next, Oakland is seen at dawn over the eastern span of the Bay Bridge in a pretty establishing shot. This may be a nod to Morpheus' epic truck-top fight in "Matrix Reloaded," shot on Oakland freeways. (Laurence Fishburne's character, who famously offers Neo the choice of pills in the first movie, does not appear in the fourth installment and says he was never invited.)

Warner Brothers

This shot of a backlit Reeves staring at the sun is on the corner of Columbus and Kearny in North Beach. The Transamerica Pyramid and copper-green Sentinel Building can be seen on the left. It appears the House of Nanking sign at 919 Kearny St. has been replaced with a "Corky's Massage Spa & Salon" sign on the right.

Warner Brothers

Next, we get a high and wide view of the city from above the Bay Bridge at night. Many movies  from "Interview with the Vampire" to "Experiment in Terror"  have used similar opening shots. The neon lights (visible on the Hills Bros. Coffee building on the Embarcadero) and rainy night here seem to invoke the same neo-noir (pun unintended) tone seen throughout the franchise.

And in what appears to be a spliced scene toward the end of the film, Neo and Trinity make a getaway into the green marbled lobby of 155 Sansome, taking the elevator to the top of the building and exiting onto the roof of 44 Montgomery, where they take the films climactic plunge.

Incredibly Reeves and Moss did not use stunt doubles for the shot, and took the 46-story leap themselves.

"They went up there and did that stunt themselves. Thats the most amazing thing to me. They really did it," Dresser said. "You couldnt get me to do that."

Reeves revealed on during an interview on "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert" that he actually performed the stunt 19 times. "After the first time, you can't think of... the fear," Reeves said. "You have to, not block it, but deal with it, absorb it and just be there and do. And that's what we did."

Warner Brothers

This shot shows actors Reeves and Moss having a chat on that very roof, with the Salesforce Tower visible on the left and bay waters behind.

Warner Brothers

When asked which San Francisco location was Dresser's favorite to shoot, he couldn't choose. "It's like asking me my favorite child. Each one is unique and special in its own right," he said. "And each one has its own set of problems."



"We wanted to showcase the city, make sure we captured its essence. That was a mandate from Lana. We also wanted to make sure the city was taken care of," Dresser said. "Whether it was a weekend where we'd go on the bay sailing or have a birthday party in a park, it was all a wonderful experience. Everyone really loved each other."

"The Matrix Resurrections" is currently streaming on HBO Max.




Im standing outside of an elementary school in SoMa, hoping to find some remnant of the legendary Christmas movie filmed there.

Its a clear, 50-degree December afternoon in San Francisco, and a gaggle of children in puffy candy-colored coats spill out of the door of Bessie Carmichael Elementary School with a collective squeal as they race out to the blacktop for recess. The schoolyard is flanked by a cafeteria filled wall-to-wall with holiday decorations. A white faux fir tree is covered with tinsel and blinking LED lights. Handcrafted ornaments and portraits of Santa Claus made with Elmers glue, paper plates and cotton balls adorn the cafeteria counter, which promises a Grinch-themed lunch menu for the week.

But theres no trace of the film that was born in a nondescript green warehouse at this very spot 30 years ago: The Nightmare Before Christmas.

Barry King/WireImage via Getty Images

Released on Oct. 13, 1993, the offbeat horror fantasy conceptualized by Tim Burton and directed by Tiburon-based filmmaker Henry Selick tells the story of the Pumpkin King of Halloweentown, Jack Skellington (Chris Sarandon), who yearns for more than his usual ghoulish antics when he accidentally stumbles into the colorful world of Christmastown. He takes it upon himself to put his own spin on the merry holiday, enlisting the help of Halloweentowns resident monsters despite warnings from the scarecrow-like Sally (Catherine OHara) that his efforts will end in disaster. In the end, Jack creates a delightfully disturbing reimagining of Christmas thats worth watching every year.

With a fleet of skeletal reindeer, shrunken heads turned Christmas presents and the near death of Santa Claus all on macabre display, Disney initially had reservations about the film, releasing it under the Touchstone banner with a PG rating that was uncommon for an animated feature at the time. Nonetheless, The Nightmare Before Christmas became a sleeper hit  Disneylands Haunted Mansion is annually remodeled with a seasonal overlay inspired by the film, and it clocks in at #7 on Rotten Tomatoes list of the best Christmas movies of all time.

It was immortalized in a Blink-182 song, and Roger Ebert went as far as to compare the originality of the worlds captured in The Nightmare Before Christmas to the planets in the Star Wars franchise.

Sunset Boulevard/Corbis via Getty Images

[Selicks] achievement is enormous, Ebert wrote in his review of the film. What these films have in common is a visual richness, so abundant that they deserve more than one viewing. First, go for the story. Then go back just to look in the corners of the screen, and appreciate the little visual surprises and inspirations that are tucked into every nook and cranny.

Burton, who had directed the stylistically similar animated short Vincent nearly a decade before The Nightmare Before Christmas, described the film as a love letter to the televised holiday specials he grew up watching, including Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and How the Grinch Stole Christmas. The storyline started out as a poem written by Burton as he developed the look and feel of each character. These early renderings were often scribbled on scraps of paper for composer Danny Elfman, who then developed the lyrics and accompaniment (the founding member of Oingo Boingo also lent his talents as Jacks singing voice). Originally, Burton asked Michael McDowell to write the screenplay  they had worked together on "Beetlejuice"  but he departed the project and the job went to Caroline Thompson, who had also written "Edward Scissorhands."

Sunset Boulevard/Corbis via Getty Images

Meanwhile, a team of 120 animators, puppet fabricators, camera operators, and more moved into San Francisco Studios  later renamed Skellington Productions  in July of 1991, with production expected to begin later that October. The 35,000-square-foot warehouse on 375 7th Street was outfitted with 19 soundstages where 227 puppets  many of them duplicates of the main characters  were painstakingly assembled and animated. Passersby in SoMa likely had no idea the studio existed, and if they did, they were completely unaware of what was going on inside.

Unlike studios such as Pixar and Dreamworks, where each animator is usually seated at a computer in a cubicle, these soundstages were massive and sectioned off with thick black curtains, said animator Justin Kohn, who lived in a Sausalito apartment next to Smittys Bar during filming and still resides in Marin.

It was like visiting this crazy museum, he said. Youd part the curtain, and it was like visiting a whole new world with clouds and stars everywhere.

Set pieces were built no larger than two feet tall and wide so an animator could easily reach inside and move the puppets around. Each character had to be posed 24 times for every second of animated footage, while many of the scenes required 20-30 lighting instruments on top of that to create lifelike visual effects.

Courtesy of Joel Fletcher

It was the most sophisticated stop motion ever done in the world up until that point, said Kohn. And Henry [Selick] had a way of demanding the best from people. He was very particular. He had a great eye. It was exhausting because the pressure was always on.

Today, Kohns body of work ranges from animated films like Dreamworks Antz and Selicks Coraline and James and the Giant Peach to the bizarre shadow puppet sequence in the Chiodo Brothers Killer Klowns from Outer Space and Adult Swims stop motion sketch comedy series Robot Chicken. Working on The Nightmare Before Christmas was a major boon to his career, he said, but it came at a cost.

After about eight months of animating, I could barely get out of bed in the morning. I was so tired from the stress of everything else, he said. When the movie came out, all I could see was how exhausted everyone was, even though its so fun and lively. With computer animation, you can just go back to your last save. But with stop motion, if you get a speck of dust in one frame in the middle of the shot, its game over and you have to do it all over again.

Courtesy of Justin Kohn

Los Angeles-based animator Joel Fletcher said he moved to San Francisco for about a year to join the team of 14 other animators in mid-1992  primarily to work with Jack Skellington in his Santa suit, the Mayor of Halloweentown, the reindeer, as well as the children receiving their real-world Christmas presents (though animators had the opportunity to work with almost every character.)

At that point, he said, the script still wasnt finished.

The production was way behind schedule and there were no more stop-motion animators available in the Bay Area, he said.

This often resulted in long hours of work in order to meet the weekly quotas of the production  particularly complex scenes, like those taking place in the Halloweentown square with numerous characters, could take anywhere between two to five days to animate.

Fletcher, who lived in a studio apartment a block away from Haight-Ashbury at the time, recounted one particularly hellish scene that unexpectedly resulted in his first time meeting Burton. His assignment was to animate Howie, a child in the real world who is seen running away from a malevolent Jack-in-the-Box.

Sunset Boulevard/Corbis via Getty Images

Things went wrong from the start, wrote Fletcher in a blog about the experience he now fondly refers to as The Skellington Incident.

His workspace that day happened to be in one of the busiest parts of the building, making it difficult to focus. To make matters worse, the puppets foam latex body was so dense it could barely move, causing the paint to chip off as he was animating it. Precious time ticked by as he posed the puppet and then touched up the color so the shot wouldnt be affected.

It all added up to animation torture, he wrote.

As Fletcher worked late into the night, he grew more and more frustrated. Assuming he was the only person left on the quiet soundstage, he began to loudly swear with every setback.

When he finally decided to clear his head for a moment and take a break, he pulled the curtain aside. There was Burton  and his girlfriend, Lisa Marie.

You okay, man? Burton asked.

The five-second segment was ultimately a success and made it into the finished film (you can find it around the 2:38 mark in the clip below.) Though Fletcher was slightly embarrassed, he couldnt help but also feel a sense of pride.

When a shot was approved, it gave an indescribably gratifying feeling of accomplishment, he said, adding that Burton, who at the time was directing Batman Returns, only stopped by the studio every month or so to check on the progress of the film and actually got to witness, proof positive, how the crew suffered to create his vision.

As it turned out, Fletcher wasnt the only one experiencing frustrations with the film.

Barry King/WireImage

The front of the warehouse was lined with production and design offices, a puppet department and a model shop abuzz with the sound of various power tools. The back of the building, however, was a little weirder, said Fletcher. The animators had scrawled outrageous graffiti all over the walls, most of it quoting funny discussions from the screening room, where the crew reviewed completed shots.

And then there was the hole in the wall.

One afternoon, Burton stopped by Selicks office, where they began to argue about a plot point in the movie. Toward the end of The Nightmare Before Christmas, Oogie Boogie, the villainous boogeyman made out of a burlap sack, is unraveled by Jack to reveal that hes made out of thousands of insects. Kim Blanchette, one of the animators, came up with the idea to alter the surprise reveal so that Dr. Finkelstein, the mad scientist who created Sally, was actually inside of Oogie Boogie, controlling him like a puppet.

It made sense: the character had the motivation to thwart Jacks plans using Oogie Boogie because he was jealous that Sally was secretly in love with him.

Apparently Tim did not agree and kicked a hole in the wall for emphasis, said Fletcher. The hole was never repaired, because it was such a great conversation piece.

It also probably became the most memorable graffiti of all.

We circled it and wrote, This is where Tims foot was, or something like that, said Kohn. It was a joke.

Courtesy of Joel Fletcher

The animators otherwise remembered Burton as kind of a quiet guy.

Hed show up with his girlfriend and dress her up like a mermaid and take pictures of her on one of the sets. He had this huge camera that took poster-sized Polaroids. He was a nice guy and treated us really well, said Kohn, adding that they occasionally went out for pizza and pool nearby.

He also recalled that some of the animators would go out to Brainwash Cafe and shows at the Climate Theater. Fletcher said he preferred to be outdoors during his spare time  a respite from the dark stages of Skellington Productions  often going for walks in Golden Gate Park and hiking around the Mount Tam area, along the Cataract Trail and in Muir Woods. However, the Tonga Room was among one of his favorite spots on a night out.

Courtesy of Justin Kohn

All the while, they wondered if the hours of tedious work would pay off. When the film was completed, most of the sets and puppets were thrown away, with animators taking home some of them as keepsakes  Kohn still has a Jack Skellington puppet and the sleigh displayed in an office.

We didnt know it was going to be a big success and it was, he said. It was one of those flukes. I still see people wearing t-shirts.

Skellington Productions would last for just a few more years before Disney closed the studio in 1998 and it was subsequently demolished, with Bessie Carmichael Elementary School constructed in its place in 2002. Prior to that, Selick led another team of animators at the studio when he went on to direct Roald Dahls James and the Giant Peach, which was considerably less successful, as well as stop motion commercials for Pillsbury, animating the iconic Dough Boy, an Eraserhead-esque spot for MTV, and an advertisement for Ritz Bits. Adam Resnicks 1994 film Cabin Boy as well as episodes of the Nickelodeon series KaBlam! were also filmed there.

But The Nightmare Before Christmas might have been the studios biggest claim to fame.

Fletcher said it became a cult classic thanks to its quirky design, compelling concept and interesting characters.

For a while it was Goth enthusiasts who really took to the movie and kept the interest up. At first, Disney thought it was too weird, practically disowning it, he continued. Nowadays The Nightmare Before Christmas has been welcomed into the Disney feature animation family as a classic. I am truly grateful for the opportunity to [have worked on it] it was a life changing time in many ways.

Kohn said its the juxtaposition of the films darkness and innocence that makes it intriguing, though he doesnt know why it took so long for The Nightmare Before Christmas themes to resonate.

Maybe our entire society has gotten weirder over the last 25, 30 years, he said. It was an amazing movie to work on, and very well done for its time.

Courtesy of Joel Fletcher

Theres a scene toward the beginning of the film, during the song This is Halloween, that lasts no longer than five seconds, but I now recognize it could have taken days to bring to life. Leering in the shadows, a monster with a long, pointed snout and beady eyes bellows, I am the one hiding under your stairs, fingers like snakes and spiders in my hair.

As a 90s kid who had yet to evolve into the horror fan I am today, I was equally captivated and revolted by this particular moment. My familys VHS copy of The Nightmare Before Christmas was in constant rotation, and I would rewind this scene over and over again. (Notably, I remember playing it when my older brothers friends came over and I wanted to look cool.)

Though it may have led to plenty of sleepless nights, it undoubtedly played a role in my love of movies when I was the same age as the kids I saw at Bessie Carmichael, where it all began.

During our conversation, I discovered that Kohn was one of the animators behind this very scene  and thanked him for the nightmares.

Youre welcome, he said with a laugh.

Courtesy of Joel Fletcher
Ever planned a great team-building event, with fun activities and great food, only to see it bomb? People failed to turn up, thats why.

Your well-thought-out employee recognition program is much the same.

After months of strategizing that perfect rewards and recognition (R&R) program (including the setting up of an R&R committee to drive it), when you fail to communicate this initiative, things dont quite turn out the way they are planned.

Communication is key to success

In teamwork, silence isnt golden; its deadly.

- Mark Sanborn (author and entrepreneur)[1]

As they say, well begun is half done. With the time and money you've invested in your R&R program, it is now essential to drive a sense of excitement among your employees so that the program has a spectacular impact from the word go. Its initial perception will go a long way in motivating your employees to reap the rewards of a recognition-rich culture on a daily basis.

For example, what if your managers or team leads reward valued employees, but they dont realize this is part of the R&R program  or are not even aware of its existence? In such instances, the reward will only be considered as any other corporate gesture and not the special place that R&R has come to hold in ensuring employee contribution is recognized.

For an employee recognition program to be successful, its important that you communicate it well in advance. While C-level support is critical, your employees (including managers and functional leads) must be made aware of the program, its objectives, and its benefits. Not only will this generate excitement and drive greater engagement, but it will also motivate better performance.

The BUILD-UP

Just how you have set aside a budget for the entire recognition program  including those fancy mugs, personalized hard drives, and Spotify subscriptions  why not set aside monies to AMPLIFY the initiative?

Pro tip: Set aside at least 2%-5% of the entire R&R spend for communications

Treat the launch like any other digital corporate event. Plan a build-up leading to the actual launch. Design innovative e-cards or even shoot a video featuring top leaders and employees from across the organization who can talk about the R&R program and their expectations from it. Sending goodies to remote employees or distributed branches on the day of the launch to drum up excitement would be a good idea. You can engage an external partner for this, or you can take it upon yourself to build a brand around the R&R program that reinforces your company values.

Pro tip: Start at least two months before the actual initiative is launched

If you start too early, it will blip out of collective memory, and if you start too late, there wouldnt be enough time to build the excitement.

Now that you have your basics in place, what next?

METHODS TO COMMUNICATE

1. Emails :

Dont send out just one email before the launch and expect ripples of excitement.

Pro tip: Think email drip campaign to build momentum.

Ask your sales or marketing teams and they will tell you why. Drip campaigns are emails that go out at periodic intervals based on specific user actions.

The pre-launch teaser could be something like this:

Dear XX,

At (company name), we truly believe our employees set us apart and make us shine. With your outstanding contributions, (company) is poised to reach greater heights. And we want to say a heartfelt Thank You to each one of you.

This is why we have something special lined up.

Watch this space for more.

Yours,

Team HR

a The launch announcement could read like this:



Dear XX,

After months of research and hard work, we have finally come up with the perfect gift for that special someone in our life - YOU!

The all-new employee recognition program You Matter is now live! The global online recognition program is an instant way of recognizing wins, sharing inspiring stories, and celebrating the heroes at our workplace.

For more details about You Matter, click here. It will only take a few minutes.

Yours,

Team HR



(PS: We hope you enjoyed the goodie bag we sent as part of the official launch process.)

And so on.

2. Intranet

Company intranets are still the best platforms to provide information to employees, and the employee recognition program is no different.

You could create polls and quizzes to know the criteria to include and invite suggestions for quirky names for award categories. You could make the R&R program a banner on your company Intranet; so, it stays on peoples minds.

3. Company Assets

Think employee watering holes, cafeterias, walkways, lifts, and any other place that people gather around.

Dot such places with posters, electronic signages, balloons, and all the paraphernalia you usually associate with fetes and parties. Use danglers, leave post-it notes on employee cubicles, put together impromptu fun activities (a street theatre, perhaps). After all, the idea is to create THE BUZZ!

4. Town Halls and Meetings

Dont forget that all-important Town Halls where the entire cadre is present. What better way to validate your recognition program than by having the CEO or Chairman talk about it?

Team meetings wherein the managers and leads give the low-down on the recognition program will help to engage employees. Dont forget to ask leading questions, stir a lively discussion, and come up with some fun activities.

And since we are working hybrid now, you can use Zoom and Teams meetings for these discussions. You can even send out surprises (nothing fancy; think home-delivered meals with a message that says Thank You, but theres more coming... or personalized gifts such as a money plant or health bars) to people working remotely.

REAL-LIFE R&R LAUNCHES WITH THE WOW FACTOR

Some companies have perfected the art of creating a buzz around their R&R programs. Beer major Heineken is one of them. When the company realized its R&R program was reaching only a fraction of its staff, it repackaged it and rolled out the new version with much fanfare. The team worked on launch communications using multiple mediums, including emails to employees, daily posts on social media, posters and standees, computer screensavers, and even text messages.

Another excellent example of how to leverage tech to create a buzz around an R&R program was provided by Cox Automotive. The company came up with a week-long fest of fun-filled activities to promote its internal R&R platform, Spark. The highly anticipated Spark Week, now an annual event, begins with a company-wide email announcing the Spark Week schedule. This sets the tone for the week's activities by using a fun, themed way of communication. Spark Week, which includes unique activities like a meme contest or a digital treasure hunt, has also become the perfect way to introduce new features to the employee engagement platform.

THE CHECKLIST

Heres a handy checklist for you to see if your communications plan to launch the employee rewards and recognition program is good to go:

Get C-suite buy-in for the communications program to create pre-launch buzz.

What is your communication message going to be? Will you focus on the R&R program itself or the reason for its launch? Do you have a unique name for the program? Instead of a generic term, pick something unique to the company that reflects its culture or even celebrates an inside joke! Better yet, ask employees to suggest names and pick a winner. Make sure your internal communications team is strategic about getting the messaging right. Figure out how to cascade this messaging to the rank and file. Get the budgets to go big on the communications campaign. Create a sustained communications campaign from pre-launch to post-implementation so the R&R program is truly beneficial. Create a core group on which you can test your communications campaign and tweak it for greater impact. This group can also be your lobbying team to ensure continuous ripples of excitement and engagement. Work backward from the launch date and create a project plan with a tracker and a project lead who will ensure all the pieces fall in place and the campaign is well-executed. Continue communicating through the launch and well after.

Youve launched the program. Now what?

Its easy for the excitement to drop within days after the launch. Therefore, your employees must be your biggest ally. While you continue with follow-up communication, measure the impact of your efforts. Use surveys, quizzes, and even employee focus groups to gather feedback and make this process of communication continuous.

Remember the mantra: communication, communication, communication.








Fairfax Financial Holdings Ltd-backed IIFL Group said on Thursday the firm plans to invest Rs300 crore through IIFL Fintech Fund in early-stage fintech startups over the next two years.

It had launched IIFL Fintech Fund in August, with commitments from two group companies - IIFL Finance and IIFL Securities. The fund has so far invested in Leegality, FinBox, Trendlyne, and DataSutram. It is looking to back startups that offer last-mile credit, and is in advanced stages of discussion to back 10 more startups in FY22.

There is always a need for early-stage funding to nurture the fintech startup ecosystem, as they play a big role in accelerating the financial inclusion process," stated R. Venkataraman, co-promoter, IIFL Group and chairman, IIFL Securities Ltd.

IIFL Finance claims to have a retail customer base of 60 lakh across India, which are mostly based out of underserved and unbanked territories. The company thus wants to offer short-term business, affordable home loans, credit to micro-finance units, among other credit products through such investments, to these customers and further expand its footprint.

Similarly, IIFL Securities, a retail-focussed broking firm, which claims to have 23 lakh customers, is eyeing digital transformation, and through these investments, the company is looking to offer different capital market products to all parts of the country, the company said.

IIFL said the fund was an extension of IIFL Disrupt program, which IIFL Securities had launched last year to provide mentoring, financial and business support to fintech firms.
The number of artists and ensembles boycotting the 2022 Sydney Festival over the festivals decision to take $20,000 in funding from the Israeli embassy has now blown out to eight and includes high-profile artist Khaled Sabsabi and comedian and TV personality Nazeem Hussein.

Up-and-coming Indigenous rapper Barkaa and dance ensemble Bindi Bosses are also boycotting the event, joining Arab Theatre Studio, Bankstown Poetry Slam and journalist Amy McQuire, who announced earlier that they were quitting.

Nazeem Hussain has withdrawn from the Sydney Festival. Credit:Paul Jeffers

The Israeli funding is to be used by the festival to stage a Sydney Opera House performance by Sydney Dance Company of work by Israeli choreographer Ohad Naharin.

Khaled Sabsabi won the Blake Prize in 2011 and has built an international reputation for his video installations and other work. A large survey exhibition is currently being installed at Campbelltown Arts Centre under the umbrella of Sydney Festival. Sabsabi said that while the exhibition A Hope would still go ahead, he was cutting all ties with the festival.
The Federal Court has ruled the Morrison governments decision to award $21 million in grants to a gas company to conduct fracking in the Northern Territory was invalid, but the minister at the centre of the dispute has claimed the legal decision as a victory.

Justice John Griffiths ruling on Thursday that the contracts that Resources and Water Minister Keith Pitt signed means the government must reassess its plans to open up the Beetaloo sub-basin  a slab of land about 500 kilometres south-east of Darwin and 28,000 square kilometres in size  to shale gas exploration.

The gas mining project in the Beetaloo Sub-basin in the Northern Territory.

The government this year awarded grants to Imperial Oil & Gas for three exploratory drilling wells in the region, and argued the project had the potential to create 6000 jobs and generate billions of dollars of economic activity. The NT government has also approved plans for gas projects in the area.

The Environment Centre NT instigated legal action with the aim of preventing the drilling projects going ahead, based on concerns fracking in the Beetaloo would emit greenhouse gases and undermine Australias obligations to comply with the Paris Agreement.
NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet has introduced several new restrictions for the holiday season, after the national cabinet met on Wednesday and daily coronavirus infections in the state surged past 5000 on Thursday.

The soaring case rates are affecting health workers, with about 1500 currently unable to come to work. Mr Perrottet said new changes to indoor mask rules, indoor density limits and QR code check-ins would be implemented over the holiday period to avoid placing further strain on those workers.

NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet announces the new COVID-19 regulations on Thursday. Credit:Rhett Wyman

We believe todays changes are modest, cautious, [and] takes a precautionary approach as we move through this holiday period to the end of January, he said. We believe the changes that we are making today will ensure that our health system is well manned over the holiday season as we go through this next stage.

The changes - some of which come in this week, others after Boxing Day - are outlined below.
Like Mr Donohoe, Professor Thien says the challenges of 2021 have deepened his faith and his connection with God. In this sort of crisis, where you see so many sick people, it challenges you to do two things. One is to access the presence of God within yourself, says Professor Thien, who describes himself as a Catholic with a broad spiritual perspective. Francis Thien has endured the most difficult period of his career during the pandemic, which he says has strengthened his faith. Credit:Paul Jeffers The other is to practise compassion, and seeing that out of suffering arises compassion. The camaraderie among healthcare workers against a common challenge has been incredibly heartening to see. The cancellation of in-person church services during the several months of lockdown this year allowed Professor Thien to join online prayer groups with colleagues in Canada and the US.

Its highlighted new options that I can keep tapping into beyond this Christmas, he says. The 2016 census found that Christianity remains the most common religion in Australia, with 52 per cent identifying as Christian. Adherence to a religious faith is falling, with nearly a third of Australians saying they had no religion. In Victoria, the proportion of Catholics dropped from 26.7 per cent in 2011 to 23.2 per cent in 2016 but it was the states most popular active faith with almost 1.4 million adherents. Anglicans remained in third place with those who follow that creed falling from 12.3 per cent of the states population in 2011 to 9 per cent in 2016, or about 530,000 Victorians. Christian services will take place across the state on Christmas Day with both unvaccinated and vaccinated churchgoers allowed to attend after the Andrews government eased rules earlier this month.

They will have to wear masks while inside church, however, in line with tightened restrictions from 11.59pm on Thursday. Melbournes Catholic Archbishop Peter Comensoli, who will deliver the Christmas mass at St Patricks Cathedral on Saturday, says the message of this festive season must be of light and hope. Catholic Archbishop of Melbourne Peter Comensoli on Easter Sunday this year. Credit:Luis Ascui Certainly our time through the pandemic has been a dark passage for everyone. So much of our lives have lost a sense of hope, he says. But I have always thought COVID has not only been a thing of change but also one of revelation. It has revealed to us where our circumstances are. Even where there is great difficulty, strains and stresses, we have this gift of hope into our world that is of Jesus Christ.

Archbishop Comensoli nominates two key themes for 2022: prioritising family relationships and working towards a human economy. Not an economy that is just going to look to pay off debt in some way or another, but one where our parliamentarians and economists look to our human flourishing, he says. Anglican Archbishop of Melbourne Philip Freier will speak at St Pauls Cathedral on Christmas. Credit:Luis Ascui Anglican Archbishop of Melbourne Philip Freier will explore a similar theme at his Christmas services on Saturday, of experiencing unexpected goodness in the festive period. For many people not much has been that great about their life the last two years. But Christmas always reminds us that however bad the situation is, theres good news we can celebrate, embrace for ourselves and share more widely, he says.

Loading I sense a real desire for the public to think well, things have been bad, but there are still things to enjoy. The next federal election, due by May next year, opens up questions about Australias purpose and what sort of society it wants to be, Archbishop Freier says. When the pressure was on, we as a society and political leaders took rapid action to help the vulnerable by providing housing and doubling welfare support, he says. There are choices we could make, and we should always be keeping the vulnerable and those who are struggling in the centre of our decisions.

For Cathrine Muston, who works in prison chaplaincy and leads a program that helps former prisoners integrate into society in Gippsland, this Christmas marks a chance to acknowledge grief more directly than other years. During COVID we hear stories of people who have had to say goodbye to loved ones over Zoom, says Ms Muston, who works with Anglicare Victoria. In prisons there have been no face-to-face visits since March 2020, meaning there are children who havent seen their mum or dad for all that time. Cathrine Muston, who works in prison chaplaincy in Gippsland. I personally havent been touched by such grief but that doesnt mean we cant all feel the pain of others, listen to their stories and feel that empathy.
Contact tracers have added 13 locations to its exposure site list as they probe the movements of a COVID-positive 25-year-old French backpacker who spent several days in public in Perth while potentially infectious.

The updated list comes as WA Health reported four housemates, deemed close contacts of the man, returned negative results from rapid PCR tests.

The backpackers girlfriend, a woman in her 20s, also returned a negative result but is showing COVID symptoms.

All contacts of the backpacker are now in hotel quarantine.
Geisha Bar updated its Facebook page on Thursday afternoon to say it was working with WA Health. Hi everyone, weve been contacted by WA Health and weve been informed that Geisha Bar was an exposure site on Saturday night/Sunday morning between the hours of 12 am to 3 am, it said. We are working with WA health to provide all contact registers and we are waiting on further instructions. WA has been free of community transmission since June but this incident throws WA Premier Mark McGowans plans to have a restriction-free Christmas in the air before the state opens its borders on February 5. Part of our plan was not to put in place mask-wearing restrictions on businesses, restrictions on numbers of people at various events and all that stuff that is going on in eastern states at the moment over Christmas on New Years, Mr McGowan said on Wednesday.

The Perth and Peel region will likely avoid a widespread lockdown, however, with Mr McGowan confirming it was no longer the governments intention to use the measure because of the states high vaccination rate. In terms of a lockdown for Perth or Peel or South West, no, thats not part of our planning, but if we do have an outbreak before February 5, obviously, wed put in place public health social issues, he said. It may well be mask-wearing, it may well be restrictions on venues, or it may well be measures around the unvaxxed whereby they cant go to certain places like restaurants, cafes, bars or pubs. Those sorts of things are all on the table. Contact tracers are relying heavily on SafeWA data to track clubbers who visited Northbridge over the weekend. but its use has been falling significantly since July.

According to the latest data tabled in parliament earlier this month just 38 million check ins were recorded for October, compared to 51 million in July. It is not known what strain of the virus the case has tested positive to as there are increasing concerns about how fast the Omicron strain, which is present on the east coast of Australia and is fast becoming the dominant strain in Britain, can spread. Written advice from Chief Health Officer Andy Robertson to the Premier on Tuesday said there was increasing evidence Omicron was more transmissible than the Delta variant. Data is still lacking regarding the severity of disease compared to the Delta variant, although early indications suggest that disease with Omicron is of similar severity, he wrote. Even if disease caused by Omicron is less severe than that caused by Delta, the likelihood of infections increasing pressure on WAs hospital system is high, due to the increase in the number of people that will be infected.
Tokyo: Japanese and US armed forces have drawn up a draft plan for a joint operation for a possible Taiwan emergency, Japans Kyodo news agency said on Thursday, citing unnamed Japanese government sources, amid increased tensions between the island and China.

China claims democratically governed Taiwan as its own sacred territory and in the past two years has stepped up military and diplomatic pressure to assert its sovereignty claims, fuelling anger in Taipei and deep concern in Washington.

A woman holds up Taiwan national flags during National Day celebrations in front of the Presidential Building in Taipei, Taiwan. Credit:AP

Taiwans government says it wants peace, but will defend itself if needed.

Under the plan, the US Marine Corps will set up temporary bases on the Nansei island chain stretching from Kyushu, one of the four main islands of Japan, to Taiwan, at the initial stage of a Taiwan emergency, and will deploy troops, Kyodo said.
New York: Ghislaine Maxwell will spend Christmas  and her 60th birthday  in jail without a resolution to her sex trafficking trial as the jury ended an abbreviated first week of deliberations without reaching a verdict.

The jury finished a second full day of considering the British socialites fate on Thursday (AEDT). Shes on trial on charges that she recruited and groomed teenage girls for financier Jeffrey Epstein to sexually abuse over a 10-year period from 1994 to 2004. Jurors will return on Monday (Tuesday AEDT), turning down an offer to work an extra day before Christmas.

In this courtroom sketch, Ghislaine Maxwell, in green, speaks to her lawyer Bobbi Sternheim, before being escorted to a jail cell by the US Marshals. Shell have to wait until net week tolearn her fate. Credit:AP

As they broke for the break, US District Judge Alison Nathan warned jurors to protect themselves against the coronavirus over the next four days amid a dramatic increase in infections in New York City. Nathan said the Manhattan federal courthouse where they meet would be under stricter protocols when they reconvened and jurors must wear the hospital-grade masks that would be handed out.

I need you all here and healthy on Monday, she said.
PHILIPSBURG:--- Members of the Sint Maarten Lions Club recently joined in fellowship at the Philipsburg Methodist Church in thanksgiving for the observance of their 51st Anniversary of service to the community.

Among the members from the Sint Maarten Lions Club attending the Service were Lion Frank Arnell PMJF, who is the only living Charter Member of the Club which was chartered on December 12th, 1970, 1st Vice President Lion John Schaminee, Past District Governor Lion Maxime Larmonie PMJF, Past District Governor Lion Wally Havertong PMJF, District 60B Cabinet Secretary/Treasurer Lion Davey Woods MJF, Zone Chairperson Zone 2B Lion Alphons Gumbs MJF and District 60B Leo President Nichele Smith Abreu.

The Service was conducted by Lay Preacher Brother Dennis Baptiste who challenged the congregation (in his message) to stir Good Trouble in carrying out their duty of service to Almighty God and each other. The members of the Philipsburg Boys Brigade added to the message with a well-narrated Presentation highlighting the The Joy of Sharing with those around us.

Lion President Linette A. Gibs and members of the Sint Maarten Lions Club, would like to thank the community for their support throughout the years and wish everyone a safe, happy and healthy Christmas Holiday Season.
~ Buncamper filed an appeal, but will be suspended from Parliament~

PHILIPSBURG:--- Independent Member of Parliament Claudius Buncamper has been convicted in the Ruby case that was filed by the Prosecutors Office.

The court convicted the longtime civil servant to 32 months imprisonment and has banned him for a period of 7 years as a civil servant, while his wife Maria Buncamper Molanus has been sentenced to 10 months imprisonment.

In the meantime, the court also sentenced Leroy La Paix and Roberto Flanders to 12 months conditional with 210 hours of community service.

In the meantime, the Independent Member of Parliament confirmed in an invited comment to SMN News that he has filed an appeal against the convictions rendered against him and his wife on Thursday.

Based on the ruling rendered on Thursday the Independent Member of Parliament will be suspended from the Parliament of St. Maarten even though the conviction is not irrevocable. Even though Buncamper has declared himself an independent Member of Parliament the seat will now return to the USP for them to appoint a deputy.

Article 50 paragraph 2-b states when a Member of Parliament is convicted for bribery and was sentenced to more than one-year imprisonment, they are automatically suspended from parliament and be replaced by a deputy even though the sentence is not irrevocable.

Based on this the next person in line to deputize for the Independent Member Parliament will be Chanel Brownbill who was convicted for tax fraud. However, Tax Fraud is not on the list for mandatory suspension. Brownbill was sentenced to 8 months irrevocable prison sentence which was confirmed by the Supreme Court. The only thing that will stop Brownbill's appointment to the Parliament of St. Maarten is if he is picked up by the Prosecutor's Office to serve his time in prison.

While on suspension MP Buncamper will receive his remuneration until the end of the parliamentary term ends.

Member of Parliament convicted for bribery to 32 months imprisonment and a 7-year ban on holding public office in 'Ruby' case.



C.B., a Member of Parliament was sentenced by The Court of First Instance to an unconditional prison sentence of thirty-two (32) months and to a 7-year ban on holding public office for his role in the Ruby case. The suspicion against C.B. was focused on corruption during his tenure as Head of Infrastructure at the Ministry of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment, and Infrastructure (VROMI) and the misuse of public funds for personal purposes. C.B. was found guilty of requesting and accepting bribes of over 600.000 guilders in a period of 2,5 years in relation to the tendering procedure for management contracts of the landfill on Sint Maarten. The bribes included lucrative contracts for his wife and son. He was also convicted for forging invoices related to the sewage plant in order for VROMI to pay for personal expenses for his family and the Lions Club.

C.B. was acquitted for the abuse of power related to the relocation of business premises operated by his family members on a parcel in Kim Sha Beach.

Co-suspect M.B.M was sentenced to 10 months unconditional imprisonment. She was found guilty of taking bribes in association with her husband C.B. The Court took into account that M.B.M. was previously convicted for fraud.

The Court ruled that the behavior of M.B.M. and C.B. in particular inflicted damage to the trust of the people of Sint Maarten and damage to the integrity of the public administration. As role models, they should have only acted in the interest of the people of Sint Maarten. Also did neither C.B. nor M.B.M. show any acknowledgment or insight into the criminality of their actions.

The other two suspects L.L. and R.F. each received 12-month conditional prison sentences and 210 hours of community service for paying the bribes. The corporate entity they used in the tender procedure was convicted to a conditional fine of 100.000 Antillean guilders. The Court took into consideration that although their acts were severely undermining to society, they do not deserve an unconditional prison sentence as they cooperated with the investigation and offered, to a certain extent, insight into the facts even though they incriminated themselves with their openness in the

matter. It was also taken into account that the C.B. and M.B.M. had a significantly more active role in staging the corrupt microsystem than L.L and R.F. had.

The sentences were slightly lower than requested by the Prosecutors Office because of undue delay in the Ruby Case. However, this does not apply to the ban on holding public office: the Court ruled that due to the severity of this case, a 5-year ban is not adequate and it should be 7 years instead. The outcome of this case shows that the justice system takes crimes that harm the country and by extension every member of the society, very seriously. This type of crime is even more damaging to the community when perpetrated by people who should serve as role models and guardians of the patrimony of the people. Civil servants and those contracted by the government to execute tasks on its behalf must carry these out with the good of the country and its people in mind and not betray the trust and confidence placed in them.

The Ruby investigation was started in July 2018 by the RST Investigation Team under the authority of the Anti-Corruption Taskforce (TBO) of the Attorney-Generals Office of Curacao, St. Maarten, Bonaire, St. Eustatius, and Saba, due to strong indications of structural mismanagement of the landfill which resulted in serious health risks for the community of Sint Maarten.

On February 12, 2021, the Court of Appeals of Aruba, Curacao, Sint Maarten, and the BES-islands ordered the prosecution of C.B. This order was required as the Constitution of Sint Maarten and the National Ordinance of individuals with Political Authority prescribe that the Prosecutors Office can only prosecute individuals with political authority after an order to that effect has been issued by the Court of Appeals.

For a well-functioning democratic society, it is essential that citizens have confidence in their government and public administration. Administrative corruption is a multi-faceted phenomenon that occurs typically at the interface of public and private interests. Corruption can permanently disrupt a society, it undermines the integrity of the government and leads to unfair commercial competition. For this reason, TBO takes indications of corruption very seriously and, if necessary, has them thoroughly investigated.

Press Release Prosecutors Office.
SABA:--- The Public Entity Saba and the Kindernet childcare organization from the Netherlands last week sealed their collaboration by signing a twinning contract.

As part of the BES(t)4Kids program, the Day Care and After School Care organizations on Saba are working in a twinning program together with Kindernet in the European Netherlands. The twinning program was set up to share knowledge, experiences, and best practices between the organizations. The program is mutually experienced by the partners as very inspiring and useful.

Children in the Caribbean Netherlands are entitled to the same opportunities to develop optimally as children in the European Netherlands. We are happy to contribute to this, said Director of Kindernet Selma Ozkan.

As part of the program, employees of the organizations got the opportunity to visit and work at each others locations. Over the summer of 2021, two Kindernet employees worked on Saba for three months, and recently six employees from Saba went to the Netherlands to work and gain experience at Kindernet.

Last week, the Kindernet management team visited Saba to support and work with the Saba Childcare Management. During this week, Saba Childcare Management, along with staff input, created a solid foundation for a shared vision, mission, and core values for childcare on Saba.

During this visit, the twinning contract was signed by Island Governor Jonathan Johnson and Kindernet Director Ozkan, in the presence of Saba Commissioner of Social Affairs Rolando Wilson and representatives of Saba childcare and Kindernet.

This has given us a renewed passion and commitment. The week in its entirety was truly an inspiring one. Kindernet has provided much-needed guidance and support for both organizations on the island, as we go forward and strive to provide better quality childcare services, stated Saba Childcare Management.
The Bhutanese Community Association of Pittsburgh was awarded $20,000 as part of $2.5 million in state funding to help grassroots organizations across the commonwealth encourage hesitant Pennsylvanians to get the COVID-19 vaccine through the COVID-19 Vaccine Outreach Grant Program.

Physician General Dr. Denise Johnson joined Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) Secretary Dennis Davin at the Bhutanese Community Association of Pittsburgh to celebrate the grant awards and further discuss the importance of grassroots vaccine outreach.

On behalf of the whole team, I would like to extend our sincere thanks to Governor Wolfs administration for the much-needed grant, said Khara Timsina, executive director, Bhutanese Community Association of Pittsburgh. This grant is going to help us reach and educate families in the Bhutanese community in Pittsburgh that have been hard to reach and make sure they have the needed resources surrounding COVID-19.

The grassroots efforts supported by the program build upon the ongoing statewide public health awareness campaign, PA Unites Against COVID-19. Grantee organizations will work to educate their communities on the COVID-19 vaccine to improve uptake of the vaccine for the health and safety of Pennsylvania.

This program provides the necessary funding to community organizations to educate their community regarding COVID-19 vaccination to address hesitancy concerns and barriers and to provide direction on where and how to schedule a vaccine appointment.

The COVID-19 Vaccine Outreach Grant Program is administered by DCED and provides grants up to $100,000 to non-profit organizations and childcare and educational institutions. These grants will support grassroots outreach efforts including local media buys, creation of outreach and training materials, sponsorship of vaccine-related community events, equipment rental to assist with setting vaccine appointments, and more.
MOSCOW (AP)  Russian and U.S. negotiators will sit down for talks early next year to discuss Moscow's demand for Western guarantees precluding NATO's expansion to Ukraine, Russias top diplomat said Wednesday.

Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said that Russia in January will also start separate talks with NATO to discuss the issue, adding that separate negotiations under the auspices of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe will also be held.

Last week, Moscow submitted draft security documents demanding that NATO deny membership to Ukraine and other former Soviet countries and roll back the alliances military deployments in Central and Eastern Europe. Washington and its allies have refused to provide such pledges, but said they are ready for the talks.

Moscow presented the demands amid soaring tensions over a Russian troop buildup near Ukraine that has stoked fears of a possible invasion. U.S. President Joe Biden warned Russian President Vladimir Putin in a conference call earlier this month that Russia will face severe consequences if it attacks Ukraine.

Putin has denied having plans to launch an attack but has described NATOs expansion to Ukraine and weapons deployment of the alliance weapons there as a red line.

We dont want a war, Lavrov said Wednesday. We dont want to take the path of confrontation. But we will firmly ensure our security using the means we consider necessary.

Speaking in a live interview with Russian RT television, Lavrov hailed Washingtons business-like approach that helped quickly agree on parameters of the future talks.

He added that Moscow would be ready to consider Washingtons demands, but warned that the talks mustn't drag out indefinitely.

I hope that they will take us seriously given the moves we take to ensure our defense capability, he said.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov also hailed reaching a quick agreement on the start of the talks, but noted that they should be aimed at reaching concrete results and not become drawn out. He added that Moscow expects Washington to present a detailed platform for the talks and be ready for a constructive discussion.

We want these talks, he said in a conference call with reporters. And, certainly, the talks are held to discuss each others positions.

A key principle of the NATO alliance is that membership is open to any qualifying country, and the U.S. has said it won't give Russia the kind of guarantee on Ukraine it seeks. In the meantime, the American side is conferring with its European allies.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken discussed Ukraine on Wednesday with Josep Borrell, the EU's high representative for foreign affairs and security policy.

They emphasized the need for coordinated action to support Ukraines sovereignty and territorial integrity and reaffirmed that any further Russian military aggression against Ukraine would have massive consequences for the Russian Federation, State Department spokesman Ned Price said.

Separately, U.S. Army Col. Dave Butler, spokesman for the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said that Gen. Mark Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs, spoke Tuesday with Russian Gen. Valery Gerasimov, chief of the Russian General Staff. He said the generals discussed regional security issues, but no details of the conversation were released.

Russia annexed Ukraines Crimean Peninsula in 2014 and shortly after cast its support behind a separatist rebellion in the countrys east. The fighting, which started more than seven years ago, has killed over 14,000 people and devastated Ukraines industrial heartland, known as the Donbas.

Ukraine's security chief said Wednesday that the country now faces more than 250,000 troops amassed in western Russia.

Oleksiy Danilov, the secretary of Ukraine's National Security and Defense Council, said that 122,000 Russian troops are concentrated within 200 kilometers (about 125 miles) of the Ukrainian border and another 143,500 Russian soldiers are within a broader, 400-kilometer (250-mile) distance from it.

He added that the Ukrainian authorities are closely monitoring the situation.

If the situation exacerbates, it can't happen momentarily, Danilov said. It will require preparation, and we are watching it.

Moscow has rejected Western concerns about the troop concentration, saying it's free to deploy them wherever it deems necessary on its territory. It has denied the allegations of a planned invasion as a Western smear campaign and, in its turn, accused Ukraine of an intention to reclaim control of the rebel-held areas by force. Ukrainian officials have denied having any such plans.

On Tuesday, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu claimed that more than 120 U.S. private military contractors are currently operating in two villages near the line of contact in eastern Ukraine, training Ukrainian troops and setting up firing positions in residential buildings and different facilities. He also alleged that they stockpiled toxic chemicals in preparation for a possible provocation.

Ukraine's Foreign Ministry strongly rejected Shoigu's claim as part of a Russian disinformation campaign.

In Tuesday's speech before top military brass, Putin warned that Russia will have to take adequate military-technical measures if the West continues its aggressive course on the threshold of our home.

They must understand that we have nowhere to retreat, Putin said.

Peskov on Wednesday wouldn't specify what those military-technical steps may include, saying only that they will imply an entire range of measures to ensure security of the Russian Federation and the deterrent parity.

Asked about Putin's warning, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock said the Russian leader's statement causes concern and underlined the need for a dialogue.

"Yes, my concern is great, but that means all the more that we must enter dialogue with every millimeter of our own action, Baerbock said in Berlin. And that also means that, if proposals are made that are not our basis for negotiations, we must speak to each other.

She stressed the importance of returning to four-way talks between Germany, France, Russia and Ukraine, and again expressed hopes of reviving talks in the NATO-Russia Council to prevent further escalation.

___

Yuras Karmanau in Kyiv, Ukraine, and Geir Moulson in Berlin, contributed to this report.
MIDDLETOWN  With her 100th birthday less than a month away, Middletown resident Ethel Peltz is reflecting on a full century living in the area.

Peltz was born on Jan. 11, 1922, at whats now Middlesex Hospital, as the youngest of eight siblings. She lived with her family on Marlborough Street, where her father bought a plot of land for $400 that included their home and an old saloon.

During World War I, her father converted the saloon into a general store that served the area for decades. When her four brothers left to fight in World War II, Peltz ran the store herself. The family eventually sold the store that now exists as Anderson Farm Supply.

I knew everybody, Peltz said.

It wasnt just the regular customers she knew. Peltz grew up in the Portland school system, so she was familiar with many of the families in town. In fact, she was part of the first class to attend the one-time Portland Junior/Senior High School from seventh through 12th grade. In those years, the junior and senior schools were separate.

Our high school then was very basic, Peltz explained. Extracurricular activities and classes, such as art and drama classes, didnt exist back then.

According to Peltz, many of her classmates would often hang out at the Portland Depot. Large bonfires would be hosted there, using old and unwanted flammable materials from homes all over town. It was a focal point, she said.

The highlight of her time in Portland schools came at the end of her senior year during a class trip to Washington, D.C. Wed never been on a train before or stayed in a hotel, Peltz said. We were free with no adult supervision.

Every class would take a group photo in front of the White House. Peltz donated hers to the Portland Historical Society.

One of Peltzs most vivid memories from childhood came during the devastating hurricane and subsequent flooding in September 1938, she said.

She went to the movies in Middletown to see The Trail of the Lonesome Pine, because we were all in love with Henry Fonda. Unfortunately, Peltz was unaware that while the film was playing, Connecticut River flooding forced the closure of the Arrigoni Bridge into Portland.

Peltz and her sister had no choice but to walk across the railroad bridge to get home as the floodwaters rushed beneath their feet.

I was terrified, Peltz said. I looked down and we were inches above rapid water and debris.

After graduating, and after her brother returned home from service to take over the familys store, Peltz attended Temple University to study dental work.

Two of her brothers had chosen that same path before her. One worked at a dental office in Portland, the other in Middletown. Peltz spent time working at both facilities before being hired by the city of Middletown to perform dental work for students in the parochial schools.

She said the students and administration at St. Marys, St. Sebastians, and other parochial schools at the time respected her despite a difference in faith That was a wonderful experience for me  being Jewish, Peltz said.

Every now and then, Peltz said some of those students will recognize her. Once in a while Ill see one. In fact, Im friends now with some of them today.

After marrying her husband Charlie, the couple bought their first home for whats now considered a small sum. Peltz laughed thinking about what that same house might cost today. It was a beautiful house. Today its not $11,000.

Peltz and her husband raised their son and daughter in Middletown. They graduated from Middletown High School and eventually moved away, but Peltz remained.

It was inevitable she was going to stay in the area, her daughter Lois Peltz said.

There was still excitement to come for Peltz. In 2008, she won former state Sen. Christopher Dodds ticket lottery to accompany him at former President Barack Obamas inauguration. It was her second time visiting D.C.

I was new at the computer, so I couldnt really comprehend what I was seeing, Peltz said about finding out she had won.

Peltz will soon celebrate her 100th birthday in the same city she was born in. Today, she spends her time taking part in programs at Wesleyan University or at the Portland Historical Society, where she is a lifetime member.

Every time they have a program, I manage to get over there, she said.

Soon Peltz will be featured in an oral history video at the historic society.

For information, visit the historical society at portlandhistsoc.com or its Facebook page.
WASHINGTON (AP)  President Joe Biden on Thursday made two final nominations to the federal bench this year as he caps his first year in office with 40 judges confirmed, the most since Ronald Reagan was president.

Nancy Gbana Abudu, his nominee for the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit in the deep South, would be the first Black woman to sit on that court. The circuit covers Alabama, Georgia and Florida, where 8.5 million people are Black yet there is only one Black judge on the 12-person panel, Charles Wilson, and he was nominated by former President Bill Clinton.

The second nominee, also a woman of color, is J. Michelle Childs, currently a U.S. District Court judge for South Carolina. She is nominated to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit.

Former GOP president Donald Trump and then-Senate Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky oushed through a flurry of federal judges and three Supreme Court justices who will shape the courts for a generation.

Biden and the Democrats are working to counter with a rapid number of diverse nominations and confirmations. But that is stoking fears of the politicization of the judiciary, something judges roundly reject as they affirm their ability to be fair and impartial.

Abudu currently serves as the deputy legal director for strategic litigation at the Southern Poverty Law Center and was at the American Civil Liberties Union of Florida before that and also worked at the ACLU's Voting Rights Project. She graduated from Tulane University law school in 1999.

Her deep experience in voting rights will be extremely relevant, White House officials and advocates say, especially considering the increasing challenges facing voters this year following a series of GOP-led restrictions. She would also be the first judge of color to sit on the court from Georgia, a state that was among the most critically watched during the 2020 elections.

This is an extraordinary appointment," said Leslie Proll, senior adviser on judicial nominations for NAACP. "Nancy Abudus nomination addresses a breathtaking gap in representation on this Southern appellate bench. Her substantial voting rights expertise will be a welcome addition to this court, which has an outsized voting rights docket and is pivotal to protecting our democracy.

Childs has been on the bench in South Carolina since 2010, appointed by former President Barack Obama. She received her masters in Judicial Studies from Duke University School of Law in 2016. She got her law degree from the University of South Carolina School of Law.

With these two, Biden has now nominated 75 federal judges. Of the 40 confirmed so far, 80% are women, with 53% being people of color, according to the White House.

The U.S. Senate must confirm the nominations. But with no Supreme Court opening to slow them, Biden and Senate Democrats are putting judges on federal trial and appellate courts at a much faster clip than any of Bidens recent predecessors, Trump included.

The Senate confirmed 18 circuit and district court judges in Trumps first year in office, and 12 in Obamas inaugural year.

Obama and Clinton, the last two Democratic presidents, were slow to move judicial nominations. But they both had early, time-consuming Supreme Court vacancies to deal with.
OTING, India (AP)  It was 2004 when a bear mauled Nenwang Konyak in the forest in Mon district, high up in the hills along Indias border with Myanmar. The men in his village, Oting, rescued him and carried him home. He survived, thanks to them, but was left with a jagged scar running down his face.

When Nenwang heard that his village had called for a search team earlier this month to look for a group of laborers who were missing, he didnt hesitate. He and his 23-year-old twin brothers joined them on Dec. 4, not knowing that the laborers had already been killed by Indian soldiers. Later that day, seven men in the search party were killed by the soldiers - and Nenwang returned home without his twin brothers.

Like others in the village, he is haunted by the events of Dec. 4 and 5, when 14 civilians and a soldier were killed in a series of attacks in the northeastern state of Nagaland. Twelve of men, most of them coal miners, were from Oting village. The violence, among the deadliest to hit the state in recent years, sparked national anger and headlines - and left Oting reeling with shock and grief.

Even Christmas will bring no joy. Our hearts are hurting. They were our own children, said Among, a 50-year-old Christian woman in the village.

This part of India is long accustomed to pain. The people here are Nagas, a minority group more ethnically tied to Myanmar and China than to India. Over 90% of the states more than 1.9 million people are Christian -- a striking contrast in a Hindu-majority country. For decades, Nagas have fought a battle for independence from India, and there are few families that have not suffered from the violence.

In recent years, the violence has ebbed but the demands for political rights have grown even as the federal government has pushed for talks with separatists. Peace negotiations began in 1997 after the Indian government signed a cease-fire agreement with the Isak-Muivah faction of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland.

In Oting, many work as farmers, except for during the lean season from November to March as the rains subside. During that time, they labor in open-pit coal mines. It is a backbreaking work. The money earned is often used to pay for school for their children, but when December comes, its all about Christmas.

On Saturday, Dec. 4, Shomwang, a villager, set off from Oting with food to give to the people working in his coal mine. On his way back home, he was joined by seven miners on his truck who wanted to be back in the village for the Sunday church service.

Their vehicle had barely left the mine when it was ambushed by Indian soldiers. Bullets began raining down, killing Shomwang and five others. Two remain hospitalized.

Back in Oting, the villagers heard the shooting but dismissed it as a gunfight between soldiers and Naga fighters or between rival Naga factions. But when night fell and no one had seen the laborers, a search party set out. Soon, they found the truck, empty and bullet-ridden. Barely 50 meters (150 feet) away, they saw soldiers on four trucks, one of them carrying the dead bodies of their brothers, sons and friends piled like animal carcasses on top of one another.

Enraged, they set three military vehicles on fire. The soldiers retaliated by shooting not just at the crowd, but also at stalls and shops about a kilometer (half a mile) away. By the time the last bullet was fired, 13 civilians in total and one soldier had been killed. Several were injured.

The violence continued the next day, when protesters attacked an army camp, prompting soldiers to shoot, killing one more civilian.

The army said the soldiers acted on the basis of credible intelligence that some of the victims were militants, but expressed regret and called it a case of mistaken identity. The government said it will launch an investigation. But villagers have rejected it, demanding an independent probe. They have also refused compensation offered by the government.

I was helping others unload the bodies from the truck when the soldiers started firing. I ran for my life and took refuge inside an earthmover. Two people hiding with me got killed. When the soldiers started shooting in our direction, I ran, said Phonai, a coal miner and part of the search team who survived.

Nearly three weeks later, Shomwang's truck, marked with bullet holes and cordoned off by crime scene tape, still stands at the site of the attack as a reminder. A stench, foul and overpowering, hangs in the air.

The incident struck a chord, drawing hundreds of people to Oting. Officials came to investigate, others came simply to offer support and share their grief.

The pain is unbearable, said Naophe Wangcha, the mother of the village chief. We just want news that the guilty have got what they deserve.

Cries of anger have spilled beyond Oting, swelling in towns and cities across Nagaland. Since the deaths, candlelight vigils and solidarity marches have called for the revocation of the Armed Forces Special (Powers) Act, which has loomed over the region since 1958 and gives many areas the feel of an occupied territory. The act gives the military sweeping powers to search, arrest and even shoot suspects with little fear of prosecution. Nagas and human rights groups have long accused security forces of abusing the law.

On a recent Thursday, in a tiny wooden house with mud floors, an 18-year-old, Mary Wangshu, was mourning her brother.

Manpeih was the familys only son and was pampered at home. The siblings worked in the coal mines, and were the only ones living in the family house with their parents. I miss him, she said. He was my only companion at home after everyone moved away.

Outside, her mother, Awat, was surrounded by neighbors who tried to distract her - once, she even tried to laugh.

Grief is shared here, even if villagers processes loss in their own way. Some silently weep in their kitchens, some angrily call for justice, some share stories, some seek solace in the church. Yet theyre all interconnected, and have been, for generations. There are friendships and marriages and lifetimes that link the people here.

Humans are not harvested from the ground. They arent grown wild. They come from our wombs. We care for them for nine months with physical pain, we keep them safe from mosquito bites, we give them food meant for ourselves, we send them to school with hope for their future. And then to have them killed has brought us much grief, Among said. We will visit their graves on Christmas morning and speak with them. We will ask their spirits to visit us.

At dusk a few days after the killings, Shomwangs younger brother is sitting with Nenwang and his parents around the fireplace. Both families have suffered loss but have also found solace in each other.

It is too painful. I dont want to talk about it, Nenwang said softly.
John Moore / Getty Images

In light of the recent surge of the omicron COVID-19 variant, a number of Connecticut towns of have either reinstated their mask mandates or are continuing to uphold existing ones.

Many of these mandates have restrictions geared towards town buildings while others affect businesses, schools and other establishments.
File / Tyler Sizemore / Hearst Connecticut Media

STAMFORD  The head of Westhill High Schools guidance department will soon be Dolan Middle Schools new assistant principal, according to an announcement from the school district.

Paola Ochoa, who taught Spanish to seventh and eighth grade students from 2009 to 2015 at Dolan, will begin her new job in early January.
NEW HAVEN  Heading to Florida on one of those new Avelo Airlines flights out of Tweed New Haven Regional Airport? Hoping to leave your car at home?

Dont call Uber  at least right now.

Uber, the worlds leading ride-sharing service, has suspended service to Tweed, effective last Friday, after failing to reach agreement with Tweed on a new fee schedule, according to spokespeople for both Uber and Tweed.

Uber spokeswoman Hayley Prim said Wednesday that riders currently cant book a ride to Tweed. As of Wednesday afternoon, the Uber app showed cars available, but wouldnt allow a user to complete the process of booking one.

Folks still can get a ride to Tweed with Lyft, Ubers leading competitor, as well as with Metro Taxi, among others.

Both Lyft and Metro Taxi reached agreements with Tweed, said Sean Scanlon, executive director for the Tweed New Haven Airport Authority.

Lyft can be reached at www.lyft.com or via the Lyft phone app. Metro Taxi can be reached at 203-777-7777, at www.m7ride.com or via its own phone app, available in the iPhone App Store and Google Play store. City and airport officials recently also highlighted the fact that travelers can reach the airport via CT Transit bus.

With regard to Uber, Scanlon said the airport was sorry for the inconvenience and hopes to work out an operating agreement with Uber sometime soon.

We want them to serve the airport, just like Lyft and Metro Taxi serve the airport, Scanlon said.

We have to get operating agreements with anyone who operates here, Scanlon said. We set a deadline of the 17th to reach an agreement and mutually agreed that we hadnt reached one. So as of Friday, they suspended service here. Wed love to have Uber here and hope we can reach an agreement.

Under the new fee structure, Lyft and Metro Taxi have agreed to pay up to $4 out of each Tweed fare to the airport. Uber did not want to agree to those terms and we had to suspend the service, he said.

Uber also is hoping to work it out, said Prim.

Uber has been serving New Haven and the surrounding communities in Connecticut, including the airport, since 2014, she said. We hope we can resume conversations and come to an agreement with the airport so that we can continue serving riders in the community moving forward.

mark.zaretsky@hearstmediact.com
As Connecticut residents head to the holidays and the state faces its worst wave of COVID-19 infections in nearly a year, some might wonder where to find testing sites or at-home testing kits.

Due to the high demand of residents getting COVID-19 tests, testing sites such as Stamford's Cove Island Park and Norwalk's Veteran's Park are experiencing longer waiting times than usual.

Here is what you need to know about state COVID-19 testing.

RELATED: How to put Connecticut COVID vaccine passport on your phone

Where can I find a testing site near me?

State residents can find a COVID-19 testing site near them at the 2-1-1 Connecticut website. Users can find a site based on theirs postal code. Some testing sites accept walk-ins and others are by appointment only, the details can be seen in the description of the testing site.

The city of Norwalk is offering additional COVID-19 testing five days a week at Veteran's park. Given the high demand for testing during the holidays, residents should expect longer than usual waiting times. The Norwalk testing site will not be opened on Dec. 25 and Jan. 1. Other testing sites in the state include Stamford High School (55 Strawberrt Hill Avenue), Danbury's Pat Waldron Building (28 Memorial Drive) and PAL Building (35 Hayestown Road).

RELATED: After omicron, these CT towns and cities reinstated mask mandates

Are the tests free?

Tests offered by the state are free of charge. Connecticut residents can find state testing sites here.

Should I get tested even if I don't have symptoms?

The CDC recommends people who gathering with their families during the holidays to get tested prior to the event to reduce the risk of spreading the virus. Many state sites allow residents to get tested even if they are asymptomatic.

What is the difference between a PCR, rapid antigen and at-home test?

A PCR test (also known as molecular or NAAT) is sent to a laboratory for analysis and the results takes one to two days. The PCR test is considered the most reliable test since it can detect the virus within days of infection even if people are asymptomatic.

Rapid antigen tests are recommended for people who are currently experiencing COVID-19 symptoms since it detects when the virus is active. Rapid tests usually give results after 15 minutes.

At-home tests (also known as over-the-counter tests or OTC tests) are rapid antigen tests that people can take from their home. Most tests give back results after 10 to 30 min. Some tests such as the QuickVue At-Home and Abbott BinaxNow come with two tests per kit and recommend users to complete their second test between 24 to 36 hours after the first test for more accuracy.

Most at-home testing kits cost around $24 and include two tests.

How accurate are at-home COVID tests?

While PCR tests are the most accurate, at-home rapid antigen tests have effectiveness of around 85 percent, according to the CDC. Studies also found that at-home tests are more sensitive in people with symptoms and most effective during the first week of symptoms.

Where can I find at-home testing kits?

People can find at-home testing kits at pharmacies such as CVS and Walgreens. At-home testing kits brands that CVS and Walgreens offer include Abbott BinaxNOW, Acon FlowFlex, Quidel Quickvue and Pixel by LabCorp.

How many testing kits can I buy?

Due to the high demand, both of these pharmacies have limited the amount of at-home testing kits that a person can buy. CVS' limit of both online and in-person purchases of testing kits is six while Walgreens' is four per purchase.
Less than 30 percent of nursing home staff in Connecticut had received a COVID-19 booster shot as of mid-December, according to state data, and as the number of COVID cases among both residents and staff continues to grow, some providers are wondering whether a booster mandate is needed.

With the omicron variant expected to become dominant, providers are hoping to avoid another wave of infections among nursing home residents, who have already borne the brunt of previous COVID waves.

In a meeting this week, DPH officials told providers that only about 29 percent of long-term care staff have gotten a booster. The percentage of residents who have had a booster is about 80 percent. That number has increased recently because the state made a concerted effort to hold a clinic at every facility by Dec. 15.

Data released Thursday show just how quickly the number of cases is growing. As of Dec. 21, the state had recorded 136 cases among residents and 242 among staff, compared to just a week earlier, when there were 66 cases among residents and 76 among staff.

On Thursday, the states positivity rate was 9 percent and hospitalizations had increased by 16 to 837. In the previous two weeks, there had been 75 deaths, and 13 of them were long term care residents.

The infections have been on the rise since early November, according to DPH data. Staff cases have quadrupled since the end of November and cases among residents have more than doubled.

Just 120 days ago, the governor mandated vaccines in nursing homes. We went from 70 percent vaccinated to 98 percent in a matter of weeks, Paul Liistro said.

Some employers are mandating booster shots for staff

Liistro is the CEO of Vernon Manor and Manchester Manor and is one of only a handful of providers that has mandated that his employees get booster shots. Liistro said the clock is ticking because many got their initial two doses more than six months ago - meaning the efficacy of the vaccine is waning just as omicron is about to hit.

He (Lamont) needs to mandate vaccines in nursing homes now. One can always do something a day too soon but not a day too late, Liiistro said.

One of the other providers that has mandated vaccine boosters for staff is Masonicare of Wallingford, one of the largest facilities in the state.

In November 2021, I issued a company-wide mandate for the boosters. Im once again thrilled by the response from our employees, who are stepping up to receive the booster that will offer continued protection to both employees and the frail and vulnerable patients in their care, Masonicare CEO Jon-Paul Venoit said Thursday.

The staff there has until the end of January to get the booster shot. About 40 percent have gotten the third shot so far. Masonicare has scheduled at least eight more clinics and two family clinics over the next few weeks.

But Matthew Barrett, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Connecticut Association of Health Care Facilities, said his group would not favor a booster mandate and that there hasnt been any indication from the state that one is on the horizon. He added that the 29 percent rate of vaccinated staff is a big concern but that with a more focused effort, those numbers will improve.

We have to be very careful and cautious about a universal mandate, Barrett said. We are in a different place on the staffing issue than we were previously, and its not a better place. The fact is, the staffing situation is considerably worse than where we were during the underlying rollout of the initial vaccine a year ago.

At a press conference earlier this week, when asked about possible mandates for boosters, Lamont stopped short of endorsing the idea but said he was monitoring the spread of omicron closely.

I cant afford to lose any nurses in nursing homes or nurses in hospitals, and if theres a trepidation about getting the third dose, I have to take that into account, Lamont said. If our hospitals are overwhelmed, we may have to take a second look at that.

While the percentage of residents boosted has improved, it is still well below the 90 percent rate achieved when vaccines were first introduced.

Part of the problem is the transitional nature of the nursing home business, where people are coming in for short rehabilitation from different hospitals, most of which are not offering booster shots to patients before they are discharged.

Several providers said there is no policy on whether hospitals should give booster shots to patients before they discharged them. All hospitals are required to make sure that any patient transferring to a nursing home has a negative COVID test within 72 hours of discharge, but there is no requirement to give them booster shots.

We have been told by several hospitals that they dont do booster shots, said David Hunter, CEO of the Mary Wade Home in New Haven.

Hartford HealthCare Executive Vice President and Chief Clinical Officer Ajay Kumar said they dont offer booster shots, mostly because of timing.

We dont generally give booster shots in house because they (patients) are still recovering, and theres a complexity around that, Kumar said.

The challenge is that if you give a booster in the hospital, it takes a little bit longer for them to get immunity. So if they go back to a nursing home and then get it, thats a reasonable approach. Theres no downside to that, and nursing homes are doing a good job, as best I know, Kumar added.

Nursing homes say it is not feasible to give each patient that transfers in from a hospital a booster shot right away. Each vial contains six boosters, so most wait until they have enough patients to use almost the entire vial before opening it. During some weeks, that could be a day or two, and at other times, it could be a couple of weeks, depending on admissions.

Vaccine requirements for visitors?Hunter said the other issue that concerns providers is visitation. Right now, most nursing homes take visitors temperature and ask them to wear a mask before admitting them to the building.

We have no control over who is visiting and what their vaccination status is, and thats tough on the staff, Hunter said.

The rules for visitation at long term care facilities are set by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, so the state has no say in it.

Barrett said his organization would be in favor of a similar approach that Yale New Haven Hospital has taken - requiring visitors to show proof of vaccination before they can enter the building and visit a patient.

Barrett said no one wants to see visitation cut off completely, like it was at the beginning of the pandemic, but he said some balance may be needed with the omicron variant appearing to spread quickly.

DPH Commissioner Dr. Manisha Juthani said long-term care facilities need to be more vigilant as cases increase.

I think that, again, masking of visitors  being maybe a little bit more vigilant on those types of interventions in a nursing home itself  is something a home can decide and institute for themselves, in terms of where and how that exactly is implemented, Juthani said.

She said officials are sensitive to the isolation that many nursing home residents experience.

Visitation is the one thing that actually can help keep people connected with their families, but that is something that will need to be assessed on a nursing home by nursing home basis, especially if an outbreak occurs, Juthani said. It also depends on what the circumstances are in a given community with a given staff and with a given group of residents might be, and so I think that homes are going to have to be on red alert.
STAMFORD  The holiday recess will start one day early for Stamford Public Schools students, as the district announced that school is closed Thursday due to a bus driver shortage.

Thursday was slated to be an early release day, before the beginning of the holiday break on Friday. School is closed for the final week of December for the annual recess period, with classes resuming on Jan. 3.

Due to an unexpectedly high bus driver shortage tomorrow, coupled with the shortened school day, we will be unable to run our bus routes in a safe and timely manner, read a letter sent to parents and guardians late Wednesday afternoon.

Stamford has faced bus driver shortages and corresponding pick-up and drop-off delays all school year with drivers, who are required by the state to be vaccinated, periodically out for sickness and quarantine.

The one-day-early school closure comes as more than 60 cases of COVID-19 involving public school students and staff have been reported since last Friday, according to a presentation that Jody Bishop-Pullan, the citys acting health director, gave during Mayor Caroline Simmons live-streamed COVID update Tuesday. Eighty-seven cases had been reported in the week leading up to Friday, with most of the cases being students.

On Wednesday morning, schools spokesperson Justin Martin said the updated number of positive cases in the district was up to 75 this week.

Greenwich High School announced on Tuesday it would begin its winter recess two days early, in response to the school having 70 active cases, as well as insufficient custodians.

In Stamford, it was also a support staff problem that prompted the closure of schools early. In the lead up to that decision, Martin said the district was not looking to follow in Greenwich High Schools footsteps since Stamford schools were in a different situation with COVID cases.

(Stamford Public Schools) has not seen such an uptick, he said, comparing the districts numbers to those at the Greenwich school. As of this week, we had 75 cases in our entire system. We will continue to track this data and should we see a significant rise in cases or other challenges related to COVID, we will reassess.

Cases had been on the decline in Stamford schools in October, with just 10 reported in a week at the end of the month. After that, cases started to rise and then shot up following Thanksgiving, according to a line graph included in Bishop-Pullans presentation.

Cases related to schools appear to be increasing in proportion with city cases as a whole, according to the presentation. School cases now make up about a quarter of Stamfords total cases, down from a high of 32 percent in September.

The numbers dont necessarily mean that transmission is happening in school buildings, Bishop-Pullan said.

It is just to highlight that we do have community transmission  and children, they live and play in the community, so they are exposed and can get COVID, she said.

In recent weeks, the majority of school cases have involved middle and high school students or staff, per the presentation.

Simmons update took place the same day she announced the return of a city requirement to wear a mask in indoor public spaces. Wearing a mask was already required on school grounds.

Simmons said the city mandate has come in response to rising cases and hospitalizations.

We want to get ahead of this as much as we can so that we can keep businesses open, keep our schools open, keep our economy going and hopefully contain this as we head into the winter months, Simmons said during the update.

Ted Jankowski, the citys director of public safety, health and welfare, said an effort is underway to increase the vaccination rate among children between 5 and 11. In Stamford, 25 percent of children in that age group have received at least a first vaccine dose.
Published: 23 December 2021

Overnight stays decreased in November 2021

Overnight stays by resident tourists exceeded the level of November 2019 preceding the corona crisis by 1 per cent. Overnight stays by non-resident tourists decreased by 39 per cent compared to November 2019. The total amount of overnight stays was 1.39 million, which was 11 per cent less than two years ago. These figures are preliminary data from Statistics Finlands statistics on accommodation establishments and they have been collected from accommodation establishments with at least 20 beds or caravan pitches with electricity connection.

Monthly overnight stays at accommodation establishments, 20192021

Overnight stays by business travellers still below the level of 2019

The recovery of tourism is illustrated by comparison with the year before the corona crisis started in 2020. For leisure trips, overnight stays by resident tourists increased by 7 per cent from November 2019. In turn, overnight stays by resident business travellers decreased by 7 per cent. Overnight stays by non-resident leisure travellers were 38 per cent less than two years ago and 40 per cent less by non-resident business travellers.

Changes in overnight stays (%) by month and trip purpose, 2021/2019

Examined by region, overnight stays decreased most compared to November 2019 in South Karelia, by 23 per cent. Compared to November last year however, overnight stays increased in all regions with the exception of Kainuu, where overnight stays decreased by 2 per cent.

Change in overnight stays in November by region 2021/2020,%

Occupancy rates of hotel rooms high in several regions

Among the regions, the highest occupancy rates of hotel rooms were measured in Pirkanmaa, 60.7 per cent, and in Southwest Finland , 55.4 per cent. In Helsinki, the hotel room occupancy rate was 53.7 per cent, 67.6 per cent in Tampere, 59.2 per cent in Turku, 64.8 per cent in Oulu and 45.8 per cent in Rovaniemi.

In November 2021, the realised average price of a hotel room was EUR 107.39 per day for the whole country. Twelve months earlier, it was EUR 90.63. There was a total of 55,417 hotel rooms available in Finland, which was 4,757 more than in November 2020.

Hotel room occupancy rate and the monthly average price

Overnight stays increased by 17 per cent in January to November 2021

In January to November 2021, a total of 15.86 million nights were spent in Finnish accommodation establishments. This was 17.0 per cent more than in the corresponding period one year earlier. In all, 14.37 million overnight stays were recorded for resident tourists and 1.49 million for non-resident tourists. The number of nights spent by resident tourists increased by 26.8 per cent and nights spent by non-resident tourists declined by 33.1 from the previous year.

Among the most important countries of inbound tourism to Finland, overnight stays by Swedes increased most in absolute numbers, by 57,300 nights. This was 59.0 per cent higher than in the year before. The biggest drop was seen in overnight stays by Russians, down by 221,700 nights. Their overnight stays were 86.8 per cent down on January to November 2020.

The biggest group of non-resident tourists were Germans with 217,000 overnight stays. The second largest group was Swedes with 154,000 overnight stays. The third largest group was Estonians with 142,000 overnight stays , and fourth were U.S. tourists with 77,000 overnight stays. The fifth largest group was Britons (68,000 nights), sixth was French (54,000 nights), seventh Dutch tourists (53,000 nights) and eight was Italians (51,000 nights).

Change in overnight stays in January-November 2021/2020, %

Source: Accommodation Statistics. Statistics Finland

Inquiries: Sofia Pitkanen 029 551 3037, Ossi Nurmi 029 551 2984, liikenne.matkailu@stat.fi

Head of Department in charge: Hannele Orjala

Publication in pdf-format (373.7 kB)

Updated 23.12.2021

Referencing instructions: Official Statistics of Finland (OSF): Accommodation statistics [e-publication].

ISSN=1799-6325. November 2021. Helsinki: Statistics Finland [referred: 6.1.2022].

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Academician Dan Berindei, a prominent figure of the Romanian intellectual elite and an important representative of Romanian historiography, died on Thursday, at the age of 98, the Romanian Academy makes the announcement.

"Descendant of the Brancoveanu family, with a capital role in the Romanian history and culture, Dan Berindei kept the nobility and distinction of this old aristocratic family and cultivated throughout his life fundamental values, assuming, in unfavorable times, a destiny of honesty and self-exigency. A patriotic spirit par excellence, with a deep attachment to the political elite that laid the foundations of the modern Romanian state, Dan Berindei has dedicated his entire life to the study of history and has developed an exceptional career that span over seven decades. Now, when we bid him farewell, the Romanian Academy is in mourning. Members of the Romanian Academy, its leadership voices its regret and grief. The memory of academician Dan Berindei will always remain with us," reads a press release of the Office of the Presidium of the Romanian Academy.

Born on November 3, 1923, in Bucharest, he studied first in private, then at the "Clemence" School and at the "Spiru Haret" High School. He is a graduate of the Faculty of History and Philosophy, the History Department, University of Bucharest, with the title "magna cum laude" and doctor of history, with a thesis on "The City of Bucharest, Residence and Capital of Wallachia (1459-1862)." After graduating, he became a researcher and scientific secretary at the Institute of Balkan Studies and Research (1946-1948), then assistant at the Institute of History and Philosophy of the Romanian Academy (1948-1952).

In 1952-1955 he was abusively removed from scientific research by the ruling communist regime. He was recalled in 1955 and worked as a principal investigator at the "Nicolae Iorga" Institute of History of the Romanian Academy for 45 years. He served as Scientific Secretary and Vice-President of the Scientific Council.

After 1990 he was able to develop a teaching career, being an associate professor at the Faculty of History of the University of Bucharest, at the Politehnica University of Bucharest and the Hyperion University of Bucharest.

He was a specialist in the modern history of Romania and the author, alone or in collaboration, of over 90 volumes and over 700 articles and studies published in prestigious scientific journals in the country and abroad, in which he addressed issues related to the political and social history of the 19th century (revolutions of 1821 and 1848, Union of Principalities, War of Independence), economic history, history of culture, journalism, Bucharest, history of diplomacy and international relations.

He was secretary of the National Committee of Romanian Historians (1977-1993) and its president (1993-2015). Member of the Romanian Society of Historical Sciences, the Association of International Law and International Relations, the Heraldry, Genealogy and Sigilography Committee of the Romanian Academy (vice-president 1971-1981, president since 1981).

For his exceptional career as a historian and professor, he became doctor honoris causa of the universities of Craiova (2001), Ovidius of Constanta (2007), "Valahia" of Targoviste (2009) and the West University of Timisoara (2009). The Romanian Presidency awarded him two high state orders: the National Order "Star of Romania" in rank of Knight (2002) and the National Order "Star of Romania" in rank of Officer (2016).

Historian Dan Berindei devoted his entire life to the Romanian Academy, which he always considered to be a fundamental institution of the modern Romanian state, for which he worked skillfully and efficiently. He held two consecutive terms as Vice President of the Romanian Academy (2006-2014) and as President of the Department of Historical Sciences and Archeology (1993-2005 and 2016-2019), of which he had been Honorary President since 2005.

In 2006 he wrote an extensive history of the Romanian Academy, republished in 2016, on the occasion of a century and a half since the establishment of the institution.
Almost 170 fines, totaling 252,800 lei, were applied in the context of the protest demonstration at the Parliament Palace, Bucharest's Gendarmerie informed on Thursday.

"Following the measures taken on Tuesday, in the context of the protest at the Palace of Parliament, in addition, another 51 sanctions were applied, amounting to 54,000 lei, in accordance with the provisions of Law 55/2020 on some measures for preventing and combating the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, with subsequent amendments and completions.

About 1,200 people protested on Tuesday near the Parliament Palace against the introduction of the green certificate.
Bucharest general mayor Nicusor Dan says that, based on the state budget adopted in Parliament, it will be impossible for Bucharest Mayoralty (PMB) to "cover the needs" of the capital at the level of the current year.

"Parliament gave today the nod of approval for the state budget for 2022, and the news for the capital is not good at all. Despite all the steps we have taken in the last two months, Bucharest has remained with the same budget from 2021 - RON 10 billion, of which RON 4 billion for the Capital City Hall and RON 6 billion for the (six) district mayors. With such a budget, with the prices that have exploded in the energy sector and with ZERO government compensation for this, it will be impossible for PMB to cover the needs of the Capital at the level of this year," the general mayor wrote on Facebook.

"I invite each of the parties with representation in the General Council of the Capital to come up with a concrete proposal for a local budget. More directly and simply put, to show clearly where and how much to cut. After all, the CGMB [General Council of Bucharest City Hall] will have to vote for the capital's budget, so I ask the political groups to propose this budget directly and to assume the necessary cuts," Nicusor Dan asserted.

"Beyond this problem for 2022, I would like us to have a very serious debate in the coming months about the financing of Bucharest in the next years. Do we want to have a subsistence budget or a development budget for Bucharest? Do we let Bucharest crawl as it can or do we really change things? It is all about the Capital of Romania and its economic engine, not one of the thousands of localities of the country," he added.AGERPRES
The Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies, Social Democrat Marcel Ciolacu, stated on Thursday that the rulers have "never" discussed compulsory vaccination, and the protests on this topic were triggered by "a series of lies."

He was asked if he had changed his position because of the protests.

"No, definitely not. The protests have been triggered by a series of lies, in Romania, until now, and I would like to call on the press to stop these liars, because no one has ever come up with a bill meant to force vaccination," Ciolacu said at the Palace of Parliament.

The PSD (Social Democratic Party) leader maintained that the proposal of Minister Alexandru Rafila regarding the introduction of the COVID green certificate depending on the incidence of SARS-CoV-2 infections is the best.

"I think that Mr Rafila's proposal is based on the incidence, the cases and the pressure on the ICU system, which is the best approach. I don't think that removing certain categories, for some in one way and for others in another way, would do any good. It is a rule of common sense, which we must admit is not a constitutional rule," explained Marcel Ciolacu.
The customs authorities of Romania and the Republic of Moldova have joint measures, during the winter holidays, to streamline the traffic of goods and passengers at the border, a National Agency for Fiscal Administration (ANAF) release informs.

"On December 22 this year, a working meeting of the heads of the customs authorities of Romania and the Republic of Moldova took place in Bucharest, in which aspects of the development of the future cooperation between the two states in the customs field were discussed. The Romanian Customs Authority was represented by President Bogdan Lari Mihei and the Republic of Moldova by Customs Service Director Igor Talmazan. The representatives of the two states agreed on a series of joint actions for the next period," the release said.

ANAF representatives inform that the parties have also agreed to update the Bilateral Customs Cooperation Plan with new proposals, noting the need to intensify cooperation for the implementation of projects initiated at EU level.

At the same time, the Romanian Customs Authority and the Customs Service of the Republic of Moldova expressed their readiness to organize study visits on customs topics of common interest.
The Government is requesting police officers to enforce the law, and yet the Government itself is the one who is not applying the legislation through which it should increase the salaries of the police staff, the chairman of the National Trade Unions Federation of Police and Contract Employees (FSNPPC), Vasile Zelca, declared on Thursday for AGEPRRES, during the police union's rally.

A few hundred employees from the Police, penitentiaries, the Ministry of Labor, health system, social assistance system and other areas participated in a rally on Thursday, in front of Parliament, as a sign of protest towards the fact that the Government did not include in the budget for 2022 the wage increases that were provided in the wage law for these categories.

"Today, all unions from the Romanian Police, penitentiary police, reserve associations from MAI (Ministry of Internal Affairs) and not only, are carrying out a shared protest, with two claims: fully apply of Law 153/2017 and update of the military pensions according to Law 223/2015. We, at the moment when we negotiated with the Government in 2017, we understood that the country does not have money and we accepted this forbearance of salary increases on a 4-year-length period. Since 2021 and it seems that in 2022 as well, the Government, regardless of its political color, is not respecting the law, law that clearly mentions that in order to reach the grid of Annex 6 for the occupational family we are part of, it needs 4 years in which the basic salary, to be brought to the level provided in the grid. We received two installments and we are behind with updating the salary increase. Actually, we are not even asking for increases now, we are only asking to apply the law, we are asking the differences provided in Annex 6. The last increase was in January 2020, when the last quarter was granted, so to speak, there are two quarters left to give, two stages, we are halfway there. The Government is asking me, as a police officer, to enforce the law; I am enforcing the law, but the Government isn't. We are not asking for anything else other than respecting Law 153 and applying it just as it was voted in Parliament," Vasile Zelca said.

The police union leader reminded that they do not have the right of having another source of income than the one of a police officer.

The chairman of FSNPPC pointed out that the protests will continue until the Government will apply the provisions of the wage law.AGERPRES
Two containers with severely damaged cars and 10 tonnes of used car parts, waste brought from the USA and Canada, were detected by the border police officers in the port of Constanta, the Coast Guard informed on Thursday.

In both cases, the authorities ordered the measure of denying entry on the Romanian territory and sending the containers to the countries of dispatch, criminal files for committing the offense of illegal import of waste being drawn up.

"On December 22, a joint control team consisting of border police officers with the Coast Guard, in cooperation with customs inspectors from the Constanta Sud Agigea Border Customs Office, employees with the Romanian Auto Registry, inspectors with the Environment Coast Guard and commissioners with the County Commissariat for Consumer Protection Constanta carried out the physical inspection of two containers arrived in the Port of Constanta," reads a press release sent by the Coast Guard.

According to the quoted source, in the container arrived from the USA there were two severely damaged cars, the recipients being two citizens domiciled in Constanta County.

"Following the verifications, it was established that the two cars were listed as total loss due to traffic accidents. According to the legislation in the field, they cannot be registered in Romania, and their parts cannot be used, meaning that the import operation has not been completed," the Coast Guard said.

The container arrived from Canada with the declared goods as second hand car parts and parts from used cars, the recipient being a company from Suceava County.

"Following the checks, it was found that the car parts, in a total quantity of 10 tonnes, come from damaged cars, total loss, which cannot be repaired or sold on the Romanian market, finding that they are waste," the press release further mentions.
Most new cases of SARS-CoV-2 infection compared to the last report were registered in Bucharest - 199, followed by Arad - 45 and Bihor and Sibiu - 42 each, the Strategic Communication Group (GCS) informed on Thursday.

The fewest cases were in Giurgiu - 1, Botosani, Calarasi and Mehedinti - 3 each.

The municipality of Bucharest has an incidence of SARS-CoV-2 infections of 0.62 per thousand inhabitants, slightly lower than the previous day, when it was 0.64 per thousand inhabitants.

Arad County ranks first in terms of the incidence of infections cumulated at 14 days, with 1.39 cases per thousand inhabitants.
The number of registrations of individuals and legal entities increased in the first 11 months of this year by 37.31%, compared to the similar period in 2020, to 139,650, of which 96,421 are limited liability companies, according to the data centralized by the National Office of the Trade Register (ONRC), consulted by AGERPRES.

Most registrations were registered in the Municipality of Bucharest, respectively 22,215 (+ 26.84%, compared to January - November 2020), and in the counties of Cluj - 8,039 (+ 51.68%), Timis - 6,608 (+45.74 %) and Ilfov - 6,579 (+ 30.17%).

On the other hand, the lowest number of registrations was recorded in the counties of Covasna - 1,016 (+ 33.86%, compared to the first 11 months of the previous year), Ialomita - 1,046 (+ 41.35%) and Calarasi - 1,174 ( + 21.41%).

According to ONRC, the areas in which most registrations were made are: wholesale and retail; repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles (27,756, + 11.34% from year to year), construction (15,283; plus 19.62%) and agriculture, forestry and fishing (15,111; + 284.31%).

In November 2021, 10,312 individuals and legal entities were registered, most of them in Bucharest (2,240) and in the counties of Cluj (644), Ilfov (560) and Timis (526).
Prime Minister Nicolae Ciuca had a telephone conversation on Thursday with his Polish counterpart Mateusz Morawieski, with whom he arranged for the next joint meeting of the two governments to take place on March 3, 2022, in Warsaw.

According to a Government release, Mateusz Morawieski congratulated Nicolae Ciuca for taking over the post of prime minister and noted "the stability offered by the Wide Coalition achieved in Romania."

The two expressed satisfaction with the good relations that Romania and Poland have.

At the same time, Prime Minister Ciuca noted the special development of Romanian-Polish relations based on the Strategic Partnership linking the two states and on joint projects within the Three Seas Initiative and the Bucharest 9 format, on cooperation within NATO and the EU.

He thanked Poland for its support during the difficult period of the fourth wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.

"The two prime ministers have agreed that the next joint meeting of the governments of the two states will take place on March 3, 2022, in Warsaw. Moreover, an important part of the conversation focused on security matters, hybrid actions in Eastern Europe and the military pressures of Russia on Ukraine. The Romanian and Polish prime ministers have agreed to maintain close personal contact and bilateral consultations on any topic of direct interest," the release said.
The Senate and Chamber of Deputies met on Thursday in a solemn joint plenary siting devoted to the 1989 Romanian Revolution 32-year celebration.

The sitting began with the performance of the National Anthem and the MPs kept a moment of silence.

Senate President Florin Citu is leading the sitting.

MPs are going to deliver speeches about the Romanian Revolution and pay homage to the memory of those who sacrificed themselves for freedom.
USR (Save Romania Union) will challenge the draft state budget law for next year with the Constitutional Court, vice-chair Dan Barna informed on Thursday.

"It is a budget (...) that approved the extremists' modifications and that did not approve a single modification from USR. USR is currently the only democratic opposition in Romania. We will attack this budget with CCR because it is a budget that discriminates against Romanians and supports only the majority that voted PSD or PNL," Barna told the joint plenary sitting of Parliament.
Station wagons have pretty much gone by the wayside these days as consumers have moved to minivans, sport utilities and crossovers as their vehicles of choice. Every now and then you see an aging Ford Ranch Wagon, Country Sedan or perhaps a once-stylish Country Squire on the street, but they are rarities.

When I see one these days, especially at this time of year, it brings back fond memories from my youth. When I would see a full-size Ford, Chevy, Plymouth or other make of wagon just before Christmas, it would often have a Christmas tree tied to the roof with white twine that the tree lots always used.

The tree may have belonged to the owner of the car, or possibly a friend or neighbor who borrowed the car to take his tree home... sort of like many borrow pickup trucks these days.

If you are old enough to remember the National Lampoons Christmas Vacation movie, you may remember the garish, gigantic station wagon that starred in the movie. Not only did it have a number of decorative ornamental trim  like the crown gracing the odd C pillar  but as if quad headlamps werent enough, this oddball wagon had octad headlamps! And the taillamps, although original Ford stock, were doubled in quantity.
Area governments, meanwhile, have resources they didnt have a year ago. St. Louis and St. Louis County got $700 million from the American Rescue Plan and $500 million, shared with a regional stadium authority, from a lawsuit against the National Football League. The area also will benefit from hundreds of millions in federal infrastructure spending.

If that public money is invested wisely, in ways that will educate and attract a future generation of workers, we have a chance of breaking the pattern of stagnation. If its squandered, we may never get such an opportunity again.

Even if all goes well, however, were not going back to the kind of economy we had before the pandemic. Firms that used to find plenty of willing workers at low wages will find that they need to pay more and invest in labor-saving technology.

The trick will be preparing the regions most precious resource, its young people, for the jobs of the future. St. Louis has already developed innovative training programs such as Gateway Global for geospatial careers and Access Point for computer programming. Its time to double or triple our investment in them.

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Baker is on a streak: Tangerine and The Florida Project were among the most distinctive, ground-level slices of life of their respective years. The premise here, of course, is galling: Mikey and Strawberrys relationship is both sexual and, as Mikey hopes  hes grooming her for a career in porn and a return to the business for himself  transactional. The film does not lionize the character, but building a film around this character, today, will be several bridges too far for any number of viewers.

Baker and cinematographer Drew Daniels shot Red Rocket in a hurry, on 16 mm film, with a slew of non-actors or first-timers backing up the pros. Bakers eye for composition is strikingly good; he knows when to pivot off Mikey and over to the long-suffering women in his scattershot life. The first hour is terrific; the second one, disappointingly, grows weaker and more conventional. Sons Strawberry fills in the blanks of a character that never fully transcends Lone Star Lolita status (though many critics, female and male, see it otherwise).
It requires U.S. government agencies to expand their monitoring of the use of forced labor by Chinas ethnic minorities. Crucially, it creates a presumption that goods coming from Xinjiang are made with forced labor. Businesses will have to prove that forced labor, including by workers transferred from Xinjiang, was not used in manufacturing the product before it will be allowed into the U.S.

The House and Senate each passed the measure with overwhelming support from Democrats and Republicans.

It wasn't until shortly before the Senate voted last week that the White House said Biden supported the measure. The announcement followed months in which the White House declined, despite repeated questioning, to take a public stand on an earlier version of the measure.

The United States says China is committing genocide in its treatment of the Uyghurs. That includes widespread reports by rights groups and journalists of forced sterilization and large detention camps where many Uyghurs allegedly are forced to work in factories.

China denies any abuses and says the steps it has taken are necessary to combat terrorism and a separatist movement.
Goulds lawsuit here is the latest of many he has filed against the carpenters union. In lawsuits filed in St. Louis Circuit Court, he has accused local union leaders of improperly using member funds , though the union has thus far fended off the litigation.

In his most recent lawsuit, the one in which McCarron filed the declaration, Gould does not have a lawyer and is representing himself. Even so, the union and McCarron are represented by two of the biggest legal names in town: Bob Blitz, who has represented the union in the past, and Jim Martin of Dowd Bennett, who defended former Gov. Eric Greitens in his invasion of privacy case. Both attorneys law firms were part of the legal team that just won the $790 million settlement against the NFL and Rams football team.
The last time she saw him was Friday.

He would always give me a big hug and ask how my day was, she said.

Others at the vigil struggled to comprehend the tragedy and explain it to their young children.

Kayla Marlow said her son, Damian, was good friends with the boy. She said when she told her son his friend wouldnt be returning to class, a boy who is normally reticent to shed tears leaned into her chest and cried.

I am heartbroken, she said. Its really affecting them.

Nancy Elias lives down the road from where the boy died. She said her granddaughter, who is in fifth grade, and several others were on the bus that day. The stop was only the second on the route, she said.

Elias said she took her granddaughter to counseling available at the primary school earlier in the day, but she was too upset to attend the vigil.

Its very sad, she said.
JEFFERSON CITY  A state contract with a Texas company has ended after the firm delivered health care treatments to more than 3,600 COVID-19 patients.

State payroll records show Galveston-based SLSCO received more than $26 million through the no-bid emergency contract for providing antibody treatment centers, as well as health care staffing to 74 Missouri hospitals.

The company, which has worked with other states during the pandemic, is among a number of private vendors who have been tapped by Gov. Mike Parson to assist Missouri in its response to the spread of the disease, which has killed more than 15,000 Missourians.

The hiring of SLSCO, formally known as Sullivan Land Services Co., was notable because the company had earlier received a contract during President Donald Trumps administration to build a wall on the nations southern border.

According to state payroll records, SLSCO was paid $20.4 million to provide antibody treatments and $5.8 million to help assist hospitals that have struggled with staffing issues amid a surge of patients.

The money to pay the company came from federal emergency COVID-19 funds.
The brief says the law poses a clear and substantial threat to public safety and has seriously impaired the federal governments ability to combat violent crime in Missouri.

The law declares invalid many federal gun regulations that dont have an equivalent in Missouri law. These include statutes covering weapons registration and tracking, and possession of firearms by some domestic violence offenders.

Local departments are barred from enforcing them, or risk being sued for $50,000 by private citizens who believe their Second Amendment rights have been violated.

Police are also prohibited from giving material aid and support to federal agents and prosecutors in enforcing those invalid laws against law-abiding citizens  defined as those who Missouri law permits to have a gun.

The Justice Department, Democrats and other critics of the law, signed in June by Republican Gov. Mike Parson, say its blatantly unconstitutional. The brief appears to include the most extreme examples to date of the measures toll on law enforcement.
China's Communist Party has worked hard to scrub the June 4, 1989, Tiananmen crackdown from history on the mainland. Authorities don't allow any memorial and even whisk dissidents out of town so they cant organize any commemoration around the anniversary. There is no mention of it in the media and the day passes like any other. Hong Kong, because it has greater freedoms than mainland China, together with Macao were the only places in the country that openly remembered those who died when the government sent in troops to end the protest. Until 2019, a massive outdoor candlelight vigil was held every year on the anniversary. Hong Kong authorities have banned the annual vigil for the last two years, citing COVID-19 risks. They have arrested the organizers of the vigil under a tough national security law enacted last year, driving the leaders to disband their group. They have seized materials from a temporary exhibit on Tiananmen that it had set up every year. Through it all, the Pillar of Shame remained standing on the Hong Kong University campus. Now it is gone too.
So far, the variant accounts for fewer than 1% of samples sequenced in Missouri, said state health department spokeswoman Lisa Cox.

We assume it is here in our communities, and prevalence of Omicron among samples being sequenced is highly likely in the coming days and weeks  its just not showing up yet," Cox said.

St. Louis County officials said in the release that they believe it's spreading there because of the sharp increase in new cases." There is now so much demand for testing that appointments are required.

COVID-19 hospitalizations are also on the rise statewide, topping more than 2,000 this week, state data shows. That's twice as many as in early November, but still well below peak hospitalization levels from last winter and the delta-driven summer surge.

Steve Edwards, the CEO of CoxHealth in Springfield, tweeted this week that 95% of the patients are unvaccinated and none of them had a booster.

Holiday gatherings will drive spread," he said, urging vaccinations. Stay safe, we continue to lose patients who falsely believed their immune system was strong enough.
You got to ambush a guy like Fauci, he said, apparently referring to a style of confrontational interview.

Now youre going for the kill shot. The kill shot with an ambush is deadly because he doesnt see it coming.  Boom, he is dead! He is dead! Watters tells would-be shooters to record the ambush. Now you get that footage to us. You get it to Fox so the assailants can make a name for yourselves. Audience members giggled in response.

Fauci told CNN he believes Watters should be fired on the spot but conceded thats unlikely. The only thing that I have ever done throughout these two years is to encourage people to practice good [pandemic] public health practices Fauci said. ... And for that, you have some guy out there saying that people should be giving me a kill shot to ambush me? I mean, what kind of craziness is there in society these days?

The network says it wont take disciplinary action, labeling Watters remarks as a metaphor. A metaphor that lasted eight minutes, followed by instructions on going after Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass.
DGAP-Ad-hoc: Dexus Finance Pty Limited / Schlagwort(e): Immobilien

Dexus Finance Pty Limited: Sale of 140 and 150 George Street Parramatta



23.12.2021 / 00:21 CET/CEST

Veroffentlichung einer Insiderinformation nach Artikel 17 der Verordnung (EU) Nr. 596/2014, ubermittelt durch DGAP - ein Service der EQS Group AG.

Fur den Inhalt der Mitteilung ist der Emittent / Herausgeber verantwortlich.



Sale of 140 & 150 George Street, Parramatta Dexus announces that the Dexus Office Partnership in which Dexus has a 50% interest has exchanged contracts to sell its 100% interest in 140 & 150 George Street, Parramatta. The sale will realise proceeds of $154 million[1], with net sale proceeds initially being used to repay debt. 150 George Street is a 21,964 square metre, A-Grade office building located in the Parramatta CBD. The property has become vacant in the past month following the known departure of the Commonwealth Bank of Australia. 140 George Street is an adjacent 2,271 square metre site. The sale was the result of an unsolicited off-market offer, and settlement is expected in August 2022. Authorised by Brett Cameron, General Counsel and Company Secretary of Dexus Funds Management Limited For further information please contact: Investors

Rowena Causley

Senior Manager, Investor Relations

+61 2 9017 1390

+61 416 122 383

rowena.causley@dexus.com Media

Louise Murray

Senior Manager, Corporate Communications

+61 2 9017 1446

+61 403 260 754

louise.murray@dexus.com [1] Reflects total sale proceeds to Dexus Office Partnership (in which Dexus has a 50% interest) and excludes transaction costs. Informationen und Erlauterungen des Emittenten zu dieser Mitteilung:



About Dexus Dexus (ASX: DXS) is one of Australia's leading fully integrated real estate groups, managing a high-quality Australian property portfolio valued at $42.5 billion. We believe that the strength and quality of our relationships will always be central to our success and are deeply committed to working with our customers to provide spaces that engage and inspire. We invest only in Australia, and directly own $17.5 billion of office, industrial and healthcare properties, and investments. We manage a further $25.0 billion of office, retail, industrial and healthcare properties for third party clients. The group's $15.4 billion development pipeline provides the opportunity to grow both portfolios and enhance future returns. Sustainability is integrated across our business, and our sustainability approach is the lens we use to manage emerging ESG risks and opportunities for all our stakeholders. Dexus is a Top 50 entity by market capitalisation listed on the Australian Securities Exchange and is supported by more than 30,000 investors from 23 countries. With over 35 years of expertise in property investment, funds management, asset management and development, we have a proven track record in capital and risk management and delivering superior risk-adjusted returns for investors. www.dexus.com Dexus Funds Management Ltd ABN 24 060 920 783, AFSL 238163, as Responsible Entity for Dexus (ASX: DXS)

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London, England, Dec. 23, 2021 McapMediaWire

Net Savings Link, Inc. (OTC Pink: NSAV), a cryptocurrency, blockchain and digital asset technology company, today announced that it has launched its second Decentralized Cryptocurrency Exchange (DEX) https://nsavdex.io which is deployed on Binance Smart Chain (BSC) https://www.binance.org/en/smartChain , further expanding the Companys presence in the $2 trillion global cryptocurrency market. Binance is the worlds largest centralized cryptocurrency exchange and using Binance protocol is a major advantage for NSAVDEX 2. The NSAVDEX 2 marks another major milestone for the NSAV ECOsystem and provides our users with a colony range of DEX services. The NSAVDEX 2 has among the highest technical specifications and standards in the DEX industry and provide users with an unparalleled experience.

Danny Lau, NSAV Director, Head of Blockchain Operations and Silverbear Capital partner stated, We are proud to announce that the NSAVDEX 2 is using Binance Smart Chain, which has dual-chain architecture and empowers its users to build their decentralized apps and digital assets on one blockchain and take advantage of the fast trading to exchange on the other.

NSAVDEX 2 is a permissionless fully decentralized exchange (DEX) platform. With NSAVDEX 2 you can Trade, Stake, and Liquidity mining. NSAVDEX 2 has 1 second finality and can support up to 10,000 transactions per second (TPS). The NSAVDEX 2 decentralized exchange will be governed by the community (governance details to be announced) and users are able to trade digital market assets, play Lottery and prediction, and earn passive income by referral programs, subject to our terms and conditions (please inquire via our DEX Telegram). NSAVDEX 2 is scalable, and individuals can access unlimited markets with the NSAVDEX 2 exchange. The NSAVDEX 2 has Inter-Blockchain Technology (IBC) in its protocol. Besides Spot Products pair, more derivative pair such as Futures, Options, Perpetual contracts, Crypto Funds, Crypto Indies, and trade NFTs. One platform for all Crypto products.

Highlights of Binance Smart Chain:

Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) Compatible:

Supports all the existing Ethereum tooling along with faster finality and cheaper transaction fees.

Proof of Staked Authority (PoSA) Consensus Mechanism:

Method of verifying transactions that reduces fees. Binance Smart Chain is an innovative solution to bring programmability and interoperability to the Binance Chain. Binance Smart Chain relies on a system of 21 validators with PoSA consensus that can support short block time and lower fees.

Cross-Chain Transfer:

Ability to move between different blockchains. Binance Smart Chain comes with efficient native dual chain communication; Optimized for scaling high-performance dApps that require fast and smooth user experience.

Binance Smart Chains Block Time:

Binance Smart Chains 3 second Block Time is the length of time it takes to create a new block in a cryptocurrency blockchain. A block is verified by miners, who compete against each other to verify the transactions and solve the hash, which creates another block.

The combined total of all DEXes is surging at the moment as the demand for DeFi has remained resilient. Septembers volume alone exceeded $78 billion. The management of NSAV and its partners are pioneers in the Digital Asset and Blockchain industry and believe the Company can compete in the global DeFi arena.

Dato Sri Desmond Lim, Interim CEO and Senior Vice President of Cryptocurrency Operations for NSAV and Silverbear Capital partner stated, Today again marks another important milestone for NSAV. Management has been extremely busy with the task of building the NSAV ECOsystem and today we celebrate the launch of our second NSAVDEX Exchange, the NSAVDEX 2, and demonstrate once again, our dynamic strategy. The Company would like to thank everyone who assisted in completing this project in a timely manner and of course, our loyal shareholders for their continued patience and support. Finally, we would like to thank the digital asset team at Silverbear Capital for their strategic perspective and advice.

NSAVs vision is the establishment of a fully integrated technology company, which provides turnkey technological solutions to the cryptocurrency, blockchain and digital asset industries. Over time, the Company plans to provide a wide range of services such as software solutions, e-commerce, financial services, advisory services and information technology.

For further information please contact NSAV at info@nsavholdinginc.com

The NSAV Twitter account can be accessed at https://twitter.com/nsavtech

The NSAV corporate website can be accessed at http://nsavholdinginc.com

The NSAVDEX 2 Exchange website can be accessed at https://nsavdex.io/

The NSAV Premium OTC Crypto Trading Desk website can be accessed at https://nsavholdinginc.com/otc-desk/

The NSAV Hong Kong OTC Crypto Trading Desk website can be accessed at https://hkotc.co/

The NSAVDEX Exchange Telegram account can be accessed at https://t.me/NSAVDEXorg

Silverbear Capital Inc. https://www.sbcfinancialgroup.com.hk/ , a leading, global investment banking firm, will be advising NSAV on strategic matters relating to the Companys cryptocurrency exchanges and OTC Crypto Trading Desks. Silverbear will also help guide NSAV in ensuring that its exchanges and OTC Desks are continually in compliance, given the rapidly increasing regulatory environment in the cryptocurrency industry.

Silverbear Capital Inc. (SBC) has a dynamic of disciplines on a broad commercial level and practice. SBC has a strong group of Partners in a wide range of disciplines with seasoned experience in finance, management, and professional practice. https://www.sbcfinancialgroup.com.hk/meet-our-team/ .

Disclaimer: Silverbear Capital Inc. does not constitute investment advice, or an offer or solicitation to sell, or a solicitation to buy, or any other investment product (nor shall any such shares or product be offered or sold to any person) in any jurisdiction in which an offer, solicitation, purchase or sale would be unlawful under the securities law of that jurisdiction.

This press release contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, which are intended to be covered by the safe harbors created thereby. Investors are cautioned that, all forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, including without limitation, the ability of Net Savings Link, Inc. to accomplish its stated plan of business. Net Savings Link, Inc. believes that the assumptions underlying the forward-looking statements contained herein are reasonable, any of the assumptions could be inaccurate, and therefore, there can be no assurance that the forward-looking statements included in this press release will prove to be accurate. In light of the significant uncertainties inherent in the forward- looking statements included herein, the inclusion of such information should not be regarded as a representation by Net Savings Link, Inc. or any other person.

Contact

Net Savings Link, Inc.

info@nsavholdinginc.com

MCAP Media Wire | Home
Tech. Sgt. Jason Hanafin, 90th Medical Group NCOIC of allergy and immunizations, administers a COVID-19 vaccine at the immunizations clinic on F.E. Warren Air Force Base, Wyoming, Dec. 6, 2021. (Charles Munoz/U.S. Air Force)

SPRINGFIELD, (Tribune News Service)  The Air Force said Wednesday it has denied some 2,100 requests to avoid the COVID-19 vaccine for considerations of military readiness.

The Air Force has received more than 10,000 requests from across what it calls the total force  active-duty personnel, National Guard and Reserve  to be exempt from having to take the COVID-19 vaccine as an accommodation of religious beliefs.

Of that number, more than 2,000 were denied due to military readiness considerations, the Air Force said.

Each commander determines if the accommodation can be made without adversely impacting military readiness based on the health and safety of the unit and member, unit cohesion, and good order and discipline, the Air Force said in a release Wednesday.

If the commander determines the accommodation cannot be made without adversely affecting any of those factors, he or she will deny the religious accommodation request, even if a request is seen as sincere.

At that point, a service member may appeal the denial to the Air Force surgeon general.

Each members request is carefully considered to balance the governments compelling interest in mission accomplishment with the service members sincerely held belief, said Under Secretary of the Air Force Gina Ortiz Jones.

To date, more than 95% of total force Airmen and Guardians have been vaccinated, the service said.

The deadline for active duty Airmen and Guardians to be vaccinated was Nov. 2, while Air Force Reserve Airmen had until Dec. 2 to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. The deadline for Air National Guard members was extended to Dec. 31.

Service members who continue to refuse to obey a lawful order to receive the COVID-19 vaccine after their exemption request/final appeal has been denied or retirement/separation has not been approved will be subject to initiation of administrative discharge proceedings, the Air Force said.

(c)2021 Springfield News-Sun, Ohio

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Buy Photo For 70 years, Namsan-won Orphanage in Seoul, South Korea, and Eighth Army have worked together to make Christmas a holiday the children can look forward to. (Jazzmin Spain/Stars and Stripes)

SEOUL, South Korea  Eighth Army soldiers did Thursday what Eighth Army soldiers have done in South Koreas capital city this time of year since 1951.

They turned out for temporary duty as Santas helpers and delivered toys to the Namsan-won Orphanage built by their predecessors during the Korean War.

For 70 years, Namsan-won and Eighth Army have worked together to make Christmas a holiday the children can look forward to.

I love to be a part of events like this, said Sgt. 1st Class Michael Stephenson, the noncommissioned officer-in-charge of Eighth Army Civil Information Management. We always encourage soldiers to participate in community outreach events. So, seeing those kids eyes light up was great to me.

Buy Photo Members of Eighth Army headquarters and their families donated enough toys and bikes to ensure each child at Namsan-won Orphanage in Seoul, South Korea, receives a gift on Christmas Eve. (Jazzmin Spain/Stars and Stripes) Buy Photo Eighth Army soldiers unload donated gifts at Namsan-won Orphanage in Seoul, South Korea, Thursday, Dec. 23, 2021. (Jazzmin Spain/Stars and Stripes)

Members of Eighth Army headquarters and their families donated enough toys and bikes to ensure each child receives a gift when theyre handed out at 6 p.m. Friday, Christmas Eve.

The orphanage, founded in 1951 in Namsan in the heart of Seoul, was built by South Korean and Eighth Army soldiers. The orphanage, itself a historic site, is home today to 47 children  19 boys and 28 girls ranging from 3 months to teenagers. Three high school seniors live there; two plan to attend college and the other is going into the workforce after graduation.

I would like to express my sincere gratitude for showing love to the orphans at Namsan-won despite the pandemic, said Joshua Park, the orphanage executive director, and we will continue to ensure the children are happy and healthy.

What is most important is that the [South Korea] and U.S. alliance lives on and grow stronger every day, Eighth Army commander Lt. Gen. William Burleson III told Stars and Stripes. Just by the simple acts of kindness between each other, our alliance is ironclad because of the kindness in the hearts of both Americans and Koreans alike.

spain.jazzmin@stripes.com

Twitter: @SpainJazzmin
(Tribune News Service)  Theres mold in the Fort Bragg barracks.

U.S. Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C., wrote a letter Tuesday to Secretary of the Army Christine Wormuth complaining about mold and demanding an immediate fix.

Allowing soldiers to live in moldy and unsafe housing is a danger to country, Tillis wrote.

Tillis provided his letter in a news release Thursday and said a Fort Bragg soldier contacted his office with photo evidence. He added that the soldier reported that Braggs public works department stated they will not address the situation.

Fort Bragg Directorate of Public Works resolves a high volume of work orders every day, including mold remediation, Col. Scott Pence, Fort Bragg garrison commander, wrote in a statement to The News & Observer. If soldiers feel their work orders are not being addressed in a timely manner, their chain of command can contact Garrison headquarters for a resolution.

Fort Bragg, located near Fayetteville, is home to around 55,000 active-duty service members.

Base surveys

In 2019, the U.S. Army released a survey of resident satisfaction with 43 installations privatized family and unaccompanied housing. The survey found that Fort Bragg had the worst satisfaction with family housing at any of the installations and was the only base ranked as very poor.

Complaints in the survey included landscaping, visitor parking, road conditions, pest control and comparisons to previous communities a soldier had lived in.

In a 2021 survey, Fort Braggs ranking was 41 and was listed as below average.

It was not clear if that portion of the survey included unaccompanied housing for soldiers serving a tour of duty without dependents, which are the barracks addressed in Tillis letter. In 2019 and 2021, Fort Bragg ranked third out of the five bases surveyed that offer this type of housing. The 2019 survey notes that Fort Bragg soldiers response rate was under 20%.

This isnt the first time Tillis has addressed mold at the base. In 2019, he visited Fort Bragg to listen to soldiers concerns about housing. He encouraged families to reach out to his office with complaints.

The N&O reported then that a soldiers wife said concerns she had voiced previously about mold in her barrack were addressed immediately when officials learned Tillis planned to visit.

In September, news of mold in the barracks surfaced again as soldiers returned home from Afghanistan.

ABC11, The N&Os news gathering partner, reported then that a soldier found their home and belongings covered in mold and showed photographs of air ducts, clothing and bedding covered in spores.

Tillis voted last week to pass the National Defense Authorization Act, which provided $27.2 million to Fort Bragg for an emergency water system and a 10-megawatt microgrid using existing and new generators. Money is also set aside in the bill to improve housing, but is not Fort Bragg specific.

Renovation work

The safety and welfare of our service members is our top priority, Pence said. The Army has invested $44.1 million in 24 of our barracks in 2022 to enhance quality of life and ensure barracks are at a level our Soldiers deserve.

Pence added that there are 18 barracks at Fort Bragg currently under renovation and six more scheduled to be renovated. He said the renovations will correct original design issues that make mold conditions more likely.

For the day to day, we have to remember that Soldiers and leaders are our eyes and ears when it comes to barracks maintenance issues, Pence said.

Tillis said in his letter that the Army needs to continue prioritizing the modernization of housing and barracks to ensure soldiers safety and that theyre Army-ready.

As the Army continues to undergo modernization and readiness enhancement efforts to prepare for Strategic Competition with near-peer competitors, Fort Bragg will remain singularly important as the tip of the spear for the Department of Defense, Tillis wrote. Therefore, I urge the Department of the Army to continue the ongoing effort to recapitalize barracks across the Army enterprise and address the conditions of the barracks immediately.

2021 McClatchy Washington Bureau.

Visit mcclatchydc.com .
Noa Calhoun, 3, the son of an Army private assigned to Camp Humphreys, was declared dead after South Korean police found his bruised body at a home in Pyeongtaek city, in September 2021. (James Calhoun)

PYEONGTAEK, South Korea  South Korean prosecutors recommended a 30-year prison sentence for the woman accused of killing a U.S. soldiers 3-year-old boy left in her care in September.

Jamaica Eblacas, 30, displayed a weak-willed repentance for the death of Noa Calhoun, the son of Army Pvt. James and Kourtney Calhoun, prosecutor Kim Jin-kyu told a three-judge panel at Suwon District Court on Wednesday. Eblacas was back in the Pyeongtaek branch court Wednesday to continue a sentencing hearing begun earlier this month.

James Calhoun, a 2nd Infantry Division soldier stationed at Camp Humphreys, was introduced to Eblacas, a Filipina bartender, by a mutual acquaintance, he told Stars and Stripes on Dec. 7. Calhoun said he left Noa and his 7-year old brother in Eblacas care before hanging out with friends the night of Sept. 5. He said he expected to pick them up the following morning.

Police responded to a disturbance call in the morning and discovered the childs bruised body in a home near Eblacas' workplace.

Eblacas admitted during her Nov. 5 arraignment to killing Noa Calhoun. She is charged with murder in conjunction with child abuse, which carries in South Korea a minimum three years in prison and a maximum penalty of death.

Kim in his closing remarks said Eblacas exhibited a very poor attitude during the proceedings.

Eblacas did not answer most questions from the court throughout her previous appearances. She was warned earlier this month by Chief Judge Kim Seyong that there would be issues if she continued to be unresponsive.

Eblacas responses in court Wednesday were mostly incomprehensible, according to her court translator.

Im easily angered, Eblacas said in her closing remarks.

Eblacas defense attorney, Jung Wang Jae, asked the court for a reasonable punishment and apologized to the bereaved family on behalf of his client.

Jung argued that Eblacas did not kill Noa Calhoun out of anger but exhibited abnormal behavior after being influenced by a fringe religious sect in South Korea.

He referred to a statement Eblacas gave police after the killing in which she referenced evil spirits, and said she previously displayed schizophrenia-like symptoms during a previous marriage.

I hope the court takes it into consideration that  the defendants religious issue has mixed with the defendants psychiatric issue, Jung told the court. Even if the defendant was not mentally defective, it was a situation that the defendant was at least mentally weak at the time.

Eblacas was a good speaker immediately after her arrest but her cognitive ability declined, Jung told Stars and Stripes in an interview Thursday.

She was not like that when I met her for the first time, when she was under arrest, Jung said, adding that Eblacas was answerless when asked if she would take a psychiatrist evaluation.

Jung said a prison sentence of over 10 years would be an extremely heavy punishment for Eblacas. She is expected back in Suwon District Court in January for sentencing.

Stars and Stripes reporter Yoo Kyong Chang contributed to this report.
From a single small vial, the manufacture of the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research COVID-19 vaccine begins in August 2020. Right to left are Col. Deydre Teyhen, Commander of WRAIR, and Maj. Jeffrey Froud, Director of the WRAIR Pilot Bioproduction Facility (PBF) Quality Assurance team. (Shawn Fury/Walter Reed Army Institute of Research)

Army researchers will reportedly announce soon that they have created a vaccine that effectively fights all forms of COVID-19, including the new omicron variant which is ravaging the U.S. and Europe.

Scientists at the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research told Defense One that news of the breakthrough is expected to be made public within weeks. In human trials so far, everything has been moving along exactly as theyd hoped.

Its very exciting to get to this point for our entire team, and I think for the entire Army as well, Dr. Kayvon Modjarrad, the leader of the institutes emerging infectious diseases unit, told Defense One in an interview for an article published Tuesday.

The vaccine is known as SpFN, which stands for spike ferritin nanoparticle. It has shown effectiveness not only against COVID-19 but also against previous SARS viruses.

From the beginning, the developers goal was to create a vaccine that could protect broadly and proactively against current and future strains.

We decided to take a look at the long game rather than just only focusing on the original emergence of SARS, and instead understand that viruses mutate, there will be variants that emerge, Modjarrad told Defense One. Our platform and approach will equip to be prepared for that.

The first phase of human trials began in April and wrapped up this month. Two additional human trial phases must still be completed.

Modjarrad said the trials took longer than expected because researchers needed test subjects who were unvaccinated and also had never been infected with COVID-19. The emergence of the virulent delta and omicron variants made it tougher to find people who met both criteria, he said.

In a statement in April, at the start of the human trials, Modjarrad said that SpFN will pave the way for a universal vaccine that will stop coronavirus variants before they can create another pandemic.

Modjarrad and his team began work on the vaccine in January 2020, weeks before the World Health Organization declared the COVID-19 outbreak a pandemic.

Modjarrad co-invented SpFN with colleague Gordon Joyce. He said nearly all of the institutes 2,500 staff members have had some role in its nearly two-year development. The next step is a broader rollout to allow researchers to see how SpFN interacts with people who are inoculated against COVID-19 or were infected with it.

The institutes industry partner in that rollout has not been identified yet, Defense One reported.
A U.S. Coast Guard helicopter flew more than 200 miles into the Gulf of Mexico Wednesday to aid a cruise ship passenger suffering a possible stroke.

The Coast Guard released information about the trip on Thursday. It said the rescue took place about 218 miles of Southwest Pass, La.

Coast Guard District Eight watchstanders received a call at approximately 11:23 a.m. stating a man was experiencing stroke-like symptoms aboard the cruise ship Carnival Valor, said the report. Watchstanders coordinated the launch of a Coast Guard Air Station New Orleans MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew. The helicopter crew arrived at the scene, hoisted the passenger and a Carnival Valor nurse, and transferred them both to University Medical Center in New Orleans.

The 53-year-old patient was last reported in stable condition, according to the Coast Guard.

2021 Advance Local Media LLC.

Visit al.com .

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Importing cannabis for profit is punishable in Japan by up to 10 years in prison with hard labor and a fine of no more than $26,280, according to the country's Cannabis Control Act. (Pixabay)

CAMP FOSTER, Okinawa  Three Okinawa-based Marines were indicted last month in Japanese courts for allegedly attempting to smuggle cannabis into the country through the mail.

Cpl. Deshane Fox and Lance Cpl. Alfred Johnson were formally charged Nov. 9 in Naha District Court on suspicion of violating Japans Cannabis Control Act, a spokeswoman from the Naha District Public Prosecutors Office told Stars and Stripes by phone Wednesday.

A third Marine, Cpl. Nicholas Garner, in a separate case was indicted Nov. 25 on two counts of violating the control act, the spokeswoman added Thursday.

In the case against Fox, the spokeswoman said customs officials intercepted a parcel with just over a quarter-pound of marijuana and about 4  grams, less than 1/5th of an ounce, of cannabis liquid that was sent April 14 from California by unidentified individuals.

The package was intercepted April 21 when it arrived at the Camp Kinser post office, she said.

They did not succeed in what they tried to do, the spokeswoman said. Some government officials in Japan customarily to speak to the media on condition of anonymity.

On June 7, a package addressed to Garner that contained 2 liters, or a half-gallon, of cannabis liquid and nearly a quarter-pound of cannabis arrived at Camp Foster, the spokeswoman said. It is unclear when that parcel was intercepted and by whom.

The package was sent from Nevada on May 26 by unidentified individuals, the spokeswoman said.

Garner had a small amount of cannabis flower and liquid on him when security forces confronted him June 3 at his residence on Foster, the spokeswoman said. He was indicted on two counts of violating Japans Cannabis Control Act and one count of violating customs law.

All the narcotics passed through Haneda International Airport on their way to Okinawa, the spokeswoman said  Foxs parcel on April 20 and Garners on June 4.

Importing cannabis for profit is punishable in Japan by up to 10 years in prison with hard labor and a fine of no more than $26,280, the act states.

Fox and Johnson are due in court Jan. 13, a Naha District Court spokeswoman said. No date is set for Garners first appearance.

The Marine Corps takes all incidents and allegations involving misconduct or illegal behavior by service members, government employees and contractors seriously, Marine Corps Installations Pacific spokeswoman 1st Lt. Ashleigh Fairow wrote in an emailed statement to Stars and Stripes on Thursday. Not only are such incidents violations of the Uniform Code of Military Justice, they are also contrary to our core values.

The indictments follow two other recent drug cases involving people associated with the U.S. military on Okinawa.

A civilian base employee, Dominique Williams, 29, was sentenced Dec. 16 to four years in prison and fined approximately $9,000 for smuggling cocaine into the country by mail, according to Naha District Court records.

Army Spc. Kenyatta Lane, 22, received a three-year suspended sentence on Oct. 4 after pleading guilty to receiving 0.92 grams of powder containing MDMA, also known as ecstasy, through the mail.
Cmdr. Ronald Cappellini, Naval Air Station Sigonellas executive officer, receives a COVID-19 vaccine booster Dec. 7. (Josh Cote/U.S. Navy)

NAPLES, Italy  The Navy is strongly encouraging sailors who have been fully vaccinated for six months or more to get COVID-19 booster shots as base communities confront a surge in infections brought on by the omicron variant.

The advisory, issued Tuesday, stops short of ordering active-duty personnel and reservists to get the jab but acknowledges the waning efficacy of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines after six months.

It also advises service members who received the Johnson & Johnson shot more than two months ago to get a booster.

Because all studies are converging on the need for a vaccine booster to ensure enduring protection, it is essentially becoming the next shot in a series and will likely become mandatory in the near future, said Vice Adm. Bill Merz, the Navys deputy chief of naval operations, who signed the notice.

Service members can receive a booster shot from military or civilian vaccination sites. But sailors who get a booster from a civilian site must notify their command within five working days to ensure that military medical records are up to date, Merz said.

Military dependents and DOD civilian personnel and contractors also are urged to get booster shots.

Meanwhile, overseas naval bases in Italy, Spain and Greece are striving to meet the demand for booster shots and warn about the evolution of COVID-19 restrictions and requirements in host countries.

It wasnt immediately clear Thursday how the notice will affect those bases, but earlier this month, the Naval Hospital in Naples, Italy, reported that it had delivered more than 2,700 booster shots as of Dec. 13.

The base in Naples is home to about 8,500 military members and their families.

Italy is considering several measures in hopes of containing the spread of the virus and encouraging people to get booster shots.

Proposals include mandatory outdoor mask-wearing and reduction of the duration that prior vaccination will be considered valid for obtaining the countrys super green pass, media reports said Thursday.

If approved, the vaccination measure would require people to have their last shot within the previous six months starting Feb. 1, the Corriere della Sera daily reported.

Like the EU COVID-19 certificate, the super green pass verifies that the holder has been vaccinated within the previous nine months or has recovered from the virus, allowing access to restaurants, bars and other public venues

Nearly 86% percent of Italys population age 12 and older has been fully vaccinated, and 16.3 million booster shots had been given, authorities said.

In Spain, Naval Station Rota is encouraging its community to get vaccinated or get a booster shot among other mitigation practices, such as mask-wearing at indoor public places.

This latest wave of COVID is understandably stressful for everyone, Capt. David Baird, the NS Rota commanding officer, said in a post on the bases Facebook page. All of us have pandemic fatigue, and all of us simply want to enjoy the holiday season. I offer that we absolutely can still enjoy the holiday season, especially if we take simple mitigation steps.

About 80% of Spain's population of 47 million has been fully vaccinated against COVID-19, and some 10 million have received booster shots.

Spanish lawmakers are considering making mask-wearing outdoors mandatory across the country.

In Greece, the government announced a series of measures Thursday designed to curb the omicron variant.

Starting Friday, all festive public events through Jan. 3 will be canceled. People are also immediately required to wear a KN95 mask on public transportation and in grocery stores, the Greek City Times reported Thursday.

It wasnt certain Thursday how the measures would affect Naval Support Activity Souda Bay in Crete.

But typically, U.S. bases have followed host country laws during the pandemic unless rules from the Defense Department or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are tougher.
Buy Photo (Gary Cooper/Stars and Stripes)

Near Pleiku, South Vietnam, July 1966: A radioman for a 25th Infantry Division squad under Viet Cong fire calls for help from another unit. Stripes photographer Gary Cooper recalled that things were touch and go for minutes and I thought it best to shoot an M-16 rather than my Nikomat (camera). It was all one terrible nightmare, he continued, sounding like a million rounds all going off at once. You cant distinguish the sound of one bullet or even a burst of a machine gun.
Actor Michael B. Jordan, left, and director Denzel Washington attend the Dec. 9 world premiere of A Journal for Jordan at AMC Lincoln Square in New York. (Andy Kropa, Invision)

Preparing to direct A Journal for Jordan, a bittersweet love story opening on Christmas Day, Denzel Washington says he took a master class.

That master class consisted of starring in a movie directed by Joel Coen, The Tragedy of Macbeth, which opens the same day. I steal from the best, Washington says with a smile.

Denzel Washington the actor has some 60 films under his belt, plus two Oscars, and at 66 is universally regarded as one of the all-time greats. Denzel Washington the director has just completed his fourth feature. I dont call myself a director, he said matter-of-factly in an interview last week. Im still learning.

Before A Journal for Jordan, based on the book by former New York Times editor Dana Canedy about her fiance, who fought and died in Iraq, and the journal of life lessons he left their baby son, Washingtons most recent directorial effort was Fences. The 2016 film version of the August Wilson play starred Washington himself and Viola Davis, who won an Oscar.

Washington directed himself in his other two feature outings as well  The Great Debaters in 2007 and Antwone Fisher in 2002. But he says hed rather stay offscreen when hes at the helm.

I prefer not being in the films, he said. Early on, it had to do with me being able to raise the money to get the films made. Then Fences, obviously we had great success onstage, so that translated to film. But I enjoy being a more behind-the-scenes kind of guy.

Aside from his recent collaboration with Coen, whom he calls one of the greatest directors, Washington says he sought insight from some other directors he admires.

I spent a great day with Paul Thomas Anderson a month or so ago, to listen to how he works, he said. And Steve McQueen, Ive been talking with a little bit. Im learning how to do it, so Im interested in learning from the best. So, Ive been talking to the best.

Michael B. Jordan says he, too, is interested in learning from the best  which is why it was so impactful for him to be directed by Washington. The actor gives a charismatic performance as Canedys fiance, 1st Sgt. Charles Monroe King, who was killed in Iraq in 2006 at age 48. (Canedy is portrayed by Chante Adams.)

To be able to work so closely with him was really important, Jordan said in an interview. It was a master class, honestly.

As an actor, you know, growing up, watching all his movies, watching his performances and being curious about his process  like, Man, I wonder how the greatest of all time rehearses or how he breaks down his character, Jordan mused. His perspective of character is so layered. You really realize, Oh, THIS is why youre Denzel, got it! Ive been doing great, but then this is the next level.

And Jordan said working with Washington was especially important given that hes about to embark on his own directorial debut, directing  and starring in  the upcoming Creed III.

Knowing that I was directing Creed III next, he made it a point to take me to the side a lot, you know? I was always kind of in his back pocket, watching and asking questions and (him) giving me little gems, Jordan said.

The actor told the story of how Washington asked him one day whether he had a storyboard artist lined up  he hadnt, and wasnt planning to for several months  and within moments, Washington was making introductions.

He was like, No, no, get one now, Jordan said. He picked up his phone and he called this guy, Warren Drummond. And he was like, Warren, its D. I got Mike B. here, and hes getting ready to direct Creed III. Washington put Jordan on the phone, and soon a deal was made.

So its from something as generous as that to, he was always giving me advice for what to look for because theres another layer to it  theres not a lot of people who have directed themselves, Jordan said. And thats whats really challenging for me on this one. Washington, Jordan says, told him that he needed to identify the few opinions that youre really going to anchor your choices on, because youre not going to have time to run back to the monitors every take and see what you got.

Washington said the original plan was not for him to direct; he became involved with the project through longtime producing partner Todd Black 12 years ago, shortly after Canedy wrote her story. It took eight years to develop a script. When Washington saw the screenplay, penned by Virgil Williams, he said Shoot, Id direct this! He says he was drawn by the beauty of the love story  sad, but uplifting.

Jordan, who also was attached to the project for several years before the movie got made, says he found a lot to identify with in a father journaling for his infant son.

I journal a lot, and I think about legacy all the time, Jordan says. And one day having a family. And I think about my time on this Earth, and what do I do with it?

But another key reason he stuck with the film, as it developed and his own dance card filled up rapidly in Hollywood, was Washington. Denzel directing was a dream come true, he says.

Washington says mentorship was important to him as well  beginning with an English and theater teacher at Fordham University, Robinson Stone, one of my first mentors who could see the potential I had.

And just over the years, Ive been blessed to work with some of the greatest filmmakers ever, so I steal from the best, he said. Trying to learn from the best, from Spike (Lee) to Tony Scott, Ridley Scott, Norman Jewison, Richard Attenborough, Jonathan Demme. I take a little from all of them, and try to apply it to what Im learning how to do.
Brooke Shields stars in A Castle for Christmas, a new Netflix movie shot on location in two Scottish residences. (Netflix)

With the seemingly never-ending pandemic keeping us stuck on our sofas when wed rather be occupying plane seats, streaming services have kept the films and TV series that fuel travel fantasies coming at a steady pace. This past year alone has provided lovers of all things travel with plenty of European destinations to add to their wish lists the minute it becomes safe to hit the road again. Here are a handful of on-screen places featured in 2021 releases one can aspire to see in real life.

A Castle for Christmas: This romantic film stars Brooke Shields as a best-selling author who journeys to Scotland to escape a scandal and falls in love with a castle as she butts heads with its duke owner, played by Cary Elwes. The film is available for streaming on Netflix.

The titular castle isnt a real castle but a mansion by the name of Dalmeny House. The gorgeous Gothic-revival building is the property of the Earl and Countess of Rosebery. Interior scenes were shot there, as well as in the Barnbougle Castle, a 13th-century fortress found on the same estate. Both are located in South Queensferry, a town on the Firth of Forth, just northwest of Edinburgh. Guided tours showing off the posh abodes art collection and exquisite furnishings have been suspended temporarily, but should return once repair works to the estate are completed and Covid-19 under control. Online: roseberyestates.co.uk

Other locations seen on screen include the town of Culross in Fife, and Inveraray Castle, found on the shores of Loch Fyne in western Scotland, along with the Aray Bridge leading up to it.

Emily in Paris: This Netflix production traces the ups and downs of an ambitious young woman from Chicago who gets hired to provide an American perspective to a French marketing firm. Fans of the wildly popular series starring Lily Collins are rejoicing and likely already binge-watching its second season, released on Dec. 22.

Iconic images from The City of Light are joined by the glamour of the French Riviera as Emily vacations with friends Mindy and Camille. With its bright red terrace overlooking the port, the Cafe Senequier in Saint-Tropez is easy to pick out. The Grand-Hotel du Cap-Ferrat in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat served as both a filming location and accommodation for some of the writers and crew.

House of Gucci: In this film based on a true story, Lady Gaga plays Patrizia Reggiani, a working-class young woman who sets her sights on geeky law student Maurizio Gucci, played by Adam Driver. Once theyre married, Reggiani urges Maurizio to resort to dirty tricks to gain control of his familys luxury brands company. When Maurizio finds love elsewhere and demands a divorce, she hires a hit man to kill him. The film hit the cinemas on Nov. 24 and is expected to be available for streaming on Paramount+ as early as January 2022.

Some of the eye-popping properties include the Villa Balbiano, a 16th-century mansion on Lake Como which plays the home of Gucci family patriarch Aldo Gucci. Maurizios father Rodolfo Guccis home is portrayed by the Villa Necchi-Campiglio, located on Via Mozart in Milan. The property is nowadays a museum. Street and shopping scenes were shot on the via Condotti in Rome and the Quadrilatero della Moda in Milan. The ski resort town of Gressoney in Italys Aosta Valley stood in for St. Moritz. Maurizios assassination plays out in Milans famous Galleria Vittorio Emanuele.

No Time to Die: In the latest James Bond thriller, Bond doesnt have long to enjoy life as a retiree in Jamaica. When an old CIA contact asks him for help, they embark on a mission to rescue a kidnapped scientist. The film is available for streaming on Amazon Prime Video.

Much of the movie is filmed in Italy, including the opening scenes of a car chase, which were shot in Matera. The bridge from which 007 jumps is the Madonna Della Stella Aqueduct, in the town of Gravina in Puglia. The real town of Sapri in Salerno province doubles for a fictional one named Civita Lucana. Other show-stealing locations include Norways Atlantic Ocean Road, the Faroe Islands and Aviemore, a town located in the Cairngorms National Park in Scotland.

The Falcon and the Winter Soldier: This six-episode miniseries produced by Marvel Studios follows up on what happens to two supporting characters under the new world order that emerged following the 2019 film Avengers: Endgame and is available on Disney+.

Much of the film is shot in Prague, which multi-tasks as a stand-in for locales in Tunisia, Latvia, Turkey, Poland, Germany, and Russias St. Petersburg. In Episode One, the Palac Zivnostenske Banky on Na Prikope street in the Old Town takes on the role of a luxury hotel during one of Winter Soldiers flashbacks, and the Czech Ministry of Culture on Maltezske namesti serves as the Gasel Bank in Switzerland during a robbery sequence. In Episode Three, the Troja Bridge stretching over the Vltava river is seen leading to the fictional island nation of Madripoor, the GRC Resettlement Camp in Riga is played by the Colloredo-Mansfeld Palace, and the supply depot in Vilnius is the Monastery of Saint Gabriel. In Episode Four, the street staircase in Riga is located on Thunovska street, the cafe is found in the Lucerna passage shopping gallery, the funeral ceremony takes place in a former wastewater treatment facility in Bubenec that is nowadays an Eco-technical Museum, the jump from the balcony was filmed at the Prague National Theater, and the final scene was shot at Jungmann Square.
(iStock)

Goshdangit! Francis blurted from the drivers seat, fiddling with the windshield wiper controls in his car. These things are always too fast or too slow! I sat in the passenger seat, listening to him grumble as we made our way down Interstate 195 on a dreary, cold December afternoon  and I smiled.

My pants were tight from recent weight gain. My hair was frizzy from the rain. My nail polish was chipped. And I was constipated. But it didnt matter. Locusts could swarm our car, boils could break out on my skin, and the sun could disappear. Nothing would spoil my good mood, because we were going to a Christmas party.

For 28 years of marriage, Francis and I had been jonesing to get invited to a holiday party. Not a ladies cookie exchange, not a command function, not a work potluck. Im talking about going to a friends house with twinkle lights and hot dips and festive cocktails and red and green M&Ms. Im talking about spiral hams and cheese balls and Baby Its Cold Outside and tacky jingle bell earrings. Im talking about laughter and eating too much and getting home late and finding cookie sprinkles in your bra.

Thats the kind of Christmas party Im talking about.

Over the years, Francis and I hosted many holiday parties of our own, thinking that our friends would surely invite us to their houses one Christmas. Although I vaguely recall one or two brave souls who threw soirees, our hosting efforts were mostly not reciprocated.

While stationed in England in the mid-90s, we invited military friends and our elderly English neighbors to our village house for Christmas. Francis made his fathers homemade spiked eggnog recipe, we blasted our Frank Sinatra holiday cassette tapes and everyone wore flimsy English cracker paper crowns.

In Virginia Beach, we welcomed friends to the suburbs for our annual Christmas parties, where everyone drank Francis now-famous nog and sang along while our kids played We Three Kings on our upright piano. In Germany, friends packed into our base stairwell apartment, where middle-schoolers caused drama, neighbors complained about the noise and gluwein turned our guests teeth purple. In Mayport, Fla., we invited friends to go Christmas caroling around our base neighborhood in the sub-tropical winter, pulling a wagon containing thermoses of hot drinks, before heading back at our house to party.

Here in Rhode Island, our many holiday guests clustered throughout the first floor of our house, nibbling, chit chatting, cocktailing until the wee hours. We once shooed our college kids friends out after 3 a.m.

All along, we had believed that the hard work was worth it, because our hospitality would surely be repaid. I thought wed eventually receive a festive invitation, make a dish to contribute, find hilarious ugly Christmas sweaters to wear, or at least playful holiday hats.

But instead  nothing.

Until this year. When the invitation came, one wouldve thought Id won the lottery. Honey! Honey! Suzette and David are having a real Christmas party and guess what?! WERE INVITED! I wailed to Francis upstairs office, dancing on my tippy toes like a hamster on fire.

Quite suddenly, our holiday hosting history flashed before my eyes. All the planning, cooking, cleaning, decorating and hand-wringing. It had all been worth it for that one moment of finally feeling chosen. Gone was the sting of resentment over all the times I scrubbed ham glaze out of the rugs. Poof went the insecurities over my garage-sale-chic home decor. Lingering anger over that time a drunken guest upchucked in our shower evaporated. Ego bruises over cool friends who never reached out vanished like magic.

We arrived at Suzette and Davids house bearing wine and gifts, repeatedly thanking them for inviting us. At the end of the night, we overstayed our welcome a bit, wanting to wring every bit of fun out of the event like the last squeeze of a toothpaste tube.

Certainly, party hosting is not for everyone. I realize that invitations are not necessarily about hosting, but rather, taking the time to reach out and let friends know that they are cherished.

Read more at themeatandpotatoesoflife.com, and in Lisas book, The Meat and Potatoes of Life: My True Lit Com. Email: meatandpotatoesoflife@gmail.com.
President Biden delivers remarks about the coronavirus at the White House on Tuesday. (Demetrius Freeman/Washington Post)

In the wake of the apparent disintegration of President Joe Bidens Build Back Better bill (though it seems possible that a narrower version of the legislation may yet pass), many commentators, journalists and political operatives blamed Biden and congressional Democrats for overpromising with an agenda as ambitious and revolutionary as presidents such as Franklin D. Roosevelt and Lyndon B. Johnson.

They argue that with exceedingly narrow Democratic majorities in both chambers of Congress, Biden never had a shot to match these Democratic luminaries, but hubris led him to think otherwise. But this narrative misreads Bidens agenda. He isnt proposing radically new public policies. Rather, he is simply pushing to complete the legislative program of his predecessors.

Over the past 80 years, Democratic presidents have passed transformational pieces of legislation, establishing new public services and a federally provided social safety net, while aiming to rebalance the economic scale in American life - making it fairer for workers and consumers.

It began with Roosevelt, whose many achievements during the depths of the Great Depression set the standard for every Democratic president who followed. The Social Security Act contained both old-age pensions for seniors and Aid to Families With Dependent Children (AFDC), which aimed to help poor single mothers - two groups unlikely to benefit from the infrastructure jobs Roosevelts administration was also creating to lift people out of poverty. The Wagner Act revolutionized the balance of power between bosses and workers. In the words of historian William Leuchtenburg, it threw the weight of the government behind collective-bargaining rights and compelled employers to accede peacefully to the unionization of their plants.

Roosevelts building and public works programs, conservation initiatives and focus on rural electrification transformed America physically, including the construction of 124,000 new bridges and more than 40,000 new public buildings like schools and hospitals. And the 1944 G.I. Bill reshaped higher education, by promoting greater access for returning servicemen. Access to college educations, along with the bills mortgage assistance, also made a middle-class lifestyle possible for millions of returning GIs (though predominantly White ones). These initiatives and more had tentacles in every aspect of Americans lives and reshaped the relationship between government and citizen.

President Harry S. Truman aimed to revolutionize two areas Roosevelts initiatives had not recast: civil rights and health care. While Truman did desegregate the military, Southern segregationists blocked the rest of his civil rights agenda. Similarly, a recalcitrant Congress, spurred by powerful lobbying from groups such as the American Medical Association, killed Trumans proposal for national health insurance.

Even Republican President Dwight D. Eisenhower dared not try to roll back Roosevelts signature achievements, which had become part of the fabric of American life. If anything, he created his own massive New Deal-style program with the Federal Aid Highway Act in 1956.

Johnsons Great Society programs often get mentioned in the same breath as Roosevelts New Deal for their dramatic scope. For the first time in a century, the United States took significant steps toward making the promises of equality and voting rights in the 14th and 15th Amendments a reality. Three landmark bills, the 1964 Civil Rights Act, 1965 Voting Rights Act and 1968 Civil Rights Act, promoted greater racial equality in everything from housing to public accommodations and combated gender discrimination as well.

Johnsons Medicare and Medicaid programs offered government-provided health insurance to millions for the first time, achieving something that both Roosevelt and Truman wanted but did not achieve. The Elementary and Secondary Education Act and Head Start program dramatically enhanced the federal role in educating American children, especially poor ones, while the Hart-Celler Act reshaped U.S. immigration laws to remove bigoted national origin quotas set in the 1920s.

The budget conscious President Jimmy Carter, aware of the increasingly conservative political climate in the United States, and focused on addressing an energy crisis, did not broaden the social safety net. Yet he did score significant energy and environmental legislation that helped push the United States toward energy independence and conservation, tightened pollution control, invested in alternative energy sources, moved to clean up toxic waste and added more than 157 million acres of national parks, wildlife refuges and more in Alaska.

Pitching himself as a New Democrat, President Bill Clinton had serious ambition that mixed conservative ideas - welfare reform, an initial budget aiming to reduce the deficit and a crime bill that included tough punitive measures, federally funded prison construction and money to put more police officers on the street - with liberal ones: promoting national service, ensuring that all Americans had health care, new federal gun restrictions and more. Even the crime bill included substantial new social spending designed to prevent crime. While Clintons most ambitious agenda item, his universal health care proposal, flopped, he did sign the Family and Medical Leave Act and enacted a bipartisan program to provide health insurance for uninsured children.

President Barack Obama picked up where Clinton left off with the ever-elusive liberal quest for government guaranteed health care for all Americans. And finally, after a century of struggle, Obama succeeded where his predecessors had failed, capitalizing on continued American frustrations over the health insurance system and large Democratic congressional majorities. He also reshaped Americas student loan programs with legislation that allowed students to borrow directly from the government instead of incentivizing banks to dole out the loans, while capping annual loan payments for graduates at 10 percent of their income. When it came to climate change, he wanted - and the House delivered - a bill that created a cap-and-trade system with limits on greenhouse gas emissions and set a national standard for the production of renewable energy. Yet the proposal died in the Senate.

This history makes something clear about Bidens agenda: Hes trying to build upon the big programs enacted or proposed by his Democratic predecessors. In the American Rescue Plan, Biden and congressional Democrats expanded the child tax credit in a quest to eradicate child poverty that dates back to Roosevelts AFDC. The ARP also expanded the subsidies under Obamas Affordable Care Act to make health insurance more affordable for more Americans (Biden is pushing to extend both of these temporary programs). Additionally, Biden has proposed adding hearing, dental and vision coverage to Johnsons Medicare program.

Bidens push to enact universal pre-K and federally subsidized child care? They expand Johnsons innovations in education and early-childhood education. In fact, Biden is just trying to complete a task that a bipartisan coalition in Congress almost pulled off in 1970. They passed legislation providing federally funded child care, but Republican President Richard M. Nixon vetoed it.

Paid family leave? This policy builds off Clintons Family and Medical Leave Act - this time ensuring not only that workers can take time off from work to care for children and family members but that they are paid during that leave.

Bidens ambitious climate agenda aims to succeed where Obama failed and builds on Carters push to diversify the countrys energy sources and lessen its reliance on imported fossil fuels.

Even ostensibly new proposals such as home care for seniors and multiple provisions aimed at lowering prescription drug costs for Medicare beneficiaries (Republican President George W. Bush added the prescription drug benefit to Medicare) build on the commitment by Roosevelt and Johnson to provide dignity, quality of life and affordable care for seniors.

In short, Biden isnt proposing a radical agenda as critics charge. Rather, he has pushed to extend the programs and vision of his predecessors, while filling holes, addressing flaws and adapting commitments to new problems and circumstances. Is Bidens agenda liberal? Absolutely. Does it extend the role of the federal government in American life? Yes. But its hardly aiming to reimagine this role or take it into fundamentally new aspects of society.

- - -

Brian Rosenwald is one of the co-editors of The Washington Posts Made by History, a fellow at the University of Pennsylvania and author of Talk Radios America.
Buy Photo The post office at Camp Kinser, Okinawa, is seen on Wednesday, Oct. 6, 2021. (Frank Andrews/Stars and Stripes)

CAMP FOSTER, Okinawa  An American base worker on Okinawa has been sentenced by a Japanese court to four years in prison and fined approximately $9,000 for smuggling cocaine into the country by mail, according to court records.

Dominique J. Williams, 29, was indicted Aug. 26 on a charge of violating the countrys Cannabis Control Act and Customs Law, according to a trial summary at Naha District Court. Williams told police he had been expecting a shipment of marijuana, not the cocaine that ultimately arrived in the post.

He was employed by the Marine Corps at the time of the incident, the Okinawa Times newspaper reported Thursday.

Williams was sentenced Dec. 16, according to court records. They did not indicate the date of his conviction, or whether he was convicted at trial or entered a guilty plea. Records list no defense attorney for Williams and a court spokeswoman declined to provide more information.

The Marine Corps on Okinawa did not respond to an email from Stars and Stripes on Wednesday seeking more information about the case. A spokesman for Okinawa Police said he had no information about the case when reached by phone that day.

Williams received two parcels together containing 2.25 kilograms, over 4 pounds, of cocaine at Marine Corps post offices in June, according to court records. The first parcel, with 1 kilogram, or 2.2 pounds, of cocaine arrived June 13 at the Camp Kinser post office and was forwarded to Camp Foster. The second, with 1.25 kilograms, arrived June 20 at Kinser.

Both parcels arrived in Japan via Haneda International Airport, according to court records. The packages were shipped by unidentified individuals in Nevada.

Customs officers did not detect the first parcel but intercepted the second one June 21 at Kinser, according to Williams court records.

Crime and courts
Buy Photo McDonalds Japan is limiting diners to small orders of fries through Dec. 31, 2021, because of a potato shortage. (Alex Wilson/Stars and Stripes)

Bad weather and global supply chain disruptions are leaving McDonalds restaurants in Japan a few fries short of a large combo, though restaurants on U.S. military bases are, so far, unaffected.

McDonalds Japan is limiting diners throughout the country to small orders of fries from Friday through Dec. 30, according to an announcement Tuesday from the company.

McDonalds managers at Yokosuka Naval Base and Naval Air Facility Atsugi told Stars and Stripes that the shortages havent reached their restaurants yet.

However, Minako Takamune, general manager at the Yokosuka McDonalds, said by phone Thursday that french fries may soon be in short supply there, too.

Hopefully, were not going to be [limiting purchases], but it may happen in a few days, Takamune said. If we have lots of customers, it might happen; but if theres not a lot of customers, we can continue to serve medium and large sizes.

Large-scale floods near the Canadian port of Vancouver  a transit point for shipping services  and disruptions in the supply chain caused by the coronavirus pandemic are behind the potato shortage, according to McDonalds Japan.

The company said it is limiting fry orders for the week so customers can still enjoy them despite the shortage.

A shift manager at the Atsugi McDonalds, Nana Oda, said the restaurant has no immediate plans to limit fry orders.

We have a lot of french fries, so we dont have any limitations, she said by phone Thursday.

The McDonalds Japan french fry shortage is another in a long line of shortages and delays caused by global shipping disruptions that have affected areas such as agriculture, raw materials and manufacturing.

Those disruptions include soaring demands for goods, large surges in shipping costs, workforce shortages and an increase in waiting time to unload cargo at ports.
Yoon Seok-youl, the former prosecutor general of South Korea and a presidential candidate in the March 2022 election, visits the Demilitarized Zone between North and South Korea, Dec. 20, 2021. (People Power Party)

CAMP HUMPHREYS, South Korea  The United Nations Command launched an investigation after civilians visiting the Demilitarized Zone between North and South Korea wore military uniforms and were erroneously marked as combatants Monday.

An unnamed frontline division did not comply with directives in the armistice agreement, which includes a provision requiring service members to wear distinctive markings for identification purposes, according to a U.N. Command news release Tuesday.

The command said service members are required to wear camouflage uniforms and armbands with a Military Police insignia to distinguish themselves from civilians.

The U.N. Command did not name the civilians errantly marked as combatants, but the incidents timing coincides with a South Korean politicians visit to a DMZ observation post.

Yoon Seok-youl, the former prosecutor general of South Korea and a presidential candidate in the March 2022 election, visits the Demilitarized Zone between North and South Korea, Dec. 20, 2021. (People Power Party)

Yoon Seok-youl, the former prosecutor general of South Korea and a presidential candidate in the March 2022 election, was pictured at the DMZ with his staff on Monday wearing camouflage jackets and armbands that said military police in Korean and MP in English.

Yoon, the conservative People Power Partys nominee, was pictured shaking hands with South Korean troops at the border and observing his surroundings through binoculars.

Yoons campaign also released a statement Monday saying he would meet with South Korean soldiers who had been enduring at the DMZ the same day.

In addition to the uniform infraction, the frontline division responsible for the incident also allowed individuals outside of specially designated and controlled areas and into the DMZ without approval from U.N. Command, according to the release.

Army Gen. Paul LaCamera, the commander of U.N. Command and U.S. Forces Korea, ordered an investigation to determine the root cause of failure and ensure there is neither a repetition of actions that undermine compliance with the terms of the Korean Armistice Agreement nor actions that put civilians under greater risk than is absolutely necessary, according to the release.

The armistice agreement was signed July 27, 1953, to end wartime hostilities between the U.S., South Korea, China and North Korea. Since its signing, the agreement has been updated by North Korea and the U.N. Command to prevent the resumption of hostilities and to protect the civilian visitors to the greatest extent possible.

A spokesperson for U.N. Command told Stars and Stripes by phone Thursday that an investigation is ongoing and declined to provide further information Thursday.

South Korean politicians have previously visited observation posts at the DMZ wearing military attire. Former Presidents Lee Myung-bak and Kim Dae-jung both wore camouflage jackets in separate trips during their tenures. Before taking office as president, party leader Park Geun-hye wore a camouflage jacket and a military police armband during a visit in 2012.
Buy Photo A car leaves Camp Hansen, a Marine Corps base on Okinawa, Monday, Dec. 20, 2021. (Frank Andrews/Stars and Stripes)

CAMP FOSTER, Okinawa  U.S. Forces Japan re-imposed a testing requirement for personnel heading to Japan on Thursday after the countrys foreign minister admonished the U.S. military for breaching its border protection measures.

Japanese Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi expressed deep regret to USFJ commander Lt. Gen. Ricky Rupp that a unit of Marines was not tested for COVID-19 before it arrived on Okinawa aboard a U.S. government flight.

The newly arrived Marines were quarantined at Camp Hansen but permitted base access for five days before being tested, Hayashi said at a Wednesday news conference in Tokyo.

Marine Corps Installations Pacific on Dec. 17 said multiple Marines in the group had tested positive for COVID-19, the coronavirus respiratory disease. By Thursday, that cluster had grown to 227, up from 180 on Monday, Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirokazu Matsuno said at a news conference that morning.

Matsuno said he would continue to push the U.S. military to take more thorough measures to prevent the virus from spreading and hopefully ease locals concerns.

USFJ said the Hansen cases have prompted changes, according to a statement emailed to Stars and Stripes by spokeswoman Yukiko Date.

In light of the current omicron variant, the COVID-19 positive cases at Camp Hansen in Okinawa, and to ensure the health and safety of all SOFA members and the citizens of Japan, USFJ has updated our COVID Health Protection Guidance to require pre-arrival testing for all SOFA members within 72 hours of flights departing for Japan on all forms of transportation, the statement said.

USFJ acknowledged Hayashis complaint but said it followed guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Defense Department and Indo-Pacific Command when it discontinued pre-departure testing in September.

The Okinawa Department of Public Health and Medical Care believed the U.S. military was testing its personnel before they boarded flights for Japan until it learned otherwise on Wednesday, a spokesman for the department said during an online press conference on Thursday.

So far, neither the Marines nor Japanese authorities have said the Hansen Marines have contracted the coronavirus highly transmissible omicron variant.

However, 10 local cases of omicron, all with connections to the Marine Corps, have been reported by Okinawa officials since Friday. The Public Health Department reported four omicron cases on Thursday, along with 21 other coronavirus infections.

Three of the newest omicron cases are from Okinawa City and work at Hansen: two men in their 40s and 50s and woman in her 30s, the public health spokesman said. The fourth case is a child under 10 from Uruma who is associated with a previously reported case, he said. He said they tested positive on Monday.

Japan closed its borders Nov. 29 through Dec. 31 to nearly all new arrivals when the omicron variant first appeared. The government on Tuesday extended the entry ban indefinitely and imposed a 14-day quarantine at government-approved lodging, rather that quarantining at home.

Individuals allowed entry must show proof of a negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours of departing for Japan.

U.S. military personnel flying commercially, including service members, civilian employees, contractors and their families, are permitted to quarantine in the Tokyo area at their homes or on U.S. military bases. Passengers aboard the Patriot Express, including those bound for Okinawa, may also quarantine at home or on their assigned base.

USFJ on Monday increased the quarantine period for all individuals, vaccinated or unvaccinated, in line with Japans requirement from 10 to 14 days. It also imposed a mask requirement for all new arrivals for five days or until they test negative for COVID-19.

Mari Higa Matthew M. Burke Matthew M. Burke has been reporting from Okinawa for Stars and Stripes since 2014. The Massachusetts native and UMass Amherst alumnus previously covered Sasebo Naval Base and Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, for the newspaper. His work has also appeared in the Boston Globe, Cape Cod Times and other publications.
The sun sets in Bamako, Mali, on Aug. 29, 2016. France on Thursday, Dec. 23, 2021, said it regretted the choice of the Malian transitional authorities to deploy Wagner Group mercenaries. (Sarah Hickory/U.S. Marine Corps)

NICE, France  France on Thursday condemned the Malian transitional authorities' decision to allow the deployment of the Wagner Group, and accused Moscow of funding the private military company's use of mercenaries in the West African country.

"We are aware of the involvement of the Russian government in providing material support to the deployment of the Wagner group in Mali," the French foreign ministry said in an emailed statement. It called on Russia "to revert to a responsible and constructive behavior" in West Africa.

Mali has struggled to contain an Islamic extremist insurgency since 2012. Extremist rebels were forced from power in the country's northern cities with the help of a French-led military operation, but they regrouped in the desert and began launching attacks on the Malian army and its allies.

In June, Col. Assimi Goita was sworn in as president of a transitional Malian government after carrying out his second coup in nine months. Mali faces increasing isolation from the international community over the junta's power grab. Elections are due to be held in February, but there are fears they will be delayed.

"We deeply regret the choice of the Malian transitional authorities to use already scarce public funds to pay foreign mercenaries instead of supporting the Malian Armed Forces," the French statement said.

Russian military cargo aircraft, including IL-76s, continue to supply Wagner Group fighters, according to this U.S. Department of Defense image posted on July 4, 2020. Russian air defense equipment, including SA-22s, are present in Libya and operated by Russia, the Wagner Group or their proxies. (Flor Gonzalez/U.S. Army)

The Wagner Group has been accused by western governments and United Nations experts of human rights abuses in the Central African Republic and involvement in the conflict in Libya. France and Germany have both objected to the presence of its mercenaries in Mali.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has said that the company has a "legitimate" right to be in the West African nation because it was invited by the transitional government, and he has insisted that the Russian government is not involved.

French troops have been present in Mali since 2013, when they intervened to force the Islamic extremists from power in the country's north. That operation was later extended to other countries in an effort to stabilize the broader Sahel region that includes Chad, Niger, Burkina Faso and Mauretania.

In July, President Emmanuel Macron announced a drawdown of French troops in the Sahel force by early 2022 amid growing political instability in Mali and despite continued devastating attacks by Islamic militants in the region.

Hundreds have died this year alone of massacres targeting villages on the border of Niger and Mali.

France has said that Malian forces are ready to take over the heavy lifting in northern Mali but Macron promised his African partners after a meeting in July that his country will continue to help fight groups linked to Al-Qaida and the Islamic State group.

Along with France, the United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, Portugal, Romania and other European Union countries joined in the condemnation of the mercenaries' deployment to Mali.
German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock makes a statement on Afghanistan at the foreign office in Berlin, Germany, on Thursday, Dec. 23, 2021. (Michael Sohn, Pool/AP)

BERLIN  Germany's new foreign minister pledged Thursday to speed up efforts to get thousands of former local employees and other endangered people out of Afghanistan, four months after the country's military airlift ended.

Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock said that more than 15,000 people whom Germany had promised to take in remain in Afghanistan, and around 135 German citizens are still in the country. She insisted that "they have not been forgotten."

Germany so far has facilitated the departure of about 10,000 people since the Taliban takeover of Kabul, 5,300 on its own military flights and some 5,000 by other means after its airlift concluded in late August.

Baerbock said Germany is looking to see how it can speed up its procedures, because "particularly for women and girls, every day counts at the moment." She said there need to be new talks with Iran, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan  three of Afghanistan's neighbors  to open up new routes out of the country. Germany has been working with Pakistan and Qatar to get people out.

The government will work to cut down on bureaucracy and will be more flexible in defining the "core family" of people it is taking in, the minister said.

Baerbock said that expanding humanitarian aid is an "absolute priority." But she made clear that Germany's opposition to recognizing the Taliban government remains unchanged, saying that "there is absolutely no reason to politically upgrade the Taliban's de facto government in any way."
President Biden delivers remarks about the coronavirus at the White House on Tuesday. (Demetrius Freeman/Washington Post)

WASHINGTON - President Joe Biden on Thursday signed into law the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act, a bipartisan bill that bans imports from Chinas Xinjiang region unless the importer can prove they were not made with forced labor.

The House and the Senate passed the measure last week. Lawmakers from both parties welcomed Bidens signing of the law, with Sen. Jeff Merkley, D-Ore., a co-sponsor of the legislation, saying in a statement that it sends a powerful, bipartisan message that the United States will not turn a blind eye to Chinas violations of human rights.

The United States must send a resounding and unequivocal message against genocide and slave labor wherever these evils appear, said Merkley, who is also chairman of the Congressional-Executive Commission on China. Now that the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act has reached President Bidens desk and been signed into law, we can finally ensure that American consumers and businesses can buy goods without inadvertent complicity in Chinas horrific human rights abuses.

Biden thanked Merkley and the legislations other three sponsors - Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., Rep. Jim McGovern, D-Mass., and Rep. Christopher H. Smith, R-N.J. - as well as House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., for their work in pushing the measure forward.

White House press secretary Jen Psaki told reporters on Thursday that U.S. companies should never feel the need to apologize for standing up for fundamental human rights or opposing repression.

As weve said before, we call on all industries to ensure that they are not sourcing products that involve forced labor, including forced labor from Xinjiang, Psaki said at a regular news briefing. The reality is that companies that fail to address forced labor and other human rights abuses in their supply chains face serious legal risk [and] reputational and customer risks, not just in the United States but in Europe and other regions of the world.

The legislation applies to all goods, wares, articles, and merchandise mined, produced, or manufactured wholly or in part in Xinjiang, a sprawling region in Chinas far west where, beginning in 2017, the Chinese government has carried out a mass reeducation campaign against Uyghurs and members of other ethnic groups.

Under the 1930 Tariff Act, it is illegal to import into the United States any goods made in whole or in part by forced labor. The new law prohibits all imports from Xinjiang unless U.S. Customs and Border Protection certifies by clear and convincing evidence that goods were not produced with forced labor.

Bidens signing of the law follows a move earlier this year by the Trump administration to issue a sweeping ban on imports of cotton or tomato products from Xinjiang - although enforcement of those sanctions is proving challenging.

Scholars estimate that more than 1 million people in Xinjiang were detained in camps, with some released, some transferred to prison and others pressured to work in factories.

In its annual human rights report released in March, the Biden administration declared Chinas treatment of the Uyghurs a genocide, formalizing its dire assessment of Beijings campaign of mass detention and sterilization of minority groups in Xinjiang.

China has repeatedly denied that any forced labor has taken place in Xinjiang, although it acknowledges vocational training programs for residents whom officials considered susceptible to separatism or religious extremism.

Reasons for detention could include such supposed infractions as wearing a headscarf or a long beard, having more than two children or traveling overseas for vacation.

In a statement Thursday, Pelosi said that with the legislations enactment, Biden and Congress have taken a strong step to combat the exploitation of forced labor in Xinjiang.

Congress, on a bipartisan and bicameral basis, will continue to condemn and confront the [Chinese Communist Partys] human rights abuses in Xinjiang and many other abuses in the region, from Hong Kong to Tibet to the mainland, Pelosi said. If America does not speak out for human rights in China because of commercial interests, we lose all moral authority to speak out for human rights any place in the world.

Rubio called the legislation the most important and impactful action taken thus far by the United States to hold the Chinese Communist Party accountable for their use of slave labor.

It will fundamentally change our relationship with Beijing, he said. This law should also ensure that Americans no longer unknowingly buy goods made by slaves in China. I look forward to working with the Biden Administration and my colleagues to ensure the new law is implemented correctly and enforced properly.
Federal employees working in the Washington-Baltimore locality  which sprawls over most of Maryland and Northern Virginia and reaches into eastern West Virginia and south-central Pennsylvania  will receive a 3.02% increase effective with the start of their first pay period of 2022, which in most cases will be Jan. 2. (Demetrius Freeman/Washington Post)

Most federal employees in the Washington, D.C., area will receive a pay raise of just above 3% in January under an order President Joe Biden issued Thursday, which sets 2022 raises for executive branch workers that vary by geographic area.

Federal employees working in the Washington-Baltimore locality  which sprawls over most of Maryland and Northern Virginia and reaches into eastern West Virginia and south-central Pennsylvania  will receive a 3.02% increase effective with the start of their first pay period of 2022, which in most cases will be Jan. 2.

That is among the larger of the raises to be paid under the General Schedule pay system, which applies to most white-collar federal workers below senior levels. The largest raise, 3.21%, will be paid in the Seattle area, and the smallest, 2.42%, is in a catchall category called the rest of the U.S. for locations outside more than 50 city zones with their own rates.

Raises above 3% also will be paid in San Francisco; Los Angeles; San Jose; Laredo, Texas; and New York City.

The raises are set by comparisons of labor costs, not living costs, and are separate from the cost-of-living adjustments to be paid to federal retirees in January of either 5.9 or 4.9%, depending on which of the federal retirement systems applied to them.

Biden acted under a provision of federal pay law stating that if no raise figure is enacted by Congress by the end of a calendar year, the president may order a raise by default. Biden had announced in August that if Congress did not act, he would order the 2.7% increase he had recommended previously.

Congress this year did not enact any of the spending bills that could specify a raise, with both the House and Senate in effect consenting to the default raise.

The raise does not apply to certain categories of employees, however. In some localities, including the Washington-Baltimore area, employees at or near the top of the General Schedule pay range have their salaries capped  a limit that will rise by $3,800 to $176,300.

Senior federal executives and certain others at high salary rates are paid within a range, with annual raises set by performance ratings. The maximum for them is rising by $4,400 to $203,700. Pay rates for political appointees will remain frozen.

Blue-collar federal employees are paid under a separate locality-based system using a complex formula that generally ties their raises to the amounts paid to white-collar employees in their area.

National Treasury Employees Union President Tony Reardon said in a statement that the raise is a welcome change that will help federal employees in every city and state pay their bills, plan for their childrens education and save for retirement.
The first seven-ton panel with 450 names was placed at the Korean War Memorial early Monday. Col. John R. Lovells grandson was there to watch. (Astrid Riecken/Washington Post)

WASHINGTON  After the seven-ton granite block was uncrated, and the huge yellow crane had lowered it into place, workers brushed off the snow and Richard Dean walked over to look at his grandfathers name.

John R Lovell, was carved in the last column of names, six from the bottom, under the heading, Colonel. He had been shot down on an intelligence mission during the Korean War. His body has never been found.

Im without words, Dean, 62, said this week at the Korean War Veterans Memorial in Washington. Its been a very long time . . . And [Im] honored to see my grandfathers name. Its his resting spot for right now.

Lovell, who was killed in December 1950, is among the first of 43,000 Americans and Koreans in the U.S. service whose names are now being recorded in stone at the haunting memorial on the National Mall.

The huge block, bearing his and about 400 other names, was put into place shortly before 11 a.m. Monday on a bright but frigid morning. It had arrived by truck and was dusted with snow from the Minnesota quarrying site where it was fabricated.

Stone workers with measuring and surveying devices swarmed around it, and gave hand signals to the crane operator to make sure it was correctly placed.

Dean, in a brown hard hat, blue jeans and yellow jacket, looked on. Youre making history today, guys, he said.

A retired Army colonel who grew up in Wheaton, Md., he is the unpaid volunteer construction management agent for the Korean War Veterans Memorial Foundation, and a member of the foundations board.

He was also the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers project engineer when the memorial was constructed in the mid-1990s.

I have a lot of history with this memorial, he said.

I feel overwhelmed sometimes, Dean said. I feel honored to be able to pay homage to the veterans . . . Its from the heart . . . Ive been deployed a few times, to Kosovo and Afghanistan. I know what wars like. And I know what these guys went through.

When this memorial was actually being built, the veterans would come up and say Where are the names of my buddies?  he said. He thought they were referring to the nearby Vietnam Veterans Memorial, which lists the names 58,000 Vietnam War dead.

No, he said they told him, they meant their pals from Korea. He said there had not been enough room.

No more. Last March, officials announced that the memorial would be getting a Wall of Remembrance, like the Vietnam wall, to commemorate those who died in the Korean War.

And it was just by chance of logistics that the first block to be placed Monday bore his grandfathers name, Dean said.

Lovells reconnaissance jet, an RB-45C, was shot down by enemy aircraft on Dec. 4, 1950, near the border between China and North Korea, according to the American Battle Monuments Commission.

Dean said he believes his grandfather survived the crash, but was captured and stoned to death by enraged North Korean civilians egged on by his captors, based on research information gathered by his mother.

The block was the first of 100 that are being added to the site in an extensive overhaul of the 26-year-old landmark just southeast of the Lincoln Memorial. The project, which got underway in March, is scheduled to be finished by July.

The National Park Service and the memorials foundation have said that the blocks will include the names of 36,574 Americans and more than 7,200 Koreans, who served as advisers and interpreters in what was called the Korean Augmentation to the U.S. Army (KATUSA).

But first the Pentagon had to come up with a list of names - a fraught task.

The first names that were verified were [those from] the Marines, the Navy and the Air Force, Dean said. They appear on 16 thinner stone panels that are being put in place this week. Each one contains about 450 names, he said.

They include the decorated Air Force pilot Maj. Felix Asla Jr. He was shot down Aug. 1, 1952, in MiG Alley, an area over North Korea infested with Russian-built MiG fighters flown by the enemy. His body has never been recovered.

And Col. Theron H. Whitneybell who was killed when his jet ran out gas and crashed while he was returning from a combat mission on Nov. 13, 1950. He is buried in Arlington National Cemetery.

Also, Air Force Capt. John H. Zimmerlee Jr., who had served during World War II, and had nearly been killed when the bomber he was on was brought down in the Adriatic Sea, said his son, John P. Zimmerlee.

Plucked from the water, seemingly dead, by a rescue ship, he was being readied for a burial when someone noticed that he was still alive, his son said in a recent interview.

When the Korean War broke out, he was married with two children, but was still called up.

A navigator, he was one of five men aboard a B-26 bomber on a mission on March 21, 1952. They went out in the evening and didnt come back, his son said. They apparently ran into bad weather and radioed another plane.

That was the last communication they had with anybody else, he said. No one has really described what their mission was all about. His fathers body has never been recovered.

The whole thing is really disgusting, he said.

Regarding the memorials names project, he said: Its nice that whoever is funding this is honoring our guys. And I do appreciate that. But as a family member I really would prefer to get the information on what actually happened to his father.

The panels listing the Armys dead are far more numerous and are still being worked on, Dean said: Theres roughly 27 panels that will be Army privates, and about 29 panels will be PFCs.

Funding for the $22 million project comes from donations from the people of the United States and South Korea, the Park Service and the memorial foundation have said.

Part of the work required the installation of 178 underground pilings drilled more than 50 feet down to bedrock to support a section of the memorial that had sunk about three inches, Dean said.

The memorials 19 stainless steel statues depicting an American patrol during the war have been refurbished. And lighting has been improved.

The Korean War (1950-1953), was fought between forces of the United States, South Korea and their allies, and forces of communist North Korea and China.

It was a bitter, back-and-forth struggle that killed people on the ground and in the air. It claimed more than half as many Americans in three years as the Vietnam War killed in over a decade.

Thousands fell during fighting in subzero temperatures around the Chosin Reservoir, in what is now North Korea. And U.S. pilots were shot down in many forbidding places, like MiG Alley near the Chinese border.

Seven thousand Americans are still missing in action.

On Monday, as the workers finished up their measurements and declared that the placement of the first block was correct, a foreman stepped back and called out: Ninety-nine to go!
Buy Photo Richard Taylor, President, Facility Operations, Renovation & Construction for Balfour Beatty Communities, testifies during a House Armed Services Committee hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington on Dec. 5, 2019. Balfour Beatty Communities LLC was sentenced Thursday, Dec. 23, 2021, to pay $32 million in restitution to the U.S. military and $33.6 million in criminal fines. (Carlos Bongioanni/Stars and Stripes)

WASHINGTON  One of the largest private companies that manages military family housing and pleaded guilty to fraud was sentenced Thursday to pay nearly $32 million in restitution to the U.S. military.

Balfour Beatty Communities LLC was also ordered to pay $33.6 million in criminal fines. The company must also go on probation for three years, during which it will undergo close monitoring for compliance.

According to the Justice Department, company employees engaged in a scheme to alter maintenance records to appear as though Balfour Beatty was meeting goals required for financial bonuses from the U.S. Air Force when it was not.

Instead of promptly repairing housing for U.S. service members as required, BBC lied about the repairs to pocket millions of dollars in performance bonuses, Deputy Attorney General Lisa O. Monaco said in a statement. This pervasive fraud was a consequence of BBCs broken corporate culture, which valued profit over the welfare of servicemembers.

The company pleaded guilty to one count of major fraud as part of a plea deal. The deal was accepted by U.S. District Judge Emmet Sullivan.

Balfour Beatty, headquartered in Malvern, Pa., operated privatized military housing communities at 55 Air Force, Navy and Army bases across the nation, which were occupied by tens of thousands of service members and their families.

The decision Thursday marked a global resolution of the Justice Departments criminal and civil investigations into the company.

Todays global resolution sends a clear message to companies that if they do not maintain adequate compliance programs, voluntarily self-disclose misconduct, and fully cooperate with the government, they will pay a price that outweighs the profits they once reaped, Monaco said.
A member of the Oklahoma National Guard prepares to administer a COVID-19 vaccine on Feb. 23, 2021. (Jordan Sivayavirojna/U.S. National Guard )

(Tribune News Service)  The Biden administration urged a federal judge on Wednesday to reject Oklahomas challenge to the COVID-19 vaccination requirement for National Guard members, saying the state didnt even challenge the correct mandate.

As an initial matter, Plaintiffs fail to challenge the vaccine requirements that apply to the National Guard, the administration said in response to the lawsuit filed Dec. 2 by the state and 16 anonymous members of the Oklahoma National Guard.

The lawsuit challenges an executive order issued by President Joe Biden that requires federal employees to be vaccinated, the Biden administration said Wednesday, and that order doesnt apply to the military.

That alone should prevent the state from getting a preliminary injunction to shield unvaccinated Oklahoma National Guard members from disciplinary measures, the administration said.

Even if the state had challenged the correct mandate, it still would not prevail because federal officials, not state ones, dictate military policy, the administration told Senior U.S. District Judge Stephen Friot, who is hearing the case.

The law is thus clear: Congress and those federal officers using the authority delegated from Congress set the standards for service in the United States military, including service in the National Guard, the administration said.

The State of Oklahoma is of course free to establish a separate state defense force under the exclusive control of the state ... But as far as the National Guard is concerned, the State of Oklahoma cannot allow service members to defy the lawful orders and rules of federal military authorities.

Gov. Kevin Stitt has claimed that Oklahoma National Guard members who have not been activated for federal duty are under his command and do not have to obey Defense Secretary Lloyd Austins order that they be vaccinated against COVID-19.

Stitt sent a letter to Austin asking that Oklahoma members be exempt from the mandate while on state status, but Austin responded that the order was a valid one to ensure military readiness.

Members of the Air National Guard have until Dec. 31 to be vaccinated, while the deadline for members of the Army National Guard is June 30.

Despite Stitts public claims, which are reiterated in a memo from Oklahoma Adjutant General Thomas H. Mancino, the lawsuit filed in Oklahoma City on Dec. 2 doesnt argue Stitts authority as commander in chief supersedes that of Austin. Instead, it cites the executive order issued by Biden for the civil service.

A spokeswoman for Oklahoma Attorney General John OConnor did not respond to questions from The Oklahoman earlier this month about why the lawsuit didnt raise the military challenge.

In the response filed Wednesday, the Biden administration said, Plaintiffs challenge the Presidents vaccination requirements for federal employees in EO (Executive Order) 14043, issued pursuant to his authority under Title 5.

Yet the vaccination requirements for members of the National Guard are issued pursuant to Titles 10 and 32 and have required members of the National Guard to be vaccinated against various diseases for decades.

In declarations to the court, anonymous Air National Guard members cite various reasons for not wanting to be vaccinated and say they would suffer irreparable harm if they are forced to leave the Guard.

Biden administration attorneys argued Wednesday that the Guard members arent allowed to sue anonymously without prior court permission. Also, the administration said, they wouldnt be eligible to file a lawsuit until some action was taken against them and they exhausted all of the military appeals provided.

Here, that means a plaintiff must seek any applicable exemptions, pursue all appeals, and then if those are denied, must still wait until the military concludes any adverse action, and pursue all available appeals of adverse action, the administration told the judge.

There is no evidence that any of the individual Plaintiffs has done so.

Friot has scheduled a hearing for Dec. 30 in the case, though he told attorneys last week that he would review the written arguments and decide by Dec. 23 if the hearing is necessary.

(c)2021 The Oklahoman, Oklahoma City

Visit The Oklahoman at www.newsok.com

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National Guard

previous coverage Unvaccinated Oklahoma Air National Guard members may be facing loss of pay next week
Boy Scouts assemble care packages for overseas troops at a VFW post in Mechanicsburg, Va., in November. The pandemics disruption of the global supply chain is making it more challenging to obtain items for care packages and send them to bases abroad. (Troopster)

The supply chain disruptions adding to the cost and difficulty of sending gifts this year are having an outsized impact on groups that ship thousands of care packages to troops overseas.

On top of persistent readjustments, they are facing a large uptick in orders despite a drop in troop deployment levels.

Holidays are always hard (for Americans stationed abroad), but when you add the uncertainty of whats happening back home, care packages have more of an impact, said Amy Palmer, CEO of the San Antonio, Texas-based charity Soldiers Angels.

Freight charges to ship pallets of goodies to troops increased by an estimated 30% to 40%, Palmer said. Demand is also increasing, even though the withdrawal of U.S. forces from Afghanistan over the summer reduced the American military footprint overseas.

Soldiers Angels began sending more boxes to troops on short rotations to South Korea after requests from there, Palmer said.

Previously, 30% of the charitys care packages each year went to troops in Afghanistan, she added.

U.S. bases in the Middle East, Europe and the African country of Djibouti also are receiving a steady flow of care packages, groups said.

Another group, Packages from Home, is also receiving more requests for deliveries to overseas troops. Demand is up 44% this year, said Meghan Richards, program director for the nonprofit operation in Glendale, Ariz.

Others interviewed for this story said their groups have seen similar upticks in requests.

But fulfilling these requests is more difficult this year because of the tangled supply chains resulting from the pandemic.

Weve had to change a lot of our standard products because the cost of everything increased, said Chelsea Mandello, founder of the Norfolk, Va.-based nonprofit Troopster Care Packages.

Troopster swapped out protein bars and body wipes for cheaper options this year, Mandello said. Even the boxes for the care packages have become more expensive.

A recent survey by the forecasting company Oxford Economics said disruptions will continue for months before mostly easing by the second half of 2022.

Volunteer groups have found ways around the disruptions, such as shipping out their gifts earlier than usual.

The American Legion Auxiliary, which helps volunteers send care packages, is offering training on how to navigate postal and logistics issues.

Soldiers Angels has had to buy supplies in smaller batches from wherever it can source them. And Packages from Home staffers have had to do more legwork to fill the greater number of requests, Richards said.

She added that toilet paper and individually packaged to-go peanut butter have proved particularly difficult to find.

If something is sold out online that we need, we end up tracking it down in local retail stores and picking it up ourselves, Richards said.
Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam watches as Chelsea Blake, a conservator with the Virginia Department of Historic Resources, works to open the box. (Julia Rendleman/For The Washington Post)

RICHMOND, Va.  So, no ultrarare photo of President Lincoln in his casket.

Not even a trove of pro-Confederate propaganda.

But the Robert E. Lee monument time capsule that Virginia historians opened Wednesday produced its share of mystery and intrigue  along with three waterlogged books from the late 1800s, a pamphlet or two, a ghostly photo and a British coin.

Gov. Ralph Northam lent a hand Wednesday afternoon as conservators Chelsea Blake and Kate Ridgway finally peeled up the lid of the small lead box after several hours of prying at its seams. Workers had discovered the box Friday while dismantling the 40-foot stone plinth that once supported the states statue of Lee on Monument Avenue. Northam ordered the statue taken down in September, calling it a symbol of racism.

Even before the top of the box came off  live-streamed and before a crush of media cameras  experts had begun to doubt that this was the official time capsule placed beneath the Lee memorial in 1887, three years before the statue was unveiled.

Its all wrong! exclaimed Dale Brumfield, a local historian and author who has researched the time capsule. Or as Julie Langan, the state director of historic resources, put it: There are anomalies.

The dimensions of this box, carefully removed Tuesday from a 1,500-pound slab of granite, are smaller than the one documented in the historical record. It is also made of lead, instead of the expected copper. And theres no sign of a florid inscription that was supposedly carved into the boxs side.

Blake and Ridgway had spent hours Wednesday working to loosen the seal around the lid of the 4-by-8-by-11.5-inch container. They used a variety of small tools, held in a mug labeled, Trust me, I am a conservator, to chip off hard mortar and then carefully bend back a lip of lead.

Shortly after 3 p.m., as Northam donned gloves to lift the lid of the time capsule and place it onto a red tray, it became obvious that this was not the artifact historians expected. Some of the publications inside the box bore dates after the official time capsule was said to have been placed.

We have questions, Ridgway said later, after the waterlogged items were separated and set out for drying.

The objects inside included American Ephemeris and Nautical Almanac of 1875; a copy of The Huguenot Lovers: A Tale of the Old Dominion, which records indicate was published in 1889; and an unlabeled maroon-colored book that was too wet to open.

There was also a soggy envelope containing a photograph from a studio on Broad Street in Richmond, at least one pamphlet describing a waterworks project on the south side of Richmond dated 1888 and a Victorian-era British coin.

What did it all mean? Brumfield quickly developed a theory.

Its a vanity project, he said. The Huguenot book  a Victorian romance  was written by one Collinson Pierrepont Edwards Burgwyn, who also happened to be the Richmond engineer who designed the circle around the Lee statue. The waterworks pamphlet bore his name, too.

And the photograph, which conservator Sue Donovan painstakingly unstuck from beneath a wet sheet of paper or cloth, showed the faded image of a man with a mustache. On the back was written, James Netherwood, the master stonemason. Netherwood, Brumfield said, constructed the elaborate granite pedestal of the memorial.

Because this time capsule was not in the historical record, and because it was found about 20 feet up inside the pedestal, Brumfield reasoned that the builders might have placed it on their own to honor themselves. So this is kind of like an ego trip, he said.

Maybe. Langan, the historic resources director, said historians have to go to work now to study and understand the objects. Left unanswered: Where is the official time capsule that received extensive press coverage more than 130 years ago?

Its contents were said to have been assembled by community members and included some 60 items, most of which lauded the Confederacy, Lee or Richmonds status as the rebel capital. Most tantalizingly, the accounts suggested that one item included was an image of Lincoln in his casket. If it was an authentic photograph, that would be an extremely rare find  very few are known to survive.

None of the items discovered Wednesday appeared on the list of the contents of that box, as published at the time.

Im wondering, was the contemporary account a red herring? Langan said. Was something put into the time capsule that was later removed? ... That will take time to determine.

Northam condemned the Lost Cause legacy of the monument but said opening the time capsule was an important day for the history of Richmond and Virginia, because it gives us an idea what folks were thinking about at this time of our history.

Across town, as conservators did their slow work in the state lab, crews cleared the final granite slabs from atop the Lee memorial site. The 40-foot-stone plinth, which was covered with graffiti and became an international symbol of the 2020 protests over racial inequity, has been dismantled and put into storage.

The city of Richmond is about to take ownership of the site from the state but had asked that it be cleared first.

Devon Henry, who owns the construction company that has removed most of Richmonds Confederate memorials, said his workers were careful to look out for signs of another time capsule after failing to find one in September. The ground remains filled with granite boulders and rubble, he said, and the official time capsule could still be there.

We think we have an idea where its at, Henry said, based on the Masonic tradition of burying time capsules on the northeast corner of a structure. It just depends on what exploratory exercises the state wants to do at this point.
The state of New Jersey, which was accused of gross negligence and incompetence over its handing of the COVID outbreak in the state-run veterans homes, has agreed to a pay nearly $53 million to the families of 119 residents whose deaths were attributed to the coronavirus in the early days of the pandemic. (nj.gov)

(Tribune News Service)  The state of New Jersey, which was accused of gross negligence and incompetence over its handing of the COVID outbreak in the state-run veterans homes, has agreed to a pay nearly $53 million to the families of 119 residents whose deaths were attributed to the coronavirus in the early days of the pandemic.

An administration official, who confirmed the wide-ranging settlement on background, said the families on average will receive $445,000, based on arbitration proceedings.

Cases settle for a variety of reasons. The families of those who have lost their lives to COVID-19 have gone through so much, said the official. This settlement will hopefully allow them to move forward without years of protracted and uncertain litigation.

Two of the veterans homes  one in Menlo Park and a second in Paramus  reported some of the highest COVID-related death tolls in the nation. The coronavirus claimed the lives of more than 200 residents as the virus swept through the buildings, prompting the state to send in emergency assistance from the Veterans Administration and the National Guard.

Both facilities remain the focus of an ongoing federal investigation.

The out-of-court resolution comes despite a broad immunity granted to the New Jersey nursing homes early in the pandemic and to those acting in good faith in support of New Jerseys COVID-19 response efforts. While not stopping all lawsuits, the state raised the bar in what might be considered negligence. Dozens of civil tort claims notices against New Jersey, though, were filed by attorneys for families of those who died while in the states care as the deaths in the veterans homes soared.

.Among the more egregious examples at the veterans homes that came to light were directives to staff not to use masks or gloves in the early days of the pandemic because it might scare residents.

Administrators of the facilities were accused of failing to institute proper infection prevention measures as the virus began running rampant  despite clear evidence of just how quickly COVID was spreading.

Lawyers for the families also charged that those in charge waited far too long before isolating confirmed or suspected COVID-19 residents, and that staff members who had tested positive for the virus, or those who had been exposed, were nevertheless still permitted to continue to work, as the veterans facilities struggled with severe shortages of medical staff and nurse aides. And they accused the state of failing to conduct timely tests of staff and residents.

In one of those cases filed on behalf of Rose Dente, it was alleged that the 99-year-old widow of a U.S. Army veteran died due to gross departures from the standards of nursing care and infection control at the Veterans Memorial Home in Menlo Park. The notice cited directives by the facilitys administration not to use masks and gloves, and permitting residents to congregate in common areas even after the administration knew that it had COVID-19 positive residents and staff in the building.

Under the terms of the settlement, which was obtained by NJ Advance Media, the state will pay 60% of the settlement, or $31.7 million within 90 days of the receipt of all closing papers from all plaintiffs in the case, including release and tax forms, as well as lien and judgment searches.

The total amount of the settlement is $52,955,000.

The amount each family will ultimately receive will depend upon the decisions reached in binding arbitration. The balance of the settlement will be paid on or before next July, or upon the reporting of the decisions regarding arbitration hearings.

Since the outbreaks at the veterans homes came to light, Brigadier General Jemal J. Beale, the adjutant general who oversaw the New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, ultimately stepped down as part of a major leadership shakeup.

The administration subsequently appointed Dr. Lisa Hou as adjutant general and Commissioner of the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. Hou previously served as the Joint Surgeon of the New Jersey National Guard.

The state also enacted legislation requiring weekly reports to the state health commission on veterans homes during all public health emergencies, mandating that veterans homes to keep family members or guardians of residents informed through quarterly town halls, and allowing family members to remove veterans from the state veterans homes during certain emergency circumstances.

A new law requiring nursing homes to increase staffing levels also meant the hiring of 78 nurses, aides and other employees at the three state-run veterans homes, where residents and families say short-staffing contributed to dire conditions and high death counts throughout the pandemic.

Officials say the three homes currently have an average vaccination rate of 96% among residents and an 88% booster rate.

Meanwhile, the federal investigation  begun under the Trump administration and continued by the Biden administration  is looking at violations of the Civil Rights of Institutionalized Persons Act. Specifically, the Justice Department has raised questions over whether the number of deaths in the veterans homes had been understated, and whether the state should not have ordered nursing homes to accept residents who had been treated for COVID-19 in a hospital.

The veterans homes are also the focus of a separate state investigation by the attorney general, which last year announced a wide-ranging look at how New Jerseys long-term care facilities responded to the pandemic.

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With rock-based fishing seen as one of the deadliest pursuits in New Zealand, water safety officials are urging people to know the best practise for safe fishing.

According to a statement from Auckland Council, Drowning Prevention Auckland and Surf Life Saving Northern Region, rock fishing continues to be one of New Zealands most dangerous pastimes.

The above organisations banded together to develop a safety project when five fishermen died off Aucklands West Coast in 2005.

Since then, the DPA has reported an average of one rock fishing drowning per year in Auckland since the projects inception.

Despite this, there are fears extended Covid-19 pandemic lockdowns may result in an overestimation of competence of rock fishers and underestimation of the environment.

Drowning Prevention Auckland chief executive Nicola Keen-Biggelaar says that financial hardship as a result of the pandemic could have also contributed to a recent increase in incidents on the rocks.

We know people may be struggling to feed their families and this has resulted in more activity at popular coastal fishing sites, she says.

More people are gathering kai moana without following water safety advice, and its so important we are able to educate fishers on how to stay safe.

After reduced face-to-face contact through various lockdown conditions over the previous 20 months, new and existing safety advisors have a tall task raising awareness, making this weeks training even more imperative.

In a study conducted by the project last year, two thirds of fishers reported they were not aware of any safety promotion in place, but trained advisers were identified as the most frequent source of information and advice for fishers.

In the same study, most fishers (86 per cent) agreed wearing a lifejacket made rock fishing safer, although less than half (40 per cent) reported often/always wearing a lifejacket, a decrease from the previous year (2020, 38 per cent; 2019, 50 per cent).

Its a top priority for us to reach new and experienced rock fishers around our coastal areas to reinforce our key messages that can prevent drownings throughout this busy period, says Surf Life Saving Northern Region operations manager James Lea.

Most important is to promote always wearing a lifejacket while rock fishing.

Such advice that will be taught at this weeks induction includes how to recognise a drowning person, best practise to respond to a crisis, safe methods of rescue from land and revival techniques.

Drowning Prevention Auckland advice for Rock Fishers:

-Be smart around rocks.

-Check conditions. This includes swell, weather and tide forecasts as well as advice on safety signs.

-Wear a lifejacket and correct clothing. Light clothing, sturdy footwear such as sneakers and a lifejacket are essential.

-Beware of waves and swells. Always face the sea, never turn your back. Have a clear escape path to safe ground and dont get caught by an incoming tide or large swell.

Beach Safety Messages from Surf Lifesaving Northern Region:

-Choose a lifeguarded beach and swim between the flags

-Read and understand the safety signs  ask a surf lifeguard for advice as conditions can change regularly

-Dont overestimate your ability or your childrens ability to cope in the conditions

-Always keep a close eye on very young children in or near the water  always keep them within arms reach

-Get a friend to swim with you  never swim or surf alone

-Watch out for rip currents, they can carry you away from shore. If caught in a rip current remember the 3Rs: *Relax and float, *Raise your hand and *Ride the rip

-Be smart around rocks: When fishing never turn your back towards the sea and always wear a lifejacket

-If in doubt, stay out!

-If you see someone in trouble, call 111 and ask for the Police

-Be sun smart  slip, slop, slap and wrap to protect your skin and eyes from the suns damaging ray
Five new locations of interest have been announced for both Tauranga and Mount Maunganui.

The Ministry of Health advises anyone who has visited any of the below locations to self-monitor for Covid-19 symptoms for 10 days after you were exposed.

If symptoms develop, get a test and stay at home until you get a negative test result.

The new locations include:
A German traveller has had all her possessions stolen while she enjoyed a bonfire at the beach with a group of friends in Papamoa on Tuesday.

Emma Fina Hansen was born in Germany and came over to New Zealand in 2018 with her family when she was 17.

After finishing school, the 21-year-old went to study Creative Industries at Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology, Windermere Campus, which she just graduated from only a couple of weeks ago.

I was majoring in Graphic Design and I had some commissions lined up which I will have to cancel now because all my devices were stolen.

During my studies I worked as a support worker for a young man with disabilities. I taught him German and the piano and we would just hang out.

My family went back to Germany over a year ago, because my younger brother got homesick. That was when I decided to buy a van and convert it into a sleeper van.

I needed some flexibility and independence in these uncertain times. A friend of mine helped me with the building, we set it up perfectly for me to live in and I named the van Vinnie. She became my tiny home on wheels, a little safe bubble to take with me wherever I went.

On Tuesday, December 21 Emmas white 2006 Nissan Vanette was stolen from Papamoa Beach Road, along with her clothing, food, art, art supplies. Phone, wallet, iPad and laptop.

I went to a bonfire at the beach with a group of friends. We spent the night there singing, playing drums and roasting potatoes in the fire. It was a beautiful night, we even saw marine luminescence.

When I was about to leave at midnight, I couldn't find my keys which I had left on a towel next to the fire where we had all been sitting. We searched the sand for a good 20 minutes until I went to the car park to check if Vinnie was still there.

That is when I realised that my home had been stolen with pretty much everything I owned in it. I called the police straight away and blocked my eftpos and debit card.

My friends took me to their place for the night, made me dinner and gave me an old pair of shoes and a toothbrush.

I am super grateful for all these amazing people who want to help me out. I really appreciate the support that I have been getting in this difficult time.

Emma asks anyone who many have information about her missing Nissan Vanette to email her on fina.hansen@gmail.com
A community crowdfunding campaign to make a documentary on the Rena disaster has just 12 hours left to run, finishing at 11pm on Christmas Eve.

Already, the campaign, hosted on Boosted, the Arts Foundation crowdfunding platform, has attracted over 100 donors, raising over $16,000.

With only 12 hours to go, the race is on to reach the all or nothing target of $25,000 by Friday night.

Sun Media, which put up the initial funding for the documentary, has been joined by campaign match funders Bay of Plenty Regional Council, Holland Beckett Law

and Bay Conservation in helping fund the making of the documentary titled The Rena, the reef and the residents. Additional support has come from Western Bay Wildlife and Western Bay Neighbourhood Support, with donations from Tauranga Marine Charters, Te Matai Investments Ltd and many individuals.

The heart of the film project, led by Claire and Brian Rogers, Rosalie Liddle Crawford and Anton Steel, addresses how the local community responded when the iconic New Zealand coastline was under threat.

Already around 30 interviews have been conducted and the main documentary laid out. The crowdfunding will enable more interviews to be undertaken, additional footage to be filmed and further editing to be completed.

During the crowdfunding campaign five teaser pieces were released, providing a snapshot of some of the recollections covering the wreck, community response, Government response, wildlife response and the iwi response.

These are:













We are so grateful for so many of the community coming on board to help us tell this important story, says co-producer Rosalie Liddle Crawford.

Recording and documenting oral accounts of significant events in our country is important for not only being able to process as a community what happened, but to learn and adjust our approach to any similar event that may occur in the future.

Ten years on, the impact of this disaster on our beloved coast and marine environment still brings politicians, iwi and volunteers alike to tears. However many positives have grown from it. Our community is overall more aware of the care our environment needs - now - for future generations to continue to enjoy.

Rosalie says the crowdfunding campaign which still needs to reach $25,000 by 11pm on Christmas Eve has already been a success in many other ways.

Weve had so many people contact us with offers of footage and photos to be included in the documentary, as well as some amazing behind-the-scenes firsthand accounts of what happened. Some of it has not been heard of publicly before, so its going to make the documentary quite fascinating to see.

She is encouraging anyone who is looking for a last minute Christmas present to choose environmental and buy their loved one a Rena documentary film credit this year.

Do it for the penguins! Every donors name will be listed in the film credits and its a fantastic way to show support for our local environmental and wildlife groups.

A percentage of any net profits made from the documentary will be going to support local community groups that arose from the Rena incident, and the intention is to submit the film to the NZ Film Festival.

It will be fantastic to see all our donors and supporters on the red carpet next year when we screen it for the first time, says Rosalie.

Click here to donate before 11pm on Christmas Eve: https://www.boosted.org.nz/projects/the-rena-wreck-documentary

To contact Rosalie or Anton about the documentary email Rosalie@topshelfdesign.com
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A hot potato: Intel is joining Google and several other tech companies in coming down hard on workers who dont comply with its vaccine mandate. Any currently unvaccinated employees must get their jab or present a legal exemption by January 4. The alternative is unpaid leave.

The Associated Press obtained an internal memo from Intel Chief People Officer Christy Pambianchi sent on December 7 stating that unvaccinated employees must seek medical or religious exemption and submit to weekly testing, even if they are working from home. The memo adds that Intel will review these exemptions until March 15 of next year.

Any unvaccinated employees whose exemption requests are not granted will begin unpaid leave on April 4 for at least three months, during which time they will keep their health benefits. However, unlike Google, Intel emphasized that the workers in question will not be terminated.

Both Intel and Google put their vaccine mandates in place to comply with a Biden administration executive order. It requires US companies with 100 or more employees to ensure their workers are fully vaccinated or regularly tested for Covid-19 by January 18. Its facing several legal challenges in the courts, including being blocked by a federal judge in Georgia on December 7, but many firms are still pressing ahead with the requirement.

We are closely monitoring the legal environment and expect it will take time for the case in Georgia, as well as other similar cases, to be fully resolved, Intel said in a statement to Oregon Live. "In the meantime, we remain focused on keeping our employees regularly informed of updates, required actions, and next steps  which at present include preparing for testing and accommodation requests."

Unvaccinated Googlers may be hit with even harsher consequences. Those who have not been vaccinated or granted an exemption by January 18 will face paid administrative leave for 30 days. If they still havent satisfied Googles requirements during this time, they will be put on unpaid administrative leave for up to six months. Should the employees continue to refuse the vaccine or fail to receive exempt status, they will be fired.

In related news, rising Covid-19 infections and the emergence of the Omicron variant have seen several big names pull out of or severely limit their in-person appearance at CES 2022.
Something to look forward to: With CES 2022 just a couple of weeks away, were seeing more exciting hardware announcements from event participants. The latest two being Adata and Samsung, who have teased their first PCIe 5.0 drives with next-gen performance figures.

The upcoming CES is showing even more signs of becoming a full-on virtual event, with several big names in the industry pulling out over fears of the latest Omicron variant. However, storage maker Adata has shared that it will be on location in Las Vegas to showcase some of its latest XPG-branded PC hardware.

Among them will be Project Nighthawk and Project Blackbird, two prototype m.2 PCIe 5.0 SSDs that offer nearly twice the read/write performance of current-gen PCIe 4.0 drives. For Project Nighthawk, which uses a Silicon Motion SM2508 controller, Adata claims sequential speeds of up to 14GB/s reads and 12GB/s writes.

The slightly slower Project Blackbird SSD features an InnoGrit IG5666 controller that offers the same read performance, but up to 10GB/s writes. Adata notes both drives pack up to 8TB of storage capacity. Expect additional details like IOPS performance, thermals, pricing and availability of consumer versions to be revealed during the showcase.

Samsung, which is also attending CES (for now), has revealed its next-gen PM1743 drive. This enterprise-focused PCI 5.0 NVMe SSD uses the company's sixth-gen V-NAND memory and utilizes a proprietary controller to offer up to 13GB/s sequential read (2,500K random read IOPS) and 6.6GB/s writes (250K random write IOPS).

Samsung says the PM1743 delivers up to 608 MB/s per watt, which is 30 percent more power efficient than last-gen SSDs. The upcoming drive will be offered in 2.5-inch and 3-inch EDSFF (E3.S) server-grade versions, and in storage capacities ranging between 1.92TB and 15.36TBs.

Samsung is currently sampling this drive with chipset and server manufacturers and plans to mass-produce it in Q1 2022.
A hot potato: Intel has apologized to China following a letter to suppliers in which it urged them not to source products or labor from the Xinjiang region. The statement sparked a backlash in the country and led to calls for a boycott of Intel products.

In an annual letter to suppliers dated December 2021, Intel wrote that it "is required to ensure our supply chain does not use any labor or source goods or services from the Xinjiang region" of China, following restrictions put in place by "multiple governments."

The Xinjiang region is home to much of Chinas Muslim Uyghur population. Human rights groups have long claimed they are often detained in "re-education" camps and used as forced labor that feeds into the global tech and retail supply chains.

China denies the accusations, referring to the camps as "vocational training centers" designed to combat poverty and religious extremism.

The letter sparked a backlash on the Chinese social media platform Weibo and the countrys state media, with many calling for an Intel boycott. CNN reports that People's Daily, the Communist Party's official newspaper, called the statement "absurd" and warned that Intel is "biting the hand that feeds it."

Wang Junkai, a Chinese pop star who served as a brand ambassador for Intel Core, said he had cut ties with the company because of its statement. "National interests are above all else," he said.

Intel responded to the outcry with a Chinese-language statement on Thursday on its official WeChat and Weibo accounts. "We apologize for the trouble caused to our respected Chinese customers, partners and the public. Intel is committed to becoming a trusted technology partner and accelerating joint development with China," the company said. It added that it respected "the sensitivity of the issue in China."

It seems not everyone in China is convinced by Chipzillas response. "Is Intel's apology sincere?" was trending on Weibo earlier today.

Chinas foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said that "claims related to Xinjiang, such as forced labor," are "lies by US's anti-China forces."

"We note the statement and hope the relevant company will respect facts and tell right from wrong," he added.

Intel has 10,000 employees in China, which was its biggest customer in 2020, generating a net revenue of $20.26 billion. But it isnt the only US tech giant with close ties to the Asian nation. China is also one of Apples biggest markets; a recent report claims that CEO Tim Cook signed a secret $275 billion investment deal with Chinese officials to help the company succeed in the country
SpaceX Dragon Cargo Ship launches two Raspberry Pi computers to the International Space Station or the ISS as part of the resupply mission of NASA for its astronauts in space.

The rocket of the space firm of billionaire Elon Musk launched from the Kennedy Space Center at the Cape Canaveral facilities of NASA or the National Aeronautics and Space Administration in Florida.

It also marks the 24th cargo mission of SpaceX to the International Space Station for NASA.

SpaceX Launches Raspberry Pi Computers to Space

As per the news story by BBC, the two computers, which carry the same size as a credit card, are tasked to undergo experimentation in the ISS.

The two Raspberry computers were programmed by students as part of the project of both the European Space Agency or the ESA and the Raspberry Pi Foundation or the RPF.

To be more precise, both teens and children went on to program the two small computers as they attempted to run their experiments on the orbiting space station.

The new computers headed to the ISS are slated to replace the older units, namely Izzy and Ed, which reached the space station way back in the Principia mission or Tim Peake in 2015.

Read Also: SpaceX's Falcon 9 to Launch Human Muscle Cells into Space to Uncover the Secrets of Aging

Astro Pi Project and Young Minds

The project is dubbed the "European Astro Pi Challenge: Mission Zero," which seeks to help young minds further develop the skills of students in coding, along with their application of creativity for this space experiment.

Aside from coding the computers, the teens and children are also tasked to leave a creative personal message to the astronauts on the ISS, according to the report by SpaceRef.

The messages from the kids will be sent to the ISS astronauts via the new Raspberry Pi computers.

The head of the youth partnership of the Raspberry Pi Foundation, Olympia Brown, said that the communication between the young minds and the astronauts will not be a problem as there is an internet Wi-Fi connection in the ISS.

It is to note that the project of both the ESA and the RPF allows kids to send their creative messages to space until March 2022.

To do so, young minds could head on to the website of the project for free to participate. It is worth noting that the program is suitable for folks who are ages six and above.

Meanwhile, the CEO of the Raspberry Pi Foundation, Philip Colligan, touted that the project gives "the power of computing into children's hands with one of the coolest educational opportunities out there."

Related Article: NASA, SpaceX Cargo Resupply Mission to Experiment on First Space Laundry Detergent

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Written by Teejay Boris

 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
SpaceX Dragon, the giant independent space agency's advanced cargo capsule, has brought some treats and new gears to the International Space Station as part of its Christmas efforts.

Right now, many people are already sharing their blessings to their friends, loved ones, and partners as the Christmas and New Year arrives.

On the other hand, companies and agencies are also making drastic efforts so that their employees would will that they are valued. They are doing this through Christmas bonuses and other treats that they could take home to their families.

Meanwhile, SpaceX wants the ISS astronauts also to feel the Christmas vibe. Here are other details of the latest launch of Elon Musk's Dragon capsule.

SpaceX Dragon Brings Christmas Spirit to ISS

According to Space.Com's latest report, the advanced Dragon cargo ship arrived at the International Space Station on Dec. 22. Thanks to this launch, the capsule was able to bring some food and new space gear to the giant space laboratory.

Also Read: TRON Founder and Rainberry Inc. CEO Reveals He Won Blue Origin's Space Flight Auction | Who is Justin Sun?

"I won't get in front of Santa Claus and tell you what's going to be sent up, but we are going to have some gifts for the crew," said NASA's Space Station Program Manager Joel Montalbano before the Dragon was sent to the ISS.

The cargo ship successfully docked at the ISS at exactly 3:41 a.m. EST. This is more than 30 minutes early than its estimated arrival time, which is 4:30 a.m. EST.

Raja Chari and om Marshburn, NASA astronauts, monitored the docking activity. After successfully arriving at the ISS, astronauts received special foods such as turkey, green beans, as well as smoked seafood.

If you want to know more details about the latest SpaceX Dragon launch, you can click this link.

Other Activities This Christmas

Aside from the latest Dragon capsule launch, The Guardian reported that NASA is also planning to send its newest space telescope to outer space this coming Christmas day.

The advanced James Webb Space Telescope would be launched from French Guiana on South America's northeastern coast. It would be aboard a European Ariane rocket.

In other news, the NASA Artemis moon mission is now delayed because of a system glitch. On the other hand, SpaceX plans to experiment on its first space laundry detergent.

For more news updates about SpaceX and other giant space agencies, always keep your tabs open here at TechTimes.

Related Article: SpaceX Launches Raspberry Pi Computers to the International Space Station

This article is owned by TechTimes

Written by: Griffin Davis

 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Apple Maps is now the pre-installed app for iPhones that deserves the spotlight. This recent interview with an executive from the Cupertino company says a lot about the product. The executive stated three reasons why people should use it over other apps out there, like Google Maps and other traffic or navigation apps for smart devices.

Apple Maps: Three Reasons to Choose It Over Other Apps

The Apple Maps product lead, David Dorn, and design lead Meg Frost feature the built-in navigation app in an interview with CNN. The features of Apple Maps are massive and are unlike any other. The app brings different functions for smartphone users and its integration to various accessories.

Dorn said that there are three things why the Apple Maps should be the application to use for navigation and other features for iPhone users. It includes:

Apple Investments for Maps in Improving the Platform

Maps are part of the Apple built-in apps that bring integration to different apps that require the location app

Privacy like Ask App not to Track or focus on keeping information away from prying eyes also applies to Maps.

Read Also: iPhone Maps: Here's How You Can Still Use Maps on Your Phone Even If You're Offline

Apple Maps: Is It a Good App from Cupertino?

Apple Maps is a good app now, and it is because it is a program that brings navigation and different helpful information online. The development of the app brings additional features to the table now; from AR navigation through various locations in the country, as well as its optimized performance, the Maps provide an adequate package as an app.

Apple Maps and its Previous Releases

Apple Maps and its previous releases get a spotlight from the release from the company as they focus on bringing the app to be the primary choice for navigation or information. However, there have been massive disputes on the app, with some saying that it was slowing down the navigation process and some unable to utilize its features thoroughly.

Several first-lookers from the last iOS 14.5 release of the Apple Maps regard it as a copy of Waze, the popular navigation app from its developers and founders. However, the company's release also brings a lot to the table in the past iOS updates, down to iOS 15.

It brings COVID-19 hotspots and integration to know different cases in the area, as well as vaccination information to help people understand more of the feature.

Apple Maps is an adequate application from Apple that does not get as much recognition for its build and creation as other apps from Cupertino and other developers. However, its integration to the iPhone now and its ease of use from different features bring something else for the app, making it more "one" with the device.

Related Article: Apple Includes Reporting Feature to Maps App in Germany: Here's How to Report Road Hazards and More Using It

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Written by Isaiah Richard

 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Huawei claims Aito M5, a new electric car developed by Seres, could beat the popular Tesla Model Y. As of the moment, Elon Musk's EV manufacturing company dominates the zero-emission automobile industry.

Related Article: Tesla Vision Helps Model Y Reach IIHS Top Safety Pick, Compared to Radar Versions Before April Says Elon Musk

But, some companies, including those non-EV manufacturers, are now trying their luck to compete against this giant tech firm. Now, Huawei and Seres teamed up, allowing the smartphone creator to enter China's ongoing electric car competition.

This is a massive transition since Huawei became popular as a telecommunications company, offering handsets and other gadgets.

Although it is not designing or developing EVs, Huawei has worked with various automakers to make advanced systems and other features, such as autonomous functions.

Huawei Claims Aito M5 Could Beat Tesla Model Y

According to CNBC's latest report, Huawei believes that the new Aito M5 model is better than the current Tesla Model Y. Seres' latest EV is the first lucky electric car to have Huawei's HarmonyOS operating system.

Also Read: Vivaldi, The First Browser For Android Automotive OS, Is Available In Polestar 2

Aito M5, which can run using fuel and electricity, would have its smart parts and internal features developed by the giant Chinese manufacturer, as reported by CarNewsChina.

What makes Aito M5 different from other EVs is that it combines artificial intelligence and auto technology. On the other hand, the integration of HarmonyOS is the first step of Seres' goal to make zero-emission vehicles as significant as smartphones.

This can be seen in Aito M5's touchscreen, which allows you to adjust your car's functions and conduct online activities, such as watching movies and listening to music. You can view this link to see more specifications of the new electric car.

Aito M5's Other Details

When it comes to pricing, the new Aito M5 is expected to be cheaper than the current Tesla Model Y, costing $39,063.

On the other hand, Seres' new electric vehicle is set to be shipped around February 20, 2022, after the Lunar New Year in China.

In other news, a new Apple patent revealed that the Apple Car could have an external warning display system, informing nearby vehicles and pedestrians when the driver is in self-driving mode.

Meanwhile, Tesla Model Y's crash test result received IIHS top safety pick rating.

For more news updates about Aito M5 and other new EVs, always keep your tabs open here at TechTimes.

This article is owned by TechTimes

Written by: Griffin Davis

 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
From the first tweet to the first this and the first that, another "first" will be making its way into the blockchain and is going to be sold as an NFT! This time. the first SMS text message has been sold as a $150,000-NFT!

What are NFTs?

For those wondering what NFTs are, these are non-fungible tokens that exist on the blockchain built on top of hashes that are used by cryptocurrency. These NFTs represent ownership, meaning if a person purchases the NFT, they own the original copy of that particular digital asset.

According to the story by Engadget, Vodafone has been able to turn the first-ever text message that was sent into a non-fungible token or NFT! With that, the buyer of the NFT will have the bragging rights and full ownership of the first SMS text message ever in existence.

First SMS Text Message Sold as NFT in Paris for $150,000 Ether

The particular NFT sold at an auction house in Paris, Aguttes, for $150,000 worth of Ether. The company has also announced what they plan to do with the money.

As per Vodafone, they will be donating the proceeds from the sale of the first SMS text message ever to the United Nations Refugee Agency to support people who were forcibly displaced based per a press release NewsCentre.

Who was the Text Message Sent to?

In order to put things into perspective as to just how old the oldest SMS is, over 29 years ago, the director of Vodafone during that time, Richard Jarvis, got the first text message ever from programmer Neil Papworth. To add, suitably enough, the text was sent in December and read "Merry Christmas."

Although the content of the first text message ever didn't strike as that exciting, the use of this technology led the foundation for several decades of communications to follow. CNN also noted that the anonymous auction winner would also receive a copy of the communication protocol for the first SMS.

Aside from having the first text as an NFT, the buyer also got a certificate of authenticity as well as a digital frame that can display an animation of a phone that received the first text message ever.

Read Also: Top Crypto Fear & Greed Index Back to Neutral at 45 | Out of the Bearish Market?

Other Notable Tech Milestones Being Sold as NFTs

The first text message being sold as an NFT adds to the stack of telecommunications landmarks that have been turned into NFTs. With that, just recently, Jimmy Wales sold the first-ever Wikipedia edit as an NFT at auction for $750,000.

Early this year, the web's source code was minted by Tim Berners-Lee which sold it as an NFT for charity.

With the first text message being sold as an NFT, this leaves little room for imagination as to what could be the next significant-tech milestone that could be sold as an NFT.

Related Article: TRON Founder and Rainberry Inc. CEO Reveals He Won Blue Origin's Space Flight Auction | Who is Justin Sun?

This article is owned by Tech Times

Written by Urian B.

 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
The Port of Delcambre has been awarded a $2 million from the U.S. Department of Transportation to improve an industrial fabrication yard and rebuild its commercial fishing docks.

Wendell R. Verret, port director, said the hope is expanding the fabrication yard will lead to additional jobs at Bagwell Energy Services. Bagwell could add up to 450 jobs over the next 5 years.
A plaque in the 19th Judicial District Courthouse lobby commemorates the ribbon-cutting and dedication of the new courthouse a decade ago. It also reflects how the composition of the once-majority-White court has changed over the past decade.

When the 11-story 19th JDC building opened at the corner of North Boulevard and St. Louis Street in 2011, White judges outnumbered Black judges on the court by a 2-to-1 margin, or 10 to 5.

Today, nine of the 15 judges who were on the 19th JDC bench a decade ago are no longer there, and the new racial makeup of the court consists of nine Black and six White jurists.

Several of the 19th JDC's current judges said the shift in the court's racial composition can be traced to shifting demographics, particularly in the northern part of East Baton Rouge Parish.

"As populations change, the result is what we see today," Judge Don Johnson, who is Black and has served on the court since 1999, said in a recent interview.

+4 How twin brothers went from inner city Baton Rouge to making history as judges Growing up poor in Baton Rouge's poverty-stricken inner city with their nine siblings during the civil rights era, twins Don and Ron Johnson n

"It's a reflection of the parish: the demographics just have changed in East Baton Rouge Parish," added Judge Tarvald Smith, a Black judge elected to the 19th JDC in 2019. "The court is changing along with the parish."

The court's 15 judges are elected solely from East Baton Rouge, five each from three sub-districts.

The historically majority-White southern subdistrict remains that way today, with 69% of its registered voters being White and 23.5% Black. The judges currently elected from that subdistrict  William Morvant, Tim Kelley, Beau Higginbotham, Fred Crifasi and Kelly Balfour  are all White.

The majority Black subdistrict that covers the middle of the parish, including the inner city, has an electorate that is 83% Black and just 13% White. The judges currently sitting in that subdistrict are all Black  Johnson, Wilson Fields, Trudy White, Smith and Eboni Johnson-Rose.

+6 Christopher Hester, Eboni Johnson-Rose win judicial runoffs in East Baton Rouge Voters in East Baton Rouge Parish selected two judges Saturday, one for the appellate court and another for the state district court.

The racial makeup of the electorate in those two sub-districts has remained consistent over the past decade, but the same cannot be said of the northern subdistrict.

Ten years ago, 56% of that sub-district's registered voters were White and 41% were Black. Today, the subdistrict that includes Baker and Zachary is 50% Black and 45% White.

Chip Moore, who has been on the 19th JDC bench since 2005, is the only White judge currently elected from the northern subdistrict. Ron Johnson, who is Don Johnson's twin brother and was elected in 2019, and Tiffany Foxworth-Roberts, Will Jorden and Christopher Dassau, each elected last year, are Black.

"It absolutely goes to show the makeup of the parish," Jorden said. "This didn't happen overnight. It was a long road to get here."

+2 Prosecutors Christopher Dassau, Will Jorden prepping for new roles as 19th JDC judges Newly-elected 19th Judicial District Court Judges Christopher Dassau and Will Jorden won't take the bench until early January, but they haven'

Moore was hospitalized with the coronavirus, on a ventilator and unable to personally sign his qualifying papers by the July 2020 deadline, but the state Supreme Court ruled that the extraordinary pandemic should not knock him out of his reelection bid.

The high court allowed Moore's campaign chairman to sign the judge's papers so Moore could appear on the November 2020 ballot. The justices said Moore only had to sign them by the day before that election, which he ultimately did. Moore, a Republican, was then reelected after his two challengers  Democrats Dale Glover, who is Black, and Jennifer Moisant, who is White  dropped out.

Dassau, a Democrat, unseated Republican incumbent Judge Richard Anderson, who is White and had served on the court since 1997. Ron Johnson, also a Democrat, defeated Republican Trae Welch, who is White, for the seat previously held by retired Judge Mike Erwin. Jorden beat fellow Democrat Dele Adebamiji for retired Judge Janice Clark's seat. Foxworth-Roberts defeated fellow Democrat and Baton Rouge City Court Judge Yvette Alexander for the seat previously held by 19th JDC Judge Beau Higginbotham.

+8 Foxworth wins rematch with Alexander for 19th JDC seat; longtime Judge Richard Anderson loses In a rematch of their August runoff decided by a razor-thin 27-vote margin, 19th Judicial District Judge Tiffany Foxworth defeated longtime Ba

Higginbotham was elected to the 19th JDC Division M seat in 2014 by voters in the northern subdistrict, then to the Division C seat nearer to his home in the southern subdistrict in 2019.

'Race is a factor'

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Morvant, who has sat on the 19th JDC since 1997 and is retiring Dec. 31, agreed that populations change and demographics shift but said he hopes the electorate isn't choosing judges on the basis of skin color or gender.

"I don't care what color you are or what gender you are  it shouldn't matter," he said. "It should be the best candidate. That's the way it should be."

Don Johnson said it would be naive to think race doesn't factor into judicial elections.

"Race is a factor. Let's not sugarcoat this," he said. "Race has always been a factor in our culture. It's not the sole factor."

Smith concurred, saying race and political affiliation do "play a role."

"But I think the electorate is smart enough to look beyond party and race and select the most qualified candidate," he said.

Smith said the changing demographics of the northern subdistrict mean that Black, Democratic-minded candidates now have a chance to get elected in a subdistrict previously dominated by White Republicans.

"Is it an opportunity? Yes," said Smith, a former East Baton Rouge Parish School Board member. "I remember when an African American Democrat could not get elected up there."

Jorden, who was elected by voters in the northern subdistrict, is a former Orleans Parish and East Baton Rouge Parish prosecutor.

"I think I add value to the bench," he said.

Jorden recalled the late Martin Luther King Jr.'s 'I have a dream' speech in which he longed for a nation in which his children would not be judged "by the color of their skin but by the content of their character."

"It doesn't mean you don't see color," Jorden said, "but I'm not judging you by it. Too many people miss it."

Don Johnson said a majority Black court does not mean Black people appearing before the bench should expect preferential treatment.

"I don't know what the perception is," he said. "I don't know if they're expecting a different result because of the person. If they do, they're wrong."

A judicial candidate can run in any of the 19th JDC sub-districts, regardless of where the candidate lives, but a voter can only cast a ballot in the subdistrict in which the voter resides.

Nevertheless, Smith said, "I want to be fair to the entire parish."

A 'diverse and inclusive' court

Don Johnson said he's pleased with the strides that Black people have made on the 19th JDC but disappointed that other minorities have not sought seats on the court.

"I want the doors open for everybody," he said. "We're an American bench. We should reflect everybody. We'll get there. That's my vision. That's my desire. A court that's diverse and inclusive."

Jorden said he is a big proponent of diversity.

"Not just diversity of color, but diversity of thought," he said. "It's good to have individuals on the court who have those different life experiences. I think that's necessary."
New surveillance cameras will go live in downtown Baton Rouge this week, and the nonprofit that paid for them plans to add more in high-crime parts of the city.

Baton Rouge Police Chief Murphy Paul and some city business leaders say it will be a valuable tool to help discourage violence, which has shattered records this year.

"Selfishly, I would like to see a police officer on every corner of downtown," said Gabriel Vicknair, assistant executive director of the Downtown Development District. "But these cameras coming in hopefully will make visitors feel like, even though they do not see a police officer on every corner, that downtown is being monitored, and the police can jump into action and respond whenever necessary."

But the cameras play into a nationwide debate over surveillance and privacy rights. And some experts say studies in other cities have shown cameras do not lead to concrete reductions in violent crime.

Over the last four months, the Baton Rouge Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice Foundation worked with local businesses and the Downtown Development District to raise money to replace outdated surveillance cameras downtown, which hadn't been revamped since the early 2000s. The new system includes 22 cameras positioned in various locations across downtown, with 82 total views available.

New crime cameras coming to downtown Baton Rouge thanks to local law enforcement nonprofit A network of security cameras in downtown Baton Rouge is getting an upgrade, thanks to a local nonprofit created last year to support area law

Footage is streamed into the BRPD Real Time Crime Center at department headquarters, making it easily accessible to officers. Currently, the center is not fully staffed, but the goal is to hire enough employees for continual, 24/7 monitoring of the surveillance footage.

"This is an example of us being proactive and working with the business community," Chief Paul said at a Wednesday morning press conference.

The cameras are able to detect the difference between gender, age, hair color, or clothing color, as well as differentiate between vehicle types, officials said. It can also track figures and zoom in.

Law enforcement selected the technology and the equipment was donated to the city.

Vicknair praised the "smart" camera technology, saying it could deter everything from "petty graffiti" to violent crime.

The second phase of the initiative will broaden the camera network to other parts of the city. Clay Young, the foundation's chairman, specified the surveillance technology will be used in the Gus Young, Brookstown, and Dixie areas of the city, as well as Tigerland.

A large fraction of the 145 homicides reported so far this year have occurred in these neighborhoods, according to unofficial records maintained by The Advocate.

+2 Baton Rouge dad gunned down days before Christmas: 'What is this world coming to?' Not long after 1 a.m. Sunday, a host of relatives received panicked phone calls and rushed to the crime scene, each holding onto a sliver of h

"You cant just be downtown," Young said. "Obviously we want to support the parts of our community that have had some problems with crime."

A Baton Rouge Police spokesperson later added that College Drive, Perkins Road and Siegen Lane  areas in South Baton Rouge  have "recently become areas of concern" and could potentially be added to the second phase of cameras.

Metro Council President Pro Tem Lamont Cole, who represents some of these high-crime areas, believes that the cameras will serve a dual purpose: Keeping his constituents safe and aiding economic growth. Constant monitoring could place businesses that may be hesitant to open in these neighborhoods at ease.

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However, Fanny Ramirez, an LSU assistant professor of media law specializing in surveillance studies, said there is little evidence such camera networks accomplish their intended purpose.

She pointed to a recent study of CCTV surveillance in Detroit that concluded cameras may increase the minor crime reports but are unlikely to impact violent crime.

With gun crimes and domestic violence surging, Baton Rouge DA considers reorganizing office After decades working inside the local criminal justice system, East Baton Rouge District Attorney Hillar Moore III points to several signific

Another 2018 report published in the Journal of Crime and Justice reviewed the 146-camera CCTV surveillance system in Newark, New Jersey. Researchers did find CCTV had some modest effect on deterring auto theft  but there was no effect on violent crime.

Similar findings have been reported in studies of CCTV surveillance in Los Angeles, Cincinnati and San Francisco.

Chris Kaiser, advocacy director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Louisiana, said he fully understands that people across the state may be experiencing a higher violent crime rate and therefore feel a sense of urgency in addressing the problem.

"At the end of the day, theres really not anything to point to that says that cameras deter or reduce violence in communities, unfortunately," he said. "Were really talking about a remarkable invasion of privacy that can affect not just the block where the camera is located, but the whole neighborhood."

"Were collecting data about free citizens, free residents in our community all the time," he added.

Baton Rouge has few public defenders with trial experience, even as the murder rate soars After about a third of East Baton Rouge Parish public defenders quit during a leadership change this summer, the office has replaced many of t

The presence of cameras can also have an unintended, chilling effect on lawful activities, like protest and freedom to associate, Kaiser said. And without the space to debate the installment of widespread surveillance in a community, most people don't realize what they are being signed up for.

Because the cameras are privately funded, there is no city council vote required to expand the surveillance network and no opportunity for a public forum, a BRPD spokesperson said. However, council members are working with the foundation to decide where to install the cameras.

During the press conference, some questioned these officials, voicing concerns about constant surveillance.

Cole said he feels that families who are worried about violent crime in their neighborhoods will support the initiative when they see the goal is to prevent such activity.

"I think thats the narrative we have to create so families understand this is less about monitoring your behavior but more about monitoring crime and then preventing crime from happening," he said.

Man shot dead at Ardenwood apartment complex amid unprecedented Baton Rouge homicide rate A man was shot to death early Sunday at his North Ardenwood Drive apartment complex, making him the latest victim of Baton Rouge gun violence 

Chief Paul, visibly frustrated, decried any reference to "Big Brother," reiterating that "good, law-abiding citizens" will "welcome the technology."

"People want these shootings to stop," he said. "This whole thing of, you know, 'People dont want anyone there, they dont want cameras'  that is just not the truth. The truth is people want to feel safe."
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Energy giant ExxonMobil has sealed a deal to supply gas from Victorias Bass Strait fields to British billionaire Sanjeev Guptas Australian steel-making operations until the mid-2020s.

ExxonMobil and GFG Alliance subsidiary Infrabuild, which runs steel-making furnaces and manufacturing mills in Sydney, Melbourne, Newcastle and Brisbane, have confirmed they sealed a gas-supply agreement earlier this month.

InfraBuild CEO Vik Bansal

Elsewhere on the east coast, other commercial gas users that rely on gas for energy or as a raw material have reported being unable to secure affordable supply agreements and say they are struggling under mounting financial pressure.

Gas contracts, which once traded as low as $4 a gigajoule, began rising in 2017 and surpassed $10 a gigajoule as Australia started selling cargoes of liquified natural gas (LNG) overseas.
Over the course of my teaching, I did sleep with students, and that was wrong, Franco told podcast host Jess Cagle in preview clips.

The actors admission came during an interview on SiriusXMs The Jess Cagle Podcast, nearly four years after five women, including four of his students, claimed to the Los Angeles Times that Franco had been exploitative or acted inappropriately.

The Oscar nominee admitted to sleeping with women in his acting school, at last addressing allegations that surfaced in 2018.

But like I said, its not why I started the school and I wasnt the person that selected the people to be in the class. So it wasnt a master plan on my part, but yes, there were certain instances where, you know what, I was in a consensual thing with a student, and I shouldnt have been.

Asked how he wasnt aware that sleeping with students would create a power imbalance, Franco reiterated that he felt everything was OK at the time as long as the encounters were consensual.

The actor, 43, also claimed he never slept with a student in his Sex Scenes master class  a course he said was inaccurately named.

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It should have been called, you know, Contemporary Romance or something like that, Franco said. It was a class where they did scenes about whatever their romance is, what they go through as young people. So meeting people on dating apps, or breakups, or just a bad date, stuff like that. Thats what was being done in that class. It was not sex scenes.
In Joel and Ethan Coens Inside Llewyn Davis, Oscar Isaacs folk musician is trying to make it on his own, without his longtime partner. He travels to Chicago to audition for Bud Grossman, who gives the damning judgment: People need time to get to know you, he says, buy you as a solo act.

The Tragedy of Macbeth, Joel Coens first time directing without his brother, is going much better for him than it did for Llewyn.

An intoxicatingly expressionist Shakespeare adaptation dense in fog and shadow, Coens Macbeth is a solo debut from a filmmaker whose visual virtuosity has never been so starkly drawn in sound and fury. The movie has been hailed as one of the finest film Macbeths  a legacy including Orson Welles powerhouse interpretation and Akira Kurosawas feverishly atmospheric Throne of Blood  and an unexpected detour from a filmmaking life previously always defined by brotherhood.

Denzel Washington, left, and Frances McDormand in The Tragedy of Macbeth. Credit:Alison Rosa/A24/Apple TV Plus

I spent 40 years looking over at Ethan after each shot or looking at him if there was a problem. And, so, I missed him because that wasnt there, Coen said in a recent interview. On the other hand, Fran was there as a producer bringing a different skill set that was in some ways absent from things wed done earlier  especially in the context of this particular movie because of her experience in the theatre.
Last week I listened to the Dalai Lama talking about what is most needed now. Embodying universal wisdom he said,warm-heartedness.

Warm-heartedness that is, to enhance the wellbeing of our interdependent global family.

A nativity scene in St Peters square, Rome. The Christmas story evokes warm-heartedness. Credit:Istock

The Christmas story, in essence, evokes warm-heartedness as we ponder Jesus, child in a manger, born of Mary, one silent night in Bethlehem.

This was the moment when a few farmworkers and three members of an obscure Persian sect walked haphazardly by starlight (in the words of poet U.A. Fanthorpe), yes, into their place with Mary, Joseph and Jesus in our nativity scene.
Accompanied by the song Give Heaven Some Hell by Hardy, Ms Gardam and family members accompanied Zanes cobalt-blue coffin into the chapel at the start of the funeral. The casket was adorned with PlayStation imagery with a bouquet of sunflowers on top and a poster for the film Red Dead Redemption hung to one side. Zane Mellor, who died in the Devonport jumping castle tragedy. A number of family members, including Ms Gardam, wore Jurassic Park T-shirts in recognition of Zanes love of dinosaurs. She said her familys thoughts remained with the relatives of the other five victims. Ms Gardam said Zane had matured greatly in the past year and hed grown into a man that finally grew his wings. Zanes grandmother Jane, in a message read on her behalf, remembered the last few days she spent with her grandson.

The last night he stayed with me, we said good night and I love you to each other before he fell asleep, she said. He always slept with me when he stayed. Pretty soon he started to snore, and I recorded him so we could laugh about it later. I watched his face for some time, thinking how handsome and proud I was of him, so I took a photo of his angelic face. Zane Mellor was being remembered as keen gamer, talented drawer and animal lover on Thursday. I have many beautiful memories of my grandson, but the ones from the last few days will be the ones I will cherish the most. I will miss you forever. Officiator Tracey Bruce told mourners that Zane had loved dinosaurs from an early age and his knowledge remained as he got older and he knew which species belonged in which era.

The dinosaur phase developed into a fascination with Transformers and then a passion for gaming. Mourners were told he had both ADHD and autism, and that these quirks made him who he was, which certainly didnt stand in his way, Ms Bruce said. Mourners before the funeral. Credit:Nina Hendy Zane was kind, loving and caring to his younger brothers and sisters, until they got to about the age of five, and then it turned into your typical sibling love/hate relationship. Even as a baby, he was full-on, and didnt stop. He was obsessed with the correct pronunciation of dinosaur names.

His father Tim Mellor loved teaching him that some of the best things in life can be free, taking Zane on fishing and camping adventures. Zane was also intrigued by building things and had a fascination with hammering nails and cutting wood with a handsaw. Hundreds turned up for the service. Credit:AAP He also loved taking trips to the beach with family and would often sing at the top of his lungs on the way. Zane often spoke of a fishing trip with a great-grandfather to Stanley, in Tasmanias north-west, which saw the arrival of hundreds of dolphins and seals swimming around the boat. This had him in a state of awe.

A collection of photos showed Zanes short but happy life, packed with fishing, gaming, riding a lawnmower and in the embrace of his siblings and loved ones. Zanes aunt Jessie described her nephew as one of the most wonderful people Ive ever known. Zane Mellor. He lived life to the fullest and wasnt afraid to show the world who he really was, she said. Messages from gaming friends from around the world were read out, who remembered him as a fun and kind friend who would make dinosaur noises while playing with them.

He had played consistently with some of these online friends for six years. One wrote: Sorry for your loss, Mrs Zane, I hope he lives on in our souls, we love playing him, Ill pass on his messages, our thoughts are with you Mrs Zane. Declean Brown, who was seriously injured during a jumping castle tragedy in Devonport last week, has been moved out of intensive care and is recovering in hospital. Ms Gardam said she encouraged Zane to enjoy online gaming. Everyone told me to get you off that PlayStation, but I let you play until your heart was content, until your eyes got sleepy, and I would come in, take your headset off, turn the PlayStation off and kiss your head goodnight. I love you Zane. No matter what the weather, were together. I love you, Zaney.

Loading Meanwhile, images of Declean Brown, one of the two Hillcrest children still recovering in hospital, have been shared by his family. They show the primary school student smiling and eating pizza in hospital. Some of his hair has been shaven off to treat a wound to the right side of his head and a feeding tube can be seen in one of the photos. In a post, Decleans uncle said it had been a tough week, but his nephew had put up one hell of a fight and was now awake. Well done little dude and enjoy that requested [pizza], he said. So proud of you. Stay strong and see you soon. My heart still breaks for the familys that lost their loved ones.
But none of this has had any material impact on the system as yet. Major spending on things like new beds will occur while COVID-19 bounces around the community. The government has assured the public the system can cope with COVID, but expect the drum to be beaten by the opposition if patient health outcomes fall, especially those with non-COVID medical needs displaced by COVID-19 patients. Any adverse outcomes will be framed as a failure of the government to properly resource the system pre-COVID and poor management during it. The most immediate concern for Mr McGowan and his brand-new Health Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson is finding out what kind of threat Omicron poses to the states opening plan, which was developed based on modelling of the Delta variant. Mr McGowan will use the Bradbury factor and wait to see how Omicron impacts NSWs hospitalisation rates before making any major changes to WAs plan.

On Wednesday, he said an emergency would have to occur for the February 5 date to change but flagged that they were already looking at tougher restrictions for unvaxxed people. Loading City-wide lockdowns have been categorically ruled out but expect some fiddling with mask mandates beyond the requirement to wear them in high-risk indoor situations as outlined in the current transition plan. Mr McGowan has also mandated booster shots for the WA workforce already covered by mandates, which will force a brand new public messaging and vaccination campaign. With more than 90 per cent of WAs eligible population vaccinated with at least one dose, the mandate has been successful but expect more demonstrations from anti-vaxxers and the anti-mandate crowd.

Not only will the government need to deal with COVID-19, it will also need to convince the public that living with the virus is a good thing. West Australians are warming to the idea of an open border but after two years of Mr McGowan militantly crushing and killing the virus, there is a large chunk of people who will consider any COVID-19 deaths or severe illness in the community a broken promise. On Wednesday Mr McGowan conceded that people would die when the virus gets in, but in the same press conference sounded the COVID war siren once again by introducing a hard border with Tasmania and the Northern Territory. Curtin University politics expert Professor John Phillimore said it would be difficult for the government to switch its messaging in such a short period of time, but the government will benefit from hindsight attained in other states. Im sure he has already learned from Victoria and NSW, and now hes got six weeks or seven weeks to learn from Queensland, Tasmania and South Australia where they havent had much COVID and now have to work out whats the best way to message that, he said.

As we (hopefully) move into a post-COVID world another area to watch will be when and which COVID powers will be relinquished. A state of emergency cant last forever, but governments have gotten used to the powers it has afforded them to avoid normal bureaucracy as well as political and legislative processes. Police are also smitten with the border controls and Commissioner Chris Dawson often talks about how drug imports have been smashed because of the lack of travel into the state. Post-COVID oddities If all goes to the governments plan, over the course of the next year COVID will be managed by hospitals like they do the flu and the fixation by politicians, the media and the public will dissipate.

Notre Dame senior politics lecturer Martin Drum said when this happens the government will face scrutiny in areas it may not be used to. We just spent a couple of years now where COVID kind of overshadowed every single other issue, and if COVID-19 recedes, and we all hope it does, then the light will shine on some of those other issues, he said. WA and its government then have to look at how they manage all those and that includes some social issues, it includes the health system, it includes gaps in the economy, skills shortages and all those sorts of things. Suddenly they get highlighted again when largely theyve been swept under the carpet a bit because of COVID. Despite its small numbers, Dr Drum said this will give the Nationals and Liberals alliance its first real chance to deal some political blows to the McGowan government.

There will probably be more opportunities for the opposition to critique in that environment, he said. Loading It was hard for [former Liberal leader Liza] Harvey when she was opposition leader. She got her fingers burnt when she came out a bit early calling on the government to bring down the border  ever since then, I think the opposition has been a bit gun shy on critiquing some of these things. Climate change will become a bigger issue for the state government without COVID as it continues to support the oil and gas sector at the same time as coming up with sector-based emissions reduction targets and decides what will happen to its coal-fired power plants. Aboriginal heritage will continue to be an issue as the United Nations considers whether recently passed laws contravene human rights and irate Aboriginal groups ramp up concerns about the minister being given the final say on approvals.

The state budget could also hold some surprises if Chinese demand for steel continues to drop and the iron ore price drops below US$66 per tonne (as is currently predicted). In the three months between the last state budget and mid-year review released last week, lower than expected iron ore prices blew a hole nearly $1.5 billion wide in royalty earnings for the state, proving once again how tied our fortunes are in WA to global markets beyond our control. Fighting like chihuahuas The WA opposition may have more topics to target the government with but whether they have the heart or fight to match the Labor party is another story. Every day a group the equivalent of a government department heads to their electorate offices and does the bidding of the Labor party.

With such pitiful numbers in both houses, the Liberal and Nationals support staff is barely enough to field a footy side. This burden will continue to wear on the opposition and test their already battered reputation with the public. The Liberal party has also committed to reform following its state election loss but with powerbrokers still controlling key committees and members of The Clan refusing to budge from their elected roles, meaningful change is unlikely. The federal election Thats right, there is a federal election next year.

You probably wouldnt know about it because, thanks to our hard borders, we havent seen either major partys leader in the state for quite some time. Climate change is shaping up as a major issue and, inevitably there will be plenty of discussions around the GST. Both parties have committed to not touching the formula but where Western Australia might get screwed over is if a review scheduled for the middle of the decade is brought forward. Dr Drum said Labor was hopeful of picking up at least two seats in WA, which could have a big impact on the outcome of the election with the Coalition government currently holding just a one-seat majority. One seat would be Pearce with Christian Porter vacated and the other one would be Swan, where the sitting MP Steve Irons is not recontesting, he said. Both of them are golden opportunities and if it comes down to a very close election, it could be very, very interesting in WA.
Socio-economic status remains the top factor

Once again the League Table of high VCE achieving schools is published and predictably the so-called top-performers are high fee, high SES (socio-economic status), significantly over resourced (based on the Federal Schooling Resource Standard funding formula) non-government schools that in addition to the more than $25,000 fee per student receive significant public subsidies. Missing from the table however, is the Index of Community Socio-Educational Advantage for each school which allows for fair and reasonable comparisons among schools with similar students. Haileybury has an ICSEA in the 99 percentile of Australia. Meanwhile, public schools such as Ashwood College is on the 78 percentile of ICSEA. My longitudinal research since 2014 finds that government schools equal or outperform non-government schools of similar ICSEA. International and Australian research confirms that socio-economic status is the most significant factor in school academic achievement.

David Zyngier, School of Education, Southern Cross University Comparison of median scores has little validity

If its late December, it must be time to rank our schools. Unfortunately, yet again, league tables are published, and schools are compared on the basis of their median study scores. These comparisons have little or no statistical validity, because students at different schools take different subjects which are not equally easy or difficult. To take an obvious example, it is easier to gain a higher study score in Further Mathematics than in Mathematical Methods. For this reason the study scores have to be adjusted before the calculation of the ATAR. Any comparison of different schools, if it has to be undertaken, must be based on their scaled study scores or ATARs.

Lindsay Zoch, Mildura THE FORUM Let down, again

As a golf club member I was greatly reassured when we returned from the last lockdown that QR code check-in and full vaccination certification was mandatory to be allowed on the course. When club house hospitality subsequently resumed I would not have contemplated using it without that safeguard. If it is removed I will keep playing on the course (with fully vaccinated people) but I will not be going indoors to face a much higher risk of infection. As Mike Toole and Brendan Crabb indicated (National cabinets lost opportunity, The Age, 23/12) this is a widespread attitude as thousands of people cancel pre-Christmas restaurant bookings in response to this latest display of abysmal political leadership. This is an example of pandering to one groups idea of freedom curtailing the activities of others. I suspect that I am not alone in feeling let down by our leaders.

Bill King, Camberwell National strategy needed

The supposed national crisis cabinet meeting reflected our Prime Ministers political personality being indecisive and highly reactive. It recommends indoor masks though most experts urge mandatory, no decision on mandating QR code and rapid antigen tests decision deferred. I share Mike Tooles and Brendan Crabbs lament that the meeting was a golden opportunity to establish a nationally consistent approach to the current surge in COVID-19 cases. Dr Jeremy Farrars comment nails Scott Morrisons attitude of cross our fingers and hope this crisis blows over. Rather, we need to be ahead of the virus and implement measures that reduce transmission and prevent hospitalisation. A responsible national leader with common sense would come up with a comprehensive, nationally co-ordinated strategy.

Fr Kevin F. Burke, Sandringham

Vote for the Barrier Reef

Hooray, the updated Reef plan recognises climate change as the greatest threat (Barrier Reef plan panned as threat rises, The Age, 23/12). Boo, the Morrison government has inadequate climate change targets and policies and despite the IPCC Code Red report, and the Glasgow Climate Pact, has ruled out improving them. At the election, Australians must Vote 1 Reef. While some will say their vote wont make a difference, the UKs Grantham Institute ranked Make your voice heard by those in power as the number one way to bring about change. The Australian Conservation Foundations Together We Can program is built upon the power of collective action. What greater collective action is there than a national election? If the government wont change, lets change the government.

Ray Peck, Hawthorn Let the market decide

Christian schools seek exemption from anti-discrimination laws protecting the rights of LGBQTI+ people, divorcees, and the unfaithful to employment and education. I suggest they be given the powers they seek, provided they relinquish secular funding from state and federal governments and let the market decide.

Chris Ellis, Cygnet, Tas. Treat everyone equally

Having lived near the heavily fortified Beth Weizmann Jewish Community Centre (Jewish groups get aid to boost security, The Age, 23/12) for many years, I always wondered why such an intimidating security display was necessary, casting a pall over an otherwise peaceful neighbourhood. As the article points out, no attacks have been recorded in Australia, so why is tax money being spent? Logically, within a multicultural society, the Jewish community isnt the only one to bear the brunt of occasional and unfortunate prejudice, but this doesnt mean there are hefty measures taken outside Greek, Italian or Lebanese institutions. Are politicians happy to spend money merely to keep this influential community on side or is it an appeal to the ever-reliable issue of community safety? In this country, we are all part of the same broad community and should behave accordingly.

Marish Mackowiak, Ormond Humanities role clear

Cara Waters article reinforces the need for our educational system to prioritise as a buffer the role of history teaching and what used to be called a clear thinking component of English teaching. As the rise of conspiracy theorising during the coronavirus pandemic has attested, the egregious lack of analytical skills in sections of the Australian community have made scapegoating and susceptibility to fraudulent influencers an easy default setting. Notwithstanding the potency of social media platforms, focused traditional schooling can still inculcate from an early age enlightened value systems as a counter to malign actors in our communities. The role of what used to be termed proudly, the Humanities, should be reasserted.

Jon McMillan, Mount Eliza

Failure to act on koalas

The Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) was notified about the destruction of koalas at its onset and did nothing, for weeks, in spite of having an office an hour away in Warrnambool (Charges laid after at least 70 koalas die, The Age, 23/12). There is a dire need for a lights and sirens mechanism within DELWP to respond to protected species destruction emergencies. Repeated acts of supererogation, by the public, should not be necessary to achieve action.

Lawrence Pope, Friends of Bats & Bushcare Inc. Help our wildlife

Good to see that there has been some protection for our wildlife. How can the federal government not put in place simple procedures to help our iconic animals? Corridors of suitable trees would do much to help, especially to allow the koalas to escape bushfire and find food after one. Something even this government should be able to manage.

Doris LeRoy, Altona Who is responsible?

I broke into a cold sweat when I learnt that Australias leaders plan to loosen rules around casual contacts, use QR codes to monitor not police peoples movements and consider removing strict COVID-19 testing requirements for travellers, under a strategy that shifts resources into fast-tracking vaccines and strengthening health systems. With daily increasing numbers of COVID-19 reported, I fear we face a future of lockdowns and border closures. I am not reassured by our Prime Ministers assurance that Australians are commonsense people and they know what they need to do to protect their own health. Relying on commonsense is not a safe strategy, as human error, impulsiveness and emotion frequently overrides commonsense. Are our leaders denying their responsibilities?

Elizabeth Osborne, North Hobart, Tas. Community responsibility

In repudiating medical experts requests for mask mandates at this time, the Prime Minister has decided personal responsibility is sufficient to ensure people wear masks. He likens mask wearing to the slip, slop, slap campaign to prevent skin cancer. No, Prime Minister, it is quite different. If I choose to ignore warnings to cover up to prevent skin cancer, the only person who may become ill is me. If I choose to ignore requests to wear a mask to prevent COVID, I may personally contract COVID, but I may also pass it on to others, maybe seed a large cluster, maybe even cause a death. Personal responsibility is not enough when our actions may affect others: we all also have society and community responsibilities. In a civilised community, we adhere to certain rules and obligations to ensure the community functions. Requiring citizens to wear masks indoors is a small but necessary responsibility to the community, not merely a personal responsibility. Mask wearing mandates are more like driving on the left than the slip, slop, slap campaign.

Louise Kloot, Doncaster

Perfect distraction

The Prime Minister is the master of distraction. While we are all debating personal responsibility, and revisiting nonsensical sunscreen analogies, we arent asking why we didnt have a nationwide purpose built quarantine system operational almost two years into a pandemic, and through inadequate quarantine, why he deliberately allowed incursion of a variant, when the virulence and degree of immune escape were not properly understood, relinquishing precious time to boost the population before incursion.

Anita White, Kew Plastic rating plan

Could we start a packaging system where the packaging could be levied on the amount of plastic? Maybe rating as no plaz, low plaz and high plaz. We all scratch our heads whenever we buy any new product.

Peter Wilson, Williamstown Free tests add up

I hate to think what it costs to run those testing hubs  much more than the lab cost for each test, plus staff, PPE and security, let alone the lost productive hours for all those standing in line. But the brilliant economic managers in Canberra seem unable to do the simple maths. Surely, replacing this expense with free rapid antigen testing would eliminate many of those standing in line, leaving quick testing for those that test positive and for those needing to test before travel?

Bronwyn Hughes, Mount Eliza Make kits available

After returning from living in London for the past two years and seeing the lengthy queues for COVID testing, I wonder why rapid test kits are not provided free of charge like they are in the UK? These kits are quick and effective and provide peace of mind and avoid having to line up for hours to be tested and wait for results. Sure, PCR tests are required before travel, but rapid test kits certainly make life easier in these worrying times. Come on Dan, hand out those kits!

Carolyn Angelin, Mont Albert North AND ANOTHER THING ...

Credit: COVID-19

With the rise of COVID-19 cases I think medical advice wins out over political advice.

Bruce Clark, Box Hill South Only our PM could compare heat stroke with a global pandemic. We dont mandate the wearing of hats.

Barry James, Lilydale While were on it, lets take away the mandate to stop at a red light, or wearing seat belts.

Patricia Rivett, Ferntree Gully Mr Morrison, sunburn is not contagious.

Rodney Waterman, Eltham

This Domicron variant from NSW is increasingly concerning.

Steve Melzer, Hughesdale Why, why, why is there still no electronic method of queuing for COVID testing?

Brian Collins, Cardigan Scott Morrison

ScoMo, an unfinished name to go with his unfinished promises.

John Rosenbrock, Mount Martha A country or a person that is rudderless does not have a clear aim or a strong leader to follow.

Geoff Gowers, Merricks North Scott Morrison and his handling of the COVID situation brings to mind Pontius Pilate.

Damian Meade, Leopold

Furthermore

Having the unvaccinated pay for their treatment looks like a start to destroying Medicare via the personal responsibility ruse. Next are the fat, the unfit, smokers, drinkers, the careless, the poor ...

Neil Hauxwell, Moe Anglican Priest, Rod Bower, once proclaimed on his church billboard, Dear Christians. Some PPL are gay. Get over it. Love, God. Says it all, really.

Peter McCarthy, Mentone Maybe more people should divorce religion.

Bryan Fraser, St Kilda If some religious schools claim the right not to employ staff who do not support their values, perhaps they should reconsider accepting taxpayer funding from such people.

Chris Durie, Hawthorn East
All frontline police officers in Victoria will be armed with Tasers following a major funding announcement from the state government.

Police Minister Lisa Neville said $214 million would be spent on the non-lethal equipment rollout beginning next year to provide 6000 police and Protective Service Officers (PSOs) in metropolitan Melbourne with the devices over the next four years.

The X2 Taser model.

But civil liberties groups say they have serious concerns over the widespread rollout, raising concerns over the use of stun guns on vulnerable people, particularly those in mental distress.

We are concerned, people can still die as a result of Taser deployment, Liberty Victoria president Michael Stanton said.
A Mark McGowan leg tattoo. Credit:Jack of All Fades Perth At the same time he has turned WA into the Hotel California sung about by the Eagles thanks to the brief period you could visit the lovely place and subsequent border changes that meant you could never leave. For the most part, keeping other Australians out has played well for Mr McGowan, but he does have his detractors. Human Rights advocates for one, anyone with extended family outside of WA and of course eastern media commentators and newly minted New South Wales premier Dominic Perrottet. Mr Perrottets biggest zinger was when he described his WA counterpart as being like Gollum from the fantasy series Lord of the Rings because of his wish to hoard the states precious GST.

The fight to keep the GST will continue to play out at the upcoming federal election, despite Prime Minister Scott Morrison and federal opposition leader Anthony Albanese saying the carve-up would not change, as Mr McGowan looks sure to play a visible role in WA to win seats for Labor. The dog days of Doctor Who Reduced to enough lower house members to operate a tandem bicycle, the Liberal party lost opposition status to the Nationals after the March election and turned to Cottesloe MP David Honey as its new leader. Dr Honey came up trumps in a leadership vote where the only other potential candidate for the job, Libby Mettam, did not run against him. But Ms Mettam has been far more prominent in the media with her role as the opposition health spokeswoman and from chairing an inquiry into sexual harassment on fly in, fly out sites.

Dr Honeys apparent lack of presence on televisions and radios compared to Ms Mettam and opposition leader Mia Davies has earned him the nickname Doctor Who after the British science fiction character. Its a title he has even added to his Twitter profile. The moniker is at least a bit kinder than Mr McGowans assessment of the Liberal leader after the premier called him a first-rate idiot and a moron on the floor of Parliament  the art of debate has really hit the dark ages  before withdrawing the comments. But the Liberal leaders most memorable moment from the year was a Parliament gaffe where he mispronounced chihuahua five times  adding in letters so it sounded like he was saying chi-chuana  before getting it right. Dr Who-ney decided it was a good idea recently to lean right into the chihuahua jibe by visiting a rescue organisation for the breed, possibly in search of new companions for the new season of Parliament in 2022 and some zany adventures.

A social media post from the visit was the latest in a series of memes and fire-side chat videos being pumped out by Dr Who-neys young staffers to try and boost his profile and take him from I dont know who that is to I think I saw you on TV once? Theres a way to goes just from the online presence given the good doctors 2200 Facebook followers versus Mark McGowans 444,000 when it comes to being able to directly engage with the masses. Just your friendly neighbourhood clan After the 2017 election the Liberal party thought it had hit rock bottom. But the past term of government must seem like the halcyon days of opposition now for the Liberals with a handful of state parliamentarians, the party strapped for cash ahead of a federal election and factions warring over the future of the organisation.

A report by party elders into whats wrong with the Liberals was released in August and concluded unethical, underhanded and corrupt practices had left it a penniless political wasteland on the verge of extinction. WhatsApp chats between a group of Liberal powerbrokers known as The Clan  which included members like former federal minister Mathias Cormann and state MPs Nick Goiran and Peter Collier and orchestrated pre-selections of candidates  were covered by an addendum to the report. It is our view that the chat messaging corroborates the incriminating evidence obtained by the review committee and supports our conclusions and recommendations, the report authors said. This odious behaviour has shamed the Liberal Party and trashed its reputation. It is contrary to Liberal Party principles and values. There has been a lot of bluster from parts of the party to expel MPs like Mr Goiran but a lack of numbers makes such overtures unlikely.

The Liberals say they are making changes to the partys structure but we may not have seen just how low it will go until the other side of next years federal election. Meanwhile, at the Nationals The year began with the explosive testimony from outgoing Nationals MP Jacqui Boydell who called out the partys treatment of women. Steps were taken in the party to address the concerns brought up by Ms Boydell in a year where bad behaviour towards women behind close doors of the nations parliaments was not going away and was kept in the spotlight. Just as Nationals leader Mia Davies thought the year was over one of the partys MPs, James Hayward, was charged with child sex abuse offences reducing the opposition to one less politician to deal with the giant stack of parliamentary work required to try and hold the government to account after he was suspended and then quit the organisation.

Ms Davies has called for Mr Hayward to resign from Parliament but it is unclear whether he intends to stay and collect his paycheck and as to what plea he will enter to the charges. High-flying friends Its been a while since Australia had a chopper-gate. The WA version was not nearly as explosive as the events which saw former federal speaker Bronwyn Bishop exit politics, when she took a $5227 helicopter charter flight from Melbourne to Geelong to attend a Liberal Party fundraiser, but did raise some eyebrows. Basically, Attorney-General John Quigley accepted a helicopter ride from his millionaire friend John Poynton to former federal Perth MP Tim Hammonds birthday party in Yallingup.

The flight was not declared and took place two months after Mr Poynton, a former Crown director, appeared before the NSW Crown inquiry, which ultimately made no adverse findings against his conduct. WA Attorney-General John Quigley. Credit:Philip Gostelow The ministerial code of conduct states that ministers should declare gifts such as free flights, but a loophole is provided for gifts from family members or personal friends. Mr Poynton was always going to be a likely witness at the eventual Perth Crown inquiry but Mr Quigley did not declare any helicopter rides given Mr Poynton was a close friend. He was a witness before a New South Wales royal commission; there was no royal commission in Western Australia, Mr Quigley said this year.

The royal commission concluded that the person to whom the leader of the opposition referred was a person of integrity, credibility and should play a part in the future of Crown. That is what the royal commission found. There was nothing that concerned me, but I am not going into any more on this. It is pointless. The premier defended Mr Quigley and said ministers were entitled to private lives. Crown created a few headaches for the Attorney-General during the year after he denied telling Nine News Perth reporter Gary Adshead that the head of the WA Royal Commission into Crown would not have been appointed if he had known about certain business connections. If Parliament were a musical ...

Culture and the Arts Minister and Thespian David Templeman has made a tradition out of rounding out the lower house sitting year with a bit of a sing-song. Previous renditions have seen the years events sung to the tune of Leonard Cohens Hallelujah, Monty Pythons Always Look on the Bright Side of Life and Simon and Garfunkels the Sound of Silence. This year Mr Templeman channelled his inner-Blue Eyes to take the song My Way, as popularised by Frank Sinatra, and fill it with lyrics about Clive Palmer, the missing and then found Carnarvon girl Cleo Smith, anti-vaxxers, GST fights and through it all WAs temerity to face off against the rest of the country and do it Our Way. Youve got mail

Amidst all the abhorrent death threats sent to WAs politicians, Police Minister Paul Papalia and the WA Police force finished the year with one of the stranger pieces of correspondence. Mr Papalia and the police received letters containing dead mice and human faeces from an alleged perpetrator from Shoalwater. Maggots were crawling out of some of the letters and WA Police was even kind enough to provide photos of said excrement-stained letters to the media. Given weve all been through enough in the past two years we might just leave those images out of this article. WAP [Wet ah ... particles]

The advent of regular political livestreams from the premier and health officials, which can run from 20 minutes to an hour, has resulted in some lighter moments not always seen by the public in nightly television news bulletins. Last year it was Mr McGowans response to a question on whether you could go for a run and eat a kebab under tough community restrictions and immortalised in knitwear, this year it was a reminder to keep your phone off in social settings like cinemas and press conferences. Following the January-February lockdown an independent investigation called by the state government was undertaken by former WA Chief Health Officer Tarun Weeramanthri into hotel quarantine ventilation and practices because of COVID-19 infecting a security guard within the system. Professor Weeramanthris scientific explanation of aerosols versus droplets when it comes to the continuum of particles, during a presentation of his interim findings, at a time when what we thought we knew about the transmission of COVID-19 was changing, took a turn when a cameramans phone started blasting Cardi Bs chart-topping 2020 banger WAP.

Kudos to the professor for being able to get right back on topic in a manner of seconds. What about actual laws and policies? There were quite a few bans. Old growth forrest logging and puppy farming were banned. Picketing within 150 metres of an abortion clinic was banned.

Bikie logos and tattoos were also banned. Putting a road through the Beeliar Wetland was another thing banned. Billionaire Queenslander and McGowan foe Clive Palmer was pretty much banned. COVID-19 continued to be banned in WA. The police were banned from using SafeWA check-in data to solve crimes after ministers promised the publics information would not be used for anything other than contact tracing. The law change came after police had taken advantage of a loophole in the apps terms and conditions which did not care for the sanctity of a politicians promise.

Large corporate mining companies were supposedly banned from destroying ancient Aboriginal heritage sites, although many Traditional Owner stakeholders say new legislation to do this does not actually do this. Loading Labor did not quite go the full Queensland circa-1922 and abolish the upper house but it did use its unprecedented majority to create a whole-of-state electorate, thus nobbling the conservative hold on power in the chamber. Whether it will result in a reduced focus on regional towns, as warned by the Nationals, will take some time to be seen. Male fly-in, fly-out workers sexually assaulting colleagues and mining companies that did not report some rapes to the safety regulator were called out and shamed to fix up a workplace and health and safety system in much need of an overhaul. The public and private hospitals continued to go through the ringer and a new health minister was put in place just as WA gets ready to lift its border with the rest of the nation and the world to let COVID-19 with the state ban on the virus to be somewhat lifted.
Minneapolis: A suburban Minneapolis police officer has been found guilty of two manslaughter charges in the killing of Daunte Wright, a black motorist she shot during a traffic stop after she said she confused her gun for her Taser.

The mostly white jury deliberated for about four days before finding former Brooklyn Center officer Kim Potter guilty of first-degree and second-degree manslaughter.

Potter, 49, faces about seven years in prison on the most serious count under the states sentencing guidelines, but prosecutors said they would seek a longer term.

Potter, who testified that she didnt want to hurt anybody, looked down without showing any visible reaction when the verdicts were read.
18 Illegal Immigrants Detained After Speeding Through Newport Harbor on Boat

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) detained 18 people on Dec. 21 believed to have illegally entered the country, after their boat sped past two CBP agents who were investigating another boat in Newport Harbor in Southern California.

Orange County Sheriffs Departments Harbor Patrol was called to the 2200 block of Newport Boulevard at around 7:30 a.m. regarding a suspicious abandoned boat that was unfamiliar, Sgt. Todd Hylton told The Epoch Times.

When we got there, there were signs in that boat of potential [human] smuggling, he said. At that point, we contacted Border Patrol, who took over that investigation.

After CBP agents arrived on scene investigating the boat, agents witnessed a heavily laden recreational vessel speeding through Newport Harbor at about 12:15 p.m., according to a statement released by CBP.

The agents called for assistance from CBP officers at the Port of Long Beach, who were able to intercept the boat, which led to the discovery of the 18 illegal immigrants. They were all taken into custody and transported to the San Clemente Border Patrol Station for processing.

CBP said the agency is working to identify, intercept, and disrupt criminal organizations operating in Southern California, with smugglers often using pleasure crafts and repurposed Mexican fishing vessels called pangas to smuggle migrants and drugs into the region.
4 Ways to Lead Your Organization Through the Omicron Surge

Leaders are scrambling to minimize the highly contagious variant's impact on employees' mental health and engagement, while avoiding another wave of the Great Resignation

We are all aware that navigating the last couple of years has had a devastating impact on our organizations and teams, but then for a few brief months, it seemed like we could see the light at the end of what has been a very dark pandemic tunnel. And then came the discovery of the Omicron variant.

All the hope for a return to some kind of sustained normal in the near future appears to have been dashed, with some regions of the world reporting cases of Omicron doubling every two-to-three days and returning to work-from-home recommendations.

Many leaders are concerned about what this will mean for their organizations, and want to know what they can do to minimize further impact on employee mental health and engagement, while avoiding another wave of the Great Resignation.

The reality is that the pandemic has negatively affected the needs of our employees and in some cases exacerbated and highlighted the places where their working environment and experience were already detrimental. Many employees are now no longer prepared to work in roles where they are sacrificing, and expected to sacrifice, so much personally for their jobs.

The good news is that you dont need to fix the unfixable; you cant neutralize the pandemic or reverse the specific ways in which it is affecting your employees. Instead, to support your team through what lies ahead, it is important to identify which needs are being affected under the surface by this latest chapter in the pandemic saga, and to look for new and different ways that you can meet those same needs in order to help your teams cope until we finally get to the other side of this next wave.

Related: 7 Ways to Build a Company Culture That Motivates Teams and Promotes Growth

Which Employee Needs Will Be Most Severely Impacted by Omicron?

There are four main universal needs that have been most severely impacted for employees since the pandemic began, and unsurprisingly these are the same four needs likely to be affected by the surge of the Omicron variant. Here are four ways that you as a leader can support and underpin these needs for your teams in the coming weeks and months:

Foundation/Function Needs

These are the needs that relate to our physical wellbeing. The pandemic has affected peoples foundation/function needs in a plethora of ways, from supply chain issues and panic buying to stress affecting sleep patterns and school closures disrupting home environments. Adding to this, many companies are expecting employees to work more hours, with less breaks, and asking for higher work output, especially amid the current labor crisis. A lot of companies are losing employees because they are simply burning out and cannot see a way of staying within their role without it compromising their physical wellbeing both in and outside of work. It is vitally important that employers are supporting their teams in maintaining a healthy work/life balance and getting enough breaks. One simple way that leaders can help with this is to support staff in prioritization giving tasks and projects status on a must/should/could continuum, so that they can focus on the essentials without burning out.

Security

This is the need that relates to our physical, mental and emotional security. Since the beginning of the pandemic, the level of uncertainty and insecurity about what lies ahead has meant that this need has been impacted more than most. Employees are seeking a sense of security and reassurance that their future is at least safe in a work context. One of the things that negatively affects this sense of security is a lack of communication with teams, which can lead to employees conjuring worst-case scenarios to fill the knowledge vacuum. So, as a leader, the more you can communicate proactively with your teams and provide reassurance both about the future of your organization and their position in it, the more secure your employees will feel.

Connection

This is the need that relates to our sense of community and belonging. Throughout the pandemic, with the focus on social distancing and reducing interactions with others in order to prevent the spread of the virus, social connections have been seriously eroded. When you add to this that many organizations have added some element of remote working, your employees need for connection is likely to have been negatively affected. Thats why leaders need to find more opportunities and ways to connect with their teams and to encourage them to connect with each other, including using technology as a facilitator. These connections must still have as much of a human element as possible; a focus purely business matters, combined with the absence of face-to-face contact, can feel sterile and alienating. When you connect with your employees over the coming weeks and months, be sure to include some element of personal connection alongside your organizational objectives in order cultivate more trust. And where possible, put in place initiatives for your employees to connect with each other on a more personal and social level, as well as a professional one.

Personal Power Need

This is the need that relates to our feeling of empowerment. It has also been the most severely compromised over the last couple of years. While leaders cannot do anything to change the control that their team members have over the pandemic itself and the ripple effect on their day-to-day lives, what they can do is help them to feel more empowered in their working roles. Leaders wanting to address this need can support their employees in having greater autonomy within their current roles, and also speak to them about what their career goals and desires are, helping them to see the ways that they are able to facilitate their movement along that path with clear milestones, objectives, and ways to manage their own progress.

Related: How to Keep Your Employees Focused and Motivated in 2022

While putting initiatives in place to support these four-employee needs wont prevent the Omicron variant from affecting your team, they will underpin your employees needs during the worst of what is still to come and help them to navigate and cope with the path ahead.

By doing this, leaders will cultivate more trust, connection, and loyalty from and with their teams, enhancing and developing employee engagement, which we know creates a direct positive impact on an organizations bottom line.
A Royal Caribbean cruise ship is seen docked in the island of Cozumel, off the coast of Mexico's Quintana Roo State, on June 16, 2021. (Elizabeth Ruiz/AFP via Getty Images)

95 Percent Fully Vaccinated Royal Caribbean Cruise Ship Reports COVID-19 Outbreak

Royal Caribbeans Odyssey of the Seas wont dock at the island nations of Aruba and Curacao this week following an onboard COVID-19 outbreak involving some 55 passengers and crew members, the firm said.

All passengers aged 12 and older and crew members have to show proof theyve been fully vaccinated for COVID-19 in order to board the ship, according to the cruise lines policy.

The decision was made together with the islands out of an abundance of caution due to the current trend of COVID-19 cases in the destinations communities as well as crew and guests testing positive on board, Royal Caribbean said in a statement Thursday to news outlets.

The cruise was slated to make stops in Aruba and Curacao. Now, the ship will stay at sea until its regular scheduled return on Dec. 26.

At least 55 crew members and guests, representing 1.1 percent of the onboard community, tested positive, Royal Caribbean added in its statement. The cruise sailed with 95 percent of the onboard community fully vaccinated.

Each guests regimen must include at least two doses of vaccine unless the guest received the single dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine, according to Royal Caribbeans website. This guidance is per the U.S. CDC, and no exceptions will be made, even if the guests resident country has authorized a single-shot regimen for a two dose vaccine.

There are about 5,000 passengers and crew on board the vessel, said Royal Caribbean. Everyone who tested positive for COVID-19, the disease caused by the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus, is experiencing mild or asymptomatic symptoms, according to the company.

The Royal Caribbean vessel left Port Everglades, Florida, on Saturday for an eight-night Caribbean trip. It will return to Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

We continue to monitor their health. Close contacts were also identified and placed in quarantine to be monitored for 24 hours prior to testing, Royal Caribbeans statement added.

Its not clear if the Omicron variant triggered the outbreak. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimated that as of last week, Omicron makes up 73 percent of all COVID-19 cases, while recent studies have signaled that the new strain causes milder symptoms and has resulted in far fewer hospitalizations.

A CDC spokesperson told Fox Business on Thursday that the agency is aware of the outbreak, adding there have been no hospitalizations, evacuations, deaths, or ventilator usage on the ship.

Aside from the Odyssey of the Seas, about 50 passengers aboard Royal Caribbeans Symphony of the Seas contracted COVID-19 earlier this month, said the company. The ship departed on Dec. 11.

Weeks before that, Earlier in December, COVID-19 cases were reported on a Norwegian Cruise Lines ship, according to the Lousiana Department of Health. The Norwegian Breakaway cruise ship had left New Orleans on Nov. 28, making stops in Mexico, Honduras, and Belize.

Norwegian Cruise Lines confirmed at the time that it requires everyone on board to be fully vaccinated.
In war, information can be more valuable than tanks, planes, ships, or soldiers. Information sent and received without detection can mean the difference between victory and defeat, even between life and death.

Protecting information means developing elaborate codes. One code, which Native Americans developed and used, played a pivotal role in helping the United States win the Pacific front during World War II and bring the conflict to an end.

In the process, it became the only spoken code in military history never to have been deciphered.

Members of the Navajo tribe combined with the Marine Corps to create a code using the Navajo language. The Navajo Marines who employed that code became known as Navajo Code Talkers and participated in every Marine assault in the Pacific, including Guadalcanal, Iwo Jima, and Okinawa.

The code saved hundreds of thousands of lives and helped win the war in the Pacific, said Peter MacDonald Sr., a 93-year-old Marine veteran and one of only four Code Talkers still living.

At Iwo Jima, six Code Talkers sent and received more than 800 messages without making a mistake.

Were it not for the Navajos, 5th Marine Division signals officer Major Howard Connor once said, the Marines would never have taken Iwo Jima.

A Spark of Genius

The idea to use Navajo came to a civil engineer in Los Angeles. Philip Johnston, the son of a missionary, grew up on a Navajo reservation in Arizona and maintained contacts with Navajo friends. Johnston, who fought in World War I, had learned that the U.S. Army used the language spoken by the Comanche tribe for military communications during field maneuvers.

After the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor in 1941, Johnston contacted the Marines and presented his idea in 1942. The Marines asked him to organize a demonstration, so Johnston chose four Navajos who were working in Los Angeles shipyards at the time.

The demonstration succeeded. The Navajos decoded and transmitted three lines within 20 seconds.

So the Marines approved Johnstons plan and recruited 29 Navajos to write a code book. But since Navajo was only spoken, not written, the authors devised an alphabet for written communication and colorful descriptions for military terms.

For example, the Code Talkers used the Navajo word for chickenhawk to describe a dive bomber.

We had a lot of chickenhawks on the reservation, MacDonald said. They fly high, but when they see a raven down below, they dive real fast, and they have a nice lunch. So by using the action of the bird and the action of the airplane, we can help us memorize what those code words are.

Code words were not very difficult to remember because they were all based on something that were all familiar with. All the names of different airplanes took the names of different birds that we are very familiar with on the reservation.

Breaking New Ground

The armed forces used other Native American languages as codes during World War II, but Navajo provided several advantages. First, it remained an unwritten language. Second, only about 30 non-Navajo Americans understood the language when the program began. Third, Navajos grammar and syntax differ dramatically from other languages.

Though the program began in 1942, MacDonald had no idea it existed when he joined the Marines in 1944.

It was top secret to begin with, he said. None of us knew that there was such a program until after we passed boot camp, combat training, and communication school. Only after that were we then introduced to a very private, top secret, confidential, Navajo code school.

At that school, instructors who served overseas taught the students how to use and pronounce code words, how to use the new alphabet, how to write legibly on a special tablet for the code, and how to practice their new skills.

Working Under Fire

The Code Talkers who graduated became as indispensable as rifles or mess kits.

Every ship used in the landingbattleships, cruisers, destroyers, submarines, aircraft carriersall had Navajo Code Talkers along with the English [language] network guys, MacDonald said. Every Marine air wing, Marine tank unit, and Marine artillery unit also had Navajo Code Talkers assigned to them.

So how did the whole system work under fire?

There are two tables [where Marines worked], one for the Navajo communication network, a second table for the English communication network, MacDonald said. As soon as the first shot is fired, messages are coming in Navajo as well as in English. All Navajo messages are received by Navajo Code Talkers.

The message comes in, you write it down in English, and hand it over your shoulder to the runner standing behind us. He takes it up to the bridge and gives it to the general or the admiral. He reads it, he answers, and the runner brings it back down to us.

The runner had his own special way to determine a communications importance.

If he says Nevada, New Mexico, or Arizona, we send a message back out in Navajo code, indicating the message was important, MacDonald said. If there is a top secret or confidential message that needs to be sent to another unit or another location, its given to a Navajo Code Talker.

By the time World War II ended, more than 400 Marines served as Navajo Code Talkers. Their secret vocabulary grew from 260 code words used during Guadalcanal, the Code Talkers first battle, to more than 600, MacDonald said.

Preserving a Legacy

Yet not until 1968, when the government declassified the program, did Americans know about the Navajo Code Talkers. Now, 80 years after serving, the surviving Code Talkers are trying to preserve their legacy for future generations.

We have been going across the country, via invitations, to tell our story, MacDonald said, and we are making headway to get American people to know this legacy.

Part of that campaign involves plans for building a museum dedicated to that legacy.

We found that many Americans and foreign nations didnt know anything about this unique World War II legacy, said MacDonald, who is spearheading the project. The museum will tell the story of who we are, our heritage, our culture, our language, and the sacrifices weve made like so many other peoples.

Those sacrifices enabled the United States to help protect the world from tyrants, he added.

Joseph DHippolito is a freelance writer based in Fullerton, California. His work has been featured in The Wall Street Journal, The Federalist, The Guardian, The New York Times, and the Jerusalem Post, among other outlets.

This article was originally published in American Essence magazine.
Depending on the region of Switzerland, fondues may vary in terms of the cheese or additional ingredients used, but the tradition remains firmly in place. (Anna Nahabed/Shutterstock)

A Taste of the Alps: How to Throw Your Own Fondue Party at Home

During the cold and dark winter months, what better way to warm up than by gathering around a pot of fondue for a Swiss-inspired meal?

When the rural inhabitants of Swiss and French mountainous villages devised a warming winter dish incorporating their local cheese and white wine, little did they know it would become an international dinner party hit.

Its no wonder why this dish has crossed borders. During the cold and dark months, its universally appealing to hunker down and cozy up by the fire, and when you can bring the fire to your dinner table for a meal that encourages and embraces interaction, warmth, andbest of alla cauldron of melted cheese, its hard to resist.

I lived in Switzerland for 10 years, where I had my fair share of fondues. Depending on the region, fondues may vary in terms of the cheese used, favoring the local cows milk cheese produced, or additional ingredients (such as porcini mushrooms or even tomato puree*). While the ingredients may change slightly, the tradition remains firmly in place, and fondue is unquestionably a national dish.

Purchase the best quality, cave-aged Swiss or French alpine cheese you can find, such as Gruyere, Emmenthal, Vacherin Fribourgeois, Comte, or Beaufort. (Sunny Forest/Shutterstock)

I had plenty of time to practice the technique of making fondue, and this recipe is my takeaway, which has become our family tradition. It takes inspiration from the traditional Swiss method with just a few tweaks (apologies, my Swiss friends). For instance, fruity Calvados (apple brandy) is substituted for the traditional kirsch. And, rather than serving the fondue only with bread, as the Swiss insist, I also pass bowls of parboiled baby potatoes, broccoli, and cauliflower florets for dipping (a great way to get your kids to eat their vegetables) and serve other alpine accompaniments, such as dried meats and cornichons, on the side.

What should not be tweakedand where I will put my American foot downis the provenance of the cheese: Purchase the best quality, cave-aged Swiss or French alpine cheese you can find, such as Gruyere, Emmenthal, Vacherin Fribourgeois, Comte, or Beaufort, and feel free to blend them to your taste. I like to use a blend of 2/3 Gruyere and 1/3 Emmental or Comte.

Depending on how long the cheese is aged, flavor can range from a young, mild, and creamy cheese to an aged piquant cheese with earthy, nutty, and/or salty notes. Aim for an aged alpine cheese, especially when you are using Gruyere, which will add nuance and an earthy-umami depth of flavor to your pot of cheese.

*Yes, that is indeed a tomato fondue, which is a popular iteration in the Valais region or canton. Its delicious, and high on my must-make list. I promise Ill publish the recipe when Ive made it.

Alpine Cheese Fondue

Note: Have all your ingredients ready before you begin. Once you begin, the fondue will come together quickly, and during this time it must be constantly stirred. The fondue must not come to a boil during this time.

Active time: 25 minutes

Total time: 25 minutes

Serves 6

1/4 cup Calvados brandy

3 tablespoons cornstarch

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, plus extra for serving

1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

3 cups dry, un-oaked white wine, such as sauvignon blanc

1 large garlic clove, minced

1 1/2 pounds alpine cheese, such as Gruyere and Emmenthal, coarsely grated

1 loaf country-style or levain bread, cut in 3/4-inch cubes

Parboiled vegetables: small potatoes, broccoli, and cauliflower florets

Whisk the Calvados, cornstarch, salt, black pepper, and nutmeg in a small bowl until smooth. Set aside.

Combine the wine and garlic in a large, heavy saucepan, Dutch oven, or fondue pot. Heat over medium heat until tiny bubbles form, giving the wine a fizzy appearance, without coming to a boil.

Add the cheese, one handful at a time, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon until each handful is melted before adding the next. When all the cheese is added, continue stirring for about 1 minute to slightly thickendo not let the fondue boil during this entire process.

Stir in the cornstarch mixture and continue to stir until the cheese thickens to a fondue consistency. (Note: Some cornstarch brands thicken more easily than others. If your fondue remains thin, whisk 1 more tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons white wine and stir into the cheese.)

When the fondue is ready, remove from the heat. Pour the cheese into a warm fondue pot if necessary and place over a fondue burner. Serve immediately with extra ground pepper, the bread, and parboiled vegetables such as small potatoes, cauliflower, and broccoli florets.
Air Force Denies 2,130 Religious Exemptions to Vaccine Mandate

The Air Force has denied 2,130 requests for religious exemptions to the Department of Defenses COVID-19 vaccine mandate, which is compelling a large portion of the U.S. military to receive a vaccine, the service said.

In a press release published on Wednesday, the Air Force said it has so far received a total of 10,000 requests, of which approximately 2,100 have been disapproved due to military readiness considerations.

It said each request is reviewed individually by Religious Resolution Teams at the wing, garrison, major command, and field command levels, which are made up of chaplains, medical providers, judge advocates, and other subject matter experts.

Religious Resolution Teams make recommendations on determining the least restrictive means possible to accommodate a sincerely held belief without putting mission accomplishment at risk, the service said.

Under Secretary of the Air Force, Gina Ortiz Jones, said in a statement that each members request is carefully considered to balance the governments compelling interest in mission accomplishment with the service members sincerely held belief.

Although the chaplain may advise the members belief is sincere, MAJCOM and FLDCOM commanders have to balance that members interests against the overall impact on operational readiness, health and safety of members and good order and discipline within the unit, said Jones.

The release notes that all members are able to appeal the decision to the Air Force Surgeon General.

As of Wednesday, more than 95 percent of the U.S. Air Force had been vaccinated, the press release said, noting that the deadline for active-duty Airmen and Guardians to be vaccinated was Nov. 2, while Air Force Reserve Airmen had until Dec. 2 to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, and the deadline for Air National Guard members was extended to Dec. 31.

The Pentagon faces multiple lawsuits over the mandates, including a class-action suit filed in federal court in Florida on Oct. 15.

Lawyers representing armed forces members who are seeking exemptions say the military is violating the U.S. Constitution and the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA) and are urging courts to intervene.

Its now the point where I think we can call it what it is. It appears to be blatant religious discrimination when the military has now conceded, both publicly and in court filings I should say, that they have approved multiple numerous medical and administrative exemptions but yet they have refused to approve any religious accommodations, Mike Berry, an attorney with First Liberty Institute, told The Epoch Times.

Thats textbook definition of religious discrimination.

First Liberty Institute brought a suit last month on behalf of dozens of Navy personnel, alleging the Biden administration has violated federal law in its refusal to grant exemptions to troops on the basis of their religion. Another lawsuit was filed by Liberty Counsel on similar grounds.

According to an Epoch Times review, as of Dec. 22, military branches granted 12,109 medical or administrative exemptions. Spokespersons for each branch confirmed this week that zero religious exemptions have been granted.

The Epoch Times has contacted the Pentagon for comment.

Zachary Stieber contributed to this report.
Workers assemble saliva-based, rapid-result kits to test for COVID-19 at Spectrum Solutions in Draper, Utah, on Nov. 17, 2020. (George Frey/AFP via Getty Images)

Amazon Limits At-home COVID-19 Test Kits Due to Surge in Demand

Amazon has restricted shoppers from purchasing more than 10 units of COVID-19 test kits following similar actions from other major retailers as the highly-transmissible Omicron variant is now reported to be the dominant strain in the United States.

As of Dec. 18, more than 73 percent of new infections are now from the Omicron variant, reported the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). With 26.6 percent of total cases, the Delta variant has been pushed to the second position. As many people travel for the holidays, there has been an increase in demand for test kits to identify instances of infection.

Currently, the COVID-19 Test Collection Kit is reported to be unavailable on Amazon, while California-based iHealth Labs COVID-19 Antigen Rapid Test is restricted to five units per individual. Besides e-commerce sites, queues are found at test sites and theres a shortage of test kits in pharmacies.

According to multiple media outlets, an Amazon spokesperson has informed them that the company is facing shortages due to the sudden surge in demand, and that the platform is looking to secure more inventories from its partners.

Amazon has asked customers not to send samples from Wednesday onwards as they will not be shipped to laboratories. Moreover, delivery partner UPS has declared holiday schedules due to which shipments will be delayed.

CVS Health, Walgreens, and Walmart are also limiting the number of test kits customers can purchase at store and online.

Walgreens said that it was limiting eight units for online orders, and is allowing retail outlets to make their own decision based on existing inventories.

We do have strong inventory levels nationally in store, Walmart told Reuters. However, inventory is more limited online depending on the zip code.

CVS was restricting customers to six kits per individual. The company prioritizes availability in physical stores so products may be unavailable online.

As for Walgreens, the retailer said that COVID-19 test kits would be limited to four units per individual customer. Weve also seen an increase in demand for rapid OTC COVID-19 tests and are working with our suppliers to ensure customers have access to self-test kits through the holidays, according to a press release issued by the company Tuesday.

On Dec. 21, President Biden promised that the federal government will purchase 500 million at-home test kits, which Americans can order online for free. Deliveries are expected to begin next month.

Amazon representatives did not immediately respond to a request for comment from The Epoch Times.
Pictures of properties for rent or sale hang on the window of a real estate company on Sept. 29, 2021 in Miami, Florida. (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

As US Seeks to Crack Down on Corruption Through Real Estate Deals, China Takes Notice

News Analysis

When the Biden administration proposed rules to scrutinize all-cash real estate transactions in the United States to crack down on money laundering earlier this month, it apparently attracted more attention in China than other countries, as Chinese officials are believed to engage in such illicit activities.

In the United States, real estate transactions involving financing are scrutinized by financial institutions to prevent money laundering, for laws require those institutions to report any suspicious activity. But when people purchase homes in cash, the transactions are subject to few regulations. If buyers use shell companies to make the deals, it is almost impossible to know who are the true beneficial owners of the real estate.

As a result, corrupt officials and criminals engaging in illicit activity can exploit the U.S. real estate sector to launder their ill-gotten wealth, the Treasurys Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) said on Dec. 6 when it was proposing rules to address the problems.

According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), all-cash real estate deals account for about one-third of all U.S. property sales. While most American families buy homes with mortgages, foreign nationals are more likely to buy in cash. In 2019, 47 percent of U.S. real estate transactions involving foreigners were all-cash sales.

Chinese nationals have been the top all-cash buyers in recent years. A 2015 joint study by realty research firm RealtyTrac and marketing company Ethnic Technologies found that 46 percent of Mandarin-speaking Chinese purchased U.S. homes in cash that year.

Chinese nationals have led foreign investments in American homes for the past seven years, a NAR report found. In 2019-2020, the U.S. homes they purchased are worth $11.5 billion, more than a sixth of the total.

Most of the Chinese cash buyers may not be involved in money laundering, but it is widely believed that Chinese Communist Party (CCP) kleptocrats and corrupt officials have been using the loopholes to launder their embezzled money and bribery.

Chinese officialdom is notoriously corrupt and many of its high-ranking officials allegedly have assets and high-end homes in America anonymously. Given the CCPs systematic coverups, revelations of its officials alleged money laundering often cannot be confirmed.

FinCENs new efforts came after the White House released its strategies to confront domestic and global corruption on the eve of the U.S.-hosted Summit for Democracy. The virtual summit, with anti-corruption as one of its themes, had 110 participants from around the world. China and Russia were not invited.

Washingtons focus on all-cash home deals immediately attracted attention in China and Chinese communities in America. Chinas netizens on social media gleefully discussed its implications for corrupt officials American Dreams.

On Weibo, Chinas Twitter, a post said a Chinese immigrant received a notice recently from the U.S government requesting proof of her family funds resource. The immigrant moved to America several years ago, joined later by her husband after he retired from Guangdong Provincial Department of Finance.

Peng Qin, a political observer living in New York, said in his commentary program that the Chinese communist regime became the antagonist of the democracy summit. Speaking of the most likely targets of the anti-corruption crusade, Qin alleged that many CCP leaders children and grandchildren are American citizens or permanent residents, and they have hidden huge amounts of illicit funds in America.

Qin noted the U.S. government set up a new program to reward whistleblowers who can help find the hidden assets of the corrupt officials in America. He encouraged his Chinese audience who may have some tips to pay attention to the upcoming contact information of the program.

Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said on Dec. 9 they established a kleptocracy fund to provide payments to people for information about where corrupt foreign leaders are hiding their money at U.S. financial institutions. On the same day, the State Department announced a new coordinator on the issue and committed a substantial amount of funding to support media and activists who can expose the corrupt actors.

In response, the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection, CCPs highest internal anti-corruption agency, alleged at its official website that Washingtons anti-corruption campaign is hypocritical and the real purpose is advancing American hegemony.

Under the current U.S. laws, a corrupt actor could ask someone to register a company for him in a U.S. state. He could then transfer illicit funds via a third country to the company as an investment without disclosing who is behind the money. The company then could use the cash to swiftly purchase a luxury home in America. When the company sells the home, the proceeds from the sale would be clean and the money could be saved in a U.S. bank.

From February 2022, however, FinCEN will require any limited liability corporation that registers in a U.S. statenew and existingto provide information on all the individuals who own or control at least 25 percent of the entity, and anyone who exercises substantial control over the business. The information includes owners names, addresses, passport records, and other identifying documents.

FinCEN is collecting the information to create a national database of the beneficial owners of the companies. Lawmakers and activists believe the United States will rely on the database to punish CCP officials and Russian oligarchs.

Global Financial Integrity (GFI), a Washington-based think tank focused on money laundering, estimated that $2.3 billion was laundered through U.S. real estate deals from 2015 to 2020. And the use of anonymous shell companies and complex corporate structures continued to be the number one money laundering typology involving real estate.

The GFI report found that more than half of the transactions involved politically exposed persons, a term that refers to people who had been entrusted with prominent public functions and at higher risks for bribery and corruption.

Theres a good argument that, right now, the best place to hide and launder ill-gotten gains is actually the United States, Yellen said at the democracy summit. This is about to change.

Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.
Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison holds up a face mask as he speaks during a press conference at Parliament House in Canberra, Australia, on Dec. 22, 2021. (AAP Image/Lukas Coch)

Australian Govt Announces Extra $10 Per Jab for GPs, Pharmacists

General practitioners and pharmacists in Australia will receive an extra $10 for each COVID-19 booster jab administered from Dec. 23 under an additional $120 million in vaccine incentive funded by the federal government.

The additional funding is aimed at providing greater flexibility for medical practices and pharmacies to run vaccine clinics and to ensure there are sufficient staff available to deliver the booster doses.

The incentive is set to run from Dec. 23 and will remain in place until June 30 next year.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison said it was important the country kept up with the demand for booster shots, with millions of people becoming eligible after a quarter of state and territory run vaccination hubs closed.

This is an added incentive to keep the primary care system delivering vaccines at as great a capacity as we possibly can, he said.

GPs currently receive between $65 to $75 for each double-dosed client.

Australian Medical Association President Omar Khorshid welcomed the additional funding. He said it would support GPs and pharmacists to scale-up the number of booster doses being administered around the country.

GPs and their practice staff around the country are under immense pressure and this extra funding is welcome recognition of the work they are doing and acknowledges the extra resourcing needed to support them, Khorshid said.

This will enable GPs to reach out to patients, to run larger clinics and hold more vaccination sessions to meet demand. GPs have played an integral role in the COVID-19 vaccination program and will continue to work as hard as possible to get boosters into their patients arms.

Khorshid also enquired into whether certain groups should be prioritised in the vaccine rollout.

ATAGIs advice needs to continue to guide the vaccine roll-out, including whether there is a need to prioritise targeted groups for boosters.

However Royal Australian College of General Practitioners President Karen Price approached the announcement cautiously, warning that the coming months will be challenging for many practices.

I will always welcome more support for general practice, but we need to remember that many practices are operating on wafer thin margins, and some are actually losing money on the vaccine rollout, she said.

Whether the additional funding will be enough for practices to at least break even as we enter this more complicated phase of the rollout remains to be seen. However, we will continue to advocate for a level of support that protects patients and allows GPs to get on with what we do bestproviding world class primary care.

RACGP has also warned that delivering booster vaccines, vaccinating children and delivering usual day-to-day care, including treating patients with mental health issues and those who have delayed or avoided care during the pandemic, will continue to put many practices under great pressure.

Currently, more than half of Australians eligible for boosters have received their third COVID-19 vaccine.

Around 200,000 doses are administered each day, with roughly 150,000 of them being boosters.

However, the prime minister hopes to see this increase to the higher vaccination peaks of 350,000 to 360,000 a day and hopes for more than two million doses a week in January and February next year as more people become eligible.

Head of the vaccine rollout Lieutenant General John Frewen said that supply is not a challenge, with enough vaccines to cover for vaccinations and boosters for Australians until the end of April 2022.

COVID-19 vaccines for five to 11 year olds are also set to commence on Jan. 10 with bookings filling out fast.
Australian Male Victim of Pedophile Awarded $5.3 Million

An Australian man sexually abused by Tasmanian pedophile art collector John Wayne Millwood has been awarded a record-breaking $5.3 million damages payout.

He was abused by Millwood under the guise of medical examinations in the 1980s when he was aged between 10 and 15.

Millwood was convicted and jailed for four years over the assaults in 2016, and was released on parole in 2019 after serving just over half the sentence.

Civil action was launched by the man against Millwood, 75, three years ago after changes in the law around the statute of limitations.

Supreme Court of Tasmania Chief Justice Alan Blow on Wednesday awarded the man a record breaking $5,313,500 in damages.

He said the man suffered complex post-traumatic stress disorder and a major depressive disorder as a result of the abuse.

He found the mans earning capacity in his corporate career had been impaired since 1999 when he confronted Millwood about the abuse.

Justice Blow said Millwoods contact with his victim escalated over the following four years.

The man would come out of his office to find Millwood standing on the street, and sometimes Millwood would call him. The man changed his phone number at least once, but Millwood tracked it down.

Millwood would make unpleasant comments about the man in the comment sections of newspapers and on social media, claiming the man was delusional and mentally ill.

The man said Millwood had doubled down from prison, writing letters claiming he was the victim of a set up and conspiracy.

As a result I was the subject of the most malevolent gossip  these lies became so deeply entrenched that warped versions of them began appearing in social media from people who do not even known me, he said.

The damages include more than $1.5 million for loss of past earning capacity and $2 million for future earning capacity. He will also receive nearly $150,000 for medical expenses and $360,000 for non-economic harm.

The man said the judgment was a victory for all child abuse survivors.

This judgment recognises the lifelong impact of child sexual abuse, he said in a statement.

It recognises that this impact is felt in every facet of life, directly causes physical and psychological injury, and has negative long-term economic consequences.

A loophole in Australian law saw 28 percent of convicted federal child sex offenders spend only one day in jail in the 2018-19 financial yeara figure that jumped to 39 percent the following year.
Austria Adds Another 10 Days to Unvaccinated-Only Lockdown

The Austrian government on Thursday extended a lockdown for unvaccinated individuals by another ten days ahead of a COVID-19 vaccine requirement that is expected to go into effect in early 2022.

Austrians who chose not to get vaccinated against the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus will over the Christmas holidays, and up until New Years Eve, face restrictions that include limitations on shopping, being unable to attend work without a negative COVID-19 test, as well as being restricted to a number of events and indoor settings.

While under the measure, unvaccinated Austrians are generally not allowed to leave their homes or meet more than one person at a time from another household. The measure doesnt apply to children under the age of 12 because they cannot yet officially get vaccinated.

Austrias health minister announced last week that an exception will be granted by the government over the Christmas holidays and unvaccinated individuals will be allowed to join gatherings of up to 10 people from Dec. 24 to Dec. 26 without needing proof of vaccination or proof of recovery from the CCP virus.

Austrian Health Minister Wolfgang Mueckstein addresses a press conference in Pertisau, Tyrol, Austria, on Nov. 19, 2021. (Johann Groder/EXPA/AFP via Getty Images)

Christmas should show us once again how important contact with our loved ones is and how precious time together is, Health Minister Wolfgang Mueckstein said as he announced a temporary loosening to restrictions for unvaccinated citizens.

Those who are vaccinated or have recently recovered from the CCP virus are allowed gatherings of up to 25 people.

Austria has one of the worlds toughest CCP virus restrictions and was the first country in Western Europe to reimpose a new lockdown last month that has brought weekly protests in the countrys capital attended by tens of thousands of people.

Chancellor Alexander Schallenberg, who announced earlier this month that he will step down as chancellor just months after taking office, claimed the unvaccinated-only lockdown is necessary.

People protesting against lockdown measures and COVID-19 vaccinations march through the city center in Vienna, Austria, on Dec. 4, 2021. (Michael Gruber/Getty Images)

Its our job as the government of Austria to protect the people, Schallenberg said in mid-November as he ordered a nationwide lockdown for individuals who chose not to get jabbed.

Earlier this month, the government also released more information on its COVID-19 vaccine mandate that will go into effect on Feb. 1 and will require all persons who have a place of residence in Austria and are aged 14 and over to get the shot or face heavy quarterly fines up to 3,600 ($4,071). Austria will be the first in the European Union to introduce mandatory vaccinations.

Austria has one of the lowest vaccination rates in western Europe: roughly 69 percent of the total population is fully vaccinated. According to a recent report by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), Austria is considered a country of moderate concern in the EU.

From NTD News
President Joe Biden speaks during a speech at the White House in Washington on Dec. 21, 2021. (Kevin Lamarque/Reuters)

Biden Says He Plans to Run for President Again in 2024 If Im in Good Health

President Joe Biden, the oldest individual to assume the presidency, said that he would run again for president in 2024 if he remains in good health and if former President Donald Trump decides to enter the race.

Speaking to ABC News in an interview published Wednesday, Biden offered several caveats. Since launching his 2020 campaign, Biden has been dogged by questions about health and whether he has the mental capacity to perform his duties.

Yes, Mr. Biden said when asked by ABC anchor David Muir about running. But look, Im a great respecter of fate. Fate has intervened in my life many, many times. If Im in the health Im in now, if Im in good health, then in fact, I would run again.

Previously, Bidenduring his first press conference earlier this yeartold reporters that he is planning a run. Various White House officials have also repeatedly said Biden, who would be would be 82 years old during the next presidential Election Day in 2024, is planning to run.

During his Wednesday interview, Biden suggested that if former President Trump enters the race on the Republican side, it would increase the likelihood that he runs.

Why would I not run against Donald Trump if were the nominee? That would increase the prospect of running, Biden told ABC.

Bidens remarks came about a week after Vice President Kamala Harris told the Wall Street Journal that she cannot comment on whether Biden will run again, saying they have not discussed any 2024 plans.

I cant speak to a conversation that the Vice President and the President has; I could only say whatand reiterate what Jen [Psaki] has said and what the President has said himself: that he is planning to run for re-election in 2024, White House deputy press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre also told reporters earlier this month.

As for Trump, the former commander-in-chief has not made any definitive public statements on whether he will launch a 2024 bid. But in recent months, Trump made comments teasing a potential run.

I think if I run, Ill get it, he told Fox Business last month. Look, I have a 94, 95 percent even, in the [Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) poll], I had a 98 percent approval rating. So if I decide to run, Ill get it very easily.

Most people have said if I run, they wont run against me, so I think thats good, he added, referring to potential GOP challengers.

Also, Trump told OReilly before a crowd that Republican Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis is a possible running mate that I like a lot. I can tell you that.
President Joe Biden speaks about the COVID-19 response and vaccinations, Tuesday, Dec. 21, 2021, in the State Dining Room of the White House in Washington. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)

Biden Signs Bill Banning Chinese Imports Made Using Forced Labor

President Joe Biden has signed a bill banning imports from Chinas Xinjiang region amid concerns over forced labor, the White House announced Thursday.

The bill represents another step in U.S. pushback against Beijings treatment of Chinas Uyghur Muslim population. The Biden administration formally condemned Chinas abuse of the Uyghurs as genocide in a report released in March.

The Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act signed on Dec. 23 bans imports from the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region of the Peoples Republic of China (PRC) and imposes sanctions on foreign individuals responsible for forced labor in the region.

We believe the private sector and the international community should oppose the PRCs weaponizing of its markets to stifle support for human rights, said White House press secretary Jen Psaki at Thursdays press briefing. We also think that American companies should never feel the need to apologize for standing up for fundamental human rights or opposing repression.

We call on all industries to ensure that they are not sourcing products that involve forced labor, including forced labor from Xinjiang, she added.

The bill, sponsored by Rep. James McGovern (D-Mass.), places responsibility on the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to determine if goods from Xinjiang are manufactured by forced labor. It also assumes goods produced in the Xinjiang region where China has established Uyghur work camps are made with forced labor unless proven otherwise.

The bill mentions cotton, tomatoes, and polysilicon parts used for solar panels as high-priority sectors.

CBP estimates about $9 billion of cotton products and $10 million of tomato products were imported from China in the past year.

In its final days in January, the Trump administration announced a ban on all Xinjiang cotton and tomato products.

This is a strong, bipartisan bill with a simple purpose: to stop the government of China from exploiting the Uyghur people, said McGovern during floor remarks Dec. 8.

The measure also states that the president shall periodically report to Congress a list of foreign entities facilitating the forced labor of Muslim minority groups in Xinjiang and impose property-blocking sanctions on those entities.

The bill signing comes weeks after the White House announced a diplomatic boycott on the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing.

Biden last spoke with Chinas President Xi Jinping in a virtual meeting Nov. 15 during which Biden raised concerns about Chinas human rights record, according to the White House.
Piles of coal wait to be burned at PacifiCorp's Hunter coal-fired power plant outside of Castle Dale, Utah, on Nov. 14, 2019. (George Frey/AFP via Getty Images)

Billion-Dollar Network Is Playing Politics in Americas Energy Sector, Driving up Costs: Ken Braun

Environmental groups and advocates are spending billions of dollars every year playing politics with Americas energy sector while simultaneously driving up energy costs for Americans, according to Ken Braun, the senior investigative researcher at the Capital Research Center.

President Joe Biden has issued a series of executive orders since taking office in an effort to tackle the climate crisis, slash greenhouse gas emissions by more than 50 percent by 2030 and become carbon-neutral by 2050.

Biden says his whole-of-government approach to climate change creates well-paying jobs, grows industries, and makes the country more economically competitive.

While many have championed the presidents ambitious push toward green energy, he has also faced criticism from those working in the oil and gas industry, among others.

In an interview with EpochTVs Crossroads program, Braun said that numerous companies, including the Natural Resources Defense Council, Sierra Club, League of Conservation Voters, Friends of the Earth, Greenpeace, and more, are pumping a combined billion dollars a year into promoting so-called green energy, in line with the presidents push, and move away from nuclear energy.

However, such companies are failing to recognize those renewable energies, which are weather-dependent, are not always reliable, and can also be costly.

Most of the environmental movement, upwards of more than 1,000 organizations are spending over a billion dollars per year, pretending to be environmental stewards who oppose nuclear energy and promote these wind and solar fantasies that are land hogs and really destructive to our environment, in order to create energy that really isnt going to get the job done for us, Braun said.

You intuitively know that these things dont work, when the suns not shining, which happens in most places between eight and 14 hours a day. And the winds not blowing, and we dont really have the battery storage to hold this power, Braun said. So if you really are concerned about reducing our carbon footprint, nuclear energy is the only way that youre going to accomplish it in a reliable, non-weather reliant way.

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) and Sen. Ed Markey (D-Mass.) speak during a press conference to announce Green New Deal legislation to promote clean energy programs outside the U.S. Capitol in Washington, on Feb. 7, 2019. (Saul Loeb/AFP/Getty Images)

President Joe Biden looks at a wind turbine blade as he tours the National Renewable Energy Laboratory in Arvada, Colo., on Sept. 14, 2021. (Brendan Smialowski/AFP via Getty Images)

Braun noted that such environmental companies are greatly exaggerating the risks associated with the use of nuclear energy and that they fail to talk about the risks that come from using renewable energy sources.

The senior researcher said studies have shown that nuclear energy is 351 times safer per megawatt-hour created than coal, 263 times safer than oil, and 40 times safer than natural gas, which he said means it is is basically right down there with wind and solar, as far as its risk to people goes.

There are risks in wind turbines and solar panels that we dont talk about, such as the predatory birds that just get chewed up by these windmills, he said. And the industry has pretty much declared it a trade secret. We cant know how many of these things were killing. I would argue one bald eagles life is not worth an entire wind farm for what the wind farm gives us, versus how just glorious these birds are and should be protected.  But thats the kind of environmentalist I am.

All of these organizations and some of a couple of those that I mentioned have 100 plus million dollar budgets. Most of the big ones you hear about are pretending to be environmentalists and hypocritically arguing against nuclear energy.  But theyre driving up energy costs on the rest of us by doing that. And so, they are distorting the market and they arent even accomplishing their goals, Braun said.

Thats major, thats a billion dollars distorting our energy choices just making our problems worse and not doing anything to reduce carbon emissions, which is what all this billion dollars is supposed to be spent for, he added.

If our argument is that we are trying to reduce carbon emissionsif thats important to you, as the Sierra Club and the Environmental Defense Fund  and all these environmental groups that are saying that this is their number one priorityif its really your number one priority, then you should be going to a crash nuclear program and saying all these subsidies that youve been telling to throw at wind and solar, you should be putting it into nuclear power. But thats not the argument they make.

Katabella Roberts Follow Katabella Roberts is a reporter currently based in Turkey. She covers news and business for The Epoch Times, focusing primarily on the United States.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken (left) and European High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs Josep Borrell arrive to give a press conference ahead of their meeting at the EU headquarters in Brussels, on March 24, 2021. (Olivier Hoslet/Pool/AFP via Getty Images)

Blinken, EU Foreign Policy Chief Voice Support for Lithuania Over Chinas Coercion

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell spoke of their shared concerns about Chinas coercion tactics on Dec. 22, in particular those against EU member state Lithuania.

The communist regimes coercion against Lithuania was escalating, both politically and economically, and it was impacting both U.S. and European companies, the two leaders discussed during their phone call, according to a statement by State Department spokesperson Ned Price.

They underscored our continuing solidarity with Lithuania in the face of the PRCs [Peoples Republic of China] coercive behavior and committed to work together to strengthen economic resilience, it added.

According to a separate statement by the European External Action Service, Borrell told Blinken that the EU will stand together against all political pressures and coercive measures applied against any of its members.

The Chinese regime has launched a punitive campaign against Lithuania, following a decision by the Baltic nation to elevate its ties with Taiwan by agreeing to open a de facto embassy in the capital Vilnius, using Taiwans own name.

The choice of wording is significant because China sees Taiwan as a Chinese province. As a result, Beijing has put pressure on countries not to allow Taiwan to open trade offices under the name Taiwan or the islands official name Republic of China, but rather Taipei.

Taiwan, a de facto independent country with its own democratically-elected government and military, currently has 14 diplomatic allies. Neither Lithuania nor the United States is Taiwans formal ally.

The punitive campaign has included Beijing recalling its ambassador to Lithuania and downgrading its diplomatic ties with the Baltic nation. Late last month, China announced that it has suspended granting visas at its embassy in Lithuania.

Beijing also tried to adjust its customs declaration systems, blocking Lithuanian goods in Chinas ports.

Recently, Antanas Venckus, a senior official with Lithuanias Ministry of Agriculture, told Taiwans government-run Central News Agency that China was putting pressure on international firms not to cooperate with Lithuanian companies.

One international company that China has put pressure on was German auto parts manufacturer Continental, according to Reuters.

The call between Blinken and Borrell came one day after the U.S. secretary of state spoke to Lithuanian Prime Minister Ingrida Simonyte. During that call, Blinken expressed support for Lithuania in the face of Chinas coercion.

When asked about the call between Blinken and Simonyte, Zhao Lijian, a spokesperson for Chinas foreign ministry, blamed Lithuania for the severe difficulties in bilateral relations, during a daily briefing on Dec. 22.

Additionally, Zhao said China doesnt bully other countries and accused the United States of being the country that had engaged in economic and military coercion.

Zhaos remarks against Lithuania on Dec. 20how the Baltic nation would end up in the trashcan of history by supporting Taiwandrew the ire of Matas Maldeikis, a member of the Lithuanian Parliament.

The Chinese Communist Party is threatening to sweep Lithuania into the trashcan of history, which is ironic, because thats where communism already is, Maldeikis wrote on Twitter.

Lithuania was not the only issue that Blinken and Borrell discussed. According to the State Department, the two leaders also talked about their continued commitment to strengthen the U.S.-EU partnership, as well as the need for coordinated actions to support Ukraine against Russias military aggression.
Buena Park Grants Grocery Store Gift Cards to Families in Need

BUENA PARK, Calif.Families in need residing in Buena Park are receiving extra assistance to shop for essential groceries right in time for the holidays.

The city accepted $70,000 in funds that were distributed to three school districts within the area on behalf of American Rescue Plan funds received by the county.

Local schools were able to identify families in need who qualified to receive $100 to $200 in gift cards to use at participating stores within the community.

During the first three weeks of December, participating school districts hosted grocery shopping events at select Stater Bros. and Smart and Final stores, where the receiving families could shop with the funds provided.

These funds were really impactful for the families who needed it most, Councilmember Connor Traut told The Epoch Times.

Traut was able to witness the families shopping together. He recalled one mother and her son arriving at the grocery store to shop for groceries, with the son holding his own list of five items in his hands, anticipating the moment he would be able to cross the items off.

While candy was among the few items on his list, another was a particular fruit he had learned about at school. Once the mom and son finished shopping, the son exited the store with the fruit he searched for in hand and a smile on his face.

For us to see the joy in their eyes and for them to feel like they have that flexibility to buy the food they wanted, to give these parents in more lower-income neighborhoods a little boost that they might need  that way they can save some of their own money to maybe have a better Christmas or holiday season for their children, Traut said.

Orange County Board of Supervisors originally approved the allocation of $10 million in American Rescue Plan Funds for food insecurity support throughout the county in spring 2021.

Each of the five county supervisors was approved to utilize $2 million.

Sup. Katrina Foley notified her cities of District 2 that she would be distributing her portion of the funds to each city based on the population.

My goal was to make sure the money goes directly to residents, Foley told The Epoch Times.

Before administering the funds, a survey was conducted to determine the items most needed by residents.

While hot meal boxes are popular solutions regarding food insecurity, Foley found many residents needed more essential items such as toothpaste and dish soap.

The survey concluded that gift cards to grocery stores provided the most flexibility, especially for families with food allergies, Foley said.

While Buena Park took the approach of distributing gift cards to families within the education system, cities such as Newport and Costa Mesa have allocated funds to low-income seniors.

Giving these families or providing these families $100 towards groceries, it also meant now they have $100 to spend on something else to benefit their family, whether thats ensuring that next rent payment is more stable, or maybe they are just getting more gifts, said Traut.
An employee conducts quality control at the French champagne house Bollinger, in Ay, near Epernay, France, on Dec. 2, 2020. (Bertrand Guay/AFP via Getty Images)

Champagne Shortage Likely to Push Up Prices of Bubbly Over Holidays

With New Years Eve a little over a week away, experts say revelers should brace for higher prices of champagne and difficulty finding the most popular brands amid a global shortage of bubbly.

The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted supply chains in various ways, with champagne being the latest casualty.

There actually is a shortage of champagne, its kind of crazy, said Ray Isle, Food & Wine Magazine executive wine editor, in a Dec. 23 interview on CNBCs Squawk Box.

Isle said the shortage isnt so bad that people wont be able to find sparkling wine, but that the most popular brands of champagne will be hard to source and that, in general, people should expect to pay more.

You may see prices rise for champagne, he said. Where you are seeing shortages are in the big names of the most popular brands, he said, adding that champagne hunters should be a little adaptable this season.

Anticipating a pandemic-driven drop in demand, the Comite Interprofessionnel du Vin de Champagne (CIVC), the trade organization for Frances Champagne region that sets production limits every year, imposed a cap for 2020 that was around 25 percent lower than that for 2019, according to Beverage Industry Enthusiast.

But demand for bubbly picked up above expectations towards the end of last year, a trend that has continued into 2021, industry experts say.

Natalie Pavlatos, a spokeswoman for the Champagne Bureau, USA, told CNBC in October that champagne sales in 2021 appear on pace to exceed pre-pandemic levels.

We may actually be seeing not only a return to normal but even better performance than we had in 2019, Pavlatos told the outlet.

Alongside climbing demand for bubbly in 2021, the Champagne region was hit with unusually bad weather, destroying vines and squeezing harvest. Several industry insiders, including French producers, told Fortune that 2021 is expected to be one of the worst years in recent memory.

Weve lost 90 percent of our grapes, Christine Piot, whose family business in northeastern France ships around 1,200 bottles of Champagne Piot Sevillano to the United States most years.

French officials cited by Les Echos, a news outlet in France, estimated this years harvest will be the smallest in decades.

Gabe Barkley, CEO of MHW, Ltd., a U.S. wine and spirits importer, told Beverage Industry Enthusiast that the various impacts to champagne production mean prices will probably continue to rise over a longer term.

We do anticipate that reduced production in recent vintages will affect the market for years, with 2023 through 2025 being the most impacted by volume, Barkley told the outlet.
Chinas Xi Endorses Hong Kongs Patriots-Only Election Amid Criticism From West

Chinese leader Xi Jinping on Dec. 22 praised Hong Kongs first patriots only legislative elections as a success amid mounting criticism by Western nations saying the poll wound back democracy in the city.

Wednesdays face-to-face meeting comes on the heels of a legislative election on Sunday. The election was swept by politicians backed by Chinas ruling Communist Party (CCP) after leading figures in the pro-democracy opposition were jailed, or forced into exile. Further, only candidates determined by the CCP to be patriots were allowed to run.

Following the election, the United States and other western countries expressed grave concerns over the erosion of democratic elements of Hong Kongs electoral system and growing restrictions on freedom of speech and assembly.

Beijing fully acknowledged the work conducted by Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam, Xi said on Wednesday as the pair met in Beijing, according to a statement released by Hong Kong authorities. Lam is on her three-day annual visit to the Chinese capital this week.

Lams last year report was conducted via a virtual meeting in January, during which Xi stressed the city must be governed by patriots, prompting overhauls of the citys electoral process. The number of seats directly elected in the Legislative Council were cut from 35 to 20, and all candidates were vetted by a largely pro-CCP committee before they could be nominated.

A Hong Kong flag is flown behind a pair of surveillance cameras outside the Central Government Offices in Hong Kong on July 20, 2020. (Tyrone Siu/Reuters)

The first election was held on Dec. 19, with a 30.2 percent voter turnoutthe lowest since the citys handover from British to Chinese rule more than two decades ago. In the last legislative election in 2016, more than 50 percent of the citys 4.5 million registered voters cast ballots.

Despite the record low turnout, Xi praised the principle of patriots administering Hong Kong had been implemented, adding the city is in good direction.

The city has turned from chaos to peace, Xi said, in reference to mass protests in the summer of 2019 against the regimes growing encroachment into the former British colonys freedom. In June 2020, Beijing imposed a sweeping national security law, which has been used as a tool to further crush dissent in the city.

The vaguely-defined legislation punishes speech or acts deemed secessionist, subversive, terrorist, or perceived as colluding with foreign forced against the communist regime. Most of the citys once-lively pro-democracy camps have been charged or convicted under the national security law or similar statutes.

Lams administration resolutely implemented the national security law, Xi said on Wednesday.

Police ask supporters to leave during the court hearing of Tong Ying-kit, the first person charged under a new national security law near the High Court, in Hong Kong, on July 30, 2021. (Tyrone Siu/Reuters)

Opinion polls indicate that Lams popularity among Hong Kong residents has plunged to a record low since the crackdown of protests in 2019. A survey conducted this month by the Hong Kong Public Opinion Research Institute shows the support rating for Lam was 35.8 percent, the lowest score of any of her predecessors.

Xis comments to Lam come three months ahead of the chief executive poll on March 27. The meeting has been closely watched for signs that Beijing would offer backing for the unpopular chief executive to seek her second term. Her five-year term ends in June 2022, and Lam has yet to indicate whether she will seek re-election.

The Associated Press and Frank Fang contributed to this report.
A security guard checks the information of a man at the entrance of a residential area that is under restriction following a recent COVID-19 outbreak in Xian, in China's northern Shaanxi Province on December 23, 2021. (STR/AFP via Getty Images)

Chinese Patient With Kidney Failure Goes Online to Get Medical Treatment Amid Lockdown

A Chinese person with kidney failure had to go online to get urgently needed dialysis amid massive lockdowns imposed by the local authorities due to a recent spike in COVID-19 cases.

Li Wei, 31, is a resident of Xian City, in Chinas northwestern Shaanxi Province, the ancient capital of the Qin Dynasty. He suffers from end-stage kidney failure and has been undergoing dialysis treatment for 13 years. Li usually goes to the First Affiliated Hospital of Xian Jiaotong University every three days for the dialysis.

Patients who develop end-stage kidney failure need dialysis to keep their bodies in balance and remove waste, salts, and fluid to prevent build up in the body. With renal failure, the kidneys do not get better and patients need to have regular dialysis for the rest of their life.

However, Li was unable to get dialysis for 4 days due to a massive lockdown that started on Dec. 18. Fluid had built up in his body, putting him in a critical health situation. With no official response after days of trying to contact outpatient services, he had to ask for help via online posts.

Xian City reported one case of locally acquired COVID-19 virus on Dec. 9, after which the provincial authorities initiated various isolation and lockdown measures. By Dec. 21, a total of 96 cases had been reported in the province, 453 districts had been placed in isolation, 1,300 businesses or public venues had been closed, and the provincial authorities prohibited residents of the lockdown areas from leaving their homes, according to the provincial government.

Li was designated as a secondary contact of a person with a confirmed case of the COVID-19 virus on the bus he took on Dec. 10. He was therefore sent to a local Hotel for isolation on Dec. 18.

No Help from Local Authorities or Hospitals

Due to having the disease for a long time, Lis kidney function has completely failed, as a friend of Lis, who prefers to be anonymous, told the Chinese edition of The Epoch Times in an interview on Dec. 21.

According to Lis friend, by Dec. 20, Lis body had become swollen because of fluid not being removed by dialysis and Li was having trouble walking. He felt tired and had shortness of breath when he moved around. He didnt have the strength to speak properly, and had to ask his friend to relay his condition.

Li also experienced dizziness, nausea, heart palpitations, and other symptoms. To prevent fluid and uremic toxins from building up in the body, he didnt eat or consume water for two days. Li gargled with water when he felt thirsty, Lis friend said. If he didnt have dialysis, he could suffer heart failure and even die.

Lis parents were under house quarantine and were not allowed to leave their home. So they kept calling the local pandemic prevention authorities and the Changan District government every day. But the only response they got was coordination is underway.

Li also kept calling the emergency numbers listed on the official website of the local authorities every day, but his calls werent answered. He also contacted the First Affiliated Hospital, but again, the reply was communication and coordination are underway. He talked to the hotel management, who told him that they would report his condition to their seniors and government departments. But Li didnt receive any real help.

He condemned the local authorities for the lack of emergency plans. He had no idea how long he would be isolated or if he could survive until he obtained dialysis.

Li was not the only one in such a hopeless situation.

Ms. Dai is a resident of the Central Neighborhood of Xian Citys Yanta District. She also suffers from end-stage renal disease and needs to have dialysis three times a week. However, her community has been in lockdown since Dec. 19, and she hadnt had dialysis for four days, a Chinese state media reported on Dec. 20.

The Chinese-language edition of The Epoch Times reached out to the local authorities but received no response by the time of publication. The phone number listed for the Changan District Pandemic Control Centre on its official website plays a recording saying the number is out of service.

On the afternoon of Dec. 21, Lis friend told The Epoch Times that an ambulance was on the way to take Li to hospital for dialysis.

I really appreciate everyones help; I was in such a hopeless state, Li said.

On Dec. 22, the Xian local authorities announced the lockdown of the whole city after it reported 52 COVID-19 cases on the same day, in addition to the 57 cases that were confirmed on Dec. 19, The Epoch Times reported on Dec. 22.

But the actual number of confirmed cases may be higher as the CCP habitually censors information in China. Residents told the Chinese language edition of The Epoch Times that there were more than 50 confirmed cases in the Qujiang New District of Xian alone.

Sophia Lam contributed to the article.
The apple logo is projected on a screen before the start of a product launch event at Apple's headquarters in Cupertino, Calif., on Sept. 10, 2019. (Josh Edelson/AFP via Getty Images)

Citi Bumps Up Apple Price Target By 18 percent; Remains Bullish

Citi analyst Jim Suva bumped up the price target on Apple Inc to $200 from $170 and reiterated a Buy. The new price target implies an upside of 15.6 percent.

Suva notes that demand for Apples products and services should be resilient in FY22, following market share gains in 2021.

Suva thinks Apples current market value fails to fully reflect its launches in new categories.

The analyst sees this changing with the launch of an augmented reality/virtual reality headset. While regulation is an overhang, it presents headline risk rather than fundamental risk, and any near-term pullback in Apple shares would be a buying opportunity.

By Anusuya Lahiri

 2021 The Epoch Times. The Epoch Times does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.
Travel Restricted, Salons Close in Iqaluit Over COVID Community Spread

IQALUIT, NunavutNunavut is tightening COVID-19 public health restrictions in Iqaluit, including restricting travel in and out of the capital city to essential purposes only.

The territory said on Dec. 23 that the citys swimming pool, theatre, and hair and nail salons must close.

Restaurants are limited to takeout food only.

Indoor gatherings in homes are limited to five people plus household members. Outdoor get-togethers are restricted to 25 people.

Indoor public gatherings in community spaces, including libraries, gyms and arenas, are capped at 25 people or 25 per cent capacity. And churches are limited to 50 people or 25 per cent capacity, with no singing.

The territory said the changes come after a case of COVID-19 was confirmed on Dec. 22 in a person who has not left Iqaluit for more than a month.

This leads us to believe there may be community transmission in Iqaluit, Dr. Michael Patterson, the territorys chief public health officer, said in a news release.

He added that it will take seven to 10 days before its known if the case is the fast-spreading COVID-19 Omicron variant.

As such, we are immediately tightening restrictions and limiting travel in and out of the city. Anyone who has travelled from Iqaluit to another community in Nunavut since Dec. 15 should self-monitor and call the COVID hotline immediately if they develop any symptoms.

As of Dec. 23, there were three active cases of COVID-19 in the territory.

Earlier in the week, the government reported two cases in Pangnirtungthe first cases seen the hamlet of about 1,500 people. It was not known if they were the Omicron variant.

The territory limited travel in and out of Pangnirtung to essential purposes only and imposed gathering limits.
Despite Terror Threats Nigerias Christians Celebrate Christmas

Throughout Nigerias troubled northern states Christian believers headed to church on Christmas eve with brave faces.

Even in the northernmost state of Sokoto, the heart of Nigerias Islamic region, more than 5,000 Christians are heading to church this week, according to Rev. Oro Yakubu, administrator of 30 congregations of the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA).

We have 8 congregations of ECWA in the Sokoto metropolis and more than 1,000 of our believers will be worshipping on Christmas, Yakubu tells The Epoch Times. The citywide number of Christians is above 5,000, he said. Yet, the scourge of kidnapping for ransom struck his own family on Nov. 9 when bandits abducted his wife from a commercial vehicle on a public road.

It was Gods miracle that she was released three days later, Yakubu said, but the ransom paid was 2.5 million Naira, equivalent to $5,000. Such ransoms have crippled thousands of Christian churches in the north and the so-called Middle Belt of Nigeria. Since September more than 20 persons in the city have been kidnapped, most of them Muslim, he said.

A Christmas light display in Jos, Nigeria on Dec. 16, 2021. (Masara Kim/The Epoch Times)

The local security agencies are watching our churches due to threats to Christians; therefore some congregations will have worship services in the afternoon on Christmas eve, Yakubu said.

Nigerias sectarian conflict with an Islamist insurgency calling itself Boko Haram, which translates as Western learning is forbidden, has claimed more than 350,000 lives since 2009, according to the UN. In addition, thousands of Christian Nigerians have been murdered by radicalized bandit militia marauding through mainly Christian villages in the Middle Belt during the last 6 years.

Yet, even among the Fulani ethnicity, a tribe proud of its Islamic faith, thousands of Fulani Christians are celebrating Advent, sometimes behind closed doors, one of its foremost faith leaders says.

All our members celebrate Christmas and are anxiously looking forward to this years celebration. But all that is done from hiding, according to Rev. Buba Aliyu, a Fulani church planter.

Many of them are in our rehabilitation center in Jos which was recently relocated after it was attacked by armed Fulani militants in the last two months, he told The Epoch Times by phone.

They came with heavy guns but thank God for the neighborhood watchmen! They helped to repel them and even seized one of their guns. Therefore, we relocated the center. Thats where many of them will be celebrating Christmas.

Those Fulani Christians who are still with their Muslim families but who have not yet been discovered to have converted will most likely only celebrate behind closed doors, because they could get killed if caught and that is the challenge we are facing, Aliyu said.

In the rural town of Miango, 20 miles west of Jos, Christians are taking precautions after a massacre of 10 citizens in a neighboring village on Nov. 26 and the threat of following attacks, according to Lawrence Zongo, who reported the event for The Epoch Times.

A protest in Jos, Nigeria on Dec. 16, 2021. (Masara Kim/The Epoch Times)

One of the terrorists dropped his cell phone in the dirt as he was retreating the night of the attack. A leader of the armed neighborhood watch team got a call on the captured phone from a man who said the gang would return before Christmas and wipe out the entire town. Since that attack, and a three-day massacre of 72 people in the Miango area from July 31 to Aug. 2, police have made no arrests, according to Zongo.

The threat of attacks to churches in war-torn states of Nigerias Northeast is largely gone this Christmas, according to Tom Garba, an Epoch Times reporter based near Yola, the capital of Adamawa State. The reason for the change is that thousands of communities displaced by Boko Haram have returned to their ancestral lands. They are living a normal life despite sporadic attacks by the insurgents, Garba reports.

Rev Joel Stephen Billi, pastor and President of the Church of the Brethren in Maiduguri, and overseer for churches in Borno and Adamawa, said he has encouraged members to put all fears behind them and set their minds toward a good Christmas celebration.

Despite letters threatening impending attacks by what he called bandits allied with Boko Haram, these letters will not kill the spirit of Christmas celebration for which his church is proud.

We are in a high spirit, we are not deterred by the rumor that letter was delivered to Michika, Bazza and the story around that Adamawa may be attacked. This will never make us jittery and afraid, Billi said to the Epoch Times.

Weve seen it all, he added. The churches in Northern Nigeria have gotten the worst of it, and the journey is ongoing, yet the journey of reaching to heaven will not stop halfway. Until we all reach our destiny nothing will stop us, Billi said

In Nigerias Northeastern Adamawa State Christians joined in mass Christmas carol singing organized by the State Chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) under the chairmanship of Bishop Dami Stephen Mamza.

Myriads of believers from several churches filled Ribadu Square venue of the event and were charged by several speakers to be security conscious but not to be overwhelmed by fear, Garba reported.

Lawrence Zongo, Masara Kim and Tom Garba contributed to this story.
After a serendipitous encounter in the hospital between a doctor and the father of a newborn baby, the doctor was invited to hold the baby girl. He was moved to tears as two years prior, he had gone above and beyond his call of duty to help the couples son, who died just 36 hours after being born.

Mom-of-four Dana Romano, 35, shared on Facebook the moving photo of neonatologist Dr. Jacob McPadden holding her newborn daughter, Olivia, who was born at Yale New Haven Hospital, in acknowledgment of her family and their doctors incredible journey together.

Dr. Jacob McPadden holding baby Olivia for the first time. (Courtesy of Dana Romano)

Dana and her husband, Dan, 38, who are also parents to Angelo, 7, and Matteo, 5, lost their third child, Julian, on Aug. 4, 2019.

He was diagnosed with fetal hydrops, which is when abnormal amounts of fluid build up in a fetus, or newborn, in two or more areas of the body  hydrops has a very low survival rate, Dana explained to The Epoch Times. Julian had skin edema from his head to his toes, as well as fluid in his lungs and abdomen that unfortunately couldnt be stopped.

Dana and Dan first learned that Julian had fluid buildup at their 19-week scan. Dana was monitored weekly and there was no hydrops found until after delivery. They knew their baby would spend time in the NICU, but had no idea he would be more sick than any of their doctors had anticipated.

Julian lay silently on me after delivery, for 10 seconds, before they took him to immediately start draining fluid, Dana recalled. We thought doctors were working on getting him stable so we can then come up to see him, or so we thought.

However, things took a different turn when their nurse received a call asking them to get up right away.

Dana Romano with Dr. Jacob McPadden and baby Olivia. (Courtesy of Dana Romano)

I remember sitting in the wheelchair, being pushed by the nurse. There was no baby in my arms. There were no tears of happiness, no congratulatory wishes as we made our way up, she lamented. Instead, I sobbed hard as we passed people in the hallway, their sorrowful looks gazing up at me as I cried out for my son.

Seeing a baby sprawled out, tubes every which way, machines beeping, it took a few minutes for Dana to realize that it was Julian, as he appeared lifeless and swollen.

Upon hearing his diagnosis, Dana fell sobbing into her husbands arms. The couple cried as the doctors sprang into action in getting Julian to become stable.

Comfort and clarity came in the form of Dr. McPadden, who took the time to explain to the heartbroken parents what was happening to their son. Even when Julians oxygen levels plummeted below levels his body could cope with, the doctor insisted on trying just one more procedure.

Dana Romano while pregnant with baby Olivia. (Courtesy of Russells Photography Studio)

He warned us that it probably wouldnt work, and ultimately, we would face the inevitable of losing him, but that he would go in, once again, and give it his all, said Dana. And thats just what he did.

Tragically, Julian couldnt be saved. Dr. McPadden sat with the devastated couple and cried with them. He offered to stay with them in Julians final moments, knowing how scared of saying goodbye they were.

He also attended Julians funeral, called to check on the Romanos numerous times, and joined them to speak with a geneticist to dig deeper into Julians case. His heart broke just as ours did, said Dana.

The couple was extremely grateful to him because he did all the things he wasnt even required to do.

Dana Romano with her family. (Courtesy of Russells Photography Studio)

Now, two years later, seeing Dr. McPadden holding Olivia brought a rush of emotions to the mom of four.

It brought me back to Julian, she confided. To know this was the same doctor who cried with us as we said our final goodbyes, to now being able to share in this incredible amount of joy, love, and gratitude we had for our daughter being here, being healthy, being alive, was truly mind-blowing.

It felt like Julian was with us, watching it all unfold, she reflected, and in many ways, thats what I believe; he helped make it happen.

To commemorate Julian in a physical way, Dana and Dan also have a keepsake teddy bear handmade from the clothes he was wearing when he took his last breath, naming it Julians Bear.

In sharing the photo of Dr. McPadden holding Olivia with tears in his eyes, Dana hopes that other doctors will be reminded not to lose sight of why they went into their profession, to begin with. A little love and grace goes a long way, and can leave a major impact on ones life, she explained.

Dana, an elementary school teacher, and Dan, a social worker, live with their family in Branford, Connecticut. Besides being a wife and mother, it has become part of Danas mission in life to raise awareness on pregnancy and infant loss since losing Julian. She has since channeled her grief into writing pieces and has pledged to continue to be a voice for loss parents everywhere when they struggle to find the words. She also chronicles her life on Instagram.

Grief and joy can coexist, she says, and Dr. McPaddens compassionate role in their lives made them feel that Julians life mattered. Their heartache was validated.

Ill never forget when Dr. McPadden told me to not ever stop talking about Julian, she told The Epoch Times. Im sure both Julian and Dr. McPadden will be happy to know that Ive kept my promise, and will continue to raise awareness on pregnancy and infant loss, and speak Julians name, until my last breath.

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
DOJ: John Durham Investigation Has Cost $3.8 Million

The Department of Justice (DOJ) on Wednesday revealed that special counsel John Durhams investigation into the origins of the FBIs Russia probe has cost about $3.8 million over its first year.

Most of the spending occurred between April 1 and Sept. 30 of this year, with $2.3 million doled out in that timeframe, according to a document released by the DOJ. Of that sum, about $1.9 million was directly related to Durhams teams investigation.

The Department recognizes the importance of maintaining adequate internal control and is committed to the continuous improvement and oversight of financial management controls, said the DOJ in its Wednesday report on Durhams probe. The review identified no material weaknesses or significant deficiencies in the design or operation of SCO (special counsels office) controls, the document added.

The recent increase in spending coincides with a recent uptick in activity from Durham and his team. Last month, a grand jury indicted Igor Danchenko, a Washington D.C.-based individual who provided material for the controversial and mostly discredited Steele dossier, parts of which were leaked to mainstream media outlets.

A prior Justice Department-released spending report showed the Durham investigation had totaled about $1.5 million from Oct. 19, 2020, through March 31, 2021.

Danchenko pleaded not guilty after he was charged with five counts of making false statements to the FBI, and Durhams indictment said he made those statements about information that was given to Christopher Steele, a former UK intelligence official, to construct the dossier. The FBI also relied on the dossier when it pursued court orders to surveil former Trump campaign aide Carter Page.

Justice Department Inspector General Michael Horowitz in December 2019 confirmed that Steeles dossier played a central and essential part in the FBIs effort to spy on Page. At the time, Horowitz also discovered at least 17 significant errors and omissions.

Earlier this year, Durhams team charged Michael Sussmann, a lawyer who worked with high-powered Washington-based law firm Perkins Coiewho was retained by the Clinton campaign and Democratic National Committee during the 2016 campaign. Sussmann, who pleaded not guilty, has been accused of lying to the FBIs lawyer, Jim Baker, about his client when he pushed claims that there was a secret link between the Trump Organization and a Russian bank.

Several days ago, Durham told a federal court that his team is looking into certain members of former Secretary of State Hillary Clintons 2016 presidential campaign.

Thus, the interests of the Clinton campaign and the defendant could potentially diverge in connection with any plea discussions, pre-trial proceedings, hearings, trial, and sentencing proceedings, a recent court filing reads.

As part of the Durham investigation, one conviction has been secured. Former FBI attorney Kevin Clinesmith was handed down a one-year probation term in January 2021 altering an email connected to a surveillance request in the FBIs Russia investigation.

Durham, the former U.S. attorney for Connecticut, was appointed by then-Attorney General William Barr in 2019 to investigate the FBIs Russia probe. He was elevated to special counsel by Barr in late 2020.
EU flags flutter in front of the European Commission headquarters in Brussels, Belgium, on Oct. 2, 2019. (Yves Herman/Reuters)

EU Proposes 3 New Taxes to Repay COVID-19 Recovery Fund Borrowing

BRUSSELSThe European Commission proposed on Wednesday three new EU-wide taxes to help to repay the joint government borrowing in the 27-nation bloc for their 800 billion euro ($904 billion) COVID-19 recovery fund.

The first measure will introduce a levy on CO2 emitted by fuels for buildings and cars under a new carbon market, while using the EUs existing carbon trading system to impose CO2 costs on ships and increase existing payments from airlines.

A quarter of such CO2 revenues, which currently largely go to governments, would in future go to the EU budget, providing 12 billion euros annually on average from 2026 to 2030, according to the Commissions proposal.

The second would impose carbon costs on imports of goods from countries with weaker CO2 emissions standards, with three quarters of those proceeds going to the EU budget, providing 1 billion euros per year on average over 20262030.

The third tax would give the EU budget a 15 percent share of the residual profits from large multinational companies that will be re-domiciled in EU countries under a G20 and OECD agreement on a re-allocation of taxing rights.

Those revenues could amount to between 2.5 billion4 billion euros per year.

The COVID-19 recovery fund is to be paid back by 2058.

EU budget commissioner Johannes Hahn said governments had a strong incentive to agree to the new levies, to avoid having to pay more into the next EU budget to repay that debt.

The Commission proposals must be negotiated by the European Parliament and EU countries. A second package of similar proposals is due in 2023.

But countries are already squabbling over the plans.

Polish climate minister Anna Moskwa told a meeting of EU ministers on Monday that the new carbon market was unacceptable as it would impose an increased burden on vulnerable citizens.

The Commission has said part of the new EU levies should form a fund to shield low-income households from potential costs, for example by subsidising home renovations to curb energy bills.

($1 = 0.8849 euros)

By Jan Strupczewski and Kate Abnett
Firefighters respond to a fire in McLean, Va., on Dec. 22, 2021. (Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department via AP)

Ex-Sen. Chuck Robb, Wife Hospitalized After House Fire

McLEAN, Va.Former U.S. Sen. Chuck Robb and his wife, Lynda, were hospitalized Wednesday after a fire destroyed their northern Virginia home.

Fire officials said the injuries were not life-threatening.

Robbs family confirmed in a statement issued through Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam that their parents were taken to the hospital by ambulance and they were the only two in the home at the time of the fire.

Our entire family is deeply grateful to the firefighters for their rapid response and the medical professionals who are taking care of them, the Robbs three daughters said in a joint statement. We have what is most important to usour mom and dad.

Fire and rescue officials reported they responded to the home in McLean early Wednesday morning. Crews from neighboring Arlington County and Montgomery County, Maryland, also responded. Photos show flames consuming the home.

Robb served as governor in Virginia from 1982 to 1986 and two terms in the U.S. Senate, winning election in 1988 and 1994. Lynda Robb is the daughter of former President Lyndon Johnson.

Former U.S. Sen. Chuck Robb and his wife, Lynda, wait during a visit by Queen Elizabeth II in Richmond, Va., on May 3, 2007. (Joe Mahoney/AP Photo)

Northam wrote on Twitter that he and his wife, Pam, were saddened to hear of the fire at the Robbs home.

Our thoughts are with Chuck and Lynda as they recover from this tragedy, he said.

The stretch of Chain Bridge Road where the Robbs reside is a few miles outside the nations capital and home to a number of wealthy political figures and diplomats.

Tax records show the home has a value of $5.5 million, with an adjacent parcel of land owned by the Robbs valued at $3.4 million.
The damaged starboard engine of United Airlines flight 328, a Boeing 777-200, is seen following a Feb. 20 engine failure incident, in a hangar at Denver International Airport in Denver, on Feb. 22, 2021. (National Transportation Safety Board/Handout via Reuters)

FAA Backs Inspections, Strengthening Key Part for Boeing 777-200 Engines

WASHINGTONThe Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on Wednesday called for inspections and strengthening a key part for Boeing 777-200 airplanes equipped with Pratt & Whitney (PW) engines after an engine failure in February.

The FAA issued three proposed airworthiness directives, a move that will allow Boeing 777-200 airplanes equipped with PW4000 engines to return to service as soon as early 2022.

A fan blade failure prompted an engine to fail on a United Airlines 777-200 bound for Honolulu after takeoff from Denver on Feb. 20. The incident showered debris over nearby cities, but no one was injured and the plane safely returned to the airport.

The FAA said it was calling for strengthening engine cowlings, enhanced engine fan-blade inspection and inspection of other systems and components. The directives will require corrective action based on inspection results.

The FAA in February ordered immediate inspection of 777 planes with PW4000 engines before further flights after investigators found that a cracked fan blade on the United engine was consistent with metal fatigue.

United said the proposed directives are a good outcome for our industry and United customers. It added many of the affected engines have already undergone these proposed inspections. We expect these aircraft to safely rejoin our fleet early next year.

Boeing Co. said in a statement it supports the FAAs guidance on inspection requirements for Pratt & Whitney PW4000 engines and will work with our customers and Pratt & Whitney through the process.

Raytheon Technologies Corp.s Pratt & Whitney said on Wednesday the inspection of fan blades was already underway and could be performed in the field, on or near-wing by trained personnel. It added the directive mandates guidance Pratt & Whitney has provided to customers.

The FAA said further action is necessary to address the airplane-level implications and unsafe condition resulting from in-flight engine fan blade failures.

United, the only U.S. operator of 777s with the PW4000 engine, has 52 of those planes that remain grounded.

United Chief Executive Scott Kirby noted that the airlines voluntary grounding of those 52 planes was not cheap.

That is a massively expensive decision to make  but we did it for safety, Kirby told a U.S. Senate panel last week.

By David Shepardson
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) building is seen in Washington on March 13, 2019. (Eric Barada/AFP via Getty Images)

FAA Issues Expanded Safety Warning on 5G Rollout Over A Wide Range of Safety Issues

Federal aviation regulators on Thursday expanded their warning about 5G services slated to launch in January on new frequencies and said potential interference could impact aircraft safety systems.

In a memo, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued a Safety Alert for Operators that warned (pdf) of a wide range of other automated safety systems rely on radio altimeter data whose proper function may also be affected.

Anomalous (missing or erroneous) radio altimeter inputs could cause these other systems to operate in an unexpected way during any phase of flight  most critically during takeoff, approach, and landing phases, the agency said.

This month, the FAA previously issued directives warning that 5G interference could result in some flight diversions. More information will be provided by the FAA before the Jan. 5 rollout, it said.

Earlier this week, Boeing Chief Executive Dave Calhoun and Airbus Americas CEO Jeffrey Knittel urged the Biden administration to delay planned deployment of new 5G wireless services over possible aviation safety concerns.

The 5G interference could adversely affect the ability of aircraft to safely operate, their letter said, adding it could have an enormous negative impact on the aviation industry, reported Reuters.

The Boeing-Airbus letter cited an analysis from trade group Airlines for America that if the FAA 5G directive had been in effect in 2019, about 345,000 passenger flights and 5,400 cargo flights would have faced delays, diversions, or cancellations.

In its latest alert, the FAA noted 17 different aircraft functions and safety protocols that might fail if 5G airwaves interfere with radar systems.

The FAA is working with the aviation and wireless industries to find a solution that allows 5G C-band and aviation to safely coexist, the agency said.

At the same time, the FAA released a Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin on the potential 5G issue that recommends that radio altimeter manufacturers, aircraft manufacturers, and operators voluntarily provide information to federal officials about  altimeter design and functionality.

United Airlines Chief Executive Scott Kirby said last week that FAAs 5G directives would bar the use of radio altimeters at about 40 of the countrys biggest airports. But wireless industry group CTIA has said that 5G is safe and accused the aviation industry of fearmongering and distorting facts.

There appears to be no valid scientific or engineering basis to justify a delay, and there is overwhelming evidence to support rapid deployment. 5G operates safely in the C-Band without causing harmful interference to air traffic, the groups president wrote Nov. 18 in an opinion piece.

In November, AT&T and Verizon delayed the commercial launch of C-band wireless service by a month until Jan. 5 and adopted precautionary measures to limit interference.

Meanwhile, the Air Line Pilots Association earlier this week said that aviation and communications regulators are at a stalemate.

Thats a big problem for passengers, shippers, and the American economy, the group said of the impasse.

Reuters contributed to this report.
Merck's antiviral pill against COVID-19 is seen in an undated photograph. (Merck via AP)

FDA Authorizes Mercks COVID-19 Pill Weeks After US Makes $2.2 Billion Purchase

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on Thursday morning issued an emergency use authorization for Mercks antiviral pill for COVID-19, more than 12 hours after giving the green light for a similar, oral drug made by Pfizer.

Mercks drug, named molnupiravir, was developed with Ridgeback Biotherapeutics, and it was shown to reduce hospitalizations and deaths from 9.7 percent to 6.8 percent in clinical trials of high-risk individuals, according to the federal drug regulator.

The medication is designed to treat adults who are at a high risk of becoming severely ill from COVID-19, the illness caused by the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus. The oral drug can also be used in the treatment of mild-to-moderate COVID-19 cases in adults and for whom alternative COVID-19 treatments are not accessible or arent clinically appropriate, the agency said.

As new variants of the virus continue to emerge, it is crucial to expand the countrys arsenal of COVID-19 therapies using emergency use authorization, Patrizia Cavazzoni, director of the FDAs Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, said in a statement.

And Thursdays emergency use authorization provides an additional treatment option against the COVID-19 virus in the form of a pill that can be taken orally, Cavazzoni continued in her statement.

On Nov. 30, the FDAs advisory panel narrowly voted 1310 to recommend the drug amid concerns about its effectiveness and safety. The drug cannot be authorized for use in patients under the age of 18 because molnupiravir might impact bone and cartilage growth, according to the FDA.

Possible side effects of the pill include diarrhea, nausea, and dizziness, the FDA said. The agencys advisory committee last month referenced concerns about whether the drug presents a potential risk to pregnant women and their unborn children.

Authorities said that an advantage of Pfizers and Mercks oral drugs is that they can be taken at home and do not require an injection or IV at a medical clinic or hospital.

The U.S. federal government previously agreed to purchase 3.1 million courses of the Merck antiviral drug for about $2.2 billion. Jeff Zients, the White Houses COVID-19 response coordinator, told reporters Wednesday that if molnupiravir is authorized, most of those treatment regimens could be distributed to states and municipalities by the end of next month.

As for Pfizers drug, Paxlovid, the United States purchased 10 million courses several weeks ago in a deal worth more than $5 billion, according to a Department of Health and Human Services news release.

The drug, which was authorized by the FDA for emergency use, is taken twice per day for five days in combination with a second medicine called ritonavir, classified as a generic antiviral drug. It is aimed at COVID-19 patients with mild-to-moderate symptoms to prevent them from becoming so sick that they need to be hospitalized, FDA officials and Pfizer have said.

Before the FDA decisions this week, the only COVID-19 antiviral treatment that had been granted emergency authorization by the FDA is remdesivir, a drug thats being sold under the brand name Veklury.

In recent months, some severely sick COVID-19 patients and their family members have said that the cheaply produced anti-parasitic drug ivermectin produced positive results. An elderly patient in Illinois recovered following a court order that allowed him to use the medication, which the FDA hasnt cleared for use for COVID-19, the mans attorney said on Dec. 1.

Merck has not responded to a request for comment.
Newport Beach Police and HAZMAT Units investigate three deaths and one injury at a Balboa Island Home in Newport Beach, Calif., on Oct. 25, 2021. (John Fredricks/The Epoch Times)

Former Dealer, User Details Newport Beachs Drug Trade

NEWPORT BEACH, Calif.Heavy rain drops began to fall against a white truck marked HAZMAT parked at the end of the 100 block of Diamond Ave in the quaint Balboa Island neighborhood, surrounded by expensive yachts that line the Newport Beach Harbor.

Just 300 feet away in a home across the threshold of yellow police tape were the bodies of Andrew Adams, 43; Desiree Temple, 43, of Yorba Linda; and Samantha Haiman, 45, of Riverside.

Investigators with the Newport Beach Police Department at the scene in October suspected that illegal drug activity was involved in the deaths, with the possibility of fentanyl.

Though the investigation is still ongoing, the tragedy is a reminder that the affluence of Orange Countys wealthiest city does not exempt it from Californias drug crisis, which saw 5,502 opioid-related overdose deaths in 2020, a 126 percent increase from 2018, according to the California Department of Public Health.

I would say there are over 100 drug dealers within Newport Beach right now, former cocaine dealer and Newport Beach resident under the pseudonym of Raphael told The Epoch Times.

Most of the coke dealers are people you would least expect.

Raphael, who began his journey with drugs in 2009, said that a college-aged male who rented a Balboa Island home operated one of the pick-up locations of cocaine that he would use, sell, and share with friends within the Newport Beach party scene.

Crystal Cove State Park in Newport Beach, Calif., on June 22, 2021. (John Fredricks/The Epoch Times)

Cocaine Abuse

A lot of people are using coke, and everyone and their mother is doing this in Newport, said Raphael.

Cocaine is a stimulant manufactured from the coca plant and can cause serious bodily harm by disrupting the nervous system, altering moods, changing personalities, and causing heavy addiction.

Users ingest the drug in the form of water-soluble hydrochloride salt for snorting or injecting, or a water-insoluble cocaine base form for smoking. According to the DEA, the physical crash the body takes following a cocaine high is mental and physical exhaustion, sleep, and depression lasting several days.

Over time, the use of cocaine can lead to psychotic behavior, prolonged anxiety, tissue damage, high blood pressure, breathing issues, and heart attacks.

In the city of Newport Beach, a possession of cocaine charge is met with severe penalties which include hefty fines, prison or jail time, stiff penalties, parole or probation, drug rehabilitation, and community service.

Those deemed addicted to cocaine can also lose their driving privileges in the city.

The cocaine scene in Newport is just kind of word of mouth. Youve got to be totally introduced to the dealers, Raphael said.

Thats the only way Ive ever met people who sell it.

On Dec. 7, 2017, charges were brought against Sean Robert McLaughlin of Aliso Viejo for an eight-count indictment alleging the distribution of drugs.

McLaughlin, a security manager of the former American Junkie nightclub of Newport Beach, was listed by the Justice Department as distributing the drug throughout the club which later resulted in three overdosesone of whom died after ingesting a lethal amount of fentanyl.

Further investigation by law enforcement also led to the accusation of McLaughlin of furnishing cocaine laced with fentanyl to four club patrons prior to Nov. 18, 2016.

Lots of bouncers in Newport and Costa Mesa can hook you up with the drugs you want, but they can also kick you out for drugs as well, Raphael said.

But in this sense, most of the guys I knew were doing this more throughout the bars of Costa Mesa than in Newport.

Santa Ana Police officers pull over a driver in Santa Ana, Calif., on Sept. 20, 2021. (John Fredricks/The Epoch Times)

Raphael describes Newport Beachs cocaine market as a three-tier system.

Local distributers within Newports social circles along with bar and nightclub bouncers purchase the drug from street gangs in the city of Santa Ana, who in turn have alliances with Mexican drug cartels. With the US/Mexico border less than 96 miles away from Newport Beach, cocaine is mostly transported through passenger vehicles and trucks to be stored in homes and storage bins by various gang members.

One of the most prominent dealers that came to Raphaels mind was a single mother of two who lived in the high-end mansions of Newport Coast and drove a Mercedes to make cocaine deliveries to clients throughout the city.

She was the beautiful and bubbly chick that took care of herself and brought the coke right to you, Raphael said.

Just imagine this blonde attractive blonde lady driving around a freaking Mercedes Benz in Newport Beach; theres billions of them everywhere you look.

Raphael said he was surprised how long she was able to evade law enforcement. The woman was rumored to have dealt directly with Mexican drug cartels and their allies within the gangs of Santa Ana.

A lot of the kids buying the coke come from money, Raphael said. But also, a lot of their parents are selling it  lots of peoples [expletive] parents.

But like most dealers who Raphael encountered, it was only a matter of time until their business would come to a sudden halt.

One day, she just got into it too deep, he said.

Something happened between her and her dealers, and she had to leave the country with her two kids overnight. I have no idea what her situation is now.

But in Newport Beach, offenders dealing and transporting the drug appear to be on the rise.

California state laws now carry light punishment for drug offenders and for people selling narcotics, Heather Rangel of the Newport Beach Police Department told The Epoch Times.

What were once felony crimes are now considered misdemeanor crimes with much lower sentences. These lessor sentences mean more people on the street that are willing to buy and sell narcotics.

The transportation of illicit drugs from the Mexican border to Orange County limits has not gone unnoticed. U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials noted that after travel restrictions were in place to curb the spread of the pandemic, American citizens were caught trafficking drugs more than six times as often as native Mexicans, from October 2020 to April 2021.

Narcotics such as cocaine and fentanyl are typically moved into the US and the SoCal region by drug cartels from Mexico and then distributed by local drug dealers, Rangel continued.

Arrests for Cocaine and fentanyl are frequently made. This is due to the quantity of cocaine and fentanyl in circulation and the proactivity of officers within the police department. Many of those investigations are still ongoing.

An Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent checks automobiles for contraband in San Ysidro, Calif., on Oct. 2, 2019. (Sandy Huffaker/AFP via Getty Images)

Fentanyls Effect

Cocaine overdoses in Orange County are often due to dealers cutting the drug and mixing it with fentanyl, an opiate 50 times more potent than heroin.

The Orange County Coroners Office reported that over the first quarter of 2021, there was a 77 percent rise in accidental overdose deaths. Deaths involving fentanyl overdoses were up 177 percent.

As the trend is expected to continue, Newport Beach Police officers move forward in keeping themselves equipped to combat the drug.

Based on the potency of fentanyl, we are seeing greater amounts of overdoses. Officers are now better equipped with department issued Narcan nasal sprays to neutralize fentanyl, Rangel said.

(But) education is another piece to the puzzle of combatting these drugs. Helping people understand the drugs such as fentanyl are being added to other drugs making other drug use even more deadly.

A firefighter displays Narcan; a lifesaving medication used to treat drug overdoses, on Feb. 26, 2021. (John Fredricks/The Epoch Times)

Last month in neighboring Huntington Beach, two men were arrested after a month-long investigation, seizing about $1 million worth of drugs being distributed through Orange and Los Angeles countys.

The drug cache was suspected of having 17 kilograms of cocaine and fentanyl.

Fentanyl is highly addictive whichs leads to a greater demand, Rangel said.

With little to no fear of punishment for possessing or selling narcotics, the supply continues to increase.

Though fentanyl is responsible for most of Orange Countys drug overdoses, Raphael notes that there are some in his former crowd that specifically purchase the drug despite knowing the dangers of it.

People like it, its becoming a choice drug in the area, Raphael said.

Again, a lot of these guys have the money to buy the stuff, but personally, I have lost 14 people at this point to drugs and had to leave it all behind.

Former cocaine dealer under the pseudonym Raphael looks at the beach in Southern California on Nov. 2, 2021. (John Fredricks/The Epoch Times)

Turning Point

A further addiction to other substances lead Raphael to what he describes as a rock bottom moment in his life where certain family and friends stepped in to help him start a new path away from Newports abundant cocaine market.

(The addiction) was getting so hard, and it was like if it wasnt that particular person coming to help, I dont know how I would have reacted to someone else. Sometimes the closest people to you are the people that you push away, Raphael shared.

Youre so vulnerable from all those years of blocking God with the drugging and the boozing. I just finally gave up and accepted the way out. God is so awesome like that.

After years of immersing himself in drugs, Raphael looks forward to his years ahead in encouraging other people to stay away from these habits, which includes sharing the harsh realities of dealing drugs.

Most of them get arrested, so its like gambling. You can be on the run for so long, because the majority of them end up getting caught, he said.

And then people forget about you and go on to the next guy, then the next guy, and so on.

In moving forward, Raphael remains grateful that he survived so many near death experiences and arrests due to a former life of drug involvement.

I still am a dork and have a lot of fun. Im not like a puppet anymore. Im no longer controlled by a substance, Raphael said.

Ive given this control over to God, and for this first time I feel like I can actually do anything now.
Minister of Finance Chrystia Freeland speaks during question period in the House of Commons on Parliament Hill in Ottawa on Nov. 30, 2021. (The Canadian Press/Sean Kilpatrick)

Governments in Canada Are Spending and Collecting More Money Than Budgeted: Report

Federal and provincial governments in Canada are failing to produce reliable budgets says a new report, as they routinely spend more money and collect more revenues than projected.

These are the main findings of the report titled Trouble on the Bottom Line: Canadas Governments Must Produce More Reliable Budgets, which was released by the C.D. Howe Institute last month.

On Dec. 21, authors William B.P. Robson and Miles Wu wrote an open letter to Canadas ministers of finance, outlining key findings from their report while calling for better budget targets and more disciplined adherence to them.

In theory, management of public funds by Canadas federal, provincial and territorial governments reflects the preferences Canadians express through their elected representatives, the letter said.

In reality, the chain of accountability has some weak links. Among them are the large discrepancies between budget projections and results.

Over the last 20 fiscal years for which there are results from all governments (up to 2019/2020), the federal, provincial, and territorial governments spent a total of $119 billion more than they had projected, which equates to $3,100 per Canadian, the report says.

The authors say the revenue side is even more startling, as these governments raised $143 billion more than what was indicated in their budgets, which amounts to $3,800 per Canadian.

This pattern of revenue overshoots larger than spending overshoots is interesting because it runs against conventional wisdom about the over-optimism of budget forecasts, says the report.

The authors say that if governments responded adequately to economic cycles, in times of slumps or downturns expenses would be higher than predicted (overshooting the budget) and revenues would be lower than predicted (undershooting). In times of booms or high growth, the opposite would be true, with expenses being lower than predicted (undershooting) and revenues higher than predicted (overshooting).

But this rarely happens says the report, with that pattern being an exception among Canadas senior governments.

Overshoots on either side of the ledger tend to coincide, suggesting that governments under-projected revenue and then spent most of the resulting in-year surprise or otherwise managed the numbers to achieve a predetermined bottom line.

The authors also note a recent tendency for governments to be unable to deliver services that werent anticipated in their budgets, resulting in negative adjustments below the line in their financial reports. While this practice is not inconsistent with public sector accounting standards, the authors note it is an obstacle to accountability.

The report also takes stock of the impact of COVID-19 on finances, which they say is currently driving an unprecedented wedge between spending commitments and results and the increases in debt will persist for decades. This could lead to two potential threats, the authors note, such as increased attempts to manage the bottom line and pressure to increase taxes and cut services.

The report says that control of public funds is fundamental to representative government, and highlights that about two out of every five dollars of Canadians incomes were raised and spent by the federal, provincial, and territorial governments in 2020amounting to $830 billion or over $21,000 per Canadian.
Tara and Mindy of 2 Citizen Moms in North Carolina, in 2021. (Courtesy of 2 Citizen Moms)

Grassroots Constitutional Rights Groups in North Carolina Combine Efforts to Change Leadership

With the primaries around the corner of the new year, grassroots constitutional rights groups in North Carolina are working to impact communities by localizing national issues such as medical freedom and election integrity with the intent of fostering new leadership.

Tara Niebaum and Mindy Sportsman formed 2 Citizen Moms after meeting each other at lockdown protests in 2020.

They began working with other groups such as Revival In Courage to implement the North Carolina Grassroots Government (NCGG), a plan to replace every lawmaker in the General Assembly with Christian constitutionalists vetted through what they call the 100 counties-10 principles-10 promises-1 covenant with North Carolina (100-10-10-1 platform).

NCGG seeks out North Carolinians to run for office on the Republican ticket who complete a survey to ensure that each aligns with the principles, promises, and covenant, as well as swear an oath under which they will uphold the 100-10-10-1 platform throughout their candidacy.

We are 100 percent grassroots volunteers, Niebaum said. We are not fundraising for this initiative or the candidates, and we are not giving money to the candidates. This is not a traditional political effort in which its all centered around money. It is sweat equity and boots on the ground.

The 100-10-10-1 platform includes medical freedom, parents rights, education reform, and pro-life principles.

Among its promises, candidatesif electedwould work to repeal and defund COVID-19 policies the North Carolina General Assembly passed, such as masking, testing, tracking, and tracing laws.

According to the oath, they promise to work to prohibit vaccine mandates and passports.

A vaccine education organization, PAVE, and 2 Citizen Moms worked with Republican state Rep. Larry Pittman on House Bill 558, which would have provided protection in the public and private sectors against vaccine mandates but the bill didnt pass.

Another bill, House Bill 572, would have prohibited Gov. Roy Cooper, a Democrat, from enacting a vaccine mandate during a state of emergency.

2 Citizen Moms advocated for revisions to broaden the scope of HB 572 to prohibit all vaccine mandates and passports but to no avail.

HB 572 died in the Rules Committee of the Senate without as much as a vote by that committee.

2 Citizen Moms conceded defeat in terms of legislative effort, and from there, they began looking at revising the entire General Assembly.

Its ambitious, Im not going to lie, Niebaum said. In North Carolina, leadership has failed. When we speak at events, we emphasize that this is not a problem of Democrats versus Republicans. This is a problem of a Uniparty, because ultimately no one in North Carolina has actually stood up and protected the constitutional rights of the people.

Communist Public Health Policies

The Republican partys platform appeals to the values of the Constitution only in writing, Niebaum said.

But the failure of government to protect those constitutional rights within the COVID narrative has been beyond comprehension, Niebaum said, pointing back to when churches were shut down while liquor stores were open, violating the First Amendment, and what she called communist public health policies passed with Republican votes.

In addition to their 2 Citizen Moms podcast and frequent speaking invitations, Niebaum and Sportsman organized and held a Medical Freedom Summit in Raleigh in October 2021, which garnered speakers ranging from fired health care workers to physicians, epidemiologists, and scientists with the intent of educating citizens on their medical and constitutional rights.

Its purpose, Niebaum said, was to do what the government has failed to do: help people and connect them with information on therapeutics such as ivermectin that would keep them out of the hospital.

This is nothing we went looking for, Niebaum said. We would rather be homeschooling our kids, but 2020 changed things. I believe we are well on the other side of a Marxist transition, so I dont know if we can even replace any of these elected officials, because I dont believe we have fair and free elections anymore.

Revival in Courage

Through the social media platform Telegram, groups like 2 Citizen Moms and Revival In Courage found each other and combined efforts.

Revival in Courage has hosted speakers such as Epoch Times contributor, author, and filmmaker Trevor Loudon, who has charted the Chinese Communist Partys (CCP) influence in America, and other speakers who advocate for audits and investigations into the 2020 election.

Trevor Loudon speaks at a Revival In Courage event in North Carolina in 2021. (Courtesy of Aryn Schloemer)

Revival In Courage met 2 Citizen Moms at one of these events where they began networking resources under NCGG.

The goal is to make NCGG the hub for all of the grassroots groups in North Carolina to work together, Aryn Schloemer with Revival In Courage told The Epoch Times.

Among the various constitutional-rights organizations such as North Carolina Citizens for Constitutional Rights and WNCFreedom2020 are different levels of focus, with one central theme in mind: the preservation of the U.S. and state constitutions.

Revival In Courage formed to give a platform to these truth-telling patriots who would educate, engage, empower, and unite self-governing citizens to take focused action and bring solutions back to their communities, Schloemer said.

No One Was Coming to Save Them

Finding no results in engaging with legislators, school boards, county commissioners, or the Republican Party itself, Schloemer said the need for NCGG became clear.

Even before then, Schloemer said she and others within the grassroots organizations had come to the disappointing realization that no one was coming to save them.

We witnessed the stolen elections, our rights being dissolved by the unconstitutional emergency powers, our bodily autonomy forgotten, and CCP infiltration into our country all without a single acknowledgment from our elected officials, Schloemer said.

However, she said, from the void of leadership amid chaos escalating across the country, the most unlikely patriots surfaced and became the voice of reason.

Aryn Schloemer, Mindy Sportsman, Bronni Vanderwerker, and Tara Niebaum gather at a speaking event in North Carolina, in 2021. (Courtesy of Aryn Schloemer)

North Carolina Audit Force

Another group connected within the hub of NCGG is Carol Snows North Carolina Audit Force (NCAF).

Schloemer met Snow at a speaking event and, after discussing strategies such as Snows canvassing initiative, Schloemer began working with Snows organization to combine efforts as well.

NCAFs strategy is to focus on cleaning up voter rolls by comparing the National Change of Address (NCOA) database against voter registration data.

We find people registered to vote at an address while the National Change of Address data shows they moved out two years ago, Snow told The Epoch Times. So when we go to canvass, we pull up the states data for everyone registered at a particular address and show it to the people who live there.

Using the search criteria through data obtained through the NCOA and the North Carolina State Board of Elections, Snow said 46 percent of the time there has been a change of address, theyre finding phantom voters.

Snow said after learning how long the current resident has lived there, their canvassers write up affidavits that document each situation.

Whats interesting is when you speak with voters and they see the number of people registered to vote at their address, they get upset, then they want to get involved, Snow said. Some of our best canvassers are people who were canvassed.

Snow said she wouldnt disclose what NCAF will do with the affidavits but said the information on phantom voters and lost votes will be presented to the appropriate people at the appropriate time.

Sacred and Moral Duty

For Niebaum, Sportsman, Schloemer, Snow, and other members of these organizations, the constitution has become abandoned by state and federal leaders, leaving it up to We the People whose sacred and moral duty it is to strive to reaffirm the ideals of our Founders.

In a 1798 letter from Founding Father John Adams to the Militia of Massachusetts during the American Revolution, Adams wrote, Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious People. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other.

Our idea is that maybe we push these candidates across the finish line, maybe we dont, but everything we do we try to glorify God and use the platform God has given us to stand on the wall and tell the truth, Niebaum said. It doesnt seem like very many people are willing to take risks in our generation, so I dont know if we will win elections, but maybe we will win some souls along the way.

Constitutional-rights groups such as North Carolina Citizens for Constitutional Rights and NC Audit Force gather to speak in Hendersonville, North Carolina in November 2021. (Matt McGregor/The Epoch Times)
Thousands of illegal immigrants, mostly Haitians, live in a primitive, makeshift camp under the international bridge that spans the Rio Grande between the U.S. and Mexico while waiting to be detained and processed by Border Patrol, in Del Rio, Texas, on Sept. 21, 2021. (Charlotte Cuthbertson/The Epoch Times)

Haitians Sue Biden Admin Over Racist Treatment in Del Rio Border Encampment

DEL RIO, TexasSeveral Haitians who crossed into the United States illegally are suing the Biden administration over racist treatment of the approximately 15,000 Haitians who gathered in a primitive encampment in Del Rio, Texas, in September.

The Haitian Bridge Alliance, a nonprofit based in California, joined 11 Haitians in filing the suit on Dec. 20, the group announced on Twitter. The lawsuit alleges the Biden administration mistreated the Haitians with calculated indifference.

They were denied food, water, and medical care. They were physically and verbally abused. And they were summarily expelled without an opportunity to request asylum and without consideration of the danger they would face in Haiti or Mexico, the lawsuit charges.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) didnt respond to requests for comment by The Epoch Times.

The lawsuit alleges that the Biden administration has been using the Title 42 health directive against Haitians and other illegal immigrants. Title 42 was put in place in March 2020 to help curb the COVID-19 pandemic by stopping nonessential border travel.

Consistent with the United States long history of anti-Haitian and anti-Black immigration policies, the Biden administration has used the Title 42 process as a cudgel to deny thousands of Haitians an opportunity to access the U.S. asylum process, the lawsuit states.

Thousands of illegal immigrants, primarily Haitian nationals, started streaming across the Rio Grandewhich divides Texas and Mexicoand gathering under an international bridge in Del Rio, Texas, in early September.

The conditions quickly became crowded and squalid as law enforcement struggled to handle the overwhelming influx.

At its height, the area held around 15,000 mostly Haitian illegal immigrants who were waiting to be processed by Border Patrol and were walking back and forth across the river to Mexico for supplies.

All of the Haitians whom The Epoch Times spoke to at the time had been living in Chile or Brazil for years before deciding to come to the United States. They all said it wasnt an option for them to return to Haiti and that they were determined to get into the United States one way or another.

Many had destroyed their visas and documentation from other resident countries before they crossed into the United States, as evidenced by the discarded identification documents on the Mexican side of the river. Some said they believed it would be more difficult to deport them if they discarded their papers.

The camp was cleared by Sept. 24, with the majority of the Haitians being released into the United States to await a future court date. None were tested for COVID-19.

DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas said on Sept. 24 that approximately 2,000 Haitians had been deported to Haiti on 17 repatriation flights.

Mayorkas said that since Sept. 9, when the Haitian crisis began to escalate, Border Patrol had encountered nearly 30,000 illegal immigrants in Del Rio.

Of those, approximately 12,400 were released with a court date or a notice to check in at a federal immigration office within 60 days. Some 8,000 returned to Mexico voluntarily. Another 5,000 were being processed to determine whether they should be expelled or let go with a notice.

The lawsuit alleges that at least 99 expulsion flights to Haiti carrying more than 10,000 asylum-seekers have occurred since mid-September. Customs and Border Protection didnt respond to a request to confirm those numbers.

One Haitian couple highlighted in the lawsuit said they came to the United States with their 1-year-old after living in Chile for several years.

They never received an opportunity to seek asylum or explain why they feared returning to Haiti, the lawsuit states. The couple also alleges they were shackled while being transported back to Haiti.

DHS began to restrain illegal immigrants bound for deportation while transporting them after a group of Haitians overtook a bus and tried to flee.

On Sept. 20, when a busload of Haitians realized they were going to be deported, they started fighting with Border Patrol agents, forced the bus to stop, and fled. Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) officers responded to the scene and eventually detained all the individuals.

When the migrants found out they were going to be sent back to Haiti, they took the bus over and they fled, Brandon Judd, president of the National Border Patrol Council, said at a press conference in Del Rio on Sept. 22.

If it wasnt for the men and women in uniform, DPS, we do not know what would have happened.

The Haitian couple in the lawsuit was returned to Haiti, and the mother and child have since traveled to Chile, while the father remains in Haiti, according to the lawsuit.

They plan to return to the United States to seek asylum, it states.

The lawsuit highlights also the Border Patrol horse patrol unit that sparked furor after several photographs and video footage showed agents grabbing people who illegally crossed from Mexico.

White House officials decried the images and promised an investigation, while other critics claimed that Border Patrol agents were whipping the Haitians with their reins, which Border Patrol said is a technique to keep people from being trampled by the horse.

The inspector general for the DHS subsequently refused to take up the investigation.

The lawsuit charges senior White House and Homeland Security officials with developing a Haitian deterrence policy, which was deliberately indifferent to humanitarian concerns, and focused on expelling Haitian asylum seekers as quickly as possible.

On a policy level, the Biden administration has been lenient on illegal immigrants, including through policy changes that allow most to be released into the United States.

Mayorkas announced on May 22 an extension for Haitians currently eligible under the temporary protected status (TPS) program that was put in place after the 2010 earthquake. That allowed Haitians who were already in the United States before the earthquake to stay, as their country was deemed unsafe to return to. TPS holders get work permits and are shielded from deportation.

The original 2010 designation for Haitians was extended several times until the Trump administration announced in January 2018 that it would end effective July 22, 2019. Subsequent lawsuits allowed the designation to remain in effect.

On Aug. 3, Mayorkas dramatically increased the number of Haitians eligible for the program by announcing that all Haitians who had made it into the United States by July 29 this year would be eligible to apply for TPS.

Its difficult to know whether Haitians who have gained residency in another country, such as Chile or Brazil, are eligible for asylum in the United States.

Asylum-seekers need to prove that they have suffered past persecution or have a well-founded fear of future persecution in their home country because of their race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group.

But persecution is generally considered state-sanctioned or condoned, which means the government of the aliens home country is the sponsor of the persecution. For example, in North Korea, the regime itself persecutes Christians.

Most claims of asylum in the United States are ultimately rejected, including roughly 90 percent of claims from Central Americans.

A backlog of more than 1.3 million cases, with approximately 610,000 pending asylum applications, is being handled by a corps of immigration judges that numbered 539 as of April. Most asylum-seekers must wait years before their claims are adjudicated.

The lawsuit is seeking an end to the use of Title 42 and the Haitian deterrence policy for the defendants and Haitian nationals in general. Its also asking for the deported Haitians to be brought back to the United States to pursue asylum claims, as well as further relief as the court deems just, equitable, and proper.
One of Americas top research chemists could now face over a decade in prison after he lied to prosecutors about being involved in Beijings talent recruitment program.

But thats not the only new sentencinga former U.S. Navy sailor is also headed to jail. Her 30-month mandate comes after she, with the help of her husband, secretly sold sensitive U.S. military equipment to China for profit.

The Chinese communist regime says no to religious events ahead of Christmas. The regime is laying down new rules and restrictions on religious activity held online.

Beijing is reportedly broadcasting millions of dollars worth of propaganda to the United States, according to new U.S. federal disclosures.

Dozens of Taiwanese officers have been convicted for spying for China in the last decade. Experts say Beijing could be trying to undermine the democratic islands military and civilian leadership.

Subscribe to our YouTube channel for more first-hand news from China.

For more news and videos, please visit our website and Twitter.
Holiday Treats Expected to Cost More During Supply Chain Crisis

Plenty of chestnuts will be available for roasting on an open fire this season, but supply chain slowdowns are expected to affect the cost and availability of many other holiday treats across the country during the holidays.

Making George Washingtons Eggnog, a popular online recipe, could be a pricey treat this year. The recipe calls for one quart of cream or milk, which is up around 40 cents per gallon from the average last year, as dairy farmers struggle to find a way to get their products to market.

Then theres the one dozen tablespoons of sugar, which will cost about 3 percent more than last year. The recipe also calls for a one pint of brandy, a half-pint of rye whisky and Jamaica run, and one-quarter pint of sherry. Alcoholic beverages will cost consumers around 2 percent more this year compared to 2020, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Lets not forget the eggs. The recipe calls for one dozen, which will also cost 8 percent more.

Part of the shipping backup has been blamed on the overload of containers filled with consumer goods that are piled up at the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach.

The average length of time that cargo containers have been stored at the port waiting to be shipped via trucks has reached record highs for the past five months, according to the Pacific Merchant Shipping Association.

The association reported that half of the local cargo remained at the port in November, reaching an average stay of more than 8 days. That was up from 47 percent in October.

The pandemic-related surge continues, the overall supply chain remains congested, and local container dwell time continues to be high, said Jessica Alvarenga, manager of government affairs for the association.

The backlog of containers this year caused one California walnut farmer to miss out on shipping his product in time for Christmas.

In Northern California, fifth-generation farmer Chris Fedora of Fedora Farms, who operates a walnut farm with his brother in Meridian, Calif., said they are just now beginning to receive some shipping containers after this years severe shortage.

The container backup made it impossible for the farm to send its product internationally to the United Kingdom and Germany in time for Christmas season.

Now, its kind of a big catch-up game, Fedora told The Epoch Times.

The walnuts are harvested in October and take about 35 days to ship by sea, usually arriving at the end of November.

Because of the delay, weve kind of missed those shipping windows, Fedora said.

Fedora estimates the farm will see a 25-30 percent decrease in sales compared to last year. About 165,000 tons of product will not be sold, he said.

The walnuts will still be able to sell on the domestic market, but the price will drop, he said.

Well get it out eventually and well find other markets, but it wont be sold at the higher prices that we were hopeful for, Fedora said.

Another popular holiday item, chestnuts, are mostly sold to markets within the U.S. That hasnt been as affected, Steven Jones of Colossal Orchards in Washington told The Epoch Times.

The only thing we get affected by is lessened truckloads, Jones said. We havent seen any shipping issues.

However, Jones said about 60 percent of the dairy products produced by Dairygold Co-op, a group of about 325 dairy farmers in Washington and Idaho, is sitting in warehouses waiting for space on ships to export to Asia and Mexico.

Dairy is a way bigger issue than chestnuts, Jones said.

Fred Rau Dairy in Fresno, family owned for 79 years, has struggled to get parts to repair tractors and heavy equipment because of the supply backlog, said co-owner Lauren Reid. The farm is also seeing a problem with purchasing feed and fertilizer, she said.

Most of the growth in the dairy industry is from selling to Asia. That has been impacted by the shipping industrys decision to send back empty containers to China and elsewhere before filling them up with agricultural products, Reid said.

We are seeing some retraction in response to movement of goods and how shipping containers are being moved around, Reid said.
The "Pillar of Shame" statue, a memorial for those killed in the 1989 Tiananmen massacre, is removed from the University of Hong Kong, on Dec. 23, 2021. (Lam Chun Tung/The Initium Media via AP)

Hong Kong University Removes Tiananmen Massacre Statue

HONG KONGA monument at a Hong Kong university that commemorates the 1989 Tiananmen Square massacre was removed by workers early Thursday over the objections of its creator from Denmark.

The 8-meter (26-foot) tall Pillar of Shame, which depicts 50 torn and twisted bodies piled on top of each other, was made by Danish sculptor Jens Galschit to symbolize the lives lost during the bloody military massacre on pro-democracy protesters in Beijings Tiananmen Square on June 4, 1989.

The eight-meter-high (26-foot-high) Pillar of Shame by Danish sculptor Jens Galschiot to pay tribute to the victims of the Tiananmen Square massacre in Beijing on June 4, 1989, is seen before it is set to be removed at the University of Hong Kong (HKU) in Hong Kong on Oct. 12, 2021. (Tyrone Siu/Reuters)

Workers barricaded the monument at the University of Hong Kong late Wednesday night. Drilling sounds and loud clanging could be heard coming from the boarded-up site, which was patrolled by guards.

The dismantling of the sculpture came days after pro-Beijing candidates scored a landslide victory in the Hong Kong legislative elections, after amendments in election laws allowed the vetting of all candidates to ensure that they are patriots loyal to Beijing.

The removal also happened in the same week that Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam traveled to Beijing to report on developments in Hong Kong, where authorities have silenced dissent following the implementation of a sweeping national security law that appeared to target much of the pro-democracy movement following mass protests in 2019.

The Pillar of Shame statue, a memorial for those killed in the 1989 Tiananmen massacre, is removed from the University of Hong Kong, on Dec. 23, 2021. (Lam Chun Tung/The Initium Media via AP)

The Pillar of Shame monument became an issue in October, with the university demanding that it be removed, even as activists and rights groups protested. Galschit offered to take it back to Denmark provided he was given legal immunity that he wont be persecuted under Hong Kongs national security law, but has not succeeded so far.

No party has ever obtained any approval from the university to display the statue on campus, and the university has the right to take appropriate actions to handle it at any time, the university said in a statement Thursday.

Latest legal advice given to the university cautioned that the continued display of the statue would pose legal risks to the university based on the Crimes Ordinance enacted under the Hong Kong colonial government.

The university said that it had requested for the statue to be put in storage and would continue to seek legal advice on follow-up actions.

The Pillar of Shame statue, a memorial for those killed in the 1989 Tiananmen massacre, is displayed at the University of Hong Kong, on Oct. 13, 2021. (Kin Cheung/AP Photo)

In October, the university informed the now-defunct candlelight vigil organizer, the Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements of China, that it had to remove the statue following the latest risk assessment and legal advice.

The organization had said that it was dissolving, citing a climate of oppression, and that it did not own the sculpture. The university was told to speak to its creator instead.

When reached by The Associated Press, sculptor Galschit said he was only aware of what was happening to the sculpture Wednesday from social media and other reports.

We dont know exactly what happened, but I fear they destroy it, he said. This is my sculpture, and it is my property.

Galschit said that he would sue the university if necessary to protect the sculpture.

He had previously written to the university to assert his ownership of the monument, although his requests had gone largely ignored.

Over 100 pro-democracy activists have been arrested since Beijing implemented the national security law in Hong Kong. It outlaws secession, subversion, terrorism, and foreign collusion to intervene in the citys affairs. Critics say it rolled back freedoms promised to Hong Kong when it was handed over to China by Britain in 1997.

The Pillar of Shame monument has been erected for over two decades, and initially stood at Hong Kongs Victoria Park before eventually being moved to the University of Hong Kong on a long-term basis.

Each year on June 4, members of the now-defunct student union would wash the statue to commemorate the Tiananmen massacre. The city, together with Macao, were previously the only places on Chinese soil where commemoration of the Tiananmen massacre was allowed.

Over the past two years, the annual candlelight vigil in Hong Kong had been banned by authorities, who cited public risks from the coronavirus pandemic.

Some 24 activists were charged for their roles in the Tiananmen vigil last year, during which activists turned up and thousands followed, breaking past barricades in the park to sing songs and light candles despite the police ban on the event.
A police officer guard at a street during a protest against an election committee that will vote for the city's leader in Hong Kong on Sept. 19, 2021. (Vincent Yu/AP Photo)

Hongkongers Reject the New Election System

Commentary

It appears that Hongkongers are saying NO to an election system imposed by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) that violates the spirit of the Basic Law, the mini constitution of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR).

In the election that took place on Dec. 19, the turnout rate for the geographical constituencies was a meagre 30.2 percent, the lowest since 1991 when Hong Kong held its first direct election. As for the functional constituencies, the turnout was only 32.2 percent, the lowest since 1985 when the city started to have elections in its legislature. At the same time, invalid tickets (including blank and defaced ones) jumped to 2.04 percent, a record high since 1997 when Britain returned the city to China.

This is the citizens passive resistance against the mainland-style election forced upon them. They either boycotted the entire election by not going to the polls, or went to the polls but cast a blank vote or put in names that were not in the official list of candidates, or even defaced the ticket.

This passive resistance is a slap on the CCPs face because this is the first election held after Beijing enacted a draconian national security law in 2020, which outlawed the pro-democracy protests and overhauled the local election system that effectively barred the pro-democracy camp from getting anywhere near the Legislative Council (LegCo).

The revamped LegCo consists of three types of seats: 20 for different regions in the city, called the geographic constituencies; 30 for different business and professional bodies, called functional constituencies; and 40 for the Election Committee, called EC constituencies, a selected few of Beijing loyalists. The geographic seats are directly elected, the functional ones are indirectly elected, while the EC ones are closed to appointment.

The CCP may have anticipated that locals would resent the election and not take part in it, so it went all out to boost turnout. Xia Baolong, the director of the State Councils Hong Kong and Macau Office, came out to personally mobilize the electorates. He said that this was the first election in the city that would produce candidates who love China and Hong Kong. He encouraged all voters to head out to the polls in a show of support for Beijing and the one country, two systems model.

Following Xias mobilization, Hong Kong adopted a stick and carrot approach. Authorities arrested individuals who openly called for or spread messages of a boycott or a blank vote. They ordered every civil servant to vote. They also asked all public transport carriers to grant a fare-free day to facilitate people going to the polls. In the local context, this amounts to a savings of at least USD$25 for a family of four in transportation costs. All these moves were unprecedented.

Yet the record-low turnout and high numbers in invalid votes indicate that all such efforts were futile.

A woman walks past a government advertisement promoting Hong Kong electoral reforms, following Chinese parliaments approval of a new electoral system reform plan in Hong Kong on March 30, 2021. (Lam Yik/Reuters)

The only constituency that reported a 98 percent turnout is the Election Committee that is made up of Beijing loyalists. Such a high turnout rate resembles a typical election held in mainland China, where the CCP controls every step of the election to produce a result of its choice.

Hong Kongs EC constituency was created specifically to pack the local legislature with Beijing loyalists to make sure that the CCP can tightly control the legislative majority.

The chart below reveals how the election results turned out in Beijings favor.

Summary of the 2021 Hong Kong Legislature Election

One can see that a handful of Beijing loyalists (1,500) occupied 40 seats in the new legislature, whereas close to 4.5 million people were assigned only 20 seats. It is not surprising that the EC group had the highest turnout rate because it voted on behalf of the CCP. With 51 candidates vying for 40 seats, their chance of winning was almost ensured.

As for the functional constituency, it was somewhat unexpected to find a record low turnout rate. There were altogether 28 such constituencies, representing the business and professional people, or the upper and middle class. After the overhaul, all the pro-democracy groups, such as the teachers and social workers associations, were completely disenfranchised. Previously, these groups were recognized as legitimate representatives of their respective professions and hence would be counted as functional groups for the purpose of election. Under the revamped system, they were completely replaced by groups that toed closely Beijings line. And yet the turnout rate still hit an all-time low. This showed that even members of the upper and middle class were silently resisting the new electorate system.

Before the election, Xia also assured that the new legislature would be a political kaleidoscope reflecting different political views. Thus, local CCP functionaries told the pro-establishment parties that a landslide victory for them was not in the interest of the Party.

An election that resulted in a legislature with just one single political color meets the foreign animus forces aim to discredit the new election system and hence some seats should be preserved for mild advocates of democracy, said Lu Wenduan, chairman of the Hong Kong Association for the Promotion of Peaceful Reunification of China, according to a Nov. 22 Ming Pao article.

Again, this attempt to create a false facade of democracy failed. Of all the 90 seats, only one was taken up by a self-styled democrat, Tik Chi-yuen, who was considered a defector from the pro-democracy camp. All other similar defectors suffered from serious debacle. The election, therefore, returned only CCP supporters. This is unavoidable because it is determined by the election system itself.

Its no wonder the election drew strong protest from the United States, Britain, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. Their foreign ministers sent out a joint statement strongly condemning the CCP for the erosion of democratic elements of the Special Administrative Regions electoral system.

Actions that undermine Hong Kongs right, freedoms, and high degree of autonomy are threatening our shared wish to see Hong Kong succeed.

Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.
Huntington Beachs Discussion to Hire Outside Legal Counsel Moved to Closed Session After Lengthy Public Debate

HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif.After a lengthy public discussion on an agenda item that sought to go around Huntington Beachs elected city attorney and hire outside legal help, the city council voted Dec. 21 to continue the discussion in a closed session in January.

The motion, brought forward by Mayor Barbara Delgleize, Mayor Pro Tem Mike Posey, and Councilman Dan Kalmick, cited legal disagreements with elected city attorney Michael Gates.

However, Gates claimed in an open Dec. 16 letter to have a stellar record of winning every legal battle in the five-year-long Kennedy Commission v. City of Huntington Beach case, saving taxpayers over $150 million, and over 90 percent case win rate over his term.

Gates also told The Epoch Times last week that the move to hire outside legal help without his explicit authorization as chief legal officer of the city is illegal per the citys charter, which is essentially its constitution.

During the hotly contested agenda item, councilmembers said the charter can be interpreted in different ways.

We need legal advice and substantive expertise to help us make informed decisions about whats best for the city, Mayor Delgleize said. Frequently, we can depend on the city attorney and his staff to provide that service. But sometimes we cannot.

I believe that we can define circumstances under which the city council can seek a second opinion or specialized legal advice, without approval of the city attorney, she said.

According to Gates, the citys charter on the matter is as clear-cut as it is.

The charter states that the city attorney has the power to represent and appear for the City in any or all actions or proceedings in which the City is concerned, prepare any and all proposed ordinances and City Council resolutions and amendments thereto, perform such legal functions and duties incident to the execution of the foregoing powers as may be necessary, and provide advice related to compliance with the City Charter to all elected and appointed officials of the City.

Gates also cited a California Court of Appeal response stating that while the city council can hire other attorneys, they cannot discharge the city attorney of his or her duties, and any attorney hired by the city council is under the city attorneys full supervision and has no authority to act independently.

The city charter also states that any dispute about the interpretation of the charter is left solely up to the city attorney to interpret, according to Gates.

During discussion, council members were scrutinizing the charter and the two provisions that to them appear to be inconsistent, Gates told The Epoch Times. And I think it cannot be lost that under the charter itself, which is the direction of the people of Huntington Beach, I alone have the authority and the duty to interpret the charter. So its up to me to say if theres a conflict or not.

Gates said the voters have expressed during the meeting that the city attorney and the city council should work together.

Were stuck together. Thats the way the charter frames it, Gates said during the council meeting. Thats what the voters have decided  And as much as you might not prefer my style, or my presentation, or my results, I may not prefer yours. I may want to select the mayor, maybe thats my preference, but I dont get to because the charter and all of our other rules have outlined how this all works.

Speaking to The Epoch Times, Gates noted that he has always followed the councils direction, but he cannot violate the charter.

I represent the city, and I follow [the city councils] direction, so long as its lawful. Once [the city] council goes beyond the law, I cannot follow that direction, he said. When council separates from any fiduciary duty to the city and wants to go off beyond the law, I cant follow them.

The majority of public commenters at the meeting spoke in support of Gates.

The council eventually voted 70 to continue the discussion of the item in a closed session next month, though Gates said he will not let it happen.

They can work with me to get additional legal resources on matters, but they will not, under any circumstances, be able to retain outside counsel to support them and to report directly to them.
Israeli army's Skylark I unmanned drone aircraft, which is used for monitoring purposes, in launched over an army deployment area near Israel's border with the Gaza Strip on July 14, 2014. (Jack Guez/file/AFP via Getty Images)

Israeli Companies to be Indicted for Illegally Exporting Cruise Missiles to China: Report

Ten Israelis and three Israeli companies are set to be indicted for illegally exporting cruise missiles to China, according to reports.

The financial department of Israels state prosecutors office gave notice to the suspects that they would be indicted on serious security offenses after it was found that they exported cruise missiles to China without a permit, The Times of Israel reported.

Israeli drone entrepreneur Ephraim Menashe, founder of the Solar Sky company which manufactures cruise missiles, is accused of brokering a deal with China.

Menashe allegedly hired Tzvika and Ziv Naveh, the owners of a drone company called Innocon, among other unnamed suspects who are accused of producing cruise missiles and their relevant parts. Innocon, established in 2001, develops UAVs for intelligence purposes.

The deal was allegedly mediated by Zion Gazit and Uri Shachar, the owners of a security consulting company, which specializes in consulting between Israeli tech companies and foreign investors.

The suspects were investigated as part of a large-scale security case in which it was suspected that they manufactured, brokered, and exported cruise missiles for military use, without a permit, prosecutors said.

The dozens of cruise missiles were exported illegally to China and Menashe received millions of dollars in payment, which he subsequently hid from prosecutors as part of his connections with a foreign company, prosecutors allege, according to The Jerusalem Post.

Menashe and the other suspects manufactured dozens of cruise missiles and carried out different tests in Israeli territory, endangering peoples lives, prosecutors said.

The suspects are expected to face charges, including security offenses, weapons offenses, violating the Defense Export Control Law and the Anti Money Laundering Law, among others, and will be summoned to a pre-indictment hearing.

The cruise missiles were not used by the Chinese military, the Post reported, noting that the case is being probed by the Unit of International Crime Investigations in Lahav 433 organization of the Israel Police.

According to WION, Beijing has not commented on the transaction with Israel for cruise missiles.

Menashe was previously investigated in 2006 for attempting to export drones to China without a permit, and the technology involved in the cruise missiles adopt a more advanced version of the technology used in those drones, according to The Times of Israel.
British author and screenwriter J.K. Rowling poses upon arrival to attend the UK premiere of the film Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald in London on Nov. 13, 2018. (Tolga Akmen/AFP via Getty Images)

J.K. Rowling Benefits Us by Pointing Out Absurdity; Efforts Have Been Made to Silence Her

Commentary

Intelligent and sensible people are faced these days with a strange dilemma: whether to argue against evident idiocies, and thereby dignify them by the effort to consider them seriously and refute them, or to ignore them as they deserve and thereby leave the field to them unopposed, as it were.

The second alternative is increasingly unviable because the idiocies in question dont remain confined to the sphere of abstract speculation in universities but descend to earth in the form of the foundations of public policy.

To give but one example: The police in Scotland will henceforth classify the rape of a woman as having been committed by another woman, if the culprit self-identifies as a woman after having penetrated the victim with his (her?) penis. And this, presumably, will give male rapists free access to female prisons.

The chief of the Scottish police said that the policy was fully in accordance with the Scottish polices values. To which the only possible response is that, if this were really so, the Scottish police force should be abolished and replaced by another.

But of course, what the chief of police really meant was that he would comply with whatever idiocy his political masters would dictate, in order to preserve his job and pension. And then we wonder how its possible for totalitarian dictatorships to establish themselves!

The Scottish author of the Harry Potter books, J.K. Rowling, who is sometimes said to be the highest-paid author of all time, commented publicly on the evident absurdity: War is Peace. Freedom is Slavery. The Penised Individual Who Raped You Is a Woman.

This was immediately followed by virulent criticism of her, though she was only enunciating (by implication, its true) something so obvious that anyone who had enunciated it 20, or perhaps only 10, years ago would have been thought of as a prize bore.

Of course, Rowling is, to an extent, protected by her immense wealth from the consequences of uttering patentand uninterestingtruths in an increasingly vindictive and perverse totalitarian environment.

If she were but a humble employee of, say, a city council, she would have lost her job by now if she had been foolish enough to express in public what she thought. Even if she were a distinguished professor at a prestigious university, she wouldnt be safe from retribution.

As it is, she is susceptible mainly to minor pin-pricks, such as not being invited to a celebration of the 20th anniversary of the first film made of her books: an un-invitation, if I may so put it, that combines stupidity, moral cowardice, mean-spiritedness and, worst of all perhaps, ingratitude, for many of the attendees owed their own fortunes almost exclusively to her work.

She has, apparently, received death threats: and once youve received a death threat, life isnt soon the same again. Most people who send death threats have no intention of carrying them out, but you can never be sure that one among them does not mean it; its the one who means it who counts, not the 99 who dont. One lunatic is all thats required.

It might be said that Rowling didnt have to comment on the absurdity of the new Scottish legal dispensation, for everyone has the freedom to remain silent (a freedom, alas, too often disregarded), and therefore that, in a sense, she brought the nastiness onto herself, since it was entirely predictable. But if a powerful and privileged person such as she refrains from comment through fear of the response, the totalitarians among uswho are manyhave won.

Again, the numerical importance of men self-identifying as women who rape cant be very great. There are a hundred social problems of far greater numerical and social significanceI do not mean by this, of course, that the individual cases arent grave.

But, as the Scottish philosopher David Hume (who, incidentally, recently fell foul of the Zhdanovs of political correctness, despite having been an early opponent of slavery), put in his essay on the freedom of the press, its seldom that liberty is lost all at once. More usually, it is subject to a process of whittling.

It matters not a jot whether Rowling uttered a truth or a falsehood, though in fact it was obviously a truth. What she said wasnt an incitement to commit an illegal act, and she has consistently argued for the decent treatment of transsexuals, whose position in the world is unenviable.

What matters is the attempt to silence her by intimidation and social ostracism. And if the attempt were to work for her, it would work for almost anyone, and then the absurdity of the new dispensation would go unanswered and unopposed.

This doesnt mean that I would advocate the use of similar methods of intimidation and ostracism directed against those who hold the ludicrous view that a man who rapes a woman and then calls himself a woman actually is a woman and should therefore be designated as such for the record, for statistical purposes, and for penological disposal.

The views of such people may be mocked, but the people themselves arent to be threatened or cowed into silenceexcept, perhaps, by the justified fear of appearing ridiculous, once they realize how ridiculous in fact their views actually are.

Its alarming that there should be people who dont see that to call someone a woman who uses his penis to rape a woman is a reductio ad absurdum of the whole transgender ideology. Only someone of a certain degree of misapplied intellectual sophistication could evade seeing it: No person who had not been through an ideological training (or whose career, such as that of the chief of the Scottish police, depended on abject conformity) could fail to see it.

Intellectual fanaticism, which is the source of totalitarianism, consists of following an argument to an absurd conclusion and then questioning neither the premises nor the logic by which the absurd conclusion was reached. Like any other faculty, however, that of perceiving or detecting absurdity withers with disuse. An age of absurdity is an age in which people (or at least, the people who count) are unable to see it.

Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.
Japanese Professor Develops Prototype TV Screen Allowing Viewers to Taste What They See

A Japanese professor has developed a prototype television screen that can imitate food flavors, allowing viewers to lick the screen and sample what they see.

The device was created by Meiji University professor Homei Miyashita over the course of the past year and is called Taste the TV, or TTTV for short.

It works by using a selection of 10 canisters, all of which are flavored differently, that spray in combination to create the taste of a particular food. The flavor sample then rolls onto disposable hygienic films that cover a flat TV screen for the viewer to try.

An advertisement for the new prototype shows a man asking the device for some sweet chocolate. The prototype television screen responds with sweet chocolate, all right before making a series of loud whirring noises while layers of chocolate are displayed on the screen. Moments later, a tongue licks the TV screen and tastes the sweet confectionary.

To measure the taste of various food and beverage, we used taste sensors, the advert states. By spraying and mixing, it recreates the same taste. This digital menu can be tasted. The advert also noted that by spraying on a tray, demonstrations can be done in a hygienic manner.

The device comes with multiple interactive games and quizzes that viewers can also use while tasting what they see on screen. This includes a video chat with taste where viewers can communicate with other people who are using the device while chowing down on their virtual food as part of a multi-sensory experience.

The substances used in the 10 canisters create the taste of alcohol, spice, and fragrance.

You can compare your daily intake of salt and sugar with WHO standards, according to the advert.

Creator Miyashita, 22, said the new technology can enhance the way people connect and interact with the outside world, particularly in light of the COVID-19 pandemic which has seen countries around the world go into lockdown.

The goal is to make it possible for people to have the experience of something like eating at a restaurant on the other side of the world, even while staying at home, Miyashita said.

Commercially, the device would cost about 100,000 yen ($875) to make, he said.

Miyashita works with a team of about 30 students that have produced a variety of flavor-related devices, including a fork that makes food taste richer. He has also been in discussions with companies about using his spray technology for other applications, such as for a device that can apply the taste of pizza or chocolate to a slice of toasted bread.

Reuters contributed to this report.
Judge Hears Opening Arguments on Biden Administrations Alleged Purge of Industry From EPA Panels

Attorney also alleges racial, sexual discrimination by EPA

Judge Timothy Kelly of the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia heard opening arguments on Dec. 22 for Young vs. EPA, a case that concerns allegations that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) illegally purged both its Clean Air Scientific Advisory Committee (CASAC) and its Science Advisory Board (SAB) of representatives from the industries that their decisions would regulate.

One plaintiff, S. Stanley Young, has experience with drugmakers Eli Lilly and GlaxoSmithKline and is currently the chief executive of CGStat. He was in his second three-year term on CASAC when, in March 2021, EPA Administrator Michael Regan fired all seven committee members and all 47 SAB members.

The other plaintiff, Louis Anthony Cox, has experience in the petroleum industry and the chemical industry, working for ExxonMobil and the American Chemistry Council, among other companies and organizations. He was fired from both SAB and the CASAC.

The EPA selected new members for CASAC and SAB in June and August, respectively. Both panels included some former members of SAB or SAB-affiliated committees. The Biden administration described the new SAB in August as the most diverse SAB since the committee was established.

Young and Cox applied to join both panels, but were each rejected.

Represented by Brett Shumate and other attorneys from the firm Jones Day, the pair filed two briefs in the District of Columbia District Court to stop SAB and CASAC from conducting activities before they evaluate the EPAs particulate matter standards in early 2022.

The briefs pointed out that five of seven committee members were recipients of EPA grants. One member, Elizabeth Lianne Sheppard of the University of Washington, had been associated with more than $60 million in money received from the EPA.

By purging the Committee of every industry-affiliated member and replacing them with EPA-funded academics, the Agency has ensured that the Committee is no more fairly balanced than one composed entirely of energy companies in-house scientists, one Jones Day brief reads.

Department of Justice (DOJ) attorneys responded with their own brief, arguing that the court lacks jurisdiction and that the Committee is fairly balanced in terms of the points of view represented and the functions to be performed by the Committee.

DOJ attorneys also argued that EPAs administrator has considerable discretion in selecting CASAC members, stating that Congress didnt require CASAC to include any industry representatives, according to the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1977 that established it.

Kelly, a Trump appointee, questioned Shumate about the strength of the plaintiffs claim that theyll face irreparable harm in the event that CASAC finishes reviewing particulate matter standards in its current form. The judge also asked about the cases reviewability (the DOJ brief had emphasized 5 U.S.C.  701(a)(2), which offers agencies discretion over many actions).

Shumate told Kelly that the 2020 case Physicians for Social Responsibility vs. Wheeler, heard in the District of Columbia District Court, squarely addressed reviewability of Federal Advisory Committee Act claims of the sort advanced by Young and Cox.

He also cited Department of Commerce vs. New York, a 2019 Supreme Court case that he argued shows 701(a)(2) to be construed narrowly, meaning that his clients case would be reviewable.

DOJ attorney John Robinson disagreed with that interpretation.

I dont think the Census case [Department of Commerce] changed the law on justiciability in any meaningful way, Robinson said, later disputing that Physicians for Social Responsibility vs. Wheeler offered direct precedent as well. The Administrator, as was his right under the statute, determined not to select them [Cox and Young]. Thats not evidence of unfairness.

Shumate also argued that the EPA reconstituted the Committee on the basis of irrelevant and improper factorsthe race and sex of the nominees, citing a staff recommendation memo.

We did not have this document when we filed our complaint or when we filed our opening brief. We got it five days before we filed our reply brief, he said.

That document, which was provided to The Epoch Times, consistently stresses that particular nominees would bring gender diversity or ethnic diversity if selected.

Plaintiff emphasized a race and sex discrimination claim here. Plaintiff has not pleaded that claim. Respectfully, theres no basis in the administrative record for such a claim, Robinson said. Were prepared to address it, but it wasnt really the subject of briefing.

Robinson also argued that any requirement to include industry representatives would be unworkable.

If industry is entitled to a representative, why not consumers or environmental justice groups? Why stop at industry broadly and not also require a representative from the coal, natural gas, and oil industries? one DOJ brief reads.

Kelly questioned this argument.

Here we have not one representative from a party that will actually have to comply with any regulations that flow from this. That strikes me as extraordinary, he said.

Kelly concluded the hearing by noting that the case presented a not unique, but rare set of circumstances.

Both sides are doing your best to apply legal regimes in various ways that, whatever they say, may or may not have been designed  their fit with this particular type of dispute is at least in question, he said.

Shumate declined to comment on the record.

An EPA spokesperson told The Epoch Times, As this is pending litigation, we have nothing to add.

Department of Justice officials didnt respond to a request for comment by press time.
The Thurgood Marshall United States Courthouse is seen in Manhattan, N.Y., as the jury deliberates in the case against Ghislaine Maxwell on Dec. 21, 2021. The 59-year-old Maxwell is accused of helping the financier Jeffrey Epstein recruit and sexually abuse four underage girls. (Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images)

Jury Continues to Deliberate in Ghislaine Maxwell Trial

NEW YORKThe jury in the Ghislaine Maxwell sex-trafficking trial continued to deliberate for its second full day on Dec. 22.

No verdict was reached.

The original schedule for the trial gave jurors the days off on Dec. 23 and Dec. 24 for the Christmas holiday.

At about 3:40 pm (EST), Judge Alison Nathan and both teams of attorneys assembled in the courtroom.

Since no verdict had been reached, she sent a note to the jurors asking them if theyd like to continue on Dec. 23, and if yes, during what timeframe.

Moments later a different note came from the jury, requesting testimony from witnesses Juan Alessi and Kate.

Moments after that, a reply came back for the first note.

A juror wrote, No, thank you, plus an asterisk with the additional words, Jurors have made plans for tomorrow.

Everyone left the courtroom and returned, along with the jury, for a 4:30 pm dismissal.

The former socialite awaits the jurys verdict on six chargesfour for sex trafficking minors and two for perjury.

Deliberations will continue on Dec. 27.
Vice President Kamala Harris attends a roundtable at Gardens by the Bay in Singapore before departing for Vietnam on the second leg of her Asia trip on Aug., 24, 2021. (Evelyn Hockstein/Pool via Reuters)

Kamala Harris Tests Negative for COVID-19 After Close Contact With Staffer

Vice President Kamala Harris has tested negative for COVID-19 after she was designated a close contact with a fully-vaccinated staff member who tested positive for the virus, The White House said on Wednesday night.

On Wednesday morning, a staff member who staffed the Vice President throughout the day Tuesday received a positive test result for COVID-19. Yesterday, Monday and every day last week, this staff member tested negative for COVID-19, the White House said in a statement. This staff member is fully vaccinated and boosted and did not experience symptoms. 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) defines close contact as being less than six feet away from an infected person for a total of 15 minutes or more over a 24-hour period.

Others who were in close contact with the staff member are being contacted and advised to get tested.

The Vice President is tested on a regular basis. As a part of that regular testing, the Vice President received an antigen test this morning and tested negative, the statement said. Earlier today, after being notified of the staffers positive test, the Vice President received a PCR test and tested negative.

Harris will be tested again on Friday and then again on Monday, as per guidance from the CDC.

The vice president will continue with her regular schedule and will not need to quarantine as per current CDC guidance, which state that fully vaccinated people are not required to quarantine after exposure to someone who has tested positive for COVID-19.

Harris was scheduled to depart Joint Base Andrews for Los Angeles on Wednesday evening where she and her husband Douglas Emhoff will remain through the New Year.

This is the second White House staffer to test positive for the SARS-CoV-2 virus this week. On Monday, the White House said that President Joe Biden had tested negative after coming into close contact with an infected staff member.

Three days earlier, on Friday, that staff member had spent approximately 30 minutes in proximity to the President on Air Force One, on the way from Orangeburg, South Carolina to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said in a statement.

The staff member, who was also fully vaccinated and boosted, tested negative prior to boarding the aircraft but began experiencing symptoms on Dec. 19 before testing positive on Dec. 20.

Biden, who turned 79 in November, tested negative in an antigen test on Dec. 19, and again in a PCR test on Dec. 20. On Wednesday, the president, who is fully vaccinated and boosted, also tested negative for the virus.

The CDC said on Monday that the new Omicron COVID-19 variant now makes up at least 73 percent of new cases in the United States.

On Tuesday, the Biden administration announced plans to mail out around 500 million free COVID-19 tests, starting in January, in an effort to combat the new variant. Americans will be able to get the at-home tests delivered to them free of charge via a website set up by the administration.

Meanwhile, new federal test sites will also be set up across the nation in the coming days, starting in New York City, to help states that need additional testing capacity, the White House said.

Officials in New York have warned of a serious burden being placed on the health system due to an increased demand for testing amid a rise in virus cases.

In an interview with CNN, Dr. Neal Shipley, medical director of Northwell-GoHealth Urgent Care, noted that given its now flu season, people are having difficulties distinguishing between COVID-19 and the latter, as both have similar symptoms such as fever, cough, and lethargy.

What we really want to do in the urgent care is test the sick and the ill, and help distinguish those who have COVID from those who dont  So what we need is a little bit of breathing room, Shipley said.
Members of the rescue team search for missing people at a jade mining area in Hpakant, Kachin State, Burma, on Dec. 22, 2021. (AP Photo)

Landslide in Burma Mining Area Leaves Dozens Missing

BANGKOKA landslide at a remote jade mine in northern Burma (also known as Myanmar)s Kachin state killed one person and left at least 70 missing Wednesday and a search and rescue operation was underway, rescue officials said.

Reports were scant from the area in Hpakant, which is the center of the worlds biggest and most lucrative jade mining industry. Its a region where sporadic fighting has broken out between the Burma army and ethnic guerrilla forces.

Gayunar Rescue Team official Nyo Chaw, who was coordinating the effort, said more than 70 miners who were digging for jade were swept into a lake a couple of hours before dawn when the landslide hit. Earth and waste from several mines around Lonekhin village slid 60 meters (about 200 feet) down a cliff and struck the miners, he said.

At least five young women and three small shops were also buried in Wednesdays landslide. The body of a jade worker was unearthed from heavy mud by midday, Nyo Chaw said.

About 150 rescue workers and firefighters are searching for the area and we have found the body of a jade miner so far and keep finding others, Nyo Chaw told the Associated Press.

Hpakant is a mountainous and remote area in Kachin state, 950 kilometers (600 miles) north of Burmas biggest city, Yangon. A ceasefire in the region has been disrupted since a Feb. 1 coup ousted Aung San Suu Kyi and her elected government.

It has some of worlds richest jade deposits, making the industry a hotbed for corruption.

Members of the rescue team search for missing people at a jade mining area in Hpakant, Kachin State, Burma, on Dec. 22, 2021. (AP Photo)

The military has said it shut down jade mining in Hpakant, but some companies have been operating illegally. The mines are also a main source of revenue for the Kachin ethnic armed group-Kachin Independence Army based in Kachin state.

According to an official of a civil society group in Hpakant, who asked not to be named fearing his safety, between 20 and 50 mining companies have been operating illegal mines.

Safety has long been a concern, and the suspension of licensing in recent years has sparred a rush of artisanal mining under even worse conditions.

On July 3, 2020, at least 162 people died in a landslide in the same area, while a November 2015 accident left 113 dead. In that case, the victims died when a 60-meter (200-foot) -high mountain of earth and waste discarded by several mines collapsed in the middle of the night, covering more than 70 huts where miners were sleeping.

Those killed in such accidents are usually freelance miners who settle near giant mounds of discarded earth that have been excavated by heavy machinery. The freelancers who scavenge for bits of jade usually work and live in abandoned mining pits at the base of the mounds of earth, which become particularly unstable during the rainy season.

Most scavengers are unregistered migrants from other areas, making it hard to determine exactly how many people are actually missing after such accidents and in many cases leaving the relatives of the dead in their home villages unaware of their fate.
A voter receives assistance from an election worker at a voting center in Grand Central Market in Los Angeles on Nov. 3, 2020. (Frederic J. Brown/AFP via Getty Images)

Latino Shift to GOP Would Shake California, US Elections

Commentary

Hispanics are Republican voters, President Ronald Reagan once said. They just dont know it yet.

Well, it looks like they know it now. Numerous polls show Hispanic (or Latino) voters are shifting toward the GOP. After the recent vote for governor in Virginia, a state with significant Latino population growth, an exit survey by AP VoteCast showed GOP winner Glenn Youngkin won 55 percent of the Latino vote, to 43 percent for Democrat Terry McAuliffe. That was a big change in a state that, according to a 2020 Washington Poll exit poll, went 60 percent for Democrat Joe Biden to 40 percent for Republican Donald Trump.

The latest: A Dec. 1113 Marist Poll of 1,400 national adults gauged President Joe Bidens approval. Here are the numbers by party.

No surprise there. Democrats love Biden, Republicans arent fond of him.

Next, look at this number for Latinos.

The above spells big problems for Democrats. The fastest-growing ethnic group in the country is Latinos, now at 19 percent of the population. But Latinos 33 percent approval is the least of the groups surveyed.

Next, combining the last two questions, notice how Latinos, today largely working-class voters, at 65 percent disapproval of Biden, align with white working-class (Not College Graduate) voters, at 67 percent.

Ill just mention one more: Rural voters of all types are at 71 percent disapproval, the highest of any group surveyed. Thats also approximately the percentage of rural voters in Virginia, until recently Democrats, who backed Youngkin. Basically, it was Virginia Latinos, rural whites, and suburban moms (who just recently had been voting Democrat) who flipped for the GOP.

Worker Revolt

What were seeing is the revolt of the working class against the Democratic Party. Previously the main home of workers, the Democrats have been flipping out with CRT, extreme PC, wokeness, and general disdain for regular Americans of all types. Biden also recently said that early next year hell be dumping two programs popular with the working class. The suspension of college debt payments will end, as will the child tax credit.

College-educated people of all ethnic groups are more likely to back Biden because of the indoctrination received in college. Yours truly and many readers of The Epoch Times excluded.

Another factor with Latinos is the absurd attempt to actually change their language from Latina and Latino to Latinx. Anyone who has studied languages knows that many of themsuch as Spanish and Russian, the two I know bestare highly gendered, with every noun masculine, feminine, or neutral.

When I was learning Russian at the Defense Language Institute in Monterey, our teachersin 197879 they were all exiles from Soviet communismtold us how the Bolsheviks actually did change the language based on ideology. According to How the Bolsheviks revolutionized the Russian language, an article in Russia Beyond, After 1917, the new Bolshevik government acted much more decisively: its intention was to ditch everything oldthe tsarist regime, religion, the economy and the language.

For Latinos, according to a November Bendixen & Amandi International poll, just 2 percent of U.S.-born Latinos use Latinx, while 40 percent are offended by it. On Dec. 14 in the liberal NBC News, Luisita Lopez Torregrosa wrote, Many Latinos like myself see the X as odd and off-putting because it doesnt follow the traditional structure of Spanish, making it awkward and difficult to pronounce because in Spanish few words end with two consonants.

In fact, recent national surveys of Hispanics/Latinos show that the term Latinx is highly unpopular. Influential media and advocacy groups have started dropping the term or even arguing against its use to avoid offending those who dislike it. It might have been intended to be more inclusive, but it actually can feel exclusionary to everyday people.

On Dec. 9, LULAC, the League of United Latin American Citizens, dropped Latinx from its official communications. Rep. Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.) wrote on Twitter, When Latino politicos use the term, it is largely to appease white rich progressives who think that is the term we use.  It is a vicious circle of confirmation bias.

But such organizations as Latinx Young Democrats of Sacramento still use the term, which cant but hurt Democrats generally.

Effect on California Elections

The effect of these changes among Latino sentiments remains to be seen. The only poll that counts is the one on election day.

The first test will be on the June 7 primary. Because the state has the Top Two system, well see if Republicans do better than they did in 2018. That year the GOP did so poorly, two Democrats finished at the top for U.S. senator, lieutenant governor, and the (ostensibly nonpartisan) superintendent of public instruction. If enough Latinos shift to Republican in June to make sure voters at least have a choice between the two parties in November, that would be a big change.

Sen. Alex Padilla will be up for reelection, along with all the state offices, beginning with Gov. Gavin Newsoms reelection bid.

Next, as I noted in my previous article, due to the new redistricting maps, its going to be tough for Republicans to keep their 11 seats from California in the House of Representatives. If they can keep them, or even pick up a couple extra, Latinos would play a major role in the shift.

Which is why politics is so interesting. The pieces on the 5D chessboard keep moving around by themselves.

Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken (right) speaks with Lithuania's Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis in the Benjamin Franklin Room of the State Department ahead of a meeting in Washington, on Sept. 15, 2021. (Mandel Ngan/Pool/AFP via Getty Images)

Lithuania Is Not Alone as It Faces Retaliation From Beijing Over Taiwan Stance

Part 2 of the 2-part series: LithuaniaChina Diplomatic Row

News Analysis

The United States, the European Union, and other countries have spoken out in support of Lithuanias defiance of China.

Since Lithuania allowed Taiwan to open a representative office with the word Taiwan in the name, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) is striking back at the small nation with economic sanctions and isolation.

US Support

The United States is looking into ways of increasing its trade and investment with Lithuania, to help the Baltic nation recover some of the money it lost when China cancelled its commercial contracts.

We support our European partners and our allies as they develop mutually beneficial relations with Taiwan and resist the [Peoples Republic of Chinas] coercive behavior, U.S. State Department spokesman Ned Price said at a press briefing.

Lithuanian Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis met with Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman in Washington on Nov. 24. They discussed increasing trade and investment between the two countries. Washington and Vilnius have already signed a $600 million export credit agreement with the U.S. Export-Import Bank.

At the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26) in Glasgow, Scotland, Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda met with President Joe Biden to ask for U.S. support.

Nauseda told the press: I once again thanked the United States for its involvement in our defence and security. Of course, I asked for consistent support for our policy vis-a-vis China.

Biden confirmed his support for Lithuania on the Taiwan issue, and also pledged to increased military support for Central Europe.

EU and Other Countries Support Lithuania

Lithuania appealed to the EU, whose response was that it is prepared to stand up to political coercion as the relationship between one EU member and China impacts the relationship between the entire bloc and China. Brussels, Washington, and Warsaw have supported Lithuanias stance.

Beijing responded by sending Chinese nuclear-capable H-6 bombers over Taiwans air space on Nov. 21.

Lithuania said that while it regrets Beijings response, it has the right to expand its engagement with Taiwan.

Regarding the economic and political fallout from the CCPs reaction, Nauseda said, Currently, Lithuania is a target, and we need to have the support of the US, the EU, and Australia.

Lithuanias President Gitanas Nauseda listens to national statements during day three of COP26 in Glasgow, UK, on Nov. 2, 2021. (Adrian Dennis/Pool/Getty Images)

A number of legislators from Europe, Australia, Japan, and New Zealand have asked the international community to back Lithuania, saying that the CCPs bullying was meant to dissuade other countries from engaging with Taiwan.

Beijing Retaliates

Beijing has told multinational corporations that they must stop doing business with Lithuania. German auto parts manufacturer Continental AG reported being pressured by the CCP to stop using Lithuanian-made components.

China has also cancelled contracts with Lithuanian manufacturers. The Lithuanian government is considering starting a fund to protect Lithuanian companies that are sanctioned by Beijing or banned from the Chinese market.

The CCP has also restricted exports to Lithuania, and has stopped export credit guarantees for Lithuanian imports. Among the products affected are food stuffs, lasers, raw materials, pharmaceuticals, furniture, and clothing.

CCP-induced supply chain disruptions extend to the high-tech, agricultural, food processing, timber, textile, and logistics sectors.

Taiwan Issue

Some U.S. lawmakers have urged the Biden administration to ensure that other countries will continue to maintain relations with Taiwan.

The Promoting Ties with Taiwan Act, a bipartisan bill introduced on Nov. 23 by Rep. Michelle Fischbach (R-Minn.) and Rep. Scott Peters (D-Calif.), proposes that the U.S. government use its diplomatic influence to convince other countries to increase their engagement with Taiwan.

At the end of November, around American Thanksgiving, a delegation of five U.S. congressional representatives, led by House Veterans Affairs Chairman Mark Takano, visited Taiwan and met with President Tsai Ing-wen.

Just before the visit, the Biden administration invited Taiwanand not Chinato participate in a global democracy summit.

The Financial Times reported that the United States is considering the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office (Taiwans de facto embassy) to be renamed the Taiwan Representative Office. As soon as the news broke, Beijing issued a formal protest.

U.S. lawmakers have written a letter to the World Health Organization (WHO), asking it to recognize Taiwan. The WHO allowed Taiwan to participate as Chinese Taipei from 1997 to 2016. After Tsai was elected as Taiwans president in 2016, the CCP increased its pressure on the WHO to eject Taiwan. Tsai and her Democratic Progressive Party oppose unification with mainland China.

A new bill, to make the WHO recognize Taiwan, has passed the House of Representatives and is waiting for approval from the Senate. Among the supporters are Senators Tom Cotton (R-Ariz.), Mitt Romney (R-Utah), and Ted Cruz (R-Texas). This bill was meant to augment the 2019 Taiwan Allies International Protection and Enhancement Initiative (TAIPEI), which has already been passed by Congress.

Call for Unity

When the 27 EU leaders met to discuss EU-China relations on Oct. 5, Nauseda implored them to transmit a message of unity in the face of CCP aggression.

Countries allow themselves to be coerced by the CCP because of the threat of economic sanctions. Developed countries, such as Germany and France, are dependent on China for trade, while less-wealthy nations, such as Greece and Hungary, cannot afford to lose Chinese investment.

Lithuania, by contrast, has very limited trade with China, and a senior Lithuanian official revealed to Politico that the country has invested ten times as much in China, as China has in Lithuania.

Now, Lithuania is experiencing CCP sanctions first hand, but is refusing to budge. Nauseda said that Lithuania, as a sovereign nation, has the right to decide its foreign policy.

When it comes to China, Lithuania doesnt have very much to lose, said Una Aleksandra Berzina-Cerenkova, head of the China Studies Center at Riga Stradins University in neighboring Latvia.

Perhaps Lithuania could be a model for other countries, inspiring them to stand up against Beijings aggression and hegemonic ambition.

Read part 1 here.

Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.
Transocean's Development Driller III platform drills a relief well at the site of the BP Deepwater Horizon oil well as workers try to stem the flow of the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico off the coast of Louisiana. (Saul Loeb/Getty Images)

Louisiana Company Agrees to Pay $43 Million, Hand Over $432 Million Trust Fund for Longest-Running Oil Spill

A Louisiana oil and gas company has agreed to turn over a $432 million trust fund to the United States and pay $43 million to resolve its liability for an oil spill at its former Gulf of Mexico offshore oil production facility, the Department of Justice (DOJ) said Wednesday.

Taylor Energys former production facility is the source of the longest-running oil spill in U.S. history, and has been ongoing since 2004, the DOJ said.

Under a proposed settlement agreement that is subject to final court approval, Taylor Energy will transfer a $432 million trust fund to the Department of the Interiors Bureau of Ocean and Energy Management (BOEM).

The trust fund is dedicated to plugging the subsea oil wells, permanently decommissioning the facility, and remediating contaminated soil, the department said.

The company will also pay a further $43 millionall of its available remaining assetsfor civil penalties, removal costs, and natural resource damages (NRD). Of the $43 million, $15 million will be paid as a civil penalty, $16.5 million for NRD, and over $12 million for Coast Guard removal costs.

It will also be banned from interfering in any way with the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcements (BSEEs) decommissioning work and from interfering with the Coast Guards oil containment and removal actions, and must hand over all of its documents relating to the site to the DOI and the Coast Guard to assist in the decommissioning and response efforts.

The oil spill at the former Gulf of Mexico offshore oil production facility began in 2004, when a platform collapsed, triggered by Hurricane Ivan. This resulted in 16 of the 25 damaged undersea wells leaking to this day, per the New York Times.

Since April 2019, the vast majority of the leaking oil has been successfully contained by a containment system installed and operated by the U.S. Coast Guard through a contractor.

Meanwhile, Taylor Energy Company sold its oil and gas assets in 2008 and ceased all drilling and production operations. The company now exists solely to respond to the oil spill incident.

The settlement comes after the United States filed a civil complaint against the oil and gas company in the U.S. District Court in New Orleans on Oct. 23, 2020, seeking removal costs, civil penalties, and NRD under the Oil Pollution and Clean Water Acts.

Taylor Energy filed several lawsuits against the U.S. between 2016 and 2020, including challenges to the Coast Guards decision to install a spill containment system. The company also appealed the Coast Guards denial of its $353 million spill-cost reimbursement claim which it submitted to the U.S. Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund.

As per the new settlement, Taylor Energy must now drop its remaining lawsuits against the United States.

The Epoch Times could not immediately reach Taylor Energy for comment.

Offshore operators cannot allow oil to spill into our nations waters, said Assistant Attorney General Todd Kim for the Justice Departments Environment and Natural Resources Division. If an oil spill occurs, the responsible party must cooperate with the government to timely address the problem and pay for the cleanup. Holding offshore operators to account is vital to protecting our environment and ensuring a level industry playing field.

U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans for the Eastern District of Louisiana added that the damage to our ecosystem caused by this 17-year-old oil spill is unacceptable.

This settlement represents an important down payment to address impacts from the longest-running oil spill in U.S. history, said Nicole LeBoeuf, Director of NOAAs National Ocean Service. Millions of Americans along the Gulf Coast depend on healthy coastal ecosystems. NOAA and our co-trustees look forward to working in partnership with the National Pollution Funds Center to ensure the region and the ecosystem can recover from this ongoing tragedy.
A health workers look at people queueing for swab tests for COVID-19 at a nucleic acid collection station in Beijing on Oct. 26, 2021. (Noel Celis/AFP via Getty Images)

Major Chinese City Under Lockdown as COVID-19 Continues to Spread in Northern China

COVID-19 cases are on the rise in Northern China, prompting authorities in Xian cityhome to 13 million peopleto implement lockdown measures. Meanwhile, a town in the capital city Beijing, known as a hub for Chinese artists, has reported confirmed cases.

On Dec. 22, the Xian local authorities announced the lockdown of the whole city, including residential neighborhoods, workplaces, all schools, and indoor venues, due to the recent spike of COVID-19 cases. The city reported 52 COVID-19 cases on the same day, in addition to the 57 cases that were confirmed on Dec. 19.

But the numbers may be higher. Residents told the Chinese language edition of The Epoch Times that there were more than 50 confirmed cases in the Qujiang New District of Xian alone.

The citys primary and secondary schools, kindergartens, and off-campus training institutions have been suspended since Dec. 20. Since Dec. 16, all universities, colleges, and technical schools in Yanta district of Xian have begun to close their schools, according to Chinaedunet, the biggest education website in mainland China.

On Dec. 22, local authorities also announced the shutdown of local transportation and all transportation in and out of the city, except for emergency situations.

A new round of nucleic acid testing for all 13 million residents in Xian began on Dec. 21.

On Dec. 20, it was officially announced that all the pharmacies in Xian would suspend sales of medicine to residents.

A local resident surnamed Zhou told the publication that several major hospitals in Xian have closed their clinics, including the Aerospace Hospital, the First Affiliated Hospital and Second Affiliated Hospital of Jiaotong University. On Dec. 18, Xian Aerospace General Hospital had issued a notice to suspend outpatient and emergency services.

The Epoch Times obtained a video from Chinese social media that showed more than 40 graduate students at Changan University being taken away by ambulances on Dec. 20. The netizen who posted the video claimed that the students were exposed to an infected individual, the dean of the college, when they had a meeting with him. The dean had allegedly tested positive for COVID-19.

Meanwhile, in the nations capital Beijing, a confirmed case was reported in Songzhuang Town of Tongzhou District, which is known as a hub for Chinese artists. Since 1994, a large number of artists have lived here.

According to the districts health authorities, on Dec. 19, a student in Huaqing Studio in Xiaobao Village in Tongzhou District, tested positive for COVID-19.

Huaqing Studio is an art training school to help students pass the entry test for art schools. There are currently about 1,500 to 2,000 people in the studio. All teachers and students in the school are quarantined on the spot, waiting for their nucleic acid test results.

A student in the nearby Beijing Chenggong Lushang Studio told The Epoch Times that everyone in the studio was notified to go to the Xiaobao Village Committee for the COVID-19 nucleic acid tests, and he just got tested.

A nearby restaurant closed temporarily on Dec. 19 after the owners were notified by health authorities regarding the confirmed case in the art studio. The owners said they are waiting to take a nucleic acid test and they dont know when their restaurant can reopen.

Luo Ya contributed to the report.
Man Arrested in Deaths of Model, Architect to Remain Jailed on $3.4 Million Bail on Sex Charges

LOS ANGELESA judge ordered on Dec. 23 a Beverly Hills man who was arrested in connection with last months deaths of a model and her friend and subsequently charged with sexually assaulting four women in alleged attacks dating back as far as 2010 to remain jailed in lieu of a $3.4 million bail.

Superior Court Judge Victoria B. Wilson ordered David Brian Pearce, 39, to return to a downtown Los Angeles courtroom for arraignment Jan. 12 on two counts each of forcible rape and one count each of rape of an unconscious or asleep person and sexual penetration by a foreign object stemming from alleged attacks in August 2010, February 2019, February 2020 and October 2020.

Prosecutors have asked for further investigation into the Nov. 13 death of Christy Giles and the subsequent death Nov. 27 of Hilda Marcela Cabrales-Arzola, according to Greg Risling, a spokesman for the Los Angeles County District Attorneys Office.

Thats currently an ongoing investigation so I cant say too much about that, but that investigation is absolutely still ongoing, Deputy District Attorney Catherine Mariano told reporters outside court.

Giles, a 24-year-old model and aspiring actress, and her friend were last seen at an apartment in the Pico-Robertson neighborhood before their bodies were dumped outside Southern California Hospital in Culver City and Kaiser Permanente West Los Angeles Hospital.

Giles was already dead when she was found outside the hospital on Nov. 13. Cabrales-Arzola, an architect, was in critical condition, and her family took her off life support a day before her 27th birthday.

It is believed that both women were given drugs and overdosed at a residence in the 8600 block of Olympic Boulevard in the city of Los Angeles, police said in a statement earlier this week.

Three suspects were identified and arrested with the assistance of the [Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD)-Federal Bureau of Investigation] Fugitive Task Force and Metropolitan Division. Based on the investigation, the LAPD is concerned that there could be other victims in our community who could have been drugged by one or more of these men, police said, calling it an active and ongoing investigation.

Pearcewho was booked on suspicion of manslaughterhas remained behind bars since his arrest Dec. 15 by the LAPDs West Bureau, jail records show.

Prosecutors have asked for further investigation involving the two other men, Michael Ansbach, 47, and Brandt Osborn, 42, whom police said were each booked on suspicion of being an accessory to manslaughter.

Anspach was released last Thursday on a $100,000 bond, while Osborn was released from custody late Friday afternoon, according to jail records.

In a statement announcing the sexual assault charges against Pearce, District Attorney George Gascon said, This case is evolving and we continue to work with law enforcement in developing evidence of other possible crimes.

Gascon urged anyone with any information to immediately contact Los Angeles police.

We have a good faith belief there may be other victims, but again, based on the ongoing investigation of this case I cant comment as to whether there are, in fact, additional victims at this point, Mariano told reporters outside the courtroom after Pearces second court appearance on the case.

Giles husband, Jan Cilliers, said earlier that police contacted him about the arrests last week.

Even if they get charged to the fullest extent of the law, no amount of legal justice will bring back Christy and Hilda, Cilliers told Fox 11.

Cilliers had been quoted in previously published reports as saying video exists of three masked men dressed in black who pulled up to the hospital and pushed the models body out of a Toyota Prius without license plates.

Giles and Cabrales-Arzola exchanged text messages hours before they were found, appearing to have called an Uber to leave the apartment.

The womens family members have claimed they were possibly drugged against their will at some point before they were found.
Kathleen Hicks (L), the first female U.S. deputy defence secretary, arrives for the first day in her new role at the Pentagon in Arlington, Va., on Feb. 9 2021. (Kevin Lamarque/Reuters)

Military Unveils Software Designed to Predict Communist Chinas Response to US Actions

New software developed by the U.S. military and unveiled last week will help commanders understand how their actions in the Indo-Pacific might provoke Chinas ruling Chinese Communist Party (CCP).

With the spectrum of conflict and the challenge sets spanning down into the gray zone, what you see is the need to be looking at a far broader set of indicators, weaving that together and then understanding the threat interaction, Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks said last week.

The militarys new software will purportedly analyze such indicators to determine what effect various arms sales, U.S.-backed military activity, and congressional visits might provoke actions from the Chinese regime.

By analyzing what response from the CCP these actions might receive, it is hoped that the military and its civilian leadership will be able to prevent circumstances that might anger the regime and reduce tensions between the United States and the Chinese regime.

Though the exact data that the software utilizes was not made public, the Pentagon did say that the data was gathered beginning in 2020. That means that nearly the entirety of the information that the software is built upon was taken during the strange times of the CCP virus, commonly known as the novel coronavirus. It is unclear how that limitation may affect the accuracy of the software.

It is also unclear if the software can predict CCP diplomatic and military reactions near or better than United States human diplomats and commanders can.

In all, the software appears to fall in line with a broader trend in the Biden administrations policy platform regarding China. To date, the administration has generally preferred attempts to curb CCP aggression while avoiding outright confrontation. This approach of non-confrontation, however, has been characterized as appeasement to bad actors manipulating the United States and the international community.

The announcement came during a week of mixed signals concerning U.S.-China policy and the potential for military conflict between the two nations, with the CCP continuing to push remarks on its visions to reunify Taiwan.

Just days before the software was announced, military commanders from the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command met with their counterparts from air and naval elements of the Chinese military as part of an annual meeting of the Military Maritime Consultative Agreement working group (MMCA).

The MMCA was chartered back in 1998 with the goal of strengthening military maritime safety and improving understanding between the forces when following international laws and norms.

Major General Christopher McPhillips, the lead officer for the U.S. MMCA delegation, said that the forum provided a guardrail for military encounters and straightforward conversation between American and Chinese forces.

Conversely, even as McPhillips was meeting with his Chinese counterpart, other U.S. forces were conducting joint military exercises with Japan, which has been increasingly vocal about its willingness to defend itself and Taiwan from Chinese communist aggression.

The exercises, dubbed Resolute Dragon, were the largest-ever bilateral field exercises in Japan, with over 4,000 Marines training alongside their Japanese counterparts over a swath of 1,800 miles of the Japanese islands. In all, Resolute Dragon culminated with large scale missions against targets aimed at sea denial, such as would be used in the event of war with China over Taiwan.

Reuters contributed to this report.
The logo of NatWest Bank, part of the Royal Bank of Scotland group, is seen outside a branch in Enfield, London, on Nov. 15, 2017. (John Sibley/Reuters)

NatWest Pleads Guilty to US Fraud Charges, to Pay $35 Million

WASHINGTONA unit of NatWest Group on Tuesday agreed to pay about $35 million and pleaded guilty to wire and securities fraud in relation to a long-running scheme by some of its traders to manipulate U.S. Treasury debt markets.

The lenders investment bank NatWest Markets admitted its traders engaged in schemes to manipulate U.S. Treasury markets over a decade up to 2018. The firm agreed to serve three years of probation in addition to the fine and restitution, the U.S. Department of Justice said in a statement.

The fine is another setback for the British state-backed banks efforts to clean up its image under Chief Executive Alison Rose, including a rebrand of the group from the scandal-tainted Royal Bank of Scotland name last year. The bank is still majority-owned by British taxpayers after its bailout in the 2008 financial crisis.

Tuesdays plea agreement comes little more than a week after NatWest was fined 265 million pounds ($352 million) by a British court for failing to prevent the laundering of nearly 400 million pounds, some of it deposited at a branch in bin bags.

Still, some said that Tuesdays penalty was too light.

Its good that DOJ required the bank to plead guilty, pay a fine and restitution, and be on probation for three years, but its not enough, said Dennis Kelleher, head of the Better Markets think tank on financial regulation.

NatWest traders in Connecticut, London and Singapore engaged in schemes in which they manipulated Treasury market prices through a practice known as spoofing, according to Tuesdays court filings.

U.S. authorities have aggressively pursued the practice, a tactic designed to create a false appearance of demand, investigating similar activity by traders at other big banks, including JPMorgan Chase. Since 2019, the Justice Department, working with the Commodities Futures Trading Commission, has ramped up scrutiny through a specialist unit within its Washington-based fraud division.

From 2008 to May 2014 and for another three months in 2018, traders for NatWest Markets engaged in these schemes in the secondary market for bills, notes, bonds and other related Treasury instruments, according to Tuesdays filings.

Robert Begbie, NatWest Markets chief executive officer, said in a statement that the firm regrets the past behaviour of a small number of former employees.

The behaviour of these individuals was unacceptable and has no place in the bank we are today, he said.

The criminal penalty of $25.2 million and other payments will cover both spoofing-related charges as well as a breach of a prior agreement with the Justice Department, NatWest said.

In September, NatWest said prosecutors warned the bank it was in breach of a previous settlement because of traders misconduct, referring to a 2017 deal in which the Justice Department agreed not to prosecute the lender for alleged fraudulent trading of mortgage-backed securities.

By Chris Prentice and Iain Withers
Deputy Secretary General of the European External Action Service (EEAS) Enrique Mora speaks to journalists in front of the Coburg palace after a meeting of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) in Vienna, Austria, on Dec. 3, 2021. (Joe Klamar/AFP via Getty Images)

Negotiations to Revive 2015 Iran Nuclear Deal to Resume Next Week

The eight-round of talks aimed at salvaging Irans tattered 2015 nuclear deal will resume on Dec. 27, the European Unions coordinator of the talks confirmed on Thursday.

Welcome to the 8th round, Spanish diplomat Enrique Mora said on Twitter, noting that the continuation of negotiations will be held on Dec. 27 in Vienna, Austria.

The #JCPOA Joint Commission will meet to discuss and define the way ahead, he added, using the acronym for the deal, the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action. Important to pick up the pace on key outstanding issues and move forward, working closely with the [United States].

Mikhail Ulyanov, Russias permanent representative to the Vienna-based international organizations, said in a statement it usually isnt very popular to engage in serious business during Christmas and New Year, but negotiators dont want to waste time and instead aim at the speediest restoration of the deal.

Russias Governor to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Mikhail Ulyanov, leaves the Grand Hotel on the day the JCPOA Iran nuclear talks are to resume in Vienna, Austria, on May 25, 2021. (Thomas Kronsteiner/Getty Images)

The European Unions foreign service said the meeting would be attended by representatives of China, France, Germany, Russia, Britain, and Iran.

Participants will continue the discussions on the prospect of a possible return of the United States to the JCPOA and how to ensure the full and effective implementation of the agreement by all sides, the External Action Service said in a statement.

The United States has been participating indirectly in the talk because Iran refuses direct contact.

Iranian foreign ministry spokesperson Saeed Khatibzadeh told a news conference on Dec. 20 that Iran has had no direct communication with the United States during ongoing talks in Vienna, though some messages have been received via Mora.

Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Saeed Khatibzadeh gestures during a press conference in Tehran, Iran, on Feb. 22, 2021. (Atta Kenare/AFP via Getty Images)

Khatibzadeh also accused the United States of being formally responsible for the situation today, blaming then-President Donald Trump as the main culprit in this situation.

Trump in May 2018 withdrew the United States from the nuclear pact and reimposed sanctions on Tehran, in an effort to force the countrys ruling Islamic regime to change a plethora of activities that the Trump administration said were unacceptable.

President Joe Biden has signaled that he wants to rejoin the deal. The Biden administration has kept in place all Iranian sanctions it inherited from the Trump administration.

A year after the United States left the 2015 deal that also included France, Britain, Germany, Russia, and China, Iran began violating nuclear restrictions outlined in the deal, moving the country closer to developing the capacity to acquire a nuclear weapon, raising concerns about what the country is doing out of view.

The 2015 Iran nuclear deal, also called the JCPOA, requires Iran to restrict its nuclear program in return for the lifting of economic sanctions from the United States, the EU, and the United Nations.

Reuters contributed to this report.

From NTD News
Mail-in ballots in their envelopes await processing at the Los Angeles County Registrar Recorders' mail-in ballot processing center at the Pomona Fairplex in Pomona, Calif., on Oct. 28, 2020. (ROBYN BECK/AFP via Getty Images)

New California Law Making Mail-In Ballots Permanent Starts Jan. 1

A new California bill will permit registered voters to indefinitely vote by mail in statewide and local elections beginning Jan. 1, 2022. The law will require the state to send ballots to nearly 22 million registered voters in June and November during the election year.

As the COVID-19 pandemic led to the temporary authorization of mail-in ballots sent to every registered voter, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill 37drafted by Assemblyman Marc Berman (D-Menlo Park)into law Sept. 27, which permanently codified the interim ruling.

As states across our country continue to enact undemocratic voter suppression laws, California is increasing voter access, expanding voting options and bolstering elections integrity and transparency, Newsom said in a statement.

All registered voters received absentee ballots for the 2020 United States presidential election and 2021 gubernatorial recall election, reported to be a safety measure to mitigate the spread of the coronavirus in polling stations. The governors office foresees the change will increase access to democracy, according to a September press release.

California is now the eighth state to enact a universal mail-in-ballot policy.

The bill will permanently expand access and increase participation in our elections by making voting more convenient and meeting people where they are, Secretary of State Dr. Shirley Weber said in a statement.

Berman, who authored the bill, said that when voters receive mail-in-ballots, they vote.

As other states actively look for ways to make it harder for people to vote, California is expanding access to an already safe and secure ballot, he said in a statement.

As reports of some voting issues occurred during the 2020 presidential election, former Secretary of State Alex Padilla reassured officials of the legitimacy of the process at an October 2020 press conference in Orange County.

Padilla further announced a remote observation system for voters who wanted to observe the ballot processing live.

Despite the attacks against vote-by-mail or how California conducts elections  voters can trust the integrity of elections in the state of California, Padilla said.

But not everyone is on board with mail-in ballots. Election Integrity Project California, an election integrity watchdog group, said in a statement last year that Padillas regulations are outside of the purview of the executive branch of government because they supersede or countermand what is codified in Californias Elections Code.

Any such change may only be sanctioned by an act of the state legislature, not simply declared by executive edict.

Sherry Bebitch Jeffe, a political analyst and retired public policy professor at the University of Southern California, told The Epoch Times in a previous interview that she supports expanding access to absentee ballots but had issues with sending the ballots due to concerns of mail delivery and non-delivery of mail.

There have been so many questions about it, Jeffe said. Ive personally had real problems with it  and so it was easier for me to find my drop-off box.

California voters can anticipate receiving their ballots by mail for the statewide elections held in June and November 2022.
An armed pro-Russian separatist stands on part of the wreckage of the Malaysia Airlines Boeing 777 plane after it crashed near the settlement of Grabovo in the Donetsk region, on July 17, 2014. (Maxim Zmeyev/ Reuters)

Prosecutors Seek Life Terms in Dutch Murder Trial Over Flight MH17

AmsterdamDutch prosecutors on Wednesday demanded life sentences for three Russians and a Ukrainian charged with murder over the shooting down of a passenger jet over Ukraine in 2014.

They said the defendants, who are all at large, helped supply a missile system that Russian-backed separatists used to fire a rocket at Malaysia Airlines flight MH17. All 298 people on board were killed.

Prosecutor Manon Ridderbeks demanded life terms for all four, named as Igor Girkin, Sergey Dubinsky, Oleg Pulatov, and Leonid Kharchenko.

Most of the victims were Dutch nationals. The Dutch government holds Russia responsible. Authorities in Moscow deny involvement.

Outside the courtroom Piet Ploeg, who lost his brother, nephew, and sister-in-law in the crash, said he had waited a long time to hear the prosecution makes its recommendation.

Its a relief that the prosecutors demanded the maximum sentence, he told reporters.

Even if the four men were never jailed, it is just as important that the world knows who was responsible, he said.

After years of collecting evidence, an international team of investigators concluded in May 2018 that the launcher used to shoot down the aircraft, which was en route from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur, belonged to Russias 53rd Anti-Aircraft Missile Brigade.

Prosecutors said on Wednesday the defendants were linked to Russian-backed rebels in eastern Ukraine and played significant roles in the events that led to the downing of the jet.

Russians Pulatov, Dubinsky, and Girkin and Ukrainian Kharchenko have all denied involvement. On Wednesday Dubinsky told Dutch broadcaster RTL that the hefty sentencing demands were totally predictable.

Our guilt has already been determined, he was quoted as saying.

Lawyers for another suspect, Pulatov, said he followed the prosecution closing arguments via the courts livestream but did not give his reaction.

Relying on satellite images, social media posts and intercepted phone calls, prosecutors say the four men worked together to get a Buk missile system from Russia into eastern Ukraine to reinforce separatists.

By shooting down MH17 with a Buk the defendants used devastating violence. They planned this violence beforehand and they organized it in close cooperation, prosecutor Thijs Berger said.

In recordings played to the court earlier in the week, men identified by the prosecution as the suspects could be heard discussing moving our Buk to a field from where flight MH17 was attacked.

They then celebrated the success of our boys when they brought down what they mistakenly thought was a Ukrainian military plane. The target turned out to be MH17.

Prosecutors said they were also trying to identify the people who fired the missile and the Russian officials who sent the Buk to Eastern Ukraine.

The trial of the four suspects started 20 months ago. Only Pulatov has sent lawyers to represent him while the others have not cooperated with the court and are being tried in absentia.

Closing arguments from Pulatovs lawyers are expected in March and a verdict by the end of 2022.

By Stephanie van den Berg
Australians Asked Not to Mingle Over Christmas as COVID-19 Restrictions Return

The Australian state of New South Wales (NSW) has announced that a protective mask mandate and density limits at hospitality venues will be reintroduced over the Christmas period from midnight Dec. 24, despite previously scrapping the requirement due to high vaccination rates.

This comes as the number of daily COVID-19 cases in the state climbs to more than 5,000, which had already prompted the state to bring back QR check-in requirements.

As of midnight tonight, we will be requiring that masks are worn in indoor settings, NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet said, adding that the face mask requirement will be in place until Jan. 27.

We are encouraging people, particularly over the holiday period, if you can work from home, please work from home, he said.

Indoor hospitality venues will again have a density limit of one person per two square metres from Dec. 27 to Jan. 27.

The premier also asked people not to mingle over the Christmas holidays.

Thats just to ensure, as we move through this period of time, we do have that support for our health officers over this summer and holiday period  When youre out, out at a restaurant, out at a cafe, out at a pub or a club, please, where possible, dont mingle.

We know that from a case weve seen in Newcastle, that singing and dancing and the like has been part of that increase in spread, so we just ask everybody use personal responsibilities, please be cautious as we move through this phase, he said.

NSW Ambulance Acting Commissioner David Dutton asked residents to refrain from calling 000 for issues such as checking the opening hours of a testing clinic or following up on a COVID-19 vaccination.

Yesterday, we answered an emergency 000 call every 24 seconds. We are asking to save 000 for saving lives, he said. Those calls that I just referenced potentially delay NSW ambulance mounting an emergency response to a member of the community that really needs us.

Residents are swarming to testing sites, with over 160,000 tests conducted on Wednesday, as close contact numbers grow and others rush to get tested for holiday traveling.

Minister for Customer Service, Victor Dominello, announced on Twitter that the state would revert back to its pre-Dec. 15 digital check-in settings given the increasing Omicron numbers.

Perrottet said check-ins would assist with contact tracing. He also suggested that rapid antigen testing kits would be used to take pressure off testing clinics.

People have come forward to get tested in record numbers, which is important to help keep people and the community safe, but we need to make sure our testing clinics are there for people who really need it, he said.

NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet speaks to the media during a press conference outside the Royal North Shore Hospital in Sydney, Australia, on Dec. 19, 2021. (AAP Image/Bianca De Marchi)

After the national cabinet meeting on Wednesday, Prime Minister Scott Morrison called for common sense measures against COVID-19.

Going forward with Omicron, there will need to be more of a role for individuals in self-managing and self-regulating their responses, he told reporters.

Morrison strongly encouraged Australians to wear masks in consideration for others, particularly in indoor settings.

Wear a mask in an indoor setting, you dont need to be forced to do it, he said. This one just requires some common sense, and Australians have great common sense.

The national cabinet also discussed the issue of the large numbers of people in NSW and Victoria who are testing for the purposes of traveling to other states, particularly Queensland, which is heavily straining the system.

Weve all seen the terrible queues and the long waits people have had. Some 20 to 25 percentone in five, one in fourpeople waiting in those queues are not symptomatic, theyre not a close contact, theyre not even a casual contact. They just want to travel to another state, Morrison said.

Chief Medical Officer Paul Kelly will be consulting with the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC), the key decision-making committee for health emergencies, on removing requirements for test for travel.
Ukrainian servicemen attend a rehearsal of an official ceremony to hand over tanks, armored personnel carriers and military vehicles to the Ukrainian Armed Forces as the country celebrates Army Day in Kyiv, Ukraine, on Dec. 6, 2021. (Gleb Garanich/Reuters)

Russia Draws Line on Ukraine Joining NATO

Many national security officials are urging the Biden administration to flatly reject Russian proposals to restrict further NATO expansion, but critics say that bluster from Washington is pushing the United States closer to conflict with a nuclear-armed power.

Russias Foreign Ministry published a document on Dec. 17 that includes demands that it has made to the United States and NATO. Tensions have mounted in recent weeks over Ukraine. Russian President Vladimir Putin has reportedly amassed more than 100,000 soldiers near the border shared by the two nations.

According to the Russian News Agency TASS, Putins proposal calls on the United States to take measures to prevent further eastward expansion of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and deny accession to the Alliance to the former USSR republics.

The deal would also require that the United States refrain from building military bases in former Soviet states that arent NATO members and from using their infrastructure for military activity. In turn, Moscow is offering to refrain from deploying its armed forces and weapons into regions where such deployment could be viewed as a threat to the other sides securityexcept deployment on ones national territoryaccording to TASS.

Russias proposal has been roundly criticized by many in Washington. The Foundation for Defense of Democracies said on Dec. 22 that Putin is attempting to revive the Cold War by redrawing the lines of Europe.

The Biden administration and NATO should reject any negotiations that involve taking away the right of states to choose their own security arrangements, the national security think tank stated.

NATO and U.S. officials have also expressed strong opposition to the proposal. White House press secretary Jen Psaki said on Dec. 14 that the United States will not compromise on Ukraines ability to join NATO, and U.S. Undersecretary for Political Affairs Victoria Nuland said earlier this month that such proposals are unacceptable.

But some people are pushing for the Biden administration to meet Putin at the negotiating table.

Anti-interventionists argue that Russia has much more to lose than the United States when it comes to Ukraines potential admission into NATO, as Russias naval base in Sevastopol, Crimea, is a key factor to it being able to maintain its status as a global power. Russia has always maintained a red line against Ukraine joining NATORussias deputy foreign minister reportedly threatened military action earlier this month against NATO if Ukraine were to be admitted as a memberdue in large part to security concerns over the warm-water port.

The fact is, we lack the interest and will to defend Ukraine and Georgia sufficient to make threats to do so credible, Defense Priorities Policy Director Benjamin Friedman said in a Dec. 17 statement, in response to Russias proposal. Admitting Ukraine and Georgia into NATO would raise questions about whether other NATO commitments are equally unserious and therefore do more to erode existing NATO commitments than meaningfully extend them.

Friedman said the United States and NATO shouldnt accept Russias deal wholesale, but that the proposal serves as a basis for talks.

Expressing willingness to discuss these matters with Russia may itself be useful, Friedman said. Acknowledging Russia remains a great power with interests beyond its bordersthat spheres of influence are a fact of international politics we can lament but cannot wish awaycould help lower the temperature and the odds of an invasion of Ukraine.

The anti-interventionists may be getting their way. While many U.S. officials have made strong statements against Russia, President Joe Biden publicly ruled out military intervention or placing troops on the ground in Ukraine, even if Russia invades. Senior State Department officials also reportedly have said behind closed doors that its unlikely that Ukraine will join NATO within the next decade.

Bidens willingness to negotiate has reportedly angered NATO allies. But Daniel McAdams, the executive director of the Ron Paul Institute for Peace and Prosperity, told The Epoch Times that the presidents statesmanship could help the United States avoid war.

I think theres some clear evidence that Biden is walking back from the brink. He said NATO is not in the cards for Ukraine for the moment, and U.S. troops in Ukraine is not on the table, said McAdams, who worked as a human rights monitor and election observer in Eastern Europe in the 1990s before serving as former Rep. Ron Pauls (R-Texas) foreign policy advisor from 2001-2012.

I think theres some realization of the need to walk back.
The logo for Twitter appears above a trading post on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange on Nov. 29, 2021. (Richard Drew/AP Photo)

Russia Regulators Fine Twitter 10 Million Roubles for Allegedly Failing to Delete Banned Content

A Moscow court on Thursday said it had fined Twitter 3 million roubles ($136,000) for allegedly failing to delete content banned by the Russian government, the latest in a string of penalties issued against U.S. tech companies this year.

The press service of the Tagansky District Court confirmed the penalty to the Russian state-owned news agency TASS.

The magistrate court department No. 422 of a Justice of the Peace court found Twitter guilty on two protocols complied under Part 2 and Part 4 of Art. 13.41 of the Administrative Code of the Russian Federation (violation of the procedure for restricting access to information, access to which is subject to restriction under the legislation of the Russian Federation) and imposed a fine totaling 10 mln rubles3 mln and 7 mln rubles, respectively, the press service said.

The court later said San Francisco-based software development website GitHub, which Microsoft purchased, had been fined 1 million roubles for the same offense, Reuters reported.

The Epoch Times has contacted GitHub for comment.

It comes as Russian regulators continue to put pressure on Silicon Valley-headquartered tech companies this year to remove content from their platforms, typically imposing threats of large fines. Critics have condemned the move by Russian authorities, calling it an attempt to exert tighter control over the internet and suppress both individual and corporate freedoms.

A string of laws and regulations introduced by Russia between 2018 and 2019 expanded authorities ability to filter and internet content automatically, according to Human Rights Watch. Authorities deem everything from calls for youth participation in unsanctioned protests to exaggerating the number of protesters at such events as illegal content.

In March, President Vladimir Putin said in a speech that, the internet has already penetrated into all spheres of our lives and that society will collapse from the inside unless the internet obeyed not just the laws of formal, legal rules, but also the moral laws of the society in which we live.

Moscow has accused Twitter of repeatedly failing to delete banned content on its site and has slowed down the speed of Twitter since March as a punitive measure for not removing the content. Twitter denies allowing its platform to be used to promote illegal behavior.

The latest fine brings the total amount of fines imposed on Twitter to 55 million rubles ($748,000), TASS reports.

The Epoch Times has contacted Twitter for comment.

According to Deputy Head of the Russian Federal Service for Supervision of Communications, Information Technology and Mass Media Vadim Subbotin, Google, Facebook, and Twitter have failed to remove around 5,500 files with banned information, and are facing a combined fine of over 140 million rubles ($1.9 million).

Earlier this month, Russia fined Facebook-owner Meta platforms 13 million roubles ($177,000), for failing to delete content the government deems illegal.

In November, it fined Alphabet Inc.s Google 3 million roubles ($400,386) for the same reason amid an ongoing dispute between Russia and the U.S. tech giant. Google previously said it had paid Russia more than 32 million roubles in fines.
Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) at a Senate hearing regarding the coronavirus in Washington on March 3, 2020. (Charlotte Cuthbertson/The Epoch Times)

Sen. Paul Details $52 Billion Federal Waste in Annual Festivus Report

Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) has unveiled his annual Festivus Report, which tracks what he sees as waste spending by the federal government. According to the libertarian-leaning Kentuckian, that waste topped over $52 billion in 2021.

Since arriving in the Senate amid the Tea Party wave of 2010, Paul had made the federal budget one of his foremost concerns.

Like his father, 2008 and 2012 presidential candidate and former U.S. Rep. Ron Paul (R-Texas), the younger Paul has decried U.S. military adventurism, the excesses of the post-9/11 surveillance state, and the perpetually unbalanced budget of the federal government.

The Festivus Report has been a staple for Paul since 2015, when he released his first edition of the report.

In the 2021 report, Paul calculated that federal boondoggles added up to a total of $52,598,515,585an amount Paul says could have been used to give everyone on Earth around $6.78, build 13,149 miles of four-lane highway, operate Veterans Affairs facilities for 4.5 months, or to fund the Department of Energy for nearly two years.

From ground-up ferrets to border walls for Middle Eastern countries to a federally-funded dinosaur film, these are some of the most striking examples of bizarre spending revealed by Paul.

Misappropriation of COVID-19 Funds Cost $40 Billion

Since January 2020, the U.S. government has spent more on relief packages for the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus than it spent on World War II. And these relief packages have cost taxpayers tens billions in waste and misappropriated funds, Paul argues.

By far the largest expense listed was a $36 billion loss to improper CARES Act unemployment payments. The CARES Act, signed into law in March 2020, was the first major pandemic stimulus bill.

At the time, when uncertainty about the disease was at its peak, the bill expanded eligibility opportunities for unemployment, allowing those who normally would not qualify to receive unemployment payments.

Though it has since become clear that most healthy adults under 50 years old are at little risk of severe disease, federal expenditures authorized by the CARES Act have lagged behind the science.

While employers across the nation are desperate for more employees, many not-at-risk Americans have continued to collect unemployment checks under CARES Act guidelines despite being able to work at workplaces enforcing their own COVID-19 safety measures.

The second largest expense detailed by Paul was also the result of COVID stimulus legislation.

In total, Paul claims that the federal government spent around $4.3 billion on duplicate or ineligible Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans, another relief policy that allowed employers to take loans from the federal government to ensure that their employees got paid.

DoD Spends Billions on Scrapped Planes, Abandoned Buildings, and Middle Eastern Border Walls

The next largest expenses come from the Department of Defense (DoD).

According to Paul, the DoD has invested $3.4 billion into replacing the Bradley Fighting Vehicle, one of the militarys go-to tank-like assault vehicles that are used in part as troop transports. Efforts to replace the Bradley began in 2003, but the DoD has still not managed to build a viable replacement.

The DoD also lost quite a bit of taxpayer money during the chaotic and controversial withdrawal from Afghanistan.

Ordered to leave immediately by President Joe Biden, the military left behind not only hundreds of American citizens and billions of dollars in military equipment, but also billions of dollars of U.S.-financed infrastructure and buildings. The evacuation has left around $2.4 billion of buildings sitting unused.

Why are we spending all this money to build them in the first place? Paul wrote. What was once a mission to seek out and destroy the people who perpetrated the 9/11 attacks has become an exercise inwell, its unclear exactly what.

Additionally, $549 million was spent by the DoD on military aircraft for the faraway desert nation, but these were later thrown away and sold as scrap for $40,257, Paul found.

Since 2017, the DoD has lost $773 million on uncollected debts for allies use of U.S. aircraft.

DoD is responsible for billing and tracking countries usage of these goods and services, Paul said of the discovery, noting that these aircraft were not supposed to be offered for free. However, DoD apparently forgot about that part, Paul quipped.

One of the DoDs most bizarre expenditures involves a $250 million investment into building border walls around several Middle Eastern and North African countries.

At the same time, the Biden administration has left the U.S. southern border de facto open.

Upon taking office, Biden canceled several non-refundable U.S.-Mexico border wall contracts negotiated by Trump, leaving the walls materials sitting unused along the border. Since then, illegal crossings at the southern border have reached unprecedented levels.

One Million Trees for NYC, Solar Panels for Africa, and Other Climate Initiatives

Still, these expenditures are relatively tame compared to others on Pauls list. Paul also exposed how federal money has been used for several odd climate initiatives, both in the United States and abroad.

For example, the federal government offered a staggering sum of $400 million to plant one million trees in New York City between 2007 and 2017, which comes out to around $400 per tree.

Proponents said that the project would make New York City more sustainable and protect our planet. MillionTreesNYC Director Morgan Monaco said that there was an additional goal: to have New Yorkers form an emotional connection to trees.

Some African nations also made off with a windfall in U.S. taxpayer funding. The Department of State, Paul says, devoted $179 million to funding green energy programs in Africa.

Paul argued that this investment will actually hurt African nations more than help them.

Operating renewable energy sources like solar and hydroelectric remain more costly to [African] citizens, Paul said. So, by  providing $179 million for renewable energy, were actually going to be sticking Sub-Saharan African consumers with hefty electricity bills.

The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) has also advanced some questionably costly climate programs. According to Pauls findings, USAID has spent $11.3 million on telling people [in Vietnam] not to burn their trash.

Another $88 million USAID went to efforts to build irrigation systems in Afghanistan. Despite the nearly $100 million investment, these have gone mostly unused by Afghan farmers.

Ground-Up Ferrets for COVID Vaccines and Other Government-Funded Research Projects

The federal government has also been busy in the domain of scientific research. While some federally-financed research involves things like military technology, health care innovations, and space travel, some of its projects push the frontiers of human knowledge much less than others.

One of the most bizarre research projects highlighted by Paul involves $4.5 million in funding for a vaccine facility that ground up ferrets, among other inhumane tests.

Since 2010, the American taxpayer has given Triple F Farms $4.5 million [to breed and transport ferrets] to COVID-19 and influenza vaccine testing laboratories, Paul explained. A 2011 investigation into their facility included video recordings of ferrets dying in feces, run over by carts, thrown alive into incinerators, hanging from wire.

After these abuses became public, Triple F Farms received a $44,000 fine from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), which Paul called a minor slap on the wrist compared to the millions of dollars of your taxpayer funds they received before and after the investigation.

Recent USDA inspections have shown that these problems are ongoing. But Triple F Farms still receives federal funding despite its inhumane and illegal treatment of animals.

Another federally-funded study by the National Institute on Aging, at a cost to taxpayers of $1.3 million, found that hearing bad news decreases happiness levels. In the same vein, the federal government financed a $352,000 experiment which concluded that kids crave junk food and gain weight if theyre exposed to it.

Finally, the National Institutes of Health spent $465,000 on an experiment involving pigeons playing slot machines, while the Food and Drug Administration spent $337,500 on an effort to fatten eels for human consumption.

Translating Books Into Georgian and Other Cultural Initiatives

A slew of odd cultural initiatives are also on the federal governments bloated checkbook.

For example, the Department of State has spent $182,741 on an initiative to translate classic American books into Georgian, the language of a small central-Asian state with a population of around 3.7 million peopleless than the population of Los Angeles alone.

The books used are not objectionable, Paul emphasized, some economics textbooks, childrens books, and American classics like All the Kings Men and Invisible Man.

But, he asked, when did this become the federal governments job?

In the United States, nearly one third of fourth-graders are not proficient in reading, Paul noted. Some 36 million adults in the U.S. dont have basic reading  skills above a third-grade level, according to estimates, the report reads.

In case the bureaucrats have forgotten: your constituents are the American people, not foreign citizens, Paul wrote.

Similarly, the State Department has spent $200,000 on an initiative to teach French people about American culture, despite the fact that U.S. culture already has an outsized effect on French culture and language. USAID, in the same vein, has also spent $150,000 on funding free field trips to Washington for Korean children.

But Paul notes that not all of the federal governments cultural spending has been international.

New York City, for instance, got a grant of $25 million as part of a COVID-19 relief program to display art projects across the city. With the money, then-Mayor Bill DeBlasio introduced the City Arts Corps, which paid around 3,000 artists to publicly display creative works in an effort to resurge the cultural scene, DeBlasio said.

Another $14 million went to funding the Wilson Center, an upscale venue thats often the scene of what Paul described as swanky parties for members of Congress.

If youve not heard of the Wilson Center, its a small nonpartisan foreign policy think tank in Washington D.C., Paul wrote. Its the same as a private think tank, like the Heritage Foundation or the Center for American Progress, except it receives about $14 million a year from the Federal government.

And the Wilson Center has gotten a lot of taxpayer money over the past several decades. According to Paul, this congressional party hub has received $300 million since 1976, while its aforementioned peers have received none.

Finally, the National Science Foundation spent $2.5 million on a film about dinosaurs to inspire middle schoolers.

Yes, the government used $2-million taxpayer dollars to create a dinosaur-centric film in 2D and 3D, a 3-episode TV series, a fictional book and museum exhibits to inspire middle schoolers to build interest in STEM, Paul wrote.

Pauls Plan to Balance the Budget

In his report, Paul also detailed what could be done to balance the budget.

A few years ago, Paul introduced his Penny Plan Balanced Budget. According to Paul, the plan would have cut only one penny off every dollar spent by the Federal government.

But amid record spending by the Democratic Congress, that plan will no longer be enough to balance the budget, Paul said. Now, the federal government is spending so much money that it would need to cut five pennies off of each dollar it spends to balance the budget.

During early debates on democratic socialist Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) $3.5 trillion budget draft, Paul introduced an amendment to the bill that would have done just that. However, the amendment was defeated by a supermajority, with several Republicans joining with Democrats to strike down the proposal.

Still, Paul said he would keep doing what he could to fight the problem. The speed in which our debt is growing means we need ever more vigorous solutions to solve this growing problem, he wrote.
Shake Shack Will Give You Free Fries If Your Flight Is Delayed

The chain is here to spread holiday cheer for disgruntled travelers

Flights being delayed and even worse, cancelled, during the surge and chaotic nature of the holiday travel season can leave many feeling disgruntled, agitated and anxious.

Sometimes the only thing to do in times of high stress is well, stress eat.

For New York City-based travelers, Shake Shack is swooping in to make sure that all flyers facing flight setbacks will be able to do just that without having to spend a dime.

Starting Wednesday and lasting until Friday (Christmas Eve), the fast-casual chain will offer one free order of its famous crinkle cut fries to customers whose flights have been delayed or cancelled leaving New Yorks JFK airport.

The Shake Shack is located inside JFKs Terminal 4, near gate B37.

The cult-favorite burger chain, which is based in New York, has 21 airport locations around the globe, 14 of which are inside the U.S.

For customers who want to cash in on the deal but are flying out of one of the other 14 airports that are not JFK, theres still a way to be eligible.

All travelers have to do is snap a quick selfie in front of their departure gate which shows that the flight has been delayed or cancelled and then post the photo to Instagram while tagging @ShakeShack. A redeemable virtual voucher will then be DM-ed to the travelers account where they can scan it for free fries at their Shake Shack location.

We know the holidays can be stressful, so we created this campaign to bring some fan excitement, especially in some of the busiest and crowded places around the holiday  the airport, Shake Shack CMO Jay Livingston expressed in a statement. From real life surprise and delight moments to capturing and sharing content across our owned channels, our goal is to spread and share joy.

Shake Shack was down 16.29 percent year over year as of late Wednesday afternoon.
An Iranian flag is pictured near in a missile during a military drill in Iran, on Oct. 19, 2020. (West Asia News Agency via Reuters)

State TV: Recalled Iranian Diplomat to Yemen Dies of COVID-19

DUBAI, United Arab EmiratesIrans top diplomat to Yemen died Tuesday after reportedly contracting the coronavirus, Iranian state TV said, just days after he was abruptly recalled from his mission in the war-torn nation.

State-run media in Iran said Ambassador Hassan Irloo had become infected with the coronavirus in Yemen, where a conflict between Iran-backed Houthi rebels and a Saudi-led military coalition has raged for six years. Authorities said he was flown out of the country for urgent medical treatment in Iran over the weekend.

However, The Wall Street Journal earlier reported that Irloo was being removed from his post over growing strains between Iran and the Houthis, who seized Yemens capital, Sanaa, and much of the countrys north in 2014. In an effort to oust the Iran-backed rebels on its southern border, Saudi Arabia intervened in the war months later with a U.S.-backed bombing campaign.

Irans foreign ministry has denied that his departure was the result of tensions with the Houthis.

Houthi spokesman and chief negotiator Mohammed Abdul-Salam offered his condolences on Monday. He said earlier this week that the ambassador had departed Sanaa on an Iraqi flight made possible despite a Saudi air blockade on the capital through an Iranian-Saudi understanding via Baghdad.

Citing anonymous Middle Eastern and Western officials, the Wall Street Journal reported that Irloos influence had stirred resentment among the rebels who were apparently seeking more distance from Tehran. The officials told the Journal that Irloo had shown no serious symptoms of COVID-19.

Not much is publicly known about Irloo, but the U.S. State Department under former President Donald Trump described him as a member of Irans powerful paramilitary Revolutionary Guard. Tehran named him its ambassador to the Houthi-controlled Yemeni capital last October.

Irans semiofficial ISNA news agency on Tuesday praised Irloo as a friend and comrade of Gen. Qassem Soleimani, the powerful leader of the Guards expeditionary Quds Force who was killed in an American drone strike in Baghdad last year.

Houthi officials, speaking on condition of anonymity under regulations, told The Associated Press that Irloos illness provided an opportunity for the rebels to demand his departure. They said the group had complained to the Iranian leadership about Irloos failure to coordinate with the rebels in his meetings with tribal and political leaders.

Later Tuesday, Irans state-run IRNA news agency ran an obituary for Irloo, and at one point said he was known as Abdul Reza Shahlaithe same name as that of a Guard commander in Yemen with a $15 million American bounty on his head.

Mideast analysts have previously described Shahlai and Irloo as operating in Yemen on behalf of the Guard and enjoying close relations with Soleimani, raising suspicion it was one and the same person. Shortly after IRNAs obituary was first published, the reference to Shahlai was removed without explanation.

On Jan. 2, 2020, the same day that the U.S. strike killed Soleimani, the U.S. military also tried but failed to take out Shahlai in Yemen, U.S. officials previously told the AP.

Western nations and the Saudi-led military coalition long have accused the Revolutionary Guard of training and smuggling weapons to the Houthis, who routinely fire missiles and drones at neighboring Saudi Arabias airports and oil facilities.

United Nations experts also have pointed to weapons recovered on the battlefield that appear to have come from the Islamic Republic. Iran denies arming the rebels.

In announcing his death, Iranian state media also said Irloo was a veteran of the brutal Iran-Iraq war in the 1980s and suffered the lifelong effects of chemical weapon attacks.

The viruss true spread in northern Yemen remains unknown, as Houthi authorities have denied the outbreak and reported only a few coronavirus deaths. Untold scores have fallen ill and died after having trouble breathing and displaying other virus symptoms, overwhelming a health system in ruins after years of war.

When asked about Tehrans move to recall Irloo, U.S. State Department spokesman Ned Price appeared to tie Irloos departure to potential friction between Iran and the Houthis.

We hope it is a sign that Yemenis understand the profoundly destabilizing role that Iran has been playing in their country for some time now, Price told reporters on Monday. We as an administration are committed to countering the destabilizing influence and role that Iran is playing throughout the region, including with its support to proxies and other elements in Yemen.

The war in Yemen has spawned the worlds worst humanitarian crisis and killed over 110,000 people. The threat of widespread famine and infectious disease outbreaks hang over the country. Fighting has displaced millions of people.

Late Monday, the Saudi-led coalition escalated its offensive, pounding Sanaa airport with airstrikes after warning civilians and aid workers to evacuate. The rebels have canceled all U.N. humanitarian flights to and from the capital, the U.N. food agency said on Tuesday.

By Isabel Debre
People gather at the Stonehenge stone circle singing to mark the winter solstice on Dec. 22, 2021, in a still from video. (Reuters/Screenshot via The Epoch Times)

Stonehenge Revellers Bring in the Winter Solstice

Revellers gathered at Britains Stonehenge in the English county of Wiltshire on Wednesday to bring in the winter solstice.

People, many wrapped in blankets and cloaks, stood inside the stone circle of the neolithic monument, singing as the sun rose.

Cheers erupted, followed by singing and dancing around the prehistoric stones.

The visitors traveled to the prehistoric monument, some 80 miles (130 kilometers) southwest of London, to celebrate the return of longer days after the shortest day of the year in the northern hemisphere.

The annual event marks the point when the North Pole is tilted furthest away from the sun.

The stone circle, believed to be 4,500 years old, is a World Heritage site known for its alignment with the movements of the sun.

The Associated Press contributed to this report
President Joe Biden returns to the White House in Washington, D.C., from Del., on Dec. 12, 2021. (Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images)

Supreme Court to Take Up Challenges to Bidens Vaccine Mandates

The U.S. Supreme Court has agreed to hear oral arguments on challenges to the Biden administrations COVID-19 vaccine mandates.

In an announcement on Wednesday (pdf), the nations highest federal court said it would on Jan. 7 take up two separate disputes challenging the Biden administrations mandate for businesses with more than 100 employees, and for some 17 million health care workers at facilities receiving Medicaid and Medicare funding.

The court, which has a 6-3 conservative-leaning majority, delayed action on emergency requests in both cases that sought an immediate decision. The workplace mandate is currently in effect nationwide, while the health care worker mandate is blocked in half of the 50 U.S. states.

The mandate for health care workers was issued last month by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), and affects roughly 17 million workers. It requires facilities that receive Medicare or Medicaid funding to require workers to get vaccinated, and has no testing opt-out.

The deadline for meeting the mandate is Jan. 4, 2022. However, OSHA said on Dec. 18 that it would not be issuing fines to businesses for noncompliance until Jan. 10.

The Biden administrations private employer COVID-19 vaccine mandate, meanwhile, was promulgated by the Department of Labors Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). If allowed to take effect next month, it will force every business with 100 or more employees to require proof of a negative COVID-19 test on at least a weekly basis or proof of vaccination from each worker. Companies that dont comply would face escalating fines.

The White House on Wednesday said that it is confident in the legal authority for both policies.

Especially as the U.S. faces the highly transmissible Omicron variant, it is critical to protect workers with vaccination requirements and testing protocols that are urgently needed, White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said in a statement.

At a critical moment for the nations health, the OSHA vaccination or testing rule ensures that employers are protecting their employees and the CMS health care vaccination requirement ensures that providers are protecting their patients, Psaki said.

She added, We are confident in the legal authority for both policies and DOJ will vigorously defend both at the Supreme Court.

The announcement comes as the Biden administration ramps up its messaging for Americans to get vaccinated and receive their booster shots.

The Omicron variant of the novel coronavirus on Monday became the dominant source of new infections in the United States, accounting for roughly 73 percent of new infections nationwide, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Federal officials cited CDC figures for the week ending Dec. 18 that showed a nearly six-fold increase in Omicrons share of infections in only one week.

Infectious diseases expert Dr. Anthony Fauci on Dec. 17 floated the idea of redefining what it means to be fully vaccinated in the United States.

Currently, individuals are considered fully vaccinated after taking their second dose of a two-dose series, such as the Pfizer-BioNtech vaccine, or after a single-dose vaccine, such as the Johnson & Johnson vaccine.

However, Fauci told CNBCs Squawk Box last week that a redefinition of being fully vaccinated is on the table.

Theres no doubt that optimum vaccination is with a booster, he said.

Whether or not the CDC is going to change that, it certainly is on the table and open for discussion. Im not sure exactly when that will happen. But I think people should not lose sight of the message that theres no doubt if you want to be optimally protected, you should get your booster.

Zachary Stieber and Reuters contributed to this report.
Surprising Ways COVID-19 May Destroy Your Immune System

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has been declared one of the top 10 global public health threats to humanity, and it didnt disappear once the COVID-19 pandemic appeared. Instead, its gotten worse, as infection control measures and hand hygiene using antimicrobial gels have become ubiquitous.

AMR causes about 700,000 deaths globally every year, but researchers estimated in mid-2020 that an additional 130,000 AMR deaths would occur in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The number of AMR deaths will likely surpass the number of COVID-19 deaths by at least threefold  annually  by 2050, with some estimates suggesting AMR deaths may reach as high as 10 million deaths per year.

Prior to the pandemic, antimicrobial stewardship programs had been set up worldwide to help stop the inappropriate use of antimicrobials in hospitals, long-term care facilities and other settings, but a review by scientists with Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences in Iran, published in Frontiers in Microbiology, predicts that an overuse of antibiotics, biocides and disinfectants to fight COVID-19 may raise disastrous effects. Further, the overuse of antibiotics may also be directly harming immune response.

Antibiotics Given to COVID-19 Patients Just in Case

Now remember that COVID-19 is caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which means antibiotics are useless against it. Despite this, antibiotics have been used prophylactically throughout the pandemic for COVID-19 patients, typically using the logic that it could prevent bacterial co-infections.

However, the rate of secondary bacterial co-infections has generally been low, while the use of antibiotics has remained high. This isnt a case of antibiotics being used strategically for patients who develop bacterial infections, but rather using them just in case. In a study of 38 Michigan hospitals, 56.6% of patients with COVID-19 were given antibiotics early in their stay, but only 3.5% of them turned out to have a bacterial infection.

For every patient who eventually tested positive for both SARS-Cov2 and a co-occurring bacterial infection that was present on their arrival, 20 other patients received antibiotics but turned out not to need them, Dr. Valerie Vaughn, the studys lead author, said. Other studies have revealed similar signs of rampant antibiotic overuse.

In a study of 99 COVID-19 patients in Wuhan, China, 71% received antibiotic treatment, but only 1% had bacterial co-infections. Overall, its estimated that 1% to 10% of patients with COVID-19 contract a bacterial co-infection, yet antibiotics remained a mainstay of treatment for the majority of cases.

Antibiotics Considered Routine Part of COVID-19 Treatment

Despite decades of efforts to reduce the unnecessary use of antibiotics, one of the largest studies of antibiotic use in hospitalized COVID-19 patients revealed that such drugs are being used indiscriminately and inappropriately for COVID-19. More than half (52%) of the approximately 5,000 patients included in the study received antibiotics, and in 36% of cases, more than one antibiotic was given.

Most of the time, in 96% of cases, the antibiotics were given before a bacterial infection was confirmed, either at admission or within the first 48 hours of hospitalization. As it turned out, only 20% ended up actually having a suspected or confirmed bacterial infection for which the antibiotics would be indicated. The rest received them unnecessarily. The Frontiers in Microbiology researchers explained:

It is noteworthy to be highlighted that the inappropriate use of antibiotics could considerably and silently lead to AMR development during this global outbreak. Unfortunately, recent studies reveal that, in several countries, common and extensive use of antibiotic treatment for COVID-19 hospitalized patients is considered as a part of the routine treatment package.

Even the World Health Organization made it clear that countries were at risk of the accelerated spread of AMR due to the COVID-19 pandemic. They cited data showing antibiotic use increased throughout the pandemic. About 79% to 96% of people who reported taking antibiotics didnt have COVID-19 but were taking them in the hopes of preventing infection, even though antibiotics dont work against viral infections.

Antimicrobial Overuse Could Damage Immunity

Antibiotics can cause a number of serious adverse effects, a little-known one being damage to your mitochondria, which are genetically closely linked to bacteria. Your mitochondria are responsible for most of your cellular energy production and also play a role in antibacterial and antiviral immune responses  and theyre an off-site target of certain antibiotics, which are known to inhibit mitochondrial activity, DNA synthesis and biogenesis.

Thus, antibiotic therapy could be an important and not well appreciated cause of mitochondrial dysfunction. This in turn may weaken your immune response against the COVID-19 infection, according to the featured review. In April 2020, scientists called for urgent thinking out of the box when it comes to antibiotics against COVID-19, as they noted:

  mitochondria are vulnerable to antibacterial treatments, interrupting their physiology. Inhibition of these processes by antibiotics might render the immune system less capable of fighting acute COVID-19 viral infections.

Gut Microbiome Influences Immune Response to COVID

Antibiotics disturb your gut microbiome, which has far-reaching effects on your overall health, including your immune systems ability to fight COVID-19  marking yet another way that indiscriminate antibiotics usage is counterproductive.

When researchers with The Chinese University of Hong Kong analyzed gut microbiome compositions from 100 patients with COVID-19, they found gut commensals known to modulate the immune system were low compared to people without the infection. The makeup of patients gut bacteria  including both the volume and variety  affected the severity of COVID-19 infection as well as the immune response.

Imbalanced gut microbiome could also contribute to the inflammatory symptoms associated with long COVID, in which symptoms persist for months after infection. According to the study:

In light of reports that a subset of recovered patients with COVID-19 experience persistent symptoms such as fatigue, dyspnea and joint pains, some over 80 days after initial onset of symptoms, we posit that the dysbiotic gut microbiome could contribute to immune-related health problems post-COVID-19.

In the study, 50% to 75% of patients received antibiotics, while less than 7% had bacterial infections. While the researchers found no difference in outcomes with or without antibiotics, the drugs were not linked to improved patient outcome and, they noted, it is still possible that a higher prevalence of antibiotic administration in severe and critical patients could worsen inflammation.

Isolation Disturbs Your Immune Response

Of all the negative effects of social isolation endured during the pandemic, those experienced by your immune system may be the last that come to mind, despite being among the most significant for your future health. What does staying home have to do with your immune system?

It alters your 24-hour light/dark cycle, on which your body is built to respond. With more time spent indoors, you have less sunlight exposure and less opportunity to produce vitamin D, which activates macrophages in your lungs that act as a first line defense against respiratory infections, among other immune activities.

Its true that taking vitamin D supplements can somewhat compensate for this, provided your levels are optimized, but other ill effects of lockdown are less easily remedied. Take exercise, another crucial component of a well-oiled immune response, that can reduce stress levels and diseases like heart disease and Type 2 diabetes, which are linked to worsened outcomes from COVID-19.

But even beyond that, staying indoors means you lose out on regular exposures to the natural world, which come with their own set of immune benefits. Trees release phytoncides, which people inhale and are known to alter natural killer cells. This is why, in Japan, shinrin-yoku, or forest bathing, is said to enhance immune function  but its difficult to spend much time immersed in the forest if youre locked down at home.

The other factor that cannot be ignored is the lack of exposure to everyday dirt and germs that is missed when people stay home, socially distanced and sanitized. Our immune system needs a job, Dr. Meg Lemon, a Denver dermatologist, told The New York Times. We evolved over millions of years to have our immune systems under constant assault. Now they dont have anything to do.

What is perhaps most disturbing is that this comment was made in March 2019  prior to the pandemic. Now, its exponentially worse, and your immune system is likely missing out on interactions with bacteria and other microorganisms that teach it, train it how to respond and keep it primed throughout your life.

Without proper training at regular intervals, your immune system can overreact when triggered by ordinarily harmless substances, leading to allergies and inflammation. Might a generation of children, kept isolated and masked, have immune repercussions when exposed to ordinarily routine childhood viruses post-pandemic?

Already, cases of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), which normally circulates in the winter, have popped up in the summer months, suggesting possibly increased immunological susceptibility.

New Antibiotics Are Unlikely to Save Us

There are 43 antibiotics in clinical development, but none of them shows much promise for solving rapidly rising AMR, as innovation is stagnant  most new antibiotics brought to the market are variations of drug classes that have been around since the 1980s. Further, according to WHOs annual Antibacterial Pipeline Report, antibiotics currently in development are insufficient to tackle AMR:

The 2020 report reveals a near static pipeline with only few antibiotics being approved by regulatory agencies in recent years. Most of these agents in development offer limited clinical benefit over existing treatments, with 82% of the recently approved antibiotics being derivatives of existing antibiotic classes with well-established drug-resistance. Therefore, rapid emergence of drug-resistance to these new agents is expected.

Also at issue, hospital reimbursement systems discourage the use of expensive new antibiotics, because they are only reimbursed up to a point. This means patients may be given older drugs that wont work as well to protect the hospital from financial losses.

Legislation to reform this  the Developing an Innovative Strategy for Antimicrobial Resistant Microorganisms Act  has been introduced to help open up the use of new targeted antibiotics for superbug infections. Preserving the efficacy of existing antibiotics is also important, and agricultural antibiotics overuse cannot be ignored in this equation.

Worldwide, most antibiotics are used not for human illness or companion pets, but for livestock. Writing in the International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents, researchers stated, the ongoing pandemic is stretching the limits of optimal antibiotic stewardship and called for an end to unnecessary use of antimicrobial agents.

So, be sure you always avoid antibiotics unless they are absolutely necessary. Additionally, choosing organic foods, including grass fed meats and dairy products, can help you avoid exposure to antibiotic residues in the food supply, while also supporting food growers who are not contributing to AMR.

Youll also want to be careful in your use of disinfectants and sanitizers, using them sparingly and only when truly necessary, which  if youre outside of a hospital  will be hardly at all.

Resources:
Former Brooklyn Center police officer Kim Potter reacts as Hennepin County Judge Regina Chu reads the verdict at the Hennepin County Courthouse in Minneapolis, Minn., on Dec. 23, 2021. (Court TV via AP, Pool)

Former Minneapolis Officer Kim Potter Found Guilty on Manslaughter Charges

A jury found Kim Potter, the former Minnesota police officer who said she mistakenly thought her gun was a Taser, guilty on two manslaughter counts on Wednesday.

Potter, a former Brooklyn Center police officer, pleaded not guilty to first- and second-degree manslaughter charges in connection to the death of Daunte Wright, which sparked protests and violent riots earlier this year. Potter said she mistakenly took her pistol for a Taser when she shot Wright in April.

The jury, comprised of six men and six women, spent over 26 hours deliberating before rendering the decision.

Potter, 49, will face a sentence of about seven years under state guidelines, though prosecutors have said they will seek more.

During closing arguments, prosecutors accused Potter of a blunder of epic proportions in Wrights death in an April 11 traffic stopbut said a mistake was no defense.

But the former officers attorneys countered that Wright, who was attempting to get away from officers as they sought to handcuff him for an outstanding warrant on a weapons charge, caused the whole incident.

Potter, who was not able to compose herself, last week took to the stand and testified that she didnt want to hurt anybody and that she was sorry it happened.

This week, speculation emerged that the jury may be deadlocked after jurors asked Judge Regina Chu about reaching a consensus.

A mourner holds a program for the funeral services of Daunte Wright at Shiloh Temple International Ministries in Minneapolis on April 22, 2021. (John Minchillo/AP Photo)

Bodycamera footage of the shooting was shown several times throughout the trial, showing Potter, who sounded distraught. Oh my God! Potter later cried as another officer consoled her. Holy [expletive], I just shot him, shes heard yelling.

The footage also showed Potter yelling Taser repeatedly before she shot Wright during the traffic stop.

Potters defense lawyer, Earl Gray, told jurors that Potter had a clean record, was a good cop, and is a law-abiding person.

She made a mistake, and, my gosh, a mistake is not a crime, Gray told jurors, according to live footage of the trial.

Prosecutor Erin Eldridge argued that Wright, who was accused of robbing a woman at gunpoint in a prior case, wasnt armed during the encounter and posed no threat to those officers.

Were here because this was entirely preventable, totally avoidable, Eldridge said, adding Potters life was not at risk.

Wrights estate is facing three posthumous lawsuits alleging belligerent criminal behavior, including two from young men who alleged Wright victimized them in various ways. The woman who claimed Wright robbed her also filed a lawsuit against his estate.

Everybody feels so horrible for this man, but no one takes the time to see how horrible of a person he was, the woman, who was not named, told Fox News in an interview on Dec. 8.

Previously, the trial judge said for first-degree manslaughter, prosecutors must prove that Potter caused Wrights death while committing the crime of reckless handling of a firearm.

This means they must prove that she committed a conscious or intentional act while handling or using a firearm that creates a substantial or unjustifiable risk that she was aware of and disregarded, and that she endangered safety. For second-degree manslaughter, prosecutors must prove she acted with culpable negligence, meaning she consciously took a chance of causing death or great bodily harm.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Former President Donald Trump speaks during a rally in Perry, Ga., on Saturday, Sept. 25, 2021. (Ben Gray/AP Photo)

Trump Asks Supreme Court to Block Release of White House Documents

Former President Donald Trump asked the Supreme Court to block the release of White House records that are being sought by the House Jan. 6 select committee.

The request from the House Select Committee, which is led by Reps. Bennie Thompson (D-Miss.) and Liz Cheney (R-Wyo.), is exceedingly broad and an unprecedented encroachment on executive privilege, Trumps lawyers argued on Thursday. President Joe Biden previously declined to invoke executive privilege over the disputed records.

Trump asked the justices to fully review the case and place a hold on a lower court decision that allowed the disclosure of the documents.

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit earlier this month rejected Trumps bid for executive privilege. But the U.S. appeals court also granted Trumps request to temporarily halt the release of the documents.

The limited interest the Committee may have in immediately obtaining the requested records pales in comparison to President Trumps interest in securing judicial review before he suffers irreparable harm, Trumps lawyers wrote Thursday.

In arguing that executive privilege is warranted, his lawyers said (pdf) Trump is more than an ordinary citizen due to his prior role as president. He is one of only five living Americans who, as former Presidents, are granted special authority to make determinations regarding the disclosure of records and communications created during their terms of office.

Federal Judge Tanya Chutkan, an appointee of former President Barack Obama, in November also ruled against Trump and wouldnt block the disclosure of records to the committee.

Chutkan wrote at the time that Trumps arguments appear to be premised on the notion that his executive power exists in perpetuity  but presidents are not kings, and Plaintiff is not President.

Around the same time, Chutkan also denied a request by one of Trumps lawyers to prevent the U.S. National Archives from handing over documents to the congressional probe.

In a separate statement on Thursday, Trump criticized the House Jan. 6 panel by describing it as the unselect committee.

The people being persecuted by the January 6th Unselect Committee should simply tell the truth, the former commander-in-chief said. People are entitled to Freedom of Speech, and perhaps there has been no time in our Countrys history where Freedom of Speech has been so totally violated.

The legal filing comes several days after a district judge dismissed retired Lt. Gen. Michael Flynns request for a temporary restraining order to block a subpoena from the Jan. 6 committee.

The Epoch Times has contacted the House Jan. 6 committee for comment.
Rep. Veronica Escobar (D-Texas), center, talks with Reps. Sylvia Garcia (D-Texas) and Mary Gay Scanlon (D-Penn.) during a House Judiciary Committee markup hearing on the articles of impeachment against President Donald Trump in the Longworth House Office Building on Capitol Hill in Washington on Dec. 12, 2019. (Sarah Silbiger/Getty Images)

Two Democrats Carjacked in Separate Incidents: Officials

Two elected Democrats this week became the victims of carjacking in the space of 24 hours, officials have confirmed.

According to her office and city officials, Rep. Mary Gay Scanlon (D-Penn.) was carjacked at gunpoint at a South Philadephia park on Wednesday afternoon, after she had a meeting at that location.

The Congresswoman was physically unharmed, her office said in a statement. She thanks the Philadelphia Police Department for their swift response, and appreciates the efforts of both the Sergeant at Arms in D.C. and her local police department for coordinating with Philly PD to ensure her continued safety.

Scanlons spokesperson, Lauren Cox, told The Philadelphia Inquirer that the lawmakers vehicle and possessions, including her government cell phone, identification, personal cell phone, and purse were taken in the incident.

Police say that as Scanlon walked to her vehicle, she was approached by two men, aged approximately 20-30, who demanded she give them her keys, reported Fox News. One of the men drove off in her blue 2017 Acura MDX and the other fled the scene in an SUV.

According to CBS, Delaware State Police recovered Scanlons stolen vehicle at 9 p.m. Wednesday and five suspects are now in custody.

Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney, a Democrat, described the incident as disheartening and infuriating.

Everyone deserves to feel safe in our city, and sadly, as we know, that hasnt always been the case this year, said Kenney.

Its disheartening, and quite frankly infuriating, that criminals feel emboldened to commit such a reckless crime in the middle of the day in what should be a place of tranquility and peaceone of Philadelphias beautiful parks, the mayor added. Im thankful that she was not physically harmed during this incident, and my thoughts are with her during what Im sure is a traumatic time.

Kenneys administration has been criticized for how its been dealing with a spike in violent crime this year.

According to figures released by the city, Philadelphia set its all-time yearly murder rate earlier this month. As of Wednesday, the city saw 544 murders in 2021, surpassing the previously set record of 500 murders in 1990.

With a population of about 1.579 million, police data suggests Philadelphias homicide rate is more than 33 murders per 100,000 people, which is more than four times the 2020 U.S. homicide rate of 7.8 per 100,000 people.

Wednesday afternoons carjacking incident came less than 24 hours after Illinois Democratic state Senate majority leader Sen. Kimberly Lightford and her husband were carjacked on Tuesday night in Chicagoamid a surge in shootings and murders in the city this year.

Police told CBS Chicago that the pair were approached by three masked individuals as Lightford and her husband, Eric McKennie, were driving a Mercedes Benz SUV.

The carjackers fired shots during the incident, but the pair were unharmed, police said, adding that the carjackers fled the scene in Lightfords vehicle and a Dodge Durango.

First and foremost, I am thankful that my husband and I are alive and physically unharmed, Lightford said in a statement. I am trying to process the trauma of what happened. I want to thank everyone who has offered their love and support. I want to especially thank Mayor Katrina Thompson and the Broadview Police Department for their quick and thorough response.

Both Scanlon and Lightford have advocated for police reform following George Floyds May 2020 killing.

Jack Phillips contributed to this report.
Britain's Health Secretary Sajid Javid passes a Christmas wreath as he leaves from 10 Downing Street in London on Dec. 15, 2021. (Tolga Akmen /AFP via Getty Images)

UK Health Chief Welcomes Studies Showing Omicron Causes Less Severe Illness

UK Health Secretary Sajid Javid has welcomed studies suggesting the Omicron COVID-19 variant may cause less severe illness than earlier strains, but warned it could still lead to significant hospital admissions.

Researchers from the Imperial College London estimated that Omicron patients were 20- to 25-percent less likely to need hospital care and 40- to 45-percent less likely to be hospitalized for one night or more when compared to patients with the Delta variant.

The researchers also estimated that natural immunity, or protection from a prior infection, reduces the risk of hospitalization by 50 percent and the risk of a hospital stay of one night or more by 61 percent.

Scientists in a separate Scotland-wide study called Early Pandemic Evaluation and Enhanced Surveillance of COVID-19 said Omicron is associated with a two-thirds reduction in the risk of hospital admission compared with Delta.

Reacting to the new findings on Thursday, Javid said: That is, of course, good, encouraging news.

But he cautioned: They are not very clear yet though by how much that risk is reduced.

We do know with Omicron that it does spread a lot more quickly, it is a lot more infectious than Delta, so any advantage gained from reduced risk of hospitalisation needs to be set against that, he told broadcasters.

If a much smaller percentage of people are at risk of hospitalisation, if that is a smaller percentage of a much larger number, there could still be significant hospitalisation.

Javid also said there will be no further announcements on CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus restrictions in England before Christmas.

We are not planning any further announcements this week, he said. Despite the caution that we are all taking, people should enjoy their Christmases with their families and their friendsof course, remain cautious.

We will keep the situation under review. We are learning more all the time as we have done from this new data. We will keep analysing that data and if we need to do anything more we will, but nothing more is going to happen before Christmas.

Health minister Gillian Keegan said on Wednesday that data on the severity of Omicron is one of the missing pieces ministers had been waiting for.

She told the BBC that there is a lot of uncertainty in the data.

Professor Neil Ferguson, who led the Imperial College study, said in a statement: Given the high transmissibility of the Omicron virus, there remains the potential for health services to face increasing demand if Omicron cases continue to grow at the rate that has been seen in recent weeks.

Professor Andrew Hayward, director of the Institute of Epidemiology and Healthcare of University College London (UCL), told the BBC that the new findings may not necessarily be extrapolated to elderly people.

Zachary Stieber and PA contributed to this report.
A file image of U.S. Marines from the 3rd Marine Expeditionary Force, Battalion landing team deployed from Okinawa, Japan participate a landing operation in Pohang, South Korea on March 12, 2016. (Woohae Cho/Getty Images)

US, Japan Agree to Renew Deal to Host US Troops

Japans government said it has agreed to increase its financial support to $1.8 billion per year through 2026 to continue hosting tens of thousands of U.S. troops under a new five-year agreement starting in fiscal 2022.

The previous agreement, signed in 2016, that covers the 54,000 U.S. troops stationed in Japan expired in March 2021. The United States and Japan then signed a one-year extension in February amid the transition between the Trump and Biden administrations.

Under the latest deal, Tokyo will pay 1.05 trillion yen ($9.2 billion) through 2026 to host American troops and their familiesup 75 billion yen ($657 million) from the previous deal, Kyodo News reported.

Bilateral defense cooperation under Host Nation Support will contribute to the enhancement of readiness and resiliency of the Alliance, including by improving the interoperability of U.S. forces and the Self-Defense Forces of Japan, Japans Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement.

The payments also cover utility costs and the salaries of Japanese staff at U.S. military bases.

Former President Donald Trump in 2019 reportedly sought to ask Japan to hike up annual payments for U.S. forces stationed in the country, as part of Washingtons efforts to press its allies to increase their defense spending.

According to Kyodo, Japanese officials told John Bolton, Trumps national security adviser at the time, that the increase was unrealistic, saying Japan already pays a greater share of stationing costs than other allies.

The southernmost prefecture of Okinawa hosts 70 percent of U.S. military facilities in Japan. The United States is obligated to defend Japan under a 1951 security treaty.

The new agreement is set to be signed during a meeting between Japan and the United States in January, The Japan Times reported.

According to The Hill, Secretary of State Antony Blinken and his Japanese counterpart will meet on Jan. 7.

A source familiar with the January meeting told the news outlet that Blinken, Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, Japanese Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi, and Japanese Defense Minister Nobuo Kishi, are expected to meet for the first time since March.

The Epoch Times has contacted the State Department for comment.

The renewal of the deal comes amid growing concern over Chinese military assertiveness in the Pacific region, especially in the South China Sea, the Taiwan Straits, and the East China Sea.

We could show our resolution to stand up to the challenge posed by the difficult security environment together, Kishi told a press briefing as he announced the agreement.

A State Department spokesman told The Hill that the proposed agreement between Japan and the United States represents a modernized, forward-looking framework under which U.S. forces in Japan help ensure security and regional stability.

The spokesman added: It promotes greater mutual investment in defense and improvements to our forces interoperability. It includes an increase in cost-sharing contributions from Japan.

Additional details of the proposal will be released after the agreement is concluded, the spokesman added.

Reuters contributed to this report.
Homes that were constructed by Balfour Beatty are seen in a neighborhood at Tinker Air Force Base, Okla., on May 1, 2019. (Nick Oxford/Reuters)

US Military Landlord Pleads Guilty to Fraud, Resolving Probe: Justice Department

The U.S. Justice Department said it resolved probes into Balfour Beatty Communities, one of the U.S. militarys largest private landlords, after it pleaded guilty on Wednesday to one count of major fraud and agreed to pay over $65 million in fines and restitution.

Balfour Beatty was being investigated for defrauding the U.S. Air Force, Army, and Navy. A company spokesperson said on Thursday: We have taken full responsibility and apologize to all our stakeholders.

The company is a unit of British infrastructure conglomerate Balfour Beatty Plc.

In 2019, Reuters reports described how Balfour Beatty employees falsified maintenance documents at Air Force bases to help the company qualify for incentive fee payments, citing five former employees who said they falsified records, company emails, and internal Air Force communications. Service members and their families were exposed to asbestos, vermin, mold, and raw sewage.

The reports prompted an investigation by the Air Force Office of Special Investigations and the Inspector Generals Defense Criminal Investigative Service.

U.S. District Judge Emmet Sullivan accepted the companys guilty plea on Wednesday and sentenced it to pay over $65 million, serve three years of probation, and engage an independent compliance monitor for a period of three years.

Instead of promptly repairing housing for U.S. service members as required, Balfour Beatty Communities lied about the repairs to pocket millions of dollars in performance bonuses, said Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco.

This pervasive fraud was a consequence of Balfour Beatty Communities broken corporate culture.

Stacy Cabrera, a former housing manager at Texass Lackland Air Force Base who told Reuters she felt pressure to manipulate records to meet the bonus goals, pleaded guilty to major fraud in April. Rick Cunefare, a former Balfour Beatty regional manager who oversaw bases in Oklahoma, Texas, and other states, pleaded guilty earlier this year to major fraud.

By Kanishka Singh
Four upgraded US-made F-16 V fighters fly during a demonstration at a ceremony at the Chiayi Air Force in southern Taiwan on Nov 18. 2021. (Photo by Sam Yeh / AFP) (Photo by SAM YEH/AFP via Getty Images)

US Running Out of Time to Prepare for Possible War With China Over Taiwan: Experts

The Chinese regime is rapidly expanding its military and modernizing its weaponry. Taiwan and the United States could be caught flat-footed if they fail to recognize the urgency of the threat, analysts warn.

China will have the ability to mount a full-scale invasion of Taiwan by 2025, according to Taiwanese Defense Minister Chiu Kuo-cheng. He also called the rising tensions between China and Taiwan the most severe he has seen in 40 years.

Retired Capt. James Fanell, former director of intelligence and information operations for the U.S. Navys Pacific Fleet, agreed. The United States needs to be prepared for a conflict as tension escalates to near out-of-control levels between China and Taiwan, he told The Epoch Times.

Fanell said the Chinese regime has become an aggressor nation. While some would argue they havent taken enough military action to be called an aggressor, he said, the people that are supposed to be intelligent and forward-thinking about national security shouldnt have to wait for China to launch an invasion of Taiwan to then be able to say China is an aggressor.

This year, Chinese warplanes have entered Taiwans air defense zone in record numbers. In November, two Chinese amphibious landing dock ships also simulated an assault east of Taiwan.

Essentially, China is encircling Taiwan and putting a noose around its neck, Fanell said. Theyll just keep tightening it more and more as time goes on. Each provocation from the Chinese regime is an effort to get Taiwan to lash out. Such action, he added, could be used as justification by the Chinese regime to launch an invasion of Taiwan.

Ill-Prepared for Conflict

According to the Lowy Institutes Asia Power Index, Chinas defense spending surpasses that of India, Japan, Taiwan, and all 10 members of the Association of South-East Asian Nations (ASEAN) combined.

David Sauer, a retired senior CIA officer who served as chief of station and deputy chief of station in multiple overseas command positions in East Asia and South Asia, said its imperative to read the writing on the wall and see looming danger [of the growing military power].

If the Chinese regime were to move forward with an invasion of Taiwan, Sauer said, they will want to do it as fast as possible, while limiting the amount of death and destruction. He said he imagines [the Chinese regimes] goal would be to do it so fast that the U.S., Japan, and the international community cant react fast enough to make any kind of difference.

Time is running out for the United States and Taiwan to prepare to go to war with China, he said.

Taiwan is going to have to be extremely resilient, hopefully holding on long enough for the United States to marshal enough forces to arrive and defend them with success, Sauer said.

On Nov. 29, President Joe Biden approved recommendations from the Pentagons global posture review. While the review wasnt made public, the Pentagons summary of its findings left much to be desired, according to Sauer.

Little was said about China, he said, explaining that the review lacked any specifics on strategic changes to U.S. capabilities or capacity for military operations in the Pacific. The Pentagon appears to have missed an opportunity to recommend the deployment of more forces in the Pacific theater.

What does that say to the Chinese regime? Sauer added. The Chinese regime is massively increasing their military capabilities and the United States, under the direction of Biden and Austin, are not really doing anything different to match that buildup.

For Fanell, the United States has been asleep at the wheel for decades.

China has been conducting the largest military modernization in the post-WWII environment of any country in Asia, Fanell said.

For at least 20 years, he said, experts have suggested Chinas military buildup was normal, because China is a large country, having the second-largest economy in the world.

This is what big countries do, they saybut its this kind of thinking that has made us ill-prepared, Fanell said. For the past few decades, U.S. operations have focused on the Middle East, and in doing so, the strategic threat of the PRC [Peoples Republic of China] was largely minimized.

The last 30 years have been spent in the desert and mountains of Afghanistan, focused on killing individual terrorists.

All the while, the Chinese navy has embarked on building the largest navy in the world with 355 ships. The Pentagon has projected that the Peoples Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) will increase its number of ships to 460 by 2030. In comparison, a 30-year plan for the U.S. Navy to build ships would bring its fleet to 355 by 2049. At this rate, some analysts fear that the PLAN is outpacing the U.S. Navy in terms of naval capabilities.

[The United States] does not currently have the military power structure thats required to fight China in the domain thats going to be required, a maritime domain in the Pacific, said Fanell, who retired in 2015 having served nearly 30 years focused on Indo-Asia Pacific security affairs and the Chinese navy and its operations.

A Crucial Decade Ahead

While the Chinese regime wants to avoid a full-blown military conflict in the immediate future, the time frame for such action is narrowing, according to Sauer. He noted Taiwans society is far removed from that of mainland China. Given the unabashed efforts of China to take over Hong Kong, the chances for Taiwan to relinquish their autonomy peacefully are slim to none.

Fanell agreed, saying the Chinese regime does not necessarily want to go to full-blown war to achieve its goals. But as time goes on [without Taiwans submission], the pressure to use military force increases exponentially, he said, adding that Taiwan and the United States are running out of time because the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) is on a timeline.

2049 will mark the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Chinese regime. As the date moves closer, Fanell said the CCP is on a timeline to be totally restored and complete. In effect, their goal is to complete what Chinese leader Xi Jinping refers to as the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.

According to Fanell, whoever is the paramount leader at this time will be able to stand up in front of the world and say China has completed the great rejuvenation, having taken control of areas they believe are theirs. These areas include Taiwan and the disputed border regions of India, he noted.

For the CCP, they are likely focusing on one key question: How late can [the Chinese regime] wait to use military force and still expect the world to come to Beijing on 1 October 2049 and celebrate the great rejuvenation?

Following the massacre at Tiananmen Square, the world condemned the barbarous actions of the PRC and CCP in 1989, he said. Fast-forward 19 years and President Bush sat, with sleeves rolled up, among commoners in a stadium to enjoy the spectacular opening ceremony of the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

If 20 years is the proposed mark for the world to forget about the atrocities of Tiananmen Square, then back up 20 years from 2049, Fanell. Thus, the time period between now and 2030, he characterizes as the decade of great concernthe most dangerous time in the world for Taiwan and its allies.

If the Chinese were to take aggressive military action between 2025 and 2030, for example, he said, the Chinese also recognize that the West has a short attention span, and will forget about their use of force, just like they forgot about Tiananmen Square.

Many of the same people who will oppose the invasion of Taiwan will also forget about the invasion, and find themselves attending the big [rejuvenation] ceremony in 2049, Fanell said.
A member of the U.S. Secret Service on duty in Wilmington, Delaware on July 28, 2020. (Mark Makela/Getty Images)

US Secret Service Investigating Hundreds of Fraud Cases Linked to Funds for Pandemic Relief

More than 900 fraud cases linked to pandemic-related relief funds are being investigated, said a U.S. Secret Service statement issued Tuesday.

In the statement, the Secret Service added there was potentially fraudulent activity nearing $100 billion related to the relief funds last year.

The $100 billion figure is based on the aggregate of two previous reports by the Inspector General that have been public for months and looked at issues in 2020. There is no new research, data, or analysis of fraud, the statement noted. Presumably, that figure is now higher.

Most of the loss has come from unemployment benefits improperly disbursed, said the statement.

The exploitation of pandemic-related relief is an investigative priority for the Secret Service and its partners, it added.

The statement also announced the appointment of Assistant Special Agent in Charge, Roy Dotson, as the services coordinator of national pandemic fraud recovery.

The Secret Service currently has more than 900 active criminal investigations into fraud specific to pandemic-related relief funds, Dotson said.

Thats a combination of pandemic benefits and all the other benefits programs too. Every state has been hit, some harder than others, he said.

The Secret Service is hitting the ground running, trying to recover everything we can, including funds stolen from both federal and state programs.

In his new role, Dotson will organize investigation efforts with financial institutions, money service businesses, and federal agencies into tracking and recovering the stolen funds, which include Small Business Administration (SBA) loans, unemployment insurance, and other grant programs.

Fraud related to personal protective equipment (PPE) was of primary concern to law enforcement, including the Secret Service, early in the pandemic, the statement said, adding that the release of federal funding through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act attracted the attention of individuals and organized criminal networks worldwide.

Many people associate the Secret Service with protecting key political personalities in the country, including the president. But, the department also handles investigations of financial crimes.

The United States Labor Department has reported that almost $87 billion in unemployment benefits could have been inappropriately paid out, while the Secret Service has seized around $1.2 billion in unemployment insurance thefts and loan frauds. Besides this, $2.3 billion fraudulent funds have been returned through coordinating with states and financial partners.

The amount of fraud could be overstated as the figures include mistaken payments to people who arent eligible for the benefits.

According to a November report by the Small Business Administrations inspector general, the agency improperly distributed over $3.1 billion loans and more than $550 million in grants to unsuitable recipients owing to a lack of adequate oversight controls.

Meanwhile, the Justice Department said earlier in the month that it has prosecuted more than 150 defendants in over 95 criminal cases involved in Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) schemes. The DOJ has, till now, seized over $75 million in cash proceeds, along with real estate and luxury items, from PPP fraud.

In November, Lee Price, a Texas man, was sentenced to over 9 years in prison for stealing $1.6 million from the PPP program. Price acquired the funds by falsifying the number of employees and payroll expenses on behalf of three different business entities.

He submitted bogus tax records to two different relief loan lenders, and after acquiring the funds, spent it on a Lamborghini Urus, a Ford F-350 truck, a Rolex watch, and to pay off a loan on a residential property, among other purchases. The department has seized more than $700,000 of the stolen funds.

PPP offered low-interest forgivable loans to small businesses that were most affected during the pandemic-related restrictions and lockdowns.

A combined amount of $3.4 trillion has been dispersed as part of all pandemic relief programs.
US Treasury Creates Pathway to Send Aid to Afghanistan

The Treasury Department on Wednesday announced it was issuing special licenses to ensure that some international aid could flow to Afghanistan, where the economy collapsed following the Taliban takeover in August.

The licenses will enable the U.S. government, international organizations such as the United Nations and nongovernmental organizations to operate in the country and offer humanitarian assistance despite sanctions. They will also allow Afghans living abroad to send money to their families in Afghanistan through remittances.

We are committed to supporting the people of Afghanistan, said Deputy Treasury Secretary Wally Adeyemo in a statement. Unfortunately, the economy faces grave challenges, exacerbated by the countrys long dependence on foreign aid, donor and private sector flight sparked by the Talibans takeover, drought, structural macroeconomic issues, and the COVID-19 pandemic.

The U.S. government has labeled Afghanistans Taliban and the related Haqqani network as terrorists, severely restricting their access to global institutions and the outside money that supported the countrys economy before the withdrawal of U.S. forces this year and the swift demise of its previous government.

Biden administration officials face the awkward task of trying to help the Afghan people without also funding a Taliban government that the U.S.-led coalition supplanted after the 9/11 attacks in 2001 and then fought for roughly 20 years.

As much as 80 percent of Afghanistans budget comes from the international community. Without greater access to foreign money, the Afghan economy is likely to contract by about 30 percent this year urthering the humanitarian crisis.

The State Department said the U.S. government plans to provide Afghanistan with an additional 1 million vaccine doses in the coming weeks. That brings the total U.S. donation for Afghanistan to 4.3 million doses, though the country has an estimated population of about 40 million.

Earlier in December, the U.S. government worked to transfer $280 million from the World Banks Afghanistan reconstruction trust fund to U.N. organizations to address health and nutrition needs in the country.

By Josh Boak
Military delegates stand in formation at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on Oct. 9, 2021. (Noel Celis/AFP via Getty Images)

US Universities Maintain Ties With Chinese Institutions That Support Beijings Military Development, Report Says

Dozens of American universities continue to collaborate with Chinese sister universities, many of which are involved in research that aids the communist regimes military, according to a recent report.

These academic relationships are used by the Chinese regime to acquire American technology and know-how to further its military development, said a Dec. 9 report by the Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD), a Washington-based think tank.

Chinas civilian university system play a major role in Chinas military-industrial complex, including its nuclear and cyber-espionage programs, it said, referring to the Chinese Communist Partys civil-military fusion strategy which calls for all civilian sector developments to be harnessed for Beijings military advancement.

The report found at least 28 U.S. universities that hold sister relationships with Chinese universities, including 10 that maintain active sister-school relationships with Chinese universities conducting classified research in support of Chinas defense establishment.

While it is not illegal for American universities to enter into such partnerships, the report said that some may give rise to security concerns.

For instance, it identified three universities, Arizona State University, the University of Utah, and Pacific Lutheran University in Washington states, that have partnerships with Sichuan University, which was put on a U.S. trade blacklist in 2019 for supporting the regimes nuclear weapons program.

The Commerce Departments entity list identifies Sichuan University as an alias of the China Academy of Engineering Physics (CAEP), a center situated in the university overseeing the countrys nuclear weapons researcha facility akin to Los Alamos, the U.S. nuclear facility in New Mexico. CAEP has been on the entity list since the late 1990s.

No laws require American universities to sever ties with Chinese institutions that appear on a U.S. blacklist, though inclusion on the entity list would require U.S. universities to seek permission from the Commerce Department for certain research collaborations.

The University of Utah said that it doesnt have any relationship with Sichuan University outside of our Confucius Institute. The university will also sunset its Confucius Insitute, a Beijing-backed center, in June 2023, when the current contract expires, university spokesperson Christopher Nelson said.

Arizona State University and Pacific Lutheran University did not return an inquiry from The Epoch Times.

Confucius Institutes

The report noted that Beijing-funded Confucius Institutes have served as a gateway for American universities to expand their relationships with Chinese partners.

Billed as Chinese language and culture centers, Confucius Institutes have drawn mounting scrutiny in the United States over their role in spreading CCP propaganda and suppressing academic expression.

In 2020, the Trump administration designated the headquarters of the Confucius Institute in America as a foreign mission of China, recognizing its role as an arm of the CCP.

While this scrutiny in recent years has brought down the number of institutes to 34 from 113 in 2018, the report noted that almost 30 of the universities that closed their Confucius Institutes maintained or expanded ties with Chinese sister universities.

A U.S. universitys decision to establish a Confucius Institute program usually leads to other forms of academic and research collaboration with CCP-affiliated entities, and such collaboration extends far beyond the relationship between the U.S. university and the Institute, the report said. Many of the collaborations, according to its findings, involve advanced U.S. research and development and will boost the leapfrogging of the Chinese regimes military capabilities.

When the CCP selects a U.S. university to host a Confucius Institute, they are not indiscriminate. Instead, it focuses on the top research universities rather than the 4,000 non-research-focused ones across the country. In 2018, 71 of the 113 Confucius Institutes, or 63 percent were at Americas top research universities, the report found.

Most Chinese sister universities are chosen by the CCP to support Confucius Institutes also are Chinas top research universities that are involved in the Partys various military-civil fusion projects, the report said.

And it observed that American universities often have separate, mandatory contractual agreements with their Chinese sister universities, which are assigned by the CCP according to its purpose. Over time, U.S. universities frequently establish separate collaborative agreements with additional Chinese universities, including ones supporting Chinas defense establishment.

Recommendations

Therefore, the closing of the institute does not tell the whole story. Craig Singleton, the author of the report, advised policymakers not to only focus on shutting down the institutes, but also to scrutinize other agreements that U.S. universities maintain with Chinese universities.

Since U.S. universities are not required by federal law to disclose details about their cooperation with foreign universities, the report recommended that Congress pass legislation mandating U.S. universities to disclose any academic partnership agreements with any Chinese university.

The report also urged for greater enforcement of a 1986 law that requires U.S. higher education institutions to submit biannual reports on foreign gifts and contracts valued at $250,000 or more.

An October 2020 report by the Department of Education concluded that American universities had massively underreported while also anonymizing much of the money it did disclose, all to hide foreign sources (and, correspondingly, their influence on campus) from the Department and the public.

Based on investigations it opened at a dozen higher educations, including Harvard, Yale, and Stanford universities, the department found American top universities had aggressively pursued and accepted foreign money.

Since being scrutinized, the 12 universities disclosed a combined $6.5 billion of foreign funding they had not reported before, the departments report said. And when it listed the largest sources of their foreign donations, China was in first place, followed by Russia.

According to another report from the U.S Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations released in 2019, China had provided over $158 million of funding to place and operate Confucius Institutes on U.S. campuses.

Despite Beijings heavy spending, institutions reporting was lax, the Senate report said. Nearly 70 percent of schools required to file reports with the Department of Education failed to report Hanban gifts, contracts, or contributions in excess of $250,000. Hanban was the former name of the CCP agency in charge of the Confucius Institute program.

After examining the announced reasons for closing Confucius Institutes between 2018 and 2021, the FDD report found that only four closures were attributed to national security concerns, whereas four times as many closures were prompted by federal legislation that blocked the Department of Defense from funding universities that housed Confucius Institutes.

The report also found that after shutting the Institutes, some U.S. universities incorporated part of its program into their existing programs. These programs typically feature Chinese language training but often retain CCP-dictated curricula about Chinese history and culture. Some other universities established new institutes devoted to China or related international issues with their former Chinese sister universities.

The FDD thus recommended that departments of State and Education set up more Taiwan Centers for Mandarin Learning on American campuses. The Taiwan Center project, initiated in September and funded by the Taiwan government, offers an alternative environment for learning the Chinese language that also aims to raise awareness of the islands democracy and respect for human rights, according to the Taiwanese agency overseeing the program.

In October, Harvard University relocated its Chinese language program from Beijing to Taipei. So far, 15 Taiwan Centers have been approved by the U.S. government. According to Taiwans plan, dozens more Taiwan Centers will be established across U.S. campuses within three to five years.
A Wall Street sign is seen next to surveillance equipment outside the New York Stock Exchange in New York, on Oct. 5, 2021. (Mary Altaffer/AP Photo)

What Are Citis Top Telecom, Networking Picks for 2022?

Citi analyst Jim Suva named Keysight Technologies Inc., followed by Motorola Solutions Inc., and Ciena Corp., as his top telecom and networking picks for 2022.

Keysight should benefit from semi-cap equipment, new buildouts, edge computing, and new automotive electronic complexity growth, Suva notes.

Keysight is a leader in testing and measurement, helping electronics OEMs and suppliers alike bring products to market to fit industry standards and specifications.

Suva adds that Motorola should benefit from first-responder upgrades using more technology plus government stimulus reaching enterprises, government, and education.

Motorola is a provider of communications and analytics, primarily serving public safety departments and schools, hospitals, and businesses.

Suva sees Ciena benefitting from optical buildout share gains, with India returning to growth, Suva contends.

Ciena is a network strategy and technology company. It provides network hardware, software, and services that support the transport, switching, aggregation, service delivery, and management of video, data, and voice traffic on communications networks.

By Anusuya Lahiri

 2021 The Epoch Times. The Epoch Times does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) building is seen in Washington on March 13, 2019. (Eric Barada/AFP via Getty Images)

Woman Pleads Guilty to Striking Flight Attendant on San Diego-Bound Plane

SAN DIEGOA woman who repeatedly punched a flight attendant on a San Diego-bound plane pleaded guilty Dec. 22 to a federal count of interfering with flight crew members and attendants.

Vyvianna Quinonez of Sacramento, 28, admitted that while on a May 23 flight from Sacramento to San Diego, she struck a Southwest Airlines flight attendant identified only as S.L. in court documents. The victim suffered injuries that included three chipped teethtwo of which sustained serious enough damage that they were replaced with crownsa bruised left eye, a cut under her eye requiring stitches, and bruising on her arm, according to court documents.

The U.S. Attorneys Office said that during the planes descent into San Diego International Airport, S.L. asked Quinonez to wear her face mask properly, fasten her seat belt, and stow her tray table.

In her plea agreement, Quinonez admitted to pushing the flight attendant, punching her in the face and head, and grabbing her by the hair, prompting other passengers to intervene.

A probable cause statement filed with Quinonezs criminal complaint states that after she was taken into custody by San Diego Harbor Police at the airport, Quinonez told law enforcement she acted in self-defense.

The U.S. Attorneys Office is expected to recommend that Quinonez receive four months in custody and six months of home confinement, Assistant U.S. Attorney Jaclyn Stahl said, though the recommendation could be subject to changes prior to the sentencing date, which is set for March 11.

The parties will also jointly recommend a $5,000 fine, mandatory restitution payments, community service, and anger management classes. Quinonez will also be barred from flying on commercial airlines for three years, according to the prosecutor.

The flight attendant who was assaulted was simply doing her job to ensure the safety of all passengers aboard the plane, Acting U.S. Attorney Randy Grossman said. Its inexcusable for anyone to use violence on an airplane for any reason, particularly towards a flight attendant who is there to keep all the passengers safe.

The incident happened amid a rash of unruly passenger behavior on flights nationwide.

According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), nearly 5,800 unruly passenger incidents have been reported this year, with 4,156 incidents related to face masks, and more than $1 million in fines has been proposed for unruly passenger behavior in 2021.

The FAA and Transportation Security Administration also announced Tuesday that passengers facing fines for unruly behavior may have their TSA PreCheck privilegeswhich allow eligible, low-risk passengers to enjoy expedited security screeningrevoked.
BILLINGS, Mont. (AP)  Attorneys for a Louisiana oil and gas company have asked a federal judge to reinstate a drilling lease it held on land considered sacred to Native American tribes in the U.S. and Canada.

The long-disputed energy lease in the Badger-Two Medicine area of northwestern Montana near the Blackfeet Reservation was cancelled in 2016 under then-U.S. Interior Secretary Sally Jewell. That decision was upheld by a federal appeals court last year.

Now Solenex LLC  the company that held the lease  is making another run at getting a court to restore its drilling rights. In court documents filed Thursday in a lawsuit against the Interior Department, its attorneys argued that Jewell exceeded her authority and the lease should be reinstated.

Solenex founder Sidney Longwell, who died last year, bought the 10-square-mile (25-square-kilometer) lease in 1982 but never drilled on the site. Instead, Longwell confronted major bureaucratic delays within the U.S. departments of Interior and Agriculture that prompted the company to sue in 2013.

The Badger-Two-Medicine area near Glacier National Park is the site of the creation story of the Blackfoot tribes of southern Canada and Montanas Blackfeet Nation. There have been efforts to declare it a national monument or make it a cultural heritage area, and tribal leaders have bitterly opposed Solenexs drilling aspirations.

The Blackfeet have intervened in the case on the side of the government. Blackfeet Nation historic preservation officer John Murray said tribal officials were confident in the case against drilling.

We knew they still wanted to try to do drilling, Murray said. "We've got some good attorneys. I think we're going to prevail."

Solenex attorneys said the government unlawfully outsourced its decisions by deferring to the tribe's wishes to block drilling. They said officials should have considered ways drilling impacts could be lessened or offset if it were to proceed.

Solenexs lawsuit is being waged by the Mountain States Legal Foundation, a Colorado-based firm that pursues cases involving property rights, guns and other conservative causes.

Solenex is listed as a corporation not in good standing with the Louisiana secretary of state for failure to file an annual report. Mountain States Legal Foundation said it is working with the family of company founder Longwell to carry on the litigation.

Justice delayed is justice denied, and theres no better example of that than our client, Mr. Longwell, who spent 38 years of his life trying to defend his property right in an energy lease that initially was granted to him but then summarily denied, Solenex attorney Zhonette Brown said.

Interior Department spokesperson Tyler Cherry declined to comment on the case.
LAGOS, Nigeria (AP)  Computers have become amazingly precise at translating spoken words to text messages and scouring huge troves of information for answers to complex questions. At least, that is, so long as you speak English or another of the worlds dominant languages.

But try talking to your phone in Yoruba, Igbo or any number of widely spoken African languages and youll find glitches that can hinder access to information, trade, personal communications, customer service and other benefits of the global tech economy.

We are getting to the point where if a machine doesnt understand your language it will be like it never existed, said Vukosi Marivate, chief of data science at the University of Pretoria in South Africa, in a call to action before a December virtual gathering of the world's artificial intelligence researchers.

American tech giants dont have a great track record of making their language technology work well outside the wealthiest markets, a problem thats also made it harder for them to detect dangerous misinformation on their platforms.

Marivate is part of a coalition of African researchers who have been trying to change that. Among their projects is one that found machine translation tools failed to properly translate online COVID-19 surveys from English into several African languages.

Most people want to be able to interact with the rest of the information highway in their local language, Marivate said in an interview. He's a founding member of Masakhane, a pan-African research project to improve how dozens of languages are represented in the branch of AI known as natural language processing. Its the biggest of a number of grassroots language technology projects that have popped up from the Andes to Sri Lanka.

Tech giants offer their products in numerous languages, but they don't always pay attention to the nuances necessary for those apps work in the real world. Part of the problem is that theres just not enough online data in those languages  including scientific and medical terms  for the AI systems to effectively learn how to get better at understanding them.

Google, for instance, offended members of the Yoruba community several years ago when its language app mistranslated Esu, a benevolent trickster god, as the devil. Facebook's language misunderstandings have been tied to political strife around the world and its inability to tamp down harmful misinformation about COVID-19 vaccines. More mundane translation glitches have been turned into joking online memes.

Omolewa Adedipe has grown frustrated trying to share her thoughts on Twitter in the Yoruba language because her automatically translated tweets usually end up with different meanings.

One time, the 25-year-old content designer tweeted, TIlu o ba dun, TIlu o ba toro. Eyin lemo bi e se se, which means, If the land (or country, in this context) is not peaceful, or merry, youre responsible for it. Twitter, however, managed to end up with the translation: If you are not happy, if you are not happy.

For complex Nigerian languages like Yoruba, those accent marks -- often associated with tones -- make all the difference in communication. Ogun, for instance, is a Yoruba word that means war, but it can also mean a state in Nigeria (Ogun), god of iron (Ogun), stab (Ogun), twenty or property (Ogun).

Some of the bias is deliberate given our history," said Marivate, who has devoted some of his AI research to the southern African languages of Xitsonga and Setswana spoken by his family members, as well as to the common conversational practice of code-switching between languages.

The history of the African continent and in general in colonized countries, is that when language had to be translated, it was translated in a very narrow way, he said. "You were not allowed to write a general text in any language because the colonizing country might be worried that people communicate and write books about insurrections or revolutions. But they would allow religious texts.

Google and Microsoft are among the companies that say they are trying to improve technology for so-called low-resource languages that AI systems don't have enough data for. Computer scientists at Meta, the company formerly known as Facebook, announced in November a breakthrough on the path to a universal translator" that could translate multiple languages at once and work better with lower-resourced languages such as Icelandic or Hausa.

That's an important step, but at the moment, only large tech companies and big AI labs in developed countries can build these models, said David Ifeoluwa Adelani. He's a researcher at Saarland University in Germany and another member of Masakhane, which has a mission to strengthen and spur African-led research to address technology that does not understand our names, our cultures, our places, our history.

Improving the systems requires not just more data but careful human review from native speakers who are underrepresented in the global tech workforce. It also requires a level of computing power that can be hard for independent researchers to access.

Writer and linguist Kola Tubosun created a multimedia dictionary for the Yoruba language and also created a text-to-speech machine for the language. He is now working on similar speech recognition technologies for Nigerias two other major languages, Hausa and Igbo, to help people who want to write short sentences and passages.

We are funding ourselves," he said. "The aim is to show these things can be profitable.

Tubosun led the team that created Googles Nigerian English voice and accent used in tools like maps. But he said it remains difficult to raise the money needed to build technology that might allow a farmer to use a voice-based tool to follow market or weather trends.

In Rwanda, software engineer Remy Muhire is helping to build a new open-source speech dataset for the Kinyarwanda language that involves a lot of volunteers recording themselves reading Kinyarwanda newspaper articles and other texts.

They are native speakers. They understand the language, said Muhire, a fellow at Mozilla, maker of the Firefox internet browser. Part of the project involves a collaboration with a government-supported smartphone app that answers questions about COVID-19. To improve the AI systems in various African languages, Masakhane researchers are also tapping into news sources across the continent, including Voice of Americas Hausa service and the BBC broadcast in Igbo.

Increasingly, people are banding together to develop their own language approaches instead of waiting for elite institutions to solve problems, said Damian Blasi, who researches linguistic diversity at the Harvard Data Science Initiative.

Blasi co-authored a recent study that analyzed the uneven development of language technology across the world's more than 6,000 languages. For instance, it found that while Dutch and Swahili both have tens of millions of speakers, there are hundreds of scientific reports on natural language processing in the Western European language and only about 20 in the East African one.

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O'Brien reported from Providence, Rhode Island.
VASSALBORO, Maine (AP)  A Maine state trooper has come to the aid of an elderly man with Alzheimer's disease who had wandered away from his home during a storm and ended up in a ditch.

Troopers got their missing person report from a home in Vassalboro at about 5 a.m. Wednesday. They also received information from a town plow truck driver that saw a man walking in the area that morning.
NORWALK  Hours before COVID-19 testing was scheduled to begin at Veterans Park, a line of cars was already backed up to the gate.

Casey Warble and Daniela Castellanos, both 18 and from Darien, were among those looking to get tested ahead of the holiday weekend, but by 3:30 p.m., they had been in line for two hours and had yet to get a test. Despite the long wait, though, Warble said the pair coped with the situation

We were both exposed to COVID, Warble said. Theres no other place nearby to get tested.

Both are vaccinated and neither was experiencing any COVID-19 symptoms, but wanted to get tested just in case, they said.

Administering about 800 COVID tests daily, the temporary, drive-thru clinic at Veterans Park has been inundated with people looking to get their tests completed ahead of the holidays.

The line of cars seeking tests on Thursday led to traffic along East Avenue headed toward the Seaview Avenue park. Norwalk police closed the park around 3:30 p.m. the day before, due to the number of people in line, city spokesperson Josh Morgan said.

There is an increased demand for tests due to the spread of the omicron variant, which the city is struggling to fulfill.

Weve asked the state for help, as have many communities, Morgan said. Demand is super high because of omicron and holiday gatherings and travel. The site was doing about 200 tests a day and now is doing upwards of 800.

The Veterans Park testing site, run by health intelligence company Sema4, has been open on-and-off since the pandemic began and recently relocated from one of the citys public schools in October.

The results from the test site are identifying numerous positive cases, Morgan said. While some people may be asymptomatic or have mild symptoms, they can still transmit COVID-19 to someone who is more vulnerable or at higher risk.

New Canaan resident Fred Corrado, a few cars behind Warble and Castellanos, was in line for about 90 minutes on Thursday, passing the time by watching television and chatting on his cellphone.

Corrado, whose job requires him to be out and about, said he was not recently exposed to COVID but is receiving a test as a precaution before the holidays.

Corrado is also vaccinated, but said he was being extra cautious.

Testing concerns may worsen in the new year, as Sema4 announced last week its plans to end COVID-19 testing and close all Sema4-run testing sites.

The Stamford-based lab, with connections to Lamonts wife, Annie Lamont, will be closing all COVID-19 testing sites, nationwide, in January.

In the latest data shared by the Department of Public Health, more than 820 Connecticut residents are currently hospitalized with COVID-19, and 75 percent of hospitalized individuals are unvaccinated.

On Monday, Lamont said he heard recent concerns over testing, but pointed out there are 400 sites across Connecticut and hours will be expanded at state-sponsored locations.

The drastic increase in COVID-19 cases both in Norwalk and statewide also led Mayor Harry Rilling to reinstate the indoor mask mandate in Norwalk, effective at 5 p.m. Thursday.

As the omicron variant spreads rapidly in Connecticut and across the country, our case rates have increased five-fold in less than a month, Rilling said. Statewide hospitalizations are also at levels we havent seen since the beginning of the year. With indoor gatherings planned and holiday travel occurring, it is critically important for people to wear a mask when in public.

abigail.brone@hearstmediact.com
WASHINGTON (AP)  U.S. health regulators on Thursday authorized the second pill against COVID-19, providing another easy-to-use medication to battle the rising tide of omicron infections.

The Food and Drug Administration announcement on Merck's molnupiravir comes one day after the agency cleared a competing drug from Pfizer.

Pfizer's pill, Paxlovid, is likely to become the first-choice treatment against the virus, because of its superior benefits and milder side effects.

As a result, Merck's pill is expected to have a lesser role against the pandemic than predicted just a few weeks ago. Its ability to head off severe COVID-19 is much smaller than initially announced and the drug label will warn of serious safety issues, including the potential for birth defects.

Both treatments will be free to patients in the U.S. after being purchased by the federal government.

The FDA authorized Mercks drug for adults with a positive COVID-19 test, early symptoms and who face the highest risks of hospitalization, including older people and those with conditions like obesity and heart disease.

The agency said molnupiravir should be considered for patients for whom alternative COVID-19 treatment options authorized by the FDA are not accessible or clinically appropriate. It did not include that restriction for Paxlovid, which was authorized for patients 12 and older.

Molnupiravir, made by Merck and Ridgeback Biotherapeutics, also will carry a warning against use during pregnancy. Women of childbearing age should use birth control during treatment and for a few days after while men should use birth control for at least three months after their final dose, the FDA said. The federal agency also said molnupiravir should not be used in patients under age 18 because it may affect bone growth.

Dr. Nick Kartsonis, Merck's senior vice president of clinical research, said company scientists are still studying the drug and they hope to eventually get it approved for use in children.

The restrictions were expected after an FDA advisory panel only narrowly endorsed the drug last month, warning that its use would have to be strictly tailored to patients who can benefit the most.

Kartsonis said Merck researchers are very comfortable with their drug's safety profile.

He also noted that molnupiravir has been studied in more than a thousand people, and researches saw side effects like diarrhea and nausea in only a small percentage of patients.

The drug has actually looked very well tolerated, he said.

Pfizer's Paxlovid also comes with limitations. Regulators say doctors have to consider how it will interact with other medicines a patient may be taking, and they've noted it shouldn't be prescribed to patients with severe liver or kidney problems.

Both treatments also should be started within five days of the beginning of symptoms, a deadline that puts pressure on patients to get tested and diagnosed quickly.

The two pills work differently and Pfizer's doesn't carry the same risks. Additionally, Pfizer's drug was roughly three times more effective in testing, reducing hospitalization and death by nearly 90% among high-risk patients, compared with 30% for Merck's.

Some experts question whether there will be much of a role for the Merck drug in the U.S.

To the extent that theres an ample supply of Pfizer's pill, I think it wont be used, said Dr. Gregory Poland of the Mayo Clinic, referring to the Merck drug. There would be no reason, given it has less efficacy and a higher risk of side effects.

For now, the FDA decision provides another potential option against the virus that has killed more than 800,000 Americans, even as health officials brace for record-setting cases, hospitalizations and deaths driven by the omicron variant.

The seven-day rolling average for U.S. COVID-19 cases climbed past 160,000 Wednesday, according to data collected by Johns Hopkins University. That's more than double the average in late November.

Antiviral pills like Merck's and Pfizer's are expected to be effective against omicron because they dont target the spike protein where most of the variants worrisome mutations reside.

Researchers have warned that older COVID-19 treatments that are administered by IV are unlikely to work against the new strain.

The FDA based its Merck decision on results showing nearly 7% of patients taking the drug ended up in the hospital and one died at the end of 30 days. That compared with 10% of patients hospitalized who were taking the placebo and nine deaths.

Merck says several hundred thousand treatment courses will be available in the U.S. in the next several days and a million will be available over the next few weeks. The supply of Pfizer's drug is more limited before ramping up in 2022.

The U.S. will pay about $700 for each course of Mercks drug, which requires patients to take four pills twice a day for five days. A review by Harvard University and Kings College London estimated it costs about $18 to make each 40-pill course of treatment.

Mercks drug inserts tiny errors into the coronavirus genetic code to slow its reproduction. That genetic effect has raised concerns that the drug could cause mutations in human fetuses and even spur more virulent strains of the virus. But FDA scientists said the variant risk is largely theoretical because people take the drug for such a short period of time.

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AP Health Writer Tom Murphy contributed to this report.

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The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institutes Department of Science Education. The AP is solely responsible for all content.
ATLANTA (AP)  Two Georgia election workers filed a lawsuit Thursday accusing a right-wing cable news channel and former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani of defaming them by falsely claiming they engaged in ballot fraud during the 2020 election.

It was the second defamation lawsuit by Fulton County election workers Ruby Freeman and Wandrea Shaye Moss this month over debunked claims they introduced suitcases of illegal ballots and committed other acts of election fraud to try to alter the outcome of the presidential election in Georgia. The pair, a mother and daughter, sued conservative website The Gateway Pundit on Dec. 2.

The lawsuit filed Thursday says One America News Network continued to accuse Freeman and Moss of wrongdoing even after Georgia election officials refuted the allegations against them. Giuliani, a lawyer for former President Donald Trump, appeared frequently on the network and along with OAN, continued to publish and amplify the lie, according to the suit filed in federal court in Washington.

An email to One America News Network and a member of the family that started it was not immediately returned. Messages at a phone number and email addresses associated with Giuliani were also not immediately returned.

Angered by his narrow loss in a traditionally Republican state, former President Donald Trump focused intense scrutiny on Georgia, making unproven claims that widespread fraud led to Joe Biden's victory in the state.

In a phone call with Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger on Jan. 2, Trump pressed the Republican official to find votes for him and mentioned Freeman by name, calling her a vote scammer, a professional vote scammer and hustler.

Freeman worked as a temporary election worker during the 2020 election, verifying signatures on absentee ballots and preparing them to be counted and processed. Moss has worked for the Fulton County elections department since 2012 and supervised the absentee ballot operation during last years election.

The suit says Freeman and Moss received an immediate onslaught of violent and racist threats and harassment as a result of the false claims against them and are afraid to live normal lives. It seeks punitive damages as well as a court order requiring the defendants to remove false statements about Freeman and Moss from their websites and other media channels.
BERLIN (AP)  Police in eastern Germany said Thursday that a call from an intoxicated man led them to a stash of weapons and an altar-like collection of Nazi memorabilia including pictures of Adolf Hitler.

Officers went to the 53-year-old man's apartment in Limbach-Oberfrohna, near the city of Chemnitz, on Tuesday night after he called police asking for help and leaving a confused impression.
EDWARDSVILLE  Madison County States Attorney Tom Haine recently congratulated the winners of the Red Ribbon Week poster competition by visiting the winning students classrooms and hosting pizza parties for their classes.

Haine also used the classroom visits as an opportunity to speak to the students about the role of the states attorneys office and the importance of resisting drugs.

These student winners, and all the participating schools and teachers, are doing wonderful things in our community, said Haine. It was an honor to work together with these schools to reinforce the importance of making smart decisions and resisting drugs, especially in the midst of the ongoing opioid epidemic, which has taken so many lives and torn apart so many families.

"As I told these children: their future is amazing," he said. "A drug-free future is one of hope, for them, and for all our Madison County families.

The annual competition invites third, fourth, and fifth grade students from schools in Madison County to create and design posters on the importance of resisting drugs. The theme of this years Red Ribbon Week was Drug Free Looks Like Me. One winner was chosen from each grade:

 Third Grade: Kysen Knebel, Highland Elementary

 Fourth Grade: Sam Herring, East Elementary (Alton)

 Fifth Grade: Jemma Dorsey, Our Lady Queen of Peace (Bethalto)

The winning entries will also displayed for one year in the states attorneys office in the Madison County Administration Building.

The importance of promoting drug-free lifestyles to our students is crucial, said Rob Werden, regional superintendent of schools. Im appreciative of the State Attorneys efforts and outreach, as every positive message on this issue truly impacts these students lives.

The Red Ribbon campaign began in support of a murdered DEA agent who was killed in 1985 by drug traffickers. Displaying a red ribbon demonstrates support of a drug-free America. The annual Red Ribbon Campaign, held every October since 1986, is one of the largest drug-prevention campaigns in the country. More information can be found at http://www.nfp.org/.
On Monday, a group of U.S. lawmakers including Sen. Elizabeth Warren, Sen. Bernard Sanders and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez sent a letter to Amazon requesting information about the Dec. 10 warehouse collapse in Edwardsville, Ill. that left six employees dead. The letter was addressed to Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and CEO Andy Jassy.

The structure suffered a direct hit from a tornado prior to collapse. The tornado caused "catastrophic damage," the Edwardsville Police Department wrote on Facebook. Bezos had been criticized for his late response to the warehouse collapse.

"We have heard alarming reports about the events that took place in the warehouse moments prior to the tragedy, and these reports fit a larger pattern: Amazon puts worker safety at risk in everyday situations and emergencies alike," the letter reads. "As we work to ensure that tragedies such as this one are not repeated, we seek answers about what happened at your Edwardsville warehouse and whether your policies may have contributed to this tragedy."

The letter was also signed by Sens. Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio, Richard Blumenthal, D-Connecticut, Edward Markey, D-Massachusetts, Alex Padilla, D-California, and Ron Wyden, D-Oregon, as well as Reps. Cori Bush, D-Missouri, Jesus Garcia, D-Illinois, Jan Schakowsky, D-Illinois, Andy Levin, D-Michigan, Rashida Tlaib, D-Michigan, Jamaal Bowman, D-New York, Mondaire Jones, D-New York, Barbara Lee, D-California, Jerry McNerney, D-California, Ilhan Omar, D-Minnesota, Donald Payne, D-New Jersey, Ayanna Presley, D-Massachusetts, Paul Tonko, D-New York, Bonnie Watson Coleman, D-New Jersey, and James McGovern, D-Massachusetts.

"The circumstances that led to six deaths at the Edwardsville warehouse are heartbreaking and another reminder that Amazon's anti-worker and anti-union practices put their workers directly in harm's way," Warren said in a statement. "Putting corporate profits above the health and safety of workers is unacceptable. Amazon must answer for its exploitative labor practices  and we cannot let a tragedy like this happen ever again."

The letter states that "reporting on the events on and leading up to the tragedy on Dec. 10, 2021 raises serious concerns about Amazon's worker safety policies." The National Weather Service issued a tornado warning for the Edwardsville area 36 hours before the tornado touched down, with the Edwardsville Amazon warehouse in FEMA's highest tornado risk area, the letter says. "It is not clear whether Amazon gave any advance instructions to workers on Dec. 10 or provided them with flexibility to remain safely sheltered at home."

At least one Amazon driver "appears to have been instructed by dispatch to 'keep driving' because 'we can't just call people back for a warning unless Amazon tells us to do so,'" the legislators wrote. The letter also says that the driver was informed less than 50 minutes before the tornado touched down that "if she did stop, it 'won't be viewed as for your own safety' and 'will ultimately end with you not having a job come tomorrow.'"

With both sides of the warehouse and the roof collapsing under the 155 mile per hour winds, the situation is "raising questions about whether the facility met appropriate building standards," the legislators wrote. Additionally, activity on the company's internal message board during the storm "'revealed a communication breakdown in which corporate failed to notify employees about the tornado even as it happened,'" the letter's authors wrote.

Edwardsville Police Chief Michael Fillback also stated after the tornado that the authorities had "challenges" in knowing "how many people we actually had at that facility at the time because it's not a set staff."

The U.S. Occupational Health and Safety Administration has opened an investigation into workplace conditions at the warehouse.

"Right now our focus remains on taking care of employees and partners, the family members of those killed by the tornado, and the communities affected by this tragedy," Amazon said in a statement to CNET. Amazon did not reply when contacted for this story.
Rachel is the daughter of Scott and Jennifer Mueller. She is an officer of the National English Honor Society and the Treasurer for the Environmental Club. Rachel is a section leader for the Edwardsville Marching Tigers. Additionally, she volunteers at the Glen Carbon Library and works at Edwardsville's 222 Artisan Bakery. She has achieved high honor roll and earned outstanding freshman, brass, and junior in Band. She also got two international language awards. She is the national merit commended student. In her free time, Rachel loves a good book and likes playing the French horn. She also loves spending quality time with her four cats.
There are distinct pleasures to be had in watching Ralph Fiennes play the lead in an action franchise at this stage in his career.

For as fun as he is as erudite bon vivants, scoundrels and snobs, you always leave wanting more M. Gustav, more Laurence Laurentz, more Harry Hawkes. In that spirit,  The Kings Man, a prequel to Matthew Vaughns irreverent Kingsman series, provides a definite service, and Fiennes is as charming as ever. But its also hard not to wish he had a better movie than this to exhibit both his singular charisma and combat skills.

The Kings Man, which jumps back in time to World War I to the early days of the bespoke spy agency, is an improvement to the last Kingsman movie, which among other deranged choices had Julianne Moore feed someone a burger made of human flesh that she ground and grilled herself. This one is decidedly quainter than that, but its still a Kingsman movie  manic, cheeky and vulgar and its not going to sell anyone who wasnt already on board. The Kings Man also has the uneasy tension of its real historical context which the film wants to use for both sincere emotional beats and fodder for irreverence.

At its heart, this is an origin story about a fictional spy agency that blames WWI and 20 million deaths on an embittered Scottish cashmere farmer. But this mysterious man, who is seen only in shadows until a big reveal at the end, is played like an angrier and more sadistic but no less ridiculous Fat Bastard. And he is able to manipulate world leaders (Tom Hollander plays King George, Kaiser Wilhelm and Tsar Nicholas) with his sphere of influence that includes Rasputin (Rhys Ifans), Erik Jan Hanussen (Daniel Bruhl), Mata Hari (Valerie Pachner) and Gavrilo Princip (Joel Basman).

Fiennes, who also executive produced, plays the Duke of Oxford who were introduced to as his wife is gunned down in front of him and his young son during the Boer War. He returns to England with one mission: To protect his son Conrad.

A few years pass and Conrad has grown into a dashing and patriotic lad, played with admirable dignity by Harris Dickinson, who wants nothing more than to join the army. Fearing the front lines, the Duke tries to convince Conrad to join his little spy group composed of himself and two domestic servants, Polly (Gemma Arterton) and Shola (Djimon Hounsou), and manipulate world politics behind the scenes. After almost preventing the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand, their first adventure as a foursome involves going to Russia to either sell Rasputin on entering the war or kill him.

The whole sequence is jaw-droppingly perverse as they try to lure Rasputin, who Ifans plays like a madcap cartoon rock star, with Conrad and poisoned baked goods that he promptly expels with grotesque theatricality. In true Kingsman fashion, this also includes Fiennes removing his trousers, upper thigh licking and Rasputin dancing his way through a fight set to the 1812 Overture. Subtlety is not in their vocabulary, so some whiplash is to be expected when the film suddenly turns into a war drama, and then back to absurdity again.

At a certain point, it becomes clear that not only is The Kings Man a tonal mess, its also just a set-up for a movie with an even more enticing cast thatll leave you feeling even more conflicted.

But you have to admire a modern franchise that has an appreciation of bespoke tailoring as a core principle. If only The Kingsman movies didnt also hold such juvenile humor in equally high esteem.

The Kings Man, a 20th Century Studios release in theaters Wednesday, is rated R by the Motion Picture Association of America for some sexual material, language and strong/bloody violence. Running time: 131 minutes. Two stars out of four.

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MPAA Definition of R: Restricted. Under 17 requires an accompanying parent or adult guardian.

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Follow AP Film Writer Lindsey Bahr on Twitter: www.twitter.com/lbahr
WASHINGTON (AP)  Former President Donald Trump turned to the Supreme Court on Thursday in a last-ditch effort to keep documents away from the House committee investigating the Jan. 6 insurrection at the Capitol led by his supporters.

Trump's attorneys asked the Supreme Court to reverse lower court rulings against the former president, who has fought to block the records even after President Joe Biden waived executive privilege over them. The federal appeals court in Washington previously ruled the committee had a uniquely vital interest in the documents and Trump had provided no basis" for it to override Biden and Congress.

The records include presidential diaries, visitor logs, speech drafts, handwritten notes concerning the events of January 6 from the files of former chief of staff Mark Meadows, and a draft Executive Order on the topic of election integrity," according to a previous court filing from the National Archives.

Trump's filing came on the day that an administrative injunction issued by the appeals court was set to otherwise expire. That injunction, preventing the release of records, will remain in place for now. Lawyers for the House committee asked the Supreme Court later Thursday to expedite its processes and consider the case as soon as mid-January.

The Select Committee needs the requested documents now to help shape the direction of the investigation and allow the Select Committee to timely recommend remedial legislation, lawyers for the committee wrote.

Repeating arguments they made before lower courts, Trump's attorneys wrote Thursday that the case concerned all future occupants of the White House.

Former presidents had a clear right to protect their confidential records from premature dissemination, Trump's lawyers said.

Congress cannot engage in meandering fishing expeditions in the hopes of embarrassing President Trump or exposing the Presidents and his staffs sensitive and privileged communications for the sake of exposure, they added.

The House committee has said the records are vital to its investigation into the run-up to the deadly insurrection aimed at overturning the results of the 2020 presidential election. Before and after the riot, Trump promoted false theories about election fraud and suggested that the real insurrection was on Election Day, when he lost to Biden in an election certified by officials from both parties as fair.

The case was widely expected to reach the Supreme Court, which has decided several previous fights over Trump's records. Trump appointed three of the court's nine justices.

The court earlier this year refused to stop his tax records from going to a New York prosecutor's office as part of an investigation. It did prevent Congress last year, while Trump was in office, from obtaining banking and financial records for him and members of his family.
This November, the Edwardsville Rotary Club honored Edwardsville High School student Jenae Wright with the Student of the Month Award. Wright was nominated by Social Studies teacher Mrs. Kupferer

Jenae impressively achieved the EHS Arion Award this year and second place at the SIUE Suzuki String Concerto Competition. She is the president of Student Council and participates in additional Honor Societies including National, German, and Tri-M Music. She is on the Madison County Youth Board and the Secretary of the Class of 2022.

Jenae is a violin & viola teacher of four students and is a musical virtuoso playing the violin, viola, piano, organ, and flute. Additionally, she is a young entrepreneur and is the owner of a business called Made by Jenae.

Jenae Wright wants to major in Industrial Engineering and Minor in Music Instrumental performance. She plans on joining a form of student government in college and an orchestra chamber group as well. Jenae later wants to complete her Master Degree in Business Administration
We are just beginning to heal.

Many of us, in one way or another, are still suffering under the weight of the pandemic.

Many of us had family members effected. Many of us had our lives disrupted. We lost jobs. We lost business.

How do begin to pick ourselves up? Do we focus on putting things back the way they were, or lean forward and build the region, communities, and life we want?

The pandemic of 2020 brought the tourism and service industry to its knees with an impact that was nine times more powerful than the tragedy of 9/11. Local businesses and attractions in southwest Illinois, which relied on tourism lost employees, income, and were faced with unprecedented choices: close their doors or pivot to online sales and/or delivery services. From one day to the next, we all rode a roller coaster of uncertainty and fear.

Visitor spending and tax revenues were down more than 50% across Illinois. Locally, that meant a loss of nearly $40 million in local and state tax revenues that would have been generated from visitor spending. Prior to the pandemic, tourism was the third largest industry in our six-county region. Everyone has been impacted by those losses.

Combining losses of tax revenues, jobs and the impact on the workforce in the service industry, the pandemic triggered awareness that we are one of the top regional destinations in the Midwest and we need to focus on building a resilient tourism destination for years to come.

And now? The final months of 2021 have provided glimmers of hope for the tourism industry  both statewide and locally.

People are increasingly open to travel, but they dont want to visit the big cities and crowded attractions that once called out to them. Travelers are choosing rivers and roads over skyscrapers. Now they are planning visits to the smaller destinations with a focus on nature and outdoor activities. And guess what? Thats the Great Rivers & Routes region in southwest Illinois! We are home to four national scenic byways  The National Road, Route 66, the Great River Road and the Meeting of the Great Rivers National Scenic Byway. We are home to the largest state park in Illinois, the Lewis & Clark National Trail and the National Mississippi Water Trail and we are located at the confluence of Americas three great rivers  the Mississippi, Illinois, and Missouri.

But there is so much more to our region. There are the people, the businesses, the attractions that have been the bedrock of the local tourism industry.

State and Federal assistance is timely, but we need to build capacity as a region; we need to focus, come together, and build our region back better. Together!

The Federal government is currently distributing funds from the American Rescue Plan Act to state and local governments across the country. These funds can be used to help industries negatively impacted by the pandemic. And tourism is one of those impacted industries.

It will take bold and transformational thinking to use these funds for tourism development. It will take counties and cities determining how they want to embrace the future of tourism in our region. We have a once in a lifetime opportunity to build the destination we want to see and cement our place as a world-class destination for travelers from around the world.

We encourage regional mayors, economic development officials and community leaders to be courageous when it comes to determining how to spend ARPA funds. Custodial thinking is not enough. These funds can and should be a game changer for the tourism industry in our region.

The Great Rivers & Routes Tourism Bureau has worked hard over the past years and especially the last 18 months to make our destination top of mind with travelers. We are welcoming back road trippers and regional travelers after a 12-month absence. But we must continue to be relevant and viable to those looking for their next travel destination whether it be for leisure activity, attending a meeting, conference, or a youth sporting event. Just marketing the destination, we have is not enough anymore.and it never really was. We have to build and then steward the destination we need and could have. A destination not only for leisure travelers but also for young families, retirees, start-ups, remote workers, etc.

We need to work together to embrace tourism as the economic recovery engine for the region. To be bold thinkers. To be transformational in our planning and development along our rivers and byways. Together. Our main streets and our rivers are economic corridors that can contribute to the livability of our region. We need to be creative and innovative. We cannot expect to do the same things and expect different results.

Do we, as a region, have the determination to give our local businesses and the tourism industry in general, a much-needed boost? Are we ready to be bold thinkers and invest in tourism in unprecedented ways?

Are we ready to build the destination we want by creating a livable destination for young families, active retirees, and entrepreneurs? If you dont think we are a regional destination for tourism, then why was more than $1.4 billion spent on travel in 2018 and 2019 combined? We have a destination that people want to visit.

Local leaders, its up to you. We challenge you to be transformational!
The Anambra State government has congratulated one of Nigerias leading civil and geotechnical engineers, Chris Okoye, on the attainment of 70 years, calling him a blessing to the Anambra people

Okoye, a member of the Anambra State Elders Council, became 70 years on Tuesday, December 21.

His selfless contributions to the growth of our dear state are not just robust but indelible in the history of Anambra State, the state Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, C. Don Adinuba, said today in a statement in Awka, the state capital.

Though Okoye is not a politician, according to Adinuba, he played a critical role in the formation of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) due to his disenchantment with the main political parties at the inception of the Fourth Republic in 1999, namely, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Peoples Party (APP) which, according to him, were not guided by any vision of development.

He joined forces with other progressive Nigerians to form a development-driven party, hence APGA was born, the statement said.

It explained: They were inspired by the examples of Singapore, Taiwan, Hong Kong and South Korea which have practically no mineral deposits, but through the development of their human resources have within 30 years risen to the pinnacle of global development.

Even Dubai, an Arab and Muslim territory, has joined the league of fully developed places, with such nations as Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand on the way.

The commissioner said that Governor Willie Obiano appointed Okoye a member of the Anambra State Vision 2070 Committee on account of his acute development consciousness.

Set up in December, 2019, the Vision 2070 Committee is to develop a strategic plan for the transformation of Anambra State into a fully developed place in the next 50 years.

It is headed by an internationally recognized economist, Professor Charles Chukwuma Soludo, a former Central Bank of Nigeria governor who was last November 6 resoundingly elected the Anambra State governor on the APGA platform.

Adinuba expressed the governments appreciation of Okoyes key role in the development of both engineering education and practice in the country, recalling how he led the Local Content Committee of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) which helped develop the Nigerian Content Law in the Petroleum industry, creating unprecedented opportunities for indigenous businesses.

He also lauded Okoyes contributions to the reopening in August, 2020, of Akanu Ibiam International Airport in Enugu.

Commissioner Adinuba revealed that Okoye worked closely with the Ministry of Aviation to ensure that the airport was rehabilitated and upgraded on time and budget, despite the grave challenges posed by COVID-19.

The Information Commissioner observed how Okoye, as a young engineer in 1978, turned down an offer from a leading American engineering firm, Harding Lawson and Associates of Houston, to head its office in London and convinced it to rather open a Nigerian subsidiary which he managed successfully.

Okoye, a civil and geotechnical graduate of the University of Wisconsin and the University of Texas, is a Fellow of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, a Fellow of the American Society of Civil Engineers, a Fellow of the Metallurgical Society of Nigeria, and a Fellow of the Institute of Directors.

He is truly deserving of these honours, Adinuba noted.

Meanwhile, Governor Obiano has personally commended Okoye for his deep involvement in the development of his hometown, Enugwu Ukwu, in Njikoka Local Government Area.

In a conversation with Okoye to congratulate him on his 70th birthday, Governor Obiano acknowledged his effective leadership of the communitys development union and his pivotal role in the establishment of the Enugwu Ukwu Microfinance Bank.

Chief Obiano said that successful professionals and enterpreneurs like Okoye inspire generations of Anambra people to always think home and contribute to the development of the grassroots, regardless of their accomplishments in different parts of the world.

Signed

C. Don Adinuba

Commissioner for Information & Public Enlightenment.
Lagos, December 23, 2021 - The Managing Director, Ecobank Nigeria, Patrick Akinwuntan has stated the readiness of the bank to partner with the Institute of Credit Administration (ICA) to create a reliable and enhance credit practice in the country. Speaking during an official visit of ICA Management team to the Ecobank Pan African Centre (EPAC) in Lagos, Akinwuntan observed that Ecobank as a Pan African financial institution is at the vanguard of deepening credit culture on the continent. He stated that that the bank has a robust risk infrastructure that supports the understanding of customers credit behaviour.

In his comment, Registrar and Chief Executive Officer, ICA, Prof. Chris Onalo, who described Ecobank as a credible financial organization, said the visit was to solicit for collaboration and partnership in the area of capacity building and staff membership, with a view to enhancing credit management and policy advocacy relating to sound credit market system, stressing that the global economy works on credit.

Further, Mr Onalo reiterated that ICA is Nigerias only nationally recognized professional credit management body, solely dedicated to the provision of Micro And Macro Credit Management Education, award of specialist qualifications, development of skills and capacity building of people involved in everyday management of trade, financial, consumer and business credits.

he added that a rich credit culture will help to reduce poverty and develop the nations economy as more people will be engaged in productive ventures.
The 2015 governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State, Dr Dakuku Peterside has once again berated Governor Nyesom Wike over the way and manner he is treating Rivers people, portraying them as lacking dignity, self-esteem and freedom of choice.

Peterside was particularly piqued by statements coming from the governor that he (Wike) was solely in charge of the state and that nobody could achieve anything politically without him approving it.

It would be recalled that Governor Wike, during the flag-off of Oyigbo-Okoloma Road, had told the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) national chairman, Senator Iyorchia Ayu, that on no account should any member of the party from Rivers State approach him or any National Working Committee (NWC) member for consultation as regards political ambition for the 2023 general election.

The governor further declared that he was completely in charge of the State and that anybody who goes out of the State to consult with anybody has already lost his chances.

But Dr Peterside said Governor Wike, because of power which he is holding in trust and his access to Rivers peoples commonwealth, is now turning himself into the god of Rivers people who must be worshipped, begged, praised and appeased, if good fortune is to smile on them."

The immediate past director general of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) condemned the imperial air Gov Wike now exudes over hapless Rivers people.

Wikes egoistical and authoritarian leadership style is the reason why Rivers State is the way it is today. His Commissioners are scared telling him the truth. Wikes unfounded and vainglorious arrogance is the reason why there is fear among his party members as the governor has become He who must be obeyed.

Arrogance, greed, quest to acquire all properties in Port Harcourt and lack of respect for elders of Rivers State will be the beginning of Wikes downfall. Wike literally prostrates and worships traditional rulers from other parts of the country but disgustingly disrespects traditional rulers in Rivers State with such disdain, Peterside bemoaned.

Dr Peterside lamented that the people of Oyigbo are being treated as a conquered people, pointing out that it took six years for the governor to flag-off of the road that is a major artery connecting Abia, Ogoni axis and the rest of Rivers State.

The former House of Representative member also disclosed that the state government was owing about N230bn contrary to consistent lies by the governor that his administration was not indebted in any way.

According to Peterside, When I raised alarm that there was not much on ground to justify all the multibillions borrowed, in addition to federal allocation and internally generated revenue, the governor rabbled-roused and ran all over the media denying it.

Just few days ago, the Debt Management Office (DMO) stated that Rivers was among the top three indebted states in Nigeria with debt exposure to the tune of N230bn. Will the governor now come out to say the DMO is lying? Or will he say he was not the one that borrowed the money? How can such a governor take his people for a ride?

With his warped understanding of development underscored by over concentration on brick and mortar governance, other sectors continue to suffer untold hardship and Rivers people are worse off for it perhaps without knowing it. For example, SOOT is presently ravaging the State but our governor is busy spending billions of naira ferrying people from all over Nigeria to commission roads of less than 800m or bridges less than 400m,Peterside lamented.

Dakuku Peterside Media Team

23/12/2021
Bangladesh faces a refugee problem after the massive influx of Rohingya refugees into the country in 2017. Sri Lanka should remain beside Bangladesh in resolving the crisis. Now Bangladesh wants to repatriate them to Myanmar. Sri Lanka should support Bangladesh at all international forum to repatriate them peacefully. Such a gesture will not go unnoticed in Dhaka. Bangladesh will never forget the active cooperation of Sri Lanka in the repatriation of the displaced Rohingyas of Myanmar if Sri Lanka put its contribution in this regard. The Rohingya issue is currently an important international issue. More than 1.1 million Rohingyas have taken refuge in Bangladesh since August 2017 due to genocide and ethnic cleansing in Myanmar. About 50,000 newborn Rohingya children are added to it every year.

Earlier, the Rohingya had been subjected to systematic discrimination, deprivation of the right to vote, and regular targeting of violence in Myanmar for decades.

Rohingyas have come to Myanmar to save their lives after being subjected to extremely inhumane treatment by the military; But their position in the country has become a cause for concern as they are involved in migration, drug trafficking, child trafficking, smuggling, and other misdeeds as Bangladeshis. Again, some of the Rohingyas have been accused of being involved in militant activities and the Ramu attack.

According to various sources, there are about four lakh Rohingyas inside Bangladesh and about one lakh outside the country, especially in the Middle East. Moreover, there are reports that underage women and children in various camps in Cox's Bazar are being tied to an important social bond such as marriage; Which is having a hugely detrimental effect on the society and the state system. Child marriage is a threat to the health of the mother as well as the health of the child. It has far-reaching detrimental effects on women. Adolescent pregnancy can lead to a variety of health problems, including complications in childbirth. In some cases, they are also victims of domestic violence, sexual abuse, and marital rape. In addition, increasing population density is having a devastating effect on the environment.

In the last four and a half years, despite various initiatives, no real progress has been made in resolving the Rohingya crisis. Under pressure from the international community, the Myanmar government signed an agreement on Rohingya repatriation, but to no avail. According to the agreement, the Rohingyas were to be repatriated in stages. The repatriation process has not started for a long time. The Myanmar government has failed to repatriate the displaced Rohingya and resolve the crisis. Bangladesh has repeatedly urged various international forums to take effective steps to resolve the Rohingya crisis. At the UN General Assembly, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina not only ended her duty by calling on the international community to repatriate Rohingya but also presented six specific proposals. The Prime Minister also raised the issue during his recent visit to France. In such a situation, the UN committee has unanimously passed a resolution urging Myanmar to end the Rohingya crisis. Most importantly, Russia and China did not oppose the proposal. The resolution, introduced by the OIC and the European Union, was unanimously passed by the Social Humanitarian and Cultural Committee, known as the Third Committee of the UN General Assembly. Foreign Minister in response to the proposal. Abdul Momen considers the support of Russia and China important. He said China and Russia also want a solution to the Rohingya problem. This is positive news for us.

The proposal is based on the human rights situation of Rohingya Muslims and other minorities in the context of the state of emergency in Myanmar. Top politicians were arrested after a military coup overthrew a democratic government in the country on February 1 and declared a state of emergency. Political unrest, protests and clashes are going on in the country. Thousands of people have lost their lives in the repression of the army. Whatever the context, the unanimous resolution adopted by the Third Committee of the UN General Assembly is very important for Bangladesh. 108 countries have supported it. The proposal calls for finding out the root cause of the Rohingya problem. At the same time, it has been said that the implementation of the bilateral agreement signed by Myanmar with Bangladesh. The resolution, with a number of guidelines for the introduction of democratic governance, called on all human rights organizations, including the UN Secretary-General's Special Envoy to Myanmar, to cooperate.

On the issue, Permanent Representative of Bangladesh to the UN Rabab Fatima said, "This is the first time that the Rohingya resolution has been unanimously adopted by the UN. This reflects the strong commitment of the international community to resolve the crisis. It will inspire new hope in the minds of the displaced Rohingyas. ' Rohingyas have become a serious threat to the security of Bangladesh. According to the Foreign Minister, the passage of the proposal would put pressure on Myanmar to repatriate the Rohingya. Our hope is that the Rohingya repatriation process will begin soon under this pressure. Bangladesh will also be free from this deadly crisis.

A resolution presented by the OIC and the EU on the protection of the Rohingya was unanimously adopted by the United Nations just recently. This is the first time since the crisis began in 2017 that a resolution on the Rohingya has been unanimously adopted by the United Nations. Observers say the UN recognition is a reflection of the international communitys strong commitment to resolving the crisis. In addition to the EU and OIC, the resolution is supported and co-sponsored by a large number of countries in various geographical regions, including the United States, Canada, Mexico, Argentina, Australia, New Zealand, Switzerland, Japan, and South Korea.

The resolution primarily focuses on the human rights situation in Myanmars Rohingya Muslim and other minority communities, as well as the context in which the country declared a state of emergency on February 1. The resolution called on Myanmar to find out the root causes of the Rohingya problem, fulfill the obligations of the bilateral agreement signed with Bangladesh, and extend full cooperation to all human rights organizations, including the UN Secretary-Generals Special Envoy to Myanmar. At present 11 lakh Rohingyas are sheltered in Bangladesh.

The world community has been expressing solidarity with Bangladesh for the shelter of Rohingyas for humanitarian reasons and urging for repatriation of Rohingyas. Myanmar authorities have agreed to repatriate Rohingya in the face of international pressure. They did not take back the Rohingyas even after two rounds of time. In this situation, as part of regular diplomacy, Bangladesh has raised the issue of the Rohingya crisis in various forums of the world, but everyone is listening quietly, no response or action is seen. Citizens of neighboring Myanmar have been given asylum in Bangladesh for humanitarian reasons. The extra responsibility of this huge number of people is definitely a big burden for Bangladesh. The frustration of the Rohingya is intensifying due to the lack of progress on repatriation, which is creating various security concerns and instability in the region.

There have already been killings in Rohingya camps. Social ills like theft-robbery-robbery are on the rise. The administration has to always be in control of the law-and-order situation in the camps. We hope that this crisis will be resolved soon. A political solution to the Rohingya issue is essential for lasting peace, stability, and security in the region. Our bilateral relations with Myanmar are deteriorating due to non-repatriation. The regional crisis is also growing. The locals are suffering from various problems due to Rohingyas. The only way to resolve the crisis is to send the Rohingya back to Myanmar as soon as possible.

But unfortunately, this initiative is not working. Only pressure from the international community can force Myanmar to repatriate the displaced Rohingya. The diplomatic process with the international community needs to be restarted to put strong pressure on Myanmar to start repatriation. As a regional stakeholder, Sri Lanka can make Myanmar understand to ensure the repatriation of Rohingya Refugees. It can easily do it because it is a good friend of Myanmar.
LAGOS, NIGERIA  The Board of Union Bank of Nigeria Plc (Union Bank) today notified the NGX and Securities Exchange Commission that its investors Union Global Partners Limited, Atlas Mara Limited and other shareholders have reached an agreement with Titan Trust Bank Limited (TTB) to divest their shareholding in Union Bank to TTB. The agreement, which is subject to regulatory approvals and other financial conditions, will upon completion transfer 89.39% of Union Banks issued share capital to TTB.

Commenting on the transaction:

Chair, Union Bank, Mrs. Beatrice Hamza Bassey said:

On behalf of the Board, we congratulate all the parties involved in reaching this phase of the transaction and the Board looks forward to supporting the next steps to ensure a seamless completion of the process following regulatory approvals.

We are grateful to our current investors whose significant and consequential investments over the past nine years facilitated the transformation of Union Bank, one of Nigerias oldest and storied institutions. Today, the Bank is well-positioned with an innovative product offering, a growing customer base of over six million and consistent year on year profitability. This is a solid foundation for our incoming investors to build on as we move into a new era for the Bank.

Chair, Titan Trust Bank, Mr. Tunde Lemo, OFR said:

The Board of Titan Trust Bank and our key stakeholders are delighted as this transaction marks a key step for Titan Trust in its strategic growth journey and propels the institution to the next level in the Nigerian banking sector.

The deal represents a unique opportunity to combine Union Banks longstanding and leading banking franchise with TTBs innovation-led model which promises to enhance the product and service offering for our combined valued customers.

Chief Executive Officer, Union Bank, Mr. Emeka Okonkwo said:

This transaction marks a significant milestone in the journey of our 104-year old Bank. Whilst thanking our current investors for their unwavering commitment to the Bank over the years, we welcome our new core investor, TTB. We recognize the strategic fit between the two institutions and expect that this deal will deliver the best outcome for our employees, customers and stakeholders. We look forward to collectively writing the next exciting chapter for Union Bank.

Chief Executive Officer, Titan Trust Bank, Mr. Mudassir Amray said:

After completing over two years of operations with aggressive organic growth, we are excited to have an opportunity for a significant leap forward in market share. UBNs widespread presence, state of the art technology platform, quality staff and strong brand loyalty fits well with our synchronized modular strategy. We look forward to delivering superior results for the benefit of our staff, customers, shareholders, and stakeholders.

Rothschild & Cie acted as financial adviser and White & Case LLP and Banwo & Ighodalo acted as legal advisers respectively, to the selling shareholders of Union Bank.

Citigroup Global Markets Limited acted as financial adviser, Pricewaterhouse Coopers as due diligence partner, Norton Rose Fulbright LLP, Drew Law Practise and G. Elias & Co. acted as legal advisers respectively to TTB.
Covid-19 mutation variants have rekindled an old debate, into a new one. We always have vaccine doubters that are conscientiously sure that vaccines are worse than the diseases. Yet, empirical evidence has always proved them wrong since the administration of childhood vaccinations. We had people who blamed childhood vaccines for everything but the disease itself. Vaccines have been blamed for autism, infertility, miscarriages and more.

There used to be a time when many children did not survive because of Mumps, Measles, Rubella to Whooping Cough and Hepatitis B. Smallpox and Polio vaccines saved the world from some of the most deadly and debilitating diseases in the face of resistance based on some fundamental rights. Even more disgusting, the far-right Confederation party in Poland used an Auschwitz-style Nazi banner to protest against vaccination mandate.

While the fear of the worst effect of Covid-19 in Africa has not materialized we cannot be complacent. Africans have other problems apart from combating Covid-19. They already have more than enough to deal with. Though local and traditional medicine many Africans rely on, to cure or arrest similar past waves of diseases, have not been credited. Peer reviews are needed for dosage, purity and efficacy. Local herbs and their inhaled steam worked. Nevertheless, they must be separated from placebo or coincidence.

After all, Nigeria's Center for Excellence in Osun State detected the Ebola virus locally before Western experts arrived. The same way South Africa detected Covid-19 Omicron mutation before the rest of the world. Most Africans are calling on leaders to develop local vaccines instead of waiting for cold vaccines (without the capacity to freeze them) in the rural areas or that are too close to expiration dates before delivery. The world wants the rich countries to donate more Covid-19 vaccines to developing countries, especially African countries.

Indeed, the Presidents of South Africa, Ghana, Rwanda and others are asking for waiver of intellectual properties so that these vaccines could be locally produced in Africa. But the pharmaceutical companies that depend on Government funding themselves have resisted any attempt to release their know-how to Africans. The same people that blame China for sharing the Coronavirus genome sequencing too late. They all prefer the dependent mentality of finished products that can make them more money from Africa as usual.

We cannot blame Africans if they want technology transfer or establishment of local supply laboratories for immediate use of vaccines. But we must blame poor decision makers that prefer to pay for ready-made vaccines when it would be cheaper and more efficient to make them at home as India, China and Russia did. If the rich countries refuse, buy their products, break them down, adapt and build to local environmental mutations.

Moreover, some social media spread disinformation that is not easy for the usual health education to combat. It has to be countered forcefully by their counterparts in the public media. Health Education and Information used facts to educate. Disinformation in social media is intentional mischaracterization with attractive tricks to sell and generate the maximum number of traffic for advertisements.

Research scientists are there to find the difference between coincidence and the real cause of diseases. Most of the misinformed skeptics of vaccines cannot tell one from the other. Of course, there were unscrupulous scientists, especially those that exploit the worst part of us to experiment on the poor in disadvantaged communities of Africans, American Indians and Jews in Nazi concentration camps. https://www.ushmm.org/collections/bibliography/medical-experiments

Their cold blooded experiments have cast doubts on the reputation of sincere and dedicated scientists of all colors and countries. Unfortunately, many of the leaders of these skeptics have taken all the shots needed to prevent the worst form of sickness or death. Leaders got the best treatment when infected. The problem here, as always, is that doubters are infectious to others. While they claim it is their life and can allow it to expire, if they so choose.

It is a simple logic that prevention is better than cure. Treatments like monoclonal antibody therapy are very expensive, take time to make and not enough for everyone that needs them because of short supply. The cost of putting on masks inside and in crowded public places is far cheaper than the cost of hospital treatment paid with taxes by all of us. The unvaccinated also overwhelmed the hospital intensive care units, displacing those preparing for elective surgeries and more serious cases that are not as preventable.

But nobody has the right to infect others or their communities, exposing them to life threatening diseases or outright death. American media experts are training media practitioners in African countries on ways to combat disinformation and fake news about Covid-19. There are cultural and political differences that are crucial in fighting those spreading false news in social media.

Many fatal disinformations are spreading throughout the world including the United States.

People are worried about Covid-19 alright but they are also weary about how many vaccines they have to take before they are considered fully vaccinated. It went from one shot, two shots and booster shot. While one country, at least, is administering a 4th dose. The Unvaccinated, will hold onto any or no reason, to avoid taking a single shot based on anecdotal accidents.

Nevertheless, the unvaccinated that are the most vulnerable without a single shot of vaccine, are the loudest against Covid-19 vaccine. Nothing like if you die, you die. We must take care of you and your loved ones. The cost and liabilities of vaccine production cannot be borne by pharmaceutical companies alone. The efforts, knowledge or expertise can be onerous. So the Government has to partner and insure them against legal liabilities. No vaccine is free of risk.

Farouk Martins Aresa @oomoaresa
Phuket New Year 1am alcohol reprieve for outdoor venues only

PHUKET: Phuket Vice Governor Pichet Panapong has confirmed that outdoor venues only may serve alcohol until 1am on New Years Eve. All indoor venues must stop serving alcohol at 11pm.

COVID-19tourismalcohol

By The Phuket News

Thursday 23 December 2021, 03:54PM

Meanwhile, the Uzbekis have have arrived on the island. Photo: AoT Phuket

Meanwhile, the Uzbekis have have arrived on the island. Photo: AoT Phuket

Meanwhile, the Uzbekis have have arrived on the island. Photo: AoT Phuket

Meanwhile, the Uzbekis have have arrived on the island. Photo: AoT Phuket

Meanwhile, the Uzbekis have have arrived on the island. Photo: AoT Phuket

The news was announced at a meeting at Phuket Provincial Hall yesterday (Dec 22). Photo: PR Phuket

The news was announced at a meeting at Phuket Provincial Hall yesterday (Dec 22). Photo: PR Phuket

The news was announced at a meeting at Phuket Provincial Hall yesterday (Dec 22). Photo: PR Phuket

The news was announced at a meeting at Phuket Provincial Hall yesterday (Dec 22). Photo: PR Phuket

Vice Governor Pichet announced the news at Phuket Provincial Hall yesterday (Dec 22).

The decision was made in accordance with instructions issued by the Centre for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA), noted a report of the meeting by the Phuket office of the Public Relations Department (PR Phuket).

No mention was made of the previous order issued by Phuket Governor Narong Woonciew allowing all licenced venues across Phuket to serve alcohol until 6am New Years Day. That order has now been superceded.

Open-air restaurants with good ventilation may allow the consumption of alcohol until 1am, but indoor restaurants with air conditioning and inadequate ventilation are allowed until 11pm only, Vice Governor Pichet said.

General eateries that do not sell or consume alcoholic beverages can operate as usual at any hour. But, karaoke venues and pubs are not yet permitted to open, he said.

The official Amazing Thailand Countdown 2022 @Phuket event to be held at Saphan Hin is expected to draw some 3,700 people, V/Gov Pichet noted..

The Tourism Authority of Thailand [TAT] has already prepared disease-prevention measures," he added.

Participants must pre-register through the online platform. This step will screen people who have been vaccinated with full doses according to the measures, he explained.

Everyone who has registered for the event must test negative for COVID-19 by ATK or RT-PCR test and must show the test results and their vaccination and COVID-19 history information registered on the MorProm app to the staff at the entrance and exit point for verification.

Planned seating zones and entrance-exit points will be set up to reduce congestion, and the arrangement of amenities such as parking lots and restrooms will be discussed further by the relevant committees, Vice Governor Pichet said.

Vice Governor Pichet repeated that Phuket remained open to receive tourists under the Phuket Sandbox scheme, in accordance with the new measures set by national authorities.

People may still enter Phuket under the long-standing 14-day Alternative Quarantine scheme, he added.

Dr Weerasak Lorthongkham, Director of Vachira Phuket Hospital, noted that over the previous few days Phuket had received on average about 4,000 arrivals a day.

Of note, Uzbekistan Airways,yesterday became the latest airline to resume direct flights to Phuket with their inaugural relaunch flight landing at Phuket airport at 2:30pm. The 125 tourists already approved to enter Thailand were welcomed on arrival.

Screening of arrivals at the airport is continuing as usual, Dr Weerasak assured.

However, he noted that the number of arrivals testing positive on landing was expected to increase.

The rate of infection may increase slightly, to around 0.3%, but hospital facilities are available to support these tourists, he said.

In the case of four cases of Omicron that were detected [but not previously reported by officials], Phuket was able to examine and bring the infected persons into the medical process quickly. There has been absolutely no spread of the infection to the people and the community, Dr Weerasak said.

The rate of local infections in Phuket was expected to continue to decrease until at least the end of the year, Dr Weerasak noted.

"The field hospitals have been temporarily closed, clearly indicating that the number of infections in Phuket has dropped, he said.

However, if there are more outbreaks in the future, the field hospitals are ready to open at any time, he added.
Pleas issued for Sandbox inclusion

BANGKOK: Tourism operators in popular destinations are urging the government to include their areas in the Sandbox programme as only Phuket is allowed that privilege now.

tourismCOVID-19economics

By Bangkok Post

Thursday 23 December 2021, 05:42PM

Thanet Supornsahasrungsi, Acting President of the Chon Buri Tourism Council. Photo: Thanet Supornsahasrungsi / Facebook

Suvarnabhumi airport has received the most arrivals since November, so Bangkok and areas within a two-hour drive should be treated equally to Phuket, said Thanet Supornsahasrungsi, Acting President of the Chon Buri Tourism Council, reports the Bangkok Post.

He said the government has to clarify the criterion for Sandbox status, then each area can adapt to meet the requirements.

If there is a shortfall of booster shots in any area, the government should accelerate vaccine administration and work to encourage the unvaccinated to enrol, said Mr Thanet.

According to the Public Health Ministrys vaccine dashboard as of Dec 22, the number of people who have received a third jab in major destinations remained low, with 8.31% for Chon Buri, followed by Chiang Mai (6.79%) and Krabi (5.82%). Phuket had a higher booster rate of 54%.

The suspension of the Test & Go scheme is expected to last for two weeks at the moment, but foreign tourists have to plan their trips well in advance. The long-haul market may have already changed their plans to other destinations because of the flip-flop on policy, he said.

Operators in Pattaya plan to submit a proposal for sandbox status to the Centre for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA), said Mr Thanet.

Charintip Tiyaphorn, President of the Tourism Council of Krabi, said airlines that operate direct flights from Scandinavian markets might cancel flights if the suspension of Test & Go is extended beyond two weeks and Krabi is not included in the Sandbox programme.

Prior to Test & Go suspension, Krabi hotels anticipated a 35% occupancy rate in January, but they could lose 50-60% of existing bookings if tourists are forced to accept mandatory quarantine, she said.

There are options to avoid this quagmire, said Ms Charintip, such as expanding the Sandbox to other pilot areas or resuming Test & Go with regular updates to the low-risk country list based on new cases.

We need a concrete plan from the government before Jan 7 to prepare a business strategy before we miss the whole high season, she said.

La-Iad Bungsrithong, president of the Thai Hotels Associations northern chapter, said Chiang Mai had been unfazed by the new travel rules because the number of international tourists is limited.

She said the tighter measures were necessary to prevent an outbreak in the country that could trigger another lockdown and ruin the whole industry, including the robust domestic market in the North.
Tourism figures praise keeping Phuket Sandbox open

PHUKET: Phuket Tourist Association President Bhummikitti Raktaengam has led a consortium of 16 agencies to say thank you to the government for keeping the Phuket Sandbox scheme open following the suspension of all Test & Go entry to the country.

COVID-19Coronavirustourismhealtheconomics

By The Phuket News

Thursday 23 December 2021, 01:05PM

Photo: PR Phuket

Present to receive the formal thanks at the new Phuket Provincial Hall yesterday (Dec 22) was Phuket Vice Governor Pichet Pananpong.

Phuket remains the only province where tourists may enter the country under the Sandbox scheme following the immediate suspension of the Test & Go entry scheme on Tuesday.

The order to suspend Test & Go arrivals came 24 hours after Thailand marked its first local transmission, in Bangkok, of the Omicron variant of COVID-19, which has brought on severe prevention measures and travel bans across Europe.

On behalf of the private sector of Phuket, I would like to thank the Prime Minister and all relevant Cabinet members who have decided to trust Phuket to accept tourists in the form of the Phuket Sandbox, Mr Bhummikitti said.

There are many related official agencies that support Phuket Province, especially in Phuket led by the Governor of Phuket and all Deputy Governors of Phuket, and with special thanks to Airports of Thailand and especially the Director of Phuket Airport for supporting the mission that we have gained confidence in this time, he added.

TEST & GO SUSPENDED

The central government has confirmed that 110,000 visitors who had already been approved entry to Thailand, and issued a QR code via the Thailand Pass application system, before the announcement on Tuesday will be allowed to enter Thailand on the approved date.

However, they will now be required to undergo a second RT-PCR test on Day 5 of their stay  in addition to their first RT-PCR test on landing  to confirm they are not infected. The government has announced that the state will pay the costs of the second test.

These visitors must stay in their hotel rooms until the results of their first test confirm they are not infected. Once the first test results confirm they are not infected, they may leave their hotel rooms. They must also return to their hotel each night until they have passed their second test.

A further 90,000 visitors who had applied but had not yet been approved entry as of Tuesday will be allowed to enter the country, Government spokesman Thanakorn Wangboonkongchana said on Tuesday.

The decision to suspend the Test & Go entry scheme will be reviewed on Jan 4.

PHUKET SANDBOX STILL OPEN

In addition to suspending all Test & Go entry to the country, the Centre for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) on Tuesday also suspended all Sandbox entry schemes  except the Phuket Sandbox model.

Under the Phuket Sandbox scheme visitors may land on the island and will be tested for COVID-19 on landing. If they test negative, they are free to go anywhere on the island. They will receive a second RT-PCR test on Day 5-6.

They must stay on the island for seven days, after which  if they test negative for the virus  visitors may travel freely within the country, pending local restrictions in each province. During the seven days, Phuket Sandbox arrivals must stay at their designated pre-booked hotel. They are not allowed to stay overnight in any other places.

Any arrivals who test positive for COVID-1 will be referred to a healthcare facility for appropriate medical treatment, for which the expenses must be covered by the required insurance, or national healthcare coverage for Thais and eligible foreign expatriates, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) notes in its description of the Sandbox scheme.

HOLDING ON

Mr Bhummikitti urged people to remain calm, and to be patient in waiting for the CCSA to review the situation on Jan 4.

To date, Phuket has not marked a local transmission of the Omicron variant, and Vachira Phuket Hospital Director Weerasak Lorthongkham yesterday confirmed that all recent local cases of infection have resulted in mild symptoms only.

We must maintain confidence [in handling the situation], for citizens and tourists, no matter which variant of COVID-19. Not just Omicron, there may be others. I believe that with the cooperation of all of us we will be able to coexist with the COVID-19 pandemic and overcome this crisis, he said.

During these two weeks Phuket will do our best to reassure the country and tourists around the world that Thailand will continue [to remain open]... and most importantly, thanks to the government, especially the departments of the Ministry of Public Health, including Vachira Phuket Hospital and the Phuket Provincial Public Health Office, which together are an important force that will allow Phuket to move forward, he said.

Mr Bhummikitti noted that the policy shift will no doubt affect tourist arrivals, but said it was too early to tell how much of an effect it will have.

The suspension of the Test & Go scheme will have an inevitable impact. But it is necessary to keep the economy going, Mr Bhummikitti told the Bangkok Post.

Phuket mainly has tourists from Russia and Kazakhstan at present and these countries can still enter via the Phuket Sandbox despite the change in other entry systems, he said.
ALTON  Changes to the operation model of The Salvation Armys Alton Corps Community Center has created a need for a mobile meeting space.

Alton Memorial Hospital stepped up by donating one of its out-of-service ambulances to the cause. The keys were handed over just a few days before Christmas by BJC and Alton Memorial to The Salvation Army.

The Alton Booth House emergency shelter recently transitioned from its traditional model to a scattered site housing model, said Maj. Kjell Steinsland, general secretary and St. Louis regional commander of The Salvation Armys Midland divisional headquarters. This improved program plan uses scattered housing sites throughout the community rather than the two buildings currently being used.

"We need a vehicle due to the housing model no longer being onsite," Steinsland said. "Transportation is a barrier for families, so their meetings with our staff cannot solely take place at our administrative offices. To reduce the burden on the families, our team will come to them to conduct their meetings.

Families occupy mainly motel or hotel rooms that do not meet The Salvation Armys internal safety protocols for conducting case management meetings. For the safety of all individuals, The Salvation Army has chosen to provide a mobile case management unit. This allows a continuance of services at multiple sites but with the same safety and resources that administrative offices would normally provide.

We did not specifically request an ambulance, but when our local board spoke with members of the Alton community, some of their connections with the hospital led to this as a viable option, Steinsland said.

Kristen Ryrie, Development Manager for Alton Memorial Hospital Services Foundation, is on The Salvation Army Advisory Board and was at a meeting when the topic came up.

I knew we were retiring a Duck Pluckers ambulance we purchased years ago thanks to the generosity of donors who supported the Foundations Duck Pluckers Ball, Ryrie said. Our leaders were enthusiastic about helping, and the donation of the ambulance was approved very quickly. This ambulance is getting a second life and will continue to benefit those in the community by playing a key role in The Salvation Armys mission.

Its great to assist such a worthy community partner, said Brad Goacher, chief operating officer at Alton Memorial. When we heard of the need for a mobile unit, our thoughts immediately went to one of our ambulances as a perfect option for The Salvation Army.

Steinsland said that, without this unit, The Salvation Army would continue to struggle with locating safe meeting spaces that did not put undue burden on families.

An ambulance is much like our disaster canteen units and can comfortably fit more than one person, he said. It can be outfitted for case management meetings while providing privacy, confidentiality, as well as transparency.

"We greatly appreciate Alton Memorials investment in the stability of our unhoused neighbors," he said. "It truly takes a community to meet all of the need, and this gift allows us to continue to help families reach stability and thrive.
If a creche is the most beloved religious symbol of the Christmas season, the Christmas tree is surely the most-treasured secular symbol.

Whether real or artificial, a lighted, gaily-trimmed tree brightens the homes of just about everyone who celebrates the anniversary of Jesus birth.

Christmas trees have even been set up by military personnel during wars. Alfred Bellard wrote in his Civil War memoir Gone For A Soldier, that In order to make it look much like Christmas as possible, a small tree was stuck up in front of our tent, decked off in hard tack and pork, in lieu of cakes and oranges.

While conducting research, I also came across an incredible photo showing American soldiers in the village of Buna in Papua New Guinea during the Pacific Campaign of World War II. At a dressing station set up to treat wounded soldiers, the men are gathered around a makeshift Christmas tree that appears to be formed from the green branches of local vegetation. The tree has been trimmed with cigarette cartons and cotton from the store of medical supplies.

Trees such as these cheered the hearts of soldiers in wartime. I recently discovered an account of a wartime Christmas tree that didnt merely lift spirits. It saved lives.

A photo of this tree, which was published on the Facebook page of the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, appears altogether unremarkable at first glance. Two children, a boy and a girl both dressed in sailor outfits, are standing in front of the tree. We immediately assume they must be brother and sister.

The little girl wears a bow in her hair that is so huge one is surprised her little neck is able to support it. The tree, only a small portion of which is visible in the photograph, is bedecked with ornaments and electric lights. Both children appear to be gazing at the tree with delight and wonder.

The children are indeed brother and sister. Their names are Gavra and Irena, the children of Mosa and Gabriela Mandil. And the Mandil familywas Jewish.

The Mandils were professional photographers and owned a photo studio in Novi Sad, which is located northwest of Belgrade in what was then the nation of Yugoslavia. They often used their children as models. According to the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, the Mandils took this photo in the autumn of 1940 to promote their studio for the upcoming Christmas season.

When Nazi Germany invaded Yugoslavia in April of 1941, the Mandils boarded a southward-bound train. According to museum historian Dr. Rebecca Erbelding, the family had obtained forged documents that identified them as Christians. However, she noted, on the train ride an SS officer accused them of being Jewish. But, as luck would have it, Gabriela had an advertisement that Mosa had created.of Gavra and Irena looking at a Christmas tree.

Erbelding believes that this photo really ended up saving the familys life. The SS officer was convinced the Mandils couldnt possibly be Jewish if they have a picture of their children in front of a Christmas tree. The SS officer not only allowed them to continue on their journey, Erbelding remarked in her video presentation, He even showed them a Christmas photo of his own children.

The Mandils arrived in the Italian-controlled province of Kosovo, where local Jews were living openly and safely. Soon, however, the Italians rounded up all Jewish refugees and imprisoned them. Mosha, who still possessed a camera, earned the good will of the Italian guards by photographing them. These guards allowed some Jewish families, including the Mandils, to go to Albania.

When Germany invaded Albania in Sept. of 1943, the Mandils were sheltered by a local Muslim family. While Mosa and Gabriela remained hidden in a room above a barn, Gavra and Irena dressed as Muslim villagers and hid in plain sight. The Mandils returned to Novi Sad after the war and then immigrated to to the newly-created nation of Israel in 1948.

Nazi Germany and its allies murdered six million Jews, which was approximately two-thirds of Europes Jewish population at the time. A photo of Gavra and Irena with a Christmas tree saved the Mandil family from joining the ranks of the dead.
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP)  The last three months have been very dry in New Mexico and its only going to get worse.

Thats the word from forecasters with the National Weather Service and other climate experts in the state. They said during a meeting this week that New Mexico reservoirs continue to be far below historical averages and that ranchers are bracing for a winter with little moisture out on the range.

Some snow is expected in the higher elevation on Christmas Eve, but it will be less than the precipitation that has helped to ease drought conditions elsewhere in the West in recent weeks. Parts of California are in line for even more snow, but the latest drought map shows nearly half of the western region is still dealing with the most severe categories of drought.

Andrew Mangham, a senior hydrologist with the weather service in Albuquerque, shared a series of maps that showed chances are good for above-normal temperatures and below-normal precipitation for the next two weeks, the next month and into April.

Really the story is we had a dry year that is getting worse and worse as we move through this second La Nina, he said.

The benefits of a decent monsoon over the summer have all but evaporated and most of New Mexico missed out on any meaningful moisture in the fall, Mangham said. The far northern reaches of the state saw some snow earlier this month, but he said New Mexico would need a lot more of that to get snowpack levels closer to normal for this time of year.

Stream flows? Soil moisture levels? Mangham said it's the same story and it doesn't look good heading into the next year.

Everything is just getting drier," he repeated.

Ranchers say they are feeling the pinch, and farmers who rely on traditional irrigation systems called acequias say they're worried about having water for crops next spring.

Bone dry with winds that make it even drier is how Paula Garcia described the conditions. As head of the New Mexico Acequia Association, she hears firsthand about the challenges from family farms and individual growers.

Last year, we had some snow in late 2020 and we had a very dry spring with little or no runoff. This year, the past few months are worse. If this continues, we wonder if there will be any snowmelt in the spring, she said.

The association is planning a series of meetings among acequia leaders to talk about the year ahead in terms of sharing observations about the drought, dealing with scarcity and conflicts, and addressing the need for more water-sharing agreements for those areas that will need it most.

In Nara Visa, a small village near the New Mexico-Texas state line, rancher Cliff Copeland talks about the dust and its effects on his cattle. He and other ranchers already had cut back their herds last year due to dry conditions then. Summer rains helped the grasslands recover somewhat so that in combination with smaller herds will help heading into the winter but growing feeds costs are worrisome, he said.

It's very seldom you go and not get hardly any measurable precipitation this time of year so its very concerning, he said. Its possibly devastating and it sure has everyones attention.

For Copeland, who serves as a regional vice president with the New Mexico Cattle Growers Association, doing more with less is a key part of the equation that has helped to keep the family ranch humming for four generations.

It's part of the evolution, he said. ... So being able to pass this along to the children and grandchildren and sustain our operation as weve done for so long is extremely important to us.
LAGOS, Nigeria (AP)  Nigeria destroyed more than 1 million expired doses of AstraZeneca's COVID-19 vaccine on Wednesday after authorities said they could not be used before their expiration date.

Faisal Shuaib, head of Nigerias National Primary Health Care Development Agency, said health officials in Africa's most populous country were left with little choice after receiving the donated doses that didn't have much shelf life left.

We had developed countries that procured these vaccines and hoarded them," he said. At the point they were about to expire, they offered them for donation.

Last week Shuaib had announced that Nigeria would no longer accept such donations, though he did not specify publicly what officials considered too short a shelf life.

Only 2% of Nigeria's 206 million people are fully vaccinated, and health officials have set an ambitious goal of vaccinating more than a quarter of the population by February. While hesitancy has been high, the country's vaccination rate has nearly doubled over the past week.

Nigeria has been seeing a spike in confirmed infections since it detected the highly-infectious omicron variant in late November, recording a 500% increase in cases over the past two weeks, according to the Nigeria Center for Disease Control.

The 2,123 new COVID-19 infections it confirmed on Tuesday was the highest daily tally since last January and the second highest since the pandemic began.

If we are going to overcome this COVID-19 pandemic, we have to do better job of ensuring better supply of the COVID-19 vaccines," said Shuaib. "No country will be able to eradicate COVID-19 ... until all countries are able to eradicate it.

___

Follow all AP stories on the pandemic at https://apnews.com/hub/coronavirus-pandemic.
ALTON  Mayor David Goins learned how to put up a Christmas tree from his father.

Dad would always make sure we had a good Christmas tree, Goins said. He would go out and get a real Christmas tree and Id help him decorate. He would put it in the window, and always walk outside and up the street to see how the tree looked in the window.

To this day, I always do the tree, he said. I center it in the window.

This years annual Alton Christmas tree lighting was particularly meaningful.

That was really cool, said Goins, who turned on the lights of Altons 42-foot tree, celebrating with a crowd of hundreds. I got emotional, with just the idea of being at Lincoln-Douglas Square and doing that. Id never been to one of those tree lightings. Just being down there in that capacity was emotional.

Hes not sure which of his parents picked his name.

I never got to ask them, said Goins, 61, whose mother passed away when he was 7, and his dad when he was 11.

As a kid you dont think to ask those questions, he noted. My grandmother helped fill in a lot of blanks and shared things with me.

His favorite presents under the tree were a toy gun, holster and badge, as well as a new sled.

The little gun had these little paper caps, he said. Youd put those inside the gun, roll it through and when you pulled the trigger it made a little pop.

Later Goins would join the Alton Police Department, on Dec. 3, 1985. He retired on his birthday, July 26, in 2010.

He became a pastor in December 2001, from which he retired this month and recently preached his last Sunday. He announced he would retire in July, after he won Altons mayoral election earlier this year, making history as the citys first black mayor.

At the Alton tree lighting, he told the huge crowd that one of his favorite Christmas songs was Andy Williams Its The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year. Hes a traditionalist when it comes to Christmas songs. He also loves Nat King Coles The Christmas Song and Perry Comos Home for the Holidays.

That might seem kind of square, he said with a laugh. On the spiritual side, my favorite is Oh Holy Night, by Mariah Carey.

He really just loves a simple Christmas, from simpler times.
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP)  The U.S. Navy said it seized a large cache of assault rifles and ammunition being smuggled by a fishing ship from Iran likely bound for war-ravaged Yemen.

U.S. Navy patrol ships discovered the weapons aboard what the Navy described as a stateless fishing vessel in an operation that began on Monday in the northern reaches of the Arabian Sea off Oman and Pakistan. Sailors boarded the vessel and found 1,400 Kalashnikov-style rifles and 226,600 rounds of ammunition, as well five Yemeni crew members.

It's just the latest interdiction amid the grinding war in Yemen that pits Iran-backed Houthi rebels against a Saudi-led military coalition. Western nations and U.N. experts repeatedly have accused Iran of smuggling illicit weapons and technology into Yemen over the years, fueling the civil war and enabling the Houthis to fire missiles and drones into neighboring Saudi Arabia.

Iran denies arming the Houthis despite evidence to the contrary.

In an unusually pointed move, the statement late Wednesday from the Navys Bahrain-based 5th Fleet blamed Iran for sending the weapons, saying the boat was sailing along a route historically used to traffic weapons unlawfully to the Houthis in Yemen.

The direct or indirect supply, sale or transfer of weapons to the Houthis violates U.N. Security Council Resolutions and U.S. sanctions, the statement added.

Irans mission to the United Nations did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the interception.

U.S. Navy patrol ships transferred the confiscated weapons to the guided-missile destroyer USS OKane before sinking the fishing vessel because of the hazard it posed to commercial shipping. It said the Yemeni crew would be repatriated.

American seizures of arms bound for Yemen's war, typically Kalashnikov rifles, machine guns and rocket-propelled grenade launchers, began in 2016 and have continued intermittently. Yemen is awash with small arms that have been smuggled into poorly controlled ports over years of conflict.

The Navy's 5th fleet said it has confiscated some 8,700 illicit weapons so far this year across the 2.5 million-square-mile area it patrols, including the strategically important Red Sea and the Persian Gulf.

Yemens war erupted in 2014, when the Houthis seized the capital of Sanaa and much of the country's north. Saudi Arabia, along with the United Arab Emirates and other countries, launched a bombing campaign months later to restore the internationally recognized government and oust the rebels.

The war has killed some 130,000 people and spawned the world's worst humanitarian disaster.
ANNE DRAGO, Stonington, Girls Basketball, Senior; Drago was named to the all-tournament team at the WCCU Holiday Basketball Tournament. In two games, she scored 38 points and had eight rebounds.

DANTE WILK, Westerly, Boys Basketball, Senior; Wilk was named MVP of the WCCU Holiday Basketball Tournament after the Bulldogs beat Chariho in the title game. Wilk had a combined 35 points, 10 rebounds, 11 assists and eight steals in two tournament victories.

TYLER LABELLE, Chariho, Boys Basketball, Junior; LaBelle scored 41 points in two games to earn all-tournament honors at the WCCU Holiday Basketball Tournament. LaBelle had 22 in a win against South Kingstown and 19 in a loss to Westerly.

ADDIE HAUPTMANN, Wheeler, Girls Basketball, Senior; Hauptmann scored 32 points in two games in the Montville Christmas Tournament. She also had 20 rebounds, seven assists and eight steals.

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It has been another rollercoaster year for cryptocurrency investors, with rallies and routs magnifying the potential rewards and risks involved.

There is still fervent excitement, with former Twitter boss Jack Dorsey earlier this month claiming he thinks bitcoin could replace the US dollar in the future.

But, governments and central banks are still getting to grips with cryptoassets and next year will be pivotal in terms of future regulatory interventions or crackdowns, as well as opportunities for growth.

Here, This is Money looks at what has happened in the crypto space this year, and what could be in store for crypto investors in 2022.

What a year: It has been another rollercoaster year for cryptocurrency investors, with rallies and routs in abundance

What's happened to bitcoin this year?

Bitcoin, the original cryptocurrency, is still the biggest and most popular crypto coin, with a market capitalisation larger than all the other coins combined.

Having surged to a record high of over $68,000 in November, bitcoin is currently trading at $48,674.60.

Year-to-date, the price has risen by over 65 per cent, while bitcoin has jumped by around 4,900 per cent over the last five years.

According to Finder's Investment Tracker, someone who invested 1,000 in bitcoin at the beginning of the year would have seen their pot grow by around 62 per cent to date.

It said: 'If you had invested 1,000 into bitcoin at the beginning of January, it would currently be worth 1,622, despite a spectacular fall in value of 27 per cent over the past 6 weeks - it reached a high of 2,231 back in mid-November.

'This follows on from 2020, where an initial 1,000 investment into bitcoin finished the year at 3,919.'

Meanwhile, the price of ethereum has risen by over 400 per cent in the past year, while solana has also grown substantially in the last 12 months.

'Some altcoins have had incredible moves since the lows on Monday, particularly LUNA, as well as CRV (Curve)  both seeing gains of over 30 per cent in the past two days', Marcus Sotiriou, an analyst at GlobalBlock, said.

Shifts: A chart showing what has happened to the price of bitcoin over the past year

How many people hold bitcoin wealth?

Fewer than 0.01 per cent of bitcoin investors hold more than a quarter of the cryptocurrency in circulation, recent research has revealed.

Investment in the digital currency is 'highly concentrated', with 10,000 investors owning around five million of the 19million bitcoins in circulation, worth $230billion, academics at the National Bureau of Economic Research have found.

In the United States the top 1 per cent of households hold about a third of all wealth, according to the US Federal Reserve.

This level of concentration brings, according to the findings, 'systemic risk' in part because a small number of people could trigger a price collapse if they sold their holdings all at once.

What's in store for next year?

Within the crypto space, volatility remains an issue and that looks set to continue into next year.

Some bulls expect higher prices for bitcoin but others forecast a fall.

Kate Waltman, a New York-based public accountant who specialises in crypto, said: 'The most knowledgeable educators in the space are predicting $100,000 Bitcoin in Q1 2022 or sooner.'

Kiana Danial, author of 'Cryptocurrency investing for dummies', said: 'What I expect from bitcoin is volatility short-term and growth long-term.'

Uncertainty remains at the forefront of many experts' minds, however.

What will happen? Within the crypto space, volatility remains an issue and that looks set to continue into next year

Ollie Leech, a learn director at Coindesk, said: 'Its usually expected that whenever bitcoin achieves a new all-time high, prices tend to reverse shortly after. We saw it earlier this year and this seems to be the case again right now.

'Bitcoin hasnt printed a new higher high in over 40 days, leading some analysts to believe 2022 could turn into a repeat of 2018s crypto winter.'

'Obviously, its impossible to know for sure, but there are a number of upcoming regulatory measures due in 2022 which may impact bitcoins performance, namely new stablecoin regulations in the US.

'Not to mention, prices are dangerously close to crossing below the daily 200 moving average; an indicator which many traders use to gauge whether bitcoin is in a bullish or bearish market.'

Laith Khalaf, head of investment analysis at AJ Bell, said: 'Rolling a dice on a spinning roulette wheel is probably as good a tool as any for predicting the course of the crypto markets over the course of 2022.

'There are however five key things to watch out for in this nascent market which can be expected to exert some influence on prices; business adoption, new investment products, regulatory activity, environmental progress and central bank competition.

'If crypto starts to be used as a means of exchange between businesses and consumers, then that strengthens the bull case.

'Such adoption needs to take place in a meaningful way though, rather than as a marketing gimmick, whereby companies accept payment in crypto and then immediately convert it into traditional currencies.'

He added: 'The volatility of crypto is a major sticking point which makes it hard to see much progress being made, when companies have bills to pay in dollars, euros and pounds, and likewise big funds need to report back to their investors in traditional currencies.'

Environmental concerns mounting?

Following the COP26 summit in Glasgow earlier this year, environmental concerns will remain on the agenda for companies, industries and governments into 2022 and beyond.

Critics claim crypto mining is highly energy intensive, with the majority of bitcoin mining happening in the US.

Mr Khalaf of AJ Bell, said: 'The environmental piece of the puzzle could swing either way, with the Tesla CEO, Elon Musk, being the somewhat unpredictable bellwether on this particular issue.

'Tesla made some bold plans to facilitate crypto payments for cars at the beginning of 2021, but rowed back over concerns about the environmental impact of crypto mining.

'Musk said Tesla would resume its plans once mining transitions to more sustainable energy, and already this is starting to happen. Watch this space, or more specifically, Elon Musks twitter feed.'

How will Governments and central banks respond?

Governments and central banks around the world are still in the early stages of getting to grips with crypto, people's interest in it, and its ramifications for the future of global markets.

Here in Britain, Bank of England policymakers led by Andrew Bailey have warned of the dangers of investing in such assets.

In January, Britain's Financial Conduct Authority, said: 'Investing in cryptoassets, or investments and lending linked to them, generally involves taking very high risks with investors money.

'If consumers invest in these types of product, they should be prepared to lose all their money.'

Be careful: Bank of England policymakers led by Andrew Bailey have warned of the dangers of investing in crypto

But central banks like the BoE and the Federal Reserve in the US are considering whether to launch their own digital coins. China, which has already done so, has cracked down on crypto trading and mining.

Mr Khalaf said: 'Regulatory activity is likely to be negative for crypto.

'It turns out regulators dont like the idea of a financial system which can be used to launder money, scam consumers, and could ultimately lead to heavy losses amongst investors.

'Crackdowns in India and China could be repeated elsewhere, and more broadly regulators and governments are going to turn their beady eyes on crypto, as it becomes more enmeshed in the traditional financial ecosystem.

'Central banks, including in the UK, are also looking at launching their own digital currencies, which would be negative for crytpo as these could usurp some of the perceived benefits of Bitcoin et al, such as speed of payments and transaction costs, particularly across borders.'

Chris Dinga, payments analyst at GlobalData, added: 'While the lack of regulation is driving the growth of cryptocurrencies, their decentralized nature means that growing investment and reliance on cryptocurrency sector could weaken governments' control over the economy.

'This is not a situation that some governments are prepared to tolerate, with India, one of the worlds largest economies already moving to squash cryptocurrencies before they can gain even greater popularity. To survive, the sector needs to quickly become "too big to fail" by overcoming its TPS limitations to continue its rapid growth.'

What does the future hold for crypto?

Irrespective of concerns over regulation and volatility, there is still major excitement brewing in the crypto world about what the future will bring.

This month, former Twitter boss Jack Dorsey caused a stir on the social networking site he helped to found by sharing his thoughts on crypto.

Mr Dorsey, who recently left his job as chief executive of Twitter to focus on a blockchain oriented Fintech company, tweeted that he thinks bitcoin will eventually replace the US dollar.

Companies like Visa are also becoming heavily involved in the crypto space.

Visa has partnered with 60 crypto platforms so that consumers will be able to spend crypto at 80million merchants worldwide.

It plans to launch crypto-linked cards to allow consumers to spend digital assets without requiring the merchant to accept crypto.

Visas head of crypto, said, 'At Visa, the scale and scope of our work in crypto has grown dramatically.

'The number of people cross-functionally at Visa working on crypto in some capacity is now in the hundreds  up from just a handful of employees.'

The group has also launched a global crypto advice service aimed at clients like banks and retailers keen to get into the world of crypto for their customers' services.

Elsewhere, earlier this year it was revealed that a cryptocurrency company was on track to purchase the Gibraltar Stock Exchange.

Valereum Blockchain, a Gibraltar-based blockchain technology group, signed an option to snap up 80 per cent of the GSX in October.

Amid ongoing activity, excitement and - among some - fears, over the future of crypto, anyone thinking of taking the plunge and investing their cash must remember that they could end up losing all the money they put in.

Investing in crypto is unregulated, unprotected and highly volatile, so far from risk free, it pays to keep a cool head before parting with your cash, because as the FCA has warned, you could lose it all.
Infrastructure group Balfour Beatty has been ordered to pay $65million, or 49million, in fines and compensation fees for defrauding the US military.

The FTSE 250 building specialist, which has several Central London property developments, pleaded guilty to a charge of fraud by its US subsidiary Balfour Beatty Communities (BBC), one of the US military's largest private landlords.

The criminal and civil probe found that BBC falsified documents from around 2013 to 2019 in order to receive incentive fees related to maintenance work at military houses.

Fined: Balfour Beatty's military landlord 'lied about the repairs to pocket millions in bonuses'

'Instead of promptly repairing housing for US service members as required, Balfour Beatty Communities lied about the repairs to pocket millions of dollars in performance bonuses,' said Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco.

'This pervasive fraud was a consequence of Balfour Beatty Communities' broken corporate culture'.

BBC charged fees for the management and maintenance of homes of members of the US Air Force, Army and Navy, including a base fee and 'performance incentive fees'.

To receive these incentive fees, BBC was required to submit to the service branches proof that it had satisfied certain maintenance and customer satisfaction targets.

'In reality, BBC did not meet those objectives in many of the quarters during that time,' the US Department of Justice said in a statement.

'Specifically, BBC employees altered or manipulated data in property management software and destroyed and falsified resident comment cards to falsely inflate these metrics and, ultimately, to fraudulently induce the service branches to pay performance incentive fees which BBC had not earned,' it added.

Balfour Beatty has agreed to pay $33.6million in penalties and $31.8million in restitution.

Its subsidiary will also need to serve three years of probation, and engage an independent compliance monitor for three years.

The probe was prompted by Reuters reports that discovered some homes built by the business had experienced major problems ranging from asbestos to severe mold, raw sewage backups and burst plastic water lines.

FBI deputy director Paul Abbate said BBC 'took advantage of their unique position as a military housing provider and put greed and personal profit above our servicemembers'.

Balfour Beatty shares rose 2.7 per cent to 262.52p in morning trading on Thursday.
Along with all the rest we've had to suffer this year, we have been treated to the spectacle of billionaires such as Amazon executive chairman Jeff Bezos and Virgin's Sir Richard Branson bouncing weightlessly around on the edge of space in their vanity projectiles.

Bad enough any time, but worse when the rest of us on Planet Earth are trying to deal with harsher realities like Covid. But, unwittingly, these tycoons have pointed their rockets to the heart of the Christmas message.

The incomprehensible vastness of the space that they scratch  so beautifully illuminated by Professor Brian Cox in his BBC series Universe  unveils the wonder of the heart and mind of its maker, revealed in an infant born in poverty in Bethlehem.

Ghost of Christmas past: It can look as though Gordon Gekko's creed in the 1987 Oliver Stone film Wall Street that 'greed is good' has triumphed over the common good

The sheer inversion of the normal laws of economics in that act is, literally, incredible.

To change the world forever by the birth of a vulnerable child is breathtaking.

As is the knowledge, as Professor Cox explained, that the light from the furthest stars which reaches us today had only just started its journey when our world was formed.

If you don't find that humbling then you're probably a private equity magnate of the sort, I note, this newspaper has a proud record of holding to account.

It is a commonplace, of course, for financial columnists at Christmas-time to write that businesses must be kinder. Especially for a writer like me, who is also a vicar. This year, there is an even more compelling case.

After the UN Climate Change Conference, COP26, held in Glasgow in the autumn, global heavy industry should have been left in no doubt that unabated carbon-fuel burning is the funeral pyre for the world's poorest and most vulnerable people. I almost followed that up with the words 'post-Covid'! Now we're facing an Omicron Christmas, though we should offer thanks for the vaccination regime and pharmaceuticals companies such as UK giant Astrazeneca.

The pandemic hasn't just played havoc with the economy.

It has also changed the way in which many companies go about their business.

So from encouraging sustainable supply lines to a revolution in staff management  working from home acquired its own three-letter acronym, WFH  commerce should feel a kinder place to be.

Another three-letter acronym (or perhaps TLA) coming into its own is ESG or, to chew the whole mouthful: Environmental, Social and Governance.

But the business world this year looks no closer to embracing a true Christmas spirit than it ever has.

Take those private equity robber barons I mentioned: disasters include the collapse of British Steel in 2019, which cost taxpayers 600m after three years of (mis)management by Greybull Capital.

At Debenhams, which went into liquidation this time last year, staff pensions took a hammering while the private equity giants had previously walked away with 1.2bn in dividends.

The latest horror show was at the mutual insurer LV  Liverpool Victoria  whose deal with Bain Capital collapsed, though it still cost its members 43m in 'fees' to advisers on the misconceived deal.

It can look as though Gordon Gekko's creed in the 1987 Oliver Stone film Wall Street that 'greed is good' has triumphed over the common good. At most companies, for most of the year, competition, profit margins and the sheer hard work and stress involved in a running a business are all-consuming, leaving little time to reflect.

And, naturally, the task of looking after staff and shareholders is very worthwhile.

But Christmas serves as a reminder that the greatest power in the universe is to be found in humility, service to others, vulnerability and ultimately love.

Maybe it's impossible for big business to put the values we celebrate at this time of year at the centre of their activities.

But it's no reason to stop trying.

George Pitcher is a visiting fellow at the London School of Economics and an Anglican priest
Investors who lost out when HBOS came to the brink of ruin in the financial crisis are still waiting after more than a decade for a report on its downfall.

The Mail can reveal that the probe by City watchdog the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has now completed its 'investigation stage'.

But there is still no date set for publication. Shareholders in HBOS, including many small investors who held shares following the demutualisation of the former Halifax building society, lost heavily when the bank was rescued by Lloyds Bank and a 20billion bailout from the Government in 2008.

Cashing in: Former HBOS boss Andy Hornby has pursued a lucrative career in the retail, gambling and restaurant industries

They have been waiting ever since for answers on what went wrong. In the meantime, Andy Hornby, chief executive at the time, has pursued a lucrative career in the retail, gambling and restaurant industries.

It has been five years since the FCA announced investigations into 'certain former HBOS senior managers', to find out who was responsible for its implosion and decide whether they should be barred from working in a similar role again.

Over-ambitious expansion left the lender weak. Hornby has not been named but he left in 2008 with his reputation as the rising star of British banking in tatters.

He then became chief executive of Alliance Boots, earning 4.1m for two years of work, bagging a 450,000 'golden goodbye' for not joining a competitor.

He arrived at gambling firm Ladbrokes Coral as chief operating officer. His salary was not disclosed, but he made around 8m when it was sold to GVC.

Hornby now leads The Restaurant Group, which owns the Wagamama chain. Since joining in 2019, he has made around 1.5m.

The FCA has given no hint as to what its work has uncovered since it started its probe. A former HBOS shareholder told the Mail: 'We'll have a month of Sundays before that report ever sees the light of day.' The FCA declined to comment on the next phase of the probe. One element of investigations is the practice of putting the findings to anyone criticised, giving them an opportunity to respond.

The seemingly eternal wait comes as the FCA is under fire for its delays in completing a series of key investigations into City wrongdoing. Shadow economic secretary to the Treasury, Tulip Siddiq, said: 'Taxpayers and affected consumers have been waiting for years to hear whether those responsible for the failures at HBOS, Woodford, London Capital & Finance and other businesses will be held to account. The Government must get a grip on this.' When Nikhil Rathi became FCA chief executive in 2020, victims of rogue financial services firms hoped that they might soon see justice.

But 15 months on, there is little sign of progress. Instead, the FCA is mired in controversy and in-fighting over reforms, as plans to cut pay for staff have been met with strong opposition.

A separate FCA inquiry is still waiting for the outcome of yet another delayed report from former judge Dame Linda Dobbs, after six people associated with HBOS Reading were jailed for more than 47 years.

Along with the Serious Fraud Office, the FCA is still investigating London Capital & Finance, which sold dodgy 'mini-bonds'.

Rathi is understood to be 'frustrated' by the time investigations take, but is keen to ensure probes are thorough to ensure cases do not fall apart in court.

The FCA declined to comment.
Pharma giant Astrazeneca scored another victory after a lab study showed its Covid-19 vaccine was effective against the Omicron variant.

The jab, developed with the University of Oxford, 'significantly boosted' the levels of antibodies following a third dose  matching vaccines developed by Pfizer, German outfit Biontech and Moderna.

The study also showed that after three doses, the vaccine provided the same neutralisation levels against Omicron as those seen against the Delta variant after two doses.

Sir John Bell, regius professor of medicine at Oxford and one of the study investigators, said the results support the use of third doses 'especially to limit the spread of variants of concern, including Omicron'.

Astra shares dipped 0.2 per cent, or 19p to 8596p yesterday. The data follows Astra's announcement on Tuesday that it was working on a new jab targeting Omicron. And data last week found that an antibody treatment was effective against Omicron. The developments are a victory for boss Pascal Soriot, who has aggressively promoted the company's jab.

The success has put it ahead of Glaxosmithkline which, with French peer Sanofi, has been struggling to catch up.

Last week, data from a late-stage clinical trial of their booster vaccine meant that it would miss a deadline of getting the jab approved by the end of 2021. The vaccine race is another challenge for GSK boss Emma Walmsley, who plans to split off the firm's consumer health business to focus on new drugs and vaccines.

She has come under fire from activist investors Elliott Management and Bluebell Capital, who have pushed for Walmsley to reapply for her own job.

Astra's news came as data showing symptoms from Omicron were less severe than those caused by previous variants of Covid-19. The optimism drove up shares in travel and leisure, with British Airways owner IAG climbing 2.1 per cent, or 2.98p, to 143.96p while Easyjet ascended 2.9 per cent, or 15.4p, to 552.2p and Wizz Air rose 2 per cent, or 85p, to 4316p.

Premier Inn owner Whitbread added 0.4 per cent, or 13p, to 2963p and Holiday Inn owner Intercontinental Hotels, gained 0.9 per cent, or 42p, to 4713p. Publicans cheered, as Wetherspoons rose 2.6 per cent, or 23.5p, to 918p. Marston's climbed 1.8 per cent, or 1.3p, to 74.35p, and Mitchells and Butlers was up 3.4 per cent, or 8p, to 246.6p.
ALBANY - This is the busiest time of the year for CommerceHub, the local e-commerce software company that provides online shopping logistics services to 15,000 retailers.

So it probably was one of the worst times to relocate its headquarters from Albany Nanotech to Latham.

CommerceHub has had a presence at the Albany Nanotech complex for a long time, having been founded by a University at Albany business school graduate who ended up taking space at the state-sponsored high-tech research and academic campus many years ago.

In early 2016, the company moved into the top floor of Albany Nanotech's ZEN building, signing a lease for the entire sixth floor of the new facility - a total of 55,000 square feet of space. As part of the lease, CommerceHub's logo was attached to the top of the building as well.

But that was before Alain Kaloyeros, the founder of Albany Nanotech and SUNY Polytechnic Institute, was charged in the fall of 2016 with bid-rigging on construction contracts that Albany Nanotech awarded to companies owned by major political donors to former Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo. Kaloyeros was found guilty and sentenced to 3 1/2 years in federal prison.

And it was long before the COVID-19 pandemic forced companies to close down their offices and make their employees work from home as part of widespread government shutdown orders in New York and elsewhere.

This past May, Albany Nanotech revealed that CommerceHub was terminating its lease at ZEN under an option it held under the agreement. The lease officially ended Nov. 16, although CommerceHub did retain 1,552-square-feet of space at Albany Nanotech's NanoFab South building where it has a data center and what it calls a "tech room."

The lease termination likely saved CommerceHub a lot on its expenses. Right around that time, CommerceHub received a major investment from a private equity firm and installed a new CEO, who likely saw the change as being in the company's best interests.

As it turns out, CommerceHub moved its official headquarters into space inside the New York State United Teachers building on Troy-Schenectady Road in Latham.

Special Investigation 147 NY dams are 'unsound,' potentially dangerous Thousands of dams have not been inspected in over 20 years.

It is unclear how much space CommerceHub took inside the NYSUT building or how many employees they have working there now.

CommerceHub officials did not respond to a request for comment on its move, although it lists a first-floor suite at the NYSUT building as its official headquarters now. The company announced the new location on its Facebook page on Oct. 27, about two weeks before its lease at ZEN ended.

Meanwhile, Albany Nanotech's real estate broker, CBRE, is currently marketing office space in ZEN, including the entire sixth floor.
This article was first published on NerdWallet.com.

There are reasons to resent social media  for one, it can be infuriatingly addictive and potentially isolating. But like anything else in todays social landscape, its a two-sided coin.

Social media also fosters connections that would be challenging to make in person, especially between businesses and consumers. It gives businesses a chance to be relatable, and according to the data, its working. At least 90% of people on Instagram follow a business, according to Instagram data from October 2019.

Instagram is a crucial tool to grow your small business online  and you dont have to dive headfirst into the influencer hype to use it successfully. To help you get started, here are six Instagram marketing tips from small-business owners and marketing pros.

1. Keep it in-house, but dont be afraid to delegate

Suzie Mills, co-founder of Practice Everywhere, a digital fitness company, and Honest Soul Yoga, a yoga studio with locations in Texas and Virginia, tried to hire an outside firm to manage the businesses social media accounts. Ultimately, the curated approach didnt pan out. "It wasnt timely, it never made sense, it never looked personal," she says.

Rather than spend big bucks on a third-party company, chances are you can find people with a knack for social media within your own business. Julia Lopez, Mills co-founder, suggests giving a few trusted employees access to the businesss Instagram account.

"You need to give your Instagram to the people that know your business and your brand best," she says.

2. Plan ahead

Scheduling out content and time to publish Instagram posts is critical for busy small-business owners productivity.

"Knowing what days I will post versus what days I just share to my Story are so vital," said Dominique Lenaye, owner of Itty Bitty Bookstore in Stoughton, Wisconsin, in an email. Unlike traditional Instagram posts, Stories disappear after 24 hours. In the same vein, Lopez and Mills put their Instagram photos and captions into their Google calendar to help them stay on schedule and collaborate more easily.

Angel Kwiatkowski, founder of Cohere Coworking in Fort Collins, Colorado, says her best advice for new small-business owners is to "photograph everything relentlessly." That way, you dont have to rack your brain for content ideas  or lean too heavily into promotional content. To avoid the latter, Chelsea Huddleston, marketing director of ELEV8 Climbing and Fitness in Traverse City, Michigan, tries to strike a balance on the gyms Instagram account: 60% photo content and 40% promotional content.

3. Share the spotlight with staff and customers

When youre not sure what to post next, dont be afraid to pass the baton off and give your staff and customers some attention. Lopez says following your employees is a solid first step. If they share your passion, they might "share things that are in alignment with the business" on Instagram already. In that case, simply repost their relevant content  with credit, of course.

And be sure to look at posts that tag your business. Reposting customers positive interactions with your brand (especially on Stories) shows off your business while showing your customers some love.

4. Leverage the features that make sense for your business

There are numerous ways to promote your business on Instagram  but they wont all make sense for your specific brand.

"I definitely think that overwhelming your Instagram with two, three posts a day is not the way to go," Lopez says. Thats where Stories come in handy, she adds. Stories are a great way to share snippets of your day without inundating your followers feeds. By adding interactive elements, like polls or questions, you can also better understand your audience and what they want from your account.

Special Investigation 147 NY dams are 'unsound,' potentially dangerous Thousands of dams have not been inspected in over 20 years.

Maria Romo, owner of The Brow Shaping Queen in Frisco, Texas, finds tagging specific businesses to be more organic than hashtags, so this is where she directs her energy. "I feel like youre probably seen more if you tag other businesses because then they re-share you," she says.

5. Let apps do the work for you

Theres no shortage of small-business apps to make every aspect of your company  including social media  easier.

Lenaye uses Planoly, a free Instagram scheduling app, to keep her businesss account organized, while Huddleston uses Canva Pro templates to simplify the posting process. For editing photos, Aimee Breeden, owner of Studio A Staging in Baltimore, turns to Adobe Lightroom. Other apps, like Unfold, offer free templates for posts and Stories, too.

6. Remember that Instagram isnt the end-all be-all

"Its so easy to believe that any methodology is the thing thats going to make or break your business," Kwiatkowski says. But your businesss future doesnt hinge on any single thing alone  Instagram included.

"Believe in yourself," Breeden says. "The more you do it, the better youre going to get at it."

Hillary Crawford writes for NerdWallet. Email: hcrawford@nerdwallet.com.

The article Small-Business Owners Share 6 Tips for Using Instagram originally appeared on NerdWallet.
For years weve heard the mantra to shop local by supporting area small businesses, and to eat local by buying directly from nearby farms and farmers markets. But what about drinking local, too?

New York State is one of the nations top apple producers. And with that comes tons of the crunchy fruit for eating  but also for drinking, in the form of apple cider and fermented hard cider. Thanks to the steadfast work of locavore apple fanatics, there is now a hardcore contingent of producers in the Hudson Valley and the Catskills making delicious, sophisticated sips that will rival bubbles from across the pond. (Which is good, because we hear theres a champagne shortage).

Paige Flori, co-owner and co-founder of Fishkills Boutique Wines Spirits and Ciders, sells an incredible 300 different ciders, 70 percent of which are made in the Empire State, and is one of only two retail shops in New York with cider on tap.

She helped us pinpoint perfect, champagne-like ciders, many of which come in celebratory bottles to pop on New Years or any special occasion, along with other holiday-appropriate ciders.

Ciders for your New Years Eve celebrations

If you prefer a creamy, medium-bodied champagne: Orchard Hill Gold Label Hard Cider

Orchard Hill

A great corollary to a creamy champagne is Orchard Hills Gold Label ($25) cider, made at Soons Farm in New Hampton in the same style as French bubbly. Here, the production process is known as the traditional method, meaning its bottle fermented, which is what produces the fine bubbles that give champagnes  and ciders in this style  such texture.

Not completely dry, Orchard Hill maintains a little bit of apple flavor, says Flori, and comes ready to pop, with a cork and a champagne-style cage.

In place of a sparkling rose, try: Aaron Burr Elder Pomme

@cochectonspirits

Flori and many other shops in the region like Kingston Wine Co., carry many styles of Aaron Burr Cider, Andy Brennan's Wurtsburo cidery that has garnered global acclaim among cider fanatics for its uncompromising quality. Its Elder Pomme ($25) is a bone-dry cider made from Fishkill Farms apples and foraged elderberries that is bright, fizzy and imbued with a holiday red hue.

To try something further afield, figuratively and literally, Flori recommends the French organic cider Domaine de Kerveguen: Cidre lAncienne ($18). This is the bottle you would quaff if you were invited to dine with French president Emmanuel Macron, who serves it at his formal dinners, says Flori. An interesting, complex cider made in the traditional method, with an orange tint and a little a bit of funk, she sells it in her shop.

If you like your bubbles exceptionally dry: Metal House Cider Ora dOro

Metal House Cider

Metal House Ciders Kimberly Kae specializes in super dry ciders, says Flori, and the Ora dOro ($26), available from the Esopus cidery and local shops like Floris, is like an extra brut, with a nice, crisp, clean mouthfeel. Metal House uses the methode champenoise for all of its ciders and draws only from 100 percent untreated apples. Kae herself recommends the Ammir ($25), aged and produced more precisely like champagne.

For a splurgy, ring-in-the-new-year-worthy cider worth bumping any champagne out of rotation: Aaron Burr Homestead Apple Cider magnum

I love to bring the Homestead Apple Cider to celebrations, says Flori, and the magnum makes a big visual statement. If you cant locate it (their site lists local shops that carry their ciders), the smaller 500ml bottles are readily available, she says.

In the glass its dry, unfiltered, with incredible complexity and minerality. It just sings. And if you want a gift idea, Id recommend buying one of Aaron Burrs ciders and [the cider maker Andy Brennan's] book, Uncultivated, which describes his philosophy and approach to working with wild trees.

If you like your celebratory fizz a bit sweeter: Nine Pins Apple Pie-Secco

Nine Pin

Downtime is the best time Make the most of your Hudson Valley weekend, every week with our newsletter.

I love to introduce new cider drinkers with Nine Pins seasonally available options, because theyre delicious, but also just really fun to drink, Fiori says.

For a more casual, canned cider thats also on the sweet side, she recommends Nine Pins Apple Pie-Secco, which tastes just like it sounds: an explosion of late autumnal flavor, simple, joyful, comforting. Its now in limited quantity, but still available in her shop and others, and at Nine Pines tasting room in Albany.

Nine Pin, which sources its apples from Samascott Orchards in Kinderhook, also bottles its Blueberry Peach Cobbler Cider ($14) right after Thanksgiving, says Flori, and it literally tastes like you're drinking a blueberry peach cobbler. It's like blueberries and peaches are having an MMA fight on your tongue.

Ciders for other occasions

For your holiday dinner: Merchants Daughter Claras Reserve

Merchant's Daughter

Flori recommends pairing a holiday feast with Claras Reserve, from the Purdys-based cidery, Merchants Daughter.

You get this baked apple on the front, and tart apple on the back. Theres incredible balance, and off-dry, rounded flavors of ginger, butterscotch and rhubarb that will cut right through heavy, rich foods. It will also appeal broadly to a range of palates.

For Your Cheese Plate: Orchard Hill Ciders Ten 66 Reserve

Inspired by the classic beverage that hails from Normandy, France, Orchard Hills Ten66 Reserve is named for the year of the Norman invasion of England. Aged in used wine oak barrels, it is made from fresh locally grown apples, and apple brandy aged in French wine oak. They have an incredible pommeau.

It has top notes of sweetness, with this super rich finish that acts like a sweet chutney or jam would on a cheese board, she explains. The pommeau packs a punch though: unlike a typical cider that clocks in at well under 8 percent ABV, this one has an 18.5 percent ABV.
ALBANY Capital Region counties began distributing hundreds of thousands of masks and are expected to begin giving out at-home test kits over the next week as part of their efforts to control a new wave of coronavirus cases.

County Executive Dan McCoy said the Albany County Sheriffs Office would bring 138,000 KN-95 masks and roughly 10,000 at-home test kits to local governments to hand out as they see fit on Thursday.

The effort is part of a statewide distribution of supplies, McCoy said.

The governor has seen that we need to get masks out there, testing kits have been a big issue, he said. We know its been an issue to get these kits.

The county anticipates that it will receive more test kits to distribute in the next few weeks.

In Albany County the amount of masks distributed will range from 33,000 masks for the city of Albany, to around 1,000 for Westerlo.

Sheriff Craig Apple said he expected local governments to be distributing the masks and test kits by the weekend, and his office will be able to direct residents who have questions on where to get a mask or test kit.

Several other Capital Region counties also began distributing KN-95 masks to local government and residents. The free 3M masks are considered more effective at filtering particulates than paper surgical masks or cloth face coverings.

Warren County said it will also distribute 28,000 KN-95 face masks to residents at four locations and at a number of churches this week. Saratoga County is sending approximately 100,000 masks to town halls throughout the county. It is still waiting for a shipment of test kits.

These masks will help our residents tremendously this winter, and we are grateful that we were able to work with our friends at New York State and our local businesses, churches and community organizations to distribute them quickly," Warren County Emergency Services Director Ann Marie Mason said in a statement.

Rensselaer County is prioritizing local governments and school districts for its 70,000 masks. The public can also pick up masks from the county's office building. It expects to receive home tests in the next few days.

With the wider availability of home test kits, county governments will also likely have a diminished sense of how many active coronavirus cases there are, which further inhibits already overwhelmed contact tracing efforts.

Albany County is asking residents to self-report their results to the county Health Department's call center. The state is also supposed to have an online portal by the end of the year where residents can order at-home tests. Those tests will be mailed with a pre-paid envelope for residents to return their test swabs. Health officials also recommend residents contact their primary care physician for guidance.

Residents who do test positive with home test kits are still expected to isolate themselves for 10 days and inform people theyve been in contact with recently.

Both Saratoga and Schenectady counties said Wednesday they would stop releasing daily numbers of positive cases and focus on other indicators.

Albany County Health Commissioner Dr. Elizabeth Whalen said Albany County was facing similar challenges and already was unable to keep up with the latest wave of cases.

Special Investigation 147 NY dams are 'unsound,' potentially dangerous Thousands of dams have not been inspected in over 20 years.

We are currently not able to contact every positive case, she said. We would like to be able to focus on higher risk cases. So, individuals that live in congregate settings, individuals that are in schools or health care environments  is where we really need to focus our efforts.

Whalen said she expected the countys case load to continue to rise, which is what the county saw last year after Christmas.

The county saw 245 new cases overnight and one more death, a woman in her 50s. Sixty residents are hospitalized, a decrease of one, and eight residents are in intensive care.

The vaccine doesnt prevent you from getting it, the vaccine just hopefully prevents you from dying or ending up in the hospital, McCoy said.

The county said its numbers reflect the effectiveness of vaccines in preventing the most serious outcomes in positive patients.

Through the first 23 days of the month, the county saw 4,123 new infections compared to 3,959 last year.

But so far this month, 160 patients were hospitalized. Sixty-three percent of those were unvaccinated and 27 percent had received their shot. Of the 22 deaths, 66 percent were unvaccinated, and 33 percent had received the vaccine. Those that were vaccinated had serious underlying health conditions, McCoy said.

For the same period last year, the county saw 286 hospitalizations and 38 deaths.

So again, with the new variant  please do the right thing, McCoy said.
Albany County is distributing 138,000 KN-95 masks and 10,000 at-home coronavirus kits to communities around the county.

The masks and tests  supplied by the state  are being given to the leaders in the cities, towns and villages for distribution to residents.

The distribution began Thursday. County Executive Dan McCoy and Sheriff Craig Apple discussed the distributions Thursday morning.

Apple said the effort was being made to "quell the spike that's been going on around the Capital District."

Warren County will distribute 28,000 KN-95 face masks to residents at four locations and at a number of churches this week, county officials announced.

These masks will help our residents tremendously this winter, and we are grateful that we were able to work with our friends at New York State and our local businesses, churches and community organizations to distribute them quickly," Warren County Emergency Services Director Ann Marie Mason said in a statement.

The free 3M masks are considered more effective at filtering particulates than paper surgical masks or cloth face coverings.

They can be picked up in the following locations:

Aviation Mall, 578 Aviation Road, Queensbury, near 99 Restaurant and the cinema entrances.

Adirondack Outlet Mall, Route 9, Queensbury, in the plaza with Under Armour, Timberland and L.L. Bean stores.

Special Investigation 147 NY dams are 'unsound,' potentially dangerous Thousands of dams have not been inspected in over 20 years.

Cool Insuring Arena, 1 Civic Center Plaza, in Glens Falls, during Christmas Eve Road March.

Warren County Municipal Center DMV and Human Services buildings entrances, Route 9, Queensbury. The municipal center is closed on Friday, Dec. 24.

Churches around the county will also be sites for distribution on Friday, Dec. 24.

We are thankful that our partners with New York State were able to provide these masks for us at a time when we are starting to see another spike in COVID-19 cases," Rachel Seeber, chairwoman of the Warren County Board of Supervisors, said in a statement. "Please pick one up as soon as you can and use it whenever you are in indoor public places, as these masks will be important tools for us to try to limit the post-holiday COVID surge that may occur.

Faith-based organizations that would like masks for their congregations can email warrencountystrong@warrencountyny.gov.
The jury deliberating at Kim Potter's manslaughter trial in the shooting death of Daunte Wright asked a judge whether the officer's handgun could be freed from an evidence box so they could hold it.

Their question Tuesday went to the heart of the former police officer's claim that she made a tragic mistake when she grabbed her gun, instead of her Taser, and shot Wright during a traffic stop April 11 in the Minneapolis suburb of Brooklyn Center.

Prosecutors had highlighted the differences in the look, feel and weight between Potter's gun and Taser, and had promised jurors they would be able to handle them during deliberations.

Taser-gun mix-ups are rare but have happened in several states in recent years.

Here are some questions and answers about such incidents:

HOW FREQUENTLY DOES THIS HAPPEN?

Experts agree that such incidents are rare and probably happen fewer than once per year throughout the U.S. A 2012 article published in the monthly law journal Americans for Effective Law Enforcement documented nine cases dating back to 2001 in which officers shot suspects with handguns when they said they meant to fire stun guns.

The phenomena of weapons confusion is well known in policing, according to the prosecution's use-of-force expert, Seth Stoughton, a professor at the University of South Carolina School of Law. He testified that he knew of fewer than 20 cases since Tasers were introduced in 1993 in which officers used their firearms instead. He said the manufacturer has taken steps to try to prevent such errors and it's become an important part of the training officers get.

WHY DOES IT HAPPEN?

Reasons that have been cited include officer training, the way they carry their weapons and the pressure they feel during dangerous and chaotic situations. To avoid confusion, officers typically carry their stun guns on their weak sides, away from handguns holstered on their dominant hands side. Thats how Potter carried hers.

Jurors at Potter's trial heard testimony from a state Bureau of Criminal Apprehension agent about the differences between the two weapons and how officers use them, with photographs to illustrate.

Sam McGinnis testified that the holsters on Potters duty belt require an officer to take deliberate actions to release the weapons. The gun holster has a snap, while the Taser holster has a lever. The black handgun weighs just over 2 pounds (0.9 kilograms), while the mostly yellow Taser weighs just under a pound (0.45 kilograms), he said.

The Taser and gun also have different triggers, grips and safety mechanisms that must be engaged before firing, McGinnis testified. The Taser has a laser and LED lights that display before it is fired, which he demonstrated for the jury, while the handgun does not.

WHAT DOES THE DEFENSE SAY?

The defense brought in a use-of-force expert to testify that in chaotic situations like Wright's traffic stop, a persons ingrained training takes over.

Laurence Miller, a psychologist who teaches at Florida Atlantic University, said that the more someone repeats the same act, the less they have to think about it. He said that when a person learns a new skill, memory of an old skill might override that, resulting in an action error in which an intended action has an unintended effect.

You intend to do one thing, think youre doing that thing, but do something else and only realize later that the action that you intended was not the one you took, he said.

We are in a human business, defense attorney Paul Engh said. "Police officers are human beings. And thats what occurred.

Bill Lewinski, an expert on police psychology and the founder of the Force Science Institute in Mankato, Minnesota, has used the term slip and capture errors to describe the phenomenon.

Lewinski, who has testified on behalf of police, has said officers sometimes perform the direct opposite of their intended actions under stress  that their actions slip and are captured by a stronger response. He notes that officers train far more often on drawing and firing their handguns than they do on using their stun guns.

Special Investigation 147 NY dams are 'unsound,' potentially dangerous Thousands of dams have not been inspected in over 20 years.

Other experts are skeptical of the theory.

Theres no science behind it, said Geoffrey Alpert, a criminology professor at the University of South Carolina and an expert on police use of force. Its a good theory, but we have no idea if its accurate.

Alpert said a major factor in why officers mistakenly draw their firearms is that stun guns typically look and feel like a firearm.

WHAT ARE SOME OTHER CASES?

In one of the best-known cases, a transit officer responding to a fight at a train station in Oakland, California, killed 22-year-old Oscar Grant in 2009. Johannes Mehserle testified at trial that, fearing Grant had a weapon, he reached for his stun gun but mistakenly pulled his .40-caliber handgun instead.

Mehserle was convicted of involuntary manslaughter and sentenced to two years in prison. His department paid $2.8 million to Grants daughter and her mother.

In Tulsa, Oklahoma, a white volunteer sheriffs deputy, Robert Bates, said he accidentally fired his handgun when he meant to deploy his stun gun on an unarmed Black man, Eric Harris, who was being held down by other officers in 2015.

Bates apologized for killing Harris but described his deadly mistake as a common problem in law enforcement, saying This has happened a number of times around the country. ... You must believe me, it can happen to anyone.

Bates was convicted of second-degree manslaughter and sentenced to four years in prison. Tulsa County ultimately agreed to pay $6 million to Harris estate to settle a federal civil rights lawsuit.

In 2019, a suburban St. Louis police officer, Julia Crews, said she meant to use her stun gun but mistakenly grabbed her service revolver and shot a suspected shoplifter, Ashley Hall, who suffered serious injuries. Crews resigned and was charged with second-degree assault. That was eventually dropped at Halls request after the victim and the former officer agreed to participate in restorative justice mediation. Separately, the city of Ladue agreed to a $2 million settlement with Hall.

___

Find the APs full coverage of the Daunte Wright case: https://apnews.com/hub/death-of-daunte-wright
SCHENECTADY  The siblings pulled no punches when writing about their departed brother:

Michael Joseph Malecki, according to his obituary in the Daily Gazette, died needlessly from COVID-19.

He did not believe in masks, tests, vaccines, or the virus, it read. He was ill for less than 48 hours.

Malecki, 70, died Nov. 15, one of the more than 800,000 Americans who have succumbed after contracting the virus.

His death, his sister said, was entirely preventable.

"It's the story that's playing out over and over again across the nation," said Maryanne Malecki, who wrote the obituary with her surviving brother. "This was not a medical decision  it was a politically motivated choice."

The memorial that appeared online Thursday was brutal in its assessment and rendered in great detail, painting a portrait of a man with a sense of joie de vivre, but also a fiercely independent stubborn streak that likely resulted in his untimely death.

Throughout his life, Malecki was interested in weightlifting, souped-up cars and smooth cigars.

Malecki liked to say he lived his life according to his favorite songs, Frank Sinatras "My Way" and Sammy Davis Jr.,s "I Gotta Be Me."

He was certainly him, and it probably killed him, the obituary stated.

Malecki, a Schenectady native, worked in sales, selling investment shares in oil and gas exploration and drilling, according to his obituary. Beginning in the 1970s, he traded commodities and commodity options, which he continued to do up to his death.

Born in Schenectady on March 26, 1951, Malecki was a son of Joseph and Jessie Malecki. He graduated in 1969 from St. Columbas High School  a member of the now-defunct schools final class  and is survived by his sister, Maryanne, and brother, John Malecki.

Malecki was predeceased by his parents, many aunts and uncles, several cousins, his brother-in-law, John L. Polnak, and at least one favorite dog.

He attended the University at Albany, Maria College and Hudson Valley Community College. Before relocating to the West Coast, Malecki worked as a bartender in Colonie and Albany, including the Moon Restaurant with Nick Cavaleri.

Special Investigation 147 NY dams are 'unsound,' potentially dangerous Thousands of dams have not been inspected in over 20 years.

Malecki moved to California in the late 1970s, where he continued working in the hospitality business before eventually moving to the Dallas area.

The weightlifting, car and cigar aficionado leaves behind lifelong friends from his youth spent in the citys Stockade neighborhood and hanging out in Riverside Park.

Mike didn't like going to funerals or any services related to death and attended very few, the obituary said. Out of respect for his feelings, it does not seem appropriate to make him start going now.

Instead, his survivors will sponsor a memorial bench in the park near his childhood home on North Street where he liked to walk along the Mohawk River when he visited his parents.

"I think it's important to be honest and to educate people that these things have consequences," Maryanne Malecki said. "Condolences are fine, but I'd rather see people get the vaccine."

Donations in Maleckis name can be made to either the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases: 7201 Wisconsin Avenue - Suite 750; Bethesda, MD 20814 or Doctors Without Borders: USA Headquarters, 40 Rector St., 16th Floor; New York, NY 10006.
FRANKLIN, N.C. (AP)  A North Carolina delivery driver has been charged in a series of break-ins over several weeks after he was captured on a video surveillance camera inside a home, a sheriff's office said.

The Macon County Sheriffs Office said multiple thefts had been reported in the Highlands area. A break in the case occurred when a homeowner called to report their surveillance video showed a man wearing shorts who was in their home for a brief time before fleeing when he saw the camera. A news release said the sheriff's office identified the man as a FedEx driver.
The 10-year-old House of the Week feature is a subjective representation of what's on the market in the Capital Region. The housing stock is wildly diverse, making HOTW a catalogue of new, old, big, small, contemporary and traditional. It's possible to generalize about style in individual neighborhoods  clusters of Capes, collections of Colonials, batches of bungalows  but as a whole, there's no common thread.

A reflection of national trends can be seen in the House of the Week capsule. Prices rose, driven by scarcity. Of the 52 houses featured in 2021, 11 sold at or above asking.

One listing that sold for more than the asking price after multiple bids was 109 Trask Lane in the town of Saratoga. Built in 2010, it's a large ranch house with 3,280 square feet of living space. The pictures showed shiny floors and kitchen cabinets and a double-sided fireplace, but seller's agent Haleh Struzinsky said the in-ground pool was a big draw. There were four or five offers, all for more than the $699,900 asking price. Once it was clear there was competition, Struzinsky gave the potential buyers a day to submit their best, highest offers. It sold for $720,000 on March 5. A look at the Saratoga County Assessment Database shows the house last sold in August 2019 for $665,000.

Big, fancy houses in Saratoga County weren't the only ones in demand among this year's houses of the week. A 2,300-square-foot four bedroom at 942 Central Parkway, Schenectady listed at $159,900 and featured in January, closed in May for $165,000. MaryGrace Katonah of Hunt Real Estate was the seller's agent.

The region's hot market showed itself in House of the Week, too. Of all the houses, not many lingered on the market  21 sales closed and eight listings are in pending status according to the multiple listing service.

Nine of this year's houses were listed at $1 million or more, including the highest priced, a historic mansion at 24 Broad St. in Kinderhook, listed at $2.95 million. The big, brick mansion dates to the American Revolution and it has been beautifully maintained and decorated in period style by its antique-dealer owners. Listing agent Andrew Gates of Houlihan Lawrence said there's been strong interest. In addition to two appearances in the Times Union, The New York Times also picked it up for its weekly feature, "What You Get."

Unique listings made it into House of the Week. There was 110 Brown Point Lane, along Saratoga Lake. In 1989, Mary Fassett collected stones from property her father owned, hand-mixed the cement and built the original, octagonal portion of the 2,153-square-foot house herself. Before the last wall was built, her brother drove a tractor inside and installed the center beam. Listed at $428,800 in August, the property sold for $400,000. Jennifer Vucetic of Exit Realty Empire Associates was the listing agent.

If the Capital Region lacks for any particular architectural styles, it's mid-century modern and contemporary  that's what makes 215 Forest Haven Drive in Guilderland such a surprise. Built in 1990 on 3.3 acres, the home has 7,468 square feet of living space. There are five bedrooms, four full bathrooms and two half baths. The exterior is an imposing composition in beige, an architectural tribute to geometry comprised of a silo section clad in vertical wood siding alongside horizontal, stone-clad portions. It's on the market for $1.34 million.
ALBANY  At a press conference last month, Gov. Kathy Hochul was asked about a sensitive subject: her heavy reliance on Albanys top lobbyists to raise campaign funds, even as those firms and individuals seek action from her administration.

My message to anyone who wants to support me is very clear: 'Thank you for investing in good government," Hochul responded. "That's it.

After assuming the governorship in late August, Hochul raised funds at among the fastest clips in state history  $10 million in three months. And at least one interest group heard a different message.

On Dec. 8, Hochul attended a fundraiser arranged by the Manhattan law firm Feuerstein Kulick, a major player in the expanding field of cannabis law. The firm advises companies on winning licenses from state governments across the country. New York has yet to select the companies that will win potentially lucrative licenses to sell recreational marijuana.

An email obtained by the Times Union indicates that one week before the fundraiser, Feuerstein Kulick attorney Nancy Baynard encouraged cannabis clients to donate heavily, stating that the firm was in touch with the director of finance for Hochuls administration/campaign.

From our conversations with lobbyists in our network, participating in an event like this could provide many of our clients with access to the governors staff throughout the (licensing) application process," Baynard wrote. "This is obviously quite valuable to application clients such as yourselves. In addition to providing access to the governors staff, this fundraiser provides us invaluable opportunity to educate Kathy Hochul.

We need to raise $100,000 for the event, and we believe keeping the event small will maximize our clients time with the governor, so were hoping that clients would be willing to donate $10,000, the attorney continued. We need to get back to Gov. Hochuls staff as soon as possible with an indication as to our ability to deliver the requested funds.

From the email, its not clear which lobbying firms were advising Feuerstein Kulick that campaign donations could generate access to Hochuls government staff.

The Dec. 8 fundraiser was held at the Vandy Club, a third-floor lounge overlooking Grand Central Station in midtown Manhattan that's available exclusively to tenants of the recently built 93-story skyscraper there. The Vandy Club is also where the major lobbying and law firm Greenberg Traurig, which rents office space in the building, had its own fundraiser for Hochul.

Greenberg lobbyist Lynelle Bosworth, who hosted a panel discussion this summer on the state's cannabis application process featuring two Feuerstein Kulick attorneys, declined to say whether her firm had a role in the Dec. 8 fundraiser. A spokeswoman for the law firm later said Greenberg played no role in that event. Feuerstein Kulick co-founder Mitch Kulick, who heads his firm's cannabis practice and is a former attorney in Greenberg's Manhattan office, declined to answer questions; Hochul's campaign would not say how it gained access to the event space.

Hochul's campaign said that, contrary to what's suggested in the the email, members of her government staff did not help set up the Dec. 8 fundraiser.

"In keeping with Gov. Hochul's commitment to maintain high ethical standards, fundraising events are organized and attended solely by campaign staff members, regardless of what outside parties may incorrectly indicate," said campaign spokesman Jerrel Harvey. "Consistent with all fundraising activities, members of the campaign's staff arranged an event at the Vandy Club on Dec. 8."

When major lobbying firms have sought to have intimate fundraisers, Hochul's campaign has requested they commit to raising even more  $250,000  for events where Hochul appears in person, according to people with knowledge of the events. The lobbying firms raise the money from their clients, who then attend the events. They are often exclusive to the lobbying firm and those clients, who gain a few minutes interacting with the governor.

On her first day in office, Hochul said she wanted to make New Yorkers "believe in their government again" and change the culture of Albany" through ethics reforms and more. She also faced the prospect of a difficult 2022 Democratic primary challenge from Attorney General Letitia James. Hochul chose to build a massive campaign war chest that could scare off competition, aiming to raise $10 million by year's end.

In doing so, Hochul accelerated the long-existing practice of campaigns outsourcing fundraising to lobbyists: At least eight firms with major Albany presence held high-dollar events between August and October. The fundraising helped establish Hochul as the clear favorite in the primary; James abruptly dropped out of the gubernatorial race on Dec. 9.

As she has aggressively raised those funds, Hochul is also overseeing state government. Those dual priorities can create awkward overlaps in timing, such as a day in October when Hochul announced $25 million in grants to nonprofits. That same day, she held an event with potential campaign donors organized by the nonprofit that had lobbied for those funds.

Now, Hochul must decide whether to sign or veto many bills of interest to the lobbying firms that aided her. Four months into her tenure, two vetoes she has already issued give a flavor of how those firms seek to exert influence. The vetoes came soon after those firms had held Hochul fundraisers. Based on a comparison of the firms' memos opposing the bills and Hochul's subsequent veto messages, the lobbyists' messages were heard.

Though many of Hochul's early donors wont be known until a filing deadline in January, some political action committees have recently disclosed their giving, and the limited sample shows $101,000 donated by interests favoring the two vetoes that Hochul issued.

Hochul's campaign declined to identify the campaign donors at specific lobbying firm events, and whether those donors ever spoke to the governor about the two bills that she rejected.

"Gov. Hochul has acted on 286 bills since being sworn into office four months ago, with 260 signed into law and 26 vetoed to date," her government press secretary Hazel Crampton-Hays said Monday. (Hochul subsequently signed several more bills last week.) "We welcome the views of different advocacy groups on pieces of legislation, but every decision is made by the governor and her team based on the facts and what is best for New Yorkers. No donation has any influence on any government decisions, and we strongly reject any implication otherwise."

Hochul has at times made decisions contrary to the interests of donors and lobbyists that held fundraisers. Privately, some lobbyists say the fundraising is geared not towards a specific legislative outcome, but rather a means of building goodwill as they press for access and careful consideration of their efforts. Occasionally  as in the Feuerstein Kulick email  such typically quiet wishes can be heard out loud.

A 'duplicative' office

New Yorkers pay some of the highest utility bills in the country. Earlier this year, the Legislature passed a bill that would have created the Office of the Utility Consumer Advocate, intended to give ratepayers a greater voice in legal and regulatory proceedings such as those considering proposed rate hikes.

Lobbyist William Crowell issued an opposition memorandum on behalf of his client, Energy Coalition New York, that argued the creation of the additional state-funded office was "duplicative and unnecessary."

On Nov. 8, Hochul vetoed the bill, and called the proposed new office "duplicative."

In her veto message, the governor wrote the new office would establish a superfluous construct that is duplicative of existing state programs and services." She also said the new office would be redundant.

Hochul's veto message bore similarities to one written by former Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo in 2019, when the bill first passed both legislative houses. The first three sentences of both documents are nearly identical, and some other passages are paraphrased. Cuomo had written in 2019 that the provisions of this bill would be redundant to services for residential customers that are already provided by the state.

Records show that Crowell lobbied the respective staffs of Cuomo and Hochul concerning the bill two years apart, ahead of both vetoes. He is of counsel at the major lobbying firm Dickinson & Avella, which held a Hochul fundraiser on Oct. 26, less than two weeks before the second veto. He doubles as founder and executive director of Energy Coalition New York, which consists of seven New York gas and electric utilities that collectively pay Dickinson & Avella about $14,600 monthly.

Crowell had used the word duplicative in memos dating back to 2014, a year after the bill was first introduced. In his memo this year, he also quoted the redundant line from Cuomos 2019 veto.

Crowell has lobbied for business interests for over two decades, once serving as an Albany lobbyist for Enron  the notorious Texas-based energy company that declared bankruptcy 20 years ago this month  while working at a different lobbying firm. He declined to say whether Energy Coalition members attended the Oct. 26 fundraiser or spoke to Hochul about the bill.

Another firm that held a Hochul fundraiser this fall, Hinman Straub, also lobbied Hochuls office against the Utility Consumer Advocate bill on behalf of Consolidated Edison, another Energy Coalition member.

Before the veto, Hochuls campaign received $2,500 from National Fuel Gas New York, a member of the Energy Coalition. On Oct. 22, another member, National Grid, donated $5,000. She received $3,000 from AT&T, whose lobbying firm also pressed Hochuls office to reject the bill.

AARP, the 38-million member organization that represents Americans over age 50, has long lobbied in favor of the bill.

Its Albany lobbyist, William Ferris, said a million New Yorkers are at least 60 days behind on their utility bills, with past-due payments adding up to around $1 billion.

We have a billion-dollar problem, Ferris said. When that (collection) process unfolds, what voice will be there for consumers?

AARP does not have a political action committee that gives campaign donations in New York, Ferris said.

Special Investigation 147 NY dams are 'unsound,' potentially dangerous Thousands of dams have not been inspected in over 20 years.

Bronx Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz, the Democrat who sponsored the bill, said the proposed office was not duplicative of other government entities. He noted that while consumers are ostensibly represented by the Public Service Commission and an office within the Department of State, neither entity is able to act solely on behalf of consumer interests.

The reasoning behind the veto is just nonsense, Dinowitz said.  ... The Utility Consumer Advocate office would do something no other (New York) office does, and almost every other state has one.

Dinowitz believes Hochul's veto was the result of a busy governor being ill-advised by staff  probably a holdover from Cuomos administration, he said, judging from the similarities in the veto messages.

In 2019, Crowell had reported lobbying Rebecca Wood, a deputy special counsel in Cuomo's office who holds the same title in Hochul's administration. The lobbyist declined to say whom he lobbied on the bill in 2021.

Softening the blow for consumer advocates, on the same day Hochul issued the veto she signed two less sweeping bills meant to protect residential utility customers. Unlike the bill she vetoed, there was relatively little lobbying on the two she signed.

Dinowitz wants Hochuls campaign well-funded to take on a Republican opponent next November. He said large contributors are likely looking for a seat at the table, not a quid pro quo.

I assume they think they at least get easier access, Dinowitz said. There are a lot of businesses and other groups that donate money, and I dont think they think theyre getting anything concrete in return  but (they) want to be part of the whole conversation.

Child health bill

When Greenberg Traurig held its Hochul fundraiser on Oct. 28, the firm spent $13,700 on food and drinks and $400 on a photographer, according to campaign finance records.

A week later, Hochul vetoed a bill of concern to a Greenberg client, the New York Health Plan Association, which represents health insurance companies that provide managed care  insurance plans in which patients agree to visit only certain doctors and hospitals and the cost is monitored by a managing company.

Around the time of the Greenberg fundraiser, a number of the firm's clients donated to Hochul, as did members of the Health Plan Association, including $7,500 from MVP Health Care on Oct. 27. In September, another member, Empire BlueCross BlueShield, donated $35,000.

The Legislature had passed a bill prohibiting insurance companies administering the Child Health Plus program  a state-sponsored health insurance plan for low-income children  from requiring that participating doctors also sign up for the commercial health care network operated by the insurer.

The bills sponsors argued that if the legislation passed, families of uninsured children would have a greater choice of pediatricians, and that insurance providers were using the taxpayer-funded program as bait for their profit-making activities, forcing doctors that want to care for uninsured children to participate in the insurer's health care network.

A Health Plan Association opposition memo, however, argued that the measure was a provider protection bill that will result in less choice for health plan members. And Hinman Straub issued a memo on behalf of Empire BlueCross that argued the bill allowed doctors "to pick and choose which programs they wish to participate in based on a products reimbursement rates."

On Nov. 3, after both Hinman Straub and Greenberg Traurig held their fundraisers, Hochul vetoed the bill  making arguments similar to those pushed by the Health Plan Association and Hinman Straub, as well as others they hadn't made.

Hochul wrote that allowing doctors to "favor participation only in plans with higher reimbursement" rates would leave children with "fewer health care options."

Himnan Straub lobbied against the bill on behalf of four clients, including Empire BlueCross; a firm representing MVP Health Care also reported lobbying Hochuls office. Greenberg Traurig reported lobbying Hochuls office on several bills for the Health Plan Association this fall, but did not lobby Hochul on the child health bill, the firm says.

UnitedHealth Group, another Health Plan Association member, has given Hochul $27,500. The Health Plan Association itself donated $5,000 to Hochul after the veto, and had previously given $1,000.

Notably, Hochul signed a bill on Oct. 8 opposed by the Health Plan Association. The measure mandates coverage for ostomy supplies, needed after a life-saving procedure allowing bodily waste to pass through into a bag on the outside of the body, for the Child Health Plus program. Greenberg Traurig lobbied Hochul's office on behalf of the Health Plan Association, and Hinman Straub and MVP also lobbied her office.

Since 2019, Democrats have held majorities in the Assembly and Senate, and the Legislature has become more favorable to bills meant to aid consumers  measures that are often opposed by large corporations. Those companies  which argue such bills represent unnecessary and costly additions to an already vast bureaucracy  have been left to lobby the more moderate, business-friendly Democrats holding the governor's office.

As of Monday, Hochul had vetoed about 9 percent of the bills she has taken action on. That was more than the 6 percent Cuomo vetoed in 2020, but less than the 19 percent Cuomo vetoed in 2019. And on Tuesday, Hochul signed 40 more bills and issued no vetoes, bringing the veto percentage down to about eight. The signings included a bill Hinman opposed on behalf of BlueCross requiring health plan notifications to specify between partial denials of medical claims and full denials.

By the end of the month, Hochul must decide whether to veto or sign hundreds of remaining bills passed by the Legislature this year, including a number with significant opposition from lobbying firms that raised six-figure sums for her campaign.
TROY  The Rensselaer County Legislature on Tuesday approved a $20,000 annual raise for county Executive Steve McLaughlin, who three weeks ago was arrested and indicted on felony charges related to his alleged misuse of campaign funds and falsifying campaign filings.

County Legislator Cynthia B. Doran, D-Troy, who was one of four lawmakers to vote against the package of raises for McLaughlin and dozens of other county employees, said the paperwork detailing the pay hikes had been shared with legislators an hour before the meeting. She said that Michael E. Stammel, chairman of the Legislature, had defended the raise for McLaughlin, whose annual salary of $121,300 will now be $142,000.

"I think the county executive and his operatives, including Rich Crist, have brought a bad name to the county, and we are looked upon as being possibly a bit corrupt," Doran said, referring to one of McLaughlin's closest political confidants. "I had to vote no. In addition, the county executive has been indicted for a crime; I dont think we reward that kind of behavior, at least I dont. Im flabbergasted."

Crist also received a raise: The $3,883 boost will bring his annual pay to $118,000.

Stammel's conduct is one area of focus in an unrelated investigation of alleged ballot fraud in the recent election. The Times Union reported Dec. 15 that State Police interviewed Stammel at Rensselaer City Hall, where he serves as mayor, and seized his mobile phone.

Stammel and Crist, who serves as McLaughlin's spokesman, did not immediately respond to requests for comment on Wednesday. Crist is the county's director of operations, and some of the absentee ballots that he handled in the recent election have been examined in the investigation, which involves the State Police, the state attorney general's office and the FBI.

Peter Grimm, the Legislature's Democratic minority leader, voted against the raises and said he also questions the format in which the meetings are quickly assembled without issues being debated at the committee level or giving the public more notice.

"They call them cleanup meetings, that we have in the Legislature. This is when things get kind of pushed in. ... They are not posted where the public know that they're going to happen."

Grimm said a second resolution, which would have given McLaughlin and other elected officials in the county automatic 2 percent annual raises, was withdrawn after he questioned whether it was legal for the lawmakers to vote to raise their own salaries.

"Its interesting that Mike Stammel, who is also being investigated, introduced and sponsored a bill that would give the county executive  who has been arrested for (alleged) criminal behavior  such a raise," Grimm said. "Its just defining the corruption thats here."

McLaughlin, a Republican, was indicted on charges from the state attorney general's probe that began as an investigation of his 2017 campaign for county executive and also examined his financial dealings when he was a member of the state Assembly.

McLaughlin allegedly stole $5,000 in funds from his campaign account on Nov. 21, 2017  just weeks after winning election to his county post  and then falsely reported the expense in campaign documents filed with the state Board of Elections.

According to the charges, McLaughlin wrote a check from his campaign account to Hudson Valley Strategies, a consulting firm owned and operated by Crist. The indictment states that Crist allegedly deposited the check in his firm's bank account and then drafted a new check  for $3,500  that he brought to McLaughlin's former campaign treasurer, Jennifer R. Polaro, who had previously worked as McLaughlin's chief of staff in the state Assembly.

Special Investigation 147 NY dams are 'unsound,' potentially dangerous Thousands of dams have not been inspected in over 20 years.

McLaughlin, a Republican, was indicted on two felony counts, grand larceny and offering a false instrument for filing.

As part of the same investigation of McLaughlin, Polaro was arrested by the State Police on March 11, 2020, and charged with a misdemeanor larceny charge over an incident in Schenectady in March 2017. According to court records, the charge against Polaro stemmed from an ATM withdrawal that she made at Rivers Casino that month from a campaign account.

The Rensselaer County Legislature's Democratic minority leadership called for McLaughlin to resign earlier this month, while the Republican chairman of the GOP-controlled legislature stuck by him.

"I think he should step down. It's a public trust issue.," Minority Leader Peter Grimm, D-Troy, had said.

But Stammel said McLaughlin was "innocent until proven guilty."

Under state law, McLaughlin  whose second term begins in January  would have to leave office if he's convicted of a felony.

He would be succeeded by the deputy county executive until a special election could be held. Stacey A. Farrar, the director of budget, is the current deputy county executive.

Republicans have speculated that she may be replaced by Jim Gordon, the county director of purchasing and a McLaughlin confidant. Gordon is a North Greenbush councilman-elect and a former Troy councilman.

Gordon also received a pay raise on Tuesday: a $6,200 increase that brings his annual salary to $103,000.
All sorts of heroes take some time out to pick out gifts with area kids
An Alabama city will have a new police chief next month after a four month search that began shortly after the previous chief resigned
Review: 2 troopers justified in death of man in Iowa Falls

A review by the Iowa attorney general's office finds that two Iowa State Patrol troopers were justified in an Iowa Falls shooting that left one man dead
U.S. Rep. Mary Gay Scanlon was carjacked at gunpoint by two men in a south Philadelphia park but wasnt injured, police and her office said
Late night consideration on the topic of Internets comments deserves attention . . .



Context . . .

TKC has fewer comments nowadays but I feel like the better ones stand out even more and I'm really liking some of the regulars sharing their unique viewpoint.

The Truth, The Realist, Don't Play, Radish, Jack-a-lope, Liam, Conservative Guy In Kansas, 11Sunflower and a few others are really standing out with some great insights. And as always we love old school friends of the blog like Greedo, 3rd, Nortlander and our pal Super Dave. THANK YOU!!!

For now we're sticking with Disqus for the moment but our long range goals include moving to an even more selective format where we can really encourage the alternative discourse and direct more attention to voices that don't often make it the mainstream.

However, online commentary is a tough call for other bloggers.

Accordingly, we take note of The Turner Report taking on the topic.

Here's an important part of his recent post and maybe a peek at online publisher frustration amid the ongoing pandemic . . .



I no longer intend to allow people to use gross insults to people who care enough to protect others, as well as themselves.



If you want to leave that kind of comment, please take it to KZRG's Facebook page where it will be welcomed with open arms and liked by dozens of people who will be impressed with your wit.



If you want to read that brand of commentary and COVID misinformation, you will have to go somewhere else. It is not going to be permitted in the Turner Report comment section.

Here at TKC . . . The "trusted users" can usually get away with more and, real talk, playing hall monitor isn't my bag. When I moderate public comments, I mostly just scan for the most heinous kind of stuff and let anything even remotely political slide. There are errors, there always will be . . .

But we're quickly moving toward a world wherein Internets comments will be more tightly regulated and it's worth considering the publisher perspective amid upcoming changes.



Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com news link . . .

My rant on trolling comments and other nonsense I won't allow on the Turner Report In an ideal world, I would be able to allow everyone to have their say in the comment section on the Turner Report and on my Facebook page and the Inside Joplin Facebook page. As you are well aware, this is not an ideal world.

Related reading . . .

Artificial Intelligence Works to Outsmart Governments' Internet Censorship Two computer scientists at the University of Maryland have developed a new artificial intelligence system that evolves to detect and evade internet censorship in repressive countries. VOA's Julie Taboh has more.

To protect the future of the internet, US-led tech diplomacy must change tack The TechCrunch Global Affairs Project examines the increasingly intertwined relationship between the tech sector and global politics. In the wake of its recent Democracy Summit, the U.S. has proposed that "like-minded democracies" should form a new "Alliance for the Future of the Internet" to uphold open, liberal values online.

Russia's Internet Censorship Machine Is Going After Tor The attempt to block the site, which helps users mask their online activity, is the latest step in the country's efforts to control the internet. At the start of December, the Tor Project's support email inbox began receiving an unusual number of messages from users saying they were encountering problems accessing the digital anonymity service.

You decide . . .
I was gonna get mad about a recent political conversation about KCMO redistricting and then I quickly realized that less than two dozen people watched it.



This afternoon irresponsible legacy media pundits spoke of a "civil war" betwixt the Northland and the rest of Kansas City.



Only stupid people would buy into this kind of analysis that's worse than any kind of Internets clickbait we've ever seen from Russian troll bots.

Here's the problem with the "civil war analogy" and talk of the revolt across the river . . .



NOBODY VOTES.



The Northland is getting beat up, disenfranchised and smacked around because their voter turnout is so abysmally low. In most municipal elections they barely turn in single-digits amongst registered voters.



And so . . . We're watching the newspaper desperate to sell a political reality that doesn't exist.

Yes, there is a very real division betwixt the Northland and the rest of KCMO. De-annexation is an increasingly likely possibility . . .

But we're a long way from "civil war" . . . Especially when Jeff City politicos will be very receptive to complaints from suburban constituents.



Take a look at the circle of jerks via www.TonysKansasCity.com news link . . .

What a year in the region: COVID-19, police reform, even a north-south KC civil war OPINION AND COMMENTARY Editorials and other Opinion content offer perspectives on issues important to our community and are independent from the work of our newsroom reporters. COVID-19, tax relief, police reform. Those topics and more dominated the headlines in 2021 - from Washington, to the state capitals in Topeka and Jefferson City, to Kansas City Hall at 12th and Oak.

You decide . . .


Like it or not, the pandemic continues to spike the metro murder count.



Here's part of the latest report . . .



"A public information officer says the incident occurred at 27th and Stewart. One male juvenile is being reported dead at the scene. A shooting call came in to police at 7:43 p.m."

Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com news link . . .

Minor shot and killed in Kansas City, Kansas, Wednesday evening A shooting involving a minor has been reported in Kansas City, Kansas, Wednesday night.

KCK police investigating after minor is fatally shot on Wednesday night KANSAS CITY, KS (KCTV) -- The Kansas City, Kansas Police Department is investigating a fatal shooting that happened on Wednesday night. According to the police, it happened at 7:43 p.m. in the 2700 block of Stewart Ave. All that's known at this time is that the victim was a minor and their injuries were fatal.

Police investigating after juvenile shot and killed in Kansas City, Kansas KANSAS CITY, Kan. - Kansas City, Kansas police are on the scene after someone under the age of 18 was shot and killed Wednesday night. Officers responded to a shots fired call just before 8 p.m. near 27th Street and Parallel Parkway. When police arrived on scene they found a juvenile shot to death.

Developing . . .
India's Premier Travel and Tourism Exhibition Focuses on Revival and Sustained Opportunities



(TRAVPR.COM) INDIA - December 23rd, 2021 -

SCHEDULE OF TRAVEL EVENTS 2022

 IITM Ahmedabad: 21  22 January 2022  IITM Cochin: 27  29 January 2022  IITM Kolkata: 4  6 March 2022  IITM Delhi: 22  23 March 2022  IITM Bengaluru: 29  31 July 2022  IITM Chennai: 5  7 August 2022  IITM Delhi: 1  3 September 2022  IITM Ahmedabad: 15  17 September 2022  IITM Mumbai: 22  24 September 2022  IITM Pune: 25  27 November 2022  IITM Hyderabad: 2  4 December 2022

Sphere Travelmedia & Exhibitions announces the 2022 Calendar of India International Travel Mart events to be conducted in Nine major markets of India. As the tourism world slowly gets on recovery mode, we are pleased to announce the 2022 edition of the India International Travel Mart at the above key source markets.

The pandemic has affected the tourism industry hugely and as the industry attempts to get back into business mode, we are happy to add value to the recovery of the tourism industry.

With this years edition of IITM, Sphere Travelmedia & Exhibitions completes Twenty-Two years of providing the travel industry and discerning buyers from the travel  trade an opportunity to do and transact business. With organizations and tourism boards from over 25 Indian states and over 30 countries, India International Travel Mart will showcase a variety of destinations from different spheres such as pilgrimages, adventures, culture & heritage, beaches, hills and many more.

The events for 2022 shall have over 800 participants from over 15 countries and over 25 Indian states. The participants include Travel agents & Tour Operators, DMC, Hotels & Resorts, National Tourist Offices, Online Travel Portals, Travel Technology, Adventure Tour Operators, Eco  Tourism activities, etc.

Mr. Rohit Hangal, Founder and Director, Sphere Travelmedia added With the present ongoing slowdown in International Arrivals into India due to travel restrictions, India International Travel Mart provides the right impetus to woo the vibrant and growing Indian domestic tourism sector. With a base of over 500 million discerning domestic travel seekers, it is a yearlong market, no hospitality and travel organization can ignore.

Mr. Sanjay Hakhu, Founder and Director, Sphere Travelmedia said, India, in spite of the prevalent business environment is fast emerging as one of the most interesting and productive countries for the travel industry, both for leisure and business travel. A combination of factors such as increased vaccination density among its population are responsible for the projected growth and enhanced demand for International travel products among the discerning Indian traveller.

Highlights:

 This year India International Travel Mart will see several new products in the Hospitality, Travel, technology and tourism spheres being unveiled.

 The 'India International Travel Mart' provides an ideal 'marketing opportunity' and 'excellent backdrop' to enhance the participant's 'brand-equity' in the eyes of the discerning travel-trade and Corporate Consumers alike.

 Boost for Domestic Tourism: Domestic Travel being Indias biggest travel segment, this year shall see participants from over 25 different tourism verticals.

 The event seeks the support of major National and Regional associations such as ADTOI, TAAI, IATO, OTOAI, ATOAI, FRETA, KTS, FHRAI, SIHRA, ETAA and many others.

About Sphere Travelmedia & Exhibitions: Sphere Travelmedia & Exhibitions Pvt. Ltd., is India's leading Travel media companies with established brands for the Indian travel and tourism industry such as India International Travel Mart  India's premier Travel and Tourism Exhibition and Outbound Travel Roadshow  India's only Multi  Destination Buyer  Seller Meet & Business Travel & Meetings Expo  The Corporate Travel, Incentive and Conference Exhibition. Sphere Travelmedia has also managed customized state tourism events such as Karnataka International Travel Expo, Gujarat Travel Mart, Goa International Travel Mart, Maharashtra International Travel Mart, Madhya Pradesh Travel Mart, Jharkhand Travel Mart and Himachal Travel Mart.

About India International Travel Mart: IITM - India's premier Exhibition that showcases of travel, tourism, hospitality, leisure and other related industries. It is aimed at bringing the Industry, face-to-face with the travel trade, Corporate Buyer and the end-customer with the requisite purchasing power.

India International Travel Mart, Indias premier travel and tourism Exhibition brand established in 1998 by Sphere Travelmedia & Exhibitions Pvt. Ltd., is held at the countrys major markets of Ahmedabad, Cochin, Kolkata, Delhi, Bangalore, Chennai, Mumbai, Hyderabad and Pune.

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And there is news of another collaboration...this time the Air Guard working with the Prison
The chief of Russias Wagner Private Military Company has been formally charged with encroachment on Ukraines territorial integrity and inviolability of its borders and involvement in an aggressive war.

Thats according to the Office of the Prosecutor General, Ukrinform reports referring to the OPG press service.

"A citizen of the Russian Federation, head of the Wagner Private Military Company, was informed that he is being suspected of encroaching on the territorial integrity and inviolability of Ukraine, as well as aiding and abetting an aggressive war," the statement said.

According to the investigation, while in the temporarily occupied territory of Donetsk and Luhansk regions, the head of the Wagner PMC in the period from July 2014 to March 2015, acting in conspiracy with and under control of high-ranking officials of the Russian armed forces, commanded militant units, subordinate to him, and coordinated their actions.

"Together with units of the Russian Federations regular troops and illegal armed groupings, they fought against the Armed Forces of Ukraine, as a result of which they violated the territorial integrity of our state by temporarily occupying part of its territory," the OPG said.

According to the inquiry, in January-February 2014, Wagner units took part in intensive hostilities against Ukraines Anti-Terrorist Operation forces near the strategic railway hub of Debaltseve. Throughout that period, the chief of the said PMC was directly subordinate to the commander of the 2nd army corps, a lieutenant general with the Russian Armed Forces.

The issue of putting the suspect on a wanted list is currently being addressed, the statement added.

The pre-trial investigation in criminal proceedings is run by the Main Investigation Department of the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU).

As Ukrinform reported earlier, Wagner is a Russian military structure staffed by mercenaries, established in 2013. It took part in a number of conflicts across the globe, including in Donbas on the side of Russia, in Syria on the side of Russias ally Bashar al Assad, as well as in a conflict in Sudan.

In the Russian media, the organization positions itself as a private military company under the command of retired lieutenant colonel of the Russian armed forces Dmitry Utkin, call sign Wagner.

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Over the past day and as of 07:00, December 23, no ceasefire violations were recorded in eastern Ukraine.

Over the past day, December 22, and as of 07:00, December 23, no ceasefire violations by the Russian-occupation troops were recorded, the press center of the JFO Headquarters informs.

As noted, the Joint Forces troops control the situation and continue to repel and deter the armed aggression of the Russian Federation.

Earlier, the Ukrainian delegation to the Trilateral Contact Group informed that the parties had reached agreements on the need to restore the ceasefire.

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The Ukrainian delegation to the Trilateral Contact Group (Ukraine, Russia, and the OSCE) said that at the latest meeting the parties reached a common understanding on the need to restore ceasefire in the zone of hostilities.

Thats according to the delegations report on Telegram, seen by Ukrinform.

"Today, December 22, the Trilateral Contact Group held this years last meeting, allowing to express restrained optimism about the possible de-escalation in Donbas and unblocking of the peace process. The parties reached a common understanding on the need to restore the ceasefire within the relevant measures agreed on July 22, 2020, as evidenced, in particular, by OSCE representatives," the statement said.

Acting First Deputy Head of the Ukrainian Delegation to the TCG, Andriy Kostin, said: For the first time over a long period, there is a real opportunity to ensure silence on the line of contact in Donetsk and Luhansk regions. The Ukrainian side is fully prepared for this. It is important that we see the other side's readiness to take this step. "

Read also: Ukrainian troops first time use Javelin in training in Donbas

According to the Ukrainian delegation, this result is especially important in view of the upcoming winter holidays.

"It is traditional for our citizens to celebrate Christmas and New Year in peace and together with their loved ones. The security component is perceived as decisive. The ability to guarantee overall fulfillment of the relevant commitments and implement measures to strengthen the ceasefire, agreed on July 22 last year, will also mean the ability to walk a peaceful path on other necessary items, too," wrote the delegation.

The Ukrainian side also continues its work in all available formats toward the release of held persons, the opening of crossing checkpoints, and the implementation of other agreements in the interests of all Ukrainians on both sides of the line of contact.

As Ukrinform reported earlier, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky at a joint briefing with Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic expressed hope that the next meeting of the Trilateral Contact Group would address three main issues, including a ceasefire and a swap of held persons.

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Three Airbus helicopters for the Ukrainian State Border Guard Service have arrived in Ukraine from France, the State Border Guard Service has said.

"Three helicopters arrived in Lviv on Wednesday. Weather permitting, their flight to the capital will take place on December 23," the statement said.

Under the Ukrainian-French contract, the Ukrainian State Border Guard Service already has seven H125 helicopters produced by France's Airbus Helicopters.

The first four helicopters arrived in Ukraine in January 2020 and November 2021.

These are new Airbus H125 helicopters that are supplied under an agreement between the governments of Ukraine and France.

In total, as part of the creation of the unified system of aviation security and civil protection in Ukraine, the Ukrainian State Border Guard Service is to receive 24 new H125 helicopters from Airbus Helicopters.

Photo credit: State Border Guard Service

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The Russian Ministry of Defense says more than 1,200 paratroopers and more than 250 units of military hardware equipment were involved in live-fire exercises in the occupied Crimea and Russias Krasnodar Territory.

Thats according to Interfax, as reported by Ukrinform.

"The exercises will be held as part of operational deployment of commanding officers, led by Airborne Assault Forces Commander Colonel-General Andrei Serdyukov. In total, more than 1,200 servicemen and more than 250 units of military and special hardware will be involved," the defense ministry said.

It is noted that the maneuvers start on December 23 in the occupied Crimea at the Opuk range and December 24 - at the Raevsky training ground near Novorossiysk in Krasnodar Territory.

Read also: Ukrainian troops first time use Javelin in training in Donbas

Last week, Russia ran in the occupied Crimea a joint exercise involving navys fighter jets and bombers with units operating the Bastion coastal anti-ship missile system to destroy a surface training target in the Black Sea.

As reported, in recent weeks, Russia has amassed nearly 100,000 troops on the border with Ukraine. The latest maneuvers have raised great concern among Western governments over the fears of Moscow's offensive on Ukraine. NATO has warned Russia that such a move would have far-reaching "strategic and economic" consequences. Moscow denies plans of invading Ukraine, explains the latest buildup with the efforts to prevent Ukraine from joining NATO.

On December 5, Ukraines Defense Minister Oleksiy Reznikov said the total number of Russian troops at the Ukrainian border could rise to 175,000.

According to Deputy Defense Minister Hanna Maliar, the situation around Ukraine's borders remains difficult, and Russia continues to deploy troops to maintain tensions in the region.

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The Government continues making efforts to attract investors to the implementation of public-private partnership projects.

"Over the past year, Ukraine has concluded 11 production sharing agreements to increase domestic gas production. Ukraine has sufficient potential to meet its needs with domestic energy resources," Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal said at the conference "Diplomacy 30. Strategy of Strong State", Ukrinform reports with reference to the Government portal.

According to the Prime Minister, production sharing agreements are also planned to be concluded in the field of extraction and processing of critical raw materials. As noted, Ukraine has huge investment advantages in this area.

"We need to consolidate efforts to attract foreign investors, who will create infrastructure in Ukraine under public-private partnership and further invest in mining and processing of minerals," the Prime Minister stressed.

In addition, Shmyhal noted that the construction of the first autobahn in Ukraine Krakovets  Brody  Rivne would start the following year. Moreover, investors are interested in the implementation of six more concession highways.

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Gas TSO of Ukraine and FGSZ, Hungarys gas transmission system operator, have concluded an agreement for the supply of a guaranteed volume of natural gas from Hungary to Ukraine starting January 1, 2022.

Thats according to Sergiy Makogon, CEO Gas TSO of Ukraine, LLC, Ukrinform reported referring to his post on Facebook.

"I have good news on Energy Day and Diplomat Day  for the first time since 2014, Ukraine is increasing its guaranteed capacity for importing gas from Europe. Gas TSO of Ukraine and Hungarys GTS operator, FGSZ, have signed an agreement on cooperation in the introduction from January 1, 2022, of guaranteed capacities for natural gas shipments in the Hungary-Ukraine direction," Makogon wrote.

According to the official, the most important thing for him personally in the deal is to create opportunities for domestic traders to gain access to gas from an LNG terminal on the island of Krk (Croatia) and, accordingly, to diversify sources of gas supply to Ukraine. According to Makogon, this is an important step toward strengthening security and new opportunities for traders from Ukraine and Europe.

Immediately after unbundling was completed in 2020, our company started working on a number of issues with our international colleagues. This is a long process of negotiations and approvals (that is still ongoing), and Id like to thank the Gas TSO of Ukraines team and all contributors for their first results," Makogon added.

According to the company CEO, the agreement will allow physically shipping from Hungary to Ukraine up to 8 million cubic meters of gas per day.

"This is the daily volume of gas consumption in Kyiv, the largest gas consumer. Together with the available daily capacity from Slovakia (27 million cubic meters), the total guaranteed capacity for gas imports to Ukraine will increase to 35 million cubic meters per day. So far, the agreement is concluded for three months as a test. Throughout this time, we plan to agree with our Hungarian counterparts and adjust all technical and operational processes in order to extend its operation from April 2022 on and further increase the guaranteed capacity in this area," the CEO added.

From December 31, it will be possible to reserve capacity for gas imports from Hungary through the RBP platform at daily auctions. The first monthly auction will take place on January 17.

"We are very pleased to have created this new opportunity for the market. Dozens of difficult negotiations were not in vain. Id like to especially thank the National Energy and Utilities Regulation Commission, which was helping us convince our Hungarian counterparts," Makogon stressed.

As Ukrinform reported earlier, on December 15, Makogon stated that Gas TSO of Ukraine did not invest in modernizing compressor stations and gas pipelines that would not be used in the lack of gas transit as a result of the Nord Stream 2 commissioning.

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Russian President Vladimir Putin claims that gas prices on the European spot market are rising including due to the reverse supply to Ukraine  from Germany through Poland.

The Russian leader spoke of this at his big annual press conference, broadcast on YouTube, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.

"After all, they (Western powers - ed.) pump gas in reverse mode ... Gas cant flow in both directions in the same pipe at the same time. They a) didnt order (gas - ed.), b) turned on the reverse flow," Putin said.

In addition, as per the Russian president, there is a pipe that connects the Polish gas transmission system with the Ukrainian one. "The volume is about 3 million cubic meters per day. That's how much is pumped from Germany to Poland. I have every reason to believe that this gas is eventually shipped to Ukraine," said Putin.

In his opinion, this is how Ukraine gets economic support from Europe. And thus, according to Putin, additional conditions are allegedly created for the rise of prices on the spot market.

At the same time, he has categorically denied Gazprom's responsibility for price hikes.

As reported earlier, gas prices at the auction on December 21 crossed the mark of $2,000 per 1,000 cubic meters, which is an absolute record high in the history of trading.

Sergiy Makogon, CEO of Gas TSO of Ukraine, said earlier that the increase in gas prices was the result of Russia's reluctance to increase shipments to the EU until the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline is certified.

In an interview with CNBC, Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said that Putin had been blackmailing the European Union since the onset of the latest engineered energy crisis, suggesting that it was Nord Stream 2 certification that would bring gas prices back to their previous levels.

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Russia has used a UN Security Council event to proclaim false narratives against other states.

Thats according to a joint statement of 36 delegations to the United Nations, an Ukrinform correspondent reports from New York.

It is noted that Russia, by organizing in the UN Security Council an event against the glorification of Nazism, has voiced accusations against the Baltic states and Ukraine.

Russia has used the event to make cynical and unfounded accusations against Member States, to distort history for its own political purposes, and to promote a false narrative and disinformation on neighboring countries," the statement said.

According to the joint statements authors - the delegations of Western powers and Ukraine - this is a deliberate attempt to divert global attention from Russia's violations of international law, including in the field of human rights.

The timing of the event, the document said, was "especially troubling, coming against the backdrop of Russian military build-up on the Crimean peninsula and on Ukraine's borders."

According to the authors of the statement, the UN Charter prohibits the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state.

"Any further military aggression against Ukraine would have massive consequences and a severe cost in response," the document reads.

In this regard, 36 Western delegations called on Russia to cease its hostile disinformation campaign against Ukraine, to de-escalate tensions in and around it, and " withdraw without delay the forces and equipment it has stationed in the country without Ukraine's consent."

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German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock has supported the further deepening of bilateral contacts between Ukraine and Germany and Ukraine's rapprochement with the European Union.

She stated this in an address to the conference "Diplomacy 30. Strategy of a Strong State," Ukrinform reports.

"I suggest that we make the next anniversary of our diplomatic relations a starting point for the further deepening of our bilateral contacts and for rapprochement between Ukraine and the European Union," she said.

Baerbock also added that she sees tremendous potential for greater cooperation in the field of green energy and that she would like to move forward in considering the common history of the two countries.

"As for the EU-Ukraine cooperation, the agenda was determined at the Ukraine-EU summit in October and at the Eastern Partnership summit last week. And we believe in Ukraine's ability to continue reforms," she said.

The conference of Ukrainian ambassadors to foreign countries entitled "Diplomacy 30. Strategy of a Strong State" was held at the Syniohora presidential residence in the village of Huta in Ivano-Frankivsk region on December 21-22.

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NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg has called on Russian President Vladimir Putin to withdraw his armed forces from the Ukrainian border ahead of the upcoming Christmas and New Year holidays.

Stoltenberg stated this in an interview with the German news agency dpa.

He stated his readiness to negotiate in view of the Kremlin's demands for additional security guarantees from NATO, but rejected the idea that NATO could, for example, not accept Ukraine.

"We are ready to sit down and talk to Russia in the NATO-Russia Council. However, we will not compromise on the basic principles. We cannot question NATO's right to protect and defend all allies, nor the basic principle that every nation has the right to choose its own path," Stoltenberg said.

According to him, it is also about respecting the sovereignty of smaller nations. "This idea that a great power like Russia can decide what smaller neighbors can and cannot do is reintroducing the notion of spheres of influence. That absolutely goes against everything that has ensured peace and stability in Europe since the end of the Cold War," Stoltenberg said.

Russia has an opportunity to ensure a peaceful and relaxing Christmas for all, the politician said. He noted that Russia has so far gathered tens of thousands of soldiers, as well as battle tanks and drones, near Ukraine's borders, and there is no sign of this march stopping or slowing.

However, Stoltenberg left it open as to whether he suspected that troop movements were primarily an attempt by Russia to extort concessions from NATO on security issues. "There is uncertainty about Russia's intentions," he said. Stoltenberg reminded that Russia had already used violence against Ukraine during the annexation of Crimea.

Stoltenberg also reacted evasively when asked whether NATO could respond to the tense security situation with an expanded troop presence in the eastern alliance area. "We will continuously check whether we need to adjust our troop presence further," he said, adding he wanted to be careful with speculations, as this could lead to further tension.

Photo: Ukrainian President's Office

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If the presidential election in Ukraine were held in the near future, most Ukrainians would vote for the incumbent head of state, Volodymyr Zelensky, with the party rating headed by the ruling Servant of the People party, according to a survey conducted by the Rating sociological group on December 16-18, 2021.

The poll found that if the presidential election were held in the near future, 24.2% would vote for Zelensky (among those who will go to the polls and have already decided on who to vote for). Some 13.7% of those polled said they would support European Solidarity party leader Petro Poroshenko, 9.6% - Batkivshchyna party leader Yulia Tymoshenko, 9.2% - co-chairman of the Opposition Platform  For Life party Yuriy Boiko, 6.9% - Nashi party leader Yevhenii Muraiev, 6.8% - former Verkhovna Rada Chairman Dmytro Razumkov, 6.7% - Strength and Honor party leader Ihor Smeshko, 6.2% - former Ukrainian Prime Minister Volodymyr Groysman, and 3.1% - Radical Party leader Oleh Liashko. Other candidates would garner less than 3% of the vote.

At the same time, the party rating is headed by the Servant of the People party, with support from 19.2% of respondents who will go to the polls and have already decided on their choice. Some 14.1% of respondents are ready to vote for the European Solidarity party, 11.1% - for Batkivshchyna, and 10.5% - for Opposition Platform - For Life. Some 6.8% of those polled support the Ukrainian Strategy of Groysman, 6.5% - the Strength and Honor party, 6% - Razumkov's Smart Politics party, 5.7% - Muraiev's Nashi party, 4.2% - the Radical Party, 4% - Vitali Klitschko's UDAR, 3.5% - Svoboda, 2.6% - the Party of Shariy, and 2.2% - the Holos party. The rating of other parties does not exceed 2%.

The survey was conducted among residents of Ukraine aged 18 and older in all regions, except for the temporarily occupied territories of Crimea and the Donetsk and Luhansk regions. A total of 2,500 respondents were surveyed via CATI (Computer-Assisted Telephone Interviews). The poll's margin of error does not exceed 2%.

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RT DE, the German-language channel of Russia's state broadcaster Russia Today, has been taken off air in Europe at the request of the German media watchdog MABB (Medienanstalt Berlin-Brandenburg).

That's according to The Insider, Ukrinform reports.

"Today, December 22, 2021, the German regulatory authority MABB forced the European satellite service Eutelsat to stop broadcasting our new, Moscow-based German-language channel RT DE via its Eutelsat 9B platform," the channel's press service said.

Earlier reports said that YouTube had blocked the new channel RT Deutsch on the day of the launch of television broadcasting in German. At the time of the blockade, the channel was broadcasting live.

On September 28 this year, Google removed two YouTube channels of Russia Today - RT DE and Der Fehlende Part (DFP). This came as the Russian TV channel violated video hosting terms. RT DE had been issued a warning for uploading content that violates Google's COVID-19 policy on medical disinformation.

The company added that RT DE's owners "tried to circumvent this restriction by using another channel." As a result, both channels were blocked due to violations of YouTube's terms of use.

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Ukraine has approved a COVID-19 revaccination protocol for medics and staff of nursing homes.

This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Health, according to Ukrinform

Physicians and nursing home staff can receive a revaccination dose 6 months after their second COVID-19 vaccination. Only Moderna or Comirnaty / Pfizer mRNA vaccines shall be used for the revaccination dose, regardless of the vaccine initially applied, the report reads.

It is noted that the citizens will in the near future be able to generate their COVID certificate after receiving the revaccination dose.

This decision was taken by the Ministry of Health by Order No. 2849. The relevant recommendations of the WHO and the official position of the National Technical Group of Experts on Immunoprophylaxis were taken into account in drafting the order.

It is reported that the regulation allowing an additional dose for persons who may not develop adequate immune protection due to severe underlying conditions remains unchanged. They can receive their third jab 28 days after the main vaccination course without renewing the certificate.

The World Health Organization has earlier recommended booster vaccinations for COVID-19 to people with health issues, as well as those who have been received shots of inactivated vaccines.

Photo: CTK Photo / Ukrinform

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Following the European Unions member states, Ukraine may shorten the validity of COVID certificates for its citizens.

Thats according to Deputy Minister of Health Maria Karchevych, who commented on the issue for Ukrinform.

For the last two to three weeks, there has been an active discussion that the European Commission is preparing a move to reduce the validity of COVID certificates. In particular, the decision is expected to be passed on January 10 next year. Accordingly, we are also observing these developments, and today we had a meeting with European experts and are waiting for an official decision from the EU, and further in the same way we plan to implement the decision in Ukraine. It should be considered by the National Technical Group of Experts on Immunization before being approved at a staff meeting on vaccine-controlled infections at the Ministry of Health and being accordingly regulated by government decree," said Karchevych.

Read also: Ukraine introducing third dose of COVID vaccine for medics

Speaking of how this may affect citizens who have already obtained digital certificates generated after a full vaccination course, the deputy minister noted the following:

"If we talk about reducing the validity from 365 days to 270, then for people who will be traveling to the EU holding such a certificate, they will remain valid, but within the expiration date, which will be determined at the EU level," said Karchevych.

She added that if the term of a COVID certificate obtained after the second dose has been administered is more than 270 days, a person will be able to cross into the EU within the validity limits set by each individual member state.

"The trust network is a network that covers EU countries, and most countries are guided by the decisions of the European Commission and pass precisely such decisions at the national level. If there is a condition of entry with a validity period of 270 days and if a certificate has gone beyond that period, its holder will not be able to enter the territory of this country holding that COVID certificate," said Karchevych.

Also, according to the Deputy Minister, on January 10 the European Commission plans to consider a booster dose of the vaccine against COVID-19.

As Ukrinform reported, the Ministry of Health has announced that the European Commission would consider on January 10, 2022, the issue of reducing the validity of COVID certificates from 365 days to 270 days.

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 UNHCR

On 9 December, UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, and the Icelandic Directorate of Immigration co-organized two events in Reykjavik, following Icelands accession to the Statelessness Conventions in January 2021. earlier this year.

The first was a public Seminar, welcoming Icelands important accession to both Conventions on Statelessness as well as the legislative steps, already taken in Iceland, to align national legislation with the conventions.

The most important results achieved in the seven years since UNHCRs #IBelong campaign on eradicating statelessness was launched in 2014 were presented to the audience. UNHCR highlighted that with only 52 known stateless persons residing in the country, Iceland is well-positioned to be the first European state to eradicate statelessness by 2024.

The Directorate of Immigration explained the developments in Iceland since UNHCRs statelessness mapping, published in 2014, as well as the plans for the future.

Technical and legal workshop

The second event was a technical workshop on Operationalizing the Statelessness Determination Procedure. The objective was to support the relevant stakeholders, including civil servants and legal practitioners, in the implementation of this key instrument for the identification and protection of stateless persons, to ensure that they enjoy the rights to which they are entitled.

As part of the legal improvements that Iceland has adopted in recent years in the area of statelessness, the country has become one of the only 14 states in Europe that have a Stateless Determination Procedure  the others being Bulgaria, France, Georgia, Hungary, Italy, Kosovo (UNSCR 1244/99), Latvia, Moldova, Montenegro, Spain, Turkey, Ukraine, and the United Kingdom.

Throughout the workshop, statelessness experts from UNHCR as well as from France and Georgia presented and highlighted experiences, challenges, good practices and international standards present in the implementation of the procedure.

In addition, the Icelandic Directorate of Immigration provided a comprehensive presentation of the Standard Operation Procedure, developed with the support of UNHCR, which explains the policy, process and procedure to be followed when considering applications of stateless persons for international protection in Iceland (under the Act on Foreigners, No. 80 of 16 June 2016).

See also: UNHCR welcomes Icelands decision to join global efforts to end statelessness

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Venezuelans cross the Andean altiplano on foot to reach Chile from Bolivia, November 2021. At an altitude of 3,690 meters, temperatures there can sink to -20C.  UNHCR/Jose Manuel Caceres

UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, is stepping up its presence and the delivery of assistance in Chiles northern border, to respond to the critical needs of a growing number of Venezuelans arriving by foot in the South American country.

Since November 2021, according to local authorities, between 400 and 500 refugees and migrants from Venezuela have been crossing the border from Bolivia into Chile every day. They are driven by the intention to reunify with family members, as well as the economic impact of Covid-19 which left many destitute.

Most Venezuelans use irregular routes, braving the remote Atacama Desert, where dangers include the risk of sexual exploitation and abuse by criminal groups. They come on foot, without appropriate clothing for the extreme weather conditions of the desert, where days are very hot and night temperatures can drop to -20oC.

Many arrive hungry and in ill health, suffering from malnutrition, dehydration, hypothermia and altitude sickness. Some 21 people have lost their lives at Chiles northern border since the beginning of the year.

Those newly arrived often lack proper shelter and are forced to sleep out in the open. As they lack proper documentation, they cannot find regular jobs and, without resources, face difficulties in continuing their journey from border areas to other cities.

Children, adolescents, pregnant women and the elderly often need urgent medical support after several days traveling on foot. All of them hope to find safety and stability in Chile, said Rebeca Cenalmor-Rejas, Head of UNHCRs National Office in Chile. UNHCR is strengthening its response at the northern border, to support national, regional and local authorities in guaranteeing safe access and improving reception conditions.

In coordination with the authorities, and with the support of partners, UNHCR gives information and legal counselling to newly arrived Venezuelans. The Agency also provides food, cash assistance, vouchers for fuel, medical care, emergency shelter, daycare facilities, as well as basic relief items, such as blankets and winter clothes. Since the start of the year, with the available resources, UNHCR has assisted 20,000 refugees and migrants from Venezuela in the northern regions of Chile.

UNHCR is increasing its staffing and partners at the northern border, aiming to reach more vulnerable Venezuelans. To assist in controlling COVID-19, UNHCR also works with local and national authorities to set up a center in the town of Iquique where new arrivals will undergo the required quarantine in safe and dignified conditions.

In parallel, anticipating that Venezuelans will start looking for opportunities in other parts of the country, during 2021, UNHCR strengthened its collaboration with five partners to distribute assistance in cities in southern Chile.

UNHCR, as part of the inter-agency response, is committed to offering relief to those in need and the communities welcoming them. However, timely support by the international community is crucial for us to continue expanding our programmes, added Cenalmor-Rejas.

In 2022, UNHCR will need a total of US$20.3 million to ensure adequate humanitarian assistance, and support Venezuelan communities to become self-reliant across the country. In total, Chile is home to an estimated 448,100 refugees and migrants from Venezuela. This figure does not count thousands who have entered the country through irregular border crossings.

For more information, please contact:
DUBAI, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News / WAM - 23rd Dec, 2021) Al Jalila Foundation, a member of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives, announced that Yaseen M. Jaffer, CEO of Proclad Group, has donated AED10 million to support the UAEs first charity hospital Hamdan Bin Rashid Cancer Charity Hospital, which seeks to help cancer patients in need.

The 250-bed hospital, named after the late Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, will provide best-in-class outpatient, ambulatory and diagnostic services as well as inpatient and surgical services in a nurturing environment that prides itself on personalised patient care. Phase 1 of the hospital is expected to open in 2024 with 150 beds and the capacity to treat 30,000 patients a year. The UAEs first cancer charity hospital aims to redefine cancer care for those in need and become a beacon of hope for cancer patients and their families. Yaseen Jaffers wife is a cancer survivor and his donation honours her brave journey and is dedicated to anyone who has ever been touched by cancer.

Dr. Abdulkareem Sultan Al Olama, CEO of Al Jalila Foundation, said, "The health and wellbeing of the UAEs citizens and residents is one of Al Jalila Foundations top priorities. The Hamdan Bin Rashid Cancer Charity Hospital is set to become a leader in cancer care serving patients in need. Donor support is an integral part of our success in developing the state-of-the-art hospital and we are grateful to Yaseen Jaffer and his family for their generous donation. The hospital will offer unparalleled cancer expertise and make an invaluable contribution to the countrys healthcare sector putting patient care first."

Yaseen Jaffer said, "My wife's fight against cancer inspires me to express my appreciation and immense gratitude for the care and treatment that she received.

I am proud to support Al Jalila Foundation in its mission to provide cancer patients with quality treatment in the UAE. This charity hospital will be a symbol of hope for patients who will be able to receive treatment at home while receiving the support of their families."

"With cancer survival rates improving, there is a great need to support local cancer programmes and initiatives and help strengthen the support network available to cancer patients and their families. I hope to inspire others to support the Foundation's noble cause and contribute towards the building of the Hamdan Bin Rashid Cancer Charity Hospital in Dubai," he concluded.

Yaseen visited the newly opened cancer drop-in centre, Majlis Al Amal, to see how its impacting womens lives. Majlis Al Amal, which in Arabic means Hope Lounge, is the first community centre of its kind dedicated to female cancer patients and their wellbeing. Al Jalila Foundation established Majlis Al Amal to support patients, survivors and their loved ones as they navigate the disease and its challenges. The Centre provides a support network in a nurturing environment and aims to keep the message of hope alive. All services offered at the centre are free of charge.

Since the announcement of the hospital earlier this year, Al Jalila Foundation has already raised AED350 million, towards the AED750 million fundraising target, with major donations received from a number of philanthropists, government and non-government organisations, UAE businesses and corporates to support the hospitals development.
(@FahadShabbir)

Regional Office Ministry of Human Rights (MoHR) in collaboration with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Bar Council and Provincial Directorate General for Law and Human Rights here Thursday held a seminar on Human Rights Education and Sensitization

PESHAWAR, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 23rd Dec, 2021 ) :Regional Office Ministry of Human Rights (MoHR) in collaboration with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Bar Council and Provincial Directorate General for Law and Human Rights here Thursday held a seminar on Human Rights education and Sensitization.

The seminar was attended by legal experts and scholars. The participants highlighted significance of public awareness regarding human rights, impacts of Federal and provincial government initiatives, legislation and the role of judiciary and lawyers in this connection.

Pakistan Bar Council, Chairman Muhammad Fahim Wali in his inaugural address urged lawyers' community, bar councils and associations to aware people about their rights.

He asked for full support to the oppressed and cooperation with judiciary in strict implementation of human rights laws.

KP Bar Council Vice Chairman, Naeem-ud-Din Khan Advocate and Peshawar Bar Association President, Amjad Ali Khan Marwat Advocate agreed with the president Bar Council and assured to launch a public awareness campaign on human rights in this regard.

MoHR, Regional Director, Zahid Rehan Khan Niazi highlighted achievements relating to human rights and future action plans.

He also informed participants about measures and legislation of provincial government to improve human rights situation.

On the occasion, speakers point out that strict enforcement of human rights laws would automatically eliminate most of social crimes and issues.

They also highlighted the importance of think tank in improving national image of Pakistan on International level.
(@FahadShabbir)

As concern swells over the highly transmissible coronavirus variant Omicron, Swiss authorities said Tuesday they were shortening the time people vaccinated against Covid need to wait before getting an additional dose

Geneva, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 21st Dec, 2021 ) :As concern swells over the highly transmissible coronavirus variant Omicron, Swiss authorities said Tuesday they were shortening the time people vaccinated against Covid need to wait before getting an additional dose.

The Federal Office of Public Health said early data on the new and heavily mutated Omicron variant indicated that it was better than previous coronavirus strains at dodging vaccine protections, but that a booster shot could "greatly improve protection".

As a result, it said, "a booster vaccination with an mRNA vaccine is now recommended for everyone aged 16 years and older as early as four months ... after initial immunisation, especially for older people." Until now, the country's health authorities had recommended boosters six months after people vaccinated with either the Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna vaccines, which use mRNA technology, received their second shot.

And "given expectations that the Omicron variant will spread rapidly, a booster vaccination is also recommended for seriously immune deficient people after three doses of mRNA vaccine for initial immunisation," it said.

Swiss health authorities also recommended that people who had received the one-dose Johnson&Johnson vaccine receive a booster dose of a mRNA jab after four months.

They said that even after shortening the interval before administering boosters, Switzerland had enough vaccine doses to provide jabs for everyone who wants them.

Switzerland introduced a string of new restrictions this week in the face of surging infection numbers, including requiring people to work from home and barring the unvaccinated from restaurants, museums and other venues.

The wealthy, Alpine nation of around 8.6 million people has to date registered more than 11,600 Covid deaths since the start of the pandemic.

Nearly 67 percent of the population is fully vaccinated -- a relatively low number compared to other countries in western Europe.
It is up to Polish authorities to investigate all claims made by a defected Polish soldier concerning the murders of migrants on the border with Belarus, UN High Commissioner for Refugees Senior Communications Officer Katerina Kitidi told Sputnik

GENEVA (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 23rd December, 2021) It is up to Polish authorities to investigate all claims made by a defected Polish soldier concerning the murders of migrants on the border with Belarus, UN High Commissioner for Refugees Senior Communications Officer Katerina Kitidi told Sputnik.

"We are aware of the media reports about a Polish soldier crossing the border to Belarus and about the allegations he has made. However, it is up to the concerned national authorities to investigate the reported incidents," Kitidi said.

On Thursday, a group of Belarusian border guards detained Polish soldier Emil Ciecko at the Tushemlya frontier post.

The soldier admitted to being part of the Polish Border Guard and requested political asylum in Belarus in protest of what he described as the harsh treatment of refugees amassing at the common border, including killings of migrants and two volunteers assisting migrants in the area.

On Friday, Ciecko told Belarusian media that he witnessed two cases of Polish troops killing volunteers who tried to help migrants at the border. Polish Interior Ministry described the accusation about the murder of volunteers as "a story made of cardboard."
(@FahadShabbir)

A boat disaster off the coast of Madagascar this week has claimed 85 lives, maritime officials said Thursday, after retrieving 21 more bodies a day earlier

Antananarivo, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 23rd Dec, 2021 ) :A boat disaster off the coast of Madagascar this week has claimed 85 lives, maritime officials said Thursday, after retrieving 21 more bodies a day earlier.

A total of 138 people had been aboard the 12-metre-long (39-feet) wooden vessel, which sank off the island's northeastern coast on Monday, they said.

Fifty people have been rescued, most of whom had been on the bridge of the vessel when it foundered, while three others remain missing, they said.

"The toll stands at 85 dead, with 21 bodies recovered" on Wednesday, police general Zafisambatra Ravoavy told AFP.

The dead include five children.

The vessel -- a cargo boat not authorised to carry passengers -- had set off from the village of Antseraka for Soanierana-Ivongo, about 100 kilometres (60 miles) to the south, say investigators.

After suffering an apparent engine failure, the boat was driven by waves onto a reef, where it took on water, according to Adrien Fabrice Ratsimbazafy of the River and Maritime Port Agency (APMF).

Alban Menavolo, the mayor of Soanierana-Ivongo, said personal belongings, identity cards and money had been recovered by rescue teams.

"Most of the passengers were seasonal workers, from the countryside," he told AFP.

"They had gone to harvest cloves... and were returning to their families with the money they had earned for the end-of-year festivities," he said.

Cloves rank alongside vanilla as Madagascar's signature species, and the harvest season usually runs from October to late December.

The distance between Antseraka and Soanierana-Ivongo can be covered in less than three hours by boat, compared with more than eight by road, residents said.

- Helicopter crash - Around 20 bodies have been buried in a makeshift graveyard while awaiting identification, said APMF chief Jean-Edmond Randrianantenaina.

A church service to mourn the dead was to take place on Thursday, which has also been declared a day of national mourning by President Andry Rajoelina.

One person remains missing from a police helicopter that crashed during a search-and-rescue mission.

The chopper, which had taken off from the capital Antananarivo, was flying close to the sea when it was buffeted by winds and crashed into the waves, according to one of its two survivors, police minister Serge Gelle, 57.

He and another policeman were thrown out of the craft and survived by swimming nearly 12 hours to reach land.

Gelle said that he used one of the helicopter's seats as a buoyancy aid to help him survive.

They were separately picked up by fishermen near the beach at Mahambo, about 75 kilometres (45 miles) from the port of Toamasina.

The body of the helicopter pilot was found on a beach on Thursday, the police said.
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Denmark announced Thursday that foreigners seeking to enter the country will be required to provide a negative Covid-19 test, regardless of vaccination status

Copenhagen, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 23rd Dec, 2021 ) :Denmark announced Thursday that foreigners seeking to enter the country will be required to provide a negative Covid-19 test, regardless of vaccination status.

The requirement, which will come into force on December 27, follows similar announcements from Nordic neighbours Sweden and Finland earlier this week.

Under the new rules, all non-citizens and non-residents seeking to enter the country will need to present a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours, or a negative rapid antigen test taken within 48 hours, the Danish Ministry of Health said in a statement.

Those exempt from the new requirement are people who can prove they have recovered from Covid-19, children and people living in the border region.

Danish residents returning to the country must either take a test prior or 24 hours within their return.

The rules are set to be in force until at least January 17, 2022 and failure to comply will result in a fine of 3,500 Danish kroner ($530, 470 Euros).

Denmark has been struggling to contain an unprecedented surge in cases in the last few weeks, and saw a 50 percent increase in new cases last week compared to the previous one, according to health officials.

The country's health minister said Tuesday that the more transmissible Omicron variant of the disease was now the dominant strain in the country, less than a month after it was first detected in the Nordic country, as the country announced a record-breaking 13,558 cases in 24 hours.

The country of 5.8 million inhabitants has reported a total of 673,807 cases of Covid-19 with 3,173 associated deaths.
Ethiopia's government said on Wednesday its soldiers had recaptured a city in southern Tigray from Tigrayan fighters, marking its first major advance inside the war-torn region in many months and dashing hopes for peace following a rebel retreat

Nairobi, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 22nd Dec, 2021 ) :Ethiopia's government said on Wednesday its soldiers had recaptured a city in southern Tigray from Tigrayan fighters, marking its first major advance inside the war-torn region in many months and dashing hopes for peace following a rebel retreat.

The Tigray People's Liberation Front rebel group, which announced its withdrawal from the Amhara and Afar regions this week and called for a halt to fighting, did not immediately react to the government's claims.

The government communication service said the "gallant Ethiopian Defence Forces and the Amhara region security forces after sweeping the enemy force... have captured Alamata city", indicating that fighting would continue.

Although unconfirmed, the TPLF pullout from Amhara and Afar had raised hopes there would be talks to end a 13-month conflict that has killed thousands and created a humanitarian crisis with parts of the country on the brink of famine.

Both sides have been claiming major territorial gains in recent months, with the rebels at one point claiming to be only 200 kilometres (125 miles) by road from the capital Addis Ababa.

But since Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed -- the 2019 Nobel Peace prize winner -- headed to the front last month, according to state media, the government has claimed to have retaken a string of key towns.

The government has dismissed Monday's withdrawal announcement by the TPLF as a cover-up for military setbacks.

Communications have been cut in the conflict zone and access for journalists is restricted, making it difficult to verify battlefield claims.

The fighting in Africa's second most populous nation has displaced more than two million people and more than nine million are in need of food aid, according to UN estimates.

There have been reports of massacres, mass rapes and other atrocities by all sides, and the UN Human Rights Council last week ordered a probe into a wide range of alleged abuses, a move condemned by Addis Ababa.

The war broke out in November last year when Abiy sent troops into Tigray to topple the TPLF, the region's ruling party which had dominated national politics for three decades until he took power in 2018.

He accused its fighters of attacking army camps and vowed a swift victory. But the TPLF mounted a shock comeback, recapturing most of Tigray by June and then advancing into Afar and Amhara.
The humanitarian situation in Afghanistan is still quite serious, there are problems with the provision of financial assistance, Commissioner for Human Rights at the Russian foreign ministry Grigory Lukyantsev told Sputnik

MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 23rd December, 2021) The humanitarian situation in Afghanistan is still quite serious, there are problems with the provision of financial assistance, Commissioner for Human Rights at the Russian foreign ministry Grigory Lukyantsev told Sputnik.

"It is hard to say (how the situation in Afghanistan will develop).

Everyone is looking at the actions of the new authorities in Afghanistan, they are in no hurry with their official international recognition. But it is quite obvious that the humanitarian situation there is quite serious and there were problems with the provision of financial assistance and economic assistance. Problems persist," Lukyantsev said.

Despite forecasts, there are no large migration flows from Afghanistan, the diplomat added.
North Macedonia's Prime Minister Zoran Zaev formally resigned Thursday, weeks after the embattled leader announced plans to step down following the drubbing of his party in municipal elections

Skopje, Republic of North Macedonia, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 23rd Dec, 2021 ) :North Macedonia's Prime Minister Zoran Zaev formally resigned Thursday, weeks after the embattled leader announced plans to step down following the drubbing of his party in municipal elections.

The country's parliament formally ratified Zaev's resignation a day after he sent a letter to the legislative body, paving the way for his exit.

Zaev's resignation announcement late October came after months of sliding popularity as he struggled to keep the country's pandemic-hit economy on track.

The turmoil came amid stalled talks over possible accession to the European Union.

The resignation came as a surprise to his political allies, who pleaded with him to reconsider after his government survived a no-confidence vote and added seats to his razor-thin majority in the parliament.

"It would be politically irresponsible and unjustified in front of my people and my country to continue to lead the government on its Euro-Atlantic path," Zaev wrote in the letter delivered to the legislature.

The country's deputy finance minister Dimitar Kovacevski is set to replace Zaev in the coming days.

Zaev, elected prime minister in 2017, is best known for the tough deal he struck with Athens to add the geographical qualifier "North" to the country's official name to distinguish it from the Greek province of Macedonia.

The change enabled North Macedonia to join NATO and was a precondition for paving the way for the country's possible EU membership.

Skopje's EU dreams have since been sideswiped by Bulgaria, with Sofia disputing the origin of the Macedonian language, calling it a Bulgarian dialect.

The country will now be in the hands of Kovacevski, an experienced technocrat who largely flew under the radar until being selected days ago by a sizable majority in a party vote to lead the SDSM.
Russia, Ukraine and the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) have agreed to restore a ceasefire in eastern Ukraine where Kiev is fighting Russia-backed separatists, the OSCE said

Kiev, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 23rd Dec, 2021 ) :Russia, Ukraine and the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) have agreed to restore a ceasefire in eastern Ukraine where Kiev is fighting Russia-backed separatists, the OSCE said.

Kiev has been battling a pro-Moscow insurgency in two breakaway regions bordering Russia since 2014, shortly after the Kremlin annexed Ukraine's Crimean peninsula.

Western countries accuse Russia of having massed around 100,000 troops near Ukraine's borders and accuse Moscow of planning a winter invasion.

The United States has warned the Kremlin of unprecedented sanctions should it launch an attack.

"I was delighted that participants expressed their strong determination to fully adhere to the measures to strengthen the ceasefire agreement of 22 July 2020," OSCE chairperson-in-office in Ukraine, Mikko Kinnunen, said in a statement late Wednesday.

"This is of utmost significance for the people living on both sides of the contact line," Kinnunen added.

The statement was issued following a meeting of officials from Ukraine, Russia and the OSCE -- known as the Trilateral Contact Group -- and representatives of the self-proclaimed Donetsk and Lugansk People's Republics.

Kinnunen said that priority was given "to the issues of security" and "compliance with the ceasefire".

A number of ceasefire agreements had been announced but collapsed. The latest was reached in July 2020, but occasional clashes still result in casualties on both sides.

The fighting has claimed more than 13,000 lives.

Ukraine and its Western allies accuse Russia of sending troops and arms across the borders. Moscow has denied those claims.
Two people were killed and two others injured after a powerful explosion ripped through an Indian court building on Thursday, police said

New Delhi, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 23rd Dec, 2021 ) :Two people were killed and two others injured after a powerful explosion ripped through an Indian court building on Thursday, police said.

Footage showed police officers carrying the injured out of the building and asking others to leave the premises after the explosion near a restroom of the judicial complex in Ludhiana, north of the capital New Delhi.

"There's been a blast but we can not confirm the cause," a police officer at the scene said.

"We can confirm that four people are injured and out of four, two are dead," he added.

The blast damaged the walls of the bathroom and shattered glass in other rooms, broadcaster NDTV reported.

Punjab state chief minister Charanjit Singh Channi said the government was "on alert" and announced an investigation.

"I'm reaching the blast site shortly and I assure the people of the state that the guilty would not be spared," Channi tweeted.

"Anybody trying to disturb the peace and harmony of the state, will be taken to task."
The first batch of wind turbine generators of an ultra-high altitude wind farm in southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region started to generate electricity and was connected to the power grid on Wednesday

LHASA, Dec. 23 (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 23rd Dec, 2021 ) --:The first batch of wind turbine generators of an ultra-high altitude wind farm in southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region started to generate electricity and was connected to the power grid on Wednesday.

Standing at an altitude of more than 4,850 meters in Trigu Township, Comai County, the wind farm was financed by China Three Gorges Corporation and designed and built by POWERCHINA Chengdu Engineering Corporation Limited.

The installation of the facilities started in May and was completed in October. The wind farm has a total installed capacity of 22 megawatts.
Malawis Bishop of Dedza has commended the tireless work of Catholic women in the country.

Vatican News English Africa Service

Catholic women have been meeting for their Annual General Assembly at the Bembeke Teachers Training College in the Diocese of Dedza. At the conclusion of the Assembly, the women resolved to enhance family life and support families in difficulty.



Women as protagonists in the Church

Officiating at the General Assembly of Malawis Catholic Women Organisation (CWO), Bishop Peter Adrian Chifukwa of the Diocese of Dedza acknowledged the role of Catholic women in the Church of Malawi. During the Eucharistic celebration, Bishop Chifukwa expressed his appreciation and esteem for the work of the CWO - Malawi in all eight dioceses of the country. He encouraged the ladies to forge ahead.

Women are protagonists in the Church. If we look at families, the community, and the country, women have a crucial role to play daily. The Church is doing very well thanks to the contribution of the CWO, said Bishop Chifukwa.

Many women suffer in silence

According to an Agenzia Fides report, the womens Assembly discussed annual reports of each diocese, natural family planning methods, the importance of witnessing Christian conjugal love, child abuse and the correct use of social media.

Child abuse is one of the dangers we are encountering in our families. Women should always speak up whenever they witness or experience any form of violence. I see many children and women who suffer in silence, said politician and guest of honour at the Assembly, Juliana Lunguzi.



Use social media responsibly



CWO national president, Lucy Vokhiwa counselled on the correct use of social media.

Lets make sure our actions convince other people to join us. CWO members must use social media responsibly. The platform should be a tool to bring a message of salvation and hope, said Vokhiwa.

Vokhiwa further urged the women to plant trees in their respective dioceses during the next rainy season. It is very important to take care of creation, and each of us can and must do our part, she advised.
On his 85th birthday, Pope Francis meets with a group of refugees arriving from Cyprus with the support of the Holy Father and the Community of SantEgidio.

By Vatican News staff reporter

Pope Francis received a group of refugees arriving from Cyprus in the Vaticans Apostolic Palace on Friday morning, the day of his birthday.

The group of about ten is the first one scheduled to arrive in Italy with the Community of SantEgidio, following an agreement reached between the Holy See and the Italian and Cypriot Authorities during the Popes recent Apostolic Journey to Cyprus and Greece.

The refugees will be supported directly by the Holy Father, while SantEgidio will take care of their integration in Italy through a one-year migrant program, said the Holy See press office director, Matteo Bruni, in a statement.

'You saved us'

Pope Francis welcomed the refugees in the Throne Room, and listened to their stories and those of their journeys from Congo-Brazzaville, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Cameroon, Somalia, and Syria.Some of them are doctors and computer technicians.

"You saved us!" a Congolese boy told the Pope. The Holy Father warmly welcomed the refugees addressing them individually and thanking them for their visit.

The group gave the Pope a painting of a migrant crossing the sea

Wishing him "long life and good health" on his birthday, the refugees greeted the Pope with a picture by an Afghan refugee depicting migrants attempting to cross the Mediterranean.

Pope Francis asked about a little girl he met in the Mavrouni Camp, in Lesbos, who will arrive in Italy with her family to be treated in the coming days. After a photograph together, he left the group asking everyone to pray for him.
A few days before Christmas, Chinese authorities released new Internet regulations on Dec. 21, announcing that all foreign organizations and individuals will be banned from spreading religious content across the countrys tightly censored Internet. Beijing claims the rule is a new effort in safeguarding its national security and monitoring online content.

The new rules, titled Measures for the Administration of Internet Religious Information Services, were jointly drafted by five departments, including the State Administration of Religious Affairs and are slated to come into effect in March 2022.

No organization or individual will be allowed to disseminate information about religious ceremonies on the internet unless they have a license from Chinas religious regulator, the statement reads.

The new rules also state that applicants must apply for a license to disseminate religious content online and must be an entity or individual based in China and recognized by Chinese laws, and its main representative should be a Chinese national.

The announcement further states that applications must be submitted to the religious affairs department of their local government and approved licenses will be valid for three years.

Formalizing controls on religion

The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has long persecuted religions and spiritual faith, killing millions of believers and practitioners since it seized power decades ago  despite religious freedom being guaranteed by the Chinese constitution. In recent years, the CCP has moved to invent more legal tools for its anti-theist stance.

The regulations are the first of their kind to tighten control of online religious affairs against foreign entities. Stipulations under the new rules prohibits content that uses religion to incite subversion of state power, oppose the Chinese Communist Partys (CCP) leadership, undermine national unity and social stability and promote extremism, terrorism or national separatism.

Religion in China has long been a focus of confrontation between Beijing and Western governments, mostly over reports of the Chinese governments rampant human rights abuse against prisoners of conscience, Falun Gong practitioners and its Uyghur Muslim minority.

READ MORE:

Mass Internment of Uyghurs in Xinjiang Is Genocide: Independent UK Court

Abused by Chinese Police for More Than 20 Years, Woman Dies 2 Days After a Final Harassment

Another Woman Dies in China After Suffering 20 Years of Persecution for Practicing Falun Gong

Xiong Kunxin, a professor of ethics studies at Minzu University in Beijing, said the new measures, especially the ban on foreign organizations and individuals online activities, highlights Beijings focus on national security and religious censorship.

Todays international situation is very complicated. European countries and the US have slandered us just to hinder Chinas development  some religious forces will certainly cooperate with their political goals, Xiong said.

On Dec. 21, in response to Washingtons latest sanctions against the Chinese governments treatment of Uyghur Muslims, Beijing announced sanctions against four members of a U.S. government commission monitoring religious freedom.

Widening tech crackdown

The Chinese governments tightening on internet celebrities has also intensified in recent weeks. On Dec. 20, tax authorities hit live-stream shopping influencer Huang Wei with an unprecedented 1.34 billion yuan (US$210 million) penalty for tax evasion and ordered her to refrain from rejoining social media. Huang is Chinas top shopping influencer with over 80 million followers on Taobao.

On Nov. 22, two other prominent Chinese internet celebrities Zhu Chenhui and Lin Shanshan were also fined 90 million yuan (about $14 million USD). The two influencers have since disappeared from social media, with their social media accounts, Taobao stores and official company websites remaining inaccessible.

Some analysts have argued that the heavy fines imposed on Internet celebrities are a symptom of the CCPs fear that these influencers who have millions of followers are amassing too much public attention, thereby threatening the regimes authoritarian control.

Some have even said the fines are largely a symbolic tool the government uses in issuing a warning to others that at the end of the day, in China, the governments iron grip maintains ultimate control.
A South African pudding, Malva pudding, became popular in the United States after Art Smith, Oprahs personal chef at the time, served it at The Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academys first Christmas dinner in 2006.

What is Malva pudding?

This wonderful traditional South African delicacy is a pudding with a Cape Dutch origin. It is a sweet and rich cake made with apricot jam and a dash of vinegar, which gives it a caramelized texture that is to die for. It is topped with a cream sauce while it is still hot, which is readily absorbed into the pastry as it cools, transforming this unassuming cake into a sensationally squishy pudding. The pudding is often accompanied by a custard such as creme anglaise or vanilla ice cream. This is one of those recipes that one may tweak to taste by adding spices such as ginger.

Origins of Malva Pudding

Due to its long history of colonialism, South African cuisine is a mash-up of cultures. Overall, there are Dutch, English, French, Portuguese, Bengalese, Java, and Malaysian influences.

Malvapoeding means marshmallow pudding in Afrikaans. The texture of the pudding resembles marshmallow, or its Afrikaner equivalent malvelekker, which is created with mallow extract.

Some claim the sauce in the Dutch recipe originally included Malvasia (or malmsey) wine, or that the pudding was eaten with this sweet wine from the Mediterranean, particularly Madeira. Others believe that malva pudding was originally flavored with pelargonium leaves, a rose-scented geranium endemic to South Africa. Another idea is that the pudding was named after a lady named Malva

Whatever its origins, Malva pudding is highly praised for its honey-toned flavor. If youre ready to plunge your fork into the dark scrumptious depths of delicious richness that is one of the best of South African desserts, read on for an authentic recipe.

The marshmallow-soft texture and honey-like flavor of Malva pudding make this South African recipe irresistible. (Image: Jon Mountjoy via Flickr CC BY 2.0)

Malva Pudding (Malvapoeding)

In the Cape Dutch tradition, malva pudding is a honey-toned rich cake coated in cream.

Prep Time: 10 mins

Cook Time: 45 mins

Rest Time: 15 mins

Total Time: 55 mins

Ingredients

Batter

1 tablespoon butter (at room temperature)

1 cup white sugar/ Xylitol

2 eggs

1 tablespoon apricot jam

1 teaspoon baking soda

 cup milk

 cup brown vinegar (e.g. malt or balsamic vinegar / white or apple cider )

1 cup flour, sifted

 teaspoon salt

Sauce/Syrup

1 cup double cream

 cup sugar/Xylitol

8 tablespoons butter

 cup hot water

1 teaspoon vanilla essence

The most important part of this malva pudding recipe is getting a soft texture, similar to that of a marshmallow. Overbaking will compromise both the texture and flavor of the malva pudding.

Method

Preheat the oven to 350 F / 180 C. Whip butter with sugar for 2 minutes. Add the eggs one at a time, and continue to whip well after each addition. Add the apricot jam and mix well. Add the milk and the baking soda, then the vinegar. Add the sifted flour gradually and continue to mix. Pour batter into a 9-inch ( 22 cm) square greased baking pan. Dont use a smaller container. Bake for 45 minutes in the oven or until an inserted toothpick comes out clean. While the malva pudding is baking, mix all the sauce ingredients in a saucepan on medium/high heat. Bring to a boil, remove immediately from heat. Cover. Remove the pudding from the oven, then pour the sauce on top. Set aside for 15 minutes before serving so that the cake has time to absorb the sauce to saturation. It is best served hot with custard (like creme Anglaise), vanilla ice cream, or whipped cream, but is still delicious after it cools.

Enjoy!

Note

Individual portions may be created by cutting out shapes using a cookie cutter. This way everyone will be able to enjoy their own personal malva pudding.
A radio station operating in Washington D.C. is taking money from Beijing to spread Chinese propaganda in America. The station, WCRW, is owned by Potomac Group and broadcasts content from CCP-backed network CGTN as well as a series of talks that present the communist regime in a positive manner.

According to filings made by the Virginia-based Potomac to the Justice Department, the radio station has received $4.4 million over the past two years for spreading CCP propaganda.

Potomac has signed a contract with the Chinese Communist Partys International Communication Planning Bureau which acts as the partys propaganda department. In the filings, the planning bureau, referred to as Party A, is said to have the right to review broadcasts. Potomac is tasked with providing the planning bureau with reports on program feedback, audience reach, evaluation from international organizations, and so on.

Party A has the right to supervise the implementation of the matters entrusted in this Agreement, including but not limited to the review of the broadcast reports, verification of program broadcasting, appointment of a third party to monitor the broadcast effects of the programs and other patterns of supervision During the term of this Agreement, Party A has the right to evaluate the broadcast effects of Washington D.C. AMI 190 MW Radio Station on a periodic basis, the filing states.

Interestingly, Potomacs ties with China is not something recent. As far back as 1992, Potomac has been airing communist propaganda from Beijing. The $4.4 million payment Potomac received only covers a two-year period between July 2019 and Aug. 2021, during which time it also provided social media promotion for pushing Chinese interests on Americans.

Back in 2015, an investigation conducted by Reuters revealed that WCRW tended to hide Chinas negative aspects in its reporting. When foreign ministers of ten countries criticized Beijing for building artificial islands in the contentious waters of the South China Sea that year, the station blamed external forces for creating trouble in the region.

A China-born American citizen James Yantao Su had leased virtually all the time on WCRW for over $720,000 a year through his company G&E Studio. A webpage of G&E had called the state-run China Radio International (CRI) a close partner.

In 2008, Su had criticized American media for covering human rights abuses in China, accusing the media of trying to block U.S. citizens from having an objective view of China.

Speaking to Reuters, Su insisted that his radio stations offered Americans an alternative viewpoint on Chinese politics and culture. We are only telling the unfiltered real news to our audience, he had stated.

In addition to WCRW, China spreads propaganda through many other media outlets in the United States. Beijing-backed newspaper China Daily is known to have published content in popular media outlets like Wall Street Journal, Foreign Policy, and Time by paying millions of dollars.
The European Union will remove individuals from the registrar of fully vaccinated individuals every nine months unless they continually accept a new booster injection of a Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine.

The European Commission made the announcement on Dec. 21 when it broadcast the adoption of altered rules for the EU Digital COVID Certificate as establishing a binding acceptance period of 9 months (precisely 270 days) of vaccination certificates for the purposes of intra-EU travel.

The EC postured their decision will ensure restrictions are based on the best available scientific evidence as well as objective criteria.

The Commission praised its vaccine passport system as a success story of the EU that continues to facilitate safe travel for citizens across the European Union.

A nine month time for booster acceptance was based on pre-Omicron Nov. 24 policy set by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDPC), which called for a booster injection campaign targeting those aged 40+ at least six months after completing a primary vaccine schedule.

The ECDPC further stated that, Booster doses will sustain transmission control beyond the immediate impact of implementing NPIs. [non-pharmaceutical interventions; e.g. lockdowns, social distancing, masking]

The EC added a three month grace period in addition to the six month recommendation to ensure that national vaccination campaigns can adjust and citizens will have access to booster doses.

The text of the EUs vaccine passport legislation passed in June stated in Paragraph 1, Every citizen of the Union has the fundamental right to move and reside freely within the territory of the Member States, but added the caveat subject to the limitations and conditions laid down in the Treaties and by the measures adopted to give effect to them.

In Paragraph 6, the caveat was elucidated, Member States may, in accordance with Union law, limit the fundamental right of free movement on grounds of public health.

According to a EU website, the COVID Certificate is a QR-code based system that also allows for proof of previous infection or a recent, negative test result, and is designed so that holders should in principle be exempt from free movement restrictions while traveling within the Unions member states.

The EU Digital COVID Certificate should facilitate free movement inside the EU. It is not a pre-condition to free movement, which is a fundamental right in the EU, states the page, which adds that without a certificate, you might however be subject to restrictions like testing or quarantine.

While the EUs central vaccine passport only appears to affect what measures travelers are subject to when arriving in member states, countries such as France, which utilize a vaccine passport to gate access to non-essential businesses and recreational activities, enacted a November edict on Dec. 15 that those over 65 who do not accept a booster injection within seven months of their last dose will return to persona non grata status.

Le Monde estimated at the time that the number of citizens slated to lose their status was in the range of 400,000.

The article also noted the edict will apply for citizens aged 18 to 64 on Jan. 15, 2022.

Since the Omicron Variant has both become the dominant strain of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, and almost entirely escapes vaccine-induced antibodies, it is likely that fully vaccinated status passport adherents will be faced with a tough choice in Q1 2022 when Big Pharma releases a new injection targeting Omicron.

In a Dec. 8 press conference held by Pfizer and BioNTech, BioNTech CEO Ugur Sahin told reporters, Particularly with the data now coming for the Omicron variant that it was very clear that an Omicron-specific inoculation would need to be three doses.

This would put individuals who take a booster now and are required to take a separate three dose course of an Omicron injection early next year at six injections to maintain their social status.
A fatal explosion in a lab at Nanjing University in China that killed two and injured nine others has been the latest in a long series of incidents sparking safety concerns.

The incident occurred at the Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics (NUAA), in Jiangsu province, on Oct. 24. An investigation into the circumstances that led up to the incident is ongoing, said a post by the university to the Chinese social media Weibo.

At 15:52 on October 24, 2021, the materials laboratory of the College of Materials Science and Technology of the general road campus of our university exploded, causing a fire. The local fire rescue station arrived at the scene for disposal first and extinguished the open flame in time. The school immediately sent 11 injured people to the hospital for treatment, and 2 of them died after ineffective rescue. the specific reason is under investigation, the post read.

 2 people were killed and 9 injured in a laboratory explosion at Nanjing University of Aeronautics & Astronautics, Jiangsu province at 15:54 today Oct 24.



1/n



 the very moment of the explosion pic.twitter.com/ri3fjMzacd  Byron Wan (@Byron_Wan) October 24, 2021

The Chinese state media outlet Global Times noted the accident had sparked renewed safety concerns, saying that Chinese chemists have been calling for improvements to lab safety at research institutions following previous incidents, which reflect systematic negligence of safety.

Earlier explosions

On March 31, a blast at the Institute of Chemistry of the Chinese Academy of Sciences killed a graduate student in Beijing.

On December 26, 2018, three students conducting a sewage-treatment experiment at the environmental engineering laboratory at Beijing Jiaotong University were killed.

On Sept. 29, the intermediate peoples court in Shanghai sentenced Donghua University in Shanghai to pay 1.62 million Yuan (US$250,000) to a scholar wounded in an explosion at a laboratory of the Academy of Chemistry, Chemical engineering, and Bioengineering in Sept. 2016.

One casualty occurred in December 2015 at the chemistry department of the Tsinghua University in Beijing and another one in April 2015 at the China University of Mining and Technology in Xuzhou.

The list is far from complete.

Scientific study

A study by researchers at the China University of Petroleum in Qingdao on safety issues at university labs throughout the country, which was published in November, showed that accidents in labs seem to have been on the rise over the past two decades, Nature reported.

Researchers tallied 102 injuries and ten fatalities during 110 publicly documented lab mishaps in China between 2000 and 2018. They fear that the actual number of accidents might be significantly higher as some incidents could have gone unreported.

According to the study, the 2018 Jiaotong University blast  which caused three deaths and ruined the whole laboratory  was generated by the ignition of 66 kilograms (145.5 pounds) of unduly stowed magnesium powder.

According to the scientists, this was the first university lab accident for which an extensive investigation was put up, which was published online on a governmental website.

Stiffer regulations

According to Global Times, Chinese national authorities also ramped up their safety protocols concerning production, sale, transportation, and storage of dangerous substances after the Jiaotong incident. Also, reportedly, twelve university officials were disciplined.

The researchers also noted that the number of graduate students in subjects involving lab practices had dramatically increased from 90,000 in 2000 to about 5.3 million in 2019, which may have accounted for the increase in casualties.

READ MORE: Pair of Natural Gas Explosions Rock Northeast China, Destroying Buildings, Roads

According to Samuel Yu, director of the Health, Safety and Environment Office at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, significant improvements have been made, including safety features such as fume cupboards and emergency showers. Compared with 20 years ago, lab safety in China has definitely made significant progress, Yu says, adding that this is most obvious in the leading universities.

However, Yu questions whether theres a one-size-fits-all solution to the problem. The fatal lab accidents that we are aware of usually have multiple faults adding up to the tragic outcome, so I dont think there is a single magic bullet, he says.
Videos shared on Chinese social media sites show hundreds of people in the northwestern city of Xian standing in the cold to get tested for COVID-19. Other footage shows residential entryways lined with barbed wire. According to locals, schools, kindergartens and out-of-school training institutions have been closed since Dec. 20. People who need to work are required to provide proof of a negative nucleic acid test within 48 hours.

Local residents said the main roads out of Xian have been closed. People from inside the city cant get out and people from outside cant get in. On Dec. 23, Chinese authorities began imposing strict lockdown measures on Xians estimated 13 million residents.

The sweeping restrictions, which prevent people from leaving their homes, come as the country braces for Chinese New Years travel rush, followed by the 2022 Winter Olympics, due to begin in Beijing on February 4.

As of Dec. 20, Xians pharmacies also suspended selling medicines to the public.

The long lines for COVID-19 testing in Xian. (Image: NTDTV)

A local in Xian told Daijiyuan, the Chinese-language edition of The Epoch Times, that the medical system has been very hard hit. Many hospitals, including the Aerospace Hospital and the Jiaoda First Affiliated Hospital, have been closed.

According to a Xian residents post on Twitter, authorities in the city of Xian have now designated the region a controlled area, Chinas second-highest category of lockdown  this means residents are barred from leaving their homes except for urgent cases like medical emergencies.

The post in Chinese reads: about 90 communities in the city of Xian will be locked-down tomorrow: Dec. 23. Residents will be required to stay in their homes and will not be allowed to leave the city by train without official documents authorizing them to travel. In addition, only one designated person per household will be allowed to leave the house every two days to buy groceries and supplies for the family.

According to a video posted on Twitter, the big iron gate of Xians West Bali Village residential community was sealed shut with an electric welder.

West Bali Village is an eight-mile long community that was sealed shut with an electric welder. (Image: NTDTV)

According to Dajiyuan, local netizens complained about seemingly endless lines for the COVID tests. The mass testing of nucleic acid is not only a waste of resources but also a risk of infection, one resident remarked.

The management of COVID-19 prevention and control in Xian is really chaotic, with random lock-downs and re-openings. I really experienced what a no-efficiency and backward society could be. Its like living in a heavy disaster-hit area, another resident said.

It was also reported that as of Dec. 21, local netizens can be seen standing for over five hours in the cold to get tested at the Xian Hangtian Star River Park. Sometimes they stand in line for hours only to be told that the testing system had collapsed and no further tests could be completed.

One collection site was informed that the samples collected were invalid and needed to be re-collected because the system had collapsed.

Xian residents lining up for hours in the cold just to sometimes be told the testing sites have malfunctioned and they need to turn back. (Image: NTDTV)

Although many communities in Xian are locked down, according to the official website for the National Health Commission of China, as of Dec. 22, the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Xian was only 52. The total reported cases in China is now 57.

Because of doubts about the authenticity of official news from the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), netizens have begun speculating that the real reason for Xians city-wide lockdown could be due to an outbreak of hemorrhagic fever.

One residents Twitter post read, Xian, a city with a 95 percent vaccination rate, is about to be locked down. It may not be due to COVID-19, but a vaccine-induced hemorrhagic fever.

The ambiguity has residents scrambling in panic as no further information has been released by Chinese authorities.

More read:

Chinese Military Deploys Troops as Xian Outbreak Worsens

Xian Residents Fear Plague Outbreak as Locals Suffer Hemorrhagic Fever
For the first time in more than 30 years, Cambodias ruling party is set to select a new prime minister candidate when its central committee convenes on Christmas Eve to vote on Prime Minister Hun Sens proposal for his eldest son, Army Chief Lt. Gen. Hun Manet, to succeed him.

The prime minister is framing the succession, which would take place after 2028, as a generational transition of Cambodias political leadership. The old guard will step aside to be replaced by their progeny  with the Hun family still atop the ruling party apparatus. It would also likely cement Hun Manet as his 69-year-old fathers heir apparent should anything happen before then.

Analysts say the meeting of the 800-plus-member central committee will likely be the culmination of Hun Sens decades of consolidating control within the party, though it also risks exposing rare public rifts between senior party leaders.

Hun Sens endorsement indicates and projects him speaking from a position of strength, said Astrid Noren-Nilsson, a senior lecturer who studies Cambodian politics at Lund University in Sweden.

Noren-Nilsson notes the ruling partys succession event is taking place right after the apparent meltdown of the main opposition coalition, the Cambodia National Rescue Party, already outlawed by the CPP loyalists-led Supreme Court.

More generally speaking, now is a good and relatively quiet time to rally support around Manet, before going into the next electoral cycle, she added. For Hun Sen, it is certainly preferable to avoid the uncertainties generated by opening for an interim power-holder. Handing over directly to Manet means a greatly reduced risk of messy complications and the development of new and entangled agendas within the party.

Hun Sen set the upcoming succession vote in motion after the December 2 speech in which he made his first public endorsement of Manet to succeed him as prime minister. However, the prime minister, who has been in power since 1985, seemingly prepared for this moment since becoming president of the party following Chea Sims death in 2015.

In early 2015, before Hun Sens takeover, the partys central committee was composed of about 200 members, according to the CPP official document as of November 5. When the committee convened on Friday, its membership stood at 833 (compared to Vietnams Communist Partys central committee, which has 180 members, and the Chinese Communist Partys central committee with 205).

The expansion of central committee members have both bolstered the PMs standing within the party and served his succession plan, said Noren-Nilsson, adding that many of the new members can now be counted on to endorse Manet.

CPP spokesperson Suos Yara said the size of the party central committee is justified, as the countrys population has grown from about 4 million people following the Khmer Rouge to 16 million people today. So the number is not a subject that we should analyze, he added.

The premiers move to install his eldest son was hardly a surprise. Hun Sen called Hun Manet a possible future leader in a 2018 interview with Japanese news agency Kyodo. Soon after, he was promoted to serve both as the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces Deputy Commander-in-Chief and the Royal Cambodian Army Commander.

After playing a key role in building CPP networks abroad, mainly in countries where the opposition has strong support from the diaspora, Manet was later included in the CPPs all-powerful standing committee in late 2018. In 2020, he was tapped to head the partys youth wing.

The West Point alumnus was seen in a much-talked photo with Hun Sen and Chinese President Xi Jinping during the Prime Ministers visit to Beijing in February 2020. And Manet and his wife Pich Chanmony were active in leading a pro bono medical team to assist the pandemic response in the past year.

And yet, the power play by Hun Sen has already exposed schisms within the partys upper echelon.

Following Hun Sens endorsement of Manet, messages of enthusiastic support poured in from party members, loyalists, and business leaders. However, for days, there was a conspicuous silence from Interior Minister Sar Kheng, a deputy party president who inherited the rival faction of Chea Sim. And when Sar Khengs message finally came on December 7, unlike the others, he did not mention Manet, instead committing to respecting the decisions of the CPP congress and convention" regarding future prime minister candidates. Interior Ministry spokesperson Khieu Sopheak could not be reached for comment.

Hun Sen appeared to shrug off the speculation surrounding public pronouncements in a speech on Dec. 9. Whoever supports or not via a public endorsement does not matter, he said. What will be valid is the party central committee conventions resolution, he said, which will then be voted before the full party congress.

The core members of the politburo  consisting of himself, Senate President Say Chhum, and Deputy Prime Ministers Sar Kheng, Tea Banh, and Men Sam An  approved the reserve cabinet, mostly consisting of the educated children of senior party members, during a meeting on December 8, Hun Sen said.

The timing of the move has led some to speculate about Hun Sens health. However, Suos Yara, the CPP spokesman, said the convention was scheduled to respond to the eased domestic situation surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic.

As I said, we are a family that normally the children listen to the father, Suos Yara told VOA Khmer when asked about Manets candidacy.

However, Hun Manets allies are leaving nothing to chance, apparently worried that some wayward offspring might use the secret ballot to upset his standing at the convention, or back other candidates if there are any.

Soon after Hun Sens pronouncement, Manets aides from the partys central youth wing came forward with a new series of pledges online that they will not only vote for Manet at the convention but will also take a photograph of their ballots as proof of history of Cambodian political journey.

Those aides include Heng Sour, Huot Hak, and Chrun Theravat, who are secretaries of state at labor, rural development, and parliamentary relations ministries.

Political commentator Ly Sreysrors, who leads the Young Analysts Group, said the campaigns for public support had the opposite effect of showing the internal party structure has not come as one.

I dare not jump to an estimate with percentage. I dare to say that, based on the gestures and activities of some senior CPP figures, there could be some rival candidates to challenge Mr. Hun Manet as a premier candidate, she said. But I do think the prime minister is significantly confident that he nominates Mr. Hun Manet to the place with so much preparation that he can move to make Manets candidacy public.

Sreysrors said she had mixed feelings about the new team of CPP leaders, most of whom grew up in luxury and studied abroad.

As I said, the elevation of these offspring lacks, honestly speaking, integrity. This is a mere father-to-son power transfer. That gives me little hope for the improvement, and I think the dirty politics will continue, Sreysrors said.

She added that if the new CPP leadership continues to weaken the ability of civil society and the public to engage politically, they cannot lead Cambodia on a positive path.
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A suggestion by Australias most populous state to charge unvaccinated people for COVID-19 medical costs has received widespread criticism. The New South Wales proposal has angered doctors and some federal politicians, who argue that health care in Australia is free and universal.

The New South Wales government has said that unvaccinated patients being treated for COVID-19 have been irresponsible and have burdened taxpayers with very substantial costs. And they could be forced to pay for their hospital care.

There already is two classes of the hospital system because you have got the unvaccinated that are there because they have not been taking responsibility for their actions, and you have got the vaccinated there who have got a genuine requirement for health care, said State Transport Minister David Elliott.

But members of Australias federal government have been skeptical about making unvaccinated COVID-19 patients pay for their treatment. The Australian Medical Association said the proposal was unethical, and it doubted that it was even legal.

The president of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners, Dr. Karen Price, told the Australian Broadcasting Corp. that it would affect disadvantaged communities.

We might make all sorts of judgments on people who smoke or have an unhealthy lifestyle, and the unvaccinated would be a large cohort of those people who might have low health literacy, and we know in some of our Indigenous communities where vaccination rates are low, this would be an unethical procedure to implement, he said.

Ninety percent of eligible Australians are fully vaccinated.

On Thursday, New South Wales recorded 5,715 COVID-19 cases  a new daily record for any Australian jurisdiction during the pandemic.

Testing clinics have been overwhelmed as Australians rush to be screened ahead of Christmas. A negative result is required for travel between various states and territories.

Western Australia has become the first jurisdiction to introduce mandatory COVID-19 booster shots for certain sections of its population.

It is also reintroducing internal border controls with Tasmania and the Northern Territory to try to curb the spread of the omicron variant. Entry into Western Australia from other parts of the country will be prohibited without an exemption.
Australia on Thursday reported a major spike in coronavirus infections driven by the omicron variant, prompting the worst-hit state of New South Wales to reimpose mandatory indoor mask-wearing.

New South Wales recorded 5,715 new cases, including one death  up from 3,763 posted the day before, which were nearly as many as were recorded across the entire nation.

"We've always said as we have moved through this that we will monitor the situation, the evidence in front of us. The key indicators to us are not the case numbers but rather ICU [Intensive Care Unit] numbers, hospitalizations and in addition to that importantly the ability of our health care workers here in our state to provide the care that people need if they're seriously ill as they come into the hospital system."

The return of COVID-related restrictions just two days before Christmas is a stumble in the country's plans for a permanent reopening after nearly two years of stop-start lockdowns, as the new variant rages through the community in spite of double-vaccination rates of more than 90%.

The surge in infections comes a day after Prime Minister Scott Morrison rejected lockdowns or mask mandates for the entire country to slow the spread of the omicron variant.
The White House says President Joe Biden signed into law Thursday a bill that bans the import of good produced by Uyghur slave labor.

The Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act, which got final Congressional approval last week after a year of negotiations, bans all imports from Chinas Xinjiang region into the United States unless companies can show the U.S. government clear and convincing evidence their supply chains have not used the labor of ethnic Muslims enslaved in Chinese camps.

Beijing describes the camps as "re-education" facilities aimed at combating terrorism.

The renewed push to hold China accountable for rights abuses comes ahead of the February 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing. The U.S. declared Chinese treatment of the Uyghurs genocide earlier this year and announced a diplomatic boycott of the Winter Olympics last week.

Earlier this month, an independent tribunal found Chinese senior leadership holds primary responsibility for acts of genocide against the Uyghurs.

China has condemned the bill, describing the U.S. as hypocritical for not addressing forced labor within its own borders.

China firmly opposes the interference by the U.S. Congress in Chinas internal affairs under the pretext of Xinjiang-related issues. By cooking up lies and making troubles on such issues, some U.S. politicians are seeking to contain China and hold back Chinas development through political manipulation and economic bullying in the name of human rights, China's Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Zhao Lijian, said in a press conference last week.

Human rights groups have praised the legislation and said it marked an important starting point for countries to address Chinese treatment of the Uyghurs.

It's a signal to the rest of the world that the U.S. is actually going to take action on this, Peter Irwin, senior program officer for advocacy and communications at the Uyghur Human Rights Project, told VOA.

It can also set a template for other governments to pick this up and say we're going to pass our own forced labor bill. For example, if the U.S. stops allowing in forced labor goods, then [Chinese] leaders shift their exports to Europe or to Canada. So having that template for other governments to pick up and actually pass these kinds of bills, that helps the U.S.  similar to the diplomatic boycott. The U.S. was first; other governments followed.

U.S. companies Nike and Coca-Cola actively lobbied against earlier versions of the legislation. The Biden administration did come out in support of those versions, leading Senator Marco Rubio to claim the White House was holding back on his bill due to concerns from climate change envoy John Kerry. Irwin told VOA more than 40% of the worlds polysilicon supply comes from Xinjiang, a loss that would complicate the manufacture of solar cells and panels.

Rubio praised the compromise legislation in a statement last Tuesday, saying, The United States is so reliant on China that we have turned a blind eye to the slave labor that makes our clothes, our solar panels, and much more. That changes today. Our Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act will require businesses importing goods into the United States to prove that their supply chains are not tainted with slave labor. It is time to end our economic addiction to China.

The legislation marks a rare point of bipartisan agreement on Capitol Hill.

Democratic House Speaker Nancy Pelosi also praised the legislation, saying it marked an opportunity for the U.S. Congress to continue to condemn and confront the CCPs human rights abuses in Xinjiang and in the region and hold it accountable. If America does not speak out for human rights in China because of commercial interests, we lose all moral authority to speak out for human rights any place in the world, Pelosi said in a statement ahead of the vote.
India grappled with serious security and domestic challenges this year. Military tensions with China showed no signs of easing, a deadly second wave of the coronavirus pandemic devastated India and the biggest farmers protest in decades challenged Prime Minister Narendra Modis authority.

The Asian giants, India and China, ended their most serious confrontation in decades in February by pulling back troops from a disputed border stretch in Ladakh.

But their frontier in the Himalayas remains a dangerous flashpoint as thousands of troops hunker down for a second winter at several other contested points.

Thirteen rounds of talks held between their military commanders to resolve differences hit a stalemate in October with both sides blaming each other for the impasse. China accused India of insisting on unreasonable and unrealistic demands, while India said the Chinese side could not provide any forward-looking proposals.

The result has been a significant military buildup along the Himalayan frontier.

Both sides have reinforced their positions. China has been amassing troops, quite significantly, building semi-permanent structures and making a show of force along that long boundary with India, says Harsh Pant, head of the strategic studies program at the Observer Research Foundation in the capital, New Delhi.

India, which had long focused attention on rival Pakistan, is now preparing to counter the security challenge from its bigger and more powerful neighbor. It is building roads and tunnels to move troops and weapons faster along the China frontier.

Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar said last month that relations between the two countries are going through a particularly bad patch.

They [China] have taken a set of actions in violation of agreements for which they still dont have a credible explanation and that indicates some rethink about where they want to take our relationship, but thats for them to answer, he told a panel discussion in Singapore.

As New Delhi prepared to cope with a more assertive China, Prime Minister Modi participated in two summits of the Quad grouping that consists of Australia, India, Japan and the United States. The first was a virtual meeting held by leaders of the four countries in March, the second an in-person summit hosted by U.S. President Joe Biden in Washington in September. The meetings were an effort to reinvigorate the grouping that is seen as a counter to Chinas growing power.

India has woken up in ways that are quite dramatic. Now India is responding in kind to China not only ratcheting up its troops along the border, but also taking important decisions like formalizing Quad and being more engaged with the Quad, says Pant. New Delhi has made it clear it will not back down.

Modi, known as Indias strongest leader in decades, also confronted the most serious domestic crises he has faced during his seven-year rule.

Earlier this year, a deadly second wave of the coronavirus pandemic fueled by the delta variant sickened or killed millions just months after Modi had virtually declared victory against the virus. His critics blamed his government for complacency.

Modi and senior leaders held huge election rallies and Hindu devotees congregated for a pilgrimage even as cases of the COVID-19 disease were rising in the worlds second worst-hit country.

Authorities were also blamed for failing to prepare the health infrastructure and a sluggish immunization program that left most people unprotected in the worlds largest vaccine-producing country when the second wave hit. His government struggled to cope.

You had oxygen shortages, hospitals overwhelmed and this very tragic sight of bodies awash in the River Ganges which people will take a long time to forget, so he did come in for criticism, says independent political analyst Neerja Chowdhury. Things just spun out of control and Modi did not come across as being in charge.

In the months since, the government has moved with speed to vaccinate the country  by October it celebrated the milestone of administering a billion doses and had fully vaccinated more than half its population by the year end.

Tens of thousands of farmers from northern India also mounted a massive challenge to Modi as they camped on highways around New Delhi, leading a year-long protest against market friendly reforms in the agricultural sector.

They withdrew their protest this month only after Modi scrapped the laws. It was a massive victory for the farmers who had wrested a rare concession from a leader who has seldom tolerated a challenge to his authority.

Political analysts say that although the prime minister still remains popular, the sheen has worn off. They point out that while the economy is recovering and most restrictions have been lifted allowing the economy to open, millions of poor people continue to deal with the economic devastation caused by the pandemic.

Apart from the mishandling of COVID, there was lack of jobs, families had to pull their children out of school because they did not have the money; child marriage was on the increase because parents could not look after them. Malnutrition increased among children, says Chowdhury. I think we have not felt yet the enormity of what has happened during 2021 and failed to grasp its fallout fully.

In the year ahead, Indias primary concerns will be coping with a more assertive China and creating livelihoods for millions of people even as the omicron variant of the coronavirus poses new uncertainties in a country where the pandemic has waned in recent months.
A day after approving Pfizers COVID-19 pill, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has granted emergency use authority to a similar pill produced by Merck.

Called molnupiravir, the drug could be given to high-risk adults once they show initial symptoms of the coronavirus. The drug is not approved for those under 18 because of concerns about bone and cartilage growth.

The FDA said that of those given the Merck pill, only 7% were hospitalized, compared to 10% who took a placebo. One person died over the 30-day period compared to nine who took the placebo.

The drug works by inserting errors into the coronaviruss genetic code, which makes it harder to reproduce.

Molnupiravir is reportedly only one-third as effective as the Pfizer drug, Paxlovid.

The drug will carry a warning against use while pregnant.

For those reasons, the Pfizer pill is likely to be used much more.

"To the extent that there's an ample supply of Pfizer's pill, I think it won't be used," Dr. Gregory Poland of the Mayo Clinic told The Associated Press, referencing Mercks drug. "There would be no reason, given it has less efficacy and a higher risk of side effects."

Both pills are said to be effective against the relatively mild omicron variant of the coronavirus currently spreading across the globe.

The U.S. government will buy enough of the Merck pill to treat 3.1 million people. A course of the drug requires patients to take four pills twice a day for five days. A course costs $700.

Some information in this report comes from The Associated Press.
Jurors on Thursday convicted a former suburban Minneapolis police officer of two manslaughter charges in the killing of Daunte Wright, a Black motorist she shot during a traffic stop.

The mostly white jury deliberated for about four days before finding former Brooklyn Center Officer Kim Potter guilty of first-degree and second-degree manslaughter. Potter, 49, faces about seven years in prison on the most serious count under the state's sentencing guidelines, but prosecutors said they would seek a longer term.

Potter, who said she had confused her gun for her Taser at the time of the shooting and testified that she "didn't want to hurt anybody," looked down without showing any visible reaction when the verdicts were read.

Potter, who is white, shot and killed Wright, 20, during an April 11 traffic stop in Brooklyn Center as she and other officers were trying to arrest him on an outstanding warrant for a weapons possession charge. The shooting happened at a time of high tension in the area, with former Minneapolis Police Officer Derek Chauvin standing trial just miles away for the killing of George Floyd. Potter resigned two days later.

Jurors saw video of the shooting that was captured by police body cameras and dashcams. It showed Potter and an officer she was training, Anthony Luckey, had stopped Wright for having expired license plates, as well as an air freshener hanging from his rear-view mirror. During the stop, Luckey discovered there was a warrant for Wright's arrest for not appearing in court on the weapons possession charge, and he, Potter and another officer went to take Wright into custody.

'I just shot him'

Wright obeyed Luckey's order to get out of his car, but as Luckey tried to handcuff him, Wright pulled away and got back in. As Luckey held on to Wright, Potter said, "I'll tase ya." The video then shows Potter holding her gun in her right hand and pointing it at Wright. Again, Potter said, "I'll tase you," and then two seconds later: "Taser, Taser, Taser." One second later, she fired a single bullet into Wright's chest.

"[Expletive]! I just shot him. ... I grabbed the wrong [expletive] gun," Potter said. A minute later, she said: "I'm going to go to prison."

In sometimes tearful testimony, Potter told jurors that she was "sorry it happened." She said the traffic stop "just went chaotic" and that she shouted her warning about the Taser after she saw a look of fear on the face of Sergeant Mychal Johnson, who was leaning into the passenger-side door of Wright's car. She also told jurors that she didn't remember what she said or everything that happened after the shooting, as much of her memory of those moments was "missing."

Potter's lawyers argued that she made a mistake by drawing her gun instead of her Taser. But they also said she would have been justified in using deadly force if she had meant to because Johnson was at risk of being dragged.

Prosecutors sought to raise doubts about Potter's testimony that she decided to act after seeing fear on Johnson's face. Prosecutor Erin Eldridge, in cross-examination, pointed out that in an interview with a defense expert Potter said she didn't know why she decided to draw her Taser. During her closing argument, Eldridge also replayed Potter's body-camera video that she said never gave a clear view of Johnson's face during the key moments.

Eldridge also downplayed testimony from some other officers who described Potter as a good person or said they saw nothing wrong in her actions: "The defendant has found herself in trouble and her police family has her back."

Prosecutors also got Potter to agree that she didn't plan to use deadly force. They said Potter, an experienced officer with extensive training in Taser use and use of deadly force, acted recklessly and betrayed the badge.
Peter Mutabazi was 10 years old and desperate when he fled his abusive father and his home in the southwestern Uganda town of Kabale.

Life was just miserable, he recalled. I went to the bus station, and I asked the lady, Hey, which bus goes the farthest? And I ended up in Kampala.

He lived on the capital citys streets for roughly four years, scavenging for food and scrambling for a safe place to sleep  until a kind stranger put him on the path from Ugandan street child to American foster dad.

The boy had been hanging out at a market, offering to help shoppers carry their goods, earn a little money, and perhaps sneak a banana to eat.

When I saw this man, I think I wanted to steal food from him, Mutabazi recalled on a recent Saturday in December, sitting in the well-stocked kitchen of his home in Charlotte, North Carolina. But the man surprised the boy. When I tried to get food from him, hes like, Hey, what's your name? You know, no one had ever asked my name.

The man gave him respect  and food. And after repeated visits to the market, where he sought out young Peter, the man offered him the chance to go to school.

For the very first time, someone saw the best in me, said Mutabazi, now 47.  He saw a kid who had potential and he was willing to say, You know what, I want to invest in you. I want to do something for you. And that's what changed my life.

The man enrolled the boy in a Kampala boarding school, where he thrived. Later, Mutabazi worked and received scholarships to study business administration at Makerere University in the capital, then went on to Oak Hill College, a theological academy in London, and The Masters University, a Christian institution in southern California.

Entree to fatherhood

Eventually, work in real estate led Mutabazi to Oklahoma City, in the south-central U.S. state of Oklahoma. He volunteered to mentor teenagers in foster care, when a social worker encouraged him to become even more involved. He signed up that day to train as a foster parent.

That was in 2017. Since then, Mutabazi has been striving to bring out the best in youngsters who, like him, have experienced neglect, abuse, rejection or other difficulties. He has fostered 20 children so far.

The first child placed with Mutabazi was white, as are all four in his current brood.

I was shocked, like, wait a minute, the kid doesn't look like me, Mutabazi said. He quickly learned that abuse and neglect dont discriminate. And he decided, Hey, I'm here to advocate for every child.

Mutabazi has since cared for youngsters of various racial and ethnic backgrounds: African American, Native American, Hispanic and Caucasian, he said. Of nearly 424,000 children in U.S. foster care in the most recent federal government snapshot, 44% were white, 23% were Black or African American and 21% were Hispanic.

A distinctive dad

Observers say Mutabazi is uncommon among U.S. foster parents: a single male, Black and foreign-born.

For a single guy to foster is extremely rare, said Ken Maxwell, executive director of Seven Homes Inc., a faith-based agency in North Carolina that has placed six children with Mutabazi. "Its rare to see African Americans adopting Caucasian kids, Maxwell added.

Yet that was the case with Anthony. He came to Mutabazi as an 11-year-old whose adoptive family had given up their parental rights after nine years. Mutabazi agreed to take in the boy for a weekend visit.

Once I had the story, I think it went back to my time as a 10-, 11-year-old, said Mutabazi, remembering being helpless, unwanted, not knowing what your future is. And there was a kid in front of me who just reminded me of myself.

My dad's story really helped me to connect with him better, said Anthony, now 15.  I realized that me and him, we both got through a lot.

He was adopted in November 2017 in a courtroom in Charlotte, where Mutabazi had moved to work as a regional manager for World Vision, a nonprofit Christian antipoverty organization.

As much as I'm helping them through their trauma, they are helping me through my own trauma.  They teach me so much about myself as well, Mutabazi said.

Mutabazi added that he also draws support from almost daily calls and text messaging with the man who sought him out at the Ugandan market long ago. Mutabazi said his informal foster dad prefers not to be named publicly.

Challenging work

The enterprising spirit that helped Mutabazi survive his tough childhood has taken on new dimensions. He has scaled back his work with World Vision, continuing as a speaker and child advocate for the organization, to allow more time for fatherhood (he receives a government stipend for each childs care). He flips houses, upgrading and reselling each property. As #FosterDadFlipper, he has become an influencer on social media, with more than 132,000 followers on Instagram. He has a YouTube channel, Now I Am Known, showcasing some of his familys experiences and antics. He markets a plush toy support dog resembling the familys golden doodle, Simba, with a collar bearing affirmative phrases such as You matter.

Mutabazi doesnt stop at flipping houses: He also wants to flip a series of negative stereotypes, instead emphasizing that most Black men are responsible and committed fathers, and that single men can provide a safe and supportive home for foster children.

Also, as an immigrant in the United States, he said, I think I would love people to know that we are here and we are changing lives.

When hes out with his children, Mutabazi said he sometimes encounters bias and suspicion over differences in skin color.

At a big-box store recently, he and his children lined up for free tastes of a food product, he said. The woman passing out the samples told the children she needed a parents permission. And they just said, But he's right here, Mutabazi recounted.  There's a false narrative that I'm not fit to be a dad to white kids or I don't have the skills and the principles to raise white kids. . Yes, they don't look like me, but they are my family.

Seven Homes Maxwell envisions a positive ripple effect from Mutabazis fostering.

Whats really going to be remarkable is all those kids that hes touched. They're going to go out and change other people's lives, Maxwell said. And so, the impact of one is going to be spread out over the years. It's going to be amazing.

VOA Africa Divisions Betty Ayoub reported from Charlotte, North Carolina, with Carol Guensburg reporting from Washington, D.C.
A leading Hong Kong university dismantled and removed from campus Thursday a statue commemorating Chinas 1989 crackdown on pro-democracy protesters in Tiananmen Square.

Students and onlookers gathered at University of Hong Kong on Thursday morning to contemplate the removal of a statue that stood in the campus for more than two decades.

University officials say the statue has been placed in storage.

The Council of HKU said in an early Thursday statement it made the decision to remove the statue during a Wednesday meeting, "based on external legal advice and risk assessment for the best interest of the university."

The artwork of anguished human torsos, is one of the few remaining public memorials in the former British colony to remember the bloody crackdown that is a taboo topic in mainland China, where it cannot be publicly commemorated.

Known as the "Pillar of Shame," the statue was a key symbol of the wide-ranging freedoms promised to Hong Kong at its 1997 return to Chinese rule.

The sculptor, Jens Galschiot, told VOA he tried to negotiate with authorities to remove the statue intact so it could be taken to his native Denmark but was ignored.



He called the act brutal and said it was destroying art, and he lamented that Hong Kong is getting more and more like China.

China has never provided a full account of the 1989 Tiananmen Square crackdown. Officials gave a death toll of about 300, but rights groups and witnesses say thousands may have been killed.

Authorities have been clamping down in Hong Kong under a China-imposed national security law that human rights activists say is being used to suppress civil society, jail democracy campaigners and curb basic freedoms.

Authorities say the law has restored order and stability after massive street protests in 2019. They insist freedom of speech and other rights remain intact and that prosecutions are not political.
A freelance journalist, who has worked for Radio Free Europe/Radio Libertys Belarus Service, remains in jail on unspecified charges, despite serving two 10-day sentences on controversial hooliganism charges, his relatives said Thursday.

Andrey Kuznechyks family told RFE/RL that they were officially informed that the journalist was being transferred from the notorious Akrestsina detention center, where many inmates have said they were tortured, to another facility in Minsk.

The family was also told that a criminal case on unspecified charges had been launched against Kuznechyk.

Kuznechyk has been held by authorities since late November.

After going for a bike ride on the 25th of last month, Kuznechyk returned to his apartment, accompanied by four men in civilian clothes, according to his wife, Alesya Rak.

The men, who did not show any identification, then searched their apartment, Rak said, only avoiding the rooms of their two young children.

Kuznechyk was then led away by the group, who did not give a reason for his detention.

The journalist was sentenced to 10 days in jail the following day, after a trial in which he refused to accept a guilty verdict on hooliganism charges.

On December 6, when his initial sentence ended, he was not released, but handed another 10-day jail term, also on a hooliganism charge.

Kuznechyks relatives told RFE/RL at the time that the journalist continues to maintain his innocence.

RFE/RL President Jamie Fly has said the extension of Kuznechyks sentence "on absurdly fabricated charges" should be considered a crime in itself.

"Andreys state-sponsored kidnapping continues, all in furtherance of the Lukashenko regimes efforts to block independent information from reaching the Belarusian people. Andrey should be allowed to return to his family immediately," Fly said in a statement on December 6, referring to authoritarian ruler Alexander Lukashenko.

Tensions have been running high in Belarus since Lukashenko, in power since 1994, was declared the winner of an August 2020 presidential election that opponents and the West say was rigged.

Many Western nations have since refused to recognize Lukashenko as the legitimate leader of Belarus, leaving him more reliant than ever on Russia, which analysts say is using his weakened position to strengthen its hold over its smaller neighbor.

Tens of thousands of people have been detained, and human rights activists say more than 800 people are now in jail as political prisoners.

Independent media and opposition social media channels have been targeted as well.

The group Reporters Without Borders has described Belarus as the most dangerous country in Europe for media personnel.
Belarus's Interior Ministry has added RFE/RL's Belarus Service, known locally as Radio Svaboda, to its registry of extremist organizations, in a continued clampdown on independent media and civil society sparked by an eruption of protests against authoritarian ruler Alexander Lukashenkos claim he won a presidential election last year that the opposition says was rigged.

According to the statement issued by the ministry on December 23, "a group of citizens associated via Radio Svaboda's internet resources were determined to be an extremist group."

The move means that Belarusians who subscribe to Radio Svaboda online could face up to six years in prison.

The move comes almost three weeks after a court in Minsk designated Radio Svaboda's official Telegram channel and some of the broadcaster's social media accounts as extremist.

Authorities in Belarus have declared hundreds of Telegram channels, blogs and chatrooms as extremist since the country was engulfed by protests since the August 2020 presidential election, which handed Lukashenko a sixth consecutive term.

In response, the government has cracked down hard on the pro-democracy movement, arresting thousands of people and pushing most of the top opposition figures out of the country. There have also been credible reports of torture and ill-treatment, and several people have died.

Dozens of news websites have been blocked in Belarus and independent media shuttered as part of a sweeping crackdown on information in the wake of the unprecedented protests.

The website of RFE/RL's Belarus Service has been blocked within Belarus since August 21, 2020, while the accreditation of all locally based journalists working for foreign media, including RFE/RL, were annulled by the Belarusian authorities in October 2020.

Lukashenko, who has run the country since 1994, has denied any fraud in the election and refuses to negotiate with the opposition on a political transition and new elections.

The West has refused to recognize Lukashenko as the legitimate leader of Belarus and in response has imposed several waves of sanctions against the government and other officials accused of aiding and benefiting from the crackdown.
Just days after taking office, President Joe Biden signed a memorandum signaling the administrations commitment to strengthen its nation-to-nation relationship with more than 570 American Indian and Alaska Native tribes.

It is a priority of my Administration to make respect for Tribal sovereignty and self-governance, commitment to fulfilling Federal trust and treaty responsibilities to Tribal Nations, and regular, meaningful, and robust consultation with Tribal Nations cornerstones of Federal Indian policy, Biden wrote.

Biden cited Executive Order 13175, signed by former President Bill Clinton in late 2000, that requires all federal departments and agencies to consult and collaborate with tribes when developing policies that have tribal implications, and he gave department and agency heads 90 days to report back on how they would accomplish this.

Since then, the administration has taken some historic steps to improve the lives of the more than 5 million Native Americans. Among them:

Biden nominated an unprecedented number of Native Americans to Senate-confirmed positions, most notably former U.S. Representative Deb Haaland, a Democrat from New Mexico and member of the Laguna Pueblo, as interior secretary.

Through the Indian Health Service, the government has administered more than 1.7 million COVID-19 vaccinations to tribe members, tribal health care workers and essential workers in Indian Country.

Biden signed the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) to help tribal governments combat the pandemics economic impact, allocating $30 billion to meet tribes most critical needs  including $20 billion in direct payments to more than 570 tribal governments.

He also signed the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which set aside more than $13 billion to help Native communities mitigate drought, improve water and sanitation, conduct mine and well cleanup, manage wildfires, restore devastated ecosystems, improve transportation and increase broadband access in Indian Country.

Earlier this week, Haaland announced a series of nation-to-nation consultations to be held in late January to allow tribal input on the various programs and initiatives outlined in the new law.

Biden halted leasing in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, revoked a key permit needed to build the U.S. segment of the Keystone XL pipeline, and restored borders of two national monuments in Utah, the Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante, which are culturally and spiritually important to several tribal nations in the region.

The interior secretary created a new Missing & Murdered (MM) Unit inside the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) Office of Justice Services to review unsolved cases and coordinate with tribal and federal (FBI) law enforcement on active investigations. The BIA also launched a new website where the public can view MM cases and submit tips anonymously and, in some cases, be eligible for rewards.

Haaland also launched a federal probe into federal Indian boarding schools to assess their continued impact on Native communities and signed a memorandum of understanding to share information with the National Native American Boarding School Healing Coalition, which has been investigating boarding schools for nearly a decade.

Indian Country is generally quite pleased about the cultural and inclusionary accomplishments of the Biden administration to date, said Rob Capriccioso, an enrolled member of the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians in Michigan and editor of Indigenous Wire on Substack, launching Jan. 3, 2022. "Many are over the moon that the Interior Department under Secretary Haaland is finally paying attention to boarding school atrocities, as well as to missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls and the protection of sacred Native sites.

However welcome, he said, these steps are long overdue.

Many Native people feel the federal government had the treaty and legal trust responsibility to rectify [these issues] long, long ago, Capriccioso told VOA in an emailed statement. Secretary Haaland knows this reality all too well, I believe, and so she is tackling these baseline issues expediently and boldly.

Capriccioso is critical, however, of how Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen distributed ARPA funds to tribes.

Many tribal leaders have pressed for her to establish an Office of Tribal Affairs, as other federal agencies have done over the years, he said. Yet she would not do so. Thus, formulas established under her watch ended up seeing $20 billion in pandemic relief distributed to tribes in a way that many felt was inequitable, and it was proven so in a policy paper by Harvard researchers who were also concerned about the matter.

That study by the Harvard Project on American Indian Economic Development showed that 32 tribes  about 5% of all eligible tribes  received approximately half of the total available funds.

Simon Moya-Smith, an Oglala Lakota and Chicano writer and journalist, says Indigenous people arent jumping for joy yet.

Biden speaks heavily, and he speaks well when it comes to his awareness of climate change and how that impacts Indigenous people and the globe, Moya-Smith said. But at the end of the day, he failed to stop the Line 3 pipelines. He just turned a blind eye to it.

The Line 3 pipeline, which was completed in October, replaced, expanded and rerouted an ailing 1960s pipeline, enabling Canadian multinational Enbridge to double the flow of tar sands oil through northern Minnesota to Superior, Wisconsin. Native Americans cite Line 3s history of spills and worry Line 3 threatens land and water  especially treaty-protected wild rice beds on which the Ojibwe depend.

Moya-Smith said he welcomes the federal investigation into boarding schools, which will at least open conversations.

We are excluded from the conversation on so many other topics, he said. People are happy to talk to us about mascots or Thanksgiving, but on topics like health care, jobs, the cost of prescription drugs, or education, were excluded.

While he has great faith in Haaland because she was raised Indigenous, like many Native Americans, he is skeptical about the governments ability to live up to its promises.

Im not saying the Biden administration isnt doing good things, Moya-Smith added. But were not sitting around holding our breaths to see if it delivers.
Nigeria's number of confirmed COVID-19 infections nearly doubled on Wednesday, to a record of more than 4,000  the most since the start of the pandemic. Nigerian officials say the jump raises serious concerns and are urging people to stay away from gatherings.The figures were announced as Nigeria destroyed a million doses of coronavirus vaccine that had passed the expiration date.



The latest tally of COVID-19 infections, released early Thursday, nearly doubled the 2,123 cases reported the day before.



Authorities say the spike signals a fourth wave is in full swing and that the omicron variant is responsible.



"The whole genetic makeup of that part of the virus has changed in such a way that has conferred on the virus some advantages," says Ifedayo Adetifa, the head of the Nigeria Centers for Disease Control. "The advantage that has been confirmed so far is that this new variant as a result of those changes is highly transmissible.

Nigeria has reported over 230,000 cases of the coronavirus since February 2020.



Officials are highly concerned about the current wave. This week, Nigeria's CDC advised citizens against non-essential travel during the holidays in order to curb the disease's spread.

Meanwhile, on Wednesday Nigerian authorities destroyed over one million doses of expired AstraZeneca vaccine at a public gathering in Abuja. The expired vaccine is the most to be destroyed by any nation.



At the event, the director of the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Faisal Shuaib, said Nigeria had used about 60% of the vaccine from the expired batch before it went bad.



He said even though Nigeria's vaccination campaign has gained traction in the past two weeks, the country needs to move past myths and disinformation to protect more people from the new variant.

"Now that we have over 10 million Nigerians that have been vaccinated, there is ample evidence that these vaccines do not cause you die immediately after you take them. These vaccines don't make you magnetic, these vaccines don't make you become a robot, these vaccines do not do all of the crazy things they say happen to you because you have taken the vaccines, said Shuaib.



In early December, Nigerian authorities began administering booster shots to stem the spread of the omicron variant.

This week, President Muhammadu Buhari received a booster shot during a televised session in order to encourage citizens to participate in the exercise.
Nigerian media report explosions went off in the northeastern city of Maiduguri Thursday just as President Mohamadu Buhari arrived for an official visit. Local media say five people have been killed.

Local reports say the five fatalities include a 16-year-old girl, while at least eight others were injured in the explosions. Buhari was unharmed.

No one has immediately claimed responsibility for the attack, but Maiduguri residents say they suspect the Islamist militant group Boko Haram.

Initial reports say the attackers fired projectiles of some kind. Residents quoted by local news media say one bomb dropped on a mosque, and another hit near Maiduguri airport, where the president landed Thursday.

Nigerian authorities have yet to make a statement.

While in Borno state, Buhari is scheduled to commission projects at the University of Maiduguri and elsewhere in the city. For now, no one knows if the president's schedule was affected by the attack.

Nigeria has been battling the Boko Haram insurgency for 12 years, with Borno state as the epicenter of the fighting.
New research from Britain and South Africa suggests the fast-spreading omicron variant of the coronavirus is milder and results in fewer hospitalizations than other versions.

Researchers at the University of Edinburgh in Scotland unveiled a study Wednesday showing that people who had contracted omicron were at least 60% less likely to be admitted, compared to those who had been infected with the delta variant, which had been dominating the world in recent months.

A separate study conducted at Imperial College London revealed that people diagnosed with omicron were 15%-20% less likely to seek emergency care at a hospital, while also showing a 40%-45% decline in the number of omicron patients who needed to be admitted for severe symptoms.

And scientists at South Africas National Institute for Communicable Diseases Wednesday released a study that discovered the risk of hospitalization was 70%-80% lower among patients who tested positive for omicron, compared with those who tested positive for delta or other strains. The NICD researchers also said Wednesday the omicron outbreak in that country appears to have peaked, with a 20% decline in new infections in the last week.

But John Nkengasong, the head of the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, warned Thursday during a virtual press briefing that South Africa should not be used as an example for what may happen in other nations with omicron.

More encouraging news came Wednesday in the U.S.-based military publication Defense One, which said the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, the largest of its kind in the U.S. military, will soon announce the development of an experimental vaccine that can offer protection against all coronaviruses, including the one that causes COVID-19, as well as its variants, including omicron and delta.

Researchers at Walter Reed have begun the first phase of human clinical trials of its new vaccine after gaining positive results from animal trials completed earlier this year. Dr. Kayvon Modjarrad, the director of Walter Reeds infectious diseases branch, told Defense One that it has been working to develop the pan-coronavirus vaccine for two years. He said the human trials took longer than expected to begin because researchers needed to find subjects who had neither been vaccinated nor previously infected with COVID-19.

Meanwhile, authorities around the world continue to impose more coronavirus restrictions in response to the wildfire-like spread of omicron. In Australia, Premier Dominic Perrottet of New South Wales state reintroduced an indoor mask-wearing mandate Thursday after it recorded 5,715 new cases, nearly double the 3,763 new cases posted on Wednesday  the bulk of Australias record one-day total 8,357 confirmed cases.

In China, authorities in the northern city of Xian have imposed a strict lockdown of the entire area of 13 million residents in an effort to curb a spike in new cases. The order bans people from leaving their homes unless they have essential jobs, and mandates that only one person per household may shop for supplies every two days.

Xian, the capital city of Shaanxi province, has confirmed more than 200 new locally transmitted cases in recent weeks, although it is not known if the surge is being driven by omicron or delta.

Some information for this report came from the Associated Press, Reuters and Agence France-Presse.
Seven U.S. Department of Defense staff who traveled last week to multiple American bases, including Indo-Pacific Command on Hawaii, have tested positive for COVID-19, the Pentagon said on Thursday.

The staff, which consisted of civilian and military personnel, traveled to bases in Michigan, Colorado, Hawaii, California, and Nebraska as part of Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks' visit to the United States' bases and commands, Pentagon spokesman John Kirby said in a statement. Hicks tested negative.

Hicks was touring American bases as the Biden administration's 2023 budget takes shape. The Defense Department hopes to focus budget dollars toward a military that can deter China and Russia.

The staff had been vaccinated and tested for coronavirus exposure before the trip. Kirby said the staff who tested positive following last week's travel were in quarantine. He added that the Pentagon was contacting all hotels, bases and other personnel who may have come in contact with the travelers.

During a visit to Schriever Space Force Base in Colorado Springs, Colorado, Hicks saw a simulated space training exercise "Space Flag," hosted by U.S. forces.

During the stop in Hawaii, military commanders demonstrated a software tool they have built to predict how the Chinese government would react to American actions in the region, such as military sales, U.S.-backed military activity and even congressional visits to hot spots like Taiwan.

Indo-Pacific Command oversees all U.S. military operations in and around the vast Pacific Ocean and South Asia.

All staff on the trip followed Centers for Disease Control and Prevention COVID-19 guidelines, "including the stringent wearing of masks and social distancing where and when possible," Pentagon spokesman Kirby said.
The record low turnout rate of Sundays Hong Kong legislative election is a telling blow to surviving democracy in the city, an expert told VOA Wednesday, as others contacted also criticized the poll.

The voting rate in the patriots-only election of the former British colonys Legislative Council was only 30.2%, a new low since the 1997 handover back to China and in substantial contrast to nearly 60% in the previous election in 2016 and the record high of 71% in the 2019 district council election.

Among the 90 newly elected lawmakers, only one from the functional constituencies  those representing such segments of society as tourism or finance  is independent and not explicitly pro-establishment.

The turnout rate and outcome showed that legislative elections are no longer democratic, according to Jacques deLisle, professor of political science at the Center for the Study of Contemporary China at the University of Pennsylvania.

The election was not meaningfully democratic, and the outcome was universally known in advance. Pro-democracy candidates had been systematically excluded under reforms adopted during the last year, deLisle told VOA by email.

This was the first general election since implementation of the draconian national security law in June of last year, and the election overhaul in March of this year that slashed the directly elected members from 35 seats to only 20 and put 40 seats into the hands of 1,500 members of an Election Committee consisting mostly of pro-Beijing members.

DeLisle called the overhaul thorough and multi-faceted moves to muzzle out the pro-democracy voices.

Single-member districts were replaced by two-member districts -- a move that favored pro-Beijing candidates who often finished second to pro-democracy candidates in single-member constituencies, he said.

The number of seats chosen by the Election Committee -- a reliably pro-Beijing body -- grew from 0 to 40. The number of so-called functional constituency seats ... primarily representing various economic and social groups, dropped from 35 to 20 and eliminated some of the reliably pro-democracy constituencies, he wrote.

Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam said the low turnout rate does not mean the election isnt important.

The government did not set a target turnout rate for any election, and voters have the free will to cast their votes. I believe that voters have a lot to consider, including the atmosphere, quality of the candidates, social situation and the weather, Lam said in a press conference after the election.

In an interview in early December with Chinas state-backed Global Times, Lam said a low turnout rate can also be interpreted to mean people are looking to maintain the same legislative makeup.

There is a saying that when the government is doing well and its credibility is high, the voter turnout will decrease because the people do not have a strong demand to choose different lawmakers to supervise the government. Therefore, I think the turnout rate does not mean anything, Lam said.

The low turnout rate came amid high-profile opposition figures calling for either boycotting the election or casting blank votes, which has become illegal under the new election rules.

A day before the election, officials issued warrants for the arrest of these politicians, including exiled former lawmaker Ted Hui, leading pro-democracy figure Nathan Law, and three others.

A Hong Kong-registered voter who requested anonymity for fear of political repercussions, said she did not vote in the 2021 election as a sign of opposition.

In the past, there were at least two sides in the previous elections  pro-democracy and pro-establishment. I dont want to cast a ballot and risk this being misunderstood as a recognition of this rigged election. I dont want the government to have the excuse to claim this election was fair, the education worker in her 20s told VOA.

Sunny Cheung, a student activist among for whom an arrest warrant has been issued, called the election turnout an expression of silent opposition by Hong Kongers.

Boycotting the election by not voting, is not an act of lying flat, but it is peoples conscious and collective effort to prove that Hong Kongers do not surrender to a non-democratic election or support a rubber stamp legislature, Cheung wrote on Facebook.

In the geographic constituencies  in which most registered voters can cast their ballots  each of the 10 districts featured three to five candidates, with at least one claiming that they had been independent and proclaiming themselves pro-democracy. However, not a single such candidate won the election.

The candidates for the directly elected seats were subject to a new vetting procedure that systematically screened out almost all pro-democracy candidates. The national security department was part of the vetting process, deLisle said.

A total of 47 pro-democracy activists, many of whom were lawmakers, were arrested and charged with subversion under the national security law after many held an unofficial primary election in July last year to choose the candidates to run for the general election, which was postponed for a year with government citing health concerns.

Elections have likely been changed from now on, and there is no return, deLisle said.

Beijing has shown through the election law reforms and other measures its determination to exercise heightened and tightened control over Hong Kong and not to tolerate the pro-democracy movements.  We are not likely to see elections in Hong Kong in the foreseeable future to be meaningfully democratic, he said.
TRANSCRIPT

The Inside Story: Missions End

Episode 13  November 11, 2011

Show Opening Graphics:

Voice of KANE FARABAUGH, VOA Correspondent:

They were there at the start

Rhonda Lawson, U.S. Army Veteran:

I will never consider our presence in Afghanistan a failure.

Dan Millbauer, U.S. Army Veteran:

Its hard to say the mission might have been accomplished in total.

KANE FARABAUGH:

 now at the end, U.S. military veterans and the families of the fallen reflect on Americas longest war.

Denise Williams, Illinois Gold Star Mothers President:

I get asked, was it worth it? 

KANE FARABAUGH:

A Veterans Day view from the homefront on the legacy of the war in Afghanistan  now on The Inside Story: Missions End

The Inside Story: Missions End:

KANE FARABAUGH:

Hi. Im VOA Midwest Correspondent Kane Farabaugh, reporting from the Middle East Conflicts Memorial Wall in Illinois.

Veterans Day, which initially marked the armistice that ended World War 1 in 1918, is a federal holiday observed every November 11th honoring U.S. military veterans for their service to the nation. This is the first Veterans Day since the end of the war in Afghanistan, the longest conflict in U.S. history.

Here in Marseilles, Illinois, the names of more than 2,400 American men and women who died serving in Afghanistan are a permanent reminder of the cost of the war, and the sacrifices made.



Etched in these black panels are the names of thousands more Americans who died in other flashpoints in the Middle East, including Iraq.

But in 2002, this memorial didnt exist. The were no U.S. forces on the ground in Iraq. And fewer than 10,000 U.S. service members were committed to fighting terrorism in Afghanistan.

Thats when I traveled there, towards the beginning of the conflict, just months after the 9/11 terrorist attacks meeting up with some of the first men and women serving in Operation Enduring Freedom.

The U.S. military had been in Afghanistan just a few months when I landed at Bagram Airfield in May of 2002 on a reporting assignment for the American Forces Network.

Brian Cole, U.S. Army Officer:

Im Major Brian Cole with the United States Army reserve with the 489th Civil Affairs Battalion.

KANE FARABAUGH:

I met Brian Cole while distributing supplies at a recently re-opened school shut down by the Taliban prior to the U.S. invasion

Brian Cole, U.S. Army Officer:

I think Im in the land of the giants sometimes.

KANE FARABAUGH:

in the remote village of Karabagh Bazaar which, we were told, had just been cleared of landmines.

Brian Cole, U.S. Army Officer:

Because when we write letters home, we tell them that the people of Afghanistan need school supplies.

I look at what we are doing as an extension of our foreign policy of having the people come back from Pakistan and Iran back into Afghanistan and if we want to have the people come back, we need to assist them once they can get here to help them get established.

KANE FARABAUGH:

That same day Cole delivered food to another remote village, all part of the U.S. militarys strategy to win the hearts and minds of the Afghan people.

Brian Cole, U.S. Army Officer:

And what we are doing by bringing the school supplies and food now is were serving as a stop gap until the non-governmental organizations get here so they can take over our mission.4

KANE FARABAUGH:

Its been more than nineteen years since I met Cole in Afghanistan.

Brian Cole, Kentucky Park Ranger:

How yall doing?

KANE FARABAUGH:

After some effort tracking him down, I learned he safely returned home.

We reconnected in July at Fort Boonesborough outside Lexington, Kentucky.

Brian Cole, Kentucky Park Ranger:

Im a state park ranger now, and I have like a phobia against trash because thats one thing they were doing they would take MRE (meals ready to eat) boxes and put explosives in it, or just roadside trash would all of a sudden become a mine, would become an explosive.

KANE FARABAUGH:

Despite the risk, Cole felt his units objectives were clear.

Brian Cole, Kentucky Park Ranger:

Our mission was to help  two things  to gain support for us being there, and to put in the water wells and things like that, and to help gain acceptance for the U.S. forces being there, and also the bigger picture was to help gain support for the newly established Afghan government.

KANE FARABAUGH:

Cole believes the big picture lost focus when the U.S. invaded Iraq in 2003.

Brian Cole, Kentucky Park Ranger:

You can only have one main effort. And we tried to have two main efforts and I think we took our eye off the ball when we did that.

KANE FARABAUGH:

The war in Afghanistan took a personal toll on Cole. His daughter was just a month old when he deployed, and his absence was difficult for his family back in Kentucky.

Brian Cole, Kentucky Park Ranger:

My wife, she never accepted me going, and we never recovered from that, and I ended up divorced.

KANE FARABAUGH:

Cole says he made sacrifices to build a better Afghanistan but that that mission was never accomplished.

Brian Cole, Kentucky Park Ranger:

I think a better way to say it is the missions over.

KANE FARABAUGH:

Cole says the legacy of the U.S. military in Afghanistan is best measured by what didnt happen.

Brian Cole, Kentucky Park Ranger:

We were able to keep similar 9/11 attacks from occurring and I think they would have had we not gone. The training camps would have flourished even more so.

KANE FARABAUGH:

Which is why he feels the U.S. military should have stayed in Afghanistan, pointing to forces stationed in countries like Germany and Japan since World War Two as a precedent.

Brian Cole, Kentucky Park Ranger:

If you leave too soon, youre back too early.

KANE FARABAUGH:

Cole has since retired from the U.S. Army. He says he has few regrets about his service in Afghanistan  but one is losing contact with his Afghan interpreter.

Brian Cole, Kentucky Park Ranger:

Hyadet  Im hoping I can track him down and maybe serve as a sponsor for him back here if hes able to come to the United States.

KANE FARABAUGH:

Why?

Brian Cole, Kentucky Park Ranger:

I loved him. I mean he kept us safe.

KANE FARABAUGH:

And he was with you every day?

Brian Cole, Kentucky Park Ranger:

Right. Yep. Literally by my side.

KANE FARABAUGH:

Was it hard for you to leave him?

Brian Cole, Kentucky Park Ranger:

It was. I remember telling him, dont let these guys get you killed man.

KANE FARABAUGH:

Cole credits his interpreter with saving the lives of his fellow soldiers, and his own.

What will you do if you can get him here?

Brian Cole, Kentucky Park Ranger:

Give him a place to live.

KANE FARABAUGH:

How do you think he would appreciate that?

Brian Cole, Kentucky Park Ranger:

Oh, hed love it. We talked about that. We talked about coming to the United States.

KANE FARABAUGH:

Cole still didnt know the status of his Afghan interpreter as the U.S. military presence in Afghanistan neared its conclusion, culminating in the chaotic exodus of tens of thousands aboard planes departing the Kabul Airport.

Brian Cole, Kentucky Park Ranger:

So, Im hoping that hes able to come with a program to bring him to the United States. We definitely need to bring them back and keep them safe. We owe that to them.

KANE FARABAUGH:

My assignment to Afghanistan in 2002 was to understand the conditions and motivations of service members who were spending their first Fourth of July holiday after 9/11 in Afghanistan, trying to rout the al-Qaida terrorist network.

Dan Millbauer (from Armed Forces Network report):

Meanwhile an Air Force B-52 was also in the area on a planned mission to bomb suspected Taliban and Al Queda locations.

KANE FARABAUGH:

My friend and American Forces Network colleague, Staff Sergeant Dan Millbauer, accompanied me on our first experience in a combat zone.

Dan Millbauer, U.S. Army Veteran:

When you come into the country the way we did in a military aircraft and under cover of darkness to avoid being shot at and landing in a corkscrew kind of pattern, thats kind of when it first hits you that, Oh yeah, this is real. We are going into harms way.

KANE FARABAUGH:

At the time, nearly 10-thousand U.S. forces were in harms way, many based at Bagram Airfield which was quickly growing into one of the largest U.S. military facilities in the world.

Its where Rhonda Lawson served with a U.S. Army mobile public affairs detachment, or MPAD, which hosted us in Afghanistan.

Rhonda Lawson, NCOIC 28th MPAD:

Im a print journalist by trade.

KANE FARABAUGH:

To keep U.S. troops there informed, her team produced a base newspaper and other products.

Rhonda Lawson, NCOIC 28th MPAD:

We run stories not just here at Bagram but also stories from Kabul. Every once in a while, we might get a story from Kandahar or from Uzbekistan.

Rhonda Lawson, U.S. Army Veteran:

What I took pride in doing was telling the soldiers story. We talked about the mission but at the same time what I wanted people to know was that our soldiers were real people. Our soldiers had families. Our soldiers had feelings.

KANE FARABAUGH:

US troops also received messages from back home showing passionate support for their mission.

Rhonda Lawson, U.S. Army Veteran:

One of the cards that I got, it just said Kick Bin Ladens ass on it. So, there was this sense that we needed to get revenge.

KANE FARABAUGH:

But finding Bin Laden took nearly a decade. Neither Lawson nor others we spoke to during our 2002 visit

Unidentified Soldier:

Its like a long ass camping trip.

KANE FARABAUGH:

...thought operations in Afghanistan would become the longest in U.S. history.

Rhonda Lawson, U.S. Army Veteran:

Desert Storm, a lot of the fighting ended in about six weeks, so I think people thought this would be quick like Desert Storm.

Dan Millbauer, U.S. Army Veteran:

Of course, a lot of us thought that any operations around 9/11 response would be temporary or quick.

KANE FARABAUGH:

As the war in Afghanistan dragged on, Millbauer returned to Afghanistan a second time in 2003 to work with a psychological operations or PSYOP unit.

Dan Millbauer, U.S. Army Veteran:

Its really trying to strategically put out information.

KANE FARABAUGH:

Millbauer says noticed some things had changed when he returned to Bagram Airfield.

Dan Millbauer, U.S. Army Veteran:

There was more activity, more people there, and I think more coalition partners had forces there.

KANE FARABAUGH:

And working in Afghanistan was more dangerous, says Millbauer. He vividly remembers a close call during a mission to support a remote Afghan radio station.

Dan Millbauer, U.S. Army Veteran:

I heard this whistling of an RPG coming in so, it passed over my head.

KANE FARABAUGH:

No one was injured, says Millbauer. For him, the constant threat of attack didnt change his outlook on U.S. military objectives, including helping locals in have a better life.

Dan Millbauer, U.S. Army Veteran:

Some of the things we did was to provide them with clean water sources, and lots of money to improve their lives, s0 in that regard, I was behind that all the way.

KANE FARABAUGH:

Millbauer and Lawson were two of more than 775,000 U.S. forces who served at least one deployment to Afghanistan since 2001.

Despite the country now falling back into the hands of the Taliban, Lawson  who retired from the U.S. Army in 2017 - believes the U.S. effort was not in vain.

Rhonda Lawson, U.S. Army Veteran:

I will never consider our presence in Afghanistan a failure.

Dan Millbauer, U.S. Army Veteran:

You know, its hard to say whether the mission was accomplished in total.

KANE FARABAUGH:

Millbauer, who left the military in 2007, feels the U.S. reached the point of doing all it could in Afghanistan.

Dan Millbauer, U.S. Army Veteran:

Weve found and eliminated Osama Bin Laden. You know, I think after 20 years, its probably time to get out of there and let them try to take care of themselves the best they can.

KANE FARABAUGH:

Many Afghans are worried about how they will be treated by the Taliban, who took control of most of the country as US forces pulled out of Afghanistan  ending Americas longest conflict.

KANE FARABAUGH (TV clip while reporting in 2002):

Here at Kabul International Airports where weve ben following

KANE FARABAUGH:

My first visit in the spring of 2002 reporting for the American Forces Network from the newly liberated capitol city of Kabul, Afghanistan started in U.S. Army Major Patrick Flanagans military Humvee as we departed Bagram Airfield.

The two-hour ride in a small convoy on a sixty kilometer stretch of highway cut through the remote countryside and brought Flanagan and his unit into contact with foreign troops, Northern Alliance fighters and wary Afghan citizens.

Patrick Flanagan, Retired U.S. Army Officer:

I remember the first couple of rides into Kabul, they would say Oh, youre with the killers. And Im like, the killers? They said, Youre here to kill the al-Quaida, the Taliban, the bad people.

KANE FARABAUGH:

That perception didnt meet the reality of this days mission.

KANE FARABAUGH (TV clip while reporting in 2002):

When United States Psychological Operations Army forces go into stores in Kabul like this one, theyve got several things in mind.

KANE FARABAUGH:

Our journey led us to Kabuls famed Chicken Street, where Flanagans objective was to shop.

Patrick Flanagan, U.S. Army Psychological Operations:

We are buying some school supplies, purchase them to take them back up to our area in order to give them to the locals, to have them promote, that they are in charge of their schools, and they want to take care of their people as well as the teachers that are working hard to support the education effort for Afghanistan.

KANE FARABAUGH:

Delivering school supplies, along with leaflets and other material labeled with slogans and messages was part of Flanagans U.S. Army psychological operations or PSYOP mission.

Patrick Flanagan, Retired U.S. Army Officer:

Its the militarys form of influence. It would be like if you would hire a marketing campaign to sell Coca Cola.

KANE FARABAUGH:

Flanagan says the intent of PSYOP wasnt to mislead or indoctrinate, but to educate and protect.

Patrick Flanagan, U.S. Army Psychological Operations:

Its not so much taking information trying to use it for or against the population, but an appreciation and an understanding for what they are going through so we can use the themes and symbols and messages to better assist themselves and as well as coalition forces.

Patrick Flanagan, Retired U.S. Army Officer:

Dont step on IEDs or report if there is unexploded ordnance. So, some of them was just to inform them so it didnt hurt them, but others is like  you know the coalition; you shouldnt throw rocks at their trucks. Or the coalition are friendly. So, a whole series of messages designed to help them understand why were here so they wouldnt have someone else to answer those questions for us that really didnt like us.

KANE FARABAUGH:

Today, remnants of Flanagans PSYOP mission are stored in his rural Virginia basement, memories of Afghanistan where he lived and worked for a total of two years over multiple deployments supporting a mission he sees today as incomplete.

Patrick Flanagan, Retired U.S. Army Officer:

And I think at times, because of some of our actions, weve hardened the people that dont like us. I think it was polarizing, not through our effect through psychological operations but I think it just accentuated people that were just living and working on the farms were like, yeah, we like this, were getting some help. But then they were agitated by the Taliban who would say, we dont want you to help them, so they would think of new ways to cause havoc and chaos and pain because they also wanted to win the hearts and minds of the people, so you had this struggle.

KANE FARABAUGH:

Flanagan retired from the Army in 2011 and has spent time since working for a U.S. military contractor.

Through his brother, former Illinois Congressman Michael Flanagan - now a Washington D.C. consultant - he had opportunities to share his views on his time in Afghanistan with other legislators and policymakers.

Patrick Flanagan, Retired U.S. Army Officer:

I think we should have left a while ago. I think we overextended our stay.

KANE FARABAUGH:

Flanagan feels the U.S. achieved its goal of breaking up Osama Bin Ladens terrorist operations in the country but lost the effort to nation-build in Afghanistan.

Patrick Flanagan, Retired U.S. Army Officer:

Hindsight is 20/20 but yes, I think we should have said, ok, hes done now, wheres al-Qaida? and lets have some sort of ramp off so the military can exit.

KANE FARABAUGH:

Flanagan wants a parade or celebration marking the return of U.S. forces back home.

Patrick Flanagan, Retired U.S. Army Officer:

Just to say, thank you very much and when thats over it kind of finalizes it, and its done, and you can look back and say thats finished.

KANE FARABAUGH:

But Flanagans hopes to serve the public again. He is seeking opportunities to run for political office where he hopes to use the experience he gained in Afghanistan while in uniform to shape future U.S. foreign policy.

MSgt Lawrence Taylor, 241st Air Traffic Control Squadron:

After September 11th, I knew eventually it was going to be a matter of time before we were gonna get called up to perform our duties as necessary as Guardsmen.

KANE FARABAUGH:

Lawrence Taylor worked as an air traffic controller in San Jose, California, on September 11, 2001. Just four months later, he was among the first uniformed members of the military on the ground at Bagram Airfield in Afghanistan.

MSgt Lawrence Taylor, 241st Air Traffic Control Squadron:

When we showed up, the tower itself wasnt in the best condition. The ceiling had a mortar hole in it. The conditions here were dismal. We came here with basically nothing, and we set up an air traffic control facility from the ground on up.

KANE FARABAUGH:

When I first met Taylor in May of 2002, serving with the U.S. Air National Guard in Afghanistan, flight operations at Bagram Airfield had picked up pace. Most serving at the time of my reporting assignment for the American Forces Network were part of Operation Enduring Freedom  the militarys official name for the mission to eliminate the al-Qaida terrorist network that used Afghanistan as a haven to launch attacks.

SSgt Steve Hutcherson, 241st Air Traffic Control Squadron:

As a Guard unit going out and doing this kind of stuff, this is the first time that weve ever done this.

KANE FARABAUGH:

Steve Hutcherson was working the radar system at an aviation facility in St. Joseph, Missouri, during the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. When I visited him in a radar trailer near the flight line of Bagram Airfield in 2002, he had been in-country nearly five months.

SSgt Steve Hutcherson, 241st Air Traffic Control Squadron:

You are a part of it. You are not just watching it on TV and now you are over here and actually part of getting things straightened out. Its a pretty patriotic thing.

KANE FARABAUGH:

Hutchersons first combat deployment wasnt his last.

Steve Hutcherson, U.S. Air National Guard Veteran:

Was home for about six months, and we got the call again, and we got over to Iraq and spent a little time over there.

KANE FARABAUGH:

It wasnt hard to track down Hutcherson 19 years after we first met. He still works for the same Air Traffic Control Squadron in Missouri he deployed with in Afghanistan and Iraq. Only now, hes a civilian with the unit after retiring from the Air National Guard.

Steve Hutcherson, U.S. Air National Guard Veteran:

People in now know nothing but Afghanistan. And nothing had really changed since we first went in there and took control of everything.

KANE FARABAUGH:

Hutcherson says he wasnt surprised by the rapid advance of the Taliban in regaining control of Afghanistan.

Steve Hutcherson, U.S. Air National Guard Veteran:

I would have been more surprised if we watched the news and saw the Afghan army fighting the Taliban. That would have shocked me much more.

KANE FARABAUGH:

But Hutcherson doesnt believe the end result changes the success of the mission.

Steve Hutcherson, U.S. Air National Guard Veteran:

The mission was to stop another 9/11-style attack. Its been 20 years since it happened, and we havent had one. Really, I mean honestly, I dont think most of us think about terrorism anymore. Were so divided right now amongst ourselves that weve forgotten about international terrorism.

Lawrence Taylor, U.S. Air National Guard Veteran:

For me, it was more personal than political, because I felt like I had an obligation to do something, and thats why I was an airman.

KANE FARABAUGH:

Nineteen years after I met him in the control tower at Bagram Airfield, Taylor invited me to visit with him at his suburban Chicago home.

Lawrence Taylor, U.S. Air National Guard Veteran:

I think when I showed up, there might have been a little over 100. But when I left, there might have been about 8,000 people, maybe 9,000.

KANE FARABAUGH:

Taylor served in Afghanistan for almost a year, also later deploying to Iraq. Before retiring, he received one of the highest honors in the U.S. Air Force  the Air National Guard Senior Non-Commissioned Officer of the Year award.

Today, he works for the Federal Aviation Administration, or FAA, and watched the fall of the Afghan government  and the loss of U.S. strategic resources, including Bagram Airfield  unfold in recent weeks.

Lawrence Taylor, U.S. Air National Guard Veteran:

I thought wed be there forever.

KANE FARABAUGH:

Taylor says the current circumstance in Afghanistan does little to change the way he views how he and his fellow military members served their country.

Lawrence Taylor, U.S. Air National Guard Veteran:

Me, Im glad I got to go. At the time, I think it was worth it. I still do. But Im sure Id get a good argument from a lot of people.

KANE FARABAUGH:

Its an argument that policymakers, politicians, historians and voters will also debate for decades to come, as the U.S. involvement in Afghanistan closed amid the chaotic and dangerous evacuation of tens of thousands of U.S. citizens, troops and their allies at the Kabul airport.

KANE FARABAUGH:

Is the mission accomplished or is it simply over?

Lawrence Taylor, U.S. Air National Guard Veteran:

I dont know. I mean I really dont know. I mean I think that would be something more for the taxpayers to answer, the politicians. And I went there for, you know, my own reasons and my perspective and what I thought was right. To look back on it, I think thats something that other people. Ill let them decide.

KANE FARABAUGH:

So far in this program, weve heard directly from veterans who served.

They are some of the more than 750,000 American service members who deployed at least once to Afghanistan.

More than 20,000 were wounded.

More than 2,400 never returned.



Those are the names which are etched on these panels.

Denise Williams, President, Department of Illinois Gold Star Mothers:

This is not a legacy and a reminder of death to me. This is a reminder to the living that everything you have was purchased with these names, with these lives.

KANE FARABAUGH:

Denise Williams is a regular visitor to the Middle East Conflicts Memorial Wall along the banks of the Illinois River near Marseilles, Illinois.

Denise Williams, Illinois Gold Star Mothers President:

This memorial represents those who have died since 1967 in all Middle East conflicts. People forget we lost three soldiers in the Yom Kippur war in 1967. The infamous Blackhawk Down in Mogadishu  theyre here. USS Cole  theyre here. So, its not just post 9-11, its all Middle East conflicts.

KANE FARABAUGH:

But there is one name on these walls closest to Williams heart - her sons, Andrew Meari.

Denise Williams, President, Department of Illinois Gold Star Mothers:

Its comforting that my son is with his brothers and sisters where he needs to be, where he should be, where he chose to be. That his name will be remembered.

KANE FARABAUGH:

PFC Andrew Meari was deployed with the Armys 101st Airborne Division in southern Afghanistan during the U.S. troop surge in 2010 when a suicide bomber on a motorcycle detonated a device near his outpost. One of the soldiers with Meari that day, Sgt, Felipe Pereira, later recalled the incident in a video produced by the U.S. Defense Department.

Sgt. Felipe Pereira, 502nd Infantry Regiment:

I run down the hill even further, thats when I got to PFC Meari, you know the soldier just turns to me and says, man hes dead  hes gone. Hes gone.

KANE FARABAUGH:

Andrew Meari was just 21 years old when he was laid to rest on Veterans Day, November 11th, 2010 near his home in Illinois.

Meari visited his mother on leave just weeks before he died. Williams says even then, he never wavered in his understanding of the mission to eliminate terrorist threats in the country.

Denise Williams, Illinois Gold Star Mothers President:

He absolutely believed if we were not fighting them there, we would be fighting them here. He believed in what he was doing. He believed in the righteousness of it.

KANE FARABAUGH:

Williams views that objective in Afghanistan as a success. Osama Bin Laden was captured and killed less than a year after her sons death.



Denise Williams, Illinois Gold Star Mothers President:

Everything else we did in Afghanistan - while there are many noble causes, there are many noble ideas - thats not what a war is about, that is not what soldiers are for. Soldiers dont dig wells, and build schools, and my son participated in some of that. Thats not the purpose of soldiers.

KANE FARABAUGH:

Today, Williams represents Illinois Gold Star Mothers as the non-profit service organizations President.

Denise Williams, Illinois Gold Star Mothers President:

We are the mothers of those who have lost their child or children because of their decision to put on their nations uniform.

KANE FARABAUGH:

As the United States marks the first November 11th Veterans Day after the end of the war in Afghanistan - a date which also marks exactly 11 years since she buried her son - Williams answers a difficult question she is often asked.

Denise Williams, Illinois Gold Star Mothers President:

I get asked was it worth it? There is no such thing as your childs death being worth it to a mothers heart. Period. But my son didnt fight for the Afghan people. He didnt fight for a political party. He did not fight for anything other than the Constitution, the oath that he swore. He fought for the American people  for America. America is worth fighting for.

KANE FARABAUGH:

Thanks for joining us for this special edition of Inside Story. Im Kane Farabaugh.

Connect with us on Facebook and Instagram @VOANews.

You can also stay up to date online at VOANews.com.

See you next week for The Inside Story.

###
Former President Donald Trump on Thursday asked the U.S. Supreme Court to block the release of White House records sought by the House of Representatives committee investigating the deadly Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol.

Trump's request came two weeks after the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit ruled that the former president had no basis to challenge Democratic President Joe Biden's decision to allow the documents to be handed over. That decision will remain on hold until the Supreme Court acts.

Biden had previously determined that the records, which belong to the executive branch, should not be subject to executive privilege, which protects the confidentially of some internal White House communications, and that turning them over to Congress was in the best interest of the nation.

Trump's lawyers say in their court filing that the House Select Committee's request is "exceedingly broad" and an "unprecedented encroachment on executive privilege."

The appeals court ruling was another blow to the Republican former president and his allies, who have waged an ongoing legal battle with the committee over access to documents and witnesses.

The committee has asked the National Archives, the U.S. agency housing Trump's White House records, to produce visitor logs, phone records and written communications between his advisers.

The panel has said it needs the records to understand any role Trump may have played in fomenting the violence.

Trump has argued that he can invoke executive privilege based on the fact that he was president at the time even though he is no longer in office.

U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan on Nov. 9 rejected Trump's arguments, saying he had not acknowledged the "deference owed" to Biden's determination that the committee could access the records. adding: "Presidents are not kings, and Plaintiff is not President."

The Supreme Court has a 6-3 conservative majority that includes three justices appointed by Trump, but it has not always been receptive to his requests.

In February, the court rejected his request to block disclosure of his tax records as part of a criminal investigation in New York and in 2020 also turned away attempts by Trump and his allies to overturn that year's presidential election, which he lost to Biden.
The U.S. Navy says it seized about 1,400 AK-47 assault rifles and 226,000 rounds of ammunition from a fishing ship in the northern part of the Arabian Sea.

"The stateless vessel was assessed to have originated in Iran and transited international waters along a route historically used to traffic weapons unlawfully to the Houthis in Yemen," the Navys 5th Fleet said in a statement Wednesday.

It said the crew of five people identified themselves as Yemeni and would be returned to Yemen, and that the U.S. Navy sank the vessel after determining it posed a hazard to commercial shipping navigation.

Western nations have accused Iran of smuggling arms into Yemen to aid the Houthis, which Iran denies.

The Houthis seized Yemens capital in 2014, prompting a Saudi-led coalition to launch a military operation backing Yemens internationally recognized government.

Some information for this report came from The Associated Press and Reuters.
On a cold but sunny day, Nadim, an Afghan migrant in his 30s, sells eggs and rice at the local farmers market in the Uzbek border city of Termez, administrative center of Surkhandarya region. He doesn't say how long he's been in Uzbekistan, but he does talk about his three young children, all of whom are being educated in Uzbekistan.

Like thousands of other Afghans who found themselves in Uzbekistan when Taliban forces marched into Kabul in mid-August, Nadim and his family are in the country legally but are unsure how long they will be able to stay or what will happen to them if they are forced to return to Afghanistan.

"I'm happy here and so is my family and thankful that the Uzbek government wants to help my people in Afghanistan," Nadim told VOA. "But I ask the Uzbek president to understand the challenges we face. We cannot return to Afghanistan. I want my children to grow up in Uzbekistan and hope this government grants us permanent residency."

The Uzbek government sealed its border with Afghanistan immediately after the Taliban takeover and declared no Afghan refugees would be allowed into the country. While its airport was made available as a refueling stop for refugee flights to Europe and beyond, the refugee ban remained in place, even after the Termez crossing was reopened to approved commercial traffic.

The policy weighs heavily on people like Dilobar, a woman in her 20s who sells dairy products in the bazaar. While she is an Uzbek citizen, her husband is an Afghan and trapped in Kabul.

"People like him are not allowed into Uzbekistan now," she said. "They don't issue visas for visits to come see us. We are requesting the Uzbek president to let Afghans, like my husband, unite with their families here," she said.

Border crossing at Termez, which straddles the only highway linking Uzbekistan and Afghanistan, is currently permitted only for business purposes and require a letter of support from one of the two governments. Most new visas are strictly limited to usually not more than two weeks.

That has meant hardship for an estimated 10,000 to 13,000 Afghans living in Uzbekistan, most of them since before the Taliban seizure of Kabul. Ethnic Uzbeks constitute a large share of the population in northern Afghanistan, and many families are divided between the two countries.

Surkhandarya Governor Tura Bobolov told VOA in an interview that despite the ban on refugee admissions, Afghans already living legally in Termez are welcome and an important part of the community.

"There are 374 businesses in our region either owned by Afghans or joint ventures with them.  Some new buildings here in Termez are constructed by them," he noted. "I meet with many of them regularly and have given guarantees that their work and businesses are safe here. We want them here."

The Uzbek government is anxious to help the residents of Afghanistan, he said, and he is hopeful that the new Taliban government will soon be able to restore stability and overcome the dire financial straits the country is facing.

"I find the leaders of the interim government in Kabul more principled that those before, so I'm hopeful the situation will improve in Afghanistan," Bobolov said. "As for us, we are doing everything we can to ensure security of our own people and assist our neighbor."

Indeed, life in Uzbekistan is good for some Afghan citizens like Fridulla Hasanzade, a native of Kabul who has invested nearly $1 million in a Termez restaurant and hopes to take advantage of a program facilitating permanent residency for major investors.

"I chose Termez for two reasons," Hasanzade told VOA. "My cousin had a good experience here, and it's so close to Afghanistan. It's easy to travel home  by car to Mazar-e-Sharif, and then a short flight to Kabul. But because of the current difficulties, I've not been able to visit."

Uzbekistan has welcomed other Afghans with needed skills like Gul Ahmad Tanish, an ethnic Uzbek gynecologist and obstetrician who is working in a rural district not far from Termez. He was on a professional tour in Uzbekistan when Kabul fell to the Taliban and was invited to stay because of his medical training.

But other Afghans  even those who have lived in Uzbekistan for years  are living with the possibility they could be expelled at any time.

Mahmud Amirzade came with his parents to Uzbekistan when he was 10 and has been living for 15 years in the country, where his family runs a business and has contracts with the government. "Yet we are worried that our visas will not be extended. Hopefully, the Uzbek government will let us stay," Amirzade said.

On the Uzbek side of the border crossing, about a dozen of worried-looking Afghan men wait in hope that soon they will be able to travel back and forth.

"If I leave Uzbekistan now, I won't be able to come back," explained one man, a native of the northern Afghan city of Mazar-e-Sharif. "So, for now, we just wait for good news in terms of travel. Entry is very restricted now."

One Afghan trader told VOA that despite current challenges, he has been able to maintain his business shipping beans and other agricultural products into Afghanistan.

"Goods are moving, which is what matters most now," said the man, who introduced himself as Amiri. "Life in Afghanistan would be much worse than now if Uzbekistan wasn't allowing food and other critical products. Cooking oil, wheat flour."

"You can't imagine how hard the situation is in Afghanistan now," he added. "The northern part of Afghanistan will not be able to survive without food sent from here. Their own wheat harvest was very poor this year, which means they are desperate for flour."

Afghans here and elsewhere in Uzbekistan speculate that the Taliban will not stay in power for long if the economic situation becomes more dire. But Amiri isn't so sure.

"Still, you can expect anything from hungry people," he said. "They want to eat. They want opportunity. They want a chance to live."

This story originated in VOA's Uzbek Service.
The New Years Eve celebration in Times Square on December 31 will require full vaccination and mask wearing, according to a press release from New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio.

It will also be a lot smaller.

As opposed to normal years when 58,000 gather to watch the famous Ball Drop, this years crowd will be limited to 15,000.

Anyone over 5 years old will have to show proof of having received a full dose of a vaccination from among the Pfizer, Moderna, Johnson & Johnson, AstraZeneca/Oxford, Sinopharm or Sinovac vaccines.

Revelers will not be allowed to start gathering until 3 p.m, which is later than normal.

New Yorkers have stepped up tremendously over the past yearwe are leading the way on vaccinations, we have reopened safely, and every day we work toward building a recovery for all of us, said de Blasio. There is a lot to celebrate, and these additional safety measures will keep the fully vaccinated crowd safe and healthy as we ring in the New Year.

The event will be webcast.

The announcement comes as the omicron variant of the COVID-19 virus continues to spread around the world.
More than a dozen Western powers on Thursday expressed anger that Russian mercenaries working for the controversial Wagner Group have started to deploy in Mali, accusing Moscow of providing material backing for the fighters.

The powers involved in the fight against an insurgency in Mali, including Canada, Germany, France and the United Kingdom, said they "firmly condemn the deployment of mercenary troops on Malian territory."

It was one of the first official acknowledgements by Western capitals that the deployment of fighters has begun in Mali after months of warnings to the Bamako government. But the statement did not say that the presence of the Wagner Group in Mali would result in a pullout of foreign forces.

"This deployment can only further deteriorate the security situation in West Africa, lead to an aggravation of the human rights situation in Mali (and) threaten the agreement for peace and reconciliation in Mali," the 15 powers said.

They said they "deeply regret" the choice of the Malian authorities to use "already scarce public funds" to pay foreign mercenaries instead of supporting the Malian armed forces.

In a message to Moscow, the statement added: "We are aware of the involvement of the Russian Federation government in providing material support to the deployment of the Wagner group in Mali and call on Russia to revert to a responsible and constructive behaviour in the region."

Wagner presence

A French government source who asked not to be named said intense activity had been noted as the deployment went ahead.

"We are seeing repeated air rotations with military transport planes belonging to the Russian army and installations at Bamako airport to allow the arrival of a significant number of mercenaries," the source said.

Also noted had been frequent visits by Wagner executives to Bamako and the activities by Russian geologists known for their association with Wagner, according to the source.

Washington was not a signatory of the statement, but U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken last week warned Mali not to accept Wagner mercenaries, saying a deal would divert needed funds and further destabilize the country.

There has been growing concern over the situation in Mali under transitional leader Colonel Assimi Goita, who took office in June after the country's second coup in less than a year, and over fears a commitment to hold elections in February is slipping.

The French source said the deployment of the Wagner troops was a "symptom" of the attitude of the current authorities toward transition and showed that rather than paving the way for civilian rule, they wanted to "stay in place."

Controversial actions

The Wagner Group has caused controversy through its involvement in Syria, Libya, the Central African Republic and the conflict in eastern Ukraine. European Union ministers have agreed to draw up more sanctions against Wagner.

Russia denies any government link with the group, but the unit has been linked to Yevgeny Prigozhin, a businessman close to President Vladimir Putin who has been hit by separate sanctions over meddling in the 2016 U.S. election.

Prigozhin, who has been dubbed "Putin's chef" because of Kremlin catering contracts, denies any association with Wagner.

Mali is the epicenter of an insurgency that began in the north of the country in 2012 and spread three years later to neighboring Niger and Burkina Faso.

France intervened in 2013 and now has roughly 5,000 troops in the region, but it plans to lower that number to 2,500-3,000 by 2023.

French President Emmanuel Macron was due to raise concerns about the Wagner deployment on a visit to Mali this week to meet Goita for the first time.

His trip was scrapped, however, with Paris blaming the COVID-19 pandemic.

Paris has said that any deployment of Wagner militia would be incompatible with the presence of French troops.

The statement from the 15 powers indicated they planned to remain engaged in Mali, saying "we will not give up our efforts to address the needs of the Malian population."
This close to Christmas, scores of Zimbabwean travelers would normally be packed at bus stations, rushing to get home from neighbouring South Africa, to see their loved ones. However, bus drivers are seeing far less people than expected.

They had been hoping for a bumper festive season this year to help their businesses recover after COVID-19 shut the borders for much of 2020.

However, the emergence of the Omicron variant of the virus prompted Zimbabwe in November to announce mandatory, 10-day quarantine for arrivals from South Africa in government-approved facilities, at own expense - a cost many of Zimbabwe's migrant workers in South Africa cannot afford.

For Albert Mawere, a local bus driver, the last two years have been extremely difficult. Having last seen his family and children in 2018, due to financial constraints.

He is determined to travel despite the quarantine mandate when him and his wife arrive in Zimbabwe.

He told Reuters that he has had to also borrow money in order to afford their quarantine costs.

"We are going to travel three days, you see, and you see as they say that when they quarantine us, we must use our own -- monies you see. Yeah, we are prepared to do that, you see because we stayed long time here in South Africa, you see. So, we must see our parents also, yeah," he said while waiting for the bus.

However, for bus drivers like Augustin Chibaya, this year's Christmas season remains grim. In normal times, Chibaya's bus would be full of luggage and belongings of Zimbabweans making the 24-hour long trip home.

"Since Covid started we don't have business, look as you see it's very quiet, even the boots are empty - no business. This quarantine, this Covid is killing our business. People are scared, when they go to Zimbabwe, they're getting quarantined. So, no one is here compared to other years," he said while standing in front of his empty bus.

Chibaya's firm would normally send four buses per day with up to 60 passengers during December.

Now it sends one, sometimes with as few as five people on board.

He and other drivers at central Johannesburg bus station told Reuters the loss of business had affected their ability to support their families.

Chibaya was struggling to afford food, let alone presents for his children this year.

(Jody Khan, Shafiek Tassiem,Sisipho Skweyiya)
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration authorized the emergency use of an antiviral COVID-19 pill, the pills maker Pfizer Inc. said Wednesday.

The company says the pill, which is to be taken with another antiviral drug, ritonavir, is 90% effective in preventing hospitalization and death in high-risk people.

The efficacy is high, the side effects are low and its oral. It checks all the boxes, Dr. Gregory Poland of the Mayo Clinic told The Associated Press. Youre looking at a 90% decreased risk of hospitalization and death in a high-risk groupthats stunning.

The pill is the first at-home treatment for the virus and is approved for use in those 12 and older who are at high risk.

Pfizer says its ready to start delivery of the drug immediately in the U.S. and will produce 120 million courses in 2022.

The U.S. government has a contract with the company for 10 million courses priced at $530 per course.

The drug will be sold under the name Paxlovid and will have to be taken every 12 hours for five days once COVID-19 symptoms appear. Potential users of the new drug will have to show a positive virus test.

Drug giant Merck is also working on a similar drug.

Despite the promise, health officials say getting a vaccine is still the best way to stave off the worst effects of the virus.

Some information in this report comes from The Associated Press and Reuters.
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Al Hoceima centre ville / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 1-2 s : Wehave been awakened violently by a movement maybe from north to south. Our beds were swinging afterwards for many seconds. | 2 users found this interesting.

Trougout driouch alhoceima (10.4 km E of epicenter) [ Map ] / Very strong shaking (MMI VII) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 2-5 s : Was sleeping in bed everything was shaking hard and can be heard very hard animals started making noise. | One user found this interesting.

Midar driouch / Light shaking (MMI IV) I live on the third floor. It was a violent shake that lasted about 6 seconds. The closet doors were not tight. I just opened during the shaking. | One user found this interesting. (reported through (reported through our app / Light shaking (MMI IV)

Ben tieb / Strong shaking (MMI VI) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 2-5 s Woke up from sleep | 2 users found this interesting. (reported through (reported through our app / Strong shaking (MMI VI) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 2-5 s

outside near the caffe / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s : The noise was scary almost like a scene from a horror movie, still can't believe I just witnessed that!

Imzourene / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 5-10 s : Horrible | One user found this interesting.

Bni bouayach / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / 5-10 s : Tener que salir de casa | One user found this interesting.

Tamsaman / Light shaking (MMI IV) / single vertical bump / 2-5 s 9ama thanhaz zayi, am chin rbomba thado9az, daghya thaka tha3da, lotfoka yarab | One user found this interesting. (reported through (reported through our app / Light shaking (MMI IV) / single vertical bump / 2-5 s

Bni Bouayach, Al-Hoceima, Tanger-Tetouan-Al Hoceima (5.1 km SSE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / both vertical and horizontal swinging / 2-5 s

Bni Bouayach, Al-Hoceima, Tanger-Tetouan-Al Hoceima (6.2 km SE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Strong shaking (MMI VI) / both vertical and horizontal swinging / 2-5 s : I felt like the house is moving borh vertically and horizontaly

Al hoceima center (9.7 km SE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 5-10 s : Very strong and quick 5,4 degree

Imzouren, Al-Hoceima, Tanger-Tetouan-Al Hoceima (3.6 km NNW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Moderate shaking (MMI V) : Estaba dormido y despertaste a los perros ladrando. Me queme.

Boukidan (4 km NE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 5-10 s

Imzouren, Al-Hoceima, Tanger-Tetouan-Al Hoceima (5.5 km ENE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s

Beni bouayach (7.2 km SE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / vertical swinging (up and down) / 2-5 s

bouki (5.1 km ENE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Strong shaking (MMI VI) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s : terrific vibrations felt for 4 or 5 seconds

bouki (5.1 km ENE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Strong shaking (MMI VI) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s : terrific vibrations felt for 4 or 5 seconds

hoceima (3.9 km NE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s

Tetuan, Tanger-Tetouan-Al Hoceima (142.1 km WNW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) / rattling, vibrating / 30-60 s

Hoceima (6.4 km WNW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / 10-15 s

Al hoceima (9.3 km NW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / 2-5 s : Jai sentie mes fenetres bouger une chaleur a l exterieur pas normal pour un mois de decembre

Al Hoceima (11.3 km NNW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 2-5 s : Yes it was a hard one that made people woke up at night

Al Hoceima (3.9 km NE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 2-5 s

al hoceima (4.2 km NE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / both vertical and horizontal swinging / 15-20 s : its terrible

Imzouren, Al-Hoceima, Tanger-Tetouan-Al Hoceima (3.8 km NE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 2-5 s

Al Hoceima (11.7 km NNW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / vertical swinging (up and down) / 5-10 s

Ajdir Alhoceima. 5km de ajdir (33.3 km ENE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) / rattling, vibrating / 15-20 s : It's was terrible, I was sleeping and I get up. I was very afraid. Intensity 4,8

Imzouren, Al-Hoceima, Tanger-Tetouan-Al Hoceima (4.1 km ENE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / 2-5 s :   

Imzouren, Al-Hoceima, Tanger-Tetouan-Al Hoceima (5.7 km NE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / vibration and rolling

Melilla (87.7 km E of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) : Bed rocked

Al Hoceima (12.9 km NNW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / 5-10 s
Jonathan Groff. Photo: Rich Fury/Getty Images

A whole bunch of spoilers for the plot of Matrix Resurrections follow.

When Keanu Reevess Neo appears back within the world of Matrix Resurrections, hes living an un-red-pilled life as Thomas Anderson, a famous video-game designer, who happens to work with a very tech-bro business partner played by Jonathan Groff. Groffs character enjoys finely tailored suits, espressos, and quoting liberally from lines said by Hugo Weavings Agent Smith in the first Matrix trilogy. He also tells Reeves that their parent company Warner Bros. is interested in getting Reeves to make a sequel to his popular Matrix video-game series. From there, things get even more meta once Neo begins to realize his true identity and Groffs character is revealed to be another version of Agent Smith. The two characters, who were locked in conflict in the original trilogy, face off again in various fight scenes, all while Groff imitates Weavings trademark sneer and never seems to wear socks  that was director Lana Wachowskis idea.

Groffs better known for musical theater than action movies. He got the role in Matrix while in rehearsal for an Off Broadway run of Little Shop of Horrors  in fact, he met with Wachowski the day before doing an interview with me for New York about Little Shop, as he revealed to me over the phone in our Matrix interview  and quickly had to get into Agent Smithlevel shape and learn how to master fight choreography. With Resurrections now out in the world, Groff talked about bonding with Wachowski over a love of San Francisco, having Keanu make Hamilton jokes at him, and how his niche is quickly becoming mouth horror.

So now that you can talk about the character youre actually playing, how did you approach doing your version of Agent Smith?

It was a question, every day, how much to pay homage and what was new. Lana made it clear from the very beginning that she didnt want the whole thing to be an impression of what came before, but that this was new programming and an upgraded version of this program, so we had room to do something new and different from before. At the same time, there are famous quotes that he did. I spent a lot of time watching the trilogy and specifically YouTube clips of every time Hugo Weaving says Mr. Anderson. On the day, we would feel it out with Lana. The character became a combination of pieces of the original with new energy.

Did you also try to fight like Agent Smith?

There were ways that Agent Smith threw a punch, and some iconic things from the original films that we re-created. Chad Stahelski, who did the John Wicks and worked on the original Matrixes, and his company 87eleven did all our fight training. It was like learning a specific type of dance choreography. It started with months of lifting and working out for me with a trainer in New York to get prepared for the fight training. Then it was learning all the basic techniques and moves of punching and kicking, which Id never done before. With Smith, theres a kind of brutalistic, strong heavy punch, with the body thrown into it. I would spend days perfecting the right hook or punch into the mat.

Did you talk at all to Hugo Weaving? Hes said that hed been in talks to come back, but the scheduling and negotiations fell apart.

I didnt speak to Hugo Weaving. I put all my faith and trust and guidance in Lana. Shes a visionary and this is her world. I was honestly shocked when she asked me to play this part, and felt it was something so outside myself. But I trusted that Lana asked me to do this for a reason, and so all the guidance I took 100 percent from her.

At the beginning of the movie, when youre just playing Thomas Andersons business partner, you get to be this slimey tech guy, which I realized was sort of the worst possible future for Patrick from Looking.

I didnt think of that, but like if things didnt work out and he went to the dark side, he would maybe be that way, yes. Thats funny, because when I went to San Francisco to meet Lana, we met at the Fairmont Hotel, and there was a poster of Looking there with my face on it, because we shot the show there. She didnt acknowledge the poster specifically, but we did talk about how much San Francisco meant to both of us. I talked a lot about how that show helped me own who I was. I was out of the closet at that point, but it helped me feel proud of who I was. We bonded over that and how magical San Francisco is.

Its interesting the way they depict San Francisco in the simulation, where its kind of utopian, but its also soaking in tech money and caught up in a lot of our own media-business trends. For instance, you say to Neo that your parent company, Warner Bros., wants you to go back to the Matrix again. Did you talk about the intentions of that line?

I honestly thought that line would get cut! Because it seems like such a savage joke, and Warner Bros. would be removing it. But they kept it, so kudos to them for that. Lana herself talked a lot about life and her artistic impulses, but she never talked about the grand theories of The Matrix and what it all means. But yeah, theres this idea of this utopian environment that has a lot of sinister agents, which is represented a lot in the character of the business partner before I switch into full-on Smith. That Im feeding Thomas everything I think Thomas wants to hear is more chilling than just being evil on the surface. Its this disgusting douchebag.

Once you do go full Smith, the movie gets into this sort of elemental connection that Neo and Smith have, where they cant escape each other. What was it like to have to play that across from Keanu?

The process of training for the fight scenes is that you learn your choreography with a team, and then, after youve learned it well enough, youre put with your actual scene partner. In the weeks of training leading up to fighting Keanu, I would still feel like, This is not really going to happen. Then the day finally came, and he was so sweet and so committed, and making Hamilton jokes while we were fighting. The process of figuring out how your bodies fit together is quite intimate and takes a level of trust and faith that youre not going to hurt each other. We shot our big fight scene in the bathroom for about a week. It felt like we had done so much preparation, and then there we were in that scene, it was full of adrenaline and passion, and even though it was a fight scene, incredibly joyful and fun.

Wait, what kind of Hamilton jokes does Keanu make?

I was very serious and trying hard to be on my A game. And we started fighting and he started singing my song Youll Be Back, from Hamilton. I think to loosen me up and be like, its okay, kid, you got this.

Theres a lot of subtextually queer metaphors, especially about gender, in the original Matrix trilogy. Watching this one, it felt like maybe after publicly transitioning, Lana got to make more of that explicit. Was that something she talked about at all on set?

She never talks about what she, in so many ways, is exactly doing or philosophically putting into the work. Its very pragmatic and practical. But I do agree with you, and you can feel her energy and evolution from the first film to this film. There are so many things that are similar, but it feels expansive and open and more queer.

For your character, it all leads up to this final fight scene with Neil Patrick Harris 

And I fucking punch him! And he flies across the room! And then I shoot him in the face! I mean, it was the best job ever. And then, this I do know because I asked her about it, but theres a reference in that last scene to the final lines of Bound. Its a little Easter egg.

Well, I need to rewatch Bound.

You must! Its so fucking good. I watched it while I was rehearsing. It really holds up.

Youre somewhat infamous onstage for spitting a lot when you sing, which is something that came up when Hamilton came out Disney+, and in this movie you have to spit Mr. Anderson! and your mouth gets glued shut. How do you feel about your niche being your mouth being creepy on-camera?

Im okay with that. [Laughs] I feel good about that, about  mouth  stuff? Im totally okay with that.

In this movie, your characters kind of a dandy, always wearing loafers and never wearing socks. Was that an intentional choice?

The first scene I shot, two weeks into shooting, I actually came to set that day wearing socks, and Lana was like, Hmmm, take off your socks. I think youre gonna be a no-socks guy. Ive just decided this guy is a no-socks guy. Then for the rest of the movie, Im not wearing any socks. The fight scene and everything. Its this ongoing joke. When I came down the stairs in my entrance to that fight scene in the bathroom, I felt like the opening lines of that Carly Simon song. [Starts singing Youre So Vain] You walked into the party, like you were walking onto a yacht. There was a vanity to the character that I lived for.
Animal rights activists in Italy celebrate the news.

The Italian senate has passed an amendment to the government's 2022 budget bill that is to phase out fur farming in Italy next year, banning the breeding and killing of animals purely for their fur.

The decision taken by the senate budget commission, due to be ratified by parliament by the end of this year, will lead to the closure of the last five mink farms in Italy - located in Lombardia, Emilia-Romagna and Abruzzo - which between them contain about 7,000 caged animals.

The farms' activity had already been suspended since November 2020 to prevent the spread of covid after reports of cases of contagion among animals, starting from the first outbreaks in Denmark.

Italy's last fur farms must close down their operations by 30 June 2022 with the chance to avail of 3 million in EU-Italy funds to convert their agricultural activities, reports Italian newspaper Il Sole 24 Ore.

Victory for animal rights

The decision is seen as an important victory by animal rights organisation PETA which has made the elimination of fur one of its main objectives.

Mimi Bekhechi, vice president of international programmes at PETA, thanked the Italian parliament for "recognising that fur belongs to animals that wear it from birth and for ushering in a new era, one in which mink will no longer be caged, tortured and killed with gas in the name of fashion."

"With the biggest names in Italian fashion - Armani, Versace, Valentino and Gucci - now without fur, it's clear that the industry is truly dead and defunct", she said.

Punch in the face

The Italian Fur Association (AIP) has slammed the move however, with its president Roberto Tadini describing it as "a punch in the face", reports Il Sole 24 Ore.

Tadini said the senate's decision "cancels a piece of Made in Italy history", defending Italy's fur farms as "the best in Europe".

He also claimed that the closure of Italian fur farms, traceable and certified, will open the door to the importation of fur from countries without protocols, such as China.

"It is important that consumers are aware of this", said Tadini, adding that the decision to close Italy's fur farming sector was made "for purely ideological reasons".

Growing trend

The move by Italy follows a growing trend by countries in Europe and the fashion industry to phase out fur products, with Elle magazine recently banning the promotion of animal fur from its editorial and advertising content.
New Year plans cancelled in cities across Italy amid concerns over Omicron covid variant.

Florence has become the latest Italian city to cancel its New Year's Eve plans amid a sharp rise in new covid-19 infections in Italy and concerns over the highly contagious Omicron variant.

Calling for the "utmost caution to prevent any possible deterioration", Florence mayor Dario Nardella cancelled planned festivities in the city and ordered the wearing of masks outdoors.

He also invited residents of the Tuscan capital to "avoid private parties if not in small numbers and possibly with Green Passes and masks."

Alla luce dellincremento dei casi in citta e provincia e dopo aver consultato le autorita sanitarie, abbiamo deciso di annullare gli eventi previsti per Capodanno e di prorogare lefficacia dellordinanza sulle mascherine obbligatorie fino al 9 gennaio.  Dario Nardella (@DarioNardella) December 22, 2021

Similar measures were announced on Wednesday by Giorgio Gori, mayor of the northern city of Bergamo, who ordered masks to be worn outdoors every day from 10.00 to 22.00 (and New Year's Eve until 02.00), with the rules in force until 9 January 2022.

The moves by Florence and Bergamo follow a spate of cancelled parties and mask mandates in other Italian cities - including Milan, Turin and Bologna - ahead of new restrictions expected to be announced by the government on Thursday 23 December.

Rome mayor Roberto Gualtieri scrapped plans for a New Year's Eve concert at the Circus Maximus, pledging to "prioritise the health of citizens," while the governor of the surrounding Lazio region, Nicola Zingaretti, brought in outdoor mask rules from 23 December until 23 January.

Da oggi nel Lazio mascherine allaperto e continua la campagna per i #vaccini. Fermiamo insieme la variante #Omicron  Nicola Zingaretti (@nzingaretti) December 23, 2021

The president of the Campania region around Naples, Vincenzo De Luca, banned public parties and restricted the sale and consumption of food and alcohol in public places over the festive season, saying the measures were to avoid having to "close everything for months after New Year" due to the "madness of one week."

The flurry of local legislation in cities and regions across the country comes as Italy's health ministry on Wednesday registered 36,293 new covid infections over the previous 24 hours (up from 30,798 the day before) in what are the highest figures since November 2020.

Ahead of Thursday's meeting, Italian premier Mario Draghi hailed vaccines as "the best defense against the virus", urging "all citizens to continue getting vaccinated, to take the third dose."

For official information about the covid-19 situation in Italy - in English - see the health ministry website. Cover image: Castel S. Angelo, Rome. Photo credit: Salvatore Micillo / Shutterstock.com.
Italy set to tighten covid restrictions as number of new infections soars.

Italy's health ministry on Thursday registered 44,595 new covid infections in the last 24 hours (up from 36,293 the day before) in what are the highest figures since the start of the pandemic.

The previous record was on 13 November 2020 when 40,902 cases were reported, according to Italian news agency ANSA.

There were 168 covid-related deaths in the last 24 hours, while on 13 November last year they were 550.

The number of hospitalisations is also much lower in comparison to 2020: there are currently 1,023 people in intensive care while in November 2020 there were 3,230.

The news comes as the Italian government prepares to tighten its covid restrictions, with the measures set to be announced this evening, after new data shows that the highly transmissable Omicron variant is spreading rapidly in Italy.

Preliminary studies undertaken by Italy's higher health institute (ISS), announced earlier on Thursday, show that the Omicron variant accounted for 28 per cent of covid cases detected in the country on 20 December.

ISS president Silvio Brusaferro said the results confirm the "great speed" at which Omicron is spreading, estimating that it is "soon set to become the predominant variant" in Italy, as is the case elsewhere in Europe.

Brusaferro said the best measures to combat Omicron included getting vaccinated, wearing masks and keeping social interactions to a minimum.

More than 85 per cent of Italy's population over the age of 12 is now double-vaccinated, with 16.3 million people so far receiving the third 'booster' dose, according to the latest government data.

For official information about the covid-19 situation in Italy - in English - see the health ministry website. Cover image: Milan, December 2021. Photo credit: DELBO ANDREA / Shutterstock.com.
That they would undermine the independence of the justices, the bedrock of the American judicial system. The purpose of life appointment is to remove external and political pressures on the justices to ensure that they can focus on making the correct, though not necessarily the most popular, decision. Some scholars say constant changes could also lead new justices to overturn the courts precedents on hot-button issues like abortion. Term limits would lead to instability and unpredictability in the law, said Sherry, who co-authored a paper exploring how having term limits for justices would have impacted the courts Roe decision over the years. Biden himself hasnt been keen on the idea of term limits in the past. Its a lifetime appointment. Im not going to attempt to change that at all, Biden said of term limits in 2020.
During two centuries of Western expansion and hegemony, a minority of white men enjoyed a relative freedom to do and say whatever they wanted  without much regard for the rights and sensitivities of others. Unsurprisingly, many of them loathe the demand from previously voiceless peoples that old attitudes  ranging from the narcissistic to the selfish and cruel  be re-examined and, preferably, abandoned. The demand is frequently and unfairly derided as woke.
 The Americans with Disabilities Act allows a worker to request an exemption from a vaccine mandate if she has a disability thats covered by the law. In such a case, the employer must communicate with the worker to determine whether an exemption is a reasonable accommodation given her disability and job responsibilities -- and isnt an undue burden for the employer. Failing to engage in that process or provide a reasonable accommodation could be grounds for a lawsuit. A worker with a health condition that compromises her immune system has a good chance of prevailing on a claim if she has a doctors advice that she should avoid a vaccine. An employer would need to show that allowing a worker to remain unvaccinated would cause an undue burden or pose a direct threat in the workplace, which would be difficult to do if there are alternatives available such as working from home or moving to an area segregated from coworkers. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, which enforces federal laws against job discrimination, has said that ADA protections apply to Covid vaccines.
Most important, governments should accelerate adoption of cleaner energy. Advancing the EUs existing proposals to boost zero-emissions hydrogen would help wean countries and industries off natural gas, as will additional storage for energy generated from renewable sources. But as countries such as France, the Netherlands and the U.K. have recognized, boosting Europes energy independence  not to mention meeting its climate goals  simply isnt plausible without a significant new investment in nuclear power. Nuclear is already part of Polands plans to cut coal and can help others to do the same. Leaders in countries where it faces skepticism, such as Germany, need to do more to dispel misconceptions about the risks and costs involved, especially as safer, smaller reactors come online.
Policy makers have taken a targeted approach by focusing on problem debt in the property sector. The industry has been left out of post-pandemic economic stimulus measures, and the government has introduced three red lines -- metrics on debt -- that developers have to meet if they want to borrow more. Conscious that its bad-debt crackdown could hit responsible borrowers too, Beijing cut official borrowing rates in December to give companies more breathing room. Its also been trying to avoid state bailouts that might be perceived as a reward for bad behavior. The government has sought help on credit analysis from some of the international rating firms favored by overseas money managers, and offered U.S. investors greater access to the potentially lucrative pool of soured debts. The hope is that, once the tide of defaults ebbs, it will leave behind a more disciplined, efficient market.
As the trillion dollars of green bonds demonstrate, the best way to bridge the translational valley of death is to change the biomedical-funding model from one dependent on equity investments to one that also offers lower-cost debt suitable for research too early in the translational process to have proved its profit proposition. There are many ways for early-stage researchers to demonstrate the ability to repay small loans and still more ways for the federal government and philanthropists to leverage their resources to help them do so. However, building a new debt market for translational biomedical research will take years if we rely solely on private financial institutions to see this light.
Some people I spoke with are now planning to leave Singapore for good. Expats will come and go. The problem for the government isnt a few disrupted Christmas holidays, but rebuilding trust in regional business travel, particularly among employment-pass holders who arent guaranteed re-entry. Early in the pandemic, many expat families were split up for months because one parent had been traveling abroad when Singapore closed its borders. Who will get on a plane and chance that outcome today? What business will want to foot the bill for an employees indeterminate hotel stay if borders shut suddenly? Singapore may be proudly risk averse, but it seems all too willing to gamble its carefully managed reputation away.More From Other Writers at Bloomberg Opinion:
Something that people dont think about is that everything is colored, says Narayan Khandekar, curator of the Forbes Pigment Collection at Harvard Art Museums, which has more than 2,700 pigments. A white wall is not just a white wall, its either a warm or cool white. Even car tires  each car tire has probably six pounds of carbon black in it to make it black instead of latex milky white. There are pigments used everywhere, even in ways that we take for granted.
5

Ng Han Guan/ Associated Press

When Captain America was first introduced, his adventures were mostly him fighting which country that the United States, at the time, was at war against?
Portugal should no longer surprise us with its value wines. And yet, this one gobsmacked me with the complexity it offers for this price. Boysenberry, blueberry, tobacco leaf and autumn leaves seemed to swirl in my glass, even on the first night. More impressively, the flavors developed and became increasingly intertwined over the next several days. Setubal is in central Portugal, just south of Lisbon, but this wine made me think of an unfortified port. Its probably no secret to readers of this column that I love port. This wine would make a great case purchase to be your house red for the first months of 2022. ABV: 13.5 percent.
The contest was created by the companys public relations firm, the Decker/Royal Agency, which randomly chose the winners out of nearly 125 submissions. The youngest participant was an 11-year-old who was probably listening to cribside lullabies when All Too Well debuted. The entries walked a delicate line between Team Jake and Team Taylor: Its been a tough week for this Jake and Not all Jakes are evil, Taytay, two applicants wrote. We spoke with one of the Jakes  Jacob Jake Karl from Hoboken, N.J.  and heard from the others about how they plan to spend their windfall. Note that Nashville does not appear on any of their itineraries. No need to risk an awkward encounter.
Philadelphia police told 6ABC, a local news station, that the carjacking occurred after a tour that included members of Congress. Two armed men approached Scanlon as she walked to her blue 2017 Acura MDX and demanded the keys to the car. They then drove off with the vehicle, according to the station. The vehicle contained Scanlons personal and work phones, as well as her identification.
Thanksgiving, the Jewish holidays, birthdays  weve had at least 12 different occasions in the last six months where they would have been here, not to mention the daily interaction and support, she said. For Hanukkah, they would have been here lighting the menorah with the kids. This year, it was just sad and empty.
Health experts and former administration officials warn that even with Bidens renewed focus on testing, the ramped-up supply will not meet demand. The new tests will not begin to be available until sometime in January, but it is not clear how long it will take for all half-billion to be ready  and it could well be after the omicron wave peaks.
As weve said before, we call on all industries to ensure that they are not sourcing products that involve forced labor, including forced labor from Xinjiang, Psaki said at a regular news briefing. The reality is that companies that fail to address forced labor and other human rights abuses in their supply chains face serious legal risk [and] reputational and customer risks, not just in the United States but in Europe and other regions of the world.
But the court has been criticized for decisions issued under its emergency docket, which has also been called its shadow docket. This makes the third time this term the court has instead scheduled public arguments. The previous cases involved a controversial Texas law that restricts abortion, and the other concerned the rights of inmates to have spiritual advisers close by at the time of execution.
Complete coverage: Pro-Trump mob storms Capitol building

The Attack: Before, During and After

A sprawling investigation: What we know so far about the Capitol riot suspects

Six hours of paralysis: Inside Trumps failure to act after a mob stormed the Capitol

Profiles of three involved in the attack: A horn-wearing shaman. A cowboy evangelist. For some, the Capitol attack was a kind of Christian revolt.

Video timeline: 41 minutes of fear from inside the Capitol siege

The Jan. 6 committee: What it has done and where it is headed
A plaque of copper alloy in the Benin Kingdom Court Style from the mid-16th to 17th centuries. (Franko Khoury/National Museum of African Art, Smithsonian Institution)

I have a visceral reaction to seeing things that shouldnt be on display, says the new director of the African Art Museum.
Christmas can be a joyful time of year, but if youre staying with friends or family during the festive season it can be fraught with misadventure, misunderstandings and plain overstaying your welcome.

As one of Americas founding fathers, Benjamin Franklin, once quipped: Guests, like fish, begin to smell after three days. Even back in the 1700s Mr Franklin knew that a few days of stinking up a loved ones home was more than enough, especially during the festive season.

You may want to limit your stay, even if your Aunty Bea has an amazing pool. Credit:iStock

So, how long is too long? Well, a few days is long enough, etiquette expert Amanda King says.

Founder of the Australian Finishing School, Ms King said there were many things to consider in terms of etiquette and manners over the holiday season.
WASHINGTON (AP)  The Biden administration on Wednesday extended a student loan moratorium that has allowed tens of millions of Americans to put off debt payments during the pandemic.

Under the action, payments on federal student loans will remain paused through May 1. Interest rates will remain at 0% during that period, and debt collection efforts will be suspended. Those measures have been in place since early in the pandemic, but were set to expire Jan. 31.

President Joe Biden said financial recovery from the pandemic will take longer than job recovery, especially for those with student loans.

We know that millions of student loan borrowers are still coping with the impacts of the pandemic and need some more time before resuming payments, he said in a statement, adding it was an issue he and the vice president both care deeply about.

The omicron variant of COVID-19 that has swept through the U.S. with a fury has lent a new urgency to the question over whether the moratorium would be extended. Administration officials had initially said they expected the January extension to be the last. But even as the economy improves, there are concerns that borrowers are not ready to start payments again. Once the moratorium ends, those who were already behind on payments could have wages and benefits taken away as part of debt collection efforts.

The policy applies to more than 36 million Americans who have student loans that are held by the federal government. Their collective debt totals more than $1.37 trillion, according to the latest Education Department data. About a third of borrowers are in default or delinquency and the average monthly payment is $400 a month. Officials said the pause also helps about 5 million other borrowers currently in school who are not yet paying back loans but are accruing interest.

Education Secretary Miguel Cardona said in a statement that the extension will allow for repayment plans responsive to the financial needs of the students, including an income-driven repayment plan.

The continued pause will provide critical relief to borrowers who continue to face financial hardships as a result of the pandemic, and will allow our administration to assess the impacts of omicron on student borrowers," Cardona said.

The Trump administration initially suspended federal student loan payments in March 2020 and later extended it through January 2021. Biden has now moved to continue it twice, and the Education Department raised concerns about the effects of suddenly restarting payments, both for students and administratively within the department.

The extension of the loan moratorium comes as decision whether to erase large swaths of student debt altogether is still on the table.

Some Democrats are pushing for mass forgiveness of debt. But Biden has questioned whether he has the authority for that kind of mass cancellation, and legal scholars differ on that. Earlier this year, Biden asked the Education and Justice departments to study the issue. Officials have said that work is still underway.

Biden has previously said he supports canceling up to $10,000 in student debt, but he has argued it should be done by Congress.

The extension was met with relief by student advocates, who pushed for a more permanent solution.

We can finally take a breath knowing that student loan payments will be paused again," said Wisdom Cole, NAACP Youth & College national director.

But true relief would only come with the cancellation of student loan debt, Cole said.

To provide financial relief during omicron, cancel student debt, he said. "To boost the economy, cancel student debt. To address the racial wealth gap, cancel student debt.

Meanwhile, in October, the administration relaxed the rules for the student loan forgiveness program it has in place already, ditching some of the toughest requirements around the program that was launched in 2007 to steer more college graduates into public service.

Biden said that he was also asking all student loan borrowers to do their part as well." He said they should take full advantage of Education Department resources as they prepare for payments to resume, look at options to lower payments through income-based repayment plans, explore public service loan forgiveness, and " make sure you are vaccinated and boosted when eligible.
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WhatsOnStage's Sarah Crompton has been on reviewing duty all year and, with the end in sight, she has now listed her top 12 productions in reverse chronological order.













Spring Awakening, Almeida

The Spring Awakening company

 Marc Brenner

Steven Sater and Duncan Sheik's rock musical is weighed down by the melodramatic intractability of its source material (a play written in 1891 by Frank Wedekind) but Rupert Goold's forceful production made a strong case for it to speak for the concerns of Generation X  and the way they are being suppressed by voices of authority today. He was helped by the extraordinary talents of his youthful cast, who having waited a year to perform, seem to burst the bounds of the stage with their energy, Laurie Kynaston and Amara Okereke particularly notable among them.





Anna X, Harold Pinter Theatre

Sonia Friedman's Re:Emerge season, offering young playwrights the opportunity to stage new work just as the pandemic first lifted its grip, felt like a good deed in a dirty world, and was consistently enjoyable. This play by Joseph Charlton, based on the story of the con artist Anna Sorokin, was probably the best of the bunch, not least for the way that it marked the West End debuts of its director (Daniel Raggett) and design team member (Mikaela Liakata) and its stars Emma Corrin and Nabhaan Rizwan. All staked a claim for glorious long-term careers  and their sheer vitality and invention made this a particularly fresh and memorable night.





curious, Soho Theatre

curious

 Helen Maybanks

After her triumph with her debut play seven methods of killing kylie jenner, I couldn't wait to see what Jasmine Lee-Jones did next. This semi-autobiographical monologue confirmed her enormous talent and her interesting mind, taking us on a journey that attempted to find black faces in English theatre before Ira Aldridge in the 18th century. In doing so, she played brilliantly with the artifice of theatre itself, its ability to make us believe the impossible.





Romeo and Juliet, National Theatre/Sky Arts

When the National Theatre's starry staging of Romeo and Juliet was thwarted by Covid, they solved the problem by turning the whole stage area of the Lyttelton into a film set and the production into a movie. The result was an interesting hybrid, which preserved a theatrical feel while using closeup and jump cuts like a proper film. Simon Goodwin's intelligent direction, a smart adaptation by Emily Burns and a raft of sensational performances from a cast including Josh O'Connor, Jessie Buckley, Tamsin Greig and Fisayo Akinade made it a wonderful tribute to the power of imagination.





Carousel, Regent's Park Open Air

The cast of Carousel

 Johan Persson

There have been some good, glitzy new musicals this year including Andrew Lloyd Webber's exuberant Cinderella and the sparkling, snow-filled riot that is Frozen. But I was fascinated by Timothy Sheader's revival of this troublesome Rodgers and Hammerstein classic which tackled its problems (most notably the glorification of a violent wife-beater) head on. Set in a Northern mining town, it was dark, difficult and sometimes rather bumpy. But I loved its bravery in finding a way of pulling the text and those great songs into a show that celebrates the tenacity and survival instincts of women.





The Wife of Willesden, The Kiln

There was something wonderfully life-enhancing about Zadie Smith's first play. It was less a creation and more a translation of Chaucer's The Wife of Bath's tale, but the transposition worked brilliantly, full of bawdy vitality, and beautifully served by a production from Indhu Rubasingham that set the whole thing inside Robert Jones's loving and welcoming recreation of the local Colin Campbell pub in the middle of a lock-in. Clare Perkins served up a raucous central performance as Alvita, making her live and breathe as a woman navigating the perils of the modern world. Great fun and one of the surprises of the year.





Hamlet, Young Vic

Cush Jumbo in Hamlet

 Helen Murray

I didn't much like Greg Hersov's production of Hamlet. Although I admired its speed and its brevity, it seemed to have problems (rather like Sean Mathias's production starring Ian McKellen) deciding how it viewed the play. But there was no missing the sheer quality of Cush Jumbo's performance in the title role. She did a lot of extraordinary things with it  including ignoring the question of whether there was any doubt about her right as a black woman to take on the part  but what will stay with me for a long time was the directness of her communication with the audience.





White Noise, The Bridge

The Pulitzer-prize winning Suzan-Lori Parks described her scalding 2019 play as "ripping the face off of civilisation." It was certainly one of the most provocative and divisive productions of the year, taking a clever urban comedy and ripping it apart to reveal the racial and class tensions just beneath the surface of the relationships between four college friends. Certain scenes lingered in the memory long after you've left the theatre, and Parks' writing has a restless, questing quality that makes it simultaneously uncomfortable and unavoidable.





The Normal Heart, National Theatre

Ben Daniels and Dino Fetscher

 Helen Maybanks

Opinions were divided about Dominic Cooke's revival of Larry Kramer's 1985 play about the rise of AIDS in New York, but I thought it was both immense and intensely moving. True, events have moved on since Kramer's report from the frontline of activism, but his play still has a power and honesty which makes it compelling. Cooke and his fine cast, led by Ben Daniels, were careful to make it as much about relationships, about the sheer human tragedy of the epidemic, as about politics. It seemed overwhelming relevant and a fierce reminder that we ignore human suffering at our peril.





Maryland, Royal Court

Lucy Kirkwood's 30-minute howl of anger and chilling protest may have been written in two days in response to the murder of Sabina Nessa and the rape and murder of Sarah Everard, but it had a power and a sense of necessity that many more considered pieces this year notably lacked. Its force and fury, creating its own Greek chorus of avenging goddesses, was widely heard in productions around the country. It felt like an important moment, an assertion of the importance of theatre in framing a response.





Cabaret, Kit Kat Club, Playhouse

Eddie Redmayne and Jessie Buckley

 Marc Brenner

It's all very well producing the most-anticipated (and most pricey) show of the year, but then you have to deliver, especially if, like director Rebecca Frecknall and designer Tom Scutt, you've been given the opportunity to remodel an entire theatre to express your vision. They pulled it off triumphantly, creating an immersive world that made the audience complicit in the events depicted in this great musical. Eddie Redmayne confirmed his charismatic, shape-shifting star status as the Emcee, but it was Jessie Buckley's (again!) searing performance as Sally Bowles that raised the entire evening to unforgettable.





Best of Enemies, Young Vic

James Graham's new play about the 1968 television debates between right-winger William F Buckley and leftist radical Gore Vidal, is an absolute theatrical firecracker. Graham has this special gift for grounding pieces in real events, but then propelling them somewhere different, holding a variety of views up to the light. Here he took a fairly obscure encounter and cast it as a key moment of change, one that helps us understand the times we live in now. A virtuosic production from Jeremy Herrin and insightful performances from Charles Edwards and David Harewood, sent me out of the theatre punching the air with pleasure.
Williamson, WV (25661)

Today

Periods of snow. High 37F. Winds light and variable. Chance of snow 100%. 1 to 3 inches of snow expected..

Tonight

Snow will taper off and end this evening but skies will remain cloudy late. Low 17F. Winds WNW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of snow 100%. Snowfall around one inch.
Due to the recent rapid rise of COVID-19 cases, churches in Manitoba are quickly altering their plans for Christmas services.

Due to the recent rapid rise of COVID-19 cases, churches in Manitoba are quickly altering their plans for Christmas services.

The two Roman Catholic archdioceses and the Ukrainian Catholic archdiocese in Manitoba have decided to offer a number of Masses this Christmas for vaccinated people only.

In a message sent Dec. 21, Archbishop Richard Gagnon of Winnipeg, Archbishop Albert LeGatt of Saint Boniface, and Archbishop Lawrence Huculak of the Ukrainian Archeparchy of Winnipeg said parishes can choose to designate one or more Masses from Dec. 24 to 26 to be only for fully immunized persons.

"At the Masses for the immunized, people will need to show proof of vaccination at the door," the message says. "Those tasked with verifying proof of vaccination must be prepared to deal with people, kindly and firmly."

JOHN WOODS / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES Archbishop of Winnipeg Richard Gagnon.

Health and safety protocols such as social distancing, mask wearing, sanitizing and capacity limits are to be maintained for all services, the archbishops said.

In addition to reserving a Mass for only vaccinated people, parishes must provide one each day for everyone  regardless of vaccine status. Parishes are also encouraged to livestream one or more such events.

Previously, the three archdioceses had planned to open the Christmas Masses to everyone, without requiring proof of vaccination.

"We are the body of Christ," the archbishops said in their message. "We are in this all together. One of our primary goals must be the love of neighbour and so the common good for all in society  now especially in terms of security of health and life for all, with a particular attention to those vulnerable or fragile in their health."

For LeGatt, the decision has to do with the large numbers of people who normally want to attend at Christmas, along with the danger posed by the Omicron variant of the novel coronavirus.

JESSE BOILY / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES Archbishop of Saint Boniface Albert LeGatt.

"There are many people who want to come to Mass, but may worry about being around unvaccinated people because of health or other frailties at this time," he said. "We want to accommodate them at Christmas."

The Saint Boniface archbishop was adamant this is not a change in principle for Roman Catholics in the province.

"The house of God is open to all, all are welcome," he said, adding it is a pastoral response to the current pandemic situation. "We just want to make sure people feel safe at this moment, while ensuring services are open to all."

Other Manitoba churches are also pivoting under increasing pandemic pressure.

River East Church, a Mennonite Brethren congregation in the North Kildonan neighbourhood of Winnipeg, has decided to cancel its in-person Christmas Eve service in favour of livestream only.

MIKE DEAL / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES An empty Winnipeg church.

"Given the many questions surrounding this variant, the rising numbers everywhere, and the advice from our experts, the decision has been made to move our worship services totally online for the time being, including our Christmas Eve service," the church announced.

Only participants with an active role in the Christmas Eve service will be allowed in the sanctuary.

Looking for a great gift to give this holiday season? Give the gift of good news! You can make a contribution to the Free Press Religion in the News project in the name of a friend or family member. Your gift of $10, $25 or more can help us keep offering trusted coverage of faith in Manitoba. Give a gift! Click here to learn more about the project.

"For some of you this will be a relief; for others, a major disappointment," the church said. "We are grateful for your understanding."

St. Peters Evangelical Lutheran Church in Winnipeg will hold in-person services Dec. 24 but will require proof of vaccination to attend.

For Charleswood United Church, the rise of Omicron makes no difference  the Winnipeg church had already decided to just do an online-only Christmas Eve service.

"The prospect of returning to in-person attendance on what has traditionally been a heavily-attended service and communicating requirements seems unwise," said minister Michael Wilson.

"As it turns out, that has left us in a good position and our plans for an online Christmas Eve service have been in place for a while."

faith@freepress.mb.ca
ST. JOHN'S, N.L. - Poultry and egg processors across the country are stepping up monitoring and biosecurity measures after Canada's food safety watchdog confirmed cases of the H5N1 avian influenza at a Newfoundland exhibition farm.

Newfoundland and Labrador's provincial flag flies in Ottawa, Monday July 6, 2020. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Adrian Wyld

ST. JOHN'S, N.L. - Poultry and egg processors across the country are stepping up monitoring and biosecurity measures after Canada's food safety watchdog confirmed cases of the H5N1 avian influenza at a Newfoundland exhibition farm.

The H5N1 bird flu hasn't been detected in Canada since 2015, according to a report on the outbreak from theWorld Organisation for Animal Health.

Jean-Michel Laurin, president of the Canadian Poultry and Egg Processors Council, said the situation is concerning but that so is any situation involving cases of avian influenza in the country.

"This is something we're very vigilant about," he said in an interview Thursday. Laurin said he was somewhat reassured by the news that the cases were not found at a commercial operation, but he said his members in the region are nonetheless taking extra biosecurity precautions.

"We've alerted the entire industry across Canada to heighten their vigilance, just to make sure we do everything we need to do to prevent this from spreading to commercial farms," he added.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency said Wednesday it had confirmed the presence of the H5N1 subtype of high pathogenic avian influenza at an unnamed "exhibition farm" on Newfoundland's Avalon Peninsula. Because the farm is not commercial and no other cases have been reported in the vicinity, Canada's status as "free from Avian Influenza" remains in place, the agency said.

As a precaution, the agency said it placed the farm under quarantine and established a 10-kilometre zone with movement control measures and enhanced biosecurity to limit the potential spread of the disease. No trade restrictions are expected.

A report on the outbreak from the World Organisation for Animal Health shows the cases involved "non-poultry" birds, "including wild birds." The documents indicates 360 birds were infected and died and that the remaining 59 were "killed and disposed of." The agency's website also includes reports on several outbreaks of H5N1 in Europe.

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Earl Brown, a flu virologist at the University of Ottawa, said it's likely an infected waterfowl was blown across the North Atlantic to Newfoundland. He said he's not too concerned about the outbreak in the province, noting that decades of avian flus have ensured the bird farming industry is quite adept at catching and stamping out any spread.

"They have a zero-tolerance (policy) on the farms for avian influenza and highly pathogenic avian influenza," he said in an interview Thursday. As for concerns the virus will get into the local wild bird populations, he said that seemed unlikely, as the operation is small and not interconnected with a large-scale provincewide industry.

Matthew Miller, an associate professor at McMaster University specializing in infectious diseases, agreed there was cause for monitoring but not for alarm. He said the early alerts about the outbreak, as well as the prompt release of data about it, shows there is a robust monitoring system in place that's working well.

Miller said he sympathized with the people of Newfoundland and Labrador who woke up to news about the bird flu outbreak on the same day provincewide public health restrictions ramped up to curb the province's growing COVID-19 caseload. "When it rains it pours, right?" he said in an interview Thursday. "But as someone who has studied pandemics for their whole career, I wouldn't be terribly worried."

In an emailed statement Thursday, a spokesperson for the provincial department of agriculture said the government is supporting the Canadian Food Inspection Agency in its efforts to control the outbreak.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 23, 2021.
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP)  Nations around the world are lurching into lockdown, steeling themselves for a brutal surge as the omicron variant spreads like wildfire.

FILE - Tourists enjoy on a yacht as they pass a traditional dhow serving a dinner cruise, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Tuesday, Jan. 12, 2021. The globalized city-state of Dubai appears to be in the midst of a boom season. It's a surge in growth spurred on by one of the worlds highest vaccination rates and government moves to de-escalate tensions with regional rivals and lure foreign businesses. (AP Photo/Kamran Jebreili, File)

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP)  Nations around the world are lurching into lockdown, steeling themselves for a brutal surge as the omicron variant spreads like wildfire.

But in Dubai, Donna Sese is bracing for a very different surge: countless restaurant bookings and meter-long drink bills.

Were back and busy like the way things used to be, said Sese, manager of the Yalumba restaurant at the five-star Le Meridien hotel, where devotees of Dubais Friday brunch pay $250 for lavish spreads with free-flowing Clicquot Champagne.

The globalized city-state appears to be in the midst of a boom season, spurred on by one of the worlds highest vaccination rates and government steps to lure businesses and de-escalate tensions with regional rivals.

Maskless debauchery has returned to dance floors. Brunch-goers are drinking with abandon. Home-buyers are flooding the market. Tourists are snapping up hotel suites. Expat millionaires are moving to the emirate. Coronavirus infections, although now making a comeback, remain below past peaks.

The Dubai government did not respond to request for comment.

It's deja vu for those recalling the rush of December last year in Dubai, when the city courted tourists and influencers fleeing coronavirus lockdowns and wintry weather elsewhere. The open-door policy let revelers sate their pent-up desire to go out on New Year's Eve but infections soon rocketed to unseen heights, and hospitals filled up with COVID-19 patients.

A year later, mass vaccination has left Dubai feeling like its off the hook. There have been vanishingly few virus hospitalizations and deaths  even as the global spread of omicron threatens a new surge. Daily infections surpassed 1,000 on Thursday after lows of under 100 for weeks.

While many Western countries have seen inoculation rates plateau, the UAE reports 99% of all of those eligible for vaccines  anyone over 12  has received at least one dose.

Some have received five.

In the global vaccine scramble, the UAE relied initially on a shot made by Sinopharm, a state-backed Chinese company. Even as the nation's vaccination rate soared, infections rose  as did concerns over Sinopharm's insufficient antibody response.

FILE - Tourists party on a yacht in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Tuesday, Jan. 12, 2021. The globalized city-state of Dubai appears to be in the midst of a boom season. It's a surge in growth spurred on by one of the worlds highest vaccination rates and government moves to de-escalate tensions with regional rivals and lure foreign businesses. (AP Photo/Kamran Jebreili, File)

Now, Sinopharm is no longer an option in Dubai. Those who received both doses, including the emirate's legions of low-paid foreign laborers, also have opted for double vaccination with Pfizer-BioNTech. The government offers Pfizer boosters to all adults.

Months of trepidation have given way to unburdened excitement. Encouraged by widespread inoculation and record-low mortgage rates, more properties were sold in Dubai in November than in any other month in the last eight years, according to website Property Finder.

Sales prices have surged past pre-pandemic levels. Until June, prices were climbing 2.5% month on month, with wild appreciations in the luxury segment.

Market analysts have attributed the hot streak to a pause in villa construction and influx of Western European, Chinese and Indian financiers drawn to glittery Dubais open offices, high vaccination and low tax rates.

A giant cryptocurrency conference in October drew dozens of young millionaires who paid cash upfront for beach villas, real estate agents said.

You can go to restaurants. Theres no debate about remote working. This is not the case in Europe where it's still locking down, said Christophe De Rassenfosse, the chief product officer of Property Finder, about why he moved his family from Brussels to Dubai in October. You dont necessarily have a huge percentage of elderly people which occupies the hospitals.

The government has promoted plans to make the sheikhdom more attractive to foreign investors and visitors, with new 10-year visas, retirement and freelance options and reforms to the country's Islamic legal code.

In its latest move as competition heats up with neighboring Saudi Arabia, the UAE will change its work week from Sunday-Thursday to Monday-Friday in January to align with the West.

The rebound is apparent in the city's full hotels, clogged roads and raucous nightclubs.

Hotel occupancy in Dubai exceeded 90% in mid-November, according to data firm STR. Long-haul carrier Emirates estimated over 1.1 million passengers would squeeze through its Dubai terminal ahead of the holidays.

Traffic during the first week of December surpassed 2019 levels, according to navigation company TomTom. Taxis have been missing from many street corners, with fleet owners that downsized operations during the pandemic citing shortages amid unprecedented demand.

Overall sales of alcohol by volume in the UAE rose to 117.5 million liters (31 million gallons) this year, up some 7.8% sold the year before, according to market research firm Euromonitor.

The growth has even extended to business with the UAE's long-time rivals  Turkey and Iran.

Politics had poisoned trade between the powerhouses in past years. But in a recent flurry of diplomacy across the Middle East, UAEs de factor leader met Turkey's president in Ankara, and a top Emirati national security advisor visited Tehran.

From March to September 2021, Iran's imports from the UAE spiked 70% to $5.4 billion, according to Iranian government figures. Emirati imports will hit levels unseen since America imposed crushing sanctions on Iran in 2018 by the year's end.

Trade between the UAE and Turkey also jumped over 100% to $7.2 billion during the first half of this year, reported the official Emirati WAM news agency.

Iranian and Turkish business leaders in Dubai say the detente has eased restrictions on their licenses and visas.

Turkish business expert Fatma Nilgun Emrem of Tamimi Consulting has been inundated with requests from Turkish beauty salons, retailers and restaurants seeking to set up shop in Dubai.

The policies and perspectives of the UAE are changing, she said.

Hossein Asrar Haghighi, board member of the Iran-UAE Business Council, similarly described a relaxing" of trade regulations on Iranians and growing number of Iranian businessmen who secured the UAE's 10-year golden visas.

The combination of Dubai getting out of COVID, reduction of regional tensions and new moves to attract businesses, it's a pretty good environment, said Gregory Gause, a scholar of the region at Texas A&M University. But Dubai doesn't control what goes on around it.

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A collapse of ongoing talks in Vienna to revive Tehran's nuclear deal may inflame Mideast tensions. When the world's fair packs up and leaves Dubai next year, industries may suffer from overcapacity, warned James Swanston, an economist at Capital Economics.

And the rapid spread of omicron may soon spoil Dubais party.

But for now, optimism reigns.

The money has returned, said Saeed Zakari, a captain at Dubai's creek who plies the Persian Gulf in a dhow packed with appliances bound for Iran.

___

Associated Press writer Amir Vahdat in Tehran, Iran contributed to this report.
BILLINGS, Mont. (AP)  Attorneys for a Louisiana oil and gas company have asked a federal judge to reinstate a drilling lease it held on land considered sacred to Native American tribes in the U.S. and Canada.

The sun sets over the Badger-Two Medicine area Friday, March 25, 2016 near Browning, Mont. U.S. Attorneys for an oil and gas company are asking a federal judge to reinstate a drilling lease in the area that is considered sacred to Native American tribes in the U.S. and Canada. (Greg Lindstrom/Flathead Beacon via AP, File)

BILLINGS, Mont. (AP)  Attorneys for a Louisiana oil and gas company have asked a federal judge to reinstate a drilling lease it held on land considered sacred to Native American tribes in the U.S. and Canada.

The long-disputed energy lease in the Badger-Two Medicine area of northwestern Montana near the Blackfeet Reservation was cancelled in 2016 under then-U.S. Interior Secretary Sally Jewell. That decision was upheld by a federal appeals court last year.

Now Solenex LLC  the company that held the lease  is making another run at getting a court to restore its drilling rights. In court documents filed Thursday in a lawsuit against the Interior Department, its attorneys argued that Jewell exceeded her authority and the lease should be reinstated.

Solenex founder Sidney Longwell, who died last year, bought the 10-square-mile (25-square-kilometer) lease in 1982 but never drilled on the site. Instead, Longwell confronted major bureaucratic delays within the U.S. departments of Interior and Agriculture that prompted the company to sue in 2013.

The Badger-Two-Medicine area near Glacier National Park is the site of the creation story of the Blackfoot tribes of southern Canada and Montanas Blackfeet Nation. There have been efforts to declare it a national monument or make it a cultural heritage area, and tribal leaders have bitterly opposed Solenexs drilling aspirations.

The Blackfeet have intervened in the case on the side of the government. Blackfeet Nation historic preservation officer John Murray said tribal officials were confident in the case against drilling.

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We knew they still wanted to try to do drilling, Murray said. "We've got some good attorneys. I think we're going to prevail."

Solenex attorneys said the government unlawfully outsourced its decisions by deferring to the tribe's wishes to block drilling. They said officials should have considered ways drilling impacts could be lessened or offset if it were to proceed.

Solenexs lawsuit is being waged by the Mountain States Legal Foundation, a Colorado-based firm that pursues cases involving property rights, guns and other conservative causes.

Solenex is listed as a corporation not in good standing with the Louisiana secretary of state for failure to file an annual report. Mountain States Legal Foundation said it is working with the family of company founder Longwell to carry on the litigation.

Justice delayed is justice denied, and theres no better example of that than our client, Mr. Longwell, who spent 38 years of his life trying to defend his property right in an energy lease that initially was granted to him but then summarily denied, Solenex attorney Zhonette Brown said.

Interior Department spokesperson Tyler Cherry declined to comment on the case.
TORONTO - Some of the most active companies traded Wednesday on the Toronto Stock Exchange:

TORONTO - Some of the most active companies traded Wednesday on the Toronto Stock Exchange:

Toronto Stock Exchange (21,070.05, up 145.18 points.)

Bombardier Inc. (TSX:BBD.B). Industrials. Up eight cents, or 5 per cent, to $1.68 on 5.4 million shares.

BlackBerry Ltd. (TSX:BB). Technology. Up 12 cents, or one per cent, to $12.07 on 5.2 million shares.

Suncor Energy Inc. (TSX:SU). Energy. Up 35 cents, or 1.13 per cent, to $31.31 on 4.9 million shares.

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Baytex Energy Corp. (TSX:BTE). Energy. Up four cents, or 1.12 per cent, to $3.61 on 4.9 million shares.

Toronto-Dominion Bank. (TSX:TD). Financials. Up 71 cents, or 0.75 per cent, to $95.41 on 4.8 million shares.

Bank of Nova Scotia. (TSX:BNS). Financials. Up 98 cents, or 1.1 per cent, to $88.67 on 4.6 million shares.

Companies in the news:

Dye & Durham Ltd. (TSX:DND). Up $4.70 or 11.3 per cent to $46.27  Canadian cloud-based software and technology company Dye & Durham Ltd. says it has signed a deal to buy Link Administration Holdings Ltd. of Australia for $3.2 billion. The Toronto-based company says the acquisition expands its customer base in key U.K. and Australian markets and strengthens its business-to-business software and information service solutions. As part of the deal, Dye & Durham will also indirectly acquire Link Group's roughly 43 per cent stake in PEXA Group Ltd., which operates a digital property exchange network in Australia. Matthew Proud, CEO of Dye & Durham, says the acquisition will enable the company to expand its model into adjacent markets and broaden its product suite for existing clients. The deal comes shortly after the company announced plans to buy Telus' financial solutions business for $500 million. Earlier this year, the company acquired TM Group (UK) Ltd. for about $156 million and GlobalX Information Pty Ltd. of Australia for $159 million.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 22, 2021.
Manitobas newest grant for businesses is timely but falls short of covering the ongoing damages wrought by the pandemic, according to entrepreneurs and stakeholders.

Manitobas newest grant for businesses is timely but falls short of covering the ongoing damages wrought by the pandemic, according to entrepreneurs and stakeholders.

Businesses hit by fourth wave restrictions can apply to the Sector Support Program, the province announced Wednesday. Funding ranges from $3,000 to $12,000 and is dependent on an organizations staffing levels.

The program will open to applications next week. Companies have until Jan. 31 to apply and are eligible even if theyve received prior pandemic-era government support. More information will be available on the provinces COVID-19 business support program web page in the coming week.

Pinkys Bakeshop is one of the estimated 1,800 eligible businesses.

"Its just a little bit, like, borderline, (for) help," said Pinky Fuentes, the bakerys owner.

Her Osborne Village nook employs three people, meaning she can access $3,000 through the new program. But, its not enough, she said.

Her sales are 65 per cent of a typical Decembers  her busiest time of the year  because people keep cancelling events and, in turn, their orders.

"On New Years Eve, Id have, like, four weddings. Now, Im cut down to only one, and it might be just half," Fuentes said.

Shes been through nearly two years of closures and reopenings, and costs keep increasing. On Monday, she placed cupcakes in 100 individual to-go containers for a corporate party so guests wouldnt share a platter. Minimum wage, ingredients and packaging costs are on the rise.

"Mostly, everything is out of pocket," Fuentes said, adding something like the Bridge Grant (where the province gave $5,000 portions) would be more helpful.

The new program will cover one of Pho Hoangs four locations rent.

"Its better than nothing," said owner Tom Hoang, adding hes not looking for more from the government.

Manitoba has allocated up to $22 million for the Sector Support Program.

"Its never enough but to us, it shows that government is listening," said Chuck Davidson, the president and CEO of the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce.

The funding announcement comes one day after the start of the latest restrictions. Its timeliness is a positive, as is its scalability to meet businesses sizes, Davidson said.

"Businesses still have the ability to open, and thats always been critical for us," he said. "Any kind of measure thats going to help them or provide them with those supports, to make up the losses that theres no question theyre going to take is going to be helpful."

Businesses may have the option to host 50 per cent capacity, but many arent seeing the customers, according to Shaun Jeffrey, the Manitoba Restaurant and Foodservice Associations executive director and CEO.

"The hundreds and hundreds of people that have been cancelling their reservations at restaurants in Manitoba over the last week, its mind-blowing," Jeffrey said.

Le Garage, a St. Boniface restaurant, proclaimed its permanent closure Tuesday. Pandemic-related lockdowns, restrictions on capacity, difficulty maintaining staff and a decline in patrons caused it to shutter, according to the companys Instagram post.

"The only way were going to be able to really survive this latest round of restrictions is getting support in other fashions from Manitobans," Jeffrey said, listing catering, delivery and buying gift cards as options.

Still, the new government program is "a start," he said.

"We need to be able to evolve thisWe dont know what the future looks like," he said. "That collaboration with government is very important."

Both Finance Minister Scott Fielding and Economic Development and Jobs Minister Jon Reyes pledged to continue working with business communities at a Wednesday news conference.

"If theres a need for extending these orders (past Jan. 11) wed be there to work with the business community," Fielding said.

The province budgeted $1.1 billion in its last budget for COVID-19 related costs, which includes supports for businesses, Fielding said.

The Sector Support Program comes too late for many businesses, according to Jamie Moses, the NDPs economic development critic. Money will only enter bank accounts after the holidays, he said.

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"The announcement fails to help workers of Manitoba," he said, adding many have been laid off or had their hours reduced this week.

Manitoba Liberal Leader Dougald Lamont is calling for the support to double.

"Its the fourth wave of the pandemic and the PCs are still trying to use a water pistol to put out a forest fire," he said in a written statement.

Manitoba has provided more than $650 million in pandemic-era supports to businesses, according to a news release. Approximately 38,000 businesses have accessed such programs, including the Bridge Grant and the Healthy Hire program, Fielding said.

 with files from Carol Sanders

gabrielle.piche@winnipegfreepress.com
TORONTO - A pair of licensed cannabis stores selling unregulated hemp products has prompted Ontarios pot regulator to issue a warning to retailers.

A woman holds a hemp plant used for research on Friday, June 25, 2021, in Long Pond, Pa. THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP/Matt Slocum

TORONTO - A pair of licensed cannabis stores selling unregulated hemp products has prompted Ontarios pot regulator to issue a warning to retailers.

The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario warned pot shops on Monday that it has uncovered instances of retailers selling products that violate their license terms, in a letter obtained by The Canadian Press.

The AGCO has learned that some cannabis licensees are offering and selling cannabis-based products, like lotions, edibles, topicals, etc., that have not been purchased from the Ontario Cannabis Store (OCS), the regulator wrote in the letter.

The OCS is the provincial pot distributor for Ontario.

We also have become aware that some retailers are offering and selling cannabis-based products in different packaging than the original packaging from the OCS.

A Ontario Cannabis Store website pictured on a mobile phone, in Ottawa, Thursday, Oct. 18, 2018. Ontarios cannabis regulator is taking aim at licensed pot shops it's found selling unregulated products. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sean Kilpatrick

Ontarios licensed cannabis stores are only allowed to sell pot and hemp products purchased from the OCS, and must keep the items in their original packaging.

Hemp products have low or trace amounts of THC, the active ingredient in marijuana.

AGCO spokesperson Raymond Kahnert said in an email that the message was prompted by compliance officials who became aware of hemp-based products being offered for sale at two cannabis stores in the southwestern region of the province.

The AGCO considers items derived through hemp, such as lotions and oils, to be cannabis products, which retailers must buy from the OCS.

The products that compliance officers uncovered had not been purchased from the OCS and both retailers immediately stopped selling the items following discussions, Kahnert said.

Jennawae McLean, the co-founder of Kingston, Ont. cannabis store chain Calyx + Trichomes, said she had to pick her jaw up off the floor, when the AGCO's letter was sent out to pot shop owners.

She has never heard of or seen a licensed cannabis store selling unregulated goods.

I'm completely shocked that anybody would do either of these things so brazenly, she said.

It's pretty bold, openly breaks the law and the regulations and jeopardizes your livelihood. It's completely bananas.

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While she did not know the circumstances around the unregulated goods, she said the market for the illicit products the AGCO warned about is small and unlikely to generate the perpetrators much money.

Between July and September, the OCS website and licensed pot shops sold about $2.4 million worth of topicals and $18 million worth of edibles, a stark difference from the $206 million dried flower sales seen in the same period.

McLean was also disappointed licensed stores had been offering unregulated and repackaged goods because she felt those actions ignored the long and tedious fight cannabis advocates waged to get the substance legalized in the first place.

"It's borderline insulting that somebody would undermine the regulatory framework that we worked so hard to establish," she said.

"But then on the other hand, I feel sad for them, because it could be an act of desperation because store owners are struggling to compete."

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 23, 2021.
CALGARY - TransAlta Corp. says it has entered into two long-term power purchase agreements for its White Rock wind project in Caddo County, Okla.

A TransAlta wind farm is shown near Pincher Creek, Alta., Wednesday, March 9, 2016. TransAlta Corp. says it has entered into two long-term power purchase agreements for its White Rock wind project in Caddo County, Okla. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh

CALGARY - TransAlta Corp. says it has entered into two long-term power purchase agreements for its White Rock wind project in Caddo County, Okla.

The Calgary-based company says the contracts with an undisclosed customer provide for the offtake of 100 per cent of the electricity generation from the 300 MW project.

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TransAlta says the signing of the agreements means the company will be able to begin construction in late 2022.

White Rock is TransAlta's largest wind power project to date. The company says it will consist of 51 turbines that should be operational in the second half of 2023.

TransAlta will construct, operate and own the facility. Total construction capital costs are estimated at approximately US$460 million to US$470 million.

TransAlta says the White Rock project is expected to generate total annual earnings of approximately US$44 million including production tax credits.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 22, 2021.

Companies in this story: (TSX:TA)
Canada's food safety watchdog says it has confirmed cases of high pathogenic Avian Influenza at an exhibition farm in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Canadian Food Inspection Agency in Ottawa on Wednesday, June 26, 2019. Canada's food safety watchdog says it has confirmed cases of high pathogenic Avian Influenza at an exhibition farm in Newfoundland and Labrador. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sean Kilpatrick

Canada's food safety watchdog says it has confirmed cases of high pathogenic Avian Influenza at an exhibition farm in Newfoundland and Labrador.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency says in a release Wednesday that the farm on the Avalon Peninsula does not produce birds for sale.

The agency says as the birds infected with H5N1 were located on an exhibition farm, and no other cases have been reported in the vicinity, Canada's status as 'free from Avian Influenza' remains in place.

It says no trade restrictions are expected as a result of this detection and the outbreak has been reported to the World Organisation for Animal Health.

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As a precaution, the agency says it has placed the farm under quarantine and established a 10 kilometre zone with movement control measures and enhanced biosecurity to limit the potential spread of the disease.

It says Avian Influenza circulates naturally in birds and recent detections in Europe indicate an even higher risk of the disease in North American poultry flocks this year.

"This makes it more important than ever for anyone raising poultry to remain vigilant against AI and ensure they have effective biosecurity measures in place," the agency said Wednesday. "Biosecurity is a key tool for preventing the transmission of this disease to North American farm birds."

The agency says Avian Influenza, often called "bird flu," can affect several species of food-producing birds including chickens, turkeys, quails, and guinea fowl, as well as pet and wild birds.

Highly pathogenic avian influenza can cause severe illness and death in birds.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 22, 2021
A Buddhist monk who claimed his acts of molestation would keep the spirit of one of his young victims dead grandmother alive has been convicted of two counts of sexual assault.

A Buddhist monk who claimed his acts of molestation would keep the spirit of one of his young victims dead grandmother alive has been convicted of two counts of sexual assault.

Provincial court Judge Stacy Cawley convicted Southone Silaphet of two additional counts of sexual interference.

Silaphet, 72, abused his two victims between 2011 and 2019 during visits to the Wat Lao Xayaram temple on Sinclair Street.

Silaphet, who has been head monk at the temple for more than 12 years, remains free on bail. He will return to court for sentencing at a later date.

Silaphet was arrested in 2019 after a teenage girl told her school guidance counsellor she had been sexually abused. In testimony last year, the girl told court Silaphet had molested her during regular temple visits, beginning when she was in kindergarten or Grade 1, and continued until late 2019.

The abuse, which included kissing, fondling underneath her clothes and biting, had happened "for as long as I really remember," the girl told an investigator in a police video statement provided to court.

"I didnt really realize it was wrong until I started hearing more about it as I got older, and I felt I should tell somebody," the girl said.

The girl said Silaphet told her that allowing him to touch her sexually would help keep the spirit of her grandma alive.

"He said that if (I) didnt let him do what he wanted to do, it would be disrespectful to (the deceased grandma)," she said.

Silaphet warned her not to tell anyone "or police would be involved," the girl said.

Silaphet, who lived at the temple, a converted fire hall, abused the girl in an upstairs office equipped with security cameras that allowed him to see people coming up the stairs, the girl said.

On one occasion, the girl said, Silaphet saw a man walking up the stairs and made the girl hide in a closet until he had left.

"It was confusing," she said. "Thats when I kind of realized that this was wrong, that it wasnt supposed to be happening."

A second pre-teen victim said Silaphet repeatedly touched her under her clothing "in wrong places" while the two were alone in his upstairs office.

"He would tell my mom that he just wanted us to pray, even though it wouldnt be praying," the girl said in a separate police video interview, estimating the offences occurred over a period of three to four years.

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"Hes always been nice but he did something wrong," she said.

Both victims testified Silaphet gave them money and repeatedly apologized for his actions.

"He would always say Im sorry, but he never was," the younger girl said.

Silaphet testified with the help of a Laotian interpreter and flatly denied abusing the girls, saying he was never alone with them for more than a few minutes.

Cawley rejected Silaphets testimony as self-serving, saying it "appeared tailored to minimize the contact he had with the complainants and the degree of his favouritism."

dean.pritchard@freepress.mb.ca
OAKVILLE  Human remains have been found at a vacant property where the previous resident was discovered dead three years ago, leaving area residents shocked and puzzled.

OAKVILLE  Human remains have been found at a vacant property where the previous resident was discovered dead three years ago, leaving area residents shocked and puzzled.

Multiple people in Oakville, a local urban district about 50 kilometres west of Winnipeg, said the propertys new owner made the grim find as he trimmed overgrown branches and tidied up around the dilapidated 1 1/2-storey home, which was recently auctioned off due to unpaid taxes.

The remains were reportedly found inside a derelict Ford camper van, which, along with a Mercury car, was covered in snow and had been abandoned in the driveway for years.

"The new owner found the remains and went to the police," said one woman, who asked not to be named, as police remained at the taped-off scene Wednesday.

"Can you imagine? He just bought the property. Its quite shocking for a small, quiet town."

MIKAELA MACKENZIE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Police investigate a scene where human remains were found in Oakville, Manitoba on Wednesday.

Portage la Prairie RCMP received a call about human remains, which are "not historic in nature," at about 2:10 p.m. Tuesday, a news release stated.

Spokesman Sgt. Paul Manaigre said an autopsy would take place.

Oakville residents said the house on 2nd Avenue has been vacant since the previous occupant, a reclusive 78-year-old man who lived alone, died in November 2018.

The man had reportedly been dead for some time before his body was found inside the home. "The vehicles were there before he died and they never moved," said the woman, who lives nearby.

At least two to three years before his death, the former property owner told people his wife had died at home, locals said.

"He had said she had a stroke and she died," the woman said. "We didnt even know that she had died until months later."

MIKAELA MACKENZIE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Home in Oakville, Manitoba where human remains were found on the property on Wednesday.

Another woman, who also lives nearby and asked to remain anonymous, said she had asked the man about his wife at the time, after hearing she had died months earlier.

"He said she was sick in the morning and he got her up and fed her and she just died," the woman said.

However, residents who talked with the Free Press didnt recall seeing any emergency vehicles or coroners vehicle at the home at the time, nor a published obituary for the wife.

Residents who knew the former property owner described him as a "recluse," who seemed abrupt and unfriendly but mostly kept to himself.

In the years he lived alone, the man was occasionally seen walking to and from a grocery store a few streets away.

"When he died, we told (the RCMP) he said his wife had died and that we didnt see anyone  the police or an ambulance  at the house (at that time)," one area woman told the Free Press.

MIKAELA MACKENZIE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Police investigate a scene where human remains were found in Oakville, Manitoba on Wednesday.

Manaigre said officers attended the scene in November 2018, following the 78-year-old mans death.

"No criminality was involved in that investigation," the RCMP spokesman said. "There were no calls to this residence prior to the November 2018 call."

The Rural Municipality of Portage la Prairie auctioned off the house Dec. 14. A public notice for the tax sale listed the 78-year-old mans wife as the registered owner and it referred to her estate.

After Tuesdays discovery of human remains, police sealed off the property.

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As a forensic identification team analyzed the scene Wednesday afternoon, one officer peered into the white camper van through the open drivers side door.

Police used tools to trim branches around the vehicle, as plainclothes detectives went door-to-door speaking to residents.

One neighbour said he saw the police presence when he returned home Tuesday and assumed it was for something such as a break-in.

"I never expected to hear what was really going on there," said the man, who didnt want to give his name. "The house had been vacant after (the man) passed away They were reclusive people. They didnt really interact with people too much."

chris.kitching@freepress.mb.ca

Twitter: @chriskitching
Anti-mask, anti-lockdown crusader Tobias Tissen has been caught going against the gospel hes adamantly preached from the pulpit and at anti-restriction rallies since the pandemic began in 2020.

NICOLE BUFFIE/THE CARILLON Pastor Tobias Tissen (right) seen at the Winnipeg Airport upon returning from Mexico.

Anti-mask, anti-lockdown crusader Tobias Tissen has been caught going against the gospel hes adamantly preached from the pulpit and at anti-restriction rallies since the pandemic began in 2020.

The Steinbach Carillon spotted Tissen, 27, wearing a face mask at Winnipegs Richardson International Airport, along with fellow congregants, as they waited to board a flight to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, on Dec. 11.

Tissen, a pastor with the Church of God (Restoration) south of Steinbach, was observed following all public health orders during the flight to his destination, and during his return trip eight days later.

Asked about the nature of his trip, Tissen said he was attending a pastors conference with fellow members of the church.

According to its website, the Church of God (Restoration) has six congregations in Mexico.

Asked about the requirement to be fully immunized against COVID-19 in order to travel by air, Tissen said the airline he used, WestJet, grants religious exemptions.

"I dont see how (the government) can force everybody to take this vaccine because people have strong religious convictions and theyre gonna have to acknowledge it," he said outside the airport upon returning to Manitoba.

He added while, at some point, everyone needs to wear a mask, he takes a stronger stance against vaccines.

Tissen was asked what his congregation would think about his decision to mask up to board a flight.

He replied that if a story was published, there would be swift online backlash.

Alex Steigerwald, Tissens lawyer, declined to comment.

The federal government requires airline passengers to provide proof of vaccination to curb COVID-19 transmission. As of Nov. 30, all passengers aged 12 and older must be fully vaccinated, with few exceptions.

Federal legislation, and WestJet policy, states travellers can board an aircraft without being fully immunized under some circumstances.

"While there are allowances for medical and religious exemptions that meet the governments prescribed criteria, these requests are required to be submitted a minimum of two weeks in advance of travel to request a medical exemption, and three weeks in advance of travel to request a religious exemption. Submitting a request for an exemption does not mean that it will be approved," Morgan Bell, WestJets media and public relations manager, said in an email.

Tissen has repeatedly defied public health orders and encouraged others to do the same, citing religious and constitutional liberties.

He has also spoken at anti-mask and anti-lockdown rallies across Manitoba, and held church services that contravene gathering limits and result in fines for violating public health orders.

In October, he was arrested on an outstanding warrant stemming from repeated offences, the most recent ticket stemming from an anti-mask rally in Winnipeg on May 15. The charges have not been tested in court. The church has charges pending from public health order violations pending before provincial court.

While his bail conditions do not prohibit him from travelling, he is barred from contacting five individuals, including Chris Saccoccia, a popular figure in Canadas anti-mask movement.

A professor of theology and ethics said Tissens flip-flop on following public health orders is a case of not practising what he preaches.

"I imagine he might make an argument along the lines of it was necessary to get there it doesnt mean hes in favour of them," said Robert Dean, associate professor of theology and ethics at Providence University College in Otterburne.

As for religious exemptions, Dean said Christians were arguably at the forefront of past vaccination campaigns, noting they were strong proponents of inoculating against smallpox.

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Misinformation on the internet and Mennonites historic distrust of government have contributed to a rise of conspiracy theories and anti-vaccine stances, Dean speculated.

"A Christian theological understanding of freedom is that were most truly free when were free to love and serve God and our neighbour, but you dont give me anything that restricts me in any way," Dean said.

"Weve confused the concept of freedom with the freedom of the possible."

Tissen was one of three individuals and seven churches to challenge the constitutionality of public health orders in a court case this year. The group claimed public health orders went against Canadians constitutional freedom to gather.

In an October decision, Manitoba Court of Queens Bench Chief Justice Glenn Joyal ruled the restrictions were justified given the severity of the pandemic.

 Steinbach Carillon
OTTAWA  Manitoba is pledging revolutionary improvements to daycare access, though advocates worry a slow increase to front-line wages will thwart the rollout of affordable spots.

BORIS MINKEVICH / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES On Tuesday, the Manitoba government released the child care agreement it signed with Ottawa in August, which explains how the province will implement the Trudeau governments $30-billion pledge for $10-a-day daycare across Canada.

OTTAWA  Manitoba is pledging revolutionary improvements to daycare access, though advocates worry a slow increase to front-line wages will thwart the rollout of affordable spots.

"They have still have not fully reckoned with the absolute, crucial role of paying the wages that are required," said University of Manitoba Prof. Susan Prentice, one of Canadas leading child care experts.

On Tuesday, the Manitoba government released the child care agreement it signed with Ottawa in August, which explains how the province will implement the Trudeau governments $30-billion pledge for $10-a-day daycare across Canada.

Manitoba should reach that goal by March 2023, far ahead of most provinces.

The agreement spells out funding timelines and what targets each government must meet in order to keep the funds flowing. It touches on everything from building daycares, to creating training programs for future staff, to boosting wages and quality standards.

Yet, the plan also seems to delay a pledge to boost the average pay for certain jobs to $25 per hour until the third year of the agreement.

Roughly 10 per cent of the first two years of funding goes toward wage increases. Thats despite most jobs not seeing a substantial increase in pay since 2016. Manitoba has a cap on parent fees, but the sector argues constrained provincial funding makes it impossible to boost salaries.

As a result, expensive commercially run spaces are easier to find than cheaper non-profit ones, particularly in poorer areas.

"Even though Manitoba is the second most affordable province (after) Quebec, for very low-income families, its been hell," Prentice said.

Hundreds of staff have left daycares to earn more in schools as educational assistants.

Early childhood educators require post-secondary education, and the mean hourly wage ranges from $19.77 to $24.81 in Manitoba for non-director roles. The agreement would set a minimum wage for those positions ranging from $20.90 to $25.84 starting next March.

Meanwhile, CCAs, who require a few weeks of training, could be paid as low as $12.25 to plan activities, change diapers and prepare meals.

"Its clearly profoundly inadequate (and) very short-sighted," Prentice said, arguing it dates to undervaluing the labour of a primarily female workforce.

The Families Department said in a statement its hoping to raise wages sooner with more federal help.

"Manitoba is wrapping up negotiations with Canada for a separate one-time Early Childhood Workforce Funding allocation, that will provide the (child care) sector with recruitment incentives and financial benefits to retain staff" until it can implement its wage targets.

Ottawa projects its agreement will have Manitoba hire between 4,600 to 5,750 specialized workers (not including on First Nations reserves, which fall under a separate plan). Yet, the Manitoba Child Care Association argues that expansion will be impossible unless current wages are substantially increased.

"I worry about expanding a system that is fragile," said executive director Jodie Kehl, whose group represents more than 4,000 daycare workers. "Weve got a lot of catch-up to do here."

She noted under the new agreement, the director of a daycare with 151 to 200 spaces would be making $67,000 per year, a salary far lower than equivalent roles in schools.

"It (should) not just be the lowest of the low meeting an already too low bar; its about raising the bar higher for the entire sector," Kehl said.

The NDP had similar concerns, particularly about "pitiful wages" for college-educated workers.

"You can make more money working at Sobeys," said Notre Dame MLA Malaya Marcelino. "They have to increase those wages, like yesterday. So we can even get the ball rolling."

Many parts of the deal impressed her, but Marcelino is cautious the Tory government will focus on non-profit spaces.

Months before signing Ottawas deal, the PC government passed legislation that allows more of a role for the commercial sector, and commissioned consultants who suggested the cap be raised for higher-income parents.

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"Its a complete 180 (degrees) from what we were doing in the spring," she said. "With the PCs at the helm of this plan, we have trust issues."

She worried the province will use federal funds to replace its own spending on child care instead of sharing enough costs, yet Prentice noted fairly stringent reporting requirements, and limits to how much untapped money can be carried into subsequent years.

Meanwhile, child care groups are hoping for more specificity around targets, with the agreement including the term "to be determined" 54 times.

A January 2016 report from the former NDP governments child care commission pointed to issues in collecting data pertaining to the sector, and the Manitoba government said acknowledged "system limitations" will take time to overcome.

"Its quite underdeveloped for an action plan. But most of the early indications are, in general, positive," Prentice said.

dylan.robertson@freepress.mb.ca
WINNIPEG - The Manitoba government is hoping to design its own carbon-pricing plan that could shift the emphasis slightly away from income-tax rebates to spending more on green-energy projects.

Manitoba Premier Heather Stefanson speaks to media before the throne speech at the Manitoba legislature in Winnipeg on Tuesday, Nov. 23, 2021. Stefanson says she wants a made-in-Manitoba carbon price that could shift the emphasis slightly away from income-tax rebates to spending more on green-energy projects. THE CANADIAN PRESS/John Woods

WINNIPEG - The Manitoba government is hoping to design its own carbon-pricing plan that could shift the emphasis slightly away from income-tax rebates to spending more on green-energy projects.

"What I want to see is results, better results, in Manitoba," Premier Heather Stefanson said in a year-end interview with The Canadian Press.

"It's not about charging somebody something and then giving it back on the other hand. I'm not sure that that does anything to help our environment."

Stefanson pointed to a recent announcement of financial support for transit expansion and electric buses in Winnipeg as an example of the kind of projects that could be funded.

"We want to move toward that electrification of vehicles."

Former premier Brian Pallister had planned in 2018 to have a flat $25 a tonne price on carbon. That was lower than the minimum escalating level set by the federal government, but Pallister said Manitoba deserved credit for billions of dollars spent on clean hydroelectric projects, which utility customers continue to pay for.

Ottawa brought in a backstop carbon price on provinces that did not meet its demands and promised to return the money  90 per cent through personal income tax rebates and 10 per cent via investments to help businesses and communities reduce their carbon footprint.

The federal price started in 2019 at $20 a tonne and is set to rise to $170 a tonne by 2030. The current price of $40 a tonne adds about 8.8 cents a litre to gasoline, or about $3.50 more to put 40 litres into a car.

Manitoba took the issue to Federal Court and lost. Soon after becoming premier, Stefanson announced she would not appeal the ruling and planned instead to negotiate a deal with Ottawa.

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Stefanson said she does not like the federal backstop and wants provincial control over carbon.

"I don't trust that it's necessarily going back to where it should ... I think there's better ways to invest that money in Manitoba where it could provide a cleaner, greener province."

Opposition NDP Leader Wab Kinew said he would enact a provincial carbon price and divide the money  90 per cent on refunds to individuals and 10 per cent on initiatives, including a charging network for electric vehicles and new ways to help the agriculture sector reduce emissions.

Kinew had called for an end to court battles with Ottawa when Pallister was premier.

"Nobody expects another court case against Ottawa to help fight climate change, so we've got to move beyond that and find a collaborative approach, a negotiated way forward," he said.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 23, 2021.
WHEN customers pop in to their local Liquor Mart to buy a bottle of scotch or a case of beer, they can also grab a free box of KN95 masks to ward off the Omicron variant.

WHEN customers pop in to their local Liquor Mart to buy a bottle of scotch or a case of beer, they can also grab a free box of KN95 masks to ward off the Omicron variant.

The province is using Manitoba Liquor Marts to hand out the masks, Crown Services Minister Reg Helwer announced on Twitter Wednesday afternoon.

"As the province continues to support Manitobans protecting themselves from the increased spread of the Omicron variant, the province is partnering with (Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries) to make KN95 masks available at Liquor Marts and casinos in the coming days."

He went on to say customers can request and receive a box of masks at no cost from any Winnipeg Liquor Mart or one of the MLL-operated casinos starting today and Liquor Marts and liquor vendors across Manitoba after Christmas."

Several people told the Free Press they requested and were given a box of masks at city Liquor Marts Wednesday afternoon.

An employee at the Portage Avenue and Banning Street outlet said he was surprised by the sudden influx of customers requesting masks and said he didnt know how people had found out they had masks in advance of todays rollout.

One customer, Nathan Laser, said hed found out from a Free Press news story based on Helwers tweet.

He called the initiative "a reasonably good place to start."

"Its obviously a place where people are going during the holidays, so it makes sense as a distribution point."

NDP Leader Wab Kinew said he doesnt go to Liquor Marts often and thinks masks should be distributed at other places as well.

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"If you make the masks available in other locations, like libraries, community centres other points where the average Manitoban can get access to them, that would be a good thing," he said.

Demand for higher quality masks has been sparked by concern cloth masks and surgical masks do not provide enough protection against Omicron, a highly infectious variant of the novel coronavirus that is spreading rapidly throughout the community.

Although the majority of the 400 new cases reported in Manitoba Wednesday involve the Delta variant, officials predict Omicron is on track to become the dominant strain.

On Wednesday, Dr. Jazz Atwal, the deputy chief provincial health officer, said one-quarter to one-third of all new cases are suspected to be Omicron. The samples need to be sequenced by a lab before that can be confirmed.

The five-day test positivity rate provincewide is 9.9 per cent.

fpcity@freepress.mb.ca
The Omicron variant has prompted new public health restrictions and killed big holiday gatherings but  unlike her predecessor who was in a similar situation last year  the Manitoba premier doesnt see herself as the Grinch who stole Christmas.

The Omicron variant has prompted new public health restrictions and killed big holiday gatherings but  unlike her predecessor who was in a similar situation last year  the Manitoba premier doesnt see herself as the Grinch who stole Christmas.

"My job in this role is ensuring that theres that hope and opportunity for the future," Premier Heather Stefanson said in a year-end interview with the Free Press.

This time in 2020, then-premier Brian Pallister sobbed about being "the guy whos stealing Christmas to keep you safe" with strict public health orders amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

This week, Stefanson talked about the contentious Progressive Conservative leadership race to replace the now-retired Pallister, Manitobans divided over COVID-19 restrictions, keeping cabinet members in line, and how her government can survive the worst health and economic crisis in the provinces history.

MIKAELA MACKENZIE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Manitoba Premier Heather Stefanson was sworn in as the province's first female premier seven weeks ago.

Unlike most new political leaders, the provinces first female premier hasnt enjoyed a honeymoon phase. Stefanson, 51, has been on the hot seat since prior to her swearing-in ceremony seven weeks ago.

Shes looking forward to the holidays, and staying put in Manitoba  cancelling plans for a trip outside of Canada after the federal government advised against non-essential international travel.

Shes instructed her cabinet and caucus to do likewise; however, unelected staff arent being told not to go abroad.

The premier expects cabinet and caucus to follow the rules  and they do, she said.

MIKAELA MACKENZIE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Manitoba Premier Heather Stefanson: "Things change on a day-to-day and, sometimes, hour-by-hour basis in the middle of a pandemic."

After Stefanson mandated all Tory caucus members had to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 by Dec. 15 or theyd be kicked out, the one suspected holdout (Infrastructure Minister Ron Schuler) has complied.

Unlike most MLAs and ministers, Schuler wont acknowledge hes been vaccinated or urge Manitobans to do so to help prevent hospital ICUs from being overwhelmed. The Springfield-Ritchot MLA says his respect for "civil liberties" and the privacy of personal health information prevents him from doing either.

When asked why she doesnt tell Schuler to get with the public health program or get out of cabinet, Stefanson was quick to answer. "Frankly, I did do that. I set the rules and hes following and abiding by those rules that I put in place."

More rules may be coming, she hinted. "Things change on a day-to-day and, sometimes, hour-by-hour basis in the middle of a pandemic."

For now, her rules dont require ministers to promote vaccination. Thats not because her government is pandering to the PC base opposed to COVID-19 vaccines and health restrictions, Stefanson said.

"Ive been very clear where I stand on this. I started the vaccination implementation task force (in her time as health minister). We know that the vaccine works; it keeps people out of hospital and out of the ICU," she said.

The strategy for dealing with pockets of the province that dont believe that, where vaccination rates are low, isnt about to change.

MIKAELA MACKENZIE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Manitoba Premier Heather Stefanson: "We needed to keep laser-focused on what Manitobans wanted us to do."

"Well continue to work with with law enforcement and public health to make sure we get that message out there," Stefanson said.

The premier said the Tory government isnt ignoring public health order scofflaws, and Manitoba has the most rigorous enforcement in Western Canada.

She hasnt visited the city of Winkler  one of Manitobas low-vax locales  since August, when she was running for PC leader. Now that shes premier, Stefanson said shed revisit Winkler to deliver the public health message to get vaccinated  if it would help.

"Im open to whatever people may suggest. If I can help in any way, then Im open to that advice," the premier said. "We recognize theres more work to be done there."

Its mainly unvaccinated Manitobans filling ICUs, requiring diverted health-care resources and resulting in more than 150,000 postponed surgical and diagnostic procedures.

In June, when the backlog was closer to 130,000 and Stefanson was health minister, Doctors Manitoba urged the province to strike a task force to address the problem. It took six months for the government to announce it.

"The important thing is we do have that task force up and running now," Stefanson said. "Sometimes, it takes time to get things right Ive been in this role for seven weeks now and I think weve moved pretty quickly to get this up and running."

Any "noise" from failed PC leadership rival Shelly Glover  whose court application to invalidate the election result was filed Nov. 2, the same day Stefanson was sworn in  wasnt a distraction, the premier said.

"We needed to keep laser-focused on what Manitobans wanted us to do, and that is to ensure that we manage through the pandemic."

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Pallisters laser focus on balancing the budget has been blamed for health-care cuts that later forced Manitoba to send 57 COVID-19 patients out of province for treatment in May.

Stefanson wouldnt call it a Tory failure, saying it was the result of a nationwide ICU nurse shortage. She said it wouldve been worse if not for her governments actions to train more than 200 nurses to work in critical care.

"If we didnt start doing that 10 months ago, we would be in a different situation today. Im thankful we did move on that and were proactive in doing so."

Systemic problems exposed by the pandemic have been linked to health-care consolidation overseen by former health ministers Kelvin Goertzen and Cameron Friesen, but its Stefanson and current Health Minister Audrey Gordon having to answer for those actions now.

The new premier said she doesnt read too much into the fact that during a crisis, women are in the tough top jobs and must carry that political millstone.

"I think we have a tremendous group of cabinet and caucus colleagues," said the premier, who praised Gordons work since she joined cabinet less than a year ago.

"We will face these challenges together  men, women, everyone," said Stefanson, who is planning a cabinet shuffle in January.

Her new cabinet will review some of Pallisters agenda, including K-12 education reform and address "rumblings" about legislation already passed that allows a provincially appointed panel to overrule municipal planning decisions.

The group needs to get COVID-weary Manitobans through the pandemic while focusing on growing the economy, the premier said.

"We can provide hope and opportunity to see our kids and grandkids have tremendous opportunities in Manitoba in the future."

carol.sanders@freepress.mb.ca
OTTAWA  Three more Manitoba MPs have clarified that they wont be travelling abroad this Christmas and that theyll get COVID-19 booster shots, while two Tories wont answer those questions.

OTTAWA  Three more Manitoba MPs have clarified that they wont be travelling abroad this Christmas and that theyll get COVID-19 booster shots, while two Tories wont answer those questions.

The Free Press reported Wednesday that five of Manitobas 14 MPs did not answer queries as to whether theyd follow the Public Health Agency of Canada advisory to avoid non-essential international travel, as well as Manitoba officials request that anyone who qualifies for a booster shot to get their third dose.

NDP MPs Daniel Blaikie and Leah Gazan did not answer those questions by a Tuesday-afternoon deadline. Both subsequently reached out, with the party citing reduced staffing on the week of Christmas, and said theyll get boosted and will not travel abroad.

Conservative MP Marty Morantz confirmed Thursday hes also getting a booster and not leaving Canada  the Free Press requested comment earlier this week through the email address of a staff member who had left his office.

Conservative MP Ted Falk (Trevor Hagan / The Canadian Press files)

That leaves two Conservative MPs not answering the two questions as of Thursday morning: Raquel Dancho and Ted Falk.

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Falk, who represents the Provencher riding, has refused to say whether hes vaccinated or had a medical exemption to sit in the House of Commons before it tightened its criteria for those exemptions. Dancho, who represents Kildonan-St. Paul, previously said she had her second dose in August.

Meanwhile, Point Douglas Coun. Vivian Santos was the only Winnipeg councillor among 15 to not answer the survey; she has previously claimed a medical exemption to vaccination.

At the legislature, all three parties have instructed their MLAs not to leave Canada, and a Monday survey found the NDP and Liberals have all made plans to get booster shots. The governing PCs would not say if MLAs have been instructed to get third doses.

Last week, provincial Infrastructure Minister Ron Schuler refused to comment on getting vaccinated, even though it was mandatory for cabinet minsters.

The minister responsible for the Emergency Measures Organization told reporters Dec. 16 his personal health information is private, and his belief in civil liberties compels him to keep that information private.

dylan.robertson@freepress.mb.ca
Its encouraging to see the ways in which the provincial government seems to be taking seriously the dangerous escalation of COVID-19 infection during the past week.

Its encouraging to see the ways in which the provincial government seems to be taking seriously the dangerous escalation of COVID-19 infection during the past week.

Province extends school break to buy us time in Omicron fight Click to Expand Manitoba dducation minister Cliff Cullen. Posted: 9:35 AM Dec. 22, 2021 Manitoba is padding the end of the winter break for K-12 students in a bid to buy time while public health officials assess the risk of the Omicron variant and how best to resume learning in the new year. On Wednesday  the last day of school before upwards of 200,000 students go on vacation  Education Minister Cliff Cullen announced the return-to-school date will be Jan. 10. Read Full Story

Its equally disconcerting, however, to observe the examples in which this still does not seem to be the case.

On Wednesday, one day after heightened public-health orders came into effect, the province announced it will delay the post-holiday return to classes for K-12 students until Jan. 10. "This will give (school officials) more time to better assess the risk and look at options for the new year," said Education Minister Cliff Cullen.

Delaying the resumption of classroom instruction by at least four days (teachers will still be required to report for duty on Jan. 6) will also allow more time for youth vaccinations and the distribution of rapid tests to schools provincewide, Mr. Cullen added, which will afford families the opportunity to screen their children for infection in an effort to limit the spread of COVID-19 in schools.

At approximately the same time on Wednesday, the Stefanson government announced a new round of pandemic-related financial supports for small- and medium-sized businesses affected by the enhanced restrictions on public gatherings that took effect Tuesday.

Province announces $22M in support for businesses hurt by new health orders Click to Expand SHANNON VAN RAES / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Pinky Fuentes, owner of Pinkys Bakeshop in Osborne Village, is eligible for Manitobas new business support program, but says its borderline in its assistance. Posted: 11:46 AM Dec. 22, 2021 Manitobas newest grant for businesses is timely but falls short of covering the ongoing damages wrought by the pandemic, according to entrepreneurs and stakeholders. Businesses hit by fourth wave restrictions can apply to the Sector Support Program, the province announced Wednesday. Funding ranges from $3,000 to $12,000 and is dependent on an organizations staffing levels. Read Full Story

Under the $22-million Sector Support Program, businesses such as restaurants, hotels and bars that provide dine-in food services, fitness and recreation facilities, movie theatres, performance venues and museums will be able to apply for grants ranging from $3,000 to $12,000 based on the number of people they employ.

These are positive developments which, at face value, seem to indicate a timely urgency in the provinces response at a time when the Omicron-driven fourth wave is gaining momentum at breakneck speed. Case counts continued to surge on Wednesday, with 400 new infections and a province-wide test positivity rate of 9.9 per cent reported by health officials.

But how does one square this admirable gravity of response against the rather tepid plans laid out by the province for communicating with the public during this crucial phase of the burgeoning fourth wave? Before a backlash on Wednesday apparently prompted an abrupt change of strategy, the province had earlier announced it would take a holiday pause from its pandemic-related updates, offering no daily case-count numbers between Dec. 24 and Dec. 29.

The apparent reversal of position, to one that will now reportedly include "some" data being updated on weekdays during the holiday stretch, was necessary and will be appreciated by Manitobans deeply concerned about what appears to be another out-of-control wave of COVID-19 infection.

MIKAELA MACKENZIE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES "This will give (school officials) more time to better assess the risk and look at options for the new year," said Education Minister Cliff Cullen.

But the fact a plan was ever in place to take a break from informing the public suggests there are still elements in the provincial response that either underestimate or seek to minimize the seriousness of the situation and how crucially necessary it is to keep the public fully informed.

As is the case with the provinces seeming inability (or, some argue, reluctance) to directly confront issues of low vaccine uptake and chronic health-order defiance in the Southern Health region, the public is fully justified in expecting better.

With hours-long lineups being experienced at COVID-19 testing sites, schools, businesses and even health facilities reporting viral outbreaks, and families and individuals both confused and deeply dismayed by how health orders will affect their holiday gatherings for a second consecutive year, the province must reassure the public that its pandemic response is a fully engaged 24/7 endeavour.

Omicron is not taking Christmas week off. Thats the only calendar reality that should guide the provinces actions from now until 2022.
Manitoba is padding the end of the winter break for K-12 students in a bid to buy time while public health officials assess the risk of the Omicron variant and how best to resume learning in the new year.

Manitoba is padding the end of the winter break for K-12 students in a bid to buy time while public health officials assess the risk of the Omicron variant and how best to resume learning in the new year.

On Wednesday  the last day of school before upwards of 200,000 students go on vacation  Education Minister Cliff Cullen announced the return-to-school date will be Jan. 10.

Most students were originally scheduled to resume in-person learning Jan. 6, after a two-week-long break.

"Buying ourselves some time is critical in this fight," Cullen said during an afternoon news conference held via Zoom.

"This will buy time for us to get vaccinated. It will buy us time to make sure that we get rapid tests into all the hands of those who want to use rapid tests, and just buy us more time to get prepared for, hopefully, a safe return to schools come January."

MIKAELA MACKENZIE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES Manitoba dducation minister Cliff Cullen.

School staff will still be expected to report to work Thursday and Friday for a mix of professional development and to prepare for instruction, however it may be delivered.

Manitoba Education expects school divisions to be prepared with contingency plans for both code orange and red on the provinces pandemic response system. The latter involves universal remote learning for all but the young children of essential workers.

Cullen said public health will ultimately make a call about what classes in early 2022 look like by taking into account data about health-care capacity, the impact of the new variant and the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines against Omicron, among other things.

He could not say Wednesday when the public can expect an update, although the minister insisted there will be as much advance notice given as possible.

This will buy time for us to get vaccinated. It will buy us time to make sure that we get rapid tests into all the hands of those who want to use rapid tests, and just buy us more time to get prepared for, hopefully, a safe return to schools come January.  Manitoba education minister Cliff Cullen

While schools will be closed to the public for K-12 learning  in turn, requiring families to scramble to find child care, the province indicated daycares will remain open for children under age 12.

Diana Metrik said the child care sector was not consulted about the decision, which came as a surprise to her and her colleagues at Earl Grey Childrens Centre in Winnipeg.

"If the goal of this winter break extension was to provide a circuit breaker (in response to) the increased amount of cases, then theres absolutely no sense to bring the same children that go to the school, to bring them to daycare," said Metrik, assistant director of the centre based out of Earl Grey School.

ALEX LUPUL / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES Manitoba NDP leader Wab Kinew.

"We already are struggling with staffing. Theres currently about 70 ads on the Manitoba Child Care Association job opportunities board."

Manitoba NDP Leader Wab Kinew echoed the concerns of child care centre operators during a scrum with reporters.

"What considerations and preparations are being made to keep them, their workers and their children and families safe? We really need to see much more support offered to the child care centres," said Kinew.

Both the Manitoba Teachers Society and Manitoba School Boards Association are in support of the decision to extend the break by four days, including a weekend.

What considerations and preparations are being made to keep them, their workers and their children and families safe? We really need to see much more support offered to the child care centres."  Manitoba NDP Leader Wab Kinew

"There will be a small sigh of relief that at least we know that, if necessary, there will be a bit of preparation time in-school or at work in the beginning of January in case we need to pivot," said James Bedford, MTS president.

While Bedford said schools are far better positioned to go remote now than they were in March 2020, he indicated access to technology and high-speed internet remain key barriers to student participation.

Despite the late announcement, Alan Campbell, president of the school boards association, said he is hopeful students, families and front-line education staff will now be able to take a moment to rest over the holidays.

Campbell said it is his understanding every division will be receiving shipments of rapid test kits to ease anxieties about Omicron.

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As of Wednesday, rapid tests have been shipped to 17 of Manitobas 37 public school divisions and a total of 63 schools located in First Nations and northern communities.

The Division scolaire franco-manitobaine team received approximately 16,000 tests in bulk late Tuesday.

In order to package them into kits of five and distribute those to each francophone elementary school in Manitoba before the final bell rang before vacation, superintendent Alain Laberge said division staffers were on the task at 6:30 a.m.

"It takes a village to protect a village," he said.

 with files from Carol Sanders

maggie.macintosh@freepress.mb.ca

Twitter: @macintoshmaggie
You really have to wonder whether Premier Heather Stefanson, her ministers and public health advisers know the meaning of the word urgent.

You really have to wonder whether Premier Heather Stefanson, her ministers and public health advisers know the meaning of the word "urgent."

For most of us, urgent means rapid, drastic, decisive and immediate. However, in the lexicon of this Tory government and its questionable pandemic response, urgent has come to mean dither and defer.

For proof, one need only consider the events of this week.

On Wednesday, Finance Minister Scott Fielding and Jobs Minister Jon Reyes unveiled a support program for businesses hurt by new restrictions introduced to combat the Omicron variant of COVID-19. At first glance, the program is reasonable, sensible and  if were being honest  at least five days late.

RUTH BONNEVILLE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES Manitobas minister of health Audrey Gordon announcing new health orders Dec. 17.

Remember, it was Dec. 17 when Health Minister Audrey Gordon announced cuts to indoor capacity for all businesses. For those in the retail and hospitality sectors who had hoped to gorge themselves on holiday spending, it was horrible news at the worst possible time.

However, the bad news seemed to be exacerbated by the fact it was not accompanied by new financial supports for businesses and workers.

Odder still was the fact that, on the very day restrictions were announced, the Tory government pat itself on the back for an improved fiscal outlook.

Four-and-a-half hours before Gordons announcement, Fielding hosted a news conference to confirm that half-way through the fiscal year, the deficit forecast had shrunk by $474 million to $1.12 billion. Contributing to the smaller deficit was $381 million in pandemic response funds budgeted last April that remain unspent.

RUTH BONNEVILLE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES Finance Minister Scott Fielding presents the 2021-22 Mid-Year Report  Fiscal and Economic Update at a press conference Dec. 17th.

For five days, businesses and their lobby groups begged the Tories for help as they faced yet another existential threat to their livelihood. And for five days, the Tories let business owners stew in their own anxiety.

This was not a case of the left hand not knowing what the right hand was doing in Premier Heather Stefansons government. This was more evidence of this governments inability to respond urgently to urgent needs.

The five-day delay for business supports is nowhere near the prolonged delays we saw when Brian Pallister was premier. While he may be gone, the worst of his pandemic response proclivities have remained.

Consider that, even as Omicron quickly spreads in the province, the Stefanson government announced on Monday it was suspending contact tracing efforts to transfer resources to the vaccination campaign.

When there is a huge spike in cases like were experiencing right now, contact tracing is difficult. However, giving up on it altogether is indefensible. Contact tracing is a pillar of pandemic control.

Yet another case in point: with evidence that Omicron can cause breakthrough infections among the fully vaccinated, particularly those who got their second dose more than six months ago, the province is silent on whether it can or will expand testing capacity.

Lineups at the nine testing sites in Winnipeg have grown dangerously long, but communicators with the provinces pandemic response refused to say whether there are plans to open more sites.

Lineups at the nine testing sites in Winnipeg have grown dangerously long, but communicators with the provinces pandemic response refused to say whether there are plans to open more sites.

If there is a plan to add testing capacity, government spokespeople wont say. If there isnt a plan, heaven help us all.

Before Stefanson or one of her ministers claim they are doing the best they can, we should remember weve had weeks to prepare for whats happening right now. Omicron was identified by the World Health Organization as a variant of concern in late November. Within a few days of that warning, the first cases began appearing in Canada.

We also knew within two weeks of those first cases that Omicron is exponentially more contagious than other variants and demonstrates a worrisome ability to infect fully vaccinated people. There was no doubt Omicron was on its way to Manitoba and it was going to be bad.

True to those predictions, on Wednesday the province reported more than 700 new cases over the previous 48 hours, pushing the test positivity rate for Winnipeg to 10.6 per cent. Numbers like these are the echoes of past, deadly waves of COVID-19.

Despite all this, the Stefanson government is taking the same leisurely approach to restrictions that defined Pallisters pandemic response.

THE CANADIAN PRESS FILES/John Woods Despite all this, the Stefanson government is taking the same leisurely approach to restrictions that defined Pallisters pandemic response.

New restrictions announced last week are woefully inadequate in the face of Omicrons ferocity.

Its as if the Tory government knows its about to suffer a head-on collision with a much bigger vehicle and the only response it can think of is to slow down. Avoiding the collision seems totally out of the question.

Dan Lett | Not for Attribution A weekly look at politics close to home and around the world that is sent every Tuesday. Sign Up I agree to the Terms and Conditions, Cookie and Privacy Policies, and CASL agreement.

There is no way to dodge Omicron, but there certainly are ways to limit the toll it is about to take on this province.

We need to hunker down, only go out for necessities, pause household gatherings and avoid large indoor crowds.

Ironically, we need to do all the things that Manitobas public health officials are pleading with us to do, but which political leaders refuse to enact and enforce.

For Manitobans, the challenge is clear.

We must, as individuals, take "urgent" actions to combat the Omicron threat. Lamentably, the provincial government does not know the meaning of the word.

dan.lett@freepress.mb.ca
The Winona Middle School Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) program donated more than $720 to the Winona Community Warming Center on Wednesday.

The proceeds came from the AVID Holiday Store, which sells donated items for $1 each.

The holiday store provides an opportunity for middle school students to shop for unique gifts for friends and family. Staff members donate items for purchase and volunteer their time to wrap whatever the students purchase.

The total amount raised was $720.13, the largest amount donated by the AVID Holiday Store.

The Winona Community Warming Center provides emergency shelter for Winona-area adults 18 and older who are experiencing homelessness.

AVID is a program that focuses on students who are typically in the academic middle and need additional support. Students are taught study skills and organization, academic vocabulary, self-advocacy, and to visualize themselves as scholars.

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The complaint states these items are common in manufacturing meth. The complaint also alleges there was 0.4 grams of methamphetamine in the house, 3.1 grams of THC and various other drug paraphernalia including meth and THC pipes, syringes and digital scales.

Officers spoke with Groom following the execution of the search warrant. Groom allegedly told officers he doesnt want to be in the drug game, but knows a lot of people. Groom also allegedly told police he buys and sells drugs with another person identified in the complaint as Slim.

Groom told officers he has a drug debt with Slim and that he purchased from Slim twice a week. The complaint states that Groom said he was a horrible drug dealer.

Groom is scheduled to be back in court in January for a pre-trial conference and a return date in front on Judge Klicko in February.

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Phillips said a Wisconsin law signed last summer allows only the suing local governments to get a share of the settlement proceeds, unlike in some other states where all local governments will benefit from them. It also calls for 70% of the proceeds to go to local governments, reserving 30% for the state.

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The board unanimously passed the resolution Tuesday to enter into the settlement agreement and agree to two memorandums of understanding, one stipulating the 70-30 split and one that details how the money will be allocated among the local governments and attorneys. Supervisors Terry Spencer, Shane Gibson and Michelle Bushweiler were excused to be absent.

Twenty percent of the countys proceeds  roughly $690,500  will be set aside for attorneys fees, according to the second memorandum. Phillips said the county originally agreed to pay 25% of the proceeds to the attorneys working on the suit, but a $4 billion attorney fees fund was established at the national level as a result of the settlement. Local attorneys who worked on the case can apply to receive some of those funds; if it doesnt cover their full fees, the difference will come from the 20% set aside by the county, he said.
Well have to file a rate case to help pay for the well, but for how much and how it impacts customers wont be known until all the funding sources are known, Sobeck said.

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The proposed watermain will run from the well house west, under Highway 58, and continue north along the west side of the highway to the existing distribution system on the villages south side.

After receiving PSC and DNR approvals, construction is expected to begin in April and be completed by Feb. 28, 2023. That would meet the completion deadline in DNRs consent order, which the village has been under after benzene was found in March 2020, in amounts that exceeded maximum concentration levels set by the Environment Protection Agency.

In response, the village installed a DNR-approved filtration system on its only source of public drinking water, which has worked successfully, Sobeck said.

The source of the benzene is yet unknown but will be investigated after Well 2 goes online and Well 1 is taken out of service and tested, he said.

The village doesnt plan to abandon Well 1 if it can be rehabilitated.

It would be nice to have two wells, Sobeck said.
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The woman said she had moved in with French in October. The two became engaged in mid-November. According to the criminal complaint, the woman said French had gotten upset at her when she was apprehensive about moving in with him and agreed to do so because she felt guilty about getting him upset. While living together, French became upset about messages on her phone and physically assaulted her while questioning her about the messages.

According to the complaint, French put a knife to her throat at one point in late November before getting up and retrieving a revolver. The woman said French straddled her and pointed the gun at her left temple and said if she left him he would kill her. The woman said, he also said If I dont get a chance to kill you, I will hunt you for the rest of my life.

The woman said she was too scared to get help because she thought French would kill her. The woman said she was not allowed to say no when French wanted sex, according to the complaint.

Around Dec. 2, the woman said French hit her about 20 times.
The recent disclosures of text messages sent by the hosts of two leading shows on Fox News Channel to the chief of staff to President Trump urging a speech to the nation at the height of the Jan. 6 assault on the U. S. Capitol has again raised ethical questions over personal involvement in presidential decision-making.

Both Sean Hannity and his colleague Laura Ingraham sent frantic messages to chief of staff Mark Meadows, imploring a presidential address urging the protestors to leave the Capitol.

Their messages warned the riot was inflicting major damage on Trump and would destroy his legacy.

Both justified their private messages as nothing different from what theyd already said repeatedly on the air. Why, then, did each feel it crucial to use private back channels to offer advice if not for a self-serving desire to play a significant role in a history-making  albeit disgraceful  event?

Granted, neither Hannity nor Ingraham went as far over the line as Cuomo, but their efforts to insert themselves into the center of the riveting events swirling around them smacked of personal aggrandizement and self-promotion.
Food for the holidays is often a big expense. The Happy Kids Network is once again looking to alleviate that issue.

The Wisconsin Dells-based nonprofit is operating its fourth annual Holiday Market today from noon to 6 p.m. at Wisconsin Dells High School. Families in the Wisconsin Dells School District are allowed to get food, cookware and other essentials for the holidays regardless of income or any other factors. All items will be free of charge.

We will have over 100,000 pounds of food available, said Autumn Giddings, Vice President of Happy Kids Network. A lot of it fresh fruits and vegetables, eggs, meats and cheeses, things like that. Lots of canned goods to help folks get through the winter.

Along with the different food items, the Holiday Market will also have kitchen goods. Air fryers, slow cookers, griddles, skillets, pots and pans and other tools will be available for families.

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Blankets and other bedding will also be at the event. Families can also get toiletries and cleaning products.

As much as your family can use, we are going to send home with you, said Giddings.
As his mom prepared the meal, the American explained to her they have been lost in the countryside for days, separated from their regiment after heavy fighting in what would later be termed the infamous Battle of the Bulge. They were challenged by the snow, cold, and trying to avoid enemy capture, simultaneously caring for their comrade who was shot in the leg and losing blood. They stumbled upon this cabin on the German border with Belgium and took a risk that they could seek refuge for at least one night.

As they spoke, another knock came from the door causing Fritz to rush and open the door expecting to find more Americans. Instead, four men in drab grey uniforms and steel helmets stood outside. Fritz was pushed aside as Elisabeth quickly went out to speak to the German Whermacht who now stood outside her door and demanded to know who was inside. She knew that harboring and aiding the enemy could result in her immediate death and possibly her sons too.

Instead, Fritzs mom courageously told the four Germans that tonight was different. This was not an ordinary night, and despite war raging across the European landscape, there would be no war in her cabin on Christmas Eve. And with that, Elisabeth offered the four German soldiers the same hospitality of a warm fire, a hot meal, and peace for one evening.
NEW YORK (AP) - A prosecutor says former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo wont face criminal charges after a female state trooper said she felt completely violated by his unwanted touching at an event at a Long Island racetrack in September 2019.

Acting Nassau County District Attorney Joyce Smith said in a statement Thursday that an investigation found the allegations against Cuomo credible, deeply troubling, but not criminal under New York law.

Smith started investigating after the encounter was detailed in Attorney General Letitia James August report that led to Cuomos resignation from office.

A message seeking comment was left with Cuomos spokesperson.

(Copyright 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.)
UNADILLA, N.Y. - New York State Police have released the name of the trooper involved with the Unadilla office - involved shooting.

The Trooper who fired his firearm in Wednesdays officer-involved shooting in Unadilla is identified as Trooper Justin Miller.

New York State Police and the New York State Attorney General's Office are investigating the shooting Wednesday night that left a suspect dead.

State Police were called to a report of a domestic dispute shortly after 7 p.m. at a home on Lyons Street in Unadilla.

According to State Police, the responding trooper was confronted by 24-year-old Mark A. Beilby, who was armed with a knife inside the home. Beilby did not comply with the troopers repeated commands to drop the knife and advanced at the trooper. The trooper discharged his issued firearm, striking Beilby.

Beilby was transported to Tri-Town Hospital, then transferred to Wilson Medical Center where he was pronounced dead.

This developing story will be updated as more details are released.
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) - On Christmas Day a new NASA telescope is set to launch. This will be the largest telescope ever launched to this part of space. News 18 spoke with a Purdue astrophysicist who had a large part in the project.

Danny Milisavljevic is an professor at Purdue but when he's not teaching, he acts as an astrophysicist, contributing valuable insight to NASA. One of his most recent projects is the James Webb Space telescope. The telescope is set to be launched on Christmas Day of 2021.

"Oh my gosh the relief the excitement the satisfaction of finally seeing it in orbit and going where it needs to will be, I'll say, indescribable," remarked Milisavljevic.

This project is years in the making. It was first discussed in the 1980's, and construction began in 2002. Thousands of scientists from over twelve countries contributed to this project. Milisavljevic said it is the largest, most sophisticated telescope ever sent to space.

"Light bounces off these mirrors which are actually coated in gold, and then it reflects back onto the secondary which also is coated in gold. And then it goes back into the rear of the telescope through this back link to the instrumentation where the final image for spectrum is recorded," he explained.

For some perspective, the Hubble telescope was 2.4 meters long, while this new James Webb telescope is 6.5 meters long and therefore, will have to fold up origami style to be launched into space.

The telescope will arrive at what Milisavljevic described as "Lagrange 2 Point". This is intentional as it is the perfect spot that will keep the telescope gravitationally pulled in alignment with the sun and the Earth but will also minimize the amount of light hitting the points where the telescope will be taking its pictures. This perfect formula along with its large size will optimize the clearest of photos of these exploding stars.

There will be a virtual launch part at 6:30 am on Christmas Day via Zoom hosted by Milisavljevic with pannelists.
INDIANAPOLIS (AP)  Federal officials are sending a 23-person U.S. Navy team to Indianas largest hospital to help relieve staffers exhausted and overwhelmed by a surge in COVID-19 hospitalizations.

The U.S. Army North in San Antonio said Monday that medical personnel from the Navy team, including physicians, nurses and respiratory therapists, will travel to IU Health Methodist Hospital, just north of downtown Indianapolis, at the request of the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

The Indiana Department of Health told the Indianapolis Business Journal that the hospital would receive four doctors, 14 nurses, two registered technicians and three administrative staffers.

The hospitals parent, Indiana University Health, had requested staffing assistance from FEMA.

IU Health spokeswoman Lisa Tellus said the Navy team will work at the hospital for 30 days, starting this week, and be integrated into its medical units in areas of greatest need."

The move comes as Indiana's hospitals have warned that they are running out of beds amid a surge in COVID hospitalizations that has left patient-care workers exhausted.

Indiana's hospitalizations from COVID-19 had tripled in recent weeks to 3,029 on Dec. 15. By Monday, that total stood at 3,002. The pandemic high was 3,460 on Nov. 20, 2020.

State health officials reported Monday that only 16% of intensive care unit beds were available statewide.

Several hospital systems, including IU Health and Ascension St. Vincent, have enlisted the Indiana National Guard for help during the latest surge.

On Sunday, three large hospital systems, including IU Health, placed a full-page ad in The Indianapolis Star pleading with Hoosiers to get vaccinated, boosted and tested, and to wear masks.

The situation is dire, read the ad, which coincided with the news that Indiana health officials identified the first case of the omicron variant of COVID-19 in an unvaccinated Hoosier.

We have more patients in our hospitals than we have beds. Were converting available units into critical care wards, just to make room," the ad said, also stating that health care workers are exhausted and running out of steam.

Indiana has the nations ninth-lowest COVID-19 vaccination rate for a fully vaccinated population at 51.7%, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
NEW ALBANY, Ind. (AP)  A southern Indiana police officer has pleaded guilty to official misconduct and agreed to resign from the department after allegedly having a sexual relationship with a police informant.

Adam N. Schneider pleaded guilty Monday in Floyd County to one felony count of official misconduct and one misdemeanor count of interference reporting a crime. He was previously charged with three felony counts of obstruction of justice and one felony count of official misconduct.

Schneider's plea agreement calls for him to face two years of probation and resign from the New Albany Police Department.

He was charged last summer after a woman told investigators she had been involved in a sexual relationship with Schneider while she was a confidential police informant in criminal cases. She also told police Schneider knew she had methamphetamine in her possession, but he chose not to seize it.

Schneider was suspended without pay in July after earlier being placed on paid administrative leave.

The misdemeanor charge he pleaded guilty to stemmed from allegations he took drugs from the woman and made them appear to belong to another suspect. That suspect filed a notice of tort claim against Schneider in October, the News and Tribune reported.

Schneider also faces two counts of voyeurism in adjacent Clark County after investigators found videos on his phone showing women undressing in a private changing room. Investigators said those videos were taken without the knowledge of those women.
LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) - A historic building once home to Lafayette's Coca-Cola plant is now being remodeled for climate-controlled storage.

As News 18 previously reported, about 50 employees at the plant near Sixth and Salem streets were affected when Coca-Cola consolidated operations to an automated distribution center in Whitestown. Some transferred while others were laid off. Now, a self-storage company is moving in.

"It was built in 1939," says Sean Lutes, vice president of the Lafayette Historic Preservation Commission. "It's a concrete frame structure and it's one of the few examples Art Deco architecture that we have here in Lafayette."

The building has been under extensive construction and remodeling for about a month. It's historic glass block windows are ripped out and the iconic Purdue Pete mural is gone.

"So I don't have all the details as to why they may feel the need to do what they're doing but any time we see a historic building reused or finding a new purpose  even if it's really different from what it was originally  we always try to find a way to do it without losing those defining features that made it significant in the first place," Lutes says.

Permits filed with the City of Lafayette show the building is being remodeled to house climate-controlled storage units and several outdoor storage buildings.

It's the most recent case of such a company moving into a vacant building.

"I don't know a lot as to why self-storage is suddenly very popular, but I have noticed them popping up everywhere," Lutes says.

Lutes says the building doesn't fall under any national or local historic districts.

"I don't believe this structure has any protections. So really, whether or not this structure's features are preserved at this point is entirely up to its owners," he says.

Permits show the project is called BoxIt Self Storage. New 18 reached out to the new owner but wasn't able to schedule an interview.
President Xi Jinping meets with Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Carrie Lam, who is on a duty visit to Beijing, capital of China, Dec. 22, 2021. [Xinhua/Li Xueren]

BEIJING, Dec. 22 (Xinhua)  President Xi Jinping on Wednesday met with Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Carrie Lam, who is on a duty visit to Beijing.

During the meeting, Xi heard a report from Lam on Hong Kong's current situation and the HKSAR government's work.

Over the past year, Hong Kong has consolidated the achievements in restoring order and the situation has constantly improved, Xi said, adding that the region has achieved notable results in COVID-19 response, steadily recovered its economy and maintained social stability.

Lam has led the HKSAR government in making systematic changes and improvements to Hong Kong's electoral system in accordance with relevant decision of the National People's Congress (NPC) and relevant legislation of the NPC Standing Committee, Xi said.

Lam has also led the HKSAR government in successfully holding elections of the Election Committee and the Legislative Council (LegCo), resolutely implementing the Hong Kong national security law, and taking active measures to promote the HKSAR's integration into the overall development of the country and comprehensively deepen its exchanges and cooperation with the mainland, Xi said.

The central authorities fully acknowledge the work of Lam and the HKSAR government, Xi said.

Xi said the elections of the Election Committee and the seventh LegCo held under the new electoral system were both successful, with democratic rights of Hong Kong residents reflected, the principle of "patriots administering Hong Kong" implemented, and a political landscape established with wide and balanced participation from all social groups and constituencies.

Practice has proven that the new electoral system adheres to the "one country, two systems" principle and fits Hong Kong's realities, Xi said, calling it a good system that will provide strong institutional support for the steady and sustained development of "one country, two systems" and Hong Kong's enduring prosperity and stability.

Noting that "one country, two systems" is conducive to safeguarding the fundamental interests of the country, the HKSAR and Hong Kong compatriots, Xi said the central authorities will continue to unswervingly implement the "one country, two systems" principle.

Senior officials including Han Zheng, Ding Xuexiang, Guo Shengkun, You Quan, Wang Yi and Xia Baolong attended the meeting.

President Xi Jinping meets with Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Carrie Lam, who is on a duty visit to Beijing, capital of China, Dec. 22, 2021. [Xinhua/Li Xueren]

(Source: Xinhua)
President Xi Jinping meets with Chief Executive of the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) Ho Iat Seng, who is on a duty visit to Beijing, capital of China, Dec. 22, 2021. [Xinhua/Li Xueren]

BEIJING, Dec. 22 (Xinhua)  President Xi Jinping on Wednesday met with Chief Executive of the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) Ho Iat Seng, who is on a duty visit to Beijing.

During the meeting, Xi heard a report from Ho on Macao's current situation and the Macao SAR government's work.

Noting that Macao celebrated the 22nd anniversary of its return to the motherland on Dec. 20, Xi extended festive greetings to all compatriots in Macao.

Xi highlighted the work of Macao over the past year in maintaining the sound momentum of stability and development, effectively taming COVID-19, achieving gradual economic recovery, and successfully completing the election of the seventh Legislative Assembly of the Macao SAR.

The central authorities fully acknowledge the work that Ho and the Macao SAR government have done, Xi said.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Macao society has gained a clearer understanding of existing problems in the region's economic structure and deeper reflections on its future development, Xi said.

The motherland will always act as a strong support for Macao in maintaining prosperity and stability. The central authorities will firmly implement the principle of "one country, two systems" and support Macao in appropriately diversifying its economy, Xi said.

Senior officials including Han Zheng, Ding Xuexiang, Guo Shengkun, You Quan, Wang Yi and Xia Baolong attended the meeting.

President Xi Jinping meets with Chief Executive of the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) Ho Iat Seng, who is on a duty visit to Beijing, capital of China, Dec. 22, 2021. [Xinhua/Shen Hong]

(Source: Xinhua)
Weather Alert

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 4 PM CST THIS AFTERNOON... * WHAT...Snow. Total snow accumulations will range from 1 to 2 inches across most of southern Illinois, southwest Indiana and southeast Missouri. Amounts from 2 to 4 inches can be expected across west Kentucky. * WHERE...Portions of southwest Indiana, southeast Missouri, western Kentucky and southern Illinois. * WHEN...From 6 AM to 4 PM CST Thursday. * IMPACTS...Plan on slippery road conditions. Travel conditions will remain very hazardous. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Slow down and use caution while traveling. &&

...VERY COLD TONIGHT... As we clear out tonight, temperatures will drop to lows in the single digits most areas to just above 10 degrees toward the Missouri Bootheel. Combined with north, northwest winds 5 to 10 mph, minimum wind chill temperatures should bottom out from the single digits to a few degrees below zero, making for a very cold start to the day Friday.
39 places in the running for Jubilee City Status 2022  including Wrexham

Wrexham is amongst 39 places across the UK and British Overseas Territories in the running for city status.

The competition is being run as part of the celebrations for the Queens 2022 Platinum Jubilee.

British Overseas Territories and Crown Dependencies are also included for the first time, with locations in the Cayman Islands, Gibraltar and the Falklands.

Stanley in the Falkland Islands, almost 8,000 miles away, is one of the places to apply, and there have also been entries from Gibraltar and the Cayman Islands.

Wrexham is the only Welsh location that is in the running for Jubilee city status after the local authoritys executive board gave the go ahead to submitting a proposal earlier this month.

It is joined by:

Alcester, Warwickshire

Ballymena, County Antrim

Bangor, County Down

Blackburn, Lancashire

Bolsover, Derbyshire

Boston, Lincolnshire

Bournemouth, Dorset

Coleraine, County Londonderry

Colchester, Essex

Crawley, West Sussex

Crewe, Cheshire

Doncaster, South Yorkshire

Dorchester, Dorset

Douglas, Isle of Man

Dudley, West Midlands

Dumfries, Dumfries and Galloway

Dunfermline, Fife

Elgin, Moray

George Town, Cayman Islands

Gibraltar, Gibraltar

Goole, East Yorkshire

Greenock, Renfrewshire

Guildford, Surrey

Livingston, West Lothian

Marazion, Cornwall

Medway, Kent

Middlesbrough, North Yorkshire

Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire

Newport and Carisbrooke, Hampshire

Northampton, Northamptonshire

Oban, Argyll and Bute

Reading, Berkshire

Peel, Isle of Man

St Andrews, Fife

Stanley, Falkland Islands

South Ayrshire, Ayrshire and Arran

Warrington, Cheshire

Warwick, Warwickshire

Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster Steve Barclay said: The announcement is a celebration of the rich and diverse communities which make up not only the United Kingdom, but also our friends further afield in the Falklands, Gibraltar and the Cayman Islands.

Its fitting that, as we look towards celebrating the 70 year reign of Her Majesty the Queen, we extend the competition to include those parts of the world which also hold her so dearly.

City status is not only about local pride, it can deliver real levelling up benefits for businesses and the local area which is clear from the high number of applications. A sincere best of luck to all those who have applied.

The competition is part of a series of planned celebrations to mark Her Majesty The Queens 70-year reign.

Applicants were asked to talk about the distinct identity and community which they felt meant that their area deserved to become a city, as well as the royal associations of their area.

Culture Secretary Nadine Dorries said: Her Majesty The Queens Platinum Jubilee is an exciting chance for local areas to become cities and level up opportunities for all.

As well as fostering local pride and potential, this competition is a great way to mark Her Majestys 70 year reign.

I wish all entries the best of luck. 2022 is set to be a year of pride, celebration and coming together with the four-day weekend for the Platinum Jubilee alongside other blockbuster events including the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games and Unboxed, championing creativity in the UK.

Unlike previous Civic Honours competitions, an expert panel will work closely with Ministers to make their recommendations, before being approved by Her Majesty The Queen.
New Economic Resilience Fund round following restrictions  plus detail on business rates grants announced

Businesses in Wales impacted by the rapid spread of the Omicron virus will be eligible for emergency financial support under a new Welsh Government support package.

The Economy Minister, Vaughan Gething, has announced the details of the 120m funding which will be available for retail, hospitality, leisure and tourism business and their supply chains affected by the move to alert level two, as announced by the First Minister on Wednesday 22 December.

Under the latest package, retail, hospitality, leisure and tourism business who pay Non Domestic Rates will be entitled to a payment of 2,000, 4,000 or 6,000 depending on their rateable value. Businesses will need to re-register their details, through a quick and easy online process, with their local authority in order to receive their payments. Registration will open via local authority websites from the WC 10th of January

The Welsh Government has decided to extend this support to non-essential retail so that smaller shops, and Travel Agents will be supported and our high streets can continue to thrive.

In addition, impacted hospitality and leisure businesses and their supply chains will be able to apply for top up funding from a new Economic Resilience Fund (ERF). Eligible businesses can apply for grants of between 2,500  25,000, with grants dependant on their size and number of employees. The application window for ERF will open in week commencing 17th January 2022 with payments starting to reach businesses within days.

Local Authorities will also administer a Discretionary fund for business and sole traders who do not pay rates. The fund will provide 500 to sole trader and freelancers and 2,000 to employing businesses in impacted sectors. Further details to follow on business.wales.

An eligibility checker which will help businesses to gage how much they can expect to receive under the new support package will be available on the Business Wales website by the start of 2022.

Economy Minister, Vaughan Gething, said: We fully understand the continued challenges faced by businesses, however we are facing a very serious situation in Wales. A wave of infections caused by the new, fast-moving and very-infectious omicron variant is headed our way, this means taking early action to try and control its spread  and limit the impact on Welsh businesses.

Since the start of the pandemic, weve provided over 2.2bn of support to businesses throughout Wales to help them manage their way through difficult circumstances.

We will continue to monitor the impact of the spread of Omicron on businesses in Wales, and will consider whether additional emergency funding is needed in the new year.
In the direst warning delivered to date by a public health official in the country, Canadas chief public health officer, Dr. Theresa Tam, stated Monday evening that social contacts must be reduced immediately to avoid hospitals being overwhelmed by cases of COVID-19. Her remarks come as the highly infectious Omicron variant spreads like wildfire across the country, especially in Ontario and Quebec, Canadas two most populous provinces.

Even if Omicron happens to be milder than the previous virus variants, because its spreading so rapidlyeven a small proportion of people winding up in hospital is going to overwhelm our systems, commented Tam. She added that Omicron is spreading widely in schools, universities, and other education institutions, and beginning to take off in workplaces.

As of 7 p.m. eastern time Wednesday, Canada had recorded 13,460 daily infections, the highest of any day since the pandemic began. The figures did not include cases from British Columbia or the countrys three territories, Yukon, Northwest Territories, and Nunavut. Wednesdays preliminary figure followed a total of 11,690 cases Tuesday and 10,665 on Monday.

Street scene from Vancouver, British Columbia (Wikimedia Commons)

The spectacular surge in infections over the past week has already begun to overwhelm Canadas COVID-19 testing system. Quebec reported 6,361 new cases Wednesday, more than double its peak prior to the emergence of Omicron. The provinces test positivity rate is a staggering 13.4 percent, more than double the 5 percent threshold beyond which public health authorities consider infections to be out of control. Some test centres in Montreal report taking up to 10 days to process results, making them all but useless in helping prevent further transmission.

A report released yesterday by Quebecs public health institute estimated that hospitalizations could climb by 100 per day if cases continue to rise.

Underscoring Tams warning that the central role in spreading Omicron is being played by schools and workplaces, Quebecs official figures show that 37 percent of all outbreaks are linked to schools. A further 11.5 percent are in daycares, and 33 percent are connected to workplaces.

Quebec Premier Francois Legault confirmed at a Wednesday evening press conference that gatherings of up to 10 people will be permitted for the Christmas holiday. As of December 26, private gatherings will be limited to six people from two households. Legault stated that he expects daily cases to jump to 9,000 per day.

The picture is little better in neighbouring Ontario, where 4,383 new infections were reported Wednesday, the highest daily total since April 23. The seven-day rolling average of cases has more than doubled in just a week, standing at 3,520 compared to last Wednesdays 1,514 cases. The test positivity rate was 10.7 percent.

In its daily update, the provincial government reported that it has a backlog of 58,038 tests. Assuming that 10.7 percent of these unprocessed tests are positive, the true number of daily infections was well over 10,000.

Canadas inadequate testing infrastructure, the product of decades of health care austerity budgets supported by all political parties, can no longer give an accurate picture of the extent of the pandemics spread. As Dr. Peter Juni, scientific director of Ontarios Science Advisory Table, told CBC News, the testing system only detects about 40 percent of infections under normal pandemic conditions. With the emergence of Omicron, he believes this figure has dropped to 30 percent. These numbers will be an undercount, and will become more and more unreliable as case numbers are growing, he added.

In the face of this tsunami of infections, governments at all levels are refusing to take any serious action to prevent the overwhelming of health care systems. Officials claim that it was inevitable or unavoidable that Omicron would overload the countrys testing capacity. As Ontarios chief medical officer of health, Dr. Kieran Moore, put it, health authorities now have laser vision on hospitalization rates.

Given the fact that hospitalizations are a lagging indicator of the spread of COVID-19, taking several weeks to be recorded, the political establishment is essentially saying that no counter measures will be taken until the health care system collapses. Moreover, they accept as a given that millions of people will get infected with a potentially deadly diseaseone, moreover, that has been proven to cause serious long-term complications, including brain damage, reduction in cognitive abilities, breathing problems, and other physical impairments, for months and years after infection. This homicidal policy of mass infection has been associated throughout the pandemic with far-right advocates of herd immunity and the Great Barrington Declaration.

Those claiming that Omicrons spread was inevitable must take the population for fools. The fact of the matter is that it was allowed to run rampant by the refusal of the federal Trudeau government and its provincial counterparts to adopt any effective containment measures. Even though scientists warned in late November that Omicron is more transmissible and can evade vaccine immunity, and the World Health Organization declared it a variant of concern on November 25, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau failed to address the population for almost three weeks on what his government intended to do. No additional public health measures were introduced, other than a handful of ineffective international travel restrictions, to halt Omicrons spread.

Provincial governments followed suit. Ontarios hard-right premier, Doug Ford, and his Quebec counterpart, Francois Legault, belatedly introduced capacity limits on restaurants, retail outlets, and other facilities last week. But no new restrictions were even talked about in workplaces or schools, with Quebec merely extending the Christmas school holidays by a few days. Tams comment Monday that education institutions and workplaces are increasingly the main sources of Omicron transmission represents a damning indictment of these reckless policies.

Even now, with an unprecedented health care catastrophe looming, no serious response from governments is forthcoming. Trudeau gave a press conference yesterday with several government ministers to announce a slight loosening of eligibility criteria for workers to claim financial aid from the government. The new rules mean that workers who lose their jobs as a direct result of capacity limits imposed by provincial governments can claim a measly C$300 per week under the Canada Worker Lockdown Benefit. This program, which provides significantly lower levels of support than the poverty-level Canada emergency Response Benefit did during the initial stages of the pandemic, was previously only accessible to workers under a full lockdown for 14 consecutive days.

This token gesture, which will expire as early as February 12, 2022, will do nothing to prevent workers from congregating in packed factories, office buildings, delivery centres, and other workplaces.

The Trudeau governments rejection of any strategy to seriously combat the spread of Omicron is in keeping with its pandemic policy over the past two years, which has been to prioritize the protection of corporate profits over the safeguarding of human lives. Although the Liberal government was briefed extensively on COVID-19 as early as January 2020, it took no action to coordinate a public health response during the first two months of the year. Only on March 10, 2020, did it write to the provinces to collect an inventory of available medical equipment.

It moved much more swiftly on organizing a massive financial bailout for the banks, super-rich shareholders, and big business. With the approval of business lobby groups, the opposition Conservatives and New Democrats, and the trade unions, the Trudeau government transferred more than C$650 billion in public funds to the financial elite in March 2020. It then spearheaded a savage campaign to reopen all areas of the economy and schools following the temporary lockdown measures it was forced to adopt in the spring of 2020 due to protests by workers in auto plants and other industries. The Trudeau government declared that any subsequent measures to combat the pandemic should be short-term and implemented at the local leveli.e., totally ineffectual to tackle a deadly virus that knows no borders.

The government systematically denied working people the ability to access appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) for an airborne virus, such as N95 masks or elastomeric respirators. The Trudeau government continued to deny that aerosols are the primary source of COVID-19 transmission for almost two years.

The COVID-19 crisis now confronting Canada was not some unforeseeable natural disaster, but the product of the ruling elites criminal mishandling of the pandemic. It points to the urgent necessity of the working class taking matters into its own hands by fighting for a strategy to eliminate COVID-19. This strategy must include the immediate shutdown of all nonessential production and schools, with workers compensated for 100 percent of their wages from the wealth accumulated by the pandemic profiteers. It must also include a vast expansion of testing and contact tracing, the isolation of infected people, the provision of high-quality PPE, and mass vaccination to control the spread of the virus and bring infections down to zero.
Highlighting capitalist governments failure to eliminate the COVID-19 pandemic, South Asia, home to one-fourth of humanity, is yet again on the brink of a devastating wave of the pandemic. As US and European hospitals overflow with rising numbers of patients and COVID-related deaths mount, many experts are repeatedly warning of a similar scenario in South Asia.

India

As of December 22, India, the country with the worlds second-worst confirmed COVID-19 death toll, had reported over 200 Omicron positive cases, reaching 213 a few weeks after first reporting cases of the highly-infectious new variant. Significantly, most are reported in the capital, Delhi, and Maharashtra, the state where Indias commercial capital, Mumbai, is located. Both areas were devastated during the second wave of COVID-19 in May.

Alarmingly, three of the 34 Omicron-positive cases at the Lok Nayak Hospital do not have travel history, Delhi Health Minister Satyendar Jain said, implying the virus is spreading within India. Maharashtra and Delhi reported 54 Omicron-positive patients each. So far, at least 11 regional states and Union Territories, including Telangana, Karnataka and Kerala in the south and Rajashthan in the west have reported Omicron cases.

An Indian health worker administers the Covishield vaccine for COVID-19 to a worker at the factory of a face mask manufacturer on the outskirts of Ahmedabad, India, Friday, Dec. 17, 2021. (AP Photo/Ajit Solanki)

Prime Minister Narendra Modis government has issued advisories to states and Union Territories to act to contain the spread of the new variant. On December 21, in a letter to regional states, the Health Ministry called to activate war rooms/EOCs [Emergency operation centres] and act based on local conditions, laying down guidelines for what it called threshold limits. These official thresholds are test positivity rates of 10 percent or more over the last week or 40 percent occupancy on oxygen-supported or ICU beds.

Such guidelines aim only to deceive people, as many states have carried out very few COVID-19 tests. On the other hand, a situation where 40 percent of oxygen-supported or ICU beds were occupied would mean that the fast-spreading Omicron variant would have already spread to wide swathes of the population, before authorities announced toothless containment measures.

Epidemiologist Dr. Giridhar Babu warned in a tweet that R-values (or the effective reproduction rate of how the SARS-CoV-2 virus is spreading) have risen in several Indian states. As of December 22, the seven-day average of COVID-19 cases stood at 6,837 and deaths at 312. Overall, India reports 34.75 million cases and 478,325 deaths, a gross underestimate as demographers estimate that several million Indians have died of COVID-19.

Though children are highly susceptible to COVID-19 variants, the National Technical Group on Immunisation (NTAGI) told the central government that kids do not need COVID-19 vaccination, claiming kids are not at risk and hence, that vaccinating them is not a priority at the moment. Meanwhile, the government has still not authorised booster shots for Indians.

While New Delhi maintains a vaccine-only policy on the pandemic, like many governments internationally, its vaccination strategy has fallen massively short. Just under 40 percent of the Indian population has received two doses, according to Our World in Data. With only 59.51 percent of the population having received at least one dose of vaccine, it means over 40 percent has not received any vaccine at all.

Pakistan

The provincial government in Balochistan imposed a lockdown on the Kech district after a surge of COVID-19 cases, while reports emerged on Tuesday of 30 suspected cases of Omicron variant in Balochistans Kalat district. Authorities confirmed Omicron cases in Pakistan on December 13, several days after the first suspected cases were reported in Karachi, the countrys most populous city.

Punjab, Pakistans most populous province, home to large cities such as Lahore and Faisalabad, lifted restrictions on businesses and markets on Tuesday so they could operate around the clock. To claim that it is not risking a new pandemic upsurge, the Punjab provincial government claimed it was respecting standard operating procedures (SOPs). These include minimal public health measures, like social distancing, wearing face masks and using hand sanitizer, that Prime Minister Imran Khan used to reopen the economy during the first wave of the pandemic.

Officially, Pakistan has recorded just under 1.3 million cases and 29,000 deaths of COVID-19. The government claims that it does not have the resources to take proper public health measures and that its response has been successful. On the one hand, the cost of living is surging as the government implements International Monetary Fund (IMF) economic cuts, while on the other, the government massively underestimates case numbers due to lack of testing and reporting.

Less than 30 percent of the population is fully vaccinated. Apart from the sheer lack of funding for vaccination, the promotion of the religious right and state indifference to the pandemic have substantially increased obstacles to vaccination.

Bangladesh

Officially, Bangladesh records low COVID-19 statistics. Deaths total over 28,000, while new cases stand at 291 for over 1.58 million cases total. Nevertheless, the only 20,000 total daily tests are a horrifically small number in a country of 167 million, far below the 50,000 recommended by experts. Though vaccination has somewhat mitigated the contagion, these statistics are highly dubious, as state measures to curb the pandemic are behind those of other South Asian countries.

In terms of full vaccination and tests per one million people, as recorded by Worldometer, Bangladesh is the lowest in South Asia. Only 27.2 percent have two doses of vaccine, compared to Pakistan at 28 percent, Nepal 29.9 percent, India 39.9 percent, Sri Lanka 63 percent and Bhutan 73 percent. Tests per million population stands at 67,666behind Pakistans 101,036, Nepals 159,975, Sri Lankas 265,794, Indias 475,825, and Bhutans 1,626,260.

While the country has detected just two cases of Omicron variant, experts suggest the possibility of unidentified cases across the country and have expressed their concern.

Virologist Dr. Nazrul Islam suggested to the government to screen travellers, increase testing, regularly sequence viral genomes, maintain health rules, and enforce mask-wearing. Health expert Professor Rashid E Mahbub told the Dhaka Tribune: The pressure of Omicron will eventually fall upon the health care systems, meaning hospitals and clinics. So, they should be prepared well.

Already in July, the health system was overwhelmed with patients. It marked the countrys deadliest month since the pandemic started in March 2020. Bangladesh registered a record 6,182 deaths and 336,226 cases in just 31 days, the highest figures in the countrys pandemic history to date .

The country followed a vaccination-only policy against the pandemic, blaming the people for infections. Health Minister Zahid Maleque, cited by Dhaka Tribune, said the state is worried as people were not following health rules, which could lead to a surge in infections.

The country started administering vaccine boosters on December 19 for people over 60 years old and front-line personnel, including doctors, nurses, government officials and journalists.

Sri Lanka

While this country of around 22 million is reporting at least four Omicron-positive cases, medical experts have already warned of a surge in cases in coming days. As the government has fully opened not just the tourist sector but also non-essential factories, schools, public transport and markets, there is little doubt that the new variant has spread widely. Even limited restrictions are increasingly being abandoned. On the other hand, the government has carried out fewer than 5,000 daily tests, ignoring medical experts calls for at least 40,000 daily tests to curb the virus.

Even with such limited testing, around 700 COVID-19 patients are identified daily; daily deaths stand at around 20 people.
Britain recorded more than 100,000 COVID cases in a single day Wednesday, as the highly contagious Omicron variant achieves dominance across the country. The 106,122 cases were up a third on the same day last week.

Another 140 deaths were reported, taking the UKs official total to 147,573. Going by Office for National Statistics data for the number of fatalities where COVID is mentioned on a death certificate, 173,000 people have been killed.

The capital city, London, is the epicentre of Omicron in the UK. Yesterday London recorded a staggering 27,799 cases, up by nearly 50 percent from a week ago. December 20, the most recent day for hospitalisation data, saw London recording 302 admissionsup nearly 80 percent on the week.

On Wednesday, the Johnson government cut the self-isolation period after a positive COVID test for the double-vaccinated in England from 10 days to just seven, claiming this would allow more people to spend Christmas with their families.

The Financial Times more honestly wrote of how this was an attempt to ease staffing pressures for businesses and public services hit by a wave of coronavirus-related absences. What it means is that around 280,000 people will mix with others while likely still infected.

This is only the latest example of the Conservatives weaponising Christmas to justify a refusal to implement anti-COVID measures. The announcement was made one day after Prime Minister Boris Johnson confirmed that there would be no further public health measures put in place before Christmas and with no plans for any more restrictions after the holiday either.

The government is maliciously ignoring the numerous warnings from scientists about the scale of the threat of COVID, with Delta and Omicron both in circulation. According to the UK Health and Security Agency (UKHSA), Omicron is already dominant in England with infections doubling every two days. On December 16, the SPI-M-O group of scientists, which feeds into the governments main Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE), warned that the UK could be hit by 2 million daily cases of Omicron, up to 10,000 hospitalisations a day and anything between 600 and 6,000 deaths a day. This outstrips by far the death and suffering during the previous height of the pandemic in January and February this year and could rapidly overwhelm the National Health Service (NHS).

The governments brutal determination to keep the profits flowing at all costs is meeting widespread opposition. Workers are defying all instructions from the mass murderers in Westminster to just keep on shopping and socialising in pubs, clubs and restaurants. Millions have stopped using public transport, are working from home and are already limiting their contacts with other people.

On Tuesday, the Daily Mail published a photo feature showing scenes of deserted streets throughout London, where shopping footfall has collapsed and the hospitality sector is in crisis. The piece was headlined, Crowds ABANDON the West End as self-policing Britons put THEMSELVES in lockdown by staying at home and avoiding pubs and restaurants. The deserted streets included Regents Street and Oxford Street that would normally be flooded with shoppers and revellers.

Screenshot of Daily Mail article showing empty streets normally thronged with pre-Christmas shoppers

In another article, Britons self-policing on Covid rules to avoid Christmas in isolation the Independent reported on the findings of an Ipsos Mori poll:

89 percent of those surveyed plan to wear their face mask more and to sanitise their hands more regularly.

81 percent are keeping or plan to keep their distance while socialising.

80 percent have followed government guidance by already having or planning to have their booster jab.

67 percent plan to used lateral flow tests more regularly and shop online.

A majority are also taking matters into their own hands with 58 percent planning to avoid public transport, not attending social gatherings in friends or familys houses and not going to pubs or restaurants (both 57 percent).

45 percent are going to work from home instead of the office, while 47 percent have no plan to attend their work Christmas party.

Nearly half (44 percent) said the governments Plan B COVID restrictions are not strict enough.

The poll findings and actions of millions refutes entirely the narrative of the government and its media echo chamber, who have long claimed that a likely hostile public response was one of the main reasons that no serious measures of containment, such as a lockdown, were possible.

On November 27, the day that Omicron was first detected in Britain, Johnsons Chief Medical Officer Chris Whitty told a panel discussion hosted by the Local Government Association, My greatest worry at the moment is that people if we need to do something more muscular at some point, whether its for the current new variant or at some later stage, can we still take people with us?

To divert away from the fact that the population is not, as the Daily Mail s front page declared on Tuesday, rejoicing at the fact that Britain has virtually no restrictions in place, the media continues to focus attention on anti-lockdown/anti-vax protests involving at most around 30,000 people nationally and whose numbers have never really grown throughout the pandemic. Dominated by far-right forces, conspiracy theorists and made up largely of disoriented petty-bourgeois, these elements are generally viewed by the population as cranks led by criminals. But the Tories and the media utilise them daily to justify their own herd immunity agenda.

Newspapers across the official political spectrum now sing from the same hymn sheet, complaining that the country is suffering lockdown by stealth.

Allison Pearson wrote an anti-science diatribe in the pro-Tory Telegraph under the headline, My cheering Christmas message? Its time for humanity to prevail over scientists.

We are jabbed up to the gills as a nation, but many of us have regretfully curtailed our festive plans thanks to the misery guts on Sage, she complained. In the battle for the nations future happiness, our PM must soon pick sides between the Scientists and the Humans.

For the house organ of British liberalism, the Guardians Rachel Cooke insisted, Until I get a second pink line on the lateral flow, Im going to squeeze the pips out of life. Indicating the self-satisfied layers for which she speaks, Cooke added, Ridiculous as this may sound, I feel duty bound to go out; to spend what spare cash I have on a ticket for something and a bowl of pasta afterwards.

This same agenda is the policy of both wings of the Labour Party. Leader Sir Keir Starmer told Times Radio that he was not even in favour backing a circuit-break lockdown post-Christmas, stating The numbers are a cause for concern. [But] the hospitalisations are different than they were the autumn before, when we called for the circuit break.

Jeremy Corbyn, leader of the rump of the Labour left, who now sits as an Independent, last week opposed the compulsory vaccination of NHS staff and even a requirement to present proof of non-infection before entering a nightclub. He has since not made a demand for any mitigation measures whatsoever.

Jeremy Corbyn (left) who was then Labour leader, and Sir Keir Starmer at an event during the 2019 General Election [Credit: AP Photo/Matt Dunham, File]

As for the unions, the Trades Union Congress has called only for better statutory sick pay. The teaching unions are busy ensuring that the government avoids any further education disruption so that schools can fully return to face-to-face teaching in January.

The powerful sentiment among workers opposing the reckless drive of the government and their stooges to infect everyone with COVID must find political expression.

A policy of elimination must be fought for, with all necessary measures implemented to end the pandemic, including mass vaccination and the temporary closure of non-essential business and schools.

This can only be achieved over the heads of the Labour and trade union bureaucracy through the mobilisation of the working class in its own independent rank-and-file safety committees throughout every sector.
CVS sign (Creative Commons)

Retail pharmacy workers conducted a nationwide walkout on Monday in the US, organized on social media, to protest worsening work conditions at large retail chains such as CVS, Walgreens and Walmart. As the hyper-infectious Omicron variant continues to spread throughout the country, this much overlooked section of the health care industry is making its own demands for better working conditions, including patient safety, and an overdue increase in wages.

One pharmacist who requested to remain anonymous told the WSWS, We work 12 hour shifts without technicians, we have no breaks and no lunch break as the drive-thru has to be open. We have not had a raise in four years. He emphasized the need for pharmacy technicians who help take care of customers and type and count prescriptions, so if there is no tech, then the pharmacist has to try and do everything all while filling prescriptions accurately and giving COVID vaccinations.

He said the job gave me so much stress that I developed heart arrhythmia and had to be on meds. Theyre literally making us sick.

Even before the pandemic began, these workers already faced chronic understaffing and low pay, circumstances that were only made worse during the pandemic.

Bled Tanoe, the pharmacist who started the popular #pizzaisnotworking hashtag and Facebook group, spoke to the World Socialist Web Site on the conditions facing pharmacists. There is no shortage of pharmacists, she said, but people are refusing to work in dangerous working conditions with high medical errors. There is a refusal to work in an environment that is detrimental to pharmacists and patients.

Tanoe used to be a retail pharmacist at Walgreens, but she left her job after numerous years of stress and abuse in the opening months of the pandemic. She described the mental, physical and emotional stress on pharmacists who are leaving the profession in droves. It is a very dangerous situation that people dont realize. Its not just putting medicine in bottles; someone has to check you dont have an allergy, correct medication, the duration and everything are correct. She described that there have been many instances where patients get flu vaccine instead of COVID vaccine, or even the wrong vaccine entirely.

Tanoe described the multiple responsibilities piled on pharmacists as similar to a pilot on a plane being asked to serve drinks and take care of passengers while no one is running the plane. Pharmacists have to make sure medications are correct, in the right doses, make sure there are no issues with allergies, etc.

The number of pharmacists nationwide who took part in the walkouts is not yet clear, but Tanoe noted that where pharmacy staff have not walked out, it was due to fear of retaliation by their employers, not because they dont want to.

Such accounts are not uncommon. One worker on Twitter responded to a tweet by CVS Healths CEO, Karen Lynch, about the massive profits the company made in its third quarter, Karen Ive been a worker at CVS for 6 straight years. You all can report HUGE earnings but WONT pass those earnings on to us techs who work SOLO 40+ hours a week and develop medical problems because of being overworked without enough hours to hire more people. Help US instead.

In September, a pharmacist died of a heart attack on the floor of a CVS pharmacy after being told by a supervisor that she could not leave until another pharmacist arrived to relieve her two hours later. The hashtag #SheWaited has been used to bring attention to this senseless tragedy.

Such crippling conditions can contribute to pharmacists and pharmacy techs making dangerous errors while filling prescriptions. This led one pharmacist to write to the Texas Board of Pharmacy in April 2020: I am a danger to the public working for CVS. In December 2018, an 85-year-old Florida woman died after two weeks when she was accidentally given a strong chemotherapy drug instead of her usual medication.

Dr. Shane Jerominski, the southern California pharmacist who first issued the call for Monday's walkouts, spoke with the World Socialist Web Site. I tried to organize this as a show of solidarity, because we are working in unsafe environments and something has to give.

Its hard to say how many walked out. explained Jerominski, In the Palm Springs market, there were five stores closed. They have about 23 locations. Theyre all understaffed.

A lot of technicians could get behind it. They felt that if they didnt show up that day, they can still operate. If the pharmacist doesnt show up, the pharmacy cant operate. Many pharmacists felt they couldnt do that to their patients.

Highlighting the brutal conditions facing pharmacy technicians, Jerominski noted, In the Palm Springs market, its a cyclical market. Some technicians would be guaranteed 40 hours a week and then get flexed out in the summer.

Jerominski explained his personal motivation for fighting to organize pharmacy workers. In March of 2021, Jerominski and his wife, Marylin, began warning about the stresses that the coronavirus vaccination campaign would place on already overburdened pharmacists without additional support. My wife and I were featured at NBC with Lester Holt. Shes working at one of the busiest Walgreens in the area and now were expected to vaccinate everybody. They started with one every 15 minutes, then three every 15 minutes, and they still had to fill all the regular prescriptions.

We thought they were going to fire her for talking to the media. Corporate basically promised her the world, said she would get extra help, but never delivered. They are making it very difficult for her to try to get her to quit. They dont want to fire her. The media asked us to let them know if they fired her.

Jerominskis outspoken fight for the rights of pharmacy workers may have already resulted in retaliation against his independent pharmacy in Brawley, California. I wanted to participate, I wanted my entire store closed. I had every intention of not being open as well on Monday at my location. On Fridaywere open Monday through FridayI opened the pharmacy and the second patient was an inspector from the board of pharmacy who had received an anonymous complaint to inspect the pharmacy. Now I have to submit a lot of paperwork by December 24 to keep my license and I had to work through the strike.

Ive been a pharmacist for 15 years and Ive never seen a Board of Pharmacy inspection until I started working for an independent. The first time was about four and a half years ago, about three months after I started working here. That inspection first was due to issues with the prior pharmacist.

Although it is unknown who filed this anonymous complaint, the timing is highly suspect. Sitting on the California Board of Pharmacy are many middle-level managers of pharmacy chains, noted Jerominski, I think I made someone irritated.

Jerominski remains determined to organize pharmacy workers for better conditions. Pharmacists do have more power than they know. You cant have the pharmacy open without them.
Workers across India and around the world must take serious warning from the Indian governments deployment of military and para-military forces to suppress the anti-privatization strike that 20,000 power workers in Jammu and Kashmir launched December 18.

The Narendra Modi-led governments quick action to break the power workers strike arose from its fear that the strike could become a rallying point for broader sections of the working class. Recent months have seen numerous militant struggles against the sweeping attacks Indian big business and their political hirelings, beginning with Modis far-right Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government, are mounting on their social and democratic rights.

The military deployment to break the power workers strike sets a dangerous precedent. It has already been followed by an order from the BJP government that rules Uttar Pradesh (UP), Indias most populous state, banning all strikes by state government workers and employees of UP state-owned companies for the next six months. Under the draconian UP Essential Services Maintenance Act (ESMA) police have the power to arrest striking workers at will, and strikers are subject to both fines and imprisonment.

An Indian paramilitary force soldier stands guard in Indian controlled Kashmir. (AP Photo/ Dar Yasin)

None of the BJPs erstwhile opponents in the political establishment, including the Stalinist CPM and CPI, have condemned or even criticized the military intervention against the power workers strike, thereby expressing their tacit support for it. The CPM-led Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU) has likewise failed to even verbally protest the governments actions.

On December 18, some 20,000 employees of the Jammu and Kashmir Power Development Department (PDD), including everyone from linemen to senior engineers, launched an indefinite strike against the Modi governments plans to merge the PDD with the Power Grid Corporation of India (PGCI). Last year, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced that all Union Territory power distribution companies would be privatized as part of the BJP governments COVID relief package. The PDD workers, who are represented by the PDD Employees Association (PDDEA), rightly fear that merger into the PGC is a key step toward accomplishing this. The striking workers also raised several other demands. These included regularization of all precariously employed daily-wage workers and power development department engineers, the delinking of their salaries from grant-in-aid and a regular budget for all PDD employees on deputation to different corporations.

The Jammu and Kashmir power workers strike is part of a wave of struggles against privatization and contract-jobs. Defying state government threats, court orders and their own unions, 70,000 Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) workers have been on strike since November 3, to press for the state-owned corporations merger with the state government. Last week, nearly a million public sector bank workers across India walked off the job for two days to oppose the Modi governments plans to privatize most of the banking sector. Earlier this month, 68,000 coal miners in the southern state of Telangana waged a three-day strike against the Modi governments plans to sell off four coal blocks to private companies. In Punjab in northern India, tens of thousands of workers at Punjab state-owned enterprises have joined strikes and protests to demand the regularisation of contract workers and better wages and working conditions.

The Modi government has responded to the pandemicwhich due to its ruinous profits-before-lives policy has led to millions of excess deaths and plunged hundreds of millions still deeper into povertyby intensifying its attacks on the working class and rural toilers. A key element in this is its privatization program, under which all but a handful of strategic companies are to be sold off to Indian and global investors. Another is a labour law reform that will further facilitate big business use of contract labour and illegalize most strikes.

Abandoned by the CITU, other unions and the Left parties and lacking any strategy to mobilize the working class against the Modi government and its class war agenda, the PDDEA quickly bowed to the governments military-enforced strikebreaking campaign. On Tuesday, three days after the military intervened, the PDDEA called off the strike. This followed talks Monday evening with Jammu Divisional Commissioner Ragav Langar and the Additional Director General of Police, Mukesh Singh. The union claimed to have obtained a written assurance that the government will put the proposed merger of the PDD with PGCI on hold pending further talks and pledges workers will henceforth be paid on time.

Such an assurance will in no way impede the Modi governments privatization drive.

The power workers strike plunged large parts of Jammu and Kashmir into darkness Saturday evening, as Jammu was hit by sub-zero temperatures.

Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, who is the de facto ruler of the Union Territory since the Modi government suspended the elected government and legislature in June 2018, claimed the governments deployment of the army against the strike showed its commitment to the people of the disputed majority-Muslim region. He told the press: I do not want to name them, but some people have criticized that the Army has been called to restore electricity. Personnel from REC (Rural Electrification Corporation), NHPC (National Hydroelectric Power Corporation) and NTPC (National Thermal Power Corporation) and officers from the army engineering corps have also come. The army, added the former BJP government minister, acted swiftly and deployed its troops at main critical electricity stations and water supply sources to restore supply.

The Modi governments prompt deployment of the army to break the Jammu and Kashmir power workers strike demonstrates that its August 2019 constitutional coupwhereby Jammu and Kashmir, Indias only Muslim-majority state, was stripped of its unique, semi-autonomous constitutional status, divided into two Union Territories, and effectively placed under permanent central government controlwas directed not just against the Kashmiri people. It was directed against the Indian working class as a whole.

The Modi government has used its new powers of governance over Jammu and Kashmir to push through privatization of the power sector. No sooner had the bifurcation of the former state into two Union territories been completed in October 2019, than the administration of Jammu and Kashmir repealed the Jammu and Kashmir Electricity Act, 2010 and extended the Indian governments Electricity Act, 2003 to the former state. This laid the basis for the unbundling of power generation, transmission and distribution into three separate entities in order to prepare the way for their subsequent privatisation. In early December, the J&K administration declared merger of the territorys Power Transmission Corporation Limited (PTCL) and Power Distribution Corporation Limited (PTDL) with the PGCI.

Some two-and-a-half years after the events of August 2019, Jammu and Kashmir remains an armed camp with more than half-a-million Indian military and para-military troops deployed in a territory that is home to little more than 15 million people.

As the World Socialist Web Site explained in its immediate aftermath, Modis Kashmir coup is a provocative and reckless geostrategic power play. It is aimed at strengthening Indias hand against Pakistanits arch-rival since the two states were created through the 1947 communal partition of South Asiaand against China, with which the Indian elite is competing for markets, investment, resources, and global influence. 

As critical and ominous as these developments are, the ramifications of Modis Kashmir coup for the class struggle in India are no less significant.

The BJPs Aug. 5 constitutional coup and state of siege  are aimed at strengthening the arbitrary power of the state, acclimatizing the population to the suspension of fundamental democratic rights, inciting the Hindu supremacist right and whipping up anti-Muslim communalism.
The number of new COVID-19 infections continues to rise in South Korea, with the number of critically ill patients as well as deaths reaching new highs. In total throughout the pandemic, more than half a million people have been infected and close to 5,000 have died.

Since Seoul initiated its so-called with COVID era on November 1, approximately 2,000 people have died, or 41 percent of total deaths during the entire pandemic.

Thousands of new COVID cases are being reported on a daily basis, including a record number of 7,850 infections on December 15. On Wednesday, the number of patients in critical condition hit a record high of 1,063, topping the previous high on Sunday of 1,025. In addition to the skyrocketing infection and death rates, three children under the age of 10 have died from COVID, all within the past month.

The hospital system is being overwhelmed. Across the country, nearly 80 percent of intensive care unit (ICU) beds are occupied. In the Seoul metropolitan area, ICU capacity is over 85 percent full. ICU beds in other cities and provinces are fully occupied.

A medical worker in a booth takes a nasal sample from a man at a makeshift testing site in Seoul, South Korea, Wednesday, Nov. 24, 2021 (AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon)

President Moon Jae-ins government enacted new social distancing measures on Saturday, supposedly designed to stop the spread of COVID-19, while appearing to backtrack from its with COVID scheme. The new measures are toothless and intended to limit the impact on big business as much as possible. They restrict public gatherings to four people and require businesses to close at 9 or 10 p.m., depending on the type.

Moon admitted his government had failed to properly prepare, saying through his spokeswoman Park Gyeong-mi last week: I am sorry that we have had to once again strengthen antivirus measures. Over the course of the phased return to normal, we failed to suppress the increase in critically ill patients and failed to prepare sufficiently, including in terms of securing hospital beds.

The crisis is the predictable outcome of the Moon Jae-in administrations agenda, under which the population was told that it must live with the virus and vaccines were sufficient for stopping COVIDs spread. None of this stood up to scientific scrutiny, as health experts have repeatedly warned that vaccines are just one aspect of many measures, including masks and social distancing, needed to stop COVID.

Schools also returned to a mixture of in-person and online classes on Monday following their full re-opening on November 22. However, the Education Ministry is actively discouraging schools from returning to full online classes despite the growing danger, falsely claiming that transmissions in schools are not high.

In elementary schools, all first and second grade students will continue to attend class in-person. All children in kindergarten and special education schools will also attend in person. In other words, the youngest children are being kept in school to ensure that their parents remain at work, pumping out profit for big business. For older students in elementary school, class sizes will be reduced to two-thirds normal size while the Education Ministry merely suggests a similar number for classes in middle and high schools. Schools where students are being vaccinated are being excluded from even these minimal measures.

These new restrictions do not apply to after-school academies. Dr. Lee Jae-gap of the Hallym University Medical Center pointed out the even greater danger in these facilities. Cram schools and study rooms are not as well-ventilated as schools. Students stay in the facilities for more than a couple of hours during exam seasons.

Contrary to the claims of the Education Ministry, schools and after-school private study academies have emerged as the new hotbed for COVID transmissions. In fact, according to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA), the number of infections among those 18 and younger have surpassed those of adults over 19. The KDCA reported on December 16 that from the third week of November until the second week of December, children and adolescents accounted for 276.9 cases per 100,000 people, compared to 217.4 for adults. In addition, 16.1 percent of 31,174 COVID patients between 12 and 17 were hospitalized, including 14 who were in serious condition.

Vaccination rates among youth also remain low. At present, 69 percent of adolescents between 16 and 17 have received two vaccine doses while only 31.5 percent of those between 12 and 15 have received both doses. Children 11 and under are not yet eligible to receive the vaccine. Only those over 18 are currently eligible to receive a third dose.

While vaccines give some protection, it does not take into account the spread of the Omicron variant, of which nearly 200 cases have been identified in South Korea. Two vaccine doses have been found ineffective at stopping Omicrons spread. Even with boosters, it is possible to contract the virus. The KDCA reported Sunday that four patients who had received their third shots had tested positive for the Omicron variant.

Despite their very limited character, the governments measures are being criticized by the ruling establishment. The right-wing Joongang Ilbo denounced them as draconian. When it became clear that Seoul intended to implement new measures, the paper wrote in a December 14 piece: Of course, it is difficult to return to the draconian distancing rules as in the past given the hardship and fatigue of the self-employed and the public.

Despite such media agitation, there is widespread support for halting the spread of the virus. Mask wearing is widespread, without the right-wing and fascistic campaign against the practice that has been seen in other countries. A poll on Monday found that 71.3 percent of people support stronger social distancing measures. The same poll found that only 49.6 percent of people approved of the governments handling of the pandemic.
On Tuesday, a federal jury in Boston convicted Harvard University professor Charles Lieber, former chair of Harvards Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, of lying to federal authorities and reporting fraudulent tax information, actions the Department of Justice (DOJ) claimed were meant to conceal his close connections to China.

The 62-year-old Lieber, along with two Chinese nationals, had been indicted in three separate counts on January 2020 on charges in connection to aiding the Peoples Republic of China, according to a statement that was released by the DOJs Office of Public Affairs. These were not, however, the charges on which he was tried and convicted.

Lieber was found guilty of two counts of making false statements to federal authorities, two counts of making and subscribing a false income tax return and two counts of failing to file reports of foreign bank and financial accounts with the Internal Revenue Service.

Harvard University professor Charles Lieber departs federal court, in Boston, Jan. 30, 2020, following his arrest on allegations he hid his involvement in a program designed to recruit people with knowledge of foreign technology and intellectual property to China. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa, File)

The DOJs allegations cited court documents demonstrating that since 2008, Dr. Lieber received more than $15 million in grant funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and Department of Defense (DOD). According to authorities, possession of these grants required disclosure of significant foreign financial conflicts of interests, including financial support from foreign governments or foreign entities. A charge of making false statements carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison.

The jury found that Lieber had lied to federal authorities and to Harvard about his affiliation with the Wuhan University of Technology in China and a contract he had with a Chinese talent recruitment plan to attract high-level scientists to the country. Lieber was a contractual participant in Chinas Thousand Talents Plan from about 2012 to 2017. This is one of the Chinas most prominent research programs, designed to attract and recruit high-level scientists to further the interests of the countrys scientific, economic and national security apparatuses.

The central issue in the case was the joint venture that Dr. Lieber launched in 2011 with the Wuhan University of Technology, where one of his former students had taken a post. Outside employment is standard for high-level researchers, who often contract with private sector firms or universities overseas for part of the academic year. Dr. Lieber was given a three-year contract by the Wuhan university in 2012, in an email which was displayed to the jury by prosecutors. The contract entitled him to $50,000 a month, plus about $150,000 in living expenses and more than $1.5 million for a laboratory, called the WUT-Harvard Joint Nano Key Laboratory.

In 2018, as the China initiative got underway, investigators from the Department of Defense and the National Institutes of Health questioned Dr. Lieber as to whether he had taken part in the Thousand Talents programs. Jurors heard from a series of witnesses who said that in both instances, Dr. Lieber had denied participating. They also watched video clips from an FBI interrogation, conducted on January 28, 2020, the morning Dr. Lieber was arrested at 6:30 a.m. at his office at Harvard.

After initially asking for a lawyer, Dr. Lieber went on to answer the agents questions for about three hours, denying having ever received income from the Wuhan university or participating in the Chinese recruitment program. Then the agents produced a series of documents, including contracts from 2011 and 2012. The professor then backpedaled and made the admission, I should pay more attention to what Im signing  Now that you bring it up, yes, I do remember, according to investigators.

The researcher explained his financial arrangements with the Wuhan university to the federal agents. A portion of his salary was deposited in a Chinese bank account and the remainderan amount he estimated as between $50,000 and $100,000was paid in $100 bills, which he carried home in his luggage. They would give me a package, a brown thing with some Chinese characters on it, I would throw it in my bag, he said. After returning home, he said, I didnt declare it, and thats illegal.

Dr. Lieber also acknowledged that he wasnt completely transparent by any stretch of the imagination when he was questioned by DOD investigators in 2018 and knew charges could be filed against him. I was scared of being arrested, like I am now, he added. As the jury prepared to deliberate, Jason Casey, an assistant US attorney, told jurors to remember Dr. Liebers demeanor in the FBI interview. Casey demanded them to use your common sense.

The prosecutor went on to say, its not that the defendant has no memory. He does not want to remember because he knows that he agreed to that contract, that he participated in the Thousand Talents program, that he took bags of cash on an airplane and never reported them to the I.R.S.

In an article announcing the conviction of Lieber, the New York Times called the verdict a victory for the so-called China Initiative, a viciously anti-China program that was concocted in November 2018 by the Trump administration and Attorney General Jeff Sessions and led by the Department of Justices National Security Division. The program has been aimed at curtailing supposed Chinese espionage against the United States.

Over the past summer, half a dozen cases under the China Initiative were dismissed, while the first case to reach the trial stage, against University of Tennessee researcher Anming Hu, ended in acquittal. Liebers trial was watched closely in scientific circles as an indicator of whether the Justice Department will proceed with prosecutions of other researchers. Dozens of similar cases have opened up against academic researchers, with most, like the case against Dr. Lieber, not alleging espionage or intellectual property theft, but failure to disclose Chinese funding.

Among the scores of researchers who have been investigated and prosecuted for their ties with China, Dr. Lieber is recognized as the most prominent. In addition to his academic position at Harvard, Dr. Lieber was a leading international authority on nanoscience and nanotechnology with a large body of published research. Lieber is listed as the principal inventor on over fifty US patents and applications of nanotechnology and nanodevices in materials and biology.

While Lieber admitted to tax evasion and evidently sought to conceal it from federal agents, there is no evidence that he engaged in anything related to espionage or provided China with sensitive military information.

In closing arguments on Tuesdays trial hearing, Dr. Liebers lawyer, Marc Mukasey, declared the government had little or no credible evidence that the professor engaged in wrongdoing.

Mukasey also raised warnings of the ominous implications for scientific discourse involved in the case. Isnt it troubling that nobody in this courtroom has explained what the Thousand Talents Plan is and who is in it? he said. Isnt it troubling that Dr. Liebers work was all public, was for the benefit of the world, yet he is facing criminal charges for it? He added, No villains, no victims, no one got robbed, no one got rich, but over a few seconds of conversationSpecial Agent Mousseau called it a blip on the radarthe worlds greatest nanoscientist is facing multiple felonies.

Although a guilty verdict has been handed down, with a sentencing date for Dr. Lieber still waiting to be determined, there is no doubt that the persecution of the renowned Harvard professor is bound up with the geopolitical interests of Americas ruling class, who see Chinas increasingly sophisticated scientific technology and research development as an existential threat to US imperialisms global hegemony.

The persecution of Lieber is meant to foster an atmosphere of intimidation among academics and researchers who participate in scientific projects with their Chinese colleagues. The military-intelligence apparatus seeks to browbeat American scientists with threats that scientists can be fired from their tenured positions, face criminal prosecution, or have their immigration status revoked if they collaborate with their Chinese counterparts.

The threat of persecution undoubtedly played a role in the case of Dr. Lieber, who chose to conceal his affiliation with China in order to avoid being a target of the xenophobic witch-hunt thats been launched by the US government against researchers. Peter Zeidenberg, a Washington D.C. lawyer who is representing some of the dozens of researchers who are under similar investigations, said Dr. Liebers case was notable because he denied his participation in the Chinese program while being questioned by authorities.

The reason people like Lieber lie is because they are afraid, Zeidenberg said. Its really sad. They are afraid to answer truthfully, Are you a member of the talent program? Im sure during the Red Scare, people said they were not a member of the Communist Party.
Directed by Guillermo del Toro; co-written by del Toro and Kim Morgan; based on the novel by William Lindsay Gresham

Bradley Cooper in Nightmare Alley

Mexican filmmaker Guillermo del Toros Nightmare Alley, a neo-noir thriller jointly scripted by del Toro and Kim Morgan, is based on the 1946 novel of the same title by William Lindsay Gresham (1909-1962) about a mentalist/con man who flies too close to the sun. A 1947 film adaptation of the same book, directed by Edmund Goulding, written by Jules Furthman and featuring Tyrone Power, is a remarkable and disturbing work.

A refashioning of the Gresham novel, an auspicious project, demonstrates serious intentions on the part of the imaginative del Toro (Shape of Water, Pans Labyrinth). The works very title is suggestive of a criticism of the American Dream, as Gresham no doubt intended it to be. The Goulding-Furthman-Power work helped pulverize the myth. While del Toros movie features his trademark technological dazzlement and panache and a much bleaker overall look, it falls considerably short of its more enlightened and more focused film predecessor.

Set in the years 1939 to 1941, the new film stars Bradley Cooper as Stanton Carlisle, a man fleeing a painful past. During a torrential downpour, the down-and-out drifter stumbles into a traveling carnival, prepared to perform any task in exchange for food and shelter. Without further ado, chiseled-faced carny boss Clem (Willem Dafoe) sets him to work. Bizarrely, Clem also shows Stan his prized collection of pickled fetuses, human and otherwise (the Unborn Wonders of Nature). He also maintains a geek, a carnival attraction so damaged by alcohol and drug addiction, so mentally and physically abused, that he performs the most degrading acts.

(Del Toro explains in an interview that the carnival geeks were usually opium junkies or alcoholics deprived of their fix, willing to do anything to avoid withdrawal. In the carnival hierarchy, the geek was the lowest in their societal pecking order, reviled and pitied even by carnies. Pulled from dark alleys in the dead of night, the geek is everything Stanton fears about himself.)

In the tawdry, chaotic carny world of the Odd-i-torium and the House of Damnation, Stan hooks up with fortune-teller Zeena (Toni Collette) and her kindly, but alcoholic husband Pete (David Strathairn). The couple were once big-time operators, having developed an act based on a complex, coded system, in which a blind-folded mentalist claims to be able to read audience members minds or identify objects that an assistant holds up. When the ever ambitious Stan inadvertently hastens Petes death, he becomes the possessor of the code book, a valuable and lucrative tool of psychic manipulation.

Toni Collette in Nightmare Alley

Ready to move on to greener pastures, Stan is assisted by the naive, devoted Molly (Rooney Mara), now his wife, in the development of his own nightclub act. Buffalo, New Yorks high society becomes his particular mark. Stan parasitically feeds off their wealthand their illusions, including about the possibility of communicating with the spirits of the dead.

The ultra-chilly Dr. Lilith Ritter (Cate Blanchett), a psychoanalyst to the rich, enters the picture. She partners with Stan to fleece her clientele. Liliths recordings of her analysis sessions with members of the elite, such as a judges wife (Mary Steenburgen) mourning her dead soldier son, provide the inside information that Stan needs for his spiritualist con game.

Cate Blanchett and Bradley Cooper

The invaluable tips, however, come with Liliths warning that if you displease the right people, the world closes in on you very, very fast. And one of the most dangerous people to displease is wealthy industrialist Ezra Grindle (Richard Jenkins), a man so well-moneyed he believes he can buy redemption for past sins (I have many crimes on my conscience). In attempting to outwit the rich and powerful, including Grindle, Stan ultimately becomes another one of their countless victims, and plummets to the very lower depths.

Del Toro has made numerous interesting statements about the book on which he based his film. He told the L.A. Times, for example, that the novel is so absolutely an indictment of the American dream, the capitalist ideals. I think Gresham came to a very disillusioned conclusion about the way the system is rigged. The filmmaker added,  Theres a great line in the middle of the bookIm going to misquote itbut he says, What kind of God would create this slaughterhouse of a world?

In the movies production notes, Blanchett, for her part, asserted that Nightmare Alley has all the dark underpinnings of what seems to be a very polite society  The world of the carnival might have some trickery and deceit, but it has the beating heart of a true community. It is the high society in this film that is far more threatening and terrifying. Dafoe described the film to an interviewer as an indictment of a certain kind of ambition, or a certain kind of capitalism, or a certain kind of exploitation of other people for your happiness.

The carnival is almost like a microcosm of the world, del Toro told Vanity Fair. Everybodys there to swindle everybody. In fact, the director has gone out of his way to offer generally anti-establishment observations in regard to his most recent film. Clearly, del Toro and Morgan wanted to strongly criticize what they consider to be an appalling social and political situation.

Unfortunately, despite its promising or potentially compelling elements, this version of Nightmare Alley misfires. It is possible to envision the same project succeeding artistically and as social critique, but the filmmakers would have to be guided by clearer and more profound insights into contemporary reality. As it is, their wholly legitimate sentiments lose power, dissolve and get poured into largely secondary and tertiary matters, such as costumes, ostentatious art deco sets and a murky, pseudo-film noir look.

The biggest problem is the films generally misanthropic, morbid outlook. Things often turn upside down when artists focus so one-sidedly on the sordidness of individual human behavior. Almost inevitably, such a work ends up suggesting that the characters selfishness and ruthlessness produce the external conditions, rather than the other way around. Nightmare Alley, intentionally or not, ends up suggesting that the population is to blame for societys ills and their own downtrodden state.

The artistic results of this melancholy conception come in the form of unnecessarily grotesque imagery and a tedious, turgid pace. Del Toro and Morgan dull their own oppositional viewpoint, submerging it, quite literally, in mud and sludge. The actors are generally encouraged to create mean-spirited caricatures rather than fully fledged human beings. Blanchett especially tilts the scale toward glacial smugness. Cooper does his best but cant extricate himself from mere noir imitation. To the movies detriment, the filmmakers seem more concerned with making an impression, a cinematic splash, than in developing the drama and social analysis. Collette and Strathairn are the exceptions, adding much needed warmth and personality.

The 1946 novel and 1947 film take a different approach.

Tyrone Power and Joan Blondell in Nightmare Alley (1947)

Accounts of Greshams life do not make happy readinga serious alcoholic who turned to mysticism in later life, he committed suicide in September 1962. In the late 1930s, however, he clearly held left-wing views. The late journalist and biographer Nick Tosches notes that Gresham was one of the international volunteers who had come to defend the Republic in the lost cause of the Spanish Civil War.

More specifically, Gresham served in the John Brown artillery unit of the Communist Party-organized Abraham Lincoln Brigade. The writer later attributed the origin of Nightmare Alley to conversations he had, while serving as a volunteer medic for the Loyalist forces, with a former carnival worker, who told him, among other things, about the wretched geeks. (The tragic fate of the Spanish Civil War, of course, cannot have helped Greshams moral or psychological crisis.)

According to Tosches: Gresham was only twenty-nine then. As he would later tell it, the story of the geek haunted me. Finally, to get rid of it, I had to write it out. The novel, of which it was the frame, seemed to horrify readers as much as the original story had horrified me.

The reality of carnival life, with its elements of cruelty and deception, clearly fascinated and appalled Gresham. But the novel and 1947 film speak to other phenomena as well, including charismatic, Elmer Gantry-like evangelist fakers and media celebrities such as Aimee Semple McPherson and the like.

The British-born Goulding, known for his tasteful 1930s melodramas, turned his hand to something sharper and more abrasive in Nightmare Alley, under the influence of the generally radicalized conditions of the immediate postwar years. That one of the 1947 films central concerns is to paint American capitalism, or important aspects of it, as a nightmare is hard to miss.

Lead actor Tyrone Power brought his traumas back from World War II onto the film set. He reportedly came back from the war an angrier man, and this is one of his best performances. Both Power as Stan and Helen Walker as Lilith are grifters, flawed products of a dog-eat-dog social order. Palpable in the movie is the fact that the geek is a symbol of societys victims. The Depression and the war are woven into the moral fabric of the film. This is the era of Charlie Chaplins Monsieur Verdoux, a world in which small-scale criminals come to grief, get smashed up, while the real murderers and giant crooksthe higher upsgo scot-free.

The Goulding-Power adaptation of Greshams novel rapidly and directly highlight the class issues. In the films opening scenes, writes a commentator on Slant, Goulding and cinematographer Lee Garmes effortlessly conjure such associations, contrasting attractive and charismatic performers, such as Zeena (Joan Blondell) and Stan Carlisle (Tyrone Power), with the exploitive bosses and virtual slaves who drive the behind-the-scenes machinery of the showsThe films title is virtually literalized by the setting, which is eventually offered up as a synecdoche of capitalist America and the dueling spells of potential success and doom that it posits. Yet the title also has a psychological dimension, suggesting the moral peril of giving in to the desires that capitalism so easily monetizes.

At the same time, although certain features of the 1947 Nightmare Alley are grim, it never accuses its human figures as such. The movie treats the lowliest of the characters with sympathy and indicts the manner in which they are manipulated by more powerful forces.

The notion that so-called film noir (postwar American realism) was cynical and misanthropic has been debunked by film historian and critic James Naremore, among others. There was a powerful reaction against fascism and its crimes among a generally left-wing layer of writers, directors and actors, and an understanding that some of the same toxic trends and forces were operating in the US. Indeed, as Naremore writes, There is good reason to conclude that the first decade of American film noir was largely the product of a socially committed fraction or artistic movement in Hollywood.

A genuine opportunity has been missed here. Most importantly, what del Toro and his talented collaborators have not accomplished is help educate and inoculate the population about American capitalisms ideological machinations and social crimes.
On Sunday, the New York Times published a major investigative account, the Civilian Casualty Files, accompanied by hundreds of confidential Pentagon documents, revealing that US airstrikes in Iraq and Syria have killed thousands of civilians, and the military has systematically covered this up.

The Civilian Casualty Files are evidence of extensive war crimes. They reveal that the US military, under the Obama and Trump administrations, deliberately killed civilians, including children. The Pentagon documents manifest a contempt for human life that is chilling.

The lead author and investigator, Azmat Khan, an assistant professor at the Columbia Graduate School of Journalism, spent five years uncovering the story. She filed Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests for the reports of the Pentagons internal review process. When these requests were denied, she filed lawsuits against the Department of Defense and U.S. Central Command, demanding the release of the documents.

An Iraqi boy carries heavy belongings through the rubble, May 15, 2017. (AP Photo/Maya Alleruzzo)

When the US military receives an allegation from an external source that civilians were hit in an airstrike, a formal review process is launched and a final report issued. There were 2,866 reports issued for airstrikes in Iraq and Syria between September 2014 and January 2018. Prior to the Civilian Casualty Files, little more than a dozen had been published. The Times was given 1,311 reports, of which hundreds have now been published.

Khan checked the reports against on-the-ground witness testimony, traveling to over 100 sites where civilian casualties had been reported in Iraq, Syria and Afghanistan to interview survivors. She found that many allegations of civilian casualties were erroneously dismissed ... [and] even when civilian deaths were acknowledged, they were often significantly undercounted.

Her investigation found, for example, that more than 120 civilians were killed in a single airstrike in July 2016 in the hamlet of Tokhar in northern Syria. The US military claimed it was targeting ISIS, but confronted with evidence that the victims were farmers, it admitted to killing 24.

The military report on the slaughter at Tokhar found no evidence of negligence or wrongdoing and that no further action was necessary. No payment has been made to any of the survivors. This is the pattern with all of the reports, which taken together amount to a massive coverup.

Not a single report contained a finding of wrongdoing or a recommendation for disciplinary action. In many instances, the unit that executed a strike also ended up investigating it. A drone footage analyst, who spoke with the Times anonymously, reported that superior officers would often tell the cameras to look somewhere else because they knew if theyd just hit a bad target. In many cases, reports indicated that equipment error meant that no footage was available at all.

The Times reported that they uncovered the deaths of thousands of civilians, many of them children. The data in the Pentagon reports claimed that children were killed or injured in 27 percent of air strikes that resulted in civilian casualties; Khans on-the-ground verification found the number was 62 percent.

Khan summed up her findings: What emerges from the more than 5,400 pages of records is an institutional acceptance of an inevitable collateral toll. In the logic of the military, a strike, however deadly to civilians, is acceptable as long as it has been properly decided and approvedthe proportionality of military gain to civilian danger weighedin accordance with the chain of command.

Put more bluntly, the reports reveal that the US military deliberately chooses to kill civilians, including children, and employs a brutal tactical calculus that they put on paper in each report. Each report reveals in a combination of bureaucratic acronyms and grunt vulgarities that Washington views the people of the Middle East as detritus in the path of empire.

Buildings and vehicles are assessed to have a slant, e.g., bldg slant 4/1/3 is a building containing four men, one woman and three children. Those who flee a bomb site are called squirters, often hunted down by drones and fired upon.

A log of the chat communications of operators flying drones in Mosul records that when they fired on a building that they knew contained children, they asked how much play time their drones had left, because the place was really poppin. Eight civilians in three families were killed.

These logs are then written up in opaque bureaucratic acronyms: A CIVCAS incident occurred. Each report has three possible findings, with accompanying checkboxes: The casualty report is credible, conduct further investigation; It is credible, however, I direct no investigation; and It is not credible.

A report selected at random reads, I conclude that the number of civilians killed was 25. The finding? Credible, no further investigation.

A report deemed not credible, chosen at random, shows between six and 10 civilians were reported killed, including children, in Raqqa on August 16, 2017. The page and a half report dismisses the claim. Too many airstrikes had been conducted on that day to narrow down an investigation, and it was therefore declared unreasonable to make an assessment of credibility.

Working through the Pentagon reports reveals that the US military employs a calculus of murder by which they assess how many civilians they are willing to kill for any particular target.

On March 20, 2017, Washington bombed a factory in a dense residential neighborhood in Tabaqa, Syria, knowing that it employed children. The report reads The TEA [Target Engagement Authority] determined that the anticipated military value of striking this target warranted a casualty threshold of [redacted] given the targets function. ... derived from population density table predictions ... assessed that collateral damage of up to [redacted]. The redacted tolerable death toll was determined not to exceed the unspecified Non-combatant and Civilian Cutoff Value (NCV). There were at least 10 civilian casualties, including children.

The choice to kill civilians is not simply a matter of estimated average death, however. The reports reveal that the US military deliberately chose to drop bombs on children they saw on camera. In a particularly powerful segment of her article on the human toll, Khan describes how the US military knowingly bombed children playing on a roof, killing a family of 11. There was no ISIS presence.

One gets a sense from the Civilian Casualty Files of the immense barbarism of US imperialism. Thousands upon thousands of civilians have been killed, families and households wiped out in airstrike after airstrike.

US bombs started a fire in an apartment complex north of Baghdad killing 70; Khan interviewed an elderly woman in a displaced persons camp who reported that her three grandchildren, ages 3, 12 and 13, died in the fire. White bags of explosives proved to be cotton from a gin; nine workers were killed. An airstrike killed a man reported to be carrying an unknown heavy object, but this was later revealed to be a person of short stature, which is how the Pentagon describes a child carried by their father whom they have incinerated. An airstrike on a vehicle of a family fleeing from ISIS killed seven; the mother was burned into the seat, still holding her infant son in her lap.

Qusay Saads wife, four-year-old son and 14-month-old daughter were among eight civilians killed when the school where they were sheltering was targeted with a precision air strike in Mosul in January 2017. He told the Times, What happened wasnt liberation. It was the destruction of humanity.

The reports released by the military are for Iraq and Syria, and none for Afghanistan have yet been provided. It took the ignominious exit of the US military from Afghanistan for Khan to be able to begin ascertaining civilian casualties there. She writes, Americas longest war was, in many ways, its least transparent. For years, these rural battlefields were largely off-limits to American reporters. But after the Taliban returned to power in August, Afghanistans hinterlands opened up. In one village alone she found On average, each household lost five civilian family members. An overwhelming majority of these deaths were caused by airstrikes.

President Barack Obama boasted in 2016, were conducting the most precise air campaign in history. There is some truth to this. Washingtons slaughter of thousands of civilians in the Middle East is not the result of a technical imprecision in targeting. It expresses, rather, the coldly calculated willingness to kill anyoneeven childrenif they obstruct the tactical objectives of the US empire.

The Civilian Casualty Files are the most significant exposure yet published of Washingtons wars in the Middle East as an uninterrupted series of war crimes. It demonstrates that the barbarism first brought to light by Julian Assange is in fact the foundation of US empire. Assanges principled courage in documenting this has been repaid with persecution and imprisonment. The very criminals he exposed seek to extradite him to the United States.

The material published in the Times is sufficient grounds for war crime charges to be brought against Obama, Trump, and their top military commanders, and to free Julian Assange to public acclamation as a hero.

The shocking numbers in the Civilian Casualty Files remain, however, a gross underestimation, since Khan was only able to document a fraction of the death toll. The rubble produced by US bombs in Syria and Iraq has covered the corpses of far more civilians than the thousands exposed in this report.

The Times report has been greeted with near total silence. There has been no call for a Senate investigation. The American ruling class can no longer muster even the pretense of shock; they are actively overseeing mass death within the United States.

There is a direct connection between the decades of Washingtons homicidal policies in the Middle East and the utter indifference of American capitalism to human lives within the United States. The same barbaric calculations are at play. In less than two years, 800,000 people have died of COVID-19 in the United States, but neither Trump nor Biden will do anything to halt the pandemics spread. The scientifically necessary measuresclosures of all nonessential workplaces and schools, mass subsidies to provide for the populationwould jeopardize the production of profit.

Like the military brass who prosecute their interests, the capitalists tally up acceptable casualty counts and target children. Mass death is acceptable to the ruling class, they will even welcome it, so long as it ensures the uninterrupted growth of the financial markets.
Caption: Bull and bear in front of the Frankfurt Stock Exchange (Credit: Eva Krocher/Wikimedia)

For the large corporations and investment bankers, the coronavirus pandemic means a massive orgy of enrichment. This applies internationally, but especially to Germany.

In the third quarter of 2021, the 40 companies listed on the Dax stock index achieved a total profit of 35.7 billion euros. That is 152 percent more than in the same period last year and 21 percent more than in the third quarter of 2019, the last comparable period before the coronavirus crisis.

Investment bankers are looking forward to receiving the highest bonuses in six years. Bonus booster for dealmakers, cynically headlines finance daily Handelsblatt. Deutsche Bank is considering a 20 percent increase in the bonus pool for employees in its investment banking divisions, it reports, citing people familiar with the matter. At US banks Goldman Sachs Group and JPMorgan Chase, bonus pools for bankers in the capital markets and advisory businesses could rise as much as 50 percent.

Banks from the US to Europe have seen investment banking profits jump this year and transaction activity is at record levels, Handelsblatt reports. Deutsche Banks pre-tax profits rose 32 percent in the first nine months of the year, according to the paper.

Deutsche Bank had already paid out 2.14 billion euros in bonuses to its top people last year. Six hundred eighty-four (684) of the banks employees pocketed more than one million euros each in 2020, the highest number of income millionaires among European banks. At Barclays, there were only 448 income millionaires and just 324 at HSBC. If Deutsche Bank increases the sum of its bonuses by a further 20 percent, almost 2.5 billion euros will flow into the pockets of its investment bankers this year.

By comparison, the traffic light coalition of the Social Democrats (SPD), Greens and Liberal Democrats (FDP) has budgeted 1 billion euros to pay one-time coronavirus bonuses to nurses for the special burdens they faced during the pandemic. The bonus amounts to a maximum of 3,000 euros each and will be paid out next spring at the earliestalthough it is not yet known who is even entitled to it and how much each would receive. Hundreds of thousands of nurses who work to their physical and mental limits to save lives will not receive even half as much as a few hundred professional speculators and pandemic profiteers at Deutsche Bank.

There is a direct correlation between the burden on some and the enrichment of others. Like vultures feasting on the victims of a disaster, the profiteers on the banking floors are enriching themselves from the consequences of the coronavirus pandemic. The German government and the European Central Bank have pumped hundreds of billions of euros in government Coronavirus Aid and cheap money into the economy, which, directly or indirectly, flows into the pockets of the super-rich.

Worldwide, investment banks raked in high profits in 2021also thanks to the spirited intervention of many states, which borrowed many billions because of coronavirus, and also thanks to central banks, which supplied the financial markets with cheap money, is how the Suddeutsche Zeitung describes this process. The banks profited above all from the fact that significantly more companies issued bonds, went public or planned takeovers, but at the same time, also from the fact that few companies went bankrupt. ... The fact that they also owe their good business dealings to state aid is probably of secondary importance for many bankers.

Major industrial corporations have also benefited from the government opening the cash spigots and a coronavirus policy that has kept factories and schools open at the cost of 7 million infections and over 100,000 deaths in Germany.

Despite global shortages in the supply of semiconductors, expensive raw materials and disrupted supply chains, Germanys top corporations again set records for sales and profits in the third quarter, reports Manager Magazin. It lists the crisis winners and finds it hard to contain its delight: Deutsche Telekom leads the profit rankingsahead of Allianz and the auto makers. BASF and Bayer are making a comeback.

Overall, it says, the total sales of the Dax 40 companies rose by 9 percent compared with the same period last year and by 4 percent compared with the pre-crisis year. Germanys top corporations are therefore generating more sales than ever before. Only three companies, VW, Airbus and Conti had a decline in sales in the third quarter.

As sales rose, profits explodedfrom 14.2 billion euros in the same period last year to 35.7 billion euros in the third quarter of 2021.

Workers of the following corporations should take a close look at the profit bonanza and draw conclusions as to what share their labour played in creating it.

First place in Manager Magazin s profit ranking goes to Deutsche Telekom with 3.5 billion euros. The insurance group Allianz follows in second place with 3.2 billion euros. The third to fifth placesdespite the silicon chip crisis and falling salesare occupied by auto manufacturers. Volkswagen, Daimler and BMW alone generated a combined operating profit of 8.4 billion euros, 800 million euros more than the previous year.

BMW posted a profit increase of 50 percent, Daimler of just under 16 percent. Despite an 18 percent drop in profits, Volkswagen reported the fifth-highest profit of all Dax companies at 2.5 billion euros. This means that the auto makers coffers are bulging despite falling sales figures, comments Manager Magazin .

This is also the case internationally. The worlds 16 largest auto makers generated more profit than ever before in the third quarter, despite silicon chip shortages and idle factories, says another article in the same magazine. The operating profits of these corporations rose 11 percent year-on-year to 23.1 billion euros, despite sales falling by 1.6 percent to 371 billion euros and unit sales slumping by 16 percent.

According to an EY study cited by Manager Magazin, the average profit margin of the worlds 16 largest auto makers rose from 6.2 to 7 percent. At 14.6 percent, electric carmaker Tesla achieved the highest margin, followed by BMW (10.5 percent), Toyota (9.9 percent) and Daimler (9.2 percent).

Tesla also leads the way in terms of stock market valuation: the market capitalization of the 16 companies surveyed has risen by 41 percent since the beginning of the year to two trillion US dollarsone trillion dollars of which is accounted for by Tesla alone. The stock market value of Ford, Mitsubishi and General Motors rose the most. In contrast, the stock market value of Suzuki and Renault fell.

The record profits of the largest auto manufacturers were also partly generated at the expense of their suppliers. According to management consultancy PwC, only 24 percent of suppliers are still financially sound. Around 42 percent of the companies, on the other hand, were in a financially strained position.

The profit records of the automotive industry were surpassed by chemical and pharmaceutical groups BASF and Bayer, which are now generating profits in the billions, after losses the previous year, as well as by the housing group Vonovia and utility giant RWE, which have each more than tripled their profits.

The orgy of enrichment on the stock exchanges and by the banks explains why, with the exception of China, no government is prepared to take the necessary measures that would be required, according to scientific findings, to put a stop to the pandemic. Above all, schools and businesses must remain open at all costs so that parents remain available to generate profit.

If this is no longer the case, not only does the rate of profit threaten to collapse, but the entire financial system collapses like a house of cards. International finance increasingly resembles a Ponzi scheme, which only generates profits as long as new money keeps flowing in. A huge speculative bubble has been created, which threatens to burst if the exploitation of workers is not constantly intensified.

In the Eurozone, the size of the financial sectormeasured by the total stock of financial assetshas doubled in the last 20 years in relation to annual economic output. In 2020, Deutsche Bank extended loans of 431 billion euros worldwide, 100 billion of which went to commercial enterprises. This compares with risk positions from derivatives trading, i.e., speculative transactions, amounting to 32 trillion euros.

The explosion of profits, while millions of people are dying and falling ill from COVID-19, reveals the bankruptcy of the capitalist profit system. No government that defends capitalism is willing to oppose the claims of the banks and corporations. The same is true of the trade unions, which work in social partnership with big capital and governments, organizing attacks on jobs and wages in the name of maintaining competitiveness.

The struggle against the pandemic and the attacks on the rights and gains of the working class that this entails requires a socialist strategy. Workers must organize independently of the unions in rank-and-file committees, unite internationally and build the Sozialistische Gleichheitspartei (Socialist Equality Party, SGP).
Charles Milliken

Christmas is upon us. Decorated trees, presents, traditional music, parties and shopping galore are the many signs of what for many is the high spot of the year. Unfortunately, Christmas isnt always the high spot we might desire. Life, with its ups and downs, goes on irrespective of the calendar. My wife, Bonnie, when she was growing up, lived in modest circumstances, and few were the presents under the tree.

Christmas has an interesting history. Celebrations around the shortest days of the year date back to our Roman heritage. The Saturnalia festival was a merry time indeed, eventually spanning a week. Everyone stopped working if they could, and raucous parties were the norm for those who could afford them. Even slaves got some time off, and often joined in the merriment.

Fast forward a thousand years, and the tradition of partying carried on in England up through the time of the split from Rome under Henry VIII. Within a very few years the Reformation came to England, and there was a great reaction against many practices associated with the Catholic church, and Christmas was no exception. When the Church of England didnt go far enough in certain strict Reformist minds, they split from the Church becoming Separatists, which we know as Puritans and Pilgrims when they show up in Massachusetts from 1620 on. The Pilgrims might have initiated Thanksgiving, but they emphatically didnt want anything to do with Christmas. All the partying and merry-making was not congenial to the Puritan mind.

Fortunately, Anglicans showed up in other colonies, including Virginia and South Carolina, so Christmas managed to survive, and thrive, on this side of the Pond. Santa Claus, Christmas trees, Christmas cards, Twas the night before Christmas, Dickens "A Christmas Carol and a lot else we take for granted today was largely a result of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert in the 1840s. Given Englands influence in the world, these brand new traditions spread widely. There is something about Christmas that just wants to break out all over. Even the atheist Bolsheviks in Russia, a decade or so after destroying as much of the Orthodox church as they could, decided the Workers and Peasants needed a celebration, so desacralized Christmas, and made it a New Year celebration, with many of the old trimmings.

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Of course Christmas, as a Mass celebrating Christs birth, holds no inherent meaning for non-Christians. For those who used to be Christians, and have now joined the ever increasing ranks of secularists, Christmas is still a good time to have a good time, but otherwise is no more significant than any other excuse for a party.

For Christians, however, no matter how straightened the circumstances may be, Christmas is a time of great joy. An atheist, after Santa Claus delivers the presents, has nothing to look forward to. Bertrand Russell, a famous midcentury atheist philosopher put it succinctly: When I die, I shall rot. Annihilation is our lot, and Russell thought we shouldnt mind, citing people meeting their end on the scaffold with courage and dignity. You may have to admire his equanimity in the face of extinction, but I think I shall pass.

Christs birthday portends a much more joyful end, which must go by way of the Cross, but guarantees eternal bliss for those who follow in His footsteps. Ive been to a few parties in my time, and always knew that sooner or later the party would be over. Its a deeply comforting assurance that this life  this party  will never be over.

Bah! Humbug! say many. Santa is a myth, and so is all the rest. Santa comes to town one day a year, so let's enjoy the party even if it is a counterfeit.

For Christians Christ is not a myth (to be sure He is not a myth for non-Christians as well, but thats a topic for another day.) Our joy is that Christ comes not one day, but every day, from here to eternity.

Merry Christmas!

Charles Milliken is a professor emeritus after 22 years of teaching economics and related subjects at Siena Heights University. He can be reached at milliken.charles@gmail.com.

This article originally appeared on The Daily Telegram: Charles Milliken: Christmas is a time of great joy
Apax Capital Group, a new film fund backed by the Italian government, an Italian insurer and a consortium of other investors, says it plans to spend 1.5 billion (about $1.7 billion) over 10 years on films shot and/or completed in Europe, primarily Italy.

The venture is led by producer Yona Wiesenthal (Shtisel, Footnote, Beaufort, Allegiance, Google Baby), former CEO of the Israel Broadcast Authority and content chief at Israeli DBS platform YES; and by Augusto Pelliccia, Italian film financier and CEO of Augustus Group. They are investors in the fund along with studios, production facilities and film commissions in Italy, Spain and Morocco.

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The group has tapped New York real estate entrepreneur Noam Baram as an equity partner in North America to scout for projects by U.S. producers that can be shot in Europe and Italy. Hes currently setting up Apax Capitals presence Stateside with a few staff between New York and Los Angeles. Apax Capital (no relation to big private equity firm Apax Partners) will back 10-12 films a year by U.S. producers with budgets between $5 million-$20 million, Baram tells Deadline.

Production will be fully financed, and draw on Italys national and regional tax-credit program that grants film and TV projects up to 35% of budget spent locally as a convertible tax-credit voucher.

Post-production will also be fully financed if work is done at Augustus Studios facilities.

Cattolica Insurance, a newly acquired subsidiary of Gruppo Generali, is also an investor in the fund. The company and its manager Ilaria Faro, through Gruppo Natalucci & Partners, will oversee and insure the tax-credit cash flow.

Wiesenthal

It is our mission with Apax Capital Group to provide a financial solution to filmmakers and television producers to not only complete their productions, but also secure distribution and sales, said Wiesenthal. This deal is an example of our strategy of finding new and original ways to finance projects through joint ventures and completion financing. Italy, along with several other countries in Europe, provides not only an incredible location with high-level services, but also considerable tax credit programs.

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The consortiums first deals include one with Cinatura, the production company of Kees Kasander (Fish Tank; The Cook; The Thief, his Wife & Her Lover; 8  Women) to finance and complete Peter Greenways next four films: Walking to Paris, currently in postproduction; Lucca Mortis, scheduled to start shooting in late winter 2021; an Antonio Vivaldi project The Food of Love; and the Hieronymus Bosch project.

Apax also has a deal in place to finance director Hagar Ben Ashers feature The War Has Ended, expected to be shot in Italy. (The project won the development prize for Best Script at the 2018 Berlin Film Festival.)

Meanwhile, Baram and surrogates working with him who are close to the film industry are starting to scout scripts and potential productions in the U.S. to bring overseas.

The American market currently has a vacuum in financing films ranging from $5 million to $20 million. These films are targeted by Apax since some can be produced in Europe or at the very least can have the postproduction done there, said Baram. The U.S. is still the largest market in the world for films and together with Apax we will strive to help finance award-winning films.

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Ree Drummond, Alex Drummond Scott

Alex Drummond Scott/Instagram

Alex Drummond is kicking off some new traditions with husband Mauricio Scott in their first year of wedded bliss.

After spending Thanksgiving with the Drummonds, the newlyweds are off to Monterrey, Mexico, where they'll spend Christmas with Mauricio's family, also marking Alex's first visit to her husband's hometown, according to her mom Ree Drummond's blog The Pioneer Woman.

"The way that we're doing this whole marriage-holiday-thing is we're doing Thanksgiving with one of our families every year, and then Christmas with the other family, and it'll flip-flop," Alex, 24, said on Instagram. "So next year we'll do Christmas with my family."

RELATED: Ree Drummond Is 'Chillin' with Her Kids in Thanksgiving Pics: 'Hope You're All Having a Happy Day'

Alex added that she's "so excited for the food," which includes a pastel azteca during the family's celebration of Las Posadas.

"I'm really excited about Mexico. It's my first time going to where Mauricio is from," she added. "I got to meet a lot of his family at the wedding but I'll get to meet a lot more of them, which will be fun."

The couple's jaunt to Mexico comes after they celebrated an early Christmas with Ree, 52, last week during a ski trip to Vail, Colorado, where they were joined by Ree's nephew Stuart Smith.

"Nephew, Daughter, Son-in-Law! Three of my (seven? no, ten!) favorite youngsters right here. We're all in different places now, but had fun together last week," Ree captioned photos of the visit.

Alex and Mauricio also made a stop back home in Pawhuska, Oklahoma, where they exchanged gifts with the rest of the Drummond brood.

They tied the knot on the Drummond family ranch in Oklahoma back in May, after announcing their engagement last August. The couple met during their freshman year of undergrad at Texas A&M University.

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RELATED VIDEO: Ree Drummond Thanks Husband Ladd for Support at Cookbook Signing Following Her Brother's Death

Ree, who shares daughters Alex and Paige, 22, and sons Bryce, 19, Todd, 17, and foster son Jamar, 19, with husband Ladd Drummond, 53, previously opened up to PEOPLE about preparing to become an empty-nester.

"We are in such a different season now, Ladd and me. We have only Todd at home," she said in October. "We are almost empty-nesting!"

"I used to get sad when the kids left for college. When the girls left, I cried and wailed and mourned. But now, now I just sort of embrace what those changes bring," Ree told PEOPLE. "Right now, it's bringing a little bit of peace, serenity, and quiet. The kids are almost all grown and we can enjoy them when they come home. But then when they're gone, we really enjoy that too."
After COVID-19 brought the sports world to a halt in 2020, this past year saw many leagues return to more normal schedules.

With sports fans itching for something to cheer for, 2021 delivered in a big way. The Tokyo Olympics were full of intriguing and controversial storylines, the Montreal Canadiens made a surprise run to the Stanley Cup final, and Tom Brady led his new team to a Super Bowl victory, just to name a few of the highlights.

Amid all the big plays and shocking upsets, a handful of people stood above the rest in terms of hype. Here are the 15 athletes Yahoo Canada users searched for the most in 2021.

Tiger Woods

Tiger Woods and son Charlie Woods hug after the final round of the PNC Championship. (Jeremy Reper-USA TODAY Sports)

Woods was involved in a terrifying car wreck in February that left the golf star wondering if he would lose a leg. The 45-year-old is still recovering but recently returned to the golf course with his son Charlie at the PNC Championship, where the two fell just short of a victory after an impressive 11-birdie streak.

Bianca Andreescu

Bianca Andreescu of Canada returns a shot to Anett Kontaveit of Estonia during the BNP Paribas Open. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)

Andreescu became a household name in 2019 after defeating Serena Williams at the US Open. This past year wasn't a successful one for her, as she was upset in the first round of both the French Open and Wimbledon. She withdrew from the Tokyo Olympics over COVID-19 concerns and also tested positive for the coronavirus in April. She has already announced she will not participate in the 2022 Australian Open due to personal reasons.

Simone Biles

Simone Biles performs during the Gold Over America Tour in Los Angeles. (Photo by Katharine Lotze/Getty Images)

Biles delivered the most shocking moment of the Tokyo Games when she announced her withdrawal. Considered the greatest gymnast of all-time and favoured to win every time she set foot on the mat, her absence left a massive hole in some of the marquee events of the Olympics. Biles was dealing with a mental issue known as "the twisties," which left her disoriented in midair. The American was panned by many for "quitting" on her team, and praised by others for prioritizing her mental health.

Wayne Gretzky

Wayne Gretzky left his position with the Oilers earlier this year. (Anne-Marie Sorvin-USA TODAY Sports)

The Great One made headlines earlier this year when he stepped down from his front-office role with the Edmonton Oilers to join the TNT broadcast crew. Gretzky had a fun debut with the network, shooting pucks on Charles Barkley before getting made fun of for his sweater vest. Gretzky was also in the news in March, when his father, Walter, passed away after a nine-year battle with Parkinson's disease.

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Leylah Fernandez

Leylah Annie Fernandez captured hearts around the world with her US Open run. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)

Much like Andreescu two years prior, Fernandez made a name for herself at the US Open. Unseeded at the tournament, the 19-year-old plowed her way through the field, knocking off a series of heavyweights in upset fashion. She rode her momentum all the way to the final, where she met her match in another unseeded teenager (more on her later). Fernandez quickly won over Canadians with her Cinderella run and established herself as a name to watch for the future.

Andre De Grasse

Andre De Grasse of Canada celebrates on the podium with his gold medal. (REUTERS/Dylan Martinez)

He wasn't going step for step with Usain Bolt this time around, but De Grasse was all over the podium in Tokyo. He won bronze in both the 100-metre race and as part of the 4x100m relay team, but shone brightest in the 200-metre race, where he won gold.

Tom Brady

Tom Brady won yet another Super Bowl in 2021, this time with a different team. (Photo by Cliff Welch/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

The greatest quarterback of all-time proved he wasn't just a product of the New England Patriots' system, winning the Super Bowl in his first season with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. In addition to the on-field success, Brady continued to build his brand as one of social media's funniest athletes.

Naomi Osaka

Naomi Osaka sent shockwaves through the sports world when she refused to attend her media availabilities. (Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports)

Osaka won the 2021 Australian Open, but winning a grand slam is not the reason she appears on this list. The 24-year-old tennis star made waves ahead of the French Open when she announced she would not participate in her mandatory media sessions. She ended up withdrawing from the tournament due to mental health issues, and also missed Wimbledon. Many athletes voiced support for Osaka's controversial decision.

Serena Williams

Serena Williams did not win a tournament in 2021. (Photo by TPN/Getty Images)

One of the most dominant individuals in the history of professional sports, Williams did not have the type of year we've grown accustomed to seeing. She did not win a tournament in 2021 as injuries forced her to withdraw from numerous WTA events. There were even rumours after the Australian Open that she was headed for retirement.

Emma Raducanu

Emma Raducanu established herself as a rising star in the tennis world. (Photo by James Chance/Getty Images)

The other teenager to reach the US Open final in 2021 was Raducanu, who was born in Toronto but moved to England when she was two years old. Like Fernandez, she shockingly recorded upset after upset over the course of the tournament, and capped things off by hoisting the trophy. Raducanu took home BBC Sports Personality of the Year for her remarkable triumph.

Novak Djokovic

Novak Djokovic now has 20 career grand slam titles on his resume. (REUTERS/Ben Solomon)

On the court, Djokovic furthered his case for being the greatest men's tennis player of all-time. He tied Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal with 20 career grand slam wins thanks to his victory at Wimbledon. Off the court, Djokovic has caused a stir by refusing to publicly disclose his vaccination status, which could cause him to miss tournaments.

Carey Price

Carey Price backstopped the Canadiens to a Stanley Cup final appearance last season, but hasn't played in 2021-22. (Photo by David Rosenblum/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Price was instrumental in leading the Canadiens all the way to the Stanley Cup final last season, returning to his all-star form at the perfect time. Right before the 2021-22 season was set to begin, Montreal announced Price had entered the NHL's player assistance program, which helps players and families with matters of mental health, addiction, and substance abuse. Price has since rejoined the Canadiens for workouts, but has yet to appear in a game.

Kyle Lowry

Kyle Lowry is now a member of the Miami Heat. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

This past year marked the end of the Kyle Lowry era in Toronto, as the Raptors icon joined the Miami Heat. Lowry's absence has been felt in a big way, with the Raptors struggling to find consistency. Luckily for the Raptors, Lowry has already expressed his desire to retire with the team, whenever that time comes.

Penny Oleksiak

Penny Oleksiak is the most decorated Canadian Olympian in history. (REUTERS/Kai Pfaffenbach)

After capturing hearts by winning four medals at the 2016 Olympics as a 16-year-old, Oleksiak further cemented herself as one of the greatest Canadian athletes ever with her performance in Tokyo. She won three more medals in the pool, bringing her total to seven  the most ever for a Canadian Olympian. It's a good thing she didn't listen to the teacher who told her to stop swimming.

Conor McGregor

Conor McGregor holds his leg after suffering an injury against Dustin Poirier during UFC 264. (Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports)

McGregor is one of the most polarizing figures in sports, seemingly making news several times per month with controversial comments and behaviour. On top of all his usual antics in 2021, McGregor broke his leg in gruesome fashion during a fight with Dustin Poirier in July. As to be expected, the Irishman didn't take the defeat well.

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President Joe Biden said Wednesday in an exclusive interview with ABC "World News Tonight" anchor David Muir that "accountability is necessary" for the Jan. 6 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol, "no matter where it goes."

"I think accountability is necessary," Biden told Muir during a sit-down interview at the White House.

"And that means if it goes right into the previous administration?" Muir pressed, referring to the administration of President Donald Trump, who was in office when his supporters launched a deadly attack on the Capitol.

"No matter where it goes," Biden said. "Those responsible should be held accountable."

You can watch more of David Muir's interview with President Joe Biden on ABC "World News Tonight" and "Nightline" at 12:35 a.m. ET

PHOTO: President Joe Biden is interviewed by ABC's David Muir, Dec. 22, 2021, at the White House, in Washington, D.C. (ABC News)

A House select committee currently investigating the Jan. 6 insurrection has subpoenaed top Trump administration officials, including the former president's chief of staff, Mark Meadows. The House later voted Meadows in criminal contempt for refusing to cooperate.

MORE: Jan. 6 committee seeks interview with Trump ally Rep. Jim Jordan

In October, a reporter asked the president what his message was to those who defy the committee's subpoenas."

"I hope that the committee goes after them and holds them accountable," Biden said then.

MORE: GOP congressman rejects Jan. 6 committee records request

Asked if the Justice Department should prosecute them, he replied, "I do, yes."

Days later, Biden said during a CNN town hall he was wrong to appear as if he was directing the department to act a certain way, noting what he said "was not appropriate."

"I should have chosen my words more wisely," he added.

President Biden to ABC's David Muir: Accountability needed for Jan. 6 insurrection 'no matter where it goes' originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
A Lebanon nonprofit that helps individuals with special needs has found itself in a development hotbed as it moves forward on a new facility.

Empower Me Center is raising money to develop just over 25 acres it now owns on South Hartmann Drive, south of Interstate 40. Empower Me Center has provided 2,600 activities to 340 people in 2021 through early December.

Phase 1 will consist of a 9,000-square-foot building, bocce courts and a soccer field. The cost estimate is about $5 million, Empower Me Center Executive Director Michelle Hill said.

The organization is known for its summer day camp sessions, which will be moved to the new facility when complete. In 2021, the name was changed from Empower Me Day Camp to Empower Me Center to reflect the nonprofits year-round programs.

A rendering for the Empower Me Center plan at South Hartmann Drive in Lebanon.

Empower Me Center now operates its adult program and some other activities at Fairview Church. Summer camps are at Greer Recreation Center. Other events are held at different locations that include the nonprofit's property on South Hartmann.

We knew eventually investors would recognize the huge potential for development along the South Hartmann Drive corridor for businesses and housing and that has finally occurred, Hill said. With development beginning on adjoining properties, construction of the sewer system is now underway. This is a vital piece of the areas infrastructure that we have been waiting for.

Empower Me Centers property is just west of Barton Village, a large mixed-use development on more than 350 acres. More than 1,850 townhouses, flats, duplexes and single-family homes are planned for Barton Village.

It does feel realistic, said Rick Bell, Lebanon's mayor and a member of Empower Me Centers board of directors. There has been a lot of ups and downs, but I think this is a plan that will work. Especially when utilities get out there.

The nonprofit also intends to sell five acres in three tracts of land that front South Hartmann, Hill said. More than $1.5 million in cash and in-kind donations is raised, according to Hill.

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Initially, the new building will be used for Empower Me Centers adult day program that offers a variety of activities for ages 18 and older. The summer camp sessions and Empower Me Centers year-round respite and enrichment activities will move to the new facility.

The new facility should allow for more participants in the summer camp sessions and to expand the adult programs from three to five days per week, Hill said.

Phase 2 plans include a 38,000-square-foot building with a gymnasium, classrooms, and open space. The Phase 2 building will also be available to rent for conferences, continuing education classes and community events as a revenue producer, Hill said.

A recreational sports complex to include a splash pad, adaptive playground, Miracle League baseball field is also part of the second phase. The complex will be designed to accommodate persons in wheelchairs.

Phase 3 will be a multi-living program. Empower Me Center plans to partner with other entities to offer onsite housing and help connect families to other nearby services.

Fundraising will continue in 2022 along with site development, securing a contractor and completion of a mass grading plan.

The goal is to start construction on Phase 1 in late 2022 and be on the property for at least some activities in 2023, Hill said.

For information on how to donate or volunteer visit empowermecenter.com.

Reach Andy Humbles at ahumbles@tennessean.com or 615-726-5939 and on Twitter @ AndyHumbles.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Lebanons Empower Me Center looks to build in development hotbed
Researchers and archaeologists who have been analyzing and exploring the remains of the last U.S. slave ship on the coast of Alabama, aka the Clotilda, have discovered that most of the ship is still intact since it sank in 1860, according to the Associated Press.



They found the cage that was used to detain enslaved Africans as they crossed the Atlantic Ocean. Also, the lower deck that was used to hold more enslaved Africans and stocks of goods was still mostly preserved after it settled underwater in a section of the river for decades, according to SEARCH Inc maritime archeologist, James Delgado.

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The Associated Press has more details on the parts of the ship that are still recognizable:

At least two-thirds of the ship remains, and the existence of the unlit and unventilated slave pen, built during the voyage by the addition of a bulkhead where people were held as cargo below the main deck for weeks, raises questions about whether food and water containers, chains and even human DNA could remain in the hull, said Delgado. Its a stunning revelation, he said in an interview. The discovery enhances the research value of the Clotildas remains and sets them apart from all other wrecks, Delgado said. The finding was confirmed in a report that was provided to The Associated Press and led to the site becoming part of the National Register of Historic Places in November. Its the most intact (slave ship) wreck ever discovered, he said. Its because its sitting in the Mobile-Tensaw Delta with fresh water and in mud that protected it that its still there.

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Jocelyn Davis, the vice president of the Clotilda Descendants Association and a sixth-generation granddaughter of African captive Charlie Lewis, thinks that the best way to learn what happened on that ship 160 years ago is for it to be shared through the people who were directly involved and affected. She also added that she is enthusiastic to learn more about the discoveries from the wreckage, per the story from the Associated Press:

The Clotilda was the last ship known to transport African captives to the American South for enslavement. Nearly 90 feet (27 meters) in length, it departed Mobile, Alabama, for an illegal trip to purchase people decades after Congress outlawed such trade in 1808. The ship had been sent across the ocean on a voyage financed by a wealthy businessman whose descendants remain prominent in Mobile. The Clotildas captain transferred its human cargo off the ship once it arrived in Alabama and set fire to the vessel to hide evidence of the journey. But most of the ship didnt catch fire and remained in the river. Shown on navigational charts since the 1950s, the wreckage was publicly identified as that of Clotilda in 2019 and has been explored and researched since then, Delgado said.

$1 million has been set aside by the state of Alabama to both preserve the ship and for more research to be conducted; researchers need to determine whether the ship can be fully pulled out of the river and put on display.



A documentary called Descendant is also being developed about the African captives who were on the Clotilda and settled in a community they started near Mobile, Alabama called Africatown USA, according to the Associated Press.
Chinese President Xi Jinping on June 29, 2021. Ding Lin/Xinhua via Getty Images

China is threatened Lithuania over its strengthening relationship with Taiwan.

The tiny European nation allowed Taiwan to open an office in its capital, Vilnius.

Beijing, which claims Taiwan as its own, reacted furiously and downgraded relations with Lithuania.

China threatened to consign the tiny European state of Lithuania to "the garbage bin of history" after it defied Beijing by allowing Taiwan to open a representative office in the capital of Vilnius.

Lithuania, which has a population of 3 million, broke from its European neighbors by formally recognizing Taiwan, a self-governing island that China claims belongs to it.

In August, Lithuania said it would allow Taiwan to open an office in its own name, prompting fury from Beijing, which recalled its ambassador to Lithuania in response. It also downgraded diplomatic relations with Lithuania.

In recent years, the prospect has loomed large of China invading Taiwan to take it by force, escalating its decades-long economic and diplomatic dispute with the nation.

A report in the Global Times, a Chinese state-run newspaper, said that Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian told reporters this week that "Lithuania stands on the opposite side of universal principles, which will never end well."

Zhao also warned that "those who insist on acting in collusion with Taiwan secessionist forces will eventually be swept into the garbage bin of history."

Taiwan opened the representation office in Vilnius in November, which Lithuania agreed would bear the name Taiwan rather than Chinese Taipei. Many other countries and international organizations refer to Taiwan by that name to avoid offending Beijing.

China refuses to give diplomatic recognition to countries that characterize Taiwan as independent. Just 15 countries have a formal diplomatic alliance as a result of this pressure from China.

Lithuania may pay a heavy economic price for its decision. The country is bracing for a corporate boycott after China told multinationals to sever ties with Lithuania or risk being shut out of the lucrative Chinese market, Reuters reported in December.

The Global Times report said Lithuania had become increasingly economically dependent on China in recent years. It suggested that trade between the two countries would decrease in future.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Many years ago, John Kennedy authored a best selling book entitled Profiles In Courage. Its a good thing he wrote that book when he did. If he were writing it today, hed have to look long and hard to find qualified candidates. But, thank goodness, occasionally we do witness an example of courage in the face of huge political pressure. In fact, weve witnessed a couple of examples in recent months, Sen. Joe Manchin (D-West Virginia) and Rep. Liz Cheney (R-Wyoming).

A few months ago, Rep. Cheney, a member of the Republican Partys leadership in the House of Representatives, had the audacity (and courage) to disagree with House Minority leader Kevin McCarthy, voting in favor of pursuing a congressional investigation into the Jan. 6 mob assault on the Capitol building. Republican Party retribution was fast and furious. She was summarily removed from her congressional leadership position, and the Republican Party now is actively working to defeat her bid for re-election to Congress next year.

Wayne Chick

This week, a plethora of Democrats came out swinging even more viciously at Sen. Manchin for not supporting President Bidens Build Back America legislation. The group of far-left liberals known as the Squad, along with former presidential candidate Bernie Sanders, appeared apoplectic in their denunciation of this senator who lost his patience with trying to negotiate a more reasonable piece of legislation and said no dice to the $1.7 trillion legislation.

While disapproving Democrats took time to hurl personal insults at one of the Senates most highly regarded moderates on television shows throughout the weekend, they spent little time explaining to we lowly voters why Manchins decision is a bad one. While I agree that some portions the build back America legislation is poorly conceived, thats not the point here. The point at issue is that a severe political price will be paid by any elected official who doesnt march in lock-step with his or her party leadership.

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Chick: Honk if you're dumb enough to believe political ads

Political party loyalty has always been a reality for elected officials who hoped to have a long, successful career. But only occasionally has the political background of youre either with us or youre against us been as vitriolic as today. When virtually all major legislation is approved, or disapproved, with nearly unanimous party unanimity, something is wrong. The system is, at that point, not working. It defies common sense to believe 100% of elected Democrats favor any piece of major legislation...and that 100% of Republicans oppose it.

There was a time when there existed liberal and conservative Republicans in the Senate and House of Representatives. Sen. Lowell Weicker of Connecticut and Jacob Javits of New York were staunch liberals, for example. Liberal House Speaker Tip ONeill of Massachusetts and conservative President Ronald Reagan worked well together on numerous issues. And many of the senates most conservative members were Democrats at the time, i.e., Sen. Robert Byrd. Now, the political landscape is such that you either vote as you are instructed by Chuck Schumer (if youre a Democrat) or Mitch McConnell (if youre a Republican) ... or face serious consequences when seeking re-election.

Chick: It's time to get back to work

Equally disappointing is the silence from members of Manchins Democrat Party and from Rep. Cheneys GOP for failing to at least support their right to present an independent position. Is it too much to expect someone to say, for example, I disagree with Sen. Manchins position but the man has a right to his opinion? Certainly one would expect at least a couple of other Democrats might have issue with a $1.7 trillion expenditure that will create dozens of new or expanded federal programs.

Remember, this legislation originally started out with a price tag over $3 trillion. It was one senators concerns (actually two including Sen. Kyrsten Sinema (D-Arizona) that reduced the overall cost almost in half. But not one Senate Democrat has given even the slightest bit of public support to Manchins independence. Courage is not a valued quality on Capitol Hill.

Wayne Chick was vice-president/general manager of Foster's Daily Democrat prior to his retirement.

This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: Chick: Courage is not a valued quality on Capitol Hill
BOCA RATON, Florida  Thirteen days after her death in the Oxford High School shootings, Madisyn Baldwin's name remained etched on a white board in a conference room of a nondescript single-story office building in Boca Raton, Florida.

No signage identified the business. A giant shade draped across the locked front entrance blocked the view of anyone who might be passing by  or looking for the businessman inside.

A camera monitor captured images of potential visitors who approached the building in this city filled with warm sunshine, palm trees and money.

Bill Pulte, 33, of Boca Raton, opens the door to greet visitors he is expecting. A philanthropist and heir to what is recognized as Michigan's most prolific homebuilder, Pulte has 3.2 million followers on Twitter. He has the ability to move tens of thousands of people to take action in a matter of seconds.

And he has.

Bill Pulte with the Twitter Philanthropist of the Year trophy in his offices in Boca Raton, Florida, on Dec. 13, 2021. Pulte is known globally as a Twitter philanthropist. He has been a strong supporter of efforts to raise money for Oxford families.

A passion project in recent weeks has been Oxford, Michigan  not just the four high school students killed and seven other people wounded, including a teacher, after a shooting at the high school on Nov. 30, but the whole community.

The social media superstar is followed by people all over the country and the world. He is a key influencer in identifying charitable projects that appeal to younger, nontraditional givers.

Pulte, who rarely grants interviews, sat down for a wide-ranging discussion earlier this month in his new office, where he touched on his family history in Detroit, his forecasts for the future and what inspires him to give away money.

Families in need

When Pulte saw a grandmother's plea for the family of student Madisyn Baldwin on the gofundme.com site, Pulte snapped into action and urged people to donate.

The fundraising page for Madisyn Baldwin posted by her grandmother. The grandmother made a public plea on behalf of her family as it mourns the 17-year-old shot to death at Oxford High School. Baldwin was among four students killed in the Oakland County school shooting.

They did. He did, too.

Pulte dissects activity on social media the way a financial analyst would review profit-and-loss activity. Twitter, used effectively, can be an essential tool in delivering help to families, he explains.

"You can impact the virality of these things by leaning into them. I try to lean into them," he said.

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The involvement of others can be tracked by public comments posted on the site with anonymous and named donations, some of which credit "Team Pulte."

At issue for Pulte is to figure out what works and what doesn't and how to get more people to see the need, give money and make a difference in this often troubled world.

"It's hard to imagine some of these situations," he said. "If I told you the direct messages I get every day, it's insane. It's insane in a sad way."

In the weeks since the tragedy, the verified account for Madisyn has collected more than $105,800 from an estimated 2,200 donors, far exceeding a goal of $30,000. Quite a few cited Team Pulte in gift notes.

"When you talk to these families, and I didn't talk to Madisyn's family but I talked to some of these other families, they're in immediate crisis," he said. "They have no idea where to go."

Stories of Madisyn and her classmates broke his heart.

"I did talk to families in Oxford. And I talked to other families who've been in those crisis situations," Pulte said. "I get stressed out with the Madisyns."

He has two little girls himself, ages 2 and 4.

$100 million man

He is often drawn to requests for money to pay for funerals, seeing the cost as sort of final punishment for families amid ongoing tragedy.

On Dec. 18, @Pulte tweeted an image of a little girl named Raylean from Alabama who police say died of blunt force trauma and internal bleeding. Her mother's boyfriend has been charged with capital murder. "This beautiful 18-month-old toddler. ... They need help burying the baby. All money to funeral expenses. GOAL: $8,000."

He helped raise $10,265 from 417 donors in two days.

Pulte told the Free Press: "This is what I spent my Saturday night doing. I love it."

A Dec. 20 article on the Alabama Media Group site AL.com said the GoFundMe campaign saw "a huge boost when Twitter philanthropist Bill Pulte donated $1,000 to Rayleans funeral and urged his 3.2 million followers to also contribute. Donations then poured in from Pultes followers."

Pulte, who disclosed a personal net worth approaching $100 million, takes pride in pointing out that he is the grandson of the late founder of the homebuilding giant PulteGroup, which began in the Great Lakes State.

"In my view, the state of Michigan and Detroit, in particular, gave my family pretty much everything that we have. If you look at where Pulte Homes started for example, it started as one home in Detroit, then it became two homes, then it became a subdivision," Pulte said. "Michigan has a very special part in our hearts."

Pulte Homes, which is known for their homes' affordability, has had critics and lawsuits over the years regarding quality issues that often plague high-volume building.

"Quality is a problem when you have a few homes and it's multiplied when you have many homes and don't have quality processes in place," Pulte told the Free Press. "As you scale, you need to make sure you get quality under control."

He acknowledges being born privileged. And wealthy.

As founder of Pulte Capital in 2011, the younger Pulte has earned tens of millions of dollars investing strategically on his own.

"I did make money on Pulte Homes. I was on the board there for a number of years. I did make good money there. But the majority, Im talking tens and tens of millions of dollars, came from buying air-conditioning companies, growing them and then selling them," Pulte said.

"Then, also, I owned a countertop company that my grandfather was very involved with. ... He helped me design products, helped me design countertops, shower doors," Pulte said. "But its really the teams of these companies that grew them ... fast and quick and weve been able to have great exits from that."

Bill Pulte's father, Mark, builds custom mega mansions in Florida that sell from $15 million to more than $120 million. They are unaffiliated with PulteGroup.

"My dad was embedding in my brain how to build a house. In high school, I worked for a construction company inside a home," Pulte said. "It taught me to understand other parts of the housing business."

Now the man who majored in broadcast journalism at Northwestern University, where he met his chemical engineer wife  "the smart one" in the family, he said smiling  spends half his work life buying, growing and selling housing-related companies.

The rest of the time he focuses on how to give money away.

It is a passion that has grown steadily over the past two years.

He meets every day with a single assistant who helps identify worthy causes and amplifies the voices of those in need because he believes the solution is not just handing over money but engaging humanity, inspiring people to help each other.

Bill Pulte goes through some of the large number of messages he gets. He gave an interview Dec. 13, 2021, in his offices in Boca Raton, Florida. Pulte is known globally as a Twitter philanthropist. He has been a strong supporter of efforts to raise money for Oxford families.

And while he personally donated $100 to a fund for Madisyn set up by her grandmother, Madisyn's family is just one of a handful from Oxford seeking help. Pulte wants other people to give money, even if just $5. Because it shows how small efforts by many people build a coalition that solves problems, he said.

"I dont think that alone I can solve a lot of issues," Pulte said. "But if I can create a movement, if we can create a movement of people who are all coming together, thats when this gets really interesting."

'Like car crashes'

Pulte pushes hard.

"Its kind of like car crashes. You know there are going to be a certain amount of car crashes per day in the United States  you know people are going to die, its just a matter of who, what, when and where," he said. "As these stories pop up, whether its a Madisyn in Michigan, how can we use technology to get people at a moments notice to help these individual people? Theres no way of forecasting these crises that are happening. But there is something that we can forecast, which is the human spirit wants to help people when theyre in the most dire state of need."

The self-titled founder of what he calls Twitter philanthropy, a term with growing recognition as the activity continues to make headlines worldwide, says he is focused on giving money, food and rent to people in need.

Pulte gave keys to a $20,000 Chevrolet Trax to an Air Force veteran from Farmington Hills in August 2019.

Others who won support from his crowd-sourced charity have included a family living in a car, a colon cancer patient who faced eviction, teachers in need of classroom supplies and the relatives of 9-year-old Emma Hernandez, who was killed in a dog mauling while riding her bike on Detroit's west side, according to a 2019 Free Press story.

"I feel like I'm on a mission," Pulte said this month.

In June, a Mother Jones magazine story titled, 'Twitter Philanthropists' Bail Out a Lucky Fewand Leave Millions More Behind," described Pulte as a man who "launched a movement that reveals the holes in the social safety net."

Rob Reich, a Stanford political science professor, told the magazine, In economic circumstances such as we live in today, in which desperate need has gone up, meeting the basic needs of people cant ever be fulfilled through idiosyncratic giving responses. There are alternative and more systematic mechanisms for meeting basic needs.

Bill Pulte is interviewed on Dec. 13, 2021, in his offices in Boca Raton, Florida. Pulte is known globally as a Twitter philanthropist. He has been a strong supporter of efforts to raise money for Oxford families.

Still, Pulte says he believes he's engaging new philanthropists and people who wouldn't otherwise give. Fans of his charity efforts don't just send him private tweets thanking him, which he showed to a Free Press reporter. People actually send him cash and transfer money via PayPal or Venmo and even send cryptocurrency. He can't understand why people send him money. He said he gives it all away.

"The internet is a weird place," Pulte said.

While his online donations may range from $50 to $100 to $2,000 to $30,000, that's not the magic, he said. All told, he has spent more than $1 million in cash gifts online since 2019, he said.

"The beauty is in random strangers from all across the country coming together and donating $5, $10, $15," he said. "To me, what really is winning is when I start to see people from all across the globe start giving money to each other and helping each other."

14 children

Pulte, who was born and raised in south Florida, very much considers himself a Michigan boy. The enormous Pulte family still has deep ties. His father is rebuilding a family home that burned in 2017 in Bloomfield Township.

Mark Pulte is the father of six children, including Bill. One of his sisters is in high school in Metro Detroit, another sister is a mom. His stepsiblings work as a nurse, a medical device salesperson and a financial analyst.

Their grandfather, a carpenter, built his first home in Detroit as a teenager and by 1959 constructed his first subdivision, Concord Green in Bloomfield Hills.

The Pulte Homes Inc. headquarters is seen in Bloomfield Hills, Mich. PulteGroup, one of the country's biggest homebuilders, before moving the headquarters to Atlanta.

When the billionaire died in 2018, services were held in Clawson. At the time, PulteGroup had annual home sales of $8.3 billion.

The homebuilder had 14 children and 27 grandchildren, his obituary said. The only family member to join the family company was grandson Bill Pulte, who worked side-by-side with his namesake until the elder Pulte died at 85.

"None of his kids were involved in the business," Bill Pulte said. "Family members would give us a hard time because all we did was talk business."

A Michigan lake house

The idea for Twitter philanthropy came while sitting beside Mullett Lake in northern Michigan and drinking an Oberon beer or two on the porch of grandfather's cabin during the summer after his death.

"It's not even a cabin. It's a Pulte home," the grandson said. "He had it built in a factory, which is pretty funny. There are no Pulte homes in Mullett Lake, Michigan," the grandson said.

The space felt like a funeral home. Pictures of the builder were everywhere, wearing pink shirts and blue Oxford-cloth shirts.

"He was using his money to do great things," Pulte said. "He was a pretty frugal guy. But he came up with the Angel Fund in Detroit. For years they were trying to figure out who was the mystery donor. ... He just wanted to help people in a real quick, easy way, much like Twitter philanthropy."

In April 2014, Philanthropy News Digest reported that the Angel Fund had "received $17 million from an anonymous donor since 2005 to help Detroit residents in need" and the Angel Fund was shutting down. It had been administered by the Archdiocese of Detroit.

The Angel Fund is what inspired Bill Pulte's activity on Twitter.

"I was thinking, 'What if I just use Twitter to give away money and help a charity?' I picked out a charity. And boom, boom, boom, the tweet went viral. I never thought this thing would go as viral as it did. I thought, wow, Im really onto something," Pulte said.

"Whether it's Twitter philanthropy or otherwise, I think of myself as a disruptor," he said. "Ill keep disrupting. I have to disrupt."

Grandfather's donations

Not only did his grandfather privately support the Angel Fund, but he also gave tens of millions to Cornerstone Schools in Detroit, Pulte said.

Publicly, the two Bill Pulte men created the nonprofit Blight Authority and did projects in downtown Detroit when Dave Bing was mayor.

Crews tear down a blighted home behind Gompers Elementary-Middle School in Detroit's Brightmoor neighborhood on Dec. 10, 2015.

"In Brightmoor, we cleared 14 city blocks in about 28 days. I also often go check on the Eastern Market pilot area, where we did 10 city blocks in 10 days," Pulte said.

Every time he comes home, he takes his Chevy Tahoe to Detroit to check on areas he and his grandfather cleared of blight.

"I think some of the people are like, 'Who the hell is this guy getting out of his car?' I ask, 'Hows it going?' They say this place was cleared. I play dumb, asking, "Wasnt it cleared a number of years ago?' They say yeah, prostitution is down, crime is down," he said. "Everyones got their own story."

His grandfather used to walk the city alone, too, in the areas he helped clean up.

"Everybody would say, 'You can't walk around by yourself and he'd say, 'I don't give a damn. I've been here since 1948.' "

Pulte is often "home" in Michigan from April to September, the prettiest time of year for Michigan. The young family takes walks and swims and rides their pontoon boat at their summer home in Cheboygan County.

'Tough as hell'

He credits his experiences in Michigan with so much of his success.

He learned the ropes first as an intern at Huron Capital in Detroit and later when he applied for a job and went to work for Roger Penske, whose Penske Capital inspired the idea for Pulte Capital, which buys and resells companies.

While Pulte has invested in Tesla and Bitcoin, he no longer owns shares of PulteGroup.

He left the board of directors in 2020 after clashing with established board members and arguing for the removal of former CEO Richard Dugas.

"Moving the headquarters from Detroit to Atlanta was the biggest stab in the back for all of the hard work that the employees and my grandfather had done building the company in Michigan," Pulte said.

Steve Wolosky, a New York-based lawyer for the now-deceased Pulte, said, "I think Bill Sr. understood that his grandson was someone who understood his vision, his dreams and his views of the company. He was a key strategist."

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Early on, the grandfather prepped his grandson for public and private challenges.

"He was tough as hell. If he didnt think you could do the job or you werent up for the job, hed tell you. I worked my tail off trying to get into his understanding of business in a way that would allow me to perform. I was 26-27 years old when I joined the board of Pulte Homes, which was a Fortune 500 company then," Pulte said.

Piles of dirt sit next to an available lot as workers continue construction on houses at Stonegate West built by Pulte in Orion Township in April.

I definitely view my grandpa, and even my time in the boardroom, as being a disruptor," he said. "I wasnt on the board of PulteGroup to make friends, I was there to build a great business the way that my grandpa taught me and to stand behind something that had our Pulte name on it.

The Pulte family felt disconnected after the CEO moved the company out of Michigan and disappointed by the stock price. A battle included threats of a proxy fight, which led to negotiations that made the 20-something Bill Pulte a corporate director.

Many longtime board members resented his presence, said Josh Gotbaum, a former PulteGroup director who was also put on the board during the power struggle by activist investors wanting an independent advocate.

"They didnt think his experience was extensive enough even though he knew as much about homebuilding as most of them did," Gotbaum said. "He basically got on the board at the direction of his grandfather. They did not want him on and they did not want me on. We were forced on them by shareholders."

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After the billionaire founder died, the Pulte family sold down its holdings from about 10% to 2% and the board of directors "kicked off" young Pulte, Gotbaum said.

"This is not because he wasnt a competent board member. He was a very competent board member. This was not because he wasn't a competent businessman. He was a very competent businessman. But boards are clubs and he was forced into the club against their wishes.

"Bill Pulte has a combination of energy and insight to make businesses work. I think he would've been a successful entrepreneur if his name were Smith," Gotbaum said, noting that an established name can provide early access to money quickly.

"He pushes," Gotbaum said. "To my mind, the world needs more people like Bill Pulte."

Filmmakers capture blight

While Pulte works with elected officials, he said he has zero desire to run for office. He declined to discuss politics.

"I tell people, dont bait me into politics," he said. "I stay apolitical for everything I'm doing right now."

On the issue of urban blight, he has worked with Bing, a Democrat, and former Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder, a Republican. When efforts to work in Detroit ended abruptly at the request of Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan, Pulte turned his attention to Pontiac and Mayor Deirdre Waterman.

"I just heard from him a couple days ago. He texted me asking what I was doing," Waterman told the Free Press.

"He used to call us partners in terms of his fight against blight," she said. "I quite admire his energy, enthusiasm about taking on this particular challenge and his 'Let's get it done' mentality. We identified blighted areas of Pontiac, dedicated ourselves to getting the funding and the wherewithal to get them down or rehab them  that was a great part of the program, saving the housing stock, too."

She described Pulte as helpful, a "visionary" and entrepreneur who not only aided the city in achieving its goal to remove blight but completed the task in half the time.

Pulte sees Pontiac as a model for transforming other places. A documentary film crew from St. Louis, Missouri, has chronicled the city's efforts over the past year or so  an early cut of which Waterman premiered during her state of the city speech this month.

"Bill Pulte and I were 'partners' in the project and in telling the story of its success," the mayor said Tuesday.

They also worked with Snyder and the powerful L. Brooks Patterson, a Republican and longtime Oakland County executive who died in 2019.

"The mayor did the heavy lifting," Pulte said. "I think we have something between 20 to 50 blighted homes still in the city at any given time. But they started out with over 1,000 blighted structures when I showed up there in 2014-15. Theyve removed all 1,000 of those blighted structures. That was a very, very big win."

Asked to leave Detroit

While Pulte would like to help Detroit, the team around Duggan transitioned blight relief to others years ago, Pulte said.

"I totally understand," he said. "So I havent been involved with Detroit blight but I wouldnt be surprised if I get called back at some point. I had always had a nice relationship with him interpersonally and then his transition committee is the one that notified us. I assumed it was we were involved with the old mayor, he was the new mayor and he wanted to do it his way."

Pulte hopes Duggan, the Democrat reelected to a job he has held since 2014, will call.

"Ive just been respectful of Mayor Duggan. But theres such a need there. Im sure at some point well look at getting back involved if hell have us, which I think he will. Well see what happens," Pulte said. "Everybody needs help, right?"

Pulte demolished some houses and cleared vacant lots in Detroit in 2014 before Duggan's administration asked him to stop, according to news reports at the time.

Duggan said Pulte was demolishing a mere handful of houses a week in Detroit, far fewer than needed and fewer than Duggan's own efforts have accomplished, according to a February 2015 Free Press article, which said, "And Duggan has said in the past it is important to coordinate all blight efforts under a central authority rather than having free-lance operators doing their own thing."

Duggan's spokesperson John Roach told the Free Press this month, "Detroit has taken down 17,000 blighted houses, renovated another 8,000 and is on track to eliminate every abandoned house in the city in the next four years.

Roach did not comment on Pulte or his desire to assist Detroit.

Before Detroit

Pulte is both low key and high profile.

His life on Twitter took off after then-President Donald Trump in 2019 tweeted a reply to Pulte on a project benefiting a military veteran.

Pulte saw how an immediate response creates excitement and the power to grow a network.

"That was really when Twitter philanthropy went bonkers," Pulte said. "I gained a lot of followers, like 30,000 people in like two hours or something."

While there's so much good about giving away money, there is definitely a dark side.

Pulte has had to deal with stalkers and people going to his home to ask for money or even camping in his yard.

'Threats are there'

"Weve had to get police involved in a number of those things," Pulte said. "We almost filed a couple of restraining orders. Sometimes its best to go about it through different means, so weve had to deal with that. ... Well have full-time security and those type of things at the house when the threats are there. It is what it is."

People also send him gifts and he can't understand why, Pulte said.

On the day of his interview, he opened a box from Africa with no note inside, just three pieces of cotton men's clothing as a gift. Since saying cryptocurrency may be an answer to corruption in Africa, his personal popularity in that part of the world has surged, he said.

Bill Pulte opens a box on Dec. 13, 2021, he received from overseas. Pulte is known globally as a Twitter philanthropist. He has been a strong supporter of efforts to raise money for Oxford families.

People find his addresses and that doesn't thrill him.

While his focus is often on charitable projects, Pulte tweets thoughts on various problems plaguing society  even suggesting to PulteGroup that the company move into the rental market to assist people who need a place to live and, he said, prevent them from falling prey to predatory lenders.

Tesla impact on Michigan housing

In Detroit, the housing market is "on fire" and will continue if the auto industry remains healthy, Pulte said.

"I think people are underestimating Tesla. Thats just my own opinion," he said. "I think (Ford CEO) Jim Farley is smart to be following in his footsteps or trying to follow in his footsteps. That would be the only thing that would keep me up at night in metro Detroit. Can the automakers continue to be a good source of economic activity? I think they can. And I think there are so many other industries in metro Detroit right now. But if the auto industry is down, for example, the economy would be down. If the auto economy is not great in Michigan, thats not very good for housing. Thats something people dont want to call out directly but I think it needs to be."

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Pulte drives a Tesla Model Y. He still has a Cadillac Escalade. He flies rented helicopters to relax, mostly over the water in Michigan.

"I get more clarity there than anything. I can see things in the third dimension," he said. "My grandfather used to talk about seeing things in the third dimension, too. The guy was brilliant. We talked about getting on top of the problem, seeing the whole thing."

Back during his college days, the licensed pilot flew over mansions in Winnetka, Illinois, and took pictures and sold them to the homeowners. Pulte was always thinking of ways to earn money.

Team mission

In addition to Twitter, Pulte is part of teamgiving.com, a popular website devoted to helping three to five people in need every day.

"My goal is to get that into the thousands per day, once were ramping up," Pulte said.

Whether it's helping a hurricane victim or car accident victim or cancer patient, regular people respond and grow comfortable with giving to strangers.

Bill Pulte gets a large number of messages related to his Twitter philanthropy.

"My (Twitter) account has 3.2 million followers, It's like the bazooka of philanthropy," Pulte said. "We can rely on these other team accounts  I mean, @TeamPulte has 294,000 followers. Most of my tweets are getting 300,000 to 400,000 impressions. I had 210 million impressions on my Twitter last month. Can you believe that?"

On his Twitter profile, @pulte, he lists his location not as Boca Raton but "love."

"We dont have all the answers. We are still trying to figure it out. Most importantly, we are trying to get it to be a movement that exists without me."

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Contact Phoebe Wall Howard at 313-618-1034 or phoward@freepress.com. Follow her on Twitter @phoebesaid.

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This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Bill Pulte focuses Twitter philanthropy on Oxford, crisis aid
Scheana Shay

Scheana Shay/instagram

Scheana Shay and daughter Summer Moon are getting into the holiday spirit  well, kind of.

The Vanderpump Rules star, 36, took her almost 8-month-old daughter to visit the big man in red ahead of Christmas, posting two adorable photos of Summer meeting Santa Claus on Instagram on Wednesday.

"First time she met Santa he said she made the nice list" Shay captioned the photos, adding, "What happened the next?"

Scheana Shay

Scheana Shay/instagram

RELATED: Lala Kent Calls Ex Randall Emmett the 'Worst Thing to Ever Happen' to Her

While Summer, who Shay shares with fiance Brock Davies, did not have much of a reaction to meeting her first St. Nick  who was dressed in the traditional red suit, red hat, and black boots  introducing her daughter to Hawaii Santa was a completely different story.

The second picture posted to Shay's Instagram account shows Summer crying as she sits on the lap of a Santa dressed in a red Hawaiian print shirt, red board shorts, and black flip flops.

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Shay, Davies, and Summer recently took a family vacation to Hawaii together ahead of the Christmas holiday, where the Scheananigans with Scheana Shay podcast host "recreated some magic" with a mother-daughter photoshoot similar to the pregnancy shoot she did in Oahu in February.

In July, Shay told PEOPLE all about her "surprise" engagement, including where their dream wedding location would be.

RELATED VIDEO: Vanderpump Rules' James Kennedy and Raquel Leviss Call Off Engagement While Taping Reunion

"I knew it was coming soon, but I didn't know how or when. I was so surprised!" the reality star said of Davies popping the question. "Brock knows me so well and knew exactly how to do what I would want. There's no date set, but our dream would be to get married in Bali."

Added Shay: "That's where we first said 'I love you.' It's a special place for us both!"
South Africa COVID

MICHELE SPATARI/AFP via Getty COVID-19 testing in South Africa

South Africa appears to have passed the peak of COVID-19 infections from the omicron wave, researchers said. It could be an indication that the variant moves quickly before dying down, providing a timeline for the U.S. as cases ramp up.

After detecting their first case of the omicron variant in late November, South Africa has "surpassed the peak of the Omicron wave now, driven by the significant decline in the populous province and epicenter: Gauteng," Ridhwaan Suliman, senior researcher at the South African Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, told CNN on Wednesday.

The country saw their highest case total of 27,000 new infections on Thursday, and numbers have since dropped down to 15,424 on Tuesday. And in the Gauteng province, South Africa's largest with 16 million people and the city of Johannesburg, cases dropped even earlier, a trend that has continued in the week since.

RELATED: Omicron Is Moving Fast  but a Booster Shot Offers Significant Protection from Infection

A second researcher, from the Vaccines and Infectious Diseases Analytics department of the University of Witwatersrand, noted the same trend to the Associated Press.

"The drop in new cases nationally combined with the sustained drop in new cases seen here in Gauteng province, which for weeks has been the center of this wave, indicates that we are past the peak," said senior researcher Marta Nunes.

South Africa's experience with omicron could predict the next few weeks of spread in the U.S., where cases with the variant are now dominating. If South Africa's trend holds, the U.S. could see a peak in cases in January before dying down.

RELATED VIDEO: Doctor Says Fully Vaccinated People Are Going to Test Positive with Omicron: 'Our New Normal'

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control said Monday that between Dec. 12 and 18, omicron made up 73% of all new COVID-19 cases in the country, a major jump from the week prior when it accounted for just 12%.

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RELATED: COVID Variant Omicron Now Accounts for More Than 70 Percent of U.S. Cases, CDC Says

Omicron appears to cause more breakthrough infections in people who are vaccinated against COVID-19 than previous variants like delta. A large, real-world study of COVID-19 patients in South Africa found that Pfizer's two-dose vaccine is just 30% effective at preventing infection with omicron, a significant drop from the 80% protection it had against earlier variants.

However, Pfizer's vaccine was still highly effective in preventing severe illness from omicron. The two-dose series still protected people from needing hospitalization 70% of the time; "very good protection," the study authors said. And in a study from the U.K., a booster dose significantly increased protection, pushing the effectiveness at preventing infection to 75%.

Last month, the CDC expanded its vaccine booster recommendations for Americans following the arrival of omicron in North America.

The spread of the variant "further emphasizes the importance of vaccination, boosters, and prevention efforts needed to protect against COVID-19," the CDC said. "Early data from South Africa suggest increased transmissibility of the Omicron variant, and scientists in the United States and around the world are urgently examining vaccine effectiveness related to this variant."

As information about the coronavirus pandemic rapidly changes, PEOPLE is committed to providing the most recent data in our coverage. Some of the information in this story may have changed after publication. For the latest on COVID-19, readers are encouraged to use online resources from the CDC, WHO and local public health departments. PEOPLE has partnered with GoFundMe to raise money for the COVID-19 Relief Fund, a GoFundMe.org fundraiser to support everything from frontline responders to families in need, as well as organizations helping communities. For more information or to donate, click here.
Thailand beat Vietnam 2-0 in the first leg of the Suzuki Cup semi-final in Singapore (AFP/Roslan RAHMAN)

Chanathip Songkrasin scored twice as Thailand beat defending champions Vietnam 2-0 in the first leg of their AFF Suzuki Cup semi-final at the National Stadium in Singapore on Thursday.

The Thai skipper capitalised on a defensive error to give the five-time winners the lead after 14 minutes.

Nguyen Phong Hong Duy slipped as he attempted to cut off a pass, allowing Chanathip to race through and clip the ball past Tran Nguyen Manh.

Nine minutes after his fortunate opener, he added a sublime second.

Chanathip exchanged a series of quick passes with Teerasil Dangda and Sarach Yooyan to carve open the Vietnamese defence before coolly slotting home from the edge of the box.

Vietnam, who had not conceded a goal in their four group games, hit the woodwork twice.

In the first half, Nguyen Quang Hai's thunderous freekick from 25 metres cannoned off the right post.

And he was denied again in the second half when his left-footed effort from the edge of the box hit the crossbar.

Chanathip had a chance to wrap up the tie and complete his hat-trick five minutes from time when Thailand were awarded a penalty, but he failed to beat the Vietnam keeper.

Vietnam will now look to turn things around in the second leg on Sunday, to be played at the same venue.

The winners will meet Indonesia or hosts Singapore in the final next week.

str/qan
A catch of lake whitefish and assorted other fish on a DNR survey boat.

The Department of Natural Resources will hold a public hearing in early January on its final rule proposal to more than double the commercial harvest of lake whitefish in the southern waters of Green Bay.

The hearing is scheduled for 6 p.m. Jan. 4; it will be held via Zoom.

The rule has been developed over the last several years at the urging of the Lake Michigan Commercial Fishing Board in response to DNR estimates of a growing whitefish population in the bay.

From 2008 to 2018 the Green Bay whitefish population increased from about 6 million fish to about 16 million, according to the DNR, with a corresponding increase in whitefish spawning biomass from about 15 million pounds to about 37 million.

But at the same time the Moonlight Bay whitefish stock on the eastern side of the Door Peninsula, for decades the strongest whitefish stock in the Wisconsin waters of Lake Michigan, has declined.

The DNR's proposed final rule "revises the total allowable commercial harvest for Green Bay and Lake Michigan to reflect lake whitefish population abundance and distribution."

The plan would decrease the overall Lake Michigan (including Green Bay) commercial whitefish quota from 2.88 million pounds to 1.98 million pounds.

Under the proposal the commercial quota in Zone 1, or southern Green Bay, would increase to 800,000 pounds from the 362,185 pounds in the previous permanent rule, or a hike of 120%.

In Zone 2, about the northern half of Green Bay and Lake Michigan waters approximately north of Algoma, it would drop from 2.17 million to 825,809 pounds, primarily because of the decline in the Moonlight Bay stock.

And Zone 3, the Lake Michigan waters south of Algoma, would be unchanged at 351,487 pounds.

The proposed final rule also would create a new restricted area for trap nets in southern Green Bay and require commercial fishers in Lake Michigan and Green Bay to report the location and name of trap nets set for whitefish.

In addition, it would formally require daily electronic harvest reporting for all Lake Michigan and Lake Superior commercial fishers, with an option for fishers to record the information on a paper form before submitting it electronically by the end of the day.

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A previous push by commercial netters to increase the whitefish quota in Green Bay was shelved by the DNR in 2016 due to strong public opposition. At the time some commercial fishers sought to keep bycatch, or incidentally caught sport fish such as walleyes.

No similar provision is included in the DNR's current recommendation. But the proposal to increase whitefish netting in southern Green Bay, where a thriving sport fishery draws anglers in open water and on the ice, is once again drawing opposition.

A UW-Whitewater study released in 2019 found the Green Bay sport fishery had an annual contribution of $264 million to the region's economy.

To assess the effects of trap and gill nets on sport fish, over the last two years a UW-Green Bay graduate student accompanied commercial fishermen and documented the results of 593 trap net lifts and 29 large mesh gill net lifts.

Overall non-target gamefish bycatch was relatively low, according to a DNR summary of the data.

Based on the observed number of walleyes in the nets, the agency projects about 13,000 walleyes would be caught by commercial fishermen targeting whitefish in Green Bay in 2021 and about 1,300 of the walleyes would die.

Walleyes For Tomorrow, the Fond du Lac-based conservation organization, is against the final rule proposal.

Mike Arrowood, WFT chairman, said the change is being driven by a profit motive among commercial fishermen.

"There is no reason they need to double their catch (in southern Green Bay)," Arrowood said. "They want to double their catch, but that will also double the number of sport fish that are killed as bycatch. From our perspective, that is totally unacceptable."

Written comments, which carry the same weight as verbal ones made at the virtual hearing, may be sent via email to Meredeth.penthorn@wisconsin.gov or by U.S. mail to: Department of Natural Resources, c/o Meredith Penthorn, 101 S. Webster Street, P.O. Box 7921. Madison, WI 53707.

The deadline to submit comments is Jan. 4.

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This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Wisconsin DNR schedules whitefish rule hearing for Jan. 4
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Parking will be free in most places in Budapest from December 23 for a week and a half, but there are exceptions.

From closing time on December 23rd (Thursday) until 8 am on January 3rd (Monday), there will be no parking fees in the capitals public areas, so parking will be free in most parts of Budapest between the two holidays.

However, there are still places where one will need to visit the parking meter.



The exceptions of the rule are the following areas:

car parks in the 1st district, at the Castle and under the Citadel

parking lot next to the Florian shopping center in District III

car park in the northern part of Margaret Island, District XIII

the underground car park under Rakoczi Square in District VIII

the guarded pay and display P+R car parks and garages in the II. district, Huvosvolgy terminal

Pillango utca metro station in District X, and Ors vezer tere metro station

Ujpest-Varoskapu metro station in District XIII

in the XIXth district, near the Kobanya-Kispest metro station and at the KOKI Terminal.



The last time parking was free in the country, it was for several months when the government announced the abolition of public parking charges as part of the fight against the coronavirus. The exemption ended in May.
Pundits across the political spectrum comment on Prime Minister Orbans decision to name State Secretary for Family and Youth Affairs and Fidesz vice-president Katalin Novak as the Fidesz candidate for President.

Magyar Nemzets Laszlo Szocs welcomes the Prime Ministers suggestion to pick a young, highly qualified and seasoned politician as Hungarys next President. The pro-government commentator also thinks that the nomination of a mother also sends a clear message that Hungary recognizes the performance of women without imposing gender quotas.



In Nepszava, Zoltan Batka suspects that Katalin Novak as President would be unquestioningly loyal to Fidesz. The left-wing commentator acknowledges that Ms Novak is well-qualified for the job, but also thinks that she will do whatever is in the interest of her party and Prime Minister Orban.



Batka emphasises that by staffing all high public offices with loyal individuals, Fidesz wants to restrict the elbow room of a potential left-wing government. This strategy, may backfire, as combatting hostile Fidesz nominees in high offices may strengthen the cohesion and cooperation of the opposition parties, he writes.



In a Facebook comment, Gabor Torok sees Novaks nomination as a savvy move by PM Orban. The centrist analyst notes that Parliament will elect the new President at the height of the electoral campaign, and the choice of a relatively moderate and non-combative candidate will prove helpful for Fidesz in the campaign. She is higher on the marketability scale than she is low on the loyalty scale, Torok concludes.



This opinion does not necessarily represent the views of XpatLoop.com or the publisher.

Your opinions are welcome too - for editorial review before possible publication online.

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Launched in January 2014, this newsletter published on week days covers 'everything you need to know about whats going on in Hungary and beyond', according to its publisher the state media agency MTI.
After Viktor Orban announced that Fidesz-KDNP would be nominating Katalin Novak, Minister without Portfolio for Family Affairs, as the next President of Hungary, Peter Marki-Zay (pictured) also expressed his thoughts on the matter.

The oppositions candidate for prime minister wrote on social media that Viktor Orban understands society has an expectation of more women in public leadership roles.



However, he feels that:

Katalin Novak is not that person. She is even more unfit than [current President] Janos Ader to say no to Viktor Orban. Its a constitutional requirement for the head of state to be someone who stands above the parties, expresses national unity, and is held in public esteem. In contrast to this, Katalin Novak recently resigned as Vice-President of Fidesz.



She wears a Viktor Orban earring, is extremely loyal to the President of Fidesz, and is not supported by the majority of the country. Shes someone who thinks that women are worth less than men. Shes someone who talks about not wanting women to earn as much as men.



According to Marki-Zay, Katalin Novak also bears personal responsibility for the dismantling of the rule of law, the division of the country, the organization of hate campaigns, and rampant corruption. She is completely unfit for the role of President of the Republic.
YORK  A traffic stop on Interstate 80 led to three felony charges against a Colorado man regarding delivery of a controlled substance, possession and having no drug tax stamp  and he was sentenced this week in York County District Court.

The case began when a deputy with the York County Sheriffs Department was on regular patrol. He saw a motorist driving on the shoulder several times, so a traffic stop was initiated.

The deputy says Dominic Cannata, 29, of Silverthorne, Colo., was the driver.

The deputy says in his affidavit he could immediately smell the distinct odor of marijuana coming from inside the vehicle.

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During a probable cause search, the deputy found 3.75 pounds of marijuana, 100 grams of THC concentrates and three multi-colored marijuana pipes.

The deputy says Cannata told him he did not have a drug tax stamp.

The charges against Cannata were eventually amended with all dismissed but the one count of having no drug tax stamp, which is a Class 4 felony.
New Delhi: The festival of Christmas is just around the corner and everybody is in an undeniably cheerful mood! Why not bring this festive cheer into the office and surprise your colleagues with a sweet Christmas gift before taking off for the holidays? Yes, we're talking about a secret Santa.

What is Secret Santa?

Secret Santa is the traditional exchange of gifts with a twist - the recipient wouldn't know who gifted them the present. In a work setting, it would be each employee getting assigned another colleague to get a gift for.

Depending on the person, the employee would choose an appropriate gift for them and then keep it under the Christmas tree without mentioning that they gifted it. Later, the gift would be given to the recipient without any clue of who was their Secret Santa.

It's a great way to build connections and bond with your colleagues at an especially joyous time.

How to plan a Secret Santa in the office?

Set a price limit: Before beginning the Secret Santa festivities, make sure you create a price limit for how expensive the gifts can be so that there's no disparity in that. It would be a better idea if the employees can come to a consensus either anonymously or in-person of what the price ceiling should be for their gifts.

Pick out names from a bowl: Write down everyone's name on a piece of paper, fold it and drop it into a bowl. Later, ask every employee to pick one name out. They'll be the secret Santa for this particular person.

Consider a wish list: To make it more rewarding, prepare a wish list asking every employee what they would like for Christmas, it could be anything from red socks to scented candles. The secret Santa doesn't have to stick to the wish list but it could be helpful for those who don't know what to gift their colleague.

Host a gift-opening party: This is time for the big reveal! Choose a time and place which everyone would be comfortable with. Ask people to dress up and channel their Christmas spirit and let the gift exchange begin. You can even have them guess who their secret Santa was and watch the surprise on their face when they realise who it really was.

We wish you a Merry Christmas!
New Delhi: As Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is scheduled to present the Budget for the financial year 2022-23 in February, the healthcare sector has urged the government to increase spending on genetic research.

Dr Hima Jyothi Challa, Director, GenepoweRx told Zee Media, "government needs to increase the spending on genetic research. The whole world is moving towards personalized medicine. And the personalized medicines are prescribed only after genetic profiling. We have still a long way to go, we need improved infrastructure and research and development departments to conduct research around genetics. Other countries in the world are already way ahead than us. In UK medical practitioners are prescribing medicines based on gene analysis. The patients are showing remarkable progress after consuming personalized medicine. If we will not have data specific to Indian genes, personalized medicine will remain a distant dream for us."

Challa added that government needs to give more subsidy and sop to the genetic field.

"Currently due to less infrastructure and the presence of low number of labs, the cost of genetic profiling is very high. Only few elite people can avail the facilities. Government of India, need to give subsidies so that the personalized genetic report is available to everyone," Challa said.

Challa further said, "We are already witnessing a massive increase in lifestyle disorders. With the reduction in physical activity, there has been a steady increase in obesity, cardiovascular diseases and cancer. As per one survey close to 5.8 Million Indians die from NCDs (heart and lung diseases, stroke, cancer and diabetes) every year.The rising NCD is going to be a huge burden on Indian economy. Genetic Profiling is the need of the hour, it will lead to the reduction in lifestyle diseases. The country needs a healthy and fit population to become a world giant. Gene Profiling will make Indians more aware about their physical make up. It will help in making informed lifestyle choices, which will result in the reduction of future medical bills and physical distress."

It is high time to push for Genetic Profiling and Pharmacogenomics in India. We are amongst the 12 destinations for biotechnology on the world map. This sector is key contributor to Indias vision of reaching a $5 trillion economy by 2024. The biotechnology industry in India previously valued at US $11 billion in 2016 is all set to reach $100 billion by 2025, Challa added.
New Delhi: 29 school students in West Bengal's Nadia district have tested positive for COVID-19, officials informed on Thursday (December 23, 2021).

As per the latest reports, 13 male and 16 female students of the Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya in Kalyani have contracted the virus. The students are currently under home isolation and the district authorities are monitoring their situation.

Earlier on Wednesday, West Bengal's COVID-19 tally rose to 16,28,464 after 534 fresh cases were recorded. The state currently has over 7,400 active coronavirus cases, while 16,01,326 people have recovered from the disease so far.

The state's coronavirus death toll rose to 19,696 as eight more patients succumbed to the infection. Kolkata and its neighbouring North 24 Parganas district reported three fresh fatalities each, while Hooghly and Purba Bardhaman registered one death each.

Meanwhile, two foreign returnees, who had tested positive for COVID-19, were found to have been infected by the Omicron variant, a senior health official said on Wednesday.

One of them had returned from Nigeria and the other from the United Kingdom.

"We have received genome sequencing results for three samples today and among them, two were positive for Omicron strain. The other was suffering from the delta variant," the official said.

The duo is undergoing treatment in the city, he added.

Earlier, a seven-year boy who had returned to the state from Abu Dhabi via Hyderabad had tested positive for the Omicron strain.

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Ludhiana: At least two persons are feared dead and several others are injured in a suspected IED blast in Punjab's Ludhiana court complex on Thursday. Reports coming in say that many more are feared to be killed.

The blast took place in the washroom of the district court which was functioning.

Ludhiana CP told ANI, "An explosion was heard near the Record Room on the second floor of the Ludhiana Court complex. One person died, two persons were injured in the incident. The bomb disposal team and forensics team has been called from Chandigarh for the probe. There is no need to panic."

An explosion was heard near the Record Room on the second floor of the Ludhiana Court complex. One person died, two persons were injured in the incident. Bomb disposal team and forensics team has been called from Chandigarh for probe. There is no need to panic: Ludhiana CP pic.twitter.com/E4WVaEedxo  ANI (@ANI) December 23, 2021

Meanwhile, Punjab Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi told reporters, "I am going to Ludhiana. Some anti-national elements are doing such acts as Assembly elections are nearing."

"The government is on alert. Those found guilty will not be spared," said the Chief Minister on the explosion at Ludhiana District Court Complex.

I am going to Ludhiana. Some anti-national elements are doing such acts as Assembly elections are nearing. The government is on alert. Those found guilty will not be spared: Punjab CM Charanjit Singh Channi on explosion at Ludhiana District Court Complex pic.twitter.com/T6trPdLr6b  ANI (@ANI) December 23, 2021

Former Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh said that the police must get to the bottom of the case. "Disturbing news of a blast at Ludhiana court complex. Saddened to know about the demise of two individuals. Praying for the recovery of those injured. Punjab Police must get to the bottom of this," Amarinder Singh tweeted.

Live TV
New Delhi: Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal is holding a high-level meeting as the capital reported 64 Omicron cases. The ways to strengthen home isolation management for COVID-19 patients are being discussed.

Delhi has so far recorded the second-highest number of Omicron cases in the country after Maharashtra (65).

Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) issued orders to enforce the `No Mask, No Entry rule at shops and workplaces amid concerns over rising COVID-19 cases and Omicron threat. DDMA has also issued guidelines in view of rising COVID-19 cases in the national capital.

According to the DDMA statement issued on Wednesday, "All DMs and District DCPs shall ensure that no cultural event, gatherings, and congregations are taking place for celebrating Christmas or New Year in National Capital Territory of Delhi." It also advised the residents to follow COVID-19 appropriate behaviour.

The DDMA also directed district magistrates to ensure no Christmas and New Year gatherings take place in the national capital.

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on Thursday (December 23, 2021) morning informed that the Omicron variant of COVID-19 has been detected in 16 states and UTs and that the total number of confirmed cases across the country has increased to 236.

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Amid rise in Omicron cases, Allahabad High Court today asked PM Narendra Modi and Election Commission to postpone upcoming assembly elections in five states.

The Bench of Justice Shekhar Yadav made the remarks while hearing a bail plea. The Bench also noted that lawyers were present in large numbers in the court premises and social distancing norms were openly flouted.

A sharp rise in Covid cases was observed after the West Bengal assembly elections last year. The polls had seen massive rallies from the BJP, Left, and Trinamool Congress.

This time again, as the number of Covid cases are rising due to Omicron variant, massive rallies are being organised in the five poll bound states - Uttar Pradesh, Goa, Uttarakhand, Punjab and Manipur.

The High Court opined that the campaign must go virtual and parties must communicate with people via mediums like newspapers, television etc.

Earlier today, PM Modi reviewed the COVID-19 situation and stressed on the need to be 'satark' (vigilant) and 'saavdhan' (cautious).

The Prime Minister, chairing a high-level meeting, said that the fight against the pandemic is not over yet and highlighted the "paramount importance" of Covid-safe behaviour, a statement from the PMO said.

He directed officials that the Centre's teams be sent to states with low vaccination, rising cases, and insufficient health infrastructure, to assist them improve the situation.

Places like New Delhi and Maharashtra have seen a rise in the number of new infections of late.

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New Delhi: A group of 15 to 20 alleged cattle smugglers were intercepted by the Border Security Force (BSF) on Thursday at about 2 am near border outpost Daribas in West Bengals Coochbehar sector.

The BSF troops challenged them but they encircled and attacked the troops. One of the jawans fired in self-defence injuring one of the miscreants, who was taken to the hospital.

The miscreants fled away from the spot taking advantage of dense fog and darkness of night but in the process, one miscreant got hit on his shoulder, said BSF.

BSF Jawan fired from Pump Action Gun to disperse these miscreants but they attempted to snatch weapon from one of the jawans and inflicted injuries to one of them. Sensing eminent threat to his life, Jawan fired in air from his weapon in self-defense but these warning shots could not deter them & continued to encircle the jawans, said BSF in a statement.

The injured miscreant was given first aid immediately at BOP Gitaldah by the unit doctor and subsequently evacuated to Civil Hospital Dinhata and further to MJN Hospital at Coochbehar, it added.

The injured miscreant was identified as an active cattle smuggler and his wife is also involved in trans-border crimes and is currently in Coochbehar Jail under NDPS Act, said the Force.

Live TV
New Delhi: As Omicron cases continue to rise in India, most states like Maharashtra, Delhi and Madhya Pradesh have already imposed a curfew on festive gatherings. Going by the predictions, it seems like Indians will once again have to spend Christmas and New Year behind closed doors amid heavy restrictions.

However, one aspect - that remains untouched by these curbs - are elections and political rallies.

Zee News Editor-in-Chief Sudhir Chaudhary on Thursday discussed how norms for politics and elections remained unchanged amid the pandemic, while the entire world learned to live differently with various protocols.

When a common citizen can invite only up to 200 people to a wedding and even fewer people to a funeral due to COVID-19 restrictions, political rallies can still be conducted with a huge crowd and blatant abuse of Covid norms

In a nutshell, the situation at present is such that if a common man invites more than 200 people to his wedding or celebrates Christmas with more than 50 people, he will be slapped with various charges in the name of flouting COVID norms, while at the same time, a politician can hold a rally with as many people as desired with no care of pandemic norms and nothing changes.

However, this must be noted that this scenario is not just prevalent in India but the same trend can be seen in the entire world.

Since the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic, elections have been conducted in 147 nations, out of which, countries like North Korea, Croatia, Mongolia, Singapore and Sri Lanka conducted elections despite heavy covid waves, which resulted in the huge spread of the virus and even deaths.

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Uttarakhand Police on Thursday registered a case against Wasim Rizvi aka Jitendra Tyagi and others over his alleged "hate speech" at an event.

"Taking cognizance of the video that is going viral on social media for spreading hatred by giving provocative speeches against a particular religion, a case has been registered against Wasim Rizvi alias Jitendra Narayan Tyagi," the Uttarakhand police tweeted.

Earlier, news agency PTI reported that All-India Trinamool Congress national spokesman Saket Gokhale lodged a complaint in this connection at the Jwalapur police station in Haridwar district, asking the SHO to register an FIR within 24 hours.

Gokhale, who shared a copy of his complaint on his Twitter handle, also set the police a deadline of December 27 to arrest organisers of the Dharma Sansad and those who allegedly delivered inflammatory and violence-provoking speeches against the Muslims at the event.

If an FIR is not registered against those involved within 24 hours, a plaint will be made to the judicial magistrate, Gokhale said in his complaint to the SHO.

At the event, several speakers allegedly made inflammatory and provocative speeches, calling for the killing of people from the minority community, a report said.

Held at Ved Niketan Dham in Haridwar from December 17-20, the Dharma Sansad was organised by Yati Narasimhanand Giri of the Juna Akhada, who is already under police scanner for making hate speeches and inciting violence against the Muslims.

With inputs from PTI and ANI

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Naypyidaw (Myanmar): Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla met Myanmar's State Administrative Council's chairman and held meetings with members of political parties, emphasising India's interest in seeing Myanmar`s return to democracy at the earliest. Shringla - who is on a two-day visit to Mynamar (December 22-23) - reaffirmed India's strong and consistent support to the ASEAN initiative and expressed hope that progress would be made in a pragmatic and constructive manner during his meeting with all concerned members in Myanmar, said Ministry of External Affairs in a press release on Thursday.

The Foreign Secretary also emphasised India's interest in seeing Myanmar's return to democracy at the earliest, release of detainees and prisoners, resolution of issues through dialogue, and complete cessation of all violence, the release added. During his visit, Shringla called on the Chairman, State Administrative Council and other senior representatives and held meetings with members of civil society and political parties, including the National League for Democracy, the release read.

Myanmar's military chief General Min Aung Hlaing heads the State Administrative Council. Underlining that India shares a long border with Myanmar, the Foreign Secretary conveyed India`s continued humanitarian support for the people of Myanmar. A grant of 10,000 tons of rice and wheat to Myanmar was also announced. He expressed India's continued support for people-centric socio-economic developmental projects as well as India`s commitment for expeditious implementation of ongoing connectivity initiatives such as the Kaladan Multimodal Transit Transport Project and the Trilateral Highway. He also reiterated India`s commitment to continue with the projects under the Rakhine State Development Programme and Border Area Development Programme for the benefit of the people of Myanmar.

During the visit, Shringla also inaugurated the India Centre at the erstwhile LIC building in Yangon. The renovated building will help promote Indian culture, including performing arts, languages and yoga. The centre also houses a business hub with an exhibition hall and auditorium dedicated to trading and investment promotion, The Indian Mission in Yangon said in a tweet on Thursday.

The visit also provided an opportunity to raise matters relating to India`s security, especially in the light of the recent incident in the Churachandpur district in southern Manipur.The Foreign Secretary stressed the need to put an end to any violence and maintain peace and stability in the border areas. Both sides reiterated their commitment to ensuring that their respective territories would not be allowed to be used for any activities inimical to the other.

India shares an approximately 1700 km long border with Myanmar. Any developments in that country have a direct impact on India`s border regions. Peace and stability in Myanmar remain of utmost importance to India, specifically to its North Eastern Region, the Ministry of External Affairs said in the release. As a democracy and close neighbour, India has been involved in the democratic transition process in Myanmar and in this context has worked with various stakeholders in developing capacities on democratic systems and practices. India proposes to renew these efforts for Myanmar to emerge as a stable, democratic, federal union in accordance with the wishes of the people of Myanmar, the release added.

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Haryana Government passed the Haryana Excise (Amendment) Bill 2021 in the state legislative assembly, lowering the minimum age of consuming alcohol from 25 to 21 years. The bill was passed to further amend the Haryana Excise (Amendment) Act, 2021. Under section 27 of the act, the lease for manufacturing, wholesale and retail sale of any country liquor or intoxicating drug was earlier granted by the state government to a man not below the age of 25 years. This minimum age has now been reduced to 21.

Liquor/any intoxicating drug can be sold to a person aged at least 21 years old by a vendor/employee of such vendor as per Section 29 of the act. Under section 30 now, persons aged atleast 21 years old or more may be employed by the person who is licensed to sell any type of liquor/intoxicating drug.

Further, now Section 62 provides that if any licensed vendor or its employee or any person acting on his behalf, sells or deliver any liquor or intoxicating drug to any person apparently under the age of 21 years, he shall in addition to any other penalty to which he may be liable be punishable with a fine that may extend to Rs 50,000.

READ | Delhi government reduces legal drinking age

"At the time of framing the Excise Policy for the year 2021-22, it was discussed that the above age limit may be reduced from twenty-five years to twenty-one years, as many of other States have prescribed lower age limits. The National Capital Territory of Delhi has also recently reduced this age limit to twenty-one years. Moreover, the socio-economic conditions of the day have changed drastically from the time when the above provisions were incorporated in the Excise Act. The people now are more educated and participating in new endeavours and also can take rational decisions when it comes to responsible drinking," said the release from the government.

Accordingly, The Haryana Excise (Amendment) Bill, 2021 has been passed to reduce the minimum age limit of twenty-five years as provided in sections 27, 29, 30 and 62 of the Haryana Excise Act, 1914 to twenty-one years.

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New Delhi: A maiden contingent of CRPF women commandos trained in VIP security will soon be deployed with Home Minister Amit Shah, Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and other high-risk facing personalities for multiple duties, including accompanying them during the upcoming polls in five states, official sources said on Wednesday.

The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) has raised its first-ever contingent of 32 women commandos in its VIP security wing and they will now be tasked to guard its protectees, based in Delhi, who receive the top Z+ cover. Sources said these women commandos have just completed their 10-week training in rendering VIP security duties, unarmed combat, body frisking and special weapons firing, and will now be deployed on the ground sometime in January.

Initially, the women commandos will be deployed with its Z+ category protectees based in Delhi like Union Home Minister Amit Shah, the first family of Congress that includes party president Sonia Gandhi, her children Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and Rahul Gandhi, and former prime minister Manmohan Singh as well as his wife Gursharan Kaur, they said.

These protectees also are provided with an advanced security liaison protocol due to their high-risk profile. About a dozen other Z+ category CRPF protectees will have this women commando contingent on a rotational basis, sources said.

READ | CRPFs elite anti-terrorist unit 'Valley QAT' to have women commandos soon

The women commandos will be deployed as part of the house protection team of these VIPs and they will also accompany the personalities, if required, during the forthcoming assembly polls in five states of Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Uttarakhand, Manipur and Goa.

These commandos, when deployed for house protection, will frisk female visitors and will be part of the overall security detail of the VIP's house during tours. They will provide proximate security to the protectee, especially in the case of Sonia Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi, sources said.

The women commandos, like their male counterparts, will carry arms, ballistic protection and other gadgets as required on the job.

The Assembly polls in the five states are expected to be held in February-March next year and a hectic political campaign is expected in the run-up to the elections with politicians, party leaders and ministers making whirlwind tours.

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Punjab Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi on Wednesday said his government will not allow any drug trafficker to go scot-free and the law will take its own course in a case against Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader Bikram Singh Majithia.

Majithia (46) was booked under the relevant sections of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act on Monday on the basis of a 2018 status report on a probe into a drug racket operating in the state.

The report was filed in the Punjab and Haryana High Court by the anti-drug Special Task Force (STF) chief, Harpreet Singh Sidhu.

Majithia is the brother-in-law of SAD chief Sukhbir Singh Badal and the brother of former Union minister Harsimrat Kaur Badal. He had earlier denied all the charges against him.

Addressing a gathering here, Channi reiterated his government's commitment to eradicate the menace of drugs from Punjab, while adding that there is no "political vendetta" as far as the case against Majithia is concerned.

The SAD has alleged that the case was filed due to "political vendetta".

READ | MHA issues look-out circular against SAD MLA Bikram Singh Majithia

Channi also took a dig at Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Arvind Kejriwal for withdrawing his statement against Majithia with a written apology.

In 2018, Kejriwal had tendered an apology for having levelled "unfounded" allegations of involvement in the drugs trade against Majithia, following which the latter had decided to withdraw a court case against the Delhi chief minister.

"See the kind of politics the AAP is indulging in. It apologised to a person who was facing accusations of pushing youngsters towards drugs," the chief minister said.

He also asserted that his government will not let the culprits involved in heinous acts of sacrilege to run away from the clutches of law.

Meanwhile, Deputy Chief Minister Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa said the Congress government in the state is now gradually winning the trust of people when it comes to governance, which had touched the "lowest ebb due to misrule, coupled with gross inefficiency during the regime of (Parkash Singh) Badal as well as Amarinder Singh".

Transport Minister Amarinder Singh Raja Warring also hit out at the Badals. "The reign of terror unleashed by the Badals has been suppressed to a considerable extent and it would disappear in the times to come provided the Congress is given another chance to serve the people of Punjab," he said.

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New Delhi: Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) issued orders to enforce the `No Mask, No Entry rule at shops and workplaces amid concerns over rising COVID-19 cases and Omicron threat. DDMA has also issued guidelines in view of rising COVID-19 cases in the national capital.

According to the DDMA statement issued on Wednesday, "All DMs and District DCPs shall ensure that no cultural event, gatherings, and congregations are taking place for celebrating Christmas or New Year in National Capital Territory of Delhi." It also advised the residents to follow COVID-19 appropriate behaviour.

Amid the rise in coronavirus cases and the threat of its Omicron variant, the DDMA also directed district magistrates to ensure no Christmas and New Year gathering takes place in the national capital.

Restaurants and bars will continue to operate with up to 50 per cent of the seating capacity, while marriage-related gatherings are permitted with a maximum of 200 people in attendance, according to the statement.

The DDMA order said, "All social/political/cultural/religious/festival related gatherings are prohibited throughout NCT of Delhi... All district magistrates and DCPs shall ensure that no cultural event/gatherings/congregation takes place for celebrating Christmas or New Year in the NCT of Delhi."

On Wednesday, the national capital logged 125 cases Wednesday, the highest since June 22, when it had reported 134 cases of the infection. The district magistrates and deputy commissioners of police (DCPs) have also been directed to tighten the enforcement machinery to ensure people follow social-distancing norms and wear masks.

According to the DDMA order, "All district magistrates shall conduct an intensive survey of the entire area under their jurisdiction and identify those pockets, colonies markets and crowded places which have the potential of becoming superspreaders of coronavirus and its Omicron variant."

It stated that all DMs and DCPs shall deploy a sufficient number of enforcement teams on the field for keeping utmost vigil at public places to enforce strict adherence to Covid-appropriate behaviour to avoid any possible surge in COVID-19 cases.

Authorities have been directed to convene meetings with RWAs, market associations and inform them about "persistent increase" in Covid cases and also the emergence of the Omicron variant.

They should also be requested to take all requisite steps ensuring strict compliance of Covid appropriate behaviour such as wearing of masks, maintaining social distancing and frequently hand sanitising.

Earlier on Monday, the DDMA held a meeting and Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal announced that samples of all Covid-positive patients would be sent for genome sequencing. The genome sequencing of all positive cases started on Tuesday.

The Chief Minister also made an appeal to the public to not let their guards down and wear masks to arrest the spread of coronavirus.

Delhi Health Minister Satyendar Jain said genome sequencing of samples of all Covid-infected people in Delhi has begun to ascertain if Omicron variant has spread in the community.

"The Delhi government-run labs at the Lok Nayak Hospital and the Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences can sequence 100 samples each day. Two Centre-run labs in Delhi can sequence 200-300 samples a day. So, 400-500 samples can be analysed in a day," Jain said.

PM Modi to hold meeting to review the situation

Amid fresh concerns caused by the Omicron variant, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will hold a meeting on the COVID-19 situation in the country on Thursday. Official sources said Modi will take stock of the pandemic situation across the country.

Notably, the first case of Omicron in the national capital was reported on December 5 when a 37-year-old fully-vaccinated man who arrived in the city from Tanzania was found infected with the latest variant of coronavirus.

India has so far recorded close to 250 cases of Omicron across 15 states and union territories even though at least 90 of the infected people have either recovered or migrated.

Delhi has recorded a maximum of 57 cases of the Omicron variant followed by 54 in Maharashtra, 24 in Telangana, 19 in Karnataka, 18 in Rajasthan, 15 in Kerala and 14 in Gujarat.

With the Omicron variant of coronavirus slowly spreading its tentacles in the country, a number of states enhanced surveillance to trace, track and quarantine contacts of COVID-19 positive persons while Delhi began genome sequencing of samples of all infected people and has prohibited Christmas and New Year gatherings.

Meanwhile, AIIMS Director Dr Randeep Guleria has stressed on adhering to Covid-appropriate behaviour, observing that people have become lax in following these norms. He also underlined that people should get vaccinated and those who have taken the first shot should not miss out on the second dose.

"Omicron is highly transmissible which means this variant spreads rapidly and therefore adhering to Covid norms is very important. People should regularly wear masks, maintain physical distance and avoid gatherings which can become super spreading events," Guleria told PTI.

(With Agency Inputs)

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GENEVA: South African data offered a glimmer of hope on Wednesday about the severity of the Omicron coronavirus variant, but World Health Organization officials cautioned that it was too soon to draw firm conclusions as the strain spread across the globe.

With the second Christmas of the pandemic days away, countries imposed new restrictions on their citizens while worrying about the damage the variant might inflict on their economies.

Plans for Christmas parties and celebrations were wiped out from London to New Delhi amid the uncertainty.

Omicron was first detected last month in southern Africa and Hong Kong. Preliminary data indicated it was more resistant to vaccines developed before it emerged.

But a study by South Africa`s National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) suggested that those infected with Omicron were much less likely to end up in the hospital than those with the Delta strain.

COVID-19 cases also appear to have peaked in South Africa`s Gauteng province, where Omicron first emerged, it said.

The study, which has not been peer-reviewed, compared South African Omicron data from October and November with data about Delta between April and November.

"In South Africa, this is the epidemiology: Omicron is behaving in a way that is less severe," the NICD`s Professor Cheryl Cohen said.

"Compellingly, together our data really suggest a positive story of a reduced severity of Omicron compared to other variants."

It noted though that as the majority of people in South Africa have had prior COVID-19 infection, they could have a higher level of immunity.

The positive news was bolstered by research from London`s Imperial College which said the risk of needing to stay in hospital for patients with Omicron was 40% to 45% lower than for patients with Delta.

However, the WHO technical lead on COVID-19, Maria van Kerkhove, said the U.N. agency did not have enough data to draw firm conclusions.

The data was still "messy," she told a briefing in Geneva.

"We have not seen this variant circulate long enough in populations around the world, certainly in vulnerable populations. We have been asking countries to be cautious, and to really think, especially as these holidays are coming up."

The WHO`s European head, Hans Kluge, told Reuters in Brussels that three to four weeks was needed to determine Omicron`s severity. He said Omicron was likely to be the main coronavirus strain in Europe in a few weeks.

Britain on Wednesday reported more than 100,000 new daily COVID-19 cases for the first time since widespread testing was introduced, leaving many industries struggling with staff shortages as workers self-isolate.

France reported 84,272 new COVID-19 infections in the last 24 hours, close to its all-time high.

"There is no doubt that Europe is once again the epicentre of the global pandemic. Yes, I`m very concerned, but there is no reason for panic. The good news is... we know what to do," Kluge said.

VACCINATE

Germany, Scotland, Ireland, the Netherlands and South Korea have reimposed partial or full lockdowns or other social distancing measures in recent days.

Germany`s health minister said he had not ruled out a full lockdown.

Italy was preparing new measures and might make vaccinations obligatory for more categories of workers, Prime Minister Mario Draghi said.

Spain made it compulsory to wear a face mask outdoors again as part of a package aimed at containing Omicron. But Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez reassured citizens: "Don`t worry, families will be able to celebrate Christmas."

In the United States, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Director Rochelle Walensky said the seven-day average of COVID-19 cases increased by 25% from the previous week to about 149,300 cases per day.

On Tuesday, President Joe Biden warned the quarter of American adults who are unvaccinated that their choices could spell the "difference between life and death".

In Asia, New Delhi banned Christmas and other celebrations ahead of the New Year.

The Chinese city of Xian - home to the Terracotta Warriors - told its 13 million residents to stay at home as it struggled to contain rising COVID-19 cases.

Policymakers across the world are trying to address the economic blow that might come from new outbreaks.

But Wall Street saw a broad rally on Wednesday after the hopeful news on Omicron`s severity and upbeat consumer confidence and other economic data.

More than 275 million people have been reported to be infected with the coronavirus around the world, and nearly 5.7 million have died, according to a Reuters tally.

Infections have been reported in more than 210 countries and territories since the first cases were identified in central China in December 2019.

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New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit his Lok Sabha constituency Varanasi on Thursday (December 23, 2021) to kickstart multiple development initiatives.

According to the Prime Minister's Office, PM Modi will inaugurate and lay the foundation stone of 22 developmental Projects worth over Rs 870 crores.

The Prime Minister is scheduled to lay the foundation stone of 'Banas Dairy Sankul' at UP State Industrial Development Authority Food Park in Karkhiyaon. The Dairy is spread across 30 acres of land and will be built at a cost of about Rs 475 crores. It will have a facility for processing 5 lakh litres of milk per day. Prime Minister Modi will also digitally transfer about Rs 35 crore bonus to the bank accounts of more than 1.7 lakh milk producers associated with Banas Dairy.

PM Modi will also lay the foundation stone for the Biogas based Electricity generation plant for the Milk Producers Cooperative Union Plant in Ramnagar. He will also launch a Portal and Logo dedicated to the Conformity Assessment Scheme of milk products, developed by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) with the help of the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB). The PMO informed that the unified logo that features logos of both BIS and NDDB quality marks will simplify the certification process for the dairy sector and will reassure the public about dairy product quality.

                      1                    -     https://t.co/kcsMviEmzN  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 22, 2021

The Prime Minister is also scheduled to virtually distribute the rural residential rights record 'Gharauni' under the Swamitva scheme of the Union Ministry of Panchayati Raj, to over 20 lakh residents of Uttar Pradesh.

The programme will also witness the Prime Minister inaugurating and laying the foundation stone of 22 developmental projects worth over Rs 870 crores in Varanasi. This will further strengthen the ongoing 360-degree transformation of Varanasi.

Prime Minister will inaugurate multiple urban development projects which include six projects of the redevelopment of Old Kashi wards, a parking and surface park at Beniabag, beautification of two ponds, one Sewage Treatment Plant at the village Ramna and provisioning of advanced surveillance cameras at 720 locations under Smart City Mission.

Projects in the education sector that will be inaugurated by Prime Minister Modi include the Union Education Ministrys Inter University Centre for Teachers Education, built at a cost of around Rs 107 crore and a Teachers Education Centre at Central Institute of Higher Tibetan Studies, built at a cost of over Rs 7 crore. Further, residential flats and staff quarters at BHU and ITI Karaundi will also be inaugurated by the Prime Minister.

In the health sector, a project comprising a Doctors hostel, a Nurses hostel and a shelter home amounting to Rs 130 crore, at Mahamana Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya Cancer Centre will be inaugurated by the Prime Minister. He will inaugurate a 50-bed Integrated Ayush Hospital at Bhadrasi. He will also lay the foundation of Rs 49 Cr Government Homeopathic Medical College in tehsil Pindra under the Ayush Mission.

In the road sector, Prime Minister Modi will lay the foundation stone of two 4 to 6 lane road widening projects for the Prayagraj and Bhadohi roads. PM Modi will also inaugurate the Phase-1 of Tourism Development project related to Shri Guru Ravidas Ji Temple, Seer Govardhan, Varanasi.

Other projects being inaugurated by the Prime Minister include a Speed Breeding Facility at International Rice Research Institute, South Asia Regional Centre, Varanasi, a Regional Reference Standards Laboratory at village Payakpur and an Advocate building at Tehsil Pindra.

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Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Monday alleged that the members of Bharatiya Janata Party and Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh are involved in a land scam near the Ayodhya Ram Temple site. The Congress leader also slammed Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and PM Narendra Modi, saying they have the moral responsibility "to keep funds free from corruption" as even the poorest of poor have donated for the Ram Temple out of their faith.

She further demanded a Supreme Court-monitored probe in the alleged scam.

"UP Government said that they're ordering an inquiry. Who's probing it? District level officers. Ram Mandir Trust was formed on basis of Supreme Court verdict. So, it should be probed by Supreme Court," Priyanka Gandhi said.

"Everyone, including poor people, has given funds for this (Ram Temple construction), keeping their faith," she added.

She further alleged that the big leaders, office bearers of BJP, RSS and trustees were involved in buying and selling lands to earn profits.

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra`s sensational allegations come against the backdrop of the news report that claimed many BJP leaders and some officials of the Uttar Pradesh government have purchased land near the under-construction Ram Janmbhoomi Temple in Ayodhya at throwaway prices."Within five minutes the piece of land is sold to the trust from Rs 2 crore to Rs 18.5 crore. It means the BJP person made a profit of Rs 16.5 crore within 5 minutes. This is happening repeatedly in other transactions," the Congress leader said.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has ordered an inquiry into reports that relatives of several state ministers and government officials allegedly conducted land deals in Ayodhya. The UP government has sought a report within a week and the matter will be investigated by Special Secretary Revenue.

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New Delhi: Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) chief Jayant Chaudhary on Thursday accused the BJP of garnering farmers' votes by using the credentials of their leader and former prime minister Chaudhary Charan Singh during the 2017 Assembly elections.

He also promised 'martyr' status to the farmers who died during the agitation against the three farm laws and Rs 1 crore to each of their families if his party rose to power.

Addressing a joint rally of the Samajwadi Party (SP) and RLD at Iglas in Aligarh on the 119th birth anniversary of Charan Singh, also his grandfather, Jayant said SP chief Akhilesh Yadav had rendered true tribute to the former prime minister by demanding the government to confer 'Bharat Ratna' on him. "After this (demand) Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath in Lucknow and Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Delhi will not be able to sleep tonight," Jayant said.

Recalling the campaign for the 2017 Assembly election in the state, Jayant said Amit Shah, the then national president of the BJP, had promised to establish a fund and roll out an initiative titled Chaudhary Charan Singh Samman Yojna for the benefit of farmers.

"Amit Shah, ...Use binoculars to find whether you have launched any such scheme," he said.

Jayant also sought to know the status of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'promise' to double farmers' income by 2022.

Citing figures, he claimed that Uttar Pradesh fared far better during the SP regime compared to the incumbent Yogi Adityanath-led government.

"Uttar Pradesh's economy is in doldrums under Yogi Adityanath. An ordinary farmer and his family cannot lead a decent life today. Our youth are rendered unemployed," he said.

Hitting out at the BJP for the 'poor' law and order situation in the state, Jayant said cases of rape and harassment of women, too, had increased under the BJP rule.

"If the SP-RLD forms government, we will accord martyr status to those farmers and Rs 1 crore to each of their families," he said.

Jayant also promised a pension of Rs 12,000 to farmers on the lines of Rs 6,000 given by the central government under the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Yojana.

In the run-up to crucial Uttar Pradesh elections, the SP has entered into an alliance with the RLD, which commands the support of farmers in western Uttar Pradesh.

Akhilesh Yadav and Jayant were supposed to share the stage on Thursday in Aligarh, a key region of western Uttar Pradesh.

However, earlier in the day, Yadav said he would refrain from participating in public programmes as a precautionary measure after his family members tested positive for COVID-19.

In his absence, the party's state president Naresh Uttam Patel and senior party leader Salim Sherwani led the rally.

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Varanasi: Ahead of UP Assembly polls 2022, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated a slew of projects in his Varanasi parliamentary constituency. Modi on Thursday (December 23) inaugurated and laid the foundation of 27 projects worth Rs 2095 crore in Varanasi.

This is Modi's second visit to his constituency in 10 days. He was in Varanasi on December 13 to inaugurate the Kashi Vishwanath Corridor. Modi, who arrived here in the morning, laid the foundation stone of the 'Banas Dairy Sankul' at the Uttar Pradesh State Industrial Development Authority Food Park in Karkhiyaon.

He also unveiled several projects in the field of education and health among others.

Before the inauguration, the Prime Minister reviewed the development projects along with Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. The Prime Minister laid the foundation stone of 'Banas Dairy Sankul' at UP State Industrial Development Authority Food Park, Karkhiyaon, Varanasi.

Spread across 30 acres of land, the dairy will be built at a cost of about Rs 475 crores and will have a facility for processing 5 lakh litres of milk per day. PM Modi digitally transferred about Rs 35 crore bonus to the bank accounts of more than 1.7 lakh milk producers associated with Banas Dairy.

He also laid the foundation stone for the Biogas based Electricity generation plant for the Milk Producers Cooperative Union Plant, Ramnagar, Varanasi. PM Modi also launched a portal and logo dedicated to the Conformity Assessment Scheme of milk products, developed by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) with the help of the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB).According to Prime Minister`s Office (PMO), the unified logo, featuring logos of both BIS and NDDB quality mark will simplify the certification process for the dairy sector and will reassure the public about dairy product quality.

Prime Minister virtually distributed the rural residential rights record 'Gharauni' under the Swamitva scheme of Union Ministry of Panchayati Raj, to over 20 Lakh residents of Uttar Pradesh. He also inaugurated multiple urban development projects in Varanasi. These include six projects of the redevelopment of Old Kashi wards, a parking and surface park at Beniabag, beautification of two ponds, one sewage treatment plant at village Ramna and provisioning of advanced surveillance cameras at 720 locations under Smart City Mission.

PM Modi inaugurated a 50-bed Integrated Ayush Hospital at Bhadrasi. He also laid the foundation of Rs 49 crore Government Homeopathic Medical College in tehsil Pindra under the Ayush Mission. Prime Minister laid the foundation stone of two '4 to 6 lane' road widening projects for the Prayagraj and Bhadohi roads. The projects are believed to improve the connectivity of Varanasi and will be a step towards resolving the problem of the city`s traffic congestion.

Other projects inaugurated by the Prime Minister include a Speed Breeding Facility at International Rice Research Institute, South Asia Regional Centre Varanasi, a Regional Reference Standards Laboratory at village Payakpur and an Advocate building at Tehsil Pindra. Assembly polls in Uttar Pradesh are slated for early next year.
Lucknow: The Uttar Pradesh government has ordered a probe into reports of relatives of BJP leaders and government officials allegedly "usurping" land near the upcoming Ram Temple in Ayodhya. A news report has claimed that MLAs, mayors, relatives of the commissioner, SDM and DIG bought land in Ayodhya after the Supreme Court announced the verdict in the Ramjanmabhoomi-Babri Masjid dispute, clearing the way for construction of the Ram temple.

Uttar Pradesh Additional Chief Secretary, Information, Navneet Sehgal told PTI on Wednesday that "Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has ordered the revenue department to probe the matter thoroughly,"

Congress leaders have attacked the government on the matter with Rahul Gandhi charging that "Hindutva robs under the guise of religion".

"Hindu follows the path of truth. Hindutva robs under the guise of religion," he had said in a tweet in Hindi, tagging the news report.

Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge also sought to raise the issue in the House on Wednesday.

Congress general secretary and chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala termed it a "land scam", charging there is an "open loot of land inside Ayodhya city by people connected to the BJP".

READ | Mathura should also have a grand temple: BJP MP Hema Malini

"Respected Modiji, when will you open your mouth on this open loot? The Congress party, the people of the country and Ram Bhakts are asking these questions. Is this not treason? Is it anything less than treason? The BJP is now running the business of 'Andher Nagri, Chaupat Raja' in Ayodhya," he had alleged.
New York/Washington: Ambassador of India to the UN, TS Tirumurti, said that India has extended its support to the UNSC resolution to grant exemption from sanctions for humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan, where half the population are facing acute food insecurity.

Tirumurti, Permanent Representative of India to UN, on Wednesday said, "The humanitarian situation in Afghanistan is dire. We have seen reports that suggest that over half the population are facing crisis or emergency levels of acute food insecurity, urgent humanitarian assistance is required to meet the basic food needs of the people, and most of the country is going below the poverty threshold."

"Over the last two decades, India has contributed significantly to the development of Afghanistan. We have just airlifted half a million doses of vaccines and 1.6 metric tonnes of life saving medicines. We are also in the process of sending more medicines and food grains," Indian Ambassador said at UN Security Council.

Tirumurti further said, "As the largest regional development partner of Afghanistan, India is willing to coordinate with other stakeholders to work towards enabling the expeditious provision of much-needed assistance to the people of Afghanistan."

He noted that the winter is already upon us. It is important that assistance be scaled up urgently and unhindered access is provided to the UN and other agencies. In this context, India has supported the call of the international community that access to humanitarian assistance for Afghanistan should be direct and without any hindrance.

"Humanitarian assistance should be based on the principles of neutrality, impartiality, and independence and disbursement of the aid should be non-discriminatory and accessible to all, irrespective of ethnicity, religion or political belief. In particular, the assistance should reach the most vulnerable first - including women, children and minorities," he added.

Tirumurti further said that at the same time, this Council should equally exercise its oversight on the delivery of assistance as well as guard against any possible diversion of funds. This is essential since any diversion or misuse can be counter-productive. In this regard, we welcome the provision in the resolution which calls for a review of the implementation of the humanitarian carve out after one year.

"We call on the international community and countries in the region to come together, rising above partisan interests. As the largest regional development partner of Afghanistan, India is willing to coordinate with other stakeholders to work towards enabling the expeditious provision of much-needed assistance to the people of Afghanistan," Tirumurti stated.

Blinken, Qatari FM discuss Afghanistan

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Wednesday reviewed the latest developments regarding Afghanistan. He also spoke to Qatari Minister of Foreign Affairs Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani and congratulated "the Qatari people for their recent observance of Qatar National Day and thanked Qatar for its continued work to assist with the safe transit from Afghanistan of US citizens, Lawful Permanent Residents, and Afghans to whom we have a special commitment," said an official statement.

According to the statement, Blinken and the Foreign Minister also reviewed the latest developments regarding Afghanistan.

Earlier on Wednesday, Blinken said that the United States will work with the international community to scale up the level of assistance provided to Afghanistan, adding to provide one million additional COVID-19 vaccine doses to the strife-torn country through COVAX.

US to provide additional 1 mn COVID-19 vaccine doses to Afghanistan

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said that the United States will work with the international community to scale up the level of assistance provided to Afghanistan, adding to provide one million additional COVID-19 vaccine doses to the strife-torn country through COVAX.

In a statement, he said the United States provided nearly USD 474 million in humanitarian aid in Afghanistan and for Afghan refugees in the region making us the single largest provider of humanitarian assistance during the Fiscal Year 2021.

"We will continue to support efforts by our partners to scale up assistance and deliver necessary relief during this moment of particular need," said the statement, adding that the US Department of the Treasury`s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) issued three General Licenses on Wednesday (local time) to facilitate the continued flow of vital assistance and support for the Afghan people.

These licenses expand upon existing authorizations for the provision of humanitarian assistance and other activities that support basic human needs and enable broader support for the Afghan people consistent with Resolution 2615 (2021) adopted by the UN Security Council earlier today, Blinken said.

This Resolution, drafted by the United States and unanimously adopted by the 15 members of the UN Security Council, establishes a carveout in the UN 1988 sanctions regime to ensure urgently needed aid can reach the Afghan people.

The Resolution also requests periodic updates by the UN Emergency Relief Coordinator to ensure assistance is reaching the intended beneficiaries, not being diverted to the Taliban.

While US sanctions on the Taliban remain in place, OFAC has provided broad authorizations that ensure nongovernmental organizations, international organizations, and the US government can continue to provide assistance and critical support to the most vulnerable Afghans.

(With Agency Inputs)

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Lucknow: In a bid to boost Aatmanirbhar Bharat, the Uttar Pradesh government is planning to set up several drone manufacturing units in the state. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said that drones could be useful in various sectors such as agriculture, disaster management, health, maintenance of law and order, among others.

He directed the Infrastructure and Industrial Development Department to take necessary action for the establishment of drone manufacturing units.

Chairing a high-level review meeting, the CM said, Considering the importance of 'drones' in various fields including disaster relief, agriculture, maintenance of law and order, a concrete action plan should be prepared to establish a drone manufacturing unit in the state.

The Chief Minister has also asked the state to prepare its own manual. At present, there are no clear rules for flying drones in the state.

Instructing the officials, the CM further said that drones due to their accessibility, ease of use, can make a significant contribution to employment and economic development in remote and inaccessible areas. Also, there is also huge employment potential in the field of drone manufacturing. Many companies want to set up their units in Uttar Pradesh, he said.

The CM asked the officials to approach other investors too and suggested that the Defence Corridor can be a useful area for this industry.

Stating the need for a clear policy for private or commercial use of drones, the Chief Minister directed the Home Department to prepare drone manuals. The CM said that the Union Civil Aviation Ministry has issued a policy in this regard. Accordingly, the state government should also prepare drone rules.

The manual should have clear provisions regarding the issuance of a drone airworthiness certificate, maintenance certificate, acceptance of existing drones, operator permits, student remote pilot license, remote pilot instructor authorization, etc. to the drone users, said the CM.

He also directed to start diploma/certificate courses for training drone technology in ITIs and polytechnic institutes. If necessary, the help of IIT Kanpur should be taken, he added.

As drones can be controlled remotely and can be flown at varying distances and heights, they make perfect candidates to take on some of the trickiest jobs in the world.

In the agriculture sector, drones would be useful in spraying pesticides in an effective way like a mist so that the pesticides will deposit only on the plants or crops. During manual spraying, more quantity of pesticides is used which sometimes harms the soil as well as plants.

Drones can also be used in maintaining law and order and doing surveillance for VIP movement as these devices have the innate ability to hover around locations without drawing much attention from the people. Thus, this can be used for surveillance or for public safety.

Drones were used to combat the Covid-19 pandemic, especially for surveillance and spraying of disinfectants, among others.

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State Bank of India (SBI) Recruitment 2021: The State Bank of India (SBI) has announced bumper vacancies and has invited applications from interested candidates.

As per the notification released on SBI's official website at sbi.co.in, as many as 1,226 Circle Based Officers (CBO) vacant posts are available.

Interested candidates can scroll down to check all the important details.

State Bank of India (SBI) Recruitment 2021: Vacancies?

Ahmedabad (Gujrati): 354

Bengaluru (Kannada): 278

Bhopal (Hindi): 214

Chennai (Tamil): 276

Jaipur (Hindi): 104

State Bank of India (SBI) Recruitment 2021: Eligibility?

Graduation in any discipline from a recognised University or any equivalent qualification recognised as such by the Central Government.

Minimum 2 years experience (Post Essential Academic Qualification Experience) as on December 1, 2021, as an officer in any Scheduled Commercial Bank or any Regional Rural Bank as listed in Second Schedule of Reserve Bank of India."

The candidates applying for vacancies of a particular State should be proficient (reading, writing and understanding) in the specified opted local language of that State. The test of knowledge of specified opted local language of the applied state will be conducted as a part of the selection process. Candidates who produce 10th or 12th standard mark sheet/ certificate evidencing having studied the specified opted local language of the applied state as one of the subjects will not be required to undergo the language test.

State Bank of India (SBI) Recruitment 2021: Age limit?

As on December 1, 2021, the candidate should not be below 21 years and not above 30 years.

State Bank of India (SBI) Recruitment 2021: Salary?

The basic salary approximately is Rs 36,000 plus one increment for each completed year of service.

State Bank of India (SBI) Recruitment 2021: How to apply?

Candidates can ONLY apply ONLINE. No other mode of application is accepted. They need to register themselves online through Bank's official website at https://bank.sbi/careers. After registration, candidates are required to pay the requisite application fee.

State Bank of India (SBI) Recruitment 2021: Last date?

The last date to apply is December 29, 2021.

Candidates are advised to regularly visit SBIs official website at https://bank.sbi/careers for the latest updates.

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Farmers blocked railway tracks at various places in Punjab for the fourth day, affecting the movement of more than 280 trains. More than 400 trains have been affected due to the protest demonstration by farmers in the Firozpur Division of the Northern Railway in the last four days of protest said CPRO, Northern Railway. On Wednesday alone, 59 trains were cancelled, 34 trains short originated and 35 trains were short terminated.

Out of 128 trains which were affected, 104 trains were mail or express trains, while 24 were passenger trains. Divisional Railway Manager (Ferozepur division) Seema Sharma said the railways have established help desks at all stations to provide all possible guidance to the passengers. "We are trying to run the trains between short distance stations to avoid any hassle to the passengers," she said.

Farmers under the banner of Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee launched the agitation on Monday, demanding a complete loan waiver, compensation to families of those who died during the year-long anti-farm laws stir, and withdrawal of criminal cases slapped against them.

They are also demanding a compensation of Rs 50,000 per acre for damaged crops, release of pending dues for sugarcane crop and abolition of contract system. The farmers have been squatting on railway tracks at different places in Ferozepur, Tarn Taran, Amritsar and Hoshiarpur since Monday.

But on Wednesday, they started their protest at Moga and Fazilka railway stations also. Farmer union leader Satnam Singh Pannu said the protesters will not leave the tracks till their demands are fulfilled. A delegation of farmers also had a meeting with senior police officials, but it remained inconclusive.

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New Delhi. If you are an account holder of the Pradhan Mantri Jan-Dhan Yojana (PMJDY), you must know about a facility that gives you several financial benefits along with universal access to banking services.

You can get an overdraft (OD) facility up to Rs 10,000 in this zero balance account. The overdraft limit was earlier Rs 5,000 which was then doubled to Rs 10,000. Overdraft upto Rs 2,000 is available without conditions. To avail the overdraft facility, your Jan Dhan account should be at least 6 months old, else you can only get overdraft of up to Rs 2,000. There has also been an increase in upper age limit for overdraft from 60 to 65 years.

PMJDY accounts are eligible for Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT), Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY), Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY), Atal Pension Yojana (APY), Micro Units Development & Refinance Agency Bank (MUDRA) scheme.

The PMJDY was announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his Independence Day address on August 15, 2014, and was simultaneously launched on August 28, 2014, to foster financial inclusion.

This national mission was launched to ensure people have access to financial services, namely, banking, remittance, credit, insurance, pension in an affordable manner.

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New Delhi: The date for disbursal of 10th installment of Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) is just around the corner. Earlier there were a lot of speculations regarding the date of disbursal, which has now been confirmed as January 1.

A message is being sent by the Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Narendra Tomar informing eligble farmers that on January 1, 2022, Rs 2,000 will be transferred to their accounts under PM KISAN scheme. In the message sent to the farmers, it has been said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will release the next installment under PM Kisan Yojana on January 1, 2022 and will release equity grant to farmer producer organizations. Farmers can join this program through pmindiawbcast.nic.in or through Doordarshan.

The PM Kisan Samman Nidhi Scheme provides annual cash transfer of Rs 6000 to the farmers in three equal instalments. The first instalment is between April- July; second instalment is between August-November and the third instalment is between December-March.

Here is how to check your name via PM Kisan website using the direct link

Log on to pmkisan.gov.in website

On the right hand side, you will see Farmers Corner

Click Farmers Corner

Now from the option, click Beneficiary Status

You will have to furnish a few details like your Aadhaar number, bank account and your mobile number to see your status

After you complete the above procedure, you will find your name if it is there in the list

How to check your name in PM KISAN via mobile App

To check your name via Mobile App, you will have to first download PM Kisan Mobile App. Once you have downloaded the App, you will have access to all the details.

Is PM-KISAN Scheme for only Small and Marginal Farmers' families?

ln the beginning when the PM-KISAN Scheme was launched (February, 2019), its benefits were admissible only to Small & marginal Farmers' families, with combined landholding upto 2 hectare. The Scheme was later on revised in June 2019 and extended to all farmer families irrespective of the size of their landholdings

Who are excluded from the PM-KISAN Scheme?

Those excluded from the PM-KISAN include institutional land holders, farmer families holding constitutional posts, serving or retired officers and employees of State or Central government as well as Public Sector Undertakings and Government Autonomous bodies. Professionals like doctors, engineers and lawyers as well as retired pensioners with a monthly pension of over Rs 10,000 and those who paid income tax in the last assessment year are also not eligible for the benefits.

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New Delhi: Chinese smartphone maker Honor has teased the launch of its first foldable smartphone titled the Honor MagicV

Though the company has not yet revealed any exact launch date, media reports say that it will arrive in 2022.

The company posted its first image on its Weibo and Twitter accounts. "Unfold all the potential. This is HONOR's first foldable flagship phone, the #HONORMagicV," it said on Twitter.

Unfold all the potential. This is HONORs first foldable flagship phone, the #HONORMagicV. pic.twitter.com/Evx1mCOknX  HONOR (@Honorglobal) December 23, 2021

The Weibo post read that the "folding flagship is about to be released".

In 2019, the company's CEO George Zhao told CNET that he was interested in producing a foldable under the Honor brand.

According to a report from The Elec, it could have an 8.03-inch folding inner display paired with a 6.45-inch outer screen, resembling Samsung's Z Fold devices.

The foldable smartphones are rising in popularity. According to techARC, foldable smartphones are set to witness a massive 638 per cent jump in sales in India in 2021 and are expected to touch a record 3 lakh units sales in 2022.

After Samsung, Chinese brand OPPO has also launched its maiden foldable smartphone called 'Find N' that comes with triple-camera at the rear, selfie cameras on both inner and outer displays, Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 chipset and up to 12GB RAM.

The brand has not yet revealed its availability and pricing in India.

With IANS Inputs

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New Delhi: Joker malware, a software designed to damage and destroy apps and operating system of your smartphone, has been known to infect apps hosted by Google Play Store in the past few years. This time around, the malware has infected about 15 new Android apps, according to an alert by mobile security solutions firm Pradeo.

According to a report by Pradeo, popular apps such as Color Message which is used by 5 lakh users is among the latest apps to be infected by the Joker malware. The report pointed out that the infected app appears to be making connections to Russian servers.

The Color Message app claims to be making texting more fun with all new emojis. However, Pradeo researchers have found that the infected app also claims to be offering a similar proposition to the users.

Upon identification of the app as malware, Google has removed it from the Google Play Store. Besides the Color Message app, there are several other apps that were infected by the Joker Malware.

Its advised that you should completely remove the apps from your smartphone to make sure that your phone remains safe. Heres the list of apps that you need to delete right now:

1. Color Message

2. Safety AppLock

3. Convenient Scanner 2

4. Push Message-Texting&SMS,

5. Emoji Wallpaper

6. Separate Doc Scanner

7. Fingertip GameBox.

For those unversed, the Joker malware, first discovered in 2017, has recently come into the limelight after it started to pose major security risks to Android smartphone owners. Last year, it was found that the malware was infecting several apps hosted on safe platforms such as Google Play Store.

The Joker malware, however, appears to be making a return even after getting banned by Google Play Store. The malware reportedly makes small changes to its codes to bypass the security parameters. Also Read: CMS Info Systems IPO GMP: Check latest subscription status, expected listing price

Moreover, Cybersecurity firm Kasperskys analyst Tatyana Shishkova has also recently found that the Joker malware was infecting 14 Android apps. Also Read: Union Budget 2022: Healthcare sector urges govt increase spending on genetic research

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London: Two vaccine manufacturers said their shots offered protection against Omicron, as UK data suggested it may cause proportionally fewer hospitalisations than the Delta coronavirus variant, supporting conclusions reached in South Africa. Coronavirus infections have soared across much of the world as highly infectious Omicron has spread, triggering new curbs in many countries. World Health Organization officials have said, however, that it is too soon to draw firm conclusions about its virulence.

First identified last month in Southern Africa and Hong Kong, the variant is quickly becoming dominant in much of western Europe including Britain, where daily infections have soared beyond 100,000. Preliminary data had indicated Omicron was more resistant to vaccines developed before it emerged. But increases in hospitalisations and deaths in Britain since Omicron took hold have been more gradual, researchers said.

University of Edinburgh researchers who tracked 22,205 patients infected with Omicron said late on Wednesday (December 22) that the number who needed to be hospitalised was 68% lower than they would have expected, based on the rate in patients with Delta. Imperial College London researchers said they saw evidence over the last two weeks of a 40% to 45% reduction in the risk of hospitalisation for Omicron relative to Delta. Raghib Ali, senior clinical research associate at the University of Cambridge, said scientists had warned that, with the surge in UK cases, even a small proportion of hospitalisations could overwhelm the heathcare system. However, the UK data was encouraging and "may help justify the government`s decision not to expand restrictions on social gathering over Christmas in England," he said.

AstraZeneca, meanwhile, said on Thursday that a three-course dose of its COVID-19 vaccine offered protection against the variant, citing data from an Oxford University lab study. Findings from the study, yet to be published in a peer-reviewed medical journal, match those from rivals Pfizer-BioNTech, and Moderna. The study on AstraZeneca's vaccine, Vaxzevria, showed that after a three-dose course, neutralising levels against Omicron were broadly similar to those against Delta after two doses.

Hours earlier, Novavax Inc said early data showed its vaccine - authorised for use this week by European Union regulators and the WHO but yet to be approved by the United States - also generated an immune response against Omicron.

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New Delhi: Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates has warned against the Omicron variant of COVID-19 and said that the world could be entering the worst part of the pandemic.

In a series of tweets on Tuesday (December 21, 2021), the billionaire philanthropist said that Omicron will 'hit home for all of us' and that he has cancelled most of his holiday plans after his close friends have been infected with the new coronavirus variant.

"Omicron is spreading faster than any virus in history. It will soon be in every country in the world," he said.

Omicron is spreading faster than any virus in history. It will soon be in every country in the world.  Bill Gates (@BillGates) December 21, 2021

He warned that the big unknown is how sick Omicron makes you.

"We need to take it seriously until we know more about it. Even if its only half as severe as delta, it will be the worst surge we have seen so far because its so infectious," Gates added.

He advised people to take booster shots of the COVID-19 vaccine, saying it gives the best protection.

"In the meantime, we all have to look out for each other, especially the most vulnerable, whether they live down the street or in another country. That means wearing masks, avoiding big indoor gatherings, and getting vaccinated. Getting a booster gives the best protection," he tweeted.

In the meantime, we all have to look out for each other, especially the most vulnerable, whether they live down the street or in another country. That means wearing masks, avoiding big indoor gatherings, and getting vaccinated. Getting a booster gives the best protection.  Bill Gates (@BillGates) December 21, 2021

The 66-year old claimed that the pandemic wave due to Omicron would last less than three months.

"If there's good news here, it`s that omicron moves so quickly that once it becomes dominant in a country, the wave there should last less than 3 months. Those few months could be bad, but I still believe if we take the right steps, the pandemic can be over in 2022," he further said.

"I know its frustrating to go into another holiday season with COVID looming over us. But it wont be like this forever. Someday the pandemic will end, and the better we look after each other, the sooner that time will come," Bill Gates added.

I know its frustrating to go into another holiday season with COVID looming over us. But it wont be like this forever. Someday the pandemic will end, and the better we look after each other, the sooner that time will come.  Bill Gates (@BillGates) December 21, 2021

This is noteworthy that Omicron, which was first detected in South Africa in late November, has been declared as a "variant of concern" by the World Health Organization (WHO).

Earlier on Monday, WHO chief Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus had said that there is now consistent evidence that Omicron is spreading significantly faster than the Delta variant.

"And it is more likely people vaccinated or recovered from COVID-19 could be infected or re-infected," Tedros said.

Tedros also said that holiday festivities would in many places lead to "increased cases, overwhelmed health systems and more deaths" and urged people to postpone gatherings.

"An event cancelled is better than a life cancelled," he said.

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